COMING EVENTS.

EZeottnsa. ad., Ta-nlsrat. Imp-rial Hotel— Muting o( Delegates of Auck land Rugby Union, 8. St. Andrews CUurch-Auousl Mooting, 7.50. T.MC.A. Room.—Evangelhtic 3 rvioe, 7.30. Anckland Tabernacla-Paslo.- Spurgeon will preach, 7.JJ. Grafton Ro*d Weiloyan Hel.oolroom — Enter tainment, 7 So Catbollo Institute-Vocil and In.trumen.ol Kal vrtainmem, 8. Rota of Justices at Felloe Court. Kefc. 1-C. A. Harris, junr.. and T. 11. Uaultala. Auction Sales Tomorrow. 6. Coot-JOM. fc Son -Hornet-old Furniture, e'.c, 11. A. Buckland, Ilaymarktt-llorsoi', etc., 12. B. Tosks & Co.—Met chant, is*, etc., il. Arthur & Buddlo-Wocklj- Poultry and Pro duce Sale, It. F. J. Joao.— P-educe, Furnituro, stc, 10.30. X Lcydo«-Pcultry,Produc*t. -furniture, etc ,11. ll'inf.-r _. Nolau, Durham Yards—liaises, etc. 11. Alfred Bncklaad—6 Draught So'dinge, 1 &prinß Cart. Horje, and Harness.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails wii-L c.pse as under:—

Friday. <t_h inst, Far Thames, por Rotomahana. at 8 SO e.ns. For Oowes and Coromandel, per Coromandel at 11 Sfla-m. For Whitlanga. Gem Town. Upper Mill, and Tairua. rer lons, at 1 p.m. For Tauranga ani Op-_ iki, per Clansman, a*. 5

p.m. hur Wang.rci Heads. Paruo, Wainn, Whan garei. Kamo, nni Mangipal, per Wellington, at .1 o.m. For Thames, per Kntorpris^, at 5.10 p.m. -Saturday, ith inst. For Wajwera. Te Kapa. and Warkworth. pes Hose Casey, ot 10 a in. For Waiwera, per G cnslp*. at 1 p m. For Russell, Kawakawa, and Fiji, etc., per Ara wata, at - p in. Tuesday. Tebraary 3. Par Rotomahana as follows— For London. United Kingdom, Continent of Europe. &-., via Kiode Janeiro and Plymouth (por Rimatako, fram Wellington. 10 h inst). per Rotoraa, a. 7.20 am. For newspapers -I (5.-oa.m. Far money crdt.es at 4 and r gi: tered letters at -> p.m. previous far. United Kingdom mail will be dfle at P.ymouth 21.h March. For Australian Celo-ie.., per Alameda, lm mediat*e!:r nfeer arrival (-oni HonolnhL For Taran.-iJci and i-out-ier:. Pnr-e. per Kotorua, imm«i..l;«rj-alter ailvalof Alameda. For Wellington and Southern Ports, per Roteriva, at 7.20 a.m. (Signed) S. B. BISS, Cl-lsf Postmaster.

Chief P.S. oißce. AncMand,

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Sereasi.—*i*h!e evening. 7 S.

Stisiußß —To-morrow morning, 5.21. MooN'a Aoa—Full moon, Bth, 9.63 p.m,

HIGH WATER.

Auckland—This afternoon. 1.17 ; to-morrow • morning, 23!.

Mah!!K_au Heads—This afternoon, 1.27; to mi-TOwmerninj:, 5.12.

Kaipara Heads — This oveaing-, 6.27; to morrow m .riling, 0.12.

ARRIVALS.

IP-BAT. lona, sa, Amcdeo, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

LAST BTEHInS. Waltahl, '.b . I'onnsl, fer the South Djuglas, 6.5., Au.Uo, forOpoiiki

TODAY. Ssr-rpion, Frs»Bh War Sloop, for TaMtl Stella. Govera«i»nt, s '.. for the Not Sh tina, a!*., Amodoo, for Vl_ rier To Aaaa, ss, Mcintosh, for South

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

C.romaodel. from Coromasdol, to day, 5 p.ia. lona, from Barrier, to nii... Alameda, Iron 'FrlftcG, duo F-bruai-y 6 Jinet Nicoll. from Tontra. February 12 Tainul. from I_ondon, Feb. 1%. R lapchu, froso London, via South, early Clansman, from Russell, Fiiday, earlr Wellington, from Vy-liancar.i, midnight Rotorua (at Oashunca), frcm South, Saturday Nelson, _t._i.lS., from l.iissell, e.riy

EXPORTS.

P«r Waitikl-ICO tons lu-ar, 10 ton 3 salt, 20 tons geneial cargo.

Sgl'ey Te Anau—Fo** Hclbournc-.SOcasks lallow. 1(57 hides, aud 4 casks liitlcs. For Southern parts: ISO bngß rico, 610 ba*s sugar, 100 hng« tapiosa, 123 kags lime, 11 balo*. wool. 197 cases trait and suadrics.

The brigantine Oceel* is at present 10;d._.2. at Mercury Bay lor an Aust-allan tort. Tho scl.ei-._cr Mi-sibn was exported to leavo Gisborne for Whangarei to-day. The barque Wsnona is loading at Newcastle tor this port. The p.s. Herald Is to ko doeicfl >*-_~._ _ general ovs-feaa*. -- -'uro lo' B "MKTXj 'is now -ndayi outVn» arriveearlr. itie Trench warVesscl b'eorpion loft for Tahiti' under steam at noon (o-dny. The Gorornment rlean.or Stella left for tha North this iuoi'.iing on lighthouse work. The schooner Waiapu oicared at tho Customs to-day for Mercury liny with general cargo. _ > The Ui'oc-mastotl schooner Hands, Isle was to hive left Mo.'cury Bay to-day, bound for Bydnoy with 2J0.000 feet timber. ! 'A cricket match, Muster Marinors v. Customs' JCmpio. 6a, will probttbly be pi. yed at St. Heller's, Bay on Saturday afterncoo next. The brig-i-tlao Maria Virginia has almost completed the dischariro of her caTg -. She will be docked for repairs assoon as poesible. The s.s. Waittikl loaded sugar at the Bugar Company's Wharf yesterday, rep Mauler. Uls borne, and Wellington, and left for tho South last night, a full ship, having a large general cargo. Pa* senders:—For Naii r: Mrs Met calfe. Mr-Fro-veucr. For Wtflins-ton: Mr Gio. Montgomery. Tho b.vq*-C EranstW thr atess t. mako tho " longest, naasigp 03 ro:»r_ *' betwson Newcastle and Auckland. She railed «n Ueocmbsr IS and is consequently cow .7 days out. Tha schooner Dovonpori is now 21 days out f.om Melbouruo, a.d the chip Eastorhlll 15 dajsout Irom New castlo. Ths s p. iT-ta arr>e.f~from Tauranga and Mercury Bay early tbii morning, with lhe following passenger! i-Miss -Warbrick, Mrs Ferga.m.-.. Mes.rs Wallace, Tr-tf, McKenzie. Collins. Hamilton nnd fimily, Mr. Porry and child. -Master Shet-th. Mrs Taylor. The lona left nS&ln for Grpat Earrit r at 8 a.ir. The ss. Te Anau left for Mclbourno vJa Southern ports at noon. For Gisiiorno: Misses Gelding (2). Judge MacDoaald. Messrs J. G. Soiners, Kdwards, Barrard, Mcl_.ee, Staples. G Nazer. For Napier: Missci • Ross and Schuiimker, Frtisor. Walker, Warbriok, Kov. W. Baunbcr, Messrs. E.Nnyos, Jamieson, Groy, 3. Coates, Mr ß Arlson. Masters Crkp.B. Gillies, Edson, 'fay lor, Harding. For Wellington: Mis.tßß. Yon dcr Heydo, Regan, and McCaull. Mr and Mrs RHnclmnn, Mr and Mrs D. Jones, TVTi-a White. Masters Stead und Smith, Messrs. H-uV,White. To-ikEi, Rusltf, A. M. MoCaUum. J?w«_taO-50, J. Wood, G.Martin. Key.D. J. Siwi. lor Lyttelton : Missos Forest, Foster, "Sfcelton, and Alfon, Masters Payne tS,. Horton, Kir Water. Mr and Mrs van Asch, Revs. J. ficrrv J. Williams, UoiTse and Martin, Mra S.Vhp's and chud. Mr and Mrs B. Hudson, lor T-unea-n • MS GiflSs and maid. Misses Gillies \_\ a»d Gordon, Sirs, Miss, and Master Duncan, RaY R. Col*>. Mrs Mlratns, Messrs. C. Gillies, H Gillies. Stcoraae. for varjous ports: Misses Kasloß and Tuokey, Messrs. Tuckoy, C. DtfneoH. C. Waters, W. James, W. Bills, Mrs Cook, The steamship Chnngsha, one of tho four new vesse's built for tha China Navigation Company, has Milvod nt Melbourne from Hong Kong, via l'ortParwißand Sydnoy. The China Naviga tion Company havo a largs fleet engaged in tbe China Boas, and for some time pas* they haTO haen e<tab.lehU-g a business between Chmaand Australia. The intention of this Company to make a bold hid for tho passenger tuide between China and Australia ka3 boen declared for some time, and tha directors have ventured a cool fioal to command and ensure success. TheCompaaJ- has hitherto carried onoporatlons wifli boa>s of medium speed and tonnage, but th-so are to be relef a*od to the river ard ooast int. tredo iv Chins, asd tho new boats will reign in their s'eart. Chinese nomoielatiM-e has boen Adopted for d_s_nau_ih_ng them, and thoy are known as tho C-hangnha, Chingtu, '1 aljuan. and 'i'sinan Tha Changßha is iho foreiunner of ihe fleet The Changsha la a steel screw steamer, and 'was launch-d in Jul/ of Irat yeer. from S_C)tt aid Col's yard, Carted! ke. Greenock. The longth of keel and forrrake is Slift, aad be tween perp-ndiculors 300 ft. Too beam Is 3.ft, and ths flentl-msulded is 25ft. Tht dspth of holdif SSft Din. The gross measuroa-enk is 2.J83 to-i», and the net "jgis.er 1,450 iobb. tha sdocs under deck being f,Hirtoi.». Ths Chasg aha is ooaimsn-led by Captain J _. Williams, la»e of the Ccmranj's steamer Whampo*. The Cia-gßha Is propollo- by powerful eDgiaes on th. modern t-iple expinslon prinolrfo. Rofrl sjerating mathinery has aUo bren fflted, and « Bhould provo of value in tropical seas. Messrs H B Morton and Co. are tho Auckland agents " for the Chin i Navigation Ccuipany.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS.

•Maczrcgor. s.s., Danlol. frcm VVanganui. Gatrfoth. b.s.. Mcirttur, fro-u Wsitera. Ototl, tv ■ Rc-bertsoa.frum Hokiangi..

DEPARTURE.

Poirloch s.s . aloArthur. for Wafers. nre-'l n s Kobc-rtsen. for Wang-nth. Mocgj-aaor, s r., Dsniol, for Wanganui and Wei llngton.

Tha Neithsrn Oo.'s s .. Oairloct, ,'rtni Wai tara iinivoatbis "norrilrg with 131 kegs traitor, 9SB o'assa ment, IS sacks bones. 8 sacks peas, and tho tallowing p-_-_-r.gc. s :-R_ vs. War*, <3»mw. Messrs Ram.on. Cbrisile, -iroi.wita (2). JSfcok Brown. Hart, fcharn. Ward.RoußUtn. MrsMeok. Ml°b Wiito**. and Oatceraje. She lefteesia at 1 o'clock with ta-go and several pasjengSs.

The Northern Co.'s s.s. Ma.-grraor arrived from Wanganui this morning with a general iargo. 6h« left again tor New I .imoutb, Wan ganiii, and Wellington at 3 o'cl .ck with a gene sal corgci and several p jssengers.

The st, Oreti arrived from Hokianga last night with a cirgo of gum. -the left again this ttfteiiicoa for Wanganui with cargo and passen gers.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Bluff, this day. — _____d: Tekero, for Sydney. 7 a.m.

L__TKL--o_*r. this day.- Arrived: Copt'o, from Napier. 7 a.m. fcTßied; Rimutsia, for Wtjlling lon, 11 p.ui. yesterday.

Oamaku. ilils day. — Sailed, yesterday; The stojuner Klderslie, with 10,137 carcases of met taaTaad JOS bales of wool, for l-ondon. She own pie tes her loading at Port Chalmers.

COMMERCIAL.

Ky.NtsG Sun Olliee. this day. Tub Nbw _6K_.__A.fn Loan and MbrCantH-i: Agency Company (Limited) report under date o£ London, Ist February, aa follows:—Wools Competition ie increasing, and tho market is firmer. Since the opening ot the salos sapcrlor greasy, flue greasy crossbred, and coarse greasy crossbred have advanced Jd per lb. Uj> to date 59 000 bales have been sold. Wheat and Hour : Tbe market is flit. Victorian wheat is worth 3_s Gl per 1951b, larded; Now Zealand average. 87b; New Zealand long-berried, SSa 6d; Vic torian wheat to ar.iTO. iron ohip. is worth, ol t, S7a Bd per _S01b; January and February. Rl* T&llsw : The market ia steady. Good mutton tilo* ia worth ;&i psr owt; good beef, 258. Leather: Iho market Is firmer, but nutations are n changed. Froaen meat! JI .rket quieu New ..-aland mutton we-ghl-e »or «-_oase Wlb to 6»lb 1§ worth yd per lb.

At Mr Wm. Garrett's aucUon held at the North Now Zealand Farmera' Co-oferative Association's stores yesterday fliers was a crowded a*tendaneo. and Brisk kidding for all kinds of f rnlt, espeolally far poaches, some of which realised very high prices. The following prices were obakied.- Fowls, Is to Is Kd; small turkeyi*. la 9d ; email apples, Jd to Id per lb; large aaulc. lid to 211 ; dessert apples. 13d to 2Sd per lb ; pear-, lid to 3J4 per lb; plums, 2id io Sid por lb ; damsoas. 2id per lb *, peaches (small-, Id to 51 per dr*: piaohea (large), led te 2. por doz ; lemons, lv Ski to 2s per doz

A New Political Partnership.

Thk presence of Major Atkinson in Welling ton has given rise to a report that he will leave in less than a fortnight for London accompanied by Sir Robert Stout to repre sent New Zealand at the Colonial Conference. It is stated that Sir R. Stout is already making private arrangements for the trip. The plan is said to be to leave for Melbourne the week after next and there meek the Australian repre sentatives, in whose company tho re mainderof the journey will be accomplished. Our Wellington correspondent informs us that the Premier himself w ill vouchsafe no information on the subject, but merely states that nothing definite has yet been arranged. Now we have no wish to interfere unduly with a pleasant pleasure trip, nor to throw an apple of discord with the object of dis turbing happy family arrangements. Under other circumstances we should have been ' glad to see the colony of New Zealand represented in London by two such men. There would, moreover, have boen no impropriety nor incongruity in the head of tbe Government aud the leader of the Opposition going hand-in-hand to a non-politioal Conference upon the Imperial interests of the Empire. Our politics do not yet involve mortal enmities, blood fends, und personal bitterness between the leaders of parties. It will be a sad day for New Zealand when they do. But there is a fatal objection to either of those gentlemen leaving the colony at the present juncture. Sir Robert Stout is personally pledged to the introduction of a Representation Bill and Major Atkinson is equally pledged to see it through the House. If both leave the colony now the bill is surely doomed, but the political reputation of its lawful guardians Will go with it. Their proper place is at the post of duty in Parliament,

The Imperial Conference is a very secondary affair, and Sir Dillon Bell, associated with some other public man and instructed by the Government, is quito capable of representing New Zealand. If Sir Robert Stout wished to go upon this mission to England ho ought to have pushod the Representation Bill through last session. With Parliament expiring next Augast it is too late to talk of leaving to others the task of carrying his bill through. Wo regard Sir Robert Stout's political honour as bound up with tho Representation Bill. Therefore we eam.ot believe that he will leave its passing to O'nince and to colleagues who havo openly displayed their antagonism to the measure. Nevertheless we havo very littlo doubt that | the sudden return of .Ministers to Welling' j ton, and the reported conferences between the Premier and Major Atkinson, have something to do with the representa tion of the colony in London. The Conference meets in April and if any one is to go from the colony, he must leave soon. \V<; believe, however, that Major Atkinson is too old a bird to be beguiled into the mistake of leaving Now Zealand on tho evo of a most important session of Parliament, nnd wo trust that the loyalty of Sir Robert Stout to his pledges and lo the interests of lhe people of New Zealand who have awarded him the highest position in their gift, will effectually prevent him from falling under this temptation. [Since the above wat in type .ro arc ylad to learn that the Premier has authorised the 'New Zealand Times' Ibis morning lo contradict the rumour.]

Native Land Transactions.

Trapsl, who aro acquainted with the ins am oity:s of private transactions iv native liitid are of opinion that ono result of the opera

tion of tho Native Lands Administration Ac' of last session will be tho loss of many thou sands of pounds to persons who have uncom pitted land transactions with the natives Tho Act provided that though it slioult nome into force at tho beginning of tlti year, thoso who have not completed thei purchases should be given twelve month from tho Ist of July Inst to do i

in, after which all "ttansatitions must .-ease The uncomplete purchase ii I hen to be squared oil' by the purchaser being allowed to retain iv h's possession areas of land equivalent to the areas owned by natives whoso signatures have hecu obtained. This would appear to be a very fair concession by the Goveniuu.nl, especially when it is taken into consideration that public opinion throughout the colony has vory little sym pathy with native land jobbing, or"land sharking," as it, is called. But thoso in the business do not think it fair. They say that tho initiation of negotiations to pur chase a block of land is very costly. Bonuses sometime:) of many hundreds of pounds havo first to be given to tho heads of hapus or families and also to knowing Maori*, who, though not, possessing an influence through ancostral descent, would cause dissensions amongst the owners wore they not propitiated. Then not mitre quently other intending buyers, veal or imaginary, have to be bought oil. All these expenses aro mere preliminaries to securing the signatures of the owners. The land buyer in his expedition about the country in search of signature*, must be accompanied by ;i Justice of tho Peace, an interpreter, antl a ihalo adult as a witness, so that the ex penses of his party is seldom less than £10 pel* iMem. All theso expenses are indepen dent of the actual pttrchaso money, and whon the purchaser has, after months or probably _ ears of negotiation at last secured tho tintil "signature antl owns the laud, he has to reckon up all tho initial and inciden tal expenditure, which invariable exceeds tho purchase money. It is thoreforo pointed out that as many of Iho ponding tran sactions cannot be closod^by the dat* specified tho pttrejiu*^-, w jn i 0. .0 tho benefit of nl. "tnoiueideuUl expenditure which -', velc time given to completo ".lie purchase, could he averaged over tho whole block. That is one reason why nativo land speculators have lengthy faces, aud why native agents feel as though hopo for a season had bade the world farewell.

T.vo gun detachments of the 0 Battery of Artillery, comprising twenty men and five sergeants, nro at prcaent located at Fort Cautley, whero thoy will remain for the next ten days with tho object of acquir ing a practical knowledge of gun drill. Captain Georgo is in command, and Lit it tenants VTasteneya and Gtlmoro arc also with their corps.

Sergeant Pratt is taking a well-earned holiday, ar.d w.-is abs.nt from his accustomed plaoo in (ho Poltico Court, to day. Sergeant Gamblo ujiiduclcd the prosecutions on behalf of tho police in hie absence.

Somo unrasine?s is foit m account of the non-arrival of tho barque Brunette, now forty-seven d >ys out Irom Newcastle, a vory remarkable performunco. Tho htiavy easterly woather experienced botween Auck land and Australian ports would account for considerable delay, and tho ffl-eatc-st fear is that by this timo captain and crow will bo oa very shoit allowanoo in tho event of provisions running ehort. Tho ordinary voyago occupies from six to twelve days and the Brunette promises to make an extraordinary record. Two barque, wero passed by tho Tc Anau off -No.th Caption the 3latins.., and one of them was probably tbo Brunette. [A barque, in-ido Titiiiii, w»s signalled when wo went to press].

Tho Mayor has given notice t_>_ move at tho next meeting of'tho City Council, "T .nt tho Council invito the trustees under the will of the late Mr Mackelvie to deposit in the Free Public Library and Art Gallery, YVellcsley-etreet, tho piot-uro-, curios, and natural curiosities left to them by tho will, until they ercet a building in which to place the collection, tho tt rms wilh reforenco to safe custody and removal to bo agreed upon be tween tho Council and trustees." Wo should suppose that tho trustees will gladly avail themselves of this offer, aa some con siderable time ia likely to bo occupied in realising Mr Mackclvio's estate.

It appears with reference to the laying of the foundation stono of the new Govern ment Life Insurance office", that in Decem ber last Sir Julius Vogel requested Bis Worship the Mayor to perform tho nero mony if he had not timo to do it, and Mr Devoro then acquiesced. It ia considered likely that Mr D. M. Luekie, the general manuger of tho institution, will como up to tako part in tho ceremonial.

The attendanco at tho larger city and suburban schools on Monday lust, when school dutioß wore resumed after the holi days, was as followa : — Wellesley street school, 822 : Bereatord-stroot, 055 ; Nelson street, 450; Grafton Koad, 300; Mount Edan, 22G ; Parnell, 402 ; Ponsonby, 507 ; Franklin Road, 125 ; Nowton East School, 501.

Poultry thefts aro on tho increase. A vagabond visited tho premises of Mr K. J. Carbines two nights ago, and whilo the ser vant girl was about, stole away six ducks. Chase waa given to be|tho rusca), but ho escaped. No doubt the ducka will duly appear in some nuction room for sale, and we would uot bo surprised to learn of tlio daring robber offering them to Mr Carbines himself.

Aa the 8.30 tram from Newmarket was coming down tbo incline of Wellesley-street East this morning one of the horses slipped on tho tram lino and cut its knees soverely. It had a narrow escape of having one of ita hind feet cut off by the wheela of the car.

The Aucklond Groccra' Association quotes tho wholesale price cf fresh buttor, Is per Ib; and eggs, la 3d per dozen, for the week ending February 10th. Is 3d would bo readily given if butter could bo brought in marketable condition, but excessively hot weather renders that impossible, honco merely a nominal quotation of Is por lb is given,

Yesterday tho contract for tho construe tion of tho lirst section of ths Kaihu Valiey Railway waa signed by Mr Owen, tho con tractor, who has tiow returned tc Sydney to conpleto tho ariangemeiits lor Fending plant, etc. Operations will vory coon bo started on tho railway.

The estate of tbe lato Dr. Lee is estimated to bo worth about £10,000, and he has left tho whole of it to his widow.

As an instance of tho celerity pith -..hich business is transacted at tho R.M. Court, it may bo mentioned that thia morning ninety caseß were disposed of in seventy-lit. c minutes, which ia reckoned about the quickest lima on record. Of course, of this numbet-2S wcrecohfessed ancl others wero paid into Court, but aa in some instances cvidenco was taken, it is quite evident that no timo was lost. Last week the Court concluded by ten minutes past 1" o'clock ; today's proc-codinga terminated twenty triju'.es fcooner. It would appear that times are improvinjr, for cot long ago as many aa 150 easea irere s.et down for hear ing in a week.

The Northern Steamship Company an nounce another excursion to Waiwera on Saturday afternoon by tho s.s. Glonelg, re turning to town early on Monday morning.

There is still a good demand for Auck land Gas shareß, both old and new, and Eome bußinosß is being dono in Union In- j Eiiranco shares, but goldmining shares are 1 quiet. I

Some of tho " unemployed " complain that contractors who have stroet forma tion works on hand do not g'uro employment to all tho mon tint could be put on the differont jobs. One con tractor is said to have only four or five men at work where there is ample room for six toon.

Tho Premier, the Minister of Juttico, and .tho Colonial Secretary ocsupled the wholo of Tuesday in perusing tho report of Judge Ward and other papera relating to tho Great Barrier murder case, and their viowe have beon forwardo.l to His Excellency tho Governor at Dunedin, whero a meeting of the Executive Council will ba held, Bind a final di.ci-.on arrived tit.

Several hundreds of carcases of Australian mnt'en, landed from tho 33 Orizaba at London, havo turned cut discoloured, and

ire only bringirg 2_d per lb. Kinoty-ono lavo bean condemned altogether.

Four companies of tho IS'aval Artillery aro to parade for inspection to-morrow evening nt tho Drill-shed. We understand thoy will bo asked to assist in firing tho siluto at Fort Cautloy on Tuesday next, on tho occasion of Admiral Tryon's visit to Iho port.

Tlio rcmainitvj. Weslo*an ministors at tending tho Conferenco left by tho s.p. Te , Anau to-day at noon. Thoy appear to havo , felt tho heat of Auckland beyond nios. ' former year?, although many of them for merly resided here Tho Southern citicß seem to agreo with them, as from President down to earth ex-Provident they are "fat and nourishing," nnd can bear a littlo reduction in weight, and, excopting tho ho.'tt, Ihoy wore all delighted with "their visit. Tho ncx* Conferenco is exp ctcd to bo hell in Wellington. Tho handsome silver salvor presontod to Mr W. McCnllough by tho Zealondia Masonic Lodge, Ims been placed on view in tho window of Mr F. il. I owisson. Queen street. In tho centre is engraved tho name cf recipen\ with the words " presented for pass services, January, ISS7." Ilc-t-o i.t a ta'o of real hardship, which is vouched for as a positive fact. A poor woman gavo birth ti an infant lately. At tho timo of its birth the mother waa uttorly destituto, but the littlo ono was soon released from the troubles of tin's world. Not, co, however, with the mother Tho child lay dead in tho house, and she had no moans wherewith to bury it. She applied to tho local authorities, nnd was suppliod wilh .a free order for n coflin. This she had to tako to Mount, Kdon Oaol Then sho carried tho collin to h*r ro-idenee, which was in tho direction of Freeman's Ray. Sho then placed tlio littlo ono in tho aollin and carried it hcrsolf to the railway-station, as s-lio had only received •->_ (id with which to deiray tho expenses The ohild wa. then conveyed to Waikomiti, and in due course burled. '1 his ' ii perhaps ono of tho .nddo.t stories which havo.-'.teiy.bceu reco d-d,aud unforluuutcly it is true.

Wo hud always been under the impres sion that the giving of throe cfcoers came as naturally to the true born Lliilun aa tho !iogoti..li m of a f<o__'s foot eotees to tlio Frenchman or the assimilation of n pint.til train oil to a subject of tho C_ai* of Mus covy. Wo Und that we aro wrong. Chest* ing is no lougor bore, wi'.h thp -^-okjuinl Eng'ishmap, and has to"**^; acquired. Anothor idol has been sha{ tercc j > 'i*his ia how it was. Pas.ing alon, ~ ...,;.,;- street in Ponsonby the Sthf^ c . von . nl -, we ob.ervcd a number of/ 0 ..-, lia .- children undergoing instruction if, tho a ,t cf shout ing tho shibboleth "Iftp, Hip, Hurrah " by thoir preccptots. ' _& ov _ three choors for the Union Conipy iy .. _,____} tho [ aayc * y pro coptross " »;p* y if); Hoon.y," responded I tho children. "Now, then, one for Father Walter." "Hooray!' "And another for Mr Patrick Darby," " Hooray !"

On Monday evening, tho annual meeting of tho pari.hionors of St. ,hide's Anglican Church, Avondale, was held, tho Hcv. ,1. (i. Havie in the chair. Tho l.nanciil state ment showed nn increoso of £3 10s 10,1 in t!ie general clT.rtory, and also in tho ro vonuo from the seat rents, which this year j hided £19, ns again.t £10 10i for Iho previous year. Tho question of providing seats with kneeling bjnrds was referred to tho vestry, with power to net. Ten shil lings was voted towards tho Hilary of Iho Sunday-school Inspector. Mr Bollard was nominated minister's warden, and Mr Howell people's warden. Messrs Allhorpo, Bollard, Haigh, Hazard, Matthews, Mor ri'on, P.ck, and Simpson wero oloetcd voclryu-Ui, and Mr _. Matthews, ecr.r, was appointed auditor. Voles of thanks wero accorded the lay rcadetu and organist, after which the meeting concluded.

A very successful entertainment took place in tho Franklin Bond Schoolroom la.t evening in connection with tho Excel sior Lodge, N-5 0.0. T., for tbo benefit of Bro. Porteouf*. Tho room waa well hi od by an appreciative audienco. The chair Has occupied by liro. Anderson, who after a b.'ief ipeeeh announced tho pro gramme. The son^s, etc., were ably rendered by Mesdames ('ami and Wilson, Messrs Mar.'on, Johnston and Va'lot k ; ducts, Miss Marf.on and Mr W. Mar son ;Mr Stanton and a full choir cave

several pice-;.. in good style. Mr Pook, with v stringed band, gay.i sumo ex cellent piece, during tho evening. Mr G. Greenland made a few remaika, end also thanked those Indies and gentlemen who came forward and rer.dered thoir valuable set vices. During tho interval thero were various parlour games, which were thoroughly enjoyed by the voting folks, and Miss ScMtiour gavo a recitation. Mis* Cult.* beli ably officiated at tlio pi-mo. 1 lie company singing "God Save tho Queen" brought an enjoyable evening to a cloco.

Tho annual meeting of tho parishioners of St. Luke's Anglican Churoh was held in tho parsouago on Thursday. Tho i ov. J. R. Davis presided. Tho roport of tho vostiy mentioned tho presentation by Mr A. K. Taylor of threo beautiful stained glass memorial windows to tho church. It also referred to the cervices of tho lay-roatlcrs, Messrs YV. C. Kensington and A. Morrison, junr., and also to tho.c of tho organist, Mr Charles Whit". The financial statement showed a d_cren>-o of £3 Is 10 j in tho general offertory, aud 12. 6d in seat rents. There was n ponornl do lieiency of X3S. Mr A. K. Taylor offered £10, provided the buluuce wua raised. Messrs Beck, Kattray, mid Sellers occh offered £5 towards tiio liquidation of tho debt; £100 waa contributed to tho clergy man's (stipend, and £1 waa voted to tho Sunday-school Inspoctor. Mt* Taylor was nominated minister's warden, unci Mr Kattray people's warrlon. Tho following gentlemeu wero elected vestrymen : — Messrs Beck, Driver, 'Kensington, Sellors, Smith, Thomson, Whito, and Wright. Mr W. 11. Maitin wua appointed auditor.

The excursion to Motutapu by tho a a Atawatn yesterday passed elf most pleas antly, Mtssrs Reid Bros, affording the visitors all possible oppertnnities for amus ing themselves, and alen providing tea gratis. Games of various kinds wero in dulged in by tho children, who wero also treated to a variety of good things, and about C p.m. tho party re embarked. Beforo starting for Auckland a number of gentlemen assembled in tho saloon, and tho health of Messrs Kcid Bros, w.te drunk with enthusiasm. Tho home trip was a pleasant one, and' the Queen - street Wharf waa reached about 830 p.m. Cheors were then given by tho children for tho Union Steam ship Company and for Captains Cromarty and Mcintosh, after which tho various schools proceeded homeward, St. Mary's Orphans being conveyed in a carriage pro vided froo of cost by tho Tramway Com pany. ln addition to Iho schools mentioned in our report of vestcrdav there wero ou tho Aruwata 52 boys from tho Kohimarama Training Schorl, in chargo of Mr, Mrs, and Miaa Hogan.

The business of tho late W. J. Hurst and Company has been purchased by Messis B J, Easatn and A. 11. Grainger. Theso gentlemen have had tho management of thia concern for many years, nnd no doubt tho old customers will still continue their support.

Tho annual motting of the members of St. Bride's Church, Mauku, wus attended by 23 persona. The newly-appointed minis ter, tho Rev. N. V. Boycp, presided. The lato minister was also iv attendanco. Tho Treasurer, Mr Hogwood, read the state ment of accounts, which showed the total receipts to bo £53 Sa 3d, and tlio disburse menta £57 12s 11J. Mr Ctispe was ap pointed minister's wardon, and Mr Joseph Walker pooplo's warden. Me^is Pago, Gtegoiy, Grawiord, Piggot, Hogwood and Wily'were appointed vestrymen, and Mr Hogwood Treasurer Messis Ctispo and Hill woro elected auditors. A:; there weio £15 in tho Savings Bank to the credit of tho church, it »-' resolved that the vestry take tbe matter of re seating the church into serious com ider.'ion at th ir fir* meeting.. Before .tl.o meetiog concluded, v..t-6 of thanks were eceoided all tho chuich workers.

The next excursion of tho Auckland Fish ing Club will take place on Saturday the oth inst, starting at 1,10 p.m.

Mr Justice Ward is still suffering from tho nervous usthmatic affection which com pelled the adjournment of the Supreme Court on Monday last. This morning he mounted tho Bench with a slow and heavy Btep and nn infirm demeanour, and at onoo proceeded to put off till March and April respectively several actions which were to havo followed tho contested will caso now bofore the Court. He also requested coun sel upon either Bide to expedite matters as far as possible. In reply to "Inquiror," a correspondent statoß thut tanoknba bark can bo obtlined on the osta-to of tho Wharokawa Coul and Iron Company, on tho wooded ranges bo twoon tho Surrey and Eek redoubts. It would, ot course, bo necessary to obtain the consent of MrR. R Hunt, the manager of tho Company, before taking tho ba'"'c* Anothor correspondent Btatoa that Mr Richard Wright, of Opotiki, P.-iy of Plenty, has plantations of tanckaho, and 11 written to will furnish the desired infor mation. Mr Davison has also called upon us and states that if " Inquirer" will com municate with him, care of Mrs Walker, Haslott-strcet, Eden Terrace, he may ob tain fall information on tho eubjoct.

We notieo the following boys of the 00l- 1 lege ana Grammar School amongst the suc cessful candidates at tho rocent matricula tion examination :- F. J. Carter, A.(... Cooko, It. J. Gwynne, K. C. Maclaurin, G. Makgill {1), J. N. Murray, C. J. 1 arr (.1 11. Poland, C. A. Somadem, 11. 1' Taylor, W. R. C. Walker (?), in both arts and science; Makgill, in arts only ; A. Withy (?) in fctenca only. Tho nnmos marked with a ? wore moro or lees conjectural, having probably boon altored in transmission. Tho following aro old boye : - N. L. 11. Biss (in both do uirtmente), A. F. Burton, M. Herrold, and W. il. A. Tebbs, in arte, and h*. ii- Cameron in scionce. Burton has attondod tho Training College sinco lonying, and Herrold and Cameron the Napter liign School.

A story of a sad death, and of a very plucky attempted rescuo, roaches us from Kaipara. It appears that whilst tho J-harm Brodorsen, tho vessel .vhich brought the ostriches to Now Zealand from South Africa, was lying off the Heads, a boat tied astern somehow got adrift. Tho ebbing tide was fast taking tho boat away, when a seaman Hived ovor tho side and attempted to reach hor. Ho had gono a hundred yards or so and had nearly ronchod the boat, when his com rades on tho vessol saw him struggle in tho wator with somo un.eon foe, and disappear, no more to bo scon. There was little doubt that a shark had taken him, but in the faco of this, another sailor, whoso namo has not reached' us, sprang ovorboard to Ins rescue. Nothing wa«, howevor. to be seen of tho uriM fellow, nnd his plucky would-bo ro-cuerewnm half a mile and got into the. bo-tt. Hero i-i a worthy objoct for tho South Island Branch of tho St. Johns Ainbulanco Aseochition to docorato with thoir cross, and wo commend tho bravo sailor to ihotr ttolico.

A Victim to Remorse.

It is not often that persons guilty of criminal offences givo themselves "P-i- 0" justice, but a cn.o of this kind hajVuctually happoned in Aucklandj^-^sgSi night, a man who^feift-t'ao nTmo of Ilonry 1). Cardinor "cTlled at the Polico Station, and made tho request that he should be taken into cus tody. Ho said he had stolen a cheque for j.13 10s, tho property of Mr J. Tumor, at Nopier, about cighteon months ago, and bad collocted and spent tho proceeds. Tho man appeared to bo in a rational frame of mind, and as thoro was no reason to doubt his story. Detective Doolan arrested bim on the chargo Tho polico have sinco made inquiries from" the authorities at Napier, with tho result that it appoars that the robbory which formod tho substance of Gardiner s corf-ssion did tai o place, and that the owner of tho cheque Is still willing to pro'ocuto. Under thoso circumstances tho prisoner wn? brought before Messrs Collins and Gilmour at tho Police Court to day and charged with the ofibneo. Sergeant Gamblo stated tbo steps taken by Iho polico to as certain tho reliability of tho mane coofos- Bion and thon asked for a remand for a wcok in order to mtiko further inquiries. Tlio remand was granted.

Mr Justice Wards Hines.

Judicial rtrrnnßomonts.

At tho opening of the Supremo Court this morniug.llia Honor Mr Justice Ward, being in ill-ho-lth requested Mr E. Hammond to intimate to the Maoris in atlondanco that tho caso ih which they wero interested, vir, , Josiah (.. Firth v. I'nnapa to I'ca and 13 other natives-an action for possession.of land squatted upon ut Matamata, and £100 pioiits-boaidoa the cross action, would bo put off till tlio March sittings. Mr H. D. B-11 (Ciown Prosecutor of Wellington) said ho did not supposo tho ititoreste ot counsel would be studied, but ho was anxious that tho convenience of bis native clients should bo considered. They woro anxious that ho should appear foi them, und ns ho could not attend tho March sit tings he asked that tho cases should bo put oil rill April. He was engaged in tho case of tho Shaw, Savillo Company v. tholimt.ru Harbour Board, which was taxed for 10th Match, and his dutiea as Crown Prosecutor i-.quired him to bo in Wollington during tho beginning oi April.—The cuso having beon formally called on, Mr Button elated that ho appeared for tho plaintiff in con junction with Mr Thoo Cooper and Mr John Hay, whilo Mr 801 l intimated that ho appeared for tho defendant*. After con sultation between Bench and Bar tho case, woro then lixod for tho 21st of April next. Tho actions brought by tho Hospital Board against tho Waikato ard Waipa County Councils for rocovcry of contributions woro put off till tho March Civil Sittings, his Honor nt tho samo timo iDtimatcd that ho would tako tho Hokianga Sawmill case o«ainet John Homy Dalton and Others at thoso sittings. Mr Juetico Ward then re quested counsel in the will case to make it aa brief as possible.

SPORTING NEWS.

A statement haa been madeto the effect that during tho/;««...atthoNorthSboieon Satur day laat, the jockey who rede tho mare Jessie was weighed in by the clerk of tho .cults. Wo havo beon asked to positively dony this, for as p. matter of fact the clerk refuaed to nllow the usual formality, at tho inßtanco of the utowsrds. Tho opinion appears to bo universal that tho stewards deserve to ho highly complimented for the straight forward and sportsmanlike manner in which thoy acted all through what at ono timo ap peared likely to end in a very aerioua dis turbance.

Mr B. Thompson, the owner of Jessio, has sent in a letter to tho Takapuna Jockey Club, claiming tbo stakes in tho Anniver sary Handicap, and also the amount of tho two totolisator tickets. Nelson was scratched for tho Dunedin Cup at 4.10 yesterday afternoon. l'.eutar cablca that sixty-four horses aro still left in tho Newmarket Handicap and twenty soven in tho Australian Cup.

Another Large Fire at Bun edin.

(t>V TBLKORAP-t.— PRESS ASSOCIATION )

Dcnedin, Wednesday. A iibe broke out this evening in tho whole sale waiohouso of Hogg, Howison, and Co., and a large amount of damage waa dono by liro and water, but tbo actual loaa is not as certainable. One portion of the building is used as a bonded warehouse. The insur ances amount to £20,000. Tho following aro tho companies interested :—London and Lancashire,£2,soo. Northern, t1,500'; South British, £5,000 (£3,000 reinsured); North British, £1,000 ; Royal, £4,000 ; Colonial, £4,000 ; Equitable, £2,500. Most of the companies aro rc'mturcd to somo extent.

ANOTHER ACCOUNT.

Dunedin, this day

At halt-past. 9 o'clock last ni^ht lire was dis covered ill Hogg Howisson, Niccol, antl Co.'s warehouse in Vogel-street. Great dimculty wus experienced in getting at the tire. The building was tull of smoke, and flames could be seen through one of the second story windows. The floor was occupied as a bonded store. An entrance was ejected by breaking open a large gateway fronting Cumberland-street, und by '!■:■■ .'l-ii.'g and wrecking some windows. The vei-y large quantity o£ etoclc in the build irg rendered it imuosgiblo ■ for some time to get at tiie actual seat of the Are, ami a large quantity had to be pretty roy 'i-ty handled. The mischief seemed to have originated on tho lower floor, and to )-a**e spread to somo extent to thcTiondcd ware house above. By 11 o'clock tho lire was got pretty well under. As good judgment was exercised in keeping the place as nearly closed up as possible, tho damage is not likely to bo very heavy.

Births.

WEBB.—On February 1, at Vlotorla Pork. Lake Road, Devonport, the wife ot Thomas Wobb of a son.

Marriages.

O'HARO-DOLAN.—On January 2i, at Has tings, Napier, by tho Roy. Father Smstl.o, John O'Haro to Annio Dolan ; both of Ci-ints Koicommop, Ireland.

Deaths.

WRIGRT.-On February S. 1837, at hor rcsl denoe. Wellesley street Kast. Morj Kll;:ibeth Winifred Zl.tflor. tho b.loved wife ef ifr William Wright; aged 27 3 o.rj. The funeral will have hor late re.llenco to, mortow (KTiday) momitig. at 11 o'clock. Friends wUI please accept this intimation.

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

For tho cams that lacks tt-intiuice, For tho wrong: that needs ref.i.Unee, For tbo future in the. thatar-te. And tbo good that we oan do.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3. 1887.

The projected International Maritime Exhibition at Auckland in 18' JO, which we have alluded to before, was more fully explained by the Colonial Trea surer at a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce yesterday. Sir Julius Vogel drew a very pretty picture. Evoryon, was with him when he dilated upon the attractions of such a show. No one doubted that the time was appropriate. The jubilee of the colony; the opening of tho Panama Canal; the completion of the trunk railway ;—each event is important enough to New Zealand to justify a public celebration. Neither isu^Sre any hesitation anions: >%'__ons who know all the wl/j^i "harbours in de claring ...tj*-,. "Auckland is tha best Lttkce in the Southern Hemisphere for an aquatic display of the mag nitude contemplated at this Exhi bition. So far, everything appears to be fair weather sailing, but the re mainder of the project is not quite so readily accepted. Sir Julius Vogel proposes a private guarantee fund of £25,000, and believes that the Go vernment would promise an equal amount. Now, a big Exhibition signifies a big cost, aud £50,000 is probably not too much to guarantee an exhibition on the scale proposed. But the question is not what may be desirable, but what i 6 practicable, and members of the Chamber of Commerce were evidently staggorcd by tho magnitude of the financial de mand. It is quite truo that the Colonial Treasurer gives them a pleasant assurance that not one six pence of the money may ba required ; that the Exhibition, with a charge made for space, should bo self-support ing. This is possible, but we should be oblivious of past experience if we pronounced it at all probable. Tlic chances are that the greater part of the guarantee fund would be drawn upon. Now is it possible to raise a fund of that amount for such a purpose 1 That in the practical question which tho Chamber of Commerce have to decide. We may pretty well anLuJAta that, though a colonial and rtHMnational affair, the burden of the private guarantee would be cast locally. The cmse of provincial jealousy would, we believe, prevent anything like a hearty response to the appeal for subscriptions hi the South, although the undertaking would be essentially a national one. Still, the expenditure would be local, ar.d it would be a good advertisement for Auckland to occupy the front place in a celebration which niight claim rank with the world's great fairs. However, the outline of the scheme is now before tho public. Any guarantee fund to be workable must be made up by a number of large subscriptions. Promises of sovereigns and half-sovereigns, to be _ paid three or four years hence if re quired, could hardly meet the case. The point to be ascertained by the Chamber then is, how far the munificence of our big institutions and wealthy men may be relied upon for the support of this scheme, and pro bably the easiest way to ascertain that is by appointing a Committee for the purpose.

CABLEGRAMS.

[E7 I.I.gOTR-0 Tm.-SC.S_.PH,— OOFVB-OH*.]

THE WAR CRISIS IN EUROPE.

Widespread Financial Panic

London, February 1. Panics havo occurred on tho boursos at Berlin, Vionna, and Pari-, these being caused partly by political but chiefly finan cial causes.

(SI'KCIAL MESSAOE.)

AN OMINOUS SIGN.

General Boulangera popularity

London, Ftbruary 2.

Tho attack mado by tho Gorman press on Gonoral Boulnuger ha. had I lio effect of increasing hia popularity A royal in trigue to compel his retirement has 'ailed. The panic on the Pariß Bourse is vory acute.

WAR IN ABYSSINIA.

Defeat of Italians,

REINFORCEMENTS TO BE SENT.

AIII.N, February 1. News has beon receivod from Massowah that tho Abyssinian force, under the rebel chiof Rub Alula, attacked ami routed threo companies of Italian troops, on whom thoy inflicted heavy loss. RO3IE; February 1, In tho Chamber of Depuiios last night M. Deprotis, President of the Council of Ministers, askod for a voto of fivo million lire for the despatch of reinforcements to Maesowah.

London, February 2.

At the engagement botween the rebels and Italians noar Maseowah ninety Italians wero woundod.

THE COLLISION AT SEA.

Further .Particulars.

(SPIiCIAL mj.ss.v;.. )

London, February 2. The collision botween tho Kapunda and Ada Molmoro occurred on January 20th. Tho forraor vessel sank bo rapidly that it waa impossible to lower the boats. Thero is now no chance of further survivors turn-

ing up. ._. There wore one huiidred^j^l^S^arid thiiteeti domcKlic^^nTeo,, board.

Altai-a lv the Soudan.

J_t>Ni>ov, February 2. — Tho blockade of the Soudan has now beon raised, nnd trading ie now pormitted.

Nativo Warfaro In Now Guinea.

Cooktown, February 2 —Latest advices from New Guinea report that tho Moxan nativco aro very unsettled, and have mos sacred a numbor of the Mariavion (sic) tribo. Groat Biekncss prevails among tho nativos, and many deaths havo occurred recontly.

The Seamen's Strike.

Ono of tho Glenclg's Hands Arrested.

As an outcome of tho altercation on tho occasion of the Gleuelg's departure on Mon day night, a warrant was iesued for tho arrest of ono of tho vessel's hands on the charge of assaulting Captain Johnson. Tho individual in quostion, who i' a young man and gavo tho nnmo of Josoph Winter, was nrroetod on the Queen-street Wharf to day by Scrgoant Clarko. 110 waa subse quently brocght up beforo MoFsrs Colliuß and Gilmour at the Police Court, and charged with unlawfully nspaultinjj Adolph Frederic Johnson by ,-triking him with bis clenched li- fc, on tho 31st tilt.— Prisoner was undefondod. Sot^ennt Gamble asked for an adjournment ot the caso until to-morrow, and said that Mr Mahony lied been re tained lor tho prosecution. In reply to the Bench, prisoner paid he had no objocton to the remand. He, however, ai-ktd thai hail bo allowed, and the justices ticcitied to libcrato hiui on his own recognisance of i'lo, and another surety foi tho samo amount.

Eaily this morning Mr Edison, Secretary to tho Auckland Branch of the Seamen's Union icceivcd from Mr Dndson, Secretary to tho head office at I'orl Chalmers, the in structions asked lor by wire yesterday. Mr Uodaoti wired that if tha.Northern Steam ship Company keep men on boaid whilst steamora are in port thoy must givo the men somo equivalent, either in money or reduced hours of labour. With re ference to the Douglas employing non union men, Mr Dulscn's instructions are to tho effect that the Auckland branch can bettor deal with tho matter than they can, and leave, it ontiteiy in their hands. Upon receipt of thit information tho Auck land Branch of tho Seamen's Union ap pointed two of its members, Mr Ellison and another, to wait upon Captain McGrepor and endeavour to arrive nts omo amicable arrangement of the matters in dispute. It was also agreed to tako no further action, pending the result of this intorview being made known. Tho steamer Douglas left for East Coast ports lut*t evening with her ordinary crew of uon Unionists, no opposi tion being effered by tho Union. Tho deputation appointed by tho Sea mon's Union waited upon Captain McGregor this afternoon and asked for hia consider ation of the matters already referred to. Captain McGregor declined to make any concession, on the ground that tho de mands made wero unreaaonablo, and ho pointed out that according to tho Merchant Shipping ond Seamen's act any man who left hia ship without pci miss ion at any timo was regarded as v deseiter. It was necessary that tho Com pany's steamers should always have somo of tno crew- on board, not to keep a " *.vatch " on deck, but simply to ba handy iv case a necessity for their immediate services should arise. Captain McGregor was also of opinion that tho matters under dispute had beon misrepresented to beadquartors by tho local branch of tbo Union. The conferenco ended without any arrangoment having been arrived at, and it remains for tho Union to lot tho matter drop or tako further action us thoy may decide.

Wellington NOTES.

(BY TELEGKAni OWN Col.lll_Sro_llH_ST.)

Wellington, this day. Union Company s Purchase It ia understood that tho Union S.S. Com pany has completed arrangements with the Weetport Colliery Company tv tako ovor tho lattor's business, and add its stoamora to tho Union fleet. Tho Waters Caso. The " Post " last night published tho full tex-t of the deed of rolea.c from tho directors of tbe Northern Land and Building Com pany to their lato Eecretaiy, W. li. Waters, .in regard to the latter's alleged embezz'e - ments. 'Iho directors havo absolutely re fused to produce the deed for the inform*) tion of the shareholders, and its publication haa caused a t-ensation. It absolutely re leases Waters from all claims by tho Com pany for whatever funds of it ho as Secre tary has received, the consideration being £1,250.

THE CONVICT CRABTREE.

His Appearance in Court.

(liV TELEGRAM! - PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. A I.AKGIS crowd assembled at the R.M. Court to get n glimpse of the convict Crab tree. The latter, who was in rather a woak condition, both legs and feet being swollen and battered about in hie attempt to evade tbo police, was supported iiito the dock by two constables, and provided wilh a seat. lhe clothea in which ho waa ar rested were ti-k-in fronj him, and he tip ptared in tbe oidinary convict garb. Crab tree, who ia undergoing 13 years, would have been entitled to release on the mini, mum period under present warrant on December 13th, 1891. The prisoner re served his defence, and was committed for trial for breaking away from gaol,

The Condemned Prisoner Hall.

Publio Approval of the Sentence,

BY TBWWBAPn OWN COKI4ESPONDEN- )

Wellikoton, this day. With regard to Hall's ease, instructions havo beon given that he is to be taken back to Lyttelton Rao', pending the decision of the Court of Appeal. Communications are boing exchanged between tho Chief Just cc and other judges of th- Supremo Court as

to holding a epocial sossion of the Court oi Appeal at tho earliest possible date to con sider tho point reserved by Mr Justice Williams. In the ordinary course the Cou.t does not meet till May* Tho "Tunes "and "Post" both express full approval of ths veruict. lhe latter says : -The counsel for tho detenco made a strong point of the weakness of the motive on Hull's part to use poison to accelerate tho death of a man already d. it... from natural causes. Thero was, however, ono motive which was not alleged_pe.haps it could not legally have been introduced - which, ■° consideration of the v.h0.0 Cir cumstances of tbe Timum sensation wo believe to havo ready inducri^ EM to administer the poison to Capt»"> Cain. It is evident that Hall married Mies Cain for mercenary reasons, without enter taining any genumoaiT-Ctionior her Possibly before? but certainly vety soon after, tho marriage, he conceived tbo design of getting rid of her by poison It, will be re membered that in tbo lormcr trial t was established that Mra Hall, months boforo Captain Cain's eicknoss, waa taken seriously i!l wd exhibited symptoms similar to tho o aftorwards shown by Cap tain Cain, and which subsequently re-ap peared in tho illness which so nearly ter minated in hor doat.,, from the effects of the antimony exhibited by her husband. A nurse who declared that her mistress was being poisoned was dismissed, and Hull tried to got her locked up as a lunatic, ultimately, indeed, hounding her out of her reason. This statemont of tlio nurse seems, however, to havo fright ened Hall into a temporary doHst-tnco. Ho was afraid of discovery if he then persisted, so ho resumes his theoretical Studies in toxicology, intending, no doub., to bo moro cautious in future. V\ hen Oap tatuCuiawas seized with what wasevideully an illness certain to end fatally.this afforded Uall an opportunity for, as he thought, ex perimenting .afely m to tho practical effects of poisoning by antimony. The symptom* would be attributed to the natural diseases from which Captain Cain was evidently suf fering. •■ His doath would occasion no sus picion or inquiry. Watching tho effect of the poison on Cain, Hail would acquire prac tical experience in its u.e bo as to enable him to administer it with greater tifceti to his wifo aftorwards. Then Cains death being attributed to natural causes, it would excite little surprise or suspicion if subse quently Mrs Hall exhibited similar-aytci) toms. It jjrobably wty -Coirs- much a uo eire_t" fcfSstelT Cain's death by a few "days or evon weeks, as the desire to study practically tho eitecte of the poison he was using, which led Hall to give the antimony to his father-in-law. Hall may also havo derived a certain amount ot fiendish pleasure in witnessing tho suffer ings of a human being.as he did from seeing cats, dogs, and other animalß suffer in the same way and he probably aso chuckled over tho way ho was successfully humbug ging the faculty. How complete y he succeeded in this iv the lira* »"«•»«•«■• and how nearly ho succeeded in the second case, is now known. it »*■ Mclntyra's suspicions had not beon aroused nt tho la.t moment, this modern Borgia would no doubt havo pursued hia career o crime undetected, und probably have escaped punishment. Whether the full measure oi Lis ciimcs is yet known may bo doubted.

Alleged Miscarriage of Justice.

Sou E endcavoura having been recently mado

to obtain a remission of tho sentence on

Neil Peter Sorensen, who waa convicted some months a__o of piracy in the South Sea Islands, tho following lette.* haa been addressed to tho editor of the " Brisbane Courier" by Charles Leslie, one of the witnesses in the case: -"Cool-town, loth January. Sir,-1 tako tho iioerty of in foiming you that in tho event of a petition being foi warded to tho Governor lor the release of Captain Neil Peter Sorensen, I and the chief witnesses against him will head Iho same, as I consider his sentence was unjust, ond also that I was induced to givo tho evidence I did at tho trial through the threats hold out to me by tho Govern ment officials iv Cooktown at tho timo of the I rial, entirely against my will. (Siened. Chas leslik. Witnesses— ThSmas r.rangan, Kichard Robs, William Kodgore." Steps havo been taken to pie sent a public petition to tbo Govornor, ast ing for the whole caso to bo reopened and a e'eurching investigation made of the chargo against Government officials contained in Leslie'a letter. Captain Sorensen is woll known in Auckland, whe.o he haa rela tives.

Sir Robert Stout and Major At kinson.

(l-.Y TELEGRAPH — OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. Sin KonEr.T Stoct authorises tho New Zea land "Times'' to contradict tho rumour

that he and Major Atkinson are going Homo to the Colonial Conference.

Daring Burglary in Wellington.

[JBV HXEGKAPH — I*RI_SS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, SVednesday. The Prineoea Theatre Hotel, Tory street, was broken into last night, and a safe con taining monoy, jewellery, and other valu ables carried away. The thieves made an ontranco through the window, having slipped tho catch with a knife or somo other sharp insliument. Subse quently tho safo waa found in the rear ot the Salvation Barracks, the bottom having been knocked out, and all the valuables aud other articiessloleo, the papers being left to blow about at will. The police have no cluo to tho robbers. The thefts about town recently aro put down tc the very largo number of "speelera" who have been attracted hero by the race meetings.

Prosecution of "Speelers."

(BY TELEGRAPH. — PRKSS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellini.tos, Wednesday. The Police Court was occupied until five thla evening hearing a chargo against C. D, Sharman, A. Chudleigh, K. Arthureon- B. Stephens, and W. Smith for gambling in a tiain on tho 2S.h nit., whilo returning from Ureytonn Races. Mr Cully prosecuted, und Mr Jellicoo defended. The evidence for tho prosecution showed conclusively that the accused had been playing either at cards or dice, and other pasaengera were in vited to join, MrJollicoe, for the defence, cjmmoutcd strongly on cases of thia clasa boing prosecuted with the funda of the colonial Treasury, when it waa known that officers holding high positions entered freely into gambling transactions. Mr Gully ob jected to the.c romarks, and said the prose cution was instituted by the police, aud not by the Treasury. The Resident Magistrate then intcrlored, aid said it waa most insolent for the counsel for the de feucu to use tho words ho had, and to endeavour to stigmatise the private chaiaotor of gentlemen holding high posi tions. He could hardly tiust himself to make the reinaike he wished, I ut what had been said on behalf of the defendants was moat irregular and improper, and ho hoped he had heard the last of it. Tho evidence for the defence waa of a conflicting nature. Smith and Chudloigh weie acquitted; .ii-thuraoc and Sha*-maa were tinea £5 for gambling with dice, and Stephens for betting with them, tho last throe to share coats.

Caution to Public Bodies.

(BY TE..I_GI.AI'_I.— I-tESS ASSOCIATION.)

Chkistcuurcu, this day

A DIFFICULTY has arisen between tho Auditor-General's Department, and the Harbour Board, in consequence o£ the Board's preferring to let their accounts be audited as hitherto, in stead of allowing tlio Government auditor to perform the duty. Tho secretary of the Board 1. threatened with serious penalties, though he did no more than point out to Mr Jameson a resolution passed by the Board, to the effect thut account a ' should, .in their opinion, be ■audited aa in previous years. The. difficulty appears to have arisen through an Amendment Act providing for a new audit while-not repeal ing the former Act.

To-day's Proceedings.

Elizabeth Emma Meredith, a resident of Onehunga, deposed that ehe had known the late Mrs Fuller for 10 years, and 8 year, in timately. She remembered Mrs Fuller coming up to Auckland on the 17th of __v"vat last, and from that time until the old" lady's death witness was a constant., vi.-itor to hor—visiting her once or twice a week, and etayit-g with her about two I hours at a time, tohe was perfectly clear and compotent in mind until about three wceka or a month prior to her death. Cross - examined by Mr O'Meagber;. Neither Mr nor Mrs Chus. White evor inter fered with her visits nor attempted to inter rupt any private conversations between Mrs; Fuller and witness. Towards the latter part of her iIInCES Mra Fuller used to wander in mind. Witness tir.it noticed this aberra uon about three weeks before Mrs Fuller's Jane Leah While, wifo of Charles Beery White, draper, and youngest daughter of Mrs Fuller (deceased), deposed. that it was 12 or 13 yeara sinco her mother went to Whangaroi to act as boueekeepor for Mr Thompson, of the Sottlers'Hotol. After Mr Thompson gave up the hotel her mother took a lease, and when the lease ex-" pircd sho purchased it. In August last witness waß living in Somereot Place, off Howe-street. Mra Fuller cent a telegram announcing her intended visit to Auckland, ar,d the arrived at witness's bouse on the lVthof August. She waa then perfectly right in mind. About tbe Ut or 3rd ot Septem ber tbey removed to ADglesea-street Her mother, about 4 or 5 days after hor arrival, talked of giving witness her jewellery. Deceased had previously spoken of it, viz , 3 years ago last January—before they went to England. Witness "as not then mariied. Witness knew of tbe will pre pared by Messrs Thorne and Kigby, and hor mother told her that Mr Kigby could uot do aa she wanted him. Sho also saw Mr Cavo at the house, and knew for what purpose he camo. She was not present aS any of the interviews except perhaps to hand hor mother a glass of wine or a paper. She did not know either from Mr Cave or her mother how the property had been left. She first ascertained that en the day of the funeral. Her mother never consulted her about the disposition of her property, and deceased waa never prevented by witness from eeeing anyone ebe wished to see. During her mother*, illness both Mrs Harri son and Mra Low visited the patient. On ono occasion Mr and Mrs Low and Mr and Mra Hartiaon and child were all residing in witness's house. Her mother died on the 16th Dec , and up to three wooka prior to that time ehe woe ablo to transact all her business. Hor mother said ehe did uot liko Mr Kigby co well aa Mr Thorne, and she did not want tp see him again That waa how Mr Cave came to be called in. Her mother was in sound mind when she died. ' , A Rigid and Searching Cross-Examlii ution. Mr Button: Now, are you prepared to swear that you woro not the mouthpiece for the instructions given to Mr Thorne for the preparation of the first will-that you told him how to mako it out-and that the last will agrees precisely with your instructions —The witness entorcd into an explanation, but her ultimate answor to the question was in the negative. She admitted, in answer to a further question, that both ehe and her husband were present when the instructions for tho will were given.

Cross-examination continued : I remem ber Mr Thorno coming twice to the houee about tho will, but I don't rom'ember whether he brought it. I swear that on tho second occasion I did not deliver my mother's instructions for the preparation of a fresh will. Neither did Mr Thorne on that second occasion note down on the back of tho old Whangarei will instructions given by me, and nodded assent to by my mother, for tho preparation of a fre.h will. I swear that I can't remembor if Mr Thorne inquired what tho rontß were. Mr Button : I must ask you to tax your memory, for tho circumstances I ara abuut to examine you on could not possibly be for gotten. Did not Mr Thorne make a short and. rapid calculation of the effect of the instructiors given by you f'*r tho prepara tion of the will?

Witness : Not to my remembrance. Was not your husband present ?—Yes. Did not Mr Thome Bay that it would be a most unfair will, aud that he would be no party to making such a will ? - I do not re member him saving so. Did he not say that tho effect cf it would be that you would get £1,600?-No. Did he not say that such a will would be disputed iv the Suoreme Court ?—No. Did ho not say that the effect of it would be to give Mia Low only £260 ?-No.

And Charley £750 ? —No. Bid not Mr Thome say that he would not bo a party to such a will, aB it was evident to him that undue influence had been used. —No ; I don't remembor. But will you swear that he did not cay co '! - No ; I cannot swear that. Did not Mr Thorne cay that he had made a great mistake in allowing you and your hu.b-uid to ba present when he received his instructions for tbe will J —No. _ - Did hje not say that he would send Mr Rigbyup tho next day to eeo your B-olher privately without you or your hu-bano. beini- present ?—I do not remembor. -- Art you prepared to swear that be ara not _Ay 80 J—No.

The Disputed Will Case.

The hearing of this ca.e was continued yeßtorday afternoon and to-day before His Honor Mr Justice Ward and a special jury. Robert Godfrey Wynn-Williame, solicitor, and managing clerk for Mr Cave, gave evi dence as to the execution of Mrs Fuller's ! will of the 14th of September.

Edward Lewis, merahant, of Auckland, deposed that ho knew the late Mrs Fuller. He bad known her about seven or eight ' years, and had done business with hor while she bad the Settlors' Hotel, Wbangarei. She often consulted him about hor own bu«ine-s. On bor behalf he arranged the basis of an arrangement with her son-in-law, Mr L»we, for leasing to him the Settler*' Hotol, Whangarei, but it was not carii-d out, aa she changed her mind uitor teeing Mr Thompson. He remembered hor coming up to Auekla.-d in November last and staying with her daughter, Mia White About a fortnight after her arrival bo called upon Mra Fuller, and in the course of cc-nverdution she asked him if she could make a will in which she could dispose of her property aasho pleased. Ho replied affirmatively, and she then eaid tha* Mr Kigby had been up with a will, in which the property was to be equally divided ; that ehe objected to it • and that Mrßigby insisted that it must bo' so or that the will would be disputed. Witness assured her ehe could dispose of he, property as she liked, and that nobody had a ii**ht to dictato to her. Mrs Fuller seem.d very angry at what had taken place b'twten her and Mr Kigby, and said ehedid not wish to _co him again. Her mind was singularly clear, and she told him her doc tors bad informed her she would probably only live two or three months. She Baid that thereforo she was only anxious to settle her business matters, and that, then she was prepared to die. He subsequently went and saw Mrs Fuller along with Mr Cavo, and on that occasion Mr Cavo re ceived his instructions for the will. The re mainder of the witness's evidence was^cor-, roborative of that alroady given by Mr Gave. Wm John Suitor, brewer, and plaintiff in the action, deposed that be had^no per sonal interest io the case. He had known the lato Mrs Fuller for 12 or 13 years, and durin" nearly all that time he had had business relatione with her. She frequently spoko to witness of her baviDg advanced Harrison and Lowe money, and of Harrison having abused her daughter. After Mrs Fuller came to Auckland, in August or the beginning of September last, she sent for witness, and asked him to become ex ecutor in hor will. They had a conversa tion and negotiations relative to the Settleth* Hotol Sho was perfectly clear aa to her business, and well able to take care of her- Eotf. Mr Humphries was to bo tenant of the'hotel, and witness waa to assist him. Thoy ag.re.l_ to terms, and witness had _p__Xe pr-Sartd.by Mr Cotter, but when Mr TDomtiEbnr the mortgagee, came to town ho objected to the deeds unless they wore prepared by Messrs Thorne and Rigby. Mrs Fuller .aid she would prefer having some other lawyer than those, an they wero Mr Ihompson'a solicitors, and ehe waa afraid of being bad. Witness at their first interview consented to be •ouo of the executors of her will. Mrs Fuller told him that Mr Rigby had been drawing up a wil for her, and that he had greatly annoyed hor by insisting that hor property would have to be equally divided. Sho Btated that sho was deter mined not to see him again, that ehe hated tho sight of him. She would have another will prepared. ....... 7_ Under cross-examination the witnoss said that he had received a poet-card from Mr Storey, ono of the co-trustees, stating that as thero was a diapute ho would refuee to aot for tho proEent He had not consulted Mr Brown, the othor trustee, as to whether ho would join in proving tho will. left the matter entirely to his solicitor.

IHE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3,1887



■VT OTICE OF REMOVAL. W. B. MELDRtIM, TAILOR. Wi-thes to inform his numorens friends snd cus tomers mat he has RKMOVED to those more Central and Spacious Premises adjoining W. NOri9' SHORTLAND-STREET, And beer* tl so iclt a continuance of past patron age by all old and new i atrons. Suits ruon £3 15s. All Work done in First clasj Style. N.8.-In att^ndanoeWnDNß«»AY and Satur day Nights till 9 o'clook. f^EVONPORT. NOTICE OF REMOVAL. Da. PARKINSON has removed into the third houso belsw his lato residence, the one formerly occupied by Mr W. H. Fenton. Hours of Consultation as nasal— Morning „ 9 to 10 Aftornooa -. .. - to 8 Evening 7 tefl OPPOSITE THE TOWN CLOCK. BEST WHITBY JET At KELSEY'S. opposite Urn Town Clock LADIES' WORK COMPANIONS At KKLSRY'S. oniKM-te the Tewn Clock. LADIES' HAND BAG'S _, __ ___ At ggl_3_iY'3. opposite tho Town Slock. JAPANESE GOODS , At i_"BL3Kys.3ppo»ite the Town Clock. TENNIS GOODS -_„*„-_ At KELSEY-U o^poslte-the Town Clock. PRESENTS OF ALL KINDS AT KELSEY'S, OPPOSITE THE TOWN CLOCK. fi_ E N U I_■■■<"■ N j s£\oGn'S CASH SALE. . 'MILNE & CHOYCI i Will sell FOn CASH, TOP. ONE MONTH, 1 ' Ths balance of their I SUMMER GOODS In every Department, at reductions varying from 23 to 50 PER CENT. As the general Jilgh-olass character of thei Goods 1. well knewn, the following Prices wil givo a fair estimate ot tho genuineness of tfcl gale :— STYLISH TRIMMED HATS, from 5s 6d STY LI--H TIUMMHD CAPS, from Is 61 STYLISH KERCHIEFS, lsßd ■ StYuSS ¥E _TS_IK-t-Wd FLOWERB. sreatl • BOYS' STRAW HAT 3. from la 3,. SUN HATS, Is 2d SUN BONNETS. Is lid • CHILDkEN'B COSTUMES,greatly rcSucetl [ LADIE3' COSTUMES, from IS 6d LUST CLOAKS, from 13s lid : SUNSHADES, from 2a 9d SII-K GLOVES, from Is ' f i? B g&I 0D VF XR 3iE3. mFtSuNCIN G3 . ft LA9E ' uororally. greatly reduced > CHD-DRB-Sd BPUN HOSE, halt prite. I NUNC VEILING, DRKBS MATEHSAX., froi ! PRINTED DELAINES, fcom Sid , UINGHAMS, from ljd : SSTSifflff MATERIALS. SULKS. 6*. 1 proportion. i INSPECTION INVITKB. i i BALK TO COMMENCK TUESDAY, FEBRUARY i. ! MILNE & CHOYCE pESAI AT WILLIAM R. BRIDGMAN'S QLEARING QHKAP rjA.H QALE. About 20,060 Yards Dress Materials ia great variety A really good line Fancy Dress Oocde, 43d yd Choioe let of Prints, cost price, to olear White and Grey Calicaos at cost price Wide drey Calico, la led doz; White do. 2J4 yd Clearing line Swiss Embroidery from Id per yd Ladies' Black Jerßeys from Is lid 16,800 Yards White, Cnara. and Coloured Oriental Laces from Is 31 doz half usual pries ; Parachutes, 6d : Utabrellas, Is 1,250 Pairs Girls', Ladies', and Men's Hosiery from Sid per pair - a great bargain Men's Strong Cotton Shirts, Is Long Lace Curtains, 2s Sd per pair Boys' and Youth.' Dressed Oxford Shirtß, Is lid Man's do. 2] lid Boys' and Youths' Black Felt Hats, Is Men's Windsor Scarls, 5d Men's Tweed Trousers, Is Gd ; Boys' do, Ss Gd Men's Meriro Sioglot*. Is Sd ; do Pants. 2s Men's D B. Bluok Cloth Vests 2s Gd. worth 8s Gd Men's Black Cloth S'-itp, good quality. 35a Lot of Wen', rt ally wood coats, all wool, but nofc la'.est s*y.«, at hilt price, from 6s Bd Large Slock of Corstta at warehouse prico, from la 6d Large lot of Remnants in great variety, cheap Lace and Catiunere Capea from Is lid 888, UPPER QUEEN-STREET.



HAND-BBWN BOOTS, «J»claUT rott ablo lor the warm weather. Bght .end • «a»y. givln« «reat wmfor^ to those aOSoM wlfc tender feet—WM. MHJiHIB « BON, "■^^Stehtly avar Importea arttcle. yir ANTED KNOWN. KAMO COLLIERY OFFICE Removed from Messrs Mltcholson and Co.'s to Offlco formorly ocsapiod by thorn fate H. N. ■.mlth's). 18. Queen-street. THE "STAR" CIRCULATION. Auckland, 7th January, 1887. W» hereby certify that we have em amined the Boohs and Vouchers of the "EVENING STAR" Neivspaper for he year ISB6, with the following re sults : — Number of Copies issued lo the public and actually cxrcidated for the year ending Slst December, 3,834,855, giving an average daily iss-ue of 10,792, The issues for the year 1885 were 3,252,392, giving an average daily issue of 10,491. This shoios an average daily INCREASE of 301 copies. JNO. MILNE ) Public J. WAf MOUTH ) Accountants.