SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER : This evening, 5.32 ; to-saoKO morning, 5.57 SUN-SET : I'his cveniwf, 5.30; SUN-RIBB: To morrow tnoruing, 6 32 MOON'S AGE: Full Moon, 2'Bth, 1.7 a.m.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

ARRIVALS. Jessie Henderson, schooner, Eobinson, norn

Dunedin &.nd Oamaru Clematis, ketch, from Napier and the South Go-ahead, s.s., from Wanganul (fn the Manukau)

DEPARTURES.

Tartar, s.s.. Ferries, for Sydney Murray, s s., for the West Coast Rowena, s.s , for the North "Hauraki, p.s , for Coromandel

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Wellington—Luna, Government steamer, t&uez

Mail), to-morrow For the South-Wellington, to-morrow For Wanganui and Taranaki—Go-ahead, to-morrow St Kilda, Thursday, noon „,,__. __„„_ For New Caledonia and Norfolk Island—Dauntless,

schooner, Saturday For Lyttelton—Bio Loge, brig, early For London—Countess of Kintore. ship, early For Melbourne--MilMades, ship, early

VESSELS EXPECTED

Macgregor, s.s., from San Francisco ana aonoiuiu,

about 10th pros Oity of Auckland, ship, from London; sailed 20th

May Chanticleer, brig, from Hobart Town Flcur de Maurice, b'irque. from Newcastle Lady Franklin, barque, from Newcastle Loch ITrr, ship, from London ; sailed 3rd June Ferndale, barque, from London ; sailed May 5 Oxford, ship, from London : sailed 7th June Pearl, ketch, from-South Sei Islands, early Memento, barque, from Newcastle, early Pacific, schot ncr, from South Sea Islands Dauntless, schooner, from the South Waiting!, ship, from London : loading Stanley Castle, barque, from London ; sai.ed Resolution, brig, from Warrnambool; sailed Otn

instant 1 ien Tsin, barque, from Launceston

IMPORTS.

Per Jessie Henderson, from Uunedra ana Oamaru :—Shipped in Dunedin : 100 cases rum, J. M. Dargaville ; .20 do geneva, J. Reid ; 35 sacks malt, order; 120 sacks flour, 34 do pearl barley, 12 do barley dust, G. W. Binney ; 10 do pearl barley, H. B. Morton ; 100 do oatmeal, order. Shipped in Oamaru : 50 sacks oatmeal, 50 half-sacks flour, 100 quarter-sacks flour, H. B. Morton ; 300 sacks wheat, 620 sacks flour, 10C quarter-sacks flour. —Master, agent.

EXPORTS.

Per Tartar, for Sydney, 1 buggy, S. Morrin 4 packages machinery, Henderson ; and Mac larlane. Agents, Henderson and Macfarlane,

The s.s. Tartar is to leave this evening shortly after 5 o'clock. Passengers : - Saloon Ms and Miss McLaren, Mrs Marshall Croft, Mrs O'Neill, Messrs Livingstone, J. Gold smith, J. Bennett, S. 'Lipstine. Steerage— Mrsßilling, R.W. Cole, John Clark, S. Full. The s.s. Murrayleftlthe Manakauyesterday for the West Coast, carrying the English mail for ports in that region. She also carried the following young ladies as passengers :— Misses Mary Conley, Crotty, O'Connor, West, Murray, Harvey, Jarside. • The schooner Marmion arrived at Welling ton from Kaipara on the 17th inst., and the schooner Saucy Lass from Auckland on the 15th inst. The brigantine Helena cleared for Auckland and Tauranga on the 17th inst. with a cargo of Southern produce. The splendid new schooner Jessie Hender son, Captain Robinson, arrived this morning from Tunedin and Oamaru with a cargo of Southern produce and spirits, consigned to various firms.

The Tien Tsin, barque, Captain Collins, was to leave Launceston about the 12th inst. with a cargo of Tasmanian produce for Mr G. W. Binney. .The new steamer Hauraki left on her first trip to Coromandel this day at noon. She carried away a considerable amount of cargo and several passengers. The brig Resolution left Warrnambool for this port on the 9th inst., with a cargo of potatoes for Mr Hurst. She may be looked for daily, Tho fine ketch Clematis has been sold by Messrs Watt Bros., of Napier, to Mr Cash more for £1,900. The Fiery Cross is expected daily from Tairua.

COMMERCIAL.

At the sale of surplus stores ex Miltlades held by Messrs Tonks & Co. this day, ihe attendance was very large, bidding spirited, and very good prices realized. The articles Bubmitted were so numerous tho auctioneers declined to give quotations.

MARRIAGE.

Dttgi/eaux— O'Bribnk- On July 20, at Gisborne, by the Ilev. Father Sun oson, Louis Pierre Dugleaux, of Gisborne, to Miss Ellon O'Beirno, of Auckland.

DEATH.

Rose— On Augu-.t 23, at Provincial Hospital, Alfred Rose : uged SO. Tli«MAiN— At Oswego, on June 2i, Richard Tremain, father of Edwin Tremain, of thisci'y.

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

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 1874.

For tho cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong tliat needs resistance, ij'or the future in the distance. " An 4 the good that we can do.

The determination of Sir James Fergusson to leave New Zealand will tako tho Colony by surprise, and yet a little thought will leave small cause to wonder. The ostensible reason is tho access of his friends to power in the Imperial Government, and doubtles the pros pect which this presents makes tho green 1'• aud sunny hills of distant England more pleasant still. But we think there will be few to doubt that there are motives antecedent to such attractions, and that His Excellency has his own reasons for retiring from the helm of New Zealand's . destiny. Mr Vogel, we are told by a colleague, has started on a voyage whereof no man can see the end, and it is not to be wondered at , that a public man of note and of rising ■ fortunes in England should not care to pro ceed on the voyage of adventure. That there are financial breakers in view is little to be i doubted ; that Mr Vogel recks not of them is probably equally sure. But that Sir James Fergusson cares not to remain any longer in the ship, as the presumed master of her movements, is about as:reasonable as anything we can conceive. It will be seen from another column that the Premier has made reference to the intended resigna tion of the Governor j attributing this to no dislike to the colony or its people, but in order to assume a more active life in his na tive land. We can quite understand that His Excellency should have no dislike tq either the people or the colony. He has been everywhere treated, with pect and attention, and enjoys the con sciousness of being a popular governor. W can also understand that a return to old political parties; and asociatiouss mus have an attracting influence on the mind. Sir James Fergusson has before held an important position in a British administra tion, and the return of his friends to office under Mr Disraeli gives opportunity for exchanging the comparative obscurity of a Colonial Governorship for a political arena on which the eyes of the world are fixed. But ' with the dangers into which Mr Vogel is madly rushing the colony, with revolutionary disturbances not improbably looming through the darkness ahead, we can thoroughly ap preciate the gladness with which Sir James will bid adieu to New Zealand, even though he dislikes neither the Colony nor it.- people. ,

The concert at the Choral LJI will positively takv place'to-night. !On Friday evening next the < service in connection with the new >rgan, will be held in St. Mary's Church, 1 rnell. Dr. Cowie, Bir hop of Auckland, and sevoral clergymen will assist at the service, and Rev. Mr Hassard of St. Matthew's will preach tho I sermon. " j

The real position of matters concerning the San Francisco service has not yet been made known, and and public are compelled to rest j satisfied with mere speculations regarding the probable duration of-the present inter ruption. A ray of light was thrown upon the subject by Mr Vogel in the House of Repre- i sentatives yesterday. He said that the New- Sou*!! Wales Government were anxious for this colony to unite in continuing the service at once, but that the New Zealand Government were loth to enter into any further agreement for carrying on a temporary service. This no doubt explains the announcement conveyed in our Australian telegrams yesterday, that the steamer City of Melbourne had been chartered to take the mail from Sydney calling at Honolulu only. We think _ the Govern ment are acting wisely in declining to be come a party to any further contract of a character which must prove unsatisfactory, more especially if, as Mr Vogel states, there is a prospect of being able to arrange for the speedy resumption of the line with the steam ers built specially for it. Mr IT. H. Hall's connection with 'the line, and the disadvan tages of the temporary service, were un questionably the causes that led to the present collapse, and in any future agreement our Government should be careful not to sacrifice the interests of the colony and the stability of the service to Mr Parkes' well known partiality for Mr H. H. Hall, nor yet to the desire of the A.S.N. Company to profit by the dilemma in which New South Wales is placed. We hope soon to learn that the belief expressed by Mr Vogel has become a reality, and that the service when resumed will bo not only of a permanent character, but punctual to its time-table, and equal to the passenger requirements of the trade. The repeated breakdowns in carrying out this lino arc doing tho route a great and un deserved injury in the public estimation.

One of the best concerts that has ever been witnessed by the people of Auckland will take place this evening in the Choral Hall by the leading members of the Royal English Opera Company, assisted by the Auckland Choral Society. Tho programme is very choice, containing some of the finest gems in ballad poetry, which are always pleasing. The band, conducted by Mr Allen. will perform a splendid overture from " Masaniello," from the master mind of Rossini, and " Der Freischutz," from Weber. Miss Alice May will shir' " Softly sighs the voice of even," Mrs Mitchell will sing "I'll follow Thee" and "Esmeralda ;" Miss Lambert, "Love's request," which was so much applauded at the opera. Miss Leaf will give hor favorite song. "My soul is an enchanted boat," which she sings with much spirit. The song as a composition is almost devoid of merit, but is made interesting by the gifted artiste. Mr Williams will favour the audience with " The bright star of life." a song of merit as a poetical composition ; and Mr Ramford with "The Last Man." "Tho anchor's weighed," in the hands of Mr Haliam, will be a great success. Byron's "Maid of Athens" will command attention by Miss Howe. Mr Templeton will render in true style the " Song of the Vagrant." Two other songs wo would especially notice "Ye banks and braes," the pensive effusion of Burns," and " She wore a wreath of roses," a really beautiful song, written forty-five yearsgago on a protty girl at Leamington, by Thomas H-aynes Rayley. These favourites will be sung by Miss May. The programme promises numerous excellent musical pieces of the first order of merit. Wc tru3t tho weather will be pleasant, wdien hundreds of pleasant faces will help to make the Choral Hall concert the most harmonious of all the musical entertain ments that have been produced within thoso walls.

On Sunday night tho Rev. R. S. Hassard, M.A., preached for the first time at St. Paul's Church. The sermon was founded on John i., 4 and 5, and was an eminently practical exposition of the text. During the course of tho service an anthem was rendered, which for beauty and effect deserves a passing notice. The music is by V. Novello, set to words from the Psalms, of which the expression " Call to remembrance thy tender mercies" may bo called the leading idea. Thcjo words as a solo wero most feelingly rendered by Mr. Ilalkm, of the Opera " Company. After tho solo came a verse part, which was beau tifully rendered by the same gentleman' assisied by three of the members of St. Paul's choir; and the whole was concluded by the united voices in chorus. Mr G. Brown accompanied the singing at the organ with his usual ability. Judging from the beautiful anthem of last night at St. Paul's we must again express our regret that tho Opera Company have not had an opportunity of giving a concert wholly devoted to sacred music before their departure.

We learn that a presentation to Miss Alice May will take place in gtbe Choral Hall this evening. A number of the admirers of this talented lady 'have determined not to allow her to leave Auckland without testifi ing their appreciation of her efforts to please, and have purchased a very valuable casket of jewellery at the shop of Mr Kohn, jeweller, Queen-street, which will be presented to night. Similar presents wero made in Dunedin, Christchurch, and Wellington, and Miss May must be congratulated upon a success, which few other artistes who have visited the colony could boast of.

The committee of the Auckland Institute wisely postponed their fifth monthly meeting until Wednesday evening, in consequence of the wetness of the night.

Mr John Campbell writes denying the justice of the fine imposed upon him yester day for furious driving. The case has been determined in Court; it is of no public interest; and we cannot afford spaco for tho discussion of its merits or demerits in our columns otherwise than by advertisement.— " A Bycicle Rider" urges the addition of a bycicle race to future sports in Auckland.— " Growler" protests against tho practice of carrying deck cargoes on passenger steamers.

A grand concert will be given on Thursday evening on board the Miltiades in which many of our leading amateurs will take part. The object of the concert is two-fold, inas much as it is a compliment to Captain Perritt of the vessel, and for the benefit of the Merchant Seamen's Orphan Asylum.

The subject of the Wellesley-street dis cussion class this evening in the school-room will be "Electric Telegraphy. 3' The members of the Lodge St. Andrew will meet this evening at the usual hour.

Tb3 complimentary concert to Mr Jame Plunket will take place on Thursday evening next, at the Catholic Institute, Wellington street. .

The Drum and Fife Band entertainment will take place this evening in the City Hall at h .uf-past seven, under the patronage of His Worship the Mayor.,

\ The Auckland Harmonio Society will hold their third concert at the Lome-street Hall, this evening. The concert will be entirely secular and under the able conduct of Mr Cooper. Mr Lambert will preside at the har monium, the solos, duets, and ballads are seleo.ed with much judgment, including Tannahill's beautiful ballad "Jessie, the Flower of Dumblauo," and "The charming young widow." The concert will, no doubt be largely patronised by lovers of _ielody and Bong,

A poor man last evening in a helpless state of drunkenness was sitting in Hobson-street, without a hat in the pelting ram, looking up wards as happily apparently as though ne was on a bed of down. A crowd soon gathered around him, and a consultation commenced as to what should be done with the poor fellow. "Ho is a man and a brother, said one, let's take his money, if he has any and remove him to dry quarters, and give him some gruel. " Nonsense! said another bystander, who was wet on both sides, (inside and outside), let him sweat! "Send for a policeman said a third." " Humbug " replied one of the crowd "policemen never trouble about drunkards on wet days." While this par leying was going on the poor creature tell back into a puddle, and smiled with the un conscious good humour of innocence. At this moment up came a good Samaritan in the person of Mr Hannaford, who at once settled the matter. "Friend,' said, he let us take care of this fallen man, and raise him if possible to the position he once occupied Let us watch him until he shall be sober, and then make him a Good Templar." Mi'Han - naford's advice was acted upon, and the prostrate man was saved. On to-morrow evening will be given in the large room of the Young Men's Christian Association the second of the series of six entertaining lectures under the auspices of the Auckland Early Closing Association. The subiect of the lecture (by Mr Blackman of the EVENING Star) will be " Poets, their sweet hearts and wives," which will be exceedingly interesting to young persons of both sexes who may think about changing their condition of life and escaping the disgrace of a bachelor's education rate. The story of Johnny Green, the Blandford poet, will be given, with many other ups and downs, ad ventures and misadventures, uprisings and downfallings of men, more or less celebrated in tho realm of sacred and secular song. A lady of known ability will preside at the pianoforte, and several songsters from the world of fashion, will sing songs from eminent poets. The proceeds of these lectures will be divided among tho chaiitable institutions of the city. There will be intervals of music and song. The Drum and Fife Baud will play several selections. MrWarcham will sing "When the corn is waving Annie." Mr llankin will give a comic ditty illustra tive of London life ; and the well-known vo calist, Mr Fox, will sing the "Old English man."

The gale which was blowing all day yester day subsided suddenly at about nine o'clock last night. A very heavy sea was running in the harbour during its continuance. One small cutter lost her bowsprit, and one of the wharf piles was carried away by the ship Waikato ; but with theso exceptions very little damage was dene. The shipping to tho westward of the wharf was very mixed towards evening, and it was feared there would bo some collisions. The fears, however, proved groundless. This morning opened tine and warm, and the contrast between the weather of to day and that of yesterday has been most marked. Several vessels aud small craft which had been detained in harbour owing to the bad weather departed for their desti nations to-day.

SUPPOSED LOSS OF THE ALICE CAMERON

Grave fears are entertained for the safety of the well-known barque Alice Cameron. She left Newcastle for Manilla on the Ist March, and the owners have learnt by tele gram that she had not arrived at her destin ation up to the 3rd August, she being thou 15(5 days out. Tho ordinary passage does not exceed 70 days. Captain Carter was in command.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Bu.srxK.sH donb — Bank of New Zealand—Sellers, £17 15s. National Bank—Sellers, 71s. South British Insurance—oils ; buyers, 52s Gd ; sellers, 545. Auckland Steam Packet Co.—Sellers, £3 17s Gd. City of London—Buyers, 27s ; sellers, 28s Union Beach—Buyers, 10s ; sellers, 12s Old Whau—Sellers, 51s Caledonian-£lO 12s Gd ; buyers, £10 10s ; sellers, £10 ss. Bright Smile Buyers, 80s ; Sss. Albion (Ist issue) —Buyers, GOs. Albuma (con.) —Sellers, 355. Exchange—Sellers, 22s Gd. Red Queen —Sellers, 2s

TELEGRAPHIC.

SETTLERS' HORSES SEIZED BY KING -ITES.

THE HELENA, BRIG, ASHORE.

ALEXANDRA

This day

Twenty-three head of cattle and three horses have been taken away from the vicinity of Orakau, the property of settlors, by the JN gatimaniapoto natives. They are now in Rewi's possession at Te Kuiti, who refuses to give them up for tres pass. Major To Wheoro, through Takerei Terau, is in negotiation for their return ; but as yet without success.

THE COLIBAN CRUSHING.

CALEDONIAN NEW REEF,

GRAHAMSTOWN

This day. The Colib&n crushed 33 tons stone for 73ozs. 3dwts. gold. Tho return is better than expected.

Tho Bright Smile is now retorting at the Tararu battery, and will have over 500ozs. for the fortnight.

The flood yesterday brought down about 500 logs to the Shortland Saw-mill. Nino broke loose.

In the Caledonian nothing more has been done to the reef which shows black mundic in large quantities, but no gold yet. Sales—Caledonian, LlO 10s, LlO 15s. L_l, LlO 12s Gd, LlO 10s.

TAURANGA.

This day. The wind and weather have abated, but still there is a heavy sea running. There are no signs of the Southern Cross.

Tho Helena, brigantine, from Canterbury, whilst entering the harbour yesterday ran ashore on Panipani Spit ; aU are safe. It is expected that after lightening her she will be got afloat with this afternoon's tide.

District Engineer Turner left this morning for Cambridge.

ROTORUA.

I This day. £3,000 have been advanced by private speculators on the Rangahuia block, Maketu. There is to be a native meeting at Ohine mutu to-day. The natives look with suspicion on the Government having taken the census of the Maori population at Pokai. Haupapa, Te Pukuatua, and others strongly condemned the selling of land at present prices.

THE HAURAKI'S TRIP TO THE THAMES AND THE MIRANDA.

(Frcm our Special Refohier.)

Messrs Holmes Bros, new paddle steamer Hauraki started on her first voyage on Satur day afternoon. As had been announced by advertisement the trip took the form of an excursion to the Thames and the native meeting at the Miranda. Saturday afternoon was exceptionally fine and general regret was expressed that an earlier hour than four o'clock was not fixed so as to have given the pleasure seekers an opportunity of enjoying to the full the balmy breeze and the splendid scenery of the Waitemata and the estuary of the Thames. The steamer left the Queen street wharf" within a few minutes of her appointed time, having on board the pro prietors and a goodly array of passengers, numbering nearly 100. The engines worked smoothly and well. It was not deemed desirable to exert their full powers, and a pressure of from 35 to 40 lbs of steam was maintained. This sufficed to take the boat along at about 84 knots, a rate which uas kept up throughout. The Spit light was passed two hours and three-quarters from the start. As the steamer shot the narrow channel between the lighthouse and Cham berlain's island three cheers were given by those on board. This was responded to lustily by the light-keeper and his dog. Tararu wharf was reached at about half-past nine, the time occupied by the run down being exactly five hours and twenty-five minutes. The resources of the providore were stretched to their utmost limit to supply the wants of the excursionists. An excellent tea was laid out at six o'clock, which was done full justice to. The waiting was not exactly what it should be, but allowance must be made for the crowded state of the saloon. The provi sions, including the liquors, were of excellent quality, and general satisfaction was ex pressed at the arrangements. Arrived at the Thames the company separated till the next morning at ten o'clock, when the steamer was to make a run over to the Miranda meeting. Sunday morning broke cloudy and threatening, but the rain fortunately held off, and nearly the whole of the Auckland contingent showed up. The places of those who preferred staying at the goldticlds during the day were supplied by Thames excursionists, and about the original uumber started away at half-past ten for " a look at the niggers." The run across occupied about an hour and a-half. At the end of the first hour the white tents of the settlement of Whakatiwai could be distinctly made out fringing tho beach in the distance". Then the flagstaff with tho Maori and English flags blended came into view, and as the steamer approached more nearly the dusky forms of the natives could be seen flitting about in the foreground like bees about the mouth of a hive. Captain Sopwith ordered the anchor to be let go about half -a - mile from the beach, prudently declining to go in closer owing to the weather presenting every appearance of a blow from the N.E. Great fun was experienced over the landing. Both boats were lowered, and being rapidly filled pulled in to tho shore. There was a moderate swell coming in from the N.E. at the time, and as the boats neared the land tho breakers assumed a very angry look. It was then perceived that the party of natives who were waiting on the beach watching the progress of their visitors were not altogether actuated by feelings of curiosity or a'desire to extend a welcome to the pakeha. There were quite fifty of these expectant gentry. A few were decently clad in a shirt and drawers tucked up above the kneo, but most of them wore tho sable costume nature had endued them with at their entrance to the world. They waited patiently till the boats stranded in the surf, and then they made a rush. Two ladies were in the boat with the writer, and no doubt thinking they were about to be seized andeaten, they covered their faces with their hands and gave themselves up for lost. It may be imagined that their fears were not allayed on finding themselves together with tho entire boat's company willy nilly hoisted on the broad backs of tho savages, and forcibly carried off in the direction of the tents. When tho dry land was reached they were however set down, and a feeling of thankfulness supplied the place of their fears. On the shere the scene was ludicrous in the extreme. The Maoris gave tho liveliest indications of expecting to be paid for the services they had rendered, and in their curious costumes danced round and round their abducted burdens till their reiterated demands for " ickapenny" were satisfied. It is wonderful how strong thess fellows aro. Some of the landing party weighed at least fourteen or fifteen stone, but they were carried off like children, the blacks all tho while laughing and shouting " Kapai the Pakeha, kapai the Pakeha. " A move was then made for tho camp. Although the business of the meeting had been concluded on Friday, and the larger half of the natives had gone away, about five hundred were still in the settlement, which in con sequence looked pretty full. There were perhaps a hundred tents and whares arranged in no particular order about 200 yards from the sea. Some of the whares were built very substantially of raupo, and evidenced con siderable labour in the construction ; tents, however, predominated. Some of these latter were open in front, and the occupant families wero generally squatted at the en trance in a circle round the smouldering embers of a log firo. Some of them were talking; but the majority of the elders sat and smoked with stolid indifference. They all of them looked as if they had been gorged with the Government flour and sugar, and were too drowsy to take any note of passing events or visitors. _ Here and there a dusky, flat-nosed belle raised her black eye-brows and returned a smile to the nod of the pakeha. The dogs seemed to share the lassitude of their owners. They lay about fat and podgy—not at all like the ordinary hungry native dog. The youngsters from ten to five and twenty were alone free from the general apathy. Theso were busy enough playing, the very young ones at a game something like our rounders, and the others who were not trying to gain an honest living frightening ladies on the beach, were regaling themselves with pitch and toss and " reepe," the Maori equivalent of " peker." Just outside the tents a party was observed engaged in making „ coffin. It transpired that a death had taken place the night before. Two Maoris were at work doing the carpentering, and very well they were doing it too. About twenty others squatted round smoking. The coffin was being made from kauri boards, with end pieces consisting ef portions of - kerosene cases. _t the head the inscription "Devoe's brilliant oil" still appeared in bold charac ters. The funeral took place just as the boats put off again for the steamer. Deceased was a young half-bred South Sea Islander and Maori. He had been suffering from consumption for some time. Mr James Macky, jum, was in the settlement, and introduced some of the party, among them the author of these jottings' to Te Hira, and two others of the chiefs who had taken part in the meeting. Te Hira is a fine looking old Maori, and his hale appear ance at his advanced age inclines to the belief that cannibalism in early youth does not undermine the constitution. His face is I beautifully tattooed, and so if report speaks '

the truth are other portions of his body. He andhis companions were in a small tent m no way different from those of the interior natives. All three reclined on the bare earth ; they were wrapped in very dirty blankets, and were smoking short clay pipes. All of them seemed anxious to shake hands with the strangers at their entering and leav ing. The only English spoken by them was "good-bye," which they pronounced with great unction and gravity. Te Hira has it seems withdrawn his opposition to the open in" up of Ohinimuri. Like the cunning old dog he is, though, he refuses to take any share in the negotiations for the sale of the land, but has commissioned two friendly chiefs to arrange matters with Mr Mackay. He says he must not recede from his expressed opinion on the matter, which is that the Maori will sink into insig nificance as soon as he parts with the soil of his fathers. The old savage is not far out in his calculations. He compromises matters by agreeing to affirm what the triumvirate decide on after a palaver to take place at a meeting of the Ngatamatera tribe at Ohme muri shortly. If the late meeting has only resulted in removing the powerful opposition of this chief it has an important bearing on the future colonization of the North Island. Mr Bartlett, the photographer, was among the visitors, and was rather disappointed at finding his emissaries had only succeeded in getting portraits of a few of the most im portant chiefs. These personages profess to have a violent dislike to being "taken," and no aiguments short of being well paid will constrain them to allow their picturesque countenances to be transferred to paper. Those who have been taken know nothiDg about it. A ruse was adopted which turned out highly successful. A concealed camera was conveyed inside a tent close to the place of meeting. A hole was made in the canvass, and by this means some good specimens were obtained on the sly. Te Hira and his sister have partially consented to give Mr Bartlett a sitting, but they insist that Mr Mackay must be taken with them. Mr Adlam's store has been patronized very well, and it is generally thought that that gentle man has done very well out of the "niggers." Round the camp there are no evidences of cultivation. The hills rise behind at a dis tance of a couple of miles, and a pretty river runs into the sea at no great distance. The place if put under grass and the plough, would make a very pleasant little neighbour hood'for settlement. The coast is some what bleak owing to its being exposed to the N.E. winds. When these prevail the surf makes it dangerous for boats to put off. The natives arc awful cadgers A crowd of loafers generally stand by Adlam's, and as soon as any one goes in for a drink, these fellows jostle him, poke him in the ribs, and in other ways endeavour to remind the drinker that they are quite willing to join him. Woe betide the man who thinks to avoid annoyance by giving one of them his heart's desire, or rather the request of his lips. The whole lot immediately surround him, and express their sense of being slighted in not being treated the same as their friend. A trick was played off upon one of these fellows a few days ago, which caused great amusement. Not to mention names, a gentle man who was very much pestered by a native asking him to give him a bottle of rum, took a piece of paper and wrote on it "Kick this fellow." He gave this to the Maori, who went off in triumph to the store, telling several of his friends on the way that he had got an order for rum, and asking them to read it. Those who understood the pur port of the mes3sage did not enlighten the bearer, and he ended by presenting it to Mr Adlam. The effect was not at all what he anticipated, and he came away complaining that the pakeha's word was "no good." Mr Mackay entertained a party of the visitors at dinner in his whare. While the meal was going on the Maoris ke\it coming to the doorway and grinning in their wheedling way into tho apartment ; but they got nothing, and as a rule did not require a second admonition to retire. The only thing noticeablo at the dinner was the way the knives were cleaned. This was a very short and effective process, and very much amused the uninitiated. It consisted in merely stick ing them two or three times into the raupo sides of the whare. They came out brighter than they are at many hotels that could be mentioned. After dinner a move was made for the boats. The wind had now increased, and the surf was coming in in rolling breakers. On the beach the scene of the morning was repeated. When the natives saw the party coming thero was a race for them. For about 150 yards a road had to be cleared by continual kicks at the broad lower backs which were constantly being thrust into one's stomach. Those who were wise selected good strong fellows at once, on which these marched by the side of their prizes, and unceremoniously shoved the others away. The embarkation was not effected without an accident, if it can be called so. This was the swamping of one of the boats. There is little doubt it was caused by the Maoris who were pushing the boat out. The result at any rate was greatly in their favour. They got " ickapenny " for carrying the immersed victims ashore, and " ickapenny " each again for taking them back to the boat after it had been baled. All were at last on board, and the steamer returned to Tararu, where she stayed only a few minutes to land and take in passengers. Among the latter were Miss Alice May and Mr Allen. The voyage was accomplished without any noteworthy incident. Going across the gulf a heavy rolling sea was j encountered in which the boat behaved very well. The motion was, however, sufficient to disturb the stomachs of a few of the pas sengers. The North Shore pier was-made in exactly five hours and a quarter, the same pressure of steam being maintained as in the run down. There is evidently plenty of power in the engines, and if a high enough pressure can be maintained the speed of the boat will exceed 10 knots. The owners are sanguine that 11 will be attained. There can be no question that the Hauraki is a very useful boat, and will always find profitable employment.

PETTY SESSIONS.—This Day,

(Before Thomas Cheeseman, James Baber F. N. George, and Peter DignaD, Esqs' Justices.)

WET—VERY WET !

The dock of the Police Court this morning was illuminated with the rubicund, faces of Henry Thomas and James Bushnell, who had slept during the night in tho lockup, being overcome with whiskey and rum. The Bench, under the circumstances, considered that a fine of 10s and costs each would be sufficient for their lodgings. A HOUSE AT LIBERTY. Mr William Fitts was summoned for al lowing his horse to be at liberty in the sylvan glades of Parnell. Defendant pleaded guilty, but it was without his knowledge, _ The Bench consulted together for some time, and concluded that as this was the first offence, 103 and costs would satisfy justice. TRANSFERS OE LICENSES. The Bench granted the following applica tions for transfer of licenses : The Army and Navy Hotel, Auckland, from C. M. Hick ling to William Amos Clarke. Ferry Hotel, Woodside, from Henry Bedell to George Holloway. This concluded the business.

PARLIAMENT

(From a Private Corresponds^- j

FITZHERBERT'S RESOLUTIONS

SIR JAMES FERGuSSON-ci RESIGNATION. ««8

WELLINGTON.

Yesterday afternoon' Mr Fitzherbert is to speak to-night onk House being moved into committee of B nn_h7 Practically it is expected to be a mere beatin' of the wind. - 8

Mr Rolleston will very probably speak „ he has had his speech prepared for s^. time. There will not be more than threeTr four speak altogether. It is expected that Mr "Vogel will try tn quench Fitzherbert in a half dozen -word, followed by a call for a division. ■" ' Strong endeavours will be made to clo» fl the debate this sitting if they sit till mom , ing It is presumed Sir James Fergusson goes home for the purpose of taking office k Disraeli's Cabinet. His departure is scarcely regretted. Mr Fitzherbert was a puzzle last night He neither made a spoon nor spoilt a horn in moving his resolutions. Fe was tongue tied. His friends hobbled him by limiting him to half-an-hour, and putting an interdict upon all personalities.^ They were afraid of his making an exhibition. He was therefore as dull as ditch water, but teok credit after wards for setting a good example of modera.' tion to Messrs Vngel and _ Stafford, and com. plimented them upon taking it. The " Smiler" got up on his hind legs to de liver himself, but his squab bete noire, J, 0. Browne, coaxed members out, and then called the Speaker's attention to the state of the House. Then the '' Smiler" called Browne a donkey. The Speaker made him take back the thought, which was done with a bad grace. The farce is near over. The audience ex. pected to be let out for good on Thursday evening. The show to take place on Friday^ and the curtain drop.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.)

THE BAILIFF ON THE S.S. TARTAR

In reply to Sir Cracroft Wilson regarding the bailiff being put on board the Tartar at 'Frisco, Mr. Vogel said it was true the Tartar was detained several days at 'Frisco * until communication was had with home, and arrangements madei; for her departure. The mails were sent; from Wellington. The Government wonld take care that they would leave San Fran-; cisco. New South Wales was anxious for a continuance of the service, but the Govern ment discouraged the idea of any renewal with that Government of a temporary con-" tract. It is expected that arrangements will be made with the builders of the steamers for carrying out the contract. THE GOVERNOR'S RESIGNATION. In reply to Mr Stafford the Premier said the reason of His Excellency's resignation was not through any dislike to the c010ny,,., or the people, or the governorship, but solely!; with a desire to resume a more active life at: homo than that of the Governor of a consti tutional colony. HARBOUR DOCKS BILL. The Auckland Harbour Works Bill has passed through the Upper House without material amendment. k% MR FITZHERBERT'S RESOLUTIONS.

Mr Fitzherbert moved his dissolution reso lution in a short and temperate speech, the burden of which was regretting not having spoken in the previous debate, and asking the^House to pause before giving effect to reso lutions destroying the existing local Govern-

ment of the North Island, depriving the peo-, t pie of rights sanctioned under the Constitu-.'! tion Act without ascertaining the wish of the! people, or indicating clearly what machinery! 3 was to replace that to be swept away. He * concluded by amending the resolution with the addition of the words " and that a Bill or Bills be prepared to give effect to resolutions to be submitted to the Housebefore the samel; be passed into law. Of The Premier replied in a long speech. He. referred to the previous debate and denied" that Parliament was not competent to deal with the most important questions even to effecting great organic changes.;

He quoted a number of precedents from the;* English Parliament from Pitt to Gladstone to shew it was not necessary or usual to dissolve J at the wish of a minority. He maintained .* that the arguments adduced against the re*. • solutions had no weight. He commented at considerable length upon Mr Reeve's speech. He said constituencies seldom gave a direct answer to issues set before them. No matter what questions you put it would be answered by one that he wanted arroard r by another that he wanted a heavy tax upon imported grain. He confessed that he did not expect such a large majority in his favour. He noticed that of the sixteen voting against.^ the resolutions, eleven held provincial execu-1 tive offices. He admitted that his sympathies 1 had long been provincial, but the House would admit that he warned them in 1870 and 1572 that the provinces which failed in their functions must make way for more suitable machinery. He only realised fully the obstructive disposition of the provinces si when the reasonable proposals regarding; land in the Forest Bill were so violently op- '

posed. He denied that ne showed any.' desire to introduce the French beauraoratic system. Resident ministers had been em ployed in the colony many years without ob jection. He proposed to establish a sub- | stantial form of local government to give them local revenues — not eleemosynary gj aid. Larger districts with a share of land fund to enable them to carry out large works such as railways must distinctly understand the time was coming when they must look, , to that fnnd as security for loans for carry ing out public works. He had recognised *the necessity for making a land fund for the - North Island. He thought as that island became populated the colony wSuld gladly lend its aid to acquire such land. Compact or no compact they would adopt the Bame course. Supposing there had been no com pact, he believed the House could not do better now than make one, and establish the. localisation of the land revenue. He believed the people of the colony would heartily endorse the present policy, and that the | party which carried it out would be cemented stronger than ever. He concluded by moving an amendment to insert the following after striking out the principal portion of M Fitzherbert's motion, " That the Provincial Governments of the North Island be as soon, as possible followed by an inexpensive but more thorough form of local government, under which the island may be divided into districts and subdistiicts which shall be endowed with substantial revenues, that the residents therein be entitled to take a large, > control of affairs and expenditure of local revenue than at present is the case.

(Applause.) . . " Mr Stafford followed In a speech giving cordial support to the Premier's pro posal as a step in the right .direc'',y tion. He had advocated the P nnCjEfl/ inside and outside the House for years, a*'" criticised the speech of Mr Fitzherbert; un-, - favorably. They were living under a system of local Government found in no other BaWM

fHI XT__lilM MA*. l?tdr-BBAtj aTOPST 25, IMtt



Established 1864. J npV STEPHENSON & CO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, EXHIBITION BRAND, EAGLE BRAND, CROWN BRAND, Are to be pictured at <=)1 mteclptJe Gicto and Storekeepers throughout the Province of Auckland. D. STEPHENSON & CO., WYNDHAM STREET, AUCKLAND. "TIKE attention of Purchasers is requested to our LARGE, NEW, AND WELL-ASSdRTED STOCK OF GENERAL DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, SUITABLE 3?OR THE PRESENT SEASON. BLACK SILKS, Fflom 3s 9d per yard, wid° width, and much below regular Price. 10 BALES WHITE BLANKETS, 9-4,10-4, and 11-4. BLUE AND GREY BLANKETS ANT) RUGS SHEETINGS, QUILTS, and all kinds of FURNISHING GOODS. A Lot of Double width GREY SHEETING, from IOJd yard. Cheap Flannels, Crimean Shirtings New Dress Materials, Cheap Winceys Children's, Girl's, and Ladies' Winter Hosjcry Ladies' 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 Silk Scarfs. Ties, Braces and Belts, Felt Hats Warm Winter Gloves Boy's Caps, from Is 6d Hosiery, &c. RUSHBROOK _ BRIDGMAN, (LATE R. HOBBS,) Wholesale and Retail Drapers, Clothiers, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,} dSffiftHOH QTJEF.N - STREET, AUCKLAND.



mHB LAST THREE WEEKS1 or Tnis WINTER SALE. From this date the WHOLE OF THE GOODS WILL EE SOLD AT ENGLISH COST. J. COSGRAVE & CO. . AUCKLAND ART UNION DRAWING POSTPONED TO THURSDAY, THE 27tu INST. ME¥ ZEALAND EEENS. HANDSOMELY-BOUND ROOKS OF FERNS Collected and Mounted by T. CRANWELL, PARNELL. Extract from Lt.tter imcitiv_T> by T. Cran ' -well.—"Tho collection of ferns shewed me were correctly named and beautifully preserved."—J. D. Hooker, F.8.5.L.5.; Foyal Gardens, Kew, London. "The book is exactly the kind of thing to choose for a present."— New Zealand Herald. " For a drawing-room table no moro tasteful orna ment could be found."— Southern-Cross. All Ferns mounted by T. Cranwell bear his name and address. Msy be obtained of Upton and Co ' Wayte, Cranwell and Co., or of T. Cranwell, Parnell CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND, Mails will Close as follows :— For Thames, this day, at 5 30 p.m., and to-morrow, at 10.30 am. • Fcr laranaki and Wanganul, per Go-ahead, to morrow, at 8 am For Wanganni, &C, per Clyde, to-morrow, at 2 p.m. For the undermentioned places, per Luna, to morrow, as under : — For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at noon For Wellington, Southern provinces, Australian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton, at 12 45 p.m. ._..., For the United Kingdom, via Brindisi, and J late letters for Southern provinces and Melbourr o at 115 p.m. , , .. , For money orders, registered letters,] ana newspapers, at 11 a.m. For Gisbc-rno and Napier, per Pretty Jane, to morrow, at 11 a.m. For Napier, per Southern Cross, to-morrow, ai 0 a.m. . ..„ , For Taranaki and Southern provinces, per v> ei lington, to-morrow, at G a.m. For Wanganui, per St X ilda, on Thursday next, at 10 a.m. S, B. Btss, Chief Postmaster.