SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

, ~.-, (Thin i.vci__.v„i'i.l2 . ' -' k ■'■'■'■ ITo morrow .ilorning i.O S n •;■'"_.— Thi. Evening. ,*>._7 S !'i'-',f.—Tn morrow Momipg, t*> 10 M i! !>"S AGE.—Xe-.v Moon. Cut, 9.33 a.m.

ARRIVALS,

TO-DAY. Inn-1, s.s., Amode.l. from Hokiaaga Stella. -,»., <4:v.v. from the North Op .tl.-.i, schooner, Bassett, from \\ liangar.

DEPARTURES.

LAST. VENIXO. Zealandia P.M.s.s.. Webber, for Sun Francisco Waihora, s.s.. Edie, for Russell Waitaki, s.s., Crawford, for Whangarei _ ifucgregor. s.s., Johnson, for Whangarei Southern Cross, s.s.. Hutchison, for Gisborne TO-DAY. Tc Anau, 8.5., McOee, for Newcastle

EXPORTS.

Per Zealandhi, for rtan Francisco-122 sack grass seed, .05 cases gum, 81 packages sundries.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Loj_o:*.—Wanganui, sliip (Q.V.P.S.), May 2; Glenmoro, barque (Q.L.3.P.), June 7 : Waikato. atop, June 17 ; Frith of Dornock, ship. May 11: and Waikato, ship, Jnno 2.: Antarea, sailed June 17. Hermloue and Loch Fergus, loading. QLAaaow.-Clananian, as..to Bail July 15. Nrw York:.—Nettie (via Wellington), April 15; Eleanor Vernon, barque, loading. Manilla.—Jcrfalcon, schooner. Java.-Florence Trent, barque, sailed May. Southern Ports.—Armistice, barque, from Lyttelton ; Louis Montgomery, brigantine, from Dunedin.

So_-n_ Sua Islands.—Explorer, Ryno, and Oamaru.

Houakt.—Loongana, barque, early.

TlieschoonerThreeCheersclcaredatllokiaiura for Rockh.'impton yesterday.

The brii.antine Omaha left Lyttelton yester day, bound for Auckland.

The s.s. lona arrived from Hokianea thia mornins, wifh 109 sucks gum.

The Government steamer Stella arrived from tho North tills, morning, and left again fnr Moke - hiuau with stores, at 2 p.m.

The barque Grasme.e and ketch Annie, bound for this port, got underweight at Lytstelton yes terday, but had to run back owing to the prevalence of bad weather.

The barque Pet cleared at the Customs to-,lay for Kaipara, whither she will proceed in ballast.

From hero the brig Chieftain proceeds t.i Mercury Bay to load timber for Sydney. She entered outwards at the Customs to _ ay.

Tho s.s. Te Anau left for Newcastle and Mcl bourne at 2.30 p.m. to-day. Passengers—Saloon : Messrs W. H. Roche and Kaye. Steerage : Messrs Jones and J. B, Howe.

The P.M.s.s. Zealand's left for San Francisco, via Honolulu, at 9 o'clock last evening. Pas ssugcrs :—Messrs J. H. and F. Crossman, (I. McGregor, J. H. Good, S. Spencer, H. Cook, I. Dickey. J. Calder, F. Mitchell, J. Croft. R. Hen dorson. Rev. P. H. Neil, Mr and Mrs Oliphant, Mrs Spencer, and through passengers from Sydney.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVAL. Wanaka, 5.3., Neville, from the South

DEPARTURES.

Wanaka, s.s , Neville, for the South Hauraki. s.s., Harvey, for Waitara

The s.s. Wanaka arrived from the South al 4.30 p.m. yesterday. Passengers—Mrs 1 "olleck. Mrs Dale. Mr3 Holmes, Airs Pullan. Air Houston, Dr. Ruller, Messrs Buller, Bavin Pireh, Jones. Pollock, Coxon, Waller. Sid:r-. Brewer, Ahem, Croft, Knight, Turnbull, Hare Dale, Holmes, Houston, and 11 in the steerage

The s.s. Wanoka returned South this morn ing with the following passengers :—Mcsdame.- Burns, Dodds and daughter, Mr and Mrs Hob bins ar:l child. .Misses Chailoch. Batlie, Stall. L. Wallace, Lee, Cochrane. Sergeant and Mr: White, Messrs Habath. T. Sebert. H. K.S-Oti. Johns, Landers, R. S. McFarlane. F. Whit iker Jotia-hin. S. (iritHtlis. J. Hart, F. skennedin, A. Heads, Gill, Gold water, and Rust.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Sydney, thiaday.—Arrived, yesterday: Union S.S. Company's Tarawera. Melbourne, August ID. — Sailed, this mi m iag: YVairarapa, for Bluff. Kus-KLi.. this day.—Arrived: Waihora, from Auckland. 9 a m. Huspkli., this day.—Loaded: Agnes Martin. Arrived: Waihora, Hsavy rains bave fallen to-day. The Waihora will be late before leaving. Passenger:.: Wellby, Mr, Mrs. and Mips Phipps.

Chief Post--Office, Auckland.

Mails wili, Oi.osb _. under t—

This Day.

For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m.

Thursday. 21st inst. For Waiwera, Te Kapa. Cruifrieburn, Wark worth. Sec, por Rose Casey, at 10 a,m. Per Waihora, as follows :—

For Gisborne. Napier, Soutnern Ports. Aus tralian Colonies and United Kingdom (via Sue. or Brindisi. per Orient steamer), for letters, etc., specially so prepaid and ad dressed, at 11 a.m. Money orders, registered letters and news papers, at 10 a.m. Late letters till H. 20 a.m.

For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 11.30 a.m. For Tauranga, Ohinemutu, and Opotiki. per

Wellington, at 5 p.m. For Whitiangi Upper Mill, and Talrua. per Rowena or Neptune, at o p.m.

Friday, 22nd inst.

For Napier and Gisborne, per Thomas Russell.

at 11 a.m. For Cow-es and Coromandel, per Coromandel.at

1.30 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per City of Sydney, immediately after her arrival from Honolulu. &c. For Taranaki and Southern ports, per Hawea, immediately alter arrival of City of Sydney.

N.B.—The s.s. Tonsariro will leave Lyttelton for London, via Rio de Janeiro and Plymouth, on Saturday, 30th Instant Expected length of passage, 10 days. a. ii. iil's.'. Chief Postmaster Chief Poot-offleo. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

August 20, 1831.

Abbott's Onera House — Willmott's Dramatic Company, 7.45 p.m. Excelsior Lodge—Social Gathering, 7 p.m. Princes-street — Professor Bernard, Soiree Dansante, 8 p.m.

St. Matthew's School—Children's Treat; Tea at 6; Limelight Viewa by Rev. J. S. Hill: Music, &c, 7 p.m.

Young Men's Christian Association Rooms- General Meeting of Early Closing Association, 3 p.m.

Marriage.

CHADWICK-RILEY.-On August 19th, at Pitt-street Wesleyan Church, by the Rev. Alex. Reid, Alfred, youngest son of the late Daniel Chadwick, to Edith j_?inie, third daughter of John Riley, Esq., Prinfe's Park, Liverpool. |

Deaths.

WILLIS.—On August 20, at the Criterion Hotel, Otahuhu, Mary, the beloved wife* ot James Willis ; aged 3!) years. The funeral will leave the Criterion Hotel on Friday at 3.30 p.m.

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

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 1884.

For the o___e that Lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance For the future in the diutanoe, And the geod that we can do.

The colonists have waited patiently for the words of wisdom that were to guide them out of their distress on to fortune, and behold ! they are regaled with a rechauffe of very excellent but somewhat ancient homilies. We think we have heard it said before that " it is desirable to encourage mining and local industries and manufactures," to "consider the progress of public works," to "restrain the exercise of borrowing powers within reasonable limits," to " put native land to produc tive uses." Stripped of these and other kindred generalities and the one policy bill—the substitution of a land tax for a property tax—the Speech is simply a series of bids for votes. A heavy bid to the Otago members with its " Otago central railway is to be carried on vigorously ;" v bid to the Canterbury people with its non political railway boards and the Christ church West Coast railway * a general bid to the goldfields membens by vague promises of aid to mining ; aud a bid to the North by the trunk line of rail way and promotion of trade and com mercial relations with the South Sea Hands, _ The Ministry have .voided committing themselves to any great principle of policy, The bill for the abolition of plural voting has been passed over from Mr Stout to Mr

Ban-on, a private member, who, hoy ever, was forestalled in giving notico of it by Sir George Grey. Through out the Speech we can see the distinct hands of several Ministers. Mr Stout's Radical proclivities have been sealed up by the Cabinet veto, that *' it is undesirable that questions of abstract policy should at present be dealt with." Then come those artful lines, un mistakably Sir Julius Vogel's in tone, about local industry and pushing on public works, leading on to the sentence —■' It cannot prove economical to con struct works in a manner so slow and fragmentary as to postpone indefinitely any return from the money expended ; and following that a probable insertion by his more cautious colleagues — "On the other hand, the colony must be careful to restrain the exercise of its borrowing powers within reasonable limits." A little further on we can see, as it were, written in red ink on the draft sheet as it was returned from Mr Macau drew : "Some works already com menced require to be carried on vigor ously, such, for example, as the Otago Central Railway j" ami so on through the Speech to "its closing lines invok ing " the blessings of God/ which we can hardly refer to the Premier or his Native Minister, when they question the existence of such a Being, but which may more fairly be set down as His Excellency's single contribution to the pot. pouri. It is impossible to believe that such an epitome of a policy can exercise much influence on the vote. If by its vapidity it fails to offend the most sensitive, it equally fails to interest or attract by its origin alky, or startle by its brilliancy. The occasion was one demanding a stroke of genius, and we have the production of a fourth-form schoolboy. Tho Cabinet evade responsibility every where. They incline to Protection for the promotion of local industries, yet timorously qualify away their operative power in that- direction by declaring that the Customs tariff is already so high that it will permit of very little increase. They throw the responsi bility for the determination of the North Island trunk railway route off their own shoulders on to a soulless special committee, and refuse to give the slightest indication of their native policy. The one thing in which any backbone is shown is the land tax, which they knew must command a strong support from Sir George Grey and other members on the other side of the House who are pledged to sup port it; but even that they rem lev inoccuous by limitations, and turn it into a bribe to local bodies. The other measure promised—a Married Woman's Property Protection Act--is, we presume, the bill which the late Government have endeavoured to carry through for the past three years, embodying the just principles which have for several years past been recog nised under the law of England. Tl c railway policy of the Government sets out with a flagrant breach of the lbs qualification Act, and has not the merit of an honest desire to rectify existing abuses, or to in troduce genuine reforms by the employment, as was done iv Victoria, of a capable and impartial expert. The country is in financial difficulties. There was a deficit of upwards of £120,000 last year, notwithstanding the £270,000 received from the pro perty tax ; and not the slightest indi cation is given of the magical operation by which the Treasurer, while hand ing over the land tax to local bodies } and not increasing the Customs duties? hopes to accomplish the regeneration of the colonial finances. It may be true, as hinted by our correspondent, that with the transfer of the land tax to the local bodies will come a transferof liabilities, including the heavy charges for education, and that our public school system is to become the bone of strife between the populace and the landowners. If so, the Government should have had the courage of their opinions, and openly avowed a policy that will make the colony ring from end to end with wild denunciations. That New Zealand should be the first among the Australasian colonies to repudiate the responsibility of the State for education, is not, to our mind, the temper of the people.

We can find in the Speech absolutely nothing to commend its Cramers to the confidence of the people. The little good it meditates is neutralised by a reluctant and half-hearted performance. It reveals no grasp of the necessities of the colony; no appreciation of the feelings of the people ; and its abun dant promises of wonderful things, in the rapid prosecution of public works out of funds which do not exist, and in the promotion of industries by pro cesses that are left to the imagination would be ludicrous were they not ren dered indecent by their barefaced em ployment as bribes to catch votes with.

In view of the possibility of an outbreak of small-pox, the Government have issued instructions to their officers to enforce the penal clauses of the Vaccination Act. The local Vaccination Inspector is sending all parents notices to vaccinate their children as required by law. We are requested to state that persons over 14 years of age may be vaccinated or re-vaccinated free of charge on application to the public vaccina tor. The New Zealand law on the subject of compulsory vaccination stipulates that all children shall be vaccinated within six months from birth, under a penalty of 40s, for recovery of which proceedings are to be taken within one month thereafter. The payment of the penalty does not free parents from the duty of vaccination, and they are liable to be proceeded against so long as they neglect having the operation performed on their children.

A number of items of mail news, along with report of meeting of Harbour Board, will bo found on the fourth page of this issue.

The plans of the Calliope Dock have been approved by the Engineer-in-Ctiief, and all that is now necessary to tho immediate prosecution of the work is the sanction of the Governor by Order-in-Council, which will be forthcoming in due course.

The weather would seem to have in fluenced the stock and share market to-day, very little business being done. Sales were effected in South British Insurance shares at 59s ; Prince Imperial, 25s ; and Rocky Point, 2s 4d. Buyers and sellers quotations stand at yesterday's figures.

From an early hour this morning, the Great North Road, between Arch Hill and Point Chevalier, presented a most disgust ing scone by the lodgment thereon of almost continuous masses of night-soil dropped from the carts employed to convey the filth from the city to Point Chevalier. The stench along this portion of the road was revoltingly intolerable, and some of the local residents thought it would be their duty, in the interests of the public health, to lay an information against the night-soil contractor. It seems this is not the first time a similar nuisance has been committed in the same locality.

The New Zealand Shipping Company's steamer Tongariro, which arrived at Port Chalmers yesterday, made the passage from England in 44 days, including the stoppages at Tonoriffe, Cape of Good -Hopo and Hobart. Tho actual steaming time was 42 days 41 minutes. She'brings 190 passengers of all classes. Ono death occurred, that of Mrs Mel-wraith, aged 76, of bronchitis. The Tongariro has 15,281 packages of cargo for Dunedin, and 21,670 packages for Lyttelton,

A special meeting of tho Harbour Board is to be held on Tuesday next for tho con sideration of the draft bill for altering their eonstitutiou. Both the City Council and the Devonport Highway Board object to the bill, on the ground that they are not given a fair proportionate representation. The City Council want their representation at the Harbour Board to remain as it. is, while the Harbour Board, on the contrary, desire that the Council's practice of nomin ating its own representatives should be abolished, and that the city members should be elected by the ratepayer!) at large.

Alexander Lowe, a passenger from Auck land to Dunedin, has died of consumption on board the Ringarooma at Lyttelton.

A .uiall boy who gave tho namo of Joey Evans, was taken charge of by the police to-day as a "lost child." Joey will be found by his parents at the Police Station. fie has passed an enjoyable day munching coooanut ice and othor delicacies provided by the kind-hearted watch-house keeper.

Among tho prize-takers at Dunedin Baby Show were .i local doctor .and a solicitor.

Gisborno was lit with gaa on Monday for tho first time.

Mr Thomas Bracken, Into M.H.R., lias" started for a tour of the West ('oast of the South Island, for tho purpose of writin.tr a scries of descriptive articles.

An inquiry has been held at Wellington into the recent railway accident on the mitt line, with the result that tho porter, whose duty it was to look after the points, has been dismissed.

Tenders for two shops at Newmarket, havo been received by Mr F. Grey, archi tect, as follows :—Hal-day, £243 : Wilkin son, ; .t-253 12s Grey, £202 10s ; Holmes, £280 ; Gabb, £25)9 : Cedye and Calve., £30-1: Ald_r.oti, £..10; O'Counell, £327: Ell-Ogham, £351 ; Langloy and Williams, I'.'ltiO; Kenny, £372; Drynan, £420; Ander son, £492.

Mr Upton has given notice to move at the City Council meeting to-niorr«w even ing as follows :— " (1) That .1 Public Library Advisory Committee bo appointed, consist ing of live persons, not members of the Council, to assist the Council in the form , tion of tlio Public Library by advising it as to tlio selection of books. (2) That i. te referred to the Library Committeo to nominate to the Council for approval tl.e names of five suitable person., to be in vited to act as such Committee." Such an excellent proposal should receive every sup port from the Council.

The Harbour Board, at: its meeting yes terday afternoon, were strongly averse to the grant of any monopoly of Cheltenham Beach for the u.e of birthing machines, and the Secretary was therefore instructed to inform the applicant (Mr Dawson) that he must not, assume that he has been allowed the exclusive right to place bathing machines thereon.

The chargo against William Mealy of committing a breach of the Licensing Act by supplying beer-to two men named Lynch and Atkinson on the night of the Sth inst., was heard before Judge Smith yesterday afternoon, and occupied considerable time (Mr Cotter in defence). A number of wit nesses were examined, and the balance wa in favour of defendant. His Worship dis missed the case on the ground of the un trustworthiness of the witnesses for the prosecution.

Aitken, Cross, and Co., whole-ale mer chants, Invercargill, have tiled a petition in bankruptcy.

The mine manager of tlio Success tI.M. Company reports on August ISth that 20o_s. specimen gold has been obtained from the stopes. "The gold," he adds, "continues in the two leaders, but does not seem lo make in a heavy patch, although indications are all that could be desired."

Mr James Slator, who has been for the last eight years draughtsman in the kail way Department, has commenced business on his own account as architect, engineer, mechanical and general draughtsman, illuminator, lee. at ('oombes's Chamber*, Queen-street. As Mr Slator is an old resi dent, and well known as a skilful, trust, worthy man of large experience in the dif ferent branches of his business, wo trust lie will meet with a fair share of support from his friends and tho public generally.

:>liss Georgie Smithson, who may bo des cribod as the female Maecabe, is now giving clever entertainments in Dunedin.

Por somo time past there has been a good deal of talk about establishing a Parlia mentary Debating Club here, but so far nothing has been done, the difficulty apparently being in the fact that no one can be got to take the initiative. We have some first-class debaters amongst our young men, and we felt certain that were once the club fairly started it would at once become popular, and have a prosperous career.

Under the auspices of tho Star of Papa kura Ledge, No. 13, N.Z.0.13.T., Mr T. I_. Wilcox delivered a lecture on Saturday evening last on "The Physical, Social and Moral Effects of the Drinking Customs of our Country." The lecturer gave a graphic description of the sufferings of humanity coming undor the heads named, which was vory attentively listened to by an apprecia tive audience. A pleasing feature in con nection with Templarism in Papakura is the unity of the old and new ordors. The lecture was interspersed with songs by Messrs Fulton and Stuart, which wero ably rendered. Tho meeting closed with the usual vote of thanks.

The inquiry into the recent accident to the steamer Ringarooma is to take place at Dunedin, for the convenience of those concerned.

At the meeting of the Harbour Board yesterday afternoon a letter was read from the Marine Department forwarding a copy of tho rider attached to the verdict found by the Coroner's jury who inquired into the death of James Thomas, drowned by falling from the gangway of the ship Rangitikei on the 26th ult. The rider recommended the harbour authorities to enjoin masters of vessels to provide gangways protected on both sides. The Harbour Master, in pro mising that this should as far as possible be carried out, pointed out that the Rangitikei was not .*> passenger vessel, and that the gangway under these circumstances was a good and sufficient one.

Rev. \V. S. Potter repeated his instruc tive and carefully-prepared lecture on " Moral Heroism " last evening in the Free Methodist School-room, Mount Eden, to an attentive audience. Tho darkness of the night and the muddy thoroughfares of the neighbourhood were not favourable, still a goodly number of persons gathered in the school-room to listen to the discourse and the singing. The lecture was illus trated by examples of moral heroism in various departments of common life, and will bear repeating. Mr Potter is a fluent and' careful speaker, and is frequently happy in his expression of thought, possess ing the ability to sustain tho interest of his audience.

The anniversary soiree of the Ponsonby Baptist Sunday-school was held last night in the church, and despite the bleak weather which prevailed, it was well attended. Mesdames Carter, Adams, E. Turley, J. Bigelow, G. W. Owen, Cato, Gill, and Reeves, and Misses E. and M. Bigelow, presided at the tables and duly dispensed the tea,while at after service the Rev. Chas. Carter took tho chair and delivered an in teresting introductory speech. A very satisfactory report of the progressive school operations of the year was presented, and addresses having special reference to Sunday-school work wero delivered by the Revs. T. G. Carr, D. VV. Runciman, W. E. Rice, D. Whytock, and Mr R. B. Shalders. These addresses alternated with appropri ate selections of music. At the close, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to all who had rendered assistance in connection with the anniversary.

An adjourned meeting of the creditors of Thomas Lupton, carter, was held this morning in tho Supremo Court. The Official Assigneo read out Mrs Lnpton's statement, which had fce_n made to him on oath. In it she said that her husbaud obtained a loan of £75 six years ago from Mr S. Jagger, giving in return a bill of sale upon a number of his horses and drays. This bill was taken up three years ago by her brother, Mr John Tozer, and the security eventually realised in order to defend the debtor from a charge of larceny. The proceeds of the sale amounted to £153, of which £23 Is washandedtothedebtor, the £130 balance being due to Mr Tozer in respect of £75 repaid to Mr Jagger, and an advance of £55 which he hinyelf had previou;ly made to the debtor. The proceedings at the meeting were rather lively, the debtor being plied with quite a cross fire of questions, and insinuations more or less broad being freely made. As the im pression seemed to prevail that the debtor had notaccounted satisfactorily for tho whole of his property, the Official Assignee was instructed to. ummou Messrs A. Buck land, S. Jagger, John Tozer, Smyth, Robert Hill, and E. Tozer (father-in-law) to attend the adjourned meeting this day week. Mr Knight, the contractor, is also to be asked to furnish a full statement of his transactions with the debtor.

The application of Bishop Luck and the Sisters of Mercy, through Mr E. Mahony, for the sanction of the Supreme Court, to grant leasos for a maximum term of 60 years of the Convent property at Mount .it, Mary, has proved unsuccessful. This is the result, not of any doubt as to the legitimacy or meritoriousness of tho purpose in view, but from lack of power to alter the express terms of the original truft deed, which limits the term of leases to 21 years, thus practically locking up tho estate from profitable utilisation. The point al, issue is of peculiar interest, inas much as the one or two legal authorities which bear upon it are both obscure and misleading. This is the ease with Lewin "On Trusts," which Mr Mahony quoted last weok. His Honor thought it. better, under the circumstances, that the Court should not, interl'ero with the original settle ment, as its power might bo questioned by conveyancers, and the title of the proposed leases disputed. Tho petitioners will now have to seek to obtain their desired powers by Act of Parliament,

We understand that through tlio active exertions of a well-known butehor Parnell has been promptly rescued from its ton ' sorially destitute condition, The placeofthe fugitive barber has been tilled by a worthy graduate of the scissors and razor, who was installed this morning. So far as the estab lishment is concerned, tho reins of govern ment arc in his own hands, and as he has been f<»email in other places he is reckoned fully competent to be proprietor in Par-

Mr Holmes, artist, of this city, lias painted a first-class signboard for Mr Mackinlay, sign-writer, of Elliott-street, to order of the Mosgiel Tweed Company, and is highly creditable to tho artist. Holmes was a fellow student at the Royal Academy with the celebrated John E. Millais, ami the elder Holmes was for some years en gaged as portrait painter to King George the Fourth. This work of art may be seen at Mr Mackinlay's shop.

It has been resolved to take a special poll of the burgesses of Wellington on the ques tion of raising a loan of £7,.'>00 for Te Aro reclamation works,

Wo notico in our advertisement columns that a social reunion is to be held in the large ball, corner of Wellington and Pitt streets, on Wednesday, '.'Tth Inst., for the benefit of St. Mary's Orphanage, Ponsonby.

THE INFANTICIDE CASE.

lIPT little fresh information has transpired since yesterday concerning the antecedents of the woman Rosina Emily Smith, now lying at Mount Eden Gaol with the terrible charge of child-mnrder hanging over her. Mr Superintendent Thomson telegraphed yesterday to several townships in the \ V ai kato, and last evening he learnt from Cam bridge that a young woman named Rosina Smith was Mime months ago in tho employ of Mr Rose, licensee of the Duke of Cam bridge Hotel, but that nothing was known there of a carpenter named William Wilson. The inquest on the remains of tho child will be held at the Auckland Hotel at two o'clock to-morrow afternoon boforo Dr. Phil.son, Coroner, by wlr Si instructions n fnvit mortem was made to-day.

The Prisoner's -.fleets.

Such of the prisoner's effects as wen.- at her room in Mr Wnkclmm'fi residence have been taken charge of by the police. Sho owned everything in the room, including ihe bedding, and seemed to bo particularly well supplied with clothing and other women's gear. Among her effects is a large box, the top of which is covered with can vas. It is possible that when this is re moved, some clue will be discovered as to the name of the vessel in which tho accused arrived iv thecolouy. We understand that her letters have not yet been inspected by the police.

A Small Bottle

containing laudanum was also found by the polico ii her room at, Wakeham'., but this the prisoner stated has been in her pos session for twelve month.--, _o that but little importance is attached to the dis covery.

Mr Wakeham.

We understand th.it Mr Wakeham is being subjected to unfriendly criticism by some Parnell residents for his action in in forming the police of his suspicion, they considering that he should havo minded his own business. In our opinion Mr Wakeham has done nothing more than his duty, anil we trust that ho will not sutler for his action at, the hands of maudlin senti mentalists, who generally come to tho front on an occasion like this.

Mr Brassey Retained for tho Defence.

We understand that in the case of the Rosina Smith, chargod with wilful murder, several leading citizens have taken the case in hand with a view of providing her with professional assistance, at any rate until the caso comes before the Supreme Court. For this pur pose they havo retained Mr G. N. Brassey to appear and watch her interests.

Singular Allegation by tho Prisoner.

If the unfortunate accused is to be believed, she would appear to be the victim of another's passion. Accord ing to her statement, she was out rageously assaulted by Wilson, who then got her to hush the matter up by promising marriage. Still it must be borne in mind that she told various stories abmt the disposal of the child's body which were completely disproved by its discovery, so that tho present allegation may have no suror basis.

The Prisoner's Condition.

Mr Brassey visited tho prisoner to-day, and although she appeared to bo suffering greatly, and had not taken food up to the [resent, save a cup of co.oa, sho seemed in bettor spirits at tho prospect of obtaining professional assistance. Mr Brassey pro fesses himself confident that tho charge against the accused must fail. Tho Post-mortem. The autopsy of the body of the child is being made this afternoon as we go co press by Dr. Cobbett.

EARTHQUAKE IN THE FAR SOUTH.

Invercargill, this day. A sitAßr shock of earthquake was experi enced here to-day at 12.40 p.m. It was ac companied by a rumbling noise resembling thunder, nnd caused many people to rush out into tho streets. The vibration ap peared from north to south. The weather is overcast.

POLICE COURT.-This Way.

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

Drunk.—Three persons were puni-hed for this offence. Ar.tr.oED Fraudulent Pretence.—Henry Albert Perm and Edward McCaghey wero charged with fraudulently obtaining the sum of £25 from Mr K. T. Dufaur, solicitor, on a hansom cab by means of false pretences.—Mr Burton appeared in defence, and asked for a-remand Sergeant Gamble offered r.o objection, and the case was remanded until Friday next; bail enlarged.

Coffee without Chicory.— Philip Codec was charged with being prostrate in a gutter under the Influence of the rosy god.—Fined 20s. or in default 7 days.

A Flour.—Joseph Robins.n and John Leonard were charged under the Vagrant Act with lighting on the wharf. — Prisoners said they were having a larlc. that was all. — Constable Luke McDonnell gave a lively description; it was a desperate struggle, and worthy of Donnybrook Fair. It was no lark.—Constable Mitchell said the mon, when in the lock-up, suddenly stripped for battle. lie kept them at arm's length.—Fined IDs each, or 7 days. Prisoners were compelled to accept the latter alternative.

A Small Ofkenck.—Eliza Cook, a young sir], was charged with taking Is Od from the till of James Bevage, of Cook-street, on the 19th inst.—Prisoner pleaded not guilty.—Mr Brassey appeared in defence.—Sergeant Gamble stated . the case. — Jane Bovage deposed that prisoner came into her shop for a trifl ing article, and a-ked for a drink of water. On turning her b_ck( prlsonor put her hand into the till and took something out. She conkl not say how much money she took out.— To Mr Brassey: She was sober yesterday ; was sure of that. Occasionally took a drop, but that was beside the question.—James Bovage, store keeper, deposed to running after the girl, and catching her in Hobson-street. Took her back to the shop. She laid her umbrella on the table. Hia son, Ben, said: " Father did you hear that chink!" He shook the umbrolla and out rolled Is fid. Tho girl seemed quite unconcerned.— Sergeant McMahou arrested prisoner at the re quest of prosecutor. The little girl denied tlio charge, saying that tho Is fid was change she had received from another person.—Mr Brassey ad dressed the Court and called a witness.—Wm. Dalton, surveyor deposed that he gave the girl a florin to buy a ticket for St. Matthew's enter tainment. Knew her to be respectable.—Eliza Blanche Cook made a statement. She spent 2d with Mrs Bevage and received id in change, which She put into her pocket. Mr Bevage alarmed her so much that she dropped the silver which she intended for the ticket into her parasol.—Dismissed. Cruelty to a Horsb.—George Wm. Harding was charged with ill-treating a horse, the pso- Eerty of Geo. Wilson at Cabbage-tree Swamp. y beating the animal on the head withashovel and kicking it about the body.—Mr Brassey appeared to prosecute for the Society for Pre venting Cruelty to Animal,.—Charles O'Dowd, of Kingsland Road, saw the defendant ill-using tiie horse in the manner described in the infor mation. The horse was stuck in the mud. Defendant had no whip.—Defendant: Did not I borrow your whip?— Yes, you did. I saw you kick the horse on the knee.—Edward O'Dowd deposed that he saw Harding beating the horse with the shovel.—Defendant acknowledged to whipping the horse, but did not use the shovel. —Fined 20s, costs £4 Is. This was all the business.

PARLIAMENTARY.

[by telegraph.)

[FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.]

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, this day.

Immediate,!,, after the Governor's speech had beon delivered, tho members of the House of Representative assembled in their chambers, and business was proceeded with.

Auckland Petitions.

A large number of petitions were pre sented. Amongst them were the following private petitions from Auckland :—From Robert Nelson (Mr Thompson), a dis charged gunner of the Royal Artillery, who has served in the Taranaki and Wai kato campaign, praying for a grant of land; from Renata Ropia(Mr Hobbs), praying the House to give effect to tho recommendation of a Committee of the Legislative Council for the paymont by the Government of £1,600 rents, etc., on the Himatangi block ; from John Bigolow (Mr Thornpsoii), praying that he be allowed to exercise land orders for 140 acres which he holds ; from Thomas and Elizabeth Millet, who eamo to Auck land in the British Trident, in 18G4, and who paid the full passage money, praying for a land grant to which they were entitled, but which they had been unable to obtain pre viously owing to an error in the land order ; from — Monaghan (Mr Wilson), formerly a private in the 45th Regiment, claiming a grant of land, ho having served in Tara naki, Auckland, and Tauranga; from Jonathan Elkin and John H. Bragge (Mr Peacock), To Puke settlers, praying that the requirements of tho Act re improve ments be erased, as they had been mis informed in England regarding the dis trict, and had paid tho full market value for the land.

Aid to Denominational Education.

Mi- Hamlin presented a petition from the Roman Catholics of Mauku, Pukekohe, Waiuku, Mercer, Tuakau, Rangiri.i, Maketu, and other districts in his electorate, praying that a capitation grant bo given to every Roman Catholic school. They pointed out that there are 18,000 Catholics in the diocese of Auckland, who had estab lished and maintained eighteen schools, in. volving an expenditure in sites and build ings of about £23,000, exclusive of Govern ment grant. The petition added that there are about 1,400 children being educated in their schools.

Female Suffrage.

Colonel Fraser presented a petition from 100 women of the Thames, praying that a Local Option Extension Act bo passed em bodying tho power to vote by all women of the colony of mature age under the Licen sing Act.

New Land Aot.

Mr Hamlin presented a petition from tribes of natives residing at Mokau protest ing against; tho introduction of a new Act by which tho authority for the disposal of their lands was vested in the Government. They considered that copies of the proposed law should be distributed amongst them before it, was sought to be imposed.

Armed Constabulary.

Mr Moss asked for a return showing the number of Armed Constabulary stationed in each of the principal districts of New Zea land, and the places where they aro stationed ; also the number of Maoris in each of the provincial districts.

Educational Return,

Mr Moss also applied for a return show ing the approximate value of school build ings, school furniture, and teachers' dwell ing.-, and the area and approximate value of playground in each ot the educational districts.

Plurality of Voting,

Sir Georgo Grey applied for leave to in troduce a Mill to abolish plurality of voting at, the general election. Mr Barron gave notice of a bill with a similar object..

The AdiUcss-lii-Hcply,

Mr McKonzie, of Mount Ida, gave notice that he would to-morrow move tho Address in Reply t. the Governor's speech.

Questions,

Notice was given of tho following questions :—Mr Smith to ask the Colonial Secretary if instructions had beon given to the registration officers for Hawke's Bay electoral districts, to refer all claims for registration to the police, and if so, have similar instructions been given in othor parts of tho colony. Mr Guinness to ask the Minister for Public Works whether the Government intend to give instructions to proceed with the construction of har bour worki at Greymouth. Mr Moss to ask tho Government whother they intend introducing during tho present session a bill intituled tho Alienation of Lands Bill, brought in by the Atkinson Ministry in last session ; or it not, whether they intend pro posing any other measure of similar pur port. Bills. Notico was givon of the following bills:— Mr Shriniski, a Bill to Amend tho Licens ing Act, 1881, and Amended Act, 1882; Sir G. Grey, a Bill to Abolish Plurality of Noting at the Election of Members for the House of Representatives; Mr Hamlin, Manukau Harbour Board Bill ; Mr Ross, Otago Harbour Board Em powering /Vet, 1875, Amendment Bill; Mr Shriniski, Pensions Bill; Mr Barron, Bill to Abolish Plurality of Voting at the Election of Members to the House of Representatives ; Hon. Mr Stout, Police Offences Bill; Hon. Mr Stout, Married Women'B Property Bill; Mr Barron, a Bill to Extend the Hours of Polling at Parlia mentary Elections ; Mr Waketield, a Bill to Provide for tho Disposal of Unclaimed Lands ; Mr Waketield, a Bill to Prohibit the Introduction of Certain Animals Into the Chatham Islands; Mr Seddon, a Bill intituled The Mines Act, 1877, Amend ment Bill. Notices of Motion. Notice was given of the following motions for consideration at to-morrow's sitting ;— By Mr Seddon, that "Hansard" be sent free to every County Council, Borough Council, and Road Board ; by Mr Seddon, for Return of Endowments for Secondary and University Education in the Colony ; by Hon. Sir J. Vogel, that the Public Accounts Committee be appointed, consist ing of Messrs Atkinson, Ballance, Barron, Bradshaw, Coster, Dargaville, Fisher, Grey, Montgomery, Moss, Peacock, and the mover; by Mr Seddon, for a return of all existing endowments for ecclesiastical pur poses, exclusive of building sites for churches and chapels, and church and chapel schools, and the revenues arising therefrom; by Hon. Mr Montgomery, that the Petitions Com mittee consist of Messrs Allwright, Lance, Monteath, Moat, Samuel, Duncan, J. W. Thompson, Turnbull, W. White, and the mover. Notice was givon of various standn., eommittees, and a number of motions of i.o importance to Northern readers. The Mortgages Release Extension Bill was read a first time. Tho second reading was fixed for Friday. Statement by Sir Julius Vogel. Sir Julius Vogel, who was allowed to retain his seat while speaking, and who was heard indistinctly, said tho step the late Government had taken in not resigning till the House met after the late general elections, was a very wise ono, and it would havo beon difficult to have formed an Ad ministration unless a large number of mem bors wero present in Wellington. Therefore the course that had been pursued was a proper one. The Speech brought down from the Throne comprehended the policy of the Government, therefore it was not necessary for him to speak at any length on that point, but he would leave the policy to tbo Speech, which spoke for itself. On Saturday week His Excellency commissioned him to form an Administration, and on the following Saturday they were sworn in, and wero approved by His Excellency. It was un necessary for him to add more than that his health would not permit of his taking the Premiership, but had he been inclined to 'take that position it would have resulted in considerable delay, as it would necessarily take up much of tho time which should be devoted to the preparation of the Financial Statement. It was not necessary for him to go further into that question. On all points of practical politics Ministers were agreed. The best proof of that was to be found in the fact that although they were only sworn in on Saturday last they had been able to bring down the Speech from the Throne and transact business on the Tuesday following. The House then adjourned.

MEETING OF THE HOUSE TO-DAY.

The House met this afternoon at 2,30. Tho Onehunga Road.

Mr Buckland gave notico to ask the Ministerof Public Works, for Sir G. Maurice O'Rorke, whether, in consideration of the number of accidents and recent fatal acci dent on the Epsom Road at Bird Grove, he will give immediate instructions to expend portions of the toll-bar money levied on that road in widening the road at that spot.

Newmarket Toll Receipts. Mr Buckland also gave notice to move for a return of the money collected annually at the Newmarket toll-bar for the last three years,and the amount expended in the samo Seriod between Newmarket and Tamaki ;i idge at Otahuhu, and betweenX ewmavket and Onehunga Wharf; also to show in what place and on what bridges the residue of money has been spent.

Telegraph Extension.

The same gentleman will also give notice to ask the Commissioner of Telegraphs whether ho proposes to establish a telegraph station at Ellerslie, and also whether he will cause the telegraph wires to be ex tended through Panmure to Howick. Auckland Petitions. Mr Dargaville presented a petition from James Hickey, settler, Auckland, praying thathis claim to a grantof land in considera tion of services rendered by himself and his late brother as members of the 2nd Regi ment of Waikato Militia bo considered with a view to justice.

Mr Dargaville also presented a petition from James Campbell, settler, Auckland, praying that his claim to a grant of land in consideration of services rendered as mem ber of Now Zealand transport corps bo in quired into. Mr Tole presented tho following petitions —From James Louden, in reference to an old land claim at Wamngaroa ; from Henry White, engineer, relative to his improper removal from the pilot service at Kaipara ; from Joseph Brubazon,relative to his alleged improper dismissal as a teacher by the Education Board, Auckland.

Annual Payment of members.

Mr Moss gavo notice that he would a.k whether Ministers intend introducing a bill for the payment of members annually in stead of .sessionally as at present. Railways In tho North. Mr Moat gave notice of his intention to ask Government whether they intend to complete the line of railway north of Auck land.

SUPREME COURT. This Day.

In Chambers.

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies.)

PitoBATH, —Probate was granted in re Robert Adams and Peter Barrett (de ceased ).

Administration'.—ln re Ellen Whitburn (deceased), whose estate is valued at £GOO, letters of administration were applied for and ordered to be issued to the widower A similar application was made in re Mary Ann Warren (deceased) by the widower also, the estate in this case being valued at £*>0. There was no evidence, however, to show that deceased had had a separate estate, and the application was therefore adjourned.

THE JUDICIAL SEPARATION SUIT.-

ALLEGATION OF ADULTERY.

In re the action of Josephine Anne Gib bons v. Ebenezer Gibbons for judicial separation, MrE Hesketh, on behalf of the petitioner, applied for leave to amend the petition by inserting therein an allegation of adultery on tho part of the respondent. Ho said that his object in making the appli cation was to ask whether, in view of a late decision of the House of Lords which had arrived by the last mail, adultery condoned should be alleged along with acts of violence In tiie present case he did not see how the acts of violence could be sworn to upon the hear ing of the present petition without intro ducing references to the acta of adultery also. As the matter was therefore sure to crop up at the hearing, tho question now was whether, in view of the late decision referred to, the adultery, although condoned, should not now he alleged.—Mr H. Campbell, who appeared for the respondent, saw no objection to the introduction of the allegation, provided the suit wero made one for dissolution of marriage instead of for judicial separation merely. — His Honor thought that in view of the ease mentioned, if the petitioner proved tho acts of violent c alleged, it would be sulficient for her pur poses, whereas on the other hand, if she failed in proving these, the adultery con doned would not help her. Consequently no order was made.

In Banco.

Lease of Conventual Property.—Upon tho petition of Dr. Luck (R.C. Bishop), Cathorino Delany, Margaret Maria Ennis, and Annie Comesford (Sisters of Mercy), for the sanction of the Court to grant leases of the Convent property at Mount St. Mary, for a term of GO years, instead of for tho limited term of 21 years mentioned in tho original deed, His Honor now gave judg ment, Mr E. Mahony again appearing in support of the petition. His Honor said that since last week he had looked into the matter, and he had found no other authority bearing upon tho subject than the ono quoted by Mr Mahony last week, and which ho considered to be to a certain extent against tho petition. Lewin, on "Trusts," which Mr Mahony had also quoted, was somewhat misleading, inasmuch as while it would appear from him the Court had the power prayed for in this matter, yet ho threw doubt upon the effect of its exercise. He had, therefore, come to the conclusion that, no matter how anvantageous it might be for the purposes of the trust that thesanction asked for in this case should be obtained yet, as the words of the trust were so positive the Court had no power to interfere. If it did, the extended leases might be called in question, and the title disputed. On principle he thought that the Court should not step in to alter the express—in this case very express—terms of a trust coed. He did not think the Court had p iwor to alter the settlement in any way.— Mr Mahony remarked that in that case ho Siipposed the only means of gaining the p . wer sought for would bo by Act of Par liament. — His Honor replied that that would be the only course.

John Sperry v. New Zealand Loa.n* an*d Mercantile Acf.ncy Co. (Limited). —Argument of Bpecial case.—Mr E. Hes kith for plaintiff, Mr C. E. Button for the defendant.—Mr Hesketh, in introducing his argument, stated that this was an action by Mr Sperry, tho Property Tax Commissioner, to recover certain taxes, al leged to be duo under the Property Assessment Act by the defendant Company. In order to facilitate the deci sion of the questions involved, the parties had agreed to a certain statement of facts, amounting to a special case, upon which the judgment of the Court was desired. The defendant Company claimed to be regarded as agent and not as principal for three classes of persons, viz., guaranteed investors, debenture holders un der tho Auckland Agricultural and Loan Co., and debenture holders under the Waikato Land Association, and as such it claimed an exemption up to £500 in re spect of each beneficiary. This was the point of the contention, inasmuch as tho plaintiff declined to recognise tho claim just indicated, and had re futed the exemption. — Mr Hesketh then entered upon the argument of his case, and elaborated it at some length. —Mr Button then replied. He said that all tho difficul ties involved in this case arose from a mis apprehension of section 11 of the Act of 1881 and section 16 of the Act of 1SS;1. He went on to contend that the defendant Company did not come within tho operation of either section.—His Honor reserved his decision.

The Court thon rose,

TE AROHA GOLDFIELDS.

Battery Returns,

It ia very gratifying to observe that the returns from Te Aroha continue to be of an onconraging character, the gold pro duced during the last month having amounted to SS4ozs. It will thus be seen that progress in this respect continues, the monthly returns being usually be tween 800 and 900ozs. To make the mines a success, then, it is apparent that the only thing required is a considerable in crease of crushing power. What with the gold coming regularly from the district and the hot springs of Te Aroha, which were des cribed in a recent issue of the Stab, vi ith the prospect that within twleve months tho 'placo will bo in connection with Auckland by rail, while in three months the line will have progressed to within twelvemilesof completion, the future of the district bears a very attractive aspect, and its pro gress henceforward should be of a most satisfactory character.

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

[FROM Ot. R SPECIAL LONDON COI_ESPONDE-"T.]

London, July 4.

Damage to the Florida's Frozen Meat. The inquiry into the cause of the Florida disaster resulted in a statement that the meat was damaged by water getting into the freezing chamber through a leak in the ship's side. No one iv particular is blamed, but the consignees of the damaged mutton are asking for damages, which tho ship owners do not seem inclined to pay. Mr Vescy Stewart Crushed Again. The Tauranga Hot Lakes railway scheme is onco more delayed, and Mr Vesey Stewart is in a state of despair. Of course the delay this time is owing to the dissolu tion of the New Zealand Parliament. As nothing can now be done till September, another long wait must ensue. Mr Stewart who wants to get back to the colony, is much annoyed at this, but ho proposes to occupy his time by getting together a new party of settlers to go out to Tauranga in the Northumberland. I doubt if the work will be as easy as it was last time, for tho nasty paragraphs about the Tauranga settlement which appeared in somo of the New Zealand papers have frightened in tending emigrants. Book on the King Country. Mr Kerry Nicholls is very busy preparing his book on "The King Country."

Visitors to Auckland,

Amongst the through passengers to Auckland by the Tongariro are Messrs Herbert R. Rathbone and Sydney Rath bone, the former a brother and the latter a cousin of Mr P.athbone, who was for some years connected with Auckland journalism. Mr Herbert Rathbone will only be a visitor to the colony. He has just taken his honours, degree at Oxford, and is making a holiday tour of the Australian colonies and India at the request of University friends, who wish to ascertain what openings these parts of the world present to Oxford men with somo brains and a little capital. Mr Sydney Rathbone may remain in the colony. He goes up the Kaipara to Mr Harry Mc- Murdo's, and will very likely join that gentleman in some farming enterprise presently. Mr Herbert Rathbone brings letters of introduction from Lord Derby, Hon. Evelyn Ashley, Sir W. McArthur, M.P., and others of our leading politicians. Frozen Meat-New Zealand Leads the Van.

The frozen meat market is not by any means brisk just now, and ~jd is about the top price realised for the best sheep. During the past week the superiority oi New Zealand mutton over Australian has been clearly and gloriously demonstrated. Two ships, laden with mutton, have recently arrived in London—the Tongariro, from Lyttelton, and the Cuzco, from Melbourne. Each vessel has brought the finest mutton available, and both cargoes have been dis charged in perfect order. W rhen the meat was sold in Smithfield Market the price of the New Zealand sheep averaged from 5d to "ijd, whilst the Australian carcases fetched 4td to _.}d. From this it will be seen that the New Zealand mutton has beaten the much belauded meat sent home in tho Cuzco by Ad per lb. The victory of the New Zealand mutton is all the more complete because the meat sent, home by tho Cuzco was specially picked out for size and quality, in order to compete with the sheep from Otago and Canterbury. As for the River Plato mutton, that is left far behind. Tho meat seemi to be good, and is generally in very good condition, but tho cargoes always consist of all sizes of sheep, ami consequently the prices realised range from MA\d to sd. The Florida's bad meat had a temporary effect on the market, but prices hardened again. The Tongariro's mutton will all be cleared out by Monday.

New Zealand Trout in London.

The specimens of trout sent over by the Tongariro arrived in first rate order, and have been exhibited in several shops in London, naturally attracting a good deal ol attention.

SPORTING NEWS.

Hawke's Bay J.C. Spring Meeting.

The following weights were declared last night for the two principal events of the Hawke's Bay Spring Meeting :—

Spring Handicap of 200sovs. Distance, 11 mile. stlb st lb Laonata .. ..9 0 Tigredia .. ..7 1 Emir Bey.. ..8 9 Miss Dargon .. 7 0 Normanby 8 2 First Water . 7 0 Administrator .. 8 0 .Marksman .. Gl2 Speculation .. 712 Rifleman.. .. 612 Armourer .. 711 Gabble .. GlO Tally-ho .. ..78 Abraham .. ..68 Laurel . ..7 7 Yankee .. .. G 7 Hayard .. ..7 7 The Arrow ..6 7 Pearl .. ..7 6 Martha .. ..6 6 Forerunner .. 7 5 Laet Chance ..6 5 Parvenue.. ..7 4 Handicap Hcrdle Race of 75sov_. Two miles. st lb at lb Loch Lomond .. 12 0 Kincraig .. ..9 7 Minuet ..10 12 Denbigh .. ..9 1 Scrutineer . 10 9 Sir William ..9 0 Pastime .. .. 10 0 Notice of Motion 9 0 Wild Dayrell .. 912 Steeldust.. ..9 0 Blackbird.. .. 9 10 Breeze ..9 0 Wideawake .. 9 7 Blueskin .. ..90 Flying Scud ..97

Epsom Race Meeting,

The following arc the handicaps for the two principal events of tho Epsom Meeting, whicti takes place on Saturday, SOth inst. :—

Hurdles.—Otara, list 71b: Claude, list 71b ; Sator, list; General. lOst 101b ; Buttercup, lost 101b ; Mulcahy Bros., lOst 101b; Fred Kelly. lOst 101b: Billy Spratley. lOst 101b ; Ayrim. lOst 71b. Hanmcap Trot.—Millie, scratch: Rambler, 250 yards; Castaway, 350 yards; Magcie, 100 yards; Beeswing, 130 yards; Steamer,_3oyards.

CHARGE OF WILFUL FIRE RAISING.

(by telegrapu—press association.)

New Plymouth, this day. The adjourned inquest on the burning of Charnock's house in ISB3 was concluded last evening. Several additional witnesses were called, and the jury returned the fol lowing verdict: —" The jury are of opinion that the premises of George Charnock, in St. Auburn-street, were wilfully set fire to on the 29th January, ISS3 ; and the evi dence points to Mrs Charnock as the guilty party." The jury added a rider to the effect that great credit was due to Sergeant- Major Pardy for the skill he had shown in bringing out the evidence after so long a time had elapsed since the fire. The Coroner committed Mrs Charnock for trial on a charge of arson, and Mr Charnock was remanded, as Mr Pardy stated he would have to bring both prisoners before another Court on other charges.

MINING NEWS.

(BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

j Thames, this day. Electric Lioiit for Battery.—Mr Bull, owner of the battery at Karaka Creek, purposes illumining his works with the electric light. He has written Home for the requisites of ton 20-candle power in candescent lights, and intends driving tho dynamo by means of a small pclton water wheel. D.trt.—The drive' on tho Alfred leader, in which an improvement was reported yes terday, has advanced eastward of all the workings at higher levels. That leader is intact to the surface, a fact whicli will en hance the importance of anything found.

New Masckap.—Operations will be com menced within a few days by driving the constant battery level towards the Waiotahi boundary.

Caledonian* Low Level.—The prospect ing tunnel has advanced 22 feet during the week, and is now GSO feet in length. A button of lOdwts. melted gold, obtained from the recent trial crushing, has been assayed, and found to be worth 55s 3d per ounce.

Adelaide.—Williams, tributer, crushed 13 loads for 17ozs. Sdwts.

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

" STRncK Oil " attracted another good audience last evening, although the weather proved unfavourable. The performance was a great success, and, as on previous occasions, loud applause was frequently called forth by the numerous fine features of the drama. " Struck Oil " will be re peated to-night for the last time. "The Woman of the People " is in active prepara tion, and will be produced at an early date.

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(BY TELEGRAPH.-SPECIAL REPORTER.)

Welli.n-uto.v, this day.

The Opening Scene,

Th__e was a large attendance of Legislative Councillors yesterday afternoon to hear the speech by His Excellency the Governor. The galleries were crowded, the fair sex being numerously represented. Extra pro vision w;i_ made for ladies on the floor of the House, and some of them found their way into the press gallery. Lady and Miss Jorvois and Miss Tanner, each of whom carried a large bouquet of violets, occupied seats to the left of His Excellency's chair. A Guard of Honour, composed of Wellington and Petone Naval Artillery was drawn up in front of the entrance. Immediately be fore 2 o'clock the firing of a salute by the Wellington Artillery apprised the expectant multitude of the fact that His Excellency had left Government House. He arrived in his carriage a few minutes before two, at tended by Major Eccles, A. D.C., in military uniform ; Mr Pennefather, Private Secre tary, in tho uniform of the Civil Service • Colonel Pearce ; and the Danish and Portu guese Consuls. His Excellency was aiso in uniform, and woro the insignia of the Orders of St. Michael and St. George. Sir William having taken his seat, the usual message was sent to the members of the Lower House requesting their attendance, and they came trooping up in a body, headed by the Sergeant-at-Arms, bearing the mace; and Sir G. Maurice O'Rorke, the Speaker, at tired in his robes. Sir Julius Vogel was not present with his colleagues, having re mained in the Lower House awaiting their return. The speech was read by His Excel lency sitting, and copies of it had, for greater accuracy, been handed to the Speaker of each House. The gubernatorial party left the Chamber, and were followed by members of the House of Representatives, and a rush was made for the other Chamber.

In the Lower House,

In the Lower House no time was lost in the commencement of business. Thero was a perfect deluge of petitions from all parts of the colony, Auckland being parti cularly well represented. Numerous notices of bills, requests for returns, &c., followed fast upon each other. The most important measure of which notice was given was for the abolition of plurality of voting at general elections. Both Sir George Grey and Ml" Barron moved in this direction, but the former catehingthe Speaker's eye first, obtained tho precedence. Members having eased their minds concerning the minor responsibilities, settled down com fortably to listen to a repetition of the Go vernor's Speech from the Speaker. This formality having been concluded, the Standing Order relative to the mode of addressing the House was, on the motion of the Premier, suspended, in the case of Sir Julius Vogel, to enable him to speak from his seat, and he then delivered the statement which is telegraphed to you. The adjourn ment till to-morrow was agreed to imme diately after he ceased speaking.

Cost of Returns,

Mr Hur3t has lost no time in redeeming one of the promises made to his constituents, Numerous returns were asked for at yester day afternoon's sitting, and when the list ol: applicants had been exhausted, Mr Hurst gave notice for a return showing the cost to the country of all previous returns supplied to the House excepting those prepared at the request of the Government; and also the names of members by whom they have been applied for. Mr Hurst's idea is that there is a large useless expenditure involved in the preparation of returns which are un necessary, and not worth the trouble cf compilation.

Alienation of Lands Bill,

The Alienation of Lands Bill regarding which Mr Moss gave notice of his intention to ask, is a measure to restrict the power of the people to settle on permanently lockedj up land, and to put all land under the same conditions as it is under the Land Transfer Act. Mr Moss has devoted his attention to this matter for several sessions past.

Fire Brigade Competition.

The fire brigades of tho colony, twenty five in number, have petitioned the House, through tho Hon. the Premier, for a grant of money to provide prizes for a fire brigade competition, which thoy intend to hold in Christchurch next January. It is proposed to hold the competition annually, the team from each brigade consisting of five men. The contests will consist in the working of detachments and appliances in accordance with approved methods for speedy action in case of fire alarm. Allowances being made to Volunteers for firing, etc., it is submitted that firemeft, upon whom a great responsi bility rests, are equally entitled to considera tion.

Gold Duty,

One of several petitions presented by Mr Seddon, from Kumara miners, should excite sympathy in Auckland district. They com plain that the mining fees and the duty of two shillings per ounce charged on gold exercise almost a prohibitive effect on mining in many parts of the colony, and pray that the tax be removed. If this were done they say that capital would be more freely applied to the opening up of districts which at present languish for want of development.

Te Fake Settlement.

Some interesting information on the man ner in which special settlements are formed in England is contained in the petition of Messrs Elkin and Bragge which was pre_ sented yesterday afternoon by Mr Peacock." The petitioners state that when they de termined to come to the colony they were recommended to see Mr Vesey Stewart, He did so, and on his assurance regarding the prosperity of Te Puke Settlement, pur chased a block of land there at £3 per acre. When they reached their destination they discovered that Hairini Bridge was not built, and things were generally in such a backward state that Bragge sent his baggage and family straight back to Ire land, whither he followed them, while Elkin took up his residence at Home Bay, Pon sonby. They both claim that as they paid full market value for the land, and that as they were unable to comply with the re quirements of the Act regarding improve ments, these conditions should be waived, and a title issued to them.

Votes Recorded at the Election,

One of the returns submitted to the House yesterday afternoon gives some in teresting figures relative to the polling at the recent election. There are altogether 117,686 names on the electoral rolls of the colony out of a population, as per 1881 census, of 482,019. The number of votes polled at the elections was 74,672, of which. 42,40S were for successful and 32,264 for defeated candidates. Scarcely more than one-half of the possible votes were recorded, there being 123,202 names on the roll in districts where the elections were contested, and 14,484 in districts where there was no contest.

Civil Service Examinations.

It will be interesting to a good many people to know that since the establishment of the Civil Service Examination Board in 1569, a total number of 1,800 candidates have presented themselves for examination, of whom 85S passed. The least number who went up was 11, in 1871, and the greatest, 222, in 18S0. The first half of the present year shows a falling off, only 98 having presented themselves, one-half passing. It will be remembered that the literary prizes of £10 and £5 were not awarded last year, none of the three papers on " Pauperism, and the duties of the State in regard to it," being considered sufficiently meritorious. This year a prize of £25 is offered for the best essay on "The land laws, and their effects socially and economi cally upon the condition of the people."

Immigration Returns.

It appears from the returns that the Government have been taking advantage of_ the direct steam service to facilitate the conveyance of immigrants. Twenty-six trips were made from London by immigrant ships during the year ended 30th of June, and of these only seven were by sailing ships. Only steam boats have been em ployed this year. The number of souls brought out during the twelve months was 0,207, of whom 2,909 were English, 1,813 Scotch, and 1.35G Irish. Their distribution was as follows:—Otago, 1,727 ; Auckland, 1.38S ; Canterbury, 1,294; Wellington, 1,132; Hawke's Bay, 337; Marlborough, 130 ; Nelson, 92 ; Taranaki, 92; Westland, 09. The passage money paid during the twelve months amounted to £81,973, and the cash received in the colony for nomin ated immigrants to £11,620. Of 110,686 immigrants who have been brought out since IS7I, 32,554 went to Otago, 30,350 to Wellington, while Auckland shared only to the extent of 15,015, being less than one half of the additions made to the Otago and Canterbury populations.

Dr. Pollen's Pension.

A batch of correspondence has been laid on the table re Dr. Pollen's pension. Dr. Pollen put in a claim for a pension at the rate of' £418 15s yearly, from July, 1872, to October, 1876, while he was holding office as Minister. Mr Dick, Colonial Secretary, replies that Dr. Pollen had himself waived his claim to a pension during that period,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAI AUGUST 20, 1884



Special Advertisements. DR. C. NEWBERRY COBBETT, M.8., M.G., lU'lXl-UKGH (Late Resident Physician. Accoucheur, iioti nda Ho.pitrtl. Hnlilin. ,".-('.. Sec). ALFRED-STREET. ALBERT PARK, Near Choral Hall. Hours, ob Consultation*. At Home: 0-11 a.m., ti-7. and 3-9 p.m. At Mr Aickin's Pharmacy, Queen-street: 12-1, and 4-5 p.m. Special pmctice in Midwifery and Diseases of Women and Children. e»- XT E W m I E E D S. U qINeW IWEEDS. H. L. POSSENISKIE fe Begs to announce the completion ot his *" 61 WINTER IMPORTATIONS, . m. Consisting ol Z. ALL THE LATEST NOVELTIES < WORSTEDS AND TWEEDS '" $_■ In the Home Markets. > O pr _ a L. POSSENISKIE, H IMPORTER, i. SHORTLAND-ST., AUCKLAND, f* BALANCE OP WINTER STOCK os {CURLS' and LADIES' VELVETS BLACK CLOTH JACKETS BLACK CLOTH and CASHMERE DOLMANS MEN'S WATERPROOF COATS BOYS' and YOUTHS' OVERCOATS To be CLEARED at 15 to 20 Per Cent DISCOUNT. Velveteens, In Slate and Olive, 2s 6d yd.; worth 3_ M Lot of Good Coloured Silk Velvets, various shades,._ 6d yd.; worth 6s 8d 200 White Linen Damask Tablecloths, 3a 6d. 36 M, 4s 6d. Os 6d ; worth double Large Lot New Pattern Floorcloths, all widths Qrcat Variety in Remnants, marked low Having a Large Stock of Dress Goods, have Re duced a large lot to very Low Prices, from 3jd Wido Navy Cashmere, Is 2_d yd. Men's Strong Tweed Ceata, 7a 6d Bray Calico, Zd yd. (8276 WORTH of WAREHOUSE SAMPLES Just Received, In Great Variety, will be sold C___P. WILLIAM R. BRIDGIHAN, lUI.CTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Upper Queen-street. DR. WILKIN S, F. R. C. S. CONSUI/TINO AND OPERATING SURGEON. Is at his Surgery for General Practice, also Eye, Ear, and Throat Diseases, Mornings, Afternoons, and Evenings.



Consultation Fees very Moderate. Dr. WtLKI-TS spent seven years at Moorcflelds Eye Hospital, London, under Messrs Bowman and Cricfiett, two at Throat Hospital, London, seven tears Honorary Surgeon Albert Hospital, and eight years at Eye, Ear, and Throat In flrmary.Melbourne. Aqiustsspectacles to sights. —Consulting Rooms, Queen-street (near Post office), AUcklaid. -prIPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT. CONTINUANCE OF OUR GREAT WINTER CLEARING SALE. We besr to announce that in order to effect an ENTIRE CI__.RA_.OE, , E HAVE FURTHER- REDUCED OUR ALREADY VERY LOW PRICES, And that we are now offering our IMMENSE STOCK AT A LOWER RATE Than ilmilar Goods have ever been Bold at in Auckland before. In our CLOT-HING DEPARTMENT especially SWEEPING REDUCTIONS have been made, And we are now soiling all descriptions of MEN'S TROUSERS AND VESTS, SUITS AND MERCERY, Sc„ PAR UNDER COST. The present, an opportunity vory rarely offered of Setting tho very Best Quality of Goods at - U«v»ry Lowest Price, should be eagerly taken advantage Of. Note thk Addbess — T r-IOSG-KAVE AND pO., 204 AND 206, QUEEN-STREET CHKISTOFLE AND CIE, PARIS, Makers of Finest PLATEDWARE of all kinds, FORKS and SPOONS heavily platod on hard, white metal. CHRIBTOFLE mahes only ONE QUALITY, the very best known. Each pieoo ooaranteed by tho name ChrihtO-'M:, and the weight of silver thereon stamped. Buyers wanting good valno are ad •viaod to'get CHUISTOKLK'9 PLATE. Wholesale Agency— 100. KUzaboth-atroet. Melbourne. QBE D POTATOES' ►3 SEED POTATOES! For Sale, ex Tabawera :— _A? 8^ 1E™ KYPOTf' OEB SHEPHERD'S P.N.. EYES BRHEBEBB PROLIFIC. t: Also, SN TONS GOOD EATING POTATOES •-• t „ ONIONS. I . DAVIES. MoMILLAN & CO., CUHTOMBBTHKKT,



Special Advcrtisciueuts. M k Alf red Smith, ARCHITECT IFki.low of the Royal Ixstitutk), HAS REMOVED TO 18, SHORTLAND-STREET. TAMES S LATO X tl (Eight V'ears Draughtsman Railway Department), ARCHITECT AND MECHANICAL & GENERAL URAUGHI.- M IN, ILLUMINATOR, Sec, Sec Coombes'- Chambers, Queen-stbEet. Residence : St. George's Bay Road, 1 a™eU. Agent for A. Dodman. Engineer, Lynn, Norfolk. Contractors' Quantities taken out. qT_cTAL ANNOUNCEMENT. Genuine Sale of Men's and Boys' Clothing for 11 days only.-J. FERNANDEZ. Clothier. New ton beiii;,' very much over-'.tnrkeii. is now hold ing a Clearing Sale, and the following: Prion Ust defies competition:-Men's good Twned Suits 15s, former price v.'m ; Men'i .iron;: T'.ve.il Trou sers and Vests lOsliil, former price IS _:d; Mens Working Tweed Trim, era 5s lid, former price Ss lid ; Men's si roni;.Vori-iiv- Shirts Is rd, former price -s._ : Men's Shepherd I'l .id Shirrs Us lid, former price os fid ; .Men's sironu- Flannel -1-nw ers 3s lid. former prico 5s tid : Men's large size Flannol Shirts 3s lid. former price. 5s Bd : Men s Merino Undershirts and Pants Is lid, former prioe 2a lid; really good Macintosh CoatalOaGd. former price 15s Bd; Men's strong Tweed Over coats 21s, former price 10s : Boys' strong Tweed Suitsss lid. former price _s tid; strong Tweed for boys' wear Is 3d, former price 2s; Men s Black Felt Hats 2s lid, Beys' ditto Is lid.—lm portant to Working-men : Only IS1) pairs ot Men's Coloured -Mob- Trousers at Is fid.—Please note the address: FERNANDI _, Draper and Clothier, Karangnhnpe Road, Newton. "WE FURNISH HOUSES THROUGSIOUT. GARLICK Se CR AN WELL'S I is thk I CHEAP FURNISHING WAREHOUSE. JUST OPENED. Beautiful Assortment BRUSSELS TAPESTRY, ANI) KIDDERMINI3TER CARPETS. SPLENDID LOT BEDSTEADS, Just Received, IRON AND BRASS, NICKEL-PLATED. (*ARLICK AND riRANWELL, FURNISHING j WAREHOUSE, i QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. j i -vr o x i c k. OUR PREMISES will be CLOSE D TO-M0 ERO W, In order to prepare the BANKRUPT STOCKS FOR SALE. SAMUEL COOMBES * CO., QUEEN-STREET. THE SNAKE ROOT REMEDY j for RHEUMATISM and GOUT-The Cimicifuga (Actea Racemos»)or Black SNAKE HOOT has been long celebrated AS A HHEUMATISM REMEDY. THIS PREPARATION IS THE MOST CERTAIN IN ITS EFFECTS. AND RARELY FAILS TO AFFORD RELIEF OR EFFECT A BORE. 6s'. PER BOTTLE, AT k\C_H'S. IHi . H£r\»_.C<." aPPOSI _ B.H* o? _i. <__tts st



CATARRH OF THE BLADDER.-_iu_:i>_ imt*. j tion, infl-raniatlon, all Kidiu.y and ain_.il.-ir ..m.lal.iT.-, _un.il l,j j " Buchu-palba." At Dr-__iatn. ] EeuiDthuruc. Prosaer _ Co., A.eata, Auckland. I A Word to the Wise.—Wife : Edward, dear, how is it you are so fond of going to Smith's to tea lately? Husband: Because, my dear, you don't give me such nice tea, cake, or pastry as Mrs Smith. She uses Spread-Eagle Packet Tea and Buchanan's Baking Powder.— [ADVT.J ! A meeting of persons interested in t!_e i proposed Whau River regatta is to be held at , the waitemata Hotel on Friday evening, at 7.30 o'clock.



"ROUGH ON CORNS." -A., to. w_n.v's_<<_- on Coma." Quick relief, complot*. permanent euro. Cum... walta, Vu-toiu. Kcrapthonie, Paoaaer _ Co., Ajeats. Au-_uid.