COMING EVENTS.

iacctlnss, etc., To-nlgHt. Ab.itl'H-ln '-a Uouao-Willl amson. Girner end Mu-« v, e'a (J-iiua .1 io ".lim. tho Penman, 8. Ueligfoui Meeting in th? Tent on Surrey Hills l.alnto. Ponsoabj Ito .d, 7 30. 0.-ill D-vonport, Ponsonby. oni Waitemat- Naval Artillery, 7.30. Prlnci of VValea Hotel—Annual Mooting of Nelso i Footb .11 Club. 7.50. V.M.C.A. Roj.is-.'clwyn Football Club, 7 30.

Rota of Justices at tho Police Court. April 2 -H. Brett and F. O. Clayt.n.

Auction Sales Tomorrow. 1) F. Kvar.s, Devonport—Household Furniture and Klfects, Poultry, &:, 1.

Chief Post-office, Auckland

E_ ajLS will closk as undkh :—

Tkih DAT. For Thames, per Knrorpris., at 4 p.m. For Whitianga, Gum Town, Uppor Mill, and

Talma, per lona, at _ pro. For TatiraDga anil Opoiiki, per Clanßman, at 5

For Whangarol Heads, Parna. Waipu, Whan- Karei, Kamo, and Mangapai, per Wellington, at 5 p.m. Saturday. April 2. For ICatikati, Aongatete, Taurang*.andOpotlkl, via Thames, per Kotomahana. at 6 30 a.m. "nr fri-raca. tier Rotomahan.. at T a ic. F >r Westport, prr Malcal. at 11 a.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Fiji, et.., per AraTraCa. at 5 p.m. Monday, Apdl 4. For Putl„l and Coromandel. per Coromandel at U-UO am. For i.ew Pijitionth, and Southern ports, per Macgregor, at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, April 5. For Greymouth, per Herald, at I v m. For United Kingdom, oto , via Rio do Janicro and PI j mouth (por Kalkeura, froii Welling ton on April 7) per Penguin at 12.30 p.m. For money orders, registered letters and nws- o papers at 11.30 am. Late lotters at 1 p.m. _,'ibia MaU wilt bo duo at Plymouth oalOth May For Australian Colonies, per Z.alandla, im mediately afier arrival from Honolulu. For Taranaki and Southern rorta, n*?r Penguin, im nedlatjly after arrival of Zealandi.. (Signed) S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-office. An_kland.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Suhsw.—This evonlng, 551, cl'NKlse.—To-morrow morning, fi 19

HIGH WATER.

Auckland — This eve-log, — ; to-morrow marning. 0 22. Masukau Heads—to-morrow morning, 2.42 ; tc-morraw afternoon. 3.2. Kaipara Heads-To-morrow morning, 3J'_ ; to morrow aft.mo_n. i 2.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENINO. Wellington, s ?., Stephenson, from Whangarcl lona, s.s., Amodfio. from Barrier Clansman, 8.5., Farquhar, from Russell TO DAY. Orpheus, sob.. McGnerney, from Gisborne Nanna, barque, from Java Buster, schooner, from a cruise Daisy, schsoner, from Whangaroa

DEPARTURES.

-AST EVENING. Douglas. 9.8- Austin, for Opotiki Mail?, s:h,. Lane, for Tonga.

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Coromandel, from Coromflndel, Saturday. 5 p.m. towmahana, from Thames, to-day, 3 pm. lona, from Mercury B ly, Saturday night Clansman, from Tauranga. Sunday, early Zealandla, from San Francißoo. due Saturday Arawa, from Fljrnouth. April 10 Msitai. from Westport. due P >nmiin (at Onehunea). from South. Saturday Wellington, from Whangarol. \ 'onday night Waita-i, from Gisborne. Monday Herald, from Greymouth, Sandfly

IMPORTS.

Por Buster—lo tons copra. Thn r s. Janet Niooll will leave for the South S;a Islands on Wednesday next. The s.b. K-wathi arrived at Westport, from Auckland, at 1 p.m. yesterday. The brlgantine Sarah and Mary goes from this port to Kaipara to load for Dunedln. The barque Laira and brlgnntine Ika Vnka wore docked this morning for oleaning. The schooner L'lian entered outwards at tho Customs to day for Rarotonga. Tbe R.M S. Z .alandia will probably arrive from San Fracciaco to-morrow afcernoon or evening. The schooror Mailnlcft for Tonga latt even- In. with general cargo and the following pa?Bengors:—Meßtra J. Parsons, Young, snd A. Wright.

A barque inward bound passed Tiri'irl this moral, g, and shortly afterward, pissod out of Bight. She was prob-bly the Klilarney, from Melbourao. bound for tbe Thames.

The schooner Orpheus arrived from Gisborne this moraine:, with gross sped and tallow, and berthed at Qunin-st-eet Wharf. Sho loft Gis borne on the 22nd ultimo, and had light weather on the voyage.

Thes.p. lona returned from Barrier at nn early hour this morning, and berthed at the Railway Wharf. Passen-crs: Mrs and Mi~j_ Martin. Master Martin. Messrs Flynn, Reed, Revill, and Smith.

The s.B. Wellington, which arrived from wnangarei last evening, brought the following passengers :—Saloon: Messiß Harp, Humphrey's Collie, Lewis, Carter. McLean. Roose, Sargeant. Purchase, Henry, Taylor, Carter, Aubry. Woyte. Marshall. Masters Hodgo, Aubry |2i, Mesdaraes Mead. Dalton, Boyd. Carter, Matson, Mlbspb McKcnzlo, Sutherland, Smith, Mears, Hayes, and 9 in the steerage.

The s.s. Clansm.n arrived from Russell. Whangaroa early this morning, with the follow ing passengers :—Messrs Heyland. Jarvey. Mc- Kenzie, Gibbs, Atkinson. Brown, Cooke, Hobbs, M.H.R., Revs. Marshsll, Blrkes. Mesdames Marshall, Atkinson, McGllp and family. Mies Atkinson, Mr W. Stewart, Misses Wilkinson, Rhodes. Captain Hurley. Mr and Mra Williams, Mr and Mra Hayo and child, Mrs and Mlbs Bigg, Mr Whitaker, Mr and Mrs Jones and children (). I_isa Pickmere, and Captain Built r.

NEW SCHOONER DAISY.

Another II jo addition to the Island trading 11 set of schooners satllng out of this port arrived In port from Whangaroa about midnight. We refer to the new schooner Daisy, built by Messrs Lane and Brown, and ohartered to Messrs McArthur and Co., of this port The Daißj; in many respects resembles the Cygnet ond OUve. previously turned out by the same hVm, and promises to bo a most useful craft in tho trade for whlrh Bhe Is intended. She was laid down by th. builders "on spec.'' in August last, and was constructed on the following dimensions:—Length of keel. 61 feetßlnchea; beam, 10 feet; depth of hod, 7ft Bin. The builders comider tho new schooner an improve ment on their former eflorta as balng a better weight carrier and requiring only a small quan tity of ballast. She Is built of the beat material obtainable in the colony, end aU timber has been well seasoned. Tho Daisy was launched on the morning of the 21th in.t., when quite a 1 _*ge number of persons wero present at the shipbuilding yard. Whangaroa. The christen ing ceremony was neatly performed by Miss N. Fel', and the launoh was successful one in every respect. The Daisy, after taking in part cargo of timber, left Whangaroa an midnight on Tuesday last in charge of Mr H. Brown. Sho pxperienced light variable winds till off Point Rodney, and then got a light fair wiop which continued till arrival here at midnight of yesterday.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA

ARRIVAL..

Staffs, s.s.. Norbury, from Waltara Oreii, -.a, Robertson, from Hokianga

DEPARTURE.

Staff-, 8 s., Norbury, for Waltara. via Raglan and Kawhia

Tho ss. Staff-, from Wsi'ara. arrivid this m.rolng. She left a-aln at3o'clock for Wai tar-, via Raglan and Kawhia.

The s.b. Oreti arrived from Hokianga this morning.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING

Helensville. thi* day.—Towed to eea this morning: Xolaudo, for Sydney. Gisborne, March 31.—Arrived: Southern Ci 033. from Auckland. 2 pm. New Pltmouih, thia day.—Arrived : Mac gregor, frt m OnehuDga, 015 am. Wilu-otos, March 3L—Arrived: Kaikoura, from Port Chalmers, 7.30 p.m. Lyttelton. March3l.-SaUcd : Tarawera,f..r the Nortrt. Passengers:—For Auckland : Mrs Honmlr. Me era Hall, Lawson, Owen. Kaye. Bcttcrworth, Major Barrett. For Sydney: Rev. J. Ward; Stormy Petrel, for London. Port Chalmers, this day. — Arrived : Randolph, Herman barque, Captain Uradhez ing a'ter an uneventful passage ol 135 days from New York. Sho brioga 830 tons of general cargo, tbe greater portion ot which ia for Dun edin, aud the remainder for Aucklond. Melbourne,MarchSl.—Arrived: Wairarapa, from Bluff. Sydney, March 31.-Arrive 1: Walhora. from Auckland. Well'NGTon. Murch 31 —Sailed : Hurunui, ship, for London.

COMMERCIAL.

Even-NO Stab Office, this day. Mb Alkrkd Bcckland's Weekly KEronT. _-A.t the Haymarket horse sale oa Friday, 25th March, horse Btook were I i usual number, and aold freely, alihouzh theie was no improve ment in values Prices for useful drou.ht ranged from £7 10s to £14; a dray. £10 If.; spring cart, __:_. Fodder was lv n»ual supply and late values, rangi-g from Is 9a to 3s tho cwt Grain sold in quantity- malza, from 3s 64 to Ss 9d: oats. Is 101 to 2s 8d the bushel: chaff. £3 17b 61 to £410 i the ton; bran. Is 9d tbe cwt, At the hide, skin, and wool sale, on Tuesday, light hides were in better Inquiry, and heavy hides maintained their previous advance. Tal low, 10s ed to 15s cwt; pelts and skins. 9d to _s 8d each; wool, from 7d t. 7_dthelb. At the Pake-ohe cattle sale on Monday, March 28, fat cattle sold Iroely at fully Auokland prices. Calves and young cattle at moderate prices. Cows, from £3 to £i ouch. At Papakura on Wedoeslay, a full mujei of Bto'o cattle and flalry oows sold more ?r_ely than for several t months. Good dairy cattle and young steers I were In brisk demand. At Remuera on Thurs- I day, dairy cattle were in full number, and maln- I tamed tha Improved value ot last market. ■ Stores were numerous and without alteration

Increased Insurance Rates.

At a special meeting of the Fire Insurance Companies' Association held yesterday after noon in the oflice, Fort-street, it was unani mously resolved to raise the scale of rates for the Auckland district (including Iho city) by a uniform increase of'_.. per cent, all round. The reasons assigned for this step are tho unusually large number of fires which have occurred within the past year and the unremunerative character of the business that is being done. The following companies were represented at the meeting, viz., New Zealand, South British, National, Union, Imperial, Phoenix, Standard, Nor wich Union, Colonial, and North British and Mercantile. A further resolution was passed requesting the chairman to see the managers of the companies not represented at the meeting and secure their adhesion. We learn to-day that be has done so and that with the exception of one or two foreign (not English) companies he was successful in gaining the support of the non represented companies. Thus, very quietly, by the laying together of a dozen heads in a private office, without tho people atfected being consulted, or even permitted to heir tho reasons for the raid that is to be made upon their pockets, the wholo community is to bo taxed to the extent of several thousands a year more. Not a very long time ago the companies doing business in Auckland, by combination, raised tho rates consider ably. Thoy have found the trick answer so well that they think it may safely be repeated. Well, if tho business community of Auckland sit down under this additional tax without a murmur, wo shall be very much astonished.

Just think what this 25 per cent, actually means. For every pound a man has been in the habit of paying for insurance, he will havo to fork out 5s more. A man whose pre mium on dwelling was four pounds is calmly requested to pay five. If the City Council proposed to increase the taxation to such an extent, weeks would bo spent in its dis cussion, but a dozen insurance gentle men can settle the business ma few minutes without saying so much as "by your leave."

We are aware that the companies have had a very bad time of it lately, and we sympathise with them to a certain extent. But the proper remedy for their own heavy losses is not to punish the whole of their customers. They should meet the difficulty by exercising greater care. In times of commercial crisis the prudent business man is cautious in giving credit. Ho docs not try to meet depression by raising his prices. Competition would prevent him from doing that—the insurance companies overcome competition by combination. This is so serious a matter to the mer cantile interests that some practical step should be immediately adopted to bring it under review. The Gas Company met the discontent among their customers by inviting them to conic and reason together. Tho Insurance Companies will surely not be permitted to collect this tax without showing their customers that it is a just tax. Our Chamber of Commerce might very fitly take the initiative, unless insurance influences are too strongly re presented on its roll of membership to deal unsparingly and impartially with a mer cantile subject of the most vital importance to the whole community.

The Pacific Islands.

Attention is freshly directed to the im portant islands cf the South Pacific—at once by the presence in our harbour of the flag ship of the French Admiral of the Pacific Station, and by the interesting interview between a Ptaii reporter and Mr F. J. Muss on Island affairs which appears in this issue. Duriugan extended tour of thearchipelagoc that dot the great South Pacitic Ocean, Mr Moss has had many opportunities o getting information of a valuablo kind

in relation to trade affairs and political | movements in those isolated regions, and 1 there is food for solid reflection in his i'O- | marks. What ho say.'? about the bad name j which Now Zealand productions have got | in the Islands is but a repetition of what j lias been urged in these columns and else where on former occasions. Pity 'tis that i repeated complaints on that score should be j necessary, and that New Zealanders should j be found so unpatriotic as to ruin the ) prospects of a splendid commercial ) connection for the sako of a little . more immediate gain. That righteousness which exalteth a nation can in no way he j more practically shown than in supplying | an honest product at a fair price, and it says j little for us to find ourselves outstripped in tho 1 commonest forms of commercial honesty by the "cute American traders who have learned tho lesson that wooden nutmegs don't pay in the long run.

With all deference to Mr Moss, we think ho is wrong in his opinion of the advisability of forming a New Zealand Trading Com pany to monopolise the Island trade. On his own showing, the present system of free competition is ruining the commercial reputation of the colony, and it seems to us liiglily desirable that some new system should have a trial. That an attempt would be made to foist on a New Zealand Company all the " shaky " trading stations in the Pacific, is perfectly true, and no doubt Mr Moss has heard of somo trading companies who deeply lament to-day that New Zcaland ers did not lake up the scheme suggested somoyeorsago; btitthc commcrcialdelegatcs who visited the islands in the Janet Nicoll sounded a note of warning on that score, and there was never any real danger of Now Zealand being "sold." But tho day for 'forming such a company is rapidly passing away, and with it, we fear, will pass all hope of New Zealand obtaining the Island trade.

And this brings us to the political aspect of the question, which is closely interwoven with tho commercial. The Germans have "grabbed" a largo extent of territory in the South Pacific, and are vigorously col onising. Wherever they plant their trade, they establish intercourse with tho Father land, from which they draw their supplies of manufactured goods—oven to "lager bier " and " savor kratu." Tho French do tho same thing though in lesser degree, and France has also been showing activity of late in pushing her way in the Pacific. Mr Moss, indeed, accepts tho French annex ation of the New Hebrides as 1111 Jait accom pli. The Spaniards are nowmanifestingsonio interest in their Pacific possessions, and as Mr Moss points out, nearly the whole of tho South Sea Islands havo now been claimed by European I'owers. We arc reminded, however, that tho Cook and Austral Islands are still " unattached," and offer a very tempting liold for French annexation. Already tho French have taken Rnpa, Tubuai, and Raivavao, which belong to tho Austral < I roup, and in two other islands of that archipelago thoy have established important trading interests. England should without dolay at once annex tho Cook and Austral Islands. This is all tho more imperative becanso of a rumour that lias been spread in Auckland sitico tho arrival of tho Duqucsne, to the effect that tho French arc fortifying tho principal harbour of Rapa—tho little island that lies on the direct ocean route between Auckland and Panama. This may not be true, and it may prove that the importance of liapa has been over-estimated. The " Tahiti Annual." a French otlirial publication, says that the numerous bays which arc found on its coast arc shut in by crusts of coral reef, which render the approach difficult, and it further con veys tho impression that the best harbour is far inferior to that of Tahiti. But the moro fact of Franco holding such a commanding position, where an excellent harbour could be formed by tho expenditure of a littlo dynamite, makes it all tho more important that England should look after her own interests. If tho English Hag is not hoisted soon upon Hie Cook and Austral Islands, the result will be disastrous alike lo British political interests and New Zealand trade.

The Imperial Institute.

Tin; Imperial Instituto project, which Ilio Prince of Wales sot his heart upon as the national memorial of the Queen's Jubilee, has fallen rather fiat. The local bodies in England, as in the colonies, aro inclined to use " Jubilee " as a word to con jure subscriptions from reluctant donors towards pet local schemes which hang lire. The motto is—ono for the Queen and a score for ourselves. Now this is rather shabby treatmontof a move ment which was conceived in a noblo spirit. The Queen might have looked for somo magnificent present for herself. The pur ehu_o of the big South African diamond was mooted ; but instead of expressing a wish for any personal advantage, she has, through tho Heir Apparent, given her approval to the inauguration of an institution which will be of the greatest possible advantage io I lie British communities throughout the world. In the Imperial Institute it i« intended to secure the permanent and orderly represen tation of ali parts of tho Empire. Such a scheme ought, indeed, to command univer sal enthusiasm. Even on hard fiiiniici.il grounds the proposal may be commended. To excite greater interest in this scheme tho Government of New Zealand has now addressed to tho local bodies throughout tho colony the memorandum which is published on our fourth page to day. We hope it will he the means of dis seminating more intelligent views of tho objects contemplated in the Institute and excite a warmer interest in the success of this great national undertaking to celebrate Her Majesty's long and bouclicont reign.

All Fools' Day is ono of those times nnd seasons that would, porhaps, bo inoro honoured in tho broach than in tho obser vance ; yet children and childish people ap pear to be able to extract ploasure from tho occasion. At Opot ki a local joker has nicely hoaxed the whole community,includ ing the editor of tho local "Herald." Tho wag put a cunningly worded advortisomont in tho papor regarding the intended visit of a war-ship, and on the strength of that "stuffed" tho editor to the extent of in serting in his leading columns the following notice on Tuesday last:—"lt will be seen by advertisement in another column (hat 11. B. M man of-war Caractacu. now lying Wellington may be expected off the baron Friday morn ing next. The Caractacus, which has ro cently been added to tho Australian Squadron, will bo employed on a survf-y of tho Ea3t Coast and Bay of Plenty. On arrival here the Captain, with somo of the officers, sovoral boats' crows, including ono torpedo boat and steam launch, and about ono hundred and fifty blue-jackets, will run up tho river and land on the wharf at about Sam. We trust that tho Public Bodies and inhabitants generally will turn out and give those distinguished visitors a hearty welcome. Tho Caractacus pes.esses a splendid braes band, and it will bo quite a novelty to havo our streets once moro resound to the strains of martial music, as it is over twenty years since a man-o-war last anchored in these waters. Those wh. have got buggies and aaddlo horses should have them in readiness, as the vi-itors will pro bably like a ride or drive up somo of our beautiful valleys. If tho bar is smooth and safe for small boats to cross, tio Caractacus will bo open to visitors from 9 a.m to 2 p.m." The disgust of the crowd who dcubtle.s turned out this morning to witness that noble war ship's arrival and iiear tho strains of martial music may bo imagined. The editor is probobly by this time ileoing up somo of tho " beautiful valleys " with martial but unmusical strains in his rear.

Admiral do Saint Hilairo, Commandant Fournier, and tho officers of the Duqucsne wero entertained at dinner last night by tho member, of tho Northern Club. Mr R. C. l.arstow occupied tho chair, suppjrted on the right by the Admiral, and on tho left by His Worship the Mayor (Mr Dovore). Aftor dinner, the toasts of "The Queen," " The French Republic," and "Admiral do Saint Hilaire" woro proposed from tho chair and duly honoured. In proposing tho last named toast, tbo Chairman remarked that tho name of St Bilaire, of which tho Admiral was so distinguished a representa tive, was emblnzined in history, in politics, and in war. Captain Daveney proposed the toastof "Captain Fournierandofficersof tho Duquc-sne," which was duly acknowledged, and Captain Fournier, in a neat speech, proposed "The Health of His Worship tho Mayor," who appropriately responded. Tho remainder of the evening was givon over io conviviality. The band of tbo Du quesne, under M. Deshayes, executed a number of musical selections in the ante room during the evening. Before the officers left, tho Admiral gave a cordial in vitation to the members of the Northern Club and tho Mayor, with their wives, to visit tho Cuquesne to-morrow afternoon at i thrco o'clock.

Toe convors.-toii- in co.-uccliuu with tho united Temperance Societies will tsko p'a'ca in the City Hall on Tuesday next, April the sth, and not on Monday, the 4th', as previously atated.

There is no truth in the report that the North Shore Rowing Club had proposed to tho Waitemata Boating Club to send a joint whalobont crew to represent.Auckland at tho Nelson Regatta. So far/from sending a joint crew, each club thinks, ilself quite capable of sending a crew on Us own ac count good enough to meet any crow in tho South.

The following programme will bo per formed by the Artillery Band to-morrow nftornoon in tho Western Park ;—Grand march, "Hector" (M. Seaman); valse, " Happy Gatherings" (Bathye); grand selection, " Ilonaria" (Smith); polka, "Paul and Virginia" (H. Round); fan tasia, " Evening Revels " (C. Richards); quadrille, "Lo Serpent" (Blegar) ; valse, vocal, "Night and Morn" (Buccalossi); galop, "Ono Turn More" (T. Dawson); "God Savo the Queen "—A. R, Hunter, Bandmaster.

A ful". rohoars.l of tho Jubilee cantata ' Britannia and Rer Daughters " took place in St. James's Hall last evening, and passed off most satisfactorily. The choruses vyent especially well, and some of the very littlo ones amongst tho performers acquitted themselves with wondorful skill. Tho can tata promisos to be a great success. Tho music is excellent and well arranged throughout, and the libretto is of an in teresting and very instructive character. The oponing performance takos place on Monday ovouing next.

Tho annual mooting of tho Gordon Foot ball Cub is to be held at the Imperial Hotel to-morrow evening at tight o'clock.

Tho Albort Football Club has olected eight new mombcrs for tho approaching soason. Mr G. Dixon has been appointed Captain, Mr G. Smart Secretary ond Treasurer, Mossrs D. Stowart, Miller, and Firth Committee, and Messrs Dixon and Firth delegates to tho Association.

Kosidonts of Northcote aro reminded of tho concert and variety entortainmont to bo givon in the Glndstono Hall this ovoning by Mr P. Doran's Variety Company. A first class programme has been prepared for tho occasion, and tho entertainment is expected to bo a vory successful one.

Devonport Navals and Band aro warned to muster at tho Forry Tee, Quoon-stroot Wharf, at 7.30 sharp this evening.

Mr Goldio, Sanitary Inspector, reports tho following casos of fever, notico of which has been received to day ; - Ono coso of scarlot fovor in Jormyn-streot, two casos of scarlot foyer in Wakcfield-street, ono of scarlot fevor in Hobson - street, one of typhoid foyer in Now North Road, one of typhoid fovor in Soafield View Road : total, four of scarlot fovor and two of typhoid fovor.

Tho French warship Duquesne will bo closed to tho public to morrow (Saturday), but will bo open attain on Sunday from noon till •! p.m.

Tho fire which caused the total destruc tion of tho mail stonmer Raiatea, as de scribed in nnothor column of this iseuo, Is supposed to have boon caused by a lamp in t?io socond onfjinoor's room having set fire to somo bedding, and communicated with tho adjoining cabins, whero the outbreak wns discovered.

" .lim, tho Penman," has most favourably impressed the public of Auckland, and con tinues to draw {rood houses. Last nipht thero was another lartjo audience, and the play wns received with every mnnifestation of extreme ploasure. The concluding per formanccs 'nko place this ovoninu and to morrow ni{;ht, as "Betsy," n laughable comedy, is underlined for Monday.

The nnntial meeting of tho Junior Foot ball Association was to have boen held last cvoning in tho Y. M.C.A. Rooms. The attendance wns, however, not sufficiently largo, and tho meeting adjournod till Wednesday, April 13th.

The population of New Zealand keeps increasing — tho doprossion apparently having no effect upon the natural increment or tho gain by immieration. The increaso from 28th March, 1880, to tho closo of tho year isestimatod as follows : —Males, 5,423 ; females, 5,479 : total. 10,0... Tho esti mated population on .'list Docombor. ISSG (exclusive of Maoris), was : Males, .117,6-6 ; females, 271,710: total. 559,35 G. Tho total ostimated population at above date (including Maoris) was : Males, 340.fi1l ; females, 21)0,700: total, 031,214. Thoro aro still about 50,000 more males than fcmalos in tho colony, leaving ample room for largo importations of tho domestic Bridget, Jemima, and Betsy Jano.

At tho invitation of Admiral do Saint Hilairo and the officers of the Duquosne, tho members of the Royal Comody Com p.ny, now performing at tho Opora Houso, accompanied by tho manager, Mr Liddy, paid a visit to tho vessel. At 215 p.m., tho launch and two largo boats, fully manned, wero in waiting at tho wharf to convey tho company on board. On arrival thov woro courteously received by tho Ad miral und ollicors, and phortly afterwards an adjournment was mndo to tho Admiral's quarters, wlioro they were hospitably entertained and afterwards shown ovor tho ship, tho band meanwhilo discours ing excellent music. During tho four of inspection Miss Agues Thomas was initiated to a now role. Ono of the largo guns was specially loaded and fired off by her. aftor which sho received a certi ficate stating that sho was now a competent gunner, and would pass at tho Admiralty ! Consequently the lady has a fresh vocation oponed up to her, and boing already an adopt at carrying a " houso " by storm, sho may now, if tho opportunity presents itself, carry hor storming operations further afield. Tho band played tho " Marseillaiso" and "God Save the Quoen," after which tho boats woro ready to convoy tho party back to town again, 'anding them a littlo before .. o'clock, every member of the Company being thoroughly pleased with tho after noon's excursion.

At a meeting Mrs A. S. Moore's creditors yestorday it was resolved to allow hor to retain the whole of the furniture, valued at -SI 13s 6d. Tho stork-in trade was valued at £210 an against tho debtor's estimate of £140. Tbe meeting adjourned to April 2nd, when tho tenders will bo con sidered.

Several cricket matches will take place to morrow (Saturday). Tho following will roprosont Hollands in their match against Auckland:-Beard, Brighton, Murphy, Mills (3), Thomas, Thompson, Wnlloco, Walker, Willstead. The Britannia team to play the Grammar School 2nd C.C are as under:—Pooley (2), Sanderson, McX inlay, Steele, lathropo, Ferguson, Woods, Neal, (2) Wilson. Emer gencies : Sandorson, Cullins and Holt. Tho following is Iho toam from Owen and Graham's, who play Sargood, Ewon, and Co.'s : —C. Western, J. Johnstone, R. John stone, N. New-comb, W. Massey, S. Ban field, C. Anderson, A. Burgess, E. Forder, J. G. Harper, E. O. Shepherd.

" Ponsonby " thus write? us :—" Kindly warn tho householders of Ponsonby that it will bo advisable for them to look after tho petty thieves who aro mooning about by day and night, as such articles as door mats, door scrapers, etc , are disappearing from numbers of houses. They gave Wood street a turn last night. Whero there is no dog a charge of small shot would bo advis able as a reception for such visitors.

An entertainment of a very interesting nature was given last evening in tho Cook stroet Hall by Miss Love and her pupils, when a very good programme was gone through. Thore wero about 250 persons present, and all appeared to enjoy themselves thoroughly. The programme contained a variety of songs, piano solos and duets, the accompaniments being played by Miss Love, who proved herself to bo a young lady of considerable musical talont. The chair was occupied by tho Roy. A. J. Smith, of Alexandra-street Church, who discharged his duties in a most creditable manner.

Sir It Stout expects to reach Auckland on Monday, and will deliver an address in the City Hall on Tuesday evening, and not on Monday, aB announced last evening.

It will be seen that Mr J. D. Folej', tbo popular entertainer, is to open at Whan garci on Saturday (to-morrow) evening, in his single handed "show," known as " Foloy's Facetious Festivities." Wben ho appeared in Wellington some timo ago, the "Now Zealand Times" said of his enter tainment : -"Mr Foley, in the course of a couple of hours, impersonates all sorts and conditions of characters, mao and female; gives an excellent ventriloquial exhibition ; plays tunes with remarkable skill on bottlos ; and gonerally behaves in a manoor irresistibly funny. His changes are quite a3 quick as wore those of Maccabe, and the performance as a whole is a capital one,"

Will those who read this evening's Star plea.c tell their noxt door neighbour that the Auckland: Provision Company havo just received at their Newton Bacon Shop ft sbinuient cf very prime juhilee Hams Bid Beoon; a r?a,l brea .fast, dell caov. F'ti"'H for to-morr.w: Bhoop, __. and 7d ; Kami', 81 unci Od: Fresh But_»r. 86_.01_._ ---nhofHe Id lv 6a : Bout Tea in Auckland, Is 9d : L_-f.o li.ttlrs Tooistu Hauco. 7d ; Hporm Can-' il'ch, Ijil |.er lb, or (ill, _nr 2s. O'lier thin.n equally cho-m _■- h • Hacm Shi.p, Ka-aneahaiio 1.0-tl — A.. UK i'.l'AN if. Manager.

W. H. Hoskins and Co., Boot Manufac turers, Union and Nelson streets, Auckland Quality and cheapness combined. Storekeeper, and settlers pleaso note.—[Advt.]

Births.

TILLY On the 22nd March, at hor reeiionce Cracroft street. Parnell, the wile of A. Tilly of a eon; both doing well.

Deaths.

GRKBN-—On AprU 1. at Lily Dale Nursory, Ono Tree Hill, Lawrence Henry Green, nursery man ; aged 51 yrars. The funeral will loave his late resldenoo for Onehnnga Cemetery, Sunday, April 3, at 3 O'olock. M AHER—At his sister's residence, Clanrlcardo Hotel, Michael, dearly beloved_aon of the late Daniel Maher, Castle Iney, County Tlppcrary. Ireland; aged 13. RI.P. _ , Fnneral takes place at half-pa6t 3 on Sunday next. MACK-K.—Died at the Hospital, on Maroh 31. James Joseph Maokie. ot Upper Symoads atraot; aged 29 years. ... Fnneral will leave Hospital 10 a.m. to morrow (Saturday) for Walkomitl. TAYLOR.—On April 1, at Brown-etreet, -Eliza beth Gertrude, Infant daughter of Herbert and Allan Taylor. Private Interment.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1887.

For tha cause thai l-c_» assist-not, For tho wrung that needs resistance, For the future In the distance, And the good that we can do.

No man, we imagine, can look around on the present aspects of society with out feeling many and grave doubts a B to what its future is to be. For years past we have been accustomed to plume ourselves on the wonderful strides which civilization has been making. Science had placed in our hands resources which seemed as limit less as the power of the genii in the Eastern tale. Steam had furnished the means of multiplying and extending our manufactures till the eye grew dazed and bewildered as it contem plated what might be in store. On all sides there was the march of Progress, on all hands the promise of Prosperity. Wealth increased by leaps and bounds. Surely comfort and culture would ad vance at the same rapid rate.

Now, years after these things first became the commonplaces of our busy life, we look back and see how far short the fulfilment has been of that which we dared to anticipate. Wealth has indeed increased. The production of goods and fabrics has reached a height which may well astonish us. Day by day these things are being more and more developed. New methods, new and improved machinery for the purpose of saving labour, all this now scarcely excites our wonder, but the result is one that can cause but painful apprehension and alarm. Whe ther we look at the capitalist from whom come the funds needful for equipping and organising the vast machinery used in modern life, or whether we regard the humble labourer who does'his part in some one or other of the great temples of modern enterprise, the issue is the same. It is told in words that brook no contradiction, that the whole great system, of which we have been so proud, is rapidly nearing a crisis which may entail destruction. The gains of the capitalist are—slowly, perhaps yet very purely—reaching their vanishing point, the wages of tho labourer are likewise showing a tendency to become less and less. It is not a promising outlook, but it is well to face it. " There is a mauvais pas before us all which we must get over as well as we can." Still let us face it. and not, ostrich-like, stick our silly heads into the sand, and hope thereby to escape the danger. Without wishing to play the part of Cassandra—at all times an unenviable part to assume—we may safely say that we are on the verge of changes perhaps as tremendous as those which shook the world at the time when the great Western Empire fell. We are on the verge of a revolution which, like some volcanic outbreak, will convulse civilization to its core. At such a time as this we need all the help that may bo obtainable from every and what ever source. Whoever can give a word of gracious advice, or by example or otherwise lend us help, such we should welcome as valuable allies

Now it seems to us that hitherto We have looked too much to the male; element for what .ye need. It is per haps natural; at any rate it is easy t. he understood why 'this should be the case. Men have legislated on their own lines, at their own will and pleasure, and they have fallen easily into the for them comforting doctrine that they wefe by 'their very sex the Lords of Creation. If they deigned to bestow a few crumbs of what they possessed on tho other sex, were they not justi fied in exclaiming how generous and condescending the}' were ? Of late years,|however, this doctrine has been somewhat rudely shaken. Step 03' step woman has claimed and taken a larger share in life. No one will deny, of course, that in tho comparatively tran quil sphere of domestic life woman is pre-eminently in place. It is hers, by the very fcmininegraces which arc herspecial' attribute, to confer dignity in the home, to tend and guide the young, and help in tho many ways which man cannot attempt, though he may well estimate and appreciate their worth. But we arc of opinion that a larger field is now ■open to woman. As in the old days of chivalry it was her in.lu.ciic. that did so much to soften and ameliorate society', so now in these later days may she exercise a wholesome and benign rule and win society into healthier man ners and modes of life. Our civiliza tion is in a grievous state ; we need help. That help can be afforded us by woman. She is more single-minded than we of the rougher sex are; more anxious to do what is right; her aspira tions are of a higher nature ; more free from the degrading and dishonouring tendencies which too often fall to the lot of the man. Let its admit more freely this wholesome influence into the channels of a wider life. (Jive her the franchise. We are greatly mis taken if she will not exercise it with a moro single-minded honesty of purpose than we men do. She will be more anxious to put into power the upright and high-minded ; more free from the contamination of jobbery.

To some it may, perhaps, seem Uto pian, but we say fearlessly, " The A I! C of right and justice to women (to say nothing of right and justice to the whole race), is to open tho gates of life to all, and let them enter in and find their place there by direct experiment." We men have much to answer for in our treatment of women. Whilst ourselves cnjo3'ing the development of life, we have done our best to narrow her views and keep her in a cramped and un natural condition, analogous to that in which the Chinese women live. Let us undo our wrong as far as may be. Not of course for the past— that is beyond us, but so far as the present and future arc concerned. Let us hold out tho helping hand of welcome to woman, and bid her help us in return in the larger public life to which we arc called, and the gain will be ours. Her delicacy of perception, quickness of insight, grace, gentleness, and self-control will react upon the difficulties of our time, and may pos sibly suggest some means of meeting theso difficulties.

Who can tell the full effect of the enfranchisement of woman? Men ami women have been different, they must be complementary. To make them that must be the work of the future. This generation cannot conceive the inspir ing beauty that must come to pass in the relations between men ami women, when the woman shall have explored hor possibilities ami man has made the tremendous gain which this develop ment must inevitably bring to him also. The world cannot afford to lose the best powers of half its people. In this crippled state it has been struggling miserably for ages. What will happen when men and women arc spiritually united ? " A new humanity will have arisen." It is wanted now amid the storm and stress of our restless century. Let us do our best in the true spirit of chivalry to assist in the development of such a birth, although its full beauty may not arise for us. It will be for other eyes than ours.

CABLEGRAMS.

THE WAR CLOUD.

Anti-German Feeling in Russia

THE BULGARIAN TROUBLE.

[cress association.]

LoNhoN, March 31. M. de Giebs is vainly trying to prevent tho expression of hostility to Germany by the « Moscow Gazette," in which M. Katkoff continues to fulminate against that coun try. Austria has declined to guarantee Rou mania against violation of her territory by Russia.

[reo-Ek's telegram.]

Sofia, March 31. Tho Regents, doubting tho loyalty of the officers of tho Bulgarian army, and fearing possiblo .ontingoncies, have des patched M. Stoiloff on a mission to the Great Powers. M. Stoiloff, who was one the formor Bulgarian delegation, has now ar rived in Vienna. . Tho Bulgarian refugees at and Odessa threaten to make a doscent on Varna and Bourghas, whore tho fidelity of the mioor oflicors of tho national troops is suspected.

ASSASSINATING THE CZAR.

Another Abortive Attempt

(SPECIAL CATsr.E.) St. PeTersuuiio, March 30. A i__Knr. attempt on tho lifo of tho Czar was mado at Gatechina ye.terday. His Majesty, however, escaped without injury. No further details have yet transpired.

Furthorarrcsts havo be'en'madeof Nihilists suspected of designs upon the Czar. One of tho men deputed to assassinate the Em peror was directod by tho secret leaguo to carry n bottlo of poison under his clothing, resting upon his bOsom. A eecond emis sary was deputed to watch tho intended assassin, and in the event of the hitter's courage failing, his comrade was to smash the bottle and procure tho death of his fellow conspirator.

PRINCE ALEXANDER AND HIS CAPTORS.

(SPECIAL MESSAGE.)

London, March 29. After the deposition of Prince Alexander, while bo was at Reni under tho charge of his kidnappers, he stated that he was with out money, and prevailed on his captors to lond him 5,000 francs to enable him to pro ceed to Darmstadt. Prince Alexander otterwnrda declined to refund the money and the lenders ore no* suing for tho amount.

COERCION IN IRELAND.

Anti-Atrocity Agitation.

MR PARNELL APPEALS TO AMERICA.

Unionist Liberal Attitude.

(SPECIAL MESSAGE.)

London, March 20. Loud Uartincton is considerably alarmed at tho discontent expressed with tho Coercion Rill, and a meeting of the Unionist party has been called for Thursday to fully discuss tho situation. Tho Liberal caucus meet on Wednesday. The Purnellit-s ridicule the idea of tho Government attempting to pass the Crimes Rill before Whitsuntido. To think of pass ing it before Easter tbey cay is to hope for tho impossible, especially as Mr Gladstone has approved of tho plan for opposing it by legitimato means Anti coorcion demon strations have been arranged, similar to those hold at tho time of the Rulgarian atrocities.

Mr Pamoll considers tho Rill the strongest coercion measuro ever submitted to Parliament. It oven attempts to croate offences unknown in tho statutes. The first victims under the law would be tho writers in the .National papers and Homo Rulo orators. Tho resistance offered by bis party in tho ovent of tho Rill becoming law would bo puroly paesive. They would endeavour to maintain a calm, determined stand against tyranny, in ordor not to alienate thoir British frionds.

Mr Gladstone, in tho liouse of Commons last night, said tlioro was nothing in tho condition of tho country to justify tte in creased stringency of tho Crimos Bill, which would brand tho Irish with tho stigma of inferiority. Mr Gosehcn said that tho machinations of the Land League had de stroyed the ofliciency of tho jury system.

Tho Tory and Unionist press take excep tion to tho provieion in the Crimes Bill for tho transfer of trials to England, which it ia now thought the Government will not eoriously ondeavour to retain.

[IIKUTKR's TELEGRAM.] London, March .'IO. At a Unionist Liberal banquet in London last night tho Marquis of Hartington de livered a speech, in which ho declared that Mr Gladstone's support of Parnell had further divided the Liberal party. Tho round table conference had, he stated, been without result, nnd had been adjourned for an indefinite period. Tho Unionist-Liberals would continue to support the Government while they upheld the law in Ireland. London, March 31, In rcsponso to an appoal from Mr Par nell, tho American branch of tho Land League has promisod .nergetic support in the coming strugge with the Govornment.

The Imperial Conference.

(special message.)

London, March 31.—Some of the dele gates to tho Conference express disapproval of tho programme being narrowed down as announced. There is a growing opinion that the Conforonco will be an empty show, barren of political results.

The Kapunda Disaster.

Tho mate of the Ada Melmore was severely censured by the Court of Inquiry, and Cottroll, master of the Kapunda, was commended. The Proes condemn the leniency of the judgment.

PROPOSED EXHIBITION AT WANGANUI.

[BY T-LEOKAI'It, —OWN COBBESTOKDEK T,J

Wauganui, this day. Tin; mothod choeou by tbe Wanganui for the celebration of the Queen's Jubileo is the holding of a West Coast exhibition in aid of the funds of the Public Library. The main object, of course, in to raise money, and with that in view the Committeoare taking Bteps to niako tho exhibition thoroughly popular. Exhibits of manufactures irom ail porta of the colony will bo admitted on a small charge for space, and thore is a probability of a considerable number of these coming forward. The tine arts and scioiitilic exhibits promise to bo exception ally interesting, and considering tho eizo of the town tho affair is assuming considerable i proportions.

THE PROPOSED REGATTA ASSOCIATION.

(BY .l___.l_-_.r_l.— OWN CORKKSt'ONDE.NT

Wan.ia_.ci, this day. AcoiuiKsroNUKNT,writing to tho "Herald " last night spoaks in anything but compli mentary terms of tho treatment received by the Rowing C:ub doleg.tes at the meeting called by the .Star Club in Wellington to form a Regatta Association, and charges them with one-sided conduct, which ren dered the meeting a farce from beginning to end. " All they have done," he says, "ts to appoint tho Governor Presid n and Mr Batkin Secretary. No clubs have joined, nor can they join till the rules havo been adopted by the various clubs interosttd; and as many wero dis gui-ted with tho proceedings, the Associa tion is riot 1 koly 16 p-.gress." He advises thu local Regatta Association to take the matter up and have tho championship de cided on the Wauganui River. The letter is to bo sent t_ all the clubs iv Now Zea- I land, asking co-operation. |

SUPREME COURT.- CIVIL SESSIONS.

THURSDAY. (Beforo His Honor Mr Justice Ward.) Frederick John Hoi-kins v. Geokge SuMi-TEit.-This action for the recovery of £112 14s oi, loss said to be sustained by plaintiff in tho purchase of certain flour by breach of warranty on tho part of the defendant, was partly reported in our issue of yesterday. A number of witnesses wero examiaed in support of tho claim, and the evidence for tho defence, taken on commission at Oamaru and Dun cdin, submitted. His Honor finally gave judgment for tho plaintiff for £107 10s, and coats on the lower scale, including costs of commission at Oamaru and Dunedin.

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

PONSONBY NAVALS,

Volunteer troubles are of such a general nature that it is satisfactory to hear of

at lea.t ono company that is ia a good financial position, and the members of which are animated by a strong spirit of esprit de corps. The annual meet ing of tbo Ponsonby Naval Artillery was hold last evening, Captain Morpeth pro siding. There was a good attendance, fully forty members being present. The balanco - shoot, which was read by the Chairman, allowed that the Company was in a ('ood financial position. Thero was a balanco of £282 on the credit side of tho ledger, made up of cash, £133, b.at trolly and sails, valued at and insurod for £90, and uniforms £73 10s. The balance-sheet was adoptod with expressions of pleasure at the good financial position of the corps, and a vote of thanks was passed to tho officers who had so carefully husbanded the finances during tho year. Petty Officer Graham was I eloctod a chief potty officer, and second class Petty Officer McLood a first-class petty officer. Out of 40 men in the room, 33 gave in their names as being willing to go to the encampment. EASTER ENCAMPMENT. Arrangemonts are progressing for the proposed Easter Encampment at Takapuna, but coropleto satisfaction does not appear to bo given to tho men. It is said that the tents supplied aro in a vory bad state, and were considered unfit for use when they wero served out for tho Te Awamutu encampment several years ago. There are no other camp requisites available, and these the companies or tho men indi vidually must provide at their own expsnse. Mi'H. Bonnott's trnder has been accepted for tho right to soil liquors at the canteen. Arrangements havo been made for the con veyance of the country cavalry corps to Auckland. The Te Awamutu Troop of cavalry will como down by train from the Waikato on Thursday, disembarking at Remuora. Tho Waiuku Troop will also arrive tho sarno evening by train, and get out at Rcmuera. Tbe South Franklyn Mounted Infantry will come down by train on Friday morning, arriving at tleven o'blork. The Or.ehunga Naval Artillery will also come into town by special train, leaving there at six o'clock.

THE WELLINGTON MUNICIPAL ROW.

Public Opinion on the Subject

(lir TELEGRAPH-OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. The general impression is that the City Council has acted very foolishly in fining Councillor Coombe £2 for breach of stand ing orders in accusing the Council of job bery in connection with the appointment of Mr Higginson to report on the sewage systems of England, Mr Coombe intimates his intention of not paying the fine, and tho public are waiting with interest to see whether tho Council will carry out its intention of taking legal steps to obtain the amount. Councillor Coombe considers himself an aggrieved man, and has called a public mooting for tho purpose of consider ing the matter.

A LADIES SCULLING MATCH.

Spirited Contest on Wellington Harbour.

(UY T-L-G-tAl'-I. — OWN CORRESPONDENT )

Wellington, this day. An aquatic contest of moro than usual interest, in tho shape ef a double sculling race between ladies belonging to tho Wel lington aristocracy, took place yesterday afternoon, and was witnessed by a large

number of people, although it was in tended that tho affair should be strictly private The fair contestants were Mis.cc W. Moorhouso ond H. Moorhouse, (nieces of tho lato W. S. Moorhouse, for many years Superintendent of Canterbury) and Alissos Richardson (daughter of the Minister of Public Works) and Williams (daugbtor of T. C. Williams, wealthy run holder). Tho latter couple won after a hard fight.

THE PREMIER AND THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

Which Story is True?

(IIV TELEGRAPH -OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

i Wellington, this day. ' The following trenchant remarks with reference to a statement reported to have been made by tho Premier at Waipawa last Friday appears in to-nights "Press:" 1 " The extraordinary statement which the Promior is reported to have made ia his speech at Waipawa last Friday—namely, that tho Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company's grant of a quarter of a million of acres of land is worth ton times a. much as the Midland Railway Company's grant of two millions and a half of acres.is now repudiated. Tho public are asked to be lieve that the Premier never made that statemont or any statement to that effect, but that what ho said is -' Tho Manawatu lands are more valuable for settlers on small farms.' This disclaimer, however, comes in such a questionable shape that wo are not diepoeed to accept it as authentic. In tho first placo it does not come avowedly from any Minister, but tbe 'Lyttelton Times' (the Ministerial organ at Christ church)announcesthatitis 'informed' that the Premier did not make the statement attributed to him, but said something totally different. There can be no reason able doubt, we think, as to who the infor mant of the ' Lyttelton Times' is. Sir Julius Vogel has juat arrived at Christ church. Ho is about to address his con stituents thero. The statement reported to havo been made by the Premier that the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Com pany's grant is ten times as valuable as tbe Midland Railway Company's, though only one-tenth of tho area, contains an extremely unpalatable piece of informa j tion for Sir Julius Vogel's constituents. To them it must seem neither moro nor less than an admission by tho Government that tho Midland Railway Company have been flagrantly humbugged as to the value of thoir grant, and a pretty plain indication that tho wholo Mialand Railway scheme, which is based on tho supposed value of the land grant, is a hollow sham. If the Premier had cudgolled his brains to find something to mortify and alarm the people at Christchurch, and to embarrass tho Colonial Treasurer with his constituents.he could not havo hit on any more effec tual method thau to dopreciate the Mid land Railway Company's grant. If tho statement attributed to the Premier is cor rect, the Midland Railway Company have boen completely misled, and the Midland Railway scheme is as sure to be an utter failure as anything can possibly be. This ia the light io which the statement is sure to be regarded at Christchurch, and theso aro the only doductions that can be drawn from it ti .ere It is no wonder, then, that Sir Julius Vogel has ba.teued to do what ho can to diminish the ill effects of tho Premier's speech, by puttipgit forth through tho ' Lyttelton Times',. th»t the Premier has bcon niisreported, and that he never mado any such statement as that attributed to him.

A SOUTH SEA CRUISE.

THE VOYA..E OF THE BUSTER.

Return of Mr F. J. Moss, HI __t__t,

Mr F. J. Moss, M.H.R, has just re turned from a business visit to the Islands by tbo schooner Buster, in which he left Auckland on September 18th last. Re lieving that Mr Moss might be able to give somo interesting information regarding affairs in tbe South Pacific, he was inter viewed at his residence, Parnell, this morning by a Star reporter. Mr Moss, who is looking well, courteously received our representative, and stated tha. he had had no communication with Auck land since he left, and much that he had to tell might have already been anticipated. He therefore requested that our reporter should question him on the topics that he was likely to have news. The Anglo German Convention. Eeportor: Can you tell me anything of German proceedings in the Pacific ? Mr Moss : Yes. Have you heard about an Anglo German convention signed in April last? Reporter : Yos ; we but I forget tho particulars. Mr Moss: I havo seen a copy of it. It is a document of very great impor tance to New Zealand, It is eigned at Berlin by Count Herbert Bismarck on behalf of Germany, and Sir Edwin Baldwin Mnlet as English Minister plenipotentiary. It gives to Germany, in addition to Kaiser Wilhiltn'a land in New Guinea, the whole of what they call the Bismarck Archipelago-that is to say New Britain, New Ireland, and all those largo islands adjacent. It also gives them the two most northerly of the Solomon Islands', and tho who'e of the Marshall Archipelago. Germany undertakes not to interfere on the couth or oast of that lino, and England undertakes to do the saiiue on the German side. A subsequent agreement between the same two plenipotentiaries gives equal rights of trade and land owning to the people of both countries, on both sides of the conventional line. Niene, Tonga, Samoa, and one or two other islands are declared to bo neutral for the present Germany undertakes hot to inter fere with the extension of English inQuenc, en the English side of the conventional line, but in reality there is very little left now to dispute about, and to my mind the Pacificquestion has been put into a nutshell. Excepting the south end of the Solomon Islands, Santa Cruz, Bank _ Island, th. Harvey Group, and Ellice and Gilbert Groups, tho Pacific is pretty well appro priated. Reporter -. And the New Hebrides. Mr Moss: I don't say anything about them. My own impression is practically they have b:en given to France. You know more about them perhaps than I can tell you. Reporter : Has the German New Guinea Company commenced operations ? Mr Moss : Yes. to the Bismarck Archi pelago. Tho Germans have appoined a Go vernor for that part of the Pacific, who is expected to arrive shortly. The Marshall group is being administered by Dr. Knopp, formerly of Samoa The Germans aro making great efforts in every direction to extend their trade, and ib the Western Pacific are decidedly making headway. Trade matters. Reporter : Can you give me any informa tion about trode generally 1 Mr Moss : I am hardly at liberty to lay much on the subject just now.beyond thi., that thero i 3 abundant room for the exten sion of English and New Zealand trade, and a really good trading company would be the best means of developing it. At the same time it is a peculiar trade, and none but men experienced in it can expect to do much good. New Zealand had a very happy esc.ps when she failed to establish tho great South Sea Com pany in connection with the Govern ment. This colony would have been a add led with every bad commercial spec-' lation in tho Pacific, and the company must have bred great political corruption and have been a millstone round the neck of the colony for many years to come, Reporter : What favour do New Zealand productions meet with in the Pacific? Mr Moss: I am sorry to say that some bad shipments sent by casual traders havo got New Zealand pro duce a vory bad name. Our biscuit is declared to be so hard and flinty that it is entirely cut out by tbe Sydney biscuit. Flour has a very bad name and stands no chance against the more carefully packed Californian and Sydney article. Butter is completely cut out by butter from Hamburg, packed in tins of lib each. New Zealand butter will not keep in the tropics. I saw some of the Hamburg butter that had cost retail 3 per lb It was really verylfioe. But worse than all tho most magnificent beef from this colony is frequently not properly prepared for export. That, too, U cut out b'the Hamburg beef. Even in our own case in the Buster, before we had been a few months nt Eea, we had to throw overboard cask after cask of very fine beef. Wo stuck to it as long as we could eat it, until it became absolutely necessary to hold one's rose to do so, and then we bad to give it up. The New Zealand Frozen Meat Company's presorved meats etand high, but to compete with the American article it would be neces sary to prepare the meat ma greater number of ways. For instance, one' thing the American canners ship is what is called " boiled dinner," meat and vegetables being well cooked and packed together in the same tin. It might be worth also mentioning that thoGerman sell largequantities of sauerkraut (salted cabbage) and salted beans packed In kegs, both of them extremely good and couid bo very easily prepared in New Zealand. Island Liquor Laws- Reporter : Is thero much demand for New Zealand beer in the Islands ? Mr Moss : Only by the traders, and very little by them. They never keep much liquor by them — merely get a little when a vessel arrives. The natives, wherever the missionaries have estab lished themselves, have a very rigid prohibitory system, which they carry out with a very high band. The language of many of them is tho same as the Maoris, and they have elective Parliaments, the members of which are called Turi men, or law makers. They have to act in every capacity, make the laws as members, and administer! them as policemen. Their laws absolutely prohibit the use of liquor, and as they have no natural taste for it and not many troubles todrive them to drink tho liquor is not missed. A wooden dram is beaten at eight o'clock every night,and the people all have to be at home. If a ship arrives, and a man is suspected of having obtained diiok/he first,_fw. man he meets will probably stop him and tell him to blow so tha. if he has taken anything alcoholic it will be detected in his breath. For all " sins" the natives are fined, the fines being divided amongst the Turi men. After tho curfew drum is beaten, in some places, tho Turi men go round and draw the bed curtain at the deid of night,li__ Priam, to see that all is night. In some of the islands it was found that the dogs barking gave notice that the Turi man was coming. They were quite epual to the occasion, and passed another law prohibiting dogs being kept, and those that were living had to be destroyed Their Sabbath observance is maintained with equal rigidity- no fires to be kindled, ana no amokiog allowed on Sunday. Reportor : YV hat is the general effect of these laws ?

Mr Moss : It would take more room than you would like to spare to give a full account, and altogether, I think they are suilicently interesting to put into book shapo, which I shall probably do. I may say that my opinion as to the effect is not favourable. I think that a people brought up under such a system of espion age are too likely to become sneaks and hypocrites. But it seems inevitable when the State, oven in these email communities, interferes aud ondeavours to regulate men's private lives. The Carolines. Reporter : It is now fully nine months since we have heard anything about Spain and tho Carolines. Can you give me any information about them 1 Mr Moss : The Spaniards have been ex cited into activity by tbe German attempt to annex the Carolines, and a Spanish man o'-war has lately been round the islands for the first time, although they have posseeeed them for centuries by right of discovery. This vessel had been at Ponapa just before wo were there, and it wa. staled there that a governor and fifty soldiers had boen landed at Yap, the most westerly of tho group about 800 miles fi'citi P. nape; and a -ieutooant Governor, w itli 50 more soldiers and a number of pri soners from Manilla to carry in public works with them, is to be sent either te Pocape or Ruk iv the same Archipelago. Spanish priests accompany them so that

T_f£ AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, APRIL 1> 1887



•in value. Fat cattle, in full number, but very variable quality, scarcely rosllsed last week's values. Sheep, in lull numbnr, were slightly hotter wortb, and a few pens ot lambs sold well. Calves wore also In domand. and a full market of pigs o( prime quality brought 3Jd the lb dead weight, a.d a coop of fowls 2s 2d eaoh. Messrs Hunter and Nolan's Retort.— Horso feed, grain, and eh iff plentiful; graeß seid ecirce. No noteworthy change in value. Horses were more plentiful than on the pre vious week, and there was a slightly upward tendency In valurs. The entries at the Durham Yards were above the average number. There was a large attendance, and for most of the lots competition was steady, but prices ruled in favour of tbe _i-rcha_er. Thoroughbred mares boW at from 18 to 23 guineas; hack., from £5 to £13 10a; light harnees, from £7 5s to £U. Wool, hides, Bklnß, and tallow: Short supply, value unaltered. Cattle: The number brought for ward has been below the average, and there was an Improved demand, resulting in a slight ad vance in valne. The number of dairy cows yarded at Newmarket on Tuesday was Insuffi cient for requirement", and prices were very much In favour of tho vondor. Few stores were yarded at tho principal market, but a good many were disposed of at outside sales at fully previous week's values. The beef pens at the Nowmarketyards were, not frilly occupled.therc being a total absence of shlpborne. There was an advance ol 20. per head In price for top sorts, end on cows, and insufficiently fatted steers, of 103 ; and we quote a corresponding advance on dairy cows; store stock unaltered. Sheep: The numbor offered at Newmarket on Tuesday was scarcely so large a. In thepreviouo week. There was an increase in value of from 1b to 2s per head, but no heavy wethers were penned, lis 6d being th a highest price obtained; ewes, from 3. Si to 6a 9d; lamb 3. from Sa to Ha 6d; pigs, well bred and fed, fully maintained the previous week's values, but rough animals were lower, prices ranged from l.d to 3d per lb live weight. Messrs G. W. Binxey & Bons' RePor..— At their weekly sale of hides, skins. &c. an extra heavy catalogue was offered, but tbe de mand was quite eqnal to the supply: Prime heavy ox hides realised 26a _d each ; heavy. Hi to HA per lb _'2s 3d to 22a 6d eaoh) . medium, 3jd to -_d per lb : cow, 2Jd to 3_d ; damaged and cut difficult to Bell; skins. Is Sd to 3a Si ; lambs' skins. Is to 2s ; pelts. Id to Is od each; Baited lamba' iklns. 2a Id to 2a 6(1; pelts. Is 2d to .3 fid eaoh ; wool, 6_d to 7.d p.r lb ; rough fat. Id per lb ; tallow, lis 61 to 13s ; bones. Is 9d per cwt They aleo report hav ing sold a number of looal butohers' green skins for tho month ot April, drlivory lo bo taken at tha different yarde, at from 2s 3d to 2s Sd each. AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKET. Farm and Dairy Produce.—Wholesale : But ter, prime fresh. lOd : cheese, good factory. Id toljd per lo ; Canterbury, none : Egg*. Is 6d ; lard, in bladders. s_d; Bacon and Hams. In cloth, provincial, 6_d to 7d ; Hams, none; Canterbury Baoon. 7d ; Bacon and Bams In equal numbers, 7_d. Flour Market.—Wholesale: Snperflnpflour. Bilk dressed, per ton. —12 ; do. household. £11; Southern do., _I 0 15s to £11 15a: Lamb's Promier, £12 fis ; Standard, £11 5s : bran, ton l.ackß included). £5 : Southern do., £115s to £5 ; local sharpa. £5 10a and £6; Southern ditto. £8 ; cabin bread. £16: oatmeal, do. £1110s to £12 Os; oats. 2s 2d to 2s Id: maize. 3a 9d ; Southern po tatoes, £1 fis to £4 10s: pearl barley, do. £11 to £15: beans. 3s 3d : onions. £11. All grain, chaff, oatmeal. _.c, sold Included sacks. Kauri Gum. Flax, s_a—The market Is weak, owing to very free supplies, inoro oapeci a'ly in poor qualities. We quote: Panaknra euro. £3> to £37; good ordinary. £11 to £15; bu pcri.r. £16 and bpwards; East Coaat, £56 to £58. v upnlles for Man h. 600 tons. Flax, per ton. £14 to £17 : tow, dltx). £5 to £7 ; fungus, per lb, _}d to 3}- ; cocoanut fibre, lfs to lis per owt. Coal and Firewood Maiucet.—Coal: New castle (ship's side). 24s to 23a por ion; .nrtl. _Sa to 31s: Bay of Islands, at yards, 26s Bd ; screoned. 28s 6d : ditto at the mines. 13s; ship's side. 288; Waikato. 8s to 12s: at Auckland. 18s to 225: Kamo. 10s per ten on loading ground; Taupiri at mine, Ba6d to 12s at yard. 19s 6d to 253; Whangarol, at mlno. 9s Gd; yard (. team), 17s; household. 21s; delivered, 23a, Firewood: Unout at wharf (cargo), 7s to 8s 8d per ton : delivered. 12sto 138: cut. 11b to 16s. Building) Materials.—Timber: Boards and scantlincr. 100 ft, best, 11b 6d : Becond-class. 6s 6d, boat, planed, tonguod, and grooved, flrat-class. Us ; medium. lis ; second ditto. 9s rusticated weather boards (flrst-class), 14a; medium, 10a; second-class, 9a. New Zea land palings, oft (sap), 10s; 6ft (heart), 13s; 6ft, 14: ti-tree rails. £3 IDs per 100; puriri posts, £6 10s to £7 10s; shingles 13a per 1.000; Hobart paling., sft. 19s; 6ft, 21s ; Hobart rails. 100s, selling quotations. Bricks 'at Avondalo). 30s per 1.000: town yards, 30a to 355; de livered. 40a. Drain pipes (at works), per 100 (6 inches bore), 40s; 4 Inches, 14s ;15 lnobee. 9s ; 2 Inohea, £2 10 per 1,000 ; socket glazed pipes, 18 inches, 4b per foot; 15 Inches. 4a 6d per toot; 12 Inohes, 3b per foot; 9 inches. _s per foot; 6 Inches, is por foot; 4 inches, 9d per toot; 3 Inches. 7d per foot. Manures. — Bouoduat Sydney, £8 to SB, according to quality; boneflonr, £9 to £ 10: Auok land, £8; Peruvian guano. £11 to £17; Long Island do., £110s, bags Included; Hurat'B chemi -1 in win, £13.



'^PERAMBULATORS TO BE SOLS AT A C3-----------T SACRIFICH. /<3_) CASH / r<t?, //&// / v/ *_ /Ay/ / __7 / /_3y * /£?/ / 4y BARGAIN. Finding wo havo 220 Perambulator. in Stock, we have decided to clear ou 100 of them at prices unheard of in Auck land before. ENGLISH, AMERICAN, & GERMAN Garligk & Cranwell. House Furnishers, QUEEN STREET, AUCKLAND. /CHALLENGE. N.Z. TWEED Co. V. ALFRED WALKER. I hereby challenge Mr Alfred Walker, of Te Kopuru, to try on in the presence of any two Master Tailors in Shortland-street the Snlt of



Clothes produced in Court yesterday, and agree to forfeit to any public charities the mm of £50 if such Suit Bhoald be pronounced a misfit; Mr Walter to forfeit the earae sum Ethonld they bo pronounced a fit. The Suit and £50 are now in the hands 01 the proprietors ot Iha " N Z Herald." JOSEPH MOSES, MANAGER OF NEW ZEALAND TWBKD COMPANY, Sliortlind-strcet, Ancklentl. March 35,1837.



/CARVER, niLDER,y LOOKING-GLASS <£*•' PICTURE FRAME MANUFACTURER, *S'/^ /O «iy Sign Writer ■& ALL VewbltorJ^ KINDS j MAPS < PKINTS, $■'/? "PAINTINGS •*• MOUNTED.



DR. J. MURRAY MOORE, M D., M.R.C.S. Hours for Consultation: 11 to p.m., at Pond's Homoeopathic Pharmacy, 153 Queen-street; 2 to 8 p.m.. and 7 to 8 p.m., at Residence. Lower Symonds street. Telephone 130. Vacolnatlons at Pond's, 1 p.m.. T UKSDAY snd FRIDAY.



[a card ]



DR LEOER ERSON, Parnoll (late Dr. Goldsbro's realdenoe)—Attends for Con sultation : At Homo. 8 to 9 a.m., and 3 p.m.; Alcken's Pharmacy, Queen street. 1 to 2 and 7 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Panmure and Ofiihuhu. < Telephone, 176,



W. J. H URST & C° a J. ESAM and A. H. GRAINGER having purchased from the Pnb-10. Tru-ftee (the Executor under the Will of the late W. J. Hurst) tho Goodwill, Stock-in-trade, Book Debts, etc. of the old-established business of W. J. Hurat and Co., Grain. Seed, Produce, sod Artificial Manure Merchants, will trade under tho same style and name, and will continue the business'as heretofore. All Outstanding Accounts are ref__eßted to be paid forthwift- W. J. HURST SXO. ON SALE. BKEDS- New S sason's Clovers and Natural Grasses Rye Gi ass and Cocksfoot (In variety) Turnip and Mangold Beads MANURE - Bonedust (fine and .-Inch) Superphosphates (various grades) Nitrate of Soda Sulphate of Ammon-a Potash. Kalnet, etc, eta. Peruvian _I-_n- GRAIN- Seed and Feed of all descriptions Flour. Oatmeal Bran, Sharps Tabs and Coarse Salt Table Potatoes &0., _-c„ -EC W. 3. HURST & CO., AUCKLAND. CLEARING PRICES TO MEET THE TIME 3. CHO-CK NEW WINTER DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. WILLIAM R. BRIDGMAN la now showing a SplonAi. A ssortmont of Now Goods, in all departments, which havo been purchased at great advantage, and have been marked very low. 2,500 yards Black French Morlnoa and Cashmerea Coloured French Merinos and Cash meres Thno-dfrs for the above wero placed bofor the great rise In wool, dnd will be sold In many instances at Lower Prices than laßtseason. 5,000 yards Now Drsaa Materials, in now shades and fashionable styl's. all marked at best value; Large Lot of .lob Dress Goods In great variety, at nominal prices—Good Llco at 4}d; Underclothing, half-price; New Vel veteen", all shades, really good line, 1b 6d a yard ; Now Pl.phes (ill shades). Now Aatrachin Trimmings. New Umbrellaß, Buttons, Gloves, Hoaiory. Licsb, Fur Capes. Maolntoßlios, Splendid Assortment New Ulstprs : Mon'a Btrong Cotton Bhlrts, Is ; Boys' do, 9d ; Now Felt Hat*. Having an overstock of Boys'. Yontha'. and Men's Clothing, have determined to dear It at a saorlfloe, to reduce stock-Go d Tweed Coats. 6s 6d ; Boys' Blaok Cloth Coats, 3a lid ; Men's Blaok Cloth Vests, 2s 6d. ALL GOODS AT SALE PRICES, As during the present depression, W. 8.8 wishes rathor to serve hia customers well, and keep them together till bettor times, rathor (ban make a profit. By doing almost an entirely cash business, tho3e calling will get bast value for money, at 268, UPPER QUEEN-STREET. Tj. O R SALE, The following EXTRAORDINARY BAR GAINS at FERNANDEZ'S, Newton :—I caao of Men's Real Pith Helmets, 2a 6d each, honestly worth 10a; Men's Servlcablo Dark Tweed Bnit_ (oomolete), for 15s. reduoed from vss. Men's Strong Working Shirts with Collars, Is 6d each, usual prico, 2s 6d. Coloured Moleskin Trousers for working men, 3s Ud a pair; Good Quality Largo White Blankets, 4s lid each, worth 7a 6d ; 10 dozon Boys' Blaok Felt Hats. Is eaoh, former price 2b Also: £3,000 worth of General Drapery and Clothing at a Reduction of from 5a to 10a In tho __ Tho reason I am almost giving away my Goods Is becauso I am trying to glvo up.—L FERNANDEZ, Draper. Karangahape Road.



On April the 7th at S p.m., St. George's Quadrille iistemblv vtill open the ensuing ">ason in tho St. George's Hali, Great, North RnJ. The Bkazkn Skui'Knt.—hike the brazen ser pent that the _rreat Jewish leader lifted hiali in I.ho Bight of tho ticrisliiuK followers, ..-li.'V'w _? ey SIS*"Kf 8 * bom deat .. th« discoverers o_ Hop Bitters havo placed before suffering, ailing mankind a remedy which enables them to fight t-laeaße with conquering ad rantage, See,