SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

~,,,,, ~,,,,,,„ IThla Kvoulng, 5.25 SUN'SK'JI.—This Kvoning, 5.50 3U V RISK.—To-morrow Morning, S 53 -

MOON'S AGK—Now Moon, 19tli, 010 p.m,

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY, Chani; Chow, s.s., Young, f.om Melbourne Orpheus, schooner, Dunn, from Suva Anthons, brigimfne, from Groymouth Thomas Rusael1, s.s.. Hclander, from l.isborno

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVKNINO. Wnitnkl. *.s , Crawford for Wliangarni Cilv of Sydney, 5.3.. Dearborn, for Sydney lomi » s.. Ainodoo, for Whnngarct rvgiict, schooner, Watt, for Tonga Wainpu, schooner, Nicholas, fir Gisborne

IMPORTS.

Var Chang Chow—l,B32 packages tea.

EXPORTS.

Per City of Sydncy-20 cases Hitchenss blooa restorer for 'Frisco, per order of Captain *it-ia.— H. A. H. Hitcbens.

Inwards Coastwise.—Atalanta.from Tairua with 35.100 feet timber.

Outwards COASTWISE. — Atalanta, for Talrua; Kiinnhildo, for Whanptaroa and Mon gonui; Mariner, for RnsscM.

The brigantinc Anthons arrived from Grey mouth with a full cargo of coul this morning.

The barque Firth of Doinoch cleared at the diatoms today for the Bluff, and will probably sail to-morrow morning.

Tho barque dlcnmoro entered outwards at tho Customs today for Wellington where slio wi'l load for London.

Tho City of Sydney resumed her voyage for San Francisco, via Honolulu, at 9.15 p.m. yester day, with passonpera as porlist published in our teuo of last evening.

Tho s.s. Thpmas Russell arrived from Napier and Gisborno this afternoon, with 215 Bheep, 25 head cattle, Gl bags grass seed, 1 bout, 1 10 bngs boncdust.

Captain Sopwith.who was in charge of the schooner Douglas when sho was Wrecked at Fiji a few months since, arrived hereby the Orpheus to-day. We havo already published particulars of the occurrence.

The schooner Orpheus arrivod here this after noon. Sho left Suva on tho Oth inst., passed Kandavu at 8 p.m. same ovening, experienced strong S.K. trades till arriving in 2Sdei. south, thence variable winds till arrival. Sho comes hero in ballast.

It is expected that tho s.s. Triumph will bo floated out of dock on Monday, after which sho will bB turned round and berthed stern foremost, for tho purpose of having somo repairs effected at the aftor end of tho vessel. This additional work is expected to occupy about threo weoks.

Owing to tho increase of goods trafllc botween Auckland and North Shore, tho Devonport yorryCompany have arranged to lay on a special steamer for the convcynnoo of cargo. They havo applied to tho Harbour Board for the berth at present occupied by the Northcote foiryboat.

The following very flattering testimonial has heen forwarded to Mr H. Niccol and Son, of North Shore, by tho Prince of Tonga:—" To 11. Niecol ami Son: Gentlomcn, being highly pleased with the building and fitting up of my eehooner-yacht, the Ugitasitau, I writo this to express my entiro satisfaction with every pan of tho work. The vessel is very strongly built of. tho beat materials, and in a. workmanliko manner Sho is a very handsomo craft, and sails very swiftly inde;d. I bave much pleasure ii testilyiiig iu,v eu Lo sal'sfaction.—(Signed) Tunou, Malshui."

Tho s.s. Tc Anau, which arrived hero late yosterday afternoon, brought tho follow'*ig pas sengers :—Saloon: Mecdames Gore, Jervis and son, MeEwan and child, and Stevenson; Misses C. A. G. Maule. Cuniek (2), Cjre, Marshall; Mnjor Sherihcrrl, Sif,jor "Messrs P. FerKiisson, jjl. Wil'iams, Clapton, Stevenson. B; M. uToirbio, R. F. Harris. ViTcidner, Patterson, J. It. Gray. Redstone. Key. J. Downio, Smith. 11, W. McKcnzie. M. Smith. A. Hlrd, J. W. Jacobs, Solomon, Matthews. Thomson, and Win the steorago.

ARRIVAL OF THE CHANGCHOW. Tho Chan.irohoTv, one of the China Steam Navigation 'Company's fleet, arrived from Mel bourne at 7.20 O.U. this morning, having on board Chloiinl's ciicus and 1,829 packages tea for this port. She anchored at the Quarantine ground until passed by the Hcllth Ofticer. and was later on berthed alongsido of tho big crane at tho end of Queen street Wharf, whore she was discharging all day. The Chang chow is an iron vessel of 1,109 tons register, and with enCnes of lt-5 h.p,, built at Greenock in 1882. by Scott and Co. . She la two^ matted and sohooner lifted. Hither'o she haa been principa'ly onga";eu "n the Ch'ia coastal trade, for which she is well adapted. AU the officers' houses aro on deck, tho Chinese being quartered below, whero there is also splendid cargo accommodation. Eeside" tho captain, chief oiiloor. second ofllcer. and engineers, tho Chang chow has a crow of 49, mado up of 43 Chmese and 6 Europeans. Sho brings, in connection with Chairini'd Circus, 65 persons, and also 8 Chinese pascsngera. The Cliangchow left Melbourne on Tue3day 'evening, anchored outside until noxt morning, and then had to put back owing to bad weather, which placed a number of largo vans on deck in danger of being lost overboard.- The voyage was resumed at 4 p.m. on Wednosday. Stormy weather with N.E. winrs prevailed until Sunday, and si ice then fair, favourable weather was experienced until arrival here. The Changchow goes from hero to Wellington, Christchurch ond Di'uedin, and will receive cargo for all throe ports.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

The s.s. Ilawea arrived from the South at 1.30 p.m. yesterday, with the following passengors: jVlisse3 Frith. Polger, O'Brion, anil two Sisters of the Mission. Mesdames Berry, fostlethwaite, and Pinkiet. Messrs D. Berry, Pinkiet, Lang land, Wright (2). Andiows. Dean, Williamson, Spencer, Brent, ticket, Forbes, Duglcby, Neale, Dundes, Brisco, Ross. Goo, Jyoakes, Grey, Storer, Pinne, McNiceol, and 13 steerage. She left again for the S,outh early this morning wiih the following passengers -.—For Taranaki: Messrs F. Jone3, Jagger, Goo. Glover, Weston, and Mitchell. Fo- Nelson: R. Gang and Mr Francis. For Wolllngton: "Mrs Smith and :3 children, Dr. Trimmell, A. J. Smith, S. P. Smith. S. Jaggar. For Lyttelton: Mr and Mrs Pratt i children. anS 1 infant, A. Christie. J. H. Clixistio, Jas. Macfarlano. Mr Mitchell, D. Hunter, For Melbourne: Mr Demarqucs.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

"VVaitara, this day.—A;rived: Argyle. s.s. from Onohuflga, 9 a.m. • ' Wtiangarei. th's day.—Arrived: "Waitaki and lona. from Auckland, 1 a.m. . . Welxtngton. yesterday, f-'Sailed : Florida, for London.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Stab Office, this day. Messks B. Tonks and Co. sold to-day, for re moval, the large brick mansion at Kmily Place, lately occupied by Sir Frederick "Whitaker, for the sum of £420; Mr James Coupland was tho. purchaser. Tho two-Btoricd wooden nnd iron building was knocked down to MrPitt for £19. ' Messrs Cochrane and Son sold a farm of 820 acres, at Tauranga. by order of tho Registrar of the Supreme Court; lor £4,425. "Mr Gabriel Lewis, owing to the wot weather and paucity of attendance, postponed his sale of summer drapery until Tuogday next. ~ • Mr G. W. Binney sold to-day 130 cases of apples at 8s 9d to 9s fid per case. Canterbury onions brought 13d per lb. The fruit by the Te Anau did not arrive in time. It will be sold in tho early part of next week.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will Close as UHDKBI—

Tnia Day,

For Russell and Jiawakawa, ■ per To Anau, at 1 p,m. ' ' For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m.

TntrasDAY, 18th Inst.

For Waiwcra, To Kapa, Craigicburn, Wark worth. See., per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Napier, per Thomas Russell, at 11 a.m. For Thames, per liotomahana, at 11,30 a m. ForGisborno, and Napier, per Southorn Cross, at i p.m. For Tauranga, Ohinemntn, and Opotiki, per Wellington, at 5 p.m. For Whitiangi, Upper Mill, and Tairua, per Eowona or Noptuno, at 5 p;m. Friday. 19th inst. Per To Anau, as follow: Tor China, Japan, Suez, Brlndisi. and \VFt)2 ent o£ EuroP°" lo a>lU>

i*l —rrapmr, Southern Ports, Australian ' Colonies and United King dom, via Suez, and Brindisi, for letters, &c, specially bo prepaid and addressed, at. For money orders, registered letters and newspapers, at 10 a.m. Late letters till 11.20 a.m. Tho United Kingdom moil will bo duo in For London, lvia Ri'odo Janeiro, from Lyttol ton (per Aorangi), per Te Anau, at 11 a.m. Expected length of passage. 42 days. For Cowes and Coroinandel, per Coromandel, at

For Thames, per Rotomahana.at 2 p.m. For Herd's Point, Hokianga, etc, per lona, at FoVAu'atralian Colonies,. per s.s. Australia, im mediately after her arrival from Honolulu. For Taranaki and Southern ports, per Rotorua, immediately after arrival of Australia. - 8. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster, Chief Post-offlco. Auckland.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Hydraulic Lime.

(To tlie Editor.)

qm -In reply to Messrs John Wilson and Co.'s iMtcr complaining of my former remarks about rrWwmouth's motion, I Deg to say that notMne ins farther from my intention than to ?nns- thcni any boroncss. It was unfortunate I Sfod the word overhaul instead of audit in con- KtoS $th thPir books, and I regretted,it when?saw it in print, butafter Messrs Wilsons StttSotrestorday I think my oflancc must be Sill seeinK they arc (iDparently so anxious to oWiule'thcir private affiirs on the public, as ""SS&vmJdS a?o entirffly mistaken if thoy thick tliat tl\o other limo producers have any U\-tco\tog whatever towards thorn; in fact, we aoknowlodjro that they have done a great deal f~t the trado, but [simply write to refute asaer t ons made by Mossch Wilson which we think not to ho truo. Wo oortaialy are not the uagroeßors. . ... With regard to Messrs WUson'a extraordinary statement that "those who have borne all the difficulties of introducing an article should have the preference till others have proved as practically that they have a better. This does not mean monopoly, but justice," I have only -; to-say that if this is not monopoly, I don't *■' know what Is, as how could any now firm obtain Maotical proofs ot relative value if the original firm were to have all the preference, and con- Iksecmenfly fcne new one do no trade? This might Injustice to. Messrs Wilson, but not to tho li, i J« fl^iam,youra( &d., , •-*T^% S , W ,: V:;■■, J. P. KIDU, ' i :ii '""'i^At Warkworth Cement Co. sTI at l> n: l'^JHUbl stS<^.

at some length, but no ovid 4« n« ««*?««; His Worship said he wou<{ d look mto tto Acts quoted and. authoritie^. me n n. tloned by counsel, and give his decif-non at an Ottrl y\ date. °' ! If the Auckland Choral Society''*"-Pr?se^ high state of- efficiency is not mainti»' lln°°? it will not be through lack of will onxfif part of the executive or of ability in ir 3 chief officers. The Committee have re solved not to allow stress of weather ovi accidental occurrence to'interfere ■wi'JTji- e regular practices' of the Society, r l™ "us determination is to be eomn»'™ u!° J* laudable rule would have to srl^ infraction, for HerrSchmitt, the able CQ'™" ct£ r< ™s ln" disposed; MrF. D. Fenton* S^v^Thw* was absent from town ; ar" 1. 5^ VKKice,. the Treasurer, had a- pr^«ng pr.vate en gagement on the night of practice. How mm, Mr Milligan Ho-SS, Secretary was equal to the cccaaio*. and Jut night he successfully . conducfctLtJie. practice .. -of "Israel in Egypt" bpW> ,Choral, a"d Orchestral Societies rcombiiT^o, with the Ponsonby. branch of the ChorarSoeiety also taking part. . i.. ' 'V • ■ i The very tasteful illuminated address ■which -was presented to Captain Edm, of the b.B. Waihqra, by the.passengers recently in quarantine, .is now on exhibition in Messrs Upton and Co.'s shop-window. It has been. exquißitely engrossed and illu minated by Mr W, Gulliver, and will well; repay inspection., , . .j\., ;, ••.;;■ "• -•■ '■ ReVs-general Broesry ; arid provision stores, Victoria-street, toe Brought undcr'youl notice as the: cheapcst,.bes6 r and. most suitable placetoorderyourgrocerieSj provisions tcas,&c. A splendid line, intih,' at Is lOd per lb.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

September 17,1881. Abbott's Opciu Houso—" Rip Van Winkle," 8 p.m. Lorne-strcot Hall—Webb's Royal Marionettes, S p.m. Theatro Royal—Gospel Temperance Mission, 7.30 p.m. Masonic Hall—Professor Bernard's Dancing Class, 7.30 p.m. Excelsior Hall — Auckland Pigeon Flying Club, Bp.m. Edon Hall-Tea Meeting and Address. 7.30 p.m. » New Foro9tcm' Hall-Openinif Banquet and Ball. Parliimei'tnry Union Elections — Robson's Dining-rooms, S p.m. Workir.? Men's Club—Bricklayers' Labourers' Mcot'ng, V.30 p.m. Ponsouby Oddfellows' Hall-Meeting to Es tablish a Parliamentary Union, 7.H p.m.

Births.

MAUNDER.—On tho 7th September, tho wife of T. W. Maunder of a daughter.

Deaths.

DEMPSEY.-On Septembor 10, ather residence. Chanel-street, Auckland, New Zealand, of paralysis. Johanna, tho dearly beloved wifo of James Dempsey, contractor, aged 55 years, beeply regretted. R.I.P. . , Intcrm.nt on ThurL lay, 3 p.m. Friends kindly accept this as an invitation. RASTWOOD.—On Hth of September, at Park Roud, of croup, VVii'iam ltdgar Eastwood, the oluost son of Alfred H. Muatwood; aged J years and 9 months. KRY.-On September 17th, ISSI, Maria Fry. tho beloved wile of Charles try. llrowood mer chant ; aged 57 years. Tho funeral -Bill leave her late residoncq, Wyndham-streot, on Friday, lUli inst., at J o'clock. Friends are invited to attend. ROSS.—At District Hospital, on Soptombor 17th, Mackenzie Ross, Dentist, late of Paisley, Scot land ; aged CO. Funeral will leave Hospital tomorrow, Thursday, 18th, at 9 a.m. SAKEY.-On tho 15th September, 188-1. at Scarborough Terrace, Parnell, Alfred James, tho dearly beloved husband of Kllen faakoy; aged 23 years.

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

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17. 1884.

For the cause that ladfca assistance, For tho wrong that uoads resistanoe. For the future In the distance, And the freod that we can do.

The Budget Speech delivered by Sir Julius Vogel in the House of Represen tatives last night is singularly devoid of new discoveries or sensational pro iposals. In the attacks made upon the Atkinson Ministry, strong expression was given to the wish that the late Trea surer's Department should be placed in entirely new hands for a time, and that feeling was so largely shared by Major Atkinson's own party that the-caucus which requested him to form his last Government made it an instruction that, if possible, a new Treasurer should be found. Sir Julius Vogel's investigations have, however, so fully satisfied him that a fair representation of the con dition of the colony's finances was given in the last Financial State ment that he has accepted the figures, and practically incorporated the late Treasurer's budget with his own. So much for the suspicions that something had been concealed or that the colony's finance was in a worse state than represented. The burden of last night's budget seems rather to be that the colony is much better financially than' people haye generally supposed, and that an unnecessaiy weight of tax ation has been placed upon the present generation of colonists. ' The text of the speech will by no means detract from Sir Julius Vogel's reputation for specious plausibility. We have not been in the past admirers of the hon. gentleman, but in considera tion of the party with whom he is for the moment associated — a party which has large claims upon popular sympathy —we have been prepared to accord his proposals a friendly reception. We therefore regret to rind in his Financial State ment so little which commends itself to us. Its salient feature, the abanJon ment of the sinking fund—not at all an briginal idea—is.no doubt one which has something to be said for as well as against it. With prudent policy, a sinking fund is at once a superfluity and an anomaly. But it forms an ad mirable " brake "; a most useful ex pedient for bringing home to happy-go lucky borrowers the penalties attending upon too free an indulgence in that alluring policy. His pre decessors having painfully worked up the public revenue to a point not only level with absolflte requirements, but even so far as to make some provision for the future, Sir Julius gaily proposes to spend the accumulation, and to dispense in future with the (in his view) over-prudent pre caution. By anticipating the repay ment of the loans issued long ago at high rates—for agreeing to which-the holders will insist on consideration — and byc renewing them in the form of inscribed stock for a. long period at the reduced rates now possible, an imme diate relief will be obtained; and so long as we clearly understand that this is secured by postponing liability and further mortgaging the future, there is nothing serious to be said against.the policy,'as present relief is unquestion ably needed. That the relief should be exclusively, accorded to property is, however, an element in the proposals which will: not command unanimous approval. j From some other features of the Treasurer's Statement we are obliged to dfssent absolutely. We cannot admit that we are entitled to add to the cost of public works the interest accruing during construction. Private adven turers do not construct railways except on the assumption that the lines will pay immediately or soon, and they are prp bably justified in treating such interest as part of the cost; but in our case rail ways are made avowedly to open up country and to aid enterprise, not as immediately of in themselves necessarily paying investments. It is, therefore,; simply a specious illusion to postpone the incidence of the charge which must presently fall on taxpayers generally, and which, tends to conceal the gravity of thef burdens they are asked to assume.

■ Ifa the "exposition of his local in dustry views, Sir Julius surpasses him self in plausible inconsistency. Woollen industries which can only exist under protective duties equal- to 20' per cent.' are, forsooth, to become the sources of valuable expQrts! We are on the one hand to give greater attention to our trade with the islands and tropical countries lying North of us, which are to take pur mutton and other products natural, to the climate and conditions; and on the other we are to exclude the commodity of theirs which we would naturally take in return, namely, sugar. -We cannot for a long time to come utilise their cotton ; their copra we have tried to work up, but with unprofitable results; we tax their tnaize,.and now we.are to. differentially tax their sugar. We understand Free .TTfade, and we appreciate much that Can be urged in favour of Protection, but.jve. confess that we are nonplussed by this combination of incompatible policies, and can see in them only thinly-veiled delusions. Beet sugar production is not essentially .a skilled industry, but a cheap-labour one. It

suits French or German peasants, though even they can only carry it on under an artificial system of bounties. To Protection, as a temporary sacrifice in order to train in our midst skilled and adequately-paid artisans, we give unhesitating suppoit, but to burden taxpayers in order to subsidise land owners to grow sugar in competition with Indian coolies is not a policy which commends itself to our judgment. We have had something of this sort before from Sir Julius Vogel. The distilleries are not yet forgotten, with iheir loss lo the colony, first in decreased revenue, and then in compensation. We repeat that on the whole \ve must regard the latest effort of Sir Julius Vogel as worthy of his reputa tion, Its corner stone is a postpone ment of liability in favour of immediate relief to property. It so far ignores the pronounced views of his now allies that it reduces taxation on land, and proposes to burden the general tax payer in favour of the great land-owner. It starves national education ; thieatens new imposts by the Treas urer's favourite medium the stamp duties, and promises us a poor rale. And finally, the measures for encourag ing local industries, which constitute the only pretence to consideration for any but the property class, are found to consist in general assurances which lack any element of practicability, and in conflicting ideas of fostering foreign trade by inappropriate domestic pro tection.

The Budget Proposals.

Fob the convenience of readers who havo not the timo to wade through tho Budget Speech of last night, published in another part of to day's issue, wo givo a con densed synopsis of its proposals. Sir Julius Yogol accopts tho statement made by Major Atkinson reviewing tho results of tho last financial year. This shows v deficit for tho year ISS3-4of £152,112. Ho estimated tho receipts for the current year (reckoning a id property tax) at £:1,722,. r>oo, and the ex penditure at £3,775,152. This would leave a deficit of £52,052, Ho proposes, however, to got rid of tho paymont on account of sinking fund for the public debt, which will relieve tho colony from an annual payment of £224,000. This ho would apply in re ducing the property tax ono-half, namoly to throo-eignths of a penny, absorbing £131,000, and the balance to go to cover tho deficit*. Tho deficiency of last year is to bo spread over two years, and repaid from rovonuo. The other proposals., of the budgot are —reduction of £25,000 on the constabulary vote ; increase of tho volunteer capitation fund from £5 to £10, nnd tho appointment of a commanding ollicer; paymont of oxpensos of fiio btigados attending annual demonstrations ; a reduc tion of Dsnhoad in the capitation for educa tion (Westland being exempted from this deduction); a paid railway board of manago mont (this project to bo deferred till next year); a chango in tho system of Public Audit; an alteration in the hours of five o'clock tolegraph .stations, such offices to bo closed from half-past ono to two, nnd opened from fivo to seven o'clock. A loan of a million and a half is to be raised next year, and tho Treasurer states that the abolition of tho Sinking Fund will onablo tho colony to borrow upwards of sevon millions without increase in tho present taxation. Tho beet-root sugar industry is to bo encouraged by a guarantco to growers that the present duty will bo retained, and locally produced sugar exempted from excise j the total abolition of tho property tax, an increase in stamp duties, and a rato for cliaritablo aid aro foreshadowed for next year. A Royal Commission is also to sit during tho recess to deviso measures of local Govornmont reform.

Our special roportor nt Wellington tele graphs today that Mr Hobbx, M.U.R., Ims resolved upon resigning his scot on tho Auckland Board of Education. Mr llobbs, who is Chairman of tho Board, has button this stop becauso he finds it impossible to givo to tho dual functions of M.11.R. and member of tho Education Board that amount of attention which their importance demands ; his absenco in Wellington for half tho year causing his educational duties to bo dologatcd to another. Doubtless his letter of resignation will come beforo tho Board at its meoting on Friday next.

Tw* copies of a book of holiday notes, entitled, " Tho Fivo Throes, 33,333 miles by Land and Sea," havo beon presented to tho Free Library by tho author, Mr Robert Walker.

Tho Finunco Committeo of tho Harbour- Board has reported to thaty body recom mending that Government bo requested to convey to the Board, as already arranged upon, the completion of tho reclamation of all surplus land at Mechanics' Bay not re quired. The report was adopted.

Mr W. G. Garrard has rocoived a com munication from the mombor for Parnell (Mr Moss) respecting his potition for a ro hearing of his caso. Tho potition, it appears, was somowhat irrogular, having been drawn up and signed by Mr Garrard's son for tho petitioner. Tho potition and documents havo been handed to tho Chair man of tho Public Petitions Committee to bo decided upon.

Two cases were hoard this morning at the Polico Court by H. G. Seth Smith, Esq., R.M., viz., Mary Littlcdalo, a middle-aged woman, found drunk on the pavement last night by Constablo O'Brien, 10s and costs. An application was mado by Serg. Pratt, on behalf of Jas'.Tait, expressman, for theadmis sion of his son, Albert, into tho Industrial School. Constable Dews informed tho Court that tho boy was tho associate of thieves and bad characters, and in tho habit of sleeping out at night. He was entiroly beyond the control of his parents. The ap plication was granted, but, in the absonco of tho father of the boy, His Worship could not make the order. The caso Hughes v. Fiold was held over until two o'clock.

The Gisborno Cheese Factory has been successfully floated, and Messrs Ingram and Co., of this city, who have supplied all otho cheeso factories with their plant, havo been given tho order to make tho ontiro plant for rhis one also.

' Sales in Prince Imperial to-day at 28s and 295. No alteration in other stock.

A boy named Kegan was badly scalded about the faco and arms yesterday by tho bursting of a copper pipo at Dickcnson's, coppersmith, Albert-street, where he was employed. Tho injuries were attended to by Dr. Huxtablo.

Tho" following tendors, received by Mr Gleeson, for plastering tho Albion Hotel, were opened on Monday last:—John Gough, £4f)0; Wolls & Wilcox, £442; Clarke, £330; Watkins, £323; Sanpois (informal), £28S ;J. Cullens, £305. Mr J. Cullen's tender was accepted.

We understand that tho plucky conduct of Constables Keaney, Kelso, and Carrol on the occasion of tho riot in Queon-streot some time ago, has not yet been recognised by the police authorities at Wellington. As there is a widespread feeling here that the men should receive some recognition, we trust that some of tho Auckland mem bers of the House of Representatives will take tho matter up.

We understand that Timih.in.-i, the Rotorua nativo lately committed for trial on a charf.e of murdering a native woman, will not be in a fit condition of mind to answer to the charge at the forthcoming session of tho Supremo Court. Since his committal Timihana has boon incarcerated at the Lunatic Asylum,and is believed to be a dangerous lunatic.

At the meeting of the Harbour Board yosterday Mr Devoro asked the Chairman whether it had been definitely settled what the width of the entrance to tho railway station from the city side was to be, and whose allotment had been taken. The Chairman replied that it had been definitely settled. A Gazette notice had been issued taking allotment No. 97, the width being. 33 feet. Mr Niccol asked if the allotment was not Mr J. B. Russells, and was not £500 compensation required for it. The Chairman replied that the allotment was now the property of aMr Dell. The matter then dropped.

A crowd of persons gathered in Wyndham-street about 11 o'clock this morning, having been attracted by the antics of a drunken man named Eastwood, The fellow had evidently imbibed very freely, and could not stand upright for a minute. He visited several stores in the vicinity, muph to the terror of the in mates, and in tijno made his way into the Shakespeare Hotel, where he was refused supplies of drink. From here Eastwood went into Johnson's boarding-house, con ducted himself in a most disorderly manner, and smashed one of the windows. The police were communicated with, and1 the offender was soon placed in quarter twhere his'destruc]tive propensities had no serious results. ■

A number of Mount Edonitos from within the walls are usefully employed in mowing and clearing away {ho accumulated weeds from tho slopo in front of the Folici and Law Courts. Tho work was noecasury ; still something further should be done at the other end of tho building. It is well known that on most days tnero are from 80 to 100 spectators anxious to witness the proceedings of the Police Court, and in rainy weather the feet of those unemployed pedestrians carry into the Court a con siderable quantity of mud, and in order to prevent this the rogues' promenade should be paved with scoria.

Mr It. M. Watt's plans for the new Wes leyan Church in Cirufton Road wore on exhibition to-day in Mr Chapman's shop window, as was also an illuminated address from tho residents of the Bay of Islands to Mr E. B. Laing. Tho address wns prepared by Mr Palmer.

Mr Chadwick has resigned the conductor ship of tho Auckland Philharmonic Society, and has been succeeded by Horr Tutsohkn. It has boon rosolved to admit honorary members.

A lad namod Wallor was admitted to tho Hospital yesterday from l'ukekohe, suffer ing from a broken leg. The injury was caused through a fall from a horse.

Poppons, tho publican who absconded from Wellington and was brought back from Melbourne by his affectionate creditors, had evidently intended to make a clean "slope. ' Whon caught ho had £. r>72 Us (id in his pos ossion, besides a quantity of jewellery. After paying tho exponscs of arresting him, there will bo sullicient left to pay all his debts in full. At a meeting of his creditors yesterday, the Ollicial Assignee was re quested to prosecute him.

The Now Zealand Post-oflico Directory has established itsolf as a standard book of commercial rofcienco in tho colony, and tho reappearance of successive numbers is always anxiously expected. Mr Woidner, the representative of Messrs Wise Cailin and Co., tho publishers of tho book, is now in this city taking orders for the Directory for the year 1884-80, which will shortly bo ready for dolivory to subscribers.

At tho meeting of tho Harbour Board yesterday, with roforenco to Messrs Frnser and Tiniie's application ro tho s.s. Triumph, tho Chairman (Mr Aickin) mentioned that tho arrangomont mado by Frosor and Tinno with tho Board was that they should have tho 1 )ock for six weeks at half the ordinary rates, and that they should pay double rates for all over that time. Howovor, as tho Dock was not required much jusfc now, ho suggosted that they bo charged ordinary rates only. M r McKonzio would support tho concession provided that tho matter was advertised. It was ovcntually decided to grant tho uso of tho Dock for threo weoks at half ordinary rates, provided that no urgent caf?e aroso.

ThcfoltowinggonUouiei) have boon elected ollicers of tho Bfftsonic hidge which has just been established in I'onsonby under the Scotch Constitution :—R. W. M., Brother W. Anderson ; S.W., Brother ,J. Rule; J.W., Brother T. B Robson ; Secretary, Brother 11. W. Ceisslor ; Treasurer, Brother J. (!. Henderson ; S.D., Brothor .7. McKonzio ; .ID., Brother W. 11. Young ; J.G., Brother W. 0. Allen ; and Tyler, Brother Tonge.

At tho meeting of tho HarbourDoard yes terday after wo went to press, a largo amount of business was transacted. A petition was read from receivers of cargo asking on extension of t,'io hours dming which tho goods Bhcd on the wharf are opened to 0 p.m., and alf>o that tho charge for overtime lie reduced from 2s Cd to 2h an hour. Tho oxtonsion of time was granted, and tho other tnattor was re ferred to tho Works and Tai-ifls Committee. A request from tho Auckland Brick and Tile (tonipany that tho entranco to Whan Creek be buoyed was referred to the Works and Tnrill'a Committee. It wnfl decided to place- n lamp <>n tho seaward end of Devon port Wharf.

At the annual meeting of the Alpha Cricket Club, Mr B. 801 l was elected Presi dent ; Messia T. Spurgeon, F. Uuttley, and C. Kelsey Vice-Presidents ; T. W. Cranch, Captain ; K. MeDormott, Seciotary and Treasurer. Mr Ne.«bitt takes tho trophy for batting average, and MrMcDermott tho trophy for best bowling roconl.

"The Woman of tho People" was pro' duced at tho Opera Houpo lu»t njght for Mr Wiljmott'a bonetit. Thorp was v good attendanoo, considering the very unfavour able stato of tho wenthor, and tho ploy ap peared to bo much appreciated. Tho cast of characters was tho samo n« when the piece was previously represented, and requires no spcciul comment now. This evening "Rip Van Winkle " is to bo pro duced, and " Lod Astray" is in prepara tion for Thursday, when Miss Ciuwlord will lake a complimentary benefit.

Tho Harbour Board havo granted tho Isorthcoto Ferry Company tho uso of tho wnitheni side of the inner toe on the west side of Qiieon-street Wharf, and it is probable that tho Northcoto steamer's pro sent berth will be handed over to tho Dovonport Ferry Company for tho uso of tho cargo boat they intend running.

The anniversary soiroo of tho Wcllesloy -Btrcet Baptist Church was hold last evening After tea tho chnir was taken by tho Rev. Jlr Rico. Tho annual report, which was rend by Mr S. H. Matthews*, showed tho membership to boas follows:—On tho roll nt tho beginning of tho year, 537 ; received Into fellowship, 85—G22. Lost by deaths, i); struck oil' from various enures, 8 ; dis missals to other churches, H—2o : Total, (102. Cambridge affiliated church has a member ship of 43, 12 of whom were rocoived into fellowship during tho year. Grand total,G4o. The following was tho stuto of tho Tabor naclo Builtling Fund ;—Amount already raised, including snlo of Wollosley-streot property (t2,500), £9,450 8a lid; amount already paid for land, and on account of building, &c., X.">, 123 0a 2d: balanco in hand, £4,327 Ss Od. Amount promised, estimated collections, &c, including £1,000 from O. If. Spuvgoon, £2,<)SO : total, £7,:W7 Sa Od. Balaneo of contract and other item* to complete, i'S,GS4 ; amount wanted to complete, £1,347. The report was adopted. Arldresees were delivered by the Revs. Messrs Fuirbrother (Rotorua), YV'ooley (Thames), and tho Rev. K. Bavin. The proceedings closed with the pronunciation of the Boncdiction.

As we anticipated in our lost issiio, Mr T. W. Glover, tho Temperance locturer, did not arrive in time to delivor a public addio?s. Ho oamo by the Hawea, which arrived in tho Manukau nt 4 o'clock yester day afternoon, and he loft again by tho mail steamor at 7 o'clock. The meeting, which commenced in the Theatre Royal at half-past soven, was very largely attendc'., in consequonco of tho pro valont belief or hope that Mr Glover Mould bo present. Tho Itov. Alex. Reid presided, and a number of interesting ad dresses were delivered. Various phase* of the one great quostion were treated by tho different speakers. The liov. A. M. MeCal liim, of tno North Shore, explained the prostrating and injurious effects of strong drink upon the mental and physical faculties of man Mr Solomon Jlemus disputed the assertion that tho mem bers of the Blue Ribbon Army un duly exalted the importance of their mission, and tho Rev. T. McKoirae Fraeer defended total abstainers from the taunt of fanaticism. The Chairman mentioned that the petition from tho natives of the King Country to the Governor praying that no drink should bo allowed to bo sold within that district had been Signed by 1,300 Maoris. Several now members signed tho pledge. Tho speakers for this evening will bo tho Revs. R, Bavin and W. K. Rico, and Mr W, F. Tucker; the chair to be occupied by Mr Josoph Nowman.

His Honor Mr Justieo Gillios sat in Chambers yesterday morning, and disposed of three applications of a more or loss formal character. In ro Joshua Barlow (deceased), Mr 11. 11. Lusk moved for letters of ad ministration on behalf of a creditor named Goo. Henry Smith. Mr Broolcrield, who appeared on behalf of the Publio Trustee to oppose tho application, stated that that officer had taken possession of the estate, and that ho was administering it. His Honor held that under the circumstances tho Public Trusteo was tho proper person to administer the estate. Tho motion was therefore withdrawn. Probate was granted in ro Geo. Andrews (deceased) to the ex ecutrix named in the will. The case of Arakatera and others v. Walker and others came up upon a summons by Mr Alexander on behalf of the plaintiffs, calling upon the defendantstoshow cause why discontinuance filed therein should not bo set aside, and why warrants to suo should not be filed. Mr Edwin Hcsketh, for the defendants, opposed the application. After hearing the learned counsol, His Honor said that fraud and misrepresentation must be clearly proved, and not presumed, This action was evidently instigated by Europeans behind tho scenes, and not by natives. He observed that discontinuances had been filed by other plaintiffs. This clearly showed that the statements made by Wirepu were not to be relied upon, and he could see no grounds for saying that Dr. Buller's conduct was unprofessional. He had a perfect right to protect himself the same as any private in dividual. His Honor concluded by dismiss ing the summons.

CATARRH OF THE BLADDER.-sun;^ i* tloli, iiiltami.inllon, all Kidney and miiltar "Joiui w.u-n. cnr-.il o> " l'"^'--"1"-'■ K '";,J,' l V;^!v'l'..« i .T*l-.,., .U-,1.t>,. AncU.u.l :

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(BY TELKGRAI'H.-SPKCIAIi KEI'OItTKU.)

WEUJJfOTON, this day. Interest in the Financial Statement. The interior of the House presented a most animated appearance last evening. There had been a rush for admittance tickets during the day, and half an hour before the hour of assembling cards could not be ob tained for lovo,or money. The result was that tho galleries wore crowded, and crowds were accommodated on tho floor of the House. Thoro was a large assemblage of Legislative Councillors, and nearly every member of the Lower House was in his place. Notwithstanding the disadvantage under which Sir Julius Vocjol labours by reason of physical infirmity, the Statement was delivered with admirable and tolling effoct. Parliamentary Representatives on the Board of Education. Mr Hobbs has written to the Auckland Board of Education resigning hh seat, and also tho Chairmanship, the reason being that his Parliamentary duties prevent him from giving the necessary attention. Mr Moss would havo followed the samo course, only his term of office expires on 31st March, and he does not think it right to put the district to tho expense of a fresh election for so short a timo. Investment of Trust Funds. A commission of tho Legislative Council is holding a searching inquiry into the invostmont of trust funds, and there is likely to be somo warm discussion respect ing advances of £75,000 to tho Waimea railway. Amongst those who havo already given ovidenco aro Mr D. M. Luckio and Messrs Fitzhorbort and Gavin, Opprossod Tolograpb Boys. Mr Holmes has taken up the cudgels on bohalf of tho telegraph message boys, and intends to ask tho House if thoy are com polled to work during tho timo ullowod for raoa'e, and whethor it is truo that one is now in Wellington Hospital Builoring from exhaustion and exposure, and another affected with hip disease through ovor work. Legal Reform. Hon. Mr Stout's Local Courts Bill, which was read a socond time yeste 'day, is very similar to that introduced by the lato Attorney-General (Mr Conolly). It pro vides for tho abolition of Courts of Potty Sessions and tho District Court, and gives cxtondod power* to Resident Magistrates' Courts, Jurisdiction in those is up to LIOO, and there is also provision for jurisdiction up to Ll5O, if tho ltesidcnt Magistrate is a barrister and solioitorof tho Supremo Court. It gives power to order an alteration in the jurisdiction in malicious prosecutions, and also affords jilted maidens bettor facilities for redress by giving tho Resident Magis trate's Court jurisdiction in cases of action for broach of promise of marriage. Local Petitions. The following additional petitions of Auckland interest wore presented yosterday afternoon ; —From Robert I 1 oth way, praying for a grant of land of which ho eaid ho had been wrongfully deprived (Sir Geo, Grey); from Patricklpswall, praying for restoration of pension (Sir Geo. Groy)j from Simon Fraser Wont-on, claiming roward for dis covery of gold in Otugo (Mr Poacock); from James Duros*, Coromandol, pray ing for a grant of land in recognition of military services (Mr Cadman); from John Dunn, late senior wardor of Mount Edon Gaol, praying for alleviation of distress from which lie i? suffering, being penniloss and bedridden (Hon. Mr Tole). A number of petitions relative to the Edu cation Act and tho Licensing Act wore also presented. An Impertinent Question. Mr Holmes had a nasty slap at the ex- Premier iti tho House yesterday when ho gave notico of his intention to ask if tho cablegram from tho Agent General con gratulating Major Atkinson on his return to olfice, and stating that tho announcement had been followed by a rise in tho market rate for New Zealand debentures, was paid by himsolf at a private message, or if tho rO3t was defrayed by tho colony ; and alto if tho Agent-General is or is not a political oMiecr. Somo laughter was cause by a mom bor adding to tho lattor clause, " Ho is." Popularising "Hansard." . It is tho intention of the Reporting of Debates Committee to rocommoud to tho Houso that "Hansard " bo published daily in quarto form ; that an editor bo ap pointed to undertako tho management and carry out systematic condensation; and that members who wish to correct their (■pooches and havo thorn printed in extr.ii.io as an appendix be permitted to do so.

Land Claims for Military Scrvloos.

An important recommendation in refer ence totheclaims of old soldiers, Volunteers, nnd militiamen has been arrivod at by the Waste Lands Committee. It says that tho wholo of tho claims, whether well or ill founded, have long slnoo lopsod according to law. In many cases it is possible that such lapses may not bo attributable to any fault of tho claimant, but to ignoranco on those points of law in respect of land grants for military services. Tho reiwrt refors to the provision previously mado to moot such cases, and says the work of investigating tho claims has assumed such largo propor tions (there being about 1,500 claims) that the question is ono of public policy, which may bo doemed to be outside tho functions of tho Cotumitteo to report upon, and there fore it is recommonded it should bo dealt with by tho Legislature Trnnlt Railway Route Committeo. At tho meeting. of tho North Island Railway Committee yesterday, the following witnesses wero oxamined :—Mr John Sheo han, Mr Rochfort, surveyor, and Mr Frasor, who has passed through tho country which tho lines traverse Amondmout of the Sheep Ant. Mr Moat and some other of tho Auckland members are working in tho direction of getting nn alteration in tho Sheep Act, so that sheep coming from clean ports will not rcquiro to be dipped on arrival at their destination. Railway from Knmo to Kawakawa. A mistake was made in tho transmission of the item respecting tho Kawakawa-Kamo Railway, which, if allowed to romain nn corrected, would Kid to serious misconcep tion. Tho bush which would bo opened contains throe hundred millions, and not threo hundred thousand, feet of timber, Prevention of Wrecks, In the House yosterdny afternoon, Sir George Grey presented a petition from Mr T. B. Hnnnaford, Auckland, praying tho Government to introduce* his system of bell toworß as warnings on the coast. Licensing r.nd Education Aots. In the Houso yesterday, Mr Thompson presented threo petitions from peoplo in Auckland praying that the present Licen sing Act bo allowed to romain intact; also two from Auckland districts protesting against any alteration in tho Education Act.

Goldfiold Affairs.

A deputation of North Island goldfieWa members, consisting of Messrs Fraser, Cad man, Morris, and VVhyte, waited on the Hon. Mr Ballance yesterday in order to bring under tho notice of the Government the wants of their respeotive districts, Amongst tho matters touched on woro :— Aid to deep level prospecting, subsidy to] wards goldfields tracks, purchase of elephant ore crushers for inaccessible country districts, subsidy to assist tramw ays, purchase by Government of native rights on goldfields, and immediately issuing a proclamation preventing Euro peans acquiring any further rights from natives. The deputation also asked if it would bo nocessary to make a special appli cation for main roads. Mr Ballance pro mised to bring these matters under tho notice of the Cabinet, and gave tho deputa ticn i:o understand ho was favourably dis posed. The Timber Floatage Bill. Mr Thompson (City North) received several telegrams asking him to assist in pushing through the Timber and Floatage Bill, and I understand ho and other Auck land members believe in tho principle of tho measure, but object to the clause under which one Resident Magistrate may decide claims for compensation and nominate any persons to assist him. They consider this clause might leave tho way open for the exertion of undue influence by mill owners. Roads nnd Bridges Aot. Mr Ballance informed the goldfields deputation yesterday that the Government would most likely make provision for carry ing out the provisions of the Roads and Bridges Construction Act for this year.

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

[FHUM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.]

Wellington, this day, The House met yesterday at 2.30 p.m.

Amongst tho replies by Ministers to questions were a promise to Mr Locke that the sections at Motu, between Opotild and Gisborne, which, had been surveyed, would bo opener] for selection under tho Homo stead Act immediately ; and statements (1) To Mr Joyce, that the accumulated fines on railway employes amounted to X'7o7, the disposal of which Government would take into consideration. (?) To Mr Johnston, that the intorest on inscribed stock pay able half-yearly, being paid into the bank hero ono month before, the diminution at tributable to inscription of etoolc this year ia £50,000. (3) To Mr O'Callaghan, that, while Government are not prepuved to insist on the compulsory re-vaccination of adults in tho population, they are prepared to afford every facility for such. (4) To Mr O'Cullaghan, that, stops would be taken to revise the scale of fees under the Licensing Act, and the revised tariff would probably be gazotted next week. Now BlilH. The following bills were given notico of: —A Bill to Amend tho Medical Practitioner* Act (Sir George Grey), a Bill to Amend tho Gamine and Lotteries Act (Mr llobbs), Tiiuranga School Site (Capt. Morris). Other Measures. Six bills of which notico had been previ ously given were read a first time. Sir George Grey's bill to provide facilities for the enforcement of judgments recovered in courts of inferior jurisdiction was dropped, provision having been already made to carry out its intontions. Tho foreign Companies Bill was paSEod through committee and re ported with amendments. The Local Courts and Religious and Charitable Aids Bills passed tho second reading. The House adjourned at a quarter to five till 7.30.

At tho ovoning fitting tlio galleries wero crowded.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

When tho House met at 7.30., Sir Julius Vogcl delivered tho Financial Statement. He said :—Tho usual early Financial State ment may be somewhat curtailed in its length and deprived of itsdrydo(ail.s,bocau.sG of my predecessor having already related a history of tho year ending the 31st March last and its results. I will briefly epitomise the position ho described. The year 18S3 ---84 was commenced with a surplus of L 35,549, and it ended with a deficiency of L 152,112. Tho revenue and expenditure of tho land fund, which, though kept in a separate account, formed part of tho Con solidated Fund, shows that during the last year the payment* oxcoeded the receipts by LG, 117. The L7-V203 due on tho transactions of 1882-83, tho -eforo still remains v n paid to the main rood acoonnt. On tho JHst of March, 1888, there was in tho Public Works Account (Iquotfi my predecessor's for tho remainder of tho sontenco), an unexpended balance of L877.D12, but of this L 202.481 wasadvanccß in tho hands of oflieors. The balance in cluded the .whole proceeds of the second million of the three-million loan, and also tho proceeds of that odd little colonial in- Hcribed loan of L 250,000, which was taken up by the Post oflico. The public debt of tho colony on 31st March, 1884, after de ducting tho sinking funds accrued, amounted to L 29,. r>74,902, tho aaiuiul charge in respect of which (including the con tribution to the sinking funds) amounts to L 1,578,739. This debt was exclusive of tho deficiency bills, amounting to L.'i9S,ooo, issued in aid of revenue, ausl remaining outstanding at the close of tho year, as also of the L400,Q00 of deficiency bills issued to facilitat3 remittances which 1 consider a contingent, though remote, liability. Taking tho dato of my accession to office as the Ist of this month, tho immediate financial prospects were as I nm about to describe. The Consolidated Fund would be a few thousand.-) short, notwithstanding that all the doticioncy bills authorised by law woro issued and disposed of. As regards tho Public Works Fund, tho estimate showed that at least LIOO.OOO would havo to bo borrowed in somo shapo to the end of September, and that tho like process would havo to bo gono through for mooting liabili ties until tho third million loan was nego tiated next year.

INSCnIUEK STOCK,

Tho loan conversions of last year as described by Major Atkinson consisted of L3,558,:«X) f>-30 debentures, and L 1.83-2,000 short dated debentures, but the trans actions consequent on theso conversions are still not completed. On the whole tho annual savings on tho conversions of last year nominally amounted to about L 30.000, and some L 6.000 more will be gained by tho conversion of the balunco of tho 5 per cent. 530. Another effect of the conversion has be.en tho postponement of payment of a ?um Of about LGO.OOO for interest from a, date within the present financial year to next year. It is much to be regretted that tho conversion was commenced with a 5-30 instead of with the Consolidated Loan of 1867-IS7O, which carries with it an ac cumulation drawing on the sinking fund. Tho 530 could have beon paid oft'at par at any time on six months' notice.

THE DEFICIENCY BILLS,

Before proceeding further to describe the presont position and future plans, I think it will bo as well, whilst the subject is in the momory of the hon. members, to deal with tho questian of tho deficiency bills. They amount, as the Committee are awaro, to LISO.OOO for last year's deficiency, L 450.000 for current purposes on the yoar's Consoli dated Funda Account, and LIOO.OOO for Public Works Account. There are besides the L 400.000 contingent liability bills. My friends, I daresay, will think that I am rather good-natured, not to say stupid, to trouble myself with working out my prede cessor's difficulties, They will say, "By adding to permanent debt so much of this floating debt as will leavo you without any anxiety for tho future, then you will start on a fresh career of manufacturing a new floating debt."' I shall not do anything of the kind. I am profoundly impressed with the conviction that it is intricate entanglement rather than real difficulty with which New Zealand has to contend. I boliove her finances can bo put in order, and that wo may count from year to year on such an improvement " i rovenue that so much of the floating debu as does not oome within the category of more aid within tho year can bo discharged within a reasonable period. Tho L 450,000 I shall consider as strictly aid within tho year, and I shall ask tho iloiito to incrcaso tho amount by another L 50.000. My pre decessor stated his opinion that the L 400,000 was not sufficient, and actual experience has shown that the additional L.10,000 for which ho 'obtained authority is still not onoutrh, for, as I have told the Committee, there is beyond all tho deficiency bills a deficiency of a few thousands in the esti mates of the present month. I shall ask, then, for authority to add L 50.000 to tho 1450,000 strictly for tho purpose of antici pating revenue within the year. The L 150.000 for last year's deficiency I shall pay off within the next two years or so. The LIOO.OOd for public works can either' be allowed to lapse or continue to be used as means of adjusting public works revenue within the year. As to'the contingent L400.0Q0, I do not like the arrangement, and shall hope to bo able to do away with it shortly. Thus I am not intending to pro pose that most unpopular of all financial operations, tho converting floating into per manent debt. PROPOSALS FOB TIFE FUTURE. I have had to take the Estimates very much as I found them. The hon. membor for Egmont, in his last Financial Statement, led the Committee to believe that he pro posed to effect great savings in the Civil Ser vice vote.and also thathe intended to amend the service by classification and promotion. ;Ie did not particularise his proposed ro bras, and ho thought it undesirable to cave a rocord of thorn behind him. The type even of tho Bill said to have been pro paved was broken up. As to promotion by the classification system irrespective of merit.l am not an advocate of it. It reduces officers to a dead level, and leaves little in centive to individual exertion. I have been told that in an adjacent colony at one time under tho influence of this system it was found necessary to have an army of super numeraries outside the Civil Service regula tions in order to carry on the business effi ciently.

I will- proceed to state tho prinpipal alterations we propose in tho Estimates. One is a reduction of the Armed Con stabulary expenditure at tho rate of L 29.000 a-year, but it can only come into force for the last quarter. We proposp, on the other hand, to ndd L 5 to tho capitation allow ance of Volunteers. This will be for tho last six months of the year at the rate of LlO yearly, nt which we propose it shall con tinue. We shall also, ask authority for ap pointing a commanding officer of Volun teers, and we shall place a sum on tho'Esti

mates to defray the expenses of members attending tho annual competitions; of those singularly meritorious and valuable bodies She volunteer fire brigades Those three items will appear on the supplementary esli-

As regards the Department of Educa tion, wo think tho time has como when tho large annual increase of scholars renders it unnecessary to allow the extra capitation fee of 5s a head outside of tho provision made in the Act. This reduction wo pro pose shall commence with tho last quarter in tho year, so that it will only amount to Is 3d a head. Wo shall ask the House to except the schools in Westland provincial district, (lie funds of which are somewhat limited. . , There has been no time to minutely analyse the receipts and expenditure of the Railway Department. We are of opinion that closer and more intimate business in spection will materially aid the economy and efficiency of tho management of the railways. We design no reflection on the present manager. 1 know of many systems of railways not so large as that of New Zea land where it would be thought absurd to leave to one man tho virtually responsible control, no matter what his experience, and though lie was receiving fivo times the salary of the present manager. However good a manager may bo, he derives immense strength from being able to referdillicuH points to tho calm considera tion and judgment of a board of able bu.-i ---iiCKS-likc men. The expense oi such aid is nothing when you have to do with an under taking running over a million a-yoarof revenue, and absorbing over half a million of expenditure. At tho samo time; the .session being so much wasted, and so much remains to be done, that it is possible we may not profs our proposals for local boards this yoar. I hope to effect a saving of expenditure, mid to make beneficial reforms in connec tion with the present syste-n of audit and of keeping account*, virtually, at present, three net* of books of accounts of tho colony arc kept by three independent departments. Each department, besides the Treasury and the Audit Department keeps severally its sories of book?. They are not precisely tho same books, but they are of an allied character, and they are kept by separate stall's. lam disposed to effect an entire cliango by which the Audit Depart ment and tho accounting portion of the Treasury would bo abolished, and to sub stitute* an Accountant-General's Depart ment. The alteration would, I believe, lead ! to considerable saving, but that would be its least merit. Its great advantago would be that it would assist in cpnnecting the departments, and in reducingthoir separate action in the way of contracting liabilities. It would also lead to a much needed roform in facilitating tho discharge of accounts. I referred on a previous occasion to the serious complaints made as to the difficulty of obtaining payment of moneys duo by the Government. It would lead also, I think, to making it cheaper to obtain tho returns which are required for so many purposes. But all these are opinions founded on theory, and before 1 can give effect to them I must narrowly investigate their probable practical operation and have inquiry male into tho 'subject. At any rate, there seems little doirbt as botween the Audit and Treasury the books may be kept with more economy. •IF.LKUKAVII AND I'OSTAL. I have, I think, bfion able to. clfect some improvement in the telegraph" eorvico, though without tho expenditure of money. The use of stamps for payment of telegrams will greatly facilitate keeping the accounts of tho department. Tho abolition of re ceipts for tolograms will save tho receivers of these documents and tho department a wholly unnecessary trouble. Another change lias not as yet been made public. I have been much impressed by the incon venienco occasioned by closing a large number of offices at the early hour of 5 o'clock. I have arranged that these offices shall bo opened between seven and eight, and' closed for half-an-hour in tho middle of the day, between half-past one and two. Those changes will faku place on tho Ist October. I should also call the attention of the Committee to the serious loss the colony has suflered and is suffering through the diversion of a large part of its English cor respondence to the Brindisi route. The Knglish postal authorities have to my mind behaved mo.-it unwarrantably in the matter. LASD JIEVE.N'UE AXD EXPEJfOITT/BE. The statement of receipts and expendi ture on account of the Land Fund other than the revenue from leases cannot bo pro nounced satisfactory. It must be remem bered the year is a great part gone, and I am giving the results and anticipations as wo have Sound them. My colleague, the Minister for Lands, will probably make an exposition of his views on the subject later in the session. It will be observed from tho Statement that tho L 75.203 duo to the main roads account under tho Roads and Bridges Construction Act, is yet unpaid. It was due at the end of ISB2-S3, and as my prede cossorn left it.so long unpaid, 1 do not see that it is of pressing importance for me to discharge it. In fact, other provision will have to bo made for the purpose of the Roads and Bridges Construction Act. If it is to remain on the Statute Book, it will ab sorb the whole of that colonial inscribed stock loan which waa authorised for the purpose of being taken up from time to time as peoplo required it, but which was absorbed in -bulk by tho Post-office.

REC'EU'TS AND EXPENDITURE OF TUB YEAR.

I proceed with tho statement of the esti mated expenditure of the year, with such few alterations as I have described, and also I give a statement of the expected revenue supposing the revonue is raised on precisely the same terms as last year, including a three farthing property tax. Tho estimate of revenue is moderately stated, and I believe hon. members may count on tho amounts set down being verified. The es timated receipts and expenditure of the Consolidated Fund for the financial year ending 31st March, ISSS, are :—Ordinary revenue or receipts : Customs, L 1,375,000 ; Stamps, L 527.500 : Property Tax, L 275.000 ; Beer Duty, L 55.000 : Railway, LI, 120,000; Telegraphic, L 94.000; Kc^isuationandother fees, L 37.000; Marine, L1G.O0O; miscel laneous, L 03.000 : total, L 3,534,500, Terri torial Revenue—depasturing licenses, rents, &C, LIBS.OOO : grand total, L 3.722.500. Expenditure : Permanent appropriations : Civil List. L 29.750 ; Interest and Sinking Fund, L 1,559,116 ; under special Acts of tho Legislature, L 53.724 : total, L 1.642,559. Annual appropriation, Legis lative, LC7.SIS; Cobnial Socrotary L 238.435; Colonial Treasurer, L 51.653 ; Minister of Justice, L117.2C5 ; Post-office and Telegraph, L 259.322 ;" Customs, L 79.081 ; Stamps, L 27.491 ; Education, L 327.102; Native, L 17.311 ; Mines L 21.308 ; Public Works, L740,CG0 ; Defence, L 173.427 :. total, L2,13^,5G3 • grand total, L 3,775,152. The Committee will observe that this shows a deficiency of 1*52,652. Lt us now see what we may do in the way of converting the deficiency into a surplus.

ulTK LOANS AND SINKING FUNDS. 1 liave described to the Committeo the re sults of tho prosent year supposing we loft it to run its course without altering tho expenditure beyond what I have already stated ia proposed, but I have to call the Attention of tho Committee to a larger item of expenditure which should, in our opinion, bo relieved, and through the instrumentality of such relief the country be saved a con siderable portion of its heavy taxation. I have freely stated that this was feasible, and have been met with incredulous Smiles. The time has come for me to fully explain my meaning. If hon. members have before them the table relating to the public debt of the colony, which I have caused to be re printed from.the last Financial Statement, together with a separate table wlrch I have had prepared, showing the percentage of the yearly charges on the net indebtedness, they will be better able to follow ray meaning. They will find that on a total net indebtedness of L 29,774,902 we are paying annual charges for interest nnd Sinking Fund to the amount of L 1,578,799, or in other words 5.33 per cent. Although our 4 per cent., inscribed stock is quoted in London at 105J, if we bring our loans down as we may well do to a basis of a little over 4 per cent, we may have an annual savincr of over £.100,000. [Tho Treasurer hero narrated tho condition of the loans to wLioh Sinking Funds are attached] It is over seventeen years since I asked '' tho then Treasurer, Sir William Fitzherhert' I to dispense with the sinking funds on our I loan. Sir William Fitzherbert was far too ; acuto a financier not to recognise their evil ■ f"* h°^ d, t0 yield to circumstances with i the 186/ loan, as I had afterwards to a smaller extent with the 1871 loan. We both recognised the misfortune, but were unable to get put of tho deep groove into which Now Zealand finance had fallen Inero are members in this House who are equally aware of the objection to sinking W wm9^ y thCi member for Auckland, West (Mr Dargaville) and the member for Gladstone (Mr Suiter), who recently ad dressed mo a letter, in which he said (and very truly) that sinking funds were con demned on every side as exploded fallacies- Iho member for Auckland East (SirGeoree Grey), I am told, during the time ho was Colonial Treasurer directed his attention to tlie same subject, and indeed, had a Bill prepared, the nature of whiqh I cannot describe, as I have not seen if Again/last

■week the hon, member for To Aro (MrP Johnston) asked some questions, the infer enco from which wa3 that he realised th relief which was to be obtained bothfr the accrued Sinking Fu id. The iremh for Waitomata, by pim;'s.r questions &■ * deuced the same acuteness. Lastly ft'" hon. member for Egmont, during the tvS! ov four days ho waa recently in offlo seemed inclined to follow in a eomn what similar direction, judging by «T te'egram ho sent to tho A "ent-Geno,^ which I read to the House on Friday „ which day I saw it for the first time Tt • not, however, unfair to suppose that i n O n« shape or another he obtained an inklioe of my views. T have not ta'ked over this subject for many years with Sir Y\\ Fife herbert, but 1 am quite certain he will bear me out in saying that when we were forced to adopt a Sinking Fund, we well knew that the time would come when it would be so oppressive that relief in some shape would havo to be sought from it. During the pre sent century I do not think there have been many.if any,able financiers who haverefused to recognise the great dictum of Professor Hamilton, that the only true sinking fund of acountry's national debtis the excessof reve nuo over expenditure. Every othersinkine fund is a delusion and a snare. The time has como—l think it came some years since whon the increase of taxation was in con sideration—when the intolerable burden of tho Sinking Fund must be recognised There is no reason whatever why tho colonists who aro exerting themselves to lay broad and deep the foundations of great public works, which will be a aplondidand magnificent heritage to those who come after them, should uttempt to pay off piece meal portions of tho public debt, whilst they aro borrowing more, and whilst they aro bearing the heavy burden of paying in torest during tho construction of the works I speak advisedly of this splendid heritage Now Zealand is acquiring- a monopoly of railwaya—at a total cost lesa than older countries have paid for merely ( buying the land on which to construct them. Twenty-five years hence, compared with the value of these works, the public debt will be a bagatelle. That is, if the colony docs not doze during the twenty.fiva years, as it has during the last five years But even though it was dozing, the railways did good work. What more logical evidence of true value is required than that supplied by the Railway Department in its last annual report with regard to the progressive : increaso of traffic. [Sir J. Vogel quoted figures showing the increase of traffic on tho railways.] TIIK SINKING 1VX1). TheSinkingFund during the presentyear is estimated to amount to L244.ooo—that is during the present year we shall reduce our debt by that amount, and it increases pro gressively. I have had a calculation made which shows that during the ten years next ensuing the presentSinkingFund will be in creased by L3,Q22,800. In other words, dur ing ten years tho people of the colony will bo paying offthrco millions out of the taxation. 1 contend they cannot afford to do this; that < it is placing on the colony a fearful incubus. Tho million paid off during the last five years has told severely on the colony,:. I am quite aware that our obligations as they exist must bo fulfilled. Nevertheless, any t'.mo during the last five years the Government, by an Order-in-Council, with perfect regularity and in a manner no human being could take exception to, might.under existing statute law, have saved the colony a great part of this heavy burden. My pro posals aro to virtually relieve the permanent: charges this year to the extent of the Sink ing Fund, say L244.C00. I propose we should not be idiotic (I uso a strong phrase) enough to tax tho people to pay off a little fragment of our debt. No other colony does ; it. iiceently in Victoria tho first railway loan, amounting to somo millions, fell in for paymont. No ono conceived the idea of taxing tho peoplo to pay it off. Every ;penny was renewed as a matter of course. \\ ithout going into particulars I may state that of course the process under which the Sinking Fund- will bo relieved, and relief also given to tho anomalous condition of' loans nearly run out, on which the yearly charges are so heavy, is through the pro cess of conversion in one sliapo or another. CONVERSION OF LOANS. And here I must say a few words, at tho risk of rendering myself amenable, to the' charge of egotism, concerning the means whereby tho process of conversion has become so profitable. In 1875 I was in iingland on an official mission. Two eminent physicians whom I consulted for-

OTAGO OPINION OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Dunedin, this day. The " Otago Daily Times" says :—" Sir Julius Vogel boasted that his Financial Statement would take the country by storm. Without going so far, we are free to admit that it shows wonderful resource and originality, and a complete mastery of the subjects dealt with. Wo shall be Bur ■ prised if it does not meet with a large measure of approval both in the House and the colony. Its lucidity and brilliancy are patent to all. Whilst Major Atkinson puzzled people with the figures, Sir Julius Vogcl has made them conspicuously interr esting. There is an utter absence of jugglery. The policy of the Government, if not unexceptionable, ia spirited, brilliant, and must considerably improve their position. The Financial Statement affords the best justification to those who urged the desirability of Sir Julius Vogel being placed at the head of affairs."

SPORTING NEWS.

Oambbidoe, this day. At a meeting of the Stewards of the Jockey Club last night, the Spring Meeting was fixed for the first week in December. £200' will be given in prizes. It was agreed to .ask the railway authorities to run a special train from Auckland on tho race day. •

A Router's' cablegram states that Thff Broker has been scratched for the V.R.C. Darby.

THE ROYAL MARIONETTES.

Webb's Royal Marionettes gave another capital performance at the Lome street Hall last evening, when there was a crowded attendance. Jn consequence of the steamer Te Anau being detained till Friday, the 19th, the Marionettes will give two more performances, the first to-night and the second tomorrow evening. An entire change of programme has been prepared, embracing the beautiful faiiy'pantomime, " Little Ited Riding Hood."' This embodies as far as practicable the old nursery tale, which introduces somo very pretty scenes and plenty of fun. The performance as boforo will conclude with beautiful transfer mation scenes.

MINING NEWS.

Thames this day. Dart.— Tho No. 2 reef has been penetrated at the low level, and proved to he 4J feetjn. width. Gold was only found on the hang ing wall side, but the remainder of "the quartz is well mineralised in the winze below No. 3 level. The reef is 2 feet thick,' and shows gold freely. Sir Walter Scon (Karangahake).—An interim retorting produced 1720z9. gold, for which C 4 tons were crushed. Ivakuoe (Karangahake).--The manager has banked 182ozs. melted gold, tho result of a crushing of 235 tons. Coquette (Waiorongomai).-A parcel of 2oza. lCdwts. has been lodged. New Pbinpe Imperial.— 2cwta. of speci mens came to hand this morning from the western stopes at No. G level. COROMANDEL. Success.— The mine manager reports under date 15th September :—Since my List report the mine has beeij looking much better in the stopes. Tho reef has been larger that usual, carrying 'fine gold on the hanging-wall, and today there was about '. COozs. obtained. There U still some show-

[Conli'.tied ot page Jour.]

THE AJ7C&UUKD E^EMfcc' STAR, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1884.



Special Advertisements. PARTNERSHIP. TMcMASTEIt wishes to thank Ims • Friends and tlio Public for their liberal Se'hx"s ato°irft"mato Uiatjhohaa now takeninto Partnership Mr John McMastkr The Busi ness will in future bo carried on under the t.tlo of T and J. McMaster, Drapers and Clothiers, who hovio to cive such attention to Uusinoss and scat snch prices ns> to merit a largo sharei of public patronage-T. &J. McMastkr, Direct Importer, 2.VJ, Queen street, "t G. HENDERSON'S tf • CIIKUUY PKCTORA.U 2b fid and la fid jier bottle. To bu had only at Medical Hall, PoMonby, opposite Three Lamps. T> MAC XA V FRI PP, * A It O II I T X C T, Removed to Melville's Buildings, Iligh-fltroot, nenr Shortland-strcet. "WE 'FURXISII HOUSES THROUGHOUT. GARIJCK & CRANWELL'S IS TUB CHKAP FORNISHINQ WAREHOUSE. JUST OPEXED. Bbaotipol Assoutsiknt ♦ of : : . brussels tapestry, KIDDERMINISTKR CARPETS. SPLENDID LOT BEDSTEADS. Just Received, IRON AND BRASS, NICKEL-PLATED. QARLICK AND QRANWEIL, • FURNISHING •WARE HO USB, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. pLEN DI D VARI ET Y. NEW SPRING GOODS. WILLIAM It. BBIDOMAN Desires to Inform his Customors that ho is now Showing a BEAUTIFtTL ASSORTMENT OP NEW GOODS FOB THB COMING SKASOX. Very Choice Patterns of New Prints, from 2]d yard, to the very best Tho New Reversible Prints, choice patterns Newest Designs in Sateens, very pretty goods Splendid Assortment New Dress Goods in great variety, very low in price Large, Assortment Now Lace Goods, in white, ivory, cream, &c; real Maltese Lace, from 7Jdyard Job Line Coloured Dres3 BoigO3, bought low, sold cheap Nice Goods in Black Broche Satins New Patterns in Cretonnes, from 43d • >: New Aprons, Ribbons, Gloves. Collars, Ties Good Floorcloth, Is Bdjard ; New Umbrellas Splendid Assortment Whito and Grey Calicoes.; wholeßalo price by tho piece New Clothing in Men's. Boys', and Youths' 50 Boys' Leopold Suits, 4s lid, os 3d, to 12s 6d 50 Men's Tweed Suits, 22a Gd. worth 30s New Hats in great variety Kaiapoi Clothing •: In consequence of tho Intense Competition in tho Dkapkhy Trade, W. R. B. has deter mined to MARK ALL GOODS at the LOWEST MARGIN OF PROFIT, and consequently NO DISCOUNT can be allowed. REMAINDER OP WINTER STOCK AT A GREAT REDUCTION. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, I ... 288. UPPER QUEEN-STREET PECIAL "VTOTICE. PECIAL iM OTICB. ' - . H. L. POSSENISKIE, MERCHANT TAILOR AND IMPOBTJEK, Shortland-street. . ,: Begs-to Inform his Customers and.-..' the Public generally that vhe has ■ JUST RECEIVED ,r . , -.; " . A'UR&K CONSIGNMENT OE. *,! j . SPRING GOODS ' - '" ! , OF THE ■ ■ ■ . : VERY LATEST PATTERNS, i And he having Large and Various . - , SniPMENTS to follow, : HAS DETERMINED, I In order to make room for samo, TO ALLOW,TKN PER CENT. On all Goods Ordered from this date ' to October Ist, 188J, for Cash. TRADE SUPPLIED WITII SIIORT LENQTIIS OR AS REQUIRED j AT WHOLB3ALE FHIOE. ' WHY ARE ALL MA HU RAN G I T IMES AHURANGI ±J IM E 8 NOT ALIKE? j\JL R A. lf r ed Smith, ARCHITECT ; (Fellow of toe Royal Institute), HAS REMOVED TO 18. SHORTLAND-STREKT. DR. O. NEWBERRY COBBETT, M.8., M.S., EDINBURGH (Late Resident Physician, Accoucheur, Rotunda ; Hospital, Dublin. &c, &c), ALFRED-STREET. ALBERT PARK, : . Near Choral' Hall. . , . HOORS OP CoNSUtTATION. ; At Home: 9-11 a.m., G-7, and 8-9 p.m. At Mr Alckln's Pharmacy, Queen-street: 12-1, and 4-5 p.m. Special practicb in Midwifery and Diseases of Women and'Ghildren. ~ * __ JAMES SLATOR (Eight Years DrauffTitsfhan Railway . . . _ Department), 'ARCHITECT. ENGINEER AND DRAUGHTSMAN, ILLUMINATOR, &0.. fco, • Coombes's Chambers. Queen-street. > Residenpo: St. George's Bay Road, Parnell. Agett for A. Dodman, Engineer, Lynn, Norfolk. - . Contractors' Quantities taken out I R. W I L'KINS, F. R. C. 84 ' CONSULTINO AND OPERATING SUHQEON, t his Surgery for General Practice; also Eye^Ear, and Throat Diseases, ■'- ■ i Mornings, Afternoons, and JSvenijjps. . Consultation Foes very Moderate. Dr. Wiikins Bpent seven years at Mooroflolda Eye Hospital, London, under Messrs Bowman ftnd Crionett, two at Throat Hospital, London, teven years Honorary Surgefln Albert Hospital, and eight years at Eye, Ear, and Throat In """"""''Vr"'"f"'e L Adi usteßpectacles to sights. Oi-uoij-iirfiiSHJifl-i- ... Queen-street (near Post-' —Consulting RoomwO dffloe), Auckland. — ;



•'BOUGH ON CORNS. '-A.k for WelU1." Bough on Coriui.' Quick rallul. ia>ni|>!ela. ivil4.:ui»nt cum wrn». vu\m, Imulcma. K«un»V»»»* •*" ' * °J- '«""'"• AiickluiO. Sewing Machines, Wholesale and Retail. —D. 3. Chambers. The Italian Bedstead is a new an^ very pretty style. You will find a large assortment o£ Iron and Brass and Ninkpl-plated Bedsteads at the Cheap FurnishingWarelJouse.parlickand Cranwell's, Queon-Btrcct, Aubkland.— [Advt.]



''■ The second of the series of entertainments i arranged for the purp >se of liquidating the i debt on St. James's Hall will take place j on Friday evening next, in that building. The programme will bo published in to: morrow's issue. Mr C. H. O?mond, Treasurer to the Parliamentary Union, writes correcting a statoment which, obtained currency this < morning to the effect that" •! Some gentle j men who paid their fees well within tho time proclaimed are not on the roll." Thi?i he says, is m.-t the case—only one party's name being m omitted, and tßat at the express desiro of the gentleman himself. An attract ivo programme is announced olseivhero for tlie Ponsonby Rowing Club's concert to 1 <; held in the Ponsonby Hall to morrow cvriitnfr. flies ,a::d bugs, w u ti M .j M «t., W h«>it t»d baint, iats,Bmii-v. sophera, cbiimiutiks, deftred oat by ** Koagh on Ktiuvtlionif. I'ros.cr t Co., AieaU, Auclduiij j