SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

t-.av. t»-at<_t> . -hisEvening,6.3o HIGH WATER Vio-morrow Morning, 6.59 . UNS__— Till. Evening. 5.11 SI7NHISK.- Td-morrow Mornlnjr, _s_. M-ONfl AGB.-l.a-t Quarter, l.th, 1 « P-»"

ARRIVALS. LAST EVENING.

Nore. brigaßtinc, Mucchison, from Mauritius

TO-DAY. Devonport, schooner, McLeod, from Lyttolton Rowena, s.h., Scott, from Mer.ury Bay

DEPARTURES. LAST EVENING.

Wnitaki, s.s., Crawford, for Whangarei Macgregor, s s.. Johnson, for Whangarei

TO-DAT. Howard, schooner, McDonald, from Mongonui Rowena. s.s., Scott, for Great Barrier Chieftain, brig, from the South

IMPORTS.

Por Devonport, from Lyttelton—2.74o sacks potatoes, 1,103 sacks wheat, 110 sacks Hour. 1 ton cheese. I Per lonic -I ea3es guns, &c. -D. Ev_t, Queen straet.

EXPORTS.

Per Andnoklas, for Sydney—, 529 ingots zinc, 5 ton 3 coal.

-.5,000.t timbor,

Inwards Coastwise.—Bocsie, fcpm Kennedy Bay, with 21,0u_ft timber; Totara. from Waipu, with 20,000 ft timber; Lucy Jamos, from Wai hoke, with 25 tons wood and SO spars; Ghost, from Whangapoua, with 24 pieces totara junk ; Reward, from Mongonui, with 3_,175f. timber.

Ot'TWARDS Coastwise.—Bessie, for Kennedy Bay; Lucy James, for Waiheke; Ghost, for Whangapoua; Reward, for Mongonui. Tho tlircc-maßtcd schooner Devonport, which left Lyttelton on July 25, arrived hero this morning, after an uneventful passage.

The brig Chieftain, from Lyttelton, Is beating up the harbour as wo go to press.

Tho brigantine Lizzio Guy arrived at Wel lington from tho Thames yostcrday.

The brigantine Myrtle will leave for Samoa about ten days henco.

The ship Rangitikcl which is loading for London at tho Railway wharf is almost full, and will sail in about two wocks time.

The new threo masted schooner (about SOO tons register), building at Whangaroa for Messrs McArthur and Co., will ho launohod early noxt month.

Tho schooner Nora, which we announced last evening as having arrived from Mauritius flying the yellow flag, was visited oarly in tho evening by Dr. PhiTson. Ho learned that the yollow flag was hoisted because tho vessel came from the Mauritius, which is "an infected port," and there being no sickness on board, tlio Nora was at once admitted to pratiquo. Tho Nora is a now vessel of 215 tons gross register, and comes here in ballast. She is owned by Captain R. T. Holman, and is consigned to the Auckland Agricultural and Mercantile Com pany.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVAL. Hanraki, s.s., Harvey, from Wailarn

DEPARTURE.

Hanraki, s.s., Harvoy, for Waitaro

Tho s.s. Hanraki arrived from Waita» early this morning with 50 h-Bd of cattlo and 230 sheep. She left fer tho same port at 10 o'clock this mornini; with 161 cases and packages,

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day. — Arrived: Glonolg. Sailed: lona. Passengers: Messrs Ihaka Tc Toi, M.H.R.. N. Katine. Maephcrson, J. Hill. and Middlebrook, Mesdames Scaly, Gill, and Macpherson.

Melbourne. August s.—Sailed, this after noon: Te Anaii, for Bluff*.

Dunedin, yesterday.—Sailed: Rlngarooma, for the North. Passengers for Auckland:—Mrs Tumor and family (1). Messrs Gaven. Derrett. Por Greymouth: Mrs Hurley, Mr Hedley. Sydney, this day.—Arrived, yesterday after noon : Wakntipu, from Wellington.

The Bad and Worthless.

an never imitated or counterfeited. This Is especially true of a family medicine, and it is peslttvo proof that the remedy imitated in _ the highest value. As goon as lt had been tested and proved by the wholo world that Hop Bitter was the purest, best, and moat valuable family medicine on eaath. many imitations sprung up. and began to steal the notices In which the Pre*, and tho people of the country had expressed the merits of H. B„ and in overy way trying to luduco gufferkw invalids to use their stufl Instead, expecting to make money on the credit and good name of H. B. Many otters started sostrums put up. In similar style t_EL 8., with variously devised names, la which the word " Hop or "Hops" were used in a way to induce people to believe they were tha same as Hep Bitters. AU such pretended remedies or cures, ao matter what their style or name is, and especially those with the ward "Hop1 or "Hops "in their name, or*in any way connected with them or their name, are imitations or counterfeits. Beware of them. Touch none oi them. Use nothing hut genuine American Hop Bitters, with a bunch or cluster of green Hop. on the white label, aid Dr. Sonle's name blown In the (?!__. T|ru!>t nothing else. Druggists and Che___ are warned against dealing'in Imitations or sounfan-wts.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

MAILa WILL CLOBiS AS UNDER 1—

This Day.

For"Gisborne and Napier, per Southern Cross, at 4 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Thursday, 7th inßt. For Waltara. otc, per Lalla Rookh. at 7.40 a,m. For Walwera, Te Kapa, Craigieburn, Wask worth. etott por Rose Casey, at 18 a.m. For Wellington and Southern Ports, per lonic, at 9 a.m. For Walt__a, &c, per Douglas or Argylo, at 11 a.m. For Thames, par Rotomahana, at 1 p.m. For Tauranga, Ohinemutn, and Opotiki, per Wellington, at 5 p.m. For Wh-tlangi Upper Mill, and Tairua, per Rowena or Neptune, atfip.rn. For Mangawai and Kaiwaka, per Ruby, at 5 p.m. Friday, August ?, For Cowes and Coromandel, por Coromandel.at 1.30 p.m. For Wellington and Southern Ports, per Omapere, at 5 p.m. Tuesday, 19th inst. Per s.s. Zealandla, as follows— For Navigators Islands, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central, and South America, and British and Foreign West Incnes, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. For money orders, registered letters and .newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of six pence In addition to tn_ postage, will be received by the Mall Agent on board the Btcamer up to the time of sailing. This mail will be due in London on Satur day, September 27th, 1884. ______ S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. C___ Pc_*t_ffloe, AsoklaS-fl, Jr**?"u* ws' r*

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

A-OUST (i, 1881. Abbott's Opera House — "Madame Augot, 7.45 p.m. Masonic Hall. Princes-street—Professor Ber nard's Soiree Dansanto, 7.30 p.m. Drill-shed — Monthly Inspection or City Guards, 7.30 p.m. Eden Hall—Edwin Carr on " Hindrances to Faith," 7.30 p.m. Methodist Free Chui.lt School-room, Pitt and Vincent-streets -Lecture on " Opening ana Shutting (ho Mouth," llov. 8. Mac.ai.uhc, 7.30 p.m. Alexandra - street Schoolroom — A.0.5., Monthly Meeting, 8.30 p.m. H.A.C.B. Society-Juvenile Contingent, 7.30 p.m. Ponsonby Woelcynn School-room—l lolinoss Mooting, 7.30 p.m.

Births.

McLEOD.—On August tith, 1884, at her residence. Mount-street, the wifo of Rodorick McLeod of a daughter.

Deaths.

BURG ESS.-On August tith, 1881, at New street, Newmarket, James, tho beloved son of Amos and Martha Burgess; aged 5 yoars and 3 months. Tho funeral will leave his parents resi dence to-morrow (Thursday) nl'tornoon, at 4.30. Friends ploaso accopt this invitation. FRENCH.—On August 3. Jane, tho boloved wife of Alexander French; aged 53 years. HUSTWICK. — On August 5, at Bxmouth streot, Newton Road, of effusion of tho brain, Frederick 11. Hustwick, eldest son of Mr T. 11. Hustwick. Esq., of Blenheim. Marl borough ; aged 18 years. Tho funeral will leavo the residenco ot his aunt, Mrs Hopper, Exniouth-street, nt 2.30 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday). Friends please accept this invitation. McCLENNAN.-Ou August 2nd, at Cambridgo, Sarah, only daughter of tlio lato James Edward McLonnan. Deeply regretted.— llobart and Victorian papers please copy. ODLUM.—On August Oth, at hor parents' resi dence, Oaklands Boad, Mount Eden, Grace Annie, the infant daughter of Edwin and Jessio Odium ; agod 5 months, lntorinont private

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

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 1881.

For the cause that lacks BBslstanoe, For tho wrong that neods rosistonoß. For tlio futuro In tho distance. And tho good that we can do.

The Ninth Parliament of the colony of New Zealand meets for the first time to-morrow; and even now, from North and South, members of Assembly are converging towards the legislative capital on Cook's Strait. The Parlia ment itself, and the circumstances in which it meets, are perhaps the most extraordinary that have ever existed in the colony. The new House of Repre sentatives is one of the strongest and best that lias ever been evolved by the popular suffrages. Grey, Atkinson, Vogelj Ormond, Ballance, Stout; Macandrew, Wakefield, Bryce; these names form a triple triumvirate which would warrant us in christening this " The Parliamont of all the Talents." In addition to these leading spirits, the rank and file of the House of Repre sentatives occupy a much higher plat form for ability than the average House has done for many years. The late elections (with several notable ex ceptions, one of which was in our own distriat) had the effect of casting out the "weeds" and replacing them b.y men of proved political character, or by " new blood " of the best kind. Thus the Parliament which is to meet to-morrow has in its composition the elements which go to produce legislation of the enduring order, based upon high ability and experience, combined with progressive ideas regarding the duties of the State and the individual.

But the weakness of the House, so far as can beat present judged, will lie in its want of cohesion, and in the absence of a homogeneous party to whom the government of the colony could be entrusted. • The ninth Parlia ment of New Tealand is, consequently, much stronger in _vo~se than it is ever likely to be in esse. Latest ac counts from Wellington show that very little progress has been made towards the consolidation of two or more of the many coteries into which, in the absence of party lines, the members of the House of Representatives have been classed. Sir Julius Vogel and Major Atkinson have no more dealings with each other than had the Jews and Samaritans of the olden time; Messrs Ballance and Ormond keep pretty well aloof from both of these leaders; and Messrs Stout and "Wakefield have not yet arrived in order to negotiate for a union between Grey and Vogel. The present indications are that a coalition between the two knights seems the most likely to eventuate of all the pos sible combinations that have been fore shadowed * but it would be rasli to venture any prediction as to the actual outcome of the position. The Premier is carefully concealing his hand, and though making preparations for vacating office, may yet produce a trump card which will secure him a further lease of power, with a stronger following than before. Sir George Grey evidently feels that he occupies a coign of vantage more commanding than he held last session, because the greater disintegration of the other sections of the House adds enormously to the effective strength of his compact band. Like the war horse at the sound of the trumpet, Sir George, quite apart from personal aims and ambitions, takes a keen interest in the political situation, because it is so rich in possibilities of that intrigue and strife and tumult in which an old political campaigner fairly revels. He will certainly not be last or least in the stirring developments of the next few days. If to-morrow Major Atkinson were to resign and advise His Ex cellency to send for Sir George Grey, we should have the interest of the political situation intensified tenfold, and the formation of a strong and capable Government greatly facilitated. In the meantime, we can only say with the French-nan— Qui vivra verm.

England and Egypt.

A new departure is to bo made in tho British policy in Egypt, but the exact nature of it cannot yet be determined, though it is evident that it must result in a more effective protectorate of that country than has yet been set up. Mr. Gladstone at yesterday's sitting of tke House of Commons announced that Earl Northbrook, the first Lord of the Admiralty, would proceed to Egypt next month along with Mr Baring and a High Com missioner, to report upon the state of affairs, and advise what steps should be taken. There cannot bo the slightest doubt that this is a pre liminary step to some very important development of policy, and tho choice of the First Lord of the Admiralty for tho mission would seem to indicate that the contemplated action is in the direction either of occupying the country permanently or taking possession of tho Suez Canal and securing tho safety of British commerce by stationing men-o' war at various points. This change of front has been necessitated by the fail ure of tho Europoan Conference on Egyptian affairs, and as the break-down of the Confo rencehasgiven greatsatisfaetion throughout England, there is little doubt that Mr Glad stone's new policy will bo a popular ono, and will make his Government as stable on questions of foreign relations as it is on matters of domestic policy,

Reports of the controversial debate last night, and of the sacred ooncert, which was held in the Opera House on Sunday even ing, appear on tho fourth;page of this issue. The report of the concert was crowded out .of our previous issues,

In addition to tho members who loft by train yostorday aftornoon to join tho Hine moaat tho Manukau, Sir (I. M. O'Roiko and Messrs Hamlin, Buck-Mid, Moss, and Lake were passengers by that vossol. It is expected that tho Hincmoa will reach Wel lington early on Thursday morning.

Wc have been requested to state for the information of the public that the total receipts at tho Thoatre during tho debato between Mr Solby and Mr Buchanan wore £19 Ms (id, and tho expenditure £11), leaving a credit balitnco 0f,"!,. (id, which was spoilt in purchasing a book, "John Bull and His Island," for the ilospitnl patients.

Johnson, a seaman belonging to tho bat-quo J .lhani, who mot with a serious accident in that vessel yesterday, had his loft arm ainpiitntod above tho elbow this morning, and is progressing most fnvonr ably.

Tho following tondors wore received to day by Mr ]_. Bartley, architect, for cottages at Newmarket: —Richardson und Co., _597 ;J. Duff, £595; Uryiian, £570; James and Dcnxio, £495 ; Dan-nek, £488 ; Alderton, i.79; _angley and Williams, £472; ilowson and McNaught, £-154 ; Spiers, i'4so; Davios and Evans, £419; Chitham and Co., £440; Jenkin, £432; Rose, £4*25; Lynch, £41S ; Taylor and Co,, £410; Baker, £393; tlabb, i.S'K. ; (Irey, £385 ; Holmes, £375.

The great utility of the laryngoscope to medical science has again been demonstra ted in this city. This morning a boy of four years of ago was brought from the country by his parents, who told Dr Wilkins that the boy from his infancy had had great dillietilty of breathing, which they wore always afraid would prove fatal. The doctor, by means of the hnyngoscope, examined tho boy's throat, when he detected a fleshy growth quite as big ns n walnut, which evidently had been tho cause of all tho ditUcult breathing that the youngster had all his life experienced. Dr Wilkins thoroughly removed the growth, which operation was immediately followed by perfectly easy breathing.

At the monthly mooting of tlto Acclimati sation Society yesterday nfterncon (Mr Bull presiding), it was resolved to placo i'2so nt fixed deposit at tlio Rank of Now Zealand. It was announced that of the last two consignments of 2,000 and 1,000 trout ova, there had boon rospoctivoly hatched .00 and 2f>o llsh. This matter, ns well as applications for supplies of tlio ova expected from tlio South, was rofoiiod to tho Fish Committee. Some discussion en sued upon tlio fact that tho bonus of Od each for hawks' heads did not seem to bo generally known, n.s tlio supplies appeared to oome from one particular district, lt was considered desirablo that tho oiler of this bonus should bo mado more generally known, na hawks are on tlio increase.

Tho prospectus of tho Mercury Bay Co operative Steamship Co. appears in an other column. Tho majority of the shares havo beon taken up by the Mercury Bay settlers, showing how expectant they are of ultimate success of tho venture.

Somo dissatisfaction i. felt by members of the ilobson Volunteor Compaay owing to delay in receiving their new uniforms, which.aro on the steamer lonic. It is stated that tho uniforms have to go on to Wellington by tho steamor to head quarters, and that thoy will probably be stored thoro for somo timo before being sent back here. Tho Company's old uni forms are in many instances very shabby, and have prevented members from appear ing nt daylight parades. Tho small open boat Imp capsized oil' tho Watchman a low days ago during a heavy squall. Tho only occupant was Mr Cheek, tho owner, who managed to swim ashore. We have not heard whether tho boat has since been recovered.

Among tho quarantined passengers of the Waihora are Miss Augusta Dargon, the ac complished olocutionist who is engaged to appear shortly at tho Opora House, and her agent, Mr W. K. Bishop, tho head of the Order of Druids in the North Island.

The Union-street Wesleyan Band of Hopo hold a very successful meeting on Monday night, the room boing nearly filled. The conductor occupied tlio chair, und a good programme was gono through. The dialogue, " Tho Consequences of Keeping tho Bluebell," was given in a very credit able manner by the Misses E. Lowo mid E. Fisher, who received a well-merited meed of applause. This was followed by a song, " Look Not Upon the Wine," by Miss A. Jverr. The duet, "Justice and Mercy," by Mr F. R. Wykes and Miss Purdy, was rendered in their usual pleasant manner. " Miss Sprigging* Work," a dialogue for three, was well and faithfully personated by the Misses S. Lowe, A. Carlaw, and E. Rodgers, and received a share of applause Tho song, "Merry Dick," by the Misses Rodgers and Turner, is also worthy of mention. A number of other friends con tributed to tho ovoning- amusement, and the meeting closed with tho Benediction by tho Chairman. A number of now mem bers joined at tho close of tho mooting.

The monthly inspection of tho Victoria Volunteor Company took placo in tho Drill shed last evening. There wore 42 in the ranks besides non-commissioned ollicors, and all tho commissioned officers were present. Captain Mnhon was in command. After roll call tho Company was divided into four squads, after which Major Shop herd took them ovor, and put them through n useful course of drill. Tho City Guards will bo put through a similar course of in struction this evening.

Tho annual soireo in connection with St. James's Presbyterian Church is announced by advertisement to takoplnco tomorrow evening. A good musical programme has been prepared for the after-moot ing, when addresses aro also to bo delivered by various clergymen.

The fiftoonth anniversary ssirco of tho Mount Albert Wcsleyan Sunday-school was celebrated last evening, and was largoly at tended and successful in nil its phnsos. Trays laden with refreshments and delica cies were provided by Mesdames Garlick, Schnackcnborg, Astloy, Misses Battloy, Kemp, Astloy, and Tucker. Tho entertain ment was prosided over by the Rev. Alex. Reid, of Pitt-street, and opened by tho singing of a hymn of greeting. Interesting addresses were given uy tho Chairman, Mr J. T. Garlick, Superintendent, and Messrs Battley and Tucker. Mr Garlick roviowod tho work of tho year, which was very en couraging. Mr Astloy, thcSecrctary, read tho annual report, which showed that 64 scholars wero on tho roll, and the avorago attend ance 54. They had 9 efficient teachers, and the library contninod 680 moral and religious books. Tho rceoipts for the yoar amounted to £18 9s 3d! disbursements, £18 4s lid, loaving a small balanco to tho good. The proceedings wero lively and entertaining, closing with tho Doxology and tho Benedic tion, the latter pronounced by Mr Reid.

Tho next soiree dansnnto given by Pro fessor Bernard to his pupils and friends takes place in the Masonic Hall this evening, commencing at 8 o clock.

The chargo3 of forging and uttering valueless cheques against Charles Palmer was again adjo*rned because there was no person at hand to take down tho deposi tions. The caso was remanded from yos torday partly from the same cause, and consequently soveral witnesses who have been victimised by tho outo young forger have attended day after day at tlio Court to their inconvenience and pecuniary loss. Sir Cunningham was overwhelmed with business, and subjected to perpetual inter ruptions by persons desirous of laying infor mations, and Mr Stonoy's assistant (Mr O'Callaghan) was unable to attend, being inundated by debtors and creditors. The Bench suggested that a member of the police force might render tho needful clerical assistance, but Sergeant White said the force was so limited that a member could not be spared, and it would be a bad precedent. Mr Cunningham said Mr Superintendent Thomson would object to a constable being so employed. It was considered a most disgracoful stato of affairs, and in tho interest of tho public it should be speedily remedied.

There was but little busiiioss of import ance transacted at tho meeting of tho Harbour Board after we went to press yes terday afternoon. It was decided to grant Mr P. Jones a re-lease of his leaso of an office on the wharf. It was decided to at tach the seal of tho Board to a convoyanco to Mr Butler of a portion of tho re claimed land abutting on his allotment. The minutes of tho Board in com mittee on tho new Harbour Bill wero read, and on the motion of Capt. McKonzie, seconded by Mr Niccol, were put for adop tion. Tho Chairman, on putting tho motion, pointed out that it was pronosed to havo a radical change in the consfttution of tlio Board, and the number had been increased to fourteen, giving Onehunga ono member, but he moved an amendment that Onehunga have two members, Mr McKenzio accepted this proposition, provided the Board assume tho control of the harbour of Onehunga. Tho minutes, as amended, wero adopted, Certain suggestions re leasing and pilotage were also dealt with, and the Chairman was requested to instruot the solicitor to insert clauses in the Act meeting the oases, and Captain McKenzio gave notice to move that the pilotage exemption bo assimilated throughout the colony. The Engineer was instructed to prepare plans, &c, for fascine embankmont in Freeman's Bay.

A disputed will caso of some interest engaged tho attention of the Supremo Court to-day. Tho parties to tho suit wore the relatives of an eccentric individual who, up till tho titno of his death, went by the fatniliav name of Miser Wilson, and who was popularly regarded as being the possessor of almost fabulous wealth. It seems that about twenty years ago he married a young wife, but that some three years later after tho birth of a daughter, domestic jars wore so frequent that tho ill-assorted couplo wei'o obliged to separate. For tho remaining scvonteon years of his life, the deceased lived among and with his brother's family at Cox's Creek. A partial reconciliation, however, was offected with his wife and daughter before his death, and by deed he settled upon them tho bulk of his roal ostnto, which is valued at between LB.OOO and LIO.OOO, tho daughter, of course, cotting tho larger portion. About 18 months ago ho mado a will whereby ho bequeathed LBOO to two nephews and a nioco in throe sums of L4OO, L 250, and Ll5O, and it was this will which his wife and daughter now sought to upset, on tlio ground oi coer cion and unduo influence. In this, however, thoy utterly failed and they were accordingly saddled with costs while pro bate of tlio will was granted to tho execu tor. A roport of the caso appears else whore.

Railway manageinont and roform having excited public attention, several of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associa tions hiivo appointed dolegatos to meet Mr Vaile at his oliico on Thursday, August 7, at 5.30 p.m., for tho purpose of considering whether any or what action should bo taken in rofcronco to the present management of tho New Zealand railways.

Another of those interesting monthly entertainments in connection with tho Grafton Band of Hope will bo given to morrow evening, according to advertise ment, tho Rev. It. Bavin in the chair, in cluding ono or two addresses, songs, and ..citations, and, by request, "Tho Little Grafton Boy and the Bees." Mr Walker, the Band of Hopo humourist, will also give a unique soloction from his market port folio.

Tho performance at tho Opera Houso last evening was for tho benefit of Mr Dunning, and there was really an cxcollent house. Tho programme was a most enjoyable ono, including tho socond scono from "Rip Van Winkle," with its vory oH'eetivo cane sceno and tho boautiful ghost chorus ; also tho asthotie dance, and tho following addi tional items : —Piccolo solo by Mr Hut chinson ; recitation by Mr Apploby ; song, "The Old Brigade," by Mr Wcntworth ; song, "Good Night, Beloved,', by Miss Ivanova; song, "Let Mo Liko a Soldier Fall," by Mr Knight Aston ; song, " Lovo -Me Oueo Again," by Miss Loaf; and tho celebrated "Coopers Chorus" from " Boc caccio " by Mr Dean and company.

Tho following aro the names of tho players of the Grafton Road Chess Club who tako part in tho tournament to morrow evening : — Aslitin and Boy lan, Bruford and Burton, Fox and Garlich, (iillin and Gorrio, Groon and Heather, llosking and Jnkins, I_wisaon and husk, Ridings and Sloman, Wntkins and Wood.

Clerks and accountants, oven of first class ability, continue a drug in tho labour market. The othor day a local firm adver tised in tho Star for a managing dork, who should bo v good nccountnnt, at a salary of £200 por annum, and in response no fewer than I. applications havo beon recoivod.

At tho Ponsonby Baptist Christian Young Mod's Mutual Improvement Association last ovoning, Mr Martin Macdormott read an excellent essay on "Chinoso Gordon," tho sobriquet by which tho illustrious General Gordon, of Khartoum, is so well known. The essayist traced tho gononlogy of tho General through many generations of the Clan Gordon to a remote period in past ages, and named soveral noblo Scottish families, including the Earl of Aberdeen, with whom Gordon was connected. Tho exploits of General Gordon in China wore advortcd to, as wero also his valuable sorvioos iv the Crimean War, and in his present campaign in Egypt. His genuine Christian character, anil dovotion to good works nt all times and uudor all circumstances, wero touched upon and com mended. _ow men wero equal to him in these respects. He might bo said to bo a Christian soldior in tho best sonse of tho term. Tho mombors present highly com plimented Mr Macdertnott upon his pro duction, tho preparation, of which it was observed, must have involvod no small re search mid judgment in compilation. Tho Vice-President, who was in tho chair, ex pressed a hope that Mr Macdormott would soon favour the Association with anothor essay.

A lecturo in aid of tho buildiag fund of the Ponsonby Baptist Church will bo delivered in the Public Hall, Ponsonby, by Mr J. Hay to-morrow (Thursday) ovoning at 7.30; subject, "Tho Introduction of Christianity into Scotland by St. Columba, of lonn," with an account of tho lifo and labours of that great apostolic missionary, and his succossors in disseminating the Gospel in the British Isles. This is a most interesting theme, mid tho lecturo should bo well attended. St. Columba was a man of extraordinary cnorgy, solf-deninl, and evangelistic zeal, in an ago of darkness, idolatry, and gross superstition. His labours havo scarcely ever been surpassed in tho Christian Church since tho days of tho Apostle Paul. Ho was connected "with both tho royal familie. of Ireland and Scotland, and parted with his patrimonies to devote his lifo to the spread of the Gospel and tho conversion of .tho heathen. Uo built 364 churches in Ireland and Scot land, and sent forth 3,000 preachers. The religious establishment ho ioundod in lonn, Scotland, was for ages tho only orthodox seminary of Christian learning in Europe, as well as tho repository of tho Scottish chartularies and national re cords. In tho island of lonu aro buried the remains of no less than 01 kings, viz., 4S kings of Scotland (including tho famous Macbeth immortalised by Shakspero), 4 kings of Ireland, 8 kings of Norway, and 1 king of France, as well as thoso of many of the grandoos of Scandinavia, tho lords of tho Isles, and chieftains of Irish and Scot tish clans. Coliiniba's successors, aho wero designatedCuldeos (servantsof God), existed in tho British Isles till the 14th century, in which appeared John Wicklifl'o, tho morning star of the Reformation. Mr Hay will doubtless do amplo justieo to this sub ject,

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

Tiik usual quarterly meeting of the Presby tery of Auckland was held at St. Andrew's Church at 10 o'clock this morning. Pre sent—Revs. Messrs Mackay (Moderator), R. Somervillo (clerk), R. P. MoNieol, T. M. Fraser, A. Cnrriok, T. W. Dunn, Munro, Runciman, Laurie, MeCulloch, R. A. Thompson, M. Ferguson (student), and several elders.

SurrkyHill Cnrmcir.—lt was reported by tlio clerk that the lowest tender for the erection of tho church at Surrey Hills was £350. After the meeting of tlio Presbytery a meeting of tho committee would be hold for tho purpose of making arrangements, Intkod-O-lON,-—The Rev. Mr Jones was introduced to the Presbytery. Waikato Wkst,—A letter was rocoived from this district forwarding a call to tho Rev. Mr Hutson, though tho writer was not prepared to guarantee tlio mini mum stipend. It appeared that it had beon arranged that first Mr Hutson and then -ill*. Steolo should proceed to tlio district and preach, Owing to somo misunderstand ing Mr Stcolo had not gono. Roy. Mr Runciman move/d, and Roy. Mr Carriek seconded, tho postponement of tho further consideration of the call till next meeting of the Presbytery, with the view of obtain ing further signatures to the call, and also with tho view to ascertaining what provision the district was prepared to make for tho minister, Mr Ben nett moved, and Mr Dennison seqpnded, that tho call bo sustained. Tho Rev. Mr Eraser said that tlio district was in a position to provide tho minimum stipond, but thoy seemed inclined to paro tho cheese vory closo. Ho would support tho motion if Mr Runciman would add to it words to tlio effect that Mr Hutson bo temporarily appointed to tho chnrgo of tho district. Mr Runciman agreed to this, and Mr Bennett having withdrawn his amend ment, the motion was carriod.

Revision oi* Bouxdakiek.—Mr Runci man moved the motion of which ho had given notico, that a committee bo appointed to roviso tho boundaries of all parishes in tho Presbytery, such oommitteo to consist of all members of the Presbytery. The Roy. Mr McCulloch secondod.—Carriod. Mongonui.—A petition was rocoived from the congregations of tho Mongonui parish asking for a grant in aid from the Presbytery to augment tho salary of their olergyman, the Rev. R. A. Thomson. It was decided to instruct the olerk to write to the petitioners assuring them of the sym pathy of the Presbytery, and urging them to organise a charge.

This conoluded the businoss,

SCINTILLATIONS.

RuctULAK SELLS .'—Fancy fairs. An unoortain ago—Womun suU'r-uge. Laßt night of tho Opera Company, Whooping-cough Is prevalent at Thamos. Wellington is tho only city in tho colony that has not electric fire signals. Criminals are employed ab Otago Heads on Harbour Board works.

Fresh beof in large qumititios is shipped to Wellington from Wanganui,

The Govoi.iu.enb schoonor Kokono is to go and search for supposed'shipwrecked sailors in Foveaux Strait.

Thirteen Otago M. 11. R.'ft, including Mr Stout, loft for Wellington yostorday. Tho " log "-itimate opera in Auckland gives place to the legitimate drama.

'Frisco mail steamers are in future to pick up mails at Samoa. It is proposed to alter tho constitution of the Now Zoaland Institute.

Woiss, tho champion billiardist, is now in Taranaki.

" Women seldom stop to think." True enough. But you might have added, " Thoy novor fail to stop and talk." Tho electric light has boon successfully tried at the Stockton coalmine, Nowcastle, N.S.W. Tho use of tho light will do away with all danger from fire damp. Says tho "Northern Advocate": —The first thing the Hon. B. Mitchelson did on arrival in Wellington was to pay over to the Whangarei County Council its grant (£810) under tho Roads and Bridges Act. Two mon got sent to prison at Welling ton the other day for stowing away on the steamor \\ rakatipu, bound for Sydney. It is suggested that tho fires seen in Fovcnux Strait may not bo signals from shipwrecked mariners, but (ires lit by whalers for "trying out."

I'apor towol., manufactured in Japan, nro recommonded for use in cleansing wounds, They cost 30s nor 1,000. Quartz found in tho Transvaal is yielding 25 to 85ozs. of gold to tho ton. Black French poodles aro tho London fashion. Thoy are shaved into knots and knobs.

Tho s.s, Ringarooma, from Molbourno, was boarded by tho Health Oflicor at Dun edin, and inspected before being allowed to come to tho wharf.

Last yoar tho Customs rovonuo from spirit., in Now South Wales showed an in croaso of £71,708 as compared with 1882-3, and that from tobacco and cigars increased by £8,050.

Thoro is an old identity in Wanganui who last Suiid;.y was 05 yoais of age, his wife ft., and his horso 24. The triple birth day was duly'honoured. To an English law court, Scotland and Ireland aro as foroign as Turkey or Russia, because they are under different laws.

Four gold prospectors aro out in Wel lington district near Lake Rotoiti, and as they havo not boon heard of for three weeks, a search party has gono to look for thorn.

When a bacholor says he is single from choice, it makes him mad to ask him why tho girl mado choice of Bomo othor fellow.} \

At tho nnnual meeting of tho Dunedin Society for tho Prevention of Cruolty to Animals, held last night, it was reported that subscriptions wero falling off. Tho now tramways laid iv Auckland will shortly bo inspected by Mr Hales, Govern ment Engineer, after which cars will start running regularly. Mr Arkwright, who was contesting the Rangitikoi scat, had to retire becauso somo of tho mombors of his committee infringod tho Corrupt Practices Act by employing paid canvassers,

NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING COMPANY.

(uy tki-Korahj—i'RKsh association.)

CiiuisTCHuncii, this day. Tun Now Zealand Shipping Company's elevonth nnnual report shows tho ordinary service by direct steamer to have given a profit of 1.30,003, after providing all the costs of tho inuguration of tho scheme; but, in consequence of tho charter of tho Catalonia, through default of tho Doric, thoro was a loss of L 18.472, which is met by transferring L20,_00 from the reserve An ample margin exists, and two new steamers of about 4,750 tons each havo been contracted for (the Kaikoura and Biniutaka), and aro to bo completed in Soptombor and October respec tively. This will enablo tho Company to conduct a monthly sorvico without charter ing steamers. The Tongariro, Aorangi, and Ruapehu havo exceeded in speed tho gunranteo of tho builders. Tho sailing ships continue valuablo adjuncts to tho stonmors, and tho Company still charter considerable sailing tonnngo. During tho past year fresh issues of capital were mado in London, aggregating 30,730 shares. Of theso 23,109 aro L 5 paid up, and 20,000 aro quoted on tho London Stock Exchange. Tho balance, 0,507, aro at present paid up to L 2 10s por share. The balance of profit and loss to be dealt with in tho accounts, including L' 20,000 transferred from the reserve, is LGO.O.W, which tho directors re commend to bo appropriated : 1.18,472 to provide for special loss on tho Catalonia (chartered); 1,22,050 for a ten per cent, dividend, and L8,G65 to carry forward. /Tho directors do not propose to fill the vacancy at the Board caused by the lamented death of Mr Tailored. Mr Wil liam I'earco (of John Elder and Co.) has joined tho London Board of Advice. The retiring directors (Mossrs Anderson, Wil son, and Studhotmo) offer themselves for ro-olection. Tho following is tho balanco sheet, the London accounts being to May :— Dn.—To capital subscribed, L5!)5,G70 ; less amount uncalled and unpaid, L3-_,884 0s 1id—L205.785 DJs Id; bills payable. LSI, 130 3s 2d; dobontures for monoy bor rowed and deposits, L84,42_ 0s lid; balnncos duo to builders and others, partly socurod by debentures and otherwise, L 487,255 0s 8d ; special advances on loans account, L 75,000 ; sundry current accounts, L 88.560 lis 4d; reserve fund, LlOO.OOO; liiHumnc .s account, L 7.783 12s od ; un claimed dividends, Ll7B 3s 4d ; balanco at. credit of profit and Uss, L 50.093 10s 3d:' total, 1.1,240,827 7s 2d.

CR. —By properties of Company afloat and ashore, including 11 cot of sailing and steam ships with equipment, and pay ments on account of two steamships now building, refrigerators, hulks, coal, storo, working plants in London and colony, L.978,728 Ins Cd ; Catalonia charter ac count, L 18,471 15s 2d; land property, leaseholds, offices, furnituro, _c, L 24.437 18s 5d ; sundry current accounts, including not freights collectable insured, 1.159,346 His 2d ; casli balance at credit at bankers, L 47, .94 10s 7d ; petty cash at agencies, Ll4 ICa Sd ; bills receivable, L2.C65 Ills 6d ; dividend account, LC0,175 0s 9d.

TELEGRAMS.

Tho Hlnomoa at New Plymouth.

Nkw Plymouth, thisdny.— The Hinemoa, with tho Auckland members on board, ar rived at the Breakwater about live o'clock, from tlio Manukau. Mr Samuol, M.H.R., was the only one who embarked, Mr Scot land being too late. Colonol Trimble left yesterday morning, going overland to Wellington.

Parihaka is quiet. Two natives on Monday were arrested hero for horse-stealing,

Anothor Victim of the Bottlo,

Weix.ngton, this day.—A woman named Cecilia Hogan, cook at tho Wellington Hotel, was found dead in hor bedroom yos torday morning. She was fully dressed, and thoro was an empty gin bottle beside her. Sho was addicted to intemperance.

OAMARU, this day.—Tho Hon. H. J, Miller has given fifty guineas to tho Oamaru Hospital.

End of a Vexed Case.

Dunedik, this day.—ln tho case of Ward v. National Bank, the Judge in Chambers has refused plaintiff's application for loavo to nppoal to tho Privy Council, Introduction of Noxious Animals. Dunedin, this day.—The Acclimatisation Socioty has discussed tho folly of now birds being sent here so long as poisoning for rabbits was in voguo and stoats and woazles, otc, were turned out in Otago. It was resolved, "That this Society / view with deep regret tho steps which ;, tho Government havo seen fit to take 2in connection with the introduction of J stoats, weasels, and other vermin into this country, hitherto so free from noxious native animals, as they believe these ani mals will prove of little use in destroying the rabbits, but will, on the other hand, in all likelihood destroy Maori hens and other , nativo birds, as well as domestic poultry." } Winding up the Coffee Palaoe Company. The Supreme Court has granted an order for winding up the Coffee Palace Company. It is believed the liquidation will not real ise 5s in £, Dunedin, this day.—ln Lawson v. the Queen, in which plaintiff, a sawmiller, re covered £1,600 damages from a special jury against tho Government for tho destruction of his sawmill by sparks from a railway engine, Judge Williams has granted a new ■ trial,

CABLEGRAMS.

[BY CABLE.--.- -RIGHT.]

(Rocoived August Oth, 1.30 p.m.) INo w Viceroy of India. Loni.on, August s.—Lord Dufferin will Bucceed tho Marquis of Ripon as Viceroy and Govornor-Goneral of India. ' Tory Obstruction to Federation. Thoro is littlo hope that the Tories will permit tho passage of the Federation Enabling Bill. Tho Ponding War In China. London, August s.—Tlio French Govern ment has refused tho indemnity of half a million taels offered by the Chinese in satis faction for tho Langson affair, and in con scquonoo parleying has been terminated. Admiral Courbet, in command of the French fleet, is reported to be " trimming," with a view to provoke an attack. HONGKONG, August 4.—The negotiations which have been proceeding at Shanghai for a settlement of the Langson affair have been broken off, the French and Chinese authorities having failed to arrive at any agreement regarding the payment of the war indomnity demanded by Franco. Tho Federation BUI Opposed. LONDON, August 4.—lt has transpired that tho Conservative party has decided not to assent to the passing of the proposed Australasian Federation Enabling Bill during the present session. Tho Franchise Bill. London, August s.—At a large meeting in Birmingham re the franchise question, tho Hons. Messrs Bright and Chamberlain spoko vory strongly against the action tuken by the Houso of Lords. Excited Frenoh Politicians. 1 -litis, August 4. —Tho Congress, which is to discuss the question of the proposed reform of tho French Constitution, mot to day at Versailles. Tho [proceedings were marked with considerable disorder, and several scones of tumult arose. The sitting of the Congress had finally to bo suspended.

AUSTRALIAN

Sidney, this day. An all Nlgjjrt'.s Mooting. Tho Legislative Asß___ly has been sitting tho whole night discussing tho Land Bill on the motion for the third reading. Tho de bate still (10 a.m.) continues. Prisoner Killed by Warders. Memiouknu, August 5. —A prisoner, con fined in I'entridge Stockade, made an un successful attempt to escape to-day, and lost his life. He was observed by the warders, who fired upon him, and killed him. Melbourne Market Report. The managor of tho National Mortgage and Agency Company, Now Zealand (Limited), reports :—Wheat, 4s; the market is weaker. Malting barley is neglected at 3s 9d to 4s 3d. New Zealand oats (feeding sorts), 2s 8d to 3s; pricos are depressed. Milling ditto, 3s Id to 3s 2d. Tho market is weaker for New Zealand oats under bond, which is steady nt 2s 2d to 2s sd. Tho timber market is unchanged.

THE SOUDAN REBELLION.

VOTE FOR THE RELIEF OF GENERAL GORDON,

(BY CAUL..— COi'YKKiIIT.)

London, August 4. Tjik Premier, in reply to a question in tho Houso of Commons, announced that tho Government intend to ask the House to morrow for a credit to cover tho oxpenso of tho expedition to Khartoum if steps for tho relief of General Gordon aro shown to be necessary. The "Daily News" states that tho Go vernment havo decided to ask Parliament for a credit to tho amount of £300,000, to cover tho expenses of tho expedition.

ZEALANDIA ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER.

Consecration and Dedication,

Last evening the consecration and dedica tion ceremonies of the abovo Chapter took place, at the Masonic Hall, Princes street. The charter for tho Chapter was is sued by tho Supremo Grand Royal Arch of Scotland, in response to a petition from a number of Royal Arch Masons of Auckland. As one of tho petitioning companions, tho charter was sent to M. E. Comp—Wm. McCullough, a past Z. of the order, authoris ing and empowering him to constitute and consecrate tho Chapter according to ancient usages and established customs. The occasion was taken to socure, if possible, a representative gathering of Royal Arch Masons, and accordingly invitations wero issued to nearly overy companion residont in Auckland and tho Thames. The attendance more than realised the expectations formed, for in point of num bers no such gathering has ever taken place in this city. In addition, the Chapters under the Irish and Scotch Constitutions wore represented by all thoir office-bearers and past principals, sevoral of the latter taking a prominent part in the opening coreinonies. Considorablo trouble had been takon in the decoration of tho hall, and tho display of royal arch emblems, banners, and regalia, augmented by the furniture of tho Abbotsford Chapter of tho Thames, added greatly to tho whole ap pearance of the chapter-room. Flowers wore tastefully arranged on the centre floor cloth, and several Masonic symbols were formed of wreaths of loaves and white rosos. The installing principals wero—M.S. Companion Wm. McCullough, Z. ; M.E,_ Comjianion Win. Lodder, H. ; M.E. Com panion Win. Tebbs, J.; M.E. Companion Clark, Principal Sojourner; M.E. Com panion Cooper, Director of Ceremonies; M.E. Companion Kitt, Scribo N. ; Com panion Bonnet., Scribe E. ; and Companions Kempt, Bedford, and Bertram, Junior Sojourners. Occupying seats on the dais wero paßt Principals Nolson, Skinner, Levy, La Rocho, Kitt, M.E. Companion H. G. Wndo, and sevoral visitors from Vic toria. Companion W. Roos was organist, and rendered tho musical portions of tho ceremony in a most finished style.

Tho oration by M.S. Companion was most carefully prepared, and was listened to with rupt attention. In reviewing tho work of Masonry as the custodian of truth and the promoter of obedionco to divine law, tho speaker was most eloquent, point ing out in strong light the many advantages of tho institution. Tho historical sketch of the several dogroos, culminating in tho Royal Arch, was most interesting, and bore evidenco to the great trouble taken by the speaker in preparing his address. It is needless to say that in Companion Tebbs's hand the delivery of tho oration was most finished, and many of the passages were most eloquent, The following passage may bo taken as an example of the train of thought which pervaded tho latter portion of tho address, more immediately dealing with tho scope of Freemasonry :—" If you, then, ask me, ' What good is Masonry ? and what its objects and scope .' I reply, to keep that alive in tho prosont and future which it has fostered and cherished in the past. The work, then, of Masonry, has boon to preserve tho knowledge of God amidst unfavourable surroundings; to hide it and bury it, if needs be, in tho vory depths of human consciousness, far from the roach of harm, until tho time should havo arrived forits revelation and re-develop ment; and further, to preserve and hand down inviolate the all-powerful name of the Most High—that name, or word, of pardon and salvation. , . . Man, 'says tho volumcof tho Sacred Law, was mado in God's image ; into his nostrils God breathed of His Spirit tho breath of life, and so he be came n living soul. It is to teach us to restore the Freshness and beauty of this image, bodily, mentally, and spiritually, that is the true object and scope of all the labour of this our holy band of brothorhood."

Upon the conclusion of the oration, tho following companions were installed and in vested with their robes of oilice :—M.E. Companion A. Dewar, as Record Principal H.; M.E. Companion M. Niccol, as Third Principal J.; Companions W. Errington and James McLaren, as Scribes ef the Chapter ; Companion T. Dunlop, Trea surer ; Companions G. L. Gunn, S. Young, and Wm. Laurie, as Sojourners. A long list of tho names of Master Masons desirous of joining the Chapter was read over, including that of Bro. Sir F. Whitaker, P. G. Master, of tho Scotch Constitution in the North Island of New Zealand.

Votes of thanks were accorded to M,E. Companion Tebbs, Loddor, Cooper, La Rocho, Clark, Rees and others, who assisted in-the ceremonies, after which the Chapter was closed in ancient fffriii, thus concluding one of the most interesting Masonic gather ings that h^ve taken place in' Auckland in connection with Royal Arch Masonry,

POLITICAL JOTTINGS

(l)V TISLKOKAPJI— OWN COIiPJ'KI'ONfJ-NT.)

Wellington, this day. A kumouk was current here yesterday that Ministers intended to resign on Thursday ; but Major Atkinson denies that it isso. It is a fact, howovor, that in each department a number of little matters which would re quire to bo settled before a change took place aro being pushed on.

Sir Geo. Grey has not since his arrival had any communication with either Sir Julius Vogol or Major Atkinson. Mr Ballancc arrived yesterday, and has mot Sir Geo. Grey, but has not yet seen Sir Julius Vogel. Ido not think there is any probability of a coalition between Vcgeland Atkinson. The latter is personally very bitter towards tho former.

Mr Fisher, member for South Wellington, is dangerously ill with brain fever, and not likely to be able to take his seat for a con siderable time.

THE ENGLISH POLICY IN EGYPT.

IBY CABI_K.-COI*YRI_HT,I

London, August 4. Mil Glaimtonk has intimated in the House of Commons that tho Government purpose taking an important step in regard to Egypt, and ho hoped to bo able to announce tho nature of the proposed action to morrow. This statement has given rise to consider able speculation on the part of the public and the daily Press, as to tho precise nature of tho important step which the Go vernment propose to take in consequence of tho want of success which attended tho deliberations of tho International Conference on Egyptian affairs, In its issuo this morning, tho "Daily News" affirms that tho Premier's statement indicates a departure for Egypt at an early date of ono of tho loading Liberal statesmen, and probably a member of tho Cabinet, who will bo entrusted with oxtended powers to act on behalf of tho British Government. (Received August o—l p.m.) Important Government Proposal. London, August s.—ln tho House of Commons this afternoon Mr Gladstone mado his promised statement as to tho intentions of the Government with re gard to Egypt. Ho announced that Earl Northbrook, tho First Lord of the Admiralty, will proceed to that country this month with a High Commissioner to report upon the state of affairs and advise the Government as to the best course to pursue. His Lordship will be accompanied by Mr Baring, formerly British Consul- General in Egypt.

OUTBREAKS OF FIRE.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—I'KKSS ASSOCIATION.)

C-ii.isTL'iiimcu, this day. A two-roomed cottago in Hereford-street was destroyed by fire yesterday afternoon. The houso was insured for £50 in the Mer cantile Union Office, but tho furniture was not insured. Mr E. A. Green's shop, in Manchester-street South, caught fire last night, and tho stock was much damaged. It was insured in tho Colonial Oilice for £300, and in tho Victorian for £300, Tho building was insured, but it is not knovpi ii .ihat olficc. It is not much damaged.

Wellington, Tuesday,

Tho church parsonage occupied by tho Rev, Dr. Taylor took tiro today. It was extinguished before much damage was done.

MINING NEWS.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. New Prince Imperial.— The leading stope en No. G level furnished 501bs of specimens yesterday afternoon.

Rooky Point.—Tho third stopo has been commenced in tho Adelaide reef,.above the General Chute level, and the last breaking down produced 301bs of picked stone of good quality. The reef continues to look well, and is enlarging.

New Eureka (Otanui) —The Company's crushing continues to yield handsomely, and 2500z5. amalgam aro on hand for about ten clear days' operations.

Moanataiari Extended.—The shaft is being carried through country of a favour able nature for progress, and containing a little undefined quartz.

Dart. —Driving has been resumed on the Alfred leader at No. 2 level, and the manager oxpects to find it junction with tlio specimen loader after proceeding 20 feet. Hardman, tributer, banked 4ozs. 12dwts.

Sir Walter Scott (Karangakake).— It is reported that tho manager of this mine has more than 700ozs of amalgam on hand, and the quartz is still yielding richly. Twelve hours' run with 16 stampers gave 52ozs hard squeezed amalgam. Retorting will take place at the end of tho week.

Caledonian.—Owing to the hardness of the rock at the 360 feet level, the manager has suspended the crosscut and commenced driving upon a leader, hoping thereby to avoid the bar.

Moanataiari.— The following tributers' returns are banked :—George, 2i tons, lOozs 17dwts; Tremanth, 1 ton, 3ozs ldwt; Sarich, 2ozs ITdwts.

COROMANDEL.

Mariebel.—The mine manager tele graphs to-day :—lOlbs. of specimens and 351bs. of picked stono from leading stope Blackmore section.

Success.—Tho manager reports under date, 4th of August:—"Since my last re port I have discontinued stoping farther ahead for the presont. I have opened out again with good result., both leads show ing loose gold. In tho footwall ono thoro was a small pockot of about an ounce in one dab. This stope has tho appearance of being much better than tho last ono. Tlio level south of the ground is better working, and tho roef looks better, but nothing showing."

(UY _E_EG_..l_—l-KHSS ASSOCIATION.)

Ross, This day,

Tho directors of the William Tell (Pros pectors) Quartz Company, Cedar Creek, re turned to town yesterday. Several parcels of quartz wore obtained 25 feet along the lino of the reef from the point where the first gold was got, showing half penny weight pieces gold sticking out.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Boforo His Worship tho Mayor and Mr Prime, J.P.)

Drunk.— Six jisrsons wero punished for this offence by lines of 5s each. Vagrant.—Maria Lysaght was charged under tho Vagrant Act with being an habitual drunkard, etc.—Prisoner pleaded guilty.—Six months' imprisonment with hard labour.

Assaulting a Hushand.— Sarah Thorn ton, arrested on warrant, was charged with violently assaulting and kicking Neville Thornton on tho sth inst.—Prisoner pleaded not guilty.—Sergeant White said it was a matter of regret that the prisoner was placed in her present position. It was all owing to her habit of excessive drinking. —Neville Thornton, scenic artist, described prisoner's conduct. He had constantly de layed taking proceedings, which were ex ceedingly poinful to him. She was frequently in the habit of ill-using tho and in endeavouring to prevent her from assaulting his child she kicked him in a dangerous part. He wished her to bo bound over to keep tho peaco or somothingdreadfulwouldhappen.— Ordered to find two sureties in £10 each, and her self in £20, to keep the peace for six months. The Parnell Assault.—A, E. Morritt was charged with assaulting Thomas Watt by striking him in the face. - On the appli cation of counsel, this caso was adjourned until Friday.

Uttering False Cheques. — Charles Palmer was again brought up on a chargo of forging and uttering false cheques with intent to defraud, but owing to the want of a clerk to take down the depositions the hearing of the evidenco was adjourned until to-morrow.

This was all the business,

SUPREME COURT-Civil Sessions.

This Way

CONTESTED WILL CASE,

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillicß.) Thomas Wilson (Executor named in the will of Archibald Wilson, deceased) v. Ciu.lstina Wilson and Sabai. Elizabeth Wilson.

Action to establish validity of a will. Mr Cotter, instructed by Mr Thome, for tho plaintiff. Mr E. Hesketh, instructed by Mr Browning, for the defendant.

Mr Cotter, in opening the case, explained that the disputed will was that of an old identity, who was long known as Miser Wilson. The planintilf was his nephew and the defendants his wife and daughter' while the legatees under the will were two other nephews and a niece. He was quite at a loss to understand the nature of the defence,''seeing that although living apart from his wife and daughter for a period of 17 years, deceased had left them all his real property, amounting in value to between £8,000 and £10,000, while by the will in question ho simply divided £800 among two nephews and a niece in tho family, with whom he had lived during his estrangement from his own relatives. That will was regularly made, at deceased's express in structions by a disinterested party, and it was properly signed and witnessed. The defence alleged undue influence or coercion but he utterly failed to porceivo any sem' blance, or indeed nny need of such things in the circumstances of the case. Evidence was then adduced as followß ;— James Kavanagh, a baker employed by Thomas Wilson, of Grey-street, deposed that lie knew the late Archibald Wilson who was unclo to his master, and who re' sided at his brother's, at Cox's Creek In August last ho was called into a side room off tho shop, in order to witness tho signature by ArcliiVinM Wilson of a will" [Will produced by Registrar and identified]. There were also present David Wilson, Mrs Thos. Wiison and Mr Machattie. Archibald Wilson having been assured that tbe witnesses were present, said, "Let us get it done." His chair was moved up to a table beside the window and he there signed tho will. Witness and Mr Machattie next signed their names [Signatures identified]. Nothing was said in ins presence to induce Archibald Wilson to sign. He did it of his own free will He had known Archibald Wilson by his coming in and out of the shop for the last 8 or 9 years.

Cross-examined by Mr Hesketh : He was called in by David Wilson to witness the signature. Ho had written his own name with two v's, as ho was not over bright through being out all the previous night Thomas Wilson was also in the shop. Ho did not know Archibald Wilson's wife or daughter. Thomas Milne Machattie, commission agent, deposed that he had known the deceased, Archibald Wilson, who had lived at Cox's Creek, or, as deceased termed it Wilson's Bay. Ho hod known him about lfi or 18 years, and intimately about 3 years He used to do almost all his business In tho beginning of August, 1883, deceased spoko to him about the making of a will and gave him instructions to draw one out* Ho accordingly prepared a draft and gave it to deceased, who kept it for two or throe days. He then sent for witness to go out to him at Cox's Creek He did so, and tho result was an arrangement that the signing of the will should take place in Auckland. They were to meet in the shop of Mr Williams, tho chemist, at 10 o'clock in the morning of the 13th August, 1883. David Wilson and witness waited at Williams's shop fortwenty minutes, after which David Wilson went to his brother's, while witness subsequently met deceased in tho street and accompanied him thither also. Deceased produced the draft will, and witness understood him to say that ho wanted Thomas Wilson to act as trustee, and witness himself as executor. These two names wore filled in, but de ceased objected to sign the will in conse quence. At deceased's instructions ho wrote out the will again, deceased sitting beside him while he did so. After having had dinner, and deceased having made a call at the chemist's, the will was finished and read out. Deceased expressed himself as perfectly satisfied, and signed the will. D. Wilson, T. Wilson, and a man named Kavanagh being also present. Deceased then put the will in his pocket. [Will and copy put in evidence]. His was quite the reverse of a yielding-,!; temperament. He had a mind of Mb ow_u'.;': CroES-examinod by Mr Hesketh-This was not the first will ho had prepared for deceased. A previous one had. been drawn for deceased about eighteen months ago, or six months prior to the latter one. He never signed that earlier will, however. It was generally in favour of deceased's daughter, but witness never asked him why he had not Bigned it. Neither did ho inquire his reasons or ask why he had not mentioned his daughter in tho second will. It was not time that he expected £200 for his work in connection with the will. He had not made up his mind what to charge, but it would probably be something like £50 for all the services he had rendered to deceased. A. M. Williams, chemist, and medical adviser to deceased, gave evidence as to his state of health in August last. Thomas Wilson, baker, carrying on busi ness in Grey-street, deposed that he wa* plaintiff in this action, and nephew of deceased who was generally known by the name of Miser Wilson. He remembered the morning of the 13th of August last year. On that day his brother David came - to the shop, and about half.- an - hour afterwards was followed by his late unole and Mr Machattio. Witness showed them into the parlour, off the shop. Deceased then produced a paper from his pocket, and asked Machattie to read it. Machattie first of all took it to the counter, saying that ha was going to fill in the names oi himself and witness as executors, which he did. [Will identified]. Machattie then read out the will until he came to his own name, when deceased, stopping him, said that ona. trustee was enough unless it could be shown that two were required. Machattie. replied that ono name was as good as twenty, and deceased then said that Machattie could act as witness. David' Wilson then suggested that MaohattieV name should bo struck out, but deceased said that he would have the will writtea over again. Machattie accordingly pro cured more paper and began to write. _ Deceased went out for a time to see his' medical advisor and then had dinner. He was then left alone with Machattie until the will was finished. When it was ready for 1 signature deceased asked for witnesses, and witness sent for Kavanagh, who entered justas Machattie had ended his reading of tho will. The table was then moved up to the window and deceased, Kavanagh, and Machattie signed their names to the will. [Will produced and identified]. Deceased then folded up tho will, asked for a copy of it, and went away. Deceased was in his usual health and state of mind.

This was the case.

Mr Hesketh stated that all the evidence ; ho had to adduce would not affect the regularity of the execution of the will, but only consisted of statements made by the testator to his wife and daughter after the*? date of tho will and up till the period of his death. He Bhowed much affection towards them, and led them to believe that he had left all his property to them. He admitted that the execution of the will appeared to have been quite regular. His Honor said that the only evidence that . would affect the question at issue would bo > such as would throw doubt upon tho execu tion of the will. That the testator had told stories about it amounted to nothing Such a defence did not constitute undue in fluenco or coercion. If the testator's con duct were such as alleged, it only went to show that he wanted to keep things in the dark. Mr Hesketh replied that his evidenco would not prove undue influence or coercion. It only gave his statements to his wife and daughter, and his bearing towards them. Ho thereforo would not adduce it after ; His Honor's expression of opinion. Probate was accordingly granted to the executor named in the will. Upon the question of costs, His Honor held that they must be borne by the de fendants, as the defence they had offered was a groundless one. A most successful service of song entitled " Eva " was given on Monday night to a crowded audience in the Primitive Metho dist Church, Alexandra-street, by the church choir and a few friends, under the leadership of Mr Frith. The conpective readings were, given by the Rev. W. S. Potter. The congregation testified their appreciation of the service by subscribing £7 10s to the collection in aid of the Sunday school Improvement Fund. Mr Goldio, Superintendent of the school, moved a vote of thanks to all who had contributed to the success of the meeting. It was announced that the service would be repeated in the school-room in Upper Pitt-street next., Thursday week, which would •be 'duly*' advertised. All who wish a pleasant and profitable evening should try to attend,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAIi, WEDNESDAY, AUG

ST 6, 1884



Special Advcrtlseinonte. THE regular Monthly Meeting of the Prince ot Wales Lodge. No. 133., will bo held at Freemasons Hall, Prlaces-stroet, TO MORROW (Thur-day), at 7.30 p.m. Visitors are Invited by order of the W.M. M. S. L..ERS, P.M, Secretary. ■\TEWTON CONGREGATIONAL _____ CHURCH. A RECOGNITION SOIREE, To Welcome REV. THOS. ADAMS, Pastor, Will be hold on THURSDAY, 7th AUGUST. TEA at half-past 6; SERVICE at half-past 7. Speakers : Revs. J. Robertson. Alex. Rcid. W. E. Rico. McKensie Fraser. W. J. Millar, and Messrs N. Wood and J. Ellyett, etc. Chairman : J. C. FIRTH, Esq. Tickets, Is, Glanville & Ellyett, E. Wood and Co., or.jpy member of the Committee. PROSPECTUS OF THE MERCURY BAY CO-OPERATIVE STEAM-SHIP COMPANY (LIMITED). Capjtal, £3,000, IN 3,000 Shakes ok £1 Each. Provisional Directors: D. H. McPherson, Mercury. Bay; Archibald Smith. Merciry Bay: Patrick Cooney, Mercury Eay; Thos. Carina, Mercury Bay; Hector Mc- Kay, Morcuty Bay: Wm. Lee, Mercury Bay: Wm. White. " B__sr____: Secretary pro tern : - Wm. White. This Company Is being formed to Purchase the b.s, " Noptune," now plying between Auckland and Mercury Bay, The "Neptune" is quite new, hah been running in the trade for tho last three months, profitably, and found to fully nnsworthe requirements ef the district,'being handy, and of good speed on a small consump tion of fuel. There are now offered to the "public 2,506 shares of 20s each, the proceeds ef which will be applied for the purchase of the Steamer; the balance of Shares to be held in reserve. Payment of Shares as follows:— Zs 6d oa application; 2s Gd on allotment; 5s thK_ months; balance to bo called as required at internals of not less than/three months. Applications to bo made to Mr Wm. White, Mer«ury Bay; or Mr H. W. Heath, No. 18, ShorUhnd-stroot, where forms can be obtained. Auckland, August __, 1834, Tm A R L V /.LOSING. WILLIAM RATTRAY Bogs to inform his Pataoas tliat in f at are he will CLOSE HIS ESTABLISHMENT AT SIX O'CLO-K ON SATURDAYS, And respeatf ally requests their c*-operation by MAKING THEIR SATURDAY PURCHASES B_FORE THAT HOUR, -rrr 1L LIA M J3ATTRAY, 178, 180, 182, QffBEN-SIREET. T^- O. T I C B. Tho New Zealand Sugar Company (Limited) desire to notify that thoy will be prepared to offer Refined Sugars for sale in September. J. E> BREWSTER, Manager. Auckland, Ist August, 1881. T\ R. WILKINS, F.R.C.S J_f CONSJBpING AND OPERATING SURGEON, Is at his STBfeery lor General Practice, also Evb, Ear, and Throat Diseases, Mornings, Aft_rnoonb, and Evenings. „ Consultation Fees very Moderate. _ Dr. W-LKDfs spent seven years at Mooroflelds BW Hospital, London, under __aars Bowman andjßrichctt, two at Throat HosJfal, London, •even years Honorary Surgeon Albert Hospital, IMd.efeht years at Eye, Ear, and Throat In -TOW.Melbourne. Adjusts spectacles to sighto. - __sß^ s _ltSn_ R-onfs, Queen-street (near Poft -fflce), Auckland.



Sptecinl AdYci-isc__.ci-.ts. RS' I_ sommervill c, MILLINERY WARS-ROOMS AND STRAW-WORK ING ESTABLISHMENT, WK_,l__L_y TREItT, oitosite Opera House. ALANCE OF WINTER STOCK O-* /GIRLS' and LADIES' VELVETS _ /BLACK CLOTH JACKETS Vjk "■JIbLACK CLOTH and CASHMERJ. . 1/MEN^WATERPROOF GOATS :.I\IWYS?and[YOUTH*. OVERCOATS _♦' I To be CLEARED at 15 to 20 Per Cent a 1 DISCOUNT. Velveteens, In Slate and Olive, 2s 6d yd.; worth Lot _M_ood Coloured Silk Velvets, various shades 4s 6d yd.; worth 6s Go. 200 White' Linen Damask Tableoloths, Ss 6d. 3s 9d, Is 6d. 5s 6d ; worth double . Largo Lot New Pattern Floorcloths, all widths Hr-at Variety in Remnants,* marked low Having ft La-Ke Stock of Dress Goods, have Re duced a large lot to very Low Prices, from 3id Wide Navy Cashmere, Is 2_d yd. Men's Strong Tw<-ed Coats, 7s 6d Grey Calico, 2d yd. £ .5 WORTH of WAREHOUSE SAMPLES Just Received, in Groat Variety, will be SOLD CfIEAP. WILLIAM R. BRIDGMAN, lUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, UPPER (-WEEN-STREET. JUST OPENED, Another Thousand LADIES'AND CHILDREN'S FASHIONABLE WINTER HATS AND BONNETS, At tho Low Prico of ONE SHILLING EACH, Worth from 5s to 15s. This Lot is simorior to tho Previous Skip ment, and comitfise many New Shades and Colours. Ladies are rcquostod to como and in spect these Goods before pnrohasing elsowhora, as they cannot poBSi-ly be ofliiallcd in any otlior Shop in Now Zealand. Please Note the Address— FERNANDEZ, DRAPER AND CLOTHIER, Karnngahapo Road, Newton. remember I the price is ONE SHILLING- EACH. .• \T_W m W E E D S. tq SJN E W IwBEDS, > w H. L. POSSENISKIE w "^ Begs to announco tho completion of his M ** WINTER IMPORTATIONS, _ Consisting of f_H ALL THE LATEST NOVELTIES « * IN _. Jg <] WORSTEDS AND TWEEDS tnj-- In the Home Markots. O ■ P-! ti[ H. h. POSSENISKIE, fe h" importer, ' _*! Shortland-st., Auckland. . "WE FI_tMKII HOUSES THROUGHOUT. GARLICK _ CRAN WELL'S is the CHEAP FURNISHING WAREHOUSE. JUST OPENED, Beautiful Assortment op BRUSSELS TAPESTRY, AND KIDDERMINISTER CARPETS. SPLENDID LOT OF BEDSTEADS, Just Received, IRON AND BRASS, NICKEL-PLATED. QARLICK AND QRANWELL, FURNISHING WAREHOUSE, QUHEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. T) MCpBERSON'S __ ANNUAL _- *" ANNUAL ** CfIEAP »RAPERY SALE CHEAP DRAPERY SALE CHEAP DRAPERY SALE is NOW ON!! D. McPBBRSON has boon on the constant look-out for BARGAINS During the sreat depression In trade, and having LABGIELY INCREASED HIS STORAGE ROOIf, s now prepared to offer tho Public,as tho result of his purchases, THE CHEAPEST, MOST VARIED, AND BEST COLLECTION OF NEW WINTER GOODS I NEW WINTER NEW WINTER GOODS I GOODS I NEW WINTER NEW WINTER GOODS GOODS I NEW WINTER GOODS EVER SHOWN IN AUCKLAND. SPECIAL BARGAINS IN ALL DEPART MENTS. D. McPherson, KARANGAHAPE ROAD. THE SNAKE ROOT REMEDY for RHEUMATISM and GOUT.-The Cimicifuqa(Actca Rac-mosalor Black SNAKE ROOT hai been lono celebrated AS A RHEUMATISM REMEDY. THIS PREPARATION It THE MOST CERTAIN IN ITS EFFECTS, AND RARELY FAILS TO AFFORD RELIEF OR EFFECT A CURE. 6f. PER BOTTLE, AT MCVAH'S, "*.Ht vwKRVIkC.-," .*?*___ __i_-at«_. *..«.*•,si



" ROUGH ON CORKS."-Ask for Wells'. •• Rough on Com.." Quick roliul, complete, i»r__eiit cure, Corua, warts, bunions. Komptliome, Proaser A Co., Agents, Auckland.



v An effort will be made to get the s.s. lonic under way for tho south * to-morrow. She will load hero for London about 1,000 cases kauri gum, several bales cotton, 400 cases tinned meats from the Frozen Meat Company, and sundry smaller packages. SKINNY MEN.-"Wells'>ne«UlUleiicwcr'ri»toreslii!Hltli mil vigour, cuiw D^siiepsia. liii|-t*nce. Ucbilltr. At Oru|,_ifiU _e_pt)u_e, Pr-sscr & Co., _\i_en _ Aucklniut.