COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, etc., To-night.

Abb.. I's Opera Houso—Williamson, Garner, and Mufgrove's Company in "Jim, tho Penman, 8. Religious Meeting in the Tent on Surrey HUla Kstato. Ponsonby Road, 7 30. V.M.C A. Rooms-Kvar.gelhtto Servloe 7.30. ■ Gla's . orkß. Fro'man's Bay - Exhibition of

GLiSf-blowing. 2 too. Tcmpeianco Hall-Free Entertainment, 7.80- Newton Baths -Auokland Draughts Club, 7.30,

Rota of Justices at the Polico Court. April Ith—3. Y. Co'llns and P. Cpralßkoy.

Sunday Services.

NOTE.—The services ore at the usual hours, unlcs* when otherwise stated. lfTtcn only one preaclier's name is given, he officiates at- both ttieJs of worship; when more than one, they officiate at the services in ihe order named.

St. Panl'B—lncumbent. St. Matthew's—lncumbent Epiphany, Newton—lncumbent City Hall-Kvangollstic nervico. 8. St. Peter's Presbyterian—Rovb. R. Sommorvillo.

and B. Huteon. St. David's Presbyterian—Rev. C. Worboys. Devonport Preabyturian-Rov. A. MoCullam. Avondalo Presbyterian—Rev. A. McKenzie. Pltt-Btroot Wosleyan—Revs. H. Ball and Sir

William lex. Grafton Road Wosleyan — Revs. T. G. Carr

ana It. Bavin Parnell Wosleyan (Sunday-school Anniversary)

—Revs. R. Bavin and T. G. Carr. St. John's Wesley an -Key s C. 11. Garland and

T. G, Brooke. Dovonport Wosleyan—R. v W L. Salter and H.

R. LieWsbnry. Mount Albert Wosleyan—Messrs H. Field and

K. Markham. Auckland Tabcrnnc'e —I\istor T. Spurgeon. Mount Kdon Baptist-Pa-itor T. Bray. Boresford-Btreot Congregational—Roy. James Chow. Newton CunKiotcntional—Rov. II J. Lewis. Devonport Congregational —Mr J. Whltcombe. Par-e i Coigrevatiocal Roy. R. Lpiiah'oy. Mount Koo-i Co g.-o.<atlonal — Roy. W. J. L. Co is. Pitt and Vincent-atratts United Freo Methodist —Key. S. Macfarlauo and Hon. G. Waldo grave. Mount Eden Unitod Freo Mothodlat-Mr J. Koott and Itov. S. MnefarUne. Alexandra-street Primitive Methodist— Roy. A. J. Smith. Pitt and Edwin streets' Primitive Methodist- Mr 6. Tarley and Supply. Franklin Uoad Primitive Methodist—Roy. C. K. Ward. Richmond Road Primitive Methodist—Rev 0. K. Ward and Mr W. Thompson. Watirview Primitive Methodist—Messrs J. H. Cox and J. Knox. Ponsonby Baptist — Messrs R. Fry and A. Shaldera. Abbott's Ooora Hoaso—Mr E. H. Taylor. Pooley'd Chambers—Service of Sacrod Music, 3 30p.r0. Religious Mootlnor in the Tent, on Surrey Hills JCstate, Poasooby Ro id, 3 and 7 p.m. Forot tors' Hall—Service at 11 a.m. Y.M.C.A.-Kev. J. S. Hill, 3 p.m. Summer-stroet Hall—Service at 11 a m. Bt George's Hall-Divine Service at 11 and 8 30 . r.m. Avoa-ialo Hill—Service at 11.

Auction Sales on Monday.

S. Conhrdno and Son- Properties, ett\, 12. F. J. Jcnes—Winoa, spirits, capsuloa, corking machine, cc. 11. Arthur and Bundle-Groceries, oiljian's stores, etc.. 11. OEChunga-Household furniture and e_tT;ctß, cow, etc , 12.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

-AILS WILL CI.OSK AS UNDER I—

This Dat. For Rarotonga, per Lilian, at 1 p m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Fiji, etc., por Arawata, at 5 p.m.

Mondat. April 1, For Thamefl. por Rotomahana, at 9 a _ . For New Plymouth, and Southern ports, per Macgregor, at 11 a.m.

For Westport. per Maitai. at 11 a.m. For Putiki ana Ooromsndol, per loromandel at 11.30 a.m. For Whittanga, Gum Town, Upper Mill, and Tauranga, per lona. at 5 p.m. For Tauranga and Opotiki, per Clansman, at 6

p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Rawene, Wangaroa and Mongonni. per Clansman, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.50 p.m.

Tuesday. April 5. For Wolwera, Kawan, Leigh, Omaha, Mata kana. Mullet Point, and Lower Matakana, por Rose Casey, at 10 a.m.

For New Plymouth. Wangmul, and Southorn Porta, per Orotl, at 1 p.m. Ft>r Welllnfirtoa and -Southern Ports, per Penguin, at 1 a.m. For United Kingdom, "tc . via. Rio do Janloro and Plymouth (oor Kaikoura, from Welling toi on April 7) per Penguin at 12.30 p.m. For moiey orders, registered letters and news papers ay 1.30 am. Loto lottors at 1 p.m. - ihU Hail will bo due at Plymouth oalDih May for Australian Colonies, por Zwlondia, Im mediately af.or arrival from Honolulu. For Taranakl and Southern ports, per Penguin, immediately after arrival of Z9alandia. For uisborne and Napier, per Waitaki, at 5 p.m. Por Tarawcra, as follows :— For China. Japan. Suez, Mediterranean Ports, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa. Australian Col onies, and United Kingdom, via Brindisi or Naples, por Orient steamer, for letters, etc, specially so prepaid and addressed, at i p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 3 p.m. . Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne only at 4 20 p.m. United Kingdom mall will be due In London on May 21. (Signed! 8. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-office, Auckland.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ScNsrr.—This evening, 519. Sunbise — To-morrow morning. 6 20. Moon's Age.—Full Moon Bth, 518 p.m,

HIGH WATER.

Auokland —This afternoon, 0.13; to-morrow morning, 1.27.

MaNukatt Heads — This afternoon, 3.23; to morrow morning, 1.7. Kaipaba Heads — This aftsrnoon, 4,23; to morrow morning, 5,7.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING.

Malta!, s.s„ Dawson, from Westport

TODAY. Zealandia, R.M S„ Ottendorpp, from San Fran. Cisco Peerless, brigantine, Heays, from NewcMtle

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING.

iPPlausman, 8 s , Farouhar, for Tauranga lona, s s., Amodeo, for Mercnry Bay Wellington, s.s.. Stephenson, for Whangarei

TO-D_r. Zealandia. R.M.S . for Sydney Sarah and Mary, brigamioe, Priest, for Kalpara Seabird, brigantlne, Berger, for Whangaroa

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Coromandel, from Coro. andel. to day. 5 p.m, Rotomahana, from Thames, to-day, I.SO p.m. lona, from Mercury Bay, to night Clansman, from Tauranga, Sunday, early Arawa, from Plymouth, April 10 Wellington, from Whangarei, Monday night Waitaki, from GlfrbDina. Monday Herald, from Greymouth, Sunday Enterprise, from Thames, Sunday, 5 am. Australia, from Gisborne, Sunday Tarawera. from the South. M-mday Waihora, from Sydney, Wednesday

IMPORTS.

Por Zealandia: 00 boxes dried apples, 90 boxes canned goods (fruit). 100 cases canned salmon, 100 kegs sausage casings, 25 cases celery, beef, andjron, 37 packages merchandise, and tranship ments for Southern ports.

Inwards Coastwise. - Saucy Kate, from Monßonni; Mahurangi, from Great Barrier; Paku, from Tatrur; Zlllah, from Thames. Outwards Coastwise.—Mahurangi, for Gieat Barrier; Paku, for Tairna; J.'ana, for Whangn mate; Saxon, for Russell. The B.s. Mannkau will leave Onehunga fw 'Waluku on Tuesday next at 5 p.m. The s s. Maitai arrived from Westport with a fall cargo of coal, at 10 p.m. yesterday. The RM.B. lonic left Plymouth for Port Chalmo'son Maroh 26. Tha brlnantlno Pe°rless arrived from New caatle this morning, 11 days oat - The Zilandla loft for Sydney at 12.30 p.m., with the following passengers: -Messrs O. Bar net'. 8. Davis, nnd T. T. Wateon. The baTque Rndolph Josephy, which arrived at Port Chalmers, from New Ifork, j eaterday, has port carpo for thia port. Freights at New York for Auckland and Dunedin on March 5 were quoted at 15 per cent, by reason of opposition vessels loading.. ; The barque C W. James left Now York for Dunedin and Auckland on Feb. 5. Tho barque Arab was to leave for the same ports on March 20. Meajra Staley. Radford and Co. quote catling voes'.s rates from London to Auckland:—Rough measurement, 27s 6d to3'aod ; fine, 10s: weight, 2_ to 303 ;comont, 5a per cask. Steamer: rounh measurem p-nt, 50s to 555; fine, 70s to 755; medium fine. 60a to 653. The following vessels have clra-od outwards at tho Customs: - Sarah and Mary, brigantlne, _ r Duneoin via Kaipara ; Seablrd, brigantlne. for Sydney, via Whangaroa: Olive, sohooner, for Samoa, via Baker Island; Lillian, schooner, Piltz.for. arotonga. Iho following Passengers booked at London for Auokland:-Per s s Rome, to sail March 11 (for Australia dlreol): Mra Bojd. Per sn.Orl cibra, to sail Maroh 13: Mrs and the Minxes Kennedy. Mr and Mrs Coort, Mr anil Mrs Cave. . Pt s-B- Lousltanle, to aail Maroh 17: Mr li. McKimack.

The Zealandia.

Tho 8.8. Zealandia, K. "Van Oterendorp, com mander, arrived at 8.30 a.m. to-day. She left San Francisco on 13th March, at3.30p.m., passed tbe outer buoy at 5.5 p.m.; passed Company's steamer Australia, March 19 at 3 p m„ bonnd to Sari Francisco; arrived at Honolulu March 20, at 8 a-m.: sailed same date at 3.1 p.m.; touched off Tutuila, March 27 12.10 p.m., to land mails; arrived here as above; steaming time, 18 dnyß ■ 19 hours. Fine weather and light N.E. winds prevailed during the entire passage. Since the Zealandia wa3 hist at this port, several changes ' have "been made amongst her officers. Mr Jas. Ranviil now occupies the position of chief . officer, and Mr S. N. Haines that of chief engi neer.'while the important office of purser is held by Mr Geo. McLane. To the latter gentleman ■we are indebted for customary favours. The Zealandia brings the following passengers for Auckland:—Cabin: J. E. Campbeli and wife, Miss Lucy Campbell, Ross Campbell, H. Rich " '- rlaon, H. W. Heath and wife, Francis Sinclair __■_!, id wife, H. E. Williams, and T. Borgman. ... here were no steerage passengers.

THE ARAWA.

T Theß.S. an* A. Company's Arawa, Captain "oho Stnarr, oOTbm»mier. which le!t I'limonth un February 26th and is due to arrive at this Bart, on the 10th inst. brings the following pas- Sni«irs:-?iißt Saloon: Mr F. Arbouin.TUr Allhusen, Mrs Allhusen, Mlsa J.. Atkins, Mr SSS^Km 4!}} L. Bfi'_* MrsßlundeU £ong -ss________ _"* Ignrntea Mlsa D. BluS llell Longatalf. Maoter K. Blouden Longstaff,

Master C. Blundell Longstaffi Mr William B. Boyd. Mrs iloyd, Mlee Boyd. Mr tt G. Barrett, Mr H. W. Bars to w and valet, Mr Jamea Conr tenay, Mrs Courtooay, Mr Collivor, IM rs Co'l< vor. Mr G. A. Cove, Mr George Frazer, Mr Goots,Mra Goetz. Mr Henry R. Glegg, MrG. E. Grlmsda'e, Mrs Hamilton Hunter, Miss Marlon Helen Hunter, Mlbs Alioe Nool Hunter, Mr A. H. Howard, Mr H, T. James, Mr A. P. Jamrs. Mr Mnnton Jaffray and valet, Mr Johnson, Mr Wellwood Maxwell, Ml. Alice Martin. Mr Robert T. Marsh, MlB3 Powell. Mr C. A, Chan doa Pole, Mr Ithlel Price. MrR. A. Koad, Mrs Dr. Russell, Miss Russell, Mr W. H. Savill. Mlbb Eliza Tenman. 'Miss H. Vallance Miss A. Val lance, Miss J. Vallance. MIBS F. Whatford, Mlbb H A. Webb. Mr H. Wood, Mr Weldon. Mlbs Woldon. Mr Williams. Second Saloon :Mr W. C. Beatsoo, Mrs M. G. Bellaniv. Mi«s D >ra Bel lamy, Miss Mercy Bellamy. Mr G. and Mrs Coomber. Mrs. H. Couner. Mrs Dudgon, Miss Bdith Dudgeon. Miss Drddß, Mr Davidson. Mr William G. Gray, Mr David Green. Mr Frank Hooton, Mr Georgo LeUo, Mr G. Mawloy, Mr George Morrell. Mr and Mrs Maclatoby. Mr Horace C. Mand, Mr James and Mrs Milne. Master John Milne, Master James Milne, Mlsa Bella Milne, Mlso Jeannle Milne, Master Wm. Milne, Rev. Mr Ready. Mrs Fobs, Mr Arthur Shorrlff. Mr A. Shaw. Mr T. B. Whltton, Mr Henry J. Whereat. Also £3 third clam passen gers.

THE IONIC.

The R M.S. lonic left Plymouth for New Zea land on February 21st with tbo following paßoongers:-First Saloon: Misses F. Philson. Mary L. Hill, Lucy _. Hajward. Messrs H. W. Lesley, L. _ . Lesley, B. L. Lesley, J. Lord, F. F. Begg, F. Begg. J. C. Begg, J. N. S L. Begg, Mr Wm. Begg. Mr H. R. Hill, Mr A. Begg, Col Domingo L. de Rava. Mr Wil liam W. Lyde, Mr William Thomas, Mr E. Uiint, Mr R. Hunt. Mr M. Dnnt Miss Lonlsa Taggart, Miss Grace F. N. Frellgh, Mr G. Fre lizh. Mr F. Frellgh. Mr B. Dunt, Miss H. Browne. Miss M. Le Brno. Mr W. Noiswerthy. Socond Saloon: Mlsa Lonlsa Fuller, Miss Louisa n. Fuller. Mr William Brodie. Mr J. Potor, Mr Petor, .Vr Henry Wm. Brlcn, Mr R. Invorary, Mr K. Bowden Smith.

THE AORANGI.

Tho R.M.B. Aorangl left Plymouth on Feb ruary 22 _ r Wellington, wlih the following passengers: — First Saloon ; Miss Blanche Daveney, Mlsa Davies, Mr Granville Duff, Mr Nathaniel Kdwards. Mr Joseph Gould, Mrs Liwis, Mr R. Hanbury Mlora, Mr David Byrne, Mrs and Mlsa t-yme, Mr and Mrs B. Trotter, Mr C, J. Wainwright, Cajtiln Mr Carlos D. do Cirvalllo. Mr K. N uehaum, Mr F. A, Schmidt and three pons and nephew, Mr J. da Silvo Magalbaeß, Mra Forest, Mr R. Perry, Mr C. Fold man. Mr Tbos. Abbott. Miss D. A. Abb tt. Master J. P. Abbott, Mr O. R. Bnrt, Mra Carter. Second s Uoon - Masters Carter (2), Miss B. Carter, Miss A. Davis, Mr D. T. Fisher. Miss Annie Glbbs, Mr W. G. Hampson, Mrs Horsburg, Mr Jno. J. J. and Mrs Kent I, Mrs and Miss Marshall, Mr Jas. C. Sly, and 32 steerage passengers.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVAL.

Penguin 5.8.. Allman, from the South

DEPARTURE.

Pengun, s s.. Allman, for Wellington

The Union Co.'a s.s. Penguin arrived from the Sonth at 12 30 to day. Passengers: Miss Francis, Mis Brj-Bon, Mass. Butt, Bryson, Kennedy, Atkinson, Nolan, Farley. Spragg, MoKerrow, Twohlll, Kelly, Heaphr, Kidswefl, Wood, Drake, Gibbons, Levy, Moss, Hatfield. Handy. Morse. Kulshan. White, Prince. Clif ford, Hawk. Jone?, Ranks, Martin, Proffitt, Hill, Wilson, Gamblo, Grove, and 29 steorage.

Births.

FORDER.—On Maroh 21th, at hor resldenco, Brown-street. Ponsonby, tho wifo of H. F. Forder of a daughter. BROWN —On Maroh 23. at her roeidenoe. Ver mont-street Ponaonby, tho wife of Albert Brown of a con.

Deaths.

BMITH.-On April 1, at St Stephen's Avenue Parnell. Arthur Frederick Charles, the dearly beloved son of Arthur and Mary Jane Smith. Private interment.

GUILDFORD.—On April 1, athor paror.t,' resi dence. Union-atreet, the beloved cauKhter of E. C and L. A. Guildford: aged 1 months. Interment at Walkomiti, on Monday next, April ith.

GRAHAM.—On April 1, at Kauri Point, Manu kau Harbour, Marion, the beloved wife 01 William Graham.

The funeral will leave hor lato rcsidonce (on thebeaob), at one o'olock to-morrow Hundaj}, April 3, for the Awitu Cemetery.

EONOVAN.-On April Ist, 1887, at tho parents' residence, Coburg street. Francis Faundors, the eecond son of Bngono and Harriett Donovan ; aged S jears and P months. The funeral will leave Cobarg-. -< «t for Waikomltl. on Monday morning, at 9 o'clock. GAMBLE. —On April 2nd. 18S7. Elizabeth, second daughter of Mr Richard Gamble of Kyber Pas-) Roud; aged 17 years and 5 month. The funeral will leave hor father's rosidonco for WalkoHii ti Cemetery, at 10 a in. on Mon day, ith inst. Friends are respec'ful _ Invltod to attend.

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1887.

For the f&uie that lack* aasiiitar.c.., for tho wrong that need* rexm. act!, For thn future in the distance. And the good that we can do,

It is becoming evident that a change in tho arrangements for the trans-Pacific carriage of the New Zealand mails will not wait the opening of the Panama Canal. The Oceanic Steamship Co. are trying to get an increased subsidy from the United States Government urging as a reason that unless the contract was made more advantageous from a financial point of view they would be obliged to sell out to some other com pany. Probably the fact of Mr Spreokles losing ground in Hawaii has something to do with the attitude of the Oceanic Com pany, for the possession of the Honolulu trade was what led the Company to offer for the mail servioe. In any case the activity displayed in mail matters by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company forms a perfect contrast to the apathy to which we have referred above. Our Canadian cousinß have chartered the fine Cunard steamers .Parthia, Batavia and Abyssinia, for the Eastern mail service between Vancouver, China and Japan. These steamers have a speed of fourteen knots per hour, and the service is intended to be inaugu rated this " month by the Parthia leaving Hong Kong for Vancouver, via Hio go and Yokohama. The railway author ities in Montreal apparently do not antici pate any interference with the international train service as a result of the passage of the retaliatory measures by the United States Congress, as they are busy making arrangements to carry for European travel and to carry the mails over the line. There appears to be some idea entertained in San Francisco that the Eastern mail steamers may call at that port, but we im agine that to be exceedingly improbable. What is more likely to happen is that the Canadian Pacific Company will put on Bteamers, running direct from Vancouver to Auckland, and that arrangements will be made for carrying the New Zealand mails by that route—an advantage in time being gained, while the mails would be carried the whole v/ay in English vessels, or across British territory.

Those Insurance Rates.

Thb announcement of an increase of 25 per .cent, on the insurance rates has caused not a little consternation in the city. People are wondering how it ie that the insurance agentsuiAueklandformsuch a happy family. Attempts atagreements upon a tariff almost invariably fail in other largo citicß through some company standingout and going in for cutting rates. Is it that tho representa tives of the companies here are particularly suave or have the distresses of the times subdued their pugnacity ? And what about the proceedings atthose mysteriousmeetings of the Association ? Every member seems to be sworn to seciecy, and we have heard rumours of severe wiggings to members who Jet their tongues wag too freely about what has been daW and done at their deliberations. Meeting in their mediueval darkness which no ray from the outer world is allowed to penotrate, they maywoak their will secure from interruption. What is the character of their meetings ? Do tbey hold a sort of witches' nabbatb, chanting possibly some incantation adapted from Wordsworth's " We are Seven," but lacking its innocence and sweet simplicity ? The knowledge of the charm by which the oracle is worked would be worth having. Butchers, and bakers, and grocers, and other unfortunates who are loft to their own individual judgment, energy and enter prise to make a business profit might save themselves a wondrous amount of care if they could only get initiated into the secret. Whether the results would be equally satis factory to the public is a very different matter. But it befits those who have possessed themselves of this power and monopoly to exercise it with moderation and good judgment. To raise the present heavy rates of insurance 25 per cent, at one leap is a very bold venture, and though John Bull is a good patient sort of an animal when rightly handled he may become a veritable mule if rubbed the wrong way, and kick over everything within his reach. The cool way in which the whole thing has been settled is tho most irritating. If these rates.were the outcome of the separate action of the companies doing business here, as a result of their own experience of aver age risk, itwould.beunpleasantenough. But how are the people of Auckland to be assured that this .happy family arrange-

i incut is not inado in Auckland to re coup the companies for losses in other parts of tho colony whoro such perfect har mony with regard to rates does not prevail, From the Star Chamber of the Insurance Association comes forth only tho ominous "25 per cent.—pay it or go unin sured. This is not the way tradesmen have to deal with their customors in those dull times, and the insuring community arc entitled to a littlo more consideration a little more information nnd courtesy. The " take it or lump it" mandate lias gone against John Hull's grain from his earliest days, and ho is apt to 'lump it" oven to his own detriment, Wo put it to the Asso ciation, as men of business, whether tho insurers of Aucklnnd are not entitled to a fuller statement of tbe reasons which have actuated them in levying this heavy tax than they havo yet condescended to give.

The Crisis in Ireland.

The now Irish Land Bill, introduced in tho House of Lords, appoars to contain somo praiseworthy provisions, such bb that which declares that oviction shall bo stayed in tho case of tho tonant's insolvency, and the othor which gives an evicted tenant the post ot caretaker. Thoso clatisos aro cal culated to allay the many eases of genuine aod horrtrendiog distress which aro reported in connoction with evic tions. No one doubts that thoso who are able to pay rent should bo com polled to do so, but it is monstrous to roud oi poor struggling faanilios, including grandparents and grandchildren, being turned out into a ditch whilo their hut is consigned to tho flames, because they aro unablo to satisfy the ofton extortionate demands of tho landlord English ignor ance of Iroland and Irishmen is ono of tbo prime cau?eß of tho chronic difficulty ex perienced in governing a pooplo who, under happier conditions (us, far example, in thoso colonies), have proved themeolves to bo good, law-abiding citizens. A striking proof of conversion to tho Irish view of tho agrarian difficulty is afforded by the easo of Genoral Sir Redvers Buller, who waa last yoar appointed military commissioner in Iroland with the special view of enforcing tho civil law. A closo acquaintance with tho subjoct oponed tha gallant general's oyos. On March Oth ho gavo ovidonco boforo tbo Cowper Land Commission. His testimony i

was, in effect, that thoro was " not mucl law in tho country, and what thoro is soems entirely on tho sido of the rich." "Rents," ho doclnrod, "havo bo?n entirely too high, and it is tho pressure of high rents, according to tho prices of agricultural produce, that causes tho troublo, and thore ought to bo a stay of evictions whorovor equity demanded it." Holding such eanti ments as those, it is not matter of eurpriso that Genoral Bullor should havo boon ro-

called by tho Tory Ciovernment, and ar officer sent in his placo who will bo ex pected not to "make reply" in such un unpleasant fashion, but carry out tho cocr cive duties imposed upon him.

The dastardly and doplcrablo attempt re ported to havo boen mado upon tho lifo of the Hon. Arthur Balfour, Secretary of Stato for Ireland, recalls tho horrible ass assination of Lord Cavendish ond his Under-Socrotary somo year? ago. This will bo nccoptod on all hands na anothor Irish outrage, and will bo mado by the Go vernment a strong argument in favour of tho passing of tho Crimoa Bill. Such a cowardly criino, by whomsoever committed, must bo condemued by everyone ; but sup posing it to bo the work of some ignorant and misguided Irishman, it is rather nn ar gument against coercive laws. It is too true that crimes of this nature aro planned and connived at by Irish conspirators in tho United States nnd at Homo, and that fact is a stern commentary on tho effects of coercion. "Surely opprosion mnketh a ivise man mad !" Long yoars of harsh mis rulo inlrolandhavonpparentlylind tho effect of transforming tho character of n once high spirited, chivalrous and warm-hearted people. That result in not tv bo wondorod at; what wo do wondor at is that English Btatcsmon should still be co fatuously blind as to persist in a policy which has produced such fearful fruits. It is a motter for sincere congratulation that Mrßalfour (who is Lord Salisbury's nophow) hasesenpod injury; but if the bomba of tho Nihilists aro a warning to tho Czar to grant a constitution to Russia, cannot Engliehmon read tho plain lu_on of Irish outrage ?

The mail wloamor Zoalandia, which ar rived from San Francisco this morning, accomplished tho voyage in 18 days 19 hours, exclusive of Btoppngos, being favoured by lino weather throughout tho entire voyage. Hor passougor list includod 52 passoogera disembarked at Honolulu ; for Auckland 11 ; and Sydney 45. In tho shape of freight tho Zoalandia had 220 tons for Honolulu, 56 tons for Auckland,and 380 tons for Sydney.

Amongst tho passengora from Sac Fran cisco by tbe H.M.S. Zoalandia was Mr J. T. Cammel, of San Rosa, tho recently ap pointed Amorican Consul for Auckland, in tho place of the late Mr T. T. Gamble, Captain Webb having boen Acting-Consul in the interim.

The la subscription to tho piano fund for the Asylum, ia not filling up bo rapidly aa the worthiness of the object deserves. Will thoee who truly wish to assist thia doeorving cause pleaso send in their subscriptions to this office 1

Relative to the escape of Mr Spald ing from tho Asylum wo havo re ceived the following letter :— " Sir,—l visited my hueband, Sfcephon Spalding, at the Whau Asylum on Friday last, and found him in a very unsottlqd Btato of mind. Ho kept saying ho wUbod there was a way of getting back to Mount Eden. To my surprise he turned upot homo on Sunday ovening about 7 o'clock. I porpuaded him to return to the Asylum, which ho did by himsolf on Mon day. Is there no ono boaides the doctor to whom the patients can take their complaints and grievnn cos ? It seems strango that none of the leading citizens of Auckland take a greater interest inthoplace.—lam.etc., A. nikE,Spalding." Referring to tho above, we may Btato that Mesera F. U. Ewington and _. Stevenson aro the official visitors in lunacy for Auckland, and havo statutory authority to inquire into complaints by patients. At least once a quarter they aro bound by law to see every inmato in the Asylum, and if any patients make complaints to them they can fully investigate tbo matter and summon witnesses, taking evidence on oath, They then record their report in the Inspec tor's book, and tho Asylum officials are bound by law to forward a copy of the report to the Colonial Secretary within 48 hour?. Tho visitors have been out, wo are told, several times during the last three months, andaro going out again on Tuesday, and from what we know of those gentle men we feel quite sure that the poor, un fortunate patients will get fair play if they only mako known their grievances.

Mr Kerry, tho New Guinea explorer, has returned to Auckland to recruit his health aftor about twelve months' absonco on that oquatorial terra incognita. Ho dis covered a new river to tho eastward of tho Fly River, and has namod it after himsolf Ho purposou sending full parti culars of tho discovery to tho Admiralty. Wo nro sorry lo hear that ho .suffered from low fever, from which, however, he is now rapidly rocovoring.

Tho band of the French wnrehip Du quesno, under Bandmaster Uofhuzoe, gavo yesterday afternoon iv the Albert Pork their Becond public recital of music, and the attendance on this occasion was quite as large na at Wednesday's performance, nl-

though the weather was more threatening. In first class stylo tho programme an nounced by ua yesterday was gone through. At the cloao of tbo performance tho musicians were loudly cheered by the public. Thoy woro eubsequently enter tamed as before at tho Albort Hotel, whence an adjournment was mado to the Working Mon's Club. Horo Cnp'ain Payne, of the

"A" Battery of Artillery, proposed the toaet, "The Bind of the Uuquo^ne," and called for throe cheers, which wore heartily giveD, the toast beiog drunk with mv. oal honours. Band-Sergeant Saro responded,

and toasted "The Auckland Volunteers." His comrades give throe r.hoors for tho local Volunteers, and after a good deal of frater nising the band marched off to their ship.

Many old settle, will regret to observe a notice in our obituary column of the demise of Mrs Graham (the wife of Mr William Graham) at Awitu. She rosided for over forty-six years at the Kauri, and her genuine hospitality was widely spoken of by both Maori and European. When the blue ribbon movement was introduced iDto the colony, M_ Giahom exerted her benevolence in that direction on behalf of the Maori, and interpreted tho declaration into their own lan£fu oc.'o and pinned iho "bit o' bkip." O the ler.eil- of many a nut vo was only a fow month* ago the cottiers wero invited to celebrato her golden wedding. Mrß Graham was a native cf Greenock, on the Clyde,and was hold in groat tospect by all who had the pleasure of her friendship.

Mr Goldie, Sanitary Inspector, reports typhoid fever cases in Graham, Colling wood, Rylo, and Lincoln streets ; four cases in all.

Nowa has beon recoived by tho mail that Mrs R. J. Do Lias, owner of tho Theatre Eoyal block, was to be married on Feb ruary 17th to Mr J. M. Sohapiro, ii chomist, of Moscow. Mrs De Lias intends to settle permanently in Russia with hor husband.

Cr. Swalos baa given notice to move ut the next mcot.ing of tlio City Council, " That tho Engineer propnro plans and specification*,, and submit estimates of cost of drainugc works in lower end of Lawronco street."

About 200 guests, being chiefly members of tho Northern Cluß, tho Mayer and his friends, nnd tlio Consuls and thoir friouds aro boing entertained on board tho Duquesno this afternoon, upon tho invita tion of tlio Admiral. Tho ship loaves for Tahiti on Monday iloxt.

In accordance with tho resolution passed nt tho meeting in tlio Nowton Foresters' Hall on Tuesday ovening, Mr E. W. Morri son has formed a committeo in connection with the western branch of the Auckland Industrial Association. Tho first meoting xi ill bo hold on Tuesday ovening next in tho Burns Club-room at the roar of tho Bank of Now Zealand premises in Karnnga hnpo Ro.id. Mr Morrison ie also arranging for meetings to bo hold during the winter months for tho purpoeo of rovising tlio tariff.

Vory little progress wns mado with tho Voluntoor inquiry yesterday afternoon. Sergeant Sonrell wns examined on behalf of tho prosecution, nnd it transpired that ho had subpa-ned sovoral additional witness os on behalf ot Liout.Col. Mahon Captain McDonald contended that tho names of theso not having previously beon supplied, thoy could not be called The Board de cided to defer tho point for fuller considera tion, and tho inquiry adjourned till ton o'clock, when the right of tho prosecution to call furthor witnesses will be decided.

A meeting of the Solwyn Football Club was hold in tho Club room of tho V.M.C.A. last ovoning. Thore wero 25 membera present :Mr XV. Winks in tho chair. Tho following now members wore elected : — Mossrs H. Downs, N. Hall, J. Mur ray, Doddf, F. Ross, J. Scott, L_ham, M. Hickoy, F. Smith, and Atkin son. Mr E. Keetloy waa elected captain of the first fiftoon. Tho first practico match wns fixed for Snturday, April IG. It wns also agrood to havo two foot rncos, to ba run on Thursday, Mth April.ovor distances of 300 yards and ono milo. A voto of thanks to tho Chairman terminated the mooting.

All the schoolmasters in tho district havo boon invited to bo preeont at Sir Robert Stout's tomporanco address on Tuesday ovoning noxt. Tho exhibition on tho oc casion will be moat interesting, as many oxhibits have boen promised. A telo gram has boen forwarded to tho Premier to-day informing him that a deputation from the temporunco hodies propoeo wait ing upon him horo on Tuesday morning. Tho deputation will consist of Sir William Fox representing tho Now Zealand Alliance; Mossrs F. Jeune and H. Kothorhnm, ro prosontiug tho Rochabile; ; Rev. Mr Wor boys, president of tho Gospel Temper anco Mission ; Mr C. O. Hill representing tho Good Templars ; Mr XV. J. MoDormott representing tho Band of Hope Union, and Mr (I B. Lilly on behalf of the Tomporanco in Schools Committoo.

The annual ball in connection with tho Waitemata Football Club was held laat evoning in tho Ponfonby Oddfellows' Hall! Thore was a vory good attondanco. Mr Kowlinson catered satisfactorily, and capital music was performed by Shoahan'a band.

Tho inspection parade of No 2. Battalion takes placo on Tuesday noxt.

Tho weather this afternoon not the mos (nvourablo for tlio yacht procession in tin harbour, commenced at 3 p.m., but it wa. expected, nevertheless, that thoro wouli bo n crotlitnblo turn-out

Preparations aro now complete for tho production of tlio -lubilco cuntata " Brit annia ami Hor Daughters" in St James' Hall on Monday evening next. This is a grand spectacular production in addition to its musical merit-., and it will bo introduced by n prologue written for tho occasion by Mr .1. L. Kolly. Tho cantata is intended to show tho extent nnd grandour of tho British Empire, and thoro will bo represen tations of India, Canapja, South Africa, Au? rilia and Now Zoaland.

At tho tont, Surrey Hills.lnst night, thoro was marked appreciation on tho part of tho boarors on tbo subjoct advanced by Mr A. G. Danielle, who took for hia text, "Study to mako thysolf approved unto Cod, rightly dividing the word of truth,"

Northcote Band of Hopo ie making good progress. At the meeting on Monday ovening, Mr T. W. Glover, agent of tho Now Zealand Alliance, will address tho audionco. The programme will consist of readings, music, &c.

Messrs King, Walker and Co. rocoivod by the Zealandia a pair of vory lino " Wyandotto " chickens, to bo forwarded to Mr T. Dixon, of Wellington.

The s.s. Vivid will mako regular trips to tho French man o'-warto-morrow from 12.30 noon to 5 p.m.

Attention is drawn to tho ealo of .Mount Cambria, bottor know perhaps aa Sheep Mount KBtato, North Sh_o. which takes placo at B. Tonke & Co.'a auotlon mart oa Wednesday. April 6. This proporty laoneof the chocictin tho favourite district, as it overlooks, and Is 010. to. Cheltenham Heach and tho ocean, and tho soil Is pure volcanic loam, Tho aspect 1b northerly, and is therefore all that can be deeirod in this rospoe*. Tho sale Is absolute, and thorofore all those desirous of st curing freeholds in this delightful loc-,lity should not miss this favourable opportunity.

Storms carry with them Fa supply of nature's deodorising and disinfectant agent—o/.ono. The essential oils that pervado tho vicinity of gar dons and forests, and aro distinguishable by the organ of smell, arc also health-giving and puri fying, as tlicy indirectly create ozone by chem ical reactions. This is specially true of the blue gum and all the eucalyptus family, as it has been proven that the antiseptic properties of the eucalyptus oil arc much more powerful than eiirbolicacid, one of our safest disinfectants. It is not then surprising that eucalyptus should be invaluabio in skin complaints, and be esteemed the best of all healers. "Alckin's Eucalyptonu Ointment" is specially designed to bring out the essential properties of this great remedy. The effects on chronic cases arc most convincing. Price 2s per pot.

CIIILDRH.V STARVING TO DEATH Oil account of their inability to digest food, will find a most marvellous food and remedy in Scott's Emulsion of Pure Cod Liver Oh. with Hvrol-ilosi-HITF.s. Very palatable and easily digested. Read the following testimonial:

" I have prescribed • SCOTT'S EMULSION ' in cases of children suffering from wasting and inal-nutrition, and can report most favorably of its good effect; it has been in each case taken most readily. W. I>F.KKINS, M.R.C.S., Medical Supt., Burleigh Hospital, Ei.g. Larec and small bottles al all Chemists. 4S 6d and is 6d.

TELEGRAMS.

Dargaville, this day, The minister of Mines.

Tho Hon. Mr Larnach and party reached here last evening from Hokinnga, and wore loud in thoir praises of the splendid land at the boad of the Kaihn Valley. Mr Larnach, who has now been all over tho colony, pays there is nothing to beat it in New Zea land. Tho party left hero this morning for Auckland via Holenavillo in the s.s. luna. Thoywill roach town by tbe (i 15 train this ovouiag.

Thamks, this day. Clever Capture. About 2 pm, yoalorday one of tho mon omployed on Truinor's road contract, Wuromo, reported that a man known as Starkoy, the cook at the camp, had de camped and taken with him a, watch and chain, a horee, boots, shirts, aud other articles. Constable O'Brien was sent after him on horseback, and although tho offendor had three and a-half hours start, ho succeeded in arresting him at 7 p.m., about 27 miles from Grahamstown. Tho accused waß brought up to-day and was remanded until Thursday noxt. .alive Mectingr- The native gathering, haa bson going on at Para, ai, broke up to-duy. Accidents. A serious accident happened at 11 a.m. yesterday to James Irvine. While engaged working beneath au ombankmont, a mass of stuff suddenly eamo down, and buried him. When extricated he was unconscious and taken to the hospital, whe.ro it was ascertained that his chest bono and two ribs had boon broken. It is not yet known if ho has sustained any internal hurt. He regained consciousness about six o'clock. A lad about 12 years of age, named William Douglas, of Warahoo, had his arm badly injured yesterday afternoon by falling from a gum tree. Wellington, this day. Sir SJallaiice's Address. Mr Ballance, in his address to his consti tuents on Monday, will not disclose tho fin uro policy of tlio Government, but will ' s[.pt..ik only as n private member. 'ihe Uaklocli Tha Auckland steamer Gairloch his just come off the pateut slip, after haviag under gone general cleaning and repair.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Beforo Mr H. Brett, J.P.)

A Batch ol' Drunks —Six men were each fined 5s and coats, or 24 hours' hard labour, for haVing beon drunk. George Wilson and Wil'iam Gleeson weie each lined 10s and costs, or 48 hours. Montague Marriott was remanded for one week for medical tr'oat nient, and Frank Smith was sentenced to twomonths'hard labourfor being dn habitual drunkard.

Vagrancy. — Thomas Gibbings was charged with having committed a breach of the Police Offences Act, 1884, section 28, sub-section 9, by being found by night without lawful excuse upon the premises of Mr VV. Crowther.—Prisoner pleaded guilty,and was sentenced to six weeks' hard labour.

Breach of the Shipping and Seamen's AOt.—A kanaka lad named "Tonny" was brought before the Court charged ft ith boing a stowaway on tho s.s. Arawata. Aa tho steamer would start on the return voy age to-morrow, the Bench ordered the lad to be handed over lo the Captoin. Sergeant l'ratt having withdrawn the charge against the prisoner. (Boforo Mossrs H, Brett and S. V.. Collins, J.P's.) Railway Regulations.—John Benton plocded guilty to having committed a breach of tho Railway Regulations by com mitting a nuisance at the Auckland station.- Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for tho Dopartm out, and stated that under tho circumstances ho would not press for a heavy penalty.—Tho Bench inflicted a lino of 10s and costs. . (Beforo Mr H. G. Soth Smith, R.M.)

Adjournments.—The cases of Henry Briebot, T. W. Allen and W. G. Allen, cllaiged with flailing to provide, were ad journed for two weeks. Ai.leced Per.lury.—Alexandor Campbell was cbargod wilh perjury in the lato Lake House jury case.—Mr Earl appeared for tho prisoner ; tho Crown Prosecution, Mr Williamson, prosecutiug. — Mr F. Brewer, Registrar of the Supreme Court, produced the documents concerning the case when boforo the Supremo Court. F. B. Scott gavo evidence to tho effect that at tho time of the ejectment of Mrs Robertson ho was acting as agent for Mr Graham. John Turner was Graham's boy, and was put into possession on Satur day. Campboll had been employed by him on behalf of Robert Graham. Ho went into tho hotol, and Bhortly, afterwards roturning, said " I see your right, wo cau't get in." Before the easo eamo on heard Campbell say "I'll slow old Mother Robertson if she doos not stump and go over to the other say." Aftor bow him with Robert Graham By Mr Earl: Witness did not remember having boen drunk in Mr Earl's office and saying that " ho did not think Mr Graham nppoarod in the matter at all, but that the natives intended all the whilo to give the hotol to Robert Graham." Ho had taken charge of tho hotol for Mr Graham after Mrs .obortson was cloarod out of it. Could not remember if it was one month or six months afterwards.

[Loft sitting ]

BANKRUPTCY NEWS

James Lowk (a bankrupt) was oxamined this morning on oath by tho Official Assig nee, 110 stated that he was a grocer, and eamo to Auckland in September, 1882, ontering at once into partnership with hia brother, who had a grocery business, putting in £20 at first, and £70 moro 12 months afterwards. Iv January, ISS,'I. thoy added drapery to their other business, and removed to Ponsonby Road. Tbe creditor who persuaded thorn to.thiß stop Btockoil tho place on credit, and after thoy had given bills they found that tbe drapery was of an inferior quality and charged at a high price. It proved an entire failure. Tbe bills wero met at a very serious saciifico and this affpiir had boon the chief source of the present difficulty. Tho same creditor was thoir landlord nnd wben their ront foil into arrcar ho pressed them 80 that they woro obligod to call their creditors together, but noth ing particular was done. The creditors wero callod together again in September, 1885, and being aatisfiod tho ostate was only worth 10s in the £ arranged that it Bhould bo car ried on undor tho supervision of one of tho principal creditors. Aftor three months, the landlord got it assigned to him by pay ing 10s in the £. They continued tho busi ness on the understanding that whon hisclaim (£700) was satisfied they should be freo to continue on thoir own account. They paid him instalments, and supplied bis family with groceries. In August, ISBG, de ponent's brothor withdrew, taking neither money nor goods. Deponent continued tho arrangement with tho landlord up to March 21th, 18S7, at which dato ho was prepared to show that the landlord had received irom them in monoy, groceries, etc., equal to £790, but nevertheless ho took possession during defendant's ab pence on tho 2. h Marco of tho business premises and their contents. He still claimed £54 15s, none of tho monoy witness had paid appearing to have beon credited for current rent. Aba cousequenee tho seizure had been in the nature of a distraint for rent. The unsecured dobts amounted to £300 2s lOd, aud the assets are estimated to be worth £280.

Marwood Roberts Curnow (bankrupt) subsequently examined, etated that for upwards of 4 yeara he had bad tho mauagemont of a department in ono of the leading soft goods warehouses in Auckland, 110 was a married man with two children, and his salary had latterly boen £225 a year. He married 3 years ago when his salary was £150 and when ho waa a trillo in debt. Twelve months later ho arranged to buy a houso and allotment at Archhill for £600 on the deforred payment system. He kept up his payments until about £00 or £100, including intoroat, had beon paid off. Owing to increasing domestic expenses he was o ligod to borrow. In all he paid £142 towards the house but it had now been re-entored through his falling in arroar. The money borrowed was secured by his furnituro, and on tho 2Sth ult. the bill of sale holder realised on it. His affairs thon came to tho knowledge of his employers, and he lost his situation. He had nothing left but personal apparel.

NARROW ESCAPE FROM FIRE

A nakiiow escape from a serious conflagra tion happenod about noon to-day in Firth's Bond and Freo Store,over which the Auck land Custom-house is situated. Smoke waß discovered issuing from a stack of free goods, and the hoso which is always kept ready for use on the premises was speedily got into play. The fire was soon extiDguished,and tho damage was found to be confined to a chest of drawers, almost totally destroyed, and somo other packages slightly charred. From the chest of drawers in which the fire evidently had its origin, a roasted rat was extracted, and it was crodited with the outbreak, no other cause being obsorvablo. Tho discovery of tlie fire bo early waa most fortunate, for half an hour later tho promises would havo been loclied up and all the omployes away,

RESIENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

FRIDAY,

[BofoieH. G. Seth S_itb,Eeq,,R.M.] R. Brother v. North Shore Steam Ferry Company.—Claim,£loo.—Mr Theo. Cooper appeared for tho plaintiff and Mr Cotter for the defendant company.—The plaintiffs evidence having closed (ccc our yesterday's iFsue),Mr Cotter proceeded to examine him for the defence. When hf. took the 400 shares ho had not seen the prospectus of the Company. He had made several at tempts to come up to the Auckland Wharf with the Eagle, but the vessel steering badly in the strong tide, ran foul of the wharf, and damaged her head The Eagle went about seven knots. The boat was perfectly manageable in tbe stream. It was only when coming alongside tho wharf that the curront acted upon her.—W. J. Job son, Insp ctor of St oaniers,depoaed to pass ing the Eagle as a passenger boat. She seemed to anßwer her helm very fairly.— Captain Archibald Crawford deposed to taking 400 shares in the Company, on tho understanding that he was to have com mand of the second vessel. — James Mackay proved the Eagle's steering capa bilities ; he considered her quite fit to be a ferry stetmer.—H. G. Fox stated that the Eagle was put together under his super vision. The cause of the boat stopping on Regatta Day was that turns one had tampered with her rudder—The case was adjourned at four o'clock till next Thurs day.

At Mr Pooley's eeryice of sacred music to-morrow afternoon, the usual anthem ana vocal selections will be given, and in addition a trio for two violins and organ.

CABLEGRAMS.

The Czar Fired At.

A NiKBOW ESCAPE

Arrest of tlie would ■ be Assassin

[kecter's telegram ]

St; Petersburg, April 1. It in now definitely know that an attempt on the lifo of tho Czar was made at Gatschina on Tuesday lan!-. His Majesty was passing through the park, when he was fired at, but the shot narrowly missed its aim: The assailant, who is stated td be an officer in the Russian Arrays was arrested On the spot. ■________■

THE BULGARIAN CRISIS

Financial Built inipciidiiigr.

(SI-ECIAL CABLE.)

London, March 31

Bulgaria is rapidly getting into a critical condition. Business is at a complete stand still, and affaire nro very unsettled. Unless tho existing difficulty is soon solved thero will be no alternative between submit ting to Russia and facing financial ruin. It is understood IhatM. StoiloiTs mission is for the purpose of trying to raise a loan.

IRISH AFFAIRS.

The New Crimes hnd Land BiHs. (itEUTEK'S TELEGRAM.) Lonlion, April 1. In the House of Lords last night, the Earl of Cadogan, Lord Privy Seal, intro duced the Irieh Land Bill. The Bill ad mits leaseholders to tho benefits of tho Act of 1881, and providos for persons who aro evicted becoming caretakers of proportieß. It provides for evictions being delayed in cases of tonants becoming insolvent, and exempts landlords from payment of rates in casos whoro ren's are not paid owing to intimidation. The Radicals aro promoting active agita tion outside party circles against the Coorcion Bill, in order to tako advantage of the Easter recosß.

The Crimes Bill will bo pressed to a divisiou to-night, aud tho second reading takon on Monday.

DASTARDLY OUTRAGE.

Attempt to Assassinate tbe Irish

Secretary.

[SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.]

London, March 31st. Thk police detained a phial posted to Mi Arthur Balfour, and subjected it to careful examination. It was proved to contain a dangerous explosive.

QUEEN VICTORIA IN A BURN ING TRAIN.

[keuptku'.s telegram].

Pauls, March 31

Tin: Quoon's journey to Cannes haa beon delayed at Larocho, owing to tho train catching fire. Her Majesty was in no dangor, and resumes hor journey to Cannos to-morrow. Tho accident was caused by tho heating cf au axlo of one of the

carnages.

The Sydney Budget.

[KEOTER'S TELEGIIAJI,]

Sydney, this day.—Tho revenue of the colony for the past quarter shows an in .croaso of £222,000 compared with the corresponding period last year. Tho Opposition are organising meetings against tho Treasurer's budget proposal. The Biilll Disaster. An inquest on the Bulll catastrophe ia now proceeding at Bulli. Federation. The Government have tolegraphod tho delegates of this colony at the Imperial Conforenco, questioning tho advisability of thoir taking part in any discussion on federation.

The Imperial Conference.

London-, March 31.

(SPECIAL OABLB.)

Lord Salisbury has received Sir S. Grif fiths and Moe.a Deakin, Lorimor, and Downer. The Fair-trade League has arranged to entertain tho delegates at a banquot.

The " Daily News " is of opinion that the Imperial Conference should be allowed to shape itß own course without interference, and regrets tho docision of the Secretary for tho Colouios to exclude the press, ex cept on certain occasions.

The Marquis of Normanby, Sir Andrew Clark, Sir George Bowen, Mr Childers, and all the ex-Secretaries of State for the Colonies, havo bc3n invited to take part in tho deliberations of the Imperial Con . ference. 9lail Tender. The statement tbat the P. nnd O. end Orient Co.'B tender for the carriage of the Australian mails had been accopted is not confirmed. Tho Agents-General believe it improbable that any offer has been dealt with, as it is understood that fresh negotia tions are pending. Propose, Duty on Hops A deputation of hop groworß waited on Lord Salisbury, and naked that a duty should be placed on the imported article, urging, in defence, that the cultivation of hops was being ruined by foreign imports. Lord Salisbury, in reply, said he recoguised the gravity of the situation,and sympathised with the Powers, but he declined to promise that their requeßt be granted. South Australian Revenue. Adelaide, this day.—Tha revenue of South Australia for last quarter amounted to £511,000, a decrease of £111,000 com pared with last year. The Customs r - venuo decreased by £35,000, and the not revenue from taxation shows a decrease of £32,000. Land Reform in England. London, April I.—A Land Transfer Bill, partly based on the meusuros in force in Victoria and Now South Wales, will be in troduced- iv tho Houso of Lords by the Lord Chancellor, Russian War Preparations. A hundred officers of the army of the Caucasus have arrived in St. Peters burg.

DEFICIT IN NEW ZEALAND REVENUE.

(by telegraph—own correspondent )

Christchurch, this day. Sir Julius Vouel has just received infor mation from the Secretary to the Treasury that the Customs revenue is £120 800 ____ th __ atimat0' aod the beer duty ±.1,500. Ihe principal sources of Customs *+___* °^m ar? h Wero: - Amikland, £26,478; Wellington,"' £20,753 ; Christ' church, £21,221 ; Dunedin,. £26 010. The beer duty returns for the chief towns were • —Auckland, £1,001 ; Wellington, £597 ■ Christohurch, £1,214; Dunedin, £1,033' bhillings and pence are omitted in the above.

OTAGO LABOUR EXCHANGE.

(I'.Y TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT),

Dunedin, this day. It Las been decided to form a Labour Ex change for Otago and Southland under the auspices of the Government. Dr. Hislop baa been appointed Chairman, und Mr Colin Allan Socrotaiy.

ARRIVAL OF THE ZEALANDIA WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES

London, February 25,

THE KAPUNDA DISASTER.-ARRIVAL

OF SURVIVORS.

THE Pucilic Steam Navigation Company's R.M.S. Patagonia, having on board the survivors of the ill-fated Kapunda, arrived at Lisbon yesterday. Very few additional details of tho catastrophe havo as yet tran spired. The collision, it appears, occurred Bhortly before dawn in lat. 13 45 S., long. 27.20 W. The Kapunda's side-lights were burning; but tho Ada Melmoro had nonfj and was therefore only seen at tho moment of tbe crash, Sho struck tho emigrant ship with great force on tho lee side near the starboard foro rigging. The Kapunda broke up liko a biscuit and sank in three minutes, there being no time to launch a single boat. Even if there had been, it seems doubtful if anything could have been done, for, according to all accounts, tbe wildest confusion, terror, and dismay prevailed. Nine of the survivors jumped on board tbo Ada Melmore. Six others were in the wider holding on to floating wreckage, and seeing ono of the Kapunda'a boats bottom upward, succeeded in right ing her and rowing ,to tbo Ado Melmoro The chief officer was picked up later by a boat from tbo Ada Melmoro after being an hour in the water. The captain of the Kapunda went down wilh the vessel, and was never saen ogaiH. The survivors wore transferred from the Ada Melmore to the French ship Ulyese, which took them to Bahia. They attribute the collision to the Ada Melmore not carrying side lights.and, further, to her wrongly porting her helm. MR MILNER STEPHEN.

Mr Milner Stephen is having a very warm timo of it. Mr Stead, of the " Ball Mall Gazette," has (vulgarly speaking) *' got his knife into " him, and means to bring that modern miracle worker's " mag netic cures "to a summary full stop. The l'ublij Prosecutor is said to bo looking into tho matter and may take somo octiou, pro bono publico, to prevent Mr Stephen from taking money for hie so-called cures, or if thisehould beimpossiblo funds will probably be found to enable some of the good man's " diaoppointed patients " to sue him. To do the gifted Now South Welshman jus ti 00, he seems in no way dauntod by the uncom monly disagreeable turn things appear to be taking. His successes in Australia, Mr Stophen considers, moro than counterbal ance his failures in England, By way of proving the tionajida ol the former,l may tell you he invariably produces whole sheafs of flattering noticoa from Australian aud New Zealand papers, thereby (sad to say) promulgating most erroneous impres sions as to tho intelligence and credulity of colonial preesmon. When Mr Milner Stephen arrived in Eng land some weeks back, tho " Pall Mall Gazette," you may remember, interviewed him, and allowed him (fairly enough) to state hia curativo pretensions. Tho editor was, however, sufficiently cautious to refuse to give Mr Stephen's address to the hun dreds of blind, lame and halt who applied for it till ho had fully fatisfied himself of the reality of theso called magnetic cures. Several teat patients were submitted to Mr Stephon for this purposo, and he operated upon thoin a number of times, but wholly without result. This he now explains by saying they wore cases of ntrophy/which he nover pretended to be able to heal, and so on. The situation has now been further complicated by the arrival on tbe eeene of a Mr Thistle, of Wellington, New Zealand, a medicai mas, whose mission seems to bo to " show up " tho " modern miracle-worker." Aa will bo gathered from an amusing report of Mr Stephen's lecture last Sunday evening, Mr Thistle has already shattered tbe former's reputation as a wonderful healer to snch an extent that eren "six feet of favourable press notices from tbe colonial papers " failed wholly to rehabilitate him. SUBSCRIPTIONS TOWARDS THE NSTITUTE. Neither the official repartß of progress made in the establishment of the Imperial Institute nor tho lists of subscrij tiooa pub liehed are precisely brilliant. Since the meeting at tho Mansion House, it Beems no fewer than 3,000 Mayors, Lord-Lieutenants, Chairmen of Local Boards and Government officials havj been solemnly adjured in the Prince of Wales's sacred name to beg, bor row, or procure somehow, " liberal sub scriptions." The result to date is £50,000, or (as an evening paper remarks) "not .half as much as could be raised in a week In London alone for any object that really compelled the sympathy of all classes." Moreover, the ereater part of this money has only been obtained by abject begging and a system of enforced subscriptions that would do credit to an American politician squeezing the Civil Service- During the week several gentlemen have voluntored to explain publio apathy on the subject of the Institute. Professor Huxley declares the South Kensington site the wet blanket, and is backed up in his opinion by Mr Tulton, Chairman of the London Cham ber of Commerce. This worthy boldly avers that had the city contingent seen any hopo of finding the money for a site else where than at South Kensington, they would not havo given in to the Prince's wish. SALE OF THE GREAT EASTERN. Tho venerable Groat Eastern, which has for the last 12 months been acting as a big bazaar and advertisiDg " boom " for tbe Liverpool firm of Lowis and Co , was yesterday knocked down for the compara tively small sum of £26,000 to Mr Thomas Brown, of the London and Australian Shipping Company. It was at first supposed tho buyers meant to uee the leviathan craft as a coal hulk, but such proves to bo by no moans their intention. The vessel will be at once put into the hands of John Elder and Co., who mean tc remove the cumbrous paddles and re engine her in the most approved modern style. She will theu, it is reckoned, steam 20 knots an hour, and with saloons, etc., re decorated, may yet do good service in the Australian trade. ASHBY AND CO. Messrs Wm. Ashby and Co., the well known Australian aud New Zealand Das senger agents, have, for the convenience of visitors to England,and the Anglo-Colonial community generally, issned a handy little book of mail tables, steamer fares, compara tive routes, and similar useful informa tion, which, both hero and in the colonies, should be greatly appreciated and attain a large circulation. Under Cap tain Ashby's fostering care, the business at 22, Leadenhall-street, continues to swell and flourish. Colonißts newly arrived in London, and requiring advice or assistance on any point, cannot do better than repair to No. 22. Tho worthy captain ia a walk ing encyclopedia of Anglo-Colonial infor mation, and always good-naturedly willing to placo his ready wits and mature experi ence at an antipodean's service—especially if ho (or the) should happen to come from New Zealaud. FROZEN MEAT. The large quantity of m-at which has been lately placed on the market is having a depressing effect on values, because the supplies are in excess ef the demand. Dul ness alao provailcd at the cattle markets last Monday through a similar cause. Frozen mutton, as might be expected under | existing circumstances, has lost the ■ ad ■ vance noticed a fortnight ago. Nor, is there anything In the present state of the [ trade to cause a recovery, especially as .we havo now entered upon a season when the demand for meat is always more or loss restricted. The following are the present quotations :—New Zealand mutton, 2s Sd to 2-3 10d; Now Zealand lamb, 2s 6d to 4s; Molbourne mutton, 2s Sd ; Rivor Plate mutton, 2. 4d ; Scotch mutton, 4s to 4a 6d ; English (wethers) mutton, 4s to 4s _i ; English (ewes) mutton, 3-1 2d to 3s 4d ; Germin (wethers) mutton, 3s 8d to 3s lOd ; Gernien-(ewes) mutton, 3s to 3* 4d.

THE AIHERICAN MAIL CONTRACT.

The Cunard Company aro doing all they can to ensure the permanence of the re covered American mail contract. The R.M S. Etruria, which left the Mersey at 4 p.m. on the sth inst., and the captain cf which was instructed to take the longest and most southerly route, reached New York bar at 6 o'clock on tho following Saturday morning, making the passage in the unprecedented time of 6 days 19 hours, or less than 6 dayß from Quecnstown—a feat unprecedented in the hiatory of steam navi gation, (Mail Netrn continued on our Slh page.)

THE ANGLICAN HOME MIS SION.

The above mission is steadily pushihg dn its work in tlie country districts of this diocese. The half-yearly collections wiil be mado to-morrow in the churches for the fundi Since the last collections were made three more parochial district:! have beon prepared and resident ministers appointed to thetti. Thore are at present sixteen clergymen re sident in tho lollowing 16 colintry distriote; who aro receiving grants from the fund, viz :—Coromandel, Howick, Kamo, Kawa Kawa, Kati Kati, Mongonui, Ngaruawahia, Papakura, Paparoa, Te Aroha, Te Awa mutu, Taranaki, Wairoa North, Waimate, Whangarei and Waiuku. Clergymen resi dent in other districts also visit Helens ville, Kumeu, Raglan, Maungakaramoa, Wbangaroa, Paeroa, etc, etc. U'_ wards of fifty districts, which are not sufficiently advanced to hove residant ministers, aro also regularly vialtsdj, and services held in them by the organising clergyman and other clergymen who.help. In an appeal made in the " Charch Gazstte!' a Ehort time ago, "J.H." says: "Vf' o want men, and we want the means to send the Men (1) to the settlers, who are earnest and truly religious, but unable to suppofct their ministers; [$) to the blishmen atid gumdiggers, who are living, in too many cases, we fear, 'without God in -.'tbo world ;' (3) to the isolated people who are living on the islands and in the very remote places of the csloceso; (4) we want m&atls give the clergymen who are now working in country districts more adequa'e grants from tbe Home Mission Fund." The grants from the Home Mission Fand aite from £40 down to £15 per annum, and It is most earnestly desired to increase these amount. The Standing Committee will soon be allocating tho grante for the year beginning July let, and they will base their calculations on tbo amount raised for; tie year ending June 30th. The whole income is derived from the Subscriptions of'tfie membeie of tbe Home Mission Society and from the collections in the churches throughout tho diocese.

LATEST SPORTING.

ARC, Autumn Meeting.

Thk following excellent aceeptaucos and genoral entries were received last night It. Kaster Handicap, ot SOOjovs, 1J milew et-lb. stln. Spade Guinea ..0 1 Wapiti .. ..7 g Silence .. ..8 13 British Lion .. 7-1 Pearl .. ..8 9 Friendship ;. 7 a Turquoise ..8 0 fremr.rne.. .. 612 Derringer.. .. 7 10 Pretender ~ g g Cinderella ..7 0 Maoriland ..6 7 Lady Norah :. 7 8 Stbeflechase, of UOsovs, ub out 3J miles-

et.lb. Btlb. P.iterOebock ..11 7 Volcano .. .. 912 Falcon .. .. U 0 Zip .. ...... Sl, BllWo .. .. 10 7 Rowdy .. ... 9; 7 Omata .. .. 10 2 Darkle .. .. 9 7 New Year .. 0 12 Coral .... 9 7 Obamj-agn* Stakes. - Queenle, Bangle, Foeee (by Mnsket-Titanis). Forme, HrupUon, EIUBDr-E Rack.—Zip, Coral, "Volcano, Darkle, MdgDCsi9..(Omata. Peter Oabeck, Armourer. Tradesmen's Plate.—Ma Petite Fille. Vic tory, Frecender. I'amora, Brown Rose,.Cinde rella, Howitzer. Kmpreea. Bangalore, Okato, Wapiti. Lady No ah. Libeller, MaoriUnd, Leorina, Rocket, Teddy Yuillo. Selling Back.—Tupaki. 25jovb; Viotory.ffi soys: Contractor, nil; Rewi, 50sovb; Recklow, ntl;Luna, nil; Okato, 60juve; Antelope, nil; Weaiel, 2530 v?. STEWAItDS' Handicap. — Ma Petite Fllle, British Lion, victory, Cutesby, Rowi. Tamora, [TrieodahiD, Cioderelli, Turquoise, Howitzer, Rivulet, Bansralore, Okato. Cremorne. Wepltl, Lady.Norah, Maorlland, Libeller, Antelope, Rocket, Teddy Yuille, Spade Guinea. [m rf Flying Stakes. — Clnderalla, Bangle/ Em press. Pfarl. Fusee, Forma. M/iorlland, Teddy Yui Iβ. Spada Guinra, ttooket. .-, ■■ Ellebslie Plate. — Queenie, Bangle, Fasw. Foru a Broption. Suouts IJANDiCAP.-Pink Rose, British Lion, Pretender, Cateaby, Too-boon. Tamora, Brown Rose. Cinderella, uor.lngor.Howitzer,Kmprew, Pearl, Keproach, Okato, Bangalore, WapiU, Lady Norab, Maoriland, Libeller, Antelope, Leorina, Weaeel, Rockot, Teddy YulUe, Spade Guinea, Great Northern St. Lkger.—Britieh LioD, Cannon, Rivu'et, Howitzer, Lady Norab. Cremorne, Toddy Yuille.

ARRIVAL OF RACEHORSES.

By the h.r. Penguin, which arrived in the Manukau to-day, the following horsei anived for the purpose of fulfill ing their engagements at the Auck land Racing Club Autumn Meeting:— Rocket, Teddy Vuille. Weaze), Peter Oebeck, Pearl, Rivulet, British Lion, Cin derella, and Volcano. A number of well known eportemen aleo arrived by the Penguin. .

Taranaki Races.

The TaranakiJ.C. Autumn Handicap of 150eovs, 1J mile, run yesterday, resulted ta a win for Teddy ifuille, by Antero's— Atalanta, who beat Cinderella by a short neck, with Rivulet third. Time, j 2min 49 l-sthsec, Landeeer appropriated, the Provincial Handicap, and Hagar beat Ban galore and Tongariro in the Consolation, Farther particulars of the first day's racing ebow that the T.J.C. Handicap, appro priated by Rivulet,was only won by a short head. Time 3mm. 46«ec. Dividend,£2lie. Rimu got home first in theWeltor Handicap, Fetor Oeheck being eeconti.nnd Artist third; while Cindorella won the Flyiug Handicap from Hagar by a neck, Teddy Ynille third. Mr Evotfc was highly praised for hie ex cellent handicapping at the meeting,

EDEN TERRACE WATER SUPPLY.

A meeti.n'g of the residents and ratepayers of the Eden Terrace Highway District waa held last evening in the Summer-street Hall. There was a large attendance,- Mr Charles Atkin being voted to the chair. He referred to tbe fact that tho two polls already taken for a water supply had failed for lack of support. He also controverted the statements of a pamphlet which had boen circulated laying down the advantages of the district joining the city. . ■ ■:<->_ Mr Adam Porter, chairman of the dis trict, stated that the pamphlet showed an expenditure of £490, without anything being done to the roads, bat according to his calculation the estimates were wrong to the extent of several hundreds. A paper supplied to him by the Insurance Company showed that Eden Terrace had £SO,OOO worth of property insured, and paid about £1,600. That was not all, for he found that they paid from 25 to 50 percent, higher premiums than those paid in the city. But by paying £125 per annum in interest on a water supply loan they could save £375 a year. Their subsidy would go a long way toward* paying the interest on the loan.

Mr Cleveland asked the Chairman whether he had not stated in a meeting in Freeman's store that a water supply with out drainage was of no use: (The ,{Chair man : Certainly, as regards health.] The speaker thought that by joining the city they would sooner get the water sup ply, besides drainage, and they would find that their insurance rates would- be re duced quickly, Mr Faten pointed out that the city would have to take them if they did do so. Mr Cole thought they should use every effort to get a water supply, for it wonld ba highly remunerative if only in keeping sick ness out of the district.

Messrs McCowatt and Wilson having ad dressed the meeting, Mr T. B. Hill said he was for water, uo matter where it came from, but he rather leaned towards the city. At the same time, ns some of the City Coun cillors held property in tho district,' he thought that if there was anything to be gained from joining the city they should favour that system. Mr SomerWllo strongly favoured a water supply, but advocated joining the cit >'- ... Mr Porter moved "That in the opinion of thia meeting it is absolutely necessary to have a water supply, and that this meeting pledges themselves to use their best en deavours to-morrow to bring the poll to a successful issue." This was received with applause and adopted by a large majority.

VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE.

An inspection parade of members of the City Guards will be held on Tuesday even ing next at 7.30. As business in connection with the forthcoming camp will be brought forward, every member should attend. >

NAVAL BATTALION.

At the inspection parade of this battilion last evening, the following companies mus tered :—Auckland, 60, under Lieutenants Parker, Smith, and Moore ; Noith Shore, 33, under Captain Fenton, .Lieutenants Dacre and Duder; Ponsonby, -40, under Captain Morpeth and Lieutenant Miller ; Waitemata, 30, under Captain Hitchens, Lieutenants Keesing and Boyes ; Garrison Drum and Fife Band, 15. The Devonport Navala were played up from the wharf by their brass band, under Bandmaster Morris. Captain Commandant Loßoy was in charge of the parade. After the inspection, the battalion was formed in hollow square, and proceeded to the election of chaplain.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, APRIL 2 > 1887

2



rtIHIRTY THOUSAND YARDS T~k. ESS TyTATERIAL, To be sold AT GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. H. ATKINS HAS MARKED DOWN THE PRICES or SUMMER DRESS MATERIAL 20 to 30 peb Cent. There la a Splendid Stock still left to select from, and the Reductions will be found to be Genuine. BLACK and COLOURED SILKS will also ba ■old at a Reduction In Price. A Few Pieces of Magnificent Quality BLACK SILKS, to be sold at English Prices. An Overstock ot UMBRELLAS. SUNSHADES, etc., to be sold Cheap. Tbe Balanoe of CARPETS (about 1,500 Tarda) to be oleared at cost and under. A Large Stook of LONG CURTAINS. TABLE LINEN. SHEETING. BLANKETS, QUILTS, and MANCHESTER GOODS. Best value in Auokland. A Splendid Stock ot KAIAPOI CLOTHING, In Boys', 'Souths', and Men's; Splendid Value | Cheaper than Imported Clothing. MEN'S MERCERY. SHIRTS, SCARFS. UMBRELLAS, Seo. ALL GOODS TO BE SOLD AT PRICES TO MEET THE TIMES. H. A T~K" IN 8. SPECIAL PRICES, TO MEET THE TIMES. MILNE AND CHOYCE Bbk to NoH/y that they have mode T AUGE TDERMANENT T> EDUCTIONS Iv tho Prices of their -AIIIES' AND CHILDREN'S UNDEK CLOTHING. AND BABY'tINEN. | Theeo Goods are Imported from the Largest and Meet lleliublo Manufacture-s In London, and are gnarantred to bo Well made and of Qcod Quality. . As those Goods are now Marked at so Small a P rent, larger Qianlilim en ltlrglmpted in anticipation of a Greatly increased Sale. INSPECTION IS INVITED. JVXILNB AND CaOYCB, QUEEN AND WELLE9LET BTBEETB ,r.V:. 3 , .i '■H "(IOLD BK GEM" FLOUR "XL ALL" OATMEAL Are the beat brands in thia market, TRY THEM. ALFRED JOWITT, BOIM ASHNT.



TUBILEE UMBRELLAS! . J JUBILEE UMBRELLAS! A New Fcnturo iv Umbrollna with rj uni.iuc Handle, Sword, Crown, and H.I. I-M Majesty's bust. The only New Stylo of .J Unibrclln in Auckland, forming a hand- r-i some prcsenfforn lady, for 203 only. *Q L ACE CUR™N LACE CURTAINS.OO A New Style of Lnco Curtains. Al though the newest of the newest designs, rjj will bo sold at thirty-flVe per cent, leas p^ than their value. W BLANKETS! BLANKETS.I l^j BLANKETS! *M Buyers of Blankets should como and see our window. Note tho quality and tho Qg Reduced Prices. ___ y\ QLOTHING! OLOTBlgCn^^, y Try the Great Cloaranco Sale before pur- -j it chasing Clothing for yourself QJ soii3. Mg VELVETEENS! VELVETEENS! g VELVETEENS. a _ Ono Shilling per yard. r .ft MANTLES. FUR CAPES, FUR -^ a WRAP. CASHMERE CLOAKS, 73 g WATERPROOF CLOAKS. QJ " Now being offered in the Show Room. LACE CURTAINS! rKS LACE CURTAINS! _? I Laco Curtains of tho most Choice Do- X signs. Just brought forward, and will o bo offered during tho Great Cloaranco t___Q u Sale. , . f. £ ■ ' ' ' fH PLUSHES! PLUSHES! PLUSHES! Xs All shades, at 2s lid por yard; im- £L__\ _ monsoly reduced in prico. COLOURED KID GLOVES, BLACK M KID GLOVES, 4-buttoncd, at Is 6d HH per pair—not onc-quartor thoir valno. {/} /.OUNTERRANES. QUILTS, L.' TOWELS, TITVVELLING, SHEET- rf) INGS, TICKINGS, in fact, ©very article ~< in tho Manchostor Department, at cnor- -^ moußly Reduced Prices. v HOSIERY! HOSIERY! HOSIERY! Ladies and Children's Hosiery, all (^) reduced In price. v. /GENUINE REBUCTIONS C^ IN EVERY ARTICLE. AT T. SHORT'S GREAT CLEARANCE SALE, B. Order op the Executors. A DAM T AYBODRN & C.0., AUCKLAND. NEW CLOVER ) Best English Serds. from > James Carter &Co , NEW TURN IP J The Quosn's Seedsmen. RYE GRASS. COCKSFOOT, and NATURAL GRASSES. Allnewfioeds. Fenoing Wire at Rtduoed Prices.



J*'"l Bt' e'-> hy advertisement .1 en-hern that tho Pomonby .football Club intend to form a second fifteen to compete for the JuoiorFoo ». 11 Cup, and that pi ,j era dlalrous of i oi nineit



~.;"-'' IN ,™« Wobubiioi'.— Tortnifi-cxl won. leebled his li lt ,„i or,iii lm , L -d I.is sin'lv. let'bin. ue,._ __ , -'"V 0"'0 frcH"!" trouble bp BtrenffiSL'ff b. u .». uvenated. hia nerve. whoa cZt__° 8ig_ht t ec.? me cioar- and t>>o _*_#&____* uilt Dp t0 a MBhor



The Sale of the Terminus Hoteli Onehunga, has baen withdrawn by; the aso tioneers, Messrs Hesketh and Altken.