COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, etc., To-night.

Agricultural Hall-Fryer's Circus and Japanese Village, 8. Gladatono Hall. Northcote-Cantata,• Conquest

of Drink." 7 30. IO GT. Hall. Quncn-street. Onehunga—Lodge lianuk .v, S.C . 7.30. Royal Hotel. Onehunga-Settllng over One hunga Racing Club's Races. 7. Protestant Hall. Newton-L.0.L., No. 1, City of Auckland, 7.30. Eagle Hotel—Wnltemata Football Club. 7.30. Ponßonby Hall-Annual Solreo of St. Stephen's Church. 7.30. Religious Meeting in tno Tent on Surrey Hills Estate, Ponsonby Road. 7.E0.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

March 17-0. B. Mocdonald and D. G. MacDonnel'.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

A. Buckland. Romuera Yards—Cattle, etc., 11 Hunter and Nolan, Junction Yards-Cattle, etc

11. Arthur and Buddie-Drapery, Clothing, Jowol lery.eto.. 11.

Chief Post-Office, Auckland.

if A11..S WILL CLOSE AS UNI)ER 1— Tms Day, For Opotlki, per Douglas, at 1 p.m. For Manganai. Hakaru, and Kalwaka, per Uahv. at 5 p.m. . For Katikatl, Aonsfatcte. Tauraugn, oto., vlai Ttmmos, per Kotomahana, at o p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 5 30 p.m. Thursday, 17th inst. For Port Fitzroy, Tryphona, and Okupu, per i lona, at 7 a.ro. For Walwera. To Kapa. and Warkworth. per Rose Casey, at 10 a in. ' For Waltara and Southern ports, per Galrlocn, at 11 am. For Gisborte, Napier, Southern porta, and Tasmania, per Watraraoa, at 11 a.m. Fbibay. 18th inst. j .or New Plymouth, and Southern ports, per * Macgrogor. at 1 p.m. For Whltiangl, Gum Town, Upper >___. and Talrua, per lona, at 5 p.m. For Tauranga, and Opoiiki, per Clansman, at 5 p.m. For Wangarel tleads. Parua. Walnu. Whan garei. Kamo. and Mangapai, per Wolliagton, at 5 p.m. Monday. 2Sth insw Per Mariposa as follows :— For Samoa, Sandwich Inlands. Unltod States of Amorica, Canada. British- Columbia, Cbo tr.il rind South America, and British and Foreign West Indici. at 5 p.m. For tha United Kingdom and Continent of Enropo, at 5 p.m. For money orders, regietercd letters, ana newspapers at 3.30 p.m. Lato letters, bearing an extra fee of 6d In addition to the postage will bo received by , the Moil Agent on board the steamer up to, tho tlrao ot sailing. This mall will bo due at London May 2. (Signed) S. B. BJSS, Chlof Postmaster. Chlot Fob. ofllco. Auckland.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Sunset.—This evening, 6.13. Sunrise.—To-morrow morning. Go. Moon's ass.—Last Quarter, 17th, 1-21 o.m.

HIGH WATER.

Auckland — This evening. —; to-morrow morning, 0.18. „.,. Manuka. Heads—to-morrow morning, Z.iu , to-morrow afternoon, 2 53. Kaii'aka Heads - Tomorrow morning, 3.10; tomorrow aftornoot, 3 58.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY. Lady Jocolyn. alilp, Watt, from X-tmdon Uonglas, s.s.. Auatln, from Opotiki Lillian, ech, Piltz, from Aitutaki

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Mararou, s.s.. Edle. for Sydnoy Glonelg. a «., Johnson, for Tauro-iSB Southern Croßa, s s . Sjilnka. for Giuborno Wtlliogton, s,s, Fartjuhar. for Whangarei

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Cbroinrondelrfrom Corcmandol. Thursday, o p.m. Kotntuahana. from Thnmci". Friday, 5 30 p.ra; Wellington, from Whangarei,' Thursday night Tons, from Taurnnga, Thursday, early Clansman, from Russell, Friday, early .lauot NlcoU; f r_tn South Sea Islands, April 2 Enterprise, from Thames, Tbursday, 6 aim.

IMPORTS.

t>er !/»__ Jocoljn, from London: Plain cottons, £i,2"0; coloured cottonß. £900; printed oottons, iP.700; woollens ana worsteas, £oOO; flranols. £690 ; linen in case. _!00; linen in bales, £SCO; muallns.- £100; hosiery, *J0O; hoberdaah orr, £900; umbrellas, £100; cotton handker chiefs £t00; apparel. £1.800; blankets, £t..00; carpets and rugs, *IC0; felt hats and caps. £1000; drersod leather, £'C 0; wrut leather. £1110: floorcloth. £130; »»blo h.ize, £W); sew ing-machines, £11.; luoifers. £30; veawß f £o20; blacking, £W; agricultural implements, £/0; aKTloultural machinery. £o,u_: books, fcdiu, noper. 1,502 cwt.; stationery. £320; papor naoglngs. £110; npholsti-r,, £110; iron bed steads, £90: tlnwaio. £10; brush-ware. £U>: turnery £10; nlatt-d oml nanier macho icodtls. £80; toys.£l2o; lite _rins.£l9':pianos.£l9o; eorlcs. £20; printing mut-rlul-i £20; agricultural ant! gorden seeds. £110; canndi.es and dy__amite, £100; safety fuse, £20 ; lrad shot. 70 tons } chain and anchor*, 2tom: hardware cutlrry, &13M ; bar and rod Iron, 1 tons; hoop iron, 13 tons ? pig iron, 21 tons; galvanised iron, 85 tona; shc*t lead, i tons; pig lead. 2 tons; yellow metal. 1 ton; tin platos, '212 boxes; ingot tin, 16 owt ; Iron n_ril», 11 tona: wire and wire rope, to tons : ztuo, 1 ton; linseed oil. 1,300 gallons; animal oil lOOgallona; olive oil In bulk, S7O gallons ; turpentine, 50 gallonß ; ke-osene and naphtha, 3.C00 gallons; varnish. £26: whiting 51 tpos; paint colours, £310; glue. lOcwt. ; flint g ass, £30: window glass, «S0 ; foreign window glass, 239 cases; plate class, 5 cases: china and earthenware, £350; «Übs bottles, £100; bran and flour bags. £19); canvas, £-00; cordage. £10; lines and twines, £30; bricks, 1 mle; onm-ht. 500 barrels : brandy in bulk. 750 gallons; ditto in case. ?20 gallons; rum. 4,370 gallons: Geneva. 2,-00 gallons. cordials, 10 gallons; British spirits in bulk, 870 gallons; ditto in case, 1300 gallons; white wine, 90 gallons; beer in bulk. 28 barrels ; beer, in glass, Ul barrels; preserved flan. no", rated, £il0: Bsaorted oilmen's stores. £690; foreign salad oil 2CO gallonB; popper cud spices. 2 cwt; cocoa, 10 cwt: .singles.. £10; mustard, £W>; starch, £20; whito salt, 20 torn.: soda crystals. 8 tona; bicarbonate, 60 cwt; ash and potash, 2 tons; causdc, 3 tons ; oandles, 123 ewt; raisins, 72 owt; currants. 203 cwt; French plums. 3 cwtl; ginger, 5 cwt.; ooil-e, 1 owt.: coofeotionery and peel, £130; apoihecnry ware. £600: tart, acid, 5 cwt.; cream tartir, 20 cwt. ; condenaed milk, £3CO; cornflour, £00; hemp, 8 tons; eponge, £60: dyeaiu__. £UO. Total value ot cargo, £3i,600

Pur Lllllan-ISDOOO oranges, 20 tons copra, 28 casks liiu("juice.

EXPORTS.

Prr Mararoa-16 casks and kegs butter, 20D c_3S3 meats. 20 kegs, 10 casks, 10 tierces beef, 20 eases eggs. 100 sacks oats. 10 sacks oysters, oO sacks flour. 20 barrels pork, 17 bales fungus, i cases metal, 20 cases macaroni, 11 packages ot sundries.

InWabds Coastwise.— Lagoon, from Ken nedy Bay.

Outwards Coastwise.— Lagoon, for Ken, nedy Bay.

The s s. Wairorapa left port this morning to swing compasses. The outter Annie, 12 ten?, of Auokland, built here in 18/8. was sold at Hobart for £350.

The barnuo Rebecca, of Auckland, haß had tho lottors S.L.F.G. assigned to bor in the Inter national Codo Signal Lmt.

The barque Ensign arrived at Melbourne from Kaipara on March 1. The schooner Lillian arrived from Aitutakl this morning, after a floe-weather passage of 17 days. Tho s 8. Douglas arrived from Opotlkl at 2.30 a m with 3 horsos,so sheep, 80 sacks maizo.and 9n narks notatoea. Passengers:— Meaßrs J. Smith" J. iS-WBon. Walker, and Mrs Pulford. A new " automatic nautical and danger mdlcatiac dial." recently invented and patented by Captain Allmon. of the s.s. Penguin, was on exhibition at Onehunga yeJtorday. and Ib spoken ot as exceedingly useful and easily worked, so that it miy ba brought Into general uso.

The bo Mararoa left for Sydney, via Russell, nfs last evening with tho following passengers: M____ Grlmwade, Donaldson, T. A. Coleman. TutSt B V¥.od, J. Bctbaui, W. Beken, F. W. FretmanP Buchanan, G. .home. Coates .J. t\, ~_£. _L C Lindsay. F. Bugheß. A. Coatts, V. ?fia__t_Sr.LteU onant Drake. Mr and MM rinrke Mr and Mrs Graham, Mr and Mrs Hill. MraELew.s Miss Davis, Miss Garlic* and mafd MeEdanicß Mumwood Stowart, Clark. iSiaaea Grlmwade. Clarke. Mr and Mrs Alok- ST__ MraaJV Hdl, Mr and Mis G. P. Carey, Miss* Herrick Mr and Mrs Flnlay;on, Mr and Mrs w. Bethim, Mr and Mrs R Hampton, Mr "j M ™ Garliok and child, and through pas sengers f torn SouUiein ports and6l la the steer age.

THE LADY JOCELYN.

Tee wrll known ship Lady Jooalyn ouceagain cut lv an appearand horo at aa early hour this mo__i_K. She was broußh? up the harbour by fhn a s Awhina and berthed at the Qaeen street Wharf at 10 30 a.m. Her passage has run over .hptmnrtreddays. but has never'.helees been a " most oriorah'e one ; and her pas.eDgerß. num bsring about «> in »»- arrlre in excellent health. Thß Tocelyn is B-.11l in r. mmand if tie popular command?, Captain Watt. Mr Goldie I. ,chief om._r- Mr A.ll-D. H.cond officer; Mr McLean, ____ officer ; and Mr II Booke, chief etew.rd. The, lid. Jo elj n left London on Nave., bar 26, and had rougb. aiormy weather In the Channel; landed tha pilot at Start Point on December 3 ; then had N.W. and westerly winds to Madeira, which was passed on Deosmber 10; thence wes terly winds, with scarcely any Tj.V. trades. whl.hweraloHtla UN i thence light X and N B windstoGougb'alsland, which was sighted _nd'naß3ed on January SI after which had bad moderate N.W. and W. winds (passed the meridian of tho Cape in lat. 15 S on January 281 to l_ig. 80° E" I thence vadablo and llKht winds and ftequent calm-i to Tae manta, which was passed m March 2nd; th&ncellsht N.W.winda. which continued to tbe Throe Kings, on March lith Had calms and light S B. winds to the Poor Knights, which were paes-d on the 15th, at d thai cc till arrival fresh and favourable winds. A lengthy report of the voyage Inrclshed by a pißaengsr speaks of the voyage as a veiy eijoyoble on \ and Capt. Watt and hisoflisei. inthomoit flatteiing termr. The Lady Jocelynbiioßß tho following passen gers :—Saloon: Mr J. F. Rntter. Miss Itutter, and Miss L. Bottor, Mr O. J. Jehu. Mrs Jahn, Mies Jabn. Mica Edith Jahn, snd Miss Rose Jahn. Mr W. H. Kelly. Mrs Kelly. Dr. Algernon H. Perkins, Messrs Kiedeiielr Dean. 8. H. Ulltr, W. Haegit', A. Phelps, l-M-dale, Jthn L. C. R*e, V. A. Hump-ihiie, _._ bur Bttstey, . . Wo___er_.:_o. c. &. Hook, K. C. Joi-.es. W. A. Marshall, and V. Chatitnon; seco_d-cU_s: Mr and Mtß Phillips, Lleucrs Hhrd. Jjunn. and HanriS :__seerage: Mr and Mrs Daropsey. Mr and Mrs Winter. Mr and Mrs Bossou and three fH'dr"". Mr and Mrs Gurnsy and two ehildien, Mrs Roland and two children, Mr and Mrs

Merritt, Mrs Gorman and one cbHd. Mr: Guy and four children, Messrs Beer. Montgomery. Fatt, and Simon. Messrs Craickshank and Lo. agents, request consignees per Lady.Jocelyn to pasa entrieß, pay freights, and take delivery of goods promptly.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Lyttelton, this day.—Sailed; West York, barque, for London.

New Plymouth, this day.—Arrived: Pen guin, from Onehunga, early.

Whanqabei. thlß day,—Arrived: Wellington, from Auckland, 8 a.m.; Doric, from Plymouth, via Hobart.

Sydney. March 15.-Sailed: Hauroto, for Wellington. London, March 14.—Anived: Sutlej, ot Ply mouth, from Sydney. Lyttelton, March 15.—Sailed: Kahn, for Wellington, March 10.-Sailed: Australia, for Auckland, via East Coast ports. Passen gers : Miss Shepherd, Mrs Jolly and 2 children, Mesßrs Brown and Dobson, and four in tho steerage.

Wellington, this day. ARRIVAL OF THE DORIC.

The s.s. Dorlo left Plymouth on January 30th. Tsnerllfo on Ith February. Cape on 20th Feb ruary, Hobart on 11th March, arrived at Wellington Ueadaat 9 30 last night, and came in early this morning. Her actual steaming time waa 13 days 10 hours. Tho officers are the same as on last trip, with the exception of the surgeon (Dr. Fall), the ourser (Mr Walters), and the chief Bteward (Mr Jones). The greater por tion ol hor passengers were for Australia, and landed at Hobart. Tho Dorio's passengers for Auckland are: Flrtt Baloon-Kev. E. B. Terry ; second—W. Jackeon, Misses Oldroyd and Wet klna ; third-Mr and Mrs Bolton, Lamb, Wintor. Mr and Mrs Merritt.

Births.

JARVIS.—On March 8. at Windsor, Melbourne the wife of W. H. Jarvls of a eon. Both doing well. RALPH.—On March 15. at Arthur-street, Pon sonby, the wife of W. J. Ralph of a 80n.

Deaths.

HOLMES. —At his residence. Cook-atrcot, Benjamin Holmes ; aged 62 yearn. The funeral will leave for Waikomiti to morrow (Thursday), 10 a.m.

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

For tin ram* that lacks muUnw, For the wronp that need* resistance, For th* future in th. distance, Anil tho gcod that we can dn.

WEDNESDAY. MARCH IC. ISS7.

Mr. Poxd, as Inspector under tho Adulteration Prevention Act, ISBOI and Amendment Act, 18S3, has to-day forwarded to the City Council the fol lowing report upon certain samples of milk placed in his hands for analysis : —

On the 7th instant I received from you 2S samples of milk, in sealed bottles, and taken under the provisions of tho above Acts. The samples, which were numbered consecutively,were in a perfectly sweet con dition when received.

I have examined these sample_,»nd found them all above (he standard required by the Act.

Of these samples 9 were very rich, 13 were ?ood quality, 3 were fair quality, and 3 just above the standard required. En closed I forward tho numbers of tho last six, and shall be clad to occasionally receive samples from these vendors to examine as to their general average.

A second report to Mr Goldie states: — Sir, —On the 2nd instant I received from you one sample of milk in sealed bottle without mark. This sample is below the standard re quired by the Act, which requires 25 per cent, of butter fat. In this case, however, it is so slightly below—only to the extent of _'B—that I think it would be unwise to take action other than a warning being given or further samples taken for examina tion. In the latter case I shall like tho milk taken under the provisions of the Act, and a larger sample obtained.

This result is satisfactory beyond all expectations. It means that after taking samples of milk unexpectedly from 28 milkmen as they came into the city every one was found to be above tho standard, and nine were of exceptional richness. The standard adopted under the Act is that adopted by the Society of Analysts, and is based upon tests applied to some thousands of samples of pure milk drawn from cows in the presence of analysts. As every grazier is aware, there is great variation in the quality of milk yielded by different cows. By such an average, however, a fair standard, of milk in dairies using the milk from a number of cows has been arrived at. Although the test does not prove absolutely that milk of exceptional richness may not have been brought down to a lower standard by the introduction of water, it affords absolutely conclusive evidence that the consumers of milk within the city have no cause to suspect any com mon or extensive resort to the cow with the iron tail. It supports the opinion of Mr Pond, before published in our columns, that the milk supplied to the city is of exceptionally good average quality with respect to richness. The test, however, by no means obviates the need of a system of dairy inspection. Milk is absorbent of foul gasses and disease germs, and these would not yield up their products to the analyst. Perfect cleanliness, and the use of pure water iv washing all dairy utensils, is indispensable to a wholesome milk supply. And when dairy and byre are brought in close association the resultant product, although it may come up to the Government standard of richness, can not be accepted as satisfactory. But as we have before pointed out the only way to deal with this matter satisfac torily is by the enactment of a Dairies Act similar to that which was passed in New South AVales last year, and i ia now being vigorously enforced in Sydney. Mr Goldie, who has been appointed Milk Inspector for Auckland, has reported to the Council upon the present unsatisfactory status of his office. He says :—

In regard to my inspection of dairies, I am under the impression that I haTd no jurisdiction outside the city until a bye-law is made—power being given to make such a by-law (see Municipal Corporations Act, 1886, sec. 422, page 89), viz., in respect "of public health and commerce, see sub sec. (c) —to inspect within or without the borough dairies and dairy utensils, cows and cow houses, used or kept for the supply of milk within the borough.

This bye-law has never been framed, and heucs tbe Inspector at present only gains access to tbe dairies upon sufferance, a position which a public officer has no right to be placed in. The Council ought, as we urged in our Monday's issue, to frame a bye-law -under the powers conferred by : this

clause without delay. Tho Act has been in force since tho beginning of the year, and there is no reason that we are aware of, unless official dilatoriness, why the City Officer should not ere this have received the support which the clause gives him. But even this clause confers no power to punish tho keeper of a dirty dair}'. There is a general authority to prohibit sale of any article of food with in the city " until inspected," but no bye-law framed under this clause could cope with milk which stands the test of analysis as the milks sold in Auck land are proved to do. A prohibition could only be enforced against un wholesome articles of food. The matter is one of too much public importance to be met by trying a game of bluil'. The session of Parliament is approaching, and the Auckland Council, in con

junction with other Corporations throughout the colony, ought to co-operate in getting a proper Dairy Act passed, which would enable tho authorities to enforce cleanliuess in dairies as well as maintain, the proper standard of milk. Such an Act would

receive the support of legitimate dairy men. Already Mr Pond is pestered with requests to visit particular dairies, the owners of which are anxious to obtain an advertisement for seriipu-

ious cleanliness. Some, no doubt, who

have an inherent objection to cold water, may view the matter in a less favourable light, but they may safely be treated with very scant consideration. To be of any public utility at all, however, the duties of Inspector must bo placed

upon other shoulders than those of Mr Oolflic, who has already considerably more than he can do with satisfaction to himself in looking after sanitary matters within the city. The systematic inspection of all dairies supplying Auckland is a big undertaking for one man, and partial inspection is equally unfair to the citizens and the trade.

Baron de Lesseps on the Egyp tian Question.

It was announced a few days ago that Baron de Lcseeps had re I timed fc> Franco from Berlin, whither he had gone on a special mission on behalf of the French Government. This appears to havo been an error, as a cable message, dated Berlin 15th Match, professes to give the substance of statements made there by the great Baron, immediately after an

interview with I'l-iiR-e Bismarck. It is gratifying to note front the report that do Losseps declares himself satisticd that all danger of n war between France and Germany has been averted for the present; but unless we bcliovo that in his further remarks he is indulging in ._ little harmless gasconade, there is cause for grave anxiety in tho situation of affairs dis closed by him. It is plainly to bo inferred from the statements made that Baron dc Lcsseps has been successful in arriving at an understanding with tiio German Government with reference to Egyptian affairs, and the very fact of "Baton dc Lcsseps being chosen as envoy sup ports the presumption that the mission had special reference to tho land in which tho great engineer lakes such a lively interest, and in regard to which tho French nation cherish very marked sentiments. In any case, there must, be something behind tho Baron's assertion that "most setiotis complications would arise unloss the date of the evacuation of Egypt by the British forces was lixed." It is quite possible that Bismarck, in pur suance ol that "patriotic" policy which led him to act the lackey to tho Czar in Bulgaria, has agreed to play second liildlo to Franco in Egypt on condition that the bellicose Republic .-tups thc ruinous game of increasing her arma ments, it is woll known that tbcic is scarcely a colourable pretext for tho con tinued military occupation of Egypt by England, and probably Russia and Turkey may bo got to join inn demand forthe ovarii a tion of thecountryof tho I'haraohs. Yotl'act* are stronger than theory; England is, and has been since Arubi's rebellion was crushed, the real owner of Egypt ; and possession being nine parts of international as well as other law, it is not likely that England will surrender the position assumed by her at such great cost. Of course, the upshot will bo "seriouscomplications,"and though war need not be apprehended, negotiations will doubtless bo started for the re adjustment of Egyptian affairs. And that this is just tho opportunity which France desires is made evident by that other clause in do Lesscps's statement— that he advises " the reinstatement of Ismail Pasha as Khedive." On the face of it, this seems most extraordinary advice. Ismail Pasha it was who gave so much troublo to dc Lcsseps over the Suez Canal : he also it was whose policy of extravagant expenditure landed Egypt, in hopeless debt ; and he it was who ulti mately had to be deposed from the throne of Egypt 'in favour of his sou Tewflk, the reigning Khedive. But thero is deep meaning in tho suggestion that Ismail should be reinstated. He and do Lcsseps came latterly to a thorough understanding, and no doubt the French Government have been carefully " cultivating" Ismail in liis exile v ith a view to making use ot him. The palpable object of the present tactics is to induce the English Government to restore the deposed ruler to the Egyptian throne so that tho "dual con trol " may also be reverted to. The French have never reconciled themselves to the blunder by which they resigned a share in the control of Egyptian affairs, and they will spare no effort to regain tho influence they have lost. It will bo interesting to watch the development of their policy.

A later message states that Baron de Lesseps has expressed the opinion that Mai is unavoidable unless Ismail Pasha is restored to the throne of Egypt. Such re storation we believeFitiglandwillncvor agree to, and it will be for Franco to take tho initiative in stirring up strife. A pretext will be easily found, if it is desired, and a short timo should suffice to prove whether do Lesseps has been acting the alarmist needlessly, or giving valuable indi cations of his country's intentions.

With reference to tho notice about St Paul's contained in "Random Shots" last week, we learn from Mr Superintendent Thomson that " Zamiol's " correspondent had very insufficient grounds for his state ment. It appears that St. Paul's Church is just as much and just as little guarded by tbe men in bluo as any other church, and that there is no ruoro occasion for it than in any other neighbourhood in the city. The opponents of Stato patronage may therefore possess thoir souls iv patience, although as the old military anil Cathedra] Church of Arcklaml, St. Pauft. cannni i i I itself of associations which will s.cuioioc it a permanent place in the history of JNow Zealand.

One case of ecarlet fever in H- bn-.n street was reported to tho Sanitary Inspector, Mr Goldie, to day.

Tho largo allotment ™ tho southern firli. ol tho Beroeford-ftii-it Sobool hai beon ex cavated forthu purp sc« ol a playground, and is now teii.g ooveied with .scoria. Thin formation of n no«- pi.-iyground will be of great ndviiutagu to the children attending the school.

Ihe Hon. ti. Waldegrav. may bo ex pected to _ _>l_i' i- «ii evangolisiiu address in the V'out-g Mi us I-br.i-.ti.ni Aes.ociati.il Lacture l : o uu ' • iuotru-.v (Thursday) iiveii ing, at 7.30. Yuui., uusti aro cordially in vited.

The charges of embezzle-men' |i'-i'er.ed by Samuel Harry Webb against Fia: k JSichol son occupied the Police Court until a lato hour yesterday afternoon. Evidence for the prosecution having beon given, Mr O'Meagher held that the cafe was ono for a civil rather than for a criminal Court. The Bench took the same view of the matter, and dismissed the charge.

The City Council collectors have juet completed suing all the defaulters in the various wards for non-payment of rates. The total number sued in the six wards is 276, while last year the number waa 204. This has been the practice for two years past, and unless those against whom judg ments have beon obtained, or who aro still io arrear, pay their rates, their names will appear an the defaulters' roll, and they may be excluded from the Burgee:; Roll for the ye.r. The action of tha collectors ia suing all defaulters has been in accord ance with former practice, and tho old practice has not been in any w.-iy departed f ,om or interfered with by the Council, the Mayor, or the collectors. '

1 The ship Lady Jocolyn, which arrived from London this morning, made a rather lengthy but unovontful passage, as will bo seen from our shipping report. She brought about fifty passengers, all in good health, tho voyage having been a pleasant ono throughout.

Tho City Council Offices will not be open for business on tho 22nd- or 23rd inst.

Tho Southern Cross, missionary ship, takes down to Norfolk Island this trip 1,100 feot of mottled kauri timbor. This is for the fitliogs of tho now church now in course of construction at tho "Island of Pines," in memory of tho lamontcd Bishop Pattoson.

Lieutenant Self, of the Victoria Killes, has been appointed Quartor-Mastor of the No. 2 Battalion. Tho officer in quoation has been associated with the local Volunteer force for very many years.

Notwithstanding tho good nowa ro Cam bria to-day, shares of that Company remain at 5s to 0s 3d ; sollors at 5s 6d. All stocks aro very quiet.

Kayo Wright, a bankrupt under examina tion at ihe Oilicial Assignee's office to day, deposod that ho had beon a shipping agont for years past, tint! dur ing tho last two years his income had boon not more than .17!) por annum, and his household was mainly supported by tho earnings of his wito and children. Ho had niue children, two of whom woro work ing. Tho income for tho last fivo years bad boon insufficient, and tho present indebted ness, £255 18s Sd, had accumulated during that period. His only available a.sots woro household furniture, £39 10s Gd. About seven yoars ago ho bought a houso in firafton Tload fur £:i'-'5, upon which ho paid 10 por cent, intouost on tho balance. Tho lease was now in arrears £120, and tho placo was estimated to bo worth £250.

Aii oiitortaiiiuiciit took placo i» tho Wairoa South Public Hall on Friday, -ith inst. Messrs .1. Barry, H. Spain, O. Lorri gan, and YV. Robinson, from Auckland, assisted by local lalont, carriod through a lengthy programme of uogro performances, tricks, and Christy Minstrel songs, with accompauimonts on piano, bones, and tam bourine, and woro repeatedly applauded. After the entertainment the halt was cleared for a danco, which was kept up 'i' l ,ho small hours of tho morning, Mr l», Shaw boiog a very oflicient M.C.

Mr A. G. Daniells gavo a clear exposition of tho llth chapter ot Daniol to a well-filled tent last right. Tho spoakor displayed great talent and knowledge of history. To morrow, as will bo scon by advortisomont, MrH. Exloy will tako tho chair for tho ovoning on " Sunday as tho Sabbath." A large attendance may bo exported on tho occasion. Tho Nowton Ritlo_, Veteran Hiflos,_ and Gordons usscmblod for inspection last night. ThoGordons had a first-clam mustor.and tho Newton men woro also woll represented, but only about II or 15 of tho Vciorans put in an appearance. Major Piiio oxorcUed (he mou in position drill, assisted by Major Birnio and Sergeant Major Nally. Tho Auckland Band of Hope Union Choir (40 voices) will perform tho cantata "Tho Conquest of Drink" in tho Gladstone Hall, Northcote, tonight, at 7.00.

At a meeting of tho Wesley College Committee to consider applica tion.-, for tho position of classical and mathematical tutor, nine applications worn considered, and tho choice fell upon Mr F. E. Shora, 8.A., 1L.8., T.C.I).

Tho Auckland Naval. cuttor crow, eonior and junior whaleboat crows from tho Woilomala ]>(.., and a Fcttior whaleboat crew from tho North Shore It. (J. nro expected to leave for Thames to-night tolnko pari in tho Thames Regatta tomorrow.

Tho lato. 1 testimony t" H>o impurity <il tho city wafer supply comes frtmi Itobson .-trout. Ycstonlay morning Mr .loliu lle.ir.--t, blacksmith, was drawing sou.o water from a tap when ho " bagged " a lino water worm sumo eight or nine inches in length. This occurring so soon alter tho Ponsiiniiy reservoir bun boon cleaned out proves that tho presence of tlioso creatures in tho water is iut oltogethor duo 10 filthy rosorvoirs. Tho-c inter.-.-tod m-iy inspect tho croatiiro at tho Stau Oilico.

Thodulltimoshavo forced Dunedin Young Men's Christion Association to retrench in the matter of salaries, and ' tho (ienoral Secretary, tho Row W.J. White, has sent iv his resignation, which lias been received with regret. Tho steamer Clcn.lg, which left for Tnu ranga 1 ml ovening to act as flugship at tho Kegalta, had but few passeiigem. Sho took down one cr two sm.il boats, which nill probably be hoard of in tho various contest**.

Tho Auckland portion of Uio Doric's pas sengors and mails will probably leave Port Chalmers in the ... Woihora today, and arrive hero on Monday morning next.

The meeting for business men »an .oi attondod this foronoon Tho Hon. G Waldegravo spoke from Matthew 11, 2S 29, " Como unto me, all yo that labour and aro heavy ludon, and I wiil givo you rest," and delivered au interesting and encouraging address.

A deputation consisting of Messrs It, Monk, M.11.X , Carr, Herbert and W. C. Daldy, jun , as representing tho saw-mill ing industry, waited on Mr Mahoney, archi tect, to day, with reference to the specifica tions for tho now Custom-house. Mr Mahoney, in reply to tho deputation, stated that it was now too lato to alter iho specifications so as to exclude the use of Baltic timber. If, however, ns «ai

slated by tho deputation, an impression prevailed that Baltic timber could bo used and tho contractor incur no responsibility for shrinkage, ho might inform them that such impression was erroneous. It tho con tractor elected to use Hallio bo would havo to do »o nndor the same conditions aa it he used kauri

A most interesting social gathering was held at lNgaruawahia on Tuesday evening, Sth inst., on tho occasion of tho tenth anni versary of tho Croebyterian Church. About 1.0 sat down to tea. The success of tho gathering was greatly duo to the ladies, of whom tho following deserve mention : —Mes- dames Niccol, Thomson, Hammond,Lamb, Black, Wallace, Jameß and Miss James, assisted by a youthful band of Ngurua wahian holies. After tou in tho schoolroom, tho gathering adjourned to the church, during which timo the company assembled round tho bund, under iho leadership of Mr \V. Hult. The Key. W. Evans, of Cam bridge, took tho chair at Iho second part, and hi-* address was both humorous and instructive. Tho Jubilee songs sung by the choir tinder tho baton of Iho worthy pastor, Rev. 3, li. Marshall, rtllcct great credit, on ihat gentleman's patience and zeal. Tho accompaniments by the organist, Mr .1. I.cighton, wero well sustained and rendered. Tho Scotch readings given by tho pastor seemed to take the audience by surprUo, tho delivery being perfect, and show ing forth tho talent of tho reader ns a mimic and elocutionist. Tho meeting broke up with a hearty voto «f thanks to tbo ladios, the land, and thu chairman, after which the benediction was pronounced. —[Correspondent.] This morning tho officers and representa tives of tho Grand Lodge of Now Zealand, 1,0.0.1.., woro photographed on tho Auckland Club's Howling Grooii by Mr Hannc, of Quoou street.

Tho fust of Mis Wright. soiree:; danMitla will bo held iv St. George's Hull on Friday evening next. Menibeis aro reminded that the noxt and pucccoding ouch aro to tako placo on Wednesday eveuinga in the Masonic Hall, Karangahapo Road.

It will bo scon by an advertisement which appears in another column that the entries In; Iho Aucklaud Cardeucra' lioiticultural Si" lily's Autumn fchow, to bo bold noxt v. _i,k in the Agricultural Hall, close with tho bun. secretary, at the Market, ,;n Friday next Already tho Hooretary bus received a number of enirins, and the Show promieos to bo a great success.

Tho return match between 18 of the Mamikau County Cricket Association and Mumford's Eleven comos oil' on the Domuiu Cricket Ground to-morrow, Tho following »iil form tho Auckland team: —Testro, Mumford, Vales, Slemsoa, Buckland, C. McCormick, Lynch, U'Brion, W. Meldrum, Carter, Whitaker, and juaukham.

The Salvation Army Biigade Caplain's report on tho Scotia Place Homo is us tol loh. : -Numeer of moals given for the fort night, 237 ; number of beds supplied, 51 ; peruons admitted, 4 ; Siachargod, (. ; still in tho Home, 3. Articles received—Moat : Messrs Hulme, Holiaby, Garrett, Knight, Badley, und Tyndal. Bread : Mesdames Howio and Phillip, Messrs Hobloy, Crowe, Brown, Buchanan and Lester, J. McNeil, of Newmarket, Philip and Tea-dale, and a friend six loaves a week. Fish: Mr Williams, Small Bag of Flour : Mrs Worth. Money : Miss W., 10s ; Mr Dimmons, £1 ; Miss M., 2s Milk and Butter : Auckland and Devon shite Dairies. Ktquisitee: Potatoes. General Kemarks : I have found employment for two uiou this week (.mall wages), and I still havo a comfortable home lor a person wiil iug to do somegarden work, a_d make him teii unaful about a heme.- (Signed) C-__-.ii_. K. LITTLE

CABLEGRAMS.

TROUBLE IN EGYPT.

Alleged Franco - German Understanding.

Statement hy Baron <lc Lcsscys

(reuter's telegram.)

Beiilin, March 1..—1t is announced that after an interview which he had to-day with Princo Bismarck, Baron do Losseps de clared that all danger of a war between France and Gormany had passed. The most sorious complications would arieo, however, unlees the date of the evacuation of Egypt by tho British forces was fixed, and ho advised tho reinstatement of Ismail Pasha an Khodivo.

(SPECIAL OAilt.K.) M. Do Lo-sops declares that all danger of immediate war with Germany is obviated, but its only way to avoid war ovor Egypt is to recall Ismail Pasha.

THE UNHAPPY CZAR

lotrignc to Secure His Abdi cation.

(SI'KCI.U. MESSAGE.)

London, March 15. It is roportod in Vienna that several groat Russian land owners holding high positions in tho Stato have been arrested in St Petersburg on a charge of plotting to compel the Czar to grant a constitution or abdica-

THE ATTEMPT ON THE CZAR'S LIFE.

C'orrec-. Version of the Affair

(KKUTKU'S TIiLIiOKAM )

London, March 14. Im tho Houso of Commons to day, a question was put to tho Under Secretary for Foreign AU'airs rogarding tho reporlod nttompt mmlo on tho lifo of tho Czar.

• Jn reply, Sir .lames Forgueeon stated that tho Government woro informed from St Petersburg that several porsons with bombs in their possession hud been oi rested at different points along tho route which was expected to bo takon by the Czar yesterday when proceeding to tho Cathedral of St. I'etor and St. Paul, to attend requiom Horvicoe for tbo lato Emperor.

His Majesty had ottonded tho sorvico without any attack boing mode upon him. St. Pi_ti_i.s_u.iu., March 14. Six of tho persons who woro arrested with bombs in thoir po°sossion, at dilleront points of the route which it was supposed the Czar would toko, provo to bo students.

IRRIGATION WORKS.

(special mkssaui-;.)

London, March Hlli. Mr Ueakiu, Chief Secretary of Victoria, who is now in England, as delegate to the Im perial Conference, hasbeoniiicominunication with the Italian authorities as to tho modo of irrigation employod in that country with a viow to having a representation of tho method pursuod shown at tho Mel bourne Exhibition. In addition to proso cut ing enquiries, Mr Doakin himself in spected tho Cavour Cannl,

Lifeboat Commission

Tho Government havo agreed to appoint a select comuii-too to report upon tho con dition of tho lifeboat services of tho United Kingdom. I'm ..base of Horses. England bus purchased 3,0i.0 horsoa in Canada*

Jlr Dillon on ihe Irish Question.

Mr Dillon, spcakiug at Tipporary, incited justices and polico lo betray thoir trusts in order to avert tho revenge that otherwise would ultimately bo taken. Wool Merchants' Association The Colonial Wool Merchants' Associa tion is enlarged to admit all interested in tho colonial wool trade.

Review Oi 70,000 Troops. Tho Queen will review seventy thousand troops at Aldershot in July. Tho Czar and Czarina have gone to tbo palace Gatschina.

SPORTING NEWS.

Tomorrow's Races at Hcinlcr son's mill

Or tho many outside Auckland race moot ings hold throughout tho season, thoro is none that is hold in such cstoom by race goers as that of tho Henderson's Mill Turf Club, and their annual gathering is always looked forward to with the greatest amount of intorost. To morrow's meet ing promises to bo equal in every way to those held in tho past, and with a tine day thero is sure to be a good attendance on tho picturesque little course. The names of those connected with tho meeting is a eufliciont guarantee that the racing will bo carried out as it Bhould bo, and altogethor there is every prospect of a copitalday's sport. The principal item of tho sovon events to be decided is the Cup, and of tho elovon engaged, tho winner should turn up in cither Victory or Cremorne, whilo Omata will be the hardest to boat in the Hurdle Race. The Railway Handicap is dependent on tho result of the Cup, but Catosby may bo handy at tho finish, and Rosio may ..pproptiato the Maidon l'lato. Tho first race starts at one o'clock, and trains leave the Auckland station at 11.25 and II 50 a.m. It is intimated that no games of chance will be allowed on the course, and ready-money bookmakers will bo prevented from calling the odds near tho stand. HIi'PONA.

(BY TKLSOBAPH —OWN UORUES.ONDENT). Invercakoil-1., this day, Tho racehorses Lochiel and Maxim were brought over from Melbourne iv the Waihora yesterday, and were taken on to Christchurch. In connection with Nelson, a gentleman who was a passenger by the Waihora stales that Kelson is regarded as an unlikoly starter for the Sydney Cup, as ho U carrying top weight, and 121b more than Trident, who beat him in the race for the Australian Cup. Tbe gallant New Zea landor will, however, take part in several of tho woight-foraL'o events. The same authority states that Brown was jammed against the fence in tho Australian Cup, and to oaso himself he tried to pass his whip from ono hand to the other, when it 1011.

Rewi's name has been omitted from the Publicans' Purse at tho Dargaville races, tbo acceptances for which appear on the fourth page.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

Thames, this day. Cambria.—The footwall leader in the crosscut from the western drive at No. 2 lovel continues to show strong colours of gold, bet no specimens have been bagged lately. The hanging-wall reef is producing excellent crushing dirt.

_Si_\. PRINCE Im pekial - Dabs and colours of gold ore occasionally seen in the stopes on No. 1 reef.

Cambria.— A crushing of 135 loads of general dirt produced 200 _.i gold, and 2031bs of specimens 252. zs gold. This makes the total yield for tbe fortnight 41i10Z3.

Wilsons Porilaud Uecent is c- 11 i-i bigs, i'i.o bases equal one cuak. Any qu.__.i_iy i -ia bi_ imd. In proof ot quality, iho i-!gv.._. "__a_,L Hiithoriao its use on thei? wurL-e. -_'i;..iii.'.. ilf rlrsulic Liiuu i • unequalled. Connate fouu 'laiioris, taDk u , iiocri!. paths, ate., are cheap Wormo ti o<_ free.—J. Wilbou & Co., Cuptoma-i-t. West, Auckland, manufacturers of Wilaon'ti Portland Cement and Hydraulic Lime.—[Advij.

THE FROZEN MEAT COM PANY'S LEASE.

Discussion in the Harbour Board.

A special meeting of the members of tho Harbour Board was held at 2.30 yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of considonng the deferred business relative to the pro posal to take over tho land reclaimed by the New Zealand Frozen Meat and StoraßO Com pany. There were present: Messrs W. R. Waddel (Chairman), C. LaKoche, Phillipps, M. Niccol, A. Devore, D. H. McKenzie, T. Henderson, C. B. Stone, and J. Lamb. A legal opinion from Messrs Russell and Campbell, rolicitors to the Board, was read as follows :—" Be freezing Company we have considered more fully tho question re ferred to us yesterday by you verbally, viz., whotuer the Board has power to pay to the Freezing Company tho cost of re clamation of lands reclaimed under leases from the Board. Section 172 of the Act of IS7S directs that the Harbour Fund may be expanded inter alia in tho construction, maintenance and repairs of harbour works. It appears to ac that the I-^f 1 * ° h a "™£ come within that section, for although it is in a certain sense for tho construction of harbour work, yet the work has not been done under a contract made after public tender, as required by sections 65 to 87. Unless, therefore, tho payment can bo brought under section 149, which pro vides for tho purchase or acquisition of any land necoasary for obtaining ac cess to other land vested in tho Hoard or required for tho purpose of any reclamation or other work, the payment in outside of the powers con- Ferrod by tho statute. Whether tho purchaso is noceeeary ur required in the terms of tho section last cited, is a question of fact upon which wo have no materials before uh to found an opinion.—Yours lailh fully, llrssßUi and Cami'likll. _. Mr Laßocho said that tho logal opinion did away with tho idea of paying any money to tho Frozen Meat Company from tho general revenue-The Chairman said that certainly there was no provision for such an expenditure in the now loan. -Mr Devore remarked that for that very roaeon it was suggested that a bill should l-o pa«sed to deal with the matter. Mr Niccol said that the fact was that tho Board had engaged to do what they had no legal power to carry out. I here fore the only honourable course for thoin to take was to draw back from such on untenable position, and not to string on tho Frozen Meat Com pany with tho idea that ultimately tho Board would tako over iho bind It meant a largo expenditure of public money, equal to an annual charge ol £1 COll Tlii. was an oxpeneo that tboy had no right to incur. Thou thoro was another important matter. That wan, that tho prico charged was much too high, aud although llioy might sympathuo with Iho Company, it was not the duty of tho Board to tako u[: tho position of rollovers of distressed Com panies. Ho would l.heroforo move, " That in view of tho improbability of tho Board agreeing with tho Company as to price, and also tho doubt as to tho legality of the action, tho Board declines to proceed further with tho matter." — This was seconded by Mr Laliocho pro forme. —Mr Lamb was about to Plait tho discussion when it was HUggoatcd that tho Board should go into Co._mit.tco. This was decided upon, and ac cordingly tho representatives of tho Press withdrew. —After remaining in Committor! for a considerable time tho Board resumed, whon thu following recommendation was adopted :- "That all tho clau.o. bo struck ■mt excepting tho (' and I), ami that thoso ho referred t. iho Bngincor lo oxaraino and report to Iho Board."

POLICE COURT.-THIS DAY.

(Before Col. Lyon and Major Lusk, J.P.'s.) Dbunkknnkss.—Ono person was punished for this olTenco.

ALf-KGKD Intention to Desbbt.— Wm. Goodbon was charged with intending to desert his wifo on tbo Sth instant. --Mr O'.Mcaghor appeared for the prosecution.-—Defendant sad hi. lawyer, Mr Napier, was net able to bo present, and ho therefore asked for a remand till next Wednesday. Mr O'Meagher objected to any remand without better reason being given, but subsr rjucntly c.n.ontcd to a remhnii till Saturday.- Kemanded accord ingly. Ai.i.i iiF.n Lakcknv.—Wm. (ioodison was also charged with stealing _ Rold watch, value £5, Ihe property of Alfred Miuott. — Mr Theo. Cooper appeared tor the prosecu tion, uinl nskol for a run mil liil Friday.— Accused obj.ctod to any remand, and said tho prosecution bad only been set o-i font in ordor to got him into gaol. 110 had Hio receipt for tho watch.—Mr Cooper said there was mi intention on his part to deal harshly with the prisoner, and they would accept bis own recognizances in iho case, as ho was already on bail on another chargo. It was truo that, ho had iho receipt for tho watch, but it wa« obtained under such circumstances that lie had no doubt that when they were brought out, the magistrate would commit the accusod for trial. It was one of tho rlearo>t and most barefaced peases of fraud that hud ever conic betoro a criminal Court. Accused raid the prosecutor got him whon in liquor to sell him his gold watch for £S 10s. On tho following morning ho went to prosecutor and told him that if ho did not return tho watch ho would givo him into custody. ;. lo got tho watch back, aud also tho receipt for it. —Mr Cooper: But did you givo tho £8 10< back ?—Accused : No, but I gave a bill for it (Laugli tor )—Tho caso was ad journed till Friday. Aixku-D I'kk.i.ky. - The chargo of por jury proforrcd by Mrs Uobortson against Mrs Graham was again called.—Mr Eurl, for tho accused, said he had arranged with Air WillianiEon for an adjournment for a week, in order that the case might bo dealt with by tho Resident Magistrate —Mr Williamson referred to tho fact that several witnesses were not present, aud stated that unloss they wero in attendance this day week ho would apply for a warrant for their arrest.

Fryer's Equine Paradox and Japanese Village.

Tills above combination troupe open to night in tho Agricultural Hall, the Market Houso. Tho north wing of tho Market has bean ovacuatod by tfo stall holders and ivallod off from iho remainder of tho building. Un either side are the Japanese stalls, fastefully decorated, and iv eacli workmen and women are engaged at various works of art. Some oxocutc em brodiery of elaborate design, whileotbcrs aro busy making fancy screens, umbrellas, etc. Those articloa will bo all oti'ored for sale to night at roasonublo rates. Twenty - four Japanoso men and women will bo engagod at tho stalls. Tho whole of tho roof is covered with beautiful Japanese lan terns of varied shapes and colours, which add greatly to the appearance of tho village. So completely is evorything metamorphosed that tbe visitor could al most imagino himself transported into v street in Japan. The uativc-8 are in the ueuai costume' of their country, and little lads are playing about tho streets, Tho articles are manufactured as much as possible from local products, hut at the same timo much bus to be imported direct from Japan and made up iv the village. In the adjoining hall the circus will bo held, and be it understood that there are no side shows. One ticket passes the holder through tho village and into Ihe performance. The doors open at 7 o'clock, and thb audience will bo allowed an hour to wander through tho village At 8 o'clock the band v. ill commence to play, when tho audience will pars to the teats in the Agricultual Hall, which have all been well erected. One great advantage will be that in case of wet the audience will be perfectly dry, and no cold winds blowing through the hall. The programme will bo varied, cno of the great novelties being a Japanoso boy aged S who is a lightning calculator, and will do almost instan taneously any sum placed boforo him on tho blackboard. Then there will be the usual acrobatic performa ces and the won derfully clever tticks of th i . ed pontes. Unfortunately for tho tin. 10, ■-i-.ro is a probability that tho performing ri'ias will not be present, as this unf-jrii.- n troupe have again crossed with the Govt.,

meat. Last time the ponies came within the quarantine regulations, and ou tho present occasion the dogs are the cause of thp trouble. It appears that our regulations regarding the impor tation of dogs to this port are very atringeut, und no doubt properly so, as it is decidedly to be hoped that hydrophobia will bo kept out ot Ibeso warm countries. In the pteii-ct instance, however, it is hard on thecircusproprietorstbatiheircaDiDepeta could nub ba allowed to land. At pretent tbe proprietors _Sro iv co____n>_ir__catii_n with tbetiovarnmeutat Wellington, and probably alter all the dogs may appear to uiglit, but whether or no the show will be well worth the patronage oi the publia-

KAURI V. BALTIC.

Meeting of Builders' Association

W_ continue our report of the proceedings at yesterday's meeting of the Builders Association, convened to consider the speci fications of Baltic timber in tho contract for the new Custom-house •■— Mr Brabazon thought they had been on wrong lines from the start Tho question reaUy was whether or not they should havo an additional clause in the conditions of C °Tho C Cbairr_an denied this statement The question was merely as to a special clause for this particular Custom house con *" Mr Brabazon maintained that it was a question of inserting a shrinkage clause or "°Mr Herbert did not understand Mr Mahoney to say that if Baltic pine wore u___ .he ouildor would bo relieved of lia- convinced of the valu-| .bto qualities of kauri, would bo 80 ry to see the Association commit llselt Dy illßisting upon its ueo in the Custom hoTse "contract. . In his "pinion there WM not. sufficient time to season it for the joinery work. TJie Baltic pine, of which he knew a good deal, was iu-t as liable to shrinkage. Ihe mbi merchants' ™ all moonshine (laughter). His advice was tn let tho specifications remain as they were and the builders stand upon their merits The companies should be able to Tfy outside. Thejoret ch*s of joinery work in Auckland wore the stock X and doors supplied from tbemilh, Mr Todd proposed, and Mr Julian seconded, " That this meeting is of opinion hat the.specifications for tho new Custom home should be loft as they are. Mr Julian would like it added " and does not fool aggrieved at Mr Mahoney having specified Baltic." The Chairman had wrongly said so Mr Brabazon proposed, as an amend mont "That the members of this Associa te" do not think it advisable to add a shrinkage clause to thoir general condi-

' The amendment was subsequently with- i dr Mr n Curti v considered that the builders had taken uu a matter with which, as a body, they hid no concern They might as well make a stand against codar as against B The ""chairman thought the builders might well tako a broader view of the quos lioTi and treat it on public grounds. Mr Brabazon di.l not think tho Chairman should poao a_ a public benofactor, eeoing tlmt ho had dono the largest job in cedar Mr Wright pointed out that they might either regard tno matter from a political or from a selfish point of view. As true colonist', they should try to foster local in dustries by every means iv their power. As an old con! factor, ho know and fearlessly asserted that kauri could be made to servo, and servo as well a«, if not better, for budding or joinery purposes than any other timber that could bo imported. This was a Govern ment job, and were thoy to stand idly by whilo foreign timbor was purchased for work for which kauri was thoroughly well adapted '.' In this matter, they should go hand in hand with tho architects -ana tim bor merchants. I, ,!„..,. In answer to a question f.om Mr Pollard, Mr Wright said that he would not accept a "uaranteo from tho timbor companies Mr Carr challenged tho builders not to virtually slap Mr Mahoney in tho face, as their resolution would, but to declare the guarantee of tho timbor mercnants to he unworthy of ucccptanco. Tho guarantee had bcon formally proffered. Mr follard pointed out that Mr Mahoney had declined to accept a guarantee from tho timber couipanios. Mr Herbert (liko Mr Carr) looked upon the refusal of tho Company s oiiorod guarantee ue an unmerited slur upon them. , .. Mr follard said tho buildors woro quite willing to tako tho word of the timbor com panies, but hilhoito tbey had not ollered it. , . . Mr Todd modified his resolution by pro posing, " That this Association doclino to interfere with tho specifications for the Custom-house contract " At. tho invitation of the Chairman, Mr Monk also spoke. Ho expressed warm ap_ proval of Mr Wright's remarks, and said tho opinion of a man of exporioocs iiko him wa- wott'n that of fifty theorists. Many of tho local buildors were recently from Homo, ami had British prejudice?. Baltic pine re quired very cvrefui treatment to render it durable For instance, it needed three years' soasoning, otherwise it was liable to decay and dry rot, and would shrink and warp with every change of weather. _et, this material it was proposed to u=o for a public job, without any guarantee whatever Ho only ploaded for fair play for kauri, and only asked for it to be tried on its merits. If they would stop round to his office ho would give them abundant evidence of the treacherous character of Baltic pino, and if they would accompany him round the city ho would overwhelm with evidence as to the value and durability of kauri. Speaking as an outsider upon shrinkage, ho would welcome a shrinkage clause, for tho many who sold the good article or did the sound work would get a preference trade. Mr Brabazon eaid tho builders did not object to use kauri, but only the kauri sup plied by the mills. Mr Gurrio maintained that the question wis foreign to tho interests of the builders, and should not havo been brought before them as an Association. If people wanted to protest against the uteof Baltic pino, the Mayor should have called a public meeting, and the builders could havo attended it as citizens. Mr C. S. Wright moved as an amend ment, "That tho membersof this Association aro of opinion that kauii can be obtained that will produce sashesordoors equal to any timbor growo, and that if limber merchants are willing to guarantee that the kauri is properly solected and thoroughly seasoned, it is inadvisable to use other timber, but that the builders of this Association are not prepared to give a guarantee." Mr Pollard seconded. In answer to Mr Herbert, the Chairman ruled that tho representatives of the timber companies present had the right of voting. Several members painted out that the wording of the amendment was clearly op posed to such a ruling, and the Chairman therefore admitted his error. Tho amendment was then put and nega tived, and tho resolution pledging the As sociation not to iutcrfere was carried.

THE INTERPROVINCIAL HOWLING MATCH.

New Plymouth Victorious.

Tim bowling match between the represen tative players of the Auckland and New Plymouth Bowling Clubs, which was com" tnouced yostorday afternoon on tho Auck land Bowling Green, resulted in a victory for tho visiting team by 9 points, this beiDg tho second doteat Auckland has sustained at the hands of tho metropolis of Tarauuki. Tho match was played in 31 heads, and at tho end of the first holf-bour tho score stood: Taranaki, 10; Auckland, 14. At. a quarter to four Taranaki was 23 ; Auckland, 32. At a quarter past four, Tarar.itl.i, 34 ; Auck land, 54. At five, Taranaki, 52 ; Auokland, 61. At half-past live, Taranaki, 74 ; Auck land, 72. For tho remainder of the term tho visitors steadily iucreased their lead, and the game onded : Taranaki, S8 ; Auck land, 79, Taranaki thus winniug by 9 points. Tho details of the scoring arc as follows :— TiUIAMAKI. AUCKLAND. No. 1 Rink. K. Blohr P. Oliphaut Dr. Hit)hes VV. Tnic A. Todd VV. Gurrio J. Paul (skip) ._ 31 J. Winks (skit) . 23 No. 2 Kink. J. T. I avl. J. G-. IWOoro VV. Goi.iii.-r W. O. Mi- tin C. I'raifjmile J. fiUlinpton VV. F. Downes (skip) .J R, Saunders (skit-) 19 No. 3 RINK. A. Burr J. C. Taunt W. Wright J. Miller O. Newman J. Fruter VV. Motley (skip.) .. 2_ C. Ktngswell (skip) i>7

'10-al .. ..88 Total .. .. 7!) The Auckland team called for three cheers for their opponents, which were heartily given, und the visitors paid a similar com pliment to the Aucklandors. Both teams wero then driven off to the Albert Hotel. frevious to the commencement of the "--•■ch, Mr J. B, Hanna, photographer, of i... r. street, succeeded in getting some tine !»•;, pictures oi both teams.

COUNTERFEIT BANK NOTES.

(liV IELtGSAFH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.

CHKISTCHCItca, this day. Foec£l) it I totes o'- the Bj.uk ol Ntw Zaa land are ia circulation hero They aro very good imitations, but the paper is lliuiaier and the green colour ia a different chude to that on the genuine notes.

CITY SOUTH LICENSING ELECTION.

Petition against Mr Harper's Return.

Mb H. G. Setii Smith, R.M., sat at tho R,M. Court this morning to hoar evidence and argument in relation to the petitio preferred by Messrs J. W. James, Thos Constable, J. W. Carr, Philip Crowe, Jaa

Renda'.l, and Ooorge Winstono against the return of Mr Goorgo Harper as a member of the City South Licensing Bench, en the eround "That some persons voted who were not entitled to vote, or gave more votes than they wero entitled to give at an election." They therefore prayed that Mr Harper's election should bo declared void. Mr C E. Button apr.oared for the peti tioners,' and Mr Thomas Cotter for Mr H M_ e Button said that ho .would furnish Uii Worship with a list of the persons whose votes wero objoctod to. As separate objections applied to various groups of names, it would be convenient for the pur pose of expediting matters to takethe c_.eb of one vote in ordor to determine each group. Tho first votes objected to were those of James Binsted and Garrett Bros., and m the«e the case would be expedited if the facts were admitted, leavine only the legal points to be argued Mr Cottdr replied that his learned friend had better proceed with the case. Mt Butto . had declined to admit sdmethmg which ho proposed. Mr Button rotor od ihat tho reason was because it was a question of substance, and not of form. ... Mr Cotter denied that it was so. Mr Button then proceeded to state that tho first voto objected to was that of James Binsted, whose name appeared dn the roll with the bracketed addendum [p.r James and Henry]. He submitted that a firm had no right to vote, and more especially ac in this case Henry B.nsted also votoL The vote of Wm. Garrett for Garrett Bros, was in tho same category. Tho next case was that of Thomas Cains, who was allowed to vote, and T. J. Cains refused tho right to vote, Thomas Cains eubsoouontly admitting that he was not the person en titled to voto. 1 Another oa.o was that of Mrs Davis, who, although entitled to vote refused to answer oertain questions prescribed by the let, and which tho scrutineer demanded should be put to her. True, the questions nrODOunded by tho scrutineer were not put to Olficer, but still that was no oxcueo for tho questions not being BD Mr e Coiur said that as City Solicito. ho was froo to admit that the Retarding Olficer had no rightitc.refuse t. put tbo questions alleged, if asked to do so by tho scrutineer. Mr Button went on to say that the next caso was that Of Jane J agger. The name of H Ja-'gor, wife of Samuel Jagger, appeared upon the roll as of a person entitled to vote. Y [ otJano Jagger, wife.of Frank Jagger appeared and exorcised that voto. Ibis wa_ on offence under the Act, but ho would not prose that, as he was informed that Mrs Jane Jagger oxer ci«»d tho voto innocently, being per suaded that oho was entitled to do so Ho would not trouble His Worship with the case of John Lonergan, as ho had been erroneously instructed in r °Thc 'next co»o was that of a John Mills i (othoi than the John Mills upon the ro ), who voted in tho name of Dennis Mills. Then a voter named Nathaniel Morgan presented himself at tho pnlling-place, but found his claim jumped by a person named Samuel Morgan, who, when subsequently challenged, gave some excuse to Nathonial Morgan fur having voted. He submitted that if ho showed that five persons had voted irregularly, that wai. sufficient to upeet Mr Harper's election He would therefore ask Hib Worship to order the ballot papers to be opened—not in tbo first instance, to be looked at, but SO that the roll might be produced. Evidence was then adduced, Henry Hidings being the first witness called He staled that he was the Returning Olficer for City South, and that ho conducted a licensing election there on the 17th of February last, when Mesers J. Winks, C. Heskoth, H. Ander son, D. Goldio, and Geo. Harper were duly elected. Tho highest of the rejected candi dates was .1. W. Carr, who polled four votes loss than Geo. Harper. James G. Carr acted as scrutineer for one of tbo can didate-, Richard U Hughes as scrutineer for another, and Alexander Thorne as scrutineer for a third. At that election someone voted in respect of roll No. 0-2, " Binsted, James; por James and Henry." He could not recollect if Henry Binsted presented himself to vote. In re_pect of roll No. 418, " Garrett Bros ," ho believed that the oldest brother of the firm voted. A vote was also recorded in roll No. 164, " Cains, T. J." Richard H. Hughes, scrutineer, depoecd that at the election in question a person named Thomas Cain, a confectioner.of Wei' lington street,voted. Ho did not challenge him at the timo, but spoko to him after wards, when T. J. Cain s was refused the right to voto. Mr Cotter objected to any conversation which did not take place in M. Harper's presence being given in evidence. Mr Button contended that as it was for tho purpose of establishing identification, tho objection did not hold. As His Worship seemed inclined to sup port Mr Cotter, Mr Button did not press the point. Instead of doing so he called T. J. Cains, who was identified by Mr Hughes as the person who w.13 not allowed to vote. Thos. Joseph Ciins deposed that he was tho person whose name appeared upon the roll as " No. 161, Cains T. J., settler, Wellington Lane." At the City South LiconsiDg election on the 17th February last he received a voting paper, and voted. He was sure of that. (Laugh ter.) He could not say if objec tion wero taken to his vote, but something was said about another person of the same name having voted. He did not receive a votiDg paper and put it in the ballot box. Subsequently the witness, who seemed rather dull of apprehension, said ho received several pieces of paper—votes— some of each side, but did not put any of them in the ballot box. He was not a settler ; be was a cook (laughter). His namo appeared upon the roll as well as the other man's, but his name should be spelt Caines, not Caius. Mr Button: The other man's name does not appear. Alexander Thorno, one of tho scrutineers on tho occasion iv question, deposed that ho now knew the person who was entitled to voto in respect of roll number No. 164 (City South roll). Tho last witness was that per son. Another person, who gave the name of Cain, voted on the 17th February, but the last witness did not vote because when be applied to do so he was told Bome one had polled for that vote. The man who did vote was not last witness. Thos. Joseph Cains was tho registered owner of two brick buildings, and he was described in the deed as a cook. Mr Cotter pointed out that a statement as to the contents of a written document was not evidence. Mr Button submitted that he had now proved sufficient to justify His Worship to ordor the opening ol tbo ballot parcels for the purpojp of extracting votir.g paner No, 16i. It would not be necessary to compare it with tho roll until afterwards. Mr Cotter said it was a matter purely within the discretion of His Worship. The evidence of Tho?. Joseph Cains was con tradictory. His Worship thought that exclusive of Cains's evidence there was sufficient evi dence to warrant him to order tho extrac tion of the voting paperß. A prima facie cass had been established for this purpose. Henry Ridings, recalled, deposed that a person voted in respect ot Roll No. 92, " Biastcd, James [por James and Henryj, aud that a person also voted in respect of "No. 418— Garratt Bros," likewise a per son in respect of "No. 164 T. J. Cains." There was no person of the name of William Garrett on the roll. Mr Button stated that Mr Cotter ad mitted that "No. 627 —H. Jagger" was a wrong vote, the wrong person having voted under a misapprehension. Mr Ridings (continuing) : A person voted in respoct of" No. 829—John Mills." There was no other John Mills upon the roll. A person also voted in respect of " No. 831— Dennis Mills ;" likewise a person in respect of "_50,.849 — Nathaniel Morgan." There was no other Dennis Mills and no other Nathaniel Morgan upon the roll. Nathaniel Morgan, mariner,of Sale-street, deposed that he was the person so des cribed upon ihe City South ratepayers' roll. Ho did not vote at the licensing election on the 17th ult. He was refused the right to voto on tho ground that some one had al ready voUd iv that Dame. Ho was told who had .oted for him, and he spoke to that man tho nest doy. Jamus Guerre Catr dtposed that he wss one of tho election scrutineers on the day in quesiior. A man named Morgan, em p'oj..d a* a cook ou tho schooner Oisborne, but. not living in "Sale street, nor called "Nathaniel," voted in respect of "No.

*m*i AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY MARCH 16, 1887.

2



KAIPARA SHIPPING. March 11.—Arrived: Maud Graham, from the South. At Heads (loaded): Barques Tros and Areola, for Lindon ; Marmion, for tho South. Vessels loading :— At Helensville : Johan Broderaon. Kaukapakapa: Yolandc. Make ran : Cabarfeidh. Port Albert: Darcy Pratt. Otamatea: Grassmere. Wairoa: Zodiac. Annie Wilson, and Maud Graham.



IN the days of Oalon, it was supposed that rheumatism was caused by wind—at tho joints, hence the derivation, from rheum, wind. Latter-day science has dispelled this fal lacy, bnt left us little wiser as to the origin of rheumatism. Gout, its twin brother, is heredit ary beyond doubt. The relief of these painful diseases puts the (kill ot our best doctors to the most severe tests, and it has been found that remarkable relief is afforded by the use of snake root, the aotea racemosa (cimlcifuca) or black cohosh. The compound Fluid Extract or Snakb Root, as prepared at the Pharmacy, Queen-street, is an infallible gout and rheumatic remedy ; pries, s. per bottle, PARK HOUSE {Metropolitan Club). V CTORIA-STREET BABT, KJtAB ALBERT PARK EHTRANC-. FIRST CLASB PRIVATE BOARD AND RESIDENCE. i Lofty, well-Hffhted. and ventilated Bed and i Sitting-rooms, Bath-rooms, and every conveni ence for Families, Travellers, and Boarders. Tbrms, £1 Fzb Week. WRIBHT3 PRIZE BILLIARD TABLE. Private Suites for Families, and every Attention Combined with Comfort. B. DAWES, Proprietor. ! Telephone 811. SPLENDID FLOUR (QUAKANTKKD). • ICOlbf, l'Ois Gd ■„ SOlbs, o_ 6d ; 251bs, 3s. A GOOD BOX OF TEA (lOlbs), 15s. A GOOD BOX OF CANDLES <251b8. for Bs. BEST POTATOES, 5s 01 per cwt. : BEST WAIKOA CHEESE, fid per lb l In wholo Cheeaas. 4Jd per lb. EABLE &. MONTGOMERY, KARANGAHAPE ROAD. SPECIALLY CHEAP LINES AT GOODSON'S LONDON ARCADE. 6 quires (120 sheets) gocd Cream Ruled Note Paper /or 6d ; Envelopes to match. 6d pec 100: Kau de Cologne, 2s bottle for le, or os 6d bottle 'for 3b 8d ; Toilet Vinegar. 3 .-6d bottle tor 28, or lSßmsller size; Dinner Sets (18 pieces), band • some patterns. 25a ; Tea Sots (10 pleoea). china. handsomely gilt, 12s 6d the set; Breakfast, Sets, china and gilt, 15s ; Dessert Sets. 15s ; Chamber Sots, handsome patterns, 12s fd: Toilet Sets, 3a '6d- elegant Cnt-glasa Scent Bottles, nlokel silver topß, Is 6d; Sterling Silver Jervellory. ! marvellouely cheap; Nickel Silver Cloaks,jtood timo-k.oners, 6s oaeh; -White-handle Table Knives, rivolted. 4s Ed the f-dosen; White handle Dessert Knivoß, rivetted, 3a 9d the _ 'dozen ; Black-handle Knives and Forks, strong and good, 3s the 1-dozen pairs; Breed Knlveß. 9d each; Toys in endless variety arranged on stalls — 3d, Od. and In eaoh article and up wards. For Birthday, Wedding, or any Pre sents, no place In Auckland like the London Aroade for Variety and Cheapness. Price list. on application. — Note Addreßß: GOODSONS I LONDON ARCADE. 210, Queen-streat (opposite • MoArthur's Warehouse.) '■



"pOLDEH GEM" FLOUR vX AND "XL ALL" OATMEAL Are tho bent brands In this market. TRY THEM. ALFRED JOWITT, SOL- AGENT. TO BE SOLD AT A G_E-__-A-T SACBIFICB. CASH /<4f > ' / v/ /§/ * // *y // Ay a ■ 'fijl BARGAIN. Finding wo have 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 & CIUNWELL House Furnishers, QPBEN STREET, APCKLANP. SPLENDID VALUE IN DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. Strong Flannel. 7}d yard Wide width Mofgiel Flannel, 131 dyd Brand assortment of Flannels at lowest prloe Floorcloth. 6ft wide. Is lld yd Coats's bast 200 yds Cotton Reels, Is doe Girls' ond Woman's Hose, from 3_d pair Men's Socks, from 3d pair Very largo assortment Buttons, Id per doi Long Laso Curtains, 2s 3d pair Short Blind Net. 2Jd Gool Whits Calico, 2id; Crewrtson's Calico. 3Jd Job Lot Undsrolothlug, half-price Nice Assortment New Black Jorseys Men'sStrongCotton Shirts,from Is Strong Union ditto. 2a 6d Men's good Poi?et Coatß 7s 6d (former price, 21b) Men's Strong Coats, os 6d; Boys' do. very che»p Men's good Hard Black Felt Hats, 3s 6d Job Lot Mens and Boys' Felt Hats, from Is Men's Brown Cotton Singlsta, ls6d Men's Pants. Is 93 Nic- Btock of Tweeds, very much reduced Cheap Blankets Large Lot of Remnants in great variety, at very low prices. At Wm. R. BRIDGMAN'S CHEAP CLEARING CASH SALE, -_38. UPPEB QO.-l--.-S_. KFOTIOB OF REMOVAL, W. B. MELDRUM, TAILOR. Wishes to inform his numerous friends and on* tomera that he has REMOVED to those more Central and Spacious Premises adjoinl__ W. Norrie, SHORTLAND-STREET, And begs to solicit a continuance of past patron _ge by ali old and new patrons. j Buna itßOii £3 15s. .__. Work dose In First class Styl«,



MRS BUITERWORTH, I MILLINER, j IS NOW SHOWING NEW WINTER GOODS IN ALL THE NEWEST STYLES. McARTHUR'S BUILDINGS, j QUEEN-STUKET, and KARANGAHAPE ROAD. ~T DAM T AYBOUKN <_ riO., AUCKLAND. NEW CLOVER ) Best English Seeds, from )■ James Carter &■ Co . NEW TURNIP) The Queen's Seedsmen. RYE GRAFS. COPKBFOOT. and NATURAL CRASSES. All new Soeds. Fencing Wire at Reduced Prices. W. S. L ADKIB * C O, CUSTOMS AND aTANLKY-STREETB, AUCKLAND. Seed and Manure Morehants Bonednßt Manufaotnrera Arenta for Peruvian Government Gnane Importers of Fenoing Wire. Backs. Vtm Packs, etc Cash Purchasers of Bonu "E, 0 R S A L E, The following EXTRAORUINARV BAR GAINS at FERNANDEZ'S. Newton :-l ceeo of Men's Real Pith Rolmets, 2a (id each, honestly worth 10b ; Men'fl Sorvicable Dark Tweed Suits (complete!, for 15s, reduced from Voit. Men's Strong Working Shirts with Collars, Is fid each, usual prico, 2s fid. Coloured Moleekin Trousers for working men, 3s lld a pair; Good Quality Largo Wblto Blankots. Is lld each, worth 7s 6d; 10 dozen Boyß' Blaok Felt Bats, Is each, former price 2b Also: £3,000 worth of General Drapery and Clothing at a Rednclion of from 5s to 10s In the A The reason I am almost giving away my Goods Is beoauee I am trying to give up.—l. FERNANDEZ, Draper. Karanßahape Road. DR, J. MURRAY MOORE, M D., M.R.C.S. Hours for Consultation: 11 to p.m., at Pond's Homoeopathio Pharmacy. 153, Queen-street; 2 to 3 p.m.. and 7 to S p.m., at Hesldenoe. Lower Symonds straet. Telephone 130. Vaccinations at Pond's, 1 p.m., T U ___. DA X and FRIDAY.



_ll)0 ItEV/AKn.—Ti-.r.r care all diseases of tho stomach, bowels, blood, liver, nerves, and kid noi-s, and £100 will be paid for a case thoy wiU not cure or help, or for anything impure or Injurious found in them—Hop Bitters. Teat it. Read. _ .._ ... , J