COMING EVENTS.

fiJ.otll._-_. -Ml . T_-_ll_*.

Rplielous Meeting In tho Tent on Surrey Dills

Estate, Ponaonby l.oud, 7.30. Pittar. Wealeyan Church—Re opening Soirco, B, City Hall-C-incott. Banquet, and Ball, In cele bration of Burna'a Annirersary, S. Drill ahed -No. 2 Battalion, A.R.V., 6. Mas -de Hall, Newton-Eden Ledge, No. 1.530,

IC. C, r.S'.l. Torpedo She '.. Devonport - Davenport Naval Artillery, 7.-0.

Kota ol' J ustioe. at Police Court. January ___vv. H. Colbeck and S. Y. Collins,

Anctlon Sales Tc-morrow.

Hunter and Nolan. Albert street — .'rougham, ilUKgie-. Saddlery. Harness, and Horses, It G. Lewis-Bads., ad*. F.ndoia. etc., 11.

S.Cochrane nnd Sin, Now market-Household

'Furniture and Effect-., 11. ]_, Tonka and Co.-Fruit, Propcrlicß. otc, 12. llorton & Jackson, Victoria-otniot - Tailor's

Stock, 11. Arthur aud Huddle-Fruit. Produco, Groceries,

etc., 11. R. J. Carbines-Produce, Fruit, Furniture, &c.

11 v.m. North N '/■ Farmers' Co-operative Association * (Ltd.)-iriuit, Produce, Posltry, etc.. 10. 3. ilcLeod and Co - Produce, Fruit, Groceries, _ urni-tire, S:c.. 11.

Chief Post Office, Auckland.

Mail, will ctose as ondei.:— This Us v. Per Mirarna a? fo'lo-a — .or China. Japan. Suez, and Continent of Europe, al 3 p.m. For it-Mull, Rawaitawa, Australian Colo nies, and United Kiucdon via Bnndisi or Naples Ip.r Orient at.nmer) (or letters, etc., Hiieelatiy ao prepaid aud addressed, at 1 j. or money criers, roeiaterod letters, ana newspapecT. at 3p.m. ,_,,,, _ ,_ Latoletters for Sydney and Melbourne only X The Ninited Kingdom mail will be due at London on March IS, IS-?. _____ , ___ For Wangarei Heaus. P_ru_, Tvainn Whan garei. Kamo, _un Mangap-1, per \Y ailing---.. For Gisbnrne and Napier, per Australia, at 5 For Thames, per Kotuku, at 5.50 p.m. Wednksdat, 2Gth infit. For Oiromandal, per Coromandel. at 11.30 a.ra. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 2.30 p.m. For Mangawal. Hali_.ru, and Kaiwaka, per Ra-_. at o p.m. For Katikati, Aongntsre. Tauranga._ Oootiki, etc.. via Thames, per Enterprise nt 0.3J p.m. For Thame., per Enterprise, at 5.31 p.m. For Wangarei Head,-, Wangarei, and Kamo, per Glenelg, at 5 p m. T_.tr_.9DAY, 27th Inst. FnrPrrt l .Izroy, Tryphena. and Okupu, p.er lona, at 7 a.m. * For Waiwora, To Kapa. and Warkworta. per Koao Casey, at 10 a m. For -laborne, Napier, and Southorn porta, por Wairarapa, at II n.m. „ ~ . For Waitara asd Southern ports, par Gairloch, at 11 a m. Monpay, 31at mat. Per Zotilandia as follows:— ~._,_,.. For Samoa, Sandwich Inlands. Unit id States of America. Canada. Britlah Columbia, Cen tral and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at ..p.m. For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at fl p.m. Monoy orders, registered lettora, and news pap ,ra, at 3.30 p.m. _ Late letters, bearing an extra fee of Odin addition to tho poatase. will ho received by thn Mail Agent on board tho steamer up to tbo time of sadlng. Thia mall will be due at London March i, A now oSice will be opened ak Gum Towa Mercury flay, nn lat February next. Mails will ba despatched aa advertised with Wbi-isngi. (Signed) 9. R. HISS. Chief I>o_tm_ater. Chief Paat offlce. Auckland,

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Pi-Tisi-T.—'l'hls ov-nir.g, 7.14. . BnT-H-fSB —To-morrow maroi. p., d.ii Moan. Jxn« -First Quarter, Fan. 1, 3.6 p.m.

HIGH WATER.

A-CK_A-D-T_is evanlng, 7.53; to-morrow m J .UN__-Ac'HKAr._-Thio evening, 10.38; to morrow morning, 10.51 urn..*-. Kaipaiia Hkai>_ Thia evening. 11.33. to morrow morning, 1,1.51.

ARRIVALS.

TO DAT.

Wellington, s.s . Stephenson, frnm Whangarei «rawat»,s.». Cromarty, from F.]l Jeasie Niccol, schr., from Mercury Ef.y

DEPARTURES.

I.A3T KVUNINQ. Clanaman. 8.5.. Farquhar, for RuOTQII I.ma. s._, Amodoo. Mr Mereurv Hay Cholmaford. s.s , Uowpor. for I -urauga

TO-IIAV. Maud Graham, f chr.. for Moroniv Bay Oe ..ol- Origan.mo, for Mrrcury Hay Gleneli, s.s , Johnson, for Mercury Bay

STEAMER TO ARRIVES.

Coroma-dol. from Coromandel. to-day. j p.m. }_nt«rnriao. frnni Thameß. to morrow, _ n m. Hotomahana. from Tna.nes. «■ iiinrrow. 0 30 p m. lona, fromM.rcury Bay.Tjnrsdss Clansman, from Rns-ell. . riday Wollingtcra. from « hang.rel. Frl-lay m <ht Alameda, from 'Fri-f.., cine F-bruary , _l.net Nlooll. from Tonga. February 12 Tainui from London, Feb. 13. R-ap-hu. tr-m London, via Somh, Marcn V/atrarapa, from Sydney, to-night Waitaki, from South, Saturda)

EXPORTS.

' P.r Rowa. for l.oudoa-1,159 bales wool, 302 _____ _urn all c-._D-_di.6o ca,ea milk.S cssss Mi.ll, «8 bales l o _ih:,r, 69 tons copr, W Casta tallow. 2 340 barns. 10 b„_s bu.e •. 230 iurijlS zioe t6 bags z:_ (Irom, ancl sandiies.

IMPORTS.

Per Arawa.a-G,!S. benches bansnaß. 2JtK bin law. 1.7..1 Saw sugar 60 oaae pressrved tr lit B_M Pines, 23 c_B_s banana,. _» bags Leannt- 21 b«a cocoa nuta, a empty casks 6 t>a"_el. be.r. -hides. 33packagesstmdrles, aud cargo for Sydney aod Southern parU

IBWAitDS Co-STWISK. — MobuTangi. from Blind Bay; U- ="«. lIOIU Mongonui; Rose, from Whangarei. Ootwardb CIASTWI3B.- Saucy Kate, for Mongonui; Uz.ttee, from Thameß. Tho barque Alexa has beon berthed at the Railway wnatf. Auckland passengers and cargo, ex Copuo, from London, are exoectel to arrive here by tha h.h, Waihora, on Monday morning next. The an. Wairarapa having be-u twelve hours late iv leaving Ssdney. i.not expecoa toaruve here until about 7 tbia eveaiog.

H M.S. Nelson left Sydney for Anckland yes tef.ay. and should ani.eii.ro about Monday next.

The b ingantine Oceola left port last evening, in t.wotth. s.s. Glenelg, for Mercury Bay, to load timber for Sydney. The schooner Maud Sranam sailed this morn ing lor Mercury Bay. to load umu.r for tfyd- Tbe brirantiae Boraalis arrived at Poverty Buy from Kaipara on lhe 15th lost., With -3,256 ft timber for harbour works.

The barque Notero went up to the Sugar Worka laac evening to load part cargo fur Lyttelton. ,__.._. , Tie shipß-k*ia goes hence to Lyttelton la ballast to load tor Loalon. She is now at anchor in the stream. The barque Rewa, having completed her Lon doncargo, hauled off from the wharf i hi J morn ing. She Wm tail - it- the first fair wind. The s s. Australia went up to the Sugar Com __...T_ v. barf this morni-g to load, sugar for _____Un V-Rf. will proceed S.nth at 6 p.m. to-day. Tha barqne Laira is to be placid in the berth fo Lan-on t.y mo N.'A BOlpP»»« OjJsl_"S___. lulkiw th. barquo Meropo, nan rapidly oiling

II The b s Waitaki was laid lip at Wellington ve-te.d_.y for -n-iieotl-i. of her builma. sue fh-Sd&V- bee"about tne ~- ot tue wre*. and leavu again lor Napier, Ql-bjriio. a.O \. el licgton about Tueaday next. con-derablo diiliculty haa been experienced in fluatlng tb- brigantino Maiia Virginia at _k.in_.n-ei and it ia leared thatabc has become g^auy-tr-inel. She ia owned by CnpUiu 1,. HMci-enzie, and is uninsured. The ss.Ms.raroa leaves for Sidney via Rub con T.:!«in. Paaaen,ma: Messrs Wilson, Roecb, Misa itoach. _or l.v aell. Miso _-ai sona. Ti wns reported this morning, early that a 111 I or". Hel reported, however, tnat heliarl ,',,'.....,,,.. Bay bound tor Suva very recently .i.i nl.. i, ■ Und experienced heavy weather. The schooner' m.__s_.l was split and he found ,', ','„ „:.,,3_ry to put in here for repairs. Tbe s.s. "VVeUlngton" arrived from Whan . ™.i« ii.iH morning with ih- tollovviug _.-_,nge«.-Misses K_»noll. AUendor, Tod, Pvln«S Gklbranh, Kcefe, rfoilld, Jucfcsou, "ulg-u Todd, llotild, ami Milne; Mesdam.s S'ita Sluoall anu daughter. Mr and M>s. ______n: Ma-Jlei- Warnock. MeranltU, aod Hurna- ATessrH T.dd li). Harrteoo, Weatun, Mclioiiald. Jlraituwalte. Beaungtou, MoUeod, M.Do_-ld Donlun, Bourmg, Whitelan, llad- Hns__i •.ulth, JacKsou, Puni, Miller and party "?*•"___^ Miller. Dorell, Hanr.r Whlielan, Morriß-n, Porter. Mercer, i'oilerai.d Slmp.on ; two Id t!i. Bteerage.

THE ARAWATA.

Thn ss Aia-vata a'-lwd fiom Fiji at 1130 a m S-erieft__ivuk» _t -2.3.-.in. .- _9.h i__t.; pallid lv at Suva __d landau casaeogera. and oroc.eded to Naauu :■ loaded 130 iu_ib eager and i Ko;i huncbea twnanna ; arriving back at Suva 7 3Brm • ti-ok outwarn cargo, ._9__ng_r . and maUV.aod lelt at 7 p.m., 20ih; pa-Bed Mount W_Bhln.tou at 1.30 a.m, 21at; alghted Moko _=___£_?Light at 3 a.m.. 26th; passed Tlri Tin 10 B^ani arrived alongside wharf 11.30 a.m. j_-p.rien..ed (lne weather with alight wlnon. Pas.engeis for Aucklaid:— Mm Hay, Miaa Page, Mensra Tempest, Witbam. Hay, LlvlDg stone and servant. Bailing, Hewitoon, and Un steerage. For H-veslVi- Mrs Ford and one Solomon Native. For Lyttelton :-MrW. Col-j let. We are indebted to Mr A. O. Walker, purser, for press parcels, etc 1

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day.—Arrived : Clanaman, from Auck'and, 7 a.m.

Grhvmo-TH, .Innuary 21.—Arrived : Herald (rum Auckland, 10 p.m.

NaW P_.vmooth, thia day.—Arrived: Galr looh. from Onehunga. early; Penguin, from Onuhunga. 10 p.m. yesterday.

M_-_O-RN*e. January 21.—Arrived: Mana pouri, Irom Bluff.

Births.

GUY.—On January 22. at tlroen Lane, the wife Of A. J. Guy, _ua propri_t.;r, ot it son. WARING.—Ou January 26. at Norfolk-i-treet, Pouoonby, tha vflle of Thomas Waring of a ton.

Marriages.

TAUNT-SPHIRg.-On J.nnary 11 at tha re.i deuceof tha biido'a parents, uy the Rev. r. Gaidar. James C. Taunt to Chri-tina, .econd daughter of Mr John Speirs, Nelson.

Deaths.

O' VIEARA.—On January 22. at Opotiki, Jobn James, belovedhuaband of Catherine O'Meara, and eldest and beloved son of Mrs ii'Meara, Liverpool-street, Auckland ; aged 23 yuars. Deeply regretted.-Sydney and Melbourne papers please copy.

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

TUESDAY. JANUARY 25, 1887.

yor tho cause thsif lank. ..__ii-.ii.i_, i. tha wr&ng llj_t nueds r_.i.t-._ii.6, For lhe furnra in the di.-t__r.rs,

and ma tu.t _c __n tin

IMr E. W. Blair, C.E., under instructions from the Government, has made a report upon the scheme for connecting Auckland and Manukau by a canal. Thi3 has always been a cherished project, and many reams of paper have been wasted in discussing it. Mr Blair's report appears to show very great difficulties in the successful working of such a canal, owing to the differences in the tide levels on the East and West Coasts of the island. These apparently may be partially overcome by the construction of a central lock, but the strong current would act destructively upon the canal and make it costly to maintain. To

construct, a canal for 0 oa.. al sUeamei .< ia .. project possibly within the attainable moans of tho port authorities if such a work were considered worth the money: but, the greater undertaking of a canal for ocean steamers of the first class involve., the stupendous work of arresting the trcacher- I ous sj-nds of Manukau bar, and from even New Zealand's small experience of harbour works we can form a pretty shrewd idea of how many - hundreds of thousands of pound, may be thrown into the sea over such c--.p-.riu.eut_. The advantages of the work aro also not _no great, as is popularly supposed. A. caving of three horn, in point ai lime in the voyage to Sydnoy is too infinitesimal for steamers to pay the canal dues and incur the risks of the passat.. uutof lhe Manukau. Mr Blair expresses no opinion upon the elloet which tho tide race through the canal might hare upon the harbours of Auokland and Manukau, but he says enough, tv. think, to show lh.it the experiment of constructing such a canal is not likely to be made during the present generation.

The Arawata brings from Fiji _ vory larji- cargo of fruit, including ti, IMJi bunches banana..,.,-/- packages suifar, and suiidiycargo for Auckland, besides cargo for Southern porta and Sydney. Tho Ara wata did not call at Russell becauso slio wns able to reach this port in timo to moot Uto outward Sydney steamer hero.

During the salo at Garret-. Brothers' tan nery ye-fei-tay, cum cf the horses boiled, nnd collided with a caller named Gleesun, knocking him down and Ureal-inj; his shoulder and three libs. Mr Porter, mana ger ol tha tannery, alao hid hi., face cut and bruised.

Samples of mineralis-d scoria from the crater of Mount JSdeu, which are on exhibi tion at the Stak Office, continue to attract, a good deal oi attention. An eminent j_nt;li.li in-itnll<ir<_;i_r, now hero inspected tli.iio and s6omod greatly in terested. Mr C. A. Conies, an e-perisneed raitiO maniiC'i'i- Irom tho Tliamcs and Kar-n.frahaUe, state, that the stona contains iron pyrites and perhaps a littlo gold. In this connection wa may mention that n member of our literary etati has in his pot se-Sion a well-defined piece r.l quarts em bedded in a lump of ecoria rod;. lio found this remnrkablo I*lll-111 in a stone wall in thn Mount Kden district.

The usual crowd that a.soinliled on the Quean street Wharf .lit. mnrnint. ••" !'"'"' "le btoamer Arawata come alonfi-de of tlio pier found an object of considerable iulorosi in the pereoii n( a dueUy Solomon inlander weariiif; the tr.;.'._. ('ompaiiy's unilorm. Tho native showed a foriiblo ehocli of yellow hair about four inchoii loiitc all over, and several wafers w-ie made as lo whether it was all his own. Tlieipie.'tion waa decided in the altinimtivo by the lmliro himself, and incraasod tha wonder of tho onlookers. Tho hair of many of tlio islanders is, however, bleached with lime.

In Chambars yeaterday VV. .1. Suiter's applination for probate of llio will of Susannah Harriett Fuller camo boforo Mr. Justice Ward. Mr Cava uppoaro.! iv sup port of the application, and Mr Kii.:by tor llio defendants. "Mr Kii;by moved that tho defendants! .latio l.oah White and Cliarlos Fuller shiiuld be joined with tho plaintiff, and the writ of .nmnions, state ment of claim, and stntomont of il.-icnro ..mended aecoidin(_ly : that a rjuardiiti ■-■'

litem be uppointe'l for tho said Charles Fuller, an infant; ami that. .Hell further ami other direelions iiiixhl bo j;iven as tho case required. Pi i_ Uonnr ordered thai W' Kichard 1. .i-hley thoulil be appointed Buardian tut litem to (..lni'le- Ful'cr. ■■.■eh

gnardisn to havo enphs ol (ho p'eii.iini's served upon him by noon to marrow, with liborty to rile doreneo on orb.-loie 't'bmslay

Costs to h . cmilfl in thn action

The tttbris of ti.o firo at Arch Hill was ?till burning l.idt; evening, and some of <lia nearest resident. evo.cis-d themselves by carrying wator iiikl c .'invT'ii-liin.i. tlio

emhers, in order to put an eu.l lo all dan... r in case of lhe wind rfciug. As a pi.caution against accident, all the chimney.' lia.o

been knocked ilo.vu, though _h_i (iiritpiith is still littered with rubbish, wlii...i nc-i.i-.i ---lalo» pu...ei'.-by faking to the io-d«ay, Vouug Liightfoof, v,.;: 0 got his hard burned whilo attempting to extinguish tho fire, has been compelled to have hi-i lingers all ban daged up. lie is also a lover !-i iho intent ot a pair of boots, which were il-slmved during the lire. This, however, i-- al-- --i wliicii tho Insurance Comp.nio.. most in tersslod will no doubt roadilv n coup. Mr Voting Wan-en's building cout .1,0-0. while his insurance waa only .t'SOO po that, lis will bo no gainer by the tiro. Mr W. I). War run only Ir.-ntf-rrail his insuinne- lion; tho New Zealand lo Iho South iohi-h OHic-o last, January, so that Company has only received ono premium, for which (hoy will pay £ 100.

Lieufeimnt Paeio desires us to stale that it is 1 Volunteer liuinmmonl or -ports, and not an . iioampimmt, ns previously slated, that, it is proposed should take place on Iho Takallr.ua raced.nr.-o.

A vary interesting excursion is announced by the Northern Steamship Company for this week, vir.., a trip to that wonderful centre of volcanic activity known us Whilo Island, A special slenm-r at cheap rales is to leave Auckland on Friday ov.-I.ing ut.„i, returning on Sunday morning Th. e-oiir-

sion of lost year proved most enjoyable, despite thn unfavourable weather ; Out this year, on account of the Innp; sp-.1l of dry weather, tbe trip should bn attended with more comfort, while the clisngßs that havo taken place sine, the Tarawera eruption rrill make a visit this year of special in terest.

TheNewlon En=t nnd West Schools Com mittee held t.hoir usual mut.tlily meeting on January 17th. Present :Mr Jenkins (ehair mau), Mr F.ronking (secretary), Messrs ,1-iiue, Wileoc., Bayldon, French, and Hobson. The minute* of lost meetingl wore read am! confirmed. It wa.moved, "Tbat (he attention of tbo Board be drawn to tbo Newton £_-_ i--___l." It was proposed by Mr Wilcoek, Beoondod by Mr Jeune, " Tbat Dr. Richardson's Temperance Lesson Book be introduced into Nowton Fast and West Schools, to bo read alternately with Dr. Kid go's work."

•'Brither Scota " scarcely require to he reminded of the Burns Aiiiii.er-ntv gather ing in tha --ty Hall (old t heatre Itoynl) to-night The general public may bo re minded that, an excellent programme has been prepared, comprising en uddreng by MrD. B. Macdonald, recitations by Mi»s M. A Moncur and Messrs J. Kobetlson and E. W. Alison, songs by Mis.es Gribble, Moncur, Glover, Walker, and Tail, Mrs Eady, Messrs Lankham, Carter, Mm.zies, Worrell, Armstrong, and Tail, and instru mental music by Messrs Simon l.aser, Forbes, Macdermott, Tail;, and Korfhwicl. An additional attraction will bo added to tho programme in the shape of a Highland dance by Master Frafier, the littlo :;on of the Burns Club's piper. The concert com mences at S p.m.

Messrs Samuel Cochrane and Son sold yesterday, at their rooms, Queon-stieot, eighty acres of land at Matakana, in the estate of Wm. Armour, deceased, for the .urn nf £1130.

THREE PATAL ACCIDENTS.

(BY TEL-GRAPH, — PRKSS ASSOCIATION',)

Uhristoh.rck, Monday

This morning Leonard Thomas Pavit.f.

aged 17, son of T, f'avitt, merchant, was drowned in the river at Heath-Ota, while bathing near Wil-on's bridge. Ho w..s unable to swim, and was washed off his fort and carried into a deep ponl, The body was recovered half an hour after, but life was extinct.

Hawera, Monday,

A girl named Jessie Banner, living near Stratford, has died under very peculiar cir cumstances. Sho was about nine years of ago, and was living v. ir,!t her uncle, - ho sent her on-norland ton-righbmu-'.. Thinking she was a l-ntr tioio away, ho went: to sec; whero she was, and discovered hor quito dead, villi her neck under tho window 5...h. The people to whoso houso she was seal; were away at church, and tho sup position is (.hut. sliti was gotting in or out of the window when the sash Kins down.

Welhmctos, this day

Willi regard to Iho lift accident reported yesterday at .layman's ytoro, il; is now •apposed that, when the chain broke, Kitchen wjs a!ruck by it on tho heart, then thrown out so that the le<?s bung over tbo side. When Iho cage reached tin. ground half his body was underneath and was frightfully mangled. A brake had bean tilled lo lhe life, but did not act It was calc'ififed lo work a loa lof two tons, and, aw oi..j half a ton wai in at the time, the chain was evidently defective. The mauager states tout the order, wero that no ono was to ascend by too lift, and Kitchen was aware nf M..3 The victim was 29.years of ng., nn.! single. Us had been six months nt,_'_.. man's. The lad K.r_haw was bruited on the le.' and aim, ami bis face was blackened, but none of his hurts are serious. "

THE CAIN MURDER.

Thomas Hall on Trial.

(HY TOXKIIHA-'lt — 01.\'.. COERESI'ONIIKNT),

Uhmkiiin', this day,

Tin-: proceedings in Hall's caso wore very

uninterestinr;

yesterday. Tho defence will

try to prove an utier absenco of motive,

Tlioy allego that, aj far^ from benoiitting, liall was actually a lo.er by Captain Cain's death. The goneral idea is that there will be un acquit...! — the cat.o amounting to strong suspicion only. Mi- tlaggitt, after"dotailing tlio ovidonc.a nt considurabla length, said tlioro were throe questions which tho jury had to de toi mine—First, was antimony found in Cain's body? If not, thore was an end to the ca.e. Second, did tho administration of antimony accoloialo his death . Third, did 1110 prisoner administer it. It was only with regard to tlio third that the jury could havo any doubts.

The witnesses examined wore Messrs Steadinan, Black, Wilson,Cameron, Milton, Woo.'cumbo, Eraser, Minims, ICnubloy, Ormsby, and Davidson. Tho half of theso wore not oro-i.-exaniined. Tho trial io ex pected to lust four days.

.Vix-Inuton, this day,

Tho latest rumour ih that in tlio event of tho jury in tho Hall ease being unable to agreo upon .. vcidier, tin; vomte will jvru b.dily bo changed to Wellington.

The Parihaka Natives and Te Whiti.

(I<Y TO-BOR-PH

— VRXS3 A.-00.AT10...)

New Plymouth, this day

Vkry few natives wore at Parihaka to moot To Whiti on Ins arrival. Thore ia a rumour, however, that on the 17th of next month there will be a laige muster.

The Totalisator and its Abuse.

Opinion of tlio Colonial Secretary

[NY TKI.BORAPH.— OWTt COKKKPOBUKST.]

Wan-ANiii, this day. l-_.l_.Tlvi: to tlio. totalisator and ila abuse, Mr liucU-y, Colonial Seci-taiy, whu is rusponsible for tho licenses issued, evi doiil.ly contemplates action—whether by legislation or not I cannot -ay— to put au end to tho totalisator race meal inc.. Whon a deputation of tho Jockey Club waited 011 him tin Saturday, ho said ho had for some lime been of opinion that Htiinothiug should be dono in tho matter, and would be "lad to hear from the Metropolitan Clubs beloro acliim. The \\'an;.,atiiii Jockey Club have sunt: circulars to all Metropolitan Club. .su;;(;ustiu_ v conlcriMiee.

Sudden Death of a Photo grapher.

(i!V ThLEriMi'ii,— l'HESs _':.-:ui'i/iTle::.) CiiHitiTciiiincu, this day. Tin-; i-ornin r ! rotor Scliuurap, photo- -■, was found dead in his shop. A crystals ita_ l>iii{r busioo him. He pt_r chu-od chloral byilrato last night.

ONEHUNGA BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Thk Council met la. t ovoniiuf, tho Mayor (i)r. Scott) pi-i!.'-i.liii|'. An application fur

il sli-iit lamp al the coinm- of l i ivy street via. rofcnvii to Iho St reels Committee. The Tie..surer advised tlio forwarding of lhe sum of _C_.ll (is Kid sab-iily. A request fioni Messrs Mouiiny Eros, lo purchase IT, ..mis ul' iii-iik.ai iiiota! was rucuivod. Mr lialbiaitli nas appointed llelnriiing Ollicor for Iho boruuuh. The ten der oi .:. l.n-k'icp to supply stone nail lor recreation rc-urvo al I'l -Is p„r chain, and ..;•_ per chain fur pu.-iri po,.r. and rails, was accepted. Tho Town Clerk leportcd that thorn was a balance lo mo ereiiil ~! Ih„ li.uougli of r.i::. "s 7<|, with liabilii.iea a.nouut.ing to 1....T Ss .V. Th,, To-.-, n (liurk was in. trui'tod "■' iviiasea new pump lor Alloa's springs should the 1.-cmntiun Committee recmi nien.l Iho rniuo.- I. was rosoKed to plaeo a portion of lhe Unserve, ruvoimo on depo-it in tlioHneliutign branch oi the Aurklind Savings Hank,—This was all the bu.iuess of

ISLAND NEWS.

(fkom ot'i: own _~i.:i:_-i_-...j_.NT )

sl;dfko;fj;asdlfas asdjfasdklfasdghdfhdfh

Tlie Now (.ovoinor of Fiji,

Thk now Governor, Lieutenant-Colonel Si Charles-_ull.il Hugh Mitchell, K.C.Jt.U., in lived unexpectedly on the '.'ml inst. He Inn vi_iti.il I.BViik i. So fur he has mado mo.i favourable impre ..ion on the i-olonist jj_n.ir.iily. H.-diil iiolhini: ,-ilioul tl.i- re.-iproi it matter in Melbourne, and p:....-.l tliriiut;li Ih rity-olinstllj-lliat :i ilepulstimi appolnti-il l.i Hit- pui-pi.-i vms unable lo '.:,■■-■ hull.

'I'ln: "l-,i ,'imea" ha* censed to exist ul Levuka. Il has incorporated it:-, own 011--.|.rin:r the "Suva Tim..-,," ami now issues i'mn, Hit proprietor's oiliee al .Suva. It hail i-juetl foi uvc-rsevinleeii year, at l_ovnk_.. The- new i.lnv.ruor l-i Inisv ivvi ill!' tin Iwtiiiiai ..•:-;, ami a nierliint of the l.i-riuin.iv l.'i.iliM-il i -, tn lie called l.ir noxt liionlli. All 111. mills are Mill at work, but those tc windward of Hi.lii.hiu- ... S-iist Li-vn. jiitl Maeoaro net i;h in:; ..uiisfactorv results. .\lr R. li. Lei-ie, nn.e an iniuttlciul ineinliei- ol the Legislative Council, has been a|i[iniiileii vice-consul and netim, ilepulv cnmiiii.-ioii. r foi Tonga, vice Symoiiil., traiislierred to Samoa. Gold Prosiieotlng. The New -inland prospectors like lhe ItMik nl the sinne which has been shown lo thorn sim._ their arrival. The s.s. Fiona, liclonirint; to the C.-.R. Co.. arrived from ...i.lr.e) yesterday, and ii Gale at Tonrta. The s.s. Suva is }11 _I In from Toner... She reports ■• a bit of a lilow" at Ilabaai on tlie lltll in ... which blew down some native houses and levelled lionie eo.-Oanut, trees. Three niitive schooners are reported missing. Mr linker waa on tlie eve of leaving for Mow Zealand. 'I'll- Arawata has a full load of su«ar and fruit. '.Mr li). l-'orcl, I'.S.S. Co.'s branch inana: 'er, is pa:.-_n_;erby her; also, Messrs Witliam and Tempest, from Levuka. De^fh of n Now Zealander. Profound rei.rets wero expressed in this town on Tuesday, llio lith. upon receipt I'roni Nakia ot the news that MpIV.U, Johnston, a voting .Vcw Zealand lad. died on tlie Tamanoa estate, of acute dyucnteiy. The relatives of the de ceaccd younf. seal lonian are resident in die Taii.ni.i. t district. He camo here about four years uko, and held the position of cane inspec tor foi- the Cane Sugar Helium-. Company at .Vinson, lie hiisiiioi.i t-eeenily I n i.injiiiced in a :.onie..vh;il similar c'lipacii v oh t lie Tnmnnna estate. Ho li.ul intended in leave lueeoloiiv by last. Arawaln, but illlloll uiinlely deferred it for aucither jiiouth : and though a young man of superb phy-i-iuc, lie ._n;..;umiicd 10 an acme nl litckof 1.110 r-'iiurc.o <if the Ironic.; on the above ilat.i". lie was well known in Suva, and not batter known than be was esteemed and respected.

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

A. K. DRAGOONS.—TIiis troop mustered for drill on Saturday at. the Racecourse, Ellorslie, thirty-two of all ranks being presold. The troop was under lhe command of Capt. ...son, Lient. Wntltis, and Vet. Bur_eon llalslead beiui; also on parade. The troop b.in;.: foriiieii iii divisions, was pul thrnmr- n. i.'ood ..-oiirse of sniiailron drill, lasting over three hours, after which the men were marched into town nnd dismissed al, the loot of Queen-street. The troop will no into camp for three days, colll mem in;,' on Saturday next, .lanuai'v 2!l, _t lltahubii. The li.-iulquarter ilelai-hiih'-nl will assemble al. lhe Newmarket lirehell al, I) a.m. sharp, heiiu; met. on tin, road by the CUnliuhu detachment, lhe wholo of the. troop man-bin.' into camp together.

Aucki.ani) i.i.i.r A-SnriA-no...—A meeting nf the members of iho Association was held in lhe 111-ill ..bed las; owning. Al'ier the trophies won in the Citizen.:' Alain, had been chosen by the sik._rs.srnl compeliiors. Mr .lames, of Iho I.) Battery, was voted'to tho chair, lie slated Hit! business was a revision of Ihe rules of the ....social ion. The rules wore considered arri iitiM, and .■_ considerable amount of discussion ensued. II was decided lo open lhe matches of tlio Association to all volunteers in New Zea land—lhe only stipululioii bchiß thai one guinea enli.uic.bp chanted for voltiiilcor.,in!lsii|e of llio Auckland dislrie.l. II was alio decided to insert a rule to the effect, " that, no money be received rroiji an olticer as towards the prizes in a niatoh in vniiuh such cilticcr intended to compete." It wan alto decided that no money prize at the competitions be loss [ban ten shiUni-".. The principal winner-, in lhe Citizens' Match wore:—aergl. !lodt. .inson. electi ..-|i1..1.-d cruet, stand iprc.ii.itcd by K. Porter and Co.); Lieut. Cooper, clock (presented by Captain Payne: :_cr_t. Henderson, larfie book, illustrative of arl, uVow Zealand 'Tweed Company): Serr;t. ■-lerliiitj. ..10.-.(;iel woollen rui? (\Y '. J. Allen and Co.); Captain While. i,il_ k,i (J-'entnii and Co.); Hawke, T.It.R„ e.ihiuot, (Murray ami-pclieer): Handle}-, _lass pipe; Lieut. Little, book on .Ww Zealand War (h'-idd and Uildmaid ; Lieut. Lei_h, salver (C. Canning); l.otherliani, meers chaum pipe (A. Tilly); Lipid. |Crei.ddon, leather toilet, case (Graves Aickin). There were ten other prizes of smaller value.

CABLEGRAMS.

[BY KLZCTMO ___E«__-.__i.—OOPYBHIHT.]

WAR IMMINENT.

GERMAN DEMAND ON FRANCE,

LONDON, January _-l

The new Cabinet arc aware of the imminent risk of immediate war, owing Lo Bismarck demanding from France the meaning of military move ments at present going on on the French frontier.

The Franco-German Quarrel.

APPREHENSIONS of the ENGLISH GOVERNMENT

London, Jan. 24

The Daily News publishes a state ment to tlie effect that the imperial (Jorernment lias apprehensions that a, wuv between France and Germany is imminent; anil it is reported that Germany will shortly demand from France all explanation of the massing of tioops on the frontier.

UNKNOWN.

Settlement of tho Bulgarian Difficulty.

Paßis, January 23. The popularity of General Boulanger, Minister of War, id exciting the jealousy

and fears of the moderate party in tho Cabi

not as well as Iho Press, The extremists eulogise effusively the patriotism and vigour which lie has displayed.

London, January 2-1

The "Times" to-duy publishes a para graph stating that the Russian Govern ment havo proposed that tha Powers shall instruct their envoys at Constantinople to negotiate a settlement of the Bulgarian difficulty while the Bulgarian deputation is in Hie city. St. Pktbksbuko, January 23,

Tho ■'Journal de St. Fetei-burg" publishes au article to-day which states that most uf the European Cabinets havo received with favour the efforts male by tbo Rnuaian t_o vernmonf. to settle tha Bulgarian question, Tho first and most essential point in aiiiviD^ at a .ettieiueiit. will be, it Is stated, to ro store a legal l.ovoriiment in that country, and then arrive at tin agreement as to the siiceos..nr of Prince Alexander,

Storms and Floods in Queensland.

Loiis of Life and Property.

IBp.ISI:..M_;, January -I

Dui'.lNii the storms which were e-perienced in this city on Thursday and Friday last over .0 inches of rain fell, i 7 of which fell

on Fiiday. This was tho heaviest rainfall

which has boon known for 25 years. The wharves anil rivers havo been Hooded, ant! an immense amount, of damage has been dine to the k___" which wero lyiutf thereon l_ir_'u quantities of timber have been carried down til., river. Mossrs Howard, Smith, and -ions succeeded in removing the balk of their (joods to places of safety. Tho cell .is of tho store, in the vicinity of the river were flooded to tho e.tenl. of several feet, and immense lakes woio fount.! in different parts of tlio subtii'M.. On ono estalo eit-ht houses wero wished anay or broken to piocos by the forco ol tho Wiitor- Tbe chief miliereis were the poorer inhabitants, whose houses are situated in the lower pails of tho town. Tho police rendured valuable assistance, in many cases swimming to the reliuf of the sull'ereis.

Five death- from drowning have already been .opartod in Brisbane and its vicinity. Many other persons are seriously injured. The greatest difficulty has been experienced in convoying provisions to many of tho housos in the suburbs, Pome of which nio

ontiroly isolated by the water. Tho goods which wero storoil in thoso suburbs have been cimplutoiy destroyed. Tho rain ceased on Saturday, and on Sunday no rain fell, Ihnu.h the weather looked llnvnteninr..

lo lhe town of Ipswich the rainfall was equal to that nf Brisbane, and it is reported thai, I here is 1G foot of water in the prill eipai streets. Telegraphic communication has bw.-n interrupted until to-day. Mr (Irilliths, I'remiei, who started overland from Ipswich to this city, wns compelled tn i _tuni to Ipswich, which ho reached with iho greatest dilliculiy. All shipping traffic hap beon postponed in cniiKoquence of tho weather outtido tills Head-. Traffic in tho town and suburbs has been entirely suspended. Mr Wt.iggo, ilo\ eminent Astronomer, has given warning 1.1 a cyclone which is likely to extend to central Queensland.

Lonho.., January 24. i' Victorian scrip is at a preininiii of • seven eighths per cent. t salo of a Sandhurst Mine. 1 'J lie South Freeman mine at Saiul '■ hvir.it lias been sold for four thousand '' pound., subject to the approval of the 1 colonial owners. • France caul tha Now Ileb Ides. The French have not made any reply ' !o M. Tiejiplii't! speech on the New I [ebi'ides .itiestion. | '111.. " Times '' states that the as- Biuance.. given by France not to send i convicts to the New Hebrides are " worthless if the present convention i* broken. C Disloyalty in lilnglaud. London, January '.!_. —In a number of churches in Loudon yesterday the Socialists i again hissed when prayers for the Queen wore read. Tho Small-Pox Ontbralce. : Svo.Ntv, this duy.—Tha PreUßsen'a pas -1 sengers will be released from quarantine on Sunday next. New South Wales Parliament. 1 In his statement in tho Assembly yaster ■ day, Mir Henry t'arkos further said Govern ment would propose to repeal «c. valorem tin lies, and obtain as much as possible from the salo of laud, t hough be should be no party tn squandering tho public estate for the mere purpose of revenue Parliament wus prorogued this morning. Tlio writs for the new elections will bo issued 0:1 Thursday. Labour for Queensland. Brisbank, this day.—Tho Java Govern! moot have passed a law against enlistment of labourers, thus virtually slopping tho importation of Javanese labour to C/'ieons laud. Intercolonial Cricket Match. SYDNEY, January 24.—Tho intercolonial cricket mutch Now, South Wales v. Victoria commenced to-day. Tbo visitors, going first to the wicket-, compiled tho small score ot 111 runs ; 'Crumble contributed 27, Tho homo team, at the close of tho day, had lost ii wickets for -10 runs, McDonnell con tributing __>. New South Wales Politics. Sydney, January 24. - In tho _,egi_lafi.e Assembly to-night Sir Henry Paikos de livered a Ministerial statement, Tho first duty of tlio new Ministry would bo to ext.rinato tho CJovornment Irom tho deplor able condition in which it is at present. Thoy intended to obtain revenue from tlio sale of a portion of tho public oslate, duo regard being taken of tho interests of those already settled on the land. A Board would be appointed to work tho railways ( lliciontly 011 commercial principles. A searching inquiry would bo made into tho Civil Service. They intended to introduce a local self-government bill. They would , maintain the principle of free trade, and would seek to reduce tho Customs duties. ' No income tax would bo proposed, but ' instead a tax on property would be intro duood. In conclusion, the Premier de- ' clarod that the issuo before tho country \ was froo trado or protection, nnd on tho f-irmor thp Ministry would stand or fall. ' It is expected Parliament will bo dissolvod . on Wednesday. '

Mr Bryco's Movements.

Wancanui, this day, Mr Bryco goes north to-day to consult Major Atkinson before addressing his coiistitu .nta. Tho address is likaly to bo given next month early. with respect to tho Rusden caso, the ODpli cafion for a now trial still hangs fire, and in the meantime Mr Bryce is kept out of tho damages and costs awarded by the Court

THE BARRIER TRAGEDY.

KEPORTED STATEMENTS BY THE

P-USOJ-GRS

We are given to understand that yesterday the two condemned prisoners, John Cafi'rey and Honry Albert i .'-r.it, made separate tatements as to the share thoy had in the murder at tho Great Barrier Island. 1.-L'osts of theso statements wero at onco forwarded by telegraph to the Minis t_ r cif Justice, but Iho greatest roticouco is observed with regard to their nature. Tho Minister of Justice, as will be soon from a Wellington telegram publishod below, Btal-a that ho haa not yet received any confessions, and could not publish them if ho hod until they havo boen laid tofore tho Governor. Of course no ollieiul cognizance could bo taken by tho Minister of v telegraphic summary of a document of .0 much importance, and Mr Tolo's caution is to ba commended. Tbo wei;;!it to bo attached to any confession would depend a good doul on the eiratim atiiuces under wlni.li (lie statement wns mado. It is understood, liowcvor, that '■ Putin admits having fired the last shot, taou .di wo have no means of ascertaining to what extent these admissions 54-0. Tho statements made by tlio two do nor. agree with each other, nor with llio evidence ad duced at tlio trial, but they will throw much light on tho tia^ic affair. With reforonco to tbo statement made by Cdl'roy wo aro bettor informed. The following, wo learn on very good authority, ia the substance of Caffny's state ment of Ilia affair :—When I'cnn and Cat frey loft the vessel, thoy had no intention ol committing homicide, the revolvers being merely taken for t'-ts purpo-i. of intimidating 'laylor. Jt was agreed between them that Perm should go arid ask for butter a.a ruse, and that while Taylor n- away netting tho butter in lhe dairy thsy -ere Iv take tne girl off. When he entered the kitehon and told Taylor to hold up bie hand-, lie intended to tie Taylor'i. hands. As Taylor would not hold up his hands, ha lired the tl.iee shots for tha purpose of intimidation. The Brat went nut at the hit. lien door, the second wont near Lincoln Taylor (but was not meant for him) and ontored the lintel, and tho third went noar old Taylor, and be believed flint, it hit him. After hearing tlio medical evi dence, lie thinks that lie did not hit him. Between the time of the murder and his capture at Sydney, tho belief that lio had shot Taylor preyed on his mind, and lie is now considerably relieved that tho evidence shows it to bo improbable that lie hit tlio old man Taylor. Me remember- striking the old man on the no.o about tho doorway, but he was bo excited that lie doseu't know how the pool 01 blond camo behind the door. Ifo did not threaten to go to -iaratauiign and " linish the lot." What Mr Tolo Says. Our Wellington reporter interviewed tho Minister of Jusrico on the sub ject this morning, when Mr Tole paid tho Government has not yot received any con fession. If any such confession has been mado it must first bo submitted to His Excellon-V, and tlio Executive undor these circumstances would not feel justified in making it public, as it. is a matter for tho Governor to consider. Mr Jackson Palmer Yesterday Mr Jackson Palmer, ono of the counsel for Caflrey, visited tliu piisoner in Ids coil at .Mount Eden. Mr Palmer found Cuti-oy far more cheerful than bo had noticed him since the trial commenced, and remarked on hi. changed demeanour. Call..}' replied, "Ob. yes. The worst is over now that tho suppon.o of iho trial i. over." Talking of tlio trial ho recognised tho jii.ilico of the -ontouco of the law as laid down by tho jtd„o He was to l.iaina for Taylor .-' death, as if lie had not gone to tlie Harrier Taylor would havo boon alive to-day. He said he was quite propaied to die, and that ho diiri"od great comfjrt from the ministration of tho Rev. Mr Hill. Ho was thoroughly satisfied with iho way Messrs O'Meagher and Palmer had conducted his defence, and said ho hoped to have an opportunity soon of thank ing Mr O'Meagher personally for the groat exertions made on Ins behalf.

Tlio condemned raordorois, whoa o bein_r assiduously attended by the Roy. .1. S. Hill, havo now apparently realised that they havo no hopo of oscapo from the scaffold ; indeed, they both made an intimation to that effect to Mr Hill when he visited thorn yesterday afternoon. It would appear that iho prisoners have been at enmity ever since their incarceration in Mount Eden, but yesterday Mr "ill arranged for a meeting between them, and they were to all appear ances perfectly reconciled. The Very Kov. Father Waller McDonald, who knew I'.nn during his cab driving career, paid tho prisoners a friendly visit yesterday. "Jack Ketch" As the illness of Major Oreon, the Sheriff, is likely to prevent him from taking any part in tho arrangements for or the conduct of the execution, the distasteful duty of seeing the sentence car ried cut will in all probability devolve on the Deputy Sheriff, Mr G. W. Basloy. That gentleman, wo believe, had a visit from a person who has acted as hangman at several executions in this city. His buei nc- with Mr Baslcy was of course to make the ghoulish request for "the jab." Mr l.asley requested the would •be executioner to call attain. It ie considered probable that, tho authorities at Wellington will make arrangements to send up the man who acted ns cxecution.r at the hanging of Witiiata, lliroki.and one or two other mur derers. Tho numbor of persons o .ier than officials who will be admitted to tho execu tion will not exceed ten.

Petition i'or Caffrcy's -vopricvo-

A petition i-: in circulation to-day for the reprieve of ( .ill'rey on tho ground that the evidence showed that he did not fire (.be falal shot.

Second Edition. LATEST CABLES.

The Colonies and tho New Hebrides,

London, January _t. —Mr Garrick, Agent General for Queensland, is confer ring with tho other Australian Agents- Gonerat regarding tho statements made iv the Bpoceh of M. Treppio to tho Chamber oi Deputies as to tho French position in the Now Hebrides. Austria Mobilising. lhe Austrian fiovernment is preparing for tho mobilraation of tho Austro-Hungar ian Army, The War Rmnoars, London, January _l. — Tho statement published by tho "•Daily News" that the Imperial Government havo apprehensions of war between Francs and Germany being imniiiKint is generally discredited. Fighting In Africa. Aden, January _4.—Nows has been re coived'from Semauri that tho Abysinnian forces attacked and completely routed the Ameer's Ilarrari troops. Thoy then occupied tho town of Harrari. The Ameer liowovcs escaped.

THE CAIN TRAGEDY.

MISS HOUSTON'S EVIMENCE,

(BY TELEUKAril.—]'K___ ASSOCIATION.)

Dunedin, this day

MAKG-RET Ho-.'.ston took tho stand a littlo

aftor 110011. Sho laid tho Cain family wero

not in good health when sho went to Woodlands, Captain Cain was taken

a v.oo„ before. Thomas camo homo ono day saying that Dr. Maclntyre told him ho had dropsy, and was not alto gether well, but was about, tlio place as usual. Until his illness the family all mealed together. She had known Captain Cain go out of tho room, saying hofeltsiek That occurred onco or tivica. Sho was un able to fix tbe day, but it was aftor he had seen Dr. Mclntyre. Al! the timo sho was thoro the captain took witto and water, sometimes sherry and at others port. Ho did not take whisky while she was thero. Saw him sick onco, but cannot recollect whon. This was when ha was not well enough to join tho family at meals, hoard from Cain and Bridget Ryan that ho had been sick bofore this. Sao thought that occassion was in the beginning of Juuuary. He then wont on gotting worse. Sat up with him about a week before Kayo came in. Cain sometimes sent Wren away and would not havo him.

At this point tho witness burst into hysterical crying, and her examination had to ba postponed. Frances Gillon described the stato of Cain's health during her visit to Woodj lands.

AUCKLAND AND MANUKAU HARBOURS.

(FROM 00K OWN COI.r._S-ON-IK..T )

V.'Kr,T,iMi-_.!, thia day

In viuw of iho near completion oi the Panama Canal, a great deal of attention has been directed towards tho practicability, from an economical point of viow, of joining tho Auckland and Manukau Harbours. Mr Blair bas just completed a report on tho subject, a copy oi which I have in my possession. Although not encouraging, it is very interesting. Ie soeraa ovidont that tho work is not likely to be taken in hand for some timo. A map accompany ing Uio report shows generally the two schemes that havo been suggested fur connecting the waters of the "'Auckland and Manukau Harbours. Too report is as follows : —

The first, which may bo called tho " Otahuhu" scheme, c-utemplatos tha cut ting of a canal through tho narrow isthmus at Otahuhu which separates the head waters of tho Xamaki Inlet on tho East ('east from those of tho Manukau Harbour on the The second is a similar cut through tho isthmus that divides the head waters of tho YV hut. inlot from the Manukau Harbour near Tit-rang!. Jn addition to tho cutting ot tho canal, both schemes involve a consider able amount of dredging ill mo channels loading thereto. ..,_„. Tho object of connecting tho waters oi Auckland and Manukau Harbours woutd-bo to shorten the uistanco between Aucklaiul and other ports. The following statement shows the saving that would be oilectetl :—

-_._TV.I_-K AUCKLAND AND SYDX_V. Nautical Micea

Distance by present route round the North

]_ii..t__!._ -_f _______.- »_<l Ot-huh'u m _ l_lau_.™-y M_n___- and Wii'an Isthmus 121)3

Betwis-N Auckland and v. __lun..ton. Hist .nee by Must Cape, calling ot Gisborne Uisianee by Manui.au and ptahubu lath mus. calling at T_rau_„i .. - -• ■i -° lii .1 : nee by Manukau and VV___ Isthmus. calling at Taranaki 6y Tho savin;- in time would not, however, bo in proportion to that in distance, for not more than half speed could be calculated on between Auckland and Manukau Heads. Tlio di.-.tanco between these points by tho Otahuhu route is SI miles, and by the U'liuu route 22 miles. With a 12-knot .orvico tlio total saving in timo between Auckland and Sydnoy would, therefore, amount to 3 hours, and between Auckland and Wellington 21 hours. Colonel Moule, BE., who reported on the Otahuhu scheme in ISGO, gives tho length and average height of tbe ground to bo cut through, and I havo obtained simi lar information with reforence to tho WJ.au Irtnmus ; but beyond this and the sound ings given on tho charts, wo havo no data on which to base estimates. Thoso that are given must therefore bo taken as " rough approximations." Referring to tha Otahuhu scheme, Col. Moule said, " Of the practicability of con necting tbo two waters by moans of a canal, thero is not the slight est doubt." I endorse Lhe Colonel's opinion, and include therein tho Whati scheme. Beyond their magnitude there is no diffi culty . whatever in' ci _ie. of tho proposals, and thero is no specialty in the works required. It is, however, impossiblo to get a level water way right through at all times, as in the cases of the Suez and some other ship canals Thoro is a diff.renCß of about three hours in the tide between Auckland and Manukau Harbours, and tho extremo range is about 12 feet, consequently when it is high water at t!-:e ono end of the isthmus it is half-tide at the other, aud thero is a difference oi about six feet in tho level of the two wate:s. Four times a day, just for an iostant, the water would ba .lv.el ri-ht throa>_-h the canal ; but as tha tido would bo lloiviag at ono end and ebbing at the ether, 'a difference in the level would show immediately, and go on in creasing at tbo rato of a foot in 15 minutes. The maximum current through tho canal due to the difference in tides would bo from 5 to 10 miles an hour, according to the size of tho channel, and with tbe exception of tho momentary pause just reforred to there would always bo a strong current either way. This "would have a devastating effect on the canal and approaches, and render

navigation utterly impossible when the eur lent is at tho swiftest, and difficult at aU other times.

For this reason it would bo necessary to have a look about tho middle of tho canal, capable of taking in tho largest ship. C'n accour.t, of the timo occupied in passing through them, lr.el.s are generally a great drawback to navigation, but in this case it would bo no serious impediment, for l ha lock is required more to chock tho current than adjust the levels—thero would bo little timo lost in filling it. Col. Moulo gavo alternative ostimatcs for cutting through tha Otahuhu Isthmus-ono of .l'_-, 576 and another of £27,-00. Tho first was for a canal S_ft>. deep at high water, and tho other" for ono lOAft. The best of theso would only accommodate ves sels drawing about 5 foot, and tbat only for a portion of the tide, the canal being diy at low water. I need scarcely add that, for the requirements of the present day, theso pro posals aro of no valuo whatever.

In considering the question of connecting the waters cf the Auckland and Manukau Harbours, tbe first thing is to dotermino what trado and class of vsssel aro to bo accommodated. In doing so I think, the question resolves itself into two distinct

First: A waterway between the two seas to accommodate the ocean traffic and allow the largest mail steamor and man-of-war to go through at all states of the tide ; and,

Second : A canal through the isthmus, with channels, leading thereto, to accommo date the coastal traffic and tako steamers of the Roto:u:. typo, such as now trade to Onehunga.

Tho following is a rough estimate of tho two schemes by the different routes pro posod, so far a? cutting through the isthmus is concerned :—

Otahuhu Whau routs. route. Canal fcr ocean steamers.. __.0,000 £1,250,000 Canal for coastal s -.earners. -150,000 850.000

This completes the scheme for the coastal traffic, but it is a mero item in tho scheme for the ocean traffic ; for the vessels that could bo taken through the canal vrould not go ovor tho Manukau bar.

i Tho improvement of tho entrance to the ! Matiukaull_rnourh..3not, to my knowledge, been proposed or even considered by any one It would be by far and away the largest harbour work in Now Zealand, and might run into , millions. Whatever, therefore, may be said of tho canal for coastal truffle, it is clear that the day is far distant when ocean steamers will be brought through the isthmus. E. W. Blair. Wellington, 4th January.

Auckland Freezing Company and the Hawera Farmers.

(by telegraph —own correspondent.)

Hawera, this day. The terms of tha N_;v Zealand Meat .Ex port Company, Auckland, for freezing and shipping to London 40,000 sheep per annum for li-weia and I'atea farmers, have been accepted.

Eight Hours' Demonstration.

The sport 3at tho Domain on Saturday next, in connection with the Eight Hours' ■Demonstration, promise to bo very interes ting. Messrs l_llis, Rhodes, and Fair weather, tho handicapper., have issued the following handicaps for tho principal events : — DEMONSTRATION HANDICAP.- ICOyda .00yds llOyda M. J. Mo.noci. .. ..aeratdiscratch .cratch J.:; c;.. 1. a - scratch vv.auuh-niui. .. .. j s ic J-Luko 7 v i S _k. Inighos .. .. 7 <i iv ,■«'* s ia -ju - Hal _ 15 23 J. McJJonnoll .. .. 8 11 so U li-.ma .. .. ij ___\ 21 W, J-'urdie .. a i_ .>,. J. Gocdi-tt .. .. u| m .15 J. -VluD.rinott _. .. 13 18 e u - T. Pei tons .. .. 13 17 »._ M. Downey .. "I .j •_;_, K. Lynch .. .. v 17 23 Two MII.BB WALKING Handicap.—S. Gocd mn'v- ..r_» wl_,' J>-U-ruetr, aiovas ; T. liootnson, I_,1 _,0_ ds,!. w,'* 10-ight,3.oydo; \V. Walsh, Sr.yds: ft. siul-h, _jf)y_B ;a. Hondo, 200 yds : U ssnaw 100. da; J. iieudry, SJ'.'ycls ;J. Nolun, 1:0 yds; J. ; l>out, t oiyrtb; J_. _.el:ll_.d, 330 yds; W.

_.n.h l-lA.NDip«i>.— A Shaw, scratch; W. Uowie iOjd. ; J. Uownoy, SOyda ;T. Hanuon. SO s.u; ~_• ,Xve!l% s -d»; xv. Kerr, 80yds; W. Uy.r, lOUyris ; H. bishop, SOiyds; 1). ._nr_-y. ltO >ds; H. James, 81). ds; El. Wilson, lOOyoa ■ T Hi.-s, !l_yas; 11 MolUle, IL'Oyd. ; s. tiolt, ISO yd. ; 1., urr. 110 yds ; \V. i_umniia. ICOvds; VV. -'oiKus-on. 160 yds. "

Hoot.-ai.-_.is' Handicap o* 150 yds —A, Hu„nos scratch; W. _S.U. 5j ds; li" Barton, liyds; H. ivx-lly, 7j 1.3 ; II I.KiUy. lly, s ; J. lWlur, 10yds ; _. Wnite. 8. Os ; A. VVhiitinj. bam, 10yds; W. Ifeltoa. lOyos; J. Miirhie, lOyds; T _-_luu, 14yd. j it. Herty, 15. ds.

REGATTA NOTES.

Tin: interest takon in tho forthcoming annual Bogatta appears to be for the raojk part con-rod in the Champion VYhalebo . l_:.io, aad it must ho admitted tW » ' ■•_- tnat er en this event has not aroused the onthu.i aßm that might have been anticipated. n seoms pretty certain that tho competitor in this evont will bo confined to thn crows already named in these column. Kelson (Nelson), Hauraki (Thames! __. sider (Thames), Manukau, Waitemata ?„_ North Shore. The Nelson crew, Wu_d___ stantl, aro all members of the Wakutu Ro ing Club. Their boat, which they brouX from Nelson, in appearance is very heavy as compared with tho Auokland boats' She is very strongly built throughon.' and has a big rise of floor. In this in stance, however, app.arancos aro deceptive" for the boat pulls oasiiy, and the crew __, in very fast work. They havo been io train ing for some time pa.t, and are out morn' ing ami night en tho .Vaitemata courga. North Shore crew are also doing excellent work in the way of practice, and their whaloboat, which was very recently turned out by Mr R. Logan, «ives satisfaction in every respect. Waitemata aro aleo well provided so far as a fast boat goes, thoir whale.oat being almost new from Mr rj Bailey's bauds. Taking boat and crew into cousideratioo.they may bo considered batter than thoy were last year. Hanraki are said to be In even bettor form Minn bofore and they uro credited with being ' vor  far ahead of tho other Thames crew the Outsiders ; hut many who are inclined to support them are holding back for fear that their whaleboat is not so fast as thoso against which she will be rowed Hauraki will row in the same boat ia which tbey defeated Waitemata last year Manukau row in a new boat built by Mr C. Bailey for tho Waitemata Rowing Club Thoy are a good average crew, and have ii good outside show. The race at present ia considered to lio between Waitemata North Shore, Hauraki, and I.eleon but vory little wagering has yet been done. Tho Regatta Committeo mot last evening and declined the offer of £25 made by tha Devonport Ferry Company conditionally ■ that tho whaloboat raco should be rowed on : tho morning of the 29th inst. It was con. i sidored that such an arrangement would i prevent a largo number of persons, especi ■ ally ladies, from seeing the great event j and would aleo tend to spoil the afternoon's I sport.

Auckland Regatta.

(To the Editor.)

Sib,—l am glad to find hoth your valuable papor "Neptune," and nil othors interested in tho welfare of Auckland, are seeing the necessity for the Regatta Committee giving better prizes for the sailing races, which as I stated bofore.oughtto be in 6very way en couraged, to enable Auckland to keen up the position it now holds of having the finest class of sailing vessels in the Austra lasian culonics. This season the Waitangi has won the Sydney Intercolonial Yacht Kaca ; the Isca on Saturday the Wellington Fir. t-class Yacht Raco and Challenge Cup and £35 ; and the Heather Bell tho Inver cargil regatta. Hoping the Regatta Committeo will sco their way clear to encourage tho builders, owners, and others interostod in our sailing fleet, by adding cash to the trophies, or giving money prizes worth racing for, at least equal fo our smaller Southern ports, where tbe classes of vessels are not to be compared with those built in Auckland, —I am, 4c.

Aquatic,

CHILD BURNED TO DEATH.

[Br TBU.GHAPH.—P-U-SS ASSOCIATION.]

New Pltmouth, this day, A house on the Denbigh Road, between Waipuku and Medhurat, was burnt down on Saturday afternoon. The owners were in New Plymouth at tho timo, and a child of theirs loft in the house was burnt to death. ~,

THAT OFFENSIVE ACT.

Prisoners Again Beforo tho Court.

At tho Poii-.e Court to-day, before Messrs H. Brett and F. G. Clayton, Hugh Storey, Joseph McCormack, and Thomas, Mo- Williams were charged with ay breach of the Ju«t:co of the Peace Act by doing an offensive act to the common annoyance of Her Majesty's subjects, to wit, pulling about ono Larry McDonald, Prisouers pleaded not guilty. Mr O'Mcaghor appeared for McComaek. Larry McDonald was called, but did not put iv aa appearance. Sergeant Pratt said the man had been subptened. to attend, and as he was not present ho would give evidence so far as the police wero concerned. The evidence would bo of a general character, to show that tha man was a nuisance. Mr O'Meagher said he would object to any such cv-idenco. Thoy wero there to deal with a specific charge of pulling about the man Larry McDonald, and not to an swer any othor, accusation.—ln reply to tho Bench, Sergeant Pratt said the man McDonald was the.person sup posed to have been pnlled about. The case bad been adjourned from yesterday. Mr O'Meagher denied this. The charge had not beon adjourned from yesterday, but was roally a fresh information. The men were yesterday charged with the commission of an offensive act, and to day with pulling about Larry McDonald. Tim wording of the information showed the difficulty on the part of the prosecution to formulate a chargo. The prosaeutor, it should be understood, was a confirmed thief. —In reply to the Bench Sergeant Pratt said the witness Mc- Donald was present yesterday. —Mr O'Meagher said tho witness cnll&d at his ollice tuis morning, and he declined to see him, aud referred him to the police.—Ser geant Pratt politely suggested that he might have been anxious to get -a clever lawyer to undertake his case.—Mr O'Meagher retorted tbat the intention might have been to earwig him.—Sergeant Pratt asked for a remand till to-morrow, whon ho would endeavour to have the witness present, and compel hiia to substantiate the information given to the police.—Mr O'Meagher opposed the application, and urged that the men should bo discharged. He" failed to see that the mere pulling about of a man was sufficient to justify tbe police in keeping the pri soners in custody, while the character of tho prosecutor was an additional reason why they should bo discharged. The case was adjourned for an hour to give the police an opportunity to find the prosecutor. They thought it would be hardly fair to remand the prisoners again if he were not forth coming. Aftor tho lapse of an hour and a hnlf tho informant was still .io?. est, and Mr O'Meaghor applied for the discharge of tha prisouers. Sergeant Pratt offered no ob jection, and the case was dismissed.

OUR GOLDFIELDS

(or TELEGRAPH — OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Tua-iies, this day. Saxon. — Cannon and party, tributare, are still obtaining good crushing dirt from ■what is evidently a branch of No. 2 reef at No _ level. Mr James, manager, is of opinion that the Company would have a good-sized block upen this reef, which was missed whore tho big heave occurred, the lodo being thereby thrown about Bft into the footwall.

.New Prince Imperial.—Tho No. 1 reef is being stripped preparatory to another breaking down, ' .'

___RAN_A____E, this day.

Yesterday morning Mr F. Pa. it., County Engineer, commenced surveying a line for a tramway to connect Mr Railey's plant with the county trade, and tenders will be invited for carrying out the work as soon as necessary, plans and specifications for the sam. aro prepared. -i

Crown.—t rushing operations for this mine wero started at Kailoy's plant this morning. Tho parcel under treat ment amounts to 10 tons, and fl good return is expected.

A-i-LLNB.—Cleaning-up and retorting, boitrg tho rosalt of. manipulating 5 tons of quartz for this mine, at Kaiiey's plant, took pine, last nigbt.and smelting from.ths amalgam on hand. Tho return should ba up to expectations,

LATER.

Splendid Yield from the Ado-lna.

Al>__,.N_.._-Tho clcaning-up for this mine at Bailey's plant last night resulted in nio handsomo return of SSnzs retorted goldj being .he product of 5 tons quartz, which averaged l.io/.s gold per ton. Of . this. -7ez , lOdwts were obtained from the plates aod boxes, and 3..0zs lOdwts from the pans and settlers.

TITE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1887.



QPECIAL NOTICE. MILNE at CHOYCE respectfully Intimate to their Friends and the Publio that their Estab lishment WILL BE CLOSED AT 2 P.M. ON SATURDAY, and Re-opened on MONDAY MORNING, Instead of THURSDAY as here tofors. MILNE & CHOYCE Have now opened up their BPRING AND SUMMER SHIPMENTS, And would beg to submit them to their frt.i-.ctu and tbe publio. aa being the NEWEST AND MOST FASHIONABLE GOODS To be bad In the Home Markets, and alao ot being of EXCEPTIONAL VALUE. MILLINERY, MANTLES, DUST CLOAKS, iv Great Variety cud of Priceß and Stylea LAWN TKNNIS snd other Tailor-made JACKETS „ GAUSS- and othor SUMMER SHAWLS HAND BAGS, FANS, MADE-UP LACE tA_ ODd. Sec LARGE3T AND BEST VARIETY OP< DRESS MATERIALS i In the trade. The Neweßt designs from the Hume and Continental Markets, at very i Moderate Prloea. A Special Line in 2 button JOSEPHINE KID GLOVES, la lid, usually 4a 6d . Alao several Line, ot CU Ftf3 AND COLLARS I LACK i OLLARS, &-■•.. hnlf-pric. LaDIKK' COTTON HOSE, good value, from la 6d LA-11-S' LI»LK PO.K. do. do. 2a lid -.DIKS' SPUN SILK. do, do. 4a Ud HILOKKN'S ia pruuottlon IABY LINEN, AND LADIES' AND CHILD ICE"-'- I'NIJEKCLOI'HING, ot every de sorlutlon _ TROUSSEAUX AND LAYETTES on the Bhoit.-t notice FAMILY LINEN, MANCHESTER GOODS, Sec. Sec. CURTAINS, ANTIM-CCAS3AR3, in new O-i.'^CLOTHING. HATS, COLLARS, -to,, &.«. S PER CENT. DISCOUNT FOR CESH. MILNE <$r~CHOYCE, auckland. Extraordinary Chba» X.INE3. 1,200 Girla' and Children's Hats, New Shapas, all at Is Ud each. Goods worth from 3j Bd to ia (id each. - SCO Da. Best Goods, at 2a Hd ; Regular Price from 5a _d to9s lid eaoh. A Large Lot of Ladles' Collarettes, all at 6* each. Goods worth from la to 2a 6d. -Cd Ladi.B" Laoe Collaretten and Bows (the Newest Goods introduced this Season), at la Ud; Hegular Price, 7. 6d. 20 Doz Sutds Kid Jersey Glove* (1 button length), IB Ud. A Manufactured Stock of Child's Trimmed 3tu_ Bunnct.. all at 1b Ud ; Goods worth Sa Od. A Large Lot of Cnarterense and Moas Coloured Al. retthe Feather, at la each; Regular Value, 6a (id. 200 Boys' Knlcfcer Tweed. Suits, from Ss Cd. These Lines are all Real Bargains, THE MELBOURNE DRAPERY AND CLOTHING CO., ■QUEEN-STREET AND PONSONBY. OPPOSITE THE TOWN CLOCK. BEST WHITBY JET At KELSEY'S. opposite the Town Clock LADIES' WORK COMPANIONS At KELSEY'S, opposite the Town -look. LADIES' HAND BAGS At K-.L_.E_':., oppcaite the Town Clock. JAPANESE GOO.S At KnLSEV'S. opposite the Town Clook. TENNIS GOODS At KELSKY'S, oppoaite the Town Clock. PRESENTS OP ALL KINDS AT KELSEY'S, OPPOSITE THE TOWN CLOCK. I* E M O V A L. W. S. WHITLEY Begs to notify his many friends and the publio generally that he la REMOVING to tboee Commodious I'l-.inin.n, No. 33, LOWER QDEEN-STREET (Opposite the Railway Station), And t.us-a to receive a Cootiuuanoe of the Sup port ao generously accorded in the past. LARGE AND VARIED ST_)CK OF TEAS, GROCERIES, OILMEN'S STORES, and PRODUCE ALWAYS ON HAND. Post-office Box, No. 106. Telephone, No. 230. H. ATKINS HAVING DECIDED TO RELINQUISH THE CARPET TRADE, HAS MABKPD DOWN HIS LARGE STOCK OF CARPETS TO LANDED COST PRICK. The Stock has been imported dlreot, end the Patterns personally selected. There are a larg* ntmibsr of Pieces t<> Select, from in BKUeSEI_S. TAPESTRY. AND KIDDER MINSTER, And. tbe prices at which th; y are marked wiH ba ...end lower than ever beforo oharged la __ckio_a. HEARTHRUG* TO MATCH CARPET! REDUCED TO COST PRICE, ALSO _N OVERSTOCK OP 300 PA IRB LONG OCR. TAINS. AT 20 PER CENT. OPE PRESENT PRICES. AN OVERSTOCK OP BLANKETS AT REDUCED PRICKS. ' 4N OVERSTOCK OF OR.ETO-.NE_, TABLE i UN ifN. D A M-.K NAPKINS, AND OTHER , FURNISHING GOOD 3AT REDUCED I PRICES. CHEAP LINES IN DRESBEB, OUSTERS FUR LINED CLOAKS, fto. J CHEAP LINES IN CLOTHING. GENT* ' MACINTOSH COATS, HATS, Jfco. « «BW GOODS IN DRAPERY AND OLOTHIWB ' _TQR THE COMING SEASON ABE NOW < BEING OPENED, AND TO -MEET j THK TIMES Wft-L BE M/H-Trigp! \ M, ATKINi, **!___:__. a



-VT OTICE OF REMOVAL. W. B. MELDRUM, TAILOR, Wi.hes to Inform bia numerons friends and cua tnmera tnat he has RftMOVEIt to thaw mora Central and Spacious Premises adjoining VV. No trie. SHORTLAND-STREET, And begs to solicit a continuance of paat patron age by all old and new i-atroiia. Sdit._ from £3 1i... All Work done in Firi-t elm . Style. N.P.-In attendance W EDNE-nAVand Satur day Nights till 9 o'clock. MAND-SEWN BOOTS, .poci_lly autt able tor the warm weather, light and •a-y giving great conitort to thc-e • tttic with tender feet.—WM. MILLKK .fc -ON, High-street. Prloea slightly over imported artlole. p BAND pLBAS IN Q CASH SALE OF T^RAPERY AND /CLOTHING, PRIOR TO STOCKTAKING. VYM. R. BRIDGMAN Desires to Inform his Friends and the Public that It is ovbr fivb YEARS since ho hsj had a CLEARING CASH SALE, and finding SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS OVER STOCKED, hai determined prior to Stocktaking to make GREAT REDUCTIONS for a short time to effect a SPEEDY CLEARANCE. While not thinking a Clearing Sale every fow months advisable, W.R.B. certainly thinka It dealrable at Birch an interval as the above. Included In sale will be several large llnea of Goods bought from sevsral Warehouses at •VOnr HEAVY DI3COUNT. The Sale will be thoroughly genuine, and needs no puff. ESS. UPPER QUEEN-STREET, AUCK. LAND. rf~l ARLICK AND /.RANWBLI, Wish to direct attention to th6lr Stock of CURTAINS.- -1-7 ditfarent patterns iv 'I'i.p -estry. Cretonne. Guipare, Ocr he.-i, Scotch and Nottingham Lace, J.ieno and Madras Aluadu, , Irom __ 9d to SO., per pair. A special Line: 60 ptiira ot Tape bound Ciutaino, 3yda long, «. ilu -jet- stair. CRETONNES.— An iinmonse stock of Sinole and Double Twill Crepe, Hop mid I Sateen Crotonnee. A JOB Line of BORDER*'.!) Rep Cratoiinu fortjurtaina.lOdperyd-.ordlnary ' price. Is D-. BLANKETS. -Otir preaent Stock, purchased provioua to tne a.ivunce In wool, ; will be .old at Old Prices: Shigle from 9a Bd per pair ; Double, lia Ba. BED QUILTS, SHEETING, and Upholntov- Jng Material iuGicul Varie.j.— CARLICK AND CRANWELL. INLAID TILE LINOt-EUM. I (i. and C. have imported a large quantity of tbo IMPROVKD make of LluOleiim, th* PATT-CRxJ of which will NOT WtCAR OUT. It haa been tested in Public Building. h_ London and ..Mistrail., during tli. past four years, and giv»u the greatest aati.faction.—GAß- LICK AND CRANWELL, Solo Agents. PERAMBULATO-.-S. — Great Variety. Cheaper than ever. H'uur wneeled American, from '_Bj. English, Colonial, and German. We are clearing off the beat pat terns _n German at coat crlce — GARLICK AND CRANWELL. CARPETS.— We have already received ad vices from manufacturera of tho advance in price of C.rpeta, but we shall Sell at OLD CHiCAP RATES till the advanced goods arrive. GARLICK AND CRANWELL, GENERAL HOUSE FURNISHERS, Qm__---___ET, ADOKI.A.ID. X\T ANTED KNOW K. KAMO COLLIERY OFFIOE Removed from Messrs Mitchelson and Co.'s to Offlce formerly occupied by them ('ate H. N. .'imith'a), 18, Queen-street. jab. nobi bi i, GENERAL DRAPER, fto„ » a m o v a » T» PURCHAS'S BUILDINGS, KARANGAHAPE ROAD, Late Victoria btsee.. W. S. L AUMB * C°: CUSTOMS AND STANLEY-STREETS, AUCKLAND. Seed and Manure Merchants Boneduat Manufacturera Agents for Pernvian Government Guana Importers of Fencing Wire, Sacks, Wool Paoka, etc. Cash Purchasers of Bonaa DR. J. MURRAY MOORE, M 1)., M.R CS. Hours for Consultation: 11 to 1 cm., at Pond's Homoeopathic Pharmacy. 153. yueen-Btreet; 2 to S p.m.. and 7to 8 p to., nt •tealdence. Lower Symonds _-:___. Telenhonu 130 Vaccinations at Poud'ti, 1 p iv., TUESDAY and FRIDAY.



Stops are boing taken to form a Chess Glib iv Ponsonby. Already 32 names of intending members have been obtained.