SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

htcitt TD-iTwi. /This Evening, 3.17 HIGH WATER { To . morrow Morning, 3.52 BUNSET.-Thls Evening, 0.15 SUNRISE.—To-morrow Morning, 5.42 MOON'S AGE^-.New Moon, 27th, 0.14 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Macgregor, s.s., Johnson, from Whangarei Waiapu, schooner, Nicolas, from Gisborne

DEPARTURES.

Qlonelg, s.s., Stephenson, for Tauranga Rowena, s.s„ Norrls, for Whangarei

IMPORTS.

PerOceola, from Newcas.lc-3ls.tonacoal.

EXPORTS.

Por Kate McGregor, for Rurutu: 58 cases geneva, 95 bags sugar, 70 bags rice, 11 kegs butter, ISO boxes soap, 150 cases preserved meats, 30 coses biscuits, 116 cases onions, 13 eases bottled beor, 10 sacks Hour.

Inwards Coastwise.—Coralio, from Mercury Bay, with 2C,093ft timber; Violet, from Thames, with 17,000 ft. sawn timber: Lagoon, from Wha ngarei. with 23,190 ft, timber.

Outwards Coastwise.—Vlolot, for Thames; Mana, for Tairua; Wild Duck, for Thames; Lagoon, for Thames.

Tho sohoonor Fanny Thornton left Hokianga left Auckland yesterday.

Tho schoonor Kate McGregor cleared at tho Customs thi.. morning for Rurutu.

The Now Zealand Shipping Company's barque Deva loft London for this port on February 4.

The barque Bella Mary is daily expected at the Thames from Newcastle with a cargo of coal.

Tho brigantino Oceola, which arrived from Nowcaatlo late yesterday afternoon, brought as cassongors Mr and Mrs lviornan and family 0).

Tho Echooner Waiapu arrived from Glshorno, via East Coast porta this morning, with 483 bags maize, 30 bags bones, 15 hales wool, 21 bogs fungus, 8 pigs. Passengers:—Mrs Nicolas.

Tho direct stoamor Fonstanton, which ar rived at Wellington yesterday, mado the paa sago from London in 62 days. She was, how ever, detained Aye days in tho English Channel by tho henvy fogs. Sho brlnga 2,300 tons of cargo, of which l,iioo tons Is for Otago.

The s s. Macgregor arrived from Whangarei at 10 0.111. to-day with 350 cases fruit, 55 bags gum, 8 hhds. ale, 6 casks tallow, 10 bundles skins and 4 tons sundries. Pnßsengets: Rev. J. P. Hewlett, McLcod, Pitt, McDougal, Burnham, and 3 steerage.

The schooner Cleaner, a vessel of 115 tons register, owned by Captnln Cross, late of tho schoonor Kenllworth, is duo horo from Fiji. She is in charge of Captain Urquhart

Tho following vessels woro at Whangarei Heads when tho Macgrogor loft last evening :— Rovonue schooner Hawk, ketchos Reliance and Lucy Jano, and cutter Fawn. Tho throe latter aro bound for this port with coal.

UNION STEAMSHIP COMPANY.

Tho following are tho movements of the Union Company's steamers, arranged for the ensuing week: —To arrive : Tarnwera, from Taranaki. Saturday. 3 p.m.; Southern Cross, from Gisborno, Sunday; Kotorua, from Tara naki, Sunday, 7 a.m.; Tarnwora, from South, Monday, 10 a.m.; Penguin, from Fiji, Tues day ; Klngarooma, from Sydney, Tuesday; Tarawera, from Itusscll, Wednesday, B a.m.; Takapuna, from Taranaki, Wednesday, 6 p.m. To Lk.vve: Takapuna, for Taranaki, Saturday, 5 p.m.; Tarawera, for Russell, Monday, 5 p.m. Southern Cross, for South, Monday, 6 p.m.; Rotorua, for Taranaki, Tuesday, 9 a.m.; Penguin, for Timaru, Tuesday, 6 p.m.; Ringa rooma, for Sydnoy, Wednesday, 2 p.m.; Tara wera, for South, Thursday, noon ; Takapuna, for Taranaki, Thursday, 10 a.m.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day. — Sailed: lona. Pas senßprs .-Messrs Hall. 'Webster. Scott, Miss Whlto and othew.. Tho woaUier is still bad' Out the wind is hauling to the northward. Wellington, yesterday. —Sailed: Rotorua. tor tho JNorth. Passengers: Mcsdames Grant _____v i,r.°B an> Messrs Day, Tumor, Johnston. Jlathgato. Itoss, Walnott. Somorville, KcKenzio, anaw. J rands, Symons, and Master Grant. _____ ,J 10"; 1BT: fhursday.-Arrived: Huapchu. s.s., Pl^^n^cndotKfla.m. Sho leaves lor Auckland Voyage of tho'Attsh King. CnniSTcnoncn, this day.—THSlw Zealand Shipping Company have received the'Jpwing cable message :— " London, Februnry ,(_h— British King advised all wellat Madeira G p.n February S. She will bo in timo for the coming wool sale. Refrigerator worked well, and moat is in primev condition."

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Oflico, this day. Messrs Hunter and Nolan's Report.— Horses: Last weok's remarks will apply to the transactions of this weok, with the exception that there was a slightly npward tendency in the valuo of animals of a really good stamp. At tho Durham Yards, on Friday, there was a good muster, and superior hacks changed hands at £35. For ordinary animals prices fluctuated; but, on the average, there was no noteworthy alteration in value.. Wool, hidoa, and skins: -Wool unaltered in value. Woll-woolled skins had a BlighU-y upward tendency, and sold at: For hides, 3d to 3id; skins, lid to 2s lOd. Cattle: Tho supply has scarcely been so large as usual, but the demand has been slack, and consequently tho previous week's prices wero barely maintained for all descriptions. At Newmarket, -on Tuesday, there was a fair muster of fat beasts, many of which wore of vory good q_i__u»j., hnt prices woro lower than on tho provioao weok. Good dairy cows were worth more money, and stores unaltered in value, but few of the latter being yarded. Shoop: Notwithstanding that the number yarded was bolow tho avorago, thore was a visible decline In tho value of wethers, which were generally Insufficiently fatted for tho requirements of the butchers. Ewoa wore relatively Wgh«v and many moro young owes oould ho.v»fcocn plaoed to advantage. Lambs wero plentiful and lower In value, tho top price holms 12s 3d X Plga scarce Good, young storo pigafonnd purchasers at high prices.

BANKS AND CO..V, WEEKLY REPORT. At Parawai on lliursday, fat cattle wero In avorago supply, a greater proportion than usual boing cowa. "-.hose of good quality made 2is 6d per lOOlha ; plainer sorts, 21s and upwards. Very Few sheep and lambs were oflbred, river boats not arriving in time. Thoso penned were in ferior ; alioop brought lis oooh; lamba, 98 to 10s.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKET.

Farm and Dairy Produce. — Wholesale : Butter, fresh, lOd; Butter, salt, 7d to 9d; Cheese, good local, lid to sd; Canterbury, do., od to Od ; Eggs, per doz., Is 6d; Lard, per bladder, 7d; Bacon and Hams, Provincial, 6d to 8d; Hams, 8d to 9d: Canterbury Ham and Bacon. Bd, in oloth; Hams only, lid; Jams, per caso, sdez-„ £117s 6d to £1 18s 3d; Honey in bulk, 4d por lb. Retail: Buttor, fresh Is; salt do., lOd to. 1b; Cheese, colonial, 9d to lOd; Eggs, per doz.,. Is 9d;: Lard, por lb, 8d to 9d; Bacon, per lb, 103 ito Is; Hams,do.,lstols4d.

Flour Market. — Wholesale —_ Superfine flour, silk drossod, por ton, £1310s; 6a, do, house, hold, £1210a; hundreds, sa; flf tica, iQiperton extra* sacks and bags free; Southern dp, £11 to £1110a; bran,per ton.sacksincluded, lcpal,£sloa; South ern, do, £5; sharps, £5 .'£&.; cabin bread, do £18; oatmeal, do, £1310sj maize, 3sfld to 3a3d i: oats. 23 Od; potatoes, £\ per ton; pearl barley, do, £21 to £21; bread, j^aib loaf, 3Jd.

Kauri Gom, Fi^-vx, &a—The market con tlnues firm. Wo. qi^pte:—Ordinary, £32 to £37 ;; good'ordinare, £38 to £12, superior, £13 to £JS ; East "Coast, _55ji to £58; produce for February, 330 tons; Has per ton, £18 to £21; tow, do., £7 to £9; fungus per lb. 2Jd to 3d; cocoanut fibre per owt, 5a tolTs! beeswax, 9d to lQd lb, Coai, and Firewood Mabket.—Coal: r New. I castlO (ship's side), 28s to 30s per- ton; yard, 32s to 355; Bay of Islands, at yards, % 26s (id; screened, 30a fid; ditto at the. mine, 13a^: ship's sido, 2Gs; Walkato, Bs, to, 12s; in- Auckland, 183 to 225; Kamo, 125.. per ton. at. loading groundj Taupiri at _alne,Bs6d ; to 12s;: at vara, 18s 6d to22s: Whapgarel, at mine, 9a. Cd; yard (steam), 17s; household, 21s; delivered!. 235. Firewood: Uncut c& wharf (cargo), 9s.to Jos per ton; dollvered, 14?; cut, 17s to 18s.

Building Materials.—Timber: Boar_Sa.aa_a soahtllng, 100 ft, nest, 14s; second-class, 8s; best, planed, toitened, and grooved, firstolasa, Ms rae-ffifc Hs; second ditto. 10s 6cL. Mills: Cargo,he_it,il-l; sccond-olass.Ee Bd; baulk. 8s Bd. Now Zealand palings, sft (sap), 10s •> 5_K (heart), 13a; Oft: lis: tl-tree rails, £3 10s per 100; puriri Boats. £6 10s to £7 10s; shingles. IBs. por 1,000; Hobart palings, s£t, 21s; Oft; 223* Hobart rails, 00s, soiling quotations. Bricks (p_t Avondalo), 10a per 1,000; town yards,sos to 55s ;;__olivored,sss to 00a. Drain pipes (at works), per-100 (B inches boro), 10s; 4 inches, lis; 3 inches,9s; 2 inch®, £2 10s per 1,000; socket glazed.pipes, 19 inches; 2a Od por feot; 15 inches, 2a per-root; 12 inches. Is 0d per foot; 9 inches, Is pw itoot; 6 inchos, 6d por foot; i inchos, 4d per foot. MANURES.-Bonodust. Sy.ttJioy, £710s to £810s, according- to quality; bonpliour,£9los; Auokland £7 to £8 10a; Peruvian, guano, £18; Maiden. ißland. £8; Huon giiswJ, small lots, £5 to *&,. bags included; Huist'a chemical manure, £141 10s.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Fehruary 22. 1881,

Abbott's Opera House—Royal' Comlo Opera Company. 7.15 p.m.

Wollesloy - street Baptist School - Room- Mutual Improvement Class Entertainment, 8 p.m.

Ponßonby Rowing Club—Special Meeting In Club Hotel, 7.30 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1881.

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

The news that Gordon Pasha had pro claimed to the disaffected Soudanese that the slave trade would in future bo allowed has evoked a storm of indignation in Eng land and throughout Europe generally. The London "Standard" calls upon Mr Gladstone's Government to repudiate tho action of General Gordon, and generally there aro indications that this portion of the proclamation, now proved to be literally correct, is meeting with warm condemna tion. Mr Gladstone, who at first doubted the accuracy of the telegram, will in all proba bility at once and in the most un equivocal manner repel the accusation that the British Government are conniving at the slave trade. British influence has for many years been oxerted towards the ex tinction of that disgraceful traffic in the Soudan, and it would bo intolerable if a single step should now bo takon which would liavo tho effect of giving oven the show of sanction to tho degrading trade. One of tho chief reasons which led to British interference in the Soudan was the consideration that by firmly establish ing Egyptian rule they would bo nblo to strike at the source of the slave supply, and it may appear to some people that Gordon Pasha's action is a complete reversal of the declared policy of Britain, as well as being utterly repugnant to English ideas. How over that may be, it is not clear how the proclamation is to be revoked unless by re calling General Gordon, who was sent on this special mission, invested with full powers as Governor of the Soudan, and authorised to make terms with the people. His instructions are to abandon the Egyptian authority over a great part* of the Soudan, and establish a more defensible frontier. Much as we deplore tho authorisation of traffic in human beings, we cannot but think that the recall of Gordon Pasha would have more disastrous consequences than his pro clamation can possibly entail. Slavery in the Soudan is a time-honoured institution, and though nominally abolished in 1857 by Said Pasha, the Egyptian Viceroy, has been carried on with out intermission up to the present time. To proclaim that the people would be allowed to do openly that which the Egyptian Government were powerless to prevent, can do no harm; and if the Turkish and Egyptian demand for slaves were cut off, the infernal traffic would shortly cease. On the other hand, it is evi dent that all attempts to conciliate the Soudanese would prove abortive if they failed to recognise this social institution ; and detestable though that institution may be, General Gordon has simply bowed to necessity in agreeing to tolerate it. If General Gordon should now be recalled, there will be no alternative but for Britain to undertake a difficult and useless war in Upper Egypt. The Coneervativo or "Jingo" party desire a British Protectorate over the entire country or its complete an nexation, and hence, as a means to that end, willmakethomostof the sillycry that Britain is abetting slavery. Surely the past history of British rule everywhere is sufficient to repel the insinuation, and to create con fidence that wherever British power be comes established Blavery must cease. Gordon Pasha's intention, it is plain, is '. restrict the area of disaffection, weaken iW

False Prophet's cause, and secure his ultimate defeat. Tho proclamation which ho has issued refers only to Kordofan, a provinco at tho cxtrcmo south - western boundary of tho Soudan, and by making El Mahdi Sultan of that district ho hopes, doubtless, to obtain a friondly recognition of tho new Egyptian boundary. Tho cost of ruling the turbulent tribes of cquatoria Africa comprised in the Soudan would bo more than their territory is worth. Hence tho necessity for pacifying Kor dofan, nnd placing tho Mahdi in possession of it on friondly terms with Egypt; and Gordon Pasha doubtless thinks such a con summation cheaply purchased by the con cession to its amiable inhabitants of their cherished right to buy and sell each other. In doing this he represents Egypt, and not England : the authority of the Khedive is still fully recognised as tlio only legitimate Government in Egypt, nnd England, there fore, is in no way compromised or stultniou in hor efforts coputdowntheslave trade intho Soudan. Gordon Pacha commanded ani ex pedition into Africn.fittedout by the Khedive, hi 1873, and was rewarded for his services by tho appointment of Govornor ol tlio Provinces of tho Equatorial Lakes. In 1877 he was appointed by tlio Khcdivo Govornor of tlio whole of the Soudan, so that he is not only thoroughly familiar with tho condition nnd habits of the population, but also possesses thoir con fidence.

.To-morrow's Star Sui-it.emkst will con tain : — Random Shots, by " Zainiol " ; " Mistress and Maid, a Story of St. Yalou tino's Day;" " Neck or Nothing," a talo by Helen W. Piorsoii ; continuation of tho interesting serial, "A Woman's Faith;" "Social, Theatrical, and Literary Gossip by our London Correspondent;" "Attacked by nn Octopus—a Divot's Struggle in tho Hold of a Sunkon Vessel;" "A Grim Lighthouse Story ;" "Thrilling Adventures with a Shark :" " Tho Garden ;" " Field Sports and Aquatics;" "Army, Navy, and Volunteers," &c, &c.

Tho salo of liquor in brothels, it is stated, is carried on in tlio most iflUuushing manner. Once or twico a wool-'V' lower's cart stops boforo tho door ot imi-'Y tho notoriousßokoby-stroct ost»h}i#netfj .. •">" tho driver carries in, without -Hit! '*lft»litest nttompt at disguiso, two hirgo -totes 't-b^ look suspiciously like ww of ' v ''A?Aq Tonnont. Tho polir-o, 'If only !' ,' ;)ie ;„. terests of tho licensed vlct*llo^ ioul ,] n()t relax thoir endeavor-- -'"ul W - tv :„ entirely purged of it num_pr" H ,, L OK shops

— / Tho operations of HioA of Js , ft| , dg C oal Company during tho', * , ialf . yoar havo been anything but *rf ™ * ho ~m ro. holdors, the accouuV'" ...i ~< tin-meet ing this afternoon/1. 8 S on tho _.alf.yeur's/Bh°w^ :l l0 r t lis been determined to ,y. operations. It ha been 13s te 13s6dpe/"S0 the Py'W « 7^,, .T since tho M^i^^nho year. These decisions nro «£""» ~ , ~..r rv tho Company through the '/pected to l; l". y„itliout loss, and if prosjbofoxt lulll; yV ltf irovo then, It is proposed <fc' X' lo ''"?,. increaso the prico of 'foil. , vuco wages, or to abandon fls* '?"' Application is to bo made to th" Wornment for assistance to boro foi-'rti' 1, it boitig understood that the cnuso of t'hJ loaa " the giving-out of caul, which doc; not cx»rtt in sulticiontly large bodies in tl° present seam to pay for taking it ou» '!,,°directors of tho Company have dccliipdMfi take over tho railway, und tho lino w'i'^b" I'y 1)0 opened to doop water and workfc'i'bvtho Govornmont.

Soilft.iilea.of tho state of tho shipbuilding i ;riu ],. ~i. Huu.o may bogathcredjrom tluiij ?act_t.?._"''"'-rrrtossTiiiiii niiy-nino tondors woro received !pr tho construction of a new steel .-iteumH u)r Messrs Stono Brothers, of Auckland Captain Savory, who went from hero to superintend tho building of tho vessel, appears to have arrived at a very good time. Many linns were discharging their employes on account of the scarcity of work, and thoro was consequently great competition for the work. A description of tho new steamer is published in another column.

Messrs Cousins nnd Atkin aro building extensive additions to their premises in Elliott-street. Mr Atkin, tho head of the firm, is nt present at Sydney on a visit, and is probably picking up tho most recent Aus tralian notions in his lino.

Building operations on tho recently-sub divided Surrey Bills Estate are proceeding steadily, and this district promises ero long to bo a largely populated ono. The resi- Council for aTiipply~6rwa£crTrolh V/ftCi^)' mains, as they aro not city ratepayers, but in tho Nowton Road District, and their re quest is under tho consideration of the City Waterworks Committee.

Hon. Messrs Bryce and Rolleston left Ohinemutu for Cambridge yosterday morn ing, without having been ablo to arrivo at any satisfactory understanding with tho nativos in regard to tho railway. They may possibly roach Auckland by tho Wai kato train this evening.

By last night's train from Holonsville, Constable Ingcr brought down a prisoner named Honry Palmer, who had boon com mitted to gaol for threo months for n breach of the Vagrant Act at Port Albert. Sinco committaV, anothor chargo of obtaining goods under false protonces has been lodgctl against prisoner, ho having obtained a quantity of tools and provisions at tho store of Messrs Bascombeand Co., on Fitzgerald's station, 12 milos from Port Albert.

*,Cr. Aickin's proposal to limit the delibera tions of tho City Council to 10 o'clock ex cept for businoss already entered upon, which was lost at tho meeting of the City Council last evening, is based on a rule for tho conduct of Parliamentary business, which providos that no now business shall bo entered upon after 12.30 a.m.

The architectural appearance of our main thoroughfare has been still further improved by tho completion of the handsome and im posing new premises for tho Bank of New South Wales. Mr Philcox was the contrac tor, the cost of tho building being £11,500. Messrs Armson, Collins, and Lloyd, of Christchurch, woro the architects, while Mr Edward Bnrtley, of this city, supervised tho construction of tho building. Tho interior is handsomely fitted up. Tho gas fittings, &c, which aro of the latest dosigns, woro supplied by tho Auckland Gns Company. Messrs Branston and Forstor oxocuted tho plumbing work, and Mr John Henderson the painting and varnishing. Tho mnrblo mantelpieces v.er--_ supplied by Sir Blakoy, of Victoria-sti cot. Mia the ologant iron sido entranco gates ant! other iron scroll work was turned out at Messrs Frascr and Tinne's Phccnix Foundry.

At tho Harbour Board yosterday, after tho result of tiio balloting for ongineor was made known, Mr J. M. Clark protested that tho best man had not boon appointed, and said ho would resign his seat on tho Board. Mr Aickin said an inquiry had taken placo with regard to tho present clock. It would bo just as well to know if it was anything with rogard to Mr Erringten or not. Tho Secretary said an inquiry had takon place Mr Aickin: What was tho result. Tho Secretary : Nothing. Mr Waddol said ovoryonc had a right to hold his private opinion, but ho thought it was lato in tho day to raise an objection after tho candidates had been balloted for. After somo further remarks tho discussion dropped.

The Northern Steamship Company's steamer Wellington, which has boon out of commission for sovoral months, and has undergone such extensive renovations that she is almost a now vessel, will mako her trial trip to-morrow. Tho onginos aro en tirely new, and tho alterations and im- Eroveinents to tho hull of the vessol havo eon of so extensive a character that it is just a question if it would not havo been cheaper to havo built a new vessol. Tho Wellington is considered to bo the hand somest model amongst tho list of coasting steamers, and with tho recent improvements it is believed that she will accomplish tho distance between Auckland and Tauranga in eleven hours. She will resume running on Monday next. *

Tho funeral of the late Rev. H. D. D. Sparling, 8.A., took place this morning. Tho procession, includinga hearse, mourning carriage, and followers on foot, loft the late residence of deceased at 7.45, and reached St. Sepulchre's Church at 8 o'clock, where the first portion of the Church of England burial service was read by Yon. Archdeacon Dudley, and Dr. Neales's impressive hymn, "Light's Abode, Celestial Salem," was sung by the choir, Mr V. B. Rice at the organ. A large number of friendsand neighbours of deceased stood around tho grave, including ladies from thochurchesof St. Paul's.St. Sepulchre's.and St. Barnabas's, also Revs. Dr. Purchas and J. K. Davis. The latter portion of the service at the grave was performed by Bishop Cowie assisted by Archdeacon Dudley and Rev. C. M. Nelson, M.A. When the coffin was lowered, tho choir sang the appropriate hymn, "Brief life is here our portion." Deceased was an old sett 1. r, and latterly, as long as his health -permitted, conducted the services at St. Barnabas's Church. He leaves one daughter the departure of a devoted

Included in tho cargo of the ship Bren hildn, which loft London for Auckland on Novomber 28, woro 4 bulla, valued at £4SO; 10 rams, valued at £320 ; and 35 owes, yaluod at £180. Tho total valuo of tho Bicnhildn's cargo is £40,700.

The Port Albert show, will bo held on March 1,1. A steamer is announced to run from ITolloiisvlllo, nt reduced tares, for tho conveyance of Auckland visitors

_ Tho local Insurance Companies Associa tion has again refused to contribute towards the cost of maintenance of tho Firo Brigade, and the wholo question is now under tlio consideration of the Legal Comniitteo of tho City Council. Various ideas havo beon suggested by tho city fathers with the viow ot compelling tho Insurance Companies to pay somo part of the cost, nnd ono Oounoillor has oven gone so far as to suggest tho dis bandment of the Firo Brigade

flic latest invention in copying appaintus is tho cyclostyle, which is being extensively used tor that purpose. Prom one orig'tal writing n thousand copies may bo taken in black or coloured ink, the impressions being all good. Tho inventors aro Moss-r.. George U.-iterston and Sons, Hanovor-street, Edin burgh, who supply tho cyclostyle complete m caso, including pen, paper, ink, and roller, for 21s, octavo size. For quarto and foolscap size a small extra charge is made. Iho demand for it in Scotland sooms to bo great., and when it finds its way into tho colonies it is sure to bo largely patronised. Wo constantly bear of tho scarcity of suitable dwolling-housos available for rent ing, and yet nt every mooting of tho City Council plans are approved of numbers of new houses about to bo erected on city leaseholds. Various plans were .submitted last night, nnd approval was expressed of all of these, in every instnnco tho valuo of tlio buildings being considerably abovo what is required by tho terms of lease. It was reported that over sixty building permits had been Issued during the fort night. Speculation in tho erection of dwolling-housoa should be a profitable one, seeing that rents nro ruling high, empty houses arc scarco, and something liko ono thousand now colonists aro on their way from London to Auckland. There is on exhibitionlaUhSsKbp of Mr \\. C. Oonnoa ! Un e gff!irtr OCti a skilfully "XGCM}_°d, liateWTschoonor, mado from h?' m[_^c!cAv kauri gum. Tho hull is , JJJtTnlfi'o inches in length, and all the ariose gear on tho deck is most faithfully represented. Regattas appear to bo all the rago hero just now. On St. Patrick's Day, March 17, two aro nnnouncod to tako placo, one nt Whangaroa and tho other nt Coro mandel. Tho day following brings with it tho Tauranga Regatta, thou will follow the regatta of tho Auckland Rowing Association, to bo hold during tho samo month, and after it comes tho Ponsonby annual ntiuatic festival, which has boon fixed for Easter Monday. Nor is this all. So great is tlio interest tnkon at present in aquatic sports that another ollbrt has been mado to rovlvo tho North Shore Regatta, and thero is overy probability that tho marino suburb will again como out pro minently by tho presentation of a capital programme, tho succsss of which may oven eclipso previous oll'crts.

The mode adopted by tho City Bate | Collector in tho porformanco of his duties ' Was tho subject of somo vory caustio re- ' marks at the mooting of tho City Council ' last night. It was stated that ho has beon ,; accustomed te notify ratepayers of their J indebtedness, but that if offered the amount 1 of rates on tho spot ho would refuse tore coivo tho money, telling tho debtor ro bring it down to him at tho City Council oliices. . By iho now arrangement brought into force last night, tho Collector will bein ntten.lmi.tv., £ in his oflioo duritmjMerfii.rititirr ol the day to jaei&y..frr.UTrntos, and will subsequently _ mako an outdoor collection in town, taking 1 his book with him in order to receive the f rates. Tho suggested appointment of a l cadet in this department, will not bo made.

A meeting of tho Devonport Naval Artil lery was held last evening at. tho Oddfellows' Hall, Devonport. Notwithstanding that the weather was most unfavourable, thoro -woro somo -10 membors present, including Lieutenants (!. F. .lames and R. Wynyard. Tho first business was the swoaring in of two new members, which mnko tho total number cnrollod -IS. Mr Samuel Vospcr was unanimously elected Hon. Treasurer to the Company. A rather lengthy discussion took place regarding tho question of uni forms, resulting in a resolution to send to England for them by the next outgoing 'Frisco mail. Tho sot of company rules as laid down on the Volunteer Regulations was unanimously adopted without altera tion. It was agrocd to hold a mooting on Friday, 20th inst., for tho puiposoof hav i.«.u*bec\Y'Tei]i)eseeiv"tb <ifm.iii-\_ff-fii-iL d_t» will be the last opportunity for enrolment in tho corps.

Grafton Ward is about to bo placed on an equality with other portions of suburban Auckland in the matter of a tclephono bureau. This was promised some time ago, and yesterday Mr F. J. Moss, M.H.K., received an assurance from the Telegraph Department that tho work will be proceeded with without dolay.

Tho Artillery Band will moot in the Albert I'ark to-morrow afternoon, under tho patronage of His Worship tho Mayor, should tho weather permit. The following programme has been prepared by the band master :—Potito overture, " La Recreation Musicalo" (J. Hemmerle); quadrille, "Joyous Friends " (K. Smith); selections, "Pride of Scotland," on Scotch airs-(It. Round); solo polka, "Pistonctto" (E. Marie); grandgleo, "The Forest Queen" (11. Round); selection, "Pationco, or Bun thorne's Bride " (Arthur Sullivan) ; vnlse, "Rose of England" (11. Bound); gallop, "Snow Drift" (R. Smith); "God Save the Queen."

It will bo seen from our report of tho pro ceedings at last night's meeting of tho City Council that tho salo of tho leases of build ing allotments in Cook, Albert, and Grey streets has boon deferred for tho present. This stop was taken for tho following reasons : —During tho progress of tho meet ing, tho Town Clerk stated that tho sale was to tako placo on the 26th inst., and asked if any of tho allotments wero to bo re served as a site for fresh-water baths. Cr. Montaguo suggested that the salo bo de ferred, and that negotiations bo opened for the purchase of Busby's pro perty, thus enabling the wholo of tho property boing disposed of in a block, as dono in tho caso of tho Vic toria Arcade. Cr. Oiler supported tho proposal, and suggested that something should be done to till in the hollow at tho foot of Groy-strcot, and by tho purchase of Busby's property to carry Cook-street across: from tho fit'obell. It was pointed out that tho impractibility of filling in tho Groy-strcot hollow had already boon re ported upon, and after some further discus sion tho site was postponed for tho present, notice of motion to bo given on the sub ject.

Tho bowling match at Mr Porter's American Bowling Saloon attracted a crowd of spectators last ovoning, Tho com petitors woro ilr John Green and Mr J. R. Scott, of tho Nevada. Tho betting com menced with 15 to 10 on Mr Groen, who was the favourite. Tho gnmo turned, however, in favour of Mr Scott, who gained the victory. The play was considered slow for such crack men as Green and Scott, and tho scores wero bolow tho average Ist game: Greon, 83; Scott, 57. 2nd : Green, 53 ; Scott, 82. 3rd : Greon, 75; Scot., 93. 4th : Green, 78 ; Scott, 01. sth : Groen, CO; Scott, SS. oth: Green, 52; Scott, 81. 7th : Green, 85 : Scott, 52. Bth : Greon, 53; Scott, 58. 9th: Groen, 79; Scott, 72. 10th: Green, 09 ; Scott, 78. llth: Greon, 70; Scott, 110. Mr Scott, therefore, won by 1 gamo and 40 pins. Mr Green has, we understand, issued a challenge to ropoat tho match, and it will no doubt be accepted. ' Extensive additions nro to bo mado at once to tho Lock Hospital with the object

of affording necessary accommodation, the building at present being crowdod, and medical inspoction having ceased owing to the fact that there is no room for further patients. At the meeting of the City Council last night, the Legal Committee recommended additions as reported by Mr Wade at a cost of £87. These include the addition of a servant's bedroom and a large ward which could contain six beds, and also two additional wards as a lean-to, each ward to have two bedrooms. The Mayor said this oxtension was very necessary, seeing that on last inspection day the medical officer could not go further, seeing that the accommodation was insufficient. It was known that there were now some cases out side the Hospital so bad that they would require isolation.—Cr. Crowther opposed the expenditure, and proceeded to say that now they wero getting applications for light from Ponsonby, and so it would be well to consider that there were people in tho Lock Hospital who had plenty of money and could pay for their support. —Cr. Levoro: " What lias that to do with Ponsonby."—Cr. La Roche; "They all come from there."—Cr. Crowther added that if he had been allowed to complete his remarks he would have pointed out that if they spent their money on this non-produc tivo business they would havo nothing to spend on roads, drainage, and other city works.—The additions wero agreed to.

Our weekly market price list appears in another column. Fresh butter and -eggs remain at last week's quotations, the letter being rather plentiful. On reference to the list it will bo observed that several altera tions from last quotations occur in salt butter, chocso, mnizo, oats, nnd potatoes.

It is stated that there is now £4,000 arrears of city rates. Probably this accounts for some of the numerous complaints made by burgesses that they are not on tho roll.

Wm. Montgomery Cosset, time-keopor, of St. George's Bay, was adjudged a bank rupt to-day. The assets are stated at £12, and the liabilities at £08 10s o_d.

A meeting of tho creditors of Louis Coombes, engineer, of Auckland, was held to-day at tho Supreme Court, when the bankrupt was put under examination. It transpired that tho liabilities amounted to L 77 12h, und the assets to LIS, and further that tho bankruptcy was nttributablo to tho loss of an arm at the Mercury Bay Saw mills, and tho consequent expense und loss of work.

To the Editor: Sir,—Your leader of last night tells us that tho Prince of Walos nnd many of tho lenders of public opinion in the Old Country have taken up tho question of '' Homos for the Poor." Perhaps somo kind soul might bo found to do tho samo for the city of Auckland, whore thoro arc homes to bo found that are a disgrace to humanity, and ought to bo at once abolished. Just look nt tho hovels occupied in Elliott-street. The land and buildings are owned by those who call thomselves respectablo citizons, who draw the rent for buildings not fit for pigs to live in. Perhaps if the Building Inspector had his uttontion drawn to tho buildings referred to, ho might see his way to have them removed at onco. —I am, &c, Sno»ks.

Tho congregation of St. Thomas's Church colobrato on Sunday noxt their thanks giving festival for tho ingathering of the fruits of harvest. Tlio church is being prottily docorated. Harvest sormons will bo preached by tho llov. Lloyd Keating, Sunday's collections aro to be devoted to a fund for tho improvement of St. Thomas's. About £700 are wanted for this purpose, and for tho purchaso of an organ. Tho Ficomaii'.s Hay district has mado rapid progress of Into years, and a bettor church is needed for tho increased population, (lifts of vogotables and fruit can bo loft at tho church any time beforo Sunday. Theso will bo subsequently sent to tho orphans at St. Stephen's, Parnell, and to tho Howe street Industrial Homo.

In accordance with tho law of itineracy of the Primitive Methodist Church, tho Rev. Mr Guy, for threo years pastor of tho Franklin Road Primitive Methodist Church, has left to tako the spiritual charge of the Now Plymouth congregation. His successor is tho Roy. Mr Boothroyd, who arrived bore from Invorcargill by tho s.s. To Anau on Monday lust. Last ovening a social gathering of the congregation for tho pur pose of welcoming the now minister took place at tho church. Tho inclemency of tho weather militated against tho attendance, but thoso present made up for tho paucity of their number by tho warmth of thoir wolcomo. Tea was provided by tho follow ing ladies: Mesdamos Maynard, Booth, Wock», McCarroll, Percy, and Chambors. Brief spoochos of welcome were givon by Messrs Geary, Booth, and Rout, and tho Roy. Mr Boothroyd responded feelingly. During tho evening selections of sacred music were rendered by tho church choir, Miss Booth, organist to tho church, presiding at tlio harmonium.

Woman has ever been n true help, meet

ii- man, whenever ho peonUAfttUtnr-cr to be so

d.it_W,'r...u itetSSilove, that ills not just her pro vince, to tako an over active part, in the great bailie of life, yet in tho great moral struggle for liberty and happiness, she has her part to porform, and she usually docs it well. Man may tight tho battlo, and his reauon prepare thu plan, but sho is tho motive power that spurs him on to action, and wo believe, ihtrt it is ehlelly to woman's secret influence, that wo owo the great temperance victory of last Tuesday. Therefore To-morrow, If our fair _i-t(;i-3. who are on the eido of tomperanee, will call upon us at tho Right Corner Stall, City Markot, thoy will moot with something to their advantage, as wo havo provided an extra supply of go-id things, for this particular occution. Please be in time and avtJd the rush and confusion of the evening. Aucklnnd Pro vision Company, City Market.—A. Ukttany. Manager.—[advt.l

Dr. Wilkins, Info of Melbourno and Christchunh, it will be scon by rcferonce to our advertisement columns, has resolved tonmitn poruianentlv in Auckland to practlßC his pro tesion in special nnd general branches, lie has t-ikon private rooms in Quoon-streot, {opposite South llritishlnsuranceU uildings. Dr. Wilkins was honorary surgeon to ono of the largo Melbourne hospitals for many years, and also to tho lutlrmnry for Diseasoa of tho Kyo, Ear, and Throat. Ho is tho author ot various medical pamphlets, and has already gained a reputation Mr Pooloy'ssecond marine"concert'comes oil to-morrow afternoon (wcathor permitting). and from tho enjoyable character of tho first of these gatherings a fortnight since, it should command support. Tho simmer Takapuna loaves Queen-street Wharf it 3 o'clock, and after calling nt Northcoto, Uirtenheod, and tho Sugar Company's Wharf, wil proceed up tho harbour. Mr Angolo Forres will officiate at the piano, and Mr MoKwen stppllcs light tem perance refreshments.

SCINTILLATIONS.

Fashionable night at tho Ipora. Fine harvest weather in lanterbury. Regatta at Thames on St Patrick's Day. 11.M.5. Espiegle visits (he West Coast Sounds.

Annual meeting of Aukland Institute next Monday. Christchurcli Exhibitionshows a credit balanco of £105.

Thoro nro only four pups nt Cambridge High School. Uood wheat harvest mV ictoria; esti mated surplus, 200,000 buijels. A total of L 10,531 was at through the totalisator at Dunedin Ices yosterday. No sign of bad trado. Captain Thomas threat® to prosecute the " WaikatoGazotte" foibel. Only one porson in 80 haOorfectly sound tcoth. Mr Rochfort is poggin|out the main trunk lino from To Awamu southwards. The slowest man ever hrd of was one who could not got out of hbwn way, Nobody wishes tho baby olen ; still it is a relief when tho nurse crilit at night. A big potato grown atPcoa brought £1 at rallio, and Thames Bpital bouetits thereby. Mr Ilursthouso is nowiurvoying the i Kawhia-Alexandra Road, id work will commence shortly. Several School Commits olections in Canterbury being invalid,'esh olections are to tako placo oil Mond, the 24th of March. London has moro Schmon tlian Aberdeen, moro Irish thaßolfast, more Welsh than Cardiff, moro Ran Catholics than Roino, and moro Jewstan tho whole of Palestine. Educational atnonitios atlnedin Board of Education yesterday. Milder gavo Mr McKonzie "tho lio direct.io which the latter retorted:—"And I p you the lie direct. If you were not ali mean skunk you would not say such atg." Logical peoplo conclude there wdtwo " l.m. skunks" about! Tremondous tourist trafito Rotorua; Kirkwood, Cambridgo, coin cash. Tho tondor of Mr H. Dois, Auckland (£31,425), has been accepted tho Kopua ranga contract (constructionly) of tho Wollington-Napier Railway A pearl of the value of iDO has boon discovered by the McKay .hers at the north-west fishery, Wcsternstralin. At Sydenham, Canterburbur temper ance candidates out of fivao "stood" woro eloctod to tho Licensirommittco. Mr Wm. Lovett's tende_7,S()o, has been accepted for ballastingl laying the permanent way of tho Cardgo branch railway. A plasterer and his boy ,g employed to white-wash a house by tlay, were so tedious that the owner askeo lad, in his master's absence, when hcought they would have dono. Tho Ibluntly re plied : " Master's looking 'for another job, and if ,he finds one, will make an end this week." j Aoteoroa natives are reid to stop surveys of all kinds, whethlg, railway, or boundary; but as nobodints to look at their lands, this does noth much. In 1879, New Zealand tanjs imported 1,729 tons of bark, valued 1*5,000; and in 1882 they imported 3,<bns, of the value of £39,00 l». The temperance victory cpected to materially diminish the citjenuo from licenses. It will also seri! affect the local income from fines of |k and dis orderly persons! Tho cityinuo is in danger! j Yesterday a hundred-milcycle race took place between MosgielLawrence, Otago, and was won by O'Kp 11 hours 25 minutes. Mr F. Dignan, of the Bat.New Zea land, Ashburton, was sei7 injured while riding, on Wednesdiy coming into collision with a drunkan named Boody, also on horseback. I Whence the "row" 4 the large public debt of Australasia! commerce is greater Chan that of Britf Q» Victoria ascended the throne, if B'time the British National Debt w»fc 3,000,000, and that of Australian-tow only £98,000,000. ... . \\

THE SOUDAN REVOLT.

[rectek's cableokams.]

Gordon Pasha's Mission,

Cairo, February 20. Latk intelligence is from Khartoum to hand to tho effect that Gordon Pasha has already acquired tho widest influonco over the natives, and his power is already increas ing. The statement that his proclamation provides for free trado in slavos is now fully confirmed. Threatened Rising In Arabia. Constantinople, February 20. Fears aro entertained that a fanatical outbreak will occur in Arabiu, and in com pliance with tho wishes of the Cheriff of Mecca the Porto has ordered tho immediate despatch of 2,000 troops to tlio provinco of El-ilcjnz. British Expedition to Tokar. Cairo, February 20. Telegrams from Souakim state that the British troops forming tho oxpodition for the relief of Tokar nro assembling at llas mahdi, but that an adequate garrison lias been left at Souakim. London, February 13. Colonel Butler has beon placed second in command to Major - General Sir Gerald Graham of tho troops despatched from Cairo to Souakim. Public Agitation in England. Public incotingH havo been held in various parts of England, and resolutions passed condemning tho Governmont for its policy with regard to Egypt.

[I'IUiSS ASSOCIATION.]

(Received February 22—10.45 a.m.) Gordon Pasha's Proclamation.—Tho Soudan Independent of Egypt. London, February 21. Cordon Pasha has proclaimed tho Soudan as independent of Egypt.

PROPOSED FISH COMPANY.

In response to a circular issued by Mr F Williams, a meeting was held at tho Waite mata Hotel last evening for the purposo of forming a Fish Curing and Canning Com pany. Tho attendance was small. Mr Cole, who was called to the chair, stated that Mr Williams proposed to form his business into a company, which was made with tho object of extending the business further than his present nicanß would admit; in fact, to extend operations to Sydney, Melbourne, and elsewhere. Mrßrassoy read tho draft prospectus. It stated that the proposal was to form a Com pany with a capital of £0,000, for tho Eurposo of purchasimg the goodwill of the usiness of Mr F. Williams, fish merchant, and generally foster tho industry, tho name of tho Company to be called tho Auckland Fish Company (Limited). Tho promoters propose to pay Mr Williams £1,000 for his goodwill, £020 for tho four fishing-boats City of Naples, Three Sisters, Christina, and Morning Star, and £247 Lis for tho Fort streot proporty and plant for smoking and curing purposes. Tho amount to be IB ~ expended nt -the outsot will je £2,177 15s. Mr Williams is, however, willing to accept £2,000 for his interest, £1,000 of this amount tc be paid in cash, / fSiStA. ~i.' too pifrctilwtf," uiKt"_cbi)U twelve months after date, and £1,000 to bo accoptcd by tho allotment of 1,000 shares. It is proposed to make the shares £1 each, Is payablo on allotment, and the balance by calls of not moro than Is at intervals of not less than a month. Mr Williams agrees to carry on the business. It is proposed that a refrigerating appara tus bo purchased for tho purpose of ensuring a constant supply of fish, and also that a steam tender should bo secured. It Is also intended to can fresh mullet, wharbooka, and lobster, etc., besides the sale of oysters in Australia. After some little dis cussion of the prospects, it was decided, on account of tho small attendance, to adjourn tho meeting until that night week, same time and place ; also, that in the interval a canvas should bo mado by thoso present with tho object of ascertaining how the shares would bo taken up. It was also decided that tho prospectus should be printed and publicly circulated.

THE DIRECT STEAMER RUAPEHU.

_ ________ laiwu-YlOit. _. „ _, iO Tiobart. " -n

The Now Zealand Shipping Company's now steamer Ruapehu, with a largo and valuable cargo and 132 Government immigrants for this port, arrived at Hobart at 9 a.m. yesterday, after a very smart passage of thirty-nine days and a fow hours from Plymouth, via Teneriflo. This, of course, includes delay at the latter place. She took her departure from Plymouth on January 12, and after a fine run of five days arrived at Toneriffo on tho 17th. Toneriffo was probably left the same day, and from there to Hobart thepassageoccupied3sdays. The Ruapehu is expected to leave Hobart for Auckland this evening after havino coaled, and should she arrive here early on Wednesday morning, as may reasonably bo anticipated, the whole trip, including stoppages, will have been accomplished in about 40 days. Tho Ruapehu is a sister ship to tho Tongnriro and Aorangi, both of which have mado successful trips between London and tho South, so it will be seen that the Shipping Company's now steamers have tuvned out very satisfactorily. The vessels aro built of steel throughout and have cutwater stems with figureheads' which give them a.very graceful appearance' The dimensions of tho Ruapehu are : Length between perpendiculars, 3Soft; length ovoi all, 410 ft; breadth, 40ft; depth, 33ft 4in with a gross tonr.ago of 4,200. She has three decks with large foro-top-gallant fore castle for crew, petty officers, and con veniences, while n large bridge deck house is fitted amidships, enclosing ongine and boiler casings, and containing accommodation for officors, engineers" galleys, sculleries, etc. The after deck house encloses saloon entrance, music and social hall, two special state-rooms, saloon well, and captain's room. Accommodation is provided on the main deck for about SO first-class, 80 second-class, and 250 third class passengers, and tho main saloon is a lino, largo, and elaborately-furnished apart ment, 42 foot by 32 feet, situated in tho midship portion of the ship. Tho second saloon and state-room aro forward of the machinory space, and arc fitted up in a most substantial and complete manner Saloons, corridors, oto., are lighted with tho eloctric light on tho incandescent principlo The Ruapehu also has refrigerating cham bers, with two refrigerating engines of the most approved typo. Her engines, whicl indicate 4,000 horso-power, aro surface con densing, and have two inverted cylinders ono high pressuro, 46 inches in diamote and ono low pressure, 88 inches in diametc each adapted for a stroko of 4ft 9in

CRICKET MATCHES.

The following cricket matches will bo played to-morrow :—

South End v. Ouk Boys (No. 5 wlcketi South End: Leahy, Howard, Brookfield Bri'n Ganrrtt ßßreTu B'AiurtOCh,SOmerville'S^'^ E^^ l?W^^^_^__^^^ St * m!" 8' Poolcy' °Ek. eSS:

Eden v.PARNKLL.-Edon: Roberts Laird Drum, Taite, LaKocho, Davidson 'wSt„ Whltelcy, Morrow, Ohlsoh, Waters ' Alpha v. Avondale (No. 6 wicket) _ Atni.o . Jackson, Hay, Cranch, CutlerSaoTckT Derniott, Goodacre, Nesbit, Abel(2)" White' limergoncies : Brooks and Marcroft. I vSfr dale: Archibald (3), Wallace (2h mil BolIa?d' Prout. Murray, Quintal, and Sinclair 01IarU' West End Tiiird v. Herald (No! 9 wickotl -West End : Marfflitt, Owen, Doughty Laxon McGregor, Colebrook, Hoffman, Steadman Wright, Stewart, and Gentles H?™Si : Oliver, kotherham, Shaw, Pearson. Gwdman' Oiliest, io. Bruce, Porston, Ross, Mackv Lincoln. Emergency: Bell. -iviacKy, St. Mary's v. Franklin (No. 14 wieknti Franklin: Service, Hanley, Moore Nosh VT Potter, Pcet. Sheddan, Ross, NighU,,-„l^ 12 ' Tattersall. Emergency: Spinier o0 W' Alma v. True Blues (No. n wtoknti Alma: Elley, Hammond, Wheatlev Mnrk.v Hill, Hart, Moriarty, Alton, Suiter 'Connnli^ and Speight. Tmokuos: Trcgaski's £„»?' Perston. Fountain. Day, Harrii (3) Goidw°,_^' Shackelford, and Batty. "' Uoldwater, Eton v. Newton (No S wieknti *...,„. Mills, Rowo (3), Marks, Smith ° (2)TayloM_SE2.! Clarke, and Burns. Emergencies JConsSbfe and Downey. Newton: Mills, Mui-nhv ii«?i gate, Taylor Chilton.Bushell.Mc.lfe^n" Sabers **" Emoi' BCncies ■ Bell and Gordon v. Auckland Second (No l wicket).-Gerdon : Ansenno, Gould, Holdshin Lusk, Meldruin (2), McCausland S,™ Sykos, Williams, and Wood. ' "7™™. Holland's v. Cousins and Atkin'o rw,. ic wSokoth-Holland's: WaringThSsi Mell (3). O'Hare, Btonkinsop, Hcnn?' Crouch' Oliver. Emergency : Waring.

THE RIFLE ASSOCIATION'S MEETING.

Preparations for tho competitions of the New Zealand Riilo Association, which com mence at Ellerslie on Thursday next, con tinue to bo pushed forward, nnd with favourable weather the meeting should prove a great success. It will be seen by announcement olsewhei'o that tho local Secretary, Mr W. E. Bennett, will bo in attendance at the shop of Mr 11. G. Payne, jeweller, Queen-street, from 2 to 0 p. in. on Saturday lirst, to give any information that may bo desired regarding tho meeting. Entries will also be received up till that date, after which the list of competitors will bo closed. In all probability the Wairoa Rifles will be represented by 10 marksmen nt tho approaching colonial prize-firing.

Thames Competitors.

[BY TELI.dP.AI'H—OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Thames, this day. Much enthusiasm is displayed among local Volunteers regarding tho New Zealand Hide Association Meeting, and Thames will bo well represented. The following entries were received last night:—

Thames Naval Artillery. - Weir, Brownloe (2), Brownlow, Oartwright, Hare, Lukey, Cameron, Floyd, Johns, and Gill (tho present bolder of the Association's silver cup). Thames Rifle Rangers.— Lieut. Lucas, Vols. Clime, A. Newdick, J. Thomas, A. Thomas (Carbine Champion 1881), Patter son, G. W. Clark, Downio, McLean, Cloutt, Inglis, Gilpin, and Hawk. Tho Thames Rifles should bo moro for midable than in previous years, many of tho noted carbine marksmen who have figured at previous meetings being now connected with tho Rifle Rangers. It is probable that a few private members from Thames will also take part.

Wellington Representatives.

(BY TKLECRAPII. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

WuLLiNdTONjThursday

Wellington will bo represented at the annual meeting of tho New Zealand Ritlo Association in Auckland next week. Several of the intending competitors left for the North by tho Rotorua this afternoon, and the remainder of the local contingent will go up by tho Tarawora to-morrow, arriving in Auckland on Monday, at noon. The various corps will bo represented as follows : —D Battery of Artillery: Captain McCrcdie, Sergeant Webb, Corporals Holmes, Kuchen, and Tumor, Bombadier Mc- Kenac, and Gunner Williams. Guards : Captain Loveday, Sergeant Halo, Privates Bollinger (2), Ashcr, and Shaw. City Rifles : Sergeant Chuck. Wellington Naval Artillery : W.O. Davy, P.O. F. France, W.O. Leovors, Seamen Rabe, Home, Randell, 11. Dixon, Taylor, Scanlan.

MINING NEWS.

[by telegraph.—own correspondent.]

Tiia--^.-- -W .

Queen ok Beauty, — The crosscut towards the Vanguard reef at No. 2 level is esti mated to bo within 140 feet of tho lode, and progress is being m.idc at the rate of 20 feet weekly. The new contract has been let at L'l per foot. At No. 10 level a kindly looking .indwell-mineralised leader is being driven upon, and the manager purposes raising and stoping upon it to get the winze which he was compelled by tho in flux of water to abandon. The battery commenced operations to-day on quartz belonging to Albumin tributers.

London.—Tho intermediate level has been entered on No. 1 reef from the east ward side of the winze, about 12 feot above No. 4 level, which was the lowest point where gold was found in sinking. A little gold is found in the branch leader, but the main reef is not yet brokon eastward. The drive at No. 4 is also being continued, and has entered an improved class of country. Moanatairi.—Crushing hasbeon resumed at the Coinpanyls battery. Kcrunui Hill.—Lo Manquais's tribute obtained 17ozs from 20 tons.

CA»ir,RiA.—Tho reef was- v.^Kon down in "", " *-T,'T J —~° *"""' "'?"*• It is 4ft. wide, and still heavily mineralised, the proportion of antimony having further diminished, and more likely minerals taken its place. Tho general appearance of tho quartz and country is still most promising.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before F. L Prime, Esq., J. P.)

Temporary Insanity.—Priscilla Hollis, a gaily-attired young poison, was remanded until the 28th inst., being unable to plead. Patrick Lang was fined 5s for drunkenness; Andrew Seyer, 10s, offensive language.

Obscene Language.-Thomas Aitken and Mary Kenny wero fined 10s each with costs.

INTRACTABLE.-Elizabeth Williams, alias King, was charged with being an habitual drunkard, <s_c., within the meaning of the Act.—Sergeant White said the prisoner was a complote nuisance in the Karangahape Koad.—Phreo months' imprison mont.— John V ulo, for a like offence, was committed for three months.

A Pause.—The remaining cases bein" breaches of the City Council By-laws, neces" 8l i-x, ..tho aPPearanco of a second Justice of the Peace, and Mr F. D. Fenton took his seat on the Bench, but ho said ho could not hear a word of what was said by a witness, and could not sit. The Court messenger was immediately despatched in quest of another Justice, and succeeded in securing a sei;y r lces of H»S Worship the Mayor. A Wandering Horse.-Hugh Milner was fined 5s for allowing his horse to bo at largo in Queen-street. Daniol Allan was charged with allowing a horse to bo at largo in Wakefield street.-Mrs Allan appeared for her husband, who was busy.-Sergeant White asked lor a remand, in order that Allan might appoar, as he had not paid his fine in tho last case. His presence was also neces sary forothor reasons.—Remanded until to morrow.

Cruelty to Animals.—Thomas Camp boll was charged with cruelly ill-treating two horses on the Ist hist, by beating and kicking them-Mr Brassoy appeared to prosecute on behalf of the Society for Pre venting Cruelty to Animals.—Defendant pleaded guilty to using extreme measures. Iho horses were well-fed and well looked otter, but they would not work.—Francis Dart lotiton deposed to seeing defendant ijl-usmg tho horses on the Grammar School allotment, opposite tho Choral Hall He was removing a load of stones with two horses and a dray. Saw him beating and kicking tho horses under the belly He considered it a caso of cruelty.-Herbert Frank Fdger, clerk in tho Native Lands Oihce, gave similar testimony.—Defendant expressed his regret. Tho horses and ray smored, usO unnecessary violence.-Tho Bench imposed a lino of 20s, with costs Li 13s, making L 5 13s._Defe__d_.__f said ho was the support of a sick and aged mothe and could „ot pay the monoy.-The Bench allowed timo. wmji

Another Case.—A charge aeainst Thomas'Lupton for beating a cow violent manner in tho New tforth Roac ion the 11th mst w;as remanded until Monday nexwhon MrS. Hesketh will appe°^ This was all tho business.

OBSTRUCTION TO THE RAIL WAY SURVEY.

BY TELEOItAPH-PREss ASSOCIATION.]

New Plymouth, Thursday. lire "Taranaki Herald" Menui correspon dent writes: "Rawson andMounteforfs rail ofaX^uJ?;°y P'^ty havo gone up to tl.o source of the W aitara Rivor, and I imagine will re main thero until further ordors. Tho natives are packing the tucker that was up SjTpo^tu R£ver to a d°Pot on the Waitara River. That whicli Tumata and his party stolo they havo taken away in canvas to their own settle ment either to Puketapu or Matuhehei,on the Wanganui River. I heartheyhavo also Mr H. Skeot's theodolite, which was in the whare. Tumate asked Waite where Skcet was, and said if he found him' he would 'km him.' He told Waite his name. This is the same native who came a fow years back and caught Skeet in the bush in that direction when he was brought into Wanganu by To kKtt Tum? taa»d hisVrtKo

CABLEGRAMS.

[SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION,]

Tiie Agents-General and the Sydney . Convention. London, February 19.—1 n Government circlos remark is mado at tho fact of the Agents-General not being authorised to conduct parleying with respect to the de cision of tho recent Sydney Convention on Annexation and Federation. London Wool Sales. Tho list of arrivals for the wool sales has closed with 357,000 bales. This number includes the shipments per the steamer Iberia, Etna, Shannon, Gulf of Venice British King, nnd Miodi. 49,000 bales have been sent to foreign ports.

TELEGRAMS.

(per press association.)

Congregational Union of New Zealand.

Wellington, this day.—At a meeting of the Congregational Union last night, the' Troasurcr presented liis balance-sheet, which was adopted. It was decided to hold the next annual meeting at Auckland. The following officers wero appointed:— Chairman for 1884:— Rev. W. H. Wert; Secretaries, Rev. E. Wilder, and Mr J, Milne ; Treasurer, Mr Coote. The Rev. Mr West introduced the matter of tho Educa tion.Act and tho present assaults madeupon it by donominationalists. Tho motion gave rise to an animated debate, which was even tually adjourned.

NEW ZEALAND MEAT FREEZ ING COMPANY.

Tho Now Freezing Works,

We have been favoured by Mr Joseph Banks, managing director of the New Zea-;' Yj land Moat Freezing Company's works; lrith>||i a glance at the plans of the extensive meat A, freezing and storage establishment about to be erected on tho section of the foreshore • % leased by the Company from the Harbour Yaf Board. The buildings will cover an area of "' ---_, bout three-quarters of an acre, and will - f have a frontago of 100 feet to the Railway } Wharf. The building, which will be nearly k 1 quadrangle, will be divided into two A% _qual portions by a line of railway. The /M poition nearest the Railway Whatf .-.' will be devoted to shops, etc., and \\ the rear portion Will contain tho Freezing and principal storage premises. V It is proposed to proceed with the | iatter portion of tho establishment and to $s _omploto it before the first section, to admit '_ _f tho operations of the Company on an ex tended scale being commenced with the 5 oast possible delay. Tenders are to be ,1 _alled for the rear portion at once, and it is -;Ai inticipatcd the establishment will be 41 sufficiently advanced to enable freezing to be itarted in tho course of eight months. , * [n describing the internal economy of tlio Y' istablishment, we will refer to the complete ~f ilans and not merely to the portion it is 7.3 proposed to proceed with at once. The Y75 juilding will bo four stories high and the acado will bo very handsome, the numerous .vindows giving'it an airy and elegant an -. icarance. The ground floor will be divided-Jv nfr<\ «--■!'---— ■* *=<■') s\xQx>a^'*>*.**~&i6Teß at- j tached. These latter will be kept con-1 stantly at a low temperature by means of V eold-airpipes supplied from the refrigerator,: 1 This floor will also contain an ice-house si GOft x 60ft, freezing-room, engine, andi boiler-rooms, &c. Tho railway line which, I as already stated, will run through this v | floor, will bo flanked on either sideSi by spacious platforms. Tho opening for tha'lf lino will not extend abovo the ground floor. I On the first floor there will be a cheese luidfi butter store 100 ft. x 70ft., tinsmith's shop,,';! tinning and meat-preserving room— thaM dimensions of the latter being 70ft. by 60ft*« —and a store for the storage of frozenmeat.'!,*! This latter will contain 10,000 carcases ffiM mutton, equal to 300 tons dead weight's Tiio second and third floor \fill be ti_ed|.S for wool stores, etc. Communicatigt^ij between the different floors has been nroiijl vided for by means of two elevators. Thi||| tinning apparatus and other machinery hMm already arrived from America. We mayja mention that a meeting of the directorsof &b_m Company was held yesterday, at which it ! was resolved that a vessel be obtained, if ijl possible, to load with frozen meat in the month of May. Intending shippera ' j should make early application for space. ; |:

THE OPERA.

The "Mascotto" again drew a capital! attendance in all parts of the house £j_f| night, despite adverse weather, and %;; efforts of the Company wero rewarded _a many marks of favour; the leaders rece_n| a nightly ovation. There is yet no aign af| decline in the popularity of this sparkling-., and brilliantly-mounted opera, and it- i.:r._ though not so " catching " as those in ?orao >. of the older favourites, are steadily maVIH their way into the repertoire of street! humnology. While the present run on■■_Ms! box plan at Lennox's continues, §9 management, wo opine, will see no catiw."» . change the bill. The late train this evci_i_igj§ will wait a reasonable time after the perl!? formance at the Opera.

R.M. COURT-This Day.

IBcfore H. G. Seth Smith, Esq., RJI

defended casks. .ifssSH 1 Newton King v. R. and W. HeujabJJM. Claim £67 6s sd.—This was a commiraionjpf to take tho evidence of the derfendanteijrfjj _ tho action having been commenced|liaN : Taranaki, whero the plaintiff resides.—Mr|f. I Thos. Wood appeared for the plaintiff, BBdaUt, Mr S. Hesketh for the defendant. ItMtmtds . I that in Juno of last year plaintiff was Rgenlji. (■ at Waitora for Mr J. W, Waller, omMH « tho s.s. Oreti, which wa? then running HI H tween Waitara and the Manukau. At HHI time Waller was owing the plaintiff £$§111 3 7d, and with the concurrence of Jaai.Bfßß' Kidd, who Mas acting as defendant's geMMI agont, it was agreed that in liquidatioiOTlj | this debt the freight on Messrs HellsffliM next two shipments of cattle should be paid*, i to the plaintiff. An order to this effect M sent by Waller to Kidd. Despite this, 111 ever, the money in respect of the shipttiMH was paid to Waller, who soon aftenHfl became bankrupt. The plaintiff theMll sued the defendants for tho recovery ofIfBB fij money. This morning tho evidence of wflHljj ham and Richard Hollaby was taken.. TbfflJH both repudiated Kidd's power to make'lifflfflll agreement binding them withoutJattMH special direction. He had been their agent'lt || for spociabshipmonts, but not their genenJaKjj agent. They recogniged no liabmtyi|M, It rc.pect of any payment to tho plaintiff,'-ewfflH'll although agreed to by Kidd. This wasJilg | substance of tho evidence which wastak&|li IS 0. W. Waller and J. S. Kidd also gavo erij| jj£

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

L-BY TELEGRAPH— PRESS ASSOCIATION.

Wellington, Thursday. . Tin: Presbyterian General Assembly till' V evening, after a lengthened disc ussion «.':;.'_ garding the sum of £39 15s voted tO*.fl«M liev. J_). Bruce at the Presbytery of Christ church for discharging the duties _^Bm Goneral Secretary, decided that the clffljfflß correspond with Mr Bruce re the amount Tho Rev. R, McKinney read a motion, V expressive of sympathy with tho widow; ;_■ and family of tho Rev. W. Shorrifc The Rev. Mr Patterson read the report « tho Church Extension Committee ffl# showed that tho Presbyterian Church £■$■ stoadily increasing in tho colony. The W.Ys port states that it was desirable to raiSfclSH stipends; of all ministers to £250, and foTYj: that purpose congregations should be urged 7 . to contribute liberally to this scheme. "r lattorson stated that thero wore several-'-? districts requiring studeut ovangelists, '$!ffiH the Church has none to send. Mr OggYg Treasurer'of tho Committee) read,™,:, balance-sheet, which showed that the fund* were a little short this year. The ado.4<»- ~ of tho report was moved by the Rev, Mr 7' Ualder, seconded by the Rev. W. Douglw ._ (Mr est Coast),-and agreed to. ~ Wellington, this day.—At the Presby terian Assembly this morning the tbanta «" the Assembly were given to the «*' ] Moderator for his sermon. A reply ftolo A the Governor was received to the addresS; • from last Assembly presented to him, M>l was ordered to be endorsed on the minute? A petition from Mr George Grant to be | restored to the position of stadeW. <> | evangelist was referred to a committee iofb consideration and report. A potation Two -.« : Wellington Presbytery asking that.ifcMfflß ] divided into two was conceded! A dop"'l-' i tion was appointed to convey to the GongfE . l£j grational Union now sitting the f fi^Mtt|l greetings of this Assembly. ''^§ffi njj|

AUCKLAND EVENING STAR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1884



_S ew JLaw x > artnf,bs-hh > _. J.HK UNDERSIGNED beg to snnonaaa that they have Commenced Practise In Copartner ship as BABKISTERS AN» SOLICITORS, In Chambers in Hksh-btrert opposite Mr W. Atkins Printing Office. K. W. BURTON, W. J. NAPIER. Auckland, September 22nd. 1883. We are requested to frtate that in con- O om,«nco of the inclemency of the weather last SSt? the Union-street Wesleyan. Band ot Hope monthly meeting wasnotheld. It is intended to hold a choral harvest thanksgiving Bervice in Holy Trinity Churoh, SonTuesday next, at7p.m. Rev. J. S. Hill will preach tl c sermon. Mr Thos. Shove, sen., notifies through our advertisement columns his intention to open abutahary establishment in the City Market to morrow. He was formerly In business in Hob son-street for a period of 23 years. Brett's Auckland Almanac and Pro vincial Handbook, for 1881, Is now on sole at all booksellers. Repairs, needles, etc., for all sewing ma f-hines.—D. S. Chambers. ?«nMMER COBDIALB.-T__ose who us«i Sett ,nff_J^£*oUla try Aiokin's Genuine Jbott SykOTS ; free from artificial _T_i«^wi.l____n)be_Ty, Neotar, Black Currant, i



Special Advertisements. CONTINUATION OF THE Q-reat Clearing Sale FOR 14 DAYS LONGER. Samuel Coombes & Co., Whil» thanking their numerous patrons for the Liberal Support thoy have rccoivod during their Great (Hearing Sale, bog to inform their Cus tomers and the Pnjriio Generally that, on account of the size of their stock, together with shipments coming forward, they are compelled to CONTINUE THE SALE FOR FOURTEEN DAYS LONGER. The whole of the Remaining Stock has been FURTHER MARKED DOWN, and will bo SOLD REGARDLESS OF COST; THIS IS NO SENSATIONAL SALE, BUT A GENUINE CLEARING SALE, ASTHB PRICKS WILL PROVF, ir vod will • IVE US A CALL. AN IMMENSE QUANTITY OF REMNANTS TO BE ALMOST GIVEN AWAY. We give Qnotatioas of a few of tho Leading Bargains :— A Splendid TWHJJEDI&«KCnf&:S CX'C/10, 72 inrhr* wide, nt IOJd, usual price la 6d. A Suptrior Lot of TWILLED SHEETING CALICO. 80 Inohes wide, at 12ld, usual price Is 9d. A Largo Lot of ALL-WOOL REAL WELSH FLANNELS, at 12Jd, worth Is 6d. We have still about 200 Pairs of MEN'S PRINTED MOLE TROU3EB6. at 4s lid, usual price Sa 6d. A Large Lot of TWEED HATS at Is 6<l, usual price 5a 6d. 2,000 MEN'S TWEED HATS, Now Goods, just opened, 2s 6d, ordinary price 7s 6d. The IVAN HAT at 61d. usual price, 2s 6d. SAMUEL COOMBES & COS., CANADA BUILDINGS, QUIBN-BTREET. FILANKET3 at 10s 6d Per Pair, Worth 18s 6d, at SAMUEL COOMBESI & CO., CANADA BUILDINGS, Queen-street. * We have 5,000 Yards of the new TWLLLED SHOT MATERIAL for Ladles' Dresses at \ 6}d, Worth Is 6d, I SAMUEL COOMBES & CO., I CASADA BUILDINGS, QUEEN-BTREET. We are now opening our AUTUMN AND WINTER MILLINERY, whioh we are Selling at Clearing Sale Prices. (} SAMUEL COOMBES & CO., | ■!'-.'...'.. \ . CANADA BUILDINGS, ' : Queen-street. j: __■ V ' Bought a Job, and aow Selling at Sale Prices, '. several Thousand Yards of LACK, from 2Jd per yard, worth five times the money. SAMUEL COOMBES & CO., CANADA BUILDINGS, Queen-street. Wo now are Selling several Thousand Yards of RIBBON, Fashionable Shades, at fid yard, worth Is 6d. Samuel Coombes & Co., CANADA BUILDINGS, QUEEN-STREET.



Special Advertisements. DR. P H I L S ON, Late District Surgeon, Attends from 10 a.m. to 1 o'clock p.m., AND DR. J. H. HONEYMAN From 11 a.m. to 1 o'clock p.m., nt Aickin'3, THE PHARMACY Queen-street. i AUCKLAND GAS COMPANY (LIMITED), ESTABLISHED 1802. PURVEYORS OF LIGHT, HKAT, AND POWER. The Company Bell and orcot gas-flttlnga, in cluding gas apparatus and gas-power ongines. Stock Includes Otto Gna Englnes.-Offlco and Show-rooms, Fort-street. Just Opened ' a splendid assortment of C D T D R A O I E M W M T A E I O S L T N X S I N S E E S g Thoso Goods aro Very Choice, and havo boon selected with great care especially for MY OWN TRADE. AVI LLIAM 11 ATTR AY, D RAPE R, CL 0 T 111 E It, AND SILK MEROKR, 178, 180, AND 182, UUEKN-S-'WiEKT (four doors below the New Savings Bank), AUCKLAND. Special. Wo respectfully invite Public Attention to tho following BARGAINS : 500 Dozon Flax Shirts, lined backs, Is Bd, were 3s Od 500 Trousers and Vests, 12s Bd, worth 18a (Id 10 Cases Printed Mole Trousors, 5s lid 50 Dozon Mon's Felt Hatß, 2s 6d 60 Boxes White Dress Shirts, 3s Od 100 Dozon Felt Hats, 2a 6d 5,000 Yards Nun's Veiling at la 10,000 Yards All-wool-Flannel at la 600 Pairs Super Blankets, All Wool, 12a Bd. Tho Public must not ovorlook tho advuntago in selecting from nn Entiroly Now Stouk, and the fact that we offer nono but Reliable Uoods. •Ja CoSGRAVE & Co. Chief Post-offlce, Auckland. Mails will Close as.under:— This Day. For Thames, por Enterprise, at 5,30 p.m. For Mungawui and kaiwaka, per Ruby, at 5 p.m. Saturday, 23rd inst. For Port F-itzroy, per Water Lily, at 7 a.m. For Watorford, Tauranga, oic.,..ner Rotonifti-1' liana, at 9 a.m. For Thainy_.Cper Rotomahana. at 9.30 a.m. "-jfoFVaiwera, Mahurtmgl, Matakana, Manga wai, otc, per Rose Casey, nt 0 a.m. For liaratona, per Julia Pryco, at 1 p.m. For Taranaki, Southern Ports, and Chatham Islands, via Lyttelton, per Takapuna, nt 3.15 I p.m. For Whangarei, Whangarei Heads, ami Kaino, I per Waitaki, at 5 p.m. Monday, 25th fiat. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Tarawora, at 1 p.m. [ For Tauranga, Ohincmutu, and Opotiki, per Wellington, at 4 p.m. ' Tuesday, 4th March. Per Zealandla; as follows :— > For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia. Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. For monoy orders, the provious evening at 1 4 p.m.. For registered lotters and nowapapcrs, at 10a.m. _____ . . -' »ix- penco"in'additlbiTio the postago, will bo received by the Mall Agent on board tho steamer up to the timo of sailing. This moil will bo duo In London on Sat urday, April 12,1884. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-offlce, Auckland.



Bicycles, unequalled for finish, prioa and quality, at Shakespear & Co., (opposite tha Market) Queen-street,-! Auto.] "?7".