SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH "WATER—This afternoon, 9.1 ; to-morrow taor> iig, 9 z5 i RTT* k< This evening, 615 SUN KlßE—To morrow morning, 5.13 jsiv.tJiV» Auii— bew moon, 2!Hh inst, 4.53 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Favorite, schooner, from Russell Gipsy, cuiter, from Russell "Waiwera, s>hnoi er, fr.im Wangaroa Leo, cutter, from Kussell

DEPARTURES.

Augusta, brigantiDP, for the Thames Rover, schooner, for Russell F«iry, schooner, for Russe 1 Fannie cutter, for Wangnpoa Janet Gray, for W angapoa

The schooner Rosa nah Rose is unloading her Southern cargo ac the wharf. 3he fi ga of most of ilie vrssels in harbour wen fljii g ••baf-mast" t"-clay out of reverence to the memory if Mr -rohib*id Clark. 0 he screw-stpamer Ll-wei yn and the barque Loch nagw weie boih hauled up ou ihe-hard this morning for a ncraDf. c The barque Frincts Henley arrived in "Wellington »t the end of last week, fche br.n^s on part of her largo to this port. The soho ncr "Waiwersi brings 34.147 feet timber rom "Wai gwoa ; the Fortune 13 9iO ftet timber from Wa law«u ; and tl c Ruby 25,000 Jtet timber ana 500 palings fiom Wanguroa Tde cutter Leo brings 50 tons coal from Rus»elL The barque Tas>o Cleared out. io-riay in b»l ast for Newcastle, the si-hooner Fortune for Wangagoa, and th« Gem ai d unwwci for BusielL The barque £engal has cleared in ballast for Adelaide. The brig Tower Hill now at Wangaroa cleared at the Customs to-d»y for Guam -with 110,000 feet timber. The cutter Magic brings 50 tons manganese from RjUtsell.

ARRIVAL OP THE ROB ROY.

Wh>>-oaioa. This Day. fFromOurOwn Corresvoident) The Mill has sttpped. All hards are employed rafting tfce logs The AJba rrss. Bob Roy. Gazelle, Wanderer and Eose are fill windbovmd. The A cadi* and X ieiubilda are loading.

SECOND EDITION.

Inquest on the Bodies of the Two Children-

GEAHAMSTOWN

(From our own Correspondent.) This day. At the inquest, the husband of the woman Is just being examined. John Walls said : He was married, and on Saturday left home at 7 o'clock in the morning. His wife and children got up whilst he was making his break fast. He conversed with his wife as usual in a general way. Had been married eleven years. She was not a passionate woman, and never saw her lift her hand to her children except in a general way as a mother should do. He knew nothing more till returning from his work, when he met a man who told him what had occurred. He arrived in time to see his boy breathe his last. His wife had been addicted to drink all their married life, but took beer, not spirits. He gave her all his wages a week ago amounting to £4 15s, and she received 5s for something. The latter was probably Bpent in drink, but most of the former was used to pay debts. Last Wednesday she said " John, I am very bad get me some beer." He sent for some. He had never noticed any strangeness in her manner. Be led as happy a life as any man in the world with his family. His wife was not of a jealous tem perament. During the examination witness was deeply affected. He then left to attend his children's funeral.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Majxs will Close as follows :— For Thames, this day at 6. ?.O p m For Coromandel on Wedneiday »t 11.30 am For Kawau and Matakana, pbr Minnie Casey, on Tuesday at 10 a m For Kusseil, p6r Emu, to-morrow at 4.80 p m For Wangaroa, per Buby, on Wednesday at 9 am For New Plymouth via Waitara, Wanganui, Nelson, and West Coast ports, per Kennedy on Thnrsday next at 10 a m Per Ladybird, on Friday next, as follows :— , For India, Chios, Mediteraaean ports, and Conti nent of Furope, at noon For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, and Australian Colonies, at 12.46 p m For United Kingdom via Suez and Southampton (for letters specify addr ss-.d), at 12.45 p m For United Kingdom via Brindiai. and late loiters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne, at lpm For money orders, registered letters, and news . papers, at 11 am Per MiKad >. on Kriday. 29th inst, as follows:— - For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign "West Indies at 10 30 a m For the Untied Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 10.30 am , Jfor money orders,' registered letters, and newspapers at 9 30am Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d in additlo to the postage, will be received on board by th Mail Agent up to time of sailing. Supplementary mails for India, China, United King dom via Suez and Southampton, and via Brindiai will be mad* up, per Ladybird, on 22nd instant After this date, mails will be made up daily for and Hamilton. P ' S. B. BIBS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTHS.

LOVfi'lT.— On the Oih instant, at her residence, We'leslty-strect, Mrs Arthur Lovctt of a danghti r. THOBISON.—On the I7ih Octolier, at Park House, Poiiioiily Road, the wife of Inspector J. Bdl Thoinoon, A.C., of a daughter.

DEATHS.

CLARK—On the 17th October, at Remuera, Mr. Archibald C ark, aged 70 years. 1 he funeral will leave his late residence on "Wed nesday, at 3 o'clock. GAYNE.—At his father's residence, "William-street West, on the 17th October, Guatuvus Emelius, the youngest Sun of Mr. W. I. Gayne, aged 1 year.

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

(' Wot th» cause that looks Moifltß&cs, . _ For the "pronjy that needs reaisir. .-•:•> &QI tha fature in the distance. Axd lia caod the-) vo ckb fi»

The sickening account of the double murder at the Thames has its own horrible lesson of the evils of that source of human sorrow— strong drink. That insanity in some form, whether momentary or settled, must have fired the mother's brain to such a deed of horror is beyond question. But, whether momentary or confirmed, the dethroning of reason is very naturally explained in the intimation that for the past two years the unhappy woman had indulged a passion for drink. It cannot be denied that in such an incident the defenders of principles of total abstinence have a terrible testimony to the truth of their position. The woman appears to have borne a respected character until this demon from the bottomlesspit obtained ascen dancy ; and doubtless in her better moments she had as fond and tender affections for her two little children as any that animate any mother in the province. And we have as little doubt that had she, at the first ap proaches of the tempter, ever thought that indulgence would lead to the stifling of that strongest of all affections—a mother's love — or even led to anything in any degree injurious, to her children, she would have shunned it as the death. But the horrible incident shows from what small and innocent beginnings the most dreadful results may arise, End affords a freth illustration of what domestic woe and horror this direst curse of social life generally brings in its train.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1875.

The history of the Representation Bill is singularly illustrative of the weakness of the position of the Ministry. Arjy strength which that Ministry has exhibited during the present session haß been owing to the Abolition Bill, which bound to it all those who had everything to gain by a measure which would throw patronage and places into the hands of the Government, as well as attracting those who are bona fide Centralists in opinions. But the very conception of the Representation Bill showed a consciousness on the part of Ministers that their feet were set on slippery places, and that it would be perilous to attempt to stand in any violent collision. There is no doubt it requires a strong Minis' try to deal effectually with a bill amending the representation. But the time had come when such amendment was imperatively ne cessary, and whatever the feelings entertained respecting the present Government, it is greatly to be regretted that in such circum stances a strong Ministry was not in power. The measure now before the House is simply a sham. It does not even pre tend to be based on any principle, or to meet in any way the great changes which have occurred in the relative positions of the various centres of population. Indications are not wanting that it will never reach the stage of being placed on the statute book ; nor will it be a particularly great loss if this is its fate. And the position which we have now to face is that the New Assembly will be quite as inadequate a representation of the country as is the present one, which is dying of age and rottenness. And this evil we may confidently expect to be perpetuated for several years to come, for it is not in human nature to suppose that the new Assembly will commence reforming the representation which would have the effect of cutting the ground from under so many just warming to their seats in the expectation of a five years tenancy. The close of a parliament was the time, and the only likely time for -removing the glaring anomalies in the representabion of the country. Thanks to the pusillanimity or actual weaknc^3 of the existing Government, the chance is lost.

The Union Company have sustained an un fortunate loss by the wreck of the Bruce, which was made known in town on. Satur day by a special telegram to the Star, which gave the tirst intimation of the occurrence received in this city. I* will be seen, how ever, from further telegrams elsewhere that the company has lost no time in order ing by cable, on the evening of the day when the wreck occurred, another steamer to take the place of the one just lost. Such decision and promptitude speak volumes for the vigorous management of the company.

In our last Saturday's supplement, by an oversight of the printer, the story "In a Tunnel" was brought to an abrupt and unsatisfactory close leaving a lady standing in confusion on a railway platform. The end of the tale, shewing how the lady's dilemoa resulted in her meeting- the kind missionary who first taught her the meaning of love, was accidentally left out, but it wili appear next Saturday.

A telegraph station is now open at Tura kina, province of Wellington.

A general church meeting under the auspices of the Diocesan Synod, will be held at the Choral Hall to-morrow night. .The practice of the Choral Society is in conse quence postponed.

We have received from Messrs. J. and G. Buchanan of Wellesley-street a block of Oamaru stone which is now on view at our office. The stone ißof a very white colour, apparently soft, and easily worked.

The members of the Junction Lodge of Good Templars will hold a social entertain ment .this evening in the school-room connec ted with Rev. G. H. Turner's Church, corner of Pitt-street. The programme promises recitatioms, music and songs exclusively by Templars, and an address by Rev. Samuel Edger on "Individual Effort." The members of the Hobson corps of Volunteers and band will meet for monthly inspection to-morrow (Tuesday) evening, in the Catholic Institute, Wellington-street. Members to appear in full dress, with arms and accoutrements. We beg to inform those of our readers who are members of Mr Brown's singing classes, thab owing to the Choral Union Festival being held this evening at Sb. Paul's Church, the classes will assemble at the usual hour and place on Thursday evening next, the 21st instant.

Mr Dennes, of the sewing machine depot, Queen-street, is an example of what a single individual may doin interesting a community. He has, by his exhibitions and stimulative awards, done much towards the exercise of faculties which might otherwise have slum bered in unproductive idleness. Mr Dennes promises a grand dissolving oxyhydrogen lime-light entertainment, to come off as soon as possible in the I orne-street Hall. We think, judging from the announcement, that this forthcoming contest will surpass in varied interest those of the past, as the lovirjg spirit of nationality will this timebe appealed to. The views will exhibit some of the most beautiful of English, Irish and Scotch scenery, accom panied with descriptive songs illustrative of the sister countries, to be sung by vocal competitors for sewing machines. There will be performed an Irish jig, and comic songs in character will be given. The Newton Congregational anniversary services were held yesterday in the chapel school-room, when suitable and impressive sermons were preached by Revs. W. Tinsley, W. J. Williams, and G. H. Turner. The collections at the close of the several services were, morning, £ 8 9s ; afternoon £4 lGs ; eveuiDg, £9 15s. Total £23 Id.

The annual festival of the Auckland Diocesan Choral Association will be held this evening in St. Paul's Cathedral, at seven o'clock. The sermon on this occasion will be preached by the l\ev. O. R. Tomlinson. A concert of sacred and secular music will be given by the members of St. Mary's choir at the Choral Hall on the evening of Friday next. The members of the choir have been steadily practising the programme for some weeks under the able leadership of Mr G. Browne, their precentor and organist. The selections are exceedingly good, and include some beautiful solos. We predict for the concert a gratifying success, more especially as the object for which the proceeds are in tended is the paying off of the debt of the church.

The monthly inspection of the Victoria Rifle?, A.R V., will be held to-morrow (Tues day) evening, members to appear in full dress. Any member who has not received his arms and appointments, and rifle cap is requested to call and receive them.

Our athletes must not forget that the entries for the Birthday Handicap to come off at Ellerslie Gardens on the 9th November, will close next, Saturday to Mr A King care of Mr Ellis Exchange Hotel. All entries must contaiD a fee of ten shillings and colours and hailing place of competitor. Lovers of pedestrianimn are reminded that the principle of handicapping if carried out with strict impartiality, as will be in this case, affords to everyone a chance of winning one of the prizes which are very valuable. £50 and a silver cup are not offered for competition every day, and our runnists may depend upon it that if they do not sbow a due appreciation of Mr Robt. Graham's liberality he will not be likely to repeat it. Besides the Birthday Handicap, there will be a bicycle race (four to start or no race), and a perambulator race for fathers of families only, for a prize given by Host G rattan, of the Thames Hotel. Other events if determined on will appear in due course.

" Snyder " asksjfor information. He says: —" We read that the Sons of Freedom Gold Mining Company at the Thames has been Mound up— that is to cay it has stopped. When a clock is wound up it goes. What an eccentric language the English is to be sure. Why was this mine called the Sons of Freedom ? Who was Freedom, and how many sons had he to te wound up ?"

As yet no clue has been obtained to the mysterious amalaam robbery at Coromande], or rather sufficient information is not in the hands of the police, to enable them to make an arrest. When the theft was reported a detective officer went to Coromandel to make enquiries, and returned without much suc cess ; and during the present wetk the Inspector under the Arms Act, also proceeded to the district to institute an enquiry. He also came back and matters remain in statu quo. We have a fair knowledge of the district and we feel pretty certain that the local police there will very shortly run the perpetrator to earth; but bo long as new men go into a small place like Coromandel for the purpose of tracing out crime they are sure to be well watched both by principals and fences, and as a consequence, the bringing of offenders to justice will not be accelerated. We feel certain that in a week or so no matter what measures the thieves take they will be within the clutch of the law. The late heavy freehes have had a rery beneficial effect upon our mill supply and the number of logs which they assisted in running down to a convenient site for shifting will enable continuous work to be followed for some months to come.

Mr Woon, long known in connection with the Provincial Government offices, has re signed his position and commenced business as a native interpreter and land purchase commissioner. N o one in the colony is more thoroughly qualified for the office. Mr. Woon is welJ acquainted with the native character imd language and has had a wide experience in Maori dealings. Those who ent.-ust him wiih commissions will, we are sure, find him energetic and trustworthy— qualities which do not belong to all native agents.

The worship of the dead (Cor it amounts to something very like worship) iB one of the moat singular traits in Parisian character. Sceptical, fickle as the sea, reckless of life, careless of the living, indifferent about his past and heedless of his future, often violent and sometimes ungrateful, the Parisian is in this one thing a model of steadfastness —he loves his dead, and reverences the places where they are laid. In illustration to this culte, M. Da Camp tells a delioiously French story. He had gone to Montmartre to lay a wreath on a friend's tomb, when a little way off he saw a young woman kneeling beside a stone, which she clasped with her hands, singing in a fine clear voice, as well as her streaming tears would let her, the well known but scarcely appropriate song, "Casta -Diva!" "I thought she must be out-of her mind," he remarks, "and I prob ably looked as if I thought so. For when she had finished Bhe burst out sobbing, and exclaimed, as she walked past me ; ' It's ma, and that used to be her favourite air. J"

On asphalt in Princes-street a correspon dent writes : Sir,—l notice that with the exception a small frontage on the western side, the whole of Princes-Btreet is laid down with neat asphalted side-walks ; now may I ask why this gap? The traffic along the same is equal to one half the residents in Auckland and Par nell suburbs. I have been told it belongs to a wealthy citizen who declines to pay his half. Irrespective of such want of considera tion towards his neighbours who have con tributed to their portions, I think the Council might have the gap filled up and rate his property for it. The public should have some consideration shewn to them.-—Yours, truly, Pedestrian.

Mr. T. H. Smith has taken the contract for building a new flax mill at Maketu for the natives. As usual our millionaire Govern ment have contributed largely. The Wan anga is extensively popular at Waketu.

Mr. "W. C. Dennes is ever to the front in novelty and he has added to his great machine enterprise that of washing machines. His first shipment has arrived and specimens may be seen at his machine depot, Queen-street. The washing machine is a new patent called the "Royal," and is so uniquely arranged and fitted up as to completely set in the shade the washerwoman. The rollers rub, in the same fashion as hand rubbing. The whole is very simple. It has attached to it a neat wringer, with india-rubber rollers. There is a ktub for containing the clothes. The top and all the machinery are moveable and when taken down the whole is converted into an ironing table. The article is cheap and is to be sold upon weekly and monthly payments. Mr. Dennes intends, in a few days, to give one of these machines away at a grand wash ing "Bee." The competitors are to be washers who are widows and others supporting them selves. The whole will be a model affair, and will be aside-splitting farce to seethe old ladies contesting amidst a tub of soiled clothes. We have not heard who are to be the judges, but no doubt, they will be com petent to give the award.

FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR JOSEPH COCHRANE.

As we go to press the earthly remains of the late Mr Cochrane are being borne to their last resting place. The large number assem bling to pay the last tokens of respect is a tribute to the genial, warm-hearted man who haa passed away; and tbouph he has left neither widow nor child to mourn his lose, the memory of Mr Joseph Cochrane will be long and tenderly cherished by a large circle of friends to whom he was endeared in life. He is another of our old colonists who seem so rapidly following one another in the retreat from the scenes of their earthly struggles. A native of the "Maiden City," he came to this colony over twenty years ago, where after meeting with the successes and reverses to which so many have been subject, he retired to Coromandel, where for many years he has been engaged in the public service. In every place and in every sphere of duty in which he has been placed, Mr. Joseph Cochrane has been cherished for his frank and genial qualities, and for his unos tentatious acts of kindneEs; and many a one this day will mourn for him as for the loss of one of their nearest and dearest personal friends.

Overboard from Schooner Susan.

NARRO WESCAPE OF THE MASTER

ORSIAN Anderson, master of the schooner Susan, had a, very narrow escape from drown ing during the laat trip of that vecsel to Port Charles. The Susan left Auckland on Tues day evening and passed the North Head about half-past seven o'clock when the master and his mate, Antouio Perry, a Portugese, bet the guff-topsail. Anderson was .at the helm, and when in mid-channel between Bangitoto and Tiri Tiri he hitched a rope round the tiller and commenced to pull over to windward. While so engaged tho rope slipped off, and Anderson went right overboard backwards. His mate at the time was in the cabin lighting his pipe, aDd did not see the mishap, but hearing Ander sonß shouts be rushed on deck, and seized the helm to put the vessel about. The night was very dark, and Anderson could not beseenfrom the schooner.butcontinuedshout ing directions to Perry. The vessel at the thn^ of the accident was going about six knots, by. t sudden release of the helm had let her awar, and the first attempt to bring her round failed. Perry was therefore compelled to keep her off a bit to get way on, and when she waß finally brought too, she was about a quarter of a mile away from Anderson, who was still struggling in the water, burthened in addition to all his ordinary wearing apparel, boots, etc., with a heavy soldier's overooafc. He continued swimming towards the vessel, being assisted with the ebb tide. Meanwhile Perry launched the boat which capßized alongside, and Anderson, fea»jng tthat if his mate left the schooner both men would be drowned and the vessel come to grief, called out to the mate not to come off in the boat. He continued to drift and swim towards the schooner until able to catch a rope thrown to him by his mate, and with which he was hauled aboard ; one arm being by that time almost useless, owing to the effort necessary to swim so heavily encumbered. Anderson did not throw off his coat while in the water as he found that the current, catching it, tended to set him towards the vessel. The quarter-of an-hour which elapsed between the time of the accident and his rescue was a time of great anxiety to both men, the mate becoming very much alarmed whenever Anderson ceased to shout, but still he never lost his presence of mind, and did all that was possi ble to save his companion. As may be supposed, the master is a very strong swim mer, and while in the water he contemplated the possibility of having to throw off all his clothing and make a desperate effort to reach Rangitoto, Great ciedit is due to both men for their behaviour. Immediately upon getting aboard the vessel received Anderson's tirst attention, and ahe was soon on her right course again. This accident Bhould be a warning to seamen on coasting vessels. The practice of hauling the tiller rope from the windward side is a very common but at the same time a very dangerous custom,the result that followed in the case of Anderson being inevitable if the rope slips off, as it did in the present case.

DEATH OF MR. ARCHIBALD CLARK.

With sincere and general regret the pub lic will learn of the death of Mr Archibald Clark, which took place yesterday at his residence at Remuera. Anjold colonist, the deceased gentleman was one to whom attached no dishonour in his commercial and social relations, but in his whole career whether in amassing a large fortune, or in the performance of his part in public life, he has uniformly sustained a charac ter for sterling integrity and uprightness of conduct. While in private life his kindness of disposition and quiet un assuming deportment, united with warmth and faithfulness in his friend ships and affections, had endeared him to all with whom he was connected in social life. As a member of the first Municipal Council of Auckland and first Mayor of the city, as member of the first Provin cial Council in this province, and as member of the Assembly, first for City East and afterwards for Franklin, Mr Clark has devoted a large portion of his leisure from the cares of business to the public service, in which his grsat com mercial and general experience, and his great practical common sense, united with genuine singleness and purity of purpose, have been eminently useful to the public. For nearly two years Mr Clark had withdrawn frOm public life, and had been enjoying the well won and honorable rest afcer a well spent life. Although ailing for some time, the sud denness of his death was not anticipated. He was conversing with his medical attendant, Dr. Philson, when appearing to swoon he was found to have breathed his last, death being apparently from apoplexy. He had reached the allotted span of three score years and ten ; never theless we cannot but express regret that another good man and a most valued citizen has passed away from our eyes for ever. :. '>

The Wreck of the Bruce. Another Steamer Telegraphed For.

[SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO STAR]

PORT CHALMERS.

(Prom our own Correspondent.) This day. The steamer Bruce is a total wreck lying in a hole in the coast line, half a mile south of Tairoa Heads, on her starboard beam ends ; deck to seaward. It is a very ugly place, and the position is such that the first sea that comes in will either break her up or turn her over into deep water, the shore being bold and very rockbound. She went ashore at 3 a.m., in a dense fog, having over-run her distance from Timaru by about ten miles. The Union Company has decided to pro cure another steamer at once, and sent a cablegram to JSn gland to that effect per Alhambra, whiefi4eft Hokitika on Saturday evening. The Bruce cost £19,000, and was insured in various offices for £15,000. The wreck is to be sold to-morrow at Dunedin. The local offices are interested as follows : -National, £1000; New Zealand, £1000; South British, £1000 ; Victoria, £1000; Standard, £500; National of South Aus tralia, £500 ; home offices, £10,000. Luggage and crew's effects are partly recovered.

(From Oub Dunedin Correspondent.)

DUNEDIN.

Saturday.

The following are further particulars of the wreck of the Bruce. She left Timaru at G o'clock last evening, and came along at half speed. At eleven the weather became very thick. At 240 this morning the Bruce stopped and took soundings, finding between sixteen and seventeen fathoms of water. Captain Jones then decided to run about three miles and anchor until daylight,-but within about ten minutes she struck a rock above her water line. The engines were im mediately reversed, but she would not go astern, when the captain ran out the kedge and gob the beat bower ready ia hopes of heaving her off next tide, but as the tide ebbed she began to list over to the starboard. The captain landed the whole of the passengers. The vessel did not begin to make water until the tide ebbed, when she settled down on a rock which fractured some of her plates on the starboard bow, and the fore compartment began to fill astern. Ultimately she listed over on the starboard side and filled. Shortly after the vessel struck, Mr Meln ness, engineer, got on shore and communi cated the fact to Captain Kelly, who imme diately despatch a boat to Port Geelong, which proceeded down to render any assist ance she could.

There is every probability of her becoming a total wreck, as an easterly sea is now set ting in. On Saturday afternoon the Harbour Company and Insurance offices abandoned all hopes of saving the Bruoe, and the wreck is advertised to be sold on Monday as it now lies. The Bruce arrived here from Glasgow, where she was built, on August 28, 1874, at a cost of £19,000. The wreck of the Bruce was Bold to-day for £140.

Whaling Ship Put in Leaky.

War among Solomon Islanders

[By Telegraph.]

RUSSELL

(From our own Correspondent.) Sunday.

Arrived : Whaling barque Bartholomew Gcsnold, last night, from the Antarctic whaling grounds, with 2150 barrels of oil all told. She is 40 months out, and had put into Abouker Bay, Solomon Group. The ship is leaking very badly. She landed part of her cargo on a reef, and light ened the ship, which stopped the leak. Pro ceeded te this spot for supplies, and will sail in a few days for New Bedford. Captain Wills states that he found the Solomon Islanders in a state of warfare and cannibalism. Passed the ship James Arnold on the 16th August, bound home.

Domestic Drama in High-street

A scenm of a comic character was witnessed on Saturday afternoon in High-street, which drew together a number of spectators, and caused a good deal of amusement. The actors in this one-act comedy were Paddy Collins— as the clothes-propman, and Biddy Halloran —the washerwoman. Biddy, with one blow, knocked Paddy down, and his bundle of props fell to the ground, while Paddy lay on his back with his feet in the air, and so drunk that it was not without much diffi culty that he got on his legs again. The following dialogue will tell the story : — Biddy: " You scamp, Jack Collins, thus to leave my house, and not to pay me for your bed and meals. Ain't you ashamed on't, Jack ; for well you know I've worked for you —done all a woman could to save you from the lock-up, oh —you scamp !!" Paddy : " There, that's enough ; now shut up, Biddy, do. I've got no money, Biddy 1" Biddy: "That won't do; if you don't pay me, I will have your props ; I will have something ; Biddy won't be done by such a scamp as you." Paddy : "Shut up, shut np, and leave me to myself; I've worked right hard, and been out in the country for these props—to Tamaki, and Howick, Otahuhu, and other distant places. Do you think I'm to be fiddled by the likes of you 1"

Here Biddy gave Paddy a blow on the ear; lie rolled over, and Biidy ran. away with the clothes-props as far as Colebrook-street, and fell down fainting at the door. Collins at length got up, rubbed his eyes, looked wildly around, and then curled up among the grass on the slope of the Mechanics' Institute, where he might have slept a long time, had his slumbers not been disturbed by a con stable.

Scene at Saturday Night's En tertainment.

A HEROIC YOUNG REPORTER

DEFENDS HIS FAIR ONE,

The Templars' " Saturday Evening" at the Young Men's rooms, Wellesley-street, was of the usual character, and very entertaining. Mr. Charles Atkin occupied the chair, and spoke a few practical words by way of intro duction. The songs, recitations, and music were of a very pleasant character, and all passed merrily until a foolish young man (whose name we withhold at present), walked staggering into the room in a state of in toxication. It seems strange that such a character should have been admitted, but somehow or other the drunkard eluded the clear bright eye of the doorkeeper. He made his way towards the-foremost seats of the hall, and " bumped " down by the Bide of a young lady, literally shaking the. seat. As the business went on, the rude stranger bogan to mumble in drunken fashion, and presently to the surprise of the by-sitters he caught hold of the young lady, and made an ineffec tual attempt to steal a kiss from her fair cheek. But the young lady's, lover was beside her and proved himself a sprig of the right stock. He immediately jumped up, with a crimson glow upon his cheeks and the fire of love in his eyes, which heralded his determination to have satisfaction. In indig nant tones he demanded to know what the scoundrel meant, administering at the same

time a salutary punch on the nose. The fellow made no reply, but with his vulgar fiat dashed two successive blows into the lair face of that young man of letters, who imme diately resented the insult, and with one blow, striking out from the shoulder, sent his fist against the right eye of the impertinent in truder and nearly brought; him to his senses. The lover, tall, and like David of old, fair to look upon, immediately put himself in an attitude of defence, which commanded general admiration, and a severe combat was likely to ensue, when the friends of order came t& the young man's rescue. The drunkard, who felt a lover's vengeance ting ling on bis nose, was ejected from the room while the gallant lover received the applause of the whole assemblage, who crowded round to grasp the hand of the Templar hero who had acted in a truly heroic manner. The lady fainted in her protector's arms, but was shortly restored by a glass of water and a sweeter kiss than that would have been from which she was happily saved. In response to the young hero's " Oh, my dear! do you thmk you will be able to walk home dear !" she replied cheerily that she had completely recovered, and general happiness and peace was restored. We are sorry to say that the author of the disturbance was not locked up as he should have been.

Presence of Mind of a Little Soy at Mercer.

Yesterday (Sunday) evening an accident occurred at the wharf, Mercer, which but for the pluck and presence of mind of the little boy who was the Bubject of the acci dent, would doubtless have resulted in the loes of life. A child about eight or nine years of age (a son of one of the immigrants per British Empire, but whose name we have been unable to ? seer tain), was playing on the Waikato Steam Navigation Company's wharf in the evening, when he slipped over and fell into the river. The current runs very swift at this place, and a swimmer would have great difficulty in keep ing himself up. The boy in falling screamed out so loudly as to be heard by Constable Limmer who was near at the time. The cur rent carried him quickly under the wharf, against one of piles, which he seized hold of and clang to with great tenacity for about ten minutes. Meanwhile the constable had procured a boat and put off to the boy's as sistance, who was taken ashore not much the worse for his ducking. The brave little fellow deserves great credit for his coolness under such perilous circumstances.

Shocking Double Murder at the Thames.

A MOTHER KILLS HER TWO CHILDREN.

SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO " STAR."

GRAHAMSTOWJSf

Saturday evening.

There was great excitement in our usually quiet community when it became generally known that a murder of the most brutal aed unnatural character had been committed in the heart of Grahamstown, and in open day. In a small close between Golden Crown-street and Owen-street there is a cottage occupied by an industrious miner named John Walls with his wife and children. About four o'clock on Saturday afternoon some boys were playing marbles in the vicinity, when they observed the mother STRIKING THE CHILDBEN WITH AN AXE. Both the children were then lying on the ground with the mother standing over them with the murderous instrument, making repeated brutal blows at the forms of her poor little offspring. A lad named Baxter at once gave the alarm, and Mr Adam Elliott, who was near at hand, looked down the close and saw the woman deal two more frightful blows with the axe upon the little girl. He rushed towards the epot, and a number of neighbours also ran in. The poor children- Patrick Henry, a little boy eight years old, and a girl named Mary Anne, six years — were lying on the ground a few feet from the verandah of Wall's house covered with blood. The woman when she saw Elliott and the others laid down the axe with the utmost coolness and advanced towards them, making some remark about being " told to do it" or something of that sorb. Information was at once despatched to the police and Mr Sandes the chemist also came to the spot to see if any thing could be done to relieve the sufferers Detective Brennan and Sergeant Elliott found the children lying side by side. The boy's head seemed to |have been battered in with the thick end of the axe. The skull was frightfully smashed, and the brains protruding between the smashed bone. The little girl had evidently been struck with the sharp edge across the temple, split ting open the skull. The second blow had cut open her neck, inflicting a sicken ing wound. Both the children were alive when found, but beyond hope of recovery. This was so clearly the case that when Dr. Perston arrived be did not think it worth while disturbing them by having them re moved to the hoppital, and the poor little victims were laid side by side in bed with their hands stretched out towards each other, where they died, the boy in about an hour, and the girl in about an hour and a half after the shocking occurrence. The wretched mother was at once taken into custody, and continued to exhibit the greatest, callousness. The father, on learning the dreadful calamity that had befallen his house was in a terrible state of distress. During the eight years he has resided at the Thames he has borne the character of a straightforward, honest, hard-working miner. Both he and his wife are North of Ireland people, having arrived from Belfast in 1864. Mrs Wall also appeared an intelligent, well conducted woman, but latterly had given way to drink. She is naturally of a very strong build. Sunday afternoon. In order that the bodies might not have to lie over until Monday afternoon, Sub-Inspector Bullen called the inquest on Saturday night, and the jury viewed the dead bodies and then adjourned until one o'clock on Monday. The bodies were then committed to the charge of their father for interment. During to-day they have been seen by a large number of people, and a more pitiable sight I never witnessed, with their poor shattered heads and innocent faces bent towards each other, their hands, still and cold stretched in the same direc tion. General sympathy is felt for the unfortunate father, who evidently feels the bereavement under such shocking circum stances very acutely. This day. With reference to the murder case. It seems that the woman has been given.to habits of intemperance for some time. She took in washing but was generally able to do her work. Her husband has constant work, so they were not in want, but the house was very bare of furnitnre, and most of her earn ings were spent in drink. She is not known to have procured much during the three days previous to the murder, but the stoppage of it is supposed to have rendered her tempor arily insane. . The husband says that he went out to work as usual on Saturday morning, when his wife appeared in her usual health and spirits, but some of the neighbours state that she had been rather strange for two days. On ibeing jtaken to the watchhouse her clothes were covered with blood, and in re ply to a question from Inspector Bullen as to how she was, she said, " I must be mad."

The Inspector said: "Whv^T~*^ ■ you say tCat ?" . y> What **<* 1 She replied : "Because I have killia H children, but they told me to do ft % ■m* H It is not clear who was meant hV^ U thought that she imagined ehe hea'Jl > " I and was in a state of delirium. "J^ in When people went to the house tb™ ■ 1 not find a change of clothing for thn °0?"1 I and there was very little furniture Wom«r; j The prisoner slept well on Satftj^Mta-, but wa3 carefully watched by tnewESp ' they were afraid she might inkr* iT^^m* On Sunday she did not seem iS. talk, but remained sullen and unconcer a - To-day she is in much the same condiK ' The general impression is that the wn is insane. Her conduct in prison v "^ been that of a sane woman. - n°t The inquest will take place at 2 n «

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Colonel Nation, Justice of the Pea

LUSHINGTON?. John Walsh, Hugh Culshaw, and Jan,*. Wright were fined 5s each and costaf being drunk on Saturday night. or Joseph Russell, Thomas Jones, and J«n« Charlton were fined 103 and costs. B'asie Morris, with a a fearful black e«* was fined 5s for the same offence.

THIRTY MIKE,

Michael Fagan, alias "Irish Mike,"a j,* of twenty, was charged with being dnmk and disorderly last night, also with stealim* six gallons of beer from the brewery of Ju William John Suiter on the same day. Prisoner commenced grinning, and' then said he was guilty of being drunk, but that was on account of drinking Suiter's beer, Mr Broham stated that Mr Suiter left* part of his premises open yesterday for tie benefit of the fre=h air, when prisoner got in and helped himself, and left the tap running. He was not known to the police. b' The Bench said that as this might be hia first offence they would let him off leniency. 20s. and 48 hours for drunkenness, and three months' imprisonment with hard labonr for larceny of the beer. John Leaning for being drunk anddi*. orderly, was brought up and pleaded guilty, Defendant, a respectable looking nun was found drunk at his own door. Fined 103 and costs. A BKACE OF VAUBAKTS. George Jones and Thomas Kennedy were charged under the Vagrancy Act, with being found without lawful excuse in thehonseof Emily Day, in Lome-street, on the 17ft instant. Mr. Joy appeared for George Jones, who was a respectable working man, working on the wharf and yesterday, while walking along Lome-street, his attention was bucE denly attracted by a face at the door, and he walked in. Mr. Broham said that he bad been in structed that the door was broken open and the prisoners got in by force; he was in formed that Jones was a respectable taari1; as far as he knew, he was employed on a vessel. Jones intimated that he shonld never hxve thought of venturing into the house, but he was invited to walk in. The Bench took a lenient view of the mat* ter, and discharged Jones, but Kennedy, who had frequently been convicted before, was sentenced to six months imprisonment with' hard labour. HANKEY PANKEY JACK. John Greene was brought up on a charge of beating Elizabeth Morris and kicking her in the side on the 16 th inst. in the shadows of Chancery-lane. . '{i Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Elizabeth Morris deposed that she wag certainly very drunk, and could- not dis tinctly remember the nature of the assault . She had lived a good while with Jack in, Chancery Lane, and sometimes fee leathered her, but most likely she deserved it. She. had a great regard for Jack, and as he warU her natural protector she wished to withdraw;, the charge. Detective Jeffrey described the assault. He'V was at a considerable distance.off, but heard the sound of the kicking, went to the spot'in; Chancery Lane, and saw the miserable f woman lying in a gutter in a state of sense less diunkenness, and the prisoner-kiokiug her violently on various parts of the body. : The woman : Oh, I don't want to hurt Jack, I want to withdraw the charge; let Jack off, your Worship. ,-•;.■ ~; • The Bench: What is known of the pri soner ? Mr Broham : He is a great blackguard, your Worship, and has often been charged at this Court with drunkenness. ' •r, Prisoner was about to address the Bench, when he was ordered to pay a fine of £5M go to prison for two months with hard labour. * . ..' .... ' - •■

OUR MUTUAL FRIEND. James B. Austin, a young man, was charged with the larceny of a watch, chain, and seal, value £20, the property of John Geary, on the 14th instant. , John Geary, recently from London by tie ship White Kagle, was staying at the Boyal Mail Hotel. Prisoner was staying tbere'atao. Came out by the same vessel. Purchased a silver Geneva watch of Mr Kohn on. the 14th. On the night of the Istahegot drunk and prisoner was kind enough to put him to bed. The next morning prisoner enquired after his health, and treated hinrto brandy and soda. He brought it to his bed- ; side. Some time after he wanted to know the time o' day, when his watch and cnamj and seal were all gone. He jumped up, hunted about, and went to prisoner, (they., were mutual friends), and he expreßsed-thj deepest sympathy with him in his loss, ana, would do all in his power towards we recovery of his property. He next saw MW, watch and chain in the hands of Detective J Grace. The property was worth £20. Mr Heinrich Kohn, jeweller of Q^een street, deposed to selling the watch to bearya on the 14th. . ( Andrew Heavey, licensed pawnbroker, oi Wyndham-street, deposed that prisoner csUett,, at his shop on Friday last and pawned tto,, chain in the name of " Chang." He asked £4 on it; but, as he had suspicion that iv might be stolen, as the prisoner did noti«>* like a Chinaman, but more like a White chapel bird. He only lent £1 11b oi it. Gave the chain to the police.1 _ Detective Martin Grace deposed; that ,on| hearing of the robbery, he went to theKoyak. Mail Hotel, where he saw prisoner, wbosua that he put Geary to bed on. the previous night. He carefully undressed him^ too* ??■> his boots, and saw neither watch, chain,nor, .j trinket ; prosecutor must have been dreaniv i ing. The next evening he spoke to prisoner•• on the wharf, who replied that he wasjuffe off to the Thames by the Enterprise, He.a^ expressed a hope that he (the detecbve| wo traced Geary's watch and chain.. He tnro • led prisoner into the water-police-*«.iffw told him he was suspected of the *™™;- j* then, in the presence of Constable Willianis, x searched the prisoner, and found the wait* in his vest pocket (produced) and a p»«£ ticket of the chain. He then charged pnf°>™< with the offence and took him into oiuWK He then acknowledged that, he had stolen the things, but was sorry, as-Geary hadoeen kind to him. . r i;] XX£V^ The depositions were then read ovei: w prisoner, who, having nothing to sajr, w , fully committed for trial at the next criming i sittings at the Sup'renae Court. . , .^J:\ The prisoner, a very young man OIV£ m * complexion, on hearing that, he wM_ mitted, immediately fainted away. W* carried out of Court by two constables. k ALLEGED LUNACS". ~*^£^hL« Alexander E/ Edgeley, a youngW^g l again brought up on a ohirae of W*°'ol^ during hia temporary retirement fi»» P n"*^ life he had recovered. , , ~ ~ % ■'

TJH.K JCVJSgniNU- STA Li, MUJNJJAY- UWJ^-PJPJ^ *■*>* AgyD



Q.EEAT CJHOW OF SPRING AND SUMMER PRESS GOODS, THIS PA. Y\ —- AT —- A. LINABTJRY & CO. 'S 224 & 226, QTJEEN-STEEET. TIOK PRIVATE SAL E. 30 tons superior Adelaide FLOTJB, at £14 per ton sai ks 500 casks CEMENT, at 18sper catk 160 tacks OATo, at 18a. TO AKRIVB PER ' TAIBLEY.' 6 cases BACON and HAMS 2 cases JOWLS 9 casks LAKIX R. ARTHUR, Auctioneer. T>ULMAN;B PHOTOGRAPHIC X GALLERY. Photography in all its branches. Views of the Hot lak<-s, Rotomauana, and the Lake Districts. The finest collection of local views and scenery in Auck land. Maori cartes in great variety. Children's Portraits taken instantaneously at tULMAN'S PHOTO ROOMS, Shortland-street. TT'OUND, Two Letters; one addressed JO "Mrs. Timmins," and the other "Mr. Donald Nicholson." —The owner can obtain the same by applying at this office. /S OAL S! OOA Lb! The Wangarei Coal Mines now being in full work ins? order, are prepared to supply Coals in any quantity, at 10s. per ton, at the Shoot. "Vessels drawing 7 feet can load at the shoot. WALTER SLOANB, • - Vulcan Lane, Agent. October 18,1875. "DAY OF ISLANDS COAL. For Sale, alongside cutter Leo, at 2s per ton. • M. NIC COL. October 18, 1875.



MISSING FRIENDS.—Wanted to know the whereabouts of Donald Matheson or John McGreggor, pussen^ers by the barque Mar garet in 1-52, from St. Ann's, North America, to, Adelaide, S.A.; supposed to be on the Waipoa River, Auckland, N.Z.—Apply at this office A Hint to Ladies.— Nervous excite ment produces nervous weakuess Female complaints, which are almost alwajs accompanied by excessive ne vousness, bring on debility. Hiiious derangement and inactivity of the bowels ulpo utually exist in con n.ctidi with nervous debi ity N»rvoufness, in ditftstion and constipation are promptly relieved by the ] ieasant expedient of swallowing three or four times a day a wine-glassful of Udolpiio Wolfe's SciriEDAii Aromatic Schnapps.