COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c., To-night.

Abbott's Opora Houso-_._ola and Federal Com bination, 8. Excelsior Hall, Newton — Village Settlcmest

Scheme. 7 30. Y.M.O.A. Rooms—Evangelistic Servioe, 7.30. Religious Meeting in tho Tent on Surrey Hills

Estate, Ponsonby Road, 7.30. Drill-hod-N Z. Regiment Artillery, 7.30, American Oddfellows -Star of Auckland Lodge, No.'_ 6. 10.0. F., 7 30. Council Chambers—City Council, 6.30. Auckland Tabernacle — Pastor Spurgeon will Preach, 7.30. B. ~ - Wnitc*. Hall, Mt. Eden — Social Gathering to Wclc.me tho Rot. T. H. Sprott, 7.30.

Rota of Justices at Police, Court.

Jnn. 11.-P. A. Phillpa and G. P. Flercp.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

S. Cochrane and Son — Household Furniture.

etc.. 11. J. McLeod onil Co.—Produce, Furniture, etc., 11 Arthur and Buddie-Weokly Poultry and Pro-

duce Sale, 11, A. Buckland, Remuera Yards-Horaos, etc., 11. Vailo and Dou-rlas, Property, etc., 2. Hunter and Nolan, Junction Morels — Horses,

etc.. 11. P. J. Jones-Produce, Furniture, Drapery, etc.

Ma-ton and Je.ckscn, Cava Farm. Mt. Albert— i.oii.ciiold Furniture and -Streets, 12. ..award L.it don—Produce, Furniture, &c, 10.3 ft a.m.

3c. J. C_rb.no t-Frodiice, otc. 11. D. P. Evans-Household Furniture tntl Ell-eta. JL

oaketh. Altken and Co.—Weekly Produco Sale, 12,

B. Tonka anil Co.—Furniture and Effects of N= Clonal Grill and Luncheon R00m... 11; Weekly Produca Sole, 12.

Chief Post office, Auckland.

MAILS WILL CLOSE AS UNDER:—

This Day. for Onotl-1. per Douglas, at 1 p.m. Por Wangarei Heads, Wangarei, and Kamo, per Wr.itulu, at 5 p.m.

Friday. 11th inst.

For Co\."ea and Coromandel, per Coromandel,

at 11.30 __.-m. Fo.- Thames'- per Rotomahana, at 1 p.m. For Taurangr' and Upotibi, per Clansman, at

For PW_iiUaiif.a,V~ >ppr?r W h FOrv.? n, a' at^l^ fur W-in-rnrni 1 Teas. P-irua, Wamu, whan _T-r_..__._.mo, an.'". Mangapal, per Wellington, For Thames, por Knit "rprlse, at 5 30 p.m.

Saturday,- 15th in3t-

For Wat were. Te Kiipa. oncl Warkworth, per

Keso Casey, at 10 a.m. _. _ For Katlkati. Aonitateto. Tauranga, Ac, po

Itolo.n-.huna, nt 1 p m. „,«,._ ITcr Thames, por Rotomahana.. ~i 3° P-m'

Monday, 3lth inst.

Dor ..ealandi x as follows :—

For Samoa, Sandwich Islands, U '"J? st^ tf 3 of America, Canada, British Colu. ?,? la' Cen~ Mal and South America, nnd Bn uah and -rorLign West Indies, at 0p m. . . , For tin United Kingdom and Conti "lento. -.uropo, at 5 p.m. Money ordors, registered lotters, and n ewa" papers, a 5.,30 p.m. Lata lutters, bearlncr nn extra feo of 6d J" addition to the postai-o, will be recsivod LV thn Mail Agent on board tho steamer up te the time of .a'lin_\ , This mail will bs d~_o at London March 7. 1

N.B.—D.'livery by letter carrier hss now boen extended co as t_ embracer tho Mono. Ro.klll Llstrict; part o£ Bellwcod, and part of Kings- ISnd.

Additional receivers havo been placed In the rpllowlnsr localitlefl :—Victoria Avenuo, New North Roid (Al-y's). Ponsonby Road (Whit cjmba's). Groat Nurih Road (Nee..si. Karan-rs l-.r.vo and Newton Roads (White's), Kybar Pass (Biampi-'s., Carilou Goro Road and Seafleld View <l'on„e'al. Carlton Goro Bead flno Neff niarkot-Btrc_t (3oc_.-__uan'eh Cook and Nelson btree.ts (Wutsoa',). The Receiver at Lioscomb's, Ponsonby Road, has beon removed to Blomilald's.opposite Frank lin Road.

A new office will be opened at Gum Town, Mercury Hay, on lsit February next. Mails will be despatched as advertised with Whitianjii.

Nota.—Tho Hinemoa will leave the BlulFfor West Coast Sonnds about 13th inst.

Tho StHlla-wiU le_.vo tho Bluff fo? West Coast Sounds about 15th inst.

Po-tal notes may 110.'• bo procured at this oflic, and a. any-'oLhcr money order office in the colony. (Signed) S. B. BISS, " Chief Postmaster,

Chief Post-office. Auckland.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

SUNSET.—This evening, 7.17. SUNBISK —To-morrow mornlnrt. 5.2. Hood.'a AGE.—Last Quarter, 17th, 3.1 a.m.

HIGH WATER.

Ai'OKLAVi>-Thi.. evoninj}, 5.17 ;• to-morrow msrninK, 9.13 MiSBKi. HKADa—This c~.'s_ting, 11,27; to morrow morning, 11, iSI. Kaipaha HE.oa To-tnorro-V "fwsu_njf, 0.2 i; to-morro.v afte.nDon, 0 13.

ARRIVALS.

-■w iius.ii, j._,'7~r_-_~inT~~-ToiiTTri .burao TODAY; lota. ."..■, Aincd o. f,-t:m Tfttirsng-i ]J.u,;l»s. ii.b , Austlo, f.-jn. OiOLiit.

DEPARTURES.

TO-DAY. Jlanaroitri, s .... Lo .ho, for tho SosSh Toua t'.n., Ainodoo. for .jrea Barr-i/T

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Wellington from Whangarei. ißidnig-i- luna from Batr.er. to-night Coroinandel, irom Coromandol, to-day. sp.ni. l.otomahana, from Thames, indav, 1 p.m. ..enterprise, from Thamos. Friday. 2a.m_ Cloofman, from Ruaaell. Friday, cany Tainui. from London, Feb. 13. Kuupehu, from London, via South, MOTtsn Janet Nicoll, from Tonga, February 12

IMPORTS.

Por Manattnuri-3 991 bigs rice, _t>6 cases .Trait 126p1_e~ tea. SO bales hemp. CO bags tapioca. 100 eases ca.tor oil, and sundries.

__t.w_._-CB Coastwise— Progro.B. from Ma ngawai; Venus, from Mongonui; Tarawera, Iron. Tairua. Outwards Coastwise. — Tarawera, fo r Tairua • Progress, for Mangawal. The s.s. Douglas arrived from Opotlki and Taurant-a this morning with 27 bales wool and lOOitack-i maize. The bri-r mtine Circa arrived atßockhampton from Auckland on January 1.

Tho brig Minn, arrived at Sydney from Mon g .mil on January S. Tho barque William Cornito left Melbourne for XCaipar- on tho d.h Instant. Tho birqoo Rebecca orrivo-t at Sydney f com Katpsra, 11 days our, on January 6. Tho United States mViVsmmAmoaa^t by Bdvc-tlsemoEt, a p-emicm o_ 1-.-0U dollars' for the be3t design for a war vessol.

Messrs Kenn.dy Bros., owners of the St Ktlda. have made claim for i-lO on tho Wanzanul Harbour Board for loss aliened to S" ye bVon occasioned by two days' detention, caused by tho screw fouling a rope. ___~__ A new warship called the Australia, lmlhe B.iti.h Navy, was launched from tho yard of Messrs Naoier, at GlasKOW. on November 2oth. 3no Is 300 feet long, carries very powerf al arma ment, and -as a sjeed ot 19 knots an hour.

A Trinity pilot, writing of the fearful gale fhtt swop the south nnd west coasts of Eng land in Cfctober last, says:-" One ship I.know, nara-'d the Inversnaid. was seen running for Lirady rfllnd in the height of a gale..in adis ftbled: con.iUoa: she ran closo to tho Island, ud, ffadfn_.lt would afford little or no shelter. -too. SS &_ westward and soon a.t<£warda v/tii set.n to founder with all hands. Tho Ncr- Hli'da was towed about ton miles to the west- Sraid-f Luudy. broke adrift from the tug. and xlt .lost ■with all hands -forty-two in number. _J_o tho Castle ton. with thirty-two hands, was Pat b.twesn this ilnstow) and Lnnly on the Friday of tho Bale, as I nicked np her hatches, wheel and diftoren. other articles, which con vinced her owners tbat Eh" hai gon?. Between this and Lnndy I siw the ma .ts of a large barn ac w! ich foundered on the Friday with all hani s There w. re four very flno ships 'owed westward ot Luody from Cardiff on the Thurs dr? niizbt; by the following night thl-e out of tho four wero lost through having no -.arbour to run to." The a.?* Manapouri loft for Melbourne, via tie _____ shortly arter 2 pm. Pas-engen. for_«s borne:'-Mi-sec Moss. Jones, and King. Mas ,,L« Brown -fnd child, Smith, and W. Hooker, mTMatthew*' J-d___a O'Brien and Will-amp. For N-S™: _-li-_.-aT_.lan and Williams, Mas ter Harrow. Messrs G. SomeTVi.le J. Banbury. Smith. Tbomp.on, Levinshon. Ecclo_. Wheeler, MoMfurtri?, C.A. Druford, RoV. Cronin. For Wellington: Mrs Jenkins and two children. Mrs J. Jameson, Mcss-s Baker, HatfSold, and Lcwater, Mr and Mra Dodscn Mrs J. Carson. Messrs Shermro. O'Connor. .I.klns Derail, Louias, and Jameson. For Lyttelton r- Mrs T.,ia'!.r Misseß Hubs at A Luster, M"Psrs Tyrel, .I^o-3 sTith, II- C. Ton-". Wnrmonffl. •rru"n Iluran..., an. 80-CSrO-k. For Port ('.1.1-i.o.f "lis* Wee. Mrs WcA.tthur. Messrs lennl-. Bokk, MoArlh-x. KB. Nash. Cheese man" Morris?-. For Melbonrn : M.ssrsM.H. MrlV-nalrl and Ttinmpsu, Mrs (•-nr nnd 2 ctnl d en. For Bluff: Mrs WTkie. M'Sti Wilkio.

THK MANA..O-.1... •rh- nit Munnpoti'i left I":''"07 nn "'" Bin ~'.,*„, iA.-cil Ttuv.. Ki'o« 01 Jir.h at il in 111 t'a-ii "■•o ton 13th at II " 1.111.. Tiritirl at.330 P.m. arriving at 1 p.m . ...roar. She -c.e7.--t-ir.il sever.- .'tilia vueri g from .THIS to KN.K.. with heavy head Ben. until t.«nr n- 'ho coast, iho-ce fine weather to i.r-iV»r Passenger-n: Mm dame . PearFon, Stern, Jtli-a Howard. Mr and Mrs Kitjwn, Mr and Mrs liitnlifleld and child, Mr and Mrs Hudron. Mr _md-4r« Fisher. Mr nnd Mra Mn*HUter, Messrs k"..tT Ryder, Kintfl, Lester. Whaler. Clarkson, Asbby, Bo.ka. Pardon. Tourkuis. Stewart, fiSillh CO. Lcdinehnm, Porter. Owen. Hall. Rey. Ra_riO-.il. and 35 steerage. Wo are indebted to Mr Chas 11. Ilu.son, pureer, for cußtomary favours. ,

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS.

Gairloch se.. MoArthur, from Waitara and M-SreßOT™-!".! 1 Daniels, from Wanganui and New Plymouth

DEPARTURES.

Or-li s a , Bobn-tsOD. tor Wanzonu! • Gilrltich. s s., M_r_krl-_-i. for Waitara and New I'lyn.otith . _'■ . J-arg.e'or. ».8. Ptniets. for N.W Plymouth, Wanganu), nnd Wellington v lhe s.s. Oreti took her departure for New Ply month and Wangan-i at 4p m. yesterday. Pas sengers : Mr and Mrs ...ach and 6 children, Misses Smalts and Hatrick. Messrs MoFVirlane, Weston. Leech. Hildreth. Taitn. Hooton, jhorpe, Parkpr, Sampson, liloyd, an! 5 steerage.

The Northern Company's s.s. Gairloch from Waitara and Now Plymouth, arrived yestorday evening. Pasaengors: Messrs Piki, Brown. Holt_.es. Baylov. aadd'cr. MocDonold, liown- Hng, Gibbs. Hodgskln, Mut-cc, Todd, Hoatio, Macffdrtane. Marshall. Hastie. Henry Polo, Me.dames Gibbs, Downllng, Marshall and child Reva. Griffln and Fid-ay. and 3 steerage. Sha left again for Waitara and New Plymouth at 1 o'clock to-day, fairly patronised with pas sengers and cargo. The North*™ Company's s s. Maogregor ar rived from Wanganui and New Plymouth thlß morning. Sho left again at 3 o'clock, with cargo and passengers. -♦

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Ms_.i_o-.i-NK, 12.—Arrived: Waihora, from Bluff. Port Chalmers, 12.-Sailed: Margaret Gal braith, for Loudon; Te Anau. for the North. Pasßengers for Auckland: Misses McKenzie, Fraaer, and Bertram, Moiars Lyon (2 . Warren. and Rev. W. Morley. For Sydney: Mr Brown,

COMMERCIAL.

• Evening Star Offlce, this day. The Auckland Grocers' Assooi-ltion quotes tho wholesale price of fresh buttw at lOd per lb.and faeahro-tter and eggs lOd perdo-en.forthe week ending January 20, .

Notices to Correspondents.

CONSTANT READKR-Interorovincisl matches between Auckland and Canterbury resulted es follows :-Auokland defeated Canterbury at Chris-church in 187.1; two years later Can terbury visited Auckland and scorod a victory: In 1882 Auckland went Pouth and were again beaten; in 1333 Canterbury camo to Auckland and woro beaten by five wickots. Since this.Mr Robinson took a pleasure team to Christchnrch. where he was badly beaton The team, however, was not a representative one in any sense of the term, and Bimply wont Sou'hon its own responsibility. That match, therefore, cannot bo considered an iuterpro vinclal one.

Births.

MoGRKQOB.-On January 10. at her rrßitltncu. yj_l-I__^tteKt-th" wlf" "f U-"*M a_MS.ww_ MKRCKK.—On Jannary I'-'. at InKlidct-.0. St. P-cpheu's Avenue, Parnell. tho %vitc ot X B'-'auclia-np S. Mercor of a son.

Marriages.

ABRAHAMS-B1 00-M.- On Uo.nmljor ifl. IS3S, by lhs Rev. fsido.e Myers, at Melbourne. John Abrahams, second ton ot Michael Abrahams, of London, to Esther, .ccond daughter of David Bloom, uf AucKland, N.Z.

Deaths

DALDT.-On Jannary 12. at Picton-strcot, Pon eonby.lvy Constance, dearly beloved daughter of William and Kate. Sa'.dy ; aged 12 months. Private Interment,

CLARK.—In loving memory of my beloved husband. Samuel Halwotth Clark, who diod at Sydney, N.S.W., January 13,1585; aged 35.

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

For the cauie that lacks Raaist^nco, Tor tha wrong that needs resi.taace, For tho futuro in the diatar.ce, And the good that we can do.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 1887.

It is said that a burnt child dreads tho fire. There seem, however, to bo

some very serious exceptions to this familiar rule- and with one of these we propose to deal. Year after year we pass through au experience Of drought, or, at any rate, scarcity of water. We see our gardens burnt up and our crops rained -we see our cattle in sore distress for want of water. Pumping and drawing become the burden of our lives ; and this goes on for weeks, with a monotony painful and unbroken, except by an occasional snap-shot from Captain Edwin, who raises our hopes by prophesying a fall ing barometer or a fall of rain. But the prophecies are too often unfulfilled, or, at any rate* their fulfilment steers clear of the neighbourhood where our lot is cast. Occasionally, indeed, the clouds gather, and we think now " there is a good time coming." But our hopes are frustrated, tho clouds disappear, and we are dry as ever. By the way, where are these great guns of ours .If the Russians won't come and give us a chance of using them, why don't we use them when the clouds show themselves .In these enlightened days we all know that there's nothing like a salvo of artillery to fill our tubs when clouds are about. Thus we might do two useful things— practise our gunners, and water our gardens at one and the same time. Meanwhile our year is divided into two parts. During some eight months of it we arc swearing at the rain because we get too much, whilst, during the remaining four we swear because we get too little. Now, swearing is all very well in its way, but it is not enough. " Heaven helps those who help themselves," and if we had a little more of this self-help, we should not have to swear quite so much; and, better still, we should have plenty of water. Let us face the question. Our rainfall in the Auckland district is about 45 inches in the year. This amount falls in some eight months, the remainder of the year being for the most part rainless. Now, remembering that an inch of rain represents about 100 tons to the acre, it does not require much arithmetic to tell us that on every acre we receive during the year not less than 4,500 tons of water. This seems and is a very Urge quantity, and yet, as we all know, in spite of this large quantity, we are often put to |

the greatest inconvcn i cc for want of water. How is this '? We are afraid the answer would not he complimentary to our brains or our common sense. " Mostly fools," quoth old Carlyle of his fellows, speaking in some dyspeptic moment, ami what Carlyle groaned forth in dyspepsia, we may repeat without any dyspeptic excuse. What would he said of a man who, receiving all his income in eight months of the year spent it religiously and left the remaining four to look after them selves . Yet this is precisely what we do in regard to our water. Why is there not more water storage carried out ? We allow this tremen dous volume of rain to fall year after year, and make no provision for its being laid by until the time of drought. But let us quote from an American writer of repute : "How to get water most convenient to all parts of tho farmery should be the leading con sideration, because water .is indis pensable ; neither man nor beast can do without it for a single day. All else may be inconvenient— water should never 'he. It should be brought in pipes from a higher level whenever it is practicable at_ any reasonable expense, becauso that is the most convenient of all forms in which water can be had at the farmery, ami no farmer can afford to neglect to supply his place with water if he owns a spring or stream that would afford such a supply, because it is the greatest labour saving fixture that he can make, If aqueduct water cannot be had, then convenient wells and pumps should be, and if water cannot be had by easy shallow digging in wells, it can and should be in cisterns." Now as to the supply for such a cistern. We have seen that the annual rainfallis somothreeor fourinches short of four feet. This would give us, with a roofage of say :.5 by 70 feet, about 8000 cubic feet of water from the .whole roof. Store this with a small expenditure of money, backed of course with common sense, and we could afford to laugh at the dry season when it comes. Again, take the well. In most cases we are reduced to utilise the water by pumping or by the still more tedious process of drawing water in a bucket. This is a serious piece of labour, in a country where labour is high, moreover it is a useless one, because the wind can be made to th' the work a great ileal better, cheaper, and with more certainty—a small windmill attached to the pump being all that is needed, and the cost of this a very few pounds. But to recur to the general question. It is almost as important to keep water pure for stock as for family use. L'uie water is a great luxury to the palate of a thirsty horse, and every man who is fortunate enough to be the owner of so noble an animal should sco that the wants of the same are properly provided for. Unfortunately very few persons realise the import ance of supplying domestic animal. with pure water, yet they stand in need of it whenever thirsty ; ami as a i_i.it.ei of profit to ourselves ami humanity U them wo should see that their want; are properly supplied. But, importam as the wholo subject is, we fear that 1 will interest us only during the dr' season, when it is too late to make pro vision, 'lhe rain will come again, am we shall put oil' for a more eouvenioii time what ought to be done, using i as it comes, and, Mieawber like, wai.inj for something to turn up.

Franco German War Prospects

PuiNCK BIsMAUCK's SJicccll on the I leimat Army Bill may be at'cepCe'l ns a virtua declaration of war n-ratust Franco. It

whole tenor is _■■ tbe el!'_ct tlt.i He

will do e.'Ctyti'.iti- iv her pu-.\-r to provoki a conflict wiih her hcrciiitary foe -a con llict which llisuiiuck regixnU as inevitable anil ono which he intends .shall result ni tin Gallic cock having his comb so torn, am his pinnies so nulled, that ho will not giv. another audacious crow for a century or so It is evident that, if tho man of blood am iron does not invite war with > light heart, he, at any rate, will entc upon it with every confidence a to tho result. He almost betrays a fevcrisl anxiety to hasten the timo when sword shall be crossed and deadly batteties 1111 masked, by attempting to coerce the Keiclis

tag into passing the vote for tho increase of the army. it is vain to pretend that all the warlike preparation is calculated to pro mote peace. The Koinan adane, if not quite exploded, is utterly inapplicable to nineteenth century conditions. When Bis marck declares that lie is not afraid of France andatt.icsametimein-.ists upon making war like preparations, his conduct is capable of only one interpretation. It is as though a bully were to doft'his coat,roll up his sleeves, doublo up hia fists, and glaring wildly around were to demand—" Who's afraid : " Nor ia Bismarck ignorant of tho exeitabto Froncll temperament, which, with keen perception of studied insult, will bo quick to resent the Chancellor's attitude, as with suave professions of " good relations " with France he challenges that high spirited and martial people to a fight for national existence. It. is at the same time difficult to see on what ground Prince Bismarck bases Ms expressed con fidence in the present French Ministry— unless, indeed, li is confidence is a firm belief that the bellicose General Boulangcr will precipitate a conflict with Germany without making clue and deliberate preparation for such a critical combat.

The Kusso German alliance, recently re ported and contradicted, is presumptively supported by the great Chancellor's utter ances. It i_ very plainly stated that Ger many will allow Russia to do as sho pleases in Bulgaria, and will remain neutral in the event of a war between Austria and Kussia, the latter contingency being apparently not considered a very remote one. These ore so many further hints to France that Ger many has her hands free, and is ready to engage in tho terrible duel as soon as the word to commence fighting is given ; and the gauntlet is thrown down in such an offensive fashion that it will be a surprise if it is not promptly taken up. The struggle, once entered upon, will be prose cuted a I'outmnce, for France will make strenuous efforts to redeem the disgrace of her former defeat. Ever since 1871 tho French havo b.een preparing for a war of revenge, and now they will assuredly give a better account of themselves than they did under tlio old rotten system of army organisation. On the other hand, Germany's overween ing confidence of victory may prove the prelude to disaster. Her Chancellor has evidently forgotten tho adage, " Let not him that girdcth on his armour boast as him that put teth it olf." Another very impor tant consideration has also apparently been ignored by him-that Germany has on her northern frontier another enemy thirsting for revenge. Denmark has neither forgotten nor forgiven the seizure of Schloswig-Holstein by Germany, and whenever Franco attempts tho recovery of Alsace aud Lorraine, the Danes may be trusted to make a similar endeavour to ' regain their lost provinces. Another element which may operate unexpectedly is found in the aversion of the German people to war. This may lead the Reichstag to reject the Army Bill, and might even, in the event of war ensuing, culminate in a Socialistic rising. Of this possibility Bismarck is well aware, but believing war to be inevitable, he has apparently resolved to accept it as the lesser of two evils. On no other theory can we account for his pressing extra burdens upon a people already over-taxed and rapidly approach ing the point of social revolution.

VVe understand that His Worship the I Mayor, adopting the praiseworthy example of his predecessor (Mr Waddel), has made arrangements with the Artillery Baud (Mr A. R. Hunter, bandmaster) to give fort nightly Saturday afternosn performances o: instrumental music, to take place in rota tion at lhe Domain Cricket Ground, Albort Path, and .Ve-teru Park. Tho-io -Ir.-_.__3e- D-.0i.13 _ue lo hold good beyond the cummer season-in fact, as long as the weather will permit. There can ba no doubt that the people at large will amply appreciate the rjjon. '

Another consignment cf books and curios for tlio Free Public Library, being a portion of Sir Guorfte Oroy's magniflcont gift to Ih.-.t institution, arrived pc- s.s, Ro. 0 1.u.0y from tho Kawau yesterday, and were nt onoe conveyed to the Library building The balance of the library will bo brought up next week. Mr Varshall, Secretary of tbo Caledonian Society, states that lion. Willi im Sivansott ditl not oder to lend money to tho Society, but expressed himself willing to subscribe in order to havo it carried on,

Tho steamor Manapouri, which arrivod from Sydney at 4 p.m, yeslorday, wa_t de layed by heavy easterly weather and ht;-h Eoa. On ono day sho steamed only SO mile-t, and on tho following day only 10J miles woro recorded. Otherwise tho pas sago was .in uneventful ono. The Manapouri anchored oil' tho end of tho Queon-stroot Wharf until her pas- BOti'-ors and crow had been passed by Dr. Lewis, Health Ollicor, aftor which ahe was berthed at lhe outor teo. The precautions taken in this itistanco wero rendered noces eary by tho prevalence of small-pox at Sydney and Melbourne, and futuro arrivals from those ports will undergo a similar in spection, A meeting of the Eight Hours Demon- Btri-tiou Committeo waa held at the Work in.' Men's Club last evoninj-, Mr Mu.eoy 111 lhe chair. A largo number of prizes and donations were received. The -.ports torn mittee not having completed thoir work with respect to tho programme, it was d< cided to adjourn tlio meeting till 1' ndiy evening, to adopt tho programme and call for entries for tho different event,. A notico calling tho meeting appears in

mother column

About 7.;t0 o'clock last evening a young man waa riding what might bo tjnued genuine Mexican Plug along Karangahapa Koad, When noar Wcbbot'fl stables the horse began to play at, circus, and tried walking on two legs for a second or two. The rklor.sceing what was 1 keiy to follow, just loft the saddle iv timo tv cseapo bouig crushed by tho horse, which went ever backwards. Although both rider and horse rolled ovor in tho dust, fortunately neilhor was hurt. A crowd soon gathered, unci considerable surpriso was expressed that the young man sliould havo escaped so easily from such au unpleasant predica ment.

A mooting of members of Madame [Veto's vocal classes, nnd of all thoso interested in tho advancement of music, will be hold at the Teaching Chambers to morrow ovening, when a short address will bo given on the nature of tho instruction imparted and othor maters connoeiod Willi tho.n popular classes. Additional classes will bo formed, to meet a want much felt in those days of commercial depression, whon economy is tho order of tho day. A largo attendanco should bo tho rcaponso to this invitation. Tho tender of Messrs W. Philcox ar.tl Son, .-_!,!«> I, has been accepted by Mr 11. ti. Wade, architect, for tho erection of tho new ollicos of tho Government Life Insur ance Department in thia city. The site, as our readers aro no doubt aware, is that lately purchased by tho Government from Messrs Sliora Bros. Tho design of tho f.-u'tdo will bo eimilar to tho National lii'.urani'o Company's buili'ing. Tho ground lloor will bo occupieti by tho public ollico, manager's room, medical ollieor's room, waiting-room, and stationery room. On the first lloor thero will bo seven ollicos, tho majority of which have alroady been lot, and tho top story will a 1..0 bo available for olliocs.

Tho Woikatu Hospital Board, at 11 moat ing yesterday, resolved to levy contribu tions on tho basis of one-twelfth of a penny in the pound, that Hamilton was tho propor sito for the Hospital, and that applications bo invited fur tho post of secretary and treasurer. A committee was appointed to inspect and report, on the best sites for Hos pital, and the Chairman was requested to communicatu with medical men in tho iieighbonrhocd ns to terms on which they would be prepared to attend tho Hospital.

Edward lloskin again appeared at the I'olieo Court to-day on tho charge of steal itig thrco pairs of boots and shoes, value .. lid, tho property of Ktito Ralph. Tbo pro secutrix deposed that .-ho bought Iho boots at Uanipier's, and subsequently 1. st them in Tonka's Auction Mart. Prisoner pleaded drunkonnoes, and said ho had no recoiled ion of whoro ho got the boots.-The Bunch sentenced prisoner to thrco monibs' imprisonment with hard labour. Throe drunkards wero also punished. The justices on the Bench ivero Messrs Peacock and Parsons.

L'o tho Editor: Sir,—Seeing th.it tho iiic-ion <>f n western nr nthor loopline is .gain to bo coni-ulorcfl, I wen) ovor v great ij.-:. of tbo propo.e i western route, und was 'truck by two things—(l) Tbe masses of population along it.- ulutlo course, ami ("-) ilu exceptionally easy grades, and run-c ---quently tho lightness of engineering dilli cul-ies. Sir, as thia lino ia absolutely re quit.d at present, and as it would pay batter than any other line in Now Zealand, it scorns to me that if it moots tlio question of lightening tho traffic on the tunnel lino, which it certainly doc?, then tho western ought to bo at onco constructed, being ,1 ro. munorativo work, and tho Government ought to bo encouraged to u_o its powers under tho Public Works Act, and compel owners of property to bo fair and reasonable in their rlcnund?, if necessary.—l am, etc., E.W.

Tho departure of Rev. A. J. Hitchcock from Northcote district was mado tho oc casion on Sunday last of a p esentatton by tbo resident, to tho rov. gentleman of an illuminated adtlrosa and gold Albert chain. Mrs Hitchcock waa al_o presented with Russian leal hor handkerchief ar.il glovo cases. Mr Clenny mado fro presentations at the close of 'ast Sunday'a service

"New Zealand Illustrated Titbits" for tho week ia a capital number. Tho lcttor prcsa is moro than usually interesting, and lhe illustrations are oxcullontly drawn, and humorous aa over.

Although Captain Edwin ha:- been doing hia best to obtain rain, and in some of tho churches the clergy havo prayed lor rain, t lero appears to bo no immediate prospect, of tho drought breaking up. The " vVui kuto Nowa" says :—" Wo learn the Maoris predict thero will bo no rain until tho end ot February, and baso thoir predictions upon tha fact that tho duckh thia '■easen built their nosts very low down, in fact on the lovel of tho Wailiato river and tho creeks. It will bo remembered that last year tho natives predicted a long drought owing to tbo luxuriance of tho flax flowers, arid their prediction proved tolerably cor rect."

Last night an adjourned meeting of tho City Bowing Club took placo at tho Auck land Rowing Association'a rooms at Lovin sohn'a tobacco store on the wharf, when thero waa a fair attendance. Tho chief business of the meoting was to decide whether a now whalebout should be pur chased by tho Club. Somo discussion on tho respective merits of whaleboats, gigs, and outriggers waa entered into, it being finally decided to cell the largo whaloboat, for £15 10a if possible, and to dovote that sum towards purchasing either a whaloboat or a gig. Mr F. W. l.iilining was elected a member of tho Club

His Honor Mr Juotieo Ward doe 3 not seem quite to entertain an opinion commonly attributed to moat judges, viz,, that suitors aro created solely for thb benefit and con venience of judgf-B. On tho contrary, ho has oven consented to sit and hoar eau..os in vacation, and has in many other ways ovinccd a courteous readiness to concur in ar.y reasonable arrangements for promoting tho despatch of the business of suitors anil counsel in hi.-; Court.

Id tho letter which appeared yesterday on tho subject of nuisances in Ponsonby Ward, tlio signature should havo beon ■■ J. T. Bellamy," and not Dettany.

At tho It M. Court this raoruine Mr Thoo Cooper drow attention to what ho charactcri-cd as llio extortion.to milo-.'o charges consequent upon nerving f-uui mon.os in tho KM. Court. Ho [.tinted out that in tho case, in point iho persons' sum monsed resided within a few miles of tho Ola hiihu railway-station. They were charged a shilling a miio for the wholo distance, not. withstanding that tho railway fare was only something like 2e. Mr Stoney, the Clerk of the Court-, explained that a man walked out with tho summons, and^ sometimes he was compelled to make several journeys before he succeeded in serving the summons, so that the charge was not excessive. Mr Cooper still persisted tbat the fare by train was only 2s, and askod if tho amount was really paid to the man who served tho summons or waa it secured by the Govern ment. Mr Stoney said that tbe money was first paid to the Government and afterwards to the man who served the summons.

•i The annual tiring of the Devonport Naval Artillery for Captain Fenton's gold medal took place at tho Company's range on S-'urday, Sit. inst., ranges -.00, 300, -MO, a-d ~UO yards, live tbcAs at esch ry.nge. 'lhe highest scoro, of 70 points, was made by Sear-tan James Traycp, who now bo cemot thy permanent p__~.o-_-nr, having won it twice iv .-111.-o.lion. Seaman J. Tr.iyos, 71.; Lieutenant Duder, (ii; _t.amau \V. G. Trayee, 59;. P. O. Wynyard, 55; P. O. Bluck, 51 ; Seaman Brown. 49; Lieutenani Gerrard, 41 ; Seaman Lilly, 31; P. O. Feuton, retired.

I The Rosidont Magistrate has granted^ to Mr Napier a warrant for tho appreh.n__.on of John Thomas Smith, who is supposed to have left for Sydnoy by tho mail steamer on Sunday, on the chargo ot fail ing to provide means of maintenance tor his wifo.

Huntor's Band is to play in the Domain Cricket Ground on Saturday afternoon, whon tho Mayor will present Messrs Lynch and Mills each with a bat for their batting and bowling in tho match against the Australian team.

It is satisfactory to learn feat thoro was a slit-lit decrease in the amount paid for charitablo roliof in Auckland last month. Tho expenditure for the month was £ 000.

Constable Inger was on his way down from I'ort Albert today, having in hia charge a man in vory bad health and desti tute circumstances. Tho invalid will probably bo sent to the Hospital. Tho sharomarket ia a little moro lively. Thero is a fair demand for Cambrias at oa Gd, and fow sellers Ua to 6s Gd. Princo Imperials havo also beon in good request, and salos reported from Is Od to 2s Id. Alburnias are in favour, though fow trans actions aro reported. Thero haa also beon a fair business done in Auokland Gas and Now Zealand Insurance.

Last ni.dit Mr John Lnndon gave an ad dress on tho Special Villago Settlement -ch'Miio to a largo meeting in WoodhiJ ..-<-!i ,:ul.ooui, Tonight Mr Lumlon is. touel ,i,- e ._ a tr.-thcriiiL- on the samo subject in the Excelsior Hail, Upper Pitt street The s, loci ion cf sections on the Horekmo block, proclaimed hy tho Government, take. plac. to-morrow (Friday), and on Monday next a steamer will visit tiie various eottlomontj in the North, Riving free passages to settlers -'ho intend g.iing on tho land.

To tho Editor: Sir.-Rumour has it that ono of Uio tenderers for the supply o. coal to tho Pumping Station has secured tho favourable votos of Councillors for New castle coal. This, in all probability, is mcro gos-up I havo every confidence 'n the fair ness of tho Council that they will take tho tondorers on thoir merits. I understand that the Enginoor has mado a sorios of tests ; thoso certainly should be tho guide. Thero is this, however, that may bo fairly claimed on behalf of the local coal, tbat.all things being equal, it should havo the pre ference. — 1 am, otc, RaTB-AVEB.

Tho tont services at Surrey Hills continue j to nttract a respectable attendance. Last night Eldor Daniell.' subject was, "Bible Convoreion." A lino of demarkation was drawn botweon modern "holiness" people, ono of whom was said to havo "lived liftoen years without sin," in contrast with Bib'o saints, of whom thoro is no proof that such was their happy condition. Many examples to illustrate woro brought in proof, viz., Moses, Klijah, Enoch, Abraham, Noah, and in Now Testament times oven Paul, the great npostlo of tho Gentiles. Eldor Daniells does not deny instantaneous conversion, but says that, whero real, it manifosts it self moro in a auiot, holy lifo amongst those with whom our business affairs may bring us in contact from day to day, than the clamour of tho tongue from any kind of re ligious excitcmont. No dou'it thopo meet ings during the Bummer will bo productive o' much good.

A meeting of tho Eden Torraco rate- ' payors was hold in tho Eden Hall lostovon ing to considor tho mattor of obtaining a water supply for tho district. About 150 ratepayers wero proeent, and tbe Chairman of the Board (Mr Adam l'ortor) presided. Aftor stating tho business bofore the moot ing, the Chairman went on to answer several objection-! against tho proposed loan of £2,500 for tho purposo of water supply. It appeared that tho last poll on the question of raising tho loan had rosulted against tho loan owing to misunderstand ing on tho part of some ot the ratopayors. Tho Chairman thought that tho district should first got the water supply, and loavo tho matter of drainage in abeyance for the present, lie thon adduced figures to prove that tho proposed £2,500 would bo amply sufficient for the purpose in view, and concluded by stating that tho present rates could bo so reduced as to compensate for tho additional water rates. Two or three ratepayers spoko in favour of joining tho city, allirming that then the district would have some hopo of getting a sys tem of drainago carried out as well aa tho water supply, besides obtaining the services of tho branch lire brigade and a consccment reduction of insui anco premiums. The general opinion of tho mooting, however, was in favour of Iho district remaining as at preeent. Even tually Mr Stainton moved, and it was seconded, " That (his meeting is of opinion that a loan of £2.500 should bo raised for

rue purpo.o 01 out,uning a wator supply, and that a poll of tho ratepayer' bo taken lo that end." As an ameadniout, Ih'Mc-

Cowatt moved, and it waa seconded, "That th a meoting i. of opinion that the timo haa now arrived for joining tho city." Thirteen vot.d for tho amendment, and about sixty for tho motion, tho lattor being declared carried. The Chuirman took tho oppor tunity of calling attontion to eevoral by-laws that wero being infringod, and tho meet ing then terminated. There was a very small attendance at St. Matthew's Schoolroom'dast evening on the occasion of a lecture by Rev. H. T. Rob-

Johns, who arrived from Sydnoy in the afternoon as a deputation from the British

aud Foreign Bible Society. Rev. W. Tebbs, who presided, accounted for tho meagro attendance by the fact that uncer tainty prevailed as to whether Mr Robjohns would bo sufficiently recovered from his trip to be ablo to addres? them that even-

Rev. Mr Robjohns then proceeded to

deliver his pro-niecd lecture. He said ho hael a definite appointment by which

New Zealand was brought within the liniita

of his visits, The position of tho Society ' had greatly improved in Australasia. The rov. gentleman then sketched the progress of tho Socioty sinco 180!), aud dealt more especially with tho work in Sweden. A resolution expressing tentimonts of welcome and gratification at tho extent of tho work of tho Socioty was passed on tho motion of Rev. Mr Laishloy, seconde- 1 by Dr. Kender dino. On tho motion of Roy. Mr Lawry, votes of thanks wero passed to the deputa tion, tho incumbent, antl to tho choir, which lattor had assisted in tho rendering of tho hymne. To-moirow, at 2 p.m , at thoir Rooms, Hhortland street, Vuilo and Douglas will sell by auction tho well-known Innisfallcn Kstate. This srlendid property, containing nearly 1.2C0 acres, ia situated near the uhaupn Station and Sale-

yards, and iB ranked among tho best farms in the Walks to. As it ia to be sold by order of tho Publio Trustee in sn intestate estate, it i_ likely to bo <]ui:tcd far below its real value.

We call the attontion of restaurant l.rcDers and others to the sale by auction to bo held by B. Tonks and Co. to-morrow at 11 o'clock on tho premises known as tho National Grill and Luncheon Rooms, situated over tho shop of Mr K. Wayto. stationer, and opposite tho Nat ional Bank. The whole of tho furniture and effect, is being sold without reserve under Bill ot Sale and distraint for rent. The I'ov. Joseph Berry, Wosleyan min ister, and ex President of tho Wesleyan Confer ence, wld deliver his popular lecture on tho 1 Queen's Jubilee-" on Monda7 evening next in tho I'itt.sirtet Wesleyan church at halt past seven o'clock. Mr Berry is an oloqvont lec turer, and tho thoaio a good ono. The premises of the Auckland Direct Im porting Coinrany hay - been closed sinco Wed nesday evening,in order ton-mark and arrango their stock for thoir first half-yearly salo, an nouncement, ef which will be found in another column. We learn that thee, are numerous cteap lines to bo offeted te the public, which will bo a-.rest boon in this hard time to many a houaehulder who has to pinch oml squeeze in ortltr to procure a littlo clothing for tho children. This will bo an exceptional opportun ity to get a large parcel for littlo money. The salo commences to-morrow (lTridayl, and we would rocoDtmend our friends to roll up early.as such bargains nro goaerallr picked up tho first clajs, much to the disappointment of many.

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(in- TEti-URAPH— OWa CORRESPONDENT.)

WEDLHrGTOsr, this day

Tho Bankrupt Waters.

Tin; proceedings in connection with this gentlemanly prisonor havo reached another stago. The Chiof Juat'co thia morning granted an application for the release of the bankrupt. An application will bo made during the day for the issue of a warrant for tho re-arrest of Waters. A Cool Scamp. The man Reuben Hind, who has been committed for trial for the robbery of £133 worth of money and jewellery from the resi dence of Mr John Plimmer (better known aa " Plimmer's Ark " from its owner's eccen tricity) showed most impudent bravado in making off with his plunder. Mr Plim mer met him at the gate as ha was leaving the p.-emises with the parcel containing the stolen property underhis arm, but suspected nothing, and took it for granted that the man had come to return some money which he had previously borrowed. Hind was in no way abashed by the appearance of tho owner of tho goods, but coolly asked for the loan of another pound, and when this waa refused, ho walked quietly away.

Sewing Machines, wholesale and retail. The latest and heat. Machines repaired or ex changed,—D. _. Chambers, Queen-street,

NEW POLICE REGULATIONS

(BT TEL-SURA--:-OWN -OI._E~-OS__N- )

Wjbllinuton, this day. Thk following are tho chief provisions of tho new Polico Regulations, issued undor tho Act of last session : -Tho colony is divided into polico districts, with head quarters at Wellington. Tho members of the force aro to bo divided into tho follow-

ing grades : - Commissioner inspectors (three classes) and constables (three classes). The forco will also bo divided into detective and preventive branches. Vacancies in tho lowest grade, that of third class constable, aro to bo idled up rom men of tho permanent militia, who have aorved not loss than ono year, and aro not under 5 feet <J inches in height. Vacancies in tho ranks of constables abovo that ot third class will be filled up oy promotion from tho seniors of tho next inferior rank and vacancies in tho grades of sergeant will bo rilled by those whoso general fitness nualilies them for promotion ', but it is pointed out that fonionty, length of service, and good conduct, though tho rule aro not tho only recommendations lor promotion. Applications for promotion must be mado through tho proper channel, and members seeking to advance themselves by means of influence arc warned that such intorierenee will only injure them, and oven mako them liable to severe punishment. Tho term of engagement of members of the force is three years, and three monlhs notice must bo given by anyone wishing to leave. Ollicers must retire when thoy roach tho ago of Go, and other members of the force at GO. Members aro to observe neutrality in political matters, and must bo strictly impartial in tho dischargo of thoir duties to ail classes. Thoy are to doal with offences of a trivial character discreetly, and avoid an ar rest whon it is clear that a summons will bo suliicient. No sergeant or constable may marry without leave, nor may any member of tho forco engage in any trade or business by himsolf or by his wife. The Commissioner is to furnish an annual report on tbo stato of tho forco, tho increase or decrease of ciimo,&c. There arc cirofully drawn provisions for tho euro of arms ar.cl other property, for economy in the use of supplies, and for tho treatment of persons charged with crimes.

AUCKLAND ANNUAL REGATTA.

The Auckland Regatta Committeo met last evening, when a largo amount of busi ness waa transacted. Moasrs A. Buchanan, Ma-elield, McCullough, Houghton, and

■upturns W. Farquhar and .1. McKenzie wore eloctcd members in tbo stead of others who had resigned. Tho first raco on the programme was arranged co as to permit of tho entry of cutters from 12 to ,'io tons register. This will oxcludo tho cutters Noliio and Fannie, which are, no doubt, far too fast for tho smaller craft, and will make v good raco for tho latter. This year, there fore, both tho Echoouer raco and big cutter raco uro omitted, whilst the scow raco is conspicuous only by its absence, It was decided to call for tenders for a band and also for cards, and tho Secretary, Mr C C. Dacie, was requested to mako ap plication for tho use ot tho Union Company's steamor Arawata as llagship on l_ej_;a.ta Day. A request from several boat-owners that a Committee should add a race for 18ft open boats to tho programme was declined. Mr Cousins waa appointed umpire; Captain J. McKenzie starter; Mr H. Parker, judge of sailing races; Mr Millar, judge of rowing races. Some diecuasion took placo a. to tho fixing of buoya for tho whaloboat races, and it waa pointed out that tcii or twelve turn ing marks would bo required. No decision waa arrived at in this matter. Mr Uaere haa received information by wire that Nelson will positively send a crow for tho Champion Whaleboat Kaco. Thoro ia come talk of the Devonport Navals having altered their gig to the dimonaioua required in tho Naval Brigade Cutter Itaco, but tho matter has not yet been officially boforo tho Regatta Commit teo.

Tho members of tho Regatta Committee have boon allotted various districts in the town and suburba for tho annual collection of .subscriptions, and thoy will commence operations to morrow. Tho only boats spoken of as likoly com petitors in the 20ft. open-boat race aro the Alice, Ma.cotte, and Imp.

The Programme Criticised.

(To tho f-dilur) Sir, — Whi.'o on business to-day, I noticed a program-no of tho coining Auckland re gatta, which at tho best is not a very creditable production, and, I am afraid, not calculated to give general satisfaction— about half tha monoy being given to one race in useless boats, not lit for either work or pleasure, while coaatcrs, fishing vessels, boats, and pleasure yachts (each of which coat nearly as much as the whole of the whaleboats expected to csmpete), with a number of other races, have to be content with tho remaining half. Thia class of regatta is not calculated to keep up Auckland's present name for having tho finest and best kept class of coaatcrs, yachts, and fishing vessels in the Australian colonies. I would also suggest that in almost overy c..se monoy prizes are preferable to cups, as usually there ia more than ono intorosted in each vessel, and in theso bad times winners would far sooner havo tho cash to pay crows and preparation expenses than havo to find the cash for these purposes, and probably the other owners' shares in tho trophy. Either cash prizes or a proportion of cash would give greater aatisfuction to the racing com munity and general public, othorwiso our Auckland regattas wiil gradually fall to tho ground.—Yours, « v.c, Aquatic

Alleged Breach of Promise Case.

Tho Settler and tho Widow.

The facta of a somewhat novo! caso will ehortly bo vontilatod through tho District Court. Some months ago a country settler advertised through the medium of Hanna ford- Matrimonial Agency for a wifo. Within a day or so after tho appearance of tbo advertisement, a fascinating widow, on tho sunny side of thirty, presented herself at tho place of businoss of the vetoran matchmaker, where she met the advortisor, also young and of preposeoa eing appearance. The match was arranged at onco, and tho matrimonially-inclined young man returned to his farm, promis ing to return to Auckland shortly to marry tho lady of his choice. Ho wroto several lettera to Mr Hannaford avowing his intention of keeping his pro mise, but intimating that he would bo unable to como to town, aud eventually asking that the lady should proceed by steamor ;o tho port nearest to his farm, where ho would meet hor, and they would be married at the Registry Office. The lady, after some demur, consented to this, and proceeded to the place with all her belongings. On arrival there, instead of being mot by the prospective bridegroom, a Maori waited on her, and in formed her that he had come to eacort her to Mr V 'a farm some distance in the countiy. In tho meantime the lady had heard certain hints about hor _fiance, and she decided not to leavo tho township for tho farm except as hia wife. Then, tho lady alleges, and her statement is borne out by soverul letters by tho man and tho documentary evidence of a number of re spoclablo settlors, ho defined to marry her, and oven refused to pay her expenses back to Aucklacd Through t'ro kindness of somo of tbo sottlers, who loarnthow she had boen duped,sho raised sufficient money to return, and having consulted a solicitor hore, the young farmor haa received a perem.pt.ry de mand to pay £50 for damages and breach of contract. Should he neglect to res pond, an action will ba enter.d early next week. Great indignation ia felt throughout the district at the way the woman has been treated, She ia to all appearance a lady both in manner and edu cation.

LATEST SPORTING.

The nominations for tbe Australian Cup number 48 and the Newmarket Handicap entries tot up to 108. In the lists appear the nameß of Nelson, Lochiel, Ru.sley, Musk Rose, Trenton, and Mitrailleuse.

Th...mi_s, thia day,

Cam-EHI... - Tho winze on tho hangiDg wall reef at No. 2 level ia down 10 feet. Another breaking down took place yester day afternoon, when strong colours of gold were seen in the quart-:, but no picked stone was obtained. Colours of gold aro also seen in the eastern and western drive 3 on tho same reef a. well as the s topes.

CABLEGRAMS.

ißt ___._IU-__.l- BBLBOBAPa.—-OPT-lOHJ ]

The Threatened European War.

Bismarck a Anticipations,

Beicli-*, January 11. Is his speech in the Reichstag to-day, Prince Bismarck alluded to the difficulty of preserving peace between Russia and Austria. Ho oxpres-od hia full trust in tho French statesmen now in power ; but was convinced that war between Franco and Germany would occur sooner or Tor The timo when the conflict would take placo would depend on tbo stability of tho French Ministry. If Germany wore victorious she would not rest until Franco should bo crippled for i-onerations. In conclusion, Prince Bis marck insisted on the Bill being passed without amondment, otherwise larliaraent would bo dissolved.

Awfully Sudden Death of Lord Iddesleigh

He Drops Dead In Downing-street.

London, January 12. Eaw- Iddesleiuh died suddenly this after noon. His Lordship was with Lord Salis bury at his official residence in Downing. streot, when ho was takon ill and expired in

a fow minutca,

The Imperial Institute.

Speech by the Prince of Wales,

London', January 12,

A MEETING in connection with the Imperial Institute was hold to-day at St, Jamcs'a Palace, under the Treaidoncy of the Princo of Wales. Tho followingre solutiona were adopted :-lit, that the foundation of tho In-tituto would be an emblem of tho unity of tho Empire's industries and commercial resources, and a fitting national memorial of tho keeping of the Queen's jubilee. 2nd. That an op peal bo made to Her Majesty's subjects throughout tho British dominion for gener oua support to establish and maintain the Institute. 3rd. That tho best thanks aro duo to tho Prince cf Wales for hia exertions in furthering the object in view.

His Royal Highness addressed tho meet ing. In the coureo of his speech ho ex pressed tho hops that tho Institute would as.ist emigration from tho United Kingdom. Tho leading idea of Iho Institute was that it should bo a centre for extending a know ledge of tho resources of tho empiro, and a place for study and resort by colouial producers and consumer. Tho Queen (His Royal Highness added) would epoc: allv value Iho Institute as a memorial o£ the lovo and loyalty of her subjects, and as promoting the industrial and commercial resources of tho Biitish dominions, and ex pressive of the unify and co-agency which Hor Majesty desires should prevail through out all classes and racea of the Empire.

New Loan for Victoria.

LoNDOr-, January 11—Tenders for the Victorian -1 per cent, loan of three million, the minimum for which has been fixed at 102, will be closed on tho 20th inst. The London and Westminster Bank favour the immediate placing of tho loan in the market. Ministerial Crisis m Sydney. Sydney-, January 12.—Mr Dibba for wardetl his resignation to tho Governor to duy, ignoring the fact that Sir Patrick Jen nings"!. aa tendered tho resignation of the Ministry aa a whole. It is considered doubtful whether Lord Cirringlon will ac cept tho resignation, though nothing fur ther ia yet known. The Queensland Parliament. Bhisbane, January 12.—Parliament has been further proroguod until tho firat of March. Tho CSovcrumcnr declined to stop immigration on the ground that doing so would interfere with the proi-ecution of public works and would thu. increase the number of tho unemployed.

Four More Deaths from Small pox.

Sydney, January 12.—Four more deaths occurred at tho quarantine station this afternoon. Several other pationta are iv a critical condition.

IN BANKRUPTCY.

Examination of M. Burke,

Miciiaec Bui.i.E was examined to-day on oath by tho Official Assignee. Ho said :— "I havo beon engagod as a contractor, carting metal, road-making, etc., off and on for tho last 15 years, and hare never before boon in any money difficulties. My trouble has been going on for tho last 12 months. It began by a bad stone-breaking contract at Birkenhead, by which I lost nearly £200, and since then other losses, amounting to about £250 more, havo been made by con tracts in hand. Besidea this., I waa burnt out about thrco months ago, when most of my harness and nther articles, and horse feed wero doetroyod, My loss was £180, but I only got £120 from the Insurance Company. 1 used £20 of thia money in buying harness, i&c, and tho rest wont to Mr Adams, tho mortgagee of S3 acres of land at the Lake valued at £500, and on which, at tho timo mentioned, there was a lien cf £450 —Mr Adama £400, under mortgage, and Mr Oliphant £50 under bill of aalo. About three weeks atter-I got tho insurance monoy (say middle of Oct., ISSG) I sold the equity of thia property, together with my horses, cows, poultry, and carting plant for the sum of £75 to Sirs Sheriffs of the Lake With thia monoy I paid off wages due, sundry pressing tradesmen, clothing, and my own maintenance. I worked my horses at a lose for five months before the firo, and sinco I sold off, havo beon entirely out of employment. For the last nine months I have not earned as many pounds. My debts amount to £321 15s 9 I, extending over a period of 2J years, but mostly over tho laat 12 months. Most of my credi tors quite understand that mine is a case of sheer misfortune", and are well disposed. Tho immediate cause of my filing waa a judgement summons for £10 16s, and it was a case of filing or going to gaol. The creditors distinctly told me I must pay tho whole debt at once or go to gaol. My schedule shows an asset of £12 10a for shares in the new Fcriy Company, but these aharea have already been forfeited for the non payment of the laat call. The only other aseet is an estimatea equity of £40 and 30 acres of scrub land 4 or 5 miles out of Birkenhead valued at i'6o on which there is a mortgago of £20. Being a single man I have no household furniture, and have no assets whrtover beyond what ia now de clared. I kept no bookß, but could show exactly how I spent the £72, and will pro duce an account at tho first mooting of creditors.

Meetings of Creditors

A special nieoting of tho creditors of John Blecbywdcn, timber morchant, of Cabbace Bay (who levanted to Japan more than a yoar ago), was hold today, thoro being present tho Aesigneo and. hia Thames ugent (Mr Carponter, Mr Jamos Russell (solicitor for petitioning creditor, Mr B_.rb.jr), Messrs J. A Barber, Caleb Wood and J. Buchanan (creditors) Mr Carpeuter read an account of his realisa tion of the estate, and Mr Russell read the evidence of Ingles, who neld a bill of aale in the estate. After some discussions the following resolutions wero passed:—(l) That the workmen who claimed wages amounting to £42 14a 3d, should be admitted to rank as ordinary creditors. (2) That tho Official Assignee be author ised to accept tho highest offer for the balance of assets in Blecbynden's estate. (3) That Preece's proof of claim for £07 be re jected except for the item of £24, which ia allowed, and (4) That the costs of the soli citor (£SO) be paid out of the assets.

_ A meeting of the creditors of Mr H. Roe, timber merchant, waa held yesterday at tho office of the Official Assignee for tho purpose of considering whether any action should be taken iv regard to tho recovery of alleged preferential payments upon goods supplied since the assignment in April.and which had been p:iid for in timbor. It ap peared that tho valuo of the goods supplied waa £440, and timber, aa a set-off, £010, leaving a credit balance of £491. It waa resolved, after considerable diecuseion, "That those creditors who have obtained timber of Mr Roe since April 2 receive credit for the timber from their claims,"

BUSH FIRES

Destruction to Property,

(KKOM OOK OWN COUI.I_SI'ONDENT3.)

Nai'l-.i., thia day, Tins aftornoon a sawmill owned by Parsons and Silbcrman, at Papatua, noar Ormond ville, was totally destroyed by fire. Tha destruction was caused by a bush fire burn. ing in tho vicinity far some days. The mill waa bought a fortnight ago from the trustees of Firth's e.tate, for £3. r)0, and iußuredin tbe .Now Zealand Offico for £400. A quantity of gear was saved. Bush tiros are burning all round tho district.

Hamilton, this day,

Swamp fires are burning all round Hatnil. ton owing to the dry weather, which is doiDg a great deal of miechief to tho crops.

VOLUNTEER GRIEVANCES.

(l!Y TKLEUKAI'H —OWN UOI-I-KSI'ONDENT.)

Wancianui, this day. Lieutenant-Colonel Stai'l' has issued a district ordor to the effect that the fines provided for under the new Volunteer Aefc will ba strictly enforced with a view to in-

creasing tho efficacy of the corps. The :i "Chroniclo " has a leading article on the volunteer service, in which it says _—..'„, " Volunteering is bocoming a huge Bham— . . a means simply for providing military titiea for ambitious citizens, who are quite £ aa eager after them aa the proverbial Yankees aro to b'-." Tho article is based; on a special telegram sent last week, re> ~, specting tho cavalry officers, and goeß to , the core of the local disaffection.

SUPREME COURT.—Criminal Sessions.

(Beforo His Honor Mr Justice Ward.)

YESTEI-DAY (CONCLUDED).

UK-AWfuix- Woondiko.—Matilda Jones waa arraigned upon the charge of unlaw fully wounding hor paramour, Peter Salmon, by beating him with a* poker, on the 13th November last.—John Henry Richard Bond, Superintendent Surgeon at tbo Provincial Hospital, deecribed the wounds inflicted, which were not very dangerous. They might havo been inflicted by tho poker produced.—Peter Salmon, gum-digger, gavo evidence of going to bed on tho evening of tho 13 h of November about fix or seven o'clock. Ho had been drinking before going to bed. He remembered nothing more till he found himself being attended to by certain men, Hia head was bleeding.—Charles Odium gave ovidonco as to Ecoing the assault. Ha saw one blow, but heard three or four, —Elizabeth Lacy said sho was living with her hu_band near to Salmon'a whare. _ The prisoner came into her whare and said she inlcuded to "hammer" Salmon. _ The accused had been drinking. The evidence of George Fremuin and the constable who arrested the prisoner was then tendered, but His Honor considered it unnecessary. — The jury then, after what His Honor evi dently con.idered a useloss withdrawal, re turned a verdict of guilty _ against the prisoner, with a recommendation to mercy, - His Honor then sentenced her to three months' hard labour, saying he took into consideration the recommenda .ion to mercy of tbe jury. Larceny.—William Wright and Joseph Wallaco wore charged with the larceny of certain moneys, and one Chilian coin,the property of James Stewart, a storekeeper of Woodhill.—Mr Gover withdrew the case against Wright, and he waa discharged. —Joseph Wallace having pleaded guilty, was then brought forward for sentence, whon Mr Reston, as Probation Officer, asked that he might be remanded till this morning in order to inquire into certain evidence of the prisoner's former good character. This was permitted by His Honor.

Abson-.—Petor Johnson and Henry Saw yer .were arraigned upon tho charge of maliciously setting fire to the whare of one • Francis Duffie, with malicious intent, on the '13th December last.—Peter John son pleaded guilty and was put in tho witness box, when he thoroughly acquitted Sawyer of having had anything to do with the firing of the hut. Hia Honor then directed that tbe jury should find Sawytr not guilty, and he left the dock. —Johnson was then sentenced to 12 months haul labour, His Honor saying he suppoeed that to a man of tho prisoner's class the firing of a whare did not appear so serious aa burning down a house. LaBCE-NY as a Baii.ee.—William Ander een, a delicate young fellow who was, on tho application of the Head Gaoler, allowed to remain seated in the dock, was charged with the robbery of a watch and chain, the property of ono Ellon Beatrice Plau.— It appeared to be a heartless robbery, the prosecutrix having nursed the prisoner and lent him her watch, which ho had taken the first opportunity of pawning.—Mr Govor, in opening tho case, found there were no witnesses in attendance, and tho jury having been charged, he could not call on another caso.—Detective Hughes, Men delsohn (the pawnbroker), and the prose cutrix put in no appearance, and Hia Honor,after giving them 10 minutes' grace, said be could not detain the jury, and directed that the prisoner be released.' The witnesses will each bo mulcted to tha amount of £100 for non-attendance, with exception of Detective Hughes, whose recognisances amount to £200. The latter was, it is said, at the lower Court giving evidence at the time ho was wanted at the Supremo Court.

THIS DAY.

LARCEHV, —T. W;_ll_3, who, it will be remembered, pleaded guilty upon tha charge of stealing a purse from one Stewart, containing £10, was brought up for sen tence this morning.—Mr Cotter called Pro fessor Ellis, herbalist, who spoke to his knowledge of the prisoner for 12 months past, and knew him as of good character during that time.—His Honor took this into consideration, as also the fact of its being a case of succumbing to sudden temptation, and sentenced him to three months' hard labour,

Indecent Assault.—Thoma3 Burke was arraigned upon the charge of indecently assaulting one Ira Tana, a Maori woman, at Dargaville on the 28th of August last.— Mr Houghton defended the prisoner, and Mr Hammond acted as sworn interpreter. —It appeared from the Crown Prosecutor a opening address that the prosecutrix was going through a gully, when the prisoner, who had before passed her, returned, made indecent demands, and knocked her down and eeverely injured her. —Mr Williamson pointed out that it was only necessary for the jury to decide if the prisoner did indecently assault Ira Tana.— Ira Lana, a miserable-looking Maori woman, said she was at Dargaville selling kauri gum at 10 o'clock on the 2Sth of August. She was accompanied by a Maori. girl. Had known the prisoner. He had lived at th. native settlement for about a year with a relation ot the prosecutrix. Witness saw the prisoner in Dargaville about 10 o'clock in Mr Mitchellaon's store. Late in the day she saw him in the middle of the road. Went into Mr Rayner's hotel, and the prisoner followed her. Nothing was said on that occasion by lhe prisoner. She did not wish to speak to the prisoner. Sho left Dargaville about dinner-timo on her way home. Sho visited another hotel during tho morn ing, beforo she left. She took two glasses of spirits at the second hotel, given her by Lewis. She was not drunk when she left. Two girls woro -with ber. The prisoner saw her leave. He afterwards followed her ; to where two roada turn off. Tho prisoner i carno to a place where one Henero Wharara met her, and she had a talk with him. She then went on to whore the path went down a very deep gully. There was no water or mud in it. There wus very thick manuka growing alongside tha track. Had got into the deepest part of the gully when the prisoner caught her by the hair. She did not know he was near. He then threw her down on the ground, when she saw for the first time that it was the prisoner. [Hero the witness, who ap peared to be suffering severely, waa allowed to give her further evidence eeated. Por tions of the evidence are unfit for publica tion.] Witness went on to say that she re gained her feet, but waa knocked down again. She rose to her feet a third time, and was again knocked down, and she tried to drive prisoner off by scratching his face. She regained her feet live times during the struggle, and was aa many times thrown to the ground. The prisoner then kicked and hit her in the back and ribs. She remem bered nothing more till she found herself in her husband's whare, with him bending ovor hor. She was sufforing severe pains from tho blows received from tho prisoner. Siie waa ill iv bed for a week, and her hus band informed the police of the occurrence during that time.—Fuhi Hihi, the husband of the last witness, who gloried in a naval officer's gold-braided cap, given him by a

%__E AtTCKLAND EVENING STAR, TOTRSDAY JANUARY 13, 1887



OPPOSITE THE TOWN CLOCK. BEST WHITBY JET At KELSKY'S. opposite the Town Clock LADIES' WORK COMPANIONS At KKLSBY'B, oppoalto the Town Clock. LADIES' HAND BAGS At KICLSEY'-!, opposite tho Town Clock. JAPANESE GOODS. At Kn.LS_i.Y_. opposite the Town Clook. TENNIS GOODS At KELSKIY'S, opposite tbo Town Clock. T>RESENTS OF ALL KINDS AT KELSEY'S, OPPOSITE THE TOWN CLOCK. TAB, jy OHEB TT. GENERAL DRAPER, _t0„ R E M O V I m 10 PUROHAS'S BUILDINOS, KARANGAHAPE ROAD, Late Victoria btreet. HAND-SEWN BOOTS, specially suit able for the warm weather, light and ea»y, giving great oomfort to those nfllictod wiib tender _«et,-WM. MILLER & SON. High-street. , __ , Price , elightly over Imported article. ■yrjrr' INKS * XT ALL, \ CABINETMAKERS. _ UPHOLSTERERS, AND CARK-T WAREHOUSEMEN. i-JiALB OB? SURPLUS QTOCK. f FOR ONE MONTH, I I AT GREATLY REDUOED PRICES, AND FIVE PER CENT. DISCOUNT. X PER CENT. ON ALL CASH PURCHASES J _P____ t ______ t ~* _- XXj____J__r> SHORTLAND-STREET. ■■?■" lix \\T ANTED KNOWN, KAMO COLLIERY OFFICE Removed from Messrs Mltehelson and Co.'a to Office formerly occupied by them ("ate H. N. Smith's), 18, Queen-streot. WHEN DOCTORS GIVE YOU UP, MON-. 6ARNIER. the Eleotrioian, will i Cure you. Ccm-mlta-ion Fbi*. Every kind at I Complaint TreuWed at— EAGLRTO-TS TOILET HALIi, MO. QUEEN-STREET. Houri of Attan-anoe: »to 12 and -to B. . Btootrlo and Galmnle. Fsradlo, andModlcdnal Batbs also sflTen by Mons. Gander. Kumbera ol Ta-Hmoaiols ca__ ba see- W appllcatlo-. GREAT CLEARING OUT BAM o» £10 0OO WORTHo* BOOTS AND SHOES, FOR ONE MONTH AT GREAT REDUCTIONS FOR CASH. TO MEET TH_C\-tTMES, THOS. ELI*-SON IS NOW BELLINI.. OFF HIS -LARGE STOCK 'OF BOOTS AND SHOES AT GREAT REDUCTIONS). FOR ONB MONTH, FOR CASH ONLY. THE FOLLOWING NEW GOGCS AT MUCH LESS THAN CO-Mtf; CHILD'S PATENT ELASTIC BOOTS.B TO 5, Ifl PER PAIR CHILD'S KID .ELASTIC BOOTS, 2 TO S, 2a PERPaEB . , __ GIRI-a' KID ELASTIC BOOT 3, 10 TO 1, -_. 6d PER PAIR i GIRLS' KID ELASTIC BOOTS. 10 to 1, 5s 6o PER. PAH?. 1 GIRLS' KID ELASTIC BOOTS, 10 TO I.Bs PER PAIR ~ „ AH other Goods equally cheop. ALL DESCRIPTIONS OF BOOTS MADE TO ORDER ON THE PREMISES. i EMPTY TRUNKS FOR SALE CHEAP. THOS. ~e"l LISOS, BOOTMAKER AND IMPORTER, 71, CJUX_N STRi-ET. piVIKO TTP rl. AR P is. TB. H. ATKINS HAVINO DECIDED TO RELINQUISH __H3E OARt'ET TRADE, HAS MARKM. DOWN HIS lARGS 870CK I OF CARPETS TO LANDED COST PRICK. The Stock has been Imported direct, and ___• j Pat-ems personally selected. There are a large : number of Pieces _*i Select from in BRUBSELS. TAPESTRY. AND KIDDER MINSTER, And the prices at which th. y are marked w_H '■ be £fmnd lower than aver Before ohargod l» Auckiand. HEARTHRUGS TO MATCH CARPEM ! REDUCED TO COST PRICE. Ali-O il. OVERSTOCK OF 800 PAIRS IiONG CUR TAINS. AT 20 PER CENT.©.--PRESENT PRICK 3. < AN OVERSTOCK OF BLANKETS AT REDUCED PRICKS. AN OVKRBTOCK OF CRETONNES, TABLK I_IN.CN. DAMABK NAPKINS.-AND O .HER FURNISHING GOODS ATIREDUCSD PRICES. CHEAP LINES IN DRESSES, UI-STERS, FUR-LINKD CLOAKS,: teoT CHEAP LINE 3IN CLOTHINfc., OENTS" MACINTOSH COATS, HATS, tec. KEW GOODS IN DRAPERY AND QLOTHINO FOR THE COMING SEASON ARE NOW BEING OPENED, AND Tp MEET THE TIMES WILL BE MARKED 1 CHEAP. _. _ _%



ynr ANTBD KNOWN HBW PRINTS. DRESSES. MILLINERT,. HOSIERY, ted. ROW SHOWING.. Prlo-u. low aa usual. Bj^eadld La* PICNIC HATS, fro_a •». -,iN % W. P.' OGILVIE, r TItnXJIMA-STRKKTWKHTN MRS WIGG'S NEWTON LAUNDRY, GREY-STKET (NBA.- THK TOPI, Established 1880. Visitors to, and Residents of, Auckland ore requested to observe that this Laundry is tha be~t-in tho town. All artlclos carefully-"-ashed bfhand and finished in Uio moat superior style by thoroughly Practical band 3 Gents Clotoea .loaned and thoroughly pressed: Laoe OurtaUrt redressed; Ladlea'Dressos washed and Ironed. Theße last items arc a sneoiaUty at this Katab -Uhjuent, DR. J. MURRAY MOORE, M D., M.R C.S. Hours for Consultation :11 to 1 p.m.. at Pond's Homosopathic Pharmacy. 103 Quoen-Btreot; 2 to 3 p.m.. and 7 to 8 p.m., nt Residence. Lower Symonds Btreet. Telephone* 130. Vaccinations at Pond's, 1 p m., TUESDAY and FRIDAY. W. S. L AURIB &__C°- CUSTOMS AND STANLEY-STREETS. AUCKLAND. Seed and Mannro Merchants __._noi.U3t Manufacturers -__<.ent_ -or Peruvian Government Gnano Importers of Fenclog Wiro, Sacka, WSOI Packs, otc. Cash Purchasers of Bonea ExTB-ORDINARY ChEAP _L_INE3. 1,200 Glrlfi' end Child ron'a Hatyj, New Shares, all at la lid each. Goods worth from 3_. 6d to Ss Gd each. 600 Do.. Best Goods, at 2s Ud ; Regular Price from Sa 6d to 9b 6d each. A Large Lot of Ladies' Collarettes, all at 8d each. Goods worth from la to 2a 6d. 200 Ladles' Lsoo Collarottea and Bows (the Newest Goods introduced this Season), at 1b lid; Regular Price, 7a 6d. 20 Dez Suade Kid Jersey Gloves (_ button length). Is lid. A Manufactured Stock of Child's Trimmed Sun Bouneta, all at is lid ; Goods worth 5a od. A Largo Lot of Cbartorenae and Mo.s Coloured Ait-retthe Feather, at Is each; Regular Value, 5s 6d. 200 Boys' Kaloker Tweed Suits, from 5s Cd. Thoso Lines are all Real Bargains. THE MELBOURNE DRAPERY AND CLOTHING CO., QUEEN-STREET AND PONSONBY. China, Glass, * Earthen WARE. JOHN ITwILSON Has now a large ond woll-osacrted Stook on hand, imported direct from the Mannfactuiois. Chbistmas Presents I New Year's Gifts ! Birthday Presents I Wedding Presents I Special Attention is Invited to tho Stock ' DINNER SERVICES?'TEA SETS. TOILET SETS, .GLASSWARE, ORNAMTENT3, &0 . W__ic__ for Variety and Cheannoss combined la unequalled in Auckland. I Iberal Discount allowed to Largo Consumers, such oa Hotel, Restaurant, and Boarding-house j KB*—Prices for Cash are the Lowest In Town j or Suburbs. Please note tbe Address— Ityi-QUEENSTBEET-10l __ (Oppoßita Tnttlo's photographio Studio).