SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

TTrnti wititp (This Kvoninu, S.-7 HIGH "tt ATKR { To . morrow Morning, 8.J5 BUNSKT.-Thlß Kventaß. 0.55 SUNRISE.—To-morrow Morning, 5.33 MOON'S AGE.—Full Moon, 11th, 1.27 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Ringnrooma, s.s., Tozer, from Sydney Waitaki, s.g., Crawford, from Wliangarei Hyno, brigantlne. Hewicke, from Savage

Island Mariner, sen, Queen, from Russell Agnes Marlin, ketch, Leslie, from Russell UriQln, schooner, Olsen, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

Rotomahana, s.s,, Carey, for Russell Mucgr«gor, s.s., Johnson, for Wlmngarei

IMPORTS.

Per Ryno, from Savago Island: 30 tons copra, 52 bales cotton, 200 bags fungus. C packages returned trade.

Per Loongana, from llobart: 100 casesjam, 1,280 bags bark, 10,625 ft. hard wood, 24,035 flvn feet palings, 0.350 six-feet palings, 44 pieces black wood, 3 pieces bluo gum, 2 pairs dray shafts, 20 packages personal effects.

Per Ringarooma, from Sydney—For Auck land: 375 gunnies and 320 bags sugar, 109 bags bonedust. 130 bags rice, 10 packages tobacco, 20 pairs shafts, 10 kegs casings, 2i cases brandy, 0 cases sewing machines. For Napior: 219 half chests tea. 23 gunnies sugar. ForLyttclton: 55 ingots copper, 5 bundles uhccl iron. For Dun edm—32 bags coffee, 110 ingots copper.

ImvAKDS Coastwise.—Agnos Martin, from Russoll, with 07 tons coal; Whangarei, from Whangarei, with 55 tons cool; Lagoon, from Whangaroa, with 20,247 ft ship planking.

Outwards Coastwise.—Lagoon, for Wha ngurci. in ballast.

The brig Restless arrived at Ncwcastlo from this port on February 6.

Tho brisr Chieftain and Hchooner Handa Isle left Mercury Bay for Sydney on tho 19th ult., and completed the voyage on February 5,

The three-masted schooner Adelaide left Sydney for this port on February S, with 000 kegs blasting powder, 1953 bags bonedust, and 6 drays. Passenger: Mrs Siminonds.

The immigrants for Auckland by tho ship Rangitikei iiicluda 30 married couples, 62 single men, 111 single women, 39 boys, 35 girls, and four infants, making a total of 311 souls, equal to SOO adults.

Tho following vessels cleared outwards at tho Customstoday: Energy,tliroe-mastedschooner. Cooper, for Greymoiith (in bulliiat); Queen, schooner, Jones, for Hoklanga; and Myrtle, brigantine. Lane, for Hokiango.

The b.s. Waitaki arrived from Whangarei at 7 o'clock last evening with the following pas sengers :—Madanio Clarke, Misses Burton and Hunter, Roy. Mclvfllcn, Messrs CJarko, P. Dal, idson, Spence, Hay wood, A. Smith, and Christie.

Tho brigantlnc Ryno arrived from Savage Island via Russell at 5.30 p.m. yesterday. She left Savago Island on February Ist, and had heavy weather until arriving at Russell, where ske put in on account of a heavy gale. She left Rui nell at 2 p.m. on Monday.

T'io barque Loongana (the arrival of which vessel wo announced last evening) conies this voy ige in charge of Captain Evans. She left HoWirt on Jan. 28, experienced ordinary fine woitther until the North Capo was rounded, on tho Sth inst. Thence till arrival had a succession ot E.B.E. gales, with heavy sea. Passengers- Mrs Hayes, Messrs Levi and Montgomery.

THE WAITAKI INQUIRY.

An inquiry into the accident which happened to tho steamer Waitaki at Whanearei last week ■was held to-day before Mr T. Hill, Collector of Customs. Evidonco wa3 given by Captain Crawford and his officers as to the manner in which tho water obtained access to the fore cabin of tho steamer, but nothing additional to what wo have already published was clicitod. The evidence will be forwarded to Wellington.

THE ADA C. OWEN.

The brigantine Ada C. Owon has been pur chased from Messrs G. W. Owen and Co. by Mr A. B. Donald, who intends to place hor in the Island trado. In company with the Kate Mac gregor, she will take the place of the schooners recently wrecked at Rarotonga. Tho Ada C. Ovyon is now on her way from Rockhampton to this port and will enter upon the now trade im mediately after arrival. She was built by Mr Darrach, at Mahurangl, in 1877, and has sinco been principally employed in the intercolonial trade. She is a fast sailer and good sea boat.

ARRIVAL OF THE RINGAROOMA.

The s s. Ringarooma arrived at 9 p.m. yes torclay. She left Sydney on the 7th inst., at 1.15 p.m. Passed the Three Kings on the 11th inst., at 11.30 p.m., and North Cape and R.M.S. Zea'.andia at 4 a.m. yesterday morning, arriving at the Railway Wharf as above. Had strong north-east wind 3 and head sea during tno pos3ago till reaching the New Zealand coast, and on tho coast had light variable winds and fine weather. Passonjrors—Saloon for Auckland: Mr und Mrs H. P. Thomson. Rer. J. C. Downey, Licut.-Colonel Hozier and sorvant, Messrs J. Bennett, Geo. Henderson, Jas. Russell, Win. Donaldson; Messrs William son, Garni r and Musgrove's; Opera Troupe, twenty-four ladies and thirty gentlemen. For Nolson: Mrs Hingston (2), Mrs Manton. For Lyttelton: Mr and Mrs Kelsey. Master Kelsey. Mr W. P. Townend. For Melbourne: Messrs A. P. Rymcr and Ellenshaw, and 33 in the steerage. We are indebted to Mr Robert Guy, purser, for press parcels, &o.

PASSENGERS FOR SYDNEY.

~-Xtet-iftHju?J SSajqomk is to Ijavo for Sydney Kors-Mis3es Curtain!" VW» evening. Pas3en mond, and Grant, Mrs LawsoiiV Wood. Rich- Ritfby and child, Mrs Hodwor'th fal2 ily' Mrs Grant, Blair, Moses and family, Mr an& 8il aIII4 8 Creor, Messrs Grant. Richmond, Cj?JS.B> Norris, Byrne, T. Field, C. Field, Luth s£&!!!| J. D. Brown, Arthur, Webber, and the Yory Rev. Ju. Vaughan.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wiianoarei. this day.—Arrived: Macgregor, from Auckland, 7 a.m.

Wellington, this day.-Sailed: Wanaka, for Nelson, 1.40 a.m.

Lytteltou, yesterday.-Arrived: Kingdom of Sweden, barque, 96 days, from London.

Port Chalmers, yesterday. — Arrived : Briton, barque, from New York; James Wishart, barque, Edwards, from Glasgow, after a fine passage of 8C days.

Nelson, this day.—Arrived: Wanaka, from Wellington, 11.50 a.m.

Wellington, this day.—Sailod: Rotorua, for Lyttelton, at noon.

Melbourne. February 12.—Sailod: Tara wcra, for Bluff.

Our Athlete's Verdict.

BICYCLING.

John Holfe, Esc]., champion bicyclist of Eng land and Australia, who at present is open to run a long-distance race with any bicyollst for the championship of tho world, gives his per sonal experience of the valuablo properties of St. Jacob's Oil, as used by him in his rccsnt contest with Jno. Watson for the championship Of Australia 208, Elisabeth-street North, Melbourne, Victoria, 23rd November, 1883. To tho Editor Auckland Evening Star. Dear Sir,—l desiro to add my cheerful endorse ment of the good effects I hare at all times re ceived from the use of St. Jacob's Oil when in aotive training and racing. During my recent 6 days' contest hold in the Molbourns Exhibi tion Building for £500 and tho championship of the Australian and adjacent colonies, it was my boon ooropanion. I continually used it before and after each day's performance, and tho re sults simply astonished me. After riding for 8 consecutivo hours each day, viz., from half-past 2 until half-past 10, my limbs would become sore and Btiff from over-exertion, but after being well-rubbed with the oil all muscular pain immediately vanished and I felt as fresh as ever. As proof posltl vo.af ter tho contest waa over, I rodo ldi miles against time before a pub lic audience and accomplished It in 6 hours 11 minutes 45} seconds. Another application of St. Jacob's Oil was made, and it removed all feel ings of fatigue and I felt perfectly fit for another race. Am positive it aldod me to win thematch, and I shall never on tor a similar contest without a bioycle and St. Jacob's Cil. I strongly ad vise all "whoolmen" and other athletes to give it a trial, and feel fully con vinced their experiences will compare favour ably with my own. I remain, dear Sir, Yours truly, John Roue. CRICKET. DAVID SCOTT, Esq., of tho firm of Messrs Boyle and Scott, Cricket and Football Depot, Melbourne, Victoria.—" St, Jacob's Oil re lieved me at onco of pain. I commend It to all footballers and cricketers." AQUATICS. EDWARD TRICKETT, Esq., one of tho world's greatest oarsmen,—" I have found St. Jacob 8 Oil a sure and certain cure."

GENUINENESS GUARANTEED.

ST. JACOB'S OIL CONQUERS PAIN.

ACHE, AND ALL SIMILAR aWeNTS.

A cash reward of £100 will be paid by the CHARLES A. VOGELER COMPANY OB' BaE TIMORE, MARYLAND, UNITED STATES OP AMERICA, Proprietors of St. Jacob's Oil, or by their accredited local roprosontotives, to nny person producing? proof to tho offect that the testimonials published by them in regard to St. Jacob s Oil are not strictly genuine,

Wholesale Depot : M. LEVY AND COMPANY. AUCKLAND

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

MaiSs will Close as undeu :—

This Day.

Per Rlngarooma, as follows: - For Mediterranean Portu and Continent of Km-opc, at 1 p.m. For Australian Colonies and United King dom, via Suez and Brindisi, or Naples, for letters, &c, specially so prepaid and addressed, at 5 p.m. Money Orders, for Anstralia only, at 4 p.m. For registered letters and newspapers, at 4 p.m. Lato letters for Sydney and .Melbourne only at 5.20. p.ni. For Wlianfrarei Heads, Kamo, Whangarei, and Mangapai, per Waitaki, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m.

Thursday, 14th inst. For Waitara, &c, per Lalla Rookh, at 8 a.m. For Taranaki and Southorn Ports, pur Taka puna, at 9,20 a.m. For nowspapers at BKoa.ni., late letters till 9.10 a.m. For Waiwora, Te Kapa, Craigioburn, Wark worth, etc., per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Waitara, etc.. per Argyle, at 11 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 3 3) p.m. For Taunuiga, Ohinomiutu, and Opotiki, per Glcnelg, at 4 p.m. For Whangaroi Heads, Whangarei, Kamo, and Mangapai, per Rowona, at I p.m. For Waterford, Tauranga, etc.. per Auulo Mil bank, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Anne Milbank, at 5.30 p.m.

Friday, 15th inßt. For Glsbome, Napier and Southern Ports, per Rotomahana, at 11 p.m. S. B. BISS, Chief PoatJiiastor. Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Fkbuuary 18, 18SI.

Abbott's Opera House—Professor Payne's En tmiaimnent, 8 p.m.

H.A.C.B. Society—Meeting to Consider St. Patrick's Day Colebration und other business, 8 p.m.

Newton Congregational School-room—Hand of Hope Choir Practice, 7.45 p.m.

Births.

ASHBY.—On 20th December last, at 13, Regent's Park Road, London, tho wife of Captain Win. Ashby of a daughter. CLARK.—December 11, nl Bayswator, Kng land, wlfo ef A. Clark, of Auckland, of a daughter. HEATH.—On 12th February, at Upnor Qucon street, the wife of Neil Heath of a daughter. MITCHELL. - On 12th Fobruary, at her resi donee, Prospect Torruco. Ponsouby, tho wifo of Alfred James Mitchell, of a daughter. WILSON.-On tho 11th February, at To Aroha, the wife of Mr W. Wilson of a son.

Deaths.

DINNISOX.—On February 11, at Park Road, Hilda Mabel, daughter of Robert and Liz/Jo Uinniaon, sged 8 months.

MITCHELL.-On February 12, at Monnt Albert, Lilian Beatrice, infant daughter of Mr and Mrs W. L. Mitchell; aged 27 days.

Notices to Correspondents.

W.W.—Tho Bank of England, we understand, destroy all their notes whioh have boon onco in circulation as soon as they arc returned to their custody. This in not obligatory, but is simply a regulation of tho Bank Itself.

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1881.

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

The decision of the City Council last night upon tho competitive designs for the Free Public Library and Art Gallery, was, we have very little doubt, tho beat they cosld do under tho circumstances. None the less is the whole thing exceedingly unsatisfac tory, and the discontent that has prevailed among local competitors will not bo assuaged by the fact that both first and second prizes go out of the city. Beforo the report of the select committee was made no little feeling had arisen respecting the employment of business rivals to adjudicate upon the plans. Beingentirely disinterested, we have perfect faith in the good judgment Mid fairness of the gentlemen who acted on the Committee; but, however much wo may deprecate tho idea that their recom mendations were other than strictly impar tial, the feeling ef suspicion among the local competitors was not unnatural, nor is it weakened by tho realisation of their pro diction that no local architect would have a chance. Wisdom in theso matters can only hA learned by experience, and tho lesson hero taught is to avoid tho appearance of evil iw much as evil itself, in -v '-*nrn But the most serious cause of dissatisfac tion h the wide discrepancy betvreon the Selection Committee's estimates of the cost of oxecuting the accepted design, and the limit of £21,600 fixei by the Council. The estimated cost of tho structure shewn on Messrs Grainger and D'Ebro's plans is nearly £30,000. If this estimate is even approximately reliable, competitors who had kept their plans within the minimum cost stipulated, would be placed at a great disadvantage in exhibiting against magnificent buildings far beyond the means of the city. There were two courses open to tho Council, tho ono was to stand by the estimate of the Committee and reject any design that did not come within the conditions ; tho other to accept the designer's own estimato of cost and call for tenders, lotting the final award of the premium hang upon the issue. They adopted tho latter alternative; and again we think they have pursued the wiser course. Architects' estimates, in most cases, dis agree with the results obtained in public tendering, and the estimate of a competent architect who has designed a building should be just as good as that of any other architect sitting in judgment on his plan. If the Council had sot aside the plan recommended as tho best on the ground that it could not be done for the money, the designer would have had just grounds for challenging their decision. By leaving him to prove his own case under penalty of forfeiting the money, they make themselves secure. If it should prove, however, as there is fair reason to anticipate, that the design cannot be carried out for the money set apart, matters will be in a considerably worse muddle than before. The response to the advertisements calling for tenders will, therefore, be awaited witfi very great curiosity by non-professional, as well as professional men.

The Suez Mail.

The cable message which we published yesterday to the effect that all New Zealand letters, etc., not specially addressed "via Brindisi" would be detained in London until the next San Francisco mail left, gave rise to considerable astonishment here, and people were preparing to bear the inovitablo but seemingly wilful inconvenience By a telegram which Sir F. D. Bell, Agent- General of the colony, has sent to tho Go vornment at Wellington, it would seem that he has succeeded in getting the absurd and arbitrary regulation temporarily suspended. The telegram states:—"l have arranged that the decision of Mr Fawcett, Post master-General, will not apply to New Zea land until you have fully considered the matter. The public are very angry at the detention. All letters for Australia were sent on Friday by way of Brindisi how over marked." Thanks to the Agent- General's efforts, therefore, tho letters and papers will coma via Brindisi as usual. The clause in his telegram, "until you have fully considered the inattor," doubtless means that he wishes the New Zealand Government to be in a position to negotiate with Victoria on postal matters, unfettered by the pressure of an unjust regulation, and uninfluenced by a consequently excited public opinion. Nothing has been heard here of tho nego tiations which, it is presumed from the above despatch, have been going on between the Government of New Zealand and that of Victoria for the transmission of mail matter by the Suez route ■ but the transactions of tho Postal Confer once, held some months ago in Sydney may throw light on tho subject. Tho pro posalg submitted by Viotoria for entrance to the Union—that colony paying a large por tion of the loss under existing contracts and assessing the remainder on the other participating colonies—were adopted by the Conference. Negotiations were to be opened with New Zealand separately, and it is not unlikely that our Government, enjoying an almost self-supporting mail service, have not been very willing to com mit the colony to any guarantee of greater loss than it now sustains by using the Suez route. The move made by Victoria in stopping our mails in London was meant to bring New Zealand to terms, and It un doubtedly forces the question of employing the Suez route to a definite {wine. There is, however, the alternative of the Orient

service, which has been subsidised by New South Walos, still open to New Zen land, so that the Government are not likely tobocoercod into submitting to extortionate demands by Victoria for tho purpose of re lioving that colony of what its own journals and public men denounce as a very bad bargain,

The Campaign in the Soudan.

Another stage in the victorious career of the Falso Prophet is markod by tho nows which wo publish today of the capture by his armed hordo of the fortified town of Sinkat, which has for some weeks boon closely invested. The brief telegram tells a talo of heroic endurance and intrepid re sistance, conspicuous by contrast with tho usual performances of Egyptian soldiers. The little garrison of UOO men with stood tho assaults of the enemy with out tho walls until they wore vanquished by tho more terrible enemy of famine, when they sallied out, evidently scorning to capitulato or make terms with their antagonists. A short distance from the town the brave band of desperate soldiers were met by tho enemy in overwhelm ing force, and were unmercifully cut down. Tho conduct of this garrison shines the moro brightly when con trasted with that of the !>OOO Egyptian troops who wore beseiged a year ago at El Obeid The last-named garrison, after holding out against tho Falso Prophet's forces for four months, capitulated unconditionally, and tho whole of tho troops went over to tho rebel standard. In other places the Egyptian troops have proved tlicir utter unreliability, notably in tho engagement of last week, when Baker Pasha's army of l!, 000 men was routed by a forco of 1,000 Arabs; but tho hold stand made by Tewfik Bey and the boloaguored gar rison of Sinkat, with their last desperate sortie, will go some way to redeem the char acter of tho native soldiery. Tlio effect of this further victory must bo to swell tho ranks of the rebels, ami render more dilli cult than over tho task of subjugating the country. This in turn means that tho British Government is pushed a step fur ther towards tho annexation of Egypt, or the declaration of a Protectorate ovor that country.

The Bradlaugh Expulsion.

Mr Rradlauoii has again taken the oath in tho House of Commons, and, upon tho resolution of a largo majority, has been oxpollod from the parlia mentary building and its procincts. Our cablo despatches recording tho event aro somewhat vaguo and dis jointed—tho gist of them, however, is that Mr Gladstone, who has been favourable to tho admission of Mr Bradlaugh, intends now to test tho legality of tlio House's action in expelling him, by prosecuting tlio member for Northampton. Ground of action will probably bo found in his conduct in forcing a way into tho parliamentary buildings against tho 'commands of tho House. Mr Bradlaugh had already taken the preliminary stops in the law courts for assorting his legal rights against the resolutions of tho Houso, but a Government prosecution will be more direct — it will overcome tochnical difficulties and bring tho mind of the Bench to bear on tho legal points in doubt moro speedily and effectually. If tho existing law will not warrant the exclusion of an atheist from tho Houso of Commons, Parliament may, by tho exercise of its supremo authority, pass an Act that will; but the ejection of Mr Bradlaugh, who is personally obnoxious, and tho enactment of a law which might touch tho scats of other membors are totally different things, and it is doubtful whether such an Act would find so largo a majority in its favour as tho anti-Bradlaugh resolutions have invariably commanded.

Mr \V. J. Offer being tho only person nominated for the vacancy in the repre sentation ol tho South Ward, has been do clared by the Returning Ollicer duly elected.

Wo havo received from Mr David Nathan £1 for Mrs Allies, who lost hor furniture in the late tire at Mount Eden.

During tlio past few days a strong scam of a substanco supposed to bo coal has boon cut in ono of tho railway cuttings near Whangarata, on tho Waikato railway line. Opinions seem to bo divided as to whether tho " tind " i.s coal or lignite. An excellent though small seam of coal was re cently found by a Mr McDougall at Meremere, near Morcer.

Thf Hnn M*lfon«*~><U*»U«» n f X M tuL) ana Mr Bryco (Native Minister), wore ex pected to arrive by tho Hinemoa at the Manakauatan early hour this morning, and to proceed at onco to tho Waikato en routu for Rotorua, on business in connection with the Rotorua townahipleasos, ThcHincraoa, however, did not arrive at tho hour ap pointed, and at two o'clock this afternoon there was no sign of her.

Mr H. C.. Brewer (Registrar of the Supremo Court) sat in banco today, and f ranted orders of discharge to the following ankrupts : —Desiro Noel Gamier, John Kinnean, John McGeehan, Henry Benjamin Pollard, Andus Raynes, John Henry Wilson, and Joseph Motion.

The following persons were nominated to day as a Licensing Committee for the dis trict of Parnell: —Harlan Pago Barbor, Frederick Ireland, Frederick Ledgor, George Raynes, and Jonathan Winks. As this is just tho required number of com mittecmen, Mr Reynolds (Returning Officer) declared tho gentlemen duly elected.

A sensational bolt occurred in Syinonds street this morning. Keir's 'bus was passing the Edinburgh Castle Hotel on its way into town from Mount Eden whon the horses started off down the hill at a torrific pace, to tho extreme terror of several passengers inside. Tho driver displayed extreme pluck and coolness, and hold on to his charges well until reaching tho centre gate of the cemetery, when ho managed to pull them in. The passengers sighed witli relief when it was found that tho danger was over, and no damago had been done.

We learn that owing to the extensive preparations needful for the production of "Mascotte," Mr Musgrove lias found it necessary to make arrangements with Mr Abbott and Profosor Payne to have the uso of the Opera House from to-day. Thorofore, there will bo no ontertainment given to night.

Ex-Sergeant Jamoa Jackson, of Parnell, who was connected with the Auckland Constabulary during a period of 19 years, is in a very precarious state of health, and very little hopo is entertained of his re covery. Sinco Jackson's retirement from the force ho has been in a desponding mood, and ia now entirely confined to his room, and gradually sinking.

To tho Editor: Sir,—Having occasion to stay a short time sinco in Wellesloy-street West, I was much struck by a bad and un healthy smell, which I found on further inquiry to be caused by tho burning of leather, which I find is used by some of tho people as a fuel. I was much astonished to lind that the City Council should allow tho practice to bo carried on, causing, as it does, a very bad and unhealthy smell in tho vicinity; the more so as, on looking over the City By-laws, I find that tho burning of leather and other obnoxious substances is prohibited within tho city boundaries. —I am, &0,, A Lover op Good Hkaltii.

We have received a reply to tho lottor of the Chairman of tho Cabmen's Picnic, which appeared in our issue of tho 4th inst. Our correspondent says ;—" Tho Chairman states that 44 proprietors and drivers signed in favour of a picnic, bat the fact is half this number wero composed of grooms, ex-grooms, &c. Ho also states that Messrs Coupland and Bollard had no right to sign the letter of refusal to a picnic, but he must please romember tho advertisement invited all having connection with cabs, 'busses, and livery stables. I must also inform him that the promoters began the affair at tho wrong end of tho chapter to onsure success; besides, the language is too high-toned, re fined, and classic to be understood by the few who refused to join the picnic, or to be appreciated by their wives and children."

The soreness existing between the Devon port Highway Board and its chairman, Mr Hammond, still exists, and seoms to have be come intensified. The " head and front" of Mrßammond'soffending.isthatheoontinues to hold the position ot chairman, though he does not resido in thp district, This, the members of the Board stated, they find in convoment and the following resolution was passed by them o» Monday night last ■ •~-"That the retention of his seat by the chairman, after the Board's unanimous re solution of December 10th, is in the grossest bad taste ; is an insult to the Board, and is detrimental to the interests of the district " This was carded unanimously. The ohai'r man re-iterated his intention to stick to the office for the remainder of his term, and tho members pf tho Board having expressed their opinion on what they ooncoivo to bo Mr Hammond's contemptible oonduct, tho ordinary business was proceeded with.

Rev. T. Mackenzie Eraser, Moderator of Poesbytery with Roy. Messrs Sommervillo, McKinnoy, Mnnro, and Killon proceod to Wellington on Friday noxt, to attond tho General Assembly of tho Presbyterian Church of New Zealand,

A man named William George Sale was arrostod this morning by Constable Ward, on a chargo of stealing two coats and othor articles of wearing apparel, the property of John McCullagh. Sale is a member of an aristocratic family at home.

"An Eye-Witness" hoiulh a letter de scribing an act of alleged cruelty to aninuds witnessed by himself and others on tho New North Road on Monday night. Wo understand that the mattor is to form tho subject of a prosecution in tho Polico Court, and such being the case, comment in the Press would bo in the menntimo impropor.

Wo notico that Mr Archibald Buchanan, who has successfully passed his final law examinations, after having sorvod his articles in Messrs W'hitaker and Russell's ollicc, has commenced tho practice of his profession as a barrister and solicitor at St. Mungo Chambers.

To tho Editor : Sir,—l would ask tho Council through you what thoy mean by cutting llobson-strect to its full width with out giving a proper grade for traflic from the proposed wharf? It would be a natural outlet and would ease Queen-street con siderably by doing the job properly now ; otherwise, better leave it as it in, and other men will see tho propriety of doing it properly later on. What says tho member for thut Ward ?—I am, etc., Puoi-f.r Ghadk.

A pleawuit excursion by water i.s an nounced to tako pluco on Friday noxt, when tlie buiklo™' annual picnic will tako placo at St. llelier's Bay. The forry steamer Takupuna has been engaged to convoy passengers to and fro. Sho will be accompanied by a brass band.

Tho Auckland Hospital librarian acknow ledges with many thanks tho receipt of a package of " Harper's Bazaar" numbers from Mrs Gamble, Remuera.

Tho following is the balaneo-shcot of tho Fil"0 Brigado Dramatic ontertninment, held on the -Sth of last month in aid of the funds of the Sisters of Mercy Convent, Ponsonby :—Receipts : Cash taken at doors, tit! 10s; tickets sold, £41! 10s—total, £00. Expenditure: Right of play, 13s; Mr and Mrs Ashton's services, £5 ; Miss Carpen tior'a services, £1 ; hire of piano, lf>s ; Mr Abbott, for Theatre Royal, i'li 10s ; work ing stago, lighting, gas, cleaning, &c, £'i' 2* (id ; cartage, Ms ; advertising, tickots, posters, Ac, £611)8; handed ovur to Lady Superior at Con yon t, i'3o Is Cd—total, £00. J. Stanlkv and J. O'BniEM, Hon. Sees. Wo certify tho above is correct.—J. Cakjiiuax and C. Little, Auditors.

Mr P. J. Brand, bakor, of tho Thames, sends a letter repudiating in the strongest terms tho statemont that Now Zealand bakers ever knead their broad by treading it Ho adds: —'' As for superior mado broad produced by machinery eradicating the imaginary obnoxious evil of porspiration from half-naked, barbariotiß bakers, who caro not for themselves or for those who oat tho bread, why, sir, you would havo to hava machinery to mould, put it in thoovon, and take it out, so as not to handle it at all, for the putting of it in the oven is the hottest part of tho work in tho trado. 1 havo mysolf, within tho last five years, moulded dough mado by machino, ono of tho finest in tho colony. There aro so many things that a baker has to contend with, such as irrsgular yeast, inferior Hour of tho samo brand, sudden changes of climate, and sundry other things, which could not bo met by any other moans than by a practical tradesman*! handling. But, sir, 1 havo not tho least doubt that all—both masters and men—will render to Mr Parsons a Hharo of the honour of reducing the labour and tho hours of tho journeyman baker."

By tho Union Company's s.b. Ringa roomn last night, tho members of the Royal Opera Company arrived in Auckland. This Company, numbering sixty per formers, opon in Abbott's Opera House on Saturday first, and already arrangements for tho event aro busily proceeding. Such is tho magnitudo of these preparations, that Signor Nobili has been obliged to mako an arrangement with l'rofosaor Payne, by which tho latter gentleman curtails his reason at tho Opera House, to allow of the fitting up of scenery and mochanical appliances for tho operatic performances to be procoeded with. From now until Saturday, workers will bo cngagod on th« stage of the Opera House preparing the grand spectacular effects incident to the operas to bo produced. Tho Royal Comic Opera Company is beyond doubt the largest that has ever visited tlio colony, and this fact should bo borne in mind by tlioso peoplo who may think tho tariff rather hijjji. in point (jf fact, too, tho prices «ro no higher than usual if tho public avril themselves of tho family *"=Kcts now on sale at a reduced „.<.«, but which will not bo sold after the opening night Tho name of Mr Woodfteld, tho leading tenor of the Company, does not appear in the passenger list, ho having been in Auckland for some time. Mr Wallaco is stage manager.

It will bo noticed by advertisement in another column tluitM. Albin Villcvul (French master at tho I!iris' lUk'li School, and ut all the lcadiuv private educational establishments of the oitf), Intends to form two privuto classes for tho study of Kronch, ono boing for boijtancrs, and the other for young ladies who lmvo irnulo some advanco in the acquisition of tho language The charge ia extremely niodorate, and Ai. Villeval's quallflcationH aro very high. No other French toaehw who lias sojourned in Auckland lias been so successful, for his pupils learn not only to read the language which ho teaches, but to make accurate and practical conversational use of it. This is tho best re commendation a teaehor can havo.

Tho Golden Crown Boot Factory picnic will Btart from tho wharf by tho Tongurlro to morrow morning ut 11 o'clock, for St. Hollicr's Day, and not at 10 o'clock as previously an nounced.

Tho attention of tobacconists and wine and spirit merchants Is directed to the adver tisement olsownoro concerning Messrs K. and A. Isaac's solo of cigars, cigarottCß. and wines and spirits, which takes place at olcven o'clock to morrow.

Tho very high rents charged for proporty in Qucon-stvoot must of nocossity lncrcaao the valuo of goods to consumers. Itcnta In Customs street being more moderate, Winnato, Burns and Co. aro enabled to soil general Ironmongery at a lower rate. Pleasing and tungiblo proof of tills has already been nxperloncod by many und all may bo convinced by making a sinnl trial nurchaso frani their varied stock of usul'u household ironmongery.—[Apvt.]

Bicycles, unequalled for finish, prloe and quality, at Shakeßpoar & Co., (opposite the Market) Qucen-strocU—[Advt.]

Brett's Auckland Almanac and Pro vincial Handbook, for 18SJ, Is now on salo at all booksellers.

SCINTILLATIONS.

Royalty in town. Tho Maori King is hero "incog. Snow foil in Otago yesterday. Napier Board of Education \b insolvent. Darknoss that may bo felt—A black hat. What part of grammar is remorse ? Syn tax.

Professor Payne has shut up shop and goes South shortly. The Doric takos 7,000 carcases of mutton from Wellington. Christohuroh Drainago Board pay £12,G58 a year for maintenance of sowers.

Tho ftverago cost of railroads in tho United Kingdom is £41,721 a milo.

A little girl named Stark was drowned in tho Opawa River, Blenheim, last night. McDermott who is charged with embezzl ing Government Insurance funds, is also said to have pocketed a lot of subscriptions to Wellington Regatta. During tho past four years JOO,OOO cattle havo died in European Russia from oattlo plague, which still rages unabated. Fortune* nocks at evory man's door once in a lifo, But in somo cases it only stops long enough to leavo a printed circular. More pleasure aftor Payno—Tho Royal Comic Opera Company aftor " tho lightning fancy rillo shot of the world."

Four ponco for broad, knocked in tho head, by tho Model Bakery. Canterbury Saleyards Company shows a profit for tho past year of £1,232, and declares a dividend of G per cent, for tho half year.

Andrew Geddis, aged 13 years, was drowned while bathing yesterday in a crock at Ranglora, Canterbury, "Judge not, that yo bo not judged " is rendered in tho Afghan Testament, "Do not do justice, lest justice be done to you." MrW. N. Blair, Chief Engineer for tho Middle Island, is publishing a pamphlet on "Tho Industries of New Zealand."

The latest political canard is that Mr Swanson does not intend retiring after all, so that aspirants to the Newton seat aro rather premature. The mining village of Shag Point, Otago, with a population of 400, has been deprived of support by tho stoppage of the coal mines through danger trom water. " Gontlemen, a toast. Fill your glasses. May tho rloh Bparkle of this wine, the delicate flavour—" " Be continued in our necks," suggested one of the guests, and the toast was imbibed slowly. The Dunediri shareholders of the Titanic Iron Company have resolved to accept of the sum of £3,000 offered by Government and now on tho Estimates, if paid at once In full.

CABLEGRAMS.

(nßtrTEn'a CAiiusrinAMs )

(Received February 13—11.41 a.m.)

Colonial Awards at Calcutta Exhibition,

Calcutta, February 12.—Tho official list of the awards at the International Exhibi tion has been published. To colonial exhibitors the following gold medals are awarded :—Victoria, (i; South Australia, .'! ; Tasmania, 4; New South Wales, 1. The tsilvor medals awarded aro as follows :— Victoria, 12; South Australia, 1; Tas mania, 0 ; New South Walos, 1.

Mi- Bradlaugh Again Excluded from Parliament.

London, February 12. —In tho House of Commons yesterday Sir Stafford Northcoto moved that Mr Bradlaugh bo excluded from tho Houso and from tho procincts of tho place, and the motion wus adopted by a large majority. Mr Bradlaugh was present' during tho debate, and voted with tho minority. Anti-Christian Riots In China. Hono Kono, February 11.—Anti-Chris tian riots havo occurred in China. Two • hundred Christians wore massacred, and a mission station totally destroyed during tho riots.

[.SI'KCI.VL TO PRKSS AS.SOUIATION.J

(lleceivod February llith—noon.) Tho South Australian Gunboat.

London, February 12.— Commander John C. P. Walcot, R.N., has boen appointed to the command of the South Australian gun boat Protector.

Tho Queon's Now Boole.

Copious extracts from tho Queen's now book are published in all tho newspapers.

London, February 12.—Sir Henry Bartlo Frerois''"; ry critical state of health.

A wedding party, consisting of thirty persons, havo been drowned on the river Theiss, in Hungary.

AUSTRALIAN.

Svdhev, Fobruary 12.—At a meeting of tho Opposition this morning, Sir John Robertson was cltoson leader, and when tho House met this evening, Sir John tabled a want-of-confidenco motion. Mr Stuart, Premier, thereupon moved tho adjournment of tho llouso, and that tho motion of tho loader of the Opposition take precedence over all othor business.

Tho intercolonial cricket match, Victoria v. New South Wales, was concluded by a victory for tho homo team.

Melbourne- Grain Market.

Melboubnk, Fobruary 12.—Tho Mel bourne manager of the National Mortgage and Agency Company New Zealand (Limited) reports of tho local grain market as follows :—Wheat, rather firm at 3s lid to 4s ; malting barley, firm and inactive, demand at 4s 3d to 4s 8d; Now Zealand oats, duty paid, 2s 8d to 3s, market much stoadior; Now Zealand oats, in bond, quiet f t2s 4d to 2s Bd.

TAWHIAO IN AUCKLAND.

His Arrival Yesterday,

Tawiiiao arrived hero yesterday afternoon from Mercer, by tho fl o'clock train. Tho visit is a somewhat unexpected one, as, though it was known that ho had been for sovoral days at Mercer, it was assumed that his prosenco thero was entirely duo to a de sire to raise funds for his contemplated English visit from tho Lower Waikato natives, and it was believed that, liaving performed that visit, ho would return home. Tawhiao is accompanied by his eldest son (Tv Tawhiao), Major To Wheoro (M.H.B, for tho Western Maori Electoral District), and tho chiefs Wharokawa, Te Arai, Whaka and Tutata. The visit is en tirely in connection with tho King's viisit to England, which is now definitely decided on, though the date of his departure has not been fixed. Tawhiao is desirous of ob taining clothing and other necessaries for tho trip. He will bo accompanied by Te Whero and several of tho chiefs, and it is probable that Mr Macbeth will form one of the party. Taiwhanga is iv Auckland just now, but it in evident that between the erstwhile mighty Sydnoy and Tawhiao thero does not exist perfect [sympathetic accord. The King has no objection to Taiwhanga joining tho party, as he would have t.Ho Uno Cii <,t ti,uL astute natlto'u pro vioue experience, but at the samo timo poor Sydnoy will have to provide his own ex penses. Sinco tho abovo was written, wo loam that it is not improbable that Tawhiao will lenvo for England next week.

THE "MIGNON" AND "WILMER" PIANOS.

ARRIVAL OF THE FIRST SAMPLES,

In all probability a branch or an agency of the celebrated firm of Nicholson and Co., music publishers and musical instrument importers, of Melbourne) and Sydnoy, will be established in Auckland within tho next few weeks. Mr Nicholson, tho head of tho linn, is at present in tho city, and is so much impressed with its size and prospects that he has resolved to extend his business hither. The direct purpose of his visit, howovor, was to introduce to the notice of the public certain now varioties of piano which ho had specially manufactured for him in Germany. Specimens of these and othors for which the firm is agent aro now stored in Oppenheimer and Co.'a late premises in Customs-street East, where wo had an opportunity on Monday of seeing and hearing thorn. It seems that some two and a-half year's ago Mr Nicholson went to Europe principally with the view of visiting all tho leading pianoforte factories of England, France, and Germany, and after personal inspection of their manufactures, selecting such in struments as ho considered to be most likely to meot tho tastes of Ins Australian and Now Zealand customers. After patient and assiduous inquiry and examina tion, he had specially manufactured for him in Berlin two instruments by different makers, which he has named tho " Mignon " and " Wilmer" respectively, and he claims that in their ssparato classes they aro im measurably superior to anything in the shape of pianos yet placed before the colo nial public. Tho"Mignon" is said to be facile princeps among cottage pianos. It has a full iron i'ramo, with splendid metallic tuning-plate, and is constructed upon the ovoretrung or double oblique system, which has almost ontiroly superseded tho older mothod; Tho instrument is trichord, and has a compass of seven octaves, while its dimensions aro Sft. lOin. in height, 4ft. Oin. in width, and lft. llin. in depth. Its tono is both round and rich in quality, as well as of great purity, and tho touch is elastic. Tho construction is substantial, and tho casing both attractive and chase, somo being in walnut and walnut and gold engraved, and others in a dark wood obonisod and gold. Its cheapness is another important feature of its recom mendations, for it is sold in Melbourne at the very low price of £45. The ' 'Wilmer" is a more pretentious instrument, and there foro sells at about £60 in Melbourne. It possesses singular power, as well as depth and brilliancy of tone, and may be used with advantage for concert purposes. It is overstrung (double oblique) and is gold bronzed, and trichord, with check-action, while it has a powerful iron frame, extend ing to the top of tho piano, and is of full compass. Liko tho "Mignon," it is guaranteed for coven years. Tho dimen sions aro: Height, 4ft. 4in. ; width, 4ft. lOin, ; and depth, 2ft. 2in. In addition to those, there are specimens of 'the iron-framed cottage piano," by the celebrated Kouisch, of Dresdon, whoso manufactures have been held in the highest repute for the last 10 or 15 years. Tho spooial qualifications of this piano are its rich, pure, and sympathetic quality of tone and its exquisite touch. It has a com pass of 7 octaves from Ato A, is handsomely cased both in walnut and rosewood, and is in two sizes, whoso dimensions are separately: (a) 4ft. 2in. in height, 4ft. Bin. in width, 2ft. lin, in dopth ; and (b) 4ft. 81n, in height, 4ft. lOin. in width, and 2ft. 2in. in depth. Nicholson and Company are also agents for the Clough and Warren Organ Company of Detroit, U.S., and Mr Nichol. 3on lias with him a neat and pretty specimen of their " Pet" organ in solid black walnut case. It has a compass of five ootaves, and possesses five stops, viz., diapason, molodia, cor Anglais, vox angelet, and forte. All the instruments are of superior quality, and of great cheapness! They are well worth inspection, and sljpuld command a ready sale.

DESIGNS FOR FREE LIBRARY AND ART GALLERY.

Special Mooting of City Council.

A SPECIAL meeting of tho City Council for the purpoKo of receiving and considering tho report of tho Committee appointed to deal with the design* for the Freo Library and Art Gallery was held last night. Present— Tho Mayor (Mr W. H. Waddol), and Crs. Dovoro, Mackcehnie, Stevenson, Marshall, Holland, Montague, Harper, Fleming, Crowther, Aiekin, La Roche, Garratt, and Burns. Tho recominondation of tho Committoo that tho first prize Hhould be awarded to " Litorm, Scicntiiu etArtcs,"and the second to " Tataria," was thon read out. Oa tho motion of Cr. Stkvk.vro.n, tho Council went into committee. Cr. Dkvobk asked from what source the funds necessary for the erection of tho pro posed Art Gallery und Free Library were to bederivod. Ho supposed that tho answer would bo: from tho loan authorised by tho Act of last session. If so, ho hud to reply that tho portion of the loan thus authorised was only for the purposos of a public library. Now, in looking at the designs submitted to them ho found that tho purposes of art were largely provided for in tho proposed build ing, and ho wished to know how the Art Gallery was to be supplied. Then, too, Mr Costley's bequest, which would yield some £GOO or £700 per annum, was intended for the purposes of a Public Library solely, and ho wishod to know whether any part of it would bo diverted to the purposes of the Art Gallory. Ho asked for His Worship's TheMAYOR said that his ruling would bo vory Bimplo. Clause 7of tho Act specified that a gum of £120,000 should bo spent upon a Free Library and Art Gallery, and that was tho intention, while the revenue dorivablo from Mr Costley's bequest would ho spent upon the Public Library solely. Tho Art Gallery class rooms would bo pro vided, but tho city could not undertake tho charge of supplying teachers and instruc tion to Htudents. The estate of Mr Oostloy would not bo realised until May and June, and then, after being apportioned, would have to be held in trust for the bodies in terested. Cr. Holland pointed out that Dr. Camp boll now supported the Free School out of his own pocket, and probably would con tinuo to do so. Cr. Aickik considered that tho time for reviewing tho project, and leaving out tho proposed Art Gallery, even if that were dc sirablo, had entirely passed. The leading Governments of the world supported Art Galleries, and made ample provision for the supply of technical instruction to their arti sans and artificers. Young countries thon should not bo behindhand in such a wiso provision. The manner in which the Art Gallery should be furnished and maintained was a matter of detail. _ A telegram was read from " Patana, stating his willingness to guarantee his estimate of cost. Cr. Flemish believed that Cr. Devore was actuated in asking his questions by the fear that the Art Gallery would imperil tho success of the Free Library, and in that point he quite sympathised with him. He suggested that separate tenders should be called for the first two designs in cane the estimates of one might be wrong. Cr. Montaobe thought it an unwarrant able assumption on their part to take it thatthedesigners' estlmatos wore erroneous. Tho time for deciding that question would come when the tenders were roceivod. Cr. Dkvokk remarked that while the designers were instructed that a building to cost about £18.000 was contemplated, yet that they wore allowed a margin of 20 per cent. Cr. Crowtheu was not convinced that there was any necessity for us to provide technical education for our mechanics. In a country where wealth was abundant, and ; whoro no one need be poor who was indus trious, tho Bupply of this kind of instruc tion by taxation was quite superfluous. In order to bring the discussion into a regular channel, Cr. MackECHNIE moved the adoption of tho report. Ho considered that tho recommendation could hardly be impugned, seeing that the Committee which made it consisted of such practical men as tho ex-Mayor, Councillors La Roche, Phillippa, Mascfield, and Fleming, who had boon assisted with the knowlcdgo and ox porionco of a committee of architects and artist*, comprising Messrs Anderson, Wade, E. Bartley, Albin Martin, and Dcrrom. Cr. Holland secondod the motion. He had been proparod to move, " That the re port of the Committee be adopted, but that no premium be paid until specifications are supplied and tenders called for the design at present standing first, and should tho lowest tender exceed the limit contained in tho conditions, it be sot aside and a like course taken with tho design standing second ; should this bo within the limit, it then bo entitled to first premium, the other taking second, and should both designs ex ceed tho limit, a new competition bo called." Ho had gono carefully into the plans, and personally preferred the design markod "Tataria," to the ono selected for the prize, viz., " Litorae, Scientae, et Artes." Tho floor spaco shewn by tho latter was 15,000 feet of superficial area on three floors, while " Tataria " provided for 1.'t.000 and some few hundred feet of superficial area on two floors, which was preferable, inasmuch as stairs were inconvenient in public buildings. Another serious defect in tho design of "Literae, Sciontae et Artes," wasthe large waste of room, seeing that tho accommodation assigned the cura tor in a prominent part of the building was ] equal to that to be had in the largest villa residences at Remuera. For instance, there were shown a dining-room 23 feet x.25 (an enormous (irea), ft drawing-room 19 x 19, a bedroom 20 x 16, besidos three other bedrooms on tho floor abovo, servants' room, and a large kitchen. Tho Sub-Committee had sug gested that tho elevation given by "Tataria " should be raised 10 feet, but in this respect they had exceeded their func tion, which was meroly to roport upon what they found and not to suggest altera tions.

Cr. Devore, in view of this expression of opinion, considered it expedient for the Council to discuss tho plans seriatim, and hear the reasons assigned for the opinions entertained for and against each of them. He therefero moved to that effect.

Tho amendmont was put and carried,

"bee hive design."

Estimated cost, £21,000; Sub-com mittee's estimate, £40,254 ; without sculp ture and approaches, £33,454. The report of the Sub-cominitteo upon tho design marked "Bee Hivo" having been read,

Cr. Montague asked for a statement of the objections taken against it. He said that it had leaked out who tho designer was, and tho gentleman had pledged his reputation to carry out tho design for tho amount of his estimate. He then asked in what way tho architects had estimated tho cost of tho designed building at £33,454. Mr Anderson (City Engineer) answering for himself, Mr Wade, and Mr Dorrom, said that they pursued tho same way of comput ing the cost of the buildings designed. They measured them in their several parts, and valued tho different parts at tho cost at which they thought they could bo built. They cubed tho buildings, and valued them at 9d per foot. Some parts were less, but that was the avorago. Tho cubic measurement of " Bee hive " was 592.000 feet, which, at 9d per foot, produced £33,500 in lound numbers, to which 10,800 for sculpture and ap proaches had to be added, making a total of £40,254.

Cr. Devohe said that tho original inten tion of the Council was simply to provide an Art Gallery in addition to tho Free Library, but in drawing up the specifica tions tho Town Clerk, at tho direction of the late Mayor, had included art school and chss rooms. He therefore wished to know now what proportion of spacn " Bee hivo " had allowed for the Art Gallery and Freo Library.

Mr Anderson replied that two-thirds waa allowod tho Art Gallery, and one-third the Free Library,

"fidelity."

Estimated cost, £20,000 ; Sub-corn mittee's estimate, £33,105.

Tho report upon " Fidelity " was then road, and the Mayor pointed out that serious objections to it wore the fact of only one entrance boingj provided for, and the further one of the objectionable position of the conveniences.

In answer to Cr. Montague, Mr Andkr son said tho space assigned to Free Library and Art Gallery was about equal.

"rough ashlar."

Estimated cost, £22,550 ; Sub-corn mittee's ostimato, 135,732.

Mr Anderson explained that tho objec. tion taken to the roof construction in this design had been removed. The apparent abspneo qf tie-rods was stated to place an undup strain upon the rqpf, but it had sinco been found that tie-rods had been shown, although so minute as not to bo at first observed. ' This objection was therefore withdrawn.

A letter from " Rough Ashlar " criticising and answering the Committee's report was read.

"PEBICIiES."

Estimated cost, £18,400 ; Sub-com mittee's estimate, £.°,f>,023. The section of tlio report dealing with this design wan read and paused without comment.

" TATAKIA."

Estimated cost, £20,000 ; Sub-com mittee's estimate, £28,C82 ; and with additional 10 feet, £32,082. In relation to this design, the Mayor asked what wag the height of the rooms proposed to bo raised 10 feet. Mr Wade said that it was 10 feet from lloor to cornice. Ho had heard that a picture was coming out which was 12 feet high. The Mayor replied that tho picture was 12 feet long by G or 7 feet wide. Other councillors statod that the space assigned the library was 05 feet long and 36 feet wide, or somewhere about the space given in the present Library, and that the Art Gallery was assiged about tho same. In answer to the question, Why tho Sub committee had suggested the alteration in the elevation ? Mr ANUKKSOH said they had done so for the purposo of affording as much information as possible, and for that reason also tho estimate of tho cost of tho altera tion was given. Cr. Holland pointed out that tins design was shown on a level piano, and that to view it in proper perspective it would have to be looked at a standpoint 20 feet bolow it.

Cr. Devoiu? asked what was the propor tion of space allowed for Art Gallery and Library respectively, for ho believed that the classrooms and art-school would be added to the Library. Cr. Holland replied that the proportion for Library was two-thirds, and one-third for Art Gallery. In answer to Cr. Montague, Cr, Holland said that including class-roomH and art school with the Art Gallery, the proportion of (space assigned gallery and library would bo about equal. Mr Anderson, in reply to Cr. Crowther, said he believed " Tataria's " estimate in cluded sculpture and approaches as shown on the design. "HoiK " in Rkd Shield. Estimated cost, £18,900, or with dome, £21,900 ; Sub-Committee's estmate, i' 35,847, with dome; £33,140 without dome. Remarks were made upon the wide diver gence between the estimates of designer and Sub-Committee, and Cr. Devore re marked that someone had blundered. He then asked what were the proportions of space allowed theArtGallery(singly)and the Free Library. Mr Anderson anßwored that the Library space wa? 9Cft. x 3Gft., and the Gallery space 72ft. x 36ft. Cr. Crowmer explained that the design had Oft. more wall space than " Tataria's."

" LITER/IC, SuIENT.E F.T ARTES."

Estimated cost, £21,000; Sub-Com mittee's estimate, £35,917, Cr. Crowthkr remarked that the Sub- Committeo seemed to think this design without a fault.

Tho Town Clerk : Except as to the cost. Cr. Montauue asked Mr Anderson's opinion with respect to Cr. Holland's ob jections to this plan. Mr Anderson said it was quite true_ that there was a large amount of space assigned for the curator by the design, but such uses of it were not imperative. The space was obtained at the angles of the building and could be utilised as the Council saw fit.

The Mayor said that an impression ap peared to prevail that the Sub-Committee would feel as if they had been snubbed if their recommendation was not adopted, but be thought the idea was quite fallacious. Ho considered that if they were bound by puch an opinion tho time they had spent in considering the plans was wasted. Mr Anderson said the Sub-Committee would not at all feel snubbed if their recom mendation were not adopted or was varied. They had taken very great pains to start on a proper basis for considering tho qualifica tions of each design. It was for the Council to determine which design should be adopted. A letter from Mr Smith, architect, arguing that the premiums should be awarded to the designs complying most with the condi tions, was then read.

Tho Mayor remarked that he had very great objections to this last design for reasons already assigned. Cr. Stevenson moved that "Tataiia" should be written to for drawings and specifications for his design, and that tenders in accordance therewith should be invited at onco.

Cr. Devore asked what tho relative pro portions of space afforded by tlio present library and tho design of " Tataria." Mr ASDKRSON said that they were almost identical.

Cr. Holland pointed out that adding the class rooms and Art School to the Library, the space afforded the latter by " Tataria " would be double that given by the present Library, and then there were reading rooms beside.

Cr. Crowther said thaii by following " Tataria's " design the book shelves would bo almost in darkness, as the balcony would ovorhang some ten feet. Cr. Mackechnie then moved the adoption of the Committee's recommendation.

Cr. Crowther seconded,

Cr. Devore objected. Each plan should stand by itself, and be either rejected or adopted, without reference to suggested modifications. . Cr. Montague suggested the addition to Cr. Mackechnie'B resolution the proviso that, in the event of No. 1 design not being tendered for, " Hopo " in shield should be the next in order.

Cr. Holland doubted whether any reli able tender would be got for No. 1 design. Cr. Devore then moved, as an amend ment, " that the first premium be awarded to 'Tataria.'" He said that subsequently he would also move that no premium should bo paid unless a tender wero accepted, a deposit paid and contract entered into for the construction of the building, at a cost not to exceed £21,000.

The amendment proposed was put and negatived. Cr. Devorr then moved as a further amendment, " That the first prize sheuld be awarded to 'Tatoria,' and tho second one to ' Rough Ashlar.' " The Mayor ruled that tho amendment could not bo put as the Council had already negatived tho proposal to award " Tataria " first prize. Cr. La Roche thoreforo moved, and Cr. Devore seconded, "That the first prize should bo awarded to ' Rough Ashlar, and the second to ' Tatavia.'"

Thia proposal waa also negatived. Cr. Montague next moved as an amend ment, "That the first prizo should be awarded to ' Hopo' in red shield, and the second to ' Tataria.'" He asserted that "Hopo" in red shield afforded tho most space for the Library. Tho amendment was negatived by 7 to 5. Cr. Aickin suggested that the tenders should bo received for both first and second designs. Cr. Holland said that contractors would rofuse to do such a thing. It was a course quite unheard of .in the trade. The resolution, viz., that tho first premium should bo awarded to " Literie, Scionta; ot Artes.'' and the second to " Tataria,'' was thon put and carried.

Cr. Devore niovod his promised resolu tion, viz., " That no first premium bo paid unless the tender of a tenderer be accepted and the usual deposits paid by him and con tract entered into to build according to selected plans and specifications, for a sum not exceeding £21,000. This was seconded by Cr. La Roche and carried.

In answer to Cr. Aickin, tho Mayor said of course it was understood that in the event of the first design not being tendered for the next on tho list (" Tataria") would rcceivo first premium, if tendered for, and tho third design ("Hopo" in red shield) would get second premium. Cr. Holland thoughtinthatcaso "Literae, Seientae et Artes," should receivo second premium. The Mayor remarked that this was a matter of detail which could be fought out in committee.

It was then agreed to write to the de signers of tho selected designs for drawings and specifications. Cr. La Roche proposed that a sum of 15 guineas should bo paid to the lowest ten ueror in the event of his tendor not being accepted. The proposition was seconded and carried. On the motion of Cr. Fleming, seconded by Cr. Burns, it was furthor resolved that tenders for the selected design should be advertised for in Auckland, Wellington, Christenurch, and Dunedin. The Council then resumed, and on tho Mayor's proposal the action adopted in Committee was confirmed.

Cr. Devoke pointed out that as the busi ness of the special, meeting was simply to select two designs, and as other business had been transacted, it would be advisable to ratify it at the general meeting, so that there should be no question as to }ts legality. On tho Mayor's motion, a vote of thanks was passed to the Sub-Committee. Cr. Devore suggested that Mr Wade should bo paid for his services, "inasmuch as he was not a servant of the Council.

Cr. La Rocuk also thought that Mr Edward Bartley's services should bo simi larly recognised.

Cr. Gariiktt considered that tho amount to he voted should be passed to the Sub committee as a whole.

Tho subject then dropped.

On tho letters of " Literae Scientae, et Artes " and "Tataria" being opened, the former design was seen to be from Messrs Grainger and D'Ebro, architects, 22 Collins-street East, Melbourne, and the latter from Mr N. Y. A. Wales, architect, Dunedin.

The rough minutes were then read, and the Council rose.

THE SOUDAN REVOLT

[llEUTElt's TELEGRAMS.]

FALL OF SINKAT.

MASSACRE OF THE GARRISON.

Cairo, Feb. 12 (afternoon). Tklkouams aro to hand this afternoon from Souakim, announcing that Sinkat, a town which has been besieged by the rebels for several weeks past, has fallen. The Governor (TeM'fik Bey) ordored all tho forts to be exploded and the guns "piked, and i when this work had been completed yesterday he made sally from the place with his garrison numbering GOO men. They were met outside the town by an overwhelming force of rebels who showed no mercy, and massacred tho whole of their victims. The latter were reduced to starvation before they sallied from Sinkat.

WAR PREPARATIONS.

London, February 12. Admiral Hewitt, who has recently been appointed to the command of Souakim, has refused permission to the marines sf French an(? Italiun gunboats to land there.

In consequence of the critical state of affairs in the Soudan, the English Govern ment aro preparing for large shipments of ammunition to Egypt. Reports have been received from Colonel Gordon, in which he states that there is a quieting appearance throughout the coun try which he traversed. Tho Liberal members are urging Cabinet to uso energetic measures with res pect to their Egyptian policy.

SHOCKING FATAL ACCIDENT.

[l!Y TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Westport, Tuesday. A terrible accident occurred at the West port Company's incline this afternoon, Joseph Brown, butcher, and a member of the County Council, and William Harrison, storekeeper of Wangaroa and Denniston respectively, were ascending in an empty truck, when tho shacklings of the descending loaded truck broke, and the full truck dashed into tho empty one, killing Brown Instan taneously, and seriously injuring Harrison. The latter was taken to the Hospital. Brown leaves a wife and a large family.

A later telegram says: The doctor has pronounced Harrison to be out of danger. Brown's back and neck were broken.

THE ENGLISH HOP MARKET.

Messrs Win. Noakes, Son, and Manger, hop factors, 9, Southwark-streot, Borough, London, England, report, January 3rd: We have had a very good trade all through the season, prices gradually hardening owing to the planters holding off tha market. During the past month trade has been quiet, but now we expect more doing again. Americans are very inferior in quality, and do not command attention, Californians are not so good as usual. The Australasians are quite neglected. There are no Continental hops in our market. Prices for English range from £5 oa to £8 Sa per cwt.

MINING NEWS.

[BY TKLEGHAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Thames, this day,

New Prince Imperial.—About 401b of specimens wore obtained yesterday in tho stopes on No. 2 reef, eastward of the winze at No. 5 level.

New Manukau.—Very little work has been done towards driving across No. 2 reef, but an additional parcel of 51b picked stone is to hand, and gold is still visible in the reef.

Cambria.—lt lias been decided that the winze shall be sunk 120 feet on the under lie of tho reef, and that a cross cut shall be driven from the shaft at tho depth of 80 feet to meet it. The reef in the winze is quite 4 feet wide, heavily charged with antimony, and colours of gold were seen at last break ing-down. Darwin.—The quartz hitherto stacked on the brace is being removed to the hoppers, and will be crushed next week.

Mariner.—The No. 1 reef has been intersected at the intermediate level, and the managnr is now driving towards the junction of the hanging-wall leader. New Diamond.—Mr J. Bunny has been appointed manager of this mine, vjee Mr Benney resigned, who leaves the district to I take] charge of the Canadian claim, Waiorongmnai. Gold is still seen in the winze, being sunk from the intermediate level.

The following telegrams was received by; Mr D. G. Mac Donald to-day, from the manager of the London Gold Mining Co. t— " Obtained 13ozs. gold from trial crushing. Particulars by this evenings mail. (Signed) ; Charles D. Waite. " ' .

WAITEMATA MINSTRELS.

A capital minstrel performance was given.;:. in the Theatre Royal last evening by th». ■ Waiteinata Minstrels, with the object sBU assisting tho funds of the Artillery Band, I There was a splendid house, the lower v , portion being crammed to excess, vrhila:; nearty all the seats in the drees circle were I occupied. An exceptionally good pro* I ■gramme was provided, each item being :; in itself an attractive feature, and the whole I forming one of the best entertainments 6h9 tho kind that have been given by a local",? company. The customary chair performance ; introduced the whole of the minstrels, Mr" 9 R. \V. Sceats occupying the prominent/'., position of interlocutor, and the corners'." being filled by Messrs Leedham, C. and P.- ;j Hanncken, and H. Hargravo. From the I commencement of the rattling opening chorus until tho fail of the curtain the coloured performers appeared' to to be thoroughly in sympathy with their; audience, excellently rendered songs of the. 9 sentimental and comic descriptions, follow- H ing each other in rapid succession, and *, evoking enthusiastic applause, while the | corner men simply surpassed themselves,,. '••■ fresh jokes and local allusions forming '/ sparking variety in the intervals between V; the musical selections. Each of the I company was in good vo; ce, and under such circumstances it is un --;". necessary to make invidious lefereneflsjv to any. Tho first portion of the programme ' 1 was as follows:—Overture and openinjg j chorus, Waitemata Minstrels; song, "Wait 1 till tho Clouds roll by," Mr W. Jennings jr. v' comic song, "Will you be my Hollyhock," I MrH. Hargravo; song, " The Old Wooden ■ Rocker," Mr D. Menzies; comic song, i I "Tho Auckland Artillery," Mr C. Hanno kenj song, "Sleep on Dearest," Mr F. H Hunter; song, "Queen of the Night," MT;-*' R. W. Scoats; comic song, "The Four- ; Sarahs," Mr P. Hanncken; song, "Let / your Tears Kiss the Flowers," Mr T.- I Lander; comic song, " Mounseer Monkey stick," Mr T. Leedham. The tableaux B was a specialty in itseif. The scene at the I rear having been withdrawn, disclosed; ' to view a representation of Britannia 9 seated on tho Globe — the Artillery 3 Band, which occupied the semi-circle in, front, playing "Rule Britannia." Part 2 comprised selections from "Martha" by , the Artillery. Band; excellent selected ." I songs by Messrs Menzies and Jennings; a-' good comic song by Mr Robertson; a well; . executed American stop jig by MrT. Leed ham ; and tho comic sKetch, "Height of a' 1 Soldier," by Mr Morris. The last-named • item was enthusiastically encored, and in response Mr Morris appeared as second (< Dundreary," and in a clever impromto | song, scored a number of hits against the .' pincers of Volunteer Companies and Fire m Brigade. Tlie song displayed a talent for impromptu rhyme-making' that astonjsheo I the audience. The performance concluded | with an amusing operatic burlesque, on- ; titled thp "TroubledTroubador." Credft.l is duo to tho well-trained and efficient1 . orchestra, which, under the conductbrship of Mr Alfred Bartley, assisted so materially ~ towards the success of the entertainment,

TJUHE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1884.



J pOSGRAVE & riO. Aro now holding a CHHAP SALE CHEAP SALE Off" OP DRAPERY! CLOTHING! DRAPERY! O* O T H I N G I And submit the following Cheap Links !—Chkap Lines I—Chb ap Links ! 1,900 Trousers and Tests, Colonial-made, at 12a 6d. 300 Doz. Havard Shirts, lined backs, Is 6d each. 50 Dozen Felt Hats, 2s Cd. WO Boxes White Shirts 3s 6d. 20 Cases Men's Cold Mole Trousers, 5a lid. 160 Serge Suits, 21s 6d. 2C3 Dozen Men'B and Boyii' Leghorn Hats, 3s 9d, 300 Blue Diagonal Sac Coats, now shape, 18s 6d. AT THHIB NEW PREMIBES. I J. COSGRAVE" AND CO., 1 Pptohtb Wm. MoAbthub & co.s B Wahbhousk.



Special Advertisements. R^ V H I L S 0 N, Late District Surgeon, Attonds from 10 o.m. to 1 o'clock p.m., AND DR. J. H. HONEYMAN From 11 a.m. to 1 o'clock p.m., at Aickin's, • T II X PHARMACY Queen-street, UCKLAND GAS COMPANY (LIMITKD), ESTABLISHED 1362. PURVEYORS OF LIGHT, HKAT, AND POWER. The Company soil and orcct gas-flttings, In cluding gas apparatus and gas-power enginoa. Stock includes Otto Gas Englnaa.—Oflloa and Show-rooms. Fort-street. B" A L A N C~ E OK W. MEREDITH'S BANKRUPT STOCK! BANKRUPT STOCK! AND A LARGE LOT OF JOB LINES, TO JIK CtKAltKll AT REMARKABLY LOW PRICES, AT ■WT T> TiRIDGMANU VV. Ix JLJridgman's. Dress Goods in groat varioty, 12yds for 2s 6d, 3s Cd 4s 6d Balance Summer Stock of Prints, 2|d, 3Jd, 4 jd, Sid Strong Cotton Shirtings, 3Jd, 4Jd, sid White and Grey Calico at wholesale price SO Ladies' Leather Bags, half-price, from Is 6d Ladies Underclothing much under usual price Strong Cotton Tweed lor Boys, slightly damaged, Is yd Boys' and Youths' Tweed Trousers, from 33 9d 20 Men's Strong Tweed Coats. 7s 6d 20 Men's Strong Tweed Trousers and Vests, 7a 11(1, 10a 3d, 128 &1 Boys' Sorge Sailor Suits, 4s lid Largo Stock of Men's Tweed Suits, 15s Cd, 18s M, 213 Men's Tweed Hats, 18, Is 8d Boys' and Youths' Scrgo Hats, Is 6d Rush Hats, 2Jd each Linoleum and Floorcloths considerably less than regular prices. LOT OF REMNANTS AND JOB LINES. EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD VALUE. WILLXIAM R. BRIDGMAN, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE. Just Opened A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF C 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 Theso Goods are Very Choice, and have been selected with great core especially (or MY OWN TRADE.



~WI LLIAM RATT RA V, DBAPER, CLOTHIER, AND SILK MERCER, 178, 180, AND 186, QUKEN-STRKKT ((cur doors below the New Savings Bank), AUCKLAND. For Yon THE GOODS To Note For You Manufactured by. ToNote F«YoU THE NEW ZEALAND To Note For You CLOTHING FACTORY JoNoto For You m . _. . . , To Note For You From tno Celobrated To Note For You JIOSGI EL TWEEDS To Note Kou Are Acknowledged ? o Noto For You T» be tho Most To Note For You STERLING VALUE To Noto For You AndßMit To Noto For You And Beet ToNot6 For You WEARING GARMENT To Noto For You Tj. VBr p-nflnppj To Note For You Produced, ToNote For You While the Rango To Note For You Of Price* Jo Note For You T „, . ToNote For You Is m> \aried ToNote For You That the Most To Note For You ECONOMICAL ToNote For You To w norn To Note For You MONEY IS AN OBJECT, ToNote For You wui be To Note HfiZ Thoroughly Satisfied. Kte For You To Note For You To Note For You . ~„..-• . v»rv t>t> i xmir To Note For You AUCKLAND BRANCH, To Noto KorYou mscm ToNote Koyou QUKKN-STK^, To Note fSyoS J. FiTzamroNs. tono* f&$S5 Branch Manner. g**" For You To V«m For You to Note ForY™ N.8.-Pattern and all For You I information sent Post Free. To Note J^bw Xjaw Partnership. fHE UNDERSIGNED beg to announce that they have Commenced Practice In Co-partner ship as BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS, In Chambers In HIOH-EtmEST opposite Mr W. Atkln's Printing Office. E. W. BURTON. W. J. NAPIER, uckland,- September 22nd. 1883. JUST OPENED, A VERT CHOICE ASSORTMENT BROKEN CHECK GINGHAMS, BROKEN CHECK GINGHAMS, New and Handsome Designs. Also, NEW GOODS, in MILLINERY SUNSHADES LACES MANTLES GLOVES HOSIERY COSTUMES HANDKERCHIEFS UNDERCLOTHING BABY LINEN to., &c, &c. Five Prr Cent. Discount fob Cash. IM[ ILNE & ChOYCE, WHERE SHALL I VUHNISH MY HOUSEFROMi THE CHEAPEST ALL ROUND HOUSE TO FURNISH FROM IS THE CITY HALL ARCADE GARLICK & ORANWELL ! ! IRON BEDSTEADS, go to BEDDIN^o^* 101^^1^ CARPET^° K&CR^ WE^ OAHLICK & CRANWELL. GARLICK & CRANWELL, GARUCK&ORANWELir 1118118"1' GARLICK & CRANWE^ 018101' 01* Manufacturers of ah kinds of furniture. Cheap Tapestry & Brubsel Carpets. Cheap Oilcloths & Linolbum. Cheap & Beautifot. Cretonnes, 'heap Blankbts & Curtains. GARLICK & CRANWELL, HOUSE FURNISHERS City Hall Arcade. QUEKN-SrREET, AUCKLAND



Signor Otto I tug, the Swiss medical olair yoyant, receives patients that are not able to, pay, free of charge, every Saturday afternoon from two to four oolook. at St. Mutigo Place (op posite Bank of Now Zealand), Quoen-atreot.— Advt.]