COMING EVENTS.

- Meetings, *c To-night. Religious Meeting in tho T«nt on Surrey Hll's Es'ato, Po,,s nby Road, 7.30. Oddfellows' Hall, Devonport—Address by Hon. G. Waldegravo. 7.30. Robso 's Room*—Master Baker's Protection Soci: t J-, 7.30 Rota of Justices at Police Court. March 18 -C. A. Harris and T. M. Haultaiu, Auction Sales To morrow. B. Loydon—Household Farnituro and Effects, 12. Arthur and Buddie—Drapery, Clothing, etc., 11. A. Buckland, Rsmuera Yards-Cattlo, etc., 1. G. W. Binney & Sons—Produce, 11.

Chief Post-Office, Auckland.

Mails? will close as under :— This Day. For Opotikl. per Douglas, at 1 p.m. For Mangawal. Hakaru, and Kaiwaka, por Rufiy, at fl p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Thursday, 10th inst. For Port Kitzroy, Tryphona, ana Okupu, per lona, at 7 a.m. fta Watwera, To Kapa. and Warkworth, per Rose Casey, at 10 am. For Gisborne, Napier, and Southern porls, per i Rotomanana, at '1 a.m. For Waltara aoa Southern ports, per Galrloch, at 11 a m. For London, United Kingdom. Continent of Europe. Sec, via iiiode Janeiro and Plymouth (per Kuapehu). at 12 30 p.m. For Continent of Kurope. at noon. Monoy orders, registered letters, and news ;apera. at 11 a m. Late Ictrer at 1 p.m. Unitjd Kingdom mail will be due at Piynnuth, 21st Anrb, »ir Thames, nor Rotomshana, at 1.30 p.m. Fo- Fiji and Friendly Islands, per Arawata. at 1 p.m. Friday. 11th Inst. For Greymouth, iwr Hornld. at II a.m. For Cowea and Coramandel, por Coromandel, at 11.30 am. For New Plymouth, and Southern ports, per Macgregor. at 1 p.m. For Whliiangl, Gum Town, Upper Mill, and "Talrua, per lona. at 5 p.m. Knr Tanraiiga and Opoliki, per Clausman, at 5 p m. Sor Wangaroi Hoads. Panta, Walcn. Whan garol, Kama, ana Mangapal, per Wellington, at 5 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Porta, per Hawoa, Immediately after arrival of Mariposa. For Australian Colonies, per Mut-lpom, Imme diately after arrival from Honolulu. (Signed) S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

Chief Post offlcn. At>;kland,

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Sunset.—This evening, 6.23. Stinbisk.—Tomorrow morning. 5.58. Mcok's AGS —Fall moon, 10th, S.li a.m.

HIGH WATER.

Auckland—This evening, 6.57; to-morrow morning, 7,17.

Manukao Heads—This evening, 9.36; to morrow morning, 9.57. Kaipaka Heads-This evening, 10.33; to morrow morning, 10.57.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Herald, s s., Jones, from Greymouth TODAY. Maripopa, R.M. 3 ., from Sen Francisco Columbia, echooner, Conway, from Nnplor

DEPARTURES.

LAST BVENINCJ. To Anau, c s., Molnto h, for Srdney Australia. e.s. Uiawsluw, for Qiaborno Wellington, a 8.. Scocherson, for Wbangarei TO-DiY. Eo:caUe, brigantioe, McKenzie, for Thames

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Hotomahana, from Thames, to day, 10 30 p.m. woromar.del. fromCorornar.del,Thursday,s p.m. lona, from Meroury Bay, 1 hursday Knterprlse, from Tcames. Thursday, midnight Clansman, from Russell, Friday Janet Nicoll, from South Sea Islands, April 2 Hawea (at Onehunga-, from South, Thursday

Inwahds CoibTnisK. — Pukspuka, from Wbananaki; Paku. from Talrua.

Outwards Coastwise —Paku, for Tairua. Tho Bihooners Lizzie Guy and Gleaner have berthed at tho Queen-sireet Wharf.

The s s. HoraM arrived from Oreymoulh last oveoinß, and berthed alongside of the R MS. RlmuUka to discharge coal. Passengers :— Messrs Hcslam, Macky, Aude, Easson, Senmul.

When tho s.n. Australia wss leaving tho wharf last evening, sne came into collision with the barque EistorhilL and carried away the jlbbom o( the latier ve;Bcl.

Tho B.s. To Anau loft for Sydnoy, via Russell, last ovoniog with the following passengers:— Mc3dames Bast, Ik>w, Powlesland, Witt on. Miss Kcndeniine, Dr. Kenderdine. Messrs Marton. Knox, Sutherland, Weaver, Mclnnes, Leahey. Marshall, J. Coutts C. Porter, McMillan. Carter, Triokor, McLcod, Rutherford. O'Carroll. Rogers, IjOwlb, Brown, whitelaw, Powlesland, Herat, Forgusaan, Mann, Rj man, Uoj ber.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Melbourne. March B.—Arrived: Walhora, from Bluff.

Port CHALMEKS.tbisdar.—Arrived ttaiirga Norwegian brigantino, Captain Georgeson, 45, rtaysfrom tho Atamitius, with 260 tons of sugar for Durjcdio.

Opotiki. this daF. — Arrived : Cholmsford, from Auckland, early.

Whangakei this day.—Arrived: Wellington, fr jm Auckland, 6 a 111.

Waitara. this day. — Sailed: Gairloch, for Onehunga, 9.15 a.m.

Tauhansa, tbia day.-St iled: lona, for Auck land, 10 a m.

Births.

GRAHAM.—On March 6, at her residence, Union-sttest, the wile ot Joe. Graham ot a son.

Deaths.

MCDONALD.- On March 8, at bis parents' resi dence. Mount Albert. Infant son of Alexander and Elizabeth McDonald. Private interment.

REACH.—On March 8, at her residence. New. market, Elizabeth Maud, beloved daughter of William and Annio Reach ; aged 5 years and 7 months The funeral will leave to morrow (Thurs day), at 1 p.m. Friends please accept this intimation. SMITH.-On March 9 at Victoria Quadrant. Mabel Mary, the youngest beloved daughter of William and Caroline Smith ; aged 6 months. Private Interment.

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 1887.

For the cause that lacks assistancf., For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in tho distance, And the good that we can do.

The Federal idea has not taken any great hold upon New Zealand, because we are so completely isolated from the other Australasian colonies; but in Australia the question occupies a totally different position. At a ban quet given in honour of the Premier of New South Wales during his visit to Victoria, Sir Henry Parkes touched upon this subject, and he pointed out that the population of the Australian colonies is now three and a quarter millions—as great as that of the American colonies when they as serted their independence. Of this popu lation, he said Victoria and New South Wales possessed very nearly two-thirds, and these two comparatively great colo nies were, instead of being divided by the Murray, simply included in the one i boundary. They had no interests dis similar; had no feelings in conflict; had no object set before them which they need condemn, but by their national habit of thought and by their aspirations they were one and the same people. Why then, he continued, should not they unite in a friendly way to promote and cultivate a better under standing amongst the sister colonies ?

This question is one that it is scarcely possible to answer. At the present moment the Australian colonies are acting in open hostility to each other. Although the iron road now runs from Brisbane through Sydney and Mel bourne to Adelaide, at various points along the line the traveller is reminded that these communities, although of one race and acknowledging one Sove reign and flag, are as distinct in Go vernment as though they were repre sentatives of seperate nationalities. The desire to fraternize must gather strength until the whole of Australia is under one Federal Government—each division, however, having com plete local autonomy equal to that enjoyed by the States of America or Provinces of Canada. The recent elec toral defeat of the secession movement I in the latter colony shows that the j national feeling is much more than a I name, and able to resist the disinte-1 grating influences of small local griev-1 ances.

But Federation will not come even to Australia by any sudden coup. We rather expect to see it grow out of the development of reciprocal relations between the several colonies, and especially the two principal ones. To establish relations of this kind was the chief purpose of Sir Henry Parkes's visit, and during his stay in Melbourne lie discussed with the Premier of Victoria such questions j as colonial defences, postal com municatiop, JTew Guinea, the dis turbances at Tonga, the Federal Coun-'

cil Act, the Victorian railway system, the Imperial Conference, and the rela tions of the colonies generally. Mr Gillies and Sir Henry Parkes agreed that the defences of the colonies should be treated as a federal question, more especially in relation to naval defence. Also tire questions of postal communi cation, including an intercolonial parcels post, improvements in the postal card system, aud the contracts for carrying English mails. On all these subjects, as well as tho question of border duties on stock, it was agreed that federal action was desirable, and it is probable that the results of the con ference will be embodied in legislation, thus gradually removing some serious stAimbling-blocks to legislative unity. The great struggle will come upon the question of fiscal systems, but as the tendency in New South Wales latterly has been towards the imposition of Customs duties for revenue purposes, the present wido division between the two colonies will gradually be narrowed until a basis of reciprocity, which will annihilate the irritat ing border Custom-house, may at length be arrived at. The federal feeling will help on this movement; but until these difficulties have been got out of the way any artificial pres sure towards Federation would retard and not advance that object.

The two Premiers, among oilier matters, agreed that both colonies should co-operate in celebrating the Queen's Jubilee, and they determined to try to get the whole of 'the colonies to join in the same form of celebration on the same day, and so secure united action throughout Australasia.

Corporation Nuisances.

There is a strong feeling in the city that the municipal government is largely re sponsible for the autumnal epidemic of fever and diarrhoea. Tho Freeman's Bay nuisance ia a flagrant example of open defiance of all fhe laws of health by the authorities to whom the citizens look for maintenance of cleanlinessandgood hygienic conditions within the borough. A whole suburb is being poisoned. It would bo cheaper to provide for the sewage which flows into the bay before the land is filled in than after: yet from sheer indifference, wrong headedness, or want of common sense, the cart is being put before the horse. But the nuisance created on a large scale in Free man's Bay, subject to considerablemitigalion through tho diurnal flow of tho tide and strong sea-breezes, is perpetrated by the Corporation in smaller but more intensified degree in all parts of the city, even where the remedy is simple and at hand. As an example may be mentioned a small gully or depression between Lower Hepburn-street and Sheridan-street. Into this hollow there h,i3 been concentrated tho sewage of a number of houses. A lagoon "of reeking filth is thus accumulated on private property and forced directly under one house. The residents have applied time after time to the Sanitary Inspector. They have appealed by petition to the Council, and authority to lay a drain pipe down the gully was granted six months ago. But though the dangerous nuisance might be remedied by an expenditure pro bably of some £30 in a few days, there it lies, a menace to the health and lives of a densely-peopled neigh bourhood. The proper course for the neighbours to pursue would, of course, be an action against the Corporation, and should death ensue from this cause, the Council will,we believe.find that a claim for heavy damages will lie against them. This course would, we understand, have been adopted, but for the indisposition of private persons to commence litigation against a Corporate body. Itisacuriousstatcof things, however, that though the Sanitary Inspec tor is mompt enough in pouncing down upon private nuisance makers, he seems to bo powerless when the responsible parties are the Corporation. Surely common prudence would dictate that small works of this kind affecting tho health of the city ought to bo carried out immediately thoy nro authorised. At tho present moment in Ponsonby there are numbers of streets in wh':eh the inhabitants are being literally poisoned lor the want of small expenditures on drainage, while the Corporation are spending thous ands of pounds in cutting down Jervois road, a street which would have done very well with few minor improvements for Hie noxttenyears. Sanitaryworkought to have precekence over all others in the Council's schedules. We may replace worn-out bootb and shoes, but we cannot restore lives and healthy constitutions which havo been lost by the ravages of diseases produced through the flagrant neglect of simple sanitary laws.

The Rifle Championship.

The New Zealand "Tir National" is over once more, and Auckland is in tho proud position of claiming the champion rillo belt, and also of providing tho win ning company in tho Toams Match- Captain White, of the Gordon Rifles, and the team sent South by that Company, are. the principal upholders of Auckland's honour and credit at this time ; but others havoalao done well and doubtless all tho repre sentatives will partieipato in the ovation which is to be accorded on Saturday to tho champion and the conqueringteam on their return to Auckland. TheEe annual Olympic contests are of great value to the colony, and well deserve even more public atten tion than is bestowed upon them, although in previous years there has never been the slightest cause to complain of neglect. On our Volunteer awe must always rely, as we have done in the past, for the defence of the colony, and it is of the greatest importance to encourage a high state of efficiency in the members of the force, co that occasion may never be found for getting in tho thin end of the wedge of a standing army, undei the misleading name of militia, permanent defence fofce, or anything of the kind. Standing armies are danger ous playthingß, and are quite out of place in free, democratic communities; but a trained citizen soldiery,for the patriotic purj pose of defence.is quite another matter, and should in every way be encouraged by the Legislature and the public. Tor boys and youths, a course of training in the use ot arms, and a period of submis sion to discipline, constitute the very best of physical and mental exercise. It is interesting to note that Captain White, tbe Rifle Champion, made his first appearance in the Volunteer ranks as a member of the Auckland Engineer Cadetf>,formed about 15 years ago.and even at that time he had a reputation as a marks man, and was elected captain of the corps. When the cadets were dis banded, hie love of Volunteering led him to join the ranks of the Engineers, and two years ago he was instrumental in originating the corps which he now com mands. It was his aim to make the Gordon Rifles conspicuous for marksman ship, and how well he succeeded has been amply testified by the achieve ments of the corps in local contests, and is now conclusively shown by the suc cess of the Gordon team and captain at the colonial prize meeting "just terminated at Cbristchurch. Captain White's whole career is an eloquent testimony to the value of cadet corp=, and wo trust that the Government will offer further encouragement for tho forma tion of such companies. The success of tho Gordon Corps may probably ktio Vo'untear enthusiasts elsewhere to emulate the ex ample of Captain White.in devoting special attention to efficiency in musketry,and next year, will witness a renewal: of the struggle for the championship. Our local men, stimulated by this and previous successes, will be able, we trust, to maintain the leading position which they have reached

' Deaths among infants are becoming un usually numerouß again, there having been 15 notified in our obituary column during the first eight days of the present month. Of these eleven were under one year of age, the other four ranging from one to three years old. This is a eerious matter, for at the present rate it means that there will be nearly 60 deaths amoDg the infantile popu lation in one month. Allowance must also be made for a certain proportion of deaths not notified in the press.

On Monday afternoon last a child named Veruie fell from one of tbo horizontal bars in the gymnasium at the Wellesley-street School and sustained fracture of the collar bone and -rarious bruises about the heed. So far es Mr Woithington ascertain, tbo mishap was an accident for which no one

was to blame, and he has suggested to the City Schools Committee that a few loads of tan or sawdust should be spread beneath the bars.

A large crowd collected in Victoria-streot near the corner of Chapel-etroet yoeterday afternoon owing to a disturbance caused by a drunken man. Some of tho residents became rather excited, and the services of the police were called in. Tho result was that the olTonder was "run in " and ap peared amongst tho " drunks " at tho Police Court this morning.

The Mayor of Devonport (Mr M. Niecol) intends to "lot well alone" until Monday evening-, when tho Borough Council will meet. The water supply question >vill then be brought up, and also the potition from ratepayers, asking the-t a public meeting bo held to consider matters oonnect'od there with.

The following gentlemen woro today duly nominated for the office of Licensing Com miesioßers for the Otahuhu District : — Messrs Absolum, Bowden, H. Hutton, J. Gordon and S. Luke. These gentlemen, making up the required number, wore de clared duly elected. They represent tho Independent " ticket."

Last nieht the secretaries of tho various Trade and Labour Sncioties of Auckland District mot at the Working Men's Club Mr H. R. Jury presiding. The object was to coneidor and give information in re sponse to a circular i-sued by tho Chief Clork of the Emigrants' Information Oflico, Colonial Ollico, Downing-street, London. The information required is various in cha racter, consisting chiefly of what demand thero is in this colony for labour, of what kind, wages receivod for same, number of hours of labour, price of provisions, houso ront, otc., etc. Tho mooting was adjourned until Friday ovoning, 18th inst.

The second fire at Gisborne, which broke out on Monday night,, destroyed Stovon son's stablos and throe small buildings in Low-stroot occupied us cilices by Mr McDougnll, solicitor; Mr G. Grant, sur veyor; Mr A. Kegnu, surveyor; Mr McDonald, solicitor, and tho Southern Cross Petroleum Company. From all those tho deeds and documents wore safely re moved. It is estimated that tho valuo of Stevenson's property dostroyed is As ho is insured for £200 only on tho build ing, and nothing on tho valuable harness, ho is a hoavy loser.

Stops are now being takon to ob'ain an injunction against tho nightseil contractor depositing matter on the farm leased by him at Point Chevalier. Mr Win. Hodgo has takon tho matter in hand, boing under tho impression that tho wator supply at tho Western Springs is contaminated* by tho noxious effluvia emitted from tho depot, and also that there is danger of tho drainogo from tho nightseil also reaching thosprintrs. On tho other hand, it is argued that the lattor contingency is obviated by tho fact that Edgcombo's Creek Hows botwocn tho depot and tho springs. If, however, any of tho supply of tho springs is drained from this creek, thon thero is some probability of tho danger existing. At all events many of tho resi dents of Point C?evalier District would look upon such an injunction os tho ono prayed for as a decided advantage.

Referenco is frequently made to tho de fective drainogo, or rather total nb.-onco of drainage, in various parts of tho city. Under such circumstances it is no wondor that disease is rampant. At the eamo time it should be understood that tho health in tho suburban districts isalso unsatisfactory. The Sanitary Inspector states that to his knowledge two deaths have occurred from diphtheria outside tho city, and ono of tho same family is still down with that disease, whereas no such thine has occurred within the limits of the city.

The following is tho text of tho petition lodged by Messrs .1. W, James, .1. W. Carr, T. Constable, P. Crowo, ,1. Rendnll, nnd G. Winstone, regarding tho recent Auckland South Licensing election :—" We, the tin dersicned electors of Auckland Licensing District, lioreby declare that wo verily bo liovo that at tho election to tho offices of members of tho Licensing Com mittee for tho Auckland South Licens ing District, holden nt Wollington strcot in tho said district, on tho lTlh day of February, ISS7, at which Messrs 11. F. Anderson, C. Beskoth, D. Goldio, J. Winks, and G. Harper wero de clared to bo duly elected to tho said offices, tho election of tho said (1. Harper is void upon tho following grounds : —That some persons voted who woro not entitled to voto, or gave more votes than they wero ontitlod to trivo nt an election ; and" wo pray thnt inquiry may bo made into tho said eloction under tho provisions of tho ' Regulation of Local Elections Act, IS7U,' and that tho said election of tho said (leorgo Unrper may be declared to bo void."

Tho chargo against Walter Egerioton of assaulting Joseph Scott by jumping on him and breaking his leg at Papakura was cnllod on at tho Police Cuurt again to day. Sergeant Pratt said thoy had telephoned to the Hospital this- morning, and had found that tho injured man was about again, although he was not able to 1.-nvo tho Hos pital yet. They expected, however, that ho would be ablo to leave in two or three days. He asked for aremand to Papakura, where tho wholo of the witnessos woro. Tho accused strenuously objected toauy further remand, but the Resident Magistrate, who was on tho Bench, remanded tho caso to I'anakurn, where it will bo heard on the loth.

Our roaders will bo interested to loam of the success of tho tobacco crops raited this year for tho New Zoaland Tobacco Com pany (Limited). Tho manager, Mr August Vollbrneht, has received tho following in ftrmation from tho Company'd agonts in the various districts:—At Bay of Islands the crops aro good, especially tho Hybrid Havunna. In Poverty Bay tho crops aro rather late. Tho natives, having received coed and printed instructions in Maori from tho Company, havo douo well. Sorno fair crops are expected trom the Bay of Plenty. Haw Wa Bay has suffered from want of rain, but will havo some good Connecticut loaf In Taranaki tho crops are better thin last year. At Nelson thoro aro good crops, and as far South as Canterbury fair roturns are expected. Takinc it all round, tho crops are bettor and more pleutiful than was anticipated. Growers aro reminded that they should not on any account use seed of their own saving for next year's crop. If they do, tho crop will prove worthless in most oases, as the seed needs acclimatising first ore it can be of any value.

William Goodison, a respectablejlooking man, was brought before tbo Bosident Magistrato prior to tho rising of the Police Court to-day and charged with intending to desert his wife by leaving tho colony. Accused smiled blandly whon the charge was read to him, and said tho first ho heard of it was whon ho camo tl tho Court. Ho had no intention of leaving the colony. Sergeant Pratt said it was true the man had come to tbe detective office, and stating that he bolieved ho was inquired for, asked what was wanted'of him. Mrs Goodison was called, but did not appear. Hia Worship said accused must find bail in the amount of £50 to appear to morrow

At the final meeting of creditors in the bankrupt estate of James Mackic, coach builder, High-street, Mr Morrin expressed tho opinion that, as far as his company was concerned, they had no desire to pross un duly, and he would be quite willing to let tho bankrupt keep what household furni ture he had, as it appeared to be a ease of pure misfortune On tho motion of Mr Craig, seconded by Mr Prime, it was resolved, also, " That tho whole of tho houeohold furnituro, valued nt £95 9s, be allowed to tho bank rupt, aud that the Aesignoe roalieo the. roet ot the assets in the usual way." It was further resolved, on the motion of Messrs Craig and Prime, "That this mooting, being satisfied that tho bankrupt's difficulty has beon brought about by the destruction of bis property by tiro, sympathises with Mm, and requests tho Official Assignee to facili tate his discharge."

At length Auckland is to bo favoured by tho visit of ncomody company. Next week Mr Liddiard will arrive hero as tho manager o! Williamson, Gamer, and Mtißgrove'n Boyal Gomody Company, in order to make necesrary arrangements for n season of four weeks, to commence on tho 'Alf-t of March. Tho Company will produce -'Tho Magi cian," " Jim the Penman," " Hazelkirk," "Betsy," "Written in Sand," aud "Nitu's First," all of which are new pieces in this city. This Comedy Company is heralded as the best comedy company that has over travelled through New Zealand.

The programme that has been selected for Mr G. P. Carey's bonefit on Monday ovoning next will consist of that farcical and eccentric comedy of '• Mixed, or Tho Threo Hat?," Mr Carey sustaining his creative role of Bosco Blithers. This will be preceded by a comedietta on titled "The Old Master," written by the author of the celebrated " Silver King," and now to be produced for tbo first timo in New Zealand. This little play, in con junction with "Confudon,"hadurun of ov6r 300 nights at the Vaudeville Theatre, Lon don. Several well-known amateurs have volunteered their services, and will take ] part in Ibererfotmance.

Mr H. Eiley proaeheJ last night at the Surrey Hills tent to a large audience, hie remarks being much appreciated and his pulpit eloquence greatly admired. As yet no other local clergym- n have accepted the invitation of Mr Da::.ills to occupy the tent pulpit.

A sot of larrikins in the vicinity of Par noll are in tho habit of nightly attacking the Star bill posting board and toaring off the bills. A reward will bo paid to any person giving such information as w ill lead to the conviction of the offenders. A severe example will be mado of such if caught.

On 'Change today Cambrias advanced from 5s 6d to Gs ,'Sd, then went back to 5s i)d, and in tho afternoon again advanced to IU Diamonds sold at Is, and Saxon at Is and la 2d.

Oivcors ol yachts, large and small, should roll up to tho mooting to be hold at Levirrsehn's to-night to form an Auckland Yacht Club.

"Skilled Mechanic" thinks that if in stead of working men overtime on tho new favor hospital, a larger number of men woro put on at shorter hours, it would bo a great boon to the many good mechanics who are una'-lo to obtain employment.

Incroas.ed interest sooms to be taken in the meeting for business mon hold in the Now Zealand Insurance Company's room. Tho Hon. G. Waldegravo gave an instruc tive address, based on I Potor, I chap., 9 verso, "Our Inheritance in Heaven." Thero was an excellent attendance. Next Wednesday Mr Waldegravo may bo ex pected to givo the address.

Roborts's prospecting party havo dis covered a reef in Paul's Creek, which ob tained celebrity in tho earliost days of tho goldiield. Thoy put in a drivo IS feet and found a solid body of quartz three foot thick ; they also traced sovora! loadors. A plan of tho ground is at Fratcr Bros.', tho discoverer boing in town with tho objoct of obtaining assistance to tlovolop tho mine.

At a meeting of temperance pooplo hold lust night, Mr C.G. Hill presiding, arrange ments were made for tho projected tempor unco conversazione on Monday, "JSIh inst. Sir Robert Stout, bus written promising to take part, and Mr Justice Ward is also to be invited to bo present on tho occasion.

Tho great demands for boats on hiro at Pousonby has inducod Mr R. I'.uiil, boat builder, to extend operations in thai direc tion, lie has obtained tho uso of tho lino property known as "College Ruck," nonr St. Mary's Day, ;md announces by adver tisement that ho will have boats of various descriptions for hire tlioro on Thursday,

Mr W. It. Wills, of Otahuhu has pub lished a "Sequel to Lord Tennyson's Locks ley Hall." it is written in the same stylo ns that well-known poom of tho Poot Laureate, but has a totally different ring than Tennyson's "Sixty Years After." It is marked by much poetic fervour and force of diction ; its tonor boing summarised in the closing powerful lino—" Forward, with tho cry of Progress—Evolution—Justico— God !"

Some residents at tho North Shore de clare that an earthquake shook was experi enced thoro exactly ut noon yestordny. There woro ropoatod oscillations. 000 well-known resident at Mount Vic tnrin, who has had a good doal of ex perience with earth shakos in tho South, declares that ho cannot bo mistaken as to tho nature of tho phenomenon, 110 siys it oould not bo confounded with tho torpedo practice, which took place lator in tho day.

The nnnuil meeting of the mombors o* tho Mount Eden Choss Club was hold last ovening in tho Reading-room, View P.caJ, when thoro was a fair attendance, visitors from tho Ponsonby Chess Club being also present. Mr Ashton, was again otected President, and Mr J. Matthews Secre tary end Treasurer. The following gentlemen wcio eloctod as a com mittee for llio ensuing year: — Messrs Jourdain, Webb, Watkhis, Tammadgo and Grant. After tho business had been trans acted several well-contested games of chess woro played. As tho matches for tho sea son will shortly bo arranged, the Secretary rrquostH that intouding members of tho Club will take an oarly opportunity of for warding their names.

8 (This afternoon a very successful trial of Robot's gelatino dynamito was made at tho cutting down works near the iloressord streot school. Messrs Portor and Company arc tho agents for this safo and effective preparation of dynamite.

Thirsty weather again. No fewer than seven persons were punished at tho Police Court to day for tltunkonness.

On Monday evening last, tho Sir Henry Havolock Baud of Hope gave the la»t of their summer evening ontortoinmonts in tho schoolroom. Thoro was a pretty good at, tondance, and a vory fair programmo was presented. Tho chair should have' beon filled by tho Vice-President, but owing to his absenco through indisposition, Bro. VVatkinson occupied tho chair. " Tho Wishing Cap," n dialogue for tivo ycung ladies, was given during tho ovoning, tho' priccipal part being well sustained by Mite Annio Beach. Captain Leßoy (the Union speaker) was to havo addressed tho id- ot ing, but being detained, sent a substitute in the person of Mr Gregory, who gave an interesting addrc.s. Songs wore given by tho Mossrs W. Fell, H. D. Simpson, P. Marks, a duet, by tho Misses Rodgers and Tumor, nod recitations by Mies Eva LoHoy (Parnoll Band of Hope), 'Miss Kitty Beach, Miss Fanny Picard, aud Jonny Hughes A number of now members signed at the close of tho meeting.

Tho first meeting of (bo 17ih session in connection with tho Baptist Young Men's Improvement Society was hold last night, there being 3S members and visitors pre sent, and Mr Clovoland presiding. Tho of tho evening was a convorsationul debalo tin tho subject of "Arbitration v. War." Mr E. 801 l opened the discussion, and in tho courso of his remarks stated that whilo arbitration was -rood so far as it went, and tended to avoid much expense and bloodshed, still it could novor entirely do away with tho ovils of war until v. higher moral sense and morn philanthropic spirit characterised tho nations. A vigorous dis cussion ensued, tho majority of tho speakers coinciding in tho main with tho opener's arguments, but looking upon arbitration as very circumscribed in its operation Ono great obstacle in tho way of international arbitration, it was maintained, was tho difficulty i» obtaining arbitrators who wore unbiassed. At tho next meeting, short speeches are to bo delivered upon •' Pedantry " and " Principle"—tho former by Mr G. Gribben, and tho latter by Mr W. Bakor.

Tho attention of our readors is directed to the sale of furniture ami tiled* nt Inn Viororia Dining hoouis, Quucnstioet, under bill of sale, which will take place to-morrow, on tho pre mises, st 2 o'clock instead ot 12 noon as adver tised. Kdward LBVdon will bo the auctioneer.

Wilson's Portland Cement is sold in bigs. Two bags equal ono cask. Adv quantity can be had. In proof of quality, tho Uovcrnmora authorise its übo on their works. Wilson's Hydraulic Lime is unequalled. Concrete form dalions. tanks, floors, paths, etc. are c.ho:.ri. Information froo.—J. Wilson &Co , Customs-sr. West, Auckland, manufacturers o( Wilson's Portland Cement and Hydraulic Lime.—lAdvt).

ROBBING A BENEFACTOR.

A singular ca6o of ingratitude on the part ot two boys came before tho Police Court | to-day in the form of a charge of larceny. David Hunter and John MeAulay were charged with stealing from George Edward Clowott a eilvor watch and braes chain, value .t'llOd. Clowett hod given the boys a lodging for a night, and on tho morrow thoy repaid his kindness by departing with his watch. George Edward Clowott deposed that he was a fish curer employod by Holland and Bishop. Ho saw the prisoners on tho premises in Customs-stroct, Thoy woro washing fish, and on their representations that they lived at fillerslio and came into town to sell papers, ! and had no placo to sleep, ho allowed them to sleep on tho upper part of tho premise?, whore he also had a room. Ho gave them their breakfast that morning, and later in tho day missed his walcb, which bad been hanging on a nail in bis room.—Mr Mendoza deposed to tbo pawning of tho watch, and Dotectivo Herbert to the arrest. — Tho pri soners elected to be doalt with eunmianly, and Hunter made a clean breast of the affair. He said ho took the watch, and, ac companied by Mc.iulay, wont to several pawnshops, but tho proprietors would not take tho watch from them. Eventually it was taken at Neumegou's. Tho man asked how much thoy wanted for it, and he said ss. The man then asked whoso tho watch was, and ho replied that he was pawning it for his brother. Ho and MeAulay then went to the North Shoro and spent a part of tho money in cigarettes, fruit, and cakes.— MeAulay, iv roply tothoßonch, simply said he saw Huutor take the watch,—His Wor ship considered the lads were equally guilty, and sentenced each to receive twelve strokes with a birch rod. |

Thames, this day. At tho mealing of the Licensing Commil i>u to-day the police reported very ad veieely on the manner iv which tho Go vernor Bosven and Shortlaad Hotels uro conducted. Sergt. Murphy annouueed his | intention of Btrongly opposing the licenses being granted at next meeting, unless their conduct was much improved in the mean-1 time. '

SAN FRANCISCO MAIL

ARRIVAL OF THE MARIPOSA.

Walweiu. 1 40 p.m. TliE inward 'Frisco mail steamer Mariposa is outside close to Tiritiri, and should roach the wharf about 330 p.m. The Mariposa left San Francisco about 2 p.m on Friday, Fobruary 18th, and has therefore made a remarkably fast run o* under nineteen days, probably tho fastest on record.

CABLEGRAMS.

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Russia, Austria, and Bulgaria,

THE GERMAN ARMY BILL.

(bkutek's telegram.)

St Petersburg, March 7. The " Moscow Gazette " of to-day publishes an nrticlo in which indignation is expressed at tho oxecution of tho prisonors implicated in the Rustchuk revolt being carried out with tho approval of Europe, It would not bo forgotten that these men fell a sacrifice to their devotion to Russia, and their deaths would produco events which would set his tory in motion. London, March S. Tho statements published by the semi official Austrian Press respecting the oxe cution of tho conspirators who participated in tho recent, revolt at Ruttchuk, induce tho belief that Count Kalnoky's opposition to Russian dosigns is insincorc. Berlin, March 7. Tlio Bill providing for an increase of th° German army has boon introduced in th° Reichstag. A Press Association raoseago says:— Oonoral Brousart, tho Prussian Minister of War, referring to tho gravity of the future, urged a unanimous vote in favour of tho increase of tho army for a period of seven years. gfBEUM.v, March S.—Tho bill to incroaec the Gorman army during a period of seven years has beon read a first time in the Reichstag. Served Them Sight. Fourteen Russians were killed in the rising at Rustchuk. The Bulgarian Regency. The " Fromdenblatt" insists that tho mission of tho Bulgarian Regency is now fulfilled, and urges it to resign. Austria and Russia. E. AH'onyi is urging Count Kalnoky not to wait to be asked if Russia is preparing to invade a state contiguous to the monarchy.

DEATH OF REV. H. W. BEECHER

(reutbr's telegram, )

London, March Sth. Tho death is announced of tho Rev. Henry Ward Boecher, aged 65. He had been ailing sinco Saturday, when ho had a eovore apoplectic attack.

New Papal Secretary of State.

(IIEUTEIt's TKLEGKAM.)

Ro.mk, March 8. Monseignor Ramanolla del Tindaro, the Papal Nuncio at Madrid, will shortly re placo the lato Cardinal Jacobini as Ponti ne il Soeretary of Stnto.

(speciac message.)

Re uniting of the Liberal Party.

London, March S. —Tho efforts recently made by prominont members of the Liberal party to lical tho broach caused by tho division of opinion cvor the iri»h question have beon recoived with fomo prospect of success. Communication!! havo passed between tho chiefs of the poctior.B into which tho party was split, and theso show that a reuniting of tho fragments is not far distant. Colonial Borrowing - Weetgarth and Lowell, the well-known financial agents, in their comtnorcio circular fctato that (he cool reception of Queensland loan ought to bo a whole aomo check upon the tendency of the Australian colonies to run into debt. They add, however, that tho colonies havo very largo rosourcos, which their railways aro rapidly developing. l'edcstrianisin. Svdnkv, this day. Myora and George, tho runners, are matched for three distances. Flood iv (luceuslaiid Beisbank, this day. Heavy floods aro reported in tho North , A largo area of country is under water. Victorian Wheat Crop. Meliioukne, this day. Tho olticial agricultural statistics state that tbo yield of wheat in Victoria this eea eon ia eleven and a half buahela per acre, thue confirming the newspaper estimates. Australian Federation. Adelaide, this day. Tho Premier, epoaking at Galer last night, confirmed the announcement of the inten tion of tho Govornmont to introduce n bill enabling South Australia to join the Fede ral Council. Ho stated that ho believed tho Premier of Now South Wales would propose a similar bill. Tcctulpa Cioldlicld. A fresh find of gold is reported from King'e Bluff, Teotulpa. The Prince of Wales. Melbourne, this day.—The Premier has ec6ived a despatch from London confirming tbo announcement telegraphed in January that the Princo of Wales has declined the invitation to visit tho colonies.

English Mission to Turkey, and Egypt.

[keutek's telegram.]

1 London, March 8 —In the House of Com mons last night, the motion of Mr Brad -3 laugh, not to allow tho expenses of Sir ' Henry Drummond Wolff's mission to Turkey 1 and Egypt, was rejected. In tho course of ■ the debate. Sir .1. Fergusson, Under-Secre ' tary for Foreign Affairs, stated that there ' was every prospect of Sir D. Wolff's mission ' being successful. New South Wales Parliament , J Sybnky, March S — Parliament was opened to-day by commission. After the members were sworn in, the House pro ceeded to the election of Speaker. Messrs Young and Dibbs woro proposed, and tho former was chosen by 63 to 49 votes, and iluly installed in the chair. " Invlnoiblea" in Ireland. London, March 7, - Several '* Invincibles" have returned to Ireland. Scullion match. Hanlan will forward to tho articles of the match with Beach, which is to be rowed on the Kepoan Kivor for £500 a-side. Hanlan and Gaudaur have made a match for 2nd May for a purse of 30,000 (? dollars), and the Championship of America. Both will visit Australia afterwards. The United States and Hawaii. Loniion, March 7. The session of the United States Con gress hus closed. Tho treaty with Hawaii has not been testified. More Coercion Wanted. Sir G. Trevelyan, in the course of debate, ; condemned the want of vigour shown by ' ho Government in dealing with Iroland. Burmcao BubmlHnlon. The Burme'ti Worm Tho leob:i has sub- i milted to the British. j

Mjsterto.v, this day. Both the borough and county refuse (o pay the contributions demanded by the District Board, on the ground that the assessment is inequitable,

Suicide at Onehunga.

OEATM OF "I>R" BRADY

The sudden deßth of a gentleman named Tliomas J. Brady at Onehunga yesterday afternoon has thrown that little township into quito a fever of excitement. "Dr. Brady, as ho was known to many persons in Auckland and Onehunfta, arrived here by tho Kotomahana from Sydney about the middle of January, representing himeeif to be a doctor of modicine bwt travelling as special correspondent of tho Sydney "Morning Herald" to write a series of letters on Now Zealand. Upon that re presentation he obtained admission to see the execution of Caffrey and Perm, and in troduced himself to a large number of prominent citizens. No iotters, however, have appeared in the Sydney "Morning Herald" from his pen, and it will b 9 seen from a letter found on tho b d/ that he had no credentials to entitle him to Use the name of that journal. Tho doctor of medicino would also appear to have been a little fiction. On arrival he went to the Imperial Hotel, but afterwards removed to lodgings at Hamburg Villa boarding establishment, Hobeon-street, opposite tho Prince of Wales Hotel (Mrs Danvcr's). alleging that ho desired quiet co as to go on with his newspaper correspondence. He was regarded by all who know him as a gentlemanly man, rathor eccentric, and with some heavy trouble hanging over him. Thestory of hissadendand his reasonfor being at Onehunga will bes: be told by the follow ing statements made to our representatives (ij-day : — Mr Ersou'S Statement. Dr. Erson said that on Friday last ho lunched, as was his custom when in town, in tho Imporial Hotel, and sat next to a gentleman who proved himself to bo very good company, and introduced himself to him us Dr. lirady, of tho Dublin University. Ho also stated that ho was hero as the special correspondent of llio ''Sydney Morning Horal 1." Dr. Erson, with tho view of giving Onohuogaa "log up," askod it' tho visitor hud seou the industries of that town, and told him of the Woollen and Iron Works there. " Dr. " Brndy expressed himeolf surprised that ho had not hoard of theao industries, and said ho would bo glad to visit them. Ho also (.aid ho was leaving for Sydney on the Tuesday following (yesterday ) An invitation followed from Dr. Erson for "Dr." Brady to visit Onehunga, when ho would introduce him to tho manager of tho works referred to. " Dr." Brady came ovor to Onehunga tho earao evening, but U3 it was then too lato to go to sco tho works, Dr. Erson offered him abed, which ho readily accepted. Hcprovedtobemostontertaiuing. and was evidently a well read man. On the following morning, Saturday, Dr. Erson fulfilled his promise and introduced him to Mr Macandrew, tho manager of tho Iron and Stool Company's Works, and "Dr" Brady was shown everything con nected with tho process of manufacture. Ho took copious notes, and also samples of tho iron sand and the finished steel and iron, saying that he had not tho slightest doubt but that ho could get a syndicate in Sydnoy to take up the company and work * the process. !3o then left, after inviting Dr. Frson to lunch with him on Monday last at his hotel, the Imperial. Dr. Erson lunched with him and bade him "Goodbye," tho deceased saying lie would be leaving for Sydney the next day, and promising to send copies of tho papers to him with tho ac count of his visit to tho works. To Dr. Erson's astonishment " Br." Brady turned up again at Dr. Erson's yesterday, and partook of luncheon with that hospit able gentleman, explaining his not having departed for Australia by sayint: that ho had not received cortain letters ho ex paeted, and that ho had determined to get seme more information about the Iron Worka before ho wont, and that he would leave the following Tuesday. Dr. Erson after luncheon excused himself, as ho had to attend to his professional duties, and " Dr." Brady told him ho was to moot Mr W. Wasteneys, of Onohunga, at tho station by the 3 o'clock train. Tho next tho doctor heard of tho deceased was when Mr Wasteneys camo running up to him whilst ho was sitting in his dining room to tell him that Brady was very ill. Dr. Erson accompanied Mr Wasteneys to Mr Henshaw's tea store, wboro he found the doccseed Kitting in a chair. Ho complained of great pain in his legs, and wept bitterly. His muscles shortly afterwards bocuine rigid. Dr. Ereon then, tor the first time, suspected poison as tho causo of his illness. " Havo you taken anything, Dr. Brady?' 1 ho asked. "No," replied the deceased, who appeared to be of sound mind at tho t me, and was to all appearances perfectly aware of hia position. Dr. Ereon got Mm into Mr DuuiToodio'a.trap, which was passing at tho time, ho having been previously sup plied with eomo brandy as a restorative Tho party then drovooffto Dr. Erson's house for tho purpose of hot bathing tho patient, and applying other remedies, On approaching tho church tho deceased suddenly scroamod aloud, and was seized with a euddon and strong con vulsion, nil his muscles becoming rigid. His back became arched over the back of tho trap, so much co that Mr Wasteneys had groat difficulty in provonting him fall ing out. Tho deceased was then conveyed into the surgery, and hypodermic enjections of other applied, but ho was almost dead when ho left tho trap, only a fow .struggling gasps for breath being noticed. Dr. Krsou it as his opinion that Brady died from asphyixio, resulting from rigidity of throat muscle-?, caused by poisoning by etrychiuino. No money was found on doccaeod, but letters ad dressed to Dr. Walker, Detective Walker, Mr O'Meaghor, and Superintendent Thomson were in his pocket.", as also a blank cheque and a receipt for a registered lettor to his wife in Sydney. All these lettors contained expreesions of the inten tion to commit suicide, and stated that ho was driven wrong in his mind owing to domestic troubles, and wound up by beg ging that his body " should not be cut open," and that his soul might bo prayed for. Dr. Erson says ho was constantly talking of hi 6 family. He was of apopletic tendency of body. Mr Horshaw atatoß that about three o'clock yesterday afternoon he and Con stable JElaslctt woro talking at the door of tho former's store, when Mr Wasteneys and the deceased camo across tho road together from tho Terminus Hotel. Mr Wasteneys spoke to Mr Henehaw on business, and whilst he was so doing, the deconsed led Constable Haslett eff

down a passage nlong-eide the store. Some few minutes o!ap.-:ed when Constablo Haelett camo running in to cay to Mr Wasteneys. "Your Friend's 111" Mr Henshaw and Mr Wasteneys found the deceased seated in a broken-backed chair in tho storehouse alongside the store. Ho complained of paina in hie legs. He reinsert a glass of water, Mr Wastenoys then suggested soda water. Mr Henshaw then opened a bottlo of it, and Constable Haslott gave him of it to drink. After this tho deceased appeared better. Mr Henshaw then bathed bis forehead with toilet vinegar, and put some on his baudker chiof. Mr Wastneys now wont off for Dr. Eisin, and whilst he was gone Mr Henshaw, eeo'Dg Dr. Scott's trap pacing, askod Brady if he should call him in, when ho re plied, " I won't havo anything to do with Dr Scott," " Dr. " Brady's legs wero now chaffed by Mr Hoxham, who stalos thoy were "cold as ico." Tho decoaeod asked calmly about how business might ho, and spoke tenderly of his wife in bviinoy. Dr. Erson arrived soon after. Mr W Wastneys Statement. This well-known solicitor says that tho deceased was introduced to him by .Mr O'Meagber, the barrister, as a special correspondent of the "Argus" newspaper Ho wanted " Dr." Brady to dinner on Monday, but ho did not come. On Tuesday morning tho deceased called twice of Mi- Wafeteng'a office and finally told him that he had alterod his intontion of going back to Sydney on the following day 7 and would meet him at Onehunga. He had left a noto saying ho had to go to Pupa kura, so could not dine with Mr Waste noys on Monday. When Mr Wasteucy next saw tho deceased it was at the Onehunga Railway-station, he having ' invited himeelf to drivo with Mr Was- j tenoys on that day. They walked up to- ] gethcrfrom tho station towards home, when tho deceased would insist en going into tho Terminus Hotol, and ;t!do on Mr Wa?tonoy's accompanying him. Hero Brady had a gla-7e of whisky and lemonade, which he " botled off," and rushed out of the hoe, saying suddenly "Conir, let's go!" Mr Wustcnejs knows little ot uiiri, hut always found him ;;out!o ---ruaely aud very uood company. lj 0 waa always l-.-ioj.erato in bio driukii.-g, and up pouted to have, sufficient funds, t,lwuys pay lug for hia liquor, etc. He ga-e cut moie than ouco that fco was a wealthy man. An iuciueetwas opened upon the body of the deceased ai 1.30, before Captaiu Juck fon, R.M., at the Terminus Hotel, and is proceeding as we go to preee.

The Intention to Commit Suicide.

Letters wero found.ou the body of the deceased for Mr Douglas (a gentleman con nected with the " Herald " newspaper), Dr. Walker, Mr O'Meagher (solicitor), and Mr M. Gallagher, The letter to Mr Gallagher— which we publish below—clearly shows that Brady contemplated suicide, and also that his reason was to some degree af fected. This latter is evidenced by the fact that tho letter is dated " February 29th "— an impossible date, seeing that this is not Leap year:— Imperial Hotel. Auckland. 23m February, 1887. I Dear Mr Gallagher,—When you got this I shall bo (no) more, may God forgive mo. I was intending, although not employed on the Stan ol tho " Herald," to take notes of all the place, whloh I did, and presenting them to the editor of the "Herald" on my return, thi wek(sic) I owe you and the extras will bo paid. All my clothes James (the waiter) oan have and my linen, and will you except {sic) the small pair of links in remembrance ol me. The small tin box on the table I should like to be sent by one ot the stewards cf tho Boats to my wife. James will do that for me. With thanks fo: all your kindnesses.—nios. J. Brady. The links are on my shrt el.eves. Will you asa them to give them to you • -T.J. B. Inside the letter was an enclosure to his 'wife, written on a half-sheet of mourning note paper. It runs as follows : — Mavis.—As a last.request, will you send my trend to tho last, Mr Uallagher. the amount I owe him. He will send tne account.—Tom Mrs T. J. Brady, Strathn ore, 113, Phillip street. Sydney. Mr Gallagher's Statement. Mr M. Gailagher has made the following statement regarding the deceased to a Star reporter :— Dr. Brady arrived here per 8.8. Rotomahana Ireui Sydney on January lb'ch. Ho put up at my hotel and told mo that bo was a scientific correspondent to the " Sydney Morning Herald," and engaged a bed room and sitting-room. He appeared to havo plenty of money, and frequently entertained fellow-passengers and others to Aftor residjng

at my hotel for a week he told' mo that he was going to "do" tho Lakes, and piid his account, and left with tho avowed intontion of proceeding to Rotorua. About a week afterwards I met him in town, and he stopped uio and told mo that he bad gono to private lodgings for a week or two, is ho bad to work very hard with his correspondence and it was rprieter than an hotol, but that whon ho had finished he was coining hack to my placo. He catxio back to the hotol on February 17th, and resided with ma until yester day morning. Until a week ago I diet not notice anything particular in his demeanour. Ho was always a jovial man, a bon vivant, and apparently had no trouble on his mind. On Thursday weok, how cvor, I was sitting with him in the smoking salODn and bo asked me to como outside, as ho wantod to see jno. He put his hand out, and said, " Well, Gallaghor, I am going to say goqd bye to you." I, thinking he was chaffing, said, " Well, good bye, Doctor, a pleasant passage to you." He said " l>c, old man, I don't mean that. I am going to commit suicide,' and burst into tcare. I then saw that there was something the matter, and told him to cheer up, and askei him if he had any trouble. He said he had had a letter from his wife in which sho had said some barsh things, and ho thought it. better for all parties that ho should do away with himself. He said he would go over to Flagstaff Hill at the North Shore and do it. I walked up and down for over an hour, trying to cheer him up, and at last he became quite cheerful. 1 saw him up to his bedroom, and when we got in I sat down and yarned tc him, when he started crying again, and said, •' It is no use ; I will havo to do it." I then surreptitiously possessed myself of his razDrs and packet knife, saw him to bed—it was then 2 o'clock—and tolel the waiter to watch him until he went to sleep. The waiter eat with him till three o'clock, and then left him sound nslcen. After this episode I had no occasion to fear that ho still contem plated suicide. He told me on Friday la3t tta' ho purposed goiDg to Sydney on March Sjh. Yesterday morning I saw him at 10.45, and he shook hands with me and said "Good morning." Ho appeared per fectly well and rational then.

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

City Guards. The following promotions and ap pointments are notified:- Corporal T. Phillips to bo Lanco Sergeant ; Lieut.- Corporal Taylor to bo Corporal, vice V. Grosvenor, discharged : Private R. It. Blair to bo Busier, vie C. J. Aicken, discharged. Tho medal presented to the City Guards by Mr E. Isaacs, and now held by Colour- Sergeant Stirling, is again to be fired for on Saturday, April 2nd. The medal has to bo won twice in succession or three time' at intervals before it becomes tho ab-oluto pro perty of any member. Tho followirg will represent tho City Guards in their match with tho College Rifles on Saturelay next: — Licutonauls Dormer aud Shemilt, Colonel- Sergoant Stirling, Sergeants Boyd, Scott, Jack, Scall, Privates Tiernoy, Townsend, Craig. Emergency : Sergeant Orr and Cor poral Taylor. Several new members wore proposed at a meeting of the corps last night. Gordon Rifles. At a meeting of this corps last ovoning, Liout. Fairs, Col.-Scrgoant Buchanan, Ser geant White, and Voluntocr Leigh wero ap pointed a committee to arrange for the suitable rocoptiou of Captain White, rifle champion. The corps proceeds to Onehunga in full uniform by tho ton minutcß past ono train on Saturday. No. -2 Battalion. The musters of tho corps couiptisiug No, 2 battalion wero very small last evening. Major Pirie attended, and imparted a course of position drill, and subsequently addressed tho battalion, giving the mon some sound advico.

OUR GOLDFIELDS

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT,

Thames, this day

«ood Haul of Specimens.

Cambria.—A few days ago I mentioned that a very promising loader 3 or 4 inche3 wide hsd been found in the footwall of the hanging reef in tho western drive at No. 2 level. It has already produced cne or two small, parcels of picked stone, and as it looked really well, the manager was sanguine that something good would bo met with as the drive was extended upon it. During tho past fow days the men havo been engaged stripping tho leader, which was broken down at four o'clock yesterday afternoon, and the splen did haul of COlbs of specimens bagged, while some strong dabs of gold are still showing in the face. The specimens are ot excellent quality, a nice band of gold being disseminated through them, and from their appearance they should be worth at least one ounce to the pound. The news of this haul of stone has caused considerable satisfaction hero, and public interest has onco more been suddenly awakened in this mine. Tho slopes on tho hangingwall reef are also producing occa sional hauls of picked stone, and the quartz is shaping well at tho battery. New Fkincib Imperial —The No. 1 reef in the second stope was broken dewn for the whole distance and stripped yesterday afternoon, when dabs and colours of gold were freely seen in tho quartz, but no picked stotio was bagged Cambria. «—During tho past, week (53 loads of quartz havo been crushed for 179 ounces of amalgam. The specimens will be trea'.el next Wednesday, whon the fort nightly cleaning up luke< placo.

SEW JUSTICE OF THE PEACE ROLL.

(BY TELEGRAPH - PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. 7 his following aro tho new Justices of the Peace in Auckland district:—E. Day, Mor cury Bay; A J. Allom, Thames; J. A. Caldwell, Kawakawa; J. A. Dobson, To -Iroha; C. Evans, To Arai ; O. Mays, Devonport; J. Roulston, Pukekoho ; A. R, H. Livindlay, Coromandel: J. H. Salmon Russell; J. H. Taylor, Ohinemutu ;H. G. Wade, Auckland,

ALLEGED ILLICIT DISTILLA TION.

(BY tclloraph.—press association.) Timaru, f.hi-3 day. The two. Matthews and J. Bell, .charged with having an illicit still at Waitohi, have been tomanded till Monday next,' at 11 a m., to enable the police to work up the caee.

Fatal Fire in Christchurch.

A father Killed in tlie Attempt to Kcscue His Child.

(BY TI'XEGRArir —PRESS ASSOCIATION,)

CiiRiSTCHURCii, this day. A fatal fire occurred at half-past five o'clock yesterday morning The fire oc curred on the promises of Robert Mac- Phereon, cordial maker; situated at the corner of Worcester street and Cambridge Terrace, Whereby the proprietor lost his life, and building and plant wero totally destroyed. It appears that the fire ated close to the engine used for hot tling purposes, and it is surmised that a spark must have caught the woodwork of th 9 building, or that some inflammable matter must have caught fire early in the afternoon, when the engine was being used; and having smouldered all night, became controllable before it was seen. The builoj ing itself was two stories, one being of woodj and had a long one-storied arm running along the Worcester-street frontage. The Worcest r-street part of the building was used, tho ground floor as a factory and offices, the upper portion as a dwelling by the deceased and his family.B The whole of the building was old, havingjbeen used at vari ous times as an upholsterer's shop and a boot factory, but as the roofing was of corru gated iron, part shingles, and the construc tion being very dry and the fire hiving gained groat headway before the arrival of tho brigade there was no hope of Saving tho building. Although thoro was no wind blowing at the time tho presence of chemicals and the tindet-like drynesß of the building caused it to burn fiercely, a telegraph polo in Worcester-street on the same side of tho road as the fire being badly damaged by charring. Thero were three persons who were sleep ing frftetnrrrfrri^-Robert M i cJP.her^on i the unfortunate man who lost his life, his son, a youth of 14 years, and daughter. It ig said that McPhorson could easily have .escaped, but, foaring his daughter was still in tho building, rushed back into the place, Becoming suffocated by tho dense smoke and fumes cf chemicalp.ho became stupifled and foil at tho top of the stairs and was burned to doath. His body was found in that position, and was badly charred. It was taken possession of by the police, and co.ivoyed to the morguo at the hospital. Tho Brigade, as usual, worked well, but it was fighting against hope, as the fire was uncontrollable from tho firet.

A NICE HUSBAND.

A man named Edwin Quick has lately ' dropped into what he would no doubt term * "a bit of hard luck." It appears that ho is a married man with a family 0f.5? seven. Ho left his wife at Drury over " two ago and went to Sydney-. In May. 18815, Mrs Quick applied for "M assistance, and was allowed 30a per week by tbe Relieving Officer, Mr John Graham. Lately the husband returned to New Zealand, and wanted to take hia two I oldest daughters with him to Sydney, of; ;> courEO being willing to leave hie wife and younger children still a cost oh the I country. Fortunately, Mrs Quick took.,;'.J prompt action, and obtained a main tenance order from the Court. Ker? husband was bound down in one Burety of £50, and himself in a similar sum, to pay '3 hia wife £2 per month, or in default 1 six months' imprisonment. This wag '■'. rather a shock, but even here hia 1 troubles wero not ended, for yesterday Mr H. N. Garland, on behalf of the Auck- : land Hospital and Charitable Aide Board, " laid a further information against '■') Quick to recover the sum of £33 pre- , viously advanced by the Relieving Officer ' to Mrs Quick. The case was heard yea-.'"-it" terday morning in the District Judge's v room, before the Resident Magistrate, Mr H. G. Seth Smith, who ordered the pay- ; ment of tho money forthwith, or in default two months' imprisonment.

CITY SCHOOLS COMMITTEE.

The ordinary meeting was held last evening. Present: Messrs Gorrie (presiding), Blades, Ussher. McMaeter, and Farrell.

Truant School. —Mr Small, the cently appointed truant officer, who was>J, present, stated that there . were now 39 pupils at the Albert-street Auxiliary School. He was satisfied with the manner in which school-work was carried out, but he required an office for the }' proper performance of a portion of his work. In his view, the fault so far as truant- - playir.g was concerned was - due to the negligenco of parents. A great many children stated that tbey attended Matist Brothers' School, and he had not been ablo to ascertain whether J ■ this was correct or not. Some urged f! inability to attend owing to having ji neithor boots nor socks, and he haljj?i pointed out that this would not pre--: vont them being received at the Albert-st.; school providing thoy observed tho usual' precautions required by cleanliness. He"",;, was induced to believe that some masters were sending thoir bad boys to the f: truant school. Ho had received one truant player from Beresford-street School. The ; Committee decidod to provide Mr Small with necessary office accommodation.

Fryer's Circus.—Application was made for permission to uso the ground , near the Drill-shed for Fryer's circus ' for six or Eeven nights. It was agreed to grant the permission required at tho rental of £10 per week.

Hemovals ok Thaciieks On tho motion ; of Mr TJssher, tho following motion was it:, agreed to:—" That the Committeo acknow-; ■ ledge letter from the Board notifying the " ; o appointment of Miss Adams and Mrs 0. Lv Grant to the Beresford and Nelson streets sc'rools, and that the Committee desire to ask tho Board if the Committee have been { consulted prior to the appointment, as they '.' havo no memo, to that effect."

Proposed New School. — The Board ; .;' Secretary announced the lease of allotment in Howe-street for building of new school. The Chairman stated there was £2,000 sot apart for a now school in this locality, and on his motion it was agreed to ask the ;;j;; Board to have plans prepared at once for* 1 ? its orection. .''"'j.y; Special Holiday. —Mr Worthington ,: made another application for the granting of a holiday previously made by the Boys' iv; Sports Committee to tho Wellesley-street School, pointing out that the sports were held under the control of tho teicherp. The"' Committee decided to adhere to previous decision.

Broken Windows. —Mr Worthington re ported that eoveral panes of glass in Wei lesleystreet School had been broken, evi dently the result of stone throwing.

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(by telegraph—own correspohdent.) S

j Wellington, this day. j With regard to the legal difficulty which > has arison respecting the intended appoint j nient of tho Hon. G. M. Waterbouse as , acting-Speaker of the Legislative Council, o . ■ \ I learn that no definite decision has yet. ( been arrived at by the Government as to the course to bo pursued, but that it is . probable a special Act may have to be passed to provide for the case in point. r It is understood that the result of the \ recent consultation between the Coloniil ; Secretary, tho Under-Secretary, and the Chief Sheep Inspector is that savings are' < t doomed practieablo in tho Sheep Depart ment to tho extent of about £3,000 per annum, without appreciably impairing the efficiency cf the Department. An absurd„ report was widely circulated outside of. ; Wellington that a reduction of £50,000 would be effected. As, however, the total ' a cost ia only some £30,000, it is evident that ; a stray cypher or two must have become- 1 accidentally tacked on. * ' -n The Hon. J. A. Tole was slightly better ast night after bis recent somewhat severe sprain. His medical attendant thinks.it will be some week 3 before he will be able. W to leave hia room. There are thirteen cases of typhoid fever in Wellington Hospital at present. Those who aro fond of railing at the colony and declaring that it is rapidly drifting into utter shipwreck, and that farming operations at present prices would pay no man, should have been present at Kennedy Macdonald and Co.'s sale of Rail-< way Company's lands yesterd »y. They would then have soen three or four hundred Now Zealand yeomen—men of much intelli gence-bidding keenly and sensibly for various eections of land as they were put up ; and whon men like these are found in vesting to the tune of over £8,000 on a summer afternoon in unimproved country,, lands, it is pretty fair proof -of the true' soundness of tho colony, and tho genuine '■" :.' belief of ifs woikers in the profitable t i character cf the laeds they are occupy-,: iog. , :;; I am informed by Major Jervois, Private Secretary to the Governor, that no intima- J tion has been received by His Excellency of. tho cbaDge in the Governorship of New. Zealand referred to by a cable message re cently. •

****** AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 1887.

2



QPLENDID VALUE IN DRAPERY 0 AND CLOTHING. Strong Flannel, 7Jd yard Wide width Moegiel Flannel. 13jd yd Grand assortment of Flannels at lowest piieo Floorcloth, 6ft wide, Is lid yd Coata'a hoot 200 yds Cotton Keels. Is doz Girlß' and Women's Hose, from 3Jd pair Men's Socks, from 3d pair Very largo assortment Buttons, id por dcz Long Lace Curtains, 2s 3d pair Short Blind Not. 2jd Good. White Calioo, 2Jd j Crowdson's Calico. 31d Joo Ijot Underclothing, half-price Nice Assortment New Black Jerseys Mon'a Strong Cotton Shirts, from is Strong Union ditto, 2s 6d Men's good Paijet Coats 7s 6d (former price. 21s) Men's Strong Coats, 03 6d; Boys' do. very cheip Men's good Hard Black Felt Hats, 3s 6d jFob Lot Men s and Boys' Felt Hats, from la Men's Brown Cotton Singlets, Is 6d Men's Pants, Is 3d Nice Stock of Tweeds, very much reduced Cheap Blankets Large Lot of Remnants In great varioty, at very low prices. At Wjf. R. BRIDGMAN'S CHEAP CLEARING CASH SALE, 28S, VpPSb. Queen-st.



" \\i OODEN legs are a boon," sighed Tt the languid man, wh* bore his anguish like a Spartan, amid the. constant gnawings ol a savage corn which was aggra vated by tho tension of a tight boot. " Youi misery is self-inflicted and well-merited,' - BaW his compan'on, "it you neglect tho remedy science has provided tor your relief." " What remedy do you mean? I have little faith In medicine." "Woll, sropfici should suffer 1 but jjity imcelsmcto tell you that Aickin'b Corn Curb willgive youimmediat9 hblief. Inquire at The Pharmacy; the pi ice Is Is 6d per bottle." TCp O R S A E B, The following EXTRAORDINARY BAR GAINS at FERNANDEZ'S, Newton :-l oase ot Men's Real Pith He'mets, 2s 61 each, honestly worth 10s; Men's Bervicablo Dark Tweed Suits (comph te), forlSs. reduced from ?ss. Men's Strong Working Shirts with Collars, la Cd each, usual prico, 2s tid. Coloured Moleskin Trousers for working men, 3s lid a pair; Good Quality Large White Blankets, 4s lid each, worth 7s 6d j 10 dozen Boys' Black Felt Hatß, Is each, former price 2s Also: J33.COJ worth of General Drapery and Clothing at a Reduction of from 5s to 10s in tho fi. The leason I am almcst giving away my Goods la because I am t-ylng to give up.—l. ffUKNANDKZ Draper. Ksrangahare Road. W. S. L AURia * C°- COBTOM3 AND HTANLKT-STRKETS, AUCKLAND, Seed and Manure Merchants Bunedu-,t Manufacturers Agents for Peruvian Government Gu&ns Importers of reccing Wire. Bucks, Wwl Packs, etc, Cash Purchasers of Bone* SPICI U.LY CUls aP~" V EM B8- AT GL'OIjBON'3 LONDON ARCADHJ. 5 quires l-2tl sheets) go:d Cream Ituled Nolo Paper for SI: Jttnvelopea to ronton. 6d per 110: TCau de C .logn«, 2t boitle for U, or 5- 61 bottle fjr3st>d;'loiitt, Vlootar, 3. 01 bit'.ipfor 2s, or Is smaller size; Munor cos (.H pieces), hand- I soma patterns, 25i; Tea Sets (10 pieces), china, handsomely gilt, 12s 6a the set; Breakfast Sets, ohina and gilt, 15s; Dessert Sets. 15j,- Chamber Sets, handsome patterns, 12s Ed; Toilet Sets, 3s 6d; elegant Cut-glaeo Scent Bottles. Diokel silver lops, 1b 6d; Sterling Silver Jewellery, < marvellously cheap; Nickel Silver.Clocks, good time-keepsrs, fis each: Whtte-hardie Table Knlveß, rlvetted. Is Ed the i-dozen; White- 1 handle Dessert Knives, rivetted, 3s 8d the J dozen ; Black-handle Knives and Ftirke, Btrong and good, 3s tho J dozen pairs; Bread Knives. ( 8a each j Toys in endless variety arranged i on stalls —31, fid, and la each article and up- ' wards. Kor Birthday, Wedding, or any Pre- f sent*, no place in Aucklan-1 line the London ArcAdt, for Variety »nd Cheapness. Piles list t on applkai.tnti. - K-.t,-. Addreßs: OOODSON'B , A.lr::j)>! i ,.,.Q U 89n-stte3t (opposite ( BXclitbut a V. a-.fctiouse.) B.H. J. M.URRAY~MUOK£, UD, I M.R€S. Hours tot Consultation: 11 to J p.m., at FondaHomcecipatbicPharmacy. 153 gueen-atreet; 2 to 3 p.m.. and 1 2Km. ai ! Lower Symonda strjet. Telephone i at 1 p.m., TDESDAY \,



W. J. H™ ST& C°- B. J. ESAM and A. H, GRAINGER having purchased from the Publlo Trustee (the Kxecutor under the WUI of tho late W. J. Hurst) tho Goodwill. Stock-in-trade, Book Debts, otc., of the old-established business of W. J. Hurst and Co., Grain, Seed, Produce, and Artificial Manure Merchants, will trade under tho same style and name, and will continue the business as heretofore. All Outstanding Accounts are requested to be paid forthwith. W. J. HURST tslCO. ON SALE. SEEDS- Now Season's Clovers and Natural Grasses . Rye Grass and Cocksfoot (in variety) Turnip and Mangold Seeds MANURES- Bonedust (fine and i-lnch) Superphosphates (various grades) Nitrate of Soda Sulphate ot Ammonia Potash. Kainet, etc., eto. Peruvian Guano GRAIN- Soed and Feed of all descriptions Flour, Oatmeal Bran. Sharps Table and Coarse Salt Table Potatoes &c. tec. &o. W. J. HURST & CO,, QUKEN-3TREET, AUCKLAND. {"[PERAMBULATORS TO BE SOU! AT A C3-EIE.A.T SACRIFICE. // Qo CASH /G? , //&// / sy / / v/ /§// * /&7 // ; '..$// BARGAIN. ; / Finding wo have 220* Perambulator in Stock, we have decided to clear ou 100 of them at prices unheard of in Auck land before. ENGLISH, AMERICAN, & GERMAN GARLICK & CIUNWELL. - House Fcrnisheks, OUEEN STREET. AUCKLAND. "TVISEASBS OF THE EYE AND EAR. Mr HUMPHREY~HaTnKS, Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, &c, late Resident House Surgeon to the National Eye and Ear Infirmary, Dublin—having devoted a lengthened period, both on the Continent and in the United Kingdom, to the study of Diseases peculiar to the Eyes and Ears, can now be con sulted for the same at the residence of Dr C H. Haines, Princes-Btreet, Albert Park, Auckland. Hours of Consultation. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.