SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

~.,,,, ,:■ .....,, /Tills t-".\l'niiiit. 11.-J : '^'" ■> "-ji-.ii (■j; o .t riOrr owMorning, — SU VWKT.—ThIa Kvenlne, 5.15 SU v"KTSK.—To-morrow Morning, fi.fi JIOON'3 ACK.-l.iisi Quarter. I2Ui. 7.45 p.m

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVK.VING. Waitiiiii a.s., Urawford.Jrom Whangavei Macgregor, s.s., Johnson, from AVlmngarci Claribel, barque, Peterson, from Oamarii TO-DAY. Loong.ina, bur |UO, Kvans, from Hobart

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Penguin, s.s., Cromarty, for Wellington Glenolij. s.s., J.'tnphonson. forTaunuura Kowena, s.s., Scott, for Mercury liny

IMPORTS.

Per Neptune. M. Virginia. Marshall S., find Tarawoiii-1 :il'j sacks Hour. 131 sacks oatmeal, 40 sacl:;: pearl barley, 1-V.I sucks barley, 3jO sacks oats, HiU Hacks wheat.—J. K. Smith.

< Per Louis Montgomery and Waiapu — .-00 sacks Hour, 77 sacks wheat, 10 sacks oatmeal. 100 sacks oats, 1 barley mill.—J. li. Smith.

Per Claribel, from Oamnrn—7Sl sacks Hour, i 0 sucks odtmeal, 1.000 sacks bran, 70 sacks pollard. 112 sacks grass seed, 1,020 sacks wheat, 731 sacks c its,'.'. 17S sacks potatoes. !IS sacks barley, IS tons stonrt.

Per Loongana, from Hobart—l,o3l cases jam, 1,230 cases green fruit, 20 bags curios, 10 bags tares, L.l 855 feet hardwood, 30 pairs shafts, 3,332 Bplit rails, 25,000 feet palings, 1,255 bags bark, 13 packages furniture.

Per Clarabell, Darcy Pratt, and Louis Montgomery—l,B7o sacks Onniaru potatoes. 100 sacks bran, 300 sackß oats.— \i. Mitchelson & Co.

Inwards Coastwish.—Ruby, from Walhcke, with 10 ions shingle; liessie, from Kennedy Hay, with 22,200 ft timber; Sovereign of the Seas, from Tryphena, with 20 tons firewood.

Outwards Coastwirk.—Sovereign of the Seas, for Tryphena.

Tho barque Claribel loft Oamarn on August 27th, and experienced bead winds during tho whole of the passage up, arriving here at 11 p.m. yesterday.

Tho barque Loongana left Hobart on the 2nd intt.atl p.m., passed North t;npo on the morn ing of the Uth, and arrived in harbour early tills morning. Pnssongors :—Mr and Mrs bwailes, and tho Misses Bwailes.

'•' A London cable just received by the New Zealand Shipping Company, advises that the s.s. Doric is bound for Wellington, and not Auckland as previously advised. She lias. however, a !a-go quantity of cargo on board for this port.

Tho s.s. Waitaki arrived from Whansrarei last evening, with the following passengers:— Mesdames Davis, Green, Stevenson, Haywood, Messrs Clark, Stcphenson, Haywood, Buddie and child. Aitkin.Levy, Taylor, Nayen. Flower day, Jicid. lieaumoiit, Chester, Alphonse, Pcrrin, Kelly. Dagger, Fuller, Thaisond.

Tho following passengers arrived from YUmnwrei by the s.s. Maegregor last even ing:—Messrs Clendon, Holroyd, Donaldson, Hmith, Thompson, S. Carr, Lawford, Anderson, McLeod (21. Mcsdames McLean, McLcod, Mulcahy, Misses McLean, llitnn. Fleet, Bell, and Iluee in the steerage.

THE STEAMER HERALD.

Messrs Stone Bros, have received a telegram announcing that the new steamer Herald, re onntly built for th«m and intended for the West < 'oust trade, loft London for this colony yester day. Tho Herald was constructed under the Mipcrvision or Captain Savory, who is now in charge ot tho vessel.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVAL. Hannah Mokau, s.s., Windsor, from AVaitara

DEPARPTURES.

Lalla Rookh, e.s., Campbell, for Raglan and Kawhia Hannah Mokau, s.s., Windsor, for Waitara

Then.s. Hannah Mokau arrived from Waitara t'ns morning with 18 head of cattlo and 120 sheep. She left again for Waitara at 3 o'clock. The s.s. Lalla Rookh left for Raglan and Kawhia nt 1 0 clock.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Tiiamf.3, tins day—Sailed: Fanny Thornton, schooner, for Normantown, with 70,(iOOft timber. The Lapwing was bound to Brisbane mot Nor muntow'iii with 231.000 ft timber.

UiSßOiixi:. this day. from Auckland, 11 a.m.

— Arrived: Mannpouri,

Waitar.*, this day. - Arrived: Douglas and Argyle, from Onchunga, at noon. Si-it, yesterday -Arrived : Thomas Unssell, ii"om Auckland, 8.30 p.m. Mklroiusne, this day.-Arrived, this morn ing : Union Co. s Tarawera.

Sydnkv, September 11.-Sailed, this after noon: P-M.S. City of Sydney, for San Francisco via Auckland.

London, September 10.—Arrived: Auriga, barque, from Timaru (June 31. Port CiIALMKHa, Soptembcr 11.-Sailed: To Anau, for ths North. Passengers for Auck land :' — Mrs Norton and two children Mrs Harstill and family (2). Miss Nott and child, Miss licagh. Messrs Corderoy. Keyogh, 11. .Ncwson, and Captain Davis.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Stab Office, Friday. MB ALFRED DOCKLAND'S WEEKLY REPORT, At tho Haymnrket on Friday, September sth, foddor was at lower values. Ordinary hay brought from Is 9d to 3s; choice quality," Js 3d and 13 Gd the cwt; chaff, 3s'9d to as Gd the cwt; damaged maize, 2s to 2s 9d; barley, 2s Od; oats, 2s 4d to 2s lid tho bushel; ordinary bonedust, £7 las the ton; potatoes, £1 the ton; pressed oaten hay, £5. The horso market was well sup plied with young draught stock; the lately improved valae3 were fully sustained, and hrisk demand ruled throughout the sale. Prices for heavy draught ranged from £20 to £15; medium draught, up to £20; a light buggy, £17 10s. On Tuesday there was the usual muster of hides, skins, and tallow. Best hides brought 3Jd tho lb; tallow, 22s to 27a 6d the cwt; sheopskirs, 13 8d to 3s 3d each. At Waluku, on Saturday last, the yards were filled with cattle, principally cows or young stock. (There was a steadj inquiry from the surround ing Bottlers for all offered, at satisfactory prices. At Remucra, on Thursday, dairy cattle near cilving were fairly represented, and at late values. No store cattle yarded. Fat cattle in full numbers, and prices steady throughout, ranging with size and quality between 22s and 2G9 the lOOlbs. Fat calves plentiful, and in fair iDquiry at late valuO3. Fat sheop were in moderate numbers, and without alteration in price. Lambs, numerous and dull of sale com pared with last week, prices ranged from 63 to lls 6d caoh. Pigs were yarded in lull numbers, and were in brisk demand at prices satisfactory to the sellers.

HcNTKit and Nolan's Weekly Report. Horses: The improved demand has continued, and almost all oil'ered found purchasers at an advance on ratc3 previously ruling. Quite an average number wore submitted for auction at tho Durham Yards on Friday. Bidding was bl'isK throughout the sale, and almost without exception lots were cleared. We quote hacks, at from £7 to £1810s; light harness horses, from £11 to £M ; van horses, i 23; draught, £20 to £29105. Wool, hides, and skins: There was a moderate supply of hides, but of indifferent quality, conse quently tho previous week s values were barely obtained, l'rices for skins had an upward ten dency. Cattle-: With the exception of dairy cows, above the usual number were brought forward and disposed of. The butchers' pens at the Newmarket Yards were well tilled on Tues day, hut there was a limited number of both store and dairy stock, and those were of indiffer ent quality. At Pukekoho on Wednesday, the yards were completely crammed. Competition was good, and scarcely a lot was with drawn. Beef averaged 2Sa per ICOlbs.; no noteworthy alteration in other descriptions of stock. Averages were: 1 steers, James Given, £10 Is; j steers, Hale Bnthers, £7 ; 10 steera, Buttle, £8 lls ; 18 steers, Reynolds, £9 2s (i.l; S steers, Scott Bros , £fl 15s ; 8 steers, Lako, £10 3s 3d ; 10 steers. Hunter, £8 7a, Scott, £10 15s ; 1 cows, Scott, £5 ISs 9d ; 18 steers, John jHnitin, £7 -Is7d ; 7 Bteers, Guerson, £Gl3s, cows, £5 2s 6d ; 8 steers,Pearson Bros., £8 is, 5C sheep, 183 Bd. Sheep: The greater number yarded on Tuesday at Newmarket were of indifferent description, consequently several pens intended for the butcher wore bought by tho grazier; wethers sold at from 103 to 21s ; owes, lls 6d to 17s 9d. Pigs very short, supply good porkers realised id por lb live weight.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails win Close as ranum— This Day. For- Whangaroi Heads, Parua, Waipu, Whangarei, Kamo, Tangihua, and Manga pai. per Itfacgrogor, at 5 p.m. For Friendly Islands, per Cygnet, at 5 p.m. For Waterford, Tauranga, etc., per Rotoma hana, at 9 p.m. For Thames, per Rotornahana. at 5.30 p.m. Saturday, 13th inst. For Waiwora, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai. etc., per Rose Casey, at iO a.m. For Waitara, etc., per Douglas or Argylo, at 1 p.m. Monday, 15th inst. For Russell, Kawalcawa. Wflangaroa, and Mongonui, per Glenelg, at 5 p.m. For Tauranga, Ohinemutu, and Opotiki, per Wellington, at a p.m. For Whitiangi, Upper Mill, and Tairua, per Rowena or Neptune, at 5 p.m. Tuesday, 16th inst. For Taranaki and Southern Ports, per Hawea, at 1 p.m. Per b.b. City o£ Sydney as follows :— TtF? r Navigators Islands, Sandwich Islandß, nJS,^,.BI^ 68. 01, America, Canada, British 04 lettera'and newß received by the Mail Agont ° ™ taSii tS BtoamoruptoUiotimeoflaUinS" -^ c F at i^^ "* Kawak «va, per To Anap, • 0»^e BA, Bc I.f a n? liofPOßtmtt9te

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

UI.riE.MMKU 12, lliSl. Abbott's Opera Ilouso — Wi'Jmott's Dramatic Company,".British Bom," 7.15 p.m. Lorno-strcet Hull—Webb's Royal Marionettes, Sp.m,- Y.M.O.A.—Looture, "Radiant Heat," Pro fessor Browa, li.Sc, 7.30 p.m. St. Barnabns's Church. Mount Eden—Lime light Exhibition by Rev. J. S. Hill. 7.30 p.m. Pitt-Street Wesloyail School-room- Service of Song, -'Christie's Old Organ," 7.30 p.m. Newmarket Wesleyan Church—liev. J. J. Brown. Lecture, "Mistaken Notions." 7.30 p.m. Rxcolslor Hall, Pitt-street—Auckland Pigeon Flying Club, 8 p.m. Working Men's Club—Meeting of tfnginoor ing Trades. 7.30 p.m. Auckland Kceatta Club—Special Mr.cHng of Subscribers, Waitcmata Hotel, 8 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

Vkuitas.—Your letter might ho actionable. You had bettor put the ruse into the Viands ol :i reputable fn-m of solicitors. Ji'Nii-s. — In the crowded condition of our columns with Parliamentary news, we cannot extend this correspondence. Ratkpaykb.—We cannot insert letters in reply to correspondence which appears in another paper. Sur.scniiiKU.-Kvcry Parliament exists for three years unless dissolved by the Governor. This Parliament will not be ufleeted by the fact thai the last one was dissolved instead of expiring by eMhixion of time. T. B. Hannakokd.—Wo concur: it As- about time the controversy about. '-Prevention ot Wrecks" was brought to a close. Thanks for your letter, which is declined, in pursuance ot the opinion expressed in its opening sentence. The letters of " Kx-Southsean" and " Another V.x Southsean" on the same subject are also declined with thanks, as the correspondence seems likely to degenerate into personalities. All, we hope, will rejoice if the outcome of the present agitation is to secure greater security for "tho™ that ro down to {he sea in ships, i\o matter whether it is by a cannon-ball or " windmill nrnuiffomonf." Tvho.—lt is questionable if tho learned author of "Kdncation anil Kdueators" could throw much light on the ornithorhyncus puzzle. There is force in your remark, if evolutionists like our contemporary could only see it:—" If man can be evolved from v platypus, why may not man by tho law of 'avatism' or real descent, viz., a falling from a higher to a lower level, become a plntypns! Those who are favourable lo the degencracy-of-man theory can now have more scope for.their investiga tions, as it is. strange to say, tho result of it tlmt where thu discovery of nn 'oviparous nmmnirl' has been made is also the present homo of the most uncivilised type of man.

Births.

BUOOICKS.—At Edinburgh-street, Newlon. on the Dili September, the wife of F. A. Broolcea of a son.

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12. 1884.

For tho causa that lacks assistance, For tho wrong that needs roßlstacc*, For tho futuro in tho distance, And tbe good that we can do.

The example set by the local bodies on the West Coast of the North Island should stir up the Chamber of Com merce and other representative Auck land institutions to exert their influence in "the decision of the North Island trunk railway route. No other com mentary upon the sham being per petrated in the appointment of the Committee of Inquiry is wanted beyond the fact that the opinions of members pro and con are already known before they have even been appointed, and correspondents are enabled to say as a matter of fact, and not of specula tion, that four are in favour of the Stratford and seven for the central route. The Auckland members appear to be fuliy alive aware of sacrifice of Northern interests which is meditated in the nomination of this Committee, but their hands would be strengthened in obtaining an impartial hearing by an expression of Auckland feeling at this juncture. The strong desire of the West Coast settlements to be connected with Auckland, and the conviction pre vailing there that Auckland is their best and natural market, is itself a powerful reason why we should exhibit our sympathy and make common cause with them. The purchasers of land on the Waimate Plains, and in the several West Coast townships and adjacent agricultural lands, have been grievously sold through the change of front made by the mercantile forces of Wellington since they have secured the New Plymouth and Napier railways. These settlers bought land from the Government on the faith that the settlements were on the line of the trunk railway. The new proposals would push them over on to a minor branch line, practically cut off from communication with any centre except Wellington and New Plymouth. This gross breach of faith is already opera ting prejudicially on the value of their lands.

The information contained in the petition from residents in these districts presented to Parliament by Major Atkinson yesterday, and supported by a number of printed documents and the representations of a delegate, gives an admirable summary of the resources of the lands opened by the Stratford line, and their value as a feeder to the commerce of Auckland. The petition asserts that the land on the Stratford route is superior to tha.t in the centre, and, in fact, that the Stratford line passes through some of the best land in the colony. I,t proceeds to say that there is likely to be a large and con stant mineral traffic irl coal and lime on the Stratford line, which would not be developed by the central route, and contends that the central route would practically cut off all railway traffic to Auckland from "Waitotara, Patea, Hawera, and Taranaki, with a total assessment value of £3,728,000, and a population of 19,027. Respecting the live stock trade, it says there have been 100,000 acres of valuable freehold opened up and lately settled, and that there were exported to Auckland from the small port of Waitara during 18S3 3,600 large cattle, 25.000 sheep, and 700 horses, besides grain and farm produce. Therefore they claim that this land would be a feeder to the line, and point out that land on the Waimate Plains, value half-a-million, was recently sold, and that the railway on the West Coast would drain a larger area, settled and improved, than the central route, and would bring in a greater revenue. The petitioners show that the Stratford route runs on an average from 30 to 50 miles inland, and therefore competition from water carriage would not be likely to be felt. They submit that the settlers between Hawera and New Ply mouth would have to travel 350 to 450 miles in order to reach Auckland by the central route, while the distance by the Stratford route is only 250 to 320 miles. They say it is understood that the estimated difference in the length of the two routes is 70 miles in favour of the West Coast over the central, and the estimated difference in cost of construction is from .£350,000 to £400,000 in favour of the same line, which means a saving of from £3,400 to £6,000 a-year in interest alone

These weighty facts ought to tell against the project of carrying the rail way from end to end through an en tirely unsettled country merely for the purpose of shortening the distance to Wellington a few miles. The annual loss on the working of the line if con structed by the central route will become a serious burden on the settlers of the North Island.

[Since the foregoing article was in type we have learnsd, with satisfaction, Uiat the Chamber qf Commerce this afternoon passed a strong resolution in favour or the Stratford route.] • '

The Cost of Education.

A kmti;\ win laid upon llio table of Iho Ilouso of Representatives yesterday giving information as to the cost of primary edu cation in New Zealand, tho Australian colonies, and England. The return shows that tlio expenditure per scholar in New Zealand for tho year 1883, calculated on the mean of tho roll numbers at the end of the four quarters, was f-i :}i O.|d, exclusive of buildings, or £5 5s 3d inclusive of the expenditure on building.--. .In computing the averages, the expenses of the four train ing institutions aro included, as also tho amount voted by the General Assembly for scholarships, which are not properly charge able against primary education. Tlio return shows that in England the cost per scholar for maintenance for IS"--.'' was £- 3s il.Jd, while tho cost in New Zealand for tho same purpose was £3 Ms 9Jd, thus showing an excess in this colony ovor England of i'l llsOjd. A note to the table points out that tho eostof education per scholar in a sparsely settled young colony i.s necessarily greater than in the much more densely peopled Homo country, if the moans ot cducat ion arc to be carried" within the reach of settlers generally. In Queensland, the average cost is C-l 3h 3}d, or with buildings, £."> 7s K.jd. In New South Wales, £■! i"w, or with buildings, 111 l.'is ilyd. In Victoria, t'4 Ss lOd, or with buildings, £5 .'is l!d. In South Australia, C-l 4s -l-Vl, or with buildings, i'l IDs fr,'d ; and in New Zealand, as already stated, tlio cost was £1 If.-; o{d, or with buildings, i7> 5s 3d.

These figures aro all for the year ISS2, and place Mow Zealand in a very satisfactory light as compared with the sister colonies, nor is this colony placed in a bad light when com pared with some American States, as tho following averages for maintenance will show:—Xew Zealand, i'l 3s G.,d ; New York, £3 18s; Massachusetts, £4 (is lid ; California, iTi "is ltd. These facts will be specially interesting to our renders in view of tho statements made during tho general elections regarding tho great costliness of the national schools of this colony.

To-morrow's Star will be the usual lavjlQ double issue for Saturday, and this weak besides continuation of serial tale, garden, sporting, and other matter, will contain a summary of the news of (lie month for de spatch to America and Europo by the mail leaving on Tuesday. The news comprises our special reporter's full account of tho wreck of tho ship Lastiiigliam (tho most comploto report printed in the colony), and also particulars of tho New Zealand .Sugar Company's Works at Birkcnhcad.

The mail steamer City of Sydney, which is to tako tlio mails from Auckland on Tuesday next, left Sydney yesterday after noon for this port.

The City Council have decided that tho Library shall in future be open lo tho public from '.) a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sundays from '2 p.m. to !).,4io p.m. Tho appointment of a respectable youth as assistant to the librarian, at a salary of £50 per annum,was authorised.

By tho s.s. Manapouri yesterday, tho New Zoaiand Stud and Pedigree Stock Company shipped a two-year-old Hereford bull to the Hon. W. Robinson, of Christ church, and a Hereford heifer to Mr Stuccey, of Wellington.

The Commit'oo of tho Auckland Cricket Club has decided to open the season with a match amongst members of the Club, viz., an cloven of last season's players against another twenty-two. Tho match will bo played on Saturday, Soptembcr '27, in tho Domain, and should prove an interesting ono.

With reference to tho nuisance caused by tho depositing of night-soil near tho Asylum, referred to in our columns a few days ago, wo learn that Mr Napier, at the instance of Mr Lawroneo, has issued a summons in tlio District Court against John Wrennnll, tho lessee of Dignau's paddocks, claiming .C 101) for damages done to Mr Lawrence's pro perty, and injury to the health of himself and his family, by the smells arising from the night-soil.

A meeting of tho Auckland Polo Club was held this afternoon, when there wcro present—.Messrs JMcLaugldin, I'ereiv.d, Wallis, Williamson, Donnelly, o'Kmke, Henderson, and I'urtt. It was decided that all ponies which had played pulo last year should be qualified to run in the polo raco at tho Hunt Club meeting on the'2sth October next, the weights to bo 12 stone and distance half-a-milo. Tho Polo Club gives a sum of money, which is added to tho total amount of entrance fees, and goes to wards purchasing a cup for the winner.

Mr Bonnor, mate of the steamer Waitaki, who .sustained serious injuries by falling down thp vessel's hatchway ftt Whangarci, on Wednesday, arrived hero Inst evening, and was conveyed to tlio Hospital in a semi conscious state. ITo is 3ufforli)j£ from con cussion of the brain, and although liia in juries are of a dangerous character, it is ex pected that, with careful treatment, lie will recover. Wo learned by enquiry at the Hospital lute this afternoon Unit lionnor was still in an unconcious stato.

Our weekly market prico list, which is unavoidably hold over, contains a few altera tions from last wcok'd quotations. Mutter remains at Is pov" lb. wholes1 !o and Is .'!d retail, while eggs aro worth Sd per dozen wholesale and lOd per dozen retail. Tho gum market has been more active during this week than for some time previously, but prices remain unaltered, tho month's supply so far being 170 tons. Potatoes aro now quoted at from £'l !5s to £4 10s and local bran is worth £(i 10s. There aro no other changes worthy of special notice.

Tho timber trado has been exceedingly brisk throughout tho winter, and a largo number of buildings aro to bo erected during tho summer. Tho supply of timber is keep ing up, notwithstanding tho fact that there have been no " freshes " for a considerable time. To-day no less than nine vessels ar rived with cargoes for tlio Auckland Tim ber Company, viz., the Reward, lluakaka, Bessy, Start, Coralio, Opotiki, Champion, Kauri, and Rata, with a total of 27"),000 feot of timber.

And yet another limo tho matter!] of the "Wandering Waverley" has been before the City Council, At the meet ing of that body last evening, Mr Panter wrote asking tho Council to re consider its decision. This tho Council, by resolution, declined to do. Wo have not, however, yet heard the last of tho matter, as Cr. Montague, who considers that Mr Pantor has been hardly used by tho Coun cil, has given notice of his intention to move at next meeting that the previous resolu tion of the Council be rescinded.

'A property-owner in Sheehan-streot, Pon sonby, complains that although the con tractor for Ponsonby Road was originally instructed to use tho surplus earth in the formation of Sheehan-streot, a new instruQ tion has been given him to deposit it in Jervois Road. The resuit is that traffic in Sheehanstreet has been obstructed, and the thoroughfare left in a disgraceful condition. Tho I'onsonby members of tlio Council ought to investigate the grievance, and see that justice is dono.

A city milkman, who has kept a standing J'ulo with his customers that if they can prove his milk to bo watered ho will be pre pared to pay tho analyst's fee, wants to know why tho vondoi'3 who havp boon do tected adultoring their milk aio not brought to justice. Ho says when tradesmen vend ing an honest avticlo arc compelled to com pete in prico as well as quality with men who ai'o selling city water at the price of good milk they uro placed at a great dis advantage. Our correspondent is quite right. The law against adulteration of milk ought to bo rigidly onforccd. Our correspondent will, however, see by refer ence to our police report to-day that action is being taken.

On Wednesday evening last an attempt was made to break into tho shop of Messrs Munro and Milligan, Hobson-stroer, Tho burglar had prized off a portion of the frame work of the front door, nnd had thus man aged to get at the lock. Fortunately, the door, besides being locked, was secured by bolts both top and bottom, ami the thief got nothing for his pains. Tho detectives aro of opinion that the attempted burglary was the work of a novice ; no export " cracks man " would have made tho attempt with out having previously satisfied himself re garding tho position of the fastenings of tho j door.

\ To the Editor : Sir,—Will you oblige by | contradicting tho statement in the Star ru / pigeon match between Wcatheridge anil j Bevin for £10 a-side, as it is uttorly false.— j I am, &c, G. D. Bevin, Newton lload.

At the annual general meeting of tho Auckland Bicycle Club, held in Kobson's Rooms on Wednesday evening, the balance* sheet of the past year was read and con firmed, showing a balance in hand of £1 Gs ) 4d. The loss of £15 incurred through non-paying spectators at the. races helrl in May was subscribed amongst the members. The following gentlemen were elected officers for tho ensuing year ; — W, M. Ser vice, captain; H. £>wales, bugler; J, Fitton, hop, treasurer and secretary [ W, Keyes, C. Bartley, A, Bartlett, W. Blflkey, H. Stuai't, jmd It. Swales, committeo.' The opening run of the Reason was proposed for . October 4th, pending arrangements with j the Waitemata and other Clubs. Five new members were addedlp tho roll.

Tl'o Marino Insurance Association at. Wel lington arc to pay ovor to-day all claims in connection witli the losjof tho Lastingham. Tho purchaser of tlio hull and cargo intends forming a joint stock company, with a capital of £2,000 in I'JO shares. A represen tative of the proposed company left for the scene of the wreck yesterday.

S. Jenkins writes referring to astatement published in our columns some months ago to the effect that an old bushman at Manu kau had discovered a plant a decoction of which caused human hair to go permanently black. lie states that he has made a similar discovery, mid would liko t3 cor respond with liis unknown ronfrm1 in tho task of blackening those grey hairs which aro vulgarly supposed to be like a crown of glory on tlio head of age.

We have been requested to stale that tho proposed meeting for the establishment of a Psychological Society will not take place on Sunday next, as previously announced by un, but two or throo weeks hence.

South Dunedin municipal loan proposal for borrowing £10,000 wna ycsteiday allirmed at the poll by over 1-0 of a majority.

The foundation stono of the new Anglican Church at. Avondale will bo laid to-morrow afternoon, at. hull-past three o'clock, by the Uight Reverend tho Bishop of Auckland. A special omnibus will leave the Union liank.it two o'clock for Avondalo, and re turn immediately after the ceremony,

Yesterday tho half-yearly meeting of the Southern Cross Petroleum Company was hold at Christr-hnrch. Mr Spoakinan, tho Chairman, said No. 2 boro was down 710 feet. It was not proposed to make any more sixpenny calls, but. to work along gradually, limiting tlio calls to threepence, to pay liabilities and supply tlio necessary funds. 11, was agreed to oiler a bonus of £500, to bo divided between the manager and workmen, for tho striking within six months of it flowing svoll—tho amount to bo doubled if it yielded ;!00 barrels or more daily.

Another useful industry is being estab lished by Mr Alfred dec, lato of Christ ohnrcli, whoso bottled ealvesfcot, raspberry, and other jullios luivp already taken a place in tlio colonial markets. Mr Guo has re moved to Auckland, and intends establish ing the manufacture of jellies and prcKOn'es »t'Slater's building, Albert-street, lie has taken prize modal* at .Melbourne, Christ chureh, and Duncdin. There is n valuablo industry awaiting rlovolopinont in tho supply of these articles, and wewish MrOee, whoso products, from wimples submitted, may bo prcviuuneed of the linost quality, every .success.

The iinal deposit of £20 a .side will be put up to-morrow at tho United Service Motel by Messrs Uendry and Stophoiipon, making the stakes £100, for the forthcoming '12 hours' walking match at (lie Theatre 1 loyal. At present A. Hondry is a linn favourite. His brother Jack is training him, and will no doubt bring him out in good condition! Stephonson is comparatively a new hand, but his trainer, Tom Willis, is very well satisfied with the work ho is doing. An exciting and well-contested match is they) fore anticipated.

Threatened lapses into cannibalism aro not conlined to Fiji, or to so-called savago races. A man has boon arrested at l'aika karika, Wellington, for biting oil'tho end of tho notfo of another with whom ho wits lighting.

Tlio remaining casos at the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday were dis posed of as follows:—Miranda Coal Com pany v. Thomas Ellison : Claim £I' 2 lOs, on fiO allotted shares; Mr Campbell for plaintiff, Mr S. llesketh for defendant. Judgmont for plaintiff,,costs £'2 IK Mary O'Brien v. Wm. Hunt: Claim 10s, week's wages in lieu of notico; Mr Napier for, plaintiff. Mr Hunt defended the case in order to test the logality of tho claim, con considering that tho girl had not fully mnili) up her lime. Judgment for plain till', costs t:i ss. Hugh Sarsfiolil v. ■'. .I.Allen: Claim, US. Geo. Wroiord v. same, claim £22 2s ; Fred. Freeman y;

same, claim fli> 17f. .Robert Hogg v. same, claim £'20 13s ; Mr llr.issey for plain! tills, Mr Thoo. Coopor in defence Tho plaintiffs wero bu°hmen, and tho claims were for work done for defendant, a eon- Irarlor at fort Albert. Mr Coopor con tended 1 lint, tho ('oiirt hnil no jiiriwdiction ; the cases should havo been taken in tho local Court. Mr Brassey oonsidorod that

as tho contract was made with the men in Auckland, His Worship had power to deal with tho coses. Tho question of jurisdiction was reserved.

The liev. W. S. I'otter gave a very in structive lecture last evening in the Upper li It-street Methodist School-room on

" Britain Under tho Romans," in aid of the Sunday-school hinds. The lecture was in two parts - thu first in relation to the character, military skill, and social life of tlio Romans in their palmy days: the second part treated of the extension of their power and the landing of Julius C.'usar near Deal, on the Kentish coast, and tho terror which was excited in tho breast of Cresar

and the Roman soldiers by tho formidable and determined appearance of the ancient Britons in that pro-historic ngo. Tin: second invasion by Claudius wan graphically sketched, withintcrvcningnotico*o'fC.'nHieta> cus, P.oi'/liuea, Agrico!n,aiul other prominent loaders, and tho benolieciit inlluonees, dot pito barbarous customs, which were exor cised upon our sturdy ancestors, showing that tho i?ritons oujoycil a rude state of peace and prosperity, their disturbances boing internal and duo to themselves. Tho lecturer disoantcd upon the Roman laws, industrious habit?, and sanitary ablutions, religion, lovo of gardening1, etc., indicating that the old Romans had a good deal to do with the formation of John Bull's habits and character, and that thoir occupation of

Albion's whito-clid'ed islo was fraught with blessings in numerous way?. The lecturo was illustrated with views of wenpons of war, figures of Romans and Britons, landing of tho Emperor, Stonchcngc, tho chief Druid cutting the mistletoe from tho British oak, and other views. Mr Carlaw accom panied tho singers on tho harmonium, and the lecture and music was evidently enjoyed by the audionco.

Tlio annual meeting of tlio West End Cricket Club was hold at Robson'a pining Kooms last evening. Mr T. Mncky occu pied the choir. The Secretary's report, which was re;id> showed that during the past season the First Eleven played 10 matches, of which 3 wore won, 2 lost, and 5 drawn. Tlio batting average showed Mr J. Avneil with the best record, viz., 30!> rung and an average of 25' i) rims, while Mr 0. I. Heid came next with 189 ; average, 189. Ho received the present for batting because Avneil had not complied with the rule as to attendanco and practice. Mr Reid had also the best bowling record, viz., 382 balls, 134 runs, W maidens, .17 wickets, average 715 runs per wicket. Two bats presented by Mr A. I)evoro for fiokjing have been handed over to the Committee for presentation. Tho Second Eleven played 21 matches, won G, drew 7, and lost 8. Tho batting average was headed by Mr Courtayne, who was presented with a bat, and Mr W. Vovney received tho trophy for bowling. The Third Eleven played IS matches, won S, drew 7, and lost 3. air W. Doughty received tho prize for tho best batting avorago, aitd Mr Laxon tho prize for tlio beet bowling analysis. Tho Troa- Burer's statement showed a dobit bal ance pf £1 Ila lid, the assets boing sot down at £15. Officers and Com mittee wero elected as follows :— President, Mr F. Battloy; Vico-Presidents, Messrs T. Mucky, sen.', and A. Dovore; Secretary, Mr C. F. Reid , Assistant Secre taries, Messrs W. .Doughty and H. Stead mau ; Treasurer, Mr W. Baker, ro-oleetcd ; Committee, Messrs .T. Arneil, 1). Lynch, Young, T. Wacky, C. B. King ; delegates to the Association, Messrs Lynch and Reid. It was also decided to open the season with a practice match on September 27. Tho meeting closed after passing a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

FEELS Younu Again.—" My mother wan alllictcd a long time with ucuralgi'i and a dull, heavy, inactive condition of ihe whole system, headache, rorvous prostration, and wvs almost, helpless. No phyeieiuns or medicines did her any good. Three months atjo she began to use Hop Bitters, with such good cllecl that shu seems and fesls young aguin, although over seventy years old."—A Lady rx It. I, Look up.

Ml' Dampicr lias, with his usual enter prise, opened another of his branch boot shops in Parnell, immediately opposite tho Han-ell Hotel. Dampicr may be soon termed tho Now Zealand Whltley.

A special mooting of the Auckland Ito" gatta Ulub is convened for this evening, at eight o'clock, to consider proposed alterations nnd ad ditions i.o the rules or the Club and the rccatta regulations. As gome of the proposed altera tions arc of an important nature, it will bo well for all interested to attend, Subscribers of ono guinea or moro to the funds oil la_at regatta arc entitled to be present and to exercise a vote.

IVofessor Brown will deliver a lecture on " Radiant Hei t i," in the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms, this evening, at 7.33.

As numbers were unable to obtain admission to the lecture en "John Bunyan " on Thundity last in the.Theatre Royal, the Rev. J. S. Hill has consented tp ra-deliver his lecture specially to children on Friday, the 19th inst. Admission will be by free ticket. A collection will be made an behalf of the Jflvangplisticwork Of the Yojjng Mep's Ch"jstl;in Association.

As will bo seen by special notigo in another column, Mr Possarieskis, the" woll known merchant tailor of Auckland, has just leecivfld a largo.consignment pf spring goods, and olFerS in consequence (jreat Inducement to t.he pu'i'ic fnr their custom. Choice patterns to select from.

THE THAMES MUNICIPAL MUDDLE.

(BY TI'XKfiRAIMI. — OWN CURKKItFOXDBNT).

Thames, this day. Mkssus Fakhbix and Mukdoch, who wero duly elected members of the Borough Council prior to the discovery of the in formality in the Returning Officer's ap pointment, presented themselves at last night's meeting for the purpose of taking their seats. Mr McGowan protested against their doing so, and upon the Chairman (Dr. Kilgour) persisting in receiving their affirmation, Messrs Bowden, McOowan, Murdoch, and Wilson walked out of tho Council Chamber. A quorum of members remained, however, and tho business was proceeded with, it being decided to consult the solicitor regarding tho present awkward situation, and take no action excepting upon that gentleman's advice.

WEBB'S ROYAL MARIONETTES.

Those who went to see Webb's Koyal Marionettes at (lie Lornestreet Jlall last

evening in expectancy of seeing something both novel and unique wero not dis appointed. The building was tilled in all

parts, mid tho ontcrtiiiuiiient throughout was marked by contimiod evidences of appreciation by tlio audience The pro grummo announcod that, the performanco would bo divided into throo parts, and the curtain rose on a very pretty scone, where in rapid succession were introduced lifeliko figures, winch went through ft variety of performance*. Tho figures, we may ex plain, aro worked by a clever mechanical arrangement. They come on the stage as naturally as if in life, and go through the announced exhibition and make their exit in such a manlier as would quite throw into shade a genuine performer of similar fuata. Thus wo saw what was styled " Tho Female lilondin," a precocious-looking little lady, who gave an extraordinary oxhi bition on the tight rope in feats of balanc ing, dancing, tec. Then followed "the stilt clown;" "the animated skeleton," which produced roars of laughter by repeatedly bo coming disjointed, and eventually disap peared heaven wards; the Turkish juggler who did some tricks with balls, and tho " Magic Turk." The latter was both a funny anda clever makeup, and by a process which it would bo dillicult to explain, what at fin-t was one perfect figure becomes piece by pieco half a dozen minor .specimens of lively little men watched over by a maternal looking old dame. After they had left the stage the miniature minstrel party appeared, I twasalso composed of "dummies,"ulthough tho liguros frequently appeared wonderfully real. Tho minstrels went through ft programme, or wo should say, they seernrit to go through a programme, of songs, dunces, and eccentricities. They did not "take" so well as tho Marionettes of the first part, simply bo cause they wcro required to exhibit vocal powers, and having nono, it wus plain to everybody that that which was wanting in this respect was supplied from tho wings, with no apparent effort at ventriloquism. After the orthodox ten minutos' intormis mod, tho fairy pantomimo, " Beauty and tho Boast," camo on, and tho various scenes wore beautifully dopicted by a very rapid arrangement, and frequent change of tho scenery. So tho audience was introduced to the haunt of the Fairy Queen Amaryllis, tho house of Mr Pump (a ruined mer chant), tho forest, wherin a most laugh able nocturnal adventure is portrayed, and tlie enchanted garden, or 1-ome of tho beast, which is transformed eventually into a harlequinade In this part of the enter tainment songs and dances aro again intro duced, so that wo saw tho boar engaged (or fancied so) ill a ponderous attempt at tho " light fantastic " and singing lustily in tho popular selection from " Olivette " known as "The Torpedo and the Whale." Tho conclusion of this part of tho programme was very laughable, intro ducing the adventures of two interesting individuals in a balloon, ill a donkey cart, stealing wuiMgcs, in the anna of tho police, and in a great many other ridiculous positions. At the conclusion of tho panto mine the curtain was dropped for a few minutes, and roso on a beautiful transfor mation scene running through a sequence of soino dozen changes, and introducing a largo number of emblematic figures. Tho audioncc testified their admiration by almost constant applause, and evidently went homo well-pleased. The Marionettes will enter tain another audience, probably a larger one, at tho sumo placo thin evening. Parents will do well to tako note of the fact that tho only matinee of the soason will tako place tomorrow afternoon, commenc ing at 2 o'clock sharp.

MINING NEWS.

(HY TKI.KCKAI'II—OWN CORRKMI'ONOKNT.)

Thames, this day. Reuiiks I'arii. — (lentles, tributur, who is sinking a winze on the leader lately worked by tho Company, crushed two loads of quartz for tho handsome yield of 53ozs. •Idwts. gold, the result of it fortnight's operations. Macnoi.ia.—Ralio, tributer, banked 10oz3. of gold obtained from nino loads. Rocky Point, —The manager has pro pounded a bold schemo for tunnelling through the claim for its whole length upon tho Dnko cross-reef. The proposed work will involve about 2,000 feet of driving, and it is recommended that a rock drill to be impelled by water-power should bo procured for the purpose. Waiohoniiomai. —Tho crushing of 2G truck-loads produced »3ozh. gold. Nrw Pkisce Imperial. — A further parcel of 4cwt. of ppocimens was secured in tho stopes this morning, and a splendid show of gold remains. Daht.—The crosscut at No. '4 level intersected No. 2 reef this morning. Tho quartz has been broken into a thickness of •-' foot, and shows colours of gold.

POLICE COURT. — This Day.

(Before 11. G. Scth Smith, Esq.. R.JI.)

DHVXir. — Four individuals woro fined; A. (Jownn, disorderly, 10a. Hkkakinq ani> Entering. — Aubory 1> itr. corald. a well-known idler, was charged with breaking and entering the store ot lhomas Freeman, dv tlio night of tho 10th instant, and stealing therefrom three shillings and two bot tles of salve, S3 (id. On Hie application of berg . Pratt tlio case was romnmled until the lUtii mst. Lucknv.- Daniel Alciirowr. aged 10. was charged with stealing 2s lOd. the Woportycf Jane Harris. - Prisoner pleaded guilty.-Mrs McGregor said Bho knew nothing ot the thelt.— BorKoant Pratt said tho boy was caught in tho shop in Grey-street yesterday aftornopa,. Tho money was found upon him. -Mrs Harris did not w?sh to press the charge.—Xo ecntence.but o^™ D C™i t .-Geor K e Blake, fanner of \lauKero, was charged on summons with un lawfully selling to Cornelius Taylor, Joseph Booth, and Charles Bishop, dairymen of Auck land quantities of milk adulterated with water, contrary to section a ot tho Adulteration Pro vciitionAot,lßßo.-JlrCottorap P earedforthepro- scoution.andßiiid although Mr Blako had failed to appear, the personal service of the summons would bo proved, and he should prcsa for a severe penalty, as the case wus a disgrace to tho city Tho three pereons named formed tho firm known as the Auckland Dairy Company. Tho contract was for a supply of 22 gallons per day, but fcoliug that tho milk was not up to the pure standard, it was found, on examination by Mr Pqnd. that the cow with tlio iron tail had liberally contributed towurdstnedaily supply.— Jlr toke now entered tho Court, and pleaded L'uilty to tho charge-Cornelius Taylor and tho other complainants gave evidence as to heir Huqtiicions which caused them to have tho milk analysed, 'it showed 33 por cent, of water.- Janies Alexander Pond, analytical chemist under the Adulteration Act, gave tho result of his analysis. In his experience this wag tho most: Blaring instance of adulterating milk-with watofthat had come under his notice-Defend ant expressed regret at tlio oceHrrence.-Fmed £5 aud £5 3a Gd cqsts : total, *1Q Jb 6d. , JLakcenv ok Mobel Engines. - Edward Roes was charged with stealing Wo model engines, value £10, tho proporly of William Service -Heracaut Pratt opened the caso for tho prosecution. - Win. • Service, engineer, Kara igahapo Koad, deposed that lie kept a shop hi which wero placed a number of model engines and other things on stock. On the 10th of May ho missed two from his storo-room. (Particulars stated, and engines produced and dontiiied as his property.) Baw tlio prisoner once at his-store. Ho wanted model cnßino patterns. .Showed him the mouels Said he would purchase one to drive his inotnors sewing machine. Told prisoner he would not nart with it for any monoy.-Af tcr some further evidence the depositions wero then read over, and the prisoner fully committed for trial.

FOOTBALL MATCHES.

A match will bo played on tho Domain Cricket Ground co-morrow afternoon between the team to bo selected to play Wiiikato and n combined team Combined Team; Macky, Young.McOnus land McDonnell. T. Whitee|(lo.L\iak, Alelrirmu, Maynard, Polaid, Mills (2), Salt, Hrupo. Ridings, Stewart, J. It. M. Stewart, and others, The Match Committee meet this ovoning at Mr Tilly's to select the Walkat. Team, Rovßits v- Alexandra (Nort)i snoyo).-ttoveiss Caradus. Bailey, Doughty. Goodnian ,©.. Holly, McDonald, MuNamara, Gibbons, Gilhspje, Tay. lo», Dilthrc, Brncc. BBVton (3), :BldOm(t0ld, Players to loavo by 2.31) boat. roskuehv V. Gokpon Second, tomorrow, m ths Metropolitan Ground, Rosebery! Ham. mond, Klssiing (2). Johnston, Baimeß.Goiilstone; Poulsen, Wynyard.DaniolJ, Wqbstor. Ansqnpe, Kooves. Stevens, Milner.and Moor. Emcwren olea: Stone and Hulmp.-Gprdpn'2nd: Marrinor, MelsopW Mackay. SnodgrnsS, Meldrum (2), Fisbor, lVpnch, Patton, Lewis. Ohlsnn, Uignan, Mnrtin Major, Kcnderdmc. Jimergency: Hull.

CABLEGRAMS.

[iIY CABLE.—COVYTUiiHT.]

Commercial Treaty With Spain. London, September 11.—At the instance of the Spanish Government parleying has been renewed with the view to the con clusion of an Anglo ■ Spanish commercial treaty. Fronch Operations In Madagascar. Paris, Septombcr 11.—News is to hand from Madagascar that tho French Hoot, under Admiral Miot, has .bombarded Mahanores. The Malagasy Garrison Hod, and tho place U now in tho occiipationof tho French. (Received September 12—11.35 a.m.) Launch of New Zealand Steamers. London, Soptembcr 11.—Shaw, Sayill's steamer Tainui and the No \v Zealand Ship ping Company's Kaikoura have been suc cessfully launched. Aro the Colonies Drifting from England ? Lord Kosoborry, speaking at Aberdeen, said he feared that Knglautl wus allowing her Colonial Empire to drift away from her. The Murder and Cannibalism at Sea. The .survivors of tho yacht Mignrmctfo were again brought before tho Court, and have boon remanded for a week, being re leased on bail. Conversion of New Zoaland Bondsj Objoctcd to. London, September 10.—The holders of three quarters of a million of New Zealand five per cent, bonds having refused to agrco with tho recent scheme for the con version of the bonds, will bo paid oil' in January. The Russian Fleet Snlla for China. Tho "Times" circulates a statement to tho effect that the Russian ileot had sailed from a Russian port with, it is believed, hostile designs on China.

Tho Wai-Slilp Nelson,

11.M.5. Nelson will be detained on tho Australian station as the flagship of tho Ad miral. The troopship Tamur will in October convey a fresh crew to Sydney to relievo tha present crew of the Nelson.

Australasia and tho Forestry Exhibl-

At the Forestry Exhibition hold in Edin burgh, Australia- was awarded ono silver medal and a diploma. Now Zealand was also awarded one bronze medal and three honourable; mentions.

Denis Dugan, the rescuer of a number of Irish political prisoners who escaped fiom Froemantlo, Western Australia, by the American whaler Catapa, on April, 1575, has died in Dublin.

The Western Australian Timber Company havo purchased in Liverpool tho vessel Ironmaster for I.'SO.OOG. This Company have also offered M. Do Lesseps a supply of jarrah piles for use in tho i'anainu canal works.

Earl Duffcrin, British Ambassador in Turkey, and who succeeds tho Marquis, of Ripon as (iovernor-deneral of India, will leave Stainboul on Tuesday next. The Emperor William will leavo Berlin for Warsaw on Sunday next, with oho in tention, it is understood, of meeting the Czar and Emperor of Austria there. The frozen meat by the steamer Riiapehu has arrived in excellent condition.

One thousand poisons have been arrested at Warsaw as suspects.

AUSTRALIAN.

Tho llecent Attack by Natives,

AuFLAiiiK, Friday.—Two others of the party of miners who wore attacked by natives in tho Northern Territory, have sinco died from the injuries received. Tho tribes of blacks in tho neighbourhood of Alice Springs are now proving trouble sonic. Falling to Report Small-pox. Svun-i-v, September ll.— Tho Govern* ment lmvo commenced a prosecution agains- Dr. Kichler for omitting to give informa tion of the cases of small-pox which oc curred at the Orient Hotel, Ocorgc-Htroeti, and which ho attended.

CHORAL HALL-MONS. VILLE VAL'S BENEFIT CONCERT.

I'fksijant to notice, tho complimentary benefit concert tendured to Mons. Albin Villeval by tho French Literary Society took place la.st night in the Choral Hall, and passed off with all the success that was anticipated for it, Thoro \vo.« a largo audience; the orchestra seats were decorated with bunting, conspicuous amongst which was the tricolor flag of the Society, while tho members of the Committee wore rosettes also made up of thenationalcolours. A highly attractive pro gramme was presented, a very notable feature in connection with it being the fact that tho IS didbrent items figured thereon wore liy as/ many composers of repute1, extending from Bach nnd Beethoven to Blumenthal, l'ontet, and Sullivan. The items were well-arranged and pleasingly rendered, despite a sonjnvn of nervousness here and there. Miss Clarice Brabazon, tho infant pianiate, opened the concert with tho well-known pianoforte solo by Sorvais, entitled " Souvenirs do Versailles," which secured for her a prompt and deserved recal. Miss Rhodes pave a credit able rendering of Gan/.'s "Sing, Sweet Bird," and Mr Josoph Hanna contributed the song, "How ShalU Woo HerV" with his accustomed expressiveness. Mrs Alexander displayed the resourcos of a lino mezzo soprano voico in Blumentlial's ".My Queen," while Mrs J. M, Geddis gave with much feeling and distinctness of enunciation Virginia Gabriel's "Ruby." Mr Ralph Hood produced a mild furore by his brilliant rendoring of the valso, " Hspieulerie," by Gottschalk.andin response to tho inevitable encore he gave "The Last Hops," ti piece of ([iiite a contrary stylo by the same composer. It Is almost dirge-like in charac ter, and its subdued charms of expression were brought into relief by exquisite execu tion. Tho remaining instrumental selec-, tibus, which it will bo just as well to notice in thi3 connection, wei'O all marked by skilful performance Mr 11. F. Edger's talent as a 'cellist is too well known in Auckland to stand in need of eulogy, and his oxecutioh of tho beautiful 'cello solo, " Meditation/ has been heard and ad mtred before. Lnst night ho played it with all his usual success. Miss Brown gave, with appreciative taste and correctness, a pianoforte solo by Beethoven, consisting of an air with variations, and winding up with a protty allegro movement. Mendels sohn's string quartette, No. 1, com posed of an adagio and allegro, was performed by Messrs 0. and J. Hemus, J. C. Clough, and 11. F. Edger ■nost deloctably. The repute of these instrumentalists is known and acknowledged throughout Auckland, and it may safely be affirmed that they are far and away the best instrumental quartette in tho colony. Mr VV. H. Wobhe played as a pianoforte solo a clever arrangement by himself of tho Christy Minstrel ajr, " Old Folks at Home," which was well received. Keverting now to the singors, Mr J. Edwards sang "The Last Watch" with a. marked regard to its dolieato lights and shades; while Mr Stuart earned an encoro by a capital rendering of "Old Timbertoes." Mrs Judson gavo the song, "Orpheus with His Lute," with that artistic finish for which she is noted ; and Miss Culpan sang very tastefully a now and pretty song by Pontet, entitled "The Vision." "iN'.rS. It. ICecsing's fine, resonant, light bass voico was heard to advantage in the oavatina irpm "Ernani," "Jnfelico o tv Crodevi," and Mr G. Ilescott's singing of " Tell Her that I Love Her So," by De Fayc, led to a i-ccal. Two very acceptable vocal duets were given—viz., one from Adams' tuneful operetta, "Le Chalet," by Messrs A. Villeval (tonor) and S; H. Kcesing (bass), and the other, a melodious sotting by Balfe of Longfollow's poem, " Excelsior," by Messrs J. Hanna and S. E. 'Keesing. The former duet was encored. The concert was a graceful acknowledgment of Mr Villeval's efforts in the cause of music and of French literature, and tho wanner in which it was carried out reflects credit upon all who were concerned in it,

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(RY TKr.KGUAPIT.-SPKCIAL RKPORTEU.)

WrcixiNCTotf, this day

The Financial Statement.

Au, doubt concerning the date for the delivery of the Financial Statement has now been set at rest. The Premier stated

in the House yesterday afternoon tli.it he viib authorised by the Colonial Treasurer to inform members that lie (Sir Julius Vogel) would bring down the Statement on Tues day evening next. The announcement; was recoived v ith cheers. It is understood that tlio work of preparation, which has been proceeding by the aid of " midnight oil," is practically ooitif.lot.nd, nrid the Statement was being drafted yesterday afternoon by Sir Julius Vogel, who w.'ia absent' from the House. Native Member Of Cabinet. The delay of the Government in carrying out; their understood, ami in fact expressed, intention of adding a Unlive member to (.lie Cabinet is causing surprise. It is frooly as suited that the majority of the Cabinet are disappointed with the choice made by I ho native.:, and should have preferred another selection tlinn Wi Pore. -Ml- Wnkefield at tempted to have Bomo light thrown on t.ho subject yesterday afternoon, but was snubbed for his pains, lie a;ked the Pie mier if thero was any truLh in tlie reports published in the papers that W Ti Pore was to be added to the .Ministry, and Mr Stout, replied shortly that any changes -in the Executive would be duly announced when A Harbour fov Napier. The representatives, of Huwlco'h Hay fought well yesterday afternoon to aeeuro the second reading of the bill to enable the harbour authorities to 1.-iiso a loan of £:iOO,OOO for the construction of a harbour. Tlie member for Thorndon had been advised of the; promotion of petitions against thobill, whieli are now on their way to Wellington, and he endeavoured to secure a postpone ment of the debate. The Napier men wore, should not bo postponed for a single day, and struggled hard to secure ita progress. Mr Ormoud mentioned in the oourao ot tho debate that arrangements, had been made to ship from JSO.COU to '200,000 sheep from tliat district to England during the ensuing year, and the importance of proper harbour works to the welfare of tho district was urged by each of tho Hawke's Uay members in succession. Their eloquence proved so effective that members contented themselves with tho right to alter or amend the bill when it is brought, ii]) for committal, and allowed it to pass tho second reading. Local Borrowinß. Some interesting remarks on the subject of local borrowing fell from several lion. members during the course of the discus sion on the Napier Harbour Bill. .Mr Rol leston expressed himself as opposed to a .system which swelled the liability of the colony, and mentioned that the indebted ness of local bodies at the present time amounted to four millions. The Premier took the opposite view of tho matter, and while admitting that the borrowing of local bodies did in a sense increase the public dobt, said it did so only in the same way as the borrowing of private individuals, lie objected to tho House standing in tho way of a work of colonial importance of this character, which the people in tho district wero willing to carry out themselves,'and added it as his opinion that Hawkes Bay, for its area, was the richest district in tho whole colony. A Wiso Reform. It will be interesting to country settlors whoso lands are in tho neighbourhood of railway lines to learn that tlie Government lias issued instructions to olfieialn to dis continue tho practice-which has hitherto ob tained of planting railway embankments and slopes with gor/.e, broom, and other freely-seeding plants. Mr Buchanan de nounced the practice in the i [onse yesterday afternoon. Ife said it has caused great danger in Auckland and Wellington provincial districts. The plants spread rapidly over the neighbouring lands, and their removal entailed gmit expense. They also blocked up rivers and diverted the course of the water. How Dune din has Millccd the Coloay. It is an old saying that when rogues fall out honest men got their own, Ido nut wish to apply this literally, but the saying was forcibly recalled to my mind this after noon by an incident which occurred in the House. The Otago Harbour Board have introduced a measure providing for differen tial harbour rates,and Mr Macandrew, w'no has quarrelled with the Board, in opposing it tooth and nail while the bill was in com mittee yesterday afternoon, confided to members the sorrowful fact that he had been called narrow-minded, mean, and selfish in Duncdin because of his opposition to tho views of the Board, and smarting under the sting of defeat at a latter period of the afternoon, he attacked that body respecting its shortcomings. Warming up to his work, ho concluded his attack with the assertion that ho did not want to indulge in re criminations, but in consequence of its greed tho Otago Harbour Board had in volved the colony in a useless expenditure of from £110,000 to i' 150,000 in connection with the railway station. Members heartily applauded the sentiment, which they ap peared to regard as very near tho truth. More Canards. A rumour of an absurd character gained circulation to-day, to tho effect that Mr Stout was ruling the Cabinet in a manner •distasteful to his colleagues, and forming cliques, and that Mr Tole had threatened to withdraw. I would not have referred to the report had it not been for the know ledge that it has been wired to several newspapers as reliable, and i^ pretty sure to reach Auckland sooner or later. It is hardly necessary to say thore is no founda tion for tho canard, which I have authority for contradicting. Maori Representation. A bill dealing with tho question of Maori representation passed the second reading last night. It is intended to increase the number of Maori members, but the pro posed number is left blank. The increase proposed should take place after the end of the present session, but the present Maori members aro to retain their seats during the Parliament. The new districts aro to be defined by the Governor in Council, due regard being had to various tribal bound aries, and to tiie relations existing between various tribos of Maoris, so, as far as prac ticable, that tribes having a common ancestry on other causes of common interest existing before the foundation or the colony, shall bo comprised within one district. Good Speech by Sir Gco. Grey. One of the topics of conversation in the lobbies yesterday was the excellent reply by Sir Geo. Groy to the Premier on the Law Practitioners Bill. It was greatly admired by those who hoard it. The opinion is that a majority of tho Houso aro favourable to tho measure, and that it would have passed its second reading on Wednesday night had trouble been taken to secure pairs. Sir Geo. Grey is by no moans satisfied, and ia determined to introduce tho bill again next year, and, in fact, ovory year until it becomes law. Those Railway Contracta. The so-called railway job of tho late •Atkinson Govcrment, was brought up in tho House yesterday on a quostion by Mr Joyce. Mr Stout,, in reply, said it was true that two days after the so-called Atkinson-Wakefiold Government sent in their resignation, a tender was accoptpd for tho construction of a section of the Nelson- Brunncrton Railway at Clil.COO, and a section of .tho Cutlin's River was let at £700. Tenders for works wore called in March last; the letting of the contract was conditional on their being money e'laugh in vote. There was not sufficient money, and consequently the contracts were still ivtilct. The state ments were received with " oil's" from tho Government supporters. The "Post" last night commences an article on the subject in the following words :—" Brief as was the existence of the Canine Ministry, if endured long enough to enable it to per petrate two of the most bare-faced jobs which ever disgraced a Government.'-' After relating tho circumstances as previously telegraphed, tho article proceeds : " The object evidently was t\>.o-fokl. They desired to reward the party services of Messrs Thomson and Guinness, and at the same time to embarrass their successors by committing them to contracts for which they well knew there were no funds available. That Major Atkinson would be a party to a transaction _af this kind need excite no sur prise. It is not the iirsfc time support has been obtained from Grcyroor.th in a simi lar way," Ecclesiastical Endowments. It will be remembered that a return was recently ordered of endowments held as ecclesiastical property. Tlie report has low been submitted on the subject, stating thore are no means of obtaining the re quired information. There are, however, valuable properties held by the Episco palian , Church in Canterbury, and the Presbyterian Church' in Otago. but -in, neither case were theso properties acquired : as endowments out of tho public estate.

Workmen's Lion Bill. Tho bill which has been drafted by Mr Cad man gives any workman whose wages are overdue for twenty-four hours power to obtain from any .lustiee of the Peace a summons against his employer, at the samo tinio thereafter the Justice may issuo notice for at tachment of any moneys in the hands of any employer of such workman's em ployer. Ko such orders is to be for more than fiO days' wages, however, or if work be undone on any movcable chattel, and.which the workman could establish a lien by re taini.ig possession. An oider for payment of money follows judgment. Persons fur nishing materials of work have tho same redress, but only after claims for wages not exceeding 21 days are satisfied. Prosecution of' Fraudulent Bankrupts. The "Post " last night was- very severe on tlie Premier for having so strongly opposed Mr Samuel's motion affirming the desira bility of public prosecutions for fraudulent bankruptcy. It says: "The party has.twico boon placed in a humiliating position since I hoy assumed otlico, because the leaders havo been unable to correctly grasp tho feeling of the House, and have been badly informed of their own strength." Tho article asserts that Sir Stout unnecessarily irated the Horse last night by his opposition, and con cludes as follows-.—"A few more little defects of this kind must tend to very seriously weaken the Government. They show that the Ministry does not really lead a majority of the House, and the effect is demoralising." An interesting return has boon laid on the table of the House showing how and upon what securities tho funds of the Public Trust Oilico are invested. The schedule shows: New Zoaland loan, 187(5, deben tures, £24,841 ; Jtew Zealand deficiency bills, £">1, :553 s mortgages, £20,142: total, jCI^I.OOI. Debentures, scrip, and deficiency bills are immediately realisable The only Auckland body which has managed to get into debt of t he funds is the Parnell Borough Council to tho extent of i'G.GOO. The state ment fund shows tho Waimea Railway debentures, £75,000; . deficiency bills, £430,000 ; fixed deposit, £220,000. Vincent Pylco and W. F. Bucldand. Mr Buckland was somewhat roughly handled by Mr Vineent'Pyke lost night. The chosen of Franklin North aroused tho ire of the Dunstan representative by ridiculing the bill tor the abolition of gold duty, which is part of the political creed of tho Southern goldfields members. Mr Pyko went for him, and "fetched" the House by declaring that after what he had just been compelled to listen to, he would not long support tho hon. member for City Ease in his efforts to allow untutored per sons to enter the legal profession. The sally provoked a roar of laughter. Auckland Petitions. The following petitions of Auckland in terest have been considered by the Com mittee :—Stephen Brent, Ohinemutu, claim ing an amount of deduction made by the Government from a compensation claim. The Committee find that the petitioner is entitled to the compensation agreed to, i'3oo, and that no deduction should be made. John Mane Grace, claiming £3,075, said to have been due to his late father he cause of delays and determination of con tract for the first contract for the construc tionof the Auckland andDruryrailway, Tho finding of tho Committee is that tho oaso was considered by two Committees of the Auckland Provincial Council. No evidence has now been adduced that was not given then, and the Committee are not in a posi tion to make a recommendation. The Wellington-Napier Railway. The Hawkc's Bay and Wellington mem bers arranged a caucus for today, and a deputation to interview tho Government on the advisability of proceeding with the rail way from Napier to Wellington at a faster rate, and to endeavour to get a large sum of money placed on the Estimates for the carrying out of the work. Wairoa Mail. Mr Buckland is endeavouring to arrange a daily mail to Wairoa South. Mines Bill. The bill introduced by Mr Bevan compels owners of mines to contribute towards the expanse of raising water by machinery. Tito Vacant Portfolio. Nothing fresh has transpired respecting tho vacant portfolio. A report is current here that it lias boon offered to Mr Moss, but this is untrue. Amendment to the Counties Act Mr Cad man is preparing an amendment to the Counties Bill in case tho Counties Consolidation Act introduced by the Go vernment falls through. It provides that rates must bo paid at some specified timo before election to entitlo to vote.notupto tho very day, as at present. It also pro vents the possibility of an election being upset as that at Te Aroha has been. Win. George Garrard's Grievance. In the House this afternoon Mr Moss presented a petition from William George Garrard, asking for a new trial in his action with Mr Cotter under the forma panperia Act. Tho petition ia informal, but it was received and referred to the Classification Committee. Tho New Bill and Kntorua Railway. Tho Premier has given notice of a bill which provides for the leasing of all district railways for twenty years. The bill affects the llotorua Railway Company in so far as the first section of their line can be brought under its provisions, and if this is done the funds from the first section would be avail able for tho construction of the second. Alleged Suppression of Reports. The " row " which was expected to take placo last night on the motion of Mr Brown for the production ol Civil Service docu ments did not eventuate. When the motion was called, Major Atkinson expressed his intention of opposing, and it was allowed to stand back. Opposed motions were not reached last night. The newspapers here accuse Major Atkinson of trickery in making away with the papers. North Island Railways. At a meeting of the Wellington and Hawke's Bay members this morning, nine wore present (seven Wellington and two Hawko's Bay.) It was decided to agree to tho nomination of three Southern men on tho Committee to consider the best i-outs for the North Island trunk railway. With respect to the railway between Wellington and Napier, the meeting decided to wait until the financial proposals of the Govern ment wore beforo the House, and that a deputation bo appointed to wait on the Government urging the construction of this Hue.

North Island Trunk Railway.

Unity of Auckland Members.

Tho proposal for the appointment of a committee to decide on the North Island trunk railway route comes on to day< Two of tho Auckland supporters of the Government waited on Sir Julius Vogel and Hon. Mr Kichardson, and pointed out that if the question was made a party one, the Auckland vote would go dead against them. Both Ministers, I am in formed, expressed themselves satisfied with the suggestions made by their interviewers that a committee- of independent Southern members should bo chosen instead of that nominated. The majority of Aucklandera are, however, understood to bo determined to support Mr Hobbs's amendment, that no committee at all bo appointed, but that Government make a'recommendation as to route.

Tho meeting of Wellington and Hawke's Bay members is just concluded. There were nine present, soven being from the former district. A resolution was carried that those present would support tho proposal now1 made by the Minisrer of Public Works that two South Island independent mem bers should be added to the Committee. It was also agreed in reference to the con nection of the lino between Napier and Hawke's Bay to wait until the financial proposals are down, and hold another meet ing next Wednesday.

LACK OF EMPLOYMENT IN THE SOUTH.

(BY ■ntIXOKAFB,—PRESS ASSOCIATION),

CHRiSTcanncH, this day. A sjeetim; of unemployed was held this morning, about iifty being present. The men havo recently been discharged from the Government relief works, and are offered work on tho Little River railway line, but being married men, they say the price offered by the Government (eight ponce per yard for formation) means little short of starvation for themselves and families. It was resolved to petition Go vernment for a higher price, and ask Mr Ilolmos, M.ll ft,, to support the applica tion.

THE AiJCRLAfiD B^BMKQ STAR, FRIDAI, SEPTEMBER 12, 1884.



Special Advertisements. "WE FURNISH HOUSES THROUGHOUT. GAItLICK ft CRANWELL'S IS THE CHEAP FURNISHING WAREHOUSE. JUST OPENED, Beautiful Assoutmknt BRUSSELS °TAPESTRY, KIDDERMINISTER CARPETS. SPLENDID LOT BEDSTEADS, Just Received, IRON AND BRASS, NICKEL-PLATED. I QASXIOK AND QBAIfWBIL, I FURNISHING 1 I . ! QUEKN-STRKET, AUCKLAND. T\ R. WILKINS, 81.B1. R. C.S. 1 ► COMBULTINQ AND OPKBATINCI SURGEON, {?vS w3, Sur>"SS. 7 tOT Ocnoral ProoUoo, also Kyk, Ear, and Threat Diseases, MOKNINOS, AFTKHNOONB, AND EVBNINQS. CppsultaUon Foos *ory. Modorato. tomry Melbonme. Adiuatsspoctaolea to iighto



.Special Advertisements. K. C. NEWBERRY (jOBBETT, M.U.. M.S., EDINBURGH (Late Resident Physician, Accoucheur, Rotunda Hospital. Dublin, &c. &c). AIJTKBD-STKfcBT. ALBERT PARK, Near Choral Hall, nouns oi- Consultation. At Her.i: 9-11 a.m., fi-7. and 8-9 p.m. At Mr Aiokln's Pharmacy, Queen street: IM, and 1-5 p.m. ..., ~ ,„.,„..,„.( Hjicrhil practice in Midwifery ami Diseases ot Wtniieii ami Childivn. TAM E S SLA T0 U r^ IKirlit Years Draughtsman Railway Diipartim-nt), KNGINKER AND DRAUGHTSMAN, ILLUMINATOR, &c, &c. CnOMlil>:'S CIIAMHKRS. QUEKX-STREET. Resilience : St. George's llay Road, l'atnell. Vi'oii; mr A. Do.lmnn, Kngineer, Ljun, Norfolk. Contractors' Quantities taken out. -p mac ka v fni rp, •"'* A It C H I T X C T, Removed to Melville's Buildings, High-street, near Shorthindstreet. WHY ARE ALL MA II UItA NG I JT IM E S AJIUK AX G I JU 1M X S NOT ALIKE? BLANKETS, Flannels, only slightly damaged by water, for sale at S. Coombcs and Co.V. QBCOND OP THE GREATEST BONA FIDE SALE EVER HELD IN NEW ZEALAND. THE GENUINENESS OF THIS SALE clot.,in« e »£ iS f»:t.n« OF EVERY DESCRIPTION, Has been bomo out by tho CROWD of CUS TOMBRS durinf? tho past week, and cspocially on Saturday night. SECURED. THIS WEEK, FRESH GOODS WILL BE OPENED, . AND THE SAME SLAUGHTERING CONTINUED. JOME EARLY, AS THE PREMISES ARE MONSTER CLOTHING HALL, 214 OXJEEN-STREET, Opposite McAkthur'b. JT E V V, • JU MANAGER. t;m port an t notice. business changed hands. F. D. WOODEOFFE HAVING PURCIIASK7) li'Oß CASH TUG KNTIRH STOCK-IN-TRADK OP GENERAL DRAPERY AND TRANSFER OF LEASE FROM W. E. WALL & CO., QUEENSTREKT, AUCKLAND. AT A LARGE DISCOUNT OFF COST PRICE, TO-MORROW, -■; TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, COMMENCE AN IMMENSE CLEARANCE SALE DURING WHICH THE ENTIRE STOCK, AMOUNTING TO CLOSE ON £4,090, WILL HE SOLD AT isr HALF ORIGINAL PRICE -Sa For furthor particulars sco Hand-bills. Note the Address : Tfl TTV T^rr OODROIFE (Late W. E. "Wall & Co.). QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. SPLENDID VARIETY. NEW SPRING GOODS. WILLIAM^.3RIDGMAN Desires to Inform his Customers that he is now Sho-wing a BEAUTIFUL ASSORTMENT OF NEW GOODS FOB THE COJIINO SEASON. Very Choice Patternn ol New Prints, from 2}d yard, to the very best The New Reversible Print 3, choice patterns Newest Designs in Sateens, very pretty goods Splondid Assortment New Dross Goods in great variety, very low in price Larga Assortment New Litco Goods, in white, ivory, cream, &c; real Maltese Lace, from 7}d yard Job Line Coloured Dress tteigca, bought low, • sold cheap Nice Goods in Black BrochC- Satins New Patterns in Cretonnes, from 4}d New Aprons. Ribbons, Gloves, Collars. Ties Good Floorcloth, Is 3d yard ; New Umbrellas Splendid Assortment White and Grey Calicoes; wholesale price by the piece New Clothing in Men's. Boys', and Youths' 50 Boys' Leopold Suits, is lid, oa 3d, to 12s Gd 50 Men's Tweed Suits, 22.1 Bd, worth 30s New Hats in great variety Kaiapoi Clothing -, In consequence of the Intessf, Competition in the Drapery Trade, W. R, B. has deter mined to MARK ALL GOODS at the LOWEST MARGIN OF PROFIT, and consequently NO DISCOUNT can be allowed. REMAINDER OF WINTER STOCK AT A GREAT! REDUCTION. JUNCTION DRA~PERY WAREHOUSE, 288, UPPER QUEKN-STREICT SPECIAL ■\TOTICE PECIAL IMOTICE. H. L. POSSKXISKIE, MEHCIIANT TAILOR AND IMPORTER, SIIORTLAND-STREJET, Betrs to Inform his Customers and tho Public eenernlly that ho has J UST RECEIVED A LARGE CONSIGNMENT OF SPRING GOODS OF THE VERY LATEST PATTERNS, ' And ho having LiHOE and Various SiftPMENTS to follow, HAS DETERMINED, In order to make room for same, TO ALLOW TKN PER CENT. On all Goods Ordered from this dato to October Ist, 18S1, for Cash. TRADE SUPPLIED WITH SIIORT LENGTnS OR AS REQUIRED AT WHOLESALE PRICE.



Doctors Gave Him Ur.—"ls it possible that Mr Godfrey is up and at work, and cured by so simple are nicdy V "I assure you it is true that he is entirely cured, nnd witk nothing but Hop Bitters, and only ton days aeo his doctors gave him up and said he must die." " Well-a-day! If that is bo I will go this minute and get some for my poor George, I know hops are good," Re»d, " BUCHU PAIBA."-Q,,k*. M n,,1.t0 euro. nV «, n0 )-U,g i • ■ , KemVltomi. I'roMi-A Co.. A-nitj, Auctbna. Over four score babies have been entered for the forthcoming show, and arrangements aro being tnade for holding the same at an earlier date than woe at first exported, It is probable that the Theatre Royal will bo Selected a« the most central nnd convenient place. One of the lendiiK nipdicftl men has consented toactnsnne of tho judges. At) will be seen in another column, tradesmen desiring lo give special iH'ixcK for comp'oiil ion s-himld communicate with Mr Gilbert.



DECLINE OP MAN.-NVW WMknm Dyspepaia. Eniputijiui*, $<txna] Debility, e'ated i-y " \v«iia'» Health B&iwtr? At Mmjfglsta. ■ j K*Q)vtliorua. Pi'ossgj & Co., Ageoif, AscUutL 1 Mr S. Coombcs states that his customers oii Wednesday- were 4,378, and yesterday Si.<!2s. This means sirvmu and selling with a vougancc. '