COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

AbboU'sOperaHouse-Williamson. Garner and Musgroves Company in " Written to laud," C Tro?/pe U i: MammoUl Min «rcls and Variety A \Vonclers?S Hall_Koyal Acrom antia Temple of °n Surrey Hilis C!l r)°ow l ie^is: Addrc93e3 br Rev - J - A - and Mrs G z fo" e e7B: AUCkland Society of Arts ' V.M.C.a. Rooms-Evangelistic Service, 7.30. Park Hotel-U.A.O. Druids, 8.

April 15-Messrs J. P. King and G. S. Kissling.

Vaileand Douglass—Property, etc., 2. Arthur and Buddie-Weekly Poultry and Pro duce Sale, 11. Hunter and Nolan, Durham Yards—Horses, etc.. W. J. Dowden—Weekly Produce Sale, 11. E. etc., 11. »S. Cochrane and Son-Household Furniture, etc., 11. It. J. Carbines-Produce, Furniture, etc.. 11. Hesketh and Aitken—Poultry, Produce, Fruit, etc., 11. B. Tonks and Co.-Fruit and Merchandise, 11,

SHIPPING.

Su.vskt—This evening, 5.32. WL-NKi.-iK—To-morrow morning, (5.31. Moon s Ask— Lust Quarter, loth, 3.1S p.m.

HIGH WATER.

Auckland—This evening. 9.53; to-nion-ow morning, 10.18. MiXUKAU Hkads. — To-morrow morning. o.'X\; to-morrow afternoon,o.sß. Kaii'aka Hkads,-To-morrow morning, 1.33; to-morrow afternoon, LOS.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY. Tona, 9.5., from Tauransa LAST KVEXING. Douglas, s.s., from OpotiUi

DEPARTURE.

LAST EVENING. Southern Cross, s.s., for South Reward, sch., for Whanßaroa TO-DAY. Lady .Tocelyn. ship, for Napier Columbiu, seh.. for Napier Jona. s.s.. for Harrier IManapoiiri, s.s., for South OrTWAKDs Coastwise. —groining; Light, for Cabbage Bay ; Ida, Mahurangi. The s.s. lona arrived from Mercury Bay and Tauranga early this morning. Passen gers : —Master G.Morris, Captain Bluett. Airs Fraser, Mrs Best, Master Telii, Miss White, Messrs O'Neill and Bropliy, and Mrs Walker. The schooner Mimilia arrived at Lyttel ton from Monganui, with timber, v few days ago. The schooner Handa Isle left Oamaru for this port on Friday last. The brigantine Occola is loading at Timaru for this port] The .s.s. Douglas arrived from Opotiki and Tauranga at 8.30 p.m. yesterday with a quantity of maize and the following- pas sengers : —Messrs Long, Tall, and Gilmore, Mrs Hogg. The brigantine Eillan Donan is on the way from Rockhampton to Newcastle, and the barque Wenona is at the lust named port, wuiifngfor n freight. Tlie ship Lady .Tocelyn was towed out of port by the s.s. Awhina at .11 a.m. and sailed for Napiev. ■ She takes from this port about 4,381 sacks of wheat, and will fill up with frozen meat at Napier for London. The schooner' Columbia sailed for Napier this morning, with a full cargo of drain pipes. The schooner Three Cheers was to have left Mercury Bay to day with timber for 'Timarn. The brigantine Darcy Pratt goes from Sydney to Newcastle', Oamaru, and Auck land, in the order named. The brigantine Maria Virginia, which re cently sank at Whangarei, and was subse quently floated and brought to this port, lias been consigned tc the marine "grave yard " afc Mechanics' Bay, where the " bones " of many of Auckland's ancient craft lie bleaching in the sun. The Maria Virginia is owned by Captain D. N. Mc- Kenzie. She is an old craft, but neither her a£e nor the place where she was built is given in the Shipping Register. The barque? Laira and Easterhill arc al most full of cargo. The former will sail for London about a week hence, and the latter, also for London, during the present month. The barque Loongana, for Newcastle, in ballast, and the schooner MarinW, for Earotonga, in ballast, cleared outwards at the Customs today. The s.s. Wnitaki left Wellington for Auckland via Napier and Gisborne on Tuesday evening with thirty passengers and a' full cargo. The passengers are chiefly those booked for this port by the R.M.S. Arawa, which arrived at Welling ton from Plymouth on Monday. The AVaitaki should arrive here about Sunday afternoon. The s.s. Manapouri left for Melbourne via the South at noon. Passengers for Ois borne : Messrs Longley (2), T. Mahoney, Allen. For Napier :Mr and Mrs Brassey, Judn-e Wilson, Messrs Fountain, Banks, Oakden. Longley, W. Sharpe, J. Mateer, W. j'roffitt, P. Martin, Karaka Tarawhiti. For Wellington : Mrs Myers Miss Warren, Mrs Brown, Mr and Mrs W. Duxet. Messrs S. Mackay, H. Allen, Hecnan, and P.obinson. For Lyttelton :Mr and Mrs Shaw, Messrs J. Peacock, Abbott, J. C. Seccombe, Misses Seccombe and Aldred. For Dunedin : Mr and Mrs J. P. Jones, Dr. Neill. Lieut.-Col. Smith, Mr "Weston. For Melbourne :Mr Grice, Mr find Mrs T. Owen, Father Kearns, Mrs McTtoberts. Steerage for various ports :— AJi-s E. Jacrgs, Mrs Simpson, and 2 child en, Mrs Uhildß and 2 children, Miss Adams, Messrs A. Morgan, and H. Mason. ■♦ —

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Melbourne, April 13.—Sailed : Te Anau, for Bs'ybney, April 13.-Sailed: Hauroto, for Wei ""london. April 12.-The mails per s.s Potosi, from Melbourne via Naples, dated March 4, -were delivered in London to-day. . ADELAIDE April 13.-The Orient steamer Ori zaba arrived this morning. The following are Jicr New Zealand passengers ;—Messrs Caner. <"ourt Jlowell, Fitzmnurice. McLeod, Mat thews" Murphy, Gardner, and Rev. George Brown; Mesdamcs Deaver, Court, Ho well, ICennedy, Waddcll, Bellamy; Misses Kennedy (21 Hell. Amy (2), and Sinclair. . Port Chambers, April 13.-Sailed : AVaira rnpa, for the North. Passengers :-l-or Auck land : Misses Gom, Dallas, Mr and Mrs Sibbald and 2 children. Messrs Guckenheitch, and fccl wnrda. For Napier: Messrs Simmons and Schobusky. For Sydney : Mrs Stewart and i children, and 10 in the steerage.

COMMERCIAL.

♦ ■ Evening Stab Office, this da.v. The Auckland Grocers' Association quotes the wholesale price of fresh butter at lOd per lb and , 'troth cir^s Is 6d per dozen, delivery, for. the ; *veek ending Apr? 21. The above quotations j refer to prime quality orny.

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening news, morning news and The Echo.

Tor the cause that lacks assistance. For the wrong that needs resistance, Tor the future in the distance, And the good that we can ao.

THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1887.

If men cannot be made moral by Act of Parliament they can at any rate have secured to them conditions favour able to morality, as well as to health and comfort. The movement to re strict the hours of labour in shops is one of the latest proofs that public opinion is being very much broadened with regard to legislative intcference with the liberty of the subject. Sir Robert Stout, with tho true Democratic spirit, declared here the other evening that the regulation of shopkeepers' hours was quite within the scope of Parliament, and it is gratifying to find that the Auckland Early Closing Asso ciation, comprising a number of shop keepers, is talcing steps to promote a Bill with a view to having their hours regulated. It is a hopeful sign when those who are most vitally affectedly a proposed measure are found making voluntary submission to the principle in advance, and the attitude of the trade here fully bears out what has fre quently been asserted—that the great majority of shopkeepers are favour able to the shortening of their hours. Emphatic testimony in the same direc tion was obtained by Sir John Lubbook during his labours in connection with the Early Closing Bill in England. have before alluded to the progress of the agitation which is now being conducted under his auspices in the llome country: He originally intended to except chemists and d'Uggists from the operation of the measure, but having been prompted to obtain the views of these tradespeople he found that in the United Kingdom 1 330 chemists and druggists (em ployers) were in favour of compulsory early closing, 734 against, and 163 neutral. Iri the autumn of last year the English Parliament passed a measure which limits the labour of shop assistants under 18 to 74 hours perVeek, thus allowing young persons to be confined for ten hours daily and two hours later on Saturdays. I his Act has to a great extent proved in operative because of the absence of compulsory machinery; but it had produced good results, especially by preventing large shopkeepers employ in o- their warehouse and work-room vivis behind the counter after working the full hours allowed under the Factory Act. ■ Legislation in New Zealand will probably proceed very much on the fines of the Victorian statute and bir John Lubbock's Bill, though probably our Parliament will pass it into law much quicker than the Bill will force its way through the House of Commons. The main principle of the English Early Closing Act is that, whilo tee maximum number of hours during which assistants can be employed remains the same, there will be a com pulsory closing of shops at eight o clock every evening and ten o'clock on Saturday evening. It is proposed to provide that the police shall be Jicld responsible for the enforcement ti the]

law in regard to shops, as they are in j regard to public houses. This need involve no extra labour on the police, as their attention would at once be attracted by a shop remaining open after the legal hour. The hours to which our suburban shopkeepers are now compelled by competition to keep open involve absolute slavery, and we hope that the legislature during the coming session will place in their hands the means of effecting their own emanci pation.

THE AFGHAN BOUNDARY.

For the hundredth time we are assured by cable that England and Russia have agreed in principle to a basis for the settlement of the Afghan boundary dispute. Curiously enough, a message bearing the same London date declares that information of an apparently re liable character is to hand reporting Russian preparations for a descent upon Herat. Both stories are possibly true, because we may take it for granted that Russia will keep Afghan affairs unsettled so long as there is a. chance of disturbance in .Southeastern Europe. Two years ago the Afghan boundary dispute very nearly resulted in war between England and Russia— how nearly we have only lately learned. The chief point at issue then was Penjdch. Russia settled that by au attack and military occupation. Since then one point after another lias been conceded, and now the Oxus boundary is settled in Russia's favour, the promise of territorial compensation to the Ameer elsewhere clearly implying that the adjustment of the frontier at this point involved an invasion of Afghan rights. No doubt the ruler at Cabul has exercised very little jurisdiction in the Balkh country through which the Oxus flows. This territory is occupied principally by nomadic Turkoman tribes. The Czar's claims are based upon the conquest of Turkestan. If, may be said, however, that to England's good offices the Afghans owe the safety of Herat and possession of the principal passes leading into Afghan istan proper. The Ameer was utterly powerless to withstand the Russian advance. He cannot hold his own turbulent people in order. England has no interest in Afghanistan except as a buffer between the Russian out post in Central Asia and our Indian frontier. Although Mr Gladstone's Government were roundly abused for what was freely denounced as " eating the leek " over the I'enjdeh incident, Lord Salisbury's Cabinet have simply carried out the Afghan policy of their predecessors. No Government, we imagine, would be guilty of embarking in a war with Russia through any senti ment of affection for the Afghans, whose relations with England have been characterised by a series of in famous treacheries. England will doubtless be successful in securing all her essential interests in Afghanistan without another war; and as for the Ameer's rights—it is his business, not ours,.to defend them.

Russian Press and the Ministry.

A CABI/E which appeared in our issue of yes terday relative to the quarrel between M. dc CHers, Minister for Foreign Affairs,and M. Katkoff", a journalist, appeared at the first glance as of little consequence. The announcement madeto-day thatthe Minister had resigned demonstrates its importance. The following, from the St. Petersburg cor respondent of the " Times," explains the .situation :—" Autocrat No. 2 in Russia is now M. Katkofl', of the ' Mosoovy Gazette.' The influence which this edi torial magnate enjoys is enormous. In l.lio columns of this much-read news paper, he thunders out his denunciations a<>'ainst Liberalism, Constitutionalism, Parliamentarism, and all things foreign ; against the new judicial institutions ; against the Bar, the Hench, the justices of tho peace, and, naturally, against Free Trade. In faot, against everything that does not tend fo complete centralisation, and crushing autocratic prohibition of all individual liborty and initiative. And for this service, which is called inculcating a proper idea of the State, he has lately re ceived from the Emperor the cross and de coration of St. Vladimir, and this, when coupled with the very unusual official ad mission made for the first time in tho ' Go vernment Messenger,' that ' tho press was not without, considerable influence in inter national affairs,' ought to give heart to other members of the profession in Russia."

M. de Giers in of foreign extraction, and has been attacked by M. Katkoff on the "rounds that lie is insufficiently actuated by the spirit and ideas of Slavdom. lie is a man of peace, and strongly opposed to tho blustering military policy recently in vogno. In order to ward off the attacks of his enemies he has given forth that ho is only the mouthpiece of the Czar. To attack him, therefore, is in Russia equiva lent to high treason. M. Katkoff, trusting no doubt to the Czar to protect him, has ignored the statement, as he did the official intimation that the Press was'to support the German alliance. Ho bears the title of the Maker and Unmakcr of Ministries, and is considered for the time one oi the most powerful men in Russia.

The English Mail Service.

ALTHOUGH the contract between Victoria and the P. and O. Company for the convey ance of tho English mails expires very soon. No new arrangement has yet been concluded. The tenders for the Federal mail service produced only an ofl'er from the P. and O. Company and the Orient Com pany to perform between them a weekly service for an annual subsidy of £100,000 each, or £200,000 in all. Tho joint Govern ments thought £160,000 enough for the ser vice, and negotiations haveso fur brought the matter no nearer settlement. The present P. and O. contract for a fortnightly service is £80,000 a-year, and the amount has frequently been denounced as absurdly extravagant ; but the companies sec the matter in a different light. They have a monopoly) and they mean to make the most of it. Tho Australian Govern ments have, of course, the option of doing as the Imperial Government did with the Cunard and White Star Companies for the Atlantic mail service—they may oiler the contract to foreign steamship companies, who were excluded from tendering before. But the only two foreign lines trad ing to Australia are French and Ger man, and in the event of war it would be most unsatisfactory to have the colonial mails jeopaidisqci by being carried in

foreign ships. The English Government have"deemed it advisable, possibly under political pressure, to settle their differences with the Liverpool shipping firms, and the short contract entered into with the North German Lloyds was not renewed. The regular Atlantic mails are in future to be carried by the Cunard and Oceanic lines, letters specially addressed by other steamers, however, being forwarded as directed. On behalf of the P. and O. and Orient Companies; it is urged that the sum of £'200,000 for a weekly service is not exces sive. The Messageries Maritimes is paid for a monthly service £130,000 per annum, or about £10,000 per trip, while the North German Lloyd obtains £100,000 for a monthly service, rather more than £S,O(X) per trip. The Peninsukrand Oriental and Orient Companies ask for £100,000 each for a weekly service, and they would receive, therefore, about £3,500 per trip. The comparison, however, is scarcely a fair one. Tiic foreign Companies are bolstered up by their Govern ments for the purpose of opening up a non paying trade. The English Companies, on the contrary, would run whether they re ceived a subsidy or not. It is a question, in deed, whether the Australian'eoloriiea are not now in a position to follow the example of the United States and dispensewith mail sub sidies altogether, so far as the postal de liveries with England are concerned. However, efforts are now being made to end the present deadlock, and possibly the Companies will see that it is to their interest not to drive too hard a bargain with the four colonies which have feder ated with the Home Covcrnmcnt for the purposes of this contract.

Our latest cablegrams will always appear on the eighth page ; the earlier cable news on the third page. The postal notice will also always lac found at the top of the eighth page. Xo doubt some of our readers were rather puzzled last night hunting through the eight pages for special items, but they will soou become familiar with the classification.

.Some of our readers having failed, to receive copies of our Pictorial Supplement issued last night, we have to-day printed an extra number, and copies of Hie paper and supplement may be obtained at this ollice.

Mr J. Warbrick, the well-known foot bailer, intends to contest the East Coast Maori seat at the approaching general elec tions for the House of Representatives. He lias been guaranteed a large amount of sup port. His opponents already in the ii<;ld are Messrs Pore (the present member) and Carroll (a former member of the House).

Tlio large reading-room for papers and periodicals on the ground floor at the new Library Buildings Wellcsley-street is now open to the public and is well supplied with tho latest papers etc.

With reference to the rider of the jury on the body of a boy accidentally run over, we are informed there is a bye-law in force compelling all licensed vehicles to carry lights ; it only remains for the police to en force regulations.

The practices of pieces to be sung at the annual gathering of Bands of Hope on the Queen's Birthday will be commenced in Alexandra-street Schoolroom to-morrow (Friday) evening, when all members de siring to take part must attend.

C. Taylor, the American pugilist who is shortly to try conclusions with the local man, W. Murphy, started training this morning at North Shore under tho direc tion of Mr R. Matthews. The match i.s fixed to come oil'on _7tli inst., and it is ex pected by that time that Taylor will be quite " fit."

The legal dispute between Messrs Sar good, Son and Co. and the Corporation of Dunedin turns chiefly on a question of fact. Plaintiffs claim £5,500 damages for the flooding of their cellars, and allege that their drain was connected with the Corpora tion drain in a faulty and unskilled manner. The defendants allege that the drain was properly built and managed, and that, in making it, the contractor employed by them necessarily cut through the plaintiff's' drain. They deny that they improperly constructed and maintained the High-street sewer or other drains, and that in conse quence thereof drainage, silt, and sewage escaped from their drains into the plaintiffs' warehouse. They further deny that they were guilty of any negligence.

The defeat of the Wellington cricket team caused no surprise in Auckland, but it was never expected that tho match would be the hollow affair that it turned out to be. It was not at all diffi cult to see where the weakness of the visiting eleven lay. Their bowling was far from good, and a long way behind the average looked for in an interprovincial match. Herein lay the secret of their severe defeat. Their batting was much bettor than their bowling, and they might be considered a fairly strong batting team. Infieldingthevisitors were quite equal, if not superior, to our men, and they were decidedly better than the Aucldanders in the out field. They played an honest, manly, and straightforward game, and took their beat ing in very good part, and in this respect they proved themselves in marked contrast' to the footballers of the Empire City.

We arc pleased to notice a new departure in one of our manufacturing industries. Many of our readers avq aware that to a ocnsidcrable extent the willows used here for basketmaking purposes are imported from Tasmania, England, and even the continent of Europe. It is gratifying to think that such an undesirable proceeding will no longer be necessary, so far at least as this part of New Zealand is concerned. Messrs McLeod Eros., basket and wicker furniture manufacturers, of Albert-street, are going in pretty extensively for growing willows. Their crop last season, which produced a handsome yield, was not only sufficient to supply their own demands here, but they wore able, recently to ship a consignment to the order of a Southern linn. They have now nearly 20 acres under osiers, which should produce a much larger yield next season. Willows require a good deal of preparation before they are ready for the basketmaker, !as evidenced by the fact that McLeod Bros. had about thirty hands cm ployod during their first year's operations. In their endeavours to hold their own against foreign competitors, we wish this enterprising firm every success.

The anniversary services in connection with the Mount Eden Congregational Church are to be held on Sunday next. The Rev. Jas. Chew, of Beresford -street, will conduct in the morning, and in the afternoon and evening*the Rev. \V. J. L. Gloss will preach. On Monday the soiree and public meeting are to be held, at which addresses will be given .by ministers of different denominations in the city. Special interest attaches to these services, inasmuch as the Rev. Mr Closs, who leaves for Syd ney next week, will preach his valedictory sermon on Sunday evening, and at the Mon day meeting he will bid farewell to the church and congregation. There will doubtless be a good attendance at all the meetings.

Tho concert in aid of the Devonport Lawn Tennis Club, which was to come of)' to-night (Thursday), is unavoidably post poned to a later date, duo notice of which will be given through the medium of out advertising columns. When fixing the date the Lawn Tennis Club will bo careful not to clash in any way with the sale of work and bazaar which is being promoted in aid of the Dovonport Parsonage fund and which is fixed for the latter end of next week.

The bakers' picnic to Sb Hehere Bay next Thursday promises to be a great suc cess. The programme of sports is published in another column. Good arrangements have been made for steamers and the visitors mv find every arrangement made for their con venience and for the enjoyment ola pleasant outing. A man named French sustained acompound fracture of the leg at Pukekaroro on batur day, 2nd hist., while assisting in the con veyance of kauri logs from the bush. -Key. Mr Tobin bound up the fractured limb, and the sufferer was sent on to Aiickland.

We are requested to mention that friends of the Melanesian mission who have not re ceived copies of the last annual reportposted to them may obtain them at the Diocesan office, at Messrs Upton and Co.'s Champta loup and Cooper, Kidd and Wildman s, or Edward Wayte's, booksellers. A fruit soiree in connection with the Surrey Hills J-Vesbyterian Sunday-school was held last evening, and passed off pleasantly. There was a large at tendance of scholars and their friends. The Rev. R. Sommerville, who pre sided, opened proceedings with an interesting address, after which a varied programme was gone through, including vocal and instrumental music, recitations, etc., by the Misses Jones, White (3), Henderson (2), Fronde, (iilmer, Waddell, and Brcbner. Instrumental duets were played by the Misses Gilmer and Sommer ville, Misses .Come and Russell, Masters Mclndoe and Arthur White. Vocal duets were contributed by Masters Jones and 1(. White and by the Misses White.

The Railway Employds Picnic and Sports Committee desire to thank the friends who kindly assisted them by gifts of money and sundry articles for prizes.

A meeting of Lodge Remuera was held lust evening at tlio lodge-room for the pur pose of installing the newly elected Worship ful Master, Brother Kemp. The ceremony of installation was performed by Brother Esam. The VV.M. afterwards invested his officers as follows : ■ Brotlier Coom, S.W. ; Brother P.M. Walker, J.W. ; Brother P.M. Rues George, treasurer; Brother P.M. Cooper, secretary; Brother Walker, S.D. ; Brother Xomervillo, J.D. ; Brother Stitch bury, 1.0. ; Brother P.M. Hesketh, organ ist,

Dr. Lynn, who has the reputation of bein^ the greatest illusionist; of the age, will appear at Abbott's Opera House on Monday evening next, the 18th, in his entertainment entitled " Mirth and Marvels." Amongst the wonders which the Doctor will introduce is " The Vanishing Lady," an illusion which created extraordinary interest when it was lirst exhibited by Dr Lynn at the Egyptian Hull, London, and the Colossal Eden Theatre, I'aris. The Melbourne "Argus" says: —"Dr. Lynn is a brilliant wit, com pelling the most circumspect of his hearers to indulge in frequent and un restrained roars of laughter. He is the central luminary of the mystic world, around which other bodies re volve with reflected light. He is so well known as the greatest living master of sleight-of-hand that it is unnecessary .to dwell upon the success of his entertainment as a perfect feast of illusion. A very sound lesson is to be learnt from an exhibition which sets the senses completely at defiance. We are bound to fall back for an explana tion upon a higher faculty than the sense of sight, and that is the power of reason. In addition to his quickness and cleverness, Dr. Lynn is a genuine humorist. The jokes with which he amuses and diverts the at tention of hisandienccare often spontaneous, and the control which lie has over his face lends a fine irony to his mock scientific ' ] latter. ' " The ] >lan of reserved seats is now open at Messrs Kidd and Wildman's.

Mrs Revett, so long known as one of Auckland's sweetest singers, and whose annual concerts have always been so appreciated, is, in conjunction with Mrs Hallett (nee "Robcrtshav/), about to open a select and first-class dancing class with a quadrille assembly,, upon the evening of April 19th. A good band has been secured, and as the Masonic Hall is the place of meeting, the classes will have a first-rate opening. We understand that next Satur day a juvenile class will commence. We cordially wish Mesdames Revitb and Hallefct every success.

Madame Weigel's Dress Patterns and Journals. -Shukesiiear & Co., Sole Afjents.

YACHTING ENTERPRISE.

Another Auckland Yacht to go to Sydney. There is every reason to believe that Auck land will be represented in the intercolonial sailing races at Sydney next season by another locally-built yacht. The Waitangi has already won a reputation for this port by her succession of victories over the crack Melbourne yacht Janet and the Magic. Negotiations ai*e now in progress which will probably result in Mr Logan, of North Shore, receiving an order from a gentleman in Auckland who takes a lively and active interest in yachting, to build a vessel to compete in the Sydney i-aces of next season. She will measure about 25 tons, will cost between £1,000 and £1,500, and will be built on a model something like that of the Matangi. Mr Logan stands foremost in the ranks of local yacht builders, and to his creative genius Aiickland is indebted for a fleet of probably the best and fastest yachts of their size in the colonies. The news of this enterprising resolve will cause quite a flutter amongst local yachtsmen, and the general opinion will be that the construction of our now yachting champion could not be in bettor hands than tlio.se of Mr Logan.

Papakaira Presbyterian Church

Tub annual soiree and general meeting of the Papakura Presbyterian charge was held in the church on the 7th April, and was, as usual,a great success. Tea and other good things were kindly and liberally supplied by Mcsclames McLennan, Ndrrie, and Walters. A bachelors' table was also well supplied by Mr R. White. The Rev. T. Nome presided, and opened the meeting with prayer. The annual report for the past year was read. Among other church work religious instruction had been imparted in nine day schools to a gross attendance of 165 scholars. Seven Sabbath schools had been in operation, attended by 225 scholars and taught by ]S teachers. A neat and beautiful church had just been erected at Wairoa, and was opened free of debt. The loss by lire of the large and commodious church at Drury was referred to, and tlio local congregations were earnestly recom mended to insure their buildings and properties. The total amount received for all purposes for the year was £301 18s lid. The report was ap proved of, and the office - bearers re appointed for the current year. Suitable addresses were delivered by the Rev. 0. R. Hewlett, Messrs T. Campbell and S. H. Reid. Readings were given by Messrs Bradshaw and D. Nome, and a recitation lay Mr E. McLennan. Various musical selections were interspersed. A pianoforte dnefc was well rendered by Misses Hcnton and Kemplay. Solos were well sung by Mrs Pike, and Misses Kemplay. and Reid (2), and by Messrs Hookey, Dabb, and W. N. Nome. Votes of thanks were given to the_ ladies, singers, speakers, etc., and the chairman closed a very pleasant overling's proceedings by pronouncing the benedic tion.—(CoßßESPOXDEM.)

OUR GOLDFIELDS

Thames, this day

Cambria.— Cleaning-tip for the fortnight's work took place yesterday for a return of 5870zs 18dwts gold, being 2140zs Sdwts from 136 loads of general dirt, and 3730zs lOdwts from 3331bs of specimens.

. Pkince Imperial. — 151bs of specimens were obtained yesterday from the leader in the third stope under the Bastard Head of No. 2 level. . SaXON.—A panic took place in Saxons yesterday, shares having dropped from 3s bd L (sellers) 2, 3d. About 10 30 in the mornin"- a rumour was current that tne leader being driven on the hillward side, the same as that being worked I y Connon and Jarvey, had been cut ott by a elide, .and that a telegram had been despatched by the manager to the directors to this effect. About an hour after I interviewed the mine manager, who presented me with his usual weekly report, and stated that there was no further information worthy of mention. Shortly after two o'clock Mr James showed me a letter, which he said he had sent to the directors, to the effect that a clay seam had made its appearance in the hillwarcl drive, which might cause the reef to pinch out ' I have learned from another source, however, that the reef has been actually cut oft" by a slide. The "Star" last evening complains to similar enect, and. considers it desirable that a copy of the tele gram conveying the information to directors should have been posted at the corner, as is done when a haul of specimens is obtained. LATER. Thames, this day, Ip.m. Saxox. — I visited this mine to-day. Since the clay seam was met with in the hillward drive at No. 3 level on Connor's reef the drive has been ex tended 8 feet on a small dark vein about one inch thick, which contains a quantity of mineral and a small quantity of quartz. Previous to meeting the clay scam tho reef was fully 2 feet wide.

GOLD FROM COROMANDEL.

Splendid Returns by I*rivate Parties-

REFERENCE has again and again been nvede

to the richness of the unprospected por tion of the Coromandel peninsula as an auriferous county, and it is to be hoped that before the Minister of Mines leaves this part of the colony an effort will be made to induce him to place upon the estimates a sum of money for the encouragement of prospecting. Seve ral hundred pounds spent in this way and making tracks would probably have the eft'ect of leading to finds that would ab sorb the whole of our unemployed popula tion, and engage them in remunerative em ployment. Little lias been heard for some time of goldmining work at Coroman del, but we believe that a great deal of gold has lately been won from this district, and soveral private parties boast of large returns. Bennett and mate, of the Toka tea mine, are in town, and banked lf)0ozs. of gold on Thursday . night, and we are informed that since Christmas they have got £1,000 worth of gold. O'Neirs party working in the claim on the spur over-looking Kennedy's Bay, are said to have divided between £1,500 and £1,600 since Christmas. These were old workings abandoned some time ago, and we are told that at that period a share was offered for £'20 and refused. Two miners in the old (iolconda's claim banked over 300 ounces recently, this being the second deposit since Christmas. Mc- Gregor and party, who have been out pro specting with Government assistance, have struck a leader on the Waikoromiki Creek, where they found rich stone on the surface. They put a small drive in and found gold, but it was evi dently not the ground from which the rich stone came. They crushed 14 ounces with the pestle and mortar from 25 lbs of this picked stone. Even on tho Manaia, Black mail and party are getting good gold. In the Victoria claim, the crushing ran three - quarter ounces to the ton till the claim had to be abandoned in consequence of the encroachment of water. This would appear to show that mining at Coromandel is verg profitable to private parties if not to companies. There are thousands of acres that have never been prospected, and the country is so rough as to require a track. Assistance from the Government to prospecting parties would be expenditure of a wise nature, ann would probably lead to finds of great value.

DONATIONS TO THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE.

(BY TELEGRAMI —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. The Hon. Gkokoe McLean has subscribed £1,000 to the Imperial Institute Fund, and there is every reason to believe that another gentleman will give a similar donation. Several others will give hundreds and fifties.

A DUNEDIN FAILURE.

(BY TEtEGKAPII—rKESS ASSOCIATION),

Dunedin, this day.. A meeting of creditors in the estate <& Esther and Low was held yesterday. The balance-sheet presented showed the firm's liabilities, to be £19,628, and assets £22,463. Mr Low explained that his annual balance at the 31st March, 18S6, showed a _ surplus of £10,000. His net losses during the past year amounted to over £7,000. It was resolved to accept a composition of 17s Gd in the £, 15s payable in equal monthly instalments over aperiod of 12 months, and 2s 6d in 12 months. Mr Low expressed the opinion that lie would be able to carry out this arrangement.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before Dr. Kenderdine and Mr H. M.

Jervis, J.P.'s.)

Drunkenness. —Two men were each fined 5s and costs, or 24 hours in default.—Jessie Wingate was fined £5 and costs, or 14 days' hard labour, for having been thrice con victed of. drunkenness. —Eliza McGinn pleaded guilty to having been drunk, and also to breaking two panes of glass in the window of the Pacific Hotel, value £4, the property of George Martin.—Ser geant Pratt stated that the woman went to the hotel under the influence of liquor, and upon being refused more liquor went'out side and broke the window.—The Bench fined the prisoner £4 and costs, or one month in default.

Petty Larceny.—Martin Dyer pleaded guilty to the larceny of one shirt, value 2s 6d, the property of Alexander Snedden, and was sentenced to one month's hard labour.

Alleged Perjtjry.—The charge of per jury preferred against Alexander Campbell was, on the application of Mr Ear], further adjourned for eight days, to allow'time for witnesses to be procured for the defence.

The Royal Aeromantia Temple of Won ders was opened in the Agricultural Hall again last evening, when a very successful performance was given uuder the manage ment of Mr Max Rinkle. Tho performance will be repeated till further notice at very low prices of. admission.

INTERPROVINCIAL CRICKET MATCH.

_. I 1 Uefeat of Wellington Wellington commenced their second innings at a quarter to three o'clock. Gore and Chapman (the not out of the ■ first innings) went to the wickets. Chapman played a maiden for W. Meldrum, who took the bowling for the northern end. Gore nicely succeeded in negotiating a maideoll for G. Mills, who bowled for the southern end, but putting up the fifth ball at ehort leg he was held by L. Meldrum, o—l—o, Salmon went in, and was given out by the; Wellington umpire, leg1 before wicket, in his first ball for Meldrum, o—2—o. Black-; lock was tho incomer and he lost his part ncr before the score was started, G. Mills taking Chapman's wicket with a capital leg break, 0-3—o.] McGirr was the next man. The first run of; the Wellington second innings, score was stolen from an easily played ball by .McGirr. A leg-bye was also stolen. Black/ lock cut Meldrum for one. One or two singles came very slowly, and Blacklock cut W. Meldrum hard to the boundary for three, and McGirr placed him in the slips1 for 4. Telegraph 10. McGirr skied G. Mills at long-on for one, and Testro was unable to reach it. A couple of singles were run, and Blacklock played W. Mel drum to long-on for a couple and again for one. Two more singles were run,and McGirr < was clean bowled by W. Meldrum—l7—4-8 Burns filled the lurch, and Blacklock put G. Mills clean out of bounds for 4. Tele graph 20. He gave E. Mills a possible' chance off the next ball, and was splendidly! caught by E. Mills in the slips just above the ground—2l—5 —14. Heenan was next man, and commenced by playing G. Mills; to leg' for one, and getting Meldrum awayi in the same direction for another. Burns cut Meldrum very nicely for two,'| and after several minutes of very un-il eventful play, Heenan followed 6uit on'if G. Mills. He also put the same bowler^.; out of bounds at long leg for four., | Telegraph, 30. Burns also drove Meldruinjf' out of bounds in deep field for four. W. | Meldrum revenged himself by taking" Burns' wicket with his next ball. ■•; 3i5 —6—6. Duret took Burns' place. Heenan put one for Mills up over thai bowler's head, but the chance was notl taken. Heenan got another single fromjj Meldrum, and added three more to hia. score by a fine off drive for G. Mills.! Telegraph—4o. Heenan wa3 then disposed of by a pretty break back from W. Mcl« drum, 40—7 —IS. Morice followed, and, Duret got Mills away to leg for two. and nearly succeeded in being run out.; Meldrum " yorked " Morice very neatly—.' 42—S—0. Judd filled the break, and placing his second ball from Msldrum nicely in the slips, two runs were taken. He also cutths, same bowler to the boundary for two, and played him to leg for one. Duret also got Meldrum away to leg for two. Four wera obtained from byes, and Judd cut Meldrum for two. Judd got a single from a leg hh* and drove Mills along the grass for another.; Telegraph —50. Judd continued to increase his score steadily by twos and singles, and. brought up CO on the telegraph. He then got Meldrum away to the long-oa boundary for four, and elicited some. warm applause from the spectators. Duret also put G. Mills splendidly over tha boundary at square leg for three. Duret played lYTeldruin to the off for a single, and I the telegraph showed 70. Several othei runs having been obtained, Judd put one of; W. Meldrum's by and was caught by tha, bowlei-, who dropped the ball once and held it again. Judd, who had played a good innings of 22 runs, was cheered on bis return to the pavilion—74—9—22. Drydeo was the last man, but it was his fate to sea Duret clean bowled by Meldrum. The innings thus closed for 74, and "Auciiiant] won by an innings and 101 runs. Im«" mediately after the conclusion of the match, the Wellington players gave three hearty cheers for the Aucldanders, and one tnorq for their popular captain, and the local men heartily returned the compliment. Cheery were also given for the umpires and scorers, ■Welltngtom.—Second Innings. -• > Gore, c A. L. Meldrum, b G. Mills 0 Chapman, b Mills 0 Salmon, lbw. bW. Meldrum .. .'. .. 0 Blncklock, cE. Mills, bG. Mills .. .. U McGirr, bW. Meldrum „. 8 Burns, bW. Meldrum .. „ .. .. t Heenan, b W. Moldrum ..13 Wilson-Duret, b W. Meldrum 11 Morice, bW. Mcldrum .. .. „ .. C Judd, c and b \V. JVloldrum „ «» ..21 Dryden, not out ( Extras .. „ i. .. i I Total .. 71; W. Meldrum took 7 wickets for 38 runs, and G. Mills 3 wickets for 34 runs.. By an, unfortunate transposition of names yesteri day, E. Mills was given credit for hia brother's bowling analysis. In the first innings, G. Mills took 7 wickets for 36 runs, and E. Mills 2 wickets for 39 runs.

THE OPERA HOUSE.

The bill presented at the Opera House last evening was of a most entertaining chamo. ter,and provoked frequent and loud applausa from a large audience. The elegant one act comedy " Written in Sand," by Fred W. Broughton, was first placed on tha stage. The characters were ably por» trayed by Mr Alfred Maltby, who as " Tom Potts," a ne'er-do-well, created intense amusement, Mr Frank Cates' as Fairfax Rendall, a married villain engaged to Kate Shirley (Miss Agne^ Thomas), Frank Seaton (Mr G. S. Titherr adge) being eventually the successful lover, and Sister Winifred (Miss1 Emma Fischer), the deserted wife, all played thoir parts well. The dialogue is lively throughout. and abounds in repartee,. at which the most was made, and the result was eminently pleasing. This was followed by F. G. Warren's three act farcical comedy " Nita's First," which must be scan trf^ be thoroughly appreciated. It abounds in funny situations and funny, characters, and describes the efforts of a newly-weddeq couple to hide from their parents the fact that they have been married in secret andj that there is an infant in the case. Thq infant is sent to, a married brother of the wife's, and arrives in his household before ho receives the explanatory note. In dread of what his wife will think, he deposits it in the haU of an old maid, and thence it finds it way to the police-station and the workhouse. It is impossible to describe on paper fclip numerous laughable complications that arise, for they run right through the piece. Jft G. W. An son gave ,$n excellent representSi tion of " Irascible Fizzleton," an elderly gentleman with a very decided temper, and Miss Madge Merrick, as Mrq Patience Fizzleton, played meek and mild character in a faultless manner! Mr Titheradgo was most amusing as Fred, Fizzleton, at whose house the baby is firsti left, and Miss Ttaimas ably personated tba indignant and resentful wife. Miss Taylpn made an excellent Miss Prim, and created) roars of laughter, whilst Mr Sfcanfield »3j " Jemmy " played a boyish part toperfeo-s tion, and Miss Lyster was eminently suc-c cessful as "Jane," making this part, quite a feature. Mr Cates as tViH' Frankleigh and Miss Claybourne as '' Nita " were also very successful, whilol Mr Stanmaur as Mr St. George (a swell). Mr Bryer as the cabman, and Mr Matthews as Henry were all very good. The sam«j programme is announced for this eveningj " Betsy " being billed for Friday.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAK, THURSDAY, APRIL 14/ 1887;

4



BLANKETS ! Blankets ! Blankets !! ! Buyers of Hlankcts should come and SCO X. Short's window. Note the quality and sco ■educed pricus.-JSy order of the Executors, Thas ijUorts Ureat Clearance Sala.



i JUBILEE UMBRELLAS! ♦> JUJ3ILKK UMBRELLAS! A Sew Feature in Umbrellas with f-_?t unique Handle, Sword, Crown, and H.I. t^H Majesty's bust. The only New Style of .j Umbrella in Auckland, torming v hand- 1"^ some present for a lady, tor -203 only. *«p LACE CURTAINS* ' LACE CURTAINS ! A New Style of Lace Curtains. Al though the newest of the newest designa, rrj will be sold at thirty-live per cent, less than their value. \^ BLANKETS! BLANKETS ! (^ BLANKETS ! Buyers of Blankets should come and see our window. Note the quality and the Reduced Prices. '"^ /CLOTHING ; CLOTHING ! !T5 Kj CLOTHING ! £_j Try the Great Clearance Sale before pur- -W ~ chasing Clothing lor yourself or sons. HH - . . — _ o VELVETEEN'S ! VELVETEENS ! "^ £ V VELVETEENS. _ One__Shil!in:-c per yard. _-_/* _ •" MANTLES. FUR CAPES. FUH VVRAPS. CASHMERE CLOAKS, = WATERPROOF CLOAKS, CjJ ~ Now being ottered in the .Show Room. _~J _ LACE CURTAINS! r * a LACE CURTAINS! QJ? g Lace Curtains, of the most Choice Do- Z signs. Just brought, forward, and will o be offered during the Great Clearance rf) Sale, __ ~ £ PLUSHES! PLUSHES! PLUSHES! All shades, at-s lid per yard; ill)- CO lnensely reduced in price. \^T ~ C / 1OLOURKI) KID GLOVES, BLACK HH l_< ICIIJ GLOVES. 4-biiltoncd, at 13 lid HH [icr pair-not oiiu-quartcr their Value. _ rf) /IOUM T X 111 'A N ES. Q UIL TS. Vy TOWI<M,S, TOWELLING, SIIEKT- rf\ INGS, TICKINGS, in faot, cvory article in the Manchester Department, at cnor- moiisly Reduced I'rices. kl _j HOSIERY! HOSIERY! HOSIERY! Ladies and Children's Hosiery, all \^ reduced in price. I r | /GENUINE REDUCTIONS r. IN EVERY ARTICLE. AT T. SHORT'S GRE, A T CLEA RAN C E SAL E, By Onr>_n or tiik Executors. C\ORNQ A C X S FOR SALE BY \Y. S. LAURIE & CO. SEED AND MANURE MERCHANTS, CCSTOMS ST RE ET, A L'CK I. A NII. A DAM T AVBOUKN & /~10., AUCRLAN D, NEW CLOVER) Best English Seeds, from \ James Carter & Co., NEW TURNIP) The Queeu's Seedsmen. RYE GRASS, COCKSFOOT, and NATURAL GRASSES. All new Seeds. Fencing Wire at Reduced Prices. JJONALD y^^ JACK & QO., I'ONSONBY ROAD, Are now OPENING UP NEW GOODS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. SEE OUR'STOCK OF DRESS GOODS BEFORE PURCHASING ELSEWHERE. DONALD AW JACK & CO. PONSONBY BOA 1). j'-rV- T> O 0 T S. BOOTS. BOOTS. Before buying elsewhere CALL AND INSPECT THE PRICES OUR GOODS ARE MARKED AT. Yon will find YOU CAN SAVE 20 PER CENT. On the usual price charged. ONE TRIAL WILL PROVE THE FACT. Gent.'s Boots Soled and Hneled .. 2s Gel Ladies' do do do .. is Od At W. W A T T S' S HOBSON-STREET, And Kabanoahape Road (next Earl and Montgomery's). UYERS OF BLANKE TS, LACE CURTAINS and GLOVES, Come and see T. SHORT'S WIND 0W S, i-BUTTON BLACK AND COLOURED KID GLOVES SUEDE JERSEYS, 6 to 15 BUTTOX^LENGTH. COME AND SEE.. NOTE THE CLEARING SALE PRICES. By order of the Executors. W. J. H URST & C a B. J. ESAM and A. H, GRAINGER having purohased from the Public Trustee (the Executor under tha Will of the late W. J. Hurst) the Goodwill, Stock-in-trade, Book Debts, etc., of the old-established business of W. J. Hiirat and Co., Grain, Seed, Produce, and Artificial Manure Merchants, will trade under the same Btyle and name, and will continue the business as heretofore. All Outstanding Accounts are requested to (be paid forthwith. W. J. HUBST &JCO.£ ON SALE. SEEDS— New Season's Clovers and Natural Grasses Rye Grass and Cocksfoot (In variety) Turnip and Mangold Seeds MANUKKS— Boneduat (fine and Jlnoh> Superphosphates (various grades) Nltnto of Soda j Sulphate of Ammonia | Potash. Kalnet, etc., eto. Peruvian Guano GRAIN- Ssed and Feed of all descriptlOßf Flour. Oatmeal Bran, Sharps Tabi3 and Coarse Salt Table Potatoes &c, Sec tee, W. J. HURST 4 CO., QUBEN-STfIEBT, AUCKLAND.



nPHE WAREHOUSES of the under signed will be CLOSED on FRIDAY nest, April loth— L. D. NATHAN' & CO. E. & A. ISAACS. '■■- ■' ARTHUR H. NATHAN. MECHANICS' BAY BRICKWORKS. Bricks, 2ns, 27s Oil, and 30s per thousand, at tho ICiln. Ground Hydraulic Lima. Roche Lime white and hydraulic. White Slacked Lime. NATHAN HARICER, Agent for the Port Chalmers Quarry Company. C 1 OLD E N GEM" FLO U R X AND "XL ALL" OATMEAL Are the best brands in this market. TR V T HEM. ALFRED .1 OWI TT, Sole Agkxt. CLEARING PitICES TO MEET THE TIMES. CHOICE NEW WINTER DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. WILLIAM It. BRIDGMAN Is now showing a Splendid Assortment of Now Uoods, in all departments, which have been purchased at great advantage, anil have been marked very low. 2,500 yards Black French Merinos and Cash meres Coloured French Merinos and Cashmeres Tho orders for the above were placed before the great rise in wool, and will bo sold in many instances at. Lower Prices than last season. ft.ooo yards New Dross Materials, in new shades and fashiouablestyle:i,all marked atbust value; Largo Lot ot Job Dress Goods in great variety, at, nominal prices—Cood Line at 4ijd ; Underclothing, half-price: New Velveteens, nil shades, really Rood line, Is lid a yard; New Plushes, all shades ; New Astrachan Trimmings, New Umbrellas, Buttons. Gloves, Hosiery, Lncoa, Fur Capes. Macintoshes. Splendid As sortment New Ulsters: Men's Strong Cotton Shirts, Is; Boys1 do., fld : New Felt Hats. Having an overstock of Roys'. Youths", and Men's Cloth ing, have determined to clear it at a sacrifice, to redtiee stock—Good Tweed ("oats, (is tid ; Boys' Black Cloth Coats, IJs lid; Men's Black Cloth Vests, 2s (id. ALL GOODS AT SALE PRICES. As during the depression W.R.R. wishes rather to serve his customers well, and keep them to g-ether till better limes, rather than make, a pro lit By dointf almost an entirely rash business, those calling will Ketbest value for money, at 2SS, UPPER QUEEN STREET. DR. J. MURRAY MOORE, M.D., M.R.C.S. Hours for Consultation: 11 lo 1p m at Pond's Homoeopathic Pharmacy, 153, Queen-street; 2 to :S p.m., and 7 lo S pan, lit Residence, Lower Symondsstrcet; 'telephone 130 Vaccinations at Pond's, 1 p.m., TUESDAY and FRIDAY.



Food for Consumptives. Scott's EmosKW of; Poke Cod Liver Oil with Hvpophosphitbs at Lime and Soda, is a most wonderful food forth* j Consumptive. It not only gives strength and incresu««| the flesh, but heals the irritation of the throat an»t lungs. It is very palatable : children take it like milkji and in all wasting diseases both for adults MM I children it is a marvellous food and mj-dicine. I"S*f, and small bottle* of all Chemists, 4s 64 and 23 6*^ , ■-'