SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

1 mnTT w a Tiro /This Evening, 6.50 HIUII WAIER \ To . monw Morning, 7.12 - UNSFX—This Evening, 6.40 I SUN" IMS X.—To-morrow Morninp, 5. Ifi | WOON'S AGlt-Now Moon, 27th, G. 14 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Penguin, ?.■?., Cromarty, from Fiji 9 Macgregor, s.s., Johnson, from Whangarel Ringarooina, s.s., Tozer, from Sydney ■ | Wnitaki. s.s., Crawford, from hansarei | Adelaide, schooner, lninn. from 3ydnoy I Jules Maria, barque, Dowling, from Newcastle

DEPARTURES.

Wairoka, schooner, Johnston, forllokianga Julia Pryco, schooner, Cloverly. forllarotonga Glcuelg, s.a., Stophonson, for Tauranga lona, s.s., Amodco. for Kusscll llowcna, s s., N orris, for Mercury Bit Waltiiki, 8.5., Crawford, for Whangaroi Southern Cross, s.s., Ross, for the South

IMPORTS.

Per Jules Maria, from Newcastle-350 tons coal, 36 tons bark.

Per Adelaide, from Sydney—6oo kegs blasting powder, 1,753 sacks bonedust, 8 drays.

Per PonguHi, from Fiji—For Auckland: 1,391 bunches bananas, 5G bags cocoanuU. 130 mats sugar, 5 crates pines, 2 cases oranges, 15 hides. For the South; 1,081 bunches bananas, 124 sacks cocoanuta

Per Tarawora ->93 sacks ryegrass, 200 sacks oata. Per Ailelaido—B26 sacks (S.M.P. Co., Ld.) boncdust, 717 sacks "J. 1." boneilust.—G. S. Jokina.

Perßingarooma, from Sydney-4H bgs onions, SO cases fruit. IS lightning conductors, 12 cases wlnu, la; baps bonedust, 191 gunnies sugar, 837 mats sugar, 50 cases cornflonr, 12 cases pines, 2 cases pianos.

PorTnrawera, from Melbourne nnd Southern ports—ll sash weights, Co sacks flour, 2,112 sacks Whoat, 200 sacks oats, 213 sacks grass seod, 20 o.'iaoH ginger ale, 1,140 mats sugar, 18 cases bacon, llllihds alo, 39 cases beer, 13 cases ale and stout, a (ir-casks port, 15' i cases castor oil, 20 ea3cs turpentine. 200 boxes candles, 136 half chests ton, 11 cases wine, li cases brandy. Ill) sacks oatmeal. IC2 bars railway iron, 158 bars tram iron, TO tram chairs, 78 bundles, fire plates, 10 bullocks'.

EXPORTS.

Per Julia Prvco for Rnratonga—2s cases genera, 1 6 bags rice, 80 mats sugar, 8 cases bottled beer, 31 casks (lour, 10 cases salmon, 737 piccessawn timber, 10 boxes soap, 50 cases pre served meats, 40 kegs bhU beef, 20 bundles hoop iron.

Inwards Coastwise.—Kauri, from Kennedy Bay. with 37,000 ft. timber; Lizzie, from Russell, with 70 tons coal; Leah, from Tauranga, in ballast.

Outwauds Coastwise — K&uri, for Kennedy Bay; Mercury, for Tairua; Dream, for Whangarel.

The new Schooner Eastward Ho arrived at Suva from this port on February 18.

The ship Brenhilda was berthed at the outer westorn teo of Qneenstroet Wharf this morning.

The schooner Julia Pryce. for Rarotonga, and tho three-masted schooner Wairoka, for lloklanga, sailed early this morning.

The following vessels were in port at Lovuka on February 14:—Mejj Merrilies, Oamaru, Gleaner, Winifred, and Wairiki.

At Suva on February H tho following vessels wero in port :—Fairlle, Christine. Fleetwing, and Eastward Ho.

The three-masted schooner Adelaide, which left Sydney on February il, arrived last even ing. Sho is now at tho powder ground dls clmrgiag explosives.

The barque Jules Maria left Newcastle on the 3rd inst,, had strong and moderate gales from the eastward until passing Throe Kings, and thence till arrival last night variable winds.

The brigantines Bannockburn and Myrtle arrived at Hokianga yesterday. The Myrtle was bar-bound outside for several days.

The bnrque Bella Mary arrived at Thames from Newcastle yesterday with 330 tons coal. Tho flagehip Nelson, togethor with the Diamond, Miranda, Dart, and Raven, wero at Hobart on February 14.

Tho brigsntlne Camille arrived at Sydnoy from Ivaipara on February 13.

The barquo Loch Bredan loft Newcastle for Auckland on February 16.

The three-masted schooner Yolande proceeds from here to Newcastle. She entered outwards at tho Customs to-day.

There was no sign of the barquo Charles L. Pearson from New York, via Wellington, up to tho time at which we went, to press, notwith standing the fact that tho " Herald " this morn ing says she "came into harbour last evening," and moreover publishes her cargo list, and re marks that " nothing of noto occurred during tho trip up to call for special mention." How is this thus?

Tho s.s. Waitaki arrived from Whangarel early last evening, with tho following passen gers :—Miss Jackman, Messrs Bennotr, AlcLcod, ijewisson, Whitaker, Errington, Harkor, Flood, Pierce, Lannigan, Campbell, Reid, Weymouth, Saundors, Jackson, Harper, Frasec Reeves, Pope, Williamson, Captain Harrison, Masters Bonnctt (2). The Waitaki left again for Whan garoi during the evoning.

Tho s.s. Macgrcgor.from Whangarci,last even ing:, brought 200 oases fruit, 65 sacks flour, 12 .sacks potatoes, 11 boxes eggs, and three horses. Passengers:—Mesdame3 Johnson, Finiayson, Edwards, and Lamb, Misses Ellis. Kempthorne (21, and Cattler, Messrs CaiHer, Lamb, Edwards, McDonald, Samadoni, Holloway, and Heape,

ARRIVAL OF THE RINGAROOMA. The s.s. Rlngarooma arrived to-day at 10.20 a.m. She left Sydney on tho 21st inßt. at 4.45 p.m. Passed tho Three Kings at 1 p.m. on the 25th inst.. and the North Cape at 4.30 p.m., arriving at wharf as above. Had strong N.E. winds and flne weather till tho 21th inst, and then freßh g.W. winds, and on tho coast had light S.W. winds and fine weather. Passengers: Saloon, for Auckland—Mr and Mrs Houghton and child, Mrs J. Gallagher, Misses Stoole, Ida Osborno, Lynch, Messrs K. Cosgrove, P. W. Street, R. Whitson, W. B. Bradfey. For Napier—Mr F. W. B. Pochin. For Nelson—Mr and Mrs Hol land. For Melbourne—Mr and Mrs Kendall, MrJ. Darrazh, and 23 steerage. We are in dobted to Mr Robt. Guy, purser, for press parcels, report, etc.

ARRIVAL OF THE PENGUIN. Tho s.s. Penguin arrived from Levuka and Suva this morning. She took her departure from Levuka at 5.40 a.m. on the 21st inst., and arrived at Suva at 10.35 a.m. Left wharf at 4.5 p.m.. passed Moko Hiuou 2.15 a.m. on 26th, had Tiritiri abeam 8.20 a.m., and arrived at wharf 8.50 a.m. on 26th inst. Experienced light S.E. and S. winds and fine weather till evoning of 21th, thonco fresh S.W. and S, winds and WBiither till arrival. Passengers:—Saloon: Mr R. A. Carr, Mr R. GreenJaugh. Steerage: Messrs J. J. Rearden, Massen, H. Year, C. Rcbman, E. Rlloy, L. McLlver, H. Gregory, A. Warburton, Lockwood, Cowan, Jones, Gold smith, Millar, Johnson, Attril, and Anderson. We aro indebted to Mr John Waldle, purser, for press parcels, &c.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURES.

Hinomoa, Gov. 5.9., Falrchlld, for Wellington Rotorua, 5.8., Anderson, for the South Stormbird, s.s, Doilo. for Wangannl Douglas, S.S., Scott, for Raglan and Kawhia

The Northern Co.'s s.s. Douglas left for Raglan and Kawhia this morning at 8 o'clock wit!) 20 tons sundrios and Mr Smith and Mr Flounder as passengers.

The s.s. Stormbird left for Wanganui, at 10 o'clock this morning with 5 horses and 10 tons cargo.

The s.s. Hannah Mokau loaves for Raglan and Kawhia to-morrow.

The s.s. Rotorua left for Southern ports at 915 a.m. to-day. Passengers—Maßter David son Mrs Rowo, Mr Noddor and infant, Mrs Hewitt, Mrs Mulr, Bishop Cowlo, Mr and Mrs Downes and children. Rev. D. Bruce, Scott, CaDtain Wright (Salvation Army), Mr and Mrs Kinny and 2 children, Messrs Western, Bower man and Newbold.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day.-Arrtvod: lona, from Auckland, 9.15 o,m.

Whanoabkt, this day.—Arrlvod: Waitaki, from Auckland. 7.30 a.m^ New Plymouth, this day. — Arrlvod Hinemoa, from Onehunga, 9 a,m. Taubanoa, this day. — Arrived: Glenelg, from Auckland, 8.40 a.m. Port Chalmers, thig day. — Arrived: Wairarapa, from Bluff, 8.20 a.m.

London, February 25.—Arrived: The steam ship British King, from Lyttelton on January 9. Waitara, this day.—Sailed: Lalla Rookh, tor Onehunga, via Raglan, 11 a.m. Bluff, this day.-Arrlved: Wairarapa, from Melbourne, at 5.30 p.m. yesterday. Passengers for Auckland : Messrs Clarke, Russell, Clarke, Graingor, Schabor, Cox, Solomon. Webster, Wyleigh, and Brpwn, Mr and Mrs Harris.

A Stormy Voyage.

[by telegraph.—own correspondent.] Thames, this day. — Arrived: Bella Mary, j barque, from Nowcaatle, with coal, after a tedl ous voyago of 25 days. She loft Newcastle on tho 30th ultimo, and during tho passage encoun tered sevoro Rales, beine on one occasion obliged to hoave-to. The vessel was drivon -within 30 miles of Norfolk Island, and sighted its coast on tho 11th instant. Tho ship Wanderer, bound to San Francisco, was sighted on the 10th instant.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

Heai>s. this day.-Loaded: Aloestla, barque. Arrived: Dovonport barquontine), and Aurora (brigantine). Tho former has gone to Port this day.-Loaded: Torea.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Stab Office, this day. AT Messrs S. Cochrano and Son's sale to-day, about 50 oil paintings wore deposed of at prices ranginsr * r°m 10s to £7 10s. At Mr E. C. Greenwood's sale to-day of gold mining companies, shares, there was a good attendance, and tho following prices were realised"-100 Old Caledonian, 11b; 100 Deep Level Crosß, 2s 8d; 185 Caledonian Deep Level, Bd. Mr D. F. Evans held a property salo to-day at his mart, Queen-street. The rooms were crowded, but the bidding was not spirited. Onehunea-the following lots in this district were sold: Lots 41 and 66, with cottage thereon, ; lot 10, £10; lota 13 and 14, £34; lot 15, vil- TiiKe of Tamaterau, £12; lot 55, Kourawhero. comprising 93 acres, £38155; lot 59, Manga wai, £11103. The residfnee of the late Dr. Qoldsbro and tho Kyber Pass and Mount Eden property were passed, but are under offer, and possibly may meet with purchasers. i Messrs Coctarano and Son offered to-day a number of flrat-class pictures, oil paintings, and photographs for sale. Those that were sold realised satisfactory prices. . ■■'.'.

I; Bicycles, unequalled for finish, price and ■ quality, at Shakespear & Co.,,(opposite the

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will Close as under :—

This Day. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Tarawera, at 1 p.m. Wednesday. 27th inst. For U'altara, per Hannah Mokau, at Ba.m. Per Rlngaxaoma. Os follows :— For Uflfied Kingdom and Continent of Europe (via Brindisi), Suez and Brindisl, al noon. For Australian Colonies, at 1 t>.m. Money Orders, registered letters and news papors, at noon. For Lato Letters, nntil 1.20. For Coromandel, per Coromondel, at 1.30 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahona, at 2 p.m. For Mangawai and Kuiwoku, per Itaby at 2 p.m. For Whangorei Heads, Kumo, Whangarcl, and Mangapni, per Waltokl, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Thursday. 28th Inat. For Taranakl, Wellington, and Southern ports, por Takapuna. at 8 a.m. For Tanranga, Ohlnemutu, and Opotlkl, per Wellington, at 4 p.m. Tuesday, 4th March. Per Zealandia, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, tho previous evening at fan. For registered letters and newspapers, at 10 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of six pence in addition to the postage, will be received bj the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to tho time of sailing. This mail will be due in London on Sat urday, April 12,1881.

N.B.—The British Qnoon will leave Wellington for London via Rio de Janeiro about the 6th of March.

S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

February, 26, 1881.

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

St Thomas's School-room—Social Gathering and Entertainment, 6.80 p.m.

St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Ponsonby —Anniversary Fruit Soiree in Hall, 7 p.m.

Newton Athenteum—Musical and Literary Entertainment in aid of School Library, 8 p.m.

Newmarket Hall—Mr Angelo Forrest's Con cert, 8 p.m.

Albert Hotel—Executivo Committee of Now Zealand Rifle Association, 8 p.m.

Births.

MACMULLEN.-On 26th February, at Pon sonby, tho wife of J. C. Macmullcn, L.R.C.5.1., &c, of a son. STIMPSON.—On February 25, tho wife of Walter Stlmpson, of a daughter.

Deaths.

GRAYDON.—On February 24th, at his parents' residence, Coßtley-street, John Perclval. tho beloved son of Hugh Percival and Alioe Graydon; aged 1 year and 2 months.

WILSON.-On Fobruary 25, 1881, at Dublin street, Ponsonby, Katncrlno Wilson, aged 13 years, the beloved daughter of John and Christina Wilson.

The funeral will leave tho residence of her father, Dublin-street, on Wednesday, 27th innt., at 3 o'clock. Friends are invited to attend.

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1884.

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

It ia stated that two of the principal entrees on the Ministerial bill of fare for the forth coming session of Parliament will be measures for the Amendment of the Licen" sing and Education Acts. Taking the present feeling in this district as a criterion of the state of public opinion in the colony, there does not seem to be tho slightest possible doubt that a policy embodying the placing.of additional restric tions on the liquor traffic would meet with approval. We question, however, whether the House of Representatives is equally favourable ; and should the Premier intend to embody in an Act his recently-declared opinions in favour of a more proilounced form of Local Option, with the enfranchise ment of women, he will encounter a good deal of opposition. It might, however, not be an unpopular cry to co to the country upon ; and the Ministerial programme this session will be framed with a view ta that eventuality. In any proposed amendments of the Education Act, tho Cabinet enter upon an extremely delicate task. A party, representing the monied classes, has grown up of late years in favour of using the education vote to relieve the necessity for an increase in the property tax. Now, nothing is more certain than that the people will never consent to this. Retrench ment to save taxation must be made in other directions. The only safety of the country under universal suffrage is an educated population. An opinion prevails pretty widely that the education law is, as nearly as anything, mundane may be, in a state of crystallised' excellence, that it is one harmonious whole, and that any

attempt to remove minor defects in }ho law wculil be ;it tended with risks to tho whole system. We believe, however, that several minor changes aro necessary ; the elimina tion of the system of cumulative voting being one of them. Whatever tho Ministerial policy may be, comprehensive or otherwise, Abounding in startling fads or barren as the Sahara, wo anticipate a lengthy session, unless Federa tion or some other question resulting in the defeat of the Government precipitate an appeal to tho country. Past experience goes to show that in the last session of a parlia ment each and every member feels con : strained to work for his seat, and as a con sequence, in season and out of season, ho speakstohisconstituentsoverthe heads of the Houso. This is analogous to what, in the parlanco of the theatre, is called "playing to the gallery." Every speech is redolent of the most ardont patriotism, and tho long promised bridge across the Humbug River, and the neglected promises re that road to All Fools' Gulf, are trottod oil' with a per sistency which, though it wearies tho Houso and lengthens tho sossion, improves tho chances of the speaker for tho next election.

Presbyterian Union.

Church union is a sign of tho times in New Zealand. All sections of Methodists have resolved upon amalgamation ; tho Con gregationalists are agreeing to unito so fai ns their disintegrating principles will pormit; and when theso movements are accomplished, Presbytorianism will bo tho only sect in New Zealand which has not recognised the forco of the proverb that " Union is strength " by giving it practical application. Such a spectacle, from what ever cause arising, is not at all creditable to a church whose system of government is us suited for unification as is tho Episcopalian or Popish, while it has a thoroughly democratic basis to recommend it—a quality not so fully recognised in other systems, Tho Northern and Southern sections of tho Presbyterian Church, it is only fair to say, keep tho subject'of union to tho front j bat whether from an excess of Scottish caution or from somo moro tangiblo obstacle, they never seem to approach tho consummation. They are liko two parallel lines, projected indefinitely, but nover approximating each other. Yesterday one more interesting talk (and nothing more) about union took place attho mooting of tho General Assombly of tho Presbyterian Church of Now Zealand. Professor Salmond, an ardent and consistent advocate of union, made an attempt to ad vanco mattors by defining what wore and what were not tho causes of tho continued separation of tho churches. "Ho belioved that the endowments in tho Otago Church had nothing to do with the question, and that geographical difficulties had also been put aside." So far good ; hotter if we could bo certain that tho Professor's belief had a solid foundation ; but lie quito fails when ho proceeds from negation to positive assertion, and advances his reason for the disunited condition of tho Presbyterian Church. So far as tolo graphic or other mutilation will pormit, wo gather that in Professor Salmond's view, the chief dilliculty " lies in tho fact that the Otago Church is complete, and they, a largo unit, would bo impossible to maintain such." About tho only thing that is cloar from this is that tho opposition to union comos from tho Southern Church, and that, of courso, was well known previously. If tho objection is that tho Southern Church is afraid to weaken herself by lengthening hercords, withoutaproportional strengthen ing of her stakes, tho attitude may bo ominontly prudontial, but it is far from being brotnorly or commendable. Wo hopo to find a bettor spirit prevailing, and that such an unworthy sight as haggling over terms of union will not bo witnessed. Unity of effort, always desirable, is now rendered necessary by the coalescing going on among other denominations. Professor Salmond says that this question "must bo settled thin year ono way or another." He has also confessed that if it is settled wrongly tho fault will lio with tho Southern section of tho Church. For tho credit of Christianity and for tho sako of all that is proper and seemly, it is to bo hopod a right solution will bo arrived at.

In tho Soudan campaign, now fully entered upon by Britain, it is evidont that no dopendanco can bo placed upon cither Egyptian or nogro troops. It has, indeed, been intimated that tho entiro Egyp tian army is to be disbanded, in which case Britain must provide troops for tho subjugation of tho rebels. Our cable messages today stato that the British troops have boen ordered to advanco against a large body of the Falso Prophet's followers, and news of an engagement may therefore bo expected shortly. It will require a supreme effort of generalship, judging by past events, to provont a serious disaster bofalling tho British arms at tho very outset of opera tions, for tho forco which is now advancing against tho Arab horde is numericallly in significant compared with the army opposed to them. It is also intimated that 2,000 men of the Khartoum garrison, led by tho Governor of that city, navo left for Berber to assist in holding that important posi tion.

Wo aie informed that a vigilance com mittee is being formed in the city under tho auspices of the Temperance party for the purpose of seeing that the pro visions of the law as regards Sunday and ten o'clock closing are rigidly carried out. The proposed objects of this committoo aro to watch all public-housos—especially sus pected ones—to make a noto of overy viola tion of the Licensing Act that may come under their notico, and to furnish tho Licensing Committee with a full report prior to licensing day. As we stated in our issue of Saturday, there is a radical objection to tho uso of such secret hearsay evidence by licensing com mittees against applicants for licenses. No man who obeys the law would suffer injus tice merely by having his premises watched, and if the proposed vigilance committee were to confine their operations to informing tho police of houses that aro irregularly con ducted, with a view to tho institution of proper measures to secure respect for tho law, no reasonable objection could bo offered to their exertions ; but it is alto gether un-English, and must be productive of great evil and wrong, to convict any man of an offence without trial or opportunity of defending himself.

A case was called on to-day at the Police Court which attracted a goodly number of " whips" and persons connected with tho :bus fraternity, who wore anxious to hear the details of a severo struggle between a well-known veterinary surgeon and tho proprietor of a suburban 'bus. Mr H. Campbell appeared for the informant, and Mr Brassey for dejendant; but as all the witnesses, fifteen, had not been subpecned, the case was adjourned until Friday.

A large quantity of the Triumph's cargo —principally hardwaro —still remains under water on the rooks at Tiritlri. With the object of recovering this, which is supposed to be of considerable value, tho steamer Anne Milbank to-day proceoded to the sceno of the casualty with a diver and tho neces sary lifting gear. It is expected tho work of recovering cargo will occupy about three days.

Whon tho steamer Bingarooma last left this port for Sydney she took away an un willing passenger in the person of Mr Harvey. Mr Harvey fell asleep on board before tho vessel left tho wharf, and did not awake until she was off the Hen and Chickens, He was therefore under the necessity of proceeding to Sydney. Ho re turned by the Ringarooma to-day.

At a meeting of the Building Committee of the Wellesley-street Baptist Church last night, Mr J. J. Holland's tender (£8,239), being the lowest, was accepted for tho erec tion in brick of tho proposed Tabernacle at the corner of Upper Queen-street and Karangahape Road. The job is to be en tered upon at once, and tho foundation stone will be laid on Easter Monday, sth April. The front will bo executed in Port land cement, and will have a return of 20 feet. Pressed white bricks will be used ornamentally at the window panos.

A meeting of the City Guards was held laßt evening in the Victoria Company's room, kindly lent for tho occasion by Captain Mahon. There wero 34 members present, including officers. Captain Isaacs occupied the chair, and Dr. Evans was also present. Tho meeting, which was a very unanimous one, was held for the pur pose of electing officers in placo of Lieutenants Robinson and Hitchons, resigned. Mr Osborno wa3 proposed as first Lieutenant, and was unanimously elected. He is one of the oldest Volunteers in Auck land, having been a member in the Rutland Company in 1863. The appointment of second lieutenant was deferred till after the monthly inspection. The office of Secretary was contested by Volunteers White and Montgomery, and the former was elected after a close contest, The meeting terminated after passing a vote of thanks to the late Lieutenants Messrs Hitchens and Robinson ■__

Mr Bryco, Native Minister, Mr Rollcston, Minister for Lands, and Mr Oliver, Post magter-Gcnoral, loft for Wellington by tho h.s. Hincmoabst evening.

Bishop Cowie and the Rev. 1). Bruco left for Nelson by the B.s. Kotorua to-day, to attend tho sittings of tho Now Zealand University Senate, of which they are members

Robert MeVeagh, storekeeper, of CaS bridge, and James Johnston, labourer, of Pukckoho West, woro adjudged bankrupts to-day upon their own petitions by tho Registrar of the Supreme Court,

MrG. Sibbin and Mr Joseph Glenny mado a presentation today to Mr J. R. Baker of 20 sovereigns, subscribed by tho heads-of families residing in Devon port, in recog nition of his uniform courtesy and attention to passengors, and tho extreme care be stowed by him on the goods and parcels committed to his charge as traffic manager of tho Dovonport Ferry Company.

Mr Richard Nowcomo writes that "in stead of the nightsoil contractor reporting persons who uso nightsoil for garden pur poses, ho should wake up to fulfil the con tract, and romovo tho soil boforo house holders cite compelled, for four of fevers and other evils, to uso it for manure. For now moro than threo months I have been com pelled so to uso it, never having onco seen or heard of a nightsoil man in all that time."

In our report of tho mooting in tho Primitive Methodist. Church, Franklin Road, to welcomo the Roy. Mr Boothroyd, it was erroneously statod that Miss Booth presided at tho harmonium. Mr Halm, tho organist of tho Church, fulfilled that duty.

Tho next regatta of tho Auckland Rowing Association will take place on Sutarday afternoon, March 8. The programmo of races is similar to that of previous regattas held by the Association. Tho entries upon this occasion, however, will bo more numerous than before. The (las Company arc laying gas in Kont strcot, Crummor Road, Surrey Hills Estate. This is to enable persons building to get tho gas in without damago to property. Other streets will bo laid as tho houses go up, The water is expected to bo laid on shortly. " R." calls attention to tho roprohonsiblo , practice of allowing carriages and vehicles to drive along tho water channels, moro particularly concrete channels. Ho con sidors that tho channels aro not meant for such weights, and that if tho^practico bo not stopped it must result in considerable damage, besides" causing rofuso or storm wators to lio in stagnant pools instead of running into the cesspits. " A Visitor to Our Small Parks" writes suggesting that tho Council should add to tho pleasure they havo givon tho public by providing for such agreoable resorts a few moro soats, especially in the Albert Park, which, ho says, is pre-eminently a place to go and got a irood view and plenty of ozone. '->."> to MO additional seats, ho thinks, would not bo too many, while in tho Western Park a number of strong cheap seats with backs, under the trees already grown, would answer public wants. Ho remarks, in con clusion, that tho sight of a lot of men and youths monopolising tho scats on Band days, while ladies walk about in tho vain hopo of getting a turn for a seat, does not rolloct much credit on tho gallantry of our colonial youth or men.

A most onjoyablo fortnightly mooting of the Sir Henry Havelock Band of Hope was held last night in tho school-room, Alexandra-street. Tho President (Mr D. Goldio) occupied tho chair, and delivered an interesting addross on "Spirit Dealing." A trio by tho Misses Mack, Heath, and Lnwford was well received. Miss BattcnsSy and Mr Jonkins contributed a duet, "The Outcast." Songs were rendered by Mr Jenkins (2), and Miss Battensby, who gavo " Jock O'Hazoldon " in splendid voico. Recitations woro givon by Miss Sarah Froudo and Rosotta Morgan. Readings were given by Mr Jenkins and tho Secretary (A. Weir.) Tho comic song en titled the " Travellers' Monkey" caused a deal of merriment by its funnyisniH. Miss Battensby presided at tho harmonium.

lii tho course of his sormon at tho Choral Hall on Sunday evening, tho Rev, Thomas Spurgoon made special (illusion to tho fact that that was the second anniversary of the establishment of tho Choral Hall sorvices, tho congregation having now occupied tho building on Sunday evenings for a poriod of two years. Ho said that tho oxperimont of renting so largo a placo had boon under taken with a feeling of doubt in the minds of somo, but tho result had exceeded the anticipations of the most sanguine, Tho building was not a whit too largo for their requirement. This statement, indeed, had a very forcible illustration in tho fact that all the available Pitting accommodation was occupied that ovoning. Tlio growth of this congregation is certainly remarkable, and no ono can doubt that it is duo most largely to Mr Spurgeon's unquestionable talent as a preacher, his kindly and un assuming disposition, and his whole-souled earnestnoss in tho work to wlii§h ho lias dovoted himself.

Mr Gcortro A. Brown delivered an able and thoughtful lecturo at tho Opora Houso on Sunday night, on tho question, "Is Christianity Opposed to Froothought?" This proposition no answered in tho nega tive, pointing out that truo Christianity courted and encouraged rather than feared and shunned freedom of thought. Ho highly commended freedom of thinking, showing, however, as ho did so, that in order to bo beneficial, offective, and valu ablo, religious thought must conform to and bo regulated by well-understood laws, much in tho samo way as the inquiries and researches made in other domains of study. Tho discourse was attentively lis tened to by a very largo congregation. Mr Brown has just roturned in invigorated health from a Southern tour, in tho courso of which ho lectured at Wellington and Napier. A branch of his organisation is in process of establishment at the latter place.

At tho mooting of the Parnell Borough Council last evening, Messrs Tole and Cavo, solicitors for Mr R. Kcals, sent in a claim for compensation for damage done to his property in St. George's Bay Road. The claim was £100. The letter was referred to the Financo and Legal Committeo to re port on at the next meeting of tho Council. A letter was received from tho Borough Engineer giving a certificate of tho comple tion of the waterworks contract, and that ho wcis entitled to £1,135, balanco of con tract account Tho Mayor expressed sat i9faction with the specification and esti mates of the onginoers, and tho manner in which they wore prepared. The specifica tions and estimates were vory accurate. It was decided to pay tho amount of tho ac count. The Auckland Gas Co. wrote stat ing that it would supply the gas-lamps at the reduced prices of £7 3s 4d and £5 Is Sd, to take effect on tho 10th of March. The other business was of an unimportant character.

Mr John Mario Grace, at the special request of Mrs Hardiman (the lato Judge Maning's daughter), interviewed the Native Minister at the Star Hotel on Satur day ovening for the purpose of urging the despatch of medical aid to the typhoid stricken natives of Waitapu and Horekino (Hokianga district). Mr Grace pointed out that the natives were noglectod, that tho disease was attended by great mortality, and that tho kaingas attacked would be completely decimated unless a doctor were speedily sent to their relief. Tho Native Minister said ho had inquired, and was in structed that no medical aid or medicines would ho of any avail until a bottor sanitary state of tho villages was obtained. He also said Government had always spent, and wero now spending, large sums on medicines and medical aid. Mr Grace admitted the unsatisfactory sanitation of the kaingas, and attributed to ignorance and apathy tho bulk of the diseaso from which the Maoris suffered. He thought the first could be re movod by school instruction, and tho latter by proper management and tho enforcement of sanitai-y laws. The Native Minister then requested Mr Grace to suggest in writing a scheme by which this could be done. Ho eaid that meanwhile the resi dent doctor of Mangonui, who is in the pay of Government, would bo instructed to at tend on these natives at Waitapu, I'ukepoto, and Herokino. This terminated tho interview yesterday. Mr Grace forwarded a feasible scheme for the curing of the evil referred to. Ho recommended that the " Laws of Health " should bo made a compulsory branch of instruction in native schools ; that explanatory papors in Maori on infectious and con tagious diseases should bo circulated among the teachers and chiefs, that prizes should bo offered yearly for the best drainedand most cleanly kainga or village, the best^built, the most roomy, and tho most cleanly whare ; and for new kaingas on healthy sites ; and also for the cleanest child on the year's average attendance ; that the ordinary "sanitary laws" should with pru dence be enforced against the Maori j that a Board of Health for each kainga be nom inated or elected, and a Maori Sanitary Inspector appointed, pr, in default of these latter provisions, that the work mentioned should be done by the resident magistrates j and that a building to servo as an hospital should be erected in every villago half a milo from any wharo.

Somo youngsters accidentally set fire yes terday to tho gorzo near tho Ponsonby rope walk, and damage amounting in value to about i.'iO was tho result.

Amongst tho pnssongors who arrived from Sydney by tho Kingarooma to-day was Miss Ida Osborne, a mombor of Williamson's Opera Company, now playing here.

Among the travellers who reached Auck land yesterday by the Tarawera were Sir James McCulloch (a well-known Victorian politician), Lady McCulloch, and Mies Inglis, their nioee. The party are on a tour of New Zealand, and this morniug they went by train to Hamilton, en route for the liot Lake district.

To the Editor: Sir, —In your report of boating accident in last evening's Star, you stato that it occurred on Sunday while it happened on Saturday, 23rd inst.— Yours, &c, Onk of tuk Party.

In "Nemo's " consultation on the Dunedin Cup and Melbourne Champion Race, eight horsos go to Dargavillo, live to Aratapu, and six to Gisborne. Ist horse in Dunodin Cup goos to Nowmarkot, 2nd horso to Hobson-strcot, and third horso goes to Aratapu.

A tologram from To Awamutu states that tho sawmill at To Kahu, belonging to Messrs Couthard and Graham, was burned down on Sunday last. The outbuildings alone werofsaved, though there was a plentiful supply of water. The mill was insured for £300 in tho Now Zealaud office The firo is belioved to have originated through tho fur naco fire igniting some woodwork close to it.

A meeting of gentlemen interested in tho To Aroha goldfield was hold at Mr F. A. White's ollico this morning, when it was agreed that it was desirable to erect a battery below Butler's Spur. Tho meeting was unanimously in favour of the work pro ceeding, and Messrs R. K. Davies, J. New man, J. Stacoy, J. R. Randerson, and P. Ferguason «ero appointod a committee to arrange details, to be submitted at a general meoting on Tuesday next, when it is pro posed to form a company.

During tho Volunteer prizo-firing com petition, breakfast will bo prepared for Volun teers ovory morning on Hie ground ut Klluralie,

" It's a Wonderful Medicine, and has cor lulnly douo mo good," is Uio report of a lady who was Buttering with oppressive breathing; and distressing cough—tho common ayinptcmu In lung disunite. Slio spoko of Alekin's Syrup of Eucalyptus with liypophosphltcs of Lime and Quinino, as wany others have done. It docs not require tmm. A little experience wiy pmvo Its valuo to the sufferer. Address: "' The Pharmacy," Quoen-Eti-ecL

Tho inaugural lecturo of the Now Zoaland Art studonts' Association will bo delivered to-morrow evening in the Choral Hull by F. 1). Fonton, Esq. Subject: ••The Maoris—Who Are They 1 "

fho seventh anniversary of St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church will bo celebrated this evening in tho Ponsonby Hall. Tho proceedings will includoa fniitaolroe, duets, aongs.glees, cho rtißcs, and instrumontaj selections, under the direction of Mr Culpan. Addrosscs will be delivered by Rev. 1). W. Hunclman, Hova. Messrs McCaHum and Reid, and Thomas Pea cock, Ksq., M.H.It. Mr Burry will contribute v rending.

SCINTILLATIONS.

Lot of steamors in

Lust performance of " La Mascotto " to night. Tho sitting of tho Congregational Union at Wellington closed last night. Bay of Islands coal mines have increased their output to 110 tons.

A bull-dog in London was recently sold for £5,000.

There aro 42 Maori schools in connection with tho Presbyterian Church of Now Zealand.

Thirty-six Mormon missionaries have just sailed from Now York.

Tho Congregational Union is to meet at Auckland in January, 1885. Mr Ilobbs, M. 11.11., has rocoived votes of confidonco throughout the Bay of Islands electorate

Tho Tasmanian cricketers havo gone to Invercargill, whore they will play if a local team is got to oppose them. ,S.s. Staffa grounded on the Opotiki bar at high Ujoter on Sunday. Expected to bo got oli^saiely. Thos. Kennedy, injured by falling down the hold of tho s.s. Bombay, died in Wel lkigton Hospital on Sunday night. The " Southland News " thinks that Kawhia is destined to one day become a centre of commorco —rivalling tho city of Auckland. Rather a rash prophecy. According to tho " Northern Advocate," Wattie, tho jockoy, has a salary of over L' 3,000 a year, and is said to bo worth over £10,000.

Tho Victorian gunboats mortally offonded tho Admiralty authorities by hoisting tho royal onsign without asking permission. During last year there woro 0,282 propo sals mado to tho New Zealand Government Insurance Department for sums equal to U,-JG3,G32.

Temperance candidates for licensing committees havo hoon defeated at Thames and at Christehurch North-East.

Firo broke out in tho boiling-down works of Messrs Robb and Kate, at Opliir, Wellington, yesterday, and damago was done to tho amount of £100.

The Marquis of Hartington is to make a statemont on the colonial defence of the empire whon moving the Army and Navy ostimates for tho year. In some parts of Gormany, whon the heat in a public school rises to 77deg. Fahr., any pupil may call attention to it and claim a holiday. Suburban liconsing elections commenco on Saturday first. Tomperance men are up and agitating. This forenoon fivo Auckland M.H.R.'b met by accident at the corner of Shortland and Queen-streets. Ono of them was Mr Sheehan, convalescent from his recent ill noss, and another, Mr Soymour T. George, still nursing his injured hand.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Prb S.S. Rinoarooma.)

Tho Now South Walos Property Tax Abandoned.

Sydney, February 21. The Treasuror made an important state ment in tho Assembly last night. Ho said that in deference to the wishes of the House, but against his own inclination, he proposed to withdraw the vhole of tho taxation proposals, and instead to effect a retrenchment in tho expenditure to the extent of three-quarters of a million. The immigration vote would be reduced one half— to L 75.000 ; from the Wolverine vote L.4,000 would be taken, tho vessel to bo laid up in ordinary, and probably eventually sold, and a considerable amount from public works and charitable institutions, as well as L 40.000 from Public Instruction. At tho same time, by a revision of the Customs tariff, an addition of L 170,000 might be expected. The statement shows an estimated surplus at the end of the year of L 188.028. The Government have adopted this course owing to a desire to get the Land Bill passed into law, and that the legis lation in that Bill already commenced should not be lost. The Government were twitted with cowardice in abandoning their posi tion. Eventually a resolution imposing the new duties was agreed to.—A Validating Bill having passed, Mr Reed's seat has been declared vacant,—Tho polling day is fixed for February 29. Death of Raper, the Footballer. Mr E. Raper, 8.A., died on February 9th at Windsor, typhoid fever being the malig nant malady which carried him away at the early age o* 26 years, after an illness of about 12 days, Tho deceased was widely rospeotod for his courteous and gentlemanly demeanour, and as Captain of the Sydney University Football Club he did not a little to attain for that organisation the special position it occupies among the Rugby clubs of New South Wales. He captained the New South Wales Foot ball Team on its New Zealand tour fifteen months ago, and was subsequently ono of tho Sydney representatives in the Queens land tour. The deceased gentleman had marked out the law as a profession. The funeral was very largely attended. The coffin was borno to the grave by members of tho University Football Club. Brisbane. Tho Elections Committee have decided to unseat Mr Perkyns for Aubigmy,—On the Chinese Bill a long discussion arose on an amendment restricting the number of Chinese arriving to ono lor every 250 tons of a vessel's tonnage.—lt is probable that the session will close in a fortnight. Melbourne.

Tho health of the Marchioness of NorJ manby has now improved. No serious ap prehensions are felt as to her recoyery.— Replies have been received from various colonies favourable to the proposals of thp Victorian Institute of Surveyors for the federation of the profession.—The Inter? colonial Exhibition of wine, fruit, and grain promises to bp a great succoss % Sir George Whitmorp, M.L.C., while travelling by the overland express, tp Mel bourne, has been robbed of a bag which he left in the carriage at Wangaratta,' and which contained £52, '

CABLEGRAMS.

(kkutkr's cablegrams.)

Quoon Victoria's Movomonts,

Lonuon, February 25.—The Queen will visit Germany in April. Russia's Advance on India. - Annexation of Merv. London, February 18.—Telegrams have been received stating that a detachment of Russian troops have seized and occupied Merv territory, in Western Turkestan, 300 miles south-east of Khiva. Tho territory has been formally annexed to Russia.

AUSTRALIAN.

Tho Accident to the Wairarapa.

Mkmiouhnr, February 25.—1t is probable that an official inquiry will be held into tho collision between tho steamer Adelaido and the Wairarapa at Hobart on Saturday last.

FIJI NEWS.

Moro Labour Outrages.

[PkKS.S. I'KNdUIN.] A. M. B. Ito.iK, (iovernment Labour Agent of tho Auckland schooner Fairlio, was mur dered on December 15th by tho natives of a small island to tho eastward of Matthias. It would appear that one of tho Now Ire land men, who had joined the ship to come

to Fiji, deserted in a few days by jumping overboard, and was nought after with boats up to midnight in vain. Another man, recruited at New Hanover, bade thorn goodbyo again in a similarly uncere monious manner. A week after, threo moro New irishmen levanted. On the 15th thoPairlie came to St. Matthias, and two boats were despatched to an islet to the eastward of that place. A number of natives crowded down to the >S.E. point. In tho course of an interview a nativo stole somo biscuits. The second mate, to mark his senso of this, iired his revolver in the water. This had the efloct of scattering the natives in object fear into tho bush, to re turn with spears. With those they made an onslaught, and injured two of the crew in tho head, pierced Mr Kose under tho heart, and studded the body of tho second mate with their horriblo javelins. The " cover ing boat " backed in, but could not recover tho body of the last-mentioned, nor his boat with its ammunition and trade. Tho rest of tho unfortunates were roscued, but when the boat reached the ship's side Mr Rose was a corpso. The vessel has arrived in Suva with CO recruits. A Perilous Swim. On Saturdiy, February 2nd, four of tho employe's of the Deuba Sugar Company started from Deuba in a Bmall open boat with tho intontion of going to Navua with a stiff breeze aft, and tho boat jibed and cap sized. Fortunately, three of the men were powerful swimmers, but tho fourth was not able to swim at all. The others, howover, managed to unship tho mast, and to this they lashed him, and after an immersion of Bomo six hours, ho was washed ashore The other three men, together with a Polynesian boy who had accompanied them from Deuba, stuck to the boat, and they, too, after having been in tho water for oight hours, safely reached the shore, though, of course, thoroughly exhausted. Tho wholo affair was witnessed from tho shoro by natives, and a canoo was at onco put off, not to rescue tho drowning, but simply to ascortain what amount would bo paid for so doing. Tho drowning men ottered £5, or at tho rate of £1 per man, to bo put ashoro on tho canoe ; but tho amount was not large enough, and tho gentle Christians put back without having lent a helping hand. Fiji Dlooobo and tho Bishop of Auckland. Tho Anglicans of Suva having written to tho Bishop of London asking him to under take tho Episcopal charge of Fiji, a reply has boon received, in the courso of which His Lordship says :—" It is impossible for tho Bißhop of London to oxerciso any real superintendence, still less to perform any Episcopal offices in Fiji. I propose, there fore, to ask the Bishop of Auckland, from whoso diocese there is not infrequent com munication with the islands, with the con sont of his Synod, to includo Fiji within its jurisdiction. I am informed by the Secretary of tho Society for tho Propagation of the Gospel that Mr Floyd is pro posing to pay a visit to England. If so, it may be possible in confo enco with him to put tho above suggestions into a moro detinito form. Moanwhilo let mo assure you of my interest in tho welfaro of the English Church in Fiji, and of my readiness to do what little may bo in my power to assist it." Meetings at Levuka and Suva concurred with tho Bishop's suggestion, and it was decided to write to tho Bishop of Auckland on the matter.

Mlsoollonoous Items. A Fijian was recently fined £50 for supplying spirits to a half-caste. Tho fine was paid. The riflo match, Fiji v. Auckland, has resulted in favour of tho Fiji team, who fired at Levuka on February 2nd. It will bo romemberod that tho Auckland team, which fired hero on tho same day, made G4O. Tho total made by the Levuka marksmen was COO. On February 9th, CWof Justice Wren fordsby sentenced Sila, a native, to death for tho murder of Mr Hulton, a sugar planter. It was reported in Levuka on February 14 that the Auckland cutter Wave, belong ing to Messrs Hunt and Corbett, of Suva, and on her way down from Udo with cattle, i; 9on shore at Koro. No particulars are to hand. The mission schoonor John Hunt was wrecked at Vane Point on the 9th February. Her passengers wore brought to Fiji in the Susie. A Homicidal Manioc.

The affair concerning Captain Petrio and others of tho Windward Ho has been under thorough investigation before tho judicial commissioner. The charge, was wilful murder. A recruit had been seized with frenzy while the vessel lay at anchor off one of the Solomon Islands last December ; had seized a hatchet and fearfully hacked and chopped amongst a crowd' of Polynesians who were on deck with him ; the deck looked like a butchery whon the captain came up armed from below. Seeing Petrie and his weapon, tho madman sprang down into tho hold, where some of the unfor tunates he lind already slashed had takon refuge, and were trying to extomporise a barricade. The homicide had already re ceived two wounds from a man ho had attacked on . deck, but bo dangerous was ho still with spears and poisoned arrow 8 that he easily collected in the hold that the captain signalled back his boats, held a council of war, and at last, out of sheer necessity and for tho saving of the wounded who were in the hold with him, ordered the man to bo disabled with a rifle shot. Ho was then approached, and brought on deck. He died next morning, and was buried at sea. His Honor the Judge, in consideration that eight or ten men had been wounded by the frenzied man, and that the lives of somo sixty persons wore placed by him in extreme peril, discharged the accused. Captain Petrie's humane conduct and extreme care of the dying and wounded was testified to during the investigation.

LECTURE ON FEDERATION.

["Age" Specials, via Blufk]

London, February IS. The Agent-General of Victoria, Mr Murray- Smith, delivered a lepturo at tho Royal Colonial Institute on the subjoct of Austra lian federation. There was a large attend ance of old colonists, and official represen tatives of the different colonies. Mr Smith, throughout his lecture, strongly advocated the establishment of federal union among tho Australian colonies, and predicted a great future for Australasia under such a bond of union. Sir A. Blyth (Agent-Genpral for South Aus tralia), and Mr Cowderoy (Secre tary of tho Melbourno Chamber of Commerce, also macjo short speeches in favour of the federation movement. Both took a hopeful view of somo practical result being obtained at no very remoto period. Sir Saul Samuel (Agent-General for New South Wales), also spoke, and regarded tho attempt made to secure federation at this early stage of the existence of tho colonies as prematurp.' He added that in his opinion a snccpsßful conclusion of the labours of the Sydney Convention was very improvable. Mr John Mclptyre, member of tho Vic torian'Legislatjye Assembly, also spoke, and condemned the omission of the subjept of Australa.BJan federation from the Queen's Speech on the opening of Parliament.

The Presbyterian Synod pf Otqigo are in quiring into the religious requirements pf South Island Maoris, ' '■,

THE SOUDAN REVOLT.

[SPECIAL TO TRESS ASSOCIATION.]

(Received February 2G, 12.15 p.m.) Tho Defence of Berber. London, Feb 25. Colonel Cettogan, with 2,000 men of the Khartoum garrison is on his way to Berber.

[Rkutkk's Cablegrams],

Advance of British Troops,

Cairo, February 24. The British troops at Trinkltat have re ceived orders to advance against tho enemy. The cavalry attached to the expedition have reconnoitred the neighbourhood, and it is estimated that there are 10,000 rebels within a few miles of the British camp.

("age" specials, via bluff.)

London, February 18.—Sir Evelyn Wood, Cotnmander-iii-Chief of the British forces in Egypt, lias threatened to resign unless the Government alter its determination and permit Egyptian troops to bo employed in tho Soudan. Altogether 1,000 British and Egyptian troop 3 have been ordered to the Soudan. It is probable that tho Duke of Edinburgh will be employed on active ser vice in Egypt. Mutiny of Egyptian Soldlors. The objection of the Egyptian soldiers to servo in the Soudan against the rebels is in creasing daily, and yesterday a deputation of ollicors from various Egyptian regiments waited upon the Khedive and protested against any Egyptian regiments being de spatched for service into the|*ioudan. They also demanded that tho whole of tho British oflicers at present engaged in the Egyptian army should bedismitised from service. SirE. Wood, Commanderin-Chief of the Egyptian forces, has ordered tho mutineers to be arrested. Tho excitement in Cairo is intense, and tho action to be taken by the British Government in the matter is awaited with great anxiety. It is considered probable that, in view of the disorganisa tion of the native troops, the whole Egyptian army will be disbanded.

THE STEAMSHIP RUAPEHU.

Tiik New Zealand Shipping Company's direct steamer Ruapchu is due to arrive from London, via Hobart, early to-morrow. She will be berthed at the end of Queen street Wharf, and will commence dis charging almost immediately after arrival.

AUCKLAND INSTITUTE.

Tiik annual meeting .of members of tho Auckland Institute was hold last evening in the Museum Building, Princes street, His Lordship Bishop Cowio presiding.

Donations.—Tholist of donations received since last annual meeting was read. It in eluded 4") volumes on the early history of New Zealand and seven valuable oil paint ings, from Mr J. T. Mackelvio. Reference was made by tho President to generosity which actuated these repeated gifts ; and it was agreed, on tho motion of Mr James Babcr, C.E., seconded by Mr Graves Aickin, "That the thanks of the members of the Institute be forwarded through the Presi dent to Mr Mackelvie for his gifts to the Institute."

Rki-okt.— Tlio annual report was then read:—The number of members elected during the past year has been unusually small, amounting only to 12. In the pre vious year tho elections numbered 34. The lossoshavebeon : By death, 7 ; by resigna tion, 6 ; and by default of subscription for two consecutive years, 16. There is thus a not decrease of 17, the total number on the roll at the present time being 304. The total income for tho year ended February 20, 18S4, was L 422 9s 3d, of which L 294 con sisted of the entrance fees and subscrip tions of the liicmbcrs. In the previous year (1882-83) the total net income was £403 8s Id; and the amount of subscriptions, etc., L 317 2s. The expenditure has amounted to L 472 10s Gd, leaving a balance of LSO Is 3d due to the Bank of Jffew Zealand. The ex penditure of the previous year was L 397 8s (id. The remainder of the report was devoted to a review of events in connection with the career of tho Institute during the last twolvo months. In conclusion, it said : —" The Council wish to draw the attention of tho moinbers to tho continued services rendered by Messrs W. K. Graham and Co. and Mr H. Craig as a«onts of the In stitute in London ana San Francisco. The thanks of tho Institute are also duo to tho Pacific Steamship Company, the Now Zea land Shipping Company, and other shipping firms for their kindness in carry ing freight freo all packages intended for the Museum."—The report was adopted on the motion of tho President, seconded by Mr E. A. Alackechnie. , Officers.—His Honor Judge H. G. Soth Smith was elocted President for the ensuing year, Mr Thomas Macffarlane Auditor, while tho Council for the ensuing year was chosen as follows :—Messrs G. Aickin, J. L. Campboll, Neil Heath, J. Martin, J. A. Pond, Dr. Purchas, T. Peacock, Professor Brown, Dr. Murray Moore, and Colonel Haultain.

Time of Meeting.—lt was resolved that it should be a recommendation to Council that during tho ensuing year the time for commencing the ordinary meetings should be a quarter to eight instead of half-past seven o'clock.

The proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the President for his services during the year.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

[Before H. G. Seth Smith, Esq., R.M.] A Man ok Many Names.—John Soymour, a voyngor from Duncdin, boasting of oight sur names, was charged, on his own confession, with boing a deserter from H.M. ship Nelson, at Wellington.—gergeant White said he had made the necessary inquiries about this man, and had elicited nothing furtlier.—The prisoner was then discharged. A Sharp Battle.—llonrv Power and Archi bald Mackenzie were charged with lighting in KUiott-street on tho 20th inst After hearing the evidence, the lionch orderod prisoners to pay 20s each with costs, in or default seven days. Alleged Cruelty to a Cow.--John Lup ton appeared in answer to a charge of ill-treating a cow in tho New North Road on the 11th inst. —Mr lirassoy appeared to prosecute on behalf of tho Society for tho Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.—Mr S. Heskoth appeared in defence, and submitted that the proceedings were not taken in accordance with tho meaning of the 12th section of the Act; it should not have been taken by way of complaint; tho information was therefore defective.—Mr Brasscy argvoil that tho word was used in its popular sensf..— His Worship replied, and consiJored that t lio Sropor mode of proceeding would be under t ao ustico of Peaco Act; tho words " inforn a tion" and "complaint" were not of r-> much consequence, the caso might procoed.—Mr Hes kcth pleaded not guilty.—Mr Brassoy then opened tho case, and called witnosits —James Page, builder, of Kingsland, knew defendantas the Ranger; on tho day in question he heard the cracking of a whip at more than a hundred yards distant; he looked up, and observed Lupton on horseback, trotting at a sharp pace after a cow, and trying to whip her ; tho poor thing fell down ox lmustod, and punted for breath. — Cross examined by Mr Hesketh: He lived near tho Kingsland post-ofllce. Had somo of his own horses impounded. Did not say ho would tako it out, eiiher of Lufton or Small, tho pound keepci'. — William M. Kunoiman, bookkcoper, Thomas Runciman, Philip It. Carthow, and Wm. Redgato, Inspector, and John Dean gave evidence showing that the pow had been brutally used.—wm. 11. Havlett, owner of the oow, spoke as to her condition on boing released from the pound. — Defendant, John Small, poundkeopcr, and James Wood re-examined in defence Counsel hav ing addressed the Court, Hiß Worship said ho could come to no oilier conclusion than that much unnecessary violence had been used in taking tho cow to tho Mount Albert pound. —Fined 10s and costs, amounting to £0 sa.

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

"La Mascotto."

This opera was repeated last night before a crowded house underexceptional difficulties. Mr Howard Vernon was seriously indis: posed and in manifest rjain, but ho bravely struggled through the first and second acts, all the music in which ho takes part being abbreviated as much as possibles out of con sideration for him. Tho audienco were indulgent when thoy learnt tho stato of affairs, for when tho second verse of tho "Glou, Glou". duet wm being demanded, Mr Vernon found it neces sary to como forward and claim their for bearance. Dr. Torment was in attendance behind the scenes, and it was considered desirable to remove Mr Vernon home at the end of the second act, his part thencefor ward being read by a substitute The actor deserves credit for his resolution and fortitude. All the other parts were well sustained, and the action was fast and un hesitating. It is hoped that Mr Vernon will bo sufficiently recovered to resump his role to-njght, when "Mascotte'' will be [presented for the last time. Those who miss seeing it then need not cherish the fond delusion that it will be reproduced, for the scenery and costumes will bo shipped to Napier, whither the Company go at the end of the present season. "Olivette," a rister work to " Mascotte," will be "staged" to-morrow evening. - 'J'

TELEGRAMS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day.—The Liconsing Elec tions in the South Ward resulted in a signal victory for the publicans' representatives by a total majority of 153 votes, while a margin of 15 separated the highest temper ance from the lowest elected candidate.

Whangarei, this day.—Sergeants (Jox and McLeod, representatives of the Whan garei Rifle Corps at the colonial prize firing have loft for Auckland. Both men have been making good shooting at practice, and it is expected that they will give a good ac count of themselves. Speculation is run ning high as to their chance, as this is the first occasion on which Whangarei has been represented at the prize-firing.

Travelling Through the King Country.

New Plymouth, thia day.—Messrs Davie and Thompson, who have just arrived here from Auckland, having come overland * through the King country, speak in strong terms of the kindness received from the natives throughout the journey. They saw Wahanui at Miroawhiao, whore ho was about to hold a largo meeting.

Christchurch, this day.—At the election of the Lyttelton Licensing Bench yester day, Messrs J. It. Webb, J. P, Oullivor, J. Jenkins, J. B. Milson, and A. W. Parsons were returned. The first three represent tho Temperanco interest. In Avon district tho temperance party also had the boat of it.

Bluff, Monday.—Captain Clmtfieldatatea that there was no collison, as reported by telegram, botween tho Wairarapa and the Adelaide. Tho latter vessel endeavoured to pass the Wairarapa in the west channel, and collided with tho Wairarapa's quarter) doing very little damage, but it is supposed the Adelaide sustained more damage.

AUCKLAND BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

Tjib adjourned meeting of subscriber! to this Society was held yesterday afternoon in the Council Chamber, Colonel Haultain in the chair. Present: Messrs Buchanan Buddie, Dando, Ewington, Keesing, and McMillan. A letter was received from Mra Cowie, expressing regret that owing to other engagements she would not be able to take charge of the Parnell district. Mr Ewington informed the meeting that the Executive Committee would agree to most of Mr Peacock's resslutions, viz.:— 1. " That the town and suburbs be divided into twelve sub-districts." 2. "That four ladies be«dded to the General Committee." 3. "That each lady of the General Com mittee have charge of one of the sub-din tricts." 4. "That the Executive Committee appoint two ladies to assist each of the ladies in charge." They were pre pared to move "That the city and suburbs should be divided into twelve dis tricts ; that all ladies should be added to the General Committeo j then again, that one lady of the General Committee be re presentative of each district." The Com mittee, however, still recommended that the elective principle be applied in the sub-districts. After some remarks from Mr Peacock and Mrs D. Nathan, Mr Ewington read the sub-division as pro posed by the Executive: — Parnell, Newmarket, Mount Eden, including Eden Terrace and Grafton, Ponsonby, City East No. 1, City East No. 2, City North, No. 1, City North No. 2, City South No. 1, City South No. 2, Newton No. 1, Newton No. 2.—Tho Chairman having made some remarks referring to the practical ex perience of ladies who were connected with the late Ladies' Benevolent Society, thought those ladies might be of service.—Mrs Judd made some valuable suggestions, and ex pressed her willingness to confer with two ladies and gentlemen as to the condition of a particular district. The resolutions with slight alterations were carried. It was resolved that the following circular be printed and distributed : —" This Society was called into existence at a public meet ing of citizens for the purpose of relieving cases of sickness and destitution which the Relieving Officer could not so well deal with. The frequent appeals to the citizens of Auckland for charitable aid have become burdensome, and the help given being un systematic, is not only ineffectual, but sometimes wasted on the undeserving. Con vinced that the public will be saved much annoyance from begging and expense, and that this organisation will do more real good to the poor and needy than isolated benevo lent efforts, the Committee appeal for sup port. They will administer with great care all funds entrusted to them, and cause strict inquiries to be made into such applications for relief. Whenever possible, they will try to avert a tendency to pauperism, by getting work for men and women, and thus making them self-reliant. You are, there fore, respectfully invited to pay to the Trea surer, or any of the Committee, whatever you may feel disposed to give to enable the Committee to carry out the above objects." The meeting was then adjourned until the 10th March.

SPORTING.

(by telegraph.—press association.)

Turakina Races.

Wakganuz, this d*y. The following acceptances and general

entries have been received for Turakina

races on the 29th inst.

Handicap Hcrdles.—Mount, Bugler, ; Diomedes, Onepu,. Rangatira, Loch Lomond. m Turakina Handicap.—Witiora, Orphan, Hippona, Laurel, Kuoikai. District Handicap.—Laurel, Armourer, ' ' Lady Artist, Parawanui, Ringleader, j Kaihinu, N'gwaiki.

Maiden Plate.— Kohai, Touch-and-Go, Adventure, Tauwira. Sapling Stake.—Miss, Puritan, Pareuu.

[reuter's cablegrams.]

Tho Melbourne Races.

Melbourne, February 26. The following are the latest betting quota tions :—Newmarket Handicap : Country man, 20 to 3; Coolabah, 20 to 3; Segenhoe, 10 to 1; Precious Stone, 14 to 1. Aus tralian Cup : Martini-Henry, 20 to 3 j Sardius, 20 to 3. Champion Stakes: Martini-Henry, 7 to 4; Sardius, sto 2; Navigator, G to 1 ; others, 10 to 1.

Winnings at Dunedin Races.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Dujjedin, this day. The following are the principal amounts paid over to the owners as tho results of the races :—Hon. G. McLean, £1,327; MrCutts, £530; Hon. W. Robinson, £380; Mr O'Brien, £320; Mr Stephenson, £283; Mr Wnills, £100.

PRESYYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

[BY TELKGHAI'H.—HtKHS ASSOCIATION.]

■Wellington, Monday. In the Presbyterian Assembly this morning, the Rev. R. Somprville moved, and Mr R. Treadwell seconded, tho adoption of the G,eneral Treasurer's report, which was car ried. The report shqwed that the funds of tho Church were in a prosperous condition^ At tho evening sitting it was agreed to grant power to baptise to student evangelists at - Wairoa, Kaiwaka,' and New Plymouth. 'The Reyg. Messrs Somcrville, l?atterson,'Gillies, andSidey were appointed a scholarship committee. On the motion of the Rev. Mr Patterson, it was agreed to hold the next meeting of the Assembly at Christchurch, to commence on the third Tuesday of February, IJJBS. The Rev. Mr Treadwell presented the annual report on foreign missions, which was of a very encouraging character, and announced the appointment of an additional missionary for the Now Hebrides at tho expense 6t thS Church. The Rey. Mr Sidey presented the report of the Board for examining candi : dates for the ministry, expressing satis faction with the progress of the students. Tho report was carried. The report of the, Maori Mission was read by Mr Allswortti. It oxprcssed regret that the committee had no progress to report. He stated that one of the missionaries, Mr Honojre, was not acting up to tli'e express wish of the cqnj mittee, ho having taken up his residence' at Foxton, which is out of his district, inßteacf of atMarton, as requested The "committee asked that his services be not continued. After discussion, it was left with the com mittee to do as they pleased with him, but with a recommendation not to deal harshly ...!i.i: I.• „ ■ .. :,• ■....-,,-. . ■■.-.?>

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1884



Special Advertisements. /CONTINUATION OF THE Qreat Clearing Sale FOR 14 DAYS LONGER. Samuel Coombes & Co., While thanking their numerous patrons for the Liberal Support they havo received during their Great Clearing Sale, bog to inform their Cus tomers and tho Publlo Generally that, on account of the size of their stock, together with shipments coming forward, they are compelled to CONTINUE THE SALE FOR FOURTEEN DAYS LONGER. Tho whole of the Remaining Stock has been FURTHER MARKED DOWN, and will bo SOLD REGARDLESS OF COST. THIS IS NO SENSATIONAL SALE, BUT A GENUINE CLEARING SALE, AS THE PRICKS WILL PROVE, IF YOU WILL GIVE US A CAEL. AN IMMENSE QUANTITY OF REMNANTB TO BE ALMOST GIVEN AWAY. We give Quotations of a (ew of the Loading Bargains:— A Splendid TWILLED SHEETING CALICO. 72 inches wide, at 10} d, usual price Is 6d. A Superior Lot of TWILLED SHEETING CALICO, 80 inches wide, at 12Jd. usual price Is 9d. A Large Lot of ALL-WOOL REAL WELSH FLANNELS, at 12Jil, worth Is 6d. We have still about 200 Pairs of MEN'S PRINTED MOLE TROUSERS, at U lid. usual price 8s Gd. A Large Lot of TWEED HATS at Is 6d, usual price 5s 6d. 2.000 MEN'S TWEED HATS, New Goods, just opened, 2s Gd, ordinary price 7s 6d. The IVAN HAT at 6}d, usual price, 2s Cd. SAMUEL COOMBES & COS., CANADA BUILDINGS. QUEEN-BTBEKT. BLANKKTS at 10s 6d Per Pair, Worth 18s 6d. at SAMUEL COOMBES' & CO., CANADA BUILDINGS. Queen-street. Wo have 5,000 Yards of the new TWILLED SHOT MATERIAL for Ladies' Dresses at 3}d, Worth 18 M. SJOIUEL COOMBES & CO,, CANADA BUILDINGS, QUHEN-STRECT. We are now opening our AUTUMN AND WINTER MILLINERY, which we are Belling at Clearing Sale Prioes. SAMUEL COOMBES & CO., CANADA BUILDINGS, Queen-street, Bought a Job, and now Selling at Sale Prices, several Thousand Yards of LACE, from 2Jd per yard, worth five times the money. SAMUEL COOMBES & CO., CANADA BUILDINGS, QUEEN-BTREKT. We now aro Selling several Thousand Yards ol RIBBON, Fashionable Shades, at 6d yard, worth Is 6d. iSamuel Coombes & Co., CANADA BUILDINGS, QUEEN-STREET.



Special Advertisements. DR. P H I LS O N, Lato District Surgeon, Attonas trom 10 a.m. to 1 o'clock p.m., A.YD DR. J. H. HONKYMAN From 11 a.m, to 1 o'clock p.m., at Aickin'h, THE PHAKMACY Queen-street. TTVISEASES OF THE EVE. ARTHUR RICHARDSON, M.D., SPECIALIST AND OPERATOR ON DISEASES OF THE EYE, MAY BE CONSULTED AT HIS RESI DENCE, KAUANGAHAPE ROAD, From 1 to 3 in tho afternoon ; OR HASLETTS ENGLISH PHARMACY. 184, Queen-street, from 3 to 5. Just Opened A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF CD* T D R A O I E M W M T A E I O S L T N X S I N S E E S S Thcso Goods aro Very Choice, and have boen selected with groat caro especially for MY OWN TRADE. Wl LLIAM RaTTEAY, DRAPER, CLOTHIER, AND SILK MERCER, 178, 180, AND 182, QUEEN-3TRKKT (fcur doors below tho Now Savings Hunk), AUCKLAND. NOVELTIECJ OVELT I E O. EX S.S. DORIC. MILNE AND CHOYCE Havo jußt Opened Several Casoa of Novelties, including— VERY HANDSOME SASH RIBBONS FANCY LACE BOW'S FANCY LACE TIHS OPERA WRAPS MOB CAP 9 PLASTRONS, for street and evoning woar KERCHIEFS, Now and Fancy Designs LACKS, Including Coloured Beaded Laces and the Now Flouncing Lace GOLD BRAIDS VELVETEENS, the now Twill Back, Milne & Choyce, QUEEN-STREBT.