COMING EVENTS.

Meeting... Sec, To-night. Abbott's Opera Houso-"The Silver King, 7.45 o'olock. Drill ..hod-Auckland College Rifles. 7.15.

Auction Sales To-morrow. Messrs B, Tonks and Co.-Salvago from Mr Hatswell's shop, 11 a.m. Mr Uubriel Lewis-Hoots and Shoos, 11 a.m. Mossrs lileh.rdson and Jackson-Cottage, 11 ami. . Mr G. W. Binncy-Bananas, Cocoanuts, Sec, at 11 a.m. Mr A. Buokland-Fnt Cattle, Remuera Yards. 1 p.m. Mr R. Arthur-Furniture Mu.ic. Rooks, at Mr Holmes's. Symonds-street, noon. .Messrs Vnllc and Douglas-City Properties, 1..10,

Mr K. Loydon-Loaso of Promise-, Stock of Groceries, Hojjsohold Furniture 11 a.m. Mr L. M. Eaton-Saio of Fruit, &c, at oloven o'clock.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

M-.ls wiU closo no undor :— THi-i Day. Fcr Thame., mr .enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. TutTRBDAY, ISth inst. For Waitara, New Plymouth, and Wanganui, per Gai.leclj. attlivn. For Apia, per T.vfmi. i.t 8 a.m. Fo: Gisborne. Napier. Southern Ports, and Aiistr.-ian (.'filoi:i\. per Manapourl.atlln.m. For Crcymonth, pnr Tnupo, at 1 p.m. For Thames, .or Uotomahana, at -I p.m. Fo." Tonga, Samoa, Tahiti, and Ratotonga, per ,ia.;>.t Nicoll, at I p.m, For Tauranga and Opotiki, per Clansman, at a p.m. For Wliitianga and Upper Mill, per lona, at _ p.m. I.tiDAY. 19th inst.

For l.reymomh, via Manukau, per Herald, nt

7.10 am. For Cowos aud Coromandel. per Coromandel,

:.tll.s_ n..n. For Whangarei Hca-B, Purun, Waipu. Whan garel, Kamo. and Mangapal, por Waitaki or Glenelg. at 5 pan. Tuesday, Juno 23. Por Australia as follows :— For Navigator Islam's. Sandwloh Islande. United States of Auseriott, Canada, British .._lii.i-.la. Central and Sonth Amorlca, and B.ltish and Forolfjn Wost Indies, at 1 p.m ."or United Kingdtm and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m, Monoy orders, 10.30 o.m. R?srlstot-d lotter. and newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Lute lettcrp, bearing aa extra fee of six pence in addition to tho postage, will be received by tho Mall Agent on board tho steamer up to tlio tlma of Balling, This mall will bo due in London on Friday, Jaly 31,1555

N.B.—Tho Government steamer Stella will leave tho Rluft for West Coast Sounds on or about 22nd instant.

Private lottor-boxes may now be obtained on application at tho Money Order counter. Foe for six months, 10s ; foe for twelve months, £1. S. B. BIS 3, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-olHco. Auokland.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER.

Awela.std- This ovenlng, 10.9; to morrow morning, 10.55.

.Manukau ai.AD3—To-morrow morning, 0.49; to-morrow afternoon, 1.15. Kaipaii_ [.kaiis— To-morrow morning, 1.49; to morrow afternoon, 2.15,

Sunset.—This evoning—l.44. a UNitlSE.—To-morrow morning—7.ls. MOONS Aob.—First Quarter, 20th, 1 27 a.m,

ARRIVALS.

TODAY. Arawata, s.s.. Cromarty, from Fiji Christina, schooner, Kvanson, from Rasaall Clansman, s.s., Farquhar, from Tauranga Queen, schooner, Jont-s. from Hokiancta Fanny Kelly, ketch, Williams, from .Monfronui

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Rotonii-hana. s.s.. Carey, for Sydney Waitaki, s.s., Crawford, for Whungarei Ulenelg, s.s.; Johnson, for .V'_ui_.gttrei

STEAMER- TO ARRIVE. lona, from Mercury Bay, to-morrow, early 'J'aupo, from tiio ..ciith. to-morrow (Jor..niandel, from Commando), to-morrow, 5

p.m. ~•' i • Eu.eipri.e. from Tb .mo?, to morrow, 5 p.m. Herald, from Orcymouth, at Onehunga, to-

mnrrow Triumph. from Sydney, early Aorangi. frcm Plymouth, June 23 Australia, from . ydney, June 23 -.uainiiUia, from San Fr j-,ici_co, June 27 It miit-ka, from Plymouth. July 9 l__.ikouru from Pl> mouth, August 18 [For projected departure, sea shipping ad vertisements and mail notices.]

IMPORTS.

E„ Cleopatra: 301 s_cks potatoes. —W. J. nurd, and _Co.

Ex Ansilell: 887 . acks bon ■ dust.—W. J. Hurst ana Co.

Xx Syron : 310 sack, bom dust. —W. J. Horst and Co.

Per -irawata—2.7ss mats sugar, 1,103 ounches bananas, 65 sacks peanuta, 21 cases oranges. 30 sacks coco-nuts, 11 coses pines Tho Atawata ul-so bring. CSO buuehes bananas, 60 bags coffoo, uud 191 sucks cneoanu.d for Southern perls.

EXPORTS.

Per Call Both: 1,197 ft. limber, "0 cases kcro sine, 3 boat?.

P-.r Rfitotnahana: CO bales flax, 152 sacks oyst__ ZGOkegs butter, 10_ sucks urass _e__, 47 oisks beef, 2.sacks «urn, 50 bundles doors, unu 120 doors, 13 cases eheo.e, 9 bundle- shelves, aud sundries.

InwaßOS Coastwise.—Christina, from Rus ocli. v. i'li 05 nn. cos.l: Start, from Mongonui, with il.OOiift timber; Grillln, Irani Russell, with 70 tous coal.

Outward . Coastwise. — Saucy Kato, for Mairarangl, with 70 ions coal.

llio brigantine D_llanoo left Newcastle for this port on iho 7th instant, with 320 tons coal.

From this port tho brigantines Ryno and Clansman proceed to Suwarrow, and.thoy will B_U at an early date,

The s.e. Triumph is announced to leave Sydney for New Zealand ports about tho 25th inst.

Tho American brigantine Irene will leave for New York about the 20th inst,, with a full cargo of gum,

k The brigantino Lapwing left Timaru for I Auckland yesterday, alio is to bo followed by j tiio Kandsi lale nt an early date.

The Auokland Bchooner Devonport arrived at Lyttelton from Newcastle yostcrd_ly. Aftor discharging co»l there sho will load far this port.

Captain George Short, lato master of tho un fortunatobrigantinoNightingale.left lor Sydney per Rotomahana last evening on business con nected with tho recent casually.

Tho schooner Queon. from Hokianga, brings 20 bags bones, 06 bags gum, and nundries.

The schooner Norval, for Russell, and Savoy Kate, for Mongonui, and several other small craft weno at auchor in6ide of the North Head to-day, windbound.

The s.s. Janet Nicoll was floated out of dock this morning, and her place was taken by the 8.8. Argyle.

Tho barque Grasmere, 1,216 tons register, which loft London for this port on March 25, and ia therefore about due, brings a very large cargo valued at £31,GC0.

The schooner Aurora loft Sydney on June 3 for Newcastle, whero she was to load coals for Lyttelton. At the lattor port she recdlvcs a oargo of grain oonsigned to Mitohelson and Co. of this port.

The barque Carl Both goes from here to Ha baai, under charter to Messis MoArthur and Co and will loud copra at the island forahomo port. She cleared outwards at the Customs to day.

Tho e.s.- Mamtpouri went up to the Sugar Company's Wharf this morning to load a large nuant'tv of refined sugar for Southern ports. Sho prcccods South at noon to-mcrrow. The ss Clans_aan ar.ivedfrom Tauranga at 6 o'clock this morning. Passengers-Mrs Marsh and five childron, Misses Dill. Clayton, Hamlin, Messrs Wigg, R. Home, Douglas, Dale. Barry, Johnson, 3 steerage.

The Austrinn corvette Saida, which left this port on May 17. arrived at Suva, Fiji, on Satur day May 31 After a short stay, during which i she took in 150 tons coal, sailed again for Singa pore, via tho New Hebrides. I Shoitly boforo tho Arawata left Levuka. resi dent, ware ploa.hn.ly surprised bj the arrival of the mission vessel Moe'uyan (Captain Cham- T>ii_il fears for the safety of which lad been B-terttiined for some time pteviously. The Moco. an left Levuka on Dec. 10th for Samoa and New Britain, and had most unfavourable weather throughout the round trip. Tho s s. Rotomahana loft for Sydney, via Tinssoll 'at 5 p.m, yesterday. Passengers: Me-dame. Bennett and family (3), Wficox, Ttnhtrlaon, Chcesemau, Misses Bratch. Brod 7i_k Messrs J. Bennett, Robertson, Levy. Me ii-n-.d Battloy, McCroady, Forbes, Herment, H.B. Scott, Balrd, Master McDonald, and 38 in the Bteerage,

THE ARAWATA.

The c a. Arawata arrived to-day at 7 a.m. She EaUod from Levuk. at 6 a.m on the 12th inst ■ arrived at Suva same day, at 11 a.m.; . .ok her departure from latter port at 1 SO p.m.; n isaed Mount Washington at 10 p m. same day; Moko Hinou light aboim ot 11.30 p m. on the itith ■ had strong S.B. winds and sea till tho 15th Inst.' and from thence had light HE. winds and Ine weather. Paßsengers: Siloon—Mess s C. I'Haraandßonsfleld; sioerage—Mrs Crashaw, Mrs Holgate, Miss iiolgate. Mrs McGregor and _ov Mr and Mrs Viokory, Messrs Butler, Dodd, ?___.. Robortsa-,Little. Bomber, Jansen,Hunt, md Rio-, Wo are indebted to Mr Robert Guy, jurser, for press parcels, reports, &c.

AN AUCKLAND SCHOONER MISSING.

From I Bijl papers reoelved per steamor irawata we learn that some anxiety about the ate or nt least the whereabout", of tho oho'oner Christina, Captain Strcnaob, ba i lately > ien expressed. The vessel left on tLe »ih Nov. _st witn 115 Polynesians to bereturn.din the Sew Hebrides and Solomon Group, Mr Pilking on aocOmpanying her as Government agent. Jince then no tidings ot the vessel have been •eceived. The Christina is a ve.sel of 07 tons iegiater, owned by Mr John Hood, and registered it Auokland, -he is well known hero, having .sited tbe port on several occasions. As her roise was not limited, however, there does not ■et appear to be any serious cause for alarm,

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

'.' ARRIVALS, .air.ochi s s., MoArthur, from Waitara ireti, 8.5., Robertson, from Taranaki

DEPARTURES.

towcna, 8.5.. Norrmry, for Hnklanea iroti, ss., Eobtrtß'-n, for Taranakl i,__ Wa oganul

The 8.8. Galrlooh arrived from Waitara at 3 o'olock to-day, with a oargo of stock. She will leavo again for Waitara at 3 o clock to-morrow morning. Tho a.B. Oretl arrived from Taranakl at 10 n'rlock this morning, with a oargo of horses. She laft again tor Taranakl and Wanganui at 3 o'olock. The 3 s Rowena left for Hokianga at I o clock to-day, with a «encral cargo and a number of passengers.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

HBLRNBVILLE, this day. Arrived : Sovereign, from Oamaru ; Louie, from Australia. . -..,, At tho Hoads.—Recamia, v ißlon, and Wild : Klllarnoy, Examiner. Annie Wilson, Soablrd, and Arntapu. Loaded : Waitemata, Parnell, and Polican.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Bi.up.', Tuesday.-Arrived: Wairarapa, from Hobart, at 1 p.m. Paascngors for Auckland :— Mossrs Israc' and Daniols. Nkw Plymouth, this day.—Arrived: Hawea. from Onehunga, 8.15 a.m. Sailed: Oroti, for Onehunga, 5 30 p m yestorday. Russell, this day.—Arrived: Rotomahana, from Auckland, 7.30 a.m. WaitaiU, this <_ay.-«_tl-d, yoeiordtty: Gair loch, for Onehunga, at 11.15 p.m. WnANOAHKi, this day.—Arrived, from Auck land : Glonolg, 630 a.m.; Waitaki, 8.15 a.m. Russell, this day.—Tho Union 3.5. Rotoma hana arrived tills morning, nnc; leaves for Sydnoy this afternoon. Cargo: 200 tons coal, 1003iicksoysters. Arrived: l'ovonno,sohooncr, Hawk, from a erul.O.

COMMERCIAL.

M-S3_a Richardson & J acksojj hold a salo of house property and allotmeot9 today. The sale was fairly attended, with tho following results: —A llvo-roomod houso and allotment In Dovon stroot. Nowton, by order of the mortgagee, £153 •, mortgage theroon, ___.; purchaser, Mr Jack son. 'I hrco houses and allotment-, at Pompalller Torraco (sublect to mortgage), £010, Mr Clarke. 2 froehold allotment.. Village of Pattokura. £7: Mr Cole, tho present occupier. Tho farm of __(! acres at Waiuku will bo offered on Friday Messrs Cocn_A-_ Se Son hold a sale of about SOO volumes of miscellaneous literature. Tho attendance was largo, and prices ranged Irom 1b upwards. Mr Edward Leydon sold a lafgo numbor of Erardt^UverJiuntlng wntohes at his mart to day, averaging £3 6s each. ... I Mr R. AUT-lUR continued his salo of jowol lory to-day, comprising Rothcrham's and Wal tham watches, gold rings, chains, &c. Satis factory p Ices were obtainod.

Births.

JOHNSON.—On June IG. at Prospect Terrace. Mount Roskill, the wife of Ellis C. Johnson of a daughter ; both doing well. VINSON.-Oi Juno 16, at West-streot, Nowton, the wife of J. Vinson of a boo.

Deaths.

GIBSON.-On June 17, at the Wostern Sprlngß, Grace, the eldest daushter of Alexander and Annie Gibson ; aged 19 years. „ , Tho funeral will leave the Western Spring to-morrow (Friday), at 3 pm. Friends ploaec accept an Invitation.

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1885.

for t_« «»-_« tbat l.oki utlßtuce, For tha wnnf that nee-ii roalstano., Sot the faton la tha 4i»t_nct, Aad tha good that v* oaa do,

The sudden collapse of the debate on the Address-in-Reply has, we learn from our Parliamentary reporter, created great astonishment amongst members, and the widest and most dissimilar reasons are assigned as the cause. In debating the Address-in-Reply, the Opposition have the only chance that is afforded them during the session of reviewing the wholeof the Government's past actions, and some think that the reason the Opposition allowed this opportunity to slip is that they are thoroughly disheartened, or that they do not see in any of the Min isterial acts a weak spot which might be attacked by hostile critics. These, of course, regard last night's contretemps as a decided score for the Government. There are others, however, who hold that Major Atkinson's inaction was a masterly one, and full of political finesse and cunning. They assert that the neglect to debate the Address leaves Ministers quite in the dark as to who are thoir friends and who are their foes. Of these two theories we arc inclined to think the latter is most probably the cor rect one. Major Atkinson's expressed desire not to retard the business of the country had a certain piscatorial air about it, and the hon. gentleman will find few believers in his professions of disinterested zeal for the moulding of Government measures. There is also a third contingency, and if we read the future by the light of the past it must not be utterly disregarded, that last night's events foreshadow a coalition between Major Atkinson and a section of the present party in power. There is just a soupgon of something that insinuates careful rehearsal about the duet between the member for Egmont and the Premier described in our report of the proceedings in the House. The questions so neatly fit into the replies that one is in clined to suspect that the whole affair was cut and dried.

Receiving no assistance from the debate on the Address, and in view of the indefiniteness of party lines, it is impossible as yet to gauge the relative strength of sides. A great many mem bers, though by no means enamoured of the present occupants of the Treasury Benches, will support them, purely acting on the principle of bearing the ills they have rather than fly to oth.is they can dimly see ahead. Some members will also incline to give the Min istry a chance of developing their policy. Th.. opening scenes of the session, however, confirm the opinion we have already expressed, that the Ministry are tolerably safe if in ternal dissension does not cause their downfall, or unless they try some measure which will alienate their Canterbury supporters. Sir Julius Vogel appears, however, to have got the Radicalism of his

colleagues well subdued, and |Mr | Hislop's appeal to the Premier to boldly taka tlie lead and bring down measures consonant with the policy enunciated by him during hi., election ' campaign, we may confidently venture to assert, fell on deaf earn. The Cabinet have too many other axes to grind to shipwreck themselves in tlie effort to work out advanced problems of government.

Water Conservation.

Cowou-i rain has fallen all over Now South Wales, and all inimodiato danger of a water famino is thereby averted ; but it is bo coming ovidont that to permanently meet the constantly-recurring scarcity of water, somo comprehousivo conservation scheme must bo ndoptod. For irrigation purposes, as well ns for domestic use, tho providing of water would provo a vest aequi-ition to the wealth of tho sister colony. In vari ous parts of America, whoro the arid climato has rondorod irrigation works necessary, tho result has beon to incrcaso tho valuo of tho land tenfold, and thoro is reason to anticipate at least equal fruits from a simi lar policy in Australia. As our readers aro aware, commissioners from Australia aro presently oxamining and reporting upon tho system of irrigation employed in tho Unitod States with a view lo introducing that most, suitablo for tho Australian Colonies. A serious drawback in this part of tho world is tho high price of labour, which threatens to make irrigation enterprise unprofitable A gontletnan has been writing to tho Sydnoy papers suggesting the importation of labotiroi. from England to construct the nocossary works. But tho trado unions will havo somothing to .ay bo foro that is dono ; for thoy perceive that if men aro brought ovor to work at 4s a day, tho ruling rata of l.s would not long be sustained. Ilcnco it .would appear that Government aid is tho only solution of tho diiliculty; nnd wo loam by roccnt advices that tho Now South Wales Govorn mont contemplate raising a largo loan for tho purposes of water conservation. Tho largo squatters aro iitntod to bo wil ling to pay ti fair prieo for wator, though it would bo impossiblo for them to Hocuro on individual nupply—a calculation showing that it is chouper to sacrifice thousands of hoiul of stock nana ally, or as often ns a heavy drought oc currod—the wretched onimols boing al lowed to die of thirst and starvation. Tho voico of humanity joins with that of politi cal economy in condemning such a policy, and it sooms clearly a Stnto duty to provido tho country with tho moans omsontinl to its advancement aud prosperity. Tho stock-raising industry in Now Zoaland not being liamporod by any drawback of tho kind indicated, ought to llourish and givo lucrnl.ivo roturns to thoso ongngod in it, and if tho vastly superior advantages of this colony woro bottor known, her agricultural industries would rocolvo a mighty impetus by tho introduction of monoy, enterprise nnd experience, which are too ofton conspicuously wanting.

Tho City Council dorives this yoar from pub'icans' licenses a rovonuo of £2,500,

It is stated that tho building for tho Sailors' Home, which is .sought to bo erected at tho corner of Quay and Albort-stroota, will bo in koopiog in design with tho pro sent Harbour Boar J otlieos.

Tlie funeral of tlio Into Mr Yaxley, of the Albion Hotel, took place to-day. I>r Hayn tun, tho decea-0d . medical attendant, cer tified-that death -.suited from apoplexy.

It is probable that tho old Baptist Chapel in Wollcs'ey-streot will ho utilised for tlio pnrposos of tho Vouny Men's Christian As sociation whilo tho now premises for this body aro being erected.

At tho meeting of tlio Harbour Boar..] yesterday afternoon, Mr M. Nieeol i_nvo it as his opinion thai tlio pilot service wa.» boing better performed than it had over been boforo.

So fur tho olectrio_-g.it on Quoon-n(root Wharf has not provoil a euccors oven as an experiment, but hotter results may attend futuro trials.

A mooting of tho creditors of ,1. D. Wrigley, of Taui'ftnga, look placo to clay, and was adjourned until tho lir-t of July, at Tauranga, and tho dcbtm'4 offer to nc' gritui'ously f rtho interests o' tho creditors was accopted. Tho d.bin amount ,to C_OS l.s lOd, and tho assots aro nil.

Tho Sugar Company continue, to roccivo largo orders from southern ports. The Manapouri, which poos south to-morrow, will tako 130 tons rellnod sugar for various ports, and tho Suva will follow with another lurgo shipment noxt weal-

Sergeant Clarko, of tho Wator Polico, has a swag belonging to a seaman named Keith, who shipped on tho brignntino Sarah I'ilo in January last. Tho swag was found in tho Dock yard, and it is possible somo accident may havo happened to ils o-iior. Tho sergeant will bo pleased lo receivo any information respecting his whereabouts.

Thoro having been rumours that the Union StoamshipConipany woro negotiating for tho purehaso of tho steamer Triumph, our Dunodin correspondent telegraphs that he is authorised to contradict tho stato inent.

As a menus of introducing tho different commercial delegate.", to llio South Hon Islands to each othor, aud enabling them to have a preliminary talk ovor thoir plans, Mr John Bold, Chairman of tho Chamber uf Commorce, ha? Invited thorn to dinner at the Auckland Club this evoning.

Tho mooting of A. W. Gardner's crodi tors haß boon adjourned till tho IMth Inst. Tho estimates presented at. yestorday's mooting wero those prepared by tho debtor, anel not tho Assignee's, aa stated in our last issuo.

Tho passenger traffic to Mount. Roskill continuos. to increase, und Mossrs Con.'ins and Atkin aro now engaged in the construc tion of an unusually largo 'bus for Messrs Patterson, of Lome streot, to liu'ot tho demands of tho growing traffic.

Tho Hobson-strcot Wharf muddlo was undor consideration at tho meeting of tho Harbour Board yestorday afternoon on tho motion to pay Messrs Winstone £500 iriFiitis factionof all claims. Tho Mayorsarcastioally characterised tho work as a credit to tho Board and nil connected with it, and nckcd if it was completed according to specifica tions os it now lay. Mr McKonzio said it was well-known that tho work was not com pleted as specified. It all tumbled down again, and wns now usoless for any practical purposes. Tho money (£7000) had therefore boonßimply thrown uway. Mr Niccol said the fact of the matter wus, thoy had really paid this monoy to establish a roof in tho harbour. It was pointed out that a portion of tho work -night bo utilised when the Hot-ion.itn.ot Wharf wns to bo constructed, and the matter then dropped.

The first issuo of tho " Rationalist," a new free-thought paper, will be published on Friday next. Tho paper will bo edited by "Ivo, ' and is to appear weekly.

A social mooting was held on Monday night in tho Tcmporanco Hull, under the auspices of tho Good Samaritan Lodge of Good Templars, Thoro wa. a fairly good attendance. During tho evening several pianoforto soloa woro rendered by Mrs Mills and Mr Stoddart, anel tho following pro gramme was presented : —Mr Mason, eong, "Sailing;" Mr Clifford, song, comic; Mr Stoddart, pianoforto solo ; Miss Cavanagh, song, "In tho Gloaming;" Mrs Westbrook, song, "Old Oak Tree;" Mr Proecott, violin solo; Mt Holland, song, "Tho Sea is Merry England's ;" Mr Vallaolt, song, "SV hitechape-1 Girl' (loudly encored) ; Mi ll. Townsend, song, " Wheel of Life ;" Mr Westbrook, song, "Old Log Cabin ;" Mrs Mills by special requott sang " Tho I.ose, Thistle and Shamrock " splendidly, Re freshments woro plentifully provided, anel various games and dances were engaged in during the evening.

The case of Mr Joseph Brown, who was injured by a train at the spot where the late Mr Thomas Macffarlane, a few days afterwards, met his death, is one of extreme hardship. Mr Brown is a carpenter, and he was employed upon a contract which was being oxecuted at the railway workshops. In the pursuit of his duty he passed through the man-trap which proved fatal to Mr Macffarlane, and was knocked down by a locomotive, his collar-bone broken, and other severe injuries inflicted, which con fined him for twenty-seven days in the hospital and disabled him for life. The verdict of the jury at the inquest upon Mr Macffarlane declared that there was gross contributory negligence on the part of the Government in allowing this dangerous trap to remain open, and the authorities have recognised tho justice of the verdict by closing the passage ancl paying £300 to Mrs Macffarlane. They cannot, with justice, ignore the claims of Mr Brown. A letter has been addressed to the Government re presenting his claims to consideration, and we hope the Cabinet will show by its prompt action that the petition of a poor man for justice will receive as fair and im partial a consideration as that of ono backed by powerful influence.

. Cambria and Goldon Crown shares aro in demand. Tho manager of the former re ports 0.-i0 ozs. of amalgam from about 150 tuns of dirt (one week's work). Af the specimens are not treated, this shows the general'dirt is shaping very well. There arc buyers nt 9s 3d, and sellers scarce. (! olden Crown., aro wanted at 5s Gtl ; sellers, few, 0-. Karangahnl.c stocks aro still in demand, Bank nf Nou Zealand are quoted (sales) J..1 12s Od ; Auckland Timber Com pany (buyers) £4 14s; Sash and Door, £-1 10s. Gas and Taupiri Coal shares asked for, and insurance stocks at quoted rates.

The Chief Justice of Fiji has appointed Mr Arthur IX Bennett, Notary Public, etc., of this city, a Commissioner of tho Supreme Court of the Colony of Fiji to tako Crown affidavits, etc., tit the city of Auckland.

A meet ing of t ho City Schools Committee, Mr (lorrie chairman, at which tho head teachers of the various city schools were present, was hold in the Wellosloy-streot school, to discuss the rules and regulations of the Board of 10.lticuti.uti. Tlio Committee will of course .-und in a separato report, but in the main the resolutions adopted at the recent meeting, of the Auckland Branch of tho Now Zealand Educational institute were adopted. Tho genoral opinion pro vailed that the individuality of teacher., should 1.0 respected, and that regulations should bo interpreted after ti liberal and common-aonso method.

No Htcps boiO'id thoso a'reody stitod hive been taken in tlio direction of forming tho districts of Nowton, Arch Hill, nn. Kden Torraco into n borough, It is, how ever, p-.bi.blo thr.t a conference of the bodies interested will bo hold noxt week to tako tho matter into considera tion, Whatever may bo tho opinion of the other bodies, it is said the opinion of tho Eden Terraco Board is opposed to the change indicated, and that if any alteration wore mado in tho form of government, (hoy would seek to join tho city.

i.saac Walton*, a debtor, in examination boforo tho Oliieial As.-ignco to-duy, de posed that ho formerly carried on busi ness ns a butcher at Waiuku, and got intodii-iciil-i-S to the oxtont of i..00. Ho gavo u|> bin-incn- and carried on a .small farm on lenso, but could not mako it pay. Dining tho lust year ho had been working as n journeyman butcho1', and averaged less than 40s a wook. Tho debts represented on hia sehoilulc, amount ing to £_•!_, were nil, with tho oxcoption of Jt-7, incurred nt Waiuku. He was com pelled to scok tho 'protection of tho Court through ono of hia creditora taking out a udgment summons.

Mr Williams, tailor, of \ .ctoria-stoeot, has collected Iho sum of i_4 lo_ for Mrs Johnson, widow of tho lato Waterman Johnson. Part of this monoy had boon devoted to the purchase of a mangle, by which Mia Johnson will bo able lo contri bute towards tho support of herself and futnily.

As will bo scon by advertisement el.o whero, tho management for tho Auckland district of (lie New Zealand Accident As sociation, 1 .ihnoi-ton Buildings, liiih been placed in the hands of Mr Arthur D. Bennett, llio accountant and notary, The change of management was made during tho visit of the general manager, Mr..'niton, from Honcdin. Mr Bennett nlso takes over tho business of Australasian Livo Stork Ai- siisiuicc Society nnd tho Now Zealand Plato Glass Company, Limited.

A parsonage in connection with St. Sepulchre'h Church is to bo erected in Biirlolgl.--.reet. Tho following toiler., for tho work havo betn received by Mr All y.right, architect. Wm. Grant, _.(>. 12s ; Chalmor.. and Al.lcrton, £1,029; Luver, JL'1,034; W. 15. Smith, _~(.._; Dawson, t..,0..0 ; _al.oyaiid_i_.ea, £1,070; tloszard, -1,077; Flowollvn, _-,0.(); Julian, £1.01)7; E. Mills, Cl,Mil'; Scott, £1,350.

Messrs Groy and Mitchell, architects, received tho followinp tenders for Mr Gray's house, Kp.om : -(!. Wooler, CI7I ; James, 1.3-7 ; Burn-and I.ounedy, £439; Pollard, .43i.; ll,ilincs, ..350; Chottnm, i-14; l.i.*d, C...S ; Heron, .C 130; Koso and Walk, 1_1,')7; Julian, .t'3.&, Fur Mrs Cocbrano. li.wh.: G. Willow, -'-111. ; Jonos, A.17- ; l.iuti. uii-1 l.uin.iilly, t'4'.'i); Pollard, .C4l- ; Holmes, t'3'JO; Choltam, j_3S)O ; Kocd, Clli'J; Her.n, 1-130; Koto and Clark, £3-!): Julian, £335.

Tho " Silver King " continues n groat attract ion at tlio Opera House. Thoro was another very large audionco last evening, the div"3 I'iii'lo being well-patronised, whilo other parts of tho houso woro crowded. Tho performers mot with a flattering reception, nnil applause was liberally bestowed. "Tlio Silver King " promise- to havo a long " run," and Mill no doubt draw crowds upon each occasion.

Mrs Hutchinson, Superintendent of (ho Female Prison Cute Brigade Heme, giveH tin, following report for the week onding '_t!i .hire: -Kr-oive. into Home, I ; left, 1 ; remaining in Homo, 7 ; bods giveui, 30 ; lneal.. supplied, J IKS. Donations :Of broad, Messrs KvaiiH, Waters, Howie, Treuiaino, Waddol, Teasdalo; milk, London nnd Devon* .hire Dairies; meat, MossrsGarrott, Woods, lltilmc, H-ilnoil ; sausages, "A Friend;" ulsters, Mis Policy ; underclothing, otc, Mi. Bailey : calico, merino, anil blankets, Mrs St. ("lair; towels and toilet covers, Mrs Samuel Parker : potatoes and 10s, Mrs VVoodhaui : fiOlb- honey. Mr Hare, Wha nj'aroi. Consequent upon tho removal to

ii,■«■ promise.., additional articles of furni »1Iro aro ictpjitetl.

The Onohiiiiga Ivirough Council held thoir ordinary business meeting on Monday evoning. Picsont: Hi. Worship the Mayor and all tho Councill-i-. Ur. Scott roported two cases of diphtheria, ami applied for a culvert in.tenil of an invert in front of his Queen-street property. The application wa. rofcricd to tho Streets Committeo, nlso the rcqtiosti for repairing boundary road at Ono Imo Hill. A circular from tho Wai kato Railway KoformLeague re (...appoint men* by < iuvc rninont of n Conunistion to investigate and report upon Mr Snmnel Vaile's Kcheino was allowed to stand over until tho noxt mooting of tho Council. Tho credit halanco was eta tod to bo £347 10J lid, with liabilities under contract amounting to £..55 8s .d. A potition to tho Governor was ordored to be drawn aeking that tho borough boundaries bo increased so as to includo tho foreshoro, and that tho area gained should bo a i oudowinent to tho borough. Tho clerk was ordored to procood against owners of unregistered dogs, nnd tho Financo Committeo woro instructed to pre pare a by-law to provido against unlicensed hawkers. Ro cemetery sito :In answor to Mr Yntos, Mr Sullivan nnd tho Mayor said tho petition hud gono at tho proper time, also Sir (1. M. O'Roiko's loticr urging the sumo. It was moved that tho clork should wiito to Sir Maurice asking him to prof-s tho matter forwaid to prevent unnecessary delay.

A Dunedin journal says -.—The largo sum of £8 000 a year, which is at present spent in Dunedin on benovolont assistance might surely be luid oul to better purposo than at present. A largo portion of tho amount stated is tho consequence probably of bread winners boing out, of work, instead of doles of charity, would it not bo moro beneficial to lay out. somo work near at hand, such as tho reclamation nnd ornamontation of llio Town Bolt, which might afford work for tho unemployed ? A lady in London has given £1,000 for laying out public gardens on condition that tho work bo clone by tho unemployed poor of the metropolis. Ono of Iho most beautiful walks in or around Edinburgh is that at the huso of Salisbury Crags, called " The Radical Road," which was mado by the un employed weavers somo sixty yoars ago. Bo fore allowing our destitute poor to do genorato into mero paiipoi., something should bo done in tho way of utilising thoir poesiblo labour."

Lord Rosoberry, speaking a fow weeks ago on the subject of Imperial Federation, said: — "We, the Imperial Federation League, havo been reproached for not offer ing a deliberate plan to the consideration of tho country. Now, I think those who have made that reproach have not under stood the course of public opinion in Great Britain. What would happen if we had proposed a definite and actual pUn for the consideration of the country ? Holes would have been picked in it, and from tho dis comfiture of the plan the movement would have boen definitely retarded. What wo require in support of this movement is not a plan,but the support cf public feeling. The question should soak down into the mind of tho people of this country, and when it has so soakod down the people of this country will find a plan of themselves. When men begin to understand that their trade, their power, their future, and their happiness depend in a large degree on tho union nf their colonies,they will find a plan that will be a better plan than any league can suggest to them."

Colonel Carnegy is announced to lecture to-morrow evening in St, Luke's Presbyterian Church on " India."

To-morrow (Thursday), 18th inst., Messrs '"Vnile and Douglas will offer some very valuable city properties situated in Queen street, High street, and Helwyn-ntreet. 'ilia rapidly impro ving value of land in all lliese central positions of llio ciiy should render this sale worthy of tho attention of investors.

Chambers's celebrated sewing machines, '.0, Wueon-street.

SHOCKING PARENTAL NEGLECT.

Horrlblo Cruelty of a Father and Stcpmothor.

(BY TELEGRAPH — OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

OAMAEO, this day. At tho Polico Court Edward Poolo ond his wifo Marjory were charged with ill treating tho former's son David. Inspector Thompson, in stating the case, said that on 2Sth May last Mrs Poole had tied the boy to a sewing machine and beaten him for Borne timo with a leather strap. She thon turned him out, and ho had remained out all that night, and was found next day in a pigsty. Ho waa supplied with food, and information was eont to the polico, viho had tho boy brought to tho camp, Ho was found in a filthy condition, and covorod with bruises and abrasions. A club had been forinod nt tho school tho boy attended to I supply him with food, as ho appeared to bo starved. Into this club so much a weok was paid by tho schoolboys, and the monoy went to purchase food for tho boy. Tho lad, on boing put in tho witness box, said ho had never been taught to say prayers. The pri..onora' counsel contended that tho boy was too young to give evidence. The Magistrate took time to answer this point. Two witnesses testifiod to hearing the boy severely beaten, bat conld not say by whom. Tho following evidonco was given : — Mrs Horon, a neighbour, recollected that on tho 29th of May she saw the boy David I'oolo, about 11 a.m., crawling on his hands and knees up tho road to her house. Wit ness wont down, and mot the boy. Ho had no hat and no jaekot on, and his trousorß woro tied round him with braces. Ho looked mi.ernblonnd cold. Witness took him down somo broad and butter. Ho thon crawlod up a little further and got into the straw of a pigsty. Witness wont to tako tho clothes oil tho boy, but could not do so, as he was in such a stato of filth. Witness Bent word to tho police, and tho boy was removed by thorn. Sho saw the boy's stepmother strike him and knock him down on the ground. The boy was not doing anything. After Mrs I'oolo knocked tho boy down sho went on chopping wood. Mrs Poole's own little girl hardly ovor passed tho boy without striking him, and this was sometimes dono in Mrs Poole's presence. The boy's own brother had taken him up to the tap and turned the wator on him, Tho boy fell down throo tiuie_ after this, and was thon carried away down the garden; he was so oxhaustod with tbo drenching ho got ho could not walk. Witness had frequently soon tho father of tho child beating him. Witness had seen Mrs Poolo come out and mako a complaint, and then Poole would tako tho child into tho houso, taking a stick with him. Witness could not toll what tho complaint was. Witness hoard tho boy screaming after ho had boen taken into the houso, and during tho last six months tho condition of tho boy was not much better than whon ho was taken by the police. Crossoxamined: Witness was not on good torms with the accused. Witness's iiusband hud boen fined for assaulting Mrs I'oolo, and throwing her into a creok. Wit ness had nevor threatened to be revenged.

The caso was adjourned till Tuosdoy, the 23rd inst.

MR SHEEHAN'S FUNERAL.

Tub roport which appealed in our Inst issue of tho fuooral of the lato Mr Sheohan was so full and complete that there is littlo need of amplification. Ono or two additional details may bo stated. In recognition ef Mr Sheohan'e former position as _.ative and Do fence Minlstor, thepolice, tothonumberof 30, wero present under tho command of Super intendent Thomson, nnd they presented a striking appearance, as at tho hoad of the procession thoy marchod in opon order, Sergeant Qamblo acting as colour-sorgeant in heading tho column. In tho van of tho foot mourners marched 43 members of the Ancient Order of Druids, undor District President Alfred Kidd, the officers being conspicuous by their craped regalia. The Druids was the only friondly Socioty of which tho docoosod had beon a member, and the local mombors attendod by request. Wo append tho names of tho principal mourners:—Messrs William P. Sheehan, C. E. Dodd, Richard Dignan, J. I!. Graham, Georgo Young, D, Sheoban, J. Shoohan, 11. and T. Dodd, Hon. J. N. Wilson, Messrs Jackson Palmer, William Shanaghan, Michael Shea, Uiehard Graham, Robort Graham, R. Currick, John Roilly, Fitzgibbon Louch (Tauranga), A. Brodie (Thames County Council), I■. Darby, W. J. Spoight, R. A. Shorriii, Hugh Mellhono, Spragg, Dr. Leo, Captain Blake, I'otor Dignan, H. William son (Crown I'rosocutor), D. Denntngham, I). A. Tolo (Crown Lands Commissioner), B. Fi Tolo, Majors Green and Jackson, Mr Moody, J.P., and family, J. Lundon, 11, llnrdlngton, J, Larkins, P. Brophy. Sir I. Whitaker was accommodated with a seat in ono of tho carriages assigned tho clergy, Mr Justice Gillies attended In bis private carriago, and among the mourners on foot wo noticed Mopsrs J. C. Firth, P. Comlskoy, John Buchanan, W. S. Wilson, and many other old colonists, and leading citizens. By a stupid typographical error In our last issue, "Mr \V P. Shoohan (doceasod's brother)" was transformed into "Mrs W. P. Shoehan (doceasod's mother)."

TABLE TALK.

Accklanii has a "diamond king," as wcl! as a " Silver King." Ex-Prosident Arthur has resumed prac tising law In Now York.

Tho Princo and Princess of Walos aro to make a tour through Wales.

Auckland, tho finest city in tho colony, is to havo tho handsomost railway station.

Why 1b a duel tho quickest kind of com bat I Booauso it t.ikos only two seconds.

Mr Soarlo, a well-known journalist, died of paralysis at Wellington yesterday. A diamond, four times tho size of a Koh-i-noor, has boon discovered In South Africa.

A. W. Ilargrave in Sydney has invented a flying machine; the Auckland inventor must look to his laurels.

Wanganui polioy.holdera in the Govern ment Insurance Association oppose the formation of local boards.

How nico it is to be rich ! Vonderbilt, tho American millionaire, is building him sell a tomb nt a cost of £50,000.

Whangarei wants a water supply, which it is ostimatod can bo provided for 1.5,000.

Stanloy Huntley, the author of the humorous " Spoopondyke" papors, is dying of Bright _ disease.

Tho boys of tho London Shooblack Bii» gado earn on an average 18s Cd a week each.

From tho Ist July, the price of the Thameß " Advortisor " will be a penny in stead of twopence ns at present.

The King ot Saxony has offered to the British Govornmont tho gom of his gallery, Raphael's Madonna, for £150,000.

To enable Whangaroi to have a gas and water supply, it is suggested to enlarge tho boundaries, and erect the town into a borough.

At Invorcargill Polico Court yesterday, James Mabin, runholdor, was dismissed on a charge of attempted incendiarism.

Tho Winchoster Reading Prize has beon awarded to a colonial student, Mr Douglas Ellison, of Solwyn Colloge, Cambridge The Dunedin "Star" thinks that tho magistrate who called a police statement " unmanly and untrue" should bo re moved from the Commission ot tho Peace.

Two alarms of fire were given in Welling ton yestorday, one at the Gear Meat Com pany's works, and tho other at a dwolling house in Mulgrave-street, but both fires were extinguished beforo they got a hold.

Invercargill grain shippers complain of the inadequate arrangements of the Union S.S. Company for the export of grain from the Bluff. They suggested at a meeting yesterday the chartering of a special steamer to clear off existing accumulations, but contented themselves with passing a strong resolution to be forwarded to the Union Company.

SPORTING NEWS.

Hawke's Bay Steeplechase.

The following acceptances and entries for the Hawke's Bay Steeplechase Meeting were received last-night t—

Hawke's Bay Steeplechase of lOOsovs. Dis tance, 3 miles and a half.

Maiden Steeplechase (entries). — Pastime, Mountaineer, Jim. lludeon, Ely, Direotor, Fair Play, Ri-iu, Faußh-a-Ballagh, Lane, Farewell, Silver King, Nukeran,

CABLEGRAMS.

(U_ CA-l-iK.-CUP-RI-tHT.i

THE ENGLISH POLITICAL CRISIS.

Parliament Further Adjourned,

(Received Juno 17th—11.30 a.m.) j London, June 15.—Parliament has been j further adjourned until Friday, 19th, when Lord Salisbury hopes to bo able to make a statement to tho Houso of Lords as to the formation of a new Ministry. Cholera Panic In Spain. Madrid, Juno 15.—The spread of cholera in this country is causing great alarm hero, and a eomploto exodus of citizens is taking place in consequence. Death of Admiral Courbot. Paris, J uno 15.— The death is announced 'of Admiral Counbot, lately commanding the French forces in Tonquin. Death of Prlneo Frodorlek Charles of Gormany. Berlin, June 15. — Princo Frederick Charles, nephow of tho Emperor of Ger many, died to-day, aged 57, The Duke and Duchess of Connaught. London, Juno 10.—Their Royal High nesses tho Duko and Duchess of Connaught arrived hero to-day from India. In connection with tho difficulty between Gormany and Sultan of Zanzibar regarding the establishment of a protectorate over torritory in the vicinity of that town, tho German Govornmont disclaim the statement that thoy wore Bonding an expedition thoro to enforce their rights. Tho Rccont Bank Robbory. M__.houknk, tliiß day.—Tho men charged with tho robbory at tho Simpson's Koad branch of tho National Bank of .Australasia woro brought before tho magistrate yostor day and remanded.

[HI'EOIAL TO MEMIO-11-NE ACE."]

Tho Dofcat of tho Cabinet. Loniion, June 9.—During the debate on the Budget in tho Houso of Commons last night, an nmendmont was movod on the proposed bcor and spirit duties, Insisting that it would bo unfair toincrease the duties on beor and sprits, unless tho duty on wines was also increased. Sir Charles Dilke and Mr Gladstone defended tho Budget proposals, and said that tho duty on winon had not been increased, as tho Govornmont wished to encourage tho importation of colonial wines. A dovision having been taken tho Govern ment was defoated. 516 members voted. Tho defeat was duo to tho defoction of tho Irish members and the abstention from voting of a number of liberal members. Tho prospect of Conservatives accepting office is considered vory improbable. Tho news papers this morning doprecato any change of Government at tho present time. It is improbablo that tho British Government will carry out tho proposals contained in tho Budget statement to raise tho limit of Is duty on importod wines from twenty-six to thirty dogreos, unless the negotiations now being carried on with the Spanish Government terminate favourably.

THE MACGREGOR.

Sho Is Expected Horo To-morrow

A Ti.„_-iuM received by the Northorn Steamship Company, from Captain Mac gregor, by way of tho Waiwera station, this aftoruoon, states that tho Macgregor has beon repaired on tho Kawau Beach, and is now ready to uttempta journey to Auckland. Captain Maogrogor also directod that a s .earner should be sent to ho.' assistance, and tho Clansiiiun him accordingly been des patched to take tho Macgregor in tow. If sho takes tho Macgregor off with to-night's tide1, ai is probable, tho vessel should be in harbour to-morrow morning, but if she waits for tho morning tide the steamer can not bo looked for till to-monow night.

Captain Somervillo, of the ss. Rose Casoy, telegraphed to us from Waiwera: — " _ou cob expoct tho Macgregor in Auck land to-morrow night."

FIJI NEWS.

By tbo Arawata to day, from Fiji, wo have later intolligonco from that colony. Tho following items uro culled out of the filo of the " Fiji Times " :—

Visitors rocentl) returned from the Rewa give most encouraging accounts of the crops in that locality. The various estates aro in splondid condition, and from ovory planta tion tho cane yield will bo a heavy one. Tho samo roport is repeated with respect to othor cane-growing districts, and with tho lately reported rlso of tho product in iho market thero is thus overy prospect that tho season will be a good one both for planters and millers.

Tho Colonial Sugar Refining Company's Mill, at tho Rewa, commenced crushing on Monday. Tho cano is reported to bo every thing that can bo dc-ired, n long and continuous crushing is anticipated, and the output oxpectod beforo tho mill stops at Christinas is variously estimated nt Irom 8,000 to 10,000 tens-a noble contribution to our exports from ono mill alone.

Tho Mango Mill started crushing on the 27th ultimo, and tho prospect for the season's yield is a very good one. In other directions also the plantations on the island aro presenting a most encouraging nppear a_ce. Tho cotton is in fine ordor, and gives promieo of a very heavy ylold. The corn crop on all the estates, Mango, Knnacoa, and Cicia, will bo a vory hoavy ono, The eocoanut troos aro ft littlo backward owing to tho last year's drought, but tho recant evidences of improvement sufficiently indi cate that th6y will not be long in thoroughly recovering.

Quito an epldomic of sickness has boon recently experienced in Lovukn, perhaps as a conscquenco of the sudden change from unußual summor heat to cool weather. A number of ladies and gentlemen have been confined to their bed. from attacks, more or loss severe, of cold and low fever, accom panied with nouralgie pains. In no case has the attack been of long duration, but in more than ono it has beon vory severe whilo it lasted.

On Wednesday ovening last a compli mentary ball was given at Suva to Mr nnd Mrs J. P. Eagles, then on the ovo of thoir departure for Now Zealand. Tho event was very successful. During tho evening Mr Eagles was presented with a testimonial in tho form of an address and a purse of sovereigns. Mr and Mrs Englos left by last Arawata, and th. y carry with them good wishoß of all both in Levuka and Suva.

At tho present timo larg. quantities of oranges are being hawked about by the natives for salo, and in many parts of the colony, especially at Bua, thore are hun dreds of tons of this luscious fruit rotting. It seems to bo a thousand pities that this source of wealth cannot bo turned to practical account, but it appears that great difficulty is experienced in gotting it lo markot in good order.

Two Planters Drownod,

Our readors will learn with extreme regret of the wreck of tho cutter Speedy, belong ing to Mr C. T. Hawkins, with tho loss ef her owner and Mr Charles Hague Jones, who was a passongor by her. The Spoedy left Levuka for her owner's plantation, Levuka Lailai, Vanua Levu, on Wednesday list, having on board Mr Hawkins as master, Mr Jones and Mr F. Spathe as pas sengers, and a native crew. She reached the Levuka Lailai passage all right, but in the jaws of tho passage a heavy roller struck her and carried away tho rudder. She then broached to, and rapidly filling, founded. Mr Spathe, who is a good swimmer, managed .to get hold of a cask and got dear of the wreck, and afterwards fot on the after hatch. He was for over an our in theheavy breakers and was at las t res cued, thoroughly benumbed and exhausted, by a boat which had put off from shore. hit Hawkins was an old and highly respected settler who has had a long and hard struggle against bad fortune,and he has left a widow and a numerous family of young children to mourn his loss. Mr Jones was also an old colonist, having been one of the early Tavinui settlers. He formerly owned the Saga ni-Toa Estate at Sella Levu, and has more recently been engaged in sto rekeeping. He has no relatives in Fiji, and was un married-

In a circus in Newcastle, England, a man, while going through a performance of catching a cannon-ball fired from a email cannon, missed tho ball, which split hia head open.

Me.srs Vaile & Douglas will offer for sale by auction to-morrow (Thursday) tho valu able freehold of Mr f). Staiues's, situated in Queen-street. Tho convenient situation of this property should make is worthy tho notice of all buyers of city property.—(Advt.) Cheapest books and stationery in New Zealand to be had at H. White's, stationer noxt to Bank of New Zealand, Q-eon-Bticet,-[Advt,

STAGE STRUCK MAIDENS.

itAxit They wee Swindled by Bogus ; Agents. ;

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Dunedin, this day. Some time ago an ,idvorti?emont appeared in the Dunedin newspapers inviting young women ambitious of earning a livelihood and making a name for themselves on the stago to call upon a couple of gentlemen at a cortain address. Tho latter rcpiesonted that they had a commission from Messrs Williamson, Garner, and Muegrovo to en gugc 20 young ladies in New Zealand as actresses, and that they had authority to defray their passages by steamer. From in formation already to hand, the enterprising agents met with a tolerable amount of suc cess, After depicting bright prospects oi a career on the stage to applicants, they in variably torminated tho interviews by de manding, as a guaranteo that tho girls would carry out their suggestions, one guinea, assuring the girls that on their arrival iv Melbourne the money would be refunded. Tho Tarawera, which left Port Chalmers on Friday, was, the ladies wore given to understand, to be their moans of transit. At the portpriortoombarking, they woro to bo mot by the agents, who would then pay their steamer fares. Accordingly a num bor of ladies joyfully took the train for Port Chalmers, but on arrival it soon dawned on thorn that thoy had been victimised, for the agents did not show up. There was nothing for it but to return to town, and there the matter reached the ears of the police, who wero first waited upon by an indignant mother. Messengers wero despatched to tho boarding-houso where tho agents had resided to make inquiry as to their well being, but the birds had ilown. During thoir Bt.y in Dunedin tbey had kopt vory quiet, being rarely seen in tho street, nnd owing to this, tho police have had to roly on tho descriptions of them sup plied by tho victims. Two mombors of a church choir woro among thoso who mado applications in response to tho advertise ment by tho bogus agents, and, but for the fact coming to tho oars of their clergyman, would also now be reckoned among those who fell into tho trap. About half a dozen young ladies owned up to having parted with a guinoa in consonance with tho agree ments they entered into. Tho polico yes terday arrested at Oamaru a man answering tho description of one of the persons wanted, but on reaching town it was found he was not tho individual required.

FATAL MINING ACCIDENT.

(BY TELEGBAPH —OWN COBBESPONDEN T.)

Thames, this day,

Yesterday afternoon, an accidont with a fatal termination occurred in the Now Prince Imperial mine. Just after a shot had been fired, a miner named Hugh McCormick advanced to tho face of the workings, when a largo mass of rock, which had beon detached by tho oxplosion, fell on him, killing him instantly.

SOCIAL GATHERING.

The members of the Waitemata Minstrels, having resolved to disband for a time, en tertained their immediate friends last even ing with an invitation " social " in the Foresters' Hall, Karangahapo Road. There wore fourteen dances on the programme, and theso wore interspersed with songs, rendered by Miss A. Hargrove and Messrs R, W. Scoats and T. Leodham, whilo the Minstrels also sang a song and chorui, the nolo being tuken by Mr W. George. During tho evening a moet pleasant ceremony was performed, Mr F. Bnrtloy, on behalf nf the members, presenting Mr T. Loedham with » handsome golel albert as a recognition of his services towards tho troupe, and which the recipient duly acknowledged. Quite a feature of tho gathering was tho superb . tylu in which tho refreshment-room was laid out, the lower ante-room being turned by green foliago anel Chineso lanterns into quite a fairy bower. Tho dance music in the first portion of the evening was provided by several members of tho troupe, nnd in the lattor part by Messrs Davis nnd Reed. The gathering altogether was a complete success, and reflected tho greatest creelit on the members generally.

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

City Guards.

This Company has promised its patronage to tho concert of national music which takes placo tomorrow evening in St. Matthew's School-room, and which forms tho first of tho series of winter cntcrtpin monts. The men will meot at tho Drill shod soon after seven o'clock In scarlet uni forms with belts, but without side-arms, and will march to tho concert preceded by tho Garrison Band.

Parnoll Artillery. This Company had a muster of 51, under Captain Whituoy and Lieutenants George and Wastoneys, at drill in the railway work shops last evening. At tho conclusion of the drill, thoy marched to the Drill-shed to ' witnoss tho inspection of the rifle companies, whom thoy mot and saluted on tho return from their uiarch»out.

Monthly Inspection.

Last evening witnessed a muster of almost 400 Volunteers in tho Drill-shed, on tho occasion of tho monthly inspection of six rifle companies. Tho parade state was as follows :—Victoria Rifles -58 all told, composed as follows: Captain Mahon, Lieutenant Solfo, 50 in the ranks, four non commissioned officers, a bugler, and Dr, Dawson (surgeon); City Guards—93 all told, including Captain Isaacs, Lieutenant Bennett, two reserve sergeants, ono colour sergeant, four non-commissioned officers, andono buglor. The Company was so large that it had to be divided into two, one sec tion consistiug of the men In scarlet, and the other of the more recent addition to tbe Company, clothed in blue with red facings and glengarry caps. Hobson Rifles-54 all told, including Captain Dignan and Lieut enants Clifton and Connolly, and 46 in the ranks. Veteran Rifles—About 60 men in tho ranks,, under Captain Andorson and Lioutenant Hitchens. The corps was with out arms, but appeared in a neat uniform, not unlike that worn by tho Salvation Army. Nowton Rifles—s2 in tho ranks with four sergeants, under Captain Birnio and Lioutenant Robertson. Tbe corpß ap peared without arms, but in a neat uniform of blue, with red facings, stripes and cuffs, and biack braid and bows. Ponsonby Rifles—so mon under Captain McDonald an! Lieutonants Ccopor and Taylor. Tho men wero armed, but appeared in mufti, only the officers wealing uniform. The uniforms of the men will not be ready for a fortnight yet. Colonel Lyon was inspecting officer, and after passing along the ranks he exercised tho companies in the move ments that were possible in the limited space available. Addressing tho mon subsequently, ho expressed gratification at the large muster, and said he was pleased to say that (here were about 400 present. Ho regretted that thero was so little space availablo for exercising the battalion, and he did not sco how they could remedy it, because outdoor parades were difficult to obtain at this season of the year. Ho drew the attention of the new companies to the Victorias, City Guards, and Hobson, who. were efficient and soldierlike, and recommended them to be attentive to their drill, and emulate the example of these older companies. Preceded by the Garri son Band, the companies had a march-out along Princos - street, down Shortland street, and up Queen-street, returning to the Drill-shed, where they were dis missed.

MINING NEWS.

(BY TELEQBAPII.— OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day, IVAtniOE (Karangahake).—lt Is under, stood that the directors contemplate send ing 100 tons quartz to Sydney for smelting, in accordance with Mr La Monte's recom mendation.

Deep Lev.l Ckos3.—Operations are about to be resumed in a block on the Imperial No. 2 lode, above No. i level, which was proved payable two years ago, but tem porarily abandoned owing to an influx of water.

Moanataiari.—Cox (tributer) crushed eight tons quartz for the return of 51ozs gold.

Success (Coromandel).—The mine man ager reports : Since my last report timber ing up has been completed, and stoping is being continued both ways from the crofe cut. The ground is rather broken and ir regular, and tho rcqf small in places, but continues to show small dabs of specimen gold. For the week there has been about 40z., of gold obtained.

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(BY OUR SPECIAL REPORT**.,

Wellington, this day From conversations I have had with eevei 1 Legislative Councillors, I do not think the Lords will offer a violent opposition to tho proposal to limit future appointments to a period of ten years.

The Hawke'B Bay members are slow in __'_ior_. M_a OK-_^5K

lhe lost strongly objects to all the Legislative Council appointments exc__. those of Capt. Morris and Mr Taiaroa Can. Morris deserved something for standi. aside in tho reconstruction of the Ministry and tho circumstances undor which Tai-.__ retired, fan the. Council on a former o c . easion justified him in expecting to be re stored again to power. Both Howe and Council will be justified in most severe W condemning the wholesale elevation whin have taken placo ™

The speeches that appear in " Hansard " are not the speeches as delivered in ths House, members being supplied with proofs of their speeches, and not infrequently the. completely metamorphose their utterances Mr Guinness has given notice to move that the practice of revising speeches ba discontinued.

Mr Hatch has given notice to ask the Government to rescind theOrder-in-Co.ncil re sale of poisons.its working, he considers being impracticable. '

The civil list account for the financial year is redolent of evidences of the ehort- ' lived Ministers of last session. Mr Stout" during his 12 days' Premiership, drew £66 9s salary, whilo Major Atkinson, who held' tbo same position for three days, received £28 13s lid as a reward for his labours Mr Wakefield, five days' Colom.il Secretaryship and Mr Hursthouse, for a similar term as a Minister of Lands, gave them euch £2 9a Hd. °,\ Mr Peacock asks the Government if they;' will assist in providing more perfect com. inunication across the gulf between Archi Hill and Kingsland railway station. , ' I Mr O'Brien of Parnell, having written to' Sir George Grey re old .oldiers claims. th*a t ' member for City East recommended h'ls^ correspondent tolpetition the House through: Mr Mobs.

____k Noto Securing Bill, •■ Y'Y Mr Dargaville's Bank Note Securing Bill will be introduced today. It Bocks to make bank notes a first liability on the assets of i bank. It was introduced last session, and got through the second reading, und _v then amongst the slaughtered innocents.

Tho Chairmanship of Committees.

Tho question of the proposed appoint, ment to Mr Fulton's re-election to,the Chairmanship of tho Waste 'Landi--' ---' Committee haa been freely discussed ■ in the lobbies this morning, and (am understanding on both tides it the house now is that all lost year's chairmen of) counties be returned unopposed. - tm "t Customs Revenue. YY. The Customs revenue for the fi_ia_oi-_.i year ended 31st March was £1,544,771. Of this, £351,191 was collected at the port of" Auckland at a cost percent, of £2 18sj Wellington, £247,044, at £2 5s 7dj Dunedin £424,654, at £2 Os 3d; and Lyttelton-arid' Christchurch, £223,007 at £2 17s 4d. Thft" average cost of collection for the. •whole colony was £2 lis Od per cent.; tie pre vious financial year, £2 Is 4d. In 1881. tin-. cost in the United Kingdom was £3 12_lldia The gum export for 1884 was valuedai"' £342,151, as against £336,606 for 1883. Ym. •

Govornmont and their Half-hearted Sntw ,' porters. .•.;;;.:•"_(;

Tho " New Zealand Times " says: There; was a tone of rather more independence ondf..-,' "judgment reserved" about the speedier i of Messrs Pearson and Hislop last nigit;; than would be quite palatable to Ministers, ;' Tho support accorded by them to the GotY ' ernment was the reverse of enthusiastic pir_ thoroughgoing, and we fancy gome wry , faces must have been covertly pulled in the"' locality of tho Treasury benches. ; -'<?",'. Amondmont o_ Licensing Act, V V Mr Steward has not yet decided whethtr ho will or will not introduce his usual bill -

to amend the Licensing Act. He has a bill prepared, and its main provisions ore to substitute an electoral roll with fe_a_.ler_.te*>

payers added, androll of residents including all females, instead of a ratepayers roll on. which elections arenowconducted. Also,t(f;. make it necessary for the committee to take a poll of electors to confirm any decision to _\ close a house for any other cause than mis* conduct. Mr Steward will not int«_t-(_v ; the bill unless be first gets a pledge from,',; those members who flooded it last session, with additions in the interests of extreme '

publicans, and so cancel its defeat. Native Land Legislation.

Mr Ballance is understood to haVecon* eidorably modified his Native Land Bill,. chiefly with a view of protecting negotia tions being entered into or inchoates agreements fairly made. No .pattic.lar.; aro yet known, but a member of ths Opposition informs me that this alteration' will be very beneficial to Government tap-

porters in the Upper House.

Refusing a Honorarium. ( ~ ~

Some stir is being made over w_ attempt ! by the Government to oußt Mr.Fuller fromY the Chairmanship of the Waste; Land*,;, Committee. Last session, a sum of £100 was granted, most improperly, as many';| people thought, to the Chairman of ; the Petitions, Native, Goldfields, and' Waste Lands Committees respectively,5' in addition to their honorariums.. Mr Fal; ton, Chairman of the Waste Lands Commit-, „ toe, disapproving of this proceedingjdeclined, to receive the £100, and returned the cheque to the Treasury. The consequence;ls, tm__ the Government have determined to put Mr Fulton out of the Chairmanship, the dqtiesr. of which he performed with the utmost effi ciency, and to secure it with the salary oi £100 for Mr Steward, one of their own sup*;' porters. The members of the Committee have been canvassed In a manner which is hot considered 'altogether straightforward or fair in favour.JJL. Mr Steward, and it was ■ almost .by accident that the real nature oi-* the move was discovered. 'Inl order to make sure of success, the Government a. purpofe to add Messrs Pyke and Brojrn. „,. the Committee, but notice has been Rivtn from the other side to add Messrs .._.»;: and Lako, and if any further attempt is made to expel Mr Fulton from the Ch-ir*, manship, there will no doubt be a T8 i r?Y severe struggle. A prominent member^or £ tho Waste Lands Committee informa me that Mr Stewaid has intimated tojlio" _ Government his desire to be released-rom . tho candidature, but with what result baa i: not transpired. Tho Government, on the othor hand,|deny emphatically having can, vassed a single member of the Committee' in connection with their selection of Chair- , man, though they admit it is not ImprOj bable they may support tho candidature of a member from tho Government Bide of the House. Mr Stout showed me Mr Steward s lotter, and added that he had no feeling uj tho-matter. Probably Mr McKenzie will;' now be nominated in opposition to Mr ■

Fulton. . ■ >jM. Mr Ballance's new bill will authorise, v lawyers to conduct cases in Native, Lana;™ l 0 Couits. . .J -ji'ijp -A

(Continved on Fourth Page),

ESCAPE OF A PRISONER.

A Would-be Murderer at Large., ~r /Aj |j

(BY TELKOEAPH— PRESS ASSOCIATIO-.)

Tiharo, this day. Great excitement has been occasioned.}n town just no- *, by the announcement tbw the prisoner Lucas, who was r.cently; con victed of attempted murder of his wife.bgg' »>s* escaped from the hard labour gang in which a he was employed. The escape occurred ;' an hour ago, and the police are -Of **£? actively searching for Lucas. V'!;')" Capture of luoaa. v-i ] Timard, this day.'Y,:,j"j. Lucas was captured by lnspeotor Brohaffl ;' and Constable Batchweli at half-past 11 ~ ; o'clock. He was hidden in somo gorse olo"8 to Brown's Creek, in the outskirts ot& the town. When captured, he said h« '_ wanted to see his wile. =* -^

TAURANGA AND WAKANUI ELECTIONS.

(BY TELERRArH—PRE_S ASS-tHA-M**.) ;_',__

Wellington, this day. ;'.•,;..;,.,_ Wbus for Wakanui and Tauranga W«IJ Jt _ jg have been issued and made returnftblp P?;. ,vv . 21st and 27th July respectively. ;' m* ... [Tho Wakanui seat is rendered vacant \>J the resignation of Mr Grimr, and ttot oi Tauranga by the death of Mr Sheeb«-J

THE AUCKLAND EVEJSIISG S-U'AK, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1885.



." St li) Macaroni .. 12 1 Whalebone Ravenswood .. 12 0 Romeo .. Jim .. .. 12 0 Qulip 3crutineer ,. 1110 Erebus .. Die Druid .. 11 4 Assogai .. Director.. .. 11 2 Denbigh.. King '.. .. 10 10 Claude .. Mew Year .. 10 7 Ngata .. Pastime ... .. 10 7 St Dun_t_n

stlb .. 10 2 .. 10 0 .. 10 0 .. 912 .. 912 .. 9 10 ..9 8 ..9 7 ., 9 7



TMPORTANT TffOTICE, MILNE AND CHOYCE HAVING JUST RECEIVED A SHIPMENT OF EIGHTY-FIVE (85) MANTLES JACKETS, Bought by their Buyers at a Discount of 50 PER GENT. OFF MANUFACTURERS PRICES, Have resolved to MARK THEM AT DESPERATE PRICES For tho purpose of clearing tliem out at once. The following fow QUOTATIONS will provo the Genuineness of the Reductions. or; VERY HAND.OME MANTLES AND ° JACKETS, In the Latest Styles, FOR & B. d. _ 8. o -1 5 0 A Bargain oven at 2 5 0 2 5 0 .". .. 3 15 0 810 0 ..' .. 5 15 3 4 5 0 .. .. 0 15 0 5 5 0 .. .. 7 10 0 6 19 0 .. .. 9 10 0 610 0 ...... .. .. 10 0 0 7 10 0 .. .. 11 10 0 8 19 0 ...... .. .- 13 10 0 The above are REAL BARGAINS, and wo would beg our frionds to call and secure them, as they aro sura to go Immediately. MLLNE AND CHOYCE, QUEEN-STREET, FURNITURE J. X_D.Jl_I CARPETS KURRITURK Tj.n_»Tj. CARPETS FURNITURE JM I IV Vi CARHETS FURNITURE ITIT T* TH. CARPETS FURNITURE j. | \\\, Pj CARPETS ______ SALVAGE FURNITURE SALVAGE FURNITURE LES3 THAN J PRICE. LESS THAN _ PRICE. WE SHALT. SELL OUR BRUSSEL CARPETS FOR 5 s 6 P ' AND £S ONES FOR 4 s ODFOR0 D FOR A FORTNIGHT DURING OUR SADE. GrARLIOk'S-'CRANWELL ar'- Se___gC___.S Less than Hulf Price. WE ' ARE' REALLY' Soliing 'ail' Carpet.' at Great Reductions. Tapostif, Is Od por yard, SALVAGE TABLES "for Offlc._'-.n_'parlourK Salvage Chests Drawers, Washstand.. ALL"KINDS "6."'FURNIT.RI.''AT' RE DUOKD PRICKS at our 'IKMPOKARY ....PREMISES, WELLESLEY-ST. EAST. SUITES OF FURNITURIf 'REDUCED. " OCCASIONAL CHAIRS REDUCED. PRRAMBULATORS REDUOED. SECURE SOME OF THE BARGAINS IN ffUENITUKE AND CABPETS AT QARLICK AND r>JRANWELL'S. TE3IPORAKV PREMISE., WELLESLEY-STREET EABT. i T\R. E. D. MACKELLAR, M.D. CM., -'-'First-class Honours University of Glasgow I .(Edinburgh, Paris, Rotundo Lying In ..';.,. .'i ■ ,-/.-, Hospital, Dublin), ] HAS COMMENCED PRACTICE IN UPPER QUEEN-STREET, ; In the hong a lately ocoupled by Col. Haultain. I HOURS OF CONSULTATION: At home—9 to 10 a.m„ and 7to 8 p.m.; also, A. Aickin'b, The Phirtnacy. Queen-street, 1 haa 2to I o'clock in the afternoon, .



qpBCIAL NOTICE.' I havo received my Third Shipment Of 1 AUTUMN AND WINTER GOODS, J JUST OPENED, PER THE COPTIC, | To which I invite the Inspection of my Patrons i and the Publio generally. i H. L. POSSENNISKIE, MERCHANT TAILOR & HABIT MAKER i BIIOUTLANI. STI-KItT. , T. & H. Cooke Beg to inform thoir frionds and tho publio that thoy havo REMOVED TO THEIR NEW PREMISES, JUNCTION OF QUEEN AND GREY STREETS. SPECIALLY CHEAP CLEARING LINES : -35 Girls' and Maids' Blaok and Fanoy Cloth Jackets, from 3s 6d, according to aira. 'Iho above are under half warehouse prioe. 23 Ladies' Blaok Cloth Fashionable Jaokota; new this season; balanoo of warehouse stock purchased at a very low prloo; to be sold at about half their value. 000 Pairs Girls', Women's, and Mon s Hosiory. Travellers' Samples; a groat bargain jin groat variety. 510 Dozen Coats's best Sewing Cotton, white nnd black, 200 yds, Is Sd doz., numbors 10 to 24 only. Nico lot Wool Goods, frcm Bd. Austrian Rugs, 6s fld; worth Bs 6d. Having an over-stook of Cheap Clothing, will, previous to Stocktaking, 801 lat about 20 per cont. discount Whito Calico, 2}d yd; Groy Calico, 2d. Crowdson'a Celebrated Calico, 4}d yd; Is 3d by tho dozen. Largo lot of Remnants, vory choap. Good Coloured Moleskin, Is 4Jd yd. Now Umbrellas, Fur Capes, Frilling., Ulsters. patternsTFree BY POST. Frolght Paid on Parcels ovor £3 ta value. WILLIAM R, BRIDGMAN, 283 Upper Queen-st. ___________ ————— _________— NOTICE. DR. WILK IN S, P.R.C.S., Consulting and Opi-katino Suro-on. Is at his Surgery for Genoral Practice and Special Practice Kye. Ear, ami Throat Discos. _ -Mornings und Afternoons; _un,li_ys, 10SO tc 12-.. Consultation Fees very moderata. Dr Wii-SINS spent seven years at Moorodolda Eye Hospital. London, under Messrs Bowman and C.'rltchett.. two at Throat Hospital. l_mdon, sovon years Honorary Surgeon Albert Hospital, and ellil.t years at Eye, Ear, and Throat Infirmary Melbourne. Adjusts t-poetaclo. to Sight- Conoultlna Rooms—Oueen-straot Auckland. OR EYE, EAR, AND THROAT DISEASES. DR. SCH WARZBACH. M.D., having recently returned from Europe, n.ay bo consulted at Mrs Splors's. Albort Park. Auckland, daily from 10 to 1. Dr. S. limits his practice exclusively to tlio treatment of Diseases of the Eye. Ear, and Throat . ,_ _ Former patients are invited to calk