SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER. • This evening, 8.21 ; to-mcrro~ mornlng, 8.40

SUNSET : __„ evenlne, 620 ; SUN-RIBB: To^ morrow downing, 6 47 MOON*B AGE: First Quarter, 20th, 6.32 p.m.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

_ , ARRIVALS.

uypnrenes, r.m. s.s., Woods, from Kandavu Rowena, s.s., McGregor, from Russell "awera, schooner, from Kaipara (in the Manukau)

DEPARTURES.

Southern Cross, (A.S.P.Co.'s), Holmes, for Napier Qo-ahead, s.s., for Waitara (from the Manukau)

The R.M. steamsliip Cyphrenes. Captain Woods, arrived this morning from Kandavu. Persons who did not know of the new ar rangements of the service were very much pnzzled at the appearance of the signal "Mail from California" at the signal post, North Shore, after it having been announced that the mail would be ten days late, The Cy-, phrenes brings no cargo, except a quantity of fruit. The following is the Captain's re port .-—Tuesday, 4th August, at 5 p.m., left Auckland, winds fiom N.N.W. to N.E., fresh, with heavy rain and overcast sky : neither sun nor stars visible until Sunday, 9th August, when we found that we had passed about twenty miles west of Kandavu. At 3 p.m. sighted the island ; at 7 p.m., off the port, sent up rockets. &c, which were answered. Laid-to all night, and went in next morning at daybreak. Transhipped mails snd passengers, &c, to the Mikado, which had arrived on the Bth, and left at 11 a.m. on Monday, 10th August. H.M. ships Challenger and Dido, and the Renard left same day. The Cyphrenes left same evening at dusk, rounded Sea Reef at 6 p.m, experienced moderate S.W. breeze with southern sea ; rain occasionally, with vari able winds. Saturday, 15th August, 3.30 a.m., variable winds and foggy, drizzling rain occasionally showered down. At 4a m. Haw land, and steamed quite slow up to it, — made it out to be Aiguilles Point, Great Barrier. Went ahead full speed again, and arrived at 10.40 aim. The Cyphrenes brings the following passengers, principally for Sydney : —Messrs Robert Suckright, J. A. Moore, E. A. Lorking, Adolph Leidter, Dorg, Pulley; W. Pelcher, Maitland, Naha, Levy,' Staishley, Rev Mr and Mrs Wallace, Mrs D. Ward, and two in the steerage. We are in debted to Mr Hillman, the purser, for report and list of passengers. The ketch Whynot has been sold by Mr. Cashmore to her original owner, Mr Warner, of Napier. | She has cleared out to-day with •twenty tons of coal for that port.

The Opotiki. is to leave on Monday for Gisborne and the East Coast with a cargo of coal. "

The;s.s. Rowena arrived from the Bay of Islands this morning. She left Russell at 12.45 yesterday afternoon; arrived at the Tamaki. at seven o'clock this morning, ; iind disebargeu 25 head of cattle. She had fresh S.E.-winds with heavy weather. Cargo : 25 head cattle, A. Brickland ; 55 bags gum,-Arnold, Hines and Co. ; 39 do, S. J Edmonds ; 27 do, R. Walker and Co. ; 2 bundles skins, 6 hides^B.'GittOs ; 6 hides, 2 bales skins, A. Buckland. Passengers— Messrs Cooley, Harkis, McLeod, Callaghan, Floyd, Rodgers v Ronaldson, and McLaren, Mrs Mariner an& child, and 3in the steer age. We are indebted to Mr Stoddart, pnrser, for report of passage and other favors. Captains Elliott and. Clayton have com pleted their survey of the damage done to the barque Ansdell, and the tender of Mr Gouk for carrying out the repairs has been accepted. The Auckland Harbour Board will receive applications for the post of assistant pilot, np to the 9th September. The schooner Coronet, having had her copper surveyed on the gridiron, was hauled off to day and laid alongside the Queen-street wharf, "to load for Tahiti.

The schooner Tawera, which arrived in the Manukau from Kaipara yesterday, brines a cargo of sleepers for Messrs Arehard and Brown. -

The .new schooner Kate MacGregor, has been got ready for sea with great dispatch. Now that she is rigged the vessel presents a very smart appearance. In the upright set of her masts the Kate MacGregor somewhat resembles the Albatross,. though the hulls of the two vessels are as different as) can be, the new vessel being roomy and square in the stern and with more fullness in her lines. Mr Donald supplied the sails. Mr Mac Kenzie, one of the owners, himself Superintended the rigging. Ajcargo of timber is already on board, shipped- .by the same gentleman, and the vessel is to sail at once for Napier. A launch of a screw steamer took place at Messrs Sims and Brown's yard to-day. The new vessel is called the Waitara, and has been built to the order of Messrs Webster Bros., of New Plymouth. Miss Emily Lod der performed the ceremony of christening. The launch was most successful. The dimensions of the vessel are as follows:—-

Lengt_ of keel, sft. 6 in. -, breadth of beam, lift. 3ins. ; depth of hold, sft. The engines have been built by Messrs Fraser and Tinnie. They are ready for putting into her. The vessel after launching was taken alongside the Queen-street wharf to receive her boiler. Her draught when loaded will be about 4ft. Mr Dale, late chief officer of the Go-Ahead, is to take command. It is expected that the little vessel will be ready for sea in about eight days. The Waitara is Palready sub sidised for three years by the Provincial Go vernment of Taranaki to open up the inland communication of the province. She will call at several, settlements where steamers have not been hitherto permitted to touch at. The A.S.P. Co.'s Southern Cross left this afternoon for Napier. She took a large feneral cargo. Passengers :—Mr and Mrs i. P. Banks, Messrs Arthur, Peppercorn, Livingstone and Brewer. •

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

- ~• i Meroub,y Bay, August 14. The Magellan Cloud sailed from Mercury Bay for the Chatham Islands yesterday. Napier, this day. The Pretty Jane arrived from Auck'and at half-past nine this morning.

PORT OF RUSSELL.

Vjjssets Loading at Coal Mines. Ebenezer, Fawn, Policeman OCTWABDS COASTWISE.

August 11—Kowena, for Mongonni. original cargo August 12—Golden Isle, for Auckland, 110 tons coal; Queen, for Auckland, 70 tons coal August 13—William and Julia, Thames, 40 tons coal August 14—Speedwell, Thames, 55 tons coal; Eowena, Auckland, 10 tons Vessels in Habboub.

August 14 (wind-bound) —Speedwell, Golden Isle, William and Julia .

PORT OF WANGAROA.

August 14. The Tower Hill, Captain Harless, will sail with the first fair wind'for the South. She has 108,000 feet timber on board. The schooner Belle Brandon is loading for the South Sea Islands. The cutter Ringleader is lying at Wanga roa.

COMMERCIAL.

The marked this morning resented a somewhat brisker appearance j the stalls generally were well filled. The butcher's stalls fooked promising with fine ehqwa of beef

and mutton at the same rates as last week. Poultry, also was plentiful with the exception of geese, weich, singular to state, are very scarce just now indeed there were none in the market. At Mr Fenton's store we noticed some splendid hams at lOd and Is per pound, and a very large quantitl of country eggs, at Is 3d per dozen ; and a supply of Taranaki butter. At Mr Dowden's poultry sale fowls brought 2s to 2s 9d ; ducks 2s 6dj and turkeys4s6d.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Business done— Bank of New Zealand—Sellers, £17 15s. National Bank —Sellers, 71s. South British Insurance—sls ; buyers, 51s. Bay of Islands Coal Company—Sellers, £10. Alburnia (paid up)— Sellers, 37s 6d. Caledonian—Sellers, £8 10s. City of London—Sellers, 28s 6d. Golden Calf (new)— Sellers, 4s, Whau—Buyers, 50s ; sellers, 555. Cure—Buyers, 10s 9d. Tokatea (cum. div.)— Sellers, 14s. All Nations—los. Exchange—Sellers, 22s 6d.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

MATT.a WILL GLOBE AB rOLLOWS :— For Thames, on Monday next, at 7.80 a.m. For Taranaki ar,d Southern provinces, per Ladybird, this day, at 5 p.m. For Taranaki, via Waitara, per Go-ahead, on Monday next, at 10.30 am. For the Australian Colonies, per Victoria, on Mon-

day next, at 11 a m. For Bussell, Wangaroa, and Mongonni, per Eowena, on Monday next, at 4 p in. For Taranaki, Nelson, and West Coast, per Hurray, immediately after arrival of Tartar, from Eandava For Napier and Southern provinces, per Cyphrenes, immediately after arrival of Tartar For the undermentioned places, per Phoebe, on Saturday, -2nd instant, as under :— For India, China, Mediterranean Porta, and Continent of Europe, at — For Taranaki, Southern provinces, Australian. Colonies, and United Kidgdom, via Snex and Brin dial Should a later opportunity offer, [Supplementary Mails will be forwarded. . j

DEATHS.

Hoggard—On August 14, at her residence, Grey street, Isabella Hoggard, daughter of Win. Hoggard, Auckland ; aged 21 years.—Southern papers please copy. The funeral will leave her late residence at three ©'clock to-morrow. Friends will please accept this invitation. „ Donovan—On 13th instant, at his residence, Onehunga, John Donovan ; aged 2S. The funeral -will leave at 3 p m. on Sunday. - Coromandel and Thames papers please copy.

The Evening Star WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Eveni ng News and the M orning News.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 1874.

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.

We are not much given to paying compli ments to the Cross. We think we may premise that without fear of contradiction. Not that we feel unkindly to that institution, but we fondle our brother roughly some times as a bear hugs her cubs. However, we are really going to compliment the Cross, and m all sincerity. For it is with a feeling of professional pride that we note the manly and independent way in which that journal has been denouncing the last mad scheme for the humiliation of the North Island. We pay no compliment to the Herald for its really outspoken vigorous protests. That we expected. But when we consider the relations in which the Cross stands to Mr Vogel there is something exceedingly credit able in the not uncertain sound of the trumpet to which it has given utterance for the past few days. How long this may con tinue it is neither our business nor our desire to enquire. Enough to know that despite the frowns which are sure to be bent upon it, and despite the snivel of the bottle-washer to the Cabinet, who telegraphs as "special" from Wellington, the leading'articles relating to the absorption of the Northern provinces have the genuine aspect of honest conviction about them; and, in sympathy with the feelings of the whole of our people, protest against the traitorous intentions of Mr Vogel. Doubtless leaders written in Wellington to order will come up by telegram or by post, but wo trust that the conductors of our con temporary will be true to Auckland, and're fuse their insertion coute gui coule. If so the Cross will do much to redeem its position and prevent its being regarded as the spittoon of New Zealand journalism ; and hard as wo have hit out against our contemporary there is not a paper in the colony that will do more justice than we to its every act of independence. While with much pleasure wo have marked and extracted the indepen dent expressions of opinion uttered during the past few days, we may as well say that we intend them for future refcrenco and comparison; and not in the way of menace, but only to excite our brother to the continuance of good works we declare our intention of resorting if needs bo to the system of parallel columris. We fondly trust therefore that we shall not in a few days see a leader beginning thus : "On closer examination of the prnpoanlo made By Mr Vogel." Or "After all that has been said against the proposal for absorbing the Northern provinces ;" or " Owing to the necessarily defective information supplied by telegram." Let our contemporary be true to Auckland in the impend ing struggle, and Auckland will requite the aid ; and when the editor himsel* comes back, having swept up and tidied the cabinet offices, and polished Vogel's boots, and put all his bandages nicely in place, and made his slippers and his night cap snug, and washed out all the bottles and put water in the jugs, and emptied the slops, and when he appears in Auckland, we Bhall tie a kerosene tin to his tail, and chase him off to Nelson. Let the Cross be true to itself, to the people, and to Auckland, for we must have no traitors in the camp.

It is just as we expected, and as every-one else must have expected. We have not heard the last of the " Waitemata petition." As will _c seen from telegram in another column the Speaker has announced that he has re ceived a petition against the election of Mr Yon der Heyde, and that bonds had been entered into prior to proceeding against that gentleman at law.^ From whom the petition proceeds, or what the form or purport'of its prayer, the lightning sayeth not ; but we have the key in the word "law." In fact the late stiuggle would not have been complete, without "law," nor, we are sure, would a triumphant victory have been half so delightful to the petitioner as would a final winding up in " law." An egg with out salt, a dog without a tail, an old maid without a pussy cat, or a billy goat without a beard, such would a transaction of any kind to the petitioner be without "law.' Poor Mr Yon der Heyde, from our soul we pity yon. Yon are into it, but when will you be out of it. If we could console our selves with the thought that through your sufferings others would have gain, then would we cheerfully give you over to the tormentors. But it is not so. We cannot take comfort that the legal machinery being set to work against you will divert that machinery for ! the time from some other poor devil. No, there is steam power enough to keep the Supreme Couit going, and yet enough to keep you on the rack for five years to come. Oh the glorious institution of the "law." What a comfort! what a luxury 1 what a delight!— Since the foregoing was in type we have received the telegram, which gives the name of Mr John Leek as appended to the petition. It is one of the peculiarities of the position that it.is only the inoffensive and harmless, such as Mr Carrington and Mr, Leek, that' can be induced to put their paws into the fire and pull out the nuta. We are aware of the nwmbera who have beenalready asked and refastd to

bear the odium, in this case we shall not bfow the fire up and singe the nails. It is pitiful that private fiiendshipS should be laid under >uch a burthen, as to have to fath er such a petition; but friends and foes are alike made to endure the cross from their re lations to the defeated candidate for Waite mata. •

It affords us the utmost pleasure to follow the lead of the Southern Cross when that journal is in the right path. In this morn ing's issue it suggests a meeting of our citizens to distinctly pronounce on the pre sent critical position of political affairs, and referring to such meetings convened in the Franklyn electorate asks, " What, for in stance, prevents the Mayor of the city of Auckland from doing what Mr Good fellow has done ?" In reply we would say— usage. Our contemporary knows that it is not usual for a Mayor to take in this way the initiative in matters political ; nor would it be wise that he should. But we are quite confident that his Woiship, in response to a requisition, will have the utmost happiness in convening the burgesses for tho purpose of considering the greatest aud most imperti nent insult that ha» ever been committed by any Premier towards any section of the people of New. Zealand. Let us suggest the modus operandi. If the directors and staff of the Cross will head a requisition to the Mayor we undertake that they will be followed by the signatures of the proprietors and staff of the Star, or we shall be happy that the Star lead if the Cross will follow. We are sure the Herald will be happy to either fol low or lead, and that the recmisition would receive the name of every body that is any body in Auckland. Now then let the Cross take up our challenge. We believe it is of supreme importance that there should be such public expression of opinion. At present we believe the opinion in Auckland is all in one way, and that however some may desire the abolition ofjfprovincialism, and others may desire its conservation, all are united in resenting the insulting proposal to abolish it iv the North, and preserve it stayed up by enormous land revenues in the South, to permanently fix the control of Auckland affaiis at Wellington, and to leduce the Noith island to the posi tion of a mere dependency of the South. We cordially and earnestly urge the holding of such a public meeting, and to this end tbat some one should promptly initiate the re quisition- which- is the indispensable pre liminary to action taken by His Worship the Mayor.

"Argus" thus writes in reference to the defective state of the stand pipes aud pings of the city : —" Sir, —It is a matter of grave reflection on the person who has the control of the water supply of the city that the ele ment should be allowed to run to waste in the way it is. Yesterday a stream of water was running to waste for several hours from a plug at the corner of Queen and Wellesley streets, although I am informed residents in the high levels off-toe town are unable to obtain a supply for more than a few hours in the day. If a scarcity of water is felt during the winter months what will be our position in summer?" *

A- meeting m>l tho Teachers' Association was'held this afternoon in the High School, Symonds-streefc, —OrKidd'in the chair. The secretary (MrWortliington) read some cor respondence between him and the secretary of "the Board of Education respecting the training and remuneration of pupil teachers ; also a communication from the Wellington Association respecting a central—meeting in contemplation for the discussion of topics of general interest to %° oohool to»ok<..o of the Now l^ealand provinces. These matters were held over for future con sideration, in the meantime the secretary to write upon tho matter. The {following new members; were elected :—Miss Hooper, of City East; Miss Charlotte Hooper (private school); 'and Miss Kemp, of Grafton Road echool. The Chairman then called upon Mr J. M. Fraser, who proceeded to read his essay on " Geology in the school-room."

We ndlioe that fa*,complhue_tary benefit will"be ;given to Mr Jqhnny Gourlay on on Friday evening next at the Prince of Walas Theatre, previous to his departure for America. The entertainment will be under distinguished patronage, .and supported by the principal dramatic talent of Auckland Master Gourlay will tako r leading part ia the., highly humourous comedy -to be intro duced. A musical''melange and burlesqio will form part of tho programme, and fran what wo gather from preliminary intimations we.aro persuaded that the,entire procucdhgs will prove worthy the occasion, and (jive pleasure and satisfaction, *to lovers of fcae drama and ballad literature.

Divine service to-morrow at Newton Krk by Rev. Dr. Wallis. Morning: "Prophecies concerning Tyre ;" evening : "Destructions!— and the soul's mortality.—City Hall, by-lev. Warlow Da vies, M.A. Moining : " Lie a marqh ;" evening : "Qno who never changes." —Lprne-street Hall, by Rev. Samuel Etger, B.A. Morning :" On the destiuction o: the ungodly" (in answer to Mr Cass's lectuia on future punishment)''; evening: V. Etui's Bachelorhood." —Wellesley-street | Biptist Chapel, by Rev. P. H. Cornford. Moning : " Christian conscientiousness ; " eveiing : " The service of praise."—Parliament-street, Scandinavian services by Rev. Edward Neil son, of fti»rway.—United Methodist Free Church, discourses moining and evenhg by Rev. George H. Turner.

The members of the Naval Brigade met last evening for weekly parade, and although tho evening was dreary and dim the young men seemed in capital trim, and went Ihrough their several forms of drill, with lifhtsome feet and a right good will. The new hall in Beresford street h nearly completed, aud will be opened for dirine ser vice on Sunday, August 23, by Rev. Warlow Davies, minister. The hall is commodious and pleasantly situated, and has beei erected by the congregationalists at considemble ex pense, toward which they have contributed heartily and liberally. In the Otago Laxly Times of Monday an explanation is given of the statement that the Phoebe had beaten the Albion in a iair trial. It appears, however, that when the Phoebe passed the Albion the former was going full speed while the latter was stationary, waiting for her, and when she did start she passed the Phcebe in six minutes. Their courses then diverged, and a comparison of the positions, in which the log shows each boat to have been three hours later, proves the Albion to have run just six miles further in that time. This is just the estimated difference h the two boats' speed, about two knots. The Phcebe is one of the best steamers trading, to these ports, but it is absurd to represent her as faster than the Albion— admittedly the fastest in the colonies.— Post.

I The Choral Society's concert of sac.cd I music, already announced, will take place on J Tuesday evening next. A final rehearsal is [arranged for Monday night, when all per forming members are requested to attend. [It is so long since the public have had the pleasure of hearing a conoert by this talented society that we are sure the announcement given in our advertising columns, will be hailed with pleasure:.

; Eh Reevie, who was so gallantly rescued iron drowning in Sydney br Mr John Bemett, but who subsequently died of inflanmation of the lungs,! was for two years a l-esxlent in Auckland, and worked at one of ou- foundries. After his death two letters from Auckland, "On Her Majesty's service," and referring to a pension, were found in his pocket. He had very few, if any, friends in Sydjey, where he was comparatively a strafger. Any relatives or friends in Auck landmay obtain further information regard ing |im by applying at the Star office.

Me have received from Messrs Robert Peace and Sons, of Kaipara,a sample of fresh mullet in tis, preserved by the same process as that adojted with imported salmon. Mr Peace has ong struggled to establish this industry, andhas had to contend not only against the ordiiary disadvantages which every young indistry meets with but was persistently "sa upon" by Mr Gillies's Government. He has now removed his establishment from Wmgarei to Kaipara, where a good supply of this fine fish is obtainable. We caa ponfi dertly commend this addition to the list of talle delicacies. Tho fish is admirably pre seved, and the liquor usually contained in tiis of fish prepared in this way forms aery fme jelly in tho case of mullet. M: H. B. Morton, of Custom-house-street, ha; been appointed wholesale agent in Auck luul, and is prepared to supply the fish in quatity to the trade and shipping. It i 3 offeed at a lower price than the current rata for salmon, although the expense of prepring it for the market in the colony is necessarily greater than that which pre serves of the imported goods are put to When it is considered that during the last year preserved fish was imported info _c colony to the value of £33,724, it msy s'/iely be assumed that there is an ample opming for Mr Peace's enterprise if the cobnistsare only patriotic enough to support hin by pving special preference to his goods whch redly merit such consideration.

Last session (says a correspondent of the Ettce Herald) £400 were voted for Bellamy's oui of thepublic funds. It turns out to have bern a sutaidy in aid to enable hon. members to ive cheap, and save from their honora riuns. Far instance, an hon. gentleman can noT obtair " full board at 255. per w°<=k,"— a pate of roup, fid : plate of "vst^r", i» > and so brth, a'ter the model of a common restau rait.

h accodance with advertisement a public meting took place at Sullivan's hotel One hui«a, toarrange for a subscription ball and suiper rJhe meeting was well attended, and Mr J W. Leahy was voted to the chair. Mr j' MMahon was elected treasurer ; Mr Leahy, ecretary. and Messrs Brierly, Turner and Neilis, stewards.

HOW MR. DOBBS SAW THE COMET.

1 THULLING NARRATIVE OF A —DISORDERED IMAGINATION HaTe n>u seen the comet? This has been bhe qaistkm asked me on an average about ben tines a day for the last fortnight, and an to be day before yesterday ten times a. day hare I had to suffer the mortification of confesang that I had not seen the comet I don't believe for one moment that one-half ot those vho were continually propounding the nuesbn had seen it themselves, but in spite of tin conviction the sense of my own short coorcg in not being among the number of thos? who had blessed their eyes with a aiglvof the celestial visitant, made me resolve toleonotimem putting myself in the fashion It vas not long before I discovered that this was not to be done so easily. This comet wa< not like ordinary good old-fashioned coriets- like the big one of 1858, for instance, which 'could be seen with half an eye ; it didn't "oo with the moon and shine all night, __* in a most perverse and un-comet-like fashion only showerl it3elf for a -»o.x.oiii> vi tiro after dark, and lor another moment or iwo before the light of morning. Having tried unsuccessfully on two evenings to catch a dimpse of it after sunset, I determined to mike an effoit and turn out to see it before diybreak. Now this is an illustration of *hat lengths the desire to b3 in the fashion v>U make even a man go to, for I have always tad a dislike, not to say abhorrence of early rising It goes against the grain altogether with me, always did, and always will 1 suppose. However early I may go to bed, the result is all the same. Sleep may forsake my eyes all night, but towards morning it comes on thick and strong, and to turn out while it is yet dark requires about as much strength of wiU as to take a header down the falls of Niagara. But I was determined, and when my mind is made up to anything it takes the deuce himself to stop me. My wife says that because I'm obstinate, but that's only spite : it's resolution I say, and I'm proud of it. So I detevmined to get up and see the comet. Now, how was Ito make sure of waking ? It was soon apparent that I was to expect no assistance m the matter from the wife of my bosom. When I infoimed her of my resolution she irrever ently ca^ed me a fool, and wanted to know why I couldn't see all there was to see before I went to'ibed. When I told her that the comet didn't rise till past four in the morning, she said it was pll rubbish that was, comets did'nt rise at all, they went round. And then in the most ridiculous manner possible she added that she Buppesed there was some thing in the background, or else I shouldn t be so precious tmxious about not waking. Whether she imagined I had an appointment with some fair rival in her affections at that unearthly hour I don't know, but that was the only interpretation I could put upon her remarks. As may be supposed my retort wfi rather warm, and the result wa-j abie of a shindy between us, which ended in her telling me I was an unfeeling creature, who didn't care one bit for her, and that she didn't care a rap whether I wont to b«d at all. I might go and sleep out if t liked ; in fact that would be the best plan tor them, she shouldn't be disturbed by my absurdi ties. It was no use masoning with her I knew by experience, for she is obstinate when she takes a fit of this kind, so I left her to fume away by herself, and weafe to complete my arrangements, for, as I said be fore, I had determined to see the comet, and see it I would. The first thing that occurred to me was to get the night-watchman who patrols our neighbourhood to oall me. This was soon settled in the most satisfactory way by the assistance of a glass of grog, and the promise of half-a-crown if he fulfilled his injunction to w*ke me punctually at four o'clock by throwing small stones at my window. By-the bye I made a distinct proviso that he was only to call me if the sky was clear, and on no account if it was cloudy. At nine o'clock I returned home to find my spouse in no better humour than before, but I studiously avoided any more unpleasantness by talking of ordinary matters until ten, when, after taking only one glass of toddy instead of my customary nightoap of two, so as to be per fectly clearheaded in the morning, I retired to rest. To bed, would have been a more correct expression, for rest was out of the | question. I tried in vain to sleep, but my. head was much too full of my project to allow my brain to slumber. I was fitful and disturbed, and kept making nervous [starts and jumps, which caused Mrs Dobbs more than once to ask angrily why I couldn't be still instead of frightening her like that. At last about one o'clock I got to sleep, aud the a I began to dream. Never in all my life have

I dreamt such absurd dreams as I did that night. It was Sunday evening 1 thought, and I was walking on the wharf. It was just after church, and the wharf was crowded with people. SeeiDg some friends I went up to speak to them, but as I ap proached they underwent a singular chaDge. Their legs turned to luminous tails of fire, and their faces to clocks, with hands all pointing to the hour of four. They surrounded me, and hissed and fizzed away in such a, threatening manner that I became very much alarmed and tried to escape, but to my horror, my arms and legs were gone, and in their places were policemen's staves with glow worm lights at the end. With these I aimed blow after blow upon my assailants, •who danced round me more fantastically than ever. Making a rush at one I succeeded in getting within range, and collecting all my strength hurled him into the water. As he fell he made a frantic clutch at me and dragged me after him. Lights danced in my eyes, and I gave myself up for lost. The shock awoke me, and to my astenishmen't I found my poor wife and myself lying on the floor, she poor creature crying fit to break her heart, and imploring me not to kill her outright. It took me a good hour to console her, and convince her that I was only dreaming. She had made up her mind that I had really a design against her life, and it was all I could do to disabuse her of it. It was now three o'clock anl I tried to get one hour's quiet rest. But though I was soon asleep 1 could not avoid dreaming in the same wild manner as before. This time I was floating through the realms of space. Methought I was a comet. The idea seemed quite natural to me, and as I trailed my beautiful tail after me, I thought with all the pride of a peacock of the multitudes of eyes that were watching my career from the earth, which lay like a dull globe beneath me. But my satisfaction was not to last. A rivSl comet appeared in my path. It was a more angry looking comet than I was ; its tail was longer and more fiery, and as it flew through the air it left a burning track behind it. I was seized with righteous anger at its overbearing carriage, and a determination filled my soul to stay its haughty flight. It seemed to me as if innumer able aerial spirits hastened to me all anxious to lend their aid to my designs-In^tlp^r miliai face of one Lfajv^-'r v„, -nr„ +„„ features ~ot Tsu^jennTenorent Asner. Jae too was a comet, but out of his month issued a long hose-like tongue with a brass jet at the tip/while his body had the shape of a fire engine. On him for assistance I called, and he at once ranged himsMf at my side. On came my antagonist, madly like a bull. He too was bent on the destruction of his rival. ♦At that moment my identity was established : I was Yon der Heyde, and there m my swelling foe I recognised the well-known intelligent countenance of Jai S. And then I perceived what I had not before, that in his rear followed a crowd of dusky comets with dingy nuclei and but half luminous tails, who pressed upon his rear and added impetus to his onward flight. Closer he came, and closer. His fiery breath was on my cheek, his eyes they danced with ire, my presence seemed to give him strength, and fiercer burnt his fire. And then I gave the sign. My attendant was all there. Forth from his mouth on the word issued a torrent of water which would have put to shame the old squirts of the Insurance Brigade. It went straight at the head of my opponent. The effect was electrical. As the hostile element came in contact with his body he exploded with the roar of 100 field-pieces, or the crash of ten thousand plate-glass windows, and fell in hissing smoking fragments into the waters of the Waitemata which lay beneath. And as the pieces reached the surface they banged Lain as if all the artillery in the universe had been let off together.—" Goodness gracious ! what's tnac 7" exclaimed my wife as Con stable S sent his third volley of stones at our window. I had forgotten to tell her of my expedient for being called. But it was soon explained ; and now to get up. It was nearly half-past four, and there was luckily for me no time to think about it; so out I jumped and tumbled, shiveringinto my clothes. The morning was a beautiful one, only very cold. The stars were shining brightly, and as I dressed I forgot the troubles of the night in the anticipation of having a really magnificent view of the comet. Wrapping myself in my thickest overcoat I descended the stairs and issued into the open air. How cold it was. But now for the comet. Let me see—wait a minute —where was I to look for it ? Before sunset in the east, after sun set in the west 1 No ; that cann»t be it. It was after sunrise in the west, and before sunset in the east. No. Good gracious ! I have forgotten where to look for it. But there, it can't much matter, for if it is a bona fide comet, I shall easily find It. And ac cordingly I began scouring the vault of heaven wiih my eyes, but devil of a comet could I see. Just then a workman going to an early job passed. " I say, where's the comet ?" • I ask him as he goes by. He looks at me in a half-amused half-pitying way and says quietly, " Guess friend thee had better get to roost." Horrid thought; the man thinks I am drunk and have not been to bed ! But he is gone, and I take another survey of the heavens. For half-an-hour, cold and shivering, but determined, I searched every nook and corner of the sky for that infernal comet. At the end of that time Bomewhere over Newmarket I perceive a small patch of milky-way, which by a powerful stretch of imagination I can iancy is a comet. But my imagination by this time is very powerful indeed, and I regale my visual senses with the splendid sight for nearly two minutes. Then I nlowly turn and entering the door of my dwelling steal quietly up stairs. I shall not be in a great hurry to get up early to see another comet. Between ourselves I don't believe I have seen it after all, but I shall say I have. Anthony Dobbs.

PARLIAMENTARY.

Excitement in Wellington.

Rumours in the Lobbies.

Rumoured Majority for the

Government.

(From our Special Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON. This day. The lobby rangers had it yesterday that Mr Reynolds was going to follow Mr O'Rorke. It looked very Buspicious too for the Premier to take up Mr Reynolds' work in introducing a Bill regarding excise duties. In doing so he dealt a back-handed slap at the select committee in criticising their re port, though it was well-known that Mr Keynolds was the person who drew up the report. Practically he told them they were a lot of stupids. Mr Macandrew, who has a family connec tion with Mr Reynolds, has been, it is said, I holding out tempting blandishments to | Reynolds to secede, but as he looked parti cularly happy last night things in the cabinet seem to have been made pleasant. Latterly Mr Vogel is displaying _ forty minister power in the way he is yushiag

business. He seems to have all the Govt ment business at his finger ends, andlort to be the indispensable unit of the Honse ! He is evidently easy in his mind, forV indulged in a snoring snooze last nightev) 6 Mr Fitzherbert was advocating hisM»\^v land claim little game. t «n_ \ i The eavesdroppers of the House'5 ) Government have a majority of m there are several very dark horseß whora"^ fellah can understand. M

THE WAITEMATA ELECTION.

[Per Press Telegram Agency.]

— —-—■ 7 . . ■>'—*v_i, ■. John Leek's petition against Mr Yon fa,. Heyde's return was presented yesterday aid referred to a committee, which will be a*, pointed for Tuesday. The feeling of mem. bers is strongly against Macfarlane. The Speaker announced that he had re ceived a petition against the election of If. Yon der Heyde and that necessary bona, had been entered into to proceed against aim at law. A committee will inquire into the case, on Tuesday. THE DISTILLERIES TO BE BOUGHT OUT. The Premier stated that the Excise b|j which was to be introduced would provide for abolishing the distilleries altogether in this way, the Dunedin distillery t6"__ allowed compensation £20,000, and be al lowed to distil seventy thousand gallons between the Ist of July last and 30th of Jnj, e next. To the Auckland distillery £7,500 and to be allowed to distil a certain quantity of spirits till June next, to exhaust material. The Government would impose a shilling & gallon differential duty during the present year, to be increased a shiiling a gallon each two successive years. THE MANAWATTJ DIFFICULTY. ■

At the evening sitting of the House Mr Maclean went into the whole history of ..the Manawatu difficulty, and said that of all the delicate and difficult native negotiations he ever had in New Zealand that was by~f_ r the most troublesome. He was confident that had he not succeeded in satisfying the objecting natives at that time the Milt. watu land would not have been acquired, and t-.he. ivmoriorifcp .of, the. —Tovmce would have J£f^_£ a rded indefinitely. It was utterly taken at the most pressing entreaty -w«*_.. Provincial authorities. No amount of per suasion would ever induce him to undertake

such a duty again. ______ „, __ Mr Fitzherbert insisted that the question had gone beyond arguing, and thought}* could adduce many more reasons for support ine the claims of the province than,those stated by the speaker he would not do BQj ? ai the obligation of the Government was pur %

Mr Andrew pointed out that as Sir Dillon Bell gave his award on a point altogether outside of that he was asked to arbiliate upon it would establish, a mischievous p|e. cedent to arbitrators by passing the resolo-

I(>A division was called for when 29 voted in favour of the award and 25 against at. -^ A resolution was carried that the Governor be requested to place the amount upon the supplementary estimates—over £15,0W. The Premier moved the second reading of the Provincial Public Works Advances; Bill for enabling Superintendents to obtam Vtad vances out of the consolidated revennejor_ public works in accordance with the proposals, in the financial statement. .... f „£| Mr Curtis sail that if the.provisions of the Bill were adhered to considerable delay would arise in the construction of Nelson public works, and suggested that necessary alteration be made to avoid that. At present they would have to call the Provmcnd. Council together. Mr T. B. Gillies said that all advances seemed to be made to each province upon a separate principle. As regarded Auckland province the Government were reserving j» themselves power to dole out the £4,000 in any way they might deem advisable. The provisions for security also differed very much He wanted a Bill to be framed upon some intelligible principle, making ?• die tinction in the mode of dealing with the different provinces. »___3 . The Premier was prepared to consider in committee any reasonable objections to the Bill. . ,^ L__ The Bill was then read a Second time,* aTRL ordered to be committed on Tuesday. IMMIGRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS. In the absence of his colleague the Premier moved the second reading of the Immigration and Publio Works Act. The Bill provides for land purchase in the North Island, com pensation, roads in the North Island,'for railways, and aiding works on goldfields. Mr Tribe asked? if the Government pro posed to make the maintenance of the'roil between Westland and Christchurch^a colonial charge. . The Premier said he thought the mainten ance of the road should be divided between the provinces of Canterbury and Westland. He hoped the Superintendent of these provinces would consult on the matter. The Bill was read a second time. RAILWAYS BILL. ""•'-'' In the absence of the Minister of Works the Premier nieved the second reading of the Railways Bill. .___§ Mr Cuthberston took the opportunity jof giving facts and figures as to the value of Bluff and Winton railway, which he hoped would be considered in the valuation. In reply to Mr Sheehan the Premier said that although the extension of the lu^from Kaipara and Riverhead and Auckland did not appear in the schedule, the Government did intend to ask authority for that work. Mr Mervyn hoped that alternate surveys would be made of lines via Tapauui via Cheviot. . ~ ~ _1 Mr T. Shepherd hoped the Government would next session take steps to form a line of railway through the centre of the province of Otago, tapping an area of Crown land, and thus largely enhance the value of the public estate. ._'__"_ ' In replying, the Premier intimated that the first thing the Government would eon: sider was the completion of mam trunk lines ' between Wellington and Auckland. In the one island and Nelson and West. Coast and Marlborough and Canterbury, in the_ot_er so as to place the towns of the Middle Island, in connection, but to give large provinces that have money in a position to enable them to complete a proper system of branch rail ways. If the Government assisted one pro vince in making branch lines, the others wiU immediately put in a claim for like consideration, and they found them selves much embarrassed at times by this local jealousy. In fulfilment ot their policy the Government would, as opportunity served, to purchase those main lines of railway constructed in the Middle Island by the province. The Bill was read a second time. THE HARBOUR WOP.KS BILL, <■ providing for enabling Superintendents and Boards to undertake harbor works, was re ported with amendments. POLYNESIAN SCHEME. « ' The Premier stated that the Government was not certain whether it would this session proceed with the Polynesian Trade Bill «V-< consequence of the debate upon the abolition resolutions, and they would postpone every thing but business absolutely necessary. The House adjourned at U.lfr

*MR ifcWtffißk §fAB, BATtTRPAI. AgOTBT IS. "»•»•■



ONE HIT NO A PEEPETUAL LAND, BUILDING AND INVESTMENT SOCIETY. ________ t Investing Shares £20 each, by payments of One Shilling per week, bearing eight per cent interest, with profits. Money advanced without <Jfelay on approved Mortgages, repaid by weekly instalments of principal and interest. Offices—Onehnnga. J. D. JACKSON, Secretary. T COSGRAVE& CO, ARE ABOUT DISPOSING OF THEIR BUSINESS in QUEEN-STREET. AIX OOOBS WILL BE SOLD AT COST PRICE PROM THIS DATE. fTIHE attention of Purchasers is requested to our LARGE, NEW, AND WELL-ASSORTED STOCK OP GENERAL DEAPERY AND CLOTHING, SUITABLE FOB THE PRESENT SKASON. BLACK SILKS, From 3s 9d per yard, wide width, and much below regular price. 10 BALES WHITE BLANKETS, 9-4, 10-4, and 11-4. BLUE AND GRBY BLANKETS AND RUGS, SHEETINGS, QUILTS, and all kinds of EUPNIBHIKG GOODS. A Lot of Double width GREY SHEETING, from 10} d yard Cheap Flannels, Crimean Shirtings New Dress Materials, Cheap Winceys Children's, Girl's, and LadW Winter Hosiery La' 3es' Waterproof Tweed Mantles A Choice Lot of LADIES' BLACK CLOTH JACKETS, New and richly trimmed. Black Straw Hats. Flowers and Ribbons Silk. Alpaca, and Gingham Umbrellas Gig Umbrellas, extra sizes New Wool Ties, Scarfs, &c. BOYS', YOUTH'S, AND MEN'S CLOTHING. Mackintoshes, Pilot Jackets, and Overcoats Boys' Overcoats. A Splendid New Stock of Gentlemen's New Sip? Scarfs. Ties. Braces and Belts, Felt Hats Warm Winter Gloves Boy's Caps, from Is 6d Hosiery, &c. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, (LATE R. HOBB8,) Wholesale and Retail Drapers, Clothiers, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Cpper Queen - street, Auckland. "KTEW ZEALAND EEENS. HANDSOMRLY-BOUND BOOKS OF FERNS Collected and Mounted by T. CRANWELL, PARNELL. Extract from Letter received by T. Cran wbll. —"Tho coUection of ferns shewed me were correctly named and beautifully preseieed"— J. D Hooker, F.R.S.L.S.; Royal Gardens, Kew, London ''Thebook is exactly the kind of thing to choose! for a present."—New Zealand Herald. " For a drawing-room table no more tasteful orna ment could be found."— Southern Cross. All Ferns mounted by T. Cranwell bear bis name and address. May be obtained of Upton and Co. Wayte, Cranwell and Co., or of T. Cranwell, Parnelj OUPEBIOE ELTrZNISfHED1 APARTMENTS. SUPERIOR FURNISHED APARTMENTS at ParneU are now vacant. The position Is the most pleasant in the Suburb, commanding a beautiful view of the Harbour and City. The Rooms are replete with every comfort and are very spacious. Every possible attention is paid to the comfort and con venience of those residing. The terms are moderate. —Cards of address may be obtained at this office.



The Battery and Band of the Auckland Artillery Volunteers will assemble at the Grey-street junction on Monday evening next at a quarter-past seven, and will march from thence to the drill-shed for inspection. Mem-. bers to appear in undress uniform without arms or accoutrements. Mr Goodfellow will address the electors of Franklin on Monday next, at the Criterion Hotel, Otahuhu, at three o'clock, and at seven in the evening of the same day at Simms hotel, Papakura, on the proposal to abolish the Northern provinces,