SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Hl/Jri WATETt i Tbia evening 10.26 ; to morrow meming. 10 4G. SITU" SET : Thia evening, 4.46 ; BTTN BIBK: to morrow noornlntr 7 18 WOOTiTR AOK ■ Last quarter, 27th. 2.18 am

ARRIVALS.

Kowena, ?s, °ellars fmm Tiuranga Onwarri, o-liooner, Bn=hnfiU. ?rom Rus«pH SVnithern Cms*, s s, Jl-iK nzie, from Waibato (in the M»nu> au)

UNKNOWN

"Pndn'icV r hn, V> i?anti"«>, HTo c erzis, for Kaipara C'V.nist Bohno'er. fir- Ttnssell Wn"o»«i C.V'tpr friv Wa^l^roi ft Xi a a», f'»v Wa; g nui (fr m the Manukau)

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Pir "ijU Fnra or. tomorrow TVr w-e'linptnn - D:^o w VTs ea'iy For S*n " P!tl ,^,-, C( ,_wika-in. E.M. a a . 9th July Vnr 'lie - T»ra>mki, s s Saturday Po- th~ N'.-irth -T"n>, s «, Mnr<<tavs KorLondon Ferngi™. ship, early For Napier—Emily McLaren, barqtie.early • Tor the Cape— Shooting S*ar, baroue, early For Newcastle—Victory, brig, early

VESSELS EXPECTED

"Wellington, s s, from the South, 28th instant Mikado, ss, from Sydney, Bth July Agnes, schooDer, from T)unedin Acnes Jessie, schooner, from Oam am Victor, barquentine. from PortOamble, early Eosebud, schooner, from Dunedin, early YivM, barque, from Circular H>ad. early Ttyno, brigantine' from early Papna, snbooner, from Karotonga, early Syren, brig, from Sydney, early Martha, bwque, from he Ts'acds, early JSdith. schoo-er from the Islands, eirlv Forf*rsMre. HBfflP, ship, from London; sailed March 19 Flec'iero, ship from London ; sailed 13th April Lnttervorth, ship from London ; sail-d 10th April Pearl, schooner, from Tim<vm : Railed 11th iast Bella !« ary. barque, from Hobart Town Prince Alfred, barqnentine, from Lyttolton Vision, Viriij. from Alumbngh, ship, from London Carhbrook Castle ship, from Liverpool; sailed Columbus ship from London CUy of *iT)ckland, sliio, from London CharybdK schooner, 'mm the Navigators Kairl'e. schooner, from T.vtteUon. early Kenilworth, schooner frnm Noumea, parly "3ea Soray barqne. from Lyttelton ; sailed June 17 Queen of the South, barque, from LytteltOD, early Hero,.s s, frrm Sydney. 2nd July' Llewellyn, s.s.. from Sydney Eobina Dunlop, barque, from London ; Bailed 29th March

EXPORTS.

1$?~A special charge of on°. shilling ix mad/} for consignees' or shippers' names inserted «i this column.

Per Stnu, for Levuka: 500 packages merchandise, Stone Bros, (agents.)

A schooner is signalled as we go tn press,

The barque Emily McLaren is likely to sail for "Napier to-morrow afternoon. From Napier she will proceed to JNewcasrle from •which Vort, as at present arranged, she will go to China.

The cutter Fa.wn has cleared for Russell with a cargo of stores.

The auxiliary screw barquentine Emu cleai-ed out to-<lay, with a full trading cargo, for Levuka. She wa3 to sail this afternoon.

The brig Rio Loc;e, which has just been submitted to a scrapo on the GTirfiron. his been entered out •wards for Pagets Si-und. We understand that tho T>»rque Me<lnra expected shortly from the Soath, will follow to the !>arae port.

.The ss Rowrna arrived from Taurangalast night with 6 passengers and a quantity of cargo.

The b»*qne Ca.baifeidh wa« hauled into the stream yesterday. She clewed at the Customs today in ballast, and sails sail f :>r Kewcast'e immediately.

The briga'tine Roderick Dhu has sailed for Kajpara in ballast.

The brig Prairie arrived at Hobart Town on the 7th instant from Wangaroa. The run only occupied 11 days.

The barque Kuhinoor arrived at Melbourne on tbe 11th instant from Wangaroa. Her passage took 24 days.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Picton, this day.

The s.s. Ladybird arrived from Nelson at 7.55 yesterday evening, and left at midnight' for Wellington, WestWRT, this day. The Murray, with the San Francisco mail, arrived at ten p.m. yesterday. Wklli- gton-, tbis day. . The Ladybird arrived from Picton at six o'clock this morning. Gisbot?ne, this day. The s.s. Go-Ahead arrived from Auckland at two o'clock yesterday.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND. Mails will Close as follows . — For Thames, to-mono w.^at 5.30 p.m For Coromandel, per Manaia, to-morrow, at

11 30 * m. For Whiiiangia, T&irua, OpotiH, and Napier, via

Taurantja, per Kowena, to-morrox, at 3 pm For Wangttrui. etc, pac Sovereign of tho Seas, to morrow, at 1 pin For Mahumngi, Matakans, Mangawai, Waipu, &a,

per L-jdy Eowen, on riaturday next, at 9 am PerJ s.s. Taracaki, on Saturday, 2Gth inst, es follows:— For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 9 a m For TVranaki, Southern provinces, and Austra lian Colonies, at 10 a m For United Kir;gdom,via Suez and Southamp ton (for letters specially addressed), at 10 am for Uniied "Kingdom, via. Brim.'i.-i, and late letters for Southern provinces and iMelbourne, ai 10.15 am For registered letters, money orders, ?and newspapers, en Friday, 2Hh inst, at 5 p mj For Levuki, per Star of the oouth, on Monday, 2Sth

inst at 11 a m For Wangatei, etc, Russell, Wangaroa, and Mon gonui, per Ion». on Monday next, atipm police.—The Steamer Omto is expected to leave Dunedin diroot. at 1 p m on Friday, the 25th instant. Telegrams for the Australian Colonies or Europe via Java Cable, will bo received at this oflic« for trans mission to Dunedin up till 11 a m of tha 25th Inst. (Signed) S. B. BUS, Chief Postmaster.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Surveyors' Charges. — " Antediluvian's " letter should be verified by his name. It cannot otherwise be published.

BIRTH.

BREE.—At Gladstone, on the 9th instant, the wife of M. R Bree, Esq., of a daughter.

DEATHS.-

BREE.—-At Gladstone, on the 10th instant, Ida Bal neavis, the infant daughter of M. R. Bree, Esq. KILGOUR —On the 24th instant, at her father's residence, Newmarket, Isabella youngest daughter of James Kilgoiu-. Butcher, Newmarket. The funeral will leave to-morrow (Friday), at 1 pm. Friends are invited.

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 1875.

For thi cause that lacks assistance. For the wrong that needs lesibUac*, *»r the fmture in the distance, - JjU tb* nod that we cm to.

We direct attention to a thoroughly telling leader in last night's Wellington Post, which has been telegraphed to us entire. Coming so immediately after the recent experiences which we have had in Auck land, the position is very interesting. While we agree with almost all advanced by our spirited contemporary, we must take the liberty of thinking that the putting down the screw on Wellington is only a blind. Dr Pollen knows by this time of day perfectly well, that his action in that respect towards Auckland was ; illegal, and beyond his powers, but he would have it made believe that he was not showing special spitefulness to his own province, and to its Superintendent, with whom he had attempted a war of despatches, and been so miserably foiled. ,

We are extremely obliged, and so will our readers be, to Mr Turner, for hia valuable and interesting communication published in another column on the important subject of street railways. We confess that we had a fear as to the success of the system, if applied to Auckland, owing to the hilly character of the site of the city ; but the evidence of experience, as furnished by Mr Turner, gives a new aspect to the case. That difficulty of steep gradients overcome, ■there is not a word to urge against the system ; but altogether to the contrary, the initiation of such a cheap and convenient and even luxurious means of travel between

the city and the suburbs, would be hailed as the greatest of boons to both rich and poor in this city. The visit of Mr Turner is most opportune, and wq trust that this first draught of Yankee notions enjoyed through his visit, may be but a foretaste of other things to come. We devoutly believe that America should be the teacher of these colonies in everything pertaining to the social and economic requirements of young communi ties, and despite the sneers of the old fogies of the Press, who bristle up at our Yankee predilections, we believe the regeneration of New Zealand will come from over the Paciflc.

THE SCREW PUT DOWN ON WELLINGTON.

THE POST ON THE SITUATION,

(From our own Correspondent.)

BY TELEGRAM THIS DAY.

THE CASE- OF AUCKLAND.

In • its issue of last night, the Post, in a leader re the capitation, says : —"For some time past the people have been watch ing with amazement the proceßdints of the General Government, in trying to embarass the Provincial Government of Auckiand in every possible manner so as to reduce the province to a state of absolute beggary. In many quarters this action has been ascribed to motives of personal hostility towards Sir George Grey as Superintendent of Auckland. We believe a grave injustice has been done to the members of the General Government in ascribing such a motive to them ; their action has been based on a much deeper foundation ; it has been the legitimate development of a settled policy—one which we suppose they may fairly term;their colonial policy. The aim of this policy is to ruin certain Provincial Governments, and reduce certain provinces to such a state of destitu tion as to justify their being held up to the public gaze as dreadful examples. The pro cess is just to beggar the province by every possible means, and then abolish it because it won't do what it has been deprived of the means of doing. Inveniam viam auk faciam has long been the Premier's motto, and now no doubt under his suggestion the Ministry acting on it in this matter of abolition, not finding a way to justify the destruction of the provinces, they are doing their best to make one. Its proceedings in the case of Auckland have been regarded with amazement throughout the colony, and this feeling will certainly not be lessened when we announce that the same j)olicy is now being initiated in regard to Wellington.

THE POSITION OF WELLINGTON,

Heretofore it has been the custom of the Colonial Treasury to account to the pro vinces monthly for their share of the capitation allowance. Wellingtons never having been extravagant in borrowing, has always had a mouthiy balance of about £1000 coming to it out of the capitation grant. No return has been received, or payment made from the Colonial to the Provincial Treasury since March lust. Our Provincial authorities a few days ago, enquiring, as Artemus Ward would put it, why this was thus ? A reply was received that the Coloniul Treasury was making up charges against the province for interest on the Hutt railway line, and that these would absorb the whole capitation capital, and pro bably for May and June likewise. This is exactly a repetition of the little game played in the case of Auckland, but ifc is even more flagrantly unjust in the case of this pioviuce.

THE BUTT RAILWAY.

Our readers will understand why, when we relate the following facts : This eight miles of railway which was originally con* tracted for £39,010, but which through the gross mismanagement of the Public Works Department, cost £49,713, and is after all a mere toy railway was, when nearly completed, offered to the Provincial Government to work on certain terms, and these were at once accepted. Then the Minister of Public Works altered the terms, making them much harder ; but still the Provincial Government was willing to accept the responsibility of working the line. The General Government was evidently anxious to induce a refusal, but as they could nob get one, they thought it would be bettor to keep the line in their own hands until a second section was completed. The Provincial authorities assented, and the General Govern ment has worked, the line. . / PASSMORE SITS ON IT.

How they have done it Post readers know well. Our columns have fcee.med with complaints of its miemauageuoent. It has been conducted in such a manner as to drive business away and make the railway litfcle less than accessible. The Provincial .Government has remonstrated, the public has complained, the press has pro tested all in vain. The mismanagement has been so gross that more than once the opinion has found expression that it was intentional, and that the Government was above all things anxious that the line should not pay. This •seems now to have been really the case. The General Government was working it, as now appears at the cost of the province. The line waa opened on tbe 14th April, 1874, and for a year's working, a loss of £3000 at least , appears to have been made. "What cares the General Government ? The province has to pay, and enforcing payment by the stoppage of three months' capitation allowances gives a fresh turn of the screw, which it is desirable should be applied to the provinces, so as to reduce them to the condition of justifying their being swept away. YOU PAY, I SPEND ! We have heard Mr. Vogel latterly wax eloquent over the pernicious and false principle of« one government raising money for another to spend. Is it not, we ask, a more pernicious system and a more false species of finance, that* one Government and people, who have to pay the cost and bear the loss 4 .should he deprived of all control ? If the province had taken. ovter the railway and made a loss, then the deficiency would fairly have been its liability, but as the General Government insisted on continuing the line under its own control, surely it should have worked it at its own risks. Had the line been properly managed, with due regard to the wants and requirements of the public, and without Mr Passmore's inter ference, we believe it would have yielded a handsome profit instead of making a loss. Is it not a misuse of language to talk of the railway scheme being a colonial one after the present experience of it. If these rail ways are a part of the great colonial scheme of works, ought not the charges be borne by the colony and not by the provinces. If the railways are to be worked at a loss, how is the colony to meet its liabilities ? The only justification of our plunging into debt is that ' the money is being expended in re-productive works. The experience of Auckland and Wellington shews that the railways are be ing worked at a loss, and that interest on the cost has to come out of taxation. If this be the case, how is the colony ever to meet the interest on the enormous loans it has con tracted ? FISH AND FLESH. We have often alluded to the favoritism shewn to Hawkes' Bay. The Super intendent of that province has just ex plained-its financial condition and prospects, but we do not find that he included any liability to the colony for interest on the cost of the Hawkes Bay railways. Has not that province been served in the same way as Auckland and Wellington. It is scarcely

probable that the Hawkes Bay lines under Mr Passmore's control pay interest and working expenses any mora than do the Wellington and Auckland lines Mr Or mond, however, is a General Government supporter, and Sir George Grey and Mr Fitzherhert are not. The treatment which the provinces receive from the General Government depends, it stem?, very much on the side on which their representatives vote. Mr Ormond ia willing to be officially and provincially abolished. The high stomachs of Sir George Grey and Mr Fitz herhert revolt at such a proceeding, and accordingly a course of starvation must be enforced to bring them into astute proper for humiliation and abasement. This is the. way in which the colony is now governed. This ia the manner in which its affairs now are administered.

We have received a letter from a corres pondent signing himself as "Old Identity" making reference to Dr Pollen's former posi tion " as a brickmaker at the Whau" and being "invariably summoned before Captain Beckham by the boatmen he employed to bring the Jarjcfce to Auckland," But we cannot see how the discussion of the subject would be for edification. It would perhaps be more pertinent if our correspondent re ferred to the fact that the Colonial Secretary is on the list of defaulters in the matter of the Fducation rate, and that he would be brought before Captain Beckham along with the rest of the defaulters, if it was not a case of fish of one and flesh of another.

In another column appears a letter having reference to the now sufficiently notorious Engineer Militia corps in Waikato. We think our readers are pretty well sickened of this subject, and it is not our intention t* inflict any more letters on them referring to this arm of the service. The exposures already made have not been without effect, and we feel that wronsrs are not all righted in that department. The names mentioned in oar correspondent's letter we have taken the liberty of-^rasing, as it is not individuals but the system which condones these proceed ings thab deserves jpublic opprobrium. We believe that in connection wibh these matters we have done our share of public duty, and wo may fairly retire from their further dis-

cussion

Two inquests were held yesterday at the Whau Lunatic Aeylum before Dr. Goldsbro', Coroner ; the first on John Lewes, a labourer, admitted on the 24th March last, and the other on John Townsend, a baker, admitted on the 4th September of last year. The verdict in hoth cases was " Death from natural causes."

The second of the winter course of lectures in connection with the Young Men's Chris tian Association will bo fjiven to-morrow evening hy tho Rev. K. S. Hassard, Incum bent of St. Matthew's parish. The subject is ona of much intercut, namely, tho "Cus toms and Tr&riitions of Palestine." We may mention that the lecture will commence precisely at half-past seven, as on the last occasion a considerable disturbance was created by persons thumping into tho room after the commencement of the lecture.

The mid-winter distribution of prizes took plane last evening at Mrs Hammond's Pon sonby seminary, in tho presence of a number of ladies and •gentlemen. Some pretty pieces of music were effectively rendered by the pupil", and a duet elicited much com mendation. The siDgina: and drawing formed a leading feature, and a pair of large water oolor landscapes were greatly admired. Dancins was subsequently kept up until eleven o'clock, and every one present evinced tho kindliest feelings.

The £2000 required for the erection of a memorial .statue of T)r Livingstone in Glas gow have been subscribed in sums varying from 10s to £5, which was the maximum limit: A shooting match took place yesterday at Elleralie Gardens, which caused no little in terest. Owing to the unpropitious state of the weather the whole of the members did not put in an appeaVance, and it wi:s at first decided to postpone the match until Satur day. However, at the appointed time, two p m., five out of ten members, and a good number of visitors being on the ground, and plenty of birds being provided, a sweepstake was got up by the manager of the Gardens, five members at £1 each. The following is the score :— J. Young, 10111 — 4 ; Wm. Fereusnon, 10100-2 ; W. Wilson, 11100-. 3 ; E. Fergu sob, 001113; G. Smith, 01101 —3.

The Naval Brignde, Engineers, and Nos. 2 and 3 Companies will meet for monthly parade this evening in the Market, at half past seven o'clock.

The riddle which Mr. JWifcheford pro pounded in connection with his 3s. Oi. spades and the ten million loan has, by a printer's error, been made to read as if the spades were only ninepenny ones. On in spection of the spades wo can assure the public that ij: is surprising how they can be retailed at the price of 3s. 9d., which price should have appeared in the advertisement of the same.

The Rev. T. Norrie, Presbyterian Minister of Papakura and surrounding districts, is at present holding six services at different settlements on Sunday, commencing at Mercer at 8 a.m.

Sir George Grey, who is now at the Thames, on official business, was engaged yesterday consulting with gentlemen inte rested in mining matters relative to the required alterations in the Gold Mining Districts Act. The conference occupied three hours. His Honor also received de putations relative to the disputed block sa, awarded to Mr R. Graham, and his Honor promised attention to the claims of those who considered they had sustained loss in connec tion with the matter.

We have much pleasure in acknowledging receipt from Mr William Kirby, of the fol lowing amounts towards the Williamson's Testimonial Fund, as received by him from Mr Palmer, of Mahurangi:—Rev McKinney, Palmer, £2 2s ; Mr. F. Moet, M.P.0., £2 2s ; Mr. H. £2 2s; and Mr George Moore, £1 Is.

Mr D. W. Macffarlane, son of Mr Thomas Macffarlane, who returned to Auckland by the Shooting Star, has during his absence from the city studied the art of lithography in the leadiug Glasgow and London houses. He is now preparad to introduce into the city the new system of chalk and crayon sketching, and a , view of the Newmarket railway station, executed by this process, which has been shewn ua, is really excellent. We hope Mr Macffarlane will succeed in making the art. of which he is thoroughly master, generally popular in Auckland as an aid to business.

The Supreme Oourb this afternoon was occupied with a Nelson bankruptcy case re Bray Brothers. It may noc be generally known that bis Honor Mr Justice Gillies is discharging the office of judge for that pro vince as well as Auckland at present, in con sequence of the absence of Judge Richmond.

We notice among those who were present at.the installation of H.8..H. the Prince of Wales as Grand Master of Freemasons under the English Constitution the name of Brother Louis t>. Nathan, P.M., as representing the Waitemata Lodge of this city ; and that of Brother F. B. Whytehead as representing the Prince of Wales. Lodge, Auckland. As noticed in the letter of our London corres pondent we had made special arrangements for reporting this interesting ceremony, whch has created a stir not merely in Masonic circles, but throughout Europe. Our Master Mason's report has been duly received, but is too long for publication in the ordinary issue of the Star.' We shall therefore print it in our supplement on Satur day. Masons who desire to secure a number of copies will do well to leave orders at this office before Saturday.

The'half-yearly meeting of the Onehunga branch of the H. A.C.B. Society was held in St. Mary's Hall, Onehunga, on Monday, June 21st, 1875; when the following members were elected officers for the next sixmonths ; President, Bro John McMahon ; vice-Presi dent, Bro. John Farrell; Secretary, Bro. Charles Lucas; Warden, Bro. P. Paul; Treasurer, Bro. Antonie O'Caglan ; Guardian, Bro. John Davis. When the late President, Bro. Heenan, had passed to the chair of past-President, it was proposed and carried that the branch celebrate their anniversary by a soiree, to take place in the beginning of August. Several small accounts were passed and ordered to be paid.

Counterfeit sovereigns hare made their ap pearance aad tradesmen must therefore be cautious in dealing with those coins. One was phased on" MVssrs Fleming and Stevenson, of Onehunga, last night, and the fraud was not discovered till this morning. The coin was a very good coun terfeit, one side being the "exact counterpart of an ordinary sovereign, but on the other 'side, the word "Hanover" went right round the St. George and the draeon, and the lat ter had three heads. Counterfeiting has been attemp ed to a great extent in the South, and it looks as if the " smashers " had extended their enterprise to this pro vince.

The people of Onehnnga are to have a treat. Th-» Templar Fraternity there have induced Mr W. E. Turner, of San Francisco, to a<l dross a public meeting on Tuesday next in the Choral Hall. Besides besides being a thorough temperance man, Mr Turner has the reputation of being a most entertaining speaker. The price of admission is—nothing! Our advice to Onehunga friends is—go and hear him.

The concert by the young ladies of the High School (Mrs Shayle George) under the direction of Madame Moller will be held this evening. The programme promises many vocal, musical, and literary attractions, and the venture which is for a laudable purpose should meet with cordial tupport.

Additional Australian News

A MYSTERIOUS OCCURRENCE.

The Maryborough Standard states that an occurrence which took place at Alma formed the subject of an enquiry by Dr. Laidman and a jury on Friday, The inquest disclosed the following facts :—The deceased, a young girl of 14, named Ellen Heron, described as a fine child of healthy constitution, was play ine with her younger sister half - an - hour before her death, and went out of the house, leaving her sister in the bedroom with her mother. Ths former diroc'ly afterwards—a very little time having elapsed—opened the front door, nnd there saw, on the verandah, the deceased in a stooping position upon her kneos, with a strap under her throat, dead. The strap was loose under the girl's throat, but the latter bore a mark, evidently from the pressure of th* strap up>n it. Tho strap was suspended upon a nail upon one of the verandah p:sfs at the same height as the girl herself—s feet 4 inches. Deceased had her head in the loop, her back was towards the post, and the nail had be^n pulled down against the post. The evidence was given principally by the little sister, an intelligent child. It was proven, further, th<vt there had been no disturbance in the family, and deceased had not been subjected to re. roof. Dr. Julian had made a partial postmortem examination of tho body, bub had not arrived at the real cause of death, and under the circumstances the investigation ■was adjourned until one o'clock on Saturday. The Standard cives the following explanation of the child's death :-Deceased placed her h«ad in the bop on the strap, which turned or twisted and caused asphyxia. She then struggled, and in pulling on the strap ben* down the nail, but the strap not giving way she was found loose, her throat simply rest ing upon it ; but the mavk found by Dr. Julian shows that it must have pressed tiahtlv to cause death.

BURNING OF THE VICTORIA SUGAR

WORKS.

The following are the particulars of the destruction of the above works, by which i=; stited in last night's Star, New Zealand offices are serimislosera :—Shortly after balf past one o'clock this morninc (says Tuesday's Arqits) the Victoria Sugar Works, Sandridge, caught fire. The fire commenced in the top story, or loaf floor of what is known as the sngar-house, apart from, but connected with the factory. The goods stored in the house, hewever, were of such an inflammable character that the flames spread with almost", inconceivable rapi dity. They speedily enveloped the entire bmldinsr, and threw a lurid glare over the whole of Sandridge, Emerald-hill, and Mel bourne. In fact, the light from the flames was so great that in many parts of Sandridge it was easy to see to read in the streets. The Sandridge Brigade was on the spot and at work in a few minutes, and. it was quickly followed by the Melbourne and the various suburban bri gades. All their efforts were, however, unavailing to stop the fire. For an hour and a-balf after the fire commenced, the liquid suguv and spirit could bo seen flowing from the mats and other vessels, and feeding the flames, which roared around and over the whole of the work. All that the brigades could accomplish was to prevent the spread of the conflagration to the adjoining build ings, and great efforts had to be made to secure them, as the wind carried and scattered masses of burning material for hundreds of yards. About 150 persons will be thrown out of employment by the sad occurrence. It is expected that sugar will advance £3 a to^n in consequence of the large quantity destroyed.

THE WAIKATO ENGINEER CORPS AGAIN.

(To the Editor of the Evening Stab.) Sir, —As the Press has already laid bare to the public the peculations committed by Go vernment officers of the Waikato Engineer Militia, I beg to illustrate in a brief manner the rowdy conduct of another officer of the same corps. Whilst serving as a sapper in No. 1 Company last year, I and two com rades had the misfortune to unwittingly offend by neslectipg to salute him when passing, owing to. the dimness of light, the time, being long after sunset. This officer, being mounted, suddenly wheeled about, ordered us to halt, turn about, and march up and down the highway, saluting him each time of repassing him—he using threatening and bullying language the while. I was considering whether or not to decamp and le,ave him, as our persecutor was un mistakeably drunk, wheu suddenly an escort appeared from a turn in the road, who were taking a sapper to jail by this officer's orders, for having exposed his person. The gallant at once ordered the serjeant of the escort to make us prisoners, one of my two comrades made his escape, the other and myself submitted to capture, and were marched to camp and given over to our im mediate commanding officer who on learning the facts of the, case released us. I was naturally somewhat riled and complained to my officer formally in writing of such treat ment, who in a few minutes attended me with my report in his hand, and told me he had no doubt of the truth of the same as lie had just turned

out of his quarters for dis graceful conduct; viz., the same offence as the sapper sentenced to gaol. As I received no acknowledgement from I reported the matter to the Defence Depart ment, who sent to enquire into the charge, and which he did in a yery satisfactory manner to the accused, by in forming the witnesses that they need, not tell

anything, or answer any questions unless they thought fit. The witnesses saw at once that the least said the soonest mended, but never theless what they did say proved my asser tion that was both rowdy and, drunk on the night in question. As is usually the case the affair was hushed up, and the accused still holds his position in the corps. —I am, &c, Peter Fawcbtt, late sapper E.V.M.

CURE GOLD MINING COMPANY (LIMITED).

The half-yearly meeting of the shareholders of the above company was held to-day at noon Present-Messrs Williamson (chair), Ruddock, Bawliuson, Frater, Wilson, Newman, Hill, Tisdall, Alexander, Maude, Clarke, and Howard. The minutes of the previous meeting were r ad and confirmed. The report for the half-year ending 14th June, 1875, was read as follows :—" The iirectors have great satisfaction in present in<> to you on this occasion a far more favor able balance-sheet than they have been enabled to do at any time during the past two years. Although a small deficiency of a little over £60 is shewn, the company had on hand two or three days after, broken down and ready ior crushing, nearly 2001bs. of Rpeoimens and picked'at me besides about 100 tons of general stuff, the whole of wn,2 n may saiely be valued as worth £550, leaving the company, after paying the deficiency, crushing, and all other expenses, with about £400 to the good. For full particulars con cerning the mine the directors refer you to the accompanying leport from the mine manager, Mr. T. H. Crawford. The direc tors recommend the usual honorarium of £.-50 for the ensuing half-year. One director, Mr J A Fryer, whose term of office expires by rotation, offers himself for re-election. An auditor has also to be appointed.—For the Board of Directors, George Williamson, Chairman." The mine manager's report spoke most favorably of the lode now in hand, from which the two recent rich crnahings were obtained. He states :—" The stone from this lode is improving in quality, and from the show of gold I expect our next crushing to be very much better. We have already be tween 90 and 100 tons of quartz on hand, besides l.SOibs of specimen?, aod the shew in the face has materially improved. JNegotia^ tions with the Tararu battery for 20 head of stampers are proceeding, and the company will be able to keep that force going. The Profit and Loss account shewed :— Dr.-To balance, £1.390 14s 5d ; wages and contract labour, £1,258 19a 2d ; timber, £20 9.< Gd • license reni;, £12; purveys, &c,, £1/ 12s 8d ; miscellaneous, • £28 2s ; wi.ndingr cartinp, and crushing, £455 5s lid ; pump ing, £C 8 ; books, stationery, stamps, adver tising pricing- and telegrams, £16 los 9A ; materials, tools, candles, powder, fuse, iron mongery, and blacksmith, £157 5s 5d ; hono rarium, £30 ; calls on unallotted shares, £9 4.. Total. £3.4159 8s lOd. Cr.-By pro ceeds tailii gs, £65 Is 2d ; proceeds SBooz3. Odwts goln, £2 345 10s 3d ; amount added to value oF mine, £985 13a ; balance, £63 4s sd. Tobal, £3,459 8s 10d:~ (Signed) Robert H >bke, Secretary. The itporbs nl balance-sheet were adopted &s read. Lin the motion of Mr Newman, seconde-i by Mr Pjatger, it was resolved. "TbatMr J. A. Fi yer be re-elected a director of this company." .. Mr Ruddock proposed, and Mr Mill seconded, "That Mr John Bateer bo je elected auditor for the coming half-year." - Carried. A vote of thanks Jto the chairman closed the proceedings.

POLICE COURT.-THIS DAY.

(Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., K.M.) LT/NATED.

Isaac Bryant, alias " Ikey the shoe black," a man of small stature, well-known in the purlieus of Chancery Lane, was brought up on a charge of being drank last night, and incapable of keeping his small boriy in an erect position. Ikey said he was formerly the original shoeblack of the city, but had for some time retired from that lucrative calling, which had received the patronage of my Lord Shaftsbury, and he had since taken up his abode in Vernlum, or Bacon's Alley. Last night be went out for a walk and got drunk. The Court ordered that Isaac should pay 103. aud costs, or retire for 48 hours. ELIZA. Eliza McGinn, was charged with being drunk and disorderly ; also with being a rogue and vagabond. Eliza said she wa3 an orful drunkard, but she was not a rogue nor yet a vagabond ; she was the wife of her husband, who was well able to keep her. Mr Broham. said there were sixty-one convictions against Eliza. Prisoner : Oh Lord ! Mr Broham, don't trouble about that; Captain Beckham don't want my character. His Worship : You must go to prison for seven days, Prisoner : The Lord bless your Worship ; and may you reign for ever. ALLEGED BREACH OV BY-LAWS. John Harker again appeared in answer to a summons at the instance of the Auckland Improvement Commissioners for committing a breach, of the by-law in removing a portion of the Drill-shed within the boundaries of the Commissioners' property. Mr. Lusk appeared for the Commissioners, and Mr. Brookfield for defendant. Mr Brookfield denied the right of Mr Stevenson to lay such an information on the part of a public body. A great deal of discussion followed on this point, when his Worship ruled that it would not be right to proceed on the present infor mation, which should be laid in the name of the Commissioners as a corporate body ; there was clearly a difficulty in the way. Mr Lus'n. considered that under the circum stances he wonld act upon his Worship's sug gestion and withdraw the information. The matter of costs was allowed to stand over. A Notorious Busbar- J^mes Dunne, a notorious character, was brought up on five charges of burglary. Ist. With forcibly entering the house of Charles Boyce, on the 22nd May, and stealing there from, brooches, workbox, earrings, and other property, value £5 ss. 2. With entering the dwelling house of Chailes Mack, on the 22rd May and stealing a silver watch and charm, and other articles, value £10 16a 3. With breaking and entering the dwelling house of Annie McKenzie on the 16th May, and stealing therefrom, one gold watch, value £10 10s. 4. With stealing from the house of Rebecca Gratten, on the llfch May, a quantity of wearing apparel, valus £23 9s ; and s,—with, breaking into the dwelling house of George Scorgie, and stealing a pair of trousers, value 15s, the property of Angus McGuiness, on the 7feh June. The prisoner, who pleaded not guilty, was remanded until to-morrow. ILLEGALLY PAWNING A. WATCH. Frederick Charles Hinckley, a young man from Wairoa, was brought up on a charge of illegally pawning a watch, value £5, the property of John IT. Speer, with intent to defraud, on the 9bh inst. Mr Broham asked for a remand until Fri day week, as the witnesses could, not reach, the city before that date. His Worship expressed surprise that the case should be brought here, as these crimes should be investigated in the districts where committed. Mr Broham said this was an exceptional case, as there was no court in the neighbour hood sitting oftener than once a fortnight. Remanded accordingly. This was all the businea.

Street Tramway.

TO THE EDITORS OB1 THE e/eNIKG STAR.

PRELIMINARY EXPLANATION. Dkar Sirs,— Permit me a few lines in your columns to explain my connection with what you very properly term a "Star Chamber" investigation- (I like that term " Star Chamber," as we say " it means a heap.") It appears some of your Council men knew that for years past I had resided in San Francisco, taking some part in public affairs there, and consequently interviewed me on my know ledge of street railways with us. After giving them all the information I coutd, I was asked if I had any objections to meet

the Council a3 a body and give them wh.it information I could on the subject. Inter-

viewing being quite an institution with us, of course I consented, and, in response to a

very kind invitation from your very courteous Town Clerk, at 3 p.m., last Tuesday, I was on hand at the Council Chambers, ready for

any infliction, even though it were street railways. One of the members, evidently sympathising with my forlorn appearance, very considerately suggested the propriety of those irrepressible public tormentors (re porters) withdrawing. (I assure you that was the only reason for that most extraor dinary course ; if there was any other reason my innocent heart could not for a moment comprehend it). The hint being given, it was taker, oh, so quickly ; for I never saw young men so agile in my life, and imme diately the back of the last of those dreaded beings disappeared round the door, we began. (By the way,l heard that they adjourned into the Mayor's room, and completely nsed up all that worthy's liquid refreshments.)

STREET TRAMWAYS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

I was asked if we had street tramways in San Francisco ? What streets they ran on, how they were laid, the speed the cars travelled at, the kind of car used and what they carried, the distance they ran, the price charged, the restrictions they were under, the concessions granted, their effect oa city and country property, the grade they travelled on and many other questions. I simply told them we had no tramways in the cifcy—they were regular street railways, laid down in the middle of the streets—steel T rail being exclusively used, generally double lines, the rails being wide enough apart to allow an ordinary wagon to travel between, and laid flush with the street so as not to impede ordinary wagon travel, that they were laid on nearly every main street in San Francisco, more especially on thoße most frequeDted by pedestrians, and those mostly occupied by retail stores, that the main and indeed the only object being the affording suburban people an easy and rapid transit to the city, and city people vice versa, no lines are allowed in the city unless they ran a long distance into the suburbs,. that the distances vary from four to fifteen miles, the price being uniform, five cents on all lines.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE CARS, SPEED,

ETC. -

Now, on all the lines, the cars used wero of a light construction ; six men could lift them, capable of carrying twelve to sixteen passengers, drawn by one horse at a rate of from six to eight miles an hour. No shafts or pole used, but simply traces, and so arranged that in a second the' driver can dis connect horse from car, and at the same time put on the breaks, that a car can by use of a patent break now used there be stopped in a space not to exceed six feet, even going down a bill, that fhe breaks are so arranged tha* in a second the wheels are lifted bodily from the track, <md the car is supported by a long boot which fits on the rail, thus ensuring stoppage instantaneously, and precluding the possi bility of any collision. That in ten years not five accidents from street cars had hap pened in San Francisco, though there were upwards of three hundred used m the city. The cars are continually on the move, stop ping only to enable passengers to get in or out, which is vtfry easily accomplished from the fact that the car is onjy about nfteen inches from the ground, and one step is mc-dj making it but two steps to get into a car, each step about eight inches high. BENEFITS AKISING FROM

TRAMWAYS

They are looked upon with us as a great benefit, increasing retail business in the city from ■ thirty to fifty per cent from the fact that the amount of travelling between city and suburbs is in creased a thousand-fold, and whilst, to a certain extent, city traffic may be and is discommoded sometimes, the great benefits received and enjoyed, by city tradespeople, &c, completely overshadow such inconve niences. AUCKLAND HILLS" NO OBSTACLE. As to ascending and descending hills, I simply said that, compared with San Fran cisco, Auchland was a very level place, and you had no hills here as steep as soma hills there now traversed by a street railway. I was asked how the cars were got around corners of streets ? I replied, in the same manner as they went along, the streets-on their wheels ; but then you see, sir, the hon. member was only poking fun at me. Of couree our City Council, or supervisors, as we call them, not having been advanced far ,enough in legislation as to understand the art of spending the people's money in paying large salaries to a few favoured individuals, to carry on undertakings "and make experiments that belong only to private enterprise, I could only say, in reply to a question, that the city Corporation never dabbled in street railways, water, gas, or any such business, but left all that to the private business enterprise of her citizens, but at the same time gave every facility and proper inducement to encourage such en terprise. For instance, she gave the exclusive franchise to run a railway over certain streets and between certain points for, say 20 or £> years, and protected such enterprise by serviceable and just legislation; at the same time bound all such companies to a strict performance of their contract, and the observance of all prerequisites re quired by the city authorities.

WILL THEY PAY ?

Our experience has uniformly been that wherever any line of street cars run into the , suburbs, property increased in value at a great rate, and the reasons are obvious ; for among others the fact that easy, quick, and cheap transit enable thousands to own and occupy their little homes in the suburbs, that without the cars could not do so under any circumstances whatever. Of course the oars are used for passengers ODly, no freight being allowed on them. Whether they will pay here is another question, best, answered by your own enterprising men;. but that they pay in San Francisco im merjsely is a universally acknowledged fact, and whilst it may be said that we have some 200,000 inhabitants in San Fran cisco it must not be forgot that we have to-day over twenty paying lines of cars in that city, whereas oae is sufficient here, ■ and ours run every two to five minutes, thereby requiring an increased number of horses, men, and rolling-stock, whilst yours, if run every fifteen or twenty miuutes, would be all-sufficient for the time being. The fact is, in San Francisco, street-cars are .looked on as^ the greatest blessing we have; and the cry is. It and always has been, the more the merrtf so much so that one portion of the suburlj although having one line -of cars running % to the" city (takiDg some thirty minutea^v' make the trip), the property owners raisefl and paid over to another company, wllO offered to make the trip in fifteen minutes, the sum of $80,000 aa a subsidy, besides giv ing the Company a franchise for thirty years. I refer to the Clay-street line. kV

•Mtt ifIHITO ftf Aft,;|THURSP&ff. JUNE 24 ittT



QLSOE'S rpOMATO QJATJCE. The undersigned having Purchased from Mr. H. Olson the RECIPE of his CELEBRATED SAUCE, together with the Goodwill of his Business, beg to solicit a continuance of the Public Favour. , The Sauce may be depended upon as perfectly Pure, and free from Adulteration. It creates appe tite and promotes digestion, and as none but the best and most wholesome ingredients are used, it cannot but merit a continuance of the high favour it has already attained in public estimation. RICHARD GARLICK & CO. THE COLONIAL BANK OE NEW ZEALAND. Capital, £2,000,000; Subscribed Capital, £850,000. A Branoh of this Bank, for the conduct of General Banking Business, will be opened on or about TUESDAY, the 20th July, in the premises Queen street, next the Insurance Buildings, and lately occupied by the National Bank —J. T "WARREN, Branch Inspector.—Auckland, 21at June, 1875. •Pr o t i c c. BOUGHT AT AUCTION, AND TO BE SOLD CHEAP FOR CASH. 9x4 "White Blankets, 12/6 $ pair 9x4 White Blankets, 13/6 $ pair Blue Blankets, from 11/6 39 pair Men's Waterproof Coats, much below regular value &0., &c. Also, To our order, airect from the Manufacturers, ex Emily McLaren— 10 x 4 and 11 x 4 White Blankets 12 x 4 Extra Superfine Blankets (i 3x. 90, and.7o x 90, Reversible Rugs, Flannels Sheetings, *c. All Wool Flannels at 1/2 $ yard White and Grey Calicoes very cheap &c, &c. BARGAINS IN GIRLS' AND WOMEN'S WATERPROOF MANTLES. Girls' from 4/ Ladies' from 6/11, much below usualppries. And a complete and well-assorted Stock in every Department. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, [Late R. Hobbs], JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel, • ' Upper Qttbek-strebt, Auckland. ■XT O ••: I I " C E. Our Coach will leave Auckland for Hamilton as usual at 6 a m. on Monday, and take on pasnengers from the Train at Merrer, and on and after Wednes day, May 26. a daily Coach will leave Mercer (im mediately on the arrival of the Train at Mercer) for Hamilton. A daily Coach will also leave Hamilton for Mercer, arriving in time for the last train for Auckland, , Parcels addressed toonr care at Mercer will be dellveied to all parts of the Waikato", and Freight oollected on delivery. ' C. a. QUIOK, Proprietor; H. MOFFLIN, Manager.



To-Morrow



NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY NEW ZEALAND. CM PIT All £1,000,000 RESERVE FUND w £30,000 With unlimited Liability of Shareholders. Insurances effected against Loss by Fire; and on Hulls for the voyage or time; also on Merchandise and Freight by Steamer and Sailing Vessel. Wool covered against all risks from Sheep's back, or from Wool shed, till delivered in London. LOWEST CH RRENT BATES. Liberal Terms, and Prompt Settlement of Losses, characteristic features of tlie Company. HENRY E. WILLIAMS, Manager. Office: 25, Queen-street. TTT EAR-RE SI STING FABRIC BOYS' AND YOUTHS' CLOTHING. . A. LINABURY & CO. Have just opened up {a largo quantity of Ee»l Home Spun Melton cilotUs, specially adapted for L<oys' and Youths' Clothing, Double Wiach (ne»rly Two yards wide), 3s 6d 3 3s lid, and 4s 6d PER YARD FIFTY DOZE.N PAIRS ftp PERIOR KID GLOVES. In all the&leadlng colors, ONLY Is lid PER PAIR. SPECIAL. WE ARE DAILY OPENING UP CHEAP AND FIRST-CLASS GOODS. JUST TO HAND— 9x4 White Blankets, 10s fid, a bargain Good White Blankets, 13s Gd a pair Grey do, 7s lid; largo size, 10s i)d Toilet Quilts, 4s lid and 5s Gd; large size, Cs lid 7-2-iDch Croydon Sheeting, Is Id Wool Crimean Shirting. Is 2d Wincey Skirts from 3s lid, good value Ladies' Cloth Jackets, 4s lid; handsomely trimmed, 8s Gd Large tot of Ladies' Silk Umbrellas from 4s lid Anti-Bhenmatic Flannel, good, Is 4d Imitation Welsh Flannel, IOJd 50 pieces Fancy Dress Goods, @ 7s Gd dress of 12 yards Trimmed Hats from 3s lid Tapy Carpets from 3s per yard Coir Door Mats from 3s Gd • Ladies' and Children's Undercldthing in the Now Show Room HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, Drapery, Clothing, and Fctrnistitno House, CITY HALL, 230, Queen-street. Auckland.



The Little Cells imbedded in the lining of the stomach exude an acid fluid essential to diges tion When these cells become abnormally excited, they pour forth an excess of this fluid, producing acidity of the stomach and the stinging sensation called heartburn. This cause of indigestion, as well as itß consequences—flatulence and biliousness, is speedily obviated by the tranquilizing influence upon the nerves of the stomach of Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Abomatio Schnapps.



Evening:



Hunted



Down:



Benefit



May



Howard.