COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night. Abbott's Opera, House Lynn in his "Mirth Agricultural Hall—Koyal Acromantia Temple of Religlouslilectlnß in the Tent on Surrey Hills Estate, Ponsonby Road. 7.30. Bombay Public; Hall-Mr E. Hamlin meets Electors of South Franklin. 7.80. Choral Hull-Addresses by Rev. J. A. and Mrs Kew V Art'Gallery —Auckland Society of Arts, IS! noon to 10 p.m. Rota of Justices at Police Court. April 21-Mcssrs. C. C. Macmillan and W. P. . Moat. Auction Sales To-morrow. Arthur and Buddie-Drapery. Clothing:. Fancy Goods. Jewellery. Sec... 11; Properties, J- G. Lewis,— Cigars, Cigarettes, &c, 11. ______

SHIPPING.

SON'SET-This evening, 5.22.. SUNIHSE-To-mprrow raornmff, 6.30. Moon's Aok-Now Moon.SJrd, 8.32 p.m

HIGH WATER.

AUCKLAND-This afternoon, 3.35; to-morrow "SESSiiu Heads.-This evening, 0.15 i tOSA^I"?I"A|.-Tin ß evening, 7.15; to morrow morning-, 7.H.

ARRIVALS.

Atlantic, schooner, from Raiotonga Arawata, s.s., from Fiji Suva, s.s., from Fiji Terarawa, cutter, from Taima Morriin<T Light, cutter, from Cabbage Bay Agnes Martin, ketch, from Whangarei G'fpay, cutter, from Whangapoua Dream, cutter, from Whangarei

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVBXISCI. Australia, s.s., for South Waitaki s.s., for South Wellington, s.s., for Whaugavei

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Alameda, from San Francisco, April 29 Zealandia, from Sydney, April '24 Richmond, from Sydney, early Janet Nicoll, from South Sea Islands, May 12 Southern Crops, from the South, Saturday :?oiumahana,froni Thames to-day, 9.:50 p.m. Enterprise, from Thames, Friday, 1.:30 a.m. Coromundel, from Covomandel, to-morrow, v p.m.

SAILING VESSELS EXPECTED.

America, sh., RTDH, left London Jan. 4 Aurora, sch., left Newcastle Feb. 9 Centurion, sh., KCGT, left London Jan. 28 Elinor Vernon, ach., JSFK, letb New

York Feb. » T . Levuka, Ger. bq., RFNV, left Hamburg

Dec. 20 Nellie M. Slnde, Am. bg., JPQC, left In ew

York Jan. 10 Arab, bq.. loading at Sew \ oik _ Oamaru, sh., WSNG, left London ieb. 5 OtagO, bq., JRQS, loading at London Routenbeck, bq., NTQS, loading at Glasgow Rudolph Josephy, Ger. bq., left New York, Nov. 1(5, via Dunedin C. YV. Janes, bq., left New York Feb. 4, via Lyttelton Luttenvorth, bq., loading at London Oceola, bn., loading at Timaru Torea, sch., from South Sea Islands Madura, bq., left Newcastle, April S Caburfeidh, bq., from Dunedin Gleaner, sch., from Dunedin Ensign, bq., left Melbourne April 7

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Eaaterhill, bq., for London, about April 30 Laira, bq, for London, early Elinor Vernon, bcli.. for New York, to load . Zealandin, S.S., for San Francisco, April 23 Hcrmione, sh., for London, to load Alameda, S.S., for Sydney, about April 29 Wairarapa, |Eor .Sydney, to-day, 5 p.m. Tarawera, for Melbourne and South, Thurs day, noon

IMPORTS.

Per Tarawera : 53 trunks boots, T>o cases oil, 3S packages tea, 4 cases glass, 26 pack ages tinware, 18 packages tinware, 4 bales canvas and sundries.

Per Arawata : 2,583 bunches bananas, 440 mats sugar, 141 cases oranges, 71 cases pines, 51 sacks peanuts, 21 sacks cocoanuts, 10 bundles hides, 21 packages sundries, also cargo for Southern ports.

Per Atlantic : 37 tons copra, 8S casks limejuice, 21 bags arrowroot, o,ooolbs pearl shell, 24 bags dried baiianas,2o bags cofiee.

Octwaeds Coastwise, —Elsie, for Thames R..M.S. Aorangi was due at Hobart from Plymouth to-day.

The schooner Welcome arrived ab Bris bane, from Thames, on April 13.

The barque Laira completed her London cargo to-day and will Bail early.

The brigantine Linda Weber has cleared for Oamaru, via Mercury Bay.

The barque Zodiac and schooner Yolande arrived at Sydney from Kaipara on the 12th and 13th inst. respectively.

•The brigantine Aratapu arrived at Syd ney from Tairua on the 7th inst.

The barque Ensign left Melbourne for Auckland on the 7th. inst with 300 tens of bluestone and 4,000 bags rice.

The ship America is now fully due, being 107 days out from London. She brinr-ii carco for this port to the value of £20..">()!"

The s.s. Tarawera, which arrived fr. Sydney late yesterday afternoon, broujj.it the following passengers : Mr and M:-h Veale, Messrs Cook, Pontifex, and '20 steerage.

Tho ship Oamaru, now 85 clays out from London, brings cargo valued at £19,200 for this port.

The barque Levuka promises to make a very lengthy passage. She is already 122 days out from Hamburg, and should ]*ut in an appearance very soon.

The s.s. Awhina brought the barque Nanna from the Sugar Company's wharf to an anchorage tJiis morning, and towed the barque Heinrich Bauer to the berth thus vacated.

The s.s. Suva,which lias for some months past been running' between Tonga and Fiji, came on to this port this morning, having been towed from Suva to Poor Knights by tho s.s. Arawata. The Suva is in charge of Captain Todd, and comes her© to undergo a general overhaul.

The schooner Atlantic, which left Raro tonga on the 4th inst., arrived izi port this morning and herthed at Queen-street wharf. Strong winds from N, to S.E. were experi enced during-tho voyage.

The Union Co.'s steamer Te Anau collided on the 7th inst. with Messrs Hucfcfart, Harker, and Co.'s steamer Excelsiov-,.£•» &he basin at the, Queen's Wharf, Melbourne. The steamer, tycaped injury ,_ \>afc the To Anau, w^teh was swinging- a.t the time, crashed into the whavS and rent timber, etc., into matchwoo&.fpi: -oxer-tan yards in xii.iith. A few Qgtys v/ere exposed to effect impairs.

During., i&fy. sesbipn eS Parliament the Union &.& Company Intend to run. the "\Van f ?.tea special between Lyttelton. aacl j^Wnukan, leaving Lyttelton every Ivfeoekvy and Manukaxi ©very Friday, calli.ug-afc Wel lington and. jS'ew Plymouth.

The f-jKowing liave leffe Ipp.odon for Auck land by P. and O. and; Orient steamers : — Per S.S. Rome. ; fr(jn^ London s March 11th, M»«-Boyd, ]V^-. '$.. . parkett; per s.s. Clyde, from London, Marcli 25th, Mr Robertson, Mrs Marrop, Mr \V. F. Marrop ; per Ori zaba, from London, March 3rd, Mrs and Misses Kennedy, Mr and Mrs Court, Mr and Mrs Cavers, Mr and Mrs Howell; pec Lusitnnia. from London, March 19th, MrG. ilcKissock.

THE ARAWATA.

Tlic s.s. Araw.ita, 1,09S tons, W. L. Cromarty,arrived from Fiji at 7 a.in.to-day. Klic lefb LevtiKa at midnight on 13th inst., with s.s. Suva in company, arriving at Suva at S a.m. on the 14th. Took on board cargo, passengers, and mails, and left the wharf at 5 p.m. with the s.s. Suva in tow. Passed Mount Washington at 12.20 a.m. on the 15th; passed a full-rigged ship at oa.m. on the 19th standing to the eastward. Sighted the Poor Knights at 1.30 p.m., cast od s.s. Suva at .'> p.m. and steamed dead slow with s.s. Suva in company, and arrived alongside wharf at 7 a.m. Experi enced strong S.E. winds with heavy sea till 19th,thence light northerly winds to arrival. Passengers for Auckland : Mrs Coates and child, Messrs Harrington, Le Hunte, Tucker, Turner, and McKinlay. For Sydney :Mr Sfc Julian. We aro indebted to Mr A. C. Walker, purser, for customary favours.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wn.AKOAREr, this day.—Arrived : Wel lington, fi a.m. T.u'kanoa, tilts day, Sailed : lona, for Mercury Bay and Auckland, 6n.m Waitara, this day.-—Sailed : Gairlock, for Oriehunga, 7."20 a.m. Wellington, this day. — Arrived : Arawa, from Napier. Wellington, April 19. —Sailed : South ern Cross, for the North. Passengers : Miss Longlands, Messrs Burgess, Coatos, Rawnsley and five steerage

Sydney, April 18.— Arrived : Wakatipu, frem Brisbane. London, April IS.—Arrived ab Ply mouth : The Orient steamship I'otosi. The Australian mails, per Carthago, from Melbourne on the 11th March, wore de livered to-day.

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1887.

For the cause that lacks assistance. For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that ws can do.

A Russian fleet of fifteen men-of-war, it is announced by cable to-day, is preparing to put to sea. Simulta neously wo hear from Central Asia that General Komaroff is massing his troops for an Afghan campaign. Do these movements portend a Russian occu pation of Bulgaria in the Spring, with its possible consequences of Avar 1 The suggestion is a probable one. It is not to be supposed that Russia will hold her hand when everything is so favourable for gaining her ends, and if war is to come at all, it must come soon. Before the middle of April or beginning of May the movement of troops is almost im practicable. The chances of war again direct public attention to the subject of Colonial Defence. A naval descent upon these colonies by any maritime Power with which England might be engaged would almost inevitably fol low the outbreak of hostilities. And the sacking of Auckland is a sport which the most peace loving of our citizens cannot con template with equanimity. It seems opportune, therefore, to learn that the Imperial Conference has at last come to an agreement upon the long-de bated question of Colonial Defence. Among the subjects discussed by the delegates, this is the only one which has yet come to anything like a definite issue.

The Imperial proposals submitted to the Conference have undergone some variation, but, as finally settled, they were to this effect: —The Imperial Government undertook to provide five cruisers, with torpedo boats, to sup plement the British squadron on the Australian station, conditionally upon the colonies defraying the cost of maintenance, and also providing a sink ing fund to cover depreciation. The cost of maintenance was estimated at ,£160,000 in time of war, and on a peace footing; while a sum of ;£30,000 per annum would be

required as a sinking fund. Under Admiral Tryon's scheme, the colonies were asked to purchase the vessels, and also provide for their maintenance, but the Imperial Government now offer to provide the ships, to keep them efficient, and to replace them with others when they are worn on the conditions above specified. _ The chief point at issue in the Con ference was the question.;,.of Sinking Fund. Victoria claimed, exemption from contributing to this fund on the ground that she has provided a fleet of her own, which will have to be main tained and renewed. It was objected by representatives of other colonies, however, that the Victorian fleet was simply part of harbour defence, and occupied precisely the same position as coastal batteries in other colonies. The pointhas apparently been waived by Vic toria. As finally settled, the delegates on behalf of their respective colonies have agreed to recommend that the colonies shall contribute about £120,000 annually either in peace or war time, including £30,000 for sinking fund lasting ten years, two vessels from the combined fleets to be stationed in New Zealand ; only three of the auxi lary fleet to be permanently commis sioned, the others to be kept in reserve at headquarters. There seems a little conflict between Renter's and the Association tele grams with respect to the amount. But if the Imperial Go vernment have accepted these terms, they are exceedingly favourable to the colonies, as they represent only the actual cost of maintenance and sinking fund in time of peace, and involve no increased liability during war.

Our telegrams do not specify the tonnage of the three additional cruisers which are promised under this arrange ment. But the Archer, which is chosen as the type of two of the five vessels, is a torpedo cruiser now building for the Royal Navy at Devonport. Her ton nage is 1,630, and her horse-power 3,500. She carries six guns. The torpedo gunboats will probably be vessels of from 500 to 1,000 tons with great horse-power. The negotiations for the settlement of this question appear to have been carried on in a most conciliatoryand patriotic spirit, and although the distribution of cost between the several colonies has yet to be adjusted, we believe the de cision of the Conference will generally be accepted by the colonies interested as a basis of agreement. Sydney will remain the headquarters of the Austral asian fleet, but the location of the two vessels permanently on the New Zea land coast should secure to Auckland some of the advantages of a naval depot.

RETRENCHMENT IN FIJI.

Fiji having fallen into serious finan cial straits, it has devolved up on the Imperial Government to apply the pruning knife to the governing machinery of the little Crown colony. In doing that, they have set a very good example to New Zealand. Under the revised estimates lately approved by the Legislative Council, they have effected reductions to the extent of /7,000, and of this total is docked off the Governor's salary, which previously stood at a year. Now, the duties of a Governor in a Crown colony entail not only much hospitality, but also very great respon sibility. He is not an ornamental figure head to the ship of State,but navigates the vessel, and if Sir Henry Mitchell can manage to submit to isolation in the tropical climate of Fiji for ,£2,750 a-yeav, there should be no very great hard ship for a Governor to live in New Zealand for .£3,000 a-year. Fiji never prospered better, and the people were never so well satisfied, as when its affairs were being administered by the Colonial Secretary, Dr. Macgregor, whose salary is .£6OO. .And if that sum were doubled it would still be ample for the duties of the supreme office and the financial condition of the little colony. The revenue returns submitted to the Council as the impelling force to wards relentless economy are entirely discouraging. The actual revenue for 188G was ;£6d,574, against in 1885, and in 1884. The Executive, however, for some reason not stated, anticipate a slight revival during the current term, the revenue for the year being estimated at The Civil Service, under Imperial instructions, have been compelled to submit to an all-round percentage reduction of salary.

Proposed Settlement of Dis charged Indian Pensioners.

Captain Davexey, of the Imperial Pensions Office, Auckland, following up his scheme for the settlement of certain lands in this colony with discharged Indian army soldiers, lias sent a long letter to His Excellency of which the following- jg a resume:— Glancing at the' raison d'etre of his scheme, which was originated when the public noti fication of the " Lands for Village Home stead Special Settlements " appeared in the papers, the gallant gentleman points out his belief that the use of such a settlement would be next the mili tary settlements of Onehunga, Otahuliu, Panrauro, Howick and Papaknra, with which he has been intimately connected as Paymaster of Pensions. " Under these cir cumstances," he goes on to say, " I solicited from Mr Ballance the permission of making known*in India and at Home how ad mirably adapted, was his scheme to pen sioners of Her Majesty's service."

The permission having- been granted, he forwarded a circular setting forth the ad vantages of the colony to ih& commanding officers in all regiments in India. He also interviewed Lord Sandhurst during his recent visit here. That gentleman as late Under-Secretary for State for War, went into the matter carefully. Captain Daveney then speaks of Lord Sandhurst's favour able view of the matter,and continues :—

"I will now mention to your Excellency that there are over 80,000 army pensioners and 24,000 navy pensioners at Home, most of whom have nothing but their pensions to exist upon ; and if they only knew that the Minister of Immigration had decided to set

apart a block of the best land at theclsjmM or the (Voun in this province (shonkI the scheme eventuate), they would, f tlcy knew of it, gladly avail themselves of* he liberal: offers of the Government^ ■"£.<* believe that the Imperial Government mi nu be induced to assist them materially, io ■the following reasons:— Vi Arnold Salisbury, inliis letter to Mr I Arnold White vide -Times," 10th f«*""g! 1887) save:-"! do not. believe Parh* ment will make any advance *°waras sustaining colonisation cf this land, until it has been proved by experiment to be suc cessful ; but any conspicuous and evident success might very possibly induce 1 ariia ment to risk some money in that direction. "Times," sth February, 18S7, " State directed Colonisation." Mr Arnold White a letter in "Times," 11th February, 18K7. Sir,—l will not go into the inauguration of the pensioners'settlements by Sir George Grey from 1545 to 1849 ; but, to use bora Salisbury's own words, these settlements in New Zealand have been a conspicuous ana evident success, as shown in the early part of this letter ; and I further have a report from the Speaker of tho House of .Repre sentatives, who has represented them in Parliament for 25 years to that effect. On these "rounds, and as Your Excellency IS an officer of such high rank in H. M. o.™?' I earnestly solicit your assistance on benalt of soldiers of that service—to which I also belonged for years-who are barely exist ing at Home, whilst here they could live in allJuenco and comfort. Again, Lord Salis bury states :—" Tho utility of such coloni sation in facilitating tho defence of the Empire is a very material argument in its favour."

Captain Daveney also encloses a letter received from Major R. W. GasCoiKne, A.D.C. lo Lord Citnington, the Governor of New South Wale-, who as a travelled officer of considerable experience, is able to give good force to his words. This letter speaks highly of the central districts of the North Island from s-ticli colonization as Captain Daveney liad proposed, especially that part of the county of Tokaanui Karioi, the valley of the Wanganui, from five miles belowTauniaranuitothe Ongnruho liver ho Waimeba. The crops produced by the natives were of the best quality, and ho thought very well of the soil and climate. The letter winds up as follows . " I feel sure that .if the excellent quality of this district was better known to the British soldier when he takes his discharge, there would be many men who would gladly avail themselves of the opportunity of settlingl down here on the very liberal terms on which the land "is about to be offered to military emigrants by the New Zealand Go vernment."

With reference to this letter and this scheme there are many opinions. Our past, experience in military settlements ha? not been so satisfactory as Captain Daveney seems to think. Out of 4,000 military settlers who served three year? in tho Waikato War, and who were sriven at the expiration of their service - r>o acres for every private, SO acre? for each non-commissioned officer, 200 acres for a subaltern, 300 acres for a captain, and 400 acres for a field officer, we find that eighty - five per cent. cold out on obtaining a title ; the current price being £5 for 50 acres, and a bottle of rum for the town allotment, which with 12 months' rations was also allowed them. The argument used in Captain Daveney's letter, that these settlers will prov 0 a means of frightening any prowling enemy from our coasts, is difficult of proof. The un trained settlers of the great American colony found themselves quite equal to our pipeclayed soldiers at. Bunker'? Hill, Lexing ton, and Yorktown.

Another phase also presents itself. Tt is very questionable whether it is beneficial to commercial community to hove the "military element" suddenly and consider ably strengthened. The fact of a number of half-pay officers suddenly put upon the " employment market " would mean, from what we can judge of the influence already brought to bear upon the Govern ment by various military men, a filling of the majority of the berths in public institu tions with these applicants a? opportunity offered.

There are plenty of settlors arriving ench day from Europe who will (ill lip our waste spneo, without our rushing wildly into a scheme which may not pwe so beneficial to us as the pnttntifc captain supposes. At the same time we suppose that no particular harm can ariso from making widely known in JurJin, or anywhere else, the advantage* ollered by Now Zealand for farm settlement.

The births, marriages, and deaths will always appear with the postal notice at the head of the first column on our eighth page. The latest cablegrams are nlso in variably published in the same column. When our readers get familiarised with the classification they will find that the paper is specially arranged for convenience of refer ence. The size of the Star page is exactly the same as the " Sydney Morning Herald,1' " Sydney Evening News," and " Melbourne Argus," and is the most convenient shape for classification of news and advertise ments. With reference to the latter, we would remind advertisers that the appear ance" of their notices in the classified spaces cannot be guaranteed unless the advertise ments are delivered at our offico by two o'clock on the day of publication.

Regarding the closing of the Panmure Bridge by the bridge-keeper on account of non-payment of salary, it transpires that the Colonial Secretary, who was appealed to by the Secretary of the Harbour Board, has telegraphed stating that the bridge is under the jurisdiction of the Board, and the bridge-keeper had no right to interfere with the navigation of the river.

The hoarding i.s at length being removed from in front of Dr. Campbell's new build ing near the corner of Victoria-street.

Mv George Fraser and Son's tender of £1,913 for the construction of the caisson of Calliope Dock has been accepted.

A somewhat novel lawsuit ia on tho tapi*. Some weeks ago a race meeting was held at Onehunga under the auspices of the Auckland Royal Dragoons. The pro prietors of the totalisator obtained tho right of working the machines at the meeting for the sum of £30. The police prevented the use of the totalizator at the meeting, and now the cavalry purposo suing Messrs Adams and Perry for tho £30.

The Sanitary Inspector had one case of scarlet fever in East-street, Newton, and one case of scarlet fever in Cobden-strect reported to him yesterday afternoon. To day a case of typhoid fever j4 reported from (Jaol Road.

In connection with the question of economising fuel, and at the same time avoiding the smoke nuisance in towns, it is worthy of note that there lias been in use for many years in England and elsewhere, a patent automatic furnace feeder, which secures thoso objects most effectively. The original cost of pro viding this apparatus is considerable, but at some works it was found that a single year's use saved the cost in labour and fuel. While Hampton's patent fire bars will do much to reduce the smoke nuisance, there will still be the liability to waste and discomfort through unskilful firing. Black smoke and soot vomited forth on the air means money lost besides damage inflicted on/the public and this would be entirely obviated if the firing apparatus we refer to were employed. It would certainly pay to have it at the City Water Works, the Freezing Company's Works, and some of the larger mills.

Tho Rev. Joseph Berry was met at tea la=t evening in. the Pitt-.«treet Schoolroom by a number of Wesleyan officials to hear from him an exposition as to tho pro jected Now Zealand Methodist News paper Company which was being floated. The Rev. H. Bull presided, and introduced Mr Berry. The rev. gentleman gave a statement of the affairs, of the connectional orn-an for tho past few years. He was listened to with considerable attention, and at the close a host of questions were pro pounded. The meeting did not appear to eagerly respond to the request to take up shares.

A very successful entertainmenb was given in the Henderson schoolhouse on be half of the school-ground by three gentle men from town, friends of the head teacher, Mrs La Trobe and several ladies have put their heads together to raise a sum of money to make a play-ground for the school chil dren, the School Board having refused to grant any money for that purpose. The entertainment consisted of a magic lantern and concert, and from the number present there must be left a good balance in hand towards the above object.

The estimate cost of the proposed Quay street jetty is £11,000.

Mr C. La Rochejunr., a son of Councilior La Roche, has been appointed engineers assistant to the Auckland Harbour Board at a salary of £200 per annum. Mr La Roche has just completed his five years' cadetship in the Board's engineering department, and during bis service there " won golden opinions from all sorts of people." Mr La Roche's testimonials were of a most flatter ing character.

The inspection parade of the No. 2. Bat tallion was held last evening, when there was a very good attendance in the various corps. Tho men were put through a course of musketry instruction besides other move ments.

A framed picture of the late Governor Browne, whose death is recorded today, ha? been placed on view in Messrs Kidd and Wiklman's window, Victoria Arcade. The picture was evident! y taken many years ago, when Governor Browne was in the prime of life.

Yesterday evening 33 applications were received by the City Schools Committee for the position of cleaner of Wellesley street East School. After carefully con sidering who were the most needy, and at the same time suited for the posh, a ballot was taken, when a Mrs -McDonald, was ap pointed.

The general scheme of dredging in con nection with harbour employments pro vides for the raising of 1,500,000 cubic yards of mud, and assuming the dredger to be constantly engaged the work will occupy nino years.

Last evening Richard Plowman, boot maker, Karangahape Eoad, filed a petition in bankruptcy before the Deputy Registrar.

A mistake was made in our insertion of Messrs Kingr, Walker Co.'s coal advertise ment in last night's issue. 50 per cent, was inserted instead of 15 per cent.

The report of the Works and Tariffs Com mittee of the Harbour Board, at the meet ing of that body yesterday, recommended the passing of ciccounts amounting to 16,029 ISh :id for payment. That the Union Sash and Door Company be permitted to let cer tain allotments at Mechanics' Bay, provided the same rental be paid for the yearly tenancy as now paid, and subject to conditions of existing leases. That the sum of £10 deducted from the amount of Mr Matthews's contract be re paid, and that his claim of £10 for extras be not allowed. That claims be made against shipsHermione and Lady Jocelyn for damage to machinery as per Engineer's valuation, the Committee expressing regret that the Engineer had not seen fit to forward par ticulars of claim at an earlier date.

Our Port Albert correspondent writes : — "The elector? of Rodney will not have to go begging fora candidate for the honour to represent them in the next Parliament. There arc three, and if we include Mr Moat (the present member), who will again seek re-election, four willing to become Rodney's representative. The Chairman of Rodney Council (Mr J. Hudson), Mr C. McMurdo, and Major Kemp are asking the electors to ' withhold' promising their votes. Mr Speight's name is frequently mentioned ; and yet another, a 'rising young lawyer,' who was lately on a visit to these northern district?, was, it is said, ' feeling his way.' That two hundred guineas !"

Max P.inkle's Variety Company appeared at the Agricultural Hall lash evening, and attracted a fair audience. Several new items were introduced, and were well re ceived. Another performance is announced for this ovening.

At a meeting of the Auckland Royal Dragoons, held at Newmarket last evening, provisional arrangements for the holding of another race-meeting were made. It was also decided to fire a friendly match with the members of the 0 Battery of Artillery. A meeting of the Pitt-street Free Metho dist Mutual Improvement Society was held on Monday evening last, about sixteen members and friends being present. After a few business matters had been attended to, an essay was read by Mr Cow Icy on " Is the American System of Local Self Government Adapted to New Zealand '!" The essayist advocated two Councils for each island, and one central representative House, abolishing the Upper House, whose members received over £2 an hour each for the work done. The essay v?as well received, but some of the members, holding different views, gave expression to them.

The final meeting of the present City Schools Committee, which was held last night, was characterised by an unusual amount of humour on the part of various members. Towards the close of the evening an agent of an American firm waited upon the Committee with a view to bringing before the notice of that body a'lifo size sample of physiological plates designated "Yagg's Anatomical Study." The canvasser ex hibited the various plates—forty in number — in which the structure of the human form

was faithfully pourtrayed. Tho plates were examined with great interest by the Committee, more particularly those showing the action of alcohol upon the in ternal organism of man. Several members of the committee expressed their opinion that these plates would be infinitely more useful for the purpose of inculcating the principles of temperance than the introduc tion of Dr. Richardson's work. One or two of tho members were also very anxious to find what particular liquor tho man had indulged in whose stomach was represented in such a fearful stato of ulceration, apparently thinking it would be wise to swear off that spirit in the future. The Committee were unanimous in forward ing a recommendation to the Board that these studies should bo supplied to the schools.

The ferry steamer Victoria has been chartered in connection with the bakers' picnic, which takes place at St. Helier's Bay to- morrow, and will leave the Queen street Wharf at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

To the Works and Tariffs Committee of the Harbour Board has been referred a re commendation of the Engineer, that the Gas Company's suggestion regarding the lighting of the wharf be accepted, as it would effect a saving of £50 per annum

We beg todrawthe attention of the public to *he great sale of the stock of the D.I.Cv, commencing on Fri day next. The business has just been purchased by Mr J. Scutt, well known in Auckland. On inquiry, we hear that there will be very cheap bargains, and would re commend charitable institutions and others to embrace this opportunity of purchasing their WJ'Uev reo.uireinen.tß,

Detective Walker arrested » *^Sl William Montague D^pi* Jfe kaukapakapa yesterday on thai^H obtaining by false pretences th iSM Accused was brought before vSsWi Cowrt to-day, w £en a granted for a week in order to^ir *ffl police time to secure the atW*1*! witnesses from Swanson. The , -wl charged with obtaining the nT^li means of a " second of exchange"f 6j W= The Harbour Engineer entertain^fl on the stability of the apprZlTW Northcote wharf, and h as M , Harbour Board, in paying its ooXli to tho work, sho'ulS fepifljfc future maintenance of the aonS^fi borne by the Waitemata CountySjlH An inquest will be held at tW to M George Hotel, Newmarket, to-Il^ 2.30 p.m., into the cause of vesteS*!! at Parnell Rise. Detect^ Tu2\t--" charge of the case, an inquiry intJJllS has been instituted by the fire fo*rWs companies concerned. A meetingoftheSelwynFootballClrf,!^l be hold this evening in the YoniwTii Christian Association Rooms, asady^^ in last evening's Star, at 7.30 o'cloJlP the business is very important, even Jp ber is expected to be in attendance, Suppliers of totara piles to the AmikP Harbour Board have for some time had a grievance against Mr McGre^orr Harbour Engineer, in consequence oik rigid requirements regarding piles Bnnfiii to the Board. It appears that 31 January last, of 399 piles offered tot' - Board 172 had been rejected, "and fcjfi alleged that, with few exceptions ths Jill jected piles were quite good enough t ordinary purposes. Five or six letter ' read at the Harbour Board meeting v^ day from contractors for tho suSsf piles, complaining bitterly of theEnSii action, and the Board decided to i&aM Mr Mirfin, of the Public Works' Wjßl merit, and the Government Inspector examine the piles rejected by tneiMp neer, and to report on them. j Wilson's Portland Cement is sold inhMM Two bags equal one cask. Any quantity!^ had. Jn proof of quality, the GovenS' authorise its use on their works WjU Hydraulic Lime is unequalled. Concrete! dot ions, tanks, floors, paths, etc.. are cV-' Information free. — J. Wilson and Ow,' Customs-street West, Auckland, munnfac■■>. of Wilson's Portland Cement and Hych, Lime.-IADVT.I

THE POROTARAU TUNNEL.

Tlie Progress of a Great Engineering: Work, ii We learn that excellent progress isitj made by Mr O'Brien, the contractor^ the construction of this important vmi The excavation is proceeding at bothenj and altogether about 3J chains hare & driven. This, however, byno newj presents the amount of work done in « nection with the contract. Situated) mountainous inaccessible country, gjljj five miJc9 from Kihikihi, Mr O'i&i had first to make a dray *ipi covering the greater part of Ii distance. Some very heavy slips weisi» with in commencing the tunnel, wit1 delayed woi k considerably ; but suchgis headway has since been made that its* likely the work will be completed \ within contract time. There are; men employed, and they work three " shifts " of eight hours. I "country" is hard papa rock, wHH however, blasts easily. The length ofiiy. funnel when completed will be nearly tire.,-" quarters of a mile; It is 3000 feet abov?S§ level, and the summit of the ridge itntqH is 350 feet above the level of the Mp line. The workmen have comfo&k huts, and. so far there has only:[ft one accident in connection ' -withlS works. An excellent Accident Fund,] which the employers contribute Mi week each, has been started. Our in mant, referring to the remark by Sir Mi Vogcl that the railway will be coinjjlk through to Wellington by 1890, feara;| it will be fully five years before thisix summation is reached. '~t

ALEXANDRA STREET CHURCH.

The customary soiree in connection «aH| the thirty-sixth anniversary of the AlendSßj dra-streefc Primitive Methodist ChurclfSiH held last evening, when there was a bag attendance. Tea was provided at|S o'clock, when the following, la|^^ presided : — Mesdames Mewburn, Jilll frey, Niccol, and Bennett, and JJisffij Potter, Lendrum, Jaffrey, MevlwjSj and Gillespie. At the after meeting Sir William Fox presided, and aririr&wi were delivered by the Revs. Bull, WjiSj Spurgeon, and Smith, The annual repnE was read by Mr David Goldie. It stafc^H that the long-continued commercial depitSl sion had affected both the congregation otH the finances of the church. Fifty-'aiMg^ had left the church during the year, B^JH of whom had gons to the special settlemeiiiJß Three others had been removed bydeswH Still, owing to the open-air missioiipflj church had been able to retain iits'ii^H bership. A mutual improvement clafis|<4H opened dui-ing the year for the enccMagjH ment of the young men. The meetingfqß the Bible-class were still well attended.: !■ young Christian's Band had also been <ffl^B menced, presided over by the P^jflH With regard to the finances, the ,rey^ stated that the weekly offerings «HB totfilled £205 3s 5d ; seat renfoJjjM 3s, and for quarterings, £52 7s. total receipts for the year from Warn sources were £818 13s 2d, showing anufflj eo;ne of £16 6s 3d per week, of which AI4B andra-street contributed £12 J2s. ~.SHM balance - sheet showed the aSgre^^fl§| ceipts for the year from AtowjHj street Church wero £395 8s 4d, t^^B the expenditure reached £455 •^j^BS leaving a debit balance of £60 0s 11. ■ ■'

THE DUNEDIN "STAR" OR RAILWAY BOARDS.

(P.Y TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDED)H DujasDlK,; this d&w| The " Star " strongly opposes the B^fiß Boards as sketched by Mr Richardson;|l| ing that "theobjectis to shift responsibly from tho Minister, while the schet^H eludes a fresh departure in Is it too much to say that every perm) pended on such institutions'.^°|jj||B' money wasted ? If we are to delegajp|| functions of the Minister to a Bo^fl|Bi must be cne with power *°'"ji-Mjß redress grievances, to amend detecfs?£gßH point and dismiss officers, to fix *°^.wUH rates, and generally to do all »fyjKS directory of any private company "vJHj do. Less than this would be:)ffl| less, and, indeed, mischiovOUsa{lS Richardson made a strong »P& the parochial sentiment. Mr .WgSffl seemed to have spoken under *he ,SpH| tion that he had a weak case to hancu* m he handled it weakly. His diverting popular condemnation "HajjSl Department under his charge 1S aQ ; s too shallow, and only betrays thep-mw^ he is aware of the existence ot " which ore beyond his skill to remedy.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAB, WEDNESD^T^PMLJO^BB^

4



SALVAGE. L 0 T O F jV\ [RON BEDSTEADs\ y^ Are now being sold by \\ Garlick and Granweil, y VERY CHEAP. Rescued from the late // Firo in tf \ Q U E E NJr SALVAGE. i I CLEARING PRICES TO MEET THE TIMES. CHOICE NEW WINTER DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. WILLIAM K. BRIDGMAN Is now showing a Splendid Assortment of New Goods, in all departments, which have been purchased at great advantage, and havo been markod very low. 2,000 yards Black French Merinos and Cash meres Coloured French Merinos and Cashmeres The orders for the abovo were placed before the great rise in wool, and will be sold in many instances at Lower Prices than last season. .0,000 yards New Dress Materials, in new shades and fashionable styles, all '.narked at best value; Large Lot of Job Dress CJoods in great variety, at nominal prices—Good Line atljd: Underclothing, half-price; Now Velveteens, all shades, really sood Hue, Is (id a yard: New Piushoa, all shades : New Astraclian Trimmings, New Umbrellas, Buttons, Gloves. Hosiery, Laced, Fur Capes, Macintoshes, Splendid As sortment New Ulsters: Men's Strong Cotton ■ Shirts, Is; Boys'do., 9d : New Felt Hats. Having I an overstock of Boys', Youths', and Men's Clotli i ing, have determined to clear it at a sacrifice, to I reduce stock—Good Tweed Coats, 6s Gd ; Boys' I liliiek Cloth Coats, 3s lid; Men's Black Cloth '."cats, 2s (id. ALL GOODS AT SALE PRICES, As during the depression W. 15 .B. wishes rather :to serve his customers well, and keep them to gether till better times, rather- than make a pro rit. By doing almost an entirely cash business, those calling will get best va'iuo for money, at 288, UPPER QUEF.N STREET. TpUYERS OP BLANKETS, LACE CURTAINS and GLOVES, Come and. Sco T. SHORT'S WINDOWS, 4-BUTTON BLASCK AND COLOURED KID GLOVES SUEDE JERSEYS, C to 15 BUTTON LENGTH. COMB AND SKE. NOTE THE CLEARING SALE PRICES. By order of the Executors^ CORN CIAQKS FOR SALE BY W. S. LAURIE & CO.* SEED- AND MANURE MERCHANTS, CIUSTO3IS STREET, AUCKLAND. MECHANICS' BAY BRICKWORKS. Bricks. 25e, 27s 6d, and 30s par thousand, at the Kiln. Ground Hydraulic Lime. Roche liime white and hydraulic. White Slacked Lime. NATHAN HARKER, Agtsnt for the Port Chalmers Qui irry Company.



■\ir j. hurst & co. B. J. ESAM and A. H. GRAINGER having purchased from the Public Trustee (the Executor under the Will of the late W.J. Hurst) the Good will, Stock-in-Trade, Book Debts, etc., of the old_ established business of W. J. Hurst and Co., Grain, Seed, Produce, and Artificial Manure Merchants, will trade under the aamc style and name, and will continue the business as hereto lore. All Outstanding Accounts arc requested to be paid fortwith. -y.; w. j. hurst & co. ON SALE. SEEDS- New Season's Clovers nnd Natural Grasses Kye Grass and Cocksfoot (in variety) Turnip and Mangold Seeds JVIANURES- Uoncdust (fine and |-inch) Superphosphates (various grades) Nitrate of Soda Sulphate of Ammonia Potash, Kainet, et«., etc. Peruvian Guano GKAIN- Seedand Feed of all descriptions Flour, Oatmeal Bran, Sharps Table and Coarse Salt Table Potatoes &c, &c., &c. \V. J. HURS T &. C 0., QUEKN-STHEET, AUCKLAND. GOLDEN OEM" FLOUR AND "XL ALL" OATMEAL Are the best brands in this market. Tlt V THE U. ALFIt ED T5 W ITT, . Sot.io Agent. IF in need of a stimulant take Wolfe's ScilXAl'l'S. - SOUND LUNGS.—The robust vitality of the breathing powers is a blessing which i 9 rarely appreciated until such 101 l discuses as bronchitis and consumption seize tho frame and rack it with the consuming tire of waetinpr death. At the first syinptons of the nppronuwini,' malady seek inviKonitinir recuperative remedies. The sanatory- eucalyptus and re storing nervine — hypophosphites, with the febrifugal tonic quinine, are the best suited to arrest the peril that insidiously undermines tho health of advancing youth. Inquire forAickin s Syrup of Kuculyptus with Hypophosphites of Lime and Quinine; price, 33 (id, ~\~D~AM T AYBOUKN to /^O., AUCKLAND, NEW CLOVER.) Best ENGLISH SEEDS, from } James Carter it Co., NEW TURNIP) The Queen's Seedsmen. RYE GRASS, COCKSFOOT, and NATURAL GRASSES. AH new Seeds. Fencing Wire at Reduced Priecs._^ \\f" ha n"g~a r~e'i c o"*a l, HOUSEHOLDERS ARK REMINDED THAT 'I'HKY SAVE 15% By using this, and it goes further than most coal. KING, WALKER. & CO., Agents. Queen-street (Xext Waitemata Hotel). TTkONALD -Y\7- JACK & /^O., PONSONB- ROAD, Aro now > OPENING UP NEW GOODS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. SEE OUR STOCK OP DRESS GOODS BEFORE PURCHASING ELSEWHERE. •'■' DONALD W. JACK & CO. , ■T M PONSONBY BOAD.