SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER.

Auckland-This ovening, 10 27: to-morrow Makuicau 'hbam — Tomorrow morning, 1.7; to-morrow aftornoon, 1.35. i Kaipaha HEAi'H-Tomorrow morning, z.7, to morrow afternoon, 1.33.

Sunrise.—To morrow morning—6.sS. Sunset.—This evening-1.53. Moon's Age.—First Quarter. 21st, 5.21 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST KVKSJINB. Hawk, Uovt. soh, Jacob?, from a cruise ArawutH s.s.. Crnmarty, from W elllngton Clansman, 3.3., Farquhar, from Tanrangn TO-DAY. Woetwlng, schooner. Couch, from Samoa Penpont, schooner. Fuller, from Blull" VValvvera. schooner, Pankau, from Uisborno Sarah and Mary, brigantine, Prlost, from Lyt tolton

DEPARTURES.

TODAY. Walravapa, s.sj., Oliatfluid, for tho South Omapere, s s., Smith, for the South

IMPORTS.

Per Ponpnnt—isn packs Hour, 3,068 sacks flour. 82G sacks wheat. Ex WanviMim: o0 halt-cheats toa, 50 boxes tea.-W. S. Whitley. Per Sarah and Miry: 212 ssackfl oats, (ill! sacks wheat, 430 sacks Hour, 120 sacks potatoes, 100 sacks beans, JO sacks malt, 35 sacks oatmeal. Inwards Coastwise.—Progress, from Wha ngapoua, with 30,000 ft timber; Waipu, from Mania, with 10 tons machinery; Bata, from Walara. with 29.900 ft timber: Olive, from Cab bage Bay, with 20.000 ft timber; Ruakaka, from Waipn, with 21 lous; Mariner, from Russell, with 100 tons coal. Outwards Coastwisk.—Progress, for Wha ngapoua; Ratft, for Walara; Olive, for Cabbage Bay. Tho schooner Waiwern arrived from Glsborno this morning, with 9 bales wool, 11 Imndlos skins, 2} tons bones, S bans pelts. The schoonor Sybil has cleared at tho Cus toms for Hurutu. Passenger?: Messrs Edward Kenyon. Joseph Bosworrh. James Hastie. and J. Thistle. The s.s. Arawa'a loft for Wellington lost evoning with part of original cargo from Fiji. The a.a. Turawera loft Russoll for SydnoT yostorday aftornoon, after loading 450 sacks oysters and 200 tons coal. Tho barque Kentish Lass left Hoklanga for Wellington yesterday. _ The Loch Ijionhohasalmost completed ballast ing, and will sail for Calcutta a few davshonco. The barqno Ferdinand lias nearly finished loading for London, and tho ship Waimnte is raptdly filling up, also with cargo for London. Tho schooner Konilworth loft Mercury Bay for Oauiaru yesterday with a full cargo of timber.

Tho brigantino Prosperity had completed her cargo at Mercury Bay, and was waiting for a favourable wind to tail for Rockhampkm, yes terday afternoon. The brigantino Stanley arrived at Whangaroa from this port nt noon yesterday. She is now loading timber for Duncdin. Tho briptantino Maria Virginia loft Newcastle on Saturday last, with a full cargo of coal for this port. The s s. Onmporo loft for Napier, Wellington, and Greymouth this afternoon. She took about 30 tons sugar from the Sugar Company's works. The following vessels have entered outwards at the Customs: Bartholomew Uosnold, barque, Hammon, for Now Bedford ; Hanson', schooner, Bushel], for Suwarrow; Waitomata, schooner, Ohlson, for Sydnoy, via Aratapu. Tho brigantino Sarah and Mary left Lyttel ton on May 11 at noou, with freßh southerly wind, which was oarried to Tolaga Bay on 12, thence had strong westorly winds. Put into Hicks Bay last Friday, sailed again on Satur day evoningr, and had northerly winds till arrival hero thiaaftgrnoon. Tho 5.3. lona arrived from Mercury Bay and Tairua at a a.m. with 30 cases and 19 sacks of gam. Passengers ."—Messrs Peebles, Gredard. Koberts. Nicholson, Want, Dalytou, Mclntosh, Love, Dumber, Koynolds, Pollard, Hughes, Satricke, Meedamesr Kendell. O'Connor, and Laycock, Misses Nicholson ('-'). Radly, Bruce, Brown. The schooner Flectwing returned from Samoa this morning, after a longthy passage of 28 days. She left Auckland on April 2, and had a stormy voyage down, bding constantly under double reefed canvas. Arrived at Samoa on April 10, discharged cargo, and sailed again on tho 23rd lor Auckland. Head winds and calms prevailed during tho voyage. Passengers: Messrs Munro. Saiogor, nnd McGregor.

The barque Alastov ia now 124 days out from London, and the barque Sam Mendel ia 107 days out from the samo port. They should arrive here very Bhortly, being considerably overdue. Uthor vessels on the way from and loading at London are the Grasmere, sailed March 25; Crusader, sailed March 1; Doric, sailed May 18; Rimutakn, sailed May 2j; Mobile Bay, Otakl, Nerbudda, and Aberdarc, all loading. The three-raaated schooner Penpont arrived early this morning. Sho loft tho Bluff on May oth, had strong N.VV. and S.W. winds up to the 10th, then light winds from S.W. On the 14th, whon off Kast Gape, had a sevore gale, with a high confused sea from N.W., during which the decks wero frequently flooded. On the Mth the weather moderated, aud N. winds and line weather prevailed tho rent of the passage. The 5.3. Wairarapa left for Melbourne via the South this afternoon. Passengers for Gis barne:—Dr. Pollon, Miss Hayes. For Napier: Mra and Miss Jones, Messrs Rutherford, J. McKenzie, and Robt. Millar. For Wellington : Messrs Wilkinson, Northcotc, Moss, Jacob, IMver, Mrs and Miss Drtisbury. For Lyttelton: Mias Kdgan, Mrs Rutherford and family. For Dunedin: Mr and Mrs Sibbin, Mr Dod3hren. For Melbourne: Dr. and Mrs Morris and child. For Hobart: Messrs J. Briton and Bonnashs.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

New Plymouth, thia day.—Arrived: Oreti, from MamiUau, 9 a.m.

Whangakei, thi3 day.—Arrived: Clansman, from Auckland, 8,30 a.m.

Port Chalmers, this day. — Sailed: Te Anau, tor tho North. Passengers for Auck land: Mies Lewis, Messrs Marian, Allen, and 0 steerage.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, this day,

Messrs Vaile and Douglas held a sale of free old properties at thei3 Auction Mart and Land Saleroom to day. The property in Wellesley street, corner of Cbapol-strcet, including Bap tistCnuroh and School, were passed by the executors at £2.800. Tho suburban building site at Mount Smart bronght £05 per acre, and the villa residence in Mount Roskill Road £590. There was no bidding for sevoral farms in the Kuranui district, but they aro open for private sale of tho auctioneers. Mr R. Arthur sold tho balance of tho clearing out stock of watches and jewollery at prices averaging below English cost, but which were satisfactory both to 'auctioneer and proprietor. Mr Arthur will oilbr on Tuesday noxt/ at his mart, another largo stock of .jewellery, &c. Messrs Cochrane and Son hold a book-sale . today, consisting of about 600 vote, of history, poetry, and fiction. Among tho collection were a number of Bcarca works, which brought re markably low prices. Dickens's works,2o vo)s,, aold for Is 8d per vol.; good editions of the poets realised Is fid to Is 9d; a very old Bible (1672) s^ld for 2s 6d: Humboldt's Travels, Is 7d each; Prescott's Histories (3 vol?,). Is each; Ingoldaby, Is 9d; Alison's History of Europe, 2s; Macaulay's Essays. Is Id; Dr. Johnson'B Works (8 vols.l, 6d each; Hurae'a History of England and the "Spectator" (9 vols.), 3d per vol.; Tucker's "Light of Nature," which ocoupled the author over thirty years in writing (7 vols.) for Is 9d, or 3d per vol.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

May 21,188 J. Opera House—"lmpulse," 8 p.m. Robson's Rooms—Auckland Chess Club. 7.30 p.m. Auckland Tabernacle — Service by Pastor Spurgeon, 7.30 p.m. Y.M.C.A.—Evangelioal Servioe, 7.30 p.m. Newmarket Hall —Mr Moss, M.H.R,, and Electors of Parnell, 7.30 p.m. St Matthew's School-room—Annual Gathering of Girls' Friendly Society, 7 p.m. Lodge St. Andrew—Emergency Meeting, 7.30 p.m. Onehunga Naval Artillery, 7.30 p.m.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mailh will CiiOaa as undkh— This Day, For Whitlanei and Upper Mill, per lona, at 5 p.m. For Katl Katl, Aongatete Tauranga, Sec. per Rotomahana, at s p.m. For Thames, por Rotomahana, at 5.30 p.m. Friday. 22nd jnst. For Herd's Point, etc., via Maniikau. per Rowena, at 11 a.m. For Waitara and Southern ports, per Hannah Mokau, at 11 a.m. For Cowes and Coromandel, per Coromandel, at 11.39 a.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 4.30 p.m. For Tauranga, and Opotikl, per Clansman, at 5 p.m. For Whangarei Heads, Parua, Walpu, Whan garei, Kama, and Mangapai, per Wellington or Waitaki, at S p.m. Saturday, 23rd mat. For Port Fitzroy, Tryphena, and Okupu, per lona, at 7 a.m. For Waiwera, Te Kapa, Warkworth, eto,, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, 26th inst. Per City of Sydney as follows :— For Navigator Islands, Sandwich Islands, United Stntea of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m For United Kingdom and Continent ot Europe, at 1 p.m. Money orders, 10.30 a.m. Registered letters and uewsoapers. at 11.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of six pence In addition to the postage, will be received by the Mall Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. This mail will be due In London on Friday, July 3,1883. Note.—Monday, 25th inst, will be observed as a postal holiday. Mails usually made up on that day will be closed on Saturday, 23rd inst., at 7 p.m. A delivery will take place at delivery counter from 7 to 8 p.m., 23rd inst. _, ._. 4 8. B. BIBS. OhleJ Postmantoi

Births.

BEEHR.-On May 20, at SeaHeld View-, the wlfo of S. Beehr of a daughtor; both doing well. KIDD.-On May 20. Mrs Alfred Kidd ola son. MOSELEN.-On May 18, at Onohunga, the wifo of A. W. Mosolon of a son. -

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

THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1885.

For the cauls that lacks naaiattnro, For tho wronf that modi roslsUnrd, For tilt future In tho 4iat»nc», And the gooi that wo can do.

The Hon. Dr. Macgregor, C.M.G., the gentleman administering the affairs of Fiji in the absence of the Governor and Colonial Secretary, has delivered an address, in which he opposed himself

to the movement for annexation to New Zealand. Dr. Macgregor is a very able man, and is a most popular public official, but he, of course, takes a purely official view of the question. One of the chief pleas for annexation contained in the colonists' petition to the New Zealand Parliament is the ex travagance of the present administra tion of public affairs in Fiji. Under this head of the subject, the petition states :—

That though the revenue amounts to £100,000 per annum, it is almost entirely absorbed in meeting the demands of a ruinously wasteful and cumbrous system of administration unsuited to the wanta and conditions of the colony, and that whilo tho contributor*" are denied any voice in its expenditure, the advantages they dorivo from tho outlay aro, comparatively, of but trivial character. In proof of tho above the estimated expenditure for the current yoar amounts to £96,738 18a lid, of which total, the sum voted under tho head of public works amounts to but £9,330 10s. With the prosent revenues of the colony, and in view of tho incronso which would follow were its trade and industries fostered and developed by a wise and suit ablo form of GovarLment, your petitioners strongly believe that a considerable surplus would renmin to bo omployod in public works, and in opening up and in bringing under tho iinmcdiato notice of tho outside world tho vast natural resources of this group of islands."

Dr. Macgrcgor meets this charge by asking in what direction savings could be made. The Governor's salary has been suggested as a formidable item that might be lopped of—a saving of when so little is available for public works is not to be despised ; but the Administrator contends that some highly-paid official would take his place, and that as the Minister for Fijian Affairs would go out of office with bis party, the government of the colony would really lie in the hands of any Under-Secretary who became the official head of the Department, The " Fiji Times " forcibly retorts that this is precisely their case now, and that it would be much easier to bring the Departmental officers to book in New Zealand, where the colo nists would be represented, than in Downing-street, where they ore treated with a lofty scorn. It is not easy to believe that a rule which is purely official can be economical; the local journal points as a proof to the con trary to the " Cadet vote, and the amounts paid to officers absent on leave, &c." The question of what con stitutes a reasonable expenditure is a very difficult one to deal with, and it would require a careful examina tion of the sources of expenditure before one could say whether ,£IOO,OOO is an excessive sum or not to expend in the government of less than 3,000 Europeans and 125,000 natives. The New Zealand expenditure on native and defence purposes alone has often run up in single years to many times the *otal revenue of Fiji, and this year's vote for Native Affairs is _£iß,Cii, and Armed Constabulary field force ,£56,739, irrespective of certain native charges which fall upon the Department of Justice. It is, however,perfeotly easy to determine that the paltry sum sit down for public works is totally inadequate; that in a young colony like Fiji, with unmade roads and unopened lands, a much larger sum would be required, and ought to be obtained from some source to drive ahead the work of colonisation and develop the resources of the country. From a Government by officials the energies of colonisation will never come, and if any Governor displayed independence enough to throw off the shackles of red tape in order to meet the crying commercial wants of the colony, ■he would be snubbed from Downing-streei. The experience of Fiji with the Loan Ordinance, to supply small planters with labour on deferred payments is proof enough of that, and all prudent officials understand the views of their Departmental masters too well to commit the Imperial Exchequer to any liabilities which are not more than provided for in the estimates of the year's taxation.

The most telling point made by Dr. Macgregor is that referring to the labour question. Opposition to annex ation may no doubt be expected from the big mill-owners and those large pro prietors of human beings who are not interested in Fiji as colonists, but merely employ their money there, and get all the work they possibly can executed abroad, from whence also they send their supplies. We have specimens of this genus in a certain section of our squatters, and we find that they distrust anything approach ing democratic Government quite as much as their brethren in Fiji, Dr. Macgregor's doubts wether the Ceylon Government will sanction the engage ment of coolies except under the guarantee of a Crown colony, and his hints that the New Zealand democracy will oppose the employment of coloured labour, are well calculated to cause un easiness among the planters. We do not think, however, that there is the smallest occasion for alarm. If Fiji were annexed to New Zealand it would be regarded purely as a tropical de pendency, where the employment of coloured labour is a necessity. These labourers would never come into con flict with New Zealand workers, and there could be no jealousy. It is a very "official" idea, indeed, if Dr. Macgregor believes that European labourers in the colonies are eager to undertake the work performed by blacks on the sugar plantations of Fiji—that is a class of labour which they are more than satisfied to leave to their coloured brother.

If nothing more than has been urged by Dr, Macgregor can be offered against the union of Fiji with New Zealand, the question would be a very simple one. But there are other and greater difficulties—the drafting of a workable constitution, which, we opine, must embody some form of pro vincialism, giving the colonists of Fiji liberal powers of local self-government ; the provision of defence against foreign enemies; and the manage ment of the native population. In New Zealand, a much .smaller number of natives than there are in Fiji have

caused the colony endless trouble and cost; it must be admitted, however, that they are a more warlike nice of men than those who inhabit the Fiji Islands. The Parliament of New Zea land could not givo thoir support to the prayer of the Fiji settlers until a. Commission had deliberated upon the whole question and had succeeded in settling the basis upon which the future administration of the new jup vince might be provided for.

Labour and Capital Coalescing.

It is gratifying to learn that the strike of bootmakors at Christchnrch has been brought to a close by tho wholo of tho om ployore accepting the terms proposod by thoir workmen, and today all the men will resume work. It .says much for tho cordiality of tho relations between labour and capital in this colony that a prolonged and bitter slruggle.Fueh as that which lately took place in Melbourne,did not result from tho difference of opinion which aro.so ; and tho spoody soUloment of tho disputo is a hopoful augury of tho prevalence of thoso intelligent and enlightened ideas which will, oro long, render a roeoui'se to "striken" impossible. A most notable instance of the growing rapprochement betweon capital and labour has lately occurred, and, of all places in the world, at Shelliold, tho former abode of trade-union outrngo and highhanded tyranny. The stool and iron trade being in a very doprossod condition in that town, and the workmon of Tinsloy Steel, Iron, and Wire Works being debarred by the rules of tho Union from accept ing lowor wagos, the men waitod upon their employors in a body ami olturod to work a week for nothing. This sym pathetic ofl'or was gratofully accepted, and, no doubt helped to tido tho Company ovor a period of deop depression by mini mising their losses, while it also probably provonted a temporary cessation of opera tions. This action is all tho more com mendable when it i.s romemboi'cd that it is but fivo yenrs since an obstinate stiiko took place in thoso very works over a wages question. It is remarkable that the city of liroadhead and his gang should havo given such a conspicuous oxamplo of co-oporutivc fooling to tho industrial world, and wo hope tho lesson will not fail in oflbct. Mke begets like, and wo expect to learn that, when a return of prosperity again places the Tinsloy Company in a good position, (hoy will romember and rociprocnto tho net of thoir co-workers.

Russia and the Ameer.

AuuuuiuiiMAN Kiias is reported to bo "depressed." Wo supposo he is subject to theso tits, liko othor mortals, when his liver is disordered, and we cannot thoroforo see that there was any need to stir twenty thousand miles of telegraph wire to convey such information to this quarter of the globo. Perhaps thero is some deep political significance in tho depression of tho Amoer of Afghanistan, which must contrast strongly with his buoyant, hopeful, and defiant air dining tho lute durbar at Rawul Pindi; but it is probably, after all, no more than that slight attack of " blues' which everyone has experienced after n period of undue exhilaration. Tho only collateral nows which throws any light on tho Ameer's low spirits are tho intimations that Russia claims tho light to keep tlio Zultikar Pues, and to send an agent to Cabul. Wo much mntako tho Ameer of Afghanistan if this nows would have a de pressing effect on him, and if hois showing such symptom*, would construe them into an indication of duplicity and a disposition to throw oft' his aUegianco to England. Of course, if tho Ameer is willing to giant Russia's demands, thero is an end oi the matter, and, therefore, further and more intelligiblo tidings of his attitude will bu anxiously awaited. Tho Knglish policy is to maintain tho integrity of Afghan is tan, so that: it may act as a bufl'or botwocn Britain and Kuwia in their Central Asian dominions. Tho Ameer, having a standing army of 07,C00 men, can at onco decide any disputo by throwing his weight on ono side or tho other, and it is unfortunato that ho should show so much indecision and lack of purpose. The buffer theory of England may be all right, but Abdurrahman Khanis not just the right sort of " buffor " for Iho place.

The Canterbury Unemployed.

Tiikhk is a striking lack of originality in the mothods propounded in Canterbury for tho relief of the unemployed population of that provinco. Government aid, ttnijuitr* Government aid, U tho cry, nnd Mr Holmes, M.H.K., who lust night adilresaod a crowdod audionco on the subject at Christchurch, docs not appear to havo started out any now line. At tho clo^o of his lecture it was unanimously resolved : —"That tho subject of furnishing cm ploymont to tho workmen and youths of tho colony has become of vital importance ; that in consequonco of tho low prico "f wool, grain, and othor farm produce, it has bocomo necessary that a largo numbor of pooplo should be em ployed in manufacturing, and so make a homo market for tho farmer.-', and thus boMtno moro aolf-roliant; that to give an impetus to manufacturing, Government ho respectfully requested to rovWo I ho Otis toms tariff with a viow to tho fostering and encouraging of industries and productions of tho colony." This constant appeal to (iovornmont not only lacks originality, but it shows a want of independence It i» significant that tho mooting last night was under tho auspices of tho A row Zealand Protection Association, an organisation which has boon called into oxistonco for tho purpose of fostering, by moans of protec tive tariffs, colonial manufactures and industries generally. Tho objocts of this Association are no doubt praiseworthy, nnd to somo extent tho resolution of last night's meeting is a proper one. Tho linding of •.vork for tho population of tho colony is v matter of tho vory greatest importance, but it is not the provinco of Government to supply work. All that can bo asked of Government is that they shall provide tho requisite conditions under which industry may flourish ; tho rest is in tho hands of tho peoplo thomselvos. If tho resolution means that tho tariffs now imposed intor fero witli tho conditions noeossary for tho advancement of colonial manufactures, thon by all means the mooting docs rightly in calling out for their itmnediato revision, Free-trado doctrines in theory aro unassailable; but for a now country, occupying such an isolated position as Now Zealand docs, they requiro a judi cious admixture of protoctivo practieo to mako thorn suitablo or acceptable And not even the most ardont JFroe-trader will dispute that, whon heavy riscal duties con stituto part of the colonial policy, these may as well be imposed with an object in view beyond tho moro raising of revenue and no more worthy object could bo aimed at than tho development and encourage ment of colonial trades and manufactures.

The Banks will bo closed on Monday and Tuesday next. Sunday, .as our readers are aware, is the Queon's Birthday, but in accordance with the provisions of tho Bank Holidays Act, the holiday will bo kept on the following day. Monday is Whit-Monday, another bank holiday, and as that day is taken up by tho celebration of the nativity of Her Majesty, tho "keep ing up" of Whit-Monday is postponed until Tuesday, thus giving those " poor overworked fellows " in the banks two con secutive holidays. As Tuesday is mail day, the cessation of banking business from Saturday at noon till Wednesday at 10 a.m. will be a serious inconvenionce to merchants and others. The proposal that the Calliope Dock should be lengthened by 100 feet is engag ing eomo attention at tho hands of nautical men. • It will be considered at the next meeting of the Harbour Board, when tho Board will resolve itself into a Dock Com mittee for that purpose. Sir George Whitmoro continues to em ploy himself actively in connection with Volunteer and defence matters. He in forms us that arrangements have been made for the erection of barracks at tho North Head for tjje Permanent Force, of which there are now fifty hero. The barracks will be started at once, and will be ready for occupation in about a fortnight. The guns on the North Head will tiro a salute at noon on Queen's Birthday (Monday next), and will be replied to by the guns of the A Battery of Artillery, situated at Albert Park. We have been requested to advise persons residing near the fortification to open their windows during the firing, or the concussion caused by the explosion of the guns will probably cause a considerable breakage of glass. Tho firing of heavy guns has the effei t if causing a considerable vacuum in the external nil-, and the fores of the air inbi'Je tho houpc-s rushing out to fill this vacuum is frequently I sufficiently strong to brcftk glaes.

A slight sonaation was created on Queen streot Wharf this morning by the capsize of an open boat containing sumo Mtioria. Two small craft containing natives woro sailing up harbour, when a squall enpsized one of thorn and throw its occupants int." tho water. Thoir companions wero close by, and picked them up easily, after which the capsized boat was towod into Freeman's Bay and righted.

An altercation occurred in i.'ollego Road yeatorday afternoon between nn overseer of road works and a carter. Words led to blows and before tho combatants wero separate], tho ovorscor'n eyes wore in deep inoiirning. Tho mho is likely tn come before the I'olieo Court.

A woodenstablo in William-street, owned by Messrs W. and <!. Winstone, mid occu pied by Mr Alexander Lamb, wnsdcstroyod by lire shortly after ono o'clock this morn ing. The horses and harness were got out

safely. Nothing is known respecting tho causo of tho outbreak, but it is boliovod that tho lire commoncod in tho loft. Tho Firo Brigade and Salvage Corps .and polico wove present, and lent what awfotanco they .c mid. Tho stable, which wan one of Lltroo, wan insured in Iho Now Zonhmd Ollico lor i.TiO. Tho othor stables woro not damaged. Mr Lamb was not insured. Wo learn thai Sergeant Donnelly is at present incapueitated from police duty by illness. Tho gentleman who luis undertaken to mi.-c tho CIRO necessary to provide a gun boat for (his l'onsonby'Naval Artillery 18 Mr.l. 11. Witheford, lie has lost no time in issuing subscription lists and inserting advertisements in tho newspnporf", and alrondy a goodly number of piomises of help havo been received. Mr lames Hurst, to whoso experiments in tho manufacture of gun cotton wo al ludcil yostordav, has forwarded locally mado sainplos of that, oxplomvo to Colonel tho Hon. Sir (icorgo S. Whitmoro. Sir (ienrgo has iiromifcil to toko .slops to havo it. tested, and should the result of tho tost bo satisfactory, ha will bring Iho mat tor under tho notico of tlio (invornniont, and ndvtso ilfl iiso in cotmcolion with the de fences. Twenty dcsijrns wero recoived for the now four story buildings for tlio Vouiig Mou'h Christian Association, which are to cost nbuul ITi.OOO. They woro eonmdorcd at n commitfeo mooting last evening, and in oidor thai tho merits of each might bo fully investigated, iho mealing wns adjournoa till anothor night. It is doubtful if a de cision will be arrival at within a week. Tho charge against William Bibby of breaking and entering Moral's liroy and Itoid's store, and steal ing goods to tho value of £5 therefrom, will bo heard at tho Polico Court tomorrow. Tho Salvation Army has extended its operations (o Oiiohunga, whero regular mooting nro now hold, Amongst tho sup poticd convert i* a market gardener who has hitherto formed ;i prominent feature at local highway board and political mooting?, Mr W. I. lirunton has boon appointed school-master at tho Kohimarama Training School, and commence.-' h:s. dutios there on June Ist. A case of typhoid fovcr in Uio North Ward was reported to the Sanitary Inspec tor yesterday. Active and elaborate preparations aro going on for a grand concert, comic sketch and operetta, which arc to bo given in tho Theatre Itoyal on Monday next. Tlio pro gramme includes the names of many lead ing amateurs, and Mr K. W. Scents has the managiMnont of the ail'ah1! no that thoro is it prospect of n pronounced success being achieved.

Tho following i.-- the complete list of ten ders received for the Moturon contract, on the Foxton-Now l'lyinouth railway :—Ac copied :C, .1. Newman, New Plymouth, £8,!»>(). Declined : .!. (.'.. (iuorgo, New Ply mouth, l'!),IM."i; Murphy and Cannonoy, Wanganui, Clo,'_Vr2 ; Lnrkim and O'lirien, Auoljiuid, 1II.V!).'! : ■). •!. O'liiien, Auck land, 1T,2,1!K) : Adam Wilkic, Wangauui, L"l.,:!:!•.: Mnro and Hassott, New l'lymoiith, Cl;>,7!•!•: Pur-'oiix aud Spenco, Now Ply mouth, LI I,CH : I). Scnlly and .1. O'Con nov, Wanganui, £lt;,010; (Icorgo Mawott, Wanganui, lT,\:Mr>. Tho buslimnn who cnine down from llolonsville.soycr.il days ago with his hand injured by n limber jack is under Dr. Ton nenl.'s treatment. None of tho bones havo been broken, and therefore amputation will in it bo uece.-'saiy. . Tho roporl of tho Femalo !'ii uon Hate Brigade for tho wo^k anding May 17Ui >k as follow*:— liccvivcil into Homo 3 ; loft.-I : remaining, (I! numbor of beds given, AS ', number of meals supplied, llili. Donations in food: llread.Mrp llowionnd Mr Wnddol; milk, Mr Trcinaino and Farm Hairy: applo.", MrKorr, Kpringlicld : meat, Messrs (inrrott, Eady, Wood, and Hulmo; wood, Mc*.»m Kobciison ar.l Maxwell ; groceries, Mr.s Williim---and Mr D.ivies. Donations in clothing: Messrs Smith and Caughcy (bedding). Tho homo in orderly, Wants; Under and outward clothing, mid Hour.— A. D.wiiv, Deputy Matron.

Yesterday morning a numbor of tourist." loft by tho Waikato train on routo for tho Hot I.ukos, having booked themselves at Mr 11. H. HayrV agoncy. Amongst thesn tourists were |)i\ Ciwnn, the well-known American author and scientist, and MrO. (■'. Mercer, roprcFoiitntivo of Spicor and Sons, of London. I'r. Cowan on his return uill proceed t i Hiu Ivawan, where ho will bo a guest of Sir Heorgo troy.

Mr W. Siljbin, whoso namo has boon associati.il with Hold nnd nrjiuitic sports in Auckland for year.s p;isf, was married to day In .\li:-s P.riton, daughter of Mr .1. Briton, rontraelor. Tho happy couple loft by l.lio Wniriirnpn immediately after tho coromony forlhcir futurohoma in Dunodin. Mr K. ihtmlit), M.lf.K. for Franklin South, itildic-'-cd 11 meeting of (lio doctors of Mercer in (Im Comt-houso on Monday night, Mr T. C, MeKlruy being in tlio chair. After narrating tho saljont ovontß of (ho sonsioni lie thought tho Sunday observance olaus-o in tho Police OU'encc* Act fur 100 stringent, praised tho Contra) Insurance Hoard, but saw no nocesMty for local Boards, opposed tho porpotutd leasing Bystorn, oulogifiod Kond Boards and tho Land Court, denounced tho proposed Nativo GommittoOH, attacked tho Government for proposing to tako over tho Wost ('oust rail way lino in tho South, and found fault with tho Government for not making the port dofoneos more complete Tho momljcr re ceived a vote of thanks and conlidoneo. A vacancy having occurred in thoTaupaki .subdivision of Ararimu Koad Board, a poll was taken on Tuesday laßt to fill tho Bamc. Messrs Barnes and Vos had been nominatod as candidates, and tho votes yesterday (four only in number) boing recorded for Mr Barnes, that gcntloinan was duly oloctcd. An extraordinary vacancy has now occurred in tho Ararimu sub division of tho samo Board by tho resignation of Mr Ellis, and on tho "Bth inst, nominations to supply tho samo will bo received at tho residence c f Mr Wilkins, Waikoukou. A man named James Clout, a carpontor ongugod in tho supervision of tho removal of tho old wooden Robert Burns Hotel, Union-street, had an extraordinary oscapo from death yesterday. Tho building had boon moved back -10 or 50 foot, and was resting on screw jacks about IS inches from tho ground. Clout was crawling under tho building, when itsuddenly listed, crush ing him to tho ground with his knees under his stomach, fivoryono boliovcd that ho was killed, but this did not prevent the work men from expeditiously ripping up the llooring boards. They found Clout pinned to tho ground by ;i largo joint. This was quickly sawn through, and in a few minutes of the listing of the building tho man was released from his perilous position. Tho poor follow was much crushed and shaken. Medical assist ance was obtainod, but an examination showed no botios were brokoiiiand that there wore no external injuries. Tho accident is accounted for by tho fact that some of tho jacks rested on clay, and tho weight of the building caused them to sink.

A meeting of the members of tho One hunga Rillo Corps was held in tho Masonic Hall on Monday evening for the election of officers and other business la connection with the Corps. Mr J. Lundon occupied the chair. Tho Secretary, Mr J. Brown, called tho roll over, and upwards of 50 members answered to their names. It was proposed and carried, without a dissenting voice, "That Mr J. Lundon isaflt and proper person to bo Captain of tho Onohungu Rifle Corps." Mr (llenny was proposed and elected unanimously First Lieutenant. In returning thanks, lie took the opportunity to remind them that he was present at the review when the former commander of tho Auckland forces, Colonel Harrington, complimented the last Ono hunga Voluntoor Company as being Ihe best disciplined and moat efficient company in the province. Ho hoped that the mem bers would use their best endeavours to win tho honour again. Mr R. Webb was elected Second Lieutenant, Mr W, F. Wilsor,C'o!our-Sergeant, and the following : — Sergeants : Messrs T, Suttie, TV. Donovan, J. Leahy, and W. Daly. Corporals : Messrs G. Brown, W. Jeffeiy, T. Wardon, and F. Cullen. Dr. W. G. Scott was elected Sur geon to tho Corp?, and Mr Glenny Secre tary.

Constable Walker came in from Otnhuhu this morning, and took away the prisoner Alexander Stuart McKonzio, who haa beou remanded to that place, charged with the larceny of two Cl noro*, tho property of Bnioe'l.ooM'srt.

The tiros hava baen lighted ftl frha Ono> | , hunga Ironworks for some days past tor the ' £ purpose of seasoning tbe chimneys prepara- tory to the commencement of smelting peration?. It is expected that a practical j start will bo made very shortly. T Tlio ball is still kept rolling amongst the j bucolics of Mangaro. Within the last four ) or llvo days Mr Macrae has impounded no less than a dozen cattle, which wore trea- , piißsing on his property. Fences appear to be an urgent necossity at Mangare. | Only one of the boys of the late Mr Braslin was sont to the training school at Kohhnarama. Messrs T. Leigh VVhito and W. L. Mitchell, qualified accountants, were to-dny oloctod City Auditors for the ensuing year. A telegram from Wellington cays it is understood that tlio polico tlioro are about to institute proceedings under thotiaming and Lotteries Act against tlio promoters of racing sweops and consultations. A prisoner namod John Faulkner has been brought up from Tauranga, whore ho was committed for taial for stealing £'29 from onu'of the *>hops on the Strand. At the monthly mooting of the Auckland Institute of Architects, held last evening, Mr Hammond presiding, a letter was ro coived from his Excellency the Governor accepting the position of patron. Mr .1. Mitchell was nominated a member, and Mr A. Cash el as an associate. The remainder of the evoning was occupied by an interest ing discussion on Htno and scoria mortar. Messrs Milne and Rawlings, the two ac countants who wero appointod by the City Council to examine tho books, find inquire into the working of tho Rate Collector's department, and report as to its olliciency or otherwise, and to make such recom mendations as they may deem necessary, lmvo sont in thoir report. We undorHland that they find that the rates havo boon col lectori pretty nlosoly up. Tlio ariears nro not large. Thero are, however, KOVOral case? of pooplo paying t.vieo over, though tho whole of tho money whs paid into the City Treasury. Tho auditors recommend covhkiu changes in thfc form of tho rato book in oidor to provont thoso duplications, Tho l'onsonby Naval Artillery will not lako part in tho roview on Monday next. Their uniforms cannot be roady till tho end of tho month, vvhilo they havo not received thoir arms yot. It is doubtful if thoio are any carbines in stock at Wellington, bul Col. Lyon has informed the Company that tho Ooverninont has a shipment on the way out from Bnglaud. Theso will probably be horo at out a month or six weeks hence. As wo remarked yostordny, tho polling at I'oriHonby on tho Local Option question was a forogono conclusion, the result being an follows:— Publicans' liconsea, I for, 05 against ; N./. wine licjtisos, 5 for, 04 against; accommodation licenses, 4 for, 0-1 against ; botllo licenses, 4 for, 04 against. In our notico of tho boarding-echool carried on for so many years with great .success by tho Misses Tut-in, tho school was stated to bo at Mangapai instead of the parsonage, Mangawai. With referonce to our account of the loss of tho Nightingale, Mr Hastings, mate, and Mr l)emp«ey, second mate, have called to say that it was inaccurato to stato that clothing was thrown overboard, or that the mule stivod all his clothes. Only absolutely indispensable articles wero taken in the boat, tho surplus clothing being all loft on board. Mr Hastings informs us that ho lost all his eea clothe*, which amounted to more clothing than anyone eleo had aboard tho ship. An interesting debate was hold by tho members of St. David's Mutual Improve ment Society on Tuesday evening, Mr Angus in the chair. Tho subject was, " Which has tho Oreatost Influenco on .Man—Wealth or Famo!" Mr John Konnor took the lead in favour of wealth, and Mr h\ Stainton in favour of fame. Tho sub jects were taken up with lively intorost, tlio majority of tho membors declaring for wealth! Tho adjourned magisterial inquiry into tho rocent collision between tho ftoamcrs Wellington and Macgrogor has been fixed for to morrow, Tlio inquiry into tho (lair loch and Herald collision has also been arranged for to-morrow, Only tho Horald witnosfoi havo boon nubpo'iined,and it is be lioved that a remand will be asked for. Messrs Grainger and D'Kbro's dosign for tho new grand stand at Kllornlio has bocn accoptod by the Committee of tho Auckland Kacing Club. Tho dosign will, howovor, havo to Ijo considerably modified to bring it will]in th« proposod expenditure of £5,000 or £0,000. Tho Harbour Board havo at last hit upon an oxcellent plan for keeping tho wharves in good oidor, tho oxporimont with block." on Queen-shoot Wharf having provod most successful. Thoir workmon havo just com plated a splendid job near tho end of Quoon street Wharf, whero they havo laid down wooden blocks for a distanco of about 120 ft, and oxtonding right across tho main too. Thoso blocks aro Din deop, aud aro cut from kauri, Din >: -tin. Every block is boilod in tar, and is firmly nailod to tho wharf. Botwoon each row thoro is a small Jin batten leav ing a spaco which is filled with concroto, so Hint tho wholo becomes solid and makes a most suitablo thoroughfare both for trallic with vehicles and for fout nassongors. This good work will probably bo soon oxtondod to other parU of tho wharf which now re quire repair.

A corotior'e inquost was hold yeslorduy afternoon on the body of Matthew C illaghan, before Dr. Philson and a jury, at (ileoson's Hotol. Mr Patrick Roso was foreman. The facts in connection with tho midden death of Callaghan havo alroady appeared. Tho deceased was by trado a baker, and at one time was in tho employ of Mr Joseph Stacoy, of Quocn-fltroot. The witnesses oxamincd were: Edward Tro main, engineer, Andrew McLood, com mission agont, nnd Goorgo Loo, coach builder. Dr. MeKellor testified to tho causo of death, which was chiefly heart disease Tho jury returned tho verdict of " Death from natural caueos."

Tho assiduous attention which some of tho nowly-formed Volunteor companies are paying to thoir drill justifies tho expectation that they willsoon be equal, if notsuporior, in this rospoct to tho old companies. In I'onsonby, tho hall is engaged four nights oach week by tho two companies drilling thero. It frequently happens, however, that some of the men from either corps can not attend on tho night set apart for their owndrill, although they are tree on the drill nights of tho other company. An excellent arrangement was thereforo made between Captain McDonald, of the Poneonby Rifles, and Captain Morpeth, of the Ponsonby Naval Artillery, by which men not able to drill with their own company on the proper nights might fall in with the other corps. Tlioro would thus be no danger of their fall ing behind their comrades. The men of the I'onsonby Navals, however, objected to the arrangemonts entered into by their captain, and it has unfortunately fallen through.

A public debate on "Spiritualism" be tween two prominent Freethought lecturors who hold conflicting views with respect to that subject, has been arranged to take place in tho Theatro Royal to-night (Thursday). "Ivo" undertakes to prove that Spiritualism is unsciontificandderaoralising.andDr. York is propared to deny this contention. On Sunday night Dr. York intends to reply to Father Limbort's attack upon Ingersoll, the success of which work in Now Zealand ho considers to bo a matter for surprise, as he says it created no sensation in America. Gerald Maesey is expected soon to deliver a course of Freethought lectures, and he in turn will be succeeded by Miss Chapman, a recent oonvert from Roman Catholicism, who is at present lecturing under the auspices of the Dunedin Free thought Association. She is young (being only 23 years of age), handsome, clever, and decidedly intellectual, besidos having a special aptitude for public speaking.

The following charges were taken at tho Polico Court to-day, before A. IJoardman, Esq. Simon McKenzie, William Whit well, and Alexander McCrae, drunkenness, 5s each. Richard Martin, being found by night without lawful excuse in a part of the Imperial Hotol, the proporty of T. T. Anderson. Sergeant Pratt said the attention of tho constable on duty was attracted by the striking of a match at midnight; he went in and found the prisoner curled up in shavings and rubbish. Mr Charles Rhodes, contractor, also gave evidence. Mr Boardman said this was a very dangerous practice. He believed tfiat fires often occurred through such men as the prisoner in lighting matches in buildings ; the fire would break out, the man who caused it was> off, and the public were loft to wonder how the fire originated He must take one month's imprisonment with hard labour, and he hoped his punishment would act as a caution to others. The -charge of breaking and entering the premises of Messrs .Reid and Gray, of Customs-etreet, by William Bibby, will bo taken to-morrow at half-i at ten o'olock.

It haa been definitely arranged that the laying of tho foundation Btono of the now Art Gallery and Frco Public; Library will tiiko place on Juno-I—this dny fnrfcniwhfc — nt 8 p ■■■'■ Thoporotnony Mill be vurmnnwl j ;by lii" lVr''tl'i'P rh« Mayor. Sir Gcorsfl j ' (Troy, "ir --. M. O Rorke, and P>r F, Whit ! fikorhn-opromi»?dtoattepdan.l deliver briai j addreases' on the occasion. Under the foundation stone will be placed current coins of the realm, a copy of the Auckland Evening Star and other papers, and a parchment scroll. Those articles will bo placed in a glass bottle, and em-lnsed in a leaden casing. A report, was enmrnt to-day that an fit tempt had been mado to break into Row Mr Runciman's house ar. I'onsonby last night. It appears that Miss Runeiman waa frightonod by a light which she saw moving about tho yard, but from inquiries mado by the polico, it has transpired that it was from tho lamp of one of tho night-soil men. A scare would appear to bo easily occasioned at tho present time. Tonders for tho oroction of tho City Freshwater Baths will bo opened at tho mooting of tho City Council this evening. It is believed that, there will be considerable ' competition for this work. Tho chal'ongo of R, MaUhew, a young Amorican boxer, to knock any man in Auck land out in four rounds, has bcon accepted by Donovan, the Auckland champion, who oilers to make a doposit of £5 at once.

Mr F. J. Moss, M.H.R. for Parnoll, addresses tho electors of the Newmarket division this evening at 7.30, in tlio New market Hall. The near approacli ot the session gives importance to political utter ances, and Mr Moss will doubtless have a large auditory,

"Impulse " was repeated again last night, and, as usual, wuh received with overy manifestation of thorough satisfaction. After to-morrow evening it will bo with drawn, and on Saturday "Tho Crushed Trugodian " will bo staged.

Tho design of tho Art Gallery and Free Public Library has been photographed by Mr liarllott, and a copy may bo seen at the City Council OfiieoH. Tho view is a ropre- Bontation of tho appearanco that tho build ing will present from Queen-street,

Tho Newton Killes have accopted Messrs Seolye and Moßrido's tender for uniforms, to be mado of blue sergo, at 45s each.

Tho City Surveyor and Mr .T. Buchanan, representatives of Messrs Marshall and Co., H'oro to meet this afternoon with reference to the taking over of tho now engine for tlo ."tone-breaking machine. Tho ongino will work up to a prosenro of SO!b to tho inch, whereas tho engiuo at present in use will stand but half that pressure. Tho btone brcaking machine when in full work turns out <>(> yards per dcy.

It is estimated that tho value of work yet to be completed in the city contracts now in hand is £10,000. Those works include KyborPass, Symondsstreet, Patte son-street, Cometery Bridgo approaches, and College Road. It ia expected that those will bo finished in tho course of a couple of months, and it is not intended to let any further contracts till September next, when it is probable that tenders for the Hobson-street cutting will be called. This work, it is e^pect.d, will extend over a period of three years, and will cost £15,000.

Daniel Courtney (a bankrupt) was ex amined to-day by tho Official Assignee Ho said:-1 havo been a miner and bushman for several yoars. About four months ago I was induced to tako tho Tramway Hotel, Coromandol. I had no capital. Tho then lcsseo and occupier agreed to let mo have the stock-in-trade, furniture, Ac,, for three years' residence of tho lease for tlio sum of £200—£100 down, and the balanco any timo within tho expiration of tho lease. Mr Gleoson, of Auckland, advanced tho £100, and promised to bnck mo up. I attribute my failuro in business chiefly to tho stoppage of tho Kapanga gold mino ami bush worth in the district, Tho consequent scarcity of money necessitated my owing a great deal of money. My book debts now amount to £225 3s Gd. My assets (including t,ho book debts) oro £25 work of stock, and £40 worth of furni ture, amount to £290 3s Gd. My indebted ness consists of C2OO for goodwill, etc., £109 2s4dtrado accounts, £12 13s Id for sundry household accounts, £13 for rent, and £iij 12s for a boarding account con tracted by mo at To Arolia two years ago : Total, £3.10 17s sd,

Colonel the Hon. Sir <i. S. Whitmoromit tho officers of the Auckland [Volunteers al t'lo Drill-shed this morning. Thoro woio about, forty ollieors present, and theso wero introduced to Sir George by (,o!onol Lyon. Sir Goorgo spent some timo listening to tho requirements of tho several corps 110 ox plained that (ho Pefenco Minister had authorised tho use of tin bluo uniform as a temporary monsuro -it win believed that as tlio corps grew older they would revert to the regulation red uniform. Ho promised that tho A Buttery should havo two mw field guiift Tho innttor of tho provision of pinnaco" for tho Naval Artillery Corps was mentioned, whereupon Sir (ioorgo said that these tho companies would bo required to Gild for thomsolves. 110 hoped to bo ablo to induce some local manufacturer to embark in tho manu facture of Volunteer accoutrements, even should thoy crs. moro than tho im ported artiilj. Captain|l'rtyno asked woul 1 tho (iouernmont grant the Artillery ono of the now machino guns. Sir Ocorgo Grey promised to consider tho application. At tho conclusion of this part of tho business Sir Goorgo dolivored a brief address, in tho cjurso of which ho said tho Government determined to disband any corps that did not do its duly. He Jioped that foon a school of instruction would bo started in Auckland and other contrcs as had been established in Wellington. Subsequently Sir (ioorgo inspected tho A Battery's guns, which ho said ho had soon in action during tho Maori war.

TABLE TALK.

T.vurax(,a eloction takes placo to morroiv. "Trying tho Spirits " to-night. Tho Executive Council met nt Govern ment Houeo, Wellington, yesterday. A Railway Reform League is being formed at Hamilton.

Thames larrikins have hit on a nico way of amusing themselves. At night, they lay an efligy across the footpath, while they in concoalmont near by give forth unearthly groans, and enjoy tho effect on passing .pedestrians. Fashion touches almost everything in use; but there is very little change in pocket books this season. Yet another unexpected result of "woman's lights" legislation. At Wel lington a man named Egan is suing his wife for support, she having proporty, while he is destitute. Georgo-stroet, Sydney, is being paved with wooden blocks. The writ for tho election of a Southern Maori member is returnable on 18th Juno next. His Excellency has issued invitations for an official banquet on Tuesday next. Mr Dion Boucicault, with his son and daughter, will arrive hero in July. At Oamnru election yesterday, MrHislop was elected by a majority of Gl over Lord Reidhaven. "How did you find your uncle, John?"' "In apple-pie order." "How is that?" "Crusty." Mr Moat addressed his constituents at Paparoa on Thursday last, and received a vote of thanks and confidence. The Civil Service examiners havo decided to include drawing among the optional sub jects for examination. The Auckland torpedo boat is, on the suggestion of Eewi, to be christened Arai te-L'ru. Government have agreed to purchase at Rotorua a block of C,OOO acres of native land, through which tho Oxford-Rotorua Railway is surveyed, for a sum of over £2,000. At Sydney, the other day, a man named Richard Maynard was drowned while con ducting diving operations at Circular Quay. He was under water about five minutes before it was observed that the pumping apparatus was not working properly, and on being hauled up he was dead. The son of Captain Sinclair, of Dunodin was severely injured on board the To Anau by being struck by a block of wood he was carrying, caused by his foot slipping. Ho is in a very precarious state. The sheets of tho rovised Biblo, just issued, were for some time back under lock and key with great care. It had been ascertained that an American firm oll'erod n thousand pounds for a perfect copy obtained surreptitiously, but this little mamouvro was defeated in time.

The late Lord Cairns, father of the amor ous and erratic Lord "Gumboil," was well known for his strong evangelical viewa, and greatly admired the Salvation Army.

Mr Evison (better known as " Ivo ") tlio Freethought lecturer, will be entertained by his friends at a farewell social gathering in Conk- Dennes, and W Cooper, and the remainder of an eddan no!n| W • Sp6nt in SOcial intercowfle

THE ANGLO-RUSSIAN DIFFICULTY.

* 's ' i ij:Y . .. •■),] ■ c: ■ .bli-LT. j London", Alay 20. Tho Ameer of Afghanistan is in a de pressed state, and seems disposed to buy off Russia,

PROPOSED CANAL AT BLUFF.

(P,Y TF.TiEfiliAlMT —PHKJV ASSOCIATION.)

J.NYKKCAHcn.r,, this day. At a woll-attondcd meeting hold at Bluff last night, it was agreed to ask Govern-, mont to make a survey of tho proposed canal between the port and tho Toitoi'n district, and in the meantime to with hold from iftile all waste lauds in tho vicinity of tliu probable route <,f t!;c canal. It is estimated that the work would cost about £17 000, and tho advocated of tho pcheuio contend that it would be of great benofit to tho settlers by giving speedy communication with Bluff Harbour.

THE MACGREGOR.

The s.s. Glenelg returned from Kawau last evening, aftor having towed the Gazelle and Fanny Thornton into Bon Accord Harbour. Nothing has boon done at the wreck since these vessels loft hero owing to bad weather which continues. TheGlonelg will return to Kawau first favourable change. Tl.o Macgregor is still on tho rocks.

NEWS FROM SAMOA.

Threatened Outbreak of War

By tho arrival of tho schooner Fleetwing, from Samoa, wo learn that King Malieloa haa declared war against tho rebel cliiof Tanrmsese, and intends to malco a sortio against tho latter at Fort Albatrons. Mr. Churchward has been promoted to the position of Consul, on account of services rendered. D. IT. HcKenzie and Company are actively engaged in establishing a large business at Samoa. Thoir representative, Mr D. H. Munro, has betn there, and returned by tho Floetwing dfcer making all neeosaary arrangements. This spirited venture of an Auckland firm is said to bo highly appreciated by tho natives.

WESLEYAN FOREIGN MISSIONS.

Thk annual Foreign Mission meeting was held last evening in the Ponsonby Wesleyan Church, Tlio attendance was rather meagro, which to an outsider would seem to indicate that the Wcsleyans were losing their ancient missionary zeal. But, not withstanding tho few in atteudance, the meeting itself was a good one. It was pre sided over by Mr James Buttle, who, in in troducing the programme, delivered an excel lent upeeeh, which gave tone to tho meet ing. Tho Chairman called upon Mr G A. Buttlo, the Secretary, to read the report. It shoved tho Secretary had carefully prepared tho financial and numeric.il results of tho year, and put together receipts and ox pendituro in n very interesting mannoi. Tho first speaker was the Key. T. G. Carr. Ho happily referred to the pleasing circum stance that tho Chairman and Secretary of Uio meeting were both sons of a Wesleyan missionary. Ho alluded to the Bible's pro dictions of tho success of Christianity, which were daily being realised. Tho Kingdom of Christ was spreading among the islands of I ho eea through missionary enterprise. Thoro appeared sometimes a decline of tho glorious work, but just at that period some giant leader was raised up, anil then Christianity made greater growth, and spread more rapidly than bo toro. He also gave a very thrilling account of some of the sufferings of missionaries, both European nnd native, which wero biirno with Christian heroism for tho cause t.hoy had espoused. Tho Row 11. Bull delivered an oxcellent address. Ho showed that when any church is faithful to it? trust it will bo alive to (he ciuso of missions. He said Iho Greek Church was not v Missionary Church, nnd it largely depended upon tho sword of Russia for its existence. Tlio Roman Catholic Church was missionary, and ho said that when she lost, in ono place sho began in another. Tho (Juakoi'S were not missionary, and ho hinted I hat this was partially tho cnusoof the smnllncss of their community at tho present day. Tlio Metho dist Church was truly missionary, Ho called attention to tho fact that Fiji had given this year £4,000 to tho missions. John Wesley was a returned missionary himself from the North American Indians. Ho said that bonovolenco was promoted by mission work. Tho Wesleyans in England raised last year £150,000 to this enterprise. Fiji not only raised for General Missions £4,000, but during .hibilee year actually raised .11100 for tho London mission work, and sent £100 to old John Thomas as a thankollor inn. Mr Bull said that British commerce was extonded by missionary clt'orb. He re ferred to Auckland, and said that much of her present prosperity might bo fairly put to tho credit of missionary labours in Now Zealand. Tho Rev. Mr Wor boys delivered a most eloquent speech. He having laboured himself on the mis sion-field in Africa, could tell tho tale, as ho witnessed it, tho results were great. Some of tho grand worthies who toll as missionaries in Africa were touchingly alluded to. At tho close a vote of thanks was accorded to the Rev. Mr Worboys, to the Secretary and tho Chair man, the Doxology was sung, and the moot ing closed. Tho annual meeting in connection vith YYesloyan foreign missions was held in Grafton Church last night, Mr Francis A. White in tho chair. The Rev. R Bavin opened the proceedings with prayer. The Chairman said he folt rather out of placo in presiding ovor tho meeting, but when asked to do so, ho could offer no reasonable excuse for getting out of it. Ho was not in the chair from choice, but from a souse of duty. Aftor some preliminary remarks, he called upon Mr Grady, tho Circuit Secre tary, to read the report, which was of a very interesting nature, showing the work done in the islands as follows: — For the year ending December, 18S3, in cluded the following anniversary services and mission, services, £j0 17s 3d; New South Wales Auxiliary, £2,630 13s 3d; Queensland, £150 5s 4d; Victoria Auxiliary, £1,762 11s ; Tasmanian Auxiliary, £596 16s lOd ; South Australian Auxiliary, £825 2s ; New Zealand Auxiliary, £300 3s lOd ; Friendly Islands Auxiliary, £118 12s Sd ; Samoa, £204 19s 8d ; Fiji, £4,348 13s 3d ; Fiji land account, £541 Is 9d; New Britain Auxiliary, £7 ss; Wes tern Australia, £147 4s sd; repayment of advance?, £43214a lid. The total expendi ture, inclusive of a debit balance due from the previous year, wa5£14,974 13s 7d. Tha report referred to tho New Zealand Auxiliary having contributed £365 3s 10, which was subscribed as follows:—Auck land, £134 9d 3d ; Wanganui, £20 11s Id; Wellington, £44 14s; Nelson, £21 Is Od ; Canterbury, £121 Is 5d ; Otago, £22 103 7d. From the minutes of tho Now Zealand Con ference, it was ascertained that New Zea land had contributed in ISB3 £429 Is, as follows-.—Auckland, £177 19s Cd; Wan ganui, £22 18s 9d; Wellington, £24 13s S)d; Nelson, £20 18s 2d; Cantor bury, £122 6s; General Conference collection, £16 ; Otago, £44 4s lOd. The increase of .church members had been considerable, still more missionaries wero wanting. Mr Keene delivered an address to the children on " Blake's Oxford system of raisingmiesionary subscriptions," and told sevoral anecdotes, vz, "The Light in the Window." "Tho Story of a Negro," and " The Boy and tho Bi icks." Tho Chairman read an interesting letter from James Paul on " Mission Work." Rev. A. Reid gave a forcible address on "Christianity and War." During tho evening several suitablo hymns wero sung, including Bishop Hebor's well known missionary hymn, "From Greenland's my mountains." The mooting closed wiih a short addro<<s from Row H. Bavin, and the Doxology. Tho collection amounted to £4 ns sd, The meeting was but poorly attended.

gj|Major R. S. Macgregor, lato of the 50th Kegiment, an oiticer who fought with credit through tho Now Zealand war, diod as Portsmouth the other day. iNDIGESTiox.-Tho main cause of nervoim ness 13 indigestion, and that ia caused by weuk ness of tha stomach. No one can have sound nerves and 809a health will out usln* American Company n Hop Bitters to etreiigthon tho Btomaoli, pnnfy the blood, and Ireep tho liver and kidnoys active, to c*rry off all the poisonous and waste matter cf tho system. See. Charobors's celobrated sowing machines, 20, Queen-street.

VOLUNTEER PARADE.

oli.!!i iiTllrn .SirU's though the weather was bad and the not! short, there was an excellent muster J? allowing was tho parade stato --ali , Naval Artillery, Captain le'p^Ud>d tenant. Parker an,l Smith, and f^'J'^ file; Devonport Naval ArMllery & tenlon, Lieutenant Dacre, 4trank llain A Battery N.Z. P.egiment of"» Captain Payne, Lieutenants Noiriß^' Ueddes, 53 rank and filej Victoria ?>-?nl Captain Mahon, Lieutenants Skim, es" . Sclfo, 50 rank and file ; City GuSfoV"* Isaacs, Lieutenants Osborr-e and tf ■ pt' 51 rank and file in „„;£ recruits ; llobson Corps, (& V,f * Lioutonanls Clifton and cCnnii gnan' ruuk and We. When S?r f1 40 enforce! tho nhed, attended by im g8 Lyon and Major Shepherd, he w aß r™ -"I with a general salute. »Open or dl then taken, and the men were in.« T K At the conclusion of the inL e «Pec^ George addressed the men. fe e»l^ pleaauro at the largeness of th» 2 , and the appearanc ß of the VoW ÜBter Ho wished to impress on thJm ' \3hinteerin X was not for the purnota l^ enabling men to wear uniforms orfavnU ■ " titles. Something more had tobfe - and now that more attention wa. w *' paid to Volunteering.he was quite „,*??% Auckland would not be behTnd* nd^ was a fact that a large section nf ti colonists thought that^oluSingf' j.laying at soldiers. He did not know wW but this feeling seemed to operate lH 7' temper of Parliament when aE &•" shape of a grant for providing tliS of war was asked for. o ne «.! 8 urged why the_ Government madeZh a small provision for VolnntedM -„; i that Volunteers did anythingbnttheir aZ ■ but that could not be said of them C 3' ing that thoy turned out five-sixthß ofXt force on such a short notice. B e did Z think it could bo Paid that no militarvßnw! existed, as in going through their rffiw saw FO many young men amongst the okk! member ? , many of whom he remembered I o reminded them that now tothem^Z virtually handed over the lame and <«™ siro protective works winch lad beenSn ' ■ otructod for the defence of the colony «& I they should tako a pride and int««t in making themselves as efficient ac possible W ' order to be able to undertake the dutiS' which might be required of them Th» Government were desirous of cncouraiS : Volunteerg, and they would insirt-fitstffi officers should know their duties and on men attending drills and learning their ■' duties, so as to be ablo to meettheirtnemi^ and not endanger their friends. After tha-' address the companies opened to quaite column, and marched through the city At the Drill-shed, before the men were din! *■ missed, Major Shepherd briefly address^ them. He trusted that the praise thatkd been bestowed upon them that tmmiiur would prove an incentive to further effort on their part, and that they woulti to regular and attentive at their drill* and parades, fie would like to gee • healthy rivalry between the companies,'« but trusted that that rivalry would never develop into jealousy. Each man ought to be determined that hie company shonld be T the best in his district, while as a whole the Volunteers should be equally determined that their battalions should be the belt in the colony. Col Lyon also addressed the' men, and congratulated them upon the pplondid turn-out. Ho had been pleased with the appearance of the men, and could conscientiously say that they were all that regular troops should be, and that they looked thorough soldiers'. Higher pralw than this he oould not. give, Speaking coin, parativoly, ho considered the battalion ■ before him tho best in tho colony.

Annual Meetlner of Northern StoaniiMp ): Company.-Galrioch-Herald Collision. (To tho Editor.) . -* Sin,—l was surprised to sco in your issued yesterday that the Chairman of the aboji*' meeting, in his speech, gave utterance to tho following remarks, I presume from ' want of proper information, viz., MAb&jp threo weeks ago the Gairloch vn run into by the Herald," 'TtiiJ; statoment,sir,is —not to put too fine a point ; upon it-exactly contrary to fact, the Gair loch having ran into the Herald, Icossidsfr,* those remarks wero uncalled for, and likely ; to prejudice the case which w shortly v coming before the Court of Inquiry, and that consideration above preventß tne.fttini:'' stating tho full particulars, which I otM-' ' «i-o would have done, It .was somewhat amusing to notipothe difference in the next" lino of tho Chairman's speech referring to ;V tho Wollington-Macgrcgor collision, by which 0110 vessol was sunk. As theyboto ; bolongod to his Company, hedoea notjpre- ■ sumo to say which vessel ran into tho other, j but contents himself by simply sfatfiig' that "tho very next night the Macgregor'. and Wellington collided.—l am, etc, w»; ■

MINING NEWS.

• ~ . - Thames, this day, ,;•;; Thames Golden CROWN.-The reef to the bottom of tho shaft is exceedingly ..pro mising, and in opening out the chamber of j, No. 2 level the manager has eeeured aboat .; 201b of picked Btone. |

THE LATE FIRE IN NEW PLY MOUTH.

New Plymouth, this day, ' Thf. following is a corrected list of the risks by tho insurance companies on the building and stocks damaged and destroyed,^ Devon-street on Monday :—Neir Zealta",' £1,400: South British, £950; Colonial, £SOO ; Union, £550 ; London and Lanca shire, £800 ; Standard, £1,750; Norton), £87o; National, £1,100; Norwich, £I, W, Hamburg, £1,550; Victoria, £500; Vdm,. £250; Fire Association, £1,000; Mercantile Association, £1,055. Total, £14,580. JW . above aro the total amounts, but allows^ for goods saved will have to be deducted,

TELEGRAMS.

• ■ ■■ New Plymouth, this day.-Mr Samuel, M.H.R., addressed the electors on Tuesday night, and received a vote of confidence, Christchurch, this day. — MrsJ.C. Champion, wife of a prominent residents Ka^apoi, died of apoplexy yesterday nn>»- '■'•■■ ing. • •',-.6t6 The chess match - Christchurch v, Dunedin-has fallen through, the lattw club being unable to play at present. Intercolonial Archery. The Secretory of the Canterbury Archery Club has received, per Te Anau, tnereturns of the scores made by the Adelaide Clob m their match with the Canterbury■«. showing a considerable balance in f»TOU'O' the Adelaide Club, they having made IjSJ points against 537 scored by onr low, archers. Man Missing.; DuN-Enm, this dny.-Jacob Shasta)is M- ,;> ported missing from Kaitangata. Bewa; , been drinking, and it is believed bo w« . fallen or thrown himself into the river; m I

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT .-This Day.

(Boforo H. G. Seth Smith, BsQ- RM' ' Undefended Cases.- In HlO to]}°s?hrffo judgment went by default for the P'«j™Bg jj, j costs :-A. Bucbanan v. W. Nosrssu, «» Jfts. Watt v. J. MoLellon, £8 Wai „ son v. Morritt and Ecoles, £14 Ma;; KuwW a Goldmining Co. v. Georgre Hart,.a*; "£,,& ; A. Muir. 263 i same v. M.T)eatdoD.». «™",,, A. L. Smith. £1; K. HcoyMT. D. lid ; A. Bucklandv.T. Mltohell,^ilr T, R Cohen v. V. Townsend, 17s \V ■ ,"' % Edwards, £8 18s 3d; B. AUtnon)^ .. Peter Walker, £2 12s 6d: £ W-. . 6 ptahl v. J. McKenzle, « '• ??„'Ryder king v. Wm. Patterson,^ 108 Mi JW^J;. v. H M. Williams. £5: N. G. l'O°n« JW. J. , £3 is Id ; Auckland Tobacco Company^,* Connolly, £3; Tramway Comp«n>v.KjW^ £210s; John Wratt v. J. Seymour, *J »■l, a nlal IJank v. 0. A. Stoven. «I »MV tfc^I »|j W. Hollaby v. J. H. Marshall,«l2 g-j^ we rt Judgment Summons CASKB.-OMe«^ made as follows in theunaemiojUwedaw. , B. Gilmer v. Peltzor, £1238d-108POrwi'* r daysi W. Oliver, v. L U^ n «S «f«! week or 7 deys; S. Cohen v. X. ""ffil'ij, T ,T. r,d-5s por week or 7 days; A. K. «} " dws; Kllioit, £3 12s fld-sp P^f/^ifnermw* K. H. Koily v. P. Gardner, A or 21 days; C. T. Wren r. Al'f. dj Pl&«? v. H. Flavell, filliWs-PWmenJ W i ffisa-J«f or» days; Brymlalo v. BenDottgw yp mont ordered or 10 daysi n SvJ^ff"^,«e*s. Al.;i,ood, £!2 Osßd-payment wIRJ,,],,JBJft or 21 daYs; Wm. Farrell T. BoBti*" Cd-lOa per week or five days. ,

keepers, have ' oxcossivo mortality may oe» ; ft ■,<*» *{■ patients saved and <n™tv*a<s » ffU [ if Friends and lovca ones at lome,^ f^ ns)o Araorican Co,« Hop BUera i»

THE AtTCKLAW^EVifIKIMO BTAK. THURSDAY, MAY 21 1885.



qpECIAL NOTICE. I.havo received my Third Shipment o( AUTUMN AND WINTER GOODS, JUST OPENED, PER THK COPTIC, To which I Invite the Inspection of my Patrons and the Puhllo generally. H. L, POSSENNIBKIB, MRR CHANT TAILOR & HABIT MAKER Shortland-stbebt. ALBION HOTEL, CORNER OV UOBSON AND WKLLESLEY STREETS, AUCKLAND, The above Hotel is now open, undor entirely low management, as a I?irßt-claßß Family Hotel. The comfort of Visitors to this Establishment trill be made tho study of the Proprietor, Private Bitting-rooms, Special arrangements with Families. IM. C. YAXL EV, Propeietob. JUST PUBLISHED, At all the Booksellers. AICKIN'S ANNUAL, A Domestic Medical Guide, AND Statistical Record of the Colony's Progress. Population, Vital Statistics, I Production, &c. Also, NOTES ON HEALTH AND Htf GENIE, With other valuable information. Price One Shilling. "VR. E. D. MACKELLAR, M.D. CM., -'First-class Honours University of Glasgow (Edinburgh, Paris,RotundO Lying-in Hospital, Dublin), HAS COMMENCED PRACTICE IN UPPER QUKKN-STREET, i the house lately occupied by Col. Hanltaln, HOURS OF CONSULTATION: At home—9 to 10 a.m., and 7to 8 p.m.: also, [At Aickin's, The Pharmaoy, Queen-street, kjua 2 to 1 o'clock in the afternoon.



T> AN X HOLID Ar S. Pursuant to tho terms of tho Banks ana Bankor" Act. 1880. and tho Banks and Bankers Amendmont Act, 1882 MONDAY, the Both, and 'UESDAY, the 2lith days of May instant, will c observed as Bank Holidays at Auckland. Auckland, 21st May. 1885. FOR EYE, EAR, AND THROAT DISEASES. DR. SCHWARZBACH, M.D., having recently returned from Europe, maybe conßulted at Mrs Soicrs's. Albert Park, Auckland, daily from 10 to 1 Dr. S. limits hia practice exclusively to tho treatment of Diseases of tho Eye, Kar, and Former patients are Invited to call. N O T I C «. Dr. wilkTns, v. r. c, s., CONSUI.TINU AND OPKRATINU SUTMIKON, is at his Surgery for Goneral Practice aud Special Practice-Kyo, Kftr, and Throat DlseaßOf —Mornings nnd Afternoons; Sundays, 10 30 to 12.30. Consultation Fcos very moderate. IJh VVILKINSBpouI sovon ycura at Moorollolds Kyt Hospital London, under Messrs Bowman anil Critchott, two at Throat Hospital. London, eovoii years Honorary Surgeon Alburt Hospital, and night years at Kye, war, and Throat Infirmary Molbourno. Adjusts Spectacles to Sight.- Couaultlusr Rooms—Queon-stroot. Auckland, -VTEW ZEALAND FARMER, BEE AND POULTRY JOURNAL. THE MAY NUMBER, which is NOW ON SALE, contains tho Song, by Mr A. A. WniTEHORNE ("Alpha"), which secured the First Prino in the recent Society of Arts competition. The Song is entitled— "COME, STELLA, COME," And is printed in full sheot music size. The Judges in this Competition expressed a very high opinion ot "Alpha's" composition. Professor Tendall, of Chrlstohuroh, tele graphed : " Permit me to offer my congratula tions to' Alpha;' the song Is especially charm ing." Judge Fenton, in his roport, said : "The song by ' Alpha' ia of a high order of merit. Somo of the littlo intervening pieces of symphony are eharining. Tho writer must bo a scholar, for I don't think the work could be manipulated out Of tho pianoforte," Now is tho time to subscribe. All Subscribers to "The Farmor " will be presentott with the Music Supplement. Subscription for the 8 months ending December noxt, 7s. Post Office Ordors or Stamps received. A Description of tho Contents of the MAY NUMBER will be found in another column. H. BRETT, "EVENING STAR" ©FFICK. Auckland. FIHE. FIRE. FIRE. FIRE. ORDERS EXECUTED WITH USUAL PROMPTNESS .BY GAELICK & CRANWELL. Though we have bocn forced to leave our Factory in consequence of tho Fire on the 16th instant, wo have fortunately secured TEMPORARY PRHMISEB. where our whole Stair of Cabinetmakers and Bedding Manufacturers are now at work. GAItLICK & CRANWELL, QUEEN-STKEET, AnCKLAXD. THIRST A UTUMN QHOW OF "TiRAPERXT MILNE AND CHOYCE Having now received their NEW GOODS for the Autumn, will make a SPECIAL SHOW of the ijaino ta- THIB DAY -B» When a magnificent display will be seen of all the Novelties to be had In the Home Markets. SPECIALTIES IN EVERY DEPART MENT. Larger Assortment than usual ot TRIMMED BONNETS AND HATS, LONG SILK MANTLES (Special Value), COSTUMES (Special Value), JERPEYS (Plain and Fancy), HOSIERY AND GLOVES (Special Value) Very Extensive Assortment of DRESS GOODS. N.B.—Milne and Choyce being determined not to be undersold by anyone in the trade, have marked, and will continue to mark, their Goods at a lower rate than previously. MILNE AND CHOYCE, AUCKLAND