SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

HIGH WATKR{^K nfio^ng. O.W i«!!NBKT.-Thla KvenlnK. 5.1 ■^t'vntPK.-To-morrow Monnnc, 7 ;> MOON'S AGK.—First Quarter, St)th, 9.1" a.m.

ARRIVALS. TO-DAY.

Neptune, b.s., Mustard, from Mercury Bay Olenelg, 9.8., Stophenson, from Russell lona, s.s., Amodco, from Hokianga

DEPARTURES. LAST EVENING.

Macgroßor, 3.3., Johnson, for Mercury Bay Waiwkf; S.S., Crawford, for Mercury Bay

• TO-DAY. Aurora, brlgantino, Ives, for Kaipara

EXPORTS.

Per Louie, for Newcastle (to bo loaded at Tairua), 70 feet timber.

LvwAniwCoastwise.—Uessio, from Kennedy Ray, with 21,000ft. timber: Nellie, from Whngapoua. with IW.OOOfU timbor; Atalanta, from Tairua, with 21,100ft. timbor; Christina, from Hussoll, wilh !K> tons coivl; Kauri, from Tort Chambers, with 62.000ft. baulk timber.

Outw\rds Coastwise—Lucy James, for Waihoko: Saucy Kate, for llussell; Lizette, for Thames; Bossic, for Mercury Bay; Nollio, for Wliangapoua; Atalnnta, for Taiana; Kauri, for Port Charles; Norval, for Russell.

The s.s. Ipna arrived from Hoklanga this mornlne. Passongcrs-Mrs Hartley and four natives.

Tho schooner Orpheus will leavo for Mercury Bay early next week for the purposo of loading timber for Suva.

The schooner Louie cleared at the Customs to-day for Newcastle via Talma.

The fl.g. Wellington having boon detainod at Ta\iraii!?a till 7 n.m. today, owing to bad weather, is not due hero until 7 this evening.

Tho three-masted schooner Guam has entered outwards at the Customs for Newcastle.- She will sail about Tuesday next.

Tho following vessels were loaded at Hoki anga and ready for sea when the lona left ►— Barque Kentish Liisa, schooners Made Graha m Seagull, and Gael.

The b.B. Neptune returned from Mercury Bay atßa.ni. Passengers: Messrs Quinla-s Arnold, Hamilton. Nicoleß, and C natives.

Tlio brigantine Maria Virginia was the only vessel loading at Mercury Bay when the Neptuao loft yesterday.

The new paddle steamer which Mr R. Logan has in hand for the Ponsonby and NorthcoUs Ferry Company is almost completed, and will probably be launched within the next fortnight. Mr Logan, of North Shoro, has shipped per Penguin for Levuka a fine-looking eight-ton yacht for Mr Witham. Thevessolis 30ft. lons, Bft liin. beam, and 4ft. 3in. deep. She Is diagonal built, cutter rigged, strongly pnt together, and well finished.

The s.s, Glonelg arrived frem Russell and Northern Ports this morning. Passcngors: Mr and Mrs Clendon. Mesdames Wormall. Fer guson, and McLcod; Messrs Hobbs (M.H.R.), Uannon, Ellis, Witt. Harvey, Peuny, TurnbuU, S. Dixon, Basscr, Milne, and Lockhart.

The following of the Union Company's steamers are due to arrive horo next week :— Wanakn (at Manukau), from the South, Sun d&7,ll a.m.; Rotomahana, from Melbourne, via the SouUi.lo a.m.; Arawata. from Sydney, Tuesday; Wairarapa, from Tonga, Saturday.

LAUNCH.

At high-water yesterday Mr A.. Duthie launched f rom Custom-house-street West,» now schooner for Messrs Jaeger and Parker. Her dimensions are : -Length of keel, 73ft; length overall, 32ft; beam. 19ft 2in; depth, Sft Jin. The requisite tonnage will be about 79 tons. The vessel is built of the best materials, and well fastened with copper and trenails. She will be Tigged as a topsail schooner. It has not yet been decided in n*ich trade the new schooner will bo placed, but sho will probably *un be tween here and the South Sea Islands.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS.

Argylo. s.s,, McArthur, from Waitara Douglas, S.S., Daniels, from Waitara Lalla Rookh, s.s., Campbell, from Waitara Hannah Mokau, s.s., Dale, from Waitara

DEPARTURE.

Argyle, s.s., MoArthur, for Waitara

The steamers Argyle, Douglas. Hannah Mokau, and Lalla Rookh arrived from Waitara this morning with stock.

The p.s. Argyle left for Waitara at 1 o'clock to-day with 90 pkgs sundries.

' The s s. Wanaka is duo from the South at 10 o'clock to-morrow morning:. She leaves again nt noon if mail has arrived.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

Daroaville, this day.— Arrived: Pelican, Kopuru. Loading: Murmion. Vision, Makaru. Ellen Doonan.

Heads. — Sailed: Sarah Ann (barque), Borcolis, Welcome, Gleaner, Aratapn (origan tine). Loaded: Kiilarney (barque).

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Whangarri, this day.—Arrived: Macgregor, from Auckland, 6 a.ni.; Waitaki, from Auct land. G.30 a.m.

Wellington, this day.—Sailed: Rotomahana for tlio North. Passengers—Misses Miller and Muir, Mra and Miss Glozier, Mrs Fulton, child, and maid, Mr and Mrs Watson and two boys, Messrs Vancn, Crnlckshank. Mern, Joseph, Dodgsili'i ■>. ariaitha. Nairn.ProilUt. Ijiiv. Ander- Ron, C.i ;ionter. Brown, Elweli. Kev. Dr. and Mrs \V;u.:or. and Mr and Mrs Mackic.

Arrival of the Fotosi. Londos, July 25.—Arrived at Plymouth: Tho Orient Steamship Potosi from Melbourne (June 12).

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails w:ijc. Clobb ab under i—

Monday, 28th insl. For Waitnru. per Lallu Uookli. at C a. in. ForCoromandel, per Uoromundul. at 11.30 a.m. For Tairua, per Attiltuila, nt 3 p.m. For Taurangu, Ohinemutu, and Opotiki, per Olenelg, at S p.m. For ltussoll, Kawukawa, Fiji, and Samoa, per Penguin, at 4 p.m. For Itnsscll, Kawakawa, Wangnroa, and 11011-

gonui, per Wellington, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Hotonmhana, at 4 p.m. r'or Wbitiiingi and Upper Mill, per ltowenn or

NcplUDO. at sp.m. Fur 'i'hames, per lOnlorprisc, at 0.00 p.m.

Tuesday, 29th inst.

For Wolwora, Kawau, Omaha. Matakana, and Wurkwortb. per Uoso Casey, at 10 a.ni. For Gisborno, Napier, and Southern Ports,

per Southern Cross, at 4 p.m. Per Rotomaliana as follows :— For Australian Colonies, and United King dom, via Urindisl or Naples, per Orient bunt. for letters, etc.. specially so prepaid and ad dressed, at 1 p.m. For Wliangarol Heads, Parua, Waimi. han garei, Kamo, and Mangapai, per Macgrenoi'

or Waituki, at 5 p.m. For Australian Colonies (and Hongkong, from Sydney, per Tamsui), per s.s. Zeulandia, im mediately aftor her arrival from Honolulu. For Taranaki and Southern ports, per Wanaka, immediately after arrival ot Zealandta.

N.11.-The s.s. Coptic will leave Lyltelton, for London, vin Hio de Janiero and Plymouth, on August 10. Expected timo of pasaagu, 13 days.

8. n. Bia, w, Chief Postmaster, Chlul Post-oMco. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc

July 28, 1881. Abbott's Opera House—" The JUack Cloaks," 7.1/> p.m. Y.M.G.A.—Devotional and Address, 7.30 p.m. Froneh Literary Society - Lecture by M. Gamier, "Asiutic Morliuu and Miusiiiiilli: Cholera, with Uemodlea for their Prevention and Cure," 7.30p.m.

Births.

HAKKIt.-On July 2filli, at Church-street, De voupnrt. North Shore, tlio wifu of Jamt'H It, IX linker ot a daughter.

Marriage.

BUEEN-SINNOTT.-On July 21,at St. Patricks Cathedral, by Rev. Father Walter McDonald, Thomas liroon, second eldest son of Michael Broen, to Mary Sinnott, eldest daughter of John Sinuott, late of County Kilkenny ; bolli of Auuklund.

Death.

CAHILL.—On July 25th, ut her (uther'a rpsi ilence, Mount Uoskill Road, Eleanor Louise, eldest daughter of Fergus ami Dorothea lahill; aged 31 years. May her soul rest in peace. Amen. » Tho funeral will leavo her lato residence to-morrow (Sunday). 27th instant, at :i p n>. Friends aro respectfully invited.

D\IBLEY.-On July 2">. at her residence Great North Hoad, Margaret, the dearly beloved wife of John Daialey. after a loiik and mmliil illness, borne with L'hrlstilin fonitudo. Deeply rogrcttod. The funeral will leavo her late residence, I3ond-streot, Great North Hoad. on Siimlty, nt 3 p.m. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.

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

SATURDAY, JULY 26, 1884.

For tho cunso that lacks asslstanoa, For the wronß that oeods roaiatano*. For tho future In the distance. And the Raod that we can do.

The feather which shews how the wind blows has been thrown up in Dunedin and floated along to Auckland. Our correspondent, who is usually well in formed, announced by telegraph last night that Mr Stout is working to bring about a coalition between Sir George Grey and Sir Julius Vogel; and the ac count of our reporter's interview with the member for Auckland East to-day confirms the opinion that the task of bringing the three wings of the Opposition together under one leadership is not considered imprac ticable. A meeting of the leaders in Wellington prior to the opening of Parliament is spoken of as probable. The difficulties to be adjusted at such a conference will, we imagine, outvie the complications of the Egyptian question or the settling up of the affairs of the Grand Turk; but community of interest is a wonderful reconciler, and the primary object of all sections of the Opposition being to turn the Government out, the present probabilities favour a union with that object. We do not believe, however, that Sir George Grey will lend his influence to any combination of the kind without first being assured ot the consequences that are to follow to New Zealand.

Colonial Prosperity.

Sir Jmcs Voiskl, in a recent letter to tlio newspapere.tookcredittohirasolf for having, since his advent in the political arena a fow months ago, caused a revival of confidence and prosperity in commercial and industrial circles in New Zealand. Sir Julius was never conspicuous for diffidence, and this claim of his has doubtless more founda tion in his own good opinion of himself than in actual facts. Tho only facts to hand bearing upon the colony's condition industrially and commercially considered are the statistics of Customs revenues, &c, and these do not by any means corroborate the self-adulatory statement of Sir Julius Vogel. During the quarter ending 80th June last, the total Customs revonue col lected in the colony \va3 £320,304, which is £26,000 less than was collected in the corresponding quarter of 1883. Tele graph revenue for tho last quarter was £22,924, against £23,480 for the correspond ing qoartor of 1883 ; and postal revenue £39,106, against £49,062 in the ISB3 quarter. These figures do not point to an access of prosperity, but arc confirmatory, on the contrary, of the conclusion that industrial and commercial depression is still tho rule in the colony. One redeeming fact is brought out in the statistics of money order transactions. These show that the past quarter has been much brisker than the Juno quarter of 1883, and in so far as these returns indi cate commercial activity, they are calcu lated to inspire confidence. The trans actions for tho three months first ended totalled up to £257,526, against £250,998 in the corresponding quarter of last year. A slight advance of £5,000 in money order transactions does not count for much, however, in face of the falling off of £36,000 in Customs, Telegraph and Post-office rovenuo. As the depression was partly the result of over-importation, i Customs will naturally bo the last to show signs of recovery, and there is some ground for believing that the colony has pretty well cmoKged from the dull cloud under which it has beon crushed for some time, and that the dawn of better timos may be expected soon, independent of the presenco of tho brilliant Vogel in our midst. In making a hurried comparison of tho colony as disclosed by theso returns, we are glad to find Auckland well to the front. Hitherto her great commercial rival, Dunedin, has led every list, but this time she is backward in every item except Customs. The figures for the Northern and Southern capitals are as follows :— Auckland. Dunedin. Customs £70,732 £87,877 Telegraph 59,628 47,499 Postal 5,509 5,301 MoneyOrdersj Mpaid OrderS! - 25' 984 25' 154 These added up show Auckland in the aggregate to be ahead of Dunedin, the totals being:-Auckland, £189,410; Dunedin, £185,138. This may not prove that the " Queen of the.North " has got quite ahead of the great commercial city of the South, but it shows that Auckland is enjoying a large amount of prosperity at the pre sent time, for which all in the district ought to feel pleased and grateful.

The mail steamer Zealandia, from San Francisco, had not been signa'led up to the time at which we went to press. She may be expected to put in an appearance during the evening. Mr Darcy Irvine, the newly appointed Inspector of Agents in the Government In. surance Department,' does not leavo Auck land Jfco take up tho duties of that post for some time yet. Hjs successor in the position of Resident Agent in this city 'has yet to be appointed, and Mr Irvine will doubtless stay to initjate hjm into the working of the office, ' ■_;; ' i

Mr Shaw (Mr Goovgo Thome's solicitor) sot in circulation a silly story in a spcoch delivered as a candidate for Iho suffrages of tho electors of To Aro, who rejected him. Ho said tho Government had been guilty of a job in appointing Mr D'Arcy Irvine Superintendent of Agents in tho Insurance Department, and that tho appointment was made becauso Mr Irvine ia a son-in-law of Mr F. J. Moss, M.11.8. The statement on which this charge rests is false to start with. Mr Irving is not a son-in-law of Mr Moss. Thoru is some distant connection by marriage—wo believe. Airs Irvino is a niece of the member for I'arnell—but the idea that this influenced tho appointment is utterly ridiculous con sidoring tho facts. To begin with, tho salary attached to tho ollico is ijuot the plethoric thing enjoyed by j? MrffShnw'fl cliont, but has boon, fixed at £'100 a year, little more than Mr ilrvino (lias been re ceiving for many years in his* present post as Resident Agent'at'Aucklnnd. /In tho next place Mr Irvine is^tho 'oldest agent, as well as one oßho most ollieiontMn tho department; and Mt Luckie,. tlio'Com missioner, wan strictly to* ofFor'htm tho appointment, and 'tliirdly.^Mr'lrvino has been seriously meditating whether "ho will accept of it, or_ ■whether sit' v>vould not bo batter to withdraw from tlio sorvico altogether rather than broak vuii his homo in Auckland in order to go andvlivo in Wel lington, as ho will bo required to do. Ho much for Mr Shaw's cock-and-bull yarn.

Complaints are- being made of tlio dis graceful stato of tho footpath in Nelson street, especially that portion between Cook-street and Wollesloy-etreot. It would appear that tho water drains on to tho foot path, find as there is no slope, it remain* Micro to form largo beds of mud. Tho in action of the aulhonlioH is very singular seeing that a few loads of scoria would remedy very great discomfort.

An accident, happily unattended with actions results, occurred in Queon-street thin morning, and wo givo tho details as illustrating tlio danger of allowing vibra ting machinery to bo ut>ad in buildings not spocially constructed to stand tlio jarring. During the past year or two, a largo American chopping machine lias been in ÜBO at Mr llulmo's butchery establishment, ami gradually tho motion loosened all (he windows nnd door-frames of the adjoining house. This culminated to-day in the fulling of a part of the chimney through tho roof—.Mrs Shakespear, who was attending to somo duties near tho tirosido, narrowly escaping among the falling bricks and soot with only a sovero shock.

Tenders wero oponed today at the ollico of Mr E- Mahonoy, architect, for the erection of three brick shops at (he corner of Hobson and Cook-streets. They wero as follows:—Ellingham, £1,510; Wrigleyand Hancock, £1,443; Constable, £1,484; Jones, £1,477 ; Currie, £1,000 ; Morris and Co., £1,445; Wood, .-61,37!): .1. Wilson, iM.liuS: Similar, £1,(90: Hewson and Mo- Naught, £1,584 : Davies and Evans, £1,733; T. Colebrook, £1,480; Brabuzon, C1,7-5. iMo tender has yet been accepted. Tho tenders published above are for the completion of tho building with tho excep tion of tho brick work.

s§jAn application was made to the Judge in Chainbers yesterday to allow out of the assets of Costloy s testamentary estate what should appear "just and reason able" to the trustees under the will. Mr E. ifo*koth appeared for the trusteos, and cited a numbor of cases showing that . r > |er cent, had been allowed whero tho estates to bo distributed woro very largo. His Honor said that would bo just i Ti.OOO, and took time to consider.

"Particulars and hours of Sunday religious services will be found on tho third page of tho present issue.

Tho bonefit to Miss Loaf hue boon definitely fixed for Friday noxt, v hen OllV'n bach'a " Barbo Bleuo" will Id produced. As tho lady is such a popular favourite in Auckland, there should bo a largo atten dance on tho occasion.

A meeting of .Justices of tho Peace, con vened by Hit) Worship the Mayor, was held at tho l'olioo Court yesterday after noon for the purpose of making more otliciont arrangement." than at present obtain for tho administration of justioo in tho l'olioo Court. The following resolutions were carried: —"That a committee consisting of tho Mayor, Messrs McMi lan, Prime, Babul1, and tho mover, ho empowered to write to tho Minister of .Justice urging tho appointment of a Police Magistiato. ' " That an alphabetical list of .) usticen re siding within a radius of four or live miles of the Courthouse bo propurod, and that Justices bo notified two or thruo days before their attendance was required."

The funeral of tho late Mr Samuel Allen Wood took placo yesterday in tho Church of England Cemetery, Symonds-street, fol lowed by influential citizens in carriages and others on foot. Deceased was a very among Masonic brethren in tho procession woro Bros. (!. P. Pierce, R.W.P.G.M., 1.C., and Ueo. 11. Vowloy, W.M. Tho only son of deceased was chief mourner. Tho solemn and impressivo service was rcail l>y the Rev. R. Burrows. Mr Wood was in the 72nd year of his age, and was formerly a man of considerable property. Ho wit nessed the laying of the foundation stone of St. Paul's Church, and erected the Masonic Hotel and other of our older build ings.

To tho Editor : Sir,—Kindly allow mo space for a few lines respecting a lottor on " Railway Season Tickets," signed "Youth." Although tho writer of it may bo young in years, tie is well-advanced in the art of pervorting truth. Neither Mr Hudson nor any other District Railway Manager in tho colony lias tho slightest power to increaso or de creaso the chargo on a season ticket. I consider that, even compared with English railways, with which I have had largo ex perience, tho prices of season tickots nro most reasonable, especially for short dis tances. With tho oxception of a de crease of a few shillings in ono or two cased in the short-distance rates, tho prico of season tickots has boen unaltered for over three years.—l am, &c, Hail Itna.

That Southorn opinion i% liot opposed to the construction of tho North Island trunk railway, is apparont from tho following extract from tho " Otago Daily Times ": — "If there beany difference between Major Atkinson and Sir Julius Vogol on this bor rowing question, it is in favour of Sir Julius. If it be true that tho Major is inclined to favour a double Northern main trunk lino, such as is vehemently demanded by the Auckland 'Herald,' little less than five millions would bo required. The estimate of the cost of this proposal is two and a half millions, which we may reasonably set down at three. To carry out such a lino tho votes of Nelson and Marlborough would be necessary, and would havo to be paid for at no cheap price. Tho people of Auckland aro mistaken if they beliovo—as they appear to believo—that there is any serious disposition in this Jsland to baulk tho construction of tho Auckland-to-Wel lington lino ; but we think tho more serious amongst them must admit that the demand for a double lino cannot bo justified. Whether tho line should go by the central or tho western route is a matter which wo aro quite content to leave to be decided on its merits, but wo aro thoroughly with our friends in Auckland and Wellington in demanding that ono line should bo com menced with tho least possible dolay."

The New Zealand Tobacco Growing and Manufacturing Company havo made groat progress in tho production of tobacco and cigars from last season's crop of leaf, and havo now nearly 100,000 cigars on hand. They call tenders for good cigar boxes, in preparation for placing a largo quantity of the local product in the market. It has been resolved not to offer any for sale for a month, in order that the goods may bo thoroughly seasoned, and not launchod up on public trial in an unsatisfactory state. Of the cigars in stock, over 30,000 have been made from Poverty Bay tobacco, which contests the palm with that from Victoria Valley as tho finest specimen of Havana leaf grown in tho colony. Taranaki and Tauranga districts provide the tobacco next in point of excellence, that grown in the neighbourhood of Auck land being rather inferior. Up to tho present time contracts have been mado for growing 4SO acres of tobacco next seneon, and it is expected that over 1,000 acres will be under seed by next month. Largo supplies of tho best seed havo beon obtained from Havana and the United States. Along with those seeds, settlers obtain very full printed directions for guow ing, and Maori growers, of whom thero are a considerable number, are also pro vided with these directions printed in their own language. At tho factory on Beach Road, everything is progressing most satisfactorily under Mr Vollbracht's skilful supervision. By the San Francisco steamer due to-morrow, and the lonic, due early next week, tho balance of the machinery for the factory u ex pected to arrive, and when this is in operation the Comrpiy wiljl be in a position, if required, to turn out a ton of manufactured tobacco daily." By the wise plan of accumulating a large stock of seasoned goods before placing them on the market, the manager and'directors will be enabled to keep up a continuous supply of tobacco and cigars of guaranteed quality.

To tho Editor : Sir,--With the many duties that devolve on tho City Council, thcue is ono, at least, that should command their attention, namely, tho framing of a by-law to prevent building contractors from destroying the footpath. At a building in course of erec tion top of Upper Queonstreet, tho footpath is completely spoiled, while tho laying dow n of a plank or so and a few stones might have saved the public a lot of inconvenience. This neglect on tho part of contractors is the rulo, and not the ex ception, and it is in the power of tho Council to compel them to do otherwise. —Yours, Ice, Tkihuxation.

Tho fortnightly meeting of the J. E. Rodmond branch of tho Irish National League was held last night in the Wol lington-Rtrcet. Catholic Institute There was a good attendance, and sevoral new members More proposed for election. At tho eloso of tho preliminary business a member gavo tho first portion of an ex cellent, well-constructed locturo on Wendell Phillips, known as tho " silver-tonguod orator of tho United States." This section of tho paper gave much satisfaction to tho members, jind elicited encouraging remarks.

The charming opera of "Black Cloaks " attracted another very good attendance at the Opera House lust ovoning, although tho weathor was anything but favourable. The production was again successful in tho highest degree, tho taking imisio of tho composition receiving amplo justice at tho hands of the performers. " Black Cloaks " will be repeated to-night.

The Lady Superintendent of tho Auck land Hospital has received a lotter from the War Ollico intimating that tho Zulu medal has been awarded to hor, and as soon as il is ready it will bo forwarded.

Bishop ('owio will deliver a special ad dress to mothers tomorrow afternoon at St. Sepulchre's Church at 4 o'clock, Rev. C. M. Nelson, M.A., will proanh a sermon tomorrow evening at St. Paul's on " Un belief."

Tho Registrar of Univoisity Collego advertises that tho nocond form is to com mence on Monday next, on which day lecturos aro to bo rosumod. Tho College Calendar, which is on sale at the bookseller*', contains a time tablo and syllabus of tho locturos.

The anniversary services of tho Primitive Mothodist Church, Uppor Pitt-stroot, will be held on Sunday noxt, July 27th, when tho Uev. T. G. Carr will preach in tho morn ing, at 11, tho Rev. W. S, Potter in the afternoon, at 3, and the Ucv. R. Bavin in the evening, at 0.30 o'clock. On the follow ing Tuesday tho annual soiree will be held (tea at (!.30) in the school-room. After toa the public mooting will bo presided over by .1. L. Wilson, Esq., and bo addressed by tho Revs. S. Macfarlano, J. Robortson, J. Boothroyd, W. S. Potter, and Mr Knott.

At tho half-yearly meeting of members of tho Auckland Working Men's Club last. evening, over sixty members woro present. Captain P. Dignan, President of tho Club, lilted the chair. Mr T. Self, in tho abeonco of tho Secretary, noted tho proceedings. The report and balaneo-sheot showod that the Club had increased by 40 members during the half-year; tho receipts ware £7SS 1!)h, and the expenditure £742 17s lOd, leaving a cash balanco of £'4(S Is 2d. Assets, C(i4l ; liabilities £445 ; leaving a balanco of nearly i"200 in favourof assets. Tho balance flieot woro adopted. Three membora then retired from thoCommittco of Managomon1,, according to rule, and ten candidates were proposed. A ballot resulted in Messrs C Uaw, 11. lJoffinan, and C. P. Taylor, being elected. Tho question of tho in troduction of friends by members of tho Club »n Sundays was then considered,and it was resolved to keep n book, to bo signed by ovory member introducing a friend, and by tho visitor himself. Thanks to tho Chairman concluded tho proceedings,

Tlio monthly mooting of Lodgo Eden, No. l.iilSO, 8.C., was hold on Tuosduy oven ing List, whon a largo numbor of mombors nnd visiting brethren woro presont. The lodgo having boon raised to the third do groo, Drothen Warren and Carlow, P.M.'s, presented tho W.M. oleot, Brotlior Charles Morris Nowson, to rcneivo at tho hands of tho retiring W.M. tho benefit of installa tion, which ceremony having been per formed, tho nowly - installed \\ ,M, invested thu following brethren with the collars of their respective oflices : —Brothers T. \V. Kitt, 1.P.M.; Francis Stephens, S.W. ; Thomas Walker, .J.W. : Thomas Jones, Treasurer; J. Warren, P.M. Secretary; John Thompson, S.L). ; Hugh limy, J.D. ; \V. \V. Lopino, Director of Ceremonies; A. Hcdloy, J.G. ; W. Johnston, Tyler; Mooro and Steel, Stewards. Tho Treasurer's balance-sheet was read, and showed that tho Lodgo was in a good liuancinl position. Subsequently those present Frit down to an excellent spread provided by Brother McKwcn, of tho

A singular talc of destitution comes from South Australia. Tlio " Tort Augusta De spatch" of .Inno 27 says :- On Wednesday evening Mounted - Constable Knight re ported at the police station that he had that evening found a party of about twenty men camped six miles from Port Augusta, noar the Chinaman'« dam, in an utterly dmtituto condition. They had constructed a wurloy of branches and woro cowering round tlioir tiro. Thoy had ono billy botweon them, and a number of pannikins had boon im provised out of old jam tins. Food they had none, but thoy had a little tea and sugar left. Thoy stated that thoy had beon granted free passes by tho Government to co into tho country to find work, and had been searching for it fruitlessly. Thoy had originally been pent to Yorko's Peninsula on Government work at 5s a day, wcro thoro threo weeks, but owing to wot weathor woro only able to make seven days' work, and as they woro not paid for idle days, they wero running into debt. Thoy consequently left tho Poninsula and camo north, whero they found that thoy had made a bad ex change. Tho police, we understand, have no power to do anything for theso men boyond arresting them as vagrants."

The second anniversary of tho Mt. Eden Band of Hopo wa« held in tho old district school-room last ovening, and although tho weathor was stormy, it did not have tho slightest otVeot on the audienco, tho build ing being crowded. J. Batger,Eeq., Presi dent of tho Band of Hope, occupied the chair. Tho following programme was gone through : —Hymn, "Once Again Wo Meet," by the choir; prayer by Mr Cole; ovorturo, pinno and violin, Messrs Mincher (an encore was demanded for this, but the Chairman announced that thoy would favour tho meeting with another duet later on); pianoforte duet, Misses Allies and Mears ; .songs by Messrs Grindrod and Marson, and Misses Grindrod, Hampshire, and Markham ; a gleo by students of tho Three Kings Collego was much appreciated; Messrs Downey and Marson, of the Arch Hill Improvement Class, gave a dialogue, which caused much amusement. The fol lowing recited .'—Masters Frith and Barry (encored) and Miss Pcaco. Tho Secretary (Mr S. McGregor) read tho report and balanco-sheet, which showed a slight loss on the year's work. Tho Superintendent (Mr J. E. Roberts) gave a short butstirring address. A few remarks wero also inado by Messrs VVaito and Cole. Misses Crockett, Allies, and Mrs Warnack accom paniod tho several Bingors. Tho meeting closed with an appropriate hymn, Miss Rcynol Is presiding at tho piano.

Another of tho winter cou-rso of locturoß in connection with the Young Men's Christian Association wus delivered last night by Mr C. E. Button, on "Oxygon." Dr. Konderdine occupiod tho chair. The lecture was a highly instructive and in torosting one. Jteforring to tho law of atomic wasto, Mr Button pointoa out that those olemonts were made up of infinitesimal atoms, not formed capriciously or at hap hazard. The laws of Divine Government extended to all parts of creation. There was not a grain of sand but had its propor tions carefully calculated and united to gother, in accordance with fixed laws. Oxygen was a great supporter of com bustion—that is, it would outer readily into combination with other elements to promoto light and heat. A number of experiments with oxygen gas were mado, and an explanation of the component parts of carbonic acid having boon mado, illus trations wcro given of tho effect of this acid in extinguishing firos. The production of light and heat from oxygon was explained, and the speaker wont on to show that the opinion was erroneous that oxygen only produced acids, and lie pro duced sulphurous acid by a combination of oxygen and sulphur. Ho also showed that oxygen produced alkalies by combination of oxygen with potassium, producing common potash, of oxygon with sodium producing caustic soda, and of oxygen with magnesiun producing oxide, manganeso, or common magnesia. The next compound was neither an acid nor an alkali, but oxide of iron produced by burning steel in the oxygen. The explosive forco of combina tions of oxygen and hydrogen was explained by the explosion of fioap-bubbles with a re port similar to that of a. gun. Oxygon, he showed, existed to throe conditions —first, as a gas ; secondly, as ozone ;and third, in a liquid state. A^vote ot'.thanks was ac corded to,tho lecturer, iniecognition of his able and interesting discourse, on the motion of Rev. J. S. Hill. ''"

Mia Rovitt notifies to the public that she will givo her first ovoning concert in Parnell Hall on Wednesday, tho 30th inst. This talented vocalist hus eocured tho ablS assist anco of Madame Pooloy, Mesdnmes Stovons and Bispham, and Misses Tapper and Lay bourne; accompanist, Mr Angelo Forrest. Messrs O. and A. B. Garland and A. W. Gould will add to the interest of tho evening by their morry voices. The programme is specially attractive, embracing pianoforte duots and solos from the works of English and German composers. Miss Effie Rovitt will sing hor mother's favourite, "Come, Birdio, Como," and Master Alfred Shroff will porform " Irish Diamonds." Tho final quartotto, " Good Night, Beloved," will be sung by four popular artistes.

Mr 8011, architect, haspropared plans for a handsome villa residence to bo erected in Queen-Btroet, Onoliunga, for Dr. Scott, Mayor of that borough. Tho building will be two storeys high and will be built of concrete.

Tho Auckland Hospital librarian acknow ledges with many thanks the receipt of twelve numbers of " Tho Ladies' Treasury" from M rs Court, Symonds-stroet, Auckland.

Special attention is called to the exchange of pulpits among all tho sections of tho Methodist Churchos tomorrow within city and suburbs. The plan appears in our ad vertising columns.

It is an awkward predicament in which sovorul persons in Sheflield find them selves. A clerical impostor, Cookson Lind say, managed to obtain a position as curate at St. Judo Chapel, Eldon, and as such married several coupler. About eight weeks ago, tho Chief Constable of Sheflield arrOMtcd tho impostor and lodgod him in gaol for stealing a surplice Tho punish ment for the offence with which tho pri soner in charged in'fourteen years' penal servitude. This unpleasant discovory has naturally raised somo doubts in tho minds of those ho married n« to whether the cere mony was legal.

Tenders for tho orection of a villa rosi doneo at Romuora for Mr Robort Browning were opened to-day at tho ollico of Mr 10. Muhonoy. They wore as follow":—W. A. Luck, £1,087; Frankham, £1,722j Hatcher, £1,800 : Leigh Bros. £1,093 ; J. O'Connoll, £1,553 ; llowson and McNaught, £1,584 ; J. W. Jonoß, £1,060; Constable, £1,652; Wrigloy and Hancock, £1,489 ; Ellingham, £1,010 ; Langloy and Williams, £1,750 ; Koyo Bros., £1,498; Colobrook, £1,078. (Wo tender has yot boon accopted.

Mr Herbert 11. Smith exhibited his panorama of tho world at Huntloy school room last Thursday to a crowded audience, who wero vory much delighted with tho views, especially thoso of Ilotomahana, Hot Luke*, and Terraces, also tho Milford Sounds and Southern Alps, and tho Zulu War. Mr Smith also gave a very buccqs-h ---exhibition at Ngaruawahia on Friday, tho school-room being crowded. Ho in tends noxt to go through tho Waikato dis trict, opening at Hamilton on Tuesday, the 29th mat.

It has often boon asked " What shall wo do with our girls ?" but judging from a case recently heard at Dunodin Police Court, Homo of them aro, or think they are, capable of looking after thomHolves even without parental advice. A propoKsoasing girl of fourteen years of ago Lad been in tho em- Eloy of a porson who woo accused with aving abducted, hor ho having at the girl'n wish refused whon sho was in his service to allow hor mother to take her awi.y. It camo out in ovidence that tho mothor wishod to tako charge of hor girl'* earnings, but tho latter was not agreeable. After tho coho was dismissed and the parties left tho Court a squabblo took place, tho mothor socking, with tho aid of another oldor daughter, to forco tho girl to accom pany her homo, whilo tho girl wishod to go with the parties witli whom sho had been in service. Ultimately tho countable escorted tho girl to tho polieo oflico, and Inspector Wcldon managod to persuade tho young ludy to go with hor mother. At tho mooting of tho French Litorary Society this evening (V.M.Q.A. Kooms) Mr (iarnior will locturo on Asiatic morbus, and miasmatic eholora, and typhoid fever, with tho moans of keoping off theso diseases, and of curing them. Mr Isaac Solby lectures tomorrow evening in tho Lome-street Hall on "The World that is and tho World thot is to Come." The proceedings commenco at G.30 and Close at 8. Analysis of Cordials at DuncdiH.--" Uni versity Laboratory, Dunodin, July 7,1884. — 1 have analysed Mr J. Wendel's " Black and Kcd Currant Cordials, and find them to bo perfectly genuine These cordials aro well manufactured, and free from all adulteration. They aro most wholesome, and quite natural sweotoned beverages, and have a very agrcoablo tasto ; and also being of a non-intoxicating character, thoy can bo strongly reeommonded an household beverages, for which purpose thoy aro most eminently milted, and can bo diluted with water to a considerable extent. I have great pleasure in seeing suoh wholesome, satisfactory, and genuine bovoragos manu factured amongst us on tho largo scale. (Signed) Jaiikn G. Black, Professor of Chemistry, Oovorumont Analyst."—(Advt).

SCINTILLATIONS.

No sign of tho mail stcamor. Puritanic Auckland objects to sacred music on Sunday.

University Collego term opons on Mon day. Canning vogotables in a big industry in California.

Coptloy'n trußtoca want £5,000 as thoir share of tho spoil. Tho electric light is now used in four churches in Montreal.

Steamer Hincmoa goes to moot tho [iovornorat Bluff.

A boy of 14 years old is in prison at Christchurch for various burglaries.

Good .salmon flailing in Scotland for tho season ia not to bo secured for love or

money. Half tho sugar consumed last year in the United Kingdom was made from European boots.

It is proposed to construct street tram ways in Hobart. Ants are complotely ovor-running some Queensland farms. A man named O'Flaherty, arrostcd at Invercargill the other day, tried to cut hie throat in tho lockup. One hundred and nineteen churches in America woro destroyed by fire lost year. M r Geo. Fisher, tho new ■ member for South Wellington.saye he is not a Vogelite, but an independent member. If tho emigration of young Irish couples to America continues, tho population of Ireland will oventually fall to 3,000,000. Two fires at Dunodin last night—a lolly manufactory and an unoccupied house burned down. Tho "New Zealand Times " says tho four Maori members may bo reckoned as 80 many proxies for Sir George Grey. There aro over 100,000 Wesleyans in Fiji, and about 20,000 Roman Catholics. Heathens there are none, excopt, possibly, amongst the whites. A Wanganui Salvationist lately sent £5 to a local tradesman in payment of an account which had long since been written off as a bad dobt. Flying foxes and small marsupials aro becoming a groat post in Queensland. The former are said to exist in billions. Of 90,000,000 of poople in France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, only 680,000 aro Protestants. Thoro aro only 500 Pro tostants in all Portugal. Tho average depth of tho ocoan is 13,000 feet, and the avorago olovotion of tho land 1.000 feot ; therefore tho total volume of water in the sea is thirty-six timos that of tho land above tho sea. "Maiter at homo?" "No,sir, ho is out." " Mistress at home!" '■ No, sir, she's out." "Then I'll step in and sit by tho fire." " That's out too, sir." Zadkiel, tho astrologer, predicts that next month London will " suffer under the incubus of Satan." Can ting have any referonco to the Maori mission ? Tho Lord Chamberlain and tho Duke of Argyle will introduce Lord Tennyson on his first appoaranco in tho House of Lords. A contemporary doplores the fact that public opinion cannot yet understand that to incite expenditure is to enforce an in crease of taxation. When you see an Irish mother sewing the tears in her boy's pantaloons you may put her down as being in favour of the "no rent" system. In tho United States, £12,000,000 a year aro paid in pensions, to about one-third of a million of persons. The number of pensioners increases yearly by about 20,000. In Ir dia eggs aro hatched by the heat of tho sun. Performing the part of a hen, therefore, let it no longer be the boast of Englishmen that the sun never "sets "on the British Dominions.

Previous to Tawhiao'a departure from " Ihb native shores "he said :—" During the time of my journey to Europe there will be no rain, and that will be a sign that my mission will be successful." There has been lota of rain, so his mission may be assumed to have failed."

CABLEGRAMS.

[BY GABLK.-COPYUIGIIT.]

Belgian Settlers for New Zealand. > Brussels, July 24. —Arrangements are j being made for founding a Belgian colony | in New Zealand, and the sum of 50,000 francs has already been subscribed to de fray tho expenses in connection therewith. A person of experience will start at an early date for New Zealand to mako in quiries with a view of establishing a settle ment and making tho necossary arrange ment with the colonial authorities. Egyptian Conference. London, July 24.—1n tho Houso of Com mona to-day, Mr Gladstone announced that the European Conforoneoon Egyptian affairs will ro-assemblo on Monday noxt, and that ho hoped ho would bo ablo to mako a stato ment afterwards as to tho result of tho de liberations of tho delegates. A l'ress Association message says:— Although the Egyptian Conference has failed, a temporary mud tin vivendi hus been arranged. War Exponsos In Egypt. London, July 24.—1n tho House of Commons today, Lord 11 art ing ton, Secre tary of State for War, announced that ho will Bhortly present an additional estimate for oxponses yi connection with tho defence of Egypt. Abyssinia Releases tho Soudan Garrisons. London, July 24.—Abyssinia will annex Kassalaand Araedeb in return for Abyssin ian troops rolioving tho Egyptians. Cholera Spreading in France. I'AKIH, July 24,—The cholera epidemic continues tonproud in tho southern districts of tho country. Nino deaths occurred lo duy from tho di.seaso at Aries.

Tho Federation Conference. London, July 24.—Sir Michael Hicks- Beach, Lords Kosebery, Dunravcu, Shaltes bury, and Stanhopo, and Mr Murray Smith attended tho Federation Conference.

Affairs at the Capo. London, July 24.—Tho ("ape Government have resolved to annex Bochuanna.

Tho Hon. 0. J. Goschcn has been ap pointed a member of tho Stellaland Com mission,

AUSTRALIAN.

(Received 2Cth, 12.40 a.m.)

Outbreak of Small-pox in New South Wales. -

SvDMKV, thin day.—A caso of small-pox, but ono of a mild type, is reported from Forboe Town, 240 miles west of this city. The local authorities have taken every pre caution to provent the spread ef the disease. Smallpox in Melbourne. Mklbouknk, this day.—lt is announced that tho Government intend nhortly to issue an order-in-council in connection with the outbreak of smallpox in this city. Payment of Members. Bkisbank, July 25.—A bill providing for payment of mombors of Parliament was in troduced in tho Legislative Assembly to day. Kauri Timbor in Melbourne. Mkmiodksk, July 25.— Tho Melbonrne manager of tho National Mortgage and Agoucy Co , Nuw Zealand, reports a Halo of cargo of kauri timber at tho following avorago prices at per 100 feet super : - Sawn flitches, 15h 3d; sawn boards, 1-inch, 14s 5d to 20s (sic); ditto, 14 to ,'l-inch, 14s Cd ; drctwod boards, J-inch, 16s; ditto, tf-inch, 16s Gd at per 100 foot lineal; T. and O. flooring, 4xlj, 7s 6d. Market dull.

AUCKLAND SOCIETY OF ARTS.

A committkjs meeting of this Sociot/ was held last evening at Mr Leech's Art Gallery, Shortland-strcot, when considerable time was ocoupiod in arranging the list of eom potitions for tho ensumg year. Some altera tions and additions were mado to tho list as issued lost year, and tho value of tho prizes in soino sections materially increased. Tho Secretary liojwh to bo able to place the new list in tho hands of members and others early in tho ensuing month. Tho Committee alto resolved to hold a Christmas card eouipo tition during tho lirst week in November, at which prizes amounting to £10 will be awarded. Wo would draw Wie attention of all interested to the Society's advertisement iv this com]K)tition in another column.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

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

Drunk.—Ono man, ss,

Emiiezzi.kment. — Georgo Henry P. Brandis was charged with cmbezzline the sum of £1 7s Cd, tho property of William Ellis, herbalist, by whom prisoner was em ployed as collector. —On tho application of Sorgeant White, tho hearing of the caso was remanded until Friday next.

Lakckny.—James Thompson was charged with larceny of an ulster-proof coat, value 19s, on tho 25th inst., tho property of A. Snodden. —Prisoner pleaded not guilty.— Aloxandor Snodden, draper, Queen-street, deposod that about 4 o'clock he saw prisoner hanging about the window; pre sontly a person informed him that prisoner had lifted a coat, and was hastening up Sliortland-street. He ran after him and caught him with tho coat in his possession. Dotoctive Twohey arrested the prisoner on tho charge. The person who saw the coat taken was not prosent.—Prisoner said ho was drunk at the timo. — Sentonce : 14 days' imprisonment with hard labour. Photoorai'h?. — George Ebbs, photo graphic artist, was charged with causing an obstruction on the Beach Road, Devonport, by taking portraits on tho Sabbath Day.— Defondant said he did not como within tho meaning of the Municipal Act.—Constablo Hutchinson deposed to seeing defendant busily engaged with his photographic ap paratus taking portraits on the afternoon of Sunday, the 13th instant; he cautioned him, but he continued for two hours. Several hundred persons were gathorcd around dm. Sergeant White gavo evidence; he was seeking a change at the North Shore on that day, and saw defendant at work with his instrument. — Defen dant : Now, Sergeant White, I was doing no harm ; didn't I offer to take your portrait. — Sorgoant: Did not hear you. Had I spoken to you I should have been in sulted. Have soon you before.—Defendant: I would not have insulted you. I glory in seising you do your duty. Love the cloth.— Defendant was then sworn, and said ho was simply catching the sunshine. The weather had nearly ruined photographers. He was not causing an obstruction. Tho police had not been truthful in their statements.—■ His Worship considered that tho dofendant had broken the law, and being an old offender, he must pay a fine of 20s and costs.

The Three Boys.—John Wingate, John Jones, and Thomas Connop, wero charged with stealing £5 10s on the 19th.—Mr Alfred Borgcs, the prosecutor, said he should be very sorry to send tho boys to gaol; ho hoped a caution from the Bench would havo a salutary influence. The parents had com sontod to recoup him for his loss. He had lost £8 altogether. — Detective Doolan arrested tho boy Wingato at tho Thames. £4 14s woro found upon tho boys, leaving an unrocovored balance of i'3 Cs. The parents agreed to pay tho deficioncy.—His Worship gayo tho boys a sevens caution on their futuro conduct, and allowed tho charge to bo withdrawn.

This was all tho business,

Bread is unknown in parts of Southorn Austria, Italy and throughout the agricul tural districts of Roumama. In tho villages of the Oberstoiriemark, not very many miles from Vienna, broad is never seen, tho staple food of tho people being s.tprz, a kind of porridge made from ground beechnuts, which is taken at breakfast with fresh or curdled milk, at dinner with broth or with fried lard, and with milk again for supper. The sterz is also known as hoidon, and takes the place of bread, not only in the Steicr mark, but in Carinthia and in many parts of the Tyrol. In tho north of Italy tho peasantry live chiefly on polenta, a porridge made of boiled maize. The polenta, how ever, is not allowed to gradulatelike Scotch porridge or liko the Austrian sterz, but is boiled into a solid pudding, which is cut up and portioned out with a string. It is eaten cold as often as hot and is in every sense the Italian peasant's daily bread. The modern Roumanians are held by many scholars to bo dosconded from a Roman colony ; in other words, to be the cousins of Italians; and, curiously enough, a varia tion of the polenta called mamaliga is the national dish of Roumania. TJie mamaliga is like the poleuta in that it is made of boiled maize, but it is unlike the latter in one important respect, as the grains are not allowed to settle into a solid mass, but are kept distinct, after the fashion of oatmeal porridge. j

The Italian Bedstead is a new and very protty style.' You will flnd a largo assortment of Iron and Braes and Nlokel-plaTed Bedsteads at tho Cheap Furnishing Warehouse, Garlick and Cran well's, Queen-strßet,Auckland.—[Adrt,

SCANDALOUS ESCAPADE.

| The Amours of an Auckland Youth in ; Wellington.

It is very soldom indeed that an Auckland boy fails to distinguish himself when away from home. His career usually reflects credit upon the city from which he hails, but this is not invariably the case. An exception to tho rule has recently occurred in Wellington, and tho facts are now being freely discussed here. Some time ago an Auckland lad of pood connections proceeded South with tho object of entering upon business life, and has since filled an appointment in a Wellington ironmongery establishment. Possessing a tasto for foinalo society, ho cultivated it by develop ing an attachment for his omployor's do mestic servant. Suspicious facts came to light in connection with tho amour, and it is said that in order to prevent a scandal our hero was induced to marry tho girl. Timo passed, and a child was bovn. Tho restless Lothario, however, sighed forthe achievement of now conquests, and his attractions of person and address were used to such good purpose that ho won tho affections of his wife's sister. The story runs that he induced her to olopo with him to Auckland, and thul. he is now about to rcaliso upon .C(i,000 worth of property in Auckland of which he is the owner.

THE ELOPEMENT.

It is expected that llic man Hans l'otor lliiiiKen, who lias figured ho |iroinincntly in connection with llio elopement case, will be brought buck from Nolson by Hie uteamor which arrives in the Munukau to-morrow. Tho elopement itsolf is no oU'encc under the law, but the man will be charged at tho I'olico Court on Monday with wifo desertion. If tho woman Campton returns, it will be entirely at her own option, as the law cannot reach her. Tho object of her husband in moving in the matter wbh to re gain possession of tho child which sho took away with her, his intention being to place tho four children under other care. It is said that Hanson is a handsome young fellow of considerable personal attractions. He was married scarcely six months ago, and left a young wifo in order to undertake the romantic flight which has had such an unroniantic endintr.

ODDFELLOWS, M.U., AUCKLAND DISTRICT.

Tin-: annual meetingof the above society was held last evening in tho District Chambers, Oddfellows' Hall, Cook-street, and was well attendod. The District Grand Master, Mr George K. McNab, being too ill to attend, Mr S. H. Matthews, D.P.G.M., presided. Mr Smith, District Secretary, read the annual report and balance-sheet : —Receipts : Contributions from members, £2,0(>0 4s .'Jd ; interest from investments, £1,024 5b lOd ; entrance fees, £14 4s Cd ; funeral money repaid by district officers, £2119 ; contributions paid in for other lodges, £103188; »ick money repaid by otheilodgorf, £272 I'Jh 2d: total receipts, £3,780 lls 9d. Expenditure : To our own sick members, £1,093 16s 4d; district levies, £306 4s Od ; funeral donations, £340 ; foreign contribu tions remitted, £100 14s 4d ; sick gifts to icembersof oilierdistrictti, £124 18s3d ; mis cellaneous, £249 3h 3d : total, £2,289 17s Id ; showing a gain on the year's transactions of £1,490 Ms Bd. The eick fund, manage ment fund, and district funds amount to t'34,341 14s Bd. Fourteen lodges, compris ing j,2OS members, have sent in roturns, giving tho largo averago of £27 per member. The payment to surgeons and for medicines supplied to members and their families, amounted to £I,OSO Gs 0J ; 221 new members have joiued during tho year. There have been 12 deaths dining the year, 11 male, one female. The following were elected officers for 18S4-S: — Mr Seering Hull Mullhew* ixa District Grand Master, Mr William G. Connolly as Deputy-Grand Miuttcr, and Mr Henry James Smith (rc-eloctcd) as District Secretary. Tho installation was then proceeded with, and tho brethren afterwards adjourned to Kobson's Commercial Dining-rooms, where they eat down to a capital dinner, the P.l'. G.M. elect occupying the chair, and D.P. G.M. Connolly the vice-chair. A well arrangod programme of toasts was gono through. " The Manchester Unity " was proposed by P. P. G.M. Allen, who stated that tho Order held the pre mier position as to funds and benefits among Friendly Societies. P.P.G.M.'sCole and Guird lasponded, and both bore testimony to tho grand principles of the Order. P.P.G.M. Wright proposed "The Auck land District," and gave an elaborate statistical account of the position of the different lodges. Ho thought the business of the district was very well conducted, and that tho Masters were deserving of thanks. P.G.M. Matthews, D.P.G.M. Connolly, C.S. 11. J. Smith, and P.P.G.M.'s Fleming and Colo respondod. P.P.G.M. Leahy proposed "Tho Health of Our Guests." Thanks were returned on behalf of the Loyal W ai kato, Charles Bruce, Howick, and Delta Lodges by tho several gentlemen represent ing them. P.P.G.M. Cole proposed "The Health of tho District Officers." P.G.M. Matthews and D.P.G.M. Connolly re sponded. P.P.G.M. Leahy proposed "The Health of the Outgoing Officers," and spoke of the efficiency with which they had carried out their duties. Other toasts were duly honoured, and a pleasant evening was spent in social enjoyment.

MEETING OF LAW SOCIETY.

Tub ÜBual half-yearly meeting of the Law Society for tho Auckland district was held late yefterday afternoon, Sir Frederick Whitaker (President) in tho chair. Tho Secretary presented the following report, which was adopted :—

" In pursuance of the rule No. 11, your Council present the following rop'ort, show ing their transactions during the preceding six months : —Since tiie last general meeting of the Council we have frequently met and transacted a good deal of routine business. At a meeting of the Council held on the 29th of April last, Mr Edwin Hesketh, the late Secretary, intimated that lve wished to bo relieved of his office, and tendered his resignation accordingly. He stated that ho felt he ought to adopt this course, because he could not give the necessary time the duties called for. Mr Hesketh's resignation was accepted, and upon his suggesting that the oflices of Secretary and Auckland reporter to the New Zealand Council of Law Reporting should be com bined, the Council offered these offices to Mr Thomas Wood at a salary of £100 per annum, payable quarterly, from tho Ist of Juno last^and Mr Wood has accepted the appointment. Library : The efficiency of the library has boon maintained in every respoct. Twenty-four volumes of new toxt-bsoks have boon received since tha last mooting, at a cost of £30, and more oxtensive orders are contemplated by the Council, as well as improvements in the in ternal arrangements of tho library itself. Members: The number of mombcrs is thirty-threo. Tho names of threo gentle men have boon proposed as neiv members, and will be balloted for at the mooting.— Fred. Whitakkr, Chairman."

New Members.—Messrs Hugh Campbell and W. P. Buckland wore unanimously elected members of the Society, while tho ntnie of tho third candidate was withdrawn b,y his proposer, Mr Devoro.

Law Reporting.— Mr E. Hesketh sug gested as a means towards an effective system of la «■ reporting that counsol en gaged in any notable case should take u note of their arguments at the time and forward them to the Secretary. If neces sary, tho Council could previously decides whether ornot the case was worth reporting. Thanks.—On the motion of Mr Coleman, tho thanks of the Society were unanimously voted to Mr Hosketh for his past services as Hon. Secretary.—Mr Hesketh duly ac knowledged the compliment, and also ex pressed gratification at tho appointment of Mr Wood as his successor.

Bankrpi'tcy Costs, km,—Mr Thorno pointed out the necessity for some defined rule in regard tobankruptcy costs under tho new form of procedure. Mr Justice Gillies had declined on Thursday last to occupy tho position of taxing niastor, and it would bo hardly the fair thing for members of tho profession, to have their costs taxed by tho Official Assignee. He also objected to tho claims of the Assignee's solicitor being satis fied beforethosoof the debtor's solicitor. The matter was then referred to the Council, as was also a representation made by Mr Cotter in regard to the excessive delay connected with land transfer applications. This was all the business.

SIR GEORGE GREY AND THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

6m Geouoe Gkby ia still in town, and he is as yet in doubt whether he will return to the Kawau bofore proceeding on his sea sionai duties to Wellington. The hon. member for Auckland City East appears to be in excellent health and spirits, and he is vory hopeful regarding the pro spects of his "corner" party. In the course of an interview with a Stab reporter today, Sir George stated the numercial strength of his supporters in the now Parliament has been under estimated by the newspapers that have attempted to analyse the political leanings of the nowly-eleeted mombers. He is unable to give tho names of all the men whose sympathies he counts on, but ho mentioned as an instance of in correct ness the classification of the members for tho West Coast, of the Middle Island. Sir George went on to state that ho has re ceived cemmunination from his friends in tlie South, and they are of opinion that the outlook is very promising. The conversa tion then drifted into a discussion of the possibility of a coalition between the Creyite section and Sir Julius Vogel or Major Atkinson. Regarding the former proposition, Sir George said he was not in a position to speak on the matter. He ia un- • acquainted with tho Balient features of Vogel's policy, and has has had no communi tion with tho ex-Ageut-General since his return to tho colony. Then, as to the prospects of a union with tho followers of tho hon. member for Egmont, Sir George seems to think that whatever chances of a coalition may have existed before the (ieneral Election, these havo been embar rassed by the action of the friends of the (Jovernmont during the late election. What the future will lie is shrouded in the com plotest uncertainty, but he thinks tho pro babilities are that the Ministry will go out. ft appears probable that a mooting of tho leading men opposed to the Government will bo held at Wellington immediately boforc tho opening of Parliament, at which it is possible some plan of action will be decided on.

NEW ZEALAND FROZEN MEAT.

Two Cargoes Damaged,

[BY CABI,E.-COPYRIGHT.]

London, July 25. The Otago frozen mutton brought by the ships Oamaru and Lady Jocelyn, from New Zealand, on being examined, was found to be in an unsatisfactory condition.

TERRIBLE EARTHQUAKE AT MASSOWA.

The Town Completely Wrecked,

[kkutkrs teumrams.]

Caiuo, July 25. News has been received hero that a most disastrous earthquake has been experienced at Massowa, a seaport on a small island in tho Red Sea, off the Abyssinian Coast, with a population of two hundred thousand.

Accounts to hand state that the town was completely wrecked by the shock, which was of a most violent character.

THE "SACRED" CONCERT.

Aktkr a week's publicity,and wlien all the arrangements for tho sacred concert to-, morrow night were complete, the police authorities stop in and forbid tho affair under pain of prosecution. Such a pro ceeding either implies culpable neglect on their part or else petty spirit. The pro moters of the concert made their prepara tions circumspectly and very openly withal. They went as early as Monday last to the Police Station in order to consult Superin tendent Thomson upon tho matter, and as that ollicor was away through indisposition, they explained their intontions to his locum towns. This officer saw no objection to tho proposed concert, but in order to " make assurance doubly sure" sent out, and obtained the written • opinion of the Crown Prosecutor, which was to the etl'ect that he did not see anything in the matter which should call for interference on the part of the authorities. Messrs Hallifax and Dean waited till this opinion waa com municated to them, and then, anxious to give offence in no quarter, they interviewed tho Mayor and Town Clerk, who also saw no objection to their project. Fortified with all these assurances, as well as an independent legal opinion, they pur sued their arrangements and secured the assistance of many local amateurs. Yester day, however, Superintendent Thomson re turned to his office,.and at once notified Mr Abbott, lessee of the Opera House, that in case the proposed concert, with the usual charges for admission were persisted in, he would prosecute. This waa the first intimation of opposition, and to defer it so long was both vexatious and unfair. The Company were placed in an awkward pre dicament, for their engagements elsewhere would not permit them to tarry here in order to fight the legal question, while con siderable trouble and expense had been gone to in arranging for the concert. They never wavered in their resolve to hold it, but they were prepared to give way on the financial point, and to trust to the public for a voluntary recompense. A compromise, however, has been arrived at with the authorities. They consent to the admission of ticket-holders, but as the taking of money at the doors is held to amount to an infraction of the law it will not bo resorted to. The management there fore rely upon the ger.ef oaity of such of their patrons as do not hold tickets for an adequate return in respect of the concert. Holders of tickets are requested to deposit tho Eame in the contribution box to-morrow night, while a collection after approved ecclesiastical methods will be made among non-ticket-holders. A very attractive pro gramme has been prepared, and the perform ance will commence at 8.30 sharp. We understand that the Company gave a similar sacred concert in Dunedin for the benefit of the Otago Benevolent Institution, and that not the slightest opposition was offered them on that occasion.

To the Editor: Sir,—What a fuss they are making about this musical treat to morrow. Why not people buy their tickets to-day, and save confusion ? Why should the so-called religious public object to music on the Sabbath in this world when they believo we aro to have sucli a dose of it when wo get to tho other ? It may be a matter of taste, but I prefer the human voice to a golden harp.— I am, &c, SAMUKfc Coomiies '-i

Railway Reform.—S. Vaile's Address.

(To the Editor),

Sir,—As announced in your advertising columns, on Tuesday evening next I am to address a meeting at the Lorne-strcpfc Hall on " Railway Management and Re form." jf earnestly hope that gentlempn having technical knowledge of railway matters will favpur mo by attending anil correcting any errors I may. havo fallen into. I shall best explain the serious naturo of the present position by stating that if the same style of manage ment th,at has prevailed for the last four years is to continuo for the four coming ones, thon for the year ending 31st March, ISSS, the loss made on our railways will reach the immense sum of two and aJialf millions (£2,500,000). I do not mean the accumulated loss of the eight years, but the loss for the single year from the 31st March, March, 1887, to 31st March, 18S8. Some thing must bo done.—l am, &c, Samuel Yailb.

Auckland, 25th Jul,y, ISS4.

The Bad and Worthless.

are never imitated or counterfeited. ThU.is especially true of a family medicine, and W* positive proof that the remedy imitated is of the highest value. As soon as it had been tested and proved by the whole world that Hop Bitters was tho put eat, best, and most valuable family medicine on earth, many imitations sprung up. and began to steal the notices in which the Press and tho people of the country had expressed the merits of H. 8., and in evpry way trylngto induce Buffering invalids to use thoir Btuff Instead, expecting to make money on the oredit and good name of H. B. Many others started nostrums put up in similar stjrlo to H. 8., witn variously devised' names, ja which the word " Hop or "Hops'.1 we're usedin a way U> induce people to beliovo they were tha same as Hep Bitters. AU such pretended remedies or'oures, 10 matter what their style' or' name is, and sspeoially those with the word "Hop or " Hops " in their name, or in any way conneotoa with them or their name, are imitations or counterfeits. Beware of them. Touch none of them. Use nothing but genuine American Hop Bittern, with a bunch or cluster of groen Hops on the white label, and Dr. Soule's name blown In tho glass. Trust nothing else. Druggists and Chemists aro warned against dealing W Imitations or counterfeits, - " ' ".i

rHE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, J.ULY 26, 1884.

2



THE SNAKE ROOT REMEDY roH RHEUMATISM ano GOUT.-The Cimicifuoa (Acte& Racemosa)ob Black SNAKE ROOT has be*n lono celedrate*d AS A RHEUMATISM REMEDY. THIS PREPARATION !S THE MOST CERTAIN IN ITS EFFECTS, AND RARELY FAILS T» AFFORD RELIEF OH EFFECT A CURE. 5». PER BOTTLE. AT MCWH'S. " "VUt PHMMN3V' OTTOSVIt BMW.OF H.I, faufctH SI Special Advertisements. TMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT. CONTINTANCE OF OUR GREAT WINTER CLEARING SALE. We bee to announces that in order to effect an ENTIRE CLEARANCE. ':..', B HAVE FURTHER REDUCED OUR ALREADY VERY LOW PRICES. And that We are now. offering our IMMENSE STOCK AT A LOWER RATE Than similar Goeda have ever been sold at in Auckland before. In our CLOTHING DEPARTMENT especially '- sWEEPINGRBDUCTIONShavebceninade, And we are now selling all descriptions of MEN'S TROUSERS AND VESTS, SUITS AND MERCERY, &c. FAR UNDER COST. The present, an opportunity very rarely offered of cettlng tho vosy Best.Qnality of Goods at tho very Lowest Price,' should be eagerly token advantage of. .Note the Address— - T p osgrave and rj°-> 204 AND 206, QUEEN-STREET. Tl IVT C P HERSON>S -_ ANNUAL _£» ** ANNUAL CHEAP DRAPERY SALE CHEAP DRAPERY SALE CHEAP DRAPERY SALE is NOW ON!! D. McPHERSON has been on tho constant look-out for BARGAINS Daring the great depression in trade, and .-* having LAKGELY INCBBASED HIS STORAGE BOOM, Is now prepared to offer the Pnblic, as the result of his purchases, THE CHEAPEST, MOST VARIED, AND BEST COLLECTION \ - - ....... «,-ii OP NEW WINTER GOODS! NBJW:iWINTER NEW WINTER GOODS! GOODS! NEW WINTER NEW WINTER? GOODS GOODS 1 NEW WINTER GOODS EVER SHOWN IN AUCKLAND. SPECIAL BARGAINS IN ALL DEPABT MBNTS. | D. MCP HERB ON, I;-; KARANGAHAPE ROAf).



Special Advertisements. JUST OPENED, Another Thousand At the Low Price of ONE S HILL' ING hACH, AVorth from 5s to 15s. men? £$ tSoS^^^SSJ& roloiirs Ladles are requested to como and in as they cannot possibly bo equalled in any othci Shop in Now Zealand. PI.KASK NOTK TIIK ADDUKSS FEKNANDEZ, DRAPER AND CLOTHIKB, Karangahape Koad, Newton. REMBMBER ! THE TRICE IS OttTE SHILLING EACH. qECOND yyEEK *-* . OF THB GREATEST BONA FIDE SALE EVER HELD IN NEW ZEALAND. THE GENUINENESS OF THIS SALE OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. Has boon borne out by tho CROWD of OUS THIS WEEK, FRESH GOODS WILL BE OPENER, AND THE SAME SLAUGHTERING . CONTINUED. DOME EARLY. AS THE PREMISES ARE SMALL. MONSTER CLOTHING HALL, 214, OUKEN- STREET, OPPOSITE MOABTHUB'S. JT E V Y, • JLJ manager. -GNARLY mOSING. WILLIAM RATTRAY Begs to inform his Patrons that in futuro ho will CLOSE HIS ESTABLISHMENT AT SIX O'CLOCK ON SATURDAYS, And respectfully rcauests their co-operation by MAKINO THEIJI SATURDAY PURCHASES BEFORE THAT HOUR. TyiLLIAM DATTRAY, 178, 180, 182, Queen-street.



|-\ISKASES OF THE EYE. ARTHUR RICHARDSON, M.D., SPECIALIST AND OPERATOR ON DISEASES OF THE EYE, MAY BE CONSULTED AT HIB RESI DENCE. KARANSAHAPE ROAD. From 1 to 3 in the afternoon. After April Dr. Richardson will not attend In Town, but from 1 to 1 at hia own Residence. V / THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING flotory Display an Immenso variety (n MEN'S and BOYS' CLOTHING, etc., made Of the celebrated MO3GIEL TWEEDS, unequalled In VALUE and Superior Fitting. The most economical and durable good* ever manufactured. | Garment* to fit every figure always ; In stock. Auckland Branch : 168 & 180 QUEEN STREET. J. FITZSIHOHS, BmiKh Hcmaqir. DR. WILK IN S, F. R. C. rf, CONBUI.TINO AND OPKBAMNO SUBOECKf. Is at hia Surgery for General Practice, tuso Eye, Ear, and Throat Diseases, Mornings. Afternoons, and Evenings. Consultation Fees very Moderate. Dr. Wilkiss spent seven years at Mooronelds Bye Hospital, London, under Messrs Bowman and Crichett. two at Throat Hospital, London, seven years Honorary Surgeon Albert Hospital, and eight years at Eye, Ear, and Throat In flrmarr.Melbourne. Aqjußtsspectanles to sights. —Consulting Hooihb, Queen-street (near Post office), Auckland. MILNE & CHOYCE Have decided to CLOSE THEIR PREMISES AT SIX P.M. ON SATURDAYS DUBING THK WINTER MONTHS, Commencing SATURDAY, JULY 19th Instant, This being done in the interests of the Early Closing Movement, M. and C. would beg their patrons • TO BHOP EARLY, And so enable them to make It a PERMANENCY. THK CHEAP CLEARING SALE OF i *WINTER GOODS 18 STILL BEING CONTINUED. WELLESIiffS AND LORNE-STREETS. T) IOHMOND TTILL. 50 CHOICE ALLOTMENTS FOR SALE, ON EASY TEEMS. J. T. BOY LAN, Colonial Bake. v lithographs now ready.



FLIES AND BUGS, l*etlw, iu»«ta. lonches. rat., bed. bugn, raUJmicß, uoplien, chlinaffliki.ioleareclout'by "Kmißn.oo Bats " Keisytlioruu, Fr»«aor4 00., Agouts, Auckland



"ROUGH ON CORNS."-A»k tor Wdlrt "Itemjh on Coins." Qnlck TOlluf, complete, iienumii'lit cure. Cvriu, WKt* bunions. K6myt home, Frosser 41 Co., Agwit>, Auckland.