SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WT.ER—This afternoon, 7.35; to-morrow mori. ng, 71 BTJN *EI This evening, 6.46. SUN KISE-To mo rrow moling, 6 1. MuON'S .GJfi—Full moon, 16th Inat, 0.21 a.m

ARRIVALS

Jrretty Jan. s s, Helander, irom Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

Eiainore, s^onp.r, f >r Tauranga •BheMng, irque, for Levuka Gh-de scloner. for Wangarei SovereigDf the se», cutter, for "Wangarei Fawn cuar, for Russell Maud, ciier, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For thfllmuh—Ladybird, Saturday, 18th instant; Hawe23rd For Hoinga-Queen, schooner. Friday 17th instant Foi Poa^.d Oregon—Flech to, st>io, «arly Poi Ldon— Rob na ''unl-p, barque, early For hat mga—Blanche schooner, early For thJOuSt— iSffie Meifcle, schooner, at onca

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Colums. barque, KVHK, from London ; sailed Bthnne EntiiEmpire, ship, from London City-i Auckland, ship, KMTE, from London; sailed 16ffune Whl Eagle, ship. QSGW, from London Oce/Mail. ship, W R Q 7. from London Jest*, barque, from New Yoik ; sailed 2nd June RojM, barque from Timaru ; suled 2ith ultimo V«r. barque, from Port Gamble ; sailed 14th May Fo't-Me-Not, b»rque, from Sydney, early "Wfam Gifford. barque, from Oamaru; sailed 7th L» K'ranklin, barque, from Melbourne jtant Lie rox. from New York; sailed 3rd July Aierst, brigantine, from Sydney, early Acs, schooner, from Mercury Bay, early B> s.s., from Sydney, 27th instant P)ce Alfred, barquentine, from Lyttelton, sailed >th instant Ajrmion, schooner, from Lyttelton ; sailed 14th inst Eih schooner, from Karotonga, early Oterbury, schooner, from Lyctelton, sailed 14th inst

•^~ A special charge is made for consignees' or supers' names inserted in thin column.

EXPORTS.

Per Hawea,_for Southern ports— 2 tons bar iron, 4 tie arms, 2 bundles spring?, 1 chaff-cutter, 2 weigh lidges. 3 cases hardware, I box tin, 2 cases glass 4 Lies woolpacks 1 case sheep-shears, 2 vases muntz letal, T. and S. Morrin.

Per Hawea for the South—3 bales leather, 1 pkge ardware, Ireland Bros.

Per Hawea, f'->r the Routh—9oo cases salmon, 700 leepers 1 barrel whiskey, 8 bales hops, S bales eather. 50 boxen cornflour, 219 cases and packages /undries, 20 crates onions, 12 ca?es fruit, 176 kits jysters.—Henderson and Macfarlane, agents.

Per Pretty Jane, for Gisborne and Napier—l 6 keg s nails. 4 dozen spades, 1 set harrows, 2 ploughs, 2 bundles shares, 3 cases axles, 1 case glass, 1 cask paint, 3 cases hardware, 7 colonial ovens, T. and 8. Morrin.

Per Pretty Jaue, for Gtsborne—2 bale 3 collars and 2 pkgs harness, James Wiseman.

Pilot Jimes returned from the Kaipara by the Riverhead boat this morning. The barque Director arrived stfely at Kaipara after a rough passage. A few finishing strokes haviDg yet to be dme to the new steamer Minnie Casey ste will take her fir.t trip in the Mhhurangi trade on Saturday. Mr John Ward, of Queen-street, has executed the painting and deco rating in a very superior style The barque Caba feidh, which has been on the hard during the last few days having her copper repaired, is advertised to leave for Newcastle on Saturday next. The A.S.P. Co.'s barque Albion is to sail this after noon for JLevuka with a cargo of coals and timber. After discharging her cargo she will remain as a store ship for the A.S.P. Co's steamers. Captain Penaal goes in command.

It will be seen by our telegrams published yester day that the s.s Hero arrived at Sydney on the 7th instant. Up to that date there is no announcement of the arrival at Newcastle of the brig Moa. It will be seen by our telegrams last night that the TJMon Shipping Company nave taken prompt mea sures to secure against any delay in consequennce of the accident to the Taupo. The steamer Bruce has been laid onto run from Port Chalmers to Wellington. She is to arrive at the latter port the same time as the Hawea, from the North, and there exchange pas sengers and mails, the Bruce returning to Port Chalmers, and the Hawea to lhe Manukau.

The aa. Hawea crossed the Manukhu bar, bound South, this morning. The following is a list of her pas sengers :—For Nelson— Messrs Ryan. J Gordon, J, Jones, A. Bioney, Mr and Mrs Walmsley, Messrs Patrick and Palmer for Wellington—J. Land Mrs Euxsull and two children, P Dillon, G. O'Halloran. Captain ffraser, Messrs Blnndell, Burchett, Auld, Mrs Richardson, Mr and Mrs Deering. Fir Lyitelton— W. Hughes, Mr and Mrs Bye, Mr Message Miss Mibin. KorOtago—O. Hansen. Mr and Mis Brown. Miß3 Graham, Mr and Mrs FlemiDg, C Pe«ce. W. W. Anderson. Auckland Football Team-G. Dunnett, F. bharland, H. Whitaker, H W. Henderson, Woon. Abrams, Carter, Pilling, Gudgeon. Burgers, Nolan, ICarl. Cussin, Ellis, Peacocke, Dacre, Niccol, and O, Rowley.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr. R. Arthur held, to-day, another of his important and successful fruit sales at his well-known auction mart in Queen-street. The fruit and jams were in excellent condition, being evidently packed with the usual care which is invariably bestowed upon goods received by Mr. Arthur, and which in consequence always brings good prices. The fruit, jams, and marma lade sold to-day were shipped by the Bella Mary at Hobart Town, and, as will be seen by the annexed quotations, realized good prices. Mr Arthur's shipments are regular, end his sales are looked forward to by the trade. There was a very numerous attend ance, and up to the time of going to press, following were the average prices :—French crabs, lfd. to 3|d.; scarlet pearmains, 3d. to 3|^.; £;oicea rassets, 4d.; stone pippinß, 2d. to 2fd.; Johnson's apples, 6d.; pears, 3frl.; Blenheim oranges, 3Jd ; Wilson's jams, 7s per dozen ; Holroyd and Kennedy's jams, 6s. lid. to 75.; tart fruit, 9a. 3d.; marmalade, 7s. to 7s. 6d.

PROPERTY OPPOSITE POST OFFICE.

Tenders will be received up to noon of Friday, 17th September, for a Lease of the property in Shonland street, opposite the Post Office, lately occupied as the Q.C.E. Hotel. New building mil be erected to suit the requirements of lessee Particulars on applica tion at Upton and Co. 's, Queen-street.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Schoolboy.—We have made it a rule not to insert letters referring to the subject of your communication. A Fallacy.—Pressure of space has so long delayed " Earnest's" letter tha^ the turn political events has taken has almost superceded it. We think, however, that no one will contend that the tyranny of a majority may not legitimately be resisted, and in some instances of special oppression even with physical force Great reforms have more frequently been effected through bloodshed than by peaceful agitation. Public opinion generally endorses our cor respondent's view that the enormous and reckless squandering of money by the Government during the last few years will bring a bitter reaction at no distant date. " J.C.'a" and other letters to the editor are unavoidably held over.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows . — For Thames, to-morrow at 11.30 am, and 6.30p m For Coronnndel tomorrow at 11.30 am For Whitianga, Tairua, Opotiki, Napier via Tauranga per Rowena, on Friuay at 4 p m For Gisborne and Napier, per Southern Cross, to-mor row at 2 p in For Taranaki. Southern Provinces, and Australian Co orjies. per Ladybird, on next at 8 a m For Mewcastle, per Cabarfeidh, on Saturday next at 6 am For Mahurangi, Matakana, Mangawai, Waipu, etc, per Lady Bo wen, on Saturday at 9 a m For Wanganui, per St Kilda, on Saturday next at Mails for Australian Colonies, India, China, Medi terranean Ports, Continent of Europe, and United Kingdom via Suez and Southampton and via Brindisi, will te made up, per i'hodbe, on Thurs day, 23rd inst. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

DEATH.

GAREETT.—On the 10th September, Betha Matilda Gai rett aged 1 year. The funeral will leave her parents' residence, Karangahape Road, to-morrow at -4 p.m.

MARRIAGE.

WANGFORD—PEARSON—On the 14th September, at the residence of the bride's father, Rokeby strcct, by the Rev James Wallis, Edward Walter "WangfoiVl eldest boh of William Wangford, West minster, London, to Matilda Francis Pearson, eldest U:iu<?hter of .Tame 3 Pearson, of this city — London and Dublin papers please copy.

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1875

F»r the cause thr.t lacks ussirtancu, For the wrong that heeds resiutunu *«r tha fmtura In the distant-*, Aad tlia B»ud thtn we c&u io.

The new member for Caversham made a brilliant debut in the Assembly, but we apprehend that immediate success will hardly attend hi 3 new departure for revolutionising the tenure of land. He has introduced for debate the resolutions (1) "That in the opinion of this House the most desirable and profitable may to dispose of the waste lands of the Cnown is by a leasing system." (2) " That the Government should during the recess prepare a bill to give effect to the above resolutions." And he has introduced the question in an able speech, which, though very far from exhausting the many argu. ments that have been adduced, and might be adduced, in support of the object, has ignored many reasons that will with many far out weigh his argumentations. For this question, new though it may be in New Zealand, is an old one. In these colonies Victoria has been the scene of its earnest discussion; and in any colony or distiict where huge extents of country are swallowed up by wealth and held by individual hands, ana where all the evils of large territorial inherit ances as known in old countries, give signs of being reproduced in these fair youog lands, a feeling must arise that the soil should be kept by the state in trust for the people. That the theory is held by many advanced thinkers is true ; but advanced thinkers do not always make allowance for the wickedness of human nature, as well as the many other snares and difficulties in the way, which are perhaps too mean and degrad ing to be within the notice of transcendental theorists. For instance, fancy all the people of New Zealand tenants at will, and the present Government the landlords ! We feel so oppressed at the present moment by the atmosphere of peace, that we care noc to pursue this subject further. But, to any one it will suggest itself that, as human nature and colonial politics are now consti tuted, it would not be wise to give so terri fic powers into the hands of any administra tion, as such a system would be-sure to place at times in improper hands during some of the various turnings of the whirligig of politics. It would be a pleasant sentiment, we admit, if every child born now, or at any time hereafter, were born to a share in such inheritance, instead of coming into the world, as thousands do in old countries, without the right to one inch of standing room within the whole coast line of the country, or the probability of ever acquiring it, But again, we think we speak the language of the heart of every Anglo- Saxon when we say, that there is a yearning jn every mind for the acquisition of one little spot of earth's surface, of which one may have absolute and undisputed and permanent pos session, and that it is this yearning that has drawn the hundreds of thousands of immi grants away round sixteen thousand miles of ocean; and that if New Zeaiand now entered on the exercise of the new theory of land tenure, her coasts would be in danger of being shunned for more hospitable lands. The sentiment may be a silly one, but it must be educated out of the heart, or it will prove stronger than the cold logic of the head.

We regret to learn that some over-sanguine people have prematurely anticipated the fi nancial millennium, and supposed that the Education Tax had vanished to the limbo of departed things. The announcement that negotiations had been opened for the paying of £3000 from the General to the Provincial Government for purposesof education, was accepted as an indication that our educa tional, system had entered on a new and

happier era. It is not pleasant to us to have to dispel the illusion. The circumstances of this proposed advance are these. The Educa tion rate amounts, if all collected, to something about £12,000; whereas the necessary ex penditure of the Board of Education for the support of all the schools in the province is at least £20,000. Heretofore, the rate has been largely supplemented by the Provincial Treasury, and as is manifest from the above, it must still be supplemented from some source, or the business of education must come abruptly to an end. It is not in ac cordance with the spirit of the hour to speak of the causes which have led to the impoverishment of the Provincial Exchequer. But it is a fact that the advance required cannot be made without assistance, and the £3,000 to be provided by the General Government, out of the three hundred thou s and a-year received from Auckland through the Customs during the year, is not a very extraordinary measure of justice to the pro vince. But unhappily it is not in substi tution for the Education rate, which still reg vires to be collected in full.

The settlement of the Abolition struggle is by no means the settlement of the difficul ties of the session. The actual operation of the bill dates, according to agreement, from the end of next session. Till that time its finance is suspended, necessitating a read justment of the Treasurer's balances. It is known of course that the finances of the provinces were mixed up and blended in those of the colony, and it is pretty evident that without this the colonial ledger could not have been made to balance. Whether this latter state ment is fact or not, the elimination of Pro vincial finance will necessitate an entire re casting of the Treasurer's accounts. And it will be interesting to watch whether the large " surplus," so positively shown as awaiting the "districts," will be available for distribution among the "provinces" in the meantime.

To the Editor : Sir,—l beg leave through the medium of your paper to ask our city analyst the following questions : Has rain water or river water any effect on lead pipes if constantly passing through them ? If it has, in what manner does the water act on the lead, and does the water become poisonous from the action ? By answering the above Mr Tunny will greatly oblige—Yours, <Sc, Ignorant.

The Maoris are scrupulous sticklers for etiquette and return a social meeting with a propriety that would astonish old Mrs. Grundy. The natives who entertained old Te Hira and others, at the great feast at Whakatiwai, Frith of Thames, have lately been enjoying themselves in return c ating Te Hira's pigs and swizzling his rum They then came down to Shortland on the journey homeward, but continued to prolong their carousals at their own expense in various pakeha hostelries. While so en gaged, an intimation was received of the death of two native chiefs at Ohioemuri, and the jovial party all turned round and went back to show their respect by joining in the lamentations at the tangi. The cry is to be on a scale hardly second to thatoverTaria Altogether oldTeHirastands a very good chance of being eaten out root and stump.

Since the establishment of the Government insurance department there has been paid on 61 policies falling in through death, the sum of £24.750, or an average of something over £400 per policy. As illustrating the development of the insurance fever under the stimulus of eloquent and determined agents, we notice' in thejlast report that 762 policies have been allowed to lapse. That depart ment has £105,300 to its credit invested in Treasury bills; the policies current amount to 5064, involving liabilities to the extent of £1,841,322.

William Hunois, a musician and rhymester, who was Chapel-master to Queen Elizabeth, died September IG, 1597. Hunnis was a popular song-writer of his time, but his doggerel would not be tolerated even by school boys in this age. The only composi tion of his that survived his memory, the "Last Will and Testament of William Hunnis, poet," is as destitute of poetry as Hunnis was destitute of property— To God my boul I do bequeath, Because it is His own, My body to be laid in grave Where, to my friends best known. Executors I will none make, Thereby great strife m.y grow; Because tho goods that I shall leave Will not pay all I owe. A public meeting was held at Mercer on Sunday last, after the service by the Rev. T. Norrie, to consider the question of providing for the religious and educational wants of the district. The Rev. Mr. Norrie occupied the chair, and stated that the district was now too large for him to attend to satisfactorily. -The Presbytery, therefore, intended to create a new district for Pokeno and neighbourhood. He had applied to the Government for a site for a Presbyterian Church, and hoped to receive a favourable answer. The subject of education was also one that demanded atten tion, as there were thirty children in the district. After some discussion, a committee consisting of Messrs. Weston, Hughes, Wells, Hoskins, and Ridler was appointed to en deavour to advance the objects referred;to.

A slightly mutilated bank-note was taken to one of the banks in Melbourne, but in consequence of the way in which it was torn, the teller demurred to changing it. The note was taken to the office of a tradesman near the bank in question, and, learning the cir cumstances, the latter at once displayed it in his window, with the intimation beneath that the bank had refused to cash it. It is almost unnecessary to add that the value of the note was almost immediately forth coming.

We have to acknowledge receipt of ss. for Mrs. Jan sen from a " friend."

There are 250 female students in the faculty of medicine and surgery of the St. Petersburg University.

The Wesleyans are to build a chapel in Rome. The plans have been selected and the site fixed. The structure will be a very handsome one.

An influential committee has been formed in Edinburgh, with a view to the foundation of a society to preserve and extend the beauties of the city and its neighbourhood.

Through the machinations of the enemy of man, and by the aid of one of his emis saries known as the Printer's Devil, the opening clauses of a leader in our issue of yesterday constituted nonsense. By the substitution of " recurrence" for "relations," and of "revenue" for "recurrence," some sentences were formed, the occult meaniDg of which might fairly be presented as a men tal puzzle for the development of the faculty of guessing.

A grand variety entertainment will be given on Monday evening next by Mr E. Clair and his talented troupe, in the Newton Hall, for the benefit of the widow and orphans of the late Mr T. Johnson, who are left in great distress. The programme will consist of three parts : the first, songs and dances ; the second, the golden-shoe dance and a variety of songs and recitations ; and the the third, the "Haunted House." This appears to be one of those frequently recurring cases which need assistance, and we trust the effort will meet with due patronage.

To the Editor : Sir, —In reference to the spelling bees, now bo common in Auckland, do you think ifc right that children should take part with adults, and then, if they happen to carry off the prize, make a boast of being able to beat them every time one of the older ones are seen. Last Saturday one was held in the Young Men's Rooms. A great many took part, and the spelling went on for some time very well. The word "aggtavate" was spelt wrong, as was 1 ' bosom " By the way these two spelt, I am sure it was mischief, especially the last, for before the party left tha platform it was corrected. I believe both parties were ashamed to compete with some so young there. If children are to take part on all occasions, spelling bees will soon be put an end to.—l am', etc., Fair Play.—[We think it very undesirable that boys and girls should be permitted to compete with adults, and a rule to that effect ought to be insisted upon at all " bees."—Ed. U. S.~\

We noticed a former issue of the Star the beautiful paintings of Mr Watkins, a local artist, who will make a name in New Zea land. Mr Watkins pictures of local scenery were drawn for last evening on the Art Union principle at the shop of Messrs Phil lipps and Son, Queen-street, which resulted as follows.—lst prize, 54, Mr Haig; 2nd prize, 30, Mr Haig ; 3rd prize, 58, Mr Haig; 4th prize, 38, Mr A. Devore; sth prize, 14, Mr S. Quartley ; 6th prize, 49, Mr H. E. Williams ; 7th prize, 69, Mr Aickin ; Bth prize, 39, Mr S. C. Hoyte ; 9tb prize, 3, Mr Haig. It will be noticed that Mr Haig took no less than four of the paintings.

Mr W. L. Bees will deliver a lecture this evening in connection with the Devonport Literary Society, North Shore. Tbe subject of the discourse will be " Modern Material ism," and will be given in the Trinity Church School-room.

Messrs Tonka and Co. announce a large sale of unredeemed pledges on Monday next, the 20th inst. The sale will consist of gold and silver watches, brooches, chains and jewellery ; also, a number of sewing machines and a large quantity of all kinds of wearing apparel, as described elsewhere.

The regular monthly meeting of the Prince of Wales Lodge of Freemasons, will be held this evening, in the Masonic Hotel, Princes street, at the hour of six o'clock. Banquet at eight.

The " Grand Soiree d'Ethiop" to be given by the Hobson Band Minstrels in aid of the Parnell Convent, takes places in the City Hall on Thursday evening next, 23rd Sep tember, and not the 26th, as erroneously stated in the advertisement in Tuesday's issue.

The "Spelling Bee" mania is about to break out in Parnell, and arrangements are being made in that district for one of these entertainments, which will shortly take place.

The prizes awarded by the judges in con nection with the recent Auckland Poultry Show, held in the Market, will be p*id to the fortunate exhibitors to-morrow (Friday) afternoon, between two and three o'clock, in the office of tho secretary, 41, Insurance Buildings.

The band of merry musicians, known as the Temperance Drum and Fife Band, will take a musical march round the city this evening under the eye of their leader. The minstrels will start from the Excelsior Hall, at half-past seven (the neat hall built by Mr Frederick Jeune, of Newton), and will take the route of Pitt, Hobson, Queen, and Short land-streets.

The Rev. W. Tinsley's lecture on "Scot land and her Sons " will be delivered this evening in the Primitive Methodist Church, Newmarket

Serious Accident

An accident of a somewhat serious nature occurred to a youth this morning in Queen street, but whose name we have not been able to ascertain. The youth was in charge of Captain Young's thorough-bred horse, "Templeton," when suddenly the horse took fright at something and commenced prancine and kicking. The young lad appeared a little frightened and was unable to control the animal and he was thrown with considerable violence to the ground, and before he could get upon his legs, he received a smart kick on his side. He was at once lifted from his perillous position and taken into Mr Belcher's shop, where he received kindly attention He was subsequently conveyed to the home of his friends in one of the 'buses of Mr Cook.

Funeral of the late Father Boibieux.

The funeral of Father Boibieux who died on Tuesday morning at the Presbytery, Wynd ham-street, took place this morning. A solemn requiem mass was held in the Cathedral Church of St. Patrick at 9 am. The service was performed by the Very Rev. Father Fynes, V.G., assisted by Father Walter Mc'Donald as .Deacon and Father O'Uwyer as sub-deacon. Father Hoyne acted as master of the ceremonies. There were also present in the sanctuary : Fathers O'Hara, Paul, Hallum, Chastagnon, Goulden, and Simpson. A few words of address were de livered by the celebrant in a very impresbive manner. Following on this, the Miserere was sung by the choir, who, under the leader ship of Miss Shanaghan, performed their part in the solemn ceremony with much • skill. The Cathedral, which was draped in mourning for the occasion, was crowded during the service, and it was evident, from the emotion exhibited by many of those present, that the deceased had gained a hold upon the affections of those with whom he had to do in life. Among the congregation were to be seen the orphan children and boarders of St. Mary's Insti tution. At the conclusion of the Mass, the usual obsequies were performed according to the Roman ritual. The procession to the grave was then formed at the Church door in the following order :— The Sanctuary Boys. The Clergy. The Hearse. The Domestics. Members of St. Francis Society. Members of the H.A.B.C.S. The General Public. About a thousand persons accompanied the procession. On arrival at the* cemetery the usual burial services were gone througd by the celebrant and the assisting clergy. Mr. D. OBrien, assisted by Mr. Hayward, conducted the funeral in a very efficient manner.

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

The comedy in three acts, written by Mr Gilbert, entitled "Pygmalion and Galatea," was the performance of last evening at the Theatre. The characters of the comedy are taken from the mythology of Ancient Greece, and is associated with a love story, in which the supposed sculptor, I"y malion (Mr Lawrence), marries Uynisca (Misa Morgan). His great work "Galatea" (Mias George) according to his prayer becomes animated with life, and her first feeling is the common one of love ; she finds herself full of warmest sentiments towards the sculptor which results in numberless disasters. The play in its completeness was well sustained. Mr Col lier as Lencippe, and Miss Rogers as Myrene, played their parts with much satisfaction, Mr. Sam Poole represented Chrysos, with much humdur, and Daphne was rendered truthfully by Miss Searle. The play pos sessed a a great deal of satire in relation to people and events of our own age. A lively extravaganza, "The Happy Man," closed a capital evening's entertainment. The beautiful comedy, founded on Greek story will be repeated this evening, and to-morrow evening, by special desire, there will be a

grand fashionable night and one of the fineesb of modern dramas introduced. Mr. De Lias is determined that no effort on his part shall be wanting to make the drama worthy the support and countenance of the citizens of Auckland. In consequence of thß im mense success of that eminent artiste, Mies Carry George, in the character of Margaret Elmore in?'' Lives Sacrifice, "Jand in obedience to repeated applications from citizens, the magnificent play of the "Lady of Lyons" will be performed to-morrow (Friday) even ing in which Miss George will appear as Pauline; Mr. Collier as Claude Melnotte, and Mr. Laurence as Colonel Dumas, sup ported by the whole strength of the com pany.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Colonel Nation, J.P.) A LITTLE GONE.

William Wylie, a bonnie Scot, who had but recently landed from his fatherland, was charged with being drunk. Prisoner said he took one or two nips and was overcome. He was a little gone. John Daniel, William Neeman, and David Power were charged with the same offence and ordered to pay the penalty of their liquid error, namely, sa. and costs. THE MELODIST OF CHANCEKY LANE. Mary Collins, an old lady, and a native of the Green Isle, but who has long been an inhabitant of Chancery lane, was charged with a repetition of her old offence. Mary said she must say that she was tight, but it was all owing to the brandy which s<he waß sure was adulterated as it affected her head so much, and, according to the constables evidence, caused her to sing one of her old songs ; it was an infirmity of hers, and she would become teetotal in future.

Fined 5s and costs

JUVENILE PRIZE ESSAYS.

An entertainment was given last evening in the large room of the Young Men's Chris tian Association which afforded much interest to a number of Juvenile Templarß and com petitors for the sewing machine to be given tor the best essay on " Alcoholic Drink as a Beverage." Mr. Ewingfcon, who occupied the chair, was to be the adjudicator. Twelve essays were sent in written by lads whose ages ranged from ten to fifteen years. The reading occupied about an hour, and the chairman experienced great difficulty in de ciphering Borne of the words. In many cases, also, the orthography and punctuation were entirely disregarded. It must be remembered that the writers were boys, and this effort may stimnlate them to a couraeof self-culture. Some of the essays were creditable, and one by a Templar of ten summers wrote largely of the domestic confusion caused by the drunken habits of pater familias, and pour trayed the father and the condition of his children in terms worthy a writer of years and great worldly experience. Another writer of twelve, gave a catalogue of diseases caused or increased by drink, such, as heart disease, or apoplexy,dropsy,rhuematics, bad eyes, brain diseases, corns and chil blains, and indeed all the ills to which fleeh is heir, numerous as those which Hollo ways pills are said to cure. At the conclusion, Mr Ewington intimated that he could not possibly say without some consideration which was the best essay, he should like to have a week to consider the essays. Mr. Brown, (a brother,) said that it was unreasonable to expect a gentleman to decide in so short a epace of time ; he could sympa thize with the adjudicator in his onerous position, and he would propose that the decision be adjourned for one week. Mr. Little McGinly, coincided with brother Brown's suggestion, and seconded the motion. Mr. Atkin hoped the matter would not be delayed for reasons which he explained. The chairman said that he would endeavour to give hitt dcision by the morning. Mr. Dennes then proceeded to exhibit his eeries of photogiaphic views of a tour through the United States of America, which were ex tremely pleasing, accompanied by a descrip tive account of the scenes as they passed before the audience. Next Thursday a "Spell ing Bee " entertainment will be held in the same place, when Mr. Dennes will give a five guinea sewing machine to the fortunate young lady who shall play the best piece upon the pianoforte, who has not had more than three years practice. A five guinea sewing machine will also be given to the best speller of the evening. Since the report was written, Mr. Ewington has carefully read the ten essays, and declared in favour of No 6 ; which was written by William John Geddis, a youth of fifteen, who has been for some eighteen month« employed as reader to the Evening Stak and is the active secretary of the Juvenile Pioneer Lodge of Templars. As the essay appears below with Mr. Ewington's letter thereon, readers will have the opportunity of judging of its peculiar merits which, even in a literary sense, are not inconsiderable. NUMBER SIX. " Total abstinence from alcoholic drinks as a beverage, if more faithfully observed, would be one of the greatest blessings with which a young country like New Zealand could be endowed, and I am sure that all those here to-night will fully concur in this opinion, if they do but look more closely into the effects which flow from this most pernicious custom of using strong drink aa a beverage in almost every station in life. The homes that have been wrecked, the hopes that have been blighted, and the families that have been ruined by this insidious yet powerlul agent of the devil, are beyond computation. Let us stop for a moment and look at a few of the things that alcoholic liquor does. It turns the fondest of husbands into brutes. It makes otherwise kind mothers leave their little children day after day without proper food or clothing, and in many cases, if it were not for the kindness of neighbours, to starvation. It fills our gaols, hospitals, and asylums- to overflowing, and it hinders the onward march of progress in every new country. If we could only form a faint esti mate of the extent to which the habit of using alcoholic liquors, not even as luxuries, but as stern necessities prevail, we would be both surprised and shocked. The statistics of the Liquor Traffic in Great Britain alone reveal the enormous power which it exercises over the British nation; a power more despotic and cruel than that of any tyrant the world has ever seen. Its baleful effects on the minds, bodies, and even bouls of its victims are great, and widespread. It is indeed a veritable Upas tree. The strange anomaly is thu3 presented to us, of a nation claiming to be the most enlightened on the face of the earth, groaning in the most abject submission under the yoke of this determined opponent of all that is virtuous, true, and ennobling. Strong drink is like the great maelstrom off the coast of Norway. Its victims are first impelled on ward by a scarcely perceptible motion which they fondly believe can be arrested at any moment they choose. By slight degrees the motion becomes accelerated, and they glide swiftly and surely towards destruction. This continues until at last, and when there is no hope left, the poor terrified wretches see their mistake, and, unable to rectify it, are plunged headlong into the vortex of ruin. So it is with the moderate drinker. He first indulges in a glass or two, at long intervals. In a short time the occasional glass grows into a habit, and he requires at least one every day. Aa time goes on the daily glass is found in sufficient, and two or three are required to allay the burning thirst that consumes him. By stages, which I need not here describe, the once-abstemious and healthy man descends to the level of a mere sot, who would almost give anything to obtain a glass of the fiery poison, and ends a miserable and aimless life by being carried to a drunkard's grave. The only cure, then, for this evil is ' Total Ab stinence ;' no half measures will do. We must, to use a vulgar though expressive saying, ' go the whole hog or none.'"

Since the award, it has transpired that t

writer of this essay ia William J. Geddis, aged fifteen years. Auckland, September 16, 1875.

Mr. Atktn : Dear Sir,—l have carefully considered the essays, and award the prize to No. 6, which is the best; but I must say I do not like the concluding line, which I consider a blemish on an otherwise good essay. Some of the papera were very good, especially Kos. 2, 3, and 4. If it were possible, I should like you to recognise in some way No. 2, which would certainly have taken a second prize if one had been at your disposal. - Yours faithfully,

F. G. Ewington.

SYDNEY METROPOLITAN HANDICAP

In Metropolitan Handicap the starters were Goldsborough, Kii-gsborough, Kingfisher, Lurline, Calumny, King of the West, lima, Sultan, Sunbeam, Bros, St. Heliers, King fisher went to the front with Sultan and Calumny, but at the trainer's stand, Eros took the lead ; at the turn, King of the West went to the front, but shortly gave way to Kingfisher, who, at the back of the course, led by two lengths ; at the bend Goldsborough ran into third place, and at the next turn was second. A splendid race ensued, Goldsborough winning by half a length Just behind the three first were Lurline, Sultan, Calumny, King of the West, lima, St Heliers and Sunbeam, in the order named.

PARLIAMENTARY.

rFROM OVM SPECIAL COURT!SPON f DJSNT.J

WELLINGTON.

This day.

The Compromise. Sir Donald McLean made a statement ot the terms of arrangement arrived at between Government and Opposition. The terms are as already telegraphed to you, that the bill shall pass this session, but shall not come into force until one day after the close of the first session of the new Parliament so that there will be ample opportunity for the mem bers elected during the recess to revewe or amend the measure. This is the beat con clusion that could be arrived at under the circumstances. The J> ative Minister bore testimony to the desie manifested by the Opposition to deal with the subject in a fair spirit, and to ex pedite the business of the country. lhe announcement was followed with cheer 3. Sir George Grey followed. As might be an ticipated, no compromise whatever would have been more pleasing to him, and he stated that he must place on record his dis sent from the conclusion arrived at by his colleagues, with whom on other points he was in entire accord. However, as the agree ment had been made he would state for him self and the Opposition that it would be faithfully carried out on their part. This announcement was received with cheers from all parts of the House. The Opposition will oppose any proposal to prevent the meetings of Provincial Councils meanwhile, and will probably be supported by a majority. A dinner to Sir George Grey by the members of his party is on the tapis. ) All are working together most cordially, and certainly embrace the leading ability of the House. Native Matters. Mr Sheehan brought up a motion for con sidering the native grievances which formed the subject of petition from the natives of the Thames. The subjects of complaiDt were the right of Maories to sit on juries and their reprfsentation in Parliament. The N ative Minister stated that the Go vernment were aware that these subjects had been the c&use of complaints by the Maoris which he considered were fostered by Euro peans. The question, he said, was too large a one for the Government to deal with that session, and it had, he thought, been met to a great extent by the Native Lands Act of 1873. In reply to Sir George Grey, he saia that when the Government had considered the question of Maorie3 sitting on juries they would announce their decision to the House. The Maori members Takamoana and Tairoa protested against this matter being left to the Government, and generally expressed their dissatisfaction with the way their fellow countrymen were being treated. Wi Katene supported the Government. The subject then dropped. Leasing Crown Lands- Mr. Stout made one of his best speeches in moving that the best mode of dealing with Crown lands was to lease them. He ear nestly advocated the importance of the Crown retaining possession of the land so as to prevent the possibility of buying up great tracts to the exclusion of population, instancing evictions in Scotland and Ireland in illustration of the evil working of the system of large freehold estates. He adduced the views of Mr John Stuart Mill, Professor Cairns, and Mr Macdonald in support of the ownership of the land being rested in the State, and argued against the theory that the abolition of freeholds would stunt agriculture in consequence of the indisposition to improve leased land, by pointing to the farming work done under the tenant system in the South lands of Scotland. He believed the system properly worked in New Zealand would ob viate taxation altogether. The pastoral leases alone, if let at a fair rental, which they were not at present, would yield a quarter -of- a - million sterling a - year. The other agricultural and pastoral lands of Otago would yield £150,000 per annum. The same principle applied throughout the colony, would give the Treasurer more money than he would know what to do with. In Can terbury, which was considered a model, province in respect of management of lands he knew several instances where men owned miles of territory in one block. He protested against creating in the country the evils which they hoped to leave behind when emigrating, but they were already beginning to create them. Why should the colony be expending millions of money for the creation of a capitalist class ? He only wished this matter to be brought before the people now, and hoped the next parliament would deal with it in order to obviate the ruinous tax ation now impending.

The Minister of Justice urged the withdrawal of the motion. He said the Government could not possibly deal with such a question that session if the resolution were passed. The great thinkers alluded to by Mr Stout were merely pioneers and it would not do to follow their untried theories. The desire to possess a piece of land brought many people these thousands of miles, and it was one of the strongest in stincts of human nature. He also thought it undesirable to remove from man the legiti mate objects of ambition, and to aim at an unattainable ideal level. They could not prevent owners of land reaping the benefit of Government expenditure any more than they could prevent one man reaping benefit from the labours of others in other directions. If the scheme propounded by Mr. Stout did result in filling the Treasury it could only do so at the expense of the people, and he thought it much more desirable to tax for state purposes. Mr. Bailance moved the adjournment of the debate, as the subject was a large and important one. Fish Reef. In reply to Mr. Steward, Mr. Eeynolds said the Government intended to erect a lighthouse at Moeraki so that vessels could take the bearings in thick weather and avoid Fish Resf. Returns- Mr. O'Neill obtained orders for returns giving the reports of the various Soards of Health, the quantity of coal imported, and the record of accidents. The Printing Debate Committee reported against the free printing of members speeches for newspapers.

The Legislative Council.

A disqualification question hag been • I in the Legislative Council by the Ho i? Mantell, who carried a motion that th<» tion of a member of the Legislature h ??■**" an honorary appointment in the Execnti 11* and receiving travelling expenses he rew!* to a Committee to decide whether such ment were not a breach of the DUqaalificatX,' The Premier introduced an amendment the Public Health Act, which was t&a second time. The Amending Bill .tatt! Highways Empowering Act was read second time and ordered to be committed *-

LAST NIGHT.

[Per Press Telegram Agency.]

Last evening's sitting was entirely ocoßnirf with private business. "" The Bankruptcy Act Amendment Bill * read a second time. V* Municipal Elections. A good deal of discussion took place ' Municipal Corporations Act AmendnJ!! Bill, especially on the clause which provide that no byc-iaw shall come into force dm; submitted to the Governor. This was n\ garded as an interference with the liberti of the people, who might safely be trusted to make their own by-laws without the it tervention of the Colonial Government, The clause ultimately was postponed. B

Mr Stout moved as an amendment in tha clause for election of Mayor, that burgees have one vote only, irrespective of whether they held property in other words or not j The amendment was carried by 25 to* 19 Mr Ballance moved the second reading jf the Municpal Corporations Loan Act.^ffe ' Bill provides for giving borrowing powers fa Municipal Corporations throughout the col ony, and protects the revenue of the colon* from any claims of creditors for Corporation loans. Major Atkinson signified that the Govern, ment approved of the Bill, and said thanks were due to the member for Eangitikei for bring, ing forward so useful a measure. It^ time that greater freedom should be allowed' to municipal bodies throughout the colony, and if the hoa. gentleman did not proceed beyond the second reading with his Bill, the Government would next session bring down a measure, consolidating the various Corpora, tions Act, and also embodying the main principle of that Bill. As the opinion of the House was strongly in favor of the hon member proceeding with his Bill this session without trusting to the Government ; the Bill was read a second time, and ordered to be committed on Wed nesday next. The House adjourned at 1.45.

TELEGRAPHIC.

GRAHAMSTOWN.

(From our own Correspondent.) Accident in the Manukau Ifiae- A serious accident occurred in the Minn kau mine last night to John McKee, who was tamping a shot, which exploded, throw him against the side, breaking his arm in two places, injuring the other and doing other injuries. Amputation was necessary. He is not expected to recover. He is a brother of the Rev. Mr. McEee, Pree byterian minister, late of the Thames. Mr. McEee was visited by the Eev Mr. Hill and a few friends this morning, but is still in a precarious condition. His arm will be amputated aa 2 o'clock. The doctors hold out little hope as they are afraid that he will fcink under the operation. He was married only a few months ago. Engines for the Challenger. Messrs if rice Bros, are casting their com pound engines for the Challenger at their Grahamstown foundry.

Mining News.

The Caledonia has 60 lbs. specimens.

The Queen of Beauty lodged 60 ozb. in addition to the 235 previously lodged, the result of the week's crushing at Bull's Battery. , n . The white Rose Tribute crashed 30 ton* for 17 dwts. Sale: Caledonians, £7; Red. Queen's, 2a.; Queen May, Us. ; Alax, 25., to 2s. 2d. Mr. William Howe's Promise. Mr. Eowe announces in the Advertuer that on his return from Tairua he will toka the opportunity of disproving the vile slander of th« Aucklaud Star regarding himßelf and the people of the Thames on the question of ' Abolition. '1 he Advertiser says the Inunor tal'ihree Tailorsof Teolej-street whoclaimed to represent the British nation were modesty itseif compared with the audacity of Mr. JfcUes' challenge. Starting the Tairua Battery. Tairua started its iirßt crashing mill yester day amidst great eciat. Messrs ov6'jf\ B. Jackson, Cochrane, Graham, and * host of others were oresent from the Thames and Auckland. Mr W. B. Jackson officiated U; priest on the occasion, aad sprinkled the sedactive champagne on the fly-wheel with unerring skill, as he pronounced the nam« "Tairua Pioneer Battery," by 'Jjch T machine will in future be known. "I* 0 son stated that this four-stamper battery would soon be Buperceded by one of grew power. Everything passed off satisfactorily. The machinery ran smoothly, and in ten? minutes shewed amalgam on the plates, wJ1 ~, it was stopped and an adjournment to luno* at JS eaves ville took place. ~ , A champagne luncheon was provided, an^ speeches followed. " The Tairua Battery.^ 1 • The Prospectors," •«Mining Intef ß"' " Directory," " Tairua Company, anaouier toasts were given. . _, Twety-rive tons from the Tairua mine will be put through at once^ an(*!r~ trial lots for the A jax and Britannia, inw dishes of stnff, broken off by the manager« the Tairua mine in the presence of Tislton» yielded 6£dwts. gold. , v A new area of thirty men's grounan" been pegged off by Wickham and •Uog*% in which a reef 20 feet thick, yielding g«» prospects, is exposed.

COROMANDEL.

(From our own Correspondent^ , Thia d*y«i ; The Manaia made a capital run from Auck land of 4J hours. Sir George Grey- , t<& The Mail leader on politics says: •. «* George Grey is too good a man for ™c °T pany he has got amongst. To use such » man's services in the present Parliament a like employing a parlour carpet-broom w clean up the back yard." Recurring^ jtf Julius togel, it Bays : "It ™°J d'?K colony, and save a lot of money, w.P™-^" an annual allowance to retrain at Home. A Crack Shot. .. . Tri^r Lieutenant Fenton, one or the *W*~£-.: competitors at the great rifle contest Dei* America and Ireland, and who carried off », cup offered by the members of a'llJ'. merly resided at Coromandel. *"* Pr^wj' are residing here. Fenton also too*- great prize at the Dudley, with » BCoro 44 out of a possible 50 at 1000 yards. ~vaj£ A tine schooner of 90 tonsgwilllbe ixasW* from Blackmore's yards on Saturday.. _/: William Smith, for obtaining, B°s^^ money from Mr Uncles, of the Mg» Hotel, was committed for trial. The prises made no defence. • „« to- The Union Beach have no specuneni day. The manager wUI be employe^ dead work during the remainder «jj week.

ALEXANDRA.

(Per Press Telegram "^^A KingiteNewa. A large meeting of natives is ■«*u?|»£l to Waitoma. Tawhiao is present w^ir arrange the future meetings.

THE EVENIJNG StAft. THUBSDaT^ETOcmbjbk 16 1875



"DAKGAINS! jDARGAINS! BARGAINS ! FOR TWO "WEEKS PEIOR T0 STOCK TAKING We shall offer the following lines at such a Sweepik g Reduction as to insure a CLEARANCE. "Ladies' Waterproof Cloaks, 8/6, 9/11, 10/6, 12/6. f» Do., 14/6; worth 30/ Tf Ladies' Cloth Jackets, 4/11, 6/9; worth 7/6 and 10/6 (J Laaies' Wincey Skirts, 3/11: worth 6/6 |-j Ladies' Trimmed Hats and Bonnets, 3/9 ; worth "^ 6/6 M 9-4 White Blankets, 8/6 pair; worth 12/6 10-4 Dark Grey do.. 10/6 pair; worth 15/ k* ■Winceys, /s£, worth /8; 30-inch wide, /9J, worth H 1/3 " O 6-4 All Wool Bob Roy and Shepherd Plaid, 2/6; worth 3/3 uj 3-4 Do. do., 1/SJ-; worth 1/11 q 38-inch Striped Homespun, for Skirts or Shirt- m ings, 1/3* m French Merinos, 1/9|; worth 2/6 R Norwich Dress Serge, /10J ; worth 1/3 << Waterproof Tweed, full width, 2/6; worth 4/6 Cls 94 Altiambra Quilts, 3/6 White Counterpanes, 4/6. ">-i CLOTHING. «U Men's Mackintosh Coats, 11/6; worth 17/6 fc> Men's Whitney Overcoats 27/6 „ 40/ £T Men's Inverness Capes 18/6 • „ 27/6 j Youths'lnverness Capes 11/6 „ 17/6 j Men's Pilot Coats 19/6 „ 25/ © Youths' Tweed Suits 21/ „ 27/ M Boys' Whitney Coats 7/ll „ 11/6 ■ Men's Heavy Milton Shirts 8/6 „ 11/ ffl Tweed for Boys'wear 1/11 „ 2/9 ** Come early and make your choice, as it is only the Balance of our Winter Stock we offer at Ruinous Prices !!! hcl^lowa"y"~& garli ok, G I T V HALL, 230 Queen-street, ■ Auckland. TIPBEATIVB SALE OF DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. A. LINABURY & CO. aving taken premises adjoining, having determined to effect a CLEARANCE SALE, To obviate the necessity of removal of Stock, which otherwise must necessarily suffer deterioration. The SALE will continue for ONE MONTH ONLY during which time no Reasonable Offer Refused! rheJßalance of the Stock will be SOLD by ATJCTI ON As LINABURY &JCO. are determined to open their New Premises with entirety New Importations of the most FASHIONABLE STYLE. A. LINABURY & 0 0., j& 224, QUEEN-STREET, E| Or.a Door above;Wellesley-street, H Auckland.



When Four Thousand Disinterested. Physicians certify to the excellence of an invigorative stimulant, sceptics as to eili acy— if thrre be any— mitfht as well retire to a "back seat." Such an in dorsement carries conviction to the mind of all rational persons. The above number of medical men have, over their own eignatures, most emphatically con firmed the popular verdict long since rendered in favor of TjDOLrno Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps.