COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, etc., To-Blent. Abbott's Opira Houso-Willlamson. Garner, anil MuFg.-ove- Company in ■• Tne Magistrate, 8. Agricultural Hall-Fryer's Equine Paradox and _.oHgt-n. 9Me.t.ln""in tho Tent on Surroy Hills Kstato. Ponsonby Road, 7 30. __■««» V M.C.A. Rooras-Addross by Hon. G. Walde-

Grafton Ko id Wesleyan Church - Sunday erhool Anniversary Soiree, 6.30. Newmarket Hall-A R § _£_~?% r_.„ iin St. George's H*ll-"nltcrl Football Club 7.30. Masonic Hall, No. t n-iCden Lodge. No. 1,530,

Kx7ls'ior li .11—Opening of Cl.ss for Elocution, ..30.

Auction Sales To-morrow,

Huotr & No'an, Pakuranga—Cattle, Horses, Farm Implements, etc.. 11. , . „ S I'ochrano & Son—Fano? Work, etc., 11. B. Tonka ft; Cu-Fru't, etc., 11. H. V. rCvnns—Proper y. otc, 12 Arthur and Buddlc-Produoe, grooorios, fruit, etc It.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will close as under:— This Dat. Tec Waihora, as folIo«B: - For China. Japan. Moditorranonn Ports, and Continent of Kurope. at 3 p.m. For Russell, Ka • akawa. Anstrallan Col onies, and United Kingdom, via Brindisi or Nanlo!<, for letters, etc., Bpeclally BO prepaid and addressed, at i p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 3 p.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne only at 120 p.m. United Kingdom mail will be due In London on May .0. For Gisborno and Napier, per Australia or Wuiiakl, at S p m. For Wangnrel Heads. Parua, Wainu, Whan garci, Kamo, and Mangapal, per Wellington, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Kotuku, at 5.30 p.m. Wednesday, 23rd met. For Thames, per Rotomnhana, at 11 a.m. For Ciromandel, per Coromandol. at 11.30 a.m. For New Plymouth and Southorn ports, por Oretl, at 1 p.m. For Mangawal, Hakaru, and Kalwaka, per Ruby, at 5 p.m. Thursday, 21th last. For Port Fltzroy, Tryphona, and Okupu, per lona, at 7 a.m. For Walwera, Te Kapa, and Warkworth. por Rose Casey, at 10 a m. For Greyiuouth, per Ohau. at 11 a.m. For Waltara and Southern ports, per Galrlooh, at 11 a m. For Gisb3rne. Napier, and Southern Ports, por To Anau, at 11 am. For Opotiki, per Douglas, at 1 p.m.

Monday. 23th inst. Por Mariposa as follows :— For Samoa, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada. British Columbia, Cen tral and South Amorioa, and British and Foreign West Indies, nt 5 p.m. For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe at 5 p.m. For money orders, registered lotters, and newspapers at 3.30 p.m. Lato letters, bonrlog an oxtra foe of 6d In addition to tho postage, will bo reoeived by the Mail Agent on board tho steamer up to the time of sailing. This mall will bo duo at London May 2.

(Signed) S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief I'ost-offloe. ADjkland.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

S onset,—This evening, 6 fi. SrjNIHSE.—To-morrow morning, C 9. Moon's AQB.—Now Moon, 25th, 3.48 a,m,

HIGH WATER.

AUCKLAND — This evening, 5.18; to-morrow m-rnlng, 6.0. MANUKAcr Heads —This evening, 8.2S ; to morrow morning, 8 46 S. aipaha Heads—This evoning, 928 ; to morrow morning, 9.56.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY. To Anau, 8.8., Molntosh. from Sydney Woliington, s.s , Stephenson, from Whangarol

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Clansman, s.s, Farquhar, for Rubsoll lona, s.B . Amodeo. for Mercury Bay Chelmsford, s.s., Hopkins, for Opotlki TO DAT. Atalanta, sch.. Donovan, for Gisbwne Myrtle, brigaotine, Rilph. fo.- Whangaroa Ryno. brigantlno, Bewicko. for Suwarrow

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Coromandol, from CoromandeL to-day, 5 p.m. notomahano, from Thames, to day, 9 SO p.m. Wolllogton. from Whangarei, Thursday night lona, from Mercu»-y Bay. Thursday Clansman, from Russe'l,Friday, early Janet Nicoll, from South Sea Islands, April 2 Zealandta, from San Francisoo, due April 2 .enterprise, from Thames, Welneedoy, 0.30b.m,

IMPORTS.

Per Lady Jocclvn—4 caeksshot, 2 cares Eley's cartridge:*, cartiidge sa'oon caps, wads, Ka-W. H. Hszird. Gunmuker, 166 a, Qaoen-st. Per s.s. Waitaki-17 Racits Danißh oats, 30 sacks kidney potatoes, 60 sicks onionß.—George V. Jaklns. Per a s. Waihora-112 sicks oats, 7 sacks tares. —George V. Jakins. Inwards Coastwisb. — Rob Roy, from Matatai, with 36 tons sulphur stone. Outwards Coastwise —Rob Roy, for Ken nody Bay, The brig Minn arrived at Mongonni. from Sydney on Sunday, after a 15 days' past ago, Tho barques Wenona for Newcastle, and Canopus for Tahiti entered ontwards at the Customs to-day. The 8.8. Kawatiri left Westpnrt for Auckland at 9.10 a li. yesterday, and should arrive her 0 ab:uc Thursday morning. The schooner Malle was docked this morning lor cleaning. She is to leave for Friendly Is lands about the 28th mat. The b.b. Walhora leaveß for Sydney, via Ruseell, at 5 p.m. to day. and the B.s. Australia far Southern porta half an hour later. The brlgantine Ryno, hound for Suwarrow, and brlgantine Myrtle, for Whangaros, Bailed early this morning. The master of tho German barquo Bessel, which arrived at Wellington, from Hamburg on Saturday, has learnt from his letters received on arrival, that threo vessels, which left port on the same day as himself (22ad November), have been lost with all hands. Captain W. Farquhar, of tho s s. Clansman, reports by wire from Russell that ho passed a brlgantine and another square-rigged vessel bound for Anckland off Cape Brett at six o'clock this morning. Among the vessels now duo are tho barque Celestia. 5 days out from Sydney; -UefUnce and Aurora, from Newcastle; and LooDgana, from Hobart.

The s.a. Wellington arrived from Whangaret early this morning with the following passen gers :—Mr and Mrs Cloary, Mr and Mrs Aldiß, Meedamea Pritohard, Heape, Lansford and son, Jane, Galenley, Snurle, Probcrt and 2 children, Misses Aldis, Burto., Toko, Bowrlng (2), Hig gles, McMillan, -lay, Hutchinson, MoKenzle, Messrs Hobs, Clark, McKay and son, McLeod, OKon, Urquhart (2), Greatback, Knutzen, Wykeß. Seccombe 12), Thornton, Hlghley, Mc- Kenzie, Fleming, Fra«ot. 8011, Jeff's, Bennett, IJoutts. Dwyer, Harrison, Knight, Camp, Pro h.rt, Jndy, Masters Wykoa (2), Mr Love, and 13 steerage.

THE TE ANAU.

The s.s. To Anau, arrived to day at 2 30 p m. Bhe left Sydney on the 17.h at 1.20 p.m., cleared Port Jackson Heads at 5.15 p.m., Three Kings arjo.ro at I p.m. on 21st, arriving alongside wharf as above. Experienced moderate to light easterly winds and lino weather throughout. Passengors :—Saloon : Mr and Mrs Ghvsford, Dr. vVilitio, Messrs _. P. Glassford. Thwaltoa, Henty, Hone, Walker, Miohaolis, Cobham.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

T_ Kopuru. this day.—Arrived, on the 19th: Bide and Borealis. Sailed, this day: Daroy Pratt, for Melbourne.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

. The as. Ilotorna returned South at _ p.m. yosterday, with the following pas.-engerß .-—Mrs Alexander. MtBB Clow, Messrs Partridge, Dim ant, Maunder. Clow. Keid, Alexander, H.rland, Gourlay, Cole. Hamilton. McDonald, MoPher- Bon, Ireland. Malcolm, end 10 steerage.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING

Port Chat.jiehs March 21.— Sailed : Hawea. Passengers for Auck'and : Mr and Mrs Clark, Mr Tint)oner.

New Plymouth, this day.—Arrived: Roto r.ifi, from Onehunga, 5.10 a.m.

Births.

DONNKLLY.-On March 18, at Kgllnton-atreet, Parnell, tho wife of J. R. Donnelly of a son. Both doing well.

Deaths.

HARKIN.—On Maroh 22, at her parents' resi dence. Kelson-street. Isabella Catharine, second daughter of Patrick and Mary Harkln; aged 21 years. The funeral will leave at 2 p.m. to morrow (Wedneiday).

MACKAY.—At the residence of her son-in-law, Symondsstraet. Isabella Mnckay, widow of the late P. Mackay. Millholme Bouse, Mussel hruph, and onlr child of the late A. Dallas. quartermaster 93rd Sutherland Highlanders; in her _B_i year.

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 22. 1887.

Tor the came that lacks assistance, for the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do,

W_ think it quite time that the legis lature took decisive steps to increase the restrictions on the sale of poison. Laissex fain; is all very well in many things, but we roust draw the line somewhere, and we draw it here at "Kough on rats" and phosphor paste. Quite recently, there have been several cases of poisoning with the former 'article, and this sort of thing should be stopped l»y rendering it more difficult, if not impossible, for those affected with life-weariness to procure poisons so potent as these we mention. Every purchaser, besides his own signa ture, should be compelled to procure that of some respectable person who knows him and is also known to the chemist, to show that the poison is wanted for a legitimate purpose. The law only requires this now when the applicant is unknown to the chemist; when he is personally known his own signature entered upon the "poisons book" is all that the law demands. In the recent cases of pur chase for the deliberate purpose of suicide which have been traced, the law appears to have been strictly com plied with. The fact therefore that such purchases have been made, despite the "Poisons Act," seems to show that > some further precautions are necessary. ' If a person meditating suicide wen ! compelled to get a friend to certify • that the poison was wanted for a legi- )

timate object, he would probably be deterred from adopting that means of exit from the world. As it-is now, vermin forms a convenient excuse to anyone who wishes to shuffle off this mortal evil. Eat. are of course a serious nuisance, but there are other ways of settling them besides poison— methods which have, what most would deem a recommendation, the power of killing rats without risk to human life.

To say nothing of the temptation to would-be suicides, our present method of dealing in poisons is productive of serious danger to children, as well as to domestic animals. The recent dis closures of the Timaru tragedy also showed but too sadly the fatal facility which exists for the acquisition of poisons. That this should be the case, places a premium on felonious actions, whether the purchaser desires to experiment in his own person, or is anxious to rid the world of some other whose presence in it he has come to regard as inconvenient or injurious to himself or his interests. Besides, it should be remembered that there is a fatal infection about these casos. One such begets another, especially amongst the weak and the hysterical. The matter should have been taken up before now by the Pharmacy Board of New Zealand. No doubt chomists find it unpleasant to put customers to in convenience, and to insist upon then subscribing to conditions which may seem to imply a suspicion that they are not to be trusted; and as sub stances coming within the prohibitions of the Act arc in constant uso for manufacturing and agricultural pur poses, the restrictions are felt to be irksome by legitimate purchasers. Still, if the Act wore amended in the direction we hare indicated, and all who are engaged in the trade strictly carried out the letter of the law bona fide purchasers would soon come to recogniso that tho restriction was not an unreasonable one with regard to the salo of sub stances which may bo productive of much misery and crime. Of course, if a man wishes to get out of tho world or to help somebody else in that way, he can always find means. Suicide and murder will, we fear, never cease altogether, even under a high civilisation. Still by all means let us do the best we can to make such attempts abortive.

An Old Man of the Sea.

That wonderful boon to a population sigh ing for Local Government, for the passing of which Sir Robert Stout took credit the other day, is becoming a veritable " old man of the sea." We hear that a. schedule of contributions has just been prepared by the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board which assesses the city for ,£4,271 as its contribution for the coming year. Tho total required is set down at _S,7BS, so that the city pays nearly one-half of tho cost of maintenance of sick and destitute in the city and suburbs and the counties of Hob son, Waitemata, Eden, and Manukau. The assessment is made on that precious Property Tax valuation, which sent tlio nominal values of city properties up to such absurd figures, and we suppose the basis therefore is as equitable as tho Board could make it; but the proposed tax is a monstrous one, and the Board must show very good reasons for preferring such a gigantic claim beforo the Corporation will be justified in acknowledg ing it. Last year the city contribution was £2,600 j the increase proposed for the current year, therefore, is £2,188. On what grounds do the Board assume that the burden of poverty has doubled since ISS6 ?

The Board, it is reported, are anxious to impose a high rate of contribution in order to make a big grab from tho Government subsidy. That is all very well in its way, but for every pound thoy mulct the General Government in, they also take a pound from the local taxpayers. It is neither for the good of tho Charitable Aid Board, nor any other body, that they shall have the handling of more money than thoy require for the purpose of discharging their functions upon the most economic scale, This is a question which affects every property owner in tho countios named. The new assessment represents very nearly a rate of 3d a pound annual value for the maintenance of sick and destitute. In a young colony like this the figure appears monstrously high. In the city the burdens are increasing to an un bearabledogreo. The property tax represents nearly a shilling in the pound annual value ; the ordinary city rating, 2s ; the sanitary services, charged separately, are also a con siderable item ; and if the proposed assess ment for hospitals and charitable aid this year is insisted upon the Council will pro bably be compelled to levy a special rato to cover it, which they are empowered to do. The local bodies embodied in the Auckland District will act wisely in giving a timely caution to their representatives on tho Hospitals and Charitable Aid Board with regard to their attitude when this prodigious schedule comes before them for approval.

Among cable news to-day it is notified that Mr Balfour intends introducing in the House of Commons a Crimes Bill for Ireland, containing strin gent provisions. ' Tho Governmert ore apparently bent upon bringing matters to a crisis in Ireland. It is stated that the Nihilists have deputed fifty of their number to " Execute" the wretched man who

is styled the " Emperor of all the Russias." The Municipi.l Council of Marseilles, in tending apparently to show that they have the true "Marseillaise" spirit, have been commemorating the anniversary of the Commune, and are to be called to ac count for their action. Among questions to be discussed at the forthcoming Im perial Cenference that of tho now Pacific Cable is mentioned as one.

There are no more tickets to be got for the opening of the Free Public Library on Saturday, the Town Clerk having disposed of the number agreed upon. There is still a large demand from people wishing to be present.

A woman named Mary Ann Pledger was brought up from the Thames by the s.a. Rotomahana last night, having beon ccm-

mitted to tho Whou Asylum,

The Auckland detachment of the Per manent Artillery, who have just finished a course of instruction in big gun drill at Fort GordoD, left Wellington for Auck land to day, going by tiain as far as Tara naki, and thence by steamer to Ouehunga

The cricket match, Smokers v. Non smokers, is still proceeding at Melbourne, and seems likely to '• end in smoko " The heroes of the weed made 356 in their first innings, or 117 less than their opponents, and yesterday they lost five wickets in their second innings for 135.

The cutter Mary Ann, which arrived from Tairua last evening, brought a man named George Shane, thirty years of age, suffering from rheumatic fever, unable to walk and destitute. He has been received at the Hospital.

The time for receiving entries for the Auckland Exhibition of the New Zealand Industrial Association has been extended to Monday, 11th of April next.

Persons travelling up the Waikato rail way complain of the very inadequate urinal accommodation at Mercer, and the neces sity for flushing the place with water. This matter requires attention, as this import ant resting stage has less convenience than some unimportant stations.

At the Police Court to-day, before Messrs Collins and Newman, J.F.'a, one man was punished for drunkenness. Alfred Drain was charged with the larceny as a bailee of a dray, the property of Patrick Gleefon. Mr C.E.Madden appeared for the accused, who pleaded not guilty. Patrick Gleeson, licensee of the Albion Hotel, was called, and asked permission to withdraw the charge. Since he bad laid the information he bad found that the ac cused was not so guilty as he had at first thought.—The charge was withdrawn.

Fryer's Grand Combination Circus was again well attended last night, and, as usual, the various acts of legerdemain, top spinning, foot balancing, Ac, were per formed in first-class style. In the second part the little ponies received their fair share of opplau?e for the remarkably clever tricks which they performed. Shiileto, the musical clown, created roars of laughter by the exhibition of his varied musical attainments. To-morrow evening will be positively the last appearance of the troupe. ~ i

R, G. Williams, saddler, was arroatod at Woodville on Saturday on a charge of forg ing tho name of T. Lowes, lato of the Gorgo Ferry Hotel, on, the back of a promissory note for £44. He was remanded.

Dr. Neill, of Seacliff Lunatic Asylum, may, to-day, be corroctly described as a "mad doctor." Ho has been ordered to pay £5 and costs to a wardor whom ho had discharged, and whom he had tried to prevent getting a situation eleowhore.

The Auckland Burns Club, which has never boon in want of a name, has now got a i( local habitation," so there is no prospect of the Society dwindling down to an " airy, unsubstantial nothing." Mr E. W. Morrison has granted his lir.ll in Karangahapo Road (behind thoßank of New Zealandpremises)fora yearatanominal rent, and the officers of tho Socioty havo arrangod for furnishing tho hall and providing, a pianoforte-, so that the practice, socio', and business meetings of tho mombirs will henceforth be conducted with that s.nse of comfort and independence which arises from the knowledge that thoy havo "a bit lioobo o' their am." A meeting is to bo hold on Thursday evening next in tho new placo of meeting, when the forthcoming concert on behalf of the Burns Stntuo Fund and other motters will bo discussed.

St. Peter's Band of Hopo was inaugur ated on Wednesday evening, 16' li inst., tho President (Mr R. S. Barry) boing in the chair. The Chairman, in a fow in teresting remarks, trusted that thi. would bo a Christian Band of Hopo, and, being animated by tho four of the Lord, it was sure to havo a euccoseful career. Miss Sarah Froude gave an oxcellont recitation, "Tho Wine Cup," and songs were civon by tho .Misses Jones. Tile Rev. R. Sommer villo addressed tbo meeting, and referred to the proverb, " Behold how great a mattor a little fire kindleth." Ho said that al though they may havo a small mooting at first, ho believed that it would incroaso until the church would bo too small for it, Ho said that it was of tho utmost impor tance to train up the young to abstain from alcoholic drinks, This would bo salutary bgth in thoir youth and in maturo yours to themselves individually, as woll as to tho community, llecitations wore givon by Masters Waltor Barry and Andrew Pater son. Tho Benediction woe then pro nouncod, aftor which about thirty porsons signod tho pledge.

Recent visitors to To Aroha givo glowing accounts of tho flourishing stnto of that popular sanatorium and goldliolds contro. Thoro are quito a numbor of English and Australian tourists living at tho hotels thoro at present.

Tho polling for liconsing commissioners at Helonsvillo took placo on Saturday last, and resulted as follows : —Burton, 43 ; Isaac Mcleod, 41 ; Donovan, 40; Andrew McLeod, 36 ; Mooro, 31 ; Dawson, 17 ; Cam eron, 14 ; West, 12 ; Boci.ft, 11, T!;o first. fivo, constituting tlio " Modorato Ticket," were doclared elected. Tho tivo Tempor anco candidates who worodefeated intended to try and upsot tho olection.

Tho following civil cases will como boforo tho Supremo Court as soon as tho Criminal Soesions aro over :—Frederick John Hop kins v. Georgo Sumpter.—£ll2 14a 9i. commission duo on oats Ernost John French v. Jackson Koddoll.—£33 Ss lid, amount ot judgment reoovorcd in the Roiident Magistrate's Court, Coromandol Robort Johnston v. Georgo Cave. Claim for possession of certain land. John King v. James Niccol. —£37 ISs 6d, amount of dishonoured promissory noto Tho above will bo tried without a jury. In tho divorce case, Oeorgeßroadfootf petitioner), Elizabeth Jane Broadfoot (respondent) and William Atwell (co-rrspondont), Mr Mnhony is to move that tho decree bo declared absoluto A special jury caso is fixed for Monday next, in re Bankruptcy Act, ISS3, and re Alexander Browne (a bankrupt) and re L. D. Nathan and Co. —That tho firm of L. D. and Co. pay to tho Official Assignoo tho sum of £235.

At tho inquest hold yestordny afternoon at Glooson's Hotel on tho body of Goorgo Gibson, found dead on Saturday morning in Butcher's stable yard, Napior streot, tho jury roturnod an open verdict No now facts were disclosed by tho evidence.

Mr Edmund H. Taylor loctured in Iho Oporn House last Sunday ovoning on "Roetorationism, Univorsalism. Spiritual ism, " Before commencing his locturo, Mr Taylor answorcd several questions handed in relating to Inst Sunday's dis course. In dealing with tlio subjoct of tho lecture, Mr Taylor first showed that tho idea of Restor.itionism in somo people's minds was that after being puriliod in tho Iludoan state, all would eventually como forth lit for God's kingdom ; this had grown out of tho original lie, "Thou .halt not surely dio." Ho hirosolf believed thatwhon Christ should como He would roster, this earth to its p-ia tine beauty, but that only thoso who were saved through faith which is in Christ Jesus would enjoy it. Univorsalism might bo placed in tho samo category as restoration ism,but spiritualism was a modern doveloi - merit of anciont necromancy, which was spreading its baneful influence all over America, and sapping tho lifo from true religion wherever its presence was felt. The lecturer earnestly oxhorted his hoarcis to beware of spiritualism as ono of the strongest deviceß of tho author of the great lie, and to study the Scriptures,which say "Thou shalt not suffer a wizard to live." " There shall not Bo found among you a consultor with familiar spirits, a wizard, a necromancer; for ali that do these things are an abomination to tho Lord." Dout. xviii., 11. Extracts from Dr. Talmage wore road to show that modern thoology was largely responsible for spiritualism as at presont oxiating. If tho spirits of our departed frionds woro in hoaveu, thoy would not wish to return to tbo scones of their termor misery ; and if in hell, the dovil would not bo likely to lot them out, in ct°o ho should lose control over them. Tho lee turcr stated that while believing two-thirds of the manifestations of spiritualism to ho the work of tricksters, thoro was yet a portion which could not be accounted for oxcept through the agency of demons. Tho locturo was listened to throughout by a large audience with tho greatest attention, Tho subjoct for next Sunday ovoning is, "Texts and arguments commonly usod to support the Ho."

A mooting of tho creditors of Dunning ham and King took placo this morning at the office of the Official Assignee whon the following resolutions woro passed : (1) "That Mr Dunningbam be allowed to re tain furniture to tho oxtont of ..GO, in ad dition to tho piano ; (_) That the Official As signeo facilitate the disehargo of tho banlc jupt." The meeting of tho creditors in tho private estate of D. Dunningham thon took place, and the same resolutions aa in the previous meeting were passed. A meeting of tho private estate of Mr G- M. King also took placo, when tho following resolution was passed : — "That the creditors present sympathise with the bankrupt in his present unfortu nate position, and unanimously recommend the Official Assignee to facilitate his dis charge."

A meeting of the mill hand* at tho Auck land timber works was hold at noon to-day, whon a large number of the workmon were prosont. Mr Brame spokeforhalf-an-hour on the question of protecting local induetrioß, within certain reasonable limits, A vote of thanks was paßeed to Mr Brame, who in replying, invited all present to como to the Temperance Hall on Friday evening, when ho would address tho representatives of tho various motal industries. A woll attended meeting of thoso interested in the leather industry, was hold in the Tomperanco Hall lust even ing, und is reported on our fourth page to-Dight. In reference to tho mooting 're ferred to as held at Lincoln, the date should havo beon printed ISS6, instead of 1881.

Tho annual Boiree in connection with St. Andrew's Church, Pukokoho, was hold on Wednesday, March 16th. Tea was laid in the public school ab 0.30 p.m., tho lays being provided as follows :—No. 1, Mrs Latimer (3), presided over by Mesdames Latimer and Hanna, and Misses Smith and Madill; No. 2, Mrs Taylor and Rev. E. G. MeFailand, presided over by the Misses Taylor (3) and Miss McFarland ; No. 3, Messrs JatnieEon and Thomas, proeidod over by Mies Davy and Meters Turling, Hunter, and Daweon. A tray was laid in the ante-room of tho Protosiant Hall, and presided over by Miss Hanna. After tea, the large aeaemblage adjourned to tho Pro testant Hall, where the concert was to bo held. Major Harris ably presided, and tho following programme was gone through : — Overture (piano), Mr A Hanna; song, "A Warrior Bold," Mr Knox; duet, " Juanita," Misses Hanna and Jervie; Eong, " The Anchor's Weighed," Mr Jackson ; roading, 'Mr O'Donoghue ; flute solo, "Some Day," Mr Innes; eong, "Across the Sea," Miaß Jervis; eong, "True Till Death," Mr Jervis ; duet, " Exceieior," Messrs Jackson and Knox ; overture, piano, Mr A. Hume ; song, "Tit lor Tat," Mips Hanna; fluto solo, Mr InneF ; song, "Tho Beacon," Mr Knox; recitation, '-Tho Miserable Man," Mr Jonoi; song, "P.nb a Dub Dub," Miss Jervis; reading, "Mother Hubbard," Major Harris; song, "Good by Sweetheart," Mr Jackson. All the items weie well rendered and were received by the large audience] with applause, *

Yesterday, at the nomination of candi dates for Mount,Edon Licensing Committeo, tho following being only the number re quired, were declared duly elepted : —Ch- is tophor Builoy. Alfred W. Gladding, Corne lius Carlcy, John Choyno, Patrick Domp sey.

Tho following tenders were recoiyed for the Thames Valley and Kotorua Railway Ngatari contrapt: —Accepted : D. Fallon (Auckland), £34,785. Declined :J. C. Booth (Hamilton), £34 017; Coates and Motcalf (Hamilton). £35,308; Lirkius and O'Biion (Auckland), £39,070; J. Britton (Auckland), £43,860.

The Tent at Surrey Hills still commands a goodly number of attentive hearers. Last night tho subject was ono of groat moment to every church member in tho city. Mr A. G. Daniells undertakes to-night to provo his position, "that the Church of Rome changed the Sabbath to Sunday"—tho truth of which Mr H. Exloy in his lecture denied.

It will bo soon by a notice in our adver tising columns that an invitation is given by tho Scripturo Gift Association to work lads in conoral undor tho ago of 16 years to occupy somo of their sparo week evenings with home-written exorcises; Prizes, nt intorvals, aro awarded to all mombors who aro diligent, and who exhibit any manifest desire towards self-improvement. Tickets are obtainable at tho Depot, High street.

The A.R. Dragoons intond turning out in full strength at tho coming Easter en campment. Tho troop now numbore about 50 rank and file. At a parade hold on Saturday last, Mr .1 Kuford, of Onehuhgn, was electod Lkutonant, and about £35 wore subscribed towards forming a mounted band in connection with the troops. By a notice in our advertisement column it will bo peon that tho town detachment, in cluding Onohunga, will meet to night and till furthor orders at tho Newmarket Hall for dismounted drill, at 8 p.m. sharp.

Tho illustrated catalaguo of tho Auckland Society of Arts is to consist of not more than fifty lithographs. Entries for com petition nro to bo handed to Mr C. D. Whit combo, Socrotary, not lator than Thursday next, 24th inst. To morrow Mr Whitcoinbo will bo at tho otlico in tho l'ublic Library and Art Gallery from 3 to 6 pm , and on Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tho woekly dancos of tho Edon Quadrillo Assombly havo now boon fairly started for tho season, and promiso to prove most on joyablo. Last night about twenty couplos mot in tho Eden Hall, and with Mr F. C. Bassott as M.C., had a most .uccossftil gathoring, which broko up about 11 p.m.

Last Sunday ovoning tho mooting of tho (iospol Touiporanco Mission, hold in tho Forostors' Hall, Karangahapo Road, was conduclcd by tho Women's Christian Tern poranco Socioty—Mrs Brnmo presiding— and oarncst addresses woro given by Mrs Brnmo and Miss Bellit. Both spoakors plondcd hard for all to becomo total ab stainers. Tho uUi ndnnco was good.

Mr Barry's elocution cla«s in tho Ex colsior Hall, Newton, opens to night.

Last Sunday was a red-'cttor day with tho Salvation Army in Auckland. Lar_o numbers of porsons attended all tho sorvicos from sovon o'clock in the morning until ton o'clock at night. Their largo and beautiful hall, which holds upwards of twelve hundred porsons has already become too small, many poisons, boing unablo to got in on Sunday night. Tho mootings nil day woro by Adjutant Spratt and wife, assisted by tho captain and lioutonant iv charge of tho corps. Thanks to tho holp and sympathy of tho police, tho mootings woro voiy quiet. At tho closo of the ovon ing sorvico a hundred romainod to tho prayer-mooting, and when nn invitation was given to Iboeo who desired to seek mercy to come forward, so many responded thnt tho form in front was filled with seekers. As showing the good effect thnt is boing mndo upon tho hearts of tho pooplo, it should bo noted that on opening tho eolloction-boxcs last ovoning tivo sovereigns were found as a gift from somo whoso hearts had boon touched.

Lamb's Porridgo Moal is tho food for rhililron : It crouton bonr, and.mus.ln. ai il ha core for rll'spon'iil In a''nlu. Wo fnmllv s'.olllil lio wMiotiS it for porritlßO, It also makes a superior brown b*end.

CABLEGRAMS.

THE ATTEMPT ON THE CZAR'S LIFE.

Execution of Conspirators. St. Petkksiicius, March 20. WiioLtsALK arrests of persona implicated in the lato plot agaiiißt tho lifo of tho Czar continuo to bo made in thie city. It is rumoured that Bevoral ollicera havo boon socretly executed.

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Opinions of the London Papers (special message ) London, March 1!). Mr Downer, the South Australiandolegate to the Imporial Conforonco, mid hia wifo have bcon presented to tho Quoon. Mr Dodd, tho Tasmania!! dolegato, has arrived. Tho " Times," in ati arliclo on tho scopo and object of tho Imporial Conforonce, cliaractorisos it as tho most intoroating gathering of Imporial and Colonial repre sentatives over called. Speaking of tho yoar's national demonstrations, it pays that tho Conference must bo roganlod as tho most momornblo event of tho Jubilee. Tho sumo journal, discusaing tho important questions to bo considered by tho Confer once, specially mentions the ocean poßtnl aervice, which is denounced as boing utterly inadequato to tho progrosa of tho ago and tho rapid development of British possessions. Its defects aro glaring and tho system bad, whilst it is more costly than it should bo. Tho question of Imporial federation will bo discussed : but tho opinion is oxpreeeod that tho timo has not arrived for giving practical effect to any scliemo for effecting tho political federation of the Empire.

Tho " Chrcniclo," in an article on tho Conforenco, rofore in hopeful terms to it. and saye it ia likoly to load to beneficial na tional results. Commenting on the decision not to allow a full measure of representation to tho Crown colonies at the Conferenco equally with autonomous colonies, tho "Chroniclo " would liko to havo soon ovot-y colony represented on tho occasion, which would practically havo mado it a Fcdoral Parliament.

A CORRUPT CORPORATION.

Startling Disclosures in Loudon. (SPECIAL CABLEGRAM.) London, March lit. Startling disclosures continuo to como before tho Coinmittco of tho House of Commoua appointed to investigate charges of corruption brought againat tho Corporation of Loudon. Tho ovidenco more than boara out the original chargo, which was, that £20,000 had been oxponded in offorts to defoat tho City of London Government Bill. Amongst the wit nesses oxamined was Mr Joaoph B. Firth, who, at the time of tho introduction of tho bill was tho Liberal member for Kensington. Mr Firth ntlirmod that £71,000 had been expended in tho working of mooting?, petitions, and to de foat tho measure. Tho inquiry, which ia causing groat excitemont, iaatill proceeding.

Suicide of an English States man.

London, March 21.—Mr Jehu Kynaston Croßa, who was Political Socretary at tho Indian Office in tho late Gladstono Minis try, committed euicide while in a state of ill health. Relic of Shipwreck. Brisbane, March 21.—A board belonging to tho schooner Mary King, of Now Zea land, which foundered on tho Tasmanian Co sal in Lio'.'i, li;is been found near Mttckay. Tlie South Australian Election;?. Adelaide, March 21.—The firat batch o' returns for the general election show a majority for those candidates who favour a protectionist revision of the tariff, ,

OPERA MOUSE-THE ROYAL COMEDY COMPANY.

AiTKii such a prolonged dearth of his trionics that it might almost bo tormed a famino, tlio playgoing public of Auckland aro invited to a feast of fat things. Dis carding metaphor and coming down to prosaic mattor-of fact, tlio famous trium virate of Williamson, Garner, and Mus grovo havo given fresh proof of courage and onterprise by sending to New Zealand at a time when repeated failure and prevalent depression might have dismayed the stoutest managerial heart a, strong combination of lirst-claes artistes, furnished with a fuU repertoire of dramatic novelties. So far tho venture has been fully justified by its re sults, It has convincingly shown that how over stringent may be the times, and what ever measure of oxigency may exist for I en trenchment of private expenditure, there is at all times in this colony a readiness to participate in ontortainmeot if only the bill of faro is sufficiently good. But tho pooplo are tired of catchpenny shows, and are rightly determined to epend only wht n thoy can depond upon having thoir money' worth. That opportunity is now offered them. The Company which inaugurated ire season to good business at tho Opera House last night is about the beet array of light comedy talont that has visited tho colony within the past light or nino years. It is cortainlysecondtonono. Inthiscasethepub lic aro not called upon to bo content with ono or two fust rufce peopleasprincipalF.with no hotter support than would be givon by a collection of htyjfiguree, On tho contrary, the Company hus been constructed with care, ana its members aro au fail with their several lules, and aro inspired with esprit etc corps, besides being informed with professional capacity. "Tho Magistrate," with which tho season opened last night, is a throe act farcical comedy by Mr A. \V. Pinoro, on tho same linos as thab ether oxtravogant absurdity "Confusion." As in it, the fun is fast and furious. Tho dialoguo is racy and witty, tho situations aro broadly humorous, and the whole character of tlio piece is irresistibly comic. That much the skotch of tho plot given in our last issue will have eorved to indicate But the spirit and ability with which tho comedy ia enacted must roally bo witnossod. Mr G.W. Anson, who plays tho title riMo.iis a host in himself. In the opening act he impersonates to a nicoty the digoilied, sententious, and homi letic Magistrate, and when with battored hat, bruised features, limp shirtfront, and mud.plashed habilimonts heappoars to take his customary sent upon tho Bonch after his first night's spree, it is the very effort to prosorvothis dignity and tho usual penchant fnrmagi-<tori.'il homilios undersuch ridiculous i ircuihstancos that intensity tile ludicrous side of tho situation. With Mr Anson I thero is no straining aftor effect. Ho docs not exhibit the moroet sign of self-conscious noss. Everything is smooth, easy, and t natural, and as a coiisoquenco all ho does or | says is woll and naturally dono and paid Aftor this loading rolo the noxt in impor i tanOo i- that of Cis Farringdon, a fast youth lof 19, whom his mothor is obliged to pass ! oil as a boy of 14, in order to accotiimodato tho doduction of fivo years which sho ! mado from her own ago in wed j ding tha worthy I'oeket. Mr D'Arcy Stanfield played tho part, and in it mani fested considerable talont for juvenile roles. Mr G. S. Titheradgo as Colonol Lukyn and Miss Agnos Thomas as Charlotte were east for minor characters, which in addition to being rather out of their lino.afi'ordod no scope nor opportunity for display. Tho public must wait until "Jim tho Tonman " is produced bofore they can fairly ap praise tdo admittedly high rind vorsa tilo talonts of Mr Tithoradge, tho most popular actor in Australia, and of Miss Thomas, ono of its most charming actresses. Thon, too.tho roul strength of the Company will bo domonstratod, for its strongth lios rathor in sorieus drama and light, drawing room comedy than inlowcomedy. Mr Frank Gates, an old favour'te.mado tho most of the part of Captain Horace Vale, a curled darling of tho /cunessa three, and Mr E. C. Calvert, who is no stranger, sustained the roloof Mrßullany withanonsonndstuw/niVc that mark no moan progross in his profession. Miss Emma Fisher made a favourable im pression by her portraiture of Boatie Tomlinson, the iuamoruta of Cis, and Miss Annio Taylor gavo a satis factory acquittanco of herself as tho portly Mrs Bosket. Miss Boatrice Lystor creditably filled tho small soubrotto part of I'opham, and Messrs Bryant, Stanmaur, Clithorow, Beverly, Wjndham, Brjor, aud Matthews all contributed to the smooth action of the piece. The ?nise en scene was also good. To-night "Tho Magistrate" will bo ropoatod, and to tho dyspeptic and melan cholic, as woll as to those who dolight in a hearty laugh, compollod by innocent, if ludicrous fun, wounhositatingly say "go."

A MYSTERY SOLVED.

Mr Simpson's Body Found

(lIV TELEGIUVH.— OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Cambridge, this day. Tin; body of Mr James Simpson, iron mongor, who has boon missing since Sunday wcok, was found to-day in tho Waikato

rivor by a search party.

The Fatal Bathing Accident at Manku.

A coici.KSi'ONDBNT supplies the following par ticulars of tho sad accident on Sunday morning lust:—lt appears that several children proceeded to a creek near the residence of Mr G. Cox for the purpose of bathing, amongst whom worn two boys, ono ttged 13. the son of Mr G. Cox, and another aged 10, tho son of Mr Perry. The former, being able to swim, carried the younger boy, who was unable to swim, on his back into the water, and got out of his depth, both boys being drowned, the other children who were witnesses of tho accident being too young to render any assistance The screams of the children brought tho father of tho elder boy and other persons to the spot. Mr Cox immediately dived and brought the bodies to the bank, but ittl ctlbrts to restore animation were unsuccess ful. Mr ii. Crispo rode into Pukekohofor Dr. iJalzicl aud Constable McGovern, who at once proceeded to the _;cenc of the catastrophe.

THE ONEHUNGA POISONING CASE.

Arrest of llic lli-slmn.l

The inquost on tho body of Mrß O'Neill, who diod from poisoning at O.ohunga, wab still proceeding to-day.

Tho husband was ordered into custody by tho Coroner, ponding tho verdict of the jury thoro boing strong evidence that tho death of deceased was due to neglect.

Opening of the Napier Woodville Railway.

[lIV TKLKGKAI'II.—OWN C'OHItKSI'O.NDKKT.I

Napiek, this day. Foil Iho opening of the railway to Woodvllle excursion tares were charged. This morning the crush nt tlio station here was extraordinary. The train was Io Icuvc nt 7.30, and by six o'clock excursionists presented themselves, liyseveii, n crowd ten deep was jammed hard and fast, and hundreds could not attempt to get tickets. Tlio (ruin got, nwny nt last, three engines pro pelling it. Tlio effect of tlio opening of this lino will ho lo givo daily overland communication between Napier and Wellington. Great pre parations havo been niiitlo tor the opening ceremony, which will bo performed by the MinisicroE Public Works. Mr Smith, M.11.H. for the district, presides at .a luncheon in tha afternoon, which takes place after the Minister bus formally declared tho line open.

LATEST CABLES.

The Nihilists and the Czar. London, March 21. —Tho Executive of tho Nihiliets have delegated fifty of thoir number to execute the Czar. Naval College for Australia. Sir Thoa. Brasaey intenda to urge Aus tralia to found a Naval College and a Koyai Naval Artillery Volunteer Corps. Coercion lor Ireland. Mr Balfour, Secretary for Ireland,, will to morrow introduce a Crimes Bill, having many stringent provisions. The Pacilic Cable. Mr Sandford Fleming, agent for the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, will bring up at tho Imperial Conferance the question ot the Pacific cable. Couienunisin in France. Tho Marseilles Council having adjourned in order to commemorate the anniversary of the Commune, M. Gublet, the French Premier, is awaiting the Prefect's report of the proceedings, I

Second Edition. THE SUEZ MAIL.

LATEX LONDON NEWS

(IIKOTKJt's TELKOKAM).

A LBANY, this day. Tim s s. Ballarat has arrived with the Eng lish mail.. Sho brings tho following pas sengers for Now Zealand : -Doctor and Mrs Lindsay, Messrs Richardson ,-md Izard.

The European Crisis

London, February 18,

Tho contra of pnlitical gravity con tinue to sway bstweon Eastern and Western Europe, being one day at Bulgaria, the next on the Rhino. Tho absence of con tinued panics is meroly because speculation and commerce are aliko paralysed ; in fact, there is a growing nightmare; which is almost as bad as war. Business is almost at a standstill, and the bright prospects, which were apparent at the closo of tho yoar, aro clouded over by the growing im pression that peace cannot long be pre served. If not surprising thoreforo that Austria, like other nations is rapidly pushing for. ward warlike preparations to be in readinots is necessary to dofond hor vital interests,

Tho editor of tho " Moscow Gazette ' warns the Germans that that thoro oxists a national and traditional quarrel between tho Ruesiau and Gorman peoples, distinct from courts or Governments, which is aggravated by commorsial jealousies. Tho gravity of tho genoral eiluation may bo gatlgod by tho war preparations by all states, especially in Suuth-westorn Ruseia. A Kussiau riot. A serious conspiracy wits recontly dis covered in St. Potoraburgh, implicating members of tho upper classes ac well as Btato oltisora. It is statod that several olli ccra of the guards havo boon arrosted. Al'Khau Troubles. Fears nro cntortainod of a rising in Afghanistan in tho spring, in conaequenco of which tho Amoor is eendiDg additional troops to Candahar and oleowhere. Ruaaia is roportod to bo sowing dieaonsions be twoan tho Amcor and the Shah of Persia.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Federal Cable Scheme

Mkliiouunk, this day.—Tho " Argua" publishes Sir .Julius Vogel'a echomo for federal cable eorvico, and atatos that tho I'ostmaßtor Gonoral is considering it. Capture of Forgers. Tho polico clovorly capturod a gang of forgors while presenting a cheque at tho National Bank at Suudridgo. A cheque for over a thousand pounds was found on ono of tho prisoners. A Divorce Case. Tho judgo haa refused a decree nisi in the Fielding divorco Buit owing to tho peti tioner a own misconduct. Tho Earl and Countess of Aberdeen arc patsongors ao Australia by tho a.s. Ballarot.

Typhoid Fever.

A thousand cases of typhoid foyer hai occurred in Victoria this season, over 200 o: which proved fatal.

LATEST SPORTING.

SvtiNKY, this day

Nelson did a long slow canter at Randwick this morning. Tho rain has made tho course heavy. Tho betting for tho Cup 13 un changed.

THE KAPUNDA DISASTER.

Shocking Collision at Sea. MANY LIVES LOST. [Fkom Ouh London Cosbksi'O.ndent.]

Lo.Niio.N-, February 4th. You will havo heard by the cablo of the foundering on tho high seas of the ill-fated Kapunda, andtheconaequent lossof eomeSOO lives. Tho news reached London on Monday afternoon, and, I need scarcely say, created a most painful impression. Sinco tho North- Heat was run into and cruelly deserted by a French steamer some thirteen years ago thoro has boen no similar maritime disaster of equal nagnitudo. Details as yet are wanting ; in fact, only tho bare outline of tho story has yet been telegraphed from Rio. Everything, however, points to the collision having occurred at night, and to its consequonceß having beon appallingly sudden.

Tho Kapunda sailed from Plymouth on the ISth Decombor last for Froemantlo, Western Australia. Sho was an iron sailing ship of 1095 tons, built in 1575 (by M'Millan and Sons, of Dumbarton) and classed 100 AI. at Lloyds. The owners, Triodor, Anderson, and Company, aro a well-known and much rcspoctod Anglo-colonial linn, and the vessel was commanded by Captain iolui Masson, who hat beon many years in the employ and was accustomod to workitig emigrant ships. It is a consolation—romomhering bow often collisions at sea ariso from undor-manniug nowadays-to know that the Kapunda carried a full crew of 41, or a

mote thbii tho Board of Trade regulations required. Her passengers numbered '217, ol .horn four only (a married man named William Fiold, with his wife ami two children) occupied tho first cabin or saloon, the romaindor being paying steer ago passongors, nominato'l omigrants and nuvvies engaged by tho Western Australian Land Company.

Tho emigrants woro in chargo of Dr. Norman Benthoim, who had made eevoral previous voyoges in Trindor, Anderson's vessels, and was a thoroughly capable and experienced rcan.

From what 1 can gather the Kapunda must havo been bowling along merrily bofore the S.E. trade winds when the collision oc curred. Tho scono of tho disaster in vaguely doscribod ns oifMaccio,aportaboutlso miles southof.l'ernambuco, and both voaaols.weare told, subsequently foundered, the Kapunda in a fow minutes, tho Ado Melmoro rather later. Tho latter, though a much .mallor ship (a barque of S'Jl tone only) than tho Kapunda, was loaded with oro which would mako bora formidab.'o battering ram, and there con bo little doubt she must havo beon the aggroesoi,

Thoaurvivors (10 in all) wore pickod up by a French steamer, which brought them to IUo, whenco the first intimation of a catas trophe having occur.'d came.

TwoJ.igniticant tacts foreshadow, I fear, dieagreeablo disclosures. (1) All the women on boatd tho " Kapunda " are said to havo perished, (2), Eight out of tho sixteen men eavod belong to the vessel's crow.

A later telegram states that the Kapunda sank at 3 a.m. on January 20th, and that vory few of tue passengers had oven time to got on dock. Tho captain of the Ada Molmoro ia on his way home in tho s.s. Orator, of the Harrison Lino, but nothing hus been hoard of tho chief ollieor of tho Kapunda, whoee name appears in tho list of Bivod.

SPORTING NEWS .

A.R.C. Autumn MecjiiiK,

Mil J. O. Evbtt last night declarod the following weights for the two principal events of the Auckland Kacing Club's Autumn Meeting :— K.tsTEu Handicap, of .oojovs, l. mile. Pasha .. ..9 1 w_, piti .. 7(j Waitlrl .. .. ii i BritibhLion .. . bllonco .. .. „i_ Kivulot .. .73 Spadei Guinea .. 812 Frioocshly . 7 _ ligredia .. ..8 11 Victoria .. ( ; 12 Poarl ..8 9 Protondor .. _ _ .n U, r,<ll„ iB0 -80 Maoriland .IS 7 fctlord .. .. 8 1 Tennyson.. .. 1 _ DerriDger.. .. 7IU Toroii . . „ n Cinderella ..7 9 Cannon .. LadyNorah ..7 8 Steeplechase, of U__ov., about 31 miles guyFawkcß .. li 9 Fair Play.. .."Vl. Peter OBbeck ..11 7 Quilp .. _ 9 Falcon ..110 Blue Bell.. _ s 7 Silvio .. .. 10 7 Wat Tyler .. a 7 Owhaoko.. .. 10 7 Zip .. fi 7 Tt-or .. .. 10 3 Rowdy ..' .'.' 9 7 Omata .. .. 10 2 Darkio .. .a 7 Now Year .. !> 12 Coral .. y 7 _!"!?-_.?__,..■_..., ~-■ 0 ';-'

Tho Waitemata Bicyclo Club are arrang ing for an Easter run to Te Aroha. Cyclist. other than members are invited to co operate, and can obtain particulars from Mr J, A. Cooper.

THE NEWMARKET WATER SUPPLY.

A Row Over, the Settling Up.

At the weekly mooting of the Newmarket • Borough Council heid last night, the bill , of £207 7a for oxtras under the waterworks , contract came up for discussion, exception ' boing takon to certain items. The Mayor (Mr W. J. Suitor) said ho ; had gone into the question personally, and . ho believed aome of the other membera of tho committee had done likewiso Tho following aro some of the objections:— Clause 13. Conditions of contract provide for hydrant and valve covers being set in concreto, whereas, with very fow exceptions, no concrete bus boon used. In Bourko, Green, Union, and York-streete, and also Park Road, there aro six hydrant 3 left un finished, which, in ca;o of fire, would be utterly usoleaa. In tho cose of excavating 79 feot of a track, wherein to lay 12-inch earthenware pipes for sluicing out the 9 inch, water pipes, a charge of £12 5s has beon made for taking out rock, whereas no rock wae met with ; the price agreed upon being 3s per foot, or £11 17s, instead of £19 3a— amount charged. The coat to the contractor for this work was—for labour, £2 ; pipes, £5 s=: total, £7 ss. A charge of £14 10a is made for making a manhole, wherein to place the motor, and a further charge of £1 10a for carting same. Surely, this Bbould havo been a part of the con tract If not, then gross carelessness must havo boon exhibited by tho engineer. A charge of £2 and i'fi has been irutdo re spectively for fixing two air valves and orecting two small drinking fountains. These aro items in tho contract, and should not be charged. i>gain,£ls 10a is charged for burning out the joints of pipes taken up from Kvbor Pass Road, trimming their ends, and removing to the place whore thoy were to bo replaced. All these came within, ho thought, the conditions of contract. There is au item for loying 218 feot of pipes in Kybor Pass ltoad requiring explanation. Tho charges for putting in Btop valves and hydrants ought properly to bo in the chargo por foot. As it is, however, a price per font is charged for the full length of piping, hydrants and valves included, and on extra chargo of lOs oach is made for all hydrants and valvea, indopen dent of tho charges or fixing covets, otc. There is a uriiiorm chargo of 2s Gd oach for concroto for a'l covcra and boxes for hydranta and valvos throughout the extra stroote, whereas none havo beon used. Tho number of cubic yards of rock, charged for at 15s por yard, was, ho thought, largely in excess of that come across. For instanco, in York-Etrcot 22 cubic yards have beon charged for instead of about 12 yurds. Altogother tho bill of oxtras was such that lie could not help expressing surprise that tho ongihoer cer tified to itb correctness If the whole of tho contract had coat tho same rate as tho extra ftreots had boon charged for, the total coat lor labour alone would have amounted to £2,035,. instead of £932, con tract prico Ko E. Porter and Co.'s bill of extras, £240 18s 7d, ho noticed very many diecrcpancios. For instance, tho schedule of prices agreed upon for additions or do ductions from contract shows pipes per ton at £G whereas £12 10a has beon charged for over five tons 13cwt. Sluice valvoshave been chaiged for at the rate of about 75 por cent, over schedule prico, and all the othor extras appear to be charged for at from 50 to 100 per cent, over schedule pricos. In connec tion with this account, too, regrot must be ex prefßod at the largo number of neceasaries loft otit of the contract, such as valvos, tees, all the insertion bolts, nuts, &?., and a quantity of hydrant branches, risers, bends, etc It must be noticed, too, that even the choquercd plate covering for the meter is charged for as an extra £7 10s ; while tbe valve and hydrant boxes are scheduled at 20s each, whereas 25s oach has been charged for l(i, and only 14 been usod. The Council undorstood that littlo or no extra 3 wore necessary, but to find that tboy amount to some £320, exclusive of the oxtra atreote, shows that had it not been for pure accident the borrowed money would havo come far ■ short of carrying the work to a success ful is§uo Kegrct must again be ex pressed at tho engineer likewieo certifying to tho correctness of the accounts. These were the notes he had made on the ac counts, and of course there were only a few of them gone into. Of course, also, they had a clerk uf works, and the engineer would doubtless Bhield himself by saying that it was the fault of their own inspector of works. Ho had, however, charged for co much rock whore there was no reck. Mr. Knox :By , you don't moan to say this to mo. I'll put this in tho lianda ( of my solicitor ; a specific charge has been mado against me, and I'll fight it out to the bitter end. You havo mado certain 1 charges ; please to draw a distinction be tween tho inspector and me. The Mayor: We employ an engineor to carry out the contract, and ho makes a charge of £19 5a where wo can prove that £7 5s has done tho work, and we have proved that there wna no rock where rock was charged for. Tbe contractor had tried to use a littio bounce by threatening to chargo 10 por cent, on his account if it was not paid at once- Tho contractor said there had been rock tiken out ; they wore not going to toll him he wos telling— Cr. Clayton, interrupting, said he was glad to see that the Mayor had gone into tho account? for extras. Beioro the con tract was let he had asked the ongineer whother tho contract includod everything for tho completion of tho work, and he had replied Yes. After tho contract was lot he saw that tbinga were not going on all right, and romarks wore going about that some things woro not includod in tho contract, 110 had waited on him again — Mr. Knox : I think, gentlemen, I must take exception to this. I ask you in common fairnoas whether this is to go before tho world before I have had time to investigate tho chargo. I havo only had two hours' notice to attend thia meeting, and did not know what your charges were.

1 fay you ought to lot this meeting bo in camera. Then, if yon find I don't eatiafy you on this point, spsak out, and let it go forth. 1 don't think in common fairness you should hold this meeting in public.

Or. Edgerley said ho .objected to Mr Knox addressing tho Council. Thero was

tio charge made against him.

Gr. Clayton continued, and said ho asked him again if everything was provided for, and he taid " Yes, everything," and danced about the room aad behaved in a -way that made him think ho was not n gentleman. (Mr Knox: "You thought so!") Then a pila of extras came in. The engineer bad said there woro suliicient pipes over to repair damages for three or four years, and now it appeared thero were nono left, and he wanted to throw tho b.'amo on tho Inspsctor of Woiks. Ho wanted to know whother the engineer had satisfied himself about the

amount of rock in tho pipo tracks before ho gavo tho certificate to the contractor, whether ho went through the

Mr, Knox : Do you think I am a d fool ? Of courso I did ; most decidedly I did. Do you think lam a robber ?

Cr. Clayton said they had a right to know whether all these items had boon passed by bim,

The Mayor said they were all signod by tho engineer.

Mr. Knox : It's all informal. I demand a committee to inquire into this. If you have written statements I'll reply to them. The Mayor then ns-ked tho contractor whothor ho consiierod tho manholo for tho meter was in his contract.

Contractor: No, sir; it is not apart ol my contract. ("Hear, hoar," from Mr. Knox.)

The Mayor then asked tho engineer whether he thought so.

Mr. Knox: I am perfectly willing to answer any question!! put in a regular form, but let us havo a little fairness about. Don't mix up tho inspector with me.

Cr. Clayton objected toMr.Knox making such remarks, and said with regard to the contractor's letter demanding 10 per cont. interest on his account if unpaid, that he thought it came from him with a very bad grace, seeing that the Council had always treated him so generously. In five or six different places thero had beon sublotticg. (Mr. Knox : First I havo heard of sublet ting)—and ho called Mr. Knox's attention to tbo contractor going againßt his conrract by lotting it piecemeal.

Mr. Knox : The first I havo heard ot it ; I should not like to say what I might, but I did not know about subletting. Cr. Clayton : I also drew—

Mr. Knox : Cr. Clayton, did you over draw my attention to anything that I <.d not at onco remedy ? Cr. Clayton : Perhaps not; but not in everything. Mr. Knox : I cay I did. Cr. Clayton : I Bay you did not. Cr. Whisker: I hopo the Council will deal with this matter in a spirit of fairness. (Mr. Kntx: "Hear, hear.") Mr. Keox only got notico of this meeting about two hours ago. I propose, " That a committee bo op: pointed to investigate the matter." Tho Mayor proposed as an amendment, lbat, us thero eoein to be instances oi overcharges in Mr Coulson'a contract No. -', tho account be referred b.ck to him for correction, and that the engineer's at tention be drawn to the very many over

charges in the bill of Mr Coulson anrj Messrs E.Porter and Co.'s bill of particulars for extras." ■ i, ,\ Gr. Edgerley seconded the amendment, ~ The Mayor said it seemed that they had gone about the. water schepe in a wrong way! They took over the pipes before the water waß turned in, and then they found leaks in abundance to the extent of £#_ in tho first month. L?ak after leak had cropped up ever Bince, and a very serious amount of water had run away. Two thousand gallons rad run away between Saturday night and Sunday morning. This was what had annoyed him, and he had bi3 duty to per form to the ratepayers. , The amendment was then put and carried unanimously. , , . i . It was decided that tho Council should go into committee to confer, .with Mr Knox and the contractor on the 29th inst.;at7._o p.m

A SHOCKING CASE.

A Suropeafa AHlictcd Witii Leprosy. (BY TIiLEGBAPH-OWN-CORRESPONDENT.)

IsvEbcAßGii.L, this day. A Poetoo OK9_ named Emanuel Silvi, _ rabbiter, was received into the Hospital on Saturday, suffering from leprosy. As was the case with the leprouo Chinaman, none of tho local bodies seemed inclined to iiavb anything to do with hiih. On Saturday night ho made his appearance at the'polic'o station, and from thero was taken to the Hospital, where Br. Low consented to admit hirti till Monday morning. Unless the Charitable Aid Board does its duty in the matter, it is Inspector Buckley's intention to procure rent and keep a watch over tho man, The Hospital Trust have expressed their willingness to provide bedding and meals for the patient, but decline to admit bim into the Hospital. Tho man has been knocking about with Chinamen at Round Hill, and is in a very bad state.

PONSONBY CHORAL SOCIETY.

Haydn's " Creation."

The first concort of the soason in connec tion with tho Ponsonby Choral Society was givon in All Saints' Schoolroom last evening. Special interest attached to the concert from tho fact that the Socioty.has passed through a trying period of its existence since last soason, and that tho reorganisation thus rendered necessary has only recontly been effected. There was also the fact that this was the first concert given under the cpnductorsbip of Mr T, Tallis Trimnoll, and this reason tended to further increafb tho interest in the event. The attendance was large, and it may bo said in a word that the con cort was a pronounced tuccees. the most apparent weakness was on the part of the male soloists. Some twenty instru mentalists, members of the late Orchestral Society, formed a very good orchestra, under tho leadership of Mr Charles Herhus, Mrs judeon assisting at the harmonium. The concert opened with the recitative, "In the Beginning," by Mr A. Brown, who also sang." And God Made the Firmament." Mrs Upton was beard to great advantage in the solo, " The Marvellous Work," and also took part in trie trio, 'TheHeavensareTelling," withMesura Furby and Brown. MrsDacre gave a most acceptable rendition of the recitative, "And God said, Lot the Earth,"and the air,"WM Verdure Clad," and also tho recitative* "And God said, Let the Waters," with the

air, "Ob, Mighty Pens." The other vocalists were Messrs Barnes, Tibbs.Cardorj Shlythe, and Searell. The overture, "II Barbiere," was admirably played by the orchestra, and tho part song, " Down in a Pretty Valley," was nicely sting by the Society. The choruses throughout Were very creditably given, and with rhore succe?B than had been expected by the audience. Tho Society is to be compli mented on the evidences of strong vitality shown by the first concert under the new regime.

REPEATING RIFLES ORDERED FOR NEW ZEALAND.

(DV TELEGRAPH —OWN CORREStONDENI), Wanganui, this day. The following is a fuller account of an interview with the Minister of Defence, M> Ballanco.re now weapons for next year's New Zealand Bide Association Meeting a? supplied to the " Herald ' by Captain Sommerville : "On his way homo from Chriatchurch Captain Sommerville made it his business to see Mr Ballanco with reference to the purchase of Martini- Henris, which he (Captain Sommerville) had promised members of the Associa tion at Christchurch for next year. Mr Ballanca told him that he had ordered 500 of tho Schoulof repeating rifles from Home, and he believed, from a letter he had received from General Stewart, that thoy could be completed almost at once, and that therefore they would be here for next year's meeting. Captain Sommerville, while pleased to hoar this, remarked that last year a similar promise had been made with regard to tho Enßold-Martinis, and nothing was seen of it. This year the men wanted tho new weapon for ceitain. Mr Ballanco then promised to cable Home during the week and ascertain how soon the Go vernment could be supplied with the Schoulof weapoD, and if he found they could not be sent out within reasonable time, ho would sond Home an order for 500 Martini-Henria to bo out sometime before next meeting."

With regard to tho diepoßal of the weapons I loam from Captain Sommerville that if tho Schoulof rifles, which are to ccst £1 each, come out, they will be issued under cert.in conditions, one of which wiU probably be that each man who receives one will have to de posit £1, and agree to return the weapon in as good condition as when it was handed out to him. If, on the other hand, Martini- Henris are the weapons sent, they will bo sold right out, the cost of each being about £2 10s. Captain Sommerville made inquiry as to the co*t of ammunition, and found that the price will be about 9j por 100 rounds.

Captain Sommerviiloinforms methattha balance to credit after paying all expenses of the Christchurch meeting will be about £50, which, with ISO in hand, makes £130 credit balance.

AUTOMATIC WEIGHING MACHINE.

Thk Victoria Arcadehas boen quite crowded all day, the cause boing a novel weigh ing machine deposited thero by Mr J, S, Walters, who has brought the same over from Europe. This weighing machine ia much like tho=e portable ones in general use, save that it has upon its expansive breast a largo dial and recording arm or pointer, after the manner of the trj-yer-strength machines to be seen at race-meetings, There is tho platform on which you stand, as in other weighing machines; but to obtain tho record of your weight a penny must bo dropped into a little slit at the left-hand top corner of the machine, Immediately this is done your weight already taken is registered upon the dial. The machine ia called tbe Automatic Weighing Machine, and it has caused a great sensation in London, Australia, and down South. In Dunedin £24 were taken in two days by four similar machines—allin pennies. The registering and weighing apparatus is distinct, a person being weighed on standing on the platform, but not being tho wiser for it till the needful penny has been put through the alit. The penny's weight (and only the weight of a penny; so larrikins, it's no use you trying to get weighed for a button) causes the registerine arm io work, and it moves till it cames in con tact wiih a stud, the position of which is de termined by tho weight upon the platform. In London, Eimilar machines on being given a ponny, or threepence, as the case may be, forthwith hand out paper, envelopes and stamp, or a, post card, or even hot potatoes. We underatand that Mr Walters has purchased the patent right for Now Zoalaud from the inventor. The machine is made by Messrs W, and F. Avery, of Birmingham, and will be left to work for its own and its master's living whilst he is away on a trip to Australia.

The second soiree dansante wi'.l take place in the Masonic Hall, Karangahapo Rood, at S o'clock to-morrow evening.

Rkmedy kok Hard Timus.-Stop spend ing bo much on line clothes, rich food, and it.X Buy gcoj food. ohe*aper and better clothing, and siop the habit of using expensive or quack daotors. or humbug medicine that does rou only harm, but put your trust in the«rre»te6t of all aimnlc, pure reiuedios, American Co'sJElop Bitters, that cure always at a trifling coat, and tou will see better times and good $e__Ch.

______ AUCKLAND EVENING STAB, TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 1887



THIRTY THOUSAND YARDS OF ■pvUESS Tl/rATERIAL. To be Bold AT GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. H. ATKINS HAS MARKED DOWN THE PRICES OF SUMMER DRESS MATERIAL 20 to 30 FEB Cent. There la a Splendid Stock still left to seleot from, and the Reductions will be round to be Genuine. BLACK and COLOURED BILKS will also be sold at a Reduction in Price. A Few Pieces of Magnlfloent Quality BLACK BILKS, to be sold at English Prices. An Overstock of UMBRELLAS. SUNSHADES, etc., to be sold Cheap. The Bahuioe of CARPETS (about 1,600 yards) to be cleared at oost and under. A I*&J_? ek __I'PJ_ O CURTAINS. TABLE LLNEN. SHEETING, blankets. QUILT., and M_JJC___S-ER ' GOODS. Best value in Auckland. A Splendid Stock of KAIAPOI CLOTHING. In Boye, Youths', and Men's; Splandld Value: Cheeper than Imported Clothing. MEN. MHRCKKY,'BHIRTS, BCARFS. UMBRELLAS, &c ALL GOODS TO BE SOLD AT PRICKS TO MEET THE TIMES. jt H, 4UUI,



A DAM T AYBOUBN & r\o., AUCKLAND. NKW CLOVER 1 Best ENOLisn Seeds, from . James Carter & Co, NEW TURNIP) The Queen's Seedsmen. RYE GRABS, COCKSFOOT, and NATURAL GRASSES. All new Seeds. Fenciog Wire at R-flnoed Prices. TCI O R _ A L B, The following EXTRAORDINARY BAR GAINS at FKRNANDEZ'S, Newton !-l case ot Men's Real Pith Helmets, U 6d each, honestly worth 10s; Men's Servlcable Dark Tweed Suits (complete!, for lto. reduced from 258. Men's Strong Working Shirts with Collars, Is Gd each, usual price, _s fid. Coloured Moleskin Trousers for working men, 3s lid a pair; Good Quality Large White Blankets. 4s lid each, worth 7s 6d ;10 dozen Boys' Black Felt Hats, Is each, former price 2s Also: -1.000 worth of General Drapery and Clothing at a Reduction of from 6s to 10s In the _. The reason I am almost giving away my Goods is because I am trying to give up.—l, FERNANDEZ, Draper. Karangahape Rood. IT-OTIOB OF REMOVAL. W. B. MELDRUM, TAILOR. Wishes to Inform his numerous Mends and cus tomers that he has REMOVED to those more Central and Spacious Premises adjoining W, Norrie, SHORTLAND-STEEET, And begs to solicit a oontlnuanoo of past patron age by all old and new patrons. Bora tbom £3 16a. All Work done In First olaos Btyla. N.8.-In ttendance Wednbs_»»y and B.TU„• day Nighta till 9 o'clock. SPECIAL PRICES, TO MEET THE TIMES. MILNE AND CHOYCE Bog to Notify that they have made X A RGB X>ERMANENT T>EDUCTIONS In the Prices of their .AMIES' AND CHILDREN'S UNDER CLOTHING AND BABY LINEN. Thoso Goods are tmpoitcd from the Largest and Most Heliable Manufacture s In London, sod aie guaranteed to bo Well made and of Gcod Quality. As these Goods are now Marked at so Small a Profit, larger Quantities are being I mpted In anticipation of a Greatly Increased Sale. INSPECTION IS INVITED. Milne and Choycb, QUEEN AND WELLESLBY STREETS