SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

HIGH WATER.

Auckland - This aftornoon, 2.58; to-morrow morning, 3.32. Heads—This evening, 5.38; to morrow morning. 6.12. Kaipara HFAna—This evening, G. 38 j to-mor iow morning, 7.12.

BUVSKT.-Thls evoning, 5.15. BUNKl.SK.—Tomorrowmorning, 8.39. MOON'S AGE.—Full Moon,29th, 5.52 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENINH. Kenllworth, schooner, Cartshcon, from Timarn Waitaki, 5.8., Crawford, from Whangorei

TODAY. lona, 8.8.. Aniodco, from Mercury Buy Glcnoig, c.8.. Johnson, from Whangnrci Wellington, s.b., Stephonaon, from Russoll

DEPARTURE.

LAST EVENING. Hinsraoa, Govt s.b., Falrchild, for Russell Clauitnan, s.s., Farnuhßr, for Taursnga Northumberland, ship. Todd, for Napier

IMPORTS.

, ■ p °r Notoro: 25 sacks onions, 500 sacks pota toes, 000 sacks bran, l") 0 sacks rycerrass, 50 sacits cocksfoot, 1,100 sacks wheat, 2.5G0 sacks oats, 50 saoks beans, 20 tons flour.

,-F crKnnilworth: Slofl»cks bran, 675 sacks oats, 100 saoks sharps, 400 sacks flour.

Per Stanley, from Now York—l package From Lrttelton—2,6ll surks onts. SOT sanks dour. 12.5 sacks bran. 50 ancka barloy. 101 saoks wheat, 21 sacks rye, 75 sacks cocksfoot.

EXPORTS.

P.T Myrtle: 2ti.lOort. timber. 160 ba?a rice. «> cases preaorved meats, 7.5 kesta and 13 barrels beef, 116 orates biscuits, 7>) pkgs. grocorios, SKI pk(?». oilmen's stores, 50 pkps. drapory, 4 baRS BUKir. 23 casos tobacco, 15 pkgs. tea, 50 pkgs. sundries.

Per Ada C. Owon : 1.390 ft. timber, 120 Wrs ; llonr, a 0 pkga. biscuits, 2 boats, 2.5 oases Geneva. Si pkgs. drapery, 20 knpa bcof, 10 cases cottons, 13 cases beer and sundries. I Por Lilian: 30? pieces timber, 30 koga beef, 100 empty koRS, 37 pkj?3. sundries. Tswards COASTWISB.-Pukapukn; fr.im Groat "wrier, with 19 logs; Mana, from Tairua, with 13,000 ft. timber, 8 tons Rum.

Outwards Coastwisk. — Pukapuka, Sor Urcat Barrior; Ruby, for WhanKarei.

Tho barque Phillipine. for this port, and the oirnuo Boso M., for Kalpara, sailed from Port uhalmers ycs!eraay.

The ship Loch lifcche is putting out her cargo ia good order.

The as. lona arrived fro;™ Mercnrv Bay this rribrning. She will leaVo for Ohewai this even ing, and tho trip to tho Ureat Barrior will bo made by tho 3,5. Glenolg, whichlcsves at Ba.m. to-morrow.

The s.s. Wellington arrived from' Rassell, whangaroa, and Mongomii this morning.- Pas eengors: Mr Wilson, Rev. Haselden, Messrs Wills 8011, Well, Hunter, Hart. Barrar, Clarke, H"*iis, Ludbrood, Reatby, and! in tho steerage-.

Tho ship Northnrubbrland left for Napier last ovening, in1 tow of tho s.s. Clansman, which wui keen hor company aa far as Cuvler Island, i no snip goos from' I.'e.roin ballast to load frozen mutton at Napier for London.-

The following vossels fcßvo cleared at the Customs: — Glenlora, barq'to; Safgeartt, for I^ndon; Ada C. Owen, brigantin*. Dickson. for Rarotonga; Lillian, schooner, Pilte fei- Raro onga.

The topsail sohooncr which passed Tiritiri yesterday afternoon proved to bo the Kenil worth, 10 days out from Timaru, which came'tip harbour during last eveninc.

Tho 8.8. Glenelg arrived from Whangaroi early this morning. Passengers : Captain Mao ftfegor and threo others.

The barque Notero la making a reputation for rapid passages. Her last trip from this port to Lyttolton was made in five days, and tho return trip, which was concluded by her arrival hore laßt evoning, was done in an equally short space of time.

Tho brigantlno Stanloy came up the harbour lato last evening. She brings part original cargo from New York, and also cargo shipped at Lyttelton, aa per import list.

The s.s. Waitaki arrived from Whangarci late last night with the following passengers:—Miss Alison, Mrs Alison, Mrs Fuller, Miss Uprichard, Miss Johnson, Messrs Cossa, S. Bousby, Pino, Marshall, Smith, Gougban. Bolton, McDonald, Master Pine.

THE GLENLORA.

■'f&e barqtaß Glenlora hauled off from the wharf this aftornoon. and will probably sail for London t,o-morrow morning. Tho cargo is valued he follows :■- '

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

LtTTKLTON, yesterday.—Sailed: ManapourU for the North. PasEOngers for Auckland: Mes3rs Cook, Studholino (3), Shoppard. Aek, and Hea'h. Mesdaines Mills and Barrett. Melbourne, this day.—Arrived, this morn ?dk : y.e. Kotomahana, from the Blutr.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Stab Offloe, this day. SfR AirntD Bdckiaxd's Rei'obt-—At the Haymarket on Friday, April 17, fodder ranged from 3s to Is 9d ; chaff. Ss 3d to 4s per cwt. The paddocks at Kllerolic, leased for 7J years, ranged from £2 to £2 17s 6d per acre, yearly rental. Horso stock were yarded in f nil num bers. For nondescript animals, prices are low, bnt good stook of all olasses maintained fair values at the auciion, prices TangiDg from Ms to £15. On Tuesday, April 21, best hides brought -from 3Jd to IJd; calfskins. 3Jd to 3}d per lb: tallow, 22s to 25s 9d per cwt; pelts, lOd to 2s each; wool, agd to s}d pot lb. At Remuora, on Thursday, dairy cows at their profit were in brisk inquiry; store cattle at late values; fat cattle in full number, but many of those from Waikato were falling off in condition, and consequently dull of sale. Prices were low, and ranged from 15s to 20a the lOOlba. A good draft of cattle, would average 38a tile lOOlos. Sheep were in short supply and advanced in prioe about Is each. Well-ratted lambs brought from 8s Gd to 12s 6d each, but in ferior lambs wore unsaleable. Pigs were in usnal number, and without alteration in price. Mesbrb Hcntbr and Nolan's Weekly Report.—Horses: A good many have been brought forward, but there was little desire to purohase evinced by the publio except for horses of a really good stamp, which sold well as com pared with the previous week. The Durham yards were well filled on Friday. At the com mencement of the sale bidding was brisk, but afterwards became languid, but most of the lots wore cleared st the previous week's quotations. Cattle: There haß been a large muster of beef cattle, and a good many dairy cows, but under an average of stores. Prices for fat boasts receded slightly, particularly for those not sufficiently up. Dairy and stores unaltered. There wag over an average supply at Newmar ket on Tuesday, the exception being stores; dairy, oows were competed for, more particu larly good ones; stores, at tho previous week's values. Prices for fat beasts receded; for in differently fatted, 20s; and for top sorts, 10s per koad. Sheep were in average supply, competi tion was good throughout the sale, and pricea eventuated to the satisfaction of vendors at the previous week's values. Pigs were in adequate numbers, and met corresponding demand. Bacon pigs were cheap, but young Borkshirea sold fabulously high.

Messrs G. W. Blnney report that at their weekly sale of hides, skins, and tallow tho demand for heavy hides still continues, and quote first-class heavies, -ijd to 4Jd per lb: medium, 3}d to i }d per lb; calfskins, 2d to 3jil {ier lb; sheepskins, 2s to 4s 9d eaoh; pelts, Id to s lid each; tallow, 21s to 25s 6d per owt.

Mr J. R. Randerson reports that at sale of Mount Eden property yesterday, the lots sold as under: Lots 1 and 2, Mr Hanson, 28s; 4,5, and 6, Mr Dawson, 28s; 7. Mr Dawson, 295; 8, Mr Turner, 29a 6d; 0 and 10, Mr Hanson, 29s 6d. Tho honeo in Victoria Avenue, and allotment in Clark-street, were withdrawn, not realising the reserves.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will Olosh ah unubu— Tins DAT.

For Whangarol Honds, Porua, Walpu, Whan garol. Kamo, and Mangapal, per Macgrogor or Waitaki, ut G p.m. For Thaiuos, por Kntorprlsp, at 5.30 p.m. Saturday. 25th inst. For Tryphona, Port Fitzroy, nnd Opuku per GlenolK. at 7 a.m. For Kati Kati, Aonptntcto Tauranga, &0., por ltocomahnna. ut 9 n.m. For Thnmue, por ltotomahona, at O.SO a.m. For Walwora, To Kapa, and Warkworth, per Rosu Casey, at 11 a.m. ■ For Suv», per Gloncalrn. at 11 a.m. For Walwora, por Clansman, at 1 p.m. Monday, 27th lnst. For Coromandfil. per Coromandol, at 11.30 a.m. For Waitara and Southoru ports, per Qairloch, at 1 p.m. For Russoll and Kawakawa, per Manapoun, at 4 p.m. For Tauranga, Rotorua, ana Opotiki, por Wellington, ut 5 p.m. For VVhitlaut?i, Upper Mill, and Talrua, per GU nclK, at 5 p.m. Tuesday, 28th lnst. Per b.b. Zoalandia as follows !— For Navigator Islands. Sandwioh Islands. Unltod atatoa of America, Canada, British nolnmbla, Control and South America, and British and Foroicn West IndleH, at 1 p.m For United Klcffiiora and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. Money orders, registered lottors and news papers, at 11.30 iuiu. Late letters, bearing an extra foe of six penoo In addition to tha postago, will bo rooeived by the Mall Agent on board the ■toaiaer np to tho time of soiling. TWb mall win bo duo in London on Satur day, Juno 5,1880

Note.—A RcooivinKßox has boon established nt Messrs Porter's Storo, Richmond Road, nnd ■wJli bo cleared daily at 11.30 a.m. a. B. BISS, Chief Postmastoi Ohlnt Poat-OfflO" AnnlcUnfl.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

April 21,1884. Opera Houso- " Kast Lynne," 8 p.m. Ilccliimation—Woodyear's Circus, 8 p.m. Choral Hall-Society of Arts Exhibition, 7 to lOp.ni.

New Eden Hall—Looturo by Mr Aldridgc, "Tho Spirits in Prison," 7.30 p.m.

.Foresters' Hall—Grand Concert in aid of now Tftpiphanv Church, by St. Sopulchro's Glee Club, Sp.m.

Avondalo Cricket Ball—S p.m. Onolutnjra Ladies' Benevolont Soolety-S p.m. Waito's Mount Kden Ilull-Profosaor Hubo. 'Physiognomy," 8 p.m. Masonio Hall—Zealandla. Arch Chaptor, 7.30 p.m.

Thoatro Royal—Qospol Tomporanco Mission, 7.30 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

Inquires.—Tho correct spoiling is DoLautour. Wak Cloud.—Tho battle of Waterloo was com raenced and finished in onoday. There was lighting on the two previous days between the allies and the French, but not at Watarlou. If our memory corves us right, the heaviost gun yet made weighed 110 tons, and is ell'i'C tivo tip to 9 or 10 miles. Inqoirkr.—(l) Tho dratnatlo vorsion oC " Rip Vnn Winkle" was last played in Auckland on Wednesday, September 17. 18.+1. by YVlllinot 's Dramitic Company, Mr Wilkinson taking tho pirt of Riu. (it Tho outbroak of lire in Slessrs Vailo and Co.'s drapery warehouse occuned on Tuesday night, \ugust2B,lßßl. Buitish Subject.—Surely you have not livod 51 years without Boeing tho Union Jack, tho national banner ot the United Kingdom. Tho flag 1b formed out of the crosses of St. Georgo, St. Andrew, and St. Patrick, typifying tho union of tbo three kingdoms in one State.

Births.

MEARS.- On April 10, at her residence, Kden holme. View Road, tho wifo of W. K. Mean of a daughter.

Marriages.

FRKACY-SHIELDS.-On April 11, nt St. Benodiot's, NflWton, by the Roy. Fathor O'Uara, James, third Bonof Mr Patrick Frcacy. of Limerick, to Mary Bolla, oldest daughtor of Mr John Shioldß, Gaol Road.—Limerick and VVellii.gton papers ploaao copy.

Deaths.

MASON. — Thomas Bruce Jlason, died 23rd April, ISBS ; aged 57 years.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 1885.

For the cause that lack.! assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance! For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

The contradictory war rumours which reach us every day by cable are a reflex of the reports which obtain cur rency in London, many of them doubt .'less circulated wilfully for Stock Ex change purposes. We have had a small experience here, where there was nothing to gain, of the power of the popular imagination, when intensely ex cited, to manufacture canards. A war like telegram, passed from mouth to mouth, with comment, soon produces a declaration of war; and, the essential fact being fixed, it rapidly becomes em bellished with minor details, more or less ingenious and plausible. Twice during the last ton days most positive statements havo been circulated, and have received general credence for a time, to the effect that war had actually been declared. On the first occasion the Premier wus pointed out as the recipient of the in formation, and yesterday the Collector of Customs. Stories of that kind, lelating to an announcement which people are momentarily expecting, rapidly gain currency. They illustrate the processes which produce false and misleading cable news, and prove the need for caution in accepting state ments that are not authenticated by someone who is in a position to speak with authority. The course of the negotiations between England and Russia can only be known very imper fectly even in England, where the Go vernment are necessarily exceedingly reticent while delicate communications are passing. Here, we can know still less of the exact nature and bearing of each development of the embroglio. Mr G. A. Sala, in Melbourne the other day, declined to express an opinion upon the chances of peace or war, because he was removed from imme diate association with the circles in which a sound judgment might be formulated; it is more preposterous for people here to criticise and condemn the conduct of the Gladstone Cabinet in a negotiation with respect to the very elements of which we have only the most meagre information. We can be sure of this, that the party in power in England are men of too advanced and enlightened opinions to regard war as other than a dire calamity to any country and to the human race—en tailing a waste of a nation's resources, a permanent drain upon its industrial energies, heavier taxation and diminished comforts for the masses of the population, and a frightful waste of human life. The Cabinet are not, however, a " peace-at-any-price " party; Egyptian experience rather shows that they are moved too easily by the popular clamour for war. Neverthe less, they give the Empire the best assurance we can get that if war should eventuate, as present appearances threaten, it will be a war of de fence and of national honour, and not of aggression—a war which will unite the Empire in a closer bond of brother hood, and in the prosecution of which we, in these colonies, should be willing to make very great sacrifices. The trumpery affair in the Soudan made no such claim upon the Empire. It was mistaken in inception and con temptible in proportions. The war now looming in the near future is a very different affair, and should com mand not only our sympathy, but, if

need be, our men and our money. In a paper contributed to the " Nine teenth Century " for October by Mr W. E. Forster, who has placed himself 'at the head of the movement for Imperial Federation, the writer, after considering the bearing of the recent oilers of mili tary help from the colonies, concludes with the following passage, which will, we believe, evoke a universal response in the hearts of the inhabitants of these colonies; —

I am not now proving for a formal schotnc of consultation with tho self-govorning colonies on foreign policy. It may bo, it probably will bo, beat that, as in defence, so in foreign affairs, deeds should precede words ; but no Cabinet will in futuro allow that either Foreign Offico ctiquotto or Colonial Offico traditions shall mako it possiblo for tho Imporial Govornmont to plodgo itself to any foreign Power upon any mattor soriously affecting any solf-govorn ing colony without previous consultation with tho representatives of such colony. May wo not then hopo that this year of 1885, which has opened so sorrow fully and so anxiously, may bo tho boginning of a now and glorious chnptor in tho records of our country, and may mark tho ora at which hintoiy will havo declared tho true meaning of tho British Empire

Seamen's Dispute at Sydney

A cafsli: messago from Sydney yestorday stated that in consequence of tho disputo between tho captain of tho Zoalandia and the Seaman's Union, tho sailing of tho mail steamer had boon dolayed till Saturday. Tho strike, so far as wo can mako out, is puroly and simply ono against tho employment of Chineso on board tho Pacific mail steamer, and thorcfore tho same tactics will doubtless bo omployed with regard to all tho othor vessels of tho lino as thoy arrivo at Sydney. The Sua mon's Union would seem to havo managod tho strike moat successfully, tho whole of tho hands on tho yhip, with tho exception of tho officers, tho hoad steward and tho Chinese, having struck in a body, whilo tho lumpors had been persuaded to join in tho struggle, and hud rofusod to coal tho steamer. It is claimed on bohalf of tho ship that out of tho total crow of 103 men only 31, or about one-thud, uro Chinese, who aro paid high wages, the rates boing— Chineso tirotnen, .til 4^ por month ; Chine™ servants, £t 10a por month. On passenger lines to tho colonies, carrying only European crews, Captain Webber says that London ratos for lireraon ore £4 10s, and for servants i' 3, while tho wages paid to men shipped at Sydney for theso lines aro at tho same rate. In those circumstancos, Cap tain Wobbor complains that ho has beon badly treatod by tho Soamon's Union, Tho war against tho Mongolian, is howevor, being prosocuted with vigour, and our out ward mails are delayed in consequonco, a nhaso of tho affair which will not bo ro lished by tho mercantile community.

Effect of War on New Zealand.

It may damp the ardour of thoso lire-eaters who thiiot for goro to bo mudo uc quaintod with a clause which tho Govern ment have insorted in tho conditions of contract for tho construction of tho North Island Trunk Railway. Tho clauso in question provides that, in tho event of war broakingout between England and Russia, tho contract may bo instantly terminated. Naturally enough, tho con tractordoclined to accept any such condition. Bofiidos tho cost of his working plant, ho will, immediately upon acceptance of tho contract, havo to sond to Australia for about £i,OOO worth of hardwood, and tho suddon termination of his contract would moan absolute ruin. Thocontract, therefore, has remained for somo days unsigned, and thoro is a chanco of tho work, which was inaugurated with such a flourish of trumpets, ending pretty well whoro it began, with the sods dug up by Wahanui and wheelod to their resting-place by tho Promior. llowovor, wo boliovo v compromise is likely, tho condi tion being insorted with an addendum providing that tho contractor shall bo com pensated for any loss ho may incur. Tho mat tor is significant, as showing that tho Govern ment foresee tho probability of tho colony being unablo to get r.ny more monoy, ox copt at a tromoudous sacrilioo, if largo issues of consols are to bo mado for Imperial war expenditure. In that caso, a stoppage of public works and great reductions in tho Government departments must follow. Wo do not boliovo, however, that tho English monoy markot would bo completoly closed against Now Zealand, although t he fail that has alieady taken placo in the value of our securities warns us that wo shall havo to pay a much highor price for monoy than before, and tho Government ovidontly harbour foars that they will not got so much as they doslro or need. In tho ovont of any shortcoming, tho North is, wo fully anticipate from tho constitution of tho Cabinet, the part of tho colony in which savings will first bo mado. A hopeful sign to set against these forobodiugs may bo found in tho fact that rates for monoy have us yet romainod unchanged in tho colony, notwithstanding tho gloomy outlook abroad,

Unrelieved suspoimo still reigns rogarding tho probablo outcomo of tho Anglo-Kussian dilliculty, but judging by tho effect on stocks of recont dovolopmonte, war is con sidered imminent. Tl o roport that tho Foreign Ollioe Im-i rocoivod an absolute rebuff from iho Russian Gov ernment is evidently uurcliablo, as it remains unconlirmed, and is partly con tradicted by a later tologram. Wlion to this is added tho consideration that tho Australasian AgontsGonoral have not com municated with thoir Governments inti mating such a significant occurrence, it may be aafoly inferred that tho alarming roport referred to was only ono of thoso canards which originate so easily in times of popular oxcitomont, and find ready credonco. Though theso aro generally without foundation thoy occasionally foreshadow corning Ovontu, and tho further statouient that M. de 'Ciers, Russian Minister for Foreign Affairß, is oxpocted to resign points to a rupturo among tho Czar's ad visors on tho subject of tho present negotiations with Her Majesty a Go vernment, Tho nows of tho next day or two will bo awaited with very keen interest, for it is almost certain to give a solution to the all-engrossing ques tion of tho hour—"Will there bo war?"

Our weekly market price list will appear to-morrow. Butter has advanced, and is now worth lOd per lb. wholesale and Is per Ib. retail, but eggs remain at previous quo tation, Tho gum market is unchanged, the month's receipts so far being about 300 tons.

An exciting fracas happened at the Clarendon Hotol at a very oarly hour yoetor day morning between the night watchman and a suburban policeman. The constable desired admittance, but as bo failed for some time to satisfy tho custodian respecting his bona. fides, the door was not opened as soon as was dosirod. When it was opened, warm words passed on botli sides, and blows were struck. Mr Bennett, tho proprietor, was compelled to leave his bed in order to quell tho riot. Further developments of tho trouble may be expected.

Two very important works received the authority of tho City Council last night after each had run the gauntlet of animated discussion. One was the improvements which the Tramway Company proposo to make to their tram lino by increasing tho number of sidings and enlarging the loops ; the other was the work of cutting down lower Hobson-street. This large public; undertaking, it is estimated, will involve an expenditure of £15,477, and will oxtond over three years. Towards its cost tho North Ward has £7,500 in hand, and tho wbolo city will reap the benefit of tho ex penditure.

At the conclusion of Mr Capper's address on "Local Option" last evening, 33 persons took the pledge. An abstract of the speech, which was a practical and logical one, appears on our fourth pago. The collec tions which have been taken up so far, have not nearly equalled the exponsos.

A meeting of secretaries of junior clubs was held in the Club-room, United Service Hotel, to draw up the programme for the season, and other matters relating to junior football. Preßeut: —Messrs Beale (Auckland), in the chair, Smart (Albert), White (Arawa), Stevens (AthleticVLusk (Gordon), Orchard (Grafton), Donald (Home Bay), Leahy (Manukau), Bell (Newton), Diddams (Ponsonby Juniors), Farquhar (Victoria), and Stevenson (Waitemata). The programme for the season was drawn up, and when approved of by tho Associa tion, will be printed for the convenience of the different clubs. All the clubs present decided on joining the Association.

Tho mail steamer City of Sydnoy left San Francisco with the March English mails on April 12th, one day lato. The Australia arrived at San Francisco with tho March colonial mails on April 20th, ono day boforo timo-tablo dato.

Nominations wnro received by Mr T. W. Seaman at the Birkenhead Post-offico on Thursday, 23rd inst., to till vacancies in tho Bo'ird f'nr that district -Messrs W. T. Bigot, H, J. Blyth, B. T. Hawkins, Joshua Jackson, William Stevenson, David Swan dail, E. J. Whito and Alexander Wilson boing proposed, and as only fivo are requirod, a poll will bo taken at tho Post offico, Birkonhead, on Saturday, May 2nd, ISSS, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A mooting of tho creditors of Isaac Bailey, contractor, was held at noon yestor day.and it was rosolvcd thoroat, " That any offer of not loss than £7« 0 not for tho house and allotments under mortgago— which, with interest addod, amounts to £550 sa—be acceptod, and that in tho event of a piilo being offected on those torma, tho dobtor bo allowed to retain his furniture, provided also that this will yiold to tho creditors l"s 3d in tho £."

Mr Ooorgo Skidmoro. who wns interpreter to Tawhiao's party during their mission to England, writes in roply to the complaints of Mrs Saint'bury, kcopor of tho boarding hnußo whoro tho chiefs stayed in London. Ho says :—" Wo paid Mrs Saintsbury ovory week for tho twelve weoka that wo stopped at her place, and whatever demands she mado wo paid. Out of fairness to myself and natives will you plcaso put this matter proporly boforo tho public, as it is not right wo should submit to falsehood."

A number of frionds ot Mr Smith, plain till' in tho rocent action againet tho House Surgeon of tho Hospital, nro raising a sub scription oithor to send him to frionds in England, or set him up i» BOino small business. As ho is permanently cripplod, his prospects aro not very cheering, and any aid towards sotting him up will no doubt be gratofully received. A subscrip tion list has boon loft at this ollico.

We aro glad to learn that thero is an in creasing interest boing takon in tho Socioty of Arts Exhibition. It was tho intontion of the Committoo to closo tho season on Satur day night, but if the attendance is main tained, it is probablo tho Exhibition will ro tnain open ono or two days noxt wcok. Tho Orchestral Socioty, who possess the right to close tho hall this evening, havo very kindly consented to tho Exhibition re maining open, their practico going on as usual, under tho ablo direction of Horr Carl Schmitt. Wo need scarcely pay that two such attractions will no doubt bring together a very largo audionco.

Tho criekot match which was played yestorday botwoon tho Law and Combiued Banks resultod in a draw decidodly in favour of tho "devil's own." Tho scores wero aB follows:—Law: A. O'Brien, 16; F. C. Boalo, 11 ; C. F. lleid, Ji7 ; W. Mel drum, 33 ; C. MacCormick, 0 ; H. B. Lusk, 33 ; A. E. Powes, 0 ; F. C. Chcoßcman, 8 ; H. H, Koid, 4; W. Kondordino, 13 j J. Jordan, 11; W. F. Buckland, 2 ; oxtras, 4- total, 172. Combined Banks: F.Clayton, 0;S. W. Coxon. 9;J. C. Webster, 11; W, F, Urn-ton, 21 ; A. 1). MacCormick, 18 ; H. A. Moroy, '.»; F. Cooko, 1{ F. Smith, 2; A. J Curr, fi ; Dawkinc, 4; S. N. Yon Stunner, 1 ; C. 11. Gould, to bat; extras, 4-total for 9 wickets, 50.

Wo notice by advertisement that tho member* of tho Auckland Trades and I. ab'iur Council are particularly requested to attend tho meeting of tho Council tblH ovoning, us there in important businosti to bo transacted.

Mrs Townsshond informs us,with roforonco to tho account of tho detention of her husband in England just beforo tho de parturo of tho C optic, that no potition in bankruptcy had been filed against him prior to his loaving Jtomo. Sho says furthor that thoir total dobts, so far as eho is awaro, wero not moro than £500, and thoy loft bo hind £2,000 worth of real estate, which sho beliovod would, if realised, havo moro than satisfied all claims. Tho intelligence that hor husband endea voured to jump overboard whon boing con vcyod to tho shoro from tho steamer is news to her. Her nephew watchod tlio passago of tho boat ashoro with an opera glass, without observing anything of tho kind. If sho had ontorUiiiied any thought that her husband's affairs would havo en tailed any long dotontion, sho would havo remained behind rathor than havo como on to a etningo pluco with a young family luid infant in arms.

Somo forcible and vory just observations woro mado at tlio mooting of the City Coun cil last night with respect to tho almost im pussablo state of College Road for vohiclos, by reason of tho huge boulders that havo been loosely scottored over its surface. A written complaint on tho subject was re ceived from Mr Buinbiidgo, tho 'bus pro priotor, nnd in it ho grimly hinted (it tho possibility of nn fiction for damages unless matters quickly improved. Cr. Crowther took up tho cudgels stoutly on behalf of tlio travelling public. He considered tho slato of tho road disgraooful in tho extreme, and held that the Engincor ought to dis mies tho man in chargo who allowod masses of scoria to bo scattered indiscriminately ovor it. Tho Engineor promisod that tho steam roller should should bo passed ovor tho thoroughfare. Cr. Crowther hotly ro torted that nil tho steam rollers in tho world doiilil not ninko tho road passable with such rocks lying about it, Aftor snmo further expression of 'opinion, to which the l'onsonby Councillors listonod with ovitlont satisfaction, it was resolved that tlio etoam ratlor should bo eonfc to Collogo Road as soon as possible, tho Mayor at tho fomo timo pointing out that at present it was wanted at four soparato places at onco.

Tho actions Clarko v. Clarko, two oasoa— ono nguiriHt plaintiff's father and brothor, and tho otlior against plaintiff's fathor— brought tho Civil Sittings to a closo. In tho lirst action pluintilT claimed for wagoa as a brickmakor undor dofondant at his brickworks at Hobsonville; and after a protractod and patient hearing, tho jury found a verdict for defendants. Tho soond action wan brought to re cover tho sum of £200, amouut of account Btatod and nllogod to bo duo to tho plaintill' on hi« relinquishing his flmi'u in tho brickmaking businoss, but which was deniod by dofondant. A good doal of cvidonco was adduced, but plaintiff failed to establish his claim to tho eatisfac tiou of the jury, and a vordict was-givon in favour of dofondant. Mr Fonvood ap peared for plaintiir, and Mr Thoo. Coopor for defendants. In tho case of Collings v. Ellis, which wan hoard last session, Hie Honor gavo judgment for plaintiff.

An inquest was hold yesterday aftornoon at tho Queen's Head Hotel, before Dr. Phil son, coroner, and a jury, on tho body of James Braslin, who died from injuries ro ceived from a fall. Mr \Vm. Bayno fore man. Sovoral witnesses wore oxamined as to tho circumstances which resulted in the death of Braslin. Wm. Thomas Landloy had known docoasod for five years, and found him lying in a dangerous con dition in the side bar of the Clarondon Hotel; his head was bleeding. With the assistance of Mr Bennett, Braslin was placed in a cab and conveyed to his home. Frank McGahey, barman at tho Clarendon, had known docoased, who occasionally called flt the hotel; ho called at 5.30 p.m. on Wodnosday ; was not intoxi cated, but rathor noisy; he wanted whisky, but witness refused it, as he had evidently had sufficient. At le"gth ho left tho hotel to go home, and on going into tho streot, missod the steps and foil into tho streot. He wont to assist him up, bathed his head with cold water, and gave him a Httlo brandy. Mr Bennett, tho landlord.went for a doctor. Dr. Evans, Harry Bennett, and Henry Wilson having givon evidence, tho jury returned the verdict "Accidental Death," attributing no blamo to any ono.

Mr J. J. Holland, one of the most enter prising and popular builders in Auckland, who is about to visit England, was enter tainod by his employees at a dinnor at Rnbson's Rooms last evening. Mr W. Guird presided, and Mr George Crouch occupied the vice chair. After the usual lojal nnd patriotic toaste, the following healths wore duly honoured: -" The Mayor and City Council, coupled with the name of Mr J. L. Holland (tho guest's brother)," "The Architects," "The Builders' Asso ciation." "The Briekmakers," "The BrickHpers' and Bricklayers' Labourers' Societies," " The Ladies," &c. The health of the guest of tho evoning was drunk with enthusiastic cheers for Mr Holland, his wife, and family. An interesting feature of the proceedings was the presentation by the Chairman to Mr Holland of_ a silver trowel bearing the following inscription :• "Presented to Mr J. J. Holland by his old employees oh his departure to England, April 23rd, 1885." Mr Holland, in responding, referred to the cordial relations that had always existed between himself and hia workmen, and said he flattered himself that he had the best workmen in the city with him He hoped to roturn to Auckland about Christmas noxfc. At tho conclusion of tho proceedings Mr Anderson presented to Mr Holland, on behalf of his friends, a handsome gold watch, suitably inscribed. '

Yesterday, at the Kumeu Station, Mr Seaman, as Returning Officer, received the nomination of Mr Charles Moss Boprdto fill the vacancy in tho Ararimu subdivision of the Ararimu Road Board, and declared that gentleman duly elected. No candi dates being nominated for the Taupahi subdivision of the same Board, an extraor dinary vacancy is created.

Tho old hulk Cantero, which went ashore at Ponaonby during a recent Rale, will re main intact no longer. She has beon pur chased by Mr M. Boss (the price wo under stand was £14), and he will transfer her to terra firma piecemeal. Tho most valuablo part about the vossel is her copper, which should roaliso. enough to cover tno oxpenso ot removing it.

"W. 0." writes;—"Whon Britain last proclaimed war against Russia I happened to bo in Edinburgh, and there heard tho horalds with a flourish of trumpets read the war proclamation. Aro thero any such formalities gone through in the colonies whon war is proclaimed ?" Of course not, but tho caco would doubtless bo different woro tho colonies federated with tho Empire

Mr Thos. Henderson's application for loavo to use the Chicken Islets at Wba ngaroi for fishing, etc., was refused by the Wasto Lands Board yesterday, as they are required as a lighthouse resorvo.

The glove fight, which takes place in tho Theatro Royal to-morrow night, promises to be an exciting and decisive contest. Tho contestants aro W. Murphy and E. Donovan, and they now meet on their merits to decido tho light-woight champion ship of Auckland. Those who tako an interest in " tho manly art" will find this oxhibition of •'science woll worth attond ing.

The timber brought down the river at Mongonui by tho " fresh " last week is osti nmtod at about 5,000 logs, which, with tho 50,000 logs at Whangaroa will supply tho wants of various mills, Tho Auckland Timber Company's orders aro at prosont so numerous and extonsivo that employes aro working overtimo daily to meet tho demands which come in from all directions outside of tho city.

At Birkcnhead Post offico yesterday Mr Seaman, Koturning Officer, received tho following nominations for Birkenhead Road Board: Messrs VV. T. Bogot, H. J. Blyth, B. T. Hawkins, Joshua Jackson, William Stevenson, David Swindail, B. J. "White, and Alexandor Wilson. A poll will bo takon on Saturday, 2nd May.

A littlo girl named Ellen Carroll, daughter of Mr P. Carroll, milkman, Kyber Pass Road, had a vory eonsational rido this morning. Tho child, who, judging from appearances, is not moro than twolvo years old, had been left alone In tho cart near tho Aurora Hotel, while her brothor was away delivering milk. Something startled tho horso, and it sot off at a mad gallop up Chapel-streot, the child's hoad being just visible above tho sidos of tho cart, bobbing up and down ds tho vohiclo jolted over tho stones. A heavily - laden dray, with a looso horso Btanding near, weroplacodatthe Wellosley streot end of Chapel streot, and catastropho appoarel unavoidable. Tho cart struck tho untotherod loador, but he stood his ground philosophically, whilo the mad charger, turning sharply round into WellOfcTey street, upsetting the milk cans in tho pas sage, tore down tho hill at a break neck pace. The littlo girl sitting in a wreck of milk-cans, on tho bottom of tho dripping cart, hold on bravoly, and whon tho exhausted Bteed was finally brought up in Wollosloy-streot Kast, near Crowther's stablcß, tho child was lifted out a good deal shaken and a littlo frightened, but nono tho worse of hor perilous ride. Tho horso had sustained a Blight wound on one of the hind logs, but noither it nor tho vohiclo was seriously damaged.

At 10 o'clock last night tho Ponsonby Ward was in diro peril of being saddled with an unexpected liability. For once tho weasel was caught napping, but prudential reasons stayed tho arm of punishment. At tho timo mentioned tho City Council woro ongaged in opening tenders for tho motalling of Vnttoson rtreet, and by a singular coincidence of action tho three representatives of tho western suburb had withdrawn from tho mooting, and gone homo. Suddonly somo practical-minded Councillor inquired whoro tho monoy which was to pay for tho contract was to como from, as tho South Ward—in which Pattcson-atrcot is situated—had already overdrawn its account. In blank amazo ment tho Council gazed upon tho querist, tacitly admitting that ho had con fronted it with a rogular poser. Cr. (ioldio, however, roso equal to tho cinorgency, and suggested a novel efcspo from tho dilliculty. Significantly dancing at tho vacant bonchos on tho other bulo of tin riKtn, ho said with a seductive smilo—"Chirftjjjt to Pongonby, It is nl ways boastf. i!s richness, and tho work is boing dosu^ur good. I proposo thoro foro that, vs itntract bo charged to tho Ponsonby Waid. Tho proposition was rocoivod with shouts of laughter, and in tho midst of tho gonoral hilarity it was promptly seconded. Whilo tho humour was still in full swing a shade foil upon the oloquont countenances of tho Councillors for City North, and ono of them whispered, " But supposing Ponsonby repudiates the liability, is tho money to come out of genoral revenue?" This aspect of the matter thoroughly alarmed tuo other Councillors, and after a hasty consultation it was de cided to roturn tho tondors and defer tho consideration of the work.

The, demand for the Kroat American roniwly, Hop Uitters, in thin purt of tho world has bo conio so groat that tho Hop Bitters Co., whoso li'iadquarlers uro at ltochostor, Now York, US.A., have boon compelled to open a laboratory In Melbourne It ia in obarge of Air M. 11. Van Horgh, a gontloman of naroral yours' oxporionoo with this Company, and tho trade may bo assured, of rocnlvtng goods equal to the parent house, and tho most oourtooußtrentmout. Tho 11.0. Co, have establishments at London, Paris, Antwerp, Belgium. Broda, Holland, and Toronto, and their American Bitters aro probatlv tho boat known modlolno in tho world.

W, 11. Fenton nnd Co. have just received, ox Coptlo. a Tory superior selection of water proof coats In various shapes and colourings, all guaranteed eown scams and edges, and a choice asjoi tinent of now winter hOßlory, gloves, shirts, pnjnniahß, braces, travelling bans, etc otc. W.11.F. and Co. dosiro to draw attention to a special novolty, being a combination of umbrella, wnlking-Btiok, and pipe. W. 11. Fenton and Co., hat and cap manufacturers, and gentlemen's morcerß,7B, Qnoon-streot [ADVT.) Our Fortifications,— In Auckland just now hundreds of ablo-bodlod men aro engagod in tho work of fortifying the port, in order to kocp at buy tho Russians, should thoy arrivo lioro with hostile Intentions. Our pooplo will not bo ablo to withstand tho fatiguo of the battloflold of life, unless they are well fed. The scarcity of monoy makes it nocessary they should bo fed cheaply. To-morrow we shall bo soiling Canterbury bacon, 8d ; fro6h butter, 8d; prime salt buttor, 7d; factory chocso, 6d; othor dairies, Id; cooking applee, 61b for Is; fresh harrings, 6d; lobetore, fid; Hobart jams, 6d; honey in sections, fid; English ploklcs, 6d; dates, Sd lb; coffee. Is; 71b bags oatmoal. Is; raisins, lid; currants, fid ; household soap, id; and bankrupt lot groceries at 00-oporativo Stores, Hobson-street (next Criterion Hotel).

TABLE TALK.

Can't bh Beet—Cane sugar, " East Lynne " at the Opera House. Star Monthly Summary tomorrow, as usual. The watchmaker believes that time is money. ! Professor Hugo in Mount Eden Hall to night. Declaration of war against Russia hourly expected. VVaikato cheeso sells in Queensland at 1b Gd per lb. Heavy white frost throughout tho Wai kato, and as far North an Drury. A diet of dog-flesh ia said to bo a cure for Bright a disease.

It is rumoured that the steamer Arawa is to be equipped as a cruiser.

Tho Premier has "struck the Wanganui River " ; it did not strike back.

Warranted to keep titno, to strike surely, and go well in any climate—the " Black Watch."

The operation of the Arms Act has been suspended in the South Island. It ia proposed to borrow £50,000 for harbour works at Invercargill. When the cat sees a flying boothjack he looks upon it as an off-fencive hint. Messrs G. B. Davy and E. C. Rawson are gazetted district judges for Wairarapa and Wanganui respectively. There are 347 female working black ffciths in England. '%he Minister of |Mines has gone to Dun edin from Christchurch.

Wasn't it a bit suggestive to print in a policeman's obituary notice the lino, "He sleeps his last sleep 1" Richard Burke' has been sentenced to a year's imprisonment at Invercargill for concealing money from the Official Aseignee in Bankruptcy.

An Australian father who killed a young man who was courting his daughter has got a verdict of "Justifiable Homicide" from a sympathising jury. The ex-Empress Eugenic is Baid to own several houses in New York city, which yield her a handsome income for the rents. J. A. Allen, a bankrupt soda-water manu facturer, taid at Dunedin yesterday that he had in about four years spent over £100 in bottles, but had not at present in stock £?5 worth, as he could not get them returned.

There are 2,350 co-operative societies in Germany, with' a membership of over 1,000,000, and last year they purchased over £75,000,000 worth of goods.

THREATENED RUSSIAN WAR

(BY CABIiE.—COPYKIOIIT.)

A RUSSIAN AUTHORITY ON THE CRISIS.

I'eacc May Still be Hoped For.

St. Petersburg, April 23. The semi-official "Journal de St. Potors burg," in an article on the Afghan question to-day, expresses tho conviction that Sir Peter Lumedcn's report to tho British Government of tho recont fighting was dori ved from Afghan sources, and further statos that tho Russian Government place comploto reliance on General Koinaroff'a roport of tho proceedings. Tno article concludes with tho hope that pcaco may still be looked for. Expected Resignation of the Russian Foreign Minister. It is expeoted that M, Do Goira, Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs, will resign.

RUSSIA REJECTS THE ULTI MATUM.

War Considered Inevitable.

Los dos, April 23. It is positively aftirmed that a despatch has beon received by tho Foreign Office from tho Russian Government absolutely refusing to institute any further inquiries into General KotnarotTs assertions as to the cause of tho hostilities at Penjdeh. The news has caused considerable agitation in political circles, and pcaco is now despaired of.

Later.—The " Daily News" on the Situation.

Tho roport already tolegraphed as to the refusal of Russia to comply with tho de mands of England for a further investiga tion Into tho cause of the recent hostilities has not been officially confirmed, and its accuracy is doubted.

Tho " Daily Newa " today states that the negotiations at present being carried on botween England and Russia aro not of such a nature as tend to a peaceful settle ment, and oxpreiKOß the opinion that the patience of England is almost exhausted. Friendly Attitude of the United States. Tho American Government will not per mit the purchase of vossols by Russia for use as privateers.

Further Fall in Stocks. April 22. Consols have fallen i since yoatorday, and are now at 951. Victorian Defence Officer.

London, April 22. Captain Wilson has been appointed Sub marine Mining Engineer for Victoria, in place of Captain Rhodes, who was originally Nolectcd, but whoso services tho English Government decided to retain. Ho will sail for Melbourne by tho P. and 0. e.s. City of Rome). Defence Preparations in Australia. Melbourne, April 23, The projected visit of Sir W. Hebinson, Govornor of South Australia, to Sir Henry Loch has been postponed on account of the critical state of affair*. Groat activity is being shown by all the Australian Govern menls in matters of defonco, and military preparations aro being pushed forward in all the colonies. Victorian Defence Force. Melbourne, this day, Tho Defonco Department liavo docidod in enso of wnr being declared to form a Vie. torian Resorvo Forco, to consist of G,OOO mon London, April 23. The Now South Wales Government have appliod to the War Office for a major, two lieutenants, a lioutonant of engineers, and a sergeant of artillery in connection with tho defonoss of tho colony. The nincnion at Russell. Russell, this day. Arrived, 6 a.m., Hinemoa. Sho sailed again for Whangraroi at i) o'clock. Major Coutloy inspected tho harbour with a view of laying torpedoes in caso of a visit by a hostile cruiser for tho supply of coal.

[l)Y TELEGRAPH— OWN COEHESPONDENT.]

Man-Of-War for New Zealand Waters.

Wkllinqtok, this day.

It was rumoured in town yesterday that tho Agent-General had cabled to the Government to the effect that preparations should bo vigorously continued in defend ing the colony, owing to the grave aspect of Anglo-Russian affairs. This report, how ever, I have ascertained, is incorrect. Government have received no further advice en the subject from the A«6nt-Genoral. The only communication received by Government on defence matters came from the Admiral of tho Australian Naval Station, and indicates that one or more vessels bo longing to the Australian Squadron may shortly be expected cruising in New Zea land waters.

Sixty of the Armed Constabulary recently brought to Wellington for big gun practice will leavo for Southern stations early next week. Thirty go to LytteUon, and thirty to Dunedin.

Later.—Tho Government have received nothing from the Agent-General on Anglo- Russian affairs up to noon to-day.

The Russian Ironclad General Admiral.

The following is a description of the great Russian ironclad General Admiral, which it is supposed is the vessel a recent cable informed us was sighted off Cape Town -.—Length, 285 ft. 9in. ; breadth, 48ft. 2in. ; displacement, 4,439 tons ; armour plated with a belt of 6in. armour, 7ft. deep, also belte round battery; guns, fcur Sin. and two Bin. broechloading steel guns; compound enginos, 6soo hoi-sepower (in-! dicated); speed, 13 knots. The General j Admiral was built at St. Petersburg and launched in the spring of 1874. She is fitted with propeller Hfting_ gear, is built of iron, and manufactured in Russia, and sheathed with wood and coppered, so that she can remain at sea for a long time with out requiring to bo docked. It will thus be seen that the General Admiral is much more powerful than anything we have in these waters, with the exception of the Nelson. The Russian Army and Wavy. A recent computation of the strength of the Russian army and navy by a competent authority shows that in case of war Russia could place in the field at once 758,000 infantry, 53,000 riflemen, 56,000 cavalry (included in which force there would be 14 independent cavalry divisions, with 168 guns), increased immediately by about 48,000 combatants by the formation of 79 additional Cossack " regiments; 88,000 artillery, with 3,456 guns; and 35,000 engineers. The above figures are baßed upon a work published quite recently on the Russian army, whicn enables us to form an accurate estimate of the land forces at the disposal of Russia. The figures g^ven show that that country possesses a field ermy of 1,038,000 combatants, with over 3,600 guns. As, however, according to the same source, in case of a mobilisation, an infantry reserve of 400,000 men would at once be available, the grand total of a poesible Russian field army could be raised to 1,438,000 men. But this does not by any means represent the real fighting strength of Russia, for there is available a second reserve, the first class of which would supply nearly 2,000,000 men, whilst no estimate has yet been formed, of the number comprised iv the second class. The Russian navy is divided into four divisions, the Baltic fleet, the Black Sea fleet, the Siberian fleet, or Pacific, and the ! Caspian fleet. The strength of the Baltic j fleet is 24« vessels, including 32 ironclads ' and 94 torpedo vessels. On' the Black Sea i Russia has 117 vessels of all descriptions, I of which seven are ironclads. The fleet

ordinarily on tho Siberian etation comprises six torpedo boats, one clipper, three trans port vessels, four gunboats, fourteon stoamers of various sizes, and eighteen sailing vesso's: total, 46 vessels. There is reason for believing that tho strength of this fleet has recently been largely augmented The flotilla of the Caspian consists of 33 vessels. Russia also possesses some naval material on the sea of Aral, consisting of G steamers and ahout '20 sailing vessels ; but, leaving these, as immaterial, out of tho reckoning, the sum total of the Russia navy amounts to 442 vessels of all descriptions. Of this number, howover, a great many are almost useless ; and, confining ourselves to really efficient ships, we find that Russia has only 185 of them available for service. Route of the Russisin Reinforce ments- The possibility that war will be declared between England and Russia at any moment renders very interesting, any information concerning the route that will be taken by the reinforcements sent by tho Czar to tho Afghan frontier. In case of war, a con sidorablo portion of the army would pro bably bo shipped across tho Caspian by way of Baku and Michailovsk ; but tho chief supply of combatants would be drawn from European Kussia, over OJeswi to Poti, and thence by rail to Baku, and across tho Cas pian. The most serious obstacle to the em ployment of a large force is the difficulty of transport. The I'ranseaspian Railway ex ten Js at pro-ent from Michailovsk to Kizil Arvat, 135 miles, only avhoft way to Herat, which is 523 miles from tho Caspian port; but there can bo no doubt that its gradual extension to Askabad, Sarakhs, and Herat is only a question of time. Description of Herat. Should war bo declared, the fighting will take place in tho vicinity of Herat, the possession of which citadel will be keenly contested, and a few particulars regarding it will be of interest. Herat is situated in 34deg. 26min. north latitude. Though occupying a plain, tho site of the city is about 2,Csoft. above tho sea level, and the climate is healthy, though warm in summer and cold in winter, owing to the close neighbourhood of extensive mountain ranges. Captain Marsh states that " Herat is situated in a broad valley, four miles from the hills to the north, and about twelve miles to the south of it the laige valley is watered by canals from the Herriud, which is dammed up by a bund thrown across it a few miles above tho city." Colonel N. GrodekofT, of tho Russian General Staff, writes in his "Ride from Samarcand to Herat": —" Herat is a very large city. It does not cede in size to Tashkent, and it contains 50,000 peoplo. Among the cities of Central Asia and Khorassan, Herat, by its buildings, occupies a place next to Meshed. The streets, as in all Asiatic towns, are narrow, crooked, and dirty." "Wo ontered (writes M. Vambery, the Russian traveller), by the gate Dervaze Arok. The houses which wo passed, the advanced works, the very gate, looked like a heap of rubbish. Near the latter, in the inside of tho city.is the ark (citadel), having from its elovation served as a mark for the Afghan artillery; it lies there blasted and half demolished. The doors and windows have boen stripped off their woodwork; for during the siege the inhabitants Buffered most from a scarcity of fuel. In the bare openings of the wall are perched here and thero a few wretched-looking Afghans or Hindoos—worthy guards of such a ruin. Eacti step we advance we see greater in dications of devaptation. Entire quarters of tho town remain solitary and abandoned. Tho bazaar, that is to say, the arched part of it, whero the quudrangle of the bazaar is united to its dome, and which has witnessed and resisted so many sieges—alone remains, and affords in spite of its now population, dating only three months ago (this was written in 1883) a really interesting sample of Oriental life, a blending of tho character istics of India, Persia, and Central Asia, better denned than even in the bazaar of Bokhara. The bazaar itself, dating from Herat's epoch of splendour, the reign of the Sultan Huron Mirza, and consequently about 400 years old, deserved still, even in its ruins, the epithot beautiful."

Its military Importance.

Herat (says the London "Telegraph") is tho heart of the borderland lying between British India and Russia in Asia, and by its position, character, and influence, it is the most commanding spot whence India can bo either menaced or defended. To have an onomy there is for India to live under a perpetual dread, for all tho roads into the Peninsula may be said to lead to and from this famous stronghold. It is a fortified city, quadrangular in shape, with the thickest and tallest wall anywhere to be eocn, consisting, indeed, of artificial hills raised all round, averaging ninety feet in height, and supported by counterfort* of masonry with round towers, and crested with a wall of thirty-two feet. A doop ditch supplied by nover-failing girds this enormous rampart, which domi natos all the surrounding district. Herat, once possessed by a resolute garrison, is almost impregnable. Eldrod Pottinger, In ISS3, hold it against swarming Persian attacks led by the Russian Borow6ki, al most as heroically as Gordon in Khartoum. Its environs supply everything needful for a groat army, even to load and saltpetre, and the population, easily detachedfrom Afghan interests, is numerous, warlike, and readily bought. Gol.Grodekoff.alresdy quoted.holds aratherpooropinion ofthedefoncesof Herat. Ho says :—" The city is surrounded by walls twelve yards high, with a shallow ditch outside, Tho walls are not armed with artillery. Thoro aro no outer defences of any kind ; nothing that would, call to mind the fortifications of a European city. In its present condition Herat is not in a position to defend itself against a European army, eince a mile to tho north it is commanded by heights from which it could be bom barded by artillery. In the middle of the city is the citadel, situated on an artificial eminence. Its walls are 24ft. high. In front of it is a deep-water ' ditch covered with reeds. In several places the walls have commenced to fall into ruin." Similar views would seem to bo held by the correspondent of the " Times of India" who recently visited the city. He wrote as follows:—"On ascending tho hill com manding Herat plain, the city and valley could at last be distinguished ' in their as pect of winter desolation and decay.' The plain was dofted with ruins, notably the solitary remains of tho Musalla—or place of prayer ; ' tottering towera and shattered walla were numerous.' The haze over the city scarcely permitted its outlines to be seen, and gave a phantom appearance to tho mountain masses which shelter Herat, 'the great mass of Koh-i-Band-i- Baba, spreading to the east and closing the valley, and to the west sinking in the deep rose peaks.' Tho city walls ap peared to be dilapidated on tho south Eide, whether from crumbling or irregularity of the wall could not be seen. The town is rectangular, and. seems to cover an area of about a mile. ' In many respects the position is disappointing; it cannot be said to be a strong position, although a mud-walled city with mud houees will give stronger resistance than stone-built and more ponderous structures. There are, however, in the valley, many favourable positions from which to strike tho city. The Afghans appear to be sensible of this, for I noticed on the south side new works, and what appeared a new fort." Tho corres pondent doubts whether Herat is, after all, the gate of India, and of much strategical importance

ATTEMPTED WIFE-MURDER.

(BY TELEGRAM—I'EESS ASSOCIATION.)

Tijiaru, this day. At tho R.M. Court yesterday, Frederick Lucas was charged with intent to murder his wife at Sanditown on April Bth. The evidence was to the effect that some hours aftor her confinement accused repeatedly exclaimed that the infant was "ab Chinaman," and seizing a penknife, after vainly searching for a razor, he stabbed his wife in tho neck. She managed to get away, and ran in a fearful state to the house of a neighbour. Tho charge was very fully sustained, and accused was committed for trial, bail being refused.

WOODYEAR'S CIRCUS

This attractive circus was largely attended last night by poreons of all ages, and much enthusiasm was manifoetod throughout the various performances. The programme was faithfully represented, and provided some thing for every taste, on tho axiom that "variety is charming." Hence the. c were feats of horsemanship, juggling, balancing by Japanese, trapeze performances, and music. Wo may say, conscientiously, Woodyear'a Circus is lull of action,fun, and amusement, and two hours spent in the circuß will not be spent in vain. We notice that a similar programme will be presented to-night, with several new feature?, and to-morrow afternoon a children's matinee will be given, when children from charitable institutions will be admitted freo.

! Gas consumers aro reminded that Mon j day, tho 27th inst., at 5 p.m., ia the last day on | which discount ia allowed on gas and ooke accounts.

ANOTHER DYNAMITE OUIRACE AT LONDON.

GOVERNMENT OPp lepß WRECKED CES

Undoi-Soorotary to tha «/ Injured Aiia**ti ■

(BYCABLK._COPY HIaai|) V■'

■London Ama.. Further explcsione F .,-p^ *™fc-* been caused by Jynjjajj, " liT« Whitehall this afternoon Th» **' outrage was the office of T°?% Secretary to the Admiralty a -Jf *. N. Swains The *;VH* of an alarming naturei JJ_ Swamson, who *as in the offic9 3 time sustained very eerere injurf ' police are actively eDgaged perpetrators. "tf.wt-

ENGLAND'S LITTLE WARS.

Trouble in Egypt, Canada, ana tta '! Movements oMnVpreaci,«JiS

It is rumoured that the French JLJ, preparing to proceed to Alexandria. In connection with th«captoe' oflw : Pitt by the Indians, it is feared tlat 2 of the garrison have been maManjp 'l eluding the Hon. Charles Dickens. ! News from the Cape etatestk^QOßom i threaten to rescue Mr Van Meldrk, ViS been placed under arrest bytheßrituhV Bechuanaland. _< " |

etctcdXre^! *•■***!&

SPORTING NEWS.

Auckland Polo Club Eaoe Heette'

Race-goers will be provided wiit^ genuine amußement at Ellerslie to-montf when the first race meeting auspices of the Auckland Polo '-0U& will take place.. There w^S events to be decided; and, «j «a horse engaged will be ran onta'S? ' there is bound to be excellent bmbW' Frank Burtt, the Secretary of ifflfl: worked early and late to emmre fcfS7 of tho gathering, and all that %t®M secure a large attendenoe of M'nMfo ' fine weather. The first race WillSfi' o'clock, and trains will leavetheiSHt ! Station at 12 noon, 1.10 p.m.;! ifS 2 30p.m. r ,m The North Shore (jentlsmim ■lio a ta under the name of-Mr B. Thompd'k purchased Buzzard. It is etated^iSS paid was £100. . .; ™ The well-known jamper Sunrtf^^^;:; posodof at Buckland's to-dar for m Jfc J. Bennett being the pufcha»er, -BoliV Eye brought £13 15s, and-6onk« #1110* Mystery was passed in, failiag feMflj reserve. • HIfPMJ.

Otahuhu Autumn Meeting.

Tho following weights for theabotfoat ing were declared to-day :— Steeplecii 4KB.—New TearJilW nfa • *iult bone, lOac 121b; Quilp, 10it 41b: SSutw.'Sitff Joe, Sst 71b; Rakau. 9st; IMTUiSSVm lIUKDLES (HANDICAPI.-HigietlltJlß'fc. vongo, lOdt 12io; Chevalier, HIM;SwA 9st 71b; Evening Star, Bat 4j K«,YeSi5 31b; Notice of Motion, flat 21b; Kafiita. I* Rakau, 9at. ' Suburban I^i-atk.—laboller,&t«b: Siinr«t Bst 31b; Mystery, Sst; Kalo, U aiySm maker, 7st 101b; HewJ, 7rtSoißerofeL U 101b; Prospero.flst7lb; TallyHoi'tetflS;cE dorolla, Cst; Nannie,oatl!lb. ;: ■ : "

SUPREME COURT.-This Day.

(BtforeJHis Honor^JtoltlMGlDtoJ.;■ f IN CHAHBELS, Probatb, &c—ProbatiwM'-sMtd'b'ti1 Stephen Hiscccks, JohnUaiin!,Muy Bp»# ing, lieo. X, Marriott, CapUuafessßttae.ud Kliza Becktt Jefferson (deceaSdl.^Mlo Mtes of adminietration were ordered to be lsuM ii re Bartholemew Malier,. Bolomin Sttaffl Elizabeth Agnes Simpson, «d JoseplM (deceased), urders were rmim cfcttßHn* tors in re Kobertson v, GrahflfeliW. $6, Sjl iiLdß7i. 1 'Taxation of CJosts.—An" otdSrwMrtMifH tho taxation of the bill of cwtt'fieavetßJ ty William Root. Franklin to AanßotaKa.. Summons to Show Cacsk,-u»si t be mor.sinre Qcrvaso Thorp tfecSSBMUOiw cause why the Public TrotWiMwlMW £03 13 3d and costs oat ol estate, to ;tm Clurke, and order was made (or sejsa S £611U end costs «3 3s ontof estate:- " Divorce.—ln ro BuroheU.?.;BM««w another (divorce). Mr Bnusw, moraa w m to withdraw^ petition ond Bfflr«t> s9*f petition. — His Honor,,however,■«<**!.? make any ordor..' ' , ,; Costs.—ln re Hudson t. «™>''Jr js Cooper moved that tho wets tsjiwi **■ day's trial ehtuld be allowed *«B*? ■■ order was made.—A similar mOßffl *« w be Mr K. Heßkoih in re Smith T.BMWW day'a extra coete was allowed, , ■■_ ■ Land TiuNSACTioHS.-Inre.tMlwffl1? I of Thomas huddle and Win. .-mm » I Falrburao's estate, Hl« Bmw.«* »M I consider the Bummonß to lD»tt»*gJ*B:'l trar. to substantiate u rounds of MnWU»J» I certificate of Htfe. TbomottoytefflKowjl to notices to be given bJW^MMI the estates settled by W.jF. :™H»»<llr suburbs of Auckland, anordenMWgf sued upon the previous petition mil**' in"banco. '. ■ ' Re Barrett Babby te#Wg|ffl2 order o( discharge.-Mr Blades ippßrtff" order, and It was granted. r „, j; Motion to Quash CoNJldW&m'Ki lin moved tb at tho conviction of jWfflffiS neka. dated 11th Maroh I^MB Smith. J.P., should tie Q"«*jf~K; 1 1 held that there was no «m™p«?SlS,l Court, and therefore dismissed tte n»- I £3 33 costs. -■-■, v.sii.ka 1 Harwood v. Winks (ttppeal).-Br»w;B tor appellant; Mr 0. W. 6JSSSSlr 1 His Honor delivered J^CLffl I This is an appeal from a jurettW «WS ■ doDt Magistrate's CourUUwsWMj,. ■ of the respondent in an M^MSf** spondent olaimed to recover o*™gJs. t» B appollan', master of a sbift for W^ft ■ tract to Eafoly carry and deWW«Wga and condiiion certain timbj;r.ol f S3SB The facts appear to bo ™."."ai| agent in Sydney shipped «W°!ffijaw 1 board a sbio in Sydney of welcS «*«£ ■ waa not then master, and ""SJJLSJaJiA ■ therefor, admittedlynotstoeaWWjCTß] but prosuiuably (atthougn "^^fSujU ■ owner of tho ship. In ouMjSi ■ in thestowagfllas fonnd occurred before theaPP. Bl)J nlSfflilrtl the timber was injured du*s:S e ip] by the action of bonedust, PWl^aH cargo. The respondent "^VyHSIB this damage. At the hesrh** "ySgJ ■ court bolow, the bill of l^MfflV ■ by tho respondent, wan.not.SfS«>B donee, respondent being ,»■ signature to it; but M#L«J»*B purporting to be an ™^%Sw*!m admitted in evidence, In*»\K|Wj« appeared an exceptionfrom."WiJMßj of discoloration of the I take of the oase It in nn,2!SiJli»"JjH whether that exception, If of lading, would or would noteMBP^MJ contracting party tobW» "g^B storage were proved. The «°'OHI«MH is whoiher tho aPPeUMiI^riMt«SH| tract safely to cairy andj^'^WHß the contract are to it aro conclusively 'MMtltgß] w.izod by the appellant; JLyfaHmfflM owners, would have «'»»&«■ uud either might respondent, by his agents, w'^tWJBJ chosen by acceptance^^° h 7 CT Dg>jßi it was contonded on Deiw MBlafHf and this view appears M ?? a tho Resident Mag.strato ID &^B| the master by b. oc.°,f J°?theprtrPS^lHl thereof, became lal)« »S>:«|B| contract, to carry o»'?S?Wf£pßg was cited, and I know otnou» (,«»(«&■» doctrine. The argumcDt "JJSwJHBJ entirely out of place in "ljp«rJ^B», founded on oontract., n_* n «.&**fl»BK contract with the shlpow^ tf d»ljfß his remedy against ■^lS%«MStmk oontract is with *. 0. B h ifirfJ»l*aH|( master of the >Bhip, b?£Kh| tho master, ho has f&M« master and owner. «w the rcsponden'. that teW™^ m WSfWm evidenced by the ffi«« further common l»w.con"£ tMjgE«H»

She football """^SjCffll Albert C!«b tninnlT ofAVAl be Uv een members * " b w ft* The Ath-cMo FootU'^ match, »nda-m«twJ'^rtK« between Grafton S«ono p-_, _, m housemen * »j'^aj^j

THE AUCKLAND EYJUJNUNtt STAii. I'RIDAY, APRIL 24 1885



luiiow .110 bucks viuuca v,i Wool, 870 bales 13 ?ockots Bum, 3.710 cages .. .i Uopra, 20tODB Manganese. 150 tons Blue 10 casks Leather, 41 balos .. Curios Flax, 76 balos Rones Horns Bark limdries

.. 4 80c .. 20,461 2M .. 3<K X .. l,o« '', >a 2( 3!



THE SNAKE ROOT REMEDY ro« RHEUMATISM and GOUT.-The CimicinjoaCActca Raciuo»a)ob Black 6NAKE ROOT iua BECN lohq cclebratcp IB THE MOST CERTAIN IN ITS EFFECTS, AND RARCLY FAILS TO AFFORD RELIEF OR EFFECT A cum. B«. pm ■otth, at hVcm'S, "ittt TO^ttNGX," C?SOS«t «kH* QV H.I. tt\)ttH It



NOTICE OF REMOVAL. MANCHESTER FIRE ASSURANCE COMPANY. (KttTABLISIIKD 1821). CAPITAL .. ONE MILLION STERLING Chief Offices : 98, Ring-street. Manchester. j - DO, Cheapside, London. . New Zealand Agency : W. MpArthur & Co., Auckland. The office of tho above Company has been re moved to Corn Exohango Buildings, Fort street adjoining Mr G. W. Bianey's Auction Mart. Insurances effected at the lowest current rates. Claims settled locally with promptitude and liberality. FREDERICK NUTTER. General Manager. QOKB, COKE, COKE. THE AUCKLAND GAS COMPANY LTD.) Invite Orders for GAS COKE. Delivered within 1 mile of the Works, for Cash; longer distances at proportionate rates:— Sample Sacks of three bushels _ is 6d Five Sacks .. .. „ ... .. 6a 3d Eleven Sacks, or half ton .. .. 11s 6d Twenty-two Saoks, or one ton - 22s The Company 8 COKE is made from the be«t Greymouth Coals; is superior to that made from Newcastle coals, being free from stoat and clinker In a remarkable degree, gives a BHUABLE FIRE, " -$$ OLBABER & HOTTER THAN COAL. UGHTS READILY, and MARKS NO SMOEE. GOOD SIRE IN 10 MINUTEB. QWFIGBt FORT-STRBBVi 9QK& coma "m^il



■vry™ o T ICE. ' For BiNOtr. insertions of THREE-LINE " WANTED" NOTICKM tho charge 1b 18 Cash. If thoso small Horns auo not paid at tho time, the ohiuyo In all oases is 2a fid. Thoro Is no vari ation to this rnlo. Star Office, Janunvy 2nd. 1885. THE NEW GOODS THE NEW GOOD 3 THE NEW GOODS THE NEW GOODS Aro now opened out FOR THE WINTER , FOR THE WINTER FOR THK WINTER JfOR THK WINTER. *• The Stook is tho largest '•'\- and boat selected In tho olty, i.. , and to . MKKT THK TIMES MKK.T/IHIOTIMEa 9 THE MJIKET THE TIMES ! NEW Several linos in every De partment are marked at : ZEALAND Prioos •■,. nmmiMri SPKOIALLY CHKAP CLOTHING BPKCIAMiY CHKAP KPKCIaLLY CHKAP FACTORY, SPECIALLY CHEAP. 158 & 160, au«ou-streot. _ Tho Juvenile Department 1' has received close attontion, ',1 and parents will find i DURABILITY t A ECONOMY DURABILITY •* ECONOMY -• DURABILITY "" J. ECONOMY « ■;■•} DURABILITY X.;.' A economy -••"-* Combined Is the leading feature In Boys1 Fancy Suits several new and choice styles aro now being shown. ILITIA SUITS.— Samuol Coombos & Co. have just oponcd 350 Boys' Militia Suits Ss lid to 7s lid. Every mothor should now have her Boy in Uniform. TT 0 II N WHIT E, %mH^BS£#B3M& BANK). Be*s leave to acquaint hia friendß and the paßllethathahaa made extensive alterotfOM. : End additions to hia Shop. Including a CutUnjc and Fitting Boom, In which all the latest i» proremsnto capable of making a first-cIaBB. Tailoring Establishment have been adopted. Ho to mwt open, and has a magmflcont stock, embracing everything now or worthy of attar*- WOLFE'S SCHNAPPS is particularly fuefr from fueil oil, as it la woll aged bsfore. being bottled. 1885—^rmNTER GOODS, —138&1 WILLIAM B. BRIDGMAN is now showing a Splendid Assortment of Choico Dress Goods- New All-wool French Kpingles. all shades New All-wool Kudos CatHiniercs. all shades New All-wool Radaino C*the, all shades Now Silk Spot Fonle KotHw, nil shades. New All-wool Coloured Biarritz Clotha, ell. New All-wool Homospwift all shades New French jtf eilnoa. Caah meres, all shades ( New Figured Dress Goodes all marked at most i reasonable pricea . ,i Feather Trimmings. Black and\ Coloured ' New Stock Blankets, splendid -walne—from Ss Id : pair. New Pattern Cretonnes Sew Lot of Choico Laces, to Hack, White, and | Beautiful Assortment of New Trillings, RibJ 10 Monks' Black Paget Coats at Mb, worth 35a ! Now Fur Capes from 7s 6d '• New Umbrellas from la to 20b ' Ladietf. Maids', and Girls' Now Uloters In Men'l Macintoshes, a few slightly damaged holt-price .it ' Sevwai Sob lines at low pricee to den. Patterns Free b7 Poet JUNCnOTT DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, »t upper queen-street. '■■' '™"n o t i c jc DR. W ILKIN S, F. R. C. S., CONBULTOHS- AND OPEBATINB SUBGEON, la at hia Surgery for General "Practice and Special Praotioe-Eye. Ear, and Throat Diseases —Mornings Bnd Aftsrnoons; Sundays, 10.30 to 12.30. Consultation Fees very modorato. Dr. Wilkinb spont sovon years at Moorenelds Eye Hospital, London, undo? Messrs Bowman and Critchott, two at Throat Haspitol, London, aeven years Honorary Surgeon Albert Hospital, and eight years at Eyo, Ear, aid' Throat Infirmary, Melbourne. Adjusts SpceSacftes to Sight — Consultingßoomß-Qneen-sneaJ-.. Auckland. SPECIAL NOTICE.,! Hhave received my Becond Shfpmsat ot AUTUMN AND WINTER GOODS, JUBT OPENED, PER THK DORIL% To which I Invite tho Inspection of my Patrons and the Publlo generally. H U POSSENNISKIE, MERCHANT TAILOR & HABIT MAKJttt Shortlahd-Stbeet. i "EIIRST A UTUMIf CJHOW 09 T^RAPEITy MILNE AND CHOYCE Having now received their NEW GOODSi ftir the Autumn, will make a BFECIAL SHOW of the sanio «F THIS DAY T» When a magnificent display trill be aeon of all, the Novelties to bo had in the Borne ' Markets. SPECIALTIES IN EVERY DEPART MENT. Larger Assortment than usual of TRIMMED BONNETS AND HATS. LONG SILK MANTLES (Special Value),, COSTUMES (Special Value), JERPEYB (Plain and Fancy), HOSIERY AND GLOVES (Special Value> Very Extensive Assortment ot DRESB GOODS. N.B.—Milne and Choyce being determined not o be undersold by anyone in tha trade, have marked, and will continue to marlc, their Goods at a lower rate than previously. MILNE AND CHOYCE, j AUCKLAND j 15,000 15 000 15,000 15000 15J000 CABLICK & CRANWELL HAVE FIFTEEN THOUSAND YARDS OF JRUSSELS AND TAPESTRY CARPETS IN STOCK, Bflßiaes KIDDERMINSTER. FELT, DUTCH. AND KENSINGTON SQUARES. tax Greatest Vabibtt in Auckland ! 11 3ARPETS Very Cheap \ 3ARPKTS V«ry Cheap I Tapestry, from la 9d 3ARPKTS Very Cheap > DARPETS Very Cheap I Brussels, from 3b 9d 3ARPETS Very Cheap / GARLICK fc CRANWELIj HARLICK & CRANWKLL GARLICK & CRANWEUi GARLICK He CRANWELL GAKLICK & CRANWKLIi GARLICK & CRANWELL Iron BEDSTEADS and BEDDING N BEDROOM FURNITURE 1 E w DINING do. do. f Bf M7 DRAWING do. do. > for HALL do. do. I Delivery KITCHEN do. do. I "OU¥»r* JgJTOEFURNITUBIIi / HOUSB3 JURNISHED THROUGHOUT. BUY YOUR FURNITURE FROM GARLICKI & CRANWELL, PHKAF FURNISHING WAREHOUSE, Qr;BKN-SWSB£T AP» LOBJflt-SIBBiT,



THE LIVER STIMULANT.-A COMPOUND IXTRACT Or EUOKOMYN AND PODOPHYLLIN WITH TARAXACUM —I* INCOMPARABLY THI BEST TONIC FOB ■IUOU« ---»no loss or appctiti. 2s. 6d. pkr bottle,