COMING EVENTS.

Holiday Amusements To-nigUt.

Opera Houso-Majoroni and Wilson'a Comic Opera Company. 8. Thoatro Hoyal—Burleflquo Kntertainment, 8. Str.isborK Olook-Conpland's Store, 7 to 10. Drillßhed-Grand Military Promenade Con cert, 8. Choral Hall-Social Party lu aid of Citr Band,

8, Willow Grove Strawberry Rardeua-Amuse ments.

Ponsonby Hall—Hooper's Speoialitv Com puny, 8.

Auction Sales To-morrov/. J. 11. lianderson-Household ffurniture, 11. R. Arthur-Furniture. Maehinoß, &0., 12. Vaile and Bradley-Furniture. &0., 12. A. Bucklund-Wcol, Skin3, &e., Haymarket, 12. Hunter and Nolan-Skins, Jto., 11.

Chief Post-office, Auckland

Mails will close as under :— Tuksoay, November 10. For New Plymouth and fcouthorn Ports, per Hawoa, at 7 .10 a.m. For Watwora, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakuna, per Roso Casey, at 10 a.m. For Waitara. Now Plymouth, and Southorn ports, por Uairlocb, at 11 a.m. For Corumandel, per Coromundel, at 11.30 a.m. Par a.B. City of Sydney aa follows i— For Navigator Islands, Bamlwloh Islands, Uniuxl States of Anierleo, Canada, British Columbia. Central and South America, and Britijh nci Foreign Woat Indies, at 1 p.m For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. Money ordern. 10.30 a.m. Befflstorod lottors and nowsoapors. at 11.S0 a.m. Late letters. bearing an axtra foe of six pence In addition u> the posta^o, will be received by the Mail Atfont on board fes steamer up to the time of sailing, This mali win >>« rf"« <n i.onrtrre m Friday. For Mangawal and Kaiwaka, por Ruby, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomabana. at 5 p.m. For Whitangi, Upper Mill, and Talrua, per Argyle, at S p.m. For Tanranga. Rotorua, and Opotlkl, per Wellington, at 5 p.m. For Russell. Eawa Kawa, Mongonui, Wan garoa, and Herds Point, per Clansman, at 5 p.m. For Whangaroi Heads. Whanearol. ICamo, Pania, Waipu, and Mangapal, per Mrcgrcgor or Waitaki, 5 p.m. Wednesday, November 11. For Chatham Islands, per Omaha, at i p.m. Signed) 8. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster, Chlsif Post-offloe. Auckland.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER.

Auckland—This evening, 75; to-morrow morning, 7.25. MANUK4U Hkad»—This evening, 9.45; to morrow morning, 10.5. Kaipara Hkads-TJils evening, 10.45; to morrow afternoon, 11.5.

Biwsst.—This evening, 6,35. SONKISE.—To-morrow morning, 1.52, Moon's Aqb.—New Moon, 7ih, 8 42 a.in,

ARRIVALS.

YKSTERDAY. Wellington, 8.5.. Stevenson, from AVhangarei Waltaki, s b., Crawford, from Whungarei

TO-DAY. Waihora, s.s., from Southern ports ) Southern Uro.'B, s.s., from Gienorno s Armiriice. barque, from Lyttelton ColtMtiul, barque, from Dunei'in WaiTera, Bchoonor, from Gisbomo SoverolgD, schooner, from tliu Coast Mynl'j, briguntinc, from >lw blinds .Buster, brigantiae, from Dunedin Juiia Price, schr, fraiu Rockhamntoa Columbb, schooner, from Napier via Gisborns Hnwk, Government senooiO'-, trow a cruise Southern Cross, mission schooner, from the Wands

DEPARTURES.

SATURDAY EVENING. Macgregor, s.s , Johnson, for Wbangarei Gisbarne, schooner, Skinner, (or Glsborno *

EXPORTS.

Per Olivo-350 cases kerosone, 19 drums oil, 23 cases preserved flsh, Jl kegs salmon, 7S mats sugar, 7.100ft timber, 210 sacks flour, 15 drums tar. 49 boxes soap, 101 kegs bcof, 93 cases rotate, and sundries.

Inwards CoASTWisE.-Wctrel.from Wath«kp, with 50 tons shinKle; Tokornn, from Tairua with 25,000 (em timber; Mercury, from Tairua, with 20,800 feet timber; Drcum, from Whangu rei, with 51. tons coal; -aucy Kate, from Mongonui. with 36.000 feet Umber; Start, from Whangarel, with oi tons coal; Rose, from Whaugarei. with 50 tons clay.

OutWakds Coastwise.—Koso. Petrel, and Fawn forWi'lheku; Tokerau.forGreat Burner; Moroury.for Tairua; Nnrval.for Rnsjoll; Ocean forOpotiki; Margaret, for Whangarei; Kauri, (or Whangaroa.

Tneshlo Kutsipo and tho barques Ada Mol nioro und Luirii have been bonhed at the Queen Btreet Wharf.

The Columbia, Captain Conway, brings 20 baga wheat. S tons bono dust.

<ro^. uonuuuci MjlUo" captain KOS*. r.rtlV6Q this morning from Haapal, in ballast bhe brought only one lady passeuaer. Hud fine weather all tho way. exoept on Monday last, when she experienced a heavy gale

Tho barque Lovuka, ?or Sydney, and the schooner Olive, for Friendly Islands oleared at the Customs to day. The fnrmor takes part of original o»rgo shipped st Hamburg, and tho followngpassengoiß: -Moisrs B. Kredda, Geo. Baker, Kirkwood, and Ludolf.

The Myrtle left Lovuka Island, Haabai group on tho 28th October. Had light winds aa far as Tonga on the 29ch. Thenco mo'lornta moderate oasterly u ail 3rd Nov.; thence variable.

The Julia Price left Itqckhampton 19th Oct. with easterly winds for four days; then heavy SE. swells nearly whole paosage. Hove to on Nov. 4 for 21 hoars during southerly gale; thanoe light variable winds.

Ths b.b. Southern Cross. Captftin Spinks, with oareo from tho direct steamer lonic, left Wei- Hnireon on iho sth inst.. at li a.m., called lit NaDtor and Gisborne, and after experiencing light variable winds and floe weather through out the voyage, arrived at Auckland at 12.30 a.m Passengers: 6 steerage.

Tho schooner Walwera, from Gisborne, brines 7 tons potatoes, 200 trusses hay, 10 bag* maize. The veßsel sailed on October 31, and took shelter during a gale at Walpu, East Cape, leaving again on the 4th, in company with the schooner Sovereign and cutter Leo.

Captain Hughes, of the Armistice left Lyttel tor on the 28th, passed East Caps November 4, thence strong NW. and ooßteriy wind ß . Carno: 1500 bagß wheat, 1.000 bags oats, Ui bales chair, 600 sacks floor, 14 coils wire 50 sacks grass eeed, 700 pleoea jarrah timber.—Master agent. CaDtain Hastings, master of the Julia Price, reports leaving Rockhampton on October 19ih ult. During thn voyago had easterly winds for fourdayß, with very heavy south-easterly swell, which kept up nearly all tho vnssago: No voinber 4, hove to for 21 honrs, with a honvy southerly galo; thence to Auckland light winds &nd calms.

The Buater'and Celestial arrived this morning, the former nt 3 a.ra.. and tho latter at 10 a in. The Bunter reports having Bulled from Dunedio with a strong S.W. wind, which was followed by a N. and N.E. wind, with drizzly rain and hazvweathor up to 3rd November, while a S wind sprang np and carried nor as far a? tho Kaat Cap?, which was rounded o i sth inst., two sails in company, tho Celestial, burquo, and a brigantlne. The wind came ruining from N W to N.N.K., then freshening from a.W. to W3W. till Sunday morning, whon she got a wind which took her to Itangltoto Channel at 930 p.m. yesterday. Sho osbib up harbour this morning. The Celeßtlal had Blmilar weather.

The Waihora, ICapt. T. MoGee, from Mel bourne viaNow Zetland torts, arrived horo thia morning at 9.20 o'clock. Paasengora :-Saloon: Miss Wheeler, Mr Hird. Mm and Miss Rich, Mr iTHartey? Misa Kills, Mr Rom, W. B Booth, Daweon Mr and Mrs Ando'Bon, Miss Mandel, Mr Coastrogh, E F. Harris. Kilfoyle, Mise Adams. Mra Cooper, Mr Wi Piri, .T. Booklies, R J Hurrev, and two natives Mr Barra clough. Mr W. Good, Rev. T. Spuryeon, Mr Coleman. S. Matthews, Back, Joaea. Glynn, Mrß Wells and ohild. Mr C. A. DeLautour. Marden, J Berry. Miss'Hobson, Miss Gibbon, Mra Gup sod, MiBS H. Swanton. Mrs Lawlß and child, Mr Longdill, Barrow, Miseea Longley (2), Mr V. Lldbetter, Miss Syniß, Mr Kushbrook. Mr Allison (21, R. Blair. Mra Coleman, five children, and two tcrvaats, Mr Henderson, W. Williams, and 3a In steerage.

ARRIVAL OF THE MISSION SCHOONER,

The mission schooner Southern Cross returned from a orniso this morning. Sbo han visited mostof the Manas Binoe leaving Auckland, and the roaster reports everything solng on satisfac torily. The Southern Crosß left Norfolk Island on November 4; had strong southerly winds and heavy sea: passed North Caps 7th, and Cape Brett Bth, arriving at noon. Passengers: Miss Kinder, Miss Hanscn, Messrs W. Cham pion and D. Buffett, Master Bonyard.

COMMERCIAL.

Kvunino Star Ofiicu. this day. Mr Joun Lbydon's report ot Friday's sale gives the following prioes:—Bedsteads, 25s to 35g • mattresses, 20b to ?7s 6d; suites of iurni lure £5 10a to £20; chofflOßiors, £Wb to 60s. There was a good demand for kitnhen tablesi at troin 6s to 10s 8d; washatands, 6s 6d to 7s 6d; dressing tables, Ss to 7s 8d; chests ot drawers, from 20b to 60b : a tow meat safes were cleared atlrom 12s to 255. Good prices were realised tor Baddies, whips, and bridles; hosiery ana drapery found ready sale. Large mirrors brought 258, and looking-glasses from 4s 6d to 10s J cutlery and jewellery realised Rood prices ; new potatoes were dl sposed of at from Ud to Ijd per lb; cheese, at sd; bacon, IJd to 6d ; and onions, l|d per lb.

Births.

LYMBUUN.-On Novorafcor C, at Stewart atroet. Mount Kden, tho wife of J; H. Lynjhurn of a daughtor.- * FERGUSON. — On Novpmbor 2, at her rrnl donce. Ivnraka street, Newton, the wife of J. Jersuaon, ,iun,. of a daughter.

Deaths.

KISHER.-On November 7 at St Mary's Co' lege, Takapuna, John Dally Fisher; aged 01 J<The" funeral will leave tho Queen street Wharf to-inoiTow (Tuesday), nt 1130 a.m Fricudu dlciso accept thin Invitation.

ORKKNLANU—On November it, Jane, beloved wife of Kobert Greenland ; aped 33 years. Tiio fnnrral wi'l leave lior. lute residence, l! xt tliß K'reeuißu'B Hotel, Fr-.oman'o Bay, on Wednesday, Novoniborll.Rt2.aop.rn. Friends please accept this intiuiation.

KKATES.-On November 7. Rt his paronts' resl ilunco Chi.pJ-strenf, atmrfilouir and painful Illnj-ei William John, the oldest and dourly beloved son of Joseph and Catherine Keutcs; ' :;ihofunoViiVwUHoßVeSt.Putriek'sCa'.heriral to-morrow (Tuesdiiy). at 10 a.m. Fnoucs p.'onao aucept this invitation.

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

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1883.

For tho causo that lacks assistance, For tho wronff that needs resistance, For tho future in tho distance And tho good that we can do.

Tho Birthday celebration to-day, though not oxactly favoured with royal weather, was most heartily obsarvod. Tho military manoeuvres, which formed the chief spectacle of the occasion, were witnessed by large crowds of peoplo, both at North Shore and Green Lane, and passed off most succes fully. Elsowhero wo givo detailed reports of tho proceedings.

Tho duties collected by if.M. Customs <?t the port of Auckland for tho pa3t weok amounted to .05,554 2a Id ; boor duty, £370 2s 'Id.

Superintendent Thomson disposed of tlifi charges at tho Polico Court this morning viz. : Two persons, for drunkenness, wore fined Ca each, William Hoggard, undor Polico Offences Act; and William Croighton, stealing tho sum of £2 17s from tho person of Mary Ann Edwards, arrested.by Sergeant McMahon, were remanded until to-morrow. "Ivo" lectured last night in tho Opera House upon ''Somo Modorn Poots and Humourists." He gave a sories of recitals from Poe, Shelley, Tennyson, Twain, Sims, and Bret Harto; and songs were Bung by Mies De Vore and Mr Farrow, of the "Opera Company, while Mr Kuhr, of tho tamo Company, played a solo upon the French horn.

Mr .T. J. Crofts has issued a leaflet, in which ho claims to have compiled "the true narrative of somo of the Escapod Nun, Edith O'Gorman's, advonturos." As we do not wish to import the discussion into bur columns, wo refrain from mentioning the scopo of tho " true narrative." It is dedi cated "to tho Graduates and Under graduates of Orangeiam and Freothought, the worthy exponents of the Arch Enemy of Mankind;" and tho writer mikes tho astonishiug assertion that eince the days of Luther " Protostantism and its offspring Freethought havo been tho hotbed of prurience, and have needed for their nourishment and delight a diet of tilth and abomination." AVe should think after that sweeping sentence Mr Crofts has about got " square " with the two lady lecturers who havo recently aaeailed Roman Catholicism in this city.

Notice is given in nnothor column aa to tho payment of Property Tax. Where tho tax amounts to less than £15 it is payable on 2Gth of tho present mouth" Where the tax roaches or oxcoeds that sum, it is pay able in two instalments.

Tho evangolistic service last cvoning was fully attended, a number of tho Volunteers in uniform being present. Mr Thomas Buddie, Hon. Secretary, prosided. Ad divsaes were delivered by Mr A. Knight and Mr Brakonrig, General Secretary. Reference was made to the week of universal prayor for young men, and for tho work carried on by Young Men's Christian Associations, which commenced yesterday, and will bo continued till Saturday, 14th inst.

Two assistant mistresses are required lor Nelson College for girls; also a house gover ness. Particulars aro containod in our ad vertieing columns.

A large number of young persons visited the Strasburg Clock on Saturday afternoon, and apparently wore much gratifiod with a eight of this extraordinary mechanical construction. To-day, also, a fair number attended.

A buggy drawn by two horses, and owned by Mr Martin, of Parnoll, bolted from Upper Parnoll last night Tho occupants of the carriage wero two ladies and two gentlemen. It appoars that the croeatroe in front of tho polo broke, and frightening tho horses, they started off, and there was certainly tho likelihood of an alarming accident, had not the driver pulled tho horses down, the extent of the damage being that one of the men was thrown out arid tho horses wero badly cut.

A public meeting oi all those interested in having [Hobson-street cut down will be hold in St. James's Hall on Wednesday evening next, at 7.30 o'clock.

Tho anniversary services of tho Primitive Methodist Church, Aloxandrastreet : wero hold yesterday. Special sormonß wero preached by Kevs. Messrs Jones, Williams, and Smith ; appropriate hymns wore sung by tho choir, and the services were well attended. The anniversary service will be held to-morrow evening ; toa at half past six, and meeting at half-past seven o'elock.

The unveiling of tho tombstone erected to the memory of the late Kr A. Fleming by the members of the Loyal Fountain of Friendship Lodge took place on Saturday afternoon by Brother Guird, P.P.G.M., in the presence of 40 brethren and friends of the deceased. B\ other Leaby delivered an effective addresß. Wreaths of flowers were placed on tho memorial atone from the widow and immediate relatives' of the deceased. The monument is composed of American marble, bearing the following inscription :—" In memory of Alexander Fleming, P P.G M., 1.0,0 F., M.U., A.D., who died July 6th, 1885, aged 51 years. "Elected by the members of the Loyal Foun tain of Friendship Lodge No. 3920, M.U., of which he was an officer and member for 30 years, as a token of thoir rospect and esteem for hismanyestimabls qualities." A photo of deceased was inserted'in one of the pedestals, and a large portrait in oil has bceD hung up in the lodge-room. Some evil-disposed person, however, watcbeji for an opportunity of stealing tho portrait of deceased, which his friends bad been care ful to place in the pedestal. The miscreant removed the glass -which covered the photograph, and purloined tho picture. It is supposed that it was taken about 6even o'clock yesterday morning, as it was seen in its place by two ladies who were taking an early walk in the Cemo tery beforo seven ; shortly after Mr Simias discovered that it had been taken away. That gentleman and Mr Leahy, officers of the Lodgo, and Mr H. Smith, Grand Secretary, went to the Police Station, and informed Sergeant Thomson of the circumstance. The case was en trusted to Detective Twohey, and it is hopodthat tho miscreant may be brought to justice. Tho suspected individual was seen in the Cemetery yesterday morning a little before 7 o'clock.

A mooting for young men will bo held to-morrow evening in tho lecture hall of the Young Men's Christian Association, This will be the last service in the present building.

The members of the Good Intent Lodge aroinformed by advertisflment that thi Lodge mooting id postponed from the 9th to the 13th inst.

Mr Hogan, of the Industrial School, begs to acknowledge with thanks'a basket of fruit from His Worohlp Ihe Mayor, and aparoelof hooks from Mr Booth, dairyman, of Renwera, for the use of the inmates of the institution under his care.

To-morrow, at 11 a.m., Mr J. R. Rander- Bon will Bell tho whole of tho household furni ture and effects, together with the stock, tools maohinory, &c, of a wood turnor, on tho S remises, Upper Queon-street, near Karanga apo Road. Further particulars v> ill be found in our auotion advertisement columns.

THEATRE ROYAL.

A company of specialty arfcistp and burlesque actors, with the Howarde Sisters as bright particular stars, made their debut at the Theatre Royal on Saturday. The prices were at tho London rates, and the house was well filled. A burletta entitled "The Swiss Cottage " formed the first part of the entertainment, and the Becond part con eistod of an extravaganza. The pieces were fairly mounted, the jokes and funny isms appeared to be fully appreciated, and the singing was moderately good, The Company appear again to-night.

CABLEGRAMS.

[BKUTKU'k CAISLKURAMS.]

The Coptic for Now Zoaliuul. Cape Town, November 7. -The Coptic, uftsr having elfecfcod the necessary repairs to her propeller, left yesterday morning for New Zealand.

New German Ambassador at London.

London, Novombor 7.-- Count Vor Hate felrit, who replaces Count Von Munstov as Ambassador for the Gormnn Empire at tho Court of St. James, to day from Berlin. Extonsive Flro In Melbourne. MuLiioUBNK, Novombor B.—A serious tiro broko out yesterday on the premiaoH of Mr D. Munro and Co., contractors, Queen streot, which resulted, before tho llames were extinguished, in dnmage to tho extent of several thousand pounds.

New SoaMitfyfales Elections. Sydn by, Novf JU — M r Slattery, Minis ter of Justice, i']HK>r Lyne, Secretary of Public Works, been ro-olectod for their respective coi^tuoncies unoppoßed.

MASSACRE IN NEW GUINEA.

THE EXPLORING PARTY MURDERED.

[UKCTKIt'S CABLEGRAM.]

Cooktown, this day.—The s.s. Gunga arrived to-day from Thursday Island. The captain states that whon he left, two Papuan natives had arrived from New Guinea with the roportthatall tho membors of the explor ing expedition sent out by the Geographical Society of S.S.W. had been attacked and murdered by tho natives in tho Fly River district of Now Guinea.

THE EASTERN CRISIS.

Greece Preparing for War.

(BV OAIILE.— COPVUIOHT.) Athens, Novembor7.

The Chnmbor of Doputies, in viow of the present disturbed state of affaire, voted 12,000.000 drachmai towards increasing tho strength of tho navy, and 30,000,000 drachmai havo been pasßod as a patriotic loan in case of hostilities boing rendered necessary.

THE LONDON SOCIAL SCANDALS.

Editor of tho " Pall Moll Gazette" Found Guilty of Abduction.

(IIY CABLE—COPYRIGHT.)

Losuon, Novorabor 7. The trial of Mr Stoud, editor of tho " Pall Mall Gazette," and others concornod in tho Lily Armstrong case, concluded today, when Mr Stead and Mrs Jarrott wore found fuilty of abduction, Messrs Booth and acquos boing acquitted. Sentence on the prisoners was deferred, ponding tbo result of tho trial for indecent assault in connoc tion with the same caee.

DEATH OF MR PILLIET.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PHESS ASSOCIATION.) WKLi.iMnljto Sunday, Mb W. H. Pillibt, whoTvas formely member for Stantnoio in Parliament, died here last night after a very short illness. He had boen suffering from fever.

[Mr Pilliot was in Auckland during the past month,apparently in good health.]

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN NEWTON.

Several Buildings Destroyed

At about 10 minutes to one o'clock this

afternoon the furnituro warohouso of Mr Roovoo, .iH.inininc *he branch Bank of Mow Zealand, in Kurangahape Road, was discovered to bo on fire. It is tho centre of a block of wooden shops, all of tho occupants of which, with tho exception of two, nppoar to bo out spending tho holiday, The (ire scorns to have been first porcoived by Mrs Lovoll, who«o husband keeps tho butcher's shap a few doors higher up tho street. She saw smoko and flamoa issuing from tho pro mises, und being alone — her husband and son being out for tho holiday—Bbe gavo the alarm 10 Mr Dowding, the tobacconist next door. Ho at onco raised the cry of " firo," and from tho neighbouring bell a lusty peal was Boon ruug out and taken up with vigour in town. Meantime, unassisted, Mrs Lovell was moving her things into the Btreot, and Mr Dowding followed euit with his. Mi Joseph Warren and a willing band of neighbours' speadily lent their assist ance, and as the flames bad now broken out and wore blazing fiercely, the adjoining Bbops were broken into in order that their contents might bo saved. They consisted of Waddingham'b (plumber and gasfittor) D. Geddis (printer)tho'attorbeingseparatod by Lovell's from the tobacconist's, and in tho nearest of tho adjoining block of throo new buildings, viz. : Favvcett's (tailor), tho Keeves (father and son), went to St. Belier's this morning, aud the Waddinahams wore also away, while Mr Geddia was with hißco//)s(thePonsonbyNavals)attheTamaki. Superintendent Hughes and a detachment of men arrivod upon the scone when tho (ivo was at its height, and tbo Salvage- Corps, under Superintendent Field, also ap peared upon thoaceno, while the neighbours and several of tho Thames Navals lent very valuable assistance Htromious endeavours were mad& to prevent iho fire extending eastward to the bank, but its extension west ward was a foregone conolußion. Reoves's shop was already gone, and Waddingham's and Dowding'a wore now in tho grasp of the lire demon. They wont too, but by persistent effort the pro gress of tho firo was stayed here. Lovell and Goddis's premises wero com plotaly gutted, and the stock of the latter considerably damaged. Tho case of the Lovell's is peculiarly unfortunate, for they are wholly uninsured, and very little of their goods are saved. It is also doubtful whether Heevos is insured, as ho proposed to Mr VV. L Prime some time ago, but tho negotia tion came to nothing owing toa disagreement about the rates. Waddingham is believed to be insured, and Dowding, who 3ave» little, him a policy of £200 on Htock and fittings with the Norwich Union. Mr Geddis is insured for übout £100, and Fawcett, also, is said to bo insured. Sergeant Kiely, with a posse of police, kept things in order, and Mr Warron, with a thoughful ness that does him credit, had as much salvage as possible removed to the Masonic Hall. Mr Roeves's promises are owned by A. J. lee (the eito boing loosed from the Bank), and Mr Goo. Hulmo, butcher, is tho owner of Downing, Waddingham, Lovell, and Geddis's premises. Mrs Waddingbam was just leaving homo when the outbreak occurred. She had been as far as the railway station when, finding sho had left hor pureo behind her, sho returned for it. Ero she again loft the firo had been discovered. Later. Captain Hughes is supposod to bo at tho North Shore, and only a portion of the Fire Brigade are present. The fire commenced at Reeve's furniture shop, and spread towards tho Protossant Hall, which was in danger.

The Bank of New Zealand oflices wero slightly damaged. The bursting of the hose caused some delay in getting the water on.

The extent of the damage is not yet known, but is believed to be very heavy. All the offices being closed it is impossible to give the insurances.

TELEGRAMS.

Dukjkdin, this day.—A four-roomed house, occupied by a Mr Hare, book-binder, was burnt down early this morning. It was insured for £100 in the Standard. The premises and adjoining cottages, which were slightly damaged, were insured in the Baino office ; amount unknown. j Cricket Match. In the Excelsior v Carisbrook match on Saturday, the former were disposed of for twelve. The Caresbrook had 194 for two wickets. Dixon, not out, 119; Suttonj not out,S2. Good scoring was made on several grounds, owing- to fine weather. The Holiday in Dunedln. Dunjsdin-, . this day.—The weather is glorious. A great cumber patronised the steamer excursions. The Athletic Club's sports are well attended.

AUCKLAND Agricultural & Pastoral Association's Show.

We were able on Saturday to give a pretty com plete list of the au-ards made by the judges on that day, those which arrived too late being now appended :— HORSES. CLASS B.—For best ENTIRE, Colonial-bred, three years and upivaids. First Prize. £.') 35.; Second Prize, £1 10u.—3 entries. Richardson and Baxter's Bonnie Prince, 1 ; Fitzpatrick Bros.' Young Champion, 2. Champion Prize for Blood Stock.—New Zea land Stud Company's Leolinus, ]. R. W. Brown's Special Prize of £10 for best Yearling Colt or Filly got by Young Lord Derby —Harry Brown's Colt. Champion Prizes of £10 10s each. — Best Draught Entire—Sir Colin, 1; Stud Company's Elgin, 2. Best Draught Marc—Stud Company's Kniiiiu,!.

Best Draught Horse (marc or gelding) in re gular work—Hammond and Carpenter.

SKOTION 2.—DRAUGHT STOCK. Class B.—For best ENTITUS, colonial-brort, three years and upwards. First prize, £3 3s; Second Prize, &l 10a.—Itichardsou and Baxters Bunnic Prince, 1 ; Fitzpatrick Bros.' Young Champion, 2. ROADSTERS. Class 30.-Best LADY'S HORSE (maro or gelding). First Prize, £3 3s ; Second Prize. £2 2s; Third Prize, £1 Is.-Win. Taylor, 1; 11. W. Batger, 2 ; J. W. O'Brien, commended. Class 22.—Best HOUSE (marc or gelding) suit able for tho Indian Cavalry Remount. First Prize, £2 2s; Second Prize, £1 ls.-Caplain Walmslev's P.N., 1; J. S. Buckland's br g, oyrs, commended.

CATTLE. Class IG.-Best FAMILY-Slro, Dam, and Threo Progony. First Prize, £2 25.; Second Piizo, £1 Is.—l entry. New Zealand S. and P. S. Company's lloraco 3rd (f>3Bli), Leonora 2nd, Leonora lth, Lord Cardinal, and c.c. Leonora, 1. DEVONS. Clash 17.—Best BULL, three years old and over. First Prize, £2 '.'s; Second Prize, fil Is.— 1 entry. Alfred Buckland, 1. Class 21.—Best COW, three years old and over. First Prize. £2 is. ; Second Prize, £1 Is. —3 entries. Alfred Buckland, 1, 2, 3. Class 2'.'.—Best 11 K\ FEI t, Iwo and under three years old. First Prize, £2 25.; Second Prize, i!l Is.—3 entries. Alfred liuckland, I, 2, 3.

JERSEYS, ALDERNEYS, OH QUEHNSKYS.

Class 28.—Host COW, three years old and over. First Prize, il'l 25.; Second Prize, £1 Is. J. M. Clark, Lady Teaslc, 1; J. M. Clark, Lady Bountiful, 2. Class 2!!.—Heat HKIFEIi, two years old and under threo years. First Prize, £2 25.: Second Prize, £1 Is. J. M. Clark, Lady Hopeful, 1; J. M. Clark, Jersey Lily, 2. Class 30.—Best HEIFER, ono year old aud under two years. First Prize, £2 25.; 2nd Prize, £1 Is. T. Morrin, Favourite 6th, 1; J. M, Clark, Jenny, 2; J. M. Clark, Tea Hosr, 3. AYRSUIIIES. Class 31.—Best BULL, three months old and over. First Prize. £2 2s; Second Prize, £1 Is. Class :«.—Best COW, three months old and over. First Prize.' £2 25.; Second Prize, £1 Is. 3 entries. 1). Nolan, 1; Alfred Biickland. 2. Class 33.—Best HEIFEH. two years old and under threo years. First Prize. £2 25.; Second Prize, £1 Is.—2 entries. Alfred Buckland, 1 and SHEEP. FAT SHEEP (Provincial Bred.) To bo judged according to weight, and quality, ; Class 53.-Best Pen of live LONG-WOOL WETHKHS. First Prize, £2 25.; Second Prize, £1 Is.—3 entries. Wuikato Lund Association, 1; G. G. Smith, 2.

Class al.-Best Pen of threo LONG-WOOL WKTHKKS. First Prize, £1 Is.; Second Prize, 10s. lid.—l entries. Waikuto Land Association, 1; G. U. Smith, 2.

'Class 55.—Best Pen of live LONG-WOOL KWKS. First Prize. £2 25.; Second Prize, £1 Is. —1 entry. James Wallace (entered not for com I)CCLASs'SG.-nest Pen of three LONG-WOOL KWKS. First Prize, £1 Is.; Second Prize, 10s. ikl.—l entry. James Wullneo, 1. Class 57.-Hest Pen of live LONG-WOOI LAM BS. First Prize. £2 25.; Second Prize, £1 Is.—l entry. James Wallace. 1.

Class OS.—Best Pen of three LONG-WOOI. LAMBS. First Prize. £1 Is.; Second Prize. 10s lid.--1 entry. James Wallace, 1. Class oli.-Bcst. Pen of live DOWN EWES. First Prize, Si! 25.; Second Prize, £1 la. -2 entries. Waikato Land Association (exhibited not foi COCLASsiw!-Itel Pen of three DOWN WKTH KI{S. First Prize. £1 la.; Second Prize, 10s. Cd. — 1 entries. Waikato Land Association, 1; Waikato Land Association, !!.

Class lit.—Hist Pen of live DOWN KWKS. First Prize. J--' 25.; Second Prize, £1 Is. -1 entry. N.Z. Stud Company, 1. Class (J2.-Hest Pen of three DOWN KWKS. First Prize. £1 Is; Second Prize, 10s. Cd.—l entry. N.Z. Stud Company, 1. Class (53.-Bust Pen of live DOWN LAMBS. First Prize, .C2 25.; Second Prize, £1 Is.—l entry. N.Z. Stud Company. 1. CLASS 61.-Best Pen of three DOWN LAMBS. First Prize, £1 Is.; Second Prize. 10s. tkl.—l entry. N.Z. Stud Company, 1. Class 71.- lies!. Pen of CMtOSSHItKD DOWN and LONG-WOOL WKTHKHS. First Prize, £2 25.; Second Prize, £1 Is.—l entry. Edward Coatcs, 1.

Class 71.—Host Pen of three CHOSSBUKD DOWN and LOXG-WOOL KWKS. First Prize, £1 Is.: Second Prize, 10s. tkl.—l entry. George Italian!, 1. Class 75.-Bcst Pen of live CKOSSBUKI) DOWN unil LONH-WOOL LAMBS, First Prize, £2 25.; Second Prize, £1 Is,--2 entries. George Ballard. t. PRIZE CUP. The only entries were from the N.Z. -Stud and P.S. Co. and Mr Jas. Wallace. Decision post poned. CHAMPION EWK. Sir James Wallace was tho only exhibitor in this class. Decision postponed. LEICESTERS. Class 7.~Bcat HAM. First Prize. £2 25.; ■Second Prize, £1 Is.—3 entries.-N.Z. Stud Co., 1; N.Z. Stud Co., 2 ; Jus. li. Hayr. commended. Class 8.-Best HAM. under 18 months. First Prize. .£2 25.; Second Prize, £1 Is.—4 entries.— N.Z. Stud Co., 1: Jas. It. Hayr. 2.

Class a.—Best Pen of three KWKS. suckling lambs. First Prize, ,C2 is.; Second Prize, £1 Is. 2 ontrios.-N.Z. Stud Co., I; Jas. 11. Hayr, 2.

Class 10.—West Pen of three EWES, umler 18 mouths. First Prize, £2 25.; Second Prize, £1 Is. 3 entries.—N.Z. Stud Company, 1; J. ll.Hayr, 2.

Class ll.—Best KWK, suckling lamb. First Prize. £1 Is.; Second Prize. 10s. (id. a entries. - N.Z. Stud Co., l ; J. 11, Hayr, 2; J. 11. Hayr commended. . .

Class 12.—Best EWE, under 18 months. First Prize, £1 Is.; Second Prize, 10s. 6d. i entries.— J. 11. Hayr, 1; N.Z. Stud Co., 2 and commended. COTSWOLD. Clash IX—Best It AM. First Prize, £2 25.; Se cond Prize, £1 Ij. 1 entry. — James Wil liamson, 1. LONG WOOLS. Class 19.-Best Pen of live EWES, over 18 months, bred by tho exhibitor. First Prize, £2 25.; Second Prize, £1 Is. 1 entry.—.!. Wallace, 1. Class 20.—Best Pen of, three EWES, over 18 months, bred by tho exhibitor. First Prize, £2 25.: Second Prize, £1 Is. 1 cntry.-J. Wnllaco, 1. Class 22.-Best Pen of three EWES, under 18 months, bred by thecxhibitor. First Prize, £2 25.; Sccond.Prizo,£lls. 1 entry.—J. Wnllncc, 1. SHROPSHIRE DOWNS. Class 2?.-Best HAM. First Prize, £2 2b.; Second Prize, £1 Is. 10 entries.—New Zealand Stud and Pedigree Stock Company. 1 and 2.

Class 30.—Best It AM, under eighteen months. First Prize, £2 25.: Second Prize. £1 Ib. 11 entries.—James Williamson, 1; Waikato Land Association, 2.

Class 31,-Bcst Pen of THREE EWES, suck ling lambs. First Prize, £2 25.; Second Prizo, £1 Is. tf entrios.—N.Z. Stud Co., 1 Mid 2.

Class 32.-He.st Pen ot THREK KWES. under eighteen months. First Prizo, £2 25.; Second Prize, £1 Is. 7 entries.—N.ss. Stud Co., 1 mid 2 ; Wniknto Land Association, highly coniraended. Class 33.—Best EWE, Buckling lamb. First Prize, £1 Is.; Second Prizo, 10s. (id. S entries.— Waikuto Land Association. 1; N.Z. Stud Co., 2. Clahs 31.—Best EWE, under eighteen months. First Prize, £1 Is.; Second Prizo, 10s. (id. 7 entries.—Waiknto Land Association, 1 and 2. EXTRA STOCK. One owe in lamb.—No award. OXFORD DOWNS. Class 30.—Best RAM, under eighteen months. First Prize, £2 25.; Second Prize, £1 Is. 1 entry.—Edward C'oatca, J. Class 3«.—Host Pen of three EWES, under eighteen months. First Prizo, £2 2u.; Second Prize, £1 la, 1 untry.—Edward C'oates, 1. EXTRA STOCK. One Kwo in lamb.—No award. HAMPSHIRE DOWNS.

Class 12.—Best RAM, underelglitoen months. First Prizu, fSt 2a.; Second 1 rizc, £1 Is. 1 entries.—Alfred Buckland, 1, 2, and highly commended. ROMNEY MARSH. Class 18.—BcstRAM, under eighteen months. First Prize, £2 25.; Second Prize, HI Is. 2 entries. —Alfred Buckland, 1 and 2, POULTKY. Class 17.-BUFF COCHIN, Cock and Ilen. ---1 entry. No award. Class 21.—Any other variety COCHIN, Cock and Hen.—l entry. G. Totty, 1.

Class 23.-DAUK HHAHMA, Cock and Hem —1 entry. Mrs G. L. Perry, 1. Class 21.-DARK BRAHMA, Cock.-i3cnlries. Mrs C. G. Quick, 1; Thomas Coatos, 2. Class 25.-LIGHT BRAHMA, Cock and Hen. -5 entries. T. H. Dean. 1; T. Dean, 2; S. Moi'rln, highly recommended. Class 26.-LIGHT BRAHMA, Cock.-2 en tries. Mrs T. A. Denn, 1 and 2. Class 27.—LANGSHAN, Cock and Hen.— 7entries. W.Kruscr, I: C. Kawlinson, 2. Class 28.—LANGSHAN, Cock.-a entries. C. Rawlinson, 1 and 2. Class m-Goldcn-Ponoillcd HAMBURGS, Cook and Hon.—l entry. Miss Woolnough, 1, EXTRA STOCK. 1 entry. No award. Class 30. - Silver-Pencilled HAMBURGS, Cock and Hon.—2 entries. Miss WoJlnoueh, I. Class 32. - Silver-Spangled HAMBURGS, Cock and Hen.—l entry. S. Morrin, 1. Class 31.-White Crestod POLISH, Cock and Hen.—2 ontries. S. Morrin, 1 and 2.

Class 36.-Silvcr-Spangled POLISH, Cock and Hen.—l entry. Mrs C. G. Quick, 1. EXTRA STOCK.—I entry. W. Hall, 1 pair of ducks, highly commended. Class 45.—SULTANS.—2 entries. S. Morrin, not for competition.

Class 17.-Any other variety PURE-BRED POULTRY, cook and hon.-l entry. Mrs E. B. and A. B. Hill, American Wyandotto, 1. EXTRA STOCK, for Sale.-S. Morrin, one Sen Pile Game Hens; S. Morrin, one pen Black roasted Game Hens ;S. Morrin, one pon Light Brahma Hens; Miss Woolnough, Black Spanish Hens, £2. No prizes awarded in consequence of pormision to ticket the birds for sale being acceded to, which was a full equivalent to a prize. IMPORTED IMPLEMENTS. One of the most interesting features in tho show of imported manufactures is the display of musical instruments from Messrs Hoffmann b warehouse, which is arranged in tho exhibition building. It comprises pianos by Brinsniead, Collard, Esdrile, Ecke, Forster, and Bord, American organs by Mason and Hamlin, and harmoniums oy Pirie ; a set of brass band in struments (value £110), set of wood instruments (value £10), and an assortment of violins. &c. (valued at £100). Messrs Tr.nks and Co. have fine douoleconcord and family buggies.shoo ting carts, phaetons, waggonettes, etc., the aggre gate value of the exhibit being about £700 or

£800. Mr Beale has a varied assortment of sewing-machines, Messrs Porterand Go. reapers and binders, lire.cngincs. and hand-grenades, and Messrs T. ami S Morrlu and Co. reapers and binders, portable engine, furrow plough and hay rake. The collection of imported mi. plementij is much inferior to those of previous Hoffmann and Sons, collection of pianos by various makers, and .dher musical instruments. E Porter and Co.'s collection of reapers, binders, and lire grenades. . T. and S. Morrlu and Co.'s (Limited) collection Of reaper.', binders, portable engine, &e. W. J. Beale. collection of sewing machinos. E. Porter and Co., incubator, Francis s Patent, A. Oldham and Son, collection of ilax matting and binder twine. ~ Northern li. and S. M. Co. (Limited), collection of boots and shoes.

There are no awards declared in this depart ment. PERFUMERY. J. and T. Mason, collection of perfumery. SADDLERY. J. Reed, collection of harness and saddlery. U. F. Cooper, collection of saddles. CARRIAGES. W. and K. Hasten, collection of hansoms, dog carts, hansom cat), with silver mount ings, etc. H. Tonka and Co., collection of buggies, pluctons, waggons, shooting carte, &c. AI.E AND STOUT. New Zealand Bottling Co,, collection of Inver-. cargill stout and Dimedin beer. W. .1. Suiter, collection of ale and stoul. Watson and Murray, 10 gallons of ale. SPECIAL. Waite and Bright, "Acme" Washing Machine;.!. C. Frasers Cylindrical Washing Machine, new patent; A. Mackay, Unique Buggy-pole Fixings, etc.; IC. T. Cartwright, Collection of Boot and Shoe Uppers.

MISCELLANEOUS. George Pennell, Bread; Waite and Bright, Cheese Vats and Collection of Tinware; New Zealand Iron and Steel Co. (Limited), l< ire Bricks and Fire Clay; Alfred Tyer, Jams; Alfred Beale, Blacking; J. A. Pond and Co,, Enamel-lined Boxes, for exhibiting the method of lllling and preserving butter; E. White and Co., Mottled Kauri and Duchess Table: K C. Hopkins, Carved Bracket; F. Goodwin, Baking Powder. DAIRY PRODUCE AND PRESERVED MEATS. CLASS 1.-Bost Sib. BUTTKK, in Bolls, with Salt, first Prizes, Si 25.; Second I'rize, ill ls. ---15 entries. J. Allen. I; George Italian!. 2; Mrs Alex. T. Dean, commended. Clash 2.-Best 31b. BUTTER, In Rolls, with out Salt.-12 entries. John Allen, 1; tieorgo Ballard 2; Miss Churchis, commended. Claws 3.-Beat FANCY BUTTER, 31b.—6 entries. Wairoa South Dairy Factory, 1; Miss Church is, 2; Mrs Alex. T. Dean, highly com mended.

Class 1.-I»cst. POTTED UUTTKIt, not less than L'.'.lbs.. lit for Kxiiortatlon.—7 entries. John Hill, 1: Mrs Crow, 2; Mrs Alex. T, Dean 3; Miss Churehis, commended. LOCAL INDUSTRIES. Under this department there are a number of Interesting exhibits. MessrsK. Porter andCo.'s incubator (Francis patent) in operation received nn amount, ofattenlion. Mr 11. 11. Smith is as usual to I ho foro with a largo number of his ex cellent colonial ovens. Oldhaiu and Sons ex hibit, some Max malting uni binder twine. Messrs W. and K Huston's collection of currtugos is llrstclass, comprising hansom cab with silver mountings, double-seated buggy, Aucklandia (four wheel dog-cart with stool wheels). Prince of Wales pair wheel dog-cart, Central Park pair wheel dog-cart, Maud S. trot ting sulky. Mr James Mnckie exhibits u lino spider buggy, and Messrs Cousins and Atkin show a line 'bus built to the order of Messrs Patterson, to run on tho Mount lioskill line. This is very blue, boing capable of seating a large number of passengers. Mr K. C. Hopkins exhibitsa finely executed curved liraoket worthy of special notice on account of the excellent nature of the workmanship. His iinfortuinito that then'is no prize awarded, as the exhibitor is youthful, and such ellbrts should tie specially encouraged. Want of space compels us to hold over any further notice of thf local industries until a future issue.

SECOND DAY.

Notwithstanding tlto counter attractions in the shape of tho volunteer nh»m Ih'ht. large numbers of ladies ami gentlemen patronised tlio show to-riii), while tho youthful element was largely represented Towards noon, crowded passenger ,truins stopped nt Green Lane and discharged their freights, who quickly swarmed u\ er the ground. Impcy's City Band was in at torn1 nice, and enlivened matters by discoursing urn eal selections in their usual cilieiont style. A numbor oC people also rode and drove out. Tho department occupied by the local indus tries was crowded continually, evidently be ing most to the taste of visitors from the city. As uailill, there were a number of harpies' in ntteiidani'e with their cilßtomnry to-called games of chance, notably one mull, who was practicing the tlirce-card trick. An there was a strong posso of polico present, these gentlemen were repeatedly compelled to move on until some wero heard to declare that New Zealand was no longer a free country, and re tired in disgust. In spite of the repeated ex posures of these swindles, tho holiday makers appeared determined to patronise these gentle men, and seemed rather disappointed that the members of the force would not allow them the luxury of being swindled to iheir full bent. General surprise was expressed at the largo attendance under tho circumstances it having been feared that the martial spirit win too strong; lit present, in the bosom ot the public to allOTf of many attending the show to day. A new feature was added to the scene to-day, in tho shape of nearly all the large exhibitions in 1 ho Held having secured IInKH, which lloated vroudly alongside their various exhibits. As might have been expected. Messrs Hott'iumin ami Sons'display of musical instru ments at tract oil a largo amount of notice, par ticularly from the fair sex, many of whom wil lingly exhibited their musical powers, and favoured the other visitors with selections on tho pianoforte. Jowitt's "Golden Hem" prize for the best baker's turnout, driver, horse, har ness, regularly trading within ten miles of Auckland Post-otllce. was awarded to .lames Corby, George Pent coming 800011(1, Some dis witislartion arose from the fact that Daniel Gruhb was disqualified on the ground that his turn-out was new. Mr Grubb states that when ho entered for competition ho inquired of thp.Sc.c rotary whether that would utl'ect the decision, and was assured that it would not. He therefore naturally feels himself considerably aggrieved as his turn-out looks very well. DAIRY. A novelty in buttor-maklng was exhibited by Mra Alfxaudor lloan in tho fanny butter dopart mont, 0 nsa 3. Ii oonßlits of a pretty little cot tago entirely compo:ed of frefh butter. Suv-'i'al other exhibits in this class aro in various fantastic shapes. Mr David Gcmntll exhibits 100 lba of caso buttor dono up in rolls after tho Oalifomlan Btylo. It pro- Bant' u very oloun, firm app«ar.inci\ looking us thou-h it, wore frozen. A notioo is ntllxod to this; exhibit stating that a ciibo had boon foVwarilcd to (Juocnsland, and of which a moa*. favourable acoount hnd boon rooMvod, a'bo stating that tho ciio on exhibition would be forwardol to England by tho lonic. A fui thor notioo pates that tho exhibitor ia wil ling to Rivo full purlictilan of the manufactur iiiKproeeai to any persons appljing to him at the Hamilton Cheese Factory. M1 Hill, who cuir'od oil'tho first ptizo in Class4, i-ithe mana ger of Messrs Hunniiaham and King'x farm, Wnikihiko-'in. Knukapakapa Messrs ttlsnvlllo and Ellyott exhibit Bomctliing over ft ton of buttor. racked in oases and tuba for export. On top ol theso. In ordor to k(0i) it cool, a auantlty of ico was placed. This inoldlr dieappca'cd. not bo much from the hoat of the building, but through boina ca'on by tho larrikins, who providnd full omp'ojmont to tho c recekerto keep chasing them iv ay, they taking a Mto of ioo at any opportunity. Mows J. A. Pond and Co also exhibit samples of their enamel-lined boxes for proporvlPK btittor. Thcso appear to bo very handy artiolon. and are c'n'nicd to have tho ndvantngoof keeping buttor swoot ovon to tho outer edge.

THE SPORTS.

Unfortunately tho rain began to descend jubG about the time that the sports com lnonced. This had the effect of driving visitors to sholtor in tho sheds ralhor than viow tho sports. The following heats were run up to our going to props : — 120 Yaiius Maims :—First Heat: A. Hughos, lijt; A. Cosson, 2nd ;W. Con way, 3rd. "Second Heat: T. Kelly, Ist; C. E. Brighton, 2nd ; S. Martin, 3rd.

160 Yards Handicap,—First Heat: M. Monarch (4yds.), let: E. O'Hara (Byds.), 2nd ; W. Buchannri (6Jyd?.), 3rd.

At thio etige the races were postponed for u time on uccount of the ruin.

SUPPOSED SUICIDE.

An inquest iB being held at tho Swan llotol as wo go to press, before Dr Philson, coronor, and a jury, on the body of Selina Gilmour, who died on Saturday last. Deceased wns only 25 years of age, and was tho wife of Robert Gilmour, of Stanley-street. It appears that Mrs Gilmour was confined some weeks since, and although she received ovory attontion, sho subsequently ondurod considerable Buffering, On Friday evening Mr Gilmour went to Parnoll on business, loaving his wifo in chargo of her mother and sistor. Decoasod wishod to got up, and her wish boing complied with, sho was placed in an easy chair by the bod, and wrapped in blankets. Her mother loft tho room for a few seconds, when docoased rose from hor chair and wont quickly into the kitchen, and taking a small bottlo from the shelf, put it to her lips. The sister, thinking Mrs Gilmour's conduct very strange, callod hor mother, who spoke to deceased, when she acknowledged that sho drank " spirits of salts." Dr. Cobbett was sent for, and on arrival, riroßcribed the usual remedies, and presently left, as he apprehended no immediate danger. Mrs Lowe, the nu-se, came by request, and sat up all night with the patient, who died tho following morning.

The announcement of tho death of Mr Jainoa Browno, better known by his nom da plume "Snyder," will cause a widespread feeling of regret amongst colonial journal iats. The deceased gentleman was for many years a contributor to the columns of " Tho Daily Southern Cross," and as a humorous writer he was head and shoulders abovo any of hie contemporaries on the New Zealand press.Porsomo years pastMrßrownehas been conductingastationer'aandbookseller's busi ness at Gisborne. Ho leaves a large family of grown up sons and daughters, and the former have been connected with their father's profession. Mr Montague Browne, one of his sonp, is, perhaps, the most suc cessful theatrical agent in Australasia, and Mr James Oakloy Browne, another son, is Parliamentary reporter on the staff of the Wellington "Post." The latter has pre pared for the press a collection of his father's humorous writings, which, we understand, will shortly be published.

THE HOLIDAY.

PRINCE OF WALES' BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.

A8 anticipated, the popular annual holiday in commemoration of tho birth of H.R.H. Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, was observed this year with greater unanimity and enthusiasm than it ever was before. All work was sus pended, and shops and offices were closed, while in addition to the town population the crowds of ploasuro-seokers were swelled by arrivals from tho counts. From "the skreigh o' duy all wna bustle and excitement. The sounds of mar tini and of merry music wcro beard swelling, and Hags and bunting lluttercd in the grey light of duwn, giving early intimation of the general rejoicing. Tho Volunteer Review was, no doubt, the chief means of giving oxtra eclat to the occasion. As the day progressed troops of armed men could be seen marchingorgallopping through the streets, and crowds of civilians could also be seen hurrying towards points of vantage to observe tho day's spectacle. By eight a.m. tho Queen-street wharf presented a busy and animated scene, and tho bustle and beauty of the sight Co^2 UtxJun^°^tS^^ were'loadijufup anddeparting with their happy freights. Several thousands of. passengers patronised the Devonport Steam Ferry Co. s vessels—the large and handsome steamor Bri tannia boing pressed into tho service for tho day in her unfinished condition.

Tho Scone on the Wharf.

Though the bulk of the people took the short, cheap, and ever popular trip to the North Shoro, immy hundreds left for other destinations, iho St. James's trip to Luke Takapuna loft early, and another party also went by the steamer City of Cork to St. Patrick's Bay. A large num ber of people went by the steamer Mrkenhcad to thu marine suburb of the same name and to Northcotc, where strawberries and cream formed the principal attraction "farfrom the madding crowd " and the mimic war being car ried on elsewhere. As ton o'clock drow near the scene increased in animation and Btir. Music was swelling from the upper decks of several steamers—the Artillery Hand boing divided between the steamers Wellington and Clansman. About ton o'clock (the hour adver tised for the departure of the excursions) the harbour presented a livoly appearance. First to leave was Hie paddle steamer Tongarlro, with a crowded company, for St. Helier's Hay. She was followed by the steamer Waitaki, which look several hundreds of people to Sir George- UmyVi island home of Itawuu ; and the Waitukl was closely followed in turn by the Wellington and Clansman—the former bound for Kawau and the lalter for Waiwera. Almost simul taneously with the latter the Rowona, with u large living cargo, departed for St. Holier's and Motutapu: and as these all steamed out of the harbour they crossed and mingled with tho Ferry Company's heavily laden steamers and with several sailing cruft coming in under full sail. Meanwhile the naval engagement between the Hussian cruiser and Fort Cautley had commenced, and tho dull booni of tho ar tillery came over the waters, while from tho Parncll shore Fort Resolution replied to tho enemy's fire. Looking towards tho North Head, Ilia whole scene was onveloped in a thick smoko through which the steamer could be soon mov ing, while the music of the bands could be heard at intervals between tho sterner musio of tho big gunt), us

" Volleying liko tho bolts of heaven, Far flashed the red artillery 1" It required but a slight ofibrt of tho imagination to fancy that a real warliko attack was in pro gress, and thatourgiillnntdcfcndcrs wero going forth light-hearted, with (lags (lying and music plaving, to engage tho enemy. The scene was one of mingled life and beauty which would have satistled ilic most.ardent lover of animated sea landscape.

"La Porioholo " at tho Opora House,

This charming Opera, which was played on Saturday night to a full house, will bo repeated to-night by the Majeroni-Wilson Opora Com panv. As this is tho last performance of "La Pericho!e,"iill lovers of good opera-boutlo well rendered should not misa tho opportunity.

Othor Entertainments.

In addition to the Burlesque Company's per formance ut tho Theatre Koyul, tho public have ii further ohoico of amusements, for to-night there is to be a grand military promenade con cert, at the Drill Shed, which should prove a most cnjoyablo treat, and Messrs. Dean and Buckingham have arranged for u select assembly in the Lorno-streot Hall.

THE A.R.C. SPRING MEETING.

Anticipations of To morrow's Racing.

[Bv Oim>NA.]

The Spring Meeting of the Auokland Racing Club takes place at Ellorslie to morrow, and with fine wouthor thoro should bo a most successful gathering. Exception has boon tukon by some to tho day selected, but with tho largo numbor of country visitors at present in town, and the attraction of a firet-claea programme, it will bo Btrango indoed if tho Club aro not re warded with a largo attendance. The leudinjr event of tho programme set down for decision is tho Prince of Walos Unndicap, but tho Welcome Stakes, in which nino two-year-olds will make their debut with the silk up, will probably cause tho greatest interest of the aftornoon. The lirst races is sot down for docision at one o'clock, and trains will run to the course at regular intervals. My notes and selections for tho various oventa aro as follows : — TuiAL Stakkb. 1 mile. Wolnht-for-ago. at lb atlb Rowl .. .. 813 Nomosis .. .. 7 0 Mitrailleuse •• 811 Capolla .. ..7 9 Cinderella .. 8 II Bt. Miohael ..7 6 Robltoy .. .. 8 » Lton-es .. ..7 4 Woodnymph ..8 2 Empross .. ..7 1 Lionol .. ..7 9

Although this ovent is a quarter of a milo further than Mitrailleuse cares about, I think that, considering those opposed to her, sho should draw " first blood." Ro port hath it, however, that her Btable companion Empress, tho Maribyrnopg— Peeress filly, has been " swallow catching " at Papakura, so that we may be treated to a surprise. Welcome Stakes. 5 furlongs. stlb Mogpra Lyons and Blatkie's ch o Potro loum, by Cadogan—Potroleuso .. ..85 Mra C. 11. Luahinnton's br o Green Mouat,

by Anteros—Lady Mary 8 5 Mr R. Peok's b o Cremorno, by Cadogan— Mies Laura 8 6 Mr D. MeKinnon's b g Scot Free, by Ster ltnijworth—Dainty Arlol mare .. ..8 2 Mr ti. C. Greenwood's b ( Tamona, by Mtiakot—Moonlight ..8 0 Mr .1. Balmain'a bf Roproach.by FitzHor culO9—Slander 8 0 Mra LUBhinKton'fl b f Lady Norah, by Mue kot-Stoppo 8 0 Mr P. J. Uuxton's br f Ricoohot. by Muo kot-Erycina - 8 0 Mr J. Allwill's ch i Britannia, br Sterlinst worth—CUppor 8 0

Attempting to pick the winner from a lot of two-year-olds untried in public is cer tainly not tho easiest of taßks. I may say, howover, that nothing at Ellerslie has pleased tho onlookers so much as Petroleum, and from what I have seen of him, I think ho should run well forward. Lady.Norah lian alao proved in several of her gallops that she is a very speedy young lady, and Kicochet (tho full eistor to Mitrailleuse) is reported to have performed a good trial,and to-day 50 to 10 was accepted that aha wine. Of tho others, I am informed that Reproach performed a big gallop at Fapakura last week, boating Mitrailleuse over her pet distance, three quarters of a milo. If such is the case, she must be hard to beat, but ray fancy out of the nine is Petroleum, who will have the services of a good horse man in George Williams.

lluMiui Race; i ralles. at lb at Id Wooducekor 11 2 Ngata 10 5 Quilp .. .. JO 12 Mhotover .. .. 10 2 Rovuhko .. 10 19 Oaoutchoiio .. 5) S Mlnuot .. 10 0 Keiwaka .. .. 9 0 Alavic. .. 10 7 Thin iiico boars a moat opon aujtbcl', but to Boloct one out of those engaged, I will go for SnoTOVEii. Piunce ok1 Wales Handicap ; 1 milo and a-h»lf. Rt lb 8t II) Wcodnymph 8 2 Birßodlvero ..7 2 Ro«fi .. ..7 7 Nannie .. ..7 0 Cinderella ..7 0 Rovolver .. .. 610 Lionoss - 7 1 Vlotoria .. ..8 7 Kalo .. .. 7 S On her running at Onehunga, nothing roads bettor for this event than Cindkrklla, and as t-ho has boon doing well since then, I shall expect to see hor returnod tho winner. Tho daughter of Jav'lin will be ridden by llickoy ; iNiumio will have the assi&tance of George Williams, and Durston has boon engogod to rido Sir Bedivero.

Selling Steeplechase ; about 'A\ miles.

st. lb. st. lb Caoutchouc ..12 1 Reform .. .. 10 i Fairplay .. ..10 11 Albany .. .. 912 Comanoho ..10 11 ricoklosa .. .. » i Hawthorn ..10 11 Rebel Chief .. » 4 Jo 10 i Miafortuno .. 0 i Julia Ann.. .. 10 I

For this race, I like Reform and Misfor tune, tho former for choice. Epsom Platf, 5 furlongs.

This is the concluding event of the meeting, and as the remit is dependent on the other events of the programme, it would be use less attempting to pick the winner.

THE NEW VOLCANIC ISLAND AT TONGA.

Cai'tain Ross, of the Myrtle, reports :— " On the 28th October, at 6 p.m., I sighted an island where none could formerly be seen. I could eeo it 30 miles oft. It is about 700 foot high. It did not appear to be active. It ia tho tamo as reported by Cupt. Lane."

We believe that U every one wonld use Hop Bitters froely there would be much less sickness and misery in the world, and people are fast finding this out, whole families Hooping well at aitrititag cost by ita^use. We advise all to try It, Bead.

Russian Invasion of AUCKLAND.

CRUISER BLOWN OP BY TORPEDOES.

Brave Resistance of our Gallant Volunteers.

Desperate and Prolonged

Fighting.

[By tho Star Special War Correspondents.]

One good result of the periodical war " scares " in the colony has been the arousing of tho martial spirit in the populace and the placing of our dofenco forces in a state of preparedness to repel any foreign invader who might make a sudden descent upon our shores. Our harbour has been fortified by the erection of commanding batteries of artillery and by the equipment of a torpedo boat armed with those modern engines of destruction. Tho events of to-day have proved tho wisdom of those stops, and at tho same timo demonstrated the ability of our defenders to give a good account of an invading force. Our citizons have witnessed a little of the pomp and cii-cumstanco of glorious war, and our Volunteers Rifle, Navals, and Artillery—have proved their bravery and efficiency. Bellum, horridum ieto»,isatorriblethingtocontemplate,even in tho abstract; but when our hearths and homes are threatened, and whon fathers, husbands, and sons have to gird on their armß and go forth to the fatal conflict, tho hardships and cruelties of warfaro aro impressed on us with tenfold force. Yet war has its redeeming features, in that it makes mon rise abovo the sordid aitna of Hfo and develops in them that unsolfish devotion which is the root of all true heroism, So in an age of social and politi cal corruption, religious indifference, and gross commercial immorality, it may happen that war may prove tho striking of a deoper keynote to thrill men's hearts with a nobler passion. As the hero of Ten ! nyson'B " Maud " remarks : —

■'Forltruitif on enemy's fleet oame yondor, round by the hill, And the rushing battle-bolt sang from tho throe-decker out of tho foam, That the smooth-faced, enub-noacdrogne would leap from his counter and till, And strlie, if he could, were It but with his oheatlng yard-wand.homo 1"

Such has boon the experience to-day in our fair city of Auckland, when a carefully planned descent was made upon us by a Russian cruiser. By scores and hundreds our smcoth-facod city men loft their desks and money bags; labourers and artisans flung down their tools and took up woopons of defence; rough, boarded fanners came in from tho country on thoir stout-limbed steeds ; and from tho goldu'elds came troops of bronzed and hardy miners—all bent on the ono object of repelling tho common foe. When the news reached the city that a Russian cruiser was in sight, there was no wild alarm—no rushing about and mur muring with white lips, "The foe— they come—they como!" Sir Goorgo S. Whitmoro, a ooldior of triod courage and capacity, who well dosorvos the position he occupies of commander of the forces in New Zealand, took speedy steps to secure a full muster of the local Volunteers. In the early dawn the sound of busy preparation could bo hoard. " Aux arnica, citoyens !" war tho cry; and amid a suppressed oxcitoment that showed the deep and earnest determination of all to defend their lives and honour to tho death,

" Thu steed, The mustering squadron and tbo clattoriDg car, w ent ponrlng for * ard with lmpotuous upo d, And swiftly forming In tho ranks of war." Nor was tho martial ardour confined to the mole portion of tho population. From every dwelling in tho city and suburbs the womqn and children went forth to witness the docieivo strugglo, to encourage their husbands, lovers, fathers, sons, and friends to deeds of desperate valour, and thus assist in the diecomfituro of the foo.

How New Zealand came to bo invaded by a Russian cruiser at this particular time may never be fully explained. Tho most reasonable supposition is that tho Czar's advisors, bent upon securing poese»sion of Constantinople, had resolved upon provok ing a war with Turkey over the Roumelian queition, and in order to prevent English interference with their designs in that quarter, had arranged to divert attention by making an attack on this colony. Meanwhile the unexpected agreement of the Powers to hold a Conference at Constantinople had thwarted Russia's projects in European Turkey; but a swift cruiser having been despatched to invade New Zealand, it could not be recalled, and hence the attack came upon us totally unexpected, at a time when .European affairs seemed moving towards a peaceful settlement. It was but natural that tho attack should be made npon Auckland, which is not only tho largest and wealthiest city of New Zealand, but which offers peculiar temp tations to an enemy from the safe entrance to her splendid harbour. Thanks, however, to the warnings of the press and the patriotism of the people, tho attempt to seize and destroy our lovely city ended in tho repulse of the enemy with tremendous loss to them and everlasting glory to our Volunteers.

Partly through the energy of the Star literary staff, and'to some extent owing to a fortunate combination of circumstances, we aro enabled to give full details of the fighting, as witnessed by our special war correspondents attached to tho differont forces, and which will be found appendod.

THE FIGHTING AT NORTH SHORE.

(By Our War Special with Colonel Wbitmokk.)

North Head, 10 a.m.

The fateful day of the Battle of Auckland dawned in gloom upon city and Buburbs. Ere the first ruddy tints had streaked the celestial canvas of the East, I had leaped from my couch of eider down and propured to don my war paint. Having received strict orders to betake mysolf where tho strife would be [fiercest and the carnage bloodiest, I had resolved to strike for the North Shore. As I was insinuating my feet into my martial shoos, like the Scriptural war horeo, I sniffed tho battle from afar, and peering through the crepus cular light I perceived tiro reason in the fact that thognllant volunteer next door was out in his back-yard laboriously engaged in pipe claying; his waist-belt, while his bettor-half brushed his coat. As I bade a tearful adieu to my sorrowful wife and babes—perhaps to be deprived of their bread winner ere night —my conscience smote me, and I regretfully remembered that I had for gotten to take an insurance risk on my life Aghast at this intelligence, my wife adjured me to arm heavily, for the fray, and we accordingly skirmished around for weapons. As tho only ordnance, light or heavy, about the house was a stout eix-foet Fijian bow and quiver of arrows, I accepted these on tho principle of half a loaf being better than no bread. Thus rudely accoutred with the garni ture of war, I atrode out into the street with what I had been told was the proper military goosestep, and struck a bee-line for the wharf. Ab with dignified carriage I marched along I passed numbers of fugitives hampered with provisions and bearing all their finery upon them. Wrapped up in soldierly meditation, I heedod them not, nor wasted time in idle scrutiny of tho Volunteers whom I met on their way to various points of rendezvous. I merely did a Suiet chuckle over the reflection that if le Russians did come they would inset foemen worthy of their steel, and—not to exclude myself—prepared to do any amount of sharp shooting. On the Queen-street Wharf the Naval forces of the city were mustering in lines along the footpath, beyond the Waverley Hotel. With havresacs on shoulders and water-bottles on arms, some werebusily receiving their ammunition, and others wereloading their pieces. Anxious glances were cast at the Mount Victoria signal station, but so far " the Empire was peace." Tho petty officers exercised their men in platoon exercises, but at 7.40 a movement .vas made towards tho point of embarkation. It was the general opinion that the p.s. Britannia would ship the meu at the ordinary ferry tee for conveyance across the harbour, but after fours

had boon formed, tho head of the column, led by Captain Commandant Leßoy, wheeled round to the right and procooded up town ward. At the junction of Customs and Queonstrcot tho force passed tho arriving Ouehunga Naval Artillery,who doubled into position at tho rear. Tho Navals marched on down to the Railway Wharf, and without a mement's delay emburked upon the Hinemoa. It seems that the tramp of armed men upon his vessel's deck waa the first intimation that Captain Vairchild had of this shipment of Volunteers, and, rushing up the companion way with a mouthful of bread and butter, ho surveyed the scone- and accepted tho situation. Ho had not been asked );o use tho Hinomoa as a transport vessel, but was quite willing to oblige. Tho parado state of the Volunteers was as follows : - Auckland Naval Brigade, 70 mon under Captain Commandant Leßoy, Liouts. Parker, Smith, and Moore. Chap lain Hitchcock and Surgeon Walker were also in attendance, the latter haviDg with him a small boy bearing a largo packago of splints, bandages, and all sorts of medi cines—from curee for tho colly-wob bles to remedies for the tooth acho. Ponsonby Navals, Bome GO strong, under Captain Morpeth, Lieuts. Miller and McKenzie; Auckland Coast guards, about 50 strong, under Captain Inglis, Lieuts. Alderton and Keesing; Thames Navals, 50 strong, under Captain Wildman, Lieuts. Potts and Allom, and with fclon. Surgeon Payne in attendance; Onehunga Navals, about 70 strong, under Captain Hulse, Liouts. James and Frost, and with Surgeon Wm. Erson in attendance. Just as the final preparations were being made for a start, the startling fact that

"Some one had Blundered"

began to obtrude itself. Colonel Lyon, in full fig. and with his aide-de camp (Lieutenant Wainwright) and two cavalry orderlies behind, was observed cantering clown the wharf. As he ap proached, his face was aeen to wear a murderous loot, and ero he drew up at the vessel's side the electric storm broke forth. With quite unnecessary warmth ho demanded to know the why and whoreforc of the presence of the Navals on board the Hinomoa, and tho quiet answers ho received Eorved only to add fuel to the flame of his wrath. In imperious tonos and with curt language he bade the men return to the wharf, and hastened their move ments with impatient snorts of "Come, double up," "Don't bo so lazy," otc. Tho men obeyed, looking rather indignant, and the column was speedily re formed. Seeing this, the gallant Colonel and his retinuo ambled away again, and the blue jackets followed, feeling none the better for having been hectored at for no fault of their own. They took the shortest route for the North Shore ferry tee, where the Hon. Colonel Whitmore, arrayed in a staff officer's undress uniform, with gold shoulder-belt, cocked hat with white plumeß, and with the umpire's band of white cloth upon his right arm, was already awaiting them. Tho men were rapidly env barked upon the new and powerful forry steamer Britannia, after 46 of them, under Lioutonants Parker and McKenzie, had been told off to man the Harbour Board Bteam launch and three pinacos which she had in tow. As the steamer was casting off, the whisper was passed round,

"The Russian Cruiser is in Sight!"

A glance at the signal station explained all. It was covered with flags denoting the presence of a foreign and apparently hostile vessel inside Tiritiri. Our hearts swelled with hope and exultation, and the light of battle waa in each eye, including those of your special, who was engaged with the doctor in making sure that his arrows were duly poison-tipped. We were soon underweigh, closely followed by the detachment of 46 men iu the f.team launch and her three attendant pinnaces.

At tho North Shore.

Arrived at length at the North Shore wharf, tbo men disembarked with the ut most oxpedition and formed in line. Off the nlioro word end of tho wharf stood ranged in ex pectancy the Devenport Navals, 00 strong, under Captain Font on and Lieuts. Daoreand Gerrard, and attended by Hon. Surgeon Dr. Parkinson and Hon. Chaplain Rev. J. Bates, the latter gentleman being in ordi nary dress. Colonel Whitmore, with his orderly, wont on ahead, while the Navals, hooded by Captain Commandant Leßoy, followed in cloeo order four deop. The slumberous inhabitants of the marine suburb did not seem to fully compre hend the gravity of the situation, for the few who were passed wero either care le-sly lounging upon the verandahs or else stolidly weeding their garden fronts. All, however, were not indifferenl, for a large crowd—affrighted fugitives evidently—was massed upon the summit of Mount Victoria like Hies upon a treacle-pot. Neither shout of encouragement nor cheer of enthusiasm greeted us as we marched round Devonport, and striking inland, began to thread our way along the path that winds from the base of the North Head to the batteries. Everyono, it soomed, was watching in fear and trembling tho approach of tho hostile cruiser, and as we mounted the hill we also descried her. Prom her main there floated a v.'hite flag with a dull patch in the centre, which those with field glasees assured us, after a careful scrutiny, was the double headed eagle of Russia. Later on they declared her to be

Tbo Heavily-armoured Frigate HlnomoJf

in charge of the fire eating • Captain Fair childoffsky, the scourge of the South Seas. We were met at the approach to the parapets by Major Boddam and Cap tain Mareden, A.C., while the hill was studded over with Armed Constabu lary men, some of whom—and especially one guarding the entrance to Fort Cautley— displayed an uncalled-for degree of officious ness. Under directions from Major Bod ham, ten men wors at once drafted off to each of tho four guns that form tho battery, and the main body were to line the parapets and tho covered ways in front. The Onehunga Navals marched further up the hill, and entering Fort Caut ley, passed through to the cleared Bpace at the summit. Here also assembled Colonel Wbitmore and his staff, which consisted of Hon. Captain Carl Schmitt, and others, who were aide-de-camps, and likewise acted as assistant umpires. Major Bodham and Cap . tain Commandant Leßoy, with some of his officers converged to the same point, and the Volunteers having piled arms, sprang out upon the lofty encampment altogether heedless of their personal safety. There were also present as highly interested spec tators a number of officers in mufti, namely, Major Swicdley, late of the A.C. force; Major Pitt, formerly of the 60th Rifles; Captain Daveney, formerly of the Ennis killen Dragcons; and Major Crowe, of the Wellington Riflo Volunteer Battalion. Opening of the Bombardment. The Ruesian cruiser came slowly up to tho Rangitota reef, and just as she passed it at 9 50 the A.C. bugler standing on tho summit of the Head sounded the order to open lire. At once the battery responded with a reverberatinp eolo whoee echoeß died away on hangitoto. The audacious Russian Heemingly was not hurt by the dis charge, for lie held on the even tenor of hie way, and as he did so he vigorously re turned tho firo from the shore. As he got beyond the reef ho made a very free übo of the Hotchkiss gun at the bow pf his vessel. So rapid, indeed, was his firing, that it frequontly seemed as if two guns wero simultaneously fired from tho bows. Ho also kept potting away with tho 12-pounder at his stern. The guns of the North Head battery consist of three 7-ton Hotchkiss guns and a C4 poundor, the latter being on the Devonport side, just within tho har bour. Two of tho guns of heaviest calibre roplied with interest to tho Russian?, who appeared to be hugging as closely as possible tho opposite shore. To tho surprise of the umpires, he did not attompt to como in closer to tho North Head, and attempt undor a full head of stoam to run the blockade. On the con travy, he creptjalong under very easy steam, and filing away with groat rapidity, parti cularly with his Hotchkife. The rapidity of bis firing culminated when at a distance of about 3,000 yards, but, happily enough, his marksmen had not got the range pro perly, and very little execution was done to our earthworks. At this stage the bom bardment was exceedingly lively, the battery guns firing in rapid and regular succession, and tho enemy stoutly giving blow for blow. Suddenly tho Rus sian's firo slackenod, and then ceased. He was now nearly opposite the summit of the Head, and finding that ho was in rather too hot quarters, he headed in close to Rangitoto. Between him and tho fort was the raft, which; we were informed, was also a Russian voesol, and which it was hoped to blow up by means of the submarine torpedoes. Surprise ■ now began to be expressed at the dila toriness of Point Resolution in opening up fire, but. tho explanation seemed to be that the Hinemoff had not yet come within sight there. Fears were beginning to be exchanged that the enemy mipht manage after all to sneak paßt, when he eased off his pace as if to stand still further out in the channel. At this time an excursion steamer was lying some distance in front of him, and a sailing vessel was speeding past his quarter at a sharp angle. All this time he had offered

a good broadside to H, o battery, and they ■ practice upon hifn. l t ««^ ton gun oftbo fort wafL D ?°Js& and proceeded to give «,Og^i»wA, roused theenemjVtt^fcqijT bardment raged 4t ttdS&^tJ', A Russian Veaaai t» of.the Torpedo Corps were !■'ail(l 8 «tei ; on tho beach-waitL fa fJW *$? Russians seemed to feel ff Ev<»s » due event. There ,fe ft f> 4 pectancy, during which aUtL their rude clamour, ftnd Z **•«& gaze of the thousands of eyfe^ a huge column of water rosfm ; qpiH into tho air until it towemZ^l^' as Bangitoto on our lino nf ?.*• h>W seemed to pause for a»L,^.l gigantic fountain at this heiX ', I began to slowly subride nnt&^l' in showers of spray. The Sw veeeel had disappeared. W .** hftod, iwe discerned. with S,l*i» subsided u turbid commotion w fe*« by the wreckage strewn awwdttJff*" over with one of outTL.'^ Colonel Whitmore wa s^lSl» complete success of the ow*-* 4 tt» a single hitch having »s£">* vigorous discharge from PohtS,,* now turned all eyes in that dL«?Wlnt£l* t was seen that tVHinemofffe W. in Bight there, and was meetinfe with? > reception. Shortly afterward Wl» on the North Head soTndodttiiS* ccaso firing, and the 0 Batterv n^iffi * at Point Resolution i^wKigft* combat. The cannonade hadiH.T 8 upon the Russian, and rendfe^ cautious by the teribleSSft panion, he replied but feebly, andbW^;! out of range, j ■"aua^tlil A Change of Tactic* w Th? re. being no further ne6d V Naval Artillery forces, the Cl* formed and. muohed down the hSS the boats at the Devonport Whirf «z' of the gallant tars, on £^2 to stand easy,' charged foVtEe J3 pub. in order to refre ß h the inner bS something more Btimulatiogthiitil? tonts of their water-bottles. Coffin? more, his staff, and your ipeclalffi the ferry steamer for the £.»H Navals embarkei upon the ateam bwfiii? Diamond, the harbotir launch, andSS' pinnaces for conveyance to theHinmiT 1 A Parting Cannonad*.1 ?li The Russian, at this time, wia rtaifc rathercloseinahore,andtheß4.ponidr»S had not yet been brought into aotioS fired upon them, apparently iuntinoK clear the gun. Captain FairchfldoS however, accepted it as a rehe»ar o f2, bombardment, and protnpUy. returnd S! lire. Nothing loth, the gonnen Z manned the 64 pounder took apthecnarpj and pounded nway quite merrily *, duel lasted only a short time, .and fa C was wrought on either side. : <... ; OasualUea. Our own casualties wore singularly tai consisting aa they did merely pj i'mml of voidcess in the gaßtronomicalrojua and a bad attack of toothache ontSatartnl Hon. Captain Schmitt. Thftjenernjl™. ever, suffered dreadfully, for notonl;^ one vessel blown to smithereenß, but ifo othor must havo been well' rMsj with our shot, He ,was. a/plto and persistent foe, however, .fa as I returned to town he was takjngpiiliji Naval Artillery forces, and shaping fir (Is Taiiißki—doubtlesa with the into tion of effecting a landing therein possible, Anticipating thisfinove,Cri!»«J Wbitmore bad a hasty luncheon in topi and theu left to joia the infantry «i cavalry forces, which are reli&d On tt>m& this attempted invasion by land. '

OUR BRAVE DEPENDED AT PARNELL.

■ (By Oub Wab Speoiai»):-■' Fort Resolutioh,. 10.20 un. The residents of the " aristocratic mbarb" were byno means lacking inpatrioSoiritmi and turned out in force to ropulsotowtuy. At 8 a.m. the 0 Battery, ooneistiigoifj rank and file, 1 , Bergeaht-MiijiSfiMd I Sergeants, under the command of Capt Whitley, Lieuts. Seymour. : Ge?p):.wl Wastneys, fell in after prelimlnar; ffl, Two gun detachments were told off to mas the battery, the remainder'atiinfu tip ports. All being in readiness to give ttebsi warm reception, the warriors nwpifatal impatience in the period of inac&orjMii suspense that ensued. The captain k« placed ono of his lieutenaate—Mr S, I, George—in a commanding position,.umed with a powerful glase, and from timSloti* he gave reports in the Btyle of ''totoiij" as to whether he aaw anyone coming. At list he passed the alarm—"A-KnEßUncrtiw in sight," and immediately all wM-e* ment and activity. At. ten':o'clock, tli hostile cruiser showed her ntwronratti North- Head, and the gana■ i dpe&sd lire. Shortly afterwards me deatrncft) torpedo seemed to have done its dntyin the channsl. Again the cruiser bon.don, attempting still to run tiie: but it was of no avail, as .the fort, kept up a hot cannonado, Wore which the enemy discreetly retired; ''Adetactai being left to "hold the fort," theniftM fell in, formed fours, and inardwa ; ii> Orakei, to prevent any of the enemy's eta® launches or boats from making a W attack on that side. A kige crow.« spectators witnessed tho defenceffflJßW fort, and admired tho gallantry of &> Volunteers, .

ON BOARD THE RUSSIA CRUISER

(By our War Specials ran ih» Ew^

Croisek Hikbmoft, 9.30 in-

Your specials are safe on SkJ'P' bably being suspldouß-looMne,cgWW| are under strict surveillance.• ourlocationthatwe hava pb^fJjjSE tions to the letter, to board W Russian cruiser .at.- »". IT™ How wo Buccoeded in carrymK. o<W orders, we shall explain for the edjfe» of your readers. Armed -wfeSffiSt and pencils, and aewmparied by. W*' baskets of reliable carrier p!gw%]£s sail from tho wharf in the S*tt'Wg* Despatch. We had our livw fcS^gS"?/ as the safest repositoryin ff P^St: and were determined to "foJ^Jz, for our bleeding country, ;,»/■> .^S as the '<doing and dj*w* f «*"£ very much personal risk. -An «S : : ing carried us beyond the t6wetß.g,««: thi formidable Fort Cautley, JPM-fc pardonable misgivings wo P^SL f on our perilous couwe.vAjp«. Kangitoto, we descried in ;a.e.#«W,i low and rakish outlines 01*3<% looking wsr-sloop uhte^Jft^f hearts fluttered at the ■****£££. and one to the minute, and ■<*£%£. ardour oozed oat at our *««&&»■■ made its presence felt mcrar^^, involuntary beloved Auckland, : B»t B rfenW^ duty impelled "B' on»Bf^v*SW questionable courage *A*%g£m. and that the readers of^J^7m» upon their ever faithful «!#*£ £,*.. fullest, truest, and moat P»>fflg^;.: qf all that was. happening. ■J'gZgfai wo wont, and, in the words of the W Tennyson, ventured boldly -: ••Into the i«w<A£K?i Into tho month of . i,U, Well, STAU Bp eei ß ls n ev^u»eglS under any circumstances. j*> . approached the h^.'SSSr(»*».• decks were observed Jo "W^ajf: with blue jackets, whUe »Jg£&r of officers stood on ! obeervations. - Now *« ?!sfcg(«i« the display of our «"£«*J^ &M. uprightin the sterwheete, %&%&s*■ ■ stentorian tones that we "* $R:« fetch from the receeaw "JZjpjag called upon the W»J**Ss*# to be the Hinemoft.to.^^Mir name of the Stab. But *»*"g** mander, who didn VP«fJ&* to submit to bounce, d»dB« f^ggoffl in tho same light. and'"JKTfeS, eye our boat, and our comimwr pigeons, and W^JZ&J Sat of the wator ■ JV ' gi R antic grapnels, and we Amount the **%,•■ J Of course, ««S"?flSl; wnr.and were legated to»^ :1 p a **;■■ fitted with an MWfi'W**■*£■ through which we could^^og pened, asd, at tbe.same m stwvsgggte retain them. **"& and consenting to IWW^j..,!^!"-■ of raw pigeon, we bad *»ir

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAB, MONDAY. NOVEMBER 9 1886,



it. Michael jlonesn fin press .. tfomeois

.. 8 11* Petroleum.. ..89 Scot Free .. ..89 Reproach .. ..8 9 Rlohochet ..

BMO. ..' 7 7 .. 7 i ..7 2 ..7 2



QNLY O ]^|ORE OS1 . I. ALEXANDER'S JEWELLERY SALE. The SHOP has to be HANDED OVER to MB HOWDEN by the END OP THE MONTH, ana almost ANY PRICK WILL BB TAKEN for Goadß to EFFECT A CLEARANCE.