WHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

„,„„ w . TTrR /This Evening. 10.35 HIGH WATEK < To . morrow Monnng, 11.0 BUNSET.—This Bvenintr. Ml BUNRISE.-To-morrow Morning, O.U MOON'S AUE.—First Quarter, -'ml, s.lt> P.»'

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Waitaki. s.s., Crawford, from Whanaarcl

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Rowena, a g.. Morris, for Mercury Buy . Macgregor, 5.9., Johnson, for tt hangitrei

Vessels Expected.

LONDON.-British King. s.s.. sailed March 15, ThMnas RussoU.s.s..December23; Deva.barquo, N.S.T.D., January 21; Crusader, ship, Fobruair 6; Laira, barque, April!); Ulenrosa and Glance, I°NBwrYoRK.-Claribol. "barque (via Welllne ton) December 11; Nettie (via Wellington) and Irene (via Dunedinj. loading. „ " .... Java.—Manhegan. barque, sailed March 31, Maroon, barque, and Thames, barque, to follow. China.-Androklaa. barque early. Ar/BTRALIA.-Naiad, brig, /rom Newcastle; Clansman, brigantinc. from Rpckhampton, Look Out, briorantino, from Sydney. Southern PORTR-Camillc, brigantine. from Dunedin; Saxon, schooner, from Lyttelton; Himalaya, barquo, from Wellington.

Inwards Coastwisk.—Fannie, from \\ han gapoHa, with 28,000 feet timber; Ghost, from Puhoi. with feet totara junk, 87,i00 Shingles.

Outwards Coastwisk—Fannie, for Whan gapoua; Ghost, for Matakana.

The 8.8. Ruby leaves for Mangawui on Friday at midnight.

The schooner Saxon leftLyttelton for this port yesterday.,./ The brfr Emperor cleared at Uio Customs to-dar for Newcastle, whither she proceeds in la ballast.

The ship Rangitikei has been placed on the berth hero for London, to follow the Loch Brodan. Sho commenced loading today.

The P.M. s.s. Australia left for San Francisco shortly after 5 p.m. yesterday.

The barque Himalaya, which has part cargo from Glasgow for Auckland, left Port Chalmers for this port yesterday.

Mr C. Bailey will launch in about a week's tirao a lar^e barge for tho Sugar Company, for which he has also under construction a small steam launch.

The as. Waitaki arrived from Whangaroi last evening with the following passengors:— Messrs Jackson, George Kerr. Churchward, Adams, Mesdames Kerr and Richards, Misses Kerr and Stewart, and 1 in tho steerage.

The barque Loch Bredan will sail for London about a weok hence. Up to to-day she has loaded 2,8ifl cases gum, 5?5 balos wool, 160 casks tallow, 13.309 bones, 8.500 horns' 12 cases pearl shell, 5 tons bark, 22t! tons cobra. 102 tons niannaneao, 2 bales gluo piocea, 2-bales hair, 2 cases sundries. She will 1111 m>. with about 200 bales wool and 500 cases gum additional.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVAL.

Argyle, s.s., McArthur, from Waitara

DEPARTURES.

Rotorua. b.b. Anderson, for tho South Argyle, s.s., MoArthur, for Wnitara

The Northern Co.'s Argyle arrived from Waitara at 7 o'clock this morning, with JO head of cattle, 7G sheep, and 1 horse. The Union Co.'s s.s. Rotorua left for Southern ports at 10 o'clock this morning, with 5S sacks oysters, 21 cases drapery. (19 pkes sundries, and the following passengers:—Judge Gillies and seoretary, Messrs Nichollß, Bartlett. Lyona, Misses Miller, Robbio, and Patterson (2). Tho Northern Co.'s s.s. Aigyleleftfor Waitara at 2 o'clock to-day. The 8.8 Douglas had not arrived UD to one cfftlock to-day.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Melbourne, April 29.—Sailed, this after noon: Tarawera, for Bluff. DtmßDiy, this day.—Sailed: Himalaya, for Auckland. .

Whanoarei. this ■'ay.—Arrived: Macgregor, from Auckland, 7 a.m.

Waitara, this day.—Arrive*: LaUa Rookh, from Onehunga, 10.30 a.m.

Gbbymoutii. Tuesday.—-Tho a.s. Oreti.with a cargo of coal for Hokitlka, left last night two hours before full tido. for tho purpose of get ting high water at Hokitika. and when going out She stranded on tho North Spit, where she now lies high and dry. Sho Is not. supposed to have sustainod much damage, and her coals are being thrown overboard.

Chief Post-Office, Auckland.

Maim wiu, Clobe as under :— Tina Day. For Thames, por Rotomahana. at] p.m. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Mannpoun, at I p.m. • Kor Whangarel Heads, Kamo, Whangarei, and Mnngapai, per Waitaki. at 5 p.m. For Tliainea, per Annie Milbank atri.3op.ni. ThuhsdaY, Ist May. For Wnitara. etc., per Hannah Mokau, at 7.10 For Waiwcra, Te Kapii, Craigieburn, Work worth, etc., per Rose Casey, at 10 n.m. For Waitara, etc., per Douglas, at U a.m. Kor \Van{jaii"i etc., per Wlomi Hircl, at 11 a in.B For Tanranga, Ohinemutu, and uuotiki, per GleneHf, nt I r.m For Waierford,, otc:.. per I!oloin:iliana. at I.SO For Tiiamea, por Rotomahana, at 5 a.m. For Whanprarei Hcuils, Kamo, Whauunrci, uiul Jfangapiii. per Rowena. ftt 5 p.m. . FitiDAY, 2nd May. For Gisborne. Napier. Southern l'orls. ntc, i>cr Manapoiiri, al 11 a.m. Saturday, 3id May. For Sydney Island, per Explorer, at 9 am. For Australian Colonies and United Kingdom, via Suez and Brindisi, or Naples, for letters, etc., specially so prepaid and addressed, per Kenlandia, inimi diately after her anival u-om Honolulu. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Uhluf Poat-olllce, Auckland.

Meetings Entertainments, Etc.

APRIL 30, ISSI. Abbott's Opera House — " The Lights o' London."?. 15 p.m. Choral Hall—Auckland Society of Arts Kxhi bition. Promenade Concert, 7 till !> p.m. Masonic Hall. Princea-street—J'rofessor Her naurt'a dancing class, 7.30 p.m. Mount Kden Hall — Lecture by Jlr P- McNnught, 7.: 0 p.m. Masonic- Regular meeting of United Service Lodge, 7.30 p.m. 11.A.C.15. Society—Meeting of Juvenile Con tingont, 7.30 p.m.

Temperance Hall.—David Livingstone Lodge 7.30 p.lll.

Theatre ltoyul—Annual mcetintrof the Society (or the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 1 p.m.

Births.

MJBH.~On April 27. Nt Kwelmo Cottago. Ayr street, PanieU. the wife of J. Martin 11. Lush of a non.

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

WEDNESDAY, April 30, 1881.

For tho cause that larks asslßtanco, For tho wrong that noe-is realatauoa. For tho future in tho distance, And tho good that wo can do.

I'or.rric.u. discontent is an invariable con comitant of depressed trade, and wore we to analyse the causes of (ho ferment in tlio South, we should doubtless find tho preva lent commercial dulness, if not actual dis tress, at tho bottom of it. There is, wo are sorry to observe, no sign yet of any abate ment in the symptoms of depression. At a deputation to tlio Colonial Secretary on behalf of the Dunedin Benevolent Society, Mr V. Pyke, M.H.R., said :—" Very great distress exists in Dunedin at tho present time —more distress than there has ever been since I havo been acquainted with this city. One proof of that is that wo find thero has beeu a very great diminution in the Savings Bank's deposits." MrGreen.anothormomborof the deputation, stated :—" A groat many in want are ablo bodied porsons who cannot Obtain employ ment, and who would rathor got monty by their labour than take it a? in charity. Of course, the present Government have been In power a long time, therefore much im portation of labour may bo laid at the door of tho Government. 1 understand that during last year immense quantities of iron work wei-o brought to the Hillside Railway workshops, which iron work could be manufactured in the colony quite as well as at Home, and I believe quitu is cheaply. I say that in this thero is one remedy clear towards lessening the present distress. In a now country like this I think it is somo thing lamentable that wo should go beseech ing to tho Government for grants of money towards alleviating tho distress of many persons who would rathor earn it in the way I havo alluded to."

At a subsequent stage of tlio proceedings Mr Rennie said :—" In confirmation of what has been said about tlio great distress existing, I may say that a woman with two children told meslio was afraid her husband would commit suicide in consequence of his inability to got work. Vory often tem porary relief has to be given to working men." These statements, however, came from a deputation bout upon extracting money from the Government, and thoro fore bound to put the worst possible fuco on affairs. We must tako them with a grain of suit. In another place, Mr Kennio admitted that " No doubt a number of tho porsons who press on tho institution are loafers, but a vary considerable number are tho wives and families of working men who, owing to strong drink, hnvo deserted them, and these wires sometimes say that they are no worse oil without their hus bands." Such claimants aro equally plen tiful whether times are prosperous or work difficult to obtain. Wo do not believe that, in tho sense which older countries know poverty, there is much of it either in Christchurch orDuncdin; but comparatively to what should bo the normal rate of pros perity in a colony—that is to say, a condition in which overy man can live in comfort and steadily improve his position by prudonce— there hag beon real depression for ft long time past, and to it Auckland owes n large portion of its recently added population. Tho causes of stagnation it would bo diffi cult to determine. Reaction from over trading and reckless land speculation lias bad something to do with it; and bad harvests and low prices of agricultural produce something more. It is prudent for us in Auckland to think whether there isnotdangerof a similar reaction here, and if more caution both in speculation and commerce ought not to bo exorcised. The Government have felt the effect in two ways —first in loss of revenue, and secondly in popular indignation. When men aro doing^ well they are in the humour to be pleased ;with themselves and tho institutions of tho country generally ; but when, as it must be, extra taxation is lovied upon diminished private incomes, the voico of the people takes a different tone, and they ■ challenge the wisdom of their rulers who have galled with them on the crest of the wave without a thought for the back-wash that would follow it.

There was one other question affect ing the whole colony raised by the Diinedin deputation. Poverty exists and will grow with the growth of population, or else the experience of New Zealand will prove different from that of all other civilised countries. Ho wisltto bo relieved * Mr Rennio eaid ; " I ha»'fi had considerable experience of this matter, haying been con nected with the Benevolent Institution potn mittee for thirteen years, and my opinion is this —that the rapidly increasing demands upon the Institution have now entirely out frown the present evstem of affording aid. think that someflthor system will have to bo inaugurated, whatever the form may be in. Many do not like the fdea of a poor law rate ; but I think it will huye to coino to that. The spasmodic efforts of Oow mittees-ih-aid cannot .bo continued." Tho j»n'SUGGess .of our Ccn§yolen.t Societies seem to signify the same thing; yet the idea of a poor law, wjth its inevit able attendantbond of professional paup,ors, is obnoxious to tbo jsojopial mind. It has been avoided in the Unit/jd States hitherto, the able-bodied poor b.ofngth>w»up.Qn their own resources, the disabled upon the l^jslp of charitable societies. It is quite true that the present system of relief I'aljs unequajly upon the community, and is not borne by people in proportion to their means, but while it remains voluntary that is, after nil, a minor pi'Jl; anijl we aro loth to beljevjj that poverty in this young colony has already outgrown the compass of aueh efforts, supplem/wt^d by thecolonialgrants fertile support of thesick. the widows, and tbo orphans in ihc community, The distribution of even this small grant shows the danger atteiidifi? eleemosynary aid, for in ChristGhurcn tho sum of £13,409 was dispensed in 1882 in such relief, or at the rate of 2s 3d par head of tho popnlfltion, >-})ile in Dunr edin the grant was only £5,0;j5),. or ,Bjd per liead of population. The differencis was not due to the greater prevalence of distress in Chrisfcchurch than Dunedin, but to tho measure in which the former city leaned upon the Government lor the relief of its poor.

There are fifty email debt case? siefc down for Bearing at tho Resident Magistrate* Court to morrow It lias always been cus tomary to have a list of the eases suspended outside the Court-room for the Information of the public, but for the kwt two or three weeks the writipg or printing ot this (ist baa h,een dona by & pew and;mysterious process, the principal characteristic of wbjeh is that it is scarcely decipherable, Conseqiiendy, ilia convenience of the public is about the lost consideration in the < matter, ;: .;■ :f.c,-\ -,' .? ■?& ''f>'.n 'r «:'; i« :l

Tho electors of the East Coast con stituency are considerably oxercised in mind over the conduct, of their member, Mr Allan McDonald. It lias been definitely known for a long time past that the gentle man did not intend to sock re-election, and Jiatin fact he had made up his mind for v trip to the Home country. This being so, In; was pressed to resign in order that no time might be lost in tilling tho inevitable vacancy,' but with a strange perversencss he omittyd to do sc, although ho promised that he would. Finally In; absolutely re fused to resign. Yesterday he was a passenger by the mail steamer lor Han Francisco, aiid it is staled that when on board the vessel he declared that ho had withheld his resignation simply in order "to spite his constituents," and that he "would .see them d d first before he would resign." At any rate he has gone, and last, night the Speaker of the House (Sir li. M, O'Korke) had not received Mr McDonald's resignation. Parliament at its assembling will probably declare his seat vacant; and until the necessary pro cesses of securing another representative are gone through, the East Coast will remain practically disfranchised. This is exceedingly scurvy (rentincut of a consti tuency by its member.

An adjourned meeting of (ho creditors of Gavin Weir was held today, Mr John Law son, Official Assignee, presiding. Tliere were also present Messrs (liblin, Georgo, Parsons, ami Oliphuiit. Tlie Chairman read an oiler from Mrs Weil's solicitors stating that they were authorised to oiler a comp osition of 10s in the £ and the amount of the Otliciul Assignee's expense*. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr licoige, that the oll'or of 10s in tho £ he accepted, Mrs Weir to pay the whole costs in connection with the bankruptcy proceedings. The OHicial Assignee, in answer to a question, said the oll'or must be considered a cash one. Mr Lawson pointed out that tho creditors were greatly indobted to Messrs Giblin and (icorgo for the comparatively satisfactory ending of this mattor. The meeting was then adjourned till Thursday next. Information has been received by Super intendent Thomson of the death at tho Mount Eden Gaol, this morning, of Patrick Morun, an old pensioner, who was sentenced on tho 28th mat. to three months' imprison ment for vagrancy. An inquest on tho body of deceased will be held ut the gaol to-morrow morning; by \h\ Tcnneut, Coroner. Tho sub-eoniniittco representing tho friendly societies deputed to meet Mr Frankland, Clovernment Actuary, and dis cuss tho points of difference between tho societies and the (lovornmont bring up their report at a meeting on b'riday next in tho Cook-street Hall, at 8 o'clock p.m. All persons interested in friendly societies are invited to bo present. Tho matter is of very great importance to all (ho societies. It i.s hoped, therefore], that the at tendance will be large, in order that tho question may bo fully discussed, and an tnlluential representation of tho views of tho societies forwarded to the (lovevnmeut.

The appearance of an extensive conflagra tion in the vicinity of Northeoto last night led many peoplo on this side of the harbour to believe that a house was on fl.ro. From inquiry made to day, howover, wo learn that tho firo was confined to some bush, and we understand that no damage was dono to proporty.

Considerable indignation is at present rampant union;; tho ratepayers of Mount Albert against tho unknown individual who, by moans of an advertisement in tho Stab, convened a special meeting of the ratepayers for last night, in the Public Hull. A con siderable number turned up in response to the announcement, but. tho person who was expected to oxplain tho cause and business of the meeting either eamu not or ilid not discover himself, so, after over half an hour's waiting and desultory grumbling against the trustees of tho Road Board, tho com pany dispersed, sadder if not wiser men. The cream of the joke to tho perpetrator of tho hoax lies in the fact that those assem bled had to pay for the use of the hall be fore admittance.

To tho Editor: Sir,—Will you allow mo, through your columns to urge upon tlia directors of tho Now Prince Imperial niinu the advisability of their paying a small dividend tills month, if possible Surely with o reserve of ovor t'5,000, nnd tho fact that the mine is paying its way, nnd that the prospects for tho hit mo aie axt'olient, tlicro is tittle necessity for withholding at least a portion of tlio reserve. A dividend of :>s or -2s lid a share Mould still leave i'.'i.OOO in hand, and would bo welcome at this dull time to many more besides your obedient servant, T.M.11,

Tho Onohunga Borough Council, at thoir meeting on Monday night, disapproved of the proposed railway alterations at the terminus, as tho public convenience did not seem to be consulted by the officials who designed them. The matter of granting permission to lay oil' a private street on the Groon Hill, subject to a condition that a clause in the Act with reference to damages that might be eauseil at some future time, when tho levels were tixed, should in somo way be declared inoperative, was referred to the solicitors (Messrs I/iishley and Jackson) for their opinion as to whether the thoroughfare was not really a right-of-way, they having reported that such a concession could not be granted for a private street. It was also decided to ask their advice as to whether tho owners of rights-of-way oould call upon the Council for lovels at any time.

Sergeant Clarke and Constables Maeky and McDonnoll, of the water police, pro ceeded to Kivcrhead last evening, and brought back a man named John Bell, arrested on warrant and charged with assaulting his wifo. The latter alleged that the prisoner beat her with a piece of ropo and chased her with an axe, so that sho w;as afraid of her life. Hell wa.*. doalt with at the Police Court this morning aa recorded in tho police roport elsowhere.

The man Ilastio, who was severely in jured by tho accident at Mangcre, which caused tho death of Robert I'ollock, is making fair progress towards recovery. lie has no serious internal hnrt, and though ho suffers much pain from tho bruises, &c, sustained by him, his condition is not at all dangerous*.

The attendance at tho Art Exhibition was again very satisfactory this afternoon, and the interest in tho pictures continues undiminished. There is sure to bo quite a throng of visitors to-night, for in addition to the normal attractions there is on thin occasion the added one of tho art union.

Tho Committee of the Ponsonby Social Union has arranged to commence the season by a gathering to-morrow evening. The dances will be hold fortnightly.

The decision arrived at by t)io Wniteinata crew that they will not consent to row over the race in which the foul occurred at' tlio I'onsonby Regatta, will probably result in making the affair a walkover for Pon sonby. The contest is fixed to take place on Saturday afternoon next. The crew which rowed the Florence (all-corners) cannot bo got together, and unless their opponents will consent jt'o pull against several now men, they may be considered practically good for tho last placo, so that, as Waitemata declines to comes forward, Ponsonby will most likojy row over the course and claim first prize, while the Florence will follow leisurely and then col lect tho second prizo.

The question of pilot exemption certifi cates formed the subject of a discussion at the Harbour Board yesterday afternoon, on the reconimcndatipn of tho Finance und JvOgaJ Committee, tjiat as the solicitors of the Board arc of opinion that pilot ex emption certificates granted by th.oGeueraJ Government for tho port of Auckland can not legally bo exchanged for oertilicatos granted by the Baard frco of charge, no further action be taken in the matter, and that fuif.ds received fpr certilicates of the description iii question bo not refunded. Mr McKeuzlostringiy oppfised the adoption of this recommendation, and aftpr some discussion ho moved the following amond- which \vae carried:—" Tfiat all masters tij4 mates of vessels who hold certificates of eijejfi);tfflif ( granted by the f.Jeneral Government, suoviu} b.o printed CCrtWoftips of equal val^o by tho iWtioi.r Board Ul)4<>y w)Q*Act of 1.883, without charge, and that ail w&upy in future ro ppjygcj from s.ucl); exchanges be (icfu»jlj>fj."

A cab aeoldyiit, fprhinatply unattended by any serious consequents, Jjanpcned shortly* before noon to-day at the ntdnd in Victoria-street Week, A jolm named j. Robinson had fastened th.,3 lio^obag so closely tp J>js "horse's mouth that ii had hardly sufficient ioow to breathe, and con sequently began to play up " consider able." The driver, assisted by another cabman named Walter Butler, endeavoured to put, matters right, but the- horse being in" a huny for fresh air, dashed over to wards Goodson's verandah, reared up on its iiinrl legs, and tlion tripped--and-fell across flip fieri? stones and partly pyer Butler. It; struggled, for a while, but eventually was quiotpd ,md roleflged from its harness, when ft was fpund that, with fcbe escgpjipn of sonw scratches on the books and left eye, it had espapetj unhurt. Butler bad ere thj/Hnaiwg&i. to.pxtyioate bjnjsejf «cat}ifcss, The stay-irons of tbp cab were broken, but otherwise it was un injured. '■':'.•'■.■"-, a

Wo understand that an investigation,of the circumstances surrounding the recent fire at Smyth's sawmill at Waitakarei has been made by Detective Twohoy, but with out disclosing any grounds to justify a suspicion that the conflagration was the work of incendiaries. 1!. was considered probable that the tiro was caused by some maliciously dispoacd individual.

The attention of the Harbour Board lias been directed by the Chamber oi Commerce to the defective arrangements for signalling and telegraphing vessels from Tiritiri to Auckland, and I he desirability of having the pilot, station removed to Tiritiri. Tho matter was under consideration yesterday afternoon, and was referred to the Works and Tariff Committee.

It should not be forgotten that nomina tions for tho Birthday Cup, Winter Oats Handicap, mid Steeplechase, to be run at the Takapuna Winter Meeting on 24th May, close on Friday night noxt.

A meeting of the Parnoll Borough Council was held on Monday evening, the Mayor presiding, for the purpose of re vising the burgess roll. Several names were si ruck out and other alterations made, after which tho roll was attested ax correct.

We arc requested to sraro that Lady Jervois will be "ut home" to receive visitors at (lovcrnment House on Thursdays from.'!..'!o to "> p.m. until further notieo.

Speaking on the work of the Sunday schools at tho United Free Methodist soiree last evening, Mr Wood mentioned that in IS7H no less than 18,000 scholars joined the various churches of tho world. Tho army of scholars at prcsont, ho. said, numbered fonrtcon millions, under the charge of two millions of teachers.

Tho Oiiehunga Burgess Roll contains -SSO names.

The half-yearly general meeting of share holders in tho New Zealand Sugar Com pany wns hold at noon today. The busi ness was of a formal character, and consisted in the adoption ofa bolance-sheet. Nothing of public interest trauspirod during the meeting. .

Wo understand that Mr F. W. Somes, who was burnt out at the recent tiro in Yic loria-streot, was quito uninsured. Our in formation to the contrary, therefore, was incorrect.

Tho Freeman's Hay Police Station has been removed from Napier.street to tho corner of Salo and Union-streets. Tho change should provo of convenience, tho present sido being a belter one than that where the station formerly stood.

All Sainls' parishioners, at n meeting held last, evening, rosolved to build an organ chamber and extend the northern transept of the church, tliun affording 74 additional sittings, to cost, about i'.'iOO. It was also resolved to pay oil' tho old debt on land and school, for which an amount of money hail already been collected.

At the meeting of tho Harbour Hoard yesterday afternoon, Mr Aickin was added to tho Finaneo and Legal Committeo, Mr (!. W. Owen to tho Dock Committee, and Messrs Winks and Niccol to tho Dock, Finance and Legal, and Works and Tariff Committees.

During the tiru in Victoria-street on Monday morning, one of tho firemen founvl a gold watch and chain belonging to Mr H. Johnson hanging in the house of the latter. Foreman Clark reported tho fact to tho Superintendent, and Mr Johnson was soon in possession of his proporty again.

Tho Wellington "Times" the other day had tho following :--" One of tho richest men in tho world, Mr Singer, of tho well known American sewing machine linn, was a passenger from Wellington by the steamer Wairarapa on Saturday for Auckland." That seemed all right, but somehow Mr Singer's name is not iv tho passenger li;it, and Mr Singer has been dead some years.

Tho following telegram was received from tho Prince Imperial mine manager this afternoon :—" lsaukud fi«o ounces retorted gold.—(Signed) IS. S. Cukk,"

Xo adtUtioiml facts have come to li^ht in connection with tho recent lire in Victoria street West. The detectives aro at present engaged in an investigation, and it is prob able that their inquiries will result in tho elucidation of the mystery connected with the origin of the outbreak. The scene of the lire was today overrun with hordes of children engaged in itn eager search for masted fruit amongst tho debris of (iadd'c former premises.

A special meeting of tho Auckland Licensed Victuallers' Association was hold last night in the United Service Hotel, the principal business being to elect a presi dent, :i: the recent election of Mr Hugh Mullliuiiu was found to have been vitiated by an informality, viz., tho unqualified status of his seconder. Mr Mcllhone was again elected unanimously, Mr 1). I.Hmninghnm was electod Viee-I'resident, and tho following committeo was choson : — Messrs Jaggur, Milno, Novillo, Dunn, (llceson, Luks, and Condon. Tho Associa tion is advertising for a secretary.

The Rev. \V. S. Potter preached an im prcMUvo discourso at tho Franklin Koad Primitive Methodist Church, specially ad dressed to young people, on tho recent death of Mrs Annie Smith, who was employed for seven years in the female de partment of the Stah Oflico. Mr Potter took, as a suitable text, the words from the Book of Kcclesiostes —" Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might, for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goost." Tlie sermon was elaborated under three heads "Our Lifo Work," "Tho Method," and tho " Motive," closing with a briof account of deceased, vho was ono of the first Sunday wholni'H in tho Shoridan street .School, eighteen years ago, of her subsequent career, her severe illness, Christian fortitude, and early death.

At a meeting of Volunteer officers held last evening, Major Shepherd in tho chair, it was decided to celebrate Queen's Birth day by a parade out of town in Pukokohe if the Government would grant frco passes on the railway for Volunteers,and, if necessary, an extra train. This.it was pointed out,would afford tho troops an opportunity to practise skirmishing and other drill which could not bo obtained in tho vicinity of Auckland. A proposition was also made that recreation and reading rooms for Volunteers should bo started, and Captain Dignan was appointed to make inquiry as to tho practicability of the project.

To the Editor: Sir,—l, as a fellow aullerer with others, would crave a small space in your columns in regard to tho manner our ohildren are treated in tho schools. lam sorry to say, with many of our teachers civility seeina to bo rather a scarce commodity, good manners appear to be lacking, and harsh words and blows seem to prevail most mightily. This is very disheartening to refined and sensitive feeling, and has a most pernicious effect on our attempts at home training. As no good can possibly result from sue!) species of persecution, 1 maintain it is hotter to rule by lovo than fear ; and I trust the day is not far distant when the cano, cat, and rope's ond will bo abolished from ojir public institutions.—A. W., Hobson-strept.

A vocal and instrumental concert, tendered by St.. Patrick's Elocution Class to the CJirjstinu Doctrine Society in aid of their library fund, was held in the Lome-, street Hall la=t evening. Tho programme, which included several good items, was as follows .-—Overture, Sheahan's band; song, " Wrecked and Saved," Mr F. Stodnrt ; pianoforto solo, " Ireland," Miss D. Lynch ; song, " Won't You Tell Mo Wlfy, Robin 'i" Miss ClaraLorigan; recitation, ''Richmond to his Soldiers," Mastpr J. Montague ; pianoforte solo, "The Wearing, pf tho Jircpn," Miss tCeturah Campbell; djalogue, "Tho Quarrel,'' Masters Loiiergan an 4 Lynch; song, "My Love of Ypars Ago^" Miss Clara Lorigan ; coinio song and dance, "Tho Mississippi Twins," Kirby Brothers i pianoforte duet, "Chilporie," Misses Butler \ song (comic), "Tho Irishman,'1 Mr E. Q'ffaro; duet, "Larboard Watch," Mr and JjlissLongan. The entertainment concluded with a laughable wee, JWtjtlpd " An Ugly Customer," in which Me.ssfsJhviicjp Mojsjr, Thomas Loriergan,.Tames Montague, Osmond Loj'iaM, «P.<l Matthew Carr t»ok part.

Tho. quosttOHK ot di'aiflttgpi <fi;4 fjppopjf, of silt were brought before tho Harbour Eoavd hy tV/!? motions yestorday. Mr Lamb moved,' in tiw flvefc plspp i "That'the' resolution . adopted at a tneetiitg of tijp Boswl lield on the Ist day of April, ISSi, to tho effect that the main sewer be ex tended on the line marked aa on ihp jilan bp now rescinded, with the view of a re^ consideraiiioji Qf the. ivlwb matter." The reason given by the iiiuyei' .fos bringing forward this resolution was that the sewage shqulrl be taken where it could most easily be dealt with, and not emptied into the harbour, The motion was adopted. It was further agveed, on thp motion of Mr . Aickin, "That a speeW uommittee, qoiir gjsting of Messrs Waddel, Glai'lc, Winks, iiamb° MqlCppdp, Ovyen, and the mo^ev, be appointed to Inquire into the matter of • drainage : and deposit of sijt as a,ffgcting the^. harbour, and that they b.e jmtboriaed^Q sp-i pond a shot not oifppodina i'^. jp aoqutwrip; the necessary data" The oohaiderailofl (A tho wholo majtbr containV'Jn Mr'La'mby resolution was referred to the ;Spepial Co»n : mittee. . ■'-'

Superintendent Thomson has rceoived a report from Conatablo Walker, Otahuhu, stating that near midnight on Sunday, at the farm of Mr F. William Waters. Papa toitoi, live slacks of oaten hay, valitod (it about fCOO, wore destroyed by (ire. Tho -tacks woro not insured. The origin of tiro is at present unknown. Careful inquiry is ben Jmado by police.

The seamen who appealed in Court to day, charged with emDozzling cargo from the Alastor, wero a body of well-informed men ; the majority convinced His Worship the Mayor that they could tell a good yarn, and nine of the ten men wero capital pen mon, and signed their property papers in good stylo. Jack Robinson couldn't write, but with the aid of his friend, Mitchell, signed his paper with tho sign of the cross. Captain Glazebrook avowed that seven out of the ten woro stout-hearted fellows, but unfortunately wore too fond jf stout for the ship's good.

Meetings of shareholders in various To Aroha (loldmining Companies wero being held late this afternoon. Satisfactory re ports woro submitted at two meetings, while the other reports woro of a less en couraging nature. Particulars are given elsewhere.

Professor .) ides do Bornard notifies that, a card in I ho shape of a iiroicranmie, civliiß full particulars of all his classes, also the dances hifl uupila have to learn during I ho season, may bo obtained ou application to Messrs Upton's, booksellers, or at Karty'a Music Wnro houHu, Queun-Btrcet.

G, lvil notilies by advertisement else where Unit ho lias removed to Victoria-street, next the Hoyal Mai! Hotel.

SCINTILLATIONS.

TiiKcxpootod rain ban not corao yet. Art Society drawing to-night. Pictures of "Jlorriblo London" in tho Opera House. The Empress of Germany's health is im proving. Oysters live for 20 years, according to Huxley. A thousand horses ran on tho English turf lust year. Tho writ for Kaiapoi seat is returnable by ■Ith Juno.

A Sydnoy pieman, according to Queens land " Figaro," is the son of an earl. King Tawhiao objocted to the crowds that followed him in Australia.

A child is often tho hyphen connecting tho uncongenial husband and wifo. Archibald Forbes has been made Doctor of Laws of Aberdoen University, his alma muler.

There has been a tromondous potato crop in tho Wuikuto this year, as high as 22 tonH por acre being got. From tho islands of New Britain and New Ireland, within the last eighteen months 4,000 labourers have been recruited.

"Truth" suggests that an all rich Aus tralians visit England every two or threo years, Lord Kosebery will have plenty of opportunities of returning colonial hospi tality.

Two tidesurvoyors at Sydney, when searching tho R.M.S. Australia prior to her sailing thenco last weok, discovered 1,000 cigars and three 5-gallon demijohns of whisky for which thoro wero noownors. Lake Omeo, the prettiest mountain lake in Victoria, is almost dry, owing to the continued dry seasons. Tho Now South Wales Legislative As sembly Is likened by ono of the members to " a nlggor revival mooting or a ehearcr's hut on a wet day.' At Waipawa it is reported that a well known wool sorter thoro has fallon hoir to an earldom iv England. A Timaru hotelkoopcr has been lined 40s unil costs for allowing drunkenness on his licensed premises. Local publicans flhould take note.

Boiling down and Wowing up aro closoly allied procosscs. At Want'anui yesterday a vat of boiling fat exploded, blow tho roof oil'a building, and scalded two men. " Free Chops " is a sign hung out by a country hotelkeepor, and when the cus tomers apply they are shown a pilo of lire wood and handed an uxe, " Lightly como, lightly go."—All the money which Archibald Forbes made by his lecturing tour in Australasia ho sank iv a bogus railway scheme in Amorica. L. MXMlivior, oaptaki of the Canterbury Rowing Club, and winner of several cham pion single sculling races, loft Christohurch for Auckland last night, A presentation was mado to him from tho members of his club.

An act of wilful mischief has been perpo hated at To Aroha. in tho cutting of the wire rope on the tramway lino at Fern Spur. The blamo is laid upon somo of the men re cently discharged by tho tramway company. A singular accident recently occurred at Manchester. Mr CarrutherH, a young Burgeon, was called to sco a lady who had been injured by a falling chimney, and while attending to her another chimney fell and killed him.

FATAL PRIZE FIGHT.

A Wblto Man Klllod by a Negro,

On'k of thoco exliibitions of blackguardism which t-cud to disgrace civilisation took place near Sydney on tho 17th just., and resulted In tho death of a young man named Alock Agar, ft native of Victoria. Agar, we learn, had that disastrous fascination for fisticuff's wbiah possesses so many young Australians, and ho linn several times figured in soml-prizo fiVhtfi—lmpromptu matches—in and about Melbourne. His opponent and slayer (Lawson) is nn Amori can negro, who lately figured in several exhibitions during the Millor • cum- Foloy season at tho Academy of Music. He arrived some short time ago from California, and has proved himself an adopt at "tho game," During tho present race meeting, a lot of talk rospeeting tho merits of tho two men led to a match being mado for £25 a-eide, and it was finally de termined that tho affair should come oil" at the back of Rnndwick raoccourso, at as nearly as possible daylight on the 17th, As usual, a number of people got what is familiarly called "tho oiiico," and by tho time the principals reached, tho ground and arranged tho pre liminaries over a hundred people had assem bled. Of course, these comprised tho usual mixture of small bookmakers, racecourse thioves, fighting men, and very p?tty petitt maitres, tho ■/enncsw floret of Sussex -street and Woolloomooloo. A still greater number who had heard of the intended " mill " had gone off in other directions, not having had tho "straightgriffin." Although there was no rope ring, the affair was conducted with truo prize-fight procedure. Seconds, referep, and timekeeper, who had been appointed at a certain Sydney hotel, took tpoir usual stand, and the audienoo formed a circle, Thoprinciplrsand secondsshook hands cross fashion —i.e., principals across seconds— and ''time" was called, it being agreed tha,t tho usual minute between each round should b,o allowed. On stripping, it was palpablo that Agar was considerably overmatched in -strength and size. Lawson is a powerful negro, who, though when dressed looks a small man, strips r'3 big 'un." Jlis biceps aiidtricepsareaonormallylargp.andhischpst is fit to break stones upon. Agar was pale and dolicate-lookjng almost to effeminacy. Still hp had proved himself so game that his partisans fejt confident that ho wquld rise superior to the fierpulpan strength of his opponent, and, up to the last sad—do prpssingly safl— finale," |)p eiidfirqpii % opinions of his backers. T|ie fighting was with the naked fists, and the men were (tripped to the waist. Amidst choora and shouts ho warded off tho tremendous blows of the black, and up to about the sixteenth and fatal round he did, not show any sjgn of fear, or defeat, or marks of blows. Indeed, though at pretty nparly pvery roijnd he foil or was thrown, his frjenxjij thought that hjs de(;orm}nat|flrf an d sptoncp would ovontually boar down thp darkje. Jn about tho 15th round, however, ho repoived what Mr South, in thp " Sunny South, callod " a staggerer," and it was noticed that h,e afterwards bent down ai(4 whisppred something to his second, upqn H'Hbsu k«eo ho sat. In thp last and fatal one ho got a fearful b^v? pifha? t!}<? oyo or the forehead, and blood oossctl freely tfam the rcgicn ?f b!s left eye, Shouts arqse horn tfio blackguard crowd of "Bravo, Jem," in applause of Lawson, whose second Olaimefl a viptory from the referee. It appears, however! that tho slain gladiator (as he proved afterwards to be) rose from tlip ground and sat upon his second's kneo. While.there, ho raised his poor battered face, smiling and (save the mark) !'gam.9," and rolled over, oarry. ijig his sepond with him. Amidst the cheers and roaf someone cried out, "By , another Keiler affair," Agar died shortly afterwards—died In the ring—his life fairly punched out of him by a negro trained by Christian whitos to batter thejr follows. Large sunn of money ohanged. hands on the nght, whioh was premeditated apd known to hundreds of civilians, but not) to one policeman. A raid upon the »] rjng " before tho fight would have ne*t«d gqor«3 of rufllons who pray upon the wlsppotablo portion of-sooiety, Law*on U in custody on the obavge of killing Agar, and the police also mean to prosecute tho abettors of thedisgraceful affair. ' -;

LAND AND PROPERTY SALES.

Mil Cauwei. Lkwin offered to-duy the handsomo residence of Mrs John Smith, known us Park House, Albert. Park. The sale was well attended, but the offers did not reach the reserve figure*. The pro perty was withdrawn at £3,71)0.

Mr R.C. Greenwood held aland and pro porly sale at his mart to-day. The gale was largely attended. The following wero the results :—4O acres, Parish of Karanga hape, County of Eden, £H2; lease of 3 act-es, Epsom, for 12J years, bought in at £50 ; 7-roomed house near Mount Eden Rail way Station, sold for £.105; another 7 roomed house tho same locality was offered, but was withdrawn at £425. It is now open for private sale, togother with the balance of tho other properties offered.

Messrs E. and A. Isaacs held a sale by auction today of house and land in Symonds-street, the property of Mr Snell. The attendance was very good; £Gfio was tho best offer. It is in the auctioneers' hands for private sale.

OPERA HOUSE.-"THE LIGHTS O' LONDON."

The performance ot this drama was repeated last night to a capital " house," upon whom it told with unmistakable effect. Its success is unquestionable. The action was smooth, and the audience applauded every scene and moving incident to tho echo. As usual, all the leading performers were several limes in tho course of the evening called before the curtain* to receive tho popular acknowledgments. Mr Frank Cates bringH every lineament of his tine part into full relief, and gives forcible de livery to his lines. Miss Watts- Phillips, as the young and fragile wife, plays up to him with admirable skill, and Mr H. E. Walton, as Clifford Armitage, and Mr Carey, aR Seth Preono, make very effective foils. Both thesd gentlemen are capable and ex perienced actors, and their portraitures are powerfully conceived and executed. Mr .f. 11. Greville, although inclined to "gag" a trifle overmuch, infuses any amount of broad humour into his imperson. ation of the Showman, and Miss Flora Anstead does ample justice to the part of tho worthy's better half. Miss Fitzroy is well Huited in the part of Hetty Preene, and Mies Wooldridgc makes the most of Shakespeare Jarvis. Of tho smaller roles, Mr Harcourt's park loafer, and Master Walsh's Tim are particularly good. Tho latter impersonation is startlingly realistic. Rags, racking cough, wheezy voice, and general air of abject wretchedness, all are there. Mr Robinson's Percy de Vere, Esq., a broken-down swell, who has gone through three fortunes, but still retains his fashion able drawl, Mr Tolano's Philosopher Jack, and Mr Hogers's Constablo O'Dwyer.aroalso good delineations of character. The play is eoi'tainly "a very palpable hit," and will have a good "run." It will be performed again tonight.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

| Before his Worship tho Mayor, and B. Tonks, Ksq., Justices.]

Dhun'kennksx, — Three jiersoiis were punished. Falsk Pketbm'ks.— Augustc Miller (on warrant) was charged with obtaining a number of posts and rails, value £00, the property of Arthur Brooking, of Kawa kawa, in January last, by means of false representation.—Sorgennt White said the prisoner had been arrested at Gisborne, and he would respectfully ask that ho might be remanded to that place.—Mr Tole appeared for prisoner, and made a counter application that tho case might be heard in Auckland ; otherwiso the prisoner would be put to seri ous inconvenience, as he and his witnesses aro in Auckland.—Romanded for a week, but not to Gisborne at present.—Mr Tolo applied for ball for defendant, who is the captain of a vessel.—Sergeant White had no objection to substantial bail, but he would remind the Bench that prisoner was the owner of a craft now in port, and he might skim away some lino night.—Tho Bench granted bail; himsolf iv £100, and two sureties in £50 each.

LITTI-H Tedpy,—Kdwurd Ryan, a youth of 10, wtis charged with assaulting Robert Fergus by striking him.—Mr Earl said the boy's mother wished him to appear and atato tho circumstances. The lad had just come down from the bush, and got too much to drink.—Mr FertfU3 said tho boy was fighting noar tho British Hotel. Ho in terfered for the purposo of .quashing the battle, when Uyan knocked his hat oft', but did not injure his head. — The Bench cautioned tho youth, and imposed a line of 5s and costs.

Larckxikn.—Robert Temple (on remand) appeured on throe oharges of larceny. (1) Stealing trousers, shirts, hose, and an American clock, value 225, tho property of Captain Gain. (2) Coat, looking-glass, and' other articles, value 40s, the property of R. Angoll. (8) Blanket, etc., value 10s, tho property of John Kerr.—Prisoner, a young man, pleaded guilty to all the charges. Tho property was stolen from tho cutter Start. — Sorgcant White explained that most of the articles had been recovered, somo in prisoner's possession and some at tho pawnshop.—Sentence : Six months' im prisonment with hard labour.

Bella Bkll's Trouble,—John Bell, ar rostod on warrant, was charged with unlaw fully assaulting his wifo, Isabella Bell, at Elliott's Creek, on tho 26th instant.—Mr Napier appoared for defondant, and said his client was truly sorry for what ho had done, and on his promiso not to repeat the offence Mrs Bell was not willing to punish her husband for tho sake of his family.— Ordered to be bound over in £20, and to pay costs.

Assault. — Rowland R, Campion was charged with striking Richard Dogherty on the head, and throwing liquid, i.e.,beer,over him.—Mr Kapler appeared for complainant. —i\lr Campion, undefended, pleaded not guilty.—Richard Dogherty, a bushman, de posed that on the evening of 20th he arrived in Auckland, and with a friend went into the Cosmopolitan Jfotcl for a refresher. Somo remarks passed between him and his friend as to who was the propor " boss' 1 of the hotel, when Mr Campion oamo round tho counter, atruok him, threw liquid over him, and kicked him out of the hotel. James John Kennedy, huehman, accom panied Dogherty to the hotel. Witness asked if Mr Campion was the landlord." Dogherty replied, «' Ho ho d ." Cam pion immediately struck Dogherty several blowsandbundled him out- — Defendant said Dagherty had Hevoral times created a dis turbanco in the hotel, and on the Satur day night in. question D-oghevty was very abusive and used filthy language.— To Mr Napier : Did not strike him ; took him by the shoulder and pushed him ou.t; did not throw a long gluss of beer over him; \yaa perfectly sober.—The barman deposed that ho was in the bar at tho time, and no blow was struck.—To Mr Napier ;He was sent by Mrlyichmondto Dogherty to try and square matters, as the manager of tho hotel did not %yish the case to come into Court.—FJned 10s and costs.

Broaching Cakgo —Ten seamen, H. Percy, B. Haslett, Win. Wilkinson, G. Ockenden, 11. White, R. McCoy, G. Robinson, Cy. J.oneg, 11. A. Ripperton, and Q. H. Leo, w-ere' charged with embezzling cargo, viz., 49 bottles pi BtQuf., tins oi milk, etc., value about £10, on or about the 7th February, oi( board tho ship Alastor.— ilr Cotter appoared for the whole of the prisoners, and pleaded guilty.—Mr Jackson (Laishley and Jackson) appeared for Captain Qlazobrook, and asked that tho judgment of the Court might he recorded agnmst tho prisoners, to be brought up at any future time. Several of tho men wero first-rate sajlqrs, arjd tho captain wou|d b,o put to s.eru>ua jnoqnygn.ipn.cp without their sei'viops. The inpn were willing to nay tho loan and expenses out of their wagos, but in the case of White, Jones, and Wilkinson they would forfeit the wages due to them and take their discharge.. According to the^ordor of tho Bench, tho 10 vjjon wero MOUfiiJ avtst' W their own reoognizances in £10 each, to oeme up for sentence when sailed upon. This was all the business.

CABLEGRAMS.

BY CAIJLK.-COPYJtIUHT.]

[SI'KC'IAL T'l I'IIKSH ASSOCIATION.]

(Received April 30, 12.30 p.m.)

Opening of tho London Wool Salon.

London, April 2!).—The wool sales have opened. Messrs Charles Balme and Sons and Messrs .)acornb and Co. issue well as sorted catalogues comprising S,(>oo bales. There was a good attendance of buyers at the opening sale, and cross-bred wool proved firm. Other descriptions were five per cent, lower than the closing prices of last series. The arrivals to date amount to three hundred and fifty-four thousand bales, and the last remains open until it reaches four hundred thousand bales.

Now Taomanian Loan. Tenders are invited for the Tasmauian four per cent, loan of eight hundred thou sand pounds. The minimum is fixed at a premium of 98. Tenders close on May 7th.

LoNHON, April 20. —Sir Henry Parkes, in a letter to the "Nineteenth Century," ex plains his plan for the federation of the colonies, and the appointment of a London- Australian Council.

(Rkuter's Tei.echams. )

Movements of Royalty.

London, April 29.—Their Royal High nesses the Prince and Princess of Wales and family left London yesterday for Darm stadt, Germany, where Her Majesty the Queen is now residing, BeIuRADK, April 2S.—Archduke Ru dolph, Prince Imperial of Austria, arrived here to-day from Constantinople, en route for Vienna. His Imperial Highness wus cordially received by King Milan, and numerous fetes have beou organised in his honour,

AUSTRALIAN.

Grain Market Report.

Melbourne, April 29.—The Melbourne manager of the National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand (Limited) reports :—Wheat, 4s Id ■to 4s 2d, with hardening tendency ; malting barley, firm, at 4s 3d to 4s 9d ; New Zealand oats, in good demand, at 2« Sd to 'Is 1 Id for feeding, and 3s to 3s 2d for milling sorts ; New Zea land oats under bond, steady, at 'Js Gd to 2s 9d.

THE EGYPTIAN QUESTION.

|BY CABLE-COPYRIGHT.]

[bkuter's tklkurajih.]

The Soudan Lost Gordon Pasha Helpless.

i- ... London, April 29. The "Standard" publishes a report from Egypt, to the effect that four divisions of Bedouins, numbering 500 soldiers, have de serted from the ranks of Gordon Pasha's garrison at Khartoum, and that b!s position is helpless. The same paper states that the Soudan is last as for as Wady Haifa.

Franco and the Proposed Conference,

London, April 29,

The date has not yet been fixed for the meeting of the projected Conference of European Powers regarding Egyptian affairs. Negotiations are still proceeding with a view of deciding what questions shall be brought under the consideration of the plenipotentiaries, but diliiculties are now being raised by the French Government, which demands that the Egyptian question in it* entirety ehall be open to discussion.

ACCIDENT TO THE TAKAPUNA.

Extraordinary Allegations Against the Captain. (BY TKI.CciRAri!. — PRKSS ASSOCIATION.) Dunedix, Tuesday. The inquiry ro the Takapuna was con tinued to-day. The second mate of the steamer,- Henry Ferdinand Sommers,

stated:—l was second mate of the Takapuna from November 17th last up to March 3rd. On the 22nd of November the ship left the Manukau, and reached New Plymouth somewhere about midnight, leaving there about half an hour later.' I went on the bridge about half-past twelve, and the master shortly left the bridge. He directed my attention to a point of land ahead, and told me to keep the vessel going just as she was. I can't point on the chart what point it was, as it was my first trip .on that coast. After wo sighted Cape Egmont light he told me to keep a couple of miles oft' the land, and haul her gradually along. The light bore N.E., and then.to steer S.E. JS. When tho light boro N.E., the course she was going was S.S.E., or S.S.E., j S. lam not sure of the course, because 1 was not steering by compass, but by the land. See ing thut this course would not take me clear of the land, I a short time after hauled her round. The master soon after wards sang out through the speaking tube, and asked me how the light bore, I told him N. by \V. He then asked me if I was steeling my course. I said, "No; she won't lay it." I went on a little while longor steering the same course, and I had had just told the man at the wheel to keep her out another half-point, when the man at the look-out reported something, I could not make out what he said, but I shouted to tho man at the wheel, " Hard over," and gave him a hand over with the wheel. While doing this, sho touched for the first time. • The captain then rushed on deck and sang out " Hard a-port." 1 think I said, " The wheel is hard a-port," or words to that effect. He then caught hold of my arm and said, "Man, what are you trying to do |" 1 do not think I answered him. He then took me on one side, and told me to look after her while he went dawn below. Ho said he would spe if any of the passengers were moving about. He returned about twenty minutes afterwards, and took me on one side and told me that one of the steerage passengers had been asking if sho had been on the reef. Ho also told me to say nothing about it, a.qd to deny it to everybody. The vessel touched twice, the latter time while the master was standing alongside me. There was not a heavy striking, but more like a vibration. It was my first trip on that part of the coast, Next morning at breakfast one of tho passengers named Rich, or Litche, asked me what was the meaning of the peoullar jerk during tho night. I said I did not know, that I thought it might bo tho engin.es priming, stopping, and then starting again. I told the master of the conversation. My reason for tolling the passenger what I did was because the waster had told me to say nothing about k. The engineers on duty gave evidence as to tho vessol striking, and John Burton, seaman, fully corroborated the ovidenco of the secqnd mate as t<s the course steered and tho orders of tho captain pot to. speak a,hput the striking. - The inquiry was then adjourned till to- | (narrow.

The Benevolent Society

(To. the Editor.)

Sib,—Allow me to appeal to. the pluUn, thropic public for fu,nds i« a.id oi ouv Sopioty. JJajly wo b,a.ve numbers of applioanta for relief, but although wo have tlifls far contrived to assist them, at least in. a. measure, wo really shall ha,ve to <Movv many deserving cases to fa\\ through wnless means nvo forthcoTOsg. Considering that overyon.e, without distiuctiovi of creed or po\U)try, is iropavtiftlly dealt with, and innsmuoh as anyono may, by wiforseon calamity, bo glad of a friend in need, I do not think I shall pload in vain. Ever so little nssists, for without units thousands cannot exist, Muoh ci\n bo done if each in* dividual accepts his share of responsibility and oarries out the^mall part which falls to him. In a oommunity like ours, where we all havo a daily struggle for existence, time cannot be found to personally canvass evory inhabitant of this town ; hence our friends will understand hew greater the service rendered if, uncanvassed, they will forward their contribution without delay to our Treasurer, C. C. McMillan, Esq., J.P M &c., Queen-street, or to any inembor of the Com mittee. In conclusion, I would bog to in form tho publio that any caso brought to tho notice of tho Society, by whomsoever it may be, will be investigated and assigted at liberally as our funds may permit. Thanking you for tho insertion of this,—l am, &c,, Ton Dupedt, Secretary.

Aprjl 30, 1884.

THE ADVENTUROUS THAMES YOUTHS.

[itY TKLRGRAVH, — OWN COUKKsroNDKNT.]

Thames, this day. Tim: friends of the missing youths, Allora and Spencer, have learned from Auckland that tho boat discovered on Lake Beach is not that in which they left Thames. Mr AUom has" chartered the steamer Pearl, and will leave for the Barrier Island to night, in order to end the present uncer tainty.

MINING NEWS.

(BY THLEOKAI'H — OWN CORUKSrONIiKNl1.)

Tiiamks, this day,

Caledonian Low Level.—The cross-cut at the G4oft. level has entered hard blue rock, which, however, is not expected to be of great extent, from the fact that water is percolating through it. In tho previous 100 ft. excellent sandstone had been pene trated. A'large number of stringers and leaders have lately been passed through,

BELCHKn. — The proprietors have com menced cutting through the reef in the shaft, but ha\T> not yet found gold. Another trial crushing will be taken out.

New Manijkau. — The workings at the battery level have been cleaned out, and this lias so far cooled the ground that the manager has been able to resume operation* in the rise from the 100 feet level at the junction of No. 2 reef and the hanging-wall leader.

Caledonian. —A number of gold-bearing and nicely mineralised stones have been secured in the winze below No. 2 level, and gold is still visible in the reef.

GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOARD.

The regular monthly meeting of the Gover nors of the College and Grammar School was held late yesterday afternoon. Pre sent : Sir G. M. O'Rorke, the Mayor (Mr W. R. Waddel), Rev. C. M. Nelson, Messrs J. M. Clark, Mackechnie, Tole, and Hobbs. The Chairman announced the re-election of the Rev. Mr Nelson by the University Senate, of Messrs Hobbs and Clark by the Board of Education, and of Judge Fen*on by the Auckland members of the Legislature. Re-election of Chairman.—Sir G. M. O'Rorke was then re-elected Chairman, and lie duly acknowledged the compliment.

Sundry.—A letter of introduction for Mr D. Ross, architect, was received from Mr F. J. Moss, and ordered to be acknowledged. —The salary of Mr Francis, Master of the Ponsonby branch school, was increased from £200 to £250 per annum. — The Finance and Property Committees were re elected.

Increase of School Accommodation.— This question came up again on the Head master's letter and the report of the Committee. The former communi cation pointed out that there was only accommodation for three hundred boys. The plans for an addition to the building were submitted to the Board. The esti mates of cost were £4,300, £4,800, and £5,600, respectively. It was stated that the money annually at the disposal of the Board over and above the present expendi ture was £350. After some desultory dis cussion, in the course of which thoproposed expenditure was admitted to be beyond the means of the Board, and the advisability of raising the fees was talked of, the further consideration of the whole matter was deferred till next meeting, the Chair man and Mr Tole in the meantime to confer with the architect, with the view of obtaining plans of additions, not to cost more than £1,500. The follow ing suggestions of the Head-master were approved and adopted:—(l) That I should be empowered to refuse admissions to the lower form beyond the number of 10 ; (2) that should the applications exceed this, number, the 10 to be admitted should bo' selected upon the result of the entrance examination, account being taken of age, and a preference given to the four whose names 1 have already received if found fit j (3) that applications made after the proper day should not be entertained, except in very special cases ; and (4) that the limita tion should be mentioned in the advertise ment. This was all the business.

ANNIVERSARY SERVICES.

Arch Hill.

The members of the Arch Hill Wesleyan Church held their first annual soiree last evening, which was largely attended. An excellent tea was provided, of which about 200 persons partook. The following ladies attended at the tables :—Mesdames Sinnet, C4ilmour, Watson, Radcliffe, Helling drake, Hodgson,Bellhouse, Dickinson, Year bury, Young, White, Burns, and Burgees. On the motion of the Rev. T. G. Carr, Mr Bellhouse was voted to the chair. The treasurer, Mr Thomaa Hodgson, read the report and balance-sheet, which showed that at the commencement of the financial year there was a debt of £216 on the church, but strenuous efforts had been made by friends, and £55 6d obtained, leaving a debt balance of £160 Gd. The organ debt was cleared, and the Sunday-school was continually increasing in numbers. The roll showed one hundred and twenty scholarsand fifteen teachers. Addresses were dolivered by Revs. Carr, Watkin, and Mr Keene. The ohoir sang several anthems and hymns, under the leadership of Mr G. Sinnet, Miss Bushell presiding at the organ. Miss Lightfoot sang a solo in a vary pleasing manner. At the close of the proceedings Mr R. Jessop proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, ladies, speakers, and the choir. The motion was seconded by Mr Radolifie and oarried by acclamation, Tho Benediction closed the meeting.

Free Methodist. There was a good attendance at the anniversary soiree in conneotion with the United Free Methodist Sunday-school in Pitt-street. Tea was provided in tho school room, the tables being presided over by MesdamesWaterhouse.Macfarlane, Heming way, Misses Platt, N. Platt, E. Hill, Robley, Spinley, Edwards, and Bain. Mr Knott presided at the public meeting, which was-held in the clntroh. From the report submitted by Mr Stodart, Secretary, it. appeared that the number of scholars on the roll was 2QQ—IIB girlg and 82 boys ; teachers, 25. The school possessed one of the best Sunday-school libraries in Auck land, comprising 677 volumes. The Band of Hope numbered 87 members. The new building fund had been largely increased during the year, and it was hoped that i\ pew sohool building would soon be begun. A change had tjvken place during the year in the. control of the school, Mr James Saundevs, the former Superintendent.having gone to Napier, and_Mr Platt having sue-, ceeded him. Musical selections were ren dered by tho choir during the evening, while addresses wero dolivered by the Chairman, by Mr E. Wood (Superintendent of the Newton Congregational Sunday school), and Rev, R. Bavin, S. Macfarlano, and. Mr J.imes Wrifjley. The anniversary services on Sunday and last evening were a decided success, tho proceeds being about

Devomport Wosleyaa. The congregation of the Devonport Wosleyan Church celebrated their seventh anniversary this week. Qu Sunday sermons wore preached in tbo pretty little ohurch (which was very tastefully decorated \vith evergreens) by the Rev. R. Bavin and Rev. \V. (\, Parsonson, Last evening tho annual soiree was held in the Public Hall. A large number partook of an excellent tea provided by the ladies of tho congregation i afterwards an adjournment took place to the Church. Mr T. McMaster was called to the chair, and opened the meeting with praise and prayer. Mr Howarth read the report and balance-sheet, which wore throughout of a satisfactory character. Itov. W. S. Patter delivered a. stirring address on " Our Influenoe," and earnestly urged his hearer? to use theirs aright. Mr J. Edson, iW? ohurch steward, welcomed, in the name of tho congregation, their new minister, and assured him of their cordial sympathy and help. Key. W. G. Parsonspn thanked the friends for thoir kind reception of him, and asked for their hearty co-operation witji him in the work of tho coming year. Seeing the crowded state of the church, the trustees had deemed it necessary to provide moro accommodation, and had purchased a new site in Churchy street with a view of building a more com modious cjiurph. Thoy passed round Blips and invited promises, the payments to be spread over the 12 months. Before the close of the meeting, s.ome of these slips wqre returned, and the total promises, were very grntjfying. The choir, under the able guidance of Mr Tanfield, rendered some excellent selections during the evening. After the ordinary votes of ihanka, the ■•■ meeting closed with' the 'boxiolosy' ancl ■ Banediction. ... \ ■ ■ ' ' rU "

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY APRIL 30, 1884



Special Advertisements. OEMOVAL OF BUSINESS. ,]y|ILNK fe QHOYCK , Respectfully Announce that THEY HAVK REMOVED THKIR STOCK ■ TO THE AE a £ NEW'BUILDINGS, WELLESLEY AND LORNE-STREKT3, Whoro they are now showing tha Latest Novel ties in FRENCH AND ENGLISH MILLINERY, DOLMANS AND • JACKETS IN RICH BROCADE VELVET, OTTOMAN AND OTHER MATERIALS, CHILDREN'S and LADIES' ULSTERS, STYLISH COSTUMES. DRESS MATERIALS IN STIIIPES AND CHECKS, AND NEW PLAIN FABRIC 3, FURS, LACE GOODS, HOSIERY, AND GLOVES. LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING AND BABY .' LINEN.



pURNKH - THROUGHOUT i^ARLICK & /IRANWELL AHE Till! v_ |C|H|B|A|P| '< — - I CHEAP house furnishers, house. furnishers. LARGKstock| LAPGE |S tock ■ ~;, i .-; sto ■■• ~ \.j •:;> \ SRIiEGTFROM. QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. FROM Garlick - and - cranwelL. ttjIOR IMM EDIATE SALE. VALUABLE CITY FREEHOLD PROPERTY. SITUATED IN QUEEN-STREET. The property comprises that Valuablo Free hold Allotment and Bnlldine situated in Queen street, and occupied by Mr Q. Staiues. The building consista of Large Double Shop (35 x 27), 6 dwelling rooms, and lofty atore room (50 x 11). This property, situated in close proximity to the Town Hall site, is without doubt one of the beat Investments now offering, and should com "maml tho immediate attention of investors and capitalists. For further particulars atiplrat once to D. F. EVANS. Land and Estate Agent, Qneon-street (next Bankof Australasia). FOR SALE, Commodious and Comfort able Residence of 14 apartments, replete with all modern comforts and. conveniences, snch as bath-room, fitted with hot and cold water appliances; gas laid on to 11 rooms - gas grato and kitchen alovo. The houses i 9 in first class order; the rooms lofty and spacious verandah and balcony on two sides.'(!otamand ing a grand view of tho city, harbour, and ship ping. This property (known as residence of A. Uewar, Eaq.l in pleasantly situated on College Hill, on the main road; buses pass the door every few minutes, besides being only about twenty minutes' walk from Poat-offlco. This Is a delightful residence for a family, or'would make a first-class Boardinp-house.—Forfurther particulars, apply to IK F. KvanjL Ijind and Estate Agent, Auctioneer, &c, Quocn-atreot / (noxfßaok of Australasia)..'<- .. -t-A



Special Advertisements. BLANKETS EWSSfHH BLANKETS Ii' Amwstl BLANKETS IHSSSfS BLANKETS . BLANK BLANKKTS FLANNELS BLANKETS FLANNELS FLANN E B LLS ANKETS KIjANNBL SANKETS FLANNELS MSISi VI, ANNULS BLANK!1.1 o FI.AN'VELS BLANKKIo FLANNELS BLANKETS SIIIIiTISfiS HOSIERY SHIRTINGS HOSIKR\ SHIRTINGS HOSIKR\ SHIRTINGS HOSIERY SHIRTINGS HOSlWinTrms -rrrvRTWRY SHIRTINGS HOSIFRY SHIRTINGS HOSIERY SKSHSgS HOSIERY iirTsrivrs WfISTRRY SHIHIINbo H° ALL NEW ZEALAND WOOL II Pll ALL NEW 55BALAND WOOL EVERY SIZE AND PRICE KVKRY SIZE .AND PRICE EVERY SIZE AND I RICE EVERY SIZE AND PIHCK EVERY SIZE AND PRICK. THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. 158 AND 100, QUKEN-RTRKKT, Are now .Sho wing a GRAN D VARI XT V ABOVE SEASONABLE GOODS. Heads of Families are Invited to Inspect before Laying-in their Winter Supplies. /COMMERCIAL TTOUSE, 172—QUKEN-.STRKKT—I72. WILSON, WILLIAMS, & McCULLAGH i Desire to announce that, having bought, at a heavy discount, a lot oi LADIES' MANTLES of the Newest Doeigns, iB Cloth. Broohe, Silk, and Velvet, will show tho same on FRIDAY, 18th APRIL. ' Tiik Ahovk Ark RICH, BEAUTIFUL OOODS, and will bo sold at a very small advance. AN AND AFTEtt Ist MAY DR. MACMULLKN can bo Consulted at Haslott's, Queen-Btreot, from 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; i and at his Residence, Ponsonby Road, from 6.30 i I to 7.30 p.m. i ; , GREAT BARGAIN S' IN BLANKETS, FLANNELS, JACKETS, ■ ULSTERS, &c. Has just opened ufa Splendid Lot of New Goods for the Winter Season, exceptionally well bought, and will be sold at a very moderate advance to meot the times. 800 Paira New Blankets, all sizes and quail? , ties, from 6s 6d pair, having boen bought conl siderablv under usual rates, will bo sold cheap, and cannot bo beaten. BOUGHT A JOB. I Nearly Two Hundred (£200) Pounds worth of ladies' and Girls' Ulsters and Black Cloth ! Jackets, which will bo SOLD AT and : UNDER WAREHOUSE PRICES; some , very cboico Goods in Dolmans. &c ; Hlrla' Jackets, from 3s fld; Ladios' Heavy Ulsters, from 6a lid 2 000 yardrfFlannels, all makes, from 7Jd yard ' Colonial BJannol, lljd; 32in. Heavy Welsh, la 6!d, Worth 2s 50 Coloured Alhambro Quilts, 2s 6d Speoial Value in Grey CaUeoeß,32ln.,2Jd yd Choice Patterns in New Cretonnes, 6Jd yard, worth 9d 1 Strong Worsted i-head Super Fingoring Yarn, Nlco Assortment New Dress Goods, from Sid Boys' Strong Tweed Troußers, 3s 9d; Men 8 Tweed Trousers. 4b lid 30 Men'B Strong Tweed Coots, 6s lid, Bpl'd value New Winter Goods in all Departments Job Lines in great variety, and lotof Remnants. very cheap, and worthy of inspection Floorcloth, in all widths, from 271 n.. 9d yard. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, UPPER QUEEN-STRKET. Mrs r. somerville, WELLESLEY-BTREET (OPPOSITE ABBOTT'S OPBBA HOUSE), Has Rocoived, per Mail Steamer, A BEAUTIFUL ASSORTMENT OF FRENCH AND ENGLISH MILLINERY. TEMPORARY FBKMISXS OPPOSITE A. OLABK AND SONS1. H, L. POSSENISKIB, MERCHANT TAILOR AND IMPORTER, SBORTLAND-BTREBT, AUCKLAND, Wishes to Inform His Patrons anil the Public generally that he haa JUST RECEIVED HIS FJB3T SHIPMENTS OK AUTUMN AND WINTER GOODS, PER 8.8. RVATBBV. , Tho Above compriso all the LATEST Designs m TWEEDE. and COATINGS, and are weU ' worthy an Inspection. • ■ 1 A UCKLAND GAS COMPANY J\.- (LIMITED), ESTABLISHED 1862. PURVEYORS OF LIGHT. HEAT, AND POWER. The Company sell and erect gas-lUtlnga, In cluding gas apimralus and gas-power engines.. Slock includes Otto Gas Engines —Offlca and Bhow-roomn. Fnrl-Htrnct ■ . /~IREAT O ALE OF T\RAPERY ATTHK ; EDINBURGH HOUSE KDINBURGH HOUSE (Opposite Howe-street). ; ft pouTTs i . . . Has resolved on a LARGE REDUCTION OF HIS STOCK. \ ■■ ■ »;.. ■ ' SALE TO COMMENCE 13th APRIL. GREAT REDUCTIONS IN PRICES. GREAT KEDUCTIONB IN PRICKS. GREAT REDUCTIONS IN PRICES. COME AND SEE. . COME-AND SEE. COME AND SEE. INSPECT THE STOCK. INSPECT THE STOCK. INSPECT THE STOCK. G. C. takes this. opportunity to thank bis frlendß and customers, and to solicit a con tinuance of the same. QOODSQN'S T ONDON A RCADE, Having just COMPLETED OUR ANNUAL STOCK-TAKING; we find It vary large, and are resolved to REDUCE IT AT ONCE, giving to our Customers tho full benefit of a GREAT REDUCTION we have made upon SEVERAL LINES of which we havo Excessivo Stock. Wo have received MOST LIBERAL PAT RONAGE from the Residents of and Visitors to Auckland, for which-we tender our SINCERE THANKS. We yet' think numbers have not availed themselves of Inspecting our G^RxAxN-^D S^T^cO-^C-^-K. We most cordially Invito all to do so, asitstands U-v-N-r-RYI-y-VvA-r-LY-lryE^D In the Colonies, either for EXTENT -. VARIETY - NOVELTY - ' Or CHEA-PNKSS. y \Ve adhere to our Trade Motto-" Small Profits and Quick RotumB 11 —and. Mark our Goods accordingly; ■■-'" ~ Tho' USEFUL liud the ORNAMENTAL. INIMITABLE and ECONOMICAL, are here Blended'lnDEl4aHTFlJi,,VAij(iExy., ■"•'•'." .'-.I1."'" Note Uie Address { GOODSOW I/ONDON'ARCADE, ' QCKBXT,& .VJOTORIA-BTB. - - S ' MJidatOirot^iirfflttandWellinifton).



Messrs E. and A. laaaos announce two sales for to-morrow—one of surplus stores from the ship Kangitlki, and the other of wines and spirits in the estate of Lionel Philips. Contracts taken for all kinds of concrete work, lareo or small, and estimates and other Information givon to those wishing to do their own work.—John Wilson and Co., 75, Quecm sti'eot—[Advt,] Perambulators and carpets, roversjblo bicycle whool and other kinds of perambulators just opened from S,\ to £X. Now designs in Brnasoll and tapoutry corpot?i. Furnißh your noune throuKhtmt from Garlipk and'Cfanwells City Hall Uurnishin's WarehQUoa, Quoen-street - lADyr.)' '.'■-■ ' - :■■".■■ Englisli Lever Watoheg papked and spni post free ta any pail of Kovy Zealand on roooipi at P. 0,0. for £3 108. A stamped gqurantbo on otosed.—A., O. Bay.Uotf, lafi. Quoen-stree't; Ohronometor and Watcli>na,kor' (opposite Theatre Royal), establiahu4 32 years.—[Aovt ]



Bioyoles, unequalled for finish, price, and quality, at Shakapoar andCo.'s (opposite the Market), Quocn-Bsoot.—[Advt]. )