SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER ; Thto evening, 11.21; to-mo»_._tw morning, 11.35 SUN-SET : _h!_ evonln*, 5.24 ; BXJN-SISS: To morrow morning, 6 48 MOON'S AGE: First Quarter, 20th. 6.355 p.m.

PORT OF AUCKLAND,

ARRIVALS. Dauntless, schooner, from New Caledonia Phoebe, s.s., Worsp, from the South (in the Manukau) Clem, schooner, from Wangapoa Fawu, cutter, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

Cyphrenes, s.s., 2000 tons, Wood, for Sydney Briton, barque, for Newcastle . Kate Macgregor, schooner, Smith, for Napier

PROJECTED DEPARTURES

For Sydney and Melbourne—Heio, s.s., mursaay For Stdney—Tartar, s.s., about the 21st For Clarence Biver—Rosebud, schooner, at onco For Lyttelton—Rio Loge, brig, early For Port Chalmers—Vision, brig, early For Aitutake—Coronet, schooner, earlj F.r J. ewcastle-William Giiford, barque, early For London—Countess of Kintore. ship, early For Melbourne—MUtiades, ship, early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Tartar, A, and A.M.S.S. (English Mail), from San Francisco and Honolullu. 21st instant Macgregor, s.s., from __an Francisco and Honolulu, about 10th prox City of Auckland, ship, from London; sailed 20th May

IMPORTS.

Per Phoebe, from the South : 10 hhda. ale, Ryan, Bell and Co. ; 1 kilderkin, Jno. Reid ; 1 box, Combes and Daldy; 1 truss, order ; 10 cases brandy, J. Hancock ; 1 parcel, Union Bank ; 1 case drugs, 1 cask, 3 bales, 5 drums, Kempthorne, Prosser and Co. j 1 case, M. Cheeseman; 4 pgs., Ah Bow; 4 kegs spokes, A. Smart ; 1 pge., Jno. Simon; 2 parcels, N. Harker; 1 parcel, H. S. Meyers and Co. ; 1 parcel, Bank of New Zealand; 1 c_se plants, Russell; 1 case, W. B. White; 1 parcel, Beddle ; 1 box, Dickson ; 1 box, Combes and Daldy ; 3 boxes of gold com, Union Bank; 20boxes, 1 coil wire, 1 parcel, Teh_grapb|Department'; 1 box gold dust, Bank ■of New Zealand ; 4 bottles quicksiver, Clark and Garlick ; 1 box gold, Bank of New Zea land.—Combes and Daldy, agents.

The s.s. Cyphrenes left for Sydney at 3 o'clock this afternoon. She took the follow ing passengers in addition to those she brought from Kandavu :. Saloon—Mr and Mrs Ching, Mr and Mry .ayley, Dr. and Mrs Wa_ ren. Steerage—Theodore Hart. The s.__. Phcebe arrived in the Manukau to day from Wellington with the following pas sengers :—Mr and Mrs J. S. Macfarlane; Miss Courtney,, Miss Martin; Messrs Mur dock, Ellis, Dixon, Brissenden, Goldsmith, Cawkwell, Chillingworth, Roulett, Martin, Hurley, Zelman ; Masters Roulett (2), and 6 in the steerage. On Sunday Captain Berryl, of the Daunt less^ sighted a ship off North Cape painted green with double main top-gallant yards, standing eastward. The schooner Dauntless (Hawaiian) arrived early this morning from New Caledonia and Norfolk Island. She left Auckland on the 9th ult. and arrived at Norfolk Island on the 17th after a rough passage, with head winds the greater part of the way. Lay two days there, and sailed for Noumea on the 19th. Arrived in Noumea on the 24th. Discharged cargo, and sailed again the sth inst. Called in at Norfolk Island, and left theTe on the 13th. Had fine weather with northerly winds into Auckland. The Dauntless brings -onefpassenger and no cargo. The Dauntless passed the ship Queen of Nations and the brig Thomas and Henry well outside Tiri Tiri yesterday evening. Messrs Holmes Bros.' new steamer, the Hauraki, had a short run down to the Bean Rock lighthouse last night after dark. The engines worked very smoothly, and the rate at which the vessel progressed under only 301bs steam was suggestive of a high speed under the ordinary 701bs pressure. Captain H. Elliott has imported from Melbourne a powerful new donkey engine. Ct came by the Hero this trip, and has been landed in excellent condition. It is a very powerful engine, being of the same size and strength as that used on board the Hero, which can lift two tons with a single line. It works with a double action, the ends revolv ing entirely independently of the barrel, Messrs Foreman and Co., are the manufac turer.

The brig Vision has cleared for Mercury Bay, and Dunedinjwith a cargo of timber, portion of which is to be taken on board at the latter port. The ship Countess of Kintore has £.; discharging her cargo. It must be mawer of great satisfaction to Captain Braddick and those who have superintended the discharge of-the goods to know that there Is not a single claim for any short deliveries. The Countess has already about 200 tons of Lon don outward cargo on board, and is taking more in daily. ~ . The brig Thames and Henry, which had been delayed in port for some time from various causes, sailed yesterday for the Kai para. The barque Briton dropped down to the North Head yesterday, and anchored there for the night. She was still at anchor there up to this afternoon. The ship Countess of Kintore has entered outwards for London.

The schooner Rosebud cleared this after noon for Newoastle in ballast.

The cutter Fawn brings 43 tons of coal from Russell.

The schooner Gem brings 23,400 feet timber from Whangappa. Captain Edwards of the cutter Start reports sighting the Julius Vogel on Monday last.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Waitaka, This day. The s.b. Go-ahead left laßt night for Auck land.

AUSTRALIAN SHIPPING.

• Melbourne. —Arrived, Bth, Alma, from Grey mouth. Sydney.—Sailed, 9th, Manisson^ for Lyt telton. Newcastle. —Arrived, 4th, Janet Court and Marano, from Dunedin; InveralLm. from Lyttelton ; Drover, from Thames ; Straiten : and Helen, from Napier. Sailed, sth, Feronia, for Lyttelton ; 10th, Robin Hood, for Wellington. H.barto wist,—Arrived, 10th, Trover and Glencoe, from Dunedin.

COMMERCIAL.

The followilg were the rentals fetched for the different lots put up at Messrs Tonks and Co.'s auction of leasehold property to day:—Lot 1, Wynyard house, Eden Cres cent, £67, George Blanford; lot 2, five roomed cottage, £26, A. Bettany; lot 3, four : romed cottage, £21, J. Rogers ; 6 acres land, Mechanics' Bay, £52, R. Baird.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows :—

For Thames a-.d Kapangi, per Enterprise, this day,

at 5.30 iv m. For Waiwera and Warkwortb, per Lady Bowen, to-

morrow, at 10. 0 a m. For the Australian Colonies, per Hero, tomorrow,

atlpm For Tar.-i.aki, Nelson, and West Coast, por Murray,

on or about 21st instant For JWanganui, per Go-ahed, on Saturday ntxt, at 10 am. For the undermentioned places, per Phcebe, on Saturday, 22nd instant, as under :— For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 9 a. m. For Taranaki, Southern provinces, Australian Colonies, at 10 a. m. For the United Kingdom, via Suez and via Southampton, at 10 a.m. For the United Kingdom, via Brindisi, at 10.30 a.m. For newspapers, at 8 a m. For money orders, and registered letters, on Frtday, 21st instant, at 5 p m. For Whitiangi, Tairua, Tauranga. Opotiki, an Napier, via Tauranga, per Southern Cross, on Saturday next, at 1 p.m. Supplementary Mails for India, China, Continent Of Europe, *c.; J ustralia and United Kingdom, via Suez and Brindisi, will be made up per .Luna, en Tuesday, 2.th instant Notice.—Malls for Australian Colonies, via New castle and Melbourne, per Umeo, close at Hokitika at 10.30 a.m. to-morrow,

S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.

DEATH.

Beown—On August 18, at tho residence of her brother-in-law, Mr Geo. Scarfe, Newton ftoad, Janet Joan Brown ; aged 24. The funeral will leave Newton Koad, to-morrow (Thursday), at 3p. ra. Friends will please accept this intimation.

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

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 1874.

for the cause that lacks assistance, or the wrong that needs resistance For the future In the distance, A_____ tne good Uytf we can do.

It is pot often that a public meeting in Auckland is so one-sided and unanimous as was that of last night at the Mechanics'. Mr Rees may be congratulated on having had one of the largest'meetings ever held in the hall of the Mechanics' Institute; on having made one of the best and most telling speeches yet heard within those walls; and on having had an audience entirely in accord with the speaker. The occasion is one that war" ranted all that. Auckland has suffered wrong, and endured it patiently, but she is now menaced in a way that commands the attention of any man whose interests are indentified with the province. We believe the people are thoroughly awake to the danger, and though the Premier may snore out indifference in his easy chair on the floor Of the House, if we mistake not there is a spirit aroused at the present moment that will shake down his palace of cards. Mr Rees deserves undoubted credit for the pains which he has taken in wading*through the various speeches made by Mr Vogel in relation to the colonization policy ; and his comparison of the promises on the faith ef which that policy was first launched and the cruel deception shown in the results should be laid to heart by every man in Auokland. As shown by Mr Rees, eight and a-half millions were to be borrowed in tea years, and the result is we shall have twelve millions.'in four years. The lands of the Colony were to be made scourity for the loan; they have not been mado so ever heretofore, and now by Mr Vogel's third resolution thoy; never can be in the future. .There was to be a sum of two pounds per head given to ' to the provinces for their public services and works; it is now fifteen shillings, of whioh some three or four shillings actually reaoh

the Provincial Treasury. The Customs taxa tion, it was promised, should not be in creased; it lias been vastly increased. The' surplus revenue was to go in reduction of taxation, but it hasn't. We assert, as we ever asserted, that the policy of colonization was one capable of conferring enormous bene fits on New Zealand ; but it has been scan dal ou sly and dishonestly mismanaged, and it is the North Island alone that has suffered. We shall not go through the several telling points in Mr Rees' speech, but we assert that there is notaman in Auckland but should read it, and make himself familiar with the tale of wrong and injustice, so as to thoroughly appreciate the full force of Mr Vogel's re solutions, which are simply intended to per petuate that wrong for ever.

People of Auckland ! read the speech of Mr Reynolds, Commissioner of Customs,, as given in our telegraphic columns. There are some who would have us helieve that the abolition of the North Island provinces would be the abolition of the provinces in the South, and would lead to the land fund being made colonial revenue. Indeed some go so far as to say it is a deliberate step in that direction on tho part of Mr Vogel ; that that astute politician means first, to overthrow provincialism in the North, and then use the North to overthrow provincialism in the South. Every one knows that the local land revenues are the citadel of provincialism in the South. And how does the Government mean to Act in relation to those. Read Vogel as interpreted by Reynolds. The Government will give "every security possible" on that point. They vfonld even go so far as this, and mark it well ! The Government with its sweeping majority '• would pass an Act which could not bo repealed by any Parliament or any power but Her Majesty in Council securing the land revenues to tho Southern provinces. Any one but a political ass, which Mr Reynolds is, would know that a legislat uro which can do can also undo; and that what one parliament

can enact another parliament can annul. But such a statement coming from a member of the Government shows that the total abolition of provincialism, and the absorption of the land fund as colonial revenue are not among even the ulterior intentions of tho Government, and that centralists quite as much as provincialists have cause to dread the wrongful and unscru pulous conduct of Julius Vogel.

We see that the Cross gives indications"^ " ratting " on Mr Vogel's propo?als. The form taken is the usual trick well known to the trade—viz., utilizing the correspondence columns. Instead of suddenly shifting sail and getting on tho new tack, it makes quiet preparations for bouting ship, by this corres pondence manoeuvring, and by extracts from other journals. The letter signed " Scrutator," in a late issue of the Cross, has the office stamp, and may bo taken as preliminary to advocacy of the same principles in tho leading columns. The author tries to put us on a wrong scent. He says : " The North Island—in having a common administration, and the same land laws—will be a great de_»l too powerful to permit of what is alluded to in some of the papers as the tyranny of tho South." What is this "common administration?" Not a s <.parate government for the North Island, which would be satisfactory, but a govern ment by a legislature consisting of thirty' three North Island and forty-five South Is land representatives; a legislature which would have to deliberate on the smallest local requirement in the North, but durst not enter on such matters in the South, "Scru. t&toT,'"alias the Southern Cross, tries to make believe that this is the old question between the Centralists and Provincialists. It is nothing of the kind. If Mr Vogel intends the abolition of Provincialism, and the absorption of all the provinces, let him honestly Bay so, and he will have an honest and a numerous following. But there is an ill-look about this one-sided affair that will not commend itself to Auckland the Cross correspondence to the contrary notwith standing. In this morning's issue there is another office letter signed " Common Sense" with the same object, and a newspaper extract selected for the same purpose. The leading articles have the true sound in them yet, but the paper has evidently received its orders from Wellington to bout ship. This is a very cowardly style of journalism. Next week the "Cross" through every column will be preaching the faith which once it

despised,

Citizens of Auckland, remember the public meeting to-morrow night at the Choral Hall. Roll up and show that Auckland is deter mined to stand on a level platform with the rest of the colony.

From our advertising columns it will be seen that the concert to be given by the Opera Company in conjunction with the Choral Society will take place on Monday next and not on Friday as announced. The great success of the company at the Thames has led Mr Allen to remain there over Satur day night.

The monthly inspection of No. 3 Company of A.R.V. Volunteers will take place to morrow evening at the usual hour. A meet ing will be held immediately after parade.

The Hobson and Victoria Volunteers met last evening in the Drill-shed and performed their evolutions and exercises in a most satis factory way.

We learn that the English Opera Troupe are attracting full houses at Grahamstown. The beautiful opera of Martha was given with the usual spirit, and created quite a sensation among the Thames people.

There was a good attendance of members of the Wellesley-street Baptist Church school room last evening. The subject of discussion was the "Danish Invasion of England," which was handled successfully by several of the leading members of this promising class.

Messrs S. and J. R. Vaile have closed their premises for two days, for the purpose of taking stock for a clearing out sale, they having disposed of their premises to the National Bank,

We have been informed that the Choral Society's next " at home " will take place on Thursday, 3rd September.

The Chor-al Society's concert last evening was largely attended. It was the first public performance given since Mr Beale assumed the conductorship of the Society, and it cer tainly reflected great credit upon that gentle man's musical knowledge and ability _as a conductor- We have not space to give a lengthened review of the concert, which was however on|the whole a most successful one.

The third and last of the series of concerts in aid of the fund for the liquidation of the debt on the Epiphany School-room, West Newton, will beheld in that building to morrow (Thursday) evening. We understand that a choice programme of secular music has been arranged, which is expected to surpass the previous concert, and we have no doubt that if the weather proves fine a largo audience will be gathered to enjoy a real musical treat at (what are termed) million prices.

HThe Devonport District School was re opened on Monday last, under the charge of Mr Goertz, who, we trust, will soon regain for the school its former high character. A horse which had brought a load of timber from Onehunga, fell down this"1 after noon in Queen-street opposite Tonks' Mart. The animal cither injured itself or was prostrate from exhaustion, for on being got on to his legs, was found to be so shaky that it had to be taken out.

Thero will be a rehearsal by the members of the Choral Society's band this evening at 7.30 p.m., for the concert on Monday even ing with the opera company at the Choral Hall. The vocalists are requested to meet for practice at 7.30 on Friday at the hall. A great sensation was created last evening in Franklin road by the Freeman's Bay troopers, known as the " hapt_y pack," who assembled about seven o'clock in full strength with " rough music " in con sequenco of a wedding which took place in tho afternoon. The pack, about sixty in number, gathered in front of Hymen's Cottage, Alma Place, armed with sticks, bones, kettles, saucepans, and stones. The wedding dinner was scarcely over when the boys began their discordant noises to the annoyance of tho whole neighbourhood. Tho hitherto peaceful bridegroom made a rush, only one, and hunted ono of the leaders down to the creek, where he went into tho water over head and ears and dropped a rusty kettle ; but as he had got a good doiosing the young married man could not find it in hiß heart to give him a hasting. The noise lasted about two hours, when the young bride suggested that a crown piece of George the Third's reign might have a pacific influence. The silver remedy was immediately applied, with a plum-pudding into tho bargain. The neighbours were thankful, and Mr and Mrs W enjoyed the remainder of the evoning in peace.

A football match will he played on Satur day next at 2.33 p.m sharp, between the Mount Hobson and Auckland College Clubs. The Hobsonians aro requested to be in the Domain punctually. The following are the players selected from the Mount Hobson Club: —H. E. W. Sutton (captain), J. Beveridge, J. Wilson, F. Newell, W. Kelly, R. Barnsley, H. Phillipson, W. Cheeseman, T. Clark, T. Kerr, J. Wj — Moss, T. Morgan, G. Cheese man, Davis.

A meeting of tho members of the congre gation of Trinity Church, North Shore, was held last evening in the Sunday school-room, the Rev. J. Bates presiding, when it was re solved to proceed with the contemplated addition to tho building. A subscription list was started, and £20 were collected before tho close of the meeting. The contract for the -work has been taken by Mr H. Pitts, and it is expected that the additions will bo completed by tho beginning of October.

PARLIAMENTARY

The Debate Last Night.

Review of the Speakers

Mr Fitzherbert only to Speak Nine Hours!!

(From onr Special Correspondent.)

Mr John Williamson made a long speech last night. He was particularly severe upon Mr Reader Wood, whom he accused of at one time being desirous of being undertaker for the province to bury her decently. THe was very light and tender to the individuals of the Government, but ridiculed its airs and pomposity in concrete in mimicking Imperial Parliaments with ceremonies unbecoming the plain working men of the colony. He was more applauded than any other speaker. Mr Wood made a forcible speech. Mr Sheehan was vehement and sent several shafts home to the Premier.

The debate is dragging very much. Mr Stafford is expected to speak to morrow.

Mr Fitzherbert will endeavor not to speak till after him. He announces that he will only make a few cursory remarks, and will not occupy more than four hours. Old stagers thinks he may be gentle with the House, and let it off with nine. It is expected that the Premier will pick up all the different threads of argument, spin them into a rope, and hang the Super intendent of Wellington as a spectacle for the House.

The division list will show the most com plete disintegration of parties ever Been in the colony.

The Opposition made a slight endeavour to get a division, or go on with other business last night when tho House was thin and Mr Vogel out.

Mr McLean said it was not fair, and in violation of a previous understanding. Mr Sheehan came to the rescue, hoping no mean advantage would be taken, and the Heuse adjourned.

MR. VOGEL'S RESOLUTIONS.—DEBATE,

(Per Press Telegram Agency.)

WELLINGTON.

Yesterday afternoon. Mr Macandrew resumed the debate on the Premier's resolution for abolishing the North Island provinces. That the subjeot had ndt received due consideration was proved by the omission of all mention of it in the Governor's opening speech. People would oppose it on the grounds that local govern ment to be successful must be in the hands ;of the people; that the departmental expenditure of the Goverament was exceed ing the means of the colony, and that it would lead to the obliteration of the compact of 1856. He and his fellow members for Otago were in that House solely to protect their landed estate, and if they did not re sist this insidious attempt they would be betraying the interests of their constituents. If the North Island was becoming effete it was because of the General Government alone. They asked them to build, and gave them no straw to make bricks, and because they failed the Government said "We will abolish you." If the Government had come down with a measure to clip the wings of the General Government in the North island

that would have been a statesmanlike propo sal, and that would yet be demanded by the people in a voice of thunder. When ten millions wore borrowed and shall havo been spent, leaving us as all knew they would leave to us, only five millions of actual value, it would then be found that the provinces would have been the best machinery to spend that money. Mr. Reynolds said that no member had shown any good reason why the resolutions should not be agreed to. He quoted from the records of the House to show that the question had been before the public for years, and that the member for Port Chalmers had favoured the abolition of all the provinces. A. few more years would show the necessity for consolidation of the provinces. With re ference to Mr Macandrew's fears for the land fund he might say that the Government were prepared to give all the security possible to satisfy the South Island members on that point." They would go so far as to pass an Act to secure that land to them, with pro viso that if at any future time the House desired to repeal it, it must be done by appeal to her Majesty in Council. Mr Montgomery (Akaroa) opposed the resolutions as taking the country by surprise He referred to the Timai v Board of Works as a miserable approach to local self-Govern ment.

Mr Steward (Waitaki) contended that the question at issue had been before the public for many years, and he was sure the popular feeling was strongly in favour of the resolu tions .

Mr Sheehan testified to the willingness of Mr Vogel to provide for the necessities of Auckland, but the resolutions were the mere fruit of a temper ruffled by the opposition of the member for Hutt. This was the worst form of personal government. The Premier was the head, front, hand, and foot of the present Govern ment, and it would be dangerous to abolish a middle department under such circum stances Ho might have a nightmare, and some terribly ruinous scheme be the outcome of a bad night's rest. If the resolution had gone for the establishment of large provinces he could go -with it. If they had sought to joinjjTaranaki to Auckland, or Hawke's Bay to Wellington, he could have approved of that as something likely to reduce Provincialism from the opprobrium it was now under. LAST NIGHT. On the debate being resumed after the adjournment Mr Sheehan said the country must glory in the principle which actuated Mr O'Rorke in resigning the emoluments of office for his convictions. It must also regret the spectacle of Mrßeynolds, oncethewatch dog of the House, muzzled on ministerial benches and not able to get beyond his chain. He blamed the Premier solely for the im pecuniosity of the North Island provinces in decreasing the capitation tax. The Colonial Government squandered thousands in learn ing the business of colonization from the provinces. When the Premier complimented the administrators of l^orth Island affairs ho waslike a boa-constrictor covering his victims with saliva to swallow them more easily. The Middle Island members would find out too late in voting for the resolutions that they paved the way for their own extinction. It enabled the Colonial Government to take their estate. He quoted figures showing that the General Government expenditure enormously exceeded the Provincial compared by results. Why the hangings of the chamber for the last few year 3 cost more than the executive of Auckland for twelve months. As for gold fields, Auckland spent on hor goldlields £1(59,000, against £148,000 received from them. If they abolished the provinces they must still defray the charges of ordinary pub lic services, while those of the General Government might, excepting a little judi cial, be as well discharged by some mercan tile firm. Neither the public nor press demanded a change. Both were taken by surprise. He predicted that if the pro vinces went out the now head of the Government would soon go after them.

Mr Tribe supported the resolutions on the ground that he was always opposed to the evils of double government, which had always pressed with undue weight upon miners. It would be a boon to tho country to sweep away provincialism. He gave various instances of provincial mismanage ment. Canterbury did. not speak against the resolutions, but was full of arguments in favor of them. Provincialism was the worst form of centralism. Those who opposed the resolutions had a beneficial interest in con serving it, even to the member for Selwyn. The Superintendental element was so strong in the house it was impossible to obtain an independent opinion. Few could resist the persuasion of self-interest. Mr Gibbs supported the resolutions. He would rather see an appeal to the country than a change of Ministry, or even an altera tion.

Mr Murray spoke against provincialism, but condemned the resolution as vague and undefined. He wanted first to see a substi tute for provincialism.

Mr Wood made an eloquent speech in favour of the resolutions. He had intended, on his own account, to bring forward some thing similar. He had originally been alarmed at tho way it was proposed to carry out public works. In conjunction with the member for Auckland West, Eden, and others he had^organised the opposition which ousted the ministry. What was the result when a new M inistry went upon the Govern ment benches ? The member for Auckland West (Mr Gillies) who before said he could not afford to play unlimited 100, no sooner became minister tban he took up tho hands of the late Ministry and accepted their stakes. The chief objection raised was against organic change this session. None was proposed. They could discuss that when the proposal took shape. New Zealand had on its back now as much as she could bear. Continue provincialism with its annual applications for loans and assistance and she must suc cumb to it. The era of public works had practically suspended provincialism by de priving it of the functions performed by it in the early days when provincialism was the solo machinery for colonization. Now, between the General Government, Munici palities, and Road Boards, what was left for it to do ? The member for Rodney aban doned his ground when he said he could go with the Government if they abolished Taranaki and Hawke's Bay, and make one or two big provinces. Yes, he was ready to shed the last drop of his little brother's blood in defence of local self-government. Auckland was so impecunious that last ses sion they passed bogus estimates which they knew could not he met.

Mr Williamson controverted the arguments and assertions of the last speaker. He main tained the superior efficiency of provincial machinery. He compared the General Go vernment administration either as to results er economy. He had every respect for the members of the Government and their works policy, but must strongly oppose the present resolution. People would not tamely give up their privileges, and next Parliament would send in a new set of men who would reverse the order of things. He was much applauded. The House adjourned at 12.35. FORESTS BILL. In the Legislative Council the Forests Bill, after some opposition, passed second reading without a division. •

THE POLITICAL CRISIS.

MR REES AT THE MECHANICS'

INSTITUTE

A large and enthusiastic audience responded last night to Mr Rees' invitation to the citizens of Auckland to hear his exposition of the present political position of the colony. The hall of the Mechanics' Institute was crowded. Mr Rees began by stating that as he had called the meeting himself he would dispense with the ordinary formality of a chairman. He believed that the Mayor was about to call a public meeting at which ex pression would be given to the general opin ion. He would now lay before them the present state of the political arena, and they would see for themselves what the changes contemplated by Mr Vogel implied. After alluding to the nature of the constitution of the colony, Mr Rees proceeded to call atten tion to the methods used for supplying, the funds necessary for carrying on the Govern ment. The primary source of the revenue of the colony was not the bnd fund, but the Customs dues. The present crisis of affairs, and the near approach of a dissolution, made it more than ever necessary that they should see clearly what kind of men they should elect to represent them in Parliament during thenextfiveyears. Referring to the resolutions of Mr Vogel, the speaker said the first resolu" tion set forth that in the altered condition of New Zealand it was advisable that the several provinces of the North Island should be abolished ; the second was that the seat of Government should remain, as now, at Wellington; and the third, that the compact (so-called) of 1856 should be re-affirmed by the people. This implied that the land revenue should be revenue not for the Colony, but for the provinces in which the money was raised. An to the question of the seat of Government, although the resolution re lating to that had an object that involved no principle, but in the other two resolu tions were wound up the questions which had for some time past, and would for some time to come, be the most interesting questions of the day. (Hear, hear.) The question of the separation of the two islands had been once considered the gravest problem of the day, but he thought they would agree with him that that was now settled. He felt that it was now concluded that the best thing was union. Separation would only involve a delay in the progress of the colony, especially with the debt which bad been incurred. He would show what the reasons were why the two questions alluded to had become so interesting. Only a month ago the great topic of interest was the election of Waitemata. (Laughter.) The flight from Wellington of the gentleman alluded to in the Star the other evening as the great Scroogles—-(roars of laughter) —had for the time set that at rest. Among the reasons for these questions coming home to them at the present day after it had been so long shelved might be counted the increased borrowing which had taken place, and the increased value of land owing to the' progress of immigration. Besides these there was another reason, and that was that Mr Vogel, now that his old watchwords were getting stale, wanted a fresh party cry. Mr Vogel did not, in this course, seek tho benefit of the colony, but his own permanent ag grandisement. (Hear, hear.) The resolu tions had been framed with singular adroit ness and cunning. The abolition of the pro vinces was a bait for the vote of the central ists. The second resolution was to catch the Wellington people—the seat of Government being at Wellington meant much to that city. —The third resolution was to catch the votes of the two provinces of Canterbury and Otago. So they would see it was a very cun ningly-contrived scheme. It was so artfully worked out that it did not broadly hold out a briba to any one in particular, but they would find on examining it it was the cutest political trick ever perpetrated by Julius Vogel. (Hear, hear.) Now that the questions had been raised they must be met. It was for them to consider whether Canterbury and Otago should continue to enjoy for their exclusive benefit their large revenues, which were undoubtedly the property of the colony. Members did not think three weeks ago, when they were packing up to go home, that such a fight was to be fought but this session. But fought out it must bo. That which was just and that which was unjust must be weighed in the balance before another week had passed. So certain as the Alps had reared themselves in the front of Napoleon s© this question had raised itself up and must be got over, even if it proved, as it would prove, the political grave of many. The speaker then referred to the analogy between the slight causes which had given rise to this crisis and those which had given rise to the French Revolution, the Great "ebellion, and the battle of the Corn Lavs. Until this question was set at rest there would be the same endless squab bling and setting off of province against province as there had been for years. (Hear, hear.) [Mr Mason here created a disturb ance, and was threatened with being turned out if he did not keep quiet.] Mr Rees then reviewed the plan of the Government policy of the last few years. Before the passing of the Act of 1556 seven provisions were made by the Government. (I.) Eight and a-half millions were to be borrowed. (2.) The land fund of the colony was to be security for the loan. (3.) A capitation grant of £2 was to be allowed to the provinces decreasing to 30s after the first year. (4.) Special grants were to be made to road Boards. (5.) The Customs duties were not to be taxed. (6.) The surplus revenue was to be used towards the reduction of taxation. (7.) The publio works were to repay the sums expended on them.. These propositions were laid before the House, and it was on these conditions that the assent of the House was gained. They would see that all these promises had been broken. Instead of borrowing £S, 000,000 in ten year., they had borrowed £12,000,000 in four years. Then again no lands had been taken as security for the re-payment of the money. The capitation grant had faded into smoko. After the second year Mr Vogel said" he could only pay 15s. Even that had now disappeared because the Government said they wanted the money. They had had this year about £9,000 instead of £112,000, as they ought to have had. As to the fourth provision he could not say how much of the £50,000 they had had. That was a thing they looked for in vain in the financial statements of Mr Vogel, which were lrke Turner's pictures—conspicuous for their profusion of colouring. The Customs taxa tion had been increased. Mr Vogel had altered the tariff to an ad valorem tariff in stead of a measurement tariff. This involved an increase of from eight to fifteen per cent. The overplus over which so much fuss had been made was composed of the increase in the Customs revenue, which was milked to the tune of £200,000 more, than before with drawn out of the pockets of the people. They were paying many things out of Bor rowed money now which in a few years they would have to pay out of taxation. No man could object to the opening up of the country or to a good system of immigration, but the scheme as worked out was as different from that proposed as light from darkness. (Hear). The statement of Mr Vogel that interest was net being paid out of the borrowed money was false. The raising of the last four million was to be entrusted—and he was sorry to say it—to two gentlemen to be ap '

pointed by the Governor. That was to v. that if two men choose to be dishonest th might fleecethe country as much as they like_f and Mr Vogel himself was only mortal. (Hear hear and applause.) The speaker hero com' pared MrVogel's increasing and extravagant schemes to a stone rnnnin^^gyy,!]. ' had acquired a velocity wnc. *%m ____.{ much to arrest. Going b**.?* the colony he would point outx iSat provin. cialism was already in existence from obvious causes when the constitution was formed, n was anticipated that when agreatcentraiGe, vernment had been established the little Peddlingtons would be done away But this had never been thoroughly taken hold of. He was of opinion that the time had arrived when the abolition of the p ro . vinces should be insisted on. But still he could not agree with Mr Vogel's resolutions because he firmly believed that if the p ro . vinces in the North only were done awa-" with, and if the Southern provinces were to retain .their flarge land-fund, it would be a very bad thing for Auckland. (Hear, hear) . The -inconsistency of Mr Vogel's proposi. 1 tions showed he had some ulterior object iin the 'background. After the resolutions' I had been carried people would, find out i that they had committed themselves to" 1 projects ... they had not anticipated. He p ; believed it was because people were 'awakening to a,.sense of their inter est in the political welfare that they had risen against the passing of these infa mous resolutions. (Hear.) Let them look at the future. This year they had to pay ail education tax. Next year they would have to pay for maintaining their gaols, lunatic asylum, and hospitals. (Hear, hear.)- Be' called the resolutions infamous advisedly for they were only calculated to advance the interests of Mr Julius Vogel. (Applause.) That gentleman would be able to go down South and refer to the great things he had done for Canterbury and Otago, and tell the i electors there to send members to the As-

sembly who would support him. Let them look at the circumstances which surrounded the compact of 1856. Before 1856 Mr Pox and Mr Stafford were opposed to each other.

Mr Fox advocated the American system of separate states or provinces, with a federal union, the land fund, to be colonial revenui..

Mr Stafford wanted the land fund to he provincial, and a portion of the Customs revenue to go for the purposes of the General Government. A committee of ways aiad means was found. The parties were nearly ecjnal. Mr Fox's party, among whom were the nine Auckland members, known as Carleton and his chickens, were in a majority of one. Mr Travers coming from Nelson made the numbers equal. But the speaker was in favour of Mr Pox, and would have given him the vote but for some reason one of Mr Fox's partizans deserted, and so Mr Stafford's party «had the casting vote.. : That was the history of the compact of 1856. He knew that afterwards the question was carried by a majority cf 10 in the House. That was what was spoken of in certain quarter as a mutual agreement. It was not. (Applause.) He was ([lad that Mr Vogel, Mr Fox, and Mr Stafford were now united, as it would present an opportunity of brusting them away altogether. (Hear.) These resolu tions were at first illegal, as the land fund could' not be diverted ; but an Ack was passed to alter the constitution to admit of this alteration. But still, in the true 1 sense of the word, the land fund was strictly colonial revenue. The Canterbury and Otago people were not themselves paying for their railroads and road. The people of Auckland were actually helping to pay for these im provements, which were producing the immense revenues of those provinces. (Hear.) In view of this iniquitous state of affaire it was the plain duty of him who was at the head of affairs not to perpetuate, but to do away with such an anomalous system. At the last sitting of the Canterbury Provincial Council the members had voted £1,100,000 for public works—a sum nearly equal to the.. whole revenue of the colony. It was much the same in Otago. "Was it not monstrous that these provinces were able to vote these |g large sums cut of revenue derived from i sources which, a3 he had shown, were really colonial and not provincial. Mr Rees then alluded to the disparity between the railway expenditure in the South and North Islands. 1 Otago alone was to have as much spent as the whole of the North Island, while Otago and Canterbury together, were to have spent more than the whole of the colony. Why W was that ? Why, becanse if the Government had the 32 votes of those provinces, and 8 more from Wellington, they could do pretty well what they liked. They could even place their creatures in the House as editors, of the different newspapers in the colony. He could count about seven of such editors. They had one in Auckland ; a very pretty specimen—.Mr Luckie (howls and groans.) These men} went down to the Assembly not to speak, they could not do that, but to do as they were bid, *to stay in the house, or to go out of it ; to pass resolutions, or to rescind them ; to send, if necessary, their awn children into slavery. (Renewed groans.) Mr Rees then alluded to the synopsis of'; colonial expenditure which appeared in the Star some few days ago. If they studied that they would see that great descrepancies existed. These were the figures which they would have to support if they allowed" Mr Vogel to carry his proposals. (We wont). ; Canterbury and Otago had money and1 to spare while the other provinces were in state of bankruptcy, and would be gate soon. If the promises of the Government had been kept this would not have been the case j but it was obvious that if the capita tion of £2 per head had been given this year, and if the interest of the debt had been paid, there would leave nothing for •* single civil servant of the Government, (hear). Even now it was almost impossible p proyide for the enormous interest on the loan: next year it would be still more difficult. At the end of the year after that the interest would be over one million of money, I and then the population of the colony would only have L4C0.000 to spend on themselves out ol | L 1,400.000 which they pay as annual revenue. Mr Rees next alluded to Mr y Vogel's early career,—to his electioß by City East when he could not find a constituency in the South. How had_no returned his constituents' confidence 1 Who had robbed them of their capitation grant! Julius Vogel. (Hear, hear.) Julius, if re port said what was true, had not done so badly out of Auokland himself. Herwa* l very fond of saying that he loves Auekl»a. [Mr. Mason : So he does.] Mr. Rees: Mr. xMasonsays "So he does." He knows, p« haps, that too much fondness is not good: that Judas betrayed his Master with » i kiss. The lecturer proceeded. At Mr. Vogel's door much of the present impover ished state of Auckland must be laid- -« Mr Vogel were to come again to try his lues in Auckland he (the speaker) would have great pleasure in opposing him. (Hear, heaiy >"" and loud applause.) Mr Vogel himself M« taken away the revenue of the province ana now twitted them with their poverty ana kept insulting them by offering a paltry £25,000 as a bone to a hungry dog. "BMM poor*- Aucklanders, give them somettunfr. They are very poor. No doubt it £■«;(; own fault, but give them something. A"^7>»" was his tone. Napoh?on hadT oneS tt or n plained of his soldiers" being boys. Heforgpc that the "bigger men were lying dead on w»

fHi vrsram' if Am,, wedms&ai, Atlrfltffltt 19, mm



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