SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

Taupo, ss, Macfarlßpe, from the Soutti Kirt, brigantine, McKenzie, from Lyttelton Trevelyan Family, brigantine, from Dunedin Southern Cross, ss(ASP Co), trom Napier Fiery Cross, schooner, frcro Manukau) Opotiki, schooner, from Mercury Bay

DEPARTURES.

soutnern CT 1 0SS > hs, Braund, for New Caledonia (from the Mwnukau*, Pwtty Jane, ?s> f or Gishorne and Napier 00-abead, sr Jt Austin, for Waitara and New Plymouth

T HE NORTH SHORE FERRY COMPANY.

TRIAL TRIP OF THE PS. TAINTJI.

■The trial trip ofthenewp.s. Tainni, belonging to ■the North s^hote Kerry « ompany, which came off in the harbour je terday afternoon, was in every respect satisfactory The engines worked well, and deve loped a speed of quite nine knots over the measured mile We must corgratulate the builder, Mr T. Nlccol, upon his skill In constructing, and the Company on their good fortune in posset sing such a useful and valuable steamer —their fourth, on a paid up capital of only £5000. We should, mention that the internal arrangements of the boat have been designed by Mr w. BnchanaD, \?no also generally superintended the construction, of the vessel. The painting and graining wotk b.as been done most effi ciently by Mr D. Boss, wbVie the upholstery is beinir attended to by Mr Ray*" ood. The company on board yesterdiy consisted w Hessre J. Hay, W. Buchanan, M. Mccol, W. Q. Kissling (directors). Mr Heath (manager), his Worship the Mayor (B. Tonfes, Esq ) Jffexsrs Rfßkvnge, G. S. Kiasling. W. Lodder, T. Biccol. J. Eeid, Sibbin, J. M. McDonald, Brewer, "W. Humphries, George Henderson, and Captains Casey and Rattray. After running the measured mile, an adjournment was made to the cabin, where a liberal champagne luncheon was prepared, to which good justice was done. Mr J. Hay, Chairman of the ■directors, presided over the feast, following upon whirii came the usual complimentary toasts, his "Wor ship the Mayor proposing the principal toast, namely —" Success to the Tainui and the North Shore .Ferry Company," in very eloquent terms. "The Builders,""Mr W. Buchanan," "Sister Steam Com panies," "The Press." followed in succession, and were duly honored and responded to. Captain Casey, in;the course of his remarks, in response to the "Sister Companies," made a very valuable suggestion which was that floating landing stages, should be brought into use in our harbour, so that the landing of passengers could be effected without the steep ascent or descent caused by the fluctuations of the tides. The party returned to town about half-past five, well pleased with their trip.

The Sappho steamed out of harbour early this morning for gun practice outside. The s.s. Southern Cioss, belonging to Mr J. S. Macfarlanp, left Onehunga for New Caledonia yes terday. It is probable Bhe will pass into foreign hands on arrival at her destination.

The schooner Fiery Cross arrived in the Manukau from Kaipara yesterday. The brigantiue Frances Lewey is discharging her cargo in the stream. The coals are for the Auckland Gas Co

The Union Co.'s new and powerful s s. Tanpo, Captain Macfarlane, arrived at the Onehunga Wharf this morning at C o'clock. She left Port Chalmers at 6 p.m. on the 14th, and arrived at Lyttelton the following1 morning at 9.10 am.; left at 7.30 a.m. on the 16th for Akaros, with a large number of excur sionists, and returned at 9 p.m. ; left for Wellington at 4.40 p.m. on the 17th, and arrived at Wellington at 9 a m. on the 18th; left at 3 15 p.m., and arrived at Pieton at Bpm.; left at 5 a.m. on the 10th, and arrived at Nelson at 1.30 p.m.; left at 2.30 p.m. on the 20th, and arrived at New Plymouth at 9.30 a.m. yesterday ; left at noon, arriving as above. Came up "nnder easy steam from Nelson. Experienced light variable ■winds with smooth water, and moderate "weather, throughout the run. Passengers:—Misses Haultain (2), Key. Mr Wallace, Captain Turner, Messrs. Murdoch, Wood, Jennings, Newman, Bell, Hunter, White, Keynolds, Smith, Hurrell, Curpan, Kobertßon, Butler, Prince, Harris, Baker, -Ralph, Boyce, Garwood, Broadbent, Davies' Dramatic Troupe (8), Masters Hovell and Dyer, and 10 in the BteeTage We are indebted to the Purser for sending in our files and report.

The date of sailing of the barque Columbus has l>een altered to the 4th Jannary, 1876.

The s a 8t Kilda leaves Onehunga this afternoon for Wanganui

Our readers will not forget the excursion trip of the lona on Monday next. Particulars appear in our advertisement column.

The ship Carnatic which left London on the 20th September, is now 93 days out, and may therefore be looked for daily.

The brigantine Trevelyan Family arrived from Dunedin last evening with a cargo of flour, grain, ale. bran, &c.

The schooner Advance, from Glsborne and the coast, brings 61 bale wool, 216 bags maize, 60 bags f onjrus, CO piers.

The A.S.P. Co's s.s. Southern Ctobs arrived from Napier via the Thames last night.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs Tonks and Pp\ held the sale of Government tolls today, by order of his Honor the Superintendent, with the follow ing results. The fees leviable at the New market slaughterhouse. Mr Clayton, £76 per annum; Tamaki ,"«age tolls, Mr North, £18 5s ; Great Sd at& &oad tolls and chain bars, Mr Stringer-. £I{J7; Otahuhu and Slippery Creek, sWef Sutherland, £58 103; Arch Hill toil-gate (Mr Kirby), £14 103; Mount Eden road bar and Gaol road chain bar, £41 ; fees chargable for supply of water to shipping (A.S.P. Co.), £35 ; Onehunga Wharf fees (Mr Galbraith), £67 10s; toll-house, Newmarket, £37 103 ; Newmarket veigh-house and bridge, £26. Messrs B. Tonks and Co. sold also, a large number of bags of Fiji maizp, ranging in price according to quality, from 2s 9d to [3s lOd.

Mr R. Arthur held a sale of Christmas hams to-day. Canterbury hams in cloth, brought Is Id ; Gilmour's hams and bacon in cloth, la ; Taranaki hams, lid to Is ; Wairoa cheese, 5Jd to 7d ; Canterbury lard, s|d; potatoes, 5a 9d to 7s 6d ; onions, Id to 2d ; oats, 3s 4d.

Mr George Sibbin held a well attended sale of general goods to-day. Bent Fijian maize sold from 2s 6d te 4s 3d. Canterbury hams, 7Jd. Mutton do, 4d. Eggs, Is. Onions, Id to 2d.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE AUCKLAND.

Mails wiut Olosb as voulowb: — '■;■.._-, , • ; For Thames this day at 5.80 pm. and to-morrow at

9.30 am For Coromandel on Friday at 10,30 am for Waiwera and Warkworth, per Minnie Casey, on

Thursday at 10 am <t For Napier and Gisborne, per Southern Cross, to-

morrow at 11 a m .. : ' For Levoka (Fiji) per Llewellyn on Friday next at

3 pm ' For Tonitatftbu, per Xffltitia, on Friday at 4.30 pm For Whitiangi, Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotikt per Eowena, on Friday next, at 4 p m For Taranaki, Southern provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Phoebe, en Friday at 4 p m Note.—The mails.which usually dose at this office on Saturday will dose this week and next on Friday next.t 7 pm g '*****g

BIRTH.

O WEN—On December 20, at her residence, Welling ton-street, the wife of Mr. John Owen of a daughter.

WILLITT—On the 22nd December, at the Lakn Road, North Shore, the wife of Samuel Willitt of a daughter.

DEATH.

HEWIN—On the 22nd December, after a lingering illness, Isabel Rachel, the dearly beloved wife of Hy. Hewin, and second daughter of Mr. S, Y. Collins, ag-ed 24 years. The funeral will leave her late residence at 4 p.m. to-morrow (Thursday). GEARAN—On the 22nd December, at his late re sidence, Hill-street, Newmarket, after a long and painful illness. Patrick Gearan, native of Limerick, Ireland, and late of H.M. Csth Regiment, aged 49 years. The fnaeral will take place at 3,30 pm. to morrow. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.

MORGAN—On December 21, Patrick Morgan, black smith, Mercer, aged 41 yearfl. Requiescat in pacn. The remains will leave ihe hallway Station, Auckland, on Thursday mornin;*, at 10.30.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1875

For the cause that lacks assistance, l ror the vrroKfT that needs resistance, l;or the future in the distance. And the good that we can do.

The defeat of the Commissioner of Customs at Dunedin is a crushing blow to the Minis try, and the fact that it has been an igno minious defeat of nearly two to one will have a disastrous effect on the cause of the Go vernment throughout New Zealand. The telegraphic agent says that it has caused "immense surprise." We have no doubt it has been an eye-opener to the Government party, but it has been no surprise to those who knew the popular pulse, and the flood of feeling that was rushing through the people's veins. When Mr Eeynolds held his meeting with constituents, and when his attack on Sir George Grey was responded to by three rousing cheers for Sir George Grey from the assembled people, our local Ministerial organ, the Cross, said that Mr Reynolds wa3 certain to be returned. Winking with our left optic, we said " certain sure." And ao it is. " Immense surprise" will but mildly express the sensation when the Government party really awake to thetfact that, while acting so cavalierly and autocratically at Wellington, they were sitting on a smothered volcano of popular indignation. It must have cost the people of Dunedin pain to have rejected their representative of twenty years. Asso ciated commercially Fand socially with all that is influential in Dunedin, Mr. Reynolds' own upright character and genial tempera ment cemented bonds of friendship that , were hard to sever, while in his chief oppo i nent and the hand that crushed him, he saw his own brother-in-law and his most intimate personal friend. We say Dunedin, where the name of Reynolds has been so long a house hold word, made no mean sacrifice of feeling in the determination to resist the ruinous en croachments of the great centralist bureau cracy. The early date at which the election at Dnnedin was fixed was a strategic move on !the part of the Ministry. The victory there of a man endeared to the electors was felt to be sure, if any Minister's seat was sure, and Ministerial victory at Dunedin was to give the tone to elections throughout the colony. In the remote end of the colony, the seat of another Minister, Sir Julius Vogel— City East—has seemingly been selected as the! Becond battlefield between the Govern ment and the people; and in this case too, though not a minister, a gentleman has in a similar manner been chosen Centralist cham pion who is endeared to the people by long years of honorable s.nd blameless citizenship. Mr ; Clark, like Mr Reynolds, has a strong place in the respect of his fellow-citizens, and with the additional advantage that, having had; only nominal experience in public life, he has made no enemies. In a place like Auckland where no Minister or pronounced ministerialist dare show his nose on the hustings, a candidate such aa this is put for ward by the Government, and, as said by Dr }?ollen, "if we get him in we shall be all righ!t." It remains, therefore, to be seen whether the people are prepared to make sacrifice of personal feeling for the purpose of forming . a phalanx under odo Federalist leader, determined to fight together against central tyranny and robbery, or whether they will throw down with one hand what they build up with the other by electing for vari ous 'constituencies men who will range them selves in antagonism on the two aides of the House in the assertion^ a gloriouß personal "independence." Poor Anokland! God Bare you from yourself. Your enemies are not without: they are within.

Tin! feeling of ,the thinking and sensible portion of our people in relation'to the ques tions of Separationjand the Land Eerenne is frequently and wilfully misrepresented. The

candidate for City East, on Monday night, seemed to imply that there was no very strong feeling in favour of Separation, and that the cry was only a mean ruse to an end. This is the jargon of the bad lot that Mr. Clark has unhappily fallen among, and he will find, to his regret, that the irrepressible desire among the people to separate and manage our own affairs is the rock on which his political fortune is wrecked. And the Government organ yesterday morning, taking up the cue, endeavours to mistify the subject by words without knowledge. Accustomed to the ways that are dark and the tricks that are vain among a political regime that has had more corruption laid to its charge than any other administration ever known in the colony, the Government organ professes also to believe that the Sepaiatibn cry is a " pretext;" and with the object of showing thia nffects to see an incompatibility in the agitation for Separation and the agitation for a share in the land fund. Our contemporary, either from stupidity or cunning, assumes that the cry of the Opposition is for both these at once. Whereas, if he does not know it is his own fault that these two are simply alternatives. If a "common purse" had been within the compass of the Abolition Act, there would have been less feeling in the cry for Separation. But if there is any honesty in the Abolition proposals, and we are not to build on the utter prostitution of political faith, and give the lie to all the assertions and efforts of the Government, the localization of the land fund and a series of purses for all the separate " Districts" of the colony, are the settled objects of the scheme of Abolition. That we shall have at no price. As alternative to this, we demand that we be no longer unequally yoked together. That there be an equitable ad justment of our assets and liabilities, and we part in friendship. Let the South keep its land fund, and our best blessing go with it. But we expect,—and the South will be only too happy to agree to not mere justice but generosity—that in consideration^ ourPsur rendering for ever all claim to the land, our share in the public burthens shall be a minimum. This is what we mean in Separa tion ; and right well the Government hacks know it. Alliance with our fat neighbour has been making us thinner and thinner every day. Let us take our share of the goods, dissolve connection, shake off inter ference, and paddle our own canoe. That is what our people want, and, if we cannot have an equal partnership in land and all, with the help of Heaven, that is what wo'll have.

The meeting of Mr Swanson and his consti tuents was what was expected—a complete and gratifying success. It is only Minister ialists that meet with " immense surprises," such as that given by the people of Dunedin. Opposition members as candidates somehow are not subject to surprises, and their meet ings result not in thanks, but " fullest confidences." The adhesion of such a man as William. Swanson to a cause is quite suffi cient to show the character of that cause, and the resistance to tyranny and wrong which has constituted the objects of the Opposition in the House, has been quite sufficient to surround him with enthusiasm such as that of last night, irrespective of his personal merits. But when such a cause and such a man are presented in union such a result as that of last night becomes no " sur prise."

People of City East ! to the front to-night. Come and tell us whether you wish a phalanx of united Auckland men to go South under the Captaincy of Grey, or whether personal feelings of respect will tempt you to prove traitors to the popular cause at the only hour when your aid is of any value. Be not bamboozled by false issues. The Cross sup ports Mr. Clark. Let that be enough for you. The Cross and Dr. Pollen dislike the return of Mr. Rees as they would the very devil. That is enough for you. People of City East decide. To the front to-night. Meet Mr. Rees at the Mechanics' and listen to what he has to say.

The crushing defeat of the Ministry at Dunedin has been followed by the unani mous return of the Opposition Leader and his " fidus Achates" in Auckland to-day. The bold and fearless exposition of wrong doing, and the new and lurid light poured on the Centralist policy in the speech of the Federalist leader to-day will live in the memory of his hearers and in the pages of our political history.

To our personal knowledge electors of City East, whose names appear on Mr. Clark's requisition, have signed a document with drawing their names, in consequence of his avowal of anti-Greyite principles. We have seen it. Rumour hath it that letters with the same object have been forwarded by others to the candidate. It was a pity that agents should have placed Mr. Clark in this false position.

We must crave the indulgence of our cor respondents during the elections. ' At the present time we have at least twenty good sensible letters awaiting a chance of in sertion.

The Beresford-street musical and literary entertainment last evening was well at tended, and the proceedings were of a very interesting character. The Eev. Warlow Da vies, M.A., occupied the chair, and made some appropriate remarks on recreation in connection with the people when not carried to unnecessary excess; he approved especially of recreation when it was done for the benefit of the church. The programme was then unrolled. The choir, in a very efficient and pleasing manner, gave " Bella of St Michael's Tower," and " Fairies." The Misses Moginie, sang " Come Birdie, Come," which was worthily. received. The Misses Howard (sisters) accompanied by Mr Baxter, gave two duets, and Miss Eate Howard gave "I do not Love Thee." These young ladies were, greatly and deservedly praised for their acceptable contributions to the pleasure of; the, hour. The Misses Barton, Mrs Eady, and Mr Barton rendered efficiently several songs, a trio, and piano forte duet. Readings and recitations of a serious and comic character were given by Messrs Steward, Bodle, Moginie, Warner, Lyon, and Master Davis. The Misses Warner gave a song and pianoforte duet with much merit, and which the audience evidently appreciated. Miss Barton sang "Christmas Bells," which was greatly admired as it deserved to be. Votes of thanks to the choir, and the ladies and gentlemen who had unitedly made.the concert a success, and the National Anthem concluded the evening. .

The Believing Officer begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of £5 from Benjamin Tonks, Esq., Mayor, for the benefit of the Old Men'« flefugv a '<■' '■ • 9 .

The Treasurer of the Ladies' Benevolent Society desires to thank his Worship the Mayor, B. Tonks, Esq., for a donation of £5 for the inmates of the Old "Women's Home.

The usual weekly meeting of the Pioneer Juvenile Temple, 1.0. G.T., will be held this evening in the Young Men's Christian Asso ciation rooms, Wellesley-street, at seven o'clock.

Father Walter McDonald, on behalf of the Sisters of Mercy, acknowledges with thanks £5 from His Worship B. Tonka, Esq., Mayor; also, £1 from W. Buchanan, Esq., towards St. Mary's Orphanage.

To the Editor: Sir,—Permit me through the columns of your valuable paper to suggest to the enterprising ownerß of the steamers running to the Thames, Messrs Holmes Bros., that the time table should be early published, from, at least, the Friday to the Tuesday (inclusive) in each holiday week. By this pleasure-seekers will be enabled to lay out their plans so as to return in time for busi ness on Tuesday in each week, and to do this I would further suggest that a steamer should leave the Thames and Auckland on each Monday evening previous, thus giving travel lers as long a time at each place as possible, and still letting them be at work again -when the holidays are over. By so doing, lam sure that the number of excursionists will be largely increased.—l am, &c, HOLIDAY.

On the return of {the steamer Hero from Sydney, Captain Logan with his customary liberality, has promised a treat~to the Charity Children of Auckland, by giving them a day's excursion to Motatapu in his fine vessel. The public, as on previous occasions, will be conveyed at ss. per head return ticket —cheap enough in all conscience—and the money thus raised will be handed over to the Charitable Institutions of the place. The day in which the trip will take place will be advertised immediately on the arrival of the Hero.

A meeting of the Regatta Committee was held last night, at the Thames Hotel. The business was generally unimportant. It waß decided to place on the programme a race between the pinnaces of the Thames and Auckland Naval Brigades. Mr Copeland presented to the Club a fine portrait of him self which was accepted with thanks. A request to alter the definition of an amateur was not complied with.

The boys attending Mount Albert School, presented their teacher, Mr A. French^M.A., as a mark of their esteem, a pencil case, table-cloth, and a copy of The* Mountain, by Michelet, very handsomely bound in red morocco.

Owing to the small attendance in the large room of the Young Men's Christian Asso ciation last evening the Rev. P. H. Cornford did not re-deliver his lecture on "Sweet Home." It will probably be given on a future evening.

There has been on view tc-day, at the City Mart, Queen-street, a magnificent collection of fancy goods, ornaments, curios, games, musical albums, kc, and a large assortment of goods suitable for Christmas presents. All who have a taste for the elegant, useful, or ornamental would do well to be in attend ance to-morrow, as we are informed the whole is for B&le by Grant and Morton at eleven o'clock.

Mr E. D. Davies, the world renowned ventriloquist, arrived by the steamer Taupo from the South to-day, and will give his first entertainment on Friday next (Christmas eve).

EXPLANATION BY-MR. LUCKIE.

[To the Editor of the Evening Star.] Sir, —My observation, made sotto voce, to Mr. Swanson on Tuesday night respecting the ap plication of the Disqualification Act of last session to certain members of the late Parlia ment was only partially hdird, and was mis understood by the reporter of the "Herald." I desired to convey to Mr. Swanson the fact which he expressed, that there was not the remotest prospect of any new Parliament un doing the effect of an Act of its predecessor intended to prevent the infliction of a possible penalty, for what, as the report of the Disquali fication Committee showed, was at most an un intentional infringement (on the part of the two or three members concerned) of the spirit, but not the letter of the law. One of the counsel who gave his opinion to the Committee as to whether the law had been broken stated that the clause of the "Disqualification Act, 1870," respecting contracts, "applies only to persons who at tlie time of their nomination to the Legis lative Council or election to the House of Representatives, are concerned or interested in such contracts." The other counsel while " inclined to think " an infringement had been committed, yet acknowledged that the matter is " not free from doubt." The Disqualifica tion Act of last session removes that doubt, and prevents in future the possibility of such contracts ; at the same time indemnifying those members who may have unwittingly infringed the Act of 1870. To repeal the Act of last session would be to restore the old doubts, and render the law as it now stands less stringent. To void the indemnity only, by repealing that portion of the Act, would be to make a penal law retrospective in its action, and deprive the accused party of the benefit of the formerly existing doubt. I write this, not in defence of past contracts, but simply to show that the repeal of the Act is a practical impossibility.— I am, sir, yours, D. M. Luckie.

Auckland, Wednesday,

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

[Before Messrs. Mitford and Dargaville, Justices of the Peace.] THE DRUNKABDS. Francis Magan, Williams Wells, an old man; were fined ss, and Joseph Robinson 20s. Mary Minx, a black woman, and an old offender, Edward Lane (second offence), 10s each. A MELANCHOLY FALL. Elizabeth Nelson, a fine-looking woman, Who had .been in respectable circumstances but who had fallen into a disreputable way of living through drink, was brought,up under the Vagrant Act with having no visible lawful means of obtaining a liveli hood.

Sergeant Mulville said that prisoner re sided in Cook-street, and owing to continued complaints of her riotous conduct he took her into custody. She was threatening to burn all the clothes-lines in Cook-street as well as the clothes,' for it was, in her opinion, un lawful to hang out clothes. Mrs. Holly, a neighbour, described the prisoner's conduct as alarming, even up to four o'clock in the morning. She amused herself by flinging kerosene cans at her door. There were men in the house whistling and singing all night long. §9 Mr. Broham said the woman was before the Court on a similar charge a few days ago, when she was discharged on promising to amend her ways, but she had not done so.

Prisoner said she had visible means of employment. She had an annuity of £100 a year, and she was, indeed, a lady, and; not such as Sergeant Mulville would have the Court believe.

Remanded until tp-morrow for the pro dnction of witnesses in prisoner's favor.

THE FIST OF. ERAKCIS MAGAN".

Francis Magan, a rough customer, was charged with planting his fist heavily on the nose of Eliza Magan, his wife, on the 21st inst. ' ■' '• '■ . -

Prisoner pleaded guilty. Mrs Magan, who appeared with a black eye, deposed that her husband attacked her in a most violent manner, and having knocked her down, kicked her violently about the body ; she wished to get shut of him. The Bench said the prisoner was a most cowardly fellow. This was not his first offence. . He must go to prison, for two months with hard labour, and at the expira tion of his sentence, find sureties, himself in £20 and two in £10 each for his good be haviour for* six months, and to remain in prison until luoh sureties thill be found.

A ROBINSON". Joseph Robinson was charged as a rogue and vagabond, etc., etc. The character of prisoner being unfavor able, the Bench sentenced him to one month's hard labour. A SMITH. Francis Smith, a young man was brought up on a charge of indecent exposure yester day in Lome-street. Prisoner said he was very drunk. In consideration of its being his first offence the Bench sent him to prison for fourteen days only. THREATENING LANGUAGE. Mr William ;Kirby, appeared in answer to a summons for using threatening language towards James Bain, on the 17th inst. Mr Hesketh for complainant, and Mr Joy for defendant. Mr Hesketh asked for an 'adjournment of the case, and as Mr Joy offered no objection, the request was granted. OTHER CASES. Thomas Mitchell was fined 10s. for allow ing his bull to stray at Mount Eden. William Anderson, William Smith, and Joseph Craig were fined 17s. and costs for placing stones on Fort-street. A number of education rate cases were adjourned, and judgment was given for twelve from Coromandel with £1 2s costs.

MR REES AT THE MECHANICS.—TO NIGHT.

Mr W. L. Rees meets the electors of City East at the Mechanics' Institute to-night. Trouble begins at half-past seven.

TELEGRAPHIC.

GRAHAMSTOWN.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day. The Albion (Kelly's tribute) crushed 21 tons for 25ozs 18dwfcp. The West Coast Tribute crushed 20 tons for 22ozs 18dwts.

The Tookey Tribute crushed 11 tons and will have 20ozs. Rocky point trial yielded 10OZ9.

The Beehive Tribute crushed ten tons for about 22ozs.

Price Bros, tender for the plunge and workings for the Association was accepted. Messenger's Tribute crushed 3 tons, and retort to-morrow about sozs.

A large reef has been cut in the Waiotahi mine 140 feet level, which shows a little gold.

COROMANDEL.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

Union Beach : Weather makes it impos sible to visit the mine, but a Jar^e haul is looked for this afternoon.

ROTORUA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) This day. Carp in Rotoru,a.—Election Matters. Carp is increasing rapidly in I Lotorua Lake despite ravages of land gulls. Election matters are quiet, Kelly is favorite here. Application for the division of district from Maketu, and a new Resident Magistrate has been sent to the Government. The natives are anxious for the Land Court here. Geysers are in splendid order this season.

DUNEDIN.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) T lay. The Dunedin result of the poll was— Maoandrew ... 891 Stout 865 Larnach ... ... ... 843 Reynolds .. ... ... 476 Macassey 409 Fish 238

NAPIER.

(From our own Correspondent). This day, The Failure of Mr Binks.

A meeting of the creditors of Mr Binks, draper, was beld to-day. The Labilities are between £9,000 and £10,000 ; assets, £5,000 and £0,000. McArthur, Shera and Co. are the largest creditors, nearly £5,000. Mr Uttine, representative of the firm present, was appointed, with a representatives of A. Clark and Sons, of Auckland, assignees of the estates. Mr Utting stated at the meet ing that an Auckland firm had already taken steps to prosecute Mr Binks for obtaining goods by false representations. About thirty creditors were present. - Clive Nomination. The Clive nomination takes place to morrow. A large number of settlers is ex pected to be present. Mr Buchanan's friends are busy canvassing, and will obtain all the Maori .votes and the Hon. Henry Russell's influence, but it is believed Mr Ormond will beat him easily. Town election matters are very quiet to-day.

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day. Mr Fitzhertoert's Candidature. Mr Hutchison is working the Hutt against Mr Fitzherbert, and is backed by a number of influential settlers, which surprises a great many people, who wonder what Mr Fitz herbert can have done to alienate their attachment; but despite the laTge and active personal hostility to the Superintendent, it is thought the old man will be returned. There is a strong feeling in favour of Mr Fitzherbert in Wellington. People who are not admirers of him by any means say that every vote cast by the Hutt for Mr Hutchi son will be a disgrace to it. The New Zea land Times has come out strongly in favour of Fitz., asking the Hutt people to stick to their old representative. The Post and Argus also support the Superintendent, but the contest is likely to be warmer than many anticipate.

Five People Pall into a Grave. Yesterday a man fell off the Manawatu ; he waß killed. Being a Catholic his body was taken to the Catholic cemetery. While the funeral service was being read some of the mourners attempted to do something to the planks upon which the coffin rested. The plank broke and fell into the grave, accompanied by the coffin and five men who were standing round. There was about two feet of water in the grave, and that and the yellow clay made such a mess of the unfortunate five that the gravity of the proceedings was sadly interfered with. The Newspapers. The Times is very severe upon Mr Travers, and he in his turn is equally severe upon the Times. The Argus is by far the most peace able in its comments of any of the three papers. The Telegraph is supposed to be dead, none having seen a copy of it for some days.:> ''.- .'■ ii ■ ■ ■■••■ A Wail in the Government Camp. The friends of the Government are a good deal disappointed at the defeat of the Hon. Mr Reynolds at Dunedin. ; Threatened Libel Action- Mr Hutchison, it is said, is going to pro ceed criminally against Mr Henry Anderson for some comments regarding him which he sent to a Wanganui paper. Mr Anderson is aaid to be rather amused than otherwise at the idea. The Cook Straits Cable. . The telegraph people are busied making arrangements for picking up the cable. It is expected an attempt will be made in a couple of days more. ' , " ,', The Italians. There are still a few of the Italians hang ing about the depot, though'generally speak ing there are no unemployed. V, ~

General Elections.

MR SWANSON AND HIS NEWTON

CONSTITUENTS,

The electors of Newton filled the Newton Hall last evening to listen to the address of Mr William Swanson, the popular candi date for that'district. We noticed among the listeners present, the Eev Dr Wallis, Messrs. Luckie, Cadman, Holdship, Tole, and other influential citizens. Mr George Holdship was unanimously voted to the chair, and on rising expressed the pleasure he felt in the position he occupied and in the expectation of hearing the political views which Mr Swanson might express to the electors of Newton, and of what he might say in relation to the doings at Wellington. They all knew that Mr Swanßon was a practical common sense man, who was never led away by his feelings or any influence that might be brought to bear upon him. The ques tion of local versus central Government was now before the country, and as Mr Swanson had much practical experience in these matters, his opinion would be the more valuable. He believed that all the electors of Newton had confidence in their representative and would shew their appreciation of his ser vices by giviDg him a unanimous vote of confidence. Be would call upon Mr. Swan-

son to deliver his address, but at the same

time must inform them that, as he was very

unwell, they would give him a quiet hearing in consideration of the state of his health. Mr. Swanson, on rising, was greeted with loud and prolonged cheering, and com menced by saying that he had done his best to deserve their confidence. The

Chairman had not overstated the bad state of his health, but he had determined to be present if obliged to come in a cab, not so much to address them, as that they should address him, he would therefore, be glad to answer any questions to the best of his ability that they might put to him. He had brought a sample of the work that was supposed to be done during last session, (here Mr Swan son held up a pile of Acts passed, House journals, appendices, and other papers which excited great laughter). It were impossible, said Mr Swanson, for a single mind to grasp

all the business of the House in one session

He had heen prohibited by his doctor, from much speaking, therefore, he hoped that tbe audience would permit him to depart from his usual course, and read bis address of some twenty minutes length, instead of speak ing extempore. This course had been pressed upon him in consideration of his in disposition. Mr. Swanson commenced by saying you know that I am a Provincialist. I believe that form of government to be better than centralism, for these among other reasons : It is under your eye, more subject to public opinion, is better acquainted with the wants of the people, has an interest in economising their means, has done all, or nearly all, that has been done for many years, and, on the whole, has done it well and cheaply. It has created City Boards, Harbour Boards, and Improvement Commissioners ; it has erected signal-stations and beacons, and put down buoys in the harbours ; it has built hos pitals, asylums, refuges and gaols all over the colony, and has given such assistance as it had in its power to education, libraries, &c. There is one direction in which Pro ' vineial Councils have been of undoubted value, and that is as a school for your public men. Mr. Moat and Mr. Shepherd, now before the public, are cases in point. The requisition to Mr Hamlin states the fact that it was in the Council his abilities were seen. In my own case, from the first thing I jot done in the Assembly to the last I Dulled off this session, my experience in ihe Council was of the utmost use to me. On the question of Local Government, Mr Swanson said :—" For real Local Govern ment, the power of making, amending, and repealing our own laws, I would do much, I would concede much. But I wish it to be distinctly understood that the compact of '70 is not to be the least like the compact of '56. I have no desire for the state of things that has existed here for the last few years. I want to have the means of carrying on works in the country where wanted. I want to see the powers of the Assembly and the Council defined, so that the clashing jurisdiction may cease. I think that coun cils could well deal with all such matters as the following :—Waterworks, gasworks, city commissions and boards, public domains, gardens and parks, cemeteries and cemetery reserves, harbour boards and reclaimed land, wharf extension, tolls, waste lands, local reserves, highways and fencing, cattle tres pass, Licensing Act, etc. We had this year in the Assembly the following bills, all of which could have been much better dealt with by the Council:—Auckland Improve ment, Auckland Endowments and Reserves, Auckland Institute, .Auckland Waste Lands, Auckland Harbour fForeshore Grant, and Onehunga Reserves. Everyone of these matters would be better understood by us than Btrangers. Besides, when things of that kind are in Council, the papers generally keep the public informed, and often take a part in ventilating the matte?. In this way the people are kept posted up. If, n on" the other hand, they are all done for yonr in a mysterious way at Wellington, you may make up your mind for a few jobs and a great many blunders. There are men of first-rate ability in the province, said the speaker, who can serve you, but who cannot leave their business so many months in the year to reside in Wellington. As it is.now, there is no lack of good men; but when they find that measures they have taken great pains to make useful are over-ruled, and cast aside, and that they are denied the means to carry out much-needed works, they retire in disgust. I made up my mind not to offei myself at the last Council election. Some ol my friends pressed me, and, as I still saw a few things that could be done, I consented. One of these was the site of the old Court for an education endowment, another was to get a new hospital. The first was got with com parative ease; not so the other : but you see it is going up now, and I am in hopes that it will be soon finished. About the hospital, I have been told that the site is far too good. My reply is, that there it no site too good for such a purpose. The position is worthy of the building and the cause it is intended to serve. On extravagant expenditure Mr Swanson re marked : The extravagant expenditure now going on in and about the Assembly, nothim will stop except a failure in the supply oi cash, and the last thing that will suffer is th« pay and expenses of the officials, especially the great ones. (Laughter.) I have tried t( "reduce them repeatedly. I did so this year, but. you will see in the debate that, with i few trifling exceptions, I failed utterly. Nc one ever will succeed in making any greal reduction in the Estimates after they getintc committee. There are too many men in th< House who have an interest in getting cash spent in their part of the country, or amonj their friends. Instead of reduction, ii the House was not prevented, mans items wonld be increased. . There iif no trouble in the Government getting any amount of money voted in the House, I have seen £430,000 passed before the bil was printed authorising it. (Laughter.' £84,000, illegally spent, was condoned as soon as asked for. All this, and a greal deal more, occurred last session. As t( what is spent by the Agent-General in Eng land—and it comes to millions—there is nt check that can control him. I have hearc a member, now a Minister, state that th< Agent-General would obey none, but do a; he liked. As for Mr Vogel, he is master o: the situation ; he appoints whom he pleases goes where and when he likes; appears tc be able to draw what he thinks he needs and returns when he sees fit. (Laughter. Mr Swanson, having touched in his pecu Marly straightforward manner upon th< leading topics of the day, concluded bj

Ba jjHfe|_And now, if you see fit to return nati pft is what I promise : To do as I have doneT«fore ; get unity of action among our members whenever possible. All measures that come before me will have my best con sideration, no .matter who brings them in. My aim will be to make good, repeal bad, and amend defective laws. I think on a member becoming a Minister he should return to his constituents for re-election. My opinion is that the duration of Parliament should be shortened. I will do all in my power to reduce the cost of Government. All great questions I will endeavour to have submitted to the people. I have no faith in Government by deception, leading us to believe we will share the Middle Island land fund, and in the same breath teliing the people of the South there is no such in tention, and if they have any doubt on that head, an Imperial Act will be passed in England guaranteeing it to them for ever. Gentlemen, I have done. It is likely that in doing what I thought my duty offence has been given to some; if so, lam sorry. There are those who are opposed to me in politics whose good-will T am anxious to get and to keep. I know lam not the man I was when you elected me first, but I think there is work in me yet. I wish to be in the next Parliament, because I know I could be of use in the struggle. 'If you see fit to send me there, it will be my duty, as it will be my pride, to give effect to your wishes. If, unfortunately, my opinions and yours should at any time differ, it will be my first act to place my resignation in your hands. (Loud applause). . A number of questions having been put to the candidate by Messrs Staines, Duke, and Hill Mr J. A. Tole, in a very excellent speech moved :—" That this meeting accords its warmest thanks to Mr William Swanson for the exposition of his views, and reposes the fullest confidence in him as the represen tative of Newton " This was seconded by Mr Thomas Barnes, and carried with acclamation, the whole as sembly rising, with three hearty cheers foi Mr Rwanson. A vote of thanks was given to the Chairman, and the meeting, which was of a most harmonious character, separated.

City West Nomination.

The nomination of two members to re present City West in the next Parliament took place at the hall of the Young Men's Christian Association to-day at noon. Colonel Bameavis, the Returning Officer, conducted the proceedings. The hall was crowded. Having read the writ the Returning Officer called upon the electors to nominate tbeir candidates. Mr A. Black, In a few complimentary remarks, proposed Sir George Grey, X.C.8., of Kawau, as a fit and proper person to re present City West. Mr W. C. Wilson seconded the nomina tion: Sir George bad fulfilled all his pro- : , mifesto them at the last election. (Cheers.) Mr J. T. Boylan proposed Mr P. Dignan. Mr W. C. Wilson seconded this nomina- There being no other candidates proposed, Colonel Balneavis declared Sir George Grey and Mr Patrick Dignan duly elected as the members of the House of Representatives for City West. He then invited the mem- ' bers to address their constituents. Sir George Grey, on coming forward to speak, was received with loud and continued cheering. He said he returned them his moat sincere thanks for again honouring him with their confidence. In conformity with custom he should address to them a few re marks upon the state of public affairs. He did so under feelings of great responsibility, because, owins to their kindness in return ing to the House of Assembly, he had represented not only them but a large party in the colony (cheers)—a party which was daily growing in importance, and to some extent what he said was looked upon with more interest than under ordinary dr oametaaoeo, thfi^speeches of candidates for electoral honors were (hear, hear). If ins his duty to tell them that he believed next session would be the most important that had ever taken place in the history of the colony, perhaps that ever would take place. Let them consider for one moment the tendency of the General Assembly during the last session 'of Parliament, which had lasted a long time and been marked by some important acts. Without wishing to set class against class, he would tell them that the whole tendency had been to bestow wealth • and power upon a few, and to take from the mass rights and privileges most import ant. And he was prepared to substantiate • | hig statement. To do this he would give : \ illustrations of his meaning. He did so with ; pain and sorrow, because he objected to • sayingthingsharshanddisagreeable; butwhen the interests of a quarter of million of human beings*were concerned, it behoved one to L speak plainly. In the first place he had in ! stanced at the Choral Hall a certain land t transaction by which 80,000 acres had, been ; conveyed to one or two private individuals. ' It had been said openly that all that he had i said was moonshine. He now reaffirmed what i he had said. There never was any more . unjust action done. It was not a breach of the I law, but it constituted several breaches of b the same law. The speaker here proceeded I to show how the Piako Swamp transaction . had been at variance with every provision of l the law of 1871, inasmuch as the land con ) veyed was not surveyed, sold by public j auction at a certain price in the Land Court ) of the place ; that one-fourth of the money 3 was not paid down and that the rest had not I been paid within a month. He believed none ) of the money had ever been paid at all_(Oh !) , As he had said, a greater injustice to t the remainder of the province had never i been done, and yet people now said it r was moonshine (a voice—lt is not.) f The speaker drew a parallel between the i action of the Government in this matter. . and the action of the Norman kings in r selecting portions of country for themselves fc and turning the inhabitants off. The only - - difference was that the Government instead l of turning the people off, prevented them 3 coming, on. (Hear hear). Sir George then 3 sketched out an outline of the benefit it s would have been to the province if this s land, instead of being shut up > "io. one or 3 two, were opened up for settlement. He ? showed that out of 530,000 acres of public . lands in the province, only, 17,000 could I>e - described as good land yet remaining, and r even that was not better than the 80,000 » acres sold in the Waikato. There were yet f left 450,000 acres of very inferior land, and c there was no chance of another 17,000 acres 7 of good land; so that for the 80,000 people o in this province, he could not reckon upon , 30,000 acres for settlement. What hope had a they for . their children if this _ con o tinued ! And what was the excuse given: t That .sithe land was swampy, and 0 could only be reclaimed by capitalists, c Now heimaintained that if the Government a had spent upon that land about £10,000 it i » could have been rendered capable of support f mg many hundreds of families. (Hear hear.) ¥ Unless they returned members pledged to see s land transactions carried out according to a law, they would see their land pass from :. them. He asked the small farmers and 1 settlers where they were going to send their ) ".children to if this kind of thing went on : s why bring immigrants into the province, t where shortly, they would have no o place for them: it was only bringing the ;- immigrants and themselves to poverty. As 0 a further illustration he would refer to 1 another important matter. Eleven millions c of money had been spent, or was supposed s to have been spent, ingpublic^works. w Now, >f if they looked closely into things they wonld > ; see that these public works had increased o. the value of the property of private ; individuals. Who^was £ paying, for they ) increased value of this property? They i- were. Nothing increased J$ population a as much as penury. If paople had lo«t all f hop* th«y uiunlly had large familief.

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