SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATERS.

Auckland—Thia evening, 8H; to-morrow 'tuorniiifr, 5.33. Manokau Heads — Thia evening, 10.51; to awrrow morning, 11.18. Kaifara Heaiw—This evening, 11,51; to-mor ■row afternoon, 0.18.

Sunrise.—To-morrow morning—6.si. Sunset.—This evoning—l.ofi. Moon's Age,—First Quarter. 21st, 5,21 a.m,

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY. Waroatca, a.8., fromGseymouth Herald, 8.5., Savory, from Groyniouth

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. 'Corea, schooner, Rogers, for Mitchell Island

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Wellington. 8.5., Stephenson, for 'i'auranga Waitaki, 8.5.. Crawford, for Whangaroi Taupo, 8,8,, MoColl, lor Groymouth

Ikwarbs OpASTWiSE.-Start, from Wha ngarel. with 22,400 ft timber; aioolmu. from Omaha, with 3,000 palings, 16,000 ft timbor.

Outwards COAsrsvisK.-Fanny Kolly. for Mongonm: Moehau, for Omaha; Kauri, for £ort Charles; Norval and Saucy Kate, fer jßnsselL

, The i^ Taupo, which has boon lalrtuphoro iL P° la"t fortnight for rojfaira to her ahaft, Jeft for Greymouth early last ovoning.

The Government b.s. Stella loft the Kaipara yesterday bonnd for Manuk&u and Wellington.

Tho aohoonera Annio Wilson. Jessio, Masol- Jan Cloud, Ocean Rancor, and YolanSo were at Kaipara Heads wlndbound yostorday afternoon. The Bchoonor Marion left Timaru yesterday with a cargo of grain for tho Thamos. mSKKSSP 8'0* L?ndon Wt the Now Zealand h^S?w}^P an.yBB-s-Jonffariro a-° to boon Board at Wellington on Sunday, 7th June.

\ ?hoJJ6^iS toani tug Awhina had an official i t ril ftf'omoon, and performed satis-

olTtn°i iB clanßW(m WRS docked to-day for

_ £™ n *g> ,?«'«■ i? comtiletlon of work on the steamer Pelhani, Messrs Fraser and Tinne have &525&5 £ ll?i bor of their men on u'e job, by iiS^} 0? °i tho owners, and the vossol la ex- P*? t«d to tie ready for sea about a fortnight The B.S. Herald arrived from Greymouth at J i a.m,toflay wluiGJO tons coal for H.M.ships Jiameglo or Nelson, one or both of whtot may arrive at any moment. The Heraia left Grey ■wrath on Monday last at 8 a,m.. and had strong winds from W. to W.B.W. during the voyage. Captain Burns, raaater of the sohooner Comet, ■which recently went aground at Glsborne, was before a Nautloal Court yesterday, and was ordered to pay £15, costs of inquiry. It appears that ho refused to assist In getting the vessel off, and he had no certificate, to which facts tho Court directed tho attention of insurance com panies.

. A new steel steamer called the Maitai. and described as the largest steel steamer built in the colony, had a successful trial trip at Wel- Jtngton yesterday afternoon, when she averaged 4£-im Otel TnS Yes?el has been bnilt for Cactaln Williams, and is intended for tho West Coast CftuOt

rhe nautical inquiry re the Macgregor and WeUtogton colllson has been adjourned till Wednesday next. Evidence whioh was taken after we wont to press yesterday appears in an other column. It la probable that tho Gairloch and Herald collision will not come beforo tho Cs!lt rt fi or , BeTlr^ l day? lator than too dßt« originally decided on, viz.. May 20. The following of the Union Company's ateamors are duo to arrivo hero during the fhl «oß» Wß o t:'7 Rotorua < at Onchunga) from ««» South. Sunday, 11 a.m.: Tarawera and P^POJ&pom Bouthem ports, Monday morn *?*' W*i£ ara P»- from Sydney, Tuesday; ArawHfa, from Fiji, Wednesday.

ENGLISH MEN-O'WAR EXPECTED.

Coals for H.M.s. Esplegle or Nelson,

Either of Hor Majesty's mon-o'-w&r ships EsplcKlo or Nelson may put in an nppearnnoo iiereat any moment, tho former being the more likely of the two to pay us an early visit. Recently the owners of the 8,8. Herald reoolved orders to nave a large cargo of coal In Auck land br the 12th inst.. for the purpose of supplying one of her Majesty's war ships, most likely the Ksplggle. Bad weather prevented thearrivalof tho Herald till this morning, at 2 a.m., when she came alongside of Queen-street wharf, with 610 tons of Grey coal She is expected to retain hor cargo mjtU it oan be transferred to tho man-'o war. H.M.S. Kspiegle is a composite sloop of US tons, and with engines of 1,140 h.p. Sho has been on the Australian station for some time, and her list of officers Is aa follows:—Captain, Cypnan C. A.Bridge; Lioutenants, R. S. Lowry, Robert N. Ommanney and M. E. L. Thompson; «^ir Sffgeoll^n..J% m J' .Irvine; Paymaster w&S**?M"v: ChjefEngineer,Alfred J.Allen. H.M.S. Nelson, whioh has before visited Auck land,^ an iron armour-plated ship of 7,630 tons, ana with engines 016,640 h.p. She is officered as rwipws :-Captain James E. Ersciue, Com modore; Secretary, H. L. Warren ; Comander, Wm< M; Henderson; Lieutenants, E. E. Max well, JtomM C. Fenton.Phillip F. TiUard, Hon. Gerald F. Digby, Mr W. Portman ; Staft-Com mander, Jamea R, Osborn; Chaplain, Rev. Win. Law; Surgeon, F. H. Knott; Paymaster, W. H. Bower; Chief Engineer, W. Giles, Tho Nelson also has 16 midshipmen.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

Heads, this day.-Loadod: Ocean Ranger, Jeasie. Anmo Wilson, Majellan Cloud. Two vessels are outside and cannot get in on account of the bar breaking too heavily. Ono is tho Sea Bird and tho other is supposed to be tho Wild May,

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Sydney, .Hay 15.-Arrived: Wakatipu, from Wellington, yesterday afternoon. Sailed, yes terday afternoon: Wairarapa, for Auckland.

Dctontion of tbe Argyle,

Russell, this day.—At 9 o'clock last night the Argrle put in to this port with her force pump broken down. The damage, which was not serlona, -was repaired, and she resumed her .iourney to Waltara about 10 o'clock this morn iner.-

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, this day. Mraan3 C Ait bines & Taylor report as follows of the yesterday's sale of poultry, produce, eto: —A large,attendance of buyers, and bidding fairly brisk. Poultry: Fat fowls, Is 9d to 2s 7d; clilokenß, Wto is; half-grown fowls, is 3d to la 7d; turkey a, is 6d to is 93; pigs, young, 3s 6d to Ss;. store pigs, 19s; canaries, 7s 6d; brahma fowls, 68 3d to 89 6d. Produce: Potatoes (best), £3 10s to £t per ton; onions, Id to lid per Ib; pumpkins, 5s to 6s 6d; carrots, Ss 3d; piomolons, Sb 9d to 4s; hams, bid to BJd: bacon, 3d to 7M; cheese, 2d to sd; salt beef. Id to lid; salt butter, 3d. The groceries, furniture, drapery, fancy goods, eto,, were for the most part cleared at prices favourable to vendors.

SECOND EDITION.

LATEST CABLEGRAMS

THIS CANADIAN REBELLION COLLAP SING.

[by cable.—copyright.]

Ottawa, May 15. — The insurrection fomented by Louis Roil ia collapsing, and aumbors of rebels are daily tendering their submission to General Middleton,

STATEMENTS IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

THe Anglo-Russian Negotiations,

Irish Affairs,

The New. Soutb Wales Troops,

(Ruuteb's Telegbam.)

(Received May 16, 3 p.m.)

i •-'•y ,';-"■'.. ;' London, May 15. In the Bouse -of Commons to-day, the Marquis,; of Hartington, Secretary of State for War, stated in reply to a ques tion that Her Majesty's Government did not regard it as either convenient or

satisfactory for the Australian contingent to visit England.

Hon. Mr Gladstone informed the House, in reply to. a question, that Her Majesty's Government had received no reply from Roseia in regard to the portion of the Afghan frontier line, which has not yet been delimited.

Referring to the Irish question, Mr Glad stone announced the partial renewal of the Prevention of Crimes Act in Ireland, and 'stated that Government at present were unable to deal with the question of Irish local Eelf'government or to proceed with the Land Purchases (Ireland) Bill.

FIRE AT TIMARU.

(BF XELEGSAPB—TBBSS ASSOCIATION.)

Timaiw, this day, Gabmneb's stables at Salt Water Creek, two milss from here, were burned down aarly this morning. Three horses were de stroyed, one being the racehorse Master Morris,' .

I>R. SCH WAUZBACH, M.D., having recently returned from Europe, will ro-visit Auokland according to his promise, nnd may be consulted by patients Buffering from Uiscasoa of tho Bye, Ear, or Throat, at Mrs Spiors's, Albort Park, after May 17th. Former pationts aro Invited to call.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

MAILS WILL OLOSB Aft UNDER-- Monday, 18th tnst. For Waitara and Southern Ports, per Rowona, at 7.10 a.m. For Coromandol. per Coromandel, at 11.30 a.m. For Waitara and Southorn ports, per Oreti, at 1 p.m. For Rarotontta, per Oamaru. at 2 p.m. For Whangarel Heads, WhaneAroi, Kamo, RUBsell, Kawakawa. Herd's Point, Wha ngaroa, and Mongonui, per Wellington, at For P Tauranga, and Opotlki, per Clansman, at 5 p.m. For Whltlanttl and Upper Mlll.por lona, at! 5 p.m.

Tuesday, 26th inst.

For Navigator Islands, Sandwich Islands, United States o* America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m For United Kingdom and Continent of Snrope, at 1 p.m. Money orders, 11.30 a.m. Registered letters and newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of sls pence In addition to the postage, will be received by the Mall Agent on board the steamer tip to the time of sailing, This mall will be due In London on Friday, July 3,1845-

S. a BISS, Chief Foßtmagter Ohlßf POSt-OfflOi. JknoHan/l.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

i\l% IG. 1835. Opera Houao-" Impulee," S p.m. DevonportHall—Wosleyan Bazaar, 2 to 10 p.m, Riding School, Eden Terrace—Annual Meet ing of Board and Ratepayers, 7,30 p.m. Y.M.CA-Devotional Meetinff, 7.30 p.m. Frenoh Literary Society—Lecture, " Rnins oi Pompeii," Mr Thos. Mahonoy, 8 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

Law-Abider.—Discharging firearms within tho city is illegal. It Is a very inadvisable and dangerous piactice to shoot at so&gulls along the shores of the harbour on tho city side. T. Hodson.—Ab the matter referred to has boen sottlcd, no good would result by tho publica tion of your letter. S.—The Nursery Handicap at tho C.J.C. Autumn Meeting of 1882 wag won by by Siosta, Van guard Seine second, and Leonora third. Welcomo Jack was unplaced, being left at tho post.

Births

HARDING.-On May 13, at Cobden-street, Newton, the wife of James W. Harding of a son ; both doing well.

Marriages.

STUART-DEXTER.-On April 8, at Papeete, Tahiti. Charles Theophilua Metcalfe, third son of Captain D. A. Stuart, late s.s. Midge, 10 Eliza, eldest diiughtor of Richard Dexter, Esq., Papeete, Tahiti. WILUAMS-DOWNEY.-On April 21, at St Benediot'e, Newton, by the Ray. Cuthbert Downey, Austin, youngest son of Mr W. Williams, late of Clytha, Mon., to Maggie Patricia-cldost daughter of Mr James Downey, Kyber Pass. ,

Deaths.

BORLKY.—On May 15. Jano, the beloved wlfo of James Borloy, bootmaker, Newmarket; aged 78 years, Deceased was the mothor of Mr W. Bowden, of Auburn-street, Kyber Pass. The .funeral will leave her late residence for Wesleyan Cemetery to-morrow (Sunday), at 3.15 p.m. Friends please accept this intimation. CUTLER,—On May 11, at his daughter's resi dence, Brown-Btreet, Auckland, William Cutler, of Mahurangi; aged 70 yeara. Deeply The funeral took placo at Warkworth on May 13.

DUNLOP.—On May 15, Sarah, the beloved wife of George Frederick Dunlop ; aged 25 years. The funeral will leave hor late residence, Victoria Avenue, Eden Terraoo, to-morrow (Sunday), at 3 p.m. Friends are Invited to attend.

FLETCHER.—On May 11, at Manukau Road, Onehnngo, Frances, wife ot Isaac Fletcher. The funeral will leave hor lato residence to morrow (Sunday), at 4 p.m. Friends ploaao accept this invitation.

JURY.—On May 14, after four days' illness, from Slourisy of lungs and bronchitia, George Bwald, third son of Henry R. and Annio Jury; aged 18 years. The funeral will leave hia parents' residence at Newmarket (near Captain Cook Brewery) to-morrow (Sunday), at 2.15 p.m. Friends please accept this invitation.

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

SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1885.

For th» oanie tilt lack) Miistino, For ths wrong that ueeili resistance for ths future in the tatuet, And the good that we oan do.

It is a rather remarkable fact that, excepting Mr Moss,the member for Par nell, and Sir George Grey, no member for an Auckland city or suburban con stituency has thought it worth his while to address the electors who honoured him with their confidence. We should regret to see a custom which tends to bring a representative and the people into closer sympathy and to preserve political vitality fall into desuetude. These speeches are often little more than thrice-told tales, and do not always attract very large audiences ; but this depends very much upon the member himself. If an able man, he ought to have something new to say about the legislative work in which he has been engaged, and he should do his own part towards the education of public opinion upon political questions. There were many very important sub jects brought before the last Parlia ment, and still more momentous ones are looming in the near future. It is not for the men who make our laws, and who have been chosen to represent im portant districts, to wait for the breath of an ill-regulated popular opinion to direct them. Nor is it righ_ that the people should only be informed of the opinions of their representatives when their action has placed matters beyond redemption. Amember,before leaving for his parliamentary labours, should meet his constituents in friendly conference, and explain the reasons that have actuated him in his past use of the powers vested in him, and give his own forecast of the political out look. Especially does it devolve upon those who have been honoured with the confidence of city populations to take the initiative in performing this duty. To the country members the work is more arduous; yet, strange to say, we find our country members more faith ful in discharging the trust than their city colleagues. The meeting of Par liament is now close at hand. The Government have already declared that Local Government, Land, District Railways, and other proposals of great magnitude will be submitted to the House, and we hope the discharge of a very obvious duty will no longer be delayed by the four city and suburban member's who have not yet come before the electors who returned them,

Another Colonial Loan Floated.

<SuKIiNSLA}iD has not been so successful as Victoria with hor loan, but as tho north eastern colony of Australia divides with New Zoalcnd the celebrity of boing, ratal tho most heavily indobted country in the world, her experience in tho London monoy markot is, porhapsj more useful to us. Looked at in this wav, tho floating of a four psr cent loan, of £2,*000,000 at a little over £97 is very en couraging. Tho time is vory favourable for colonial operations on tho monoy market, and tho New Zealand Treasurer must now bo charing undor thoiO3triction which keopa him ofl' tho monoy markot until Juno. Even a fortnight lu^ thono time 3of dis turbing tolpgranis will appear a long way oft. If no cot/trouble with Russia arisos, however, the colony may, wo think, now count upon the floating of ite next loan at a fair rate.

Liability For Workmen's Wages.

A vkry important docision has boon given recently by Mr Justice Johnston, and as it is tho first under the "Workman's Wages Act "of last session, special interest is at tachod to it. From tho report in tho " Press," it appears that a contractor for work at tho Ashburton Convent had got into arrears with his workmen, and also with a timbor morchant at lnvorcargill. Subsequently ho assigned his right to money accruing duo on tho contract to tho timbor morchant, notice of which was given to the Lady Superior on tho nth of tho month. On tho 12th tho workmen, under tho provisions of tho Act, obtained orders ns against the moneys of tho contractor from tho Resident Magistrato at Ash burton, The timbor morchant, howover, sot up his assignment, and claimed the residue of contract monoys remaining in tho hands of tho Lady Superior on account of the contract. Sho paid the money into the Supreme Court to await its docision. It was contended that his assignment over ruled tho claims of the men, inasmuch as at tho time they took action undor tho Act as against tin contractor thoro were no funds belonging to him hi tho hands of tho Lady Superior, tho logal ostato tliovoin having passed to his assignoo. On tho other hand, it was contondou that clause 14 of " The Workmen's Wages Act 1884 ' gave absolute priority to workmen's wages OTer all others. That clause ia as fol lows : —' The wages that may beoutstanding on any contract or undertaking shall bo a first chaigo upon any monoy in tho hands of the contracteo which has accrued or may accrue and becomo duo to tho con tractor on account of such contract or undertaking." His Honor uphold this contention, and mado an ordor for tho pay ment of tho monoy to tho workmen. This decision is very satisfactory, ami shows thab tho Act effectually secures tho rights of workmen against the creditors of defaulting omployers.

The Crofters Settlement Scheme

Tun Government schomo for settling the Skye crofters upon coastal lands in Now Zealand has been deforced for tho proaont. Replying to a letter from a gontleman in Auckland, tho Premier stated that owing to tho disturbed condition of affairs in Groat Britain, consequent on tho war rumours, no further steps would bo taken until after the ineoting of Parliament. If Mr Macandrew has agreed to go Homo, as is reported, tho Government would desire to keep him in the colony until after the next session, and ho would, no doubt, him solf rofueo to forfeit his seat. Those con siderations offer a more intolligiblo ex planation , than tho one which has boon givon. The delay, however, may not bo wholly a loss of time, for wo learn by tho latest newspapers from. Scotland that tho scheme has been taken ap very warmly in tho Hebrides, and the crofters will be prepared for the recep tion of tho Now Zealand delegate. The way to provido for tho transport of tho crofters may also have been cleared before that time. Herein really lies the chief difficulty. Tho New Zealand Government having ceased to convey free immigrants, can scarcely be expestcd to provide land grants and defray the cost of passagos as well. Some scheme for interesting land lords and philanthropists, and also for enlisting tho aid of tho Imperial Govern ment, has been mooted, and possibly tho Ministry may have definite proposals on tho subject to submit to Parliament.

The Austrian corvette Saida ia all roady to continue hor voyage to Fiji and elsa where, and will probably sail to-morrow. During her briof stay in port, her com mander and officers have mado many friends who regret the necessity for tho early departuro of tho corvette.

An enterprising boatbuildof is seriously considering tho advisability of starting in opposition to tho Tramway Company in Customs-street West with a flat-bottomed punt. He says tho boat would travel through the slush, which is over six inchos deep ovor tho greater part of tho road, much hotter than a tram car possibly could, as the rails mo completely hidden. Tho traffic on tho road is very heavy, and some motal is badly wanted to boar tho constant pressure of vehicles of all classes.

No fresh information respecting tho wreck of tho Macgregor has roached us sinco yesterday. Tho woathor has not boon favorable for operations, so it is unlikely that any great progress li.'is bcon mado towards floating tho stoamor, Captain Macgregor. managing director for tho Northern S.S. Company, left for Kawau in tho Wellington last ovoning, and is ex pocted to return hero by tho lona to-mor row,

Instead of coming by tho Union Com pany's steamer, the Minister for Minos is coming to Auckland by thoHinemoa. A tola gram from Wellington states that the Go vortnnontstonmor named sailed for Onohunga at 11 last night with the lion. Mr LarnacTi, and Private Secretary, Majar Cautloy, Major Badliam, Captain Douglas, Mr BinnH (Inspoctor of Mines), and Mr Humor (of the M ine.H Department), as passongors,

A3 thero is still considerable speculation in town as to tho roal facts of the Nighting. galo casualty, it is only right to state that eoreral persons who have boon shipmates with Averillo, who took tho vessel into Sydney, assert their conviction that ho is not capable of having taken any unfair advantago of his captain and officers. The details snowing the condition in which the vessel reached Sydney, also seem to pre clude the idea that her mishap waß duo to any other cause than stress of weathorr

The steamship Triumph was expected to leave Sydney this afternoon for Auckland, and consequently may bo expected back hero by Thursday morning next. She has on board about 2,000 tons of Newcastle coal and a email quantity of general merchan dise. It is intended that the Triumph shall discharge only part cargo here, a large proportion being for Welling ton and Lyttelton, for which ports she is also to load genera! cargo at Auckland. After this the Triumph will continue in the intercolonial trade, making the round trip between Sydney, Auckland, and Southern ports regularly, carrying both cargo and passengers. The only thing likely to Inter fere with this arrangement is a possible transfer of the steamer to new owners.

Reference was made in a recent issue to the departure of an interesting couple who had_ been carrying on a " lambing-down" business for some time past. Quite a num ber of victims are said to have been trapped by the couple and " bled" to an astonishing extent. The modus operctndi was as fol lows :—Tho woman, who waß rather pretty, impersonated the character of tho "fair but frail" one, and, after carrying on a clandes tine flirtation with some gilded youth who had been chosen as the victim, she would make an assignation with him at her own house. According to tho carefully pre arranged plans of tho couple, the infuriated husband would drop in at an opportune moment, and of course, after the first out burst of wrath, he would not object to settle the matter for a substantial pecuniary con sideration, Thus a profitable game was carried on for some time.

Five small children were before the Court this morning as "destitute and without parental control." Three were Hugh, Margaret, and Agnes McKinnon, respectively aged 8,5, and 3. Their father, James McKinnon, a seaman, had deserted the mother and the children. It was represented as a heartless case. The others were James Braelin, 12, and Margaret, 8, children of the late Jatneß Bras lin, who met with a fatal accident by falling from the stepß of the Clatendon Hotel. Rose Braslin deposed that her hus band left her penniless, and she was com. polled to work daily as a charwoman for the means of Bupport. It waß quite impossible for her to look after the children, and sHe was compelled to part with them. The &v > -children were committed to the Home for the Destitute,;

The Auckland Stock and Share Market is in a quiescent state, and brokers are living upon hopo. Scarcely any business has been traneaoted for sovoral weeks past, while calls aro continuous. Tho only sales re corded are—Bank of New Zealand (ex,), £20 15s ; Auckland Gaß, £10 5s j Ivanhoe, 2s,

"A Labouring Man" writes from To Awainutu:—"Thoro aro about thirty or forty hands out of employment up here.and wo cannot get on tho contracts, as all aro sub-let, and wo aro put back from week to week. This is to lot our fellow labouring men know thoy need not come hore until the work starts,"

. Mr \VilliiMn Thou. Wright has ceased to be Chairman of the Pukokohe and Mauku Cheese and Bacon Company, and Major Benjamin Harris has been eloctod in his stead,

Wo hoar from Dunedin that Mr Robert Gillies, M.H.R. for Bruce, is usable toleavo his house from illness, and it is considered unlikely that he will be ablo to attend tho oarlior part of tho sosnion.

Superintendent Thompson received a tologrum from the Thames to-day stating that tho body of John James, who was drowned through tho boating accidont thero last Saturday, was found in tho bay opposite Tararu this morning. This makes two out of tho four bodies rocovorod.

A Californian bee-keopor statos that one of tho bost bco pasturos known is Alfalfa clover. Our Auckland sood merchants have tho sood on sale, and this, wo imagino, will bo intorosting news to our boo-keoping frionds.

A lad named Kolly lias boon missing since Thursday. Ho is by trade a shoemakor, was in tho employment of Mr Meldrum, of Shortland-street, and was last soon on tho Wharf. It is foarod that ho has met witli an untimely end, being a youth of eccentric habits.

Tho absence of T. Ryan from tho football Hold is conspicuous this sonson ; but it is satisfactory to learn that it will not bo uormanont. It appears that he strained himself about two years ago whilo assisting to got a yacht off tho rocks at St. Georgo^s Bay, and. tho effects of tho accident have made thomselvos folt since. He has been advised by his doctor not to play much this sonson, and will probably leave at onco for Groat Barrier for tho bonofit of his health. He will, liowovor, return in time to take part in tho match of June 13th botwoon Graf ton and Poiifonby. This match is cxpoctod to bo tho most oxciting of tho season, and both sid«B aro vigorously proparing for it.

Particulars of Sunday services will bo found in our third page. Tho principal event is tho special services in connection with tho oponing of tho Baptist Tabornaclo, A confirmation eervico will bo hold at St. Mattliow's Church in tho ovening by Bishop Cowio. Roy. T. McKonzio Fraser, M.A., will dolivov a locturo to-morrow evening in St. David's Presbyterian Church on "Tho Romanco of Jewish History." At St, Paul's, spocial sorviccs will bo conducted by the incumbont, his subject in tho foronoon being "Tho Holy Eucharist," addressed to communicants in general, and thoso nowly confirmed in particular.

Tho members of tho Ponsonby Rifles are to ineot for drill at tho Ponsonby Hall on Monday night, Mr C. Martolli, Secretary to tho corps, is calling for tondors for supplying uniforms.

"Come, Stella, C'oino," tho prize musical composition, which is dodicatod to Mr J. McCosh Clark, Presidont of tho Art Society, has been published in shoot form, 'and is nowon salo at tho various music-sellors, at 2a Gd net.

It is roportod that a proposal will bo sub mitted to tho Government Insurance Board for tho introduction of the Tontino system in connection with the policies issued by tho Government Office.

The Vollbracht Tobacco Company ad vertiso in nnothor column that they have received sufficient seod of Suhimotra, Havanna, Connecticut, Virginia, Pennsyl vania, and Ohio varioties, to sow a thousand acres. They are distributing this gratis to porsonßwhoarewillingtogrowtobaccoduring tho onsuing season ; 264 acroa are already promised for next season. Thirty-four tons tobacco are now in bond, and Melbourne manufacturers are so satisfied with tho quality of the Now Zealand tobacco that thoy havo orderod 20 tons. Tbo machinery for manufacture is oxpected by tho noxt steamor from San Francisco.

Mr Wild lectured in tho new Bdon Hall laat evening to a highly approciativo audionco. The subject was " Unquenchable Fire," and tho locturor, who quoted many passages from tho prophots Mnlnchi, Isaiah, and others in support of his position, went on to show that while tho fire was called unquenchable, that which was burnt by it was to bo utterly consumed, and not kept in torment during tho countloss ages of eternity. An animated and good-humoured discussion was maintained tor about three quarters of an hour at tho close of tho leeturo. Next Friday Mr Reos will lecture on "The Transfiguration."

A vory pleasant ontortainmont was givon at tho Sailors' Rost last ovoning, ono in terosting itom being an addross by Bishop Cowio on "Tho Lifo and Character of General Gordon." In a briof sketch of the horo of Khartoum, His Lordship referred to Cordon's caroor in Russia, China, and tho Soudan. His dofonco of Khartoum was characterised as heroic, and his splendid de votion to his loyal troops was also remarked. Tho Bishop expressed an opinion that if a light railway had boon put, down last year, tho army could havo boon transported in throo wcoks, and Khartoum would thus havo boon saved. Now, ho considorod it only a wiso and Christian policy to with draw tho troops. Tho address waa listonod to with marked attention by a largo audipneo. During tho ovoning several musical soloctions worocontributod byladios and gontlemon, and tho gathoring proved a most onjoyablo ono.

Tho maohinory at tho Now Zealand Frozen Moat Company's Works at tho Railway Wharf has worked admirably all tho wool;. A largo consignment of sheep in brought down tho railway lino ovory morning, and after being frozen, nro stored ready for ship monti

A circular lias boon forwardod to the various Rowing Clubs throughout Now Zealand by tlio Wanganui Kogatta Coin mittoo, in which it Is suggested that a Mow ing Association for tho colony should bo formod. Tho proposal la that onch of tho clubs hliouUl siibscribo a small sum, say £10 a year, towards tho funds, .so that an annual regatta might bo provided, good furizos givon, and plonty of competition assured. Tho place whore theso contests might bo hold is not fixed upon, but it is suggested that tho Wanganui River would be very suitable. A meeting to consider replies to circulars which have been sent out is to be held at Wanganui about a fortnight honce. The Board of Education is showing a disposition to " knuckle down" to the City Schools Committee in tho matter of the half-holiday recommended by the latter body on tho occasion of the late Volunteer Review. At the mooting of the Board of Education yesterday, Mr Upton rather lee-' tnrod his brother members on the course they had pursued, and wondered at the patience of the Committee under tho treatment they received. Tho Board, tacitly but sullenly acknowledging themselves in the wrong, agreed to receive the letter of the City Schools Com mittee ; that tho Committee be informed that the revision of the regulations of which they complain was under consideration; also, that Mr Worthington was written to ro the half-holiday, because he was the first teacher to report that the school had been dosed.

Tho sale at Arthur's Mart of watches and jewellery was continued to-day, when a considerable portion of the goods was disposed of at prices favourable to buyers. The last day of the sale is announced to be Monday next, commencing at noon, and not at 11 a.m., as stated in advertisement on our fourth page.

The growth of juvenile population in and around Auckland, with the consequent increased attendance at the public schools, would seem to call for additions to the staff of schools inspectors. Mr R. J. O'Sullivan, Chief Inspector of Schools, has forwarded to the Board of Education a report to the effect that the inspection work of the district could not be performed with fewer than four inspectors. There are 226 schools in the district, and each require to be examined twice a year, giving 452 visits, or 113 visits foreach of four inspectors. A memorandum was aleo received from Messrs Goodwin and Fidler, Assistant Inspectors, asking that they be placed on the Board's book as in spectors, no such office as that of "Assistant Inspectors" being recognised by the Education Act. In other boards, 1 officers performing the same duties as themselves were ranked as inspectors. A Committee consisting of the Chairman, Professor Tucker, Messrs Goldio and Clark was appointed to report on the matter of school inspection. It was decided to appoint Messrs Goodwin and Fidler In spectors, Mr Luke mentioned that Mr Goodwin was only receiving £300. He thought he should receive an increase. It was decided to leave this matter to the Committee on School Inspection,

At the meeting of the Women's Christian Temperance Union on Thursday evening, Mm Donald, a member of the Edinburgh Union, delivered a very interesting address on the progress of the cause in the old land, It is expected that this lady will give a farewell address in tho Young Men's Rooms on Monday evening, if arrangements can be made.

Tho local Frozen Moat Company's now freezing works at Waitara have now been completed, and will commence-operations about a wook hence. Mr S. D. Hanna, who has bten assisting Mr Novin in the eroction of tho machinery in tho Auckland works, leaves here on Monday to take charge at Waitara,

Tho usual meeting of tho Newton Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society took place on Thursday last. Tho subject under discussion was a debate on the question "Which exorcisoa tho greater influence, the Platform or the Press V" After a lively and animated debate, a large majority of the class decided that the Press had the greater influence

Tho soireo held in connection with the anniversary of the United Methodist Free Church at Mount Eden last Tuesday was well attended. Mr Withy presided, and addresses wore delivered by the Revs. C. Worboys, S. Macfarlane, and J. A. Smith. The choir, conducted by Mr Cole, rendored several anthems, while Mies Reynolds as sisted on tho harmonium.

Tho Ponsonby Social Union commenced its season last evening in tho Oddfellows' Hall, Ponsonby. There was a fair atten danco, considering the stato of tho weather. An enjoyable evening was spoilt, Mr W. J, Rcos officiating ns Master of Ceremonies. Tho music was provided by Sheehan's Band.

Tho Devonport Wealeyan Church Bazaar was well-attended lart evening, when the takings amounted to £48, making the total receipts so far £143. The bazaar will bo open again to-night up till 10 p.m., and the entrance fee has been reduced to 6d. There are to be no auctions, it having been decided to hold any articles which are not sold for Bomo future bazaar. Wo have been requested to stato' that the amounts pro mised towards the new churoh total £500, not £260, as previously stated,

Mossrs Smith and Roive's tender of £240 nan been accoptod by the Board of Educa tion for additions to tho Mount Roskill school building. Thero wero eight othor tendorors, the highest being £269. Mr Horsley's tender, £185, has been accepted for tho erection of school-room at Mahurangi Hoads.

The police have instituted proceedings ngainßt three notorious prostitutes who occupy a brothel in Fort-stroot, and against which numerous complaints havo been made. Mary Maher, alias "Tho Fantail," will be charged with being tho occupior of tho brothel, and Elizabeth Hennossy and Ada Hall with boing inmates thereof.

Mr Henderson will move, at tho mooting of tho Harbour Board on Tuesday, that " The Railwny Dopartment bo rcquestod to state what provision thoy purpose making in order to provide access to and from Wynyard Pier across tho railway lino at tho foot of Short-street."

Tho Primitive Mothodlsts of Alexandra stroot havo been ongaged during tho past wook holding evangelistic services every night, and oarnesb addrossos have been givon by Rove. A. J. Smith, J. Boothroyd, Messrs Parker, Thompson, Hall, Jenkin, Allington, andWortblngtom The meetings have been fairly attended, and are being continued another week. Rotr. A. J. Smith is announced to preach a opocial sermon by request, to-morrow ovening, subjoct " King David."

One oi tho smartest undertakings in iron work ever attempted in tho colony was com peted yesterday by Messrs Frasor and Tinne, About a fortnight since the stoam uhip Taupo broko her shaft off Point Rodney, and was towod back to this port for repairs. Shortly afterwards Messrs Fraeer and Tinno wore directed to ofloct repairs. What is called tho stern tube, 2 tons in weight, camo to hand about a week ago, and sinco then tho firm have had a large gang of men working both day and night, speed being of tho greatest importance They also pro vided a now brass stern bush, and had tho work completed in timo to allow of the steamer's doparturo for Greymouth last evening. This work is spoken of as having been accomplished in line stylo, and in an exceedingly short spaca of timo. Sergeant Clarke'arrostod a man to-d»y on tho charge of being absent without leave from the British ship Loch Linnhe. A disturbance occurred this afternoon in the neighbourhood of the Eagle Inn, Albort street. Constablo White went up and arrested n man named Timothy Donovan on a chargo of being drunk and disorderly, w Contractors will ploaso note that tenders for building of retaining-wall, Wynyard-street, is extended until tho 21st mat. Ivo's farewell leeturo is to be given in tho Opera House on Sunday night, tho subject boing "Modern Spiritualism." Trada's Band having delayed tholr doparturo from Auckland, will appear onco more.

Tuttlo and Co., the well-known photo graphers, of Sydney, rospeotullv announce the completion of thoir Auckland promisos, 218, Uuoon-stroot, to bo qponod for business on Monday, May 18th, and beg to call attention to tholr grand display oi ploturoe in tho vestibule Saturday evening.

WELLINGTON NOTES

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. Government and tho District Railways. Tub statomont in this morning's papors that Govornmont had concludod negotia tions for tho purchase of all district rail ways, subjoct to tho ratification of Parlia ment is slightly incorroct. No tonnß have boon como to with tho Waimoa Plains Railway Company, and tho no gotiations with that Company aro now ontiroly withdrawn. With all other companies negotiations havo been succoas fill. School of Military Instruction. Tho military school of Instruction horo will not bo oponod boforo Ist Juno, by which dato all instruction and examination papors will bo roady to despatch to otlidr chiof contres, and lato officers whoso commissions wero rocontly revoked may ap] ply on that date to bo oxaminod, or they may, if they choso, avail themsolvos of throo months coiirso of instruction, Tho Exhibition Building. The contractor for tho Wellington Exhibition building hopes to have tho original contract . finished by tho end of next week. Plans are being pre pared for an addition to the building, and will shortly be issued by the Government, Govornmont insuranco Association. I understand that at> the last meeting of the Govornmont Insurance Company, tho Board decided to erect a handsome addition to the building at pesent occupied by the association in Wellington. Instruc tions to issue competitive plans open to all architects for Uiobo additions have been given. _____________

FIRE AT CHRISTCHURCH.

(BY TEMiGBAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

CimiKTCHUKCii, this day. A fike occurred this morning in Manches ter-street South, by which Redfern'a Print ing Offico was gutted, and the Railway hotel adjoining damaged. The printing office was uninsured, but the hotel premises were insured for £150, and the furniture for £500 in the Liverpool, London and Globe offico. The damage is estimated at £200 to the building, £100 to the furni ture. The cause of the fire is supposed to be a defective chimney in the printing office.

TABLE TALK.

A strong " Impulse " should draw a crowd to the Opera House to-night. Mrs Leavitt is at Chrißtchurch. Donovan and Murphy have another " set to " in the Theatre Royal. Temperance victory at all the Local Op tion polls. It is proposed to change the site of One hunga Public School. Yesterday the Board of Education ap moved oi the action of the city and One fiunga Scnool Committees in refusing appli cations for teachers to leave school early in order to attend University College classes, At Wanganui yesterday, C. S. Cross, late Secretary to the Heads Railway Com pany, was committed for trial on a charge of embezzling the moneys of the • Com- ( pany. '-"••.' Theßoardof Education yesterday granted | three months' salary to the widow of the late Mr Colquhoun, drowned this week at | Thames,

Chbistohtoch, this day.—Mr W. B. Heath, late manager of tho National Bank, who is leaving the service of the bank, was to-day presented by the clients of the bank and friends with a silver salver, 300 sove reigns, and an illuminated address.

CABLEGRAMS.

[BY CABLK.-COPYRIGHT.J

Defence Officers for New South Wales,

London, May 15.—Captain Penrose, of the Royal Engineers, who was selected for New South Wales, will sail by the P. and O. steamer Paramatta, Lieuta, Millward and Bunbnry, selected for the same colony, will leave by the Orient steamer Iberia.

Queensland Loan.

Routor'a telegram states that tho total amount tendered for was £3,750,900. Tenders at £96 9a 6d will receive 35 per cont, of application ; above that in full,

Tho Queenslaud Loan Floated, [Received May 16—10.40 a.m.]

London, May 15.—The tenders for the Queensland two million and a-half four per cent, loan were opened to-day. There were five hundred and fifty throe tenders, amounting to nearly £4,000,000. Tenders at £97 9s 6d will receive in full. Tho minimum of the loan was £97. Australian Telegraph Lines. London, May 15.—The Eastern Exten sion Telegraph Company will connoct Mormanton, in Queensland, with the Roper River, in the Northern Territory, to Adelaide, the Government undertaking to connect the latter place with Elsey Crook, on the overland telegraph line. Grant to tho Frlncoss Beatrice Parliament has voted the allowance to Hor Royal Highness tho Princess Beatrice. The Queensland Loan. The Queensland loan, now in the markot, is quoted at a premium of 1£ per cent, Tho Archbishopric of Dublin.

It is reported that the Vatican will sub mit to England three names in connection with the appointment of an Archbishop for Dublin, and that Archbishop Moron's name will be the first submitted.

Mr S. L. Tilley, Minister of Finance in Canada, succeeds Sir Charles Tupper as High Commissioner of Canada. The death is announced of Mr Alexander Redfern, of the firm of Redfern and Co., Australian shippers. The Hon.jMr Childers, Chancellor of the Exchequer, contends that colonial securities are liable to pay stamp duty. A strong committee lias been formed to carry out the construction of the Adelaide ocean dock. The nocesaary funds for it will bo provided privately. Lord Sherbrooko has published a volume of pooma. Tho limit of the June wool salea has been roachod.

A Murderer executed.

Melbourne, this day.—Tho convict Barnes was executed yesterday morning for the murder of J. B. Slack.

OPERA HOUSE.-"lmpulse" Tonight.

"Thk Woman in White" was played last night for the last time, and this evening it yields its placo upon the stage to "Im pulse," a comedy-drama of the most suc cessful character, which created quite a furore in London, as well as moro recently in Melbourne. Special arrangements havo had to be made with Messrs Wllliamßon.Ganier, and Musgrove (the owners of the copyright) for its production here, and it is to be hoped that public appreciation will be marked in such a substantial manner as to reward Messrs Abbott and Reove for their enterprise " Impulse " ran for 300 nights in London, and for no less than 70 nights in Melbourne. Speaking of this fact, the " Argua " said: " Tho remarkable success of tho play will justify it being regarded in the future as a great event in tho theatrical annals of Melbourne, and tbo names of tho ladies and gentlemen on the cast will be associated with one of the best entertain ments soon horo." The plot is powerfully dramatic, the dialogue is cleverly written, and there is an abundance of the comedy olomont in the play. It should therefore draw a bumpor "house" to-night.

PIKE AT HAMILTON.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT).

Hamilton, this day. About ten o'clock laat night a fivc-roomod house on tho Obaupo Road was totally destroyed by Sre. The house, which is the property of Mr J. Vincent, of Huntly, was unoccupied, but furnished. It appears that Mrs Vincent was in the house on Thursday last, and lighted tiros in the kitchen and front-room for tho purpose of airing the place. She Bays ehe put both firoe out at five o'clock that afternoon, and having looked up the houso, wont away. Sho returned again botweon seven and eight o'clock last evening, but did not unlock the door or go inside the house. She hod just left tho neighbourhood of the cottage, and was riding in a neighbouring paddock, when the tiro broke out. She says there was no appearance of fire when sho was at the house, and it is thoreforo believed to have originated in the chimney. Nothing was saved. Tho house was insurod for £200 in tho Imperial Office, and tho furniture for £100 in the Colonial.

ALLEGED ARSON.

Tho Aoousod Committed for Trial.

At tho Police Court, the hearing of tho charge against William Arthur Thomas for eoltlng fire to a tobacconist's shop, thon tn his possession, in Victoria-stroot. on tho Bth nit., with intent to defraud tho Colonial Insurance Company, was rosumed this morning, before 11. G. Scth Smith. Esq., B.M.—Sergeant Pratt proso cntod on the part of tho Police.—Mr Thoo. Cooper appeared for tho accused.— John Harloy was noxt oxatninod, and deposed that ho was foreman in tho Fire Brigade. Was at tho tiro in Victoriastroot. Found that tho plpos from the main leading into tho motor had boon cut. There wore savoral outs In it. He did not romovo tho meter. Mr Retains, who Is a plumber, and a member of tho Brigade, stoppad tho escape cuts. Detective Htighos took poBBOSBIon of it, Tho tiro broke out undor tho counter, among v lot of loose paper In a box, and worked its way round to tho gas by the window.—William Field, Captain of tho Salvage Corps, deposed to boms at tho (Ire at 2.1 a. Ills duty was to protect insuranco property from tiro and water. The boxes on tho shelvoa wero not damaged, oi ther by water or lire. Saw no Roods taken away. Ho left at 1.30 a.m. The stock was very umali; nearly all the boxes were empty,—Moss H. Eeesing. plumber'and gasflttor, deposed that he was a member of tho Fire Brigade Was at tho fire in Victoria street. The lira broko out under the counter in a tin box. His attention was drawn to an escape of gas. Be was called to the meter by Bunt. Hughes. The meter was turned on, but the burners ovor the counter would not light He knew at oneo that something was wrong-that it must be escaping from a hole. Found several holes in tho supply pipe from the main; also in the delivery from the motor to the burners. Noticed two places where attempts had been made to out tha pipe; but the instrument, whatever it was, had not cut through. Tho out holes 'would have gradually enlarged by tho heat of the gas. The oute apparently were purposely made, — William Charles Porter doposed that ho was a tobacconist; ho valued the stock; it was a fair stock for tho size of tho shop, a few dum mies of course (inventory produced, made by Detective Twohey), Mr Cooper objooted; ho took 25 per cent, off tho retail price.— John Harboard, residing in Lome St., deposed that he was a hair-dresaor, employed by the accused up to tho night of the fire; left prisoner in tho Bhop; kept the key of the front door; tho Boaa, he should say Mr Thomas, had the other key; firßt heard of tho flro on the following morning, when he f onnd tho place burned down ; lost all his barbering tools; knew nothing of the stock. —John Chad wick, a merchant, deposed that ho was agent for (the Auckland Tobacco Com pany ; had supplied Thomas with reveral lots of goods during the last seven months in Victoria street; his account now stands at £H 18s ; he promised to pay on the Ist of April, but failed in doing so : had not pressed him Henry E. Woollams, a tobacconist of Quaon street, (Partridge and Woollams) deposed to supplying goods to the accused; his father was guarantee to £50; his father became insolvent, received £37 10s at tho rate of Issln the £; tho total amount owing was £69 17s. £32 10s was then owing; instructed Messrs Hughes and George in tho matter. Prisoner called and promised to pay £20 within a fortnight Paid £10 in March; he complained of business; a balance of £22 10s is still owing. Detective Hughos Kave the result of his search, and pro duced tho shuttors of prisoner's Bhop. Mr. Cooper thought this waa an unjust proceeding, and as the shutterß were prisoner's property tho police had lio right to do sotwhenhe wasarrested. 2 n custody. His Worship ruled that the polico were justified in securing all possible evidence. The shuttors having been inspected it was agreed to send them back for the protection of the shop. Detective Twohey deposed to seeing the accused after the fire. He told witness that no put, out, ttio r&s, an& turned it off at, the meter, and saw all secure. He loft with Frank Jones, and went homo to his father's house, in Wood street, Ponsonby. He paid hiß man, Harboard, £3 per week, and two guineas weekly for rent. He also said that he had insured hiß stock and furnitnre. Subsequently ho arrested him on the present charge and then made an invontory—total amount £71, retail prices. This being the evidence, tho depositions wore read ovor, and prisoner fully committed for trial. On the application of counsel, prisoner was admitted to bail, himself in £100 and two sureties in £50 each.

Active preparations are going on for a grand concert to be given in the Choral HalS on Juno 11th In aid of ono of the employes of Messrs Cousins and Atkln's, who hta beon pros trated with sickness for some months. Mr Impey'a band will assist, together with some of our leading singers, and It la hoped that there will be a full house, as the Object In view li tt most deserving one*

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

GarllcU and Cranwell's Furnituro

Factory Gutted.

An outbreak of fire occurred shortly after five o'clock this morning in the large three etory cement building at the cornor of Lorneand Rutland-streets used by Messrs Garlick and Cranwell bb a furniture factory. The five had advanced beyond the incipient stagoa before its discovery, and as a natural consequence, the top story, where the outbreak had occurred, was completely gutted, while the contents of the lower stories were seriously damaged by the copious streams of water poured into the structure. Tho fire was first observed by Mr Martin, of tho Pacific Hotel, who was at tho rear of hia premises at the time. Ho saw the glare through the factory windows, and running through to the street informed a newspaper runner, by whom the alarm was subsequently given. The Fire Brigade was speedily on the scene, and the connec tions with tho adjacent hydrants were promptly modo. There was an excellent pressure of water, but it was lessened during the progress of the fire by the bursting of a pipe in Pattoson-street. The Brigade found, upon their arrival, that the seat of the fire was in the top story, and several leads of hose were soon brought to bear upon it. The rooms in that portion of the factory contained large quantities of flock and kapok, besides a number of cases of bentwood chairs. Dense volumes of smoke rose from the bedding material, and im peded the operations of the premises to a considerable extent. Theeffect of the water soon becarneapparent. The flames began to subside quickly, and while there was very little prospect of their rapid extinguishment, the danger that they would extend to the neighbouring promises was soon removed. Indeed, tho Brigade were so far successful in their efforts that the fire web practically confined to the story in which it originated. Narrow Escape. It is true that the flooring was burnt through all along the front, and that a quantity of burning flock which fell through to tho second story threatened for a short time to ignite the materials lying about there. This source of danger,was however, rendered harmless by a judicious applica tion of water. The escape was a narrow one, but the timely discovery minimised the danger. Another narrow escape of a different character happened shortly afterwards. The Brigade were work ing in the top story, when the roof suddenly fell in upon them. Their position for a moment or two was anything but pleasant, but the good fortune which has hitherto been quite characteristic of the Brigade's operations again attended the men, and they escaped unhurt. The fire continued to burn for hours after the crisis was passed, and it was not until after ten o'clock that tho Firo Brigade was with drawn. The police mustered in force, while the Salvage Corps was also present, and lent valuable assistance. Mr Crowther very kindly provided coffee and other stimulants of a somewhat stronger nature for the firemen during their arduous labours at tho fire. Origin of tbe Fire. Nothing whatever is known respecting the cause of the outbreak. It was oaref nil; locked at five o'clock yesterday afternoon by Alfred Smith, the foreman. He says that everything was Bafe at that time. Thoro were no fire,'or lights of any kind allowed in the upper story, where the out break occurred, and tbe most reasonable theory that can be advanced to account for the fire is that it was the result of spon taneous combustion amongst the flock stored on the floor in question.

Warehouse Floor*.

This morning's occurrence fully demon strates the desirability of carrying out a suggestion made by Superintendent Hughes respecting the laying ot the Boors of ware houses and other large buildings of the same character. There is not the slightest doubt that had it not been for the water getting throughfrora the ton to the first lloor, there would htwo boon little or no damage caused inthoaecondstory. MrHughos'eidea is that the first and second floors of ware houses should bo mado like those of ships and caulked. Thoy would thus have a gentle slope from tho centre to either Bide, whore holes after the fashion of scuppers might be provided to give an outlet for the water. In a brick or coment building, the tiro might thus almost invariably be con fined to the floor on which it originates, whilo much of tho damage and loss at present occasioned might be avoided.

The Scene Tblb Morning.

A reportor of the Stab waa shown over the partially -destroyed premises this morn ing Dy Mr Smith, Messrs Garlick and Cranwell's foreman. The scone was one of most complete desolation. The street in front of the building was strewn with partially ;burnt flock and straw, thrown from above, and the ground waa soaked with smoke-scented water. Ascendingthe cinder strewn staircase, the upper flat was reached. Here the firo fiend had exerted his fury to the utmost, and the whole floor was one mass of charred and blackened furniture. At the Rutland-street end of the floor was a room in whicb silvered-plate glass for mirrors and manufactured furniture were stored, and as the action of the fire here was very severe, the loss is total. Adjoining this room was a large department stocked principally with large cases of Austrian and English bent-wood chairs. Many of these are completely destroyed. At the northern end of the building was a store-room for upholstering material. This has all been rendered completely useless. At the rear portion of the building the floor is intact, with the exception of a small hole here and there, but at the front the boards were com pletely burnt through, and during tho progress of the firo a quantity of burning material fell on to the floor bolow. During tho fire the draught must havo been very strong, as there are portions where the flames have licked and charred tho highor piles of furniture, while those near tho floor have, comparatively speaking, escaped. In the second story, which was next visited, the desolation was found to be almost as great, though wrought by another eloment, water. The tons of water thrown on the firo abovo bad trickled through the floor on to beautifully-upholstered suites of furniture, and played havoc with veneered cabinets and escritoires. Mr Smith sava that ovory article on this floor that con do used will require to be carefully gone over. Some extensive shop-fittings that should have been delivered to-day have been com pletely destroyed, and amongst other victims to the. copious stream of aqua para were some charming suites in green stamped velvet. The goods on the ground floor are also damaged, but not to a very considerable extent. Mr Garlick believes that it will take three months before tho fac tory will be got into working order again. The Building. The factory building was made of Mahurangi lime concrete, and we under stand that this is the first occasion on which a building composed entirely of this material has had to stand the crucial test of fire. Many old bricklayers in the city have been dubious regarding the heat-re sisting qualities of Mahurangi lime cement, and have prophesied that in case of fire the walls would crack. This fire shows that the fear is unfounded. The walls of the Factory have stood the fire even better than brick, and there is not a single crack ob servable. The original cost of the building was £1,600, and the plant,jmachinery, etc., was valued at £400.

- ■ Insurances. Although Messrs Garlick and Cranwell were fairly w;ell insured, their lobb will be tolerably heavy. The building was insured for £800 in the National Office, and £300 in tho Norwich Union, and the plant for £1,000—£500 in the National, and £500 in the Norwich Union. The firm valued their stock at £2,000, and estimate their loss at about £1,500. They had a policy of £1,000 on the stock in the London and Lancashire Office, but they allowed it to lapse only six days ago.

A Thoughtful Act.

Messrs Garlick and Cranwell, with their cuetomary kindness, provided breakfast for tho men of the Fire Brigade and tho Salvage Corps,

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Bofore H.,G. Seth Smith, Esq., U.M.) Dbunk.—Four persons, 10s each. JjAKCENiEB.-Geprge Edward Dalton. alias Atkins, waa brought up on several charges ot on the sta Uiatant, value 10a, the property of Alexanaerjrnoe, of Newmarket; ©Vcostto the property of Frederiok Battley' on the U\h ■ W a walstcoat K 7s 6d, the nropemr of J.R. Mon Snfa^ifcdidUX^i Tbb Aheoed JiIUKDBK.-Theodore Cocile D'AUKuler. alias MaxweU, was again brought np. dharged with tha mirder ofOiarlesA Eirreler.onthe6th April. atßt. LouUVUnltoei Btates,-ilr Bnperlntondent Thomson said h« must ask for another remand, pending toe anlvaj of an officer with neces»ary^Sumento; -Mr Napier offered no objection, andthe tra was renmndedTOHlß*tnrday next.

ENGLAND AND THE SOUDAN.

EVACUATION OF SUAKIM.

Rctnrn of the Australian Troops

[by cable.—copyright.]

>'■ ' Soakim, May 14, The greater part of the troops under Major-General Graham leave at once for England. The work of embarkation com menced to-day. The Guards leave first. The Australian troops leave immediately in the s.s. Arab for Australia. The horses be longing to the New South Wales Artillery will bo handed to the Royal Horse Artillery, London, May 15. It ia thought probablo that some of the officers of the contingent may remain in England for a time us guests of the Govern ment. Sydney, May 15. The Government have been advised that the New South Wales Contingent, which will shortly embark for Sydney, will be transported at the expense of the British Government. The whole of the horses sent to the Soudan with tbe colonial artillery have been presented to the War Office as a gift from New South Wales. A telegram from Suakim announces that Lieutenant- Colonel Richardson, the Australian Com mandant, is suffering from fever. London, May 16th, The New South Wales Contingent will embark either on Saturday or Sunday, None of them will visit England, The English Government will bear the cost of transport to Australia.

ENGLAND AND RUSSIA

(by cable.— copybight.)

THE CZAR REJECTS THE PRO

POSED AGREEMENT

Resumption of Parleying.

London, May 14. . Negotiations are still proceeding with regard to the Afghan frontier question. It is proposed that the Russian boundary shall be fixed at Penjdeh, while the frontier of Afghanistan shall not extend northward of the Zulficar Pass, leaving a neutral zone between the two territories.

London, May 15.

Tbe " Standard " states that the Russian Government will not sanction the draft agreement drawn up for the settlement of the Russo-Afghan question, and that parley ing has been resumed.

LOST ON MOTUTAPU.

Tho Austrian Cadet Safe,

When the search party from the Austrian corvette Saida reached Motntapu yes terday afternoon they Ttore agreeably sur prised upon discovering their missing officer, Cadet Buting, all well at Mr Reid's house. Tho young gentleman had, however, a narrow escape. He states that after losing sight of his comrades he foil down a ravine, and must have remained unconscious for some time. When he recovered conscious ness it was dark, and ha discovered that his gun was broken. He wandered about all night, but did not hear the shots fired by his friends, and in the morning he reached Mr Reid's bouse. Those wbo were scattered over the island in the search for Mr Biiring did not all re turn to the house till late last evening, when thoy left the island in launches and Bailing boats, and in due course reached Auckland safely. The party express their gratitude to Mr Boid for hie generous hospitality and assistance rendered during the search.

MINING NEWS.

Thames, this day.

Thames Golden Crown.—Tho shaft has passed through a reef two feet in width, which the manager believes to correspond with the Cambria lode. The quartz is well mineralised, and has shown colours of the precious metal. The chamber of No. 2 level is about to be formed at a depth of 295 feet, and after fixing guides in the shaft the manager will start driving on the course of the lode as veil as slaking the shaft for another level.

Caledonian.—ln the winze on No. 1 lode the quartz is about two feet thick^nd gold is freely distributed throughout. The Red Queen leader in No. 3 level also shows improvement.

SPORTING NEWS.

Thebe haa been a little speculation on the Takapuna Birthday Meeting during the last few days. For the Handicap, nothing goes down bnt Buzzard, and he has been backed in the double with Fipi for the Hurdles at 12'g to 1. Whalebone is held in most esteem for the Steeplechase. The following acceptances and entries have been omitted from the list published on the fourth page :—Birthday Handicap— Rewi and Victory. Winter Oats Handi cap—Rewi, Victory, and Mitrailleuse. Selling Steeplechase—Julia Ann, 40eovs,

LOCAL OPTION POLLING.

The South Ward local option poll yester day resultecTaa followß :—

For. Against. Publicans' Hoensos ... .. 7 — 93 New Zealand wins licenses.. 6 — 91 Accommodation licenses .. 6 — 97 Bottle licenses 6 — 91

A meeting of parties interested in carry out the provisions of the Local Option Act as regards the non-granting of any addi tional publicans' licenses in the Ponsonby Ward of tho city was held last evening in the Church of England School-room, Pon sonby Road., The Rev. Wm. Calder, in cumbent of All Saints', was moved into the chair. The Chairman having explained the object of the meeting, die minutes of last meeting of the Ponsonby Temperance Reforming Committee were read and confirmed. On the motion of Mr J. Adams, seconded by Mr Gregory, the house to house canvassing plan, adopted at the election of tho local Licensing Bench, in February, 1884, was unanimoualy agreed to be resorted to in reference to the triennical poll that is to be taken in the ward on Wednesday next, the 20th inst., to ascertain the sentiments of the ratepayers on the subject of increased licenses for new public-houses and wine and refreshment licenses. A committee was thereupon ap pointed for that purpose, a certain number of streets being appointed to each member thereof. An enthusiastic feeling pervaded the meeting as to the neceseity'of urging upon the ratepayers to record their votes on this occasion. The meeting waa ad journed till Monday evening next, the 18th taut., at 7 o'clock, at the came place.

Onehunga.

The polling on the question of increasing the licensed houses in this district took place yesterday, when the temperance party scored a decided victory. The fol lowing was the state of the poll at the close of the voting :—

For, Against. Publicans'Lieenses .. .. 7-12 New Zealand Wine .. ..6-35 Accommodation Licensoa .. 7-31 Bottle Licenses 5-35

Something Quits New in Cabpxts.— Tog " By Emttn« " Catpjt just \niporta& by Gm uok tndCranweU la a Bor6ltr,o*rtnft&gol4 ttaead Vorked into it. Pretty and effective. Rugs, furniture, coverings, table-covers, antt maooMsaH to match, Brussels earpato from Si

Cheapest books and stationery In New Zealand to bo had at H. White's, stationer, next to Bank ot New Zealand, Queen-s«reet.-{ADVT.

Chamben's celebrated sewing machines, 20, Queen-street.

This evening is th« last opportunity that £ho public will law of visiting the museum ol astural eurioaltiea now on view uoit to Mr Edson'sahopiuQuoenstreet. aa tho proprietor leaves on Tuoßday for Sydney, en route to India, The Lilliputian horse in as pretty and graceful a specimen o£ equine diminntlvenesa aa one could desire. The three-legged lamb too la interesting, and likewise the five-horned cow. In fact, there Is nothing In the least donee repulsive about the show—nothing to offenathe sensibilities o{ the most delltmte lady.

SHOCKING TREATMENT OF AN INVALID.

("^^*§ inquest on the body O f ul T»** 1 The evidence of BK^^H; attended deoe^.^^^: some gix or4ev(a ..J*""*!* i Charles fcwtforv-^-22**,: deceased, was of vn'tiiSd* \ and on.. several XJSff* I*^ her. On the Ut^^fe i'\**3 > her with I hUcloaetf%SfflS'l»«S ceased became worseandSt^ Ct on the .floor and had dw£ 7'^C Another time ho SfifcL? I***? i with his fi ßt becaußeAVdidK.P.*** ho ajso caHed her fo«i B*fi^i« had seen him beat her fSSL"** ■•£ during her illness. o n ™ iT1"" treatment to her mother W^to was supplied with delicftcLall^ boon, but her husband jW her death Trenlove behwi "*« fullyto,the deceased (m*& eJS Ruth Stringer and Prtm v abtan of-the deceased, 3^%,, alleged ill-treatment. "^b Dr.: Fi«h and Dr. T teTo . i po*« Hiortew, examination 'J*!-Nij the crown of the head.^K™»*«» samektodofwjur^ t A aB™«IMS» ! The other organs of the fcS?**"** I rtate^ha s a e ywortd9eZ| l *«»l.i ' fever. Thelniurio. On fiM^jW caused by a Wow fmwvffi?^ ment. • There was alsoabnS,^ about the she «f » rtit?^.^ of opinibp that dSj1 »£• fever. The, witneases, if reoeired■ h^EJ» would be very prejudicial. MiiaJP recovery, && dSfiSfei Buch.treatment.would cerW»i?iS^ death tifjdeeeased. JDr.-hSlfflßS brnise on the side of tini ffiSp* beeh-self-inaicted byTwKrte butnotthat.onUwam./:j^Xl! deceased from thefir^andSßS she would iticover tUI iritliwWS scarcely capable of infflfctfntf iSSPJ* to weakness, witWai-ttilMttarSr 1 The jury,' after half an-hoor, wSiiw lowwk verdict :-<< I*6 fort MuT carefully couridered the the wtnMsesjMdskotiMhtoßtiffl find Charles Trenlove gulttyof S£ of his wife, Hannah TrtaW"^ eighteen juroreithere weWtwodteSk Trenlove was commttW fo»SSKi forwifemurder. HeMMendfeilS' moved, and left thiZ^nSTi weeping. ; '.- - WUWB ■

NEW STEAH TUG AWHINA.

The new eteam ttig AWhliu, ciradij Mr Compton and' otben, w« <mt to v official trial m we went to :«&&* peared to behave very well, lisiwdi i bean, built to provide almt-MtMtbS i port. ..ShewasputtogeUwfglfffifc Quarna,. and v nnnßmflyritSk l« engines .are by Meetra; Borsod fo Laughlin,: of Paislay, ftßd a»'Ht» power nominal, and' 360flw#» i indicated.*: The dimwuioM -4 & vessel ar,O! Leagth^ 100.be^ietk 21 feet;: depth of hold. 10'farti inches; draught aft; 9 m 6 Ma; draught forward. 7 {eei|di#pwt,]|i tons; twn4g&, 0.8,J£» 205 taw, This signs wereprepared by ihpmn,ti 1 have been carried out BaQu*ctotfl;,

The Native Scare at Parihaka.

tftr BaUan™ Mn^t pott TrarHpn'.^'Mr Ballsnc aniwdlmit Thursday i^ghtr and wa« Ml by Gtai: Roberta, Mr Pardy, Inspector of Pdliab1 New'i Plymouth, and: Mr Bwull, u6i agent, whff informed himtbai the npad which had: reeentiy>endrculittd til reference to tbeMaeriswtttbWMtm entirely without fbundatlon, ud to» ciifi nated principally tJr'tWWßJ.fto'lw settled m; email iecrtoiu oTtod m Purigarehu, and who toads a living «4 s the constabulary while they.fSßWi thers, and whose living ma m : »ta * fore? was removed; eMr Bißiiffljlw"; Oeo yesterday morning to int«n%Tfflt' warn-and Te-WHti'i people, J«<!«™ , a most cordial reception,"» jku.wJ"? haka being;given inbis iMMPPJ** ing pf the natives juiaid to be m towards Europeans than ever. ' ■:..■■ .:■■ 'Mwftvißm,wtvy Mr Balance intends *^^^^Jl Pungareh'u for the P*te^«j)SssJJ are grafified at the' actloß of -wj.**'■•■

TELEGRAMS.

' Hamilton, thia'el&y.-At «J*M tha director? of the w^TO^ held yesterday, a resolution wWJ?,u :■;! place an additional nuBWrOiMsL ; addition. of-Mich was *$&§$ j •! ehareTwldeiJS) on the m^*»M#i2 ; was aho decided to^gla1 meat Business as wori.ii'pw"?'"*"' land;I-/ V ', performed to a large wdtoea .W » aight.- ,'- Weuikgion, tM»dW>~^fffl Major.Cautley, and ,C^JS W : probably, be; absent from WeWp f" Whitmorß wtanu,'W *l r&rsforthe<,unnrico«t«rt«g North -.MM Trunk hM •fcfcr almost immediately, ~ ,j., w t«« the district* for P^ffili,: and then ffMen9,**SSl?'iffiJW School of Instruction, WReffiSk1 ■: a month, $c commw»« ■«» » *S£ &&. Buckley tf*"*1 from^anganuito-dsy. . ■ : T6efollowingtendw \b** "^ for Pioton : tVharf. wt^^i^aij, Accepted, G. A. BmW*^^ ' dener, Auckland, S2BW! Jggfclf Nelson, £3197; J. J. SSJaP* £3947; W. DaultyandOoapw?' I', , £2543. ;; - : .

Disturbing a Public Meeting.

audience «^*W*&fflffi*£;i nighfe and five P^™£ffimoV pteble who emoted hi» LSftoWJ"* *^ constables opat w» ordTO"aJd to «* of the'Sfi. r^lr »^£ determined to put» f%£ta rt^ to public meeting? in VM™"1 religious or (rtherwue. ft- _ Fine for S«liW»w ■ t ' PhJlbK.^oßaoi»«fe»^^' formation «l,ln^SiS^S fix months^.theU^^i^dfl owner, aid aB <*e«fg di»WSS ilad«l in *£&&*£& ef *■£ J except thei7o«w» r

THE AUCKLAND EVEMJNU STAK, SATURDAY, MAY 16 1885.

2



OD PER YARD.-Good Grey Calico & daring the Bale at S. Coombea and Co.'b. \\TELVETEENS, in all shados, greatly T ||rednc6datß.Coogit)eßsndCo.'s, PROCLAMATION. —We proclaim a foil Reduction of 25 per cent off all our gOQda.-a.CoombaßandCo. t t\(Ui ABLE-BODIED MEN can X«WV' ■** • eompleto Tweed Bolt at 910 7pm Snlt; don't miw.-8. Coonbea and Co. ,



TJTTILL'IAMSOK A VBNUB, SURREY HILLS. SPECIAL NO TICK. A limited number of CHOICE ALLdTMKNT* in WILLIAMSON AVKNUK. destined to bo the finest street in or about Auckland; also some In other streets, are NOW rOK 188 first nme open won balk. Terms t One-fifth Cash, B&l&noe any time' within fire years. Instalments of £5 and up wards received. Interest, 7 per cent, on unpaid balancea. Prtoro and plani oan be had at OfflM, Short •nd-ttreet, A. BOABDMAN. Agent aTTTcTs t~c> let in the Buildings of the Mutual Assurance Socioty of Victoria, 128 and 130. Quoon-stroot. Suitablo for tho professions. Rent moderate— Apply T, D. Edmonds, Resident Secretary. /~VUtt Warehouses will bo Closed on WEDNESDAY m»ct, 20th Jlay :- I* D. NATHAN & CO. X, & A. ISAACS ARTHUR H. NATHAN. OR EYE, EAR, AND THROAT MBKASES.