COMING EVENTS.

Mootlngs, *c, To-night. Opera Houbb—" Tho Lights of London." 8. Bt. Matthew'a School-room—"The Little Minstrel," &0., 8. Bereatord-Btreet-Organ Recital. 7.30. Ponsonby Hall—" Little Minnie," 7.30. Baptist. Tabernacle -Gospil Temperance Mis sion, 7.3>). lioyal United Scrvicu-Kmergency Meeting, 7. Choral Hall-Glee Society's Concert. ». Y.M.C.A.-Dnvotional, 7.:W. St. Mary's Mutoal Improvement Sooiety "Free Trade v. Protection," 8.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Iticliardaon and Jackson-Trettß and Plants, lla.m. . B. Arthur-Produce, Groceries, and Furni ture, 11 ft.ni. Geo. Sibbin-Cheeeo, Bacon. Potatoes so., 11 a. in. Carbines and Taylor-Produce and Poultry, 11 a in. Dowdon-Fruit and Ornamontal Troos, 11 a.m. Vaile and Bradley - Produce, Furniture. Drapery, &c, 11a.m. Hunter and Nolan—Horses, &c, 11 a.m. K. C Greonwood—Land noon. L. W. Eaton-Firut 10.30 a.m. W. Dowden & Co.—Produce. Potatoes. Whoat, &c. 11 o-m.

Chief Post office, Auckland.

Malla will close os undor :—

This Day

For Tanranga, and Opotikl, por Clansman.

For Whltianga ami Upper Mill, por Arftylu, at oD.'n

FniiiAy, 17th mat. For Cowes and Coromandel, jw Coromandcl,

at 11.30 a.m. For Thames, per Botomalmnn, at 1 p.m. For Whangarel Heads, Pann, Waipn, Whan garet, Katno, and Mangnpai, per Glontlg or Waitaki ntfip.m. For Katl Kati, Aongatcte, Tauranga, &c,

per Enterprise, at 5 p.m For Thames, por Enterprise, at 5.30 r.m,

Saturday, 18th mot.

For Port Fitzroy, Tryphena, and Okupu, per

Argylo, at 7 a.m. For Walwora, Te Kapa. and Warkwortb, &0., per Roao Casey, at 10 a.m.

Tuesday, 21st inst. Per Zealandiaas follows:— For Navigator Islands, Bandwloh Islands. United States of America, Canada, British Columbia. Contral and South Amorica, ana British arj Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m For Unitod Kingdom and Continent of Mono'yortiera, 10.30 a.m. Registered letters and uewnoopora. at 11.30 a»m. Late lottore, bearing an tortra foe ofsix ponce In addition to the postage, win be received by the Mall Agont on board the steamer up to the time of sailingi This mail will bo due in London on Friday, BOBT.KAYK. Acting Chief Poatniastor, Clilef Poßt-ofllco, Auckland.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER.

AooKtAfrn-Thia evening, 9.32 i to-morrow morning, 10,10. , „ Manukau Mkads-To morrow morning, 0 SI \ to-morrow afternoon, 1.1. , , M Kaipara Übaiw— Tomorrow morniag, 1.32 ; to-morrow af ternoun, 2.19.

BTrasET.—Thta evening—l.s7. |fo^'B iA^E^?rßt>QucirloM»tb',"li,B3 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

TODAY. Arawata, 3 3 , Croimrty. from Fiji Argylo, 5.8.. West, from Mercury Bay

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING.

Botoraahan'i, b.b., Popham, for Sydney

TODAY. Te Anau, b.b., Kennedy, for lhe South Krimhilda, schooner, Bathurst, for Whaugaroa Fnuny Kelly, ketch, Wiliianis. for Mocironui

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Coromsndel. from Coromandol, to-day, 5 p.m. Kuterpriae, from Thames, to-day, 5 p.m. Rotoruahanu. from Thames, to morrow, 2p.m. GlenulK, from Whangarei, tomorrow, early Waitaki, from Whangaroi, to morrow, early Suva, from Southern ports. Saturday Oluiu fiom Boulhorn Torts. Saturday Zsalandia. from bydncy. July a. City of Sydney, from San Francisco, July -b Kaikoura. from Plymouth. August 18 _ [For projected departures see shipping ad vertißoments and mail notice?.]

IMPORTS.

Per Arawata-25 bales fibre, 891 bunches btinanaß, 37 hides, IB bags coffee. 0 baes wool, sundries and cargo for Southern ports.

EXPORTS.

Per Rotomahana.for Sydmey-HSlierces beef 239 kegs butter, 20U pieces mantels, 103 pieces timber. 2.H doors, 25 kegs mutton, 24 bales flax aui sundrioß.

Outwards C'oAsnTisE.—Reward, for Ngur teurn; Norah, for Kennedy Bay; Deveron. for Capo Colvllle; Rose, for Whangarei; Clyde and Krunhilda, for Whangaroa; LogooD, for Coro mandol.

Ivwards Coastwish.—Norah, .from Ken nedy Bay, with 31 COOft. bnnlk timber ;Deveron, from Cape Colvillo. with 400 bnshols sand ana IG tons wood; Whangftroi, from Whangaroi, withsl tons coal: Lafroon, from Cabbago Bay, with, 15,000 ft. tlmbor.

The Austrian corvette SaldaleflSuvaon Juno 6, to continue her cruise.

The 8.8. lona arrived at Fiji from Auckland on the 9th iDRt., after a rouch weather passage. Captain Nearlng loft for Bydney by tho Roto mahana last evening on private business.

The ship Kathorino is now 97 days ; ut from London, and lhe th'p Nerbudda, also from London for this port, is 81 days out. Tho former brings cargo valued at £31.700.

The s.s. Ai«yle arrived from Mercury Bay and Talma at fi.3o am. Passengersi :-Meedaroes Dodd, Clark, Butler, Agnew, and Waterman, Moßsra Morrison, Miller, A. Dyer, Wigmore, and Morrison.

The following vessels were at Mercury Bay last evening:-Ann and Man, Handa Isle, and Prosperity, loading; Glsborne, loaded.

The steam tug Awhlna. which left port to make search for the Wreok reported off East Cape was under charter to a symdicato. In oluding the Awhina Tug Company. Captains Peraaon and Nearing. Moasrs Daore (2),/. and D. Oxley, J. Stooey. H. W. Henderson, J. B. Graham.

The brigantine Sarah and Mary arrived at Brisbane, from Morcury Bay, prior to the 12th instant. . At present thero are 2,127 vessels on the American Roister. This, howover, does not the total shipping property of the States; the inland navigation and fisheries em ploying a large number of unregistered vessels. The brlftantine Linda Webber left Brisbane for this port about the 12th inst. ■ Tho brigantine Allan Donan is loading a 1 Oaraaru for this port.

The " Polyneaian Gazette" says that the Union Company are endeavouring to turn the tide of passenger traflio to Sydney via New Zealand, aa they announce that should sufficient induce ment offer, tho Arawata will call at Russell on her return trip this time, arriving there about Tuesday, the 14'h instant, ana transnip pasoen gera and cargo to the Sydney steamer whioh sails the following d«y. The s.B. Rot»mahana left for Sydney via R-jaaeUatsp.m. yesterday. Passengers :-Mrs and MiSB Harklas, Mr aud Mrs Lancaster, Mica Rack. Mra G. Simpson, Captain Nearing. Measrs Herklss, Daving, Severn, Rose, Mac intosh Humphries, Currio, Diipacpmbe, Macatta, J MiJs, Howe. Broad, and 30 in the steerage, and through paisengers from Southern ports.

The s.B Te Anau left for.MeJbourne via South at 1 p.m. to day. Passengers to Gbborne: Messrs Sweet and Cargo. Mra McQoingval and Huge children. For Napier: Miss Macdonald. Tor l^ttßlton-Meflsrs W. Green, Jones. Mr and JfreCwanattreechildren. For Wellington: Mr Brett, Miss Brett, Mr and Mrs Jivgger, Mesare J. Southern, Wlckman, Porter. Dendy. Bennett, Jotob, Horton, Walker, arid Morris. For Dunedin: Messrs Henderson, Finker. and Maokay. For Hobart: Mr and Mrs W. S. Kiinpton, Mr aud Mra Vertue, and Mr B. Ktapton.

THE ARAWATA.

The flB. Arawata arrived today atß 13a.m. Sho saUed from Lovuka, at 6 a.m. on the 10th instant, and Suva same day at i p.m ; passed Mount Washington at 10 p.m. on 10th ; arrived at RusaeU at 9.30 a m. on 15th, coaled, and Bailed again at 7.30 p.w. same day. Trcm Fiji to Russell experienced strong Bpulh and south west windu, hoavy head sea, and squally weather throughout the. passage. From Russell till arrival here had-light southerly winds. Passen k"4 --fir. Laing, Messrs W. M. Cooke and 8. F. Page' Masters Cramond (2), and 11 steerage. From Russell: Mr M. Isaac.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Galrlooh, us., MoArthur, from Waitara Howena, as, Norbury, from Waitara Hauraki. b.b , Harvey, from Waitara

DEPARTURES.

Hauraki, s.s., Harvey, for Waitara Gairloch s.s.. MoArthur, for Waitara Rowena, s.i.. Norbury. for Waitara Oretl 8,8., Robertaon. forWanganui

The s.s. Hauraki arrived from Waitara this morning with 60 head of cattle and 870 sheep. She left again at noon for Wellington.

Thes.B. Rowena arrived from Waitara this morning with 35 head of rattle and 136 sheity. Sho roturned thither at 2 o'clock.

The B.S. Oreti loft tho wharf at i p.m. yesterday for Wanganui, via New Plymouth, with a seneraloargo and the following passengers :- Slesdameß Jacobs. Taylor and family s/Misaes Thompson, Hart, Means Grfgory, Swift, Innen, Harrop. and 1 steerage. . .

The Northern Company's s.s. Gairloch arrived from Waitara thiß morning with 39 head, of cattle, 503 sheep, 6 kegs butter, 78 pcs meat, and the f ollowin7 paßßongers: Mr and Mrs Dun can and 2 children, Mesdameß Orr, Hawep, Holmes. Misses Robertson and Aid, Messrs Mand (2), Erskine, Bennet. Holt, McKenzle, Biohardson, Gorman and Pearson She left again at 1 o'olock for tho same port with cargo and passengers.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Waitara, this day.- Arrived: Staffs, from Onehunga, IO.EO a.m. Wbbtpobt, this day.—Sailed: Wawatra, for Lyttblton, yesterday.-Arrived: Tiinmph, from Dunedin. - • „ -, „ Pobt OnALMEKa, yesterday.-Sailed: Mana ponri, for the North. Passengers for Auck land • Messrs Cameron and Maofarlane. Rusbbxl, this day.—Arrived; Rotoinanans, from Auokland,Ba.m. i • . ,-• ■•, v ' N«w Plymouth, this day.—Arrived: Oreti, from Onehunga, 7.1S a.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

Rambler—Any solicitor's firm would no doubt take care of the documents for you. Ratepayer.—Out roporter omitted to take tho names of tho division, and thore is bo official . record.

Births.

BLACKIB.—On July IC. at Victoria Avonuo, tho wife of Mr John Blacklo of a daughter. 3 MALE .—On July 12, at Troßtnarrow Farm, Northnote, the wito of Jameo Bnmle of a son ; both doing we)l> WATT.—On July 11, at her residence. Ravol- Btono, Great South Road, tho wife of Robert H. Watt of a daughter.

Marriages.

ALDKft-KAVANAGH.-On July 9, at St. Pat rick's Cathedral, by the Rev. Father Lenihen, Henry, eldest son of Thomas Alder, Winovior chant, Berwick-on Tweed, Kngland, to Cather ine Agatha Goniovlvo, youngest dauithtor of E>iza Kavanagb, Nelson-Btreet) Auckland, late of Burr, Ireland.

Deaths.

ALDKHTON.-On July is, at the rosidooce of Mr Baker, Manukau Road, Parnell, William Aldorton ; aged 81 yearn, Tho funeral will lesvo Mr Baker's residence on Saturday next, at 3 p.m. Friends please accept thin invitation.

DIAMOND—On July 18, John, the youngest and beloved son of John and Mary Ann Dia mond ; aged 2 years and 5 months. The funeral will leave the parents' residence Llvorpool-stieet, on Saturday next, at 3 p.m. Friends please accept this invitation.

KKLLY.—On July i«, at his residence. Wake field-street, James Kelly; aged 87 years. Bcquiescal in pace. A Solemn Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 10 a m. on Saturday next, at St. Patrick's Cathedral. ThofunoralwiUleavetheCathedral lit 3 p>m. same day. Friends are Invited to attend.

WARD.-On July 15, at the residence of his parents. Union-street, Tom liudley, fifth son of Daniel G. and Fanny Ward; aged 20 years. (Accidentally killed). — Christchnrch papers pleaae copy. The funeral will leave the Church of 8t» Thomas, Unlon-Btreet, on Saturday noxt, at 3 p.m.

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

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 1885.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the -wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

We learn by the AraWata, from Fiji to day, that great disappointment has been caused among the advocates of annexation in that colony by the cold ness of the reply received to the com municatiou forwarded to the New Zea land Government by'the Secretary of the Annexation Committee. The Fiji " Times " speaks very warmly on the subject. It says:—

The distinguishing peculiarity of the letters is their remarkably cautious tone, and the contrast they establish between the manner in which the Samoan and Fijian propoeitiona have been entertained. So far as the Premier, the Hon. B. Stout, is him. self concerned, there has been nothing in his past record to indicate any special interest in the general South Sea extension scheme. But the oase is different with Sir Julius Vogel. He has at all times pretended to have a moat lively interest in the matter. He has endeavoured to make of it a spell to conjure, with. He has never been without a big South Sea Bubble at the end of his political tobacco pipe. He has never wearied in calling public attention to its

prismatic beauties and in affirming his ability to blow the thing into a substantial | reality; and now tho reality is actually I ottered to him, it is, discovered that his I enthusiasm is all humbug and his intercut > merely simulated, for political purposes. \

The writer then contrasts the political and commercial insignificance of Samoa with the mercantile and terri torial importance of Fiji, and after reviewing the insuperable obstacles that prevented the annexation of the Navigator Islands, he continues: —

Yet despite tho plain roasona why tho thing could not be, Messrs Stout, Vogel and Co. worked up a positive furore for the annexation of Suinoa They presented New Zealand in the dignified light of a child cry ing for tho nioon, and were nardly restrained from tho folly of making an armed descent upon the Navigators in the hope of swoop ing away Imperial unwillingness and Ger man opposition together by the resistless might of that terrible Hinemoft.

There is absolutely no defence against this well-directed thrust. The relative importance of Fiji and Samoa, either as regards territorial resources or development and fitness for annexa tion, does not admit of comparison. Why, then, the Ministerial enthusiasm for the one, and the cold rebuff ad ministered to the okhcr?

In writing to Messrs Stout and Vogol (tlio articlo continuos) tho Committeo novor for an instant supposed that it would only bo for thorn to ask Lord Dorby, and Fiji would at onco drop liko an ovor ripo cherry into the New Zealand mouth. Tho Imperial unwillingnoss was fully calculated upon, and thoy woro asked to engago Now Zealand in a noricß of such ropiesohtations ai should ovontu ally overcome those scruples. That thoy ire contont to square their conduct so com plaisantly according to Colonial Office tenor, must of coureo be highly gratifying to tho Colonial Office. But whothor it is calculated to give equal satisfaction to Now Zealand must now be toated from the other pido of tho House

The Committee have, in fact, given effect to tho latter clause of the sen tence by appealing from the Executive to the House, and their petition was, we believe, forwarded by the Arawata to the Premier for presentation ; a letter addressed to Sir George Grey, whose attitude towards Fiji is warmly eulo gised, accompanying it.

Although the commercial popula" tions in the towns have thus taken up the movement for annexation to this colony with enthusiasm, and apparently with surprising unanimity, the planters and large employers of labour arc op posed to it. Their objections are urged on the following grounds:—First, that their only certain supply of labour comes from India, and the Govern ment will not allow their people to come to any country governed as the Australian colonies are ruled. The Indian authorities, they say, must have a strong control over the welfare of their people who leave as labourers. This they obtain in Crown colonies through the Imperial Govern ment, who hold supreme control. If, therefore, Indian labour is stopped, to where can Fiji turn for a sufficient and unfailing supply? Not to Polynesia, becuse the High Commis i )ner's pio' clamation of last yoar stopping the supply of tire-arms to Islanders will almost entirely prevent recruiting, as these men come principally with the view of getting guns, and they will go to French or German colonies, where they will get arms. Nor can they depend on anything but ti small and fitful supply of labour from the nalive population of Fiji, for although a great deal of fuss has been made about the laws preventing the Fijians work ing where they please, it is contended that Fijians never have worke I willing ingly in any great numbers, and never has oven that small supply been certain.

The second ground of objection is that the native question is a most important one, and worthy of better results than have been obtained in New Zealand wi h the Maoris, and that it would be a (r.iel thing to hand over the native affa ri to any Government unless t;ie nr.i/es tr em-selves agreed to such a transfer. When Fiji was annexed lo Britain ten years ago, the English Government promised the people their protection in the most direct manner; and while th» Government of New Zealand would do its best to carry out such views, yet the nature of a Democratic Constitu tion is irreconcilable with that paternal care which is necessary to the govern ment of a primitive race and their gradual elevation from the simple life of barbarism to the order of a complex civilisation. Although these are the reasons openly avowed, there is no doubt that the experience of the planters in Queensland under a Demo cratic Government has alarmed the Fiji planters. They fear the conse quences of placing the regulation of the labour supply under the control of a democracy. Thus the question stands; and it presents the most interesting problem affecting New Zealand's external rela tions that has ever come before the Parliament of this colony. That it would be a good thing either for New Zealand or Fiji to carry out the annex ation scheme, we have never yet been fully convinced. The New Zealand Government has a great work to do in developing the resources of this fine country and managing its affairs. But if we are to go in for schemes of annex : ation, Fiji, with its established, self sustaining Government, and orderly European and native population, offers the fairest field. We can well under stand the disappointment occasioned in Fiji by the tone of the communica tions sent by the Government of this colony. The Premier utterly failed to apprehend the greatness of the ques tion he so-coldly dismissed. And we are confident that, afthough the Parlia ment of the colony, after due in quiry, iilay not cohsider it advisable to concur with the prayer of the peti tion, it will assuredly bestow upon the matter its most thoughtful and earnest consideration. The colonists of Fiji may rely.upon it that if the time is deemed inopportune for giving effect to their prayer, it will not bo because the great body of New Zealand colo nists either undervalue the importance of the request that has been preferred, or fail to reciprocate the cordial feelings which are expressed ih such a memorial.

A cable desputch this afternoon shows the National Bank loeaos to have been more serious than was at first advised. The Company have had to face bad debts to the amount of £131,000. There

was only one way of meoting so largo a deficit—namely, by writing off a proportionate amount of capital and reserve fund, which, though nomi nally in oxieteiico, is actually gone Tho directors have applied £100,000 of the capital to this purpose, and £10,000 of the Reserve Fund. Shareholders will have to submit to a pro rala reduction on their interests. Tke paid-up oapital of the Company is £350,000, so that nearly a third of that sum has been written off. This decision, it is reported, has resulted from Mr Hem's recent ex amination into the affairs of the Bank. The losses date back to tho very first years of its operation, and some of the worst accounts spring out of tho affairs of the o'd Bank of Otago which was taken over. There can be no doubt that the directors have adopted a wise course in facing the difficulty, and that, relieved of this incubus, the Bank may enter upon a career of substantial prosperity,

There haa been a very animated market in La Monte'B Syndicate sbarcß, and come have changed hands at nearly 70 per cent, premium. There is a conhdent feel ing that the furnacta will turn out to bo a great succoea. All Karangahako stocks are asked for, and thore are very few sellers. Thames Golden Crowns aro In demand about os, Cambrian wantod at 12s, Bunk and Itisuranco stocks aio linn, and a con stant enquiry is kopt up for Gas shares. The market till round is very buoyant and linn.

Mr Hodgo, who has been nctivoly canvas sing for signatures to the petition in favour of the extension of the Local Option fran chise, forwarded today to Sir George Gruy a second petition 3tift. lung and bearing 1,0-5 signatures.

Mr Chan. Bonuutt, the advance mid busi icas agent for Thompson's Soudan Ex libition, has arrived.

Mr J. Coupland is altering his (juecn itleut storo by subdividing tho praseul building into two shops. Ono of them id alroudy engaged by Alr Guudson, of tho London Arcado.

Building operations aro at presont pretty brisk in Karaugivhapo Road, nearly twenty shops being in coureo of oroction. On tho allotment lately leased from tho City Coun cil aoveral buildings aro already eoninlo'od, and olovon two-elory shops aro being eroded, starting from tho cornor of Howe street along towards tho reservoir at Pon eonby Koaxi ' Tho corner block is tho proporty of Messrs Oarrott Brothors, tho enterprising bootmakihg firm of Wakofiold- Btroet, and Avondalo tannery. Thoso pro miscp aro built of brick with dressed Btono front, and whon finished will prosent a handsome and substantial appearance. Directly opposito theso shops nro tho build ings nnw in coureo of erection to tho order of Mr E. \Vood, butcher. ThCao connist of eevon two-story shops, eorue of which aro already occupied. Lowor down Karnnga hapo Koad, three two-story shops aro being built on tho proporty of tho Orango Order, adjoining thoir hall; and on tlio allotment noxt McPherson's drapery establishment, two moro shops aro partially eroctod for Mr Y. Warren. Kurangahapo Road bids fair to bocomo ono of tho leading business thoroughfares of tlio city.

Mr J. Adams has been successful in ob taining upwards of 2,000 signatures to tho railway roform petition, and amongst tho signatures all classes aro represented. Tho Mayor heads tho list of petitioners. As the time for sending tho potition in is now at hand, facitios will bo offorod to-morrow at tho bottom of '\ ictoria-strcot for porsons dosirouß of signing it.

An inquest was boing hold as wo went to pross in the Rob Roy Hotol. Frooman's Bay, boforo tho coronor, Dr. Philson, and jury of twelvo, upon tho body of the unfortunate young man Dudloy Ward, who died yesterday from injuries occasioned by a fall, which ho received while occupied in putting down the joists for tho flint iloor of a building in Wyndham street. From tho ovidonco adduced it appears that tho deceased's spinal cord was injured by tho fall, but no bones woro broken. Tho Te Anau took a considerable number of passengors to-day. Some of thoso wore going in connection with tho Industrial Exhibition at Wellington. Amongst thoso wo noticed tho manager of the Auckland Tobacco Company, Mr Jaggor, of brewery renown, tho manager of the Northern Boat Company, and Mr Norrio, cabinet-maker. Some of the paaeengera complained that the excursion faro 'was unfair to them, as it does not come into force till tho 20th inst., while preeont visitors had to pay in full.

The quarterly meoting of the congrega tion of St. James's I'resbytorian Church was hold last evening, There was a small attendunco. The Rev. H. F. Macnicol occupied the chair. A discussion on "The Scriptural Mannor of Supporting the Church," us aH'octing tho renting of pews, was discussed, but no resolution was arrived at, it having been previously decided to postpone any decisive action until tho noit annual mooting. Mr K. S. Abel has commenced his Tonic Sol-fa singing cta'a in tho Foresters' Hall, Newton, About 50 persona, male and female, have enrolled thoir names as members. To the Editor : Sir, —I'ormit mo through your columnß to ask tho Socretary of the previous bakers' meetings why bo did not call a meeting for last Saturday evening, according to order, ami if ho will call one through the inoUium of tho BvKMNU Staii (or next Saturday V — 1 am, etc., I. J. BhAMjT. Tho liret marriage in the new Orufton Road Church was solomnisod yeslerdny by tho ltev. R. Bavin, the happy piiir being Mr John Walker, seedsman, cif tho Auck land Market, and Miss Wratt, of Mount Eden. The murriago ncono nttractod a largo concourse of persons, and tho custom ary scattering of rico and throwing of slippers caused some amurfoniont. At tho closo of tho coromony tho wodding party woro convoyed round Otiohunga and Otahuhu in thfeo carriages with white steeds, and homo to breakfast. The bride groom and brido were tho recipients of tho Family Bible. Mr King i'ooloy, tlio wollknow baritone, has been appointed choirmastor at St. Mary's, I'nrnoll. The gentleman is a skilled musician, and under his direction St. Mary's choir should roako great progress.

A new duot composed by Mr Neville Barnett especially for Messrs Knox and Edwards will bo Bung by tho two latter gentlomon at tho Beresford-stroet Church Organ Recital this evening. Tho pro gramme olsowhere gives full particulars. Tho performance of tho " Lights o1 Lon don " at the Opera House last night was attended by the usual concomitants of n largo audionco and enthusiastic applause. After Saturday night tho pioco will bo withdrawn and a now spectacular drama staged.

Extensive preparations aro being mado for tho concort to be given in tho Theatre Royal on Tuesday ovoning noxt by tho Waitemata Minstrels, in aid of Mr G. Morris. A first-class programme lias bcon prepared, and a largo number of tickets already sold. Mr Morris, who is a comic singor of some ability, has frequently given his services in tho cause of charity in Auck land. Ho is now suffering from a pro tracted illness, and henco tho kind en deavours of his friends to assist him.

A groat improvement is being oifceted at the top of Wellington street. For a long time tho largo hall erected during Father Ilennoberry'a mission has presented an unsightly appearanco, owing to it being on a bank several fent above the level of tho road • The earth from this bank has been constantly crumbling away, and rolling across tho footpath, which caused this corner always to present an untidy appear ance Added to this, tho building has of late begun to look very dilapidated. Now, howfjvor, painters arc- at work upon tho hall, and a number of mon aro timployel! digging outthooarth, in order that tho board ing may bo continued down to tho level of the footpath. It is statod that tho building is to bo utilised as a day school.

Thero is always afi imrtienfe waste of tittle at the Auckland Polico Cdurt. It is supposed to open at 10.30 o'clock, but even wlien it is eat'ly, generally a (judftbr of a.ti hour is wasted. This morning, the whoio Court were kept until after 11 o'clock wait ing for a J.P. In some instances, this Court is delayed on account of the Heeident Magistrate buing detainod in tho upper Court; but on Thursdays, it is always known that he is en gaged for tho wholo day in the Debtors' Court, and cannot therefore be in attendance. Under thoso circumstances, it becomes the duty of the Court officials to Bed that Justices aro present, and thus prevent an alnoittlt of valuable timo boing wasted. Thiß morning the senior sergeant of the police and seven constables were kept waiting, when they might bo much more profitably employed hunting down, shop-liftore. In addition to these there were, of course, the usual number of wit noßsos and tho "groat unwashed," who make a point of always attending the Police Court to eoe that justice is properly meted out.

A meeting for tho inauguration of v Mutual Improvement Society was hold in tho Wosloyan Schoolroom, Birkenhoad, on Tuoeday oveniDg last. Thoro was a good attendance. Mr R. H. Douse occupied tho chair. It was unanimously rosolved that a society to bo called " Tho Northcoto Mutual Improvement Association" bo formed. Tho following officers were elected :— President, C. B. Button, Esrj. ; Vico- Presidents, Messrs R. H. Doueo and D. Bruco ; Secretary, Mr Allau Wilaen ; Committeo: Messrs Glrnny, J. Johr.st.on, Stafford, E. J. White, W. Barrett, Thomp son, and A. Wilson. A set of rule 3 for the guidance of tho Society was adopted, and tho programme for the course was also resolved upon. It was also decided thas the meeting to be held on Tuesday next Bhould be ope <■.•! to the public, and bo of a social character, when in addition to the inaugural address to be given by the Pre sident, there will be recitations, and vocal and instrumental music by various mem bers, particulars of which will bo duly ad vet freed.

THE CHARITABLE AID BILL.

Moro Trouble Brewing lor the

Ministry,

(HY TEI.ECKAPH PAKLIAMKNTAHV

IIKI'OUTKK.)

Wellington, this day. This Charitable Aid Bill is likely to cause i considerable trouble to tho Government. An informal caucus of Canterbury members was hold this morning, at which the feeling was show n to be against the measure, and it was informally agreod toendeavourto induce the Government to withdraw it in favour of one embracing the endowinont system similar to that which was the principle of Mr Stevena's bill, which passed tho Houte of Kopiedontatives in 1879, but waa lost in the Council. The feeling against tho bill was no etrotig that uoveral stroug Canterbury Ministerialist!) said they would sooner go into Opposition than support it. It was shown that in respect of tho boruughs of Sydenhain and St. Albuns tho Charitable Aid subsidies would more than swamp tho general vote.

WRECK OFF EAST CAPE

Oal'tain Skin nek, master of tho nchucmer Gisborno, and part owner of tho schooner VVaiapu, does not believo that tho wreck reported by Cuptain l'opham as having been soon off Eaßt Capo can havo boon that of the Wuiapu. Writing from ifbrctiry Bay to' Mr H. B. Mortonundoryesterday's dute, he nays: —" In reference to tho wreck seen by the Kotomahana, I am almost euro it is not tho Waiupu. Tho Waiapu left horo on Sunday morninp, with lino fair wind, and it has beon lino weather ever since. 1 have had a wiro from Captain l'opham, of the Kotoma hana, and ho says there was no tirabor, and that tlio wind was north-west, which is the smoothest wind you can havo round the Cape. Anothor thing, tho Waiapu is the lant vessel in Auckland to turn ovor, and she was- ballasted with twenty-five tons comont, which would gink her If she was full of water, and I bolieve that sho woulc^with the bol'ast eho has in her, blow, tho sticks out of her. I also know that Nicolas is a good seaman ; all tho chancos aro in favour of him being all right. Tho wreck may have been from tho last blow we had, or it might bo a whale doad floating belly up, which looks very much liko a hull. I know that natives aro whaling round thoro, and that they nearly killed two, but that thoy had to cut, owing to one of tho boats being swamped, so that it might bo a whale. I am feeling very easy about tho mattor, knowing what tho weathor has been. Sco Mrs Nicolas, and bliow her this. I sail to-night. Should havo been away this morning but for this.— Yours truly, J. H. Skinnkr." Mr 11. B. Morton has received the follow ing tologram from Gisbcrne with roferonce to tho above :—" Tho Suva left at eight thin morning to look for vessel, and hope thoy will recover her."

A NEW MINING PROCESS.

(BY THIiKORAI'It. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, thie day. Mk H. Tait, representative of a London syndicate, who holds patont rights of a pro cess for tho prevention of tho " sickening ' of mercury used in quartz-crushing by passing a current of electricity through the ripplo*, has arranged with the Now Prince Imporial Company for conducting v test of the etlicacy of the syatom at their battery. Homo of tho requisite material is on board the Grastnere, and the remainder will arrivo at an early dato. .r?or comparative purposes ton stampers will bo employed without electricity against 10 head, to which tho new system will bo applied.

THE BRICKLAYERS LABOURERS STRIKE

The labour diUeroncce reported in our last i3suo were amicubly eottlcd lato in the after noon. Mr McUuiro agreed to recognise a'l tho labourers in his employ as Association inon, and to pay them the uniform rate of S.i a day, The dispute, it appears, origin ated at tho building in coureo of orectiou by Mr McUuiro in Knrangahape Road for Messrs Oarrott Brothors. Tho Arcade men wont out in accordance with Association rules, in sympathy with tho movoment of thoir co-workers. Wo havo received tho following letter on tho subject: —

Sir,-Will you kindly correct tho stato mont that appeared in your ieuuc of last evening with respect to tho striko on tho Insurance Company's buildings. Tito simplo facts aro that tho whole troublo onianiitcd from Garrotte now t-hops, Kara ngahape Road, where non-Socioty labourers woro employed. Tho officers of tlio Socioty then called out their muu on tho Arcade in accordance with tho rules. I may etato that none other thau Socioty mon aro employed, and nothing Ic.^ than eight shillings per day has over been paid by MrHarriaon,foreman on tho In surance Buildings, and it in wholly with a view of removiDg uny impression to the con trary that may have been gathered from the article of last evening that this lettor is writton. —lam, etc., Womkmam.

TABLE TALK.

Even a tramp has a coat of alms. Last three nights of " Lights of London.' Tho laundress's daily soliloquy—" Ayo, thero's the rub."

Concert in aid of tho Femalfl Prison Gate Brigade to nighfv Somobody wants to know if tram-travel ling at " i'Boo per foot" io profitable. Lwreneo Barrott carries £24,000 and Edwin liooth £17,000 in lifo insurance.

Philip Dolan was drowned in tho Rakaia rivor on Tuesday. " Good Intont" ball in Lome streot Hall tomorrow night. " All'e well that ends swell,"as the sailor said when the wind went down.

Mrs Jacobson was found dead in tho Norsewood Bush (Uawke's Bay) from ex postiro. An unemployed petition has been aontto the Government.from Wellington. Russell Sage is eaid to havo lost upwards of £1,600,000 in speculation last year. The bricklayors' labourers strike has been onded by tho non-Society men joining tho Society, and Mr Macguire agreeing to pay these mon tho standard wage.

A Wellington jury has given expression to tho opinion that more stringent regula tions ahitali ba enforced relative to the sate of " RoUgh oft Eato '' Mr Beotham, R.M,, decided at Christ church yesterday that tho City Council could not recover udder tho Municipal Cor porations Act and amortdmenta for the con struction or repairs of any private street laid out boforo 1883.

Auckland petitions praying that electoral and riot burgess rolls should be the basis of local option polling, have beon presented by Mr Thompson. Victor Hugo was first a Royalist, then an admirer of Napoleon, and at last a Repub lican with Socialist leanings. . Captain Morris telegraphed to Tauranga before the election that Mr Grace's return would be fatal to railway icterests, It has been decided to make all expenses incurred in connection with tho Gillies scholarships a charge on the fund. The Foresters aro about to commence tho construction of a hall in Wharf-street, Tauranga. Oil bore at Gieborne is down 800 feet, and the veritable oil rock is expected at a further depth of 250 feet. The presence of oil is already manifest. Mr A. J. Vogan, lately of Te Puke, accompanies the Australian Geographical Society's expedition to New Guinea as artist.

Mies Braddon, the story writer, is Mrs John Maxwell. She is rich, and livc3 in a historic old mansion at Richmond, a suburban village of London, Fjsml Stock bos beou arrested at Welling ton on a charge of stealing valuable papers amounting to £7,000 from a chief named Wiri Turoa, at JToxton.

Ernoßt Buckholz has been fined £20 at Lyttolton for smuggling 9£lb tobacco and 300 cigars from tlio steamer Glaucus Sir Maurice O'Rorke has writton stating that a bill has beori introduced enabling the University Council to apply moneys received for the sale or letting of endowments,

The third and laet, of the organ recitals at Beroßford-street Church wHI be givenlto night by Mir. Seville Barnett, F.C.O. The programme is specially attractive.

A magic-lantern entertainment in con nection with Bt» Barnabas's Sunday-school will bs given by the Rev. J. S. Hill in Waite'eHal], Mount Kden, to-morrow evening at 7 o'clock. Refreshments are tone provided, and scholars ot the school admitted tree. Admission to friends, one shilling,

CABLEGRAMS.

[BY ELECTRIC TJSLEORAPH.—COI'YBIUHT.]

Tho Bank of Munster Falls. London, July 15.-The Munster Bank (Limited), *hich ban branches in tho principal tdvvne in South Iroland, has sus pended payment. San Francisco Moil Servlcti. It is currently stated that tho Pacific Mail Company's sorvice between bydnoy, Auckland, and San i'raucisco, will bo with drawn in Novombtr noxt, when the present agreement expires ; the reason being tnat the colonies of New Eoith Wales and New Zealand are unwilling to coutmuo tho subsidy. Now Peer. It is anuounced that Colonel Sir R. J. Lloyd-Lindsay, V.C., M.l', for lieikshiro, has beon elevated to the Peerage.

London, July 15,—The "Times" states that New South Wales will have little dilli culty in obtaining tho now loan.despito tho protost of the city brokers.

THE NATIONAL BANK LOSSES.

(SVIUiIAh TO MUSHS ASSOCIATION.)

(Roceivod IGth—l.o p.m.)

Lomjun, July IS. Tun balanco-sheet of tho National Bank of New Zealand shows tho doubtful dobis to bo £131,000. Ono hundred thousand pounus of tho capital account, and £10,000 from tho rosorvo fund have been traiisforrod to a contingent bad dobts account.

BILLS BEFORE PARLIAMENT.

(BY TELKGRAPII.-OWN REPORTER),

Wellington, this day. Mk O'ConNUK'h Friendly Sociotio's Act Amendment provides that no transfer from ono friend to anothor shall tako place without a report of tho valuer, and Societies having aceruod intorest ovor 5 per cent, may havo it appliod to such purposes as may be approved by the superior or Dis trict Lodge. Sir Julius Vogel'u Mortgage Debenturo Act empowers any company incorporated under tho Companies Act, 1882, to issno mortgage debonturos founded on securities upon or aflecting land, and to make pro vision for the registration of such mort gage, dobonturos, and securities. Mr Fisher's Amondmont Police Offeneos Act (No. 2) providos for giving two .Jus tices of tho Peace or a Rosidont Magistrate summary jurisdiction in dealing with koopors of disorderly houses and porsonH having no lawful means of support who frequent dis ordorly houses. At present,as prostitution is not, in a legal sonse, an unlawful occupa tion, keeper* of disorderly houses, and por sons who frcquont thoso houses, can only be proceeded against by way of indict tedious Supremo Court proceedings, and fully rondors the common law a doad lottor, bocauso pooplo wilt not go to tho trouble. Of course I am referring to boroughs whoro tho Contagious Disoases Act is not in force. Where that is in forco, ordinary common law proceedings will suffice. Mr Seddon has introduced two bills—tho Bawkers'tnd Pedlars' Bill, and Auctioneers' Bill, but owing to the crowded state of the Order Papor, thoro is little chance of their becoming law this eestlon. Tho first pro vides that hawkers' licenses may only be isauod by a local boiy after iaeuo of cor tilicate by tho llesident Magistrate. Hawkers must wear badges. The Auctioneers' Bill providos that ono month's notice of application for licenso is to bo given, and tho Resident Magistrate, after examination thereof, and hearing ovidenco thereon if necessary, may either rofuHO eucll application, or grant tho saino, whoroupoli ho issues hia certificate author ising the grant of license by tho local authority of tho district.

THE ANNIE MILBANK WRECK.

The Charterer Held Liable for

Damages.

It will bo remembered that the paddle stoamcr Aunie Milljauk sustained serious damage during a rocent gale ; and that aho amk alongsido the Railway Wharf, whero sho still lios, She waa at that timo under charier to Captain Davidson, who, wo tiro informed, signed un n{,rreoinont contracting to return the veesel to her unchorago in tho name good order in which she waa whon ho took her over. Tho stoamot having mot ■nith tho mishap whilst in charge of tho charterer, and thero having been no in euranco on hor, tho ownora, Mosnrs JKraecr and Tinue, hold Captain David son liable fur all damage*) sustainod by the vessel. This involves a largo Bum of money, which will prorjably run over "three tijjuros," and may possibly load to litigation. Meanwhile efforts are being tnudo to float tho Annie Milbank into Mechanics' Buy by Messrs Bigelow and Son. Pumps woro got into working order yeatorday, but all attempts to get tho water under then proved useless, and two divers who employed to ascertain where the leak age exists. The vossol Eoems to bo severely injured, and will require extensive repairs^

THE WEALTH OF NEW ZEA LAND.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PARLIAMENTAKY

KEI'ORTER.)

Wellington, this day. In his"reply on tho Local Powers and Finance Bill last night, Sir Julius Vogel gavo tho following interesting statistics regarding Now Zealand's financial position : - Ho had taken out .a balance-sheet showing the actual position of the colony, which was said to be overburdened with dobt. Tho assets on tho 31st of March, 1883, wore : Keal property, oxclusive of Maori lands, £101,000,000; personal property, £64,009,000 ; public works, including railways, telegraphs, harbour*, &c. (an under estimate), £10,000,000. That made tho total amount of assets £181,000,000. Tho dobt of tho colony in ISB3 was £27,785,000; local bodies, £4,197,000; mortgages amounting to £15,000,000; and debts outside tho colony amounting to £7,001,000, making in all £54,000,000, and loaving a surplus balance to tho wealth of the colony of £127,000,000. The average wealth was £227 per head, making this colony almost the wealthiest country in the world. Great Britain's wealth per inhabitant was £249 ; France, £218 ; Germany, £140 ; Russia, £52 ; Austria, £95. The Australian colo nies are put down at £197. New South Wales heads the amount with £241, and Now. Zealand is down at £'205, but the statement he had tnado was absolutely correct.

SIR JULIUS VOGEL'S CLAIMS.

(by tkleukaph—own courespondknt.)

Wellington, this day. This "Evening Press" suys : "Thecnly really important thing to be gained from the inane correspondence between Mr Stout and Sir Dillon Bell is the fact that Sir Julius Vogel's much-trumpeted claim to tho authorship of the inscription of stock ecbemo is, and all along baa been, a brazen imposture. Both ho and Mr Stout are compelled to admit that he was not tho originator of that scheme, but only the adapter. There never was such a brag gart as Sir Julius Vogel ba9 been as to tho origination of political or financial projects ; nevor was such an unblushing beggar for payment in hard cash for his services in that respect. Yet no one in reality has less to brag about, and no ono deserves less to bo remunerated for his sor vices. These retlections and the corres pondence have a special significance in view of tho startling doinand whicli we hear Sir Julius Vogel contemplates making at an early date on tho credulity and liberality of the taxpayers of New Zealand."

To-morrow at noon R. C. Greenwood sells at his Mart, Vulcan Liino, by order of tlio Registrar o£ the Supreme Couit, a Bubatantial g-roomed house on allotment with iOrt frontage to Hyiuonda-Btreet, situated In a healthy locality with line view.

Chambers'e celebrated sewing machine?, 0 Queen-a tract.

The church steward in connection with the Giafton Road new Wesleyan Chnroh, notifies that applications for slttioKS in the new church will be reoeived at Mr Burton's store during the day, and up to to-morrow night.

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

\Vkl«sotos, this day. ss££3St Ist schedule hat W^ [icou|itry wa yofsub«dyoallta-1 per annum. . ,j ; (| pasned through Com"«th^ & tjme out amendment. "" Ullt icipated that and passed, but v . dto ifc |n tllo Borious opposition vili do Legislative Council. , nutod immi g ra . by the Govern-

bera that tho ewwu *»" b Witb yond Uie flrrt «^ ;^ P 0 aBBUme o j)joe, the OPP'Jf 1. 10" ShoHou^, as b whole, even .f called on and .. thoir disposed to.™?^ t| loUK ht that the beet mottsuros out, it « ' t L X S»d w bllh"dl V't and practicable Bl>S? d'T hiurfnn rravonotico of a bill to ftmend S 1,lS£r-£fw.^'s>i'»i- iJ'"ll'° '"S'.KXSE'w K i.» »<*» f> v. .1"; co so eliall authorise Imft to do busineee. Mr Butron cafricd a dtotioti <6r a return ■bowing eeparatoly thott.ilountß.paid by the Colonial 'iroasuror to each local bo'.ly for ratoa under the Crown and Native Lands Rniinf Act It is supposed that the object the' motion fa J show that that Act like tho Roads and Bridges Construe tion Act, has boon inequitable in its opera tion, and has unduly favoured the North. Tho officers who retire in accordance with tho Pensions Act, 1884, are :_J. Buchanan, Geological Survey Department, £127 per annum ; H. Hartwright, Audit Department, £152 per annum ; A. Bough ton, Treasury Department, £98 per annum. Mr Guinnoss'a bill to give members ot the police forco the right to voto at elections was strongly supported by tho Minister of Dofonce, Sir George Grey, and the Premier, and oppoiod by Major Atkmson, who thought that when a policeman waa given a voto he would bocomoan ac'tivo politician. I havo Government authority for stating that tho Government purpose dropping tho Railway Boards system. This docision will probably be announced in tho Financial Statomont. Sir Goorgo Groy's schemo ap pears to attract a good deal of attention, and is favourably received by many demo cratic mombers. It is believed that there will boa strong opposition from Canterbury, whoro much of the land which owners would not dippoßO of for £15 per acre is valuod for the purposes of tho property tax at £3 an aero. To Mr Barron's Extension of Hours I'oll ing Bill a echodulo has been added; mak ing it applicable to only city and suburban electorates, thirty scats in all. This Will overcomo tho opposition of country mem bors, and tho measure is now likely to pass. Tho Govcrnmont havo promised to take it

up. Tho "Post" trusts tho House will not agree to renew the San Francisco mail con tract, holding that since it is of little or no use to this colony, it thinks tho time has come whon the service could bo dispensed with, and the money it costs devoted to the encouragement and development of the direct mail service. If tho subsidy were appliod to direct boats, the foi.tnightly service would bo justitiud. Probably, if tho entiro fortnightly convoyanco of mails wore assured to the direct sorvico, very favour ablo torms could bo made with the Com panies for passages of nominated and other immigrants. Eilortg aro being mado to croate a strong local government party, and to induce the Government to tuko up the question, and covera) loading members are willing to work in that1 direction. Others of the old provincial party aro in tho swim, and I hope to givo you a completo account of their platform in the course of v few days. It will probably include the reduction of central Legislativo expenditure by ro ducing tho Bize of the House.' . Mr Fi W. Bucklund has givou notice to ask tho Minister of Public Works whether the Government have taken any action in Hie matter of planting puriri trees in Auck land district.

Mr Moss was in his place in tho Houee yustorduy afternoon. Sir Georgo Grey, Mr Stout, and Sir Julius Vogol havo been summoned to give ovidenco beforo a solect committee of tho Logululivo Council upon tho constitution of tho Council.

Mr Hurst today presented a potition against any alteration of the Licensing Act. Mr F. \V. Bucklnnd presented a petition from L). Jvoneiily, of Romucia, praying for a grant of land for military service. Tho Nativo Allah's Committee reports with roforonco to tho potition of Michael McCcoloy thai they ceo no necessity to interfot-o.

Tho Local Bills Committoo reports that the Spencer Restoration of Water Rights Bill is not a local bill.

Mr Hamlin is endeavouring to induce the Minister of Public Works to issue special tickets on Auckland railways available for Friday and Saturday market days. The Native Affairs Committee report re Paora Tuhaero's petition for withdrawal of the Governor's proclamation to sell the Little Barrier Island toar.y ono but Govern-, tnent, that they have no recommendation to make, the Government having issued a pro clamation in accordance with the Special Powers and Contracts Act, 18S1.

A return laid on the table of the House of the tea duty collected from the lnt May to 30th Juno at the principal ports shows : Auckland, £203,029; .Wellington, £202,560; Christchurch, £145,070; Duncdin, £355,165.

At this afternoon's sitting, leave to intro duco tho following bills will be asked :— Bill to Provide for the Bettor Preserva tion of tho Lives of Young Children from Poison by Phosphorous Matches (firey); Bill to Amend the Public AVorks Act, 1882 (Richardson); Public Reserves Acts, 1881, Amondmont Bill (Ballance); Police Offence Act, ISS4, Amendment Bill, No. 2 (Fisher).

Mr Beotham is to move for a return showing tho oxpendituro incurred ly tho Government in carrying on tho pro visions of the Roads and Bridges Construc tion Act, the return to show separately tho expense under the main road and district road provisions. Mr Brown moved for a return of the value of all lands and Government buildings thoroon, exclusive of railway Btations and charitable intitniions. Tho Employment ot Females Act Three members of the House who were unsuccessful on Friday night in getting the time on which persons otl'ectcd by the Fac tories Act could work extended to eight and a-half hours per day, in order to make up for the half-holiday on Saturday, had their object attained yesterday afternoon when the bill camo up for adoption. During the last two days, several representatives from Southern portions of tho colony have received tele- ' grams from their constituents, pointing out that unless the extra half hour wore granted they would have to discharge all their employes under 18, and the recommittal of the bill was cur ried by a substantial majority, with the object of altering eight hours to eight and u-h.'ilf. The main objection to the measure entertained by ite opponents being Uiub removed, it in unlikely that any eorioua opposition will bo raised to it in the Legislative Council. A similor provision to that in existence in Victoria was, however, carried, providing that iv case of ouiergency any magistrate or inspector may allow youug persona to work overtime Mr Fykes Meeting. A mooting of what was professedly Gov ernment supporters, held this morning, convened by Air Tyke, was attended by about 10 members. Its object was to con sider tho Hospital and Charitable Aid Bill. Mr Downio Stowait wbb voted to tho chair. A resolution was proposed censuring Mr Pyko for convening tho mooting without consulting the Government, but aftor tho member for Dunetan had expressed that his object in calling a mooting of Govern ment supporters was to show that his action was not liostilo to the measure, tho motion was allowed to lapso. There was a gonoral expression of opinion that tho Government should grant a £ for £ subsidy, but owing to the somewhat informal manner in which the meeting was convened, no resolution was come to.

Malakial Fever,—Malarial (overß, constipa tion, torpidity of the liver and kidneys, general Jebilitv, nervousness and neuralgio ailments yield readily to this great disease conqueror. Hop Bitters. It repairs the ravages of disease by converting the food into rich' blood, and (rives new life and vigour to the aged and in firm. Bee.

THE AFRICAN DIFFICULTY.

(?« CABLE—COPYRIGHT.) ' I [.SI'KOIAL TO'FBSSU ASSOCIATION,]

lioiiiifrolf Says tile Afghans a Advauciug. London. July i«

In his dospatche1!",-General Komaroffhj, cubed the Afghans of cSill advancing L» bo has received orders from hte Guvernin to act strictly on the defensive, «Jylonel Kidgeway, the Elijah 4U, ' £ FrontiW Uotniuieisionor, is proceejjim {' If ioXDoN, J u ]y n W The Hon. F. Stanley, Secretary o f gt', fur the Colonies, in an intortlew to? BBi with the Colonial Agents-General, ttoJS I to ask Lord Lyons, British Ambassador ' I I'uri*, to continue hU elForts for the t H toction of Australian inLmeaW', Miih rea o j to the rocidiveste quuoliun, "SWA-. 1 i London, July 13 —In the House of &». H molis to-night, during thediscussion™ii' I I'oto of credit, Mr W. H. Smith, Bee °,Z 1 for War, stated that tho credit vote war- I tho purpose rf despatching 35,000 adi? i tional troops to India, if required. 'r J Tendera for a loan cf £#00,000 at 5J< B; cent, for Napier Marbonr Board tta I minitnuin of which had been fijtedatiji? § opened today, when tho total amonnu} I tenders woro found to be £1300Onn I Tenders at £104 Is 3d will receive3ont I cent, of thoir application, above that in (m 1

FIJI NEWS.

--■ --3* ■ ; :--; ■ Movement for AAimxaUon to Km 1 Zealand. W (Pek s b. Akawata). By tho ArUwttla to-day wo learu that U» I movement in favcMf of annexation to jN« B Zoaland is etill being puohd on, thonrt § the planters generally are unfafoarableb 8 it. At a romarkably well attended meetim H of the Annexation Committee, it tnt I decided to entrust the petition to theHoj fli the Premier of Hew Zealand for present*. I tion to Parliament, and to address Sir I George Grey farther engaging his sums, 1 and co-operation in the movement, [' Tho Holmhnrst Mill tow coinmwctj I crushing again, and is. noff turning ml E sugar at the average rate of eigbi toaiW H diem. The product ia of excellent qnalfij, I It is a white counter which challttni 9 comparison with tho best manufactured!* I any of the other mills. Mr Robertson, ftj HJ manager, will crush steadily through the Bj season with but one short break, ami till ■§ pass tho yield from about 700 acreathrotk I tho rollers. * | News received from Snva by pigeon put H yesterday states that at the sale of Mr I Parr'a properties the general estate vu ■ bought in by the company at the upw '■ prico. H A horrible double murder ia reported ftaa I Vuna as having beon committed in tbi fim locality in the early part of the month. Ob p Thursday, the 4th ultimo, a labour toy ■ returning through the back part of: tit HJ Eugenic Eetate, discovered the bodies of ||jf£ two of Mr Mooro'o Polynesian labonteSji Hffi man and his wife, who had evijjeilly j&w mot with foul play, and whoßß reinobu gife wero horribly mutilated. The head of ilm the man was severed from the trunk, Sm II the scene of the crime a blood-stained as IBSS has been discovered, evidently the imffe. Bflfif ment with which the murders were o«b- B mitted. The ownership of this axe b» Jm been traced to one of four tfijians livibg if ajart. Two of these have bean »nd& m and retained in custody on suspicion, ftyl H are sullen in demeanour, and simply dpf Bj oil knowledge of tho crime. Recent visitors to Mango speskyojr is favourably of the animated appearancstlt B| island now presents. Crushing operattnt Ri are in steady progress, and the einoottaeu H with which things are working miutjug' most encouraging to the Companj'?* X defatigable manager, Mr James Mm. «L The tramways arc all in pplendid order, id p nine horso? are getting from 90tolJOtoi H of cane to the rollers daily. Ihtdeuf^ S§ is very good, and the average OKtptl Ff of sugar is about' 26 tons per. m, It ia a white counter fairly large if# Si grain, but specially attractiiift attenthtf^ H| its purity of colour and tbe dryneuojik! B crystals. For some time past'tiwwowK g£ at Mango has beon cold but dry; Vfj little rain has fallen, and its want'iftylJfejßj nirig to be felt. Neveithole£s tbecrjptejra looking Hpleiidid, •'' .■ , t Judging from facts within VnOwWpMj with respeut to tho application forMtgg immigrants,' and from other indjcttbrßJ recently attracting notico, thetevwft'HJ no*.v Room to bo no scarcity of labowft MB available for agricultural °Pef llf ß:H The ovidoncca all point to tiuj^H that the supply is quite eojtMt-itHj if not in excess of, the dtowfl Prcisont actual requirements seem blt H fully sati<-fiod. Yet the coolio ahipGiujjiflJ is oxpocted with a full complement in tiff H days, the agents of tho Albatrou in fflj advi rtisins; for omploycrs for their r«Cr^ BJBi and tho Government is inviting appliatauHJ 1 "for tho allotment of a few Polyttßg immigrants, who may be expected to«Bi*^H per Meg Merrilies, about September W M Mr John Connolly's Commercial 'BMHj' Levuka, and an adjacent cottage haTtwßß totally destroyed by fire. The ])»billßJ' loss cannot amount to IeBS than £3^B| The hotel and such of the fumituß igß belonged to the lessor was covered b^Bi suranco, £600 in the New Zealand Dfaßj £250 in tho National, £50 in the Unfoj,'M| £50 in the South British. But the mSffl and tho furniture belonging to the <"*S| pant, Mr Connolly, was not insured, &nJ>HJ therefore loses everything. Mr wwBJ cottage was also covered by the SopHJ British to the extent of £ 150. ' ii<j||K . A profound feeling was created in IeVWHJ when upon the arrival of tbe last'NjWßJ. Timoe" tho melancholy intttHigeDM.i|«Bß, communicated of the dest* « 'PWt\ Rennison (wife of the Rev. Ut Presbyterian minister), and of W^G.J'IH Waterficld. :._ ' ' |~

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

Artillery Band Concert, Hfl£ Quirt a number of the Volunteer Comß*^ have now agreed to extend their patoiMPH| to. the concert which is to be row night in order to aseist the lM"™:,!f|M\ sending the Artillery Band to WeINW M, Ponsonby Rifles. The uniforms for the Com*pan^."!'*§|i have been manufactured at Dnn«w!Hjll now on their way up the coast. /«W™H be distributed next Monday evening, j Monthly Inspection. The monthly inspection of. 6'xtl?!?sH panics topk place laßt evening) *sjffl| Lyon being inspecting officer. ~-;z2|HH was a fine muster. the .iSifflm state being as follqire: — YfSM Rifles: ,51 men all told; CantainKjH| Lieutenants Skinner and Selfe. ..jSB, Guards : 86 all told ; Captain Is**Sd£H|| tenants Osborne and Bennett; v|™[B§ Rev. W. Tebbs Hobson KiflM^M told ; Lieutenants Clifton and "WE™ Veteran Rifles: Full muster; &PvKhl son, Lieuta. Chapman and ton Rifles, under ('apt. Birnie.''■XKSHr*-. KiHes, under Captain McDodb%«»«| tenants Cooper and Taylor. AiwH inspection. Colonel Lyon said he rJjHi to see such a large body of won on JWwB There were 3(52, all told. « °3ffll apparent that they could not wf&ZS/M in the way of battalion moveinenw «""■ a orumpod space. : Proposed Outdoor I>Bn>d* ( ) 11 iiK Colonel Lyon thou unDOunoed » JB& oi-der that ho might be able to ? ut. t?i*H| through battalion drill, it was his i*jß to havo a daylight parade in ")Bij^H|; Borne Saturday afternoon n^t montl^y9| fotqo would"be divided into two "SSi and tho compaincs taken out ontnatw^Wl would comprise thelirtt battajWDrr'juHj would coneist of the Naval ArtilWXfflJ panies, the two Batteries of *%ij B tho Victoria" Rifles, City GaaW^M'; Hobson Kifles. The second battsUo«SH • consist of tho othor xoinpaniea. v not ouumorate them- ,jiPhl thnfc all tho oilicorH- woulr,|?|j#|M their places on that day.' CBP-;Miß|; mandant LeKoy would act as Se»» rJgj« Captain Dignau a» Junior MaJj'.SjjrHl tain Mahon as Adjutant. The CoW*Uj eluded by expressing his P1^ 80"jjSI§§:" companies wore inoroasiDg m ~£z!jUxSk Tlio battalion had a march-out auwq I prceded by the Garrison Baud. •; -■

To-night will be givon, », Sk " Bchool-rcom.ono of tho teßH^ %fP aeries, viz., "Amateur Theatnwft^W ,j ---■ the members of the company there is alwoys a fall house. o* ' HffjiWH ' thocharactorof thepjeceß.ohoß9ft ml jffi|jm| Sentinel" and "My Turn Next 'SnMm the fact that Mrs Laohlan M°"SJiJfe gives her assistance, """"™ii?i|||WT^Bm should not omit to notice thei ww l»«sp™S introduced as an aK^^A^ffiftfJHß thoMi«Beß Stevens contribniß wm» ■!«• \ioltn raneio. and Mr Jcsepn n» j ballad by CJowen, !

THE AUCKLAND EVEJNIJNU STAK THURSDAY, JULY 16 1886.



We have mnob Brand Display of pleftburo in stating our extensive «• IHON teratfoDß are com- „_,.,_,,, „», plctod. At con- «i BEDSTEADS Bldcrable outlay ■*■ we havo enlarged iT our Show Rooms. I"[ Many of our v GARLJCK friends will be fairly astonished 1J « at tho enormotie -"■»■ i CRANWBLL'S. variety in Bed . steads, Carpets, IV and Gonoral x ~ ! Household Furni- turn presented to I thoir view as they •>■ travel round our Immense premises. g Assortment of ™CX H CARPETS CRANWKLL. At Redneed Prices. — youb GA™CK CRANWKLL. Young people about to Btart -jj Housekeeping £l will find ft to thoir advantage -~. Snr FUKBUbl™h- U BEDROOM. U s!r?in O'suKi - DINING-ROOM, £&& to" fur* fe KITCHEN It nphoU w -*SS E FURNITURE amount from our Warehouee. AT OAR^ CX FROM GAB^ CX CRANWBL6. CRANWKLI.U pARLICK t. QRANWELL'S, QUKKN-STRKBT, AUCKLAND. T. & H. OOOKE, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERBHS, &c., Beg to inform their friends and the publlo that they have REMOVED TO THEIR NEW PREMISES, JUNCTION OK I QUEEN AND GREY STREETS JUST PUBLISHED AT ALL THE BOOKSELLERS, AICKIN'S ANNUAL, A UOMKBTIC MEDICAL GUIDE, ANI SATISTICAL RECORD OF THE POPULATION. VITAL STATISTICS, PRODUCTION, JtC. ALSO, NOTEB ON HEALTH AND HYGIENI With other Valuable Information. Price <■ Onb Bhiuikc FILENERS LAGER "B EE 1 FROM THE KAISER BREWERY. Solo Agents for New Zealand— SEEGNER, LANGGUTH * CO, FIRTH'S BTOREB. , ALBERT-STREET, AUCKLAND, FT EN R V HOO PE I UNDERTAKER, . VIOTOMA-BTBBET WEST. TyrOTICE OF REMOVAI After TUESDAY, JULY 11, Dr. E. MACKELLAR may be consulted at the houi known as ST. MARY'S PARSONAGE, PARNBLL, HOUR 3OF CONSULTATION: At Homo—9 to 10 a.m., and 7to 8 p.m. At Aiokln'B-2 to i p.m. daily. Telephone No. 337. OKMO N D I SWISS CIGABS Huve been recognised v the BEST for halt century. • BARGAINS. BARGAINS. BARGAINS. WE are NOW OFFERING the following SPECIAL BAEGAINS. SEVENTY MANTLES AND JAO&ETS, » ANU SIXTY COSTUMES (LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S), BOUGHI' AT A DISCOUNT OF FIFTY PER CENT. OFF MANUFACTURERS' PRICES, AND BEING SOLD AT tar PROPORTIONATE PRICES. ■«» LARGE QUANTITIEH W PERFECT GOODS PERFECT GOODS FROM MESSRS OWEN & GRAHAM'S, BOUftHT AT IMMENSE REDUCTIONS. LARGE BTOCK OF FANCY DRESS GOODS. |: FORTY-THREE DOZ. MUSLIN COL LARETTES AND BOWS, AND TWENTY-FOUR DOZ. FRINGES, BOUGHT CONSHJKK ABLY BELOW MANU FACTURERS' PRICES. All the above Goods are being SOLD REMARKABLY CHEAP. A CALL WILL CONVINCE THE MOST SCEPTICAL. MILNE AND CHOYCE, QUEEN-STREET. TRI () It 1? H 1 Jt? • LAUNDRY AND HOUSEHOLD, LADIES ARK INVITED TO OBE PYRAMID SOAP, The most economical Soap made in New Zealand. Full weight guaranteed. L. W. McGLASHAN, ■ Wholesale Agent, COMPTON'S BUILDING,



gPRINKLBD "^TITH j NOT DAMAGED BY FIRE. Th« «nd ß redgii6d bew nform its fubllo of Auckland and Country Sottlers that at the late Sale ot MESSES OWEN 4 GRAHAM'S STOCK He became the Purchaser of all the Clothing WHICH WAS ONLY SLIGHTLY DAMAGED BY WATER, BUT WHICH ESCAPED the FLAMES, AND THAT HE HAS REMOVED THE SAME TO HIS PREMISES IN QUEEN-STREET, As the Premises are Small, a Speedy Clearance must be effected, so ho ia NOW HOLDING A MOBSTER SALVAGE SALE OK THK SAME. Having Bought the Good* *t a Rldioulitur.:? Low Figure, he is enabled to BAORiFICK THEM AT t^ ANY PRICE. •& SPECIAL NOTIOK.-Tho Goods we offer for Mo aro Quitk Free from Any Damage by fIRB, and aro only Slightly Wet with Freeh Water, as an inapootlon will prove. A RARE CHANCE FOR HEADS OF FAMILIES AND WORKING MEN. J.~L EVY MONSTER CLOTHING HALL, 214, Queen-street (Omobitk MoArthur & Co.'s)- TiOLDEN Q.EM JILOUIT, MANUFACTURED BY THE LATEST IMPROVED ROLLER PROCESS, BY RICHAKD ALLEN AND CO., BELFORD MILLS, TIMARU. Tub Fibst Shipment is Just to Hand. Do you -want a White and Gigantic Loaf 1 Tho GOLDEN OEM Flour will recom mend itaeU; it exoets both In colour and BtranKth. TO STOREKEEPERS- Note the Brand: Original, Elaborate, and Attractive. TO HOUSEHOLDERS- • If you deslie (and who does not J) to obtain a superior and reliable flour, Uulat upon ha vuig Uie «' GOLDEN GEM." Tho machinery by whloh it la manufactured 1b upon the Hungarian Roller Proceiis: it has recently been erected at vast oost, and there Is nothing to equal it In tho Southern Hemisphere. The undersigned is the Bole agent for Auck land and the Province, and has made arrango menta for regular shipments. A parcel of fit ties (conspicuous brand) packed In sacks la en route In the Ohau. Orders are now being booked, and will be filled STRICTLY K» ACCOUDANOK WITH PRIORITY. ALFRED JOWITT, WHOLESALE GRAIN AND PRODUCE MERCHANT AND IMPOFTBR, CUSTOMBBTRKET_EAS]I ; VTOTICE OF REMOVAL. ,T. a. COOPER Beg 3to inform his friends and the publio gene rally that he has REMOVED HIS HAT MANUFACTORY TO THE PREMISES LATELY OCCUPIED BY T. & H. COOKK. Note the Address— f~> I ml 11, VICTORIA bTREHT. QLATES! SLATES!! SLATES!!! To arrive, ex Norway, from New York (now in Welllnßton). 30,C00 BEST BLUK BANGOR. SO X 10, HOOF ING SLATES. In lots to suit purchasers. H, P. BARBER, Fort street. AG. BARTLETT, • 151, QUEEN-BTKEET. Chronometers, Watches, Clocks, and Jewollory in groat varioty, and mado to order or repaired: Poesy, Motto, Engagement and Wedding Rings. Orders by post carefully exeontodi