SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER.

Auckland—TUa afternoon, 5.20; to-morrow Manuka'u'Heads—This ovenlnir* 7.40; to morrow morning, 8.3. , „ n . ■ Kaipara Hbabs — This evonlng, 9.0! to morrow morning, 9.13. -.. - , ■'

PtJJTBET.—This evening, 0.5". BUNRLSK.—To-raorrow morning, 5*J2. MOON'S AQlt—Noit moon, 151b, 2.1 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY. Wairarapa, 5.8., Chatflold. for the South Columbia, schooner, Conway, from Napier Clansman, s.s., Farquhar. from Whangarei Olenolg, 8.9., Amodco, from Mercury Bay

DEPARTURES.

LAST BTENrKO. Mariner, seh., Quean, for Rumoll TO-DAY. W*U*or», 3.5., Edie, for Southern ports.

IMPORTS.

Per Walhora, from Sydney—lol bags bono dust, i hogsheads tobacco, 20 cases cocoa, 10 cases wasere, 69 oases gin, 22 packages tea. 4 oase3 gluo, fi ooila ropo, 30 c»soa cornflour, 180 Kunuies onions, 1 caso sculls, 1,736 packagos sugar.

EXPORTS.

Per Walhora—For Timaru : 162 gunnios and 9 mats sugar, 50 sacks guano. For Oamam : CO saoks guano. 153 gunnies und SO mats sugar. Vov Dunedln : 40 oases hop bitters. 5 cases ale, 5 oases oil. 200 caaos salmon. 12 cases fruit. For Wellington : Maaokß mnizo, 821 gunnies sugar. SCO cases salmon. 30 kOKs oosinga, 170 ensoa slaoose. For Lyttolton: 28 caspa aalmon> Foi Jaeibourno : 139 hides, JO sucks lima.

THE WAIRARAPA.

The s.s. Wairarapa arrived from Molbo\trno and Southern ports at S p.m., and anohorod at the powdor ground to "await the arrival of Dr. Fhilson, Health Officer.

Tnwards Coastwisb. — Four Sistflrs, from Barritr, with 28 tons firowood: Paku, from Whansc-irei. with 21^00 feot timbor: Una. from Otakl, with lOlogg; Rnakaka, from Mfthurengi, with JT tot-nra plies.

Outwards Coastwibk. — Paku, for Whan garei; Nina, for Otakt; Bessie for Mahurangi,

Tho Thames Btoamer Rotomahana was taken Into Frcoman's Bay to-day for olrantnjf.

Tim barque Wenona left Nowcasllc for this port on January 30.

TJio sohooner Aratapu entered out at Sydney for Kaipara on tha 4th inst.

Tim soliooner Threa Chears nrrlnxl at Brlsbnno from this port via Mercury Bay on the ii.li inirt.

On reference to our report of tho Dcvonport TeriT Coinpany'n meeting, it win bo seen that the directors intend nhortly to have a new ateamir built. She will be a vessel equal if not aupnrior to tho p.B. Victoria.

Tho following vessels enkored out at tho Customs to-day: — Honda Islo, schooner, fiushell, for Brisbane via Mercury Bay; Maria Virginia, brigantino. Crawford, for Sydney via Kaipara; Rtbecoa Crowell, barque, Kelly, for New York.

The b.s Staffa, whioh until recently has beon crmiloyod betwoen Tauranga and other East Copif, ports, has been chartered by Captains MolConsslc and Scott and in future will be nsed tot picnics, towing, &c.

The s s. Glonolg arrived from Moroury Bay and Tairua this morning with the following pas- Ben rers:—Miss White. Messrs Gamble Bell, White, Polntnoy, Angus, Goodday. McNair, Moore, McCoOly, and a native. The Glonelg leaves for Mercury Bay and Talrua again this evening.

The barque Stae, a wooden vessel ot 307 tons regster, built at Nova Sootia in 1863, and owned by Thomas Kehoo, of Sydney, was wrecked on the rooks under the North Head, off Nelson Bay, on January 27. No lives were lost.

The 8.8. Clansman arrived from Whnngarei *Mr mornintr. Passengers — Messrs Wators, MoDonald, Campbell, Conner. Moroy. Koype, Reid, Hutchings, McLean, Carter, De Harven, Kiiifraford. Cowan and Edwards, Mcwlomoa Aplern, Bmith and child. MrandMissßcckx, Mi jsos Carter and Kmilay. Tho Clansman leaves for Tatiranga at 7 this ovoning.

iho sohooner Aurora will probably sail for Tonga to-morrow with the original cargo of noiira, which is to be transhipped thore for London, We understand that Messrs MoArthur and Co. find this arrangemont moro advan to£son9 than to tranship tho copra horo, the zaio of freight homo being 555.

Tho inqniry into the wreck of tho briar Robin Hood on Hummock Island was concluded yes ter.lay (says t&e "Launcestoii Kxanriner" of the 30th ultimo), when tho captain and otllcers were exonerated front any blame in connection with the wreck, and It was affirmed that tho brig struck either on the Kohinoor rocks or a rock close to them, near Hummock Island, on the 37th nit., and was wrecked.

SSTlio p.s. Thomas Rnssell was docked at high water last evenira;. The damages sustained in tho oontaot with the rock near East Cape appear to bfl very slight, and oan be speedily repaired.

The only vessel* at Maroury Bay yesterday ■were the biiir Restless and sehooir.-r Walapu. Tho Iftttor wag expected to leui'o (or Qisborne thi'i evening, and tho Hostlesß (or Bydney about a fortnight hones. '

The b»rquo Fhilllplne arrived at Sydney from Hokianga on February X, During a gale on January 13 she lost an anchor and chain, and on the passage acroßs stormy weatbor was ex pa loncod. the deck being constantly flooded wl'h water.

Thore wore no less than six Auckland-tullt solioonors in tho vicinity of Tonga on Fsbruary ». viz. tho Maile, two Cygnets, Hnlitu«ato(;a, Jlcdora, and Jessie Kelly. Other vessels in cluded tho schooner Loch Lee, barqne Emu, schooner Malina, ketch Patience, and the Toigan Government schooner gandfly.

Captain Ross, who took Hie schooner Cygnet to Tonga, returned here by the Maile yesterday afternoon. He reports that the Cygnet left .Auckland on January 10, at noon ; arrived at Tcmsa lit noon on tho 18th; had a fair weather r sago down. The Cygnet was handed over her new owners, tne Tongan chiefs, on January 21, and in future she will bo employed In the group..

The B.s. Walhora left for Southern ports and 2tti lbourae early this afternon. Passengers :— Mc3srs Straohan. Hill, Gardner, Tennent, lioder. and Murohlo. Mr and Mrs Giblin, Dr. Marklwell. Rev*. Messrs °omerville, J. Macky, W. Evans and A. McLean, Messrs 1». J. McLeod. Edwards, Barbury. Walker, Bowling, Fitzmaurioe. Wightman, Tolhurst, Holder. Bellune. Levinsnhn, Goocl^on. Warren, Lambie, Wilson, W. Wood, Mess's itllla and family. Mr and Mrs Green. Mr Cobb and 2 children, Dr. McKenry, Mrs Gardner.

Captain Lane, ot the three-masted schooner Mf.ile, reports:—Left Auckland on Doc. 5 for Tonga, Whero wo arrived on Monday, 15th, after a fine weather passage; the first half of ■wlroh wa? done in two ana a-half days. The latter part was made with light winds and calms. Left the Group on Feb. 3, sighted Cape Br U the fifth day out, and since then had light aim and calms along tho coast. The Mallo arrlvos here in'ballast. Passengers: Messrs Brown, Wright, Burns, Reid, Hayes, English, and Captain Ross.

The following is an extract from a letter of CftDtain Holman, of the barqne Flora, to Cap taia Da'dy. of Auckland:—"l am thankful to lnf >nn you that we arrived at Falmouth on 10th ulto., after a passage of 98 days from Auckland. Wo were 33 days to Cape Horn, with good proß poet of quick passage, bnt our chance was spoiled bstwean there and the equator. lam very well satisfied with the repairs of the ship, for she did not make as muoh water at sea as in Auckland Harbour; even tho pad waather off Cape Horn made no appreciable difference, as Uio pumps were not affected by it I feel sat-sned that Mr D, Gouk made a good job of the ship, and the vessel is now as good ss over Bhe was."

The steamer Glauous, whioh recently visited thl-i port with coal for the Sugar Company, was ia collision with the s.s. Lobs o' Gowne at Sydney on Fotauarr !• Tho Qlauoua, which v/a.3 loaded with stone, struck Hi a Lass o' Gowrio on the port bow jibout 8 feet from the Htern completely smashing in tho side of the vowel from the rail down to 3 feot below the water mark. Tho forward bulkhead was also damaged, and *he forehold was flllod with water in about half an hour from tho time tho Accident happened. Directly after tho collision SeTmaster. Captain Randafl, finding the vessel wa» in a sinking condition, ran her on to tho reef under Bradley's Head, where she remained till tho leak bad been so far stopped as to per mit of her being floated off and towed up to Woolloomooloo Bay. 'She aiaucus, which had two of her bow plates damped, returned to Mort'a Dock tolaavo the damage made Kood. An lntjuhy was to be hold..

The b.s. Wathora left the U.B.S. Co.'s wharf, Sydney, at 5 p.m. 6th instant, cleared the Heads M 5.30 p.m., passed the Three Kings at 6.30 p.m. lOtb, North Capo U-3S p.m.. Sugarloaf Hook nbeim 9 a.m.,llth, Tlritiri 2 p.m., and ar rived at wharf 3.30 Pm. Experienced strong head winds with heavy sea ,on Oth, Tth, and Bth, thence to arrival ligbt variable winds with flno weather. Passengers:— MJMesMannintt.Rlst>y,Perkß, Nathan, Whitney at Masters, tfeatherstono. Mesdamei Eymon, Hammond, 2 children, Nathan, Westcott, Roberts, Lawson, McDonald, Mosbts Brown, fiJcoinan, J- Brown, Cowllshaw, Hogg, J. Whitney, Perks, Tuckwell, C. Whitnoy, feevan, Htepburn, Xornaghi, Bady. Murchie. A. AY Whitney, Antony. Warfc. Walmsley, Atrhison Featherstone, Brortio, McDonald, GtoSoT'Bennett. Nathan, A. N. ana L. WMti bbt and « in steoraßo. We are indebted to MrC. H. Humphries for report, press parcels, Btt.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS.

Gairloch, s.s,. McArthur, from Waitara Awnle s sV Norbury, from Raglan andKawhia Hannah Mokau, cs., Windsor, from Wtttare

DEPARTURES.

nairlorh s.B .MoArthur, for Waitara SSiAduii. S.S., Windsor, for Waitar*

«rii« TinTthcrn Co.'fl s.s. Galrlooh arrived from ■wfitaVa? at 8 o'clock last night, with 25 head ol mtfleTM2 sheep, J2 kegs, butter, and the foUow fnff Dawengere :-Mlaa Wells, Mesdarries Bllis, \V?.PtcS! and famUy (». Mesars Molntosh, Grant KUla. MoDonald, Campbell, Phllpß, Hriler LlbSi Burns, and Hey. £ H. Brown. Bhe left agita tor the same port at S o'clcok this a quantity o! cargo and a large nunibor of pasaonKets. The Northern Oa'B s.B. Areyle arrived from RaSan and Kawhia last night, with a general Sw?and Mr J. A. Graham passenger. The. ss. Oretl left for Taranaki and Wan: santtfat 5 o'olook yestgrday «vemng, with 382 Burnieß and 637 mats BUgar, 20 boxejsoap. 82 fa?kete.|l cases and 8 bales drapery, 25J chaste artl2boreß tea.7 bales leather, 8 cases drags, bSms doo%,ub cases and packages "undries, and thofoUowlng_pas«engers: Messrs Douglas, fraton, CtoUlnu/Taylor, Bills, Forbes, Oroaaan, Anlrabrook, McMillan, Sear, Crawford, (Jold wat-?. and Wand Mrs Ashforth.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

W«i.HSOTOif, this day.—Arrived Aorangi friJlti LytteltoD, 0 a.m. New Plymouth, this day.—Arrived: Oreti, fxom Onehunga, 10 a.m. , Port AiriKRT. this day.—^he Devonport was towed down the river early thin morniog. WBiinicmW, this day.-Arrived Matanra, i taraue, Cruleltttou* M a»r» taw wain.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mum wiil Close as dndbb— Tnia DAT. For Tauranga and Opotlki, por Clansman, at For Pwkltlantri. Upper Mill, and Talrua, per, Glonelg, at 5 p.m. Friday. 13th inst. For Waltara, etc., por Lalla Rookli, at 6 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 11 a.m. For Friendly Mahdß, per Aurora, at noon. For Cowos and Coromandcl, per Coromandol, at 1.30 p.m. Per Wuirarapa as follows :— For China, Japan, and Continent of Europe, For Australian Colonies, and United King dom via Suez and Brindlsl, or Naples ()Gr Orient steamer), for Utters, otc, specially so prepaid and addrossod. at < p.m. For Monoy Orders, Roßiaterod Letters, and Nowspopors, at 3 p.m. Lato letters for Sydney and Melbourne only, at 1.20 p.m. Tho United Kingdom mall will bo duo In London on Tuesday, Maroh Slst. 1885. For Whongarel Hoads, Parua, Waipi. Whan garoi. Kamo, and Mangnpai, per Macgregor or Waltakl, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Knterprino. at 5.30 p.m. Saturday, 1 Ith mat. For Tryphona, Port Fiteroy, and Wanfcapora, per Glenolg, at 7 a.m. For Walwera. To Kapa, Warkworth, eta, per lUwe Casey, at 11 a.m. For KaU fcati, Aongateto, Tauranga, &0., por Rotomahana, at noon. For Thames, por Rotomahana, at 12.30 p.m. Monday. 16th inst For Now Plymouth, eta, per Oreti. at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 3. Per s.s. City of Sydney, as follows I— For Navigators Islands, Bandwtoh Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central, and South America, and British and Forejjm West Indies, at 1 p.m For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p>m. Monoy orders, registered loiters and news papers, at 1130 a.m. Late lotters. bearing an extra fee ol tAx ponoe In addition to tho postage, will be raoelved by the Mail Agent on board the stoamer np to the time of sailing. This mail will bo duo In London on Friday, April 10,18» ---& B. BIBS. Chief Postmaster, Chief Poat-offioo. Anokland.

M eetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Fkiihuaky 12. 1883.

Opera House-" The Quoenis Favourite." 8 pan, St. Matthew's Sohool-room-"B«gaKed," 8 p.m< Qrafton Band of Hope Entertainment, 7,30 p.m, V.M.C.A.— Kvangeliatio Service p.m. All Salnte' Church—Harvest Festival Service, 8 p.m. Parnoll Presbyterian Schpolrpom-MeeUnß of Rstopayors ro 10 o'clock Cloalng of Hotels, 7.30 p.m. Devonport Naval Artillery — Inspection Parade, 7.80 p.m. Auckland Instituto - Meeting to Form a Microscopical Society, S p.m.

Marriage.

WAIT-DAVKY. - On the llth February, by tho Rev. W. 8. Potto* at tho Primi tivo Mothodlst Church, Alexandra-street, WlUtam Walt, second son of James Wait, to Klim, second daughter of Jan. Davey, tailor, Queen street.

Deaths.

HKUON.-At CoUingwood-stroot, Alexander Charles, infant son of David and Sarah Horon; aft^d 3 months. .. . Tho funeral will loavo their reoldonoe at 3.30 p.m. on Friday, tho 13th lost. Friends are respectfully invited to attend. LYONS.-On February 12, at her paronU' resi dence. Day-street, Laura Margaret Lyons; aged 11 months. Interment private

PARKBR—On February nth, atltho residence of her parents, Hobeon-ctrcet, Dora Louis* I'arkor; aKedftraontha. Private Interment.

TAYLOR.—On February 10. at tho residence of his son, Klnneal House. Ponsonby Road, James Taylor, ia his 81th jear. The funnral will loavo his lato rosldenco on Sunday flrst, at half-past S o'clock.

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1885.

Jot the oanaa that laotaMstrtanw. Vat the wrong that seeds KstsUno* Jfor the future in tho dlatanoo, AaA the mod that we eon do.

The Hon." J. B. Thurston's advocacy of the annexation of Fiji to New Zea land, reported by cable to-day, is a surprise. The Colonial Secretary of Fiji was understood to hold very different views. He may, however, siace visiting England, have become aware of the difficulty of getting colo nial questions fully understood, or the wants of the colony attended to in London. The rejection of the Loan Ordinance for the very moderate sum of intended to overcome the labour trouble in the islands, and buoy up its flagging industries, was enough to dishearten one who has given so much earnest thought to the subject. New Zealand would never have been guilty of so narrow, cheese* paring, and ruinous a policy as that. By the refusal of this small measure of aid, many small planters will be starved out, and the country handed over to a few large companies. Another effect of Mr Thurston's advocacy of annexation will be the union of popular with official sentiment—an occurrence rare enough in Fiji to make it remark able. It will foment the agitation for union with this colony, and probably more earnest representations for union with New Zealand will soon come before our Government.

A prayer for annexation, emanating from the colonists of Fiji and approved by the Colonial Secretary, who is most intimate with the affairs of the Islands, and has more influence with the natives than any other man, would be a very different thing from any scheme originating merely in the ambition of New Zealand to shine as a power in the Southern Pacific. Such a memorial would be entitled to the friendly consideration of the New Zealand people and Parliament. The Go vernment of Fiji has been self sustaining ever since annexation, and there was a surplus last year of ;£io,ooo. The chief danger we see in union with this colony arises from the land claims of German and American subjects. The former, after being re sisted for years, are now being investi gated by a commission in London, and may foot up an alarming bill. The Americans will then follow suit. The affairs of Fiji are, in fact, just now in a condition which makes it far from plain sailing for any Government which may undertake the direction of its affairs, and any measure fastening upon New Zealand responsibility for the future good government of the islands will have to go through a careful ex amination before it is accepted by this country.

The Massacre at Khartoum.

Later cable despatches confirm the early report,which was perhaps only an inference, that there had been a terrible massacre by therobelsof theadherents of General Gordon, with their wives and families. Nearly the whole of Gordon b followers are stated to have been slaughtered with all the un mitigated ferocity of wild Arab hordes, in flamed with the lust of blood, aggravated by the long and stubborn resistance offered by the garrison. We are still left in doubt as to the attendant circumstances of the downfall of Khartoum, and even the exact date of the wholesale massacre. It was either on the 26th or 27th of January last — more probably the. earlier date — that the disastrous events occurred,' Piecing together the fragmentary and: sometimes contradictory accounts to hand, it would appear that the fall of Khartoum took place in this wise:—The diaaffectted portion of the inhabitants had planned to deliver over the garrison to the rebels, and accordingly arranged the coup for the fore' noon, when General Gordon, after watching.

all night, had cone to take his accustomod rest. The rebels made a foint of attacking the city from Omdorman, and while part of the loyal garrison sallied out to meet them, tho traitors admitted by another gate a band of El Mahdi'a followers, who seom to have been in concealment outside the walls, These were received with open arms and shouts of welcome by tho disaffected residents of Khartoum, and tho tumult which ensued was the first thing to arouse General Gordon. Hastening from tho palace, unarmed, as wo* his wont, to rally tho faithful soldiors and repol tho enemy, Gordon was struck down on the thwahold, probably by some one who was tmtod and unsuspected. Then we can out the intruders and restore order j but discouraged by tho death of their hero, and deWrtodV some of their own office^, their efforts proved fruitless. Then came tho massacro-a wholesale and indiscriminate carnival of blood, in which mon, women, and children alike.porishod. It was to provent Buch a sickening slaughter that Gordon doterminod to roinain in Khartoum, against all entreaty and command; but Fate has proved stronger than his Btrong will and endeavour, and ho has porishod in tho carnage which ho could not prevent. Thoro is little olso of interost roportotl of the pro gross of the expedition. In England it iR stated that tho Army Rosorvo will bo cnllod out for garriaon duty-anothor ■ymutom that Government roooßniso tho gravity of the situation

Tobacco Manufacture in the Colonies.

New Zealand, which may bo said to be just entering upon the growth and manu facture of tobacco, should tako warning by the history of the Industry in Victoria, and more particularly by its present position there, so aa to avoid tho mistakes made and avert the consequent disasters. Tho tobacco industry is fearfully doprossod in Victoria at prosent, and a pamphlet iseuod by the Tobacconists' Society, in tho form of an appeal to the working classos, states tho cause of this state of affairs. Tbo initial blundering would seem to hovo lain in tho special legislation of the Tobacco Act. In the first placo, it is asserted that tho Act is so prohibitive! in its character that it has effectually prevented men of "Small moans engaging in tho manufacture of tobacco, and as a natural consoquonco has forced tho trade into the hands of a few largo capitalists, whose despotic sway enables them to exact their own terms from tho operatives. The growers of colonial leaf, it is asserted, have also been brought undor tho dominion of the capitalist, with tho re sult that they have been compelled to accept unromunerative prices for their pro duco. In consoquonco of this, less tobacco is grown, and as a natural result thoro is less work for tho operatives. Trado is depressed, a large number of mon aro out of employment, somo have been com pelled to go to othor colonies for work, some have sought othor moans of gaining a Hvolihood, many aro now walking tho itreota of Melbourne, whilst those who aro employed in tho factories are only working halt time, and aro baroly ablo to live on tho wages they oarn. Tho Socioty admits that tho Government, four years ago, at tho ro quest of the loading manufacturers, im posed a duty of Is per lb o.i all colonial grown tobacco manufactured for homo con sumption ; but it maintains that a mistake was made in providing that tho duty should be collected on tho manufactured article instead of on the leaf; for in order to collect tho duty officers had to bo ap pointed, and to provide their salaries tho manufacturer is compelled to pay a heavy license foe. The result has been that in stead of developing trade, tho heavy license fees and bond rates havo diminished tho number of small factories, and also re duced tho number of skilled workmen. While thoro is doubtless good ground for complaint in some respects, there can bo no doubt that the fiscal policy of Victoria greatly stimulated the colonial production of tobacco. In 1884 tho excite rovonuo collected from tobacco was £70,000, of which £55,000 was on colonial grown and only £15,000 on imported leaf. Tbo heavy license of £100 a year exacted from every manufacturer of tobacco, andother vexatious conditions, have the ofiect of hampering the industry and keeping down tho wages of operatives. Tho Government of this colony are pursuing a wiser policy in en couraging tobacco growing and manufactur ing, but without such harassing conditions as tho Victorian Government havo im posed. The seat and contro of tobacco manufacture in New Zealand will be our own city of Auckland, and we mention the experience of Victoria in order that the lesson may bo taken to heart by our legis lators, so.that a most promising industry may not be killed by ovor-logislation and too hoary imposts.

- A meeting of the Committee entrusted with tho task of making tho necessary ar rangements for the public meeting which Sir Julius Vogel has consented to address was held this morning in tho Insurance Buildings, there being present:—Mossrs D. G. McDonnell (in tho chair), G. Aiokin, D. H. McKenzie, A. Kidd, T. B. Hill, W. McCullbugb, and Joseph Howard, Aftor some discussion it was resolved that tie public meeting should be hold in the Theatre Royal on Tuesday ovening next, proceedings to commence at eight o'clock. Other minor arrangements wore made His Worship the Mayor will be asked to take the chair on tho occasion in question, and the usual special provision will doubtless be mode for the accommodation of ladies.

Mr Supt. Thomson is at present at the Thames on official business.

Messrs L. J. Bagnall, A. Brodio, and James Marshall have bcon appointed by the. Government members of tbo Board of Governors of tho Thames High School.

The annual picnic under the auspices o' the Auckland Builders' and Contractors' Association is taking place to-day at Hen derson.

By tho Waihora, which left for Southern ports to-day, tho New Zealand Sugar Com pany shipped 1,128 gunnieaand ICO mats sugar.

Employers of female labour would do well to remember that under tho Employment of Females Aot they aro required to poet iv their workroom placards stating the work ing hours In vogue in tho establishment, copies of such placards being also sent to the .Resident Magistrate and the Police. In a great many instances employers com pletely ignore this provision of tho Act, but us the police officer in whose hands has bean placed tho administration of tho ordinance is now on the warpath, it will bo to their advantage to see tnis matter attended to. ' During yesterday and to-day workmen have been engaged in the removal of the old flag and concrete footpath in Queen street, extending from tho Greyhound Hotel northward. It will be replaced with asphalt.

The Rowing Association Regatta will take place on Saturday afternoon, com mencing at 2 p.m. The p.s. Victoria has been chartered to follow the races, and she will leave Queen-street wharf at 1.45 p.m. and 2.15 p.m., taking passengers at 2s per head. The senior whaleboat race will.no doubt,bo well contested by Waitemata and North Shore crews. Itßtartsat3p.m.

A remanded case under the Foreign Sea men's Act was heard yesterday afternoon by the Resident Magistrate, in which Guiseppe Martin, a seaman, was charged with falling to do duty on board the French ship Esperance on the 7th inst. ; Mr S. He3keth for the master of the vessel, and Mr Cotter in defence; Mr A. Villeval inter preted. The case was brought for the pur pose of testing the validity of the articles under French law. Mr Cottar raised the point of law which he urged upon the notice of the Court, viz., that as the engagement was entered into in a British port, the engagement would com ply with British law. His Worship reserved kia decision until to-morrow (Friday) after noon.

The butchers' picnic at Taroaki yesterday proved an unqualified success, there being fully 500 persons present. The weather was splendid, the catering left nothing to be desired, and the sports went off without a hitch. The principal events wore :—2OO Yards Race-Seventeen started; Reed won easily. 440 Yards Race - Nine started, tho race, being won by Barston. Master Butchers 1 Race—R. Sandall, junr., 1; Lin coln, 2; R. Sandall, senr., 3. One Mile Walk—Brain* 40 yards, 1; R. Sandall, junr., scratch, 2. Mile Handicap—Boyle, scratch, 1; Wabber,3oyards,2. All-comers' Race—Goodman and Monnock, 2. Atug-of war between married and single butchers was won by the benedicts. In the evening a ball took place at the Lorne-Htrett Hall, there being about 150 couples present The catering was done by Mr Dallen, whi'o Hunter's string band supplied the music.

Tenders for the erection of a dwelling house in Franklin-street were opened yes terday by Matthew Henderson, architect as follows :—J. Moffat, £299 Gs ; Hill ari ■Ronald, £286; E. Mills, £295 ;W. Morris and Co., £312; D. Molnnes, £251; Horsley and Morris, £300; T. Upton, £276,

Suburban building sections appear to be a drug intho market at the presont time, Not o single allotment was sold out of the thirteen at Devonport offered by Mr Arthur today. Theso eections had frontages to Flagstaff llood and Abbotsford Terrace, and are but a Bhort distance from the whorl, on a good road adjoining Melroso. The allot ments are now in Mr Arthur's hands for private sulo. The feud between tho rival tobacco manu focturers of Auckland has onco more broken Qut |n th(J columnß o{ tho newspapers, and nmUßemont (if no thing else) mny be derived roac ] ore w ho turn to the announcements d oounter . n nnouncomentß appoaring in th j ß ; BSUO R.M. Court yesterday, and charged with entering the pubhc school at Onohunga during the holidays, by lifting a window, »»<* stealing some children's c oaks and school requisites. On account of tho children..youth, they were diuharged with an admonition, tho fathor being also cautioned. When tho schooner Maile loft Tonga, active preparations were proceeding both ashoro and on board vessols lit tho vicinity in prospoct of a hurricane. It was thor. blowing hard from tho eastward, and no damage had boon dono, but a change for tho worst was anticipated. . ..,., , , in A prohibitory order was made under tho Licensing Act Wore the Onohunga Bench yostorday, prohibiting all publicans and othor porsons from supplying Isaac Wilson with liquor for twelvo months. Tho order was mado on tho application of Mrs Wil- ROtl.

A party of gentleman from Auckland, composed of Captain Broun and Messrs Chcoseman (curator of the Auckland Musoum) and Adams, who have boon in Taranaki botanising and collecting insects, rocontly made an attempt to ascond Mount Egmont. Thoy wore also in soarch of now alpine plants, and explored the mountain and tho ranges for that purpose Camp was pitched at tho Govornmont clearing, and on tho night of the 9th a start was mado to ascond tho mount. On Saturday tho party got within 500 ft. of tho summit, and could havo roachod tho orator, but tho day was closing, and the prospoct of spend ing a night in tho snow dotorrod thorn from going further. No now plants (says tho "Nows") wero discovered, but specimons of many kinds that have hitherto only boon met with on tho othor Now Zealand moun tains woro obtaiuod. The scientific result of tho expedition will bo tho subject of a papor to bo road before tho Auckland Institute

At tho Onehunga R.M. Court yesterday, boforo Captain Jackson, R.M., and Mr A. J. Dickoy and Colonol Dawson, J.P.s, M. Lundon, of tho Railway Hotol, was charged with soiling liquor on Sunday to Martin Herrick. Mr Cavo appoared for tho defence Constable) Haslettdoposcd to soeing Horrick coming out of the hotol on tho Sunday morning, and to arresting him somo time afterwards for drunkenness. Tho bottlo of rum produced was found upon Herrick. Thomas Fiddes, barman in tho hotol, do posed giving Horrick tho bottlo of rum on tho Sunday morning. It had boon purchased and paid for on tho provious evening beforo tho hour of closing. Her rick drank nothing in tho hotel on the Sunday morning. Martin Herrick was also examined, but ho hod no recollection of what transpirod. The Bench dismissed tho caso, on tho ground that there was no pur cbnso nor consumption of liquor on the premises during prohibited hours. John Plowman was charged with bahaviour in Codlin's Hotol which led to a breach of the poaco, and also with obstructing tbo police in the exocution of their duty. On tho latter charge Plowman was flnod 20s and 21s coatH, and tho former charge, which arose out of an assault on one Marten, a I stockman, wa» dismissed.

Mr Booth delivered one of liis moving tomporancs addresses on Tuesday night in St. Luke's Church, Kemuera, Fiev. 0. B. Monro in the chair. There woe a largo and tho church choir rendorod suitable compositions during tho evening. Mr Booth dwolt on tho social aspect of tbo drinking custom, and considered that thero was less foar from tho low class public - house than from more fashionable haunts of vico and homes of 'refinement, where the wine-cup was passed to unthinking youth under tho patronage of Christian people. Mr Booth referred r dally to homo as the training school of men and women of tho future, and con siderod that the real truth about alcohol and it» effects should be taught in public schools. Thoßpoaker gave some interoet ing facts about the States of America in connection with prohibition, and its happy social influence upon the American peopto. Ho said tho principle of total abstinence had becomo a part of tho Constitu tion of Maine, and was never likely to be changed, a majority of 45,000 having voted in favour of prohibi tion. The lattor portion of his address was spoken to young mon, persuading them to adopt safo principles, which would load thorn into the high road to success in every sense of tho term. At the cloeo of the meeting, a votoof thanks was accorded, and 79 porsons signed the pledge.

Tho Wellington representative!) in the Auckland whaloboat race do not speak very well of tho management of tho arrangements of tho course. In the first place the start ing and turning buoys were nothing like parallel to one another, and in consequence of this No. 10 orew had to travel a distance of fully 300 yards more than No. 1. The drawing for stations did not tako place as usual boforo tho boats started to tako up thoir places, but in tho cominittco-room, in private. Tho bost place \tas drawn by No. 1 Ponsonby, Hoarn'o crew, whilo tho Potone crow drew No. 9. Hearn's crow had all the best of the tide as well as tho distance, and wero backed at ridiculously short odds. Soon aftor tho start, howovor, they met with a chapter of accidents, such as row locks coming out, Ac, Ac, which threw thorn completely out of the race. The Petone crow got well away and led up to the turning buoys. Here, while holding a lead of several lengths, they woro astonished to see tho Waitematas, who had drawn No. 3 station, rounding their bioy whilo they • had still another 50 yards to go for theirs. Thoy finished the race, and came in fifth. The men think that if the race had been rowed on its merits, the ilauraki crow would have won, with Potone second. In the Naval Brigades' race tho arrangements wero absurd, and tho boats wero very dis similar. The Auckland Navals rowed in a 12-oared cuttor, tho Dovonport in a six oared racing galley, and the Potones in an ordinary ship's 5-oared galley, with 18ft ash oars. The Petone men only started in this to mako a field, and pulled out immedi ately. The 12-oared cuttor of course won easily.—"Post."

A deputation from the N.S.W. Geographi cal Society waited a few days ago upon Major-General Scratchley, High Commis sioner for New Guinea, and asked him if ho were prepared to afford the Socioty every facility in his power to carry on the work of exploring Now Guinea, and settling a number of important points with re gard to its geography. Major-General Scratchley replied as follows :— " I am quite prepared to afford every facility in my power to the Society in carrying out tho exploration. I must, however, distinctly decline any responsibility for any of the Society's actions. I must avoid the appear ance of giving it any Government sanction. My opinion is that explorations should, as far as practicable, be puroly of a private character. For example, if the expedition mot with any disaster I would naturally on deavour to come to their help. If they had started under Government sanction I would be bound to do so. It is evident, therefore, that I cannot undertake to give anything more than special facilities in starting the expedition. The next point appears to mo to be tho selection of a loader. Everything depends on the leader, and he must be absolutely euprome. All the scientific and other people accom panying the expedition must be under his direct control, and I would advise that there should be no interference with the leader once he has started. I would strongly suggest your preparing a very careful estimate of the cost, having first laid down your programme very distinctly. As you have offered the leadership to Mr Chalmers, I would suggest your communi cating with him at once before ho leaves Cooktown ; for it is, I think, necessary that he should lose no time in coming down to confer personally with you. As regards the time of etarting, I think you may fix about the middle of April. As far as the exploration is concerned, I think it should be purely scientific in the sense of ascertaining the geography and natural history of the island. The fact is, although I have every desire to encourage legitimate trade between Australia and New Guinea, and by degrees possibly offer faci'ities for settlement, it is manitoetly im possible for me even to think of any such things until I have got possession of the country, and until I understand all about it. In fact, lam certain that the Aus tralian color i 53 will support me in the view that before anybody goes there, I must be recognised as the master, not only by the blacks, but also by the whites,"

Gilbert's sparkling comedy " Engaged t> to be represented to-night in St. Matthew s sohool-room by a company- of looal amateurs, assisted by one or two profes sionals. Tho charge is low, tho perform ance sure to be excellent, and there should be a large attendance.

The collections at the'Takapuna harvest festival amounted to £8 lls. The Rev. Mr Bates officiated at tho services.

In tho matter of exports from Australasia to the United Kingdom in 1883, amounting to £28,157,407, New South Wales heads the Hat with a total of £8,287,403, Victoria being second with £7,103,038, Now Zealand third with £5,764,757, South Australia next with £2,sll,2os,Queensland £i,s3o,s24,Taa mania £411,244,. and Western Australia £254,033. Of the total oxport of agri cultural produce, wheat and flour wore valuod at £1,419,705, and of this Now Zealand shipped a quantity os timatod at £1,029,000: Victor!*, £261,000; and South Australia, £107,000 ; 1883 being a particularly bad year for tho South Aus tralian farmer.

"Tho Quoen's Favourite " was repeated at tho Opora Houeo last evening boforo a fair audionce. On Friday next tho North cote ferry steamer will leave tho Quoon street Wharf at 11 o'clock, so as to afford residents of tho tuariuo suburb an oppor tunity of witnessing the performance.

Acting upon a suggestion thrown out by tho Star somo short time ago, the Legal Committee have recommended tho City Counoil to apply to tho Govornmopfc to fjluco at their disposal some prisoner abour for work in connection with the Domain.

Tho Colonial Treasurer having given an intimation of his desire to foster the mining industry by oncouraging tho establishment of a School of Mines, the Board of Governors of tho Thames High School hove drawn up a report on tho establishment of a mining college at tho Thames. Tho Governors are now seeking the co-operation of the Auck -1 md Chamber of Commerce to assist them in protuing the matter on the Government.

In connnction with Trinity Church, Povonport, a Harvest Festival U announced for to-morrow (Friday) ovenlng. There will bo special musical sorvicos, including Rovoral appropriate anthome. The offertory is to bo devoted towards the expense of the now pulpits. :

At tho annual meeting of tbo Auckland Regatta Club, tho Chairman (MrM. Niccol) announced that it was intended to make presentations to Mr Fraser and Captain Moore. To tho former1 they intended to givo a clock apd barometer for kindly placing tho Triumph at their disposal on Rogatta day, and to tho latter an album, for the manner in which he had looked after tho welfare of those on board of the flagship.

On February 3rd a crioket match was played at Little Omaha between Te Aral Cricket Club and Omaha Cricket Club. Little Omaha were sent to tho wickots at 11 a.m., and, after keeping the willow for threo quarters of an hour, wero disposed of for a total of 27 runs. Both elevens then retirod to a well-spread luncheon, to which thoy did ample justice. Te Aral Cricket Club went to tho wickets at a quartet to 1 p.m., and, after holding their own for an hour, wero all disposed of for 89 runs, tho principal scorers being Joha Western 28, and J. N. Marsdon 23 runs. Oinnha again went to tho wicketa, and, after 48 minutes, wero again disposed of for 10 runs, making a total of 37 runs in both innings, Te Aral thuß winning by one innings and 52 runs.

William Henry Stacy, a bankrupt, was examined late yesterday afternoon before the Official Assignee. He said: lam a brickmaker by trade, and about three and a-half years ago I decided to start a kiln on my own account at Tauranga. I had then £100 cash, but I owed Messrs Brown, Bar rett, and Co. about- £30, and other small sums of about £20 altogether. I therefore hod £50 clear. I took a partner, and wo each contributed equally to tbe expenses. Wo found after repeated trials that the clay would not make bricks. Wo bad ex perimented about eight months, when w« decided to give np. During tho whole of this period our earnings were nil, and the Tauranga debts were contracted for neces saries, with the exception of D, Lundon, £17 12s Gd; this was money advanced to help up carry on. Messrs Stone Bros, sup plied us with stores, and when we gave up wo gave _ them the plant. When we gave up bueineu at Tauranga, I returned to Auckland, and have had persis tent work ever since at Bs, por day; but having a wife and family to Keep, I have been unable to pay off any of my dobt. Mr Lundon took out a judgment against mo, and as I was nnablo. to moot the claim, I had to file.

A prize fight for £300 a-side was settled in the vicinity of Marriokville, near Sydney, the other day. The contestants were a clerk employed in a leading colonial monetary institution and a -well-known provincial boxer. The fight was arranged to take place at 5 o'clock in the morning, but owing to-the presence of the police in tho neighbourhood, the contestants did not begin their truculent ' encounter until nearly 11 o'clock. At that hour both men stepped into a well-arranged 24ft ring, stripped to the waists and with naked fists. The manager of the institution, of which one of tho contestants is a clerk, was present, and offered long odds on the representative of his establishment. The fight is described as having been most brutal, and lasted until half-past two o'clock. Tho seconds of the provincial man then throw up the sponge. Their man was in a weak and exhausted condition, and fearfully cut and bruised. His opponent -also was punished very severely. The select few who witnessed the encounter returned to town Hhortly after 3 o'clock with bated breath, and with an air of innocence as'if nothing beyond the ordinary had taken place. The result has caused several thousands of pounds to change hands.,

The discovery of a very fine stalactite cave near Tumut, NeWSouth Wales, is ro ported by the local "Times," It appears that a party started from Tumut to pay a vhit to the Yarrangobilly caves. An some of the party were walking along at tho foot of the great limestone terrace which runs northward from, th« caves, one of them noticed, half hidden by ihrubs, a small opening in the rock, which bo took to be a wambat-hole, and ho crawled down tho aperture, the others following. It was a work of somo difficulty, but alter sliding down a sloping, bank for some little distance tho explorers were able to stand upon their feet, and lighting their candles, they found themselves in a grand cave filled with large stalactites in all their pristine beauty. At the far end of the chamber, cut in the rock, was the name " Ben Hall," and beside it were tbo initials " A.M.J." No other inscriptions worefound, and it sootna within tho bounds of possibility that the secret cavern might at some time have been tho hiding place of the notorious bushranger. Having taken a hasty look 'at tho place, the explorers returned to their friends, and communicated the discovery. Five of tho party then entered the cave, when the extra light revealed some beauti ful chambers bolow them, only partly visible through a large chasm in the floor of the apartment.

The Grafton Road Band of Hone enter tainmont to bo held in tho church this evening Is announced elnewhere. The programme promises a rare social treat, and there should be a large attendance ,

, Doctors Gave Him Uf.-"I« it possible that Mr Oodfrey is up and at work, and cured by bo simple a remedy 1" " I Harare you it Is true that ho is entirely oured, and with nothing but Hop Bitters, and only ten days oso his doctors gave him up and said he most die." " Well-a-day 1 H that is so I will go this minute and get some tor my poor George. I know hops are Bood."

PIAKO COUNTY COUNCIL.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWH CORRESPONDENT,^

Te Aroha, tnis day. jAt the meeting of' the Piako County Council at Cambridge yesterday, all the members were present. It was de cided that pending a reply from Government re the grant applied for, the tramway men should continue aejast month, working during their spare time on the formation of a branch line to .connect \»i h Ferguson's battery, in course of. t rection. In reply to queries, Mr J. C. Firth stated (I) That the trestle work pornactrng the county tramway with Firth and Clarke's battery was paid for by the county. (2) The County Council did authorise thereon struction of a branch line- to connect "with Eureka hopper ; when the tea1 tor was brought up it was referred to the battery manager, who said there Were spare rails and spare sleepers available, and the men could mako it in their spare time; considered the arrangement an excellent one.' (3) That £6 was the amount of freight paid for the conveyance of material over the tramway for eald con nection. Mr John, Hunt was appointed to value the property' at Te Aroha and Wairongomai not i ready rati d, and roal c the list of necessary alterations on the r 1 (J The Chairman was authorised: to rraiu arrangements with the bank for the more prompt payment of wages of tramway men, - ,'•

ALLEGED OUTRAGE BY AN OLD REPROBATE.

Information respecting an outrage of a most shocking character was given to the police early last evening. A woman named Sophy Burke brought to the station a child of four or five years, named Margaret Carroll, and stated at the same time that she had been outraged by her grandfather, Peter Carroll, a man of advanced years. The child lived at her grandfather's house, and the offence is said to have been committed on Friday and Saturday last. An examination was made in duo coureo, and showed that tho child had been most cruelly illused. A warrant was accordingly issued for Carroll's arrest, and he was takon into custody an hour lator. This is not by any moans the first timo that Carroll has been in custody on the same charge, and tho police records show that he served a sentence of 14 yearsfnr rape. The child's mother is at present in Mount Bden Gaol. Carroll was brought up at tho Police Court to-day and romandod.

MR MACANDREW AND SKYE CROFTERS.

(Br TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. I understand that in consequence of the representations made by a deputation that waited on the Premier at Dunedin some weeks ago, tho proposal to send Mr Macan drow to Scotland as a special envoy to in duce Highland eroftor immigration to New Zealand, by Riving thorn small grants of land in tho neighbourhood of Cutlin'H Kiver and Waikawo, is assuming definite shape. Mr Macandrew, I am credibly informed, has been induced to promise to undortake the mission.

A later telegram from our correspondent says : It is considered improbable) in official and political ciroles that Mr Macandrow will accept a mission to Scotland, ro High land crofters, but tho Government fool that it will be a gracious act to offer to send the man who has over taken bucli a deep in terost in similar schemes as a means to tiie settlement of the lands of this country,

CLOSING OF PONSONBY GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

Tho Trustees' Defenco.

The long-pending dispute between the trustees of the Ponsonby Hall and the Go vernors of the Grammar School re the former body's demand for a contribution towards repairs and insurance has ended in tho Board of Govornors resolving to close tho branch school. At a special meeting of tho Board held late yesterday afternoon, and attended by Sir G. M. O'Korke (Chair man), Col. Haultain, Rev. C. M. Nelson, Messrs F. D. Fenton and E. A. Mackechnie, tho following resolutions were arrived at:— (1) "That tho trustees (Messrs Masefield and Field) bo informed that the under standing which they appear to entertain of the terms on which the Ponsonby Hall was handed over to the Grammar School Gover nors for the purpose of a local branch Grammar School differs entirely from that held by tho Governors, and the Governors reluctantly feel compelled to withdraw from the undertaking, and will in struct Mr Carson to close the school at tho end of the week." (2) "That Mr Carson bo requested to inform the parents that the school will be closed, and that any foes paid for boys who will not attend the school in Symonds-streot will bo returned." (3) "That tho Headmaster (Mr Bourne) be informed that the branch school will be closed at the end of tho' present week, and that Mr Carson will bo directed to rejoin the hoad school with such of tho Ponsonby boys as are willing to accompany him." In relation to the above, we are requested by the trustees to explain the grounds of their action. Towards the end of 1882, at the solicitation of a number of Pansonby re sidents, they formally agreed to let the hall to tho Governors of the Grammar School on certain terms, which, in the Board's letter of acceptance dated Decem bor2l, 1882, are stated to be—"To keep the hall in repair and insured ; possession to be given up on three months' notice." On January 16, 1884, the trustees applied to the Board for £10 towards insurance and repairs, and in reply the Board refused the application, with the explanation that it was not in terms of tho agroement. On August 6, 1884, the trustees wrote demand ing payment of £52 10s, being tho amount they had expended on repairs and insur ance. No answer being vouchsafed to this communication,tho trustees on the 13th October, 1884, gave the Board threo months' notice to vacate the premises unless their claim were satisfied. Again no acknow ledgment was received from the Board, and, therefore, the trustees having awaited the expiration of their threo months' notice, wrote on January 26th last stating that unless their terms were complied^ with within seven days the hall would be closed. This aroused the Board to action, and under date January 28th their then Secretary applied to the trustees for copies of tbeir letters of August 6th and October 13th, 1884, as the Board no longer had thorn in their posaossion. Those copies wore du'y forwarded, and on February 9tb the Secre tory informed tho trustees that a meeting of the Board was to bo held yesterday afternoon to consider the matter, and that they were desired to attend " with the documents onabling them to thus suddenly closo the echool." The trustees, annoyed at the curtsoss of tho communication, and not feeling themselves called upon to attend upon the Governors 1 1 pioduco their title to possession, declined to attend. They, however, explained that the hall had been leaded on certain conditions,which had not been kept by the Board; that in conse quenc* thereof three months' notice of the termination of the tenancy had been given ; and that as that period had now expired the ball would bo cloned on Monday next unless the demand mode in their letter of August 6th, 1884, wore complied with. Then followed tho Board's resolution to to close the School. We understand that the Board's contention is that as they novor had exclu sive and absolute possession of the hall, they were entitloa to be relieved of all liability for repairs or insurance; but tho trustees, on the other hand, maintain that they never contemplated the letting of the hall to the Board outside school hours, thus reserving to themselves its use when needed for meetings or entertainments. The public intorosts would be promoted, and an awkward difficulty smoothed away, if both parties to tho dispute referred the matter to arbitration, or agreed to abide by the terms of an independent legal opinion.

TABLE TALK.

Bd-ildkrs' picnic to-day at Henderson. A good thing in oils—Sardines. Professor Hugo lectures to-morrow night on "The Temperaments." There are about 400 empty houses in Dunedin and suburbs.

Reflection for the butchers after their picnic—"All flesh is grass." The annual number of births in London exceeds 200,000.

A cheerful face is nearly as good for an invalid as healthy weather. Christchurch publicans and teetotallers have agreed upon the members of the Licensing Committee. His Excellency the Governor is expected back in Christchurch to-day. Nature gives the features of the face; deceit alters them at discretion.

Mr Stuart, Premier of New South Wales, is now in Dunedin, and proceeds North on Saturday. Anderson and Smith have been convicted at Hawera on the charge of illicit distilla tion.

The Premier and the Minister of Mines are on their way to Hokitika and Ross.

At Christchurch yesterday, Mr Callis, Secretary of the Industrial Exhibition, pro mised to recommend the Government to adopt a uniform charge of 6d per square foot for exhibits.

"I would die for you!" she exclaimed, pillowing her head upon his shoulder. " Oh, no, you needn't, darling !" was his qaick reply, '' I like rod hair." Dr. Stewarfc, whose action in performing an operation on Strickland, a patient in Canetchurch Hospital, formed the subject of an inquiry, has been elected by the Hos pital staff as their Chairman. There was a very imposing ceremony at Dunedin yesterday, when the Governor opened the new Boys' High School. Mr MacMidrew, M.H.R., Rev. l)r. Stuart, and Dr. Macdonald, theiector, gave addresses. , T OW .does the new Kirl strike you f• asked an Auckland man of his wife yester day. She hasn't struck me yet,"answered his wife, meekly, •• but she has done almost everything else." Last night, Mr Walker, M.H.R. for Aeh burton, addressed his constituents,and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks and con ndence on the motion of the proposer and wconder of bis opponent at last election. ,

THE KHARTOUM DISASTER.

TREACHERY AND ASSASSINA TION.

FEARFUL SLAUGHTER OF GORDON'S TROOPS.

Men, Women, and Children Massacred.

(BY CABLK—COrVEIOIIT.)

London, February 10. From particulars to hand regarding the fall of Khartoum it appears that the garrison woro decoyed out by the robels at Omderman to repel a pretended assault. As tho Pashas opened tho gates tho Mahdi's forces poured in. General Gordcn was Btabbed while coming down from tho palace to endeavour to rally the faithful troops.

A most merciless massacre of the latter then took place, lasting over many hours. It is stated that fully one-fourth of Gordon's adh»rents woro massacred by the Mahdites, and that amongst the victims were a number of women and children.

It is reported that General Gordon was stabbed while fighting was proceeding be fore tho capture of Khartoum, and that he subsequently died of his wounds. Tho Kobouo of Sir Charles Wilson. The rescue of Sir Charles Wilson by Lord C. Borosford is universally considered to be tho pluckiest incident of the campaign. The Army Reserve to be Called Out. It is announced <hit ten thousand men of the Army reservo will shortly bo called out for garrison duty in Great Britain.

LATER DETAILS OF THE MASSACRE.

GORDON MURDERED ON THE THRES HOLD OF THE PALACE.

All Ills Followers Slaughtered.

London, February 11

Telegrams from the Soudan state that refugees from Khartoum were going over to the Mahditeß on January 26th, and that Gordon, rushing out of the palace to as certain tho cause of the commotion, was slain on the threshold.

The telegrams also state that nearly the whole, and not merely a quarter of Gordon's adherent?, and their families wero massa cred.

Mulbocrne, this day,

Universal sprrow is shown at the death of General Gordon. The flags of public and other buildings aro at half-mast.

Sir Wm. Jorvolß on Gordon. In acknowledging a vote of thanks at the opening of the Boys' High School at Dunedin yesterday, His Excellency the Governor referred in feeling terms to the death of General Gordon. He bad boen a 1 personal friend of his, and a more pure, generous, noble-minded man than Gordon novor lived. He was a pattern to the rising generation.

THE KHARTOUM EXPEDI TION.

General Wolseley's Advance,

Tub following items by mail explanatory of the British operations in the Soudan possess interest, although their news has been superseded by later cable despatches. They are published under date London, January 2nd :—" General Lord Wolseley's advance to Khartonm, as already cabled, has commenced in earnest. Lord Wolseley made Korti his base of operations, and has thrown forward forces from that point. The camel corpsand mounted infantry, num bering about 1,800 men, under Sir Herbert Stewart, accompanied by Major .Kitchener, started by the desert track to Shendy. They will establish themselves half way at Gakdul, where there are many wells, the bulk of the commissariat camels being then taken back to Korti. Tho chief difficulties expected are those of fodder and water. Each man in Sir Herbert Stewart's force carries seven gallons of water and seven days' rations, besides ammuni tion. The force only marches during tho afternoon and night, and when in column oxtend? a mile in length. Simultaneous with Stewart's advance General Earls moved up the Nile with 600 men of the Sussex Regiment. Ho is in structed to chastise the Monassir tribe for the murder of Colonel Stewart at Wady Garna, and will then encamp at Barcal, just below Gerenbeb cataract, and will also open the desalt line of communication with Korosko. While Lord Wolseley is thus advancing, cheering news comes direct from General Gordon. A messenger —as already telegraphed—brought a scrap of paper from Gordon, dated December 14th, saying that Khar toum was all right. Ho reports that General Gordon has two palaces at Khar toum, and has a gun in position on the flat roof of each. Ho mounts tho roof at sunrise daily, and makes a careful Burvey of the surrounding country with a telescope, If the rebels are quiet General Gordon sleeps all day, and perambulates the ramparts all night, keeping the sentries on the alert, and encouraging the troops by hia conversation and example."

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(BT TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellinoton, this day.' Tuo Colonial Socretay's movements. The Colonial Secretary will leave on an ox tended tour of inspection of the charitable institutions of the East and West Coasts of the North Island and the West Coast of the Middle Island as soon as possible after the return of .some other" Minister, probably Mr Richardson, who is expected shortly. Salo of Railway Tickets. Mr Tole to-day signed a warrant author ising the sale of railway tickets at Post offices. It'iß probable the experiment will be first tried on the Canterbury section of railway. Tho Government Printing Office. This afternoon Mr Tole will accompany the members for the city on an inspection of the Government Printing Office, with a view to tho enlargement of the premises.

TELEGRAMS.

Cambridge, this day.—The Native land Court opened here this morning to hear the application for rehearing in tie Maunea tun Block. Chief Judge McDonald Oc cupied the Bench. The morning was taken up in hearing the arguments for and against re-hearing. It is expected are hearing will be granted.

CHRisTCiirmcn, this day.—A requisition asking Government to sanction the forming of a Scottish Volunteer Corps in Christ church is being very numerously signed.

Dcnedin, this day.—The Moderates havo proposed five and tho Good Templars five candidates for tho City Licensing Bench. As nearly all are prominent citizens, there will be a keen contest for seats.

A "BREEZE" AT UNKNOWN

Ferry Company WiJi

It would indeed be singu] Mwe *■'*& I in the breezy Buburb of DwLjJM over without Borne unusual *J such as aro calculated to aakJjHH "storm in a teapot," ( or "*S district is now so famou, ;v ■* mooting of the Dovonport fj. !jM was held laet evening, M d f t^LNt in another column*' It tt ffi-l( business transacted, but *Mffl "(scones" which took pW ij? tfj special prominence. -f*VdMjS Five gentlemen hod been directors, and thero werennl.r^Ssi cies. A ballot was taken °> *"« (Mr Phllcox) was throVa^jS announcing the rosult the (X- *fi E. W. Alison) expressed eri^i Mr I'hilcox, who had workS "^i getically on behalf of the Ca^im its formation should havebSfifc* tho shareholders. "'"rffc Mr I'hilcox here trot un b«,i Chairman of treachW >ft-^ with having c ivon a few o f j, fa "TWifl ing to promise in the speaker"!^ at the same time he hid c *3* (luenced friends and "j|ft*sfc they had block - voted fc, JlfA koop him (Mr Philcox) out of tmM Ho believed tho cause of this ?""*»> was consistently opposed to evwJtS was not " Btraight." (Hear, be;." 11** The Cuaibmas here hiviM ~'.-... to examine tho roll, whenh™ o ». the votes had been given as Mr Barti.ey made a few .-w T remarks upon the conduct of 6 oin?# ofthodu-ectorywithrolaaSaTtffi ing, and characterised the adSf'v* Chairman as a disgrace to ther %i He said there appeared to be i^N unanimous disapproval of tho i»S of tho Chairman and some of ti iSfP their efforts to throw overboard n«7 most successful and straiebtforiJ? ■* Company's directors. - ™$| Several other gentlemen W „., on the subject, and eventually i-«i£9 ceased, leaving tho disputan'/'iTS bnt an amiable humour, '"*. Following thin little diclurW, Chaihman proposed Mr T. i iS* auditor, and this motion wascariirfS' upon Mr Dokance proposed tIiMKiS villo, of the Lake, be appointed M conjunction with Mr White, sniUbii receive £10 per annum each. I Tho Ciujeman objected to ,hi. „. The nomination of Mr Melij^i stage appeared to throw a slur jJL? action of the directors. rg. The meeting, howevnr. jmM determination to bring the a^^j Company under the review of twoiai and notwithstanding the ChairtMflfil tion, Mr Melville's election to iliiSi White was carried. "**

THE NATIVE MINISTERS MOVEMENTS.

(by teusuium—own couafcpSsl

Hon. Mb BALLANCEarrivodbytbESJ yesterday afternoon, and recwHMß welcome from the natives of Hijbslh keri, and Ohinemuri. At S bouse, in the evening, a numbs ■ |'v tiona waited upon him, but lie cussed wero of purely local- bratf; reply to an applicant for;:<mffi| search for gold in the King counts to the approval of the nativmjsHß declined to take any steps likelyj§fjjj cate the situation in the Waikafeß| mated that he would probably deliSj powers in this matter to the C|>ttji the Native Committees, andauffiSj to deal *ith such applications, are to-day unfolding their griey Minister at Parawai. Thefljb pected to leave to-night forWrijfflH

SPORTING NEWS.

Tho Hobart Cup.|S At the Tasmanian Racing Olni'ijSl the Hobart Cup was won by JSp Mozart being second, and Cor juii The Sydney Cup has cl'ot^i entries. >f]'!j Otanubu Booing Clnb ItonlvM The following nominatiblgflHj ceived for the Otahuhu SnmnjHßl Racing Club Handicap,—Ksifwel volver. Hatanella, Mystery, 1! Victoria, Mignonette, Bnaka. MfflHl Handicap Hurdles.—LUyfefujrs ity. Nigger, Fisherman. Sham. R Whalebono, Kaikatea, Traveller,AMK| Pubmcaks' Purse. — EeToljnstiSi Mystery, Winnie. Victoria, UHHU railleuso. Mignonette. Otara. UtfldMi 'em-it-you-can. Snake, NanulojWenti»3 Stkeplechase.—Banana, MjrliiWH Ann, Sunray, Joo flats Fisherm* Manulon, Now Year, Alario, , J

MIN ING NEWS.

(by telegraph—own cmebjw«

Moanataiaki.—The erußDiiigsj|« of quartz gave the payable rotMraiifi Cambria.—The week's run MSB! resulted in tho return of I.l,")|ibs.«3^ Little Danikl (Haps I 'rookl-fl^ prietors crushed 14 loads of aft 17.J0ZS. Deep Level Cross.—Eui/lcu.i'isij of 5 loads realised 14o: c. ' Kuranui flin.—TJiociv ol'jiaii from specimens.

COROMANDEL.

Success.—The mine manng«||| "Since my last report tb^Hß continuod harder than ws» '.WM but to-day the reef waßttoppfliSfl corner of the drive, ft i£jHß inchos in thickness of Rift <|G|in>'a| and shows considerable """fflSB walls seem well defined, and taggflMJ mineral indications. yothingj^U by prospecting.—Peter V4V<O| a

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before F. L. Prime, &g, JRI The Woman Bubtohbhaw.-IH| shaw, known as tho "TortW.'flCl Lane." was brought up on UuwijH the Police Offences Act -jtf^Hffl (2) obßoene language; wf.JMM cell door in endeavouring M«B Conatable MitchelL-Prisontf «§§ tho first offence; "oUd'««fflj| the Becond; and "got a. »S,jj the third. — Sergeant KieVsMi Mitchell gave evidenoe. B^fflH leniency; sho was very, 'yiWMfiß Worship remarked upon tielongUWJ against tho prisoner.aml ordoroa MM damage. 2s fid, to tho coll (M|i9 months' imprisonment ~ A Stabveling.—JonnOlsenwiß boing found by night In they*Sli Butcher, of Union-afreet, oft tto«il boy pleaded guilty.—His raotberMUH U, but ho looked noarer 10.-^wMH said tho boy had been sleeping mm fortnight-Mrs Colton taid pM a good home, but he raa sra condition was entirely &WBM She put him to a gaefl tl or. but M -Wl Sergeant Pratt having spoken, Uwfflßl manded for the purpose of being cega tho Magistrate. hMI j Not Lamb like.—ThomasMiJJßS with violently assaulting MarwMß with aglas3 bottle, on tholOt»itPg|j the non-appcaranco of a secona jnnjM wa> held over until to-morrOmfSHH MIKK AND WILLIE.-Mifhi^JS Willio Bibby were fined 6s OMfffflH in the street „ . j&iiSa? Indecent Assault.—PerofjsHHH known to the polioe.wasbroagwißlK of committing an indeoent MSWJ3E granddaughter, Maud BodfWOffifflSJ fust -Sorgeant Pratt said mWm serioxis oharge, but, not being 3WM the evidence, and tho resnK'wiHl examination he was not WpWffitfjlj form tho charge might < B' ctr"'iiSH or indecent assault—Mr. W®M| defonoe, and, as tho oisa W>iffiigsß| ho would ask for batl.-The «W|lM until Tuesday, and prisoner WfflffiS himself in £WO, and two »uretiM.JM| (Before Mes9rs Primo andMw^g Employment ov Fbitaiw 4£n|9j was charged under this Act three young girls attar the P«*S°Sa Saturday, January &-&¥ss&& Bpector under the Act, .VJETja le visited the work-roon>|^Mj dressmaker and draper, JJHM mDiitioned, at 3 30, and W»:M women in the work-rMmi^Hjaaji names as Sarah Smith, J^SBMBH Ward. They hadaladJ*J«fflaml Sarah Smith and Maggie WUb£Sm| to the ofi'ect tiatthe/hadbeeoW^m on returning called in at'no "'JJjajg no work.-Mw Burke «ug WyUBHH at tho time of the sergeant ' l™S:fliH E^r T he gaß^ehU^3^;»jg!i Reid pleaded guilty to hartnt • J"BJB Margaret Sheddan, at wo* »I*^ - samo date.—ss and coate. . .iJo** Several other charges we" jl^.-.; »

Lady Beautifiebs. iJ^SBU m ake fair skin, roar &(f%ZS&BMtM with all the cosmetics »' Jf the world, while in I^SH (rill (five yon such nog "'ffSBBBBi Jtreneth, and beauty MHWlfflffl. »§ ,ertam proof, See. ' '"'%

~TBE WCKLklit) EVMING STAR, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1885.^^



■JT EW. gTO RV! NEW STORY!! IN NEXT SATURDAYS "STAR" SUPPLEMENT WILL APPEAR A NEW AND ni9HL7 INTERESTING SEBIAL STORY, ENTITLED, VELLA VERNELLj 08, AN AMAZING MARRIAGE. BY MRS SUMNSR HAYDEN, ' Author of " Little Goldie," "The Midnight Mar riage," " Geroldine," &c, tea, Readers wishing to follow the thread of this Story must peruse the opening ohaptera on Saturday, whioh contains tho gorm Of tho entire plot. UNION BANK OF AUSTRALIA (LIMITKD). Kbtahlished 1837 Incorporated loso Paid up Capital. J6J.500.000; Reserve „,„__. funds. Am ; togothor .. WWW Reservo LiabUity o» Proprietors .. 8,000.000 Total Capital and Rosorve Funds .. £5,400,000 NOTICE TO PROPRIETORS. A DIVIDEND of Ono Pound Fifteen Bui lion togethor with a Bonus of Fivo Shillings per Share for tho Ilalf-yoar, equal to Sixteen per Centum porannum, having been doolarod at tho Mcotlng ot Proprietors held in London on 2nd Instant, tho same ia now payable to Colonial Shareholders. jQg pALMKR Chlof Officer for Now Zealand. Christchurch, Fob. 4,1885. AUCKLAND ROWING ASSOCIATION. FIFTH RKQATTA. SATURDAY, 14th FEBRUARY. PROGRAMME. 2 p.m. — MAIDENS (under lOaJ) and AMA -2.305K-SSCKUNioiRSWHALEBOATSS X- S SC K UNioi RSWHALEBOATS AND I p&S&Sg'SSKBK AMATEURS 3.50 p.m.-MAIDENS i p.m.-SENIOR AMATEURS 4.3 Up.m.-JUNIOR BENIORS 5p.m.-,TUNIOR AMATEURS The pji. Viotorla will leave Qwonst. Wharf at 1.45 and 115 p.m., and follow eaoh race. Admlastoa. 2s. ISAAC 3 Hon Bco> 15,000 15,000 15,000 15J000 GAHLICK & CRANWELL tun FIFTEEN THOUSAND TARD3 ffIUSSELS AND TAPESTRY CAKPKTa IN" STOCK, 3osldoß KIDDERMINSTER, FELT. DUTCH. AND KENSINGTON SQUARES. Chb Gbbatbst Varikti ik Auckland 1!! ftPSSI $ry & { Tapestry, from Is 9d Mffi vS Chet? f Brussels, from Ss M IARPBTB Very Ohoap / ■ GARLICS & CRANWKLL QAKIJCK & CRANWKLL GARUCK & ORANWKLL GARLICK * CRANWKLJ, GAIILICK & CRANWELL GARLICK ft ORANWKLL Iron BEDSTEADS and BEDDING >. BSDROOM FURNITURE } R^y JININU do. do. r DRAWING do. d(K > 'or BALL do. do. i Denary > HOUSES FURNISHED THROUGHOUT. BUY YOUR FURNITURE FROM GARLICK & CRANWEIX, 3HBAP FUBNISHINO WAREHOUSE, qvbehstrket and lobkb-&treet, Auckland. TTNIVERBAL use and popular approval have yj Indlssolubly established the fame ot Wolfb'B Schnapps. ARTHUR EADY, AUCKLAND MUSIC WAREHOUSE. 68, QCHJCN-BT,, Begii to Annonnco tho Arrival of SEVERAIi Casks ot musical instrumbnts. &C ex s.B. Coptlo and Oamarn, consisting of— VIOLINS. COPIES OF THE OLD MASTERS, FRENCH COPIES. YOUTHS' VIOLINS. Fitted with Ordinary Pegs, or W alms's Patent Holdfast Pecib, whioh are Highly Recom mended for tho following leasons :— They do not slip, they turn more easily and rtgvlarly, they facilitate tuning in conse quence, they have a smoother hole for tht string, and are more durable. THE ABOVE INSTRUMENTS have been SPECIALLY SELECTED TO MY ORDBK IN LONDON by an EXPERIENCED BUYER, enabing me to guarantee that every inatru ment will give satisfaction, while the LARQI NUMBER NOW IN STOCK AFFORDS I SPLENDID OPPORTUNITY FOR MAKING A SELECTION. rLUTEg COCOA WOOD, GERMAN SILVER KEYS AND TIPS. SLIDE HEAD, ONE, FOUR, OR SIX KEYS CONCERT FLUTEB WITH CASES piccolos nr d,e&, and r PICCOLO AND FLUTE COMBINED, PILLAS KEYS ».-•■■■ j •. FLAGEOLETS. IMPROVED BRASS CYLINDER FLAGEO LETS, VARIOUS KBYB OLAEIONETTES.' ALBERT OR BRUSSELS:, 14 KBUB, AND RINOB IN ANT KEY BRASS BAND INSTEUMENTS. CORNBTB. TENORHORNS, BARITONES, TROMBONES, EUPHONIUMS, BOM BARDONS, DRUMS, &O. HORNS. POST HORNS, DRAG HORNS, AiPINK HORNS BANJOS. DOBSON PATTERN, ENGLISH AND AMERICAN. PICCOLO BANJOS, with Niokel-Silver Hoop. BANJO FITTINGS. STRINGS SEPA RATELY OR IN SETS. GERMAN CONCERTINAS AND ACCORDIONS, BEST QUALITY ONLY. These are treated as MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, eaoh being examined and sent out in Perfect Order. They must not, therefore, be CLASSED with the GOODS supplied by TOY DEALERS. A Large Variety of the above Instruments, In cluding the Patent Broad Reed Accordion, in Solid Oak Case: Leather Straps—the Strongest Instrument of tho kind made. ANGLO-GERMAN CONCERTINAS. ALL WITH SEPARATELY-FITTED SCREWED, NOTEST and NEATLY COVERED BOX. VIOLIN CASES. MAHOGANY, RO3KWOOD, WALNUT, fitted With Spring Clasps or Hooks VIOLM FITTINGS. STRINGS, PEGS, BOW HAIR, TAILPIECES, BRIH&ES. CHIN RESTS. BOWS (Brazil wood, Ironwood. Snakewood, &c). MUTES, RESIN IN WOOD, CHINA and NICKEL SILVER HOLDERS. VIOLINCELLOS, FITTED WITH PATENT HOLDFAST PEGS. DOUBLE BASSES, CHRBB STRINGS MACHINE HEAD VIOLAS (TENOR VIOLINS), FITTED WITH PATENT HOLDFAST PEGS. PORTFOLIOS. OLD STYLE COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS, MUSIC ROLLS, UTILIS MUSIC CASE. THE DIGITORIUM. This REMARKABLE INVENTION materially assists any person to Play and become Perfect on the Pianoforte in an incredibly short time. PIANOFORTE FITTINGS. INSULATORS, TUNING .JAMMERS, DESK HOOKS, &O. METRONOMES. ROSEWOOD, with 8011, Best Quality. Precision guaranteed. While thanking my friends and customers for tho patronage enjoyed since commencing bnsiness, I hope, by pursuing the combo hitherto adopted, to receive a continuance of their esteemed favours, whioh will at all Okies nave my careful and prompt attention. AR T H IfR EAD T, 68, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. "VTOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. J. MoCarroll's is the only Establishment in New Zealand whioh makes a speciality of jinens, Damasks, Towels, Diapers, Huckabacks, landkercbiefs, Ice., &0.. in newest designs and test patterns, imported by him direct from the rlsh Manufacturers. The Public would do well to inspect his goods, which are offered at the lowest possible prices.-J. MpCarroll, 78, Victoria-street, fonr doora above Albert-street. J)b. cobbett HAS REMOVBD From AUrea-atreet to SYMONDS-STRBBT (opposite Choral Hall). Hours off Consultation : At Heme-9 to 10 a.m., and 6 to 8 p.m. At Aiokla'fr-12 to 1 and Ito 5 p.m. When not • engaged, . . = . :. .;



THE LIVER STIMUUANT.-A COMPOUND SXTRUCT Of EUONOMVN «NO PODOPHYLLIN WITH TARAXACUM—IB INCOMPARHBLT TH£ BEST TONIC FOB BILIOUS NESS, TOHPIO LIVER, OYSPfPiI*. rtATUtCNCf, AND I.OSS OF'VPITITI. 2«. OD. PKH ■OTTLE,



In the window of Mr H. White, sta tioner, Queen-street, is a sample of appies grown at Morningside. The five apples weigh 3Jlb3, and are a proof of what good clay land will produce with a little ex pense. "Oh, I do so dote on the sea," she gur gled ; "if you only had a yacht, Augustus, dear." "I have no yacht Wilhem.na," he sighed, "but I can give youahttle smack." And then it sounded as ira cork had flown out of a bottle aM* 1 wholesale and ret*.-,