SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

BUN-SET: This evening, 5.14. SUN-RISE: To morrow morning, 6.!>G HIOH WATER: This evening, 5.35: to-morrow, morning, 5.53

ARRIVALS.

Flora Macdonald, cutter, from Raglan (in Manukau)

DEPARTURES. Southern Cross, s s,. for Mercury Bay and Tauranga Uowena, s.s.,'for Tlhisscll Comeranf?, p. 8,, for Napier

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Newcastle : Endymion, ship, early For Sydney and Melbourne : Hero, s.s., to-morrow For London : flylton Castle, barque, to-morrow For Fijis: Star of the South, s.s., 11th August

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Countess of Kfntore, ship, from London Sailed Ist May Berar, ship, from London. Sailed lfith May Fontenaye, ship, from London. Sailed City of Auckland, from London. Sailed 4th June Lady T'ranklyn, barque, from Sydney and Newcastle. Sailed 17th July Utnelie, schooner, from Tahiti Coronet, schooner, from Lyttelton Briton, barque, from Newcastle Akbar, ship, from Boston, via Melbourne Nightingale, schooner, from Sydney. Sailed 19th July JBUzabeth Curie, schooner, from Dunedin Upolu, schooner, from Samoa Edith, schooner, from South Sea Islands Southern Belle, brigantinc, from Adelaide Resolution, brig, from Clarence River. Sailed about 24th July Lalla Rookh, brig, from Clarence Eivcr. Sailed about 22nd July Fairy Queen, brig-, from Timaru Ltina, p.s.. from Wellington Atalanta, French man-o'-war, from Sydney P»Q3be, s s.; from the South (in the Manukau) Albion, brig, from Newcastle Naiad, barque, from Newcastle, early

Heather Bell, brig, from this port arrived at Whangaroa on Thursday last. She will load with timber thence for Sydney. The s.s. Southern Cross took her depar ture for Tauranga last night with thirty-five passengers and general cargo. The schooner Belle Brandon cleared out- Wards at the Customs to-day with a general carpo, shipped by Messrs Preeee and Graham, for Tairua, and will sail this eA'ening. The schooner Golden Isle having dis charged, her cargo of coals has cleared out in ballast for Rusaell. She is appointed to sail this evening. The cutter Mora McDonald arrived from Raglan in the Manukau this morning with 51 bales flax, order; 31 do do, A. Barnes ; 20 do do, Buckland ; 19 pkgs, Austin ; 44 pigs, Hunter and Nolan.

The s.s. Rowena has sailed for Russell this afternoon with cargo and passengers. The p.s. Comerang cleared at the Customs this afternoon with full general cargo and five passengers for Napier and Gisborne. She takes her departure this afternoon.

The barque Natal Queen cleared to-day for Newcastle with 25,000 feet of timber, valued at £87 10s, and four passengers. She is to sail early to-morrow morning.

COMMERCIAL.

At Messrs Tonics and Co.'s sale to-day damaged flour sold at £7 10s to £10 10s ; Company's No. 1 sugar, £38 7s Gd in bond ; starch, 4£d ; dried apples, 0M ; good salt butter, 7M to Ofjd ; 500 packages tea, Is 5d to Is 7£d in bond. The sale was largely attended, and bidding well sustained. • At Messrs Cochrane's sale of furniture there was a fair number of bidders, and the goods realised average prices.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

ma tj.s will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at .'>.3op.m., and to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. for Coromandel, on Friday, Bth inst., at 1.30 p.m. For the Australian Colonies, per s.s. Hero, to morrow, at 2 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 1 p.m. For Mahurangi, Matakana, Mangawai, and Waipu, *c, per Lady Bowen, on Satnrday, Oth inst., at 10 a.m. fSigned) S. B. Bisa, Chief Postmaster.

DEATHS.

Atktns.—On August, 0, at Bcresford street, Nellie > Mabel, infant daughter of Mr H. Atkins; aged nine , months. I Cuato,— On Aucrust 5, at the residence nf Captain ! Campbell, Nelson street, Catherine, the beloved j wife of Mr George Craig, engineex-, of Hobsonville ; aged 48 years. The funeral will leave at three o'clock on Thurs- I day afternoon. Friends will please accept of thl3 invitation.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

"L. G."—Tlie Confessional correspondence has very properly been charged as adver tisements. Your letter is only admissable on those terms.

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

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6. 1873.

(For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

Ove special correspondent at Welling ton furnishes us "with an admirable telegraphic summary of the first pitched battle of the session, and it affords us pleasure to notice that the Auckland members stood -firmly to gether. The debate arose on the question of mail services. Mr Vogel submitted to the House the various alternative proposals under considera tion by the G-ovevnment, and asked for a full expression of opinion upon them. The attitude assumed by the Treasurer in relation to tho break down of the San Francisco mail is one to be commended, and we do not think any very severe criticism will be directed against a service which, although unfortunate and inexcusably irregular, was the most economical that could have been arranged at the time, and benefited the colony to an extent beyond all the mail contracts that preceded it. We cannot hei'e enter into tho details of the various schemes for conveying tho Suez and ban Francisco mails laid before tho House List night, but the clearandsuccinettcle grara published elsewhere will give our readers an outline of all the available methods of supplying mail commu nication. It will be seen thatthe Govern ment submit two proposals for the immediate connection of the colony with the Melbourne terminus of the Puez mail, pending tho final settle ment of the larger mail schemes, These are embodied in an offer by Mr Blackwood. of the firm of McMeckan, Blackwood & Co., for the conveyance of the inward and outward mails via the Bluff, for an annual subsidy of £5,000 ; or via Hokitika, £6,500: The Go vernment proposed tho acceptance of the Bluff service on the ground that (Auckland being excepted as the port of call on the San Francisco line) Otago and Canterbury contribute the largest amount of correspondence, and were entitled to consideration be fore the Cook's Straits cities. The steamer arriving at Hokitika would make Nelson the second, and Welling ton the third, port of call, Canterbury and Otago being the last to receive delivery of their mails. To thia the inhabitants of the Southern provinces naturally object, and support the Government proposals for the Bluff service. But while an expedi tious delivery could be provided for Auckland from Hokitika, the Bluff service would leave this province the worst supplied on the route, and we should frequently have to wait for our Home correspondence, as in the case of the Alhambra this month, for eight or ten days. The Hokitika service, therefore, clearly offers the greatest advantages to Auckland of the two. Otago and Canterbury members, fore seeing that their chance of success would be small were Auckland to com bine with members for the Cook's Straits provinces, and throw its fifteen votes into the scale against them, de termined to support a proposal moved by Mr Sheehan forabranch service from Sydney to Auckland to be maintained until a new Cailfornian service is inau gurated. This scheme will meet the requirements of our province, and \ with the Bluff service for the Southern ; provinces will, we think, afford as equitable an arrangement for the whole : colony as it is possible to secure. The . debate seems to have been a most acrimonious one, the old feeling of hos tility excited last session by the combi- ; nation of the two great centres of popula tion at theeztremeendsof the North and

Middle Islands being no doubt aroused to an unusual degree of intensity During the p as t two sessions a strong disposition has been exhibited by the Otago members to unite With Auck land against tile ambitious aspirations of Wellington, and we hope the feel ing will bo warmly reciprocated by our representatives. Our telegrams contain detailed intelligence regard ing Mr Kussell's negotiations at , Washington. In all of the pro- I posed schemes Auckland becomes the chief port of call for the mail steamers, but until after the contem plated conference between Mr Russell and Mi* Sa.imels (7-epresenting New South Wales) no definite conclusion can be arrived at by the Assembly in relation to the renewal of the San service.

The Telegraph Cable Subsidy Ratification Bill has been passed by the Assembly, and the colony is therefore committed to the agreement entered into by Mr Vogel while attending tho Intel-colonial Conference. Under these circumstances we may expect work soon to be commenced that will bring the colony within two days communi cation of England. The terms of the agree ment are very favourable. New South Wales and Queensland unite in guaranteeing a subsidy of £50,000 for the laying of two cables, one to connect this colony with Aus tralia, the other to render Queensland and New South Wales independent of the Java cable. New Zealand's liability is limited to one-third of the total subsidy, or in round numbers to £1G,G50 a year. This liability may be reduced by profits from the under taking, but we doubt very much whether the business on the lines will in the outset do much more than pay working expenses. The advantages resulting from a cable con nection with Great Britain are no doubt somewhat fanciful, but there is a. general feeling, aptly expressed by Mr Vogel, when he said that New Zealand could not afford to be left outside the rest of the world. The electric wire is being extended to all the centres of civilised life, and even Eastern exclusivenesa in giving way to pro gress; and the Shah of Persia hay contracted with Baron Beutur for thu construction of telegraphs through the very centre of that ancient empire. We cannot be surprised that New Zealand should feel impelled to join m the general race, but wo must not lose sight of the fact that this work will add another to our rapidly increasing liabilities, and the necessity for economy in the administra tion becomes every day more imperative. The watchword of the Opposition should be Retrenchment, and if animated by a sincere determination to cut down all extravagant expenditure, the Opposition party would command the confidence of the country, and would probably secure a respuctable support in the House.

In one of Captain Marryat's novels, entitled " The Phantom Ship," there is a phantomic character called. One-eyed Sehriffcen, whose strange features are ever mockingly looking at Philip, the hero of the story. Philip took every opportunity of tumbling Schrif ten over board, but could not drown him; up he came again, and in another moment was grinning at Philip from some part of the ship. Sohriften could not die while he held the immortal relic. So it is with the chairman of the Political Union. We thought his scheme was dead, and the author long since retired, but it seems that he, too, can never be silenced whilst Parliamentary corruption and a lack of interest in public matters continue. It cannot be denied that a Political Union is essentially necessary, as the London lie form League was necessary, but we fear, judging from Mr Mason's former attempts, that his oratory will fail to charm the linger ing spirits. This veteran reformer has for his motto "Never despair," and he lias re solved nut to die while his constitution lasts. He has called a meeting tlna c.voniny. ITn ruula that tin; hour lias come, and conse quently the man must be ready. The Politi cal Union is to be the central sun of political action around which all political luminaries must of necessity revolve. Sitting in his cosy arm-chair he is, metaphorically speak ing, prepared to lead the hosts to victory, and might exclaim with Byron, among the ruins of a dead nationality, "He who would be free must strike the blow." The chairman himself is prepared for this laudable work, and coming from the iron town of Birming ham, the fall ol his political hammer may shatter the new tariff. Before the blow is struck at Ihe monster, —political jobbery—the solitary chairman, in the presence of his un seen audience, will pronounce an invocation to the daughter of Jupiter; he will present an offering at the shrine of Minerva and Bacchus, and solicit their sympathy with the direct objects of the revived Union, so that the new tariff may be wisely dealt with, and political progress extend beyond the palpita tions of one patriotic heart.

At a special meeting of the Board of Edu cation, held this afternoon at three o'clock, ■to take into consideration the bill of the Auckland Improvement Commissioners, now before the Assembly,—present, His Honor the Deputy-Superintendent, Dr. Camp bell, Colonel Haultain, Messrs Lusk, Boylan, and Beveridge,—it was unani mously resolved, "That in the opinion of the Board it is for- the interest of the Educational Trust that the Improvement Commissioners' Bill should be supported in both Houses of the Legislature, and that a copy of this resolution should be telegraphed at once for the information of members of the Assembly, who are also members of the Board." The Auckland Permanent Co - operative Buil ding and Investment Society is progressing favorably. At the monthly meeting, last evening, the secretary reported that 103 new shares had been taken up during the month, and that payments have been regularly made. The annual meeting of the ratepayers of the Paparoa (Pakurangi) Highway District was held in the public reading-room at Howick. I may be allowed to remark that this meet ing was just the reverse of the meeting held by the township, inasmuch as this Board were always anxious and willing to give every information to the ratepayers. W. Trice, Esq., was unanimously voted to the chair. The auditors signed the balance-sheet, &c, and the meeting agreed that the rates should be the same as last year, and voted that their trustees for the ensuing year should be Messrs J. White, G. Peacock, J. Finlay, G. Browning and J. McTamerny. A lively discussion then ensued about high way laws past, present, and to come, when a cordial vote of thanks was accorded to W. Trice, Esq., for the kindness and urbanity in which he had conducted the meeting; which he replied to in thanking the meeting for the cordial support they had given him, and said that he had attended many such meetings, but it gave him much pleasure in saying that this was about the best meeting that he had ever attended.— So much for Howick. The paper by Dr Dawson on the "(Use and Abuse of Tobacco " will be read this evening in the Oddfellows' Hall, Cook-street. , ',

The inquiry; to t*;hich, we referred some clays back as proceeding in connection with certain grevious injuries alleged to have been wantonly perpetrated on the hinder quarters of a clerk in the Government Store department, Albert Barracks; is still going on.: On Monday, we understand, a respect able female named Mrs Jones was examined, but could afford no clue to the solution.of the mystery. It appears, too, that an official ex amination of the injured part of the un fortunate victim revealed no scar by which it might be discovered what was the nature of the deleterioiis agent employed by the barbarous offenders. A portly and respectable drill-sergeant was yesterday examined, but after an hour's close questioning the only information extracted by the Court was that he knew nothing about it.

It is always gratifying to have to notice any improvement in the architectural features of our city streets. It is quite time that the dilapidated wooden structures so common even in our principal thoroughfares, were things of the past. Not only are these un sightly and unworthy of a populous and moderately wealthy town, but they are objectionable on the score of their liability td take fire, and consequently on account of fhe high rates of insurance which they are answerable for. We are glad, therefore, to notice that the lower portion of Shortland-street is to be considerably improved in this respect. The wooden buildings lately occupied by Messrs Posseniskie and Sanders, adjoining the Q.C.E. hotel, [are being pulled, down, and are to give way to three substan tial three-storied brick-built houses. The site belongs to Mr Nathan, and the property, in its renovated iorm, will be exceedingly valuable, and no doubt pay well on the outlay necessitated by the re-construefcion. There are several other premises in Short land-street and elsewhere which it is high time were subjected to the same regenerating process. The Otahuhu agricultural meeting was largely attended yesterday. Thirty-one per sons were admitted to membership, and it wrs finally resolved to hod the society's next show on the 12th November.

The evening tranquillity of the eastern suburbs of the city was sweetly broken last evening by the lively band of the Naval Vo lunteers. This accomplished band marched from Qneen-stmit to Svmonds-street, and thence to fiirndl, playing many lively airs to tho "ratification of hundreds of listeners.

There -was a very fair attendance last night at the Devonport Literary Institute, North Shore, on the occasion of Mr Worthington's lecture on the " Growth of the British Con stitution." We hope this gentleman may bo invited to re deliver his able lecture in Auckland, as such a subject cannot fail to be of deep interest to the general community.

His Royal Highness Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, is twenty-nine years old to day, and about to be married. Has the virtuous Prince entirely forgotten all the sweetly feminine "good byes," and "we shall see you again," of Auckland, and with his musical propensities become irrecoverably entangled in the webs of llussia ? We fear his gay pranks will no more amuse the colo nial world, and the " Patronage of His Royal Highness," proclaimed by various photogra phers and tradesmen, will alone remain to remind us of by-«one days, and the glimpse of royalty afforded tlie subjects of Her Ma jesty residing at the antipodes.

The Jlev. S. Edger usually is of a serious turn of mind, and but rarely indulges in wit. Fife with him is as Longfellow expresses it— " real and earnest." In a letter to the Croxs this morning, on the Bible and crime, Mr Edger justly stigmatizes "religious sham and cant," which are synonymous in significance. Yet, however dreamy Mr Edger may be in his teachings, and figurative in hia view of the major portion of written scripture, the satirical figure of so many syllables at the close of his letter is startling. "We certainly do not want any increase of that deleterious piety that so thrives here on half-a-crown in the pound."

The Auckland Jockey Club will hold its annual meeting in the Club-room, Auckland Hotel, on Friday afternoon, at two o'clock.

At the meeting of the Market stall-keepers yesterday afternoon Mr Brown, confectioner, occupied the chair. The meeting was con vened for the purpose of devising moans for making the Market a greater success than it has hitherto been, and of holding out induce ments, if possible, to got a remunerative share of public patronage. The chief speakers were the Chairman, Messrs Bettany, French, Fenton, and Isaacs. Mr Fenton thought that if some small per centage was allowed to cash purchasers it might attract people to the market. He proposed therefore "That 2£ per cent, be allowed to cash purchasers, which was seconded by Mr Isaacs." Mr Bettany sug gested that the stall-keepers should adver tise liberally in the daily newspapers. He had been advantaged by advertising, and thought that they might arrange mutually for afgeneral standing advertisement which would assist them as a body and keep them in view of the xmblic. Mr French said that such an advertisement would be com paratively useless unless it possessed some vital force, and the question was, " How could such an advertisement be successfully framed? " He would like to see some suggestion practically carried out. Several speakers thought that the Market hours should be prolonged, that stall-keepers should endeavour to sell the best articles at the lowest possible rate, and jointly advertise their goods. An amendment to this effect was subsequently carried, and the original motion was lost. After some conversation the meeting was adjourned.

The Rev. Warlow Davies invites the mem bers of the Albert-street Congregational Church to meet him this evening prior to his departure for the Australian colonies. Mr Davies, some time since, met with a severe accident by a fall from his horse, which con siderably impaired his health, and his object in leaving Auckland is the restoration of his strength and energies by a change of climate.

The Mount Eden school-room was crowded last evening on the occasion of the Rev. P. H. Cornford's lecture "Mission Life in Jamaica," which was full and interesting. Mr Hough ton occupied <tlie chair, and at the close of the lecture a vote of thanks was unanimously accorded to Mr Cornford.

At a meeting of the New Zealand Agri cultural Society yesterday, Mr R. Robertson in the chair, thirty-one new members were elected. An offer (by Mr Lawry) of a £5 prize, for the best dairy cow exhibited at the next show, was accepted with thanks. It was resolved, with reference to a letter from Mr Kirk, asking the society to. co-operate with the Horticultural Society in holding their show, that the next annual show be held on November 12.

At a meeting of the Mahurangi settlers convened for the purpose of considering the advisibility of establishing a woollen mill in the disti-ict, great unanimity prevailed, and a sum of £500 was promised by those present towards that object. A committee was appointed to gather information on the sub ject and bring the matter before a future meeting.

The members of the Garrick Club will hold a rehearsal at the Prince of Wales Theatre this evening at seven o'clock,

We liave received a copy of the Manager's report&on the Orphan Home. To the report is attached the usual lists of subscribers to the institution.

Mr Dargaville addressed a crowded meeting last evening at Otahuhu. Mr R. Robertson was voiect to' the cbair, and introduced the speaker, who explained his views at length. Several questions were put to Mr DargavrHe by Mr H. S. Andrews and other gentlemen, which were duly answered. At the close of the business a vote of confidence was unani mously accorded to the candidate.

An important addition to our list of local industries is the manufacture of varnish from kauri gum by Mr J. ,1. Howard. The varnish has a good and brilliant polish, and is in all respects equal to the imported article, and of which the cost will be considerably less. Looking at the difficulty which the gum diggers have sometimes experienced in dis posing of their gum at anything like a re munerative price, it is satisfactory to hear that a demand is likely to be created for this valuable indigenous product in our midst. A specimen of Mr Howard's varnish has oeen left at our office, and can be inspected by any who wish to examine the quality of this useful article.

The choir of St. Matthew's are in receipt of a number of new anthems from London, with appropriate music, which they are vigorously practising, and which the attend ants of St. Matthew's will shortly be privileged to hear.

To the Editor : Sir,— Having lateiy seen advertisementsinserted worded tantamount to "No Irish need apply," I desire to know on what grounds or by what right English or Scotch servants are preferred to Irish. Are my countrywomen less virtuous or less honourable, or are they less upright and faithful in the discharge of their domestic duties. What has nativity to do with the qualifications of a servant ? I presume if they were born in the moon there would be no objection, but because they happen to hail from tho Emerald Isle they are to bo debarred from applying for a situation. Thank good ness in Auckland the employers of labour are few that would thus insult my country women. —I am, Sir, yours respectfully, W. Kihuy. i An excited and apparently insane in dividual was looked up in the police cells tliis morning under very pecular circum stances. At about twelve o'clockjthe man in question, who was very respectably dressed, marched straight—or rather zig-zag—into the clerk's room, and striking an attitude, de manded in a theatrical tone, that he should be at once locked-up. His speech was by no means clear, but he was understood to say that he had tried to get locked up the night before, but without effect —the police had most shamefully refused to take him in. He meant to be locked up, so they had better put him in without any more bother. If they wanted payment they could have it; but if he (the clerk) did, not get his wishes at tended to, by G- ——. The clerk here thought if; quite time to call in one of the constables, not knowing to what lengths the eccentric person mjght be disposed to go. One of these quickly made his appearance, and at first an ufFort was made to get rid of the troublesome applicant. After being turned out, however, lie returned and renewed his importunities. 11 was then thought advisable to accede to tliu extraordinary request, and the stranger was taken into the guord-room and searched preparatory to taking possession of his anxiously desiderated quarters. At this (joint, however, he altered his mind, and asked indignantly what the police were doing with him, at the same time .shewing signs of becoming violent. Effective measures-were then adopted, and in less than a couple of minutes the good gentleman attained the summit of his aspiration, viz., the interior of the cell. From enquiries made it appears that the hero of this curious history is one Wrigg, engaged in some capacity under Messrs. Brogdon and Sons. He is supposed to be suffering from delirium

Ire.mens

The Rev, Mr Dewsbury gave his lecture on "Sir Walter Scott," laat evening, to a full audience. The liev. Mr Oliver, who acted as chairman, introduced the lecturer. The lecture, we presume, was more of an intro duction to the writings of Scott than other wise, as the lecture would seem to indicate. The lecture, which was delivered for the most part without the aid of notes, embodied the principal events in the life of the great novelist as given in his biography by Lockhart, interspersed with readings from some of the more striking passages in Scott's works. The biography facts were correctly quoted, and the selected pas sages were read with much elecutionary ability, but wo confess to having expected more of originality from one possessing the undoubted talent of the rev. lecturer. One idea, however, was certainly quite new to us, namely, that Scott wei superior to Dickens in point of humour—a statement in which, we think, national enthusiasm got the better of accurate judgment. Kef erring to Dickons's "Uriah Heap," Mr Dewsbury described the character as a cari cature rather than as a life-like sketch. We scarcely agree with him in this. Every day experience proves there are numbers' of sanctimonious crawling, sneaking ' • Uriah Heaps" in the highways and by-ways of life, as the lecturer from his own experience must also know. "Uriah Heap " was a real person well-known to Dickens, and though slightly coloured was a genuine character. Taken altogether, however, the lecture was a very good one. Mr Bridson and his choir of merry minstrels considerably aided the entertainment. The audience expressed their gratitude in the usual way.

At the monthly meeting of the committee of the Auckland Co-operative Building Society last night it was stated that 163 new shares had been taken up during the month. Loans amounting to £660 were authorised.

In the civil case against Fernandez, men tioned yesterday, the plaintiffs were Brown, Barrett and Co., not Barnett and Levy.

The librarian of the Young Men's Christian Association would feel obliged to any gentle man having a copy of Dr. Braid's work "On Hyptonism," either for loan or purchase.

A correspondent of the Greymouth Evening Star, writing under the name of "J. Gill," has the following on a little bit of scandal relative to the New Zealand Parliament:— "Your correspondent, 'Anti-Mormon,' in your issue of Saturday, adverts to an on dit going the rounds of the press, stating that a member of the House of Representatives is a bigamist. This rumour has since been sup plemented by a rumour that there is also a member that sits under a norn de plume, or what the police call an alias, and moreover that he is a near relation of the reputed bigamist. The sooner inquiry is made as to the truth of these unpleasant statements the better, because, if they be true, it constitutes a reflective disgrace on the entire colonial Parliament unless it be purged of the presence of such a one. I think the elector*? of the Grey Valley, as your cor respondent suggests, could not do better than request their member to initiate such inquiry, as his conduct in re the Holt scandal proves him a high-souled and incorrigible gentleman who will fearlessly guard the honour of the House," '*

II C, a smart cadet, aged sixteen, declared he had enough on't, and in the exuberance of colonial precocity indignantly flung down his sword, and to the tune of the busy bee he sung: —

No longer I'll submit, mamma ; I'm handsome, tall, and straight, I'm getting whiskers, like papa I'm over four feet eight. I'll leave the ranks of the Cadets, My s<vord and gun resign ; Among Sir (ieotge Grey's little pets I'll na'er attempt to :?h*ne. So to the captain back I'll send My jacket, pouch, and cap ; And though my conduct may offend, I do not care a rap.

A poor lame man this morning lost hia passage by the Golden Crown owing to being a few minutes late. He was very indignant at the hurry to get away displayed by the captain, and gave vent to his feelings in no measured terms. " It's just like them there Auckland skippers," said he; "theyre always in such a blessed fluster. If I could have run I'd a been here sharp enough, but you see I couldn't. Well, there's a con solation they never gets no good by it. None of 'em ever makes any money, and 1 hope he wont. All I care about is, he S got my lug"a»e aboard ; but never mind, if 1 don't get" it all right I'll have a " hahu* corpis" agen him, and shove him m quod. Having delivered himself of this plulhpic, poor Esop hobbled away.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before J. M. Mitford, Esq., J.P.)

DRUNKENNESS. Four persons were fined this morning for this offence.

POOR JOE THOMPSON

Joseph Thompson was charged under the Vagrancy Act of 18G6 with having no visible lawful means of subsistence. Prisoner, who appeared in a very destitute condition, pleaded not guilty, and proceeded to make a rambling incoherent statement about being " shipped off," etc. Sergt.-Major Pacdy stated that the poor fellow had been wandering about in a strange manner, and he was of opinion that prisoner was not right in his mind. The accused had a brother at the Queen's redoubt, who was willing to take care of him ; he would.'there fore ask for a remand, in order that the brother might be informed of the circum stances.

The case was accordingly remanded for a week.

This was all the business.

PARLIAMENTARY.

[BY TELEGRAPH.]

Californian Mail Service.

Telegram from Mr Russell.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

Auckland Improvement Bill. Last night the Auckland Improvement Bill was read a second time. It will evidently be roughly handled in committee. There is a feel ing in favour of the transference to the City Council. Mr Swanson reasoned that as it was a trust for the province, the surplus to be devoted to education, it should not be vested in the Council. The University. Iv reply to a question the Government stated that they did not intend to propose any new legislation relative to the Uni versity. It was better to leave the two Universities to settle the question amicably. Bills Read a First Time. The following bills were read a first time :—Employment of Females in Work rooms and Factories, To amend Law of Registration Deed, Real Property. The Native Land Bill was introduced and read. Bills Read a Second Time. The Life Assurance Companies Bill was read a second time. It is a modification of last year's. Five thousand pounds deposit is required. The Suez Mail.—Mr Russell in Wash ington.— Re-establishment of the CaUfoiman Service. The Government submitted proposals from Mr Blackwood, of McMeckan, Blackwood and Co., relative to the conveyance of Suez mails from Melbourne to New Zealand. The proposals embodied alternative offers of £5000 subsidy for carryingfthe mails to the Bluff, and £6,500 to Hokitika. The contracts were to be for three years. The opportunity was taken by Mr Vogel for reviewing the whole of the Californian service in a lengthened speech. He explained the negotiations pending, tine proposals from Sydney and Melbourne, and the arrangements made by Mr T. Russell. The following is the estimated cost of the four available services :— If the New Zealand mails are carried by way of Victoria it is only estimated that a portion, would be payable, including the cost of a branch service to the Middle Island and Wellington, £30,000 ; branch ser vice to Auckland, £3000, less the estimated postage, £15.000. Estimated cost £17,000. New South Wales offers, by a branch to Kaudavau, a minimum payment on account of the Suez service, £10,000 ; branch service from New Zealand to Kaudavau, £15,000. It is estimated that the postage on letters receivable by New Zealand via Suez would be £3000. Estimated cost, £22,000.

Mr Thomas Russell's proposal—supposing a line via San Francisco to proceed to Mel bourne instead of Sydney—would make the minimum payment on account of the Suez line, £10,000; cost of proposed San Francisco service, £70,000. Against this there would be received contribution by Victoria to proposed San Francisco service, £15,000; estimated postages, £15,000 ; es timated cost, £50,000.

Instead of connecting at Kandavau for a Californian service to Honolulu, or through to San Francisco, the supposed cost would be £40,000 ; minimum payment for Suez service, £10,000. Less estimated postages, £15,000. Estimated cost, £35,000.

Mr Vogel read the following telegram from Mr Russell:—

"Pending Mr Samuel's arrival, the ne gotiations with Messrs Scott and Burnside are adjourned to London. I leave for Lon don to-morrow, Two services are proposed. In one the boats are to proceed to Sydney from Auckland, and the subsidy is to be sixty-five thousand pounds. In the other service the boats are to go from San Francisco to the Navigators and Sydney, and a branch boat of the very same size from the Navigators to New Zealand. On the following montli the mail boat to go via the Navigators to New Zealand (coastwise), and the branch boat to go from Navigators Island to Sydney. They call this a " Fork" Service. The price is £70,000. New and special boats are to be built for both services. There are to be twelve special twelve-knot services. In the meanwhile chartered boats are to be used. A better service will most likely secure the co-operation of Sydney.— (Signed) T. Russell. New York, 21st June." A cablegram was sent to Mr Russell ask ing him to recommend the best course after conference with the Sydney delegate. Mr Vogel showed that Webb's line cost the colony only £29,000 per annum, He threw

down a challenge to the House on the Servica and wished it decided once for all. The Go-.. verament proposed the Suez service, vis;,.J Bluff, and showed that Otago and Canterbury^'! sent two hundred and eighty-three thousand ? letters annually against forty thousand' from. ■She rest of, the colony, excluding Auckland, wMcVi Would have the Californian service.

A fierce debate ensued, which was pio* traded till two- >ti the morning.

Mr White, of fi'okitika, moved as aa amendment for the Straits' service.

Mr Sheehan moved as an amendment that a. service be established between Auckland and Sydney, in .addition to the Bluff, pend ing' tjbo establishment of the CaSfernian, service.

Mr Wood spoke in a scathing raauneroff the two Auckland members of the Ministry. All the Auckland men Spoke well and" stood firm. A caucus of Auckland and Ofevgo members resolved (;o roll each others logs, xad get a double service. Mr Vogel said if Mr Sheehan withdrew his amendment he would give Auckland a lac vice of £5,000 and in twelve days. Scenes of great confusion^ and excitement occurred. Mr Sheehan withdrew on that understand ing. The Ministry were shuffling, and Mr Gillies pinned them with another amendment, and obtained a definite promise for an Auckland service ; also one via Bluff. Woei* The Government proposed inviting Queens land to join in the subsidy and connect Auck land with Brisbane for the Torres service. He read a telegram forwarded to the Queens land Government. •/••.■'.■-;• PetTtiornby~Mr Thomas Maclfarlatfte. Last night a petition was presented by Mr Thomas Macffarlane to the effect that he, as a Government officer, had been made a vic tim, and put to expense and annoyance by the alleged maladministration of his office. As such charges had been found groundless by the tribunals established to try them, he prays for relief. . - , Mr J. S. Macfarlane's Timber Bill. Mr Vogel gave notice to-day to introduce a bill to provide for the floatage of timber down tidal creeks and rivers. Auckland Million Loan- Mr Gillies will move to-day for leave to introduce a bill to empower the raising of a million loan for the Auckland province, charging it against the province. Sale of Spirits in Out Districts. Mr Kelly, of East Coast, will move for legislative action remedying the mischief caused to out districts by the Sale of Spirits Act. ■ |.

Thames Deputation to Wellington.

The Government decline to recommend the Thames Railway.

E'JTer A nolo-Australian Telegram Company,]

Mr C. F. Mitchell and the Auckland mem bers had an interview with Mr Vogel to-day. Endowments for the Thames municipality will be granted. The Government will do nothing aa to ths railway. They will not recommend it to the Assembly. The Gold fields Water Supply will be pushed forward. In the House, yesterday, Mr Bradshaw introduced a bill to make provision with regard to the employment of females in work rooms and factories. The object of the bill is to provide ventilation in workrooms; to prevent overworking, except where on piece work ; to ensura Saturday afternoon as a holiday, and to provide other regular holi days. An amendment is to be moved ex tending the bill to boys in flax mills. The bill was read a first time. The Telegraph Cable Ratification Bill was passed. The Education Bill was read a second time. Me Vogel explained the provisions of the bill. It was permissive in character. The control of educational matters in each district to be regulated by school boards elected by school committees. Pour kinds of rates : unifprni rate, on capital, on valae of property, tod annual value rate on adults; religious educa tion provided for, but only at the end or commencement of school; at least four hours' secular education provided for. The choice of religious education in the hands of parents and guardians. The permissive system to ultimately develop itself into a general system for the colony. > The differences with regard to the Educa tion Bill are not at present reconcile able. The National Bank Bill will be referred to a committee appointed by selection. Mr Seymour, chairman of committees, is ill. Mr Vogel yesterday afternoon read an ex tract from a telegram from the Agent-General to the effect that immigration is promising. Twelve hundred immigrants left in June. The Christian McAusland has sailed for Na} pier. Colliers and tailors are to be sent out. Five ships are to leave for New Zealand during this month. On the motion of Mr Vogel it was agreed that the control of reporters be placed under the Reporting Debates Committee.

TELEGRAPHIC.

{FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.

Suicide of a Native Chief.

TAURANGA.

This day. , The Ngaeterahgi natives are writing to Mr McLean, complaining of the Commissioner's reports.

Haka Araua cut his throat at Orakeiko sako, . He is said to have been insane at the time.

LATEST SOUTHERN NEWS.

Christchurch Chamber of Commerce

and the Tariff.

(From Our Special Corresponds^?.)

WELLINGTON,

This day.

Mr Luckie is making strenuous efforts to get appointed the Auckland agent for the Anglo- Ausbralian Press Telegraph Company. He is backed up by Vogel and Harrison, of the Independent. The object, it is believed, is to use the agency for political purposes in the same way as the Press Association was used. The manager is determined to keep tele grams free from political bias. The inquiry into the grounding of the Ladybird inside the Manukau Heads is pro ceeding to-day. The Manawatu has arrived.

CHRISTCHURCH.

This day. • The Chamber of Commerce committee yesterday passed resolutions condemnatory of ad i;aZoratt|duties. The Diocesan Synod has opened, and in tends to consider the questions of building a Cathedral and education.

NELSON.

This day: ' TheTaranaki sails at seven to-night with a petition bearing a thousand signatures against the proposed new tariff. • | |

tffifll 7&mm® JMft^BPNfISBAT, ATOIJST 6 l»fa



T COHGBAVE & CO. Aro now holding an EXTBAORDINARY CHEAP SALE OF DRAPERY AND CLOTHING At their Premises, CANADA BUILDINGS, QUEEN STREET. ri A U T 1 ON s OLSON'S TOMATO SAUCE. Connoisseurs pronounce this Sauce to be the BEST for general use in households, and, in con sequence of its high reputation, some unprincipled persons have been induced to Collect Empty Bottles bearing the manufacturer's name stamped thereon, and pass the same off as " Olson's Universal Tomato Sauce." The proprietor has in consequence caused his TRADE MARK to be Registered under tho provisions of the "Trade Marks Act, 1866," and proceedings will be taken against such persons as may forge or counterfeit such mark. The public are cautioned to ASK FOR OLSON'S SATTCE, and see that the name in Stamped on Bottle and Stopper, and wrapped round with his well-known label. [Established 1864.] T\ STEPHENSON & CO.'s CELEBRATED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAND" " EAGLE BRAND " "CROWN BRAND," Are to be procured at all respectable OrRoeEB.H and Stotiekekpers throughout the Province of Auck and. D. STEPHENSON & CO., WYNDHAM -STREET, AUCKLAND. HATS! HATS TIUSHBROOK & BTiIDGMAJ* A RE CLEARING OUT BALANCE OF GIRLS' AND WOMEN'S BLACK STRAW HATS, FROM Is. EACH. Also, a Lot of CHILDREN'S WINTER JACKETS, . WATERPROOF CLOAKS, FEATHERS, TRIMMINGS, ETC. VERY CHEAP. EUSHBROOK &T BRIDGMAN JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite Abmv and Navy Hotel), UPPER QUEEN STREET, AUCKLAND,



G.KEAT BEDtJ-CTIONS FOP. TIISSJ! MONTHS ONLY AT THE AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPANY, 194, QUEEN STREET, Next Door' to Savin as' Bank. Garte.i-de-vi.tite rednccd from IDs per dozen to 13s 6d. Maori Celebrities (largest steck in New Zealand to select from), reduced from 12s per dozen to 6s. Views from all parts of New Zealand reduced from 12s per dozen to 63. Enlargements from Cartcs-de-vUite to Life-size, plain or beautifully finished in Oil or Water Colors, also reduced in prico. Large Stock of Photographic Goods and Apparatus, Magic Lantern Slides, Stereoscopic Slides, &c, greatly reduced. J. MoGARRIGLE, i Manager. FUB.NISHED APARTMENTS. j 1 I A LADY living in a pleasant and j convenient locality would be glad to accom- | vnodate two or three Gentlemen with Board and ; Residence. A nice Drawing-room and Bed-room, wiih use of Piano, and every possible attention given to ensure tho comfort of the boarders.—Apply for card of address to Stab office. ;