COMING EVENTS.

BXcotliz&s, etc.

To-night.

Abbott'd Opera House—Williamson,'C?artier, end Muffirovo'o Company in "The Magistrate," 8. Agricultural Hall-Fryer's KiSuino Paradox and

Japanese Village, 7. Eteligious Meeting in the Tent on Suiroy Hills Kstato. PousonbyKoad, 7.30. TetnDoranco HaH — Aunkland New Zealand

Indnstriil .\frooiatlrn. 7 30. Drill shed—yewton Killsa. 730. ■Poisonbr Wall, —jPoaasuby Clioral Societj's v Co ? orJ«,.S.

Auction Sales To-morrow,

)S. Tonks and Co.—Soda Crjstals, Whiting, etc., •J>. F. ETnnd-Hoisehold Furniture and Effects.

U. ■Hunter and Nolan, Junction JTards—Cattie, etc., U. ,G. Lewis—B'dstcads. Tablaa, fto.. 11.

Arthur and Buddie—Household Furniture, etc.

v T. M. Jackeon—Household Furniture, eto. 10.30. 3. Lcydon—Boueohold Furniture, ann Effects,

Chief Post-Office, Auckland.

SIAILS WILL CI.O,iK AS UNUEE I—

This Day, ForOpotlki, porChelmsfrjrf, at! p.m. Sfor WhUlanpa, Bum ji'own, Upper Kill, and Tauranga. per lonp^ at 1 p.m. l'm SS- Mell' Kalf?akawa, R»weno, Wangaroa and Mongonul., per Clansisau, at 5 p.m. ffor Tiuuneß, nor Kntorpriso. at 5 30 p.m.

Tuesday, 22nd inst. For Walwera, Kawan, Leigh, Omaha, Mata- K&na, MuUet Point, and Lower Matakana, per Kobo Caeoy, at 10 a.m. For ThaiHOT. por Rotoinahana, at 10 a.m, Per W£jhcra,.as follows:-

For Cnma. Japan. Mediterranean Forts, end Ccntinant cf Kuropo, at 3 p.m. s'or SlussoU. Ka-afeawa. Australian Col oiles, and United Kingdom, ria Brindisi or Naples, (or letters, etc, specially so prepaid end aaerosscd, at i p.m. For tnoney orders, registered letters, and tMn-r-prtpors, at a turn. tiato letters for Sydney and Melbourne on{y lit 4.20 p.m. United Kingdom mail will bo due in London on May 10. For Uiaborno and Napier, por Australia, or Wsimki, atSpm. For Wansarol H«a<3o. Tania, Waltsn, Whtin- Ri\roi, Kaino, and Mannspal, por Wellington, Tit a p.m. Tfor Thames, per Kotuku, at 5.30 p.m.

V/kuhesdav, ,23rd met,

For Uorcuianeic!, por Cororaandol, at 11,39 a,

Tuursday, 21th iDSt.

Fo;- Gisborne. Napier, and Southern Ports, «er 3"c Anau, at 11 a.m.

Monday. 23th lost, Per Mariposa as fellows :— For Snmoa, Sandwich Islands. Unltod States of America, Canada. British Columbia, Cen tral and South Amorica, and British and Jr ore jga West Indies, at 5 p.m. For Mis United Kingdom and Continent of Kurope, at 5 p,m. for money orders, refrtstorod letters, and tiowspapers at 3.30 p,m. Ltito letters, bearing an extra fee of 6dln addition to the postsgo, will be receivod by thn Mail Agent on board the steamer up to thotlmoof eal!(cg. XJiis mail rrtll be duo at London May 2.

(Signod) 8. B. BIBS, Chief Fostmaster,

Chief Post-ofßoe. Auckland,

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

SnN9«T.—This evening, 6 G. Sotjihse.—To-caorrow morning, G 9. MOOH'B AM,-Now Moon, 25tb. 3.48 a.m,

HIGH WATER.

Auckland — This afternoon, 5.6 ; to-morrow lucming, 5.27. Manukau Hkabs — 1 his evening, 7.15; to morrow morning, 8.7, R ajpaba Heads This ovoning, S 46," to morrow rimming, 0.7.

ARRIVALS.

YESTEHDAY. d.b., Farquhar, from Tauraasa loDa, 8.c., AoioUeo, from Mercury Bay Australia, s.a., Crawshaw, from Giebome vorltas, barquo, Johnson, from Java Waitskl, as., Pennal, from Giaborno Agnes Donald, soh , Lewis, from YYlmngarel TO-DiY. Woihora. e.g., PoDham. from South Uleno!;;. s.s.. Johuaon. from WhanKaroa ARnee Martin, kctob, from Donald, ech., ljavvia from Whangarcl

DEPARTURES.

TODAY. S-.ucy Kate, sch., Bathurst, for Mongonui couihorn Cross mission birqao, Bongard, for So do k hi nd

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Coromande), from Coromandol, Tuesday, 5 p.m. /imomsJuna, from Thames, to day, 8 p.m, Wellington, from Whaogarei, m'irfnißK Ipna. from Merou'y Bay, Thursday Clansman, from Russe'l, Friday, early Janet Nicoll, from South Sea Islands, April 2 from San Francisco, duo April 2 iinrcrpriae, from Thames, Wodnesdaj, O.SOo.ra.

IMPORTS.

Per Voritas; 020 tons raw sugar.

Inwauds G'OASTWisK.-Olivo, from Tairua; Mohurangi. from WhnnKarei; Kami, from Kennedy Bay j Medore, from Awunui. Oimviims CoAurvrißic — S»«R, for Thames; Olive, for I'airtu; Kauri, for Kennedy Bay. Tho brig Wi d Wave ia tha only vessel now loading at Mercury Bay.

The sohoon-ir Woicorao sailed for Thames on Hituiduy. bhe ia to load tiniboi for Urlsbano.

The brigantine Ryno has cleared at tho Cus toms for Suwarrow with general cargo.

The cutter Soiifiro left for Tairua yesterday to load timber for Giaborno.

Tho brigantlns Aratapu was to have left Tairua to-day with timbor for Sydney.

The barque Cabarfoidh is to load at Port Char mars for mis port, and sail early.

Tho s.s. lona arrived from Morcury Bay at 10 pm. on Saturday. Passengers:—Mrs From, Mr Heather. The barque John Knox having been repaired at Whangaroa, is now loading timber therefor an Australian port.

The s s. Glensig, which left for Whangaroa on Saturday with ihobaique Sharpshooter in tow, ru'.urnod here this moruiag-.

Messrs Hendercoa and Mecfarlune received from Napior per s.s. Australia, 219 bales wool and 41 casks tallow to bo forwarded to London by the barque XasterhiU.

The B.S. Australia arrived from Wellington iind intermediate ports on Sunday atcernocn. fiaaengera;—Messrs Youngley, Wallla and child, and 3 steerage.

The p.b. Waitaki arrived from Wellington, Napier, arid GUborne on Sunday oTening, with a full general cargo, aud the following paesen- Kers: -Captain Conway, Messrs Metcalf, Col lins, Brooica. Kempihorne, Sutcliffe, and Miaß JlbUng.

The s.s. Clansman arrived from Taurarga on Sunday morning. Passengers: — Mcsdamos Booth, Andrews, and Mann, Judge Gill, Dr. Moris, ML-EC3 Mann (2), Murchle, Smith, Gib ivins, Harvey, Logan, XI. J^ogan, A. Logan, Master Logan, Swinnerton, iiatui and Tim Waata, and Andrews.

It will be remembered that the barques Doclum and Aijroa Bay. left this port within two. or three hours of each other on the vening of March 2nd both being bound for Lyttelton to load for London. The Dcoimu reached Lyttelton on the evening of tbe 10th inst., and the Algca Bay was there on Friday last, but wo have not been Informed of the date ol their arrival.

Tha brigantino Samaraga and birqno Loch- Ntw are 10 loavo Dut erliD tor Auckland shortly it sufficient inducemsnt oilers. The Sarjaaragel is a Norwegian veasrl. During her recent passage from the Mauritius eha en sim lost a boat, carried away the topmast back stay chain plate, and burst the coat of the main mast, by which some wator got Into hoc hold.

The as. Waltakl left Lyttelton at 12 midnight, llili lust.; arrived 7 p.m., 15th, lolt again 6 p.m., ltitb; arrived at Napter " p m,, 17th; left for Gisborne 2 p.m., 13ih; reached Glsborne lSsaioo night; left for Auckland Ip.m., 10ih; arrived oloogaido Qaeen-atreot Wharf S D.m., ZOth. Ex perienced rine weather from Wellington. Pas sonKOra: 'Captain Conway, Moasrs Metcalf, ColliDS. A. Kcmpthorne, Sutcliffe, Brooks, and Mias Ebllng ; 6 steerage from all ports.

Ttio barque Vei'itus, a wooden vessel of 718 ions, arrived from Pasurwang, Java, lastcvon liife-, in tow o£ tlw B.s. A whina, with a full cargo of raw sugar. She luft PasurwanK on December SI, and passed through lialy Straita on tho 7th January, 'l'hcnco had light head winds and i:alras to the S.IS. trades in latitude 18" S., longi tude !);• X-, on the 28th of January. The trades listed until the sth February, when they gavo out in latitudo 33' S. longitude 91" E. From that date to the end of the month had easterly and norlh-eaiterly winds. On the 2nd of March the flrat fair wind was fallen in with, and next day Cape Otway was passed. Bass' Straits were cleared with a fresh] westerly breeze. Thence had light northerly winds to the Three Kings, which were sighted on the 12th instant. Here a detention of live days took place, owing to c-aJina. Rounded North Cape on the 17th in i.tant, with light southerly winds, which pre vailed during the rcmaiuder of the voyage. The Veritas WU3 taken alongside of the Sugar Com pany's wharf this morning.

THE WAIHORA.

Tito p.p. Woihora nrrivod hero at 10 a.m. today fioiu Melbourne, via llobp.rt and Bouth, Fine wcithur was experienced from Melbourne to Hobart: theaco to Blufl had strong N.W. gales, nad along tha coast line weathor. with smooth hhp was mot with. Prtssoneers:—Saloon: Misses M.i'liQ. Wiiki son. Gifl'ord, Gourley. Stewart, Thorpo, Wat> ins, Oldrojd, Fisohor, Claibonrne, M. Konick, Lyater. Thomas, and Taylor, Mos damca Collins and Bon, Drake, Brown and 3 children, Brown, Goodyear and 3 children, rionrcvl, Kov. Mr and Mrs Griffon and 3 chil dren, Mr and Mrs Tithoradtfe, Mr and Mrs Bas- H9tt, Mr and Mrs Urev-ett, Mr and Mrs Marrow, Mr and Hra Staples, Mr and Mrs Jackson, Mr and Mrs Biobu'y. Mr and Mrs Connell. Dr. Daniels. Messrs Ru33all,VVard, Walton. Dobson, Uiers \\-e it, O'Beroe, Bobßott, A. U. Anderson, J. lfarrtll. Day, Davidson, Clark, Derrltf, SawitnJJrorabiß. Diokin, Brown,Pearoe, Peroi val, Davis. Uedger, Carrollo, Waltera, Trower, Leary, Bloom, Lloyd, Braasey, Jackson, Ansoo, Maltby, Cates, Ciitherow, Bryer. Galvert, Stan fleli, atanmanr and 3.ohildren, Boyerley. Cabill, GreEohen, Pollard, and Ltddy. Steerage: 36. For Sydney : TJisans Inglis and Maonean, Mr and Mrs Gell. Mr and Mra Younghusband, Dr. Dunn, Messrs Johnson, S:earns, Yonng, Walter, Anderson, Hooper, Ranker, and Barker (2). Steerage: 22.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS,

HLaIV.; b.?.. from Baglan «Dd Kanbi» rj-i(;«)ei{(ni P.I. Daniels, from Wauganai and

Nsis- Pl> IBOlllh Kot-tu v, c.=.. Nerille, i'.oui the Sou-li Gaidoch. as , ilcAithur, from Waiters Oretl, 5.8., Robertoon, fcom Hoklaoga

DEPARTURES.

Stafibi 8.f1.1 Nortnry, for Walters

Macgregot, s.e,, Daniels, for Wellington, via VVanganui and New Plymouth Qairloch, s.s., MoAithur, for Waitara and New Plymouth Rotorua, s.b., Neville, for the South

Tho Northern Con. s.s. Stuff*, from RagtZvt> and Kawhia, arrived on Saturday, with a ca^c nr (lax and general produce. Sho left atcam fof Waitara, with a general 'cargo.

• The Northern Co.'s b.9. fetogregor arrlvetl 'from Wellington. Wangaiml, and New Plr imouth, at S o'clddk dh Saturday. She left again ■for the sameUwts at 6 o'clock yeßterday morn ing. Pasaengorn:—Mr and Mrs 'Holt, Messrs Stevenson, Moßoy, and' two steerage.

The Northern Co.'d p. 8. Gairloch arrived from Waitara yoateniay morning, with a general cargo. She left again at 1 o'clock to-day, fairly patronised with cargo and passengers. :

Tho s.s. Rotorna arrived at]6.'loiam. yester day. PiiHsengo-c: Meedames Ward, Quilliam. Swift, Corkill and ohlld, McKldOwey. Living stone, Brooksmith, Lowls and 3 chlldron, Judfte Ward. Rev. Mr Lewis, Messrs CaThOßie, Rich' ardson, Brookßmith, Cohen, Walnhoiise, Beetham, Rodwell, Connell, CorKU, MoKl dowey. Phllson. Wright, Ridings, Misses ■aoldetaorough, Woollcott, Maoe, and 8 in the steerage. She leCt t.gaXa at i o'clock this even ing with cargo and passengerß.

The E.r. Orotl arrived from Hokianga yostor flay. Passengers: Mrs Black and son, Messrs V/atkln. Bland, Mann, Hartley, Captain Farrlng 'tda. SbedooE. not leave again until Wednesday, linlnK laid up to undergo a thorough overhaul and to be painted.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

Pokt Albert, this day.—Arrived on Satur day afternoon: Borealis, from Auoliland. At Beads loaded (18th): Barques Tros and Aredla, for I-ondon. Vessels loading at HelonavlUe1: Joiian Brodereon, Makarau, Cabarfeldh. Kau kapakapa: Yoando. Port Albert: Daroy Pratt. Otamatea: Graißmore. Walroa: Zodlac.Annie Wilson, Maud Graham, Camille.

The Daroy Prate has completed her loading at Port Albort, and will sail shortlyfor Melbdurne.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

new Zealand Vessels in a gale. Wellington, March 19.—Tho ship Western Monarch, which arrived from London to-day, nnri the Drier Holme, from Liverpool experi enced very heavy weather off tho English coast. Oil" DungcncEs, on the Bth December, tho western Monarch had a narrow escape of going ashore in a heavy gale, aud the captain put into luc East Roads, but in coming to an anchorage, tho storm ragod so heavily that both anchors parted, and the ship was saved by tho assistance of tho tug Victor. Tho Brier Holme had been out a week whon sho oxporioncedheavy weather. On tho 9th Decdnibcra terrible sqnall struck her, heaving tho ship on her beam ends. The port side of tho deck was-completely submerged for about twenty minutes. The same day a heavy sea broke over the shin forward, doing consider able flaniugc to the gnlloy and forecastle, taking tho covers oir the forchntch and fore com panion, starting the forward house and fore part of the deck (a considerable quantity of water Koine below), taking everything movable off the deck, a quantity of seamen's effects being washed overboard, sevorely injuring the sail maker, and doing other considerable damage. On going below it was found that tho cargo in the forehold hud shifted, there being several kegs of bicarbonate of soda with their heads out. Heavy weather lasted until tho 18th Deocmbor,

Wellington, this day.—Arrived: Hauroto, s.s., from Sydney. LY.TTELTON, March 20.—Arrived: Weather field, 107 days from Londnn.

PortCiialm«rs, Maroh2o.—Arrived 1 Barqne Waimea. Cantain Sinclair, from London, after an uneventful passage of 109 days. Passenger- Mr J. Cameron.

Port Chalmers, this day.—Arrived: Soot tish Bard. Captain Moatt. after an uneventful piHPORe of SildarsJrom Ulaegow. She brings 1,400 tons of cargo and 9 pasaergera. Bluff, this day.—The s s. Manapouri arrived at S a.m. from Melbourne and Hobart. Saloon passengers for Auckland—Dr.. Mrs. and Master Teaenll. Mr and Mrs Graco, Mr Gullle,

Sxdnky, March 20.—Air.ved: Maraioa, from Auokland.

Wellinuton, March !o.—Arrived: Hauroto, from rydnoy, 2 p.m. Opunake, this day.—Arrived: Macgrcgor, from Onehunga, G 30 a.m. Waitara. Maroh 20.—Arrived: Staffa, from Ouehurca, B. 15 p.m.

Bluff, this day.—Arrived: Manapouri, from Meibonrne, HAS a.m.

Capetown, March 19.—The Shaw-Saville and Albion Co.'s s.b. Arawa left this morning for New Zealand.

COMMERCIAL

Evening Stab Office, this day, Messrs Arthur and Buddlb's report : Owing to press of business a report could not be prepared last week. Wednesday: Sale of pro duoe. fruit, &c, at mart, good attendance, fair competition, with the following results : Pota toes, Is to ia ; onions, 3d to Id ; pumpklnp. 3s 9d; bran, lid; oats, 2s 2d; damaged ilon r, ie ; cheese. Id to 3d; better, ljd to 2d jeaga, 1b 31 j fowls. Is 2d to Is 6d; chicks. Sd ; turkeys, 2) 3d to 3s; applets id to 2d ; pears, id to 3d; plums, ljd to 3.1 d ; damsons, 3d; quinces, id to lid; grapes. lid to 63d ; passion fruit. Jld to l}d per dozen; flgp, ljd; pouches,la 3d. Friday, market day : Sale poultry, produce, fruit, etc ,at mart. The attendance was not bo largo as usual. A small supply of poultry had a limited demand; no large buyers in the market. A l«rgo quantity of produce entered, but bidding was dull; there was a large portion of inferior quality. Fruit was again brought forward in large quantity, and a good sample. Fowls, 7d to Is 7d; b-ahraas. &0..2s Gd to is ; duokp. Is Id to la 3d ; pizeons 3d to 9d : pigs, Ss to 7a Gd ; potatoes. Is to 5s ; kumcras, Gj ; onions, >d to Id : demand nmi fair prices were obtained for tho best oats, 2s 2d to 2s Jd ; flour, £1 to £ 0; tea, half-chests. 1b :'}d ; boy tea. 20s ; confectionery, 6jd ; boiled lulJioe. Jid ; cheaa", Id to 4rt : baoon, Ud to 6d : eiss, 7d ; butter, jjd to 7}d ; batter. Bait, Inferior, Ud to 2jd: honey, comb, Is 3dadoz; honey, sirsi-iud. 3i; candles. JJd; candles. Ud ; biscuits. 1 '~i to 6d ; l'quorlce, Oi ; pumpkins. Si 0J ; cciroe. Is Li ; appios, jd to 2d ; pears, Jd to id. ; plums. 2d to 3jd ; passion fruit. IJd to 2d : grape?, 3d to 31; damaons, 3dto3id ; quinces, id to ljd; peaches, 43d to 71; lemons, 1b Id to 1> 7d ; tomatoes, lid to l|d.

R. J. Carbines held his poultry and produce sale on Friday last, and reports: Attendance and prices good. Fowls (table), Is to Is 7d eaoh; chicks, HI to Us eaoh; ducks. Is to Is 24 each; pigs. Is to 12s 6d eacn ; potatoes, Ss ad to Is M per cwt; onions, Jd to" Id per lb; bran, 5s per 10011)3; oats, 2a 2d per bushel: bacon (Canter bury), id per lb; apples, Id to 2d per lb; pears, lid per lb; plums, 3d per lb; quinces, Id to ltd per lb; sides veal. Is to 23 per side: cheese, id to 3d per lb. A sundry lot of second-hand rirapcry and clothing was disposed of at a satis factory prioe. ■

Mr Kdwnrd Lejdon reports business for the week satisfactory. Friday: Market day's sale. There was a good demand for bacon, hum, and Rood potatoes. Fruit went very cheap. The following are come of the orices: Potatoes £3 9a 6d to fit per ton; pig ditto. 2s per sack; onions, Jd to Id; apples. Jd to 2)d per lb; pears. Id to 21 per lb; cheese, Sid to 6d per lb; hams, 5d to 8d per lb : bacon, 3}d to 6d perlb; biaouita, 2Jd to 4Jd per lb; lollies, 35 dto 6d per lb; tea. Is to Is 7d per lb; Eugar, 2Jd per lb; fowls. Is 6d to 2s Id each; ducks, 2) to 2b 6d eaoh; pigs. 8s to lis each. There was also a large lot of furni ture sold; tho prices ruled very low.

Births.

GIRLING.-On March 19, at her residence, Spencer Boad. Napier, the wife of William Girling ot a son.

Deaths.

ANDREWa-On March 13, at Nelson. Ne> Zealand, John Andrews, late of Anckland an of Coleraine, Ireland ; aged ss years. BARSTOW.-On March 18, at the Hospita Sarah Barstow, dearly teloved and secon eldest daughter of Margaret and Heur Barstow. Her end was peace. BHEKRIFF.-On March 21. at the General Hoi pltal, Amelia Sherriff; aged 58 years. The funeral will leave the Hospital fo Syxßonda-street to morrow (Tuesday), at 3 p n Friends please accept this Invitation.

Notices to Correspondents.

A lUtkpaykk (Arohiil).—The advertisement baa been published.

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

MONDAY, MARCH 21, 1887.

For the came that lacks aiiistunci), For trio wrong that neciin resietancf, And th« good that »c can do.

His Honor Mr Justice Ward had a very

light charge sheet to address 'Iho Grand Jury upon this morning. After the very heavy bill of the last criminal sessions, the change is a gratifying one. Both in num ber and character the offences to be dealt with this time are much leas forinidablo than at the last gaol delivery. His Honor had, however, again to comment upon tho singular and dangerous facility with which cheques are cashed. In two charges on the present list His Honor remarked that the cheques were irregularly drawn, yet no great trouble seemed to have been experi enced in getting them cashed.

The subject of forgery and preventative measures has of late years greatly exercised the Bench and persons associated with banking business. Forms of cheque de signed with the object of making frauds with these instruments difficult have been patented, but still the crimu is a very preva lent one, -That it must continue so while such facilities are given for acquiring blank cheque forms must, as Mr Justice Johnstone pointed out with great force at tbe last Cbristehurch sessions, be apparent to anyone who gives the matter attention. With the spread of education, crimes of this class are also, as a matter of statistical certainty, bound to become more frequent, because of the greater number of persons of all grades of society and varying circum stances and degrees of temptation who are no-v capable of committing them.

It appears to us that one of the principal contrtbuliog causes landing to tbe production of this crime is tha common practice of paying email amounts by cheque, which often places a hardship upon those receiving them who are unable

fi get them cashad i-nmediately. We hnvo at this office had genuine cheques for small Bumß presented by women who know noth ing of the routine .of bank business, ond while declining to caah such cheques, havo sent a clerk over to the bank with tho holders to ehpw them how to obtain their money. Any business house which pays its omployeen in this way may nount upon being defrauded somo day by one of these cheques falling into unscrupulous handn. Tradesmen aro ofrou induced to cash cheques through representations that a hardship will bo infiictod if the poreon is unable to use the cheque an money, but in no instanco, we think, is anyone justified in cashing a cheque unless ho knows tho per son who presents it.

Somo remarkablo. cheque frauds havo lately beon perpetrated in Australia. On the 30th December last, a man presontod a cheque signed by Messrs Boyd and Head, for £308 128, at tho Collingwood branch of the National Bank of Australasia. The toller suspected that the cheque was not genuine and took it to the ac countant, to whom ho communicated his fears. That gentleman examined the cheque minutely, and, seeing that it was apparently genuine, instructed the toller to pay it. Ths man, unlike most of those who attempt such frauds, waited whilst the cheque was being examined, and received the money. Tho cheque waa afterwards submitted to Messrs Boyd and Head, and was repudiated as a forgery. On referring to the block in the cheque book correspond ing with tho number of the cheque, it was seen that it had been mado for £3 83 2d. The alterations had been mado in a clever and neat man ne r. Thus, botween the numerals representing £3 and Ss a nought was placed, and then tho figure 1 was placed bofore tlio 2, which stood for penpo, making it shillings, and a nought was added to represent ponco. Tho work of alteration in tho body of tho choquo was dono with equal clovernoß.s. Tho lotora " po " and " s "in " pounds " aftor tho word "throo" wore oraeod, and an " II " mib- Btituted, making " Bund i" thon "rod" was allixod, and tho symbol " & " plucod bo fore the word "oight." This was dono »o woll that no sign was loft of the original lottors. Tho erasures had boon mado by doiuo chemical procoa3 so clovorly as to dofy doteotion. Tho man, aftor receiving the money, cleared out for Sydnoy, whoro ho won captured, and proving an old otlonder, wont to gaol for throo years. In anothor caeo last mouth, a choquo was drawn by Mosers Rowlands nnd Lowis, cordial manufacturers,: on tho Com mercial Bank, Molbourno, for £'2 X Tho choquo waa prosontod £201 ."s

6d and was cashed without demur. Subsequently, whon tho chequo was closely

scrutinised it was found that tho wholo of tho writing in tho body of tho cheque had boon obliterated, and "Two hundred and four pounds oso'd" writton in, whilstin tho (iguros a "0" was placed betweon tho "2" ro presenting pounds, and the " 4 " standing for shillings, thus making £201, and tho "os (id' was writton in afterwards. The mothods of erasing tho writing in tho body of choqucs,which in thoso two instances has boon so successfully ndoptod has com pletely pu/.zlod tho dotoctivon.

Wo quote those casoa of fraud by genuine cheques, which liavo boon so cleverly altered as to decoivo export bank ollieinlH, for the purposo of onforcing our remarks

upon tho danger of paying small sums by cheque, and ulso to chow shopkeepors and others tho folly of undertaking them solves to dotoruiino whethor a chcqno is gonuino or not. If limitations were plated upon tho issue of blank choquo forma ; if the practico of paying email suina by choquo wero discontinued, and tradesmen exercised groator caution in cashing cheques, the crimo of forgery would, wo are satisfied, loss froquontly appear upon our criminal calendars.

Holdors of tickets for tho opening of tho Froo Library should nota tint tickots only admit ono person, and no poison will bo ad mittod without a ticket.

Tho Auckland pasfongen<, cargo, and mails, ex Doric, from London, arrived hero per Waihora this morning.

About'J o'clock on Saturday afternoon a grocer's horso bolted with a cait load of goods. The animal wont rapidly down Grafton lload, and ns the tailboard was down the parcels wero distributed on tho roadsido with groat dospatch, to tho amuse ment of bystanders and disgust of tho driver.

In accordnnco with instructions from Wellington, Mr Keston, tho chief caolor, up-

poared in Court thin morning gorgeously nr rayed in a now uriforui of bluo cloth, taste fully braided.

Sanitary affairs in tho ditl'aront divisions of tho city should now bo wollattended to, as tho fol'uwing Assistant inspectors of Nuisances havo been appointed : — City, Josoph Townloy ; East Ward, Win. Me- Evoy : North and South Wardd, Charles Baiter; Grafton Ward. Miohaol Hurko; Karungahapu Wind, Charlea McCiiogcr ; Ponsonby Ward, John Kano.

A meeting of all interested in tho forma tion of an Auckland Yacht Club is con vened for S p.m. on Wednesday at. Mr Levinsohn's Rooms, (iuccn-streot Wharf.

Tho eteumor lona brought from Morcury Bay a young man named Loo, who had boon thrown from a horse and had hie collarbono and arm broken. Juvenile stone-throwers should take warn ing by a caso which came bsforo tho l'olico Court to-dny. William Alexander John etono, a email boy, wan charged with wilfully and maliciously breaking a pane of glass, value £45, tho property of .1. aud T. Mason. Sergoanfc I'ratt said it appeared that the lad wae under eovon years, and con sequently they could not press the charge againet him. Mr Mason wont into tho box, and said ho did not believe tho child broke the window intentionally, lie threw a etono at another boy nnd il liroko tho window, which waa wholly destroyed. The writing on tho window alone cost £45, apart from the value of the plate glass.—Ho did not wi?h to have tho boy puniehed. Tho father was called, and paid he would be willing to pay for tho damage if he could afford to do so, but unfortunately he had scarcoly means to fupport his fanily. Tho case was accordingly dis missed.

On tbo Bubject of "messing" nt (ho Easter encampment nt Takapuna, "Ex- Volunteor" writes complaining of tho diil'eronco in tho quality of provisions pro posed to be supplied to tbo ollicors and privates. Ho alleges that tho cost of feeding the men is calculated at about Is Sd per day, whereas for officers tho estimate is nt least b's daily. Our correspondent, aeks why there should be any distinction, anil thinks the men havo just ground for complaint,

Tbo Key. Mr Lewis, pastor-elect of the Newton Congregational Church, arrived by the Rotorua at Manukau. Soino of tlio deacons of the church wera in waiting to receive him, and accompanied their now minister into town. Mr Lewis comes with

very high recominendatiooß, and should prove a welcome addition tn the Congrega tional pastors of this city.

The man who was found dead in Butcher's stable yard in Napier-street on Saturday morning h«3 beon identified by Charles Gibson, of Union-street, as that of his bio-

ther George Clark Gibson. As deceased did not-roturn home on Friday night, his brother mado inquiries, and finding that tho body of a man was Iving at the morgue, he went down thereon Saturday and identi fied it as that of hia brother Goorjjo. It appears that Gibaon loft work about i o'olock on Friday aftornoon, and was soen later by his brother Charles in tho British Hotel, with two Papakura giun diggers, named Dick Macafi'roy and Mills, It is surmised that in returning to his homo, which in noxt to the Robert Burns Hotel, Union-street, ho may havo mado a mistake at tho junction of Union and Napier-streets, and gono down tho latter, and feeling eick havo turned into tho stable yard to vomit, mooting hia death by suffocation by falliug on tha ttablo stuff. The two gum-diggers left for Papaluira early next morning, not know ing what had hap pened. They have been telogrnpbed for to see if they can throw ramo light on do ceased's movements on Friday night. Tho inquest is proceeding at Gloosou'a Hotol as we go to preßß.

It will ba noticod by advertisement oleo where that a concert in aid of the l'on eonby Rowing Club ig to bo" given in tho Fonsonby Hall on Friday evening next. The programme which has been prepared assures an enjoyable entertainment. It comprises songs, recitations, and felections of instrumental music, in addition to a couple of contributions from Impey's United Band.

The entertainment given at the Temper" anoe flail on Saturday evening was con ducted by the Women's Christian Temper ance Union, Mra Brame presiding. Mia Davis read a psalm, and Mrs Brame and Mre Hutchinson spoke on tem perance, anrl pointed out (ho ovild which arotio from indulgence in iuioxi cantrj Sonr;a were given by MieacG Brawn, Davis, Calley, L. Dnvi*, and Mac tut Wmrei', and Miss h. Brame played a pianoforte eolo, Mr Tremain thanked those who hud assisted in the entertainment, aud stated that the next would be given by the Good Templars of Newmarket.

No traneaotious in tho sharomarket were reported today, Combrias are worth ss,

Some thieves, on Saturday night last, entered tho garden of Mr E. Aldie, of Jer vais Road, Ponoonby, and purloined ooino large water melons. Thoy may come onco too often for their benefit.

An evangelistic service for young worn™ will bo held on Tuesday, at 7.30, in the Young Men's Christian Association Room?, A tnrt-etreet, when the Hon, G. Woldegravo will deliver an address.

A special mooting of tho Arch Hill rate payers will bo hold on Wednefdny noxt, at 7.30 p.m., in tho Newton Weet schoolroom, to consider tho advisability of joining Nowton borough.

The examination forontranco scholarships in connection with tho University Collego will commence on Monday, the 4th of April. Tho namoa of candidates with the subjects Boloctod must be notifiod to Dr. Kidd, Re gistrar, on or before Monday noxt.

Tho Circus and Japano?o Village were largely attendod on Saturday both after noon and evening, and the popularity of tho combined show seoma to bo Bteadily on tho increase. Unfortunately the season is very brief. It ia announced that Wednoa day will positively ba the laßt day, as tlio company leaves for tho South on Thursday. It is also notified that tho inmates of charitable institutions aro invited to visit tho Bhow in tho Agricultural Ilall during any of the threo afternoons of Monday, Tuesday, or rt Tedne6day, I ho only remaining days of tho Company's parformance3 and exhibition in this city.

Mossrs Heslteth and Aitkon show In their window in Queen-street a specimen of a now and remarkafclo sort of melon, grown by Mr \V. F. BuckUmd, at Komuora. This vogotable is called the banana rockraelon, from its shape, which is liko a cucumbor gono to «oed. Tho sued was obtained by Mrßuckland from Boston, whore this sort has bcon lately "invontod." Tho flush is pink, and oxquisito in tusto. Tho sood will bo obtainable next yoar at Mossrß lloskoth and Aitkon'a, Air ]|. E. Sharp, of Waiko miti, hliows a lino collect ion of applos of IUO variotion in tho snmo window.

A wcllaMondod and succoH«ful Band at lloiio mooting waa hold in St. David's L'rosbytorian School on St. I'atrioU's cvon ing. Mr John Lumb, tho president, occu pied tlio chair, ami gave a vary encouraging and instructive adjreto on "Alcohol and Smoking ; Their Pernicious Influences on tho Human System." Mr Lamb's oarnest tuldrOßß rocoivcd frequent npplauso and re spoctful nttontion. Tho programmo wan choico and appropriate, including readings by Messrs Blackman and 801 l ; recitations by Meeers Badger, Wright, and Mias Hill. Mr McGregor omueod tho audionco with a humorous Scotch story, " Tho Ayroshiro Man and tho Bawbeoa," which provoked much laughter. The choir, under tho direction of Mr John Bell, gavo selections and a glee. A trio " Plenty to Do," by MifH Angus, Miss Maggio 801 l and tho conductor, clicitod honrty and donorved approbation. A capital entortainmont was elosod with a temporanco hymn and tlio benediction.

Thoro was n largo and representative audienco at tlio forvico of sacred music givon yoatorduy afternoon by Mr Pooloy'fl choir, and tho several itema contributed evoked (ho highest, appreciation from those assembled. Tho Cantieloa were sung to a tino petting, never boforo given in tlio colony, tho unthem being Sir John Goeso's •'0 tasto and coo," both of which woro tastefully and oarefullv givon by tho full choir, tho buss voices boing very elVcctivo and cuthodrul-liko. Thosoloa were allotted to tho soprano and tonor, tho former being Uraga'fl "La Serenata" with violin obli gato, and tho latter Mattel's " Non o Vor," adapted to tho hymn " 0 Salutaris." It is gratifying to eco theso onjoyablo rorvicos so well supportod, yesterday's being tho largost audienco yot gathered together.

Amimbor of correspondents liavo writton making inquiries as to when Mr li. H. Smith's art union of his panorama, with gift distribution of stove?, is to coiuo oil', aa (ivor two yours liavu olapsod sinco thodrnw ing was announced. In reply to our in qnirioP, Mr Smith writes as follows :• —" Ko art union of panorama, I am toiry that I umiortoolt to dispose of it in that 'xny. I only sold a few tickets, and then, as I could not thoin off that way, I took the Opera Iloueo for threo nights, and gavo tho nrt union tickots to all purchaeors of ticlcefn for admission, and as I did not trot fid of nanny thoro, I then wont about giving entortain monts in tho country, and giving a ticket in tho art union to front pent licliot holders 1 have boon to nearly every plncn in tho North Island, and I liavo only go rid of about half tlio tickots I havo dono all in my powor to cot it off, and if tho persons who havo had tho (idiot? given to them at entertainments, etc., would each buy an other tickoL I would bo ablo to got it oil in a week or two. 1 Entond to give ?rmo ontoit'iinmonts in Auckland shortly.uud to disposo of tho balanco of tho tickets'."

Aa an outcome of tho convention on Friday night, hold in tho hnll of tho Yourg Men's Chrietian Association, tho following resolution was uhanimcnsly carried : —

"That tho thanks of tho mooting be ac cordod to tho ministers' meeting, by whoso invitation thoy w;oro called togothor, and that thii important subject be referred back to thorn, with power to uct in conjunction with tho clerical meot ing of tho Episcopalian Church." Wo understand that tho Socrtary of the Ministors' Association is in eorrespondoneo with Bishop Cowio with a view to orrnngo fora united meeting at an early dato, and wo may well hopo that after such n fully roproeontativo gatharing ne that of Sunday last, which wns apparently po oornest and unanimous in its spirit that practical i?euos will fellow that will be gratifying to tho promotors of this interesting meeting.

To-morrow, nt 11 o'clock, Mr G. Lewis will soil at tho Bior.:p, r.ext to Mpsth E. and A. Isiaos's bond, alnrge quantity or KOO'Js wivrd from the late Ilro, only slightly damaged by water. All must bo clenrort without reserve, The Roodn arc mostly trado linos.

ALLEGED WIFE MURDER BY A MAORI.

Native Arrested in Taranaki

[ISV TELEGUAI'II.— I'BBSS ASSOCIATION.]

lIAWKIU, this day. A kativi; natuoil To I'elii Hero, residing nt Otakobo, ha? boon arrestoil under circum- Mlancos which point to homicide, Koconlly ho was nt I'urihakn, nnd it ia aUegod that having takoa hid wifo ia adultery, ho tin ashed her very eoveroly—no severely that a epocios of paralysis set in. She wag ro movod to tho Native Hospital, and thonco to I'ikano, ivhero eho subsequently died ono day lost week. Subsequently to hor death a native reported that the woman's back bad been broken by Ta I'ihi as 'a punishment for lior unfaithulnesa and it was also stated that ho had put hor nock across bia knoo and bent it until it broko. When tho police commenced inquiry, (ho natives be eamo very reticent,but mifliuiont informa tion was obtained to onnblo the police to arreat tho man. 'J'lio natives did not oppose the urreft but e.«id it waa a matter for Te Whiti to deal with, and talked oi obstructing Iho polioo ; but aftor Kamß, the chief of tho Otakoho Kaingii, hiil been warned by Sergeant Andorton of tho cons-equoncoa of interfering witli tho police, tlio arrest wan made, »nd tho pri- Ronor lodged in Manuia lock-up. Tho )iri rouor nnd hi<3 wifo camo from tlio Wai katOi

THAMES NOTES.

(l(V TiXKiaiAl'K.—OWN COKKHSrOIUIbNT.)

Thames, (his day. A CUKONJiJi's inquiry is boinc hold n: tho (ire which roconlly destroyed Khronfiiod'a

Brewery

Minors icavinß for Transvaal. A mooting of those intending to proceed to tho Transvaal Goldfiold was held on Saturday, whon about, v dozen persons ex pressed their intention of going to Natal. A committoo waa nppoiuted to ascertain how many minors aro certain to leave by the brigantine Clansman, and will report to an adjourned meeting to be held on Wed nesday.

Post Card Proof.

Salisbury. Tkkn., April i. 188& Gents :-I was B/Eiotod with oarloui Kirlnir? and Uripary trouble for twelve years. Aftor tryiDg all the doctora and patent mediciuoa 1 could hear of, I used two hottiea of Hop Bitter! and am perfectly cured.

B. V. BOOTH.

Washington, D.0., April 3,1553. To the Hop Bitlers Co.:

Sine:— l writs thlß ns a token of the ercnt npnreolution I linvo for your Bitlors. I wna y/llict.od v/illi Inflammatory Hbcunintiani seven yenra, ami no medicino ueemral to do ma an» KCiod until I tried throo bottles of your Hop J.Mtteie, anil touiy lui-pdso lain aB well to-day aa ever I wag. I hope you may have great buo cees in this great aud valuable medicine. Any one wishing to know more about my euro, COO learn by addressing me. K. M. WILIJAMB.IIO3,IBth gt.

CABLEGRAMS.

THE WAR CRISIS

Alliance of Italy and Austria.

GOO.OGO TROOPS MASSED.

(SPECIAL MESSAGE.)

London, March 20. Gkkmany, Austria, and Italy have agreed that the peculiar interest of each is pro tected by Italy having agreed to assist Austria. It is censidored that the effect will bo to paralyze Russia, and leave France at tho mercy of Germany.

It is reported that Austria and Russia havo each 300,000 troops massed in the vicinity of the Gaiuian frontier.

A CONTUMACIOUS PRIEST.

Exciting Incident in Ireland.

[hkutkb'.s tklbouabi].

London, March 20th. Father Kelvkr, parish priost at Youghal, Cork, Ireland, has been arrested for refusing

to appear in Dublin as a witness in a case against a defaulting tenunt. He was yes terday brought to Dublin. At all the towns and villages on route ho recoivedan ovation frpm the populace. On being brought before the Court in Dublin, ho re fused to answer quostions, and was com mittod to prison for contempt of Court. A largo croud escorted him to prison. In tho House of Commons last night, tho Irinh mombere invoighnd against the arrest of t'other Kolvor, and accused the Govern raont of tho wilful exasperation of the Irish people in order to justify coercion in lro land. Mr Arthur Balfour, tho now Irish Secretary, vohomontly replied ,to tho ac cusation, and doclared that to tho banoful agitation of tho " Plan of campaign " was duo the disorder in Ireland,

New Cloture Rules.

[keuteu's tklkgbam.]

London, March 20. Tho cloturo ruloshave been finally adopted by a majority of 2C2 to 41, and will bo put in oporation forthwith.

The Imperial Conference.

London, March 20—The mombersof St. (ioorgo's Club entertain tho delegates to tho Imporial Conference at a banquet on April 20th. The Duke of Cambridge will be pro sant.

Italy and ItSnssownli Kvlcasct

Has Aloula, tho Abyssinian loader, has roloaeed tho Italian captured by him.

Italian Troops.

It ia reported that tho quiot outlook ol European affaire will induce Italy to dos patch a Htrong expedition to Massownh.

Kaiser William's Birthday.

(KliUUiJl's jTELIiUKAM.)

Lusuos, March 20.—Tho Prince of Wales haß started for Berlin to bo present at the festivitios commencing with tho Emporor William's ninetieth birthday.

The Imperial Conference

LONDON) March IS.—ln tho Houfo of Lord? today, replying to a ques tion put by the Earl of Harrowby, tho Earl of Onslow, Undor-Socretary of Stato for the Colonies, stated that tho Go vernment attached great importanco to tho apjirnachinglmporial Conferoneo, and would heartily welcome representatives from Crown colonies as well aa from colonies poesesn ing responsible government. 'Kepresonta tivos from nearly ovory British colony would, ho added, attend tho opening of tho Conferoneo. Mr Uownor intend? to propopo that tho Knglish Government should intro duco a bill with tho object of making it logal to oxtradito absconding debtors.

Sheep - Shearing Machine €oiu

l»aiiy.

MKLjipuiiNK, March L'O.—A company has been formed to purchase the patent rights of Wolsloy's s-hcop shearing machines. Tho shares aro going oil' rapidly.

Iprkhs association.]

Lonhuic, March 17.—With the exception of tho lirst mooting, tho sittings of tho Im porial Conference will bo hold with closed doors. Crown colonies are not ollicially re presented, I ut Sir Henry Holland haa in vited eovoial gentlomon, specially conver sant with tho Crown colonies, tc attend tho opening sitting, and they will be pormittod to attond subsequent inootingH when matters of which they have knowlcdgo are under consideration. Sir Henry Holland will preside when con venient, and in his absonce Lord Onslow will tako the chair. Mr W. A. Baillie Hamilton, Private Secretary at the Colonial Odico, will act aa Secretary of tho Con ference

A feeling of regret is widespread nt the decision to hold tho meetings in private, as tho various newspapers had made elaborate preparations for reporting tho proceedings. An opinion prevails that the Queen ought to open tho Conference. The Oarlton Club will admit the members of the Conforenco as honorary member?, which is quite unprece dented so far as this club is concorned.

SAD FATALITY.

Two Boys Drowned.

Two boyp, named David (Icorgo Cox and George lorry; ogod respectively 11 and 10 yoars, were drowned at Mauku at 10 a in. yosterday while bathing in a creek. Tho boys' parents reside at Mauku, An inquost was to bo bold this afternoon.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

Iliefovo Messrs Collins and U. G. McDonnoi;

J.lVa.)

DitUNKKNMUii. -Boven persons were charged with tills onemc. Six were lined, and tho fifth was committed to tho Hospital.

iNcoituiuniLK.—Joseph Mannix was charger with habitual drunkenness, having been linn i convicted during the last six months. Joined £, and costs, or one month's imprisonment wit] hard labour.

On a Si'KiiE.—Allan McDonald was charged with drunkenness nnd disorderly conduct in Queen Street, with using obscene language in a public place, and with assaulting Constable Cotter in tho execution of his duty by striking him with his clenched fist.—Constablos Kcany and Cotter deposed that tho conduct of prisoner in Queen Street yesterday was very bad, and his conduct violent,—Fined £10 and costs or one month's imprisonment. Laucknv.—James Watson was charged with the larceny of a aloilge hammer nnd an axtj value 17s Ud, the property o£ the llev. C. M Nelson, and an overcoat, value £2, the property of Edward l'ratt. Prisoner pleaded guilty. Sergt. Pratt, in explanation, stated that Hey. JMr Nelson had given tho man several days work, and subsequently ho called at the house and told the servant that he had been scut for tho ham mer and axe. The coat was taken from a rail way employe. Three mouths' imprisonment with hard labour.

Alleged Assault.—Thomas Brewer was charged with aaoiiultiiiK Walter Davidson lit liangitihia by etiikini; him on the face with hia clenched list. Mr Gover appeared for the prose cution, and Mr Speed for tho defence. The evidence for tho prosecution showed that the defendant was the engineer of tho Clansman, and tliu complainant t lie steward of the vessel. On Wednesday last, the steamer had gone on an excursion troui Mongonui to Hangiahia, and while there a dispute arose between sorao of tho hands in connection with a " shilling in " shout. High words took placo between tho engineer and stoward respecting tho amount of change Kiven, and Brewer struck Davidson sovcral limes on the face. He appeared in Oourt with his eyes in deep mourning, and carrying witn him a ahirt spotted with blood. For the dc i'enee strong provocation was alleged. A num ber 01' witnesses having been examined, a lino of 10 and costs was imposed.

Rifles for the Annual Matches.

[BY TEUSGKArH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wanoanui, this day. Captainl Somekvillf, tho executive officer of the K'ew Zealand Ilitle Association, had an interview with the Hon. J. Ballance, in Wel lington, re Martini-Henri rifles for next year's meeting. Mr Ballance said ho had ordored Seliulof repeating rifles, and p-xpected them in time, but hu would ascertain by cable if they were likely to be hero in timo, and it not he would at once order iOO Martini Henri rifles. If Schulof rifles are got, they will bo handed to tho shoo ists on payment o£ a certain deposit to ensure care and return in good condition, but if Martini-Henri rifles come out, they will be aold at about £210s each. The ammunition will cost 9s per 100.

The new Jubilee cantata entitled

" Britannia and Her Daughters," by T. Meo■Patlifiao, is advertised for performanco 011 Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, April. 4th, sth, aud 7th, aud promises to be a great euccete. The principal parts, twenty six in number, are judiciously allotted, and the chorus of a hundred voices, under Mr Edmondea' careful training,will be as usual, a great feature in the performances.

FIRE IN QUEEN-STREET.

Elirenfricd Bros Store Gutted.

Shortly before 12 o'clock last night Con etable Rowloe, who was on duty on the Wharf beat, , discovered that a fire had broken out in Messrs Ehrenfriod Bro., wine and 'spirit merchants and bottlers, Queon-street. The store, which adjoins Palmerston Buildings, Quoon - street, is twi) storoys high. It ia built of brick, 'with a slate roof. The upper floor waß used for the storage of wines, spirits, bottled beer and stout, cigars, etc., the i ground lloor as a bottling department, and also for storage, while in a cellar below,there was a quantity of machinery, On the Queen-streot frontage, on either sido of tho entrance to the store, wore two shops—one oceupiod by Messrs Mennie and Dey, whole sale biscuit manufacturers, and tho other by Mr Kichards, bootmaker. The fire had evidently obtained a good hold of the building when it was first ob served by Rowlos, r.s it was breaking through the roof. It was still confined to tho upper storey. The alarm was speedily given and with commendable aiacrity the Auckland Firo Brigade under Superintendent Hughos, and Salvage Corps under Captain Field wore on tho scene of the firo. TMb made the seventh fire within a week that havo beon attended by the fire men, to aay nothing ol talee alarms. Mr Hughes, with the Wellington fire fresh in bis recollection, summoned the Karanga hape contingent to hia aid. By, this time the firo was raging along tho entiro length of the upper atory, which waa crammed full with inflammable goods, and tho "pop" "pop" of champagno bnttlos, which wont on almost incessantly for half an hour, was ecarcoly appropriate to tho occasion. Tho Brigado attackod tho lire both from Quoen-atroot and Littlo Quoon sstreot, and after a novoro struggle thoy were rewarded by seeing :t diminution in tho volume of tho flamce. In tho lloor uf tho uppor etoroy thoro is a "well"—a largo trap dosigtiod to light tho lowor fioor. Tlii», at first, wiih a groat sourco of clangor as by it tho (lames found accoss to tho goods on tlio ground floor. Subsequently, how ovor, its oxistonco was advantageous, for Superintendent Hughos _ connected tho two floors through this opening by moans of a ladder, and soon had tho brave firomen attacking the fire in tho contro as well as the two ends. In half an hour after tho outbreak, all dangor of it spreading had disappeared, and by one o'clock the flames were completely subdued.

Shortly after tho outbreak of the firo, Mr Kichards's etock was romovc-d to a place of safety, consequently suffering but little damugo. Ho was fortunate, for tho Richards, as ho was uninsured, Meesr? Monnio and Doy's stock of biscuits and confectiooory suffered considerably through water. They wero insured for £200 in tho Standard Office, and esti mato thoir lo?s at nearly £100 more than that. Mr James Monnio, second partner of tlio linn, did not know of the firo until S o'clock this morning, when ho was informed of tho occurence an ho was going to tho manufacturing premises in Albert-street.

Tho building was insured by Messrs Ehronfricd in tho United Ctlico for A''2,ooo, and tho stock in tho London and Lanca shire for .0,000. Thero was a policy of £500 on tho machinery and plant.

Mr Khrcnfried states that ho ia unablo to throw any light on tho origin of tho fire, but believes tho insurance will cover the damage. On Saturday tho promises? woro locked up at 1 p.m , and were not reopened until 7 p.m. in the. evening, when Mr Arthur Myers, tho clerk, opsned tho door to get the Ktak, which had boen left by the runner, lie did not go beyond tlio door nor did ho light a match.

A visit to tlio scene of tho fire Ibis morn ing showed that, the destruction had been very great. Thoueanda of cigars—ono might almost say tons — wore strewn amongst the charred embers of roof beams and cas.ee Somo woro partially burned, others were pulpy with water while all were "aniokod"—though not in the legitimate acceptation of that word aa applied to cigars. Shattered glass bottles lay round cvarywhere, and smoll of epiritn was strong enough to porfumo a toper's paradiso

Messrs Earenfried Bros, havo boen siniru larly unforlumitu in tho matter of fires latoly, they havinf; suirered from four con flagrations in almost as many woeka. Tho Waitoa Hotel, burnt a month ago, was their proporty. Then followed thodns'tructiou of a quantity of goods stored in Mossra Hoathcr and Co.'a bond. Last, week their old cstab li-ihod brewery at tho Thames succumbed to tho tiro fiend, and now (ho dieaotor above recorded. Tho firm havo lost severely by tho."e firo^, and Mr Louis Khrenfricd, ono of our most straightforward and popular bueino^s mon (and who, by tho way. is tho firm), has tho sympaihy of tho wholo busi ness community of Auckland in his unpre cedented run of misfortune. He doeerves better luck, and wo hopo that damo fortune in tho noxt few turns of tho wheel will bo more kind to him.

FIRE AT REMUERA.

Ox Saturday night, about seven o'clock, a fire broko out in a houee on ltomuor" Road near Uroon L^no, and speedily destroyed it. Tho houso is tho pro perty of Mr VV. Eado, carrier, of Romuera, ond was loa«ed by Mr W. V. Murray, teacher of tho Tamaki school. It would appoar that Mr Murray had left tho houeo about mid-day Saturday, in company with his wife, and proceeded to Mount Albert to vipit porno friends. Ho states that tho houso was leckod up and (horo was no tiro burning. Mr Eado, who lives near, wan tho first to oofctvo tho lire, which had then a good hold on tho build ing. He, howovor, burst in ono of the doors nnd saved a fow articles of furni ture Tho building was incured in tho South British for Cl5O and in tho New .Zealand for £250, while Mr Murray's furni ture and effects were covered by a policy of £200 in the Globe ollico.

DISASTROUS DROUGHT IN HAWKE'S BAY.

[BY IBIjKGIUrU.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Nat I Ell, thia clay. Tin; continuanco of dry woather is bocom ing alarmiug. There has boon no rain to speak of sinco Novomber, and tho whole country ia driod up. On some farms the willow trees aro being cut down to feed tho cows. It is feared that thoro will bo no growth of tho grass before tho frosts sot in.

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

"The Magistrate» To Might

Messrs Williamson, Garner, and Mos- II rove's Royal Comedy Company, after a very successful tour of tho colony, arrived hero today. Tho comedy of " Tho Magis trato " will bo producod at Abbott's Opera House tonight. This play ia modorn in stylo, method, and tono. Thero are in numerable irresistibly funny situations iir it, and tho plot is lively and original. Such a coinody and euch. a representa tion are seldom seen in the colonies, The plot turns on the amiable inten tions of a lady named Posket to induce tho male Poskot (" Tho Magistrate," and her secoud husband) to bulievothat oho ia a cor tain ago-which Certain ago, of courso needs to bo multiplied, or at least addod to, to get tho correct figures. Tho good lady has a son, who ie 1!) years of ago, but whom she palms oil' as 14. This young gentleman loads his stepfather astray wofully, and takes him abroad at night to "see life :l To the Navy Hotel, whore the pair havo been onjoying thomeolvos, come Mrs Poskot and her sister to warn ono Colonel Lukyn an old friend, not to mention dates and thus recall tho lady's real age ,n 1 tb!' e re' , tog°thor with a friend of Colonel Lukyn, are found in tho hotel after hours ; their names are taken by tho police, and tho four aro next morning for mally charged before a Magistrate, who ia none other than Pocket himself. The worthy Magistrate, not being clear as to intellect after his "nieht of it," sentences them all to seven dayß' imprisonment with out the option of a fine. Fortunately, a brother Magistrate steps in, grants a re hearing of the charges, and discharges the accuse. Everything is settled satisfactorily, and the play ends amidst roara of laughter The central character of the piece, that oE Mr Poeker, tha Magistrate, is admirably pluyodby MrG. W. Aneon, who is said to bo a wonderful comedian,

Lamb's Porridge Meal is the food fo<-

NEW HOSPITAL WARDS.

Tiik contractors havo. given up. tho malo or more easterly portion of the new wards to tho Hospital people, and the at tendants are now placing tho bedsteads, linoleum, floorcloth, and.other " fixings " in position. A sort of Alladdin's Palace, this building haß sprung up with mushroom like rapidity, it being only fourteon days last Saturday since Mr J. Thomson, the contractor, signed the agreement, j It was lucky for Mr Thomeon, and in fact all concorned, that the clork of the work* happened to be an architect. Mr Thomson | had bis himda full in looking after the 50 hands employed on the building, and Mr J W White, the Clork of Works, lent him valuable aid and saved much time by looking after much of tho erec tion and • planning of the building. The building, which i? completed but i<*r a few extras that will take till about to morrow to fioieh, consists of two wards, tho male and tho fomale, with neces sary oilices, and the attendants' room?. A verandah, from which a lovely, view of the harbour and cemetery gully is obtained, faces the north, crossing which one can enter the building by two doors ; the one on the left being that connecting with the male, that on the right with the female ward The male ward is a Bplendid room 100 x 2-i feet in size, with windows every nine feot down one side, and ventilated by means of lunar boards, " Tobin" pipes, window ven tilators, and. chimney-potliko affairs upon tho roof. Tho windows aro double, hung throughout tho building, which is in the form of a one story quadrangle, tho space in the centre being dedicated to the use 01 female patients as a promenading place. A connecting corridor between the two wards opens into five rooms—two facing tho vornndah and the lonely view, and throo overlooking tho quadrangle. Thcso aro for the nttondants. Each ward has a lavatory, linon clopofc, scullery with siok and gas trtovo, and sundry cupboards. Tbo v/bolo job has boon woll done, tho work being re markably p«ti?faclory an to quality. Iho Auckland Timber Company doaorve credit for tho promptitude- with which they put (30,000 fact of Limb'or on tho ground, all ot first-class quality, at almost a day's notico. Thcro will bo 25 beds in each ward. Miss Crisp, the lady superintendent of tho Hospital, informs us that in all probability tho new wards will be used for accidents and other caeos, not for foyer as foarcd by tho inhabitants of Park Road.

N.Z. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE CONVERSAZIONE.

A conversazione in connection with the local branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute took place on Friday evening last, in the Choral Hall, was largely attended, and paseod off vory pleasantly indeed. Mr E. M. C. Harrison (Headmaster of Beroeford-streot School) presided, and thero wore aleo present upon the platform Messrs J. U. Upton (Board of Education), W Gorrie (Chairman City Schools Commit tee), Rev. E. if. Gulliver (Principal Train ing College), and Meesra H. Worthington, J. Lcucurd, A. Gilford, D. O'Donoghuo, Kov. J. Bates, and Mr Nowcombo. Tho Chairman delivered a very interest ing opening address, in tho course of which ho emphasised tho valuo and importance of a Provident Fund for teachers, referred to tho fact that in the South tho syllabus was considored excessive and burdensome, pointed out the necessity of breaking down tho sense of isolation under which teachera laboured, and dwelt upon the pernicious effects of the passion for the attainment cf high Dorcantagea in standard examinations. Upon this last point his remarks were es pecially forcible. He deplored this inor dinate craving for high percentages, inas much as it rendered the work of the teach ers increasingly difficult and distressi»g, and was likely to produce mer6 superficiality in the pupils. For his own part, ho bad til ways consistently and determinedly set his face against it. It was an uneatiefac tory test of work. Their true aim and pur pose were to lay firmly and solidly the foundations of i»n enduring and thorough oducation, and ho thorefore protested against standard percentages being taken as a fair test and meuauro of the work dono in our schools. Young children shauld not be forced like hot-houso flowers beyond their strength and natural dovclopmont. The Kov. E. 11. Gulliver followed uilh a c.i]jitftl address on the working of tho Training College. He eaid that it was no mc-to institution for tho imparting of secondary education, although, of course, its coureo necessarily partook of a moaeuro of higher education. I's bueinoss was to fioroughly equip tho primary teachers for tho work expected of them. Amongst other things they were bound to study tho inent.il development cf the child nature, and he hoped in future to soo still greater attention pnid to this study, which had been too much neglected 'o far. He hoped also to bo ablo to introduce a greater mcaauro of training in science. Tho speaker also likewise stress upon the value and nocossity of studying tho educa tional systems of other countries 80 as to counteract our besetting danger of be coming too insular. He desired to see a kind of solidarity about our educational system. Mr Henry Worthington reid a thought ful paper upon tho importance of unity amongst tho members of tho teaching pro fession. Thonco ho proceeded to dilate upon tho duty of those who suporvieod

educational

machine

frequently consult ongnged in working it.

those who wore In this connection

ho said:—" Many persons honest in thoir intentions, and desirous of producing the bost results, who by reason of their social or political position have been investod with authority in the educational world, have failed to produce tho ends they aimed at, because they wont to their work without knowledge and disdained to seek advico from those known to be masters of the art. In nich important matters as the choice of reading and text-books, methods of instruc tion, the granting or withholding of holi days, wo continually observe the most lamentable mietakos, many of which may and would have been avoided if tho voice of the expert had bpen listened to. The New Zealand Educational Institute—and may I say the Auckland branch as much as any - deeirea co to influence and guide public opinion in this colony that iv future mutters connected with our olcnjcntary and eocoudary schools shall be decided on only when duo weight and consideration have been given to the opinioua of those who kuow most about them. And we have much cause for self congratulation and hope for the immedi ate future, for several beneficial changO3 havo already been made, and others are in course of progress and adop tion—the results of the recommendations mado by tho Council of the Institute at the meetings held in Auckland, Dunedin, and Christehurch." He thereforo called upon all teachers to support tho Auckland branch. Messrs A. Gifford and J. Lennard also spoke, explaining somo of the more impor tant questions that wero considered by tho Institute at ita reconl conference in Christ churcb.

Mr .T. H. Upton laid stress upon the question of the proper training of pupil roachors. lie also took occasion to remind Mr Worthington that tho Board of Education had adopted tho school books at present in use upon tho report and recommendation of three in spectors, tho then principal of the Training College, and the six leading headmasters of schools. In conclusion ha expreseeel surprise that there were not more representatives of secondary edu cation prosent. Ho thought the primary schools went a little too far in what they taught, while tho secondary schools began at too olomontary a stage. (Hear hoar).

Mr VV. Gorrio also delivered an addros?, in which he roforrod to the pleasure with which he attendod tho mootincs of thu In stitute.

_ The following programme of vocal and instrumental items was rondored very euccoasfully :—Song, " Tho Desert," Mr Uanwell; pianoforte solo, Mias Colemaa ; song, "KathleenMavourneen," Mrs Geddis • pianoforte solo, Mirs Westwood; duet (violin and piano), Misses Harrison and Harden ;. eong, " WillVtho-Wiep," Mr Hence ; song, " Auntie " Mies Mulcan ; pianforto eolo, Miss Hope; recitation 'Gordon at Khartoum," Mies Sara Mill. v otes of thanks were paeeed by acclamation to the performers, the Committee of Manage ment, and to the chairman, after which tho nail was cleared for dancing, which was en joyed for Eeveral hours, Lieutenant- Uolonel Mahon acting as M.C.

PONSONBY CHORAL SOCIETY.

TiiJi inaugural concert of thij Society lakes pluoa to-night in the Poiisonby Hall, under the direction of Mr Trimnell. A very choice and diversified programme has beou prepared, and the issue of tickets assures a crowded house.

OUR LONDON LETTER.

[Per r.m.s. Doric]

Tun Doric brings a day's later news than tho Kan Francisco mail.

Our London correspondent, writing O p January 27th, says :— The second session of the Twelfth Parliament of Queen Victoria was opened yesterday without any fueg Or ccromony, by Royal Commission. , "jhe reading of the Queen's speech, whieri haa practically been forestalled, by the morning papers, attracted little notice, but,the pro! coedings later in the day woro of the highest interost.

Prior to the moving of the address in tha Houeo of Commons, Lord Randolph Churchill roso to give an explanation of tho circumstances which led to his resignation in December last. Contrary to expectation! the late Chancellor's speech was of tha c vlmcisti, plainest and most straightforward character, and made a profound impression on the House. "It V/as"—his lDtdshlp said—"impossible for him tq usefully retain office aa Chancellor of Exche<jU9r in a Government in whose policy effec tive retrenchment found: no promjnent place. The amount of the eßtiimtaj which wove presented to me by the two da«: partrnentj exceeded thirty-one millions for the. coming year, for the. support of the army and navy." That, as Lord Randolph Churchill proceeded to point out, exceeds by six millions the average outlay in the ten years from ,1874 to 1884. In 1885 Mi- GladY stone's Government made neceasary aaa1 propor, but strictly temporary, provision for the imminent danger oi war with Russia! In ISSt) tho Liberal Ministry was practically bound by tho Estimates of its predecessors. But Lord Randolph Churchill will find very ' gonoral concurrenceinhis view that the time for retrenchment has arrivod, especially as before his resignation lie had reluctantly, consented to Supplementary Estimates of throe hundred thousand pounds for this navy, close upon half a million for tba army, and anothor half million for ex penses connected with the a*my Ja Egypt. "An increase of six millions," says Lord Uandolph—" a audden jump in a tiuic of poaco of six millions on your military and navul expenditure means threepence on the income tax.'1 The income tax, as we all know, is now at eightpenco in the pound, and we may say of this impost as a certain famous resolution said ot the power of the Crown, that" it has increased, is increasing; and ought to be diminished." Mr Smith and Lord Oeorgo Hamilton declined to make any reduction whatever, add they were sup' ported in their refusal by the Prime Minister; Lord Kandolph proseed lor a million, but as bo patheiically declared, if the worst had como to tho worst, ho would have beeS satisfied with half that sum. We needilot follow Lord Kandolph into all the detail^ of his financial criticisms. He referred solemnly to pledges in favour of retrench: ment which ho had given in the country;: and asked if he was not to be bound b£ them. :J

THE LAST OF THE EXHIBITION.

What nas Become of the Exhibits la the New Zealand Court. Sir Walter and Lady Buller are on this Continent. They havo visited Frankfort, Cologne, and Aix-Ia Chapelle, and are now at Brussels, whence they intend to go to Paris for a woek or two. The Bullor collec tion has been carefully packed, and is to fee returnod to New Zealand at once, all eiJ copt tho Maori tomb, which, by the request of tho French Government has been de posited at tho Trocadoro Ethnographical Museum, where it will remain till the open ing of tho Paris Exhibition of 1889. Sir F. D. Belt'a wonderful fernery in the Now Zealand Court at the Colondies has of course been broken up, although I under; stand that its principal treasures will be preserved at Chiswick till required by the Imperial Institute. Two of Sir Julius Yon HaaatV m»« haVi gone back to the Canterbury Musoumj the third was sold at a high price to one of the ! principal provincial museums. Tho British museum authorities secured nearly tho whole of Profeesor Parker's .Col lection of skeletons and vertebrate animals in spirits. ."£■■» ~«s I am sorry Dr. Hector's fins topographi-■* cal model of New Zealand has gone back to the colony. It would have been acceptable to the School of Minea or some other kin dred institution in tho metropolis. ~ Dr Lognn Campbell's fine section'of Uio kauri pine one of the grandest things of its kind inthe wholo Exhibition-haB,I am glad to hear, been presented to the Museum of Economic Botany, at Kensington Gardens. Profeseor Giglioli, who reported on tho Indian and Colonial Exhibition for the Gol • vernmont of Italy, in treating of the New Zealand section says :—" I consider Dr. Wi L. Bullcr'd ethnological (Maori) collection the gem of the whole Now Zealand Court"— as indeed it was.

RAGE FOR COLLECTING NEW ZEA LAND BOOKS-A NEW HISTORY OF THE COLONY.

Tho number of colonists and Anglo colonists smitten with the mania for col lecting books about Now Zealand must be considerable, judging by the rapidity with which all old books that come into the market are bought up, and the prices they realise. A second-band bookseller in Holy we'll tells me be knows where to find buyers for every volume of the kind that comes into his band. Angus'a "Now Zealand Illustrated," whioh ten years ago sold slowly at five guineas, will now-a days readily fetch £25, and the volumes of " Missionary Notices " of the early times aro eagerly bought up at hand] somo prices. New Zealand has been pro ductive of more literature than any other country in the world if we take population as the basis. Up to the present the biblio graphy has reached to more than 400 volumes, 500 pamphlets, and tons of l'arlia* mentary papers. And tho cry is "Still they come," for thero is now a popu lar work in preparation on the model of Thomson's "Story of New Zealand;" by a well-known colonist, formerly a membor of the Government, ana for somo years past a resident in London, who is in every way fitted for the self-im posed task. I cannot at present give any closer indication of the "coming author without betraying confidence.

Prominent amongst collectors of works on New Zealand in London are-Mr Towriend, of the " Argus," Mr Henniker HeatoD, arid Sir W. L. Bailer.

Mr Leopold Bullor, who is studying at Heidelberg, has been over here for a week or two to eat some of the necessary dinners at the Templo. Air Chas. Dv Val, tho well-known enter tainer, leaves England immediately on another long tour, which will include an exhaustive round of all towns of note in Australia and INew Zealand.

NEW ZEALAND TRUST AND LOAN.

An extraordinary general meeting of this company was held at the office of the com pany, Cornhill, yesterday. —Sir Chat. Clifford (chairman) raid that they had only been called together for the purpose of declaring an interim dividend, but he would take this opportunity of telling the shareholders all he knew of the affairs of the company. New Zealand had not escaped the general depression, and the average rate of interest on the loans in the colony wbb lower than in any former year, so that the profits wero somewhat reduced, and there fore he thought that upon this ocoa sion they would be justified in reducing the usual dividend of 20 per cent, to 18 per cent., and he did not thick that the share holders would complain very much of that. IS per cent, after all was not a very poor dividend, but was one that he trusted, under the circumstances, would be con sidered satisfactory. Although there had been a lowering of the rates of interest in tho colony, still the inspector had tele graphed that there would bo no actual lobs, with the exception of that alluded to at the July meeting, caused by fraudulent informa tion, lie (tho chairman) might, therefore, Bay that tho company had made no losses. He thought that he might go a little out of the usual course by answering in public at that meeting somo private letters and private questions that had been addressed to him by shareholders, who from the re daction of thoir dividend had become a little alarmed, and had asked whether there w;n any likelihood of a call being made on the unpaid liability. There was no danger of that. There was another bug bear in England which bad affected very much the credit of New Zealand, and pro bably, in some degree, this and other companies connected with that colony. The idea was that the colony was over weighted with debt, and that it could not recover itself. It was true that a large amount had been expended in tho colony on railways, docks, and in the various means of opaniDg the country and fitting it for a much larger population than was at present there. The increaee of population was con stantly going on, and what appeared to be a heavy itubt for 000,000 people would be a light ono for double the number, who would take advantage of the works provided fcr tlieiM. Fortunately, Mr Harper was preient (tho head of tho firm of the company's solicitors in New Zealand), and a member of the Colonial Legislature, whom lie would aek to cay a few words on this subject,

itftE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, MONDAY. MARCH 21, 1887,



W. J. H URST & C° B. J. KSAM and A. H. GRAINSKR having purchased from the Publio Trustee (the Executor under the Will of the late W. J. Hurst) the Goodwill, Stock-in-trade, Boob Debts, etc., of the old-established business of W. J. Hurst and Co., Grain, Seed, Produce, and Artificial Manure Merchants, will trade under tho same style and name, and will continue the business aa heretofore, All Outstanding Accounts are requested to be paid forthwith. W. J. HUBBT JSIUO. ON SALE. SKEU3- New Season's Clovers and Natural Grasse* Rye BraßS and Cooksfoot (In variety) Turnip and Mangold Seeds MANUKK3- Boneduat (flne and 1 Inch) Superphosphates (varioua grades) Nltrsto of Soda Sulphate of Ammonia Potasn. Kolnet, etc., etc Peruvian Guano GKAIN- Soed and Feed of all description Flour, Oatmeal Bran, Sharps Tabia and Coarse Salt Xablo f otatoea &C &0., &0. W. J, HURST & C 0,. UUIiKN 3XRKBT, AUCKLAND. QPLEKUID VALUE IN DRAPERY ° AND CLOTHING. StroDg Flannol. Hi yard Wldo width Mo; Kiel Flannel, I3ld yd Grand assortment of Flannels at lowest prise Floorcloth. 6fc wide, 1b lid yd Coats's best 200 yds Cotton Ileols, Is doz Girls' and Women's Hose, from 3}d pair Men's Socks, from 33 pair Very large assortment Button?, Id per doz Long Lace Curtains, 24 3d pair Short Blind Net, 2jd Goal white Calioe, 2jrt; Crewdson's Calico. 33d Job Lot Underclothing, half price Nioe Assortment New Blapk Jorseys Men's Strong Cotton Shirt?, from Is Strong Union ditto. 2s fid Men's good Fagot Coats. 7s 6d (former price. 21b) Men's Strong Coats, 5a fid; Boys' do. very cheap Men's good Hard Black Felt Hats, 3s 63 Job Lot Men's and Boys' Fait Hats, from Is en's Brown Cotton Singlets, lsb'd Men's Pant 9, Is 91 Nios Stock of Tweeds, very much reduced Cheap Blnnk^la Large Lot of Rerrtaante In great variety, at very low prices, At Wm. R. BRIDGMAN'S CHEAP CLEARING CASH SALE, 238. Upper Queen-bt,



mes Bti^EßWorts, m'i'LL'INBB, >il3 NOW'SHOWING NEW WINTER GOODS 'IN ALL THB NEWEST STALES. MaABTEfUR'S BUILDINGS, QjUBKN-STRBET, AND KARANGAHAPB KOAD. ]j»:}PEI!AMBULATORS TO BE SOU) AT A CASH //&\ / V/ 4V BARGAIN. Finding wo have 220 Perambulator in Stock, we have decided to clear ou 100 of thorn at prices unheard of in Auck land before. ENGLISH, AMERICAN, & GERMAN GARLICK & CHANWELL. House Furnishers, QUEEN STREET, AUCKLAND. SPECIALLY CHEAP LINES AT GOODSON'S LONDON ARCADE. S quires (120 sheets) good Cream Ruled Note Paper for 6d; Envelopes to matoh, Kd per 100; Kau de Cologne, 2a bottle for Ib. or 5s 6d bottle for Sa Bd ; Tolled Vlnogar, Ss 6d bottle for 2s, or Is smaller slraj; Dinner Hots (IK pleocB), band some patterns. 25s ; Tea Sots (10 nieces), china, handsomely Kilt, 12s 6d the set; Breakfast Sets, china and Kilt, 15s ; Dessert Bets, loa; Chamber Bets, handsome patterns. 12s 6d; Toilet Sets, 3s fid; elegant Cut-glass Scent Bottles, niokel silver tops. Is lid; Sterling Silver Jewellery. marvellously oheap; Nickel Silver Clocks, good time-keepers, 6a eaoh; Whlto-handlo Table Knivos, rlvetted. 4s 6d tha J-dozon: Whlto handle Dessert Knives, rivetted, 3s 9d the }■ dozen ; Blaok-handie Knives and Forks, strong and Rood, Sa the J-dozem pairs ; Bread Knives, ftl each; Toys in endless variety arranged on stalls — 3d. lid. and Is each article and np wards. For Birthday, Wedding, or any Pre sents, no plaoe in Anokland liko tho London Arcade tor Variety and Cheapness. Price list on application. — Not 3 Address: GOODSON3 LONDON ARCADE, 210, Queon-atroat (opposita MoArthnr's Warehouse.), , W. S; i. AUMB * C a CUSTOMS AND STANLKY-STKEKTa. AUCKLAND. Seed and Manure Merchant* Boneduat Mannfactnrers Agents tor Peruvian Government Gain* Importers of Fencing Wire, Backs, Wat* Packs, eto. Cash Puroliaaors of BonM PARK HOUSE (Metropolitan Olnb), T OTOBIA-BIRIBI BAST, HE AH ALBERT PARK EHTBANOB. FIRST CLASS PItIVATE BOARD AND RESIDENCE. Lofty, well-lighted, and ventilated Bed and SltttaK roonin, Bath-rooms, and every conveni ence for Families, Travellers, and Boarders. Tsbms. £1 pkb Week. WRIGHT'S PBIZK BILLIARD TABLE. Private Suites for Families, and every Attention Combined with Comfort. _, E. DAWE3, Proprietor. Telepboni nt, "pOLDEN GEM" FLOUR "XL ALL" OATMEAL Are to* bent brands In this market. TRY THEM. ALFRED JOWITT, 80L» Agent. DR. J. MURRAY MOORE, M D., M.R.C.S. Hoars for Consultation: 11 to p.m., at Pond's Homcaopathlo Pharmaoy, 153, Qaeen-street; 2 to 3 p.m.. and 7to 8 p.m., at Keaidonce. Lower Symonds Btrset, Telephone 130. Vaccinations at Pond's, 1 p.m., TUifiolM y and FRIDAY.