SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER.

Auci_la_ o — This evening, 9.7; to-morrow Worning. 9.26. Manukau Heads-This evening, 11.27; to morrow morning, 11.IS. Kaipara Heads — To-raorrow morning, 0.27; to-morrow afternoon, 0....

SUNSET.-Thls ovoning, 5.23. HUNH3E.—To-morrow morning. 0.33. MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter, 22nd, 10.59 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Oceols, brigantine. Bezor, from Oamana Fawn, cutter, Collings, from Yavau

DEPARTURES.

-AST EVENING. WaiUki, s.s., Crawford, Sor Whangarei Macgregor, s.s., Johnson, fo;- Whangarei Clansman. s.s.. Farquhar, for Tauranga Magellan Cloud, brigantine. fr_ Kaipara Wellington, s.s , Stephenson, for Whangarei

IMPORTS.

Per Occoi-- from Oaninru:—2,4o!) sa-Itsoats, 210 sacks wheat, 210 sacks flour, 195 sack, bran, SO Fucka oatmeal-.

Por Sandfly, from Tsnga: 7G bunches bant-nns. Per Fftwa,- from Vavau-100,000 oranges, LOAD cocoanuts.

Tho Sandfly loft I'onga On tho 10th inst,.nt 3.F0 p.m., with a niod.-Ste breeze, freshening from E.S.E., with heavy sea and unsettled v. bather, which continued till arrival. Sighted Cape Urott at 1 p.m. on tho IC-lb-, and arrived in hnr-our Inst ovoning. Passengers: Mr and Mrs Mat.howa end ch'ld.

Operations on tho wrook of thy Thomas Russell aro processing satisfactorily. All tho cargo has boen lan(T*d. aud workmen art now engaged in dismantling tho vessel.

Tho schooner Mailo a__vod at1 Tongs, from this port, on April "th.

Tho brigantine Ocoola arrived from Oamarit last ovcnlng, aftor an uneven..tub passago of 8 days.

The following of tho Unioi. Company s steamers nvo duo to arrive noxt weak: Hingn rooma, at Onelmngn, from Southorn ports, about noon on Sunday, Waihora. from Molbourno, yfa Southern ports, Monday, 10 a.m.; To Anau, from Sydney,- Tuesday, early; Taupo, from Southern ports,- T_ure_»r.

Tho cutter Fawn arrived from Vavau at 530 p.m. yesterday.. She sailed on April 5, and hnd very strong weathei' throughout the passago, being nearly all tho timo underwater. Parti cular- of her cruise sinco leaving Auckland 9 months ago appear'in another column.

Tho s.s. Wellington will return from W hanga rei about 11 o'clock tonight, tho as. Clansman from Tauranga about 1 a.m. on Sunday, and tho as. lono from Mercury Bay during Sunday mofniug.

THE COPTIC.

P.IUTICULAHS OK THE VOYAGE,

Tho n.s. Coptlti was berthed ati Queonst.et. t Wharf at live o'clock last oveninj?. and hor pas- - seniors having boon Inspected bj Dr. Philßon. Health Officor, tho ship was proaen.ed with a " jjloan bill." Tho voyago has boon a mast un- OTcntf»l one. There has been no slo_ne3S on board, but tho number of passongors was in creased by M_r Weaver, ono of tho Auckland steerage passongc.s,. giving birth to a c_lld. The timo was utiliseu is the usual routine 9. concorts and other omu'scmentti of a varied character, and fortunately i.O- mishaps of any kind require to bo chronicled, -ho Coptic being in all important rospeots simile, .to the lonic and Doric, which are well known hero, it would be useless to occupy space in giving aDy longthy dosoription of tho vessel. Sho 1b replete with every necessity for tho convenience of a largo number of passengers, and is in a scri-pu loußly oleau condition, which rollects groat credit upon nil concerned. List or Officers. Tho following is a list of tho CoDlio's officers: -Commander, Captain W. 11. Kidley; Chief Ofllccr, Mr J. Lawson: Second Officer, Mi C. H. Kempson; Third Officer. Mr W. H. Patter son: Fourth Officer, Sir W. Cumming; Purser, Mr vV. J. Kae ; Surgeon, Dr. A. Cottoro; Chloi Knjjineor, Mr A. Morrison ; Second Kngincor, Mr W. Wright; Third Kngincor. Mr J. Mac gregor; Fourth Kngincor, Mr C. M. Thorn; Chiof Refrigerating Knginoer, Mr J. W. Peas cod ; Chi'.f steward, Mr Frost. ABSTRACT OF LOG. Tho Coptic loft tho Royal Albert Docks at 10 a.m. on February tho 26th, and arrived at Plymouth on tho 23th, at 2.21 a in. Sailed from Plymouth at 11.20 o.m, and arrlveS at Tenerilib nt 1.-3 p.m. on March 5. Sailed again at 330 p.m. on tho 6th, and had Capo Verde abeam at 11 p.m. on the Bth. Arrived at Cape To\vn on the 22nd, at 10.12 a.m.. and left again at 5.10' p.m. samo day. Sighted Kergulon Land at 7.30 a.m. on the 31st, and arrived at Hobart at 1 52 a.m on April 11. Left Hobart at 6 p.m. on tho same day, and arrived here at S p.m. on tho 17th inst. Tho total distance run was 13,021 mllos. Th. best day's run was 310 miles; tho worst, 188 miles. The time occupied on tho passage was as follows:—From Plymouth to Auckland, 48 days 5 hour.. less detention at Toncrilfe, Cape Tov/n, and Hobart, 1 day 10 hours 10 minutes : actual Btenmtng time, 16 days 11 hours SO minutea Moderate weather urovalled during the greater part of the voyago. PAS-E^GERS. The passengers are booked as follow:—For Auckland: 1 saloon, 8 Eocond-cluss, and 25 steer ago. Canterbury : 1 f>aloou, 7 second class, and 11 steerage. Otago: 1 saloon and if steerage. Wellington: 8 eecond class and 22 steerage. Nelson : 1 saloon. Napier: 5 steerage. Total: Saloon, 6; second-cUss, 21; stccrago, 77—106. Besides these tho Coptic left aboutsopassengers at Hobart Tho following aro for this port :— Saloon; Mr S. Neols. Sir Wm. McCandlish, liovs. Scolt aud Mitchell. Second cabin: Mossrs Geo. Marshall, Chas. Nottleship, Henry Meyer. It, F. Fltcb, Samuel Seaward. Henry Nowoli, and Ml_b*bS. Wilson and P.Wilson. Steerage: Mrs Weaver and infant, Henry, Janjes, and Linda Weaver, James and KUen Cro'a'3, Jas. Dykes, Jas. Grove.Mra Grove, Mary, Nellie aud Willie Grove. William Penny. Henry Johns, AY". T. Iforr, Chas. Stewart, John Sutton, W. K. Kudd, Thos. Hodson. Alice, Israel. Vort, Agnes and Charlie Hudson. Tho Coptio has altogether about 2,500 tons of cargo, of which about 700 tons is for this port. She commenced discharging at 6 a m. tbia nicfniag,- and eho is expected to leavo for Wellington about: noon on Tuesday next. Captain J. Ncari-ij- lifts been appointed stevedore.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Oairloch, s.s., McArthur, from Waitara Rowcna, s,s„ Norbury. from Hokiunga

DEPARTURES.

GiSirloch, 8.5,, MoArlhur, for Waitara

Tho Northern Company's s.s. Howona arrived from Hokiangi'at 9 o'clock this morr ing.

Tho Northern Cotapepy's sa. Gairloch ar rived from Waitara at 2 o'olook tbia morning, Sho returned thither at 3 o'clock.

The Union Co.'s s.s. Ringnrooma ~ dno from tho South at 11 o'clock to-morrow morning.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

Port Albert, this dar.-The s.s. Kawathl, with baulk timber, left this morning for Dune din.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Stab Office, this day. Messrs CJBBftrtisAJfDTArLOßheld their usual Friday's sale ot poultry, produce, etc., yester day. Thore was a good attendance of buyers, and fair business was done. They report as follows:—Poultry: Brahma fowls, Is 2d each; young leghorns, 3s; langshans, la 2d to Is sd; black Spanish (young), 3s 2d; fat fowls, Is 9d to 2s 3d:■ young fat fowls, Is 3d to Is fld; ducks, Is lid to 2s id; tarfeeya, 3s fld ; pisra (young), 7s 6d; tfabbtts, Is; canaries, 5b te 8s 6d. Fruit: Apples flocal). Id to Ud per lb; Hobart apples, ss, 6s 6d, to 7b 6d por ease; pears, Id and ljd per lb. Pro duco: Potatoes, 2s 6d to 3s 6d; onions, Id and l.d; pumpkins, 5s (Sd per owt; turnips, 2s; wheat. 2s fld per bushel; oats, 2s 9d; bran, 5s por 1001b; sharps, 5s Ud per 1001b. Groceries: Tea, Is 4d to Is fld per lb; tea (in boxes), 15s; sugar, 2jd to3'd; flour (best), £lt per ton; oat meal, lis per 1001b: rice, 2Jd; starch, 3d; candles, Sd to Old; biscuits, sd; kerosene, Is 8d per gallon; soap, 8b 6d per box; pickles, Is per doz.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

_____ war. Olosb m p_n>_R— Tbs Day. For Port Fltzroy. Tin**-*, and Wangapara* para, perJona, at 7 a.n_ For Coromandel. per Coromandel. at 11,30 a.m. For Waitara, etc., per Oretf.at 1 P-m. For Thames, per Botom_b__a, at _ am,, For Russell. Kakakawa. Herd'si Point.Wanga roa nnd Mongonui. P« WeiUngton. at 6 p^o. i For Tauranga, Botorua, and OpotlkJ, pier JFoWSISWri MdKalwaka, per Ruby. a. 5 i P,m* TUESDAY, Hth inst. For Waiwera, Kawan, Omalia, andMatakasa, vet Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For T-ranald. Wellington, and Southern porta, pe_ Bibgaromna, at 11 a-m. For Gr»ymoutli. per Herald, at 3 p.m. For Raretfonsta. per Ada C. Owen, at * p.m. For Samoa, per Myrtle, at 5 pjn. Per Waihora, as follows:- For India, Chltfrt, Japan. Mediterranean Ports, a_aCont_»_.pfK_repe,at3p.m. For BusseMt-Kavakawa, Australian Colo nieß, and United __iegdom, via Suoz and Brin disl or Naples, per Orient boat, for letters. etc.. specially w prepaid and addressed, at 4 PFor money orata. registered letters, and newspapers, at 3 p_». Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne only 3$ 4.20 p.m. Mail will bo due Jr. .London on Tuesday, 9th Fo_ Whitlangi, Upper Will, and Tairua, per ForW-ansSrS Heads, F-arna,Waipu. Whan garel. Kamo, and Mangapai. per Maogregor orWaitaki, at 5 p.m. TD_soAY.2Btl.lnst. Per s.b. Zealandla as follows !•- __,__, . For Navigator Islands, aindwloh Islands. United States ot America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and Santo America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m For United Hug-am and Continent ot Europe,at 1 p.m. ._. Money orders, registered letters and news papers, at 11.30 _.m. Late letters, bearing o_ extra too olsix pence ia addition to the postage, will he received by tho Man Agent on board t_e iteamor up to the time of sailing. This maU will ber due in London on Sat ar day, June S, 1880. 8. B. 8188. CMol Postmaster Ohio! Post-oflloe. Auokland.

Meetings. Entertainments, Etc.

April 18,188!". Opera House-Miss De Grey and English Company," Sho Stoops to Conquer," 8 p.m. . Theatro Royal—" Fun on the Bristol," Bp.m. Choral Hall-Society of Arts Exhibition. V.M.C.A.—Devotional Meeting, 7.30 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

- WAGES —The three placed horses in the Hurdle Race the year Welcome Jack won the Auek , land Cup (1882) were as follow:-Canard, list 101b, I; New Year. 10stl21b, 2; Clarence, 12st j _b,3. ' J.B. (Newton).-Chandler received third money , in the recent Steeplechase; therefore, it you backed him against Director without any pro viso, you win the wager. -

Births.

ROSSER-Ofl April 14th, at Crummer Road. Surrey Hills, the wife of John Rosser of a daughter. S_NNI.-On April 15, at her residence, the wife of Mr M. Senni of a soa.- WOOLLA.MS.-On April 11, at her residence. Vincent-street, the wife Ol A. Woollame Of a danghtor."

Deaths.

K-ETCHER-On April is, at ne/ resiaoinw, Wynvard-treet, Sarah, rehot of l_e late W. F. Fletcher, of Mongonui; aged 80 years. FLATMAN.-On April 18th, at her reridenee, Onehunga, Ann Flatraan. ,___ The funeral will leave her late residence, to-morrow, Sunday, the 19th, at. past 3 o'clock. Friends please accept this invitation. VAUGE-_N.-OnAprU 17,1885,8. his resideoca, Manuka- Road- VtxoxiX, Wilflain Vaughan.; " ." ia __aet_!'wl-!<''iY-__! late«el&_tce 02 . bunday, at3p.m. -Meads vri_ please __»j* this invitation. ■an-i T T AMSON.—On April 18th, at her parents this invitation. I

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 1885.

for the cause that looks assistance, For the wrong that noeds l-oslstaßO* For tbe future in the distance. And tbe -*od that we can do.

An undofincd danger is always more terrify, ing than ono which is known nnd definite, honco there is somo oxcuao for the somi panic which provails in some parts of tho colony bocauso of tho possibility of a Rus sian cruiser making a descent upon our shores. A few dayß ago wo had tho alarm that a strange man-of-war hud boon seen at tho entrance to Cook's Strait, and today tho report is that a largo stcamor, evidently a stranger, has boon sighted in tho Bay of Plenty. When tho air is thick with rumours of war these reports havo a vory disquioting oilbct. Dospito the contradictious of tlio Russian Consul at Molbourno (which only make tho affair look more suspicious), it is clear that Russian war-ships havo recently boon at Colombo and tho Capo. "What's in tho wind?" asks tho "Natal Morcury" of January 20. "Tho Russian corvette Sko beloff arrived at Cape Town yesterday, making thrco mon-of-war of that nation at presont in port. Two more Russian cor vettes are shortly expected, and ' Das Cap land ' has authority to stato that tho har bour authorities havo beon notified of tho expocted arrival here of a fleet of nino Russian mon-of-war," It is plain that somo of those "expected arrivals" had takon place, for six Russian war-ships sailed from the Capo in February, and might easily havo reached New Zoaland by this time.

But what is more to tho point is to boar in mind that, until war is declared, thoro is nothing to bo foared from hostile cruisors. Nay, further, until tho Russian com manders know that war has boon declared, they daro not attack our commerce or ports, so that wo may consider ourselves absolutely safe for nt least sovoral wooks after tho actual outbreak of war. The alarm gonor ated by roports of strango vessels being sighted is theroforo most irrational, Vory likoly tho vessels soon will provo to bo quito familiar craft, distorted into strange guise by the oxcitod feelings of the beholders. If a man-of-war should bo sighted on tho coast, tho natural thing to oxpoct would bo to find it a British war ship looking after our safoty. H.M.S. Espiogle left Sydney about tho beginning of tho present month for a destination not disclosod, and as a full stock of shot und shell wus laid in prior to sailing, it is oxtromoly probable that sho had boen despatehod on a cruise in Pacific waters. This sudden doparturo was in rosponso to v telegram from tho Com mander-in-Chief at Molbourno, and it was reported that all the warships in Sydney harbour had received telegraphic orders to holdlhemsolvcs propared forany oniorgoncy. Theso orders have an undoubted connection with the threatened outbreak of hostilities botweon between England and Russia, and they provo that so far from thoir boing any ground for alarm, theso colonios may rost assured that thoirsafoty from hostile cruisors will bo carefully maintained, nnd that "the mistress of tho seas " will not allow hor prestige to suffor through lack of watchful ness, even in those lono and distant waters, Several of tho largo passenger liners to theso colonies, including the Now Zoaland Shipping Company's Raikoura, and tho Coptic now in port, are to be armed as cruisers, and though war should unhappily result from the presont Afghan compbea tions, colonists need indulge no vaguo fears of danger, though they may prepare thom selves to offer a oruvo resistance to any that may threaten.

ARMING FAST CRUISERS.

Charter of tho Coptic and Kalkoura.

The steamship Coptic, which is now in harbour, has been chartered by the Imperial Government as a fast cruiser for tho Now Zealand coast. Arrangements aro now being made to avoid sending her on tho homeward voyago Sho will tow tho ship Northumberland to Napier to tako in a cargo of frozen meat which is now ready at that port, and tho cargo which was to havo followed in tho Northumberland will be put aboard the ship Lyttelton and Steamship Arawa. The Coptic will go from here to Wellington with original cargo, and will then bo at onco fitted up for hor new sorvico. Sho may for this purpose have to go to Australia. Some difficulty has, wo bcliovo, arison with respect to cargo that had boon taken for the homeward voyage, but we feci sure that, in view of tho urgency of tho service, shippers will bo patriotic enough to meet the agents in a friendly spirit, and concur in any arrangements that are found to be necessary owing to the Coptic's withdrawal from tho direct sorvico to London. Tho vessol had already begun to ship gum, and over 100 cases wore lying ready on tho wharf, but in consequence of tho altered arrange ments these will not now bo put aboard. The Coptic is a now vessel, nnd is built of mild steel, tho ductile quality of which insures tho maximum of strength and durability. Her dimensions aro :—Length, 430 feet; breadth, 42 fcot; depth, 24 feet; and tho gross rogister ton nage 4,363 tons. She has two doublo cyhndered ongincs of 450 horse-power. Sho has eight water-tight compnrtmonts upon a system which has boon adopted in lI.M. Navy, The N.Z. Shipping Company's Kaikoura, now on a voyoge to the colony, has also, we learn, been taken by the Admiralty as a war cruiser. This vessel is also divided into eight watertight compartments, five of which are carried up to tho spar deck, with fire-proof and watertight doors. Sho is entered on tho Admiralty list us a transport of the highest class. She is built entirely of steel. The princi pal dimensions of the vessol are as follows: Length, between perpendiculars, 420 feet -, length overall, 451 feet; breadth, 46 feet; depth, 33 fcot 4 incbos ; with a gross ton nage of 4,650 tons. The engines indicate about 4,000 horse-power, and hor remark able speed has already been put to the test on her maiden voyage.

Latest despatches from London this after noon announce that the belief in _ peacoful settlement of the Anglo-Russian difficulty is increasing. British war preparations nevertheless continue on a scale that conj veyp no assurance of peace. General Komaroffhas reported to his Government that the Afghans have evacuated all the frontier posts, but that his troops remain stationary.

We are informed, with respect to tho dis cussion in the City Council on tho tramway question, that what really was intended by tho minority in the division on the last amendment was to oppose it as unnecessary. Soveral members who wero in favour of Mr Montague's resolution voted against the amendment, believing that tho original motion would thon bo put aud carried. Tho effect -of the adoption of the amend ment, however, was to mako members of the Council who appreciate the value of the tramway.and would vote for a concession to put a double lino throughout tbe whole western district if the Tramway Company could be induced to apply for it, appear as if opposed to the necessary duplications which have actually been asked for. While publishing this explanation, we feel bound to add that the Tramway Company's appli cation for permission to improve their linos, although it commends itself to tho com mon-senso and approval of ninety-nine out of every hundred ratepayers, has encountered very extraordinary obstruction in the Council. When the application was first brought forward, the objection was taken that it might involve breaking up the roads in winter, yet the Council have wasted a fortnight of fine weather in petty objections and objectless delays, and have now left the promised approval hedged with co many " ifs" and " buts" that no one can say positively what theeffeot of thoir resolu tion is.

Another cargo of oranges, 100,000, arrived from Vavau yesterday afternoon by the cutter Fawn. The orange crop there is reported to be unusually success ful, the trees being quite unable to bear their enormous loads of fruit, which is rot ting in large quantities.

Woodyear _ Electric Circus completes its season at Waitara to day, and leaving that place to-morrow, will arrive in the Manukau 011 Monday morning, The opening will uofc taie place u_til Tuesday -febt, the time ia the interval being required for the erection and seating of the large marquee, which ia expected to accommodate 5,000 spectators. The circus will be located ota the reclaimed land alongside the new railway station, the entrance being from Qa.en-Bt.eet.

As a reply to tho letter from the Chair man of tho Chamber of Commorco ra tho action of tho Traffic Manager of tho Auck land Railway in declining to run trainß to tho Volunteer Encanipmont at Papatoitoi during tho Easter holidays, a copy of tho following memorandum, sont by Mr Maxwell to the Minister of Public Works, has been sent to tho Chamber .- — " It would havo boon vory dosirablo to have run excursions ta tho camp on Easter Mon day as was requested, and tho District Traffic Manager would have dono so had thore heon cnginos, stall, and stock enough, Owing, howovor, to the raco tratlic, ovory engine, carriago.and covered waggon was fully occupied, and to carry out the work many of tho staff were on duty 20 I hours. The Govornmont has recently ex ponded £25,000 in additional engine and carriago stock, but it would require a very largo additional expenditure to make provision for such exceptional services as were demanded on Easter Monday. . .

Tho Govornmont has never yot seen its way to incur the hoavy outlay which would bo necessary to moot contingencies such as that arising at Faster, which porhaps only occur once a year, for which tho appliances availablo arc Insufficient."

Stoward, tho victim of tho Customs-street fracax, is progressing favourably at tho Hospital.

A paragraph in our issue of yesterday drew attention to tho practice of blasting at tho cutting-down works in tho vicinity of tho harbour, which was causing somo alarm in town. Wo arc desired to stato that Mr Maguiro, tho contractor for cutting down Point Britomart, has not tired any shots for soveral weeks, and tho loud reports coming from that direction aro caused by dynamite explosions in connection with tho deepen ing of tho harbour at tho Railway Wharf.

Tho passage of tho steamship Coptic from Plymouth to this port was a most unevent ful ono, as will bo soon from particulars which appear in another column, for which wo aro indebted to Mr J. Roe, purser. Ex clusive of detentions, tho trip hus occupied slightly ovor 4C_ days. Tho passengers are all in good health. Tho total number is 100, of which 37 disombark at this port, whilst tho others go South during noxt weok. The Coptic brings cargo for all tho principal ports of Now /.oaland, and aftor discharging hero sho will proceed South early noxt weok.

Tho sitting of tho Polico Court to-day was a brief ono. Two drunkards paid tho penalty of thoir indiscretion, whilo Sarah Home, who admitted tho uso of obscono languago in Queon-troct, and also ploadod guilty to tho damaging tho door of tho polico cell in which sho was confined, was rewarded with a sontonco of three months with hard labour. It appeared from tho sergeant's statement that tho pro mising Sarah was creating v row out sido tho Clarendon whilo in nn clovatcd condition, nnd seoing two "elorgynicn approaching, sho grooted tho cloth with a torrent of profanity und obscenity which shocked tho oirs even of the constable who arrested hor. Michael Kelly) was charged with tho larceny of un umbrella, brass bolt, and key, and a door key, tho proporty of Goorgo Dennis. It was stated that prisoner bail committed tho offence whilo Buffering from tho effocts of liquor upon a weak intellect. Mr Dennis did not wish to press tho charge, and it was there fore withdrawn. John Edmund Friend did not appear on a chargo of failing to con tribute towards tbo support of his children. Tho Bench was occupied by Mr 11. G. Soth Smith, R.M.

Tho crickot sonson in Auckland prac tically concluded this afternoon. Thoro wore also sovoral football practico matches in progress in tho Domain.

A woll-attendod concert was given lust evening in tho St. Sopulchro's School-room by tho Parish Gleo Club. Several oxcollont part songs and glooß wore sung by about thirty voices, undor tho directorship of Mr Vincont E. Rico, who also accompanied tho lady singors. Tho following progranimo was satisfactorily realised :—Pianoforte duet; gloo, " Love Mo Littlo, Lovo Mo Long;" song, "Tho Angol at tho Window," Miss Ball; recitation, " Tho Rovongo," Mr Batgor; partsong, "Summer Song;" song, "Mignonottc," Mr liarkor (this gentleman also sang, in rcsponso to an oncoro, "Tho Merry Days of Old"); pianoforte sold, "Souvenir do Nople," Miss Dickson ; song, " Robin's Return," Miss Moginio ; gloo, " Ono Morning Swcot in May;" pianoforte duct; song, "Tho King's Champion," Mr Charter; madrigal, "Whore Droop tho Willows ;" song, " Darby and Joan," Miss Ridings; reading, "Our Debating Club," Mr Moginic; song, "Tho British Flag," Mr Shirloy ; part song, " Spring."

Wo havo boon shown by Mr Edward Dawson, tho solo agont for Australasia and sole importer for Now Zealand,a speciuion of Bromhead's patent springless locks. Tho mechanism is beautifully adjusted, and in timo will, no doubt, supersede tho spring locks at present in uso. Thoy have boon adoptod by tho Thamos Valloy and Rotorua Railway Company for all station buildings, otc. Thoy nro also used on tho Union S.S. Company's vossols.

Thoro has not been much hoard of lato re garding tho epocial settlement at Hokianga projected by a Christchurch company; but tho schomo is by no means abandoned. A telegram states that Mr Murphy, Secretary to tho Agricultural and Pastoral Associa tion, has mado a .selection of farm and garden tools to be used in breaking up tho land at the new _ettlement,and has also de vised v plough specially adapted for tho kind of work to bo undortukon. Tho land is mostly a stiff loam, covorod somewhat sparsely with bush, and can bo clonrod with out difficulty. Mr Fedorli and somo othor promoters of tho Hokianga Fruit-growing Company will start for tho sottlomont shortly, taking with thorn tho tools and ap pliancos mentioned abovo.

Captain John Stewart, R.N., of Craigard, Perth, writes to tho Invornoss "Courier," tho journal principally read by tho crofters and farmei'B in tho Highlands nnd islands, warmly urging all oppressed and struggling crofters to tako advantago of Now Zouland's generosity and emigrate thoio. Captain Stewart spoaks with somo authority on tho advantages of the colony as a hold for tho emigration of Highlanders, as ho not only understands thorn thoroughly, but knows somolhing of Now Zealand, haviug served soveral years on a war-ship on tho Aus tralian station, and made a tour of both Islands.

Tho closing of tho Queon's Kodoubt School has boon rocotnniondod by tho In spector, and the Board of Education has decided to ask tho opinion of tho Coinmitteo as to their approval of un estimate of the cost of removing Pokono Valloy School and teacher's dwelling to Quoon's Redoubt, It has also been decidod to erect a school with accommodation for 150 pupils on the site in Harrington - stroet, Tauranga, recently vested in the Board. On the motion of Mr Goldie, a previous resolution of the Board, refusing permissisn to a lady teacher to leave Newmarket for Onobunga at a quarter to nine a.m., was rescinded and permission granted,

The funeral of the late C. J. Stono, Esq., which took place yesterday afternoon, was very largely attended. At 2.30 tho cortege left tho rosidonco of Mr Fry, in Grafton Road, and proceeded to the Wesleyan Church, where his coffin was carried into tho building nnd tho Rev. R. Bavin con ducted a short sorvico, while Mr James Wallis, in a brief address, referred tc tho deceased as a pioneer founder of this province and a zealous member of tho Wesley an Church. As tho coffin was being carried back to tho hearse the organist played the "Dead March in Saul." The procession then proceeded to the Cemetery, where the buriol service was conducted by the Rev. K. Bavin. The Rev. Alex. Reid offered up a prayer, after which "Safe in the Arms of Jesus " was sung, and the solemn ceremony concluded by Mr Bavin pronouncing the'benediction. Tho chief mourners wore Messrs C. B. Stone and J. R. Stono (sons), Mr Robert Stono (brother), and Messrs J. Bycroft, P. A. White, A. Somorville, R, Fry, J. Lawry, and W. White (sons-in-law of the deceased. A large number of our leading citizens were also present, and the clergy wore repre sented by Revs. _, Ball, J*j Whe.vell, Tfl G. Carr, G. Griffiths, J. A, Taylor, H. H. Lawry, Dr. Purchas, Dr. Mucdonald, S. Hamer, and T. Spurgeon.

The annual meeting of the Auckland Football Club was held last evening at tho United Service Hotol. Mr T. Henderson occupied the chair. Tho report showed that out of 13 matches in winch mombor.. had played they had won 3 and lost 8, while 2 were drawn. The reason for this lack of success was attributed to new members failing to settle down to their work. There was a balance in hand of £215s 9d, Messrs A, Carter, A. Hughes, T. Carmichoel, C. Annett, S. Downey, Yonng, and J. Murphy, were elected members, and the following officers were appointed:—Cap tain, Mr C. Carter ; Secretary and Trea surer, Mr A. M. Beale; Committee, Messrs T. HendersoD, F. Maguite, P. .4.. Duncan, W. B. Pen*:, and J. R. 11. Stewart; dele gates to tbe Associatiou, Messrs Henderson and Carter. Tho senso. is to be opened on Saturday next, and tho Club intends to have two fifteens in the field. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman, I

About nino months ago the cutter Fawn was chartered by Mr Hunt with tho object of a search boing mado for a quantity of oil Bupposod to oxist at Wallaco Island,whero .very many years ago a large ship was burned by natives. Tho sceno of tho wreck was found, but nothing was re covered from it but somo coppor bolts and a vory anciont-looking anchor. From this point on tho voyage proved an unfortunate one. Aftor visiting soveral othor islands tho Fawn arrived at Vavau and wont from thcro with Mr Hunt and crew to divo at Rofugo Covo, where a ship was lost aljout 3 yours ago, and was supposed to contain somo valuables. This venture proved unsuccessful also, the wreck having broken up. Soon aftor this, while tho cutter was jibing, a seaman named Woodrullb hud his knoo put out and the cuttor had to put back to Vavau for medical aid. A fresh start was mado about a week later with a cargo of oranges for Auckland, and the voyage up was a suc cession of gales, which caueod tho vossol's docks to bo constantly flooded with wator, and split Bovoral sails. Tho Fawn arrived in harbour at 3.30 p.m. yesterday.

A meeting of the creditors of Wm. Corbott, building contt actor, was held this morning, and was adjourned in ordor to obtain further particulars. A resolution was passod consuring tho debtor for his loose manner of conduct ing his bnsinoss, and for speculat ing at horso - races, and it was agreed to bring the matter under tho notice* of the Court. In his sworn statement, tho dohtor previously stated that ho owodf 7218s to 7 creditors, while 53 of his customers owed him £31 12s Bd, in small sumsjrangirg from Is (id to £3 10s. Ho kept no books, but trusted to his memory in keeping ac counts against tho customors.

During hie|trip to tho Kaipara yestorday, the Hon. Mr Richardson rode to Kaukapa kapa and inspoeted tho fine bush to tho northward. Tho timo spent was briof, but it was sufficient to impress tho Minister with tho fact that that portion of tho North Auckland district has a groat future before it. Mr Richardson, Miss Richard son, and Mr and Mrs Maxwell aro staying at tho Star Hotel. Tho Minister's move ments dopond a good deal on tho arrival of thoHinomoa. Ho may proccod South by her on Monday, or by tho s.s. Coptic on Tuesday.

Owing to tho Art Exhibition in tho Chora JI all, tho Baptist congregation havo ar ranged to amalgamate with tho Sunday evening sorvico in tho Theatre. Tho sorvico will commonco at 7.30 p.m., Mr Spurgcon preaching.

Tho " Medical Guido to tho Mineral Waters of Rotorua," by Dr. Lewis, of Auck land, has just boon placod in tho hands of tho bookeellors, and will doubtless command a speedy salo among medical mon and tho gonoral public. A fulior notico of tho book will appear shortly.

Tho Society of Arte Exhibition was ex ceedingly well patronised yesterday after noon and ovoning. In tho evening an in strumental concert was givon by tho Orchestral Society, undor tho conduetor ship of Hon- Carl Schinitt.

Mr J. B. (lillillun, local oocrotary for the Now Zoaland Industrial Exhibition, haa received a telograni fiom Mr C. Callis stating that ho may inform applicants for gonoral branch that tho full amount of spaco will bo granted to all thoso passed by the local Committee. Tho Spaco Com mittoo nt Wellington meet on Thursday ovcuing lo commonco tho allotment of posi tion.-* in tho Exhibition building.

Tho annual " At Homo," to connnomornto tho installation of ollicors of Lodgo Albion, will bo held in tho Devonport Hall on Friday evening, May Ist.

A mooting of tho Eight Hours Demon stration Committee, convened for last ovoning, has been adjourned till Tuesday ovoning noxt.

Tho Sheriff notifies that the common jury Biimnionsos for tho Supromo Court on Monday will not bo required till Tuesday, tho '-Ist.

Mr Edwards, n paint manufacturer at the Thames, has discovered a much-sought aftor secret, viz., tho manufacture of grcon bronzo paint from hematite ore. The dis covery is considered an important ono. Mr Gouk has ordered a quantity of this paint, and intends using it on tho steamer I'clham.

James Cochrane, in tho employ of Mr J, Craig, who got both his legs broken in Lornostieot, writes:—"l am now ablo to walk about tho city, and I thoroforo thank

Dr. Bond, tho Hospital doctor, for tho troublo ho had with mo, but I do thank God for having tho luck to havo tho attend ance of Dr. Richardson. Ftionds, I was ono of tho Bluo l-ibbonitos, which proved to mo a source of blessing."

Many strango reasons havo beon givon for tho formation of Rpccinl voluntcor corps in view of war with Russia, but tho strangest of all was given utterance to last ovoning. A largo number of young men from tlio city churches uiot to form a r'llo corps, ana ono of tho promoters oxplninod that they did not want to join tho presont Volunteers for foar of contamination. Ono or two old soldiers who were presont ox prossed disapproval, and Mr Power said that ho had both served in tho array and bo longod to tho Volunteers, and ho did not boliovo that such godly young men as ho saw around him would havo boon con taminated had thoy also boon thoro. Tho new company, howevor, was formed, and about 40 joined, so that if thoir Borvices aro accepted, tho city churches will do thoir share in dofonding this fair city " whon tho Russians aro upon us."

Last ovoning a mooting in connection with tho proposed new church nt Mt. Roskill was hold ot Mr F, G. Ewington's rosidonco, Archdeacon Dudley presiding. Tho total proinisos to date wore £199 ltis 7d, of which amount £112 4s 7d had boon paid. Tho Committoo will not cull for ten ders till £200 aro actually in hand, and it is hoped that this sum will bo raised at onco in order that tho building may be begun before tho winter sots in. The follow ing resolution was pussud : " That our noxt meeting bo hold on the 27th inst., that an effort bo mado to collect all that has been promised, and pay it in on or before that date, and to obtain furthor promisos so as to bo able to authorise tho architect to got out plans nnd specifications."

In our advertising columns appears the prograramo of tho Philharmonic Socioty's concort for Monday ovoning noxt, on which occasion will bo performed,for tho first timo in Aucklund, Romberg's vory attractive socular cantata, "The Lay of tho Boll." Tho Socioty hold thoir final roheaisal last night, and at tho close llorr Tutschka (tho ablo conductor) took the opportunity to compliment tho mombors upon tho manner in which thoy performed their respective parts. Tho solo parts are in capablo hands, and as the master, Mr Edmond's powerful voice will be hoard to great effect. The choruses, too, ought to go well, as the Society have been very carefully trained by Herr Tutschka. Confident anticipations are therefore entertained of a complete success for the Socioty.

Aftor tho return of tho Hon. Mr Richard son from Holonsvillo yosterday afternoon, ho received a doputation from tho Harbour Board with roferonce to tho taking ovor of Mochnnico' Bay by tho Government for railway purposes. Tho Board claim £45,000 from tho Govornmont. The dopu tation consisted of Mr Malcolm Niccol, and Mr J. M. Brigham, Secretary and Trea surer to tho Board. Mr Niccol Btatod that a proposition had been mado to tho late Minister of Public Works that the Govornmont should fill in Mechanics' Bay, tako what portion of it thoy requi' od for railway purposes, and hand the remainder back to the Boaid. That agreement wa3 not reduced to writing, although the Board wished it, and they now wished to revert to that proposition, andnsk the Government to givo them a plan show ing -hat they required. Mr Richardson said tho proposition was not an original proposition of Mr Mitchelson, hut was a proposal of Mr Whituker whon ho was in office, and, so far as ho saw, that was tho arrangement which should be carried out. As to the proclamation, it was not quite clear to him how Mr Mitchelson was to carry it out. What be proposed was that the Government should reclaim a certain portion, leaving the waterway untouched, so that the present tenants could have no i claims for compensation, and hand back the portion not required for railway purposes to tho Board, as well as a road outside tho railway reserve. He pointed out on_ a plan tlie roadway referred to, the portion required for tho railway, also tho por tions to be handed over to the Board when reclaimed, He had no intention of proceeding under the proclamation at all, but under the Harbours Act. Refer ring to the plan, he said the object was that if the line to Penrose wasconstructed no further claims for compensation would arise. After some conversation, Mr Niccol Baid he could not say what tho majority of the Board might think and say, but for his part he coincided that this proposal would be a aolution of tho difficulty, that the Govoi-_ ---ment should reclaim the whole, a- t_-W_ on the plan, and then haud back to the Board tho portions marked. He said that if tho lino to Pcnroso was; to bo mode, it would weigh with tho Board. Ths depu tation having thanked the Minister, with drew, j

I • '~*r t 1 Tho collision which took place m.Kyber Pass Road on Easter Monday evening betwoon a 'bus and buggy will form the subject of judicial proceedings, the owners of the lighter vehicle having instituted an action for damages. Messrs Russell and Campb6ll are acting for plaintiffs.

Amongst tho passengers per Coptic were Mr Norton and party, who have been play ing light comedy in South Africa for somo months with success. Mr Norton many years ago played in tho old Prince of Wales Theatre hero, and ho now intends to play throughout New Zoaland, probably starting in Auckland at an early date.

A smart and plucky action was performed off tho Queen-street Wharf last night. A man named William Ford, residing in Eranklin Road, accidently fell into the botweon tho wharf and the Bchooner Aurora, and was in danger of drowning when a young man named George Mabin leaped into tho water, and passing a ropo round Ford's body, had him handed ashore Wo understand that the rescuer is a son of Mr Thomas H. Mabin, and that it ii 3 tho third act of a similar kind which tho youngman has performed. Abouttbreo years sinco he was working on the reclaimed land at Wellington, when a woman named Julia O'Bierno fell overboard, and was rescued by him »t a considerable cost to the country, for tho woman was afterwards imprisoned for attempting suicide. The young man soon nitorwardsleftforEnglandintho ship Ploiono and had scarcely reached London whon he had to jump into the Regent's Canal to rescue a drowning child. For this act we boliove he has been promised the Royal Humane Society's medal.

Now published, April number of "New Zealand Parmer, Bee and Poultry Journal.' This is a very attractive number, well Illus trated, and contains, among many othors, ar' tieloß on Retail Prices in Rotation to Wholosalo Valuos—The Sugar-Boot Industry—The Value of Agricultural Experiments—New Products- Farming and Gardening Operations for April, for Nonhern and Southern Districts The Plough, and Ploughing—Management of Pigs— Breeding of Ayrshire Cattle—Merino Stud Ranis (illustrated)— Agricultural and Pastoral Matters in Otogo-ManaKomont of Dairy Stock Tho V.R.C. floiby and Melbourne Cup winners (illustrated) — Turning Lawns (illustrated)—a number of articles on Fruit-growing (beauti fully illustrated), etc., etc.—Poultry and Apiarian matters—Homo and Household Pages, including Talos and nnmorous articles of do mestic and goneral interest.

The practice of pieces to be sung by the mombers of Bands of Ilopo at their annual gathering, takes place on Tuesday next in the Pitt-streot Wesloyan Lower School-room, at 7.30 o'clock.

THE SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE CASE.

Application for Divorco Koftisol,

[l)Y TKLUOKAPH—I'HESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, this day. In tho Divorco Court, in tho cuso of Monkton v, Monkt'on, His Honor re fused, with regret, to t'rant a decrco nisi. Ho considered tho caso of an unprecedented nature, but the present law gavo him no option, cruelty in tho eyo of tho law not having beon proved. He oxprossed a hope that tho caso would load to the amending of tho Deceased Wifo's Sister Act, which de prived a woman of all remedy in such a caso as tho presont.

OPERA HOUSE.- "The School for Scandal."

fpHi'i'i'-AN's brilliant and immortal comody, "Tho School for Scandal," was produced last night boforo a full houso, und playod with rare smoothness and unquali fied euccobb. Mies do Grey, of course, assumed tho 1 .lo of Lady Teazle, and passed with distinguished credit, the crucial test of histrionic talent which it supplies. It requires no exceptional ability to imper sonate satisfactorily tho loading character of maligned and persecuted virtuo in an emotional drama liko " Woman Against Woman ;" but in venturing into tho higher arena of classical English comedy, and chsaying the delineation of parts which aro inseparably associated with tho names of all tho groat dramatic artistes of a contury noted for its stage successes, a comedienne submits to bo measured by tho most exact ing of standards. It would bo ful- Bomo praise to say that Miss de Groy'sLady Toazlo was porfoction, but it certainly will not sutror disparagement from comparison with tho best of former presen tations of tho samo rolo upon tho colonial Htago. Tho lady mado up and costumed hor part with splendour and tasto, and hor concoption was in strict conformity with conventional modols. More than that, it was invested with her own charming per sonality, nnd Lady Teazlo's share of the ornate dialoguo, coruscating as it docs with wit, epigram, and repartee in ovory sontonco, was spoken with a scholarly appreciation of its force and ap plication that made ovory point tell. In action tho lady was graceful and unaffected. There was not tho slightest manifestation of solf-conßciousnoss to mar tho portraiture, and tho various "hits" in tho progress of tho ploco wore uchiovod without any re course to meretricious offset. In sbort,Mies do Groy proved hor title to recognition as a legitimate "star" actress. Iho Company is one of unusu. 1 strength. It seems to boa custom with leading professionals in visiting Now Zealand to bring with thorn tho mero framowork of a company, relying upon thoir own abilities to hitlo tho shortcomings of thoir subordinates and to carry thorn through successfully. That tbe practice can bo indulged with impunity morely shows that tho public act upon tho old saw of "half a loaf boing better than no bread," but thoy aro by no moans satisfied with tho result. The present company is an exception to tho general rule, as last night's performance attested. Mrs Walter Hill.'a favourite of very many years' standing, resumed hor acquaintance with the Auckland playgoers by appearing in tho role of Mrs Candour, and she was warmly welcomed. It is almost superfluous to say that sho enacted hor part with marked ability. Miss Florence Cowoll, an actress of talent and versatility, played with great success as Lady Snoorwoll, and Miss God dard as Maria, though constrained in mannor, spoke her linos very correctly, Mr Hilton s Sir Potor Teazle was a very good impersonation indeed, though hardly consistent in some of its details, and Mr Matthew Brodio both looked and enacted woll tho congonial role of Charles Surface. Mr Solten also" was woll suited in tho part of Joseph Surface, but ho was more than onco at fault in tho dialogue. His delivery, too, is rathor monotonous. Mr Kinghorne made a decidedly good Moses, ana Mr J. P. West'B Sir Oliver was a genuine success. Mr Patterson as Rowley, and Mr Franklin as Backbite, also acquitted themselves well. There were soveral calls before the curtain in tbe course of the evening, in which most of the principals shared. " She Stoops to Conquer" is announced for to night, and should ensure a bumper "house."

TABLE TALK

The Premier is at Rotorua.

Miss de Grey "Stoops to Conquer "to night. Widow O'Brien's fun stops after this evening. Two divorces havo just beon granted in the Supreme Court at Wellington. Hinemoa _ bath, on the island of Mokoin, has boon restored by the Maoris. The Governor takes a great interest in the defence operations at Wellington. Te Aroha railway bridge over the Waihou is finished.

Nicholas Bassi, charged with aggravated assault at Christchurch, Jias been sentenced to two years' hard lubour.

Hon. Mr Ballance has unexpectedly been recalled from the South to Wellington. Te Aroha sold returns for the year ended 31st March last reached a total 9,8970ze. 12dwts.

The Premier returns to Wellington via Taupo, and thus will not call at Tauranga, as desired.

Young ladies who will not marry when they have a chance Miss it.

Professor Kirk, who is reporting on forest conservation, is now at Blenheim, and comes North soon.

Primo roasting jointß of beef, sirloins, and ribs, can be bought at Wellington for 3h per pound for caßh or 4d per pound booked! Wellington Harbour Board, after discuss iug the grounding of the steamer Ruapehu, decided that as there had been no culpable negligence on the part of the pilot his services should be retained, but it was re solved to caution him to be more careful in future.

During this season, about 170,000 sheep have been exported from Hawke's Bay dis trict. Of these, 70,000 went to Welling, ton, __d tha rei__i_de~ found niorkelt. i*i .iuckL.-.d, Wa_ga_u:. __d Waikato. It is related of a Now Zealand Militia officer that he once issued tho following big order:-" The battalion will be re viewed by Major-General : at sunset to morrow. . The sun will set at '6.37 p.m. By order of Major —-, commanding."

TILE SHOOTING AFFRAY.

McKELVIE RUN TO EARTH AT TITIRANGI BUSH.

Ho SUoots Himsolf to Esoape His Pursuers.

The Pursuit of McKolvio,

The shooting affray in Customs-street on Thursday afternoon has had a most strange conclusion. Tho fugitive wag run to earth at Titirangi Bush this morning by Detective Hughes and Mounted Constable Kelly, and shot himself in order to escapo his captors. Tho police had been in hot pursuit since Thursday night. McKelvie was traced across Sunoy Hills, along tho Whau road, nnd to Avondale. The latest news respect ing him was gained from a settlor who had seen him entering the Titirangi Bush im mediately before dusk last evening. Detective Hughes and Constable Kelly picked up the trail, and about 10 o'clock this morning wore on the outskirts of the bush. Suddenly thoy s°iw a man answer ing McKelvie's description ahead of them. The man appeared to have seen Kelly first, and for a few moments did not seem to pay much attention to him. The constablo was in plain clothes, and probably this fact allayed tho suspicion in the mind of the fugitive. But when ho saw Detective Hughes immediately afterwards, he ap peared to havo arrived at tho conclusion that tho two mon were in pursuit of him. Ho at once disappeared into the bush, and the officers lost eight of him. They, however, followed his track until thoy were close to tho Whau blockhouse, when they heard the sound of a pistol-shot. They hurried in tho direction from which the report proceeded, and aftor a search which ontailed somo difficulty they discovered tho dead body of McKelvie lying on the ground. There was a revolver in tho graßp of his right hand. A bullet hole in his forehead showed that ho had shot himself through the brain. Tho body was still warm. It appears that McKelvio's son had stated to tho police that his father would not be taken alive, but that ho would shoot himsolf. Tho officers thoroforo were not unprepared for tho discovery that was mado. Informa tion of tho occurrence was sent by tele phone to Mr Superintendent Thomson, and he issued instructions for the _body_ to be brought into town and deposited in the morgue, the reason being that it would be more convenient to hold the inquest at Glooson's Hotol, in tho vicinity of which tho majority of tho witnesses reside. Constablo Kelly therefore took a trap out from tho Avondale township in order to bring in tho body, which he had loft in Dotcetivo Hughes's charge. Mr Thomson followed in a hansom, in order to see that his instructions woro proporly carried out. Tho body was expected to roach town at four o'clock.

LATER PARTICULARS.

Avondale, 2 p.m,

Detective Hughes and Constablo Kelly have just returned to the township with the body of the deceased man in a spring cart. They have supplied tho following particu lars of tho pursuit and subsequent tragedy: Tho liret trace of McKelvie was discovered at the Arch Hill Hotol, where ho called on Thursday night, and got a bottle of gin. Ho was seen leaving the Chinamans' gardon where ho had probably slept for the night about 4 o'clock yesterday morning. Tho dotcctives reached Hendorson on Friday morning, and Constable Kelly walkod tho Whau Road back, while Dotoctive Hughes travollod back on tlie Waikomiti Road, but without success. They next hoard of de ceased about 7 o'clock last ovoning, when tho officers got information from a woman named Scarlett, who said sho had seen a man answering to McKelvio's description in tho limo kilns early that morning. He was watching Constablo Kelly starting on horse back. After tho officer had gone out of sight, the man ran through tho scrub in the direction of tho Block House. This morning tho officers mado in quiries, and found that McKelvie had not taken the Titirangi rond. Thoy mado across tho country in tho direction of Morrison's house. Mr Morrison showed thorn across a creok, ond thoy were riding towards tho Block House, when Kelly, who was about fifty yards ahead, drew Hugho's attention to a man wearing black clothes, who was walking about half a milo distant nt tho foot of tho hill. Ho appoared to bo wholly unconcornod. Kelly galloped down to soo who ho was, while Hughes watched him from tho top of tho hill. Whon Kolly was dismounting at tho crook, Hughossaw tho man go bohind a clump of titroo. Immediately afterwards ho saw a puff of smoko and hoard tho report of a pistol. They crossod tho creek to gether, and knowing tho man was armed a'pproachod tho place carefully. Hughes found McKolvio lying on his back bohind the clump of titreo. He had one re volver clutched in both hands, which were lying on his breast. Hughes rushod forward and took tho revolver from him, but then found tho man was , quito dead. Ho was shot in tho mouth, tho ball having cvidontly pono tratod tho brain. Tho rovolvor is a bulldog one, and was loadod in four chambers. McKolvio must, thoroforo, have reloaded itsincofiring on Steward.

STRANGE STEAMER ON THE EAST COAST.

(BY TELEORAI'U— PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Taukanga, this day. A large three-masted steamer was soon this morning from Maketu going north. The vessel was apparently a stranger.

[This may provo to bo the Hinemoa, oi route from Wellington to Auckland with torpedo boat in tow, or the Espiegle British man-of-war, which loft Sydney undor sealed crdors over a fortnight ago, and has not since been heard of. Tho Minister of Public Works was advised by telegram in the course of the afternoon that the Govern ment stoamor Hinemoa was sighted off Mayor Island this morning steering north.

MIMING NEWS.

(BY TELEUKAPII—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. Cambria.—An interim retorting will take place on Monday noxt, and from tho manner in which the quartz is yielding, a profitable return will be obtained.

New Eureka (Otanui).—The battery haß been started, the new motor erected by Messrs Climo and Bawden working admir ably, and driving the stampers at a rate of 60 blows per minute. About 100 tons of quartz are on hand, and crushing is pro ceeding with the full force of the mill, two shifts per diem.

SUPREME COURT.-This Day.

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies.) Clabk v. Clark —In this case, claim for wages, Mr Forwood appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Theo. Cooper in defence—Mr Cooper said that several of tho witnesses were not present, on tho understanding that -this case would not bo brought on until some time next week, and ho would ask 111b Honor, therefore, if this cave could conveniently be po-tponed.— Mr Forwood offered no objection, but said that there were two cubes, o_o against the father and son. and the other against tho father.—His Honor said there was a rule whioh admitted two cases by ihe samo parlies to be taken together, but in lliia instance, one case being against the father person»lly, it could not bo done. By consent of counsel they wero post poned until Wednesday next. FUNK v. Wiomoiib.—His Honor consented to take this caso by special jury on Monday morn ing at ten o'clock. The Ucgistrar announood that common jurors would not be required until Tuesday morning.

Henry George's theories of giving the land to the people are attractive, but ther lack tho utilitarianism of those principles upon whioh the Industrial and Provident Building Society (Queenstreot, corner of Vulcan Lane) dally secures land and houses for industrieus men

As Devnnpmt, Wosloyan Church is now undergoing alterations, the services to-morrow forenoon and evening' will be held in IM\-oiipoji Hall.

At the Opera House to morrow evening the overture will be "Pirates ot Penzance"" and the finale, selections from "Mascotte " b'v Signor Trada'B Band. '

The Victoria Rifles are warned by adver tisement to attend tho general inspection on Monday evening, at 7.30. The whole of the Volunteer force of Auckland, including the Devonport Navals, will bo present on that occasion for Inspection by Col. Lyon.

lrue co-operation conshts in assisting every honuat endeavour to biin_ befo-e the K°&*. ,??5? s? t t-tesmslle-t poaslUo _dv_nc. e_ t-°v>'. o: t oi ?*»duo_o_. At law', G-rccery _^_/,._il cttSi_* stre _:' av<-"'^ "rticla -3301-l at the -B___^ c w_-_B ; f _- m^anofc, -01b-Bags of Wmto Table Sugar, 9s 6d each; Gib-Tins of tlie famous 'Jes, i'<- 10..; Cur.i_.ts, ad per lo- Candles, 8d per lb; Jams, Ss6d por doz.; 501b* ilag _ lour, 6b, &o. Try true co-operation, and _. L?n__L__ °_. at.^« .^apest Grocery -tore in _.uokla__.-Rew s, Viotoria street.-[__Dvr.]

THE ANGLO-RUSSIAN DIFFICULTY.

BELIEF IN A PEACEFUL SOLUTION INCREASING.

KOMAKO _■_.'_■ __./_.■-.-;.-_■ Jt-Krtmi Afghans Ketired From tho Frontier. [KEUTKI- CAIiLKURAM.] [Received April 18—12.30 p.m.) London, April 17. Tho belief that a peaceful settlement will be effected of the difficulty between England and Russia with regard to the Afghan fronitor question is hourly increas ing. St. Pktebsburg, April 17. In his latest dispatch to tho Russian Gov ernment, Komaroff reports that the Afghans havo evacuated all their posts on the fron tier, and that tho Russian troops remain stationary. (Received 18th April, 9.45 a.m ) Navies for tlie Colonies. London, April 17. If tho colonies pay the necessary cost, the Admiralty aro willing to supply men and to maintain the men-of-war belonging to tho Colonial Navies. The Haikoiira as a Cruiser. The N.Z. Shipping Co. 's steamer Kaikoura has been solected by the Admiralty for equipment as a cruiser.

Russian Tactics in Afghanistan.

(BY CABLE —COPYRIGHT.)

London, April 10. The "Journal do St. I'otersburg " contains tho report that tho Afghans intend to revolt in favour of Russia. Melhouiine, April 17. The Government are in receipt of a tele gram from tho Agont-Gencral to the effect that the political situation in England is still vory monacing. Rise in Stocks. London, April 16. Consols havo risen £,and are now quoted at 95J. Tho bank rato remains at 3J per cent., but tho market rato is reduced I, and is now 2g por cont. Now Zealand securities

remain at previous quotations,

THE TAURANGA AND ROTORUA RAILWAY.

Mil William McCandlish, who arrived by the Coptic yesterday, comes horo in con nection with tho proposed railway between Tauranga and tho Hot Lakes, to carry out which it is intended to float a company. The route is to be from Tauranga to Rotorua, connecting with tho Thamos Valley and Rotorua Railway, and the for mation of a comploto line from Auckland to Tauranga, with a view of ultimately joining with tho North Island " central." Mr Mc- Candlish informs us that matters in this connection are in abeyance, but will bo brought before tho public when they aro ripe. No enterprise of this kind, ho says, has boon floated in England for the last eighteen months owing, lo tho tightness of the money market, and tho prospect of a war with Russia will not promote a favour able change. Indications from poople in Loudon who aro acquainted with theso things, however, satisfy Mr McCandlish that there willjjo no difficulty in launching tho enterprise? whioh is much appreciated by many, and he believes that whon things mend financially there will bo no trouble in making satisfactory arrangements. In the moantimo, Mr McCandlish intends to got more complete information about the affair than ho has hitherto been ablo to obtain, because the people here do not know what tho poople of England really require before they will enter upon such affairs. The pro posals to bo submitted to the public will clopend upon tho condition of tho money market at tho timo thoy ore to bo brought forward. Mr McCandlish loaves for Tau ranga on Monday in connection with tho proposed railway.

CABLEGRAMS.

(BY CABI.K — COPVRWHT.)

(Received 18th April, 9.45 a.m.)

Marriage with a Docoasod Wifo's Sister.

London, April 17.—Tho Bishop of Oxford defends Bishop Barry, Primoto of Sydnoy, in his efforts to discourage marriago with a deceased wife's sister. Now Bishop of Brisbane. London, April 16.—The Rev. William Webber, tho newly-appointed Bishop of Brisbane, will be consecrated at St. Paul's on May 26th. Bank of South Australia. At a meeting of the shareholders of the Bank of South Australia, a motion was passed approving of the proposal to transfor fifty thousand pounds from the reserve fund to meet all possible loss. State of the British Navy. A large meeting is to be held in London to lake into consideration the condition of the British navy.

THE SOUDAN CAMPAIGN.

The Rival Maudi Victorious

London, April 16. The new Mnhdi has captured the town oi EI Obeid from the followors of the Mahdi.

TELEGRAMS.

- Cambridge, this day.—At the E.M. Court yesterday, His Worship gave judg ment in the case^of Gwynneth v." the Town Board. He said he based his decision on the evidence of Mr Pavitt, a witness for defendants, who estimated the value of the work at £15 IBs. £10 of this amount had been paid into Court, and ho would there fore give judgment for plaintiff for the balance, £5 18s, and costs, £7 15s. The case of Hay v. Merrik, for £50, was heard, and His Worship reservod judgment till Thursday next. Mr James Forrest has resigned his posi tion as steward of Cambridge Jockey Club, on account of what he considers the illegal and unseemly decision of the stewards in giving the Hurdle Race to Alaric on the alleged misconduct of Claude's jockey. The Trunk Railway Construction. Hamilton, this day.—Tho "Times " this morning gives its readers to understand that though tlie first sod of tho Trunk Rail way has beon turned, the work is not to be proceeded with immediately. The Public Works Department bu3 raised some cause for delay.

Wt-TPOKT, this day.—The Westport Coal Company intend recommencing work in their inino on Monday next. 60 now miners have been engaged in other parts of the colony to take tho place of the men who struck work in December last. The first instalment of the new hands arrived hero yesterday.

Wellington, this day.—A fito occurred this morning, ut four o'clock. A shed belonging to the Tramway Company, con taining chaff-cutting machinery, was com pletely destroyed. The damage is betwoon £400 and ,€SOO, and thora is no insurance. The cause of the tiro is unknown, but. the circumstances aro suspicious. WELLINfiTON, this day.-The local option polling for Thorndon Licensing Dis trict resulted in power being given to in crease the hotels in the ward. There was only a majority of one.

It is said that men, like monkeys, can copy almost anything. Although, to imitate iB the Bincerest form of flattery, yet It still puzzles the storekeepers to imitate onr priceß. We are selling Prime Canterbury Bacon at Sd; Factory <ik.eso, ft! ; oilier Dii Met. of U_ee_e, id ; Frew: Batter, Si; Apple.,. _Ib for Is; Honey l- sec tions, (id per section; English Pickles, 6i; English Marmalade, 6(1; Hobart Jams, 64; a 5d f lug Tobacco hi- _> Largo Box Matches, Cd; *resh Hermit;:., c .; Lobster, tid; Lemon Jelly, id; Salmon in H.irrols, od per lb; 2lb Tins Peaches 8d; Bottlos Vinegar, 5d : and 100 othor ;,„^'r. v _th? CO-OPorativo Stores, Hobsou-street, nest Criterion Hotel.

DEFENCE NOTES.

Tender f or t-T£L, *°4. Tub torpedo boat forth bourdefooceaieno^onV^k Wellington, andllera 4^%. Pt . here deserve credit for - ft.- ™ *«_. whichtheyhave^^^^ work m connection with .v -***% atenderfortheereoHSo^iWoC; reception and a slink. °. f *• WSM accepted. The «!_."»- <££> Ephraim Mil_, .X t«V: £435. The work will .^ m_M next week, jh _ ™_*?**£&. the western portion o^_wßb ' Naval Reserve. D 6 J^Sji or so to the ea S twarToT t -hotld'«ia shed, which is to be!|_ tt_! & «_ be 70 feet long. ThsfeS .111 shed to the wlter, anfiit'^fi_ Img<'cradle," onwhiertt'^CS ceedmg with during thnt. aYe ftf__ tioal exposition of th? 6*,t« _! " Many hands make _& t^W.__ the early part of the S If'^S men were employed _™_.* h -*-»Q from daylight _o2__S»sg? _S force oi »o. men'av_lS. ti% only been f.urf neees S a3' '** hours a day The fonTEj*"-*.""£ positions which they are inteS*^. permanently ; one ofthe RiU^ the south battery, facinggge seven-inch gun is _ . «. __*-«_, CheltenhamSeach,l Dd tte th « Beven-inch guns are n_ t_ . -*%_ T-^ythe^enZemSSMl in concreting and trenching;^ TheHta emoa Ihe reputation of __ v »_ • the Government steamerff_2*s_ll_ during theprojectßfe**^ still adhere*ito her. It X__f* on Wednesday last thatSSSS_si evenmg, having with , h^.JW,: land Harbour torpedo boat _~?._* no reliable «nl»S_C^-S_!i ever. It was assumed tW7v *- * upbytheWestCoifl^^ since Thursday iao»l_fc*fi9Sf* her arrival at the ManutaEffi expected. In order tocW_.W certainty regarding the Si? mysterious vessel, a Star _3**-& i saw Mr Golden,'private bs S'^ Hon. the Minister of P u &„* rom that source found that\gfi_ Richardson is in as ns&* dary as ourselves. ■■ |nT^i ,* ---is that the ves_el M,W__W_m o'clock on Tuesday aighg» known whether she wouldS • ■* West Coast or up this side. %$* has been so prolonged, it ]__W& that Captain Fairchild, "obm&S Port Nicholson, found thrtffffi safer to come by the East Coa&SS quently took the longer 2^ probability is given to R^"' telegram appearing in anitL I__ which states that a rtra t »rr masted steamer passed l____A_ morning bound northward,*,. this subject we cannot .fall strongly animadverting on ffa £ in sending the torpedo boat Wml it having reached WeMdirto_ S For what possible reason i{_afi from England te Wellington, iXf Auckland direct,weareat atetoS unless it was to gratify the Ma JS tho old departmental fossils: parPrfS. administrative creed i ..ttepiJt from a steamer to a iVoltmtWr'sA shall go to Wellington for their liiiS ere it can be safely put to th^ibti_ it is intondod. "C.E." writing w_b, situation of our batteries,saw-"L my return to Auckland from tieSmfc ports-where the questioticf .eta_«_ almost absorbing topic-I ttm miii ff prised to see the progress of onrotitd-a sive works, and notin thels-sF.tnliS./ the battery site on.EoMlalion'Poiitl , viewing the eurroundi_gsi hotrew,!n much struck with the position oftfcia in comparison with other ___«.»&» headlands. I may, perhaps, Ww_e of offering; a correct opinio- f_ii_ilj point of view, but tony; opinion, watik headlands at OrakoifiiiwntsiM«i more command_igjXM(^W-|tij|ii controls the inner, kjte, hut Mm extent tho Ransitbto;' Ctannef: _ .11 think I am within the limits tif aauAl| in stating that thisdisSncettt-i^-K Head—the site oi the.|nndpal_3(l-H across this part oitbe;channel;iscpi_jii ably less than _roi_'&::preoi'^» t i Resolution Point, yheratyuolomraigl! a passing vessel could _,ife_i_'--St-l another point of view. WoddtoliMei on this headland opening fireon \t_rn a guarantee that thS alp. to;™ li drawn at once among a l»reeipopii_«! It appears to ins in adopt_^s'n_^i protection of this kuid.theliwtf^P dent community are jeopardised _a» sarily, when a Editable, -lifiipt .a_» eflicacious, eite'jis^available instosSA , immediate vicinity." - BU-HHu, ttM|, Tho war rumpurshaveg.ej,Mi»j«_! to the Volunteers in __toj™» ' hoim rifles are now at foil #Wjj ; there are numerous;ajpOT_"t"_* Great success has attendee, eMj form a cavalry troop, forty 'MiW applied, andrecruittDgiiiß^ffilJ 1 full number will he obtained Y&y« ' There is also on foot amtrvefflW»» lish a battery of artillery. Hflgl

THE SUPPOSED SUICIDE.

•..■."•.,-.',.._■■■ Death Caused by Art~-0 Wf Ali, doubt respecting i^M William Vaughan's rodde|_'dsM*5 t yesterday have now been wt«tw!|» discovery that death was ft*.' arsenic poisoning. The tumbler «^ ing.the white sediment,sad_»j* quantity of the matter WW the stomach of dece_K_, "W-,W?J pump, were submitted to w2®i fast night by the police for anrije:' tests employed showed; .^H there was arsenic in the matter m , the stomach, while fully,. t«M grain of arsenic taken nw^JSJ tumblir. Itli_s--ot ; je*:«*S the arsenic was obtained, &W« the body commenced at the Vtuw Hotel, before Mr K-CBarsW,?. o'clock this afternoon. ~,,

ALLEGED MALTREATMENT.

Smith v. B6B_ '%MW (Supreme His Honor, in summing aK** the main points of th^J** considered that this acbon^^ was based on \^S* duties of Dr. Bond, «"»«gS business of the jury to cMP-_ % upon the testimony they mm medical man in re^.Sf'SfAl and stiffened from the iron 8?a»^ ing in a way that no rM» y man would have done, B W j was an error of judgment, OKWy manwasnoti-BnonabloroW^S as any othor medical W«*frd It was a question, too. ")*Sgi obtained, whether the PftrSM aider as a set-off the fa* tWFKi had boensaved.-forhe**"^-. when received «nto,^ w "W, present action seemed fc W% tf. where a drowning »B°_S_# action against a person fP-^jf hook into his arm when %& tho drowning «nan_Jl&-*J| l # ther remarks, H_ *VM the jury, who mturnedwU.^. the defendant, H'^fS*1 ment accordingly; «wt»«"° middle Ecale. _J .'

A meeti-K of ?» "£%*s* Kerwick, baker, <*^L&jM at noon today w <%*&rim He went to look for work, add : (_M tbe races, and 'f-^JSMB totalisator. He did _rf°gg*jß his creditors' *°P 6l\%!^W__m thebopeofmakmgsomenKw wi to pay his creditors. ,j JSAjR; Cheapest books t *tJg3Mg__ Zealand to be had at & V£S*M%mk to Bank of New Zealand, W[^Mt • _ t'-e fortnightly Ganibetta." ,ril#«s___S Some 30 or 40 voca SIM lh- service of 'W&*X_ gt igSM which is to te _ v"l,™ Jlr .«**___! room on Moi^ J^^*.*** has consented to r^^ JSt of which is very plea"™' m

THE AUCKLAND _-.Vl__Nl_.tt STAlfc SATURDAY, APRIL 18 ISBS

2



*TVTEW- ZEALAND FARMER, BEE, _Ll AND POULTRY JOURNAL. The April Number ia . now published. A list ot contents is given in anothor column. Subscription for tho whole year, January to December: 10s prepaid. Subscription for 9 months, April to Deoembor: _ 8s prepaid. , Mutual I_ite Association OF AUSTRALASIA. established july, 1869. Incorporated by Act of Parliament. the seconi. oldest Mutual life office in Australia, THE FIKST TO FREE ASSURANCE from RESTRICTIONS, AUD _BE ONLY ONE Established within the laßt 35 years which has declared a' Bomifl tfpon T AN ABSOLUTELY PtJRE PREMIUM VALUATION. JJfiW gEALAND QFFICES! 81 QUEEN-ATREET, DIRECTORS: , A. O. HORTON, Esq., J.P.. Chairman ARTHUR HEATHER, Esq.! T. B. KENDERDINE, Esq.. M.R.0.5., Eng. BANKERS: THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. SOLICITORS! __ MES3RS WHITAKER AMS) RUSSELL. 3RD QUINQUENNIAL INVESTIGATION, _A 80th June, 1881, and for which Bonus Ceriifl sates were issued January, 1885, showed GROSS SURPLUS OF.. .. £50 000 THE INVESTED FUNDS NOW EXCEED .. .-£400,000 Special Kotice. As all this ASSOCIATION'S POLICIES are INDEFEASIBLE from date of Issue and NON FORFEITABLE while Surrender Value lasts, hey are not affected by occupation, residence, or cause of dt&th. and hence NO EXTRA PREMIUM IS REQUIRED TO COVER WAR RISK IN THE SOUDAN, OR ANY OTHER PARTOF THE WORLD. For TABLES OF RATES and REPORTS Of tho Progress and Present Position of this suc cessful Institution, apply at the Offices, oi: at i any Agency throughout the Colonies. WILUJAM TJJ. BELL, i . fW iri Secretary. I



G1 E T PLANS, * TAKE THE 'BUS, AND GO AND BEE RIVERSDALE. i PLANS NOW READY. R. ' C GREEN WOO D, Auctioneer. TEA. MANY YEARS' EXPERIENCE IN THE ART OF BLENDING AND SELECTING THE VABIOOS GROWTHS Or INDIA, CHINA, AND CEYLON, ENABLES THE SUBSCRIBER TO OFFER A REALLY CHOICE TEA ! *ar ' 1/ XO PER POUND. j IN SIX-POUND TINS. 10/ EACH. AT REW'S WHOLESALE TEA AND GROCERY STORE, Victoria-street. oir RIVERSDALE TOWNSHIP TO UK n.vn AT THE AUCTIONEER'S OFFICE, Vulcan Lane. R. C. G KEENWOOD, Auctioneer. /^RANGES I ! : T>ANANAS ! ! piNES !! THE S.S. JANET NICOLL (Subsidised by Government to run to tho South Sea Islands) Ij expected to arrive In Auokland on or about tho 27th APRIL, and thorealter at regular intervals, With a Miscellaneous Cargo o3 | fkBANGES, TDANANAS, riOCOANU-IS. Ac. j ) -Ac the Fruit will be Cased at tho 'islands (the 1 trip only occupying about six da.vs), pur -1 chasers can rely on recoiving tho same in JTCKSI. CLASS ORDER AND CONDITION, And at stated intervals, So tlroti & Regular Supply will be guaranteed, pfIAKU'- "DA .LEY, WHOLESALE FRUITERER, CUSTOMS-STREET A_*D-PAPNELL RISE. I I | t I N.B.—Country Orders lor 4he At_.__.nd Dis trict, accompanied by refn-tftanaa, promptly attended to. n 3' N T FORGET To Obtain Planes el R- _ V E R S I) A L E, To bo Sold- at- THEATRE R O V A h. ON 2J__ INSTANT. R. C. GREENWOOD, Auctioneer. j HE RUDIMENTS OF MUSIC thoroughly Taugh. (in olaas). Fee. Oaes j Guinea. ■ Mnalo Studio, 138, Qujeo-strett. T_.LA-NS NOW READY! OK rivsrsdale township n AVONDALB. R, C. G- REENW OO D. Auctioneer. THE SNAKE ROOT REMEDY tor RHEUMATISM aiio_.OOT.-Th_ i Cn_ieiruo*(AeTi»R»ct«io_A)oßßiAcn ; SNAKE ROOT HAS BCIN MM CI-I-ItAT-O 'US A «M_U«»TI-I» IUMtDV. THIS MUMM-tON •II TK« MOtT CCNTAIN IB IT» -. I_CT». AMD ! HAd-LY Mil* T» AffOBB -HUB. OB trr_tCT m. ' cunt. Bm. . M •OTTLI. AT Mtfc\WS. .*_ WV^KMKC ~" OWOSII _ «M«,p. H. 2. WIH- »1