SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

- ~ -,- *.-!7i7 JTbis Evening, (1.55 H:.<: vTAiEß{ To . morrO vr Morning, i.v SUNSKT.-Thls Evening, 5.1j ft S!rNRTSE.-To-morrow Morning, b.iu MOON'S AGK.-Now Moon, 2Uth, 2.51 a m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY.

Opotiki, kS. Rust, from Opoiiki

DEPARTURES.

LAST KVKNINO.

Wellington, s.s., Farnuhar. for Tauronga Torca?lch.. Lamb, for Suwarrow TO DAY. To Anau, s.s., Carey, for Southern porU

Vessels Expected.

t Awnnv British King, s.s., sailed March 15; HS^^ie'^^^anT. Maroon, bilrque'md Thames, bar.juo. to follow. riiivA -AndrolWas. barque, early. . AwrHALii-Naiad, brig, and Ammbell. bng. from Newcastle; Clansman, briga ß *no, from Ro S^™^ PO.TS.-Camille. brigan.ine. from Unnedin ; Marlon, from Oamaru.

IMPORTS.

Per Alnstor, from London-! case: net curtnloft 2 bales door mats. 0 units curled liair.-WinTS and Hall. Per Annaboll. from Newcastlc-505 tons coal. Ex Alastor-7 cases fenders, 1 cask adzes,, 1 Per Alastor, from London - Plain cottons. £600; coloured cotton*. £100; printed cottons. £100 woollens aud worsteds, £100; < laim 0 1;'?'. £300: waterproof and imliarubber mods, £200, mmi'nbry £00: hosiery, £100; haberdashery, CT; apparel £100; blankets, £30 >: carpets and rugs £'00; wrot loiiher, tllO; saddlery. £230; floorcloth. £130; table buize £30; sewing ma cfrtridKes and dynnmiie. £121; gunpowdor, ™lowt; chains anil anchors, i tons; hardware. cuUory. £I,SOOi Pig iron. 20 tons ; iron rails , tons- wiro and wire rope. 10 tons; am, 1 ton, varnish ™30; paint colours, W; glue, lew .;, flint glass, £10; foreign window glass, l&i cases fplate glass. 11 cases; bran ami flour bags, £ ISO; canvas, £'230; cordage, £??; linef and tlvincs, £20; cement, l&O barrels: cigars, MOlbs.: brandy in bulk. 1,570 gal s; brandy in eaao, OaOgalls.; ram. 1,.*0 gallsi; geneva, lOOftaUi.: British spirits in bulk, ioOgalls.; British spirits in case olOgn Is. white wine, WOnalls. ; beer in bulk. 15gaUs.; beer In g a°s, CSgalls.; prosorvodflsh, noiratcd. £90- sardines, £<j0: a39orted oilmen's stores, £270; vinogar, SOOgalls.; cocoa, oewt; isinglass and gelatino, £20; mustard, £110,, starch, *80; vermicelli and maccarom. Gowk; split poaa, lOowt; white salt, 10 • tons; soda crystals. 10 tons; cau*(! 5 ton?; silicate. 2 tons; candles, lalowt; soap. sowt- raisins, 51«wt; cnrninta, 2o(towt; liquorice. scwt Ringer 7cwt; treacle. GOcwt: collou. s«wt; confectionery and pool, £20; apatliecory waro, £200; sulphur, lOcwt.; saltpetre, lOcwt; con densed milk, 8180; cornflour, £60. Total value, £IG,OOO.

EXPORTS.

Per Torea, for Suvrarrow: 4,000 ft timber, 27 Pk#or SUTo'Anau, for Melbourne and Southern Dorts-SG sacks poanuta, 8t Backs' oysters, 10 tales (lax, 10 sacks seod, 29 wsos fruit 2 horses 202 sacks cocoanut.3, 40 baga flour. ot>3 bnnclves bananas. 19 crates biscuits, X) piece* timber 20S hides, 569 sacks maize, 7 boxes gold.

ft timber ; Pukapnka. from Barrier, with 15 0; 0 ft baulk timber; Viokit, from Thamos, with 17 000 ft timber. Outwards COABTWISR. — liuakaka, for PakiiV Kata, for \V H iar,i; Pukapnka, for Manga'ec; Violet, for Thames. Tho next vessel on the berth for London will bo the baniuo Alastor, which arrived this morn ing- and which will most liUoly bo berthed at Queen-street wharf to-morrow mormnj.'. Tho now schooner Waireka, built by Mr Mc- Qnanie, of Aucklnnrt. arrived at Sydney on the 9th inst, after a fine passage of seven days frjm Waitara. The barquo Loongana entered outwards at tho Customs today for Newcastle, and the brigantino Seabird cleared for Hokiangn.

Tho ketch Opotiki arrived from Opotiki this afternoon with 1.350 puriri posts.

Tho brlgantino Marshall S. will sail for Oamara early this evening.

Tho schooner Opotiki may bo expected this evening with a cargo of mane and who it fr m Opotiki.

nuriiu. Tlio s.s. Talaroa arrived from Dunedln early this mornimg with 250 tons cargo ex Tongarlro. She will leave for Southern ports again this evening. She is in chnree of Cantain Smith, formerly chief oillcer of tho Union stcamor Takapuna.

The B.s. Macgrcgor arrived from Wlinngarei this morning. Pasicnxera .-—Messrs P. Ray and Wilson, Mrs Allison, Miss McLean, Mrs Wilkie. and two stoeragp. Cargo: 14sackBgum, Shhds ale, 150 cases fruit, 8 crates fowls. 12 boxes eggf\ 5 boxes butter, 4 kogs batter, i sacks hides. 2 bundles sklna, ILOOO ft timber, 4 tons sundricp.

The following vessels were spoken by the barque Alastor:—The barquo Uatesido. from London which left the Downs wlthihe Alastor, in lat. 14deg. 12min. 3., longitude 39de«. 20min. E., bound toßockhampton; the Germaffbarque L.S.D.C., from Hamburg to Alaoa Bay, Int. 28deg. !Jsmin. S., long. 23deg. Jmin. W.; ship Douglas, of Liverpool, from Morecombo Bay, lat. 13deg. 43min. S., long. 82deg. 2Gmin. E.

The s.s. To Anau loft for f outhorn ports and Melbourne at 1 p.ni. to-day. Passengers for Gisborne—Mr and Mrs Jone3, Miss Jones, Mr and Mrs Knisrht, Mossrs Dowlng and Coleman. For Napier, Mrs Uealo, Mr and Mrs Levinsohn, Meßsra Hatlev, Edgcumbe, anil Hoftman.—For Wellington — Misses Kennedy and Hobson, Messrs Glagg, Dryeon, Rothschild, Dyson, Newborry, Captain and Mrs Hos!, Mr and M' s Robinssn, Mr and Mrs Nancarrow. Mr and Coioroft. For Lyttolton—Mr and Mrs Prime, Dr. Bontham, Miss Nancarrow, Messrs Donncr, Makopeace, Marrow. For Duncdin—Messr3 F. Roborts, Pryor, Morris 12). For Melbourne- Messrs Gil'bopt, Powell, and H. Wilmot, Mroi:d Mrs West

ARRIVAL OF THE ALASTOR.

Tho barquo Alastor, ah iron vessel of f2l tons, owned by tho Shaw, Savill, and Albion Com pany, and consigned to Messrs Crulckßhank and Co., was signalled at an early hour this morning, and dropped anchor at tho powder Sound shortly before 10 a.m Her passage/rom indon has boen a wither longthy ono of 114 days, having been prolonged by contrary winds and unfavourable woather. The Alastor. which ia in charge of Captain Glazebrook, bringa tho following pasaongors:—Socond class: Richard Smith. Steerage: James Wothorspoon (2), Mary Wotherspoon, John "Wotherspoon, AVilllG Wothorspoon. Henry H. Noye3, Bridget Joyce, Francis Gribbln, George' A. Green. Emma E. Green, Lydia B. Green, Amy S. Green, Georgo A. Green, .Arthur W. Green, Arthur Sulmon, James Johnston, Margaret Johnston and child, William Forater, Isabella Forster, Sarah Forster, Maybella Forster, Jameg Forster, John Forster, John T. Cassldy, and Annie Hagerty. The chiet officer of the Alastor is Mr Underwood, and the second officer Mr Hart Captain Glazo brook reports of the vojage as follows:—Left London on Jan. 1, and anchored at Gravesend on tho evening of the same day. Took in gun powder and Bailed again on the following day. AnohpjKd In the Downs in the evening, with tho wind from S.W. and fro3h. On Jan. 6th left the Downs with wind from tho westward, which continued till wa passed the Lizard on the 12th, with the wind from the northward. The weather continued fine with a favourable wind until wo roachod the Lino, which wo crossed In 27 deg. west, being then 27 days from tho Lizard. March Ist crossed tho meridian of ereonwlch, and on the 6th of March, abreast of Capo of Good Hope, in 43 deg. south, between which and 45 dog., wo mado our easting and ex porlenoed thomoatof thetimemoderate weather. Crosssd the meridian of Capo Lewin on March 31st 80 days from tho land; on the Bth of April abreast of South Cape of Tasmania, and on the 19th sighted Three Kings. Had moderate weather down the coast, arriving an above

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. LaUa Rookh, b.s.. Bailey, from Waitara Kangaroo, s.b., Dybal, from Westport

DEPARTURES.

Lalla Rookh, 5.8., Bailey, for Waitara Argylo, s.b., Amodeo, for Waitara

Tho s.B. Kangaroo arrived from Westport yesterday with 151 tons coals.

The b.b. Lalla Rookh arrived from Waitara early thidTnorning with 20 cattle and 120 sheep. She left again for the same port at 10 o'clock.

The s.b. Argylo left for Waitara at 11 o'olock thin morning with 65 cases and packages, and tho following passengers:—Mossrs Pon'on and Savill, Misses Walker, Webster, and Mrs Hunter.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

[BY TFXEGRAPII —OWN COTIBESPONDENT.]

Helensville, Thursday. — Sailed, to-day: Marmion Gleaner, Aratapu, Waitctnata, Julos Marie, and Killarnoy.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

WAITABA, this day. — Arrived : Hannah Mokau and Douglas, from Manukau, 7 a.m. Suilod: Douglas, for OnchungaMo.lo.a:m.J Whanoabei, this day.-Sailed: Waitaki, for Auokland, 10 a.m. ; , . , Thames, this day.-Arrived: Manpn, from Oamarn, with produce. Loading: Enaeavour, at Turoa mill, and Konilworth, at Kirikiri mills. Lyttklton, yesterday.—The barque Firth of Lome has cleared with 11,833 Backs of wheat Daring tho last seventeen days she discharged a cargo of coal and loaded as above, altogether < about 2,500 tons. Tho ship Rialton has cleared 'lor Cork with 1,266 sacks of wheat. Tho ship Wellington has on board 7.C11 frozen shoop, and •will complete her cargo with produce and Eall :•.:• tor London on the 13th. X POOT OrrAtMßßa, yostorday.-Ballcd:'Mana ponrifOrthoNorOi. Paascnucra for Auckland: Mesara Kensell, Maldon, and Dudley, Miss _. Bheehan, Mrs Long and two children. mfc. ' : j. Mblbouknic. April 24.—Arrived, this morn- HL tag; Tarawera, from Blutr. Sailed, this after- noon: Kotomahana, for lihill'.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, this day. «i?qsKR O W. Binnby and Co. report at thoir 7dfpeltß%dtols7d ; green, 2s 2d each ; scoured pelt wool, 7d per lb.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails Wili Ctosn as undkb:- Thib Day. For Wliangarci Hcada. Parua. Wnipu, Whan gare! Kaino, Tangihua, and Mangapal, por ForSSI Mllbank at 5.30 p.m. Saturday. 2Gth inst. For Waiwera, Mahuranfri, Matakana, Manga ■wai. etc.. iwr llose Casoy. at 0 a.m. For Waterfowl. Tuurangn, etc.. per Rotoma r^ThameV per Rotomahana. at 2 30 p.m. Fdr Sydney lslftud, per Explorer, at 4 p.m.. Monday, 2Sth mat. For Waitara. etc.. penLalla Rookh, at 7.10 a,m. ForCoromaiidel. per Coromandol. at 11.30 a.m. For Tauranso, Ohineimitu, and Opotlkt. por Forß^uJelUCo^vakawn, Wangaroa, and Mon gonui, per Wellington, at 5 p.m. Tuesday, 29th Inst. For Taranaki and Southern Ports, per Rotorua, United State^of For money orders, registered letters and newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Lata letters, bearing an extra fos of six pence in addition to U5) postage, will bo received by the Mall Agent on board the Btetunnr up to the time of galling. This mall will bo duo In London on Sat urday, Juno 7.1884. The s.B. Tongarlro will leave Lyttelton for London, via Rio de Janlero, on Saturday, 3rd May. Expected passage from 40 to 42 days. S. B. MSB, Chief Postmaster. Chlof Post-oflloo, Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

APRir, 25. 1881. Abbott's Opera Houbo—" Youth," a spectae*- , larDrama, 7.15 p.m. United Service Hotel—Annual Meeting of Football Club, 7.30 p.m. Annual Meeting of Rugby Club, 8 p.m. Freemasons' H>>ll—Quarterly Communication of Provincial Grand Lodge of New Zealand (North Mand), 8 p.m. Young Men's Christian Association—Lecture on tho "Tabernacle, by Rev. J. 8. Hill, 7.50 p.m. I Choral Hall—Society of Arts. 12 to 5, and 7 to 9 o'clock p.m.

Births.

KING.—On April lDth, at Brighton Road, Remucra, the wife of J. C. Harry King of a son.

Marriages.

CORTIS-MoNEISH -On April 19. at Morcury Bay, by the Registrar, Richard Cortis to Mary, relict of the lato Wm. McNeish, both of Mer cury Bay. SETII-SMITH-LARKIN3.-At Rishopscourt, Auckland, by Bishop Cowio, assisted by tho Rev. F. T. Baker, brother-in-law of tho bride. Hugh Garden Scth-Sraith, Esq., M.A., Host dont Magistrate of Auckland, second son of C. E. Seth-Smith. Esq., of Silvermere. Surrey, to Florence McLood. youngest daughter of F. Larkins, Esq., of Romuera, Auckland.

Death.

HARDING. — March 22, 1884, at Sandhurst. Victoria, Australia, Edmund Harding, lato of Catfevd, Kent, England, of a lit, from which ho never rallied. Aged 53 years. Do mortius nil nisi bonum.—Homo papers please copy. WELSH.-On April 17, at the residence of her step father, Hugh McGrothy, Nellie, only beloved daughter of tho lato Richard and Ellen Wolsh; aged 17 years. Deeply tc grctted. — Thameß and Coromandel papers please capy.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1884.

For the cause that lacks assistance. For the wrong that Deeds resistance. For the future In the distance, And the good that ws can do.

Majoe Atkinson bearded tho enemy in his citadel last night at Dnncdin, and did ao with considerable success. He has, we believe, finally determined to deliver an address in Auckland as well as at Christ church. This is right, and we have no doubt that the pcoplo of this city will accord him a fair and attentive hearing. It is the duty of tho Premier of the colony to make himself personally known to the people, and tho separate communi ties are so isolated, the communication 89 bad, that the people can only be reached by a series of addresses in the four-chief] cen tres. Major Atkinson's speech at Dunedin appears, from tho telegraphic summary, to have been a very good one. He replied to somo of the charges that have been made against his Government in an effective way, aud others more knotty ho quietly ignored. It was not a speech likely to excite enthu siasm among tho hearers, but it fairly met the charge on which the Southern opposition to tho Ministry mainly runs— its supposed favouritism to tho North Island. Thero nas, of course, been no such favour itism ; tho Premier, had he choson, might have proved that exactly the reverse is true, but that would have been an awkward admission in anticipation of his Auckland meeting, to which the electors in this part of New Zealand will look forward with no little interest.

The half-yearly report and balance-auoet of the Bank of New Zealand, presented at a meeting of shareholders to-day, records the results of another prosperous six months' business. The profits available for division amounted to £88,405, from which the

usual dividend and bonus at the rate of fifteen per cent, por annum were declared, leaving £13,405 to be carriod forward to new account. Deposits and other liabilities amounted to £9,853,799,8h0wing an increase of £1 233,921 ; advances to £9,55<,54A •being an increase of £1,073,G0G. The coin and cash balance?,- money at short call, and Government securities, aggregated £2 412 394, an increase of nearly ilOU.uuu over the same items last half-year. In moving tho adoption of the roport tho Chairman gave his customary review of tho industriid and commercial experience of the colony. Ho attributed the recent depres sion in tho South to previous over importation, and the low pricei ol the staple exports, wheat and wool. The satis factory results of tho bank's operations prove, however, that the pinch of a stringent money market has been tolerably well borne, and that the general credit of the country is good. New exports are coming to the relief of the agricultural industry; and stocks of mereihant dise having been brought within more managable compass, wo may lamy hope that signs of revival will soon be dis ceinablo in tho districts that have hitherto felt, tho depression mo^t severely.

The Star Monthly Summary, for de spatch by the mail steamer for San Fran cisco on Tuesday next, will bo issued tomorrow. Besides the usual full epitome of Colonial news, it will contain tho open ing ohaptors of a now and exciting serial story "Hand and Ring," along with the closing portion of the tale " A \\ oman s Faith • or, Tho Mystery of a Bunch of Pansies." Sporting and Horticultural Notes, etc., as usual.

Tho 45th half-yearly meeting of tho pro prietors of tho Bank of Now Zealand was hold at noon today. A full report of tho proceedings appears in another column.

Tho baiquo Alcstor, with pasaongers ami carso arrived from London this morning after an uneventful passage of 114 days from London and 103 days from tho Lizard. Particulars of tho voyajjo appear in our

shipping column. The business of the Northern Steamship Company during tho past year appears from tho reports prcsonted at tho annual moot ing to-day to havo been of a very satis factory character. Two now steamers, ono to tako tho placo of the Ulenolg in the Tanranga, Russell and Auckland trado.ftnd another small twin scrow steamer to be on gaced in convoying stock on tho West Coast-aro expected to arrive horo In Soptombor, and it is proposed whon thoy ■irriTO or possibly before, to dispose of somo of tho woodon boats at present in u»o. A report of proceedings at tho annual meeting appears in another column.

Mr Frnscr has rocoived information by cable to tho oifoct that tho buildors of tho steamer Trlumßh, Mes?rn Raylton ami Dixon, of Middle'sbro'on-Tees, will at onco proceed with the ironwork required to re pair that vessel, viz., koel, stem, frames, floors, and plates, all made bo as to bo readily llttted together upon arrival hero. Thcso parts will bo forwarded as early as possible by direct stoftmer, and ths Triumph will most likely bo ropaired in dock horo.

Anxious inquiry is being made in football "ireles as to when tho Auckland Football Association inteod to tako any st«p3 in re gard to the election of a team to go to byd ney. Surely it is time something was done, as the Southern representatives! havo beon chosen and are practising hard, while our men have not had a game. Iho annual ineotin" of the Association takes place to night, and it ia to bo hoped immediate ac ticm will bo taken in tho matter, co that tho choaon ones may havo somo littlo timo to practieo before their dopartnro on tho 19th ( proximo.

A young man named Spencer, who arrived from tho Fijis per c.a. Penguin last trip, and who lias been residing thoro for the past threo years, was seized with an epilop tio fit outride tho National Bank, and finding himself falling, seized hold of tho apikes outside the window to save himself, running ono into tho palm of his hand, lie was carried into Mr King's pharmacy and attended to by Dr. Huxtable, who dressed and bandaged his wound.

The tickets token at tho Society oF Arts Exhibition last night represented an attend ance of 500. 250 mombors' tiokots wero presented at tho door, and 245 " privilege tickets."

had fully sustained tho high roputation it had gained during previous years. Owing to tho Southoin trip of tho representative team, tho Club matches wero necessarily fewer than usual, but out of three matches played against the North Shore, Grafton, and Auckland Clubs rospeotivoly, tho Pon sonby won in all instances, being unbeaten during the season. Sinco tho formation of this Club in 1870 its analysis of matches played is worthy of record, hiving won twenty-nine, lost eight, and drawn six, out of a total of forty-three matchos played.

Tho Lumpers' Union is fairly established. The meeting ut the British Hotel was woll attended, and general approval of tho objects of tho Union was oxprossed. Mr Garrard, tho "pooplo's William," has pro duced a laudatory blank verso ouloglum on this society, but it is not likely to bo pub lished with sovere revision. . The following members were elected to office :—Mr Mar shall, President; Mr Prestidge, Vice-Prosi dent; Mr James Millett, Secretary; Mi- Geary, Assistant-Secretary ; and Messrs J. Smith, Crawley, Boonstra, Wilson, Wil liams, Baker, and Ross to form the working committee

A meeting of tho Crown Lands Board was hold yesterday afternoon. Present: Messrs D. A. Tole (Chief Commissioner) in the chair, May, Moat, Tonks. Letters: Several letters were read from tho Under - Secretary for Crown Lands re specting applications for recreation grounds and reserves; from Mahurangi and country districts. Also respecting the application of Mr Odium and thirteen settlers at tho Thames for similar purposes. Tiie Govern ment did not consider it advisable to deal with tho matter at present. Gisborno :Mr Wills wrote respecting the swampy and wet condition of hiß land, which had precluded him from improving his lands to the de sired extent and living on it. Mr Featon, the agent, reported upon tho state of the land. His report was favourable to Mr Berry. It was resolved that unless Mr Wills resumes possession of the land within a fortnight, tho land will bo forfeited. Several other matters of minor importance were disposed of.

The Society of Arts fourth annual exhi bition was successfully inaugurated last night in the Choral Hall with a suitable address by His Excellency the Governor. An interesting feature of the proceeding's was the presentation of Herr Schmitt'a gold medal to Mr Thomas Wood for the best original composition. It proved to be a sonata, and was played upon the pianoforte by Sir .Ralph Hood ; while Mrs Judson san" the next best composition, a pong, entitles "Sweet Evening Hoar," by her brother Mr H. P. Edger, Secretary of the Orchestral Society. According to Judge Fenton's re port, tho sonata was " a long away ahead of anything else produced. It is clearly the work of some one who has not only studied music, but studied with ardour, and as a labour of love. Itis admirablo-/a«7epn'HC<i/«. Here ia evidence of much study, and of con siderable natural gifts. If amateurs in Auckland write like this, what ought cur professors to do ?" The song by Mr Edger was described by the Judge as "a very excellent composition, written with great care, and containing only one error that I can discover. I speak of the third bar of the symphonvinterlude, where the first A in the bass should have been B. ■ • ■ I cannot speak too highly of this work. The writer has clearly studied music in theory, and has produced a very delightful song, which is equal in all its parts, and is so carefully written in all its harmonies that H might be sung as a quartette from MS. as it now is." Tho third best composition was a triumphal march by "Delta," whose identity has wo have since ascertained to bo Mr A. A. Whitehorne, C.E. It is spoken of as " bold and rcivaical," and as corresponding with its name. The Judge considers that "it will be listoned to with great satisfaction, for it is a fine, manly composition, and some of the undulations are very beautiful." We understand that Mrs J. M. Clark, Miss Bella M. Hastings, and Mr A. Wiseman are among the unsuc cessful competitors. Their works, and par ticularly those of the two ladies, were favourably noticed by Judge Fenton. Herr Schmitt intends to present a medal annually for tho same class of compositions. Several changes (says the "Taranaki Herald ") are on the lapis with regard to the railway officials at the New Plymouth station. Mr Hewitt, the station-master, has resigned his position, and left to-day for Auckland with tho intention of proceeding to San Francisco. His place will be filled by the station-master at Palmerston North, who will be transferred to New Plymouth. It is also understood that Mr Whitaombe, traffic manager, will shortly be transferred Ito Auckland, but we have not yet heard the name of his successor here.

A meeting of persons interested in the introduction of homrcopathic treatment in !ho Provincial Hospital was hold yesterday afternoon at tho Now Zealand Inauranco Buildings, the Hon. Colonol Haultain in the chair. Amongst those present were Messrs E. Hesketh, Jeune, G. P. Pierce, and J. A Pond. The Chairman indicated that believers in homeopathic treatment thought tlmt a portion of the Costley bequest to tho Hospital should bo used in establishing wards for tho treatment of diseases by homeopathy. Mr 0. P. I'ierco mentioned that homeopathic wards had been introduced in the Melbourne and Adelaide hospitals. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Hesketh, it was resolved "That a petition bo drawn up and signed as numerously as possible, and pre sented to tho Hospital Committee, urging that some arrangement should be made for providing homeopathic treatment for such patients as may desire it." A sub-corn mittee, consisting of Colonel Haultain, Messrs Pierce and Pond, was appointed to draw up tho petition, and the meeting separated. His Honor Mr Justice Oillios fiat in

Chambers thin morning, when probate was granted in re John Kussell and James Terry (deceased), and letters of ad ministration ordered to be issued in re William Blood and Robert Briico (deceased), while an order was made to register copy of will in re Charles lv Houtillicr (deceased). A motion for letters of administration in re Isabella Kussell (deceased) was ordored to stand over for tho tiling of another utlidavit. The question of fact to bo determined in the divorco caso of Lamb v. Lamb and Cosgrave—viz., whether or not tho respondent has committed adultery with tho correspondent—was settled, and tho trial lixed to tako place at tho next Civil Sessions of tho Court. Tho issues of fact wore also settled in the ease of Hohaia Patuonev. C. 0. B. Davis, and the trial likewise iixod for tho next Civil Sessions of tho Court.

Owing to the Cricket Ground being still ougiigou by tho Cricket Association, ' tho football match betwoen Hardware and Soft, Goods will not toko place there, us arranged, but at the Recreation Ground, North Slioi-o. Both teams will leavo by tho '2..50 boat, on Saturday, and return by tho 5.30.

Woodyoar's Circus, which is now at tho Thames, proceeds from thore to Coromandol, Whangaroi, and Russell, at each of which places a short season will bo played. Then tho circus returns to Auckland en route for Sydney, where it will open about three weoks honco. Mr K. Loto, advance agent, left for Sydney by tho Wairarapa on Wednesday evening.

There waß a small attendance at St. James's Hall last evening, whon tho Kov, Mr Baker gavo an interesting lecturo on tho work of tho British and Foreign Biblo Society, accompanied by a magic lantern exhibition, in which soveral good views of colobrated cities, buildings, &c, wero pre sented.

Wo omitted to mention in our notice of tho concort given for tho bouofit of Madamo Duquosno that Miss Donovan, Mrs .ludson, Mr Ralph Hood, Mr \V. 11. Webb, and Mr A. Hanna acted as accompanists.

Practieo matches of somo of tho city football clubs will bo played to-morrow afternoon in tho largo paddock in tho Domain, whoro tho turf is in good condition for tho game. Tho Auckland Football As sociation will most likely arrange to play ono of thoir best matches on tho Cricket Ground each Saturday afternoon whon tho cricket soason is ovor

A courso of winter season entertainments in aid of St. Benedict's Church will bo commenced on Monday ovoning noxt In the Newton Athena-urn, under the management of Captain Mahon. A number of well-known musicians and vocalists will assist, and it is confidently beliovod that tho now sorioH will provo as attractive as those of Last year. Tho programme for Monday ovoning will appear in the Stahoi tomorrow.

Tho protest entered by tho I'onsonby Rowing Club against tho Waitcmnta Club roeeivin" first prize in the senior whaloboat race, which took placo at tho Ponsonby Regatta, has boon sustained by tho umpire (Mr Stodart). Tho fiwt prlzo, therefore, goes to I'onsonby.

Tho following team will loavo Avomlulo on Saturday to play a one-day* cricket match with the Holonsvillo Cricket Club :— Archibald (3), Walhico (2), H. Bollard, Hill, Thomas, Stewart, Murray, and John Sinclair. Emergency : MeNight. _ oi the Bharbholttorß of tho Kotorua Railway Company yesterday afternoon tho following resolution wan carried :—" That the capita", of the Company be reduced from i' 400,000, divided into 400,000 shares of ono pound each, to £300,000, divided into 300,000 shares of ono pound each, by cancelling 100,000 shares of ono pound each, which arc unallotted." Tho Chairman remarked that the Premier would moot tho Minuter for Public Works in Auckland shortly, and ho had no doubt that the directors would tako tho opportunity of ir.eoting them, with a view to arranging for the second Boction of tho lino, which would bo pushed on energetically. Tho Chairman also explained that tho object of tho resolu tion reducing the capital watt this: Tho directors are endeavouring to raise monoy by debentures for the purpose* of com pleting tho line. In going upon the Exchungo to raise tho nccoesnry loan, they had been informed by those who should know that it was almost' nocossary that they should havo no unallotted capital— that, in fact, their capital should be no more than equal to the project in hand, thus affording to tho lenders of the monoy the guarantee that tho directors could not ueo any part of tho capital for embarkifig in other speculations which might provo unprofitable.

The Roy. Josoph S. Hill will re deliver his lecture on tho "Tabernaclo" this ovon ing in the hall of the Young Men's Christian Association, illustrated with coloured dia grams. Dr. Konderdino will preside. A collection will bo mado in favour of tho funds of tho evangelistic work under the auspices of tho Association.

A telegram, which wo ought to havo vo coived yesterday from Major Mugfcing, was to tlio following effect:—" Ju3t shipped, six cases Bacon, last of season. Spin out as far as pos sible. Now Bacon in two months. Also send you six kogs prime new potted Double Rose Perfection Butter. ReKiilar shipinonts ovory week now.—To A. Bett.inv, Manager Auckland Provision Company; lllitht Corner Stall, City Market'—Customers please call to-morrow and try our Double Rose Perfection Butter, at 1b per lb ; Bacon, 8d and 9<l; Cheese, M per lb.

ANOTHER SHOCK OF EARTH QUAKE.

[by telegraph—press association.] Wellington, this day. A sharp shock of earthquake, accompanied by rumbling, occurred at 11.55 this fore noon. The seismometer records a slight twisting movement from tho S. W. dis placement to N., followed by a moderate E. and W. indication. Blenheim, this day. A slight but distinct shock of earthquake was folt at 11.53 this morning. No damage resulted.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Boloro Messrs Prime and Boardman, Justices.) Drunk and Disorderly.—Joseph Melville Rainbow, a comedian, was charged with being drunk, and with assaulting Edward Shilhngton, librarian of the Free Public Library, by striking him.—Edward Sliil lington deposed that prisoner was in tho library yesterday afternoon at. 4 o'clock. Ha was in liquor and fell asleep. He was in tho habit of coming to the library in a drunken stato, and invariably wont to sleep. He woke him up and told him to go out. Tho prisoner objected to leave, and struck witness a severe blow on the head.—To the Bench: Had often been obliged to eject the prisoner. — Sorgeant Gamble deposed to seeing Mr Shillington endeavouring to put prisoner out. He und Constable Mitchell, Beeing that prisoner .was very drunk, took him into custody.— Sergeant White having remarked upon Rainbow's conduct, tho Bench sentenced him totwomonths' imprisonment. —Prisoner stared with nstonishment.

Assaulting a Wife.—Henry McGinn was charged, on summons, with assaulting his wife on the 22ud inst. by striking her.— Mr E._ Cooper appeared for complainant, and said that an arrangement was likely to be made in the course of the day without tho intervention of the Bench.—Adjourned until to-morrow.

Bubbles of a Day.—John Day was charged with violently assaulting William Porter and striking him, whereby he went in fear of his life.—Complainant stated that Day had not been seen since last night, whfn he expressed his determination to "make tracks" for tho bush.—Tho case was held over for a few days. This was all the business.

ABSCONDING BRIDEGROOM.

AHoartlcßs Matrimonial Swindler.

'BY TELEOIUI'K.—OWN UOHItIiKrONDEKT.]

Wki.unuton, this day

What certainly appears on the face of it to bo a case of tlio most thoroughly unprin cipled conduct on the- part of a bridegroom that could woll bo imagined, is reported as having occurred i" Wellington yestorday. The facts narrated to the " Evening l'ofit are as follows :—" Somo time ago a young man who has been employed as a cleric in an office in Wellington, became ac quainted with the daughter of a much respected settler in the city. After a snort time lie began to pay her marked attentions, andfinally proposed to her and was accepted. Wo are informed that he then represented that, in addition to the income from his ap pointment, he was possoased of considerable landed property in London, and that fcl 1,001) had been left to him an a legacy. Every thing appeared to go on all right,, and in due course the wedding was fixed to tako placo at tho parents' house at U o'clock yoatorday morning. The bride ,,,■oolll, it is said, explained to the young Fady and her parents that immediately after the" wedding he intended that they should leave for Melbourne, en routr for England, to sco about his " property," and ho re quested his father-in-law to endorso a bill for £400 to provido the necessary funds ; but this the fathor (prudently^ as evonts showed) declined to do. Kvery preparation, however, for tho journey was made by the young lady's parents, hor boxes being carefully packed with every requisite for a long voyage Tho young man also explained that ho had arrangou lor the attendance of a clergyman at the hour named that ho had encaged a number of cabs for tho occasiou, and had Bocured passages by the WanaUa, loaving for tho South in tho afternoon. According to our information ho also actually got labols and addressed tho lady's boxes for tho projected voyago. Yesterday morning a B>»nPVTVi So breakfast was duly provided, tho tab being very handsomely sot out, lie Bue"tß arrived at the house, but when tho appointed hour came, there was no appear ing of tho cabs of either tho clergyman or tho bridegroom. When half-pa»t ton wived, and still no sign of tlieso indispen sable adjuncts was visiblo, tho suspicions of somo of tho young lady's friends becamo aroused, and thoy proceeded to make investigations. On inquiring afc tho ollico whoro tho man had been em ployed thoy woro told that ho had boen dismissed from his appointment, and on going to tho shipping otfieo thoy; found no tiekots had boon taken out an allogod. Of courso tho party was abruptly broken up and it is needless to refor to tho painful sceno that onsued. It is unnecessary also to commont on tho facts as thus disclosed. In the absenco of any explanation tho amount of heartlessnosa displayed seems to bo absolMtoly incrediblo, and no language could bo too strong to denounce tho outrage, and no punUhmont too severe for such an unmanly scoundrel. It only remains to add that tho greatest sympathy is felt with tho parents, who aro dosorvedly held in high cstcom In tho city, and also with tho young lady. It Is felt, however, that the latter, in tho circuinstancoß, has reason to bo congratulated on having es caped a union which could only havo re sulted in misery.

TAURANGA HOT LAKES RAIL WAY.

(BY TKI.KOKAI'H.—I'RKSS ASSOCIATION,

Taukanca, this day. iN.-iTKi'crioN.s havo been received from tho

contractors in London to coinmonco the auvvoyn of tho Tauranga East, Coast and Hot LakoM district railway.

THE WAVERLEY HOTEL LICENSE.

Tab adjouruod mooting of tho City East Licensing Committee was hold today, in

the Resident Magistrate's Court, for tho purpose of considering tho transfer of tho Wavorloy Hotel license from George Islos Joseph Nowman (Chainnan^:ft*M:^«i* R. Hill, I. Buchanan, and R. Fry.—Mr Cotter appeared in support of tho applica tion, and fully statcdtliogroundHuponwhich tho application was made, ana with which tho public are already acquainted. Tho Committee retired for tho purpose of con sidering tho application, aud, aftor a long consultation, tho Chairman (Mr Newman) »nid : Before giving our decision the Court havo to congratulate you (Mr Cotter) for tho able, forcible, and ollicient manner in which you havo introduced thisquostion. An error, however, has beon previously commit ted, and tho present Committoo do not see tlieir way to perpotuato that error. They must therefore decline to grant tho transfer. —Mr Cotter : I hop tho Bench has nothing against tho applicant.—Tho Chairman : Nothing whatever.

SCINTILLATIONS.

Star Monthly Summary tomorrow

Wedding Belief).—Bridesmaids. Signor Otto Hul' is going to Thames. New story, " lland and Ring," in Staii Siti'lkmknt tomorrow.

Queen Victoria uses a cano when walk ing. Mail steamer Australia loft Sydnoy yes terday. i Salvationists aro pelted with rotten egg« at Thames. White folks at Gisborne objoct to Te Kooti vUiting tho district. Paulino Lucca gpts £1,000 for three con certs in Moscow.

Brown trout aro being caught in Hawko's Bay district. Silkworm disoafeos threatoa to ruin the Chinese silk trade.

Tho Marquis and Marchioness of Normanby and suito aro passengors by tho mail steamor Australia.

Squaro dinner plates, hand-painted, are coming into fashion.

The quarantined passongers by steamer Rome have been released at Melbourne.

Major Ropata declinos the reduced Govornment pension of £100 a year.

There are ovor 3,000,000 of wage-earning women in the United Kingdom, The greater part of political capital is made up of private interest. A monthly steamboat Bervioo. between Germany and Australia is projected. In Sweden, a" converted actress" is at tracting attention by her sermpns and speeches. A piece of steel is a good deal like n man —when you get it red hot it loses its temper. A largo native collego is to bo built at Gisborne, at a cost of £1,400.

The Thames "Star" calls for the sup pression of Salvation Army demonstrations as a public nuisance. Alox. Whitohead, a Wostland minor, was lately lost for 10 days in the bush. He tramped tho wholo time trying to got out, and was vory emaciated when found. Twenty women havo taken tho B.A. degree in tho University of London during the past yoar, Mr George Hooper, brewer, Nolson, died yestorday at tho ago of 78 years. Ho had boon 42 years in tho colony. Ait Indiana jury recently roturned a written verdict of "Blodo to peces bi tho biler bustin."

Mr W. Bowron, Govornment Inspector of Dairy Factorios, has during this week visited tho factorios at Patorangi and Rultuhia. He is now visiting the Lincoln shire farmera' settlement at To Aroha.

Three skoletons, ono with a bullet hole in tho skull, havo boon found at Tolago Bay, and are supposed to bo thoso of Maoris killed in Te Kooti's raid.

The Otago Mining Protection Association sent a deputation to Hon. Mr Rolleston to ask certain concessions; but thoy were re buffed, being told that Government gave quite sufficient assistance to the gold mining interest, In the House of Commons 40 members are necessary to make a quorum ; in the House of Lords only three. During last year the New Zealand Acci dent Insurance Company paid claims on 274 accidents, fatal and otherwise, the com pensation amounting to £2,345 9s sd. Mr J. C. Mackay, of Sydney, has chal lenged Mr Robert Boswell, of Christchurch, to a match at draughts for £50 or £100 a side.

Yesterday a deputation from Dunedin Trade and Labour Council waited on Major Atkinson to ask that city constituencies should be smalgamated, and that local in dustries should be encouraged. The Premier said he had announced the amalga mation of city constituencies as part of the Government policy and he sympathised with their views on local industries.

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

UV OUR LONDON COKBESI'ONDBNT.]

(VIA StIRZAND BltlNDlHI.)

London, March 14

Tho Direct Steam Service.

The Now Zealand Shipping Company's ■steamship British King sails from Ply mouth to-day with 20 second cabin passengers and 299 emigrants. Tho former are accommodated in what used to bo the first cabin, and ought to be very comfort able. This voyage will (as I think I mentioned in my letter of a few days ago) bo the last which the British King is g likely to make to N.Z. The lonic and the Doric will not bo handed over to Shaw, Savill, and Co. until next November. Meanwhile tho N.Z.S. Co. haveordored two splendid steamers to take their places. Messrs John Elder and Co. havo tho build inff contract, and they are to be called the Turaimki and the Kaikoura. Surely, as the lleot aro supposed to be christened after the mountains "of N.Z., Egmont would bo a more suitable name than Taranaki.

Retail Trade in N.Z. Frozen Mutton. The depOt for the sale of New Zealand mutton at London Bridge is (portly owing to its confined character, and partly to the way in which tho meat is piled up) not specially inviting, but the salesman does a roaring business. The beneficial effect which those depOts have on tho market cannot be over estimated. 1 have all along urged that tho establishment of depots would induce retail butchers to acknowledge tho position of fro/.on meat, and this is just what seems to bo happening. A depot was opened at Forrest v<» London suburb* some weeks back, and now all tho butchers in tho neighbourhood display show cards bearing tho legend, New Zealand mutton sold here.1; Of course they have had it for some time paßt, but used to soil the moat a« Scotch mutton. Tho Demand for Now Zealand Moat- Its Position Secure.

On Monday last I had a good conversation with Mr Larkworthy, of tho Bonk of New Zoaland and Now Zealand Loan and Mercan tile Agency Company. This gentleman is a firm believer in tho l uturo of the frozen meat trado. Ho says the demand for New Zea land mutton iH increasing daily ; in fact, the Now Zealand Loan and Morcontilo Agency Company can soil as much as thoy can got. Prices rule now from GJd por lb (wholesale) for mutton, 8d for lamb, and there Beoms ovorv proßi>oct of theso ratea harden ing 'still more. Ono reason why some of the New Zealand mutton to hand by recont steamers did not fotch cood prices was bocauso the carcases were misorablo Bocond-rato meat; in fact, meat that would not Bell In tho colony. "Now Zoalanders," said Mr Larkworthy, " must not Hupixwo that tlioy can sond us ovor fifth rate etutf and get tiptop prices for it. Above overything, a high standard of quality should bo maintained. Our mutton has a cood namo now, but a fow lota of indiilerent meat would destroy it." That this i» strictly truo, nono can doubt, after tho disastrous offect which tho Mataura Juisco had on tho market for weeks afterwards. Mr Larkworthy fcola annoyed that just as everything promised so fair tho consign ments of moat from New Zealand should havobeon chocked. " Horo," ho said, is tho Doric coming homo without a carcase on board, and do you know, I blame some of you London correspondents for it. lou have talked nonsense about glutting tho market till you have scared shippers. Mr Lnrkworthy pooh-poohs the idea of Ameri can, Russian, or River Plato mutton rival ling tho Now Zealand meat, or even having tho Rmalloet ohanco ogainet it. lhe sheep aro too littlo, and lack fat. A River I late enrenso looks puny and discoloured beside an animal fed on tho luscious herbage o Otaco

Passongors for tho Colony. Tlio I. and 0. steamer Shannon, which left London yesterday (March 14), has on board a numbor of through passengers for Now Zealand, tlz , Mr Dymock, Inspector of tho National Bank, and hw wife, Mr S. Bioul'li, Mr P. Keorns, and Mr J. M. .fefforson for Port Chalmow, and Mips Grace Mustor Norris, and Mr and Mrs Koborteon for "Wellington. Tho following are passen ger* booked to dtite por Bteamor Aorongi, which will loavo at tlie end of this month ;— For Lyttolton: Mr.l. T. Cannichael and Mr L 0. Mitchell. For Otego :Mr ond Mrs Atkins nnd family. For Wellington iMr W. Jftoksou ouU ■Mi Mitehelnon. «A (siiiling vohsoI), advertised as leaving for I'ort Nicholson on April 6th, is already full of socond ■ oluss paseongorß and emigrants. Mr Costor, who intonded to return to the qolony in the Tongariro, will now, I am informed, go either by the Aorangi or early P. and O. steamer.

Arrival of tho Aorangi.

The s.B. Aorangi arrived at Plymouth from Now Zealand this morning, having made tho run Homo in 49 days. She was detained two days at Tenoriffe, whore sho put in for coal. Fnll particulars of tho voyago in my noxt. The meat is said to be in good condition.

Various Items.

Sir John Hall i» in London, and was at the Agent-Genorftl'g office thia morning. Ho has rosolved to bo presented at tho drawing-room noxt Friday. Tho 'Frisco mails of February 4th wero dolivorcd in London this morning. A splendid oil painting of Messrs Shaw, Savill, and Co.'s s.s. Arawa has just been hung up in their London oflice. She will bo a very fine vessel.

Growth of tho Frozen Moat Trade,

Mr Millor, of Portsmouth, who in De comber last commenced tho Bale of N.Z. frozen mutton with two carcases a-woek, now finds he can easily get through 500 be tween Monday morning and Saturday night. A meeting, ovor which Mr W. Roy, junr., S resided, was hold at Tratton Bridge, [ampshiro, on March 3, to consider the do sirability of encouraging tho trado in Now Zealand frozen meat. A dinner, with a snddlo of primo mutton as tho principal dish followed. Tho " Queen " has been pub lishing a scries of articles showing the onor mous saving that may be effected by housekeepers who make a point of using Amorican beof and Now Zealand mutton.

Mr and Mrs R. Laishley, of Auckland, loavo for the Continent at the end of thin month. Thoy intend to spend Easter at Romo.

The FASSOngor Trade to tho Colonies

Faros Still Falling.

Tho competition in tho passenger trade bocomos keener every day. The Gulf line now take passengors to Sydney for £12 per adult, and offer to book people going through to any of the New Zealand ports for £15, or £1 lees than the direct steamers of the New Zealand Shipping Co. and Shaw-Savill ask. To show the way even Bmall reductions like this cut, I may mention that the Gulf of St. Vincent, s., which sails on tho 27th instant, will take out a large family of brothers, with their vives, children, mothers-in-law, etc. (thirty souls in all), to Auckland. They at first meant to go by tlie Aorangi, and were on tho point of paying a deposit for their tickets when one of the brothers' attention was drawn to the Gulf Line advertisement, " Now Zealand via Melbourne for £15," Ho forthwith booked passages that way, saving £20 by the affair ; but his pride in tho bargain lias been somewhat damped since ho learnt that tho party may havo to put up in Melbourne for several days whilst waiting for a Union boat to take them ovor. The point of this anecdote please note—that the apparently trifling difference of 20s in the faro lost the direct eteamevs thirty pas sengers and nearly £320 in cash. Notwithstanding tho alleged bad tiinoj and lackof antipodean voyagers, I notice that the colonial passenger brokers and commis sion agonts seem to be doing surprisingly good business. Prominont amongst tho houses connected with New Zealand is that of Ashby and Company, the agoncy firm piloted by the reliable and energetic Cap tain Win. Ashby, The Messrs Ashby's business lias increased so materially sinco Mr Ashby returned from his oolonial tour that they find their presont offices in Clark Plaeo neither sufficiently contral nor com modious,and are going to Bpaoious chambors on the ground floor of 22,Loadenhall-street, within a minute's walk of all the colonial shipping ofllces. There can bo little doubt that in these qnarters tho firm's business will soon be doubled.

Meat Storage Vaults at Vlotorta Cooks.

In common with representatives of several of the London papers, I the other day received a cordial invitation from tho directors of the St. Catherine's Dock Company to inspect their new vaults for the reception of cargoes of New Zealand frozen mutton at the Victoria Dock. After a hearty luncheon, at which a fore-quarter of capital lamb (selected from one of the car cases per British King) played a prominent part, we set off by train from Fenchurch atroet, and half-an-hour later reached Wool wich and alighted at the familiar Custom- House Station. The engineer of the re frigerator and two other gentlemen were waiting here, and after greeting our party courteously, led the way to the Victoria Bock. The m t,st strikin buildings in the

neighbourhood are the tobacco wawhoMes, where, at the present moment, crops of cigars to the value of more than a million sterling are said to be .stored. I should very much have liked to pec,) in here, but no body proposed it, so wo passed on. Arrived at tfie new docks, I looked round curiously for some sign ot the re frigerator buildings, but nothing was to be seen. Presently, however, the engineer reached a email hut, and unlocking the door, lot us down v spacious night ol biops underground. Tho fact is, the chambers huve been formed by excavating one ot tuo largest jetties stretching out into tho dock, and dividing it into about five and thirty compartments, each of which will accom modate upwards of 200 carcases. The machinery consists of four refrigerators, and occupies two chambers, the blast being car ried into tho various divisions by large pipes. I really forgot to ask whether the machines are Haslam's patent, but I fee pretty sure that such is the case. The cold generated in these underground caverns feels Arctic in its severity. We snugged into our overcoats and stamped our leei to keep warm. Mr Engineer explained the freezing process (tolerably familiar by now to New Zealanders) to the party, ana we then inspected a fine lot of frozen lamb ex British King. Everyone remarked how clean and tempting they looked sewn up in their linen shrouds and powdered with hoar frost. Lamb, we learnt, is particularly brittle when frozen, so special care has to be taken when moving it about. Mr Engineer also volunteered the information that tho taste and flavour of frozen meat is greatly influenced by tho manner in which you thaw it. To retain perfect freshness and delicacy the process should bo gradual; a sudden thaw often leaves the mutton tough and sodden. The temperature kept up in tho Victoria Dock Chamber (when frozen) is about 20 degrees Fahr. Mr Engineer disapproves of extreme degrees of cold on the ground that it dries up the meat unnecessarily. After inspecting all tho compartments and complimenting the directors on tho efficiency and cleanliness of everything, we hurried back into the sun above ground, and trotted round to have a look at the British King loading for her outward passage. I ought to say, by the way, that the charge made by the Dock Company for storing meat and freezing it till required for the market is one-eighth of a penny per lb., or about 8* per carcase. Since writing the foregoing, the "Pall Mall Gazetto" lias published an article on our visit to the vault at the Victoria Docks, and I forward it to you herewith. The Sculling Championship.

As Haitian is in your part of tho world just now, I daresay it will interest you to know that his old and oft-defeated rival, ' Ross, has just beaten the muchtalked-of English sculling champion, Bubear. Tho latter, it was fondly hoped, would wipe , away the reproach from English sculling and show himself a foeman worthy of Haitian's consideration by knocking Ross into tho proverbial "cocked hat. Alas! tho result was quite tho other way. In his triumphs over Gibson, Godwin, Pack, Largin, and Lardlly Elliott, Bubear showed great "staying" powers, but on the present occasion Ross gave him ten seconds start, and collared him at Hammersmith Bridge, after whicli he won all tho way, eventually passing tho judge 15 lengths ahoad. Clearly Hanlan is still incomparably the greatest of living sculling champions. Jealousy Regarding New Zealand Mutton.

Tho nominal reason given by the Com missioners of tho Health Exhibition for de clining to sanction the frozen meat dinners was want of space. It has, however, tran spired that the refreshment contractors, Messre Bertram and Roberta, protested against such an invasion of their rights. Fresh influence was, I am happy to add, brought to bear upon the Commissioners, and the upshot is that the refreshment con tractors have agreed to tako charge of the "New Zealand sixpenny dinners." For sixpence an excellent grill of frozen mutton will bo supplied ; and as I lemarked when proposing this innovation some time ago, it is certain to have a wonderful effect in popularising the meat products of your colony.

Improvod Refrigerating Maohlnory. A refrigerating machine on an improved principle, which the Messrs Chambers are making for New Zealand, is going to beset up and carefully tried at the St. Catherine s Dock. I will lot you know the result.

Mr Vesey Stewart and his Schemes. Mr Vesey Stewart seems rather at a loose end just at present. He is not ablo to do a great deal in the way of getting passengers ™rsuam;cTpiKiiltrfi'-hsbTt-mmh'aeir6^ his railway schemes, Tho faot ig, I believe, that tho Land Company which he started when he came Home a few years ago did not turn out very well, and has damaged his prest'ujc an a promoter. It is now, I wag tola the other day, being wound up. Two Jjooturera for the Colonies Bound.

Mr Stannus Jones, who used to bo so woll-known in North New Zealand, has, after flitting hither and thithor about the Continent, trying first ono place and then another, come to tho conclusion that the city of all others to live in is Paris, Ho has consequently bought a fine houee there, and moans to sottlo down and cultivate the hanle nollexse with a viow to his coming lecturing tour in Australia and New Zealand.

Oscar Wilde is letting his ambrosial curls grow long again, and recultivating the "utterly-utter consummate too-too " de portment.

Auckland and High-Class Music.

Tho "Acadomy" of Saturday last announces (as if it were the most surprising thing in tho world) that a musical society for tlie performance of high-class music has been started in Auckland. The tone of the paragraph is negatively insulting. The musical savants of London and Paris are evidently dumbfounded to discover that you. utter barbarians at the antipodes are capable of appreciating Wagner, Spohr, and Gado,

WESTERN SPRINGS ESTATE.

Tho City Council Decides to offer £10,000.

At tho meeting of the City Council last night, the Special Water Supply Committee reported re land at Western Springe, "That the Council bo recommended to offer a sum of £10,000 for tho Western Spring's Estate."—The Mayor said the Property referred to comprised tho whole of Mr Edgcombe's property with the exception of Mb house, and the ground im mediately surrounding it on the top of the hill. It included the hotel property and the Tallow Company's estate without the buildings. One condition was that the title should be to the satisfac tion of the City Solioitor.—The adoption of the report was moved by tho Mayor, and soconded pro forma by Cr. Montague.—There was no discussion, and the motion was carried on the voices. A division was called for with the following result: —Ayes (B)—Crs. Stevenßon, Field, Devore, Aickin, Waymouth, La Roche, Masofield, and tho Mayor. Noes (s)—Crs. Crowther, Thompson, Montague, Fleming, and Burns.—The Mayor and Cr. Devoro expressed the opinion that they wore not likely to get it at the price indicated, and Cr. Thompson retorted that it would be a good job if they did not.—ln answer to questions, the Mayor said tho conditions provided that Mr Edgcumbo should not sell his lease and private property to anyone whatover without the consent of the Council, nor could he permit the establishment of any noxious works upon it. The Town Clerk was authorised to make tho offer, and con ditions wore imposed to this effect—tho estate to include tho hotel; tho title to be satisfactory j no noxious business to be established on contiguous land belonging to the vendor.

SPORTING NEWS.

The City and Suburban Handicap, run at the Epsom Spring Meeting on Wednesday, was won by Lord Bradford's Quicklime, Sir F. Johnstone's Thebais being second.

At tho South Canterbury Jockey Club Meeting yesterday, the Timaru Cup of 200 soys., l]j mile, fell to Tasman (9st 21b), Sou' wester (7st 121b) boing second, and Lady Emma (Sst 121b) third! Nonsense, Ike, Hippodarnia, and Tho Poot also started. The Agent got homo first in tho Stoeplo chase, and Vanguard appropriated the Fly ing Handicap.

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

" Youth."

"Yocth, " as performod at tho Opera House, continues a great attraction. To night and to-morrow night are the last production here, and those who have not yet seen it should make a point of doing so.

OPENING OF ARTS EXHIBI TION.

— — V ( Tho Musical Competition. < Tun Auckland Society of Arts' fourth annual exhibition was formally opened last l night in tho Choral Hall, by His Excellency < the Governor, who delivered an appropriate ( address on the occasion. Everything is ar- ( ranged with tho nicest, taste and judgment, and the tout MmWt is both sinking , and pretty. As, however, wo intend . to review tho exhibits at our leisure, it is unnecessary to make further reference to them now. Suffice it to say that they • aro hunt? to great advantage, and that they ( mark a decided advance upon the exhibi tion of last year. Shortly after the doors were opened the public began to arrive in o steady stream, and by eight o'clock the place was completely thronged. His Excellency the Governor, accom panied by Miss A. Jervois, the Rev W. H. H Jervois, Mr rennefather (Private Secretary), and Major Eccles (Aide-dc- Oamp), arrived at 8.15, and were received by the company standing, tho band mean while playing the National Anthem. Mr J M Clark (President of the Society) and Mr Josiah Martin (Honorary Secretary) welcomed the distinguised visitors, and con ducted chem to the platform. His Excellency, on coming forward to address the assemblage, was received with cheers. He said: Ladies and Gentlemen, —I first have to apologise for being some what lato, but the fact is that I havo just come down the Kaipara River in a steamer, and the draught of the-steamer was too great for the conditions of the Kaipara River, and we stuck in the mud. (Laugh ter ) Hence my late appearance here. 1 can assure you that I consider it not only a pleasure, but a great privilege, to be present again at this meeting of the Auckland Society of Arts. i have not had as yet an opportunity i of looking at the pictures, but I understand from several people that they are decidedly an advance on tho exhibition of laßt year, and I think upon that the Society is to be congratulated. All things, even exhibi tions of Societies of Arts, and such institu tions as this, muat have a commencement. And I think we shall do well to reflect what a modest commencement the Royal Academy in England had. When you go back in its history, and see how modest its commencement was, and then go through tho galleries of the exhibition at the preaent day, and when you still further reflect that one of the great institutions of England is the annual dinner of the Royal Academy in London, at which the greatest men desire to have the privilege to bo pre sent, I am sure you will agree with me that the commencement that you have made here in establishing a Society of Arts may attain great proportions. Having in my juvenile days made some attempts at being an artist myself, I have some little know ledge on the subject, but I confess that it is chiefly knowledge which serves to show how little I know about it. The whole question of instruction in art has .under gone quite a revolution sinco the ays when I learned drawing, some fifty years ago. After the Exhibition of 1851 quite a new era was introduced in instruction in art in England. I think we borrowed a great deal from the French. Probably you know that in the French schools they insist upon, I think, some four years' attention to drawing from models and figures, and only with the pencil and the chalk, before they take to colours. New I recollect very well how, in the olden time, we were all inclined to rush into colour before we had a correct eye for draw ing. (Hear, hear.) Well, I believe the instruction which takes place now in New Zealand—l can answer for it in Christ church—is quite on the modern principle, and lam sure that principle is correct; for you can havo no good picturos unless you have accurate drawing. (Applause.) But 1 did not come hore, I can assure you, to preach a sermon on art, but to see the jictures which aro hanging on these walls, and also to have tho pleasure whilst I am here of distributing the medals which have been awarded to the successful competitors in art; and I will now, with your permis sion, prooeed to distribute those medals as they have been awarded. (Applause.) His Excellency then presented the follow ing medals :— Silver Medal and Prize of £2, Mr Gilmore, for best pupil's study from Round. Bronze Medal and Prize of £1, for best Outline Drawing from Flat, Mius Nellie Havill. Silver Medal for special artistic excellence to Mr Samuel R. Keeslng, for original de sign^ Decorated Door Panel (Hawk on Hy- Bronze Medal for special artistic excel lence, to Miss Bleazard, for original design, Single Plaquot, hand painted. Silver Medal, the gift of Mrs J. McCosh Clark, to Miss Kate Ridings, the competitor receiving tho highest number of First Class Certificates. Before presenting Herr Schmitt's gold medal for the beat original musical com position, His Excellency called upon Mr J. M. Clark to read the judge's report. Mr Clark, in responding, explained that the report he was about to read had been prepared by Judge Fenton. His colleague, Professor Tyndall, of Christchurch, finding himself unable to bo present, had tele graphed to the Committee the name of the composition which he considered .to be the best, and it was found to bo the ono which Judge Fenton had already selected. The report was then read as follows: —" In response to the invitation of Herr Schmitt, there have been sent in twelve musical com positions. Before remarking upon them seriatim, I must express my great surprise at their general excellence. 1 should never havo supposed that Auckland could have produced so much original good music, nor can I imagine where it can all have come from. There are grammatical errors of moro or loss gravity in most of them. In one or two cases the errors may be clerical, but I do not feel myself permitted to treat them as such. Errors are errors, and as suoh they must go for what they are worth. The general result cf Herr Schmitt's enterprise is so encouraging that I venture to hope that such a good ex ample will be followed, and that these con tests may be made annual. From this small beginning may possibly be evolved the scheme of which the Professor and I have been long talking, that is, the affilia tion of the Choral Society to tho Auckland University College and the New Zealand University, and the ultimate establish ment of a Professor's Chair of Music in this city.

"In conclusion, I must place the com positions in the following order of merit :— 1. The Sonata No. 9. 2, The song No. 1, 'Sweet Evening Hour.' 9. The March, No. 10. " I should like to add, I hope that in future competition musical compositions will bo confined to one class. I have found it very difficult to compare a sonata with a song, or a song with a waltz or maroh. One may bo more likely to give the greater pleasure to the greatest number of persons (which I tako to be the true and only end of music), while the other may be more praiseworthy as showing1 greater skill and knowledge of tho art, though affording less delight. lam not certain that this is not the case here.. It is very probable that Ellen Ley's song, , if well sung, or the Triumphal March, will please more people than ' Omega's' sonata ; but ' Omega' must have the prize, because he or she (though I think it must be a ho), could havo written any of tho other things and I very much doubt whether any other of tho competitors could at all have approached his or her sonata. I congratulato ourselves on having such re markablo musical oapacity existing among us, and I think that Herr Schmikt deserves many thanks far having thought of bring ing it forward to publio notice. I hope 1 havo hurt no one's feelings. It is neces sary I should give reasons for my judg ment, and I pray any competitor who may oonsider that I have made mis takes or judged badly to believe that I havo done my best, and I willingly admit that it I had known that the works to be submitted to my scrutiny would" have been gonemlly of so much morit, I should not have under taken the duty, F. D. Penton, V.P. Choral Sooiety," April 19, 1884. Mr Clark then apologised for Judge Fenton's unavoidable absence, and also in timated that the Cavaliere Sohmitt hail

promised during his residence in Auckland to give an annual medal for musical com position.

His Excellency the Governor then said : Ladies and Gentlemen, —Before presenting these prizes I think it only my duty, as it is indeed also a great pleasure, to gay some thins; about the donor of this prize, Hevr Schmitt. (Hear, hear). lam sure that the public of Auckland are greatly indebted to him for this encouragement that he has given to music here. It probably may not be known to you how eminont a man Herr Schmitt is—how eminent a musician you have amongst you. I asked my aide-de camp, Major Eccles, who is himself, as you know, an admirable musician—a fluto player—to note down for me particulars with regard to Herr Schmitt's career, and I will, if you permit me, just read them to you—(Applause):— "Herr Carl Schraitt began his musical

education at the Conservatoire of Leipzig, : m and afterwards studied in Paris under : Hector Berlioz, that great master of orchestration. At the age of 18, Herr Schmitt, having previously received several piizo medals for his compositions, was ap pointed conductor of the opera at Warz burg, and two years afterwards he con- ■ ducted the Royal Opera of Konigsberg. On account of ill-health, Herr Schmitt was obliged to leave Europe, and has since devoted his time to the culture and advance ment of music in the colonies. The excel lence of the Auckland Choral Society and its orchestra is a proof that he has not laboured in vain, The order of Croce Bianca was conferred upon him a Bhort 'time ago by the King of Italy, a decoration only bestowed upon scion tiiic men and composers of distinction." (Applause.) I wish also to refer to the ad vantage that the public of Auckland has de- • rived from the fact of Judge Fenton hav ing taken so great an interest in mueichere. (Applause). Through evil report and through good report, he has for years laboured in the cause of music in Auckland, and I am sure everybody here who is a lover of music—or indeod, if not a lover of, music—will agree with me that we are very greatly indebted to Judge Fenton for . his hearty labours. (Applause.) And now, ladies and gentlemen, I have the great pleasure of presenting to Mr Thomas Wood this handsome gift of Herr Schmitt, he being the author of the sonata sent in under the name of "Omega," which has been a warded first prize by the judgea. (Ap- j plause.) The second on the list iB Mr Edger, and the third is an unknown competitor, who styles himself, or herself, " Delta." Mr Thomas Wood, barrister and solicitor (son of Mr Reader Wood), then came for ward and received a handsomely-engraved gold medal in an appropriate case. Both were manufactured by Mr Teutenberg. At the request of Hia Excellency, Mr Ralph Hood then played upon the piano forte the prize composition, and at his desire also Mrs Judf=on sang the second best work, viz., the song, "Sweet Evening" Hour,' composed by her brother, Mr H. F. Edger, who accompanied her upon the harmonium. Both pieces are possessed of considerable merit.

The composer of the Triumphal March marked " Delta " was also called upon, bat did not respond. It has since been ascer tained to be Mr A. A. Whitohorne, C.B.

His Excellency and suite then left the platform and inspected the pictures. Selec tions of instrumental music were performed throughout the evening, and Mr Khox sang the fine bravura from "Maritana," "No! My Courage." The Exhibition cloned shortly after 10 o'clock.

The Exhibition was re-opened at noon to day, and throughout the afternoon there was a good attendance of visitors, chiefly of the softer box. By daylight the attractions of the pictures are better recognised and ap. predated than at night, and for this reason many of those who took the opportunity of a first view last evening were present again to-day. The exhibition will bo open from 7 till 9 to-night, and some means will boubtless be taken to add to the enjoyment of the visitors by the performance of musical selections.

NORTHERN STEAMSHIP COM PANY.

Annual Meeting.

The annual meeting of the shareholders of , the Northern Steamship Company wan held at the rooms of the Chamber of Commerce, Insurance Buildings, this morning. Mr D. B. Cruckshank occupied the chair. The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and confirmed. Report.—The directors' report was read by the Secretary as follows :—The operations of the past year enable the directors to place before the shareholders the following Favourable report:—The net profit for the year ended 31st March, 1884, after full ap propriation for all known bad or doubtful debts amounts to £6,747 19s Bd, to which has to be added—balance from year ending March 31,1883,£1,05319s 9d,less honorarium paid directors, £250—£803 19s 9d, leaving a total available for division of £7,551 19s 5d : The following appropriation of which is now recommended :— To payment of dividend for six months ending Maroh 31st 1884, at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum, £2,833 12s ; amount written off for depreciation, £3,000 ; amount carried to Insurance Fund, £1,500 j balance carried to Profit and Loss (New Account), £218 7« «a-. 'hti»i-xTiooi—w« JS<J Thn dividend will be payable at the Company's office, Queen-steet, on Monday next, April 28 inst. —For the Board of Directors, D. B. CmncKSHANK, Chairman.

Balance-sheet.—Tliu following is the state ment of accounts far year ending 31st March, 1881: —Liabilities.—Capital paid up, £56,672; premiums on shares Bold. £265 2a 9d: insurance fund. tG,000; depreciation account, £2,000; out standing acoounts owing by Company, £7,172 la id ; balance. £7,531 193 sd: Total, £79,961 Sa 6d. Assets.—Stock as schedule, £71,375 5s lOd; cash in hand, £11119s 3d; outstanding accounts owing to Company, £5.17018s sd: Total, £79,9613s Co. Profit and Loss account.—Dr.—To divi dend payable, £2,833 12s : depreciation written off. £3,000; insurance fund. £1,500; balance. £218 7b sd: T0ta1,£7,55119s sd. Cr.-By balancefrom year ending 31st March, ISB3. £1,053 19s 9d, less honorarium (£750), £80319s 9d; net profit, for the vcar ending 31st March, 1881, £6,717 J9g 8d: Total, £7.55119s sd. Balance to new accouat.let April, 1881, £218 7s sd.

The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, eaid: — Gentlemen, —It now devolves upon ma to Eropose the adoption of the report and alance-sheet as just read. I think in doing so I can again fairly congratulate the shareholders on the results of the operation of this—the third year—of our Company's existence. After paying a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent. for.the past tix months, we have brought up our insurance fund to £7,500, written off nearly 5 per cent, {or the 12 months on the value of your stock, and carried forward a small balance to profit and loss, I may mention in passing that we intend for the future (when we can) to continue making the same allowance annually for depreciation that we have made this year, so as to keep the Company on as sure and sound a basis as possible. Taking into consideration the fact that wo have during 1883 spent large sums of monoy on several of our steamers, a considerable amount of which has come out of working expenses instead of going into stock, while our best boat, the Wel lington, has been laid up for no fewer than five months for the purpose of being fitted with her new - machinery, &c, I" think the accounts as submitted must be deemed very satisfactory. As you are aware, since our last annual meeting, Cap tain McGregor has been Homo arranging for the building of a new steamer to replace the Glenelg in the Tauranga, Russell, and Auokland trade, which will be launched from the Clyde this month. An order has also been sent for a light-draft twin-screw steamer for stock-carrying, intended for the Waitara and West Coast, to be thoroughly well-ventilated, and fitted with a chamber for freezing meat. Both steamers are expected here abput September. To meet the cost of this accession to our fleet, already a number of our Bhares have been placed upon the' Home market and huve been taken up at par., so that the value of these new boats will, to a large extent, be represented by English capital. When they arrive, or possibly before then, stops will be taken to dispose of some of our wooden boats, which we have reason to be lievo can bo sold at fair prices, I have only further to add that our managing director reports our steamers generally in good working order, that the money ex ponded on the Wellington has proved a complete success, the vessel being, to all intents and purposes, as good as now, and that tho freight and passenger trade continues to be well main tained.—With these remarks I again beg to move the adoption of the report and balance sheet. Tho motion was seconded by Mr Minetti and carried unanimously. Directors.—Messrs Ball, fJ. M. Clark and T. Morrin were the retiring directors, Tho following were proposed to fill the vacancies: Mr Arthur Bull (nominated by tho directors), George Fraser, Thomas Melville, Ball, and J. M. Clark. A ballot resulted in election of Messrs James Clark, Bull, Melville, and Ball. Auditor.— Mr Milne was appointed anditor at a salary of 20 guineas per annum.

Honorarium.— Mr Alexander moved, and Mr Tanner seconded, " that the directors be voted tlie usual Jionorarium (£250 divided) for their serviceß during the past year."

_ Thanks.—Votes of thanks to the pre siding Chairman and to the managing director, Captain McGregor, terminated the proceedings.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAB, FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1884.



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