COMING EVENTS.

Moetings, etc.. To-night. Abbot, 'i Opera Hoine-Wi ilameon. Garner and Musfrrove's Company in •• Betsy," 8. Religious «eetlng in the Tent on Surrey HIHa Katate, Ponsonby Koad, 7.30. Y.M.O.A. Rooae-Polltioal Addreea by Sir B. Stout, 7.30. OrtdfolloTrs , Hall, PoEßOnby—Lodge Ponsonby, 7.30. Imperial Hctol-Qrjtton Football Club, 8. Cbristiacß , Meeting Houae. New North Road— Meeting of Ri'epayere, Mt. Albert District. 7. Tattersall's Club-Calling over of Prices on Easter Handicap and Steeplechase, 0. Itota of Justlcos at tho Police Court. April 3 -Messrs Q. Fraser and F. N. George, Auction Solos To-morrow. B. Tonks & Co.—Fruit, Merchandise. &c, 11: TakapuoaJock y Club's Antumn Booths and Privileges. 12. Heeketh, Aitken & Co., Agricultural Hall— Woekly Sale of Poultry, Produce. Fruit. &c. IS. Arthur & Buddie—Weekly Poultry and Pro duce Sale. v. G. Lewi", Comnieroe-stroet — Machinery for Sawmill, H. 1) F. Evans-Household Furniture and Kffoote, 11. F. J. Jonoa-Balanoe of Draper's Bankrupt Stock. 11. Alfred Buckland, Ronmcra Yards—Fat Pigs, Young Boar, 1. B. Produce, Furniture, &o, 11.

Chief Post office, Auckland.

UaiU WJIL CT.OSB! AS UNDER I— This Day. Per Tarawern as follows.:— For China. Japan. Suez, Mediterranean Ports, at 3 p.m. For Rnesell, Ko*afcawa. Australian Col oiies. and United Kingdom, via Brindisi or Napl&t, per Orient etsamer, for letters, etc, specially so prepaid and addressed, at 1 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 3 p.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne only at i 20 p.m. United Kingdom mail will bo due in London on May 21. For Mangawal, Hakaru, and Kaiwaka, per Ruby, at S p.m. For Whangarel Heads, Wangarol, and Kamo, per Qlonelg, at 5 p.m. For Katikati, Aongatete, Tauranga,andOpotikl, via Thames, per Enterprise, at S p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.50 p.m. T.ITUKKbAY, 7th inst. ForWaiwera. Tβ Kapa and Warkwerth, per Rose C»sey. at 16 a.m. For Gisbarne, Napier, and Southern Ports, por Waihora. at 11 a.m. For New Plymouth, and Southern porta, per Gairloch, at 11 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at noon. For Cowes and Coromande!, per Coromandel st a in. For Gisborne and Napier, per Kahu. at 3 p.m. For Q notiki. per Douglas, at i p.m. For Whangarei Heads, Parua, Waipu. Whan garei, Kamo, and Mangapai, per Wellington, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise at 7 p.m. For Whitlanga, Upper Mill, Gum Town, Tau ranga, and Opotiki, pertllenelg, at 7 p.m. Saturday, 9th inst. For Port Fltzroy, Tryphena, and Okupu, per lona, at 7 a.st. Notb —Friday, «thlnßt., being a Postal Holi day, the mails that are usually made no on that day will close the piovfous evening at 7 p.m. A delivery will take dace at delivery counter com 7 to 8 p.m , on Thursday, 7th inst. (Stoned) s. B. BIES. ' Chief roßtmaator, Chief Post office. Auckland.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Bitnßkt.—Thla ovenlng, 513. StiNRTSB —To-morrow morning. 6 23. Mook's Acs.—Full Moon Bth, a 18 p.m,

HIGH WATER.

Auckland — This evening, 5.51; to-morrow morning. 6.17.

Manukau Heads —This evening, 831; to morrow morning, 8.57. Kaipara Heads - This evening. 9,31; to morrow morning, 9.67.

DEPARTURES.

tier evkbing. Anetf-alis, s.s. Crawahaw, for Gisborne Hora'd, 5.8.. Jones, for Ore; month Chelxiaford, s s.. Hopkine. for Opotiki Wellington, S.S., Stophenson, for Whangaroi TODAY. J.-*mi NicoJl, s F., Button, for Tongi

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Coromanflol, from Coromandel, to-morrow, 0 30 p.m. lona, from Meroury Bsy, Thursday, early * Clansman, from Kuessll, Friday, early -Arawa, from Hymouth, April 10 Wellington, from WhaDßrarei, to-night Knterprlae. from Thames, Thursday, 1.30 p m. Itotom aliana, from Thames. Thursday, 10.30 p.m.

Inwakds Coastwisk.—Coralle. from Whan parei: Progreiis, from Jlangawai; Christine, from Whangarei. Outwards CoASTWiSK.-Corßlle, for Russell: Nerval, for iiueseU; Agnes Martin, for Whan garei. The brigi'ntlne Frarz arriTed at Sjdnoy from Uongonni on March JO. The s s. Rotomahaua has been dookod for an overhaul. Captain Watt has been ep jointed master of the new schooDer Daisy, which is to eail early tor Nino, Vavau, and Tonga, The three-masted schooner Northern Belle «peshenc3 to HelensviUe, to load timber ior Melbourne. The China Navigation Co.'a Steamer Chang *h» will leave Sydney for Hongkong on the la:h lost. The Sidney "Guide" inclndea In its list of vessels to arrive at Auokland the Kicaxdo, barque, 771 tone regleter. from Batavia, and the Koutenvlok, barque, 930 tons.frora Glasgow. The new barque Northern Chief, Captain J. McKay, master, has been chartered to prooeed from this port to Hoklanga and loaa baulk timber for an Australian porf. The s.a. Janet Nlooll left for South Sea lelaude thto afternoon, with a full general cargo, valued at £1959. Passengers:-For Samoa: Meeers Johnston and Wood, For Tahiti: Messrs Bden borough and Latchmore.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVAL. Fenguin. s.s., Allman, from Wellington

DEPARTURES.

Oreti, s a., Robertson, for Wanganui FiH'guin, s.a , Alia on, for South

The s.s. Oreti. for War.ganui, took her de parture at 3 o'olock to-day. Th3s.s. Pengnln arrived from Wellington at 7 o'olock yesterday ovening. She left again at daylight this morning, with 50 tons cargo and several passengers. The Northern Co.'a s.s. Galrloch had not arrived up to 2 o'clock.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Albany, April 6.—The Shannon arrived this morning. Among the'paßßengere Iβ Dr. Sue, the new Anglican Diehopnf Melbourne. Messrs Miller and Hunter are the only New Zealand passengers. Mblbouknb, April 6.—Sailed: Walrarapa, at noon, for the Bluft.

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1887.

Tor the csuae that lacki uaiiUnc*, For the wrong that needs naiitaaet, For the future in the dutaou, And the (ood that we can do.

opinion the project of an experimen tal furnace for the treatment of refractory auriferous and argentiferous ores, regarding which the Hon. the Minister of Mines wee interviewed yesterday, is to a certain extent misdirected. Such a plant, no doubt, would be very boneti cial from an educational standpoint in connection with the Thames School of Mines, but it appears to us that the high price paid by the Germane in Lon don for the ore from the Union mine at Waihi is conclueWe proof that oar Teutonic I friends bare already eolved the problem of

how to treat "such ores payably and offi- | oiently. What then is tho necessity for experimenting with a view to discovering what some one else has already fovsnd out ''. Bettor results would, wtj feel Bure, bo at- j tamed wore our raining friends to seek to induce the Government to provide for c ' substantial bonus, say £5,000, ov 'even £10,000, for the introduction of a ptoceta to be worked in tho Colony which would savo nay at least 00 per cent, of bullion on the (usay value of 'the or , e -at a cost of treatment | not exceeding about £ 3 per ton. It might fee made a condition of tho bonus that no | Claim for it should be made until i'f)O,OO(J worth of bullion had been obtained by means of the process. The Government might subseqnntly recoup itself tho outlay for the bonus by participating in the gold duty with tho local bodies 'in gbld-mininfr, districts.

Imported Vermin.

W-iffiN tire Government wcro encouraging Sitotivorn runholders in tho importation of ferrets, weasels, stoats and other vermin to destroy rabbits, we warned 'them that they were bringing In a worse poet than they were driving out. Mr. Rotschek, tho na turalist, who from boyhood has had ex perience with these cunning creatures, also strongly protested, dnd staled that in his native countity a standing reward is offered for the heads of stoats and weasels. The runholding influence, however, was powerful enough to force a bill authorising the sqnatocracy to turn theso vermin loose on the email farmers, nnd now wo hear that complaints are already rife in Southland of tho ravngos wrought in fowi-yards by ferrets. Tho latest instance ta that of 1 settler near Inveroargill who has lost thirty choice dorkinge. This is only the beginning of the evil! Wo believe that tho expenditure in rabbit extermination will be a mere baga telle compared with tho public expenditure necessary to rid the country of the pests which, through the crass stupidity 01 tho authorities, havo been deliberately Intro duced —not even in ono sox only, as common prudence would have prompted, but in pairs to multiply through the land. Rabbits, though mischievous, aro stupid and com paratively easy to copo with. Their successors are among; tho craftiest of tho animal creation, and after finishing off the native birds, their natural food, and poultry, it is by no means unlikely thatliko tho keas they will turn their attention to sheep.

The Yellow Agony.

A coRIiKsroNDKST writing over the signaturo " Poo Bnh," referring to the influx of Chinese by the steamer Waihora, from Syd ney, yesterday, says: " Instead of these 35 Chinese contributing £350 to the revonuo of New Zealand, and being imported from China to work in coal mines at the_ Grey by tho owners of these mines, as it has been stated, I find that the facts of tho matter are as follows : Of a total of 35 Chinese only eight have to pay poll tax, tho remaining 27 being ail old hands in tho colony, in which they have been employed for a term varying from 20 to four years, and have just returned from visits to their friends in China. All these twenty seven have exemption cer tificates with permits to leave the colony and return within stated periods. Thoy many of them, speak English, and have mostly been goldminersor gardener?. All these facts may Dβ ascertained on application to tho Customs. To prove that those men aro under no engagement to anyone in Grey mouth or elsewnere, I may add that yestcr terday more than ono of them depided to remain in Wellington instead of going on to the Grey. I do not speak without book, but from actual knowledge of the facts in question."

From inquiries at the Customs, wo find that our correspondent's statement with regard to Chinese passengers by the Wai hora, being, with the exception of eight, all old residents in New Zealand returned from their customary periodical visit to the Flowery Land is slightly in correct. The actual number paying poil-tax is fourteon. Still there aro certainly twenty-one returned who have passed as Now Zeaianders. The appearance of so largo a number, all except eight bound for the West Coast bad undoubtedly a suspicious look, although the Westland diggings are a very favourite field for Chinese gold minors, who make good wages at washing the auriferous sand and tailings. If the that these men have been imported by a coal-mining company to oust the EuropoAD minor?} provo true, we .-hall soon hear of it, on the arrival of the men at their destination, and the sympathy of every white man in the country would go with the ousted miners in resisting the greed of any company, who, living themselves by the thrift, industry, and domestic habits of the European population, attempt to import Chinese labourers to work their mines.

Growth of Population.

New Zealand, although not increasing in population at the rate which ruled during the immigration boom, when tho Government took the money of the working classes hero and lavishly spent it in bringing from abroad competitors in our labour markets, is still steadily growing through the ...excess of immigration over emigration. We have no doubt that this increase is represented by a sub stantial and very desirable class of settlers. In the twelve months ended February 28th of the present year, 16,625 persons arrived in the colony and 14,640 left, the increase for year being thus 1,985. The total num ber of nominations sent home during the year ended 31st March was, 1,315, of whom 642 were English, 313 Irish, 382 Scotch, ond 78 foreigners. Of the 853 actually arrived, 415 were English, 210 Irish, IS2 Scotch, and 46 foreigners. The Irish nominations are greatest for single men and single women, and their nominees in theee departments eeem to come to the colony in greater proportions than English and Scotch. The total amount paid by nom inators last year was £11,250, a fact which proves pretty conclusively that the people in the country have not lost faith in New Zealand. We have here, in unrivalled ac tivity, tho best of all factors in building up a nation—a large exceas of births over deaths. From that source alone, the colony gained 13,164 last year, the births being 19,299, and the deaths 6,135. A climate and people capable of such a record— the small population of New Zealand being considered—need pay very little attention to outside sources for tho increase of population, and should have no fear of national decay. All that they need is self-reliance, and a system of government which will encourage our boys and girls in developing the resources that are natural to the highly-favoured country in which their lines have been cast.

On 'Change to-day, business was done in Cambrias, from 4s 6d to 4s 9d ; and Saxons, 2s Sd to 2a 7d. There were sellers of Bank of New Zealand shases at £17 15s, and Auckland Gas at £11.

Nothing bee come of the allegations of murder which were made in the caea of a native woman at Hawera. The in quest concluded yesterday, when the jury returned a verdict, " That deceased died by violence, but there was no evidence to chow by whom the violence was adminis tered," It was cloarly ahown that tho woman's nkull was fractured, bat tho police assert that there was a combination to prevent evidence being obtained.

The Chamber of Commerce has slowly wakened up. To-day the Mayor re ceived from its Secretary the long ex pected note cummunicating the Chamber's resolution re Mauritius Exhibition, aad asking when ho could receive a deputation on the subject. His Worship has replied that he will be prepared to receive the de putation aa soon as the Easter holidays are over.

To the Editor : Sir, —I see it is proposed to use the site belonging to the Boman Catholic body, situated at Roganville, Mount Albert, as a cemetery for that body. Surely this is not the result of sober reason. Setting aside the fact that the land in ques tion has residences all round it, and villa sites which at no distant date will be thickly built upon, being within three minutes' walk of the railway-station, it is not generally known that were this project consummated, it would nearly touch the purity of the city water supply. There is a natural hollow in the centre of the site from which proceeds a spring, run ning nine months in the year; this at a die tinee of about 200 yards in turn connects with a etrer m which Iβ good for nine or ten months of the year, and. empties itself into the water shed which converges at the Western Springs. If the little cemetery nt Bt. Luke's is polluting the water supply, ne Mr Fond alleges, this would bo ten times worse. Prevention is better than cure. Let oar City Fathers nip it in the bud,— Youri, Roqanvim/e,

Captain Edwin at 1 p.m. to day advises every indication of an unusually cold night; and for poor tidoe after mid night.

At a mortthg at noon to day of the credi tors ol Mrs Annie S. Mooro (hatter) the tender of Alfred Mooro (debitor's pod) being the highest, was accepted for the stock in trade.

On Good Friday and Eneter Monday* tho hours of attendance obrorved at tho Telograph Office will bo from 9 to 10 a m,, and from 7to !? p.m. On tho formes , holi day, the Telophone Exchnngo will be cloeod from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Easter Monday, it will Temain open Hia ueOal,

A coso of urgont need is reported to ua. A poor widow with six littlo children hue hjcoutly lost her husband by death, 110 was well-known as a carter on the wharf. Be had a fall a few weeks ago, and it is sup posed a case of goods struck him, ioflictiug internal injurios, from which ho never fully recovered. Tho poor wife end rhildron are left in needy circumstances, and eho boing unwell herself cannot do much to help them. Any donations loft at this oflico will bo hfinded to her.

Messrs F. 0. Ewington and I\, Steven son, Ollicial Visitors in Lunacy for Auck land, paid their quarterly official visit to tho Asylum yesterday, and report that every thing is going on satisfactorily. There are now 363 patients there, sovontoon havinf been received during the laat quarter. A female pationt died on Monday, and was buried yostorday. About eight of tho patients are ill, but tho health of all tho others is good. No tmio ia boine lost in pushing on tho now building. T>c Mac gregor was at tho Asylum nearly all day yesterday and to day, and ho has expressed himself pleaded with the quiet, ordorly state of tho institution.

A sample of o now building atone, pro cured from a quarry at Wairon, Huwkt'e Bay, leased by Mr A. J. Alloin, of Auck land, ie on view at the ollico of Mr Baldini, architect. Tho stono ia well spoken of by Messrs Lamb and Faterworp, of lNopier, and is expected to find a ready market, especially for moulded docorativo work. Tho stone haa boon analysed by Mr Skey, of tho Goological Department, Wel lington, and he roport-i that it is a fairly good calcacroue freostono, rather absorptivo of water, but ho thinks it will indurato aftor bofng quarriod somo tiino.

Trio ordinary mooting of the City Schools Coinmittoo was hold last cvoning, Mr W. Gorrio in tho chair. Thoro woro also proeent : — Mossrs Crowtbor, Bladee, Ho- Master, Usshor, and Farroll. Tho lottor from the Board relative- to tho eitii for tho now school was doforred for further consideration. Intimation was recoivod from tho Board of tho following changC3 of toachors : —Wolloaloy etroet: Florence M. ColobrooU, pupil toachor, and Mies A. S. Hyatt, proba tioner. Attached — Maria Brinsrten and Ernest J. Walter?, probationary pupil teachers, and Alice M. Darby and Amy L. Louch, pupil teachers of the first year. Borosford-streot: Removorl — George McOiibbon and Holon Broo. Nel son-street : Kemovod —William M. Gelling and Robert Hamilton, probationary pupil teachers. Attached —Miss A. 8. Hyatt.pro bationer, and Adrian T. Kell>. It was agreed to brins.' a teet caso against Alex ander Duthio under tho compulsory claueed of tho Act. Yesterday afternoon Mr T. B. Hannaford waited upon tho Uon. MrLarnach, Minietor of Minos, and oxpiainod to that gontlcman and the Chief Mining Engineer of tho colony the construction and mochaniem of his patont iron boll tower windmill light houeo. Tho Minister manifested a keen interest in the drawings, sketches nnd model exhibitod by Mr Hannaford, and put several questions with a view to eliciting further information regarding tho storage capacity for electricity and motivo power in times of calm. Messrs Thomas McEwh., fa'len and Howard will provide tho luncheon, etc., in tho grand Htand at tho Auckland Kncing Club Autumn Mooting noxt weok. A narrow escape from a sorious fire accur red last evening in the residence of Mra Vare, fruiterer, Victoria-etroet Two men, named Arthur Watson and Fiank \S al ton, while pasaing tho houeo in ques tion, observed tho window cuitain to be on fire, and rushing in°ido, they extinguished tho incipient conflagra tion with a few buckots of water. It ap pears that Mrs Varohadlefta canillo burn Ing in a tumbler which was placed closo to an open window, and the draught frura the window had upparently brought tho win dow-curtain into contact with tho flamo of tho candle. Alfred Aley, watehinnkor, mado a state ment in bankruptcy to day, attributing hie failure to the pressure of dull times. Hie unsecured liabilities amounted to about £520, and tho only other liability was a loan of £20, iucroased by interest to £29, for which ho gavo tho londor jowellory to the cash valuo of £40 as security, tlo estimated Mb assets at £1,029, coneisting of etock-in-trade, fittings and safe worth £I,COO, insurance shares £4, and household furniture £25. > The immediate cause ol hie filing was tho issue of a writ by a Southern creditor for £73 odd on overdue promiseory note. Hβ could not mako the creditors any offer for the business. At the mooting of tho Auckland Presby tery after we went to press yesterday, the Rev. T. W. Dunn tendered hia resignation of tho charge at Pukekohe in conse quence of the ill health of hie wife and family. The resignation was cecepted, and a resolution highly complimetary to Mr Dunn was pasted. Amongst other business, the Rev. Mr Norrie brought up the question of supply for To Aroha, and it is probable that something in this direction will soon bo done by the Presbytery. The Board of Education have arranged for Mr R. B. Heriot, headmaster of tho Waiotahi Creek School, to undertake the standard examinations of the ten echools whose examinations are overdue, owing to the illnose of Mr Fidler. At the uiual meeting of tho Harbour Board, held yesterday afternoon, a lettor from John Williams etatod that on the 20th of August last, while employed by the Board, ho fell from a plank over which ho

waa wheeling a barrow into one of the silt punts, and received injuries which rendered him unconscious for sonio time, and in capacitated him for work. He asked that hie enso shouid receive consideration.

With reference to the amount of re muneration to be received by the officers forming the Board of Inquiry in connection with the Volunteer disputes, it appears that there has been some misapprehension. Iα stead of pocketing two guineas a day, us was euppoEed, members of tho Board who are officers on consecutive pay receive no extra emolument whatever, while other officers receive a rate of pay doterminod by the Volunteer regulations, which is nothing like th» sum mentioned. The witnesses called are only entitled to euch expenses aa they would be allowed in an ordinary Court case, so that the inquiry is not euch a finan cial windfall for those connected with it as has been generally euppoeed.

The following relates to a grievance which certainly needs rectifying: "Sir,— May I aek the favour of your giving pub licity in your valued paper to tho present state of the jury laws, undor which I to-day received my fourth summons to act as jury man within the last four month?, and I may add one of those cases was tho

famous will case, which occupied six daye of my time. I can only denomin ate this " jury persecution." lam willing to boar my share of such work, but, at this rate, I cannot call my timo my own. Trusting that you wili draw public atten tion to tho matter,—l am, &c, VV. S. Laurie, Customs-street.

Marino picnic and sports are boing organised for tho benefit of those railway employees who could not attend the pre vious picnic.

The members of the A Battery aro notified in another column thntan inspection parade of the Battery will bo held to morroweveoing, at 7.30, in the Orill-ehed.

James Looney, a Coromandel gold minor, wee examined in bankruptcy to-day before the Official Assignee, and stated hia debts at £61 2e, and hie assets (household furni ture) at £12. He was forced to file to prevent a creditor sending him to gaol, and hai to borrow £7 5s to pay his passage to Auck land and expenses of filing. Ho attributed his difficulties to want of work.

On Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Sun day, and Monday special anniversary ser vices will be held in the Salvation Army Barracks, Albert-street, Major Barritt and 12 other officers taking part in the proceed ings. There is to be a hallelujah tea in St. James's Hall on the afternoon of Good Friday, and apparently taking their cue from the Volunteeie, an " encampment" will be held at Otahuhu on Easter Monday.

Sir William Fox and Mr T. W. Glover will address a public meeting at Mount Albert Public Hall tomorrow (Thureday) evening on behalf of" tho N"ew Zealand Alliance. Notwithstanding this being already a proliil Ition district, the resi dents nn doubt vill muster well to hear tbu claim' of tho Alliance.

It ie intinmtod l>y tho telegraph authori ties that all Telephone Exchange connec tions not paid for by to-morrow will bo cut off on the Bth. .

A mbatinß of stonebreakers was held en Mount .Eden, Road yoaterday, to talk over the etato of the labour market, tho measur ing of heaps, and the complaints about blasting, &c. It wan resolvoJ that Mr Levi Stanton writo to tho City Council and thank them for specifying hand-broken iQotiil. Tho Mount Eden Highway Board nro also to bo written to and thanitjcl for tho help they have given in finding rcbn to square the mtjtal. Tho terms of sale were clearly put by Mr T. Coullard, and poennded by Mr John Davis, by Baying "no rush, no stone," and in a neat speech Mr Black pressed this home to thoeo pro sont. As several complaints have beon made about blasting, and as notico had already beon given by tho police, it was determined to respect tho law, and to tako every care, and as Mo9Si a Nobel, and Co. had put in tho market an explosive that did good work, and did not scatter the ntonce as ordinary dynamite, it ehould he used, and that one poreon should blast, and do such work before 730 a.m. Stone broakers should attend noxt Tuesday, at 12.45, and they will hear for themselves.

The annual mooting of tho Grafton Foot ball Club will be held at the Imperial Hotel this Wednesday evening at 8 o'clock, when all new and old members aro requested to attend.

Tho "Bible Standard" for the current month contains sovoral ablo editorial urticlos of apodal church intorest; aleo, jottings from Southern journals and opinions of correspondents on the lectures of Mr Goorgo Aldridgo at Dunedin, Port Chalmers, and Timaru. Mr Aldridgo will close his lecturing tour at Now Plymouth on tho 10th instant. Intoroatine: and instruntivo paporH appear in tho present issue from tho pon of Mr Honry Exley and other contributor. Tho " Bible Class," " Tomporance," and "Homo" papors aro caroiully mid judiciously selected, and form no inconsiderable portion of the "Bible Standard." "Tho World to Coino" ia a poem of point and morit. Among tho minor papers wo noto particu larly, " Tho Powor of a Few of Scripture," " Dishonosty," " Mrs Murphy's Soriuon," and tho sorrowful ouding of tho briof career of Honry C. Kondall, tho pro mining Australian poet, who obtained tho ono hundrod guinoa prizo for tho best pooin on tho Molbourno Exhibition. Wo loam that Honry Kondall was the unhappy victim of hereditary alcoholism —in short, his death was tho result of habitual intemper ance. An extract from ono of Kendall's last poems is given, in which tho poot tried to dopict tho romorso that eat on his mind like a curso. Tho skotch convoys the oft ropoated warning to the sons of genius not to taste the bitter cup of degradation ard doath. Tho remaining pngos of this well conjJuctod journal are filled with church nows, general information, reports, etc.

F. C. Burnand's amueing threo act comedy "Betsy" was repoatod last ovon ing at Abbott's Opera Houeo There was a good attendance, and the frequent roars of laughter testified to tho genuine apprecia tion of tho audience. " Botey " will be again ropeated tonight, when lovers of a good laugh should mako an clTjrt to bo proeont.

At tho annivorsary soireo of the Unitod Froo Mothodiet Sunday School, hold 'ast night in tho schoolroom at tho corner of rill and Vincent streets, thero wue a good attendance. lk-foro tho business of tho evening a largo numbor of persons sat down to a tea predied ovor by Mosdames Parker, Mujjr, Bcoth, Watorhoueo, Hem ingway, and Mieeoa Chumborlaio, Beawick, Robinson, Tudchopo, and Rattray. At tho motting h< Id afterwards in tho chapol, Mr W. Knight, superintendent, took tho cbair. Aftor the secretary's report had been road, addressee wero givon by Key. S. Maefarlanc, Roy. T. Spurgeon, and Mr G. Maaou. Thoeo gontlcmon enngratu latod tho school upon its Uorushing con dition, und especially spoko in groat praise of tho Band of Hope connected with it, aleo of tho Improvement Class,which was doing so much good. Various musical selections woro given by tho choir during tho ovoning.

At tho closo tho Kov. S. Macfarlano pro nounced tho bonodiction.

His Worship Mr Seth Smith, U.M., was occupied tho wholo of yculorday taking ovidonco in tho chnrgo of perjury preferred against Alexander Campbell by Airs Ann Koborteon. In addition to tho ovidonce published yesterday, Thos. James North doposo;i thnt tho accused on several occa eione had told him that Mrs Robertson was auro to win tho ciso, but subsequently ho said that sho would euroly lose it. Witnera aekoi how it was that ho had changed his opinion, and accused replied that "Graham's peoplo had givon him somo thitig to refresh his momory," and "that ho always took his ovidcuco to (ho highest markot," showing ut the timo v handful of bank note?. Oliver M -■<.

('reagh, surveyor, stated that ho «.-■* in Ohinemutu when Mrs Robertson was turn .1 out of horhotol. He did not peo occu-u i tako any active part in the ojection, but Campbell had previously told him that ho n m« thoro for hiro, and had a good mark for hie hire in Robert Graham. Mrs ADn Robertson deposed that the accused had eoveral times said that ho was both engaged and paid by Ilobert Graham in his capacity as bailiff, and that tho £10 ho rocoivod from Graham was for thopo eorvices. George Lovorock dopoeod that ho had a convocation with accused on the evoningof tho 15th February, when Campbell said that he waa going to take posfOision of tho hotel again for Mr R. Graham,as the old man bad sont for him. Mr Earl, for tho defenco, cross examined oach witness at considorablolongth. When tho case for tho proaocution closed, the Court was adjournod until Thureday morn ing ut 10 o'clock.

Tho progrnmmo of tho sacred concert to bo given on Good Friday appears cleowhoro, and it will bo scon to contain an unusually choice eolection of vocal works. The motott " Hoar My Player" will be given in full, tho boys taking tho soprano part of the chorus, as, indeod, in all tho other con certed items. A number of the Fitk Jubi lee !/ymnß will bo rendered by tho choir, and the concert ends by tho singing of the Bene diction aa given by tho Fiek Minstrels.

The benefit boxing entertainment to Mr W. Murphy takes place to-morrow even ing in the Agricultural Hall, and promises to be very successful. Matthews, Murphy, Taylor, and other exponents of the noblo art will take part.

Captain Marshall, of tho s.s. Vivid, complains that the Ferry Company's steamer did its best to hinder the little Vivid from earning a few shillings on Sunday last in running to the French man o'-war. The captain cays if he had been on board ho would have dared aoy steamer of the Company to obstruct his passengers in getting on board.

Mr F. Whitehead, of Victoriaetreet, has for a long timo piet Ijsen turning his atten tion to a subject which has occupied the attention of gastronomers in all ages-the production of a good sauce, and he has suc ceeded boyond expectations. Ho in now offering, in bis "Yorkshire Sauce Extra ordinary," orao of the beet sixpenny sauces that have ever been placed upon the market. In puntrency and flavour it is quite equal to the most popular English sauces, and its cheapnoss equally with its excellence—not to mention tho fact that it is a purely local industry —bespeak for it an extensive sale. Tho best ndvortino ment of this sauce will ba a trial of its qualities, and no one need hesitate about putting it to tho proof.

POISONING FROM TINNED BEEF.

Sad Mcatli of a Maori Chief. (BY TELEGRAPH,—OWN CORRESPONDENT ) Russell, thia day. I regret to havo to record tho sudden and unexpected death of Mr Ihoka to Tai, M.H.R, for the northern Maori district lhaka and other natives were at tending the Synod in Auckland dined with Archdeacon Clarko on Sunday—a joint of roaet beet and a dish of tinned beef being amongst the things provided. Several natives including lhaka partook of tho latter and became very ill. They consulted n doctor in Auckland, who advised them to remain, but lhaka and two others bo longing to thin district returned yes terday per Clansman, being anxious to be with their friends. lhaka, since his arrival, gradually got worse, and expired a few minutos after twelve to-day. Dr. Wat ling had been sent for, but has not yet arrived. Great regret is felt through out the district both by Europeans and natives, as Maka was recog n'sed as a sterling man and influential with his "people. It will be difficult to find hie tqual to represent the district in the General Assembly. Most likely his eldest son, Mita teTai, will succeed him as chief of his tiibe.

Tho Accident Insurance Company Vic tiria Arcade, are issuing ace i lent policies to volunteers for (to four days of the Taka puna encampmeit. Tho rates are v jry lovr, three shillings coverii g £200 death ri-k, with allowance of 1)2 per week for 16 weeke, e'lould the accident last so long. The risk is current from bugle call to tho dismissal of the respective companies.

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB AUTUMN MEETING.

TiUB Morning's Trteinln'g tfeteti.

T»e weather tuft morning was beautiful far training purposes, consequently there was a large muster of borees on the course. Harrison was tho "early bird," and before thostarshaddisappoai-odfromthesky,heeent Wapiti a trial over tho Easter Handicap distance, the gallop taking place, on the grass track. During the journey the little eon of King Cole was assistod by Cateaby, Britannia and-'juoonio, the latter bringing him home. Although I did not witness tho gallop myself, I was informed that it was a satisfactory one Wapiti was never bettor than he is at tho preeont timo. Turquoise, who lam inclined ro think has lost his old daeh of foot, performed half-paco work twice round, Cannon did similar work, and Bangle was troatod to an easy task. The two-year-old oppoara slightly sore. Spide Guinea and Rocket, after cantering onco round tho grass track, were pulled up, and then sent another circuit at half-pace. Teddy Yuille and Poter Osbeck merely cantered. AH of these horses are looking woll. Rocket, I may mention, is ono of tho faateet horses in tho colony up to six furloiiga and one milo, and ho has won all kinds of races in the best company and under big weights. Friend ship wae sent twico round at a good pace, fighting for her hoad the greater part of the journey, while Tamora did useful work. Silence mado his appearance on tho course, and went throe times round the plough at an oasy paco. This horso, who is a roal gentleman in appearance and has a beautifully easy stylo of getting over tho ground, created a very favourable impres sion among tho spectators British Lion, Libeller, and Maoriland woro companions for raediunvpaco work twice round, tho last threo quarters of a milo balng accomplished at n strong pace. Tho trio went freely. J. ndy Norah and Cinderella did half-pace work twico round, both getting over tho ground in nico stylo. Cinderella has come back to her old ferm, while Lady Norah pleased me groatly. The daughter of Stoppe haa benefited considerably by her rocont trip, and has thickened out to a most noticoablo extent. Too Soon, Banga loro, Omata, Torpedo, and several others did ueoful work. Dorringer only did walk ing exercise, and it strikes me ono or two strong giillopa would find him out. Tho priced on the Eneter Mundiop and Stoeplochoso are to bo ca'lcd over at TtiUer eall's to-night, nt niro o'clock. There hai bcon aomo doubt in tho public mind as to whether J. Rae would rido Falcon in tho Autumn Steeplechase on Tuesday next. I may Rot tho matter at rest by stating on the best authority that Rao will have tho mount. R. Frowin has been retained to rido Mr Drako'e horses in tbo jumping races. Belle wa< Fcratch-d to day for tho Taka puna Hurdlceand StoopluchaFo. Izaack Walton's nnmo was omit ted from the nominations for tho Novel Raco at tho belentville races. Hu-roNA.

(ueutek's cablegram)'

Sydney Gold Cup Betting.

Syn-Jitv, this day

In the betting for tho Hold Cup, Nolcon hae advancod to hundrods to thirty, ar.d is firm at that prioo. The Jewel ie noxt in domand at 8 to 1.

POLICE COURT.-THIS DAY.

(Before J. 14.I 4 . King, Etq , J.P.)

DUUN'KENNESS. — Soven persons were punished in tho usual maunor for thie oflonco;

Having Rhal Good Times. — James Compton was chargod with drunkenncsaand disorderly conduct, aleo with uting obscene language in Queen stroet and with assault ing Conetfiblo Russell while in tho exocution of his duty.—Tho defendant, a burly indi vidual, pleaded guilty to tho charge of drunkenness, but stated that ho knew nothing of tho othor charges.—Sergeant Pratt stated that dofondant'd con duct had bcOa vory bid. — Constable Uueeoll depoped that tho prisoner was Creating a disturbance in Queen street at 11 o'clock In=st night. Ho was using bad language, and refused to go to his ship whon requcstod. Without provocation tho dofondaut etruck tho witnesj on the nose, an.l ho struggled within a quartor of an hour ho'nro ho overpowered him. With 'tl,o i .«.mi = miico of other constables ho con-

voj i- i iiim to the Rtation, tho dofenriant using li t'iy ';m>jii<!go all the timo. ■ Son !-•■..■•■■> .<> two months'imprisonment with I. ii Übour, without tho option of a liii-j

Malicious Isjuky to Puch'isrty.- John Mclntoeh was charged with breaking a pino of glass, valuo £o, at tho Clarondon Hotel, ai.-d also with drunkenness.—Do fondant pleaded guilty to having boon drunk, and also with broaking tho glass. Ho, however, did not broak tho glass wil fully, and if Mr Bennett would givo him time ho would pay for it —Mr Bcnnott, liconnoo of the Clarondon Hotel, deposed that last evening bo heard a ecuille in tho bar, and on entering observed tho dofendant striking at another man. Ho miesod tho man, but broko tho pano of glass, which would cost fully £0 to replace. — Fined £5 and costs, and orderod to pay tho damage, or in default, two months' im prisonment.

[Mr Ehrenfried hero took bis soat on the Bench.] Assault.—Thomas Cronan was charged with assaulting William Cummins, where fore tho complainant aeked that the de fondant be bound over to keop the peaco.—Mr Napior, who appeared for the defendant, took exception to the com plaint, under which he said tho Bench had no jurisdiction.—Mr E. Cooper, for tho complainant, submitted that the com plaint was good, as his client only sought to secure the binding over of defendant.—Tho Bonch decided that the legal point having been raised the caEO should bo adjourned till Saturday, the 16th met., when the case might be beard by tho R.M. The Court then adjourned.

INQUEST ON THE FIRE IN QUEEN-STREET.

An inquest was held today before Dr. Phil son (coronor) and a jury of six (Mr John Me- Lachlan foreman) into tho origin of the late fire at Mr Reid's Bonded store, Queen-street. Mr Thoo. Cooper watched tho case for Mr Gabriel Lewie, and Detective Walker ap peared for tho police. Tho jury vieited tho scone of the conflagration before the inquiry bee;an. Kobert Jamee Strong, head waiter at tho Imperial Hotel, gave evidence to the effect that on the night of the 10th of March (Thursday) at a little past 11, he saw fire broakiDg out in tho centre rooi of iho three sheds at iho back of Mr Reid's store. It was an iron roof. After giving the alarm at tho Insurance Building he went round into Holdehip's Lane, where lie saw tho fire was strongest in the centre build ing. There wo? no fire in the basement.

John Reid, merchant, residing at Alton Kind, said be cloned hie promisee on Thurs day, at about 5 30, There was no appear arico of firo about then. Henry Adye, foreman, locked the door of the store. Mo one was on tho promisee after they left that he know of. Thoro was gum and paper in bales, varnish, and 7 bales of flax, also wheat, ropo, and a email quantity of beer. This was insured for £1,500; .£9.30 in tho Victoria and £550 in the Norwich Union. Hβ thought the nott claim on the companies was £662, the loss of fittings otc, amounted to another £200. He could not account for the fire. The flax was in an isolated position. It was always stored thus, on account of liability to catch firo, but there was no leak in the roof over it; there had been no rain lately.

A number of other witnesses were ex amined, but proved nothing. The jury, after 20 minutes deliberation, came to the oonclueion " that the evidence is not sufficient to show how or in which store the fire originated."

ACADEMY OF MUSIC, THAMES.

Mk Laculan MoGowan and a carefully selected Comedy and Quadrille Company appear at the above place of amusement on the evenings of Saturday next, the 9th, and Easter Monday. "The Strategist," "Nothing to Wear," and "The Tiger at Large " constitute the first night's bill, and on Monday Mr McGowan will appear in the Scottish impersonation of Sir Patrick Macrychophant in "The Man of the World," Uhero being au entire change of programme.

Return tickote by tho Thames a learner issued from to-morrow (Thursday) will be available for return up to the 13th inst.

CABLEGRAMS.

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

The Opening Addresses.

[reutek's telegram.]

London, April 4. The first mooting of tha Imperial Confer once was held today at the Foreign Office, Sir Honry Holland, Secretary of State for the Colonies, presiding.

In his opening spooch he declared there was every wieh on tho part of tbo Imperial Government to uphold the rights of the oolonios, but they were sometimes com pelled to call on the colonies to make some sacrifices for their mutualgood. Hβ behevca the Conference would not have railed if it meroly succeeded in placing the military and naval defences of tho Empire on a sound footing. Ho hoped this was only the first of a series of conferences which would cement the union of tho Empire. Thero.was no political or party feeling among tho dele gates Purely local matters would b<3 ap cuseed between tho dolegates and the Minis ters concerned. . Sir Henry Holland then proceeded to review the important points of the Empire which required, military apd naval defencea. In conclusion, he expressed a hopo that the result of the Conference would bo to croato good understanding between tho colonies atd tho mothor coun try Tho Earl of Granville expressed approval of Sir Honry Holland's views, Sir Patrick Jonnings (Now South Wales) declared the delegates had met in a spirit of conciliation. Uβ hoped that lastiig good would result from the Contorcnco. Mr Dodds (Tasmania), Mr Downer (South Australia), Sir Dillon 801 l (New Zealand), Mr Poakin (Victoria), and Sir F. J. Griffith (Queensland), oxpreseed similar views. Mr Doakin complained of tho inaccessi bility of tho For&ign Ollico and Cabinot Ministers for tho discussion of colonial questionr. Ho hoped tho Imperial Govern ment would pureuo a spirited colonial policy. Mr Stanhope, Secretary of State for War, promieod tho cooperation of tho War Oifice in promoting the success of tho Conference. Tho Marquis of Salisbury welcomed the delegates in a lengthy speech. Ho said that they had mot to see how far it was pos siblo to obliterate tho conditions of their geographical separation, lie did not re commond indulgence in ambitious Bchemes of constitution making. He cast no slur upon tho aspirations for fed ration, wbich, though hazy and doubtful, contained mate rial whonce practical rosults might ensue. It was imposeibletoemulatotheGorman con duct of Imperial affairs, and for the present thoy must bo satisfied with each conducting its own affaire, There wero two forma of union—one in regard to Customs, and tho othor for military purposes. Ho bolioved tho former wae not imposeibb, ar,d tlio de fence of the Empire wis a mattor of common interest to England and tho colonies. Ho admitted that the extension of tho Empire might require portions to incur dangers on account of interests which did not affect other part?, but ho did not think that while the Empire hung together the colonies would likely be in volved in war. Thp policy of the Empire was efltentiully pacific, and tho danger of war with another country was a considera tion which should actuato the colonies in their desire to place their defonces in an oiliciont condition. Though ho did not believe the great European countries wero likely to commit acts of violence in distant lands, he must admit that the facili lits for Euch action were enormously increased, and brought the distant torri tory of the Empire within the sphoro of possible aggression. Alluding to tbo in creasing desire displayed by othor Euro pann nations for colonial acquisitions, Lord Salisbury thought tho colonies had a most solemn and reasinabk) consideration for thoir eo!f interest and socurity. Tho sbiold which tho Icaporial Government throw over this was no longer d suggestion of Eng lish solfishnoßS, for it was desired that all parts of the Empire should be equally safo, prosperous, and glorious. The colonio? therefore desired to take thoir fair part in mutual defence, rot merely in fur nishing means, but in providing men. He hoped past experience would justify tho anticipation that hereafter those born in the colonies would share more and more in the defence of tho Empire and all its parts. Trie Imporial Government rejoiced to see this endeavour to draw cloaor the bonds of common origin, history, and allegiance. He hoped thnt connections between tho colonies and tho mother country would become rcoro real, and present a epectncle to tho world of a vast empire not founded by forco or subjection, hut by sympathy, resolution, anil co operation in thaio sub jocte of pure endeavour which are open to the monitors of a vast Empire like this.

Lord Salisbury's epocch was received with cheers,

It is announced that to-morrow the ques tion of Australian naval dofoncea will be discussed. Oa Wednoeday the rubjoct for discussion will bo the extension of the judg ments of tho colonial law courts. The Con forenco will thon bo adjourned till the 14th inst.

A committee has been appointed to pro paro a jubilee address to tho Queen.

(BPKCIAL MISSAGB.)

Colonial Delegates Divided.

London, April 5.

It is run eared that the delegates aro not agreed upon the New Hebrides question, and that the representatives of Now South Wales. South Australia and Now Zealand aro opposed to tho views held by Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania. The London Press on the On fcrcucc. Commenting upon the proceedings at the Conference, the " Standard " cays :—" All doubts as to the reality of iho meeting and its being a serious piece of business aro now dispelled, and the delegates are probably glad that they have not been summoned merely to listen to a number of petty speeches." The " Daily New " points out that while the Conference has no power to legislate the result of its deliberations must chow the future direction that legislation on many important questions will take. Virtually it is the first Council of the Empire, and certainly cannot be the last.

The "Times" thinks the Conferonco is full of premise of success. Englishmen can no longer bo accused of keeping tho colon ists at arms' length.

The " Telegraph "ia of opinion that the Conference will produce immenee benefits to the Empiro. Speaking of Imperial Do fence it remarks that Victoria has eft an excellent example by defending herself. The " Chronicle " thinks that the colonios may become aggressive if provided with means of aggression.

Retrenchment in New South Wales.

Sydney, this day.—A Committee ap pointed to enquire into the Public Works Department have recommended cxteneive reductions in tho clorical staff. The Federation Question. Th 6 Promior has recoived a telegram from tho AgontGonoral at London stating that thoro is no intention of permitting a dis cussion on Iraporial Federation at the Con ference. The Missing Schooner Aurora. Sydney, this day.—Feara aro entertained for the safety of the schooner Aurora, G4B tons, which loft Nowcaetlo on February 9ih for Australia, and has not since been heard of.

The New Admiral for the Australian Station.

Melbourne, thia day.—Among the pas sengers by the s.e. Shannon is Admiral Fairfax, the newly-appointed commander of the Australian squadron. The Admiral is accompanied by his wife.

THE JUBILEE CANTATA.

" Britannia and Her Daughters " wa3 reproduced at St. James's Hall last even ing, and attracted an audience oven larger than that of the previous night. The hall was crowded to overflowing, every available vacancy being closely packed The performance went on smoothly, and met with a very flattering reception. Tho cantata will bo repeated again to morrow (Thursday) evening.

\\ o call the attention of dog and horee owners entered for Saturday's meettae at Plumpton Park, that aocaptanoea with atakee cloee this (Wednesday) evening, at 9 o dock.

THE ALLEGED ARSON CASE

Continuation oi[ the Prosecution

FoßTiißJi evidence was taken in the B.M. Court room this morning, boforo Mr H. G. Soth Smith, R.M., in the charge of areon preferred against Mre Violet Kate McPheo in connexion with the late fire in Victoria street Woet. Mr Hugh Campbell con ducted the prosecution, and Messrs Cotter and Braesey appeared for the defence. Mrs Kato Pttclan, tho first witness, de poEed that 6 ho livtd with her husband in Victoria-street. On tho moraug of the ,le, af'erMre McPhee had been arrested, she gave witness two small handbags. De tective Walker camo to her, and she .gave him tho bags. In her presence he took out tho policy of insurance in the Norwich Union Company, after which he returned the bags to witnes?, who subsequently gave them to Mrs McPhee. By Mr Bnissey : She hart, known Mrs McPhee since laet September, and her con duct had been thoroughly respectable. She remembered Mm McPhee telling her that she was going away for a short time to a placo called Omaha. Mrs McPhee was away between three and four weeks Wit ness had frequently reprimanded Mrs Mo- Pheo for the dangerpus manner in wh.icb she used koroseno. The accused generally lighted her fire with kerosene. HacJ | warned Mrs McPhee after eho insured not to uso o keroseno lamp in the bedroom. Was not aware that accused used koroeeno and oil to clean tho furniture. Witness had used it herself. Had never soon it used upon oilcloth. The accued tod hor that ehe intended to uso kero'one lo clean the furr.iiure in future as she had.heen visiting where it was done. Witnosa tad tho accused spill kerosene on tho kit..-, e-i tablu v. hile filling her lump. The accu ett kepi lier korusono in a quart jug. Tho accused hadoften, whon the firo bt.Ua rang, appeared very frightened, and had expressed her horror.of firo breaking out on her place. By Mr Campbell :It would take witnoes about a teaspoon ful of koroeone to clean the bant wood chairs belonging to the accused. A dessert spoonful of kerosene would clean all the furniture in the sitting-room, accord ing to witnessed mode. The accused might perhaps have used more through being an amateur. Mre Catherino Wells deposed to knowing tho accused. She sent a box te hor house about the latter end of January. The box was takon away on the day of the lire by Detective Walker. The accused's little girl was in witness's service. The accueed told witness that she was ill, and was going away for a month, and asked witness to take caro of tho box of linen in her absence.

By Mr Cotter: There was no secrecy about the box being left. It come at 2 a'clock in the day. Mrs Theroea Ana Brown, wife of John Thomas Brown, miner, residing off liar dinge-atreot, Auckland, deposed i-he knew the accueed. On Friday, the 25th of March, witness received somo washing from the ac cueed. There were in all 29 articloa of ordinary wear. These articles were not re turned to accused until after eha was ar rested. ■ William Rowson, carpenter, Victoria street, deposed that on the 27th of Ma*'cb, abont 3 a.m., he smelt smoke and went out to where the tire was. Witness went round to the back of Mre McPhee's house, and found tho door open for them to go in. Could not cay who opened it. Witness saw fire in the front room downstairs The fire waa near the ceiling, above the window. Did not ccc anyone in the houfo. Whon Mr Naah and witness went into the yard met two femalee and a child. Could recogniee them again. They had light drosses on. Witness got a bucket of water and put out the fire. There was a little tmoko in the room. Did not then ob serve firo anywhere elee in the room; Witness next went upstairs. There was a candlestick upon the drawers. The candle in it was not alight. Could not say whether he was first upstairs. Saw the firo burning in the bedroom, and went and got another bucket of water, which ho threw on the firo in the bedroonl Witneea was the only person caarying water. Mies Annie Woolner, drestmiker, living in Nelson-atreet, Auckland, deposed that on tho night of the fire ehe stayed at Mrs Mc- Phee'e. Shb went there about 11 o'clock at night. They retired to bed about a quarter of an hour later. The bedroom was up ataire. Witness wont to bod, but Mrs Mc- Pheesatupreading the paperin the brdroom, Witneea soon fell aelec-p, and was awakened botwoon 2,30 and 3 o'clcck by smoke. She saw thut Mrs McPbee was neither in bed nor in the room. A cmdlo was bun.ing in tho room on the droieing-tablo Juet then Mrs McPhee camo upstairs. Witness asked her where a>l the unoka was coming trom. She replied, "That's what I am look ing at; it must be coming in at tho window." Witnees jumped out of bed and went down stairo, followed by Mrs McPhee. Witness saw a firo burning by the door between tho kitchen and the front room. It was not very big, and at tho bottom of the door. Did not notice whether the floor was burn ing. Mrs McPhee said, " Good God ! I would not have had this happen for a fortune." Witneee said, " Take something and put that fire out." Mrs McPheo took on old rag doll and rubbed the fire out. Witness did not notice any sparks. They had no light with them. Mrs McPhie aleo got soma water from the tap and put on the fire She also said, " It must have been the match I threw down whon I came in." After that they both went upstairs, and Mrs McPbee opened tho windows in both rooms upatairs to let the smoke out Shortly afterwards, wit ness again went downstairs, followed by Mrs McPhee and the littlo girl. They had a lighted candle with them. It was not the one that had been on tho dreser, but another small piece. It was not in a candlestick. Mrs Mr. f'hoo held it in her hands. Witness looked into the front room, but could not eeo any fire. Mrs McPhee then took the doll and put it into the Bcullery. They all than returned upstairs.when Mrs McPhee told witness to go to bed and she would eoe that everything was all right. After that Mrs McPheo went downstairs again, and witness went to bed. Two or throo minutes afterwards, witness heard a noise of flames and a sound as if a number of matches were lighting. Witness again got out of bed and put on her dress. Mrs McPheo came upstairs into the bedroom. Witness said to her, "I'm going out of the bouse," and then went into the bedroom and jumped out of the window, and called "Fire!" When she left the bedroom there was no firo in it. Mrs McPhee passed her little girl out to witness through tho back window, and thon wont out of the back room again. Mrs MoPhee was away two or three minutes, and upon returning passed wit ness two little boys, and then came out through tha window hexeeU. Mrs MoPhee was then in her nightdress. They were all standing on the corrugated iron roof of tho loan-to. Witness walked to the end of the roof and then stepped on a plank, Mrs McPhee also came on to the plank, and got off it to the ground bofora witness. At this time she heard eom6one knocking at the front door. She told them to come round to the back. Witness had no difficulty in getting from tho plank to the ground. There wae a shelf at the other end ot tho plank, but witness jumped right over it Mrs McPhee went towards the gate, and the believed that ehe oponod it to lot Mr Main and the others in. Witnoee went into the house again, but did not boo any fire. One of the men asked, "Where's tho fire?' , Witnoes repiied, " In tho front roomj" while Mrs McPhee said, "Upstairs." When witness wout up to dross later on that morning Mrs McPoee told her not to say anything about it. (This was rapeated with evident reluctance.) On the afternoon of the Friday boforo the firo, Mrs McPhee left one of the children at witnoes'e resi donee. Mrs McPheo baid she was fright ened to bring the child out in the cold air. By Mr Cotter: Had known Mrs McPhee about three years, since last September, when her first husband died. Mrs McPhee was a great friend of witness'e mother. That was not the first time witness had slept at Mrs McPhee's. She knew that Mr McPhee was a eea-iering man. Mrs McPbee accompanied witnees on some of her own business, not Mrs McPhee'e.aiid .then they went direct to Mrs Me Phee's. It was about a quarter to 8 o'olack when Mrs McPheo asked witness to stay all night with her. Mrs McPhee's child waa suffer ing from a core throat. W hen they entered Mrs McPhee's honee she did not remember Mrs McPbee remarking how tho home emellod of kerosene. The door was opened with a key. Witness locked it herself. Could not say where the candle was lighted. Ihought it muet have been in the kitchen. Was not sure. Did not remember her striking a match while witness locked the door. Did not recollect her striking a eecond match while near the centre door. Did not see any match thrown down. Did not remember Mrs McPhee coming into bed. Was quito sure that Mrs McPhee did not put her arm across witness while in bed, and ask whether there waa not imoke. Mrs McPhee made no opposition to witnees going downstairs. Mrs McPhee opened the door of the sitting-room, and then they saw (

the fire on the skirting of the door. Mre McVhee did her best to extinguish the fire from first to last while witness was present. Witness did not attempt to put out the fire When witness went out ot the window ehe ■ left her boots, stockings and hat in tho bodroom. Mrs McPhee brought the child. ■ l !> ' Mrs McPhoe.asked witness -to say that she-was awakened by smoke, and made [for tho back window, and not to say anything more. ''..,, This concluded the case for the prosecu Mr Cotter is now addressing the Court.

TREATMENT OF REFRACTORY ORES.

A übfuiation of members of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Auoklpnd Brokore' Association haaded by Mr John Lamb, waited on the Hon. W. J. Larnacb, Minister of Mines, at the Star Hotel yester day afternoon with the object of asking Government to erect an experimen tal plant at the Thamee. for the pur pose of testing refractory ones. Mr Lamb end otber gentlemen urged on the Minister the wishes of the deputation, It being pointed out that the provision of euoh a plant would be ,of incalculable benefit to the wholo colony. Many experiments h»d been tried by private individuals, bud ia consequence of the ignorance of those who had entered on these . enterprises they h.id not been successful. The recent sale of ore from the Union mioe at Waihi was alluded to as an instance of the great value of this class of ore, if a method of treatment was discovered. Tho plant would coit about £) "200. A s wae aleo made that a bonus should be offered for the introduction of a satisfactory process, and Mr Laroach was urged to provide on, tho Ofltimates for the extension of goldfields trasks —Mr Larnach in replying, said that if the Go vernment were willing to contribute a. cer tain sum toworde the cost ot the plant, the Government might be prepared to grant them a subsidy of equal amount. Hβ wa= inclined to favour the idea oi granting a bonus for the introduction of a eatisfectory gold-saving process, and af-sured the depu tation that the matter of goldfield tracks bad his ontiro sympathy.

ADRIFT IN AN OPEN BOAT.

An Exciting Experience,

(BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT )

Invercakoile,, this day. Morgan, who escaped after drifting for a day and a night in an open boat along the coast, had a very exciting experience. The two men had only one oar in the boat, and the utmost they could do with this was to keep the boat from capsising. On Saturday morning they found themselves Off Slope Point, about three miles froitl the lighthdUno erected after the wreck of tbe stenmef Tararua in 1881. The eurf, eveo in fine weather, breaks heavily, and landing wae extremely hazardous. The ever, determined to try and reach the shore, and success appeared likely to crown their efforts, when the boat was capeized, by a wave. Morgan wae underneath, but tbe succeeding wave threw the boat further up on the beach and released the struggling man from his dangerous position, Hβ tfcen looked about, but caw no trace of hie unfor, tunate mate, who must have been carried to sea. Morgan reached a miner's house and had his wants attended te.

ATHLETIC NOTES.

A meeting of the Selection Committee of the Auckland Crickot Association was held yes terday for the purpose of picking an eleven to repreeent'Auckland in the coming inter provincial cricket match with Wellington. The following team was chosen :— J. Arneil, W. B. Barton, W. Board, W. H. Hawking, D. Lynch, A. E. Meldrum, W. Meldrum, E. Mills, G. Mills, j. Teetro, and R. J. Yates. Firet emergency, A, O'Brien; second emergency, A. l>. MacCormick; umpire, Mr J. Mumford. The Wellington team will arrive here on Monday next, and the match will be played on the follow ion Tuesday and Wednesday. The Auck land Eleven U strong in batting, and there is enough variety of bowlers. George Mills, a young trundler who has become some what prominent this season, will make hie debut as a "rep." Next Saturday will be devoted to practice ; probably the Repre sentative Eleven will play 18 allcomers. ATHJLItTIC GROUND COMPANY. The promoters of the Auckland Athletic Ground Company (Limited) held a meeting last night in the Imperial Hotel,when there was a good attendance. Mr Dacre wae voted to the chair. It was stated that on account of the provisional directors being unable to secure a suitable piece of freehold land,they were offered a ground on leace for ten years on the Remuera Road, and adjoin ing Mount HobsoD. An estimate of the coat of laying down a cinder track, grass track, fencing, erection of pavilion and grand stand was submitted, the total cost being put down at £637 for above with cinder track, and Fame with grass track at £464. Alternative estimates for iron nild rail fences were submitted. The secretary stated that I,looshares had been applied for. The Chairman explained that for the Com pany to prove a success it would require the support of all clubs connected with sport, and that it was Dot an Amateur Athletic Club affair, as some had thought. On the motion of Mr T. Henderson it was resolved, " That the applicants for shares in the Company should be aeked whether they would allow the shares applied for to be transferred to a new company to be formed for leasing the ground offered by Mr Dilworth, and in the event of insuffi cient support being accorded, the deposits (less expenses) be returned." It was also" agreed to instruct tbe Secretary to com municate with all athletic clubs, etc., ask ing them what support they would accord in the way of taking np shares.

VOLUNTEER INQUIRY.

The inquiry into the chargee against Cap tain McDcroald came to a rather eudden conclusion yesterday afternoon. Volunteer McCarthy was called by Lieutenant-Colone Mahon to prove what transpired at the annual meeting of the Company. He was about to repeat what Captain McDonald eaid atthe meeting, when the officer in question raised the objection that he was not charged in the indictment with putting any par ticular resolution, nor was anything that he was euppoeed to have said speci fied in the document. He therefore objected to the witness going outcide the information. Toe Board euetained .the objection. Lieutenant - Colonel Mahon pointed out that there was no use on his part trying to proceed further, as he wae blocked at every point. Captain Mc- Donald then argued that not a tittle of evidence had been brought to sup port any of the chargee excepting that of being absent from battalion parade, and he called Lieut. Palmer to prove that ho had leave of absence from Colonel Lyon. He denied that he had called in the arms, but with reepect to one member who had left his rifle in the South he admitted issuing instructions for the return of the rifle. He also called Colonel Lyon to prove that the captain of the Company wae re sponsible for the safe custody of the rifle. This concluded the charges against Captain McDonald, and it wan arranged before the Board adjourned that the case against Lieutenant Palmer should be taken to day.

THAMES NOTES.

(by telkqkaph—own correspondent.)

Thames, this day. The Harbour Board have at last decided to pay the award of the arbitrators re the claim of Mr Darrow in connection with the goods wharf contract. The award is about £93. Mr Darrow'a original claim wae £200.

The funeral of the late Mr George Sym ington, of the Royal Hotel, took place at 230 this afternoon, and was largely at tended by all classes of the community and members of the local Masonio Lodges. There is some likelihood of the Harbour Board increasing the raiee of; wharfage in order to meet the expenditure.

ppA meeting of the Ponaonby Football Club was held last night, at which it was do cided to have regular training nights. It was decided to form a eecond fifteen, and the names of a number of members were handed in, .

mm* ATTCKXAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY APRIL 6, 1887.

2



/""< O R X QACKS FOB, SALE, BY W. S. LAUKIE & CO., SJSED AND MANURE MERCHANTS, CUSTOMB-STRBKT. AUCKLAND. A DAM T AYBODBN & piO., AUCKLAND. NiCVV CL3ViCU ) Best English Shkdb, from > Joraea Carter s> Co, MEW TURNIP) Ihe Queen's Seedsmen. RYK GRASS, COCKSFOOT, and NATURAL GRASSES, All new Beetle. Fenciog Wire at Xt rtuced Prices. W. J. H URBT * C° a J. E3AM and A. H. GRAINGBR having pnrobased from tho Pnblio Trustee (the Kxoculor under the Will ol the late W. J. Hurai) tho Goodwill, Stock-in-trade, Book Debts, etc., Ol the aldertibllahod buelneaa of W. J. Hnrst and Co., U.aln, Beed, Frodnoe, and Artificial Manure Merchants, will trada under the same style w<l name, and will continue the business SB heiecofore. All Outstanding Accounts are requested to be paid forthwith. I W. J. HURST &ICO. J jY ON SALE. i J \ SBBDS- Now Season's Clovers ond Natural Groaeee ,i~* i - x - Bye Brass aad Cocksfoot (In variety) / Turnip and Mangold Seeds MANURE - Bonedust (fine and i-lnch) Superphosphates (various gradea) Nitrate ot Soda Sulphate ot Ammonia i Potash. Kalnet, etc, etc Peruvian Guano SI GRAIN- Seed ana Feed o( all dejcrlptloai Flour, Oatmeal Bran, Sharps labia and Coarse Salt \ IV' , Table I'otatoea iMJfc \ " *"•. Ice., fte. H W. J, HU RBT ft Oα, R 9VHfCN -STREET. AUCKLAND, i



INSUKANQfi COMfANItfS , ASfcCJCIX TION. The Ineuranoe Companies' Offices will be OLOSHD OB FRIDAY. Bth. SATURDAY, 9th. and MONDAY. 11th April, Eaeter Holidays. # HBNRY WORSP, Secretary. F. M. P. BBOOKFIKLD. I F. W. BROOKFIELD,. Solicitor end Notary Solicitor. Public I WE, the undersigned, hereby notify that we have entered lnco Partnership as Barristers, Solicitors, and Notaries Pn&llo, and will oarry on Business In AUCKLAND AND ONKHUNOA, Under the name or style of " Bbook*'iei,d and SON, FRED. M, P. BROOKFIKLD. FREDERIC "W. BROOKFIKLD. Auckland, AprlU,lßß7. SALVAGE. JO F DSTEADsV ing sold by and Cranwell,y VERY CHEAP. <p Kescued from the late Jf \\ TTire in jV \q v c c T&Jf \ ST. Jr SALVAGE. CLEARING PRICES TO MEET THE TIMES. CHOICB NEW WINTER DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. WILLIAM R. BRIDGMAN Ii now BhowiDK a SplenlH / saortment of New Goods, in all departments, which have been purchased at great advantage, and bare been marked very low. 2.500 yards Black French Morinoa and Cashmeres Coloured French Merinos and Cuh meree Tho orders for the abo vo were placed bef or the great rise In wool, dnd will be sold in many instances at Lower Prices than last season. S.OCO yards New Dress Materials, In new shades and fashionable stylos, all marked at best value; Large Lot of Job Dress Goods In irreat variety, at nominal prioee—Good Line at IJd: Underclothing, halfprloe j N«w Vel veteen*, all shades, really good line, la 6d a yard; New Pluehea (ill shades). Now Astraob.*n Trimmings. New Umbrellas, Buttons, Gloves, Hosiery. Laoep, Fur Capes. Maolntoßhen, Splendid Assortment New Ulsters; Men's Strong Cotten Shirts, Is; Boys' do, 9d; New Felt Hntp. Having an overstock of Boys'. Youths', and Men's Clothing, have determined to dear it at a saorifloe, to reduce etock -Go-d Tweed Coats. 6s 6d ; Boys' Blaok Cloth Coate, 3a lid ; Men's Black Cloth Vests, 2s 6d. ALL GOODS AT SALK PRICKS, Aβ daring the present depression, W. 8.8 wi-hca rathor to Berve his oustomers well, and keep them tostetbor till better times, rather than make a profit. By dqtne almost an entirely cash business, tboao calling will get beet value for money, at '288, UPPER QUEEN-STREET. /CHALLENGE. N.Z. TVTEED Co. K.ALFRED WALKER, I hereby challenge Mr Alfred Walker, of Te Kopuru, to try on in the presence of any two Master Tailors in Shortlaod-itreet the Bolt of Clothes produced In Court yesterday, and agree to forfeit to any public charities the sum of £60 if such Suit should be pronousced a misfit; Mr Walker to forfeit the earn - eutn should they be pronounced a fit.



The Salt and £50 are now in the hands of the proprietors of the " N.Z. Herald." JOSEPH MOSES, MANAGER OF NEW ZEALAND TWEED COMPANT, Shortlaad-street, Auoklsnd. Maioh 23,1857.



DR. J. MURRAY MOOJRE, M D., M.X.0,8. Houre for Consultation: 11 to p.m., at Pond's Homoeopathio Pharmaoj-. 153, Queen-street;' 2 to 8 p.m., and 7 to 8 p.m., at Renldenoe. Lower Bymonda street. Telephone 130. Vacolnatloai at Pond's, 1 p.mu TUKSIJAY and FRIDAY. (a card ] DR. LBOER ERSON, Parnell (late Dr. Goldebro'a residence)— Attends for Con bulration : At Home. 8 to 9 a.m., ami 3 p.m. Aloken"n Pbarmaoy, Queen street. 1 to 2 and T to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Pannraro and Otahuhu. Telephone. 476. Notices to Correspondents. The length of the Ormuz Iβ 182 feet, the Borvla 61S feet, and the Ktraiia SOI feet. The Oity ot Rome la 6€o feet. The grose tonnsgo of the lamest of the Atluntlo liners la thus shown: Urabria, 7.718; Etrnrla. 7 718; Bervia, 7,391; Oregon, 7,375 ; Auranla, 7,288. The gross tonnage of the Ormuz is 6,600. Births. GEIJIART.—On April 5, at Manukau Road, Parnell. the wife of Francis Geldart of a Bon. BAGGSTBOM.-On April i, 1887. the wife of E. L. Baggstrom, Wellesley-street, ot a son. ROBERTS.—On April 5, the wife of George Roberts. Mount RoskUl Road, of a daughter.