COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night. Abbott's Opera Houso-" Diplomacy," - P.m. Choral Hall-St. Andrew-, t.'.nvcrsa-ione, . 30 p.m. V.M.C.A.-Devotional Mooting, 7.80 p.m. Newmarket Hall-Mr McColl's Address to Burgesses of Newmarket, 8 p.m. _ . „ Riding School-Auckland Cavalry Parade, i p.m. ■ ,' _, Grafton Road Band of Hope" Entertainment, 7.-0 p,m. Auckland Chess Club, 7.30 p.m. Auction Sales, To-morrow. Mes* re Richardson and Jackson-Fruit and Ornamental Trees, U a.m. ;■ Jewellery, 12 a.m. Messrs Cochrane and Son-Household I urni tii-c..-c, 11a.m.. Mr A. Buokland-Horses, Hayraarkc.. Mr R. C. Greonwood-Billloi*d Table, 12 a.m. Mr R. Arthur-Produco, Poultry, aud Furni 'stose rs Ca. Wuc .and Taylor-Weekly Troduco, &.., 11 fi.m. Mr G, l,ov>i.-Taranaki Butter, 11 a.m. Mossrs Vailo and Hradlcy-Unresorycd Sale Poultry, Do;,'., Produce, Furniture, oto,, at 11 a.m. Mr v. W. Katon-Fruit, at 10 o'clook. Messrs Hunter and Nolan-Horses, etc., nt Durham Yards, at 11 o.m. Mr G. Slbbiu-Frouuco Salo, 11 a.m.

Chief Post.office, Auckland.

Mails will oloso as undor :- THIS DAT. For Thames, por Rotomahana. at ..SO p.nJ. For Whitlangl. per lona, at 5 p.m. FRIDAY. -TH UJBT. For Cowes and Coromandel, por Coromnndol, atll.3ln.m. , For Thames, p.r Rotomahana, at 5 p.m. For Tauranga and Opotiki, por Clansman, .Tor Whangarei Heads. Parua, Waipu, Whan garol. Kiuiio. and Mongapal, per W elllngton or Waitaki, at 5 p.m. For Katl Kati. Aongatoto, Tauranga, etc., per Knterpriee, at _ p.m. For Thames, por KntorprUo, at 0.30 p.ro. Saturday, 6th inst. For Port Fltzroy, Tryphena, and Okupu, per lona. at 7 a.m. . . For Waiwero, To Kapa and Warkworth, &0., pir Robo Casey, at 10 a.m. Tuitksday, 18th inst, For Tonga, Samoa, Tahiti, nnd Rarotongu. per contract steamer Janet Nicoll, at S. B. BISS, Chief Postmastor. Chiot Po3t-011100, Auckland.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER.

Aoci.L-.-r>-This ovening, 11.1; to-morrow morning, 11.21. Manukau HEADS-To-morrow morning, 1.11; to-morrow afternoon. 2.1. Kaipara HEADS-To-morrow morning, 2,11; to-morrow afternoon, 3.1.

Sunset.—This evening—l.lo. Sunrise.—To-morrow morning— 7.10. Moon's Age.—Last Quarter, 6tb, 11.11 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY. Irono, brigantine, Yates from Lunodin Christina, schooner, Kvenson from Rnsßell. Mariner, schooner, Queen, from Russell lona, o.s . Amodco. from Mercury Bay Fanny Kelly, ketch. Williams, from Mongonui

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING, Clansman, s s„ Farquhar, for Whangarsi to-day, Tarawora, c,-., Sinclair, for Southern ports

IMPORTS.

Per Irene, from Now York—l3oo cases kero sine, 150 caaea turpentine, 112 cases hardware, 23 barrols lubricativo oil, 150 cases axes, 22 bundles barb wire, 5d cases chairs, 300 oases clothes pins, 100 packages oars, 33 packages trunks, 72 packages carriagewaro, 100 ca.es starch, 30 oases painkiller, -_75.cas.s lobstor 10 J barrels dried apples, 101 kegs casing, 60 packages syrup. So cases oystors, 65 cases _ar.a parilla, 101. oases tobacco, 1.0 oases merchandise, 70 cases blaoklDg, 3. ca.es slates.

Inwards Coastwise —Rata, front Waiara with 26 000 ft timber; Fanny Kelly,from Mon go.ni. with 32,000 ft limber; Mariner, from llus_.ll, with 106 tons coal.

Outwards Coastwise.—Rata, for Whanga roa. The cargo of tho barque Ferdinand, for London. i 3 valuodas follows:—Tallow, £1,720; gum, £11,5-9- pearl sholl, £2,230; flax. £90; cotton, £171; copra, £8,120; leather, £2CG; bones. „50; roans, £Gt; hemp, £30.; tow. £133; sundries, £13. Total valuo of cargo, £22.122. Tho schooner Louie clcarod at tho Customs to-day for Aratapu, where she Is to load timber for Rockhampton. Tho barque Excelsior has cleared at the Cus toms for Whangaroa. Sho goes there in ballast to load timoer for Sydney.

The brigantine Lapwing, which loft thisporl oa May 22, arrived at Timaru yesterday.

The barquo Carl Both was removed this morning from Railway Wharf to Queon-streot Wharf, and hes comenced discharging there. The cutter Fanny was launched from Mr C. Bailoy'a slip yesterday, after undergoing some • repairs. After leaving the ways she ran down a small cutt.r belonging to Mr Clark. This was a vassal ol about-—. tonPtT-snAonrantl loakod badlyr-o that Bhe was run alongside of tho wall aud sunk. The brigantine Ircno, from New York via Dunedin. arrived this morning, and was towed alongside of tho Railway Wharf by the tug Vwhina. Tho Ireno left Dunednl three weeks a-,'o. She had stroog S.W. winds for two days then N. winds till off East Capo on the sixth day. After this heavy galea from W. to S.W. .ii-cvallcd for five days, and were followed by moderate S. winds, which lasted till arrival. Tho 6.8. Ta.av.-ora left for Southern ports this afternoon, with tho following passengers:—For -Jieborne: Mesßre Yuend, A. Davis, J. Porris. For Napier: Rev. P. Ccrnford. Mrs Fenwlck, Mrs Herbert, Mioses Wilkins and Wilkinson. For Wellington: Messrs Edmonds, Cartwright, bore. Brown, Heywood, Gorman, J. Hurst. Barton, Singlair. Dodd. Abernethy, Miss Bil lings. For Lyttolton: Mrs Woody ear, Mr Day. For Blult: Mr and Mrs Dunn, Master Dunn. For Moltourne: Rev. Father Dunn. Tho Tara wora also took passengers for the N.Z.S. Cc.'s Tonsariro, at Wellington. Chango of name does not apparently always bring ohange of luck. A year or two ago a B'camer named the Daphne capsized while being liunched on tho Clydo, great loss of-life result ing. When she had been refitted and ropalred she was freßh named tho Rose, hut shortly after wards sank in Portruah Harbour. Recovered from the bottom of the water, sho hailed undor n third name, which, howover, did not prevent her going ashore on Big Cumbrae. This third disaster waa not final, for she was got off, christened iho lantho, and despatched to Smyrna, bat she had not apparently lost her old failing, for cho struck on a rock off County Down.

PASSENGERS BOOKED PER TONGARIRO.

The following have booked at Auckland for London by tho Zew Zealand Snipping Com pany's Tongariro, which ia to leave Wellington on June 7 :—Saloon: Hon. Ralph Abercromby, Robert Watercr, Dr.Hemw.y German, William Northcott, James F. Cartwrfght. Second cabin- Key. Donitus Noboa, Roso Humphreys; t Daisy Humphreys, Archio Humphreys, Henry Packman, Stephen Gordon. Martha Browning, -.ncloscd Btecrage: Walter Weßt.eacS, Elizabeth Westbeach, Amy Westbeach. Walter Westbeach, Hubert Westbeach, Florence Westbeanh, Maud Wc.tbeach, Laura West beach Margaret Westbeach, Frederick West beaob!and infant, Mary Rice, Catherine Web ster and infant, Thoma3 Griffin, Annie M. North Mr and Mrs Sydenham. Open stoorage : David Walker. William Rice, Frank Matson, Charles G. White, Edward Yokes.

Lyttelton, this day. The R.M.s s. Tongariro was to leave Lyttelton wharf this morning. atß o'clock, for Wellington. She tal-es from thi. port about 1.000 bales of wool, and a quantity ot other produce. About 25 paßßengors were booked upte last night.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. ; Hannah Mokau, s.s., Windsor, from Raglan and Kawhia. '

DEPARTURES.

Argylo. 8.8., Daniels, for Waitara Oretl. s.s„ Robertson, for Wanganui and New Plymouth - - Rowena, s s„ Norbury for Hokianga.

Tho s.s. Argyle left for Waitara at 1 o'olock. ' The s.s. Rowena loft for Hokianga at 3 o'clock this evening with a genoral cargo.

Tho s.b. Hannah Mokau arrived from Raglan ar d Kawhia at 11 o'olock this morning. Passen- Kors:—Messrs Lefton (2), Howatd, Rangi, and Mrs Tci.an.

Tho s.s. Orotl left for Wanganui. via Tara naki ats.3op.m.yoßterday. PoasoDgora:—Miss Molt'over, Mesdames Gill, Smith and 3 children, Messrs Smith, Taylor, Fox, Abbott, Robo-tson. Thompson, Childs, Everest, Knowles, Warner, aud 1 steerage.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Thames, this day.—Arrived: Marion, from Timaru, with produce.

Lyttelton, yesterday. — Sailed: Altair, barque, for London; Janet Nicoll, for Dunedin. Port Chalmers, yesterday.-Sailed: Triumph, s.s., for Sydney, via East Coast.

COMMERCIAL.

I-veninc- Star Office, this day. To-morrow, at noon, Mr E. C. Greenwood sellß at his inait, Vuloan Lane, a flrstolass billiard table by Alcock and Co., in good order, with cues, balls, racks, gas chandeliers, and other fittings complete.

Births.

BREWSTER—On June l.at St. George's Bay, Parnell, Mrs J. E. Brewster of a daughter. HOLROYDE.—On June _, at Devonport. North Shore, Auokland, Mrs Charles James Hol royde of a son. L3.TTLE.-On June 1, at her resldenen. 132 Vl.toria-_t.eet. Auckland, the wife of William John Lyttle, blacksmith (S.S. Army), of a daughter; both doing well.—Christehureh and Taranaki papers please- copy.

Marriages.

PEARCE-DyNBH_.ATH.-On Juno 1, at Baker-street, by Rev. A. J. Smith, Ebeneztr Pearce, fifth and youngest son of Richard Jennings Stephenson Pearce, farmer. Tiki Road, Coromandel, to Grace Jane Dunßheath, the only surviving daughter of the late John and Jane Dunsheath, Portadown, County Armagh, Ireland.

Deaths

MACHATim-On June 3, at his residence, John-street, Ponsonby, aftor a long and pain ful Illness. Thomas Milne Maobattie, momber of Masonio Lodge. Forres, Scotland; in his 75thyear.—Australian and Homepapers pleats copy. The funeral will leave his late-residence to morrow (Friday), at 3 p ni. ROCHE.—On June 3, at the Provincial Hospital, after a long and painful illness, Charles Roche; aged 62 years. The funeral will leave to-morrow (Friday), at 2.30 p.m. WILSON.-On Juno 4, John Charles, thobelovod and fourth son of Robert and Harriet Wilson, of Grey-street. Private Interment.

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1885.

For th* c.vi. that tuki Uliituot, For the wrong that _.«._• reiljti_.ee, For th* future ia tho diituot, • And tha food that w» iv do.

| The laying of the foundation stone of the Free Public Library and Art Gallery to-day is only an incident—but never theless an interesting and important one —in the development of a great public undertaking. The Library was founded by the city five years ago, when a few enthusiasts who had long struggled to re animate the moribund Mechanics' In stitute at last appealed successfully to the City Council to take over the work in the public interests. This petition the Council were empowered to comply with by the terms of the Public Libraries Act, with which the name of Sir G. M. O'Borke will always be inti mately associated. It is a very gratify ing fact that the members of the Coun cil of that day were enlightened and spirited to entee this higher sphere of municipal duty, and

to proclaim that they conceived their mission as the government of a great city embraced other purposes than the supervision of roads and gutters— practically useful and necessary though the latter office may be. No othet municipal authority in any of tlie four large cities of the colony has, so far as we are aware, accepted a similar duty. The history of the Library since it came under municipal control proves that great purposes incite to worthy deeds. Tho institution has fallen heir to a succession of handsome bequests which would otherwise, in all pro bability, have passed away fiom the citizens of Auckland. The Provincial Council Library, gathered together at considerable cost, naturally became vested in the Corporation. Then came Sir Geo. Grey's magnificent donation. Many years of labour and the fruits of bibliographic enthusiasm thus fell, like a ripened plum, into the hands of the burgesses. Mr J. M. Clark further enriched the collection by applying his Mayoral emoluments to the purchase of standard modera books. Mr J. T. Mackelvie testified his affection for Auckland by taking up another depart ment, and his collections of works of art are equally proofs of his liberality and artistic taste. Finally, the Costley bequest set an example which, let us hope, will find many imitators among the men who have gathered their wealth together in this city. Tho need of a more worthy home for the valuable collection which had thus come into the possession of the city was long ago recognised, and the City Council obtained power some years ago for the erection of a permanent building. Many delays have occurred, those connected with the execution of the approved design being the most vexatious. If this interval had boen utilised in reviewing the mistaken de cision on the question of site, as re commended by the architect and urged by Sir George Grey, none would have regretted it. But the pleasure we ex perience in seeing the work at last begun is marred by the knowledge that upwards of p£_o,ooo are about to be spent on a building which will never be seen to advantage, when it might have been rendered the central feature of the city—-the admiration of strangers aud the delight of the inhabitants. However, boldness and originality enough to utilise the opportunity of re pairing a grave error have not been dis covered in the Council, and we must unite in to-day's celebration with tbe knowledge that it makes a serious blunder irreparable. Nevertheless, the city may well be proud of what has already been accomplished; the bur gesses should feel an honest pride in the succession of representatives who have conceived and executed a work worthy of any city. And though minor blunders have been committed, and tho members of Council have suffered criticism — sometimes good-natured and sometimes otherwise—with regard to their literary aspirations, their merits are not overlooked • and if they were ignored by the present generation of Aucklanders, the monument which they are now rearing would still carry their names down to a grateful posterity.

A largo number of passengers by tho Tarawora, which wont South this afternoon, are booked for London by tho Now Zoaland Shipping Company's Tongariro, which loaves Wellington on tho ith inst. Tho Tarawora nlso took 4,480 bags sugar, shipped at the Sugar Company's wharf this morning.

Tho City Engineer (Mr W. Anderson) is unfortunately confined to his homo by an attack of bronchitis.

.iv J.n6 r*kfiafemarket, chiefly in regard to Cambria shares. Thero is a demand for those sharos at Ss Od, but very fow declared sellers, Other stocks remain unchanged, the chief demand being for Ivunhoe at 3s, and Crown (Th-unos) at Is, South British, National, and Union In surance shares aro in demand at quoted rates, Blasting operations at the end of tho Railway Wharf for tho purposo of provid ing a deep wator borth for ocean going steamors, appear to bo fairly succossfuC From soundings taken to-day by Mr Taylor, wo observe that tho wator at low tido was as follows: — Twonty foot from tho piles, above whero tho keol of a vessol would bo, tho dopth avoraged 24ft. 6in. j 40ft. out, tho depth was 23ft, ; 60ft. out, 23ft.; and SOft. out, 22ft. It is intended to dredgo for a dopth of 25ft. at tho lowest tides. Extensive alterations and improvements aro about to bo oH'octed by Messrs Garlick and Cranwoll at thoir warehouse, the City Hall Arcado. Tho hall, which is from 80 to 90 feet long, is to havo two galleries erected in it running all tho way round, in ordor to givo more flooroge for showing tho goods, and this will necessitate the romoval of tho ornamented ceiling which formed a foaturo in tho old City Hall, and cost £1,000. While the alterations aro boingmade, Mo,.srs Garlick and Cranwell have arranged to remove tho greater part of thoir stock to the premisesin Stone's Buildings, Wollosloy street, lately occupied by Mossrs Milno and Choyce, whero for a short" time a cheap clearing sale ot furnituro and carpets will be held.

James Barber, a boilormakcr, injured his loft eye vory severely by a pioco of hot iron ono or two inches long flying off and striking him Hat against tho uppor and lower lidp. A needle-like point of iron projocting from tho mainpiece entered tho front of tho oyo between tbe lids, and burnt tho corner of the eyo. Besides the injury to tho sight of tho eye, tho lids got well burnt. Tho man wont to Dr. Wilkins, who thinks tho eyo can be brought all right again.

At the close of the evidence in tbo Gairloch Herald inquiry yesterday after noon, Captain McArthur, of tho formor vessel, was recalled, and, in answer to Cap tain Frater, said that in passing tho red buoy it was only about 20 yards off. Tho Herald's greon light was then visible. The Gairloch's holm was at this time ported. The vessel was half way between the two buoys before tho second buoy was visible; the helm was ported a littlo. This was done, as the Herald was keeping woll to windward. Counsel having been board upon the evidonce, the Court adjourned at six p.m,, judgment being reserved.

Mr William Kerr, barrister, who haß boen staying at the Flagstaff Hotel, referring to the police report against the house, gives of his own experience in tho following terms : " I have genuine pleasure in testifying that during my residence at Mr Corcoran's hotel, its management has been uniformly con ducted with the roost scrupulous propriety. The hotel i- admirably situated, the rooms aro models of cleanliness and comfort, tho table is excellent, and tho customers, whom I have had frequent opportunities of observing, aro orderly and well-behaved. Indeed, I can conscientiously affirm that I have not, during my stay, observed a single person under the influence of drink, the hotel being more like a private than a public house.—William Kerb, June 4, 1885."

Preparations are in active progress for the opening of the " Silver King " season, which takes place of Thursday next. The advance agent, Mr J. W. Dodge has been in town for several days,'and has already got the various hoardings decorated with attractive announcements of the coming dramatic treat. Throughout England and Australia the splendid play of " The Silver King " has proved a tremendous suc cess, and the Company who aro to opon hero in it noxt week, embracing Mr Geo. Leitcb, Mr F. C. Applcton, and Miss Maggie Knight, is ono well fitted to give an adequate realisation of the piece on the local stage.

The fortnightly meeting of the Mount Eden Free Methodist Mutual Improvement Society was held in the School-room on Tuesday evening; about fifty members being present, and Rev. S. Maci'arlane presiding. Mrs Freeman gave a very e radical and interesting paper on " Love, ourtship, and Marriage," which was very favourably criticised by the Chairman, Mr Roberts, and othor friends. At tho next meeting the Rev. S. Maefarlane will give nn hour "In Wojjderland," which it is expected will be v#ry interesting,

Wm. Georgo Garrard writes to stato that lio was not tho prosocutor in a case at the Polico Court on Monday in which a man named Brady was charged with stealing tools. Ho bolioves somo ono haß boon " personating " him.

"Diplomacy" was repeated last night at tho Opora Houso with undiminished suc coss, and tho audionco manifested thoir approbation with tho usual fervour. Tho play will bo given to-night, and its morits eto so striking that no one who can appreciate ilrainaticoxeolloncoorhi9trion.cta.ont undor favourable conditions should fail to sec it. No less than £1,000 worth of Woollon Company's sharos wero placod and paid for by subscribers during yostorday alone ; and, as tlio shares woro taken up principally by tradespeople, it speaks well for tho cnorgy of those gentlemon engaged in floating tho undertaking and tho popularity of tho pro posed industry. A mimborof tho vosidonts ot Onehunga yesterday pointod out to tho Secretary of tho Company soveral suitablo sites, and oxprossod a hopo that tho factory would he erected thoro—if so, thoy would all doublo thoir applications for shares,

A spocial train is announced to run lo Pukekohe on Sunday, June 7th, on the oc casion of tho opening and consecration of tho new convent in that settlement.

At tho weekly mooting of tho David Livingstone Lodge, No. 20, 1.0. G.T., he'd Inst ovening, Bro. Blackwood road an essay entitled "Tomporanco v, Drunkonnoss." The ossay was decidedly a good ono; it portrayed many of tho ovils arising out of tho use of alcoholic drinks, not only to in dividuals, but to tho nation at largo. Tho essayist ostimatod tho annual cost to tho British nation only as ovor £50,000,000 sterling "to keep tho liquor floating through tho roalm." Bro. Blackwood's ossay waa warmly rocoivod by members of the Lodge. We notico by advertisement in another column that tho much-talkcd-of " Sorceror " is to havo tho first rehearsal to-night at 7.30 and as tho chorus is composed of voicos solocted by Hon- Carl Schmitt, it ought not to bo long' beforo it is presented publicly.

Tho balanco of usoful and fancy goods from tho Grafton Wosloyan Bazaar, hold somo months ago in St. Sepulchre's school room, wore Ofibred for salo last evening in tho Grafton school-room, and tho salo will bo continued this ovoning.

Tho following is a roturn of tho numbor of passongors who travelled by tramway during the past throo months:—March, 57,687; April, Go.llG; May, 00,280. Ho coipts, £2,179 10s. Tho members of tho Truo Bluo Crickol Club havo presented Mr J. W. Shacklo ford, thoir onorgotic Sociolary, with a handsomo album. A vory interesting and instructive enter tainment was given last night in tho Otahuhu Wcsloyan Church, in aid of the circuit debt. It consisted of a sorvieo of songontitlod "Poor Miko." tho narrative, boing read by tho Rev Mr Taylor. Tho at tendance, though not so largo as might havo bcon wished, mado up some what by its hearty appreciation of tho efforts of tho choir, which ovidoncod careful training on tho part of tho fair conductor who wielded tho baton. Tho proceedings closed with a very cordial voto of thanks boing accordod to tho choir.

Soveral playgoors who havo recently arrivod hero from England havo boon to sco tho production of "Diplomacy" in tho Opera Houso, by Mr Wybort Rcovo, and his Comedy Company. Having soon tho samo play produced in London, thoy nro in a position to institute a comparison, and thoy declare thomsolvos surprised at tho thorough.and artistic mannor in which tho pieco has boon prosontcd bore, leaving nothing to bo desired. " Diplomacy "will, wo boliovo, only bo played for a few nights longor.

A practical jol.o with a serious ending was rocontly played upon a young seaman named Board, of tho stoamer [ona. Some one playfully put some powder in tlio bowl of a piiio which Beach was smoking, with tho result that it blow up, burnt of! Iho wholo of the eyelashes of tho loft eyo, and damaged Iho sight very considerably. Dr. IVilkins attended tho patient, and considers troatmont will restore tho sight again.

Dunedin Chambor of Commcrco havo choson Mr Robert Wilson to proceed ns their delegate to tho South Sea Islands by the Janet Nicoll. Tho Christehureh Cham ber's Committeo havo decided not to sond _ delo^ato just now. Tho Canterbury In dustrial Association resolved last night to send ono with tho nssistanco of tho com mercial community. Mr T. Pavitt has boon unl-m.— . f..- n •

Nearly all tho shops in \ ictoria street West and its neighbourhood had their shutters up yesterday out of rospoct to tho memory of tho lato Mrs Otrilvie, who died yostorday from congostion of tho lungs, complicated by othor complaints. Tho doceascd lady had boon a rosidont at tho cornor of Graham and Victoria-streots for tho last quarter of a century, and was widoly known and highly respoctod.

At the conclusion yostorday afternoon of tho inquiry into (ho colli, ion between tho steamers llorald and Gairloch, Mr Thoo. Cooper, who appeared for tho ollicovs of tho Herald, addressed tho Court, and urged tho contention that tho collision occurred in mid-channel, and not on tho weather sido, as stated by Captain McArthur, and that tho Gairloch could not thorcforo havo been on tho ground, ns was also stated by Cap tain McArthur. Mr Jloskoth, who ap peared for thoollicors of tho Gairloch, argued that that vossol was cloarly aground on the weather bank when tho collision took place, and that tho bost proof of this was that wit nesses for tho llorald had stated that at tho (imo of tho collision Captain McArthur called out, " What do you mean by pulling mo on tho woathor bank ?" Ho contended that bottor proof than this could not bo re quired, boing Captain McArthur's own statement at tho very moment of tho collision.

Wo note by Mullon's Sydnoy slmro list, dated 27th May, that ho roports salos of Sunny Cornor shares at 70s to ''.'l. (id, closing iirm at lttßt quotation. It may intorcst pooplo bore to know that twolve months ogo tho wholo of this proporty was ollbrod at JC3,000 and found no purchaser, and at prosont market rates is valued at i' 300,000. Mr La Monte erected ono of his plants on tho proporty, with tho rosult that tho venture, which consists of a com pany of 0-1,000 shares, is now quoted at £i los por share, and tho direc tors havo boon enabled to declare a dividond of 5s per share payable this month. ' If anything approaching thoso results can bo obtainod, the erection of a furnaco at tho Thames will cause quite a revolution in tho gold-mining industry of tho district, and from tho assays mado by Mr La Monte at tho Bank of' Now Zealand, Auckland, thoro is no doubt that ho will bo able to incroaso the percentage of all gold returns considerably. Wo understand that ho is oxpoctcd in Auckland in a fow wool's to commence tho erection of a furnaco at tho Thamos. Four months from tlato tho furnaco should bo in full blast.

! An opon loclgo meeting of tho Sir Henry llnvolocl. Lodgo, No. I, N./..0.0.T., was hold in the Alexandra-street school room on Tuesday ovoning. A vory lengthy pro gramme w„s gone through. Addresses woro delivered by the Roy. W. J. Smith, Mr Willcocks, and tho Chairman (Mr D Goldio). Tho features of tho overling wero tho rocitation of Miss Sarah Froude, which was given with great power and pathos, a most amusing dialogue by Mr and Mrs Anderson, a duct by Mrs Potherick and Marsden, Miss Jessie Campbell's " Silver Rhino," Miss Marcella Campbell, a young lady of 11 or 12 summers, who sang in capital stylo, as did also Mr W. Wallace. Mrs Gemmell recoived an encore for hor "Dear Littlo Shamrock," and Mrs Cann's "Good-bye at the door," and " Under the Old Flag," byJMr Hector Johnston, were also well received, while Mr Jenkins and Mr Cox's songs were also creditably rendored. Songs, recitations, etc, wero given by others, and the large audience dispersed, greatly pleased with the entertainment.

We are informed that the following resolution was carried unanimously by the Auckland Liboral Association at thoir meet ing on Tuesday last:—"That the Secre tary be instructed to forward a copy of tho Rules and Regulations, together with a statement of the objects of Auckland Liberal Association for which it wss estab lished to all gentlemen who are supposed to hold (Liberal opinions,|and also to all tho members representing any division of the Auckland district, requesting thorn to become members, and to tako un active part in its management." Wo aro also requested to add that tho 200 printed resolutions mentioned in yesterday's report of the meeting were to the following effect, and that a copy of the resolution has been sent to each member of the House and of the Legislative Council: — " That this Association views with regret the action of the present Ministry in nominating nine members to the Legislative Council, there by increasing the monetary burdens of tha people without any adequate results, and that this Association protests against members being nominated to the Upper House, that hare been rejected by the I people," j

Tho Fornalo Prison Gate Brigade report for week ending 31st May states:—Re ceived into Home, 4; left tho Home, 4; remaining in Homo, 6 ; number of beds given, 56 ; number ofmoals supplied, IG7. Donations: Mrs.Howio, Moßsrs Evans and Waddel., bread; ScripturoGif.Association, 22 bookß ; Messrs Burnett, Hultne, Fisher, Wood, and Garrott, moat; Mr Row, bacon and chooso; Mr Knee, toa, choose, and washing soda ; A Friend and Strangor, clothing; Messrs Keor (Drury), and J, Wnllaco, potatoos ; Dovonshiro and London Dairies, milk. Tho discipline of tho Homo is good.—Annie Hutchinson, Matron in Charge.

Now that tho Licensing Committees are insisting on all hotols having oiroctive fire pa capos, the mombors of "thetrade"shouldnotice that Mr J. 8011, shlp-rlggor, Chapel-stroot, is prepared to oxoouto ordors for flexible Btoolwiro tiro oacapos, as adopted in Dunedin hotels.

To-day's "Spectator" contains: Tho University Fraud—Cruolty to Animals, or Campbell Criticised—Recent Burglaries and thoir Causo—The Great Glovo Fight between Lo.B and Iranian in Melbourne—Curious Blood poieoning Case—Tho Novollette-Dr Morton's Sister— 'fills Wiokod World, hy tlio Silent Spec tator—Chroniolo hy tho Religious Spectator— Soonoß by tho Way, by tho Intelligent Tramp- Our Portraits-Captain H. G. Payno, and Chloe. the Winner of tho Coursing Stakos and Gold Cup—The Turf, Sports Coureing-A Lady's Letter -Whims of tho Peoplo-Brlc-a-Brae—Out and About, &c, A splondid number. Every body should read, Prloo 2d,

TABLE TALK.

Parliament opens next week. A grate singer—Tho tea kettle. No infectious disease reported in tho city. Building operations in Auckland show decided signs of revival. A man who is a host in himself.—Tho hotelkoopor. Other £2000 aro to bo spent in enlarging tho Exhibition at Wellington. It is proposed to prohibit tho sale of strong drink to tho nativos of how Guinea. MrGnrrick, Agont-Goneral of Queensland, accepts tho decoration of K.C.M.G. Successful "Diplomacy" at tho Opera Houso. Doson't como a-Miep.—A boy baby. Forced politeness.— Bowing to necessity. Mr Booth wtartH a temperance mission at Wellington to-night. "Tho Bland Old Man" is what tho Christehureh "Star" calls Sir Goorgo Groy. It has bcon resolved to introduco tho chamois into Otago. Island Bay Park Company, Wellington, has v credit balanco of C2lB. I!ov, W. Kaoburn, of Hamilton Prosby torian Church, loaves in a few days for Auckland. Tlio polico stato that thoro is a pood deal of drunkenness among womon in South Uunodin, Kowi and Wotoro havo gono to'Parihaka to pay thoir respects to To Whiti. Look out for anolhor " nativo diiliculty !" Tho stoamer Stirling Castlo is boing " converted " into n war cruiser, and will bo sent to Austrulia from Malta. Captain Russell, M.H.R., addressed a mooting ot doctors at Hastings last Satur day, and got a vote of conlidenco. Ten o'clock cloning of hotels has just been onforcod at Cavorsham, a suburb of Dunedin, A platolayor named John I.owis was badly injured on tho Canterbury railvyay lino, near Kanglorn yostorday, by falling from a trolly in motion. Tlio girl who calls a man by his lirst namo upon oarly acquaintance is not likely to bo called by his last Tho Comniittoo of Canterbury Art Socioty will make no iccommondation to Government as to Canterbury exhibits of pictures for tho forthcoming Industrial Ex hibition, Tho Government Insu.anco Association Board havo resolved lo tako n vote of policy-hotciors on tho question of establish ing local boards; Laet night tlio Otago Volunteers .voro suddenly callod out by signals (liring of guns and ringing of bolls), to tost how . peodily thoy could muster in tho ovout of a night alarm. Thoro woro .01 on parudo nt Dunedin, whilo 210 turned out ut country railway stations. A girl named Augusto Piorson, who wandered from her home at Ormondsvlllo, near Nnpior, last Friday, has boon found crouched undor v fallen troo in tho bod of a shallow stream about two miles from hor homo. Hor logs woro immersed in tho wator, and it is foarod sho will loso the uso ol hor handß and foot. Sho is said to bo of wook intolloct.

MR RALPH HOOD IN A NEW ROLE.

(iIY TELECIItAPH—OWN COKItK. ['UNDENT.)

DuseniN, this day. Two artists woll known in Now Zealand mado thoir lirst appearance at Melbourne on tlio Queen's Birthright at tho Town llall. Thoy wero Mary flume, of Dunedin, who was billed as ".lust arrived from Europe, whore sho created a porfoct furore," and M. Do Vnlomoncy, a pianist who has for tho last two years bcon engagod in tuition in Auckland, whore ho was known a. Mr Ralph Hood. Miss Humo was particu larly norvous, and. this no doubt accounts for hor want of comploto succoss. M, Do Vnlnioncy wa.ngonoral success. Hoisquilo a young man, and both papors, which praise him vory highly, predict a brilliant future fur him, tho "Argus" assorting that ho I os'Cssos ill a most satisfactory dogroo tho graces nnd tho spirituality of tho most advanced school. Miss Humo was a pupil of Signor Morloy, and mado hor tlrbut m I-uncdiii in connection with somo amateur oporn. given thoro a fow years ago. Sho has a splendid voico.

St. Andrew's Conversazione To night.

Tin: convorsaziono of St. Andrew's con gregation, to bid farowoll to Roy. Mr Ferguson, who has for somo time been assisting Mr Car rick in the pastorate of tho church, tukos place in Choral llall this evening. A special foaturo will bo a splendid musical programino proparcd by Mr Culpon, who will bo oaslßted by tho choir of St. Androvt H, and a number ot othor friends. A succoßoful and onjoyablo ineotlng is antlcl patcd.

WHOLESALE ROBBERIES.

Juvonilo Prococlty ln Crime,

O.vi; of the most sy_.on.atic scries of robberies I hat has been under investigation in Auckland for a considerable lime past camo beforo Hue Police Court 10-day. Two children of tender years, named llendoe Dewson and William llcmliick, were charged with the commission of no less lhau eight robberies, while Harriet Dewson, another of tho litllo girls, and an ac complice named John Joseph Comas, alias Murphy, were nccusod of receiving tho stolen goods, Although only those clghht cases woro traced, (hero is reason to believe that an lm iiicnso number of ot her llicftehad been previously committed and the gouihi made away with. The children wero conjointly charged with stealing a dress, valuo _s, tbo proporty of W. K. Ogllvlo: seven suits of boys' clothing, valuo £1 1.55, the properly of James Scott; articles of female apparel, value his fid, the property of •Innies O'Donuell ; pinafores, kerchiefs, &0., value 12s, Ihe properly of William Wright; aprons, stockings, and kerchiefs, value Us 6d, Ihe proporty ol Catherine McCabo; trousers, tunic, .cc, valuo Ills (id, the proporty of William Stanford; boy's suit and two shirts, valno lis, the property of John Powell; ono shawl, value 2s_d, the proporty of Albert Gobolinsky. Tho youthful prisoners, whose ages were each about ten years, pleaded guilty. Sergeant Pratt asked for a remand until Saturday, as ho believed it was Iho intention of the Resident Magistrate to commit the children to tho Indus trial School. Thoy wero at tlio present time boing taken care or by Mrs. Hutchinson. Tho larcony which tho prisoners were charged with committing had been perpetrated at varioUß times from the Ist of April until tho beginning of the presont month. Both children had been engaged in the robberies, and had conveyod tho spoil to Dowson's house, where they woro re covered by two oklor persons who would pre sently come before tho court. The lad Hendrick was in the habit of frequenting Dowson's house, and kept company with the little girl, and was with her when the majority of Iho offences wore committed. Detective Jones found the goods secreted in Dowson's house, and there • lore the mother was charged with receiving them, knowing them to have been stolen. He asked that the convictions be recorded against the juvenile prisoners, in order that the case against the others accused might be proceeded with. This was accordingly (lone. John Joseph Comas, alias Murphy, was then charged with stealing goods, valuo £7 ss. the property of James Laing, and also with the larceny of clothing, value £1 3s„ the property of Albert Goboluiseey. He pleaded not guilty, and Sergeant Pratt proceeded to call tho Follow ing evidence. C'ecilie Laing, wife'of James Laing, deposed that her husband was the proprietor of tho Provincial Hotol. She remembered the 18th of May, when there were a quantity of clothes on a line in the hotel yard. These included oighteen pillow slips, eight toilet covers, two suits, one night dress, and some riding clolhing. She identified the articles produced as being tho same as those put out on the line. Prisoner hud been living at the hotel, and remained there four or five days after she went there. Hendola Dewson, aged 10 years, deposed that tho prisoner was often ;in their house at Eden Crescent, but she had never seen him sleep there. One night prisoner brought to then house a large bundle which contained a lot of clothes. That was about threo or four weeks ago. There was a big rosy dress in the bundlo. The dress, jacket, pillow slips and sheets pro duced, were in the bundle. Prisoner said he brought tho things to be washed, but thoy were not wushed. Prisoner said his mother could Mt some of tho things oil her bed for another \>_ek, and sho put them on. This was when they lived in Hobson-street, and prisoner stayed with them several days. P-i ■'!•". brought, other bundles besides the one ..•!(:.. cd io. Tlio case was still proceeding when ivo went to press. Eight charges of receiving stolen goods were also to be preferred against Comas and Mrs Dewson conjointly.

THE TARANAKI NATIVE DIFFICULTY.

Major Atkinson Criticises Mr Ballanco,

(DV Ti.LEUU_.II—PRESS ASfjggffffk.)

New Plymou-H Ibis day. i Major Atkinson met a number of West Coast settlers at Rahotu at noon yester day in order to discuss the stato of nativo affairs in tho district. Mr Mills (late of Canterbury), opened the proceedings by stating that ho hoped he would receive better treatment than from Mr Ballanco. If he had been the greatest reprobate under tho sun he could not have been treated with greater dis respect. He thon related how the nativos had in the paßt interfered with the settler.. Major Atkinson said ho entirely failed to understand tho motives of Mr Ballance in removing tho Constabulary. His object should be to weaken To Whiti'B influence, but their removal from Parihaka apparently increased it, Major Atkinson promised to uso his influence to get an equable administration of the law to European and Maori. One policeman was evidently insufficient, He thought tho meeting might expect an additional force, Major Atkinson was woll-rocoived, and thanked by the settlers for his courtesy to them, Address to the Elector*. Major Atkinson addressed hisconstituents at Orakau on Tuesday night. Speaking en native affairs, ho saidtheNative Minister ap peared to bo coming back to the old " flour and sugar policy." The taking away of the Armed Constabulary force from Pungarehu caused tho nativos to believo in Te Wh.ti more than over, for it helped to biing true his prophecies. Ho thought that Punga rehu should have been the last A.C. Station which should havo been broken up. The natives had full confidence in Mr Bryce, but thoy found that Mr Ballance's word was not to be relied on. If tho Native Minister said "Iwill do this," tho Maoris replied, "No; you must do that." A voto of confidence was unanimously paesod.

THE WELLINGTON JEWEL LERY ROBBERY.

(_Y TELEGRAPH—I-ESS ASSOCIATION.)

Chiustciiurcii, this day. It is rumoured that tho polico hero have acquired information as to the whereabouts of tho remainder of tho jowollory stolen from Jonnes's shop at Wellington, and also ns to other accomplices in tho robbery.

Wkllinoton, this day,

Tho prisoner Davis, charged with being concorned in tho late jowellery robbery, was brought up at tho Police Court today, and remandod till tomorrow.

FATAL SHOOTING ACCIDENT.

(HY TELEGRAPH,— TRIMS ASSOCIATION.)

C'i-Us_cii--'-ii, this day. \V, Mum.'uiu- was accidontly shot whilo out rabbit shooting, and diod at tho Hos pital yoatordoy.

BOY KILLED BY A DOG.

(BY TELEGRAPH.— I'RESS ASSOCIATION.)

Ciikistciiukcii, this day. A LITTLE boy named Brookes, of St. Albans, who was bitten by a dog a few days ago, died from tho effects yesterday.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATES COURT.-This day.

(Heforo H. O. Bcth Smith. Esq.. B.M) Undkkkndku Cases (Judgment- for Plafntil.a). —U. Campbell v. VV. Klnsoy. £. JA. Buokland v. K. Foloy. £13s ltl; Thos. Inglis v. Jau. Groon wood, £1 lis 2d ; Porter and Co. v. Btewart, £1. 12a ftl; Barker v. W. Murphy, £1: O. Cohen v. C. W. S. l'urdi.i, £10 10-; J. Williams v. O. Wilson. £110s; B. _ _noh v. R. T. Martin, £1 6s. JUIXIMKNT bVMMONBES.—Bobort StOW V. I. Gough: Claim, £5 0- Od. Mr Coopor tor judg mont creditor. Tho debtor, a painter, earning £3 per week ;no family. Order, 20b nor week, or 7 days.—Robt. Stow v. Alfrod, tinliln-on ■■ Claim P r\ !>*- 1M tr\- -t«..K!-_, j-*---.a<M»t(-ally ing on business ob a llahmonger, had mado no ollbrt to pay. Ordor, 10s or 7 days. I- Moses v. WoortrulTo: £99s"d. Ordor to date month hence. Ij. Moflos v. Chapman and Stow: fit. Order, 20a per wook. or, in default,. days.—Monro v. John Tivohay: £1 18s Od. Mr Thoo. Coopor for credi tor. Order, .*,a por weok, or 7 days. — Cogan v. G. McCaalin : Claim. £5 Os 9d. Mr Dowes for creditor. Georgo McCaslin was examined. 110 had threo teams, called his own. Had boon working on tho dock contract. Bcon having £3 a day tor six horses, but that did not pay, and the bosn had (ji yon 2s Od a day rleo. Ono of his horses had died, and tho rest might bo dead for all thoy wore worth. His horses belonged to Mrs McCaslin. 110 supposed so.howover.as tbo

"roi.sus" raised a mortgage to pay for them. Counsel asked for an order. Dofendant said tho order must bo small, becauso ho could only shell outSsawock. Order, 10s a week or 7 days.— W. Munro v. A. Drain: Claim, £9 Its 7d. Mr 'IheQ. Cooper for creditor. Debtor consentod to pay 10s por week, which amount was accepted, and an order made accordingly. Adjourned.—About 30 oases woio adjourned and struck out. DKIKNDKD CASKS. A. Bcnger v. Molloy.—Claim, £2 Ts.—Mr Jaok son Piiluior in defence.—Judgment for plalntll. —Williams V. Reddy.-Claim, £2 12s 6d.—Mr Thoo. Cooper for plaintiff, and Mr F. Karl for dofendant.—Tho partios in this action wore llshmongorß, and tho claim was for 70 bundlos of lloundors. which it was allogcd Mr Roddy had converted to bis own uso.—Frank Williams, fl-'hmon^o., deposed that ho know Thorocs noddy, who is ln the Bamo kind of businoss. In April last, about tho 18th day, ho recoived a tologram from Mr Caleb Robinson, of tho Thames, informing him that 070 bundles of lloundors had been sent to bini by the Enter prise. Ho did not rocolvo all of thorn. Mr Roddy took 70 bundlos. Thoir volue was Od per bundlo. — Caleb Robinson, of tho Thames, depose! that ho was in tho habit of forwarding fish, both to Mr Williams and Mr Ready, but in April he wrote to Mr Roddy that ho must decline to supply him. Hosont to Mr Williams and held him re sponsible for tho valuo of the flounders. Bent a telegram to Mr Williams to bo on the look out for tho stcamcrl Made an agreement with plaintiff on tho 11th April—By (Mr Cooper: Did not sond any fish to Mr Reddy on that day Chat-lea Bishop deposed that Mr Reddy ad mitted taking 70 bundlos, but would not givo a cent for thorn.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before Messrs Moody and Whltcombo, Justicos of tho Peace.)

DuUNKKNNERS. — Four bibulous Individual's wero ordorod to make the customary contribu tions lo the revonuo of tho country.

NORTHCOTE Houi-kry.—Edmund Bird waß charged with the larceny of 22s 6d, the property of Alexander Schultze.—Mr Brassey appeared for prisonor, aud plead od not guilty.—Alexander Schult-o doposod that when he left homo on Tuesday, ho left two siua'l packets of money on the shelf in tho bar. One sum was 12s 6d and Ihe other 10b. Georgina Durance, the housemaid, was loft la charge. He came to town to attend the Licensing Court, When he loft, Bird was at tho hotel, aud on his return the girl told hi in tho money had been stolen. One of the Bums of money consisted of subscriptions for an aged woman, some of which prisoner had collected. — Georgina Duranco deposed that w-lsouor was in the bar in the-morning when Mr Schnltzo told her about the money boing on tho sholf. Prisonor was in tho bar all the morn ing. Sho was drawing a bottle of beer In the dining-room, when sho heard a step or jump in tho bar. She wont thero, and found prisoner and anothor young mßn in the tap-room. There was no one but these men about. Between 2 aud 3 o'olookin tho afternoon she saw prisoner coming from behind tho bar. Witness accused prisoner of taking tho monoy, but he laughed at her, and tisked hor what she was talking about. He said he was sorry for what had happened, and pro mised that when he got tho money for a machine ho would ray half of what was misßing, if the thief was not discovered in the meantime — Sergeant Clarke deposed that when be arrested Srlsoner, he admitted having been behind the ar, twice, but denied that he had taken the money.—Mr Brassey contended that if the money was stolen, it was not Mr Schultza's property, while the evidence, as a whole, was circum stantial, and did not warrant a conviction.— Bird waß called, and deposed that his reason for offering to refund the money was that he had collected £3 or £1 for the old woman to whom the money belonged, and ho was sorry that she Bhould. lose any part of the subscrip tions. Ho had seven or oight shillings when he went to the hotel.—Fined £1 and cob.9, or In default, 11 days' imprisonment with hard labour.

Sohnai'l'S at the Fire.—Walter Tyrell was charged with the larceny of a case of sohnapps, value oOs, tho proporty of Bridget McDcrmott, on Monday evoning.—Mr Napior appeared for prisoner and aßked for a remand.—Remanded till Saturday, bail being allowed. Unseasonable Game— C. B. Smith was charged with a broach of the Animals Aot by wilfully selling two Californlan quail without a license.—Mr Cave, who appeared for the defend ant, explained that Mr Smith was nnder the im pression that quail were amongst the game affected by tho Act. He thought an expression of opinion Bhould be made by the Bench as to whether a warning should not have been given bj' the ranger instead of displaying such an anxiety to soeuro a conviction.—Mr Williamson appeared for the rangor, and said he would not press for a heavy penalty. Mr Bmith was a poulterer, and it was assumed that he was ac quainted with the variety of the game in which he was trading.—The Bench said there was no attempt at concealment. The flno would there fore be Is and costs.

Hebz's Ovbrcoat. — Edward Ryan was charged with the larceny from Lome-street Hull of an overcoat, value 455, the property of Houry Hera, Bt Auckland, on June I.— Mr Napier appeared for the prisoner, and asked for a remand till Saturday.—The remand waa granted, bail being allowed, the prisoner In £50 and two sureties of £20. Insui.tino Lanquaoe A charge- of using insulting language to Edward Walesley, pre ferred against Margaret Pllcher. was adjourned till Monday at Mr Cotter's request. Counsel E remised that a settlement would most likely c arrived at beforo Monday.

CABLEGRAMS

(BY CABI_E.-COPYRIGHT.) _/. (

Disastrous Earthquake

Bombay, June 2.—Telegrams apnounco that a severe earthquake has visited tbe district of Cashn-oro, causing heavy loss.of life. British Troops Leaving the Soudan. Cairo, Juno 2.—Tho second battalion Of tho East Surrey regiment, en route to Eng land from tlie Soudan,, havo boon disom barked at Alexandria. The Maori King's Mission to London. London, June 3.—T'le various despatches which have passed between tho New Zea land and Home Governments on|the subject of tho recent Maori embassy havo been published. Among them is a memorandum from tho New Zoaland Ministry, dated March 28, which declares that thoro is nothing in tho momorial prosontod by the embassy which had not been satisfactorily answered by the colonial Government,

THE ANGLO-RUSSIAN AGREEMENT.

RUSSIA TO HAVE I'ENJDEII

[BY CABLE.—COPYRIGHT,]

Lokdon, June 3, It is now authoritatively notified that the town of Penjdeh has been ceded to Russia. The military authorities are irritated at tho cession of the town.

NATIVE LAND LEGISLATION.

Tho Big Fight of tho Coming Session,

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. The great fight of tho coming session will, I anticipate, tako placo ovor the Nativo Land Sottlcmont Bill. This bill provides moans by which nativo lands can bo dis posed of, oither by way of salo or loaso undor the land laws of tho colony. Aftor thoy havo passed through tho Nativo Land Court, tho ownors of a block of land will have power to appoint from among them eelves (if they aro eight or more in number) a committee, consisting of seven persons, who will have tho right to deal with the land, subject to certain powers of control on the part of tho ownors. If tho number is seven or lees, then tho ownors themeelvos will have the powera of a committee. Native boards will be constituted for certain de fined districts, and will havo the power upon tho recommendation of tho committee to tako the land and use it for settlement pur-, poses in a way similar to tho operations of tho Waste Lands Board. Tho com missioners of theeo bonrds will havo large powers entrusted to them, but always sub ject on tho ono hand to tho recommenda tions of tho committee of owners, and on tho other hand to tho regulations of the Governor in Councillor bringing into force tho land laws undor which tho land will be administered. Land is now being rapidly put through Native Land Court with a viow te bringing it undor tho operation of the new bill.

ELECTION NEWS.

(BY TELEGRAPH—-'RES- association.)

Nelson, this day. The total results of tbo AVaimoa election show Mr Kerr to havo a majority of tlueo. The nunibors aro: —Korr, 253 ; Franklyn, 250; White, 95; Doncker, 92; Wastnoy, 60; Piper, 33. Mr Kerr is a Government supporter. CumsToiiUHUH, this day. Mesßi-s Tarnati Fara, Tano Tikau, and Hame Paretero Mere nominated at Kaiapoi yesterday as candidates to represent the Southern Maori constituency in tho House of Bepresentatives. The polling will take place on Wodnesday next.

TELEGRAMS.

Thames, this duy.—Col. Fraser, M.H.R, for Thames, addrossod a largo mooting of his constituents last night, and recoived a unanimous voto of confidence

Blenheim, this day.—Blenheim Licen sing Committee havo ronowod all licenses to elovon o'clock, and notwithstanding strong opposition by the police, granted an application to oxtinguish tho hotel lamps at midnight.

Wullinoton*, this day.—Thoso militia officers who had'thoir commission cancelled are to bo placed on tho retired list, from which they may qualify for tho activo list, if dosirublo. Dead Body Found. Tho body of a man was discovered near tbo refrigerating works this morning. It is not yot identified, but is believed to be that of a foreman belonging to tho steamer Tiri.

Welu-Suto.*, this day,—At Lamb ton Licensing Committee tho hotols which pre viously had midnight licenses wore reduced to eleven o'clock. Throo applications wore adjourned for a fortnight to enable enquiries to bo made as to the suitability of tho buildings, Te Aro Licensing Committee have re duced all licenses to 11 o'clock. Two ap plications wero adjourned to enable altera tions to be mado.

CniusTciiCßCii, this day. —At Christ church South Licensing Meeting yesterday one license was refused and several ad journed. The local option voting at South Rakaia proved against an increase of licenses.

THE SEAMEN'S UNION AND THE PACIFIC MAIL COMPANY.

Captain Webber's Statements Contradicted.

The Secretary of tho Auckland Seamen's Union (Mr Ellison) received from Sydney by the Tara wora yesterday a letter from tho Maritime Labour Council of Now South Wales in connec tion with recent disputes between the Unions and the P.M.S.S. Company. In this communi cation tho following following passages occur. Referring to tho recent strike at Sydney, it says:—"Our first stop was to wait upon Capt. \V ebber and inform him of our demands, viz., that he ship a full European crow at Union rates of wages. Our reason for doing so wus that the P.M.b.S. Co. haa for a number of years been drawing a very largo subsidy from the consoli dated revenues o£ New Zealand and Now South Wales, and further, that wo considered wo woro entitled to a share in tho profits of the same in exchange for our labour, etc. This ho declined doing, and the agents totally ignored us, so we had no alternative but to lightitoutto the bitter end. We Immediately withdrew all our men, viz., tho boatswain, seamen, oilers, stewards, wharf labourers, and coal lumpers, and left tho ship alongside the wharf with only the ofllcers and Chinese and with only about 100 tons of ; coal. It took twolvc days to discharge tho ship ' and take 600 tons of coal into tho bunkers, and tho victory was ours, only for the intervention of Providence. The s.s. Glaucus, from New castle for Lyttelton with coal, put into Sydney through stress of weather. A oertain Mr Mit chell. M.L.A., purchased the cargo for the P.M.S.S. Co., and refused a good price which wo offered for it. I see by the Auckland papers that Captain Wobbor has been guilty of several false assertions—ono in that the men behaved like a rabble and that they mobbed and stoned and hissed him. Now that is utterly false. The only occasion when ho was hissed was when hewas escorting the 'black-legs' down the Circular Quay with a mob of police men. There were a lot of mechanics and others outside of our societies who hissed him ; in fact, the Sydney press give him tho lie on that assertion. Why, for his personal safety we provided him with a bodyguard of four of our most reliable men, whose duty it was to see that no one molested and interfered with him; and I can assure you that Capt. W ebber never had such an attontive and vigilant guard in the whole of his previous career. The other incor rect statement is ' that when Union men saw the Zealandia slipping through their fingers thoy wero eager for a compromise and toaccept the terms that tho agents hod offered pre viously.' Capt. Webber has wandered from the truth again." The letter then goes on to refer to an unsuccessful effort for compromise on behalf of the Union; to the holding of a mass meeting, attended by 1,000 men, when it was subsequently decided to allow no compromise. The letter concludes': "I am instructed, on be half of the respective societies, to tender your society, and through you tho Auckland wharf lumbers, the thanks and well-wishes of the Council for tho able and masterly manner and true spirit of unionism with which they con ducted themselves towards us, and showed the people of Australia and New Zealand the bene fits of combination."

Mr Broadfoot, of Onehunga, has placed on view at Messrs Hesketh and Aitken's a branoh of an orange tree bearing sixteen oranges. On the same tree, which is only seven years from the graft, ore many other branches, one comprising twenty-three oranges. The tree is a St. Michael. Mr Broadfoot has used animal manure very freely as a fertiliser in his orchard,

DARING RANK ROBBERY.

TWO OFFICIALS OVERPOWERED AND ROBBED.

The Thieves at Largo,

(BY CABLE—COrYR-GUT.)

Melbourne, this day. A MOST.dariug robbory was committed yes terday "morning about ten o'clock at the Simpson's Koad branch of tho National Bank of Australasia, which had closed the previous afternoon with no money on the promisos. On tho arrival of Mr Humphries (tho manager of tbo branch), accompanied by Mr Bradshaw (his clerk), from the chief establishment, bearing over £1,000, both wore attacked by threo maskod men, two of whom presented revolvers, whilst the third brandished a crowbar. Messrs Humphries and Bradshaw wore overawed by the sud denness of tho attack and the threatening manner of tho robbers.

Both officials were knocked down, and thoir hands securely strapped behind their backs, Tho manager's revolver was then takon from his person, and the robbeis de camped with all the monoy, leaving tho victims lying helpless on the ground, Messrs Humphries and Bradshaw wero sub sequently released by passers-by, and in formation of tho robbory was immediately given to the polico. The numbers of the notes stolen aro not known.

The total amount taken by the robbers was £1,155, of which £955 was in notes, £100 in gold, and the balance in silver. No clue as yet has been discovered to tho identity of the robbers. The numbers of tho notes cannot be .scertained,

LATER PARTICULARS.

An Audacious and Successful Crime.

Melbourne, this day, Further particulars regarding tho Simp son Road Bank robbery show that the affair had been skilfully planned and carried into oxecution. The robbers effected an entrance into tho building through the window, and awaited tho arrival of tho manager and assistant inside the bark. Tho attack was so sudden that resistance was impossible on tho part of tho victims, who wero gaggod, bound hand and foot, and left undor tho tabic, whore thoy wore eventually discovered. The total proceeds of tho robbery amount to £1,175.

NEW FERRY COMPANY

A meetino of tho provisional directors of tho Auckland and North Shore Ferry Com pany (Limited) was hold at the Insurance Buildingß, Auckland, yesterday afternoon, at 3.30 o'clock. Captain Slattery was voted to tho chair, the other directors pre sent boing Messrs Mitchelson, M.H.R., C. G. Quick, G. Scott, D. Ross, H. ABhton, andG. N. Brassey. Tho Chair man explained that it was proposed to form a limited liability company with a capital of ;C20,000, and to immediately build two new boats on the American prin ciple, capablo of accommodating 1,500 each, with tho latest conveniences, and as soon as practicable, to extend the operations of tho Company to Northcote, Birkenhead, and Ponsonby. At present thero was room for a new company with good boats. The Company proposod to call up tho capital in calls of 2s lid each, and scvoral resolutions wero put to the meeting and carriod, vi_., (1) "That the qualification for a director be 100 shares upwards" (2) ''That no shareholder bo permitted to hold more than 1,000 shares in tho Compuny." (3) "That the operations of tlio Company bo e.x'euded to Norlh eoto as soon us practicable." (1) "That Messrs Brassey and Dufaur be the solicitors to tho Company, and that thoy proceed at onco to draw up the rules of the Company." (5) "That tho Brokors' Association bo the brokers to tho Company." (0) "That tho Bank of Now South Wales be bankers to the Com pany." Plans were submitted to the meet ing, and tho gentlemen present were un ammnunly of opinion that the style of boat proposed by tho now Company would be largely patronised, nnd that the Company would be profitable. Tho mooting stood adjournod for a week, and a voto of thanks loi niinatcd tho mooting.

MINING NEWS.

(UV TELEI'BAI'II.—OWN COUItESI-ONDENT.)

Thames, this day, Caledonian Low Level.—ln compliance with instructions recoived from the directors the manage, is cloaning up tho drives at tho tilO feet level, preparatory to resuming prospecting operations.

Cam dim a.—Twenty pounds of picked stono wero bagged this morning in tbe eastern drive at tho bottom of the lovel. This fact is considered specially important, as assuring the descent of the rich run gold worked at the intermediate lovol.

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

Grammar School Corps,

Tiik Drill-shed was occupied between sovon and eight o'clock last ovening by the recently-fonnod Grammar School Corps. There was a very good muster, and the men wore put through the manual exercises' by their drill instructors. Tho corps is clothed in tbo Khaki uniform. Ponsonby Naval Artillery. This corps has arranged to have a church parade at All Saint.' on Sunday week. Tho men are now being supplied with their uniforms as rapidly os possible by Mr Allen, the clothing contractor. Onehunga Rifles, This corps met for drill in tho railway goods shod on Tuesday evoning, under Captain Lundon. Tbore was a muster of 50 mon. Mr Gilliband, who will probably be appointed permanent drill instructor, put the men through their movements. Tonders aro now out for clothing the corps. Queen's Corps. This Company met for drill in tho Lome street Hall. There was 8 muster of only 47 men, probably accounted for by the fact that tho corps havo not yot secured a per manent drill hall, and that uncertainty invariably prevails respecting tho location of the building in winch tho drill is to take placo. Lieut. Selfe exercised the men, who acquitted themselves very creditably. Tho contract for the supply of uniforms has been let toMr White, Victoria-street, tho con tract prico being £4 per man. Kotwith withstanding the former decision to clothe in Ecarlot, the corps havo now resolved that the uniform shall be grey, with helmet aud leggins of the same colour. City Guards. This Company had a fine -mister of up wards of SO men last evening, under com mand of Captain Isaacs. The men were put through the manual exercises by Sor geant • Major Haslam, and were subse quently put through marching and wheeling exercises. At the conclusion of the drill, Sergeant-Major Haslam addressed the men, and thanked them for tho patience and attention which they had always given him. He said the City Guards was now second to no company in Auckland, and if they would continue to be regular in their drills and attentive to his instructions, he would undertake to make them the best company in the district. Captain Isaacs stated that tho order for scarlet cloth for the uniforms of tho recruits had already reached England, and the material with the buttons would be forwarded by first steamer, and might be expected very shortly. All the recruits, it may be stated, have been supplied with their serge uniforms and Glengarry caps. It was subsequently decided that the pattonage of tho corps should bo given to the first of tho series of St. Matthew's winter concerts, to bo held a fortnight hence. Nowton Rifles. The Newton Rifle Volunteer Corps paraded last evening in Mr Hazell's riding'sobool. Present: Captain Birnie, Lieut. Robertson, and 48 of ..the Company. The building proved very suitable for "drill purposes, the soft floor being a great improvement on asphalt or wood. Captain Birnie gave the corps an hour-and-a-half of thorough in struction in company movements, after which he announced that the clothing con tractors expected to have tho uniforms leady during the ensuing week. Mr R. Stevenson, J.P., was in attendance, and .wore in several members,

FKEE PUBLIC LIBRABY ART GALLERY.

LAYING OF FOUNDATION STONE.*

TiiEco-omdny associated with the forma laying of tho foundation stone of the pro jected Froo Public Library and Art Gallery at the corner of Wellesloy-street East and Coburg-slroet is proceeding with the utmost eclat as wo go to press. All the con djtions cssontial to a gratifying rei)ult appear to be present. The weather' is mild and balmy, the concouree of ensr.. tors is largo, and in the bright siiMin. tho fluttering of gay bunting combines with | theeleganttoilottesoftholadieß,theuniform_' of tho Volunteers, and the sober garb of tho civilians, to render the scene pictSreeaue and diversified scene. At the northXt corner of the excavated site—close to th Park railings-tho focus of attraction fa situated, for it is there the corner stone r now laid, " During the morning men were encased undor tho supervision of cho clerk of work in getting things into readiness for _h« formal proceedings of the afternoon Two platforms, with tio.s of seats upon them had been erected parallel to WelleiW street at the northern and southern side. of the place reserved for the ceremony ___?■ long before noon they were gaily baS_.nis with flags and pennants. The northern one was reserved for the speakers and civio functionaries, and tho southern one w__ consecrated te the use of the ladies' Access to both was obtained from Cobure! street. ?'

Shortly after two o'clock the Garrison Band, under Bandmaster Morris, assem bled upon the ground and began to enteri tain the neighbouring residents and the gathering crowd of sight seers with choice selections of instrumental music, In the meantime Volunteers were musterini. a t the Drill-shod, and as three o'clock an. proached, the Guard of Honour made it. .ppo.rance in charge of Lieut. Colonel Lyon, Major Shepherd, and Captain. 1-aacs and Leßoy.

The ladies assembled in largo number*, and from the city a convergent impulse ta wards Wellesloy-atreot began to manifest itself everywhere, so that the crowd very rapidly increased. About 100 of the child, ren of tho Wellesley-street East Public School wero also present under the charge of Mr Henry Worthington (head-master) and several subordinate teachers, - ■ , At 3 o'ciock His Worsbip the Mnyoriapl pearcd upon the p'atform, accompanied by Sir George Grey, Sir G. M. O'fiorke Sir F. Whitaker, the City Councillors! . the supervising architect (Mr H G.WadeV ' tho Town Clerk (Mr P. A. Philips'), and all "' theothercivicf anctionaries.exeeptingM.W,' | Anderson (city engineer), who is confined''!^ to his home through illness. There were also present the members and.officials of ' most of tho local bodies, and a> ; large ... sprinkling of members of the learned pro- „ fossions. '/■'. ';■';■;-' .■'.!•/'> j"<U!i

As these gentlemen took their station. upon the platform, the school children sang tho National Anthem.

His Wokship the Mayok then said;- '" Ladies and gentlemen,—As Sir Georde- Sir Frederick Whitaker, and Sir ti. 'il! ' O'Rorke are hero to address you, I will con- : fine my remarks to the action tavken'h^Ke"' Council in tho establishing of the'_R_l land Freo Public Library. In the month of .June, 1879, a poll of ratepayer. " was taken as to the desirability of bringing tho Libraries Acfcirato opera- I tion in Auckland. The poll f.suited'in "; favour of so doing, the numbers fo? being, 728, and against 19„ Those numbers may ' appear small, but this was before tbe en-1 I laigement of tho city., The Mechanics' II Institute and Library was transferred to the il Council, and application was made that tie library of the late Provincial.Council should bo transferred to' the' Anpklabd Free Public Library. Thanks to Sir 0. M. o'R6rke,' the books were 'handed' over, and the* Library 'was -opened by Mayor Peacock on September'"yißSio. It soon became apparent that the old build ing of tho .Mechanics' Institute iwiot SB suitable one for the safe keeping of' so valuable a collection of bcoks/' Th? = ! Council, after considerable \ .ipmai-y, ; decided on tho present site, 'and^3/i;JJ potitivo designs were called for —in-— July, 1883, returnable in December of But year. That of Messrs Grainger andD'Kbfo .'■ j was awarded first prize by a joint com mittee of artists, architects, ana (Council-1 lors. Considerable delay occurred; before -;. the Council were prepared 110 call for tonders. At length they were invited far ' January of the present year, and'aijarge. number having been received, tbat of * Messrs Malcolm and Price, for the Bum of £21,851, was accepted in Marcl. last. His Worship went on to refer in highly vl laudatory terms to Sir George Grey a % munificent bequest of literairy treasure.,; Mr Mackolvie's donations of pictures;' and books, and Mr J. M. Clnr'l-'s handsome donation of books. Ho also made reference ' - to the valuable services rendered by Me-.rs Mahoney and Bartley in tbe selection of tie- . prize design for the edifce. •■'.'■ His Worship then placed an her_tieti cally scaled leaden vessel containfng tho usual parchment scroll, copies of tho daily nowspapers and coins of the realm, within a prepared aperture between two heavy blocks of bluestone, which were then fastened together with iron clams.;: The: scroll had been handsomely engrossed by Mr Gulliver, the well-known draught-ma.; and the contents wero read out by theToW . Clerk as follow:— , "■'.-".:<•'" " This foundation stone of tbe Free Publio -i Library and Art Gallery of thO-jtyof Auckland was laid on the 4th day of Juie," , ISSS, by William Richard WaddCEsq., Mayor of Auckland, being the 48th veto of ' tho reign of Her Most Graciou? Maje«tj* , Queen V.ctoria, Sir William FranCisDnini-. mond Jervois, C.8., G.C.M.C., Governor ot ; New Zealand. Councillors:— Bait __W[ Win. Crowther, Graves Aiokii-i: Allreo Kidd. North Ward: Moses Montague,•; Peter Dignan, William G. Cowfollyi South Ward : Thos. T. Masefield, David Goldie,"' JohnWaymouth. Ponsonby Ward: Albert « E. T. Devote, J. H. Upton, ESwud ; Cooper. Karangahape Ward:" ;Hi' T, Garratt, John Herbert Burns, E; ■_». Morrison. Grafton Ward: B. A. Mac kechnie, Chas. La Koche, John L. Hollan-; P. A. Phiilips, J. P., Town Clerk; Win, Anderson, city engineer; Messrs Giwger and D'Ebro, of Melbourne,' arcMM; Henry G. Wade, supernsinganMeotJ'J-. J. Matthews, clerk of works; Jm|W and Wm. Price, contractors, .-CPWB/ amount, £21,851. Signed (Connod seal)vi.. R. Waddel, Mayor; V. , A. .-HOWS. « Town Clerk; Henry G. Wadb,* superviang architect." I'-ajr, B ", j A silver trowel beautifully cbneed sua suitably engraved was presented '__W Woiship the Mayor by the.contrectoß (Messrs Malcolm and Price), while Mr ;fl. G. Wade, on behalf of Messrs Grainger ana D'Ebro, the architects, presented mm wj a mallet, most ingeniously, -onstructeaj'• New Zealand woods by Mr Seufiert, «* carver and cabinet-maker. The .top on' is of tuapau, tho body °f'pu»"-X the handlo of wharangapiro^and: m .. whole is richly carved and polie-ed, mm a silvor plate affix-d at one» side bear- »» oppropriato inscription. With "SE* plements Mr WadJel in true w^Sffi!, manner performed the formal act «i»JW. tho-tone, and declared it tobe-Well*^ truly laid. bt.fienm The Mayor then called upon Sir WW Grey to deliver bis promised speech. Sir Georgo Grey, who was/a*"*1, -n _ cheers, gave an eloquent address, ana followe_ in turn by Sir F. Wb^««g Sir G. M. O'Rorke, who also spoke Wi great effect, „. ro-mhin In honour of the occasion, H» » tho Mayor gives a banquet at wnnwg and some 50 invitations nave Jeffl""* All the former Mayors of AucfctojJ* present resident in the colony areexpe™ to be present, viz., Messrs P. J^_Z£! F. L, Prime, W. J. Hurst, H. Brett, Tat* Peacock, and J. M. Clark. ..

SPORTING NEWS

A B.C. Steepleohose Meeting- _ The Auckland Racing Club Bttfplw Meeting on Saturday promises to be* g. success. During the day the *££ Revenge for tho Steeplechase and rv tho Hurdles-were backed to** w . 100's to 6 and S. Vpta J»»?HU» ceedingly well, and is J*S2U* as a good thing for the big »?, (be while Alfred his a totrfVg&gjgi Hurdles. Diomedes was amonf, « .^ on the course this morning, -o-1"^- Ngata, Macaroni, and Alfred all .*■ « . work,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING SIAli THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1885.



qPECUL NOTICE, I have received my Third Shipment ot AUTUMN AND WINTER GOODS, JUST ori-NED, PER TWB COPTIC, Xo which I invite tho inspection of my Patrons and the Publio generally. B, L, POSSENNISKIE, ■R CHANT TAILOR & HABIT MAKKR i Bhobiiah-i-sibeei, ' <



T>ONSONBY NAVAL ARTILLERY. s , " * Owing to the extensive^ seaboard ot New ' Zealand, our Naval Dofcncos must ever occupy-. , place ot tho flrst importance. Tho publio, for ( whose safety Volunteer Componicshave sprung ( intoexistence.oughttodo ovorythlng in their power to encourage Naval Corps. Tho PONSONBY NAVAL ARTILLERY numbers among its mombO-8 some o£ tho finost amateur yachtsmen in tho colony, whilo evory , man is more or loss export at handling a boat As thoso mon glvo thoir sorvicos freely for tho dot onco Of Auckland, it would bo a graceful and genorous act on tho part of tho publio to provide thorn with a suitable vessel for murine mano-uvres in time of peace, aud which would be of groat sorvico lv war timo. Subscriptions towards this laudable objoct will bo received by MR J. 11, WITUEFORD, Bhort-and-.troot. T FT W! TuBF °R D RECEIVES ADVERTISEMENTS FOR ANY NEWSPAPER IN THE WORLD. j ' ■' THIS DAY, i THE NEW PREMISES WILL BE ; OPENED - With the Bulk of the Present Stock, together with a . . LARGE SHIPMENT, JUST TO HAND, EX ARAWA. OF ALL THE LATEST NOVELTIES ' FROM THE LONDON MARKET. . MILNE AND CHOYCE. r t t 3 t - 1 8 I 1 - 1 . S I a r B r i. a s a ? FOR EYE, EAR, AND THROAT DISEASES. 1 DR. SCHWARZBAOH, M.D., having recently • returned from Europe, may be consulted at Mrs j Spiers'., Albert Park, Auokland, dally from 10 1 to 1. Dr. 8. limits his practice exclusively to r the treatment ot Diseases ol the Eye, Ear, and Throat. Former patients are Invited to call.



FIBJ- AT IiOENJS-STBEfR-"; [S^__h Furniture rescued f."-U %■%_;■»?■»__ togother with our cxtentivo! '^itifw are now offered to tho P^___^«"£„ Prices at our temporary PjS^-gfrwn <»W ' street East. Discount onXarw» _w" , . intheC-GorlickandCranwell. Chambers's celobrated sewing wpj 20, Queen-Btreet. -"■* '