SHIPPING.

Sunset—This evening, 4.51. : Sunrise—To-morrow morning, 0.50. Moon's Aob—New Moon, 23rd, 10.U a.m,

HIGH WATER.

AUCKLAND-This afternoon, 2.45; to-morrow TS' Heads. - Thi3 evening, 5.25; toSX mHffi-Tbi3 evening, 6.25; to morrow morning, 0.45.

ARRIVALS.

Arawata, s.s., from Fiji Mararoa, s.s., from Sydney ' Janet Nicoll, s.s., from a cruise Wellington, s.s., from Whangarei Four Sisters, ctr, from Omaha Nellie, ctr, from Whangapoua

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVKNING.

Stanley, bn, for Kaipara Clansman, s.s., for Russell lona, s.s., for Tauranga Chelmsford, s.s., for Opotiki

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Coromandel, from Coromandol, to-day, 5

EifteSprise, from Thames, to-day, 10.30 p.m. Richmond, from Sydney, early Rotomahana, from Thames, to-dftV, 0 p.m. Mariposa, from San Francisco, May 27 Maaapouri, from South, to-aay, 5 p.m. Wanaka (at Onehunga), irom tho boutn, Thursday, 9 a.m. Omanere, from Soubh, May 21 Gerda, from Grcymoubh, Friday

SAILING VESSELS EXPECTED.

Centurion, sh., KCOT, loft London Mar. S Rangitikei, ship, loading at London Lutterworth, bq., loading ab London Rontonbeck. ba.. NTQS (via Otago). left

Elinor Vornon, sch., JSFK, left Now York Feb. 5, via Dunedin Nellie M. Slado, Am. bg., JPQC, lofb Now

York Jan. 10, via Nelson Star of the East, from New \ ork, via Dunedin j. Arab, bq., to leavo New York April 2, via

Dunodin Dante, bq., to leave Java April 10 C. W. Janes, bq., left Now York Feb. 4, via Lyttelton . - . Victoria, bq., from Hamburg, via Lyttel ton and Dunedin Gleaner, sch., from Dunedin Notero, bq., left Lyttelton May 15 Peerless, bn., left Oamaru May 13 Sybil, schr., from a cruise Ryno, schr., from a cruiso Three Cheors, schr., from Timaru . Olive, schr., from a cruiso Louie, sch., from Picton Myrtle, bn., left Dunedin May 21 Rio, sch., left Napier May 7 Eleanor, bn., left Dunedin May 21

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Hermione, ah., for London, loading Easterhill, bq., for London, early Hoinrich Bauer, bq., for New York, early Australia, e.s., tor the South, to-day, 6 p.m. Mararoa, s.a., for tho South, Thursday, noon Wanaka, s.s., for the South, Friday, 4 p.m. Manapouri, 5.6., for Sydney, Wednesday, 5 p.m.

IMPORTS.

Per Janet Nicoll from Tahiti-2,190 cases of oranges, 7,500 cocoanuts, 404 bags pearl shell, 15. cases of dcs?icated cocoanuts, 12 cases limes. From Rarotonga: 547 cases oranges, 21 cases pines, 86 bunches bananas 22 bags ariowroob.

Per Mararoa: 94 bags bark, 80 packages groceries, 4 tiesces tobacco, 24 packages boots, 19 packages drapery, 90 packages tftg^Xikhass- vi<%M, ..cusp^davKMfli^," "3 pianos, 208 bags bonedust, 14 bags pepper, 100 tons stone, and 94 packages sundries.

The schooner Sybil left Rarotonga for this port on the 3rd inst. ■ The ship America goes henco to Bluff to load for London. The brig Mina has been sold to JMr Banlrin, of Melbourne, for L4OO. The brig Vision lefb Sydney for Kaipara on the sth inst. with 100 tons coal. I The s.s. Southern Cross arrived at Suva, from Auckland, on the Bth inst. The Auckland brigantino Borealis (left Sydney for Glenelg via Wollongong on the 6th May. ! The cutter Leo arrived at Gisborne from Mercury Bay, 10 days ouo, on Saturday last. The barque Levuka, which is to leave for Fiji early, commenced ballasting this morn ing. The brigantine Stanley sailed yesterday afternoon for Kaipara, where she will load timber for Brisbane. The barque Grasmere arrived at the Thames from Sydney yesterday after a 10 days passage. She is to load timber for Melbourne. The schooner Lillian arrived at Rarotonga from Auckland after a lengthy passage of 27 days.

The barque Northern Chief, which left this pore on the 3rd inst., arrived at Ho kiariga yesterday afternoon.

The barque Helen Denny, which went from this port to Picton, arrived at London on May 15, after a passage of 115 days.

The brigantine Oamaru was at Raro tonga when the Janet Nicoll left, and was bound for Aitutaki to load for Auckland.

The brigantine Oceola is to go from this port to Whangaroa to load timber for Wesb port, after which 6he will proceed to Dunedin.

The.brigantine Darey Pratt left New castle for Oamaru on the Bth inst. At Oamaru she will most likely load for Auck land; The' s.s. Manapouri, from Melbourne, via the South, left Gisborne at 6 p.m. yester day, and should arrive here about 5 o'clock this evening. Owing to her detention on this trip, her departure for Sydney has been postponed to 5 p.m., to-morrow. The s.s. Wellington arrived frtra Whan garei early this morning with the folio win o> passengers : — Messrs Shaw, McLennon* Eraser, McDonald, Wallace, Bruce, Sheen,'. Vaile, Taiwhanga, Mincham, Whitelaw,, Clements, Nolan, Rutherford, Wallace.' Master Gladding, Mrs Maddo, Mrs Buntn ford. Misses McLennon (2), McKenzie Adair, Prescott, Hay, Rutherford, McKenzie, and 10 in the steerage. Captain Waldener,of the barque Glenesk, which arrived at Sydney, from London on the 7th inst. reports havfng sighted a ship, on fire on the Equator at 7.30 p.m. on March 28, and that she sank at 3 o'clock next morning. Hβ sent up z'ockets and' blue lights, but there was no response. At daylight there were nine vessels hove to near the spot, and two of them had; their boats out, evidently picking up some thing—supposed to be rescuing the crew of the ill-fated ship. At 8 o'clock the Glenesk was kept away on her course. The vessel appeared to be a wooden ship, aboub 1,500 tons regutfjer,

ThebamuoEasterliillis rapidly filling up with car-Vo for London. She has already on board about 1,300 bales wool, 726 casks te^'ow, 90 bales cotton, 35 cases shell, fJO flax, 500 cases gum, 63 tons manga nese, GO drums.of Onehunga irons?.nd, 10,000 ft. rimu, 113 tons copra, and a \arge quantity of sundries. She will fill up, with about 100 bales wool, tallow, flax., etc., and' altogether will have a ver^ valuable

cargo. The Easterhill will also have the whole of her passenger accommodation taken up, eight or nine berths having been secured already.

THE JANET NICOLL.

Tho regular island-trader, b.s. Janet Nicoll, arrived in port at an early hour this mornincr, and berthed at the Railway Wharf. The latter part of the voyage was remarkable for the very heavy weather ex perienced. On the 15th inst. she was only 280 miles'distant, when a hard S.W. gale set in, the glass fell to 29.10, and there was a very heavy high sea running. Her progress towards port was consequently considerably retarded. Captain Hutton re ports:—"Left Auckland on the 6th of April at 4 p.m., and arrived at Tonga on the 12th ; tho same day Tonga was left for Samoa, the latter placo being reached at 1 p.m. on tho 17th. Left Samoa for Tahiti at 2.30 p.m. on the 19th, and arrivedat the port named at 6 a.m. on the 27th. On April 29, at 11.30 a.m., Papeete was left for Tautari, and at the latter placo a part cargo of orangos, etc., was taken on board, and the next clay tho Janet Nicoll loft for Vaiari, whore she arrived on May 1. There took on board a furthor cargo of fruib, and noxt day tho voyage was resumed, a courso boing sob for Raifttea, whoro tho Btoamoi' arrived at 11.30 a.m. on tho 3rd. Thore she toolc in some 35 tons of poarl shell, and left again for Rarotonga, whoro, on tho 7th, at 8 a.m., she arrived". Hero tho bamnco of the steamer* cargo was taken on board, and nfc 3 p.m. aho loft for Auckland, arriving here after a most tempestuous pas sago. Pasaonge'-s : Mr C. A. P. Talbot, Mrs Talbot, Geraldino, Cecil, Chetwynd, Clmrlotto, Alice, Nicholas, and Gilberb Talbofc, and servant, Mono. Cased Horr Rommel, Messrs C. A. Edonborough, O. Latchmore.

THE MARAROA.

The s.s. Mararoa, Captain James Edio, left Sydney on the 12th at 5 p.m., and ar rived 'in Auckland at an early hour this morning. Southerly winds and heavy beam sea were experienced for the greater part of the voyage. Passengers : Saloon —Mr Ooodall, MrHarrop, Mr and Miss Walker, Mr and Mrs Baukart, Mr Donald, Misses Ada, Alice and Edith Donald, Mr Dobney, Messrs Walter, Alfred and Percy Debnoy, Mr Lyons, Mr D. 11. Robertson, Mr Savill, Mr Dunnott Mr Gardetb, Mr Howard, Mr Pott, Mr Nolan, Mrs Donald, Mr Patterson, Mr Dignan, Miss Donald, Mr Swinburn, Mr Hulls, Mrs Boyd, Mr Ease, Mrs Harrop. Steerage —Mr Collons, Mrs Kennedy, Master Kennedy, Mr Smith, Mr Baukart, Mr Morris, Mr Brews tor, Mr Baukart, Mi ami Mrs Warbrick, Mr Lindsay, Mi- Nathan, Mv Robinson, Mr Khoui-6, Mr Richardson, Mr Kidd, Mr Small, Mr Mc- Guinnis», Mr Parkinson, Mr Christians, Mr Pringlo, Mr Hull, Mr Ball, Mr Turner, Mr Koefe, Mr Gibson, Mr McLean. Wo aro indebted to Mr D. Dalgleish, purser, for customary favours.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

The s.s. Penguin, which returned South at 3 p.m. yeeterday, took the followingpas sengers :—Misses Welham, Lewi?, Free man, Messrs King, Whitolaw, Thompson, Price, Chapman, Boyd.

THE MACKELVIE COLLECTION.

Without wishing in the slightest degree to interfere with the course of action deemed prudent to' Jbe pursued by the trustees in Auckland under the will of the late Mr MackelVie, we, in company with all interested in our city's future Art Collection, would be glad to know what steps are being taken with regard to the location of the Picture Gift.

We assume that the trustees are wil ling to meet the clearly expressed wishes of the citizen? of Auckland? as communicated to them by the City Council. If this is the case, it should be a matter of no great difficulty to remove the differences which at present lock up the Mackelvie collection. We hope the trustees will not finally determine to withhold the gift from the citizens until the Council has distinctly declined to meeb their views in the matter.

Sunday's fire at the municipal build ings shows, as we pointed out in an article only some week or ten days since, .that ib is neces sary to further protect the Gallery. Wo should bo doing our Councillors a great injustice if we doubted for a moment their sincere wish to further the. progress of local art in every way possible, or their willingness to meet all demands of the Picture Gift Trus tees which lie within their power to gratify without undue expenditure. Wo sincerely hope that the gentlemen of the trust will see their way to make a plain statement to the City Fathers of their objections to the present Art Gal lery, and, still better, at the same time to show how the building oan be altered to meet their views regarding safety from fire. Sunday's occurrence will doubtless have strengthened, aa well as justified, their feeling upon the subject. Had the caretaker, Mr Lovell (to whom all praise is duo for his prompt action at the fire), not noticed the light beneath the door, there is little doubt but that the pre sent Gallery would have been injured, if not destroyed. The Councillors, if they wish to ignore the Trustees (which we do not for a moment be lieve), cannot afford to do to, as the fact of these gentlemen considering the Gallery unsafe will deter others from presenting or bequeathing objects of art to the city. We may mention that wo have already heard of one case, and there may bo many others, in which a gentleman, about to present a splendid work to the city, lias determined to wait till something is done to better guard the Gallery from destruction by fire.

We have the best authority for stating that Mr F. A. Whitaker will be a candi date for the Waipa seat at the next general election. As a Parliamentary tactician Mr Whitaker has few equals, and his party have since his retirement from the House severely felt the loss of his services as whip.

The "new order of things" tinder the revised tariff was enforced to-day in con nection with the fruit landed by the steamer Janet Nicoll, there being a duty of 5 per cent, on all preen fruit im ported. Two Customs officers were busily employed tallying the oranges, bananas, etc., as they were put out, and the Customs Department is likely to have a knotty question to solve when asked how far the " rotten" fruife is to be affected by tho proposed tariff, for it is well-known that a large proportion of fruit cargoes nvariably becomes valueless on the voyage, and has to bo thrown away. The ° " new order of things" has also a deterrent effect on the larri kins, both little and big, who are in the UcTOtv „., .in>_-1.. 0 .r U -_ -tl.v- /«. some of them were informed to-day by the Customs officers and police that if caught they might bo "run in "for smuggling. The caution appeared to produce an excellent effect.

A meeting of old volunteers and soldiers entitled to receive land scrip from the Go vernment was held last night in tho Drill shed. About thirty attended, Mr W. Miller being voted to the chair. The matter was discussed at some length, and it was decided, on the motion of Mr Edgar, to ask the Government to grant L3O per man in preference to the land. .It "was also re solved on the motion of Mr O'Brien, seconded by Mr Myles, that Messrs Miller, Hcighway, and Eady bo appointed a committee to draft a petition in accordanco with the previous resolution, and forward it to the Government, the ex penses of same to be defrayed by those in terested. On the suggestion of Mr Teas, it was decided to also write to the Auckland members, requesting their co-operation in obtaining the object of their petition. On tho motion of Mr Myles, ifc was agreed to leave the petition at Captain Payne's shop daring the day to obtain signatures, and at the Working Men's Club duringtheevening, each signature to be attended with the donation of one shilling to defray cost of proceedings. It was also suggested that the petition might bo presented to the House by Major Hamlm. If possible, the petition will be forwarded to Wellington on Thursday, so that all persons interested should at once append their names.

An accidenb occurred yesterday at Hen derson under very singular circumstances to a man named Joseph Marr, who has been leading a kind of anchorite's life in the district... It seems that he had made a rough habitation for himself by excavating a sort of cavern in the face of a small cliff near the Oratia Creek, a screen of ti-tree scrub in front of it being the main protec tion from the weather. Inside a dirty blanket and some old sacks formed a rude sort of bed. Yesterday an ex ploring bullock happened to stray on to the top of the bank, and its weight proving too great for the strength of the roof of the cave, the earth fell in, and both it and the incautious animal came down upon the hermit, who chanced to be lying down inside at the time, breaking his thigh, and braising him severely all over. He was brought to Auckland by train and taken to the Hospital, where his in juries were at once attended to. Marr denied that he was living in the manner de scribed, but the residents in the neighbour hood confirm the statement sent to the police. Ho gave his age as 45, but his ap pearance would indicate him to be consider ably older, to be over sixty. Ho had a small sum of money in his pocket.

The opening of the elementary singing class in the Masonic Hall last night was an unqualified success, as the room was packed, and from beginning to end the whole audi ence united in singing at first simple inter vals, then two and four part tunes, and ex ercises from charts. The entertainment was varied with several excellent solos, choruses, and part songs by a choir, which also gave illustrations, and sang seconds when the audience were sing ing_ tlieir parts. The selections by tlTe choir were greeted with applause, and at the close the National Anthem was sung by all in the room, the audience taking the air and the choir the other three parts, completing the full harmony. At the close a number gave in their names as members, and persons desiring to join may make application to the teacher, Mr J. Clendinning, at his premises, Karangahape Road, or on Monday evening next at the Masonic Hall, Newton. Should induce ment offer, Mr Clendinning intends to com mence classes in other districts, and per sons so desiring should communicate with him at once. The rate of subscription to tljegg classes is fixed so low as to be within the jwgb pf all, '..■...■■■:

n?Sf spirits, and suggesting that sufficient SSe should be given of »*e levying of .uch duty bo enable present stocks to be disced of. Sir Julius Vogel has promptly reXd to the request, to the effect that Government have agreed •« to give six months from Tuesday."

The Adams Bros., of Ponsonby, hays Eden Hall, which is AnMun^^Tueß place this evening, and succeeding iuea days.

A meeting of the Pitt-street Free Metho dieb Mutual Improvement Society was held last night, 17 membera being preset. Tho Se for the evening was an essay ST^Soor and Capital," by the President MrF. G. Platt, fhe.e«ayi.b held that canital was the outcome of labour, and that the difCnco between labour and capital had baTSiened through the introduction SC. Ha admW. that tho eg dition of the labourer was ""Proved, the cause beine tirades unions, etc, and not £Hb2r A mirfted dUonuion ~-»«d. the majority of t£e member, holduifir that machinery b*d been a grwfe boon to the labonres.

Enteiee for the Handicap Yacht Race to take place on May 34 under the auspices of Sfluekland Ylcht Club we ne«nd laefc evening « follows :-Mr ?. CramoncU Maratea, 7* tons, blue, white, and red ; Mr J. Wbemtn'a Tawera, 6J tons, blue, white star; Mr T. Hend«non'» Rita, 13 ton., blue whito cross ; Mr A. Glbb.'. Spray, 0{ ton*, blue and yellow ; Mr W. PhiUipson . Wenona, 16 tons, blue, white, blue ; Mr W. Bindon'a Marataaa, 12 tons, blue; Mr J. C*rkw's Matanai, 13 tona, white, red star The coursa fixed up is from the Queen-street Wharf round boat off Lake Takapuna.thence ronnd Qara Hargreaves and up round boat off sugar works, finishing ab the Queen street Wharf. Twice round.

TTaerd was a fair attendance at the Circus laafc night, but owing to some mishap the OT-eat gun buainees did not transpire, nor did the tight wire exhibition. There is to b« a mid-day performance to-morrow, to which the proprietors have invited members of tha various charitable institutions. We aro informed that the gun affair will be ex hibited this evening.

Some little time ago tha trustees of the Ara Lodge decided upon erecting a new hotel upon the site of the present rather dilapidated building, and advertisements invited Masonic architects to send in com petitive drawings for the same. We under- Btand that after some little delay, caused by the necessary arrangements as to the present lease of the land, the design chosen was that of Mr W. H. Skinner, under tho non de pluvie of Tau ; the second place was taken by Mr Arnold, the third by Mr Ed monds. The building will, we believe, be a worthy addition to the architectural gems of the city, the cost being about L 4,000.

The Earl of Aberdeen is an affable and unaffected specimen of the English^ aristo cracy, in proof of which proposition the Wanganui " Herald " tells the following little story of his Lordship's visib to that to W n :—" At the Rutland Hotel, where he was staying, feeling chilly and seeing a bright fire and snowy-garmeuted chef in the kitchen yesterday, he strolled in, and with his back to the fire a la Briton, struck up a little chat with the " doctor," who did not know who his visitor was. The range was in full swing, and a penetrating odour of something very savoury titilated the visitor's olfactory organs. "By Jove !" he exclaimed, "that smells nice; what is it, cook?" "Roast pheasants." " Who are they for?" "Oh! some swell bloke up stairs." "By George! then I must dine —:*4> -UUv»,.»... caiH +.W. Eorl; fta—rha—bafcohlc himself to his- apartments,' laughing1 at the episode. We don't often get an earl here, but when we do our premier landlord knows how to fix him up."

The inaugural meeting of the Pitt-street Mutual Improvement Society was held last night in the Pitt-street Wesleyan School room. There was a good attendance, and the chair was occupied by the President, the Rev. H. Bull, who also delivered the Presidental address, in the course of which he referred to the objects for which the Society had been formed, and also the bene fits arising from mutual assistance in the work of improvement. He impressed upon his audience the necessity of lofty purpose, resolute will, perseverance, industry and goodness for the success of such a work. An interesting address was also delivered by Mr G. H. Douglas, on " Patience, Perse verance and Pluck," as necessary for the effective working of such a class. An ex cellent programme was also gone through, consisting of songs by Miss' Blackburn and Mr J. Rosser, a duet by the Misses Mar brook, harmonium solo by Professor Lam bert, and readings by Messrs Jas. Buttle and J. W. Shackelford. The String Band was also present in full force, and rendered a couple of choice selections during the evening.

The performance of " Jack and the Bean stalk," an extravaganza by a local author, was repeated at the Remuera Hall last evening by {the members of the Remuera Social Union. Messrs.A. Hillyer, E. P. Hudson, and T. M.- Jackson sustained the leading characters. The piece was well staged, and the properties supplied by Mr Eagleton, of Queen-street, gave great satis faction.

We are glad to see that Councillor Kidd .has given notice of motion "that the Domain gardener be requested to submit a plan and estimate of the cost of laying out and planting the reserve in Alten Road, and that the Engineer be requested to sup ply a rough plan, with the estimate of the cost, respectively, of a small con crete . wall and iron . fencing, or a wood picket fence with gates, &c." The young trees already planted on the reserve are constantly being maltreated, cut and broken by troops of larrikins, who use the hill side as a place of rendezvous. The residents in Alten Road have con stantly to interfere to prevent the total destruction of the trees. We would sug gest that if.the reserve is enclosed, some 'pathway be formed from the Alten Road down the hill side to the Maori hostelry in Mechanics' Bay.

To /the- Editor: Sir, Will you kindly insert the following for the bene fit of -would-be settlers of. the Vil lage Settlement Scheme. - A great many that have and are about to take up open lands are under the impression that they will get so much per acre advanced from the Government for clearing, burning, ploughing, &c. Now, sir, however unfair it may be, the Govern mentadvancenomoneyonanybut bush land, so you will see, Mr Editor, that those who have taken up open land without funds will then find themselves very badly off, in com parison with those thab have taken up bush lands. The Government advances £20 only towards a house when it is built. That is all the money they get advanced on open grounds—that is, swamp, ti-tree, and fern.—Yours, &c, Fair Play. [What our correspondent states is perfectly correct. The Crown Lands Office, with that zeal which it has all along shown in connection with the Special Settlement Scheme, has represented to tho Government that if the present dis parity between fern and bush land settlers regarding monetary assistance were done away with, it would probably be attended with beneficial results. We believe the Go vernment has, however, declined to comply with this recommendation,—Ed, E.S.]

About midnightof yestarT^^^ named James GriffitHg, I°s* Hk over the Queen-street Wharf"^?^Cl was obsßnrod by the watnW B»4£ Oamaru,and Wo wJSftev^S vessel viz., Merles 'JJ>IW ceeded n getting....x^hbS'S and lifting him on i» KM stables Cotter and DonorS c 5 formed of the accident 1? Yen theHoßpitelinacab )a ndoSS^t was given come restoratiTeiS^^S nately found to be Utfcl« the »„ Vasf«% involuntary dip. w«rß»{(j| The Bhareholdera of tb«t^, perance Newspaper Comtißn?ft^ naif-yearly meeting in RobK» old &* evening. ;; x t^isw The members of No. 2 BatUiu minded of the pamdethb^^^Jv A grand vocal and lngtrtiiDer,w ie advertised to take^??l^ Queen's Birthday, in theffl,^ As is usual with mattere.of 'tia^M evening ob 7 o'clock ab the (.S**! V M.C.A. building, Wetsfe^ aIJ membera are expected to JJJ H We notice an advertisementnotiMn „ Mr JohD Lundon, Qr a *JS& attenddailyatthe'l^dsoft^ formation concerning the^uj,^' menv Ab persons ■■no&jfa3fc* conßider, thab there has been ffl fi difficulty in obtaining Buctffife feel constramed to cay thaTwT •elves vouch for this not being Zf? have taken much interest in tliS^ to eending a special reporter'tf'ffi! ments themeelvee, andWenevel any complambs on the above 3 speaking highly of the officials a t S Office. m ' > ■ rs

Mr A. G. Banidfe: win^l,^l popular temperanoe.lfictnre^H Pernicious Effects of Alcohol on MB System" in the Oddfellow^S sonby, to-nighb, at 7.30. Thp A: be illustrated from Dr. Kellort hi of physiological,, charts, showineiffl of the organs in all the different^ alcoholism. As there ia no cCI admission doubtless many wjUaYaiO selves of this opportunity of hil&J temperance question discussed im 1 ecientific atandpoint. Mr'DanieSl will render some temperance pierafei the evening, and Miss Gribble haaiyi consented to sing two solos.o AcolK will be taken at the cloze in aid of fc t church building. . .• s The second meeting of< the gt; k', Musical and Literary Society Wti Monday evening, Air JohnVGittos J chair. The following programme wJ through :—Piano solo, "Blue ;ii Mountains," Miss Plummer; glee''Ob and Crow," St. John's Glee' Clv- "J " Vanished," Miss Warren; Bok'itt the Wisp," Mi- Edmondes, wW Jo,, encore gave "The Yeoman's Wdfc The chief feature of the evening's eft. tainment was a lecture by the Rev,''o,s Garland, entitled " Dry Bones," butlnsitj of being dry, as its title would suggest,i was both instructive and: interesting c was listened to with the greatest attatfe The members and friends of St, Djjjj Mutual Improvement Society held a van teresting and: well attendedtmeeting Is night in the school-room, the Presidaiiii the chair- Mr Knight, .»the T"assdiß secretary, read a brief reportioipiwu proceedings, which; was duly coafitM The subject of the; eveningVas"CMi Dickens and his Works.",:;MryJoliii-lS read " Dickensi as a Parliameatßuy & porte?," from Miss Dickens' -recentM« of her illustrious father, mthlfear^a his perseverfincc and pfobl^o^d&te forming a lesson for young' men.' I . Elaolima 11 -read si Jpapw; W ""OkV/ Characteristics Both as aWanTAli Mr Wright read, in excellent style, "k Weller's Valentine" from..-Pickwick,J J. Bell ga yo " The Inventor of ffie.Saiisj Machine" from " Sketches," and« Thomas' Be^l caused muchrmerrimeM "Miss Squcors's Courtship,?', from MM Nickleby." D ur i n g the •■ evening 1 Miller saner ye effectively "OnceHa We Meet," and Messrs 'J.TBeli;aid! Taylor gave *h 6 duet "Hbw-SadleiJ of Parting," Young, accompnist 1 pleasant and edifying " tvva' hours".Ji closed with the Benediction. : , Bodily health is in j uriously ■ affected i) wearing damp clothing, which praliS rheumatism, fevers and other dangsa ailments. This is more especially tie isst the present time of year, when:thertf is heaviest. Those tweed macintosh oou supplied by the New Zealand "Clothing Iw tory, 158 and. 160,: Queen-street, -mi certain preventative :of plaints. Men's,frpm 25s;.boys'jfroml!i» A large variety of umbrellas,* gai|ers,» leggings for walking or riding." lo^ without delay.—(Ad\t.):

MISERABLENESS.; — The : mOBfcjVOW and marvellous success in cases where pas are sick or pining' away froiaa coopiuaj miserableneß3 that iio one knows w^ them (profitable patients for aootow?J tainea by the use,of Hop Bitters. -W* to cure from the first dose, and keep «,«{«" perfect health and strength is restore! W> unless American Company's make, awns, W. H. Hoskins and Co., boot ■mf turers. Union and" Nelson-streets, ■■m» Quality and cheapness combined, bwrfsttr and settlers please note.-[AdvtJ. A bsfcinence and liver treatment mjj sidered the wisest prescriptionsJor«! have indulged too much in thtf ROW «gg this life, forgetful of the exacting eW»K fluence and its relaxing tendency.^* fl corpulent body, the distended -HOfflWh easily worried breathing,'the feeWeMW fainting heart, the sleepy brain.-amsUß tions of over indulgence. Wherethlsig, is fully time to shut off supplies totfg* Get the liver into working tnm.andttawj of muscle and brain will follow;..! ASj tonic to the disordered liver wI'MR Aickin'sLi ver Stimulant a.componnag"; cum. podophyllin, and euonomra^W^, modies of known excellence ■;Pn? 6' ?■■"; bottle. ,

PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

The Philharmonic Society repeatedl»* James's Hall last night, under ,$W^ ductorship of Herr Schmitt, W. H. pastoral operetta, "The Men*> J» Sherwood Forest." There was^"^ and the audience evinced .their ,»t with the performance by frequenUpr^ The chorus consisted of 15 soprano^ traltos,lo tenors, ■■ and'; 9 JgJ,^ basses while the orchestra coinp"^^^ 26 instruments.. With ihe expept» increase.inthe number oftenore, formingforces werelitfjedgn^ ~ from those of last week. me.« that we made with reference to . 3 performance will apply » lo yj^ fast night. Mrs E4t(sopg^^ absent* through ; indispos.^^^ Edmonds took-her P^e w The. choruses were the feature^ cert,- being for. aergt-gS^ spiritedly executed.,. The-« [t pi numbers, and y March," were very; sat^| .^^A formed. Between the parts of the progrramme! M»f va?? tributed her violin sd? M -of g and confirmed the^ high o^^ff proficiency which she-W e Pg cerfc; Jl^ Suced. At the close, pithew-^jj F. Gam P beirMhon.'sccetery) #^j opportunity to their patronage. /'Slf beat once put in rehewsai concert, ' ,

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

TUESDAY. MAY 17, 1837.

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

THE suspicion of incendiarism, which the appoaranco of the room where the fire originated at tho Free Public Library only too strongly confirms, will produce a widespread feeling of uneasiness in the community. It is impossible to conceive what devlish motive could tempt any man to deliberately plot the destruction of this splendid public edifice, with its literary treasures that could never be replaced. Even to an Anarchist, such an institution provided for thebenefit of the Moreover, if laid in ruins, this genera tion would probably never sec it re - stored to its present splendid position. Some of the treasures of the Grey col lection would indeed be lost to the world for ever. The crime is one so utterly devoid of motive that if the occurrence was other than accidental it was the act of a madman. We have a local precedent for this form of incendiary mania in the case of Cyrus Haley, whose fiendish ex ploits kept tho city in a state of alarm for weeks. The occurrence on the previous night of a similarly motive less attempt to burn down the flour mill in Freeman's Bay, which was only prevented by* the opportune discovery made by the owner's son, seems to point to a common origin for these mysterious and alarming events ; and the reckless daring which characterised both make it probable that the author or authors of them will indulgo the diabolical propensity still further. The utmost caution ought therefore to bo exercised by all persons who have charge of buildings that offer facilities for the commission of such acts. It is also to be hoped that the police will feel that theirowii credit is involved in sifting this matter to the very bottom. When anything of this kind happens, it is usually found that the precautions taken to ensure safety were not what they should have been. Of course, no one takes into account things that are so improbable as an attempt to burn down a structure which we might have sworn the humblest individual in the city would have felt it a personal obli gation to protect. The exercise of ordinary care is all that wo have a right to look" for. The fact disclosed, how ever, that, any one of the miscellaneous throngwho visit the Library without let or hindrance might, if so minded, have gained access to other parts of the building at night, surely points to re prehensible laxity. It may well be questioned whether the combination of the Municipal offices with tho Library was a wise one. It has undoubtedly increased the risk of accident from fire, but; while the Corporation officers have the run of the build ing, strict regulations' ought to be enforced making some one ' per son responsible for the safe custody of the premises, and strictly prohibiting smoking. We believe that there is no more fruitful cause of fires than this practice, and the careless use of matches which usually attends it.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING BTAB*rTPgSPAY, - MAY IT, 188T,

4



TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING. New Plymouth, this day. —Arrived : Penguin, from Onehunga, 6a.n>. Russell, this day.—Arrived : Clansman, from Auckland, 7 a.m. Wellington, this day.—Arrived : Hau robo, from Sydney. Taukanca, this day. — Arrived, from Auckland : Chelmsford, 11.20 a.m., and lona, 11 a.m. Te Kopuiut, thi3 day. — Arrived : [A CAKD.] TV/I" R FKEDK. E. BAU ME, BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR, Vulcan Lane. A UC KLAND. J. EL wiTHEFORD NEWS AND ADVERTISING AGENCY, AUCKLAND, N.Z. Representing Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney Mail Melbourne Argus, Australasian Otago Daily Times and Witness Lyttelton Times. Canterbury Times Wellington Post. etc. RAILWAY ADVERTISING. Business Notices promptly fixed at all Stations along tlio Line at tho shortest notice. milE COLONIAL MINING JOURNAL, B To be devoted especially to (.he interests of tho NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIAN GOLDFIELDS, Will be PUBLISHED IN A FEW WEEKS. Communications from Goldflclds Districts to bo addressed to J. H. WTTIIEFORD. Shortland -street, Auckland. J. He W ITHEFORD is R EMOVING TO THOSE CENTRAL PREMISES IN THE VICTORIA ARCADE, Shortland-strect (between tho Post Office and Queen-street^ rpO THOSE WHO WANT MONEY. J|_ Sums of, £100 to £1000 can be had at per cent., if FIRST-CLASS SfiCURITV. Sums over £1000 can be had at 7 per cent, on tho BEST SECURITIES. Apply ' J. H. WITHEFORD. y^ASH-. BUYERS FOR ELIGIBLE V> PROPERTY. . WANTED.—A Six to Ten Aero Homostead, suitable for poultry farm, &c, with cottage and Improvements; must not be more than a couple of hours' drive from town. WANTED FOR CASH.-A neat Cottage for £200 to £250. within five to fifteen minutos of City Hall. WANTED FOR CASH.-Comfortablo Resi dence and grounds, from £050 to £850, within twenty minutos of Post Office. J. 11. WITHEFORD. TVrOTICE 0F REMOVAL. 11 ' MR. T. TRAFEORD, SURGEON DENTIST, Desires to inform his Patients and Friends that ho has removed from Wakefield-street to more central offices Queen-Street, over Mr. Wayte's. Bookseller, opposite Wyndiam-street. • : Ho.urs from nine a.m. till five p.m. EVERY LADY HER OWN DRESS MAKER. Butterick's cut paper patterns, to ; suit any garment. No Lady should bo without1 them. Metropolitan Fashions (8 pageß) Id; 2s pc rannum post free. W. P. OGILVIE, Draper, Victoria-sl rcet. SPLENDID Winter Tweeds at J. H. Dalton's, Tailor, Victoria-stroet Eo,at»



AUTUMN DEAPERY. -m/jT ILNE & QHOYOB Are now Opening up their AUTUMN AND WINTER DRAPERY, AUTUMN AND WINTER DRAPERY, Ex .s. KUAPEIIU, KAIKOURA, DORIC, AND TONGAIURO. They have boon all bought in the very boat Home and Continental Markets for each clasß of goods. ■ They will bo found MODERATE IN PRICE though In tho Latost Fashion. Such Qualities only aro kept which can bo Safely Roeommended for Serviceable Wear, and being Marked at a very Small Profit, M. & C. hopo that their endeavours to givo a Good Article at a Moderate Price will bo appreciated. INSPECTION IS INVITED. Patterns and Prices Sent on Application, MILNE & CHOYCE, QUEEN AND WELLESLEY STREETS, AUCKLAND. BEST VALUE. DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURERS. BLANKETS, FLANNELS, VELVETEENS, &a, WILLIAM ft. BRIDGMAN'S. 150 Pairs Blankots, fn all qualities and makes, from 48 lid per pair. Mosgiel, Kaiapoi, Wellington Blankots. 2,000 yards Now Flannel, in all makes. English and Colonial exceptionally cheap strong Flannel, 7Jd; do., 3'^in. wide, lljd. In DRRSS GOODS, now showing a splendid variety for tho prosont Sonson, consisting of about 15,000 yards, having been bouclit in large quantities at a heavy discount. Those calling early will get tho best choice, and well repay attention. Ulster Cloths, -tSin. wide, Is lOd; splendid assortment New Trimmings in check and striped Plushos and Velveteens; New Umbrellas, good linos, 2s 6d; Ladies' New Ulsters, Mackintoshes, and Fur Capes; largo assortment of Boys', Youths', and Men's Mack intoshes, from 12s Gd, best value. A great many job lines in DRAPERY-and CLOTHING, which will be found much under usual value. Strong Winceys, wido width, 4Jd yard. Cretonnes, bought job, H5 per conU under usual price. Call at 2SB, UPPER QUEEN STREET, and you will get tho best valuo for your money. ante r>. We wish our namo connected in your mind with TEA, because wo aro tho only firm in Auckland dealing in nothing but TEA, and at our Establishment, 207, Queen-street, may be seen samples of TEA from ovory Toa-growing Country in tho World. Wo ha vo TEA from India- I TEA from China TEA from Japan TEA from Java TEA from Ceylon j'EA from FIJI TEA from Formosa TEA in Chests TEA in Half-chests TEA in Quarter-chests TEA in Boxes TEA in Caddies TEA hi Tins TEA in Packets. And as wo devote our whole time to TEA and TEA-TASTING, wo can give tea-drinkers better value for their money than they can get any where else. 1 Any storekeeper may of course mix hia teas according to tho price paid for them and tho profit he requires, but only tho skilful tea cx (lort can properly proportion tho peculiar characteristics of each tea, and so produce a Genuine Blended Tea, grateful to tho palate and refreshing to the nervous systom. This we claim to be able to do, and our Pure Blended Teas have becomo a source of pleasure to our numerous customers all over New Zealand. Post Office^ Box 20G. Agents wanted where not alroady represented. JOHN EARLE & CO., TEA MERCHANTS, ' 207, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. •Established 1880. HAZARD'S SHOOTING GALLERY, ELLIOTT-STREET. A series of VALUABLE PRIZES will be given to tho THREE COMPETITORS MAKING the GREATEST NUMBER of CON SECUTIVE BULL'S-EYES, from May 14 to SATURDAY. May 21. Ist Prize—DOUBLE-BARRELLED BREECH LOADING CHOKEBORE GUN 2nd Prize—HANDSOME RIFLE. 3rd Prize—NICKEL-PLATED REVOLVER, Prizes on view at W. H. Hazard's, Gunmaker, 166 a, Queen-street. WHAT'S IN A NAME? _. ' Try "The Economy Boot Shop." There you will find own-made Boots, suitable (these times) for all pockets. It's true to its name.: ' . p3 3. d. Women's Leather Slippers 0 2 11 Women's Kid Walking Boots .. ..069 Men's E.S. Boots ..' °? £ Boys' Strong Nailed Boots.. .. .. 0G 9 Children's School Boots to size 33 .. 0 4 0 Children.'!? Copper Too Balmorals, 3to 6 P 3 IJ. '



Box 329. Telephone 435 IF YOU REQUIRE GOOD ■•.OATMEAL, FLOUR, CHEESE, POTATOES, or ONIONS, OATS, ob MAIZE, CALL QN ALFRED J Q WIT T. IVTOTICE is hereby given that the Parfc _T^ nerßhip lately subsisting between us, tho undersigned. Robert William Hammond, and Jomos Tienry Moore Carpenter, canyingon business at Auckland and Newmarket as Coal and Firewood Merchants, under the style or firm of " Hammond and Carpenter, has this day been Dissolved by mutual consent. All Debts due to or owing by the said late Finni will be received and poldiiy the said Robert William Hammond. As witness our hands this elovontn day of May, 1887. HAMMOND, J. H. M. CARPENTER. Witness—James F. Haultain, Solicitor, Auoldand. DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP. Tho firm of Hammond and Carpenter having been dissolved, tho undersigned beg to noUty that they have purchased tho debts or the late firm, and will carry on the business of Coal and Firewood Merchants at tho old places of busi ness at Newmarket and Auckland. Orders can be given and accounts settled at either office. ,^ «_ /-,/-\ HAMMOND & CO. Tolophono No.: Auckland, 221. „ „ Nowmarkot, *Ju. I BEG to announce that I am still carry ing on business at Nownmrkct. and am prepared to exocuteall orders as before. J. 11. M. CARPENTER. Yards : Near Railway Footbridge. Orders m»r bo left iv Auckland with Henry Byron, noitSTAn Office, Shortland-Btrcot. Tolophono : 386. BUBE CALF LYMPH. A supply has boon received by mail, and children can bo vaccinated daily at Messrs King and Son's, Chemists, Queen-street. MR. HUMPHREY HAINES, L.R.C.P., Follow (by exam.) of the Royal College of Surgeons, JCdin., Specialist for Eye and Ear Diseases, Princes-Htroet (at residence of Dr. C. ' Hoimfof Consultation, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A CARD DR. LEGER ERSON, Parnell (late Dr. Goldabro'a residence), attends for Con sultation: At Home, 8 to 9 a.m., and 3 p.m. Aickin's Pharmacy, Queen-street, Ito 2and 1 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Panmure and OtahuLu. Telephone 476. _________