COMING EVENTS.

Rieetinss, etc To-night,

AitHcultural i£ m-Fjyor'u ii'iiuine Paradox and

Jil.-iaai.-fis Vtl'Rli',7. Choral H'ill-OaaversiKione,7 SO. ifettcraaH'a Ciub-Sottli:iß orei1 iltnderaon's

Mi>l Hsceo, S. Art Sallcry. Kroc fciTsrary—Auckland Choral

Sotioty's lictauroal, ".!!0. St Staphjn'a Efhco -rooin.l'irnell—Dlaci'jibuUon ol frizJJ won in Judo's B>r Keßarta,»rSo D>vonnort Ma'l- Arijnurncd Aunr.i'.l Meeting o'£

Dovw.iport Nava!e, 7.30. EslißlouaMootlutrintßO Toit on Surrey Hills Katata, I'onscnby Kef.d. 7.10. UnitPd Motbodfst Ciiu-ch, Mt, Kaen-Sacred

and Sfculsc Concert. 7.u0. Drill-shed-AuoklaTid City Gnard», 7.30. fcjt. H«0!T?o's Hii 1 ■ Soireo Dsasanto, 8. Ko-ta of Juattueß at Police Court. March 18-C. V. McMillan and W. P. Meat. Auction Sales To-morrow. K. riochraneand "on. Park Avonuo—HoußOhold fc'urnituro and Kftocts, U. L). V. IS vans—Hcu behold Furai'.uro and Fffech;, Hi. SO.

Chief Post-Office, Auckland.

IUAILB WILL CLO6K AS CSDIiK !—

Tins DAI,

For Timir.es. ticv Kntorprise. at? 3! p.m. for Whiiiansi, Gum Town. Upper Mill. mid Tutnia, per lona, at-? p.m. for Tauranga, and opoliki, per Clansman, at

B'or Wangare; Heads. Pcrua, WaiDU, Whan- Karoi. Kama, &c,i Maugnpai, par Welllnsfton, Ht 5 P.m.

Saturday, i'Oth Inst.

ITor Iv&ti'itnti, Aonpp.totf, Tiurangi, and OpotiW

via I'bames, por "rlotomahana. at? n.m-, « fnr Thames, nor Rotomabana, Rt S?» a.m. BY.r Wifwc-a, To Kapa, and Vfarkworth, poi

Koso Cifny. at 10 a m. For Now Plymouth, and Southern ports, pc: Macgroftor, at 1 p.m.

Monday, 21st inst.

For Norfolk Island, per Southern Cro3a, at 9

a.m. For Putihi and Ooror.iu.ndcl, por Coromandel

a« 11.30 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern Ports, por Itotorn. at 1 p.ui.

Monday. 23th mat,

I'cr JMariposa as follows :—

For Samoa, Sandwich Islsncls, ITnltod Stat^fa of Aiperfea, Canada. Britloh Oolumfcia, Cen tral wa South An-.orloft, nnd BriLtsh and ij'ora ign VVest Indie.!', nt 5 p m.

for tho Unitod Kinguomand Ooatlnontol JCurope, at 5 p.m.

lor money orders. i"B;;i3tcred lottei'3, and uowßpapsrs at 3.30 p.m.

Tjeto lottors, boarinw on nxtrs feo of 6d in nddition to tho postage, will bo received by tho Mail Asropt on board tho steamer up to tho timo oC ssliini;,

sTiiin iusU vrill bo duo at Lou«on May 2.

(Sisnca) S. B. BISS, Chiof Postmaster

Chief Post-offlCff, Ao;k!and,

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Bunskt.—Tiite cvenlns, 6.10, Scnbibe,—To-inorrow morning, 6 7. Mook's ASB,-New Moon, 25t!i. 3.48 a.m,

HIGH WATER.

AocKLANf-'l'hla afternoon, 1.51; to-morrow m.wninß, 2.30. Manukad ITeadb—'fhia afternoDn, 1.3 L; to orrow morninK, 5.10. Kaipaka KsABS-Thia oveninK, 5 31; to tti->rrow linrnin;;, 0,10.

ARRIVALS.

TUB i\-.

CiauPimn, a.8., Farquhir, from Rua^Pll ■We'.linston, s.s.. Stopheneoa, from Wbangare: lona, s.s., Amodoo, Etoti Birrior • Chelmslord, 6.5., Hopkins, from Tauranga

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Coromandel, from Coromandel. Saturday, 5 p.m. Hotomahana, from Thamea, to-day, 5 33 p.m. Wollington. from Whangarei, Thurcday night lona, from Mercu'-y Bay. Saturday ninht Clansman, from TauransM, Sunday, early Janet Niooll, from South Sea Islands, April 2 Enterprise, from Thamo9, today, 11 p.m. Zcalandia, from Rim Franclsso, Ap-il 2 Uotorua (at Onohuns-ili from Soulh, Sunday, early Waitaki, from Giebonio. Monday

Inwards CoAsrv.-isu. -Nellie, Com Whai patioua with SO.OOOft. timber; Margaret, fioi wita 13 loss; Pukapuka, froi Whananakl with 26,'J001t timber.

Outwards Coabtwisr.—Ne l^e, for Whanga poua ; Pnkapuka, for Whanacki.

The ship Lidj Jocelyn broke bnlk this morn ing, and daring the day put out cargo rapidlr.

Thabaiqao Wild Wave clearad et the Customs to-day for Mercury Bay, whare ehe is to load timber f >r Sydney.

Captain C. Hopbine, of the Chelmtford, reports having passed the Gioborno or Waiapu off Cape Colville, bound in.

The s 3. lona arrived fro-n Great Birri-r this morninß. Pasipni?ers:—Mrs Leßay, and crew of the wrecked cutter Whangnrti.

The ship La'Jy Jcccli n g :o3 from this port to Napier to load frosm me.it, wool, &c , for Lon don.

The S.S. Waitaki left Wellington for Glsborne Napier, end Auckland, full of cargo, on Wei neadar evening, an-1 is duo to arrive here on Alont'ay nusr.

T'h-i cutter Metal;ana, whilst engaged in th) trading vnpseis' raca at Thames, jeaterday, collided with the wharf, a&d carried away part vt her bulwarks.

The a.s. Chelnrsford arrived from Opotiki and Tauranga this forenoon, with 90 sacks maize, 40 sack* potatoes, 5 bales woal, acd sundries. Pas socgors from Opotiki: Miss Sundry, Captain Tair, Sergeant Cuhil. From Tauranga: Messrs Richeson, KecXo, Jonoa.

Th 9 s.e. Wellington arrived from Whangarel early this morning witu tbo followirg pas sengers:— Saloon—Mr Buttle and family, Mrs Parsons and child. Messrs Dixon, Churchward, Galbravtb, Ko-s, Mar3ball. Kaos, Jones, Camp bell, Rev. Mr Miller, Mo3fiam?a Henderson, Cox, Carrutth, Galbraitb. Wallace. Rogers, Miaaes Josepha. Armstrong. Boxilt. Martin. Mltcholsnn. and eiglil in the steerego.

The a.a. Clansman arrived early this morning from Northern ports wita the following pn3 sengers :—M.-mgonui : Mesdaaaes Larmer. Ed* wards, Roae.Misiea WarbrooK.Larmer,Koaieur, Williamson. Bishop, Messrs Bishop. li.M., Yatca, Shiuo, Mariner, K. Matthews, K. W. Matthews, Williamson, Moir. Krom Whan garoa: Misi Robertson. From Russell: Mes dames Bigby, Kemp, Hastie, Misaoß Smith, Irvin. Yen. Aroh. Clarke, Revs. Hewson and H. Fapahia. Messrs Sharland, Neph, Spark. Beck, Cook, Kemp, llastie.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURES. Gairloct), s s., MoAnhur, for Waltara Oretl, s s., llobjrtjoD, for Hoklanga

The Northern Co.'s s.s Gairloch left Tor Wal tara and new Plymouth at 1 o'olock to-day with IB tona cargo, aid several passengers.

The 8.8. Oroti, far Hokianga, took her de parture this afternoon with a general cargo.

The Northern Co 'a b.s. Macgregor will not arrive till tomorrow morning, having been detained along the ucast through bad weather.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Giseoboune, this day.—Sailed: Australia, for lha Worth, 11 am.

Sydnky, Maroh 17.—Arrived: Wakatipu, from Wellington. Sailed: To Anau, tor Auck land. Melbourne, Maroh 17.—Arrived: Tarawera, from BIuXF. Wellington, March 17.—Arrived: Briar Holme, barquo, Jobnaoa, 105 dayß from Liver pool. Te Kopunif, this diy.—Arrivals: Vision, hnss. from the South. Sailed : Marmlpn, son., for South.

COMMERCIAL.

Kvenins Stab Offlca, this day. Mb Alfbkij Buckland'b Weekly Report.— At the Haymarkat during the past week loose fodder ranged (ram 2s to 3s 3d the owt; oats, from Is 10a to 2s 3d ; maize, 3s 91 to 3s lid: -wheat is the bushel. Manures, clovers, and crass Beads were also sold in considerable quan tities. On Friday laßt horse Btook wore sold in larger numbera than of late. Prices for useful ridinK and light horses ranged from £7 10] to £12 • md a choice, active, heavy draught, £30 ; BDrlngaiß. £1015 a. At the wool, hide, and skin sale held on Tuesday, 15th instant, heavy hides were in brick demand, and brought up to l|aib ; tallow, from 12s to 15a the ewt; pelta and skina, from 9d to 216 d each; wool. 7d and 7jd lb. At the irivata sale held on thß farm ot tor W, Walters of Papatoitoi. there was a very numerous atten dance, and the prices obtained were satisfactory throunhout The country cattle sales, held at Pokeno and Drury on Monday and Wednesday Jespectively, were lully supplied with stook ot allilisaes. Prices ruled low. but. owing to the scarcity of feed, there were very few reserves. At Remuera on Thursday dairy cowb at their nront were belter worth. Store cattle dull of aale Fat cattle, in lesa than usual number, bronght about 15a the lOOlbs. ■ Well - fatted calvea were in demand at full prices. Fat shoop, in Bhort supply, obtained no improve ment on last week'B values. Pigs of all elapses, particularly porters, were In belter inquiry than at any time during the hotter weather.

Messes Hunteb and Nolan's Refobt.- Horso loed and Beed were to brisk demand. Oats, at 2a 4d to 2s 6d per bushel; pollard. la bd dot'1001b; bran. 4a GS per 1001b. Horass: Dal neußbas oharacteriaad the market; no Btrangers were brought forward, and there were no out- Bide buyers, conseouently sales were limited at the previous week's values. Entries at the Durham Yards were scarcely np to the averaee in number, and did not include many of a decent stamp. Competition was slow, but moßtofthelotaweredieposedof eventually. We auote: Hacks, from £i 10s to £13; light harness horses, from £8 to £15; draughts, from £13 lte to £20. Wool, hides, and okins: Steady demand at the previous week's values. We quote: Ox hides atfrdiuiato4Jd; cow Hideo, Sid to 3Jd vex ib: skins, from la 3i to 3a 6d. Cattle: Tne supply has t>f en good. <-*at beasts have been principally ship-borne. Young sore stock were more plentiful, and t&e-e was a tendency to In oreasa in value. The Newmarket Yards were fairly filler, on Tuesday, and there was steady competition for well-fatted animals, which rsa lißedrelatively better values than thosathatlwero not prime. Priceß ranged from 15a to 18s per 10016 Dairy cows were fairly well represented, and found purcha-ers at the previous week's values A frw more storea were yarded and disposed of. Sheep: There waa a larger niUß ter at Newroai k<it lh»n on the previous week, but there was a bUniitly upward tendenoy in value. Wi then* sold at Ifom 93 tv lls 6d; ewes, from 78 91 to 9 . Lambs: dearie, ana oi in different quality, told at tiom da 3d t3 8s 3d. Pigs • Scarce, and in-improved demand, at from 2ilto3slrer.lt>. live weight. HftfSHS O. W. B]»vyTJ» gOKB' Elif OUT— Atl™weekly sale of M&b, &»., agbodde-

niaiid was experienced fjr afl olaeiloh ot (rood h. d pontid biles.. Kxtra h'Oß.vy realised 4Jd ; heavy, id v ljd ; Medium, 3Jtt to Sid'; at.each, prime. 3»: h-'avy.^Ss; average green ox, 22»6d ; ■ef>ir. id to 3Jd; oalfsklos. 3d to «d per IV; salted lielts, la 'Jd to 2s : lambskins, 8d WBs BdJ d>J polts avorased 9d ; lambskins swaged Is, 2d each ; tallow, 13s to 15s ; benes, 3s 9d per cwt'; roujih fat. Id per lb.

S,'JCEO.AND S»EODr>CB! KAIIKET,

Farm andTUiryProdoob.—Wholesale: Bnt" ter. Drime froah. lDd : oheeso. good factory, to'4Jd per lo; Cantorburr. none: Bmrs. is 6d ; lard, in bladders, 6srt • Bacon and Hams, in cloth, provincial, 7d to 7Jd ; Hams, notua; Cantorbhry Biicon. 7d ; Bacon nn4 Ha!«i Va equal numbers. 7Jd. , , Flooh Market.—WholCWtte^ sUCerflneflonr. silk dressed, per ten, 4'« ! do. household. £11; SoutbfiMi Be., Kit) IfS to £11 15s ; Lamb'a Premier, /Si 2 SjJ Standard, £11 Sa: bran, ton (sacks Included). £5 : Southern ditto, £5 10a; local sharps. £510 a and £8; Southern ditto. £8; mum bread. £16; oatmeal, do, £1110s to 6V1 0» I oats. 2s 2d to 2a id: maiza 3s 8d ; new potatoes, £5: pearl barley, do. £14 to fi!8 1 boana. 3s 3d,: ontons. £14. All gram, chaff, Oatmeal, Sea., sold included sacks.

Kauri gum, Flax. &0.-Tho 'market •is j decidcly weo&> owing to very free supplies. Wjß quote: Fair'to (food ordinary £36 to £43; BUperK'? , ordinary. £11 to £15; Coast, fiSO to £38., BUpplieS tof March, 245 tons. Flax, per too, «U to Stf \ tow, ditto. £5 to &T\ fuagiiQ, pti'r lb, Sid 4d; ooooanut libra. 16a to lfs Ml* ovn. Coal and }Fmmvrtf£i> Market.—Coal i New castle, (ship's fide). 21s to 23s per ton; yard. SSs 16 Slr: Bay of Islands, at yards, Wn Pa; screened. 28s 6d: ditto at the mines. 13s;, ship's side, 235: Waikato. 8s to 12s: at : Anokland. 18s to 22a; liamo. 10s per ton on: loading ground: Taupiri at mine. Saßdto 12s : at yard, 19s 8d to 255: Whangnrel, at mine. 9s 6d; yard (eteain), 17a; household, 21s; doHvsrod, 235. Firewood: Uncut at wharf (oargo). 7s to 8a (Id per ton: delivered, 13 jto las: out. Ua to 16s. BDIKDrUa MATHRiAts.—Timber: Boards and sonntline. lOOtt. nest, Ha Bd; second-claBS, 6s 6d, beat. planod, t?n"Sued, and grooved, flrst-olass, 14a : rafiilinm. 11s : second ditto. 8s rmat&tttstl weather boards (flrst-olasa), llsj m'idium, 10a; second-class, 9a. Mew Zea. land palinga. 6ft (sat)), 10s; 6ft (heart). 13s; Oft, 14: ti-tree rails. £3 10s per 100; puriri posts, m 10s to £7 10s; shingles 13s per 1.000; Hobart palings, sft. 19s; 6ft, 21s ; Hobart rails, 100 a, selling quotations. Brlckß lat Avondale). 30a ocr 1.000; town yarda, 30s to 35a; de livered. 408. Drain pipes (at works), per 100 (6 inches bore), 40s ; 1 inches, 14s ; 15 inches, 9s; 2 inchea, £2 10 per 1,000; sookot glazed pipes, 18 inchea, 4s per foot; 15 inches. 4a Od per Foot; 12 inohes, 3s per foot; 9 inches, 2s per foot: 6 Inches, is per foot; 1 lushes, Ed per foot; 3 Inches, 7d per foot. Manures. — liolMdrat. Sydney. £8 to £9, according to finality; boneflour, £9 to £10; Auck land, £!i; Peruvian guano. £14 to £17; Long Island do., £i 10a, bags included; Hurst's ohemi oal manure, £13.

Births.

MARTIN.—On Maroh 18. at her rosidnnco, Charlotte-street, Kden Terrace, tho wife ol C. J. Martin of a daughter.

Deaths.

FLBTCHER.—On March 17, at his residence. Colllngwood-Btreet, Pooßonby JaniesFleruher. beloved husband of Eliza Fletcher; agod 72 yeara. The funeral will leave his late residence, Collingwooa-Btroet, for Waikomiti, to morrow (Baturday), at 10.30 a.m.

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 1887.

For the wrong that needs resistance, Tor the future in the distance, And the good that we can do-

There is probably no more important question, as far as everyday life is con cerned, than that which deals with finance. How to " raise the wind " is the thing that most exercises the mind of the householder, and in like manner, how to find the sinews of war, is the problem which a Government has to solve. It is obvious that year by year a certain amount must be provided for the thousand-and-one things which fall within its province. But how that amount may best be obtained is not seldom a question more easy to state than to answer. Here in New Zealand the strongest stand-by of the politicians seems to be the Property Tax. It may well be questioned whether such a tax is financially a sound one, or whether the many drawbacks incidental to it do not more than counterbalance the ad vantages which it is supposed to possess. The reports which have come to us from colonists who are in a posi tion to judge intelligently, that the tax is acting disastrously upon the influx of capital to develop the resources of the country, must compel a reconsideration of the question whether the tax should be abolished or fixed at a definite amount which will not under any circumstances be exceeded. The strong efforts that are being made just now to encourage the estab lishment of local industries, and the unfortunate experience of so many in dustries which have already been sel on foot, give a special impulse to the in quiry. It may be said that improve ments do take place, and men do em bark capital in the country. Of course the energy of our race will and must assert itself, even in the face of dis couragement ; but nevertheless there is no doubt that the general tendency of the tax is to discourage all enter prises in which a cash profit is not a certainty. For consider what it means. A man is taxed on the property he possesses. A great deal of that property may be absolutely unre munerative. His money, for ex ample, may be locked up in books, or pictures, or curiosities, all the same he has to pay. Nay, worse than that, he may hold shares which are worse than unremunerative; no matter, still he must pay his tax on these shares. What encouragement has he to expend money on his farm when he knows that for every barn he puts up, every pound he sinks in the laud, he has to pay a certain subsidy to the tas gatherer? Very likely his improve ments' may not ba immediately re munerative. He iB labouring for the

iuture, still tho inexorable claim is made, and he must pay for the present. If he were to put the money spent on dead improvements out at interest* he would at least bo secure of the amount of hi 3 tafc

. How. hard again is the pressure on those whose income is limited, tho many who find it a struggle to make both ends meet, who depend for their existence on the interest of a few hundreds, their little savings. People SO situated may'thus be deterred from coming here. Then,,again, how crush ing must be the eil'oct. of such a tax on the stp.rting oi hew industries. They have difficulties enough of their own to contend with, and can ill afford to be jumped on by an unwise tax.

Of course nioaus must; bo found to furnish the Government with the neces sary meaus for carrying on their work. If we live in a country we must, in all fairness, contribute to the support of that country, and pay for the advan tages which we derive from it; but there are other methods of furnishing the needful funds than those afforded by tho Property Tax, methods which arc available. The alternative to a property tax is an income and land tax; and it may bo said in favour of an incomo tax that a man pays, not on ivhat may be absolutely unrcmuuera tivc, or even worse, but on what he actually receives. It is an inquisi torial tax, say some. Can anything possibly be more inquisitorial than our present property tax, whereby, at

stated intervals, we are required I, furnish true and full accounts of a' wo have, from the pictures on on walls to our balance at the bank ?

What says John Stuart Mill on this point'! "An income tax, fairly as sessed on those principles, would bo in point of justico the least exceptionable of all taxes." The principles here re ferred to involve certain cases of exemption, upon which wo need not dwell. True, he maintains that, owing to the difficulty of finding the amount of a man's income, the tax would press most heavily on the most conscientious. But may not the same thing bo said of the Property Tax / AVhen we consider the reputed value of the property of Now Zealand, and Urn amount -which that property produces in the shape of fax, it is idle to [ire tend that any more conscience is shown iv our method of taxation, than would bo shown if we had an Income Tax. lv both eases taxation must press most heavily on the most conscientious and dishonest people would make no more scruple about (oiling lies under the one system than under the other. Conscience may be squashed with as much facility now as then.

This objection then may, we imagine well be set aside. But even granting tho objection, the advantages are con siderable on many points. Under ai income tax there is no drawback iin posed on enterprise and activity. A

man may do tho best lie can with what ho has, without the unpleasant anlici pation of a hoaviur tax. Thoiu is no difficulty placed in the way of starting new \unturos, whilst those whose money was unfortunately invested in undertakings which had proved uureniunenttive would t-.-rc-ijn; the consciousness of the insult of taxa tion added to the injury of loss. With regard to fixed incomes, the possessors must still pay under an income tax, but they could never lie assessed so high as 8s 4d per ;£loo, which is equal Is 2jdin the pound on an invest ment yielding 7 per cent, interest, The highest income tax levied in ling laud since it was made uniform in 18U3 hasbeou (sd in thopound. In any change of taxation, however, the principle of taxation ou land which is achieved under the Property Tax should never be surrendered. And if tho (Govern ment consider it wise in the present financial condition of the colony, not to experiment with changes in tho form of a tax with which the people have at least become familiar, they may re move one of the strongest objections to it, by affirming in some way that tho rate of a penny in the pound shall never bo exceeded. There is no doubt at all that the fear of a higher rate operates about equally with the tax itself as a cause of mischief among investors abroad.

M. do Leaeepp3' mission has not boou tho success expected for it. Hobnobbing with Bismarck can never bo a very popular thing. Egypt nnd tho Sue/ Canal irjny bo dear to the heart of Joan Prudhomino but

Alsace-Lorraine is dearer. Tho French press ia now criticising unfavourably tho canal-maker's mission, and growling that in attempting to appease Germany, a traditional enemy, France, will probably offend Russia. The objection i 3 a curious commentary on tho state of Europe. Tho recent conspiring against the life of the Czar is now confirmed by H6r Majesty the Queen tendering him her congratula tions upon his escape from the bombs of his beloved subjects

The mail steamer Zealnndia having left San Francisco on Sunday last, tho 13th inst.,at 4 p.m., is due according to time table to arrive here on Saturday, April 2. She will probably put in an appearance on the evening of that data.

We are glad to loam that tho Whangaroi Coal Company have struck a new and valuable seam of coal, which is expected to prove more valuable both as a household and steam coal than hitherto got from their mines. For some time back a drive has been pushed on in the direction of land hitherto untouched, and the result is the striking of a fine Beam of cor;J from 10 to 12 feet thick. This can be easii'y worked, and will prove of great value.

The rival whaleboat crewß representing the North Shore and Waitemata Rowing Clubß met again at tho Thames Regatta yesterday. The race was a very hard odo from etart to finish, the water being lumpy and the course about 3 miles with a turn, or about as long aa the Auckland Champion Whaleboat course. North Shore got tho lead Boon after the start, and main tained it over the whole courso, eventually winning by two or three lengths. This makes the third win for North Shore against Waitemata since tlio Auckland Regatta.

Mr Samuel Decry, a man employed at one of the local timber mills, met with :i rather serious Occident at the Henderson's Mill raoea yesterday. Ho was about to cross the cour»o just previous to the Rail way Handicap, when he came in collision with Libeller, who was indulging in a preliini nary gallop at the time. The consequence was that Poery wag badly thrown, and al though no bonen wore broken, it was found that he bad received a very pnvero shock to the spine. Decry was attended to by Drs. McMullen and Walker, both gontlomen be ing on the course, and ho was conveyed home to bis residence in Parnell by several of his friends who were present.

An arbitration case, McSheUrey v. O'Donoghue, is now proceeding beforo R. C. Barstow, Esq. Mr Cotter appears for McSheffrey and Mr Napier for O'Donoghuo, The parties were contractors for the Parnoll Borough Council and the Mount Eden Road Board, and disputes have arisen aB to the share of the proiits to which each party is entitled. There was no deed of partnership, and proper books of account do not appear to.have been kept; hence the differences, and the necessity for the arbitrator's friendly offices.

Yeßterday the Roman Catholic children at Onehunga had their annual fete at the recreation reserve, when about 400 of the Sisters of Mercy school children, dressed in white, were present', and a number of

parents ami f>iown people also assembled. During ths early part of the day, amupementa were got up for the chil dren's enjoyment. In the aftsmoon they returned to the echool grounds, where re freehnJents and abundance of fruit were pro- Tided.

James Fletcher, ono of tho oldest water men»on the "step?," died last, ovoning at the ago of seventy -two. Tho decoaeod piled Mo calling regularly for the past tj'Uirter of aceatury, excepting tho last fow months', during which he has been laid up, and his death will tako another from the Hat of old identities

Tho Auckland Bowling Green wan the scene yeoferday afternoon of a number of friendly matches, in which the Now Ply mouth and local players took part, without any classification being mado as to district. At ihocloso of the play Mr Paul took tho opportunity to propoeo tho toast of "The Prt:y^," and iv doing so mado coinpiiojOn tary rufoieii'Je to the kindly prominonco which tho newspapers herd had given to thorn and their doings in Auckland. Mesdi'B Finlayson, R. Keesing, D J. Me- Leod and W. Gtorrio also expressed grati tude to tho local press for its servicoa in tho causo of bowling. Tho toast was duly ac knowledged. Today the majority of the New Plymouth bowlers left for home by the aa. Gairtoch. Three or four of the team remain hero a few days longer, aud have re ceived an invitation from Mr Josse King, Secretary of tho Nowinarkot Bowling Club, to pay a visit to their groen to-morrow afternoon, and tttka part in n friendly game.

A boy named John Skanton Larder was tali on to the Hospital this morning. Ho \vas suffering from n sovere fracture of tho head, tho ro»nlt of boiog thrown from his horeo whilst riding in Symonds-otreet.

Tho liroat Ponsonby on Wednesday night was, wo learn, in Hie lenn-to of an eight roomed house in Sentinel Uoad, bolongirg to Mr Lie. Tho Ponsonby Firo Brigade were promptly on tho spot, and by strenu ous exortions mmmgod to suppress tho liro nft.cr it had communicated with tho main building. Only tho loan-to w a destroyed, however, and tho total damage will not oxceod £50.

The members of Birlwnhead and North coto Fruitgrowers' Association hold thoir monthly meeting la.=t Monday night, whon a pnpor was road by Mr Thompson on "Tho Cultivation of Applos," nt the conclusion of which tho subject was freely discussed by Mo?sre Fnulknor, Stanley, Wilson, Kay, Stafford, llaisman and KawliiiHon,

Matthew Henry Frost, soUlor, Avon dale, lilcd a petition of insolvency to-day atthu A?eigiico's ollico.

A ruthor amusing incident hnpponod in tho lI.M. (..onrt to-duy, when a foreign looking man, who w;>s summoned undor iho name of Smith, after having proved that bo was rmito incapnblo of paying tho small dobt. of XI 12.-, and had been ordered to piy tho email sum of '_'■! GJ per week, cnino up and presented a XT) noto to tho Clerk of tho Court, and asked for change, aftor deduct ing tho amount of debt as a iirst payment.

Messrs John Gittos, Richard Hellaby, Roborfc Laing, Charloa F. I'iirtington and Robert T. Warnock (tho retiring Commit too for last yoar's Newton Liconir.g District) being tho only candidate this day nomin ated, tho Returning Ollicor, Mr Seaman, doclarod those iivo gentlemen to be elected, and appointed their first mooting for tho rhoicoof .-> chairman, to bo held at 41, Ivo»- Zealand Insurance Buildings, Auckland, at 8 p in. on Friduy, 25th inst.

A handsome nilvor cup has boon pro fontoJ to tho Gordon Hillo Oorpa by Lieut. Leigh, for competition under tho following condition, viz., uny member obtaining tho highest aggregate score in any two out of four epeciticd mutches wins tho cup Mont D. liny has also oHured n silver merlal for tho highest ecorar in nny two matches. Both tiophies have been placed on view in Mr Sh«ckleiord'» window, (Jueen etreot, opposite McAtthur's waro house.

The members of tho Nil De?porandmn f,odgo of 1 0.0. T. held their quarterly social gathering in tho Otalmlm Temper unco Hull, thero bi'ing a iurgo attendance of Templar* and their ixionda, A moat en joyable evening win spent, ami a very uinu-ing programme wus t'ono through. Tho harmonium wus provided at by Mi.-s I'ikelt, The chair was takon at S o'clock by liro. Alf. Lowo, W.U.T. After t, Humptucms ri'p:i«C Bro. W. (Jib Otinuold, I'.W.CT, addressed tho meeting in a few appropriate words, stating that the Lodge was decidedly on tho increase, and iw prci'poctß looked well. In conclusion, ho invited all present to join tho Ordor, assuring thorn ot a hearty welcome The meeting cloxed with the National <lnthoni.

AtChrietchurch yesterday, tho R.M. de liverer! judgmont in tho case of tho Comp troller-General v. Lyttoltou Harbour Board ami C. H. Williams—a dispute arising ovor tho auditing of the Board's accounts. The e'ecieion wasjin favour of the Harbour Board, who wore allowed expenses,

Mr IT, Exloy preached to a crowded tout I i.«t evening ou the defdnco of Sunday a« tho Christian ijabbath.and said that nowhere in tho New Toetamont lire Christians enjoined to worship God on tho "sovonthdny Sabbath.." Mr Exlcy spoke nt groat length, and with no mean ability. Doubtless, ad hcrcnf.9 of tho iirst-day Sabbath huvo had their faith strengthened, as the preacher's remarks wero very forcible and to tho point. To-night, Mr A. G. Daniells pro poses to review tho ground taken by Mr Bxley, whon all who wieh to hear the viows on tho other tido should be proeont. During tho wholo of the lecture lost night, there was no evidenco of partiality on tho part of any. Mr Exlcy, in his opening remarks, spoko in favour of Mr Daniells'e method of having tha truth presented to tho people, and not by the half hour-debato syet'em. He also in warm terms expressed himeolf us having no nyuip'ithy will] tho paragraph that appeared uudor tho boaditig of "The Advontiotn' Challenge."

Mr E. Turley, Dublin-street, Ponsonby, announces in another column his intention of giving lcsaoi)b| in Pitman's shorthand. In addition to giving private tuition at his house, it is Mr Turloy'e intention to form public cla«sos in connection with schools in tho city and suburbs, as may bb defcirod by thoeo wishful of acquiring tho phonographic art.

Li"): night a crowded hou^o highly op provod of tho grand national concort in St. James's Hall, which was given in aid of the St. Patrick's Cathedral debt. Tho opening item of tho programme was tho marvollima composition, so attractive in Homo on St. Cecilia's Day, "Cantantibua Organic," by Mr Tom Burnhnm and a chorus of ladioa. This is the first time this piece has ever been performed out of Kotne. The voices, particularly tho te'.ior, woro in good fora: ; Mr Philpot's llute obligate was alto well rondarod, although rather orky at times. Mr Hi ejeks admirably played the difficult harp accompaniment by pizzicato on the violio. Father Kehoe acted a? conductor, and it is to his exertions that tho succees of the concert is duo. Mosdames Fryor andHiscocks, Misses Loni gan, Staunton and Crawford, and Messrs VVorrall, Edmonds, Baxter, Knox, Smytho, Leslie, Martin, Hiecocks, and Master Kirby were the other ladies and gentlemen who assisted at the concert.

Tho Grafton Road Weeleyan Sunday School workers are busy preparing for thoir twenty-first anniversary, and are ueing every exertion to make the celebration a great success. A special meeting for prayer is to be held at 7 o'clock on Sunday morning next. At 11 o'clock the Key. R. Bavin, who is shortly leaving (irafton Road, will preach, and tbe Rev. C ii. Garland in the evening. A Bpecial service for tho young is to bo held in the church on Sunday alter noon at 3, when the Kov. Mr Chow will preach ; parents and friends aro invited to tbia service Tho public poiroe is to be hold on Tuesday next, tho ten being served in the Bchoolroom from 6to 7 o'clock. At tho public mooting tho Key. R. Bavin will provide, and tho Revs. T. Spurgoon, C. H. Garland and T. G. Carr will give addresses. It is expected the singing by tho scholars will form a very attractive feature, na they have been carefully taught by Mr Gat land,

Dr. J. B. Russell, the Glasgow medical officer of health, delivered a lecture on " Tho Children of our Cities," under the auspices of the Edinburgh Health Society, on December ISth. He stated that 153 out of evory 1,000 children born in Glasgow died within the first year. Iv tho large towns of England the rate was still higher, averaging 185 per 1,000, while in Liverpool it had risen to 219 and in Leicester to 215 per 1,000 Lord Younpr, one of tho judge.-* of tho Court of Session, in moving a vote of thanks to tbe lecturer, eaid that he had always bt.cn struck, as a judge of tho Supreme Criminal Court, with the remarkable fact that there was perhaps less crime in Glasgow than in any other town of the earae size in the world. He was going in two days to an assize where the Court sat for a population of over a mil lion, tho cases numbered only 40 or -12, and ho did not think there was £20 worth iv-

volveo" in dishonesty applicable to property. Lord Young concluded by saying that he thought Malthus's advice to people not to have such large families was a lesson which had better be impressed to a large extent at lease.

A cuuversaziouo of a very attractive character takes place i» the Choral Hall this evening, in connection with tho local braueh of the Ken Zealand Educational In-

stitute. The arrangements have been car ried out on au elaborate scale, and amongst other things a choice programme of vocal and instrumental music by leading amateurs will be presented.

Tenders for tho road works at Kingsland were received by the C)iairm«d of Monist Albert Road District, but being above -the onpinoer'a estimate tho • plans havo boon amended and further tenders called.

The Mine Manager, of the Old Caledonian Gold Mining Company (Limi ed), reports under date l(i March : "I think the No. 1 reof isimproving, I snw eomo colours of gold to-day."— W. Corin.

The following programme will be per formed by tho Artillery Band, in tha Domain Cricket Ground, to-morrow after noon, under Bandmaster A. R Hunter : — Grand March. " 0 Fair Lard of Poland | " Valse, "E'erald;" Selection, "La Vallu den Roses ; " Quadrille, " Chants de Suir ;" Grand Selection, " Emma;" Valse, " Wood lands ; " Selectiou, " Pride of Ireland ; " Galop, "Selected."

Received at J. Baber's office the follow ing tenders for Hay's Mill, Remuero Road district : Archibald, £103 : Peach, £95 17s.

Tho members nnd friends of tho Birken hoad and INorthcoto Fruit Growers' Asso ciation havo decided to inaugurate a fruit, flower, and vegetable show. It has boen resolvod that the inaugural show shall bo hold on tho 30th April next, and will bo open to all comers. An excellent schedule of prizes for fruit, flowers, and vegetables has been issued, and if sufficient induce ment oilers, prizes will also bo awarded for butter, honey, and jam

The very heavy supply of Popakurn gum, which is of poor quality, is having a bad effect upon the Auckland market sup plies from all parts for tho past ciphteon days amonnted to 404 tons, this morning's supplifs alone amounting to 61 tons. Good ordinary (free from =wamp) i?, howovor, worth £45 ; poor ordinary, such an Panakura crum, from £30 to £38, and East Coast £56 to £58.

Early last evening, as fhe paddle steamer Diamond woe coming up harbour, her master (Captain McLood) espiod a small boat floating bottom upwnrds, nbout midway between the Queen • atreot Wharf and tho opposite point. Ho stoored for the boat, and had her lifted on board. The craft proved to bo a Kob Hoy cunoo, which had got away from her owner, Mr 11 Cranwell, junior, and she was claimed by him to day.

The election of Commiasionors for the Takapunii I iconsing District takes placo to morrow, and judging from tho stir being mado, tho ropult is looked forward to with considerable interest. The point at issue is understood to bo a proposal to grant a liconao at lake Takapuna. The principal polling places are Gladstone Hall, North cote, nnd tho schoolroom, Takapuna, and in oach of those districts a strong commit too has been formod to further the interests of Messrs Button, White, Quick, Mackay and Fnulknor. The ticket comprises raon of all shades of opinioD, who are pledged to carry out tho law aa it now stands, until tho views of tho community are taken on tho local option clauso iv tho Licencing Act.

Sumo -10 or 50 of tho excursionists who went to tho Waikato by rail yesterday pro ceeded on to Otorohanga, which ia the profent terminus of tho line. They woro most favourably improssed by tho charming scenery of tho placo and woro surprised tn find c->nsidorablo evidence of enter prising spirit. Although yesterday, as it woro, Otorohanga was but a more name for a solitude in tho King Country, it boasts to day three store-), including a billiard saloon, and two very fine boarding houses, whoro the visitors were regaled with what one of them term's " a real square meal." Moreover, one of the restaurateurs had a vehicle in readiness to convoy tho excursionists to the re niarkablo limestone caves of tho diH trict, but time did not permit of this long to spend at Otorohanga, and tho rail way authorities wjuld have given grantor satisfaction had they arranged for two hours of tho time to bo spent at To Awamutu, which oll'ered tho attractions of a Horticultural Show. Auckland was renamed about midnight.

A conjoined mooting of the Matiukau and On' hunga Kowing Clubs, which had agreed to umalgamato, was hold on Tuesday night in tho Knitway Terminus Hotel, Dr. W, K. Krafin in the chair. It was resolved on !ho motion of Messrs .lames and Poarco that tho club fhould be called tho " Star of the Mnnukau liowing Club." The election of nflieers resulted n* follows : Patron, Sir (i. M. O'Rorke ; president, Dr. W. R, Erson ; vieo-presidents, Captain 3 Wings and Worsp, the Mayor of Onehunga, and Lieut. Colonel Shepherd ; captain, Mr W. Wasteneys : treasurer, Mr Bruford ; Secretary, Mr V. VV, Greeno ; Committee, Messrs G. Taylor, I). Adnmi*, J. Blakey. G, James, It, P. Hollis, t;. Pearco, P. McCarthy, Shelirick, jun., and Captain Pitt. Tho annual pub irription wad fixed oh £1 Is, payable quarterly iv advance. Tho meeting stands adjourned until Tuesday evening noxt.

The bowels of compassionate benevolence get closed up occasionally owing to tho numerous impostors that throng arnund. This vveok a woman called upon Mr W. R. Bridcrman, Draper, Upper Queon-stroot, soliciting heln for a family in " distressing povorty." The story ran that tho poor husband, being compelled through want of work, had at last gone on to a section of Government land, and thoro waa struggling with hia plot to ruako a homo for his wifo and children. Tho fatnilv worQ loft) botiiod, residing close to tho Glasgow Store; and, as " one troublo nover comes nlone," a malig nant fevor had now brokon out among the children, and thoro was not a crust in the boiico. Such n sad talo nt onco took hold of the feelings of tho worthy draper, but his zeal did not outrun his judgment. Having been often bittou before, he said to tho woman that, instead of Riving the cash, ho would run up to Arch Hill and relievo the care him»olf. Ho got tho " poor distressed woman's" addreas and he went up and soarchod the neighbourhood for the fever stricken occupants, but could find none in that locality. It would be well if all charitable relief were given after inquiry oithor personally or through tho Bonevo lent Socioty. It is to be feared that while for tho want of this precaution much good naturo is imposed upon, there aro many cases of real distress which lack rolief because tho sufferers shrink from publicity. Ono dodge said to have been pursued with fair financial results in Auck land in that of calling at houses to borrow a postage stamp, "just to send a letter to my wifo." In the absence of a stamp, " a penny will do instead." This is quite an artistic form of mendicancy, tho operator being too proud to beg, but not above bor rowing.

Misfortune Booms to follow in the foot steps of Thomas Castro, alias Arthur Orton, alias Sir Roger Charles Doughty Tichborne and his wife. Their first experience in Chicago was getting robbed. They were recommended on their way thither to go to No. 17(3, West Madison-street, as it was a nice quiet place, where they would not be eaton up with board bills nor pestered by curiosity hunters. They went there. The next morning they sought other quarters, and on their return they found a difficulty in re entering their room. Trunks and otherheavy movables had been piled against the door. When they did succeed in getting into the room thoy discovered tnat robbers had been ransacking their trunks, and had packed some valiees with tho more valu ao!e of their effects. But'where were tho thieves? "Sir Roger" hunted about with blood in his eye and a stout stick—in placo of tho ancentral sword—in hie hand ; but he found nothing, fave an open window and a balcony that led to a hall window. This window waß also open. . The first thing missed, and the only article of any particular value taken, was a handsome seal fur cloak belonging to "miladi."

At the Thames Court, London, recently, John Knifton, described as a butchor, and Jamos Smith, a deal porter, surrendered to their recognisances charging them with boing tho principals in an intended prize light. Thirteen other defendants, includ ing two "gentlemen" and a journalist, wero also charged with being accessories tc tho fight. At the conclusion of the evi dence, Mr Saunders,the magistrate,said the case had assumed an importance owing to thofereat number of persons inculpated in it. He had no doubt, so far as outward appear ances wero concorned, an intended prize fight v/as going to happen, and tho polico had actod very properly. It was not their duty to wait until the offence had happened. He had come to the conclusion a prize light was intended. He hinißelf did not look with horror on the prize ring, and iv his opinion it had in former days done great good among the lower orders. In the ring there wero proper rules, and they were carried out in a proper manner,and contrasted very favour ably with the revolver, knife, and stiletto which were used in some parts of tha Con tinent. Prize fights had been of im mensu benefit •to this country. But while he said thai, he must also sny (haf; Lho requirements oft he pike Hug had irnv passed away. It had besn held that .1 prize fight v?ae a breach of the peace, but he did not think the case ought to go any further. He should order each of them to find a surety in £10 to keep the peace for twelve months.

CABLEGRAMS.

THE TONGA DISTURBANCES-

WESLEYAN COLLEGES AND CHURCHES CLOSED.

Wholesale Oeportatiou of

Natives

RECOVERY OF MISS BAKEK.

(KISUTISIt'S MSJ.EUIUM.)

Sydkkv, March 17<

The steamer Lubeck haa arrived from Tonga, bringing news that King George haa prohibited tho Rev. MrMoulton from hold ing services, lie also closed tho colleges.

Seven hundred and fifty Wealeyans havo gone over to tho Free Church ; fifty have been font to Fiji anrl Mallicollo, one of the new Hebrides Islands.

Misa Baker and young Mr Baker are ro covering from their injuries. They will shortly visit Sydney. It is stated that there is a scarcity of provisions in tho islands.

DE LESSEPS AND BISMARCK.

Hostile French Criticism.

(SI'ECIAL MESSAGE.)

Losdon, March 17. M. Dv Lesskck's visit to Berlin ami inter view with Bismarck havo not given unquali fied satisfaction in France, notwithstand ing the pacific result. Tho press condemn the action, on the ground thab Russia may take oll'onco at the exchange of friendly as flurancoa between Trance aud Germany. I'tonco cannot run tho risk of ofl'euding Russia.

The Queen Congratulates the Czar.

Tho Queen has sent a moi'sa^o to tho Czar congratulating him on his escape from Iho bombs of nihilists.

The Stale of Afghanistan

(huutisb's tblkokam.)

Calcutta, March 10 —Fearing complica tions from internal discord in Afghanietnri, tho Indian Government intend to station v British observing forco on ihe Piahoen fronlier.

The Imperial Coitfereuee

Lonijon, March 17.-The Imperial Con fnrenco will hold itb s'ttings in tho Foreign Office, and if that proves to be too small, in tho Colonial Secretary's Ollice. It i* pro bablo that tho Australian delegates will confer together prior to the date fixed for the opening. Sir Samuel Griffith", Premier of Queensland, nnd Mr Alfred Doakin, Chief Secretary of Victoria, arrived here to-day:

FIRE IN RICHMOND ROAD.

Ox the vorge of midnight last night an out break of tiro took placo in Porter's buildings, at the junction of Richmond Koad with Lincoln and Oliphant-fctreots, and resulted in the destruction of tho buildings before it was extinguished. The loe.-j is computed at about £1,000, and the iiisurancos do not amount to tuora than £700 By an unfor tunate coincidence, tho four tenants of tho destroyed prop3rty wero totally un insured, but tlio two landlords were protected by policies. Liko sj many other cayen of liro, tho cause of the outbreak bailloa explanation, it seems that at twenty minutes to VI o'clock lust night, a young man named John Petherick was passing along Hichinoud Koad near the juuetion in question, when his attootion was arrested b} a crackling of glass, und on looking around be perceived flumesburHtingthrough the backkitchonfide window facing Oliphant-streot cf tho corner shop. He at once give the alarm, and ftt about 11.45 tho Ponnonby bell began ring ing, to bo soon followed by tho city iiro bells. When tho Ponsonby branch fire brigado arrivod on tho ground tho corner building was already doomed, and tho firemen, running out two loads of hose from tho strosjthydmnt, endcavouredto keep the liro between Uanicls'd houeo on tho Rich mo id Uoad side, and Platt'e cottaeo on the Olipharct street side. They were speedily joined by Superintendent Hughes with the Utty Fire Brigado.and by Captain Field with the Salvage Corps. Meanwbilo, tho flames had spread to and taken complete poeees eion of Mr John Porter's other buildings, viz , a five-roomed house occupied by Mr Plaisted, and a chop and two rooms occu pied by Mr K>an, as well as to tho cottage of Mr Platt, of Newton, which was occupied by a Mr Murray. The iorinor two dwellings, along with the corner shop, wore burnt to tbo ground, whilo Mr Platt's cottago «aa completely gutted. Tho two-story residence of Mr DanieU, adjoining Mr -Ryan's shop, was naverl, although it nas in such jeoparly that tho tenant, had hi* furniture removed. The cornor shop had been unoccupied for months, but was formerly occupied as a mission school. Tho six rooms attached to it, inoluding the back kitohen wherein the (ire broke out, had boan in the occupation of Mr Woods till yesterday, when ho removed to another houso in Lincoln street. He bad not, however, given up the keys to Mr Porter, his time not being up till Monday. Tho insurances are as follows : - Shop and dwelling, six rooms, at cornor of Oliphant street aud Kichmond Koad, insured in South British by the owner, Mr Porter, £310 ; Ryan's shop and two rooms, £50 in South British, same owner : tenant, Kyan, uninsured ; cottago in Oliphantatreot oc cupiod by Mr Plaiated ; insured by Mr Porter for £200 in tho South British ; tenant Plaisted, uninsured ; cottage occupied by Mr Murray, insured by owner, Mr Platt, about £150 in South British ; tenant, Mur ray, uninsured. Daniels wasinßured in the Now Zealand for £150 ; furniture, £50 in tho Northern The only damago in this case ia done by water and removal of furni ture. Moat of those burned out had time to remove tfieir ellects. Sergeant Kioly, Detective Tuoby, and a number of the city constables wore prosent to render aid, as was also Constable Graham, of the Pon sonby station.

HEALTH ITEMS.

Tub Sanitary Inspector has had the follow ing cases of fever reported to him today :— One caee scarlot fever, Woetetreot, New. ton ; one case of scarlet fever, Symonds streot; one caso of typhoid fevor, Somerset Placo; and one case of typhoid fever in Claremont • street. With regard to the spread of contagious diseases, the Town Clerk (Mr P. A. Phillips), as Secretary of tbe Board of Health, has written to Mr Biss, tho Postmaster stating that the Health Officer had reported that ono of tho Post office clerks (Mr Arthur Clarke,) who was suffering from scarlet foyer, had returned to liia duties within the pre scribed time of 42 days, and that iv coa sequence of this action danger to the public generally was caused by handling papers, etc. Besides which, the clerk rendered himsolf liable to a heavy penalty if the Board wished to ordor that pro coedinpts should be taken against him. It was aleo suggested that the clerk should be relieved frern duty. Mr Biss re plied, stating he had just relieved Clarke until his return should be permitted by the Health Officer. He also stated that Clarke had, howover, been absent from liia duties from February 15th, the date on which he lirst took ill, until the 14th of March, also that his illness was of a very mild description.

The new fever wards for the Hospital are now fast approaching completion, having been pushed forward with a promptitude that epeaks well for the energy of the con tractor, Mr Thompson.

FOOTBALL TOUR.

[BY TELEGKAPH.—PKIiSS ASSOCIATION' ]

Dunkdin, thio day. The Otago Rugby Union intend sending a football team round the colony this season.

Tristan d'Aounha is an interesting place (said the " Cape Mercury "). By the latest reports there ia a. scarcity nf men there. Fifteen widows wore creator! by a storm, a few months back, atiri they have i»l! la-go families. Thtre is al*o a aieit euperiluity of rat?, which are too inueh for the widows and threaten to eat up all the supplies It ia proposed to remove the people to. Aus tralia, where they are able to keep rats and widows under.

ELECTRIC LIGHTING.

(i;Y TKLKGBAI'H. — TKKSK ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. Tuk Harbour Board have received an offer from Aehcroft and Up. to fit up 1200 elec tric lampa with dynamo and engine on tho wharve?, at a cost of £378 por annum. This would givo twice tho presont light. e.t 50 per cent increase on the cost. The Bo>ird now pay £240 for gas. The cost of installation would be £1,000

TRIAL FOR CHILD MURDER.

Acquittal of Accused

(BY IKLEUEAI'H —I'KKSS ASSOCIATION.)

Oamaku, Thursday.

The cliitrgo against Agues Sargo^on for tho murder of her infant child was concluded today. The. circumstances are that the remains of a child were found buried in the yard behind tho house that bad Jived in. The prisoner hud lemoved from the house, telling the neighbours that Mrs Bcott, of Taieri, had called to take the child away. The evidence disclosed the fact that no suih porßou lived at the place mentioned. Tho remains found wore much mutilated, but owing to thoir advanced Btate of decom position littlo evidonce could bo gleaned from the post mortem. The doctors could not agreo as to the cauee of death, but the doctor --ho attended the child four or five daya boforo its disappearance, in evidonce said it could not live, as it was dying when hi raw it. Tho ploa set up was that the child died a natural death, and that tlse woman had buried it in tho yard, the mutilation being caused by the sp:ido in burial. A verdict of " Not guilty" wa6 returned.

WRECK OF THE WHANGAREI.

Driven Ashore ou the Barrier.

The master and crow of tho cutter

Whaugoroi arrived hero this morning by the as loua, their voesel having been totally wrecked at tho Great Barrier yesterday. Tho Wangaroi went from Auckland to load liiewoodattheNeodles.|Very heavy w ather not in yesterday, when she was near Port Kitzroy, and eho dropped anchor between Channel Island and Fleet Kock. Tho anchor dragged, tho windlass was carried away, and the cutter drifted on the rocks. Tho rcmfter and crew got ashore in the dingy eafely, and the cutter soon nftorwords broke up. The Whangarei wao a cutter of 32 tons register,, built ot Manu ring in lSu'7 and owned by Mr J. Ryan, of Auckland.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Bufore Messrs W. Mc-Cullough and \V. P,

Moat, ./.I'.s.)

UitUNKKN.Nfss.-Ono «oman wua punished for M>i« olfonco

St. Patrick's Day. — Norah Williams pleaded Kilty to a charge of drunken no^ and disorderly conduct.- She Btated in extenuation of her offence that yesterday was St. Patrick's Day, and that eho had bean celebrating tho occasion. -Conetable Kilkenny deposed that the prisoner was throwing her umbrella at people in Queen-street last night.-Fined 10s and costs.

Alleged Larceny.—Cecil Goodison was charged with stealing a gold watch, value £5, the property of Alfred Slinett.— The case was adjourned till Monday, on the ap plication oi Mr Cooper, aod subsequently tho diite was alterod till Friday next at the request of Sir Napier, who appeared for the detencQ.

Straying Cattlk —Edwart.l Hodgson was charged with allowing a horee to wander in Brighton Koad, I'arnell. Accused pleaded guilty, and Conntable Hobson having stated tho circumstances, a line of 03 and costs was impaced.

THAMES REGATTA.

(BY XKLKUKAI'H—OWN COKRESI'Oh'DENT.)

Thames, this day. Thk various events at the Regatta yester day passed elf most eacccsefully. There wop, however, a stiff south-west wind,which iutorfored considerably with some of the racts. The aoa was exxeodingly rough, and made the rowing races very hard work in deed. The results were as follows :—

Fisuing Boats and Yachts, 3 tons and unf Jer —So a Gull 1, Blue Jacket 2.

Fishing Boats a.yd Yachts (over 3 tone) -Whieper, 1 ; Hortha, 2. Trading Gutter Hack,—Won by the Sunderlund.

Open Sailing Boats (not exceeding 24ft overall).—C. Christensen's Gemini, E. Kevon's Little Lily, C. Kerby's thanco, J. Keller's White Swan, S. tjuadrie's Kosie, and R Miller's Civic started. The strong Bouth-wost wind blowing caused a very heavy sea. After reaching the Lamp Post, off Shortland, the Gemini cipei^ed The Chance picked up the crew of the Gemini and returned, the White Swan iilso doing the tans after rounding tha first buoy. This race was left un finished, owing to the rough sea.

Whallboat Kace (all coinera) —In this race the following competed : - Waitemata (Auckland) —Blue and gold ; Pritchard, Moore, Bishop, Colline, George, Moore (coxawain). ftol<<on (North Shore) —Wue. Collapse (T R o.)— Amber ; Junes, Tetley, W. F. Brown, Brownloo, S Lanrrio, Lundy (coxswaiu). Outsider (Thames) — Fiaher Bros., amber and black. Thoy all got away with a good start. North Shore led all tho way, with Waitemata close behind. Tho result of tho raco was : North Shore, 1 ; Waitemata, 2 ; Outsider, 3. The course was about throe miles, with a turn, and the North Shore won by two or three lengths. The Outsider entered a protest against the North Shore and Waitemata on tho ground that neither of the two latter went round the buoy.

Bona Fide Amateur Whaleboat Race. —In this race Brown's crews came in first and second,

Naval Cuttek Rack. — Auckland, 1 ; Thames, 2 ; North Shore, S. The winning boat wo? about 100 yards in advance of Thi>meß and North Shore boats,which were in close company. The Paih-Oaiu:d Race and Punt Race did not take place on account of the rough weather.

TAURANGA REGATTA.

(BY TELEGRAPH- OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Taukanga, this day. Tub Regatta was held yesterday, and passed off very successfully. The Glenelg was flagship, and was well patronised. The Maori Sailing Race was won by tho Hirai; the 14 feet Open Sailing Boats by Hit or Miss ; the Sculling Mace by the Trident (A. Logan), with the Whitiangi (A. White), second ; tbo Whaleboat Race fell to Motiti; the Skiff Race was won by tho Whitiangi (A. White and Mebull), Logan Bros, were third. Tho Maori War Canoe Race wns won by Mitapihi, Judea second. The winning crow wont through a war dance on the town wharf. The greasy pole was won by Spearman, a ceanian on the Glenelg. The Seahorse Raco wa3 won by W. Home. Half decked Yachts, Vixen, 1 ; Corsair, 2. Ladies' Race, won by Mesdatues Hill and Neighbour. Boyb' Race, won by Walter (native); Gr. Maxwell, 2.

FIRE AT WAITEKAURI.

(BY TELKGKAI'K —OWN COKHESPONDENT.)

Waitkkauri, this day. Mi; Baulk's dwolling-LouEc and stables were burnt down last night. The insurances are £75 and £50 re epectively, in the New Zealand Company's Office. Vo particulars are to hanJ other thau that the building was not occupied by the owners at tho time of the fire, and that tramps are suspected of causing tho outbreak.

OTAHUHU R.M. COURT.

{b<. j ,!-e Jno, Gordon and J. Fairburn, J.P.V)

Patrick Dunn waa charged with stealing from R. Gillies a sum of money and sundry articles of clothing, and was sent to Mount Eden for three months. — The same prisoner waa charged on the complaint of Mr Jatnos Wallaco, far mer, of Papatoltoi, will) threatening lo burn bid house anil stacks. 'Ih-j evidence .or other witnesses having been taken, the accused was ordered to find seeuiity to ke=tp the peace for twelve months, himself m the sum of £20, and two securities of £10 cash,

Mysterious Disappearance of a Cambridge Storekeeper.

Mn J. Simi'Son, partner in tiie firm of Lewis uud Simpaou, Gainbridgo, has been mießing since Sunday evening. He wai last eeen by Mrs T. B Lewis, his part ner's wife, and hia ot?n sister, descend ing the bank towards Te Koutu lakej which is in the Domain Grounds A. bruueh of the same path also leads to the Karapiro Creek, iv which Air Simp- Hon has been in the habit of bathing. The banks of the creek are very steep, and coav* posed entirely of sand, and,' iv fact, in some places are porpendicular cliffa quite, 100 itet high, which break away with a very little extra weight. It was thought that parbaps Mr Simpson had wa.nder.e4 tpo near the edge pf one of these and had fallen .over,' or that he had. been bathing, and had been engulfed in ono of th.6 quicksands that abound in the creek, which aro very dangerous in consequence of their being continually on the move, and although a certain part may be safe today, next vvoek you may find a dangerous quick, sand in that very part. Many of Mr Sirovjaon'a friends thoroughly searched every part of the domain and the neigli bourhoqd of the Karapiro Creek on Tut day, atid ngain since then without fiuutii g any trace of him. Had he been buitiinj?; his clotbes would have been found, and if he had fallen over tlie^cliff, his body would have been found. No trace whatever ot him has been found.

PAINFUL CASE.

A cask of larceny of a painful r ature cafie before tho Polico Cjuit Id tiuy. I'we girls, '' named Aiico I'ercy and Phtetie Fletcher, wore charged with stealing a quantity of apples, value Is, tho property of Thomas Steadinan. Tho cu;o had been remanded ia order that inquiries might ba, ' made by tho i'rob'ition Oifieer, and he }k now handed in his report. Mr Percy appeared, ami said his daughter : was iho "youngest of twonty-ono childron whom he had reared, and he had nevor pre* viouely had any complaint to make against her Mrs Fletcher eaid her daughter was tho oldost of thirteen children, and one hod only recently left school. Serjeant Pratt informed the Court that not only did the {(iris steal the m fruit, but they also assaulted Mra Stead' man, who was now suffering from tho effects of their misconduct. This statement was denied by Mr Percy, «bo asserted that the assault, if any, was committed by Mrs Steadman, who threatened to pub bis : daughter in a pond. -,;; .; Mr Steadmau, who was in Court, in formed tho Court that, according to their own admissions, the girls bad been in his orchard a dozen times. They had completely stripped twelve tree", and had trodden down the crops. Ho thought the tres- M passsrs wore men, and sat up till two and ■ three o'clock in the morning with the * object of catching them, but in vain. Hh6b(M to his surprise, he heard from hia littlo boy that theßO girls were in the habit of getting gj | into tho orchard and stealing bia fruit. He did not wieh to punish the girls but it was accessary that the parents should \, exercise more control over their children.— i' The Bench considered it necessary that H gardens should be protected, but as » 1 Mr Steadman did not wish the girls | punished this time, they would give them ■ . a chance by dismissing the case. . tt

FRYERS PARADOX AND JAPANESE VILLAGE.

Tins unique entertainment attracted

another crowded house last evening, every ■"

available seat in chairs, stalls, and pit

being cccupied, whilst many people

were unable to obtain accommodation.

Tho circus programme commenced punctu ally at 8 o'clock, and, as on the previous evening, was gone through without break or intermission of any kind. The pro gramme was similar to that com mented upon at length in our last iseue, and thero remains very little to - say in addition. - The feature of the ' circus perlormance is undoubtedly tho perfection observable in every "act,"a I failure being rendered almost impossible by i the high standard to which every performer is trained. The feats that are attempted are successfully achieved in every instance! and whilst many daring acts are done, the; are accomplished with ease and graceful ness. Even tho most timid can take pleasure in witnessing the antics of Fryer's highly-intellectual ponies, which are under the most perfect control, and provoke the most enthusiastic admiration of lady visitors. The amusing characteris tics of the circus are far above the averago, ami are received with general, merri ment, so that altogether the circus perfor mance is an enjoyable one. The " Japan ese Village" also attracted considerable attention, and a large number of articles manufactured there were disposed of. An-1"*, J| other performance was given this afternoOD, when there was again a good attendance. The circus and village will be open again this' evening. A complete change of pro gramme is announced for tonight, and will doubtless have the effect of drawing a large concourse oE spectators.

SPORTING NEWS.

This stakes won at the Henderson's Mill races will bo paid over at TattersaH's Club to-night. Promptitude like this is a pattern to some other country clubs. Acceptance? and general entries for the Otahuhu Autumn Meeting are due to night. It will be seen by advertisement in mother column that entries for the Plumpton Park Races close to-night at nine o'clock, at the Queen's Ferry Hotel. (BY TELEURAPH. —l'hl'SS ASSOCIATION.) Napier, this day. l The total stakes in connection with the Hawke's Bay AnHm.n Meeting, to be paid to morrow, is £2,!i2i. Mr Bobbet takea £503, and Messrs S < ck and Conroy, £350. During the last 10 days there have been 6 days' racing, over £22,000 having passed ; '% through the totalisa >-i\ 10 per cent de- '■ duction shows what fio people paid for the use of the machine. -,i Delegates from Fevtral of the Metropol-; itan Racing Clubs have held two meetings re the totalisator, but the proceedings :> have not been disclosed.

Accident on a Racecourse.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION, ) 8

Masterton. this day. ~ At Opaki Races yesterday, Cribbage, during a preliminary canter, fell, and broMj his back. The jockey, Allen Herd, WWf severely shaken.

CRICKET MATCHES TO MORROW.

National v, Cukdon 11. (No. 4 wicket).^ National : Ambury, Dixon, Drnmmond, Gilmour, Handley, Laxon, Nicholson (2), Spence, Walker, and Wilkinson.

Owen and Grabara v. Maeky, Loean- Steen and Co—Owen and Graham: Wes, tero, Banfield, Johnstone, AndereoD, Shepherd, Newcom, Burgess, Owen, Har per, Forder, Maesey.

Result of the First Juniob Cop.— Owing to the Hollands II Eleven not being able to raise a team to meet the Farnefl Cricket Club tomorrow, this gives the latter another win. As this was Parnell's last match, and as they have been victorious in every match this season, they therefore are the winners of Auckland Cricket Asso ciation's Cup for first juniors.

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

Kifle Competition.

On Monday morning next the Queen's Own Rifles fire the first of three competitions for s gold medal, presented to the Corps by Major Isaace. These competitions have been arranged in such a manner that they willgfte the men as much practice as possible. No. 1 competition is 7 shots at each, 200 and 300 yds, standing and kneeling positions. No. 2, 5 phots at each, 200, 300' and 400 yds, any military position. No. 3, 5 Bbots at each, 500 and 600 yds. Wimbledon tar get*-. Sichtin^r shots allowed for the Urt competition only. Tho highest aggregate acorer ia the three matches to win tk» medal.

'I'iiti AUCivLA-Ni) iiViilNfiiSG- b'i'Aii, JUUDAV, MAECH 18, 1887.



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