SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER.

Auckland — This evening, 8.18; to-morrow ■Doming, 9.3. Manukau Heads —This evening, 11.20; to morrow morning, 11.43. KaipaSa Heads—This evening, —.20; to-mor row morning,—.l 3.

BUNSET.-This evening, 6.9. BUNRISK-Tomorrow morning, 0.7. MOON'S AGK-New Moon, 24 th, 0.2 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY. Glonelg, 5.8., Amodco, from Tauranga Waihora, a 8., Edio, from Russell Cabarfeidh, barquo, from Newcastlo Vision, brig, Cox, from Syduey

IMPORTS.

Pot Oamaru-695 saoks J-in bonedust, 688 sacks bonefiour, 640 Backs suporphoßphato, 14 casks sulphate ammonia.—W. J. Hurst and Co, Por Caharf oidh—s2o tons ooal.

In'wakds Coastwise.—Lako Superior, from Ngunguru, with 29,000(t timber; Jnnot, from Whangarei Heads, with 800 bushels limo ; Jtor cury, from Tairua, with 21500 ft timber. Ootwards Coastwise.—Leo, for Mahurangi; Pukapuka. for Barrier : Loo for Gisborno, via Mercury Bay; Lake Superior, for Ngunguru ; Janet, for Whangarei Heads. Tho hrisrantlno Boroalis (Captain McKcnzie) Cleared at tho Cußtoms today lor Kaipara. The Mission schooner Southern Cross will probably bo docked to-morrow morning, pre paratory to loaving for her usual cruiso at tho Islands. Tho following vosaols havo ontorcd outwards at tho Customs:— Southern Cross, Mission achooner, Bongard. for Norfolk Wand: Alt, barque. Mathoson. for Newcastle; MinnioHaro, schooner, Douglas, for Lovuka. The briganlinea Borealls and Marshall S.. bavin? discharged their cargoes at tho Railway Wharf, hauled into tho stream this morning. The s.s. Waihora arrived from Russell this morning, and during the day she has been lnud lag sugar at tho Sugar Co.'a wharf for Southern ports. A brig Insido Tlritiri (tho Vision, from Syd ney), a barque ouUido Tiritiri. and a "sail in sight outsido Tiritiri, wore signalled lato tins afternoon. The two latter will probably be the Notero, from Lyttelton, and tho Luttorworih. from Dunedm. Anothersplondld addition to tho famous White Star Line of steamers was launched from Messrs Harland and Wolffs shipbuilding works, Bel last, on January 3. This vossol is named ihe Bolglo, and is Bister to tho ionic, Doric, and Coptic, engagedin tho Now Zealand trade. Her dimensions are:—Length, 120 ft; breadth, 42ft; depth, 29ft Oin; and gross rcgiatorad tonnage, about 4,500 tons. Sho has two doublo-crlindered engines of 400 horse power. Tho Belgio will be rigged and fitted out immediately. Tho s.s. Glenolg arrivsd from Tauranga and Mercury Bay this morning. Passengers: Mrs Chambers, servant, and 2 children. Mrs Stow art, Mrs Koys, M."s Brown, Mrs Kilgour, lira Kendall, Misses Hamilton, Jlorris. Messrs Nicholson, Black, Warbrick, Monk, Wriglcy. Morris, Rewcastlo, Sturgeon, Auckland cricketers (3), Shechan's Bond (7), cud 3 in steerage. Tho barquo Cabarfeldh left Newcastlo on Wednesday, Uth, with wind at N.N.E.; which continued until tho 13th. when a strong breeze from the S.W. was experienced, which brought the chip up to tho North Cape about midnlxht on Monday, tho Three Kings having been sighted about 2 p.m. on tho afternoon previous. Tho passage down tho ooast has been delayed by oontraiy winds.

THE SHIP WAIMATE.

Captain W. Farquhar, of tho s.B. Clansman, oports by telegraph from Russell that ho passed a large ship beating up the coast off Cavalli Inlands at seven o'clock this morniDg. This will probably prove the Waimato.'llO days out Irom London, bound for this port with the following passengers:—Saloon: MrandMraAndrowMac- Jtenzio, 3 children and nuree, Mr John Williams, Mi-8 Catherino K. Bruee, Mr W. H. Drake, Mr C. A. E. Orme, Mias M. Ormn, Mrs Grade, Dr. and Mrs Bow?. Tho following is tho v.iluo of her cargo: - Plain cottons, <700; coloured cottons, £100; printed cot tins, £100; woollens and worsteds, ££00; flannels. £400 ; linen in bales, £100; cotton and woollens, £100; silk and cottons, £100; millinery, £100; hosiery, £8uO: haberdashery, £500; ap parel, £1.100; blankets, £601; carpets and rags, £500; toilet and table covers, £2CO; oountorpanes, £100; felt hats and caps £100; saddlery, £20; floor cloth, £760; table baize, £10; vestas, £440; blacking, £70; agricul tural machinery, £70; rails and general ma ohinery, £900; books, £310; paper, 571cwt: Stationery, £140; paper-hangings, £150; horse hair and seating. £10; upholstery, £500; iion bedsteads. £410; tinware, £20; bruehwaro, £190; plated and papier maohe goods. £250; toys, £290; pianos, £690; clocks and watches. £10; per fumery, £10; printing materials. £250; pipes, £93; cartridges and dynamite, £30; safety fuse £iO; Iron tanks, £30; load shot, 6 tons; chain and a ichors. 1 ton; hardware cutlery, £2,900; bar and rod iron, 56 tons; hoop iron, 1 ton; plate iron, 23 tons; galvanised iron. 79 tons; sheet lead, 14 tons; pig lead, 2 tons; tin plates, 121 boxes; ingot tin. 56wt; iron nails, SO ions ; wire and wire nails, S3 tons; zino, 5 tons; linseed oil, 1.49.'ga115; kerorcno and naphtha, lGOgalls; whiting, 26 tons; paint colours, £830; pitch and tar, 5 barrels; flint gloss, £230; window gift's, ,£8; plate glass, 49 cases; china and earthenware, £j3O; glass bottles, £tO: can va*. £360; cordago, £150 flinesand twines. £160; marble, £60; cement, 100 barrels; tmnir. 901 bs: brandy in case, C9ogalls; rum, 1.380 galls; geneva, l,2oogalls ; cordinls. TUgalls ; Br.tish spirits in bulk, ULOauDs ; ditto in case, 920ga113 ; rod wine, 270i;aU3 ; whito wino, sSogalls ; bcor in glass, lGbarls; flsh (preserved), not rated. £100 ; eardinos, £290 ; assorted oilmon's stores. £1,570; vinegar, l,010galls; foreign salad oil, 210 galls; pepper and spices, 9owt; cocoa. 20nwt; nuts, 20owt; Isinglnsa and gelatine. £70; mustard. £230; starch, £180; blue. £100; arrowroot, 3owt; vermicelli and mac oaronl, IZcwt ; patent groats, £10; split peas. 55cwt; while salt, 100 tons; soda crystal.", 4 tons; bicarb, 70 tons; silicate, 2 tons; candlos, 834cwt.; soap. 7cwt; dates, 83cwt ; raisins. 40cwt; currants, 431cwt.; almonds, scwt.; liquorice juice, 2cwt; ginger, Bcwt; glucost and sacchamm, IScwt.; treacle, 350cwt.; coffee lewt; confectionery and peel, £240; apott ecary ware, £200; tart, acid, 12cwt.; cream tartar. 18owt; condensed milk, £390; cornflour, £150 ; canary seed, 41cwt.; palm oil, 2 tuns; tea, 1,010 lbs.; granite. 10 tons. Total declared value of cargo. £29,800.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

B-UNKDiir, this day. — Tho Tainnl ran from Hobart in 3 days 7 hours. Her actual steaming from home to Otago Heads was 11 days 16 hours

Melbourne, March 18.—Sailed: Wairarapa, for the Bluff, this afternoon.

Oamaru, this da?.—Arrivod Steamship Eldorslio, 53 days from London, to load frOLan meat. During tho voyage a lad was wathed overboard.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

MAHOH 10, 188 S. Opora House—Pollard's Lilliputian Opora Bouffo Company, 8 p.m. St. Matthew's Sohool-room—Homo Mission Society, Seoond Annual Mooting, 8 p.m. Onohunga Hall—Pritchard Family; Drawing Room Entertainment, 8 p.m. Froomaaons' nail—Lodge St. Andrew, 7.30 p.m. Federated Seamen's Union; General Mooting, 7,30 p.m. Y.M.C.A.—Dovotional Mooting! 7.30 p.m. Thoatro Royal—Lccturo, "Brightor Britain," by Row Thos. Spurgcon, 7.30 p.m.

Births.

MIKKELSON.—On tho 12th March, at Bolmont

Terrace, tho wifo of VV. Mikkeleon of a bod. MoCORKINDALE.-On March 17. at Victoria- Btreot, tho wifo of A. McCorklndalo of a daughter.

Deaths.

FAG AN.—On March 19,1855, after a long and painful illnese, Mary, second daughter of Mr M. Kaßan, lato Sub-Inspootor of Police at ltofa, and only sifter of Mrs Wardcll. and Bistorin-law of tho late Mr Francis Josoph Wardell, lato of tho Thames; aged 23 years. Deeply mournod by hor sorrowing sister. Kuthloon Sophia Wnrdell. — Thames and Sydney papers ploaso copy. Tho funeral will leave tho rosldenco of Mrs Potcrson, Chapolstreot, to-morrow (Friday) at 3 o'clock. Friends ploaso accept this invitation. HOLMES.-On March 18,1885, at hor husband's residonco, groat North Road, Mary Ann, wifo of Goorgo Holmes; aged 35 years. The funoral will leavo to-morrow (Friday), at 3 o'clock. Friends ploaso oxcopt this invi tation. PARKER.-On March 19, ISBS, at her father's residence, Albert-atroet. Floranc Maud, infant daughter of Mr H. Parker, M.M.C.; aged six " months. Private intormont.

VEAL.—On Maroh 10, at Vlnoßt.rcot, Ponsonby. Kmily Priscilla Mary, the infant daughter of Charlosand Emily Flora Veal; aged 8 months. Funeral at 3 p.m. on Saturday. 21st instant.

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1885.

For tha c*use that lacks assistance, For the wrong that neoda ruaietanot, For tho future in tho dlstanco, And the g«od that wo can do.

Some of our Southern contemporaries, we observe, have read between the lines of the circulars recently issued by the Hon. Robert Stout, Minister of Education, a determination to make considerable reductions in the ex penditure upon education. In one of these circulars he informs the Boards of Education that " the Government cannot defray the cost of providing and repairing school buildings, and that it is incumbent upon them, in conformity with the spirit and letter of the Educa tion Act, to devote as largo a proportion as possible out of or dinary capitation grants to this object, and to regard the special vote as merely supplementary." He also adds that certain sections of the Act show that the Legislature " contem plated this fund (the Board fund) and the School Committee fund being made up, to some extent, by donations and subscriptions," and he suggests " the great advisability of effect being given to a practice which obtained very generally in former years of Boards making it an essential condition to the obtaining of a grant by a school com mittee, more especially for painting, fencing, or repairs, that residents and those interested in the school should contribute a fixed proportion of the cost." These propositions are good enough in their way, if they were prac ticable, but the Boards throughout the colony, and especially in Auckland and Hawkc's Biy,are now at their very wits' end to know how the urgent demands of districts under their charge may be met. la rural localities where good schools have been erected it may be an easy thing to make the local committees responsible for tho main tenance of buildings, and compel them to raise subscriptions for repairs instead of flooding the Board with applications for grants; but in order to supply the necessities of those districts which are without schools or teachers' residences, and the wants of tho towns, it will not be found practicable to dispense with the building grant so long as the present system of administration prevails. Nevertheless, it is beyond doubt that the costliness of the system is breaking it down, and some change must soon be made. Returns wer« laid before Parliament last session showing that, as compared with other countries, the cost of national educa tion in New Zealand is modtrate. The return has, however, failed to remove the impression that the aims are too ambitious and extravagant, and that, without any appreciable loss to the country, a sound elementary educa tion might be given at a smaller cost. The advent of Mr Stout as a reformer, therefore, is not to be deplored, although Ihc applica tion of his pruning-knife will have to be carefully watched. A mere rule-of thumb plan of reducing the grants with out showing what part of the scheme is to be curtailed will not do ; the Minis ter of Education must set about his work in a more masterly way than that if he means to accomplish anything ; and he may lay down as a first prin ciple, to start from, that the people will never tolerate any infringement of the cardinal virtue of the system—it must remain free. A plan which relieves the Government merely by taxing the people through school fees would be a retrogression, not a reform.

Sir Julius Vogel at Christchurch.

In each of the three speeches which the Colonial Treasurer has delivered during tho recess he has managed to introduce enough of new matter to impart a flavour of freshness and originality. His address at Christchurch last night, a telegraphic sum mary of which wo publish today, travorsed a widor range of subjects than the banquet speech. We aro able, by its light, to lore cast something of the Government pro posals for the coming session. That these will include a bill altering tho constitu tion of the Upper Chamber by making its members nominated for a term of years instead of for life, is announced for the first time. The change is in the right direction, and is a lesa dangerous reform than increasing the power of the Upper House by making it elective. A Ministry representing popular principles, when meeting with obstruction in the Legisla tive Council, would have less compunction in swamping the opposition if the nomina tions were for a short period than they have now,when every appointment means a pension for life. Theque3tionof currency and cheap money, which was touched upon in a masterly way, is not a new topic in this colony. Mr Macandrew's favourite scheme of a national bank of is3ua has kept it alive. We are glad to see, however, that the Treasurer has not become a convert to the opinions ot the apostle of greenbacks. His promise of a scheme to supply small sums of money at 5J or 6 per cent, arouses curiosity, and we are sure that any good plan giviug this much-needed help to men who wish to settle upon the land will receive the earnest and favourable consideration, of the country. We may pro bably attribute to recent criticism his strong vowb of earnestness for the loca tion of small settlers on the land, and the inferential disclaimers of Mr Ballance's sus pected policy of locking up the native terri tory in long leases. The utilitarianism of tho Treasurer may, after all, prove an effective antidote to tho Bentimentaliam of his colleague. The Local Government measure will, we are told, be the joint production of the Premier and Treasurer. Mr Stout findsthe institutione,and Sir Julius Vogel the money. From such a combination we ought surely to get something worthy of the Cabinet. A more curious phase of the dual control of the Ministry is their attitude on the educa-'

tion question. Mr Stoat is a Socularist of tlio Secularists. He has said, not only in his hcnrl't but with his tongue, that to him there is no God. Sir Julius Vogol declares that rathor than the inhabi tants of Now Zoaland should grow up in such a boliof, it would bo better for tho European population to become extinct and tho Maoris once moro possess the islands. Nurtured in the realism of the Hebraic creed, and endowed with a sympathetic in tollectual organism, Sir Julius Vogel ex prcssos, wo bolieve, his gonuino feelings on this subject, and tho declaration will awakon a responsive throb in tho breasts of thousands who havq looked nskanco at n i national administration controlled by anti roligious dogmatists.

Mr Gladstone's statement in tho Houso of Commons, reported in our cable despatches today, gives tho assuranco that no imme diate outbreak of hostilities may be cx poctod in Afghanistan. At tho samo timo it disclosos tho wily nature of Russian diplomacy and tho cunninglyconcoived plan of oporatioiiß. Though their forces havo advanced about fifty milos ovor tho Afghan frontier as shown on prosont maps, tho Czar's advisors seem to contend that they aro on Russian territory, and all they will promise ia that no further advance will bo made. Even this promise is conditional upon tho Afghans refraining from advancing against them, and upon no disturbance taking placo at Panjdoh. In other words, Russia seizes a slice of Afghanistan, and on being ordered back, affably doclaros that if she is let alone sho will not steal any more. This reply cannot, of of courso, satisfy tho British Govorninont, and doubtless in tho parloying now pro coeding Lord Granvillo is insisting upon tho Kuesinn withdrawal as a nine qua non to tho peaceful solution of tho diiliculty. Of warlike operations in other parts of tho world, it is reported that Gonoral Graham's advanco from Snakim against tho robols undor Osman Digna will tako place next week, and it is also stated that Germany is making amirablo mediation botwoon Franco and China. The proposod conferonco botwoon Com mittoos of tho City Council and Harbour Board respecting tho road across Freeman's Bay has boon doforrod until a plan of tho proposod road is submitted by tho Engineor. Mr John Reid, Chairman of tho Chambor of Commerce, has written to tho Harbour Board apologising for tho fact that ho will bo nbs>ont from tho next two or three mcot ingrf, ho having gono on a visit to Sydney and Molbourno. Four casos of infectious disoaso havo boon reported to tho City Sanitary Inspootor dur ing tho past fortnight, viz., ono caso of scar let fevor and one of moaslos in the Karanga hapo Ward, ono of typhoid fever in tho South Ward, and ono of measles in l'onsonby. Petitions to both Housos of tho Legisla ture praying them to pass maasuros ren dering the employment of barmaids in hotels unlawful aro being numerously signod in city and suburbs. ■ Information reachod town to-day that the notorious "Doctor" G. W. Kodgers has been sentonccd by the Mongonui Bench to twelve months' imprisonment on four charges of larceny and false representations. A few days previously tho magistrate had been entertaining Rodgors as a valued friend. Mr John Darling writes from Glasgow that the new dredger for tho Harbour Board is making satisfactory progress, and that tho builders are meeting him in every possible way so far. The detailed drawings aro therefore well into shape (January 28th). Bishops Redwood, Luck, and Moran, and Rev. Fathor Walter Macdonuld, left for tho Hot Lakes, via Cambridgo, yesterday. They will be absont about, a wook. Edgar Goldsbro' has resigned his post of cadet undor the Harbour Board, whilo Thomas M. Rogers has relinquished Itis situation of night-watchman because of the duties injuriously affecting his health. Applications to till both positions will bo invited by tho Board at onco. Residents in a portion of Grey-street aro exorcised in mind by tho fact that it is pro posed by a land-owner in tho neighbour hood to erect ten cottr.gcs and two shops on a soction of land only 33 x 200. Thoy complain that tho construction of such places will attract a dirty and dopraved class of population to the street, which has hitherto been ono of tho most rospectablo in tho city, and that their property willdopro ciato in valuo. Some of the residents havo, in fact, brought tho matter undor tho notico of certain City Council officials, who Sky that nothing can bo done in tho matter. Mr Fracor has roported to tho Harbour Board that an expenditure of £25 would bo necessary to lay out Mr Hannaford'e wind mill well turret scheme, with ostimatos of construction, &c. If tho Board agroo to grant tho expenditure, Mr Frasor snjsho will give tho matter his studied considera tion, as the plans aro boing matured, Tho cups and medals for presentation nt tho Gardeners' Horticultural Show aro on exhibition at Mr Lowisson's. Tho Show, which opens to-morrow, is expected to bo the most successful yot held under the auspices of tho Society. Good ontrios havo been received in all tho classes, and, in fact, tho numbor of entries exceeds thoso re ceived at tho previous show by 150. It in turn wan tho largest show that had boon held up till that time. No ontrios were received for tho cottagois'^class, this pro bably boing due to tho rocont dry woathor. Fruit generally, and apples particularly, will bo tho foaturo of tho show. Mr Goldio haa now 800 dogs on his register, 62 having boon " enlisted " dur ing tho past fortnight. A numbor of charges of breaches of tho Dog Registration Act come beforo tho Police Court to morrow, Tho Dock Committee of tho Harbour Board has rocommonded that Mr Darling bo instructed to act as agent for tho Board in London for the providing of machinery and plant for Calliope Dock. Also, that Mr Darling bo paid the same rate of com mission as he now receives on dredge con tract. That tenders bo invited in London and Auckland for the supply of tho machinery. Tho first annual meeting of tho Northern River Stoam Navigation Company ia ad vertised for Friday, March 27th, In connection with the railway reclama tion difficulty, the Works Committee of the Harbour Board has instructed the En gineer to prepare plans and give estimates for tbreo short toos off Quay-street, oach to be CO feet wide. The first heat of the North Shore Rowing Club trial-fours will bo rowed at 6.15 this evening. The crews are :—A. Burgess, 4 ; J. James, 3 ; J. Patterson, 2; H. Williame, 1. W, Greenwood, 4; S. McGechie, 3 H. McKellar, 2; H. Raynor, 1. Two more heats will bo rowed to-morrow ovening. The master of tho barque Beatrice Havernor is claiming compensation from tho Harbour Board for serious damage which ho alleged was caused to ono of his vessels by a dredge running into her on Saturday last. Mr M. H. Roe, tho proprietor of the Onehunga saw-mills, very kindly placed his steamer Oregon at the diaposal of his employes on St. Patrick's Day. Numbers of the mill hands availed themselves of Mr Roe's kindness, and took their wives and families for a pleasant trip to the Manukau Heads, where a very enjoyable day was spent. A boy named Robert McCann was arrested this morning by the Onehunga police, he being a runaway from the Train ing School. The dispute between the Harbour Board and tho Government with respect to Bassett's contract has been amicably settled, the Government having "caved in." At tho meeting of the Board this afternoon, a letter was road from tho Undor- Secrotary of Public Works, in which that official states that:—" Tho question of the amount that should be paid by the Board under the arrangement with Sir F. Whitaker in April, 1883, is by no means frea from doubt; but after fully considering all the circumstances of the case, Hon. Mr Richardson has come to the conclusion that, on the whole, the balance of the arguments is in the favour of the Board's view of the matter, and your claim of £433 7s 6d bas therefore been authorised for payment." The amount has since been paid to the credit of the Board. It was stated in our last evening's issue that plural votes had been polled at Birkon head and the Lake in connection with the Takapuna licensing election, and that the withdrawal of these would probably alter the result stated. This has proved to be the case, Mr Fenton taking Rev. Mr McCallum's place on the Committee. The result of Mr Seaman's withdrawal of plural and informal votes from Birken head and tho Lake returns gives the following votes: — Hartley, 182; Brown, IS2 ; Williamson, 166 ; Edson. 158 ; Fen ton, 158; Mays, 157 ; McCallum, 155; Vosper, 144. The first five will bo declared le'cted. i

Tho Auckland and Thames shooting representatives will arrive here on Monday, via the East Coast. • , Thirty-seven applications have been re- j coived for. tho office of clerk of works to tho Art Gallery building- : They will bo dealt with at the City Council ] tnaiting this evening. : Tho licensing contest at the Wade was a very keen one, and for tho first time two of ] tho temperance party wore roturned, head- ( ing the poll. , Wo announced a short timo ago that Mr , Hazoll, of tho Riding School, New North Road, had startod a cavalry school, and wo , understand that twenty young men have enrolled themselves, and are learning their drill with credit. Mr Hazoll, from his ex perience in both poaco and war, will provo a usoful instructor, and tho young men might spend their evenings in a very much worse place, so wo hope tho venture will succeed. Thero was a full attondanco at tho library and roading-room concert in tho Newmarket Hall last ovening, tho night ncing fine and bracing. The Newmarket brass band displayed much ability in sovoral musical performances, consequent upon closo practico. Tho following songs and duets wero tho chiof items of the pro gramme :—Songs, " Friars of Ordora Grey," Mr Pullen ; " Reign of the Rosos" (oncorod), Misa Kilgour; " Homo o£ My Hoart," Mr Garland ; comic, "Dr. Quick," Mr James ; " Love," Mr Mitchell; comic, Mr Leodham, "The Fairy Jano," Mr Morgan; "Man the Life Boat," Mr Edmonds ; song, Mr R. Scoats. Mr Bush gave a violin solo, and Mr Levy (clarionet), "Life Lot us Cherish." Sovoral duofa woro also rendered during tho ovening, and altogothor the concort afforded much pleasure to tho audionce. At the closo of tho musical treat the young peoplo ro mainod to enjoy the danco. Mr W. E. Sadler, of Parnoll, hoe boon moved to es=ay-writing by tbo proiectod Now Zealand Exhibition. In a leaflet which ho has just issued, ho makes a num ber of commonts on " Exhibitions, Shows, &o." The subject of national shows boing now attracting attention, tho essay will probably find many readers. Tho R.M. gave jndgment in a caso of more than ordinary intorest today. In this action Mr B. Hammond sought to recover £25 on a promissory note signed by ono Rovel, and endorsed by Mr J. McGregor, tho lact-naraed boing tho defendant. Tho evidenco adduced was vory conllicting, Brooking, tho plaintifFsagont, swearing that he had coon thodofondant ondoreo tho noto. This was strenuously denied by McGregor who alleged tho signaturo was a forgery, and, indeed, tho endorsement was not in tho slightest dogreo, Hko tho defendant's ordinary writing. His Worship nonsuited tho plaintiff with costs. Tho following letter from Mr Oeorgo Frasor was road at tho meeting of tho Harbour Board this afternoon :—" Having in contemplation tho running of tho s.b. Triumph at an early dato, I intend fitting hor up for carrying passengers and horecs, which will nocossitate my employing a number of tradesmen and bortlung hor at tho Railway Wharf. The work will bo pushed on with all possible speed. I would re.spoctfully nek you, whilo considering the chargo for such poraons, to tuka into con sideration my position with thia vessel, and deal with mo as liborally as you can."

Tho Committee of tho Aucklpnd Socioty of Arts hbld their usual monthly mooting at Mr Looch's, Shortland street, on Friday last, when it was resolvod that tho next annual exhibition of the Society should bo hold in April, opening on Wednesday, 15th, with a grand convorsaziono of members and their frionde. A considerable amount of othor preliminary work in connection with tho forthcoming exhibition was ar ranged. Tho Secretary reported that by tho kind consent of tho Auckland Institute

tho pictures presented to the citizens during tho year by Mr Mackolvio will bo included in tho loan collection. Tho exhibitions of this Socioty aro vory popular, and aro lookod forward to with much pleasure by a great majority of tho com munity.

Saturday's storm was sovoroly folt in tho Kaipara. Settlors in tho Otamatoa district doclaro tho galo to huve boon unprecedented in tho memory of tho oldest settlor. It com monccd on Friday, blowing vory hard all that night, and on Saturday morning it culminated in a porfoct cyclone, which in a moment destroyed tho Batley store of Messrs Maseiield and Son, mid also the

boathoußO of tho Rev. Mr Gittos. The yacht Muriol, belonging to Captain Galbraith, was torn from hor moorings, and dashed against the wharf, but fortunately escaped without much injury. On shore sovoral punts woro blown ovor and ovor in all direc tions. Tho damage to tho fruit trees in this neighbourhood was onormous. In Mr Masofiold'sorehard at I'aharaha.andat others in tho district, many troes are ontiroly up-

rooted, and in every instance tho ground is strown with branches and fruit, in somo cases tho troos boing ontiroly stripped, tonß of fruit boing on tho ground. Tho gale moderated on Saturday afternoon.

An adjournod mooting of subscribers to tho Ponsonby Regatta Club was hold at tho Ponsonby Club Hotel last ovening, Mr T. T. Masefiold presiding. Mr W. Farquhar was elected Socrotary, Mr A. Lewis Treasurer, Captain J. Fisher Umpire, Cap tain J. McKonzio Starter, Captain W. Farquhar Judgo.nnd tho Committoo as fol lows ;—Messrs E. T. Dufaur, T. T. Mara field, W. Stanford, W. Sloane, McLean, D. Miller, D. F. Evans, Allan, J. Cunningham, A. J. Bloomfiold, Captains J. Mchonzio and W. Farquhar. A programme for the Easter Monday regatta was also docidod upon, and will shortly bo published with prizo list and courses for tho various events. The programmo includes raco for throe classes of opon boats, for yachts undor 4 tons, and yachts between 4 tons and 7 tons, whaloboats, dingics, rob roy canoes, four oarod gigs and pair-oar skill's, and model yachts.

At a mooting of the University Collogo Council hold yost,orday aftornoon, Sir G. M. O'Rorko presiding, it was rosolvod to hold tho annual public moating on tho 13th April, a small committeo being choson to mako tho noedful arrangements. Professor Brown's proposal to dolivor lectures to toachors on Saturday mornings was ap proved. Tho Chairman roported that no had been unahlo to obtain an intorviow with Sir Julius Vogol on tho subioct of buildings for tho College; but he thought tho better way would bo to soe tho Minister of Education, who was oxpocted here shortly, or write to the Government asking thorn to place a sum on tho Estimates for that, purposo. As there was only ono can didate for tho Sinclair Scholarship, it was resolved to defer thg examination for a year. Tho Gillios Scholarship would bo awardod in November or December next.

Tho following notes are contributed by our Port Albert correspondent: —The late Committee for the Albert Licensing District wero nominated on Monday — Messrs K. Brown, G. T. Hartnell, T. A. Gubb, F. Rushbrook, and J. Powell—and wore de clared elected. All the members are strong prohibitionists. Mr Gradwoll has com menced practico as a modical man at Port Albert. The Agricultural Socioty hold a special mcoting on Wednesday to consider business rolntivo to tho forthcoming show, Thero is a very general feeling of satisfac tion with tho recent statement made by Sir Julius Vogol to tho effect that Government would extond the North Auckland railway from Ilelensville sooner than many of the settlers anticipated. Mr Mitchelson and Mr Hurst have done the North good service in urging the claim we have to an extension of this railway; while the member for Rodney, Mr Moivt, has not been idle. Mossrs Mitchelson, Moat, and Hurst are agreed that the route North is from Helens ville.

Last night a meeting was held in the school-room of the United Methodist Free Church, Pitt-street, in ordor to receive tho report of the delegates who had attended the District Meeting lately hold in Christ church. After the" reports had been given by Mr S. Parker, Revs. C. Worboys, and S. Macfarlane, another interesting matter was entered upon. Tho Chairman, Rev. S. Macfarlano, on behalf of the Sunday-school teachers connected with the place, pre sented to Mr James Wrigley 6 volumes of "Geikie's Hours with the Bible," and also, on behalf of the class taught by Mr Wrigley, a large "Dictionary of Illustrations," also abookentitledthe"ReligionsofthevVorld." In making the presentations he referred to Mr Wrigley's connection with the church and school, and of tho high appreciation in which he was held by his senolars and fellow workers, and expressed tho good wishes of all present for his success in his new sphere of labour. The recipient, in acknowledging the gifts, was much affected, and in thanking them for their kind_ ex pressions of esteem and affecticn, testified to his own deep interest and love for all con nected with the place. Mr Wrigley has been an active and acceptable local preacher, secretary to the church, a teacher of a young men's class, besides filling other offices, and is now leaving to take charge of a mission station at Waipawo.

Henry George'u theories of giving the land to the people are attractive, but they laok the utilitarianism of those principles upon which the Industrial and Provident Bnilrting Society (Uueem stroi t, corner of Vulcan Lane) daily secures land and houses for industrious men.

A SINGULAR CASE.

At the Resident Magistrate's Court to-day the caso of Hammond v. McGregor, claim £25, on a promissory noto, was called again. Mr Theo. Cooper for plaintiff, and Mr Mahony for defendant. The evidence was given last Court day, and His Worship now delivered a resorved judgment. He said the evidence adduced for the plaintiff was that of ono Brooking, a commission agent, who ' sworo positively thatthedofendantsigned the' P.N. in his (Brooking's) presence. For the defence, Mr Sqhmidt, lithographer, was called as an export, and pronounced the name a forgery. The defendant^ swore that ho never endorsed a bill in his life, and tho signature on the P.N. (produced) was not his. A number of witnesses were callod as to tho defendant's respectability, and it was proved that he had been 28 years in his present employment. It was clearthateithorßrooking or McGregorsworo what they know to bo false. Ho preferred to bolieve McGregor. It was obvious, from a comparison of McGregor's handwriting with tho writing on tho bill, that tho latter was a forgery. Plaintiff non suited with costs. Mr Mahony asked Hie Worship to order Brooking's arrest for perjury. Mr Theo. Cooper opposed tho application. His Worship said he would impound the bill in Court until Mr Mahony had had an opportunity of taking proceedings against Brooking. It could bo producod, if required, in a fresh action by tho plaintiff.

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

"The Prlncosa of Treblzondo."

Tiiouoii it is now six or seven years sinco this amusing opera bouffe was (irst intro duced in these colonies by Mr Lystor.of the Opora Houao, Melbourne, last ovening was tho first occasion of its production in Auck lond. Tho music is tuneful and taking, and tho libretto clever and abounding in bright sparkles of wit. The pioce is, from beginning to end, redolent of the spirit of truo comedy. The fun is chiefly enjendored by tho doingsof uparty of travelling mounte banks. Cabriolo, the proprietor of a travel ling bliow, haß two daughters, Regina and Zanetta. At a fair, tho nose of ono »f tho wax figures, the Princess of Trsbizondo, is broken off, and Zanotta, attiring herself in tho gurmonts of tho figure, passes for a woman image. She is seen by Princo Raphel, son of Princo Caaimir, and bo falls in love with her, and takes many oppor tunities of visiting tbo show, despite tho watchful care of his tutor, Dr. Sparadrop. Ono day Cabriolo finds amongst his takings a lottory ticket, which subsequently placet) him in the possession of a baronial hall and (mo estato. lloro tho young princo finds tho "Princess," and of course tho curtain drops on a happy courtship and a wedding in tho near future. Much of the humour of tho piece is caused by tho endeavour ot old Cabriolo to^play tho flue gentleman. Amongst; the best numbers are the finale to the first act, "Farewell, Old Booth, Our Homo Paternal," and a duet, " Yonder See Sure Tis She," by Raphel and Zanotta, whilo tho buffo song, " All Painted and Paddod Am I," by Princo Casimir, is very good of ita kind. The pieco is well staged, the scenery being new and artistic,while tho drosses are handsome and appropriate. Miss A. Brooks was Cabriolo, and achieved a success quite equal to that gained by hor as Bailie in " Los Cloches de Cornovilfo." Misses Ruth Wallace, Maud Pollard, Flo do Lormo, May Pollard, and Bella Stewart wero all excellent. We must not forgot to mention that the London novolty, a chorus waltz, " Soe Saw," intro duced tho first not with good effect. " Tho Princess of Trebizondo ' will b» repeated to-night. On Saturday night, instead of tho pieces formerly announced, " Pinafore " will be repeated in response to a very general wish.

TABLE TALK.

" PuiscKHS of Tbkbi/.onhu " in tho Opera House.

Beautiful autumn weather. 3,500 persons travelled on tho tramway on St. Patrick's Day.

Mr Spurgeon locturos on "Brighter Britain " tonight. Prince Albort Victor has boon made a Freomoson.

A steam fire ongine has boon procured for Invercargill. Prosont population of Auckland city is estimated at 28,153.

Tbe " Silver King " Company aro playing at Dunodin.

A coloisil etatuo of Mr Gladstone is to be erocted in Glasgow. Now Zealand Parliament is further pro rogued till 28th inst. If you don't want to be robbod of your good name, do not have it printed on your umbrella.

Mr Matthew Burnett, a celebrated tem perance orator, has started meetings at In- Yorcargill. Strange, but Truo.—ln a cricket match at Chrietchurch on Tuesday, C. Strange mado a scoro of 220 runs.

For a fair to bo hold at Katikati on Eastor Monday, there aro promised 200 head of fat and storo cattle, 300 shcop, 50 horses, and some rams.

John Gibbons,a lunatic of 22 years of age, has effected his escape from the Whau Asylum. A big native meeting is to bo hold at Waitangi next month, when Tawhiao is ox poctod to be present. At Tauranga, to-morrow, a poll will be taken on a proposal of the City Council to borrow £2,550 for special works under tho Roads and Bridges Aot. Now premises for tho Bank of Now Zea land at To Aroha are nearly completed, and will bo occupied this month. J. Edwards, builder, Ponsonby, applies for a patent for an improved self-acting deodorising closet. A war horse is ataays spoken of as a heavy charger, and yet we never hear of a tailor being called a war horse, Timaru poople, having succossfully berthed tho Wakatipu at tho breakwater, aro agitating for all the Union Company's intercolonial steamers to call there.

It sounds contradiotory that a man should " contract " to widen a street.

Better than prize-fighting. Jem Maco's oldest non, Alfred, is now in America preach ing at various revival meetings, and is said to do tho most eloquent evangelical preacher living. A local divorce caso will shortly be hoard, interesting to Thames and Auckland people. The rospondenthas lived for many months in tho neighbourhood of Ohinemuri, and was served last week, by an Auckland solicitor, with a citation to appear at tho Supreme Court.

A Tichborne witness has turned up in America. A man has been found in Atlanta who was cook on a vessel between Ko v York and San Francisco in 1849, and who fiya that his ship apoke the Osprey, from Now York to Australia.

Bay of Plenty natives aro preparing to go in large numbers to the gumfields, where thoy mako good wages. All tbe sovereigns in circulation in the United Kingdom are now supplied from the Melbourne and Sydney mints.

Auckland Liberal Association have re quested the Premier of South Australia to deliver a lecture hero on the subject of income and property tax.

Last year enough strong drink was con sumed in Britain to make a lake a milu square and 35 feet deep. Charles Bvanaon has patented a system of night signals, and is now submitting plans and specifications of the same for the consideration of the Harbour Board.

The man who couldn't find his match went to bed in tbe dark.

"Beware," said the potter to the clay, and it became waro.

Thk New Zealand Farmer, Bee, and Poultry Journal for March is now ready. In thislnumber will bo found.amongst a variety o( useful and interesting reading, articles on tbe following subjects :—Forest Conservation and Bush Fires; Dairy Factories and Railway Charges; The Peach Question ; Organization of the N.Z. Frozen Meat Trade; Angola Goats; Olive Culture In Turkey; eto. There will alro be found instructions on the month's opera tions for both the Northern and Southern districts, bosides special articles on liar vesting Potatoes; How to Manage Clover for Hay, Seed, and Grazing; Preparation of Grain for Market; Cleveland Bay Horses; A Cheap Level for Drains; a number of articles on dairy matters; Pig Breeding—Does it Pay ? Gardening Operations for March, North and South;' Liquid Manure; Stock, Graft, and Leaf; Single Dahlias; A Cheap Propagating House; How to Test Seeds; Grafting a Tree on Its Own Roots; Horticultural Clippings; A Homemade Apple Pulper; Lifting and Kor.t prunisg Fruit Trees; Removing Dead Branches: British Apples; Training Trees on Walls; A Visit to tho Ohine muri Orchard; over two pages of prac tical information on bee-keeping matters, including the third of our series of articles on Instructions to Beginners in 800 keeping; Box Hives—What to do with them now, &c The Poultry Yard department has, amongst others, articVs on the English Fantall Pigeons (beauti fully illustrated); Patent Incubators; Game Fowls. &c. Under Home and Household will bo foucd on interesting tale entitled "Jack Miner's Wound," as well as a large amount of Interesting and instructive miscellaneous read ing, including columns for the Ladies and the Young Folks. A large number of the articles are illustrated with good outs. ,

THE SOUDAN CAMPAIGN.

[BY CABIjE.-COPYniGHT.]

ADVANCE AGAINST OSMAN

DIGNA,

Suakim, March 18. It is expected that the British troops under General Graham will next weok advance against the robols under Osman Digna, who are collected in tho neighbourhood of this placo in considerable force.

RIFLE ASSOCIATION MEETING.

A Protest Maintained.

(BY TKLEOKAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. At the Rifle Association meeting yesterday afternoon, protests were lodged against the manner in which tho third and fourth prizes in the Carbine Team MajtojjJjad been allotted. Theso were awardeSA Christ church Artillery and Oamaru respectively, as they made tho highest score at the long rango, but the protest claimed the ties should bo fired off. The Committee enter tained the protest, and the ties will be fired ofF this morning.

Rifle Team Match.—Victoria Rifles (Auckland), 331 ; Blenheim Rifles, 298 j Wanganui Rifles, 298; Thames Rangers, 296 ; Wanganui City Rifles, 292 ; Master ton Rifles, 280. The ties in this match were fired off last night, Blenheim being placed second, Wanganui third, and Thames fourth.

Gunner Forstor, of Port Chalmers team, being highest individual scorer, takes the Carbine Challenge Cup, and Volunteer Handley, of tho Victoria Rifles, takes tho Rifle Challenge Cup. Championship Carbine Belt. Tho following are the results of tho Championship Carbine Belt, giving tho totals in tho six matches counting for the bolt, and.also their scores in thoflnal stage at 500 yards yesterday, 10 shots :— Parslow (Auckland Artillory), 453, 24, 477, Carbine Bolt, N.Z.R.A. Gold Star, and £40; Harris (Wellington Navals), 439,37, 470, N.Z.R.A. Silver Star, and £20; Woolloy (Auckland Artillery), 442, 30, 472, N.Z.R.A. Silver Star and £10 ; Perry (Alexandra Cavalry), 444, 28, 472, £5 ; Roes (Napier Artillery), 444, 25, 4G9; Jack (Dunedin Navals), 426, 36, 462 ; Patterson (Dunedin Navals), 427, 35, 402 i Davy (Wellington Navals), 435, 25, 460; Watson (Poit Chalmers Artillery), 438, 22, 460; Weir (Thames Navals), 432, 26, 458; Rabe (Wellington Navals), 425, 32,457 ; Webb (Wellington Artillery), 425, 31, 45C ; McKenzie (Wellington Artil lory), 425, 20, 454 ; Rule (Oamaru Artil lery), 421, 32,453; Pram (Napier Artillery), 419, 34, 453; W. Sinclair (Christchurch Artillery), 423, 29, 452; Watson (Port Chalmers Artillery), 423, 28, 451 ; Sinclair (Oamaru Artillory), 423, 26, 449; Barriball (Waiuku Cavalry), 417, 25, 442; Hunter (Nolson Navale), 418, 19, 437. Woolley and Porry tied for tho third place, and fired off, tho former being the successful com petitor. Championship RlHo Belt. Lucas(Thamos Rangers), 446,27,473, Rifle BeItN.Z.R.A. gold star, and £40; Flygor (WanganuiC.R.), 446, 24,470, N.Z.R.A. sil ver star and £20; Downie (Thames Rangers), 428, 36, 464, N.Z.R.A. silver star and £10 ; Taylor (Victoria Rifles), 424, 29, 453, £7 10s; Hutchison (Dunodin), 415, 35, 450; Kummer (Masterton Rifles), 435, 12, 447, £2 10s ; Churton (Wanganui Rifles), 419, 26, 445 ; Hutchison (Dunedin Rifles), 415, 25, 440; Cooper, (Auckland Victoria Rifles), 413, 24, 437; Okey (Taranaki Rifles), 404, 33, 437; Jensen (Wanganui City Rifles), 415, 21, 436 ; Wratt (Waimea Rifles), 415, 21, 436; W. Ballinger (Wel lington Guards), 412, 24, 436; Fostor (Wanganui Rifles), 413, 21, 434 ; Inglis (Thames Rangers), 412, 21, 433 ; Maddock (Blonheim Kilies), 414, 18, 432; Brooks (Dunedin Rifles), 406, 23, 429; A. Bal lingor (WoHington Guards),; 403, 24, 427 ; Griffiths (Blonheim Rifles), 406, 18, 424 ; Hawk (Thames Rangers), 400, 17, 423; Howcll (Taranaki Rifles), 404, 9, 413. Thoro was but little excitement ovor tbo championships, and not more than a dozen spectators, oxclusivo of tho representatives, woro prosont. Purnoll demanded his right to firo, but was disallowed. Ho protested against final proceedings, and aeserta ho will contest the action of the Association in disqualifying him in a court of law. Close of the Mooting —Another Victory for Auckland. The Riflo Association meeting terminated this morning, whon tho Union Company's Cup was fired for, tho winner being Par slow, of Auckland. Tho tiea in the Carbine Team Match wero ehot oil' this morning, resulting in the Auck land Artillery taking third prize, and Wel lington Artillery fourth. The Christchurch Artillory team arrived on die ground after tho firing coased, and wero nob allowed to fire.

Thames, this day,

Tho result of tho championship competi tions was received here with jubilation; Lucas being ono of tho most poraevoring local riflemen, and Parelow being well known at the Thames, whero ho acquired his skill in marksmanship as a mombor of tho Naval Brigade.

HAWKE'S BAY JOCKEY CLUB AUTUMN MEETING.

(BY TELKOIUriI— I-RKSS ASSOCIATION.)

Hastings Kacecourse, this afternoon,

The Hawko's Boy Autumn meeting was continued to-day. Kosults :— Grand Stand Handicap of 200sovs.; scoond horse to recoivo 20ao vs. from the stako. Two miles. Mrßobbett'g Libeller (Woods), 7st ... 1 Mr Butlor's Fusilier (Stratford), 7st 81bs 2 Mr Gollan's Leonata (Clifford), Bat 10lb8 3 Also ran: Hill's Pasha (Hill), 7st; Tuncred's Gabble (Todd), 7st. Leonata and Libeller got away with the lead, Fusilier last. Passing the stand the fir.st time, Gabble bad the lead, followed by Pasha, Fusilier, Libeller, and Leonata. At the back of the course Pasha took com mand of the others, the rest together, with theexceptionofGabble, whofell back beaten. Entering the straight, Libeller had a length advantage, followed by Fusilier and Leonata. A splendid race ensued between the two, but Libeller always had a bit the best of it, and eventually won by a length, Leonata six lengths away. Time, 3min. 42eecs. Totalisator: Inside divi dend, £6 11s; and outside, £8 ss. Provincial Plate of 12550v5.; second horse to roooivo 15aovB. from tho stako. One mile. Woight (or aRe. Mr Douglas's Christina (Woods), Bst 41bs — ... i Marauria's Mangaohane (Hickey), 7st 121bs 2 Mr Russell's Kincraig (McTaggart), Bst 121bs ... 3 Only the three started. Won by ten lengths. Totalisator divi dend (inside), £1 6s; outside, £1 7s. Time, lmin. 49sec. Woods lost his cap, and just weighed right. It was a close thing. Tradesmen's Handicap of 30030v5.: second horse to receive 25 soya. from the Btake. One and a-lialf mile. Martin's Pearl (Clifford) 1 Butler's Fusilier (Derritt) 2 Bedwood's Clogs (Woods) ... ... 3 Won by half a length. Ugly Buck also ran. Handicap Hurdle Race of loOsovp. ; second horße to receive 25bovs. from the stake. About two and a-hulf miles. Profit's Macaroni (Edwards), list 81b... 1 Gillan's Pastime (Gilpin) lOst 91b ... 2 Ellingham's Denbigh (Warren) lOst 41b 3 Also ran: Faugh-a-Ballagh (Honnor), Qst; and Messenger (Robinson), 9st. Maccaroni won a good race by half-a length.

Whangarei Races.

Whangahei, this day. The following are the entries and acceptances for Saturday's races: — HußDLjcs.-Don Carloß. Nigger, Investment Claude, Trovatore. Pboducb STAKRB.-Paddy, Rio, Black woman, Klectrio. Belphorbe, Lady Grey Autumn HANDiCAP.-Tiger. Lara, Claude, Alaska, Dewdrop. ' SKLUNGt RAOB.-Stanley, Gleneoe, Bleotric Joe Miller. Talpo, Over the Hills, Alaska. PoNiES—Stermaione, Kathleen, Ruby Mf3MX Cip-Larftl Claude' llaaka- An excellent meeting is anticipated.

Whalebone has been scratched for the Onehunga Hurdle Race. In "Jacob Faithful's" Consultation on the Napier Handicap, the first horse went to a bricklayer in Napier, the Recond to a coach builder at Waipawa, and the third to a carpenter at Hustings.

CABLEGRAMS.

(BY CABLE—COrTBIGUT.)

Germany as Poace-malier. London, March 18.—It is stated that the German Government haa ottered its services ' with the vie w of bringing about an amieablo > settlomont of the Franco-Chinese difficulty. : The Oriental Bank. London, March 18.—Tho new Oriental Bank pays dividends of five per cent, in April, Tho Melbourne and Sydney broaches of the bank have been authorised to purchase any of tho creditors claim in Australia for eixteon shillings in tho pound. Mr Dion Bouoloault for Australia, Mr J. C. Williamson, of tho firm ol Williamson, Garner, and Musgrave, theatrical managers, Melbourne, has started for America for tho purpose of arranging with Mr Dion Boucicault, tho actor, to appear in Australia. Banquet by Lord Boseberty. Lord Roseberry has invited all tho Agents-General to a dinner given by him. The Commander at Adelaide. Colonel Fletcher Owen, the new com mander for Adelaide, will locally hold the rank of Brigadier-General. Melbourne Mint. Mr George Anderson, Deputy Master of the Melbourne Mint, will sail for Melbourne in May. Germany In the Pacific. London, March 18.— The German territory in New Guinea has beon named " Kaisor Wilhelm'g Land." The Reichstag has ap proved of a branch at Samoa and Tonga of tho new German line of steamers to Aus tralia. Tho Now South Walea Loan. Tho Bank of England has paid one million two hundred thousand pounds of the New South Wales loan Into the account of tho New South Wales Government with tho Associated Banks. [NEW ZKALAND LOAN AND MERCANTILE AGENCY.] London Market Telegram. London, March 17. Wool.—The sales opened at the level oi last sales on the 17th, except crossbred, firmer; faulty scoured, market easier; medium and inferior greasy, market easier ; medium and inferior clothing, washed, market easier. The sales comprise about 200,000 bales ; 32,000 bales have been sent to the manufacturing districts direct. Wheat. — Marbot quiet. Reports are favourable concerning tho growing crop hero. Adelaide is worth 80s Cd per 4961b ; New Zealand is worth 328 per 4981b ; Tuscan, 34s 6d. Adelaide f.a.q. is worth (if off coaßt), 35s 6d per 4801bs. Hops,—New Zealand ore worth 39a per OiVt.

AUSTRALIAN.

Conference on Colonial Defenoe.

Melbourne, this day;—A special Cabinet Council was held yestoVday to consider the question of local defence^ Sit William Jervois and Major-General Scratcbley were present to confor with the Ministers. The result of the meeting is kept secret,

MINING NEWS.

(BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. Dekp Lkvel Cross,—Retorting took place yestorday, and tho roturn of melted gold was Sfiozs. Oilwls. from 27 loads of general dirt. The quartz was chiofly from the drive on No. 2 reef, but, tho leader is un fortunately rather email. Saxon. — Tho manager lodged 2!)ozs. Gdwts. molted gold, a payable yield, from 24 loads of general dirt, broken chiefly from No. 3 reef at No. 5 level. May Queen (Waiorongomai).—A parcel of lOozs. 13dwts, gojd from this mine has been banked. Gold Returns.— Monnataiari (Brown's tribute), lOozs. 4dwts.; do. (Harris), lOozs.; do. (Kirby), sJozs. ; lielahunty's Pinafore tribute, 9iozs. New Manukau.—A crushing of about 20 tons quartz has given tho excellent return of 102ozs 6dwts.

COROMANDEL.

Success.—Since my last report the ground has boon gradually improving, and the reef has got two separate walls, which has the appearance of making together higher up, tho same as it did where tho last gold was got. I fully expected thero would be some gold when this wall came in, the same as it did in othor parts of the mine. The quantity of gold sent up is about 24ozs.— Peter Reid.

SUPREME COURT.-This Day.

IN BANKRUPTCY.

(Boforo His Honor Mr Justice Gillies.)

Bankruptcy Matters Closed or Adjourned. —In the following cases the examinations were deolared passed ana the bankruptcies closed :— Kdward Brown Reynolds, John Anderson, John Low, and Kdward Richards. The cases of Jas. Harvey, John Urquhart, and Henry Kdwin Webb were struck ont there being no appear anco ; while tho caeo of Frederick Thomas Hay was adjourned sine die Mr Cave (for the Ofll cic.l Asblgneu) explaining that the debtor had gono up-country in search of work. So also were adjourned the cases of Louis Nisbot (in which a composition of 4s In the & was offered), of James Clark (in which some debatable questions are railed), of Patrick Gordon, of George Clark, of Allan Bell and of Hugh Kirkwood.

Re Joshua Reynolds.—Motion for order of discharge. —Mr Gribben appeared in sup port of the motion, and there being no opposi tion, it was granted. He William Frederick Hull.—Mr R. Browning appeared for the bankrupt and Mr K. Heskethfortwo of the creditors, viz, Firth, Sandes & Co. and James Craiir and Son. After some questions put by Mr Hesketh had been duly answered by the debtor, the examination was declared passed and the bankruptcy closed. He John Cosgravb.—The Assignee's report, which stated inter alia that a dividend of 7b Gd had been paid and that a farther dividend of Is 6d was expected, having been read, the examination was passed and the bankruptcy declared closed.

IN BANCO.

Te Raihi and Others v. Grice and Bhnn. —Motion for decree —Messrs H. D. Bell. J. M. Alexander, and W. M Hay for plaintiffs, and Mr E. Hosketh for defendants.—The object of the plaintiffs' application is to have tho leases underwhioh defendants hold the Pukekura and Puakoe blocks in the Waikato, embracing an area of some 17,000 aorea, deolared null and void, and to have a receiver appointed to receive all rerts and profits of tho land. At the conclusion of Mr Bell's argument yesterday afternoon tho Court adjourned. It resumod at noon today, when Mr Heskoth began an exhaustive reply, bearing upon all tho points raised on behalf of the plaintlffß.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(before his Worship the Mayor, »na C. La Loohe, Bsq.)

DRUNKENNBBB.-Joseph Hart and John Martin. 53 each. Ann Cain (third offence), dOs and costs. 1 oroible Entry. — Herman Brown was charged with wilfully and maliciously breaking glasß-daaiage, 40s-on the night of the 18th in stant, the property of Donald Urquhart. of the fahakoßpere Hotel, Wyndham-atroet. — Prisoner said ho was drunk at the time.—Sergeant Pratt stated that prisoner, who was a gum-digger, broke into the hotel between 11 and 12 o'clook and demanded liquor. He was refused, and then he broke the window. Ho wasarrested by Constable Bullen. —Fined £0, or ono month's imprisonment with hard labour. Larceny. — Wni. Mobborfoy and Henry Perry were charged with stealing tips, heel and toe-plates; also, several paira ofuppersand spies, value 4s. on the 14th inst., the property of Wm. McArthur and Co.—Mobberley pleaded not guilty; Perry guilty.-Edwin Hood, factory manager, deposed that Perry had been employed for the last four months as cleaner and eyeleter. Ho identified the goods aa the property of the firm.—Bessie Burton deposed that she saw the two prisoners planting somo things in tho Markot yard. Bbc looked at them, and they drove her awaj ; subsequently St tA"? anothe'" KM found the things.- Sergeant McMahon arrosted tho boys on the charge, and took posEossion of the erindory. The boy Perry confessed to the robbery.-The Bench dis charged Mobborley.—Tho father of Perry said his son wao not a good boy, but he had no idea that he would thiovc. He would contribute to hu support at tho Training School; his a?e was 11. and he thought, the school was the best place for him.—Remanded until Saturday. Larckny —John Uorath, a German, was re manded for a week on a charge of stealing a silver watch, value £7, on board the outter Mahuraogi, on the 16th inst, the property of John Henry Subritzky.

" Give me the sword and dynamite" shrieks the author of a "dynamite prize poem" in an American paper, and he Adds:— Yes, in my heart such hatred dwolls For Kngland.and t.h" Saxon race ; I'd wasp the fire of a thoueaad hells. And hurl it blazing m their face. In Fiji last year the births of natives were 4,425, of which 2,276 were those of males and 2,149 those of females ; the pro portion per 1,000 of the population being 38.47. The number of deaths was 4,392, of which 2,42!) were those of males and 1 963 til'J.-r. ,< h tll.illi.-. Waiwkka, X p.m.—Tho Lutlurworth, from Southampton, is passing Tiritiri in wards.

SIR JULIUS VOGEL'S UNKNOWN AT CHRISTCHURCH.

-►— — _ (BY """"^H-WW-^WCU^- The Hon. Sir J uliuß v ' "*•% General, M.H.R. for Chri ßto'hu^> addressed his constituent in th Theatre this evening TW> I 3,500 present. .^ty'. Sir Julius Vogel, after n. , ■ electors for returning him, BtfdttS^* colony party struggFe* are 2 h % farce, there being no dUttactSSW older country, but all partieaffiM* one common good, the welf ar 3%j» Thus party has no real ejistenS^W find thoee gentlemen wS"SS&*2«S togothor at one time dome so W'"* *»l thought the time had now^f M(?-vfo Ministry do not need to beiu*L7l>afi trast with their predeeeCe fe ** fldence ask to be judgedTtLiM^ and the work they have done ff.nll^ to Major Atkinson to aayth.t tfclti« most dignified and prope/vW >J*» tion as leader of the Oppositial ¥& bo no party to obstruction of 2S* speakerthenreviewedtheworkofftiM^ and stated that so far, GovenTjSS not found, as waa usually th« ,l "■?% the recess, that the measure marred in working, and » I*"** credit of thia stall1 of «£&**■ the Attorney-General (Hon lTsM ll"» of the able-t lawyers in the^ok>|?» it is considered that we- w» {' ■' ™» the business of New ZatoJ*** going into office without S**"" an adjournment, the amqnnt rfß * done was such as the eni n ** well be satisfied with. Durift* *** the Harbour Bills had been bwfe force and work commenced at a!2B*#' pace. The contract for the wSff Railway had been signed, rfSfflJ.. were now in London negotiitiJ'SF? with.every hope of a succSs? Tenders had been called foTtklS Island trunk railway, and uS probably be commenced ioaitfP Tho Insurance Department ta'hjS corporated, Boards elected. anTeSJ!:' is going on satisfactorily. ConsidereS* been given to the question of hrfiJSf Civil Service, and thin will beprooeSK in due course. The PremierhadfS duty to make himself thoroaghlyuSS with all the features of the quaS^uf (Contimxd on Fourth/fmil'/ "

THE ANGLO-RUSSIA RUPTURE.

Russia's Shuffling T«u« [ny cablb—copraioßi,] I^HW)H,llani|| In the House of Commons to day, tyjjl stone announced that in reply totjW. sent to the Ruseian Qovernmeiit, ttm ing it to confirm the agreement ism? entered into with M; De Staal fjjLjjj Ambassador in London), to the ti^ L no further advance of troopi iW|]jiS place on either side in AfglumiMjLi Giers, the Russian Minuter of iX Affairs, had replied that the Riu&S would not advance unless th» AbbuX so, or unless trouble ■ occurred at ftjjji near which place the Kiuudav [ikm now encamped.

TELEGRAMS.

Te Arobm, this dsy.-Mr Kji-,j Paeroa, is the successful tebdjh conveyance of machinery' to'tWjß bottery now being erected, .ilis.mfa will be at once start) I Only tetiufi stamps are now employed M Ste'ttb and these for the New YkdG.M | i Severo KortbqdiJti.'f.'fH!: Taui-o, this day.—About haUjwjjjm yesterday morning a loudroinflifejii was heard in tho direction oftftpgufy which was immediately folloiM \< \ Eovoro eliotik of earthquake, Itiiidifc fully twenty seconds. ,• K*M TnAHKs, this day. -At th i';wi« the human remains found on CGlktiat Spur, the jury affirmed that wiiMt was that of George Dixod, ltd lW tin was no evidence to chow how lit ad Is Incendiary Hsa. Bleniikim, this day.—'l^Qinit mill, used for chaff cutting, bet A I '■■> not been in operation since latfetftip burned down during Monday*lg«i 7>i were no insurances, and tte'ttusViJ known. The building andfflß I valued at over £100. in tali'^SkmU of the barley stacks in the MMEM I few days ago, incendiarism b I The flaxmill on tho earns sit i»fe burnt down on three prevkmimsuSi The sly grog selling cMW,«g#»6j>l> town Hotel have been «djowMij|£! 26th met., the defence bw**." Licensing Committee acj^iuppf;) cancelling the licence. Napier, this day.- Mr Aunit W$M is here inspecting the tobMWWjUj* reports thattobacco-growiD|MJi^^B is aatisfactory. Farmen s»'PW|*H fine tobacco leaf will be in ti|mW has arranged to establish cdrfsg V\ anganui. X Wellington, thigday.-WG^BI havo requested Dr. Giles, EM, < * IB tika, and Dr. Grabham to w°°'l aH inquiry aa to tho admission ol'KibWm the puerperal jever pationt, into ''-*Hj ton Hospital. . H About 100 Armed Constabal^MWßJf called to Wellington for being instructed in heavy B°j- ll!s'H connection with the defence w tw mitm ports of the colony. 1 Dunedin, this day.—ln I*M!i^s«B Court, a decree absolute bai «f^U in Kluglein v. Kluglein end MsrUu, Captain Curtis, of the b^'Jj^R Havern^r, has been cared of "*&,*rWt tracted at Sumatra, by the uee.oli.«,^«a Hot Springs. MISERABLKNEBB.-The fflftfjglsJlßl marvcllouß succeaain oases, wHH»iP'ra»«ft sick or pining awaj' from a MM"fflS.i5IM ablonosa that no one knows wJilt«i»sM,«B fltable patlentetor docton),bwMpHf use of Hop Bittera. TherbeeJaPVlamk first doae, and keep It »PJ"S£'^ ■ Bw and strontrth is restorad- NoHO*. «■:' • ,-,■■. BH

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THE SNAKE ROOT REMEDY for RHEUMATISM and GOUT.-The CiMieiruoA (Actca Racemosalo* Black BNAKE ROOT has been long celebrated IS THE HOST CERTAIN IN ITS crrtCTS. AND CURE. 6.. PER BOTTLE, AT k\C¥AH'S. "fHt vw^r;Vl^C'^," o?rosnt «mik ot «.i. otm.h si



A SK for the celebrated Wowe's SciWAPrs. ***- Accept nothing else under any considera tion. Mutual Jjifb Association of australasia. ESTABLISHED JULY, 1869. Incorporated by Act or Parliament. THE SECOND OLDEST MUTUAL LIFE OFFICE IN AUSTRALIA, THE FIKST TO FREE ASSURANCE FBOM RESTRICTIONS, AND THE ONLY ONE Established within the last 35 years which has declared a Bop us upon AN ABSOLUTELY PURE PREMIUM VALUATION. JJEW 2J EALAND OFFICES: oj QUEEN-STREET, DIRECTORS: Jtt Q. HORION, Esq., J.P.. Chairman $. B. KENDBRDINE,'EBg..'M.R.C.S., EDg. BANKERS: THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. SOLICITORS: IMESSRS WHITAKER AND RUSSELL. 3rd QUINQUENNIAL INVESTIGATION, At 30th June, 1884, and for which Bonus Certifi cates -were issued January, 1885, showed GROSS SURPLUS OF.. .. £50,000 THE INVESTED FUNDS NOW EXCEED .. -£400,000 Special Notice. Ab all this ASSOCIATION'S POLICIES are INDEFEASIBLE from date of issue and NON FORFEITABLE while Surrender Valuo lasts, they are not affected by occupation, residenco. n? cause of death, and hence NO EXTRA PREMIUM 18 REQUIRED TO COVER WAR RISK IN THE SOUDAN, OR ANY OTHER PART OF THE WORLD. For TABLES OF RATES and REPORTS of tlio Progrosa and Present Position 'of thiß snc 03ssful Institution, apply at the Offlcos, or at any Agency throughout the Colonies. WILLLIAM T. J. BELL, Resident Secretary. Sir William Jervois, while in Sydney, called on Mr Dalley for the purpose of ex pressing his hearty sympathy with the action of this colony in despatching troops to the Soudan, which he declared to be, in his conviction, one of the greatest events in modern colonial history. "Ada Mantua's" consultation on the Chriatohurch Autumn Handicap is rapidly filling, and early application is necessary; care of Lyon and Hart, Box 351, Dunedin.—[Advt.] There »ill be a grand sacred concert and organ recital to-morrow (Friday) evening in the Fltt-streetWeßleyan Church; the organist will be Mr Neville G. Baraett; conductor, Mr Chad wick J accompanist, Mr Lambert. The pr - gramme is a very oholoe one. The concert w. U be one worthy to be heard, and no doubt a large audience will testify their appreciation. The proceeds are in aid of the choir fund. Sewing Machines.—P. S, Chambers, 20 Quoonftreet,—[Arm. Something Quite New in Cakpbts.— The " Byzantine " Carpet just imported by Gar llok and Cranwell is a novelty, having a. gold thread worked into it. Pretty and effective. Bags, furniture, oovarings, table-coversflbsti uuccaseare to match. Brussels carpets from 3s STtepastoy, tiom U lid. Carpets made to fit J tor sized room.— Ctadiok*nd danwell.



T> OVAL INSURANCE COMPANY. Notico Is hereby given that tho AGKNCY hitherto hold by Mr Geohoe William Jones, (jointly with Mr Lusher), has boon terminated by tho Company, and MR RANDALL ALEXANDER LUSHER Has boon appointed Sole; Agent fob tiie Auckland District. Datod this 12th day of Maroh, 1885. TllK ROYAL INSURANCE COMPANY By its Attorney, Civs. Salter, Superinten dent for Auatralia and Now Zealan d NEW 1885 —vvtinter goods. —1885 william r. bridgman IS NOW SIIOWINO A Splendid Assortment of Choico Dress Goods Now All-wool French Kpingloa. all shades Now All-wool Kudos Cashmoros. all shades Now All-wool Radamo Cloths, all shades Now Silk Spot Poulo Cloths, all shades Now All-wool Coloured Biarritz Cloths, nil sbados Now All-wool Homespuns, all shades Now Kronch Wlerino?, Cnshmores, all shadoa New Kstaniono Sorgca, Prplins Now Figured Dress Goods, all marked at moßt reasonable prices Foather Trimmings, Black and Coloured Now Stock Blankets, splendid value—from 5s Gd pair. Now Pattern Cretonnes Now Lot of Choico Laces, in Blaok, Whito, and Coloured Beautiful Assortment of Now Frilhngs, ltib -10 Men's' Blaok Pagot Coats at 21s, worth 35a Now Kur Capes from 7s lid Now Umbrellas from Is to 20s Ladies", Maida', and Girls' Now Ulstors in varioty Men's Macintoshes, a fow slightly damaged half-price Soveral Job Lines at low prices to clear. Patterns Freo by Post. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, 883, UPPKR QUEEN-STRKET. THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, 158 AND ICO, QUEEN-STREET, DISPLAY THE LARGEST AND BEST - ASSORTED STOCK OF MEN'S, YOUTHS', and BOYS' CLOTHING AND OUTFITTING CLOTHING AND OUTFITTING ' CLOTHING AND OUTFITTING CLOTHING AND OUTFITTING IN THE CITY. THB CELEBRATED MOSGIEL TWEEDS, DIOSGIEL TWEEDS, Which they wore the first to introduce in Mado "up Clothing, has becomo FAMOUS as BEING THE MOST DURABLE AND WEAR-RESISTING OF ALL WOOLLEN FABRICS. THB DEMAND FOR THESE GOODS Continues to show a Largo Yearly Increase ' rROVINO THAT IMPORTED CLOTHING IS ALMOST ENTIRELY SUPERSEDED BY THB SUPERIOR COLONIAL PRODUCTION. ' "S O T I O K. DR. WILKINS, F. R. C. S., Consulting and Operating Surgeon. is at Mb Surgery for General Practice and Special Practice-Eye. Ear, and Throat Diseases —Mornings and Afternoons; Sundays, 10.30 to 12.30. Consultation Foes Terr moderate. Dr. Wilkinb spent seven years at Mooroflelds Eye Hospital, London, undor Messrs Bowman and Critchett, two at Throat Hospital, London, seven years Honorary Surgeon Albert Hospital, and eight years at Eye, Ear, and Throat Infirmary, Melbourne. Adjusts Spectacles to Sight — Consulting Rooms—Quoen-street. Auckland. R. * R. D UUMtt DBVONPORT WHARF, HOUSB, LAND, and COMMISSION AGENTS, GROCERS, GRAIN,' COAL, and FIREWOOD DEALERS. OARTAGB CONTRACTORS. BUILDERS' MATERIAL, POSTS, RAILS. RAILINGS, S/UNGLKS. AND SANITARY PEPKB, fco., So. So. PROPRIETORS OF DEVONPORT BRICK YARD AMD SCORIA PIT. ;-VTEW AUTUMN T^RAPERY. MILNE & CHOYCE ARE NOW OPENING UP THEIR FIRST SHIPMENT OF : •* " • : AUTUMN DRAPERY! • ' : AUTUMN DRAPERY! • Consisting of a very Large and Varied Assort ment in each Department. All of the very Latest Styles to be had in the i Homo-Markets. JUILNE & CHOICE, AUCKLAND, Chief Post-office, Auckland. Maim will Close as dndbb— This Day. For Whitlansi, Upper Mill, and Talrua, per For Tauranga,P and Opotlkl, per Wellington, at sp.m Fjsiday, aOrn inst. For Gisborno. Napier, Southern ports, and Australian colonies, per Waihora, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 10 a.m. Lato letters till 11.20 For Waitara, etc., per Gairloch, at 1 p.m. For Cowes and Coromandel, per Coromandel, For Thain'eg.' per Rotomabana, at 4.30 p.m. ForWhangarel Heads, Parua. Waipu, Whan garei. Kamo.'and Mangapai, per Macgregor or Waitaki, at fi p.m. Saturday, 21st inst. For Waiwera, Te Kapa, Warkworth, etc., per Rose Casey, at 11 a.in. For Levukajjper Minnie Hnxe, at 11 a.m. For Kati Kati, Aongatete, Tauranga, &0., per Rotomahana, at 3.30 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at I p m. For Waiwera, per Wellington, at 1 p.m. TUESDAY, March 31. Per s.s. Australia as follows :— For Navigator Islands, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia. Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m For United Kingdom and Continent of B Moneyaorde're,'registered letters and news naners. at 11.30 a.m. fcate letters, bearing an extra fee of .six ennco in addition to the postage, wUI be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to tha time of sailing. This mall will be due in London on* day, May 8, 1885. N.8.-The Stella wiU sail from Blufffor West Coaßt Sounds and Bays on Monday. 23rd inst. S. B. BIBS. Chief Postmaster, Uhlel Poot-Bffloe, AnoUana, *



T N B A N_K_K V '>' " i IN THE COURT OF t BM|: I In the mattor of "Th» .^J^SI 1883." and in me matter of we *BsHl Kdwakd Brown Rbynoidb,™ *£pf the Provincial District 01 Auohw*. Merchant. , nnfiirf NOECE IB HEREBY OrVES th«tWjPßffi|l be mado to the Court on Moß?M||| day of April next, at fyere\'Z£Mol forenoon, or as soon ">or£a!KrM j~Js,||ii heard, that an order of discharge,o": the said Kdward Brown,B«w»ov f ., jyl Dated at Anokland this 19tt W" : 1883- BDWABDUBOWBIfg HESKBTU & RICHMOSJ. AtlCldlMl ■ for tho Bankrupt. i^-^ T N B A N K_RD F"'i RiciURDS, of Newmarket, to l^f ~B District of Auckland, B"tcnW''i| a Uii'H fcOTICR IS HEREBY «^Lffftossitt*MH be made to the Court on THU«Wj|jf»M day of April next, at d 6™ ° *"«&« noon, or as soon thereafter £Ssm|H heard, that an order of disobaW "" Mfc thefjiidEdwar* '"' *'"."• (tuwdlsro'^W Dated at AmidMia tWI W* "i^H Hksketh & Richmond. AucUSjSBH for tho Bankrupt MB T N B ANK Ru f "*:'-::fis wTOsrasftsgM Anderson, of OkalhM. l-£ -R\ District of Auckland, Ce"^S&SK Notice is hereby G'^jinflSlKfiß be mapo to the Cotuton'"3j&ktt£sK day of April next, at, elevOT ">^MM noon, or as e"°n 'hercafwrß n hearrf, that an order of discus. , .;.,■ .al|| tho said John AnrterspD. ;jaSHBBSgBM Dated .at Auckland thlfl J9" Heskkih & Kihcmo^ *nC^^Jo* for the Bankrupt. . ■■ JW;