SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER.

AWtotßA^B-'I-biii ovcnlnu, J.SS; to-inosrow "iiSroiS 5" H.-IM-11* eventas. 10.18; to "^Jrt^hto evening HAS', to tuonow Bioi-Binu, U.K.

S UNBKT.-Thta orenmc, C.*l. fi (J NJatSC-To-nKHTOw niornkiK. SK». MOON'S AOK-ilrst Quarter, SJbil, 10.20 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

InyTKHiiAT.

Ifincmoa, Govt. s.s., Full-child, from \\ aiwora lima, h 3., Helander, from Nnpior Ouan, «.•., Bornneh. from Southern i>o»t« Olouclh. ■.«.. Auiotleo. from Urfat Itarrmr 'Vivid, barque, Wil'On. from Fiji (called for order*)

DEPARTURES.

TO-DAT. Adah, ketch, Sloann, fur tfunion meaner, ach., Urqnhart, for Mercury IJiyj' Ohau, 8.3., Ikanock, for Uroymouth

VESSELS EXPECTED.

London.—Olonlorn, bnrquo. W.U.P.S.. sailed October3l; Wuimato. ship, N.M.F.8., Novem ber 23; Northumborlaiid. ship, December 13; Doric, 5.3., January S; 1/ich Limic. barque, January. Nkw Yohk.—Peerless, biignntino, via Ireo mantlo. duo ; Cai-J Übtt, Irene, and Thames to follow. Java.—B!ir<)Uo3 Alf, Fonlinaud, linacoo, aJiil l'ankwan. lUtavia.—Uertha, baiquc, early. BYDNKY.—Adulaide, aohooner, and Byron, brig. souther* Ports.— Lnttorworth, barquo, from Daucdin. Hol'TU Sea Inr.AXDS, — Flcotwlng. from i>iuiiLui; Sauillly. from Tonga.

iNWABns Coastwise.—.Tnnet, from Whan carol Hoailfl, with 800 bmhcls lime; Waltoniata, from OtaUl. with 36,Q(Wft timber ; Hrltllu, from Russell, with "0 tons uoul; Kanny KoUy, from MmiKOirat, with KI.CCWft timber ; Krienihilda, from Whaiit,-m osi, with KO.SOOfI lim ner: Ocean, from lloicm-y Bay, with 21,000 ft timber.

QiTTWAnns Coastwise.—Janet, for Whan gafel Heads ; Wnitonmta, for Otaki; Ocean, for jMoroury Bay ; Mana, for Talrun.

Tho 8.9. Hotomahann loft Oisborno for this port nt 9 a.m. to-day, and may bo oxjpoctoil here about that time to-morrow.

Tho s.B. Rlmjarooma should arrive from Sydney to-morrow afternoon.

The brig)intino Magollan Cloud arrived at Lyttelton from Norfolk Island yesterday.

The 1.3. lona roturncd from Napier and Mor cury Bay with atock early on Sunday morulng, uftor a fair-weather passage. Sho will return South this evening.

The barqno liMitrico llavwnor has been berthed at tho Railway Wharf, and ie now re ceiving cargo for London.

The ketch Adah (for Samcyi) and tho schoosor GieaAor (for Dunedia via Mfccury Hay) sailed at 10 a.iv. to-day.

Tho aa. Ohau arrived yesterday from Port Chaluiera and intarroedluto ports wiih sonoral cargo. Sho left n«tun for artfc'mouth this even lug.

"Hho barque Vivid from Fiji, fuillcd hero for ord(Wß_yoatorday. She is vow lyintf at luichoj' off iGSsitolo renf, und is expectod to sail thflj evening for Mercury Hay, where aho la to load tlmbor and rotura to Fiji.

Mbbsm Ontcksh!\nk and Co. nnnounoo that the barque GlMilora, dailr oKpecti'd, will load here tot London, and that havinir tho greater IM'.rt of her car^o oriK":=t(l, Bhu will meat iviili quick dfltpatch.

Tie Oovernmont steamer lllncmoa arrived from Walworu yestctflay afternoon with Sir Julius VokbL

Th« b.b. Doric, which loft Plymouth for thin port on January Sth. id now 39 ilaya out, and will mo3t likely put in an appearance about the end of tbe'prcsent week.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

AnnTTALS. Hnnuah MokaH, s s., Winilsttr, from Waitara P«nguiu, 8.5., Allinan, froi^i tho SoutVi OroU. 3.8., Kohenson, from Wauganni and Taranaki Herald, s.a., Sertify, from Greyiftouth

DEPARTURES.

Hannah Mokau. is., Windsor, for Rttflflan,

Kawhia, Waitaru Argyle, 5.8., Norbury, for Hoktarfra OreU, 8.5., Hobertson, for THrunnki

Tho B.g. Ilannnli Mokuu arrived from Wai tare on Saturday uvening. I'asstngorg:—Mer-srs Jonoa, Watson, Price, Onnld mid All™. Sho left again for W'aitara, via Kuglan nud Kawhia, ftt Xo'olook today.

Tho U.K. Oretl arrived from Wanganui and Taranaklyoßterday. at noon. Passeni?er»-Mlss Hanltatn, Messrs Ooylo, Itoblnson, Williams. Watson, McQivln, Plumber, Lear. llolmos,,»nd Hichftrdaon. Sho lcfl again for Taranakl at 8 o'clock today.

Tho 8.8. Herald arrived from Groymouth nt 9 O'clock last night, with a cargo of COO tons coal.

Tho Northern Company's s.s. Ga'.fJoch loaves for WaHara diroct to-morrow eTenlßjf,

The b.b. Arffylo loft for Hoklnnga at 1 o'clock to-day with 30 toii3 goneral cargo.

The 1.8. Penguin left Port Chalmers on tho Gth, Oaraaru samo day, T.yttclton 10th, Welling ton 11th. Pieton 12th, Nelson 13th. Taranakl 14th, and arrived at Manukau at 0 a.m. yester day. Passengors-Miasea Alexander, Hunt. Lance (2), Pitt, Allon, Graham. Mfisdamea Shar landl Aloxandor. Lantia. Adam, Fprcival, Pitt, Graham, Phillips, Hutchison. Tomllnson, Allen, Hetley, Rattray, Messrs Sharland. Popo, Taylor, Chtiatlo, Smith, Hunt, Jameson, Bh«ridan. Lango (3). Harvey, Clifford. Law, Crust, Taylor. Rlvii^ton, Percival. Bewoll, Phillips, Smith, HutchUon, Alleft (3), Major Pitt and Rev. McFarlane. The I'cnguin re turns South at 10 a.m. to-morrow.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Weixivgtox. thia day.-Arrlved: Hauroto' 'TSAf'thlß'day.-SaUed: Gairlooh, for onWH*Bm oSu»y.-SaUca,forAuokl»na: for Auckland, 9 a, m.

DEATH ON BOARD THE HAUROTO.

WE2XIROTOS-. this day.—Tho b.b. Hauroto ar rived from Sydney at two thia mornlnir. on .Saturday moaßing a young niaa """"h":^ Cranston, a saloon passenger for Carfslfehuron, died fr»m consumption.

ARRIVAL OF THE IS KAPO.

BtUPF, this day.—The Union Company s new staamof Te Kapo, bound for Port Chalmers, fa paaalng through the Sttaitß. All v-

COMMERCIAL.

E Y*iuwa BT.cn Office, tkte tl&y. Mb R Altmtni's Wkbiu-t Rnroß-j.— Another hu»y week In the fruil aepartmont, aad pricea hare been a Uttto b»tter for plums, o^rtng to the supply dropping off. Apples hay 6 come into the markot from America and Nelson, and sold at very low prices. Thia hassomowhataffected the price of Ideal Brown; but If erowcri wouja be nloro care Cml in paoking their appieß, not to nit In small and defective one» with tho larijo, It would vat them; In many oisos a few pounds thrown to the pigs would have advanced, tho Erics 60 per cent. Pears to hand hay« X principally Wllllams's Bon.Chretiens; they h»re sold at M to id -per lb. Of ootiraa.»6 higher prices naTB been those of flrst-class quality, falfy ripo: other kinds have iold »t about 'id. to 2SA; no cookina ones to hand. PototoM •' All to band have Bold at 3s to ds. Thwe B net a brisk deman*; growers nraat be oarofol. Onions have aJllold at Sd to IM.; a Strdamand. Choeso: Still difHcult to quit a» low prieea; enythlnß but flnjolasE. Bo«pn: Only " Al'; In demand; iocond-clasa will oaly brlttK a low price. Flour and grain qutet. JfouSchold furnlturo in good demand. Monday fnornUiß-iißnlo o£ locolgrownfruit: A Rood attendance, /*ir comptiUtion. Apples sold at" JW to«d j pears. 2d to Sd: plumß. IJd to 6d; bananM M; peachas. Wto 3Jd per lb. and 2d to ao?s2rlto7oi;dnoks°i»sdtolßll^wlieat ) 3sM. Wednesday mowing: A salo of looal and Nelson fruit at mart. A good fflimber were TCMentL and bidding woa fairy brlak. A largo qaiitlS' sold as foUowa :-Ngjflon apples, Id. te fidperlb; dftmsoas, id. ASckland apples, Jd toMd; pearß,2idto3d; plum9.2Jdto9ja; green iaa«s aid to 3d; damsonß, 2Jd to 3d; peaches, ?kf to ZJd per lb, and 3d to Ijd per doc; crapes, Is ti la id; lcmonß, Is W to 1b 8.1. IrTday: Markot day aalo of poultry, prodnco, St grooerioa. to., at mart; Theattendanca wm fioodVbldalng fairly b/lsk, a largo (juantlty chiiwed h»ndß. AH potatoes and onions cleared. A vSn Urge oaantlty of fruit was entered. Severa toes had to bo hold over for solo on Monday. Poultry were entered In lame num ber-many woro out of condition, therefore Srkbßruled tow. Fowls, IbTd to 2s 8d; chicks. lodtotoM; flutJfes. in 3d tolß 7d; pto, fla M1 to 12« • liaht lSrahmaa. Js td to (ft 8d; Spanish, if k S >\" 7dj cabijos.o, is Id to Sb 9d; toma thfia Id to lid; beans, 4d per peck; poaa. In mi: conversations. 6Jd: marmalade, &s per SSen- quinces. Id to l\i; lemons, 1b 7d per ri^-iapples. ldtoiid; poars.2d.toßW; plnmi Sid to BW* damsona, 2Jd to SJd; peaches. Id to 4d ocr lb, «d to fljd per doaea; sagar, 21d to »d; Soffit" la 20: na»B Mto9d j bacon, 4d to SJd ; cheese, Idtolid; flour,£tto,69; oats, 3s; wheat J3s 4d; bran, 5s Bd; chair, 2s.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Fhbhuaby IG, 1885. Opota Hous»—" A Scrap of Popor," 8 p.m. Auckland Instituto—Annual General Meet-, ing, 7.15 p.m. Mofatlng of Jtastor Butchers-British Hotel, 7.30 p.m. St.. Matthew'a School-room-" Engaged," 3 P.m. Bristcr's Coffee Houbo—CarUrs' Union Coin mittow, 8 p.m. Unltod lUthodißt School-room—Special He* taoamal, 7.30 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

Paui PruY (Bombay).— U tho peron roforrod to waa a parent or guardian of a child, ho would b* entitled to vote—not otherwlsa. Unemployed.—There are bo maay apulicatlotts for advertised olerksbipn that tha advertiser cannot bo oxuocted to notify all tno unsutwaaa ful applicants that someone oluo ban boon appointed. That may readily bo Inferred whoa tho advN-tlsouisut U withdrawn.

Births.

ARNOLD.—At 8L Stephen's Avonue, tlio wlfo of Charlos Arnold of a son. HARRKTT.-Ontho 3rd Fobruary. atPonnouby, the wlfo of WlUlain Uarrutt of a daughter

(B'ill-bm-nj. PARiail.-On February 18, at hor rosidouoo, Cleoive street. I'onßouby. Uie wlf« 8f Jamea Hay Parluh oi a son. SOLOMON.-At horresldonco, VUoontstreot, on February lfith, tho wlfo of liuurio Kolamon of a son.

Marriages.

GOOD—IIAVILL.—On the lOtl\ February, at All Saints' Church. Pousonby, by lht» Hot. W. Caldor. Frederick K. Good, of Aratapu, Walroa Korth, ;to Jessie U, lUvlll, of Ponaonby.

Deaths.

ARNOLM.-On Saturday, 14lh February, tho infant son of Charles Arnold. DALE.—On Fobruary U, at hlB residence. Church .street, OniJmntfa. Captain Honry Wvvul Dalo.—Hobartown papers aleaao copy. The funoral will leave his lat« rosidnnoo to morrqwrrvosday). 17Ui, at 1 o'clock. Frlonda plejvw accept thia invitation. GR-t*.—At KdinburKh-stroot. Nowton, on tho lath Epbnujii'. Gilbert Allan. Infant son of Wllllamsttfi* Ad.olaido 11. Gray; aged 1J HAlfPirfSwfrfJTON.-On Saturday, Fobruary 11th. Alfred Stowart Harper, the second aon of William Harper, Nowton, to KllMboth Fenton, tho oldoat daughter of Thomas Fenton, I Newton, lato of County Kerry, Ireland.—Homo papers pleaso copy. JOHNSTONS. —At Willow Grove Gardens. North Shore, on tho 11th February, Robert Whlto Johnstono. son of Rev. J. H. Johnatono. lato of tho Scotch Churoh, Warrinuton, Kn« land, and beloved husband of Mary A. John atono.—Homo papers ploaso aopy. MURRAY.-On Fobruary 14. James, youngest Bon of T. J. Murray, Avondale, from tho oircoU of oarboUo add I.agod 2 yo&rg. : Private Interment. CBIUHN.-On ffobraary 15. from Injuries r« relvod whllo bathing, Simon, oldest son of Jauiofl O'Brien, contractor; aged IS j-ivum. Ik-oply rotfrotted. Tha funesaJ will loaro his father's residence, Harding • Btroot, to-morrow fTuosdayl. 17th lu»t. Nt I p.m. Friends ploasa aoccpt thin intimation.

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

MONDAY, FRIDAY 1885.

for the cbtuw that taoka aaatetAnoa, Tor the wrong that neodt roaiitaiu*, For tha future In the distance. And tio B««4 Uu>> wo am do.

No Minister, since responsible govern ment was established iv New Zealand, succeeded to power with such brilliant opportunities and voder such favour able circumstance* as Mr Ballance; and no one has so speedily destroyed the hopes that centred in a change of ad ministration. HU predecessor was a man whoso singular idiosyncracy bad alienated fromnlra the confidence of crery Maori ki the island, and whose unintelligible obstinacy bad rendered the Earept«m portion of the population hopeless of prograss ereo in such evidently beneficial schemes as the Rotoroa Srailway. All that Mr Bal lance had to do was to let the two race* advance the cause of civilisation in their own way ; for the rime has passed when the retiree required to be con ciliated by canning speeches of Go- Ternment officers.or European colonisa tion to be assisted by encouragement of rewards or promises of safety. The Retorua railway would have been now running if Messrs Bryce and Rolleeton hod allowed the directors and the land owners to carry out arrangements which had been completed to the entire eatisfactioa of both parties, and the Rotorua township would hare been in a fair way of advancement if the Gov ernment had only done what they pro mised to do in their advertisements. It v said that " no good thing can come out of Galiloe," and It appears that Wangeoni k again to be the cause of obstrustion and disappointment.

And here we mast okserve that thongh it is t matter of congratulation that the reign «f the Maori doctors is over, yet wo cannot understand why it is that men are now selected as Native Ministers whost amtecadents giye no guarantee whatever that they have any knowledge of the subject with which they have to deal, or any special qualifications for the office. Mr Wakefield, of Timaru, was Mr B*l lance's predecessor, and, as to fitness for the office by previous acquaintance with its duties and necessities, perhaps there Is little to choose between thorn. Do these gentlemen, as eoen as they have taken the oath of office, acquire experi ence and knowledge, or are they im msdiatoJy t,h« recipients of an inspira tion ? Powp of grasping a big subject like what is called the native question is not intuitive, nor can a policy be relied upon as effective that is evolved solely from a business man's inner consciousness.

Every aentenea of Mr Ballance's address to the natives at Kihikihi is pregnant with evidence of utter want of knowledge of native character, and singular ignorance of the practical difficulties which would attend the working of his scheme. Unlike the Abbs Sieyes' pape» constitution, his plans do not even read well. They have not even the advantage of Ezekiel's book, which was pleasant in the mouth though bitter in the 6tomach. Where did he learn that the Maoris of one tribe would submit their land titles to the judicial investigation of mem bers of another tribe, possibly, nay pro bably, rival claimants ? Surely he ought to know that this plan has been attempted when all the members of the Committee belonged to one tribe, but even then the Jealousies of the hapus frustrated every attempt to do anything. How did he discover that the natives would trust judges of their own race? It is perfectly notorious that they will do no suchthiig; and if dissatisfied with the judgment of a Native Land Court, the first person they suspect is the assessor. Mr Bryce's Native Committee Act is a piece of characteristic folly, but it has been harmless, because soitors, before seeking its assistance, have to sign a paper that they will abide by its award. Has Mr Ballance ascertained how many such have been signed, or how many awards have been obeyed ? Here again experience is lightly esteemed. The Native Circuit Courts Act and the Native Districts Regula tion Act have been in force since 185S —Acts carefiflly drawn, and the result is before the world. 4s WSU?I in New Zealand native politics, we are to revert to an experiment that was made twenty years #go, and that has proved, like Beau Brummel'g neck-handkerchiefs, " a morning's fajljjre/

But Mr Ballance k going to e»dow the Committees with a revenue, so that they may be respectable, and regale themselves. This reminds us of a

case that came before the " Great Committee of Rotorua." A native lady had a claim to a small piece of land, and brought her claim before the Committee. The Committee required sustenance, so she supplied potatoes and flour sweetened with sugar. At length these supplies failed at the township, so the Committee moved to her abode on the other side of the Lake, where the suitor had two cows and some other provant. Their sittings continued Hntil tbe cows and everything else the suitor possessed wei« eaten up, and then they decided against her. But we must hope fo* better times when the revenut from the dog tax is handed orer—the dog tax in a native yiUage, levied by a native committee I Can puwrility go further ?

Mr Ballance has gone into the financial question. He tells the natives that the land along the pro posed railway is worth 3s or 4s an acre, and that when the railway is made it will be worth as many pounds. Now, excepting the totara forest, the bsst infonncd people are of opinion that much of the land in the interior is almost worthless, and that it never will be oi any valua until large capital has been expended on it. The " small settler" may make a living by cutting totara, though this is problematical, for such manufacture will be most profit ably done here, as elsewhere, by machinery ; but to suppose that they can survive as agriculturists is to ignore the quality of the land and all the cir cumstances of the position.

The scheme of leasing is the adop tion of ona. of Mr Rolleston's fads, which gives a very painful impression. Ona would have thought that the Rotorua experiment was. enough to satisfy any reasonable man ; but let Mr BalLince rest assured that the public will never tolerate a Maori aristocracy of landlords extending oveir nearly five million acres, with the " mean white* ' relegated to the posi tion of toilers and rent-payers. Every free man loves a freehold, and tho English people did not immigrate Into NewZealandforthepurpose of becoming tenants of a Maori committee, even when eadowed with the dog tax, and possessing a common seaL

Sir Julius Vogel Is about to address an Auckland assemblage. It is to be hoped that ho will disavow the fan tasies ol liis colleague, or shew that the North has nothing to fear from the inauguration of the locking-up policy which the Kihikihi speech foreshadows. The fiist public communication he made oa his return to the colony dwelt largely on the necessity of encouraging th« importation of capital into tha colony, and we will hopa for the best. On the aspect of Mr Balance's scheme as affecting the Maoris we will remark kereafter.

The Fall of Khartoum Denied.

In U LnevlUblo from interrupted communi cation that ooatrodictorj reports will be oat afloat. Daring tho Rueao-TurkUh War tk* fall of Plena was reported wook» before It actually occurred, and It would therefore b* anything bat surprising if tk» fall of Khartoum, whlon «an only har* b*on ro ported upon unreliable Arab testimony, should prore to be untrue. It In observable that no •ffioial announcement of tho death of General Gordon hat been publUhod lv England, boyond th» dispatch from Lord VVohwley announcing that a message had been intercepted from th* Mnhdi to th« GoTornor tl Harbor, reporting th« fall of th* olty, and General Gordon's death. Etoo thil, however, may be no more than a rus* to load tho expedition off the scent. Sir Cbarlos Wilion on approaching tho city was vigorously attacked by rebels, and forood to r«tirs ; bat it has beon known all along that th« Mahdi's force was concen trated at Omdermao, on the opposito bank from Khartoum, and the mere fact that th* rebel* had boen able to clono the navigation would not prOTa that they were in posses- Bion of tha oity. It li olear that th« in t«llig«noo, with all it« circumstantiality of detail, rtHtfl entirely upon hearsay, and tkore U therefore reason to rest somo hope of Gordon's safety upon the testimony of tho messenger, who lias now como In and sayi that he loft Khartoum on tho slnd of Fobruary, seven days after it.s re port«d capture, and it was not then in tho hands of the rsbeU. Of ooarso, this man's story is jast as likely to bo a lie as tke other reports. The chancci, in fnot, aro distinctly In farour of its being untrue aud the first reports correct. He may have been specially deputed to go in to the camp for the purposo of misleading th« British forces and putting thtm off their guard, as Hicks Pasha was doeoyod. We can, therefore, only await in paMonoe the derelopemont of events. It is idle to oom plain of th* tin reliability of tho oabl* news i when tha Coramnndor-in-Chlof, separated by 200 miles of tiusart, wa? leit for days in unoortaintT about the fate of Sir Charles Wilson and tho British force at Matommoh, people thousands of miles away from the scene cannot hop* to bit better informed. If trapped Into unnecessary emotion and premature funeral dlscources on acoount of th* gallant GorJou, their mistaken grief has boeo shared by tho clTllbxxl world, and they will have the pleasurable soonationa ef roliof should to-morrow's news •stabltsh th* truth of the latest rmmomr that G*n*ral Qordon has ouly lost fir* out ef the nln* llroa which one (» almost tempted by his oareer to beller* Froridaniiß Las allotted him.

Drainage Matters at the Thames.

Tag pumping question baa always boon an important matter in oonnootion with deep level mining at the Thames. A vary largo number of companies are now carrying on operations vithln the drainage area of ih* big pump, and tho prosecution of mining operations over a very considerable tract of auriferous country is dopendent on tho maintenance of pumping operations. Various expedients havo boon resorted to during tho past half-dozen years for the purpoia of "raising the wind" to keep down the water, but not one of them has proved entirely satisfactory. For some time post tho pump has been the property of the Deep Level Crosa Company, the direotors levying con tributions on other companies towards the cost. But they have found the venture such a costly one that a few days ago, at a meeting of directors, tho following resolutions were arrived at:— (a) "That the Deep Level Cross Gold mining Company will not for the future boar any expense in carrying on pumping operations." (b) "That the lowest monthly expenditure averaging £460 per month, it bs arranged by tho different companies that tho monthly payment of this sum to the Deep Level Cross Gold • mining Company be guaranteed under an order of the Warden^ Court." (o) "That in the event of any accident happening to tho machinery, or repairs re quired, the contributing companies dofray the cost of such breakages or repaivs on a. basis to be arranged amongst themselves." (d) "That tho Board will be willing to confer with throe representatives, and submit the accounts of the Company to a special auditor to verify the expenditure that has been incurred." The net expenditure by the Company for the past two years ended 31st January, 1885, had amounted to £3,500, while the gross expenditure during the past year had been £5,500, averaging £460 a month ; and this result had been obtained after exercising all possible economy consistent with efficient working. On Thursday last a meeting of delegates interested in the deep level mining opera tions was held at the office of Mr A, Saun ders, the following' being represented :— Kurunui Hill, Golden Crown, Saxon, Caledonian Low Level, Moanataiari Ex tended, Wajotahi,' New Prince Imperial, and Cambria Gold - mining' Companies, and the Thames County Council. Thefollowing monthly contributors' list was submitted and assented to pro formabj the del»gates present:—Thameß County Coun cil,£2.Q J Kurunui Hill United, £30; Thames Golden Crown, £.40; Saxon, £30 ; Caledonian Low Level, £50; Moanataiari Extended, £20 j Waiotahi, £60; New Prfff*) Imperial, £50; Cambria, £50; ■

Old Caledonian, £-10 ; Moanatainri, £G0; Darwin, £20; New Manukau, £10; total, £480. Tho dolegatoa unanimously ex pressed tho opinion that all companies In terested should enter into Borne such amic able arrangement as that proposed, and that they should forward a written agreement, on or before the 18th instant, to Mr Saundors's offico, con senting to the contributions specified. The Beep Level Cross Company, as owners of tho machinory, claim exemption from tho payment, but oxpect the other Companies to givo a guarantee through the Warden's Court for subsidies for <t definite period. Tho mining authorities ut the Thames havo, we believe, signified that this can bo done under tho Gold-ruining Districts Act. The Thames Borough Coun oil, which has recoived £2,(100 in gold duty from tho Princo Imperial mino alono, has, with extraordinary short-sightedness, held aloof from this movement. Wo hope that better counmjl will prevail, and that tho borough will join with tho minos in getting tliis vexed question, whioh ho sorieusly all'ootd the wollbolng of the Thames gold field, set upon a permanent basis.

Tho Imperial Government have ac cepted tho oiler of troops from New South Wales, and have declined tho offer of Victoria, If this were intended as a snub to the latter aolony for the offensive tone of recent remonittranooß on tlio question of New Guluoa annexations ft would be an uuwiso one. Tho Canadian offer, however, was also refused, although it is being renewed, and wo boliovo tho oiler of Now South Wales was only accepted because it was tho first made from Australasia. Thooqulppingar.d main tenance of colonial troops is a very substan tial token of tho cordial fooling oxisting between tho mother countries and the colo nial ; bnt as a matter of colonial policy wo altogether question its wisdom. Tho Souaan expodition is not one in which tho Imperial prestige is at stake, and it has no particular claim upon the sympathy and help of cslonists. If mon are wanted to die of disease in tho garrison at Suakiin, they can be bettor sparod from tho over-popu lated towns of the Unicd Kingdom than from tho enterprising youth of those thinly inhabited communities.

Among the nows contained in our oablo dtwpatohes to-day, is a statement th»t a plot has boon discovered to destroy Notting ham Custloby dynamito—doubtless another of tho diabolical schemes of American Irishman to securo "Justice for Ireland." It is a\"o reported that tho World's Exhibition at Now Orloanß has proved a total failure. After tlio groat preparations mudo and tho hit£h expectations formed, tiU la a mutter of regret. Probably the fear of " yollow Jack has had a good doal to do with tlio failure, for dospito the grand Moating on board tho Orcat Eastern, people would anticipate groat over-crowding, and would apprehend an oatbroak of tho deadly fever incidental to tho climate, as tho out come cf the insanitary condition*

Tho GdTornmont stoamcr Hinomoa (Oap tain Valrchlld) arrived from Walwora yes terday morning, with Sir JUlius Vogol who is to addroßs a publio mooting at the Theatre Koyal on Tuesday cvoning. Mr Bal lunco, who is now at Tauranga, good South in tho Hlnoinoa, leaving hero on Tuesday night for the Hunt Capo, whore ho U to attend a native mooting. From there he goes on to Oiuborne in tho Hinemoa, after which tho steamer is to return to Auckland.

Tho rotlring members of tho Hospital Commlttoe, viz., Messrs J. M. Clark, B. A. Mackechnie, T. Peacock, and W, H, Woddol (Mayor), having been the only psrHons nominated to fill too vacancies, they aro ipso/ueU) ro. elected.

Ills Worship tbo Mayor's liberality in providing freo musical porform&Boea for the clttaeus, has been commemoratd by the plaolog of an lusoribod pioeo of pottery ware upon one of tho pillar* of the Ponsonby rood ontrance to the Wostorn Park The Inscription 1b as follows :-"W. R. Waddol, Big., Mayor. First Band Porformanoek Feb. 10, 1884."

The managor of the Now Zealand Sngar Company h»a reoelvod advices from Java that tho Imacoo, a vessel of 80 torn burthen, is loading there with a cargo of raw sugar for the Company's reflnory in Auckland.

US objections have been roceived this year to the city valuations, aa against ISO received last year. Tho sitting of the Court will be advertised in a few days.

The following tonders have boon received by Mr 7rlpp,archltoot, for tho erootios of wall and back office* in Victoria-street, for Mr Sanford :—C. Rhodes, £312 1 AKiwell, £100; Colebrook, £179 ;J. -Holland, £177 ) McLean, £175 ; J. Wilson, £153 j Jamoi Ueron,£l4o.

Tho formal opening of St. Patrick's Cathedral Is donnitoly fixed for Sunday, March tha 15th next. Blshopa Redwood, of Wellington, and Moran, of Dunedin, as well as one of tho Australian bishops, are expected to take part In tlio ceremony.

Mr A. Linabary't vinery at Ponoonby Is one of tlio finest in this part of tho colony. The grapes are all grown under glass, tho two largest) hothou?oa being respectively 240 and 200 feet in length. This season's cropl which has boon purahased by Mr W. D. Dallon.of the CofTe* Palace, la remarkably fine, tho bunches being; large and tho fruit well-flaToured. The total weight of frait is ostimatod at 4J tons. Largo quantities have been exported by Mr Dallon to Nsplor and Wellington, the fruit selling wholesale there at Su per pound some weeks ago. Tho local domand for too grapes Is consider able, some fruiterers disposing of as muoh aa 60 ponnds a day.

For some days past considerable an noyance hnsbeon caunod to residents of that port of tho North Shore near Cheltenham Beach, through tho existence of a large swamp fire on Mr Bhelly's paddock. Too flro now covers nearly an nore of ground, but stops have been tokan to oheek ita further progross by trenching roand it.

A fritting of tho U.ftl. Court was hold to day, when tho ease of Bdward McDonald r. James Williams, olaim £'i 1 Ib, commit nion on the purchase of a horao, harneai, and cart, ana for work dons, wsa heard. HU Worship gave Judgment for tho plaintiff for the £1 lla 3d paid Into Court and 7s additional, defwulant being allowed £1 Od costs.

Th«r« ware largo congregation* at Si Paul's yeiterday, on tho ocoasion of tht second of tho ierfos of farewell efrrlce* prior to the demolition of thi building, Rot. It, Borrow* prsoohed an •xcollMi sormon la the morning. Hi« diioonrsa had special roftrence to the early history of the Church in Auckland, and in his concluding ro marks he oipros«od tho opinion that the present site was not a suitable one upon which to oreot tho building. The evening service was taken by Rot. E. Gulliver, of Bt, John's College.

On Wedncwday noxt, at half-past Beven o'clock, in tho Wesloyan Churon, Parnell, Mrs Leavifct, from Amorica, will give an address specially bearing on tho Women's Christian Tomporance Union. No doubt there will bo a large gathering en th» oc casion.

The cutting down of Symonds-street is being pushed forward witd expedition, and a portion of tho lowered part is open for trrffio. The newly-laid metal i«, however, in the roughest stato conceivable, and tho struggles of tho poor horses who are fated to traverse it are pitiablo to behold. During the heat of Saturday (tho thermometer standing at I2odegs.) tho unlucky animals could only with great difficulty and exertion make their way over the stones. The steam roller has boon over the metal once or twico, but its efforts have proved ineffectual, owing to the absenco of earth for " blinding " the etones. It is imperative that earth be scattered, and the steam roller again ap plied, or there will havo to be chronicled some serious accident. Indeed, it is fortu nate that no mishap of moment has oc curred hitherto, for travelling up and down Symonds-streeb has been a really serious adventuro for weeks post,

Bishop Luck's Lenten Pastoral was read yesterday In St. Patrick's Cathedral at tho various masses. The rev. prelate considers the diocese to be deficient in organisation schools and religious societies being greatly needed. This state of things he attributes to the episcopal inter-regnum which pre ceded Archbishop Steins's appointment. However, tho advent of the Marist Brothers for the boys' schools, as also the fathers of St. Joseph's Society for the Maori Mission, the Sisters of tho Good Shepherd for tho Magdalen Asylum, and the Little Sisters of the Poor, might bo expected to supply all that was now deficient. At tho same time the generosity of the faithful would be heavily taxed to meet the outlay on these institutions. A collection would be made at all the churches in the diocese to defray the travelling expenses of the clergy and sisters already arranged for. A course of lectures would alao be given by the Bishop during the Lenten season, the first on Thursday evening next, in the new Cathedral, on "The Mission flf the Catholic Church," to which there would he ns charge for admission, but a collection would be mado oa behalf of the seat fund of the new building.

The members of the Hobflon Rifle Club— composed o£ mombers of tho Hobson Corps —competed »t tho Mount Bden range on Saturday for a Dumber of prizes. la the first-class, Sergeant •'Connell and Colour- Sergeant Little tied;for the Captain1* cup, with a score of 71 points at 200, 300, and 500 yds, 7 shots at «ach distance. In firing ofl', however, O'Connell was victorious ; Little taken the second, and Volunteer Jennings the third prize. In the second class, Volunteer Jones was first with (il points, and Bugler Stevens second ; wbilu n the third clans, Corporal O'Connell and Volunteer Dratlin were respectively first and second. Tho yacht MorryDuchess, 7 tons register, buflt by It. Logan, of North Shore, was ottered for sale by Mosars Tonkeond Co., thu morning. Bidding went as far as £310, at which it stopped, and the yacht was with drawn, the reserro being £259. A cargo boat, 20ft. long by 6ft. beam, with eaita etc., realisod £12. Mr D. A. Tole held a sale ftf Crown lands to-day. There was no competition, but all the lots offered were sold at the upset prico. Sections 15G to 1(M, in the parish of Taina hara, Waikato County, containing about 1800 acres, wore purchased by Mr Murdoch at tho upaot price of £1 per acre. Lot 172, parish of Waiwera, containing 2 acres 0 roods 17 perches, was bought by Mr. Aitken at the upset of £6 15s, subject to £400 for Improvements. A special mooting of the committee of Rowing Association is called for 7.30 p.m. to-morrow, to consider matters in connootiou with tho regatta of Saturday lost, whim it ie auticpatcd that arrangments will be msdo for carying tho regatta to a succesful success. The men engaged in removing tho flogs from tlio Queon-streot footpath, near tlio American Bowling Saloon, to-day came on a relic of old Auckland in tho shape of a circular bricked woll in an excellent state of preservation. Tho hole is quite cloho to tho present koib, so that it is probable that it dates from a period anterior to the laying out of tho present line of thoroughfare. Mrs Loavett, representative of tho Women's Christian Temperance Mission, preached last evening in toe Franklin Road Primitive Motbodist Chapel on "Tho Church and Temperance." There was a largo attendance of listeners. Special hymns from Sankoy's collection were sung by the choir. At tho annual inooUm; oi the parishioners of St. Judo's Church, held last Thursday, Mr Bollard was nominated minister's churchwarden, and Mr N. A. Howett was elected people's warden, and Messrs Athorpo, It, Bollard, Matthews, Peck, and Simpxou wore elected as a vestry. With a view to making more widely known tho benefits to bo derived from fluttering humanity from a visit to the Te Aroha hot baths and mineral springs, tho peoplo there havo adopted the plan of using onvelopes on which are printed a descrip tion of the baths, Sec. Several wonderful cures of various complaints have lately been effected at theso spruigß,aiul theyarealready attraotlng a great number of visitors and invalids from all parts of the colonies. No doubt, as their fame spreads and the healing properties of those springs becomes more widoly known, To Aroha will become one of tho most attractive sanatorium:* of New Zealand, The Rowing Association Regatta on Saturday was a oomploto /uuoe. A fair number of people accompanied tho steamer to witness toe races, but, unfortunately, only one contested event took place. The water was rather lumpy, and unsuitable for rowing. North Shore bad o walk-orer U the maidens uncta 19 stone aid senior whaleboate, while Waitemato hai similar look with the Innier whaleboate. Both boats la the s«EW bona fUe anutear raeo filled. Korth Bbore " balled out," and passed the winning-post, bat the event was deoldod as no raw. Bailey wav the ■caller's raoe, with Farqubar eeeoad, and Harris third. The race* for taaidotu eror 10 stone Junior amateurs, ]unior and aeoior amateurs were postponed. The following tend en were recalved on Saturday by Mr R, Uaokay Vripp, architect, D, Mercantile Chambers, for the oreotioo of a gam store in Commorca-itrwfc—A.Mchiln, £■2,141 and £2,301; T. Wood, £3,228 and £8,278; Hevrsou & Co., CB.XK ; £'2,96*1 Alttwell, £2,032, flnl.h ; C Rhode*. *2,06Q, finish; Pacey * Hamilton, £1,980 and £9,060; Hill, £1,960 and £2,027 ; Rose & Clarke, £3,013, finish; R. Farrell, £2,013, finish; Vawkec, £1,934 and £1,999; C. 8. Wright, £1,929 and £1,007; T. Heron, £1,900 and £2,010 j Smith & Beottle, £1,950 and £1,990; A. Todd, £1,960, finish ; Y. Martin, £I,Bosand £1,984 ; Baildon i Btephensoo, £1,860 and £1,905 ; J. J. Holland, £1,867 and £1,937; Burns A Kenoaly, £1,879 and £1,950 ; Cole brook, £1,828; S, ;Morrisa, £1,854 and £1,890; J. Wilson, £1,768 and £1,864. At the quarterly session •( the Nil Desnorandum Lod^e, 1.0. M.T., Ot*huhu, an Tuesday last, the following officers were duly installed for the ensuing quarter i— Sis. A. Kyle, W.C.T.f Bis. Lowe, W.V.T.j Bro. Thos. Day, W.S.; Bro. H, Lowe, A.S.; Bro. W. B. Frost, W.M. { Bro, O. Molr, W.F.B.J Bro. Abwlnm, W.T.; Sia. Harper, W.0.; Bro. A. Lowo, W.0.; Bro. B. Gordon, W. Sent.) Sis. Mao Duff, W.D.M. It was unanimously roaolred by the lodge that Bro. fergusson be nominated for the office of L.D. Bro. Shanaghan, D.G.W.C.T., was the Installing Officer, as (iatod by Bros. Rose and MaLennan aa Installing Marshalli. Short addressee were delivered daring the evonlng by Bros. Shanaghan, LeKoy, and Ferguseon, after whioh tea was hooded round by the sisters, whose kindnoM waa duly acknowledged by the visitors. This lodge has only been lately started, and is now progrMKing favourably, with a roll of £0 members, working for the mom of temperance. The complimentary ooneert to Mr John Reid, previous to his departure for New Kng- Uuid. Bufflrio. Udte Krfo, will bo ft Ten to-mor row evening in St. Jsbim'i Hall. The aal*ottoni and aongt, ate., are entirely Seotofc, and tailed from the writings of Scotland's hmrlK sons, and lnoiuflo "Boots Whs. Hats" " Te Banks and Braes," "Willie Brew'd a Peok *' Maot," "Ooinlwf Tire' tha Rye," "A Maa's a Man." from Hums, while ottiers nivresent the geniui of tamnahui. the Palalor poet, Ladle* Natra and Uedsey. Mr soak, tho fopnlar etooattonUt, will fIT« two redtattono. We seed only refer the reador to faa proanuiHne to aseure him that a oapttal farewell •Dtertabuaeal will be prorMed.

TABLE TALK.

6m Jtfweo Voaim la in town,

Diphtheria tn Grafton Ward. " A Scrap of Paper " \n Mjm Opera House to-night

Hon. Mr. Richardson is »n hit way to Wellington. The Colonial Treasurer is staying at tha Princo Arthur Hotel.

Col. Frazer, of Thames, declines th« honour of J. P.-ship.

The butchers meet to-night to square their pionia acooants *nd pay prizes. Hon. W. Tsl» retires from legal praetieo in Auckland.

Tho time for receiving tenders for Free Library and Art Gallery Is extended till 4th March next.

Sir Jallus Voget Is ti> be banqvrettod fit Cbristchurch on 12th March.

Wellingtoniana cent nearly 4,000 ralen tines on Saturday.

'Frisco mails from Auckland dated 6th January were delivered in London lout Saturday, Twenty-one thousaad houses were built in London last year. The French Senate has passed a bill abolishing public executions. Instruction in carpenter and blacksmith work is now being given at Wellington College. ThoK.M. at Port Chalmers has decided that meat-freezing on Sunday is a work of necessity, About 250 people went by the cheap excursion train from Wellington to Kaitoke on Saturday. Ebenezer Brown, a fireman, fell off a train on Saturday, and died from his injuries in Dunodin Hospital, "Fun on the Bristol," after a good time at Wellington, is moving backward to Chriatchurch.

Hint to dyspeptics, unemployed, and miserable people generally:—A shilling's worth of "Rough on Rate" will kill 50 men. Form a syndicate, buy a box or two, and end your troubles ! The body of the late J. B. Slack having been exhumed at Melbourne, an examina tion revealed that death wag caused by strangulation, as confessed by tho murdorer Barnes, and not by the wounds in the throat, as was believed.

Over £7,000,000 has been lost in gam bling in Paris during the past five years. The Paris Municipal Council has renewed temporarily the tax on bread. Intercolonial eight-oar rowing match takes place on the Paramatta m 25th of April next. Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and Tasmania compete. Why not New Zealand ?

Rev. J. C, Byng, of Melbourne, lecturing On '• Eooentricities," exemplified his subject in his own porson by declaring' the preju dice against tho hangman to be false and mischievous. Hanging was a solemn func tion, worthy of the Archbishop of -Canter bury himself!"

THE SOUDAN WAR.

JBT CABIiE.-COPYnifIHT.I

THE FALL OF KHAR TOUM DENIED.

STILL HOPES OF CORDON'S

SAFETY,

London, sth Fobruary. A mes.hf.nubr who left Khartoum on Feb ruary 2ud declares that the city has not been captured by the rebels.

GORDON STILL ACTIVE.

REPORTED TO BE ENTRENCHED IN

THS COPTIC CHURCH,

A special dospateh to tho Melbourne "Age,1' dated London, February 9, states : —Rumours aro etill persistently circulated that General Gordon is alive, and that he has entrenched himself in the Coptic Church iv Khartoum.

THE MARQUIS OF LORNE ON THE COLONIAL OFFERS.

Lonhon, February 14,

The Marquis of Lorno, in a letter to the " Times," strongly urges the Government bo accept the Australian and Canadian troops for service In the Soudan. The Queen's Sentiments. London, February 15. The Queon haa personally indicated hor liigb appreciation of tho generous and spontaneous offer of assistance by New South Wales, in tha roproasion of the Soudan rebellion. The "Observer" nowspapor to-day etatea that it has been deoided to nccopt the offer of Now South Wales of troops for the Boadan, and it Is ex pooled tho Quoon will personally indicate her high estima tion of th« generous offer of tho colony. The New South Wales Oiler Accepted. — Victoria's Oiler Declined. The Now South Wales Government having agreed to pay all the expenses in coanootion with their offer of men for the Soudon, the English Government have accepted Uiem. Out of oompliment to Victoria, tho Mar quii of Hartiagtoa laid tho offer of men for a similar pmrpose made by that colony belorg the Cabinet, but the offer of that oolonjr has been declined. The Imperial Reply to New South Wales. Chbuscuubou, this day. Hod. Ur Btasrt, Premier of New South Walea, who U now ie Chrutoliurch, ra «eiT«d a oabl« messog* thU morning, stating that tha Imperial Gevarament bar* accepted th» otln of troopa for Bgypt In pert. Ob* battery of artillery ia to b* for varded by oharter«d steamer to Suakiua, oaUlmj at Aden for •rdera. It U and«rit»od that Victoria li making a Ulk offai- to tha Imperial Govarnmoiit.

GREAT ENTHUSIASM IN SYDNEY.

Men and Money Pouring In,

Sri>N»T, thli day,

Tbo acceptance of this eoloar's offer of troops for Egypt evoked extraordinary on thnsiawn. Only one battery of artillery is required. The Agent-General wires that the fore* mart be placed absolutely under the orders of the goneral commanding, and that It m«st call at Aden for instructions. The local press comment favourably on the splendid offer. The steamahlp Iberia Trill We ready by the 28th insl to oonrey the men. A patriotic fund has been estab lished, and numerous offers of mot: and »uon»y are forthcoming. Fr««h Offer by Canada. Canada has made fresh offar'i to Bng-. land of troops for the Sondan. now the Italian Offer is Viewed. The Italian Government offered to co operate with Britain In suppressing the rebellion in the Soudan and restoring order. The "TUnee," in commenting upon this ; offer, aayi British prestige would ba des troyed if the aid of • foreign power were i dow accepted in bringing the Mahdi and his follotrers to obedience. TUrd Radios Expedition to the Bod Boa. Rows, February 14. Tho third expedition loaves Naples on the ' 19th itut,, ob a uisaion eoonoctod wltk Italioa annexation on the Red Son.

THE DYNAMITE CONSPIRACY.

PLOT TO DBSTKOY NOTTING

IIJJI CASTLE

IBY CABLffi-COFYRIGHT.]

Lokdon, February 15. A plot to destroy Nottingham Castle by dynamite has b««n discovered.

Bi«h«p Vaughun, of Salford, has do nounoed tb« rooent outrages by dynamiters as af a meet diabolical character.

NEW ZEALAND ROYAL MAIL SERVICE.

(BY CABLE.--COPT-RIGHT.)

Lomdon, February 14. BAitKn, this afternoon, from New Fly mouth : R.M.B. Ruapehu, with mails for New Zealand. Tho R.M.S. Kimutaka passed the Cape on tho Gth inst, outward bound. Cable commnnication has been intorrup ted between England and the Cape,

FATAL POISONING.

At? unfortunate case of poisoning occurred at Arondalo on. Saturday last. A little boy of about two years, named James Murray ( eon of Mr Thomas Murray, managed to get hold of a bottle of carbolic add liquid, which was used for disinfecting pnrposes, and drank a portion of it while the attention of his mother was otherwise engagad. The cries of the poor child speedily summoned assistance, and as he ihowed all the symptoms of poison ing, he was brought into town as speedily as possible and taken to the Hospital, Everything possible was done for the little sufferer, but without avail, and he died the same afternoon. In formation was given to the police, and arrangements were mode ,'for an inquest to be held on the body by Dr. Tennont at 3 p.m. to-day. Another child was with the deceased, and also took some of the acid, but not sufficient to prove fatal.

CABLEGRAMS.

(by oablb—copybioiit),

Victorian Line of Stoamors,

London, Feb. 13.—One of the two large passenger steamers ordered by Messrs Kid dart and Parker for their A'ictorian lino of Btoamors has been mieocßHfully launched at Newcastlo-on-Tyne. She has been named the Stirrmnbeto. Dr. Taylor's Visit to Australia. Dr. Taylor, the editor of "Soionco Gossip," will sail for Australia on April 3th by a Messagerios Maritimea stoamor. Prlco of Wheat. Tho March wheat ahipinont is quoted at 30?. German Claims In Fiji. Mr Wright, barrister, of Fiji, has been appointed Commissioner to inquire into tho German claims in Fiji. Tho inquiry will commence this week. Hon. J. B. Thurston ; will watch English interests, and Mr Sahl Gorman interests. The cases of Sahl, Sedermann, Pioffer, and Pflumger aro the only cases that will be conaidored, After tho conclusion of the inquiry, Mr Thur»ton and Dr. Kranel, German Consul-General at Sydney, will draw up a report on tho Anglo-German interests in Fiji. Bishopric, of Fiji. Tho Society for tho Propagation of the Goapol in Foreign Parts haa voted £1,000 towards the establishment of tho Bishopric at Fiji. England and Germany la New Guinea. It is reported at Berlin that England has yielded to Germany regarding tho disputed boundaries in Now Guinea, The World Exhibition at New Orleans is pronounced a complete failure. Gorman Colonial Army. Germany ia taking steps to raise a colo nial army. Serious Accident to Earl Bponcor. Earl Spencer, while out hunting, was thrown from his horse and broke his cellar bone. Tho Fronoh Oonvlot Bill. Tho Recidiviste Bill was passed by the French Senate by an immense majority. Illnoss of Ouoon Viotorlo. Londox, Fobruary 14.—Her Majesty Iho Queen ia at present suffering from a severe cold. Precautions Against Outrago. In consequence of tho recent dynnmite outrages, Htriugent rules have boon adopted for aumisaiou of tho public to the Houses of Parliament. Tho French HeoldiTlstOß. Paris, February 14.—The Senate has passed tho Recidiviste Bill, but without naming the countries to which the criminals shall be deported. The Congo Question. LtjDON, February 14.—An agreemont has been concluded between tho Portuguese Government and the International Associa tion with regard to the letter's position in West Africa. West Australian Defence* Lohdo.n", February li.—Sir John Coodo, C.E.. starts next month for Freemantle, West Australia, on a visit of inspection in connection with tho projected harbour works. The Cost of Protecting New Guinea. England will reconsider the quostion of the allotment of tho coat of tho ]\ovt Guinea protectorate. The Gorman Annexations The " National Zeitung" states that Germaay will not yield the Huon Bay, New Guinea, which England recently annexed. The " Daily Telegraph " is of opinion that Germany 1b certain to disavow tho recent seizure of land in Samoa by Dr. jjtubel, the Gorman Consul there, as such seizure wai merely the act of a subordinate. The Com missioners on New Guinea affairs and the claims of German subjects in Fiji meet ehoitly in London. Mr Foreman, who is the Australian dele gate at the Poßtal Convention, is at present ia Lisbon, watching the couree of events in connection with that Convention. The death ia announced of Herr Godeffroy, of tho German firm of that name. Colonel J. Fletcher Owen, th» now military commandant at Adelaide, will sail for Australia in March. Captain Rhodos, submarine mining engineer, has been sslocted for the same employment in Vic toria.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

[Beforo E. W. Moody, Esq., J.P.]

Duun'k.—Plve persons wore pnnlshod for Oils ofl'encß.—Noil Lutsh, disorderly, 20a ur 7 daya. Valencia Lawnon pleaded not guilty. Cou sUiblo Koenan proved the charge ; sho was very drunk in Durhuin-atreot; her husband could not keep her up. To prisoner: You said ho was your hneband.—Prisoner:" Well.lt wasn't, now : 'twas my oil man." 5s and costs.—lnomas Young, found in Symonds-strcot in a perilous position, wan fined ifi. or U days' Imprisonment, this lining hit third olfenoe. [Ills Worship the Mayor took his goat on ths Bonoh.J Awful Thbhat. — WUliam Atklnaon, arreetod on warrant, was charged with threatening to kill and murder Qoorgo M. Mo(Srae, a settler of Mangore, on the Slat A jg, lost Mr Cotter, for defendant, tukod that e»i donoe might bo taken.—Mr Thoo, Cooper, for complainant, opened the case, and mentioned tho events which lod up to Atkinson's arrest.— G<iorgo H. UcCrao deposed that ho was a farmor at Manaoro. Knew Atkinson, wlio lives under tho mountain. AUdnson was oliargod with stealing rails, etc., complainant's proporly. Had him arrested, and asalated tho constables In securing him. All tho way to the lockup, Atkinson uned various threats. Ho said he would kill him (UcCrao), and told him ho shot his own horso. Atkinson finished hl« term of Imprisonment on Saturday, and foaring Atklnßon'a old threat, ho obtained a warrant for hit arr«Bt.—To Mr Cotter: He was on pretty good terms with his neighbours. People sold ho was a very quarrelsome man. He could show that this was a mls tnkti, as he whs In town al) day, and only at Jhmgero early and late. Had proviounly boon on good terms with Atklnaon. Ho gnvo him no time to oonslder, but had him arrested on leav ing tho gaol In oonseguonoo of bis threats. He wuhod him to bo bound over to koop the peaoo. The vnluo of tho rails was 03. He (tot six months for tho l&roeny, and two for his abuse.—Soolng a number of Mangoro poople preeont. Hla Wor ahlp hopod ocmußol would shorten UlO oaso as much as pOßsiblo.—McCrtioi Have only spoken to Mrs Atkinson throe tlmosiinooherhnsband's lnearoeration. Sho was anxious for hU return. Ho told her that he was aunt baok to gaol. He did not offer tho woman money. Ho was afraid of Atklnßon. He had been threatened by others, but not with murdor. Did not know anything of a " Mangero Vigi lance Committee."—To Mr Coopor: Had a threatening letter.—Mr Cotter Bald ho was not aware of such a letter; complainant had not mentioned It McCrao: You did not ask me (Tho letter was put in. but not road: It was anonymous, and could not bo received) — The Bench understood It was from tho Sooretary of tho "Vigilanco Committee.—Sorßt. Greene (Onohunga) deposed to the threat used by defendant. McCrae had the man arrested — To Mr Cotter: McCrae was a spectator and "hold tho lantern while thoy tied Atkinson hi the spring cart. MoCrao walked bohlnd. Know nothing against Atkinson.—Coilatablo Haslott corroborated. Atkinson resisted very much objooted to bo tied, and kicked ou sharply' Her rl rumonrs of towb at Mangere, buc could not personally state whether McCrao was tho sole cause of thedlstarbonoes.—Mr Cotter snoko In defence, and said that this was a maliciouß prosocution on tho part of MoCrao, who was now prepared to gloat ove* » nroionged and unnecessary punishment.- Wfllhm Atkinson was sworn, and deposed thnt he ,yas arrested at tho instigation of Mr McCfae. Ho was very vexed at the time, beuyr dragged from his home at night when tivta aS weary. Tho wood taken was yaW« at ss. He was angry, and might hsw used angry wordu, bnt ho had no Intent on of takine the wSi Mr,MoCra?. W&O xaggerated the theft, but he had long sin. et 0 «iven him.-Mary At kinson deposed thut .cCrae had boon to her house several times since hor husband had been !? ?7. R2 n- 1. °? Saturday last MoCrae told her that if her husband would tell her all about cor tain things ho would give her £100 and pay their passage. If not he would give Atkinson 21 years tor shooting his horse.-Joseph Hwtle farmer, Manßore, deposed tbatMrMcCrao had been quarrolFing with one or the other in Man gare ever slnco he camo into tho place.-To Mr Cooper: He wa« not tho chairman ™f m« wS^w c V^ a>lca Committee - T a S B m^ 0r? hlp: »ufhoro wa3 a oommittoo 'o/roed the purposo of cUeoking Mr McCrao's falso representations in lh! papers. He was a member of the Com mittee. Did not contemplate 0 dynamite c™ Plosion. Several other witnesses were heard ojl..the social state of Mangero. Constable Mitchell heard Mr McCrae offer to aond Atkin soa and his wife Home, if he would ten hi™ rMSL hta m"% & o«"^™° nmdein hthe guard-room. Mr McCrae was recalled and acknowledged that he had offered to fu'rmsh Tnemr W£ h» monoy,,onouß;h t0 seno thorn home To Mr Cottpr: Of courso I was not afraid o4 Atkinson with Detective Walker by my side laughter.)-The Bench considered 7 Sat the -hroat was made, and ordored defendant to flnd sureties lor throo months, hinuolf in £10 anyone surety to tho same amount wHliont nfiK^'i™' 1 "™ on »»tpath in

THE GREAT.

[BvT,aK( IIUP H_AB WDaBD . * Tuere were fully 100.000gw,. and over 50 steamers on th?S ludon. A thunderstorm J£*\ rivorjurt before th« ,tut^r> fell. The following i 8 ft ' °Si took hu place in midstre^M was on the north side Atl^h breaks away, and aHtUejSjM showed how much imnwuT^i* tache S toa B ood s tarUh 9 TA away, Hanlan having a ShS the start. Both men B™»S strokes to the minute,^ hundred yards were gone Q |S had had a Plight lead, mtoSfei and lost his lead to Hanlani? X Hanlan was a full longth ah^t ponent.andatthehalf.mrai! two lengths. Clifford wajp^rS Hanlan looking very confid "*■*■? men pulled 32. Shortly bS1*!! beacon was reached, ClifiordT?* opponent, and passing the nT!> length astern of Hanlan «!,„*» beacon in 6 minutes 15 ' «Z?H start. Clifford still gained?,^ at the mile and quarter (wtonW anco or not is a question) H"" level. Hanlan wisstlfflll^ course, while Clifford whether carried by the *?J tido or not, was apparently n£-* far over on to the southern sß* in coming over to Putney ZJ following bore much too eL.^" *> tors. Clifford received a «£.?-?» wash, with which he was ZSf to cope in a watermanliffS whereas Hanlan sailed comforS* waves, Clifford forced thSjfi aa a consequence, almost buried k and shipped a quantlrf™«F All the efforts of Mm.*' Mr T. Hill, i n ~j£» boat, seemed to fail to keep them*! steamers at a fair distance bchlfl and they being separated bySS the man on the southern tide (rat course, had the worst of itiJj? which carried his supporters wmj! mo3t in fault for going at so mS? as Bhe threw an immense voS! not only from her bows, but frtaaS paddle-wheel. Coming uptorf a slight shower fell, bat ft|»%i affected the competitors. - U Hanlan was loading by a length comfortably. Clifford then qS but had lost the dash »hj^ thown in the previous part!oi tL Off the Gasworks, Clifford ff the Bouthorn shore, and {fa tho northern side increased^ to two longths. From thfspMgt appeared to ba virtually overM tho Cabarita, Hanlan wai"sK ahead, and crossing over to fl» Wharf he increased it twolSifti while Clifford had been eteerMil course, and had been much twuli lumpy water from the steamer^ / the point near the M.R.C, clrjs|j away to tho beacon at tho Brefo was a dense crowd of boats, whia! and re-crossed the men in'iivij ably close proximity. FlßallKg excited cheering of the pecplsoa shore, Hanlan passed the flag. lengths in advance of Cli% official time was L'lmiiis. 4ma ( SPORTING NEW* The Dauodln Autumn Km (BY MiLKfIRAPH— I'IUSB ASSOCU Duskdls,ll Bomb interesting work wsi'fjfi Forbury on Saturday monk horses haring a gallop on the «c Bide the hurdles. Lady Emm v started off together, and went»t speed, when the colt dropped! place was taken by Matanab, ti bring the Cup mare home. Bis, ran clean away from him Id tin mile, and finished a splendid nil The last round tnd a half{irpl side the hurdles is over a ill was done by her in 2min«. SSKi Webster went a similar joun^jc milehe was alone, andfor the rent of tho journey .he went In coi Ouida. Captain Webster wenrii his time was not quite bo goal Emma's ; his best milt occur 47sec. Adamant was eontthteei first two he covered at a clow pi tho last round he finished fast '

Fusilier has been taken to Win that It is certain he will beiuifl for tho Dunedin Cup. H |§

OPERA HOUSE-"A Son Paper" To-n ight.

Tnß closing performance of Vjjbj Favourite " at the Opera Hodm a! day night was honoured with II house, and the applause wm fngts very cordial. To-night & dnniiit If no loss variety will bo praaM^ English adaptation of viotorisJ & brillant oomedy, "A Scrap of ttjtt: scrap of paper is an old lore !<tta,l written and secreted by a iprl|M; wayward coquette in the dajf»«(fij| only roaches its intended dttUAj aocident after the writer Iw 18 middle age, and is the sedate ml" wife of Sir John Ingram. BlrJ]j jealous, and the quondam !otir,ll Blake, rather mischievous. AIM of Lady Ingram, howeveri fig to recover tho m&laptvpoi ifflW after some clever finesse 6ttWW|; play Is full of interest and amowMj way of afterpiece, tbe laughsbb * " A Regular Fix," with Mr VfW loading rfHe, will also be given. WH stand that Mr Vernon will tatofWj Thursday night, on which ppfW great emotional drama of "MmSC be produced. Consequently, W wish to see " A Scrap of P*M|§ three opportunities oflbrod ticm.

EXCURSION TO UNKNOWN.

Odb correspondent at MonW;»J(" with particulars of tho excunto' place on^Saturday last. Ho »ji•* sidaringthe short notice, thorow'i attendance, Excellent arr»nK»§J been made for the trip, anil fts Mr and Mrs Porter, and tteWjKj Mercor were all entitled toPffiSIS efforts to amuse and entertain wSj A steamer was laid on for tWjSI fully 175 took advantage of &e«PH§ to visit that spot. A «ri«Joi sports also took place, and foriWgl tional attraction. The ewnUif?! follows :— '; ,1 Canoe Hurdlb Raot.-NK*! Henare, 2. Eight started. .f^l Swimming MATcn.— Jottpß W?! Johnny, 2. Four started. ' - :>"'j| Canoe Race Fqub '^Fout in 'JJB Tompo, 1; Henare. 12. FonriwSl Greasy Boom^-Joseph Loai""* Gill, tio. j, Canob Hubble lUcE.-viaMfSf 1; WiUiamson and Johnny, 2.J»gj This raco caused the g^^Sj of the day, as thore were n°'l(SJs| canoes on top of one another, ** ™ in the water. ■£*') Canoe Hurdle (Wahine).^fSL| well, 1; Pari, 2. Four stMWjrfJj was a good race, and <*nw*m; O'PjKially amongst the young,l*S^| The proceedings conclua»j»a danoe, in which a large now*". B took part h

The Bad and UNKNOWN

1j? £ are never imitated oc «wflft^i;| especially true of a family B*jS*' positive proof that the remedy "Kgj highest value.. AasoonM»^| and proved by the whole worw *gjj| was the purest, best, ana ffl^KSp modiolne on earth, many taM&SM ana began toste&l thenoUcMß'^pl and thapoople of the counW&MjJJ&il raevita of H. 8., and In tfPjSm induce Buffering invalids « BJ?||< instead, expecting to 3it^^ l om and good name of H. B. nostrums put up in stellar roi»!ViM| Viriously devised names, IB .^SMJI " Hop or "Hops" wore nM*|S I J-«^'J' pcoplo to bollove theywera»»!j&HK Bittcra. All such pretended•r^'°J3i»«'' no matter what their stylo PJflftj I especially those with the 'J^JJ-;. " Hops " in their name, or In *^HpJ) v with them or their name, ■roSm counterfeits. Boware of a^.BjW t >S them. Use nothing b«t#ffiH2lfflW Bitters, with a bunch jr elWHMjt™ onlhaVhite label, «nd in* the glass. Trust n o^|n£iSii«H and Chomlsts are warnea »*r^fiiaH luUtatluns or counterfeit*.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1885.



THE SNAKE BOOT REMEDY r«* RHEUMATISM »£» GOUT.-The CiMieifVOA (Acrrt R*e*»io«») on Black SrfARE ROOT HAP ■ *€« LORQ.CtLB^BATBD AS A HHEUMArtUI WCMIDT, THt» FBEBABATION IS THE «O»T MRTAIJI l» ITS ffrtCTS. AND et^Bl. 8.. W» IOTTLI, .AT MCUU«. >AWt t ondon ' loan and macount £5 t0^.,000. ThlßCoK.Wg«nftiLmm?M l PERSONA) .SECURITY, FREEHOLD i^^LEASEHOLD VIRST AND SECOND i MORTGAGES, or on any nvMlable Bsciirlty, repayable in or In any way to suit ttaa Borrower. BUls DlacffOtited at Oorront Rates. Yank of Hngfcmd Votes and Australian Bank All conknnnloakons vtnmly conMonHaU LOKDON LOAN AND DISCOUNT CO., QjHCST TO Atkik's Pbintinq Ojtioe).



fiItEAT CLEARING SALE !I! TO HKMOYIKO SO NKW I'KKMISKS. MILNE & CHOYCE RosHcotfuUy bos to Muwoncs that In ordqsto outer upon their Now Proaiaea (aow ap lirououing completion) vritli mi ENTIRELY NEW BTOOK, They havo decided to ofllir the whole op their present well-known valuable stock AT BUOH A HRDUOTION IN PRICH AS WIU, KNSUItK A SI'KKDY OLHAIUNOJS. EVERY ARTICLE IS TO UE SOLD. The Goods am being so rapidly CUsaiwd Out tlitit our Friends an<l the Publlo oro rwiuoutvil to CALL AT ONCE, TO ENBUItH GETTING SOMK OF TllK BARGAINS. PREMISES CLOSE ON SATURDAY NIGHTS AT 9 i*m. HI ILN 13 & CHOYCE, WKLHUSLKY-STHEKT. TT is singular how blind peoplo aro to tholr 1 own interests, by soiling imltationa of tho KenuluoJrt'oy^^Sk'UN.vy^S; __ rjTo~ME ETTHE TXM BS. In eonwMincnoc of bo many Drapere StoUtoffofl at CoStPrloo and Uu*Wviuid not wlshias to bo OadorsoUL and having Bouabt a Large Lot of Cheap Job W»o«. I willliro uvy Oußtojuars gome Great Uursalna. which inspwtlon will tuliy boar outs— Splendid Stock VVlilto «UCQ. ftom & Hd tea lfioo yds Good Grey CWJoq, &. wonii aj.d?la lid doz aOOydßStronKWldß FlanoeJ, WA. Wflrth 18 8a Strong Widoßluo S«iW\ 7M. yd Balance Bumaiw Stools <H R-lnta, to ttow «t Coat Price 1.000 yds Plain and PjlntfljJ &»teoaa. ntao Cot tornß,atCost 60 Qoth Taileoqverai, printed and ombroidwrcA to olonr; 20 X dlaccimt olf marked price A Lnxgo Stooic ol Dross Goods, In all shades ana ituiUirtuia, very mach reduced in pcloe, from ifiO Pairs Blankota, y«rr mock roduped, to oJo^r Larso Stock of Umbrollas from la (id, CMldr<u»'a from lfl Strong Oatmeal Cloth, sjd yd 1,600 yds Ulnghomo. nlea pttrtiima tram iP» Rush(Hata.2ld! Lomo Lot Chlldronis Otfoad Olovvfl from 3d ptuT 4),000 doi Buttons, roducod to lgd doft A Groat Bargain :-U0 dcv Girls' and 'Women's Hostec? tsom ffl pair, worth double . _ U llon% Strong Tweo4 Q»tß, & ft) | do Ita«- MBo^^Twced Trousers and Varta & 'Wt 50 Men's Strong Tweed Suite, Ills fld Doys ICnlclcoxSulU from « W; Boyrf Twood Suits, lonfrtrousore, lfis __„. -,^-. Mon's CoUou ShJrU from Jal do WWtU 8«»t* Ss 9d Men's atrong FTaptW Shirts afifl Dramen* ta M 80/b1 Kolt ifnts, la 6d; Men'i do. 2a Largo Lot of Boys' Straw Hats, to (W2U\ firom W Large LoTof RomoanM. toorfecfl wiy low, to oTcnn . -—— WILLSiIM R. BRIDOMAJI JONCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUBB, 288, UPPKB QUSBN-STHKBT. M 0 * I O a. Dr. wilit ik s, i. a.ua, to at hl» Sargery for Geui«ja PwwUfl* eai Special Pra*tlce-Kre. B«r. and ThjOßt I>£«*se« -Mornlain vl AfUirnooni; Bandajri. 1» » U JiSO. Con»«lt«tlon F»« T«rv Moderate, Ds. WiBWBa ipent seYon yoara at Mboroflddi By« Hospital, London, under Ifesan Butmo •»• Ci««liott, two at Tkroat Hospital. London, peree yews Honorary Surgeon Albert Hospital, a»d eight yean at Ore, Itefc anft Throat laftrwarr, Molboumo. Adjußta Bpuctaeleß to Sight.- OonsvUtliui Rooms—Quoaa-strßeii Antftlant. NEW ZEILAND CLOTHING FACTORY, 198 AKD M», QUJSHH-HTRBBT,, ITiSM^T Ml 6AHGEST AND BEST - ASSOR-THE STOCK w MKNIRi TOUTHa 1, aod BOTS" GLOTHINO AND OUTFITTINQ CLOTHINd AND » OUTFITTING CLOTHINO AND OUTFITTINQ OLOIHIfQ AWD OUTFITTING t IN THB CBPt. flfia OELBBRAVBD O BCIIKL fVSKDS, Wbloh ther were the fliet to Introduce m Madc ap Oothtaa. has beooin* BAUOUS A* BEIWQ THB MOST DURAWjH AMI) WBLAR-KBBISTIN© OT AMi WOOUjSf FABBIOH. SOU USMAOT) »OB f HMB GOODS Qtwttanen to efcow a lesao loorir luoreww, PftOVWO BlIAt IKPGBraD CLOTHING W ALMOST BMTOaafcTr nvvmtmow m CH£ eUi'ffiliOß CiLONIAB PRODUCTION. THERE is on Exhibition for a' fow day 4 In my shop a Bedroom Buite of pioked Now Zealand Woodß, made to tho ord« of an Australian gentleman. Visitors are lnvitod to sail and inspect theeo rich tlmbora beforo they are packod up.—W. Nobbib. top of Shorllland-Bt. Dr. cobbext BAB RBMOVKD From AKrtd-Btreet* STMONDS-STBBET (oppostto Choral Hall). Hoxtbs or CojrscrnATKWi: At Heme—o to 10 a.m., and 6to 8 p.m. At AloTdn"B—«to 1 and ito i p.m. Wlisi not engaged. Chief Post-office, Auckland. Mails w jm. Ctoaa its ustdbb— Xhtb Day. Foi'Greymouth, per Ohau, at I a.m. For Tauranga, Rotorna, and Opotlkl, per WollhiKton. at 5 p.m. For Bussell. Kakakawa. Herd's Bolnt, Wanga roa and Mongonni, per Clansman, at 5 p.m. For WhlUamrf, Upper MMJ. and Talrua, per HorManKawaf'and Kalwaka, per BnfcTi «t 5 For Thames, per Knbnprtee, at SJO p.m. Tuesday, 17th lnsK For Taranaki, aadStratbemFDrta, per Penguin, For Waiwera, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana, per Hoso Casey, at 10 a.m. For WaiCara, per Galrlooh. at 1 p.m. For Thames. p6r Rotomahana. at 3 P.BJ. For RnrotonKa. per Ada C. Owen, at 4 p.m. For Russell and Kawakawa, p«r Rotomahana, For W?ianßarei Heads, Parna, Wakin, Whan aarci. IJiirao, and Mafigapal, per Macarogor orWaitaki,atsp.m. TOB.-DAY, MawiliS. Per 8.8. City of Ur aney, m follows f- For Navigators Islands, Sandwich Islands. United States of Amerlpa, Canada, British Columbia, Central, and South America, and Britifh and FK&gn West Indies, at 1 p.m Vet United Kingdom aad Continent of BM§iey erfer?!'registered lottos and a»w» DaDers, at IT-M *»oi. nSto lattSl. beariag to extra (ac of Six- Dbmo In aiaiHon to th« portjige, will hfl feoSved by «» MoU Agent on board UHj Steamer up to Ore time of sailing. ■Shis mall will be duo In London on Friday, April 10. MBS. Poatmajter, Chief Fost^ffiaß. Auckland.



We understand, on good authority, that Mr Dampier has engaged a special artist to take the portraits of his wonderful bargains In furniture, for publication in the Stab. ' The rehearsal for the members of Mr Booth's choir will be <old la the United Metho dist Sohool-room, Pitt and Vineent-streete, this evening, at 7 80. not Htt and Kdwin streets, as stated in our advertising columns on Saturday.



Professor Hugo's lecture "Spiritualism" has, at the request of tho Psychological Society, been postponed till Friday nieht To-morrow (fuesiay) evening, the subject of the lecture will be " Nobos." D. S^wf 1"68- Wholoßale ond «tail._