COMING EVENTS.

Mcotlnf-3. .'•*•*.. To-night. Abbott's Opera lions,- - - Stolen Kisses," 8 p.m qt Lliiics's ■ i-ill Mr W. L. Roes, on Co o^ation 'Land! libiir. and Capital.- 8 pm. Masonic Hall-Ararat Lodge of Royal A^k Marinors.Bp.m. Union Lodge of Mark Aiastoi Masons, 7.31) p m. _»„„i:„». Bootmakers' Union - Quarterly Meeting. Working Men.-. Aid Society. Par mill- Annual Mooting, t..D P.m. Auction Sales, To-morrow. n j_ff^.^^iW^S?^ NStivei Land Settlement Company, 12 noon. Mr Qabs-10l Lowis-English-inado Furniture, Estota, 11 n.m.: Piano, at 12 noon. Mr A. liuckland -Wool, Skins. &c. Ray markot. 12 noon. Mr Randorson—Frooholtl Property. Messrs Hunter and Nolan-Weekly Sale or Steek Newmarket. Yawls. Tallow, Wool and yklns.'lHirham Yards, 11 n.m. Mr L. W. Eaton-Fruit, Oats, &c, nt 11 o'clock. Messrs Vailo and Br.idley- Plants, shrub.' produce, etc., at 11 a.m. .

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will closo as undor !— Tnm DAT, For Russell. Kaktikawa, Herd's Point, Wnnga roa and Mongonui, per Clansman, at 8 p.m. For Tanrnngn, Rotorua, and Opotikl, por Wellington, nt 5 p.m. For Whititinga, Upper Mill, nnd Tainm. per lona, at 6 p.m. For Mangawat and Kalw.ika, per Ruby, at i> p.m. For inamos, per Entorprlio, nt 5.3" p.m. TUK9DAY, llth Illflt. For W'angnroa, per Energy, nt S a.m. for Thames, per Kotomaiinm . at ll a.m. For Waiwera, Kawau, Omaha, and Matalmnn, RoseCnsoy, nt lUa.tn. , For Taranaki and Southern Porto, per Penguin nt 11 am. For Waitara, per Hannah Mokau, a II n.m. For Wellington and Seuthern ports, per llino mo», at 1 p.m. __ „ . For llussell and Kawakawa, por Waihora at For Gisborno and Southern Ports, per Suva at •1 p.m. For Thames, per Kotiiku. at 5 p.m. I i'or Whangarci Hearts. Parua, Waipu. Whnn garol, Kamo, and Mnugapai, por -\\ uitnki or H Glenelg, at 5 p.m. Thursday, ISth Inst. For Tonga, Samoa, Tahiti, and Rarotongn, per contract stoamer Janet Nlcoll, at Ti-esday, June 23. Por Australia as follows:— For Navigator Islands, Sandwleh Inlands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m For United Kingdom and Continent Of Europe, at 1 p.m. _ . . . . __. Money orders, 10.30 a.m. Registered letterß and newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Lato letters, bearing aa oxtra foe of sue pence In addition to the postage, will be received by tho Mall Agent on board the steamer np to tho time of nailing, Thl» mu.il will be due In London or, Friday, July 31,1555. S. B. BISH, Chief Postmaster. Chief Po^t-oftico. Auckland. N 11 —Ihe Government steamer Stella will liavo the Bluff for West Coast Sounds en or about 22nd instant.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATEF, Auckland- This af tot neon, 2.20; to morrow, mor.iing, 3.6. Manukau Heads—'Hits cvoning, 5.9; to-roor mow morning. S.JC. , Kaii-ara Hbaimj—This evening. C.9; to-mor row morning, 0 10. Sunset.—This evening—l.ls. Sirs rise.—To-morrow morning—7.l3. Moon's Age.—Now Moon, 13th, 10.21 a.m. ARRIVALS. SATURDAY EVENING. lona, 5.3., Amodeo, from Great Barrier Suva, s.s.. Hutchinson, from Southern ports Fleetwiug, schooner. Couch, from Bus.oil Wellington, s.s„ Stephenson, from Whangarci YESTERDAY. Clansman, s.s., Farquhar, from Tauranga TO-DAY. Herald, 8.5., Savory, from Oroti Point IMPORTS. Par Suva-GO sheep. 3;0 sucks charcoal. 30 cases cranges, 23 sacks bones. The ss Waihora having boen detained at Oisborne, is not expected to arrivo here before noon to-morrow. The s.s. Clansman returned from Tauranga at 2 a.m. on SHmday. Passengers :-Mcssrs Wilson (2), Ceter, Good, and Chad wick. The s.s. Wellington arrived from Whangarei on Saturday evening. Passengers: Mrs Lark inu Mrs Fulloc and child, Mr Weston. Mr Wlison, Mr Fisher, Mrs and Mr Whitchoris. Somo small vessel collided with the cutter Dusty Miller while tho latter was at anchor near tlio wharf on Sunday night. Tho fore-rigging of the Dusty Millor was slightly damaged. The s s. Herald returned from Oreti point this morning Tho boilor for which sho went t'lithcr broko adrift on Saturday morning dur iagstormy weather, and waß allowed lo drive ashore. Tho barque Altair left lr, ttelton for Auckland on Juno 3. with 2.221 sacks wheat, 503 do oats, 2 170 do potatoes. 31S do beans. 100 racks (lour, 230 do barley, 125 do bran, 17 crates bisouits. Tho brigantine Ocoola Is loading at Dunedin f jr this port. Tho brigantino Lizzio Guy having discharged at Devonport. has bten borthed nt tho Railway „ Wharf. Shipping business in port was almost at a standWU to-day, owing to tho heavy downpour ot rain. Tho s.B. Suva arrived from Wellington and intermediate ports at 10,30 m on Saturday. Passengers :-MiBS Jones. Mr A. Allen, Rc\. Father Kehoe, and 1 in tho steerage. The barque Pet. which arrived at Port Chalmers from Hobart on Saturday last, reports that on June 1 she encountered n heavy N.W. izule with terrific sen, which washed away pnrti'on of the port bulwarks. The vessol w;as hove to for « hours, and bad a terrific gale, with den» fog and constant rain. Tho Orient liner Anstral recently delivered a mail at Adelaide in 29 days from London, and at Melbourne in 31 days from tae English capital an unprecedented achievement This trip was accomplished under no special circum stances, but by virtue ot steady steaming from port to port. The exceptional character of the ____. li .hown by a comparison with the Post omco record" for 1882, when the Rome, tho Ctedo, and the Itevenna, three P. and O. boats, which delivered their mat's in thirty-six days were the most successful boats. The Anstral has shown herßelf a grand vessel In tho Ameri can trade, but some of the'-groyhounds of the Atlantic.' 'such aa the Alaska, havo tho heels of h»r and when tho Suez Canal is permanently onlarged and deepened, the 'Sydney livening News" expects to find vessels of the Alaskas class coming out, and even tho Austral s time improved npon.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Argyle, s.s., Daniels, from Waitara Hinemoa, b.s., Fairchild, from \\ ollington Penguin. s,B„ Allman, from the bouth Rowena, s.s.. Norbury. from Hokianga Oretl 8.8., Robertson, from Wanganui

DEPARTURES.

Argylo, s.s., Daniels, for Waitara Oretl, s.B„ Kobertson, for Taranaki Rowena, s.s., Noroiiry. for W altera

The b s. Argylo arrived from Waitara at npon yesterday with 330 ehcep. Passengew:-Mos dames Hunter and Cain, Messrs Hart and Gibbons. She left again at noon today for Waitara, with a general cargo and a number of passengers. The Government steamer Hinemoa (Cap'aln Fairchild) arrived from Wellington, via Kawhia and Raglan, at 5 o'clock on Sunday morning. Passengers :-Messrs Harrow, Haeelden, Heslop, Miller, Master Elliott, and two constables. She leavos again for Wellington at threo o clock to-morrow afternoon.

The s s. Oroti arrived from Wanganui nt 8 o'clock on Saturday ovoning with 600 sheep. Passengers i-Mrs Gosnott, Miss Kills, Messrs Salo Forest, and Sinclair. Sho left again for New Plymouth at 3 o'clock today.

The 8 s. Penguin arrived from Southorn ports at 2.31 p.m. yesterday. She brought the following passengers: Misses Fraser, Hart. Puhl, Mofldames Hammond, Atkinson (2), l'uhl, Mosßrs Ramson, Davis,Hunter, Atkinson, Ham mond, Bnird, Phillips, Airstan, pre. Hondor son, Hesketh, Andrews. LipßCOtnbe, Natentml, Wend el, Rev. Cecil, and 8 Bteerage. The Pen guin loaves again for tho South at i n.m. to morrow.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

LYTrELTON, Saturday.—Sailed: Wainui, for London; Arawa, for London.

Sydney, June 6.—Arrived, this morning Australia, from Auckland.

Bluff, this day.-Arrived, this morning: S.s Rotomahana, from Melbourne. Saloon passon gors for Auckland: Mrs and Miss Elliott and Miss Barlow.

Port Chalmers, this day.—Arrived: lonic, from Plymouth, via Hobart.

Sydney, this day.—Arrived, yesterday: S.b. Manaponri, from Auckland.

Melbourne, thiß day.—Arrived. laßt even ing: Peninsular and Oriental Co. s R.M.S. Indus, w th London mails to May 1.

DEPARTURE OF THK TONGARIRO. Wellington, this day. Tho R.M.S. Tonga'iro sailed for London at soven o'clock laat night.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Ofllco. this day. At Messrs Richardson and Jackson's auction sale of shares to-day, at their mart, the follow ing prices ruled: 55 Union Sash nnd Door, ti 10bper share; sGas shares, £10 7s Cd ; 5 Cas ■hares (new), £2 15s Cd per share; 100 Colonial Bank, £2 2s 6d oor share.

The sale of salvage stook from the recent fire at Owen and Graham's was held to-day by Messrs B, Tonkn and Co., and was still proceed ing this afternoon. There was a good atU nd _nco of tho trade.

Births.

U.OW.- On Juno I, the wifo ot N. Oow, Mcicury Bay, of a son. TAYLOR.-On Juno 8. at hor residence. Cross street. Newton, Mrs O. F. Taylor of n son.

Deaths.

HALL.—On Juno 11. at her parents' resldenoo, Hnrgravc Btrcet, Katie, tho beloved Infant daughter of Thomas aud Isabella Hall; aged (i weeks. WEBSTER —On Juno 7, at her rcsidonco, Ellerslio, after a short and painful Illness, the beloved wifo of Richard Webster; aged 41 years. Deeply regretted by all who know her. Tho funeral will leavo her bile residence for i Puumure to-morrow iTuosdnj), at 2.30 p.m.

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

Ta (k* oitus ttot lacks uilihuuit, For the wrong that neoli resistance, For the future in the 4i«Uno-, And the good that we oan &>,

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1885.

The rumour that the Ameer of Afghanistan has been murdered by his suite comes through a Russian source, and in the absence of confirmation from the Indian Government, is to be discredited. It is not, however, im probable. Abdurahman Khan has proved himself the strongest ruler that Afghanistan 'has had for many years, but his sovereignty is not universally acceptable. There are inter-tribal and faction feuds within the country, and Kuisian intrigues from without. Ac cording to the statements of some Indian conespondents, the Ameer and his suite have been at variance in con sequence of Abdurahman Khan's refusal to adopt a strongly and Russian policy. Russian emissaries have re ceived more favour at Cabul than the anti-Russian party consider safe for the country. On the other hand, if the Ameer has no. shown any strongly proclivities, he has as sumed an attitude of active friendli ness towards the English, and his recent consent to the occu pation of Herat by the Boundary Com mission, and the measures authorised for its defence, may have aroused the animosity cf the anti-English party in his dominions. Or his death may have been caused by the agency of some secret emissary in Russian employ, or representing the interests of one of the Pretenders to tho throne. Whether the news be true or not, however, the circulation of the report serves to re mind us of the extreme perploxity of the Ameer's situation, the unsettled charac ter of the country, and the treachery of its inhabitants. And in view of these considerations we cannot but feel some anxiety for the safety of that gallant little British force who are now located hundreds of miles away from the hope of assistauce, menaced by the Eussians on the north, and hedged in on the south by an Afghan army of 13,000 men, whose friendliness is questionable. Rarely has an English expedition occupied so difficult a position, and if they escape the fate of poor Cavagnari and his suite, it will be solely due to the justice and expediency of the recent British policy in relation to the Afghans, and the wisdom of the measures adopted to allay the bitterness remaining from the late bloody war.

Atlantic Transport of the San Francisco Mails.

A VERT interesting question affocting tho transport of tho Pacific mails was raised by Mr J. Milno some time ago at tho Chamber of Commerco, and was introduced by a deputation fromthatbodytoSirJuliusVogel. Mr Milne contended that by having the mails made up in London on Saturday, instead of Thursday, thoy would be con voyed regularly by tho Cunard Company's fa*u boats, whereas they are now fcrwardod chiefly por White Star Company in second class steamers. With tho mombers of the Chamber, wo (woro strongly impressed by tho force of Mr Miino's suggestion, and as tho matter was of very great importanco in connection with the efforts, past and contemplated, to im prove our leading mail sorvico, wo requested our London correspondent to inquire fully into tho matter. The result is published below in his own words. Although it shows that the Cunard steamers are on the average slightly faster than the White Star lino, it disappoints tho expectation that any very material gain would bo effected by the al teration of tho day of closing in London, whilo it confirms Sir Julius Vogel'u state ment that such a change would bo very strongly opposed by the postal authorities in Lonclon. Our correspondent writes : —

"I bco tho Auckland Chamber of Com merce aro agitating to have tho day of tho departure of tho San Francisco mails (out ward) changed from Thursday to Satur day, so that tho mails may bo conveyed across tho Atlantic by tho Cunard instead of tho Whito Star boats. At first this movement struck mo as a sonsiblo ono. The Umbrin, tlio Etriuia, and tho Oregon are, with tho Guion liner Alaska, notori ously the ' greyhounds of tho Atlantic,' and if you could rely on tho Now Zealand mails being consistently carried by ono of thorn, the service would, no doubt, be materially accelerated. Even then, though, I question whether the result of the change would altogether justify tho trouble in volved to bring it about. In the first place, one ought to remember that tho Cunard Company's reformation is but re cent. Theirs have always been very safe boats, but till they bought the Oregon from the Guions, 18 months since, tho pas sages of their liners were principally phen omenal for length. Two years ago no sane man would havo dreamt of pronouncing the Cunard faster than the Whito Star steamers. Even now, I doubt whether the average passages of the latter during the winter are not the speediest. The Cunard line, bear in mind, is not entirely made up of Oregons and Etrurias There are four or five express boats which the Company run, so to speak,' for their name's sake,' and the achievements of which are trumpeted far and wide on every possible occasion, and there are a dozen or so very ordinary boats. One week you may cross to New York under S days in tho Oregon, the next bo ten or cloven in the Cephalonia, the Russia, or the Aurania. The White Star liners, on tho other hand, can be relied on perfectly. One is not much faster than the other, but all invariably make consistently creditable passages.

Even if tlio Colonial Government wero to stipulate that tho Now Zonlnuil mails should only bo convoyed by the Cunard Company's) most I'amoiiM Hours,' they could not bo sure of tlio contract being Htriclly (idhorod to., Tito Umbria, the Etrurin, and tho Oregon aro at tho present moment boing armoured with poworful puns, nnd would, in ovent of a rupturo with Russia, at onco bo employed as ' merchant cruisois.' Othor fast Cunard boats aro also undor orders to hold tlioui solvos in roadinoes lo act cither as cruisors or transports ; in fact, whenovor or whor over war breaks out.only tho morost romnant of tho Cunard lino will bo available for Atlantic sorvico. War would not affect tho Whito Stnr Company similarly. Unless thoy woro to cancel tlio cluirtors of tho lonic and Doric, they havo no extra steamors to spare, and could not intorforo with thoir American liners. Apart from nil those' considerations, howovor, I do not think tho WhitoStar Company dosorvo your desertion. For soveral years thoy havo regularly do livorod tlio Now Zealand mails in Now Voile wit hin nino days. This iv itself is any tiling but a trilling font. No othor company (certainly not tho Cunard) could havo nehioved as much. I think you may safoly leavo tho futuro in the samo hands. Messrs Ismay Imrio wore tho pioneers of fast Atlantic passages, Many of thoir steamors, now condemned as antiquated and out of dato, boro a fow yoars ago reputations no whit inferior to tho Oregon or tlio Alaska. Tlioy aro not the sort of firm to allow tho Cunard Company to stoal away thoir trado. Two of thoir vossols aro oven now under going alterations with a viow to increasing thoir spood.

" Tho Cunard Company inform mo, in answer to somo quorios, that thoir Satur day service for tlio noxt six months will compriso the Etrurin, tho Anrnnin, tho Scrvin, and tho Gnllia (tho threo last named are, I may point out, not now boats at all. Tho formor is oxpoctcd to oross tho At lantic in six days, tlio Aurania and Soma arc seven-day boats, and the Gallia n sovon and a half day boat. This is what tho Cunard pcoplo .themselves hope. Coming to plain unadulterated facts, howovor, I cannot precisely boo on what thoso llattering hopos aro grounded. Tho uvorogo passages of their last fivo (Saturday) liners to Now York was, according to their own manager, 8 daja li hours, which most certainly is not particularly smart. Turning to tho list of fast passages across tho Atlantic published by tho American Exchange, I obscrvo that tho Gnllia has novor mado tho run oithor way undor 8 days, and that it is only occasionally (six times altogothor in 1SS1), tho Aurania has beon undor 7 days 12 hours. On tho other hand, tho White Stnrsloamcrs (lormannic and Britannic mado tho trip in 7 days 10 hours as long ago as 1577, and havo boen kooplng up this vory rcspoctablo avorago ovor sinco. Sir Julius Vogel Is quito right in saying that the London post ollico authorities would not viow tho chango of mail day from Thursday to Saturday favourably. Heavy American mails already intorforo seriously with tho omployeos' half holiday, and tho addition of thoso for Now Zealand and Now South Wales would mako it almost an impossibility.

" Finally, I desiro to draw your attcnl ion to tho appended returns, which havo becti supplied mo by tho rival companies them selves. Thoy givo full particulars of the passages mado by tho last six of their re spective steamors outward, with tho result that my theory as to tho Whito Stiir show ing as good an avorago, on tho whole, as tho Cunard is distinctly uphold. In a lottcr to the Auckland Star, urging this alteration in tho mail service, Mr .1. Milno publishes some statements as to tlio limes mado by tlio Whito Star Company's liners, which are (tho managers say) incorrect. 1 hnvo before mo now ft return of tlio passages mado by thcso boats botweon 187(1 and 188-1, inclusive. From this I gather that last year tho steamer ISritnnnic mado 10 round voyages, her possogi* utwuid averaging S days 14 hours and ti minute.*, and home ward 7 days --','1 hours and "0 minutes, Since 187 l! tho Britannic has mado B."> outward and S3 homeward trips, tho formor averag ing 8 days 0 hours I.'l minutes, and the latter S days . hours only. 1 doubt it thoro is n vo.-sul oii thy Atlantic can boast such a splendid record covering such a length cf timo. Tho (lormaniiic's passago last, year averaged: outward, 8 days 11 hour. 15 minutes ; homeward, S days J> hairs .'l.'l minutes. Sinco 187(i she has mado 8-2 voyages, averagings diys 11 hours 15 .dilutes. If tho colony is really bent on having tho Atlantic portion of tlio mail sorvico accelerated a few hours, nnd Now South Wales will co-operate, tfio best plan would bo to givo nil tho big Atlantic companies a show, and soo which would undertake to do tho trip in the . hortcst timo. lamby no means sure that oven with tho Etruria at their bock you would find tho Cunards offer tho most tempting, Onions, with tho Alaska, tho Arizona, and tho City of Rome, ought to bo able to guarantee a bettor avorago, and so might tho North German Lloyds with their new steamers, Now tho Cunard Company have parted with the Oregon and the Umbria to tho Government, their lleot has not tho tempting npponranco It had, The return will bo found on tho noxt pngo. Tho following aro tho six most recent out ward passagos of tho Whito Star Royal Mail Steamors :— Passnp;.'. Steamor. d. it. m. Hrltannlo 8 0 ,% Itopubllo .. _ .. .. I) S 111 Celtic I) 0 21 Oormannlo 8 I) 31 Adriatic J 15! Britannic 8 10 10 Average 8 17 18 Tho following nro tho six most recent out ward passagos of tho Cunard Royal Mail Steamers :— Pats.a. o. Steamer, p. /;. 31. Aurania 7 11 S3 Soythia 10 16 « Orofton 0 18 22 Gallia 8 0 10 Bothnia 10 .185 Aurania 7 18 27 Avorafto .. _. .. ..8 13 22

Wo aro glad to sco Mr R- If. Stovonson, manngor of tho Union Insurance Company, about again after a long and serious illnoss. His Worship tlio Mayor of Nowmarkot, Mr W. J. Suitor, has received a telegram from the Hon. tho Minister of .lustico con gratulating him on his buccoss at tho late olection. Tho Hon. J. A. Tolo, wo regret to hoar, is still indisposed. Wo hoar on good authority that Mr Kolly is dotorminod to prosocute his efforts to unsoat Mr Slieohnn, and wo hear also that many of his supporters aro opposed to his doing so, on tho ground that whilo tho procoodings aro ponding MrShoehan will bo practically unablo to do anything, and tho district therefore be unroprosontod at a critical and important time. Tho man James Dunn, who was fined the Polico Court to-day for having firo arms and ammunition in his possession whilo intoxicated, was arrestod immediately after ho had paid lib fino on the cliorge of steal ing a silver watch and chain, a gold chain, and a gold scarf-ring. Thcso articles wero found in his possession when arrested, nnd he is boliovod to havo stolen them. Thoir valuo is £20. Any person having lost such property is roquosted to apply to tho police.

Yesterday a fiorco north-wostorly galo raged all day at Wellington, accompanied by heavy rain. The departure of tho direct mail steamor Tongariro was dolayok in con scquonco, but the vessol has sinco sailed. Sovoral yachts wore sunk in tho harbour, but the doinago to proporty was othorwi.se slight. At Blenheim also there was much wind and rain, and Hoods arc feared.

Tho Secretary of tho Waiwora Company has writton io the Waitomata County Council requesting tho erection of n -ivharf at Woiwcra, and tho matter that has been referred to tlio Finance Committeo of that body.

There wore repeated interruptions during the performance at tho Opora Houso on Saturday night, and on one occasion Mr Wybert Roovo was compelled to como for ward and request tho door-keeper to ro move a man who was causing tho disorder in tho pit.

At St. James's Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning, tho Roy. R, F. Macnicol preached in vory forcible language against irreverence during church ser vice. He took for his text, "Gcd is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship in spirit and in truth." In tho course of his address he said that one member of tho congregation had desoerated^God's houso by sitting there and making most scandalous and insulting re marks about a follow worshipper, and had sent these in an anonymous letter to wound that person's feelings. Ho spoke very strongly against such conduct, at d then made reference to another sourco of distress. He had noticed that at the time of dismissal the banediction had no sooner beon pionounced than there was a regular stampede for the door. This, which was more conspicuous in St. James's than in any church he had attended, was most unseemly, discourteous, and lacking in that solemnity which should characterise their services, and he earnestly pleaded for the more reverent conduct of those under his charge in tho future.

The sharemarkot is fairly active. Theie is a demand for timber shares, Union Sash and Door stocks boing wonted at £4 10s, and Auckland Timber boing also onquirod for. Hank and insurance shares ore in fair request, Hank of New Zealand ui'o quoted nt .21 ss, with sellers at ;t'2l 10s ; Colonial banks, buyers, 41s Gd. Union, National, and Standard Insurnnco shares aro all wanted, at current rates. Mining business is brisker; tho return of Cat .bnaorushingsisfarbeyondoxpoctations. 'L'ho mine manager repcrfci that ho has (!,121ozs. of amalgam on the firo. This will onalilo the directors to pay a dividend, and keep a good resorvo in hand for any con tingency that may ariso. Tho reef of tho low level has not yot been broken down, but tho indications of tbo run of gold making down aro all favourable. Buyers, 10s Od.

Tho Waitomatn County Council has do cidod to commono the Wako-Kaukapakapa Koad as soon as tno funds are obtained and tho claims for compensation settled by tho local bodies interested. A similar decision was arrived at respecting tho Titirangi lluia ltoad. Tho formor work will cost £2,220 irrespective of compensation.

Mr Ilcropath, architect, on Saturday re ceived tendors for a dwolling-houso in brfck or concreto for Mrs Pillingor, Mount Edon Koad, as follows;— Mason and Mcllwrtiith, £870 Gs lid (brick), (concrete) £824 Ss 2d ; Thomas 8011, £860 (brick), (concreto) £840; E. Dnvios, £806 5s (brick), (concreto) £761 11,1. No tondcr has yot been accopted.

Mr Tornolli, of tho Birkenhoad Vinery, writes :—" In tendering you my bost thanks for your kindness in roporting on my cntor priso, I bog you to correct nn error of somo importance viz. : It is not tho phylloiora which I can euro, but the blight. It is woll known that thero is no phylloxera in this colony, but wo know that thero in blight on the vines every where."

Tho first of tho Saturday ovening entor tninmonts under tho auspices of the Blue Kibbon (lospol Temperance Committee was a groat succoss, the Salvation Army Barracks being crowded, many hnving to go away for lack of room. The programme rondorod in St, James's Hall on Whit-Mon day was ropoatod with ploasing effect, con ducted by Mr Frith. Roy. C. Worboys presided, and Mr li. C. Cnrr delivored an appropriate and tolling address.

Tho Rosoborry nnd Gorden (soeond) Football Clubs proposo to nmalgamato, and will mcot for tho purposo of considering tlio mattor at 7.45 p.m. tomorrow (Tues day) evening, at tho Unitod Service Hotol.

Tho olection of Mayor for tho newly-con stituted Borough of Newmarket took placo on Saturday nt tho Nowmarket Public Hall, Mr Angus acting as returning olficor, Thoro woro threo candidates, Mossrs W. J. Suitor, F. G. Clayton, nnd J. McColl. Tho former was tho favourito, though groat oxortions woro mndo by Mr Clayton's frionds. Tho result was ns follows: — Suitor, 74 ; Clayton, 51 ; McColl, 28 ; in formal, 3. Out of 173 available votos 156 woro polled. After tho declaration of tho poll, Mr Suiter and Mr McColl returned thanks. Mr Walker, who attempted to do likewise on behalf of Mr Clayton, could not obtain a heating.

It is intended to start a debating olaBD in connection with All Saints' Church,

Ponsonby,

An inquest was hold at Port Fitzroy on the 3rd inst., before Mr 11. Palmer, Justice of the Pence, on tho body of thoyounginnn

Kobcrl Paddison, who was accidentally dio.viied on tho 31st ult. in crossing n crook. It appeared irom tho ovidonco that deceased loft Mr Shank's houso at 5.30 that morning, intending to ride to tho house of his undo, Mr E. Paddison, Karaka Bay,

but was no moro seen nlivo. Mr E. (J. Lo Hoy, on passing Whangapoua tidal creek somo days after, discovered tlio dead body cf tho young man, lying on his back, with Ids anus across his breast. Mr Lo

Koy carried the body to tho shoro, but found that ho was quite dead. Tho body was conveyed to Mr Shank's houso, whore tho inquest was hold. The jury returned tlio verdict, "Found drowned."

So;no unavoidable delay has occurred in issuing the membership ftorda for t| ( o t'on sotiby Social Union, which holds ils next gathering nn Friday ovonin . noxt. Cards are now available fur issuo, and applica tion should bo mado at onco.

Many people (and especially Old Tllucs) will regret to hear that a bill is to bo pre sented to Parliament this session, its object being to do away with Christ's Hospital altogether, and uso tbo funds for another purposo, Tho old building in Nowgnte strcot will bo misfcil, but thoro can lio no doubt that tlio fundi) of Christ's Hospital have not been used as tho original founders desired.

A man named floorgo Mac Donald had his ancle broken during a row on Saturday ovoning. Ho was taken to tho Hospital.

"Obsorvor," Colloge-rond, writes: "I am desirous, through your columns, to draw tho attention of tho Inspector of tho Society for tho I'rcvcntion of Cruolty to Animals to tho gross acta of cruolty to hovsos, to bo daily witnessed at Freeman's Bay and Collogoroad. Thoro seoms to bo 110 dis crimination! shown in loading drays, those thntaro boing drawn ovor that newly formed roud with its soft bottom, being to all ap pearanco ns hoavily laden as though they wero to bo drawn ovor a hard motallcd road. Tbo conscquonco is thoy aro continually bogged, and then is to bo witnessed 0110 of those brutal scones that havo becomo so common Many of tho driven aro moro boys (quite unfit to havo tlio charge of horses) ; to this I attribute tho causo of much of tho brutality."

Concerning tlio prevalence of larriltinism on tlio wharf, "Knockboy" says i—" The wharf, which ought to bo a pleasant pro monndo in tho ovoning, has now bocomo a hotbed of tho lowost and most dcgraiod of tho human specios. It is now nightly tl * playground of tho creme de la creme of tho larrikin olomont. It is impossible for ladies to walk there without gotting thoir ears polluted by tho most filthy and abominable language. Mr Superintendent Thomson ought to havo a constablo always on duty after six, otherwise, soonor or lator, tho worst typo of Sydney larrikinism will break out in a much more serious form than vilolanguago,

Mr I. McNaught lectured last Friday evening in tho now Edon Hall on tho text, "Absent from tho body,"2nd Cor., v. 8. Tho lecturer very ably and clearly ehowod that by taking tho orthodox view of this text we not only make I'aul contradict him self in his othor writings, but wo mako it evident that there must bo a body in henvon, wniting to bo animated by the immortal soul at present tenanting this body, and fttrthor, that at the resurrection tho heavenly body will in turn bo doserted by tho said soul, which will again tako up its residenco in this, its formor tnbornaelo, and that consequently there would bo mourning and weeping in heaven at tho death of such a numorous company. This, said tho loctiiror, would bo tho logical ont como of a bolief in tho natural immortality of the soul in connection with this text. Numorous texts were quoted to prove that I'aul's dosirc was to bo clothed upon with immortality, without .having to undergo tho ordonl of death—'tif so bo that being clothed, ho should not bo ftunil naked." Noxt Wcdnosdny evening Mr Wilcock will locturo on "Tho Sndduceo's Question," Lukoxx,27-.18.

Roy. C. Worboys commenced a sorios of discourses on " Faith and Frcothought," in Pitt and Vincont-stroot Church, last even ing, by preaching on "Christian Secu larism." Tho text was I. Timothy, 4, S. Ho stated that tho word Secularism, especially in tho Old Com try, was used to distinguish thoso who only nccopt that which has to do with tho prcssnt ; lifo but Christianity recognised the requirements of tlio future as well as of the present exist ence, lie showed that Christianity is beneficial, physically, intellectually, and pre-eminently in a social sonse. Secu larism in that respect doos nothing for us that Christianity does not, and is essentially wanting in the greatest necessi ties of our being. The truest benefactors of tho race had been Christians, and tho record of the anti-Christians is almost, if not entirely, a blank in that respect. Christ stands as tho greatest philanthropist of the world, enunciating principles which havo been worked out since by tho loaders of humanity ovorywhore. In struggles for freedom thoro wore Hampden, Cromwell, Pym, and the Pilgrim Fathers. In efforts to civilise, as well as Christianise tho heathen, there have been Carey, Williams, Moffatt, Burns, Livingstone, Patterson, and a noblo"galaxy in evory part of the world. In extinguishing slavery, thero wore Wilberforco, Buxton, Clarke, and others. In prison reform Howard died a martyr to his self-imposed task, Such names aa Florence Nightingale, Sister Dora, Sarah Martin, and tho present Lord Shaftesbury represented a noble army of Christians who had lived to help their fellow-men. Chambers's celebrated sewing machines 20, Queen-street. We are requested to o.'l ?po"ial attention to the sale of Knglish-msiic furniture by MrG, Lewis to-morrow, at 11 o'cluck. Thero is an ex cellent assortment, and all will be positively sold.

The seventh drawing of debentures in the Auckland Public Buildings Loan took place this afternoon in tho office of Mr John Moginie, Qdeenstrcet, when tho following numbers were drawn :—230, 40, 219, and 205.

Notico has beon given in the Wnitematn County Council for tho abolition of the road districts of Waitakarei East and South in accordance with numerously Bigned petitions which have boen received. Tho matter will como up for consideration in August. A special rato of 3s 4d in the £ was levied by the Council on the ridings of Woiti, Ararimu, Waitakarei, and Manukau, Devonport being omitted.

Joseph Wallace, of Maliurangi, met with a bad accicont. Whilst felling timber, a small branch of a falling.tree struck him in the right oyo, producing total blindnesp. Wallaoehns come to Auckland to consult Dr. Wilkins, who has takon the lens out of tho eyo v, hich had become diseasod by tho blow. By tho succossfvl porformanco of tho oper ation the doctor has every expectation of restoring good sight to tho patient again,

Considerable intorest is beingj shown by tho Onehunga peoplo In regard to the pro posod Woollen Factory. During the visit of tho Secretary thoro last Saturday, up wards of £1,000 worth of tho Company's stock was placed amongst tho tradespeople thoro.

Thoso of our readers whoso business takes thorn frequently to tho Polico Station will rogrot to loam of the intended retire ment of Constable A. J. Mitchell from tho position of wntchhousokooper, which ho has most creditably filled for aovoral years past. Ho has been appointed to tho chargo of Paoroa police district, and though tho promotion will bo to Mb personnl benefit, tho department and public will sustain the loss of a capablo servant in the station. Constablo Mitchell is v suporior oilicor, and combining as ho does tho advantages of a good education with considerable energy, shrewdness, and ability, ho should ovon tually attain a good position in the force. Ho has hitherto beon a courteous and obliging as woll as an efficient officer, and should givo satisfaction in hia now sphere of duty, Wo shall bo glad to hear of his success in futuro lifo.

Tho stoamer Horald roturrol horo this morning with Mr Humphreys and all the workmon employed on tho wreck of the Thomas Husicll, but wi.hout that for which sho was specially sent to obtain, viz., tho boilor. Tho latter was being lowed off from tho wreck by three boats on Saturday morning, when, owing to strong woather, it broko adrift, and wtnt ashore. The weather prevented anything further being dt no just then, so it was decided to leave the boiler in charge of natives until a more favourable opportunity cccurrod for brirging it to Auckland, Tho task does not seem to be by any means on easy ono. Captain Mc- Gillivray, who has had conniderablo ex perience on the coast, relates how ho onco towod n largo boiler from near Capo Pallisor to No'son. Tho Bteamor (_co[ atra had gone ashore at Whito Jlocjc Bay, 3 miles N.E. of Pallieor about 16 years ago, and tap stealer Murray, with Cap tain McGillivrny in chargo, was sent for her boilor and engines. Ho found the formor sanded in tho beach, It was raised on ways, and thon launched by means of a hawser attached to tho Murray. Her cnrpontorß built a bow on the boiler, and it was taken in tow. In this way it travelled to Wellington pilot station nnd anchored, and afterwards it wos towed inside of Tho Brothors by Jackson's Hoad, and through tho French I'nss, where the boilor, strange to say, went boforo tho steamer owing to tho strong current. The trip was a difficult one, but ovontually the boilor was brought safoly to Nelson within 26 hours. This boiler was

about twico as large as the one at Oroto Point, which would probably bo about 15 tons iii weight.

INFANT SUFFOCATED AT TE AWAMUTU.

(liV TKLRIUUI'II—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Tp Ava nip TH, thin day. Tin-District Coroner, Mr Grosham, solicitor, this morning hold an inquest on the body of tho infant femnlo child of James and Ellen Riloy. A jury of twolve wire imianolled of which Mr Honry Lowis was foreman. Tho ovidonco showed that tho child slept in its mother's bed and was upcldon'nlly covprod with the bed clothes and suffocated, A verdict was re turned in accordanco with tho ovidonco.

ANNUL LICENSING MEETINGS.

Grafton.

Tin: annual Licensing Court for tho Grafton district was held at noon to-dny, tbo com missioners prcsont boing Messrs F. A. Whito (Chairman), Alfred Ashton, and William Hunt. Superintendent Thomson represented tho police—Tho only applica tion was by Jameß Ilawkinß for a renewal of tho license of the Queen's Hotel at tho corner of tho Kybor Pass Road and Symonds-streot.—Tho polico report was favourablo, but Suporintendont Thomson ro commendod a tiro escape, and also tho lowering of tho bar and the urinal as tho stops loading up to tho latter, and also into the hotol woro calculated to bo dangerous to drunken mon. In fact a drunken man re quired to bo an acrobat in order to safoly mount thorn.—Mr Cotter pointed out t(iat tho police repot t, of which he had taken a dopy, stated oipressly that no flro cscapo was needed. However, one would be sup plied. He submitted that tho licensee should not bo put to the expense of lower ing tho bar, Booing that he had already placed broad and substantial stops at tho ontranco to it. A similar convenience would be added to tho urinal.—Tho Chair man considered that in tho interests ot public convonionco tho wholo hotel should be lowered. Holding that viow_ the Bench would not ronow tho liconso until tho houso had boon lowered. Tho urinal would also havo to bo removed further away from tho strcot.—ln answor to Mr Cotter th^) Chair man oxplninod that so long r.« tho entrances to tho bar woro brought to tho Btreot lovol tho Bonoh would be eatisfiod. —Mr Cotter pointed out that the appli cant was only a tenant and that thero woro a lessee and an ownor to bo con sulted. Ho thoroforo urgod that the liconso should be ronowed subjoct to twelve months' notico to offoct the necoasnry alter ations. That would loavo timo for arrange ment. —Tho Chairman replied that tho Bench could not mako any such condition, as thoy might not bo in office noxt year.— After somo further discussion, the Bench consontod to renow tho liconso on tho con dition that tho necessary improvements had boen effected by noxt quarterly licensing day. If that were not done, tho liconso would thon be cnncollod.—Tho Chairman insisted also that there Bhould be only one bar in the hotol, and only one public ontranco to it.—Mr Cotter pointed out that this definition of a bar was different from that of another Licensing Bench.— Tho Chairman answered that tho Grafton Bench had nothing to do with that. —Mr Cotter contondod that the Bench were excoeding their funotions in interpreting tho Act.—The Chairman stated that two of tho present threo division, of the bar would havo to be closed.—Mr Cotter said that his client was quite prepared to havo a bar within tho meaning of the Act, and if they broke tho law thoy wero amenable to it.— The Chairman replied that the ruling of the Bonch was that a bar should have only one bar.—Mr Cotter retorted that the Bench wore acting vllra vires, and twitted tho Chairman with neglecting to consult Ids colleagues. The license was then renewed for ono bar, tho hour of closing to bo ten p.m. One Tree Hill. _ Tho annual meeting of this Committee was hold at noon on Friday, in tho Epsom Hall, the members of the Committee pre sent being Messrs R. Hall (Chairman), Messrs, Hayer, Gardner and Major Lambert. — Sergeant Greene represented tho police —Royal Oak Hotel, 0. Kelly renewed on condition that alterations be made to tho building before noxt meeting, —Harp of Erin, R. Thompson, renewal granted.—Junction Hotel, J. Smith, re newal granted.—The Chairman intimated that infringement of the law, and especially Sunday trading, would be borne in mind by the Committee. Panmure. The annual meeting of the Panmure Licensing Committee was hold this day at Panmure, all the members of the Com mittee being present with the clerk (Mr Seaman), and the inspector (Constable Walker), After conforming the number of previous meetings during the year, and receiving the inspector s report, a renewal of license for the Duke of Edinburgh House was granted to Archibald Ramsay Leslie, and a transfer was granted from Janet Loomb to John Jamieson for the Panmure Hotol, and also a renewing of the license to John Jamieson for the ensuing year. In each case a caution was given as to both Sunday and after hour trading.

CABLEGRAMS.

(BY CABLE.-COPYRIGHT.)

(Received June S—ll a.m ) The Cholera In Spain. London, June 7.—Cholera has broken out in the town of Murcia, in tho south-east , of Spain. Evacuation of tho Soudan. Old Dongola has boen evacuated by tho British troops. Gorman Mall Service to Australasia. Tho German Lloyds Shipping Company at Bremen havo secured tho mail subsidies voted for the establishment of a German Colonial lino of steamers. Banquet by a Colonist. Mr Georgo Lloyd, formerly M.P. for Newcastle, New South Wales, will enter tain Lord Derby at a banquet. Launoh of a Stoam Collier. The Mount Kembln, Net" South Wales Coal and Oil Company's new steam collier, has been successfully launched. Tho House of Commons and tho Maoris. London, JunoG.—ln tho Houso of Com mons yesterday, tho memorial presented by tho recent Maori embassy was brought up for consideration. During tho discussion which took placo, tho Hon. A. Evelyn ABhley, M.l',, Parliamentary Under-Sec retary for the Colonies, stated in tho courso of his-pDoeh that tlio memorial wouldioceivo duo consideration, but that tho Imperial Government wero not ontitlod to interfere in tho internal nfl'aits of any colony to which tho tight of Holf-govorninont hud been granted. Tho Irish Policy of the Cabinet. A mooting of tho Cabinet was hold yes terday ns announced, but the Ministry ■were unablo to como to a decision as to tho renewal of tho Prevention of Crimes Act in Ireland. Meeting tho English War Expenditure In tho Houso of Commons, tho Hon. Mr Childers, Chancellor of the Exchequer, an nounced that considerable modifications had been made in tho Budget sinco ho mado his Financial Statement, owing to tho fact ' that only nino millions of credit had already boen oxponded. Mr Childers stated that tho increase on spirits would bo only ono shilling instead of two, as proposed, but that the shilling duty on winos of 30 degreos proof would be adhered to. Death of a Groat Composer. Tho death is announced, at tho age of 70 years, of Sir Julius Benedict, the eminont musical composer. Disturbances in Crete. News to hand from tho island of Crete states that serious disturbances havo re cently taken place among tho populaoo. Birthday Honours to Australians. Tho following additional honours are announcod ;—Knights Grand Cross : Lord Carrington (Governor of Now South WoIob), Major-General Sir A. Clarko (formerly Govornor of tho Straits Settlements), Sir Anthony Musgrnve (Governor of Queens land), and Sir Frederick A. Weld (Govornor , of Straits Settlement). K.C.M.G.'s : Major- General Scrntchloy and Hon. Alexander i Stuart (Premier of Now South Wales). C.M.G.'s : Hon. LieutonantColonel F. T. Sargood (Minister of Dofenco, Victoria), J. , F. Garrick (Agont-Gcnoral for Queensland), Mujor-Generul Downes, K.A. (commander ; of volunteor militaty force of South Aus i trulia), und Colonel C. F. Koborts (com manding tho artillory forcoß in Now South , Wales). i London Wool Sales. The wool matket is weaker. Tho whea* market is quiet. Tho latest quotations i aro :—Ex warohouso from 35s to .'Hi?. The ' latest sales for off coast cargoes for tran shipment to Boulogne brought IMb Gd. February shipments realised from His lid to .14s Gu. For shipments to arrivo in iron vessels 36s 6d is offered | in wooden ships, 3pa Qd. Average of tho Now Zealand Loan. 1 Tlio official avorago of the New Zealand ' millfon and a-half loan is CIOO 6s 2d. I Obituary: The Yon. VV. Chambers Harris, M.A., Archbishop of Akaroa, Canterbury. 1 Brett's Financial Company is issuing 1 £25,000 worth of debenture?. ' Tho Colonial Training Farms Association ' has been registered.

AUSTRALIAN.

Tho Horsham Bank Kobbory.

Tho examination of tho lato accountant of tlio Horsham branch of tho Louden Chartered Hank of Australia, Milno Smith, who was arrested on tho chargo of boing concomed in tho robbory of that bank, was ooncludcd to-day, when tho prisonor was committed for trial. Archbishop Mornn's Departure. Sydney, this day. —At St. Mary's Cathedral last night, tho Right Rev. Archbishop Moron, who is about to leavo for Europe, was presented with a boautifully illuminated address and two photographic albums containing views of tlio buildings which havo boon constructed by him

"Aok" Specials.

Tho Admiralty nnd Colonial Dofenqo.

Lo.ndon, May 27.—A conference took place to day at tho Admiralty, at which tho Agonts-Qonornl wero present. It is an nounced that tho Admiralty intend gradually to supply tho Australian colonies with torpedoes.

TELEGRAMS.

Anothor Centralist Move,

Ddnkdin, ihisdny.—Tho " Herald" says, editorially, that tho Government have in contemplation tho establishment of a Government advertising gazette in Welling ton. Tho publication is projected for the purposo of doing away with tho necessity of inserting Govornmont announcements in newspapers. It calls on the taxpayers to oppose Buch a schomo, which is indefensible on any grounds. The Govornn-ont should ndvortise more extensively than they do, as questions v°l .ting 'ta land nnd settle ment aro boing constantly raised in tho press. To confine Government announce ments to ono official organ would put all public business in the hands of a ring. Fatal Fishing Acoidont. At an inquest on John Atkinson, it trans pired that decoased was in tho habit of fish ing for crayfish at a cave near Lanzer Head. The workmen employed on the batteries had warnod him of tho danger, but ho took no notico, replying that the line round his body was quite strong enough to prevent him from falling into the water. It is surmised he had a fainting fit, to whioh he had beon subject at on,e timo, and fell into the water. lie was missed an hour after being can tionod, and found a mile and a-half away. Deceased was captain of tho City Fire Brigade, and was for nineteen years in tho employ of tho City Corporation.

Mr Charles Bright delivered his socond locturo in tho Opera Houso last night, the subject being "V.M.C. 'A.B.C or Milk for Babes." It was a review of a recent address by tho Rev. J, S. Hill to the young mon of tho Young Men's Christian Associa tion, in the course of which the rev. gentleman oxpressed regret that the young men hero had not had the privilege which a neighbouring colony availed herself of, viz , of lighting in the Soudan for Queen and country. The lecturer went on to character ise the Soudan campaign as one of tho most hideously immoral wars that England had ever undertaken—a war of which Mr Glad stone himsolf had said little loss than a year ago that an attempt to subduo the Soudan would be to put down a people rightly (struggling to be freo. Mr Bright wont en to compare Chas. Bradlaugh's repeated and powerful denun ciations of war with the general support given it by ministers of the Gospel. He also alleged that members of Young Men's Christian Associations were carefully spoon-fed by the parsons with re ligious pap, and that ns a consequent they were devoid of intellectual backbone. After a reference to the significant absence of the clerical element from the ceremony connected with the laying of tho founda tion stone of tho Free Library and Art Gallery, Mr Bright sought to show that both the priesthood and their Christianity woro rapidly losing their hold upon the masses. The classes for shorthand in connection with the Young Men's Christian Association will bo commenced on Wodnosday next. Tho classes are free to all members of the Associa tion. Young men desirous of joining the class should leave their names at the rooms. Drunken Stoff.-How many children and bZr k m cJ l 0S y "* B? r,ly d's?°r ra'her Doing killed, by excessive dcc-orir_ or the dally use of some dr. . or drunkrnsicfT c : V medicine, that no one knows what it ij ~■,_.,_. „-' ColZWi Tf d. ", ,Xl'ftvud by A merle",; U>.B Hon Bittors, which Is so pur*. eintDle and te:? 88 lbat _¥ c mo3t '«»« won an. weakMt invalid or smallest child can trust in It See

THE AFCHAN DIFFICULTY.

MURDER OF TIIE AMEER.

THE ANGLO-RUSSIAN AGREEMENT,

[BY CABLK-COPYRIGHT.]

St. Petersburg, June 6,

The " Novoo Vrcmya" newspaper pub lishes a telegram today stating that Abdurrahman Khan, Ameer of Afghan, istan, has been mttrdored by his suite

London, Juno 0.

Iv tho Houso of Commons last night, Mr Gladstone stated that England and Russia had como to terms in regard to arbitration on the Afghan frontier question, nnd both countries wore agreed as to who was lo bo appointed arbitrator.

In tho Houso of Commons last night, the Marquis of Hartington, Secretary of State for War, stated in reply to a question, he hoped tho detention of tlio Guards at Alexandra would only bo of brief duration.

WELCOMING THE TROOPS FROM THE SOUDAN.

PROJECTED GREAT DEMONSTRATION

[BY CAULK— t'OPYRIUET.)

Syu.ney, this day. Thk arrangemonts for tho rccoplion of the New South Wales Soudan contingent aro now comploted. Tho progrnmmo includes a grand military display, in which 11,500 Volunteers will bo engaged.

From Sydney papers wo learn that tho Govornmont had at almost tho last moment como to the decision to have no military display whatever on tho Queen's Birthday, but to postpono the observanco of tho day as far as any parade of tho colonial forces was concerned until tho day of the landing of tho Soudan contingent, when every possiblo efi'ort would bo made to mark tho occasion. Illness Among the Contingent. Colombo, May 30. Tho transport ship Arab, with the Now South Wales contingent on board, will sail to-day. Surgoon I'roudfoot, of Ambulance Corps, and l.'i privates, aro prostrated with fever,

MR. PYKE MAKES A GOOD SPEECH.

Ho Thinks tlio Ministerial Cards aro Local Government and Protection.

(BY TELECRAPII — OWN CORRESPONDENT. )

Dunedin, this day. Mk Fyke's speech at Tapanui attracted considerable interest. Ho thinks tho Go vernment wish to be defeated during the ensuing session, and chooso their own battle-field in order to go to tho country. Ho thought they would appeal either on Local Government or Protection. He severely condemned tho proposal to re establish tolls. 110 thought they were more likoly to proposo the abolition of the Proparty Tax altogether, and an in crea»oj}f Customs duties. If ec_they would findf^fehim ono of their mo3l determined oppjjHits. Property should bo taxed, and ho -WB t>f opinion that Customs duties should bo swept entirely away. He was a Freetrader to tho backbone With regard to Local Government there was a great deal of confusion. When Mr Stout was head of tho Association formed in Dunedin with a viow of promoting Local Government, ho suggested that each educational district should be a division for tho puyposo of Local Government. That would mean, for instance, that'Otago ond Southland would bo ono district. Ho had no objection to the districts being educational districts, but ho would begin nt tho other end and make tho educational districts smaller, and then let them become Local Government districts. Educational matters should be managed in tho district itself, and the present constitution of the Education Board was an injustice to tho members and to tho public. He did not see any difficulty in giving Local Government bodios control of tho police, tho gaols, the charitable institutions, etc., without at all destroying tho present local autonomy. So many counties might be taken and made into ono district and given considerably largor powers, This might be done, but it was a pity to sco such men—ho respected such ns Messrs Macondrow nnd Montgomery —attempting to bring back Provincialism, a thing thoy never could do ; but wo might have local bodies with very largo power to tako over from Parliament tho duty of deal ing with a host of trumpery affairs the con sideration of which would disgrace a pariah vestry in England. Tho proposal he should mako to Government was that thoy should bring forward a bill and aufe the House to read it a second tiuiv and givo a pledge that thoy would carry it no further until the peoplo had oxprossed an opinion upon it. A mistake was mado in passing tho Abolition Act in IS7C without consulting the people. He had seen this ever since, nnd although tho outcome had not been so lamentable as somo peoplo would have them believe, yot any other such change, Local Govornmont for instance, should be before tho peoplo for at least 12 months, Tho Government might possibly choose as their battleground Protection, and they would find him a stern and uncompromising opponont. The Reciprocity Delusion. Another fad wo had boen hearing about lately was reciprocity. Victoria, after for many years encouraging what Bhe was pleased to call "nativo," but what were really exotie,inanufactures, had come to the conclusion mat sho would like to enlarge her markot, Hhe had induced Tasmania to fall in with her scheme, although ip did not believe tho Taamanian Parliament would agree to the arrangement, and somo of our oomme»oial lunatics in Dunedin were now trying to induce us to do tho same. What Victoria wanted was to force off her locally-manufactured goods, and to arrange so that we should be compelled by forco of prices to, rooeive Victorian goods. It mean tour continuing to tax English and American goods, and just letting in those of Victoria duty freo. He did not know if this wild soheme bad supporters in the present Government. He did not think so, but it it were attempted, they would i;tid in him a most determined opponent. 110 would have no reciprocity of that one-sided kind so long as he could raise a voice against it, As to Protection, if tho peoplo accopted it they would find it the hardest yoke they had ever put on their necks.

FOOTBALL MATCHES.

Gordon v. PoNSONinr.—This was a capital match, and resulted in Ponsonby being beaten for tho first time this season. The game resulted—Gordon, 5 points ; Ponson by, 4 points. M. Webster obtained a try for Gordon, and F. Clayton converted it into a goal. Tho only score for Ponsonby was a splendid goal from the field, kicked by Arneil with his left foot. In the last ten minutes Ponsonby mado most de termined efforts to add to their score, but in vain.

North Shore v. Grafton.—This match was won by Grafton by seven points to nil. North Shore only had eight men on the ground, and taking in two substitutes, they played for a timo, but, of courso, had no show against their opponents, Biggs scored a try, from which Ryan kicked a goal, while Pearce obtained a second try, tho attempt at goal from which was a failure.

_ Ni-wton v. Albert. — 1 his match resulted in Nowton's favour, tho scores boing •— Newts n, 4 points ; Albert, 2 points. Berry kicked a goal from tho field for the victors, this being their only score ; while for Albert Goodacre scored a try, which, however, I'ulman failed to convert into a goal. Newton plays a mcch stronger team than last season.

Junior Matches,—Ponsonby second de feated Gordon second by 14 points to nil. For tho victors, Braund obtained two tries, and Ambury ono, whilo Dignan and Laird each kicked a goal from the field. Black Rose second defeated West End second by a try to nil, and Union won their match against Devonport by nino points to nil. Athletic defeated Grafton second by a goal, kicked from the field by Ansenne, to ni). West End won the match against Native Rose by 11 points to nil. Waitemata defeated Manu kau by a goal kicked by Stephenson from ajtry obtained by himself. Auckland 2nd v Arawa was played in the outer Domain, and resulted in favour of the former by a try (obtained by Maye) to nil. r

NEW GUINEA.

MISSION STATIONS ATTACK** THE FLY Kl^R CBED «N

Escape of Native Teachers.

(S,F.C,AI.Co R „ I ,,poXD, NTOpTHES^)

Torres Steam, Apriioi A kk,v days ago the teachers and!' wives arrived here from the «. „f having escaped in the missies boat l^' behind almost everything UU, J m« It appears that the LagfsSl^ were holding their annual saored^f; 01 which purposo about 3,000 neonl« „ M sembled at Kiwai, the luJSffi,™** which we are acquainted JRLii B.!^ and where we have our find * y. *lJ<*, It » the custom on th^oL sacrifice two or threo wild pi BS £°.._ *► stone gods, of which the old man „ .their benefit Failing to catch wild rf_f> catch human beings instead, who a™ S 8? more easily obtained. Twice th ten mon had returned unsuccessful from -.oua£ ing tbo wild boar and there we X*£ more days boforo tho appointed tbneW religious ceremony and feast Am I tt9 log lire in the cocoanutgrove'that SS 8 question was seriously discussedl T ,? they again hunt tho wild bow nn^ morrow, or should they cross the river !5 mako a raid upon one of tho yin! ana their enemies^ Thechief.whoV'fe man and a notod warrior, renowns/?/?^ number of people helm's SS2dff&£» wtth his own hand, and who hJ.w- ay iluenco with the wholo tribe, golfn h' leaning bis withered body and toiw* irobs on a stalF that he clutched _?&____ hands (the very incarnation of wickdi° addressed the .rowd amidst fffcE. silcneo. "Why," ho cried, »_eek nt ■ tho bush or across the river whilst*?^ some here with us? Don't you I T* we have had more sickness , since these missionaries came: witlTn, • God? They are the properXffimS this feast." He paused & S^efe his words. There was a manner oS| proval amongst the young men, ___?S " whom had a ready become attached to tha teachers. '' Cowards!" he cried • ■ «_fo . : afraid of these strangers ? I will «~ij the pigs for this feast." And w toK* i assembly broke up the old man's advice «» accepted and the teachers were doom«) Messengers were to bo sent to Samad ti kill tho teachors there on the same to, 7 Tho Teachers Warned, v J- The proceedings of this mM&T'__„ ' fully reported in secret to ons «f 2 8 teachers by a faithful native kfeS«S'dffii: h^.Ufe 4icli.led the S&« their light burning and a watch aUifi Ihe natives be,na afraid of the 2*5 fowling-piece, had arranged to waiSi? lights wero extinguished a asleep before they made to atM?- 1? - need scarcely say that na one sleS'thl ' mission houee that night;- It-w„T rounded by a crowd of eavoges, whbwi ' armed with bows, arrows, andlwan. S in war costtTOo. Several times durk„t_. night the leading teacher -a. life _£__■ . named Wacene-a man of energy _*ltiu* a brave and devoted fellow, w.t to M front and back doors, and told the peopled go to their homes and goto sleep,irtK they only laughed and told him %Tt sleep. The teacher and two of the student from our Papuan Institute here; win' • wore staying with him, held a coa^ tion about what was the best think. to do under the circumstance. r,jK felt sure that if tho natives failed to Id. thorn that night an open attack wraS be mado on tho following .day; tb^y „. solved, theroforo, to attempt teeßcai_.be. foro daylight, and prayed tafetherrask ing God to protect them. Consider inir the circumstances, we may conceive wist' sort of a prayor meeting that would be, for these teachers thoroughly believein payer. But they havo been taught that prayer and' eltoitmust go together, so theyaW. their plan of escape and got' a"'few tiffin togother. Their boat foftuiateW If anchored conveniently opposite the mission* houso. When all was ready, about three, o'clock in the1 morning, the house telne sttll surrounded by a crowd of armed l natives, Wacene suddenly opened the front door and fired his double-barrelled eon to the air. Tho natives, probably thinking that tho teachers had opened"fire. 'oa them, rushed behind the house into the bush - tbo very thing that was desired and expected—and before they had time'to recover and find that nobody was .Wounded, the teachers and their wives had stepped out under covor of the __ darkness, got into their boat, and were pulling down.the. river. No time was ■ lost in' reaching;' Samari, our mission at. the mouth of tbs ;|: river en [the eastern side; there the.othtt . two teachers nero taken on board,-and the,: whole party crossed over to Parem, onr. nearest mission station on the western side■""' of the river, where tho first martyrs'of the. . New Guinea mission suffered, but where it , is now perfectly safe. After reiAakung' there a few days with the teachers-.they. came on horo. *':~\ .',:..

Cause <jf the Unfriendly Attitude.;: i> It is not long since I spent a few pleasant and interesting days at Kiwai, onr largesi" and central station on the Fly River.from which the teachers have recently fled. The'; old chief and all the people appeared

SPORTING NEWS.

ABC. Winter Steeplechase Meettitf,.•--- In our issue of Saturday we gavetherehlfj of four out of the five events which formed the programme at the above' race meetingi Several typographical errors crept tab. ths report, hut tho only one calling for correction now occurred in the description of the Grea* ■ | Northern Steeplec .asoj wherein it fa-stated'- j that the "winner is biadly shaken, and ~ New Year broken down." The word "winner" was a misprint for "Muhni. tha. . jockey who rode New Year. The horte '; walked lame. In the Hurdle Kacewhich. '..'''' followed, King fell with his rider, Hope* but fortunately neither man nor horse was seriously injured. The totalisator dividend J. on that race was £3 Us. We append the ; result of the last race t— • ■■■■",■■ <■. > -.<" SELLJN6 STBEPLBCHABE of ' 100661* lpomr-year-olds, list; five-year-olds, list 121b • six years and upwards, 12at Sib. The winner to be Bold by auction immedlatdj after the race for 150sova. If entered, tow, sold for lOOsovs., allowed 71b; if for JSWVJ, 141b; if for 5050v8., 211b; if for 25sava, Kin; ; if for lOsov., 421b. Aboutthree and frSarr , miles. ;•.•'"■• Mr W. Percival's ns eh g St. Dnnstah,; 50sovs, Cyrs, 9st 101b (Honnor) _ w S; Mr G. Brimblecombe's b m Julia Ann ;' lsov., aged, 9st 31b (Fergus) ..> ' ... j ~ r ': Col. Fraser's eh g Quilp, 50sovs., aged,. ' lOst 101b (J. Rae) ... ~...: s-^yk'- Whalebone (1 soy, aged, 9st 31b, Hadfield), Comanche (syi., 9st 121b, Fergus), .'and;:- Seagull (lsov., aged, 9st 31b, J. Farrell);. also ran. Macaroni, Jedwater, and Fairplay wero scratched. This was an exceedingly - interesting and really well contested race* -•■ and St. Dunstan's second victory proved ■_ highly popular. There were £746 on the totalisator, 157 on the winner, and.thfj dividend was £4 Ss. . ;..-,/!':' '■■• if. The train did not start for fully hf'j an hour afterwards, and when it the patience of the travellers had »*jii to-be^, exorcised by reason of excessive delays.*: ' Romuora and Newmarket. TV.c trip, i^f 11 • occupied full three-quarter^ 0 f 8 n hour,. ■,

Sydney Tattersalls Sheeplechase Meeting.

Sydney, thisday., At Sydnoy Tatfcrsall's Club Meeting on Saturday, tliQ following was the tesnlt tho vaco for t'io Gkanu National Steeflecwase :- Progress-, C yrs, lOst 41b ... »■ ■'- 1 Fingal, aged, 9st 71b "' •■■ * Triek-ott, 6 yrs, 9st 101b ••• s The first prize in " Adam BedoV'oon fettltation on the Great Northern Steeple chase, valuo £300, goes to an Aucklana sport well known as the town clock |: *£«. secend, £100, to tho North Shoro; andtne third, £50, to Northern Wairoa. The con sultation was, as usual, drawn in tne presenco'of a committeo and the Press, ana gave tho greatest satisfaction to all present.

MIMING NEWS.

(ly telegraph.—own correspondent.

Thames, this day. . The Warden has received instructions to strictly enforce the provisions of the Act relating to the full meaning of licensed holdings and claims, «»*»«* Bright Smile.-The manager expect* that the winze from the deep level will com municate with the lower drive after Z5 lees have been sunk. The leader is fow wcnes in thickness, and gold is pretty freely aa.,. tributed through theßtone, auguring^Wp able block. About tea loadsc? <&»&% 401bs of picked stuff are on hand, and win shortly be sent to tbo battery]

(Continved on Fourtl ItyiJ, :'

THE AtTCKtAND EVEJSING BIAK MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1885.



THIS DAY, i THE NEW PREMISES WILL BE : OPENED With tho Bulk of tho Present Stock, together with a LARGE SHIPMENT, JUST TO HAND, XX ARAWA, OF ALL THK LATEST NOVELTIES FROM THE LONDON MARKET. MILNE AND CHOYCE. FIREWbm _.._.„. FIRE SAL Tni4"T>Tni I GARLICK &CRANWKLIVS J? Aitl-iC I «AULIOK & CRANWELL'S FIRE' FACTORY. A SALE OP ALL THE SALVAGE STOCK Will bo held during THIS MONTH in those Premises corner of'Wellesley end Lome Btreots, lately ooouplcd by Messrs Milne ft Choyce. AT TVR ATTfIMI.. Extonsivo Altorationi ALI^KAIIL-llbX and In ,p r ovoment to, ALTERATIONS OUR FORN iture ALTERATIONS I show-rooms ALTERATIONS I in the ALTERATIONS f Quoen-streot Premises ALTERATIONS I Now Going On. ALTERATIONS I —_ ALTERATIONS,/ q a klick&C .anwkll Wo havo long contemplated altering tho CITY HALL to suit our business, and as the ! Improvements necessitate taking down all tho plastered ceiling, wo aro forced to romovo one HALF of onr STOCK, so have takon for ONE MONTH ONLY that LARGE WAREHOUSE IN STONE'S BUILDINGS, WELLE3LKY-ST. KAST, lately occupied by Messrs Mi'no and Choyce. where wo shall soil the SALVAGE STOCK Of FURNITURE, Ana at the samo time SELL OFF our Largo - Stock of CARPETS At an IMMENSE REDUCTION FOR CASn, I to raise Funds to defray Builder's Exponsos both at Factory and Qucon-street Premises. is PER YARD DISCOUNT ON BRUSSELS CARPETS OVER la 9D PER YARD. . Od PER YARD DISCOUNT ON TAPESTRY ; CARPETS OVER 23 PER YARD. This is equal to from , 4a to 7s if* tiie £ DISCOUNT, FOR CASH AT TIME OF PURCHASE. SALE COMMENCES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3. Our Ordinary Business will bo carried on in the Front Portion of our QUEEN-STREET PREMISES at onr usual LOW RATES. GARLICK & CRANWELL, HOUSE FURNISHERS THE NEW GOODS THE NEW GOODS i THE NEW GOODS THE NEW GOOD? Are now opened ont FOR THE WINTER FOR THE WINTER FOR THK WINTER FOR THE WINTER. The Stook Is the largeal and best Beleoted in the city, and to -;. MEET THE TIMES MEET THE TIMES »,„_, MEET THK TIMES THE MEET THK TIMES NEW Several lines In every De partment aro marked at ZEALAND Prices TI ATIIIIVr SPECIALLY CHKAP^ ILWIIIIAU SPECIALLY CHEAP T.i*<mAnv SPECIALLY CHEAP FACTORY, SPECIALLY CHEAP. 158 & 160, Queon-strcot, ! Tho Juvcnllo Department has received closo attention, and parents will find DURABILITY AND ECONOMY DURABILITY AND ECONOMY DURABILITY AND ECONOMY DURABILITY AND ECONOMY Combined Is the leading feature. In Boys' Fanoy faults Beveral new and choice styles are now being shown. T\o not buy Books, Stationery, or Fancy Artides for presents until you havo seen FREDERICK MOUZER'S Shop Window In Victoria-street (corner of Albert-street). Every thing marked In plain figures. All New, Choice, and Cheap. NOTICE. Dr. willTns, f. r. c. a, Consulting and Operating Suhgeon. is at his Surgery for Gonoral Practice and Special Practice - Eye, Ear, and Throat Diseases -Mornings and Afternoons; Sundays, 10 30 to 12.30. Consultation Fees very moderate. Db Wilkins spent seven years at Mooreflelds Eye Hospital, London, under Messrs Bowpian and CrltehoU, two at Throat Hospital, London, seven years Honorary Surgeon Albert Hospital, and ■ Siß?,' can ttt E7°- Ear, and Throat InUnnary . Melhou me. Adjusts Bpootacles to Sight. ---* Consulting Rooms—Oueon-atreot. Auckland,



FOR EYE, EAR, AND THROAT . DISEASES. . DR. SCH WARZBACH, M.D., having recently returned from Europe, may bo consulted at Mis Spiers., Albert Park, Auok and, dnily.fromlO to 1. Dr. S. limits his practice exclusively to the treatment of Disoiisos of tho Eye. Ear, and • Fornior patients aro invited to calL SPECIALLY CHEAI- CLEARING LINES: ---35 Girls' and Maids' Black and Fancy Cloth Jackets, front 3s (id. acoordlug to size. Ibo above aro under half warchouso prioo. •>') Ladies' Black Cloth Fnßhlonablo jackets; " now this season ; balaneo of warchouso stock purchased at a vory low prico; te be sold at about half their valuo. OGO Palis Girls'. Women's, and Mens Hosiery. ' Travellers' Samples ; a great bargain ;in great variety. 510 Dozen Coats's host Sowing Cotton, whito and black, 200 yds, la 3d doz., numbers IU to 21 only. Nico lot Wool Goods, frcm Od, Austrian Rugs, 0s 0d; worth 9s Gd. Having au ovor-stock of Cheap Clothing, will, previous to Stocktaking, 601 lat about 20 per cent, discount. White Calico, 2Jd yd; Grey Calico, 2d. Crowdson'a Celebrated Calico, lid yd; la 3d by' I the dozen. I Largo lot of Remnants, vory cheap. Good Coloured Moleskin, Is I'd yd. Now Umbrellas, Fur Capes, Frilllngs, Ulsters. PATTERNS FREE BY POST. Froight Paid on Parcels ovor £2 in valuo. WILLIAM R. BRIDGMAN, 283, Ui'l'EK Queen-st.