COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night.

Opera House—" The Bohemian Girl," 8. St. James's Hall-Lecture by Dr. Key worth, 8. Forcatera' Hall—Lecture by Mr Cox, " Drama tists of tio Restoration," 8. Temperance Hall - United Mooting of Tern plary Lodges, 7.30. H.A.0.8. Socloty-Spccial Meeting, 7.30. Wcaleyan Homo Mi 'siona-PitL. street, 7.33. DovonportHall—NavalandMilitaryConcort,B. Auckland Cavalry-Drill, Domain, 6.

Auction Sales To morrow.

A. Buckland-S.tock, Romuera Yards, 1 p.m. ' Gabriel Lewi3-Muntz Metal and Nails, II a m. S. Cochrane and Son-Cutter Bo=sio, 11 a.m.; Racing Boats, 11,30 a.m. Vailo and Douglas-Allotments, 2 p.m. It. Arthur-Properties, 12. B. Tonka and Co. - Oranges, Plums, etc.,lla,m.

Chief Post-Office, Auckland.

Halls will close as under :— Tniw Day. For Katl Rati. Aougatoto, Tauranga, and Opotiki. via Thames, por Enterprise, at o p.m. For Thames, for Enterprise, at 5.20 p.m. TnuusnAY, Novcmbor 19. For Port Fitzroy, Tryphena, and Okupu, per Argylo, at 7 a.m. For Thamef, nor Rotoraahana. at 9.30 a.m. For Watwern, Te Knpo. Warkwortn, &c„ per Coromandel. at 10 n.m. Per Ringarooraa, oa follows: For Gisborne, Napier, Soutnorn ports, and Australian Colonios. at 11 a.m. For France, Algeria, Soychelleß. Adon, Mauritius. Capo of Good Hope. &c. (per Frnnoh I'ucket from Melbourne), at 10 a.m. I For India, China. Japan. Moditoranean Porta, &c, at 10 a.m. Kor Unitod Kingdom an'l Continent of Europe, via Suez and Brindisi. por P. & O. steamer) for iettors &c„ specially prepaid and addressed, at 10 a.m. Tho United Kingdom Mail will be due at London on January 12. For Coromandel. per Ruby, ut 11.30 a.m. For Facnoa, por Mimiha, at I p.m. For Tauranga, and Opotikl, per Clansman, at 5 p.m. Friday. Novombor 20. For Thames, per Rotomaha.ia. at 10.30 a.m. For Whitianga and Upper Mill, per Argyle. at 5 p.m. For Whangaro", Parua. Walpu. Whangarei, Kamo, and Mangapai, per Mncgregor or Waitaki. at S p.m. For Thamos, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Signed) S. B. BISB, . Chlof Poetmaster, Ohlof Poßt-offloe, Auokland.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Sonsbt.—This evening. 6.16. SUNBIBH.—To-mnrrow morning, 1.15. Moon'b Aqk.—Full Moon, 2ind, 1) 18 p.m.

HIGH WATER.

Aooklahd -Tula afternoon, 3.33; to-morrow morning, 1 4. MancxaU Hkatoi—This afternoon, 6.13; to morrow morning 611. Kaipara Heaoh—This evening, 7,13; to-mor row morning, 7.11.

ARRIVALS.

LABT EVKNINS. Taupo, s.s., McColl, from Tauranga to-da¥. Ringarooma, as., Popham. from Sydney Clanamau, s.s„ Farquhar, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Suva, s a,, Johnson, for Gisbomo Waitaki, e.s, Crawford, for Whangarel MaogroKor, as., Johnson, for Whangarei Agnee Donald, sch„ Lewie, for Giaborno

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Rotomahaua, from Thames, to day, 8 30 p.m. Enterprise, from Thames, to-morrow. 1 a.m. Argyle.trom Atercury Bay, to-morrow early Kuby, from Coromandel, Friday, 2 p.m. Omapero, from South, Saturday Southern Cros-, from South, Saturday Coromandol, from Coromandel, Monday, 5 p.m. Coptic, from Plymouth, about Novomber 25 Ruapehu, from Plymouth, about Docember 8 Zoalandia, from San Francisco Dao. 12' Rimntaka, from Southorn Porte, about Deo. 15. (For projectod departures see shipping ad vertisements and moll notices.)

IMPORTS.

Per Ohnn—l6 blocks etoue, 50 reels wire, 500 sacks flour. 615 sacks oats. 151 bOKOs candles, 13 Back bones, 626 pkgs. ex Rituutaka from London. Por Ringarooma: 250 oases whisky, 827 bags bonedust, 39 bags psppor, 58 orates bottles, 1 606 bags rice, 09 pkga matting. &c, 50 bags tapioca, 11 ca*ks p. of ammonia, 330 pkgs fruit, 10 qr oasks port, 5 cases tobacco, 12 crates extinguish ers, 32 casts gronades, &<\, 163 ingoti tin. 12 blocks stono, 5 boxes gold (£25,000), and 133 pkgs sundries. Inwarus Coastwise.—Vixen, from Mahu- I rangi. with 22 head cattle; Fawn, from Waihiki, with 45 tons Bbinßle. ODTWiRDs Coastwise.—Vixen, for Port Charles. Eie rao'el of an old merchantman, oon the 10th, brines a lorga cargo of oats for this port, Tho schooner Mitnlha (Cou_-h) oleared at the Customs to-day for .Apia. The schooner Wairoka arrived atSydner from Kaipara on tho oth instant, 13 days out. Tho brigantine Maria Virginia left Newcastle ltor Auokland on October 9. After caaiploling hordischarge of cargo hero, the barque Ada Melmoro will proceed to Oamaru to load for London. The barque Grasmero arrived at Portland, Oregon, from this port on O.tober 12, after a fine weather passage of 51 day s. The s.s. Manapourl. which leaves for Sydney this evening, is to remain thero nntll Docem ber 3rd next, aid thin, in event of the Into arrival of tho Mararoa in this colony, sho will take up tho San Francleca mail service. The 8.8. Taupo arrived early last evening, having called at Port Chalmers and inter mediate porta on tho East Coast. Sho brought cargo ex Rimntaka from London. The direct steamer Rsapehu, which l«f t Cape town on the 11th Instant, calls at Port Chalmers Heads to land mails, and is duo to arrive here about December 8. The schooner Louie and the brigantine Sarah Pile are loading at Dunedin for this port. Tho brigantlno Mix tie, which was docked yesterday, ia to be stripped and re coppered by Messrs Sims and Brown. San Francisco papers reoord the curious series of coincidences that tbo Edderslde and Lochoe, ships, which both sailed from Newcastle for that port on July 21 at the Bame hour, took their pilots off the .American coast and arrived nlso in port together, and ytt during tho voyage neither were in Bight of the other, Tho 8.8. Clansman arrived from Tauranga early this morning. Paasonarera:—Master A. if. Masters. Messrß liovorill, Clayton, Mr and Mrs King, Mr and Mrs Campnoy, Mrs Robertson, and three steerage. The brigantine Stanley loft Melbourne for Kaipara on November 3, Concerning the petition recently forwarded to Wellington, asking that Mr McKay might be retained at the Tirltirl lighthou-e, information has been received by Mr Peacock, M.H.K., that the Government is unable to comply with the request.

Messrs Cruioknhank and Co. have recelveti a telegram stating that the E. and A. Co's steamers Menmino and Guthrie wUI leave Sydney for Hong Kong and eastern ports on tho 10th December and 2nd January respectively. Messrs Cruickshank and Co. book passengers and cargo through from Auokland.

A few weeks ago we published Information to the effect that owing to tho quarantine regula tions existing in Egypt, the mail and passengers by the P. &0. Company's steamers could not be conveyed by rail between Alexandra and Suez, but had to be oarried through the Suez Canal. Mesera Crnickabank and Co have now recoived advico that tho ordinary railway service across Egypt will he resumed this month.

THE RINGAROOMA.

The s.s. Ringarooma, from Bydr,o7, arrived here at 8 a.m. to da)'. Sho left tho Company's Wharf at 1.60 p.m. a.vl cloared Sydney Heads at 5.35 p id. »n the 13ih inst. Passed Threo Kings at 10 am. on 17th, North Cape at 215 p.m. same day, Tiritiri at 1,30 this morning, and arrived hero as above Experienced light vari able winds and :fine weather throughout, after a smart passage of i days 11 hours from Sydney. Saloon passengers: Mosdamos .A damson, Haughton, Bulhin, Mr and Mrs Graham, Mr and Mrs Shankl and, Mr and Mrs Barker and maid. Captain and Mrs Murray and servant, Mr and Mrs Palmer. Dr. and Mrs Beddoo, Mr and Mrs Voeey, Missoa Beddoe and Grant, Messrs Beddoe, Hankinson. Hamilton, L, L. Lloyd, A.. Browne. G. B. Allen. Forster, Coombo, A. Reid, L. Frank, Eraser, P. M. Campbell. Gccrz, M. Gallagher, MoDonald, J. Crawford, J, Tonnet, W. L, Tennet. Steerage: Messrs Knox. Fby, Flnkington. Bow man, Stokes. Roth, Lloyd, Res-erton, MoGill, Wabling, Murphy. Bradford, Samway, Lswo, Hopkins, Gray. Boomck, White, Lidundgat, Biggs, Wilson, Drlnkwater, Shelton, Allen, M. Meckln, Miss Pye, Mr and Mrs Meekln and child, Mr Kaougb. Mr and Mrs Nicholls, Mr Pierce and Mra M'lne. We ore Indebted to Mr James CampbeU, pursor, for preßS parcole, reports, etn.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVAL. Rotorna, b.b , NovlUo, from Wellington

DEPARTURES.

Rotorua, s.s. Neville, for tho Sou'.h Hannah Mokau, s.s., Windsor, for Hokianga

The Union Co.'s b.b. Rotorua arrived bom Wellington yesterday evening at 1 o'clonk. She left again for tho South at 5 o'clock this morn ing with 207 sacks and 129 bags potatoes, lOcases drapary, 61 sundry packages, and the following patßengen:-Mlsß Malkln, Mr and Mh Gray, Capt. and Mrs Daldy. Meßars S. Alexander, C. Post, Wallace, Skinner, Milne, Wood, Miller, glose, Adams, Westmacott, R. Tengelly, Glfiett, , Euuohier, and H. Lynch. Tho s.s. Hannah Mokau left for Hoklanga at 1 o'olook today, with 166 bags flour, 47 mats Bugar 30 oases spirits. 10 oases keroseno, 11 aaoks oats and 10 tons sundries.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Nelson, November 17.—Arrived: May Queen, 92 days from London. WBLiJNOTON.Novemborl7.—Sailed: Omapore, for Auckland. Sydney; November 17.-Sallod: Tekape, for New Zealand." Melbourne, November IT.-^Sailed: Hauroto, for Wellington. London, November ll.—Arrived: P. and O. Tasmania, from Australia, London. November 16.-Arrived: Auckland, i bom Pott Cnslmesf. : i

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, this day. Messrs Morton and Jackson offored for sale to-day ono aore of land in. the village of Pan : mure, and after a keen and spirited competition it was knocked down to Mr Thos. McDermott at £117. Thore was a large attendance. Messrs E. and A. Isaacs held a trade sale yesterday of men's, women's, and children a boots and shoos. They were Beasonablo goods, but tho prices realised were anything bnt satis factory. There was a fair attendance of buyers, ; but tho bidding was not spirited.

Notices to Correspondents.

W. G. Garrard.-Write to tho Town Clork If you havo got no reply to your petition to tho Mayor and Councillors. Politician.—Mr W. H. Gladstone was never. so far as wo aro aware, offered apeeragoin tho United Kingdom.

Births.

NELSON.—On November 17, at Viotoria-Btreot, the wife of the late Thomas Nolson of v, son. SOMMERVILLE —On Novomber 17. at Selwyn- Btreet, Ponsonby, the wife of Rev. It. Sommor vllle of a daughter.

Deaths.

CLARKE.-On November 17, Mary, widow of the late George Clarke, Ben., master mariner; agod 89 years. The funeral will leavo tho residence Of her son-in-law (Mr J. R. Poulter). Devon-street, off Newton Road, to morrow (Thursday), at 3 p.m. Fi iends please accept this intimation.

SCARROTT.—On November 17. at his residence Drayton Villa, Great South Road, John Soar rott, late of Dordon, England ; aged 62 years. The funeral will leave his late residence to morrow (Thursday), at 2.50 i>.m., and will arrive at tho Cemetery, Symonda-stroot, at a3opm

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

For the came that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the futura in the distance, And the good that we can do.

There would still seem to be an inten tion on the part of the Ministry t 0 raise the North Island Trunk Railway Loan in March next, and it is well that the public should clearly understand the grounds upon which they do so, and the power possessed by the Go vernment to apply the money so ob tained to general expenditure. Hence we publish in another column a clear statement as to the past practice by our Wellington correspondent, with the opinion of the Controller-General as to its legality. In considering this matter at the present stage, we desire to put aside all provincial feeling, and to forget that there is anything of the nature of " a slap at Auckland " in the proposal to raise and spend tho loan. There are two aspects in" which the thing may be viowed—the purely legal, and that of honour and good faith. We shall consider the last first, as it is decidedly the higher ground, and that which should form the basis of all political morality.

It is clear, then, that to raise the loan before Parliament meets will be a gross breach of faith with the Legisla ture and the people. And that for the very sufficient reason that all through the financial discussions of last session it was assumed that no borrowing would take place during the recess. Opposition speakers stated their opinion to that effect over and over again, and neither Ministers nor their supporters hinted at any intention to do otherwise, not even when tho re trenchment resolutions were carried, which, according to the Treasurer, rendered the need for borrowing ob vious. Further, to apply tho Railway Loan to general purposes would be justly considered a dishonourable action on the London stock exchange. Capitalists who tender for a loan on the express stipulation that it is for Trunk Railway construction ought to have faith kept with them, or the value of their securities will suffer. If, there fore, Ministers wish to keep faith with Parliament, with the people, and with the London capitalists, they will neither raise the North Island Trunk Railway Loan at present, nor will they attempt (supposing it to be laised) to expend it on other works, no matter how necessary they may be.

But there remains the legal aspect of the question. It is contended that the Government have full power to raise the loan whenever they deem it advisable to do so, and tho wording of the Act makes that sufficiently plain. It is therefore quite within their strict legal right to place the loan on the London market,. As to the legality of spending a specific loan for general purposes, the contention is by no means so sound. It is, in fact, as we shall endeavour to show, utterly fallacious. First of all, usage is urged, and it is pointed out that Major Atkinson during his Premiership treated " ear-marked " loans in precisely the same way. Without discussing the facts, as Major Atkinson will doubtless have a different, account to give, we would simply reply to this that no weight of precedent can establish a manifestly illegal course, so that argument may be set aside. The Jine of defence adopted by the Ministry, then, is this:-" The North Island Railway Loan Act was incorporated in the Appropriation Act, and treated as ways and means by the House, and hence it was authorised to be raised and expended for general pur poses." The facts we grant, but the inference we unhesitatingly

deny. Here the whole question of legality hinges. The million loan is included in the fourth schedule of the Appropriation Act of last session, just as it was in that of 18S4; and the second clause of the Act declares that " the Colonial Treasurer may issue and apply any sum or sums of money, not exceeding in the whole the sum of out of the several ways and means mentioned in the fourth schedule." That seems an explicit and undoubted authorisation of the proposed action of the Government, but things are not always what they seem. What deprives this provision of all force is the fact that a prior Act of Parliament —the Nortli Island Trunk Railway Loan Act of 1882—declared that the money should be raised and applied only to the extension of the railway named. No Act of Parliament or any of its provisions can be repealed by a contradictory provision in any subsequent enactment, unless such is done expressly, by citation of the Act or clause meant to be repealed. This is a legal axiom so well known as scarce to require stating, and its bearing on this ques tion is most important. The Appro priation Act of last session does iwl repeal that clause of the Trunk Rail way Loan Act which limits the expen diture of the money to that purpose only, and therefore the inclusion of the loan as ways and means does not over ride the plain restriction of the original Act. That there may be no mistake as to the absolute force of the Loan Act in restricting the expenditure of the North Island Trunk Railway, we may state the following facts. When the Act was under discussion, several Auckland members expressed the opinion that the loan should be raised at once, and the money banked in the colony at fixed deposit—thus securing probably a slightly higher rate of interest than was paid for it. The intention of this proposal was to prevent the loan being dissipated over general expenditure. It was, however, deemed advisable rather to make the Act itself sufficiently binding, and the clause we refer to was framed for that purpose. It was sub mitted to the Law Officers of the Crown, who declared it to be thoroughly effective for the purpose aimed at. To recapitulate: Ministers cannot, with honour to themselves or justice to others, either raise or appropriate the million loan. According to the strict letter of the law they can raise it; but they cannot apply it to purposes of general expenditure without commit ting an illegal act. In brief, to raise the loan would be an immoral pro ceeding ; and to expend it for general purposes would be a grossly illegal act. In the face of these conclusions, the soundness of which can be maintained against all specious reasoning, it is to be hoped the Ministry will not persist in their declared intention.

THE LONDON SOCIAL SCANDEL.

It is evident that a serious error has been mado In transmitting tho telegram announc ing the sentences passed upon Messrs Stoad and Jacques, and Mesdamos Jarrett and Mourey in connection with tho Armstrong prosecution in London. Router's telegram, as it appears in tho Sydney papers, statos : " Tho following sentences wore passed :— For abduction and assault, W, Stead, 3 months' imprisonment; Jacques, 1 month's imprisonment; R«bocca.Jarrett and Madame Mourey, each six months' imprisonment, tho last-named with hard labour." Tho respecnvciyare Very' Uiueron't tromTlifod years, and it seems from neglect on tho part of Routor'a agents to give forth such un reliable news on a subject of such wide general interest. Sovoral othor stupid blunders have been made by tho same agency recently.

Cambria shares have been in request again in cotiHOquonce of o telegram announcing 501ba of specimens from tho winze Salos woro mado at 26s lid. Blanchos huvo changed bauds freely at la 4d to 2s. Thero are now sellers at 2s. Konilworth aro quoted nt .fs 3d. Other mining stocks arc dull of sale, Colonial Banks aro wanted at 43s Gd, Aucklund (las at £11, and Northern Boot at 12s with Boilers 138 (id. Tho Auckland portion of tho mail to bo forwordod por direct steamer Aortingi, to leave Wellington for London on November 19, left tho Manukau por Rotoruo at an early hour this morning. A man named Watson Dyor was admitlod to tho hospital this morning, Buffering from a splinter in his arm. His injuries wero attended to, and proved not to bo of a serious nature. He is employed at Secombo's Brewery. Tho cable messago published yestordny announcing the death of Bishop Abraham proves to be totally erroneous, und his Lordship is still nlivo and well. Thero are 41 ensos on the R M. Court list for to-morrow, mostly undefended. Mr Thos. Jackson will Bit in place of Mr Soth Smith, who is absent in the Waikato. Tho majority of Iho Auckland visitors who wero present at tho Molbourno Cup returned by tho s.s. Ringarooma this morning. Thore was only one case at'the Police Court to-day, viz., that of Mary Hamilton, alias Wolsh, who pleaded guilty to drunkon and disorderly conduct last night in Rut land-street. Constable White was called as to the conduct of tho prisoner, who was calling out " out of quod," " hot pics," Ac. She was vory drunk. Prisoner bogged for liberty, as sho had lived on gaol faro for two months. As this was hor third offenco sinco hor releuso, tho Bench (Messrs Whit combo and Buller) ordered prisoner, to pay £5 and costs, or retire to hor old quarters for a term of 14 days. Mr James McDonald, formerly mombor for Bruce, ia at prcsont in Aucklund. Another gentleman has nrrivod from Aus tralia for the Smelting Company at the Thames. Mr Plain, the gontloman in ques tion, has had a considerable amount of ex perience as a sinoltor at Sunny Cornor, and other mining fields. It is oxpected that tho assays of the dirt in tho shed will bo made known vary shortly, and thore ia consider able anxiety to know tho results. Reporting to the Harbour Board yester day on tho borthing of tho Arawa, the Harbour Mastor and Engineer say that thoy aro of opinion that any further attempt to deepen the berth at tho Railway Wharf is inexpedient, tho process being vory ex pensive, and the roault unsatisfactory as regards tho approach to the wharf and the safety of navigation. The Ringarooma, which arrived from Sydney this morning, brought 86' pas sengers for Auckland, and 17 paseongors for Southern ports. At the City Schools Committee moeting | held last evening, a letter was road from Mr B. M. 0. Harrißon, Head-master |of tho Beresford-street School, announcing that the writer had resumed duties after a , visit to Australia. Mr Harrison wrote that during his absence from Auckland he had visited many of tho schools in Sydnoy and Melbourne, and found that they compared favourably with the system in vogue in this colony. Ho also referred to the manner in which Mr Carter had conducted the school recently in very complimentary terms. At the request of the members of the Devenport Lawn Tennis Club tho Devonport Naval Brass Band has consented to play at their opening next Saturday. Wm. Geo. Dyer, a debtor, was examined this afternoon by the Official Assignee. Ho said that ho had been a bushman for 25 years past— in fact since his boyhood, His earn ings during the lßst'4 years had been in sufficient to pay his way, and nine weeks ago he was obliged to leave his home at Pakiri through domestic reaeons that were beyond his control. He loft behind him, in the care of others, all that he had, and had tried to realise upon it, but without success. The threaten ing attitude of some creditors had forced hinito file. The particulars of assets and liabilities are given elsewhere.

Mr Leech's Art Union drawing was hold last evening in Shortland-streot. Thero wore but two prizes, which wore won by two solicitors. The first prize was a splendid oil painting by Stone, and repre sented a peasant's cottage situated on tho slope of a dell at Woking, near Guildford, in Surrey. Mr W. J. Hill was tho happy winner of this exquisite work of art, and Mr Adam Brock carried off the second prize.

Duplicate tram lines are now being laid up Wolleeloy-streot East, This soction of tho line has now united with that at the corner of tho Caledonian Hotol, and tho cars will bo running on this circuit in the courso of a few days.

Tho Congregational Union of Now Zea land commences its annual soesion at Timaru on Tuesday next. The following are the iuekland representatives who left by tho s.«. Rotonia this morning:— Roys. T. Adams, W. J. L, Closs, and 11. W. Miller, Captain Dakly, Messrs John Milne, and Noah Wood.

A meeting in connection with the Wos loyan Homo Mission was hold last evening in tho AVesleyan Church, Parnell. Tho meoting was fairly attended, and tho samo report givon as on the previous night at Grafton Road. Addresses wero delivered by tho Revs. It. Bavin, E. Bost, T. G. Ham mond (Uokianga), and C. E. Bailey. The speeches weto specially interesting. Tho choir sang sevornl appropriate hymns and an anthem during the evening. A collec tion was made at tho close. A similar meeting will bo held to-night in Pitt-strcot, when R. Hobba, Esq., M.H.R , will tako tho chnir, and Roys. T. G Hammond, C. E. Bailey, and H. R. Dowebury will address the meeting. Professor Lambert will render an organ solo, and the choir will I sing selections of sacred music

Tho Harbour Engineer considers it just possible thai; tho di [Acuities caused by the Bottling of tho reclamation wall may bo overcome, and tho unfortunate wall strengthened and maintained iptact yot.

A boy in Shortland-street placed a big apple on tho Postollico stops and walked across tho streot to see who would take it.

A gentleman who had observed tho action said: "You shouldn't do that, my son. Somo poor boy may bo tempted to stoal it." "That's what I'm fishing for, sir, I've hollowed out the insido and fillod it with mustard."

Attention has again boon dirocted to the disputed question of tho Hob?on stroot wharf by a report submitted by the Harbour Engineor. He says:—I'l am still inclined to 'recommend tho adoption of tho solid wharf. Tho SO-feet width can bo just ns easily constructed in tho first instance with the rubble as with the timber, and the difference in cost would only bo about £7,000 on tho whole length of 1,000 feet for SO foot wide, and only £5,750 for tho complete width of 120 foot With referenco to tho 3G5 foet on the eastern side from dockhoad to ond of present reclamation, (he only way to make this piece available for a wharf is to carry out tho plan I previously submitted to tho Board. At presont there is only three foot of water to the mud surfneo nt low tide, and tho depth cannot bo increusod without lotting the slope run down to the bottom proposed to bo drodgod. A borth 18 feet deep at low water can be obtained at a cost of £22 por L. foot."

James Moonoy, a debtor, was examined ! on oath by the Official Assignoo to day. He said : "1 am a carpenter by trado, and am anativo of Onehunga, where I now reside Tor the last fivo years I have been in the habit of taking small contracts in that neighbourhood, and havo been able to pay my way until about throe yoar3 ago, whon, owing to sickness in my family, and slack ness of work, I bogan to fall into arrears. My liabilities aro mainly for household no nessarios and cash borrowed. I havo a wife and three children living (having lost two by sickness), and my earnings for tho Inst six- months have not averaged 20s a wook. About 12 months ago ray mother gave a quarter acre allotmont at Onehunga to my wife (Mr Brookfiold prepared the convey ance), and tho house I occupy has sinco boon built on this land, by means of money bor rowed from tho Onehunga Building Society. In conscquonco of pressure from sovoral of my creditors, one of whom has taken out a warrant for my arrest, I decided to tile my schedule. My furnituro is not worth more than £15. I have tried to borrow £10 on it, without success, and my tools are only tho ordinary tools of v journeyman.

Tho first of a sorios of lectures on " Social Purity" was given last evening in the Foresters' Hall, Karangahapo Road, by Dr. Koyworth. Dr. Kondordine presided, and noction with tho roconT ~,K¥ir/( Sfciri duetto" affair. Dr. Key worth's lecture which was an interesting one, was illus trated by a series of coloured drawings suspended on tho platform. Tho lecturer rocomuiondcd continence, which ho said was conducive to longevity, and enjoined upon his hearers tho necessity for purity of thought,habit, and conversation. Ho advo cated strong measures for tho ptinielunont of thoscducors of women ; thought that tho obstacles which at prcsont rendered the return of women to tho paths of virtue should bo removed as far as possible; and donounccd the Contagious Disonse Act as being ineffective, unjust, and immoral, A vote of thanks was paused to the lecturer at tho conclusion of his discourse and it was agreed, on tho motion of Mr Robert French, seconded by Uov. H. Bull, "That this meoting sympathises with Mr Stoad and his associates in tho causo of social reform." Pledge cards in connection with tho - ocial Purity Society wero distributed amongst tho audionce.

Tho congregation of St. James's Church hold a thoroughly successful conversazione and fruit Boiroo last evening. Some trouble had boen taken to decorate tho hall for the occasion, and tho clusters of ovorgreens, parallel tables of tastofully arranged rofreshmotits, and smiling faces of tho ■ lmgo aesomblago imparted an nttrac tivo and nnimatod appcarnnco to tlio interior of tho building. Rev. R. V. Mnc nicul presided, and in his opening remarks said the usual time for commemorating tho anniversary of St. James's Church was in August, but as it did not tako place then, this gathering was intended to sub serve tho dual purpose of o social evening and anniversary. Tho Kov. Thomas Spuigeon guvo a humourous ad dress on sweet and sour Christians, while spoechos wero also dolivorod by Rove. Messrs McKonzio and Irwin. Tho choir pang several anthems, including " Lift Up Your Heads," "Arise, Shino," and "I Will ■ ifb Up Mino Ey6B," in a manner that re flected considerable credit on thoir con ductor, Mr Edmonds. 'I ho romnindcr of tho musical programme was as follows: — Solo, " But tho Lord ia Mindful of His Own," Mrs Edmonds; song, " Far Away Where Angels Dwell," Mr.!. Hunna ; duot, "Tho Crystal So«," Mrs Edmonds nud Miss Brown; song, "Good-hyo, Sweetheart, <iood-byo," Mr .1. Hunna ; song, "Oh, How- Delightful," Miss McMillan. Mr W. Bax ter efficiently poiformcd the duties of ac companist. We should not omit to men tion that refreshments of an appotising and enticing character wero handed round during the interval in tho entortainmont. Prior to tho conclusion of tho convorsoziono cordiul votes of thanks were passed to tho ladies, choir, Mr Edmonds, and tho Chair man.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[PER S.B. RINGAKOOMA ]

Syonkv, Novombor 13. Tins Governor departed quietly on Monday, and Sir Alfred Stephen was sworn in tho following day. Political Affairs. The Ministry aro perfecting arrongoinonts for meeting Parliament. The Hon. Georgo Thornton has joined the Government as Minister of Mince. This came as a surprise on the community, as Mr Thornton has long since taken no active part in public life. Thorn aro most conflicting accounts as to the strength of parties, but the general im pression ia that tho Government will not stand long after the House meets. Owing to tho insurancecompanies increas ing the risks for mercantile warehouses, a now mercantile insurance company is pro jected. Vory discouraging accounts are received from tho country, owing to tho want of rain. Tlio Labour Marlict Disturbed. The labour market is in an un settled state. The cooks and stewards aboard the Lyemom left the steamer because tho head steward was discharged. They subsequently found they had made a mistake. Tho wharf labourers decline to work on tho Tasmanian Co 's boats unless they are paid for smoke-time. Lambton Colliery strike over the ferry quoetion continues, Mklbouune, Novomber 13. Tiio contract for the new I'rinces' Bridge has been let for ono hundred and twenty one thousand. The Premier has obtained leave in the Assembly to bring in a bill to borrow four millions for railway and other public works.

TWO STEAMERS IN COLLISION.

MOHAKA SUNK AT BLENHEIM.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. A telegram received here states that a collision took place on tho Wairua Rivor, Blenheim, at three this morning between the steamers Waihi and Mohaka. The Waihi was going up tho river and the Mohaka coming down, the vessels meeting at a sharp bend. Tho Waihi struck the Mohaka about six feet from the storn, cutting her down to the water's edge. The Mohaka sank in a fow minutes, but tho Waihi wub not much injured. No furthor particulars are to hand.

The Mohaka is a wooden screw steamer of 29 tons gross register, and with engines of 17 h.p- She was built at Auckland in 1877, and is owned by Mr T. Eckford. Tho Waihi is an iron screw steamer of 92 tons gross register, and with enginos of 20 h.p. She was built at Dunbarton in 18S2, and is owned by tho Union Steam shid Company.

LATER PARTICULARS.

A Purely Accidental Dlsastor,

Blenheim, this day,

At half-past threo this morning tho steamer Waihi struck tho Mohaka and sank her in the Opawa Rivor. The Mohaka was on her way to Wellington with a cargo of wool, tallow, basils, and lollies, and tho Waihi was returning from Wellington with • a dozen passengers. The steamers met at [ Harding's Bend, which is the sharpost in the rivor, the approaches being lined and , concealed by willows. Tho Mohaka was an hour late on the tide, and tho Waihi had no roason to expect to meet her. Both captains—Manning and Eckford— wore at tho wheel, and a proper look out kept, but neither saw the other till thoy met in the sharp and narrow bond. Captain Manning blew his whistle and stopped, and Captain Eckford gave orders to stop her and reverso tho engines, but there was not suliiciont time to avert a collision. The Wnihi's bows struck the Mohnkn about 3 foet from the stern on the port Bide, ripping her down from top to below the water's edge Captain Eck ford, seeing tho Mohaka began to settle, instantly took tteps to remove his cargo with tho Waihi's flax, but too lato, as in loes than five minutes tho Mohaka had settled down in the rivor. The way on her causes her to swing lior bow on to tho bank, and nothing is visible but tho bow, masts, and threo feot of funnel. Captain Eckford and crew got on board tho Waihi and roturnod to Blenheim. The Waihi's plates wero slightly dented, but not more than if thoy had struck a stump. Noither Captoin blames tho other, both agreeing that it was a puro accidont caused by the willows preventing the one seeing tho other till too late to avoid a collision, which happened twenty minutoe after tho moon went down. Both captains momoralisod the Rivor Board at its meoting last Monday to clear the obstructions to navigation, of which groat ' complaint has been made for yoarß past, and tho Board determined to exercise its powors undor tho Amondment Act of 1884, by giving owners 14 days to cut tho willows. Insurances,

Tho Mohaka wes insured for £460 in tho Victoria Office (Wellington), and tho cargo was covered by a floating policy. She had a small postal mail on board. Tee steamer can bo raised, and mußt bo removed na an obstruction to tho but it is doubtful if it will pay to raise her as a com mercial Bpoculation. Captain Eckford ostimatos his loss at £500. A preliminary inquiry takos place before tho Collector of Customs at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Tho Inquiry. An inquiry into the collision botweon the Waihi and Mohaka is taking place this af ternoon, before Mr Taeloy, Collector of Customs, who excluded tho Press, without assigning any reasons. Tho Mohaka still lies in tho rivor, with her storn in 10 feet of water.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

Nsw Albuhnia.—The mine manager reports :—No, 2 winzo on Succotw roof has boon sunk an additional 8 feet of total depth, 4S feet. Tho Stat of the South reef ia now showing in hanging wall of winzo, Tho two roofa lire lying suffici ently close to admit of being worked together. Combined, thoy produce 2 feet of crushing dirt, in which gold is seen freely. Tho Star reef carries splendid mineral. IJubb and I'arty havo 2Uozs. Gdwts. gold from S loads of quartz. Saxon (Grahumstown).—Tho drive on spocimon load at No. 5 lovol has boon cleaned out and rails laid to the levol and driving commenced for the junc tion of this loador and No. 3 roof. Crushing diit is still coming to hand from tho loador on tho lower level. Driving was commonced on Saturday in No. 2 roef, No. 3 level. It is a nice body of stone, about 18 inches thick. It is intended to push the drive in this direction.

THAMES,

(From Oub Own Correspondent.]

Tuosday. Camiikia.—The fifth stone on tho main lodo has boon startod and will reach tho run of gold in the course of a few days. Tho managor purposes boginning operations next week on ono of tho loaders intersected in the crosscut to the northward from tho Moanntairi Extondodshaft, in which colours of gold wero eoen whon it was intersected. Thames Golden Crown.—ln tho shaft tho loader is now four feet in thickness, and lookß promising, anothor vein having juncticned with it. Driving has been started on the Bed Queen Cross leader, which is about one foot wide, but has not yet been, broken down.

Bright Smile —Crushing operations aro in progress with six head of stampers. About 15 loads of quartz will bo treated, and a sufficient quantity of specimens ia on hand to onsuro a payable roturn. This day. Camijuia.—The return of amalgam from lastweek'3 crushing operations is 1,1520zb from 200 loadn quartz. Tho manager ob tained 501bfl of specimens from the winze bolow No. 3 lovol thi3 morning, and a fair bliow of gold remains in the bottom. Blanche.-In breaking down tho Wado roof this morning, 151bs of specimens wero socuied at tho eastward sido of tho break. Gold still showing in fuco of drive.

MAYORAL ELECTIONS.

(IIY TISLKURAFH—OWN CORRESPONDENT,)

Thames, this day. Mi; William Fraseb has boen returned unopposed as Mayor of Thames for a fourth term of office. New Plymouth, this day. Mr Jamos Paul, the late Mayor, has beon elocted for the ensuing year, Mr Gibbs, tho other candidato, returning in his favor. Napier, this day. Mr G. H. Swan,being the only candidate, was declared olected to the office of Mayor.

APPOINTMENTS IN THE DE FENCE DEPARTMENT.

(by telegraph—press association )

Wellington, this day. It has been arranged that tho vacancy caused by Colonel Reader's death is to be filled by Sir George Whiimore's appoint ment as Acting Under-Secretary of Defence and Commissioner of Constabulary without pay, and Major Gudgeon has been appointed as Acting Assistant Under-Secretary, with an allowance of £100 a year in addition to his pay.

Philip Lawton Bridges, chemist, of Kara ngahape Road, and William George Dyer> bushman, of Pakiri, filed petitions in bank ruptcy to-day. Dyer's liabilities are stated at £134 18s, divided. among 8 creditors, while his assets (including 62 acres of free hold at Pakiri valued at £60) are set down at £137 2a 6d, leaving a surplus of £2 4s 6d.

Amongst the passengers booked for Syd ney per Manaponri, to sail this evening, are Mr George Morris and Mrs Morris. Mr Morriß is still in a very precarious state of health, and goes over the water to procure medical aid.

CABLEGRAMS.

(reoter's telegram.)

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPII.-COPYRIOIIT.]

Execution oflouiaßiel. Ottawa, November 17.-Riel, the half caste, was executed yesterday.

(SPECIAL TO TRESS ASSOCIATION.)

(Received November lSth-11 a.m.) Floating of Melbourne Harbour Loan. LONDON, November 17.-Melbourne Har bour Trust Loan has been covered at £105 Is (id.

AUSTRALIAN.

Mooting of N.S.W. Parliament,

Sydney, this day.-The New South Wales Parliament assembled yesterday. Tho newly-elected members of the Legislative Assembly having been sworn in by the Speaker, tho Hon. Edward Barton, the House ad iourned. Tho Opposition mombors are m a majority, but the course of action they will adopt has not transpired. Sir .Henry Parkes took the opportunity this afternoon to renounce his claims to tho Premiership.

WAR IN BULGARIA.

TRIUMPHANT ADVANCE OF THE SERVIANS.

Turkey Declines to Interfere

[BY CABLE.-COPYEIGHT.]

Sofia, November 17. Despatches from tho western frontier diti tricts announce that tho Sorvian army is advancing upon this city. Prince Alex ander has received from tho Sultan a icply to his roquost for aid. Tho Porte declines to assist Bulgaria, and points out that Alexander's violation of tho Treaty of Berlin encouraged tho Servians to invade Bulgaria.

London, Novembor 17.

Intelligence is to hand that the town of Kula has bcon captured by the Servians after a stubborn resistance on tho part of tho Bulgarians, who are retreating to Widdin.

Twenty thousand Roumelian troops are marching to Sofia to assist tho Bulgarians.

Roumania is protesting against the forti cation of Widdin, this being regarded as a breach of tho Borlin Treaty, which stipu lated that all fortresses in Bulgaria should be destroyed. The Roumanian Government have also advanced a claim to Siliatria, a Bulgarian frontier town.

POLITICAL CRISIS IN FRANCE.

Fall of tho Cabinet Impending,

(special to press association.)

London, Nov. 17. TnE French Radicals aro furious at tho re fusal of M. Brisson to grant a plenary amnesty to tho rebels in Tonquin and Madagascar, and his desiro to take active measures in those countries. It is con sidered that tho fall of the Cabinet is inevitable.

THE NEW GUINEA OUTRAGE.

[reuter's oaulecsram.]

Sydney, this day,

Now Guinea Kollof Expedition.

An expedition, fully nrraod and equipped, will Bhortly Btart from Thursday Island for Now Guinoa to prosocuto a diligent search for tho Geographical Society's expedition.

DoNLDiN, this day.—Creagh, a niombor uf the New Guinon expedition, was f<«' --.«.-«l vrtnm a niombor of tho i><* l-"« r*'V. '»i»u •"buiJow,.w.., v „ „.,.,, .u^uusiness at Tapanui. He wasan experienced bnshmaii," and has relatives hero.

Roportcd Massacre of Explorers,

[From " Town and Country Journal" of Nov. h.

Cooktown, Novembor 7. The Gunga, steamship, has arrived, bring ing further particulars of the reported mussacro at Now Guinea. Two Papuans, who brought news of tho massacre of the Geographical Society's expedition, say that tho members of the party used no precau tions against the natives, and kept no day or night watches or guards. They were sur prised 137 miles up the Fly River, in the dead of night, by an overwhelming forco of natives, and the whole of th6m wero killed and butchered by tho nativos. The boys who were saved say that they hid them solvos in the scrub, and worked down the Fly at night. Many people still doubt tho truth of the statement, on the ground that a part of the force must have remained in charge of the Bonito, although tho land party may havo been set upon and mur dered.

It is not known whether Frier and Miller's murdorors have been punished, as all tho mano'-war ollicors aro vory reticont. Kerry is now at Thursday Island, his party having left him. Ho went to Murray's Island and Port Moresby, but carefully avoided Mai C'asa and Goldon Reof. Stracban called at Saibi, and thon went west. Stuart snys that he discovered splendid cedar, and intendß to work it At once.

Mr Tait, of Messrs Tait and Williams, says that ho does not believe tho rumours which originated with the Bampton Is landers. Tho only grounds for anxiety arise out pf tho fact that two natives who wont with Captain EverilFa party havo re turned in a canoe to Soomioot, and their statement was to the effect that the party wore going to bo attacked, and this ia as signed as tho reason for their return, No thing has yet como to my knowledgo which justifies any special anxioty for the party, Tho prevailing rumours aro, in my opinion] an oxaggorated repetition of tho original Btatomeuts made by the two natives on their return to Soomioot

At tho meeting of tho Victorian Presby terian Assembly, tho Rev, F, A, Hoge naur, tho well-known missionary to the aborigines, referred to tho Geographical Society's oxpodition to New Guinea, ox presged deep regret that tho party had not followed the advico given thorn to start from the missionaries' end of tho island.

Meeting or Geographical Society.

A meeting of tho Administrative Council of tho Geographical Socioty was held in the rooms of the Society on Tuesday after noon, to considor what steps should be taken in reference to tho rumoured maßsacre of tho members of the ex peditionary party sent out by that body to New Guinea. Tho general feeling of tho counoil appeared to bo that the expedition was safe, but in ordor to allay the foars of tho public, a resolution was passed to the effect that Admiral Tryon and Sir P Scratchley bo informed of the rumours, and requested to take steps to ascertain whether the member* of the expedition had sus tained any injury or wore in any danger

SPORTING NEWS.

(BY TELEGRAPH— PUESS ASSOCIATION),

Huniioin, this day. The following handicap has been declared q s?iu Nm" EW' s H<iNMCAP.-Udy Emma, S"S«k ''%Tl oa> Bsfc 51b : <-aptain Webster Bst3tb ; Talebearer Bst; Fusilade, 7st 121b • Hermitage, 7st 81b ; Loon, 7stSlb ; Fusilier! w 'f OO/ 08??' 31b; Water King I*l *iL Ev?? ton Lad> Gst 121b S Tasmania bat Mb; Matanaka, 6st 71b ; Rubezahl 5t 71b P°"' set 101b ; M!*rtyr Filly

a TI LLIT°u* thi! day--Tasman, Leon and Revoke have been scratched for the MeeW.Hand,ooP a* the lß,and ** The following are the scratchings for the Hutt Rcces :-Flyi„ g Stakes-Fusilade and Leodogran. Hurdles _ Macaroni. Hutt fnrl p!Pn LB handicap-Fusilade, Leon, Sii.. 6™! 8, .Grand Stand Handicap- Fusilade, Revoke, and Leodogran.

T!V e 13ew pelican Church to be erected °n Mo.""* Roflkill Road from plans pre pared by Mr A P. Wilson will eeat^OO people, and will be readily capable of JSlFtew"!? 00nt™<*» &»r the build ing is Mr Wooller, and the price is UIST

MAHOMET IN NEW ZEALAND.

The Prophet's Opinion of Gorge Disgustus.

[IIY OUH OWN ORIENTALIST.]

Ouu representative found Mr Mecca seated at the window cross-legged, as is the fashion of his countrymen and of tailors.

Hie dog, which answers to the name of " Arabi," after the celebrated pasha of that name, was lying curled up in one of the prophet's turbans-a shivoring picture of misery. After tin usual salutations, Mahomet motioned mo to a seat and said in a husky voice : Something gone wrong with my talking box—seems to be a large escape of gas with out any lighting powor—climate I suppose — seoms even to affect the newspapers — "pointing to one in his hand"—four columns on tho golden woolly products of the country—vory woolly columns written by a man called Gorge Disgustus. Putting his hand to his throat, tho prophet seemed to be in pain, and shook his head sadly. I did not think fit to disturb his meditations, and for a fov/ moments sat regarding his furbanlcss head. The light shimmered on the pale pink surface of a wonderfully de veloped pate, fringed by a thin curtain of grizly hair. My oyo next caught that of Arabi, who seems, poor dog, to bo ffr from well. His eyes wore rimmed with a red lino, caused by exposure to cold, and seemed full of intelligence diluted with eye-water. The end of his Ehort stump of a tail was between his teeth, and he appeared to be biting it to keep himself from whining with pr.in. " Most intelli gent animal," was tho remark from Mr Mecca which broke the Silenco. " Regular death on vermin. What do you think of Gorge, my boy?" A low growl was the roply.—"Well, we know all about him,you i know. Wo wore ab Cairo when ho came there on business. He was travelling for a

large human hair manufactory in London, and got into trouble." " Got into trouble ; how was that!" "Don't you remember tho 'History of the Golden Fleeces : or, How I Fleeced the Argue-nots' ? Well, Gorge had a row with an old Bluebeard about the price of the various trosses,and hit him on the nose Gorge got a. clean start, but Turk was very angry and gained on him fast. Gorge took through a house on to tho roof, and passed along from house to house until he reached an open window, at which an inmate of the harem was ad justing her trosßos, Seeing Gorge, she gave a loud scream and disappeared, alarm ing all the remaining ladies. Gorge shouted to them to keep their hair on, but it was of no avail, a8 tho frightened Fatimas fled, casting away the brilliant coils that im peded their flight. On recovering from this harem-scnre-'em proceeding, Gorge collected and stacked his golden harvest, and after recommending in a loud voice Ayer's Pain killer, Mrs Adam's Comploxion Fluid, Poland's Anti-Madagasoar Oil, Loy Partius' Tooth Powder, and Shyaunt and Pay's Eyebrow Paste, ho crept down the back stairs, staggoring under his newly acquired treasure, viz., 'Golden Fleoces.' This technical term is a very applicable one, as sellers and purchasers aro both ' fleeced' in a double-edged manner that is perfectly soothing. Seoms Gorge is carrying the eamo trade now. He's smart, you know. Found bis harvest very light in the car, so ho studied it, and filled tho ears with the oclives of the heads. Oh ! ho's smart. Out of empty heads ho made full pockets. He knows what the 'dibs' aro. I went to Bee the grcaUst Englishman who over wore shoo leather or visitod tho Australasian colonios. Found him a small man, and ex pected to seohis exhibitor take an indiarubber tubofromthe back of biscoatcollar, and blow him up to full size, but on inquiry found that another puff would 'bust' him. His wool is cotton wool and»shoddy at tho*- His reminiscences of famous- auth^ 1' 8 are truo to life Ho tried to make r*-e of them make his" character 'Joo' u*"^ a bigb class soap, and to allow ' Ljt«'° Nell. *» ro covor by tbo uso of n#*P"lar tonic, while ho prossod on ano^or writer to give tho public tho Opportunity of know ing that the /corsot which oncirclod the classical .form of Becky Sharp was of a kind '»or which he hold the agency. I understand these points of realistic dram atic powor.^u'd have oventuated but for the greed ffl the authors in refusing Gorge's turnia. fJh ho knows what the 'dibs' ure."x!g > jiofetho aged gentleman's voice, which had been gradually diminishing, sank to a ■ __»• mnspbr, una our reporter took his lettve.protnising to call on him agaiu.

TABLE TALK.

Sin William Jervois has gone to Christ church. Wealeyau District Meeting in eossiou. Sn!a leaves for the Hot Lakes to-morrow. H.M.S. Nelson has returned to Sydney. A Maori census will bo taken early noxt year. Tho Governor and family will visit Auck land in March. Onehunga Gas Works will be finished in January noxt.

Two candidates for tho Mayoralty of Dunedin. Newmarket ratepayers' mooting on the loan question on Friday. Mr C. Y. Fell has been olocted Mayor of Nelson for the fourth time.

Saya Sir Georgo Whitmoro—" Auckland is tho bost military place we have." Executive Council met at Wellington yesterday for routine business.

Mr Dion Boucicault's Auckland soason opens noxt woek.

Auckland Benevolent Society is sadly in neod of funds.

Mr R. Bootham has boon olocted Chair man of North Canterbury Charitable Aid Board.

The biggest sensation on tho Rifle Range to-day—Major Shepherd's masher Glen garry cap. A sweet thing in scarlet and gold.

Krnest Jackson, the lunatic shoeblack, escaped from the Asylum last Friday, and is still at largo.

Auckland Tramway Company wish to lay double linos of rails in Pitt-street, from Karangahape Road to Wellington-street. Three boys, for stealing jewellery atDune din, have boen handed over to their parents for punishment.

That interminable case, Ward v. National Bank, is now before tho Appeal Court at Wellington, Tho opera season, as it draws to a closo, is increasing in attraction,

A labourer named Hanlan is on trial at Hamilton to-day for assaulting n fellow woikmau with a shovel at Matamata.

Tho boot trade ia very dull in Dunedin, and several factories havo boon coinpollod to closo.

Mr W. A. Graham has boon unanimously ro-clectod Mayor of Hamilton.

Mr Soth Smith, KM., is at Cambridge to try the case of alleged bribery of a native assossor in tho Maungatautari caso. James Coleman fell from tho paddle-box of the tug Despatch at Greymouth yester day, and was drowned before assistance reached him from tho wharf.

Auckland exhibits for the Indian and Colonial Exhibition must be sent by tho Rimutaka about 17th December.

The Anglican Missioners have gone to Te Aroha to conduct special services. Sydney Lawn Tennis Association invite Auckland to send a team to a lawn tourna ment to be held at Mooro Park, Sydney, Mrs Smith, as tho summer is coming on, said she would so much like a little change. Smith offered lior two shillings arid sixpence for half-acrown.

Tho Orient S.S. Company dony that they are prepared to carry frozen mutton at i'd por lb, everything realised ovor 4d per lb to be dividod amongst tho shippers. The Australian manager states that the Com pany's lowest contract price is l^d per lb from Australia to London.

HOME RULE IN THE PACIFIC.

Hawaii Proposos International

Guarantee.

(by cable.—copyright.)

London, Novembor 17. The Hawaiian Government have forwarded a proposal to America and to the European Powers asking them to guarantee local autonomy to all the Pacific Is lands,

Tho Caroline Islands-Tho Pope's Decision.

The decision of His Holiness the Pope respecting the Caroline Islands was made known today. His Holiness recommends the_ German Government to recognise tho claims of Spain to tho territory in question, and accept the commercial concessions oilered by Spain.

THE EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC WORKS FUNDS.

present juncture in **2J**tfi-<' variouslo ana ofthelaBtfßw^*l,h4.:8t fßw^* l,h4.: j expenditure of the same Ifc **'*• some trouble to obtain^ JVB^»'«t ; | tbe subject which may ! "^ able to you. I am ' ™». Me*. this in justification of Z, S» to action of tho GoVernmlt ll0^« not make aright, and H i t u act to raise the North " s l?J 82? faftoS i way Loan and apply i'M fctakßui tbanthatforwh^ifwasteS '! the legislature, it does no?l!Uthori«dW act because .previ^GoliT?^ done something similar S»-*si ■ Your readers will be wtS^**, I what has really happened i^ 4 to C all right-thinking people J 6^s agree that such practic^X, I *^ now that they are for the S^ en*«, public, m™>eiagJ The Loan Act. after k.'_ . always been troitod a s fe|»»,lu. money, and not of appronriSin of *"<% ! all events for the paTl^erfc^« true that the Loan Act of RS9 M6'l' k tho Ivorth Island Main Vn-i^W Loan At of the same%fif ■■ X*? to specially allocate the mSZS**S to be raised for certain srSi atw <w " and certain other "S^ But so far as the qQ t^ of ISS2 is coftcerne^ itoLflS?A* Loan Act was passed It wEK» * fourth schedule o*th2*^ Public Works AppropriateSEfiftS : and thusbecamfpaToftw'oll^ means to meet the Public WorU yl ** > ture. It thus ceased to "w^W* i particular loan, and the 8 chd„l?l*?> Loan Act itself became, fa£H* 8*» The Lean Act has been' B imilX» by its incorporation in the fo>vrtV?,?fil of the Public Wefts ,SS} i propriation Act of each IraSsS Anyone may satisfy S?*™ the correctness of this stiitZ l, ■* '< references the New'ttto* the last three years. Thtiß SS Island Main Tiunk Bailey MM 1882 was in the same manner&££ ways and means in the fufclieCfai" propriation Acts of 1884 and Irs7 T : without question, bo'CMM '< House. That the Controller TJ* General did not altogetCannl^ mode, of dealing wit! ]£&&& the following memorandum trKw^ to Major Atkineon in UMisSSffi troller and Auditor General fc.ujj casion on former occasions to wto^ that much confusion has hm> J? duced into the law by Sl,^ priation of money -1& V% of permanent act, and blbo by the J.I appropriation. He begs now to <£ffi I tion tea statement attached, BKo«*S I sums appropriated by the Loan Adsffi which declares that the moneYs ralsilu! 1 be applied tci the.purposes BBS 1 schedule to the Act, 'andtottootiw -X 4 pose whatever,'whilst the subseaoeSrt* " propnatwm Acts of 1882 and lis wl ' vary the amounts allotted fey the I*3l to each class of •expenditure. I would S ' point out that the totol BnMia WtoDl yS i exceeds the whole amount ur the loan £ gether with the unexpended fcalZV the former loan, by about £8000* : (Signed) James Edwabd Siitotailp > In fact, the schedule of the Loan **« 1882 was wholly departed frpm,' X Public Works Statement oflSßJ.thsiilS ter states that owing to the deteriaMsßiii not to anticipate the proceeds of UaW ■' which was not raised till tatiiaty '■'& entry into new ' contracts was port, poned, with the result that the^ ' [ pendituro was somewhat. I&8- ssljL j o ut«iojft«Uiii}»':?Aollitiea somethlnrmeS ■"■'■ will probably be the case generally "fflS : came the Financial Statement of IK Atkinson in 1884; and though it hiffi ' twice statu! that the three mllCl£ would not be encroached upon nntflM the fact was that it was practically bro.S te credit by him as if it had been ImM* tho 31st March, 1882, jffijjE. £924,000 that was cash hi hand on (K., dato (31st March, 1882), only £295,900 w « ■' taken to meet liabilities up to theßoahntis of the loan. Of that, £l4f,ffl»!SS| ways, _C 54,500 for public buildingAwfil for roada and bridges, and £s,3ooforroadsanl • bridges north of Auckland, The "rest t® the £924,900 was all taken for worts c opon lines. Further than this there Id hnnn fixpennoa £SHS,3OQon WOttonn „wil ; lines up to 31st March, 1884, alitoffii it 18S2, tho Minister for PuJbUe:Worked that tho expenditure on open lines trotild not be more than £376,000 in 3 yeaiß.li fact, tho allocations of the schedule ol tbe Loan Act of 1882 were entirely ignored, ud table 7 of Major Atkinson's FinandalState mentof].Sß4 was constructed in otderj if possible, to charge agaimt the loan finll;, liabilities that had been incurred.lefon floating the loan, and secondly, part & tit expenditure on open lines, Later, The Premier has shown me the mental. dum referred to in my former teleetm The document bears the dato of Janmtj 15th, 1875, and is a very lengthy and ci. hauativo statement, snowing that op to 1572 the Loan Acts wore deemed appnpti: ations, and moneys could be paid wider thorn as if tho suras hud been voted ly Committee of Supply and passed in Apwp priation Acts, The memorandum poliiti out tho difficulty of dealing in 'till manner with moneys, and intimata, that tho Commissioners of Audit fill In future insist that Loan Acts shall not be doomed to be Appropriation Acts, but merely as Acts for ways and mean!, wd that, however a Loan Act may allocate the monoys, nonecan be paidunderit untilroUd by Committee of Supply, and embodied intho Appropriation Act. Thismeanßskrtlj that if the moneys for the North Wand Ball way had not been voted in Committee ol Supply, and passed in the Appropriation Act, no money could be spent under ike i North Island Trunk Railway Loan;Att, oven for tho North Island.; Twnt i Railway. The Loan Acta are in a moaswe inoporativo. where thoy are followed PJ Appropriation Acts. , "

OPERA HOUSE.

Balfe's popular opera, "The Bohemia j Girl," was repeated last night ot Abbotfi | Opera House to a large audience, tJiedrw i circlo boing unusually well ifilleA^Mliijil Gracio Plaisted, as Arlino, was repeated!/ | encored, and as the curtain fell,-recelMd j a perfect showorof bouquets, Her render ing of "I Dreamt I Dwelt in Martin j HoIIb" was very fine. Mr Chwl" | Harding was a great success ss Taw deus, boing repeatedly recalled. He «• 1 coived a double encore for tho favourite song, " When Other Lips," and was W favoured with a couple of bouquets. ■«« , ■ singing of "When the Fait Lan« Poland " also elicited an encore. Mr wt% I low James made a fine Count Arnheim,««« | creotod a perfect storm of applause »t «• conclusion of the touching sonK, m Heart Bowed Down." Mr F. Wentwrih caused considerable amusementj as P* hoof, more particularly when ™ W*?" , Arnhoim's saloon. Miss Sophie Harris!*) | made a vory interesting masher iin 1 lqw- | toin. Tho part of Queen of the Giwfe>*« taken by Miss Fanny Liddiard. ThS^Pff formanco was very successful, and win w repeated this evening.

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

College Rifles. ' • • It will bo noted by advertisement etej*« that tho College Rifles are called te IM on»» ary weekl> drill to-night at 7 oolei*.

COMBINATION OF PUBLICANS.

(BY TELEGKAM-PHESS ASSOcJaHOK.)

Wellington, this day. A meeting of licensed victuallers .tfj others interested in the tradehas been sew ~ at the instance of from Anci laud Licensed Victuallers' A""*"^ Committee »os formed "J"""^],,* steps should be taken o J»f»™^U* two or three clauses in tho.£"££»■■(, repealed. Steps will also ■**>^ t0 ■ establish unity among \™£____t Vlo j support any member for Parliames. will further thoir interests. / j

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 18 1885



TWTEW MARKET XT O T E L. GEORGE H. EASION Newmarket. A NNOUNCBMENT SHERA BROS. HAVE REMOVED TO THEIR NEW WAREHOUSE, WELLESLEY-BTREET EAST. SUPERIOR AND Mahogany Furniture. We are now Landing, ox Eutorpo and Ada Melmore, A QUANTITY OF WALNUT AND MAHOGANY FURNITURE, COMPRISINO WALNUT CABINETS AND LOO TABLES, WALNUT DAVENPORTS, WHATNOTS, W AND CANTERBURY WHATNOTS, WALNUT OCTAGON AND OCCASIONAL WALNUT ANn MAHOGANY DUCHESSE WASHSTAND3 AND TOILET TABLES, MAHOGANY OFFICE WASHSTANDS. CANE AND WILLOW-SEATED CHAIRS, &0. Theae Goods are not of tho low quality usually imported, but aro - JPirst • clash Articles, Made to our own order to London AND WILL BE SOLD AT THK LOWEST REMUNERATIVE PRICES.



T. & H. C ool^* Junction ok QUEEN & GREY-STREETS, AUCKLAND. [A OARD.I DR. WILLIAM ROBERT ERSON, tote Medical Officer and Publlo Vaoolnator. Bnddorsaeld (England), may be consulted at hit reshtSnce, Onehunga (opposite Mr GUmaa'i, Chemist)— Morning - - - -oto 10 Afternoon-, - - .. Ito » Evening . - - - Ate J CHRISTMAS CARDS. CHRIBTMAS CARDS. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. y FREDK. MOUZER'S BIJOU SHOP, IN VICTORIA-BTREET, Is the place to buy CHRISTMAS CARDS and " y NEW YEAR'S GIFTS. AH New, Choice, and Cheap. Plain figures, plain dealing. " A thing of beauty is a joy for evor.



QPRINO CJBABON MILNE & CHOYCE Would bed to notify to their friends and tho publlo generally that they nave NOW OPENED AN IMMENSE ASSORTMENT OF ALL THE LATEST NOVELTIES FOR THE COMING SEASON, And would respectfully solicit a CALL. Tho Goods having been bought In the Home Markets on very advantageous termß, tho Prices are guaranteed to be ', EXCEPTIONALLY LOW. t _, _U The following represent a few of the ■ _J Goods Opened I , j~^_ ___. - ff g^' M ANTL®rvißiTEß7&o.' ONEW JERSEYS, DUST COATS. &0, WMW FANS, FANCY GOODS NEW COSTUMES NEW DRESS GOODS (Immenso variety) ONEW WASHING MATERIALS NEW BILKS, BROCHES, So. NEW CURTAINS. NEW ANTIMA.CASSERS, &0, 1 ~bS NEW LACES (In great variety) 1 <*Q NEW KID & TaFFKTA GLOVES NEW FRILLiNUS, RIBBONS, &0. :h r-y EVERY REQUISITE ; (*h in ; ,J BABY LINEN, r™^ AND , HH LADUS' AND CHILDREN'S : M UNDERCLOTHING. \ BOYS' CLOTHING, COLLARS, CUFFS, TIES, &c. ' DRESSMAKING, MANTLE-MAK -INQ, BOYS TAILORING, AND , UNDERCLOTHINU-MAKINO ON THE PREMISES. Patterns and Prices by Post Free, K-PER CENT. DISCOUNT FOR-R 0 CASH. *> MILNE & CHOYCE, AUCKLAND. HL. POSSENNIBKIB, • Merchant Tailor and Importer. BHORTLAND- STREET, AUCKLAND, Anaouncos the Completion of his SPRING AND SUMMBR STOCK:, Xx S.s. Arawa, To which he invites an early inspection, Tho Trade supplied at prices a little above cost, mo MEET THE TIMES. BARGAINS IN DRAPERY. Lone Muslin Curtains, 2s lid pair; 130 pairs Net Curtain?, choice patterns, from 3a lid; very heavy lino Galatea Stripes. lid; nice assortment Ladles' Dclmans, in Silk, Cashmere, and Broche, new goods, marked low; having a few of last season's left over, will olear at about halt-price. Black and Coloured Lustres in variety, to be cleared at remarkably low prices; Ladieß' Lace Capes, very nice goods, in variety; Children's Sun Bonnets, Pinaforee, A prone, choice assort ment Lace Goods, real Maltese, 6d yard; nice lot Feathers, very cheap; new Collarettes, White and Grey Calicos, wholesale price by the piece; large lot of Children's and Ladies' Thread Gloves, 3d pair; Children's Sunshades. 7Jd, worth Is 3d. Largo lot of Job Hosiery, Ladies', Girls', and Men's, cheap: nice assortment Saiteeos, vory muoh reduced; Men's, Boys', and Youths' Clothing to be sold at a large reduction off usual price. Remnants In great variety. All goodß at lowest rates. WILLIAM Pv, BRIDGMAN 288, UPPER QUBEN-STREHT. W. S. Laurie * C° \ Have fsr Sam— i 170 Tons Bonedust 250 Tons Island and Peruvian Guano 200 Tons Superphosphate of Lime ' Sulphate Ammonia 1 Nitrate ot Soda | 100 Bales Cornsacks 60 Tone Black and Barbed Fencing Wire 60 Kegs Staples, Pins, and Rollers jfc BKEus-viz.. White and Red Clover, Aisyke, A Timothy. Cowgrass, Cocksfoot, and Rye- } grass, Turnip, etc. , Prices and Samples on application. r OUaXOMS-STRKBTr AUOKtiAND. l



ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVIID ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVED ARRIVKD ARRIVED The NEW STOCK for the COMING SEASON, Grand Display of MEN'S. YOUTHS', and BOYS' CLOTHING; SHIRTS. MEB. UM BRELLAS, HATS (In StrawandFolt),&c.,.and Every Description of HOSIERY and UNDER WEAR. Special Line to BOYS CHEAf SCHOOL SUITS. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, , 158 AND 160, QUEEU-Sl-BBBT, AUCKLAND.



x"m~p oTtTnt "notice. w. h. fenton & co., In order to increasa their READY MONEY TRADE, Aro now allowing TEN PER CENT. DISCOUNT On all Caßh Purchases of HATS OR MERCERY ABOVE ss. Thus in future, our eolobrated 21s Silk Hats will bo 19s, and our Best lis 6d Hard Folt Hats will be 11b 3d. W. H. FENTON AND CO,, HAT AND CAP MANUFACTURERS AND GENTLEMEN'S MERCERS. 78, QUEEN - STREET, AUCKLAND.



It is estimated that upwards of ten thousand sacks of outs have arrived in Auckland during the past fortnight.



The Rooms of the Y^g^sgl^ Association have m [&'££*?***& - rary premises, old Baptist urn™* W o street. The entrance Jo /**"?• , htaTry is from Chapsl-street wast. _ -. -^ The Grand Military -JH^j&m*. is announced to take ft' ™ „«t«l & Primitive Methodist choSlfw. S. -tV* " and Thursday evening. R«v.w. . the missionary deputation.