THE EDITOR'S DRAWER.

Condensed Correspondence,

€ity Water Supply.— "A Resident writes :—" As Mr Pond has been authorised to analy .0 the wator at high and low levels,

may I su B gost that ho analyss tho water in Pollen-street, Surrey Hills (Great North Road end), where iusects may bo found as

numerous as mosquitoes in a stagnant pond."

The Government V.Australian Mutual Provident Society.—We cannot find spice for the long letter of "Policy No. 34,054 " on this subject. Tho respective institutions referred to had bettor rest upoc their merits, and not upon Bpecial advocacy.

The Globe Readers. — On this vexed topic "Southern Cross "writes :—"lt would be woll, too, that an exhaustive enquiry should be mado as to tho most euitabl'o bouks to be adopted. An Australasian Keaderwould be proferable ; it may bo that auch a book is in use in Bomo of the sister colonies. _ At all ovonts, great core should be exorcised in tho eelcction of repdors, and some reasonable guarantee should be given of permauenco /.hen the books are adopted. In connection with this eubject it would be opportune to request a largo at tendance at tho forthcoming annual meet ing of householders. It would strougthen the hands of the new committees if a freo expression of opinion wore given on this aud similar subjects."

Licensing Affairs in City North.—"An Elector of City North " writes on this sub ject as follows :— " Already the busy sounds of the hammer and saw are heard in tho public-house bars of City North, reinstating the bars, hid out oi eight or totally abolished by our Temperance Licensing Committee, although great fuss was mado before the licensing election about what -was going to be dono.

Let the Cobulek Stick to his La..t. "LiveandLet Live" writes complaining that although tho journeyman bootmakers re cently got an advaneo of wages by tho help of tho shopkeepers and tho public, these journeymen are now absorbing tho bulk of the repairing trado, doing it at homo at night for ono half tho prico that tradesmon, who have expenses to pay, can take. Theso journeymen uro taking the trado from tho shops, while tho unfortunate shopkeepers are keeping them in steady employment by buy ing ready-made work from tho factories that omploy them."

Mount Eden Nuisances.—"Fair Play," who is a resident of Mt. Eden district, alleges that tho blasting operations in full swing there are more dangerous than the target practice of the Volunteers. He cays : "I think all we need to reach the cul minating point is that pieces of rock should come crashing through our roofs ; then we should realise thoroughly the effect of a bombardment, and should tho Russians or any other deadly enemy turn up, we Edeners could go to the front without fearing any foe, however noisy. By-the way, Mr Editor, do you not think that a six montha' re sidence at this spot devoted to war's alarms would prove beneficial to our Volunteer officers? They, at le.st, would hear the shots tired if they did not smell much powder, and thus by sharing our dangers be better quali fied for coming events."

The Colonial and Indian Exhibition.— Mr Albert Potter writes:—" If the article in the 'Herald' of the 7th is meant to substan tiate the assertion of that journal in re gard to Mr Twopenny's claim (as set up by himself, being the real author aud designer of the Colonial and Indian Exhibition) in reply to my letter in your issue of tho 3rd, a more clumsy transparent subterfuge cou'd scarce be conceived by referring to what waa done by another party in 1576 in respect to a 'Museum,' a repository of curiosities (extent, quality, and value undefined). Those cherished and valuable in stutionß remain in all countries, bciDg held apart from and irrespective of national and local exhibitions. It is to be hoped Mr Twopenny will bo more happy in his references whon attempting to build his reputation upon the foundation of other 3."

A Traveller's Grievance.—"Traveller" writes as follows : —"On several occasions attention has been called to the disgraceful manner in which the tramcara are over loaded, the platform being so crowded that it ia dangerous to those that stand there. I think, sir, it is quite timo tbat the city authorities took steps to stop tho ovor-load ing of the tramcars.

The Ai>v_ntiS- Challenge oe. Invita tion.— "More Light," referring to the offer made by Mr Daniells to give up the Tent pulpit for any ono night to all local clergymen who might wish to speak on the subjects treated by him, says : —" What a simple bird it would be that would bo caught with such light chaff as this ! — Take the platform for one night, and give Mr Daniells the opportunity—in his own ingenious way—of discussing and refuting all the previous speaker aaid without hia being able in any way to reply. The device is rather too transparent, and ministers are not likely to accept the in vitation under such circumstancea. If Mr Daniells Is not afraid to submit his pet theories to the light of criticism, and if he is so suro of the position he takes up, why not have a debate ? Why ia he so afraid of answering verbal questions pub licly 1 Why not let the clear light of Scripture shine upon all that he ad vances? A few days ago, one of Mr Daniels's followers was conversiug with a recognised preacher in Auckland, who sent the following verbal challenge to Mr Daniells : 'Be kind enough to give Mr Daniells my complimonta, and say that I shall bo pleased to debate with him on the seventh day question for one, two, or three nights, the conditions to bo that no book except the Bible should be used, unless to settle the meaning of any par tieular word in dispute, when a lexicon might be referred to; but all commenta tors, etc, to be kept strictly out of the debate.' The advertisement offering hia pulpit for one night to any recognised minister and excluding debate is tbe only answer received so far."

Eden Terrace and Water Su.plv.—Mr George McCowatt gives tho following aa the true reasons why many in Eden Terrace Diatriet were opposed to the proposed loan supply :—" It was not because the residents were indifferent for the safety of their property, but because of the way it was proposed to carry it out. What is the use of raising this loan and taxing ourselve3 to repay it when the water supply would be but little good without a Fire Brigade ? How are we to maintain a Fire Brigade with all its accompanying expenses? Our income, deriv able from ratei,is sometbiog like three hun dredpounde(l speak from hearsay ),and out of that we have about a quarter of a mile of the New North Road to keep in repair, and which muat always be a firßt charge on our income; and when other necessary ex penses are added you will see there is not much left. Iv my opinion, our best course is to petition the City Council to join us to the city ; we may not get all our wants supplied in a month, or even in a year, but I am certain that, were we part of the city, we would get our improvements done by degrees, whereas by remaining as we are I venture to say that at the end of twenty years we will be as we are to-day, so far, at least, as improvements are concerned."

The Totalisator.—" Sport" writes on this topic as follows _—"I cannot underatand why the Metropolitan Club of this province has been so dilatory in dealing with tho abuse of tho above machine -at our country meetings. Ido not believe that in any part of the world is racing carried on to such an extent bb in New Zealand, and in the province of Auckland in particular. Fancy places like Onehunga, Otahuhu and North Shore having four and five meetings a year, places where, if tho totaliaator waa not being worked, they would havo great difficulty in getting up one decent meeting. I can count, while sitting, twenty moetings per annum, averaging (I take it from your reports as far as my memory will servo me) from three to four thousand pounds each, and as the proprietor of the totalisator gets five per cent, besides the odd money, in all, say nearly £5,000 per annum, one cannot wonder at so many mushroom clubs start-! ing into existence; but ia the above cal culated to promote legitimate racing ?"

Early Closing.—On this subject " EF." writes as follows:—" I was pleased to hear that, stimulated by your leading article of February 24th on Sir John Lubbook'B Earlier Closing Bill, and by prior corres pondence, steps are being taken _ to convent a public caestiag to consider this question. There is no doubt but that a compul-.ory Early Closing Bill would meet with fha support ol tho vast majority of the employers and employees whom it would benefit. You truly Bay, 'All who have worked in connection with early closing movements agree that voluntary efforts cannot secure a reasonable curtail ment of the hours of labour.' Some ob jester may say, «Pf course, those whom it

: would benefit would support a compuleory closing bill, but what about the others ?' The query is a reasonable one, but the ob jector should show who would be injured by euch an act. The principal objectors would be of the class of one who said, ' What's a man to do if his shop is closed early ?hecan'tgotobed.' Couldainorecogont reason bo givon in favour of such a measure when the effect of continuous shop is to cause tho victim to spend his timo between shop and bed ? Of some such ono the poet cays :

[ I or a for ward step In the mart lie hath dealt in flash and blood ; At tile bank his name Is good ; At tho bank and ODly there, ' Tie a marketable ware, In his eyes, tho cold, hardfrUnt Of now dollars from the in nt. Ocen now jour spirit's eye 3. Look through that poor clay disguise." Is it right that one or two in each trade should compol the whole of their neighbours in self-defence to subject themselves and I heir employees ' to a slavery-that is worse physically and mentally than any slavory that was ever known ia the States of Amorica ?' I hope tho matter will bo en ergetically taken up and carried to a suc cessful is=ue."

i'HE Devon.ort Well.—"Pumped Out,' in the course of a very amusing lettor, cays : —"lt was with much pleasure that I signed a requisition to tho Mayor to con vene a public meeting to at once take into consideration the question of water supply for Dovonport district. It has been truly painful to witness day by day for tho past fow months the abortive efforts of our muddle-headed Councillors to discover that subterranean riveroverwhich we are,accord ing to thoso wise-acres, supposed to bo float ing. What evidence wasthore thatsuchoxis ted, beyond tho opinions of that well sinker who now boasts that it was bo who started tho ' rivor theory,' to test which has cost us ratepayers such an enormous sum of money! 'Phis reminds me of another well sinker, who never yet sank a well without striking the most wonderful spring on rec ord. As he cays :— ' I allers tolls 'cm its tho wondorfullost spring I ovor seed. Thoro's a reglar rivor down there. 1 nover soo'd such a spring, and thon they tips mo half a soy. and don't want the well sunk no lower,' using at tho same timo that e.-proeeivo ex pansion of his lingois from the point of his nasal organ which Peter Siaiplo was in formed was tho orthodox sign of Free masonry. This 'well' business clearly de monstrates the want of capacity and utter incompetency of our Borough Councillors, and now, after tho absurdity of their actions has beon mado manifest (but at what a cost), they will surely have the grace to resign their positions and make placo for men possessed of ordinary common sense. Probably, now that they havo tapped the river (although a salt one) another genius (?) wi!l_ suggest the purchase of a condensing engine and incorporate a salt factory in connection with the water supply (patent rights reserved). In the meantime the summer is passing, and the necessity for a water supply will be less felt, and the whole question will be shelved until next season. This is another misfortune to the district, in addition to the money already thrown away. Honour to whom honour is due, and I would suggest this is a fitting opportunity for a presentation to the Coun cillors of the time-honoured leather medal and putty ring, and also an illuminated copy of those beautiful lines, ' Shall we gather ntthe river, the beautiful, the beau tiful river,' that leads whore?"

Kauri v. Baltic

(To the Editor.) Sir, —The controversy re the specifying the use of Baltic timber for tho external portion of the joinery in the now Customs building seems to have narrowed down to the ques tion of tho merits of tho two kinds. As far as I have road in your columns, tho term "Baltic timbor" is used in tbo abstract, and its weight, as given in your Saturday's

issue, is 341bs per cubic foot. It may be of interest to your leaders generally, and to the trado in particular, to know thatthereareat least three woll-known and recognised varieties of Baltic timber in tho market, each differing from tho other in

weight, tenacity, modulus of rupture, mo dulus of elasticity, and resistance to crush ing, as will bo seen from the following table, tho result of experiments by Hodgkinson on pillars 2" high by 1" diameter, and experi ments by Laslett on 2" cubes as given in Laslett. work on timber and timber trees. Tho three kinda aro known as D.-nzig, Memel, and Riga, and I think that kauri will bear comparison, to its favour :—

b|o &S-S _ g =S g _> S |3 . lbs Tons lba lbs Tons por Bq.-inch Dinzig 38 I_to_.s 13.SG 2,500,000 3 1 Memel 31 42t0 19 1.536 0.0 BO Kiga 3ltol"lSto5 5 9,450 S7O 000 2-1 Kauri 31 2'o 11,531 2.850.000 2_

A great deal has been said about the seasoning and non-seasoning of timber, tho object in seasoning being to exp6l or dry up the sap remaining in it, which sap not expelled (in any wood) causes decay ; the evidence of success in seasoning being to a great extent the reduction ot tbe weight of the timbor. Honco it is of the utmost im portance to the trade that tha trees aro felled at the proper season of tho year, viz , midsummer or midwinter, when tho sap ia at rest, preference being given to midwinter felling, when the sap haa finished its work for tho year. Tredgold, a great authority on timber, calls it seasoned when it has lost loth of its weight, the weight being taken at tho timo of felling. It is then fit for carpenters' work and common pur poaes. He call it dry when it haa loat .', of ita weight, being then fit for joiners' work. I quite agroo with some of the speakers at tho Builders' Association meet-

ing, that, taking it altogether, kauri ia decidedly preferable to Baltic timber. Given that it ia treated in a proper manner, viz., the trees selected for felling being neither too young nor too old, as near maturity aa possible ; foiled at the right season, squared as soon aa felled ; and then given a reasonable timo to season, and our timber growers aud manufacturera need not be

afraid of kauri holding its own against any of the conifene order. This ia the treatment given to the timber in Prussia, Russia, and Norway, and even then it is bought by large builders in Loudon and other large centres at Home, and undergoes a system of drying, according to tastes, for a year or more. New Zealanders might with profit take a lesson from tho Canadians in their adopted system of tree felling Contractors expect too much from the local mills, and also rely too much upon them, and until the companies come to an understanding to fix a price that will pay them for the trouble of seasoning, or the builders adopt the system of buying large quantities, and seasoning it and working it themselves, I fear we shall hear a lot more about Baltic timber.—l am, sir, yours, etc., John Davis, Stoneyhurst, Mount Eden.

Mr. Alfred Sharps, architect, writes on tha B,i_. subject. He remarks : — " Thero is much in your leader of Fri day evening that claims assent from all who are acquainted with the subject; but, on the principle of " Audi alteram partem," thero is also much to say in favour of Messrs Mahonoy'sandMitchell's contentions in favour of home-made Baltic doors. Now, I fully believe that no bettor timber exists than kauri, when it is properly treated and when properly selected for the purposes for which it ia wanted. Some kauri, on account of its heavy gummy nature, ia all but unseasonable, and so given to twisting and warping as to be useless for joinery ; yet these very qualities render it Al for rough beam work. Other kauii, from being out in the wrong season and then kept in water till cut up, loses all Rb gum (on which ita durability depends), and is unfit for any work exposed to the weather. Other kauri ia soft, clean, and smooth, and is what is known as "joiners' timber," and this is tho only kind that should be used for door and sash work. Some of the milla seem to totally neglect the neces sity oi choosing their timber with discrim ination for their factory work, and when you come to the fact that a tree is often cut up into boards, delivered from the mills, and worked up into buildings a very short time after it is felled, you will Bee how this carelessness must sooner or later damn our manufactured goods. Doors and sashes are frequently condemned by our architects, and our habitations rendered comfortless by bad joinery, owing to shrinkage and warpage. I have lately seen doors shriek g of an inch at all joints, both on styles and mountings, two weeks after delivery from tha mill, which means in plain English the grossest carelessness on the part of the mauufacturers, Yet kauri is a grand timber."

£100 Reward.— They cure all diseases of the stomach, bowels, blood, liver, nerves, and kidneys, and £100 will be paid for a case they will not cure or help, or for anything impure Of injurious found In them—Hop Bitters. Test It, Read, _ _ ... ._._..._ _

Meeting of Northern Natives.

(FROM a correspondent.)

Waitangi, Bay op Islands. March 0, ISS7

The groat Maori mooting, preparations for which had been made for some months, took place yesterday (Sth instant), and was con tinued up to a late hour last night and resumed this morning. I _Tbs Maori chiefs, numbering about 200, I met the Native Minister (the Hon. John I Ballance, M.H.R.), on tho beach at the mouth of tho river, and proceeded with him to tho " whare runanga"—a largo hall erected on the spot whore tho all-important treaty was signed in IS4O which ceded theso islands to tho Crown of Great Britain. Tho troaty was signed by 512 nativo chiefs on tho part of the Maoris, and by Captain Hobson, R.N., first Governor of ISew Zea land, on behalf of Hor Majesty Queen Victoria. When the assomblago, which numbered botwaen 400 and 500 persons, amougst whom wore a considerable number of Europeans and a good attendance of ladies, wore seated, Maiui P. Kawiti, of tho Kawakawa, roso and said : " Salutations to you, Mr Ballance. It is by my oxpross invitation that you are hero today. We, the native chiefs, desire you to impress upon your Go vernment tho necessity of thoir dealing at once with tho ditlictilties and grievances that havo arisen in consequonco of the en actment and enforcement of various Acts dealing with native land affairs. This time is specially favourable for this great work, seeing that it is Jubilee your, or the 50th year ol the roign of Hor Majesty (Juocn Victora. Let then your Government mark thoir appreciation of the loyalty of Her Majesty's Maori subjects, and grant their wishes, which aro indispensable to thoir future welfare." TauraU Kukui'a, of Whangarei, thon ivolcomod tho Nativo Ministor. Ho said that he had invited the chiofs who woro present to atlond this gloat meeting, and to tako part in tho discussions. They had many grounds of complaints, and in order to facilitato tho business of tho meosing, they had drawn up a programmo, which Would now bo submitted by Hirini Taiwhanga. lliuisi Taiwhanua then addressed tlio meeting. Ho suid they woro thoro for tho purpose of considering tho following questions : Ist, Nalivo Administration and Land Acts. -2nd, Village Settlement. 3rd, an absconding lawyer. 4th, Thaka

Hakuene's position in reference to the Treaty. sth, to select their next represen tative. 6th, A special Maori press. 7tb, The New Zealand debt of £42,000,000. Bth, The formation of a Maori Union. The speaker was proceeding in detail when he was interrupted by Wi Kateno, of Te

Ahuahu, who said that before the meeting was formally opened for business he wished to greet the Nativo Minister. Having dono so, he resumed his feat.

Several chiefs having spoken their saluta

tione, Mr Ballance rose and thanked them for their cordial reception of him : ho accepted this as a further procf of their loyalty. He had met them in order to

hear their grievances, for ho was aware that such existed, and to see what could be done to remedy them. Ho said, however, that no laws wero perfect—that none of our lawa woro liko "those of the Medcs and Persians, which altoreth not"— but admitted that whenever a solomn agreement was entered into tho spirit of it should bo agrood to. Alterations, as time advanced, would bo found necessary : but theso changea could be only brought about by tho concent of both parties to iho original understanding. Ho then reforrod with pride to the good works ho had already done on thoir behalf, iv which he had tho support and co opera tion of Sir Robert Stout, Premier. In refcienco to what Maihi lvaniti had said about the Jubilee year, it was a go_d thought; they would uso it in the manner best calculated to promote tho welfare of the nativo race. Tho meeting adjourned for an hour for refreshment, when Takotokua, a cfiiof of the Rakawa, recommenced business by relating a grievance in connection with tho proposed Government roads in the Hero kino District. Tho roads woro to bo made on behalf of tho special settlors. The na

tivcß wero not consulted at all in the matter, and thoy decidedly objected to be sot usido and thoir lauds used for this purpose. Tho

arrangement was very unsatisfactory. Eu ropean?, he thought, would bo treated otherwiso.

Matiu te Aranui, of Mangakahia, ex pressed dissatisfaction with existing nativo

land laws, and tho way they woro ad ministered. Ho considered that a grand aid sweeping change iv_s necessary. Ho had a special griovanco with tho Govern ment about a block of land in bis district. Ho concluded by reading a paper relating to a grant of If! acres of land presented to tho Government by the natives in the Hero kino district for the purpose of founding a School of Agriculture and Trades. Taurau KuKOl'A complained of tho wiy that the Government had dealt with two blocks of his land, and in forcible language insisted on a full inquiry being hold into tho matter. Eri: Neh.ua, of Whangarei, roso to tako tho .Nativo Minister to task iv respoct to what ho assorted ho had done for their benefit. Tho speaker would remind him of tho great petition they had for.arded to tho House through him and their eitt'ng

member Thaka Hakuene. Those present would like to hoar as to what had become of it. If ho had attended to this and othor matters they would bo convinced of hia eincet-ty and ability to assist them. As matters stood at present, however, this was an open question, and ho doubted whether the Nativo Minister earned his salary. The proposed School of Trades was of amall moment What tho Maoris required, aud would insist upon, was the proper adminis tration of their affaire. Maim P. Kawiti followed. He said that if tha existing laws were not remodelled he could not abide by them. In fact, so thoroughly dissatisfied waa he with thorn that ho fait it to bo hia duty to warn the Native Minister that as regarded himself, hi 3 people, and hia lands, he was quite pro pared to govern thorn with his own laws. Paora Tuiiaerh: and other chiefs hav ing similarly condemned the lawa aa at pro sent in operation, violating as they did the principles of the Treaty oi Waitangi,

Mr Ballance rose and again thanked them for the warm reception accorded to him. Aa regarded their land disputes, he would havo a court, of inquiry held in that hall, Mr Clendon to be judge. They need not employ counsel; that could be dispensed with. Iv this connection he would refer to the absconding lawyer. He had frequently warned them to shun lawyers. If they did not,they must accept the consequences. As for repealing tho laws and allowing thorn to manage their own affairs, he thought that would be very disastrous to their cause. Besides, there could not be two law-making bodies in the soma coun try. Same of the questions brought for ward they could settle amongst themselves In conclusion, he thanked them for the patience and order maintained, and stated that if they had any other matters to bring before him, they could wait upon him at his hotel in Russell

Thaka Hakueme begged him to return next day, aa there were other important matters to be hoard, besides ho (tho speaker) was going to be subjected to a severe examination,and he should like him to be present at hia repakatanga (cruci fixion).

Taurau Kukui'A then proposed, sup ported hy Mahii Kawiti and Heta te Haara, that, as the business for which this meeting was held is not yet completed, Mr Ballance might make it convenient to attend the meetiog next day.

Tho Native Minister demurred to this proposition, and repeated that he would see them at hia hotel.

Tho chiefs were dissatisfied with this course, arguing that nothing definite had been arranged.

Eventually it was decided to hold an emergency meeting that same evening. This was done, when the resolutions already published wore drawn up and unanimously agreed to.

Amongst the noticeable European visitors present on the above interasting occasion was the Rev. Mr Burrows, who resided at the Bay of Island as Church of England missionary amongst the Ngapakie, and was present during the first celebrated war be tween JohnDy Heke and Kawiti and the British troops, and did good service on that occasion. Within a short distance of the place of meeting there etill lives a famous woman, a daughter of tho re nowned chief Eongi or Shongi. a sort Si Maori iNapolooD, who first introduced (he use of firearms amongst tho natives, •with deadly effect. She was the wife of Johnny Heke, and, on his death, married again, but is now a widow. In the diary recently published by the Eev. Mr Burrows, reference is made to several of ■the moat important and interesting events of the early times during Heke'a war-

THE QUEEN'S HIGHWAY.

[By Stuart Cumberland.]

(Special CoiittissroNUJSNCE to Auckland Star. J

FBOM PORT ARTHUR TO OTTAWA. One has now struck tho old route of tho traders and Indiaue, and tho one takon by tho Red River Expedition. For directly Port Arthur on Lako Superior ia reached tho water way to any part ot Canada proper has boon entoiod upon. From Port Arthur

to tho connecting waters forming tho high way to Winnipeg and to Hudson's Bay there was a povtugo of somo fifty tnilos to be got ovor, and when tho vot/at/eurs carried stores or furs botweon Fort William (Port Arthur) and Fort Garry (Winnipeg) they woro obliged to toil ovor tho rough intervening land. When, however, the head waters of the connecting streams woro ' struck, boat navigation to Fort Garry was oasily conducted through Rainy Lake, Rainy Rivor, aud the Lako of tho Woods, Rat Portugo causing another land journoy. It was a long roundabout routo from the St. Lawrence to Manitoba in those days days which, by tho by, wore but as yester day—and now, with tho oponing of the " llueon's Highway," a journey attondod by many delays and frequent dangers, taking weeks to accomplish, can bo got ovor with out difficulty or interruption under three days.

| With the arrival at Port Arthur, tho trip across tho Continent haa ontorod upon a now phaso, for tho passongor can oil her go on by tho railway to Montreal, round tho north shore of Lake Superior, or by the Canadian- Pacific's splendid stoimors acro.s tho Lake to Toronto, the commercial capital of Ontario, und tho second city in Iho Do minion 1 had made this journey on it previous occasion, and iho present ono was by the all-rail routo ; so, much as I would havo likod to havo steamed ovor Lako Superior's wide oxpaneo, I was forced to stick to tho hot and dusty care.

Canada is woll supplied with natural moans of intor-communieation, and now that man has added to tho advantages offered by Naturo, nothing can retard her progress. Canada allowed tho United States to got ahead of hor, and the pooplo across tlio border, supply whit she could, had *ho but be«n aware of it, havo sup plied quite as well. Coming so late in tho day when her rival has got hold of tho marke.s, her progress Inust naturally bj slow as compiled with that of tlio Statos, but sooner or later Canada will benefit to tho full from the odvantoges arising out of her splendid enterprise. THE GREAT LAKES. Aa 1 have already intimated, from Port Arthur one can got by water to any of the eastern parts of the Dominion, as the valley of St. Lawrence penetrates the continent by a navigable route to a distance of about 2,000 miles from the Hudson. The great lakes in I

the St. Lawrence form the largest and finest body of fresh water in the world, with an area of 90,000 square miles, a depth of

from 200 to 1,000 feet, and with olovations varying from 200 to 600 feet abovo the ocean level. Lake Suporior is, I should add, 420 miles long with an area of 31,500 square miles. Where rapids or other c.usesprevont direct navigation on thoso watery high ways, canals havo been constructed by tho Dominion Government : a", for ins'ance, between hakes Ontario and Erie, tho great barrier of tho Niagara falls was encoun-

terod, and, in ordor to overcome this, tho Welland Canal was built, This connecting

link between tho two great hikes was com menced as far back as IS_M, and finally opened in l&o'l. Since then, in order to accommodate tho larger vessels now navl gating tho lakes, it has beon enlarged from time to timo. With its permanent enlarge mont, a work of considerable importance to England as well us to Canada, will havo been effected ; for Great Britain draws

her food supplies from America through the five great ports : Baltimore, New- York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Portland, on tho Atlantic son board : tho hitter port,

however, relying chiefly upon Canadian grain. Tho object of tho romodolled Wol laud Canal i§ to create a sixth porl in Mon treal, from which grain can bo shipped to Liverpool, thus giving tho United Kingdom tho advantage of a competitive routo through British territory, Tho C.P.R. system will act as n gigantic fcoder to this lake traflic, and the President, Sir Goorgo Stephen, informs mo that ho anticipates that a very largo proportion of tho grain grown in tho North West in tho futuro will bo first despatched by rail to Port Arthur, and from there nr.ross f.alto Superior, and by tho net-work of hikes, canals and rivers to Liverpool. This, he

maintains, will bo a vastly superior route to anything that tho proposed Hudson's. Bay route could posdbly supply. It was a truly daring enterprise, this con-

atruction of a railway lino from Port Arthur, which is 903 mile? from Montreal round tho

north shore of Lako Superior ; and tho cost has naturally been very great. The coast affords an ample fiold for skilled engineering work ; and the way in which what woro originally considered in superable difficulties havo been ovorcomo, ia highly croditable to all concerned. At timoa the train is soveral hundred feet above tho lako, winding its way along tho sides of the precipitous cliffs, passing over gulches, down which tho cascades fall and froth, sparklo and roar. Now it ia descend ing from its fearful heights towards tho pebbly shoro of the lake itself, running for awhile along tha beach with tho vivid green water eplashjng on the pobbloa but a fow feet away. Tha coa-_ is a most picturesque ono, with its irro gular outlines of bays and caves, chaema and butting cliffs. When one takes the journey ono can readily understand how this two hundred miles of rocky awfulnesa cost .$12,000,000 to build. Indeed, at first sight, tho route appears to preaent difficulties that no amount of money, backed up by skill, could get over ; yet pluck and money, enterprise and skill have overcome overy obstacle, and Canada haa a highway by rail, na well os by water, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, by way of tho Lako Superior routo. A WILD COUNTRY. There is some big tunnelling through these cold, hard crags, whilst tho trestle work ia such as to causa unstinlel admir.. tion. At the head of what is called Kio SuekuCove there is a long trestle bridge 120

feet high, over which the train passes in ordor to reach the other side of the cove. The view afforded from this bridge as tho train curves round, displaying to view tbe projecting rocks, and tier upon tier of harsh, uninviting cliffs, is ono of tho finest, if not tho finest, along the whole distance from Port Arthur to Montreal. This sec-

tion of the Quean's Highway waa one of the last to be completed, and it will be remem bered bow, during the recent rebellion in the North-west, the brave volunteers who went out to put down the rising had to march through ica and snow, water and mire, across the uncompleted portions on their journey west. It waa a hard, cruel task sot them, yet they overcamo it manfully and unmurinuringly, such being the pluck and determination of those sons of ours in British North America There are but very few inhabitants along the line of rail, there being littlo or nothing

to attract them, save fi. lung. Tho Hud son's Bay Company haa a pot on tbo op posite side of Nepigon Bay, although the traffic in fur cannot be anything liko what it once was. I am told that French Cana dians are taking up sections of forests along the route wherever opportunities present themselves, and that thoro is oxpocted to bo a rapidly increasing immigration from Quebec province to parts between Ottawa and the prairie laud oast of Winnipeg. The Kanucks are expert lumberers, thrifty and patient, and they will livo whore an Anglo ■ Saxon would commit sui cide or starve. The Lake Superior region is said to bo ovorvvhelmingly rich in mineral?, especially at Thunder Capo, whore there are, it is alleged, rich silver voins, and prospectors aro already imbued with tho notion that thoy will ono and all eventually become " silver kings." This region, I take it, was meant for eome thiug more than the moro haunts of fur bearing animals, and attractive as it will for all time prove to tho tourist, and, in a measure, to the sportsman, Natura intends it to yield in the fitness of time greater results than those ; and so far as I could learn, much may safely be expected of its iron and silver deposits. THE INDIANS OF LAKE SUPERIOR. There are a few Indian settlements back of Lake Superior, aud an Indian chief journeyed down from Winnipeg in chargo of the C.P.R. doctor, a friend of mine, to one of these villages. He was a fine specimen of a Redßkin, and I much enjoyed the conversation I had with him. He was, he assured me, a loyal chief, and full of love for the Great White Mother of whose approaching jubilee he had heard ; and he hoped his people would send Her Majesty some offering on her jubilate. He was 9 voter, and seemed to be highly proud

of the privilogo conferred upon him in common with members of tho more ad-

vanced tribes by Sir John Macdonald by his famous Act of 1885. Ho woro a modal With which the Qorornniuut hud decorated him in consideration of his loyalty and for services rendorod, and he showed it mo with every oxprossion of prido and delight, kissing tho counterfeit representation ot tho Great White Mother with much oin phueis. Indians west of tho Ottawa Kiver, to Lake Superior along tho groat Lakes, are moro advanced than those further west ; indeed, somo of thorn aro highly intelligent pooplo. Ono of the hund.-_on.<;st and best - bred men I ovor met was the son of a pure-blooded Indian chitf and an Englishwoman. Ho was a barrister, in good practice, and much admired by the women of nis mother's race. Indeed, so much was ho admired that a

nativo actress, notod aliko for her beauty and good taste, beggod for hie likonoss — tho likeness, as she put it, "of tho hand somest man sho had over seen."

Thorn are still remnants of the famed Six nation Indians left, and they still retain a good deal of their ancient wisdom. They aro highly civilised, and Sir John Mac donald, the Canadian Premior, who is Superintendent General of Indian Affairs, says of thorn :—" Many of thoir farms aro well cultivated, and the products of tho soil and dairy exhibited at thoir annual agricultural exhibitions commanded tho ad miration of all who attonded them. Their exhibition of this year was remarkably suc cessful, and th3y combined with it tho centonnial colobration of the grant made to

thorn by the Crown of tho tract of land of which thoir rosorve forms a part, in re cognition of their loyalty and valour, which is practically proved on numerous occasions on the field of battlo in defence of tho Britl -i Ibg." These Indians peek ovory occasion of showing thoir loyally. For instanco, upon the departure of tho Marquis of Lome and Princess Louise, the Six-nation Coun cil sent a farowell address, and upon the arrival of the Marquis of Lands downu a doourated address of welcome was forwarded by them. Also, upon learning of the death of His Royal Highness tho Duko of Albany, tho chiefs evinced thoir sympathy and loyalty by a mo?._ago of condolonco to tho Q .cen. They will, 1 expect, further evince their sympathy and loyally on tho occasion of Her Majesty's jubiloo in tho sa_o frank and en-nest manner.

At Lako Nipissing thoro is a small settle m .it of Nipiising India.:), a branch of tlio once-powerful Algonquins. Chief Beaneigr,

tho head of this tribe, has built himself a log hut, in which ho pnrpo .os spending his remaining clays, in stuto of tho temptations of tho white man, who covets the rich soil contained in tho reservation, where there are, it is alleged, rich veins of silver.

Tho rail doea not follow tho Lake Superior along the whole length of its coast, but leaves it about halfway, plunges acros* country in the direction of Ottawa, following the valley of tho Ottawa River, which ie 700 miles long, where settlements are in abundance. This is comparatively an old settled district, and there is certainly an air of prosperity about it, Tho soil is

good, and farming is carried on, not exten sively but profitably, whilst sawmills aro everywhere in full swing. Ottawa, tho capital of tho Dcniinion of Canada, ia the centre of a great lumbering entorpriso, and

is a fa°fc increasing city. It ia 2.756 miles from Vancouver, and 120 miles from Mon treal Tho Dominion Parliament assamblos in Ottawa, but it was not in session when I was there this timo. (To br. Continued.)

Port Albert Agricultural Show

TilK annual Agricultural Show is tlin pr in cipal event of tho yoar in this district, and each year tlio interest is greater and more general. It is not entirely owing to tho at tractions of tho .Show that tho settlors moot togothi r in such largo numbers. Social istic feelings havo a strong hold on the Albortlandors. For several years now tho Show day has been choson as n favourable time for family gatherings, and tho moot ing together of friends, until tho number is such as to cause ;in Auckland gentleman on his lirst visit to express his surprise at see ing so many people present. On roferring to the "Albertlnnd Gazette" of Doccmbar

_>'), ISG3, I road, "On tho motion of Dr. Roll tlio following resolution was carried with acclamation: 'That a friendly com petition fur farm and garden pro duce bo hold at Port Albert oil the market, day in March.'" A Show was held, but if on market day 1 know not. Tho holding of a market depended on the

caprice of t!io Mam-is in bringing wild-pork and kumeraa. Whon tho first Show was of four-Messrs Piummor, Jtidd, Loggo, anr! Chipman. At to day's Show, 2-1 years after, threo of tho.-e four eottlors took a prominent part. Tho first was Chairman of tho evening meeting, tho second one of the principal exhibitors and prize-takers, and tho third a gpoaker that declared that " Port Albert was tlio most beautiful plaoo in the world." The fourth i. dead and bnii.d on the Thame. goldfiold. Twenty shows havo b_on held sinco, and if the san guine and enterprising proprietor of tha late " Albortland Gazette" had beon pre Fent ho would havo declared many of his

prophecies fulfilled. At tho first Show tho meeting was concornod and advised to oxerciso groat caution in obtaining cattlo from Auckland, on account of an outbreak of pleuro - pneumonia. To day it was another enemy of tho farmers —tho Codlin moth—tbo Chairman told us to bo watchful of. That to-day's Show has been a snecoes is generally agroed to ; and, considering tho extraordiuary drought we havo had, tho cattlo looked well. Each

year's Show the fact ia plainly seen that tho horses exhibited aro an improvement on the previous ono. Mr Judd's draught inure Duchess, for tho fourth time, is awarded tho blue ticket; Mr R. Rasa, of Kaiwaka, tock first p.-!/,a in gentlemen's hacks with a tine horse ; A Elliott and Sons awarded eocqnd prize for gentlemen's hack, and first for best pony; Mossra Wyatf, Eyre, Balchar, Dibble, and J. G. Tumor received prizes foshoep; J. A. Shepherd first and second for best sows, and J. Coupland first for boar. For butter Mra T. Gubb was awarded t'.vo fir.-t and E. Maroroft ono fir-it priza. Mr B. M. Gubb und Messrs Becroft received most of the prizes for fruit. F. Utting got second prize for col lnetion of fruit, and Miss S. Shepherd and Mrs D. Becroft eoveral prizes for jam. There were eoverul special exhibits. A tine cheffonier made by J. Powell was admired. The enterprising firm of J. Wilson and Co., of Mahnrangi, showed concrete blocks made of rubble and their Portland cement. This firm is now successfully competing with the imported article. Butter was shown in Pond's patent but.or-boxos, and a favour able opinion expressed on the utility of the boxes At the moderate charge of one shilling Mossrs P. and D. Bacroft provided lunch on tho grouud, and gave very general satisfaction. The evening m-eting in the Temporatice Hall was one of the largest ever hold. Thoro wero fully -100 present. Mr Geo. Pl.immor was Chairman, and ho congratulated the settlors in being able to meet in a respectable building. Messrs W. and G. Nicholson, .is on many former occasions, asssiatcd in the musical part of tho programme. A special feature in tho evening's outertoitiment waa the violin playitu; of Mr ,1. Hera us and the

singing of Miss McMillan. Messrs J. Coup land, A. Elliott, and Matthews addressed the meeting. Mr Elliott favourably con trasted tho meeting of that evening with those hsld in other districts. M Port Albert there were no drinking toasts to the hoalth of tho Royal Family, &c., and the singing of " We'll not go homo till morn-

ing " Mr Coupland warmly advocated a general gathering of all tlio Albertlanders who could conveniently assemble at Port Albert on the 29th of May next, tho 2!ith annivoraary of tho settlement. Mr _ lien, of Mount addressed the meeting, and expressed his personal interest in tho welfare of the district.- (Correspondent).

Post Card Proof.

Salisbury. Term., April 1. 1883. Gents:—l was uiflicted with serioua Kidney and Urinary trouble for twelve years. Alter trying all tho djctora anil patent mcdiclnos I could hear of, I used two bottles of Hop Bitters and am perfoctly cured. B. F. BOOTH.

Washington, D.C., April 3.1883. To the Hop Bitters Co.: Sirs:—l write this aa a token of tho grea appreciation I have for your Bitters. I wai afflicted with Inflammatory I—leumatism Bevei years, and no medicine seemed to do mo an; good until I tried three bottles of your Hoi Bitters, and to my surprise I am as well to-daj aa ever I wa3. I hopo you may have great suo cess in this great and valuable medicine. Any one wishing to know more about my cure, cat lean by addressing me. E. M. WILLIAMS, 1103,16 th St. Prosecute tbe Swindlers I! If when you call for American Hop Bitters {see green twig of JJmpa on tile while label and Dr. Soule'a name blown in the bottle), tho ven dor hands out anything bnt American Hop Bitters, refuse it and shun that vendor as yon would a viper: and if be has taken your money For anything else, indict him for the fraud and me him tor damages for the swindle, and we Will P*T ?oo liberally (or the oonvloHtei

The Miser's Legacy.

" Hem coino, Mr Herman." "Come? Come at last? Aro you euro of it, -loo?" " Suro as taxes," eaid Joe Poppingor, with a confident nod of his head. "He's takon the old stone houso, the Haunted Houso, tho neighbours call It, and he's moved into ie, bu;.f and baggago,which ain't much, by tho way."

"Any servants with him, Joo?"

" Only one, a crooked old woman as threw- a porriiigor of hot water ovor ma when I came around to ax if I could be of any uso. If thoy only ownod a black cat I'd have tho whole kit and boodle of 'em up for witchcraft. I nevor did come across moh a rum lot in all my life."

" Did you fiee the old man yoursel ■100.

I "Sco him, Mr Horman ? I sco a bundle of old bonos tied round the middle, with a palm-loaf patterned dressing gown and a llannol nightcap on his head, and I s'[ osod likely there couldn't be two such outlandish old customers going. Ho was v runnin'in and out the furniture cart like a crazy spider." " That will do, Joo. Here is a dollar for you." " Thank '00, sir. Much obligod to you, sir." And tho stable boy, who belonged to the inn, shamblod away, grinning and pulling at tho front of his cap, while Herman Franklyn leaned, whistling, against the pillar of the front piazza.

So old Minor Molineux had arrived at last—tho rich and eccentric relative, on tho inversion of whoso fortuno, real or supposed, ho had all his lifo beon building

rcrial castles. At last—and Herman re fcolved tho vorv next day to call and pay his respects, although the woman with the hot water did not odd to the delights of contemplating this vUit.

"If I hadn't heard from his lawyer that ho had takon a loaso of tho Stone House," mused Mr Franklyn, "I certainly never should have buried myself in this out-of the-way placo awaiting his advent; and if I hadn't thought I could work into his good graces I never should havo taken tho trou ble to hunt him up. Hcigha ! .oraetimos I think it would bo easier to work for money than to inherit it."

And. so the next day Mr Franklyn call'-d. V'inor Molinoux received him very coolly,

sitting among his treasures, like Marius amid tha ruins of O .rthago. But Franklyn noticed that ho kepi ono hand on the ring of a pidlocked iron box bet-ido him aa ho talked.

" Well, young man, and what do you want?" ho asked, imp-itiently. when the old woman, who evidently considered that Mr Franklyn was no subject for the hot water treatment, showed him in.

"To inquire after your health, Cousin Miner," aaid the young man, smoothly.

" Humph ! My health is well enough I Better than you wish it, I daro say !" " My dear sir " "But it will make no difference to you," acidly went on tho old man, atill nervously fingering the rings of the iron box. "I don't deny that I have a treasure to leave behind me " Herman Franklyn's eyes glis tened—" But it will be to those who consult my wishes more than you hive done." " But, my dear cousin " "Words aro aU very well," and the old miser, shrugging his shoulders, " but deeds spoak tho loudest. You know very well my aversion to matrimony—and yet you go and cngago yourself to got marriod to a girl who hasn't a ponny. Ah I Don't you ." in a rising inflection lileo a bark. " And then, aftor coolly disregarding all my wishes, you expect mo to leavo you this —this—" tapping, as ho spoke, on the lid of the box.

"But Cousin Miner, if you wish me, I will oortainly adapt myself to your opinions ! I did not know that "

" Stull' and nonsense !" yelled the old man, " What yon know or didn't know is perfectly immaterial to mo. Lsavo me to my books and my writing. That's all I ask of any man living." So Mr Franklyn went moodily away. " I must break my engagement," aaid ho tohiineelf. "That's Ihe first thing. What tho second will bo depends entirely en fate and fortune.'

Josio lla'l was silting in tho farm houso kitchon peeling potatoes. She was a black eyed, dmiask-cheeked girl, with velvety oyobrows, and a round, red dot of a mouth ; and in those dark eyes glittered a light half-resentful, half anguish, as sho looked straight at Herman Franklyn.

" I understand,'' said sho. "Yon want to break tho engagement. Now that your rich uncle has come to the neighbourhood I am no longer worthy of you."

"It isn't thai, Josie, believe me," said Franklyn, twisting himself about, witn the rod signals of keen mortification blazing on his cheek. " But I think perhaps it would bo hotter for us "

" And I haven't the least doubt of it," passionately interrupted Josie, with heaving brea.t and quivering lips. " A thousand times better; for I value the love ot no man who cm leave me thus. Pray don't waste your timo in conjuring up any further ex cuse. They are quite unnecessary. I wish you a very good-morning "

And she wont on peeling her potatoes, while Herman Franklyn crept out of the hoi:s3, feeling very like a whipped cur.

For a day or two he felt heartily ashamed of himself, but the reward-aa at least he esteemed it—came at last.

Mr Minor Molineux fell ill. Being ill,he was frightened. Being frightened, he was solitary. And consequently ho sent for his cousiu Franklyn, a thing ho never would havo dono in health.

" You don't think I'm going to die, do you, Korman ?" he asked, tremulously. " Oh, there's no danger at all," reossurel tho young man, as tho doctor had that morning said that the pationt's spirits must bo kept up at all hazards. "And you won't leave mo?"

"Certuinly not, if my presence can be any satisfaction to you," responded the de lighted fortune-seeker. " But that girl that you're engaged to," grumbled Mr Molineux, "sho won't like it."

"Do you think that I could persist in anything contrary to your wishos ?" re proachfully asked Herman Franklin. " The engagement is brokon."

"Good!" croaked the old man. "En gagements are a humbug, in any event. Engagements to girls that haven't anything aro still worse. Cousin Franklyn, you've more sense than I gavo you credit for."

Day by day Miner Molineux grew worse. On tho fourth afternoon ho sent for a law yer and made hia will. On the fifth ho bo camo speechless. On the sixth he died.

"My fortune i-i made noiv," thought Herman, who had listened at the door during the interview with the lawyer, and hoard directions given connecting his namo with tho padlocked iron box, whereof the key hung around tho dead man's neck And ho folt that Joaie had boon woll sacrificed.

"You wasn't at, the funeral, eh V" said Mrs Pierco to tho Widow Hall, whilo Josie's needle Row faster than ovor through tho cambiic she was hemming.

"Well, no," said the widow, "I ain't partial to funerals in general. And I didn't feel no special call to put myself out to see an old miser buried that I never saw nor spoke to while he was alive." "A man can't be a miser without he's got money, can he ?" said Mrs Piorce. " I don't rightly know about that," aaid W'dow Hall. " But you don't moan to say that old Molinoux hadn't anything, after all ?"

"Nothing but a few sticks of furniture and somo vuaty coins aa no decent store keeper would givo change for." Tho widow's eyes shone through hor spec tacle glasses. " Land o' massy !" said sho. "And what was in the iron box as everybody had so much to say about— the iron box as was willed to Herman Franklyn ?"

" Just the sheets of paper as held a dic tionary the old man had been writing all his days. Manuscript the lawyer called it, whatever that may bo. He thought it waa worth a deal of money—and he'd spent his all hunting up old books aa nobody but himself ever heard of, and travelling about the country to pick up information."

"Humph I" said tho Widow Hall. "And what did young Franklin say J" "I didn't sit near onough to him to rightly hear," said Mrs Pierce, " but them aa did tells me he swore an awful oath when he saw what was in the box and flung the whole bundle on the back of the tiro. I see it blaze up myself." " And was that all ?" asked the Widow Hall.

"That was all," responded her infor mant.

"I am glad of it !" cried out Josie, springing up with sparkling eyes. " I never was so glad of anything in my life. He's served right, for once." Mr Franklyn called the next day, meek and subdued. If Josie had been a model

heroine she Would haVe thrown both bor arms around bin neck arid vowed that she loved him better than over. But she was only a very human little girl, so she stood up with dignity and said : " I wonder at your assurapce in coming horo after ail that has transpired, Mr I Franklyn." " But, Josio " "There is the do ir. sir l" said Josie, " 1 .oaeo to wallr out."

And there.was nothing loft for it but to " walk out."

Old Miner Molineiux sleeps quietly in the villago graveyard, and public rumntir has addod yet another ghost to tho spectral population of tho Haauted House—a yellow visaged old bogey, who wears _. wig and cirries in his hand a .padlocked iron bo__, — " N.Y. Daily News."

A HAUNTED SHIP.

Unwelooxe Spirits Prowl about the Hold.

Eveky eailor who roamed the seas during the war heard by some means or other of the merchantman, the Young Mechanic, which sailed from New York in tho spring boforo the war to Calcutta, and aftor laying up in tho Gangos rivor nil summer without any crew, or being ablo to obtain a charter, was ordered to bo burued to the water's edge

The peculiar order was a mystery to those unacquainted with the circumstances, but not so much a mystery to clear-minded thinkers as tho fact that the ship's captain mate, and crew' had abandoned tho vessel entirely upon arriving at Calcutta Bay, and upon no conditions could they bo prevailed upon to return to her. It finally leaked out, however, that somo oi tho ship's crew had burned hor, and tho rea_on, which was reasonable enough to eupsrsti-

lions seamen, wits tha.'r.be Young Mechanic was haunted. In those days sailors had to bo seimon and olfioars batchers, and on her way out two of her crew had been brutally murdered by the officers, who had beaten

thorn with belaying - pins for refusing to go aloft during a sevore storm. Tho bodies of the murdered men wer9 thrown to the sharks, and a few nights afterward strange noise 3 began to be hoard

in tho hold and on dock, and sometimes ecroams of agony camo from tho rigging, so that shortly a rumour spread among the crew that the spirits of the boys who had been boaten were haunting the vessel. One

night tho ship's cook ca-ne rushing from below with his hair on end and oyos .taring wildly, and told the oilicer on watch that tho two man had stood by his bunk, sido by

side, with thoir facos covnre . with bload, and stared at him till he jumped out apd ran up on deck. When the ship hauled up in Calcutta Bay the sailors soon circulated the account of what had occurred on the

way out among the deck hands, and from them it paßsed everywhere At the close of the wir, tha sloop-of war Brooklyn, flagship of Admiral Rogers's fleet, lay ia the bay at Montevideo to protect the American interests during the Paraguay troubles; One night a gang of the boys

were lounging between gane, among them a messenger boy named Baker, who now re sides in Chicago, and has entertained poli tical aspirations in the direction of an Aldermanship. Among tho fellows, also,

was a siilor by tho name of Brookß, who had served on the Adelaide, a merchmt vessel which anchored in Calcutta Bay the same summer that the Yomg Mechanic did. Fiuallly it camo Brooks's turn to spin v yarn, and ho volunteered an account of a visit which in company with another of the crow from the Adolaido, he had made to the Young Mechanic, to invcatigato for thoir own satisfaction whothor the ship was really inhabited by the ghoats of the two men said to have boon murderod. Said Brooks: "Mo and my pard slipped olf from the boya ono night, got iutoa'eand pan,' and pulled up 'longaido o' her black hulk. All was still, and we could see the

lights in tho distance on the shore aa we arg'ed which one of us should be tho first to board hor. Finally wo agrood that both should go up togethor. So. tho ' pan' fast, we climbed up the steps and pushed our heads above the rail. The moon was just a - goltin' up, and throw'd a dim shadow, so that, sizin' her up fore and aft, wo could sea no mortal bein' on her decks. Crawlin' over tho rail, wo tiptoed about till we come to the steps leadin' down into tho foko'ael without sightin' a livin' soul. Then we agin arge'd whether 'twas best to go below, and decided upon doin' it. So, kotchin hold on ono another, we descended, cautiously, down between decks, when, just as we got to tho bottom, something seemed to mesmerise and hold us right in our tracks. 1 felt pard's fingers tighten on me arm when oat from tha for'ard end there came a cloud of light which filled tho 'tween decks and showed us two men ahead bendin' over an' draggin' chains back and forth acroas tho floor,

makin' a most ungodly noise. Then they rose up and come a tramp, tramp, trampin' down the line towards us. I felt my hair raise like bristles, and if I'd a' died I couldn't ha' said a word. But them two men kep' a comin' till they stopped right in front of us. An' one o' them had the side o' his head an' fane all battered in and bloody, while t'otherfellow's breast lay bare and showed where he had been cut and pounded. Well, they stood thoro mute as posts till at last I got my tongue and asked 'em who they were. An' tho one with a smashed head opened his mouth and said : 'We are murdered on this ship an' are doomed to haunt her till she is burned,' and then it came dark and we hoard tho chains rattlin' agin. Well, wo got out o' that as soon aa we could, for we knew all we wanted to about the haunted ship. Less an' a fortnight after that the Mechanic was burned."

QUEEN VICTORIA.

How She Lives and What She Does.

Thk Queen's life at Balmoral is very sim ple and quiet. Her suite is large. Her Majesty is always accompanied to the Highlands by her Royal Highness the Princoßa Beatrice, whoae devotion t_ her mother ia a splendid example to every English, or, as tha Queen would her self say, every ." British" daughter. Since the Princess's marriage she is, of coursa, frequently accompanied by her husband, Prince Honry of Battenberg, whoso ploasant fraDkneas of manner and genuine kindness of nature have won for him a high placo in the regard of the High landers. Occasionally other members of the royal family visit the .Queen. The Prince and Princess of Wale 3 often come to Abergeldie, which ia quite near Bal moral ; and this season tho young widowed Duchess of Albany has been staying at Birk Hall. Frequently her Majesty invites some of hor friends to reside at Abergeldie Mains, aud a visit to them there for an afternoon call or an afternoon tea makes a ploasant drivo. A lady in waiting, two young ladies—maida of hononr-a Cabinet Minister, an equerry, one of tbo Queen's secretaries and the doctor may be said to make up tho suite! and the Quoen's able and indofatigable commissioner, Dr. Profeit, is always at hand, Her Majesty, here, as everywhere, works very hard, and gives much of her time to the businees of the nation, tho management of her own estate, and the welfare of tho people among whom eho Uvea. Sho spends aa much as possible of her time in the open air, read ing and writing outside when tho weather permits, and sometimes breakfasting and taking tea iD one of the summer-houses ; in walking about the lovoly grounds, with a single attendant, aud one or more of her fine collie dogs ; and in taking long drives to places of interest and beauty in the neighbourhood, and frequently honouring somo of the neighbouring gentry with a visit. The Queen also visits a great deal in the homes of the cottars, in many of which there are tokens in the shape of photographs, pictures, books and other valuable presents of her Majesty's affection and regard for her humble eubjects and friends. It ia most touching to hear them speak of the Queen's kindness, and the in terest they take in all tho membors of the Royal family is very groat, and almost in timately personal in its character. She frequently shares in their domestic joys by attending in their homes the " kristnin " (christening) of a baby, and in their sor rows by being present at the short religious service performed by the minister on the occasion of a funeral.

Ha was a noble young man of blue blood and good financial backing, and as he sat down in the car ho pulled out his handker chief and gave his nose a princely wipe. An odour of perfume wa3 wafted through the car, and a boy sitting beaide his mother suddenly called out: " Say, ma, why can't we buy onions which smell as nice as that _ "

Admiral Semme's "Service Afloat; or, the Career of the Confederate Cruisers Sumter and Alabama during'the American Civil War," is shortly to be published in London by Simpson Low & Co. It will be illustrated by Bteel plates and chrome tinted engravings.

SAVING CHILDREN.

An Institution in Michigan Showing Re maskable Results,

Tni. State Public School for Dependent Children, located at this, place, has just closed another year in the labour of child eaving. Tho institution i_i tho creature of the Stato, has boon in operation now' twelve years, and tho total value of the plant, including a farm of 109:2 acres, is !j_19,413,.57. Tho officers of the insti tution, who are now found in almost ovory ; county of the State, gather hero depond ont children Wherever found, in the poor houses, almshouse,- and in neglected homes, Sometimes the. aro drphaus, half living, but indigent and neglectful. To the Stato Public School they are brought, educated and trained, and homes for them found in this and other States, where the most of them remain to grow into useful members of society. Since the institution was opened 2,138 dependent children have been carod for 1,112 of whom are now wards of the Stato, and 795 are Jtill subjects of visitation, the hilanco being in pormanent homes which are satifactory to the Stato acd the foster paront. During the entire oxistonco of tho school but seventy havo died either In tho schools or at homes out of tbe total number recoiyed, and at the end of the fiscal year !_3_ were present in the school. Tho total number inden tured ia 551, of whom 1.5 have beon indentured once, 343 twice, 103 three times, and one seven times. Of those in dentured, the youngest have boen the most satisfactory and taken the most kindly to their adopted homes. The remainder of tho total number rocoivod are reported an oither having married, become of ago, returned to the counties from which thoy cimfl, or declared self-supporting, the State having csnstant Burv.illaDOe over them until their final dispo.ition for one of tho above causes. The school has a capacity of 300, but bis never been taxed to its utmost. By an Act of the last Legislature children ' as young as two years are received, ' and a high estimate ia placed upon the advantages of the kindergarten work, All I grades of tho school system aro primary, and hereafter tho children are to have aI >

two months' vacation in summer. During the last two years the expense of running the inetitution, making needed additions, repairs, and improvements, was nearly 50,000d01a., but in a large degree it has be noma aol--supporting, and it ia expected that the figures f >r the next two years will run but little over 40,-00_ols. per year. Thia ia the pioneer institution of the kind

in this country, and the purpose of its establishment and some of the marked features of its management have made it known throughout the world and led neighbouring States to venture in the same direction,

Buster's.

On a dismal night in November, when the hail was battering down on my boxer and rattling like a bag of mussels in Billings gate, I found myself near the part of Holborn christened " High." I had to face an eaat wind edged like a razor, and which left one's visaga livid. Tako it altogether,

was a uight that one would not have

unkennelled a dog in. Aa I passed. War wick Court the clock of St. Sepulchre's boomed out a funereal ton. The hail then wont off duty, aud a fino mist came on beat, whilst a mantle of fog spread itself ovor the saturated city. The proprietors of the .hops, drivon to doapair by damp and deproosion, had long since closed their es tablishments in hopeless resignation ; but up one of the narrow stroets not a hundred milea from Holborn I noticed a jet of gaa inside a cracked lamp. A pioce of red glass gave a bloodshot appearance to this gas oye, which kept on opening and shutting with a lurid wink, There was a fascination about tho tiickor of this solitary sign of vitality that induced a nearer inspection.

On getting under tho lamp an announce ment in white letters traced across the red pane informed me that it was " Buster's Eating House," and in ordor that there might not be any mistake on this point, in Buster's window was displayed a "con valescent-looking ham," on tbe shank bone of which, by way of ornamentation, was a dirty piece of yellow tissue paper " frilled," Noar unto this " pale ham" was a coil of raw meat, labelled " prime stake I" but it was so long and so thin as to resemble a " meat cravat" more than anything else. In a corner wasacauliflowor resting its weary head on a languishing lettuce, and over this once green mass two withered bunches of watercress were surely performing the last rites, for the cauliflower, with its yellow ochre leaves was sick unto death and the lutf uco had long since been given over.

Evidently this Buster must be a joker of the first order, for on a semi-oval sheet of stone-coloured paper, much resembling a tombstone, he had put up this hetero graphic and mendacious statement—"Fresh Kut." I pushed open the door and jerked a bell, which bell jerked the proprietor into the room, around which was a numbar of loose boxes and stalled tables. Buater was evidently unprepared for a customer at such an hour on such a night. " Heverything is hoff," he said, handing me the •' papyrus" of the daily fare. Through the succulent joints (in writing) had been run an ink skewer indicating this fact. "There's a nice cut of c :d 'am," he added. I shuddered at the reminiscence of the sample I had seen in the window and shook my head.

Just at this instant a head was popped over one of the farther boxes, and the owner of that " very pretty thing," addressing me in a jaunty Jeremy Diddler jerky way, said—" I pledge you my honour, sir, Bus ter's tripe is not to be excelled anywhere. Buster, give the gentleman a plate." . The cranium disappeared and Buster, obeying the " unseen one," brought unto me a lordly dish of toothsome tripe—and a go of Scotch whiskey. "Don't be alarmed, sir, I'm coming to join you," cried the " invisible," and out he came carrying his plate of tripe and an empty tumbler. He sat himself opposite to me, and I then perceived that his face waa in profile—in fact, his head appeared to be screwed on tho wrong way, and a full face view was only to be had by standing at his elbow.

" Strange, ain't it ? Looks odd, don'tit ?" asked my companion, seeing that I had noticed his peculiarity. "It was done in a minute, as you my say. I'll tell you all about it in a jiffy," continued my cheery and evidently impecunious visitor. "I was a private detective, and I'd got orders to keep my eye on a certain party and not lot him see I was on the watch, of course. Well, Bir, I kept my eye so long on him that I'm dashed if 1 could take it off. Well, one night he went to a music hall and placed himself behind me, so I kept my eye over this shoulder, just as you see it now, and I muat have sat in a draught, for I'm blowed if it ain't fixed there." It had doubtless affected his Bight; for he coolly spongsd up my grog and ordered two more. I ventured to ask if bia misfortune was not a source of great discomfort. " Well, 'tis awkward rather when you've to think where the back of your head is, and when you try to blow your ear with a handkerchief; but I pledge yon my word, sir [by the way, this Beemed to be about the only thing left him to pledee, for hi? garmonts wore of the seediest], I pledge you my word I'm resigned. Buater, two cigars !" I thought I saw adesire on Buster's part to docliue further orders from the stranger, until I fancied the etrangor by somo secret ccle had mortgaged me for the meal. My companion entertained me with anecdotes of all kinds until Bußtar informed us " he must put the shutters up." I placed a half-sovereign on the dirty cloth in payment of the repast, but my right-angled friend, pushing it aside, pulled out a disreputable purse, which de dined to be held riy one trusty clasp, and placing his hand on my arm, he said—"l pledge you my word, sir, I feel responsible for this repast. Allow mo." He opened tho purse with a lordly air, peeped in it, paused, seemed petrified, then pushing it towards me he pointed to a - hole in it, and he solemnly pledged me his word "ho would not have had it happen for a thousand quid." Buster, who had hard work to subdue his smile, brought mo 5a 6d change, and so much repaid was my companion's sight by his accident that he actually took up my change and transferred it to his own pocket, then writing his address on the back of the bill of fare, he handed it to me —

Nathaniel Nicker, The Swindleries, Shadwell. He jauntily threw on his hat, and begging Buster to remind him to forward to me 5s 6d, he put out a dirty hand and wished me a cordial good-night, and I heard Buster distinctly. say—" Well, I'm dashed \t jie ain't a oner !"—" Moonshine."

Girls Who Went to the War.

Two Romantic and Interesting Incidents of the Post.

I knew a girl who at the beginning of the war was so filled with patriotism, and to weighed down by a sense of duty, so earned away by an adventurous impulse, that Bhe followed the squad of boys who had enlisted in her neighbourhood; and, dressing as a boy, enlisted in the company that was forming in the country town. Her friends, discovering the long hair she had cut from her head and the clothing she had thrown off in her father's barn, gave immediate pursuit, As they were driving into the city they saw walking along the sidewalk smok ing a cigar a young fellow, who had the same sort of a face as the girl they were ia pursuit of. They stopped and acaoated the yonng fellow, and ware treated to such a shower of epithets and such on exhibition of bravado that they admitted- their mistake and apologised for it. An hour later one of the party saw the same young fellow deathly sick,;from smoking the cigar. He called him by the girl's name, and found that after all the yonng fellow who had done such hard swear ing was the girl they were looking for. She was taken" home, and afterwards en tered the service as hospital 'nurse. In the last year of the war I found, her again in men's clothing, crying as only a broken hearted woman can cry, over a light-haired man, shot dead in the charge at Besaca. She cared nothing then for exposure, and went home ma widow's dress.

Another girl, I remember, bad apleasanter experience. -■ I was. the examining surgeon at ono of the recruiting camps early in the war, and on one occasion, as I passed down the line, a company formed in open order for muster and inspection. I noticed, as the hands were held out, one set that to my practical eye belonged to a woman. ,1 said nothing at the time, but after consultation with the Colonel, had the recruit with the feminine hands brought to head quarters. The bright-looking soldier ad mitted in two minutes that she was a woman; and in two days she was at home. A year after that. X was at a ball, in Washington,' As I stood a little ' aaide from the main party, wishing that I was in front of the army, a young lady came towards me, bowed with exaggerated stiffness, and aa she straight ened up went through the: motions of obey ing the order : "Eyes right." She offered me her hand and thanked me for some thing that she supposed that I bad done and walked away. Sho was pretty enough to be the belle of the occasion, .and I saw that Bhe took considerable delight in my confusion of mind, all of which I under stood later when I learned that she was my recruit -with the ladylike hands. She after ward told me that she owed me a debt of gratitude for stepping In at the right time to break down her romantic notions.— " Chicago Ledger."

What the Colour of the Eyes Denote.

' Gkey eyes aro not all mischievous. There is the calm, clear, grey eye that reasons aa well as feels, that belongs to the brilliant talker, who is never thinking how she may ensnare yon, rarely lighted by passion, but full of the steady fire of friendship, and ovor awake to tho behest 3of duty. When tho master comes she makes the sweetest ami truest of wives, but woe to the dunder hoad who thinks he can tame her.

Let the blue eye tell of love. And tho black eye ot beauty. But the grey Boars far above In tho realm ot duty. Ardour for the block proclaim. Gentle sympathy for bill". But the grey may bo the same, And toe crey isever true. Sing, then, of the blue eyeß. luve. Sing the hazel eye o! beauty. But tin grey eyes crownei abova, Kadiant in the realm of duty.

There are two kinds of hazel eyes, the dark hazel with a blue shade and the light hazel, in which yellow, green, and blue all mingle, sometimes one and sometimes an other of the shades predominating. These were the eyes of Cleopatra. They indicate brain, temper, spirit, and passion. Sho who looks through Buoh luminout windows can purr like a cat and soothe you into sub iniaeion, or she can spring like a panther when the occasion calls for it. The South ern creolea often have such eyes. But tho dark hazel belongs to a woman of different temperament. She inspires a platonio sen timent, is useful, agreeable, intellectual, never talks too much nor too litde.and never goesips.

G. ace/ul and tender, lovim?. kind. The w!d. world o'er you will not nod, ICyes that do firm the heart can b.iau, Brown eyes are often confounded with hazel, but they form a separate class and have'a'Boftnesaand beauty peculiarly their own." They often go with light hair and fresh, fair complexions, and are full ot laughing brightness- Others of mora decided brown go with black hair and H dark, brilliant completion.' Thy brown oyca havo a look ot birds F-yinE straightway to tile light. Tao poets have praised blue eyes more, perhaps, than aDy other kind. Thoßa eyes. Soft and oapioloua as a cloudless sk. thrae asure (Upths their colour emulates. The large, light blue eye, w'th tho golden eyela"h and the faintly traced brow, is the type of purity sad paaco, while the dark, lustrous blue eye, fall of emotion, as it may be, is steadfast and true to the ver bottom of its limpid depths. This kind often goes with the rarest i_oe on earth - the beauty with jet black hair and a coin, plexion pals and colourless, but Clear a* parian marble.

Black eyes most dazzle at a ball, Bine eyes moat please at evening rau ; The black a conquest soonest Rains, The blue a conquest bast retains. Helen of Troy had blue eyes, and Homer gives Juno, Minerva, and Venus eyes of tbe same hue. Although novelists and poets have usually associated the tragic spirit with passionate black eyes, they are not borne out by the facts of actual life. Lucretia Borgia bad blue eyee and blonde hair, so had Mme. Brinvilliers, the most beautiful and most devilish woman of her time, or perhaps all time. Joan of Arc was a grey-eyed blonde, Mary, Queen of Scots, had grey eyes, and Queen Elizabeth had grey eyes and red hair. Black eyed women are more apt to be more pas sionate and jealous than their blue-eyed sisters,] but they do not hold their {passion S3 long, and are not so vengeful in spirit. And green eyes, what can be said of them ? They are usually very handsome, and full of love and sincerity. Dante's Beatrice had green eyes that shone like emeralds.

And in her tender eyes J vat that soft shade of green we sometimes see in evening skies.

The Spaniards greatly admire green. They are not bewildering like the blue, dangerous like the grey, passionate like the black, nor affectionate like the brown, but they are the eyes that see visions like the poat, and they love to dwell, apart from the earthliness about them, in realms of the imagination.

Men's eyes are not often so striking or so beautiful as women's, but a man who pos sesses a fine eye.has a good inheritance. Great leaders have usually good ' eyes. Washington's eyes commanded respect and submission. From youth to age he wasne ver treated with familiarity by those who were near him. Governor Morris once slapped him familiarly on the shoulder, in fulfilment of a' bet he had made, bat • when --Washing ton turned _Is eyes on him, Morris almost sank to the ground, and most abjectly apo logised. Napoleon had the same keen glance out of his grey eyes that searched to the very bottom of one's heart.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAB, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1887.

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A household journal wants to know " why ladies are afraid to bo seen in the kitchen when they look like angels at the table." Never having seen angels at the' table, w« are constrained to give up the conundrum.; but perhaps it is because they look like angels at the table that they objeot to being seen in the kitohen. is nothing vpry peavenly about akitchen. ; ! ' .