SPORTING.

PRINCIPAL RACING FIXTURES.

Now Zealand,

Auckland 11.C. Autumn April 1 and C Omterburv J.J. Autumn .Meeting April li. 7 T ikapuna J.C. Autumn April 11 Cunliridge J.C. Autumn April 15and Hi Papakura ..leiaing April "■> Wellington k (_!. .utuimi May 1 end 2 Tak'ipuna ...V. Winter -lay 'Ji Auciilaiid If.C. Steeplechase Meeting....Juno ti Australia. A.J.O. Autumn April (i. 8,10.11 boulli Ausl.rai-.an J.C.tat Flemington).. 11 ay 2,7, II Datc3 of Nominations, Entries anil Acceptances. Final payment Great. Autumn I In ndicapMaroh -. Nomina;ions I'akapuna J.C. Aultinm Han dicap. Hurdle I lace. Steeplechase, and Totiilisiuoi- Cup April 2 Nominal ionsCrcutNortiieriiSt. l.eger ..April 10 Nominations I\ip.ikura Cup, Hurdles, and Kail way Handicap April 17

To Correspondents.

SimscnniKu.--The American horse Ten Ib-oeek is recorded to have run two mites in riinin. -7;s.es. at Louisville. This is Usees, faalcv than tlio b..st record for iho same ilistauce in Australia.

Ixo tiKßit.—Wcnrcnnahln to inform yon who are theatre and dam ot Nannie. nnd. Mr t'ha.l wiok is also unable to throw any Sight on lite mallei-. Her former owner. Mi- f. i: Moody, of Opotiki, may probably inform you. DisiTTi-o \Vag-_u.—(ll ittidnmcs aval Adminis trator r,m adoiid heat for tho Auek'utul i.a.ter Handicap last yoar. The form, r carried .-.t, will the latter istftlb. (•:» Kotn Kingtjuuil and Ljuio carried 7_t alb when I hoy won. Si' •I'TlCumbridgel-You should obtain a co >v o: the. new A-_,r>._l_nit 11:, rim: Club rules. Ac cording ro _11e111.11 Maiden Hurdle Knee hnr.-o is one ih"t has never wen au advertised hurdle ntua i-Cecdlntr'iosovs i-.i value, in ttiit. country, ut. tho time of entry.

NOTES BY HIPPONA.

Tin: Auckland Racing Club Autumn Meet ing commences on Saturday next, and will bo continued on Monday. Up to the pre sont thero has been very littlo interest takon in tho gathering, but next wookwhon all of the horsos havo arrived matters will bo sure to assume a different aspect. I hear that Necklaco is scarcely so well as hor many admirers could wish, but hor stablo companions Thunderbolt and King (tho latter of whom who by-tho-by Is well treated in tho Steeplochnse) aro in first-class buckle. I had a look over Woodnymph one day dur ing tho week, and it is very evident that Wright has well cared for her sinco the Summor Meeting. She is on the big side, Tout is looking very healthy and woll, and should bo ablo to put one or two winning brackets to her name. Mr J. Leonard's Chandlor is also looking nono the worso for his lato accident, and as tho two-year old filly CapeHa can bo mado much better than she was at Henderson's Mill, thoro is ovory probability of tho Three King 3 stable dropping in for n share of the good things. Tho acceptances for the Easter Handicap and Stooplechaso, and tho goneral entries for tho minor events of the meeting, will bo found in another portion of this issue.

A caso that does not reflect credit on a certain notorious Southern bookmaker has como undor my notico this week. The brief facts aro that during the time of our Summer Meoting, an Auckland gontlomaii of somo position was led on to t.ko 1000 to 90 about Welcome Jack for the Dunedin Cup, This was on the strength of it being represented to him by a person who had evidently beon " readied-up " by the bookmaker that the champion was being bottled up for tho race in question. The day after tho wnger was taken, tho Aucklnnder smelt somothing "drakoy" about theaffair, aid mentioning the matter to Mr Pilbrow, he informed him that Welcome Jack would not be a starter, and was bound for Aus tralia. Tho Auckland gentleman at once ca.no to the conclusion that a trap had been laid for him, and vowed he would not pay. Durir,cr the present week tho Southern wieldor of the pencil journeyed up here from Napier, whero ho had boen on a visit, to claim the amount of tho wager; but after somo bounce on his part and threats to bring tho matter before Tattersalls, he came to the conclusion that discretion was tho bettor part of valour, and decided to sattlo th* matter by accepting £45.

A very attractive little programme has beon drawn up for tho Papakura annual meeting, which take? place on tho 23rd April (St. George's Day). Tho stal-03 to be given away amount to £305, divided among eight events, the prinoipal being the Papakura Cup of lOOsovs., l_ mile; Hurdlo Race of GOsovs., 2 miles -, and Rail way Htmdicap of SOsovs., 1 mile. Nomina tions for those three events close on April 10th, and goneral entries and acceptances are due tho following week.

A salo of thoroughbreds took plaoo at Napier after tho conclusion of tho Hawke's Bay J.C. Autumn Meeting.] Mr W. Stock purchased a two-year-old colt by Foul Play —Aconite for 125 guineas, and a two-year - old gelding by Musket—Ronga wont to Mr P. Butler for 80 guineas, while the same purohasor also took a three-year-old by Jav'lin —Ronga for 39 guineas. The brood maro Aconito.by Derby—Occult,was passed in at 95 guinoas, and Renga,by Diomede3— Waimea, at 70 guineas. Kineraig and Ugly Buck were also put up, the former boing passed in at 49 guineas, and the latter at 80 guineas.

Such Btrone support is being accorded to "Welcome Jack for tho next Melbourne Cup by local backers that a couple of tho pen cillers have been compelled to send on the other side of tho water for money. The best prico now obtainable about the cham pion is 100 to 4, and a well-known lucky backer took 500 in a pop about him at that price a few evenings back. The Wanganui horso Tally-ho, got by Papapa from Discretion, now tenants a box at Mr J. Chadwick's stablos. Ho won the Wanganui Stakes in ISS3, with Sst up, beating a field of nine, but last season ho was relegated to stud duty. It _ not un likely ho will bo seen out at the Takapuna Q.ieen's Birthday Mooting. Tho programme for tho Takapuna Jockoy Club Autumn Meeting, which takes place on Saturday, 11th April, appears in our advertising columns to-day. Nominations for tho four principal events are duo on Friday next. Thero has been somo heavy wagering in Melbourne on tho next Derby and Cup. At the Victorian Club a fow evenings back the owner of Dunlop and Tho Toacher backed those horses for the Dorby and Cup to tho extent of i' 40,000 at 1,000 to 15 against Dunlop and Dunlop, and tho same price against Teacher and Teacher. Ho also accepted all tho money available for the doublo at 1,000 to 5 Toacher and Dunlop and against Dunlop and Teacher for tho same events. Dunlop is tho property of Jlr A. R. Robertson, and was got by Neckorsgat from Etta. Ho showed somo good form at tho recent V.R.C. Autumn Meeting, and won tho All-Aged Stakes, while Tho Teacher is the property of Mr j. Wilson, and claims Gang Forward aa his sire- ...

Tasman was so lame after his gruelling in the Dunedin Jockoy Club Handicap that ha could no. travel back to Christchurch with tho rest of Mr O'Brien's team. «' Sencx " says tho Dunedin vet. pronounced the damage a rupture of the suspensory ligament, but such happily proves not to bo the caso. The horse returned home a few days afterwards, and excepting that his front joints aro a bit filled, thero appears to be nothing wrong with him Mr O'Brien has received a handsome, offer for Tasman in four figures, but ho can't make up his mind to part with him, A Chiistchurch scribe says although The Lad has completely recovered from tho effects of tho accident ho met with at Auck land, ho will not strip for a raco for somo timo'tocomo, as ho was sent up the other week to Leslie Hills in company with Lady Eva, and thero turned out for a spell. There seems just a probability that Navigator is in something like his old form. Mr Do Mestre has paid tho first forfeit for tho Sydnoy Cup with him, and I notico he has also entered him for tho weight-for-age races at tho A.J.C. Autumn Meeting. Mr Do Mestro also has Copra and several others engaged at tho gathering. Tbe first forfeit for the Sydney Cup, which fell due last week, shows that 31 have dropped out. Tho following are the names of those who remain in the race :■— st lb st lb Navigator .. » ■"' The Agent . I J OlfColour ..8 10 Impulse .. ..6 12 Sardiua .-8 7 Brown and Rose Cl 2 Merlin " -8 7 Happy Thought 612 WiUeroo .. ..8 4 Tho Prior.. .. 612 Corlolanus ..8 4 Buckingham .- 610 Silver King ..8 2 Prince Iraponal 6IP Sheet Anchor .. 8 Normanby .. 610 Cuimaiuulla ..8 2 Conjecture .. Balmoral.. .. , Wd CI if den .. fa fl Foldtnrßoy .. \\\ Mponsheo .. 6 8 First Demon .. Minfm. .. „ _Arrhorito .. 710 Caliban .. .. b 8 Coronet .. ..7 9 Lord of the Lake B 7 •Reginald.. ..7 8 Wing .. -• ;<> -Tinr'sOwn ..7 8 Velocipede .. t> ' C-nra .. Al 1 * Highland Mary., fa 2 H-tene .. ..7 2 Palarenda .. 0 2 Polestar .. ..7 1 Jsonomy .. .. 0 -. Acolyte -70 Orator .. _. fa 0 Pttot :; •• ' n PhyWa •• -6 ° Tire Jewel - 7 «

In " Jacob Faithful's" consultation on the Napier Handicap, an insolvont brick laycrdrcw first prizo, and wasthercby enabled te pay 20s in the pound on an estate that would only havo othorwiso paid '-3. Tho second prize wont to tho wifo of a coach-builder at, Waipawn, whilo the third was won by a carpenter at Hastings, who has already " blued " his winning., in real estate.

At tho Wavorloy and Waitotara Mooting Mr D. Campion's Laurel won the big Handi cap of lTOsovs, JV milo, and Flying Handi cap of ."iOsovs, _j. milo. Administrator and Speculation woro among tho starters for the first event. Mr Campion's Rambler also got home first in the Hurdle.., boating Scrutineer and four other.. The totalisator paid the nice dividend of C2lt ss. Although lUhgwood, tho winner of tho Australian Cup, was knocked down to Mr M. O'Shana-'sy for tho sum of 020 guinons at Mews. W. C. Yuile's sale, it, is under stood that ho was bought in for his ownor. This is confirmed by tho fact that ho has re turned to his old quarters at Dowliug forest in charge of Seobio.

Gang Forward's stock a>o coming to tho foro lately. At the Victoria Amateur Turf Club March Meeting, a daughter of his called Mario Loiii.o.nndowned by Mr S. C. Coi-l. won tho Oakleigh Handicap, beating

11 field of twenty. Another _of Gang forward's progeny,named Babooia,also got homo first in tho Selling Kaco on tho samo afternoon.

Commotion must bo a wondor (writes " Warrior"). Panic, tho defunct sire, cer tainly got many clinkers, Wellington and Melbourne for instance, but nono liko Evening Star's foal. Of tho horses that took part at the \". !..(•. Spring Meeting of ISSI Commotion was tho only racehorse re maining on tho turf, Dnrobin, Somnus, and Sir Modred (Now Zealand), Sweetmeat, Woodlands, Sogonhoe, Sardonyx, Mon mouth, Wellington, Savnnnka, Zulu, First Water. Lord Burghley, Wandering .low, Nappor Tandy, Pawnbroker, Wheat - car, Odd Trick, Santa Clans, Jlor poth, Gipsy Cooper, Tho Assyrian, Suwarrow, .Master Avonol, Trump Yo.s, and Martindalo having died or retired to the stud. Navigator, at that timo a two year-old, has had a long rest, and Mr De Mostro intends running him once or twice moro beforo retiring. Guesswork is not himself, and never will bo : his Champion Haco porformanco with Commotion ap pears to have knocked all lit- out of him. Tho Czar, who ran socond to Zulu in the Melbourne Tup of tho mooting 1 am speaking about, is .tiil in the land of tho living. Poor old Harry Scllnrs (Black Harry), the onco famous champion boxer, is now an inmate of the Melbourne Benevolent Asylum, and the horso ho backed to win tho Melbourne Cup (Tho Czar) for a couple of " casors " is, like himself, broken down. Oi" some hundred horses who ran in ISSI only tho fow mentioned remain. Not only has Commotion outlived tho abovo horses, but llioso who havo defeated him since, namely, Martini-Honry. Lo Grand, The As syrian, and First Water.

CONDENSED ITEMS.

Bob Ray has left Christchurch for Aus tralia.

Tho dam of Black Rose has been christened Rosalind. MrT. Kay's Cribbaffo won the St. Pat rick's Handicap at tho WastertonOpaki races. .Nominations for tho Wanganui Derby of ISS7 (for now yearlings) aro duo on Friday next, at 9 p.m. Sir Modrod's brother Idalium will be taken to Australia shortly by his ownor, Mr McKollar.

"Augur" suggests that the Victoria Raoing Club should establish a raco open to fillies and geldings only. Tho Adelaide Racing Club has fixed its meeting for May 23rd,25th, and 30th,to be held on the old racecourse.

Coronet, tho Newmarket Handicap hero, is again in work, and it is thought that he will bo ablo to fulfil his Sydney engage ments.

Azim was among tho starters for the Hurdle Raco at tho Lower Heathcoto meot ing on St. Patrick's Day, and ran second to Marquis. During tho week the owners of Tupara and the Musket—Prunella colt accepted 500 to 25 about their winning tho Great Northern Dorby of ISS7.

It is said that Sardius was going strong as a lion for a mileand threo-quarters in the Australian Cup. He is engaged in the Sydney Cup with Sat 71b. Strange to say, Mr P. F. Tancred had eight starts and did not 6Core a win at tho Hawke's Bay Meeting. Captain Russell had tivo without scoring. Tho Duko do Castries, who is well-known on tho turf both in England and in France, has just come into a fortune of £350,000, by the death of his father-in-law.

It is somewhat singular that for the past threo years the last horse to arrive at the starting-post in the Nowmarkot Handicap has turned out to bo the winner.

Tho munificent gift to tho Molbourne charities of £150 has been mado by Mr Sam Rainsbury, who executed the Coronet com mission for the Nowmarkot Handicap. Ringwood, the Hobart and Australian Cups victor, has not boen nominated for eithor the Hawkosbury Grand Handicap or Sydney Cup. Wait for the Adolaide ono, says "Vigilant." A. Woods, who is in Captain Russoll's employ, rode six winners out of nino mounts at the recent Hawko's Bay Meeting. Clifford had two winning mounts, and Derritt one.

Those two noted American racehorses and sires, Ten Broeck and Longfellow, wore weighed recently at Midway, Ky. The former tipped the beam at 1,225 and tho latter at 1,325 pounds. Tho Hon. James White ovidently sots great value upon the dark three-year-old Blair Athol colt Phil Athol, as when Mr John Field inquired his prioe tho othor day in Melbourne the answer was 3,000 guineas. Commotion was measured a couple of weoks back by Mr F. F. Dakin,and ho is just tho sixtoonth of an inch below 15.3. The old follow is to take part in tho woight for-ago ruces at tho A.J.C. Autumn Meet ing. Charles Archer having upplied to tho stewards of the Jockey Club for . renewal of license to train at Newmarket, England, whioh was withheld for the yoar 1884, thoy havo granted tho licenso, with a caution as to his future conduct.

Tho yearling colt Nihilist, purchased by Mr Gray at the salo of Sir Thomas Elder's horses, was subsequently bought by Mr W. E. Dakin for Sir William Clarke. The other colts purchased hy Mr Dakin were also for Sir William Clarke.

It is roported that Bonnie Doon, by Manuka from Blink Benny's dam, has changed hands, and will go into Foulsham's stablo. " Augur " says sho is ono of the sweetest fillies in training, and much abovo tho ordinary run of racehorses. Donald Nicholson is at tho head of the list of Australian winning jockeys this season Hales comes next. A wager of £60 level has been made that Robertson ridos moro winners and placed horses than M. O'Brien during the rest of tho season, commencing from this month. Mr John Field, of tho Calstock stud, Tas mania, has purchased Creswick, by Yatten don from Q.E.D., for stud purposes. Cres wick was not a first-clasß performer, but as his dam Q.E.D ,is bred a groat deal liko St. Albans, Mr Field is of opinion that ho will suit tho Calstock mares.

Mr J. 0. Inglis's Paganini has died from injuries through boing cast in his box. Paganini was by St. Albans—Muriol, and his trainer, the wily Ike Foulsham, has for somo time had a high opinion of him. Ho has started but a fow times, and was sup posed to be waiting for something good. I hear from Melbourne that Welcome Jack sprained his shoulder badly through falling in tho Australian Cup. Mr Pilbrow has not nominated him for any of tho minor events of tho A.J.C. Autumn Meeting, and Clarence does not appear among tho names of those ontered for tho jumping races.

Mr J. Henderson, one of the oldest racing identities in Australia, who twenty years back filled tho onerous position of judge at the Victoria Racing Club's meetings, is dead. He was nearly seventy years of age, and had for somo time past been in receipt of a pension from the Victoria Racing Club. After Blink Bonny won the V.R.C. Autumn Handicap so easily, her breeder was remonstrated with for not training more of his mares, wJieroupon he offered to lease a two-year-old half-sister to Malua to Mr Thomas Wilson. Tho offer was readily accopted, and the filly will shortly join the Ballarat stable,

Mr R. G. Talbot has purchased from Mr John Field a two-year-old colt by Manuka from Quoen Mary, the dam of Mozart, Sheet Anchor, &o. Mr Talbot has re moved his horses, Sheet Anchor and Blink Bonny, from T, Wilson's stables at Ballarot, and in future they will bo trained by T, Jones, of Cauliield.

Mr W. Branch's filly Littlo Sister, by King of tho Ring—Maid of All Work.is to be relegated to stud duties, Her best performance was tho winning of the City Handicap at tho A.J.C. Autumn Meeting as a three-year-old, and runninjr the mile and a half with 7st 61b up in 2min 38|sec, beating Jessie and Stockdale,

THE GARDEN.

[BY lIORTUH.]

Calendar of Operations, March 28.

[Hortus Is willing to answer any queries. Cor respondents must givo their full names and addresses, though not for publication.]

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Walnuts (Nuts), — Most of tho diiiercnt varieties of the walnut will succeed here iti good deep soils. I have often wondered why more attention in not given to the planting of thoso trees; they bear abundantly, and futeh a good price in tho market. Thoro is only ono objection, and that ia the long tini" they lake to como into fruit bearing. The beat way to raise the trees is to pur cluvso rtotno of tho local fruit or nuts, and plant in prepared hills, from lid lo 10 feot apart; dribble three or four nuts in each hill. When tlie nuts spring up tako out all but one. Thoy will groiv quicker and make better I fees if the nut ia sown where they are to grow. When planting bells of pines for ehelter nee;, at. regular distance tho nuts could be easily sown, aud both allowed to grow to gether for some time. The pines could be taken out ov degrees, aud thu walnuts allowed to stand. The bost time to sow the.nuts ia soon after thoy como oil'tho tree ; they do nor. carry thoir vitality long. A eontlenian in America lint season realised §_.710 from hi 1 or..pal. an avontgo yield of Sltill per acre, the Oiopgiviu..: no trouble 10 cultivate.

Coiu.iNii Moth iJ. C, Thames). — No positive remedy iigain.t Iho ravages of this insect ha. as yoi been found. It is claimed Unit I'ari. Keren spre-yed over the tree in water is effec tual. Inn should it prove so, ii is far too dan gcrous a remedy to upplv whoro (truss or other crops aro growing under them. There ought to bo a socioty formed to lake notice and publicly di-cuss the measures for dealing with dill'eront insect pests that are bosoming to infest, not only the orchard, but all Iho other departments of tho garden. Tho Americana are taking active steps to suprc-'s theso pests by legislative enactments. In New Zealand societies will havo to ho formed, or it will soon bo good-byo to crops of good fruit.

Kitchen Garden,

Tin: lato heavy rains will havo givon a good opportunity to plant out nnd sow tho usual autumn Yogetablos. Onions ought to bo housed as soon as dry. Tho bost placo to keep thoin is a dry, airy loft. Chooso tho best of tho bulbs, tie thorn on string, nnd hang thorn up to tho rafters. Those should keep tho longo.t. Celory : Contitiuo giving liquid manuro ; tio and earth up thu plants in tho trenches whenever thoy have attained a height of from six to eight inches. Continue planting out small patches of cabbage and cauliflower, earth up those that are advancing in growth, and sow other patches for later planting... Whoro tho flies are troublesome, duet with dry wood ashes in tho morning when tho dew is upon thorn. Mako another sowing of carrots, turnips, onions, ami, .pinago for winter 11*0. Tomatoes : Continue tho tieing up and pinching back. Soo that the fruit is exposed as much as pos sible to tho sun, so that it may ripen pro perly. Dust occasionally with wood ashes or limo to keep caterpillars under. Straw berries —Begin to plant out now tho new plantation, so has to havo your plants established beforo winter. Wator after planting, and if tho woathor is dry during tho balanco of tho autumn, give two other heavy waterings, This ought to carry thorn on to the winter. Clear away debris of vegetable crop as soon as taken from tho ground. If you havo litter man uro, wheel into small lioaps over the ground, then begin to dig or tronch it into tho ground, leaving tho surface rough. Tho at mosphero will soon bring it into a lino state for tho later autumn crops. All evergroon hedges should now bo clipped, so that thoy may grow a littlo beforo winter. Keep all weeds undor.

Flower Gardon,

Cuttings of all tho different bedding and borders should now betaken off, and put out in somo shady part of tho gardon. It is bettor to mako up a special border. For this purposo good loam, well-rotted stable manuro, loaf mould and sand is tho best tnixturo. After tho cuttings aro planted they ought to be shaded ovory day from tho sun. Tako off tho shading in tho even ing, and water slightly. It is hotter to striko cuttings oil' all tho bedding plants in the autumn, as in planting out in tho spring it can be dono oarlior, and you havo good established hardy plants to put out, thus giving a much hotter chance to got your plants woll established before the hot, dry summer sots in. Tho late storm, a fortnight ago, will havo done a good deal of damage to some of tho lato autumn (lowering plants, especially tho dahlias, but by carefully tio ing up and giving them plenty of liquid manuro, a good show of blooms may yet bo expected. On tho bordor cut oil dead and decaying stems from plants past llovver ing, also clear away annuals when ever tho flower is past. Sow some of tbo hardier varioties for early flowering. Look to any roses that wero budded this autumn. Tako away the ligatures. All bulbs which havo properly ripened their haulm, lift, dry, and stoto past. GreonhouF.e. Givo plenty of air and water, re-pot cal ceolarias, cinerarias, and primulas wnonovor thoy proporly fill their small pots. Com mence reducing tho shading of tho houso.

Horticultural Show. Tho show held last week undor tho auspices of tho Auckland Gardoners' Horti cultural Society was the bestoxhibition that has over boen held in Auckland as far as tho show of fruit was concerned, especially apples. Thero woro two or throe magnifi cent collections staged—notably Mr 11. G. Sharp's fino collection of 200 vnrioties. In the fruit department a fow bunches of mag nificent grapes wero exhibited by Messrs S. Morrin, Hoskoth, and Stovonson. Dr. Sanders also staged a fow woll-grown bunches from his small ground vinories. The other departments of fruit wero not so woll represented as could havo beon wished. In tho plant de partment tho limitod spaco dovotod to the culture of pot ' plants in Auckland brought forth a for better collection than was expected, conspicuous amongst which was a nico specimen of monstera doliciosa that was awarded lirst prizo as a now and rare plant. It was grown in Auckland by Mr J. Mason. Thoro was also a lino col lection of plants staged by D. Hay and Son, which carriod off the Socioty's medal. Mr S. Morrin obtained first prizo for a really fino collection of ferns. Tho cut (lowers woro not so good as I havo seen exhibited at former shows, but this is oasily accounted for by tho heavy storm which oc curred a week before tho show, destroying most of tho border flowers. The display of vegetables was much hotter than was ex pected. Mr W. F. Buckland carried off Mr Brett's spocial prize with a really magnifi cont collection of potatoes. All tho other varioties of vegetables wero well re presented, and fully up to tho mark. There wero also a largo number of extra oxhibits, showing a good deal of merit. The beo industry has ovidontly mado great strides during the last year, as is ovidehced by tho excellent exhibits in this class. Tho Committeo may congratulate themselves on having brought tho show to such a successful issue.

REVIEWS.

"Hand book of New Zealand Gardening," by M. Murphy.

In a country liko Now Zoaland, tho English gardonor has to lay asido as usoloss, and sometimes positively misleading, much of the experience ho has acquired in his businoss. Variations of climate produce results that are not to bo measured merely by tho differenco in the occurronco of the seasons. In a country where there is little or no check from frost, and where active growth is continued for a very long period, many plants require a totally different treatmont from that which thoy receivo under severer conditions, Tho method of pruning is different, the enemies of the horticulturist attack his work in new ways, and there is so much to loam, and so much to unlearn, that good gardeners are often non-plussed. Hence, sound text-books giv ing tho results of local experience are a necessity. That they have come forth slowly is not to bo wondered at; young communities are usually backward as book producers. However, the technical library of New Zealand is gradually filling up, and men whoso callings compel them to operate in the new field now find a fairly well beaten tracktoguidethem. MrM.Murphy.F.L.S., Secretary to the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and editor of tho " Now Zealand Country Journal,", has long been ranked among those industrious workers who are collecting, for the guidance of future settlers, a stock of u..__ul know ledge on practical subjects. His "Hand- , bntik of Now Zealand Gardening" is the latest, and by no means the least useful and creditable, of these productions. It is a handy little volume brim-full of information upon every horticultural subject. With this book in his hand, the amateur can enter his bolovcd domain accompanied by a skilled counsellor, and the professional

gardonor will find much information that will provo usoful to him. The vegetablo gardon, tho fruit gardon, tho flower garden, and tho grconlioiißO aro separately treated, nndtho matter has boon judiciously classified for rotoronco. Thoro aro numorous woll oxecuted illustrations, which greatly assist tho text. Chapters on Now " Zea land Alpino Plants," "Insect Posts," "Diseases of Plants," and " Hints for Boe- Keoping," form usoful additions. Tho book will, wo are suro, gain a wido circulation. It has been printed in admirable stylo by Whitcombo and Tombs (Limited), of Christ church, and is bound in a atrong and noat cloth cover.

"Maoriland : An Illustrated Handbook to New Zealand."

Tho Union Steamship Company hnvo done groat tilings for Now Zealand in fostering a tourist traffic. Thoir luxurious steamers render sea travelling as pleasant und com fortable aa it will ovor be to bad sailors, and by the issue of handbooks thoy havo made known far and wido tho beautiful scenery and rcmarkablo natural phenomena in whicli this colony abounds. Thoir latest publication, " Maoriland," is moro ambitious than any of their former ventures. It is a book of .Ib'O pages, bound in llexiblo cloth covers, and offered at tho low prico of 2s Od. Tho literary part of tho book has been supplied by two gontlomon specially soloctod for tho work, tho North Island being described by Mr Alex. Wil son, M.A., and tlio Middlo Island by Mr Rutherford Waddoll, M.A. Tho account of tho Wost Coast Sounds is contributod by Mr T. W. Whitson. Tho descriptions are vory readable, and tho information specially sought by tourists rolutivo to oxponses— hotels, faros, Sec— is concisoly stated at tho hoad of oacli chapter. Dofoets arising from want of local knowlougo are somowhat noticoablo. For oxamplo, no ono who know much of Auckland, and desired to guido tourists, would havo loft out of tho list of "principal hotels" Oram's, tho Iraporial, tho Wavorloy, Victoria, Waito mata, Thames, Hobson, and City, while tho Nevada and Govornor Browne wero put in. A caroful local rovision would havo romovod tho minor blunders, and loft tho work what it really might bo mado, a porfoct tourists' guido. Tho descriptions, although plain and not displaying any striking lit.orary art, fur nish much useful knowlodgo which tho tourist will wish to know. It is an oxcol lont compilation of facts, and will, wo believe, be purchased not only by travellers visiting Now Zealand, but by residonts to send abroad to their friends. Tho work is most defoctivo in its woodcuts, but for tunately, photography, which is woll patro nised by tourists, will suvo Now Zoaland from appoaring to persons who havo novor soon it as being, architecturally, in a stato of primitive barbarism.

"The Ships of Tarshish."

This book is issued under curious cir cumstances. Tho author, Mr E. Fail-burn, surveyor, wrote tho story in 1805 as a semiol to tho " Wnndoring Jow," It was prmtod in tho lattor part of lStili, but, liko many another promising book, tho whole edition remained in tho publisher's ware house for sixteen years, tho author taking no stops to circulate it. In ISSO, how over, his attention was drawn to a representation of the " Lividin," the steamship designed by Admiral l'opo.l', which was expected by its admirers to revolutionise marino architecture ; as ovonts turned out, it did nothing of tho sort. Mr Fairburn, howovor, was struck with tho roßomblanco between tho " Lividia" and a now design of warship which ho had introduced into his story under tho namo of "Tho Ships of Tarshish," and ho addrossod' n lottor to Admiral l'opoff calling attention to tho singular coincidence of thought. A facsimile of tho Admiral's reply is published in-a pro logue to tho story. Drawings showing tho moasuromont and shapo of tho two models aro also givon, and tho rosomblaneos aro certainly vory roranrkublo. Tho author bus not lost faith in the virtuo of his design. Ho boliovos that tho "Lividia" will still mark tho starting point of a comploto revolution in shipbuilding, it ia partly to propagate this idea, nnd to show reason for tho fuitli whioh is in him, and partly, no doubt, from a not unpardonable foolingof self-satisfaction that thoconcoption which Admiral l'opoff worked out in later years had occurred to a Now Zealand settlor so long ago, that the author is induced to issuo his long-concoalecl book. Tho - tory, as wo may infer from its first recoption by tho public, is not ono that will bit tho popular taste, although tho plot is mado tho medium of expressing somo novol thoughts, and it is upon the coincidence which has inducod tho prcsont publication, and tho interest in tho subject of naval ar chitecture, that tho author, no doubt, re lies for its circulation. The book is pub lished in Now Zoaland by Upton & Co.

"The Practical Homo Physician and Encyclopaedia of Medicine."

This work, issued by " tho World Pub lishing Company," is now boing introduced into Now Zoaland by Mr W. B. Harvoy. It i has beon submitted to local medical mon of high standing, and goos forth with their mostfavourabloondorsomonts. The book is a handsomo nnd bulky volume of 1,142 pages, printed in clear typo on good papor, and profusely illustrated with coloured plates of a superior description. An examina tion of tho text confirms tho favour able impression created by its external and internal appearance. Tho four medical gentlomon who jointly performed tho arduous and responsible work of editing havo borno in mind that thoy aro not writing for modical readers; tho descriptions of disoasos and thoir remedies are simple, oxplioit, and froo from technical jargon. Tho anatomical plates aro also elaborate, and woll dosignod to convoy an necurato knowlodgo of human anatomy. Sinoo tho days whon Biichnn aroused tho ire ot his professional brethren by disclosing tho socrots of tho craft, many treatises for domestic uso havo boon offered to tho public. Tho time whon such books woro donouncctl by doctors bus long passod away, and intelligent physicians readily recognise that it is tho duty of ovory niau and woman to acquire a knowlodgo of tho laws of hoalth, and agenoral idoaof human physio logy and disoosod conditions. Tho diffusion of such information often assists tho physician, by bringing more promptly undor his caro casos in which speedy medical aid is of momont. In iso lated communitos liko tho rural districts of thoso colonios, tho "family doctor "is tho only ono to bo found for miles around, and no homo is completely oquipped without ono. Medical scionco has mado groat strides, and it is of consequonco, thoro foro, in selecting a book of this kind, to obtain one giving the results of tho most recent investigations. Tho work undor notice complies with all theso conditions. It is mobt exhaustive in tho troatmont of ovory form of disease and tho appropriate remedies. Tho plates and diagrams aro cspocially good, and tho work ii altogether ono that can be safely commended. It will be found a valued friond by all who possess it, and may savo its cost many timos ovor in tho courso of a single yoar.

'Freethought," by the Rev. E. White house.

This pamphlot contains a report of two lectures delivered by tho Boy. E. Whito houso, Curate of Patea, and formorly lec turer for tho Church Dofonco Socioty, England. Tho subject is treated with the skill of an experienced controversialist and man of culture. No problom is more deeply interesting, or holds a moro prominont place in men's thoughts, and wo predict for tho pamphlot a wido circulation. Messrs Upton and Co. aro the Auckland publishers.

"Huckleberry Finn," by Mark Twain.

The American humorist has not worked his rich vein of wit out yet, and he gives his admirers a taste of his ripened genius in the American story the title of which heads this notico. Messrs Robertson and Co., pub lishers, of Melbourne and Auckland, have issued an Australasian edition. A book by Mark Twain is an event in the world of letters, and it will bo as warmly welcome in Australasia as on the other side of tho Pacific.

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

-(:■:)- SUMMARY FOR HOME READERS.

AUCKLAND. N.Z..

March 28th, 1835,

The chiof political event of tho month has beon the address delivorod to his constitu onts at Christchurch North by Sir Julius Vogel, Colonial Troasuror and Postmaster- General. Hodolivered, indeed, two addresses at Christchurch; but tho first, v post prandial oration, though touching upon political subjocts, was not equal in impor tance to his formal uttorances at his moot ing with tho electors who roturned him to Parliament. Among tho topics touchod upon in tho banquet speech, that of local government deaorvos mention. Sir Julius intimated that he hod abandoned his for merly oxpressed intention of conferring with tho chairmen of local bodies on tho quostion of reforming tho prosont system, Govorn mont having agrood upon a method which would bo submitted to Parliament. He did not discloso tho details of tho scheme, but if, ns he claims, it is based upon such a "systom of tinonco that counties will not havo to como as suppliants for exceptional ossistanco to Parliament," it will prove of tho groatoßt bonolit to tho colony. The great weakness of our local government systom has boon tho quostion of "ways and moans," and an extension in that diroction of tho powors of County Councils, or of tho institutions which may bo formed to suporsodo thorn will bo gladly welcomed by Parliament and pooplo.

On tho samo occasion Sir Julius Vogel ' mado somo excoodingly sonsiblo remarks on , tho question of colonial offers of troops for tho Soudan. He said: —Evory person must bo desirous of knowing tho intentions of Govornmont as to rondoring aid to the Mothor Country in regard to tho Soudan campaign, and also as to placing this colony in a fairly olliciont condition of dofonco. Woro tho people of Now /.calami to run a chanco of loss, not only of that resulting from tho visit of a privatoor, but of that sovoro shock that would bo felt hy all if a poworful English colony liko this woro lying helploss at tho morcy of an enemy ? Material lossos would sink into insignifi canco beforo such humiliation as that Tho circumstancos of Now Zoaland aid Now South Wales woro so difforont that what was oxpediont in ono case might not bo so in tho othor. Firstly, nothing could give to tho offor of troop 3 from New Zoa land or any othor colony that freshnoss nnd spontaneity which distinguished that of Now South Walos, which had stood forth as tho roprosontativo of tho colonial Empiro, roady to aid England if nocessary. Would it not bo mistaken patriotism to offer mon to dofond othor ports of tho Empiro when wo had not done sufficient to dofond our solves? Govornmont did not think any thing should bo dono without consulting Parliament. If it wore docidod to send mon to tho Soudan, no doubt a very fine body might bo sent. In defending this" colony wo wore defending tho interests of the whole Empiro ; for our disasters or suc cesses would havo effect throughout that Empiro. Ho looked upon theso colonies a. nursorios of futuro dofonco of tho Empire, and felt that wo should bo doing tho bent thing for tho glory of tho British Crown by raising up men capable of both extending tho prosperity of tho colonies and of defend ing tho honour of Britain in theso seas. Govornmont had determined to proposo a definite scheme by which, within a roason ablo timo, thoy would put into ofliciont condition of dofonco tho four principal harbours of Now Eoaland—Auckland, Wel lington, Lyttelton, and Dunedin. It was not, howovor, onough to cay that they in tended making those proposals to Parlia ment. The prosont aro stirring times, when thoro was moro or loss omorgoncy. No timo, thoroforo, must bo lost in mounting tho guns now in tho colony.

In his address to tho doctors of Christ church North, Sir Julius Vogol mado an important declaration on tho subject of Now Zoaland's attitudo towards tho proposal to establish a Fedoral Council for thoso colonios. Hiß Govornmont xoalously main tained tho right to legislative indepondenco, and askod that, while the Fedoral Uarlia mont should have tho powor to initiate measures, those should not bocomo law in any particular colony until adopted by the Legislature of that colony. Ho also dis closod tho Govornmont policy for tho ap proaching session of Parliament with regard to native lands, parcel post, nnd railway construction, whilo ho intimated that in future all appointments to tho nominated Uppor Chamber should bo for a term of yoars instead of for lifo. Ho spoke at somo longth on a scheme whioh ho had had under consideration, in order to supply choip monoy on mortgago to sottlors nnd small farmers—a subject of vital importanco to tho colony, though one requiring groat delicacy in handling. Ho spoko his own viows on this question, and in no way in timated tho Government policy. At tho closo of his address tho Treasurer recoivod a hoarty and unanimous vote of thanks and confidence.

Sir Julius Vogel has forwarded to tho nowspapers a sketch of tho measure for ob taining cheap monoy for small loans for improving lands. Ho wishes it known that tho G'vi-nmont are undecided on introduc ing tho moasuro, as thoro might bo great opposition, and it remains to bo seen whether there is a stronger dosiro to sup port it. It providos that a company au thorised by Parliament may ask tho Government to guarantee debentures with currency not oxceoding 40 years to an amount not exceeding that authorised to bo borrowed ; tho rate guaranteed not to ex ceed 4_ per cent. Tho proceeds of tho de bentures shall be paid to the account of the Government, who shall bo responsible to the Company for interest up to the dato of the money boing employed at the rate paid to Government for interest on its balances in London by the Governmont bankers, also for tbo cost of placing tho monoy at command in tho colony. Tho Company may lend sums not exceeding £3,000 on freehold security, at a rate not exceeding 5£ por cent. Loans on improved land aro not to exceed two-thirds of the value. Loans for projected improvements must not exceed two-thirds of the value of tho land whon improved. Bofore tho money is paid a first mortgage must be executed in favour of the Public Trustoo, who becomes the joint trustee^ for tho Government and the Company, with power to the Company to collect interest. Loans repaid to be available for fresh issue. If the Government has to pay any sum of the amount guaranteed, and the Company fail to repay within six months, the Governor is to "appoint directors to supersede the existing directors. The former may wind up tbe Company or carry it on if able to discharge the liabilities to Government. The Company shall have uncalled capital sufficient to cover the amount of debentures guaranteed by Government. If the Com pany shall borrow on debentures unguaran teed by Government, the amount of such debentures, together with those guaranteed, must not exceed the uncalled capital The Company may make the payment of sinking fund a condition of loans, such sinking fund to be payable to the Public Trustee.^ The Company may lend, by way of terminable annuity, for projected improvements only, money obtained from guaranteed deben tures to holders of Crown deferred payment and spocial settlement lands, the amount not to exceed half the value of tho projected improvements, nor four-fifths oi thoir cost. | The District Land Boards aro to tako such steps in case of failure of payment of interest and sinking fund as oro taken ro failure of deferred payment instalments. If tba Crown should resume possession, ■the land is to remain charged with the liability!

His Excellency the Governor returned on Tuesday last from a vißit to Sydney, Mel bourne, and Adolaido, undortaken some timo ago, ostensibly for private reasons, though it would appear that his movemonts had an intimate connection with tho deliberations of tho various Australian Cabinets on tho subject of tho defenco of colonial ports. At tho different capitals named, Sir William Jcrvois was present at special Cabinot Councils, and at Melbourne, Major-General Scratohlcy and Admiral Tryon wore also in consultation. Doubtless tho result of theso conforoncos will be dis closed in duo course in connection with schemes of colonial dofenco. It is quito possible that Homo readers will know more on this subjoct than wo do here, for our politicians can at timos bo very reticent. It is reported that tho New Zealand Government havo cabled to England for .-100,000 worth of war material to bo despatched to tho colony at onoo. Auckland, in common with othor colonial cities, hus beon aroused by recont warlike developments between England and Russia to look to tho subject of defenco. A special meeting of tho Chamber of Com merce, for tho purposo of considering a resolution drawn up by tho Exocutivo Com mitteo with reference to tho defences of

the colony took place on Friday, March _.i. Tho Chairman, in oponing tho mooting, spoko of the expressions of public feoling which had already boen givon on the sub joct of rendering our port impregnable to ho :\t> -k of any squadron that may be despitebiid by a foe of tho British Rmpiro to harass tho colony. Ho was glad to sco that thoso had not beon barren of effect on tho Government. As tho rosult of a Cabinet meeting tenders aro now advortisod for tho erection of one gun. Ho moved tho resolution adopted by tho Committeo as follows: — "The Committoo aro of opinion that im mediate stops bo takon by tho Govornment to put tho port of Auckland into v complete state of defohco." Tho commerce of tho colony boyond the seas amounts to nearly £10,000,000 sterling. Wo roceivo and bad annually four million tons of shipping, and what wero theso figures in comparison to the safety and happiness of 000,000 inhabitants? Tho Chamber did not dosiro to causo alarm, and it recognised what had already beon dono, but it wishod to impress upon the Government that perfect safety could only bo secured by a thoroughly effectivo systom of dofonce.

After Homo discussion tho resolution was amended by tho insertion of tho following preamblo, whioh was movod by Mr Shora, "That while tho Chambor aro awaro that tho Government have called for tondors for ono gun." Tho resolution, ns amended, was adopted, and the mooting dissolved. Tho direct mail steamors botwoon Eng land and this colony continue to make rapid and satisfactory passages, and aro already firmly established in popular favour as supplying altornativo mail sorvicoa of great utility. Owing to dofoctive arrango monts for the transhipment of mails from

tho port of arrival to Auckland, tho sorvico was practically useless to poople of this city, and tho Chamber of Commerco

took up tho matter and Buggosted a plan whoroby tho route could bo made really sorvicoablo. The .opresontationu wero forwarded to tho I'ostmasterGenoral, and havo not beon fruitless. Mr Reid. Chairman of tho Cham ber, has received tho following telegram from Sir Julius Vogel:—"Have arrangod until furthor revision of time-tablo that Thursday's boat for Auckland shall connect with direct mail steamors." Tho agiUition for the annexation of Samoa to Now Zealand would appoar to bo dead for the presont. Tlio oxtrotno re ticence of our Govornmont with rogard to their actions and intentions in the matter rocoivod forciblo illustration tho othor day, when a cablo message from London mado us aware for tho first timo that tho Stout- Vogel Ministry had undertaken to pay tho cost of administering Samoan affairs from the colonial revenue. They trusted to tho colonial Parliament ratifying their action had tho Imporial Government sanctioned the annexation, but thoy would probably havo found thomsolvos griovously mistaken when thoy mot tho Houso of Ropresonta 'ivos, So far as can bo ascertained, there is a genuine desire on tho part of a largo portion of the Samoan population for an nexation to New Zoaland ; but tho intorosts

if other powers have proved a voritublo wet

blanket to thoir patriotic aspirations. Tho Act passed by tho Samoan Govern ment nnnoxingthatkingdom to Now Zealand provides :—"That all preliminary oxponsos bo paid out of tho authorise-, oxponditu.o ponding a vote of tho Now Zoaland Parliament fur tho purposo of giving Immediate offoct to tho annoxation of thoso four Islands to New Zealand, as tho Samoan Govornrannt has no funds or rovenue of its own ; that tho bill shall tako effect from tho dato of King Mnliotoa's signature and seal, and shall givo effect to tho annoxation of tho famoati Islands in aceordanco with tho Annoxa'ion Bill, or any Bill that it may bo necossary to pass by tho Now Zoaland Government, passod iii ISB3 by tho Now Zealand Parliament to givo effect to tho bill and annoxation, and for tho better govornmont of tho Samoan Islands and of tho Samoan pooplo." It was signod and sealod on 9th February, 18S5, by self, Secrotary and clerk to Upper ond Lowor Houses of Parliament.— Laxati (his x mark), Spoakor of the Samoan Parlia ment. Mai.ii.toa, King of Samoa.

Tho mail etoumor Australia, which arrivod hero from San Francisco on Sunday, March G, called en route at Samoa, and brings lato nows roncorning affairs thoro. Tho schooner Flootvving, undor charter to Captain D.

H. McKenzie, loft for Auckland via Tutuioln on February ISth. Mr John

Lundon was a passonger. Ho did not induco the nativo chiefs to accompany him as a deputation to tho Now Zoaland Govornmont re annoxation, as was ox iioctod. It is possiblo that tho chiefs havo boon guided in this matter by the pro bability of an auiiooblo arrangement being arrived at botweon tho British and Gorman powers with roforonco to Samoan affairs. When the moil loft tho German flag was still flying ovor Apia, and the English and American Consuls were supporting King Malietoa. A fooling prevails that presont disagreements would bo settled amicably, and that fighting, which was foarod as likely to toko placo at dato of previous advices, would not take placo.

Nativo affairs continue satisfactory. Thoro was a largo gathering at Parihaka on 17th instant, but To Whiti's nddroas was not of an inflammatory kind. After the mooting a body of ovor 1,200 natives, headed by tbo old warrior Titokowaru, marched through tho town of Now Plymouth; but tho demonstration was a friendly one. At King Tawhiao's sottlomont at Whatiwhati hoo thoro was also a largo assomblago de voted to altornato doses of "kai" and " kororo," but tho tone of the speeches was commonplaco. Tho King and othor chiefs appeared in Good Templar regalia, and urgod on tho people tho benefits of total abstinonco. A somowhat alarming out break of religious fanaticism has takon placo ot Kaikohe, Bay of Islands. Maria Pungaro, tho daughter of a chief, has laid claim to tho prophetic gift, and has suc ceeded in convincing nearly tho whole Maori population that tho end of all things is at hand. Sho prophesied that on tho 27th instant there would be a great earthquake, and as the result of this the doad would all arise, the difference boing that the Maoris would appear as "pakehas," and vice versa. After this, Christ would como, and the 28th would be the last day. Tho deluded people have been disposing of thoir property at ridiculously low pricos, and bestowing the proceeds upon tho prophetess. The dusky seer, who is believed to be mad, has been offering up sacrifices after tho stylo of the Mosaic law, and it was reported that she intended to offer a human sacrifice. The Maoris declare they will kill hor if her predictions provo false, and sho in turn has declared that if sho disappears about the " last day " it will be due to the Europeans, and the natives must avenge her. All these occurrences have alarmed the sparse European popula tion of the district; but the Government believe there is no danger to be appre hended, and that the police will be able to avert any threatening consequences. A deplorable feature of the affair is that when the fanatics awako from thoir delusion they will find their property all gone and their storos of food diminished, so that they will have to depend for sustenance upon ex traneous aid.

We are glad to learn that the " Anglo- New.Zealander," the colonial paper started in London under the editorship of Mr G. M. Reed, formerly of Auckland, is a decided success. The support received in England has been so great that a more frequent issue of the paper is under considera tion. Mr R. C. Reid, late proprietor of the "West Coast Times," and one of the best-known journalists in New Zealand, has joined Mr G. M. Rood in the venture, and is now engaged canvassing the South prior to his departure for England. Tho "Anglo-New Zoalandor" finds a wide circulation in tho public libraries and farmers' clubs of England, and is sought for by all classes of persons whoso attention is turned towards New Zealand or Australia.

We understand that considerable reduc- U tions are being made in the staff of the Audit n Department, no less than eight officers d having recoived notice that their services aro to be dispensed with. Several of them t aro of high standing and sufficient length t of service to entitle them to pensions, it Mr Hartright audit officer of tho Agents- l< General Department in London, will rotiro s on account of ago, and will be succeeded by t Mr Palllsser, well-known throughout the colony as oneof tho travelling auditors. Dr. T. Hope Lewis, M.R.C.S., England, L S A., London, late Government Resident £ Medical Officer at Rotorua, has written a c " Medical Guide to the Mineral Waters of i Rotorua," giving the results of his throo j years' experience as Government Medical j Officer in the Hot Lake District. The work ] is now in tho press. For the first time I invalids will be supplied with a scientific J troatiso upon the medical value of the j Springs, and tho diseases ln whicli they I have been found usoful. By attention to J Dr. Lewis's directions, much disappoint- f ment and positive physical injury will be t provontod. In his introduction, tho author controverts a popular delusion that the Thormal Springs of Rotorua aro "capable of curing everything," and describes the properties of the various baths and tho • diseases for which thoy may be bonoficially used. Invalids who meditate a visit to the Lakes may thus inform themselves belore hand of the reasonablo expectation of relief which New Zealand Spa affords. Tho book will undoubtedly havo a largo and special circulation, It includes directions regard ing routo, description of township, and other usoful information. Three passengers of considerable dis tinction arrived by tho mail stoatner on Sunday, March 8, viz., Mr Georgo A. Salo, tho woll-known journalist raconteur and author; Sir K. W. Cumming, who is on a tour through Now Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Now Caledonia, .larva, Borneo, St. Helena, and South Africu _ and Major-Goneral E. O. do Fairelough, who served with H.M. 14th Rogimont during the Waikato war. Tho last-named gontleman is accompanied by his wifo, and is also on a pleasuro tour. Both ho and Sir K. W. Cumming proceeds South after visiting tho various places of interest in and about Auckland. Mr Sola, as our readers must know, is under engagement to Messrs Kignold and Allison for a sories of lectures in all tho leading towns of theso colonies. The Commissioners appointed to inquiro into the question of tho unomployod in Can terbury district havo handed in their report, whicli is dated January 7th, and signed : Thos. Carmichaol, F. Corley, and Wm. Powell, Commissioners. They stato that after taking voluminousevidence, thoy find that for the past two years there has i boon a large falling-off in employment for i working men, and that there has boen a • considerable increase of distress and im ' poverishmont. Ono hundred and fifty persons were examined, including represen tatives from tho various trades, ond | after deducting a reasonable percentage ' for cases of indolence thero remains i a large residum of mon, capable and will [ ing to work, who havo not been earning I wogesot half-time during tho last two years. , Thoy also find that a largo numbor of , mechanics who had boen brought to tho i colony at groat exponso have loft the colony . for Victoria and New South Wales. This i fact leads the Commissioners to think and I suggest that somothing is wrong in our j social economy whon an exodus of this i nature takos place, and Government havo periodically to como forward to find work f to enablo thoso that remain to earn their j own broad. The wages paid, thoy assort, . are suflieiently high to enable ordinarily , provident pooplo to live comfortably. This. r hundreds cannot obtain for the following roasons:—(l) Tho towns are overbuilt, and '_ consequently there is now a paralysis of . tho Building trade; (2) there is serious j diminution of expenditure on all public ( works. Another important cause th_y 3 mention of tho diminution of employment , especially among farm labourers, has beon 1 the curtailmont of the spending powers of , farmers consequent on bad soasons and tho , high rato of railway freight during the yoar. Doarnoss of monoy also causes a 3 diminution of monoy and labour, and con -3 siderably hampers commorce, local in dustries, and agriculture. Referring to the a oxpondituro for charitablo aid in Canter k bury district, it is montionod that for the yoar ended Juno 30th, 18S4, it exceoded \ that of the previous yoar by £762. 1 We aro glad to bo able to announco anothor , local industry for this city, which will bo 3 hailed by tho community as a further source 1 of employment, and an assistance to tho , stability of Auckland's commorco. Wo \ refer to a woollon manufacturing company, which, aftor boing longtalkodnbout, ib now '_. dofinatoly poojoetcd. From the prospectus 3 as at presont printed, but not yet beforo the 3 public, wo leurn tho Company is to comprise 3 a capital of £50,000 in 20s shares. Tho diroe , tors are distributed botwoen Auckland, Gis r borno, Napier, Wanganui, and New , Plymouth, and comprise gontlemon [ that can bo depended upon to erect such a , factory on not only a comploto but lucrative r footing, with all tho latest improvements in , machinery. It is proposed to afford facili _ ties to all classes of tho public to take , shares in tho Company's register, thereby [ assisting a universal interost in tho pro , gross of a factory for which Auckland . affords such oxcollont facilities. Wo shall watch with interost the progross of , this highly-promising industry.

MINING SUMMARY.

Thames, Tuesday. Though tho goldfields furnish compara tively little this month in the way of actual results, it cannot bo questioned that the general outlook at the Thames is far more premising than has boon tho caso for many months. An improvomont has takon place in tho vory parts of tho field to which above all othors wo aro accustomed to look for the revival which will assure tho perman ence of the goldfield, namely, tho low levels, and, singularly enough, it has occurred simultaneously in the deop workings at both ends of the district. In the Queen of Beauty mine, tho manager, aftor deepening tno shaft to tho 747 feet levol, drove crosscuts eastward and north-west to intersect both the main lodes. In tho latter direction a leader about 6 inches wido was struck last weok, from which sovoral well-mineralised stones carry ing gold were selected, and immediately beyond it, the No. 1 reef was met with. A sufficient quantity of quartz was taken out to establish the fact that the reef was the most promising body yet found in the lower levels; but an influx of water then occurred, and com pelled tho suspension of operations. The pumps, working at tho greatest attainable speed, have kept tho inflow fairly in check, and as soon as the country surrounding the lode has beon thoroughly unwaterecf, the prospecting work will be resumed, and trial crushings taken out without delay. The north-western crosscut of tho Ca'e donian Low Level Company, at tho 610 feet level of the Big Pump shaft, has passed through a lode four feet in thickness, which is believed to correspond with the Duko reef of the Kuranui Hill mine. Though no gold was observed, the stono was of a most favourable description, and tho country of a very kindly class for working. Another body of quartz bearing heavy deposits of antimony has since appeared in the face. In working on the cross lode from the southorn cross cut, tbe manager has found stones containing blotches of fino gold—the first tangible reward yet obtained as the result of the Company's perseverance in prospecting. The Cambria Company's handsome yield of l,oooozs. from the month's operations onabled tho payment of another dividend of Is per share. The directors have purchased an interest in the Moanataiari Extended winding and pump ing plant for £1,000, and the shaft is being deepened with the object of connecting it with the present workings. The prospects of the Caledonian Company have been materially onhanced by the intersection of the Red Queen reef at the 360 ft. levol. The lode maintains an average width of about a foot, and the precious metal is freely dis tributed through it. A crushing of 20 loads of quartz from the No. 3 leader of the New Manukau mine gave the handsome return of 102Jozs. gold, and the manager is now work ing vigorously a block 100 feet in length from which the parcel was taken. In the Moanataiari Extended a two-feet reef has , been found, in which gold is visible, and a , drive on its course is in progress. The , Saxon shaft has attained the required i depth, and No. 6 level has been opened 460 _ feet below the surface.

A crushing from No. 3 reef at No. 5 level yielded Uozs. per load. The Deep Levol Cross Company are working tho cross-loader near the nortb-wostern boundary with pay able results, and gold has boen found in the samo body within the New Prince Im perial ground. Crushingg are proceeding from the Rooky Point and Moanataiari Companies, and the Cambria and Now Prince Imperial mines are employing 30 and 12 stampers respectively. Nothing of

importance has transpired during the month in the Ohinemuri and Te Aroha Tho Government have received informa tion as to the valuable discovery of stream tin ore on the wc3t coast north or Karamea, in an accessible position. A number of leases have already been applied for, and several specimens of ore havo been sent to the Government.

Abstract op Gold Returns, _. rom February 25th to Maroh 24th. inclusive. o_s awts Adelaide tributes - -.130 J Caledonian tributes .. .. <• }« J Cambria, 311 loadß _ cwt .. ..1,000 0 Darwin. 33 loads ~ 28 15 Don Pedro tributes » _ Dart tributes " i« 2 Deep Level Cross,27 loads ~ .. 38 B Deep Level Cross tributes .. .. 21 lb Kuranui Hill J2 2 Kuranui Hill tributes 70 i Moanataiari tributes 112 11 New Manukau, 20 loads.. .. -102 « New Prince Imperial, 181 loads .. 320 0 Reuben Parr tributes ~ .. .. 30 14 Saxon, 21 loads .38 U Sundries 500 ° Bmall parcels 5* 0 Waiotahi .. _ • 2_3 9

Total 2.852 8 WAIORONGOMAI DISTRICT. New Find 295 2 Waiorongomai '< f Diamond Gully 12 10 Eureka JJ 0 Premier JO U May Queen • 10 13 Total 475 5 OHINEMURI DISTRICT. Ivanhoo (ICarangahako).. .. -.157 8 Martha Extended (Waihi) .. ..113 la Radical (Owharoa), tributer Rcid ..31 0 Sir Walter Scott (liaransrahake) .. 18 12 3ZcT 15 Grand Total for Goldflolda .. ..3,648 8

TRADE DISPUTES.

A Dis?-TU has arisen between the manager of the New Zealand Timbor Company's mill and a Bection of the hand 3 employed by him, with tho result that ten or a dozen of the latter aro out of work. The present position of the dispute is that the men are walking idly about tho streets, and that the night shifts at the mill have boon discon tinued.

A dispute which has arisen between tho manager of the Auckland Tobacco Company and the cigar-makers in their employment I has caused a number of workmen to be thrown out of employment, and will lead to a partial paralysis of this vory promising industry. The circumstances connected with tho dispute, as stated by the men, are as follow : —They were brought over here from Sydney and Melbourne on the promise of constant work at prices ranging from 40s per 1,000 cigars to higher rates for first claßs work. Two weeks ago, Mr Walsh, manager, intimated that, as retrenchment was necessary in the factory, their wages would bo reduced by 25 percent. The pen, feeling that the proposed rate of 30s per 1,000 would be utterly inadequate to support them and their families, declined to accept the reduction, but offered to remain at work at 35s per 1,000. Mr Walsh replied that if they could not accept the full reduction they might tako a month's notice to quit. Last Friday, when only a fortnight of the notice wss expired, they allege that the manager sent orders to them to knock off at once, or go on tho 25 per cent, reduction, and they therefore left in a body on Saturday morn ing. The men on strike are nino in number, and are nearly all men with families.

THE CASTLETOWNROCHE TRAGEDY.

The Police Court was crowded on Wednesday, March 18, with persons anxious to hear the case against William Sheehan, accused of the murder of his mother, brother, and sister in Ireland. Sheehan was placed in the dock soon aftor eleven o'clock, and charged with that he did, at Castletownroche, County Cork, Ire land, on or about tho 27th August, 1877, feloniously, and with malice aforethought, kill and murder three persons—Catherine Sheehan, Thomas Sheohan, and Hannah Sheehan.

Mr Superintendent Thomson appeareJ, in conjunction with Mr Hudson VVilliam son, Crown Prosecutor, on behalf of the Crown, Mr Williamson conducting the prosecution. Messrs W. J. Napier and E. W. Burton appeared on behalf of the frisoner, Mr Napier defending him. |William Dunny, Sergeant of the Royal rish Constabulary, stationed at Cork, identified prisoner, with whom he had been acquainted about three months before he left home, and detailed the circumstances leading to a warrant being granted for bis apprehension. Acting in pur suance of thut warrant, he came out to Wel lington, in this colony. In Wellington he too- steps to have the warrant endorsed by the Governor. He cot it endorsed by the Chiof Justice and the Premier, and also had tho seal of the colony placed upon it. That warrant authorised him to apprehend William Sheehan if he should be found in the colony, and to bring him before a magistrate.

Detective Walker deposed to arresting tho prisoner on the 22nd December last at Waikomiti, twolvo miles from Auckland, under authority of a provisional warrant

Tho depositions wore read over to the prisoner, who was warned in the usual manner, and in response to the customary challenge said ho had nothing to say. Mr Napier then addressed tho Court in defenco. He questioned the jurisdiction of His Worship, and com menting on tho evidence referred to the iact that the only statemont upon which tho accused could be remanded back to Ireland was that of the lad David Duane. Ho discredited the evidenco of this youth, who was, ho said, a poor, ignorant, half-demented creature, whoso word was not reliable. Mr Napier pro ceeded to suggest that the probability was that Duane concocted the story in the hope that any service he rendered io clearing up the mystery might lessen his own sentence. He quoted authorities to show that very clear evidence was necessary before a prisoner could be remanded to anothor country under the Fugitive Offenders Act, and held that in this case the evidence was not nearly suffi cient. His Worship (Mr H. G. Seth Smith) said the prisoner would be com mitted to Mount Eden Gaol to await his return to Ireland on a charge of murder. He would not, however, be surrendered for fifteen days, and in the meantime he might apply for a writ of Habeus Corpus, and test the questions raised before tho judge oi the Supremo Court. Prisoner was tber removed from the dock. We understand that Mr Napier has decided to opply to the Supreme Court for a writ of Habeus Corpus in order to further test the points raised.

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of tho above body was held on Wednesday, March It. The annual report stated that the total income, exclud ing bank balanoes and refunds, had been £193 2s 9d as against £562 Is for the previous yoar. The name licenses had yielded £445 as againßt £516 10_ tor 18S3. Howover, from the latter sum, a sum of £67 10s paid by the Government In error had to be deducted. Tho mombers' subscriptions still continued to full off £134138 Hdropreßonted theamount of theexpen diture, leaving a balance of £265 7s Id to credit Of this sum, £150 was at fixed deposit in the Bank of New Zealand. In all probability tho safe establishment of both b*rwn trout and American brook trout in our streams was only a question of time. Youngtrout wore frcquenty aeon in the Waitakerel river and Henderson's stream, while tho brook trout in the As.lum stream were in a healthy condition. Several of the trout in the Domain fish ponds had attained a weight of over five pounds, and it was hoped a supply of ova would be obtmncd from them during the approaching season. The Socioty had not been so surcessiul with brook trout, tho first shipment of 30,000 ova being all dead on arrival from San Francisco. Iho American cat-fish were increasing fast, in St. John a Lake, and already were exceed ingly numerous.

A statement of accounts was also submitted, and thia, along with the report, was duly adooted. Mr Baretow was elected President for the ensuing year, and MrB.E, Hughes, sec, was elected Vice-President. The Commitiee wore re-elected, and Messrs J. Waymouth and T. L. white were re-elected auditors.

VIOLENT STORE.

**"> WATS*. 0* UIR,

A stiff northerly breezn „._,., A, gale during the night IZ *° «' M_ con ; iderab?efopea gll S ;s a^ o a and suburbs slight damS_ HetJ. such as the blolin dofe**sS England, was carriedT". _c CCk„ the roof.of the b«iS*^lJ Sims and Brown's timbe^S $* a largo chimney wa» u'^Wnttrf- In the harbour a nuXMll were sunk, and others The effects of the gale w l dm*«C^ along the Ponsonbyfo^ >^ than ten pleasure boats w e ,l; by tho boisterous £fo [___?Mw Jones's yacht Masher"l B***"8 ***" W Stodart'eßock.at PonseX %.*$ bowsprit carried away si,' MW-_ quently hauled up high 21 ?"'"£ tbo new yacht Alp h «n o^ <M tt airman, was blown tron, JSSsiK thrown high up on the rocksa.^N The Blue Rib_on and <ffiJ-»M3 the others which were SSMi moorings. A bout 8 o'clock [Sn^C pany'scoalCantci-ohulkdraff^Foll^ to the westward of QumSt. ii and an hour later _h 8 D^ ***'« below the cliff near St. 2A W The tide being then oTSS reaching the reek,, S> M§ her from going to niWT-i N Wynyard Pier, th< 7 2_?* ' $.«! which was recently purch_-_?l_7**-*. Pratt for trawling% P ul !^,ySS anchor got foul YtKSfISF forced hor almost to the _£__ it* then went broadside en 13 »S tamed considerable damage an \ sss* water. The yacht RitaWffli anchor, but brought tm l_____m distance fromtheVba"? '__fm Darcy Pratt, outward bound, SSf far as Rangitoto Reef on Fk_3?§: till she was almost on to theZSi and it was reported that aSH was aground between there aStf Judge's Bay appear, to have ffi _ force of the winds. Among CM Mr Seymour George is ren-SrT. suffered a large Vm^i blown through the roof o/hisffl 1 gates were blown clean off thelrS the spouting torn off the upnTSfi. Mr A D, Bennett's .-_,!&* crop of maize was also laid a£&_ fine old willows growl.3| tin s old residence have been badSS in some cases the paths are blocluS large branches torn off like caK_ cwners of yachts and vessels _mM a very anxious time in this bay ml fields Arawa drew her _»hS_ drifted past the Muritai 8ome"s8 morning, but was brought ud-WS! anchor.The Wenona.another 'iMm drifted a deal, but finallyheldw^ boat belonging to Mr A. D, Bet»2 from ite moorings this bS.^ smashed up like an esml_2r'__ the cliffs, while a 'tasi.p,s? the Hose Ann, ".longing fo% __ gentleman, was only saved fam_s destruction by letting out a second«_, and is now riding dangerouslycl«e_l cliffs. Several small yacht. m_u foundered, ~** The gale was felt severely iani,* of the city and suburbs, and atjaijiS amount of damage has beenc_i«Z_ fences, and the like. A cottage aJM tho property of Mr Jones, sa&lK blown down. Many fences Tgj'JL down in thiß vicinity,'':ptfs™ Road and Kyber Pass anumW _|2 were uprooted, obstruofliitfSi|Hj Perhaps, however, the <_3 j suffered most severely ytti'fak where the full fury of tte^i felt. Several windows in the mtm_ Hall, Karangahape Road, were bloni A block of shops, being erected tetiaaf of Mr Wood, in tho same street, mrt considerable straining, and _;|ii'sß had such a list from the perpeK_c__i stays had to be used to prevenitheki ing from collapsing. Thevensdiiitti to Mr Soir's bootshop was hhini_i down. In Pitt-street, a-6-ioa Kajql occurred. Miss Peareon,ir_o" iSfeg-H her mother in Karaugahapeßtwij nsßi ceoding to town this morning. _Umf, was passing Mrs Walten1* millla^T<__ißffi lishmont, in Pitt-street, the veraadai n|i" lifted bodily and camedovm iiflncH.s"^' smashing ono of the windo__ mfie s^i|p_': its descent. BTise PearsonTW_s_riicl-rfi'i1' a portion of thefallingtimkj^^/H^.. a compound fracture MmH^>M_\ tho ankle. The unfortrati jMtjmow1 IN was carried to Dr. ft-Awtat, where the doctor set liik^M'drfu. subsequently taken ho_B, ..A, ';A. Two houses were btiiri'irti-'J Surrey Hills; also a stall- its KM of erection by Mr fWngiii-i behind Russell's grocery"ftWwjli road. One of the hoaskiijMH building in course of O-XttaiMip stroet, and the ethers thrrtßOpHif opposite King-streeet; in'SuMS1 These wero unoccupied, B*4|M| : injured. " ' < A man employed at MVMffls Epsom, was injured tywnjrofl ot the roof of a stable f-llg.i||l appears that Mr Murdooh t| M__H| and on going outside, foW'lHffl on the ground with a la_'s«fj|{ top of him, the injurieS'SSWM be a compound fracture of't_4{|ffl fracture of the spine;; man was conveyed to tte'BffKffl died the following morning, tf Tbe gale appears to h>T..j*f fcr a considerable oSstauWlll ctast, and particulars of **jjfl are constantly coming to hanijW vessol in port escaped, withoniMß some injury, while thefe"itce.,Mß and trees uprooted, apPWiIH Altogether, itise-timaftdt^WH Auckland alone the dsmwHa something between £40,000 MM Probably the greatest foHjjSU gale was that of the steamer, PS sell Jjplonging to th. WfMmS panyf-'which was wrecked \mßm Bay of Plenty. All the «e*Ml| in safety. , This vessel W-MQI March 12, at midnight, ™Sl general cargo for Auckland, J_W__\ Tbe Waikato Coal and S|MM pany have received the ™WtM from Captain Helandor, 4«tf Jlffl and despatched from Opptiki mm -" Arriving at Oreti Point»iffl| ing grounded on the rock •yW'M all day lightening ship, got M|Sj| tried every means to get: "WSj wator this afternoon, but was gS Will try again next tide, hot mm hopes of saving the »h'P-, a °',.iiyW ing upright and bM.»IB rocks and making water »*SaM telegraph station is 60 m"f .&_■ The Company have given notn»««r» ment of the steamer. , , s i) • mA

REMENYI'S IMPRESSION NEW ZEALAND.

In answer to a question .;»« i: &yß| pressions produced on btßmjPJ%___ of the colonies, Edousrd f^S'gßW brated Hungarian violini.t,Ba'a: i « my impressions are peraoMl, mJ&WB, you them perfectly _f bntMK is and has been ««■«:«■ kindness, as I have *fX*£Bßm. most favourable ideas of t- ie/-J|l»' one who is not so wen ?3M|M is needless to say,. . vf>:rMMi to entertain contrary oP^-feflM sopher enough, "owevw, w*£ffl» received, to find out that ftf SS_ a tremendous future, ,»■ •5fH; Zealand, it is certainly °«SM wonderful countries I climate, it is a perfect r^Jifß to live in' T^WhSSftß seem extravagant, Wlh^«a« metaphorically regaling >° U„_sott*Jl| I have the courage of T -*Olii___P I thought differently !.*&&■■§ to say so. I»^K«I pared to see well >"d^>^H Used people, for I road,^S, li_«| the colonies before I r^HSIR I never go anywhere^grfM myself, by means of beoUW gJK be quite ignorant °^JL -tflK am going and not be «W*&M astonished face, co '£i.*TAjffflK_! New Zealond are ».-«S_l||lß of them which _ffI.«BSaHW ! I moan Dunedin, -^SHM land. Wellington ha. ta^^ftjjM. its harbour is certainly beautiful I have seen, iffiffl »*■:■= has nothing to complain oh US < respect. The beauty ".jJHHB hour is overpowering, »™^fsM is charming beyond »f^-»* the feeling with which one i a g #« ing the harbour of but in gazing n , mJ__Ti<^ l _^__m' land, ono is entranced w tb-j£ «■ a great resemblance to. scenery which I s»V« ___P* -"-^B on my roturn home from W I

THfi AUCKLAND EVENIHW SIAK. SATURDAY, MAKCH £8, 138&

4



Government offor a bonus of sixpence per gallon on kerosine produced in the colony to an extent not exceeding 50,000 gallons, in quantities of not less that 10,000 gallons at a time.



A Wise Deacon.—"Deacon Wilder, I want you to tell me how you kept yourself and family so well the past Boason, when all tho rest of us have been sick so much, and have had tho doc tors running to us so often." " Brother Taylor, tbo answer is very easy. I used Hop Bitters in time, and kept my fumily well, and saved largo doctor's hilts. Four shillings' worth o£ it kept us all well and able to work all tho time, aud I will warrant it has Co3t you and most of tho neighbours £10 to £100 apiece to keep sick tho same time. I fancy you'll take my medicine ".reafter. See.



"HOUGH ON RATS. "-Clear, out ~*•. mice, -oa-h-i, Ch ~ au'-. bc.l.b-^, bcul;,-■, i_.-f<-t-. bl_.u__-s,_nc._.-i_bbitj, goy__n_ At JJ-l___ii-. ,k_.___-__i fi-uu - Co,, Ajreu t», A-c-iiud.



i The "New Zealand Times" of March 9 publishes the following :—" Regarding certain remarks and telegrams that ap peared in our paper relating to the Hon. Sir J. Vogel's connection with the Con solidated Telephono Company, we desire to state (1) that our reforence to the matter in our Summary was inserted by a subor dinate member of our staff contrary to editorial instructions, and was through an oversight printed ; (2) as to the remarks and telegrams from time to time published, we find, on reading the two reports of the in vestigating committee, that the questions at issue between Sir J. Vogel and the Com pany are in the nature of a private dispute, and do not in any way reflect on his charac ter. We have to express our regret that these remarks and telegrams appeared in our columns, founded an they wore on mis leading data, and wo have to apologise for their appearance."



___..__,' BUCHU PAIBA.''-Quick, compliite etna, all umoytm Kl_D»y, Bladder aud Urinary _>lacaaea. At Dr-rcUU i.— .___._... Ktmolbo—— Proa.—- - _.. _j_ota, i.u____, .