SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

rr,.~ - - w arpTTO JThis Evening, 3.28 HtG n WATER \ To . mO rrow Morning, 10 S ;'N r ST.—This Eveninp. fi.25 SUNRISE.—To-morrow Morning, 5.56 11 O.N'S AGK-i'ull Mull, 12th, 7.19 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Macgregor, 5.8., Johnson, from Whangarci Ocean, schooner. Savage, from Mercury Bay

DEPARTURES.

Cygnet sch, Watt, for Whangaroa Wuitaki, 3.8., Crawford, for Whangarci lona. a.s.. Amodeo, for Tauranga . Rowena, as., Norris, for Whangarei

Inwards COASTWisE.-Occan, from Mercury Bay with 25,000 ft sawn timber; Mana, from Tairua, with 25,000 ft timber; Olive, from Mer cury Bay, with 35,100 ft sawn timber; Fanny, from Whangapoua, with 2j,oooft timber.

Octwabds COASTWISE.-Opotiki, for Tairua and Opotiki; Olive, for Kennedy Bay; Fanny, for Whangapoua.

The schooner Adelaide cleared at the Customs to-day for Mongonui, whither she proceeds in ballast

The schooner Fairy Queen is expected to sail for Norfolk Wand and Noumea to-morrow afternoon.

The barque Lutterworth is rapidly filling up, and will complete loading about the 21th inst. Shippers are requested by the agents, MeMrs Cruickshank and Co., to get goods alongside early, ana thus enable the vessel to have speedy despatch for London. Tho U.S. Macgregor arrived from Whangarol at 1 a.m. Passengers:—Messrs Goodwin, Ham burg Onniston, Splkeman, Mr nnd Mrs Wil hocks and 3 children, Mrs Alister, Mr Carter, Miss McKay, and 3 steerage. Cargo : 110 kegs butter, 80 sacks gum, 5 crates Fowls, 20 boxes eggs, 5 sacks fungus, 1 horao, 1 case pigs. 195 case's fruit, 2 tons sundries.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Whanoabhi, this day. —Arrived: Waitaki, from Auckland, 7.30 a.m.

Wellington, yesterday. — Sailed; British Queen, fog London, with a full cargo of wool, flax, preserved and frozen meat, and 23 passengers.

Wellington, this day.—Arrived: Loch Ken, barque. Captain Malson, under charter to the New Zealand Shipping Company. She left London December 4th, and had a fair weather passage. Pout Chalmers, yesterday. — Sailed: Wai hora, for the North. Passengers:—Mrs .Tarman, MiS3C3 Soaley, Boyle, Macfarlano, Mr and Mrs Moore, Mr and Mrs Sealoy, and 4 children, Mr and Mrs Malavoy, Messrs Challott, Ast Yet Shun, Mcßride, Baird, and McLean.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, this day. MB ALFRED BUCKLAND'S WEEKLY REPORT. At the Haymarket, on Friday, fodder was abundant; prices ranged from 2s Od to is for meadow, and from 33 to 4a 3d for oaten hay and 1 sheaves. Oaten chaff brought from 4a 6d to 5s the owt.; ryegrass seed, 5a the bushel. Horse stock were in usual number, and maintained thoir valuss; good medium draught ranging from £18 10s to £25 each. On Tuesday there, '*was also a full muster of fodder carta, which sold at fully Friday's rates. Hides and skins on Tuesday were in usual supply. Hides ' sold fully Id per lb. dearer than for many weeks. Fair to good quality brought from 3Jd to JJd the lb. Pelts and skins wore at lato values, and brought from lOd tq Is lid each tallow, 21s and 27s 6d the cwt.; longwool, 4Jd to 5Jd: fine wool, 5Jd to 7d the lb. At Waiuku, on Saturday, there was a full muster of stock, and for dairy cows a good inquiry. Store cattle were at late values. Ewes brought 10s; lambs, 8s (id each. At Pukekohe, on Monday, there was an unusually full muster of cattle, a full attendance of buyers, and good prices through out tho sale. At tho sale of stock at the farm of tho lato W. K. Taylor, the implements sold freely at full values. The ewes were all full mouthed, and brought from 6s 6d to 10a 9d, averaging 9s; lambs, Ca each i waggonette, £40; aingle-aeatod hoododl buggy, £36; the riding horae Misfortune, £39; farm gelding, £29 10s; riding horses, from £8 to £16 each. Household furniture also sold freely, and at higher prices than were expected. Atßumuera on Thursday dairy cows of moderate quality were yarded in full number, and barely maintained last week's values. Store cattle were dull of sale. Aged cows in fair store condition sold at 10a each. Fat cattle in loss than usual number, and met with a vory irregular sale. Pricea were highest at * commencement and conclusion of sale, and ranged from 18s to 22s the lOOlbs, Shoop were in usual numbers and slightly better worth, about 6d each. Fat calves were in better demand Few fat lambs yarded, and those brought ex treme pricea, from Us to 17s each. Pigs were also in steady demand atlatevalues. Averagea were: 8 Bteera, H. Fisher, £3 lls; 8 steers, E. B. Walker. £7 6a; 8 steers, E. Allen, £615s;' 8 steers, J. Howell. £6 15s; 1G cows, Grice and Parker, £5 7s 6d; 360 wethers, J. Bailey. 1 IsOd; U0 ewes, J; C. Firth, 14s; 58 ewes, Paton Bros., lls Od. MESSRS HUNTER AND NOLAN'B WEEKLY REPORT. Horses: There has been a good dea> of activity in the market, and those of a good stamp realised satisfactory prices. The Durham Yards were completely filled on Friday, ship ments from Wanganui being the great at traction. There was good competition through . out the sale, and prices on the wholo were satisfactory to vendors. We quote: Hacks, at from £5 to £16 10s; lignt harness horsos, from £15 to £23; medium draught, from £22 to 433155. WDol, hides, and skins: The supply has been moderate, demand good. Wool sold at from 4ld to 58d; merino, 7fd; ram's wool, B}d; hides, sld per lb; skins. Sd to 3a 3d. Cattle: There • hag been increased animation in the market. Stores maintained their value, and there was a brisk demand and upward tendency in pricefor dairy andfatstoek. There was an average muster of dairy cows, and a short one of Btorea and fat beasts at Newmarket on Tuesday. Prices for diiiry stock and fat beasts were a shade higher than on the previous week. At Papakura, on Wednesday, the.re was a large muster of cattle, and sood demand throughout. Prices for stores wero maintained, and for dairy and fat stocks higher values were obtained. We quote: Dairy cows, from £5 2s 6d to £9; dry dairy cows, from £2 to £212s 6d; Calves, from 12a to 22s 6d; year lines from 278 6d to 35s j eighteen-montha-old steers, from £210a to £310a; grown stcera, £1 to £1 10s; beef. 19s to 22s per UOOlbs. Sheep were fairly plentiful, and prices were in favour of the vendor a<C conn ared with the previous week. Lambs sola at from Ca to lls 3d. Pigs:continue scarce, aljd although an inferior number were yarded on Tuesday, and met good competition, filing readily at from 2Jd to 3Jd per lb live weight, there rsmains an unsatisfied demand.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKET.

Farm and Dairy Produce. —Wholesale: Butter, frfcsh, lOd; Butter, salt. 7d to 9d;: Cheese, good local, id to sd; Canterbury, do., 5d to 6d; Eggs, per doz., la 3d; Lard per bladder, 7d; Bacon and Hams, Provincial, 6dtoßd; Hamß, 8d to 9d; Canterbury Ham and Bacon. 9d, in cloth: Hanw only, lid; Jams, per case, sdozi, £117s cd. to £1 18a sd; Honey in bulk, 4d per IU. Retail: Butter, fresh Is; salt do., lOd to las- Cheese, colonial, 9d to lOd; Eggs, per doz., Is Kf; Lard, per lb, 8d to 9d; Bacon, .per lb, lOd to lif; Hams, do., is to is 4d. » Flour Market. — Wholesale — Superfine flour; silk dressed, per ton, £1310s; do, do, house, hold,£l2loa; hundreds, 5s j fifties, 10 perton extra, sacksandbagsfree;Southerndo,«llsßtofillls ; bran, per ton,saeksinoluded,local,fisJOs; South ern, do, £5; sharps, £5 10a; cabin brea I, do felß;oiitmeal,do,fii3los;maize.3S6dto3sM; oats. 2s 6d; potatoes, £4 per ton; pearl barlefr, do, £2J to £2i; broad, perdb loaf, 3Jd. £ t KAtuii Gum, Flax, &0.-The market cq i tinues firm. We quote:-Ordinary, £40; fattlo t;ood ordinary, £42 to £44; superior, £45 to £43: East Coast, StA to £06; produce for March, 180 tons flax per ton, £18 to £21; t0w,,d0., £7 to £9; fungus per lb, 2Jd to 3d.; coeoanut fibre per owt, 6a to 17s; beeswax, 9d to JOdlb. COAI AND FIBBWOOD MARKETV-Coal: NCW castlo (ship's side), 28a to 3te per ton; vaxd 32s to 355; Bay of Islands, at yards, IfisSd- screened,s>s6d; ditto atthe mine,l3s; • fhWsideT 2m; Waikato, gs to 12s; in Auckland, 18s to 225; Kamo, 12s per ton at toadSg ground: Tauplri at mine, Bs6d to .2a; atyarS, 18s fld to 22a; Whangarei, at mine, 9a fid -yard (steam), lTs; houaehold, 21s; delivered, 238 firewood:^ Unout at wharf (cargo), 9s to j^pffißSrdelivered, Us; out, 17s to 18s. B<-*T. HoiM)iso Materials.—Timbor: Boards and ficanaing; 100 ft, best, 14s; second-class, 8a; S pSAed, tongued, and first-class, inn-medium, 12s; second ditto, 10s6d. Mills: Oareo bostlls; »econd-ctass,6a 6d: bauUc, 8s Ed. New feafind paltogß, sft (sap), lfis; sft (heart). 13s' fi£tri4sTtl-tr6era{ls,£3 1& per 10i); punri Msts '6 10s to £7 10s; shingles. 16a per 1.000; KoMrt palmgs, sft, 20s; 6ft. 225: Hobart rails. aollftiKcmotationß. Bricks at Avondale), WaVefl oM;fownyard^,s()stoss3; doUvered.ssß infios Drain pipes (at works).per 100 (6inches borer 40s ;Ttao£^. Us '• 3 taSh^' 9s ;1 J nches> £2 ite per 1.000; socket glazed pipes, 19 inches; «?iMI nerfoot; isinehcs, 2a per foot; 12 mohes, to «rt per foot; 9 inches, Is per foot; 6 inches, 6d pw limt: 4 inches, 4d par foot. MANUREa.-Bonedust, Sydnoy, £710s to£^ 108, according to quality; bonefiour, £9 lte: Auckland . I? to £8 10sj Peruvian guano, £18; Maiden T-land £8 : Huon guano, small lots, £5 to £6, to included; fiuTsfa chemical manure, £14 - ios, 2

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will Closb as under :—

This Day.

For Whangarei Heads, Whangarei, Kaiuo, Waipu, Parua, Tangihua, and Mangapai, per Macgregor, at 5 p.m. For Mangawai and Kaiwaka, per Ruby at 5

For Thames, per Enterprise, at 6.30 p.m.

Saturday, Bth «Jnt.

For Waterford, Tauranga, etc., per Rotoma-

hana, at 9 a.m. inO n — For Thames, per Rotomahana. at 9.J0 a.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, etc., per Rose Casey, at i 0 a.m. For Tairua, per Mana. at 2 p.m. , For Norfolk Island and Noumea, per Fairy

Queen, at 4 p.m. For Tairua, per Magellan Cloud, at 5 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Ports, per Hawea, immediately after arrival of City of Sydney from San Francisco. . For Australian Colonies, per City ofSydney six hours after her arrival from San Francisco. S. B. BISB, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-office. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Mahch 7,1884.

Abbott's Opera House—R«yal Comic Opera Company, 7.40 p.m.

Choral Hall—Orchestral Society's Concert, 8 p.m.

St. James's Band of Hope Meeting, St. James's Hall, 7.30 p.m.

Pitt-street Wesleyan Church-Rev. D. Kely nack, Lecture, "The Path of Power," 7.30 p.m.

Anglican Church, Northcote—Harvest Fes tival Service, conducted by Rev. Mr Kvans, 7.30 p.m.

Wellington-street Catholic Institute-Meeting of Irish National League, 8 p.m. Harbinger o£ .Peace Lodge, N.Z.O.G.T.- Literary and Musical Entertainment, 7.30 p.m.

Births.

HART.—On March 7. at Wellington-street, the wife of Mr Joseph Hart of a son.

Marriages.

NORTH—FORD.—On February 28, at tlio Regis try Office, Whangaret, George Richardson, third son of Jamos North, Waianki Park, to Annie Ford, the youngest daughter of John Ford, Congleton, Cheshire, England.

Notices to Correspondents.

New Zealand.—You should sendaletter to the Governors. You cannot surely suppose that a newspaper is the proper medium for ven tilating such complaints.

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1884.

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

In directing attention the other day to some of the objections against the Govern ment proposal for amalgamating tho city constituencies into ono electorate, we did not enter upon any examination of the effect the new system would have upon the city and suburban constituencies of Auckland. A cursory inspection of the electoral boundaries will shew that every constituency in Eden would be affected by it. Sinca the enlarge ment of the city, portions of tho Newton, Eden, and Parnell electorates have been brought within city boundaries. Tho Government cannot divide the representa tives and givo one-half to a city and half to suburban constituencies } i nor dare they water the electoral power of the unit by adding tho surplusage outside the city to some existing suburban district, while giving tho member to the section in the citj. The change, therefore, must mean a complete re-arrange ment of the Auckland electorates. The population within city boundaries now can only be conjectured, but it is probably not less than 30,f100. This should entitle to at least five members, possibly bix, while the outlines of tho Ministerial proposals hither to published speak of only four members for each city. A more serious objection, however, than the fight over the redistribution is the ex pense which would be entailed upon can didates contesting those vast city con stituencies. Only wealthy men or political caucuses could attempt it. The rolls would lapse into their old state of corruption; the almost extinct race of electioneering loafers would be galvanised into life again, and a thousand avenues be opened up for defeating the wishes of a majority of the electors. The present system elicits a fair ex pression of the will of the people in every con stituency. They can easily be reached, and their right to vote verified. Mere electoral divisions do not prevent the minds of the people from being swayed by great popular waves, and the passing of a candidate under tho crucial review of a body of five or six thousand people, whose attention is concentrated on his creden tials, increases the probability of his policy and public record being sound. By widening th« field, his chances of escaping the consequences of unfaithfulness are improved. We believe the loss room the electoral system of the country gives for the power of money or the manipula tion of political rings, the simpler it is, the more easily the electors are enabled to make their will felt in the selection of a representative pledged to the execution of their wishes, the better for the country ; and on these grounds, if none other, any interference with tho law of representation by an expiring parliament on the eve of going to the country would be an un pardonable wrong done to the people.

The measure* necessary to bridge over the gulf between revenue and expenditure are exercising the minds of Ministers. Mr Mitchelson claims credit for having dis covered an entire Department—that of the Colonial Architect—which is, and always has been, a superfluity. All the officers have received notices to quit. It is mar vellous that an Executive which takes so much credit for economical administra tion had not found this out before. Other departments are to be pared down. The new Public Works Minister will, we believe, be able to meet Parliament with a very good record of prtictical reform during his . short term of office. In grappling with the loss on railways, he has a very delicate task to perform. The failure to pay three per cent, interest on the cost of construction must not be attributed indiscriminately to low charges; the real cause may lie in just the opposite direction. But many charges on the tariff have been brought down to a non-paying rate through political pressure. Whenever it' appears that these reductions have caused great loss, the right course is to revert to the former rates. We have no belief in saddling the taxpayer with any more burdens on account of railway deficit than he is paying now; those who benefit directly by the railways should pay for them. Any changes in tariff should, however, be accompanied by an energetic effort to improve the management and render it more economical and effec tive.

We find that the paragraph inserted in our last evening's issue relative to the re ported bequest by Mrs Gillies of a site for the Auckland Grammar School boarding house, was based on insufficient information, and did.nofc correctly represent the facts of the case.

To-moebow's Star Supplement will pon tain a further instalment of the serial tale "A Woman's Faith, or the Mystery of a Bunch of Pansies;" two complete tales — fl Capturing a Desperado " and " A French Detective Story j" Random Shots by "Zamiel j" "The London Poor "—Letter by Sir. Geo. Grey; The Stoke Newington Mystery — Brutal Murder of a London Clerk; The Poet Laureate at Home ; News of the Week, by our London Correspondent; A Lady's Letter from London j The Garden by "Hortus;" Sporting by "Hippona;" Field Sports and Aquatics, by Actteon, Poetry &c.,&c.

The report of the weekly meeting of the Auckland City Council, along with sporting news, will be found on the fourth page of this issue. ;

We hear that several members of the Roman Catholic body in this city have been urging on their clergy the advisability of the establishment of a temperance organi sation, under the tegis of the Church. " It is pointed.out that one of the earliest and greatest of temperance advocates was Father Matthew, a Catholic priest, and it is thqught that while other Christian bodies areen(lei\v'b'u l ring;todecrease the evils of intempexancej \t jll becomes the Church of Rome to remain passive,' . '■'..*■..

The members of the Board of Education for a long time past have been notoriously unpunctual and irregular in their attend ance at the regular weekly meetings. Mr Goldie attacked the cause of this bad habit, when this afternoon he complained of the practice of deferring all business of any momentuntil the latest stageof the meeting, in the hope of the absent members turning up. In consequence of this practice, tho few gentlemen who consistently attend at the proper hour have been allowed to wade through all the dry-as-dust routine work, while those who fancy themselve the big guns saunter in towards the close to fire off a carefully-conned sensational speech on some matter of public interest, or mayhap in support of a private fad. Mr Goldie declared his intention in future to insist upon the rule which prescribes that the business shall be taken in the order in which it is set down on the order paper.

The City East Licensing Committee re fused the application for the transfer of the Waverley Hotel license, not because of the protest against the validity of their election, but because the validity of the license is before a higher Court.

There was a good deal of grumbling to-day at tho muady state of Queen-street. The dust that collected during tho recent dry weather was speedily converted into a soft compest. Where are the street scrapers ?

Therecently-electedLicensingCommittees seem determined to give publicans who do not strictly adhere to the spirit of tho Licensing Act very little latitude. At the quarterly meeting of the City South Com mittee to-day, during tho hearing of an application for the transfer of the license of the Rising Sun Hotel, Karangahape Road, the Chairman, Mr Goldio, said that complaints had boon made iby the neighbours that an upper room in the hotel was used nightly as a conceit room, and he informed trio presont holder of tho license, Mr Hargravo, that if these complaints were continued the license might be refused. Mr Hargrave, through his lawyer, explained that his daughters practised music in the room referred to, but _ it certainly was not used as a concert room. We have to acknowledge tho receipt of 5s from Mrs Taiwhanga for Mrs Rollin son, and 2s 6d from " A Friend."

Mining matters are exceedingly dull just now, but we are glad to hear that the pro posal to erect a second battery is meeting with favour. Messrs Firth and Clark have resigned their right to Cook's water right, and have, we understand, decidod to give their moral support to tho new under taking. There appears no chanco of a re vival at the Tiki. Tho shares in the Mariebel Company aro being subscribed for by persons of influenco and foresight, and excellent Teports as to tho prospocts of the mine havo beon received from Messrs J. P. Hull, manager of the Tokatoa, and from Captain Thomas.

The first of tho Orchestral Society's series of popular concerts for the present season will bo given to-night in tho Choral Hall, and such a rich proiniso of musical attractions is afforded by tho programme that tho attendance can hardly fail to bo very large. Tho orchestral numbers are the overture to Chorubinl's "Water Carriers," and an overture by Roissi ger, a symphony by Haydn, Lum bye's fantasia " Trauin Bilder," and a, waltz composed for the occasion by Horr Schmitt. Tho other contributions aro a string quartette by Messrs C. and J. Homua, Clougjh and Edgor, a part song, Mendelssohn's concerto in G minor by Mr Angelo' Forrest (pianoforte) and tho orchestra, a trio and chorus from "Norma" by Mrs Chadwick, Messrs Edwards and Stuart, and solo vocal pieces- by Miss Stephenson, Mrs Chadwick, Miss Staunton, and Mr Milligan Hogg.

To tho Editor : Sir, —Now that Auckland is making such rapid strides in improve ments, may I suggost that thoro is one great want .which for public health and convenience should be provided, viz., a "Fish Market." It has beon suggested that Mr Williams should form his business into a company, and if so, why could it not bo called " The Auckland Fish Market Com pany (Limited)," with a frontago to the water, so that all fishing vessols could unload, the fish be cleaned, and the refuse thrown into the tide ? I have vqry little doubt that a site could bo obtained near tho Freezing Company's Works, and I feel fully convinced that if this project could bo carried out it would be much appreciated, both 'by dealers and tho public at largo.—Yours, &c, E.B.

The recent fine weather has enabled Mr Kirby, tho contractor for the grading of Wellington-street, to push ahead tho work. Tho cutting of the road on tho Hobson street side of tho gully has been finished, and now the contractor is filling in the gully portion of the work. Wlion this con tract is completed, it will do much to in crease tho value of property in tho vicinity, and do much to facilitate communication betweon Ponsonby and tho city.

Councillor Marshall is deserving of tho thanks of tho residents of Graham and Harding-street for his attention to thoir interests. At the meeting of the Council last night ho pointed out that tho kerbing and channelling of theso streets had been authorised a year ago, and yet nothing had been done. At his request the Engineer was summoned, and in answer to questions, said that as tho work referrod to was not an '"urgent work" it it would have to take its turn. It would probably be five months before its turn came. Cr. Marshall at once intimated his intention to give notice of motion to the effect that the works referred to bo con sidered " urgent works."

Two small children bolonging to the woman Kelly, and ono belonging to Catherine Cumming, of ElHott-strcet, who were committed to prison, undor tho Vag rant Act, were sent to tho Industrial Homo for neglected children. The evidence of Detective Hughes and a constable shewed a most deplorable Btate of things. Tho houße occupied by the women wag a common nuisance to the neighbourhood. Tho unfor tunate children ran aboiTt the streets nearly naked, and lay by night on rage covered with vermin. The children were utterly neglected, and spent their time in fetching beer for their wretched parents and playing in the gutters.

Mr Gulliver is finding plenty of occupa tion for his skill and tante as an horaldic artist in Auckland and throughout the countryside. There is quite a fashionable craze for armorial bearings and emblazoned crests, and if it prevails much longer every family in the district will esteem it an in cumbent duty to assert its lineage and to trace back its pedigree to some of the Con iqueror'B retinue. Our local aristocracy, judging from their assertion of rights !to striking crests, are of very lofty i descent, and knights, baronets, and peers ! have been as common amongst them as flowers in May. There is great need of a local Heralds' College, so that the facts connected with the glorious foundation of so many colonial houses may be recorded ere they disappear for over in a friendly and i fast-gatbering oblivion.

A successful rehearsal of the cantata, "St. Patrick at Tara," which is under preparation for Mr McComish'g Hibernian concert on St. Patrick's night, was held last evening under the direction of Herr Tutschka. There were 20 female and 8 male vocalists in attendance, beside nine of an orchestra, and the various numbers of the work were performed in a highly effec tive manner. The solos in the cantata have been allotted to Mr Edwards (tenor), Mr Garland (baritone), and Miss Fanny Branni* gan (contralto). There will also be a number of concert selections by other singers.

By proclamation in the "Gazette,"the Go vernor has appointed the following gentle men to be the Committee of Management of the Auckland Hospital for the current year, viz:—His Worjhip the Mayor of-Auckland, Mr J. M. Clark, Mr T. Peacock, M.H.R., Col. Haultain, Captain Daldy, Mr E. A. Mackechnie, and Mr Sydney Dando.

To the Editor: Sir,—l see by your paper that the late licensing election has lowered the value of a single hotel to the extent of £3,000. There is one feature in this affair that may not be noticed unless I call atten tion to it. The former value of this hotel was caused by the excessive drinking of tfce people, the present value by the anticipated, moderate drinking; and if the people were to refuse taking any more strong drink, hotel value would be nil. As all capital is a debt that labour owes, it is evident that the people have created a value of millions of money (or a value that is as go3dasmo.ney) that would not existin any form if the people were total abstainers. The building of hotels, lunatic asylums, hospitals, work houses, the maintaining of the people employed and confined in them, with all the cost of making the drink, are Borne of the causes that make it necessary for men to labour even ei<*ht hours'a day. This at first sight will seism to be hard on-the publican ; but we should find that distributers would not suffer, as competition would be less keen. If they did not sell drink they could • sell some other thing. Even now it will not be the publican that will suffer; nothing' will suffer but rent.—l am, &c.; Robinson Crusoe. ■■•'•■' ■■'• :.••

The city firebells gave the fire alarm shortly before eleven o'clock last night. The cause proved to be a chimney on fire in Buchanan's buildings, Wellesley • street, near tho Market. The Fire Brigade did not turn out.

On Thursday, 6th inst., Messrs William Baxter, Edwin Freeman, Bbenezer Gibbons, John Huoston, and John McElwain, being the only gentlemen nominated.Mr Seaman, as Returning Officer, declared them to be the elected Licensing Committee for the Waitakerei district, and appointed the hour of 11 o'clock on Friday, March 14, for their first meeting, at his office, for the election of a chairman.

Murray's Time Table and Diary for March contains about twenty additional pages of matter which will greatly improve its usefulness and popularity.

Ratepayers who take an interest in municipal and licensing elections are re minded that if their names appear for how ever trifling an amount on the defaulters' list, they cannot be placed on the burgess roll, and will therefore bo disqualified to vote.

The gum market continues very firm. Poor ordinary is worth £40 per ton ; fair to good, £42 to £44 ; superior, £45 to £49; East Coast, £64 to £06. The supplies for March to date amount to ISO tons.

Tho directors of the Auckland Timber Company are adopting a wise precaution to diminish tho loss incaseof afire breaking out iv thoir factory in Custom House-streot West. A thick wall of brick is being erected through tho contre of tho building, so that should a tire occur in one portion of the building, a considerable portion of the establishment will be comparatively speak ing, safo.

Mr John C. McLeod, of Opotiki, is pre sently on a visit to Auckland. His chief business is in connection with an improved maize-cutting machine, invented and patented by him, which is commended by the Opotiki Fanners' Club asHaeing a great labour-saving implement. Mr McLeod, we believe, is in treaty for the disposal of his patent to ah Auckland manufacturer.

The Artillery Band, under the headship of Bandmaster Hunter, will perform to morrow afternoon at the usual hour in the Albert Park. The following programme of selections lias been prepared for the oc casion :—Slow March, "Valiant" (E. Marie); overture, "In Memorium," (New ton) ; fantasia, " Olivotte," (Audran); valse, "Light and Shade," (11. Bound); grand fantasia, "Tho Field of the Cloth of Gold," (Victor Bout); fantasia, "Tho Arzure Lako," (B. Mullott); valso, "Under the Stars,"(JosefMuisler); fantasia, "AString of Poarls," (Lavillediou); galop, "Spark ling Wine," (Vogt); "God Save the Queen."

At Porter's Bowling Saloon last evening, a match at bowls was played between Messrs Scott and J. Croon for £20 a-sido. It was intended to play cloven gamos, but at tho conclusion of the eighth it was found that Mr Groon had won six, so that It was unno ceßsary to continue Tho scoring was as follows :—lst gamo, Groon, S3; Scott, CO ; 2nd, Greon, 77; Scott, 71; 3rd, Greon, 90; Scott, 04 ; 4th, Green, GO; Scott, 75 ; sth, Green, '16; Scott, 51; Oth, Groon, 69 j Scott, GO; 7th, Greon, i) 7 ; Scott, 75; Bth, Greon, 127 ; Scott, 60. Total: Greon, CSO points; Scott, 512; formor winning by 138 points.

Grocer writes :—" The vrholosalo prico of fresh butter is stated In this morning's " Herald " at lOd. As tho prico is Is and Is Id per lb., would you be good enough to insert this correction, as it would appear to tho public,that, selling as we aro at Is 3d por lb., our profits wero excossivo."

During tho progress of tho meeting of tho City Council last night, Mr Montaguo inquired if tho Enginoer was aware that the Building Surveyor had refused Mr Connolly a permit to proceed with the erection of the now Harbour Board, and if it was true that fifty or sixty objections had beon made to tho Victoria Arcade, and had subsequently dwindled down to two or throe! Replying to tho first portion of tho question, tho Enginoor said no was aware of the fact, and that ho woald inquire into tho matter.

Tho first Agricultural Show hold in Opotiki camo off last week under the auspices of tho recontly-formed Opotiki Farmers' Club, and was a complete and gratifying success. Tho arrangements on tho show-ground were ably carried out by Mr Dumorguo, tho energetic Secretary. A special feature of the exhibition "was a lot of hops grown by Mr Thompson, which proved the capabilities of tho district. There were 9!) classes of exhibits on the list, and in nearly the whole" of theae thoro wore ontrics. Aftor tho Show, a dinner took place, at which Dr. Roid, President of tho Club, occupied tho chair.

Tho following gentlomen, being the only ones nominated for tho jxwt, woro yester day doclared elected as Licensing Com mitteo for Waikomiti district, viz.:—

Mossrs .las. Archibald, John Buchanan, Robt. Garrett, E. J. Parr, and Thos. ■Ushor. Tho acting Returning Officer, Mr T. W. Seaman, fixed Saturday, 15th inst., as tho date of tho first meeting.

Ono of tho French Literary Socioty's periodical and highly agreeable concerts take? place to-morrow night in tho V.M.C.A. Rooms (Wollosloy-stroot en trance.) Mr A. Villeval (Hon. Secretary) displays his usual taste in the compilation of v very attractive programme, which comprises songs by Mrs Judson (with string band accompaniment), Messrs Knox, Edwards, S. R. Keesing, Hescott, and a lady amateur, a 'cello solo by Mr H. F. Edger (with string band accompani ment), pianoforte solos by Miss Brown, Miss Florence Clayton, and Mr W. 11. Webb, one of Haydn's delectable string quartettes by Messrs C. and J. Homos, (Jlough, and 11. F. Edger, and a duot for piano and violin by Masters Myer and Samuel Levy. Admission will bo given by invitation tickot only.

It is announced that Mr Rochefort, Government Surveyor, has commenced to lay off tho line for the North Island Trunk Railway, the flying survey of which ho completed some weeks ago. Strangely enough, tho announcement has been re ceived apparently as a matter of course. It seems almost to have been taken for granted that there is but one practicable route by which the extremities of this island can be brought together, and that Mr Rochefort has discovered that route. This, however, is hardly credible; Auck land people are not so oblivious of their in ■ terests as an admission of this kind would make them out to bo. But they are apathetic, and the apathy of friends is as bad as the hostility of enemies.—"Waikato Times."

Messrs Karl Bros., of the Ohaupo Apiary, write as follows in the current number of the " Bee Journal" :—lt is nearly 21 years since wo arrived in New Zealand, during most of which time we kept bees, and the present is the worst honey season wo have yet experienced. The only fine honey weather we have had was one week at the commencement of the new year, and unfortunately the flax waa in full blossom at the time. ■ The bees stored honey from it in great quantities; we tried our best to extract it, but found it impossible owing to its being so thick. We then gave tnem boxes with full sheets of foundation, and as fast as they filled them added others, till now we have a number of colonies filling their fourth and fifth Btories. It is quite possible that wo may yet be able to extract some honey alter the flax is over, as there is plenty of white clover, dandelion, and thistles in blossom, but of course, it will depend entirely upon the' weather. We have seven acres of buckwheat coming into blossom, and five acres sown with mustard, which will be in flower in four or five weeks. We are in hopes of better success during the autumn , than we have had through tho spring, but at present the weather is very unsettled again.

The action, Mooney v. Heslop, claim £31, was heard by Judge Smith yesterday after noon in the Resident Magistrate's Court (Mr Theo. Cooper for plaintiff, and Mr S. Hesketh in defence). The plaintiff, Mrs Bridget Mooney, claimed for damages £20 and loss of goods £11, upon the ground that thd Eight Hours Demonstration Committee had the sole right to sell refreshments in the Domain on the 29th January, the day of the Trades Demonstration, but not alcoholic drinks. She purchased the right of Mr Heslop. The defence wap, the defendant had the right to give the necessary per mission to any approved person to sell re freshments. The evidence was taken. Mr Garland, Secretary to the Domain Board, deposed to the boundaries of the Domain and Cricket Ground. Mr Wm. Mumford, Secretary to the Committee of Management of the Auckland Cricket Ground, gave plaintiff permission, in obedience to instructions from the Commit tee, to uso the ground. The Demonstra tion Committee were permitted to have a Templar booth there. He saw the adver tisement for the sale of the " solo right" to sell refreshments .and as he had not the !' sole right" ho warned defendant against selling it. Mr B. D. Tonks, of the hrm'iof B. Tonks nnd Co., deposed to the sale. Mrs Mooney gave evidenco as to the pur chase, loss, etc. Mr Heslbp said lie acted in good faith, under instructions from the, Committee. His Worship reserved judg ment. '" ' "'> ll .

A buggy accident, fortunately unat tended by any serious consequences, oc curred in Queen-street yesterday after noon. Four persons were driving down the street in Mr Hitchen'a buggy. While passing over the street crossing near tho British Hotel, the jolting caused the back seat of the vehicle to fail out, and two of the occupants were thrown out. Both were considerably shaken.

Major Derrom, Clerk of Works to the Corporation, has been suspended by the City Council on a report from the City En gineer to the effect that there were errors in Major Derrom's accounts. The charge will form the subject of an investigation by the Finance Committee of the Council in a few days.

Had Mr Peacock taken one of his powerful microscopes with him to the banquet, held on board the Ituapehu last Tuesday evening, and used it in connection with tho electric light, we believe that he might almost have been able to declare how soon, and how much, the first divl dend to tho s..areholders will ba. We believe as a rulo that tall talk and big dividends don't ofien run on parallel lines, and that where there 1b most noise there Is usually least wool, but wo suppose that big companies, like big ships, are not only hard to launch, but are also expensive to work. Not so the Auckland Provision Company, whoso one aim and end is not to build up large fortunes for shareholders, but to pull down the price of provisions for the benefit of customoTd, We don't make much noise our solvos, as wore don't bolong to the pas company, but if the public will call on us to-morrow at the Right Corner Stall, City Market, we undertake to practically demonstrate what others only talk about Ab we havo the best Cheese and Bacon in Auckland, and can sell twenty per cent, cheaper than anyone else, customers will do well to call early to avoid the rush and con fusion of the evening. Auckland Provision Company, Right Corner Stall, City Murkot— A. Bf.ttanv, Manager.—[Advt.l

Standard Preparations just received at Aickin's, The Pharmacy. Queen-street.— Kepler's Extract of Malt, two sizes; Kepler's Extract of Malt, with Cod Liver Oil; Keplcr'B Extract of Malt, with lodide of Iron; Kopler'a Extract of Malt, with Parrish'u Food; Hazk line; Borrough's Beef and Iron Wine; Fellow's Syrup of the Hypophospliites, for Consumption ; Fragrant Sozodont for the Teeth (3a Od per bottle); Kno'a Fruit Salt; Bishop's KfßorveaoinE. Carlsbad Salts, Viohy Salts, and Citrate of LI thin.

SCINTILLATIONS.

First orchestral concert of the season to night. An exciting licensing election contest is promised in Newmarket. "Tambour Major" revival a great success. Professor Anderson, son of the great " Wizard,' is now performing at Dunodin. Tho Australian cricketers leave for Eng i land next week. Bishop Luck is to open a now Catholic church at To Aroha on Sunday, It is estimated that there are 8,000,000 of Jews in the world.

A proposal is mooted to send an Aus tralian team to Wimblodon next year.

Sir William Thompson loft £30,000 to assist females in studying for the medical profession. Tho now Wesloyan Church, at Cambridgo, Waikato cost nearly £1,000.

Kossuth, the Hungarian patriot, is in his 81st year, and said to be dying. Brown nays it is a wonder thero is any truthfulness in tho world when mankind begins life by lying in the cradle. Wattle bark cultivation is about to be started in Piako district.

The Blue Ribbon movement was started by 100 Ohio women with drunken husbands. A man named Molesworth has got his hand badly crushed whilo at work in the Huntloy coal mine.. Tho quarterly meeting of the Onehunga Licensing Committee on Wednesday lapsed for want of a quorum. Mr Isaac Newton Wall is gazetted Sheriff of Otago, vice Mr A, Gordon. The University Senate yesterday inspected tho Nelson Girls' School, managed by Miss Bell, late of Auckland, with which thoy wore well pleased.

It is only when a woman's age reaches beyond 100 years that she is willing to have it accurately stated. The directors of Te Awamutu Cheese Factory havo resolved to send five tons of cheese to England as a trial lot. It is thought a good market could bo found in India and China.

It was the nowly-lledged bee that, after venturing out of the hive on a wet day, sang on his return—"There's no place like comb,"

Tho attendance at Hamilton High School shows a great falling off, and the Committee suggest that tho foes bo reduced from two guineas to one guinea per quarter. Mr Robert Neil was yesterday un animously ohoson Chairman of Mount Eden Licensing Committee. Cause and offoct—-5,000 pooplo attended a temperance meeting in Melbourne the other day. Tho other da) also in the same city tho pooplo consumed 22,500,000 gallons of water.

Rowi was at tho Cambridge Nativo Land Court on Monday, and is reported to have said that though tho Government may take away his poneion they cannot prevent kU remaining loyal to the Queen. Baron do Magmont lately ran on foot against a M. do V illara on a rclocipede from Paris to Versailles. The cyclist was backed at sto 1; but the Baron landed a winner by 4i minutes, and carried oil' £400 in stakes.

Here's a text for a teetotal lecture. An aboriginal named Brandy has been sen tenced to be hanged at Perth, West Aus tralia, for wrenching oil' the head of a half caste girl. Of course, brandy did it! A female salmon weighing 10|lbs is said to have been caught in tho Ahaura River, Westland, tho other day.

For tho New Thorn contract on the Otago Central Railway, the tender of R. Meikler, Dunedin, £42,333, has been accepted.

Tho ram and ewe fair at Oamaru yester day was highly successful, there being up wards of COO sheep entered, which with few exceptions were all sold at satisfactory prices. When a man's wifo comes in and sees lain, razor in hand, and with his face all lather, and asks him: "Are you shaving?" it's a provoking thing for him to answer: "No, I'm blacking tfie stove," but it is human naturo to bo ruply. The Otago Vigilance Committee is be coming imperious. Yesterday it had under consideration the extension of Port Chalmers Railway Wharf, and carried a resolution in which the Government are " urgently required " to accept a tender for the construction of the extension adver tised.

Charles Goddard is a "sadsea dog—he is." Ho lately got £6 from his landlord at Timaru to get changed, buf> changed his mind instead, and bolted oil" with the " rhino." He has now been captured by the police at Oamaru, and committed for larceny as a bailee. The '' Hawera and Normanby Star" says:—" In 1878 land was sold in this district at about £15 per acre which would not now realise more than £10."

There are some people who have strong faith in the efficacy of advertising. One of these is a widow with seventeen children, who advertises for a husband.

A happy father in the Waikato telegraphs to a friend in Auckland: "Rejoice with us, Twins arrived last night. More by post."

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

[Before H. G. Seth Smith, Esq., R.M.J

Drunk.—Wm. Hart and John Smith woro punished for this offenco; Nancy Swift? vagrancy, numerous convictions against her, twelve months' imprisonment.

Striking a Cook.—Samuel Cox, restaurant keeper, was charged with assaulting George Abdul on the 21st ult.—Mr Tole, for dofondant, pleaded not guilty.- Mr Brassoy, for informant opened the case, stated particulars, and called ovidonce.—Goorge Abdul, a coloured cook, deposed that on the 21st February last he was sleeping on the lower floor of Mr Cox's restaurant. Had been cook in the house until that time. He left because Mr Cox threatened to knock his brains out with an axe. Mr Cox attacked him in bed, dealt him two severe blows on the head, and struck him across the shin with a stick. Was attended by Dr. Walker. MacCartney was sleeping in tho same room.— Cross-examined by Mr Tole: He knew the coloured lolly maker; did not owe him money; ho believed if ho told a lie ho would drop dead upon the Court floor: the assault was committed at Cox's house in Wollesley-street; tho waitress, Mary Ashton, and MacCartnoy were witnesses. —Dr.lHenry Walker, practising in Auckland, de posod to tho wound on tho lef shin; there was a considerable abrasion, 2 inchcß long, and it was bleeding very much; it was probably duo to diroct violence; had been recently inflicted.— James MaoCartnoy, an islander, knew Mr Cox; slept in tho same room as Abdul; knew Mary, who sent him for Bixpcnnyworth of rum: the sight of Cox frightened him, and he did not drink it nor give it to Mary; saw Cox drag Abdul out of bod, but did not see any striking. —Mr Brasßcy said this witness was hosiile; ho stated in tho presence of Fiji Sam, Maori Bill, and Chinaman Quoi. that he saw Cox striking Abdul, but he now denies it: hs had been with Cox since.—Witness said ho was drunk if ho oaid so; dined with Cox and Mary yesterday. Cross-examined: He did not hook it; was look ing for the polioe, and waslocked un, When Cox told him to dear out he was tola to go to ; did not know of such a -place in the islands.—Thomas Quoi was examined as to what was said Iri Mr Brassoy's office byl complainant. —After hoarlng some further evidence and ad dresses from counsel, His Worship dismissed tho case, without costs. • '.'■ " ' '

False Pretences.I —Thochargesagainst John Margett, for obtaining money by false pretences and of embezzlement, were adjourned until Tuesday next. . . ■■•■'■ ~.> The jpourt was then adjourned.

CITY SOUTH LICENSING COURT.

The first quarterly meeting of the recently elected City South Licensing Committee was held to-day. There were present- Messrs D. Goldie (in the chair), P. Hera .path, J. W. Carr, Caradus, and Hill.

The Clerk stated that the only business before the Court was an application from John Bascombe for transfer of hi 3 license of the Rising Sun Hotel, Karanga hape Road, to Wm. Philip Hargrave. Mr Cotter appeared in support of the ap plication, while Mr Thomson, Superinten dent of Police, said he would offer no ob jection, Mr Hargrave being a man of good reputation. Mr Goldie inquired if the police had any information of complaints being made by residents in the neighbourhood that a large room in the upstairs portion of the hotel was used every evening as a concert room, where piano-playing and singing was going on, and young people were gathered to gether for amusement. Superintendent Thomson said that no complaint of this nature had been made. Mr Cotter said he was informed by Mr Hargrave that the room" in question was used by his daughters when engaged in practice on the piano, and also occasionally by their personal friends. It was not open to the general public, nor was it a concert room in any sonse of the term. If tho Committee objected to tho Misses Hargrave practising music in the room, it would be a question for the consideration of Mr Hargrave whether he would not take a private house. Mr Goldie said the Committee had no objection to tho Misses Hargravo playing in the house. But there was no doubt that complaints such as he had indicated had been made, and if they continued it was just possible that the license would be forfeited at the June sitting of the Court.

The Chairman also pointed out to Superintendent Thompson that fuller and more complete reports would be required, and stated that it would be necessary for the police to make quarterly inspections. Mr Thomson said there would be a difficulty, seeing the amount of other work the police had in hand. Mr Goldie rejoined that representations on tho score of insufficiency of men to per form tho work should bo made to those who made the laws, and not to the people who were simply charged with the administra tion of them.

Mr Thomson promised that the matter should be attended to, and tho Court adjourned.

FIRES IN NEW PLYMOUTH.

(BY TKLEOKAI'IC— PRK.SS ASSOCIATION.)

New Plymouth, this day. A Fißft occurred last evening at the Sash and Door Factory, which, however, was quickly suppressed. It originated from the fluo of the boiler, which, being over hoated, caused the floor of tho socond story to become ignited. It was soon put out, and not much damage was done. An attempt to burn down tho building at the corner of Devon and Brougham-streets was discovered yesterday afternoon The fiio hod burnt itself out, or nothing ould have saved the block.

SUPPOSED INCENDIARISM.

[BY TKLKORAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Hawkha, this day. A >'irb broke out last night in the same promises as where the fire occurred on Wed nesday morning. Suiter's place was on this occasion gutted, and Brookes's parti/ bo. Robblns, Piorard & Co., Pitcher, M. O. King, and others lose owing to removal of goods. The circumstances are 8 ) sus picious that Suiter was arrested on the charge of arson. He was brought up this morning and remanded, £500 bail being de manded.

LICENSING MEETING AT NEW MARKET.

Circulars wero issued some days ago con vening a meeting of tho ratepayers of New market for last evening in the Public Hall to consider tho licensing question. The Hall was under engagement to tho Good Templars for their ordinary mooting, but it is said that thoy consented to allow tho uso of it for tho purpose Be this as it may, thoy would appear to have changed their minds, for when the crowd assembled outsido tho hall lost night, the Good Templars were masters of the situation inside, with the doors locked.

An adjournment was made to the reading rooin adjoining. Mr R. W. Hammond pro sided.

Mr W. J. Suiter rose to move, "That tho brewers, wine and spirit merchants, and publicans of tho Provincial District of Auckland owe it to themselves and to the public, whose real and legitimate wants they supply, to repel tho foul attacks made upon them as a body of traders, and to as sort their position ai independent and io speotablo citizens, who are never wanting when called upon to discharge public duties or to support any good and charitable causo." In the courso of his remarks Mr Suiter quoted the following on the authority of tho Bishop of Peterborough :—" That total abstinence was' the only cure for drunkenness, but there he must stop. He did not admit tho necessity for ovoryouo to bo a total ab stainer, an! could never admit what he be liovcd to be an absolutely false principle, that tho abuse of anything was an argument against its use. They might just as well say the polygamy of tho Turk was an ar gument against marriage as that tho abuse of anything was an argument against its use." He also quoted Dr. Ainslie, a very ablo lecturer, who says : " That alcohol taken in moderation is true food—a stimu lant to the system in precisely the same manner that food is. It prevents or rolieves pain, averts the disposition to muscular convulsion, tremor, spasm, reduces excessive secrotiou, calms all unduly frequent circulation, removes general de bility and special fatigueof particular organs, quiets tho disturbed brain, compensates in great measure tho absence of ordinary food, and promotes local digestion." Mr Suiter argued that moderation in all things was necessary, and affirmed that habitual teetotalism tends to a diseased intellect, which the use ef malt liquors would pre vent. Teetotalism is the grossest kind o"f intemperance. A man becomes intoxicated with his own conceits, and the most miserably deceived man in the world is he who deceives himself. The use of malt liquors is more than medicine—they are an antidote. They come in where cases occur when solid food or medicine are of no avail. He then referred at length to the revenue of tho Provincial District of Auckland, last quarter being £71,420, £33,701 of which was contributed by the trade tkat is so much denounced. Abolish this, and where would the salaries of the Civil Servants come from ? Again, there wa rover £100,600 spent during the last two years in improve ments, new buildings, and improving the architectural appearance of the city, by tho trade alpne. In his concluding remarks, Mr Suiter made a biitpr personal attack on Mr Newman in connection with his calling as a sharebroker; asserted that bad influences were exercised in Salva tion Army meetings and temperance lodges; adding that a local preacher had dobauched two girls at a Good Templar lodge; and assured his hearers that the Maine liquor law was a hindrance to the progress of tho State.

Mr C. S. McDonald seconded the resolu tion, which, after sqme remarks from Mr John McColl, was put and carried, and the moeting terminated.

By reference to the telegrams in yester day's issue it will be sqon that tho convic tion for perjury against Daniel Scallen was quashed. The effect of this is that legally the defendant is declared not guiliy of the. offence charged against him. It will be re membered that Scallen was tried in July last at the criminal sessions at Auokland. The questions decided by the Court of Appeal yesterday were then raised by Mr Theo, Cooper, who defended the prisoner. The result of the case will cause considerable inconvenience in Police Court proceedings, cross-examining quo-tions having in future to be put one by one through the presiding magistrate. Probably the decision in this case will lead to an alteration of the law.

"It's a Wonderful Medicine, and has cer tainly done mo good," is the report of a lady who was Buffering with oppressive breathing and distressing cough-^the 'Common symptoms in lung disease. Sins spoke of Aickin!* Syrup of Eucalyptus with Hypqphosphttes tft Lime and Quinine, as many others have dono. It does not require faith. A littlo experience will prove its value -to the sufferer. Address: " The Pharmacy," Queen-street.

WELLINGTON NEWS.

[by telegraph—press association.]

T2ie Departmental Reforms.— Proposed Increase of Railway Tariffs.

Wellington, this day. Great changes are contemplated in the Public Works and Railway Departments in the direction of amalgamation and retrench' ment. The officials in the Colonial Archi tects Department having already received notice that their services will not be re quired after 31st March, the business formerly conducted by thi3 department will now be undertaken by the Public Works Department. It is probable that amongst other reductions the establishment of the engineer in charge of the. Middle Island will be abolished. These changes will effect a saving of £4,000 a year. As the railway revenue has not realised expectations (owing to the heavy reductions in the tariff in 1881-1882), whilst the cost of maintenance has considerably increased owing to the heavy renewals that are requisite as the lines continue to age, it is most likely that tho tariff will be increased so as to make the railways pay at least 3 per cent, upon their cost. Mr Gow, late of Christchurch, has re ceived the appointment of traffic manager at Invercargill, and ho will now relieve Mr Grant, traffic manager at Dunedin, of all lines south of Goro. This change has been rendered necessary owing to the increase of traffic that lias taken place south of Dunedin.

MINING NEWS.

[BY TFXEfIRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Thames, this day. Cambria.—About 9 feet of the reef have been stripped in the winze, and will be broken down on Saturday. A very en couraging feature was discovered yesterday afternoon. In stripping the reef, one of the Bhots fired shook the footwall and knocked down several stones in which dabi of gold as large as threepenny pieces were found. The stones contained excellent minerals through which the precious metal glistens. Waiotahi, —The main l-eef will be struck before sinking the 40 feet yet re maining. New Manukau. —The stopes on No. 2 roef and small leader have reached the old workings known as Hart's rise. Operations have therefore been suspended, and the men have commenced driving on the hang i ing.will of the main reef about 15 feet above tho 100 feet level.

New Prince Imperial.—A few pounds of picked stone have 'been obtained from the western drive on Mariner's reef, No. 3 lerel. Tho reef is 2 feet thick, and looking remarkably well. About 70 feot of driving will reach the break.

Rf.uben Parr.—Stoping is being carried on upon a block 15 feet long. The reef is 18 inches thick, and shows gold freely. New Diamond.—A trial parcel of three loads of quartz produced 2ozs. Sdwts. gold. City of Manchester. —The proprietors have banked aozs. 4dwts. gold.

POLITICAL UNION IN OTAGO.

(BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Dunedin, Thursday,

It is proposed, upon the suggestion of the Hon. W. Reynolds, to form an Otago Con stitutional Association, which will provide a certain sum per annum under individual guarantee. Its affairs will be managed by a committee and permanent secretary. The duties of the secretary will be to make him self acquainted with every political question or subject throughout the colony, and to report to the committee upon every question affectingthe interest of the colony and pro vince. The objects of the Association are thus stated:—l. To watch all colonial ex penditure, and to remonstrate against ex travagance in each individual case. 2. By public meetings, the circulation of pamph lets, and otherwise to educate the public on [questions of the day. 3. To expose abuses, and guard public interests. 4. To advocate and advance whatever is for the general good. 5. To secure greater unity between the settlers of the Middle Island. 6. To secure two or more local govern ments for the colony, with a federal govern ment at Wellington, dealing only with such subjects as are of general colonial concern ; all local matters to be dealt 'with by the proposed local legislaturcr 7. The Associa tion is not under any circumstances to inter fere with elections, but to leave each mem ber to his private judgment in tho choice of representatives.

ROWING ASSOCIATION REGATTA.

The Auckland Rowing Association Regatta, ■which hftß been arranged to take place to morrow afternoon, should attract a good share of public attention. The programme is a good one, and represents contests botweon tho Auckland, Ponsonby, North Shore, and Waitomata Rowing Clubs. At tho last Association Regatta, it may be romemborod, North Shore carried off all tho prizes, and this result was attributed to the circum stance that its members had been in regular training for some considerable time previous to tho regatta, while the other clubs had neglected this necessary precaution. Since then, however, the unsuccessful crews have been out practising very regularly, and al thoughthemarinesuburbhasagainthehonour of bringing out many favourites, ifc is fully expected tnat tho races will be very close, and tho winners more freely distributed amongst the different clubs than formerly. At 1.30 p.m. the fine steamer Wel lington will leave tho Queen-street Wharf with passengers at 2s 6d per head. Sho will also have on board the officers and committee of the Association. At two o'clock the first race will start, and it will be followed around the course by the Wellington, thus enabling her patrons to have a capital view of the contests. A brass band will be on the YVellingtan, and will discourse suitable music during the afternoon.

TAWHIAO READY TO GO TO ENGLAND.

The Alexandra correspondent of the " Wai kato Times " says :—" Tawhiao held his last meeting prior to going to England, at Whatiwhatihoe, yesterday. Topia and Rewi were present. Tawhiao and party leave by noxt mail via San Francisco. An address to Her Majesty and the English Parliament was signed by those present, asking that their territory should remain under Tawhiao's administration only, and complaining that the Government were surveying, making roads, erecting trigs, &c, without their consent, or, rather, that of Tawhiao. Funds sufficient for the journey have been subscribed, and, wei'e a steamer available, the party would leave at once." Our Wai kato contemporary, commenting on this intelligence, saya:—" Tawhiao goes home by the next San Francisco boat, ac companied by a numerous retinue of friends and relatives. It is not known whether Mr Taiwhanga will be of tho party, but as the 'King' has intimated to Sydney that he must find his own passage money, tho prince of modern unprcssarios will probably remain in the bosom of his family.' Tawhiao has foraged pretty successfully, and with tho money in his possession he ought not to be obliged, as his predecessors in this line were, to beg the money to pay for his re turn trip. A liberal indulgence in Bacchanalian frolics can be had upon reasonable terms in England, and the amount set apart for Royal 'pin-money,' so to speak, need not be large. These whimsicalities on the part of Tawhiao and the festive gentlemen who have urged him on his present course are very funny. If His Majesty's visit does not tend to increase our dignity, it will at any rate advertise the colony, and adver tising, as the late Professor Holloway could have shown, always pays. Tawhiao will be lionised by the mob, embraced by Mr Ches sclh and his amiable colleagues, and, if he outlive so much gaiety, will in the course of time return to his kainga 'on the Waipa with enlnrged ideas on the subject'of Euro pean 'civilisation. As for his petition to tho Throne,:tho Maoris know as well as we do what will become of that," ,

PROPOSED BRIDGE FROM NORTHCOTE POINT TO PONSONBY.

A well-attended meeting of the rate payers of the Northcote Road District was held at the Northcote Hall last evening at seven o'clock. Major Benton was voted to the chair, and explained that the meeting was called for the purpose of considering matters generally affecting the district.

Members of the District BoARD.~Mr Brassey said that in view of the cominw election of a new board, nominations for which would take place on the lfth instant, he trusted they would be united * in choosing that evening five memberß to serve on the Board, and so Bave any necessity for a' poll. - The meeting agreed, and the following were nominated. Messrs Benton, Bradney, McCallum Heath" and Falkner.— A ratepayer asked what had become of the £58 6d in the hands of tha late collector, Mrßaggot, unaccounted for —The Chairman stated that the auditor re' ported that Mr Baggot had to account to the Board for that amount, but no stens had as yet been taken to obtain payment of the amount.

NOETHCOTE AND PONSONBY BRIDGE — Mr Brnssey referred to the long-talked of necessity for a step in the above direction He stated that for some time past it had been looked upon as a foregone conclusion -"■' that such a bridge would be erected • and SI indeed, it was an undeniable fao't that « Northcoto was the only place upon the ' 1 shore that was suitable to take a bridge to Ponsonby from. Firstly, on account of the great fall from the point; secondly, the i narrowness of the channel; and, thirdly the shortness of the distance to the other side. Ho believed that plans had been prepared to carry out a bridge from Birken- • head, but he failed to see how any person ' pf common sense could fall in with such a proposition. He thought the sooner the ' matter was taken in hand the better, and for that purpose would propose, " That tha - newly-nominated Boord form a committee ' ■ ' l to interview the member for Waitemata and such other members of the House as will assist him, with a view to bringing some measure during the .coming session providing forthe erection of a bridge from the education reserve on the Point to Ponsonby either by bill enabling a private company to erect one, or otherwise. "—Mr Braesey said he believed that if a private company were permitted to undertake the workan 1 immense amount of money would be forth- '-i coming to carry it out from the general : strong feeling existing in favour of the pro- -; ject.—The Rev. Mr McCallum thought -the time had come when there existed an absolmte necessity for the bridge, and :: Northcote was the only suitable place for it. He would tell them that there was a certain ring on the Birkenhead district that wanted to float a gigantic tramway system and a bridge from Birkenhead to Ponsonby, ' but the project was a perfect farce, and fot this purposo it was proposed to float a com- " pany in England to carry out the scheme. The Governor, who was a distinguished engineer, had reported that a bridge will be necessary for the purposes of retreat in case of foreign invasion, and a bridge erected from Birkenhead would un- " doubtedly cost £20,000 to £30,000 more than one from Northcote. He seconded the resolution, which, after other ratepayers had expressed their views similarly, was - carried. , :i

Reserve.—Mr Brassey asked that the newly-nominated Board apply to Govern ment for the unsold allotments on the Point as a reserve.—Agreed. _ Febrt Company— Mr McCallum said he thought that they should unite in support ing some ferry company that would study more the district wants.—-Mr Brcssey said that from what he could learn the Devon port Ferry Co. were only waiting to be called upon to run, and they would do se.—lt was finally resolved that the Chairman of the meeting write to the Devonport Com pany asking them lo take up the service, and particularly to supply the district with a night boat, and the district would sup port them, the want of a night boat being a great drawback'to the district. «.

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

La Flllo dv Tambour Major.

This charming opera replaced Olivette on ' the boards at the Opera House last evening. Though it is not new to Aucklande're? con siderable interest was taken in the produc tion from the known ability of several members of the company to represent the characters assigned to them. The opera in itself contains many special attractions,'» For opportunities for spectacular display it surpasses most other opera bouffes, and the I music has a fino patriotic ring about it. • Many of the airs are pretty and taking, and the concerted music is more than usually sparkling. The quartette "Once Again," for instance, i» almost sufficient to keep the whole operate " pleasurable remembrance. The mounting of the opera is quite equal to the splendid 1 representation given when it was first per formed in Auckland. The groupings and ' marches are well managed, and the minuet in the ball-room scene is one of the best / things of the kind ever attempted here. Tho caste of the opera is as follows:—Stella, Miss Nellie Stewart; La Duchesse Delia Volta, Miss Maggie Stewart; Griolet, Miss F. Liddiard; Claudine, Miss Ida Osborne; -Mr W. H. Woodfield, Capitaine ? Robert; Mr Howard Vernon, Duo Delia \ Volta,; Mr Wallace, Bambini; Mr Edwin Kelly, Monthabor (Le Tambour Major). The prima donna in the character of Stella afforded another proof of her wonderful versatility, and her singing of tho incidental music left nothing to be de sired. Her sister, Miss Maggie Stewart, took a prominent part for the first time aa the Duchess, and although she played the grand dame to perfection, there are passages where her manner migl^t be lessf rigid. Miss Ida Osborno was piquant and pieasir.g as Claudine, the Vivandiere, and Miss Fanny Liddiard gathered fresh laurels as Griolet. The rOle of tho mischief-loving kettle drum mer is one of Miss Liddiard?s best imper sonations, and she can congratulate herself upon having secured one more genuine success.. Mr Kelly, in the title *r6le, % was a most natural and effective rendition of a part that always carries with it the | sympathies of the audience. He put true dramatic force into all his lines, and hia personation of the character will not be easily forgotten. Mr Wallace, always amusing, made plenty of fun out of tno ■ "skipsome Bambini,'" but we have seen Mr Howard Vernon in characters that suit him much better than the part of the Duke. ; The opera will be continued until further notice.

CRICKET MATCHES.

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

S.OCTH End v. Otahchu (No. 9 wioket),- South End: Loahy, Howard, Brookfleld, Bren sSmo(;hll!.r^ nrris BOaVOrSI Gam)* 3aokS°*

Excelsior v. Grammar School-Escol- S Qr»: Waddi'ighaui. Perkins, Smith, Pooler, Craig (2), Curtis, Hobson, Mills. Biggins, Burn* United SkcoWd v. ALPHA.-Un!tcd :' Shove, Butlin, McPhorson, Harvio It), Briehton Thorpe, GaUand, Hookin. Hewson, and Israel Alpha : Hay, Cranch, Kilpatrick, McDermott, Goodaoro, Nesblt, Abel, Maroroft, White (2), G. Garton. r

Gordon Second v. West End Third (No. 7 wickets-Gordon Second: Bedlington. W. Clayton, Clendon, Fenton. Hamlln, Kcnderdino. Marnner, Mellsopp, McCausland, Btcvens, and Owen. Wost End: Marfflitt, 6won, Laxon, Doughty, McGregor, Colebrook, Wright, Hoff man, Baxtor, Stewart, and Steadman. Parneix v. National (No. 14 wickot).— Pwnoll; Hill (2). Leoky, Cosson (2). Gardiner. Speight, Koetlpy, Brown, Damon. National: Ambnry. Brookes, Colebourne (2), Po y dd«rS ra nn ndTii dk'inlo C» holßon <2)' W" W«* «SS^i&&"SBBS % h 3u n w#. ke etfe Peot, Potter, Ross, Bheddan. Sorvice, Thomas Tattorsall. Emerk'oncy: Spininy North3S' Arthur^ Beard dhambersf ifer, Donov^". Kdwards, q:arrison, Rcdgate, Wrigttson, WTu*

Alma v. Albion (No. 15 wii>!™ti aim*. Tregaskls. Gilmour. Howard, Perston Grahim: Day, Buchanan, Harris. Batty? Matthe^m' Emergencies!: Scott and Harris J*wtnews W 81111

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR FRIDAY, MARCH T, 1884



TpONSONBY VINEYARD GRAPES. GRAPES. GRAPES. , Wholesale and Retail. THOMAS BTWADMAN & CO., Seed Merchants, Next to Mr Wiseman's, Queen-street. n R A _Z_ I N G. ' Homes taken tor Grazing at KoMmarnma. . ' Also, Tnl«t a stood Cottage at Kohiroarama. Bent nolntaSl to f steady man who would look after ■ H. Burke, New ZetFsl Stud and Pedigree Stock Company. TjEAD! P.EAD! J^ EAP* TtTTiTPTOUS ADVERTISING IN EVEBY BUSSSSS I3THE KEYSTONE OF S^™wslid Advertising Agency is now estaKed in iiose Commodious and opnyeni entty isitoated premtees. No. 18, ShorOand-Btreet, I fowSsfroin the General Post-plHce. Mio A?enoy™ prepared to tako advertißoments for alfpamra In Now Zealand and the AuatraUan ColonlM; also, tor ajj the leading journals <wem»rtolthoworH. The Agency has the sole right irf issuejha thea^tticalSer known as the BNTB'AOTJE tottStoeraffoMe aild Theatre Eoyal. The Manager of the Agency having hean ap pointed Agent and Correspondent for leading Journals in all parts of the Australasian Colo nies. and being in receipt of Exchanges, has ocened a well-lighted and commodious Headtag Boom tor lie convenience of his clients. WILLIAM SYLVESTER PULFORD, KEW ZEALAKB & INTERCpLON][AL I NBWS& DVERTISING AGEMCY, ||r No. 18, SHOiatANfi-STREET, AOOKIUND.



Special Advertisements. DR. P H I L 8 ON, LateDistrictSnrgeon, . Attends from 10 a.m. to 1 o'olook p.m., AND DR. J. H. HONEYMAN From 11 a.ra. to 1 o'clock p.m., at Aickin's, THE PHARMACY Queen-street. TENDERS WANTED For the Whole of the Stock of MEN'S A§!) BOYS' CLOTHING AND MERCERY NEW ZEALAND TWEED COMPANY. It is quite New, not.'beta! more than ten months Sid. The Men's anOoys Clothmg has been Manufactured attheKaiapoi Factory,and ° Ten°dera ffffldtose on MONDAY, 10th tort. NOVELTIBQ OVELT I E O. EX S.S. DORIC. MILNE AND CHOYCE Have just Opened Several Cases of Novelties, including— VERY HANDSOME SASH RIBBONS FANCY LACE BOWS FANCY LACE TIES OPERA WRAP 3 MOB CAPS PLASTRONS, for Btroet and evening wear KERCHIEFS, New and Fancy Designs LACES, including Coloured Boaded Lacoa and the New Flouncing Laco GOLD BRAIDS VELVETEENS, the now Twill Back. Milne & Choice, QUEEN-STREET. Qf| PER CENT. DISCOUNT. W. R ATTBAy ■ Desires to inform hla Customers and the Public that, owing to the Increase in his GENTLE MEN'S MBIRCERY BUSINESS, and conße r^^E^KlEN^oT^OvlM TO ARRIVE for that Department, ho has determined to CLEAR OUT THE WHOLE OP HIS LARGE AND VARIED STOCK OP READY-MADE CLOTHING AND WOOLLENS. To effect this result as speedily as possible, he has decided to OFFER THE ENTIRE STOCK OF THESE GOODS AT A HEAVY DISCOUNT TO CASH PURCHASERS. It is well-known that all Articles offered for srle at NEW ZEALAND HOUSE are marked in Plain Figures, the excellence ol wmen plan is admitted by its numerous patrons. TO ALL CASH PURCHASERS OF READY-MADE . CLOTHING AND WOOLLENS There will bo allowed from those marked prices (which compare very favourably withjstmi&r goods shown elsewhere) the ENORMOUS DISCOUNT of TWENTY PER CENT., on FOUR SHILLINGS IN THE POUND.



SALE NOW ON. /•GENTLEMEN'S BLACK CLOTH GENTLEMEN'S BLACK WORSTED MORNING COATS „ _ GENTLEMEN'S TWEED BINGLE fej BREASTED SACS „_„ fT GENTLEMEN'S TWEED PAGET r*A QTTTTCI • O GENTLEMEN'S TWEED SINGLE BREASTED SAC SUITS „ „„ Q GENTLEMEN'S TWEED TROUSERS A NTTI VTT^TPt >Z 1 GENTLEMEN'S TWEED TROUSERS hJ I GENTLEMEN'S MACINTOSH COATS P GENTLEMEN'S TWEED OVER- P YOUTHS' WORSTED SINGLE -W BREASTED SACS .„. „ YOUTHS' TWEED BINGLE- C=3 BREASTED SAC SUITS M YOUTHS' TWEED TROUBERS AND rjj VEBTS fH YOUTHS' MACINTOSH COAT 3 I YOUTHS' TWEED OVERCUAT3 'S f BOYS' WORSTED SAC SUITS " BOYS' TWEED SAC SUITS m BOYS'WORSTED SAC COATS U£ BOYS' TWEED TROUSERS AND O VESTS br BOYS' TWEED TROUSERS R loyl^iTn^A^ 8 TWEED rf I iMAi^ BB°O Y|s WWc^ tH^ED W 1 SMAwf BOYS' MAN-O-WAR SUITS <* a» isasss& BSKw» _p SKIN : O WESTTOF Gf NGLAND AND SCOTCH molgiel Sand roslyn tweeds Bilk and wool vestings white marcella vestings y, &0., &c, &C ' ft ' " . REMEMBER! 1. The Goods are all marked In plain figures, i and are good value at the marked prices. 2. The Stock Is New, Seasonable, and Well assortod. 3. The Namo of the House Is a sufficient guarantee that First-class Goods only will be offered. • ■ ' 4. For every Pound's worth purchased 20 per cent, (four shillings in the pound) will be re turned to ready-money purchasers. 5. As such advantages are obtainable only onoe perhaps in a lifetime, it is desirable to note the address and make an early inspection. William Rat tray, clothier and general draper, NEW ZEALAND HOUSE, 178, 180, and 182, Queen-street, Auckland (Fcnr doors below the New Savings Bank), S PEC I A L. We respectfully invite Public Attention to the following BARGAINS; * WO Dozen Flax Shirte, lined backs, Is 6d, were Ss6d $00 Trousers and Vests, 12s 66% worth 18s Cd 10 Cases Printed Mole Trousers, 5s lid 60 Dozen Men's Felt Hats, 2a 6d 60 Boxes White Dress Shirts, 3s 6d 100 Dosiei! Felt Hats, 2s 6d 5,000 Yards Nun's Veiling at Is 10,000 Yards All-wool Flannel at is ■ 600 Pairs Super Blankets, All Wool, 12s Cd. The Public must not overlook the advantage In selecting from en Entirely New Stock, and the fact that we offer none Hut Reliable Goods. J« C/OSGRAVE & Co. FORT-STREET, AUCKLAND. T> U T C H E B AND CO., STEVBDORBS, RECEIVING AND FORWARDING ~ AGENTS, AHJE PREPARED TO TAKE LARGE OR SMALL CONTRACTS. JuAMQK OR SMALL CONTRACTS. ifttQgpiS jEOR Btftß. ■ WOOL DUMPED FOR SHIPMENT. ' j



Mr Thomas McMaster having suffered ?wf«?f IS. advetised in another column The