COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night.

Abbott's Opera House—Williamson, Garner.and Mr.sgrove s Company in " Betsy," 8. City Hall—Mammoth Minstrels and Variety Troupe, & Agricultural Hall—Royal Acromantia Temple of Wonders, 8. Roligious Meeting in the Tent on Surrey Hills Kstate, Ponsonby Koad, 7.30. Maungatawhiri Valley School-Mr E. Hamlin meets Klecturs of South Franklin, 7.30. Choral Hali-Addresses by Rev. J. A. and Mrs Dowie, 7.45. New Art Gallery-Auckland Society of Arts, 12 noon to 10 p.m. St. Luke's Presbyterian Church. Remuera — Annual Social Gathering and Fruit Soiree, 7.1)0.

Quern's Ferry Hotel—Annual Meeting o£ Share holders of Plumpton I'ark Coursing Club, 7.30. Lovinsohn's Rooms, Queen-street—Auckland lueht Club, 1.30.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

April IC-Messrs C. L,;i Roche and T. 11. Lewis.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

R. C Groonwood, Mercer—Timber, Coal, Fire wood. Horse. See., 12.

SHIPPING.

Sitnsf.t—This evening, 5.30. Su.vkisb—To-morrow morning, 6.31. Moon's Auk—Last Quarter, loth, 3.48 p.m

HIGH WATER.

ACCKLAXD—This evening, 10.42; tomorrow morning, 11.10. Manukau Heads. — To-niorrow morning, l.'-'2: to-morrow afternoon, 1.50. Kaii'ara Hka»s.—Tomorrow morning, 2.22; to-morrow uftcrnoou, 2.50.

ARRIVALS.

TO-].).\V. Wellington, s.s., from Whaiigarei Clansman, 5.8., from Russell lona, ?.*., from (.Jrccit Barrier

Loongann, barque, for Newcastle Queen, schooner, for Hokitinga Douglas, s.s., for Opotiki

DEPARTURES.

LAST KVKNINt

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Ohau, from South, Saturday Tarawera, from Sydney, Tuesday Wairarapa, from South, Monday Hawea (Onehuuga), from South, Sunday Arawata, from Fiji, April 20 Alameda, from San Francisco, April 29 Zealandia, from Sydney, April 24 Richmond, from Sydney, curly Janet Nicoll, from South Sea Islands, May 12 Wuitaki, from South, Sunday

SAILING VESSELS EXPECTED.

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

York Feb. 5 Levuka, Ger. bq., RFNV, left Hamburg

Dec. 20 Nellie M. Slade, Am. bg., JPQC, left New

York Jan. 10 Oamaru, sh., WSNG, loft London Feb. 5 Otago, bq., JRQS, loading at London Routenbcck.bq., NTQS, loading at Glasgow Rudolph Josephy, Ger. bq., left New York,

via Dunedin, Nov. 10 C. W. James, bq., left New York Feb. 4 Lutterworth, bq., loading at London Gael, sch., left Lyttelton April ;1 Handa Isle, sch., left Oamaru April S Oceola, bqn., loading at Timaru AdaC. Owen, bqn., from South Sea Islands Atlantic, sch., from South Sea Islands Torea, sch., from South Sea Islands

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Easterhili, bq., for London, about April 1)0 Laira, bq, fqr London, early llermioiie, sh., for London, to load Elinor Vernon, sch., for New York, to load Mariner, soil., for Rarotonga, early Zealandia, s.s., for San Francisco, April 25 Alameda, s.s., for Sydney, April 2$

Outwaktw Coastwise.—Nellie, for U'ha* ngapoua ; Terarawa, for Tairua.

The barque Arab is loading at New York for Dunedin and Auckland.

Captain Haultain lias accepted the post of chief mate on the brigantinc Ika Vuka.

The schooner Gisborne cleared to-day for Mercury Bay and other East Coast ports with general cargo.

The s.s. lona returned from the Barrier this morning. Passengers : — Messrs A. and YV. Biehoj).

The barque Northern Chief was berthed at Queen-street Wharf to-day. lSlic will leave for Kaipara, ballasted, a few days hence.

Captain Farquhar reports the schooner Norval, from Russell, for Auckland, wind bound at Red Head; schooner Saxon, bound for Auckland, and schooner Saucy Kate, from Mongonui, for Auckland, wind bound at Russell.

The B.M.S. Aorangf, due to arrive at Hobarfc from Plymouth ou April 20, goes thence to Wellington, and if sufficient in ducement offers, she will make a very brief stay there and come on to Auckland direct, discharge cargo and passengers here, and return South with passengers for the R.M.S. Tongariro.

Thes.s. Clansman arrived from Northern ports at 7.30 a.m. Passengers :Mr J. Davis, Mrs W. Garton, junr., Mr Wilson, Mr Keon, Mrs Skinner, Mr T. Hill, Mr Stewart, Mrs Walsh, Miss Wyles, Messrs Churchward, Bardon, Wright, Colquhorne, Rev. Gittos, Greenway, H. T. Clarke, Fuller, Misses Mariner, Webster, Annie To Pon, and 6 in steerage.

_Tlio r.s. Wellington arrived from Wha ngaroa early this morning. Passengers : — .Messrs Smith, Thomas, Smith, Boardman, Will, Taib (2), Masy, Tairau, Bcaumonb, Kobertson, Carter, Dixon, Haswell, Hughes, Clendon, Misses Thompson (2), Whitelaw, Stcadtrmn, Taib, Robertson (2), Mrs Thor burii, and eight in the (steerage.

THE TONGARIRO.

Tlie E.M.s. Tongariro is fully engaged with general cargo, and her passenger accommodation is almost all taken up, although she will not leave Wellington for London until the sth of May. There are now vacant only '2 cabins in the first saloon, and 5 cabins in the second saloon. The following have booked at this port: — Saloon : Mrs Ireland, Miss G. Ireland, G. B Ireland, Robert Walker, Miss Walker, Richmond Halhead, Mrs Gertrude Halhead, CYancis Halhead, Morris Halhead, and Infant and nurse, Hon. G. W'aldegrave. , Second cabin: Daniel Watson, Miss E. V\'at?on, Miss Grier.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

THE TAINUI

LoXDOK, April 13.—The R.M.S. Tainui rriyed at Plymouth this afternoon, her •argo of frozen mutton being in good con- SydVet, April 14.—Sailed : Hauroto, for A rellinfton ; and Tarawera, for Auckland. Mi-.r.BOUKNK, April 14.—Arrived: Tekapo. Wellington, April 14.—Sailed ; Hawea, ov the North. Passengers :— Misses Ames, ames, Randerson (2), Mrs Coyllins, Rev. lr and Mrs Oliver, family and two ser ants, Messrs Woodroffe, Elliott, Shephard, Juekeridge, and 8 steerage. Lyttelton, April 14. —Sailed : Waira apa, for the North. Passengers : — For mckland: Mr and Mrs Dickey, Messrs laitland, Wilson, Shearer, Bullock, Capell, nd Campbell. For Sydney : Mr and Mrs amersley, Mrs Edwards, Messrs Cu,it, iad©r, and. Ghessold.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, thi3ilay.

Mb. Alfred Buckland's Weekly Report. —At the Haymarket, on Saturday, April 9, loose fodder brought from 2s to 3s the cwt; chaff, £3 to £4 5s the ton ; oats Is lOd to 2s 2d the bushel, consequent on the irregular day. Horse stock were in less than usual number, but sold tairly at late value?. On account 'of tho holiday, the uaual sale of hides and skins was held on tho Wednesday: Prices were without alteration. At the private sale of farming stock, held at Papa toitoi, there was a good competition for fodder of all kinds, and the stock and imple ments commanded fair values. At Remuera on Thursday, dairy cowa were plentiful and did not maintain late values. Store cattie in limited numbers, were without alteration in price. Fat cattle in average supply, sold irregularly, but on the whole at improved values, and were better worth at end than beginning of sale. Fat sheep in full num bers, principally ewes, fully maintained late values, and a draft of 200 wethers averaged lls 6d. Calves, abundant, sold fairly well. Fat lambs required ; 9s to 10s each obtained for those brought forward. Pigs unusually plentiful, but were required, and fully main tained late values.

Messrs. Hpnteb axd Nolan's Report.— Horses : The holidays caused a very small supply to bo brought forward, but quite sufficient, for requirements. No noteworthy alteration in value. Below an average number were entered for disposal by auction at the Durham Yards on Saturday. Bid ding was slow, and many lots remained un cleared. Prices nominal. Wool, bides, and skins : Small supply and steady demand. Wo quote :Ox hides, from 3M to 4id per Ib ; cow hides, 2gd to 3£d ; skins", 1h 7d to os lid each; wool, 6Ad to 7}d; tallow, 11s to 14a cwt. Cattle: The spurt in the previous week's prices of fat beasts was not sustained, but for well fatted oxen there was but a very slight decline in value; in other descriptions it was more marked. Dairy and stores aro unaltered. The butchers' pens at Newmarket were well filled on Wednesday, oil which day tho market was held, on' accouut of tho holidays, but dairy and store stock were poorly represented ; but there was a good muster of the latter at Pukckohe on the same day, for which the prices ruling at the central market wore given. We quote:—Calves, from 10s to 20s ; yearlings, from 15s to 27s ; grown steers, from £2 to £3 10s ; dry con's, from 20s to £2 17s 6d; springers, from £1 to £6 15s; strippers, £2 to £H us. Sheep : A good many were penned at Newmarket on Wednesday. The competition was steady throughout the sale, but values receded as compared with the previous week. Withers sold at from 8s 6d to 14s ; ewes, from 7s Cd to 10s 9d ; stores, 4s to 6a 9d ; lambs (very scarco and inferior) sold at from 3s to 10s. Pigs : Scarco, de mand steady at from 2d to 3d per lb, live weight, for good sorts ; inferior, l^d.

Messrs G. W. Bin net and Sons' Report. —At our weekly sale, held on Wednesday last, we offered a very large catalogue of hides, etc. Tho demand for all classes of sound hides continues brisk, and last week's quotations have been fully maintained. Cow hides, ready brisk sa'.e ; heavy primo ox, 4\d to 4£d—27a to 32s each ; heavy ox, 4d to~4gd—'2lß to 23s b'd ; medium weights, 3^d to 4d—lßs to 20s ; cow hides, 3d to :{gd ; kip, 3Ad ; calf, 4d to 4kl ; damaged, IJd to 2d per lb ; Btag us to 12s 6d each. Sheep skins : Bidding throughout very brisk, and salted pelts advanced up to 2s Bdeach ; dry, 9d to 2s ; lambs, Is to 2s 7d ; tallow, 14s to los per cwt; rough fat, Id ; bones, 4s 9d per cwt; shanks, 6s tid to 8s per cwt.

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

For tho ciuie that lacks assistance, For th« wronf that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1887.

The Divorce Extension Bill, to which we have made passing reference, has been passed in the popular chamber of the New South Wales Parliament by a majority of 57 votes against 19. This is highly significant of the advance of public opinion on the subject, when it js remembered that the same Chamber rejected the measure in the pre viouß session; but since the bill was first thrown out there has been a general election ; there has been full and free discussion of the subject: and the result is seen in a reversal of the former verdict. As the title of the bill implies, its chief object is to extend the grounds upon which divorce may be granted. For instance, sentence for a capital crime or for a felony liable to penal servitude for seven years or up wards, is made a ground of divorce; but it is provided that the respondent must not only have been sentenced, but must have been imprisoned under the sentence for at least twelve months. Desertion, cruelty, and habitual drunkenness are each of them dcclaicd sufficient ground of divorce. It is not proposed (as in the case of Scottish divorces for desertion) to forbid the future marriage of the deserting party. That we think is a mistake, becauso it places a premium upon desertion. This measure has been introduced and championed by Sir Alfred Stephen, the former Chief Justice of New South Wales, and is endorsed by the present Chief Justice. Its chief opponents have been the clergy. It is a noticeable fact that while Bishops and Archdeacons have stoutly assailed the measure with theological weapons, Sir Alfred Stephen has not disdained to argue the question on Scriptural grounds in the correspon dence columns of the newspapers, and in the opinion of most people lias made good his case. Many petitions have been received in favour of the bill—one having as many as 4,800 signatures; and the clerical opponents, while also petition ing as hard as they can, are already taking refuge in the lofty declaration that counting heads is no way of settling moral questions. Their defeat is indeed pretty well assured ; for the Upper Chamber, which is a permanent body in the main, passed the bill last session, and is not at all likely to have changed its opinions a3 the result of the intervening discussion — more especially as the present bill has in some respects suffered modification from the measure passed by them last year. The debate on the second reading in the Legislative Council commenced on the 6th insfc., and was then adjourned for a fortnight, so that in a few days the fate of the measure will in all probability be decided. Legislation in New Zealand has already been proposed upon line 3 similar to those of Sir Alfred Stephen's bill, and there are indications that the Australasian marriage laws as a whole will soon approximate more closely the liberal j enactments in vogue in Holland, and j the Proteatfinfc States of Germany. I Such caaea ac that of Mrs Hall who is tied for life to the" villain who tried to murder her, and the frequent instances that are met with in the colonies of women who have been thrown entirely upon their own resources through the desertion ov systematic misconduct pi

brutish men, are. producing & general conviction that our laws relating to the marriage law stand in need of some modification in favour of women.

VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS.

The report by the Crown Lands Com missioner upon the Herekino settle ment, published in another column, is on the whole very satisfactory. Mr Tole was despatched to the settlement in consequence of the telegram sent by Mr Hobbs stating that the settlers were in desperate straits for provisions, and required immediate help. The Com missioner admits that the settlers are labouring under a widespread and serious grievance, arising from the difficulty of procuring provisions and their dearness, and he points out the course which the Government ought to pursue in order to mitigate something of the disadvantages of isolation, which are attached to "the Herekino block. The Government have already acted on the suggestion by arranging for regular trips of a steamer to Whangape, which is much nearer to the settlement than Ahipara. The report, however, is, especially satisfactory in showing that, notwithstanding the hardships winch come under the general heading " roughing it," the settlers are well satisfied with their sections. In this respect, Mr Tole's report also agrees with what Mr Hobbs stated at his Northern meetings, so that testimony to the general adaptability of the land for small settlements comes from two opposite quarters. It must indeed be a re lief to men and women to be emancipated from the incertitude of casual employ ment in a city and to see possible inde pendence before them. And though the early difficulties are formidable, it is worth a struggle to win success. The Herekino block was exception ally situated, and it puts the Village Settlement Scheme to the severest test. The settlers are far removed from all other Europeans, and have been set down upon land to make a living while sustained solely under the conditions provided in the Village Settlement regu lations. If they succeed there it will be a great triumph for the scheme. We agree with the Crown Lands Com missioner, however, that as the settlers have been placed in a district without roads they are entitled to some special consideration in opening up the coun try. We are sure that every well wisher to Auckland will desire to see this colonising movement succeed. The hearty goodwill with which the settlers in Auckland district have entered upon the task of making homes for themselves on the land displays the sterling mettle of pioneers, and revives that true spirit of colonisation whicli looked to the backwoods and country pleasures and not to the fascinations and dissipations of town life for true happiness.

The Auckland Custom House.

Whilk we hear from time to time of the acceptance of Southern tenders, our Auck land Custom-House eontnact still hangs five. Some of ilia tenderers interviewed Mr Hobbs on the subject, and that gentleman wired to the Public "Works Department inquiring the cause of delay. A reply wan received yesterday, •stating that the matter has been re ferred°to the Cabinet for decision. Now this-sheets the responsibility right home to Ministers. The tenders, wo are in formed, come well within the architect's estimate ; what then is the cause of delay 's Do Ministers believe they can dangle this work, which has been so long authorised, before our noses for a year or two longer ? This appears to l>e one of those instances in which firm pressure by our representatives is desirable. Five weeks have elapsed since the tenders were closed and the work ought ere this to have been well in hand. Tenderers have already been jilaeed at a disadvantage through the rise of Is per 100 feet in timber, and an increase price in bricks is also threatened. No doubt the Treasury is suffering from a tightness of the chest, but we protest against Auckland for ever being made the scapegoat of colonial finance. Working men aro deeply interested ill this question, because the contract means an expenditure of £1,400 a month in wages and materials, a sum which is not to be despised in the present depressed condition of the building trade.

Aucklandera still keep well to the fore in the matter of inventions. John James Haslam, of Wharf Road, Avondale, has applied for a patent for an invention of his for tipping eartli and other material. It is designated " The horse-power earth eleva tor and selecting tipper." Arthur John Smith, cabinet-maker,- Auckland, has like wise applied for a patent for an invention called " Smith's Patent Telephone Holder," an appliance which is estimated to'facili tate greatly the use of the telephone.

A project is on foot to erect a tombstone over the gravie of the late Mr W, Lankham, so well known.as one of Auckland's repre sentative cricketers. A sum of about £20 will be required, and several of the leading knights of the willow are now engaged gatheringsubseriptions towards carrying, out this project. Is o doubt after this intima tion many of the comrades of the deceased will voluntarily forward their contributions

About noon yesterday, a most distressing, accident occurred at Arch Hill, by which the little daughter of Mr Holmes, a labourer who resides iv Home-street, was very severely burned. It appears that she wa's playing near •where a fire was being made, and unfortunately fell into the tlUmes. The poor little one was fearfully burned about the arms and breast. As quickly as possi ble medical assistance was obtained, Dr. Dawson being the first in attendance. He did what he could towards alleviating the child's pain, and upon ascertaining by examination the serious nature of the in juries sustained, had her removed to the Hospital.

During tho Easter holidays six members of the W aitemata Bicycle Club, Messrs A. Stewart, S. Hunter, J. A. Cooper, H. Ham mond, H. N, Bell, and W. Johnston, rode on their machines to Drury, then took train for Hamilton, and from thence 'cycled to Te Aroha, where ascending the mountain, rowing on the river, etc., occupied two days. They 'cycled back to Hamilton, and returned home from the Waikato metropolis by train.

Tho Mammoth Minstrels maintain their popularity at the City Hall. There was a very fair attendance last evening, and tho programme was well received, the new farce taking .immensely. An entire change of programme is announced for this evening.

Complaints are now being made by the contractors who tendered for the_ erection of the new Custom-house for thife city about the delay which has taken place before any tender has been accepted. This delay is naturally very inconvenient for the^ con tractors, who have been compelled to looge kr<ro deposits, and are thus kept in a per r turned State of mind owing to the uncer taintyastowhowillbethesuccessful tenderer. One of tho tenderers yesterday spoko to Mr Hobbs, M.H.R., upon the subject, and pointed out that since the estimates were submitted there had been an upward ten dency in building material generally. Mr Hobbs at oncecommumcatedwith therubhc Work? Department, which vouchsafed the in formation that the matter had been referred to the Cabinet for decision.^ As the tenders wero stated to be well within the architect s estimates, the necessity for referring them to the Cabinet is not quite apparent. Under the circumstances, the contractors must be content to wait until the usual routine of the "circumlocution ofhee has been gone throuo-h and bear in mind the old proverb that '''Everything comes to him who can wait." The many friends of Cr. Charles Atkm will be sorry to learn that he lies at present in an exceedingly critical condition. For some time past lie has been in .bad health, and this has now culminated in a danger ously large carbuncle at the back of the neck. For tho last few days, two doctors have been in attendance, and it has been decided that it, will be necessary to perform an operation to-day. As Mr Atkm is now in a very exhausted condition, the ultimate success of the operation cannot be assured by the medical attendants. Mr Waller informs us that he has deter mined to run his steamer Oreti (Captain Robertson), at intervals of a month, to the inland harbour of Whangape, at present the port of the now well-known Herckino special settlement. Ho purposes attempt in f what can be done afc Herekino harbour itself shortly with a smaller boat.

Notwithstanding the continued cry of bad times there are already evident signs of improvement. Building material has ad vanced in price, -which should augur a cor responding increase of labour in the build-; ing trade. As an evidence that people have faith that the clowll of depression is fast passing away, it may be stated that one financial agent in this city has had £30,000 remitted to him under injunction that it must be invested in Auckland pro perties only. A gentleman who wished to raise money on property situated in one of the big Southern citieswas blandly informed that they had no money for investment in the Smith. He visited other offices, but only to meet the same result, and he finished his labours under the conviction that liad his securities been situated in Auckland the money would speedily have been forth coming. Other instances of rich gold returns at Coi-omandel beyond those mentioned in our article in yesterday's issue have reached us. Allan McDonald and party, four in all, have been working for some time on part of the Pride of Tokatea grounds, and have banked since Christmas 400oz of gold. Bennett and McLeal have also a part of the Pride of Tokatea ground, and now known as the Bucholius claim; they banked last week loloz gold and in January last 70oz gold. Maine's tribute, Royal Oak claim, have banked over 900ozs from four tons stuff during last twelve months. Mr Maine has lately bought the old Corby Battery, and had it done up in good style, with new flumes. Anderson and party have a tribute in the old Golconda mine, adjoining the Beach claim, for which they pay 10 per cent. They banked 140 ozs gold in December, and 10107, last week. There are many others getting fair quantities of gold, and there is not the slightest doubt but that all around the Tokatea Hills and Waikoromiki Creek there .is plenty of good payable ground, The average of Coromandel crushings is 12oz to the ton.

New Zealand appears to have lost by the movement of population during last month the figures being as follows:—Arrivals: United Kingdom, 243 ; New. South Wales, 483 ; Victoria, 437 ; Tasmania, 60 ; other places, 60; total, 1286. Departures: United Kingdom, 233; Queensland, 1 ; New South Wales, 600; Victoria, 442; Tasmania, 38 ; othei places, 89 ; total, 1,403. The arrivals at different New Zealand ports w - e ,- e -.—Auckland, 462 ; Wellington, 312 ; Lvttelton; 1 ; Dunedin 11 ; Invercargill, 487 : other ports, 13: total, 1286. De partures : Auckland, 725 ; Wellington, 116 ; Lyttleton, 77 ; Dunedin, 2 ; Invercargill, 471 : other ports, 12 : total, 1,403.

At a meeting of the committee of Auck land Burns' Club last night arrangements were made for the forthcoming concert on behalf of the Dunedin Burns Statue fund, it was resolved that the concert take place in the City Hall during the nrst week in May next and sub-com mittees were appointed to arrange de tails and secure fresh musical talent etc. for the entertainment. A musical practice was therefore held, when about 40 members were present. Songs were rendered by a number of ladies and gentlemen, and Mr Simon Fraser played several national airs on the bagpipe. The proceedings, which were marked by great enthusiasm and accord, closed with the sing ing of " Auld Lang Syne."

Mr Sydney Williamson, son of the Hon. Jaa. Williamson, has been appointed Judge's Associate to Mr Justice Ward vice Mr Larnach, who left Auckland on Tuesday last on a trip to England. Mr Williamson entered upon his duties on Wednesday last.

Professor Kirk, of the Forestry Depart ment, has forwarded an important report to the Commmissioner of Forests, which, anibngst other items, contains an interest ing analysis of New Zealand grown limes as compared with the production of other sub tropical climates from which limes are either leading articles of export or are manu factured into citric acid. The fruit dealt with by Professor Kirk was grown on the estate of Sir F. Whitaker, M.L.C., at Lake Takapuna, in 1880, and although the limes were grown under disadvantage, the frees having been neglected for some years, still the results showed that New Zealand grown limes returned the same percentage of citric acid as the best European, are superior to the best fruit grown in India and Tahiti, and are only excelled by fruit from South Asia and Jamaica. The fruits subjected to analysis were grown at Palermo, West Indies, Jamaica, South Africa, Tahiti, and New Zealand, that is, Takapuna, near Auckland. The following are the results 'of the analysis : Specific gravity, Palermo 1044.86; West Indies, 1041.30 ; Jamaica 1044.09; Tahiti, 1041.20; New Zealand, 1044.40. Percentage of citric acid : Paler mo, 813; West Indies, 796; Jamaica, 860; South Africa, 850; Tahiti, 775; New Zealand, 893. Percentage of ash • Palermo, 289 ; West Indies, 321 ; Jamaica 401; South Africa, 364; Tahiti, 845; New Zealand, 672. As the demand for lime juice is constantly increasing, and with proper _ appliances the fruit yields 50 per cent, of juice, the matter is one deserv ing the attention of our local fruit growers.

In Chambers this morning, Mr Justice Ward granted probate in re James Joseph Mackie and Donald Campbell (deceased), ■while letters of administration -with will annexed were ordered to be issued in re Thos. Edward Abraham (deceased). On Mr Rigby's application an order was made to review taxation of costs in ro Official Assignee v. Halman, directing the Registrar to allow the costs of the defendant's wit nesses, which he had erronously taxed off. On Mr Buddies motion, the list of con tributories in the Devonport and Lake Takapuna Tramway Company (Limited) was settle^ • -."»•,

The cricket .competition for tte ](V^6J.§i| housemen's Challenge Cup is proving v^J close and-interesting. Owen* arid "GrahjjJ-g are leading at present, having lost «mti-S match; McArthnr and Co., and Maoky. 1 Logan, Sfceen, and Co. come next; ffcgjfc || having lost two matches. On April 23rd^Si Owen and Graham play the return m&tcVlH with McArthur and Co., and if McArthurypl win, it will place the three-named waraiMi houses equal—McArthur and Co., Owed, si. and Graham, Macky, Logan, Steen.'ati'iSi Co. ;;•. , Those who have nob seen " Nita'g First»f|| at the Opera House have missed one of tlii P funniest comedies ever staged in thig city.j pi The fun all through is of the most rollickinwf nature, and it is impossible to sit and look :; at it with composed facial musgy^J 41 Betsy "is announced for this evening. 5H Mr Foley had a splendid reception $%k Whangarei in his variety entertainmenufe^ After playing four nights to good houses,)*'^ he left for Waipu, where he opened <hi|Jh Wednesday evening last. He goes neit tojp Kawakawa, where he is announced to apJpi pear on 18th and 19th inst. • ■•• r There was a good attendance last eyeriing-fp at the Acromantia Temple of Wondres, id |*f the City Hall. The performance appeawfk I to plcifv:; the audience immensely, | The Albert Football- Club will hql£ Jg practice match on Domain Hollow ■to-mortal row afternoon, when all the membe'rsafo|ti| requested to be present. Teams will ba s| picked on the ground. ■ • - ~'|fl's In the course of his lecture upon « Luek '■* S last Tuesday night, Mr Sp'urgepn gave «jj fi amusing instance of belief in the. significance '§§ of dreams. A young lady told him she. had ffi had a dream about him, and in consequencd' Ip? she warned him to be very careful during S the next three months. Mr Spurgeooi'^jj wished to know what tho dream partended, ■ and the lady informed him that m her ||j dream she had seen him wheeling a peram- mi bulator down Queen-street The inferenos If; was obvious, Mr S. being unmarried. How. f|i ever, said the lecturer, while thousand! had fallen (i.e., got married) on Mb right1 I and on his left, he remained untouched.] I After this, it is surprising to mwj Mr^ilw asserting " there is no such thing ailjjj|| One of the Queen-street fruiterers has iaj his window, offered for sale, a quantity ;(»i|| Aupkland-grown chestnuts. As the modeafllß sum of 3s per pound is asked for those nuts,! i it would appear as though a good ,£eld «|Hf here offered ! for prchardists to open up B a new line. Auckland - grown walnuts! E| also realise from la 6d to 2s per lb, and a i! there is no fear of Codlin moth in this line,! a little attention to these trees should iwHS the end prove highly remunerative. 'tH An ironbark pumpkin, weighing 1141t»JH is now on view at Messrs Hesketh and':; Aitkin's shop, Queen-street. * | Mr W. Murphy, the champion ".li^lH weight," announces that he is open to grw ■ lessons in boxing. ' ' , ••. - I A somewhat amusing entertainment' ii B announced to take place in the City Sail on B Monday evening next, when there will be a H baby show, musical and dancing competi- ■ tions, &c, for handsome prizes. o ■;,• H The Ellerslie and Remuera AthletiaL Sports take place to-morrow (Saturday), on II the old Ellerslie Racecourse. The first race B is to start at 11 a.m. ; ■ 9 The allotment at Takapuna of 27 acres, g with cottage and outbuildings, advertised @ for sale by' Messrs Hesketh arid Aitkea 11 to-day, has been withdrawn, and will'beg offered by them on the 3ad prox. Pajrticu- ra lars in future advertisements. • ''"'"')■ To-morrow (Saturday), at 2 p.m.,a sale of fi work on behalf of the funds of Chrisi ffi Church, Ellerslie, opens in the Di^tric^iH School-house. In the evening, a concert for' H the same object takes place in the school-, B room, at 8 o'clock, ■ --iB Madame Weigel's Dress Patterns anil B JcmriKila. -SUnkcatiear & Co« Sole Agents. | ■

A SINGULAR WILL CASE.

(BY TELEGKAI'H— PRKSS ASSOCIATION.) •" H Duijedin', Thursday. ! j Mr Justice Williams to-day delivered <liM long and important judgment in the-case off:. Isaac, and others v. Mills and others, ia.II which the plaintiffs were interested under-B the residuary devise of the will of the la.tt>'H John Jones. His Honor pointed out thai: under the will certain land was devised to Mrs Isaacs's sister's grandchildren, and tha suit was originally to put aside this devisfll and enable Mrs Isaacs to become possesspr. of the land on the ground that the testate*, by mistake, devised to the wrong person. The testator died in March, and his will was proved in April, 1869. At that time' Mrs Isaacs knew of the. alleged nus-j take, but, nevertheless, she,' as one of the executors, obtained probate, and,j as one of the trustees, administered tKe; estates. Having done this, she lay fey till; March, 1887—seventeen years—and thenjH commenced the proceedings. ■ Mrs Isaacta also might be fairly . presumed to have M known all her husband knew, who had aliaS been contented to wait all this long peripilg and see the income which she now claimed!! appropriated by . another. What • v&m sought to be done was, His Honor said, ttjß impeach by parole evidence, eighteen^ years old, a written instrument •«■ the most solemn kind, the executioajH of which was hedged round by laVjH with rigid formalities, which had, heWR duly observed. When it, was Bought mh impeach such an instrument, it was tmm plain duty of the persons inoving to cw?*jj§ '. promptly while the n»mory of the i was'fresh in the minds or all parties. . Saaß delay as had occurred certainly_ put .tMjl ' parties who defended the ;suit ,".iij.. «*■ exceedingly unfair position } . but,; ap^S from the laches of the plaintiff,- M|B did not think they were entitled to B)i*M < ceed. The evidence was not clear,, j^ndaß a man who had nursed his ease for 18 ye»tf H was incapable.of stating His grievance ■wi»B accuracy, how could his' accuracy be^di-jB pended on in the witness-box? In.; acajftm like the present, freedom from the snialle»|a Buspicionof inaccuracy was essential. On t»fl whole, lie (His Honor) was satisfied thatwra evidence was not of such.a P^*I"*?*l^]^^ entitle the plaintiffs to succeed. Jud&BSWI would be for tie,defendant withIcosts.' .£.*■

CRICKET.

A chicket match has been arranged to t«l* I place on No. 3 wickeb in.the Dpmaiß* morrow, between the Parnell. Cricket .<3«l i and a combined team from tho warehotu* men. The following will represent ParflW —W. Gardiner, Crowe, Brown, Qoxdrt Ripley, Cromwell, Testro, Yoving, Anp* Donald, and Elley. Emergencies i M<W» United Warehouses-.—Veal, Tomlin,,W Lean, Macky, Sneddon, Vickory; Meldrw Doughty, Banfield, Burgess, Heiircoinb. -./■

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR THURSDAY MAY APRIL 15. 1887.

4



T)UYERS OF BLANKETS, LACE CURTAINS and GLOVES, Come and see T. SHO RT' S WINDOW S, I : BUTTOX BLACK AND COLOURED KID GLOVES SUEDE JERSEYS, . -... 6 to 15 BUTTON LENGTH. COME AND SEE. NOTE THE CLEARING SALE PRICES By order of tho Executors. RUSSIAN Tea Packing Oompany's PURE BLENDED TEAS. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. Tho " Now Zealand Herald "says:—"On ac count of their trade in the now celebrated Russian Co.'a Blended Teas having grown too large for .their old premises in High-street, Messrs John Earle and Co. have opened an office and depot at 207, Queen-street, next Arthur's Mart. Tho new premises! have been most elaborately fitted up in bladi and gold, and the uniqueness of the decorations, Jboth inside and out, make tho place onecf the sights of the city, showing that the firm Ii aye faith in the future of their Blended Teas. Messrs Earle & Co. are •well.known in Auckland as clever and reliable tea experts, and that* they have takon a hand in the pushing of the new line of teas is. to pur mind, a sufficient proof that the article offered is what it is represented to be." Tho Auckland 'Evexi>t& StAk says :— "Messrs John Earle & Co., the reitowncd tea tasters and dealers in Auckland, havo now opened in Queen-street, next Arthur and Buddies Marl. There are few men about who understand teas better than Mr Earle He has given the tea business his sole attention for years, and ns a blendor of pure teas ought to re ceive a largo support from the hundreds of homes in Auckland. He deals in nothing but teas, and nwy certuinly claim to bo the people's tea blender." Besides these expressions of approval from the public press, we are in almost daily- receipt of tho most encouraging testimonials regarding the superiority of our Russian Co.'s Puro Blecded Teas over all other packet tea.s, and the rapid and steady increase in our trado shows that the tea drinkers of the colony are appreciating our efforts to place in their hands Puro and Properly Blended Teas at prices within the reach of all. These Teas put up in packets bearins the' Company's label and'trade mark (without which none are genuine) may bo had through any respectable jjroccr, or at the Tea Depot, 207, Queen-street, Auckland. JOHN EARLE & CO., TEA MERCHANTS. ■ POST-OFFICE BOX No. 206. Agents wanted -where not already represented. IN the race that is being run for rweaftli, reputation, fame, name, ftnA 'honour, success, no doubt, doos now turn on-tbo tlroo that can be dovotod to work. Tho tow of tho survival of tho fittest was never 90 aetlyoly carried out as it is in tho present hoinr. Thoso ijtrong workers, who can endure. tafr most atiguo, and perform, tho largest arosiut Of oofr i bincd mental and physical strain 1» the ohortest interval, make solid, rapid progreaa. The weals: go to tho wall in ono way or other,.' Reflection will show that this is specially true as re'garaa our eub-topicol climate, and 'that dS^Jfbftoks t« advancement may be frequency ascribed to dcrangomolita of the liver. A healthy liver ifivcs v clear head, and active habit of body, Necessity has invented a friendly tonic to relievo this Blugeiah organ. Aiokin'a Liver Stimulant ii the one thing needful where the sufferer is con? scions that hia digestion. haE.RonewrocK. Price, •■isOd per bottle. ■' .'-..,. .■..'. -,



AUTUMN DRAPERY. Li/I" ILNE & ri HOY C E Are now-Opening up their AUTUMN AND WINTER DRAPERY, AUTUMN AND WINTER DRAPERY, Ex s.s. RUAPEHU. KAIKOUKA, DORIC, asd TOXGAIUIIO. They bave been all bought in the very best Home and Continental Markets for each class of goods. They will be found MODERATE IN T PRICE, though in the Latest Fashion. Such Qualities only are kept which can be Safely Recommended for Serviceable Wear, and being Marked ata very SnoallProfit, M. & C. hope that their endeavours to give a Good Article at a Moderate Price will be appreciated. INSPECTION IS INVITED. Patterns and Prices Sent o.v Application. MILNE & CHOYCE, QUEEN AND WELLESLEY STREETS, AUCKLAND. JUBILEE UMBRELLAS! *J JUBILKB UMBRELLAS! A New Feature in Umbrellas with r^ unique Handle, Sword, Crown, and H.I. r™^ Majesty's bust. Tho only New .Stylo of J Umbrella in Auckland, forming a band- l~^ some present fora lady, for a)s only. L ACB CURTAIN^ cEcupTAiNS! CQ A New Style of Lace Curtains. Al though the newest of tho newest designs, Frj will be sold at thirty-live per cent, less than their value. _________ w* BLANKETS! BLANKETS! (^ BLANKETS ! Buyers of Blankets should come and sec our window. Note tho quality and the fy» Reduced Prices. r~J C LOTHING! CLOTfflNG^^^ Try the Great Clearance Salo before pur- -* chasing Clothing for yourself or sonß. I— i k ■\TELVETEENS • VELVETEENS! V VELVETEENS. $ Ono ShilliiiK per yard. r- .* MANTLES. FUR CAPES, FUR a WRAPS, CASHMERE CLOAKS, "T^ » WATERPROOF CLOAKS, LU * Now being offered in the Show Room. 'TJ i, LACE CURTAINS! r k£ LACB CURTAINS ! t£> g Lane Curtains of the most Choice lie- g signs. Just brought forvyard, and will o bo offered during tUo Great Clearance rf\ §2^ _ gg PLUSHES! PLUSHES! PLUSHES! S All shades, at 2s lid per yard; mi- f£j monsely reduced in price. f -■«. COLOURED KID GLOVES, BLACK (-H V KID GLOVES, 4-buttoned, at Is 6d HM per pair—not one-quarter their value. rf} COUNTERPANES. QUILTS, TOWKLS, TOWELLING, SHEET- rf) INGS, TICKINGS, in fact, every, article v*^ in tho Manchester Department, at enor- mously Reduced Prices. t HOSIERY! HOSIERY! HOSIERY! Ladies and Children's Hosiery, all (^J reduced in price l—l . /GENUINE REDUCTIONS jj^ 1 IN EVERY ARTICLE. AT T. SHORT'S GREAT CLEARANCE SALE, By Order op the Executors. v~v A T M E A L. ASK YOUR UROCERS FOR MOIR & CO.'S. PRONOUNCED TO BE THE BEST OATMEAL



SALVAGE. /r LOT OF \ >/IRON BEDSTEADSV M Are now being sold by vGarlick and Cranwell, J> VERY CHEAP. // ■^. Rescued from the late tf y\ Fire in // \q dee . \ ST. Jr SALVAGE. R J. MURRAY MOORE, M. L>., MR.C.S. Hours for Consultation: 11 to 1p in at Pond's Homceopathio Pharmacy. 133, Queen-street; 2 to 3 p.m., and 7 to 8 p.ra, at Residence. Lower Symonds-street. 'Adephone 130. Vaccinutionsat Pond's, 1 p.m., TLfcSDA\ and FRIDAY.



Storms carry with them a supply of W^^SB , deodorising and disinfectant agent—Q«"**-.'"jH J essential oils that pervade tho vtoinlty Of WJj§§ , dens and forests, and are distinguishable "^iSMf orpan of smell, are also health-giving Mw PjSfe ical reactions. This jb specially trao.oj {ft&slaK , Kum and all tho eucalyptus family, ft* B,?Gpi been proven that tho antiseptic propert»e«,°vSi| eucalyptus oil are much more powerftiHf|Hl . carbolic acid, one of our Batcst dislnfoctw*; gm is not then eurprising that oucalyptus DMW^JIi invaluable in skin complaints, and be eawgEß , tho boat of all healers. " Aiokin's EnMWPJSH I Ointment" is specially designed to brilW-WJDIg , essential properties of this great r«neol' "J£M. effects on, chronic cases are fflMt*'Bl"^ price 2spet yfi._- ,-;" : ' ; ;:;',.'!^;^h