RANDOM SHOTS.

[By Zamiki,.]

Some write, a neighbour's nanio to lash, P, • no write—vain thought l-for needful casli. Home write to plea3e<hc country clash, And raise a din. for rui, an aim I never fash— I write for fun.

"Skt a S(o;ii! heart to a stoy brno" {i.e., a steep acclivity), is an old Scottish maxim which must "have occurred to Mr Robert Stout this week during his labours in set ting up a Ministry at Wellington. The little Badical Freethinker is not a man easily daunted, or he might have hesitated to attempt tho task which had been ineffec tually essayed by Vogel, Grey, and Atkin son. But he stoutly set himself to the «■ steep" task, and with a success which is all the more brilliant because it follows so closely upon splendid failures. If his Cabinet is still a little off tho Bal(l)ance, it s at any rate a happier adjustment than the former MinLstry, in which Captain Morris was the only Auckland representative. Whatever may be the ultimate outcome, it appears certain that the present Government is not to be condemned without trial, like its short-lived predecessors. And no matter though its fall should be sudden and ignominious, Mr Stout will enjoy the unique distinction of being tho only man who has been twice Premier of New Zealand within a fortnight. " Zamiel " notes with some surprise that neither Sir George Grey nor his fidits achates, Mr Dargavillo, is in the new Ministry. I can understand why Sir George is left out: he has steadily declared that ho would not take ofitee, and the Southern politicians have as steadily maintained that they won't give it to him. But why, oh I why, is the member" for City West slighted ? Can it bo possible that he is the member referred to as "playing an infamous part" in tho re cent intrigues in the Empire City, and that duplicity and eelf-seoking are only being fiitiogly rewtried by his exclusion? Cf course not. The simple reason is that he pledged himself not to take office without consulting his constituents, nnd Ministries are so short-lived nowadays that h6 could not be spared the time necessary for that little formality. Voila tout I for, of course, it is unthinkable that Mr Dargaville should forget or break his pledge, and he has therefore from a high sense of duty resisted all the pressing offers of a portfolio mado to him. xxx In the intrigues which have been lately going on at Wellington, the knight of Kawau holds a unique position. A political makeweight and a dashing iconoclast, Ministries seem to live only by his high permission, or are blasted by the breath of his displeasure. Like another Alexander, he will soon sigh for a new world to conquer ('twere better if he would concur). The member for Parnell, in taking action in getting signatures to an agreement to give any Ministry a fair trial until its policy be disclosed, has shown that the fear of losing their seats will induce representatives to keep the new Ministry in office for a timo. This fear of being turned adrift on the con stituencies will act as a wholesome deterrent against faction, and will give the new Premier a great advantage in forming his Cabinet and unfolding his policy.

The toll-bar system is getting out of date. It is devoutly to be hoped that these ob structioua will soon become things of the past altogether. It seems a great pity that one cannot take a ride without being taxed for it. Let us have a free highway. I hope the day is not far distant when that ugly excrescenco which blocks the way to Mount Eden will be consigned to oblivion, and its prototype in Newmarket will be abolished also. Surely one Tole for Eden is enough I " Zamiel" has no complaint against that Tole, and as he has been raised to the Cabinet, the other and objectionable toll sheuld be razed to the ground.

Barnum's "biggest show in creation" is to visit these shores soon, but it is likely to be superseded and eclipsed by a greater local show. For, as the nigger held that the greatest race on record was "de great human race," so a show of " humans " ia bound to surpass even Barnum's exhibition of white and black elephants and various othor wonders. Auckland is to have a baby showsometimeduringthepresentmonth,and " Znrniel-" already feels a flutter of anticipa tions with regard tothe event. For, of course, there is a young Z. eligible for exhibition (somehow there never fails a baby show iv this household), and of course Mrs Z. is con vinced " the little dear " will carry off first prize. In fact she is not sure but the latest scion will "scoop the pool" and take the whole of the prizes, for he is the heaviest, Erettiest, curliest-headed, best-dressed, and est all-round baby all rolled into one. If he carries off these prizes, I am pretty con fident, as I count the sleeping heads of tho other Z.s as they repose in their cots that he will also '' take the cake " for having the largest number of brothers and sisters. But bein" a bitof a philosopher, I do not take quite solmpeful a view of the business as Mrs Z., for I know there are dozens of other mothers in Auckland and suburbs who believe they have the prize baby in the different departments named. No doubt there will be numerous entries, and I hope the show may prove an unqualified as well 33 an uu-" squall "-ified success, X X X

The Auckland Parliamentary Union has been launched with the utmost ielat, and bids fair to become a very popular institu tion.' One danger, however, has already loomed up on the horizon, and unless care fully avoided, it may convert the promised success into a Wretched fizzle. 14 is contained in Mr Napier's instruc tion to the Committee that the num ber of debating members shall be unlimited. X this instruction is followed and becomes crystallised into a law,"then we Bhall have, in place of a mimic Parlia ment resembling in all desirable points our House of Representatives, a body .answer in" more to the character of a huge de baling society or political club. Taking timely warning from Mr Porter's hor rible nightmare of a Union with "1,300 talkin" members,'' and turning a deaf ear to Mr Ross's plaintive appeal on behalf of those who like himself havo joined, as he candidly • ' avowed, for the mere pleasure of hearing themselves talk, let the members determine to limit the debating body to 95 represen titives of as many constituencies, which shall then serve as so many prizes for tho able and deserving—so many incentives to exertion and improvement on the part of tho3o who aspire to lead and represent their fallows I can, of course, sympathise with Mr Napier's fear that he may be left out in tho oold; but even although that calami tous result should be entailed by parliamen tary procedure in this cose, he only bides his time. General and bye - elections will frequently take place, and his turn must come at last. btail, the apprehension of exclusion, if entertained at all by him, must be unfounded, for I fully expect to find his name among the list of elected representatives. x * x One of the mOBt excruciatingly funny thines I have ever heard wan the ludicrous blunder which the youthful advocate com mitted in attributing to " England s im mortal bard" the ancient proverb of *he Israelitish king that "In the multi tmie of counsellors there is wisdom." The l",ge audience literally yelled with laughter, Inl their merriment did not subside for fully five mioutes. Unfortunately for him self, Mr Napier misapprehended the cause of the outburst, and when ho went on to "MMBIIIL. I t0 his own smartness by apolo •"SsPSkWe-r.arking that ho had not .M*«S2rto be invidious by casting a refiecHon upon the local Council he fairly brought down "the house.'' After renewed peals of laughter, comparaijtre «?lonce was restored, and the Mayor, Sng a strong effort to restrain his own Shinties rose to offer an explanation. He SS a pity that Mr Napier should be _ Z> «^ w inntrer in ignorance ss to the a^VoXquotalon. Ifhewouldbut -turn over the pages of the good Book he would discover that Solomon, and not . Ihakspere, was entitled to all the credit for it More laughter ensued during \ which Mr Napier regained his shattered - icomposui c, and wont on with his speech. • 1 XX '*

-A There waß lately not a little stir over an j Attempt at Latin versification, perpetrated by an Auokland youth, which drew out a ; learned criticism from Professor Tucker. W\\\% Desirous of providing further material for | the critical erudition of our professors, ; "_ Zamiel" has unearthed a copy of Latin "" verses which he remembers reading in the [bright lexicon of youth. These are so 1 clever that no apology is needed for their 'introduction here; they aro besides ao peculiar in construction that the whole pf our local professors and pedagogues might I be challenged to produce a correct transla -1 jtion, and might fail in the attempt. I give I the lines, Ana hopo that some erudite reader v fvill Buppty tbe.English version.. .' I

TONES AD HKSTO MAKE. O Marc, ivyn si formrc l-'orma", tire tonitru : Inmbicum an ainanduni. Olct llymcu prompt v. Mihi is vetasanno so. As huiuuno erebi: Olet niccum marito te, Or eta beta pi. Alas i fero ure rigidl, 31 i ardor vel into, Toilet niediis untitle, pol. Solct me beabo. Ah. me, vc ara scilllcet. VI laudi vimen thus? Hiatu as arandutn sex. Illuc lonicns. Hen setl, heu vix en. imago, Jli missis marc sta: 0 eantu rctlit in milii, llib ernas arida? A vori vafer heri si, Milii resolves indue: Tot ins olet Hymen cum, Acceptor tonitru. xxx Docs any reader of "Zamiel's" lucu brations do'nbt that there is more than one step from the sublime to the ridiculous, or that man is ever a deceiver in tho mutter of love ? Let him listen while his friend reads the brief story of the amours of that gay young tenor, 'formerly of tho Blues, whose voice has so often been heard above the minor voices of the Pitt-street choir. This self-sufficient, aspiring young man paid ] court for four long years to Mary Ann, a modest, well-meaning brunette, professedly for love's sweet sake. After an overdue season of whisperings and wooings, the i joyous young man, full of song ns a nightin ! gale, popped tho anticipated question in tho ' presence of tho big round moon, although lie would not swear by it, and was answered in tho affirmative by the trembling maiden. Ho had tho assur ance, moreover, of speaking to her of " pro posals," and was willing to insure his valu able lifo in favour of Mary Ai.n. "How nice," sho whimpered! "insurance makes ; tho future shadowless;" and there was a j mutual embrace. Sweetly ho sang, in evi- ' dence of lily-white truth nnd violet-like modesty, "Consider tho Lilies," until the soul of tho portionless girl was melted (figuratively) by the modulations of his soothing tenor voice. All was settled and arranged in Mary Ann's mind, b>it while she was busying her gonteel lingers on her wedding dress she received a farewell epistle, assuring her, on a new policy, that ho was off with another, who, if nbt fairer, had ampler prospects, musical talents, nnd a violin. lam not sure that the gay Lothario will not be called upon logally to answer for certain undcr-covcr disclosures, show ing that the tender passion once reigned in his heart, also a cold-freezing farewell which is breaking tho poor girl's heart, closing with the following heroics—

I loved you, Mary Ann, I love you still, But brighter prospects overcame my will; I'm married now, and you are henceforth free, Music and notes have greater charms for me.

Artemus Ward has a story about a wretched orphan whoso habit it was to wander forth every day to a secluded spat and weop bitter tears because his father and mother were no more. This sounds pathetic, but a new complexion is suddenly given to the story by tho addendum that the " orphan " was seventy years of age! I was forcibly reminded of the droll narrative by reading last week in the EvEStNG Star tho following announcement: — WANTED, to Adopt a Young Girl, age 10 or 50.— Address " Hex," Star Oilice. I wonder if the advertiser found that "young girl" for whom his soul yearned! His .assumed name was surely appropriate, for only a King among men woulcl dream of taking to his bosom a blooming damsel of 50 years. Perhaps, however, he is an orphan, and wants to adopt a mother or grandmother, in which case I respect his misery, and sympathise with his attempt to mitigate it. Quite as {rood from another standpoint was the following, which ap peared in a Sydney paper recently :— A Young Gentleman, aged 23, without Friends, recently from England, wishes to be Adopted by an Old Lady or Gentleman. This is Genuine. Address, "L.L.," '"Herald" Office, Sydney.

This "young gentleman from England" may be identical with the " Rex " of Auck land, who, having failed in his attempt to got adopted into a respectable family, has now changed tho tune from "He's but an Orphan Boy "to " What is Home without a Mother?" If so his case is worthy of corn mi-oration. But tho thought occurs to me that tho advertisements may emanate from colonial humorists who are willing to pay for the privilege of seeing their brilliant effusions in print. And the soul of "Zamiel" is saddened when ho thinks of the untold wealth which he is earning by his weekly scribbling, and reflects that this unfair competition will soon drive him out of the " goak " market I XXX

"Woodman, spare that tree," or I might say those trees, which give such an air of gracefulness and beauty to Hobson-street. Perdition catch the souls of those icono clastic vandals who would lay their ruthless hands on our Boulevarde. "A thing of beauty," Keats tolls U3, "is a joy for ever." When these lines were written town councillors, I opine, did not exert their pernicious sway in a senseless war against the ornate. Many of these gentle men, I imagine, are more in their element in retailing the staff of life, driving an express, or handling the yard stick, than in giving expression to the sense of the beautiful and picturesque. XXX I have often heard and read of the virtues, pootic praise, philanthropy, fidelity, and even the faithlessness of woman ; but Mrs Hart's positive declaration to hor aspiring, searching, questioning counsel, who ap peared to claim relationship to the hero of Soinde, at the Police Court a few days since, somewhat startled me. " You gave so much per yard for the sheeting, I believe, did you not?" It must be remembered that Mrs Hart was on her oath ; she had kissed the cover of the sacred Word with a sounding smack as though the Word was sweet to her lips and inspiring to her heart. In a court of law-^-even in a criminal court—evidence, however doubtful to the mind of the listener or the judge, must be respected. Mrs Hart wasupon heroath; she had sworn, in the f aco of Constable McClellan, that she would speak the truth, and nothing but the truth, and immediately afterwards she stated, in answer to her confiding lawyer, that she only gave Is fid per yard for the stolen article, but told her husband that she had given considerably more than that sum, adding: "All wives do this, you know, to their husbands ;it is only innocent deception, and, if not practised, where should we poor women get our pocket money for extras ?" Her counsel gathered from his intelligent client what is vulgarly termed " a new wrinkle," which, as he is a single man, may be of service to him should he be disposed to change his condition. Miss Bow-era scolded her neighbour for ber confession, and told her she was very wrong in making such a statement, which was heard by numbers of married men in Court, who would henceforth be suspicious of their wives, and regard them as thieves in wed lock, and not honest women. '' Nonsense," replied M*.*" Hart, shaking a holey table cloth in the air, ..".flon't talk to me about honest women ;. they must do something With their affections, even w.ateh clothes lines in the moonlight I" XXX _Metz culpa! It is not often that I have to plead guilty to doing anyone an in justice in thjs column of lightly-strung arrows ; but last w^ek I am afraid I erred through lack of knowledge- The local Tonsorius whose supposed '' fantastic tricks" I described and ridiculed has my apologies, and my informant has my anathemas. I learn on un doubted authority that in every essential particular, the stories which I retailed of the gentle barber were untrue. I am responsible for retailing though not for in venting the calumny, and therefore I make this disavowal by way of amende honorable. As for my deceptive informant, I had better dispose of him in an epigram : — " Boethius jests; but he forgets, forsooth, He needs not brevity alone, but truth ; Short of the mark, his wit its punsence loses, Because poor manufactured stuffhe uses I" XX X Jt is difficult to imagine anything more absurd than the present quarantine regula- j tions in operation at New Zealand ports j YVbile small-pox .continues to spread in Sydney, none of the Australian ports have been declared "infected;" and the public are only kept from raising a great out cry by one of the most farcical forme that ever prevailed. It has been de.- i scribed to me by a gentleman who recently came from Melbourne to Auckland, by way of the South, in one of the Union Company's large steamers. This vessel left Melbourne with a large number of passengers, and, as u3ual, she had a "clean bill of health." Between four and five days later she arrived at the Bluff, and here the farce commenced. .Not being from an " infected port," she was not quarantined in the usual way, i but what is called "necessary pre- ! caution against the- introduction of disease" was observed. Mark how the ' 1 "regulations " are carried out. Before the steamer Was b.erthed fa local Health Officer ' came on board; H° waited to inspect tha passengers. The passengers yere called; they were told to "come forward" or to 5 "come aft," as tho case • may 'be,' and ' they walked past the worthy medico. '

That. was all ! The doctor had done his; duty, so had the captain of the ship in not interfering with the farce, and so had the passengers in submitting to the foolery. If tho doctor had pursued the old custom which pertained in days gone by when he used to vaccinate tho "nnvaccinated," look at tho tongues of suspicious - looking individuals, from the skipper to the lamp - trimmer, and in general make a most thorough examination of all on board, I could see some little reason in the arrangement, but what is to bo gained by merely walking the passengers rapidly past a Health OtHcer, no matter how clevor tho latter may be ?

x x x I wonder'where that important personage, the Health Ollicer, is expected to find the evidences of disease. A big " menslc " on tho nose of some unfortunate passen ger, or a dose of small-pox on the cheek of another, would, no doubt, lead to the con clusion that, either or both had an infectious disease. But do measles, and small-pox, nnd cholera, and all the other infectious diseases " which flesh is heir to " always stick out so prominently oh a man's proboscis, on his cheek, or any other uncovered parts of his body? Probably not, and this un doubtedly accounts for the recent case where passengers who had been passed by doctors nt one port have been found suffer ing from small-pox at the next place of call. X x x

I have described the farce at tho Bluff. That finished, the steamer was allowed to proceed after dropping her passengers for that port. At Port Chalnieis the farco was repeated ; at Wellington, again, the same amusing formula was gone through; nnd the Napier Health Officer would not have done his duty if he did not follow tho example of his fellow medicos in tho South. So tho passengers were "put through" there for the third time within almost as many days, and the steamer went on to Gisborno. Hero again the Health Officer had to "do his duty," and he saw the passengers ns they were marched rapidly past him. Ho fancied that they were all quite well, and ho gave tho vessel " a clean bill of health."

This done, the Gisborno passengers were landed, and the steamer came on to Auck land, where Dr. Philson made tho fifth and final inspection. As before, tho pnssongers wero huiriod past him; ho looked closely at each, failed to observe any signs of disease, and passed both thorn and tho vessel, after which everybody went ashore. Here tho farce onds, only, how over, to be resumed whon tho next steamer comes up tho const, to the intenso disgust of all concerned. This arrangement has the advantage of preventing any very sorious stoppage in tradebotweon AustraliaandMcw Zealand, but what else in tho way of good it does I find it difficult to conceive.

I havo to record my acknowledgments to a number of correspondents who have written offering remarks on my last week's notes on the blasphemy laws and tho attitude of tho Rationalists towards the same. "Another Campbell" is a very different member of the clan to which Mr A. Campbell belongs, and ho launches out into a vigorous criticism ot his erring brother. " A Friend" writes as follows :—" lam a Free thinker mysolf, with a pious turn of mind, but am sadly pestered from morning till night with Freethinkers of an impious turn. I had at ono time somo res pect for tho class, but alas ! it is all gono, and rather than become allied with them, I would throw myself into tho arms of any Mother Church that would receive mc. Truly, tho bosh of hotorodoxy is greater than the bosh of orthodoxy I"

Another writer, "Diamond," assumes tho rule of critic to " Zamiel," and, metaphori cally speaking, pitches Lord Macaulay's essays at my devoted head. Ho thinks I ni.-iko a mistake in "advertising the Lome-street crew," but still ho condemns as "stuff" what I said about blasphemy laws, because it amounts to defending the incarceration of John Bunyan at Bedford, and the prosecution of Christ for blasphemy by the Jewii. Ho quotes from a speech given by Mi A. Campbell lately certain scntincnts which he considers blas phemous ; but 1 think if nothing worse than these is uttered by the "Lorno street crew," no ono would complain. " Diamond "is a subtle reasoner, but ho mistakes my attitude if he thinks I defend blasphemy laws or their tyrannical application. My solo contention was that, as these laws exist a law-abiding citizon is entitled to argue for their continuance and enforce ment, without being "jumped upon" by a most irrational blasphemer and denounced as a fomentor of discord and hatred. Ido not believe in laws being allowed to fall into desuetude ; less injustice would bo done if all harsh laws wero administered, for their repeal would bo nil the more speedy and certain. We havo, for tho second timo in the past month, a Government formed with two pronounced Frcethinkors in it. Will they take steps to procure Freo Trade in Blasphemy ? We shall see.

EXTRAORDINARY CURATIVE AGENTS.

The Virtues of Brandy and Tobacco,

M. Albert Deli-it tolls us in the " Paris " 1 that Theodore Barriere, tho rather eccentric author of " Tcte do Linotte," the original ef Mr Albery's "Featherbrain," had an ! attack, or thought he had an attack, of ! cholera when that disease visited Paris in I 1854. He had made up his mind that a free • use of stimulants was the proper modo of I combating the disease. One morning in ; the height of the epidemic he was suddenly I taken ill as he was going out for his accuß ■ tomed ride. Ho felt cold all over, and shivered from head to foot. Any one but himself would have gone to bed and sent '■_ for the doctor; but Barridre, who had I implicit confidence in his own system of i therapeutics, went into the nearest caftS, l ordered a carafon of brandy, and drank it it off. Thus invigorated, he managed to get into the saddle, and galloped along the boulevards. At the corner of the Rue Richelieu he stopped at another cafe swallowed a second carafon of cognac, and resumed hie ride. Ho dis mounted again when he got to tho Rue Royale, and repeated the dose. He then started at a gallop for the Bois de Boulogne, and continued the treatment by ordering a fourth carafon at one of the restaurants there. Ho rode homo by the Ru de Rivoli, dropped offhis horse half-asleep, half-awake, and mado his way to bed, and slept for thirty hours without stirring. When he awoke Lumbert-Thiboust was standing by his bedside " I came to see if I could be of any service," said his friend; "I heard you were ill." "So I have been." " What was tho matter with you ?" "The cholera." "And what did you do for it?" " I got blind drunk. Some interesting observations on "the tobacco remedy," by Geporal Chingman, of North Carolina, recently published, are attracting much attention at present among medical authorities on the othor sido of the Atlantic. The General announces his belief tint the use of wet tobacco as a poultice will be instrumental in saving many thou sands of lives annually in the United States. He has himself suffered much, and owes tho health he now enjoys solely to tobacco. In August, 1864, he was shot through the leg below the knee. The muscles and nerves were cut through, and he was in a most critical condition. Inflammation set in, and he suffered intense agony. At big qwjj request, wet tobacco leaves were

applied to the wojjnd, when to the surprise of the surgeons the paip quickly subsided, and a complete cure was ultimately pil'gcted. Shortly aiiterwards the General was almost blinded by a frightful blow on the right eye aimed by a driver with the butt-end of a whip at the head of a horse. The eyo was also cured by tobacco. A lawyer and two young ladies in North Carolina were cured of severe inflanjmation of the eyes entirely by the tobacco remedy j and among other cases mentioned io that of a United States senator, who was cured by wet tobacco o" " intolerable pain in the side and back."

A Literary Conversation

Literary conversation at a fashionable re ception. Mr Spidloe, having been tntro duced to Miss Zngwell, says :— " Very fine assemblage." " Very, and quite literary, too." '•'Very. You are fond of literature, I presume 1" " Ah, very. I dote on it.'' " You like Shakespeare, I dare say J" " Ah, very much. Do you ?" " Very fond of him ; I like Burns, too." "So do I, very much indeed." " Do you like Goldsmith?" "Very, very much. Do you like Byron ?" " Think he's grand. Do you like Pope ?" '' Oh, very much. Do you like Shelley ?" Oh, yes, he's good. Tell you a good .vriter I" "Who?" "Milton." " Yes, he is very good, indeed." Afterwards Mr Spidloe, in speaking of the ■oung lady, says that she is wonderfully velj yead, and she, in speaking of him, ays:' " Oh, b#'» jusj. jr^ad ever} thing."

THE GAR DEN.

[By Hobti)!.]

Calendar ot Operations. September 6.

[Hoicrus is willing to answer any queries. Cor respondents must givo their full namos and addresses, though not for publication.]

TO CORUKSPONDENTS. Coleus (Cuttings, N.B.)— Yes, you mar strike your cuttings now. Cut tho extreme point off the old plontß. about three inches long is sntlicient. Make tho base or the bottom of tlie cutting where a,joint is; it will root freer at tho joint. Soils: Good loam mixed with Band is tho best; half sand and half loam. Prick about half a dozen cuttings into a four inch pot. Place them near the glass where they can obtain all tho heat from the rays of the sun ; water moderately; if they get too much they will be liable to damp oil. iJa.mku.ias (T. G.,Poneonby).—lcouldnotadvis 0, you to lift and transplant large plants of thos now. In fact it would he almost cortaiu death to them, unless an extraordinary amount of care was given to them during the incoming season by shading and constant watering. Hecollect tho sap is in full action now. Your best plan is to dig round them, cutting all the surface roots, not interfering with thoso penetrating deep into the ground; leave theseto support the plant. Thoso that are cut will soon push out a number of email Ilbres. Then next May lift your plants and transfer thorn to their new quarters. Injure as few of the now Ilbres as possible ; these will soon supply food to your tree. Even young plants from pots planted now should be shaded and watered all next season.

Gkakiing Oranges (Orchard).—Do not graft your oranges yet. From tho beginning of October till the beginning of November is tho best time for grafting them. You can now graft all t'\e other fruit trees you mention. You would bo better to tiso grafting clay, the samo mixture 119 1 have already desoribod. The whip is the best method for you to use. I cannot print a diagram, but you would bo better to consult " Urctt's Colonists' Guide," as all the different figures are given thorc. Draining Pot Plants (Window Plants).— Where pot plums are grown under glass, theso during tho growing season require liberal supplies of water to keep them in good health. The only object therefore in draining the bottom of a plot is to carry off any super fluous water given them while watering. The best material to use for such a purposo is broken pieces of pot. cinders, and gravel. Any ot theso placed at the bottom, and a little rough soil on top, will maUe good drainage. No pot requires more drainage than is just needful to allow the water to run off readily. AU that is necessary is to put ono largo piece over the top of the hole in the pot, and a few small pieces on top of this, then a little dry moss or rough Itbrous matter from tho potting soil; these will make an efficient drainage for any pot plants.

Kitchen Garden.

Every endeavour must be made to get the various crops planted and sown during this and the following month. The few line days which wo havo had ought to havo enabled thoso possessed of small gardens to get their soil put into a good state for sowing and planting. Sow main crop of onions, if not already done—tho sooner thoy aro in tho ground tho better now. Sow small patches of cabbago and cauliflower. Plant out a few more rows of each, earthing up thoso sufficiently far advanced. Attend to tho succes sional sowings of peas. Sow about every fortnight. Make another sowing of broad beans Commence making fortnightly sowings of mustard, cress, and radishes for saladings, choosing at present warm, rich situations. Make fortnightly sowings of turnips in small patches, so that you may obtain them tender nnd juicy ; turnips as thoy get old are liable to get stringy and harsh in flavour. Look after cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, marrows, and tomatoes. The seed sown in pots last month ought to be making its appearance through the ground. Slugs are very fond of theso while young, and aro liable to get your whole sowing if not watched. Use plenty of lime all round the pots so as to keep Idem in check ; also dust it frequently at night all over the seedlings out in the open. Keep weeds down by hoeing. Dig nnd manure all vacant pieces of ground whenever n few lino days take place. Soil turned over and let lie for a week or so soon gets into a good state for cropping. Flowor Garden.

Throughout this month most of the i hardy annuals should bo sown in the ' open border ; tender ones sow in pots, and place under glass. For tho amateur a great number of tho annuals aro much better than more orthodox plants, as thoy will givo much less trouble in roar ing. Continue tho planting out of cuttings, &C, struck last autumn. Tho sooner every hardy plant is out in its summer quarters, the sooner it will got established, and tho better will it succeed. Still continue plant ing out all the spring bulbs as opportunities occur. All patches of annual seed coming through tho ground, givo frequent dustings of lime, so ns to check tho rav ages of slugs. Keep weeds down by hoeing frequently. Lawns—On tho management of these for the next two months will, in a measure, dopends what state thoy will be in during the summer months. Tho grass should be kept ns short as possible with tho scythe or mowing machine, and rolled fre quently with a heavy roller. Greenhouse Still continue giving plenty of air in lino weather. Calceolarias and cinerarias— Givo frequent waterings with liquid man ure. ■ Keep near tho glass, and give each plant plenty of room, so that thoy may not get drawn. Havo composts mixed for potting off tho general stock ; those will soon bo showing signs of moving now. Take off coleus cuttings, and strike in sandy soil. In wet weather havo all tho dirty, empty pots washed, driod, and stacked away, so that they ihay bo dry and clean whon wanted for repotting the general stock or new growing plants ; also, when wet, have a now stock of labels mado, so as to re-writo the names of all tho plants whon potting. Surface-planted Potatoes. For somo years I havo seen potatoes planted within two inches of tho surface, and earthed up at tho time when thoy wero planted. Thus treated thoy have invariably produced a finer crop, of better quality, and at least a fortnight earlier, than those ?lanted at tlio usual depth of six inches, he method adopted is to draw a line with a hoe two inches deep, and in this to insert tho sets, which aro covered up in the usual way. When thoy are about four inches in height another earthing up is given them. In wet and tenacious soils, where potatoes havo been grown side by side under both systems, the surface - planted ones have yielded nearly double the quantity that the others did, and much freer from disease. Thoso who have not tried this system will do well to try a few on it this year.— J. Riddel in "The Garden." Setting Out Pot-grown Plants. Plants raised in pots are much more readily and safely transplanted than those grown in boxes or ordinary seed beds, where tho roots havo not been confined to such narrow limits. But when tho roots have hpen thus confined for a long time, they Irecome so much interwoven as to form a close, compact ball almost impervious to moisture. Before setting out such plants tho ball of soil and roots should be well I sopked in water, and this may be dono while !in the pots or after thoy aro removed ; but a good soaking should be given, and thon, at plantinc time, the ball may bo readily broken or crushed, and the roots relieved from their cramped position, and enabled to seek nutriment from the surrounding soil. It is also well to press the soil down rather firmly about the roots, especially if it be light and porous ; otherwise the water, falling- in rains, will pass by and not remain near the roots to assist their growth. Annuals. These ought to take the first rank as border flowers in most of our small colonial gardens at present, especially the hardy varieties. It is only jh a few' p}aces as yet where a regular staff of professional gar deners are kept, or where th.c tifno and appliances requisite for the propagating of bedding or other plants. The annuals must, therefore, tako first rank, not only because thoy uro easily raised from seed at a mere minimum of cost, but there are so many possible arrangements in the variety of their colours* their hejght varies from a few inches to three or four feet; and in the'Noith Island some of the hardy varieties flower all thewinterthrough. I Autumn sown annuals will cotno into flower early in tbe spring, when some of the more tender varieties can be sown to take their place. In the management of autumn sown annuals it is better to sow them in patches in sheltered situations, then trans plant out into tho border in the early spring, when the borders have received their usual spring overhaul in digging and manuring. To grow and flower annuals well, thoy must be grown in soil thaf has been well manured. Annuals grown tipon poor soil will always take the character of the soil) aiid haven, pooi',hungry appearance, tV itb soils af the above class it is best to have a compost made up of good soil, well-rotted manure, and plenty of sand ; when sowing take out a furrow ring or patch of the stiff soil, and put the compost in its placo, sow the seed, and cover up with sand. When transplant ing out take the same precautions, and you will soon find that the above will materially increase the quantity and quality of the flowers. Annuals, whether sown or transplanted, should always be allowed plenty of room when grown in deep, rich I

soil, and thinned out sufliciently they will bransh out and flower abundantly. When | sowing annuals never sow whon the soil is j wot or clayey—always when it is moderately ' dry. The best mode of sowing is to make short lines or rings, or small patches, and sow tho seed, marking the places ; and then when the seed is coming through the ground you will be able to distinguish tho annuals from the weeds. Whon they are coining through the soil the slugs usually are very troublesome, sometimes clearing off all tho young plants ; therefore you must keep a strict watch, and whenever their presence is detected give a good dusting of lime in the evening while they are out feeding. As the plants grow, thin out all tho weakest, giving plenty of room for the strongest to grow, when they may be loft to them selves. Somo people are very fond of bedding out plants, and go toa grcatdeal of trouble propagating bedding plants. Now, in my estimation, a groat number of the annuals are admirably adapted for this class of work, and thoy would not entail half the troublo or expense, and, in some casos, give a far nloro effective display. Somo other time I may give a list of tho best of the annuals, the times to sow, their habits, and tho mode of culture, with tho colour of their flowers.

SUFFERINGS OF ARCTIC EXPLORERS.

Rescuo of tho Greely Party.

Wasiiixoton, July 17.—Tho Acting Secre tary of tho Navy received a telegram from St. John's, N.F., this morning, stating that the Gtoely relief oxpedition had found tho survivors of tho Greely party. Tho sur vivors numbered seven men in all, their names being Lieutennnt Greely, Sergeant Brainard, Sergeant Fredericks, Sergeant Long, Sergeant Elison, Hospital Steward Biederbick, and Private Connell. They were found by tho relief ships Thetis and Bear five miles off Capo Sabine, in Smith's Sound. Sergeant Elison was very badly frost-bitten, nnd JicdatGodhavon July Oth, after undergoing a surgical operation. The reliof ships Thotis and Bear, with the Bur vivors, are now'at St. John's, N.F.

STORY Of TIIEIB HARDSHIPS AND FINAL

RESCDE,

St. John's (N.F.), July 17.—0 n nrrival at anchorage of tho relief squadron to-day, an Associated Press correspondent inter viewed Lieut. Ureoly and tho other sur vivors of tho Arctic colony, and the follow ing facts woro disclosed:— After passing two winters at Fort Conger in scientific re search, Lieut. Grooly, with his whole party intact, broko up their encampment and commenced tho southward descent. This was accomplished amid great perils from gales of wind, ico nips, ana othor casualties. Capo Sabino having beon reached, a tempo rary homo was erected, built of Btones and covored by boat sails brought along by the party. On September 29, winter quarters woro established at Capo Sabino. Tho com missariat had become very mongro, and tho cache of provisions loft by tho Proteus last year but poorly supplemented it. Tho steam launch had become fast in tho ico a few weeks previous, uud had been aban doned during tho wholo winter.

THK FIRST DEATH. The first havoc in tho ranks was oarly in January, when ono of tho mon dropped off with scurvy. On tho 9th of April Lieuten ant Lockwood and Kicc, the photographer, sucoMinbcd, after a heroic attempt to secure for their starving comrades about 200 pounds of meat supposed to bo cached at a place named Had Crock, distant, about fif teen miles from the encampment. Israel, tlie astronomer, perished on May 27th. Lieutenant Kislingbury died Juno Ist. Dr. Puvy, the naturalist, slopt into death on Juno 20th. Not ono of the victims realised that death was near, Thoy all died tranquil, painless deaths. Two Eskiraaux also perished, ono of starvation and tho othor by drowning, his kayak being pierced by some newly formed ice on April 17th, thus cutting off all hope of getting any supply of seal meat for tho starving explorers. Tho Eskimaux were tho most faithful and do voted followers and helpers of Lieuten ant Greely. Elison was rescued and safoly brought on board tho steamship Bear, where ho died a few days sub sequently. This is an extraordinary in stance of human endurance. While away somo time ten miles from his hut last winter, tho temperature suddenly foil to 48 degrees below zoic. His hands and feet wero frozen to the very bone, and ho was dragged by his comrades in an almost sinking condition to his hut. His feet nnd hands were liter ally amputated by tho frost, and in this terrible state ho lived through the dismal months that intervened between that time and the rescue.

Tho bodies of twelve of the victims havo been brought up by tho steamers Boor and Thetis, nnd embalmed in tanks filled with alcohol. Tho survivors aro all doing well and rapidly gaining flesh and strength. Lieutenant Greely, who was in nn exceed ingly critical condition when transforred to tho Thetis, is now able to move about. This morning ho drovo out for an hour's ride, to get tho country air, and camo back quite refreshed. THK RESCUE. Tho rescue took place on Juno 22nd, under circumstancos of great difficulty. Tho Thetis and Bear lay off from shore about 300 yards. There was a toriffie galo blowing from the south-west. A hoavy soa was running and a formidable ice-nip was apparently inevitable. Lioutenant Greely and the othor six survivors had to bo trans ferred from their camp to the steam launch and a whnleboat in their sleeping bags, and while steaming from the land to the ships tho destruction of tho wholo party seemed certain. Tho sea swept furiously over them and the fury of tho wind threatened to cap sizo them, but at length they were safely placed on board the rescuing squadron, where every possible preparation had beon made to ensure their recovery and comfort.

The Greely party reached the highest latitude over reached by polar explorers, namely. S3deg. 25min. 30soc. The coast of Greenland was carried up to 83dog. 35min. by observations and named Cape Lincoln. The steamship Alert parted company with tho squadron yesterday off Tunk Islands and has not yot reached port.

PROMOTED FROM THE BALLET.

A Viscount Married a Dancer.

Thus writes Archibald Forbes in the " Ade laide Advertiser " :—One strove not to believe the rumour that Lord Savernake had mado an addition to tho long list of aristocratic mesalliances by marrying Miss Dolly Tester, a sprightly young woman who was dancing and singing in the Empire Theatre. But the discreditable story is wholly true. Lord Savornako is a more lad; he came of ago only this week, Ho has been about town for a couple of years, and has gono in extensively for dissipation of all kinds. Ho can drive a four-in-hand with considerable skill, and is reported to be a fair proficient with tho gloves. There is no bluer blood than his in all England. He is grandson of tho Marquis of Ailesbury, and heir to that title as well as to the earldom of Cardigan, which fell to the Marquis of Ailesbury on the death of tho famous earl who commanded the Balaclava charge. The Bruces of the Ailesbury race, and the Brudewells with whom they inter married, are both among the oldest of our great families. The present Marquis of Ailesbury is somewhere about 75, and of very little account in any sense. His son, the father of tlie lad who bqs oi-trfiged his order, was a surjpu§'ly '•! fechles's''"wrt of person, and from his Eton days bore the name of " Duffer Bruce." Ho and the late George Payno thought that they had ft good thing for fa Derby pf '(.0 in tho " Bribery colt, ' afterward Savernake, which Lord Lyon beat by half a head on the post, to the final ruin of tho poor " Duffer," He levantod to Corsica, where, after some wretchedness pf another kind, he died, and ■ left this only son, who has married the ballet girl, Savernake is poor, for the estates aro greatly encumbered, and he has not cotno to them yet. Tlie lady was well ondowed with a settlement made by a previous "friend," and looked askance at Savernake, So he became desperate, it appears, and offered her not only his heart but his hand. She consented to become a viscountess by courtesy, with the ooronet of a marchioness almost to her hand, and I saw the happy pair on tbe box seat of a drag at Ascot the other day. [Thus, pretty Dolly Tester, if her husband lives a few years, will be Marchioness of Ailesbury; and, Ijto the ngxbDuchess of Grafton, will add lustre of the lime-light kiqd'"to. the British peerage.] j

FIELD SPORTS AND AQUATICS.

(BVf ACTION.)

FOOTBALL FIXTURES.

Auckland Rugby Union Programme,

September 6—Poneonby and North Shore v a team from other Association Clubs.

CRICKET FIXTURES.

The Australian Eleven. September 11—Oval, Australians v. All Eng land.

AQUATIC FIXTURES.

September—W. G. Brett v. A. F. Sharland, on Paramatta, for trophy and amateur champion- Ship of the colonies. Novomber 9—Whau River Regatta. January 29—Auckland Annual Regatta.

BEAcn's victory over tho Canadian has ex cited wonder all over the world) and apparently more so in America than elsewhere. All sorts of conjec tures havo been mado as to Hanlan's defeat, the usual contusion being that ho must havo had somo misfortune. Thoso who havo rend our accounts of the race, however, can judgo how far this is in correct. It is admitted, at the samo timo, that Beach is the best man Hanlan has over met, and until the Canadian has again mot and vanquished tho clover Australian, the latter must bo considered fairly entitled to tho proud position of champion of tho world. Tho fastest timo over tho Paramatta course is 30min. 15sec, accomplished by Edward Trickett, when ho beat Beach on July 28, 1883.

Shaw's crickot team aro expected to leave England for Australia on September 17.

One of tho Onehunga Rowing Clubs in tends to enter for three separate events at tho coming Whau Rivor Regatta.

Eleven English sea captains played a cricket match at 'Frisco recently against a local club. Tho local men only scored 2-1, but the tars wero all put out for 2 extras,

A largo number of pleasure craft aro now in the boat-sheds, in preparation for the ensuing season, which will probably be openeaenrly, and should bring out a large number of entirely new vessels.

The new yacht "Albatross," built by Bailey for D. Holland, was successfully launched on Tuogday last. Her nppenr anco promises excollont sailing qualities which will no doubt be heard of very shortly.

Tho position of Secretary to tho Auckland Regatta Ccmmitteo has been accepted by Mr C. Kowe, of lI.M. Customs, who was elected at a recent mooting. Mr Kowe having an extensive acquaintance with shipping matters, should prove " tho right man in the right place."

Wnymouth has orders for three racing dingies, two of which are to bo built of cedar and ono of kauri. Tho two former are for Masters. Burk and Wayroouth, and tho latter for a young fellow whoso name I have not yet ascertained. All will pro bably bo entered for tho Whau Regatta.

For tho past few days, says the Melbourne "Sportsman" of August Cth, thorn has been somo talk of matching Manning, the Now Zealand wrestler, against Donald Diiinie, for a substantial stake. Manning is a tall, powerful wrestler, and will bo re membered as having dofeated Thomas some years ago.

John W. Ronnio, ex-amateur champion boxor of Scotland, has issued v challenge to box any man in tho United States. Ho further offered to take Mitchell tho English man's place, and meet Sullivan upon what ever terms may bo agreed to. Ronnie stands 5 foot 10J inches weighs 2201b5., and seems impatient to measure his strength againßt somo fitting adversary.

I notico that the Southern papers still keep under tho heading of "ovoots to como," a match between Hearn and E. Honlnn for £200 a-sido and championship in Welling ton Harbour, to take place in September. I understood that this fell through long ago, through Hearn'e backers being unablo to lind tho money, and havo heard of no fresh arrangement sin cc being made, so that it is extremely unlikely the event will take place.

A Molbourno paper expresses great grati fication because the present is tho last Australian Eleven which will bo run by speculators, and that in future, when a team is going Homo to represent Australian. cricket, it will go undor the auspices of somo recognised and representative cricket body, so that, while of course the visit will bo expected to pay expenses, and lonvo a reasonable profit for other trips, £ s. d. will not bo tho main object.

Tho following shows how the Auckland Association Clubs stood up to hist Saturday when tho last matches on tie season's pro gramme wero played : —Ponsonby played 12 matches, of which 9 wero won, 1 drawn and 2 lost. Gordon played 12 matches, (j won, 1 drawn, 6 lost. Grafton played 12 matches, 6 won, 4 drawn, 3 lost. North Shore played 12 matches, (> won, 3 drawn, 4 lost. Auckland played 12 matches, 2 won, 2 '■drawn, 8 lost. Newton played 12 matches, 4 won, 2 drawn, 0 lost. Albert played 12 matches, 3 wen, 1 drawn, b lost.

William Edwards, tho Australian pedes trian, writing to an Australian paper from Now York, undor date Juno 27, says :—"A meeting took piece between Vaughan and myeolf yesterday, when ho expressed his willingness to walk mo six days for £200 n-sido, in New York, next Soptember. O'Leary also wishes to have another shy at me ; and Littlewood, of Sheffield, also offers to meet me ; so that it is almost certain a monster six days' sweepstakes for the 'world's heel-and-toe championship' will take place in Madison Square Garden about the latter part of September. I leave next week, July 5, for England, by the famous steamer Alaska. Goorge Hazael, tho noted pedestrian, who somo time ago did 009 miles in six days, will a follow passenger with me. I anticipate returning to New York at the latter part of August."

The Mayor of Christchurch, at a largo nicotine held there recently, presented the Canterbury representatives of tho Now Zealand Football foam, whioh lately returned from Australia, with souvenirs, whioh took the form of gold watch pendants, made to represent a football, on their face being the inscription, " Canterbury Repre sentatives N.Z. v. N.S.W., 1584," and tho name of the recipient. The Mayor, in pre senting tho souvenirs to Messrs XV. V. Millton (captain of tho team), E. B. Millton, and Helmoro, referred to the former's excellent captainship of tho team, and the good conduct of its members both in and out of the field. In responding, Mr W. V. Millton thanked the Mayor for the kind remarks he had madp regarding him self porsonftlly, and was sure that the team, consisting as it did of old and experienced players, needed no one to show thorn the way or lead thorn into the field. There was no need for captainship, and in fact tho only thing lio had to do was to win the toss, which he in variably managed to do. (Applause.)

Rowing Championship of the World.

The following shows the results of the rowing contests for Championships of the World since Novomber, 18S0; —

Nov. 15,1880.—X. Hanlan boat E, Trlckett, over the Thames championship oourso (11 milos); i2o_> a-sido. Time, SCmin, 12sec,

Fob. 11,1881.— E. Hanlan beat E. Layoook, over Thames course; t'soo a-sido. Time, 25min. 41 sec.

April 3, 1882.— E. Hanlan boat R. W. Bord, over Tyno courso (3 miles 713 yards); £S(K) a-Bt.de. Time, 2lmin. 25see. May 1,188'.-E. Hanlan boat E. Trickett, over Thames courso; £500 a-sido. T;rop, S'Jniln 33360. ' " ""

May #>,' 18tJ3.—E- Hanlan beat J. A. Kennedy, q*er 3 miles course, at Point of Pines, Mass, U.S.: £500 aside. Time, lthnin. Isec, July 18, 1883.-X Hanlan boat Wallace Ross, oyer 1 miles ooiirse at Ogdensbiirg; £800. Timo. aifmln, 57'soc. May 32,1881.— E. Hanlan beat E. Laycoek, over 31 miles cotirßo on Nopean River, N,S. \V.; £500 a-sido. Time, 22tnin, 55scc.

August 16, 1831.—W. Beach beat E. Hanlan, over Parramatta course (3 mile 3 J3O yards); £500 a-sido, Time, 20min. 29360.

The Bull Dog and the Pants

One day as an animated canino of the Bovine variety was chewing the seat of a young man's pants his teeth oamein oontact with a deatlr-deallng implement known as a five-shot revolver. The dog unwisely en deavoured to assimilate tho article, when it discharged and fatally wounded him The animal rolled over in agony and the young man ejaculated in gleeful tones : "Aha, my canabalistic friend ; when you, tackled me you were unaware thtit I \yas loaded."

"'*srue," replied the dog faintly; if I had tackled you unawares else but where I did yon would have discovered that J was loaded."

Then the animal's suffering ceased, and the young man seourod enough money for the mangled remains from a sausago-maker to enable him to have his trousers repaired. Moral; Never bite more'n you can chaw.

AN INTERVIEW WITH MADAME SEMBRICH, THE POLISH PRIMA DONNA.

In many regards Madame Sembrich stands alone among prime donne. First of all, she stands incontestably far abovo all others in many-sided knowledge of hor art. Her voice is by no monns her only gift; as a player upon the violin and piano she has but few equals, and could as easily have ob tamed eminence here as upon the lyric stage. Further, her knowledge of languages is quite unequalled ; she speaks Russian, Polish, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and English so fluently that many a linguist might envy her colloquial powers. Knowing and admiring her gifts, I thought it might bo interesting to tho readers of "Tho Evening News "—inasmuch as the interview previously reported by mc with Madame Lucca has attracted considerable attention —to place Madamo Sembrich s opinions on record, so that ono might be nblo to compare what two gifted Bingers thought upon tho samo subjects. Madame Sembrich received mo with much kindness, and, when I told her tho purpose of my visit, seemed pleased to forward it.

SEMBRICII'S EABLT LI FK

At once I nsked her to tell me something of her early life, how sho had come tochooeo tho stage us o profession, and whether she hud bogun to train for it when young. " I am a Pole, you know," she answered frankly, "born in Lemberg, the capital of Galicia, and when I was on.'.y four years old my father taught mo the piano, and made mo prnctiso incessantly. I loved the tasks he set mo, and so found them easy, and year by year ho grow prouder of my pro gress. Only instrumental music, you will understand," she said, " the piano first, the violin afterwards. Then, when a girl, I studied with Hon-Sembrich. You sec my master became later my husband. But he had already seen that my voico was worth cultivating. Accordingly I practised under his direction, bntstillkoptdiligentlyat work at my piano and violin. Shortly after out marriage he took mo to Vienna to I lerr , and tho famous master heard mo play on both instruments. After professing his belief that I had chosen my career wisely, he recommended my husband to keep me some t few months longer in Vienna before taking 'me to Liszt. This was agreed upon, and wo prepared to go. Suddenly Herr stopped us by asking, ' Does the lady sing ?' ana when my husband answered that he thought my voice was a good one, nothing would satisfy the maestro but that he should hear mc. After listening to ono or two songs ho ceased playing, and cried, ' That's tho vein to work I The voice is not very powerful, but the timbre of it is ' Well, you know," she added smiling, "He com plimented me, und that satisfied my hus band. Tho piano and violin were relogated to the second place, and I practised singing assiduously. A year and a half afterwards I made my debut, and was at onco well re ceived."

11KU OPINION OK ENGLISH AUDIENCES,

I asked—"Do you agree with Madame Lucca in what sho says of English audiences?"

"No," sho said, "I think ono requires to know the English in order to like them, just as tho English want to know a singer bo fore they like her. They seem cold, I admit, but tho coldness is in seeming, or else thoy wouldn't cling to their old favourites as they do. Why, when some singers I could mention had no longer the vestigo of a voico—when they would havo been hissed on any other stage—they wero still well re ceived in England out of old affection {pietat). An English audience is constant. It is hard to win, but once won it remains faithful as Ion X as life lasts in the singer, and long after the voice has disappeared." " But," I said, somewhat nettled, "this is surely the case in other countries too. I remember seeing Hon- Niemann as Lohen grin enthusiastically encored in Berlin, when not only his voice was gone, but also seemingly the place from whence his voice had aforetime come—if he ever had one," I added, "which I much doubt." "Ah, yes!" sho said, "but look how splendidly Niemann acted ! Ho did not only look the part; he teas Lohengrin, and no either trod the stage as he did. By-the by," sho added, "1 heard tho other day that ho was about to appear as an actor, and tho part in which he will make his debut is that of Egmont in Goethe's tragedy." CONTINENTAL AUDIENCES. Taking up again tho thread of our con versation, I asked Madame Sembrich whether sho liked other audiences bettor than tho English or not.

" Ah," sho answered, enthusiastically, " they have all of them their good points. I like them all. Ono is well treated, well received everywhere. In St. Petersburg I sang for two seasons, and got to liko the Russians very much as soon as I had learned their language. It is a dear people (liebes Yolk), so amiable and so kind ! Then, in Dresden, where I am best known, they treat me as ono of themselves, and call me a child of Dresden, for there I mado my debut. Tho most difficult audience to please that I know of is that of Madrid. The people thero are very critical, and do not in tho least hesitate to hiss if ono doesn't pleaeo them. But then, again, when they are pleased they encourage one just as heartily by never-ending applause." " May 1 now ask who your favourite com posers are ?" " I love nearly all the great German musicians—Mozart, Beethoven, Wagner, Schumann, and particularly my own never to-be-forgotten countryman Chopin. His music always affects me peculiarly. I can see that what foreigners regard as strange in it springs naturally from tho genius of my people, and so his music always brings my beloved fatherland before my oyes. Chopin is a musician to whom wo Poles owe as much enjoyment as we do to our greatest poets, and accordingly we repay him with enthusiastic admiration." HER OPINION OF WAGNER.

" Among your favourites you have re ferred to ono man in regard to whom public opinion in England is by no means unani mous, and therefore I would ask you to tell mo exactly what y.bu think'of Wagner and his innovations."

"I scarcely know how to express fully my I high esteoni for Riohard Wagner; it is almost a species of adoration. " Not only do I consider him the greatest Gorman composer of this century, bat indeed as an artist he seems to mo to hold somewhat the same place in Germany that Shakspero does in England. In fact, I often call him the. German Shakspero. I must confess, however, that I -• refer what are known as the works of.Wagner's first period. 'Dor Fliegende Hollander," 'Lohengrin,' ' Tfynn haitser,' nnd, even the ' Meistersiriger,' seem to mo to stand among tlie very first of all operatic pvofactions, and I can never hoar thorn without tho keenest pleasure, which becomes, in recollection, a satisfying joy. " On the other hand, the later words of tho great master--somo parts of them ex cepted—excite in mo an intellectual interest rather than afford mc artistio enjoyment, Still, Wagner remains Incomparable; and just now I am congratulating myself that in Paris-where I am to sing in the coming season—ens of my first parts will he thatci Elea, in 'Lohengrin,' which J reckon among my favourite ro/f.5." I then askod hor whioh was her favourite role. She answered at onoo, " ' Lucia di Lammormoor,' although I like also the parts I take in 'Faust.'in 'The Magic Flute,' in'Rigoletto.'in'Don Juan,'and in 'The Marrage of Figaro.'"

SEMBRICII's INTENTIONS.

I then n§ked the prima donna where she was going to play next.

" 1 am engaged for three months in Paris, after which I have promised to go to Madrid in the winter. Besides, I have received excellent offers from Vienna and Berlin, and and if I havo determined to go first to Berlin, this issimply becauseßerlinisnearer to Dres den, where, as you know, I have made my home."

Wishing the diva tho sucooss her great talents so well deserve, I promised to send her tho proof sheets of this interview to correct, and then took my leave, congratula ing myself upon a conversation of quite singular interest, innsmuoh as it reveals to the Enelish public the esteem in which Wagner is hold by perfectly cultivated musicians wheare not biassed in his favour by patriotic considerations,

A DINNER AND A KISS.

1 have brought your dinnor, father," Ihe blacksmith's caiipi»ter 3aid, ' As she took from her amis a kettlo And lii'tetl its shilling lid. '' There* not any pic or pudding, So. I will Rive you this." Ann upf-n his toil-worn forehead Slieleitach'idulikiss. The blacksmith took off his apron And dined in happy mood, Wondering much at the savor Hid in his Iniinhlo food, While playlne about him were visions Full of prophotio bliss; But ho never thought, of thfi magic In his little daughter's kiss. While she. with her kettle swinging. Merrily trudged away,' Stopping at sight of a squirrel. Catching Borne wild hird's lay. And I thought how many ashadow Or life and tare wo would mis 3 '■ If always our frugal dinners Were seasoned with mch a tyss.

A Reception by the King of Abyssinia.

Mr O'Keßly, M.P., acting as special correspondent for tho "Daily Nows," thus describes Admiral Hewett's interview with King Johannes : —

Facing the entrance and against the circular wall of the hut, on a throne covered with violet satin cloth, and sup ported on either side by pillows of the same rich stuff, witli the cross of Solomon worked in gold thereon, sat the " Negus Negusti" and King of Zion. On his right stood a servant with a silver-handled horsehair fly switch, which he kept swaying to and fro to keep the flics from feeding off the butter on tho Royal head, for in the habit of greasing doth his Majesty indulge as well as his lowly subjects, and the fat sparkled on his crisp hair, neatly plaited in three broad pieces stretched from the forehead over the Royal cranium to the napo of the neck, where tho plaits narrow, and are held together with a diamond-headed pin. Drawn up just over the tip of this nose, and totally covering the lower parts of his face and body, was the shemtna or toga similar to tho one given by Allula to the Admiral, embroidered with various-coloured silks in a broad stripe down the centre of the cloth, which is tho token of nobility. The King, who was indeed all eyes and ears, scanned us each suspiciously as we approached the throne and bowed. He shook hands with Sir Wm. Hewett and Mason Bey, this movement necessitating tho partial un covering of the body, showing the massive Order of Solomon gleaming on a gown of black silk ; but only for a moment was so much Royalty seen ■'_, and as the Admiral and the Egyptian representatives seated themselves on cane bottomed chairs pro vided for them a little distanco on the left of the throne, the toga was up to his mouth again, as if our presence had suddenly mado him feci vory ill. So far was this illusion carried that ono almost expected him to rush for the door or call the steward - and a dim vision of the far-off but dear old Calais packet appeared to many of us. Tho Ad miral .soon settled down to business, and i-ose to present tho Queen's letter, whi c i, looked a very formidable epistle as if. lay in the pretty blue silk case worked by Lady Strangford. Mason Bey followed with the Khedive's letter, nnd Captain Speedy with that of I.ord Napier of Magdala. The Ras took each letter and held them towards the King who only bowed. They were then handed to the Chancellor. Allula, whoa few weeks ago was playing the haughty chieftain with surroundings more regal and a retinue as large as the King's, and muffled up to the nose- as that monarch was to-day, now stood abashed and humble before his monarch with his shemtna down to his waist and lowered head. The interview becoming slow and oppressive, tho Admiral asked permis sion to go, expressing a hope that now his mission v*as nearly finished, nnd having waited the King's pleasure for five weeks, that His Majesty would allow him to return soon to the coast and his ships. The Nefusti then opened his lips for tho fir«t time during tho interview, and whispered the word "Echee," which in plain English means all right, or very well; then the toga once more closed his mouth, and also our interview ; so we rose, bowed, and left the hut. On issuing into the courtyard, we found that all the presents had now arrived from our camp below, bo the Admiral, to avoid another journey, resolved to deliver them at onuo, and again wo found ourselves in the presence of the King. As servant after servant brought inthe numerous bulky presents, and placed them at the feet of the Negusti, a deep interest (va3 apparent in his keen black eyes, and ns the glittering plated weapons camo to his view, as box after box was prised open, Johannes gradually dropped his toga from his mouth, and became visibly affected by the sincerity of a mission thus provided with such valu able arguments. Now placed on a hotter footing, the King even condescended to smile his thanks, which lightened up his otherwise gloomy face, and made it quite pleasant. It is lean and wan, broad just over the brows, which are perfectly arched, deep-seated large black eyes, a nose slightly Jewish but small, and a mouth and chin showing a weakness that belie the upper part of the face. His colour is almost negro in its blackness, and was much intensified against tho whiteness of the shemtna. During this second visit one had more leisure in noticing the surroundings of this monarch of Ethiopia. The interior of the hut had nothing to recommend it above other native interiors. The walls were of plain mud and stono, unevenly faced, and without any attempt at decorative art, or even draped with cotton cloth, as that of Allula's. The carthern floor was bate, with tho exception of a few well-worn pieces of Brussels carpet leading from the entrance uj) to the foot of what served for a throne. There was no attempt at state; a few domestics lolled against the walls, and on the left side of the throne stood a priest, whose seeming occu pation was to keep the flies from his own uoso with the aid of a pieco of cow'g tail. There appeared to bo no one in particular to keep the door or lift the cloth as one entered or passed out. And when wc did the latter —after a cheerful good-bye from the King—wo had to move it for ourselves. Out of the kingly prosence an unruly mob of soldiers and servants jostled us wherever we walked. Sometimes an indignant chief would lay about him with a stiff bamboo, and clear the way for a timo, but they were like flies; their appetite for curiosity was all the more sharpened, and they swarmed around in larger numbers. In the compound I noticed tb,a,t a large leafy bower had beon ejected to cover at least 500 men, This was where the warriors, chiefs, and oourtiers of the King feasted. We wore none of us invited during our stay to one of these entertainments, the King knowing full well that Europeans are not accustomed to the peculiar luxuries of an Abyssinian banquet. A small o_w I have seen, and for myself was heartily glad that he did not honour u«s with this mark of his favour. Tho ppece de resistance is generally r;\w meat.

A Mixed Marriage.

Ehgmsh young Indies who read the report of a coso which was heard in the Divorce Court the other day will hesitate before they consent to go to the altar with a native of India. The natives of India must not, of course, be judged by t'ae conduct of one man, but the wrongs which Mrs Sarkies recited before Sir James Hannen unquestionably form an argument againtt mixed marriages. Englishmen frequently violate the ro,ayriage vow, but Mr Martyrose Johannes Sarkies has proved that there is a dppth to which only a native of India can descend, Sarkies, it appears, was married to the daughter of the late Colonel Russell three years ago at Brighton. The bride and bridegroom, after visiting London, went to Aix-la-Chapelle, and there the latter proposed less than a fortnight after their marriage that his wife should dine at a table dhatc held at a different hour from that of the one at which he dined. He went to places of amusement, b,iit declined to take her, and refused to Joiain excursions if she was to be o| tho party. When sho at last asked him for an explanation, he told her ho had ceased to care for her—that his "idol was smashed." Tho smashed idol not unnaturally retorted that she did not think he had ever cared for her, whereupon ho told her that if she said so. again he would thrash her. Next, ho turned a lady who came to see her a\_t of the room- On another occasion he. threatened to. throw his wife ot't of thp.Ayind.ow; a.nd subsequently he proposed to, pull h<>r out of the room . jby hor hair, When the "happy"! pair returned to London, ho remained silent during meals, and went out immediately afterwards. She complained of his behaviour, but he admonished her not to call him husband, and informed her that if she liked she might get a divorce. He suggested that she might go and live with some other map., '<ancf not commit sin if she did not wish," as the mere living with another man would enable her husband to obtain a divorce, Ultimately, she dis covered that he himself had repeatedly committed adultery. But he had not, she admitted, resorted to physical violence. It is obvious that the fellow knew what he was about. Under her father's will Mrs Sarkies was entitled to a sum of £4,000 up on her marriage, and a life interest in the remainder of her father's property afttr. her mother's death. His wife's monoy seems to have facilitated the call of Sarkies to the English bar. It may be assumed ho was aware that if Jjo used violence toward hor it would be easy for her to establish ortiolty against him. He certainly realised the fact that if she lost her character ho could obtain a divorce from her and retain con trol of her monpy. Mr Justice Hannen very properly declined to allow that a man cannot be cruel to his wife unless he strikes hey. It is oowardly and contemptible to strike a woman, but men have struck their wives who would sooner have shot them selves than behave as the native of India behaved. We do not know whether M>"s Sarkies has any brothers; h»_ jf A Martyrose is perhaps & some danger p! having big bfi „ d Bmashed- Rja ■aay 6ongratulate herself fat fa has secured her freedom^ Jft she. marries again she_ is not likel,y to listen to the suit of a nativg of India;' though he may wear a black coat and fancy himself a gentleman, —'-jrigavo." ;

GOSSIP FROM STAGE AND STUDIO.

[By Euterpe.]

Mr Gerald L, Dillon, who has acted as business manager for the Theatre Royal Christchurch, for some time past, takes a benefit there on September 22nd, the piece chosen for tho occasion being "Still Waters Run Deep."

The many friends of Mr D. R. P^nssall popular young baritone who left here for Melbourne several months ago, will be pleased to learn that he lias secured a good position in tho Emilie MelvilleOpera Troupe which is now bound for a tour through India. In Melbourne he sustained the part of the King of Spain in " Maritana," and that of Devilshoof in "Tho Bohemian Girl " with considerable success.

J. K. Emmett has had a new piece written for him, entitled "In tho Promised Land."

Madame Pauline Rita, the celebrated cantatrico, and Mr Radcliff, the flautist are to give six concerts in Adelaide shortly!

Mr Robert Love may be shortly expected in Auckland to pilot Webb's Marionettes now in Auckland, through the colony. '

A large staff of Yale Professors are re. vising Webster's Dictionary, which will soon appear. Many of them are also at work upon the Century Dictionary. Mrs Langtry, it is stated, has invested £20,000 in house property in New York and is contemplating opening a theatre in the city next season. Mdme. Bernhardt will, next season f n Paris, play Romeo to tho Juliet of another lady in a French version of Shakespeare's tragedy. Princess Louiso is engaged on a statue of the Queen, which is to be placed in one of the niches of the newly restored west-front of Lichfield Cathedral. ° The affairs of tho East require another special organ in London ; therefore, a news paper will be started, with tho title of the "Oriental Review." Professor Baldwin, thought-reader and spirit-exposer, who made a very successful tour of the colony some four or five years ago, will again visit New Zealand shortly. Wood year's Electric Circus, which haa been doing excellent business since it left Auckland, opened in Belmont Park Sydney, on Saturday last. \ Miss Alice Wooklridge, who used to sin? " The Lights o' London " ballad in the drama of that name, is now prima donna of the Einilio Melville Opora Troupe, vice Miss Grade Paisted.' Tho Pollard Juvenile Opera Bouffe Com pany are just finishing a season of one month at the Academy of Music, Adelaide At its conclusion it is more than probable they will visit Now Zealand. Sollier, a Parisian operatic tenor, vt&i serving behind tho oounter of a wineahoD not so very long ago. Now he is a'success. tul artist, and about to marry into an English aristocratic family. Chiarini's Circus is still located in Sydney but the entertainment is described as es sentially of the " multy » order. Excepting the Faust Family, the artists engaged ail " very second-raters." Mr Gerald Massey, the English poet and lecturer, in coming forward to deliver his opening lecturo in Melbourne, was intro duced by Mr Justice Windeyer as the fire* English poet who had visited the colony. A novel uso of the electric light was lately made at the Savoy Theatre, where the whole of the company were photographed upon the stage in the costumes of " Princess Ida " beneath tho rays of two powerful aro lights.

Miss Genevieve Ward was among tha 1 sufferers by the recent stoppage of tha Oriental Bank, Melbourne, tho whole of her receipts for the first six or seven weeks of .: her Melbourne engagement having been de posited in that unfortunate institution. Shakespeare's 'comedy of "As You Like It "ia to bo performed in England in the' ' open air, in tho glade of a real wood. This enterprise is under tho direction of Lady ! Archibald Campbell, The play has been rearranged to suit these novel condition? ■ by Herman Vezin. In Paris recently, during the last act o! ''Sappho," Mdlle. Richard was lite for heu cue, and was, in consequence, fined 500f. This is explained by the fact that the singer was holding an audience in her dressing-room of two eminent politician^ well-known in the French Chamber. . The death is announced of Mr Richard Vernon, hrother of Howard and Robert Vernon. Tho deceased was a member of Messrs Williamson, Garner and Musgrove's : Opera Company, in the capacity of assistant stage manager, and the cause of deeth was consumption. Byron the author-actor's dream is o'er— Dying, he left four thou»and pounds-no more, ■■-■ ♦MS- ***? brS we*' «u,ta this worldOtSS? And millions two. bequeaths his sorrowing he£ To many pareona doubtless it seems Queer and Beer. " London Entr' Acta" The new Opera Houso which it is pro posed to erect in Wellington is to be con- ■' structed of brick, and will he, it isantici- • pated, ready for occupation about May next, the inaugural performances very probably being under the management oi Messrs Williamson, Garner, and Musgrove, M, Peru, a Parisian pianist, has under taken to play the piano in the lions' cage in Pezon's Menagerie, and he loses his bet if ' his playing betrays any tokens of agitation or loss of his customary sang froid. While M. Peru discusses Chopin and Beethoven, - Pezon will put the lions through their exercises.

The new novol of M. Georges Ohnet, the popular author of "Le Maitre dcs Forges," *c, has been published, and the forty sixth edition has already been sold in Paris. It 1.3 said that 40,000. copies were ordered ia advance. The title is " Lise Plueron," and the subject la the troubles and sorrows of a Parisian actress. iJIw3-* J°?i 6 & M P urchp-s«3d as a giro for his friend Mr Henry I Yvinga p iece 6 0 | silver plate presented, to John Kemble on ibit "rw? 6?* from the staSe, June 27th,' 181/. 11118 interesting testimonial isavasa designed, by Flaxman, and bears an inscrip tion to the effect that it wrr given to the great tra'j.Jian by "a numerous assembly of his aumirers." Emma Abbott, the American actress, has a queer memento among hor collection— viz., a pin once given to her by Brigham Young. In connection therewith she says s —" I happened to praise the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, and I said I believed yon could hear a pin drop, and he proved it to mo. He stood on the stage and a lot of us got at the furthest end of the building, and he dropped the pin into a high hat, and we all heard it distinctly. It boats anything I ever knew." One thousand poems were sent to P. T. Barnum's judgesin competition for the white elephant p?i?.o. Of these 200 were selected as worth serious consideration, and f__ I judges rendered a verdict that three oi the 200 possessed merit, but that none 0 f them Tit 7wZ °» he £IQO ze' It Prob able that Mr Barnum will ofi - er to £ vido the prize among the aut' n6rsof these thra9 #£ V" d ? ub rl,sh the ™ses together. Ihe three fortunate poets afterwards proved to nei Joaquin Miller, Eldridge S. Brook^ 0 f Brcoklyn, and Mrs HT P. Dwinelle, I have received some further particulars Of the singular demonstration made by Mel bourne medical students on the occasion of Miss Ward's production of "Macbeth." Before the performance commenced a long streamer of black calico, about 20ft. by 2ft., was unfurled and tied with strings along the gallery, so that tho whole house might read' 'The Medicals' Greeting to Miss Genevieve Y\ ard ' in immense letters thereon, supple mented by a black banner, containing the • skull and crossbones," so intimately con nected with the student's craft. From timo to time hospital bandages were lowered as fishing lines to angle in the upper boxes and dress circle for any stray programmes. Tho intervals between the acta were utilised by these choice spirits in silencing the band of thp theatre by yelling out at the top of their voices the popular chorus from "■Faust," a Salvation Army song, Old John Brown, and other intellectual morceaux of choral music. At the close a deafening call was raised for Shakspere.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR; SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1884

4



Stakdakd PaiiPAnATiOKS Just received at Aickin's, Tho Pharmacy, Queon-stroet.— Kepler's Extract of Malt, two sizes; Kepler's Extract of Malt, with Cod Liver Oil; Kepler's Extract of Malt, with lodide o£ Iron ; Kepler's Extract of Malt, with Parrish'a Food: Haze line -, Hurroueh's Beef and Iron Wine; Follows Syrup of thu Hyiiophosphltos. for Consumption ; i-'i'iiuraiil Sozo'.tmit for'the Teeth (Its fid per' initio); l nn's Kriiit Salt; Kishop'sEff<uwesoing. l.'.ii-l.ir.ml rialss. Vicny Salts, and Citrate of



"ROUGH ON RATS."-CU»r. out raU, mi™. roKhe.. fll<«, autn. teit-brjfp. beetles, Insect*, skunk*. ]ack-iftbblta, gopbeix At Dru(«i>U. KuuvtliorHt, I'iomm * Co., AgeuC Auckland,



Habitual Constipat'.Os, the cause bf so touch discomfort and - 0 ~.,8 ny troublesome ail m? i ' £ &li bf rP-iieVed by nothing eater and »ore cftectn.-, x\_ a ,__ Castor Oil in repeated Bmall noses, its, fl^useous flavour being the only draw back., Al.-1-*"** nnd Han bury's new process of niaii\ifiittureeoniplotely obviates this, and there is now no more palatable aperient than the A.. and H, " Tasteless" Castor Oil shaken up in warm milk. At Is 3d and 3s. Sold by Graves. Aioki.v, The Pharmacy; and J. A. Pond, Uomeo. Chemist, Quc-sn-street. Ask tor tho. " A anil II "hraiKv—lAßVi'*- .1 . "HOUGH ON CrfjlS,"-inK.tor\n«n,:t.-'_twh m^i Con,*" Q.jkk- .el'-f - ui;>'i- icM.siiviilwr.. iWm, warftL. imnioia. i ... *"_>! '' ■ _m__________m