COMING EVENTS.

MflMlngs, &0., 'Vo-nlght. Opera House-" The Lights of l.ondpn," a. Chord Hall-Band Contest Concert, 8. Lorne-stroet Hall -Anniversary Hood Intent Lodge, 8. Onehut.ga ntfo3-Monthly Inspection. ~ St. Harnabas'a Sunday School -Magic Lantern Entertainment, 7.

Auction Sales To-morrow. I J. 11. Homor and Co.-llouschold Furniture, ttc, 1 p.m.

Chief Post office, Auckland.

tfolls will close as under :— Tma Day. For Thames, por Rotoraahana. all p m. For Whangarei Hoods, Paru», Walpu, Whan garol. Kamo. and Mangapal, por Glonelg or YValtaki dt 5 p.m. . For Katl Katl. Aongateto. Tauranga. Sec, por Enterprise, at 5 p.ni For Thames, per Knterprisc, at fi.3o r.ra. Satuhday, 18th lnst. For Fort Fitzroy, Tryphena, ond Okupu, por Argylo, at 7 a.m. Kor Watwera, To Knpa. ami Werk worth. So., par Husn Corny, at in n.m. For (lrej mouth per Ohan, nt II h.ih. For Groymouth, vl.i Oiichungii, \»L r llfitil.l, uts.irip.iu. Midway. 20th ln^t. Kor (loroniandol, porOoroinnndoi. at 11.80 a.m. For llol;i!iiiKM, utc, \,fv i:<iwunn,'(via MimiiUaii), at 11 n.m. Kor Walhirn anil Southern povti, lior c.ililocb, at II a.in For Now Plymouth and Boilthem povta. pw 0.-oti, at l p.m. Fir Kusiell and Kawakawfl, por Chinaman, lit :p P.m. TUKfIPAY, 2lHt iflflt. For Taranakl and Southern Ports, per Ponguln, at 1 p.m. Per Zoalnmlia an follows:— For Navigator blanoV, Sandwich ißlonfls. Unßpd Stnten r,t Ap'mi>a, Canada, IlrfUuh Columbia, Central and Sonth America, and British ar.A Korean \Veat indleß, at 1 p.m For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.ra, Monov orders, 10.3(1 n in. n^srUiterad letters and aowß,mpi:r« nt 11.30 o.in. Late lotterfi, hcarlnu an oxtra fea of slx ponco In amtttion to the postago, will bo received bj the Mall Agont on board tho Bteamor np to tho time of sailing, Thia miul »tIU bodno In London on Friday, Aiißust 23.1855. (Sißned) ROBT. KAYR. Acting Chief Poatmastor. Chlof Poat-ofllce, Auckland.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

HIUH WATKR.

Auckland- This evening, 10.30 j tomorrow morning, 11.4. Manukau Hkads—To morrow morning, 110; to-morrow afternoon, 1.41. Kaipara Ha ads— To-morrow morning, 2.10 ; to-morrow afternoon, 2.11.

Sunbe-v.—Thi9 oroning—J.s3. SUNRISE.—To-morrow mornini?—7.l2. MOON'S Aqk.—First Quarter, 19tb, 11.50 a.m,

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENINQ. •Slonolg, S.S., Johnson, from Whangarel Waitaki, s.s., Crawford, Irom Whangarol

TODAY. Verms, ketch. Neil!, from Opotiki Wellington, e.s., Stcpbenson, irom Russell (Klua, cutter, Minchani iput back)

DEPARTURES.

LAST F.VENINU. Clansman, s.s , Farquhar. for Tauransa Argyle, 8.9.. West, for Mercury Bay TO DAY, Ryno. brigantino, Bawioko, for Suwarrow Siuny Kato. schooner, iwdgers, for Qiabourne Queon, schooner, Jones, for Hokianga

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Coromandel, from Coromandel, to-morrow, 5

Rotomah&na, from Thames, tomorrow, 3.30 p.m. Argyle. from Mercury Bar, to morrow, early Pdugnin, from Southern ports, Sunday Maiiapouri, from Southern porU, Monday WnreAta, irom Wesiport. Sunday Z-ialnndiu, from Sydney, Mo..day. ear y Suva, Irom Sout'aurn ports, to-night Ohau, from Southern l-'ons. tomorrow City of Sydney, from San Francisco, July 20 Kaikoura, from Plymouth, Auguot 18 [For projected doparturos see shipping ad vortlßcniozits and mall notices.]

Inwards, Coastwise.—Kauri, from Port Caarloa. with 50,000 ft. l)aulk timber ; Progress, from WbaogaiJOtin, with 29 000 ft. limDer ; Kata. from W'uiara, wila ?,.'> (LOft. timber; Pukapuka. from uarrlor, with 13 lo^s; Ghost, from ('ore maudel. with l!>,i)t'Oft. timber.

OOTWAKD3, CoAßrwißK.—Dream, for Tau ranga; Kauri, far Po.t Cliarles : Progress, for Whinifapoui; Pukiip'iKa, for iiarrior ; Hatu, for Waiara.

Tho schooner Saucy Kuto clonrod at tho (Jus tomato-day (orGiSuurne, with ajtona coal and C.OOOtt. timber.

Tho bricantino Motley has completed her <:nr[TO (kuiii) tor Now Voi-k. She will probably anil to-ni'Jrrow.

TIIO cutter Qi'Mß, wliii'ii lott for Samoa on the 3th inst. Mit buck todiy In a disabled condi tion. Particulars appear in anaihur column.

The brigantinj Ryno. which has undergone a ro:npletc overhaul, hiis cleared at. lho Customs fur Su warrow. Vasncnßur:- Mr .1. A. Ans'nnc.

A Btsamer was signalled insido Tlritlrl lala this afternoon. She may prove cither tno OhiiU or Siivo, both nearly due.

The g.B. Glonolfr, from VVhanKurei last even inir, broughltno folio-'in(? iiiSßfnuurit: ■ ilnaea .lonea, Onniston, Jjinwloj-, Mmldun. Mess.s Or inlaton, Jones, .lolinsou. l-ai)Kloy. tiimpaon. Dr. Kilßelow, H. Alr.Onyor. Wulistoi, I'ftlson, Wttt- Hon. tower, VVeac. pinith, Ilolme3, 4 in stterage. The barquo Samujl, whicli put in liero in a lisky condtiion recently, was dockuU to-duy for r/'pairs. ahe will iiroontny imve to he caulked iiucl recopporeil Tho ]\l acKiegor at ill remains in dock. U'hon thn water was lot in this morn lokslid filled, hut emptied herself again a3 the water was pumped out.

Tho kotci Venus arrived from Opotiki this morning, with 110 bucks niiize. 111 sacks wheat, 11 ton 3 potatoo3, and 1!) pal.

Thep.s. Tonßariro arrived from Hlkntaia this morning, with a large raft of tiuibsr in tow.

The s 8. Arawata was to-day berthed along sido of tho barfine Sam Mendel. She ia to re main here nntil the 27th mat., when Ehe will leave again (or Fij 1.

Tho following were paisengcra by tho Waltakl, which arrived from Whangarei laßt oveniDg:- Miaaes Seccombs, Harvey, Woolle;, Noles, Paulson, Mesdamos Hamuharua, Tawaitawai, Macdonald, Messrs Fr.ssr. Taurau, Fcarson, William, llata, Thurloy. Vickeiman, Brown, Allwright, Kcllv, M. Whitelaw. Anderson. Heather, Napier. T. Hackett, Haniaharua. Tangihlri, Whare, Skiviagton, and 11 in the st:eroge. ,

Tho B.s. Wellington arrived this morning from Russell. Passengers:-Me^raJobaon, 3.lawa hunga Scholar. Collins, Uorsloy. Misa and Mas ter Tabaieau, Messrs Ward, Torkos, Bramluy. Uasser, Mrs Edwards, Master Hdwards, Messrs Stewart and Owen, and 12 In etcerage.

Masters ef vessels and others belonging to the Mercantile Marine Association can now have tho nsa of a private room, which Ins been obtained in Mr Oompton'a Buildings on the Queen-street Wharf. The room is furnished and containa a library, Australian and New Zealand papers, etc. A meeting of the Asaceia tion, held last evening, is reported in another column.

A petition for presentation to the General Assembly is in courso of preparation, praying that (I) foreign vessels shall ba prohibitou from engaßinst in the coastal trace ot Uie colony ; (I) that exemption certificates shall bo made general throughout the colony; and (3) that light dues shall bo nndo payable annually.

MISSING VESSELS.

Tho Polynesian " Gazotte" of June !)th says: ---"Both the schooner Soa Bretze and bngautino Christine are suppled to bo lott. The Sea Breeze left Levuka for Sydney some 90 days since, and no authenlio tidings have yet been received o£ either of these vessels." The Christine was tmbdequentiy reported as having put into Ugi disabled. The Sea Breeze was owned by Me&Brs esioeo Bros., of Auckland, until twelve months ago, when she was sola to a Sydney firm.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Waitaba, this day.—Arrived: Galrlock, from Onehunga, i' 1.35 a m.

Tauranoa, tbis day.—Arrived: Clansman, from Auckland, 7.50 a.m.

OAM4RO, this day.-Sailed this morning :- Killan Donan, brii?aniiae lor Auckland.

Lvtti)7l>ton. yestorfay. Bailed : Manapoiyl, for the North. Paßßengcr for Auckland:—Mr England. London, July 15-Arrived: Loch Fergus, from uainam (March 11); Tongarlro. from VVolitngton, ut i'lymouth. Mbi.boubne. July Hi—The ship North Ame rican which left Melbourno for London on February 19, is iniesinf?, and gravo t ears ure en tertained for her eafety. Sydnky July !(!.—Tho P.M. Company's Zoa landia sailed This afternoon for Auckland, with tliehomeward San Fran, isco mail.

lIKLSNSVIIXK. this day.-Cioabcd 0)0 Bar yesterday : Peorless, briuantine, for Auckland ; Jtximiner, barque, lor Tlinarn.

COMMERCIAL.

Bvkninci Stab Office, this day. Mb Alfbkd Biwia.ANn's Rkfort,—At the Haymarket, on Friday, July 10, horse stock were in fall numbers, and abovo tho usual proportion Offered worn 6Old. Prices for all descriptions, in. clnding hoavy draught, wore low, the most saleable bolng active, moaium dranKht. Prices for heavy draught ranged from £10 to .630. but [no greater number from .cno.Cir.earh. .Loose Jortdor ranfted from 2i Bel to as !ld par cwt.; oats, Sld to &M; wheat, Sis lid; l.drley, •is 64 ; beans, 23 8d per bushel ; potatoes, *S nor ton. At the llaymark.it. on Tuesday hUes maintained their valuo. Prices ranged, /or the quarter part, between Zrt and 32dper 1b: culf «ldns .l'd;tillowr,l9*porowr.; sneopsklns. Is Id tj 2a id each. At IJniry, a moderate muster of dairy cows and Btoio mttlo sold we , and at Pokeno, cattle, land.ard .sundries iM soil at satisfactory prices. Al Itomuera on Thursday, dairy rattle wer tf at less values Hun for many -weoksjsore cattlo in limital number, and better worth. Arrivals of both fat cattle and flheep from ihe \V< »t Cooal.iliirlii«the past week have been unusually larije, and fat cattle have fallen in valueiDConsequcpcajpnceßranged from ] 7a to 20a the lOO.Ij. but a draft would not average over 183. A few pens wore bought by tho graziers. Tho butchers aro unusually fall. The lareo Import has checked tho expected riae in the value of fat sheep, which are now at similar values to those rnllng a fortnight since. Cross bred wethera ranged from 12s ftl to l. ro Cd: merinos, 53 fld to 8s; and good fat owes, from 10a 8d to 12a eaoh. Fat calves were in demand, and brought satisfactory i>riceß. ranging as high as Ssi Pigs were plentiful, but ri quired and obtained higher prices than for several weeks.

MEBSnS HCNTBB AND NOI.AN 3 J^ f££ L* KEPnnT.-Hornes: There was a continuation of the vitality e-hibltert thfi provions week, and nileL and although in FOme instances S'c <s were much below the expectation oTvendTrs? prices had a firmer tendency. w« (iuoto hacks from £5 to *Ij ius. St Eo.r» 1* t0 filf" dr? u?htß; m to m hides, and BUnis: A good many hide. Were picohed, but th«ntiaUtT waß not so sood at on Iho previous week »Jd per lb be n X the hiuhest price giren ; skins, from Is fld to 2a 3d ; wool in Kreasa, ajd per lb. Cattle . Numericklly. a good many ciitle havebeen broußht forward, but there has bern a large pro pondorance of cowb. conaequont^y sellers had to snbmlt to a lower rato per lOOlba than ruled the previous week, althoa K h well-fatted oxen Boldr^Blatiyelyhlßhcr. Ualryandßtoreatoclcwere in lcaa tlun usual r.umbers, with little or no alteration in vXe. The Newmarket yards were fairly filled on Tuesdaj-. comDetiiion was Bteady throuahout the sale, and there was little altera io™in value, except that the into, for tat; oowj waa in favour of the vendor to the extent or fnUy from is to 2s per 1001b. Sheep: There was a very^a.d rau.te? at Newmarket on Tuoaday, with improved demand, and prices advanced from is to 2s per head. Pirn were yarded in av«a K e numbers, and sold at last wood's value". __^

Notices to Correspondents

MnTnoi>.—Mr R. H. Abel holds Tonic Sol-fa Binginß clasaeain tho Forestoru'Hall, Karan gahape Road.

Births.

OSBOKNK.-On July 17, at Northeoto, tho wife of T. Osborno of a daughter.

Deaths.

ALDERTON.-On July 10. at the residence of Mr Baker. Jlanukau Itoad, Purnoll, William Alderton; aged 81 years. The funeral will leave Mr Raker h re3lilonpo tomorrow (Saturday), at 3 p.m. Friends please accept this invitation.

KELLY.-On July 10, at his rcsidenr.\ Woke llold-streot, James Kelly; agod 87 years. Jlemtiescat in puce. A Solemn Requiem Mass will bo colobrated at 10 a m. to morrow (Swurday), at St. Pdtrlok'a Cathedral. The funeral wilUeavetheCathcdral at 3 p.m. Baine day. Friends are invited to attend.

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

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 1885.

For the cause that laclw assistance, For tho wrong that needs resistance. For tho future in the distance, And the good that ye cm to.

The rejection of Mr Pownis Stewart's bill authorising Bible-reading in schools, by a majority of 50 to 18, shows that a large majority of the House is still re solved to uphold the secular principle of the Education Act. Mr Stewart said that if the Bible was proscribed in the public schools, the result would ultimately be the destruction of the present national system of education, because the Roman Catholics were dis satisfied with it, the Episcopalians were almost universally dissatisfied —at all events, a large section of them were— and if the Presbyterians were not allowed the concession of the Bible in public schools, he ventured to say they would get so dissatisfied with the present system that by the united efforts of these three bodies the Education Act would .be endangered, and the responsibility would be on those who were endeavouring in every possible way to exclude from the public schools anything in the shape of religious in struction. In Otago, before the pre sent system was introduced, the Bible was read in the public schools and there was no dinsatisfaction. On the contrary, it met with thorough ap proval. Mr Macandrew echoed these sentiments, and favoured the recogni tion of denominational schools. It would be sheer folly to deny that there is some danger to the national school system from the causes cited by Mr Stewart. The opposition of the Roman Catholics has consolidated and intensi fied rather than relaxed with the passing of years, and the movement for Bible reading has gained recruits. The aggressiveness and offensive intoler ance and disrespect sometimes manifested by Freethought propa gandists towards what a majority of the community hold to be sacred things, has had more to do with this than anything else. They are but a very small minority in the com. munity, and but for that broad spirit of Christian tolerance which happily sways the majority of the people of this country their scruples would have re ceived scant consideration. We should not, however, be greatly surprised by the occurrence of the reactionary wave predicted by Mr Stewart. If the idea really became deeply-rooted that the present system of education was pro ductive of irreligion and godless ness, the secular principle of the Education Act, which has been chiefly upheld as an antidote to sectarianism rather than as a sop to infidelity, would be overturned, as a paper house goes down before a cyclone. The chopping up into small- sectarian schools of a grand national system which has confwred such splendid

edsJßation.il Mdvantages tipon the people i if New Zealand wniild, he a lamentab'e o crurrencn, bill public feeling revolts aj. yu'nst the implication thai colonial po 'Hey on this question has been dic tat ed by a spirit of godlessness and an absence of respect for the Book which is icwred "übove all others by the British natif jn. Sir George Grey last nigta eloqv ,ently expounded the prevail ing, view.'of this vexed question, and his express? ons will receive a very cordial endorsement throughout the colony.

The National Bank

Tiif. Prees Association have wired the fol io wipe explanatory of the cablegram reoeived yesterday relative to the half yearly report, of the National Bank of New Zealand : —" The Inspector ot tho National Bank has received a telegram from London ' intimating that tho annual mooting was hold on Tuesday, whon the report already telegraphed out was adopted. Tho bank lias written oil all ascertained loaHes, and in Older to make full provision for any ulti mate loss from doubtful debts and itopro ' cinted securities, a'proposal to transfer a sum eqim! tn X.I per share from tho capital account tn n spociul rescrvo fund was favourably received by tho share holders." This operation may require some Further explanation tn local share holders anil others interested in bank ing matters. The course adopted is akin to that pursued with great success by tho Colonial Bank of Australia some years ago. The position is simply this:—The bank, although now doing ft very profitable and sound business, in the early part of its existence had incurrod bad or doubtful debts, computed at £1.'t1,000. Tho amount is represented by securities of vnrious kinds, but at present unproductive and unrealis ablo. The result has been that tho earnings of tho bank with its active capital have appeared to disadvantage when dis tributed upon the total, of which so large a portion was practically dead. What tho directors have resolved, with tho approval of the shareholders, is to roducothe paid-up value of tho shares from i' 3 10s to £2 10s, and carry the £l(/0,000 so derived to a con tingent bad debts account, adding also a sura of .ClO.OOOtakonfromtheßoservoFnnd. Tho securities held for the amount thus written off will bo similarly transferred, but, as they are realised,will be credited to a special Koserve Fund. By this operation, all future dividends will be paid upon the Bank's actual working capital, and though tho paid-up value of tho sharos is re duced £1, the actual distribution of profits can in no wise bo affected, but should represent such a substantial increase in tho annual percentage of divi dends on the reduced Btock" as to ultimately improve instead of doprees tho marketable value of tho shares. Tho misfortunos which have necessitated this course are, no doubt, to be regretted, but its actual effect will he to put tho bank on a sounder basis than before, and, therefore, to improve- its position both to customers and investors.

The war cloud is again rising rapidly in Europe. Russia's, dclinito domand ond Lord Salisbury's poeitivo refusal to con cedo Zulrigar Pass to Russia has brought the disputo to an issue, and bolh sides aro rapidly proparing for a possible appeal to arms. The deupatch of tho niom bers of the Boundary Commission, to direct tho work of fortifying Herat, provos that the Ameer is cordially co oporating with England in resisting further encroachment southward.

The Union Bank has declared its usual dividend of sixteen per cent., and carried forward .06,900 to rovonuo fund.

Copies of tho Railway Reform potition wore lying to-day upon a bench at the foot of Victoria-street, and probably 1,000 additional signatures wero obtained, count>y visitors especially signing very largely. The potition will bo oxhibitod in tho same place to-morrow, nml in the evening nt tho marUot.

Since tho tarill' which was in force from .luno2othto .luly 9, was suspended, lavjjo rofundH lmvo been made on duties paid during that time. 11 is estimated that the refunds at this port will amount to ovor i'l,ooo.

The growing frequency of applications for permits, to erect cottngos in retired alleys nnd nnriow rights of-way in arouting the City Council to a souse of the danger which tho inevitable accompaniment of v congested population will ontail. It is directly opposed to tho genius of scicntilio sanitation, nnd it largely increases tho risk of extensive tires. As no class of tho com munity can i.-wlafo itself aoeuroly from Iho ravages of those plagues which aro en gondored amid tho squalor, tilth, and im puritj in narrow lanos removed from tho public eye, oven tho most selfish must bo interested iv adopting timoous precaution ary moans. Tho Council last night deplored tho evil, but admitted its power lessnoss to cope with it. His Worship tho Mayor, however, promised to communicate with tho Government; with a view of having a cluuso inserted in tho Municipal Corporations Act to ofl'ect tho desired result.

Mr Jamoa Kelly, of Wakcfield-Btreet, whoso doath was notified in our last issue, was ono of tho earliest of Auckland settlors. Ho arrived 38 years ago, and for Bomo time carried on business as a hay and corn mer chant in Shortlund-street. He subse quently was engaged in hotel-keeping at the Thames and Auckland. Although ha had attained the ripe old ago of S7 years, he preserved bis full faculties to the last.

Captain McGillivray had a ploasant sur prise yesterday. He paid (he Australian Mutual Society his yearly subscription of Cl 5 18s 4d, and roceived in return a bonus of £15 18s. His life has been insured for £. r)00 over fifteen years, and tho bonus ro ceived yesterdny was not tho first, but by far the largest.

With reforenceto the paragraph which ap peared in thi? morning's " Herald " regard ing tha " flicker" obsorved by Constublo Christie in the building occupied by tho Mutual Assurance Society of Victoria, we nro informed that there waa no danger whatever to bo apprehended from this circumntanco, inasmuch aa the " flicker" aroso from the registered grate, which is fitted up witli "asbestos" and heated by ga j. Tho gas had not been turned out when closing tho office the "flicker" in oon< eoquenca wob noticed to be " flickering " in the proper place.

Ata meeting of tho Devonporfc Road Board held in tho Devonport Hall early this week, there was a very largo attendance, and Mr M. Niccol occupied the chair. Numerous deputations were heard in support of claims to havo rouds and footpaths repaired, and voluminous epistles were received on the same subject. A good deal of discussion took place, and tho Board agreed with sug gestions made to tho effect that it was time for the district to be formed into a borough, the funds at their disposal being quite in adequate to moet domanda made upon them. It was agreed to draw up a poti tion on this subject for presentation to tho Assembly, and it is now being numerously signed by residents.

The final arrangements for tho opening of Orafton Road now Wosloyan Church, which takes placo on Sunday next, aro now completed. The inßide of the church presents a comfortablo and .'tttractivo ap pearanco, and duo attention has been given to the prevention of draughts and careful ventilation. The sitting accommodation in for upwards of 400, and of theso seats 200 havo been alroady let. Tho fine organ (gonerously handed over to tho trustees freo of coat)formsa prominent foatuie of interest, ar.d is likely to add to tho attractions of the church. The opening sermon is to bo preached by tho Rev. R. Baviu, to whose efforts much of the euccoes is due, An ad vertisement olsowhere gives full particulars of the services.

The man Wiliiam Hanger, who was in jured on the Wotero, is in a dangerous state, his spine having beea injured. It \s doubtful it he will recovpr.

The plan? fir the new grandstand at Elleralie have been altered by the ommissii in of tho roof, and fresh tenders are now being invited.

Between 12 and 1 o'clock to-day, an ace:» dent occurred in Queen-street, which was fortunately unattended with any vory Borious consequence?. It appears that ever fince the dnplicato 'tram lines have beon laid in Wellesloy - slreofc tho tram-ears have been in tho habit of running on the wrong side of the road, nnd it was owing to this practice that the acci dent this morning was occasioned. A Ou^t belonging to Maxficld, the grocer, was being driven slowly around the corners of Fort and Queen-streets, when the tram car whicli was coming down the lines on right hand eide of the load came into colli sion with it somewhat violently, upsetting it, and turning t]»a upside down. The driver of the cart was thrown to the ground, but strange to say sustained no in juries, nor was any damage done to the horae or cart.

Woodyenr's circus ha? mnde the inhnbit nntr.l of Fiji poniw hy about, €1,200. It. is said to havo clearer! up nil the (vvailublo cash in the piano, und wlion the A runnla left was about to leave for Tonga by the Southern Cross. The Kanakas oviciently had a gay time, a circus being something very rare in their amusements.

Tly.in, tho well-known footballer, will be unable to play again this season. Ho was working in his stable tho other night, when he was crushed against tho wall by the horse. Tho result was a roturn of the ail ment which had prevented him from playing until tho last two or throe Saturdays.

A man named Boyd called at tho Police Station yesterday afternoon to uomplairi that ho was being shadowod by a dotective. He was, however, mad from the effects of drink, and Sergeant Kiely was compelled to lock him up.

Tho Secretary of State for the Colonies has informed the Missionary Committee of tho Presbyterian Church of this colony that no proposal for the annexation of the Now Hebrides Group would bo ontortuinod with out consulting the colonies and securing conditions satisfactory to thorn, and Eng land would novor think of giving over the group to France without, taking rare they would novor become a penal settlement.

"Traveller" L'nmphiin.i o! tlio disgraceful slato of (lie Freouuin'.M Hay Road. Ho says tho footpath is all iliif; up and on ft level with tho road, an poopio mo rorapolled to ■Walk over tho rough scoria and pick their way tin woU as tlioy nan, which i« anything but ploaeant, especially after a wot day. There i* not, a lamp or lifiht, of nnv kind from tho middle of Freeman's Bay to past the Uaaworks. Now,'this is dangerous as disagreeable, as many poople might slip ■when walking near tho edge of the em bankment und tumble into tho water on a dark evening.

Tho journeymen bakors meet tomonow evening ot Kobson's Dining Rooms.

C. G. Hill and Company havo, wo learn, leased Messrs Coupland and (Company's fate premises, nnd tlioy, not, Mr ■lames Coupland, ore making tho alterations now being carried out.

In tho case of Walror Paul v. Thomas Steadman (claim, £H 10s), which was pro ceeding at R. M. Court when we wont to prcsa yesterday afternoon, His Worship, after patiently listening to a good deal of eridonoe, nonsuited tho plaintiff, and allowed £2 12s costs to defendant.

To tho Editor : Sir,—l read in your issue jof tho Kith instant a lettor signed " If. W. .Moody" in referonco to erecting a suitablo monument as a tributo to tho memoryoftho Into Mr John Sheohan, and I sincerely hopo that a fow moro kind frionds will ngitato this good cause until a committoo is formed And a treasurer appointed to receive sub scriptions for that purpose. Ho refers to Iho native raco, and their willingnets to contribute, but I am sorry to say that wo could not expect very much from them, although what littlo they had they would give with a good heart. Mr .lohn Shoelmn had many frionds in both races, and I am sure that a sutliciont sum would soon bo raised to erect a monument equal to any in Auckland, which that honoured gentlo man so well de-:erved.—Yours, itc , 11. N. Bt'RT.

Tho mcmboifl of tho Newton Mutual Improvement Society held a very success ful meeting last evening in tho School room, Edinburgh-stroot. It Mas opon to tho public, und a number of lady and gentlemen friends wero present. Tho business was practice in elocution, members giving readings and recitations, after which they wero fairly criticised by those in attondanco. A most enjoyablo ovoning was spent. Next week a discussion will take placo on tho respoctivo merits of Monarchical and Republican Governments.

Messrs Gnrlick nml Cranwell's promises in JLornestreot, ■which wove guttsd by fire a few weeks ago, aro now nonrly repaired. Mi-J. Todd, the contractor for the work, has pushed it on vigorously. A now stylo of roof has replaced tho ono destroyed, the now ono being raised Koverol feet, ond com posed of corrugated iron. Profiting by past experience! it has been decided to piano tho most inflammable rantorinl at ono end of tho building, which is now separated from the remainder by a brick partition wall, erected since the lire. This in a great improvement, a? in case of tiro again occurring, it could by means of this wall bo confined to ono portion of tho building.

For some time just the choir of St. John's, l'onsonby, havo been rehearsing, with intent to perform at an early date, a beautiful cantata, entitled, "BolahnffiAr,'' composed by 0, P. Hoot. Tho piece is full of historic interest;, and is skilfully arranged for dramatic effect. Tho canto has several pretty solos, both air and reci'.Vive. Tho nltn, tenor, and basa parts nro ulxo well provided for. Tho choruses mo > > -client throughout, find will bo accompanied by a small orchestra. Ax tho proceeds of the concert aro to go towards the purchase of a pipe organ for St. John'?, thoro should be a good house. A full bill will appear in our Saturday's issuo.

Tho Female Prison fiftto P.rigado report for the week ending July 12th i."ns follows : —Receivod into Home, 3 ; loft, ■) : remain ing, ■"> ; number of beds given, JiO ; meals supplied, 190. Donations in food : Mefdames Howio, Waters, Evan?, bread, and Tromain^, pastry; a friend, choose; a friend, pumpkins ; a friend, small box of tea; Hulmo, Uarrott, Wooda, Barnott, Mead, and Fisher, meat; Devonshire, Belfast, ond London Dairies, milk. Donations in clothing: One parcel, a friend; wooden bedstead, a friend. Urgent needs i Sugar, firewood, and cloth ing for inmates.—Annik Hdtoiiisson, Superintendent.

Householders will no doubt bo pleased to learn that a reduction of lOj per ton has been made in the quotations for local Hour of all brands. The gum market continues dull, a big fall in prices being imminent. Butter and eggs remain at last week's quotations \Ve quote Southern sharps (wholesale) at from A3 5s to £!i 1 ~>n per ton ; poarl barley (wholesalo), from £19 to £20 por ton ; fowl wheat, 2s "id to 2a Sd per bushel. These include tho principal altera tions in our weekly markot price list, which will do published to morrow.

The Rev. R. Somorvillo was inducted to tho charge of St. Petor'a Church, Surroy Hills, last evening. Rev, John Macky conducted the preliminary service, Rev. D. W. Runciman put questions to the mini-tor and delivered the charge and Rev. K. F. Maonicol addressed tho congregation. Ho congratulated thorn upon securing tho servicps of so faithful a pastor and trusted they would co-oporato with him in the work, Tho first soiree takes plaoo on tho 20lh,

About GOO persons attonded tho Gospel Tomporanco Mission last evening at tho Baptist Tubernaclo, and tho proceeding? were of an interesting nature Rev. S. Macfarlane occupied tho cliair, supported by Revs. Thos. Spurgeon, C. Worboys, Mr Joseph Nowman, and Mr F, 0. Carr. The Chairman fully justified the action of tho Licensing Committees, and considered that tho leading journals of tho City hud practically ondorsod tho Com mitteefi' lino of action. Mr Macfarlane spoke of tho blessings of temperance principles upon Eocial lit'o, and thought the raising of revenue from tho demoralisation of tho pooplo was not creditable to the Government. Rev. C. Worboys spoke at EO'i o longth, and moved a resolution against any alteration in the present Licensing Act, which vena carried. Mr E. C. Carr en donscd tho Chairman's opinions in respect of tho Licensing Committees, and defended them from tho charge of oppressing widows n:\d orphans. Mr Thomas Spurgeon took for his text "The Red, White, and Blue," which affordod scope for a good speech on representative virtues — red reprejentiug bloodshed ; whito, purity ; and blue, tem perance. A potition praying that no altera tion be made in tho Licensing Act was numerously signed. During tho evening sovoral choico melodies wero Bung by the Band of Hope choir, under the direction of Mr Robort Tudehopo. The wholo closed with votes of thanks.

The choir of the United Methodist Free Church, Pitt • street, rendered "Little Minnie " last night in (he Ponsonby Hall, under the auspices of St. Stephen's Band of ilopo. There was a largo and appreciative anditiMCo, filing the building. The pro ceedings commenced with " All Hail the Power of .Toau's Name," after which the Key. Mr Jones led in prayer. Mr F. J. Bennet , President of the Panel ol Hope, occupied the Chair; and, in Li,, upuiing re marks, introduced the choir as a " noble band of workers." From first to last the singing was admirable, the choruses es pecially evincing great musical skill and assiduous practice. The leader ia to be complimented for tho fine trim his singers were in. If other congregations would follow the example so i nbly set by the United Methodists tKo singing in some churches would bo vastly improved and good societies supported. Mrs Worboys read the connecting narrative in clear and well modulated tones, easily hoard all over tho hall. As the story has already been described in l!>c cm'umns.furtherropetition is unnecessary, ciiliice to say that more than* one eye glistened when the pathetic portion was being recounted. A hearty vote of thanks to tho choir and Mrs Wor boys was carried unanimously.

John C. Jackson w 'under Dr. Tennent s treatment for a seveie laceration of the lep, Minstri li.V •'> kick from a Inraa in Albert ,'l.rci■■!,. i'ho bone was not broken.

The nhoro market continues active. There is a strong demand for Golden Crown at 5s 3d ; Cambria, 11s (id to 12s; Moana tniri Extended, Od ; Ivanhoe, fi« Od ; and LnMonte Syndicate shares. Of the latter there are many purchasers but very few sellers, and the price is advancing. Gob shares are still in great request at £10 17s b'c). Timber shareß are ako wanted. Saeli and Door at £5 ; Now Zealand Timber Co. havo been placed at £415s ;' and Auckland Timber Co. aro quoted, eollerp, £4 17s tid.

MrJ. Holmos notifies in our advertising columns that ho has leased tho billiard room nfc tho City Hotel, Hobson street, and will be glad to see his old and new friends, Tho room haa been beautifully fitted up, nnd contains two first-class tables.

Like most citizens, Air F. Larkino has boon exercised in mind at the filthy prac tico which obtains in Auckland of sweeping up into heaps the liquid mud of the streets alter a downpour of rain, and leaving it in tho form of so many man-traps to engulph tho nethor extremities of tho unwary pedes trian. Mr Larkins, however, is different from his kind in going tho length of sug gestinf; a remedy. At. last night's meeting nf tho Cily Council r» letter was received from (ho gentleman, in which ho diow attention to a modification of Hie street brush in use in Paris and other cities whereby the mud on being swept up is at onno lifted into an attached recoptacle anrl carried off to tho dep"t. Appended to the letter was a memo, from tho Engineer, stat ing that tho invention iH adapted for paved streets, but not for macadamised ones. Cr. Crowther and other practical men, ho* over, were not sure of this, and admitting the necessity for some better process of clearing-away street mud, they referred tho matter to the Streets Committee in order that further inquiry should bo made. Cr. Crowthor was so certain that somo improve mont could be effected in the desired direc tion, that he ventured to think that given (i month's grace, he himself could hit upon an expedient. Ho thought an adaptation of the Californian pump might answor, for instance.

In " Tho Lights o' London " there are dcpicled many scenes of poverty, dlßtrets, and starvation. Jn Auckland there are also many Kenuine eases of distress amoni? those who can i.otcarn miflloiont to keep tho wolf from tho door. Much distress, however, is eaußnd through peoplo, when they havo money, nut laying It out to the best advantage. Tho road to prosperity is to study ocoaomy. and purchase at the follow- Ipk pricoßt-Prlnm Canterbury bacon (guaran teed), Sd ; boat fresh butter. Is; Rood salt butter. 01; good fresh butter, from Sd porlb; factory ciieose. fid per 11): other dairloß, 3d; Canterbury hamrt, Sii; Wai hams, Cd; and 1,000 Hues; must be sold.— Katun's. Co operative Stores.

THE RETRENCHMENT PROBLEM.

Ah tho fathors of the city meot again on Tuesday night to resume their en deavours to cut tho municipal coat ac cording to tho inoafluro of cloth availuble, tho City Treasurer (Mr S. \V. Elmes) has compiled tho following additional data for their guidance :— Tho increase (i.'6,19318 Gd) in'tliß overdraft of General Account since 31st March, 1883, has been mainly caused by tho following items of extraor dinary expenditure : Purchaso of Dow.lon'd looses .. .. (126 0 0 Main Bewor extension 1,009 3 7 Excavation—Section No :-3 .. .. l.Xftf 16 2 Kxtension of publio Oatha .. .. 182 i (5 Do. nbbatolra liifl 0 0 Walkonilti cemetory 95 I 0 ■I.SOI 6 3 The actual increase, therefore, in ordinary expendituro over and above revenue ro ceivcd eiiice March :il ib £1,301 ISb 3d (this sum ia really chargeable to tho pre vious half-year's account, as it is entirely mudc up of items paid on tho Ist of Apiil), or at the rate of about £4,772 per annum, Tho present overdraft of General Account, starting on the basis of Btatemont " B " of Financo Committeo'eßoport, and making allowanco for items, us par attached memo., in about .C' 27,000 : Amount charged to Kndowinonts, on account of streets anil cihUiik' down 3.W .1 1 AMOUNTS To UK HKCOI'I'KD TO OFNKB.U. AICOI-NT. £ s. (1. By Government of a Main Sowi r .. !W0 0 0 Tram war Company 161 U 6 Newton Itoad board 92" 0 0 Cost ot Lords (New Ward) .. .. 1,000 0 0 Queen street, Alterations — oliarge atilo to North, South, and liust Wards 2,697 17 11 Gas Truck Alterations 7(1 12 tl HefiiQila of Compensation charge nhto to Wards C.210 lfi 11 The Town Clerk, in reply to telegrams sent., has received tho following informa tion : - In Ounodin, tho aggroguta loans amount to L'liuO.OOO, ana the present overdraft stands* at £30,003. It had, in I.SS-1, only an aroa of 1, (00 acres, and a list of ,"i,oo(i ratopayors, while Auckland has an area of 1,7 Hi acres and G,31i0 ratepayers. Tho Dunulin Corporation if, howeyor, tho propriotor of tho ga< .services of tho lity and two water supplies. Or. Maekcchnio has given notico to movoat tho next meeting of tho City Council — "That tho deficit at present in the city accounts, viz., £27,000, be divided amongst; or charged against each ward in proportion to tho amount of the work in the ward as represented by such amount. That tho amount so found due be divided into two parts, showing (1) the amount expended in drainage- and formation, and (2) tho mis cellaneous work chargeable against ward's share of general revenue."

The3ostatomentsand motion are evidently submitted with tho object of beguiling the Council into an abandment of the retrench ing measures upon which it has entered ; but we trust that members will not stultify themselves, but will see that tho city finances a.o placed on a permanently sound footing beforo they relinquish their task. Tho ratepayers will rest sttisfiod with no thing short of this.

TABLE TALK.

A SRtr«"Vlßtf Rack—Fishmongers. Artillory Band concert tonight. Capital Uuer—Tho billiard clmmpioq. Bible-reading in schools again defeated, Fivcf naval companies tnko part in tho daylight parade next month. Gamblers who oug!U to bo taken up — Those that toss in bed. " Two Orphans " for tho first timo at the Opera House on Monday. t)as mains extended to Mount Smart Road, and gas holdor erected at Onehunga. Cork is now inado into bricks for coating steam boilers and ico cellars.

Waikato war commenced twenty-two years ago today. .Football teams for tomorrow's matches on our back page to-night. Fred Stocli was sentenced, at Wellington, to six months for robbery. A prisoner, who escaped from Wellington Gaol yostcrday, was subsequently recap tured.

Heber Springall, purveyor's assistant, gaehed his knee with on axe at Kaipara, and was brought to the Hospital .lames Fisher wa9 badiy crushed by a log in Seaward Hush, Southland, yesterday. Injuries serious. Breechoß of Promise—The boy's first pair. Last night but ono of " Lights o' London.' Louisiana is assuming prominence as an iron producing Stato. Invorcargill Borough Council want tho Mayor made oloctive by the Council instead of by the ratepayers. " Vegetables is riz since the Chinamen wore tuck up for playing ' fang-taog,'" saya Peggy in " My Turn Next." Christchurch volunteer officers have re solved to establish a garrison roading room. McKeehnie's house, which was burnt at Christchurch, was insured for £200 in the United.

Now Zealand, with New South Wales and Victoria, has not agreod to a reduction of cable charges, as provioi s'y reported. Samuel Blair, whese ankle was fractured at the Fibre Company's works, and Arthur McDjnald, with a strained wrist, received treatment at the Hospital. Coulter, a shepherd in South Canterbury, was found dead at the foot of a precioice on the IlaUataramea station.

Blair's bonde, in respect of his timber ap plication, have been reduced by the Land Board from £2,500 to £1,500.

MrThomaß Bracken has declined to stand for Bruce seat. Mr Hutchinson, formerly of Wellington, is canvassing the diitrkt. Edward Stellard was stabbed in the abdomen at the Dunedin defence works, yesterday, by a fellow labourer named New man. The wound is not dangerous. The Grown Lands Board has declined to grant £100 to enable the Thames City Coun cil to take the advantage offered by the Minister of Mines for prospecting. The following rivers have been proclaimed for purposes of the Timber Flotage Act :— Waikare River, Kairaira Stream or Creek, Waiabari Creek, Kaiwaka River, and their tributaries.

J. Paasel, Dargaville; F, Lange, Papa tuna ; F. Booth, Whnngaroa; and J. Bell, Whangarei; have been appointed Deputy- Registrars of Deaths, Births, and Mar riages, and H. Hadtield, of Tuhikaramea, Property Assessor; •

CABLEGRAMS

[.-rrnur, to press ASSOCIATION,]

(Received July 17—1.15 p.m.) New South Wales Loan Postponed. Lovdon, July 10,-The next New South Wales loan has been postponed indefinitely. City Finances consider this fortunate, owing to tho difficulty with Russia over the Zullikar Pass. Federation. Conference. The Agents - Goneral will discuss the .amendments proposed by New South Wales in the Federation Bill with Cojonel Stanley, Secretary of State for the Colonies, on Saturday next. Cricket -Nottingham v. Yorkshire. A cricUot match between teams repre senting Yorkshire and Nottingham re sulted in an oapy victory for Yorkshire. Tho Egyptian Question. London, July 10.—All tho Powers, with tho exception of Ruesia, assent, to England tailing an Egyptian loan. This is lamieil ai a triumph for tho Marquis of Salisbury, Present of a iinnboat. London, July 1.1.—1t is roporled tfh.M H.M.'b Beaoon will lie presented to one of the Australian colonies. Tho Boncnu is ft doublesrrow composite gun vessel of Co.'( tons, carrying four gnnH. Colonial Wines. LoNrxw, July IC—Sir William Mo- Arthur ifl advocating the reduction ot duty on the impnrtatisn of colonial wines.

[HEDTER's TFXEfIRAMH.]

Federation Ennbllng Bill.

Bydnky, July 16.—Tho Premier, Sir Alexander Stuart, has forwarded a tele gram to Sir Saul Samuel, Agent-General for tho Colony, informing him that the Federation Enabling Bill will not be ac ceptable to New South Wales it clause 31 be omitted, and that it i 9 questionable if the bill will bo adopted even if the clause is retained. The consideration of the bill in oommittoo lias been postponed. Sir Sam Samuel has submitted further amendments in the bill. Dr. Mornn at Rome. ItOMR, July IG. — The Most, Rev. Dr. Moron, Roman Catholic Archbi.shop of Sydney, arrived here today. Union Bank Dividend. London, July 10.—The Union Bank of Austialia has declared a dividend for tho past half-year at the rsto of 1C percent, per annum, and carries forward and places to tho reserve fund £30,900. Tho Tougarlro'a Frozen Moat. Xondon, July lf>.— The Now Zealand Shipping Company's Tongariro, from Wei lington, June 7. arrived at Plymouth laut night. Her frozen tnnat cargo is roportod to bo in good condition,

THE HEAVY CAS ACCOUNTS.

We liqvo several lotters in hand on the sub ject of gas accounts, tho largo claims made upon our space by Parliamentary and local news having caused correspondence to ac cumulate again. Mr John Evans, Jervois Road, writes :—" Mr Parsonß'a reply ia vory unsatisfactory. Taking, as he suggests, the greater number of days in ono month than another must, I allow, mako a differ ence, but not at all proportionate with tho increased charge. For instance: From April IStli to May Sth, 26 days, cost 7s ; from May Sth to .lune 7th, 30days 14a. In other words, the four extra duys cost us much as the twenty-six days in the pre vious month, would the slight change that occurs in the length of days in two succossivo months account for so great a difforenco. !!<• meter, which I always read myself and put down at tho timo, I do not doom either motors or roadors in fault. But I think they must, at tho Gas Works, control the pressure, ho that a larger amount of gas and air is forced through tho motors than is either necessary for lighting or heating purposes. This ia tho only reasonable explanation that sug gests itsolfto my mind. No less than seven people have, within n radius of a few hun dred yards, found their accounts much the Baraeas my own." Mr.l. I<loyd Crawley, traveller for liar ford and Company's patent gas regulator writes; "In reply to Mr E. B. l'arsona'a attempt lo account for tho iinmonso in crease in tho amount of gr.s bills generally for the month of .luno, the few days oxtra charged in that month would account for about 17 per cent,, not for lii or 100. Many people do road their motors, and in this instance it could certainly have been no comfort to them to do so. Mr Parsoris naively remarks it would bo bettor if tho public would kindly adopt, tho Gas Com pany's method of looking at their accounts. No doubt it would bo (for tho Gas Com pany). Again, Saturday half-holidays, public holidays, and Sundays occurred in .1 unelas tyearas well as in this year, and June 1884 gas accounts are on hand to compare with this year's. In none of the letters are the meters complained of, bo the natural in ference is that tho largo consumption was caueed by the inferior quality of the gas and increased pressure. The reason that I answer this letter is, I have been fitting Hurford and Co.'s patent automatic gas regulator?, and owing to tho great increase in the amount of the gas hills, they do not apparently show as much saving as they should, yet when compared with the acccunts of those who have not got regula tors fitted, they chow a saving of fully flO per cent." Mr John Mitcholl, architect, writes ; — " Although the explanation otl'erod by tho Secretary of the Gas Company is a reason able one, I should like to dirtot attention to a matter which might, in some cases, cause an excess of gas to be registered. I refer to tho position chosen in the house for tbo meter, which ought to be placed in the coolest part convenient, and, if possible, where thoro will be sufficient light to enable the poreon who turns on tho gas to see the tap. I havo roas-on to beliovo that *if tho meter be placed in a warm pluco (alongndothokitchondro-plaeo for instance), the gas in passing through tho motor will be expanded in tho proportion of 0020301 for each degreo and rogiatcr accordingly. Seeing that we havo had so much wet and cold weather lately, ono would naturally expect bigger tires, which might account, wlioio tho above applied, for some of tho extra quantity registered. Another point U the pro-sure which may have beon in creased for some reason (possibly in pre paring for tho new gasometer). At any rate, consumers would do well to regulate their own supply at the meter by turning on only as much as they actually require, instead of turning on tho tap full, and thonj perhaps, only using one burner. If thoro bo any loak, either in tho pipes or fittings, the waste will bo so much the greater. Lastly, the burnor ought to be looked to, as with some burners the con sumption will bo much greater than with others, to obtain tho same illuminating power. Besides, there are one or two simple contrivances for the effectual coun teracting of a suddenly increased pressure,"

THE AFGHAN DIFFICULTY.

CONTINUED MASSING OF TROOPS. TIIE SIUJATfoN MORE STRAINED. PREPARATIONS AT HERAT. [SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Lonuon, July 16. Russia claims what practically amounts to ■;,ho command of the Zulfikar l'nw, and the Czar offers to refer tho matter to tho Afghan Frontier Commission, but the Marquis of Salisbury has declined to accede to this. Thr 0 thousand Russian troops arc now R, ndoipn Churchill, Secretary for India, announced that the Government were 111 rcreip? of a report from Colonel Ridgeway, [ho officer in charge of tho Afghan Bonn dory Commission, to tho oflbet that the Russian force in tho vicinity of the Zi.lfil.ai' p,i=a wa? boinK confiderably inoreasen. [('.P.nTF.i'.'s TF.I.KdRAM.] 1 ,-iNi.nn .inly UJ.— Lieutenant-Colonel H. r Pearocls and Captain Yate havo gone to Herat, to which place tho Boundary < om mission is now proceeding. The Boundary {■ominMnion lifts mnvcil to Nerat nt the request of tl,o Afghan authorities, in order to direct the works being cftrried out for the defence ot that, place.

A SAD CASE.

Suicide by a Girl of Thirteen.

1' \UTiPnr,Ai!S aro now to hand of the puicido of Mary Baker l'angarc, a native girl of thirteen years, which took place near Hoki anga tho other day. Prom a report rocoived by Superintendent Thomson, we rrather that the deceased girl is a daughter of the influential chiof, hi Rangani. She has beon living with a young native named Poarana for somo time past, and in tended marrying him, if hor father would givo hia consent. On July Ist die and her intended husband went to the father's houso for tho purpose of ask idg his ennsent. He, however, refused, on tho ground that he had heard thoy had been living together, and ho therefore told her that she had bettor go her way now that oho had choson it, and not return to his liouso again. The deceased accordingly left her father's houso, and slept in a whare that night. On the following morn ing, Bho was missing from the settlement, but nothing was thought of hor disappear ance at thattimo. Her lover, Poarana, had roturnod to his houso at Kaikohe, and the deceased was supposed to havo followed him. On tho 15th, however, she was found dead in a wharo. Tho body was hanging by the neck, the ropo being tightly secured to tho ridge polo. It is, suppored that the girl committed suicide on the 2nd of July. Thoio were no marks of violenco on the body. An inquest was held by Mr Yon Stunner last Saturday, whon a verdict of suicide while suffering from temporary insanity was returned.

EASTERN TRAMWAY EX TENSION.

Flans Approved,

At tho meoting of the City Council la9t night tho following lotter was received from the Tramway Company :—" Auckland, July inth, ISSS. His Worship the Mayor and gontlomen of tho Borough of Auckland. Qontlomen, —I havo the honour, on behalf of tho City of Auckland Tramway Company, to submit for your approval tracings of tho oastorn circuit, showing the streets in which it 13 proposed to lay tho nils, On tho tracings the red linos on goneral plan denote tho centres of tram rails, and tho positions of the several croeeing-placos, allowing a three minutes' sorvico each way, are numbered. The Company proposo to let the work by con tract-, and specifications showing the mannor in which the work will be carried out are enclosed. Tho height of the rails above the surfaco of the streots will bo regulated by your Kngineer. On receiving your approval of the plans and specifications, tho work will be commenced at tho siding at junction of Pitt-afreet and Karangahnpe load, and continued towards Symonds street, an tliown tinted ml on plan No. 2, and this portion tho Company intend to oxecuto themselves by day labour.—l am, etc , C. E. Cooke."—Tho Engineer reported that tho plans showed tho iino to bo ex tended from Queen-streot, through Welles ley-street East, Symonds-street, by Kyber Pass to Nowmarket; also in Karangahape Koad, between Pitt and Syinonde-streets. Tfie specifications provided for the work being done in tho same way as that on the western sido, and to such heights and curves as approved by tho Council's En gineor. Bo recommended the approval of the plans so far as they related to thoroughfares within tho city boundaries, The Mayor, said that it would at any rate relieve tho Council of all responsibility of the outcome of any defects. Ho moved, that tho plans should be approved.—Cr, Goldie thought tint tho Engineer should tint of all report whether tho streets had tho necessary camfor - whether, in short, tho streots had tho necessary crown in the centre. Ha moved, "That tho Engi neer should bo abked to report if tho streets wero roady for the laying of the rails." Tho want of this pre caution had boon the eourco of trouble in tho past.—Cr. La l-.ocho urged that tho question should bo put to tho En ■ gineer at once, as the Council had been already accused of delaying tramway im provements, and thus putting the Company to an additional expense of £10 per week.— Cr. Goldio accepted the suggestion, and tho question having been put to tho Engineer, ho replied that with tho exception of a few trifling details, tho streets were ready for the rails. — Cr. Garratt pointed out that if tho rails wore allowed to bo above tho stroet love), the accident which had resulted in tho Company being mulcted in heavy costs that*week would provo to bo tho precursor of many others. He suggested a conference between the two engineers. After somo discussion, in tho course of which reference was made to the luying of tho rails in Queen street upon wooden blocks, tho resolution of tho Mayor was carried,

THE TEA INDUSTRY IN FIJI

Successful Operations.

We learn from Captain W. L. Cromarty, of tho a.s. Arawata, that the tea industry in Fiji has prospered to a most satisfactory ex tent. For some timo past the Hon. Mr Mason, of Taviuni, has supplied all local requirements, and tho crop on his estate this eeason was so largo that it was intended to export a considerable quantity to New Zea land. Tho tea is described as being of ex cellent quality, and likely to find a ready market anywhere,

POLICE COURT.-This Day

(Before H. G. Seth Smith, Esq., R.M.)

DIuiNKENNESS.—Four persons pleaded guilty to having been drunk, Each were lined 5s and costs, or twenty-four hours hard labour.

JiuKAKiN-G ins Abticlks.—Honry Milis was charged with committing abroach of the Masters Apprentices Act with being absent from his work without the leave of his employer, William bimpson.—Mr Nupior appeared on behalf of the defendant, Mr Cotter appeared for the prose cution.—Mr Napier stated that thore were peculiar circumstances connected with this case. Pho defendant's employer had Riven way to drink until defendant had been compelled to leave his omploy. Since that time defendant had been in Europo and America, where he hart marto a liltln money. After some time he re t urncd lo Auckland, and found that his employer had sunk to the level of a journeyman. His employer, upon hoaring of defendant's return, demanded that lie should roitirn to his work but ottered to release him, provided he would pay £20. This was refused, mid af tor six months had elapsed, this notion had been taken.— A\ ilhani Spence Simpson, bricklayer. Auckland, deposed that the defendant was apprenticed to him on August Ist, 1881. The defendant served lor about twe years, when he left wi ness's em ploy without Ins permission. lie remained out ot the colony for about two years, when he re turned. Did not come back to work -At this stage of the proceedings, owing to nn informality m issuing the summons, pointed out by Mr Napier, this case had to be dismissed with costs, in order that a new information might be laid AN I NI.ICiIITKI) IIOARDWO.-JanieS MOT SS was fined 5s and costs for failing to keep a li K ht burning on a hoarding in Quceu Street Assault and Battkuy.- John Clarke pleaded guily to striking James MeCannally with 'his nst. James McCannally also pleaded guilty to breaking the panels of the cab of John " larl c by throwing stones at them. From the evidence adduced it appears that this case arose from certain remarks made by McCannallv to Clarke when in the Opera. Clark seeing' Vim after wards struck him violently in the face, to which Hio '^£3jlo«l fl b >-throwing stones at thecab His }\ orship fined Clarke 10s and costs nnri dismissed tlio charge against McCannaUy?'

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(BY OUR MPECI/u, REPO]^ I The Bible-reading in^ohoTpf^'' to have scored a victory over W^ division from the fact that the ' I recoived more real support than^ I previous occasion. The majority"^ futuro support a denominational Jp* j education. M r Macandrew said * * ■ now, " Ucnomin.itionaliem will i*J<J ! leading platform at next generalit T% The most eloquent speeches Bible-reading in schools debate. H of Sir George Grey and »< latter boing the most effective n ' many respects the best orator in+i, i* ii! and his resonant voice, and fl*iK, rounded sentences are ahvavs lw4-** with pleasure. y lwt?l«dfc On my mentioning to Mr Sto li that tlioro were appcarancss of H," % being brought to a close within 2iS ho shook his head, and said bid, •«*fik " We have plenty 'of meagre *fe! not to bo hurried. Why Arkli *•» geoted we should tal.e away o?!^ members' day per week, biitwe (6 .&( do ho. "iMt» 1 have [wrorfcuned on the best ~„«. that the District llallwy BoS/fe print. '1 ho (iovormuont. will men? t * dime it., and let, it drop fnr this sm iL "• There in now not the sliehtiJT , • Maor Atkinson is tinwilfn,%**: thi« session, tart night's proc;o^',*i House nearly showed that ho C$H to sustain the weak Government dr*. pre Fidos over the destinies of«J. **» It, ia thought that the Minisirrl*1?' lamentable want of tact in nhaLlt "*» the very me derate proposal of Maln?sl son regarding the Charitable Aid l&n7*i Mr Montenth's Mining CotnpaS ment Act simplifies themoCh 1 calls, and admits of proceed?'^9 commenced within fourteen damY-T? day on which such call aZ 5 Forfeited fliares shall be offered fotV.ffl1 proceeds to be applied in paymentnt1 * due. Any transferee neglectine fa«JS* I a transfer, is liable on convicKmyß, ponalty not exceeding £10, and noVwL l shall bo eligible, for election as adb*r! a company, or'shall be qualified fT*!* such. (1) If he shall hold !£?£*• place of profit under the Company in he shall be in pay or employmentS able consideration of the Compnav Hu he shall be concerned in, or pKJ!'. profits for any contracts with t,h«f? pany. ™^ Tho petition presented by Mr !i andrew on behalf of Sir Julius S rolates to a claim for the services ranJS by petitioner to the colony in Mn 3 with the negotiations of loans and tp1 scription of stock, the amount Sj being £6,250. Mr Macandrew, foH ing the petition, said that from the IS official and political position of the ml tionor, it had been thought that for ttl present porhaps tho question mightlnßk held in abeyance. He thought, hoj that frum,Sir Julius \ogels state of half it is considered by many of hiafrimdilS in tho interest of his family, his evidK the subject should he taken without 'Mi and placed on record. ™ Sir Julius Vogel, replying to Ut.M land's question as to when the telepL line to bowick will be completed, mZ tho work would be finished inte month. Mr Dargaville gave notice to ul| Government, to hand over to thsijteJ Auckland that allotment at the coniif Stanley-street and the Strand, insteid of convoying it to the Public Trustee, .'ltm ducos a good revenue, and would mata aid tho city. , Mr Moat gave notice to ask the Giro irent whetlier or not it is their inteiDbt mako special provision for the nukW i those surveys which are in arrearinAml land Provincil District, as requested toi Auckland Waste Lands Board. Latngin to understand that the reply to tfisqw tion is being anxiously ' wuted fa in Auckland, where 333 persons;^* titled to Crown grants, but thej'euri be issued owing tc the land not'tii surveyed. One hundred and iteAfiit parcels of land have been applied for, is) ordered by the Land Board to \ sold, but they cannot be sold ,qis the land ia surveyed. In the fanifgjfy tho survey staff was reduced by 17 uft Slat of March. Hence the action oft! Board. Some of the persons alktoit were entitled to their grants nwflj,' years ago. ' * . *$&> On the eve of Parliament assembly informed you that Mr E. M,Smill,i Taranaki ironsand notoriety, mtek, applying through Major Atkinsbotti hoard at the bar of the House. Tbiii ment was copied into the TaranaWp^ and by them> discredited. A petition!*, however, presented this afternoott^l Major from Mr Smith, asking tbstkh hoard at tho bar. The petitioner (lit thntfor2o years he has studied Ijork to establish industries to work uphill and natural products of New Zealand to have established more industries* any other man in the colony. He»4 takes to prove that the whole of think Block and plant for our public trtuiti railways can be made locally ontjjjllil Zealand made material at a cheaperntid of better quality than the imported 0 Failing his being heai-d at the bM'ofii House, he asks for the appointment. special commission, consisting of meuie Parliament, "to take his evidence;etui his products reports, plans, maps, noil and proposals." Petitions continue to pour hi agajull payment of barmaids, hut the Petife Committee merely report tbat asttwti Licensing Amendment Act before M ment, they have no reconnoeiidii) make. M r Moss has presented a petitios f! Richard Cuvtis, late road oyereeet ji' Rotorua Road, for relief. Be a'jo f notics for a return of the Telegraph Post - oflico clerks over five yean' Mffl and receiving under £130 a year^ ;aW messagos received and forwarded f(»" last financial year at the telephone taw with the cost of each for sabiW' expenses. Mr Harf er presented a petition ite* tho Bishop and Dean of Christchureaw large number of others, asking thMIB Education Act provision be maae in aid of schools sot on foot by any relW denomination, provided that tho attettfij and secular instruction in HloH ■'"jig shall come up to the required stand»™*B| satisfy the Government Inspector, _ 1 Sir George Grey's Elective J^il the Peace Bill provides that aB?J^H capablo of becoming a member.(rf» s »ffiß Assembly shall bo oapablo of bein^i or nominated a Justico of *|"*-'vSS Any person convicted of ''^.'JjB ov intamius offence thereupon Jzm to be a J.P.; justices to be e'^ri'(ii years ; electors of each elector*™ B ■ colony to elect justices of the CO'^K3 duly-quaHlied justice may be I***!|S The Governor may, three yearß H" j^jffl election, issue a proclamation "^wJJIjI number of justices to be6l6o*?"?'^! olectorato. The Mayor of •J* t3Ljflj shall, during the time he holds nfij J 11,I 1, for the colony. If additionri;ra| aro required within the three WlJ|| Govornor may nominate^ the same. "*||t is given for remote districts.

MINING NEWS.

(nv TKLKtIRAI'H.—OWN eORRESPOW** Thames, this*' SAXON.-Tlie crushing of 52 y&*t has given a payable return of 5-osi'" gold. tiiSfii ALBnRNiA.-McLoan(tributer)hMf" 20ozs Gdwts gold. Coromandel. J/^ Sitcce^.—Tho manager report) my last, there has been no oowPy mine. In the stopes both reels W, well together, but little gol?^J& though there are good minera 1 W^ and the ground favourable «Si gold. In a few feet more I snail op again, trusting to better resnlw.

SUGAR PRODUCTION IN FIJI.

Depression Caused W W* The lato reductions in tho pri*Jß havo considerably affected that lf^M Fiji, and one large firm hMBU losses. Messrs Shaipe, Fletcher, £A| who hold one of tho I»^* *nJ£tfijHH the colony, were unable to TSjitraH overdraft on the Union-Banß. ifflj considered to be good te^^MHf the latter to induce the Win v $&■>.. crushing, but (hey were manager expressed his 0P' nJf"Sjte that the carrying on of ■ were so low clearly monoy after bad. me »^"^ tfH^fi vas subsequently sold at ,"^j »« facrifice. Oihor «totf_.!^|i»j|' . crushing order when the *™ fco»«r|||] but the low ratee made tiwir »» f 1 tively unprofitable. U

I'HE AUC&kiAND EIVENING BIAK FRIDAY, JULY IT 1885



q pecTal c h eat t. i nes. x?i)L>i o3 on "worth op ware t-o4 - •' HOI'SK AND 'PKAVKW.BHS1 HAMPIiRH Imvn neon pnr umritid by WILLIAM R. BRIOUMAN At a Heavy Discount, nnil will be Hold < 'heap to clear Quickly, comprising some very Uioioe Ucods in enulcps variety In (Hovop. Healery. Handkerchiefs. Sunshades, Umbrellas. Nnl( nr tatns J-odiea' Mantles. CorseU Jackets. Oapea. I.adles'Underolothinß. Aprons. Pinaforeß,Coales. Collars, Collarettes, Children's lUonn-s. IJobea Infants Wrappora, Hoods, Sun Bonnets Men J Shirts, Hata, Scarves, Boys' nnd Men i Clothing. £25 Worth of the Newoat limns in Feathers, being and exccedlnßlr choico lot In plumes and Ostrich Flats. As Ido not anially keep these goods, will bo sold cheap to clear quickly Large I<ot of Windsor Soarvea, bought at Owen and Graham'B Sal-?, from 8d to Ib, worth Is fid Not having room for Ch'na Mn'tlngs, will sell those In stock at a (Treat reduction Balance Winter Stock of Blankets, some slightly soiled, at a great rednctlon Splendid Stock of Tweedo, from cheap to very good, very much reduced in price Koine rather overlooked in Clothing, will allow £0 per cent, discount for a Bhort time to clear. us atook Is too large in this department liargo Lot of Itemnants at very low rates. 288—U fTF.R QrEKN'-STTtEET.- 253 TT L. I'OSSENISKIIi, MERCHANT TAILOB. BhObtlahd-stbeet, AncWiAjrn (Opposite Messrs A. Clark and Sons), IMPORTER OP KNGLISH, SCOTCH, FRKNOH, AND GER MAN COATINGS AND TROUSERINGS. COLONIAL TWKKDS. A oholce assortmentof Fancy Vestings, Tallora Trimmings, &c. The Trade liberally dealt with. THK NKW GOODS THE NKW GOOD 3 THK NKW GOODS TUB NKW GOODS Are now opened oat FOR THK WINTKR FOR THK WINTKR TOR THE WINTKR FOR THK WINTSft The Stook Is the largest and beat selected in the olty, and to MEET THK TIMES MKET THK TIMKB „„„ MBKT THK TIMES TIIE MEKT THK TIMES N E W Beveral lines In every De purtment aro marked at ZEALAND p*i<"» ~l ftTnm SPECIALLY CHEAP CLOTHIISC SHKC IA LLYCHKAP p FACTOKY, SPECIALLY CHEAP. 158 & IGO, tlueon-^troat. The Juvenile Department has received cloee attention, and parents will find DURABILITY Ai ECONOMY DURABILITY A ECONOMY DURABILITY A ECONOMY DURABILITY A ECONOMY Combined Is the loftding feature. In Boys' Fancy Sul ts several new and pnowe styles are now being shown. N O T I O «. DR. WILkTnS, V. R. C. 8., CONBULTINO AND OPKRATTNU Sr/RQEON, Is at Mb Surgery for General Practice and Special Practlce-Kye, Ear, and Throat Diseases -Mornings and Aftornoons; Sundays, 10 30 to 12.30. Cojianltation Feoa very modevate. Da Wilkdis spent seven yearn at Mooreflolds Eye Hospital, London, under Messrs Bowman and C'ritchett, two at Throat Hospital, London, seven years Honorary Surgeon Albert Hospital, and slant years at Eye, Ear, and Throat Infirmary Melbourne. Adjusts Spectacles to Sight.- Consultina Rooms—Queen-street Auckland.



BARGAINS. BARGAINS. BARGAINS. WE are NOW OFFERING tho following SPECIAL BAEGAINS. SEVENTY MANTLES AND JACKETS, AND SIXTY COSTUMES (LADIES1 AND CHILDREN'S), BOUGHT AT A DISCOUNT OP FIFTY PER CENT. OFF MANUFACTURERS' PRICE 3, AND BEING SOLD AT KB- PROPORTIONATE PRICES. ■» LARGE QUANTITIES OF PERFECT GOODS PERFECT GOODS FROM MESSRS OWEN & GRAHAM'S, BOUGHT AT IMMENSK REDUCTIONS. LARGE STOCK OF FAHCY CRESS GOODS. FORTY-THREE DOZ. MDSLIN COL LARETTES AND BOWS, AND TWKNTY-FOTJR DOZ. FRINGES, BOUGHT CONSIDERABLY BELOW MANU FACTURERS1 PRICKS. . All the above Goods are being SOLD REMARKABLY CHEAP. A CALL WILL CONVINCE THK MOST SCEPTICAL. MILNE AND CHOYCE, QUKEN-STRKET.



p.OLDBW Q- EM J7" r'0UR'| MANUFACTURED BY THB LATEST IMPROVKD ROLLER PROCK3B, ( BY RICHARD ALLEN AND CO., BELFORD MILLS, TIMARU. The First SnrFMKNT is Jitst to Hand. T° Do^Pwlnt a White and OlganUo Loaf 1 The GOLDKN GKM Flour will recom mend Itaolf; it exoela both In colour and strength. To^?e RtK?a Pr 80- riK .n a ,. Elaborate, and Attractive. TO HOUSEHOLDERS- If you desire (and who does not 7| to obtaia a Buperlor and reliable flour, Insist upon having the "GOLDEN OEM." The machinery by which It Is mauufnctarei! la upon the Hungarian Holler Procefls: it has recently been orocted at vaat cost, and Jhero la nothing to equal it In tho Southom Hemisphere. Tne undersigned 1b tho sole agent (or Auck land and tho Province and has mode arranga monta for retjulur shipments. A pfircol of fifties (oonsplcuona brand) satiked in Backß la e n route In the Ohau. fh-dors are now being booked, and will bo nllflll HTRIPTI.T IN ArOOHDANC'BWfTHfBIORIT'r- AI.FKEI) JOiviTT. WHOI.EHALK OKAIN AND »>KOtI(ICR MERCHANT AND IMIWfTKK. C! l ISTOSIH-STUKKT KA9l^. "VJ- OTI 0 X 0 F II EMOVA 1,. .1. A. COOPER Bega to inform his frienda and the public gene rally that ho has REMOVED HIS HAT MANUFACTORY TO THE PREMISES LATKLY OCCUPIED BY T. & H. COOKR. Note toe Address— 44. victoria-9trkrt. QLATES ! STATES!! SLATES!!! To arrive, ox Norway, from New York (now In Wellington). SO COO BEST BLUK BANCIOR, 20 X 10, ROOF ING SLATES, In lots to suit purchasers. H. P. BARBER, Fort-street. Henry Hoop cri * UNDERTAKER, VICTORIA-STREET WEST. 0 B. THE LAUNDRY AND HOUSEHOLD. LADIES ARE INVITED TO USE PYRAMID SOAP, Tho most economical Soap made in New Zealand. Full weight guaranteed. L. W. McOLASHAN, Wholesale Agent, COMPTONS BUILDING. ORMO N D S SWISS CIGARS Have been recognised as the BEST for half a century. (jl BARTI. ET T, • 151, QUEKN-STREET. Obronomctore, Watches. Clocks, and Jewellery in great variety, and made to ordor or ropaired; Poesy, Motto, Engagement and Wedding Rings. Orders by post carefully i-xer,ute<l,



Repoated complaints have been mado respecting alleged larrikinisin at Mount Eden, and proceedings are now being taken by several residents against Sydnoy Braba/.on and Charles Stokes on tho charge of reTnoving gates from their hinges, Sec. Mr 11. 0. Groonwood sold to day, by ordor of the Hegiatcv of the Supreme Court, lots f)a and 10a of section 36 of tho city of Auckland, having a frontage to Symonds-atreet of 40 feet, a ton-roon ed dwelling-hour c ba'n< also erected on tho (,llctmo.it Mr \V. L. Mitchell, lat.d agent, was the purchaa r, for £SOO 10->. Tho amount claimed under mortgage was £500 and inttreM. The stovea which MrH. H Smith intends to Bend to the Exhibition at Wellington are now on exhibition at his iactory, In tho article on "Gas Company's Ex tensions and Improvements," which ap pears on the fourth page of this issue, a typographical error occurs that cars for correction. It is therein stated that the raising of the gaa to the higher levels of the city in volves an extra pressure of one inch to every additicntl inch, wheroas tho italicised words should road "additional 103 ft." We understand tint the North Shove Pharmacy will bo still carried on under Mr Gardner's management, arrangements to that effect having been concluded to-day. Chamberß'B celebrated sewing machine?. •0 Queen-street What an immense improvement! I Why, I did not think there was such a lareo Show Room in Auckland! Such are the remarks now being mode by Visitors as they gaze upon the Stock i-f Furnishing Goods in tbe extensive premises of Qarlick & Cranwell, House Furnishers.—|Ar>\ t.J