Chief Post-Office, Auckland.

■SIAU.S WH.r, CI.O^B AS UNDEK I— Monday, Slat Inst, .or Norfolk Island, per Southern Cross, at 9 a.m. For Thames, por Rotomabana, at 10 a.m. For Putlkl and Coromandel, por Ooromandel at 11.30 a.m. „. , . For Waltsra and Southorn ports, por Galrlocn, at 11 a m. For Tarauaki and Southorn Porw, per Rotorua, at 1 p.m. _ orOpotlkl. porChalimford, at 1 p.m. For Whitlanga, Gam Town. Upper Mill, and Tauranga. per Tona, at 1 p.m. For Rn=sell, Ka. akawa, Rawene, Wangaroa and Mon_>&ui. per Clanßman, at 5 p.m. For ThMmoo, per Enterprise, at 5 30 p.m. Tuesday, 22nd Inst. For Walwcra, Kawau, Leigh, Omaha, Mata fcana, Mullet Point, and Lower Matakana, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Gisborno and Naplor, per Waitaki, at 11 a.m. Per Wsibora, as follows :— For China. Japan. Mediterranean Porta, and Continent of Kurope, nt 3 p.m. For Rnssell, Ku-oiawo, Aastralian Col onies, and United Kingdom, via Brindisi or' Naples, for letters, etc., specially so prepaid and addressed, at i p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 3 p.m. Lato letters for Sydney and Melbourne only fit i 20 p.m. United Kingdom mail will bo due in London on May 10. For Gisborno and Napier, por Australia, ; at 6 pm. Monday. _th inst, Per Mariposa as follows; — For Samoa, Sandwich Islands, United Slates <_ Amerigo, Canada, British Columbia. Cen tral and South America, and British nnd Fore Iga West Indies, nt 5 p.m. For tha United Kingdom and Continent of Kurope, at 5 p.m. For money orders, registered lottei'B, and newspapers at 3.30 p.m. Late lettors. bearing an extra fee ot Od In addition to tho postage, will bn recelvod by i.tio Mail Agent on hoard tho sloßmor up to the lime of Bulling, Th la uir.ll will ho duo nt London May 2. <_(PWSI) S. B. DISS, Chief Postmaster. Ohlot Post-office. Aojyand,

COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, etc.. To-night.

Agricultural Hall-Fryer's Equine Paradox and Japanese \ illaore, 7. V.M.C.A. Rooms—Evangelistic Servic », 7 30. Glftssworkß, Frcsraan'a Bay - Bxhibitlon of Gloss, owing, 2 to a. Temooranoo Hall—Freo Kn'crtainmont. 7.30. Fireball, corner of Grey and Queen-atrcets- Open-alr Sorvioe. T. Religious Meeting in tha Tent on Surrey Kills Estate. Ponsonby Road, 7.30.

Rota of Justices at Felice Conrt. March 31— R. W. Moody and L. D. Nathan,

Sunday Services.

NOTE.—The services are at the usual hours, utiles., vrhen othenoise stated. IP.en only one preacher s name is given, he officiates at both aicts of worship; when more than one, they officiate at the services in the order named.

St. Pauls-Incumbent. St. Matthew's—lncumbent. All Saints'—lncumbent. St Sepulchre's—lncumliont. gity Hall-Evangelistic trorvloe. 8. fc>r. Mary s, Parnoll-Rev. I. Richards and la cumbont, Epiphany—lncumbanu St- Peter's Prcsbjtorian—Rev. R. Sommervllle. Pitt-street Wealoyan-Revs. T. G. Carr and H. a _£SS n/-, R0, a13 Wosleyan-Revs. R. Bavin and C. H. Garland. Paraell Wesleyan-Rev. C. H. Gurland and Mr W. C. McDowell. Bt John'B Weßleyan-Reva, H. Bull and T. G Carr. Devonport Wesleyan—Revs. A. Rcld and H. R. Dewsbury. Mount Albert Wesleyan—Messrs F. A. White and R. Josbop Now Church Services-Foresters' Hall. Karan gahape Road. 11 a.m. Ponßonby Baptist-Mr S. Parker and Mr J. Knott. Devonport Congregational—Messrs \V. Braken rig and Kowler. Paraell Congregational-Morning at 11 and evening at 6 30. Mount Eden Baptlflt-Pastor T. Bray and Mr Dirjant. Anokland Tabernac'o-Paator T. Snurgeon. St. David's Presbyterian-Rev. C. Worboys. Mount Eden Congregational-Rev, W. J. L. Clous. Bnreaford-street Congregational-Rev. James Chew. Pitt and Vincent streets United Free Methodist —Mr H. Field and Roy. S MscfarlaEe. Mount Eden United Free Methodist—Rev. S. Macfarlano and Mr II Field. Aloxandrtt-slreot Primitive Methodist—Roys. C, E. Ward and A. J. Smith. Pitt and Edwin streets Primitive Methodist— Messrs J. Brame and H. E. Potter. Abbott's Onora House—Mr E. 11. Taylo-. Franklin Road Primitive Methodist—Revs. A. J. Smith and C K. Ward. Wncirvlow Primitive Methodist-Rev. C. S. Ward and MrW.F, Tncker. Richmond Road Primitive Methodist—Rev. A. J. ctmith and Mr G. Knight. Nowton Congregational —Mr Marshall and Hon. G. Waldegravo. V.M.C.A.—Mr C. E. Button, 3 p.m. Religious Meeting in tho Tent, on Surrey Hillß ' HBtate, Porsooby Road. 3 and 7 pm. St. George's Hall-Divine Servioe at 11 and 6 30

p.m. Summor-Btreet Hall—Sorvlca at 11 a.m. Foroste .' Hall—Service at 11 a.m. Avondale Presbyterian—Rev. A McKenzle and Mr J. S. L. Cox. Pooley's Chambers—Service of Sacred Music. 330 p.m.

Auction Sales on Monday. Arthur and Buddie, Ponaonby—Household Fur niture and Effects. 11; Hobsonstreot, Glass, China, Barthenwnre, etc., 12. G. Lewis, Kyber Pass Road—Stock of Cabinet makers, 11. J. Raid and Co.—Paper Bags, Whiting, Varnish, Stouts, etc., 11. . .F. Evans, North Shoro—Household Furniture and Effects. 11. S. Cochrane and Son—Properties, etc., 12.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

BimSET.—This ovening, 6 0 Sunrise,—To-morrow morning, 6 8 Moon's abb.—New Moon, 25th, 3.18 a.m.

HIGH WATER.

Acokland — This afternoon, 3.8; to-morrow xnornlnK. 3.12. Manckact Heads — 1 his evening, 5.18 ; to morrow morning, 6.22. Kaipaba Heads This evening, 6.18; to morrow morning, 7,22.

ARRIVALS.

LAST KVKNINO.

Saucy ICate, sohr.. Bat hurst, from Mongonni

TO-DAY. Nerval, schooner, Edwards, from Russell Waiapu, sohr., Ulsborne, from Qisborne

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Clansman, s.s., Farquhur, for Tauranga Wild Wave, brig, 1-iavies, for Mercury Bay Wellington, s.s . Sto phimton. for Whangarei lona, 53., Auiadeo, for Meroury Bay

TO-DAY. Sharpshooter, birgue, for Whangaroa

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Australia, from Gisb mo, Sunday Coramandol, from Coromandel. today, 5 p.m. Hotomahana, from Thames, Monday, 3 p.m. Wellington, from Whangarei, Monday night lona, from Meron'y Bay, to-niah' Oansuinu. from 'l'auraugii, Sunday, early Janet Nicoll, from South Soa Islands, April 2 Walhors. from South Moniay Zealandla, from Ban Francisco, April 2 Rotoiua (at Onehunga), from South, Snnday, early Waltaki, from Gitborne, Monday

IMPORTS.

Xx schooner Lillian, from Rirotonga—loo,oo. oranges.—Hart and Tobias.

The schooner Three Cheers goes hence to Timsru with timber, and the schooner Welcome to Brisbane, via Thorn »b.

The torpedo boat had a trip to Thames on Tuesday last. The run from North Head to Grahamatown was made in 2ars Somins.

The brig Wild Wavo was towed to Mercury Bay by the s.f. lona laet evening. She is to load timber for Sydnoy.

The barque Sharpshooter sailed ibis morning for dydncy, via Whangaroa.

We hear that Mr niuhird A. Carr has been Instructed by the owners to accept Mr W. Holmes' tender for repairs and alterations to thes.s. Kabu. Ihesteamo.-ia duo to arrive in Auckland about Wednesday next

The schoonar Walapu arrived from _ act Coast ports this morning with 61 cask oil, 100 Backs malzo, 81 sacks neod, 27 sacks funau". and sundries. During tha voyago the Waiapu had stormy weathor, and carried,her foretopmaet away.

The Me'.atiotian Mission vessel Southern Crosß clear, d at the Customs lo day for Not folk Island, with papoongersas follows: Boy. B. B. Coinins. Mrs Coniini. Mies M. Tilly. Master C. It. Tilly, Mr W. Quintal. Mr C. Bnffatt.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wellington, (his day, — Arrived: Weßtern Monarch, ship, 108 days Irotn London. Tauranga this dar.—Arrived : Clansman, from Au -kland, 8 a m. WUANGABBiI, this day.—Arrived: W clllngion, from Auckland, 6 a m. Wkliingicn, thiß day.—Arrived : Besael, barque, from Hamburg. , New Plymouth, this day. - Arrived: Gair ljch. from Onebunga, 8 a.m. Gisbpirne, Match 18.-Arrived : bouthern CrOES. torn Auckland, 3 n.m. Port albert, ibis day.—Tho Daroy Pratt camo down tho liver this mo:n"ng.

Notices to Correspondents.

E. Sandbks.—Lieut Robs, of Napi°r, hsa won tho Carbine Bolt twico-vi.. In 1831 and l&ili.

iNQOinEB —Pearl was scratched for the Nr.plet* Cup on the Bth March, at 9.10 _nr,

Births

MITH.-On Maroh 17, St. Patrick's Day in the evening, Mrs Smith, Wakefleld-street, of a son. STEVEN. —On March 17, at bor residence, Victoria Quadrant, the wlfo of G. Stovou of a son.

Deaths

JENKINS.-At her residence, Birkenhead, af tor a long and uainful illness, Sarah Amelia, tho beloved wlfo of H. W. Jenkins : agod II yrare. Tho funeral leaves at 3.30 p.m to morrow Ounday). Boat leaves Auckland Wharf at 2.15 p.m. ROWLAND—On March IS. at his parents' ro'i dence, _ "oen Lane, of inflammation of tho brain, William Henry, eldest son of tho late W. H. (George) Rowlahd ; aged 3 yenrs and 11 months. The funeral will leave his parents' residence to-mtrrow (Sunday), at 2 p m

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 1887.

For the crnne that lacks nmut. ir.« For the wrong ilmt need"* resistant-' For the future il the di«Un ne, Ann the feed that we ipKh do.

There is weeping and wailing unit gnashing of teeth iv the big wooden building at Wellington. The occupants have had their tenderest feelings out raged, aud lifting up their voices in one prolonged howl, have scuiously alarmed the occupautsof the Ministerial rooms. The cause of the hubbub is a circular revising the conditions of pro motion and pay, which the Cabinet intended to reach the eyes of heads of departments only at present; but which—by pure inadvertence, of course! —found its way through the building. Then Ministers in alarhi began to turn tail. Some are said to have denied all knowledge of the document; others vow ed that it was only meant asa suggestion for the• consideration of the Cabinet, and all in chorus declared it to be a mis take. Immediate cancellation of the

obnoxious memo, is now a forogono conclusion. It requires a strong man to tackle the army of public servants on their own ground when thoy join their forces together, and the present Cabinet does not seem to contain the man ordained for the work. In this respect, however, they aro neither better nor worse than the ministries that preceded them.

Of the regulations which caused all the row we hear, naturally, only the the Civil Service version. The inten tion is clear, however, namely, to make a gradation of pay for particular offices, starting with j£6oo as the maximum and regulating subordinate offices on a pro rata scale. Thus, it is contended, the service will gradually adjust itself on a lower scale without producing too much friction. The idea is good enough in its way, though by no means revolutionary or adapted for the

immediate relief of existing bur dens on the revenue : but accord ing to our Wellington correspondent the cogs of the new wheels do not fit into the old ones. The old scale of pay is cither so high or so erratic that promotion will mean little monetary advantage to sonic office holders and a positive loss to others. Well, this may be disagreeable, but it can hardly be considered a fatal objection to the scheme. If the revised rates are fair enough in themselves, the fact that some officers have previously beeu overpaid is no argument against reform. They should be thankful that their lines have fallen in so much pleasanter places than their successors will be permitted to enjoy. No doubt, for the sake of appearances, it may be advisable, in tho exceptioual cases iv which promotion means de creased pay, to modify the regulations a little; but if the Cabinet have adopted this scheme, or if it is intrinsi cally sound in itself, and they

withdraw it because of the present howl, they will cut a pretty pusilla nimous figure before parliament and the colony in their vaunted role of Civil Service Reformers.

Another Word on the Timber Question.

Our cable news to-day states that Mr Lassett, an English timber expert, who was appointed to report upon tbe New Zealand timbers exhibited in the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, has classed kauri, puriri, rata, rimu, and totara as the most valuable of New Zealand timbers, Thia judgment agrees with colonial experience and practice. At the same time there are many other timbers which are of great value for special pur poses, and would gain universal recognition if proper steps were taken to make their good qualities known. While speaking at the meeting of persons interested in the building trade the other day at the Victoria Arcade, Mr Monk, M.H.R., stated that white ti-tree was superior to hickory for carriage work, and also that many other valuable timbers were totally neglected. Now we do not hesitate to charge this neglect in a great measure upon our timber companies who control the trade. It is stated on good authority that manuka,

titoke, and many other valuable timbers are

simply used as skids whereon the kauri logs are brought to the mills, and that it ia impossible to purchase these timbers from the mills. In fact, so much has thia become an acknowledged fact, that one firm in Auckland who have wished to utilise some of the less - known varieties of New Zealand timbers, have been com-

pelled to make special arrangements to pur chase outside of the timber mills. No doubt this may be attributed to the fact that the article for which there is the great est demand, and consequently the readiest sale, is the one that is most valued by vendors. Nevertheless a good supply creates a demand, and if other timbers besides kauri were more readily available they would soon find their way into use.

Despite the difficulties of supply, how over, which are enhanced* by a railway tariff that charges 7s 8d for the conveyance of three nine-foot logs from Helensville to Auckland, for which prico they could have been procured from America, some of our local arms are using different varieties of native timber, for special classes of manu facture. Prominent among these is the firm of Cousins and Atkin, carriage builders of Elliott-street, who have proved the use fulness of hitherto almost neglected timbers. In their factory may be seen large stacks of manuka, drying before being -turned into spokes for wheels, &c. The popular idea that this timber is always small is over thrown by manuka planks, 15 and 20 inches across. This wood is warranted to be equal to hickory, but unfortunately at present, for the reasons already mentioned, it costs nearly as much to pro cure it as tho imported article. Other New Zealand woods are also used, such as kowhai, titoke, pohutukawa, niiro, rata, rewarewa, tawa, and mangiao. The latter timber is said to last twice the time of the best ash. It will be seen, therefore, that some of our citizens have endeavoured, and with success, to discover virtues in native timbers which habit and prejudice had located only in foreign timber. But here again a fresh trouble is pre sented, for while whole tramcars, railway and other carriages can be imported duty free, material requisite for building them here is dutiable; thus no incentive is offered to manufacturers to push forward the car riage-building industry here, but an absolute temptation is given to import the articles ready-made, and thus save duty. Another difficulty that builders have to face is the trouble experienced in obtaining such tim ber properly seasoned without waiting months for it, and then, unless they are prepared to take a whole truck load, if it is forwarded by rail, they are compelled to pay exorbitant rates of c arnage. Thus it is that much valuable timber is -merely converted into ashes to

fertilize the ground, while inferior timbers aro imported from other countries to be put into work for which our own timber is peculiarly adapted.

The Recovery of Small Debts.

"Why should tho law courts compel pay ment of debts?" Tho palpable answer is because some people will not pay except under compulsion. But that answer is not quite conclusive. It is evident that the facility ofiored for the recovery o^ debt is a direct encouragement to the credit system; the credit system creates bad and doubtlnl debt" ; and to such an extent has the evil grown that last year there were 20,380 summonses issued in the R.M. 'Courts of the colony for sums under £20 ; for sums varying from £'20 to iViO, the number was 2,325'j from £50 and upwards, 671. It sceitts hard of belief that all th_e cases can liavo had reference to people unable or unwilling to pay, and there is ground for the belief which is said to have forced itself upon the mind of the Colonial Secretary, that Magistrates' Courts throughout the colony are being used simply as machinery for collecting debts. It appears decidedly wrong for the pub lic to maintain costly legal machinery for the simple purpose of saving tho cost of debt collectors to v certain section of I lie community. Of course, if IhcCourlfccs.cl.c , paid for buildings and ollieials, the ease would bo altered, though even then it appears a queer arrangement, and one far from being sound economically. Why should the ruinous credit system receivo lognl encouragement '! Is not prevention bettor than cure ? And should not there fore legislation be directed towards llio abolition of debt.

It is probably a consideration of tho sub ject from this stand-point that lum ltd tho Hon. P. Buckley to determine upon intro ducing a measure in the coming session of Parliament, providing that tradesmen's accounts under £20 for goods sold and de livered cannot be recovered in the It, M Courts. The primary intention is no doubt to reduce tho cost of K.M. Courts, but there are other and more important questions involved in the projected legislation. As a direct blow at the small credit system, tho Colonial Secretary's bill would tond to demolish that species of speculative trading which delights in charging still' prices for long credit, with the risk of never getting paid ntall. lint will tho retail traders like tho proposed new law? Will they rolisb the rcllection that they may be sued by the wholesale dealers and yet have no remedy against their customers who are bad marks ? And how will the labour ing classes look upon the proposal? Under such a law ihoy would find their credit cut short, so that when " depression" or " strike" look place (hey would be almost powerless to go on, and we may oven foresee a fall in wages, and in the standard of living as probable results of the proposed legislation.

People with a turn for logic and a passion foro.piaii y wil incline to ask tho Colonial Secretary why he draws the line at .120 If tho R..M. Courts are to be used for the collection of £500 debts, why should not tho small creditor also havo tbo use of them? If the salaried official or man of business may run into dobt to tho tune of hundreds, why should not the labouring man onjoy tho luxury of a dobt of £10 or £20? The' Hon. Mr Buckley may rest assured that fcho working cla. (_ will " bless his eyes if over he tries to rob a poor man of his tick !" It is often the salvation of a poor but struggling family t.i know that their credit will tide them over a period of difficulty ; their independence is not hurt and the debt: is paid at the first opportuity. The proposal of the Colonial Secretary deserves, serious consideration from these and other [mints of view before if is allowed to become law.

Tho formal oponing of Iho free Library and Art Gallery on Saturday next bio's fair to baa most impound affair. 1,100 tickets of admission have hern printed for tho occasion, and (he bulk ol them havo boen already applied for. Tho doors will be thrown open to tho invited public nt'2 o'clock, and nt 2 ,'!0 tho proceedings will commence. Tho platform will bo occupied by fcho Choral Society niul orchestra, tho Mayor and membora of tho City Council, tho ex-councillors finco the new wards wore added to (he city, numbers of tho Lcgis lativoCouncil and Houso of Representatives, and tho gentlemen who are to address tho assemblage. Addresses will bo delivered by the Mayor. Sir (ieo Grey, Messrs Peacock, Clark, Waddel, and Sir Maurico O'Korke There was a lull rehear sal of tho musical protirumuio last evening by the Choral Society, under tho conductor ship of Hon- Soli mitt A furthor rehearsal will take pace on Thursday evening next. Tho following is (ho musical programme .— " God save the Queen ;" solos by Miss P.lea zard ; chorus from Iho Lobgeaang (" Hymn of Praise ") ; last chorus of the " Hymn of I'raise :" march, orchostra, " Eli " (Costa): chorus of Isr icliies, " Eli " (Cista); Corno lius march (Mendelssohn), orchestra ; halle lujah chorus, "Messiah."

Very liltlo was done on 'Change to day, savo a few Auckland Gas shares changing hands ot £10 17b (id.

The Board of Education has deferred for a week its selection of a school sito at Point Chevalier, the Committee in tho mean time to visit and inspect the sitos now under offer.

Application having been mado for a now school at Swanson, many of tho children there having to use the train, the Board of Educution have resolved to try tho experi ment of appointing a pupil teacher to travel with the children to Woodhill,

llotorja railway works will soon ba in active progress. Mr Daniel Fallon, tho well known Auckland contractor, has ro ceived intimation from the Government that his tender, £37,400, for thu con struction of the Ngatira section of that railway, has been accopted. The only other Auckland tendorera wore Mr J, Briton and Messrs Lnrkina and O'Brien.

Mr Deakin, of Victoriu, has had an inter view with Lord Lyons, tho English Am baseador nt Pnria, who promised to incili

tate tho Victorian Exhibition. Ho thanked Lord Lyons for his action in connection with the Recidivietes, and declared tho colonies woro determined to protect thorn solves.

Mr .lauica Simpson, Iho missing Cam bridge tradesman, has not yet boon foiiiid. It is suggested he muy have loft for Sydncv by last Tuesday's steamer, but this seems

improbable. His friends fear he has boon drowned On Thursday afternoon Lake Te Koutu was dragged, nnd a charge of dynamite was put in the water and dis charged, but the efforts of tbe party engaged in the operations were without avail. A

large search party is to start to-morrow morning to curefully examine the whole neighbourhood of Cambridge, as it is sup posed by some that he might have died in the scrub.

The South Australian general elections commence toduy-the polling being taken in a large batch of electorates in which tho

nominations were made on Wednesday last. This batch contains most of the Ministerial seats, so that, in the event of their defeat, Ministers may got a chance el_whero. A somewhat curious application was male some days ago to tho Acting I'rennet (Hon. J. C. Bray) in connection with tho polling to-day. Mr M. Solomon, President of tbo Adelaide Hebrew Congre gation, wrote pointing out that it would prove exceedingly inconvenient to tho Jewish denomination if tho elections woro held on a Saturday, wjiinh _ observed as the Jewish Sabbath. Mr Bray caused a reply (o be sent to tho effect that Mr. Solomon's lotier rams (o hand too lato, as the dates for tho writs had been Dx<-:d, but he hoped the Hebrew fratotnity would not be debarred from exorcising thoir franchise. A number nfJWs nro candidates for Par liament, which fact is supposed'to bo the real cauno o! the application.

At the meeting of tt|e Board of fc'duca tion yestorday, a letter was received from Mr Geo. C. Hodgoa (Chairman of a meeting held at Long Bay in (he Lucas's Creek district) to urge tho csti.blicbmont of a eoparato fchool in that locality, which contained 16 children of school ago. Bishop Cowio had cU'ercd tho uso of tho church of St. Mary's by tho Sea for educa tional purposes, and had granted leave to the Rev. A. AY. Alloway, M.A., Iho resi dent clergyman, to volunteer his services an school-teacher under tho Board. Mr Goldie said that if tho Anglican people ot the district were not able to employ Mr Alloway wholly, he objected to his salary being eked out by the Board employing him during the week, He protested against our eecular cchools being made feeding grounds for tho clergy. Mr Hodges pointod out that the secularisation

tho school was not endangered

I. was purely a tpioßtion if expediency. Mr Goldie retorted that roini-tera were iml

fpp bu foisted upon tho Board in oidf.r the mnro easily tn bo ablo lo form con gregations and Cdrry out their clerical functions upon the Sunday, The matter was then referred to the Lucas's Cretk School Committee.

At IJunedin, (ho .various friendly and other sjcieties will tuko pti t i,i the demon stration at laying (ho foundation stone of tho Burns statue. Tho Good Templars, however, decline to honour the champion of " freedom and whisky." A miner named Archibald McGarvie, em ployed in tho Now Find claim, Te Aroha, had hia arm broken on Thursday. He waa at work prizing out tome loose quartz with a crowbar, when ho slipped and fell a depth ot over twenty foot, the fruoture being thereby cause'1.

In consequence of Mr I'heo. Cooper's absence from thu meeting of tho Board of Education yosterday, tho consideration oi hia propositions re a change of reading books has been deferred till next meeting.

The monthly tea to the inmates of the Upper Refugo by the ladieß and gsntlomon of_ St. Sopiilchre'a Sifhday-feohool and friends was given last night. A vory choice musical programme was successfully curried out, in which Borne of tho old pooplo took part.

At 9 o'clock this morning a number of members of tho Grand Lodge of tho Inde pendent Order of Oddfellows, A.G., as sembled at tho Albert Hall for the purpose of paying n visit of inspection to Sylvia Park. Ono cf Patterson's largo brakos was engaged, and tho party started oil', piloted by Mr E. W. Morrison, P. 0., who baa throughout the session devoted hia leisure to entertaining tho visitors.

A vory pleasant evening wan spout by (bono proeont at tho snerod and secular concert given in I lie United Mothudist Ifreo Chinch, Mount Eden, last night, i" aid ol tho church funds. Tho choir, under tho nolo leadership of Mr Dryland, .'iiiig that anthem so appropriate to the your, •' Wake tbo Song of Jubilee," in very good form. Tho ladies and goiillomon assisting at the con cert by pilings and recitations were «3 fol lows : Mm Willows, Misses Mc_ ormott, Griiidrod, Tudohopo, Colo, Gertie Willows, Hampshire and MeGioevy, and Messrs Hodgson, McDermott, Giiadrod, Dryland, 801 l and Sodgewick. There wae a fair lit- Uhdnnoo.

The Interest in the tent sorvicoa is still unabated. Tho subjoct last night was tbo review by Mr A, G I)niiiolls of tho lectuie dnlivored I ho provinna evening by Mr 11. Kxloy. At tho commencement of hia ro matks ho f fated that ho folt as far as ever from being convinced of the truth of hia friend Exloy's position. Ho then proceeded to show tho co okistonco of (ho law with Adam as a necessity, otherwise Adam could not have sinned, for " where thoro is no law," l'aul declares, "thoro is no Iransgros eion " Numerous other positions advanced by Mr 11. Ex ley wore at somo longth com mented upon. At tho close of the meeting Mr. Exloy oxpre?sed himself in oulogistie ti'iins of tho courtesy and Christian spirit that had been manifested throughout. To morrow, as will bo soon by advertisement, oi her now and important foatures in rela tion to tho near coming of the Lord and the end of tho world will bo dealt with.

Tho Police Court business this morning was varied but not onerous. A woman and two men were punished for drunkenness,and two potty tar oenists were seutonced to three mouths' imprisonment, while Martha McManus got a similar term for vagrancy. Sho was arrcatod at daylight this morning in tho Western Park in company with n man. A esse of intended wife desertion against William Goodison was withdrawn through tho non-appearance of tho parties in terested. Mr O'Meaghor, who appeared for tho complainant (Mrs Goodison), stated that his client accompanied him to the Court, whore ho saw tho accused trying to intimidate her. Ho epoko to tho man, who then mado nn effort to intimidate him also. Ho had no doubt that tho man had succeeded in working on tho fears of bis wifo A rhargo of assault against Peter Finn, preferred by Alexander Bell, wae re mandod till tho 25th inst, and charges against Thomas William Allen and William George Alien of being able nnd yot failing to fupport their doetituto father wore ad journed till tho 2(ith inst-., in the absence of tho U.M. For tho snnio reason n charge against Charles Gutry, of allowing tho sum of £2 2-< and U.< cost", for tho support of his three children to remain in arrear, waa also adjourned to tho 2(ith inst

Tuo ciso* of petty larcony rimo before Mr. rs McMillan and Collins, .1.1*.. at tho I'olicu Court I hia morning, and in each instance the accused was ?ont up to Mount Eden for threo months' rustication. Tholirst two'was that of Harry Uinos, wlio . na charged with tho thkfl of a minibor of trinkets, worth Ills, from tho shop of Mr .lames Howdon. Sergeant Pratt explained that the prisoner was arrcatod on tho 4th instant for stealing boots, for which ho re ceived a short sonUncc. While boinir searched at tie guardhouse, tln_ trinkets wire found eouooalcd in (he lining of bis coat Tho police ad vorlisul through tho St.m: for tho owner of the property, and Mr llowdcn responding to tho advertisement, identified tbo pro perty as his own, Tho ro-ults was (hat on tho prisoners release from gaol lio was re-arrested by Detective Herborl on tho present charge Tho other lar ceniat waa Thomas Hamilton, who had annexed a coat belonging to William lynch, of tho Aurora Hotel, Mr Lynch, on missing tho gorment, repaired to Mr Levy's pawnshop, where ho found it had boon deposited. Lovy's description of tho man who pawned it lod up at onco to Ham ilton's urrost and conviction.

ltobort Benjamin Levott, under examina tion by tbo Assignee, mado Iho follow ing statement:— Jio paid that ho had beon previously in business aa n marblo map-on, but finding bo could not get on ho mude an arrangement with his creditors, who only left him hia household furnituro which had mostly been purchiisod by his wifo. Ho raised £i son tho security of this furni turo to enable him to live, and ho under took to pay £13 for throe montha'interest on this loan, othor £'20 were paid for tho releaao of certain bills of colo. At tho end of 7 weeks tho money lendor, hearing that ho waa in arrear for rout put in (ho bailiff, and sold up everything ho poeEossod, bedding in cluded. The furniture and effects were in sured for £200, and although ho estimated them to bo worth £163, thoy were sold for £17 ; tho piano and sovving-maeliino, boing on hire, wore returned. Nino daya ago ho got work at Ss a day, anil a frioud had on ablod him to i-crapo together .CD worth of furnituro. Thoto were nil tho a .eta ho posaossed, tho money for filing having had to bo borrowed. Tho nionoy-londer still claims i'fiS Kla Sd, and boyond (his I ho dobtor owes i'oli (ia 7d to various fradesmon for necesaaries.

List night, at tho Working Men's Club, in compliance with a circular sent round by Mr C. I. Lucas, of tho Emigrants' Informa tion Oilico, London, a mooting of tho Secre taries of various local Trades and Labour Unions was hold. The chair was taken by Mr H. K. Jury, and Mr Cowley was present. The former of these gentle men explained that the meeting was called together for tho purposa of supplying Mr Lucas with reliable informa tion upon the subjects of industries, pro ducts of New Zealand, openings for settlers' childron, price and tenure of land, tho cost of travelling and prico of wages, and other like subjects, interesting to intending omie grants. The particulars of some 45 iiidus trie-, and a mass of valuablo information, woto brought forward, uni a resolution

passed thut the same be put into _iupo aud forwarded to London next mail. In future, quarterly liko ropor.'a will be fo warded. Tho

Committee expressed their hopo that further information would bo sent thorn respecting Iho trades and industries of Auckland.

iMcnsignor McDonald is evidently deter mined to eot up at Panmuro a formidable riynl to the eeleot schools at Auckland, with the progress ol which his namo was to intimately associated for nearly a quarter of a century. Tho school established by him under tho care of Miss 0 Dea already has 58 children on its roll, and Auckland visitors t-peak very highly of the concert given by tho pupils on the afternoon and evening of St. Patrick's Pay. considering tho very short tirno that could havo boon uiven to its preparation. Tho following piddrefs was delivered by one of the [lupiis on that occasion :---" Kind Audi onco, — 1 feel very proud to bo tho chosen one to welcome you to-night, and to tell you in the namo of my com panions how grateful wo are for your pre sence at tho lirnt entertainment given by tho children of St. Patrick's School, Pan muro, on this tho fostival of our glorious Patron. We beg to oiler our heartfelt gratitude to our beloved pastor for all ho lias done for us during the short time he has been with us. Tho only return wo can make you, dear Monsignor, is to try to be good and diligent at our lessons, and we shall pray to God to spare you long to the little children of New Zealand. We will ask your kind indulgonco, dear Monsignor and kind audience, for the ontertainment about to begin, as it is our first attempt.— We beg to remain with profound respect, The Children op St. Patrick's School,

N. Wood and Co. announce to day that they open ai drapers in those premises, Ponsonby, clofe to tho threo lamps, There is a large, eelect, and varied clock to choose from. Mr Wood is well and favour ably known in Auckland, and bis old riends should call and see him.

CABLEGRAMS.

THE PEACE OF EUROPE.

Turkey's Reply to' Riissisi

DE LESSEPS IN HOT WATER.

(SPECIAL CABLEGRAM )

London, March 18.

TtiuiiUY hos doclined the Russian sugges tion that she ahould reocciipy Rouinelia.

Violent attacks have been made on M. de Leasops for hia describing Germany as the natural friend of France.

COLONIAL DEFENCE.

Imperial Scheme Propounded

(BEtTIEIt's TELEGRAM.)

London, March 17. It ie announced that the Imperial Govorn mont have prepared an extensive scheme for colonial dofenco, which will be sub mitted to tho colonies..represented nl tho approaching Impoiial Conforonco. (PPI'ECIAL CAUL IS.) LonbuN, Murcb 17. The memorandum with reference to colonial defences, which ie now under con sideration of tho Imperial Government, has been forwarded to tho Ageuta-General, but is regarded aa strictly confidential.

Mr Gladstone on the Irish Question

(llliUTlill .S TKLEUIIAM.)

Lux no. , March 17.—At a Liberal ban quot last night Mr Gluts tone mado o speech, in which ho stated that ho was anxious that a reasonable understanding should bo arrived at between the Unionists and hia followers. He said ho would ad hero to the main part of hia proposals for the settlement ol the Irish queation, and hoped an agreement waß poasiblo regarding the necessary modifications and improve moots in tbo laws of lroland, especially in connection with land; but he deprecated uny hnsto in regard to Homo Kulo, as the nation would (9-u'dually come round to hia views on tho question. The Imperial Conference. London, March 17 —It is announced that tho first meeting of the Imperial Con foionco will bo hold at tho Foreign Oihce on tho 4th April, whon tho Marquis of Salisbury ond other Ministers will bo pre sent. Subsequent meetings aro to be held at, tho Colonial Oltico until the 7th proximo, when tho Coiiforonco will bo adjourned till the 10th. London-, March 18 —Tho colonial dele gates to tho Imperial Conference have been elected honorary members of Carlton Club.

REPORT ON COLONIAL EX HIBITS

(SPECIAL CAULK.)

London, March 17

Tin; lollowing reports havo beon mado on culcnial exhibits at the recent Exhibition. Mr Foster, v mineral export, is of opinion that Now South Wales has the finest col" lection of coal, and the beet mining model. Mr T. N. Laslett, a timber expert, reports that Now South Wales and Victoria possess hard and heavy woods, suit able for enpineoring and architect's work, and also had a fair quan tity of timber, which would make good furniture. Ho considers South Australia and (Jureneland to havo but little timber suitablo for oxport. Of tho timbers of Western Australia, jrrrah, karri, and Hurt am tho moat likely to bo largely re quired for constructive purposes. He mentions kuuri, puriri, rata, rimu, and Lotaru as tho best of New Zealand woods Mcsrs Sewoll and Head, meat experts, say that iho colonial tinned meats are of excellent quality, and tho frozen moat id everything to bo desired. All the Ne.v Zealand and a few of tbe Australian sheon show equal to tho English sheep Tho ex hibits of the Sydney Moat Preserving Com pany and Messrs Walsh und Elliott are highly praised. Mr A. Huker, grain expert, considers tho progress of agriculture in Vie toria remarkable, and tho coreals dis played aro of a v t ry lino quality. Hero glutted that tho South Australian cereals wore so poorly represented. New Zealand grains, ho reports, aro of tho linost quality. The Chevalier barley brings enormous prices. Mo_ rs Andersou, machioery ex perts, report that Beard and Se_ one, Victorian strippers, and Stott nnd Sona' South Australian stump plough and cul tivators aro novoltios in England. Foster, the mineral expert, considers tho returns from tho Pand and Albion Consols tuitiee, Ballar.it, and Mount Morgan mino, tiuly phenomenal.

FIRE IN PITT-STREET

Narrow Escape

About ten minutes to twelvo last night; a lire occurred in tho grocery store of Mr J. Waring, at tho corner of West and Pitt streets. There wcro at tho time of tbe lire Mr Waring, hia son, and two daughters in tho house. The former was sleeping in tho front room on a sofa, and his son in the room abovo. Some persons passing by caw that (ho kitchon at tho back was on lire, and pro ceeded toaroueo tho inmates.Thia they suc ceeded in doing aftor a timo Tho flames mado rapid hoadway, and young Waring had a narrow escape. Confused when awakened by the smoko and noiso, he rushed to tho door and turned the handle, but tho outside knob fell on the ground, mid he determined to try tho window. Shouts from tbo street warned him the verandah was unsafe, and he made another effort through tho chokinc enioko to replace tho handle, a more difli cult thing than one might think at first, when a person is in an excited stato ; ho, however, was juat in time to savo him self and a pair of old trousers. His father was more lucky, and Bayed a bundle or so of things ; everything else perished in tho Haines, which rapidly spread. Some boys named I'etnr Mackay, \V. Farrel, and •lohn Farrel deserve notice for the way they worked on the neighbours' roofe, and kept them well damped with water.

THE STEAMER TRIUMPH.

No (>rouii. for Alarm

(l)Y TELKUItAI'H—OWN UOKFESPOJNDKNT.)

Chbistchurch, thia day. Sojiii inquiry was being made in shipping circles yostorday with regard to the pro. bable whereabouts of tho s,s. Triumph, which loft tho Bluff for London on (he 27th of January, and is now 50 days out. Tho talk seems to have been set going, so far as I can judge, from the fact that the vessel has not been re ported from Rio de Janeiro. I learn, however, aa tbo result of direct in quiry, that tbo Triumph's captain waa under instructions not to cable from Kio, but wait until he arrived at Madeira. As tho Triumph is a com pa. a tivoly slow boat, and would not bo pushed, it; is anticipated that her steaming same to Madiera would be about iifty«five days. There is, therefore, eveiy probability that in tho course of a few days the Triumph's arrival at Madeira will be duly announced.

Tauranga-Rotorua Railway.

(liV TELEUKAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Tauranga, this day. On tlit (hat a gentleman intimately con nected with the projected Tauranga- Rotorua Railway, now that the extension of time has been granted, is about to pro ceed Home to tix matters up and prevent any unnecessary loss of time.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE NEAR TAURANGA.

(UY TKLKCUAPII. —OWN CORRESfONDENT.)

Taoranga, this day. Yesterday, between h and 12 o'clock, a fire occurred at Harvoy and Kirk'? farm, about four miles from town, by which the dwelling-house, stable, barns, a quantity of machinery and soveral tons of oaten hay were destroyed. Tho slaughtor-houae was the only building that escaped. The loas exceeds £1,000. Thoro is a small inßurance of aboat £200 on the whole of the buildioga. Tho fire broke out in the hay loft, which was faatenod up and not accessible by any one. Two of the firm's employees were close to tho building when tho fire broke out. It ia believed to have been a case of spontaneous combustion. Much symp .thy ia expressed for the firm, as thay have been singularly unfortunate of late,, and wore amongst tho heaviest sufferers by the Tara wora oruption with their To Ngae property.

GOLD AT WAITOA.

A Promising Discovery

(BY TKLKdlWrll— OWN UOBBKSfONUKNT.)

Tk AitoiiA, this day. Tim iiilhiwiufp; leport respecting tho dis covery of an auriferous deposit nt Waitoa appears in yesterday's "Aiohu and Obiiic-

uiuri News" :-" Yesterday wo paid " visit to tho eslato of Mr ■!, 15. Smith, of Waitoa, and were shown the placo where a deposit of auriferous ore exists, from which tho following vory satisfactory results have boon ob tained :—Throe snihploa of the oro taken from tho outcrop by Mr Goorgo Wilson, Inspector of Mines, and by him forwarded to Mr H. 11. Adams, of Waiororif.'omai, for afsay, gave roturna aa follows : No I : Gold, 40/.s lOdwts: ailver, lOdwta por ton : value, £18 Is Oi per ton. No. 2 : Gold, 107, 12dwls ; silver, It/. G.lwtsper ton; valub, £0 13n tid per ton. No. 3 : Gold, 'JJwtß ; Bilver, 3dwts ; valuo, £1 10a Od per ton. An average aamplo of noarly o ton of the deposit was forwarded to Mr George Fraser, Auckland, for treatment lost wcok, and a telegram received last night stated the value of the bullion per ton to bo £1 13s. Tho above rcturna show that pos sibly a very valuable deposit of mineral wealth has been discovered; to what extent, however, romainß to be ascertained. It ap pears in the form of large bouldora many tons in weight of white cement composed r.f pumicoiia diift, mixed with Btnnll quartz crystals A a may be sup posed, having obtained such encouraging results, Mr Smith purpnsea to ut once take tho necessary steps to thoroughly prospect tho find, and we ;ehull have much pleasure in giving further particular at an cirly date.

PONSONBY CHORAL SOCIETY

Tiik first concert of the Ponsonby Choral Socioty for tho present aeaaon takes place on Monday ovening, in AH Saints' School room. Tho final rehearsal was hold last ovening, and may be said to have been vory successful, auguring well for tho concort. Mr Trimnoll oxpressnd himaolt as very well aatiefied with the tiliciency displayed by tho members. Tho principal subject for performance ia Haydn's "Creation," of which tho Ist and 2nd parte will bo given in their entirety, with the exception of threo iteme, Noe. 2G, 27, and 27a. The soloists havo beon selected entirely from among tho membera of the Socioty, the bolob boing widely distributed. The soprano soloa will be taken by Mrs Upton and Mrs Dacre, the tenor solos by Messre Barnes, Furbv and Searoll, while tho bass solos are apportioned botweon Messrs A. Brown, Smythe, Tibbs, and Carder. The acc.<mpaniment will be furnished by an orchortra of some twenty instrumentalists, comprising tho leading membera of tho late Orcheatrnl Socitty. The orches ra will also play Kos.pini's ever popular overture to "11 Birbioro. ' Tho remaining items on tho programme are a part song by Leslie, und tbo prayer f.om •' Mose in Egitt"." Tbo performers are expected to number about 70 persons, the chorus comprising some SO voices, with an orchostra of 20 As this is tho first concert given by the Socioty undor tho conductor ship of Mr Trimnoll, the ovont is looked forward to with considerable interoct by (he musical portion of tho community. Tho performance is open only to members of tbo .Society (pelforming and subscribing) and their friend", of whom there aro a sufficient numbor to comfortably fill tho ball.

THE CIRCUS AND THE JAPS.

Tins combinod show haa evidently taken the public completely by storm. Last

night thoro was again a crowded attendance, and the features of intorost in tho .lapancao Village, as well as tho more sousutional per formances within the circus onclosuro, woro highly appreciated. Tho matinee thia afternoon ia likewise well attended, nnd a bumpor "house" soems <pafoly assured for tho performance to night.

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

CITY GUARDS.

Tho annual mooting of tho Auckland City , Guards .as held last ovening in the Drill , shed, Captain Waddel presiding. Thoro was • a largo attendance of inembora. The annual 1 report wa3 presented by Sergeant Phillips, ' Sccretiry, and showed that, with tho ex ception of tho money owing to Major Isaacs, tho Company was in a vory good financial i position. After paying all debts incurred • since Captain Waddel look command, tho total expenditure for tho year i amounted to only £33 ]2s, thus leaving a balance in bank of JCl'2li Sa. The receipts shown on tho balance.shoot amounted to DIGO for capitation. Tho adoption of tho rofiort and balance - shoot waa moved by Captain Wnddol and agreed to. Tho Go vernment rulea were read over, and tho financial clauses and thoso relating to hues were expunged. Some dis cussion took placo on the items in tho previous year's balance-sheet, and on tho motion of Sergeant Scott tho following were appointed as committee to examine tho balancosbeot, and compare tho items with tho vouchers :—Captain Waddol, Lieut. Shemilt, Sorgt. Boyd, Vols. Geddis and Blair, the Secretary and the mover. It was stated that no disbursement of tho amount in tho bank would bo made till tho report was received. A finance committee was appointed consisting of Captain Waddel, Lieuts. Dormor and Shemolt, Sergta. Stirling and Boyd, Vole. Geddis and Tiernoy. and the "Secretary, Sergt, T. Phillips was unanimously re-elected Secretary, and Volunteers J. Scott and Blair auditors. The Shooting Com mittee waa also appointed, consisting of Sergts. Sterling, Soall, Scott, and Corporal Taylor. Volunteer Blair denounced tho substitution of the present battalion parades for the old useful weekly drills. Now, he said, the mon woro simply taught to wheel into line and form quarter column on No. I, movemonis that any achool children could petform, while the more important brunches of inatruction were neglected. Capt. Waddel hoped the Volunteer in question did not wish to have them put under arrest, and after several other remarks tho matter dropped. It was stated that thoro wore vacancies for some additional members, <,iii.l that next month was the month proscribed by the regulation for enrolment. Tho question waa aEkod if anything further was known about the camp arrangements, aDd the Chairman said, from the last he beard, there was not likely to be much trouble about the camp, judging from the number of Volunteers put under arrest. A vote of thanks was passed to the Secrefary for the i clear and explicit balance-sheet presented, and Sergeant Lean congratulated tho mem bera on the fact that tho nflairs of tho Com ' pany were now being plated in something i like order. A vote of thank.- i-, thi Chair- ' man terminated the procoedinga,

The members of No. '2 Battalion j ■■» notified of parade on the evening of Tuesday next.

Tho usuul service of sacred music will bo given to morrow afternoon at Mr Pooley's Teaching Chambers at half-pact three, and the list of music is excellent. It includes a soprano polo with violin obligate "La Serena'a," by Rraga, and a tenor solo, "O Salutaiia," by Mallei, ai'o tbe cuntirlos, an anthem, nnd thieo bymoa from " Hymns Ancient aud Modern." Lamb's Porridge Meal is the food for children: H oreates bone and.muscle, ajid is a I cure for dyeppp.ia in adults. No family ehouhl bo without it for porridge, It also makes a superior brown bread. '

FATAL POISONING CASE IN A BROTHEL.

"Rough tin Rats" A«ain.

About 2.30 o'clock yesterday alterii6on tt lad named Robert Johnston accoste. Conetable Keaney, who waa on duty in Queen-atroet, and told him that a man bad poisoned himself in Grey-street. The constablo accompanied the lad to a cottage in a little alley off Grey-street, near Clifton House. Here he found a young man named William Ayrea lying on the floor of the front room upstairs. Betideb him, in a half-drunken condition, waa a well-known prostitute named Ellen McGarry. In the came room alao was a young girl, who, on seeing the uniform, hastily dr°w some scanty raiment around her to hide her nakednesa. There was every evidence that the houso was a brothel of an exceedingly low type. Both Ayres and the girls at first denied that he had taken anything, but Bubaequently he admitted that he had taken _,_. „ ' ROUGH ON BATS.''

Conßtable Keaney then sent for Sergeant McMabon, who also called for Dr. fonnent. Upon hearing that tho man's Damo waa Ayros.Dr.Tcunont, knowing that his parents resided in tho lane at tho rear of Hewn; s Buildings, ran round, thinking that the _ n would be at home. Upon learning hia mistake, he told Mrs Ayroa the sad newA ami she at onco accompanied b m to the house where her sou had poisoned himself. Upon arriving at the house Dr. Tennei.t found tho patient in « very exhausted con diiion, and ill a no mi-comatose state, ap parently half dozed. A mug containing coffee was King alongside of him, and on tho floor was iluid mutter, evidently vomited by tho man. A woman and a girl were also in I ho room. Thodoetorexamiiied tho patient, and found the pupils of his eyo very widely dilated, tho pulso feeble, and every symp tom that the man was in a critical condi tion. Upon questioning Ayree, Dr Tennent elicited tbe infoimation that ho had taken about half an ounce of " Rough on Rata" about II o'clock in the morn ing. Aa it was then nearly 3 o flock, i Dr. Tennent recognisod the danger of delay, and at ouoo ordered the re i mov'al of the patient to the Hospital Constable Keaney accordingly procured a cab, and uoon offbring to assist the man, Ay res shook oil'his arm, und said, "I can walk all right." Ho then wulkod to the cab, wh _ eupon Mrs Ayroa commencedscreaming violently at tho evident danger in which her aon was. Upon arrival at tbe j Hoapl'al, Ayrea also walked out of tho cab unassisted into tho ward The House Surgeon sad that after such a lapse of time it was all the more difficult to stay tbo ' effects of tho poison. Ho, however, took tho neces'ary steps, administering emetics i and using tho stomach pump, but all to no purpofo, for the man died about midnight I CULPABLE NEGLIGENCE.

From the statements of tho women who witnessed the occurrence, it ia ovident that much valuable time was wasted owing to tho girls not taking p the trouble to forward information to i the police, cr obtain medical osfietance until neaily three hours after tho poison had been taken. A woman named Mrs I Bridgot Amelia Johnaton did attempt to save Ayrea by administering as an emetic | salt and wator. She also gave him strong cof_o.iu thehopss of it acting as an antidote i ThU it waa that caused him to vomit on the j floor of the room. Mrs Johnaton, upon see- I ing tint the man waa rapidly getting worse, ! sent her son Pobert to inform the police. i Ayros admitted that ho had taken a small i quantity of poison, but gave no reason for j hia having done so. He aleo stated that he ! hat purchased the box of Kough on Kuts at Henderson's, the chemist, at the foot of Grey-street. Apparently after purchasing the poison he went direct to the brothel, which he was in the habit of frequenting. The house was kept by a very dissolute young woman named Ellen McGarry. A girl named Mary Letts, aged 14, who also live? in the houso, states that when Ayreß came into tho houso sho anatched tho box of poison out of hia hands and tlirc-v it into (ho fire. If thi? sta(ement it to bo depended upon, it would seem as though he had tnken a dose before hoentoici the house. Bsf ore loaving the promises Constable Keaney secure''the lid of the "Kough on R. 8" box, nnd Dr Tennent scraped (ho ashea out. of the fire, and ulso took up a smill quantity of tho fluid matter on tho lluor, which ho handed ovGr to Sergeant Mahon. A DEN OF INFAMY.

Tho house in which Ayrea waß found is one of thoso infamous dene which dis grace our presumably civili?cd community. In tho house waa scarcely any furniture, and tho room ia which tbe rie<ui nod was found only boasted a few rags. Deceaien was only 20 years old. An inquest commenced at 2 _) o'clock this aftercoon at tho District Hospital, Dr. I'hilson officiating as coronor.

LATEST CABLES.

(special message.)

The Suspension of the Governor of Mauritius.

London, March IS.—The Colonial Office has had under consideration the report presoniod by Sir Hercules Robinaon, Go vernor of Cape Colony, who was eont to Mauritius a? Special Cora miaeinuer, to in quire into the distentions betweon Pope Hennessey, Governor, and Mr Clifford Lloyd, Lieutenant-Governor of that island, Tbe decision arrived at is that Governor Hennnessy's suspension must ba confirmed, as in view of the irritated state of public feeling at Mauritius, and tbo improbability of hie resumption of the governorship boing acceptable to tho inhabitants, it is better

for him not to return to tho colony,

MR GLADSTONE ON THE IRISH QUESTION.

In his speech at tho dinner of tho Liberal Club, Mr Gladstone dealt especially with the divisidh of tjio Liberal party on the Irish question. He paid that in the un settled state of affaire, any important legislation in tho intoresfs of Ireland was impossible. The demand for local Govern ment was quite reasonable.

Mr Clark, Solicitor-General, speaking at another meeting, said tho proposals of the Government were adequate to meet the necessities of Ireland.

Queensland Floods.

Brisbane, this day,

Further floods have taken place to the north of this colony. Two mon have been drowned by inundation. Extraordinary meteorites. Melbourne, March 19.—Meteorites of extraordinary sine wero seen on Thursday throughout the western dietrict of Victoria. Meteorites wero also obsorved in Mel bourne extending as far as the South Aus tralian border. They wore accompanied by oarth tremors. Sydney, Saturday. — H.M.S. Nelson arrived this morning.

HON. MR TOLE'S ILLNESS.

|uv telegraph.—own correspondent ]

Wellington, this day. Mr Toll's friends aro considerably exer cised over the effects of his recent accident.

His foot ia veiy much inflamed, aud at times he suileis grout pain. Ho will not be able to resume his duties for threo or four weeks yot.

The buy John 3. Larder, who was thrown from his horse yeßterday in Symonds street, ; .ill remains in a ethical condition, j., At the K.M. Court tbe case of King, arid oth. is against Potter was resumed to-day. when His Honour found for the plaintiff 1 _ 11 4s, coets, £3 Hi. The residence of lir. Wilkins had a narrow escape from fire last nighr. The doctor Bttttes that hearing a cat about hia ' prern.es he proceeded to ririva it away, i Pussy got excited and rnmlo a dash n(. tie' loiiip, which waa overturned and buist. The roam was soon all in flavins hut wis was spedily extinguished, Plizes won at the Judge's Bay Regatta were paid over by M r Cozens at St Stephen's Paraell bchool la=t evening.

FOUND DEAD.

Oeokok Hakt, a carter, living in Bruns wick-street, and employed by Mr Butcher, forwarding agent, reported to the police at & art this CJorninjt that as he was going intff M* But offer's yard, in Napier street, at v 5.45 am , to attend to tbe hor see he found lying there the dead body oi a man, Gonstabie Bernard, on receiving this infor- . matron, at once proceeded to the yard, \ which is open to tbe street, and found in t. tho place indicated a man lying on hia face, and quite dead. The body was cold, and ' the left side of ths* face and neck was diecoloured. The left arm waa bent under the body, and the right arm was stretched out at length. There were rfo marks of violence visible. Deceased had evidently died from suffocation or from a fit, his mouth and nose being embedded in the earth. As his identity is so far unknown, we give the following des cription :—age about 26 or 28 years ; height sft 7 or 8 inches; medium build ; brown ' hair, cleanly shaven face excepting a small moustache. Doceased has the appearanca of a buehman, tho body dressed iv a dark sac coat, brown tweed trousers and vest, and a hard black folt hat which is broken in the crown, and has a piece of brown j>q_or pasted inaido, olasfic si-Jo boots noon tho feet. Tho proporly found on tbo body ctnx ai_ « of i coloured silk handkerchief, £1 nolo, one penny, pipe, matches, knife. The romuina were removed to the morguu.

ACCIDENT TO LIEUTENANT BOYES.

&:. tho jiiunaco of Hie Auckland Navalu was procooding to tho Thauits on Weduoa d.iyovening.baviogon board a numberof the Waitomata Naval-, an unpleasant accident occurred. It appears that the Company were going on a ploasure excursion to the Tb;tmes with the object of witneasinn the rogatta. Lioutonaots Keesing and Boyes were in command. When the pinnace got off Waiheko Island, Lieutenant Boyes stopped on to the quarter-deck. At the same moment the beam "jibed," and Bwoeping athwart, the vessel knocked him overboard. The pinnace was imme diately brought to, and tbo dingy lowered. After being about four min utes in the water 1 ieuteu ant Boyes wag roEcued from his dangerous predicament. Ho wae heavily handicapped while in the water, owing to tbe fact that he was in uniform and waa also encumbered with a greatcoat. When the dingy returned to tho pinnace ill fortune still attended the lieutenant, for in getting him over the gun walojhe most unfortunately glippedand broke one of bis riba. Upon arriving at the Thames he wout to a doctor, who eet the fractured bone. He (hen returned to Auck land by the steamer last night. The pin nace arrived about 7.30 this morning.

THE GOVERNMENT POLICY.

Kills Prepared lor Introduction.

(BY IKLEOKAPH— OWN UOKUESrONDKNT.)

Wellington, this day. • Thk Legialalivo Council Keform Bill ie not likely to bo carried beyond the second read ing in the coming session, the object being chiefly to place it before the country during the general election.

Tbe Criminal Code Bill will be again in troduced, but in case little progress should be made with it, Mr Tolo will substitute a short alternative bill embodying the niOßt urgently needed criminal reforms, chiefly those relating to protection of children and young girls from aaeaultß, and raising the age of consent, which is expected to be fixed at 16.

According to the "Times," the bill to be introduced providing for the resumption of private lands for purposes of genuine settlement will empower the colony to ex propriate private freeholds only in par ticular circumatances,and within prescribed limits. It ia said that in cases where a land-owner is mortgaged "up to his oyee," and has no proapect of being able to free himself, the measure will enable the Government to take over the land with his consent, to release its mortgage, and then open it up for settlement on perpetual lease, thus bringing it into actual use in stead of its being left to lie useless and un rcproductivo for years. It is held that this will relieve many an overburdened landed proprietor, while bringing under settlement i wide area of excellent land, suitable for tbo maintenance of aa industrial popula tion.

LATEST SPORTING.

Major George returns to Sydney on Tues day next, With reference to the rumour that baa been going abroad to the effect that Neleon has been sold, I learn, on the beat authority, that there ia no truth in the statement. Cutte is in New Zealand, but \V. Brown has charge of the great son of King Cole, and is attending to his prepara tion for the big Sydney meeting. Hippona, (reuters telegbam.) Sydney, this day The hotting market is very quiet Nelson remains favourite for the Gold Cup at 5 to 1.

Taranaki J C. Autumn Meeting.

(EV TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Mr J. O. Evitt has declared the following weights for the Taranaki Autumn Meeting:

Steeplechase.- Peter Osbock, list 101b; Owhaoko, list ; Wideawake, lOst 7lb ; Volcano, lOst 51b ; Bluebell, lOat; Rowdy, lOst; Landeeor, 9st; Maminea, 7-t; Auctionoor, 9at.

Jockey Club Handicap (2 miles)—Posha, 9at 41b ; Waitiri, Sat 131b; ligredia, Sst !)lb ; Pearl, Sst Sib; Laurel, 7st 111b; Cinderella, 7st 101b ; British Lion, 7st 81b j Victory, 7et 71b ; Rivulet, 7st 51b; Cre morno, 7st lib ; Aiuiourer, 7st; Fardingale, 6st 111b ; Goth, list; Juliet, 6st.

Welter Handicap (I mile). - Cinderella, Hat 71b; Peter O beck, lOst 71b; Ar mourer, lOstSlb ; i _ldy Vuille, lOat; Ger maine. Oat 121b ; Governor, 9st 71; Goth, Sst _71b ; Emmet, Sat 41b ; Rimu, Bst; Artist, Bst; Swordsman, Sit; Antelope.Sst. Flying Haki>icap(6 furlongs)— Mitrai lleuse, 9st 121b; i'asha, 9st 6lb; Pearl, 9at 41b; Tigredia, 8 _ 12ib ; Cinderella, Sst Illb ; Strenu .us, 7st 131b ; Teddy Yuillo, 7st 121b ; British Lion, 7st 10,b; Victory, Sit 91b; Cremorno, 7at 71b; Rivulet, 7st Cib ; Capella, 7at 41b, Par venu, 7at; Hagar, (i-t 7 lbs ; Rimu, Oat 51b ; Rufus, b'.-t: Prospero, 6st; Virginia, 6st; Juliet, 6st; Arti*r, (jat; Swordsman, 6st.

Hcrole Race (2 miles).—Peter Osbeck, list 101b; O. haoko, list 101b; Volcano, list; Bluebell, lOst; Germaine, lOst; Wideawake, 10_; Rowdy, Oat I21b; Jubilee, 9st; Muinioga, 9st; Laudseer, Bst 71b ; Auctioneer, Sst 7lb ; Artist, Sst 71b.

OTAHUHU R.C. AUTUMN MEET ING.

The following are the entries and accep tances for the Ulahuhu Autumn Meeting, to be hold on Saturday, March 26tb, 18S7 :-

Otahuhu Racing Club Handicap, 1J Miloß.—Reproach, 6st ; Ma Petite Fille, bat 131b ; Orphan, No 2, 7st; Lioness, (ist 91b ; Victoria, S3t 12lb ; Snake, Bst 21b ; Pretender, Bst; The < 'at, 6at 91b ; Empress, 6at Sib; Highland Mary, 6st Sib.

Railway Plate Handicap, 1 Mile,— Reproach, Hit 61b ; Pink Rose, 6st; Okato, 7st; Tupaki, Gat; Orphan, No. 2, 7st 31b.; Brown Rose, 7st4tb ; Catoeby, 7st; Lioness, list 121b ; Victoria, Bst 121b ; Pretender, Bst 21b ; Luna, 6st 51b ; Emi resa, 7st, Selling Handicap Pony Bace, 1 mile.— Mignonette, lOst; Little Nell, Bst 121b ; Little Mary, 7st 131b ; Sandfly, 7st 131b; Ruby, 7st 91b ; Black Joe, 7st 71b ; Sally, 7st 71b ; Violet, 7st; Fanny Fisher, 7st Handicap Hordle Race, If Miles.—Guy Fuwkes, llßt 3ib ; Omata, lOst 111b Knwdy, 9st 71b ; Fairplay, 9 t 1011»; Pipi, lOat; Minuet, 9st9lb ; Larrikin, No. 2, 9_ ; Investment, 9st; Auctioneer, 9st. Handicap Steeplechase, 3 miles.—Guy Fawkes, 11st 61b; New Year, 10 _ 91b; Omata. lOst 61b ; Fairplay, lOst; Rowdy, lOat; Larrikin, No. 2, 9st 71b ; Larrikin. Maiden Plate, 1J Miles.—Torori, Torori, Guy Fawkes, Tupaki, Smike, Kate, Tamora. Kaiwaka, Comet, Larrikin (No. 2), Empress, Dorenda, Larrikin. Selling Hack Bace, I Mile). —Lazarus, St. David, Blackthorn, Pau ins, Smike t Kate Hotspur, Barney, Comet, Little Nell, Contractor, Minuet, Kaiwaka.

THE ATTCKLAtfD KVENING STAR. SATURDAY, MARCH 19. 1887

2



SPECIALLY CHEAP LINES AT GOOIISON'B L_ONDON AttCADE. Squires c:_ sheetr) good Cream Kuled Not« Paper (or 0.1; Unvelones to maton. fid perlOO; Kan de Cologne, 23 bottle for Is, or 53 61 bottle tor 3s6d ; Toilet Vinegar, _ 8d bottle for 2s, or la smaller size; Dinner ceru (18 pieces), hand some patterns, 23s ; Tea Sets (10 pieces), china, handsomely stilt, 12b Gd the set; Breakfast Sets, china and gilt, 1. ; Dessert Sets, l. ; Chamber Sets, handsome patterns, 12s £d; Toilet Sets, 3b 6d; elegant Cut-glass Scent Bottles, niokel Bilver tops, 1b 6d; Sterling Sliver Jewellery, marvellously cheap; Nickel Silver Clocks, good Ume-keepsra, 6s each; Whlte-hardie Table Knives, rivettod. la ttl tin j-dozen; Whits •■ handle tlessert Knlvos. rlvettcd. _ Ud tho J V dozen ; Black bandlo Knlvos and Furks.strong I at_.3ood, 3a Uio _ d.._.n pairo ; Bread Knives. 8d each; Toys tu-.ridl_4 rarioi.y arranged on etuli---3.', til; eel In each article and up watds. Hot Birthday, Wcdalcg, or any Pro sents, so place in Aucklanl like the London j 1 Aiottde (or Vartsty end Cheapness. Price list t 1 ___\_____H_i_&__ Address; GOODSON3 I - if ?H™__B. A£ B- 2 _> QmwAm* (opposite I . MoAithur'n Warehouse.) V ... ■



IW-OTIOB Ot REMOVAL. W. B. MELDRUM, TAILOR. v'/ishos to Inform his numerous Mends »nd ons t.unora thai ho has REMOVED to those more , Jentral ant Spacious Premises adjoining W. 1 Norrle,. SHORTLAND-BT_J3_T, And bogs to solicit a oontinuanoo of put patron , igo by all old and new patrons. [ Suits ibom £3 16i, i All Work done In Flrst-olass Style. N. B. -In ttendanae WsDNsataT and SxVun. day Nights till 8 o'olook. 1. 1 r r > ~ s i t i i ! 3 , SPECIAL PRICES, TO MEET THE TIMES. " MILNE AXD CHOYCE 9 Bag to Noilly that lliry havo made T AKOE pEP.MANENT 1> EDUCTIONS \ , In the Prices ot their LADIE. AND CHILDREN'S UNDER CLOTHING AND BABY LINtN. Theeo Goods are impoitod from the Largest nnd Most Reliable Manufacture a In London, . and are guaranteed to bo Well inado and of Gcod Duality. As these Goods are now Marked at so Small a Profit, Larger Quantities are being Imported, In anticipation of a Greatly Increased Sale. INSPEOTION IS INVITED. I MILNB AND ChOVCE. QUEEN AND WELLEBLEY STREETS ] t 3 ) 1



MRS BUFTERW ORTH, MILLINER, 13 NOW SHOWING " NEW WINTER GOODS IN ALL THE NEWEST STYLES. MoARTHUR'S BUILDINGS, QUEEN-STBBET. AND KARANGAHAPE ROAD. A DAM. T AYBOUBN & /".0., AUCKLAND. NEW CLOVER ) Best English Seeds, from . James Carter & Co, NEW TURNIP) Tho Queen's Seedsmen. RYE GRASS, COOKBFOOT, and NATURAL GRASSES. All new Seeds. Fencing Wire at Reduced Prices. Ifl O R SALE, The following EXTRAORDINARY BAR -1 GAINS at FERNANDEZ'S. Newton :-l case ot Men's Real Pith Relraets, Za M each, honestly worth 10b ; Men's Sarvioable Dark Tweed Suits (complete!, for 15a, reduced from SSs. Men's Strong Working Shirts with Collars, is 6d each, usual price, 2s 6d. Coloured Moleskin Trousers for working I men, 3s lid a pair; Good Quality Large White Blankets. Is lid eaob, worth 7s 6d ; 10 dozen Boys' Black Felt Bats, Is each, former price 2b Also: £3,000 worth of General. Drapery and Clothing at a Reduction of from _ to 10s in the <3. The reason I am almost giving away my Goods is because I am trying to give up.—l, FERNANDEZ, Draper. Karangahape Road. " TX7OODEN legs are a boon," sighed il the languid man. who bore his anguish like a Spartan, amid the constant gnawings of a savaok corn which was aggra vated by the tension of a tight boot. " Yout misery Is self-inflicted and well-merited,'' said bis companion, "It you neglect the remedy science has provided for your relief." " What remedy do you mean 1 I have little faith In medicine." " Well, sceptios should suffer 1 but pity Impels me to tell you that Aickin's Corn Cube will give you immediate belief. Inqulrs ' at The Pharmacy; the piioe Is Is 6d per bottle." THIRTY THOUSAND YARDS or T^RESS TAJATERIAL, To be sold AT GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. H, ATKINS HAS MARKED DOWN THE PRICES or SUMMER DRESS MATERIAL 20 to 30 peb Cbnt. There Is a Splendid Stock still left to select from, and the Reductions will be found to be Genuine. BLACK and COLOURED SILKS will also be sold at a Reduction in Price. A Few Pieces of Magnificent Quality BLACK SILKS, to be Bold at English Prices. An Overstock of UMBRELLAS. SUNSHADES, etc, to be sold Cheap. The Balance of CARPETS (about 1,500 yards) to be oleared at coat and under. A Laree Stock of LONG CURTAINS, TABLE LINEN. BHEETING. BLANKETS; QUILTS, and MANCHESTER GOODS. Best valne in Auckland. A Splendid Stock of X AIAPOI CLOTHING, In Boj>\ Youths', and Men's; Splendid Value: Cheaper than Imported Clothing. MEN'S MERCERY, SHIBTS, BCARFS. UMBRELLAS, tea, ALL GOODS TO BE SOLD AT PRICES TO MEET THE TIMES. .AH. A T~K~I KB. I



All thopo desirous of obtaining borne beautiful firni ureaud works of art should attend (ho sain 0.1 tho premises of M-ssrs 11 naldson and Tlhhoii. ThHiiirß B(illrtiiii;B Kyber Pasn Hrsil ~! ir tho owner nf ijymonrl.-n.roei. Tim ,»i,_j l-ki sple^on Monday, at 11 o'elook. all with out rcs_ve to close up partnershln n mount nnd must be cleared, Mr Gabriel Lewis ia tbe 'auc tioneer. W, H. Ho3kins and Co., Boot Manufac turers. Union and Nelson streets. Auckland Quality and cheapness combined. Storekeeper ' a ud uettleifl please note.-[ADTT.]



U llson m Fori land Cement is sold in b»g. Two csrs r.qna.'. ono eaeb Any ouautiry can bo' had. in p.-oof or qutdity. ihi Uovei nicest authorise ,v ÜBB ou ,j, clr wor iig. Wilson's H drdulic Lim-) !-■ unequalhd. Concrete foun daiijoo lankp, flut. . paths, etc. are cheap. Information free.-J. Wileoa _ Co., Customs-si. West. Auckland, manufacture, of Wilson's Portland Cement and Hydraulic Lime,-[A&7T_