SPORTING.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

XEWMARKKT.— AS b-Uti Horses ran 11 il-.,.. --_.", tho wager la off. R KEMP.-According to the rules on betting. B reoeiveß £3 IS. if ho did not stake his 10a. but ffha. did he gets £t si. The following is ,tho betting role bearing on tho matter.— in double- event". If Hither is decided in tho backer's favour, and the other results in a dead heat, tho money-betted must be put to gether and equally divided."

TURF GOSSIP.

[By Hippona.]

Tin: weights for tho Eastor Handicap and Steoplechose, the two principal events of tho Auckland Racing Club Autumn Meoting, aro now beforo ua, and aftor carefully look iof through tho compilation, I think that it" can be regarded as one of Mr Evott's best efforts. For the F.aster Handicap, Pasha heads the list with Dst 41b not an ounce too much for Buch on excellent porformer *. but wo havo yet to soe whothor his owner will see nt to lot him tako part in the race, or whether ho is to bo kept for bettor thing". The party behind Pasha have another striog to their bow in Spado Guinoa, who was nicely handicapped at Sit 121b, but since the weights have ap peared sho has incurred a 31b penalty. The daughter of King of Clubs, however, is such an excellont performer that she may yet show us that winning this race with her present impost ia not beyond her grasp. In giving Silence -3t 131b, Mr Lvott appears to havo weighted him up to his best form, but from all accounts he is o much hotter horse than is gonorally known. With Bst 91b I think Pear is well in, and as wo know that a mile and three quarters is a favourite distance of this speedy maro, sho mu3t havo an excellent chance, should hor owner see fit to bring her up horo. Cinderolla (Tat 91b) has nothing to complain of on the score of weight, but sho has been tried so often and found wanting ovor long courses, that it will have to be a weak field for hor to prove successful. Much more to my liking is Lady Norah, who, with 7st Sib, is woll treatod. Mr Bobbett's mare, however, is engaged in tho St. Legor, which is run on the somo day as the Easter Handicap, and as the stoke is a valuable one, it is more than likely that sho may not sco tho post. Undor thoso circumstances it is useless dis cussing hor chanco at the present timo. Wapiti is a terribly in-and-out customer, but with only 7st Gib opposite his name, and his recent form in the Napier Cup to recommend him, ho ia to my mind the best treatod horse in the race. Tho littlo aon of King Cole knows how to gallop when he is really well, and should Harrison hove him strung up to concert pitch on tho day, ho should mako tho best of his opponents travel. I have Eome regard for British Lion (7st 41b) and Rivulot (7st 31b), both of whom aro nicely placed, but until we know what foreign horses aro likely to put in an appearance, it ia useless attempting to pick the likely winner, and I shall defer my selectirns until after the acceptances appear. In the Steeplechase there are one or two strangers whom we have yet to become acouainted with, but the boat handicapped of the lot I take to be Falcon (list). Acceptances aro duo on Friday next. _. , _ The Taranaki Jockey Club Anniversary Meoting takes placo on Thursday and Fridny next. In connection with tho meeting of delo gates from the various New Zealand racing clubs held at Napier I understand that a series of resolutions wero drawn up regulating tho working oi the totalisator at the small meetings, and they are to be put before tbe Colonial Secretary for his ap proval. From what I can learn, should these resolutions come into forco, the number of meetings held throughout the season by tho outside clubs will be greatly curtailed. I hear that Mr Adamß intends remaining in Australia till the end of next month, and that Mitrailleuse will take p.rt in the A. J.C. Autumn Meeting, to be held during the Easter weok. From Chriatchurch comes the news that July has at last bade farewell to the turf so far as his racing coreer is concerned. The disappointing son of Traducer and Idalia, I think, has cost those connected with him and the Now Zealand racing public in general more money tbon any animai that could be mentioned in this colony. July as been figuring on the turf since the p ring of 18S3, and was always expected to effect a big coup, but it never came off, started was whon he got second to Lady Emma in the Dunedin Cup. It lurns out that the hooting of Spade Guinoa after she returned to scale in the Napier Cup was altogether uncalled for. Drake had 100 tickets on the mare in the totalisator, and they were produced to the stewards. In his explanation of the riding of Spado Guinea, Derritt stated that he waß engaged to ride Tho Shah, but thought The Shah would havo no chance againßt Spade Guinea, and, as Mason wanted him to ride the mare, he persuaded Mr Saun d6rs to scratch The Shah, bo that he might get up on Spade Guinea. He was paid his riding feo, ond was put up with a wagor of £30 to nothing, and he considered he had an easy race and could win. Tho mare was pulling hard, and he held her back, think ing she could como at any time.. When he got to the back of the course she gave over pulling ond gave up racing. He tried to como at tho turn, and although he did gain slightly on his horses, he found ho could not como up. Mr Bobbett tolls me that ho scratched Tetford for the Sydney Gold Cup on the morning of the 18th test. By somjß means unknown Necklace met with a mishap this week. The daughter of Musket has been turned out in a paddock at Meadow Bank of late, but on her custodian visiting tho mare the other morning it was found that she had sustained rather an ugly gash on one of her quarters. It is not definitely known yot whothor Necklace Ib in fool or not. Messrs R. aud R. Duder's more Belle is almost, herself again,and we may expect to see her figuring in tho Steeplechases at the end of the season Mr D. O'Brien has bnstowod tbe name of Triumph on the colt by Musket—Mersey that he purchased at the New Zea land Stud Company salo in January last. . ...

Twenty-six men are engaged on the for mation of the new training gallop at Ellers lie. Good progress is being made with the work, thanks to the line weather. I notice by late Sydney papers that the Hon. J. White paraded Martini-Henry in his stallion garb at tho Camden show held there recently, and he came in for great admiration, while the Dunedin Cup winner Adamant was once more to the fore, gaining first prize in tbe class for blood stallions at the Kangaroo Valley Show. At the Armi dale show, Idolium, the son of Traducer and Idalia waa exhibited, and also on the j ground was one of his progeny in the shape of a. foal at foot, out of a mare called The Baroness.

The thoroughbred stallion Loos, got by Leolinus from Petroleuse, mot with his death nt Nelson recently. He was being exercised on the racecourse there, when he suddenly dropped dead, and hardly moved a limb after falling. DuriDg the two seasons Leos was on the turf he recorded a great performance by carrying 10at 51b to victory in the Epsom Welter Handicap at the Canterbury Jockey Club Autumn Meet ing of 1883. cutting out the mile and a-half in 2min. 43_sec. Accordine to the "Canterbury Times" it is doubtful if Stonoyhurst.the Canterbury Derby and Cup winner of 1885, will stand another preparation. , „ . Previous to the start for the Napier Handicap Pasha was purchased by Mr A. Drake. It is said that he gave £1,000 for him. Bob Ray intends leaving for Australia shortly, where he will put in tbe winter. George Cutts has already assumed charge of the Hon. W. Robinson's horses. The Hon. Jamoa White has so far during the season won upwards of £11.000 in stakes, and there cannot be a doubt but that he will again top the poll in the list of Australian winning owners. Out of 40 starts William Tell bas finished first 17 times, including a dead heat; second, 7; third, 3 ; and unplaced 13. In the South Yarra Handicap at Caulfield recently he carried 9_t 131b into second place, and was disappointed in getting up od Ihe inside, or he might have won. Backers had a bad time of it at the last Caulfield Mooting, an d not once did a favour ite get home. Captivoter's son Maroney put the Ghost down in the Selling Race, while Louis, who was a favourite for the Hurdle Race, failed to get a place. Kobai was looked upon as best for the St. Kilda Cup, but he was beaten both by. Abuse and Phaon. Five to two was taken about Mannisn's chance io the Steep'o chaae, but he was beaten by Sweet meat. .Notwithstanding the speedy five furlouge covered by Boz at the VTr.C. Autwnn Meeting, be wa_ not In favour for the Federal Stake*, but he won, and with something to spare, while In the South Yarra Handicap, Mitrailleuse, who was a I >ot favourite, failed to gain a place. '

ATHLETIC NOTES.

(By Act-T.on.)

FIXTURES.

CRICKET.

Easter Weak—Auckland v. Wellington. Easter Week—Hawke's Bay v. Wellington.

SENIOR CUP. April 2 and 9—Holland's v. Auckland, Gordon v. United.

JUNIOR CUP. April 2 anil !).—Wa'.tsmata v. Holland's 2nd; National v. Auckland 2nd; OuehUDga v. Oordon 2nd; United 2nd v. Onehunga United.

AQUATICS.

April 13-Nellson v. C. Matterson, £ICO aside, on the Par-._n.iitt..-. May 30, 1887— H.Dlan v. Gaudaur, United States. July, 1887-Hanlan v. Teenier. United States.

ATHLETICS.

March 20—Myen and George I.oooyds. April -.— Myers and George 1,-00 yds. Apiil 23- Myers and George 1,250yd5.

CRICKET.

As tho senior motches stand at present, they aro "anybody's game." Gordon batted lirst ogaliißt Auckland, Kiasling and L. Meldrum facing Beale and Arneil. A catch by Tomlin off Beale got rid of tho latter, and Moresby joined Kissling, and a good stand was made, A moil having to be taken off and Roid aubstituted. After running up 21 Moresby playod ono from Reid on to his leg, and it dropped on to the wickot. Ansenno came next, but saw Kissling splon didly taken by Arnoil at mid-on. The catch waa a vory diiticult ono, low down, and Jack juat got under it with ono hand, rolling over in tho attempt. Kissling's 16 wore put together in his usual free style. W. Moldrum camo in to sco Ansonno smartly run out: and his brother joined him, but one of Keid's came in from log and beat Dave. The Gordon captain partnered W. Meldrum, and tho two mado things lively. Ryburn played steadily, but occasionally ho put the wood on in true style, while Meldrum was having a merry time of it. His hitting was vory good at times, though ho had sovoral clear lives. His hitting to log brought forth rounds of applause, especially one sixer that ho was credited with. Ryburn, aftor running up 13, played too lato to ono from Reid, and had hie sticks scattered. Williams mado threo, and then played in a very aoft manner to Arneil'a first ball, putting it up neatly into Gardner's hands. Lusk playod bis first ball very streakily, and ought to have boen held in the slips, but he ran two for it, and then lotting out at Arneil, Barton bold him in the outfield. R. M. Ryburn was Meldrum's next partner, and ho playod very very steadily, occasionally letting the bat have full swing. After making 48 W. Meldrum was splendidly caught by Gardner off Reid, and Gould, after scoriug 3, saw Ryburn retire caught by Dewes off Arneil with his score at 19, the total being 134. The bowling analysis shewed Reid 5 wickets for 41, Arneil 3 for 43, and Beale 1 for 35. Auckland started their venture with the Rev. I. Richards and Hawkins, Williams and Gould bowling. Gould clean bowled Hawkins when the score was at three, and at the call of time Auckland's score was 1 wicket for eight.

Holland have to get 88 runs to win to day against United, and eight wickets to fall. United started their innings very badly, E. Mills having Harvio and Mc- Cormick's wickets to his credit when the acore was at 7 Lynch and Testro, how over, got together, and made a fine stand, bringing the score up to 43, when Testro was smartly taken by E. Mills, having made 21. Lynch ran up 32, when he shared Teatro's fate, and McPherson partnered Yates, who seemed quite at b'. ease. E. Mills, however, did not let him remain long, and A. McCormick came in to see Yates cleanly taken by Thomas at point. McCormick carried out his bat for 21, tho others making little addition to the acore, which was 109. The bowling of the Mills brothers was excellent, tbe analysis read ing :E. Mills 6 wickets for 33; G. Mills, 4 for 70, but the latter was respon sible for the dismissal of Yates, Testro, and Lynch, and he had a deal of hard luck. The fielding of Holland was a decided improvement on the previous Saturday. Holland sent E. Mills and Berry to tho wickatn. hnk ATil!-.*- -*-.___-_ leu lor o, and Berry did not stay long. At present the score is 2 wickets for 2*2. Stemson clean bowled both Berry and Mills.

It is quite on the boards that Auckland, Gordon, and Holland may all be a tie fir the Senior Cup!

Gilmour was in great form with the ball for National on Saturday, as he secured eight of the nine wickets for 35 runs. Gordon is at present leading by 19 runs. Kelly and Lusk divided the bowlinp, Kelly having the best analysis. The blue and golds' fielding was of the most wretched description.

■ Parnell has won the Junior Cup. | Auckland 111. bad four absentees on Saturday. I noticed tbe veteran R. J. Yates fielding in his old stylo on Saturday. With tho Wellington match coming on, you can't have too much of it.

In the seven first class matches that H. Moses, the Now South Wales loft hander, has taken part in this season, ho has scored 357 runs in eleven completed innings, giving an average of 32*5 per innings.

Wattie Holdship made 30 for the Mel bourne C C. the other week against tho groundsmen: He has taken to bowling and playing against the Brighton C.C., on the 4th inßt., he took 2 wickets for 12 runs.

That veteran cricketer, the Hon. E. C J. Stevens, loft the colony for England by the Tainul on hor last trip. He intends, we believe, returning about six months hence.

The well-known bowler, Frank Allan, was in great form for the combined eleven of Warrnambool against Warrnambool On a good pitch he sent down 53 balls for 18 runs, 2 maidens, and 8 wickets. The combined clubs made 107, and Warrnam bool replied with 30. For the viotora Briggs (61) batted in good form.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The half-decked yacht Truant is for salo. An English cyclist has just bad a racer built tbat only weighs 151b.

Mr W. J. Geddis has changed the name of hia yacht from ".Bluo Ribbon" to "Galatea."

I hear that there will be a great crowd of yachts at Kawau during the Easter holi days.

J. Fairoa is back in Dunedin. He will very probably come North with the Otago team.

Hutchens has beon matched for a sub stantial stake to give Samuels three yards in 150, and Prinder, of Newcastle, 4_ in 130 yards. He is fairly on the job now. The Gordon F. 0., Sydney, has changed its colours to Oxford and Cambridge blue, in bars three inches wide. The club has 105 members on its roll now.

Murphy fought Mitchell, the light weight from the United States, last week for a purse of £50 presented by Larry Foley. There was great difference in weight and reach be tween tho men, the New Zealander having the worst of it in every way. The contest needs little description. It lasted five rounds, in which Murphy did a great deal of running about, and was let off many times by the American. In the last round Mitchell ga. home repeatedly with his left, and Mr Foley seeing that Murphy was beaten, threw up the sponge, and thus saved a game man from getting knocked about.

"R.C." writes to find out what is the average stride of a professional runner. He does not make it clear what kind of a profesaional runner—sprint or long dis tance, or am I to take world-know runnerß or only New Zealand " pros," who can just about on an average break Usees for 100 yards, and are wonders if they run a mile inside 4min 40secs. I may state for his benefit, however, that when Frank Hewitt made tho world's record for the half-mile at Chrlßteburch in 1871, his stride averaged 8 feet and 8 feet 4 inches. W. G. George, the long distance champion of the world, covers 7 feet when he is finishing a milo, while Wallace, who was champion sprinter of England before Hutchens, and stood 6 j feet high, only took a stride of 6 feet 6 inches. Judging by the few records of strides I have been able to obtain, I should say the average stride of a first-olass pro fessional sprinter was between Hewitt's and Wallace's.

THE GARDEN.

[Bl HoßritH.]

Calendar of Operations, March 20th. [Horlus is willing to answer any quories. Cor respondents must give their full names and addresses, though not for publication.]

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Sericultukk. Village Settlers, Sic. (Agri coli'.-(l) Tho work recommended on sericul ture must havo been tho " Manu il of In structions" written by G. A. Schoch. You can eesity pocurj a copy by writing to Q. A. Schoch, Survey Ofllce. (2) Broom corn would be a splendid crop to grow. Cultiva tion : The seed is Bown ea**ly in tho spring, as SDOn as the ground ca n bu prepared (aboat tho end of September) in rows of three feot six inches apart. As soon as tho corn shows above tho ground it is hoed and thinned, so as lo leava tho atalks about three inches apart. Afterwards tho cultivator Is put through the rows bo as to keep tho plants e'ean. When tho plants attain ovor a foot in height, a double mould-board plough should bo run up botween iho rows, taking a bhallow furrow. The broom corn is not left to ripen on the ground; it is cut just as tho seeds aro getting past the milky stage. The seed Is cleaned off. sorted and mado into bunches of equal sizes, diied, and packed for market. Good, rich, alluvial soil is the best for getting good crops. If a first-class articlo is grown there is not tho slightest doubt that a fair paying price could be obtained in Auckland, as largo quantities aro imported from America by tho brooiu-makors. Th; Broom corn makea a aplendid fodil -r crop. 11 the plants are cut while flowering, and pressed, the sap extracted makes a capital troaole. Ihe stomß, while ({rowing, can be utilised aa a culinary vegetable. (3) Crops to raise: Tha first crops fur village settlors (or those of ihom who have little money) should he thoso which supply them with food for homo consumption, the staple being pota to 8 and wheat, and a few vegetables, such us cabbagd, cauliflower, onions, ate*. It would bo Impossible for mo to tell what to grow for market, as at present praotlcal farmers tell us that cropping does not pay, os tho cost of for warding to market absorbs the wholo pro ceeds, leaving nothing for tliogrowor.

Usino Fm.su Staulk Manork (Amateur).— For some cops it does not do to use, bnt at this season of tho year, and especially on vacant nieces of ground th .tare not going to be cropped for somo time, it doos not mailer how now the manure is. In fact tho newer tho better, as I belfevo the ground gats all tho benefit of the ammonia. In digging it in out it BU-llck-ntly lilcop, so that tho long straw will not glvo trou-'lo when sowing hocC. How much to use Is a question that I havo no.-i-r bocn ablo to settle satisfactorily, especi ally cm new soils. A great ileal depends on the richness of tho ground. Thore. is one thing I may tell you, that I have vogetab'es. Unles. you can uso plenty ot water it would be littlo ueo trying any of tho crops named till after wo got heavy rain, but if yor_r soil U dry manure it now, and it will be in good ordu* whon tlio rain comes.

Caroo Trbk ash Olives (Sub trnpioil).—(i) Time afor tlrr.o I have b.ien askctl tho ques tion whether I his tr_io will succeed horo mid procc proH-aMo tl the grow*ers. In tlio Nor hern portion nf this provlnoo—especially noar ttio Bca consl-lt might grow in sonic situa'lons, but I do not think Ihat It will over be of nuirh importance for its crop*, our summora not being sufllclontly hut, (2. Tho ollvo tree nourishes anywhoro near Auckland, sill a: tho pros nt time Dr. Campbell has a number of acres planted wi'h olives, which, at present, show a splendid crop ot fruit. That gentleman will, no doubt, take steps to thoroughly test whether1 it will pay ti manufacture oil or not. Till a thorough tist has beon given, it will bo u.olcfs for mo to express aa opinion. A French authority (Renynard da L'Olivior) givos tho valuo of fruit taken from troes at dlfl.ront stages of growth. Ho says trees 20 yeara old Wi-i yield fruit valued at 10s 3d; 3a years. 2s I'd; 50 yoar., 3s 2d ; 100 years, Ss 3_d oa an average

The Scarlet Runner Bean.

Few plants are both ornamental and use ful to the same extent as the scarlet runnor. It is woll worth a place for (lowering as woll as a vegetable. In England it is an im portant crop in tho markot garden. The readiness with which wo can raise bettor beans will account for tho neglect here of thia vegetable. The scarlot runnor is a dif ferent species from other running boans. It ia tho Phasooluß mult-tlorus of botanists, and is a native of South America, and though generally cultivated as an annual, is really a perennial with thick, tuberous roots, which however are not wholesome. TheEO in worm countries pro duce stems year after year, and in cold localities may bo taken up and preserved during the winter in the same manner a. dahlia roots are kept. Tho vino branches freely and runs rapidly, attuining tho height of 10 fedt lo 12 feot or moro in a few weeks. The abundant flowors aro in clus ters upon long stems, and aro of a clear, light scarlet. The dark foliage with which the numerous scarlet flowers aro in strong contrast makes it an oxcollont or namental climber, Thero is a varioty with white flowers, and another, tho. " painted lady," the flowors of which aro both scarlet and white; this is sometimea also called "York and Lancaster." The flowors are .-.oocjnl bj ull ntuudau.. ul .-, _-; I . jj-.lf, which are gathered whilo young and tender, and used in the same manner as string boans. In tho English market gardens, the vines are sometimes provided with supports, but frequently they aro "stopped" or cut off whon about 3ft high, and allowed to lie upon the ground. By planting out roots that havo been token up ond kept in the cellar during tho winter, a crop is produced much earlier than by planting the seeds. If cultivated for orna ment only, the clusters should bo cut away as soon as the flowers begin to fade, only allowing the few pods to mature that may be wanted tor seeds. This will causo the vine to oontinue in flower much longer than if all the pods were allowed to grow.

AUSTRALIAN STAGE NOTES.

Melbourne, March 14,

The burlesque of " The Forty Thieves " bids fair to become quite as popular as "Little Jack Sheppard." Numbers crowd the Opera House to witness the perform ance each evening, Phil Day la still very ill and confined to his bed. Isabel Morris, who recently arrived from America, has become an established favourite, and pretty Louise Davenport wins any amount of ap plause. "The Tempest" is still produced at the Theatre Royal every evening. Great care has beon exercised, and no expense spared to make this first great important revival a succoss, and we fully believe Williamson, Garner, and Musgrove are being amply rewarded for the trouble they have undergone. The Princess Theatre, Sandhurst, is to open this evening with Dan Barry's company of 25 artists, who play a piece called " Snared, or Alone in London." Hugo's Buffalo Min strels, who were lately playing in Sydney, opened at St. James's Hall, Sandhurst, last Saturday. Amongst many new people who have joined Hugo's show we notiosd W. H. Bent, for a long time connected with Fred Hiscooks' Federal Minietrels. " Tho Magis trate" will follow "Harbour Lights" at the Princess Theatre, and Williamson, Garner, and Musgrove intend to place another Shakesperian piece on the boards of the Theatre Royal after " The Tempest" has been withdrawn. Clifton.

Sydney, March 14.

W. S. Craven's comedy of " Hide and Seek" has only done fair business at the Opera House. The last nights are an nounced. Her Majesty's Theatre, Pitt street, will be opened by George Rignold and Company on the 15th June. Meat likely the piece will be " In the Rankp," On the 2nd April next John Solomon's Minstrel Company open at the Gaiety. The nrtists include the Coghel Brothers, H. Sullivan, Walsh and King, Amery, and others. Signor Agrati's Aeromatic Com] blnation, like the majority of tho Sydney shows, are only doing a fair amount of business. The Italian opera season at the Theatre Royal has not been tbe groat success anticipated. On no occasion has tho Theatre been crowded to suffo cation, even on the first night. There were many rows of the stalls vacant, The scenery is rather "off," and the whole of the Press have been rough on the com pany. "II Traviata" and "Lucia di Lammermoor " have been given during the week. Agginton the skater, and Moltby, the trick cyclist, ore showing in conjunc tion with Pembleton W. Williard'a Japan ese Village, at the old Exhibition Build ing W.A.R,

LITTLE WOMEN.

Some of the Disadvantages Under

Which They Labour.

Few have any idea of the trials and tribulations of cultivated women small in stature, who seek honest employment in this city. The little lady must be modest, pretty, neatly dressed, affable in conver sation and agreeable in manner, yet almost every avenue leading to a respectable living is closed to her. Tho shopkeeper picks his female help in the spirit thafanimates him when he makes a display of goods in his windows. And it must be confessed that practically, if not theoretically, he is right. A commanding and fine-looking woman will sell a sealskin cloak in five cases out of six where a little body would fail, The big woman can expatiate more grandly on its merits, and by wrap ing it around her and parading before a mirror, show it off in all its perfec tion, The little lady may be refined gold, bnt thero is nothing impressive about bei. Her small stature is a misfortune that she cannot remedy. She cannot become a

I floor-walker in a drygoods emporium, for sho lacks tho swoop and carriage and lordly aplomb which nwo employees ond attract purchasers. She has i;reat trouble in securing even a place behind the counter. Her fragility and tiny size are in the way. Sho cannot reach tho goods on a top shelf, nor can sho return them after a sale is made without climbing to tho counter, which ungraceful act would quonch tho last spark of dignity left by nature at hor birth. She is out of placo again in the parlours of a fashionable milliner or dressmaker. You may find her sitting In a littlo back room adjoining, stitching away in a bad light and worso atmosphere, with her knees up to her chin, but you will never sco her in the salesrooms. "A small womon is out of place in a showroom," said tho proprietor of a fashion warehouse, when ono of her friends sought a situation for a worthy but under sized lady. "I havo no uso for her thero. Sho cannot sell evon a pattern. People will not go to hor. Thoy will hardly ask hor a question. They pass hor by as though alio was a child, and go to a saleswoman more stylish and commanding. Ono is pro minent and tho othor insignificant in op poaranco, and tlio prominent figure invari ably attracts attantion."

A placo for tha littlo lady was found in tho mailing department at 6dols. a week. At the samo timo a tall woman of good figure, who carried hor hoad like a Juno, neither woll educatod nor particularly agreeablo, was placed in tho showroom at 14dols. per woek. Sho was not as refined nor os painstaking as tho littlo ono, but sho had tho physique so highly pri/.od by an oxperioncod modiste. Tho littlo one toiled ten hours a day with hardly a respite, whilo tho big woman walked grandly up and down tho parlour superintending sales and keeping ovorything trim. Potito women nro raroly omployod as forewomen in largo businoss houses. Such situations aro almost invariably filled by ladios ol rogular figure and hauteur, A few nro pretty, eomo aro intellectual, and less aro charming. Many aro Amazons by nature as woll as in appoaranco. Thoy aro mado majoatic by sizo and bearing alono, and aro nearly destitute of fooling for thoso of Binallor stoturo whoso linos aro not ca.t in placos so pleasant. Such forowomon com mand from S-.'O to $60 a weok. Thoy can bo found in ovory establishment whoro fashion able female at tiro is sold. Salaries socm to bo proportioned to tho sizo of tho woman em ployed, and not on hor ability. Thero aro hundreds of littlo womon holding compara tively pleasant situations, but ovon in thoso they labour undor natural disadvantages Tho salaries are light, and their figures forbid promotion. Tho littlo ones aro to be pitied. With wanner hoarts, liocnor intui tions, brightor intellect?, mora knowlodgo of human nature, null more tact In many cases than thoir larger bietors, thoir busi ness rotnaiiiß narrow and contracted. Marriago alono can tako thorn from tho rugged road of lifo and transplant thorn to tho pleasant gardens that line the way.

A RUSSIAN FAILURE

Unablo to Utilise the Railroad to Mory.

Tiie groat railroad that was to form tho main line of tho Rusi-iaii invasion of India

is reported to bo a gigantic failuro, both in a military and financial point of viow. This railroad, that is to connect tho Cas. pian with tho Mery, thonco procooding through Bokhara to tho confines of Afghan-

.stan, has thus far beon constructed under

military supervision, and it is said enor mous sums havo beon ongulfod in tho granting of fraudulent contracts, both for material and construction. Thoso facts aro studiously ignored by tho Russian press, but according to a lottor wiitton by Gono ral TcliornaitlTto tho " Novoo Vroyma " tho now road of communication between Kussia and her distant Asiatic possessions is a total failuro. Tho lailroad, it now appears, is built ovor a desert cf shifting sand, tho desert hr.ving*.in fact a movable and moving surfaco, with which no engineering can con tend.

Ou tho lirst section of tho road tho sand has beon consolidated by watering it with a solution of clay, but this ia impossible near Mory, whoro thero is neither clay nor water to bo found. Tho only way of pre serving tho lino would bo to cover it with sheds liko tho snowsheds on tho American Pnolfil. R»n_r«y, V>"t- th.a i- in-pocaiblo in a country where thoro is neither wood, stone, lime nor water. Aba military lin», to assist in a Russian attack on India, it would bo ueolo.'s, for it would tako three years to convey over it a cotnplcta forco of 200,000 mon with their impediments, and aa it runs along tho frontier of Forsia it would havo to bo guarded by so many men that tho lino itself would b. woll occupied in supplying water to the invading forces. The British aro also finding almost insurmountable difficulties in endeavouring to connect Ctibul with tho Indian system of railroads, the projected lino in many placos being cut in tho sheer incline of the preci pices forming the pisses, while tho road beds in tho valleys are Hablo to resistless inundations in tho spring months. Taken altogether, tho attack and defonco of British India on tho land side form tho most costly military problems of tho contury.

WORSTING A BANK

How a Boston Merchant Repaid a

Needless Slight,

An amusing encounter between ono of

the banks and a prominent bueinoss man is being told at the clubs with somo unction. Mr X., the gentleman in question, was called from homo on business, and loft with his clerk a blank chequo for any con tingencies which had not been provided for During his abaenco a messenger from tho bank appeared with a draft, and, although offered the chequo, declined to roceivo any. thing but tho money. Tho matter caused the clerk Bome.inconvonionce, and his em ployer, on his return, was deeply indig nant at the affair. Ho waited a few days until another draft came through the same bank, whon he went to the Sub-Treasury procured the amount duo in silver dollars and turned the coin ovor to the bank. Soon another draft camo along, this time for 15,000d015. This also was paid in silver dollars, the bank being pretty well filled up with the sacks of ppecie. When a third draft was done, Mr \. applied to tbe Sub- Treasury for the amount in silver, and was refused. He waß naturally indignant, per ceiving plainly enough that the refusal was instigated by tho President of tho bank, and ho protested that as an officer of the Government, the Sub-Treasurer had no right to refuse to sell him as many silver

dollarß as he wished to buy at any timo,

The refusal was poreisted in, however, and Mr X. immediately sent a complaint to Secretary Manning at Washington, the answer to which arrived in duo ccurse of time, stating tbat the action of the Sub-Troaauror was illegal and unau thorised. In the moantime, as the draft of course had to be paid at onco, Mr X. had gone to the different banks, collected the amount of silver that ho wanted, piling it up loose in cotton baskots. He ascertained that he was not obliged to tako the money himself to the bank, and when the messen ger appoared with the draft ho presented him with the immense pile of silver, re marking that as he not been able to procure the money from the Sub-Treasury in sealed and stamped sacks, he supposed it would havo to be counted.

" But how am I to carry all that ?" the messenger criod in dismay. Mr X. replied that he really could not say, and that while a hack might servo his visitor's turn, he really did not regard the matter as any affair of his. The messen ger had a hock called, and with assistance got his precious baskets to the sidowalk. " What is all that ?" demanded tho hack driver, eyeing the heavy baskets. " Why, that's silver."

"Do you tako me for an expressman ?" asked the driver. "Hi, there, got up!" and away ho drove, leaving tho unfortunate young man in a woree dilemma than ever. The messenger managed, howovor, to get the specie to the bank, where it was presumably counted ; and in due time still another draft upon Mr X. camo to delight the officers of tho bank. Onco more Mr X. presented himaelf at the Sub-Treasury, and once more, despite Secretary Manning's lettor, his demand for silver was refused. This time he sent a telegram to Washing ton, and with great promptness thore como baok a despatch peromptorily ordering tho delivery of the dollars. The money was I paid to the bank, and feeling by this timo a little weary of the affair, and probably satisfied tbat he had amply revenged tho discourtesy shown to him in tho original transaction, Mr X. let the matter drop here, after notifying all his correspondents that he did not in future wish to receive any paper through tlio offending bank.

PREHISTORIC AFRICA

Remarlcablo Ruins Found Whore Savage Tribes Now Dwell.

Tim. readors of Mr Haggard's new story " Sho " will remember that when his little party of advonturers passed in thoir boat from the soa into an East African rivor they found on tho bank a wall of stono that had evidently beon a eolidly-constructed wharf at somo remote period. In a foot-note he jufltifio.s this conceit by alluding to tbo ruins of a very ancient city on tho coast at Kilwa, south of Zanzibar. It happens that 500 miles nearer tho region in which ho has placed his story thoro aro evidences of a past civilisation that are incomparably greator than thoso ho mentions.

Somo way south of tho Zamibol river thero is a largo region extending from tho soa nearly 400 miles inland and 300 to 400 toward tho south, in which ruinß aro constantly being discovered, proving that in prehistoric times tho country was in habited by a civilised people. Today only tho rudost black tribes inhabit this land, savo in a fow places whoro tho Portu guese have established stations. Tho littlo beehive huts of the natives aro seen among massive ruins betokening a degree of architectural skill which rivals that of the ancient Aztecs. Our knowledge of theso ruins is still far from porfect. Our oarliost records of travel and trade on tho oast African coast, extending back to tho beginning of tho Christian ora, do not men tion, thorn. Only in recent years havo tho travols of Salus, Erakino, Mauch, Bainos, Mohr and McNeill revealed to us tho monu mental ovidenco this country contains. The coast town Sofala is Bhown on all maps of East Africa. Near the town Carl Mauch found oxtonsivo ruins, remarkable for their enduring nature and strango shapos Thoro aro partly ruined walls, still thirty foot high and tivolvo foot wido ot tho baeo, built of email hown blocks of granito. In thoso walls, sometimes from fifteen to twenty foot from tho ground, are imboddod ono ond of blocks of stono oightoon to twonty foot lung, which wero evi dently used to support gallorios. Horo and thoro, built in tho walls or standing by themsolvcs, aro round stono towors, which evidently roso to heifrhts of thirty to fifty foot. Similar masses of masonry are found as Jar as 360 miles inland and a littlo north noar tho count.

It is not positively known yot who built theso ancient structures. Notraiuod arch.vo logist has visited them, and no search has yet b::on mails for inscriptions, though O'Neill Bajs ho has no doubt, from what he has rocontly hoard, that thoro aro numorous inscriptions on the ruin, about Monica. All theso mins nro surrounded by surfaco gold minos. It is boliovod that all this country was occupied somo time beforo the Chris tian ora by a great colony, probably of I'hu'nocian origin, and that its chiof occupa tion was gold mining.

Mr O'Neill says that thoso numorous ruins aro nearly as woll preserved ns thoso of ancient Egypt, and bettor than thoso of Assyria Somo day, no doubt, thoy wiH bo systematically studied. Thoir oxist onco shows conclusively that a largo region in inuor Africa, now given up to savage mon and wild beasts, was subject many conturios ago to tho control of a peoplo who woro considerably advanced in iho arts of civilisation.—Now York "Sun."

KING OF BULL FIGHTERS.

A Noted Spanish Matador, and How Uo

Forforms,

That Sonor Luis Mazzantini, llio most famous bull-liglitor of Spurn, will havo pro fessional opportunities during his coming visit lo tho United States, is probably im possible, but it is not unlikoly that in Now V'ork and othor great centres somo moanß of making tho public acquainted with him may bo devised. Ho is certainly a wonder ful man, and there is nothing surprising in tlio fact that Madrid has maao him a rich citizen, and that blio gavo his namo an honourod placo among thoso of hor great est. Mnzzantini has bocn delighting tho groat city of Havana with his astonishing deeds of agility and daring. For fourtoon porform.-iticos ho is paid $30,000 in gold, half in advance, a clear bonolit, and the ox ponaos of a trip from Europe Every intelligent reader knows what tho duties of tho matador aro. Alter tho bull has beon teased and tortured in tho ring lung pnnitgl. for tho gratification nf tho assembly, and, aa a rulo, sovoral horaes have boon killed by tho brute in his raco, the matad.r (that is, tho killor)advances to preform hia duty. As seen within tho Inst fox* days on such on occasion, Mazzantini wore a costume of green ond gold, hoavily and oxquisitoly embroidered. Ho advanced with alort and graceful stop, bowed to the throng of ob.orvors and throw hia black cap high in tho air. In hia hand ho carried a short, Btraight sword —honco tho matador Is somotimos callod tho espada, that is, tho parson with the sword—and held a scarlet cloak, which ho flaunted bsforo tho bull. Whon tho mad donod croaturo rushed at him ho calmly and adroitly stepped aside This perform ance was ropoated several timos with unfailing dexterity of hand and foot ; then, tho looked-for poaition favouring to tho movemont, tho sword woa almost to tho hilt betwoen tho bull's shoulder and spine ln a momont tho noblo bruto foil doad, and tho matador was rowardod with a tempost of applause.

As his name suggest**, Mozzantini is an Italian. Ho was an under-socretary to Amadou", brother to tho present King of Italy, whon that prince waa King of Spain. Ono of his favourite amusements was ama teur acting, in which he excelled. When, in the year 1873, Amadous resignod his crown, Mozzantini remained in Spain and gavo his attention to tho favourito sport of the people Ho made hia debut in tho city of Seville. So rapidly did ho rise in tho profession that in two years he had become tho leadiug matador io all Spain.

Ho is favoured by nature with a muscu lar and handsome figure, and ia indeed a model of manly beauty. As may be ex pected from hie antecedents, ho possesses superior mental cultivation, and is a man of exceedingly refined manners. Probably bis superiority to tho average bull-fighter in appearanco and bearing havo assisted his professional daring and skill to oarn for him tho distinction ho enjoys.

SWALLOWED A LIZARD.

1 A Carpenter With a Creeping Reptile in his Stomach.

" I know," said Goorgo W. Carley, a car pentor, " that it is a lizard, and I took it into my stomach twenty-two years ago, al a place on the Chattahoochee river, in Georgia, whoro tho Nineteenth Ohio Regi ment made a crossing. Let me show you." Carley was talking to County Physician Rowley, and quickly stripping himself to tho waist he lay down on the flat of his back and began to rub hia stomach with his hands. "Thoro it is," ho criod sud denly, and pointed to a spot near the pit of tho stomach, on tho left side. Sure enough, thoro was a per ceptible swelling, which took the form of a bunch or ridgo of flesh half an inch high and from three to four inches in length. " Thoro ho goes again," ho cried, and tho swelling changed from tho pit to tho upper part of tho stomach on the right side. His lizardship made an extended tour of the man's stomach. " He's kicking now," Car ley cried, and his wife quickly paasod him a dipper full of water. Carley drank tho water, after which the reptile soem9d to have gone to rest. " I swallowed it in this way," said Carley "After a hard march of two days, during which we suffered terribly for want of water, wo reached the Chattahoochoe river. Tho men all ran for water. Some of thorn waded in up to thoir necks, and some lay flat on the banks and bogan to drink. I lay down, and with almost tho first mouthful of water I drank, I felt something going down my throat. I thought it was a tadpole, or something of that kind. I didn't Buffer any from it, however, until about ten years ago, whon I bogan to feol something crawl and jump inside of me, and from tho way it acted, I thought it was a lizard. Soon I commoncod to have a terrible appe tite, and was always thirsty. Whenever I got hungry or thirsty the lizard com moncod to kick up a row inside, and as noon os I took a drink or a mouthful of food ho quieted down. He moves around inside whon ho doosn't want food, but then it doesn't hurt me. Whon he is hungry or tbiraty he seems to just hump himßeif at both ends ond then 1 feel that he is eating mo up inside." County Physician Rowley Is puzzled to)kuow just how much Carloy's imagination has affected him

"Aw, may I awsk what a colonial is?" said a supercilious now chum tho other day to a full bloodod Aucklandor in Q-uoon-sfc. " Certainly, a colonial is an Englishman," . was tho answer, " with all the modern Im provemonte," '

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

SUMMARY FOR HOME READERS,

AUCKLAND. N.Z.. March 26th, 1887,

His ExcEtIRNCV Sir Wm. Jervois, who has boon rusticating at Dunedin, ia ex pected to return to tho scat of Government next woek. Neither he nor Lady Jervois woro in good hoalth, but both have boon much improved by spending tho hot season in tho bracing South. His Excellency was

banquoted by tho Mayor of Dunedin a few days ago, and today ho is engaged in laying tho foundation for the Burns statue in that cit>. Tho rumour which reached us from Lon don that Mr Cecil Raikos would be op pointed to succood our prosent Governor caused somo sensation, but tho absonco of official confirmation caiißes the roport to bo discredited. A general expression of feel ing has beon evoked that Sir William Jervois ou^ht to be retained as Governor of New Zealand, especially in viow of tho sorviees which ho could rondor us in tho event of foreign cruisers making a descont upon our shores. At the same time it is felt in somo quarters that tho expiry of tho Governor's terni of ollico offers a good opportunity for reducing tho salary by at loast one-half. If Now Zealand is not to havo first-class men for tho largo salary sho offers, she will naturally rciluco the allowance, and that may prove to bo tho chief outcome of tho suggestion to sond us Mr Cecil Kaikes. His Excolloncy tho Govornor, in a speech at Port Chalmora on 22nd inst., explained the position of tho recont defence workß in relation to tho gonoral defonco of tho colony. He said that tho defence of Now Zealand was a naval defence, and it would greatly depend on tho lines of communication at sea. But in connection with that dolonce, and supporting and forming a por tion of it, was tho protection of the ports of Port Chalmers, Lyttolton, Wellington, and Auckland. If those were not protected, the result would bo that tho Naval Squadron would have to operate for their protection, instoad of looking out for tho onemy at soa on the lines of communica tion, whoro ho Bhoold bo met. Tho dofenco of tfco sea poits wa3, therefore, part and parcel of tho naval defonco of tho colony, and Voluntocrs at theso ports existed to protect thorn, as thoy wore tho nucleus of tho naval defence, and at tho samo timo n groat source of strength to the colony. Tho Govornmont havo not yot arrived ut tiny arrangemont with tho Admiralty relative to tho permanent stationing of ono or more warships upon tho New Zealand coa«t, but it is evident from His Excellency's re marks that whatovor may bo decided on heroaftor regarding tho apportionment of tho Australian Hoot, tho dofonco wotks at tho leading ports of the colony will bo dopondod upon for the protection of thoao places, leaving the mon-o'-wor freo to oruioo off the coa^t This fact shows tho importance of maintainine uur port dofences in a constant stato of officiency, as it is boyond doubt, from information in tho

posses.lon of the Imporial Government, that in tho ovont of war with Russia a sudden doseent will bo mado upon thoso colonies.

Parliament is Bummonod to meet lor tbe despatch of business on the afternoon of the 26th April next, but as yot thoro is not much political activity. Tho Premier has de livered an important address at Marton, of which we givo a resume elsowhoro, and he has promised to address tho pooplo of Auck land on political topics on tho 4th or sth of

April. Bumourß are current of the intern tionsof Ministers with regard to their policy; but as tho ensuing eeasion is tho last of an expiring Parliament, tho Government will, it is oxpected, wisoly refrain from com mitting themselves to any elaborate " plat form " which would be subjected to tho scathing criticism usually associated with a genoral oloction. Tho Hon. Mr Ballanco, who is shortly to speak at Wanganui, is ex pected to disolo.'O tho Government inten tions in so far as t he-><. exist. Betrenohment is expected to be tho chief " plank" in the Governmont platform, and somo particulars of a scheme for reducing salaries in the Civil Se.sion have been published. A bill to abolish tho recovery of small dobts, and another to confer tho Par liamentary franchiso on womon, are mon tionod as among tho "heroic" measures which individual members of tho Govern ment will introduce.

At a rcont mooting of tho Cabinet it was decided that the date fixed by tho Queen for the celebration of her Jubilee should bo proclaimed a holiday throughout the colony. Furthor celebrations will be !■ ft to tho public bodios unless Parliament should de cide that the Goverumont should toko part. Already iho Corporation of Christchurch are taking step* to arrange for suitably cole brating tho Jubilee year.

The Customs revenue shows no improve ment in trade. The revenue for February amounted to £101,666 4a Bd, as against £117,039 2s 7d for the corresponding month last yoar. Tho amounts at tho four princi pal ports woro as follows :— Auckland £30;713 Dunedin 24,390 Christchurch 13,158 Wellington ... ... 15,685 During tho eleven months of the financial year, £1,173.567 has been collected. This shows a deficioncy of £118,932 on tho Trea surer's estimate for tbe period. The boar duty for the month was £4,753, against £4,754 in February last year. The estimate for olovon months is £50,410. but only £48,168 has boon colleotod The prin cipal contributions wore : — Auckland £1,053 Dunedin 91S Chriatohurch 970 Wellington 516

In addressing o deputation which waited ' upon him in Auckland oji March 7 to bring forward tbo matter of acquiring a block of land at Raglan for spocial settlement pur poses, tho Hon. John Ballance gavo somo important information regarding the Go ernment proposals for the acquisition of private lands for settlement. The business of the deputation was introduced by Mr T. B Hill, who stated that for many years tho Hon. H. Chamberlain had had a block of about 2,000 acres of land lying un used on tho Blopo surrounding tho township of Kaglan, He had now, howovor, offered to dispose of tho block to the Government, for the purpoao of forming special settle ments, and tho object of tho deputation was to ask Mr Ballance in bringing forward his proposed Land Acquisition Bill to schedule this block of land amongst the first to be acquired by the Government about Raglan. Mr Ballance remarked that the deputation were going on tho assumption that the now bill woqld re3emblo Sir Goo. Grey's bill, but it was not so—in fact, tho principle was entirely different. By Sir Oeoige Grey's bill, the Government oould acquire land, but thi3 one would provide machinery by which tbe settlers themselves might acquire the land. Of course, tho Government could take land under the Public Works Act, but that moant that the Government had to give notico that they wero going to take the land, and tho result was that the Government pay more than the value of the land. It i was no uso mentioning Stark's or any other property, for the result was always tho 1 same. The Government always had to pay i more for tho land than private purchasers, i He did not bolievo that there was a single I instance in which tbe Government hod not t paid a higher prioo for their lands. Undor ( the proposed new Act they intended to I provide against this by allowing settlers to t acquire the land. i\

To a deputation which waited upon him later, Mr Ballanco mado a further revela tion of his land policy. The object cf this deputation was to ask whether tho Govern ment would bo prepared to grant a sum of £250 conditionally upon othor persons in terested contributing a similai sum towards tho salary of a canvasser and lecturer, who it was proposed should proceed Homo for tho purpose of working up tho special settlement scheme amongst tho industrial classos at Homo. The idea was that persons holding land adiacant to blocks ononed by tho Government should join tno scheme and contribute towards tho salary of such an officer. Mr Ballanoa said that if such a person wero appointed, ho would of oourso require to work undor the superin tendence of the Agent-General. A similar thiug had previously been tried by the Govornmont, but it had not always been a succoss, as tho Govornmont was to a certain extent responsible for tho statements of thoir representatives, flo did not like the idea of mixing up private Giitorpn-es with State business. Tho appoin'ed agent would bo puffing up the land, whereas the Govornmont would require that any person thoy sent Homo should conlino him self to facts. Tho dangor was that tha two interests might not harmonise. People at Home looked at the matter from a different standpoint to old colcnists, and when they wore brought out thoy woro disap pointed, and railed against tho Govern ment. Tho Government could not inter fere with private transactions, because thoy would necessarily become responsible for tho results. Ho wished to so. a healthy stream of emigration set in, aa tho result of tho people alroady in tho colony being woll off and happy. They had at present, un fortunately, to deal with tho result s of tho unemployed movement. That had been froely ventilated by tho press. Ho could not give thorn any oncouragoment whatever in thoir preeont proposals, for the reaeons ho had stated.

Tho lato Parliamentary recoss has bocomO historical for the number of deaths of mem bers of tho Goneral Assembly that havo aken placo during it. Theso now number nine, tho gontlomen called away by death being :—Hona. T. Henderson, J. Bathgate, A. do B. Brandon, and Major Richmond, members of the Legislative Council; and Meaers W. .1. Hurst, J. _. Coetor, J. B. Bradshaw, J. Macandrew, and To Puke Te &o, members of tho Houso of Representa tives. Another vacancy in the House has boon caused by Mr C. J. Johnston's ro-igna tion of To Aro seat. Tho elections for To Aro and Port Chalmers will not be over until after tho mooting of Parliament.

Notwitbstanding dull times, tho colony appears to bo steadily gaining in population from tho oxcees of immigration over emigration. During tho month of Fobruary, tho total arrivals in New Zea land from Australia woro 1,025, and the do partures to tho several Australian colonies, SS3, leaving a net gain of 142. From the Unitod Kingdom, tho arrivals woro 260, and tho dopartures to tho Homo country, 159, and from othor places. arri vals 7G, and departures S9. Tho not increase in the population during the month, therefore, was 230. Auck land and the Bluff pretty equally divide tho ."ustralian traffic, and tho fact that over a thousand persons came from Australia and 883 loft for tho Australian colonies in a single month givos n pretty good idea of ths extent of the tourist and commercial traffic which exists between Now Zealandand hor sisters across tho water. The arrivals from Victoria were 552, and from New South Wales 357; tho departures for Vic toria 123, and for New South Walos 402

It la satisfactory to notico that the New Zealand Parcol Post, tire introduction of which was promised last year, is not to be completely dropped by tho Government. A telogram from Wellington states that arrangements are so far forward that tenders willsoon bo ci.lied for the necessary baskets, hampers, bnxos, &c. This now bianch of tha service will, it is stated, begin operations in tho early part of tho coming winter. Judging by tho siicccm of the Parcel Post system in tho Unltnd Kingdom, there nood bo no ap prehension of linancial failure here. It la explained that the reason why it has not been established Booaer is that tho Initiation of tho system will cost a considerable sum, which the Postmaster Goner il wa. unwllllne to Incur during last linancid year. Orders have now been given for the nooossary appa ratus, and tho system will be initiated about Juno or July At present it is not proposed to establish a Parcel Post beyond this colony. There is a difForonca of opinion as to how far this is desirable, and the Legislature has not yet authorised it. Considerable interest has been evoked both horo and in Australia by tho publico tion of Sir Julius Vogol's scheme for the Australasian colonios buying up tho exist ing cable line botween tho colonios and England, and laying an alternative line. His idea is to start with the posses sion of any two lines out of tbo three

practicable routes, namely : First, tho pre sent route ; secondly, the route by the Pacific, Vancouver, Canada, and the Atlan-

tic ; thirdly the route by Ceylon, Mauritius,

! Natal, Capo of Good Hope, and St. Vincent. Five millions is the price which he thinks would havo to be paid for acquiring snch routes, supposing that existing companies wero bought out; but if they wore simply ignored ho believes a less sum would suffice to provide two cable lines entirely new. The money, ho thinks, can bo obtained on colonial guarantee at 3$ por cont. or with an Im perial guarantee at .1 per cent., and taking the former aud larger rato of interest the annual charge would be £175,000. Adding te this £200.000 por annum for working ex penses, and £50,000 for maintenance and now linos, an annual expenditure of £425,000 Is reached ; and Sir Julius estimates that £412,500 would bs realised in receipts an nually, made up as follows :—Estimate with tariffof Is 6d and la and intermediate traffic, 2,500,000 words at Is Gd, £1S7.000; 2,500,000 words at la, £125.000; inter mediate traffic, £100,000. After making

allowance for the Colonial Treasurer's

enthusiastic and sanguino temperament, thero remains, however, much that is commendahlo and worthy of consider ation in his proposals. Their magnitude is at first staggering ; but if after calm ex-

ominatlon they are found to be practicable, it would prove of tremendous benefit to theso colonies to have them carried out.

There is a growing movement in thedirec tion of readjusting tho Customs tariff so ns to encourage the growth of colonial manu factures, and the Government or their suc cessors will be forced to take account of the public sentiment in this matter. The fooling in favour of protection is fostered by Industrial Associations formed in the various oentros of population. That in Auck land baa appointed Mr John Brame as lecturer at a handsome salary to enlighten tho working classes on the subject, and he has commenced a series of lectures in the city, which aro being woll attended In tho samo connection an Industrial Exhibi tion is being projoctcd.

Arrangements are progressing satisfac torily in connection with tho Exhibition which ia to bo held in May in con nection with tho local Industrial Asaocia _°?i r.Thc ex(onsivo premises of Messra Ball Brothers in Wyndham street have been placed at tho disposal of the Committeo, and aro admirably adapted for the purpose for which they are'requiied. Ihe first and second floors, which are spacious, fully-ventilated, and well lighted will be utilised for tho ordinary ex hibits, while tho cellar is available for machinery if required. Each floor is 112 feet by 34 feet, and tbe total space available is thus S.OOO feet, leaving some thing like 4,530 feet for exhibition purposes if necessary. It is intended that the show shall open on the 7th of May, and con tinue during the following ten days. Its usefulness may not ond hero, as there is a probability that it may subsequently bo rn°nT rte TK*,nto " Pc™"^ sample room This course "was adopted in Christchurch, where the promoters of the scheme claimed that it led to s„if™ conaumption of local'y.pro tTu a ™ 8S S ogainßt manufactured _ _n £ . ob->ect°f th° Exhibition is to display local productions and manufactures only,. a „d to bring the consumer and producer together in a sense. The idea i 8 a £ a d mirab l_ one, and we trust that manufacturers in every part 0 f the province will ava"them" solves of tho opportunity so wisely afforded ho£ niiS.IT Publr t>. a«<i Prominence to thoir particular productions.

. A deputation" waited ou the Commis sinner of Trade and Customs at WelHngTn on Thursday 3rd March, representing the operative bootmakers of the four chief centres :-J. Moran (Dunedin), W. Smith (Wellington), J. Moon {Ohristehur.h),and hhss V°B^ <Auck-*'*--*> Mr Fisher, in introducing them, said tho deputation had como m support of tho operative boot makers in four chief cities In regard to tho «n! T* bu°?.tß^ d *ho*M.«Bd of "their peti tion which had boon signed by 830 members of the trade throughout the colony, praying for an Increased tariff on all imported boots and snoes. The members of the depu tatjon eaoh spoke at length on tto

necessity of increasing the duty. Sir J. Vogel said ho need hardly assure them that the representations of a deputa tion of so extended a character would re ceive tho careful consideration of tho Govern ment. Ho was inclined to think tho present system of assessing tho duty did aefcunfairly, and his opinion was that an the wholo an ad valorem system would probably be most satisfactory. It was a question, however, as to whether children's boots should bo treated in tho same manner as other boots, as ho understood they woro not likely to be extensively manufactured in tlio colony. As logards 30 par cent., that was rather a "large order," and would create a great deal of opposi tion. It would be trebling tho average of tho present duty. He held etrong opinions upon the wholo question of protection, but tho press of the colony was rather against tho views of tho ieputatiou, and a great many membors of the House were against an increase in duties last voar. It might bo that somo others had since altered their minds, and ho could not help feeling that strong reactionary foelings had taken place in tho country on the question.

Tho formal opening of the Free Library and Art Gallery to day bids fair to be a most imposing affair. 1,100 tickets of admission havo been printed for tho occasion, and have all boon taken up, whilo hundreds of people have been disap pointed in not obtaining them. Tbe doors will bo thrown open to tho public at 2 o'clock, and at 2 30 the proceedings will commence. Tho platform will be occupied by the Choral Socioly and orchestra, the Mayor and members of the City Council, tho ex-councillors since the new wards were added to the city, members of the Lsgi. lative Council and House of Representatives, and tho gentlemen who are to address tho assemblage, Addresses will be delivered by the Mayor, Sir Geo. Grey, Mcßßrß Peaoock, Clark, Waddel, and Sir Maurice O'Rorko. Tho following is tho musical programme : —" God save tho Queon ;" solos by Miss Bloazard; chorus from the Lobegesang ("Hymn of Praise"); last chorus of the "Hymn of Praise;" march, orchestra, "Ell" (Costa); chorus of Israelites, " Eli " (Costa); Corne lius march (Mendelssohn), orchestra ; halle lujah chorus, "Messiah."

The destruction of the Pink and White Terraces by tho Tarawera eruption has led lo tho discovery that tho Hot Lake district of tho North Island possesses many wonders hitherto unexplored, and at least equal in attractiveness to those demolished. In another column will bo a brief description by our own correspondent of tho wonders of Wai-o-tapu V alloy, near Rotorua, and the following extract from a Napier paper corroborates his statements : —Mr H. Hill returned to town last night. During bis absence ho visited Tokano and Ngaurahoe volcano. Ho also explored tbo country around Tarawora, tho scene of last year's volcanic outbreak. Mr Hill, aicompainad by Mr Blythe, Government Surveyor, wont from Rotorua to tho Wai-o-tapu Valley, through which runs a stream of the same name. In this valley is situated an exquisite lake, on the edge of which in step-like gradations there ii a torraco, more wonder ful than the world famed pink terrace of the past. In the terrace there ore pools of worm water, that falls from terrace to terrace, and the extraordinary incrustations of sulphur and silica give a lace wo k fringe to the edges of the pools. From the colour of this terrace Mr Hill has named it the " Primrose Terrace." It has rarely if ever bofore been visited, but from the charming scenery it presents, Mr Hill is certain that it will be as attractivo as anything that was destroyed by tho eruption. This new ter race lies between Tarawera and Fort Galatea.

The Trade and Labour Union of Auok land, in response to a request by the Emi grants' Information Office in London, are sending Homo full particulars of the state of the local labour market, the coat of living, tho rent of houses, the price of land, the wages earned, etc. This roport, which wo print in another column, should provo of great assistance to people intend ing to come to this part of tbe world, ar.d its usefulness to tho colony will Ho in the warning which it will carry to unsuitable immigrants, particularly thoso of tbo clerk persuaeioD.

VOLUNTEERS

Tin-; Now Zealand "Tir National" is over once more, and Auckland is in tho proud position of claiming the champion rifle belt, and also of providing tho win ning company in tbo Teama Match Captain White, of the Gordon Rifles, and tho team sent South by that Company, are tho principal upholders of Auckland's honour and credit at this time ; but others have also done well and doubtless all the representatives will participate in the ovation which is to bo accorded on Satur day to tho champion and the conquering team on their return to Auckland. It is interesting to note that Captain White, tbo Rifle Champion, made his first appearance in the Volunteer ranks as a member of tho Auckland Engineer Cadets.formed about 15 years ago,and even at that time he had a reputation as a marka man. and was elected captain of tne corps. When tho cadets wore dis banded, his lovo of Volunteering lod him to join tho ranks of the Engineers, and two years ago he was instrumental in originating the corp. which he now com mands. It was his aim to make the Gordon Rifles conspicuous for marksman ship, and how well he succeeded has been amply testified by the achieve ments of the corps in local contests, and is now conclusively shown by the suo cesa of the Gordon team and captain at the colonial prize meetiDg .'just terminated at Chnstchurch. Between 4 and 5 pm. on 12th inst. a considerable crowd congregated at the Auckland Railway Station to witness tho return home of the rifle represen tatives. Along Queen-street festoons of flags depended from the principal build ings. A string of flags floated from the V\ aitemata to the Thames Hotel, and from this depended tho nautical signal, " Well done." Streamers also bung from the Waverley Hotel to Palmorston Buildings British Hotel toMorrinand Go's (Limited)' Working Men's Club to Mr H. G. Payne's United Service Hotel to Cruickshank Muler, and Co. s, snd Mr Sounders' to Mr Barnett s. At tho goto of the Railway Station was a carriage with four greys, and second carnago for tbo remainder of the Gordon representatives. On the platform wero drawn up a number of Volunteers amounting to about 250. Lieu tenant-Colonel Eignan was in command of the parade, Captain Commandant Leßov being in charge of the Naval Brigades. The arrival of the train was the occasion of loud fVu S\,m 95 orsh'Pthe Mayor, or. Kidd and tho Rev. D Bruce wore in attendance to receive tho champion, and accompanied them to too oarnage, Captain White being again shouldered at the gates. Mr Dovore Lieutenant-Colonel Mahon, Captain White and Captain Little entered the first carriage, Sergeaut Parslow taking a seat on the box with tbo driver. Bofore starting His Wors-iiji stood up in the carnage, ar.d shaking hands with Cap tain* White, and Little and Colonel Mahon, welcomed tbem home again in a few well choßen remarks, in the course of which he which had accrued to Auckland throng] thoir successes. fc

OBITUARY.

Mrs Anne Mclvqb, an old resident of this city, died at her residence, Nelson-stroet on 3rd ,nst. Mrs Mclvor, who had reached the groat ago of 92 years, arrived in the co ony m 1805 to join her family, who were colonists of JO years' earlief' ItandC Two sons and a daughter are in Australia. Another daughter is thn fonTf*^ V" Seff9rn' tho well-known ournahs , and at prr.sent editor of tho Taianaki Herald," while another is tho widow of the late Mr W, Jennings, also a yory old colonist. Mrs Mclvor Was a native of County Fermanagh, Ireland, and her memory, which was wonderfully good, carried her back to the perilous times of the r-.b611.0n of '9S and the landing of the French at Bantry Bay. The deceased lady had been a widow for nearly sixty years. I! our children, sixteen grandchildren, and fourteen groat grandchildren survive her She was visited to tho last by the Rev Mr Dv Riou, of St. Thomas's /

i hT\°. aua _u?-f meeting of the members of tho Mount Eden Chess Club was held on "hon _£«•_£ the Kea f dJnKroom' ViewK Whon thoro was n fair attendance, visitors Draw 6 Ch6SB Club°being ato E *• Mr Aahton, was again elected teiv and a Td Mr J' Ma»hews Secro *£aaZZ Tr eaß«ror. The following gentlemen wero elected as a com mitteo for the ensuing year;-Meases Grant a,nA^6b^ I**™°* madge'and £r«d _ ft? r b"swesa had been trans wete fS wal<-o°^Bted games of eh«

POLITICAL.

Parliament is definitely announr ß _ *! ''■*•■ meot on Tuesday, April 2Gthneßd » Mr Mills, the candidate for Port Ghoi-» boldly avows himself a free trader Sir Robert Stout will reach AuckkAv' next week, and after his teetotal addn*. • expected to give a political speech The movement for a Macandrew'_nemr..i i I has been taken up warmly in Ota™ ™\ «*L-ff bo. for MrVacandTw dH much for that part of the colony- h_T proposal which will excite a good h,l} of opposition is that put forward by v Hutchison in tho Dunedin "Star" w suggests that the Legislature should K_. asked to make a substantial eranf r ' Mr Macandrew's daughter : " I ™ m euro" he says, " that even this letter £_«.' ---meet with the family's approval; but as o__ I who knew Mr Macandrew well, I feel th t? am justified on public grounds in writin_H_Fl and in urging the proposal it control '"" all the more that not many years a_?o'«' ' some of Mr Maoaudrew's friends may kn__? - a gift of 5,000 acres of land was offererf Ti' ; him by the Government of the day aa » :'; acknowledgment of his services fa"£''' colony. Mr Macandrew then declined th! - gift—l think wisely declined it-but how'" many men ia the circumstances won M'■'",•' have dene so? and the reasons whHrUr? '■'- to his declining do not exist in thecal of hia daughter." Now, whilo we svm pathise most heartily with any movement to present a popular testimonial-cither in the form of a memorial or as a grant to h_ family, if that bo deemed desirable by tho*! who know tho circumstances— the practic of coming down upon the colonial revenua!! in such matters is one that must be dig ' countenanced. If the people of Otago are as II genuine in their gratitude to Mr Macandrew for his public services as they profess to ha* * there will bono difficulty in raising a test! monial that will possess a much hiehSr value than any monetary grant troll 1 tho Public Treasury could possibly have" Of course, it will be the duty of the £___]' ... lature to send to the family an address of condolenco upon the loss which not onto' they, but the colony, have sustained by ' Mr Macandrew's death. ' M Tho Hon. Sir Kobert Stout addressed »' crowded meeting at the Foresters' Hall.' Marton, on 12th inst., in response toan" invitation signed by a number of residents ' t Kegarding tho native question, he said 1 tbat when they took office there »« ' peace ; there was no war, and nothing *_,"•■* threatened. Bu the appealed to any ohe ae. qualnted with the Maori mind throughont I the colony as to whether tho Maoris were pos- i seEsed of contentment and happinossso far a, .' regarded tho whites, and ho ventured to soy I that if they went to almost any district of I the colony, they would have found that '* although there wero no signs of war oranH'v'l' ri.iog against tho Government-, the Maoris i were intensely dissatisfied. What was'"' the position of the Maoris after: the two years' administration of the present " Government! Tbey could go from the""' North Cape to Stevart's Island, and they"l could conscientiously and fairly admit that •"•'■ nino-tenths of tho Maoris were not BnKll favourably disposed to the Government I but they also found the four intelligenti Maori members supporting tbe Government 1 with considerable ability and ingenuity ;■'■» The next question to which he would refer ■'■ was that of Crown lands. He believed theW time must come when the State must be"*~ deemed the owner of the land. From that' 1 opinion he did not flinch; he did not be--'■ lieve that if the State became thebwner thi _\ tillers of the soil would be in a worse position"-« than they were now in. On the contrary '■ ha believed they would be immensely bene: ■'- ilted. He believed that if from the earliest •- 1 daja tbe colony had laid down this prin-■ ciple, giving tho person who got the land-'*, from the State the utmost consideration I and security for tenure, it would have been « far better for our small farmers to-day3^ many of whom were at present workingl^ for the mortgagee?. It had been __\_\\ manded that tbe State should purchaseH back the land. Was it creditable to them 11 as a colony, as a people, who were to' I found a new nation, that co soon in their**?* history as a nation —in a colony that"* wo 3 not yot fifty years old —;ttoj *«*" should be asked to buy back tor tha*"' Stato, for the settlement if the people. on the land, the land that had been alien-Ji ated within 50 years. The very fact thai-"* there was such a demand for a Dill of that** character was sufficient to show that our J land Itgielation in the past had not been oW.w a proper or satisfactory basis. He be- 2 lieved thoy would be able to propojsf 1 at the next meeting of Parliament »if bill that would deal with this question, A a bill that would provide for this, tbat 2 the lands should not become private pnJ.IS psrty. It must remain in some way State I land, and the State mußt have control over* it. It would bo perfect mockery for tha' Parliament of Now Zealand to be asked I to provide a Bill for the purchase 1 of large estates simply to bftH handed bock again to private persona.1: and the State to lose control owtSeffiH The land should remalu for the people and I not remain for tho few. Tho loud sharka 1! and land monopolists should no longer ba. "* allowed to hold the lands of the colony M_\ their bands. The speaker then n-M ferred to the question of Local Govern-^ ment. He said the duty of thai present Government was to decentralise* J and it would be their endeavour, so longae. .*« they wero in office, to give every assistance M to local bodies so far as the finances of the ' I colony allowed, leaving to those bodies the 71 administration of local affairs. With re-*., gard to taxation be believed direct taxation ':' was necessary. If tbey did not have it 1 .f y .udrD^ ca^ on the P«>pla tbens___ selves tho feeling that they needed economy. I With regard to the question of free trade, and protection, he did not know how thia '; colony could be called a free trada colony,; with 16. per cent, ad valorem duties! ;'• He spoke at considerable ienath,'■-.-,' on the opinions advocated on this quea- A tion, to which he had given consider--^ able study. Ho looked at it as entirely SH Bide issue or half issue of tho larger q_es-*f i tion. as to what was the duty of. the State. M which was clearly pointed out. He next.■ referred to some pratical reforms which th*,,* Government desired to carry out. Th»*r---,*: failed to oarry the Reform of the Legti v lative Counoil, because the Council would ".FT not pass the measure. He believed the time g£ would como when ono chamber would be t_o3__ olont for the colony, with a Revising Conn* M oil, so as to prevent any hasty legislation.-1 Ho spoke at length on tha Civil .-*. Service Reform Bill introdaoed last' I S'* P°inti°«- v out the advantages M offered in the way o> reform, aad indicate -. = the absurdity of the action of the Op- v position members lor finding fa-fit !> with the Govornment for not pass- -' i?g a measure which the Odmsl- ':_ tion themselves had voted againslTlt M w^ the intention of the Government to v I reduce expenditure as far as possible, and ffl ( l"S ßd'° be *h!e next session to _._*§__ mXo thS.House by greatly reduced esti--, 9 mates. Their obj.ct would be to reduce - S taxation as much as possible, so thit the-.S small farmers and manufacturers simuld not 3 1 bo called upon for more than wo;_, absolutely": 1 I^HV • 0r th| requirement of the colon/JE „nrl?r*T° n Slr.-^obart, i Q an eloquent:,* nnd.!r V,d,P° rorat,on*' upon his £9 audience the necessi'<y of political educa accorded t^e Premier by the audience. '; \tf£k

NATIVE AFFAIRS

The appended resolutions, arrived at by the I Maori Parliament at the Bay of Islands, ' have been transmitted to the Hon, the- Premier and to the Hon. the Notivo Minis- I i i t ao .uom.? Bnjed by 'he subjoined letter:-1 At the third meeting held in the Hall of I \mL v of _ WaitMgi on Bth and 9th•:•■ March, 1887, the following resolutions m 1 Proposed by MaihiParaoneKawiti, seconded I oy Paora Tuhuere, and also by Pauzau Ku- 1 kupa and unanimously agreed to by tha -i chiefs and the people assembled, namely •—'-' 1. Wo hereby appoint EingiHoriKirato. " succeed Hare Himgi Hika, deceased, -*i o S'^ e uDtrS f the Trea*y °f Waitangi. hi -■■ 2. Tho Treaty of Waitangi must bo pre- _ eerved intact, ty we regard such Treaty to be our only means of retaining our righto as formerly demanded by ou* ancestors in »„ *^ ntt?i, bytheci *° Q~r K*» «"» «Wl o1 England, dated Oct 28,1826. w *• AU. -Native Lasd Court Acts, and the " -Native Administration Act. 1886, should be repealed, and a new law be made under tha ""■' provisions of the 71st clause of the New ' Zealand Constitution Act, 1852. AHnatiTO ' transactions, whether formerly or hereafter, -■-"' should come under this jurisdiction. ' 4. All native lands in tho Northern Eleo- ■ * toral District to be dealt with under tha *' provisions of the Treaty oi Waitangi. 5. These propositions or resolutions ara open for adoption by the natives in any* ' other distrwt of New Zealand. ' - H 6. That Ihaka Hakuene ba requested ■'"• during tae nest session to move that the.' Representation Aot, 1867, be repealed, and* f move tnpaoe thereof, " That a Pro tection Bill be introduced." * M Aim P. Ka win. • ' Paora Tuhakbb. ■■- '. ■ ■•■■• Taobau KvretX. --,•■"* Signed for and on behalf of the chiefs andfc ■ people represented at the above meeting.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 1887

4



I_2? 8nn c.?-. anl "J^e great American remedy, "op Bitters, In this part of the world htwhi.l _»?„ eßo(treat that th« Hop Bitters Co., whose lißad.quarters are at Rochester, New York lab.mli.rv _Tir n? on 00mpeH«i »° open a v Hvln a Ml lbourn _*, «la in charge of Mr v. H. Van Bergh, a gentleman of several yea™* experience with this Company, and the te2?e cL b teh arfZ red 2' «ceivingg_.dsequal tothe R7S ™* *homostoourteous.reatment: ii.S_ tL _B,. Co' hiK re establishments at London iw....^ twei?'.W urn* Bre<la, Holland? MS Toronto, and their American Bltt__i T_ probatl. the Net known mS-ttoe iitol world!



THE "STAR" CIRCULATION. Auckland, 7th January, 1887. W* hereby certify that we have ex amined the Books and Vouchers of the "EVENING STAR" Newspaper for he year 1886, with tht following re suits:— Number of Copies issued to the public and actually circulated for the year ending 81st December, 8,884,855, giving an average daily issue of |OjT92i 7'Ae issues for the year 1885 were 8,252,892, giving an average daily issue of 10,4.91. This shows an average daily INCREASE of 301 copies. JNO. MILNE ) Public J. WAYMOUTH j Accountant!.