SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

li ■!! iv vi'wn 'ThisEvenlne, 3.48 "•"'' UA' XX \To-morrow Morning, 4.28 fV'NCET.-TliUi Kvciang, 7.3 ■■ !? L > UIPK.— To-morrow Morning, 5.27 »:OON"e Af.JE.-Fiill Moon, llth, <.27p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Olonelg, s.s., Stephcnson, from Tauranga ltov.oua, s.s., Norris, from Mercury Bay

DEPARTURES.

Waitaki, s.s., Crawford, for Whangarei Waihom, 8.5., Eilic, for the South

EXPORTS.

IVr Kastwaril lfo-805 piece's timber, 5,000 tiro bricks, 11 bags lime.

Por Waihor.i—lfiO bundles wire.' 72 bdls iron, aw flrtah weights. 60 dholls tlbre, 37 pkgs furni ture, Vi\ bunches bananas, II eases twine. 68 cases onfoclionery, 2S« bags maize. 130 bundles hi:lea, and i\ largo quantity of cargo ex Doric, froai I.undon.

INWARDS Coastwise.—Janet,, from Omaha, with GOO buahclM sand ; \Vaipn, from Patua, with n riaantity of savn timber.

OUTWARDS Coastwisk.—Jnnet, for Whanga rcl Heads; Wuipu, for Patua.

Tho schooner Eastward Ho cleared at tho Customs to dny (or Suva.

The s.s. Oniapere was to have left Tauranga at 1 p ni. to-<lay. She will therefore arrive here bout 'i p.m. to-morrow.

Tho brignntine Aurora, having dißeliarged her eri>losiv«9, came up from the powder gronnd tliis morning, and was berthed at the Railway Wharf.

The s.s. Glencls left Tauranga at 4.20 p.m. yesterday, anil arrived at Auckland at (ia.m. to day. Pd«scnxera: Mrs Phillips, Mra Doiigle, Messrs H. Home, Saundcrs, Gowling (21, Agassi/., Davis, ('nigo,Dennett, Hakcr, Priddle, Jlackenzic, Urownn, Herd, and 4 steerage.

Thos.s. Kowcna arrived from Mercury Bay tliis murninij, with the following passengers :— Messrs Mormont, White, Arthur, Meikle, Qniii. Rowland, Monk, W. Rams.iy, Sherland. Nieliolsnn. Joyce, Xash. Doylo, McNaughton, JU^crs. Clai'kson, Mrs Scherland and family, Master Lee, Mcsdnmes. Watson, ltormann, llimd, llartnon, Mrand Mrs Jones.

The s.s. Wnihora left for Southern ports this afternoon with the following passengers. For Gishoriie: Mr Turner. ForNrtpicr: Miss Page, Mr and Mr» McEwan, Captain Hume, Messrs Prictor. Jolinstone. Cargo, Robson, and Greon. Fur Wellington: Misses Dawson (zl, Mr and Jlr3 .Stuart. Mr and Mrs Russell, Mr and Mrs Borrond nnd family, Messrs Smith. Hall. Pyke, I'.ukir, Dulglelsh,andDidsbury. ForLyttelton: Mr and Mrg Brown, Misses Young, Skclton, Proctor, Foxton, Allan, Gooseman, and Smyth, Mrs M. Smith, .Messrs Croxton, Riddle, McKcn zip. und Patch. For Duncdtn: Mesdamcs White (2), Mcasvu Souter, Brown, and T, Thomas. ForHluir: MrLycock. For Melbourno: Messrs Haynos, A. Seabrook. Bridlington, and Bid dulph, Mrs Houjrund family.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

THE FUSILEER INQUIRY

Wellington, Wednesday.—A nautical in quiry into the stranding of the barque Fnsileer on Turakina Beach, on the Uth January, was commenced to-daj*. Captain Harkncss cavo evidence as to the vessel having gono ashore during a heavy galo. The vessel was driven into tho bight by the fury at the gale, and as there was no hope of beatingher out again, he thought it best to beach hor so as to save tho lives of those on board. Provlous to this he consulted the other olficere on the desirability of beaching tho vessel. The inquiry is not finished, and will be continued to-morrow.

Pout CllAliiKns, yesterday.—Sailed: Roto inahana. for the North. Passengers for Auck land : Mr Fuller and child. Misses Lewis and Kus3ell, Messrs Malls, McGregor, Wales Singer Muir, Griming, and Mrs Murray. For Sydney: Mrs ]i:i vis and child.

lii.HKK, yesterday.—The barque Kingdom of .Sweden, from London bound for Lytteltoir, passed to-day. Sailed : Canterbury, ship, for London, with a full cargo of frozen meat and wool.

Lyttelto.v, this day .-Arrived: Takapuna, from O.'i.-ljunira, 7 a,m.

WiiAfreiAitKi, this day.-Arrlved; Waitaki, from Auckland, 5.30 a.nr.

Dc.vedi.v, tliis day.—Sailed, last night: Mar shall, for Auckland.

Oamaku, this day. — Cleared: La France, with wool and wheat to tho value of £22,295.

Our Athlete's Verdict.

BICYCLING,

Jons Hor.KE, Esq., champion bicyclist of Eng land and Australia, who at present Is upon to Ton alongdistanco race with any bicyclist for the championship of the world, gives his per sonal t--]cut:riciio3 of the valuable properties of Si. Jacob's Oil, as used by him in his recent contest with Jno. Watson for the championship of Australia 2fi3, Elizabeth-street North, Melbourne, Victoria, 23rd November, 1883. To the Kditor Auckland Evening Star. Dear Sir,—l deslro to add my cheerful endorse ment of tiie good effects I have at all times re ceived front the uso of St. Jacob's Oil when in active training and racing. During my recent 0 da.vs' contest held In tho Mclbourno Exhibi tion Building for £500 and tho championship of the Australian and adjacent colonies, it ,ras my boon companion. I continually used it before and aftur each day's performance, and the re sults simplj astonished mo. After riding for 8 consccutl t c hours each day, viz,, from half-past 2 until half-past 10, my limbs would become sore and stiff from over-exertion, but after being well-rubbed with tho oil all muscular pain immediately vanished and I felt as fresli U3 ever. As proof pqsltive.af ter the contest was over, 1 rodo 101 miles against time before a pub lic audience and accomplished it in fi hours 11 minutes ISJ seconds. Another application of St. Jacob's' Oil was made, and it removed all feel ings of fatigue and I felt perfectly fit for another race. Am positive it aided mo to win the match, and 1 shall nover cuter a similar contest without a bicycle find St. Jacob's Oil.

I strongly advise all "wheelmen" and other athletes to give it a trial, and feel fully con vinced their axperiencos will compare favour ably with my own. Iromain,dcarSir, Yonrs truly, John Roi.fk. CRICKET. DA.VID SCOTT, Esq., of the firm of Mossrs Bayle and Scott, Cricket and Football Depot, Mulbourne, Victoria.—" St. Jacob's Oil re lieved me ut once of pain. I commend it to all ■ footballers and cricketers." AQUATICS. EDWARD TRICKETT, Esq., ono of the world's greatest oarsmen.—" I have found St. Jacobs uil v sure find, certain cure."

GENUINENESS GUARANTEED.

"^%toLJACpB'S OIL CONQUERS PAIN. ' '*3ftaEEUMATI3Jf • NEURALGIA. IT CUIU'iSTJJItev-TOOTHACHK, BACE HKAUACHET^»^mmLAR AILMENTS. ACHE, AND ALljtß^^*"., A cash reward ot £100 wifr^jfeSv m-f> 1T OHAKI.ES A-VOGfiLER CXJMPHSKSg^fe timorkTmaryland, UNiTEiriffi^? OF AMERICA, Proprietors of St. Jacob'r«sS ov by their" accredited lbcal-roprcsontatlves, UP any porson prsduoine proof to the-effect fliat the testimonials published by thorn in regard to St. Jacob a Oil are not strictly genuine. .

- ' Wholbsabb Depot : M. LEVY AND COMPANY,; AUCKLAND

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will Close as undeh :— This Day. For Tauranga, Ohincmutu, and Opotiki, per Glonelg. at I p.m. For Wii.niKiirci Heads, Whangarci, Kamo, and Mm."-apai, per Itowcna, at 4 p.m. For .'..;.nu;uvai and Kaiwaka, per Huby, at 5 For Waterforil. Tauranga, otc.. per Annie Mil bank, at j I.m. For Thames, per Annie Milbank at .'i.3O p.m. Friday, Bth inst, For Waitara, etc.. per Douglas, at 8 a.m. For Wellington, etc., per Doric, at 9 a.m. For Thames, per Kotomahana, at 9.30 a.m. For Noumea, per Stanley, at 11 a.m. For Cowes and Coromandcl, per Coromandel, nt l.ao p.m. For Cireymouth, per Omapere, at 3 p.m. For Whangaroi Heads, Parua, Waipu, Whan garei, Ivamo, Tangahua, and Mangapai, per Slaegi-cgor, at I p.m. SATfHDAY, 9th inst. For Taranakl, Southern Ports, and London (via Kio de Janoii'O, from Wellington, per liom bay), per Takapunu, at 8.15 p.m. Monday, llth inst. For Suva. Fiji, and Samoa, per Penguin, nt 4 p.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-oftleo. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

February 7, 18SI.

Abbott's Opera House—Professor Payne's Kn tcrtainment, 8 p.m.

Members of Lodge Prince of Wales, E.C. Masonic Hall, 7.30 p.m.

Licensed Victuallers, City North, Victoria Hotel, S p.m.

Dcvonport Hall—Devonport Musical Society Practice, 8 p.m.

Drill-shed—lnspection Faradc of Auckland Naval Artillery, 7.30 p.m. V.M.C.A.—Devotional, 7.30 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

J. Platt.—Certainly not. Tho bondholders invest money ut their own rUk, and, as in the case of Turkey, Spain. Kgypt, nnd some of tho youth American republics, very often lose it. Faith.—We ennnot find space for such a dia eussion as your letter would raise, nor do we think it would lead to any good end. Several letters pro und con have already been refused

Births.

PARKINSON—On tho 2nd of February, at her residence, Montague-street, Newton, tho wife of Joseph Parkinson of a son. Sydney papers please copy. ROWSELL.—On February I, at her mother's residence, Drury, the wife of Fred. Howsell of a son.

Marriages.

SMITH-CAHILL.-AtSt. Patrick's Cathedral, on January 30, by the Roy. Father Lcnchan, Cliristopher, youngest son of Henry Smith, of Heetive, Countr Meatli, Ireland, to Catherine, second daughter of Michael Cahill, Koss bcigh, County Kerry, Ireland.

Deaths.

CLAKKE.—On Gth February. 1881. at the resi dence of his parents, Alexandra-street, David, the beloved son of Margaret and Joseuh Clarke; aged 21 years.—Wellington and Dun edin papers please copy. The funeral will take placo to-morrow (Fri day), at 4 p.m. I'rionds please accept this intimation.

G\V ILLIAM.—On February 2nd, at the Thames, Edward James, tho beloved son of James and sarah Gwilliam; aged 21. Deeply regretted. —Victorian papers please copy.

McLACIILAN.—On February 6, 1654, at Dock street, Auckland, Jessie McLachlnn, the be loved wife of Duncan McLachlan, aged 12 years.

Tho funeral will leavo her late residence at 1 o'clock to-morrow (Friday).

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1884.

For tho cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong thnt needs resistance, For tho future in tho distance, And tho good that we can do.

The City Council will to-night have sub mitted to it by the Mayor a proposition for tho transfer of control over the Domain to the Corporation. This question, which is a very important one, is secondary to tho moro urgent matter which has given rise to it—the leasing of the most attractive public recreation ground in Auckland to tho Cricketing Association. No divisions among the Councillors regarding tho wider question should prevent a strong remonstrance being made against this threatened alienation of public rights. If tho proper steps aro taken by tho Council on behalf of tho citizens, we aro suro tho Governor will decline to ratify the resolution of tho Domain Board in favour of tho proposed leasing. If that protest were accompanied by a resolution declaring the willingness of the Council to undertake tho expense of managing the Domain without resorting to any further alienations, it would, of course, be strengthened. But the latter part in volves considerations of eppense which many of tho Councillors may not bo prepared to commit themselves to with out further inquiry and fuller information ; and before these are procured, or the pre liminaries of transfer settled, the mischief may be done. We would urge the Mayor, therefore, not to run any risk by making the urgent measures that are demanded for the prevention of the evil that is imminent wholly dependant upon the wider issue. They are by no means inseparable. When considering tho responsibilities which it is proposed to assume on behalf of tho Domain, the Councillors should not ap proach it under any misapprehension of what the undertaking means. A scheme has been propounded, and was mentioned at the last meeting of the Council, for leasing villa frontages all round the Domain with the object of obtaining revenues to improve the rest. We cenfessthat when this plan was first put forward we were favourably im pressed by it, in view of the smallness of the Board's resources. On fuller considera tion, however, we aro of opinion that it would be inadvisable, and will never bo tolerated by the public. The strong feel "*jfig .which has been evoked by tho propoliitefHjjoJiease the Cricket Ground is the best proof—of~ihis. If these villas were erected the seclusioft~6#— ihff Domain, one of its principal charms, would bo gone; its magnificent views would be interrupted, its atmosphere tainted by bad drainage ; and the children sporting on its open spaces would be held in check by fears of damaging the gardens and breaking the windows of the aristocratic intruders' dwel lings. Moreover, so long as human nature continues what it is, wo know that tho holders of these allotments, leased on long terms, would, in the lapse of y«ars, claim and begin to exercise rights over the public reserve. Revenue derived at such a sacri fico would be dearly paid for j bettor far to leave the Domain in its present pristine beauty, with the free pure air blowing round it and the summer sun warming its slopes, until thero Is public spirit enough in the community to improve it by sub scription or votes from the public revenues. There la an impression in some minds that Auckland is particularly well off for public parks and recreation reserves, Such an opinion can only bo the product of ignorance. It is infinitely worse" endowed ,in that respect than Christchurch, and no bettor than Duncdin, As for tho chief Australian cities, our reserves might be set down as a cabbage garden in the midst of their spacious parks. The total area of the recreation reserves in Auckland it somewhere about 300 acres; in Melbourne, tho public reserves and parks comprise an area of 3,500 acres—the Royal and Zoological Gardens alone 479 acres; the Botanic Garden and Domain, 235 acres j the Albert Park, 570 acres. In Sydney, Moore Park.alone is 600 acres ; the Domain, 138 acres. Ourcityisoxtending rapidly. The suburbs are scattered over.as wide an area as I Sydney and Melbourno occupy, Suburban lands are being cut up and sold in sections without any provision for recreation re serves, and no likelihood of this necessity being supplied. But for the mountain re serves, which are there through no fore- Bight of public men, but as it were by ac cident, the outlook of the future extended city of Auckland would be a very poor one in the important respeot of breathing spaces for the population. Whatever tho City Council may resolvo jipon, it should be under the distinct under standing that the present area of the Domain shall be preserved intact. Power to make »way with, it by laase or otherwise ought to be expunged from any bill authorising a change in the form of goyeimmont. The reserve should be put distinctly apd inalien ably on the footing of common lands secured to the people for all time. While the present powers of alienation exist, the danger of their being used will Always be present, and the wrong may pass beyond remedy at some moment when public attsn tion is occupied with other things. Constant watchfulness over these trusts is impossible; the terms on which they are held ought to be the lasting guarantee of public safety. The creation of tho Domain Board was due to the disposition ef a represen tative body to filch portions of these reserves for the supply of temporary wants. The Domains Act of 1861 was passed in

consecfuonco of encroachmonts on Hagloy Park, Christchurch, and tho DuncdiiiTown Belt by tho Provincial' Government, which then had control over them. Wecannotavoid the suspicion that tho liability to leasing ■would be greater under the City Counciltlian under the Domain Board, because tho latter body are more inclined to leave things alone than to embark on any speculative scheme of doubtful i.=.«ue. The ratepayers would also be .intolerant of any largo ex penditure from rates on the Domain ; while tho Councillors would be indisposed to leave it as it is, awaiting tho slow increase of its revenues from existing endowment. In deal ing with the Mayor's notice to-night, thoic fore, weliopo itwillbomadeperfectly clear to the public that tho action of the Council in opposing the ieaso of tho Cricket Ground sounds the death knell of leasing on any and every part of the Domain.

Tho rout of Baker Pasha's force at Souakim, reported by cable to-day, show what miserable creatures Egyp tian Foklier* arc. Though attacked by less than a thousand rebels, tho entire force, numbering 4,000, lied like shoe]), leav ing 2,000 of their dead on the field. The commander had a narrow escapo of being captured. Mr Gladstone has announced in Parliament that re-enforcements will Lo sent. English intervention to subdue the rebellion seems now inevitable.

The landlord of the hotel to which allusion was made in a paragraph last night informs us that lie did not catch tho former land lord in the act of robbing the bar and till, and did not even know who had done it until after tho police were sent for ; then he refused to prosecute, believing there was no felonious intent.

Mr Veroker-Bindon, who it wan ex pected would have been able by this time to leave Auckland to enter upon his duties as School Inspector in Wanganui, has suffered a relapse, and will bo unable to take his departure for a week or two.

Wo acknowledge tho receipt of £1 from Dr. Kcndordine in aid of Mrs Allies, who was burnt out in tho Mount Eden lire.

The approach of the Licensing Committee elections does not find temperance re formers napping. Last night a meeting was held in tho Ladies' Mission Hall, Kar angahapo Road, presided over by Mr R. French, for tho purpose of concerting action at tho forthcoming election in Karangahnpc District. Resolutions were come to on the motion of Mr Wilkes, in favour of 10 o'clock licenses, strict enforcement of Sun day closing, and the abolition of upstairs bars, and it was agreed thattivo candidates favourable to this programme should be nominated for the Licensing Committee.

The beautiful island of Kawau was thrown open on a recent date to tho settlors of Matakana and Omaha, with their families, who had an excursion by tho steamer Rose Casey. A most enjoyable day was ."pent — tho children indulging in various outdoor sports, while their ciders admired the well kept grounds, or inspected tho curious and valuable collections of books, pictures, and antiquities which are to be found in the rosidonco ofSirt). (Iroy. Beforo leaving, the excursionists gave three hearty cheers for Sir George Groy, and also for Mr and Mrs Georgo.

Wo have to acknowledge tho receipt from the publishers, through Mr W. K. Mears, bookseller, Queen-street, of Sheard's Comic Anneal for ISSt, which contains a capital selection of comic songs. Tho Christmas number of tho Colonial Musical Cabinet (Glen and Co.. nf Melbourne) is also to hand through tho same source, and maintains its well-establishod reputation. A proposal is on foot to increase the accommodation for St. Matthew's .Sunday school, Hobson-street. Through want of space tho work of tho .school lias of Into been somewhat hampered, and the lately appointed vestry have resolved to make an etlbrt to remedy this state of things. A meeting has been calloil for to-morrow evening to consider tho subject, when, doubtless, some practical measures will be devised to further this much-needed work.

Nominations of candidates for election to tha Licensing Committees of tho city dis tricts must bo lOCoived not later than noon of to-morrow (Friday).

The following telegram was received from tho manager of the Now Manukau to day :—" Lodged in bank 22ozs. of gold. Cut No. 2 reef this morning. Shows a little gold.—(Signed) T. A. Dunlop."

Messrs Powell, Burton, Holt, McDonald, Douglas, Slattcr, and Kalians have been elected the School Committee for llelcns villo. Mr Power was elected Chairman, and Mr Burton Secretary and Treasurer. At the meeting of householders a resolution was unanimously carried urging that Woodhili should bo formed into a separate educa tional district.

To tho Editor : Sir,—ln the Star of the 4th instant your report in the charge against Goodward for criminal assault says that Mrs Murray stated in evidence that Goodward came to hi.s lodgings at 12.30 a.m. on tho night the offence is alleged to havo been committed. Tho report did not, however, make it clear that, in answer to Sergeant White, she also stated she did not see him, but only believed she had heard him. Sinco no proof was submitted to the Bench that such was tho caso, you will sec that this hearsay ovidence is likely to pre judice the mind of tho public in a most im portant case, which has yet to bo tried in a higher Court.—l am, &c., A Witness.

At the usual quarterly mooting of tho Samaritan Lodge No. 8, N.Z.0.0.T., hold in Lodge-room, Wellesloy-stroct, on Mon day, 4th inst., tho reports of tho different officers were read, Knowing tho Lodge to bo in a highly flourishing condition. Bro. Lye, acting as Lodgo Deputy, installed tho fol lowing officers in their respectivo positions for the ensuing quarter :—Bro. i'lescotty, W.C.T. ; Sister McKio, W.R.H.S. ; Sister Commoford, W.L.H.S.; Bro. Ellerson- W.W.T. ; Bro. Broardrib, W.IL-rSKter Eveleigh, W.F.S. ; Sister -Kelior, W.T. ; Bro. Clifford, W.C. - r - Sister Maxwell, W.M.; Sister DanJtgf^V.D.M. ; Bro. Roid, W.F.G.; IJrfc-Crfeen, W.O.G. ; Librarian, Sistejc. $IcKie; Lodgo Deputy, Bro. -Townßend.

Tho members of the Sir Henry Havelock Lodge of Good Templars met on Tuesday evening in the Lodge-room, Alexandra street. The attendance was large, con sidering Hie unfavourableness of tho weather. The reports of tho officers showed the Lodge to be in a flourishing condition. The election of officers for the coming session took place, and tho following wore installed by Bro. James Marson, Lodgo Deputy, assisted by Bros. Lye and Brod ribb : — Bro. Mackune, W.C.T. ; Bro. Chalmers, W.V.T. ; Bro. Steen, W.S. ; Sis. Conley, W.F.S.; Bro. Lawford, W.T.; Bro. Bayley, W.C.j Bro. Cox, W.1.G.; Bro.Pethorio, W.0.G.; Sis. Hardy, W.D.M ; Sis. Lye, W.R.H.S.; Bro. James Lyo, W.L.H.S.; Bro. Weir, P.W.C.T.

The quarterly meeting of tho David Livingstone Lodge, 1.0. G.T., was hold in tho Lodge-room last night. There was a large attendance. The various reports were read and adopted. The Secretary's report showed an addition to the membership of the Lodgo of 18 members, Tho election of officers for tho ensuing quarter was then proceeded with, when tho following woro duly elected and installed by G.W. Socre tary Bro, Longboftom, assisted by Bros. Black and Baudett:—W.C.T., Bro. Grant; W.V.T., Sis. Selena Longbottom (re elected); Sec, Bro Saunders; A.S., Sis. Kempt; Troas., Sis. Longbottom (re elected) ; F.S., Bro. J. Longbottom ; W.M., Sis, Austin, senr. ; P.M., Sis. Austin, junr ; J.G,, Bro. Daltonj 0.G,, Bro, Hansen; P.W.C.T., Bro. Simons, A rote of thanks was recorded to the retiring officers, and to the installing officer, G.W.S. Bro. Long bottom, for tho great assistanco ho has always rendered the Lodge and the order.

By the s,s. Doric a peculiar consignment of Jive stock has arrived in Auckland, and one which, though seemingly trivial, may hare most important results to the colony. This was a lot of common humble bees, which Mr J. C, Firth had ordered for his Matamata ostato. The nests were, during transmission from England, kept in the chilled room of tho Bteamor, which had the effect of reducing the bees to a dormant condition. On reaching this port the nests were transferred to the s.s. Kotuku, and conveyed to the Thames packed in ice; and on reaching Matamata they were to be thawed out and liberated to follow their natural instincts. Should Mr Firth succeed in acclimatising the humble bee, it will be a matter for con? grafctttetjon. On his estate Mr Firth culti vates large areas of red clover ; and as this cannot be naturally fertilised without the humble bee, he is put to übout £1,000 exj panso every year in' purchasing fresh clover seed j and that sum will be saved to him if the present experiment succeed. Put all together, the sums spent by Jfew Zealand farmers for red <?lover seed must roach an immense total, and when humble bees are spread over tho country they will effect a considerable saving to the colony. The bees imported by'Mr Firth wero bought jfrom Messrs Neighbour and Sons, London.

The successful candidates for scholarships at the Pon.'onby Public School wore: — Emma Helen Carter, 773 marks; Casper Alexander Semadoni, 774 marks ; and Martha Crooks, 717. Tho recipients of certificates of proficiency were:—Arthur Gittos Cooko, 7.>.i ; and Mary Btliol Owen, CUC. The certificates were presented on Monday evening last by Mr Devore, Chair man of Committee, in presence of a number of children and their parents.

An accident of a most unfortunate nature happened at the new buildings in course of erection in Albert-street, opposite Mase- Beld's foundry, yesterday. A boy named Joseph Bradbury, employed by Messrs Branston and Forstor.j was ascending with somo warming-irons which are used in plumbing work, when s falling brick struck him and fractured his skull, lie was taken to the -Hospital, his condition being rather serious.

We cill attention to the announcement of an cntertninmontj followed by a plain and fancy-dress ball, to bo held in the Lorno-sticet Hull on Monday, tho 11th in.sfc. Tho object of this entertainment is a benevolent one, viz., for William Jlollister, who met with a severe accident, which has disabled him, it is feared, for many months to coniß. Several friends, knowing tho dis tressed condition of Hollister and his family through his unfortunate accident, hevo formed themselves into a committeo with the view of all'ording temporary relief to the family by tho disposal of tickets. Mr Hol lister ia well known in connection with tho Fire Brigades of Auckland and Wellington as an energetic and deserving person in times of danger. Wo notice that (lie officers and members of the Fire Brigade, Naval, Artillery, and other com panies have promised their patronage. The Artillery Band have also ■tendered musical service, and the best available talent, musical and vocal, will genorously render timely assistance. An excellent programme is in course of preparation, which is likely to give eminent satisfaction.

Tho.liquor laws of Copenhagen, Denmark, provide that no showily-docked girls should be permitted to serve behind the bar, to tempt, by their blandishments, the youth of the other sex. The landlords aro not to furnish intoxicating drink to any person under 18 years of age, nor to any one under the influence of liquor. A drunken person is to bo conveyed to his dwell ing in a cab, at the expense of tho landlord where he took his last glass. Some of the foremost friends of the Auck land Gospel Temperance Mission aro of opinion that strenuous efforts should be made to induce Parliament to introduce a similar law into New Zealand, especially for the prohibition of tho barmaid system.

The annual meeting of the Onehunga Public Library was hold on Wednesday night. The Kov. E. Mulgan presided. Tho Secretary, Mr T. \V. Glonny, road tho report. Tho number of subscribers for tho year averages about 45; avorage attendance of readers at free reading-room, S daily; average circulation of books, ■JO weekly; number of books in library, 1,.'1.'!4. There have been purchased during tho year 14i> new books out of the Government giant to the library. Tho amount received from subscribers wns i'.'il Os; donations, £5 "2s, making a total of £30 Bs. Tho total income for the year from all sou roes amounted to £76 l'!s Dd, An additional room has boen added to tho library at a cost of £34, nil of which has been paid. A comfortablo room has boon fitted up and supplied with chess boards and drafts, whore there is every facility offered to subscribers, and especially young men, to spend their leisure time. The following subscribers were elected for tho ensuing year :—Coinmitteo: President, Rev. E. Mulgan ; Secretary, T. W. Glenny; Treasurer, P. Clark ; Messrs T. Williamson, E. P. Watkis, W. Roche, C. C. Berry, T. Sharps, A. Robb, W. F. Barber, D. Hills, and C. 3 Fleming.—[Own Correspondent]

The inquest held at the Hibernian Hotel, Onohunga, on yesterday evening, before Dr. Philson, Coroner, on the body of Fredorick Voight, late of Wakeliold-street, whoso body was discovered under the peculiar circumstances already described, resulted in an open verdict of "Found hanging from a tree." Sergeant Greene and tho youth Muir deposed to tho circumstjnceH under which tho body was found hanging in tho lonely and unfrequented gully in a bay near tho Whnu blockhouso, and its removal to Onohunga, an did also Dr. Scott to the appearance it presented and tho probability of death being oaused by tho decoased's own hand. Mr Georgo Wenninger, of Arch Hill, fully identified tho body as that of Voiglit, who had been missing about four months. An old purso found with tho remains was one which at ono time belonged to himself. Witness, on reading the description given in Monday's Star of the remains, know they were those of Voight, He went out to Onchunga and satisfied himself on the point. Deceased belonged to Weimar, Germany. Voight was last hoard of going in the direction of the Whau. He was rather intemperate in his habits, nnd became worse • since ho got into some trouble. Mr Max Kobcr also identified the remains of tho clothing, especially tho pith helmet hat.

Wo would advise (says the " Otago Daily Times ") the Mosgiel Woollen Manufactur ing Company to procure a copy of tho report on Australian woollens furnished to tho Elboouf Chamber of Commerce by M. Henri Courmcaux, who was specially sent to the Melbourne Exhibition for tho purpose. His praiso of the Mosgiel woollens is absolutely unquali fied. Ho declaics that "overy article manufactured by that Company is superior to any other Australian woollen goods I saw at tho Exhibition," and he thinks that " the Mosgiol Factory will take first rank in the Australian markets ovor all European im portations." Praise from such an impartial and compotcnt source is praiso indeed, and wo heartily congratulate tho Company.

Thk JJkw CKUSHien Stkawhrrhy, Glass wai'.k —A Inrgn assortment just opened by UoylanandTanllold, 171, Quaonjjtroet.—[Advt.] SO pairs Lace Curtains—bought a job from Home manufacturer; few slightly soiled, but some very groat Ijargains amongst them, now being sold at less than wholesalo price at JJurlick and Cranwcll's Furnishing \Varohonflß, Quoen-atreet—lAbvt.l

■The leading features in tho management of tho Symonds-streot Machino-mado Bread Factory nro: Kneading tho dough bymnohinory dissipation of the gases evolved in tho proccs3«s by freo ventilation, manufacture of tho barm required, cleanliness, and the continuous übo of sound flour.—[Adtt.l

SCINTILLATIONS.

Delicious summer weather now.

There are 4,000;000 separate farms in the United States.

Wellington Gas Company hopo soon to reduce the price of gas.

Dynamite is a powerful blood poison. Auckland remains free from contagious disease.

Waiuku races arc not to come off this year. Baron do Losseps claims to be of Scottish descent.

The Maori King has lost a belt containing £300.

Professor Haslem was yesterday olocted President of North Canterbury Educational Institute.

It is estimated that there are 20,000,000 people of Irish blood in the United States. The Licensing Commiteee elections in Wellington aro exciting a good deal of interest.

Cambridgo (Waikato) has a publio library with 1,387 books and 240 subscribers. A firm of women have started a barber shop in a leading street of Now York. Two Christchurch bicyclists havo riddon adistanco of 170 miles in 22J hours; said to be tho best Now Zealand record.

A negro national convontion at Louis ville has voted its sympathy to the Irish National League. " Pleasure after Payne,"—The amusing tricks of the Professor after his painful shooting feats. The Road Boards in Auckland Provincial District number 507, and give employment to 2,835 persons. "I love men," said Queen Christine of Sweden, " not because they are men, but because they are not women." A gentleman In the vicinity of Wanganui lias shot or poisoned 200 dogs within the last three months. He suffored much from the brutes worrying his sheep. " She stoops to conquer." Can this refer to the fond mother who bends over her wayward boy with a number five slipper ? Two of tho orow of tho American soaling vessel Sarah Hunt havo brought actions for £100 damages for breach of contract agiiinst tho captain and owners at Lyttel ton. " Tho beef-eating Englishman is a mis applied epithet. It seems that while in Britain each inhabitant only consumes lllbs. of meat annually, the quantity in Germany is 4Slbs., in Spain 2Glbs., and in Portugal 201bs. At a trial of reapers and binders yester day at Oamaru, tho champion prize was won by the Osborno, and the society's silver medal by the same machine, the Reid Gray being second, and the McCormaek third. Dr. Diver, speaking at Wellington lately, said that during tho last three years nine warships of the German navy had spent at Auckland £60,000 j pnd ho believed most of this would have been spent in Wellington if the ships could have been docked there.

CABLEGRAMS.

[reuter's cablegrams.]

Tho Addrcss-in-Roply.

London, February C—The Address-in- Keply to tho Queen's Speech was voted by the House of Lords without much discussion yesterday. London, February 4.—Mr Stavely Hill, Ar.P. for West Staffordshire, has given notice of a motion for the adoption of an address to the Queen, urging that the colonies should bo represented in the Coun cil of the Empire.

(Received 7th—12.15 p.m.) Commercial Roport.

London, February 5. —Consols remain at 101 !}. New Zealand securities —5 per cont. 10-40 loan 10.1; f> per cent 1889 loan 1034 ; *i per cent. 1879—1904 loan, 99$ ex div.; 4 per cont. inscribed stock, 100. The market rates of discount have advanced } per cent., find aro now equal with the bank rate, viz ,DO per cont. Colonial breadstuffs continuo quiet, but steady, at last quotations, viz., Adelaide wheat, 44s ; Now Zealand, 30s to 42s ; Adelaide flour, 31s. All export. Tallow, Australian, fair average quality, remains at 39s for beef, and 42s for mutton.

(SPECIAL TO I'KKSH ASSOCIATION.)

London, February o.—lt is proposed to open a subscription for the purpose of pur chasing a now library to be presented to Bishop Barry in tho place of the one which he lost on tho ship Simla. Mr Fawcett, the Postmaster-General, hae announced that all lettere for New Soutli Wales, which do not bear any special ad dress, will bo forwarded by the first Brindisi mail.

The Transvaal envoys haveaccepted Lord Derby's proposal for a modification of the Transvaal frontier.

Earl Granville has approved of the Suez Canal Convention.

AUCKLAND RAILWAY RETURNS

(BY TELKIIKAI'H.— OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. Tiik rotuniß of the Railway Dopartmont for tho four-wookly period ending sth January are as follow :—

WifAKdAitKi.—Miles open for traffic, 7 ; receipts, £230 6s 7d ; corresponding period last year, £24$ Ids 2d ; expenditure ap proved, ±"259 ; aamo period last year, £209 10s Gd ; miles open then, 7. Auckland Link. — Miles open, 139; receipts, £7,378 8s Id; last year, £7,176 17« 9d ; expenditure approved, £4,576; last year, £4,149 2s lid ; miles open then, 139.. Nai'lKK. — Miles open, 70 ; receipts, £3,855 10s 2d; last year, £3,597 8s 3d; expenditure approved, £8,112; last year, £1,779 lls 3d ; miles open then, 70. Wellington,—Miles open, 69; receipts, £4,944 11« 4d : last year, £5,068 7s (id j oxpendituro approved, £3,175; last year, £2,338 19fl lOd; miles opon then, 69. Wanoasvi.—Miles open, 132 ; receipts, £3,337 0s lOd ; last year, £4,07216s 6d ; ex penditure approved, £2,809 ; last year, £2,292 18s 4d ; miles open then, 115. New Plymouth.—Miles open, 51 ; re ceipts, £1,117 lla 4d ; last year, £1,269 19s •Id ; expenditure approved, £1,107 ; last year, £928 Gb 9d ; miles open then, 51. MIDDLE ISLAND. Hdhumti-Blukf, —Miles open, 857 ; re ceipts, £57,2115s Od ; last year, £53,383 15s 4d ; expenditure approved, £29,549 j last year, £29,819 7s 8d ; miles open then, 848. Grkymoutii.—Miles open, 8 ; receipts, £1,428 3s 2d ; last year, £1,069 4s lOd ; ox l>endituro approved, £546 ; last yoar, £411 9s 9d ; miles open last year, 8.

Westfobt.—Miles open, 18 ; receipts, £994 7s 9d ; last year, £732 2s 7d ; ex penditure approved, £432; last year, £415 4s 6 i miles open then, 10. Nklson.—Miles open, 23 ; receipts, £837 19s 2d ; last year, £797 16s Id ; expendi ture approved, £577 ; last year, £491 14s 9d ; miles open then, 23.

PiCTos.—Miles open, 18; receipts, £.596 18s lOd ; last year, £640 16s 9d ; expendi ture approved, £420 ; last year, £1,023 13s 6d ; mile? then opon, 18.

SAILING RACES.

TiiE'raco botween tho scows Vixen and Re sult concluded in an easy victory for tho latter. The Result passed the winning post at 8 o'clock last evening, and the Vixen did not show up until 11 o'clock this morning. It appears that when beating up from Tiritiri the Vixen kept well ahead of her rival until suddenly her centre-board doubled up with tho force of the water, and she then uugan to go bodily to leeward. Anchor was dropped off Rangitoto during tho night, and tho wind having changed, this morning she- was enabled to reach harbour. It is expected another race botween these vessels will take place at an enrly date. A sweepstake raco between the sixteen feet open boats Spray, Ely, nnd Vie.for £2 a side, has beon arranged to take place on Snturday afternoon.

The thirteon-feet opon sailing boats May, Secret, Dot, and anothor aro expected to tako part in n sweepstake raco on Saturday afternoon.

There is no present prospect of a raco between tho Transit and Dream. The owner of tho latter objects to the course pursued by the proprietor of the Transit m decliniug his challenge and asking him afterwards to arrange a match with Sam Dove, so that the match is likely to fall through. „„„,.-»

OPERA HOUSE-PAYNE, THE "SHOOTIST."

Professor W. J. Payne, described as "the Famous Champion Fancy Lightning Shot of the World," gave tho first of a series of per formances in the Opera House last night. Although his forte is rifle-shoo ting, he also excels in logcrdemain, and consequently tho first item upon tho programme was a clover and interesting display of stage conjuring. Some of tho tricks were new, and they wore all executed with considerable ncatn&ss and skill. Then followed the feature of the entertainment, the shoot ing of an apple placed on the head of his brother, who was placed against a small target of white at the opposite wing of the stage front. The shot was taken with cool deliberation, and when tho report rang out it was perceived that the bullet had struck the apple fairly in the centre and cleft it in twain. Tho Professor is a man of rather slight figure, quick and nervous in his movements, and evidently troubled by no apprehensions of doubt as to the success of his hazardous undertakings. In quick succession he performed other feats with the rifle, suoh as doubling a coin held up between his brother's fingers, striking oufr the sparks from a cigar which his brother was smoking, and putting out tho light of a wax candle. There could bo no doubt as to the reality of the shooting and its astonishing precision. The cabinet trick, so familiarised to us by the Daven port Brothers and other spiritualistic operators, was then amusingly and skil fully gono through, after which a dancing skeleton was introduced. It executed a weird and grotosque dance, varied by frequent contortions and disloca tions of the rattling bones. Ah a fur ther element ef mystery, the programme promised that this skeleton should appear and disappear in various parts of the house; and the lights were accordingly turned down and the curtain partially lowered, ap parently by way of preparation. The music became becomingly funereal and errie in character also, but all the audience could see was tho outline of some shadowy figure —porhaps a supernumerary—slowly cross ing and re-crossing tho remoter end of tho stage. Then the gas was turned full on again, the curtain was rung down, the band gave tho signal for departure, and the audience retired mortified at the conviction that the last item was a complete " sell" so far as they were concerned. The entertain mentwill be repeated to-night.

TELEGRAMS.

Thames, this day.—A meeting was held last night to consider the advisability of establishing a tanning and boot manu facturing industry at the Thames. A com mittee was appointed to collect information and report to a meeting to be held a fortnight hence.

Loss on the Takapuna's Trips.

Dunedin, this day.—The Takapuna will not be run as an express boat after the end of February. During tho three months she has been running her returns show a loss of a thousand a month. Dunedin, this day.—Proceedings have been instituted against James Atcheson, grocer, for a breach of tho Trades Marks Hyaat's dase for fraudulent insolvency will be taken on Monday.

TERRIFIC GUNPOWDER EX PLOSION IN ST. GEORGE'S BAY.

Several Honsos Completely Wrecked,

Tiik above is a heading which will soon appear in the local papers if the present grossly careless system of landing powder is continued. Last night, about dusk, the ketch Lizette was observed anchored close into the bay, with a cargo of powder aboard from the Aurora. Tho residents around the bay, who regard tho uso of this landing place for explosives with great uneasiness, noted a man aboard smoking n pipe with' tho greatest of unconcern. At a later hour threo or four of the neighbours went to the vessel, which was then high and dry, to see that all was secure, when they discovered to their astonishment that there was not a soul aboard. This dan gerous cargo had been left unattended, ac cessible to ull tho boys and strolling vag rants who may choose to disport themselves on tho beach in search of frolic or uncon sidered- trifles. The discoverers of this act of gross carelessness sent for tho Parnell constuble, who stood guard over the terrible mine, powerful enough to spread death and devastation throughout the bay. A letter has been sent in to the Harbour Board to day, protesting against a system under which such fearful risks are habitually in curred.

SUPPOSED CASE OF DROWN INC.

[BY TBLEGUAPH — PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Nelson, this day. It was reported from Tophouse last night that a horse with a saddle, to which a swag was attached, and turned round under tho horse's belly, was out by the rocks in the river, and the rider (a man named George) has notyetbeen found. There islittledoubt that the unfortunate man, who had been on a visit to Canterbury, and who has a wife and family living in Nelson, ig drowned.

PRESBYTERIAL CONFERENCE.

The Best Means of Promoting tbe Temper-

once Reformation.

Thk regular periodical Conference of the Presbytery of Auckland took place last night in St. James's Church, the Kov. T. McKenzie Froser (Moderator) presiding. There were also present— the Revs. John Macky, T. Norrie, It. F. Macnicol, G. B. Monro, A. McCallum, T. W. Dunn, P. Mason, and Mr D. L. Steele, B. A. (student). Tho attendance of the laity was disappoint ingly meagre. After devotional exercises had been en gaged in, the Moderator announced that tho subject of discussion was " The Bcßt Means of Promoting tho Temperance Reformation,"and then called Mr McCallum to open it. The 14ev. A. McCallum then read a care fully-prepared paper. He said that he had selected the subject becauso of its practical importance and its special claims on their consideration at this time. There is a tide in the affairs of men, and if the tide of Temperance reformation was not at tho flood, he believed that it had turned, and that they had it with them. The people of this country were tho pioneers of a nation yet to be, and everyone was contributing a part, however humble, to mould its future character, and to shape its future destiny, and, in somo dogree, also of the nascent nations lying around it. Wore we to carry with us, wherever our commerce or political supremacy might extend, the benign innences of a pure and practical Christianity with social usages favouring sobriety and virtue? or, repeating the old story, was tho so-called civilising race to continue to cany with us the curse of the "firewater," and, seeking new markets for our rum and beer, plunge millions in the worst of all forms of savagedom—tho brutality of drunkenness ? The latter result was only to bo avoided by the enactment of stringent laws for the regulation of the drink traffic, and by public sentiment placing a kind of ban upon the trade. It was difficult in the old country to pull down the strongholds of intemperance, but here tho case was quite different, for tho country was young and full of hope. Ono of the surest means to this end was the Band of Hope organisa tion, which sought to train our children in the habits of temperance, and to imbue them with a horror for drunkenness. We 'should guard especially against the danger of becoming indifferent to the actual reality of drunkenness. It most decidedly indi cated that something was wrong in tho estimate in which intemperance was com monly held that intoxication in any citizen —much moro in any respectable member of society, and most of all in a professing Christian—should be thought so liehtly of as it so often was. An alteration of this pitch of public sentiment was the first step to improvement. After alluding to tho ruinous results and disastrous evils of intemperance, Mr McCallum went on to say that the drink traffic was swallowing up the earnings of thousands of hardworking men in New Zealand, and paralysing the power of the Gospel. Ono of tho best ways of promoting the great tern perancereformation was to create a just and healthy publicopinion on thesubject,andthe churches, and above all the ministers and other office-bearers of the churches, should lead tho reform in this direction. If they did not lead they would ere long be driven aside by public opinion. When the public salo of poison to make iron and women drunkards and beggars, and worse, was no. longer thought respectable or decent; when it was esteemed utterly disreput able to bo at all the - worse of drink ; when it was no longer fashion able to place it upon the dinner table or to offer it by way of refreshment; when public opinion and decency no longer tolerated tho multiplication of rum shops and gin palaces under the attractive style of hotels; and when the instincts of a chivalrous manhood and true womanhood rose in indignation against that dishonour able scandal of colonial life, the employ ment of young women and girls by day and night in the sale of drink to men, we should have mado considerable progress in a salutary reformation. Next to these were the physical remedies. Intemperance was a physical malady as \rell as a moral delin quency,andoneof the most efficacious of our remedies should be an asylum for inebriates. Still he had in view mainly what would tend to prevent the evil rather than what would restrain or cure it, viz., good whole some food adapted to the climate and good wholesome drinks such as were natural to other semi-tropical latitudes. Whyshould we hot have tho refreshing beverages in which the 6ober Turk, tho Persian, and the Italian delighted to quench their thirst and regale their guests? The coffee palace, the temperanco caf<s, the evening promenade in the park made harmlessly gay with flowers and music, would here, as in other lands, reduce the gains of the publican and greatly add to those of the people. Picture galleries, well-stocked museums, botanical gardens, and zoological collections were all means conducive to temperanco. Personal example, too, was potent for good or evil, and with the oxperience of 35 years' total abstinence, he pleaded, he urged both ministers and office-bearers to cast in their influence, heart, and soul with the total abstainers. Ho concluded by eulogising the Blue Eibbon Gospel Temperance Mis sion, which, ho said, rested upon the only sure basis—tho grace of Almighty God. The Rev. J. Macky commended tho paper and cordially endorsed the opinions enu merated in it. He recognised especially the need of an inebriate's asylum, and thought that both by law and public senti ment intemperance should be rendered far more disgraoeful than it is. Nino-tenths of our suicides, a great many of our accidental deaths, and a large proportion of brutal murders and other foul crimes were chargeable to drink, so that the necessity for intervention was urgent. He rocognised fully the groat services rendered by tho Band of Hope movement. Tho Rev. R. F, Macnicol followed in a similar strain,

The Moderator said that he for one was prepared to give practical effect to the dis cussion. He had beoome a total abstainer, and joined the Blue Ribbon Army, and ho meant to resuscitate St. David's Band of Hope. He also spoke upon the importance of trying to restrict tho extension of licences,

Mr D. L. Steele gave an interesting account of tho progress of temperance in Ireland, and expressed his belief that hero as elsewhere half-measures would not do. Total abstinence was the only ours. The Rev. P. Mason and other ministers also spoke

The meeting concluded in tho usual way

PARNELL DRAINAGE AND WATER SUPPLY.

Alleged Bad Workmanship in Laying

tho Pipes,

It will bo remembered that at recent meet ings of the Parnell Borough Council state ments were made reflecting on the manner in which the pipes for the drainage and water supply had been laid. These allegations evoked a reply from Messrs Boylan and Lundon, Engineers to the Council, in which these gentlemen »uy that the statements . made have been quite uncalled for and unjustifiable, and are without any foundation or fact. The letter proceeds : —With respect to the drainage works, it has been stated in your Council that "doubts were entertained as to the efficiency of tho drainage works in certain places," that "the works had not been properly done," that " the bottoms of the cess-pits had not been properly put in, and would shortly fall out altogether," and that "it would almo?t appear as if the engineers and the contractor were one." The doubts and innuendoes con tained in the above quotations are simply gratuitous insults. To the state ments of fact we give an unqualified denial, and trust that your Council will cause these charges to bo investi gated should you consider them worthy of any credence; failing this investigation, and wo believe that the efficient and honest character of tho drainago works will be ad mitted by most of the Council, we consider it would be only justice to us to inform us when questions affecting us are to be discussed, so that we may be present to de tend ourselves. Similar untruthful state ments have also been made concerning the waterworks contract now in progress, fault being found with come details of the un finished work. With regard to this, we have to state that unfinished work, for that very reason, is not a fairsubject for criticism, and we have no hesitation in saying that both the materials and workmanship, so far as the works are completed, are of the most superior description, and the whole of the work will be equally so when finished.— This letter iormed the subject of a special meeting of the Council list night, when there were present: His Worship the Mayor(Mr D. H. McKenzie), in the chair, Crs. Winks, Pol lard, Ireland, Mullins, and Waymouth. Tho communication was read, and a lengthy dis cussion followed, the remarks being of a lively character, but possessing no special interest. Several Councillors asserted that there had been no puddling as specified, Mr Boylan asserted to the contrary, and recrimination was repeatedly indulged in. Eventually Mr Boylan suggested that the only way to settle the difficulty would be to get some other engineer to look at the work. There were, he said, three or four present who thought they were ongineers, and knew more about the matter than he did. There was no use whatever in him saying anything, because they had evidently made up their minds, and had come there prejudiced. Cr. Pollard retorted that these cliarges were completely un called for. If they were not engineers, they were at least sensible men, and judged according to what they saw. How was it possible, he asked, that another engineer could come and tell them whether there had been puddling or ramming? The works had been visited again and again by committees, and the foreman of works and every man would say, even before fifty thousand justices of the peace, that there was no ramming going on, although Messrs Boylan and Luiidon and their Inspector said there was. The In spector should have seen the work done properly, and so far a3 Boylan and Lundon's personal knowledge was con cerned, they knew nothing at all about it, not having watched the work progressing. He could stand before his Maker, and de clare that not onco in twenty times had ho seen a rammer used.—The Mayor thought this style of discussion useless, and con sidered Mr Boylan's offer a fair one.—Cr. Mullins pointed out that the Councillors were the people who bad seen the evil from tho commencement, and they knew beet how to deal with it. They watched the works in progress, and did not speak about it while out of the Council, but so soon as they had assembled there they passed reso lutions, but tho engineers Eaid nothing at all. If Messrs Boylan and Lundon had not written that report he would not have said a word.—Mr Boylan : How could we sit still and hear such slanders ?—Cr. Mullins : They were not slanders ; but you would not come and help us.—Mr Boylan : But why should you say these things?—Cr. Mullins: Because they were true.—Some further discussion of a similar character followed.—Mr Boylan generally denied everything, ho questioned the ability of any one in the Council to discuss a matter of engineering, that he questioned if Council lors knew wliat puddling was, and although it was according to specification that pud dling should be done, he considered it dis cretionary to puddle or not,as circumstances demanded. With regard to the waterworks contract, a member of the Council read a clause in the specification requiring fiat every nine inches of earth should be rammed, and asked the Engineer whether such a clause was necessary or not; if un necessary, then the borough was paying away money to no purpose, for on the basis of ramming had the contractors tendered; but if necessary, why was not ramming carried out 1 The Councillor, in speaking to the subject, remarked that the Engineer in attendance had a happy nack of denying everything, but as Messrs Boy lanand Lundon had, in their letter to the Council, accused them of making untruthful statements, ho wished to know where the untruth came in, for although they may be "profoundly ignorant" of engineering, he took it that it did not require any very great amount of engineering skill to merely dig a trench to lay waterpipos in, nordidit require engineer ing skill to observe whether ramming had been carried outor not according to specifica tion ; and that ramming had no^beon carried out until very recently, every member of the Council could bear testimony from their own observation ; and, indeed, it was the general question of the ratepayers of Parnell -who took any interest in the matter why the ramming was not attended to; and moreover it was always done in England. Although not for a moment doubting the eminent ability and vast ex* perience of Messrs Boylan and Lundon in water works, becould not help thinking that what was considered absolutely necessary there was surely necessary here, It had been thought that the ratepayers of Par nell would have obtained their water at less than oity rates, but if, on aocount of non ramming, they were put to continued ex pense for repairs by the subsidence of the soil and breaking of joints, they would beoomo the laughing. stools of the whole community. Therefore he failed to see whero tho untruthfulness came in. —Mr Boylan replied, denying that the ramming had not been carried out until he had seen his Clerk of Works.—lt was finally deoided by the Council to meet at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday next for the pur pose of having the pipe track opened up in places to test the accuracy of the statements which had been made.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Beforo His Worship tho Mayor and C. C. Mac-

MUlan,' Esq., J.P.'s.)

Chaegk of Indecent Assault.— William Alison, a youth, was charged with unlawfully and indecently assaulting Amy Giles on the Ist instant.—Mr Theo. Cooper appeared in defence. — Sergeant White conducted the prosecution.—The evidence of Amy Giles, an intelligent little girl in her eleventh year, appeared in our last issue ; also the evidonco of tho mother of the child.—The further hearing of the case was resumed this morning. — Joseph Shearer, a little boy, deposed that he was the son of Prod. Shearer, a boatbuilder ; that he went to tho paddook, Sunnyaide, to cut wood, Heard a little girj screaming. Went to the top af the hill and saw the man holding her by her clothes. Could not reoognise prisoner as the man. Knew Amy Giles. Saw her run away through the titree. She was not crying.—Constable Hutchinson, stationed at Devonport, de posed that a complaint was made to him on the let inst. that an indecent assault had been committed in the scrub. He went to the placo indicated by tho in formant, accompanied by Mrs Giles andtlie little girl. Found prisoner in a gully amongst some high titreo. He was sitting down, and au axo lying beside him. He arrested him on the charge of indecent assault,—Cross-examined by Mr Csopor • He said he was outting titroo.—This was the oaso for the prosecution.—Mr Cooper addressed the Court in defenoe, and con sidered that the only discretion open to the Bench was to commit or discharge. Ho felt confident that if committed no grand jury would return a true bill, and no common jury would be found to convict. He then dealt with the extreme improba bility of the charge, and pointed out several discrepancies, in the cvidonce of the witnesses, and submitted that the. case should*bo dismissed. — Sorgeant White wished to correct Mr Cooper in gome of his

statements, but counsel objected as th« V'•!■ was the business of the Court— The Court 1 after some consideration, dismissed th I charge of indecent assault. — Sereeant I White said he should now press a chares *r i common assault. — Prisoner was th "H charged, and the evidence given in tT ai preceding case accepted.—Mr Cooper th» ' M put tho defendant in the box, who denoJS i that on the Ist inst. he was cutting raH» I his uncle's land. Saw the cow come on? I the land followed by the girl. He told h 1 that she had no business there, and *>nt? B out. He caught hold of her by the Ck2 I her dress and pushed her along. It waannf 9 true that he acted in an indecent manner 1 —Cross-examined by Sergt. White* 81 ■ I did not cry.—The Court imposed a fin. „* I 10s, costs, 9s. ne of .;; MISCONDUCT.w-JoliTi Daniel was charged * under the Vagrant Act, with misconducting himself in Oustomsbtrcct on the Oth inst EH Prisoner said he was sorry. — Sereea'nT 4 Donnelly deposed to seeing prisoner to A drunken state in the act of hghtine OUtsM» I the Waitemata Hotel. The man with whom i ho was lighting gave tho name Tom Buck ■' land and ran away. Have since discovered •"I him.—Fined 10s and costs. (Before His Worship the Mayor.) Burglary.—George Evans, alias Evan Sawyer, alias Seanlon, alias LovelL »„ '1 charged with breaking and entering tfco premises of Mrs Mary Coyle, Wharf ft o »i on the night of the 19th ult., and stealin therefrom a pair of gold earrings, Jvl watches, rings, chains, cases, and2wilr, f kid gloves, value £19 lOs.-SergeantWWte conducted the prosecution.-Prisoner ripH undefended.-Mary Coyle deposed thatZ 1 was the licensee of the Wharf Hotel ■''■ Queen-strejt. Knew the prisoner ' Knew I him by the name of George. Believed : he had a number of assumed names Ba I was employed at the hotel in December I last for one week in scrubbing floors and i going messages. On the morning of thi 9 19th January she retired at 11.46 o'clock $ in the morning. She saw everything safa ■ before going to bed. All the nindows and ' doors were fastened. There is a door from H the passage into the back of the bar. TLa '^f passage leads into Queen-street. The two ■ windows looking into the yard were secured " No person could get into the hotel eicent '* by force. Her daughter Ellen lived with I her, and slept in her bed tbat night. There I was a work-box in the bed-room containing 1 a pair of gold earrings, two gold rings and case, which were taken out; a gold watch ; i and chain were lying on the table; also SM glove-box containing three pairs kidgloves I Was certain the articles were there on » going to bed. She looked at the watch to ascertain the time. Gave £10 for the watch. £3 for the rings, and £1 10a for the ear- »i rings. Prisoner slept in the top garret during I the week he was employed in the hotel *l Was disturbed in the night by the rattling I of the door. Thought it was the window 1 On striking a light, observed that it wag-31 2.45 a.m., and that her bedroom door wm^l open. Spoke to her daughter, pulled th«ki curtain aside, and saw a man standing b« l'l the drawers. Asked him what he wanted!:"'"! '' He made no answer, but left the room, She '$1 recognised the prisoner. The light was :M sufficient from the window and the outside -'w lamps for his identification. Ho had neither ' boots nor hat on. The articles pro. '* duced were her property. The gloW'l! and gold watch belonged to her 3 daughter. She gave an alarm. The -vl silver watch belonged to the barman. 1 She weni down stairs, and found all the 9 doors, front and back, locked. The bar- I door was broken open, and the bar-window ill raised up. One pane was cracked and a I piece of glass taken out.—Ellen Coyle.'il daughter of the preceding witness, was inP§ the room with her mother, and corroboratedf .3 her mother's statement in every particular. 3 —James Lefevre, barman at the Wharf 9 Hotel, deposed to being aroused by the]!! la-idlady. He jumped out of bed, but pri- v|l soner had left the premises by the badc<s| window. Ho missed his silver watch, ''M which he valued at £4. Left his watch in ?J| his vest pocket. He popped on his clothes if and went with Bernard Coyle to the Poh\»» Station and gave-information of the robbery, rap Serjeant John McMahon, on receiving in-^i formation, went and oxamined the premises, 3 and at 4.30 arrested the prisoner at italic back of Messrs Laurie and Hornsby'l 'i*!l premises, in Fort-street.—This waa tU^SI principal evidence.—Tho depositions wera;|| then read over, and the prisoner, who had - J nothing to say, was fully committed for if!

This was all the business,

CORRESPONDENCE.

St. Thomas's Surplieed Choir.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—May I correct a very erroneous imiircs- .■; -■ sion to which yesterday's report of a vestry M meeting in thia parish has given prominence.;!!! i do not know of even one person who ia likely ':-hßb to leave St. Thomas's on account of tho proposed 9 improvement in the choir. Indeed, ifanyone ''& should change his religious convictions or IS sever his connection with his parish church 'IS for such a trivial consideration, his con- "m yictionß must bo remarkably weak. TheH faith ot early Christnns. and I am pleased^ to be able to add of St. Thomas's pecntaVJi is of sterner stuff. The report states that alaSl! present asserted "that so many had left the li church already that there were only aboutaiai left." Ibis conveys a misconception of ha^Si meamng-that in bygone days, and with! *& out a surphced choir, she had seen Um^ church almost forsaken. The lady and her ■; !§ family are indefatigable and worthy members-$! of Uie church and strongly support the proposediSi change. Indeed, tho whole parish &"almo«t M unanimously in its favour. There aromorethan S 50 communicants at St Thomas's. There wmSsil more than 50 worshippers at the Wednesday «| service yesterday. Indeed, the increasinirat.'l^! tendance at all the services is made a constant 'OT subject of remark to myself, and the vostrTMftffl already taking into consideration the need Warn increasing the accommodation of the church. SI Additional class-rooms are to be builVtaMil basement of tho school-house immediatelrjißl The vestry supply the timber, and three to- f four gentlemen undertake the cost of buildiaKiH \ViU you allow me to add, for the informaUeSlsS ot thoso of your readers interested in Bfc H i Thomas's, that a harvest festivalistatakefiiSilffl on Sundaj-. Feb. 21, and that gifts ofsultabte } fruits and of a few stalks of njawe. &c would• ■: j., be acceptable presentatiofls to tlio veStrj.^HlH Yours,obliged,Lloybi Ki^tiko. i| '

The Model Bakery.

(To the Editor,) . ■ '; Sir.—Mr Grant objects to tho statement. In re- ,' wwe,£° i? s'bbe?^ c?Y that "tho special festUM ;', Is that the bread is to be kneaded by machlneifsii instead of being tramped under foot or iworkeitli by hand, and tho result claimed is c lcanllnen t and wholesomenesa^ MrGrantalsouliallengw I me to point out an establishment in the I colonies where the dough is- kneadod by foot, 1 Jlr Grant will readliy admit that as both thfl H opportunity and tho temptation exist to tha&M journeyman baker in an ordinary bakehouse. , it would, be much easier to prove the statement J that bread is kneaded by the feet than it wonMrai bo to prove the contrary. Mr Grant implies- a that because ho saw dough-kneading niarMnoa -rj 25 years ago, that the employment of machinery ' -I generally m bread-making remains in llio sumo condition. Not so. Thero wore moohanicUfi and motive power difficulties which hava'li recently disappeared. Mr Grant compliments me m a very manly and straightforward wttjgl tor the introduction of machinerj into Ilia 'sj bread trade of Auckland, and also trying to -■ | ameliorate the condition of the journeyman's! bakers. How much this indioates; it takes on«; *| out of New Zealand, baok into the old.-1.3 country, and under tho old conditions of labour j. there, Amoliomtion, who in New Zealuml ever supposed that was required. HowsufrgesttVoSli to the toiling workor at his kneading opers^ 3| tions, reminding him of years of oxhausuMQisal labour passed, and filling him with brig* | hopes for tho future. To the bread eater, the ; | question will be: Ifthcconditionofthejonrncy. „''! man ia improved, is the manufacture likely to :'M bo oarricd to porfootion f—Yours, &0., Edward Paksonb, jt

Free Library Designs.

(To tho Editor.)

Sir,—ln looking over tho plans for tho Fret -C Library and Art Gallery, when they were .if exhibited in tho Lorno-streot Hall, I was very . a| much struck with tho great discrepancy in the^as sizes of the various designs, somo being over S 200 ft. inlcngth by a corresponding width; others MS again about half that siae. lliis, of couwei 'i,m means either a groat inoreaso of floor sp«»- 'M or gonoral accummodation, -to Taluabte la M all institutions, bat more oapocittlly in pn^Sffl grcssive ones, such us un Art Gallery and., 'i ' Public Library, or a vory limited floor space, requiring the building to bo enlarged 1» jM a tow years at great additional expense. MSffl looking over tho report of tho Committee Sf-fiM pointed to critically oxamino tho various pinna, 'k and privo the Council as much technical infor- vg mution aspossiblo rogardingthem, IsocnoriMSrJffl of floor spaco have hcen given, only a few ideas,;M! and suggestions as to heights, which, of cowav^fnj are opcu to dispute. Kveryono can undcrataM;^! the sixes of rooms, and judge of the accoat- : modation in a house, and I woulct niggMj^ni to tlio Couucil that before they decide o» OiStM designs most worthy of the prises, th«r;s'i|B should pause a. 11U\Q and get complete ea)cal£. ;M tions q£ Uib siaos,of the various room*, See., vim. , thesupcrfleialareaof tliesa,nia i»each d«(lg%g« Him would ena,bld them without any doubt »J^ judge for tliemselves as to whether they «M»issj going to get a big building or a little o»»*»|Sl their money, and would satisfy the oltl«OT*CiS prenerally that ovory caro had been taken lntha !: selection of a design. ~'"M

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR THURsBaY, FEBRUARY 7, 1884.



T Xf ST. -0* 'jt B N E D, v " ■■■%;*, .;.;.:,.Vr'.' A VBBY eiKMOH ASSOBTMENt ■; BROKEN CHECK GINGHAMS, BROKEN CHECK GINGfIAMS, Now and Handsome Designs. : Also, NEW GOODS, in MILLINERY SUN6HADBS LACES MANTLES GLOVES HOSIERY COSTUMES • HANDKERCHIEFS UNDERCLOTHING BABY LINEN Sec," ' "k &c. &o. Five Per Cent. Disoount fob Cask. J^dILNE & ChOYCE, MRS. MURPHY (Late of Ponhonby Hoad) Has ec-opened in her now Premises, next door o Air Williams, Tailor, Victoria-street, with a well-assorted Stock of Ladies' and Children's Underclothing, Fancy Goods of all kinds. N.B.—lira M. would intimate that she is not connected willi tiie person of the samo namo •who till lately carried on business Si Hobson troet. ■ . T rtosGß-a ye & rio. Aro now holding a CHEAP SALE CHEAP SALE or OB" DRAPERY! CLOTHING! DRAPEBY! CLOTHING! And submit the following Cnß-ipLmBs!—CnEAP Lines I—Chbap Links'* 1,000 Trousers and" Vests, Colonial-mode, at 12s 6d. 300 Doz. Havard Shirts, lined backs, Is M each, 60 Dozen Felt Hats, 2s 6d. lOf Boxes White 5hirt5........ 3s 6d. 20 Cases Men's Cold Mole Trousers, 5s lid. if-0 Serge Suite, 21a (kl. 203 Dozen Men's and Boys' Leghorn Hats, 3s 9d, 300 Blue Diagor al Sac Coats, new shape, 19s 6d. AT THEIR NEW PREMISES. J. COS GRAVE AND, SO,, OPPOeITE WH. MCABTEtUB& Cq.'S., .: VVAKHnOUSB.



Special Advertisements. Ty/rONBTEfR /^LEAKING QALE OF clothing and drapery! clothing and drapery ! clothing ' and dkapery ! clothing and drapery! £20,000 worth £20,000 OF DRAPERY AND CLOTHING TO BE DRAI'ERY AND CLOTHING TO HE SLAUGHTERED ! !! SLAUGHTERED ! !! O /"100MBES & /~10., BEING ABOUT TO CLOSE THEIR CLOTHING ESTABLISHMENT NKXT THE AUCKLAND HOTEL. AND.IN ORDER TO KEDUCK THEIR STOCK A3 HUGH AS POSSIBLE! PRE VIOUS TO STOCK-TAKING, WILL HOLD A MONSTER CLEARING SALE A MONSTER CLEARING SALE OF THE WHOLE OF THEIR LARGE AND WELL-ASSORTED STOCK OF DRAPBRY AND CLOTHING DRAPERY AND CLOTHING AT BOTH CHOPS. OTII OHOPS, Oo.MMEN'CISn TCIRIDAY, "I |TH TNSTANT. S« CoOMBES & Co. HAVE PURCHASED TWO WELL-KNOWN STOCKS FOR LESS THAN 10s IN THE £, WHICH WIMi BE INCLUDED IS THEIR MONSTER /CLEARING CJALB. OXSTER VVLEARING HALE. REMEMBER I THE SALE COMMENCES ON FRIDAY, 11th INSTANT, ON THE PREMISES LATELY OCCUPIED By J. CSSGRAVE & CO., AND OUR CLOTHING ESTABLISHMENT, HEXT THE AUCKLAND HOTEL, WHERE EVERYTHING WILL BE SLAUGHTERED. OUR ESTABLISHMENT WILL BE CLOSED Ox THURSDAY, FOR THE PURPOSE OF MARKING DOWN THE STOCK. S /COOMBES k r\o., • VVOOMBES & Vyo., CANADA BUILDINGS, QUEEN-STREET DR. P H I L S O N, Late District Burgeon, Attends from 10 turn, to 1 o'clock p.m., AND DR. J. H. HONEYMAN From 11 a.m. to 1 o'clock p.m., at Aickin'h, THE PHARMACY ttueen-Btreet FMPO RTANT. AC} N E D D E N • ONEDDEN {successor to j. leek) Has much pleasure in announcing that he has THE WHOLE ■*\. oy MB, J. LEISsK'S STOCK MR J, LECrfr^nOCK AND GOODWILL*"""""^. AND GOODWILL AT A GREAT REDUCTION, GREAT REDUCTION, AND WILL CONTINUE CONTINUE THE CLJEARING-OUT SALE THE CLEARING-OUT SALE FOB ONE MONTH LONGER. ONE MONTH LONGER. IN CONSEQUENCE OP THE OVER-STOCKED STATE OP THE DRAPERY MARKET, HE HAS BEEN ENABLED TO BUY A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF GOODS, WHICH WILL BE OFFERED AT SALE PRICES. 158 & 160 PLEASE CALL Ouoen-st 168&(160 PLEASHOALL Qneon-st 158 & 160 PLHASK CALL Queen-st 158 & 180 Queen-Bt 158 & 160 AND INSPECT Queen-Bt AND INSPECT Qncen-at AND INSPECT Queon-Bt 158 & 160 OllPfln nt 138 & 160 GRAND DISPIjAY QueeiMrt 158 & 160 GRAND DISPLAY SueftS-st 158 & 160 GRAND DISPLAY Queon-st 158 & 160 Quoon-Ht lfigfclfl) NEW GOODS Suoon-gt 158 & 160 NEW GOODS SueonS 168 &K0 NEW GOODS Queen-st 158 & 160 Queen-st 158 &, 160 .JUST OPENED. Quoon-8t ldf&MO JUST OPENED, Queon-at 155 & 160 JUST OPENED. Queen-st 158 & 160 . Sneen-st 158 & 160 v.. ...■..- wnegn-Bt 158 & 160 . . Qjiecn-st 158 & 160 64 CABMB Quccn-Ht 158 & 160 84 CASKS Queen-st 158 ft 160 U GASES Qiioen-st 158 & 160 i iioon-ijt 158 & 160 NEW CLOTHING Cueen-st 158 & 160 NEW CLOTHING I neen-st 158 & 160 NEW CLOTHING Sueon-st 158 & 168 Queen-st 158 & 160 .HATS & HOSIERY. C;ueon-st 168 & 160 HATS & HOSIERY. Queen-st Ifiß & 160 HATS & HOSIERY. Queen-st 158 & 160 Queen-st 158 & m Qucen-st 158 & USO —. — Queen-st 15-f & 160 Queen-st 168 & 160 Queen-st 158 & 160 THE ffBW ZEALAND Queen-st 198 & 168 Queen-st 158 Sc lfiO CLOTHZNO FACTORY, Queen-st 158 ft 169 ' Queen-Bt 158 & 160 QuEEN-B'fHBjBT, Queen-st IJB Sc 160 Queen-st 158 ft 160 -, Auckland. Quoen-st 158 & 150 ; Qaam-Bt 158 & lfl» Queon-at 158 * 100 J, FITZBIMONB. Quoer.-at 168 & K0 . QQJBBH-t>t 153 & 16C Branch Manager. tosnn-Bt



Brett's Auckland Almanac and Pro vincial Handbook, for 1881, ia now on sale at all booksellers. . ■'■ . As a Now Year present, nothing is go suitable as tho Domestic Sowing Machine of Shakiwpoar & Co., Queen-street, opposite the Market—{Advt. ■ •■ ■■.. ' ■.



John Bright lately attended an auction A sale of shorthorn cattle in England, and in V| rosponfio to au inquiry said, "No, I kava v| not come to buy, but to see the fool who ■ will pay £2,000 for a bull." " There h»i«, ,;; said Lady Skelraersdalo promptly, pointing - - to her husband. The reply made by tia rfj People's Tribune is not a matter of record. Habitual Constipation, the cauao of Jp | nnjch discomfort and bo many troublesome &M* ,5! monts.'can bo relieved by nothing safer ana 5 3 more effectual than Castor Oil in seated smaU ■ doses, Its nauseous flavour being lhcoßlydrsvfe||H back. Allen and HASBUit\Vnow]>mcej«oi ~\M manufacture completely ob\iatcs this", andtnewaffl Is now no more palatable apeffo-at tbaSj W»®SSB and H. " Tasteluss" Casior Oil shakes ap «HH warm milk. At 1s 3d ami 23. Bold by G>y3§|H AieiciN, The Pharmacy; and J. A, ?O"R|H:* Hojneo. Chemist, Qucou-slrcct. Ask for UMfJffl "A and II " brand.—[Advt.J . ..;«