COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c., To-night.

Al.bott'R Opora Houec-Wndo-Alloy tic Compsny la"TheFro_'__to. 8. ,„ V.M.C.A. Kooini-Kvangailslic °oryloo. 7.». Gloss works. Fr.'oio.ti.'sßay-Kxliloition of KIM»-

blowing, 210 5 . _- Tomocranco H-11-Frc. cn'cr-Inmost. ~3fc Fireball. Corner of Grey and Queen Streets— __gS_.-n*. ret_„l 7 n.h. Tcct on Surrey Bill. Estate, Pjnsonoy Road, 7 SO.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

February 21.— A .G. Ptirchas and C. Ring.

Sunday Services.

KQ.TE.—Thc ecrvtocs arc at the trstial hours, wiles* when tthermise .tinted. When only one are-Cher's nans „ .iw. he officiates at both diets of tvorship; rvhen more than one. thoy officiate at the services in the vrdcr named.

St,Paul'e-_arv«t Thwoksfilvlng S_vic.. In-

cumbent. St. Matthew's—lncumbent, All Saints'—lncumbent. St. Sepulchre's—lncumbent. City Hall-Evangelistic .-orvice. 8. St. Mary's, 1 .rncll-Incumbsnt. Epiphany-ltevs. W. Beatty and J. 8. Bill. St. l_t__ Presbytori in-Rov. 11. Sommcrvillo. St. David's Frosbyterian-Kov C. Wovboje, 1-ttßtrea. Wo„cya_-Kcv-, A. Reid and J. A.

Taylor. _H_ton R _,1 Wmleyan-Eovs. R. B*via and

W. j. Wattin. , _ Parnell Wcslo j an—Mr R. Fry and Rev. R.

Bavin. . , „ St. John's Wesloyan-P.ers. 3. A. Taylor and C.

H. Garland. Birkenhead Weslcj an-Morning at eleven, and

evening at io.cn. Devonport Wo ,!i>yan—_ forcing at eleven. Revs. A J. Smith and 11. 11. De _ sburj-. Mount Albert Wesleyan—Rev. C. H. Garland

■ and Mr J. Roberts. New Church Services-Foresters' Hall, Karan-

gahapo Road. II cm. Auckland Tabcrnac'o-P.istor Spurgcac. Ponsonby Baptist-Mr 8. Parker. Congregational Chu.-ch, Borosford-stroet—Revs,

_. _a'.shley aid A. Carrick. Dovonport OungregaHona'.—Mr Smeeton and supply Newton Congregational—Messrs J. Knott and H. Field. Abbott's Opera Bouse—Mr B. H. Taylo-. Mount Edon Congregational-Roy. W. 3. L.

Closs. Alexandra street Pilmltivs Methodist —Mr 3. Olphert and _ _pply. Pitt and Edwin stree s Primitive Mothodist— Sundaj' School Anniversary Services—Revs. 11. R. D-webu'y and W. 8 Potttr. Pitt and Vioe.ont-stroi-t Primitive Alothodist— Mr C. E. Button and Rev. a. a. acfarlano. Mount Edon Primitive Mtthedijt-Rov. S.Mao farlano and Mr - o ter. Fmnk'ln Road Primitive MethodiEt-Rov. C.E. Ward. Richmond Road 1 .i_i!tive Method lat—Rov. C.

B. Ward and Mr H. is Potior. Watorview Priniitive Msthcdist—Mr Tring. V.MC. A.-K-V. J. S. Hill, 3 p.m. Oddfellows' Hall, Uevonport-llon. G. Walde

grave, 6.8 a -"rotoslant flali, _. swton—Chrietadolphlans, 11 a.m. Lorno s'r'jt Hall — Auckland Rationalistic Ssclcty. 7.80. Suroraoi _t.ro. Hull—Cnri6t„dclDbi<ns. licligiou) Meeting in tho'lent on Surroy Hills Bstate, Por,sonbv Road-3 and 7 p 111. North Shoro P ..byterian Church-Rev. H. Nlvonii. M Avondale Hall— ervice, II and 6.30. Avondalo Presbyterian- Rev. A. McKonzle. Pousonby Baiilist - Messrs Parker and John?.

Auction Sales on Monday.

B. I'onka and Co.—Properties, eto , 12. 1). F. Evans, I .tt-ttrort—Hoaßohold furniture and lil-ds, surgical instruments, medical book», otc , 11. T. M. Jacktoa—Villa residence and allotment, 12 G. Sibbin-\Yi_C3. spirits, otc . 11. W. P. IV chrano and Co.— Household Furniture, &c. 11. J. J. Joaes—Houshold Furniture end Effects, 11. Aithur and Buddie-Ut redcemeel Pledge?. 11.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will oiosk _s undeu :— MOWDAY, 2Ut ir.St. For Taranaki and Southern ports, per Penguin, at 6 a.m. For rnnnies. per Rotoimaiisna. Nt It a m. For Waitara aad Southern porta, i«r Gaixloeh, at 11 a m. Forßiwoae, and Hol-.i-.nc_ District, per Oreti, at 11 sum. For Putlkl ar.d Coro__-dol, per Coromandel at 11.80 a m. For Whfiian?!, ITp.ier Mill. Gum Town, Tau ranga, and C-potilil, por lona, at! p.m. For lauranga and Opotiki, per Chelmsford, nt _ p m For Russell. Kawakaiva. Rawoeo, Wangaroe, and Mom- .mil, nor Clansman, at 5 p.m. Por Thamos, por ifintorprlto, at 5 30 p.m. _____ AY, 22nd ins!. For Waiwera. Kawau. T___h, Omaha. Mata kana, Mullot Point, andJUiwer Matakana. per Rono Cafi.. at 16 a.m. For Friendly Islands. Sauioa, Tahiti, aud Raro to"ga. per Jan. t Nicol. at 1 1 a.:ji. Per Rot. mahnnn as fo lows :— Vac China. Japan, Suez, and Continent of Europe ot3 p.m. For Russell,Kawakawa.Aiißtra'ian Colonies and United Kingdom, via Urindiai nnd Naplru (per Orient etrauier). for Icttors.. &c. specially ao prepaid and addrcsigcd. at 4 p.m.

—atelcttcra for Sydney and Melbourne only, at 1.20 p.m. Mall will boduo at London on l.ih April. For Glsborne and Nup>or, per Anstr.Hn, at o vm. MONDAY. _sth inst. Per Alameda, as follows :- For Samoa, Sandwich Mauris, Unltsd Sidle. of America, C_nn.iia. British Columbia. Cec n-iil unit south America, and Driliih and Foro lgn West Indies, at 5 p in. -or tb. United Kingdom and Contlaontof Kunopo, at 5 p.m. M_mijr.oi.or_, regisl.rod letters, and news papers, at .130 p.m. Lato loiters, bo_rt_r nn nxtra fpo of 6<l in a.Jilltion lo tho pottazo. will bo re..ived by thd Mall Axcnk on board tho ateamor up to the timo of sailing. This mall will bo duo at T,o_don Apr 11. N.R—A Post nmcj will be opened at Ta?apa nn Ist March. Mails will oloic at this on Mon days, Wtdnead .y». and Fridays, at 7 am. Re tarn ma Is will ba reoeived m Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 7 a.m. A Post Offloe will be opewd at Wuhnroa on Ist Marrh Malls will close it -his office daily a 7 n.m. It»t_ru mails will b; roc.ived daily at am. (Signed) S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaatcr. C itef Poet office. As ikiand.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

6ij3l__n_— Thia svbuLor, 6 48. sirNntßE —To -morrow morning, 5.50. Moon'a AtlE.—New Moon, 23rd, 9.111 p.m,

HIGH WATER.

Auckland- This aftornoon, ill; to-morrow morning, 3,10.

Makukau Heads—Thiß evening, 7-21; to morrow roorD__, 7.50. Kaip/.ba Heads This evening, 8 21; to morrow m.rnlng, 8.50.

DEPARTURE.

last _rv__n.a. Cia _ man, s.s., Faiqahar, for Tauranga Alexa. barque, for Baker'_ Island lona, s 8,, for Mercury Bay

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Ititomahans, from Thames, Monday, 10 p.m. Coromandel. fromCorornaudel. to day, _ p ni. lona, from Mercury Bay, to-night. Wellington, from VThangarei. Monday night Knterpino, from Thames, to day. 10 30 p.m. Clansman, tr..m Tauranga, Sunday, esrly Rnapohn, from London, via South, March 6 Australia, from Ghboroo, Sunday Penguin (Oaehnngs).from __ h,Sunday,Ba.m. Kotomahana, from youth, Monday morning Manapcurl. from S. dnsy, Tuesday, early Arawata. from Fiji. Wednesday Kabu, from Ulsburne, due

EXPORTS.

V.. Llnclu.en 2,706 caeeß kauri gum, vilued et__._7.

Inwjrdb Coastwise.-Violet, from Thames ; Idn, £r_m MaliUrunEl ;-Kata, from Wairoa.

Ootwauds Coastwise.—Nerval, for Russell Ida, for _l_„m";i:i_« ; f-cti, for Kennedy Bay.

-The haiauo Linc'u'.on cleared at tho Customs tc-day for New Yo.-K with a full cargo of gum.

Tho chip Lady Jocelyn _» no- 81 days out from loodor-. a .d sh .uld put in an appearance hare vory thortl/.

The sohooner Glsbo nd Ib Io 1 avo for Ris bono aad in_r_idi.de »oris on Tuesday ley.

Ths s.s. Arstrnli-i n._'octe.d to arrive from Gi*borii . via intermediate poits, on Sunday _f___o_&.

The. s.s. Janot . ie .1! and li'lzarjlino Oceola -weredocksd thin morning the forme' for clean i )K and the latter lor a general overhaul.

During next woek iho 3 s. I. oliiku will be laid vi far li?r annual .vstbaiil. and consequently shs will not milea her v uil weokly trip to the Tham- s. Paeroa and Uvv r Thamo .

Tha s.s. Hei'__ wlis fi a'trt out of dock last nvining and berthed at the Q.ioan-street Wharf, whnre rep lira aid alteration! commenced in do.de will bo complete .

THE PILOT SERVICE.

The Auckland . ih. service continues in a vci'V unsettled slats. The steam tug Awhina ili f carries Pilot Jlo-illivray. who arcls the i:',..,'.-. share of tee work, and that _ not a very ,-,"■-_|, ileal at present, and Pilots fcamty and Cooper are afloat in two other vessels They dissolved par.nuivhip a fc-.v wicks backhand now ai o " pilotinit in opposition lo each other,; l. . n- also to run a_ainst Pilot McGlllivray. Pilot C'oopor has obtained tho use of tho Har bour Board schooner Vindox, and sails her, wo nn'lo .land, with two ot a crew, whist Pilot Sainly pursues his calling in a small half-decked boat Tho service is "intensely' compo titivo, but as the pilots agree lliat there is notsullieicnt work to keep them all going, a change one way or another is only a question of time. i

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

SynBKT. Fobruiry 19.—Bailed: Hauroto, for Wollicgloo. T_nk_ikk_, 1; .brusry 16.—Ssilrd: Aorangi, Plymouth.

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

For the ctuie that lacks assistance, Por the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distmioe, Aad the good that -we can do-

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1887.

From the public utterances of the Premier, and from statements that have gained currency on semi-official autho rity, there is reason to believe that Sir Robert Stout will introduce this session some measure dealing with the Legis lative Council. The . nature of nis proposals are not disclosed, but we do not hesitate to say that no bill will be satisfactory which does not immediately attack the number of appointments to the Council and the payment of its members. It is a blot upon our legislative system that we pay some £10,000 a year in salaries to the honourable gentlemen who sit in the Upper Chamber to represent pro perty. In 1885 the members of the Council sat 189 hours and 28 minutes, whilst the members of the House of Representatives sat 515 hours 33 minutes. The representatives of the Council were thus paid at the rate of 22s an hour—tolerably good pay in these times—for their ser vices, and the representatives of tho people, only a fraction over Ss. In addition to this, they enjoy the privi leges of free passes and other advan tages accruing to the legislative office. With an enormous deficiency between revenue and expenditure, which it is proposed to cover by increasing the burdens of the people, the Government ! are in duty bound to attack this j monstrosity. The expenses of the legislature have grown year by year iv ; a most extraordinary way. In 1870-71, the parliamentary expenses amounted only to £19,600. For the last session they were The charges upon the country on account of the Execotive iv 1870-71 were only .£5,893; in 1880-81 they were and last year they amounted to ~£14,712. A Committee of the House last session reported that this expenditure could be ieduced with advantage to the colony, and illustrated it number of directions iv which savings might be made. If the Government are sincere in their professions of a desire to retrench, they will reduce the estimates under this head by a third at

Iciisl, and anion;,' tlio savings mailc tlie whole amount of the life pensions paid to "the lords" ought to be kept in tli. Treasury nnd applied in reduction of taxation. If the colonial " money bags" aro not satisfied with being " ennobled," without also being paid for the honour, the distinguished title which they so unctuously flourish has fallen upon evil days Indeed.

An accidental mistake occurred in our notice of Mr Hermann Tinno's presentation of books, it. being slated -hut tho collection would bo placed in tho Free I'ublic Library. Tho books aro unconditionally presented to tho Auckland Institute, and will, of course, bo placed in tho Library of (be Institute. However, aa that Libiary is a public ono, that circumstance will not provent the people of Auckland from having accoea to tho book .

Mr Mark Rawlinga, P.oturning Ollicoi for Parnoll, received tho following nominations yesterday for candidates for tho Liconsiiiir Bench : -Messrs Mark Marriott, ... _. Mullens, Napian W. Pollard, John Savage, and Edward Withy. As only tho number required woro nominated, theso gentlemen wore duly deolarcd elected. The fir.t meet ing of tho committoe will ba held on Tues day noxt, at 0 p.m , when n chairman will be elected. As this committee is competed of both temperate and moderate mon, it should givo satisfaction.

A Press Association telegram published in tho " Ilenild " this morning 5.'' v c^ what pur ports to bo tho "Yearly Report of tho Union Firo and Marina Insurance Com pany." Tb„ i. an obiicua error, an tho linanoial year of tho Union Company does not terminate till May next. In point of fact, the report tolegr_phed from Dunedin is that of tho Standard Insurance Com pany, which has its headquarters I here. Tho income for the year, including i' 2 5 '2 1 _ brought forward, amounts to £78,833 7s, and tho cxpondituo to .(."87,". ~ leaving a iialaneo of £11,-ISO 12., whioh it is recom mended should bo appropriated to (ho pay ment of a divideud at tho rato of 7J. por cent, per annum, £5,555 12s boing ca.-riorl forward. Full provision h__ been mado for all oscertaineel losses. It may ho aildcil that this is tho sixth year in succession that Iho Standard Company havo declared a dividond of 7i por cent.

A French Artillory Captain, who has been on a visit to tho French an 1 An:strain .an colonic?, left Auckland on Tuesday hi.. for Sydnoy and Fiance. Thi. gentleman has been recalled to join his regimont iv view ol tho probable outbreak of war between Franco and Germany. Whilo in Auckland ho expressed his belief that, no nation was bolter prepared for war than Franco, ns horar.cimla and stores wero lilled with arms, ammunition, and provision, of tho vory bos! quality and type. Tho gallant Captain was anxious to reach home before tho commence ment of hostilities, acd ho told, our reporter that tho French soldiers had tho fullest confidence in thoir olhcers, whilst tho hitlor placed tho greatest roli.inco on the perfec tion of thoir armament, nnd the enthusiasm which tho patriotic (lauls woul 1 display in tho coming struggle.

A fair attendanco marked iho interest if the peop'.o of Auckland last right on tho important subject of " Rihlo Kanctili cation," which was dealt with by ilr A. G. Daniells at tho Surrey Hills lent. It is worthy of note, the speaker said, (hit nono of Iho good old Rihlo paints (oven Enoch, who walked with God three hundred years) ever once "testified" of their sanclification and holiness, and peoplo ought, with the greatest solemnity, t-i %reigh this matter boforo giving expression us being spotless and without sin beforo God.

A mooting of ratepayers in Mount Edon Road district is to bo hold on Monday oven ing next, at 7..'i0, in Iho public schoolroom, to consider tho quos.tior. of loan for tho pur pose of providing a water supply. Tho poll on this important question has beon lixed to take place on Saturday noxt, -litli hint.

At tho X M. Court yesterday, tho caso of Ktiiidorson v. Browning i.lo.cd after we wont to press. Thia was a claim for comm ission on tho salo of property al Mount Albort, valuo £675. Mr liiiilon appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Muhuny for thu dofondiiiit. Tho ovideiico was that a Mr liiowniiigotiiplo.ed MrlJanilorsouandotkura to lind n purchaser for certain properly. Mr Kandorson inlroducod iho property lo tho notico of a Mr Spraggo, who told a Mr Farley of it, who told hii .nun\ .1 Mi_ Mil _h.011.0f it, autl that lady purchased it. Ills ground that tho purchu.e T.iif' nut..-.V? from Mr Randsrton's introduclion. Mr Burton gavo notice of appeal on behalf ol tho plaintiff.

At tho Victor a Hot. 1 je-lcrday aflen..i..n nn inquest was In Id before Mr K. C. Bar stow (Coroner) and,* jury upon tho body nf an infant of two years old, named Arthur Hugh Walker, who _v* roporUd to havo mot hia death through iojorios ca-_s_.J by his dies-, catching lire. The ovnleiicu nil duced fhoived I hat on Saturday hist tho deceased and his eldor brother Mere loft playing in an outhouse, s>id that the f .rim r wandered thence into th. dwolling house, whero,it is supposed,ho b-igan playing wilh the tiro, tho only occupants boing in a front bodroom. Shortly afterwards ho camo out, and, whon seen by his brokhor, ho was a mass ef 11-incs Tho cl-.!or lad at onco put v suck about him to smother the burning clothes ; ho then called for a.ei.rnnce, and Miss Tapp elmo on tho scone, und managed to tear Ihe clothes oil the deceased, but not. boforo tho pior 1 tiio fellow had boon dreadfully burnt. Dr. Scott was called ki to attend tho Utile sulToror, but his -kill wos of no avail, and tho child died on Thursday evening. The jury returned a verdict of accidental doath.

The polioo nre .iixicim to ohtnin nn owner for a brass hand bell, with ivory handle. A small picco ia broken oil tho edge of the bra^.,

A meeting of creditors in tho bankrupt estate of Alhoit Wickhim was to have been holel today, hut lapsed for want of a quorum.

Tho third session oi Iho Grafton Koad Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Society commoner:? with an inaugural meeting on Monday evening next, at S o'clock, in tho school-room, An Interesting programme will be presented, consisting of an inaugural address by tho President (Key. 11 Bavint, an address by 1 _v W. Worker, recitations, anel selections of vocal und instrumental music by members and frionda. Aslmusioii ia frco. Thomas Tcsson Evans was ex.mined on oath to-day by tho Ollicial Assignee, 110 said: —"I am an accountant, und have been about sixteon years in Auckland. 1 occasionally bought land, and also mining shares, and it ie principally out o; theio transactions that I got into diflioully. In the early part of 18SG, I considered my aseeta to bo at least £200 moro than my liabilities. About this timo I assisted a friend to start in business, and rondorcil

myself liable on his behalf to tho amount of

£100, which iu_ noiv forma part of my present indebtedness. Towards the latter pattof IBSB, I endeavoured to rcalieo my property, with the objoct of clear ing oft' my liabilities, but was not able to effect any sa'o. In January last tho

chief portion of my estate iv_- sod by (bo mortgagee, but only realised this amount. Mi mortgage of £500 being £300 less than it

had been valuocl at by land, agente in tho month previous. Tho remaining laud hiing unsaleable at present for moro t-htn tho amount of its encumbrance, Iho mining stock being either forfeited or valueless, and not being able to mako any offer of com position to my creditors, I deemed it be.l to tako these proceeding- ! have perma nent employment at JL'_ por week, and have hold tho appointment for several years, and nina singlo man. Tho only tiiioncuui bored property left is an allotment at Mount Eden. 150 by 100, foiicod with a stone wall, and mottgsged for _-107, its estimated valuo being only £375. Tho untoeured debts amount to £374 3s sd, made up as follows:-Promissory nn'c re ferred to ns endorsed for a friend, £'00 5s ; rent of Inasaholtl, £15; board and lodging, £',i'J ; salary overdrawn, i'oi Si 5d ; mining sharos, say £'27, md sundry ild p.'is., which havo beon froquonlly realised, £l."_ _bo only possible a*sot I have is the lenso holl of a building section at North onto, 08 x 132, 19.years to run from January .let, ISS7, subject to aground rent of £10 per annum and £15 arrears of rent. I cannot sco my way to bind my. .If to any terms of payments, £8 my income, which is not likely to be increased, is not more thin sufficient to maintain me in tho position I occupy.'

All winners who havo not yetrrcoivoJ their prizes won at the Onoh>iuj;a Kegatta are requested to arjply to tho Treasurer, Mr Bruford, Newmarket. The-preliminary announcement appears of a grand .harvest festival at CambriSfjG on Monday, March 7th. Tho amusements pro vided are numerous and attract ire, and »,5 I (hero will bo a cheap railway excursion from Auckland, with tiefcitK available l^r | iivo days, thero will doulitcfH bo a l«r-,'o nuitber of viHitor^ from tlie city. A flofrc-taff hua been erected in front; of (ho Freshwater Baths, and on this ie af fized a red flag oo the days whsu thu i hatha are open to ladies only.

It will bo noticed from advertisement oleowhero that M. Poll/.or (French master : at tho Girls' High School) has dotorminod to start special ovoning classos- bothfor ad vancod eludonts and heginnors in tho knowledge of tho French language Tho terms aro singularly modorato, and than M. Poltaor ano more canablo teacher of French is to b > found in New Zealand. The classoa should prove a great success.

Attention is directed to anothor portion of this issue, whero it will be seen that tho benefit entertainraont which was announced for last Tuesday will tako placo on Tuesday next, the 220 d inst. An interesting and in structive programme is being prepared, and refreshments will be providod during tha evor, ing.

As city nigh! ejil is still being deposited at Point Chevalior, despite tho resolution of tho City Council to discontinue tho pnietico on account of the nuisance caused, the re.-.i Jarits of tho district intend taking legal action for their protection. Mr Napior has boen oinploycel to cojiiiuct the caso fer tho residents, who will subscribe tho necessary funds.

Cross actions for ae_au.lt botween two foreigners named Andrew Joan and John Damon were heard at tho Polico Court yes lorday afternoon boforo Messrs I'moock and King, J P.'s. Tho ovidonca was contradic tory, and oach pirty was bound over in his own recogui.anc.. of £25 und anothor surety of a liko amount to keep the peace for six months.

Ihi member? of the Parish Glee Club of St Sepulchre's gavo a concert last ovoning in tha schoolroom, Symonda street. Thero was n small but appreciative audience. Tho programme commenced with ft pianoforte duet, "Bolero," by Misses Dick son and Weaver. Tho folio>vitig gleos wero rendered in a vory creditable manner -. — "Tho Skylark," "On tho Sea," "Tho Victor's Return," and " Tho Yono tian Boatman's Evening Song." Mr Bilbrough won tho approval of tho audience by his rendering of the re citation of "Tho Well of St. Keyno." This gontleinnn wa' a'so encored in his song, "Tho Muddle Puddle Porter." Mr Charter also elicited nn encoro for his song

" Kissing Bridge " Tho well-known trio, "Tho Wreath," was sung by Mossrs A. \V. Edwards, C. \V. Cocke and T. Charter in a manner that plcasod tho jiudi enco and necessitated a repetition, Miss Kis.ling snug "Childi-/ Miii Biivis "A Dream of Yoro," and Misa Hid ings " Golden Love." Mr Dawson .nn.' "Tim Powder Monkoy," Mr A. W. Rdward., "Como Into tho Garden, Maud." and Mr C W. Cooke, "Fiddlo and I." Thoiluot " Larboard Watch " was also sung by Messrs Edwards and Cooko. It will he . _.n that v good programme was presented, _i,i! a most enjoyable over.ing was spout.

THE TONGA DISTURBANCE

Sympathy. From Australia. [IIKU'DSK- TULKtIItAMS J Mki.ii h'kni:, Februaiy 13 Mi: 1in.1,1-s, I'rcniior, has this afternoon received replies fri in ipever.nl of the coloniaj (lovo .iroents concurring with tho views of

tho New Zealand Government with regard to Hie outrngo in Tonga, but agreeing that nothing can be done except express sym pathy with tho Baker family.

Letter From the Rev Mr Moulton

The Rev. Mr Bavin haa received the following lotter from tho Roy. J. E. Mou! ---011 relat'.ve tojtlio present dcple rabla con di ion of affairs in Tonga. In view of tho grave charges which havo boon mndo against lending Wesleyan natives, Mr Bavin considers it-right that. Mr Moult-ii'a statement should bo published : —

" ToXOA, February 1, 18S7. " Mv Dkak Mr Ravin,-I have just, heard that our minister, David Finan, is said to havo confessed to having been ono of Ihe originators of (ho scheme. • I doti'c bcliovo n wind of it. 110 was accidentally made ac ipmintcd with it tho night beforo, and that i,. all Ho erred, if ut all, in not no.ing on Ihe imported information ho received nnd lopoi-lng it. As tho Court was held with closed doors, it is impossible lo say accu rately what has taken place ; but 1 have heard from a creditable sourco that David's slnloniont, viz., Hint he was onlj niado acquainted with it (ho night be fore, vat continued by tlio two must im portant witnesses. Nor do I think that my privy to it ling. We worked much to gether, and surely tho workings of n plot of Mich 11 naturo (in 11 previous letter Mr Moiilton speaks of il aH 11 "foul crime") must havo shown themselves in his outdo iuim.'O >>t' action*.. Whereas, bayond a general Icclini; that. Mr linker's intolerable tirany could not go 01 long wilhuul. a catastrophe— bayond this Iliad not a .-ns piciori that anything was plotting Mv on 11 iuiprofsiiin ia thatit i« a political all'-iir ; but that: Mr B_kcr aeoks lo put if upon us fjr tho double purporo of cm .ling 111 ond hiiiing from Iho world his failure as a ruler. What I a.-k of you, and our Wesh van friend., in i\cw Zealand, if, to nuspond jutir judgment until 3011 have hoard Ihe oilier side. Al preaont my fooling aro host ex pressed in tho words of Jesus, " This is your hour and tho power of darknesi.1' 1 know dial when tho time comes when all shall be revealed it will bctcenthat theWeslovat a of Tonga havo dono nothing to ba : shamed of, but on tho ci.ntraiy have earned a po_ tion sido hy tiio § with tho Church's worthiest.—Yours nflcelionatcly, J. X, Moul.on."

The Guileless Maori and His Lawyer.

An inslanco of how (iio guileless Mnoii minngO9 to got through Mh patrimunial osttitos haa just cumo to light, A native ohiot wmo limo njo sold a

largo tract of land, receiving .'rem the purchaser (an Auckland lawyer of good repute) part payment, nnd an undertaking to pay the balanco al tbo ond of two years Tho thriftless Maori soon exhausted the substantial sum of money ho had recoived, and applied for tho balanco long before it was duo. Being infaimed that tho purchaser preferred not to pay tho tqpney till it waa due, ti.o chief then employee! an opposition lawyer lo ncgoliato for tho payment of tho b.laiico in advanco, authorising hint to grant a reduction of 11.30 a-, consideration for t'io accommodation. It is allogcel that the.-iiegotialions wero completed, ond tho money handed over to tho chiof's lawyer— tho purchaser ef tho land itceiving tho title deeds in oxchango But by moan, of various excuses tha chief's financial agont delayed handing over Iho monoy to his principal, until proceedings had to be threatened :to compel bim to disgorge. At ' this juncture tho lawyer, who held Iha money euddonly kit Auclilind lor Sydney, and the simple Mauri chief began to suspect that ho had been swindled. Informa'ion of the oircumstances was ac cordingly laid with Supt. Thomson by thy chiof's agent in town, but that gi.itlomnn declined to take proco dings for ill. arrest of the lawyer unload tho usual gaarn iteo of expert _s was mado. and without.'in infor mal Sou bi-iiit; laid by tho chief in pcivmi. Tho Maori has not yot mado up his mind whether ho ought to throw away good menpy in tho attempt lo stay tho pilgrim's progress, but a-, it may prove after all that ihe lawyer iius merely gone for a summer holiday, it ia probable that ho will be allowed to enjoy it in peace.

The Case of the Gril Irwin.

(To tho Editor.) S_tu, —Kindly allow me to correct somo statements made in Court yesterday in tho onus of tho charge against, the gill

liwin, which somewhat misrepre »en. matters, and cast a wrong r<.U.cticn upon Iho Homo nnd its matron, which would to Iho public mind cause prejudice. Tho UUlo girl, Mary Ann Ir-in, was re ceived from iho t/aol mi the Hist January. Our matron, Mrs Barrance, met hur at Ihe prison gates, and took her, with tho con sent of her father, to tho abovo Home. Instead of hor caao being a hopeloss j ono, we hav3 good reason to behove the will I eventually do woll. While under our oara i she has behavod remarkably well, and has | been contented and happy. Unfortunately, ! a newcomer received into the Home ■ n the lblh inst. exerted a bad influence ovir . ber, resulting in tho two girls running away together on tho afternoon of the 17th inst. Our matron was reported to have declined receiving Irwin again ; this is entirely error and without foundation, for M s Barrauce immediately sought the aid j of Iho police to endeavour, if possible, to j '.■ling hor hack .gait) to tho euro and good influence of llio Home. In Io:H than ' twenty lr-n. hours tho girl was kindly handed ovor by the Bench to Mrs Barrance _ j oha'g p, anel wo trust will cont iona to do ■ wall.—l am, sir, yours obediently, F. VV, Bosbton, Hou. Seoretary Auckland Ro iormat.jry and Women's Home association.

CABLEGRAMS.

THE EUROPEAN CRISIS.

ROUMANIAN WAR VOTIJ

FKHNCH PREPARATIONS,

(lIK.TEB- TKLEGKAM )

Lomiion, February IS. Tiif. French Government aro making largo purcha?os of horses in Spain and of sheep in Germany. St. P-TKii.siiuim, February 18. A semi-official statement is published that the Kuesian (lovornmont is passive wilh regard to tho Bulgarian question, und is- endeavouring to avert war botween Franco and Germany. The Bulgarian Question. CossTANTiNOi'LH, February IS.—fresh proposals havo beon submitted by tho Porto, with a viow to a conipromiso boing arrived at betwoon tho Bulgarian delogates a -d M. Zaokoff.

(l'ltl_S ASSOCIATION.) London, February 18, Tho Roumanian Senate has voted thirty million francs towards armaments.

The French in the New Hebrides.

[K.._T_K's TEI.KCKA.I ]

Bkislank, February 18. Tun (lovornmont agent of tbo labour voseol Helena, which has returned to this port from tho Now Hebrides, roports that tho French aro about to orcct a fort nt Port Sandwich, and that increasing tho garrison is intended. Sydney, February 17. Advices from tho Now Hebridos roport that oflicers of tho Fionch war vessol havo p-gi'od out the sitos of Bovoral email batteries at Port Sandwich.

(KEllTKll's TK-Kl! HAM )

Lo. PON, Feb. ISth

Tho Queensland Loan.

Tonders for tho Queensland I por cont loan of two millioiin and a half Worooponod today. Tho total amount offered is jL'_,7oo,ooo. Tendors at par (the minimum) will recoive S8 per cont ; abovo that amount in full. A.ohbl.liop Crokc. Archbishop Croke has published a letter advising tho Iri .1 pooplo to refuse to pay taxes. Obituary. The ilcath i. announced of Sir (leorgo Strahan, ex Governor of Tasmania. The Dobato on tho Address in -Reply lon dun, February 13.—10 tho House of Commons hat night an attempt waa made by tho Radical party to roieo a debate on tho alloged packing of tho jury in tho trial of John Dillon and othera, which is now proccodingin Dublin. The Speaker, how over, ruled that tho discussion was out of ordor, Tho motion of Mr Smith, Firet Lord of tho Troaßury, that precseieneo bo given to tho Parliamentary Bill, was ndoptod aftor a lengthy discussion. Tho Address in-Roply was votetl in spite of Iho opposition of tho Piirnelilo party, and aftor the Cloture hud beun twice enforced by luiuienso majorities. Lord Dunravel).'» Resignation. London, February 17. In tho House of Lords to-day, tho Earl of Dunravon mado a Htafcoinont with reference to his resigna tion, 110 explained thai, tho reason ho bud taken this atop was that ho had insisted on economy in the p.ublio expenditure, and had objected 'o coercion in Ireland. Tho remedy for tho oviln in that country, ho ennsidorod, would bo nn extensive menenro for Isecuring local autonomy on a iciircruiitntivn h__«. -- - Tho Gorman Elections l._lt_l_, Februaiy 18.-Intense excite ment prevails throughout Germany with regard to the forthcoming Parliamentary elections. In tho province of Alsaco iiumoro'i. political arrests havo been mad..'. Disorder in Ireland. London', February IS —Increasing dis onlti' and resistance lo authority uio boing manifested in diffarenl, parts of Ireland.

Auklo Australian Cricket. Syiinev, thin day.—Tho linal march bo tv.titn Shaw and Lilly white's team and an Elovcn of N.S.W commencod yesterday. Tho wicket was heavy, owing to rceont ruins, and play wm stopped at intervals by heavy showers. Tho attondauco wos small. Tho New South Wales team went io first, and whon the stumps wore drawn had lost oight wickots for 134 runs. Tho following wero Iho chief scores :—McDonnoll, 13 ; Allon, ■11 ; .'ones, 12 ; Turner, 12; Cottatn, 29. Typholel In Vlotorla. M_i.no. knk, thi. day.—Up to Iho proscnt (inio thero havo boen 509 typhoid fovcr ewes in Victoria this year, 11,3 of '.Thich havo beon fatal.

[I'KESS ASSOCIATION.]

London, I''obruary IS.'—ln tlio House of Commons lo dny, tho Address inlloply to tho ijuccn'ii speoch ivus carried by a major ity of 21. Iranian's Visit to Australia Lon _<»>,-, Februaiy 18.—It is reporlod that, Hanlan, who is ongagod to row Beach on tho Nopoan, will loavo for Sydney in Sjptcmber. XVlnoo Alexander of Battoiiucr,™. London, February IS. — l'rinco Alex ander, who is in ill health, returns to Darmstadt. Tho Stcnmor Groat Eastern. J OS-OS, February 17—Tho Australian Steamship Company havo purchased tho (Jreat Eastern for i' 20,000 Tho Great Eaatorn ij to bo placed on tho Australian trade.

Dangerous Lunatic at Large

Patrick Nolan, who was arrostod in July last at Helensville as a lunatic, and who when able to get at strong drink, becomes dangerous, oscaped from tho Asylum this afternoon, at '2 o'clock. He is short, stout, with dark hair; is elrcssod in dark clothes, and wears a soft folt liat,

Harbour Board Representation.

A mbetiso was held yesterday in Mr Soa man's office, Now Zeuland Insurance Build ings. to consider tho question of appoint-

ing a representative for Northcote and Birkenhead on the Auckland Harbour Board. The meeting was called by a circular which read as follows:- ---"Sir,-Tho Chairman of tho Norlhcoto Koad Board, having failed to convene a mooting of tho Birkenhead and Norlhcoto Koad Boards for Iho purpose of electing a representative on the Auckland Harbour

I Board, as required by the Act of 1885, you j aro hoteby invited to attend a meeting of | Iho members of tbe jcint boards to bo helcl at tho offico of tho clerk of tho respective boards, No. .1, No. Zealand Insurance j Buildings, on Friday next, at 0 30 a.m , to ■ tako into consideration Ihe position of tho district wilh roforonco to tho election of such representative to the Harbour Board." This was issuod by Mr Hawkins' Chairman j of the Birkenhead Road Board. Members ] of both Boards wero in attendance, and the Chairman of the Birkenhead Koad Board i was voled to the chair. Ho briefly ox plained the objsot. of the meeting as set j forth in tlio circular, and the members present expressedthemselvesas very stroDgly opposed to the action of Mr Brassey in not I calling a meeting of tbejointßoard to elect a \ representative, After some discussion, a re- I solution was pssied, "That the clerk of both Boards (Mr Seaman) should write to the Harbour Board informing them that tho m mberi of tho Boards desired tbat Mr button tholild bo recommendad to tbe Go vernor to be appointed, and asking the Board to forward.the views of tho meeting. . It was also decided to forward a similar loiter lo tlla Colonial Secretary, requesting ! Ihs Governor to cairy out the wishes of the , meeting.

THE EXECUTION 0N MONDAY.

The ArrsuiseiHcnts Completed.

luto-vlc-s With tlio Condemned Men,

Major G__kk, the Sheriff, has now suffi. ciently recovered to attend to tho prelimi naiies for the execution. Yesterday

ho saw tho fcaff-ild tested. Superih tondont Thorn.on intends to place con stables in possession of all tho ad- ( jaccnt heights from which a viow, of tho execution might possibly bo ob tained. Thia ntep is deemed necessary to keep away thoso individuals in whom such B oloinn judicial proceedings oxcice meroy morbid curiosity. Mr YY. J. Napier sti'.l intones to mako an attempt to interview his Into cKont Penr-i but it is questionable whether Mr Koaton, the chief gaoler, will bo disposed under tho circumstances to show nny favour. Bishop Cowio visited the prisoners on Wednesday aftornoon, who expressed pleasure nt seeing him. iho _cv. Mr Hill and Mr Brackcnrig purpose spending ail day 10-moriow with tho condemned mon. Thoy will also re main with them throughout tho night, until the final tceno eventuates, bpeciai permission has boen granted Perm a rela tives to havo a last interview with him on Sunday. v uß tcrday Mrs Perm visited her son, who told her ho was quite prepared to di. On Thursday Mr Perm saw his Fon, and in the ourto of bis conversation remarked that if ho could change places with his eon and die in his etoad he would, wherounon Perm replied, "I am not afraid to dio'"' Ponn told his mother that ho would liko to see his wifo, and afk hor for oivi h_s for his behaviour towards her. Hie wifo thorefero visited bim yesterday. Mr Hasten and tho Kov. Mr Hill were present during the interview. Perm asked his wifo to forgive him, and said that ho wished them to p irt in pcac'o Ho also expressed a wish to.-0 their two children His wifo told him that ho had hor full forgiveness and promised that ho should sco tho children boforo ho died They will bo taken to the gaol on Sunday. Mrs Ponn, junior, was much moved, as it is two and a-holf voars sinco her husband has spoken "to tin. Pann's mother again asked him, " Hid you premeditate) killing Mr Taylor when you went to his house- Did you think of shooting at aU';'' form answered, "I went with the idoiof assist ing to carry off tho girls- 1 had no other Intention when I went. V\ hon Caffrey hred the first shot v sort of frenzy seized mo. 1 novor prcmoditatcd killing anyono. 1 would havo .__istod Caffrey to carry oil tho girls, but 1 had no idea of Caffroy ehoot- CafTrov's sister has ccmc to town from Opotiki "for tho purpose of vi.iting htr brother. They have already hud several interviews. . , Yesterday men.ing Mr JackßOn 1 aimer, ono of Caffrey _ coimsol, was refused ad mission to tho gaol, whoro he called to havo n final interview. Mr Palmer at onco telegraphed to tho Miuister of Justico re questing permission to sco the prisoner. Ho received tho following telegram in roply : —"J. P. Palmer, Esq.,- In reference to your telegram to tho Hon. Minister of Justico, condemned man states he has no spocial reason lor eeoing you, beyond to thank you. This docs not eccm sufficient grounds for infringing prison regulations. — J. _. Richardson."

Disposition of tho Bodies. Tho Ministor of Justico hae decidod to hr.nd over the bodies of Caffroy and Perm to their relatives for private interment. It is proposed to bury them at Waiko miti, but to do so it will bo necessary under tho 3rd claupo of tho Criminals Exe cution Act, ISS3, to got special permission from tho Governor. Otherwise tho bodies must bo interred in tho gaol.

Scull and Cross-bonos Lcaflot MrS. \V. Wobb, St. Mary's Road, Pon sonby, writes ua follows : —"To tho Editor : Sir,—My attention wa. called to your notice of my leaflet (with that horrid und unfortunate skull), loading which led tno to write tho enclosed, and I trust, you will let it appear in tv-day _ issue. I regret to say 1 wrote two .hurt but touching appeals to tho Rev. Mr Hill to let me know if ho would givo n loiillet to Iho condemned a week or two ago, but ho has taken no uotice of mv anxiety for them. "If skull and marrowbones affiight tho miiii-t.r ,A «od, tl.ii.k yo his l-.oirt with (iod i. right to uso tlio <_oupel sword 7 Is ho otmi.l in speak tho truih, his fueling tar to. Ucon ? The diamond rough, to him uncouth, since hidden and unseen. Ii" In

alr.ii.l to spoak of Hull b .can.o the Dcv l's thoro—vrbero sinners go (ihe Scriptures tell) his torments thoro to share? If dark ness hide tho gulf below, who thru would shun Iho lifiht. .0! No kind friend would lot him go without a guard by night 1 or toll him ol another way, whero bo. from dangers freo, might journey on by night or day, and in tho distunes see hid longed for homo, yea, Heaven's rest, where all hia toils would coasn Then with his Loid for over blest would lind eternal poacc. — Anion."

[A copy of tho loall-t which Mr Webb soiida us shows it. lo bo most unobjection able in tone, but tho picture of skull and cross-boned appoars in quoslion tblo taste ]

Cutter Wrecked at East Cape.

(11V Tl-.Ll.il_.l_- !___ ASSOCIATION.)

GlSi'.OK. X, this day

News has just been received that tho cut lev Mercury is ashore near tho East Capo. Sho ia loaded with limbor for a nativo school on tho coast. No lives aro lost. Tho vessel lies upright, and tho timber will probably bo got out of her.

THE HALL CASE.

(BY TI-Xl'.llllAl'H. —}____S ASSOCIATION.)

\\_l__-_-TOS, Friday. Mil 11. 1). __;__, Crown Prosecutor, of Wel lington, will argue for tho defence tho points reserved in tho Hall c»<_. Before decoding to tho rcquost, he consulted tho AUorney (icneral, but Sir Kobert Stout considered that no moro technical etiquette should aland in Iho way of a man in flail's position obtaining the assistance of thoablost. pleader to argue a point of law upon tho decision of which hi. life dopends.

Judge's Bay Regatta.

The weather this afternoon was not all that could have been desired for the Judge's Bay Regatta, a strong westerly breeze making rather lumpy water for tho rowing raco., although tho c^ui'.ea wero sooiowhat sheltered by the Railway Wharf. Tho Auckland and North Shoro Foiry Com pany, neiv stoamur Eagle was flag ship aad anchored about tho centra of Judge's Hay early in tho afternoon. Ticket holders woro conveyed from the beach in boat., and by tho timo tho first raco vua announced to itart at 2.30 p.m. there were a large number of peoplo on board. Mr E. Mitchiileon was umpire; Mr 13. T. George, judge ; and tho Committee included : Messrs G. Cozens, W. VV. Portor, W.. Philson, E. McCauslond, J. Hart well. und F. I). Smith (Secretary and Treasurer.) The liret rac, which was proceeding aa wo went to press wa. for yachts' diugios (open lo all comers), the entries boing : Spray, E.Sweoney ; Muritai, J. Ptnaligati, retro!,' T. Kyan.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

A Cis. ol" considerable iulorost to oynlcr men is to bo broug... beforo the Court shortly at tho iostunce of tho Collector of Customs,, when legal talent will bo called

upon to argue on the respective features ot mud oysters versus rock oysters, with a species known as tho man grovo oyster thrown in to mako matters complicated. According to tho Act bearing oi Ihe subjo-fyho reason lo: shoro oystora and rock oysters op.ns on tho Ist February, und the Benson for reck oysters at Coro mandel only on April Ist, conditionallyl that tho oysters are fit for picking. Afe v days ago the Customs authorities at Mon gantii made a seizure of ojstors, and the oysterman who had picked them was brought before tbe Court, charged with picking rock oysters out of season. The case, however, was dUmussd, on tho ground that the oystera in dispute grew on mangroves and wero neither mud nor rock oysters On tho fltrerglh of this an ovsterman named •_ck.iib.rg for ward od :;. _a«8 o' Muni Krovo oystera lo Auckland by tho s.s. .Jam-man yesterday, and they wero seized by the Customs authorities as being rock oysters. A sample was sent to Mr Cheese lean, and his, decision boing in support of the action of the authorities, further pro ceedings are to be taken in Court.

LATEST SPORTING.

Dunedin Autumn Mooting

(BY TELECKArII -'BBSS ASSOCIATION.) DuNEDiN, this day. At tho Forbury this morning, Bubina and Hermitage wero given a strong gallop over two miles, and Silver Pri-.ce and Fog had a good gallopoverasimilardiataneo. Itepowts not working. Fuck and Lady Ellen wet.t two miles steady, whilo Apropos cantered a mile. None of the Cup hc_.3 that aro under a cloud, namely, Sp_do Guinea, I.con, and Derivcnter wi re out.

(DV TiXKUIiAI'M—OWN COKIUSS-ONDKNT;) j BnSBDI . this day. Spado Guinoa certainly pulled up a trifle latr-.o after yesterday afternoon's! gallop, but from tho way her frienda rally round her, 1 don't think there is much ai_i_s with the daughter of King of Clubs. Her owner still offers to tako all tho twos to ono. Leon ha. split his hoof and Der wontcr is reported amiss, but tho nature of his injury has not transpired. I hoar that Spade Guinea was on tho track after break fast this morning.

Nows from Dunedin last night states that aftor galloping yesterday after noon, Spado Guinea pulled up soro, and a bit of a rush waa mado by her supporters to got off somo of their money. 1 i _ night there wa. a largo attendance to hear tho prices called over. When 3pado Guinea's name was reached, tbo uaotallici-n known as part owner of the mare offered to lay li t*o 4 against her, thon 100 to 00, fallowed by oilers of plenty of money at 100 to 10. None of theso wero accepted, but ho subsequently offered <o tako 200 to 100 that the mare won, but tho money was not forthcoming. Itopo and Hermitage hard ened considerably, while Leon, Fuck, and Apropos woro practically knocked out. Tho following aro tho Cup quotations : -2 to 1 against Spado Guinea (wanted) ; -i to I Itopo; 100 to 15 Hermitage; 100 ti V> Derwentor, Hubina, and Tit-Bit;: 100 to. S Quibble and Patrician ; 100 to 7 Fair ISell; 100 to 2 to 1 any others. In local circles last night, Hermitage was backed for tho Dunedin Cup for what little money was available at I*to 1. Ihe money was presumed to be taken on behall of Spado Guinoa _ owner. i Kouter cables that the New Zealand horses engaged in tha Newmarket, Handicap and Australian Cup are all doing good work Tho latest quotations are: -Nowmaiket Handicap : 10 to 1 against Lochiol and William Tell, 12 to 1 against Mitrailleuse, Volcano, and Mostor John. Australian Hup • 5 to 1 against' Trident and Isoleoo, 10 to'l against Arsenal and Sardius

Bi_niiki_, this day. A largo utimbi. of sporting men aro already here for tho Marlborough Autumn Mooting noxt week, ar.d there i-i general satisfaction with the new cotirao at River lands Mr P. F. Tancrcd, who is here with Administrator, tho Cup favourite, considers that in another season the courso will be equal, if not superior, to anything in tlie colony.

Shocking Attempted Suicide.

(EY !___<__.__— PRK- ASSOCIATION.)

NAI.EB, thia day. The wife of a butcher named Pleated was woko up at midnight by the cries of her husband proceeding from the back yard that he had cut his throat. Ho had got up quiotly, taken a butcher's knife and < toing into tho yard, committed the deed. The wound U not mortal. Flo-ted was takon to tho Hospital. The act is believed to bo duo to drink and depression from money lorsea.

VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE

City Guards.

It will bo seen by an advertisement elro wbero that a meeting of members of tho above Company will be held on Tuesday next at tho Drill shed for

the pi|rPoßo of ending a recretury nnd auditor. The former Secretary (Mr E. 11. Montgomery) take, iho Quarter master Horueui.tcy °f tha No. _ battalion, aftor povcral years' creditablo service in tho Guards.

A* meeting of the members of tho Vic toria Rilles was held la't evening in the Drill-shed. The principal bucinees* under rmi .deration was tho olec ion of a captab. It was unanimously agreed that, this offico should bo conferred n [tin Mr Edward Coopor, who for tunny years has been con nected with the Volunteer movement in thi. city. Mr Cooper intimated his acceptance of the position, and then 011 his invitation the Company adjourned to the Park Hotel to w el tho appointment.

An inspection pan. lo of No. '2 Battalion takes placo on Tuosday evening next.

OPERA HOUSE-"The Ladies Battle."

' Tin: Opera House was well patronised last night, tho occasion being the nroduction o a thrco act comedy adapted from tho French nnel entitled "Tho Ladies' Battle." It wasj staged in realI}'1}' first-class style, tho wise en scene being excellent. In addition the cast had been judiciously mado, and the Com pany appeared to decided advantage. _a tho Countess d'Autroval, a young and charming lady of considerable vivacity and cipkglcric. Miss Florence Wado fully justified our previous opinion concerning her versatility and saroir faire Her conception of the role was able.and the impersonation was marked with great skill and admirable address. Tho part, too, was costumed most tastefully, and the stago picture presented by tho lady was a v.ry complete one. Mr 11. Alleyno gavo a capital rendering of the strangely mixed character of tho Count do Grignon, and tho minor roles wero well sustained. Tho porformanco closed with tho farce '• A Bilious Attack," which afforded full scope for tho display of Mr G. F. Carey _ great abilities as .. low comedian. Thepiecokopt tho " house " conrul _d with laughter. "Tho -j-onigatc."-To-night. To-night tlio five act Irish drama of ''The Profligate ': is to bo presentee!, nud aa it is of toosalioual interest it should not fail to draw a bunipor " houso." *' The Groat Pinli Pearl " "The Great Pink Pearl "is tho title of tho comedy to be produced ou Monday evening next ot Abbott's Opera Houso, by the Wade-Alleyne Company. The plot of this ingenious play turns upon the attempt of tho Busjian Princess Pennikoff to sell a family jewel of enormous value to an Amori can .million.iro, A. P. Sheon. Sho roods her personal attendant with a letter in tended for lh_ millionaire, but this, by a stupid blunder, he delivers to A V. Sheen, a struggling journalist out of work. Tie journalist, with thebolpofa "shady" friend, t'atruccio Gormai.i, formsa daring scheme to got posso^si'Mi of the groat pearl. The pair tuko suporb apartment* at. the Grand Hotel in Paris, and an interview is arranged for with tbe Princess — Gormani acting for tho nonce as Sheen's Secretary. The money has bcou lodged at tho Bank by tho real Sheen, and' all that remains is for tho ex-journalist to g-":n possession of tho " Groat, rink I_. ri." But a Nomeeis i 3 after h'.m. Mary Turner, once the object of hia affection, is a port milliner, atid heating of his presence in Paris, sho calls at the (.rand to make somo ex planations. Tho Princess ia about to nrrivo, and Shson is in a difficulty. Ho persuades Maty to enter nn .djoining apartmont, while he arranges some business matters. Tho Princess "is introduced. Sheen is nervous und excited, but ho contrives to come to an understanding as to tho ad vance. Complications aro caused by tho arrival of Prince I .onikoff, who will on uo account part with Iho pearl ; then by tho advent of a bailiff to arrest Sheen ; and last of all by Miss Turner walking off with the much-prized jewel. Aft or nianny funny situations -ana amusing contretemps, the pearl is restored lot! o rightful owner, (ho [air 'Russian intrirniCMU, and all ends happily,

H M S. NELSON.

(by telegbaph—press association.)

Nai'ieb, this day. 8.M.3. Neison sailed at 11.30 a.m. for Wellington. Tho vessel was thrown open to tho public, yesterday afternoon, and was vi-ited by the children of tho public schools a.-el a hug.; number of low n-po. rile,

The anniversary services in connection with tho I.'imilivoMol.-odi.lSmiday School, Pitt and Edwin-streets, Nowton, are an nounced to ba held tomorrow.

SAD CASE OF DROWNING

A Rlolltcr Dro .tncd at the Freshwater ICaths.

A v_KV sad and fatal accident happened at the Freshwater City Baths thia inorhingj when Mrs Tucker, tho wife of thg respected foreman at Messrs Hellaby and Co.'s, mot with her death. It appear-, from inquires mado immediately after tho occurrence} that the unfortunate woman waa _ first-rate swimmer, and was accustomed to remain for a long time under water, swimming about for tho amu?o ment of those of her friends present; • This morning, at 11 30, somo dozen females wero in tho bath-some in tho water, others dressing. Tho deceased had been in th. water sonic half hour or so, swimming about' in tbe deep portion, which was roped off; from tho shallower ond by cords, Suddenly"; those near her saw she was in trouble—_MJ had been swung under water, and appearctt unablo to rise. She camo to the surface';! nnd tried to grab at tha life-line which joiiß round tho bath She missed it, and satlk, nOv moro to riso. No ono was at hand wli. could assist, and the women present cried wildly "Send for a man to save her I" It lias flvb minutes beforo a boy named Eruost Mont-; • _mery arrived. Meantime the bthe.:' bathers ran up and down tbe sidij of the bath wringing their hands, -aild calling wildly fer help. The boy named -Jived in, but on the wrong side of Ilia bath. Other help arrived, but tho deceased had now been under wator nearly ten miauttjs." A man named Casey, and then another; a Mr Celarr, arrived, and Mrs Tucker's, body v.a3 brought to the surface. Theeo two men say they then applied the; American process of restoring life to tho apparently drowned, but Without effect. Whether thoy properly understood the pro cess seems questionable. At any rate the poor woman'ebowed no signs of lifo when Dr. Tennent arrived, about half-an-hour after tho occurrence. The case Beems oho of drowning from the deceased holding ber breath too long under water, and thon being unablo to riso. Wo cannot find that she ha. been subjßct to fits, and she, from tho description given us, did not suffer from cramp at the timo Mrs Jack, who saw her drowned, says she was not quite ten minutes in tho water. Tno deceased was 41 years' of in 'C, andthr- ly-Micnf several children; one of which, a BO . Is o' a good ago. 1 rather curious Unrig connected with the sad occurrence has been communicated to n?. A young lady who lodged with the deceased told her at breakfast this morning that " her teeth woro watering in a remarkable way." To thia Mrs Tucker replied " Thin you'll lose a dear friend soon." Littlo did tho poor woman think' who tho " dear friend" would be. We hear of several cases of narrow escapes front drowning in the baths now tbat this Bad affair has happened. A Miss Jainiesonj amongst othors, had a narrow escape last week, and had not a lady who was present had pluck enough, and also the knowledge required to got her safely out of tho water, a fatal accident would have then occurred; It is a disgraceful thing toallow a number of women to bathe in such a place whore a fatal accident can happen at any moment without having prefent a man capable 61 giving assistance in ca-e of emergency; No bath in England is without such an as sistant. This guard must always bo a.pro fi.i.nt also in the art of restoring the ap parently drowned.

St. Benedict's Fete and Tournament

Tbo Procession.

The grand fe'.c and tournament in aid of St. Benedict's Church Fund, for which such ac'.ivj mid elaborate preparations have bet going on for several montha past, is taking pluco to-day at Dilworth'a paddock, New market, and ia acbioving a complete suc cess. Moro favourable weather could hob be desired, and under the genial sunshine everything looks at its beet. The programing for the display was faithfully carried out. From half past 9 until 10 o'clock this morning, the ladies, gentlemen, and children appointed to tako part iv the processional pageant were assembling at the place of rendezvous (cornor ol Ponsonby and Karangahape Koads), when I_ieutenant-Cotone! Mahon, who acted 3.1 marshal, lost no timn in form inß-_>-_. in order of march. A large crowd of siglitseora lined tho footpaths, 3».d watched these preparations with consuming interest Botween 10 and 11 the arrange ments were quite finished, and tbe cavalcade moved off. First of allcauiean opon tram car containing Im[iey's Baud, distending their choeka or exhibiticg their manual dc-xtotity 111 the execution of inspiriting music. - Then followod Lieutenant-Colonel Mahon in full uniform, mounted upon a grey charger, and leading on the lady Hussars (13 in nu-nber), who presented a gay sight as tbey rodo past in open order with thoir natty uniforms of blue with whito cord facings in Austrian knot fashion. Behind the Hussars camo an anciont Grecian chariot containing a very young lady dressed in white, and holding a parasol above her head. Two horaes wero har nessed to the chariot, and one of them was' r dden by Mr Owen Humphreys, who courted historical anachronism by wearing

the dress of a modern jockoy. The next item of the procession was a four horse drag filled with nigger minstrele and their paraphernalia of bones, drum, and tam bourine. Then followed the Egyptian cavalry, lix in number, and clad in ivht^e turbans, ond loose white tunics and tioiisers with red facings. In closo attendance upon the Egyptian was a drag filled with the children who are to tako part in tho Maypole dance, and the rearguard of t":o musicians was made up of a private carriago or two. The line of march was along Karangahape Koad, through Pitt street, Hobson-street, Albert and Queen streets, and via Wollesley-street East to Newmarket, and all these thorough faros wero lined with spectators, whilo in Queen street tho concourse was specially large.

On the way out various military forma tions wero gone through, such aa advancing by half sections, sections of fours, and filos. Dilworth's paddock was reached at half past 12, and within the enclosure the civalcade advanced by files until thoy had formed a circle, with tbo band in the contro, Tho wholo body tboa advanced by half rcctions, sections of fours, ajd then forming lino they marched past, they then wheeled to the left, and advanced by half sections from the right, and again formed a circle . l.ieut. Col. Mahon then addressed-.the cavalcade, thanking those present lor their attendance, and regretting that very many who had promised to take part had not turned up. The parade was then dis- . mis.cd. Egytian Cavalry and Lady Hussars have been galloping aboutever sinco. There are several largo refreshment booths on the ground, a tent iv which Mr Horace Dean _ Minstrels aro going to perform. •■... Tho maypole dance took place at 2.30,-' the cbildreu having been trained by -Miss Colcmaa. ■% -'.- Tho following clergy are present:-— Monseignor McDonald, Father O'Sullivan, O'Gara, Woisse), L.nihan, nnd Egau. The wholo of the arrangements fed u|_n Lieut. Col. Mahon, and he Las woiked us tirengly to carry them out. Tho Sports. The following races had eventuated up to tho timo of our going to press : — Maiden Race. 120yds.—W; Hi Box, 1; W. Druminond, 2 Boys' Raco under 16, 150 yards.-Sum - m.rfield, 1 ; Mcl.etmott, 2. i__l ■■■ St. Bouodict's Handicap, 100 yards,—lat heat: W. H. 15ox, SJ yards, I; Lyndoii, scratch, 2; Drutuinoud, 10 yards, 3. 2nd heat: E. O'Hare, 0 yards, 1;i L Harris, 2 ; J. McOermott, SJyd .3. Thiiil heal: IV. Purdie, 17_yds, 1; A. Hughes syds, 2; J Luko, oyds, and Do.J dray, 11yds, ran a dead heat.

New Zealand Rifle Association Meeting.

Chuistcuubch, this day. Good progress has been made with the work at tho Association Kifle Range. Tho camp will be laid out on Monday next. Tho range is so near Christchurch that it is expected that most of the com petitors Will stop in town. No jrivision has beon made in camp for those who do not notify Captain Somerville that they intend camping. "Wanganui, this day. A special message to the "Herald" says:—"Good arrangements have been mado for tho camp at Heathcote. The caterer, charges" will be 25% and Captain Somerville wishes aU corps to send word whsthor they intend to stay in camp or iv Christchurch, In order to pro vido proper accomm; dation. The arrange menta aro all going on well, to the satisfac tion of Captain gomerville and everyone I concerned. ' '* k/''• .., .- :'■

__TE ATTCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, FEBIiUAKY lb, 1887,

2



.'•f-VISE-S-S OF THE EYE AND EAR. ' MR nU.WPHRKV HAIWITS, Fellow of the g,ml Coll 'EO of Surge us. E:li°bt"__ h. &0.. rate t £____._ House Su won to the National X _ pA Ka- Icficmnri'. Dublin—h iviqk devoted a io i-iiii- ird period, both, on ihe Continsnt and in the United Ki_,_o_. to the study of Diseases peoulisr to the Kyea and _ars, can now be oon attlted tortlio same at the residence of Dr C. H. :__a__e, _-incen-street/Albert;Park, Auckland, i Htrare of o.ns_]_t__."_<a.*v_-l p.n_ - '



OKBING 13 BELIEVING r|T_ BBLIKVK -.roY MUST S_K ~~ pOMK AND LOOIC A T SlToKT'd WINDOW IvrOTK THE PUICKS MARKED TVICVKR BKFORK HEARD 03" TyrE V_R LIKKLY ri .0 OCCUR AGAIN (j ilk dkk3Bj_B for thk price (\v cotton goods tn3pkction invited /Coloured silks TjiVKRY CONCEIVABLE SH_.DE ~ TMMKNSE AoiO_T„.___ ,4 LL ONK PRICK " /~vN_rS__XlT_ri r KR YARD (")NE _______ PER -AUD TtfO* 13 THB -__._ ~~ nn s_f__ pii_A-V___L"B__S-_3 /^-.OURED V_LVE___N3 XfiVKBY P0.31-LE SHADS /-\NE SHILLING QNE SHILLING c^g TIEST TIME rpo BU_ A SILK DKKB- FOR npHE PRICfiTOF ~~ A COTTON ONK ~~ j^ -7 T THOd. BHORT'S -pY ORDER OF mHE __X'_-UTO_S



W. J. H UUST & C° -13. J. KSAM and A. H. GKAINGER having purchased from tho Publlo Trustee (the Execu'.or under tho Will of tho lato W. J. Hurst) the Goodwill, Btock-in-trado, Book Dobts, etc., of tho old-established business of \V. J. Hurst and Co., Grain, Food, Produce, and Artificial Manure Merchants, will trade under tho same tiylo and namo, and will continue tho business a^ heretofore All Outstanding accounts nro requested to bo paid forthwith. W. J. lIUKST &JCO. ON SALE. SBEDS- Now Sea= oq'h Clovers and Natural Grasses Ryo Grass asd Cocksfoot (In variety) Tu'nip and Mangold 8co?s MANURES— Bonedust (floe and 1 -inch) Superphosphates (various grade*) Nitrate of Scdi Sulphate of Ammonia Potash, Kalnot, otc, etc, Peruvian Guano GrIAIN- Seed and Feed of all doucilpiions Flour, OatniQal lirun, Sharps Table and Coarse Salt Table Potatoes &c. &c, &c. W. J. 11 UKST & CO, QUBBN-STUKBT, AUCKLAND. RB AT "O BDUC TIO N S li WICUaJnCBKIDBMiUSTJ rjLBARING QHKAP QA.9S gALS. About 20,000 Yards Dreoß Matorinla Id great variety A nmlly Rood lino Fancy Dress Gocda. i|d yd ("liiico lot ef Prints, cost price, to clear While ar.d Grey Calicoes at cost jrioe Wide Grey Calioo. Is 104 doz: White do. 2W yd ClcariDg lino Swiss Embroidery from Id per yd Ladies' Mock Jerseys from Is lid 10,000 Yards White, Cream, and Coloured Oriental Luces from Is Si doz. half usual prise ; Parachutes. Si ; Umbrellas, Is 1,250 Pairs Girls', Ladles', and Mon'a Hosiery from 3Jd per pair- a great bargain Men's Strong Cotton Shirts, Is Lone Lace Curtains. 2s 3d per pair Boys' and YonthV Dressed Oxford Shirts, la lid Men's do, 2i lid Boys' and Youths' Black Felt Hat?, 1b Mon'a Windsor Scarfs, 5d Hen's Tweed Trousers, Is 64 ; Boys' do, 3s 6d Men's Morir.o Singled. Is SI ; do Pants, te Men's D B. Bla^k Cloth Vests. 2s 6d, worth 8s 6d Men's Block Cioth Suits, good quality, 35s Lot ef Men's really good Coats, all wool, but not latest style, at half- prlca, from 6s 9d Large Stock ot Corsets at warehouse prico, from 13 od Large lot of Romnaats in great vaiioty, chea? Lace and Caahmere Capes from Is lid 288. UPPER QUEEN- STREET.



•JB v N L y -16 500 LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S * HATS, 8 ALL SHAPHS AND SIZES, & 2> Reduced to y, ONE SHILLING EACH, ° AT * D. W. J AOK * C O/s' PONSONBY AND PARNELL. J. ONLY 1 /".HEAP T> O O T S 1 CHEAP BOOTS! GIVEN AWAY ! GIVEN AWAY I RICHARD PLOWMAN, Wholesale _ Retail BOOT AND SHOE MANUFACTURER, KARANGAIIAPE ROAD. Boots for the Million I Best and Cheapest in Auckland I Repairs im Two Classes, while you wall :— First-clas?, 3s (id, 2s 01, Is 61, Is; guaranteed lo give tho utmos-, satisfaction. Second-claai, 2a 3J. Is3d, In, SI. ChiWrfcn's—Well, Ido them for aothiog, and s^nd lhem homo by the boy. ThCEO aro no: _ nii-rantos-. PARK HOU 8 B (Metropolitan Club), V CTOBIA-BTREET EAST, WEAR A_B_BT FABK ENTRANCE, FIRST CLASS PRIVATE BOARD AND RESIDENCE. Lofty, well-lighted, and ventilated Bed and Sitting rooms. Bath-room., and every conveni ence lor Families. Travellers, and Boarders. T-rms, £1 Per Week. WRIGHT'- PRIZE BILLIARD TABLK. Private Suites for Families, and every Attention Combined with Comfort. " " „.. B. DAWKS, Proprietof. Telephoo • 311.



A. the Police Court to-day, before Messrs F. J. Prime and G. P. Pierce. J.P.s, one , person was punished for drunkenness. Archibald McNair, who was dealt wiih several days ago under the First Offenders' Pro'.tion Act, was a.am brought up and charged with tho larceny of an oc cordion and 2s 6d in money, and with steal ing an open sailing boat, value £14, the i property of W. Wallace, of Lucas Creek. The case was remanded till Monday A ! charge of obtaining money under false pre j tonces against Robert Levett, and two claims for maintenance against George ! Stevens and Charles Gutry, were remanded. Mr W. B. Mears, Book and Music Seller, On _n-street. Intimates that he has reoeived supplies of the vaiou3 new journals, etc., ex T___." In our adve .Uing columns will be found the programme of thi Military gpo«s, &., to Detielrl in Saturuay, March I2th The event, are confined aim "st entirely to volunteers of all bra. eHi»_. and if ar-s_g» ni-nts can be ma _c a Mili'sry Ba d -Oi t«3t will b* arranK<_. It is i. t __oJ to roak. the day a military pic nio, aa well as race i and sport;., etc The offloeis, 1101 co__i:B_Ded. and men of the O Battery Artll'ery have, throuch Lieutenant GUmore, re sponded to the circulars Issued to the different corps, and promised their Bupport to the move ment Doubtless some ot the other corps will follow thei example.



1 I I MILNE AND CHOYCES pHE A P p A 8 II a ALE OK SURPLUS SUMMER GOODS Is Now Proceeding. BARGAINS IN EVERY DEPARTMENT. n.a-sale will absolutely close Monday, Feu. _8. JVilt-NE AND ChOYCP, QUEEN AND WKLLE.LKY STREETS f-l _K--S_WN BOOTS. -p-elallT .nit _CT.~ giving" tre_t oom_-T.o"_i_n.'7W»v_i with tender In .-WM. MILLER & HON, High-tract. __o_ tllahtly ©v_r Imported artlola. X*r ANTED sPW~O WN. KAMO COLLIERY OFFICE Rcraov ■ I from Messrs Mltohelaon and Co.'s to Office tormerly occupied br them (late H. N. .Smith's), 18, Qneenstreet. Births. HEIGBWAY.-On February 18, at her resi dence, Viow Road, Stonihurat, Mount Edon, Mrs K. Beighway of a son. MEGERNKY.—On February .at her residence, tho wife cf J Megerney. master mariner, of a daughter. Deaths. MACIIATTIIC.-On February 19, at Wellesley strect West. Cyril Gordon, dearly bn'oved son of John and ttllz 1 Ma.hattlo ; aged G weeks. Private Intcrnio-t. BPEER.-0n February 10, at Windsor Cottng-. Pooj palller. treat, t'onsonby. Ernest Kll/. -cummings, infant son of Robert C. and Mary Speer ; aged 4 months. Interment private. STUART.—On February 18, at tho residence cf his sen In-law (Mr G. N. Srurtevant. jnn.). stark,'a Point. Devonport, Samuel Stuart, of Kin.sand ; aged 68 years. The funeral will leave for Cemetery at Mt, Viotoria at I p.m. to-morrow (Sundaj).