SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER.

Auckland-This evening, 1.13; to-morrow "ffiK^HwM-Thto evening, 7.28; to- TXRAHKfAs-Thiß evening, 8.28; to-mor row morning, 8.61.

S (TMBKT.—This ovoning, O.tS.

ARRIVALS.

ississiS'

DEPARTURES.

IAST EVENING. TO-DAY. Barcy Pratt. brlgttnUnc, Smith, for Hoklan K a

IMPORTS.

VerLoongana: 570cascg.jams. 2,K)obagsbnrk, 11G10 feet hardwood. 25 V"urß shafts, 85,010 pal iDgs, 1,823 BpUt rails. 59 cases fruit, INWAED9 Coastwise.—Ghost, from Otaki with 13 kauri logs. Outwards Coastwise -Ocean, for Mercury Bay: Mana, for Tairua. Tho steamers Rotomahium anS °X™!lrtPr ■woro float°d cut of dock Into yesterday altci noon. and havo taken up their rcKular runntaK. Ttopaddlc-stcamor City of' Cork which has Tioen lying ldlo for some considerable tinio, lias S purchased by Captain MoClymont. who intends t) tiflo hor for excursions, towing, Kc. The schooner Marion poos from hero to Thames tS load timber for Lyttelton hdMm of Captain Larson, who has purchased a third sharo of tho vessel. Thn Union Company's new steamer Taupo left Port Chalmers for Auckland, via inter mediate ports, yesterday, and wUI arnvo early noxt week. Tho barouo Kenllworth. from Now Virk, bound for Wollincton, was spoken by tho W»i hora yesterday about 12 miles.sou hot Akaroa. She wished to be reported "all well. Mr D. Gouk is about to commence n now schoonor for the island trado to °. rfer of Messrs Crulckshank and Co. Tho versel will register about 60 tons. Captain Kvans. of tho Loongana, which arrived lato yesterday afternoon, reports having loft Hobart on the 2<th ult. Had pleasant weather and fair winds for four days, aftor which experienced a fierce N.E. galo for is hours; wind then hauled W and continued so till Three Kings were siehtod on tho evening of tho 9th; thonco till arrival light aire prevailed. Tho Loongana has been berthed at Queen street Wharf. The steamship Coptio left Plymouth for Aui>K and on her advertised date. February 28. anil is consequently duo here early in April, bno bolongs to tho White Star line, and is under charter to tho Shaw, Savill. r.nd Albion Com pany. Sho is 1,367 tons rcftistor, and her com mander is Captain W. 11. Kidlcy. Tho Coj.t.o is. In all important particulars constructed after the same Btylo aa tho lonic and Doric, both of which havo previously visited this port. A stiff northerly galo was blowing in harbour to-day, and prevented outward-bound vessels leaving port. Tho briKantino Darcy Pratt, bound for Hoklanga, got a* far aa tho North Head, where she is now anchored, and the brißantineNightingalo. bound for Mercury Bay. remained at anchor in tho stream. The 8.8. Macgrcgor arrived from Whangarei early this morning with the following pas^ongers:— Misses Runcinian, Rider, Cold- Lm. Sheddon (2), Walker Doonin (2). Mesdames Stringer, Cartor, Messrs Isles, Mc- Donald, Muir, Gould. Mason, McKay.'laylor, McKinnor, Munn, Roas, Stewart, McLeod. Finlayson. Hayter. Carter, Singleton, and 1 in the steerage. Cargo: 191 cases fruit. 11 hhds. and 6 borrola alo, 26 sacks gum, and o tons sundries. Tho 8.8. Waitaki arrlvod from Whangarei early this morning, with tho following passon- KOra : Mesdarnos Sa&dgctt. Chapman. Lea.Ruft, Jonkinß,Morcy,Mi3Besßattray,Dcacon,Willing, Marsden, Messrs Dunning, Hoffman Johnson, Ross. Turloy, Still. Jenkins, Clifford, Salmon, Rulf. Hewetson. Walsh, Jenkins, Porch, Har rjp, Cranan, Harrison, Marsden. Brown. Orrn andy, Alloway, Mastors Richards and Alloway, Rev. \V. KiUin, and 7 ateorasc. Cargo: 250 cases fruit, 75 sackß gum, 40 hides. 2 bundles skins, 2 casks tallow. 1 horec, 10 tons sugar, U cases eggs, 10 case 3 butter. Tho b.s. Wellington arrived from Russell, Whangaroa, and Mongonui this morning with tho following pasaoneers:- Mra Uratho. Mias Gratho, Miss Puckoy,~MrsTurnbu]l, Mrs Kemp, Miss Alderton, Mrs Klkin nnd party (3), Mrs Kemp, Mrs Dixon, Miss Dixon, Miss Wadding ham, Mrs Morpeth, Miss Puckoy, Mias Pnckey, Airs Clarke and child. Miss Walker, Mosßre Smith, Grathe (2), E. Irving, Jack, Howard, Klkin, Boaoh. S. Taiwhanga. Smaller, -caloy, Matmatimana, W. Irving, a. Dove, R. Jetrerys, Jjyons, Grey, Jackson, Rev. H. J. Edwards, liovinaon, and 17 steerage.

TELEGBAPHIC SHIPPING.

Tauranca, this day.—Arrived: Clansman, from Auckland. 5.20 a m. New Plymouth, this day.—Arrived: Pen guin, from Onehunga, 5 a.m.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA,

The s.p.Pcnguin, which loft for Southern ports yesterday afternoon, took tho following poßßcn gers: — Messra T. Colo, Maloney, Robertson, Baker, Davis, Vincent. Mr and Mrs Dilworlh. Moßgra Smith, Fox, Mi>Bcs Williams ond Men ziea, Mr and Mrs Fox, Messrs Hock larston and Walker, Dr. Grabham, Mr Hands, Mr and Mrs Rice, Messrs W. G. Rice, Wesson. Vollbracht, Hiddick, Professor Sale, Professor Moarcgor, aid 15 in the steerage.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, this day,

Messrs G. W. Binneyand Co. report that at their weekly sale of wool, hides, skins, and tallow, held on Tuesday, competition was brisk for good parcels of hides, and the following were tho prices obtained:—First-class hides, :ii!<l to -ljil; second-class, 2«d to 3d per lb; f ull woolled skins, 3s lid to la 6d; lambskins, Is Id; pelts, from 8d to Is od eaoh; wool, small lots, from 'i id to sjd per lb. Messrs Harry H. Hayr& Co. report: We beg to quote honey sales for present week as fol lows: i Comb honey, lOd per lb, Ist grade ; comb hone/, 8d to Sd per lb, 2nd grade; extracted in lib Una, Bid ; extracted in 101b tins. 7d ; ex tracted in 1001b tins, 6d ;, extracted In bulk, sd. Mr Aurkd Buckland's Report.—At the Haymarket on Friday lnat best fodder ranged from 38 Od up to la 3d tho cwt; oats, from 2a 3d t:> 2s 9d; maize. 3s od and 3a 6d per bushel; bran, fA 10a per ton. Horse stock at late values: Useful Lacks and light harness, from SO to j£ls; active draft, up to £27 103 each; ponies and inferior horaos at nominal prices. At the wool, hido, and skin sale on Tuesday prices wero fully sustained. Best hides brought irom 33d to i 5-16 d per lb; sheep skins, Is 2d to Is Oil each; wool, from 4d to 73d per lb. At Remuera, on Thursday, dairy cows at calv ing were In brisk demand at full prices. . Fat oattle, in less than average numbor, wore more freely competed for, but oxoept for vory choico ?uallty wero at no higher values; pricos ranuod rom 183 to 20s the lOOibs. Fat calves wero unusually numerous; 00 of thorn brought an average of 22a. Sheep maintained last week's values, from 2Jd to 2Jd the lb. Lambs, although in much less numbers, were rathor lower in price. Well bed pigß, both fat and store, wero penned in full numbers, and in good demand throughout the sale. Messrs Huntkk and Nolan s Weekly Re port.—Horses : Thore baa been a large amount ot business done. An unusually largo number were brought forward and Jpund purchasers at an advance of from 10s to £1. Tho Durham Yards wero completely filled on Friday, and again at the special sale on Wednesday; and, as at both saleß, nearly all tho lots found purotiasora. An unusually large numbor changed hands. Thoro was no noteworthy alteration in value at tho re gular sale on Friday, but animals of a corres pondiDgatamp advanced in valuo fully £1 each at tho special sale held for Messrs Morton and Chad wick on Wednesday. Tho colts wero of a vory flno stamp, and olicited keon competition, tho Tram Company being the largest buyers. We quote hacits from £B 10s to £17; light harnesß horses, from £11 to £18; heavy, (mick, draught, £20 to £27; draught, £33. Wool, hide, ar.d[skins: Supply limited, and of but medium quality. Hides sold at from 31d to 38d; skins, Is l!d to 2a 6d eaoh; v 001,5Jd to ojd per lb. Cattle: A good many of all descriptions cave been brought for ward, and found purchasers: dairy and etoro fully maintained the provlous week's values.and fat beasts wero a shade lower. Tho Newmarket beef pena were well filled and tboro was steady competition, but prices declined Is per lOOlts. There waß a good muster at Pukekohe on Wed nesday, and steady competition throughout, so that almost without exception the cattle yarded changed hands, the result being a very success ful sale. Sheep: An average number were yarded at Newmarket on Tueaday; the doroand was fairly brisK; best wethers realised 16s fld; Inforlor, 10a 3d; owes, from la to lls Cd: lambs sold at from 6s fld to 12s 3d. Pigs: Scarco; good porkers sold at Id per lb live weight.

Reciprocity with Fiji.

Oun commercial relations with tho South Pacific islands aro of so much importanco to tho morcantilo interests of Auckland that wo aro sure tho interesting information and oxprossiona of opinion given by tho Hon. Captain Hill in an interview with a Stau representative, which wo publish to day, will bo read with vory great attention. Without detracting from the valuo of thoso ellbrts which go furthor afiold, and build groat expectations upon tho annexation of other groups, wo think it is sometimes forgotten that tho English flag alroady floats ovor tho richost tropical islands in Oceania, and that tho colony which has boon established affords a splondid markot for Now Zea land products of overy kind, within fivo days' stoaming distanco of our port. Tho quostion of reciprocity, looked at as a steppingstono to a political as woll as a commercial union botwoon this colony and Fiji, is ono which should command tho attention of our Chamber of Commerce

Our weekly market prico list appoars in another column. Butter has advanced to Is por lb wholoMilo and Is .'id retail and eggs remain at provious quotations, viz., Is (id por doz. wholosalo and Is Od per do/., rotail. Pototoo* havo doclinod in valuo, and aro worth from £3 to £:) 3s por ton. Tlioro in no alteration In tlio j^um nmrlcof, and tho supply ror tho week ho far amounts to about 220 tons. Additional particulars rospocting tho sud don doath of Mr VV. Dowdon, auctioned', appeared in a lato edition lastovoning. Tho decoased gontloman was conversing with his wifo in his offico when ho was soizod with what appeared to bo an apoplectic lit. Dr. Wralkor, who was in Air Pond'e shop next door, was called in, but docoasod expired immediately. Tho causo of doath has boon certified to as hoart disoaso. Mr Dowden was believed to bo in his usual hoalth yestorday, but had been undor tho care of Dr. Richardson for sevoro pains in tho aide. A man namod Robort Roll was admitted to tho Hospital to-day from Kanika, suitor ing from an injury to tho foot, A truck had run over it, crushing tho big too. Tho injured mombor was amputatod at the first joint. It is gratifying to learn that dospito tho cry of an ovor-crowdod labour market nearly all tho young men — numbering about 100—wbo arrival by tho s.s. Doric a fortnight ago, havo obtained employment. A very considerable proportion went up county and found work amongtt tho fanners. There is reason for believing that North, the Wellington barbor, who distinguished himself some years ago at the Empire City by getting up a £4,000 swoop and thon doing the "Pacific slope," is at present in Auckland. In deforonce to complaints mado by tho passengers of the North Shore ferry boats, the directors of the Devonport Forry Com. pany havo promiaod that in futuro sheep skins and other objectionable cargo will bo conveyed in the cargo boat, and not in the ordinary passenger steamers. We aro informed by Mr A. D. Bennett that negotiations aro going on with ono of tho.other colonies to send 200 picked men out of the Freo Volunteer Contingent for active service. They, of course, will leavo hero as a private body, and will bo equipped there. At the Waste Lands Board meeting, after wo went to press yesterday, Alexander Hogg was granted renowaj of coal prospect ing licenso at Ohinemuri for six months. Crown grants wore granted to Mr Harris, of Te Puke, and to Mr John Haig, and a section at Waioeka waa granted to Mr W. Sandman, on tho deferred payment system. The City Council has authorised tho pay ment of tho premium of £200 to Messrs (Jrainger and D'Bbro for the prize Art Gallery design. They will also pay that firm £300 at the same time on account of commission. A chequo of £100 will also bo forwarded to Mr Wales, who prepared the design which was second in order of merit. At the Police Court this morning, before Messrs Baber and MacDonnell,two persons were fined for drunkenness, and a vagrant named Thomas Knowles was sent thres months to prison. We are informed that the material used in the experimental manufacture of artificial stone by Messrs Hibberd and Legge is Port land cement made by the Warkworth Cemont Company. It is in all respects quite equal to the imported article, and is the result of experiments extending over a period of two years.

D. White writes to state that the original Arawa Football Club has no connection whatever with the Arawa Football Club inferred to in pur issue pf the JQth inst,

Tho following programmo will be per formed by tho Garrison Band to-morrow afternoon in tho Weetorn Park -.—Patriotic march, " Shoulder to Shoulder" (J. S. Jones); selection, " Martha " (Flotow); quadrilles, "Autumn" (Newton): selec tion, " Pirates of Pon/.anco " (Sullivan); valso, "Cordelia" (Smith); slow march, " Flower of Boauty " (Clodomir); fantasia, "Merry Nights "(Wollsby); polka, "Piß tonetto " (Newton); God Savo tho Quean.

' Evon at this lato stago a movomont has boon made towards arranging a Ponsonby Regatta for Eastor Monday. A special mooting of members and subscribers of tho Regatta Club Is convened for Saturday ovening, 8 o'clock at tho Ponsonby Club' Hotel. All interested aro requested to attend. A meeting of creditors in tho cstato of Macrao and Co: wan hole 4 to-day at tho oliiec of tho Ollicial Assignee. It transpired that tho wholo of tho assets', amounting to about £150, would probably be roalised, tho indebtedness to bo met boing £507. Most of tho claims aro prcferrcntial. A deputation from tho Parnell Borough Council on tho subject of water supply was to haVo Waited on tho City Council last night. Tho Parnoll Council, howovor, had not considorod tho onginoor's roporfc, and thcroforo tho conferenco was doforrcd till a future occasion. John Adams, ehoomakcr, who appliod yostorday to tho Court of Bankruptcy, was formerly tho lessee of tho Swan Hotol, Mechanics' Bay. Tho Public Works Dopartmont liavo on trusted Mr Robert Farroll with tho work of altering Firth's bonded store, Albort street, to prepare it for tho rocoption of tho Customs Department. Mr John Mathoson, who arrived by tho a.H. Doric, writes to stato that ho is not the John Matheson fined for drunkonncss at the Polico Court yesterday. ComplainU were mado this morning by persons frequenting tho Tclograph Ollico of tho ouistonco of an indescribably nasty Htonch that apparently roso from tho baso mont of tho Post Ollico building. Wo aro requested to direct tho particular attention of storekeepers and residents in the oastorn part of tho city to the advertise ment notifying that ihe city rofuso will bo lifted on Mondays anU Thursdays at tho usual time, instead of Tuesdays and Fridays as heretofore. Tho friends of tho Kov. G. Carter, Baptist ministorof Ponsonby, haverosolvod upon entertaining the rev. gentleman at a valodictury soiree on tho evening of the 17th mat, previous to Inn departure for tho South. Little Mis.i Maricbol Orconwood must bo a sort of female " Admirablo Criohton." When HomOuyilirst hoard her play the piano ho remarked thatshe wasquitoan artist.and that her teacher must havo boon a mastor indeed. An accidont of a rathor fiorious nature, and which might liavo boon attended by fatal conecquonccs, occurred at tho Auck land Sugar Company's Works on Tuosday last. Ono of tho omployrs, Miehaol Duflin, who was ongaged in supplying tho furnacos with coal by moans of a hydraulic lift, had just emptiod his barrow, and was in tho act of descending for moro, when, by soino moans or othor, tho supply of wator in tho lift ran short, and, in consoquenco, both barrow and workman wcro precipitated to tho bottom. Tho poor follow, who was considerably bruised and knocked about, was convoyed as epeodily as possiblo to his homo, in Nowton-strcet, whoro ho was at tended by Dr. Ptirchas, who did all that medical skill could do to roliove tho ; suflbror. On inquiry last night, wo loam j that Mr Dullin is doing as well ns can ho oxpectod, though it will bo somo weeks bet'oro ho will be ablo to roturn to his work. Much sympathy is felt for Mr Dullin, as he has a largo family dopendent on him. Kirby's contract for tho formation of Wellington-street formed tho subject of a lengthy discussion at tho City Council last ovening. A strong disposition was dis played in tho direction of taking thocontract outofthohatulaof tho present contractor, and completing it by tho Council's workmen. This course was approvod by tho Enginoer. A moro niorciful cour^o was, howover, oventually adopted, it being agreed that tho contractor bo warned, and that tho Engincor roport from wcok to wook whothor or not ho is making satisfacttry progress. Tho Councillors oxprossod tho foar that tho work would not bo complotod boforo tho winter sots in. Such delay will bo vastly inconvenient to residents in tho South Ward of tho city. Consumers of wator by motor roquiro to pay quarterly ncconnta rendered by 1 p.m. on Saturday. Tho turncock will proceed to cut oil'all supplies unpaid for on Monday morning. His Honor Mr Justico Gillies sat in C ambers this morning, and cleared off arrears of business. Captain Pratt, who was ollicor in tho East Lothian tho last time that ill-fated vossol was in port, is about to start tho doop Boa trawling industry in Auckland. With tho end in viow, ho has imported trawling goar from tho Old Country, and has also brought to tho colony four ox porloncod fißhormon from tho Firth of Forth. Tho s.s. Blaucho has boon purchased, and will mako hor first voyage na a stoam trawler in a few days. Captain Pratt purposos to mako llshing voyages daily* and tho stoamor will reach Quoon streot Wharf ovory morning at 2 o'clock with a load of frosh fish, so that tho luscious finny donizons of tho llauraki Gulf may figure, if desired, at evory matutinal meal in tho city and suburbs. Wo would suggest to Captain Pratt that tho consumption of lish would bo greatly in croasod if cloan smart mon woro employed as vondot*t3. .Muny pornonn aro provontod from taking lit<h at all by tho knowlodgo that somo of tho itinerant vendors aro filthy old loafers, and tlioro i;i always tho chanco that their baskuls of liah have pasnod tho night in somo don of infamy, dirt mid disoaFo of Chancory Lano or Abercroinbio fitroct. MossrH Hoaloy and McCantry, tho con tractors for cutting in section 53 (Karanga hapo Road) havo relinquished their contract. Tliny havo forwarded to tho Council a state mont of moneys owing to workmon and carters, from which it appears that tlioro in i'u'O IGa ll.Jd duo to workmon for wa^os, and £10(517s Id to cartors, tho total boing £167 Hs OAd. Tho amount of tho contract U £1,092 10s. There is £178 8s 8d duo for work dono, <vhilo £89 has beon paid on account. Tho deficiency is .C7B Ss 4Jd, and thoro is a contract deposit of £100 in hand. It is said that no portion of a rocont pay mont of £G0 was given to tho workmon. Tho Council agroed to pay tho workmen's claims out of tho contract deposit, and call for tondors for eomplotion of tho work. An ofl'or was mado by somo cartora to complete tho work at 2s por cubic yard. Tho attendance at tho Remenyi concort in the Theatre last evening was not so largo as usual, but a capital program mo waa pre eontod, and was received with much ap preciation. Monsieur Rcme'nyi's violin solos included "Scona Cantato " (Bth Concerto), by Spohr; " The Dead March in Saul " (for violin alone, with on interpolated cadonza composed by Remenyi); " Tho Australasian Hymn March," by Remdnyi; " Tho Liberty Hymn," by Remenyi, and "Tho Marseillaise Hymn." On each occasion the violinist was rewarded with enthusiastic applause, and had to respond to several oncorcs. Mr Luckstono contributed piano solos, "La Paloma," " flispano-Cuban national dance, by Zradier; "Cascade," by Power; and Faokel Tauz," by Moyorbeor. Miss Downing gave the waltz song, " Magnetia " and " Twickenham Ferry." Mr Himmer sang tho ballads, " My Sweetheart When a Boy" and " Rose Mario," and also with Miaa Downing the duet, " Fornami a dir ehe m'ami," by Donizetti. For to-night there has been arranged a grand fashionable Remenyi concert, when Miss . Mariebel Greenwood will appear and play in com- Eany with Remdnyi the sonata B minor y Mozart. Fine weather to-morrow should ensure a most successful and enjoyable regatta at St. Judge's (?) Bay. Entries are numerous for the thirteen oventa which comprise the programmo—one item, tho groasy boom, producing no less than seventeen competi tors. In tho sailing boat raco under IS foot, tho entries are: —Ariel, A. Porcy ; Devonport, J. Kinsey ; Edina, Cuthbertson; Gordon, E. Clayton; Lively, T. Ryan ; Nemo, R. Fenton; Tar, H. G. Kissling; Wa-wee, F. J. Hull. The junior dingy races have attracted nine and ten entries respectively ; while for the open skiff race the entries are : — Touch-me-not, J. Pen haligon; Pot, A. Buchanan; Lotus, A Walker; My Queen, T. Carmichael ; Arawa, E. Sweeney. The Rob Roy canoe race, which is also an open event, will be contested by tho Try (T. Kilfoyle), Daisy (J. Blomfield), Commotion (F. W. -Moore), Lelia (VV. Williams), Louie (J. Baker), Maia (Percival), Alpha (T. Car michael). There are also swimming races, tub race, pair-oarod skiff and model boat races, and a pair-oared skiff race for girls, the entries for this event being:—Jersey Lily, Misses Peacbey and Bond; Lark, Misses Lodge and E. Flood ; Arawa, Misses Wilson and Flood ; Try, Misses Carmiohael and Kilfoyle ; Plucky, Misses Whitney and Kiesling. '

A reward of £10 has beon granted to Constables Clark and Dewes for having socured a conviction against Richard San dall under the Slaughter-houß«s Act. At the meeting of the City Council laßt night, Mr Aickin drew attention to the de sirability of gottlng a hotter grade from Customa-street right through to Princcs-st. in connection with Emily Place works. It was agreed, on his motion, that tho matter of arranging with . property : owners in Princes and Shortland-streets for the altera tion and improvement of permanent levels in those streets be loft in tho hands of the East Ward members, to obtain the consent in waiting of tho parties interested. Somo excitement was created at a late hour yesterday alternoon by an outbreak of firo at tho promises of Messrs Hellaby Bros., butchers, Shortland-street. It was caused by tho accidental ignition of a barrol of lacquer, used in the tinning department, but though thero was good ground for alarm, the flames wore got under beforo much damage- was dono. Tho total loss doos not oxceed £50, and is coverod by in surance Tho Fire Brigade turnod out promptly, and Sergeaut Pratt and several constables were also on the scene to render assistance. In tho case in which James Smith was charged with assaulting and griovously wounding George Patrick Dowers, on board his vessel, particulars of which appeared in our last issue, tho Bench reserved their decision until the 21st. In tho second charge, of being unlawfully on Mr Dower's vossol, the prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sent to prison for two months. It is the intontion of the City Council to framo a by-law respecting public mcotinga in tho parks. The matter was beforo tho Council last evening, when Cr. Goldio pro tested against any prohibition to meetings in the parks being mado. He pointed out that occasions aroso whon working mon dosired to hold meetings, and could not afford to pay the rent of a ball. Thoroforo, it would be unfair undor such circumstances to prevent them using their park. As many as fivo public meetings wore often pro ceeding atone time in some of tho English parks. Tho polieo aro at prosent ongagod in an investigation of the recent criminal exploits of a wily young aboriginal named Androw William Wiapo, who has for somo time been studying law in Mr J. M. Speed's ollico. Lato last Saturday night, this sneaking lawyer wont into tho Now Zea land Clothing Company's establishment and purchasod clothing to tho value of £6, in payment for which ho tonderod a choquo for £25, purporting to be drawn by Mr Spoed in favour of Dawson Garland. Tho clothos woro supplied, but the clerk, not boing satisfied about tho cheque, re quested Mr Wiapo to call for the balance last Monday morning. This ho promised to do, but instead of coming in person ho sent a note by a young woman stating his inability to koop his appointment, and requesting that tho money bo paid to hie messenger. In tho meantime howovor, tho chequo was presented to the bank and rcturnod marked "No account." The matter was placed in tho hands of tho polico, and it then transpired that Wiapo had loft for Sydney in tho mail stoamor Australia on Sunday morning. Quite a nuinbor of other poople appear to havo boon " lot in " also. Somo timo ago Wiapo gained some notoriety in connoction with tho purchaso of a piano from Messrs Hoffman. Ho paid a doposit of £5 and sold tho'instrument for £10, investing tho balanco in jewellory for his lady frionds. ' Tho horriblo nuisance caused by tho largo open drain or sower running from Hopburn-streot to the foot of Franklin Road was brought under tho notice of tho City Council last ovening by a potition pro sonted by Mr D. Goldie from 102 mothors of families residont in tho vicinity. Tho petitioners pointed out tho great danger that existed of tho outbreak of an epidemic now that tho autumn season was upon us, and urged that immodiato steps bo taken to remove tho nuisance. Benefactors,—" When a board of cmlnont physicians and ohctnlsta announced tho dis covery that by combining eomo woll-known valuable remedies a most wonderful medicine waa produce!, whtoh would ouro sucb a wide ranKo of diseases that most all othei remedies could bo-dlßponsnd with, many were Sceptical, but proof of fu merits by actual trial has dispalled all doubt, and to-day tho diecov crcrs of that groat medicine. Hop Hitters, arc honoured and blessed by all as benefactors.' Read.

ANOTHER SERIOUS FIRE.

Working Men's Club Burned Down.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRKSS ASSOCIATION.)

Invkucaroiix, this day. A laiuje wooden building at Avonuc, a suburb of liiTorcargili, occupied by Mrs Campbell, and known as the Work ing Mon's Club, was burnt down this morning. Nothing was aaved, and soveral houeoa Bear wero badly damaged. Insurances: —On tho house, £200, in tho Hamburg-Madgburg Office, £500 in the Standard; furniture, £250 in tho Standard.

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN COHKKSrONDKNT.)

Wellington, this day. Hon. Mv Launach, after visiting tho Otago goldliolds, will proceed to tlio Thamoß, nnd niako an inspection of tlio gold workings in I lint locality. Judicial Changes. Wardon Stratford, at prosont acting as lI.M, at Nttfsoby, has boon appointed Ii.JSI. nnd Coroner for tho Wairurapa district, vice Mr Wardoll, who haß been appointed K.AI. for Wellington city. Warden Woods, ut prosont on loavo of nbHonce, will roliovo Wardoii Stratford at Nasoby. Abolition of Dlfltrlot Courts. As I informed you somo timo ago was contemplated, tlio District Court of Wel lington was yesterday abolished, tho juris diction of tlio II.M. Court boing equal to that of the former, and tho two Courts thoroforo being unnecessary. I understand tho Ministorof Justice has in contemplation tho abolition of District Courts in other parts of tho colony whoro tho jurisdiction of tho K.M. Courts can bo fixed to roach that of District Courts, and retrenchment in tho public sorvice will thus be effected. A Rich Mineral District. The Minister of Mines is vory much pleased with his recent tour of tho West Coast. Ho doscribos tho Collingwood district as tho richest mineral country ho has ovor Been. Within a radius of four miles tho number of different minerals and mctuls.found is almost incredible.

TABLE TALK

Abm, arm, yo brave." Only three moro Romdnyi cencorts. Auckland mails, dated 6th January, were dolivered in London on Wednesday last.

" Les Cloches de Cornville " at tho Opera Houso to-night. Canterbury has in all 634 Volunteers, most of them raw recruits.

The "Herald" soya Honderson's Mill races take place "on Sunday noxt, St. Patrick's Day."

Auckland mails yesterday, for direct steamer Rimutaka, consisted of 1,797 letters, 1,019 newspapers,'and 132 books.

A new Maori church, at Kaikoho, costing £700, was lately opened by Bishop Cowie. Two men were seriously injured at Field ing, yesterday, by a buggy in which they were driving being upset. The R.M. at Christchurch refused to grant a prohibition order against a respect able citizen on the application of the police. Ten sly grog sellers have been fined in sums varying from £10 to £20 at Dunedin. A relic of the wreck of the ship Boyd, wrecked at Whangaroa in 1809, has been placed in the Auckland Museum. It is a piece of the planking with copper sheathing, recently recovered by Captain Farquhar.

TELEGRAMS.

Te Aeoha, this day.—Mr Beero and staff are re-surveying the site of tho rail way station, Te Aroha, with a view to further alterations. A large number of natives from Tau ranga, Hauraki, Piako, Te Aroha, and Coromandel are proceeding to Whatiwhati hoe to meet King Tawhiao. The object of the meeting ia to hear an account of the King's visit to England, and he will also use his influence to get recruits to the Blue Ribbon cause. Blenheim, this day.—The Colonial Sec retary, with the Hon. Jno. Martin and Mr Cooper, Under-Secretary, inspected Wai rau Hospital and site of proposed new building yesterday morning. They left in the Stella from Picton to Wellington in the afternoon. Napier ia the next place to be visited.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will Clobb as under— Tnis Day. For Whangarei Hondo, Parua, Waipu, Whan garei. Kamo, and Mungupiii, per MacgroKor or Waitaki, at a p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise at 5.30 p.m. Saturday, nth inst For Port Fltzroy, Tryphcna. and W;ttiKan;tra lmra. per Glenoig, at 7 a.m. For Oisborne and Napier, per Thomas IlusSoH. tit 10 a.m. For Kati Kati, Aongatcto, Tanrauga, &c. per Itotomahana, at 10 a.m. Kor Thames, per Hotoiuahnna. at 10.?.0 a.m. For Walwcra, To Kara. Wnikwoitli, etc., per Itoso Casey, at 11 a.m. For Walwera, per Clansman, at 1 p.m. MONDAY, ICth mat. For Waltara, etc., per Oreti or Gairloch, at I p.m. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Waihora, at i For Tauranga. Rotorua, and Opotlki, por Wel lington, at 5 p.m. For Whltianef, Upper Mill, and Tairua, per Glenoig, at 5 p.m. For Russell. Kakakawa. Ilord'a Point, Wanga roa and Mongonui, por Clansman, at 5 p.m. Tuesday, 17th inst. Tor Taraiaki and Southern ports, por Uoto rua, at ,510 a.m. For Groymouth, per Herald, at I p.m. Wednesday, 18th met. Por Ringarooma as follows:— For India. China. Japan. Mediterancan Forts, and Continent ot Kuropo. at 10 a.m. For Australian Colonies and United King dom, via Suez and Brlndisi. for lottore, &c. specially so prepaid and addressed, at 11 For Franco, Algeria. Madagascar. Capo Town, &c. (por French packet from Sydney), at 10 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and nowß papers, at 10 a.m. Late letters for Sydney and Mclbourno only, at 11.20 a.m. United Kingdom mail will bo duo in London on Tuesday, sth May. N.8.-Tho Stella will sail from Bluff for West Coast Sounds and Bays on Mon jay, 23rd inst. S. B. BIS 3, Chlof Postmaster. Chiof Post-ofllco. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc

Mahch 1?. 1885. Opera House—Pollard's Lilliputian Opora Bouffo Company, 8 p.m. Theatre Koyal—Remenyi's Concert, 8 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

Health.—You should send your protest to the City Council. Curiosity.—Tho salary of tho Lord Mayor of London is £10,000 a year. A.C.P.—Teachers holding English certificates are not required to pasa examination. They should send their cortlflcateß to the Inspector- General of Schools at Wellington, with a ro q vest for ratification under tho New Zealand Government regulations.

Births.

GREY.—On Fobruary 10, tho wifo ot Walter Groy of a daughter, HAY.—On March 7, at St. Stophon's Avonue, Parnell, tho wifo of A. Y. Hay of a son. LANIGAN.—On 10th March, at tho Robert Burns Hotel. Union-Btrcet, tho wifo of John Lanigan, Ngunguru, of a daughter. Both do ing well. WESTON.—On March 8 at her rcs'donco, Ver mont-street, Ponsonby, tho wifo of S. J. Wcaton of a aon.

Marriages.

BETHKI.L-BUCKLE¥.-On 28th Fobruary, 1385, at Newmarket, by the Rev. G. B. Miinro, John Ncalo lietholl to Katu Buckley ; both of Manukau Meads. WRIGIITSON-MAXWHLIj.—On March 12, at St. John tho Baptist, Northcotc. by tho Itov. A. Hitchcock, John William, son of G.lWrixht son, of Xapior. to licrtha Maxwell, eldest daughter of J. Maxwoll, Northcoto.

Deaths

BLUETT.—On tho 131 h March, nt his paronts' of Patrick und Margaret Wuc'tt; at;cd 3 months. Tho funeral will leave Vlnccnt-atroct ut A o'clock to-morrow nftornoon. Frionds please accept this intimation. UOWUION.-On March 12, Waltor Dowilou; aged lllty years. Tho funeral will leave hi« Into rosldonco, Hackctt-strcct, Ponsonby, to-morrow, at U o'clock. MOSHKIM.—On tho 12th March, at tho Pro vincial Hospital, Auckland, Louis Moshoim, lato of Papikura Valley; a(?cd 31 ypare. Funoral will lcavo tho Hospital for SymondastreetComctnry,at 10a.m.on Satur day. Frionda ploaao except this invitation. MOSES.-On March 11, at Dovonport, Louis Phillip Solomon, infant son of Josoph and Carolino moses; aged 10 weoka. HEYNOLU3.—At tho rcsidonco of hor paronte, York-Btrcot. Newton, Ivy Olive, youngest, daughter of Charles and Sarah Reynolds; UKcd 1 year. Privato interment. ROSS.-On March 9, at I'ukokoho, of paralysis, Angus Hosn, M.D.; aged 12 yoars.

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 1885.

Vor the cause that looks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance For the future in the distance, And the mod that we can do.

At a banquet given by the citizens of Christchurch last night, Sir Julius Vogel spoke more fully upon one or two questions which were barely touched in his Auckland speech. On the all-absorbing subject of colonial de fence he spoke the mind of the Govern ment clearly, and we are glad to find that the Cabinet deprecate the project of a Soudan contingent, and are actively alive to the urgency of protection for our coastal ports. He said: —

Every person muat bs desirous of know ing the intentions of Government as to tendering aid to the Mother Country in re gard to the Soudan campaign, and also as to placing this colony in a fairly efficient condition of defence. Were the peoplo of New Zealand to run a chanco of loss, not only of that resulting from the visit of a privateer, but of that severe shock that would bo folt by all if a powerful English colony like this woro lying helpless at the mercy of an enemy ? Matorial lossos would sink into insignificance before such humiliation as that. The circumstances of New Zealand and Now South Wales were so different that what was expedient in one case might not be so in the other. Firstly, nothing could give to the offer of troops from -New Zealand or any other colony that freshness and spontaneity which dis tinguished that ot New South Wales, which had stood forth as the representative of the colonial Empire, ready to aid England if necessary. Would it not be mistaken patriotism to offer men to defend other parts of the Empire when we had not done sufficient to defend ourselves ? Gov ernment did not think anything should be done without consulting Parliament. If it were decided to send men to the Soudan, no doubt a very fine body might be Eeat. In defending this colony we were defend ing the interests of the whole Empire ; for our disasters or successes would have effect throughout that Empire,' He looked upon

these colonio3 as nurseries of future defence i of tho Empire, and felt that wo should bo doing tho bost thing for tho glory of the British Crown by raising up mon capable of both extending tho prosperity of tho colonies and of defending tho honour of Britain in theso seas. Government had determined to j propose a dofinito schomo by which, within a reasonable timo, they would put into olliciont condition of dofonco tho four principal harbours of Wow Zealand—Auck land, Wellington, Lyttolton, and Duncdin. j It was not, however, enough to say they intended making those proposals to Parlia mont. Tho presont nro stirring times, when thoro was moro or less emergency. No timo, therefore, must bo lost in mount ing tho guns now in-tho colony. Ho (Sir .Julius) 'could not- help fooling that whilst ho would not in the smallest dogreo dorogato from tho patriotic action of Now South Wales, the Soudan campaign, apart from tho necessity of avenging Gordon, was not one which would excito much enthusiasm throughout tho Empire It might, howovor, bo woll for Parliament to consider whether this colony could not contribute, not men, whom they could not eparo. but perhaps monoy or produce for aid of the troops lighting in tho dosort. These reasons sue so cogent that we are amazed to find that there are still champions of a Sou Jan expedition in the colony; happily their number is n small and diminishing quantity. The only merit of the formation of the colo nial contingent in New South Wales was its originality and its proof of the real unity of the Empire. The condition of Imperial affairs or the exigencies of the military situation in Egypt did not demand any special sacrifice on the part of the colonies, anil the Home Government, while appreciating the spirit of the enterprise, showed great reluctance in accepting the assistance. A New Zealand contingent would neither be original nor spontaneous, and as coming from a colony which could not defend itself against a common privatoer, it would be ridicu lous and contemptible. When we have placed our own country in a con dition of defence, and relieved the l[ome Government of all unxicty foiv our safety in time of war, we may begin to consider the propriety of volunteer ing oar aid to Great Britain. The only other point in the speech which calls for special noticu is the abandonment of the conference of chairmen of local bodies. The pro ject) as we have pointed out before, was a cumbrous, costly, and useless one, that repeated, less efficiently, the work which was done by the late Ministry through the medium of a cir cular. The Government have, it ap pears, arrived at a definite decision on the question of local government, although the nature of it was not very clearly explained. It seems to tend, however, in the direction of abolishing road boards and endowing counties with larger powers, such as settling people on the land and in village settlements, giving them a certain amount of control over the police, and so forth. Without the de tails of the scheme it would be premature to pronounce any opinion upon it, but it is comforting to know that the Treasurer believes he has hit upon such " a system of finance that counties will not have to come as sup pliants for exceptional assistance to Parliament." If Sir Julius Vogcl can succeed in doing that, the question of in stitutions will be found a very secondary consideration, and one that may be easily settled by any liberal system oi representation.

THE SOUDAN WAR.

REBEL ATTACKS AROUND

SITAKIM.

Severe Engagement With the

Kebcls

Souakim, March 12. The rebels in tho vicinity of th: s placo aro daily displaying increasing boldness. A largo body attacked the British outposts last night and in tho fighting which ensued several British troops were killed, besides a number wounded.

Mr Dalley on the Soudan Expedi tion-

Sydney, this day,

' At a banqnet last night at Dibbo, tho Hon. W. B. Dalloy, Attorney-General mado an oloquont speech vindicating tho policy of tho Governmont in referenco to the Soudan contingent.

Altered Feeling in the Colouics Mi:li;oukne, this day.

The Victorian, South Australian, and Quconsland Governments, after consulting as ,to the proposed joint contingent for Egypt, dosiro to obtain further information from tho Agent-Gonoral, and tho question is consequently in abeyance,

In somo quarters it is considered that tho I Anglo-Russian question has altered tho situation as regards colonial troops for tho Soudan. Tho Victorian Cabinet has had tho ques tion of local defoncos under consideration, but tho decision in tho mattor is kept socrct. .

CABLEGRAMS

( BY OAISWS— COI'VRICHT.)

Aiiotlior Frnnch Defeat in China,

Honckonc, March 12.—Latest reports from Formosa announco^ th.it the French forces recently stormed the Chinese position at Kolung for five days, but without suc cess. In tho lighting which took placo tho French lost 210 men killed.

Anglo-Spanish Treaty.

Madkid, March 12, — T!io Cortos has ratified tho commercial treaty concluded botweon England and Spain.

England and Germany.

BERLIN, March 12.—The "Nord Deutscho Zoitung" publishes an articlo today on tho relations botwoon England and Gor many, which is of a roassuring character.

Tho Bochuanaland Expedition,

Capk Town, March 12. —Intolligonco is to hand that British troops, under Colonel Warron, ■ havo reached Rovigrand, in Bechuanaland, and hoisted tho British flag thero without opposition.

Commercial Panic.

London, March 12.—A semi-panic has oc curred on tho Stock Exchange, owing to the present political unoaeiness.

The Treatmont of Natives) la FIJI.

In roplying to inquhios mado by Mr W. Chcsaon, Secretary of tho Aboriginoa Pro tection Society, tho Hon. j. B. Thurston, Colonial Secretary of Fiji, robuttod the statements in circulation accusing the colonists of Fiji with perpetrating acts of cruolty upon tho native inhabitants. Lord Carrington, Governorolcct of Now South Wales, sails fpr Sydnoy in October. Messrs Trubnor and Co., booksellers and publishers, 0G and 59, Ludgato Hill, havo presented 300 books to the New South Waloß contingent for tho Soudan.

(Roccivcd March 13, 1.20 p.m.) Shipping.

SYDNEY", this day.—Arrived : Australia, Sailed : Hauroto, for Wellington ; Hinga roomn, for Auckland.

MINING NEWS

(BY TELEORAPII —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. Caledonian Low Level.—Tho manager convoys tho pleasing intelligence that he has found stonos containing colours of tho precious metal amongst tho quartz broken from tho drivo on tho cross leader at tho low lovol. A trial crushing from here is about to bo troatod at tho Uorald battory, tho body of tho quartz containing more favourable mineral indications than ap peared in tho faco of tho northern crosscut, but is not yot cut through. Moanataiaki Extended.—Driving has boon commonced eastward of tho crosscut, on tho lodo intorsoctod last week, and colours of gold havo been observed in the branch leador.

ThajiksGoldknCrown.—TJio now polton motor works satisfactorily, driving tho com ploto forco of tho battery with a small con sumption of water. Nrw Manukau.—A trial parcel from tho slopes at tho battery lovol is boiny crushed at tho Crown battery.

THE CASTLETOWNROCHE MURDERS.

AVitiijiAM Siikiciian' was n.K&ixi brouprlit up (his morning before H. G. Seth Smitb, Ksq., I?,M. on a chnrgo of unlawfully and feloniously mur dorlng hts mother, sister, and brother, atCastle townrocho, County of Cork, Ireland, on tho 27th October, 1877. Mr Superintendent Thomson Said, in this case Sorgoant Dunny had arrived from Ireland, and was now presont with the warrant and depositions, aud ho thought that when his Worship heard tho depositions ho would feel fully justified in remanding the prieoner to Irc-laiul. He was glad to inform the Court that tho Uovornmont had allowed legal aßSlstanco In this case. Mr Williamson, Crown Solicitor, would thoroforo conduct the inquiry, Mr Napier, for tho pribonor, said ho must ask for a short remand. Mr Williamson suggested that the remand should bo as brief as possible, as, In case of a committal, Sergqant Dunny had arranged to roturn to Ireland with tho prisoner within a nronth from this date. In order to suit all parties, the prisoner was remanded until Wed neaday next.

CHARGE OF ARSON.

John Connoixy was charged with arson yes terday afternoon, before Mossra Babor and Mao donnell, Justices, at the Police Court, viz., with -wilfully and maliciously Betting firo to a house in his possession, situated in Bennell-stroet, Ponsonby, on tho 6th instant with intent to defraud tho South British Insur ance Company. Sergeant Pratt conducted the prosecution, and Mr Napier appeared for the prisoner.—Detective John Mitchell Walker was sworn, and produced a plan of the promises, which ho examined on tho Cth instant. Ho found that tho firo had broken out among the shelves of tho cupboard on tho left hand side of tho llreplace. There wero traces of tho firo having burnt along the roof. He noticed a few ashes and embors in tho fire place, and some sticks on the hob. The chimney was in pood condition, well-built, and evidently of more recent structure than tho house, which was old. The cupboard whore tho tiro had boon was some distance from the fireplace. He could discover no connection betwoon tho fire in tho cupboard and tho fire place. Ho arrested the prisoner at College Hill, and charged him with sotting flro to tho house. After a good deal of argumont between counsel and Sergeant Pratt on the subject of proof of insurance, tho Court adjourned. The further hearing of tho oase was resumed to-day — William A. Rigby, of the South British In surance Company, produced the policy of insuranoe. It was insured on tho Uth of November last; amount, £70 ; premium 9s. An application had been made for the inauranco by Mrs Connolly; at loast ho believed ao.— Anno Bailny deposed that she was a spinster, residing with hor parents in Itennellstroet. Remembered the sth inst., the day of the firo. Tho firo broke out at 11.20. Saw prisoner leave tho house flyc minutes before. Heard prisoner talking to his wife on tho previous night. Ho was using bad language, and told his wife lie would burn tho house down. She was on the vorandah, so sho could hear distinctly. Heard no throat of tho kind before. Mr and Mim Connolly woro frequently quarrelling. Mr Connolly returned shortly after tho fire. She with others went into the houso. Sho boliovod the fire began in the cupboard. After tho firo Connolly epoke to her, and accused tier of setting tho house on file. He was very drtmk, and could hardly stand. He said he would coino in the night and burn her house down as sho had burned his. She said she did not. He replied, " Anie, you lie, my dear,"—Anne Todd Bailey, widow, and mother of the last witness, saw a volume of smoko noar her house. Sho went out, and found it was Connolly's house. The fire had been put out by tho Firo Brigade, The lire proooeded either from between tho shelves or the top of the cupboard. Had heard Connolly threaten sevoral tin'cs to burn tho houso down unless his wife would give him tho deeds. At such times ho was in drink. Owing to his threats she wob always in fear, and con stantly on the watch.

CITY COUNCIL.

The weekly meeting of tho City Council was held last ovening. Thoro voro prcsont —His Worship the Mayor (presiding), Crs. Holland, Mackechnie, Upton, Dovoro, Dignan, Connolly, Montague, Aickin, Kidd, Goldio, Waymouth, La Kocho, Burns, Garratt, Masefisld, Crowther. i Correspondence. — Letters were read and dealt with as follows : - From S. Young, claiming £15 compensation for injury sus tained by his horso through a hole in Karangahapo Koad: Referred to Legal Committeo.—From F. \V, Monzor, asking permission to erect a lamp outsklo his busi ness.premises in Hobson street: Granted.— From Edmund Bell, asking that asphalting bo dono in front of tho new Baptist Taber nacle, and the earth removed. The build ing was now approaching completion : Ap plication granted. — From J. JJownoy, declining to accept £1 10s as recommended by tho City Engineer as cost of sloping: Received.— From Richard Walkor, asking that cower in Wellington street bo ox tended as far as his premises: Referred to tho Streets Committee.—From manager of tho National Bank, giving particulars of salo of loan in London: Received.— From tho Secretary of tho Tramway Company, asking for reconsideration of tho claim for crossing expenses: Re ferred to tho Legal Committee — From \V. L. Roth,, asking far a retaining wall: Referred to Streets Committee, Engineer promising to report. Tho Engineer at tho same time said thero was a protniso to roplaco the fence. —From H. G. Wade, on behalf of Messrs D'Jibro and Graingor, applying for payment of com mission of £000: On tho motion of the Mayor, it was agreed to pay £200 premium, and £300 on account of commission.^ It was also agreed that a chequo for £100 bo forwarded to Mr Wales, whoso design was placed second in order _of morit.—From Hamilton Brother?, asking permission to plaeo a six-light lamp over their business entrance, corner of Queen and Alexandra streets: The applica tion was granted.—From O. Rhodes, asking extension of permit for completion of work by 21 days: Granted.—From A. Fernandez, stating that ho proposed to erect two or threo cottages in .Icrmynstrcot East, and asking whether the gtreot was to bo raised. Tho Engineer said ho could not supply tho desired informa tion, as tho filling-in had not been author ised : Referred to tho Streets Committeo. —From J. J. Macky, requesting that the cutting on his land in Franklin Road be sloped to tho street level. lie claimed spe cial consideration, as his property had been depreciated rather than increase.! by tho works : Agreed that tho usual sloping al lowed by tho Council bo authorised.— From T. B. Hannaford, complaining that ho was being subjected to cowardly persecution at tho hands of Mr Goldic, Sanitary Inspector. Tho present trouble was respecting an unregistered dog, tho possession of which he repudiated. Ho feared that if the evil ono spared Mr Goldie till next year tho per secution would bo repeated. The letter was referred to tho Committee which is at present inquiring iato the conduct of tho Sanitary Inspector's department.— From Henry Hogg and Company, asking the permission of tho Council to crecfe a gal vanised iron wholesale fish depot at tho corner of Albert and Quay-streets.—Per mission had been (riven by tho Harbour Board.—Tho Engineer reported that the building was contrary to the regulations, and could not bo allowed, WklunoioN-st.—A letter was read from Mr W. Kirby complaining that tho sum of £800 was still hold as security for his contact, although the contract was near completion. Ho asked for payment of at least £'200. —A memo, showed that ordora had boon given to the extent of upwards of £000. Tho balance at Mr Kirby's credit was only £130. —Cr. Goldie said Mr Kirby was now three months ovor contract time, and it was quite timo the Council took over tho contract and carried it to a conclusion. Otherwise, tho winter would bo upon us, and tho work uncompleted. He moved that tho contract bo taken out of Mr Kirby's bands, and Cr. Waymouth seconded.—The Engineer said it was hopeless to expect the contract to.bo linishei as things were going on now, and ho approved of tho steps pro posed to be taken.—Cr. Devore urged that no action bo taken till noxt week, to sco if Mr Kirby would take vigorous step 3to comploto tho contract.—Cr, Aiekin thought Mr Kirby should have been warned somo timo ago, and recommended that at least a week's notice bo given now, tho contract to bo determined if Mr Kirby doos not proceed.—The Engineer said Mr Kirby had promised again and again. It was agreed that the warning be given, the Engineer to report from week to week whothor satisfactory progress is being made. Petitions. —Cr. Burns presented a peti tion from the residonts of Exeter-street, thanking the Council for the resolution passed, to the terms of which thoy acceded, and asking that tho work be carried out at onco.—Received and referred to Streets Committee. Cr. Masolield presented a petition from tho residents of Hepburn street and vicinity, regretting that the Council had not seen its way to extend Hepburn-street through to Union-street, and praying for further consideration.— Received and roforrod to Streets Com mitteo. Cr. Goldie presented a petition from 102 mothers of families praying that tho drainage of tho opon Bowor from Wollington street to Franklyn Road be attended to at oncc,to provont tho outbroak of an opidomic. —Received and referred to thoStroets Com mitteo. Leual Committee.—Tliia Committeo ro commondod : —(1) Lotter from U. Ross re building regulations (Star llotol) —applica- tion withdrawn. (2) Lettor from W, Dowden re arbitration award—that samo be deferred for solicitor's opinion (Uesketh and Eich mond'K). (3) Memo, from Town Clerk re Council s liability re streets—that solicitor's opinion be obtained (Hesketh and Rich mond's). (4) Memo, from Park gardener re meetings in parks— thut a by-law bo framed to deal with tho subject,—The report was adopted, KAuANOAiuru Road Leases. — Tho special Finance Committeo recommended that tho leasos for tho Karangahapo Road allotments (section 53) bo for 33 years, tho buildings to bo not less than two stories in height, and of not less value than £500 for each allotment. Other conditions weroalso submitted in dotail.r—Cr. Maselield moved, and Cr. Aickin sooondod, that tho term of leaso should be oxtonded to 50 years.—Cr, La Roche deprocatod this course, whilo Cr. Upton advocated tho principle of short leases and full values, urging at the same time that tho leaso should bo for 25 years. Or. Crowther supported the amondmentof 50 years' lease. The amendment was put to the meeting and lost, and a further amend ment by Cr. Dovore that tho term be forty years was also negatived. Cr. Garrattthen moved as a further amendment, " That tho term be 49 years, the rental to be increased by fifty per cent, at the ond of 21 years, and no- compensation to be allowod at the end of the full term." This proposal was also rejected, and the term was allowed to re main at 33 yoars. It was agreed, on Cr. Upton's motion, "That the full value of stono, brick, or concreto building be allowed at tho conclusion of tho term of lease." It was also agreed that the valuo of the build ings be dotorminod by arbitration in tho ordinary way. Housonstkeet.—The sub committoo of North Ward members submitted an interim report stating that they had boon interview ing the owners and occupiers of property in Hobson-street relative to the alteration of levels in Victoria-Btreet, so far with every prospect of this important work being car ried out, but owing to the absence of a few owners from town, they arc unable at pro sent to definitely submit tho amount re quired. They hope to bo in a position next moeting to state, the deiinite result of their actions.—The report was adopted. Special Legal Committee.—This Com mittee recommended :—(1) Letters from H. G. Wade and W. C. Montford re burgess roll.—That Mr Montford be employed to complete the Burgess Roll as per offer,viz., £30. (2) Opinion from Hesketh and Rich mond re Dowden's arbitration.—Cominit toe recommended that tho money be paid, viz., £612. (3). Lcttor from H. G. Seth Smith, presenting throe volumes to Freo Library,viz ,O. W. Holmo's "Common Law," Sir JJ. Maino's "Early Law and Custom," and Professor Lorimer's "Insti tutes of the Law of Nations,"—That tho Famo be accepted with thanks. A lengthy discussion took place respecting tho com pletion of the Burgess Roll. Several mem bers thought it should be prepared in the office. Thero was, however, not now suffi cient time to enable it to bo done in the office, and tho recommendations of tho Committee were adopted. Tenders.—The following tenders were opened : —Arawa-street and Carlton Goro drainage : Alexander Archibald (accepted), £323 15s ; Thomas Kattorin, £326 12s u'd— Engineer's estimate, £300. Auburn-street and Seafiold View Road works : George Knight (accepted), £143 17s 6d ; B. Berry, £154 17s 6d; William Hank?, £168; Wil liam Thomas Rainbow, £22(J 15s lOd; Thomas Mulvele and Co., £249—Engi neer's estimate, £160. Norfolk-street drainage: R. Clark, jun. (accepted), £433 10s Gd ; Alexander Archibald, £508 8a 9d ;

Mason and McllwraithfsmT^S! Pasooe and Co., f616 lt^ fii■' £640-Engineer' 8 estimate &J°Mk CosTOFWop.Ks.-Cr LaS)'^sll "That the cost of kerbinTaXr^C a? also the formation.of that „ TNlk street from Victoria-streot KfS. street, and from Wellesleyßt«LwVwC street, be charged agafoitgjMSJ to ditlorent wardsinterested'Sfllo^ which excited some onwu ■ ferrcdtotheStrect/co£&l^ Advertising.—lt was 'j 6' l*:'."' motion of the Mayor "fw'Wit dated 18th October, 1883, «!» newspapers bo rescinded to eiuLiWtt bo .given to Clause 2 of tW le**£ mitteo'a Report No. II.OiOB, afe looi). , . *"CUry This concluded the business *:

FIJI-ITS CONDITION AND PROSPECTS.

Desire for Annoxation to New The Hon. Captain HuUneoftbe.ai ■' members of tho Fijian Legislative c^v and owner of the Rarnbi h\L* v^ which has a coast-line of 30 nZ % situated about 100 miles fromSi?"?!" present on a visit of pleasure to 3,^ As he is also interested in ascertlTl4* feeling of this country on tk?M annexing Fiji, and is thoroughly™• * with tho opinions of the Fijian S 18? regard to it, a STAii renorkr ; '"•ft him yesinrday. CaptffiK&gSfl Oram's Hotel, received our imStlS courteously,, and imparted some'S interesting information. Unori n;™^ tion of a ? 8.,5<* A Reciprocity Taria' \.? ho said: It is purely a mSiili privato interest with me to 2J the feeling of the people ®! Zealand upon the project of eatable reciprocity of tariff with Fiji, fdrlS 8' official status here. lam convinc&fM ever, that tho approximation offiS countries in trade relationshipwobb'2 to their mutual advactago, If iJSo tho Government to look favourablyl jftf ■ proposal, tho way would beat oncJitS for opening up formal negotiationifcS that end. I cannot see any possibfiZi tion to a reciprocity treaty of thigffi between New Zealand and Fiji, forte2J ducts with which we could supplyiaVb could not raise yourselves, and ij- JJj take in exchange and cotwiime ]u«m products indigenous to a temperati«ij»L like this. It would, perhaps,^ admit frco of duty our BtafejJ ducts, but the arrangement ofiE is a mere matter of detail; T present wo produco Bugar":'iagw quantities Now, it might '%§. enough bo said by tho people of J?e» 2» land—"lf we allow eugar and tea totayk free of duty, the benefit will bo alljmj* side." At tho first blush that mi|ktjL unanswerably true, but a little"rejftij will show its fallacy. Itisa^wellesWiljy rule of trade that the balance of esctiss between countries is rarely, if eve^Jj coin, and if Now Zealand wiehestimii, a trado in her products with %% must be willing to exchange bet oj. modities with ours. The valued! £ sugar would not be taken out in i^l;)^ in kind, so that every hnndred-fe^ Fijian sugar would represent bo-ni^i proportionate value of your cbn^OTtid taken in return. Annexation. ' But there ie an object beyond tiit, % hopo that by means of a reciprodty;batj between the two countries-trado'tplj so largely'developed as to pavo t&nj for the annexation of Fiji by Aew ZttjU In fact, we should like Fiji to bjnvi province of this colony—under,-' ay, i lieutenant-governor — and by mm j tho treaty I havo indicated, tii interests would become so identic tk no difficulty would be likely to; nia to prevent such a consummation, Wife tho last twelve months there ,bM;i)i'i strong and growing feeling in fawn a annexation to New Zealand, Befonlii time wo had looked towards Ne»W Wales as tho colony with which a Utks was most desirable ; but a tmbsfai feeling haß since then taken plaraiHi-t of Now Zealand, owing cMtily.ittji tightening of our trade relations Ml; j, coupled with the fact that it inw I neighbour. Besides, Now South ftiWa no need for some of our prod in*,.*'» sugar, while Now Zealand offers i)<s«:i market. Thero is still another. &£# i Now Zealand'fi favour. Its pooji iarsH oxporienco in dealing with tho wslikkjuij tion, and they would thereto be Mn enabled to deal with ourcoloup^tej than the colonists oi New Sltt'K Tin Fijiana would give you no fotejstftcj are a most docile and easily-gjsairiira. In comparison with the Maorisfcjw children. At present Fiji is whitistaffid A Crown Colony of a Seven Iff* The people have practically no iwAit government of their country. Ittirdaty v Governor, who has almostdeß^ficjwtn assisted by a Legislative Council eipw of six official members and rfXM*'?" members appointed by the Qtteefl ti apt sent the settlors, The two eacUoi^alM Legislative Council are appaMntl|W but the Governor has a dual vote,«» has always tho power, of defestiftfl legislation initiated or support few oflidal mombera. At any rate,"I.WWM is ono of tho traditions or ralsjif Colonial Office that in colonies of WWJ type all legislation should eftaiiiiPl tho Government. Now, as Vsffl sottlers have come from one or otterg colonies whero free reprcsentaMig tions are enjoyed, tkey feelvery.;ie«W. tho pressure of the mode of..Sflffig which prevails in Fiji. Still, 1f1 admit that tho thinking men »Bf»W. not consider that tho ropreseotabrtW of government possessed bj'-jontotl* other colonieß would suit tho cm •?* and chiefly becauso of thegr«t.W» dorance of tho aboriginal popo'Wr Thoro aro about 120,000 natives»» various islands of tho R«""P>.^S some 3,000 whites, and if repnafff were, therefore, fairly given, .tisJ™» would bo completely swamped. ;.W* other hand, if the natives WffisWn altogether, there would be pBtMJ our native quostion taking tieWHS it did in Queensland, whewWfg were allowed-to be exterminated.;^ may seem to be ultra-hnmanitoßMrWfl the Fijians aro such a supOTWiflSMt physically and mentally, that'^S a great pity to admit «ny... Egg possibility of their extinction.,-.Wffl tion of annoxation has not yet well W^ in Fiji by means of public meetrap.^ step might havo been takon«oro»; tho fact that we-areafrprewntajS, reply from the Imperial Gcvernngfj, petition from our Legislative ww,^ certain concessions. In July lan»,n ;

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

" Lea Clodes da Col

This tuneful opera, always ft IftTo"™S| Auckland playgoer?, was W>i^^a fi by Pollard's Lilliputian Opera^Sßj a largo and OioroDßlUy WSffifcW^ The pioco was well mounted, and Wsg» ; singing of tho clover children ™»sr.m foctien as could bo v ,%f w"Si«|Srtff from the charming little «'„!* down to tho most ,™ n. uto h .c Si«'?S «II tho performers displayed ato«SjW of Btago bußincss than the ***$&$■ Thespian. Miss Be la Stowwt W (IJ A Germaino. Hor singing and fSjyim. tobedcslred-indeed.auiorcpieaajß jjjjJJ lion of tho rolo we havo never■ see". rffl * Pollard aa Serpoletto acted mftlg tJ |g but was scarcely hoydenifh-snows i«J those who accept Mits NeUio K^wP lettoastheirideal. AsJeanGWnlcfip,,,,^ de Lorme achieved a success W«,^ young voice being heard to h SSf* jJdW«S' the many tuneful numbers «"». tho part. Master FeWM?? 8 wd was a good ™ncephon, ■» ,^ Bailio of MiBB imy amusing. Miss immensely funny, the «JMe "ej,*jag. scribably grotesque. .?»!,.„ jaBWB found a clear exponent in »ib» ft to'mß "Les Clocncs de OornvUle > ™»£.? m this eveninf?, and • the .^?'f%iiM& Pinafore" is announced for. fo^t'tf Tuesday. Tho " Princess of Tranw., "Patience "aro in preparation. _^.... . : Polick Co^^Timo^Hs*^, charged before Mr Beak, J.P" »WS iho footpath '"/^^o&bMAI to-morrow, and also wl lL,m I lie>»Bl stable's nose. It '»PR,(S re* h^«eliV«Sl the arrcstiuff conßtabiC, ™o «v sling, that on the d*l%?fcw^l% was buying goods at toe SS|££UWSB next the Criterion Hotel, Mowj bargains were lyta? fIU a °l?,ySg »«§SH front of Kason's. He WM W&Am When told to " «<sm» bis tomper and struck wif e§ft W£*p a kidney potato (Produ"°)ai lD g'ever ffli the damaged organ in a sra» Brt ,«Bfi( answer 10 His Worship, O» ffitftim " There was always aero« especially on SaturiW n«W»^w .QMS, wore frequently unab o toget W^,, who wora crowding u™"Si toWftSß* ship said Mr Eaton aPP.fSg? blgmt&p traSo. The constable: To so Auckland, your VVorsh IP^g«Wfe ; 3 say thoy can't live if heL|°Sj laff-WSS Worship, atler consulUng '™!»fafom) ho was eatisfled that °e'XthS aff,S* had been committed j.butaji""^frf*! & accused had better'be^Js,f m oral?.Sg didn't do it afrein. Ho Eominal penalty of &}^.S^%aWM and Mr Baton must, donga j^gUi premises at once. Jur t3»sttffi\ done immediately, if no" f BSi «P»™ adjourned. For prices Pi|^piMffi I inn's Wanted Colunm.-l*"' *" 1

(Continmd on Fourth Wh I

THE AUCKLAND EVEJNJLJNtt STAK, FRIuaY MARCH 13, 1885



-pUBLIC NOTIFICATION. £j5 OF BURAL^LANDSON DKFKRKED Crown Lands Offlco, Auckland, March 11th, 1885. SSSS&ffiKS? d» o £ April. i^ oMi Commissioner of Crown Lands, ,ro»NrAEEI COUNTY, MOTATAU Jt&fWV DISXRICT-Block VIII: Sec. 2, So BUl^Let prico, £82 10a. Sec. 3, 75a2r15p; Bcref'T,rice fiU3 IM. See. 4, 63 acres; upset Usn« Sffl Sec. S. «a lr; upset price, £ifc ?£ co' «m 0 42a 38p: upset prico, K& in* 100 7 «a 3r 2ip; upset price, ,661105. S B3 I(b* d2a 2r 38n-up«ot price, £62 15b. Boc. 9, S'fc- Ssot pSce7£s7 153 Sec. 10. 38 acres; fltirlW Sco. 11, 40a 3r 12p; upset price. TJJ? Sir 12 Ma Or 21p; upset prico. £4165. £UpTTAWHAKGA SUIIVKY DISTRICT ■nPwr-Sec 1. 71a 2r 20p; upset price. £107 Sf*I L ? e i5T' acresi upset prico. £190 ss. a™ I i 63 aoresi upset prico, £163. Sec. 4, wl lr- upset price, £51 108. Sec. 5, 192a 2r: upset Price. «I§2 10a. Sec. 6, 191 acres; upue£ prl«ce^f™tinnß for the above lands will be re ri^ at this office! Contaßted applications SSI be decided on THURSDAY, the 2nd April, irr)i at 11 o'clock in the forenoon. Mara of the above lands may be seen at this office and also at the Post-offlcea at Whangarei, Ngun'guru and Hlknrangi. NOTICE. X\K. WILKINS, F. K. C. S., JLJ CONSUMTNa AND OPEKATINQ SUROKON, teat his Surgery for General Practice and SpedalPracUce-Eye, Ear, and Throat Diseases -Mornings and Afternoons; Sundays, 10.30 to 12.30. Consultation Fees very moderate. Dr. Wilkinb spent seven years at Mooreflelds Kye Hospital, London, under Messrs Bowman and Odtohett,two at Throat Hospital, Londnn, seven years Eonorary Burgeon Albert Up«Bl,and elsht years at Bye, Ear, and Throat Hfflrmary, Sffilbourne; Adjusts Sifatacles toTSight. -, CcnsultioK Booms—Queen-street, Auckianai



T*OYAL INSURANCE COMPANY. Notice la hereby given that tho Agency hitherto held by Mr George William Jones, jointly with Mr Lusher, has neen terminated by tho Company, and Mr Randall Alexander Lusher has boon appointed Sole Agent for tho Auckland District. Hated this 12th day of March, ISS>. The ROYAL INSURANCE COMPANY (By its Attorney, Cms. Salter. Superintcn dent for Australia and Now Zealand). 15^00 15000 .15000 15000 15J000 GARLICK & CRANWELL HAVE FIFTEEN THOUSAND YARD 3 SRUSSELS AND TAPESTRY CARPETS IN STOCK, fc%TSS I& D s UTCH' The Greatest Variety in Auckland 111 CARPETS Very Cheap \ 3ARPKTS Very Cheap ( Tapostry, from Is 9d ■JARPKTS Vory Cheap > , ~ • 3AUPKTS Vory Choap I Brussels, from 3s Od 3ARPKTS Very Ohoap / GARLICK & CRANWELL GAKLICK & CUANWKUi GARUCIC & CItANWKJLL GARIJCK & CRANWELL GARLICK & CRANVVKLL GARLICK & CRANWELL Iron BEDSTKADS and 11KDDING >. + °M dFo URNITTo tK 1 R°<^ DRAWING do. do. > for & jDolivory )FFICK FUIUNITUUE ' HOUSES FURNISHED THROUGHOUT. BUY YOUR FURNITURE FROM GARLICK & CRANWELL, 3HEAP FURNISHING WAREHOUSE, (JDEEN-STREET AND LORNK-STREET, Auckland. ALANCE OF SUMMER STOCK AT LESS THAN SALE PRICES, TO CLEAR. 100 Children's Parachutes. 9d; largo size do., Is. 25 Ladies' China Silk and Lustre Ulatera.hall prico Beautiful Stock of Ladies' Laco and Cashmoro Capoa and Dolmans, noweßt styles, half usual price * Ladies' Black Cashmoro Jackets, Cs Cd; chil dron's ditto. 3s 9d Boys' and Men's Straw Hats half-price, from Gd; Bush Hats, 2jd ; Men's Cashmero Cork Hol niots, vory much reduced Good atock Ladies' and Children's Aprons, from 6d Wide White Calico, 2Jd yard ; Grey ditto, Is lid dozon Beat makes White and Grey Calicos, all reduced. White Matting, yard wido, sd; wide width, 6d and 7d Splondid \vido Flannel, IOJd yard; heavy, good Flannel. 32in. wido, Is 6}d (worth 2s) Strong, useful Corsets, Is 3d Boys' Black Cloth Coats. Ga Gd (halt-prico): do. Suits, 12s 6d: Boys' Tweed Trousers, 3s 3d 200 Men's Tweed Coats, all shapos, from 6s 6d. Tho above are a great bargain. Manufacturers' Jobs in Remnants Irish Lirion, vory cheap Good line Men's Oxford Shirts, 3s Gd Men'B strong Tweed Suits, 18s 6d (worth 255) Prints, Satteens, etc., all very much reduced Nice stock of White and Hold Laces in Spanish Real, etc. Patterns Free by Post. WILLIAM IT BRIDGMAN, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, 288. UPPER QUEEN-STREET. pOKE. COKE. COKE. THE AUCKLAND GAS COMPANY LTD.) Invito Ordora for GAS COKE. Delivered within 1 milo of tho Works, for Cash; longer distances at proportionate rates :— Sample Sacks of threo bushels .. Is 6d Five Sacks 6a 3d Eleven Sacks, or half ton .. .. 11b lid Twonty-two Sacks, or one ton _ 22a Tho Company s COKE is made from tho best Groymonth Coals; is superior to that mado from Newcastle coals, being free from sfohe and clinker in a remarkable degree, gives a RELIABLE FIRE, CLEARER & HOTTER THAN COAL, LIGHTS READILY, and MAKES NO SMOKE. GOOD FIRE IN 10 MINUTES. OFFICE: FORT-STREET. COKE. COKE. CQgB. PREMISES QOL D. SALE OF FURNITURE, CARPETS, BEDDING, &C &c, FOR A FEW WEEKS ONLY,. Discount, 3s in the £. TAND TT fIOOKE, • XX. \J 44 and 46, Victoria-street. OPECIAI NOTICE. I.liavo received my second Shipment of, AUTUMN AND WINTER GOODS, JUBT OPENED, I'KR THE DOKIC, To which I Invito tho inspection of my Patrons and the I'uhlio generally. n L. POSSENNISKIE, merchant tailor & habit maker Suortlakd-Stbeet. mO THE LADIES OF AUCKLAND. Commercial House, 172, Queen-street. Mksdambs,— Having mado extensive Altorationa to our Promises, which havo enabled us to add a DRESSMAKING to our other Departments, under tho management of Mrs Cullbh (nee Miss Bull), we arc now In a position to execute any orders you may favour us with. Wo also bog to inform you that our AUTUMN and WINTER GOODS are now to hand, and as we havo made extensive purchases for all Departments, which are marked at our usual moderate price, we havo every confidence in soliciting a share of your patronage. Youra respectfully, WILSON, WILLIAMS & McCULLAGH. TJONELEBB CODFISH. A SPLENDID DELICACY FOR THE TABLE, Selected with the greatest care, and oured upon the most approved system. Procurable at allJGrooers' and Storekeepers'. WHOLESALE OB1 ARTHUR H. NATHAN, CUSTOMS-STREET.,



Mutual Jjife Association of australasia. 1 established july, Isg9. Incorporated by Act of Parliament. the second oldest mutual lifk office in australia, THE FH'ST TO FREE ASSURANCE WtOM RESTRICTIONS, AND THE ONLY ONE Established within tho last 35 years which has declared a Borua upon AN ABSOLUTELY PURK PREMIUM VALUATION. JJKW VKALAND QFFICES : gj QUKEN-STRBBT, DIRECTORS: A. G. HORTON, Esq., J.P.. Chairman ARTHUR HEATHER. Kaq.! T. B. KENDERDINE, Kaq..M.R.C.S., Kng. BANKERS: TIIH BANK OF NKW ZEALAND. SOLICITORS: MESSRS WHITAKER AND RUSSELL. 3rd QUINQUENNIAL INVESTIGATION. At 30th Juno, ISSI, atd for which Honuq Certifi cates were issued January, 18S5, showed GROSS SURPLUS OF.. .. £50 000 THE TNVESTKD FUNDS NOW EXCEED .. ..£400,000 Special Notice. An all this ASSOCIATION'S POLICIES Ann INDEFEASIBLE from dato of issue and NON FORFEITABLE whllo Surrender Valuo lasts, thoy aro not affected by occupation, residence or oauaa of death, and henco NO EXTRA PREMIUM IS REQUIRED TO COVER WAR RISK IN THK SOUDAN, OR ANY OTHER PART OF THK WORLD. For TABLEB OF RATES and REPORTS of tho Proj*roßa and Present Posilion of ttiis suc cessful Institution, apply at Bio Ofllooa, or at any Agenoy throughout tho Colonies. WILLLIAM T. J. BELL, Resident Secretary.



Sewing Machines.—D, S, Chambers, 20 Queen-stteet,—[Abyx.]



The second of a course of four special farewell lcoiures by Dr. York will bo delivered in the Opera Houso on Sunday evening, on "Tha Theology of Nature." 'ihe doctor, liko many other eminent so.entista, haa a profound regard for Nature, and believes in sermons in stones and good in everything. The leoturesare to commence at half past ? instead of 8 o'clock, and as the doctor's stay In Auckland is limited, »a would adviao all v.-lm have not yet heard him to do so on Sunday uvcilng.