SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER {to^S.^ Moving. 9.19 SUNSKT.-This Evening. G. .8 SUNK!!.]-.—To-morrow Morning, 5..11 MOON'S AUK.-Full Moon, 11th,4.27p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Norval, sell, Edwards, from Russell Glonelg, s.s., Stephenson, from Tauranga Rowena, s.s., N orris, from Mercury Hay

DEPARTURES.

Energy, sell, Cooper, for Oroj'inouth Dofonport, sell, Mcl.cod, for Kaipara Ringarooma, s.s., Tozer, for Sydney Myrtle brigantine, l_ano. for Whangaron Waitaki, s.s., Crawford, for Whangarei

EXPORTS.

Per Ringarooma for Sydney—Slo packages tintber, 207 kegs butter. 1,000 bags bran, 2;> bales fungus, I_s doors. 20 bundles shelves, 200 feet timber, 21 cses slalC3, 8 cases bacon, 3 cases ploughs.

Inwards Coastwise.—Norval, from Russell, with 80 tons coal; Mariner, from Russell, with 10G tons coal; Morning Light, from Cabbage Day, with 800 ft ship timbers; Lizzie, from Megernov, with 29,000 ft timber; Progress, from Whangnpoua, with 29,817 ft timber; Fanny, from Whangaponn, with 2S,Ooflft timber.

Outwards Coastwise.—Morning Light, for Cabbage Hay; Progress, for Whnngapoua.

Captain Scotland, who had command of tho barque Ulcnlora when she last visited this port, has beon transferred to tho ship Crusader, which, according to the latest advices, was loading at London for this port.

I ho s.s. Ringarooma left for Sydney direct last evening. Her list of passengers appeared in our last issue.

Tho throe-masted schooner Rio loft Port Chalmers for Auckland yesterday.

Tho s.s. Rowena arrived from Mercury Bay early this morning. Passenger..—Master \\ ilkie. Airs Best and servant. Miss Harris, Messrs Thompson, Royton, Horsbnigh, Srnnlon, Owens, Mars'den. Master McNamara, Alfred Craes, and Wm. Copplc.

The s.s. Glenelg left Tauranga nt 110 p.m. yesterday, and arrived at Auckland at 7.30 a.m. to-day. Passengers: Mr and Mrs Skene. Mi ami Mrs Pettigrow, Mesdames Clarke, Pnine, and Pnckoy, Misses Lunilon anil Puckoy (21, Messrs Thompson, Hood, Peatterson, O.MoGee, Herbert, Cox, Gurr, Russell, Kennedy, Adams, Jones, Goodson, Rev, D. Bruce, Captain Tovey, Golden Hour troupe (1).

Tho thrcc-mastod schooner Energy, for (Jrey mouth ; the three-masted seliooner Devonport, for Melbourne via Kaipara ; and the brigantine Myrtle, for Hokinngn, sailed early last evening.

Tho following vessels entered outwards at the Customs to-day: Aurora, brigantine, Ives, for Sydney, via Kaipara ; Agnes Donald, sell, Hay ward, for Gilbert Group: Ryno, brigantine, Bewlckc, for Suwnrrow,

NEW TUG STEAMER FOR AUCKLAND.

For some considerable timo past the want of a powerful tug-boat lias been felt in ship Ding circles, and it is gratifying to note that such a vessel is about to be constructed. MrCompten, of Queen-street Wharf, recently advertised for lei-dens, and in response several estimates wore sentintoday. Tho result, however, will not be made known until to-morrow. Tho steamer is to be a wooden veesol of about 205 tons builders' measurement, to register about 161 tons; her dimeii6lons being-length. 105 feet; beam, 21 feet; depth of hold. 11 feet four inches. Tho vessel is to be very strongly built, and well-fitted out, so that she may carry passengers if necessary. Her engine, are to be powerful, and will give her good rate of speed. The estimated cost is between £2,001 and £ 1000.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVAL. Hinsmoa, Gov. s.s.. Fnirchihl, from Wellington

DEPARTURES.

Takapuna, s.s., Jonos. for the South Douglas, P. 3., .Scott, for Waltara

The s.s. Takapuna which arrived yostesday afternoon, brought the following passengers :— Messrs Lyell, Rose, llncgregor. Quicker, Charl ton, and Hudson. Mesilanies Rose. Quicker. Horschburg, Miss Kuinnier, and 3 in steerage.

The s.s. Takapuna returned South nt 11.50a m. to-day. Passengers—Messrs Alexander, Boulter. Pain (2), Gedding. W. B. Harvey, Joseph Arthur. Wm. Blnlkin. Daniel lllaikie, Wm. Emrie, Thos. Harris, Sutherland, Euko, Robert Salisbury, Jackson, and Battley, Mr and Mrs Clarke, Mrs Edwards. Mr and Mrs,Blaok, Miss Isaacs, Mr and Mrs Kelsey, Mr and Mrs ForJ, Mr and Mrs Scott, Miss Chlaholm, Messrs Harris, Ford, Sninsbury.

Tho s.s. Lalla Rookh arrived from Waitarn at 8 o'clock last night, with 120 ;;ncks grass seed nnd several passengers

Tho Government steamer Hinemon arrived from Wellington at 10 o'olook last night with tiie Hons. Rolle.toii, Hryco, nnd Oliver, Judge Richmond, B. J. Gill (Native Land Department^ Mr Gane (of tho Treasury Department), Mr Butler (Secretary to Mr Brycc), Messrs Rochforu and Lowers (Survey Department), Master and Miss Richmond, Mr !-cott. and flvo workmen for the Kaipara lighthouse. Captain Fairchild reports leaving Wellington on thollthatßp.nl.. when crossing the Straits encountered a heavy W.N.W. gale, in which his ship labonrcd hcnvily. She called at New Plymouth and Kawbla, where he landed n quantity of material. The Hinomoa remains at Onehunga for a fow days. ■

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

Kaipara Heads, this day.—The barqucntino John C. Smith, brig Wnvo. and schooner Anno Wilson, are loaded nnd waiting a slant of wind to cross tho bar.

ARATAPU, this day,—Tho schooner Pelican is loaded here; also brig Syren. The brigantine Aratapu and three masted schooner, Hugh Ewing, are also loading.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

GREVMOUTn, this day.—Arrived: Omapere, from tho North, 11 a.m. Waitara, this day. — Sailed: Argylc, for Onehunga, 10.20 p.m. Lvttbltos. this day.—Arrived: Rotoma hana, from Wellington, 5.10 a.m. WIIAN.OAREI. this day.—Arrived: Waitaki, from Auckland, 7 a.m. Sailed: Macgregor, for Auckland, 9.35 a.m. Blen_ie!M, this day.—Arrived: Wanaka. from Wellington 7 p.m. Port Chalmers, yesterday.—Sailed: To Anau, for tho North. Passengers for Auckland —Messrs Carter, Bly the JCennard, and Mnrryatt. WELLINGTON, yesterday.—Arrived: Waimea, ship, 112 days, from London. Ltttrlton, yesterday.—Sailed: Espieglo, for Timaru.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will Close as under :—

This Day.

For Tauranga, Ohinomutu, and Opotikl, per Glonolg, at 4 p.m. For Whangarei 1 leads, Whangaroi, Kamo, and Mangapai. por Rowona, at 1 p.m. For Mangawal and Kaiwaka, per Ruby, at 5 p.m. For Waterford, Tauranga, etc., per Annio Mil bank, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Anne Milbank, at 5.30 p.m. Friday, I.lth inst. For Wnitnro, etc., per Argyle, at 11 a.m. Per s.s. Rotomahana ns follows — For India. O-iiiin. Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, nt 10 a.m. For Gisborne, Napier, Southern Ports, and United Kingdom (via Suez and Brindisi, or via Naples, tor letters, etc., specially so pre paid and uddresscdl. at 11 a.m. Money Orders, for Southern Ports and Aus tralian Colonies only, at 10 a.m. For regis tered letters a'tul newspapers at 10 a.lll. Lato letters till 11.20 a.m. For Cowos and Coroniandel, per Coromandel, at I.SO p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 3 30 p.m. For Whangarei Heads, Parua, Waipu, Whan garoi, Kamo, Tungihua, and Mnngupai, per Macgregor, at 1 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Saturday, 10th inst. For Wniwcra, Mahurangi, Mataknna, Manga wai, etc., per Itosc Casey, at 0 a.m. Tuesday, 19th lust. For Taranaki and Southom Ports, Chatham Island, (from Lyttelton), and London (via Rio do Janeiro, per Doric, from Lyttolton), per Takapuna, at 11 a.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-ofllco, Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

February 11, 1884,

Masonic Hall, Onehunga—Robson's Panorama of tho Egyptian War, 8 p.m.

Young Men's Christian Association — Devo tional, 7.30 p.m.

Working Men's Club-Mooting of Delegates, 8 p. m.

Dovonport Musical Socioty, 8 p.m,

Marriages.

JOHNSON-WILLIAMSON.-On February 3, at St. Paul's Church, by tho Rev. C. M. Nelson, Charlos Johnson, eldest son of Mr C. Johnson, Stockholm, to Agnes, eldest daughter of Mr Thomas Williamson, Aryshlro, Scotland.

MURPHY-POOLEY.-On 29th January, ISSI, at St. Mathow's Church, by tho Rev. Wm. T'eblis, George, second son of Mr Martin Murphy, of the Lake, to Elizabeth Eleanor, eldest daughter of Mr Joseph Pooloy, builder, of this city.

Death.

JACKSON.-On Febiuary 13, at bis lato resi dence, Parnell, James Jackson, ex-Sorgeant Armed Constabulary ; aged 19 years. The funeral will leave his late residence, Garlield-stroet, Parnell, at half-past three to morrow (Friday). Friends will please accept this intimation.

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1881.

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

Events are pressing England on towards the annexation of the land of the Phnronhs, but tho Gladstone Government still resist their force, and have re-iterated in parlia ment their determination to stop in Egypt no longer than is necessary to complete tho pacification of that country. Public opinion has moved even the liberal journals against this policy, and the Cabinet, after having sustained a defeat on their Egyptian policy in the House of Lords, aro now on their trial before the Commons. Majorities are ticklish when national jingoism lias been fairly aroused, and the strong Administration which has ruled the Empire for the lust four years may now fall under the very policy which, in the first instance, appealed so power fully to the instinct which it now atlionts. Wc bcliove, however, that their deci sion represents the only just and consistent policy towards v country that has certainly not yet forfeited its national rights. If England had not des troyed the Egyptian army and broken down thoNotionnlGoveriimentjtheKliodivo might have held the Falso Prophet at bay; ho could, besides, at any timo, havo ob tained military aid from Turkey. But now that British legions have crushed out the power of resistance, and the country has be come a prey to its enemies, wo havo •rcither the right to desert it in its extrem ities, nor prey upon its weakness. The position is , dolionto and peculiar. England has already sacriheed a

great deal in money and men upon Egyptian soil, and to go on, with no object but the re-establishment of an ellbto Government which may tumblo down again like a pack of cards the moment foreign support is withdrawn, docs not offer a choer ful prospect. But when one nation begins to dabble by violence in tho affairs of another nation, it must expect to make sacrifices ; and English supremacy in Egypt anil on tho canal, which has been iinnly established by the lute war and subsequent occu pation, is worth porhaps as much as she has paid for it. To falsify now tho sacred promises that havo been given over and over again, would not im prove tho rather disagreeable name which "perfidious Albion" already enjoys in France and in some other parts of Europe. Nor could she gain any substantial advan tage that she does not now enjoy by under taking the Government rf a land so debt-laden and helpless. Egypt has already become a sort of Ginx's baby to England, and her chief trouble now is to get the wretched country snfoly out of her hands.

Australasian Federation.

The subject of Australian Federation and Annexation has occupied tho attention of all the leading English journals. Our London correspondent has compiled tho fol lowing interesting synopsis of the opinions that have been expressed :—

"The resolutions of the Federal Council were duly cabled to us at the end of Inst week and have excited considerable atten tion. Nearly all the principal newspapers devoted leading articles to tho subject, and as I feel sure it will interest your readers to have a summary of English public opinion on this important now departure I append hereto a series of carefully prepared excerpts. When the resolutions relative to the annexation of New Guinea, &c, were telegraphed, the "Times,'' after pointing out the weighty and thoroughly representative character of tho Sydney Conference, said, "To the wholo body of colonists it appears a wanton neglect of an opportunity not to annex New Guinea, or, at least, tho half to which Hol land cannot lay a vague prior claim. Rumoured proceedings of French adven turers among the New Hebrides have pro duced an extension of the demand, so as to embrace that and other

groups also. .. . Englishmen at home may wonder at the anxiety of the masters of a continent, of which only a fringe is at present occupied, to accept a vast expan sion of unknown territorial responsibilities. A colonist reckons by a measure of his own. Instead of tho wide area he has not begun to fill inculcating upon him the expediency of contentment with his actual domain, it gives hira a habit of projecting his fancy over hundreds of miles as if they wero acres, and seas as if thoy were pools. Were Australia peopled to anything liko its physical capacity, Australians-would per haps be much less eager than thoy aro for tho appropriation of more islands, Thoir brethren in Europe can see they are over impatient without expecting seriously to wean them from their purpose. If it be an error of a sort which Englishmen at homo can understand and excuse. Sooner or later there is little doubt that Brit'sh Aus tralasia will enlarge itself to the furthest limits tho most thorough Australian advocate has ever imagined. It is chiefly a question of timo." Turning to tho question of Federation, the " Times " declares it is an absolute necessity "That the several British populations of the Pacific should have their various administra tive apparatus was an unavoidable con sequence of the vastness of the space they occupied, and of tho geographical distances which originally separated them.' Space can never be so vanquished that they will be able to dispense each with its own administrative machinory. As year by year they fill their territories and press closer to ono another's boundaries, they may be trusted either to degenerate into enemies or to grow conscious of the absurdity of half a-dozen English communities, resigning tho comfort and. economy and safely ol federal association. There is no eventual alternative. These grand landed proprie tors in the Pacific, have hitherto only been extra-parochial Englishmen, Within a short time, while, unless they choose, not

British Empiro, they nro destined to bo states with tho dignity nnd responsibilities of states. As states, thoy must determine what shall bo their rotations among fliem selves. If their wish in not for perpetual jealousy nnd rivalry thoy will have to accept the citizenship which is their birthright, in one common Australasia."

Tlie "Daily Chronicle" recapitulates the suggestions of the Conference relative to New Guinea, and remarks, " it is pointed out that New Guinea offers opportunities for tho extension of British trade ; but, of course, this argument applies with equal force to other places than tho island in question, and the Government of this country must thoroughly satisfy itself as to the absolute necessity for such n course as that recommended by tho colonists of Aus tralasia boforo consenting to any further extension of an empiro already so large as to entail grave responsibilities on tho Mother Country. In relation to tho New Hebrides, tho Convention makes a suggestion which is harmless enough in the present aspect of alliiirs, and it is satisfactory to observe that the framcrs of tho resolutions realise our positions in respect to Franco 100 cloarly not toscothat littlo can be done in tho direction thoy indi cate, oven wero the Government of this country anxious to obtain llio control of thoso islands solely with tho view of pro moting the interests of the people of Aus tralasia." The article winds up by observing that "whatever may be tho course ulti mately taken by this country in relation to the suggestions mado by tlie Convention, it is pretty certain that' a strong objection would bo felt to burdening us with any part of the expense." The "Standard" warmly supports tlie resolutions of tho Conference ro Now Guinea and the Now Hebrides. "The burden the Empire is asked to assume is not," the writer considers, " likely to be seriously felt, and as tho colonies grow they will become more nnd more tho guardians of thoir own interests. Their goodwill is worth retaining and their gratitude wort li having, even nt a sensible sacrifice. The timo is critical in their history, and their relations to the mother-country will bo allbctocl for generations by the response Her Majesty's advisers now clioosoto render to tho ' earliest desire of her loyal subjects in Australia.'"

The "Globe" is of opinion that tho de mands of tho Conference should receivo the amplest consideration, nnd thinks it is presuming to say that the representatives of those distant dominions nro less qualified to judgo of their own interests than wc aro.

Tho "Spectator" says:—"We and tho world now know what the foreign policy of Australia is, and in what direction, if mo wish to keep the Southern colonies, our own policy must press, and that knowledge must be an important factor in all negotia tions. New Guinea, it is clear, must be annexed. Franco must bo com pelled to keep her pledge as to the New Hebrides; and for tho rest, we anil the remainder of the world must remember that long before tho present generation has died out, Australians will be ablu to defend their own Mens in arms, and that the quality in Australians which differentiates them alike from Englishmen and Americans is a certain rapidity of decision. A secluded world feels checks from the outside very littlo. This idea of federation, for example, has ripened, so to speak, in a day." Tho "Economist" says :—" The ques tion is not such an easy ono as it may at first sight appear, from two reasons. In tho first placo, it is clear that ns the ex pense, or some part of it, incurred in carry ing out tho foreign policy of Australia is to be borno by tho colonies, the Central Coun cil must be invested with power to call for and apportion the necessary contributions. Thus indirectly, at least, it will be a taxing authority. And, secondly, inasmuch as the Council will not be able to tako final deci sions, at least in important affairs, without first submitting its proposals to tbo ap proval of tho Imperial Government, somo confidential channel for communication and discussion between the Home and eo!o_iial authorities must be secured."

Tho "Tablet" says :—"The Australians care greatly for the dominion of their own seas, and for us their wish ought to bo final."

A fow days later, when the resolutions re lative to the establishment of the Federal Council came to hand, the "Globe" re curred to the subject as follows:—" Tho International Conference nt Sydney has separated, after passing tho most important resolutions ever submitted in a British colony since the time when the North American States combined to resist tho mother country. . . ft is unnecessary, and would bo premature, to discuss these clauses, or the immediate purport of tho bill. What is most worthy of attention is tho unanimity with which tho great Qplonie.- havo now resolved to combine on their own account, and at their own initia tion. The sign of independent action thus afforded is too signilicnnt to escape tho most careless observer, and tho result can only bo to place tho colonies, individually and collectively, in a new and moro in dependent position. ' Union is strength,' ns the Belgian motto says ; and the union contemplated in Australasia is of the most solid, and, wo had almost said, formidable kind."

Tho "Morning Post " concluded a leader on the subject thus:—"Though wo do not fully repeat tho folly of the Ministers of George 111 in respect to the American colonies by attempting to tax our 'follow subjects in Australia without their consent, it may rcquiro an effort on tho part of the ministers of Queen Victoria to resist tlie temptation of drawing the reins rather tightly when it scorns to them, in tho plenitude of their wisdom that young Australia is travelling faster than is consistent with security and decorum. If such a temptation should arise, wo trust that the Government will not yield to it. Itmay be safely assumed that the Australian Colonies understand their own interests far better than any statesman in England can do ; and, thereforo, the only consideration that should influence the Government is that the colonies, acting in their federal capacity, shouldriotthorcby impose unneces sary or inadequate burdens or responsi bilities on the parent country. But this, it is only fair to say, tJiey evince no intention of doing."

Tho " St. James's Gazette" says :— "Plainly enough an important period in the relations of the Australasian colonies and the mother country lias begun. It comes rather sooner than we expected, but not too soon. At the same time the position which the colonists have so resolutely taken up is not to bo contemplated without anxiety. Their demands are very sweeping, and it is hardly in the nature of things that they can bo made good without a deal of protest from certain foreign powers."

Labour continues in good demand in Auckland and neighbourhood, especially in thoso branches requiring little skill. Mr Kirby, contractor, cannot find stone breakers, though a practised hand at tho job can easily mako 12s a day, and the merest novice ss. Ho is advertising for twenty men, but could tako double the number If they could be got.

Messrs Larkins and O'Brien the tramway oonti-actors have formally notified tho City Council that they intend, on Wednesday morning next, to mako a start with the laying of the rails. Thoy will commeneo at that part of Hobson-street which lies botween Wellesloy and Cook streets. The City Council also purpose hastening on tho cuttings in Ponsonby Road, so ns to bo prepared for the laying of the rails in that thoroughfare as far as Howe-street.

Tho most dangerous railway crossing at Mount Roskill has beon tho subject of com plaint in tho district for years. Many a valuable lifo has been imperilled at this spot. The residents, at last becoming alarmod, put themselves in communication with tho Government on tho subject, and after waiting anxiously for somo time the result is now known, A lettor received from the Hon, Mr Mitcholson by Mr Potter statos that ho has given orders to tlie department to proceed with the bridge at once. This will be glad news to all in terested.

The following telegram was received-from tho mine manager of the New Manukau to day :— "Broko down reef this morning. Obtained 401bs. specimens from (longing wall.JSo. 2 reef."—(Signed) T. A. Dun-lop.

The opening of tho approaching Opera season promises to be attended with tho utmost financial success. Seats aro boinc rapidly reserved, and tho probability is that the whole of the circle will be engaged beforo Saturday night, Wo aro roqnWted to intimate that the box plan will remain °^uUn^ 1 }, ocl°ck °n Saturday, when it will! be finally closed, so that the oppor tunity for reserving scats is now limited

Tawhiuo and tho chiefs with him wero entertained at dinner at the Auckland Hotel yesterday afternoon by tho Hey. W Ponmre and Te Honiara, the Mahurangi chief. Tho healths of "Her Majesty the Queen, and the King," were duly honoured. Tawhiao, in responding, urged that Maoris and Europeans should be equal, and stated that his desire in all his actions was to ad here to great principles. There was nothing

Arrangements arc in progress for tho pur pose of tending a complimentary benefit concort and perhaps also of presenting a suitablo testimonial to Professor Cailliau prior to his departure fur Australia. Such a recognition has beon well-onrned and its omission would seriously roileet upon tbo good taste and spirit of tho people of Auckland. No musician has done moro in an unobtrusfve way to popularise the study of music in Auckland, and to disseminate correct principles with regard to it than Professor Cailliau, and ho has, therefore, a strong claim of public regard. His de parture hence has been resolved uponsololy in consequence of tho ill-health of his eldest daughter, whoso constitution needs a less humid and a warmer climate. We have much pleasure in bespeaking for the pro moters of the concert the hearty and liberal support of tho public.

The R.M. Court business was completed to-day at tho exceedingly unusual hour of one p.m., v largo number of the cases being adjourned. Can it lie that litigants and lawyers wero preoccupied with the despatch and receipt ol' Valentines ?

We understand that a Conference was held yesterday .'lllOlllOOll between the general trustees of the Cemetery and tbo Legal Coimiiitloo of the City Council with respect to the project of erecting a bridge, and that tho outcome of it was the resolve on the part of tlie Committee to recommend tho Council to-night to instruct the En gineer to prepare plans and specifications for a high levo! and low level wire suspen sion bridge for foot traffic,

Inventive genius keeps activo in the colony, as evidenced by tho Increasing number of patents applied for. In the "Gazette" the following appear:—James Simpson, Auckland, for a hook-pin ; F. H. A. Whitcombe, Auckland, for universal heat holder ; Albert I'otter, Auckland, for removing hair, wool, or other teguments oil' hides, skins, or pelts; J'cter and David Duncan, Christchurcli, for improved contro for skeith or circular coulter for ploughs; and James Hughes, printer, Wellington, for an invention to print and lithograph from photographic negatives, to bo called " Hughes's phototype and photo-litographic combination process

A suggestion has been made for a slight alteration at the corner of Symonds-street and Karangahape Road, which would result in a, great improvement if carried out. At present thero is a sharp turn in getting round the corner, but by cutting a piece oil' the Jewish cemetery at tho corner the place would bo much onhanced in ap pearanco, and rendered moro convenient for traliic. As the City Council aro pre sently engaged cutting down tho streets named, it is worth considering whether (his improvement could not be carried out. There are no graves in that corner of the cemetery, and wo are led lo understand the trustee, are favourable to granting tho con cession.

Tho following lenders for the orcetion of a dwelling-houso at, Mount Albert for Mr.l. Gilmor were opened today by Mi- R. Muel.ay Fripp, architect :—Thos. Lynch, X2oS ; \V. Reid, X'27-t; Smith and Woolor, £_!!)!) ; S. Keats, ±314 18s; J. Duff, £330 j Keyos Bros., i','l-18.

A cricket match will be played botweon the employees of the South British and New Zealand Insurance Companies on tho Domain next Saturday. South British: Clark, His lop, Maguire, Peroivul, Nichol, Stubbs, Chinnery-Brown, Knight, Dickey, Buckland, Townshend, Campbell. New Zealand : Buttle, Lawry, Smith, Turner, Smyth, I'arsoiis, Pitt, Kissling, Brnbazon, ltigby, Crokor,

Mr Goldie, Rogietiar of Dogs, sells a lot of these animals at the kennels at noon to-morrow.

According to the "War Cry," tho total amount collected in Auckland for the fund for erecting the Auckland Salvation Arms Barracks amounts to i's,"ij -Is Id.

To tho Editor: Sir, —There is an ap parent crudeness and illiberulity about Cr. Crowthor's objections to "Technical educa tion for our mechanics," which call for brief comment, It is pretty well known that technical education receives its greatest impetus nt that period of tho mechanic's career when remuneration is little abovo its lowest rate. At this juncture "State aid," in the way of " Litorte, Scicntie, ot Aries," is nover lost upon enthusiastic nnd appreciative shutouts; it neither im poverishes tlie country nor degrades tho re cipients, who not infrequently give to Society handsome contributions to the arts and sciences which both elevate the mind and lighten the toils of manual labour. Of course Jehu has over considered the advent of the Stophonsoas nn anachronism, and had W.C. been canvassed for an opinion on the early efforts of the great engineer, lie would doubtless have told George ho would never beat the busses.—l am yours, &c, PItOORESS.

Additional police protection is wanted at Onehunga. Tho public consider ouo man quite inadequate.

Tho annual report of tho Auckland district of the iudepeiidaiit Order of Odd fellows (.Manchester Unity), shows numeri cally that this society is increasing and widening its colonial sphere of usefulness. In looking through tho annual report, wo notice that thero are 10 lodges in tho pro vincial district of Auckland, with a total of 1,272 members, to date December 31, 18S3. [hiring theyeiU'2l4membors were admitted; death, 7 members, and members' wives 3. The funeral donations paid wero £211 ; amount to sick members, £1,105 8s -Id; and for medical attendance, £1,055 17s 8d ; interest received from investments, £1,186 Is od. Total worth of the lodges and district on 31st December, 1883, £35,002 7s (id, being an average of £28 per member. At the close of the financial year, the total worth of the Society in Auckland was £22,512 Ss 3d, showing a gain during the last live years of £13,14!) 19s 3d. To the Editor : Sir, —In the conditions laid down by the City Council, and printed for the guidance of competitors in tho Art Gallery and Library designs, is tho follow ing : "All drawings to be in Indian ink or sepia." I sincerely trust that the Council will not stultify itself by conniving at such a glaring .infraction of its own uilcs as is shown by two of the seven designs whioh wero selected by the Committee for final adjudication. These designs are coloured, and vory highly too, and anyone who knows tho wonderful difference that woll-disposed colour makes in the appearance o"f an architectural draw ing will understand the disadvantage under which thoso competitors who conformed to the rules labour. Fair play is bonnio play, and printed rules ought not to bind one man and be ignored by another, and their infraction winked at by the framors of thoso rules.—l am, &c., TIDDLLEWINK.

At the close of the usual monthly Salfbath evening service in tho school-room at Turanga Creek on the 10th inst., tho annual meeting of the Presbyterian congregation was held, the Rev. T. Norrie in tho chair. The minutes of the last annual meeting wero read and confirmed. MrN. M. Prater gave the report and balance-sheet as fol lows :—Receipts: Sustentation fund, £11 (is (this being an incroaso of £7 15s 5d as compared with tho previous year); missions, 12s 4d; collected by Miss Ellen Perkins for Dayspring fund, £1 2s 8d ; Sabbath-school fund, £3 Us 2d ; total, £10 7s 2d, which had all been oxpended oxceptOd of the Sabbath school account. The Sabbath-school was reported as being attended by 32 scholars and taught by 3 teachers. The reports were approved of, and the thanks of the meeting awarded to tho outgoing committee, tho superintendent and teachers of Sabbath school, and to Miss Perkins for hor diligence as collector. Tho following wero appointed tho Commifctoo for tho present year :— Messrs N. M. Prater (Secretary and Treasurer), J. Perkins, A. Larbalestier, and A. Trust. On tho Monday following the Rev, T. Norrie, after being, as usual, hospitably entertained at Mr Nathan's houso, attended the day-school at the early hour of 8.30 a.m., and imparted religious instruction to 22 scholars.—[Correspondent.]

At tho last fornightly meeting of the Onehunga Chamber of Commerce, held on Friday, the subjects of wharf charges and of deepening tho channel between the wharf and the first beacon again came up for consideration. With reference to the hitter, it was considered advisable to ap point a committee to consult with Mr Vickerman, of tho Public Works Oilice, as to removing the belt of sandstone in the channel way by means of dynamite. The members present expressed surprise that no reply'had been received from tho Minister of Public Works in regard to the question of wharf charges, as laid before him by a deputation of tho Chamber on oth January last. It is considered that wharf affairs are grossly mismanaged by tho Railway Department, and unless some reform is inaugurated, Onehunga people will be driven to sock legislation in order te secure local control of the harbour. The Secretary was instructed to write to the Minister for Public Works, requesting his attention to the matter, as-promised to the deputation. There being but one police officer in Onehunga, the Chamber, believing this totally inadequate, authorised tho secretary to write to tho authorities, re questing them to make an increase. The

This boing Valentino's Day, tho usual as sortment of billots dovx, comic and son timetital, has been sent through the Post o!fi- o • arryingmixedsensationstothebosoms oi tho recipients. Tho stationers' windows are all resplondant with displays of the beautiful and the hideous in Valentine literature, and doubtless for a few days still the fun will be kept up.

Early this morning, tho yacht Toy, owned by Mr M. Severn, while lying at anchor oil' St. George's Bay, was discovered to bo on lire, and the llames wero not extinguished before several sails had been burned, and considerable damago was done to tho vessel herself. The cause of the outbreak is unknown.

The adjourned meeting of the creditors of J. M. Spenco, storekeeper, of Whangaroi, was held this morning. Mr Thorne ap peared for tho debtor and Mr C.impbel lor tho creditors. Liabilities wero stated tit £232 12s lOd, assets £_!03. Bankrupt was partly examined concerning a marriage settlement, regarding which there seined lo be somo hitch, Further proceedings wero postponed till tho public examination which will tako place aftor the law vacation,

The Onchuntra Chamber of Commorco are much agitated, becauso the Hon. Mr Mitohelson has sent them no roply to the question regarding tho equalisation of wharf charges on oxport goods with those mado nt Auckland. The Secretary hns written to Mr Mitchelson reminding him of his promiso.

Tho annual picnio iv connection with tho Auckland Builders Association will toko placo to-morrow, at St. Holier's Bay._ The Takapuna will convoy the excursionists thence.

Ex - Sergeant Jackson died yesterday afternoon at his lato residence, Garficld street, I'miiell, in the 50th year of his age. The funeral will tako place to-morrow at half-past three o'clock. Rl r Superintendent Thomson has given permission to as many members of tho ixilice who may wish to do so to attend tho funeral.

The annual meeting of Grand Lodgo Loyal United Friends was held in tho Masonic Hull, Newton, on the February 12th, and was woll attended, many visitors being present. There was a largo amount of business transacted rolntivo to tho regis tration of nil the sub lodges. The following ottiecrs were elected and installed by Senr, P.G.M. Bro. Cox, as Installing Officer :— Bro. P. Drummond, R.W.G.M. ; John J. Skolton, G.D.M.; Bro. James Cox, (}. Sec retary ; \V. L. Niddreo, G.J.; Bro. J.C. Dawson, < i.A.S. ; Bro. J. Tyo, G. Steward , Bro. A. Silvia, C .A.S. ; Bro. D. Herly, G. Guard ; Bro. J. Warn, (.!. Tyler. A cordial vote of thanks to the retiring officers con cluded a very successful meeting.

An adjourned mooting of tho members of the Irish National I-»a«uo will bo held in the Catholic Institute, \\'<J__inK_on-Btreet, to-morrow oveninir, at 8 o'elOck. A full attendance is re quested.

Good Cooking Ranges aro a real kitchen comfort. It would bo unwise to make a selec tion bo-oro seeing Uioso at WinKatc, Burns and Co.'b, Customs-street, which, for appearance, strength, utility and oheanncfis, aro all that can be desired cither for hotels or private houses.— [A DVT. j

Tho very high rents charged for property in Quoon-etrcot must of necosaity increase the valuo of Koods to consuinors. 1 tenta in Customs stroot being more moderate, VVingatc, Burns and Co. aro enabled to soil general ironmongery at a lowur rate. Pleasing and tangible proof of this has already been oxpcrloiicod by many and all may bo convinced by making a sinal trial mirohano frem their varied stock of ÜBcfu household Ironmongery.—[ADvt.]

Bicycles, unequalled for finish, price and quality, at Shakespcar & Co., (opposite tho Market) Queen-Btreet.—[Advt.]

MINISTERIAL MOVEMENTS.

The Government steamer Hineinoa arrived at tho Manukau last ovening. The following aro passengors by her: —Tho Hons. Messrs Rollcston, Bryco, and Oliver, Judgo Richmond, R.M., R. J. Gill, Nativo Department ; Mr Gane, Treasury Depart ment ; Mr Butler, Private Secretary to the Native Minister ; Messrs Rochford and Lowis, of tho Survey Department, and five workmen for the Kaipara Light-houso. The Hinemoa left Wellington on Tuosdny, and on Wednesday sho called at Kawhio, for the purpose of landing timber there for the erection of a residence for tho officer commanding the Constabulary thoro. The ministerial party wero well pleased with tho progress made by the infant settlement. There aro already two or throe European stores and a quantity of timber lying about, showing that other purchasers of allotments are preparing to bu'ld. The Hinemoa reached Onehunga at eight o'clock last night, but did not land her passengers till this morning. Tho threo miiustors with Mr Butler caught this mornining's train for the Wnikalo, and left without coming to Auck land at all. Thoy will proceed overland to Rotorua, and they hope to be able to settle the mattors calling for their presenco with little delay. Mr Gill leaves by the s.s. Glenelg for Tauranga this evening, nnd will go thonco to tho Lakes. The two sur veyors, Messrs Rochford and Lowis, nro to bo engaged on tho survey of the King Country.

SCINTILLATIONS.

No amusements,

London covers 700 square miles. To Kooti proposes to start farming near Kihikihi.

Harvest operations aro started in Canter bury. Tauranga is sending peaches to Auck land.

A Wanganui clergyman lias started a crusade against "immoral" conversation lozenges. It is said that every ounce of gold got in India of Into years bus cost £-10.

Meat-Freezing works are in operation at Toinoann, near Napier. Tauranga Cheese and Butter Factory was to commence operations this morning. An Australian paper says that recently a snake was killed by a young woman eight feat long. A crocodile shuts its jaws with a force of 1,540 lbs. If you don't believe it get in and weigh it when it comes down. Mrs Edwards and four children, murdered recently at Ormondville, Hawke's Bay, were buried yesterday.

Victoria has 780 aboriginals; New South Wales, 1,043; Queensland,. 20,583; South Australia, 03,340 ; and Western Australia 2,340.

Dr. King, lato of Wellington, has been appointed Surgeon Superintendent of West land Hospital. H.M.S. Espieglc, expected nt Timnru to day, was intended to be taken inside the breakwater.

Tho Tasmanian cricketers play a match with the Dunedin Club to-morrow and Saturday. "In monoy matters," said a miserly old fellow, "treat strangers as though they wore your relatives." The ablest liar is not tho man who tells the biggest lie, but tho one who can judge just how much the listener will stand. A subscription has been opened by the " Now Zealand Times " on belialf of Lottie Wilmot, who is still lying very ill at Hutt.

Mr Smith, M.H.R., addressed his Wai pawa constituents on Tuesday, and received a voto of confidence.

A lending anti-vaccinator in England has just committed suicide becauso his wife and children wero carried off by small pox, "There's no timo like the present," glee fully remarked tho boy who had received tho gift of a watch.

Typhoid fever is raging among the Maoris of Hokiangu—scarcely a week passing with out one or more victims falling beforo the

scourge. Tho North is looking up. The "Advo cate " says;—Tho railway receipts for the past month aro £100 in excess of any pre vious month. This is owing chiefly to the extra coal output. Tho s.s. Waitaki, how ovor, paid £32 at tho Whangarei office alone for passenger tickets.

The Timaru '' Herald " traces the decrease in the beer duty to the increased uso of reapingmachinesand consequent diminished consumpt of beer by harvesters. Captain Cotton, Christchurch, has won a wager of £50 by walking 72 miles in 18 hours.

Place before children nothing but what is simple, lest you spoil their taste; and no thing that is not innocent, lest you spoil their heart.

P. K. Wattey, a well-known Commission Agent, .is in custody at Wellington on the charge of obtaining £2S with intent to defraud. l

Politeness is a sort of guard which covers the rough edges of our charactor and pre vents their wounding others. We should never thrcrtv it off even in onr conflicts with coarse people. According to the "Taranaki Herald," Hon. Mr Dick used to bo custodiun of Napoleon's tomb at St. Helena, and was wont to announce to tourists—" This w-a-y X. Xl— X.. „ ... X. TUo ~,-n .. X_ XL.

CABLEGRAMS.

(Kiel. -'Kit's CABLEURAMH )

Mr Bradlaugh's Taotics.

London, February 12.—Mr Charles BradJ laugh, junior member for Northampton, has resigned his seat in the House of Com mons, and has announced his intention of presenting himself for re-election. Alleged Poisoning of Cetewnyo. Cai f. Town, February 12.—1t is reported that Cetewnyo died from tho effects of poison, and a post-mortem examination has been ordored. Hono Ko_.ii, February 12.—Tho state ment that anti-Christian riots had occurred in Chinese territory, us reported yesterday, is Incorrect. The massacre of Christians and the destruction of tho mission station took place within the borders of Tonquiii.

The N.N. Loan & Mercantile Agency Co. (Limited). London Market Telegram.

London, February 12.—Wool: Tho sules opened, at the level of last salos, on February 12th. Up to dale 315,000 bales have arrived ; 49,000 bales have been sent to tho manufacturing districts direct. Tho opening catalogue contained 9000 bales, and was a fairly representative one. Com petition, by both homo and foreign buyers, is active. Medium and inferior combing, washed, market easier.—Bank of England rato is 34 per cent.

[SPECIAL TO PRKSS ASSOCIATION.]

Now Zealand Frozen Moat,

London, February 13. —Tho frozen meat ex the steamer Tongnriro is selling at Od per lb. London Wool Sales. London, February 12.—At the February wool sales, the joint catalogue of Messrs Bulmo and Sons and Jacomb and Sons comprise 9,400 bales, of which over two thirds was from tho Australasian colonies. The attendunco of home and foreign buyers was good. Tho bidding was spirited, and prices generally wore slightly in favour of the buyers. Up to tho present the arrivals havo been 312,000 bales. Tho number available at the sales is 281,000.

The Australasian Federation. London, February 12. Mr Murray Smith's paper on "An Australasian Dominion," read at tho Colonial Institute, dealt chiefly with the historical aspect of tho question. He, however, insisted strongly on the necessity of compelling Franco to abandon the Reeidiviste schema. In tho discussion which followed; Mr Murray Smith and Sir Arthur Blyth expressed themselves as hopeful of an onrly realisation of federation. Sir Dillon Bell and Sir Saul Samuel, how ever, considered that immediate federa tion was not likely to tako placo, and Sir Dillon Bellexprossed regret that the Sydnoy convention had not limited its action to tho consideration of questions upon which united action on tho part of the colonies was possible.

Mr Mclntyro, Q.C., M.P., has condemned the omission in the Queen's Speech of any reference to the Australian Conference.

The transit of mails by railway in Egypt will be resumed early in March.

SAD RESULT OF A PRACTICAL JOKE

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Cambhidck, this day. A vkrv amusing incident, though having a rather serious termination, has just transpired here. Mr Langstono, well known in tho Waikato as n speyer of cattle, had beon paying a visit to Campbell Bros, estate, Waitoa. He was ongoged fishing for eels when ho happened to como across what ap peared to him nuggets of alluvial gold. Gathering them nphe lost no timo in making his way to Cambridge, where ho communi cnted the matter to the owner of the estate there. Anumberof prominent gentlmcnsoon gathered round, and with few exceptions all pronounced the nuggets genuine alluvial gold. Tho verdict of the local jeweller, however, was not favourable, nor was that of the chemist. Thoy tried the blacksmith, who hammered out tho mineral, subse quontiy invested in two bottles nitric acid, and putting brass in the one and the sup posed gold in the other, awaited the result. All wero sitting round anxiously waiting, when one bottle, which was corked, ex ploded, distributing its contents in the faces of the party. Somo rushed for tho slop tub in the bar, others for the pumps outsido, another got under the tank, some rau upstairs to the bedrooms. No one ever cleared quicker. lam exceedingly sorry to have to record that ono gentleman has not since been ablo to see, the acid having got into his eyes. Tho gold was brass, and it is thought Mr Langstono was perpetrating a joke.

DISTRICT COURT.-This day.

(Before His Honor Judge Smith.) Toxcovit'ii axd Anotiiki. v. E. Mitchkl son axu Co.—Claim, £130 9s.— Mr Brassey for plaintiffs, and Mr E. Mnhony for defen dants.—At a sitting of tho Court held this niorning, His Honor delivered judgment in this case, which was hoard last Monday. Tho circumstances of the case (the decision of which has been looked upon as being particularly important to those en gaged' in the gum trade) aro these. The plaintiffs, two gnmdiggers from tho Wairoa district, came to the defendant's store) in Auckland on a recent Saturday. Having intimated to Mr Dacro, ono of the partners, that they had some gum at the railway shed for sale, thoy, in reply to his questions as to quality, gave him to understand that it was equal to E.M.B. gum (this being a brand of the de fendant's and >yell known in tho trade as ropresentinggood ordinary gum, the market price of which then was £41-to £42 per ton). On tho strength of such representations Mr Dacro wont with tho plaintiffs to the railway shed. It was proved that during the conversation which took place on tho way tho plaintiffs reiterated their state ments adding in fact that tho gum was really better than E.M.B as it was not picked. Mr Dacro was shown the bags of which some wero opened at the top. Ho was invited to look at 'Jbho samples which he did, taking up sevoral pieces which wero on tho surface. Ho also noticed tho firm's brand — E.M.B. —on somo of the bags. Tho plaintiffs swore that thoy offered to allow the contents of some of tho bags to be " shot," but Mr Dacre maintained that tho offer was not so oponly given, but was merely that " ho could shoot a bag if ho liked." Being satisfied that the gum seen was equal to tho quality ropro sen ted, Mr Dacro, after somo conversation as to prioo, agreed to givo £41 per ton for the lot—3-1 bags, tho weight of which, ac cording to plaintiffs, being about 3 tons 4 cwt. Plaintiffs pressed particularly for the delivery of the gum at Mitchelson and Co.'s store, and payment at once, but as it was thenclosingtimeon Saturday,thiswasshewn to be impossible; but as they were in want of some money, Mr Dacre gave them £2, taking a receipt for that amount on account of the gum. On delivery on Monday morn ing, tho first fow sacks, on being shot, proved to havo beon " packed," and subsequent inspection made by Cap tain Webb, of Arnold, I tines and Co., Mr Bond, of Mr Barber's, and others called in by the defendants, rovoalod tho samo state of affairs, or, as one witness put it, it showed that the gum had been "scientifically packed," the tops and bottoms being good, and the middles rub bish, or " gumnuts." The plaintiffs being present, tho gum was immediately rejected, and the defendants ordered them to take it away, which the plaintiffs refused to do. Tho present suit was then brought, the parties having agreed in writing to go to District Court on its extended jurisdiction. Tho question at issue was, of course as to tho existence of fraud. Plaintiffs' counsel con tended that there was no fraud shewn, that there was no representation as to E.M.B. quality,andtkntdofeiidantshavinginspected tlie gum, were not justified in rescinding the contract. On the other hand, it was held that there was a fraudulent represen tation, and that the defendants'right to re scind was not affected by their having had an opportunity to inspect, that in fact under the circumstances, the rule caveat emptor did not apply. Clear evidence was givon to show the custom of testing gum and the impossibility of examining tho bulk by " shooting "at tho railway shed. Various authorities were quoted to support the de fondants' contention. His Honor now held that there was a misrepresentation as to quality, that this was false to tho knowledge of the sellers, that the rule, "lotthe purchaser beware," did not apply; that tho gum had been fraudulently "packed," and that the de fendants had exercised their rights by im mediately rejecting on delivery and rescind ing this contract, and that tho plaintiffs wore not entitled to judgment,—Mr Brassey tK k mmm m mmK mm mm m m

THE SOUDAN REVOLT.

[Rt'TER'S TKI.Ki: RAMS.]

Gordon JPaslia Well Rocoivod.

London, February 12. Further information from Egypt states that only four men and thirty women escaped tho massacre at Sinkat. The gar rison at Sinkat had for a considerable time repelled all efforts of the rebels to break their ranks, but at last, weakened by priva tion, thoy had to give in.

Mr Gladstone stated in the Houso of Commons to-day that telegrams had been received from Cordon Pasha repo.tine that ho had been welcomed on all sides during his journey through tho Soudan by the in habitants. The British Policy in Egyyt. Speaking in tho House of Lords to-day _ with reference to the Egyptian policy of the 'Government, Ear) Granville, tlie Foreign Secretary, stated that there was no inten tion of annexing Egypt, and that the Government only proposed to continuo tlie occupation by British troops, and to retain command of the country as at present exist ing until its pacification had beo;i completed and stability restored. In view, however, of the present serious aspect of affairs in Egypt, the Government now intended to appoint a diplomatic agent of first rank as British Representative at the Egyptian Court, and to recommend officers to the Egyptian Government for appointment to leading civil and military positions in Egypt and its dependencies. The Lords Condemn tho Government Policy. In tho House of Lords last night tho motion of the Jlorquis of Salisbury, con demning the Egyptian policy of the Government, was adopted by a majority of 100 votes. In tho House of Commons the motion of Sir Stafford Northcote, "That tlie recent disasters to the Egyptian arms in the Soudan aro the results of the wavering policy of tho Government in connection with Egypt," came up for discussion. The Premier made a statement similar to that delivered during the afternoon by Earl Granville in the House of Lords. Tho Relief of Toka. — British Troops Ordorcd Out. In the House of Lords this afternoon, a discussion took place upon the situation of affairs in Egypt and regarding the rebel lion in the Soudan. During the course of the debate Lord Granville announced that Admiral Hewitt had been ordered to re lievo the besieged Egyptian garrison at Toka if it could possibly be done.

In the House of Commons to-day, Mr Gladstone stated during the debate on. Sir Stafford Northcote's motion censuring the Egyptian policy of the Government, that Lord Wolseley had instructed General Stevenson, by telegraph, to send Colonel Graham, with a portion of tho British gar rison at Cairo, to relieve Toka.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Sunday Trading and Ton o'Clocl-

Liccnscs.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Being a resident in the Karangahape Ward, and feeling deeply grieved day by day by the amount cf misery caused by the sale of drink in the district, I wish to ask tho thoughtful and temperate portion to strain every nerve to close the hotels at 10 p.m., nnd, above all, to strive to put down the Sunday trade. lam convinced I am correct in saying that double tho trade is dono on the Sabbath than any other clay in the week. When passing to church we see men going in at the side door as boldly as pos sible, sir, and eight men at a time—men who do not live a stone's-tarow from the hotel. Are these bona fide travellers? I have seen two and three women of a Sunday afternoon go in with bottles, &a, under their shawls ; children, too, of a most tender age, with bottles in their kits. Is it lawful for a publican to supply children at any time of such ages an five or six years? Very often of a Sunday the air is made hideous with the screams of wives and children being illused and turned out of doors by a drunken husband or father. Mothers, too, forget themselves, and make home a degra dation and a cruel mockery. Oh, if we could only close those dens that spread misery and desolation all around ! How can we boast of being sane people, and allow such a blot to remain ■?—You rs, &c.,

A WOMAN

The Licensing Elections.

(To the Editor.)

Sat, —As we arc just now upon the eve of an election of a number of gentlemen to occupy seats upon the Lieensing'Committees for the various wards, and tlie question having been raised as to how far the evils of drunkenness may bo restricted by the curtailment of tho hours of selling intoxicat ing liquors, permit mo to enclose a letter which I should be glad if you would kindly publish, and thus give your readers an opportunity of becoming acquainted with the experience gained by one of our leading New Zealand cities. - I am, &0.,

R. 11. Douse.

Drunkenness in Cliristchurcli.

(To the Editor "Temperance Herald.")

Sir, —Six months ago, when I wrote you under tho heading of "Twelve Months' Midnight Closing of Public Houses," I at tributed the large increase in tho number of arrests for drunkenness during the year which had just then concluded to tho fact that the hotels in tho city had been allowed to keep open till midnight. In support of my contention, I gave tho totals for tho two years preceding mid night closing, which showed that the ex ceptionally lato hour for closing had boon productive of an exceptionally large increase in the number of people who had, in a state of inebriation, fallen into the hands of the police. The yearly totals from July, 18S0, to July, ISS3, were 015, 075, and 1,016. In concluding the letter referred to, I made uso of thefollowing remarks:—" A return having been made to 11 o'clock as the hour for closing, an opportunity will thus be afforded of testing the theory I hold regarding tlie incroase in tho number of arrests. Sliould next year show a diminution, it will then be proved beyond the possibility of successful contradiction that midnight closing has been tho cause of last ycal-'s increase. Wo shall see."

The arrests for tho first half of 18S3-84 indicate that I was not far out in my prognostication. With a view of showing how we stand up to tho end of ISS3, I have obtained a total for the past half-year, which gives a monthly avorago of nearly 02 arrests, against SO for the same period of ISS2. The following figures represent tho totals for the two half-yearly periods re ferred to :—

18S2. 1883, July Ito December .31 482 371

Showing a decrease for the past six months of 111 arrests. This result is, in a large degreo, attributable to the closing of tho hotels at eleven, instead of twelve "o'clock j and proves—conclusively, I think—that the shorter tho hours for drink selling, tho less drunkenness there will bo. Pushed to its logi cal conclusion, the result proves likewise that were hotels removed off the face of tho earth, intemperance would become obsoleto ; if wo close the drink shops, the manufacture of inebriates will soon come to a termina tion.

In addition to the curtailment of tho hours for soiling liquor as a cause of tho do crease, may bo honourably mentioned tho work of tho much-despised Salvation Army. Whilst the Bluo Ribbon Army has been busily engaged in persuading to total abstinence the pillarsof the various churches and the better classes of the community generally, tho Salvationists have been making sad havoc with tho publican's best enstomers. To the Salvation Army and the Christchurch Licensing Conch is duo all tho kudos attachable to a reduction in our local and suburban drunkonness.—l am, &c, C. M. Quay, Christchurch.

Brett's Auckland Almanac and Pro vincial Handbook, for 1S&1, is now on sale at al booksellors. Signor Otto Hug, the Swiss medical clair voyant, receives patients that are not able to pay, free of charge, every Saturday nfternoon from two to four o clock.- at St. Mungo Place (op posite Bank of Now Zealand), Queen-street.— AdvtJ Perambulators and carpets, revorsiblo bicyclo wheel and other kinds of perambulators just opened from £1 to £7. Now designs in Brusscll and tupestry carpets. Furnish your house throughout from Gurlick and Cranwoll 8 City Hall Furnishing Warehouse, Queen-street. -[ADV-r.] AS TUB SAFEST AND BEST AI'EKIKNT, Castor Oil is unrivalled, the only drawback being its nauseous flavour. This is completely obviated by Allen and Hanuurv's new process of manufacture, and tho A. and 11. " Tasteless' Castor Oil shaken up in warm milk, while still the safest, .best, and most oft'octivo, Is now one of tho most palatable of aperients. At Is 3d and 2s. Sold by Gn ayes. Aickin. Tho Pharmaoyj-

SAN FRANCISCO MAIL NEWS.

IN A SEA m< J.IRE,

A Torriblo Railroad Accident in Pcnn sylvania. ™

Chicago, January ie. A special to the "Tribune" from Brad ford, Pa., of the 15th says: One of those disasters peculiar to the oil country shocked the people of Bradford today. An entire passing train on the Bradford, Borwell and Kinzua Nnrrow-Gaugo Railroad was destroyed by fire. A train ran through a river of oil which had escaped from a bursted tank on a steep hill and coursed down over the snow and into the bed of the track, down which it ran for nearly half a mile. The grade at that point which was very steep, allowed this great leeway. The train consisted of an express car and a passenger coach, both well-filled with passengers. The engineer was no t aware of the dangerous ground on which bis train was travelling. The moment the oil came in contact with the furnace of the engine it ignited and nt once enveloped the entire train in a mass of Uames.

The engineer, Patrick Sexton, applied tho air brake and reversed his engine. The halt was very brief. The track for over 000 feet was a roaring sea of flame and great clouds of dense black smoke ascended heavenward. The engineer opened wide his throttle and away thundered the train through the smoko, flame, and oil. The speed attained was terrible, and acted as a huge fan to thc/;oiiflagration. Theengineer paw a sharp curve ahead, and quickly re versing his engine, he with his fireman Mike Walsh, jumped into a snowbank which lined both sides of the road. Both were terribly burned. The entire train was derailed and thrown down an embankment In the fire-hemmed conch the scene beg gared description. Locked in and helpless in the burning cars, travelling at the rato of 15 miles an hour, the passengers anguish knew no bounds. Men of nerve loot their heads, women fell to the floor in a swoon and the cries and lamentations of littlo children pierced hearts of iron. There was death through the doors, and the sweeping, flames cooked the flesh and singed the hair on the faces and |heads of the imprisoned passongers. It was everybody for them selves, and men in their desperation jumped from the speeding cars and fell prostrate to the g.ound, burned and mangled. So intense was the heat that one minute after the train entered the sea of fire every win dow waß cracked. Two thirds of the pas sengers jumped through the narrow win dows, a majority escaping with severe burns, while a lucky few escaped without a scratch.

Three of tho passengers were burned to \;s death. The victims wore all womon. Mrs '.'._) L C. Fair, of Aillen, was burned to death.. .. When taken from the ruins her body was ... 1 found to be burned almost beyond recogv I| nition. Her husband, who was in tho bag- M gage car, was powerless to render her aid. i» He escaped with a few slight | burn 3. George McCartney, a news- ! boy, who 13 badly burned about A face, head, and hands, will recover. 11 He could have escaped without injury, and 7.1 he was nearly out of the car, when he heardjflH tho cries of Mrs Fair, and attempted to help A'| the woman out, but at the critical moment H sho lost her presence of mind and fainted, si In order to save himself, the boy jumpedA through a window, aud landed in a pool of 1 burning oil. The death of Mrs Katio Aillen, residing • at a small station near Aiken, was very sad. A! Sho was a young woman, and her body, 1 which was nearly burned to a crisp, was found hanging to the framework of the car.- i Both hands were closed with a vice-like .'_ grip upon the window sash. Hor clothing was entirely burned of!'. TJio third victim A was Mrs Lydia F. Jones, of Rew City, Pa., ;. who is charred beyond recognition.

John Burke, of Dunkirk, N.Y., with his- 7 sister Mary, wasonthetrain. They occupied 1 seats near the centre of the car, and.] escaped with slight injuries. Mr Burke said : " The train was running at the rate I of 15 miles an hour, when suddenly tho car became dark, when jots of flame leaped up on all sides, and through the ventilators of -1 the car. The glass cracked with a snap, , and the heat became unendurable. I knew at once that wc wero passing through an oil fire. On all sides was heard the crashing of glass, and the deafening roar of a sea of flame. That car was a regular hell. In less than three minutes after it caught fire, '' the car was filled with tho cries of women . and children and tho groans of _non.,*¥s Womon wero picked up by Btrong hands and bodily thrown through tho crackling win- A dows. Those who jumped out of the win- • dows fared better than the few who dashed through the doors into the ocean of flames. ~: Those who jumped from the windows A landed in huge drifts of snow, while those | who went through the doors had their j V hands and faces and their clothing badly 9 burned. Tho car swayed to and fro likev A ship in a heavy sea. < The windows offered A the only means of escape. I picked my , J sister up and dashed her head first through . >| a window. I then picked up a little girl 1 who was crying and threw her out of the3B window, and then I made a jump myself, 7d landing in a snow drift. My mustache and JM hair were only slightly singed. My sister rolled down tho bank, and escaped without a scratch."

An eye-witness of the disaster said : "For.ij| a distance of nearly half a mile tho road WtjJHJ covered with oil. At points it was over _ the rails. The moment the gas came in ■ contact with tho fire-box it exploded, firing A the oil, and in less than one minute tho ; • engine and cars were enveloped in flames. A: The driving wheels of the'engino, which wsb;. M dashing along, scattered tho oil over every- §■ thing with a rustle aud roar which might havo been heard for a mile. The flames Ail leaped fully 250 feet ahead of the locomo tive, which was thus compelled to run 'bS through a vortical sea of fire."

SPORTING.

[nv TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Training Notes for Dunedin Races.

Dunedin, this day. Tins morning July and Watersprito colt.' M did a good spin together, moving well. Nonscnso was sent a mile, steady, and 1 picking up Escatoo, finished fast. Van- 'i guard-did similar work. Quartette looks s very well indeed. Thengo wont 2 miles in A good style. Captain Webster and Taiarpa -:A did very slow work on the tan. • ;':. A.

THE PUKEKURA LAND DISPUTE.

Property .of Natives Seized,

(BY Tr-LEGIUrH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Cambridge, this day. _ ■ The judgment of the Supreme Court in the | caso of Walker and party against Ngawliata natives, including grantees of Pukekuraand fl Puahoe Jjblocks, regarding possessisn and m occupation of theso lands, was yesterday 1 given effect to by Mayor Greon. About 8. .■$ o'clock in tho morning tho sheriff, accom-11 panied by Tim Howard (bailiff), Mr..', Stubbing (surveyor), and a "Waikato m Times" representative, proceeded to.:,* Pukekura. Two mounted constabulary also accompanied tho party. On arriving at 9 Mr Walker's house on the land, they were met by several other European 7 gentlemen, including Mr E. B. Walker, ; . lessee of block 3, and a number of the I latter's station hands. It was evident the - natives had not been apprised of their in- '> tentions, and, for a time, they looked .. passively on. The Sheriff, aqcqmpanied 1 by tho party, rode out to the boundary lino, and after viewing the country, handed I ovor possession to the lessee in the usual 11 form. A number of men were then .: despatched over the country to gatkerin 1 all tho horses belonging to natives, and soon returned with a lino mob of seventy-six animals. One native rode over to the party, jffi to sco what was the matter, and was some- A what surprised on being ordered to dis mount, and the horse taken from him. A number of ploughs, harrows, and other pro poity wore taken, and, with the mob of m horses, wero all sent into Cambridge, where they will be sold in five days' time. I may . say that the writ with which the sheriff was armed empowered him to seize . aU real personal property of the natives squatting on the land in satisfaction of tho damages of £800 awarded Mr Walker by tho Supreme Court, The , I Sheritl'oxplained to natives that he had that], : < day handed over possession of the land and em all thereon in the name of tho Queen to Mr Walker, and as thoy now remained on land at his pleasure, he could proceed tonne- (j diately to destroy their whares. I expect: A the whares will" be pulled down to-day. j There were in all about twenty natives on ,^ tbo block, the others having recently i cleared off. The Sheriff and partyAMMjM

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1884.



Special Advertisements. "^t/- ANTED JT N 0 W N. STEPHENSON'O "VTEWTON TTOUSE. TBPHKNSON'Ia 1> EWTON XIOUSE. !! LAST TWO WEEKS !! os1 !! GREAT II CASH !! CASH !! SALE I! TBIE BALANCE OP MASON'S STOCK - WILL BC CLEARED AT ENGLISH COST PRICB. ALSO, £500 WORTH OF W-AREHOUSE SAMPLES, BELOW WHOLESALE COST. • TOOETIIER WITH OUR OWN WELL-ASSORTED STOCK OF GENERAL + GENERAL DRAPERY, t DRAPER V, AT, ABOUT, AND BELOW COST PRICE. H. v Sf COME EARLY, 18. A_S. ARGAIS \ and A 4rgais B A nuJVN g^ SRCURE )B A NS. THE ONLY GENUINE SALE NOW O_S. A Sinols Call will Prove This to Be SO. Horrockß's A, 28 Ud por dozen. Horrocks's B, 3s 9d por dozen. Crcwdson's Q, 3s lid per dozen. Othor makes, in wet wove, etc.', 2s Cd to Gs Ud per dozon. Unbleached Calico. Is 9d, 2s M, 2s lid, to Gs per dozen. Unbloached Sheeting, 7_d to Is 3d por yard. 72-inch White Ditto, 9Jd to Is 9d per yard. 80-inch White Ditto, Is to 2s per yard. Cretonnes, l.d, 6_d, 6d, to Is per yard. Long Curtains, 2s lid, 3s lid, 4s 6d per sot. Striped Gronadines. 1,500,3Jd per yard. Galatea Stripes, 2.d (usual price, lid). Dress Linens, 3Jd per yard (original prico, Sd). Prints in all styles, 2Jd to 9d. Cavmclytcs, 5Jd, 753,9 d per yard. Lacc-strlped Muslins, 3Jd, Ud, (id per yard. Molo Trousors, Is Gd, ss, os 6d, to 7b 6d per pair. Tweed Trousers, 3s Gd, Is Gd, 5s 6d, 6s Gd, to 15s per pair. Men's, Boys', and Youths' Clothing, reduced to English cost. 100 Suits only, to measure, 75s (guaranteed original price, 955). A. O. STEPHENSON, KARANGAHAPE ROAD, ' NEWTON. iN GR A M AND CO., . ENGINEERS} AND MACHINERY BITTERS, Contraotoro tor Every Description ot FACTORY Pitting, Pattern Making, Castings, Turning, Pn?b Screwing, &0., &o. Aii WOODWORK in Connection with '■■:•-Machihery Madk. ; I s Plans Prepared and Estimates Given. I Agents for All Descriptions of AMERICAN I MACHINERY. R fj, Lubmoating Oils, So. ■'■ \\_ ■ . Offlco and Works :



Special Advertise meats. IT. PHILSON, Late District Surgeon, Attends from 10 o.m. to 1 o'clock p.m , AND DR. J. H. HONEYMAN From 11 n.m. to 1 o'olock p.m., at Aickin's, THE PHARMACY Queen-street TTV IS EASES OF THE EYE. ARTHUR RICHARDSON, M.D., SPECIALIST AND OPERATOR ON DISEASES OF THB EYE. MAY BE CONSULTED AT HIS RESI DENCE, KARANGAHAPE ROAD, From 1 to 3 In tho afternoon ; OR HASLETT'S ENGLISH PHARMACY, 184, Queen-street, from 3 too. Special, Wc respectfully invite Public Attention to tho following BARGAINS: £00 Dozon Flax Shirts, lined backs, Is Gd, were 3s (id SCO Trousers and Vests, 12s Cd, worth 18s Gd 10 Cases Printed Mole Trousers, 5s lid 60 Dozon Men's Felt Hats, 2s Cd CO Boxes White Dress Shirts, 3s Od 100 Dozen Felt Hats, 2s 6d 5,000 Yards Nun's Veiling at Is 10,000 Yards All-wool Flannel at Is 500 Pairs Super Blankets, All Wool, 12s 6d. Tho Public must not overlook the advantage in selecting from an Entirely New Stock, and the fact that wc oiler none but Rellablo Goods. J. Cosgrave & (Lo. BA L A N C E OP W. MEREDITH'S BANKRUPT STOCK! BANKRUPT STOCK! AND A LARGE LOT OF JOB LINES, TO BE CLEARED AT REMARKABLY LOW PRICES, AT Wl» TJRJDGMAN'S. . IV JJRIDGMAN'S. Dress Goods in groat vnrietyf 12yds for 2s fid, 3s 6d, .slid Balance Summer Stock of Prints, 2Jd, 3Jd, 4td, s»d Strong Cotton Shirtings, 3Jd, 4 Jd, sid White and Grey Calico at wholesale prico 20 Ladies' Leather Bags, half-prico, from Is 6d Ladies Underclothing much uuder usual prico Strong Cotton Tweed for Boys, slißhtly damaged, Is yd Boys' and Youwi3' Tweed Troußers, from Ss 9d 20 Men's Strong Tweed Coats. 7s tid 20 Men's Strong Tweed Trousers and Vests, 7s ltd, 10s 9d, 12s Cd Boys' Serge Sailor Suits, 4s lid Large Stock of Men's Tweed Suits, 15s 6d, 18s fid, 2ls Men's Tweed Hats, Is, Is Sd Boys' and Youths' Sorge Hats, Is Gd Rush Hats, 2Jd each Linoleisui and Floorcloths considerably less than regular prices. LOT OF REMNANTS AND JOB LINES. EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD VALUE. WILLLIAM R. BRIDGMAN, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE. Just Opened a splendid assortment of C D T D R A O I E M W M T A E I O S L T N X S I N S E . E S g These Goods arc Very Choice, and have been selected with great care especially for MY OWN TRADE. TV^i 111 a m Rattray, DRAPER, CLOTHIER, AND SILK MERCER, 178, ISO, AND 182, QUEEN-STREET (fenr doors below tho Now Savings Bank), auckland. .New Jjaw Partnership. fHE UNDERSIGNED bog to annonnco that they havo Commenced Practice In Co-partnor ship as BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS, In Chambers in Higix-street opposite Mr W, Atkln's Printing Office E. W. BURTON, W. J. NAPIER. Auckland, September 22nd, 1683. JUST OPENED, A VEItY CIMIOJ- ASSOnHMENI BROKEN CHESK GINGHAMS, BROKEN CHECK GINGHAMS, New and Handsome Designs. Also, NEW GOODS, in MILLINERY ISUNSHADE3 I LACES MANTLES GLOVES HOSIERY COSTUMES HANDKERCHIEFS UNDERCLOTHING BABY LINEN &c„ &c„ &c. Five Per Cent. Discount fok Cash. Milne & Choyce, vvhere shall i furnish my HOUSE FROMt THE CHEAPEbT ALL ROUND HOUSE TO FURNISH FROM IS THE CITY HALL ARCADE GARLICK & CRANWELL !! IRON BEDSTEADS, go to „• m GARLICK & CRANWELL. BEDDING go to GARLICK & CRANWELL. BED-ROOM FURNITURE, go to GARLICK & CRANWELL. CARPETS, go to GARLICK & CRANWELL. GARLICK & CRANWELL, House Furnishers. GARLICK & CRAJ-fWKLL, Upholsterers. GARLICK ft CRANWELL, Manufacturers OF ALL KINDS OS1 FURNITURE. BHEAP8 HEAP TAI'ESTR Yft BKUSSEL CARPETS. heap Oilcloths & Linoleum. Cheap ft Beautiful Cretonnes, ■•heap Blankets & Curtains. GARLICK & CRANWELL, HOUSE FURNISHERS , .