SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER—This evening, 9.35 ; to-morrow inorni'ng, 9.63 SUN BEr-This evoning, 5.26. SUN KlßE—To morrow morning, 6 40. MOON'S AGE—New moon. 31st Inst, 11.20 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

lona, s s, Farquhar, from Eusse 1

DEPARTURES.

Taupo, ss, "Wheeler, for tho South Taranaki, s s, Lloyd, for the South

PROTECTED DEPARTURES.

For San'Francisco—City of Melbourne. 3rd September For Sydney—Hero, about sih September For London- Kobna T'unlop, barque, early For Levuka—Pro pector banjup, 25th inst For Newcastle—sta* ba'que, at once For HoManga—Queen, schooner, early

V *H:\ els 'SXPRCTTCD Wellington, ss, from the South via Napier Mikado, ss, from San Francisco, 9sh September City of Melbourne, from Sydney, 2nd September John Eennie, ship, VTQ Q, from London: sailed May 11 Dover Castle, ship, NC T It, from Belfast; Bailed 28th May Carisbrook Castle, ship, HLWB, from Belfast sailed June S British Empire, ship, from London City of Auckland, ship, KMTK, from London;sailed 15th June White Eagle, ship, QSGW, from London Ocean Mail, ship, from London

B^~ A special charge is made for consignees' or shippers' -names inserted in this column.

EXPORTS.

Per s s Taupo: 700 cases salnioD, 10J barrels do, 1 case maizezm, 50 cases beer, 3 boxes, "0 parcels, 4 bales, S empty hhds. 10 cases Olsor.'a sauca, 10 cases, 9 trunks, G bars iron, 20 pieces limber, 250 kits oysters, 2 cases fish, 14 packages sundries. —Hender- son aud Macfarlane. agents.

Fer s.s. Taupo, for Southern Ports: 1 bag sundries, lcisk, Ireland Brothers.

Per Vision, for Tonga— 2 saws, 6 kettles, 4 wheeh, 1 bell, 25 ca?np ovens and covers, 2 bundles broo us, 27 tins* paint, 1100 firebrick, 4 dozen galvanised buckets, 2 bundles oars, 1 Jength chain. 3 oven doors grates, 12 3 legged pots, IS pieces iron, 1 dray, 8 coils rope, 1 bale cacvuts, 14 drums oil, 1 cask hardware, 1 cask glass, 2 ca*es glass, 2 cases hardware. 1 case galvanised iron, 5 casts hardware, 4 anchors, 20 kegs Bails, 8 packages nails, T. and S. Morrin.

The Union Company's fine s s Taupo left Onehunga at noon to-d*y with the following passengers: Mr and Mrs Penny, Miss Varren, Mrs Whiuker, Mr and Mrs H. Christmas, Mr and Mrs Brown. Er "Warren, Messrs O. Cowan, H. Jayser, Hauten, R. E Jones, Saell, MaTgauette, Buckley, Wilcox, Ranie, Donald, Cieary, and eleven in the steerage.

The s.s. Taranaki sailed from the Mannkau to-day at noon. Passengers—Mr and Mn McDonald and 2 children-. Miss Cramp, Mr AY. McDonald, aad others booked at unehunga.

Messrs Ireland brothers shipped 1 bale leather by the cutter Start for Mercury Bay.

We are requested to contradict the stitement of the Herald, this morning, that the s.s. "Wellington is to be withdrawn from the West Coast trade by the New Zealand Steam Shipping Company. The Wel lington is simply coming to Auckland via Napier to have her boilers renewed and receive a peneral over haul, 'j he work was tendere:l for some time ago, and Messrs R. H. Yeoman and Co. were successful in getting the contract. Tho new boilers are now read-. Thess lona left Rustell at 12.30 pm yesterday, with strong westerly wind and smooth water, and arrived at "Wangarei Heads at 7.30 ; left again at S 30, arrived in Auckland at 4 o'clock this morning. We are indebted to "W. H. Stjddart. purser, for report and passenger list. Passengers —Messrs M. Thompson Speiry, Hulme. Ford, Frazer, Rev W. Mclotiald, Eev a. Clark, G. Mair, C V. McDonald, M. McLean, J. JVTcLean, WiUle, Hewlett, Sikes, Mr and Mrs Davison and children, Mrs Sissonß, Mr ai.d Mrs McDonald and 2 children, Misses Kerr (v), Miss Moyes, Miss Fuller, Miss Montgomery, and two in the steerage. Cargo—l 47 sacks gum, 10,500 shingles, S bales skins, 1 horse —Cruickshask and Co, ngeuts Mes3rs Irelaud Brothca shipped 1 bale leather by the Alarm, for Mangawai The screw barquentine Emu will leave for Levuka on Wednesday, the 25th iust.

The departure of the sahoonsr Onward for Hokianga has been deferred iill :,■ oncUy.

The barque Glimpse c<me alongside the west of the Queen-strebt wliarf j.his morning early to put out the remainder of her cargo of coals.

feyTho barque Kobina Dunlop will be moved into the Stream on Monday to make room for the Alumbagh A sight entry to clear the latter was passed this morning.

COMMERCIAL.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

Mk Alfred r>uoKT,AND's Weekly Kp.port.— At Papaknra, on*Werirjesday, cattle were in less than usual numbers, only ISO head being penned. Bidding ■was brisk throughout th« sale, and an advanc» on late values given. At Bemuera, on Thursday, dairy cows were plentiful, and more free of sale than last we. k. Store cattle scarcely represented. Fat cattle were of good quality and in lull supply : 140 head were sold, prices advanced slightly; bssfc quality brought 40s per 100 lbs. The locgwoolled ewes, lambs at side, brought 193 6d and 223 each. Fat sheep in u,ual numbers; 750 penned; prices steady at 4d per lb. Pigs scarce and at extreme vaiues. Prices given : Weaned calves, 25s to 43s ; yearlings, 40sto 703 ; two-year-olds, 70s to 100s ; ihree-year-sldi to aged cattle, £4 to £7 each; fat cattle, 35« to 40s per 100 lbs ; fat sheep, 4d per lb ; longwoolled ewes, lambs at side, 2lsCd each.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Business done this day :— Bank of New Zealand—Buyers, £17 15s. National Bank—Sellers, 745. Colonial Bank (30s paid)— Buyers, 275. Fiji Bank—Sellers, 52s 6d. South British Insurance —Buyers, 47s 6d. Long Drive—Sellers, 14s. City of London—Sellers, 475. Golden Calf (new)— Buyers, 6s 6d. Golden Calf (double) —Buyers, 15s. Queen of jW ay— Sellers, 10s 9d. Cure—Se It is.l4s 6d. Union P each, 30s ; sellers, 31s. Bismarck—Buyers, 10s; sellers, 11s. Tokatea—Sellers, 15s. Brittania—Buyers, Is 4d.

Chess.

(Supplied by the Ponsonby Chess Club) JAKINS. DOWDEJT. White. Black. 1. Pto X 4 Pto X 4 2. BtoQ B 4 BtoQ B 4 3. KKtto B 3 QKtto B 3 4. PtoQ B 3 Vto Q S 5. Pto Q 4 Bto Q Kfc 3 6. Pto Q 5 QKtto X 2 7. Castles KKtto B 3 S; QKtto Q 2 Castles 9. Pto X R 3 13 to Q 2 10. Bto Q 3 Qtoß sq 11. KttoQß4 B takesßP 12. P takes B Q takes P 13. Kb to KKb 5 Qto R 5 14. Xt takes B R P takes Xt 15. QtoK B 3 Xt to KKt 5 16. QtoKt 3 Q to R 4 17. KBto X 2 ptoK B 4 IS. Xt to KG Rto B 2 19. Xt to KKt 5 Rto B 3 20. PtoK B 3 QRto X B 21. Xt to X G QRto B 2 22. Xt to KKt 5 Rto R 3 23. P takes Xt Qtoß Beh 24. Kto B 2 P takes KP eh 25. Xt takes R Rtoß 3eh 20. Kto X s-q R takes R 27. B takes X X takes Xt 28. QtoKB 2eh KtoKt sq 29. PtoQ B 4 VtoQ B 4 30. BtoK Xt 5 Xt to KKt 3 31. Kto X 2 P to R 3 32. Bto X 3 Qto R 5 33. QtoK Kfc sq Q to B 3 34. KtoK sq Xt to R 5 35. Bto X 2 Xt to KB6 eh 36. B takfs Kfc P takes B .'57. Kto X P. 2 Pto X 5 38. RtoQKt sq Qto X 4 39. QtoKt 3 ' Qto X 2 40. KtoK Rsq Ktoß sq 41. QtoKB 4eh X to Ksq 42. ft to R 5 KtoQ sq 43. PtoK Xt 5 PtoKt :i 44. :R takes P Qto Ksq 45. QtoKB Geh Black resigns.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Closk as follows.— For Thames, Monday next at 7 a m, and 5 30 p m Kor Kiipanga.per Man.ita.on Mordayiiext at U. 30 am For Tiir^a, p .r Obi, ross. th?s day at Ipm For Wan«aret,etc, Rusell, iVangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, on Monday next at 4 pm For Kaiuvauand Mituka, per Lady Bowen, on Tues day nexsat 9 »m Per Citj' of Melbourne, on Friday, 3rd September, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands. United States of America. Canada,, British Columbia, and Foreign West Indies, 10 30 am For the TTnitsd Kingdom and Continent of Europa. ay i 0.30 am Kor money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 9.30 a m Late lette'sbearu-ftan extrafee or Gfl, in addition to the postage, "Rill be received by tho Mail Agent on board up to the time of sailing. Mails for Australia, United Kingdom, etc, via Mel bourne, will close at Hokitika at 10 am on Tuesdai, 24th inaiant For Chatham Islands, per Magellan Cloud, on Friday, 3m September, at 3 pm S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

The Indorsement of Baron Rothschild

is Hie best guainutee of the soundness of commercial paper. The autograph of that great financier on the back of a negotiable instrument would make it as good as a bank note. In like manner the indorse ment of the distinguished physicians who have, above their own signatures, approved and r* commended Udolpiio Wolkk's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps as pure and most desirable stimulant, diuretic, and stomachic, is conclusive as to its efficacy.

DEATHS.

LEE.—On the 20th instant, Margaret, the beloved clauglitr-r of Mr. John Lee, aged 11 years and 4 months.

The funeral will leave her father's residence, Dock-street, Freeman's Bay, to-morrow (Sunday), at half-past 3 o'clock. Friends please accept this invitation.

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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 1875

?»r tha e»use that lacks asßistanoa, &£ S e US?' "'■* needß resißU«c«, *ot th* fmtore In the distance, Ami Urn f*od that we can d».

In ordinary circumstances, the opinions of a gentleman of the character of Mr J. C. Firth are received with deference. On any other subject than the one presently ab sorbing public attention, such a letter an that which to-day appears in our columns with Mr Firth's signature ought to be regarded as the unbiassed utterances of a conscien tious man, which Mr Firth is unquestionably known to be. But in the struggle which is now proceeding in Wellington, and in questions so largely involving dealings in Native Lands, as are the various questions which are being now contended, we can hardly expect much sympathy for the Opposition f iom any persons connected with extensive land transactions. The laird of Matamata is, it is true, consistent in his centralism ; but if he had no relations or interest, or at least sympathies in common with influential coteries whose objects are the acquisitision of huge tracts of native territories at peppercorn prices, and the establishment of huge family patrimonies in this land, to tue exclusion of • a happy, pros perous and numerous yeomanry—a country'B pride—the expression of his opinion on the present crisis would carry more weight with the public. We regret that illness has prevented Mr Firth from attending our public meetings, but we further regret tliat it appears to have also prevented him from reading the bills of which he speaks. For Mr Firth is altogether too shrewd a man to suppose that the so-called Abolition Bill contains the abolition for which he has been consistently contending, or that the central, ism and unification of the colony which he has long maintained to be desirable, are in any way shadowed forth by the substitution of " Districtism" for " Provincialism" and a nominee for an elected administration. We feel confident that had Mr Firth been per mitted by health to have carefully perused the bills before feeling impelled to write, he would

have been •with us in opinioD ; thoagh weijare equally confident that now when he has once committed himself, from his determination of character, he will very persistently adhere to his once expressed opinions. We are pleased to see that Mr. Firth discountenances the violent revolutionary principles which Mr. Stafford, in an unguarded moment, was the first to fling out among the people. We quite agree with him that a great deal of "these foolish and impulsive utterances is mere sound and fury signifying nothing," and ib is greatly to be regretted that a man of Mr. Stafford's character aud antecedents should have intemperately in voked the demon of blood. But right con fident are we that if these violent principles were attempted to be applied to a free people, no man in Auckland would more quickly or more fiercely clutch a rifle than would Mr Firth, and we can readily picture him marching forward, sword in hand, and with the sfcernnes3 of death in his face, heading a battallion against the foes of liberty. However, Mr Firth need not be alaimed. Mr Stafford has crept into his shell again, ftightened at the ghost which he had raised ; and we shall probably not again see him or others of his kind flaunt the red fl ig of revolution in our face.

We do most sincerely regret to see the efforts made through the colntnns of tho Cross to import religious and sectarian hate into the present question of Abolition. Two additional letters with this object in view appear in the columns of that journal to-day, and we are surprised to think that tbo conductors of that paper should allow its columns to be prostituted to such a vile mode of warfare. One is signed " A Simple Enquirer" and the other "No Sham," and it is but honest to say that these and that of "Loyalty," in a late issue with the same object in view, are commonly attributed to tho hand or the dictation of Mr Darga vile. We cannot bring ourselves to believe this, and we shall find much pleasure in being authorised to correct what is certainly a current rumour and belief. The " Simple Enquirer" has attended a few abolition meetings and " has been struck with the large preponderance of Roman Catholics mustered at all these meetings who voted of course all on one tide." Really this is contemptible, and to reply to it id useless. If it were true, there could not possibly be in the present great questions anything in which .Roman Catho lics more than others, could have a reason for party, leaning to one side more than another. And the insinuation which we believe is en tirely gratuitous, is simply and solely for the purpose of exciting among kindly and well disposed fellow-citizens chat most diabolical and damnable of ail feelings, p )litico-rl.li gious rancour. The writer adds that "it is well known" that Messrs Lusk and Rees "state they are now secure of the Catholic vote in the next general election through the part they have taken in this movement." The writer of that statement knows that what he states is a pure fabrica tion, intended to excite the Protestants, and especially the Orangemen of Auckland, against these two gentlemen and against Sir George Grey. There is a vileness in such conduct that is positively loathsome. The second letter under the heading of " Home Rulera" is intended to furnish tho excuse for bringing out some pamphlet which Sir George Grey is said to have once published in favour of Ireland having a parliament of her own. Having done so would of course damn him, it is assumed, to all eternity; and the writer, "No Sham," says that, for making such a charge, " Mr Dargaville ought to be held up to the public reprobation." Of course Mr Dargaville will reply, and prove that Sir George has committed this deadly sin ; and so the purpose of " No Sham," who is a " genuine sham," is served. But we do wonder that a respectable paper like our contemporary should lend its columns to so mean a trick, for the ruse ia too trans parent. And we do wonder that human nature could sink so low as to excite peace ful citizens to religious hatreds, to serve purely personal ends, ia a question itself wide as the poles apart from sectarian or national animosities.

We are obliged by pressure on our space to hold over the letters of " Honesty" and " F.H.T.," together with other correspon dence.

The Scholarship Committee ofjtbe Board of Education have held a meeting to-day at noon to enquire into the late bungliDgof the University authorities respecting the late University examinations. The proceedings were not public, but we understand that Mr Macrae, the Principal of the College and Grammar School, gave evidence at consider able length.

As will be seen from another column, the residents of the Whau districts, being on the boundary line of the Waitemata and Eden electorates, are convened for Monday even ing to consider the so-called abolition pro posals before the General Assembly. What ever may be the ultimate result, it cannot be a doubt that these proposals have excited a healthful political vitality in every corner of the country.

The market this morning presented a lively appearance. Mr Greenwood had a splendid collection of box and other plants and trees from suburban nurseries in a fine healthy condition, and which were speedily bought at far prices. In the centre of the market is the genuine milk company's stand, with pure milk from Tamaki at five pence per quart, which adds somewhat to the scene. We noticed also, at the fruit stalls a large supply of vegetables of various kinds; and at the butchers a splendid show of beef. At Bettany's stall was exhibited some good bacon, a luxury now-a-day ; and among the natural curiosities of the market was a singular female monkey in Clarke's stall, which was caught by an American seaman in an American forest.

A large Newfoundland dog created some stir on the wharf last evening by its extra ordinary antics, which indicated that the animal was in a fit. It foamed at the mouth and at last lay down on its side and kicked convulsively. Eventually it rolled itself over into the water, where it remained swim ming about for half an hour without making an attempt to get ashore. It waa then rescued by two men in a boat. We did not learn whether it recovered.

We regret to learn that the wife and family of Mr Thomas King, the passenger who died on board the Alumbagh on Wednesday night, are left quite destitute. Some benevolent persons have already taken the case in hand, and it is expected that a sufficient sum will be raised to place the poor woman in a position to gain a livelihood. We shall be happy to receive contributions on her behalf.

Sir Julius Vogel during his stay in England is doing his bess to saddle the colony with big billet gentlemen. A short time ago we learned that he had offered a Captain Walker, of Madras, £800 a year as Conservator of New Zealand forests. As this gentlemen, however learned in ladian forestry, can have no knowledge of Mew Zealand timber, the ap pointment is oven to v&?y"grave question, and triers are hundreds of practical fofosters in the colony whose services could have been secured for half the money. We now learn from a telegram to the Cross that Sir Julius has also offered from £500 to £SQO a year for an Inspector of Lunatic Asylums. And we are told that it is necessary to abolish pro vincialism in order to secure economy of administration

His Worship the Mayor, in compliance with the wish of a number of citizens, has convened a public meeting of ratepayers to be held on Wednesday evening next at the Mechanic's Institute, to consider the advis ability of bringing into operation within the city the Public Libraries Act of 1869.

Divine service will be held to-morrow (Sunday) at the following places of worship at the usual hours. Newton Kirk, by Rev. Dr. Wallis, morning, "The Realisation of the Divine presence upon Earth." Everting, "Is the Apocalyptic Beast the Papacy?" Lome-street; Hall, by Samuel Edgar B. A., morning, "How Heaven is gained." evening, "On taking Pleasure." Wellesley-street Baptist church ; by P. H. Cornford, pastor, morning, "Christ Our .Righteousness," eve ning, "The Righteous scarody saved." Congregational church, sermons, morning and evening, by Key. Warlow Davies, M. A, Devouport Hall, North Shore, morning and evening services conducted by Itev. W. J. Williams. United Methodist Free church, corner of Vincent-street, by Rev. G. H. Turner. Services as usual at Edwardes-atreet, Sheridan-street, and Newmarket (primitive) chapels.

A brave act by the late Captain Beveridge is thus recorded by the Kelson Times in quoting our reference to his supposed death : —" Many of our readers will remember Cap tain Beveridge some year ago Harbourmastrr of Charleston. He had been the means during his life up to that time of saving seventeen lives, and whilst on the Coast received tbe bronze medal of the Humane Society, with a most congratulating and complimentary letter. Whilst in Charleston, a whale boat came from Brighton and cap sized in a heavy sea in the little basin called by courtesy a harbour at Charleston. It had several passengers and a quantity of type, then being conveyed from that place to Charleston by Mr. Neale, the proprieior of the Charleston Herald, who was giving up his Brighton branch. Amongst others in the boat were two women who were drowning, when Beveridge jumped from the rocks, a height of at least 20 ft. from the water, into the surf, got hold of the two women, catch ing one by the hair with one hand and the other's clothes in his teeth, and brought both of them safely to shore. Swimming thus laden with his unoccupied hand and feet.

A more gallant act was never done, and but for it two live 3 must inevitably have been sacrificed. He was the hero of a score of other equally brave deeds, and we are sure that numbers on the Coasts—both of the South-West Goldfielde,-and Hokifcika—will regret to hear that hp has at length met with the f.ite from which he has rescued so many Ho was an enthusiastic mason, and was fore most in every act of charity afloat. May all have an equally satisfactory account to ren der of good done on earth when their time comes.

A good deal of interest wa3 roused in the little township of Onehunga to-day owing to the unusual occurrence of two large steamers, the Taupo and the Taranaki, sailing South at the same time. The telegiam3 announcing their respective arrivals at each of the Southern ports will be eagerly looked for.

The business of the Police Court thi3 morning consisted in fining David Connolly 10s and co3ts for being drunk lait night. The representative of justice was Mr Thos. Macffarlane.

The Police Court box has not received an instalment since the death of Mr Beukham, who oftnn ordered persons to drop a note in favour of the orphan and destitute children of society as the price of their liberty. The box is fast gathering dust, and the linger of justice is never pointed towards it.

The Hobson Company with their excellent band had an evening march from head quarters to the wharf and back last night. The band played a number of airs under the conductorship of Bandmaster McComish in a very successful manner ; some of the pieces were new. The march pasaed off exceedingly well with but one exception. One of the band, an old man named Shanaghan, who is rather near-sighted got too near the side of the wharf, and unfortunately fell over. The poor fellow was immediately zescued from his perilous position by a member of the Naval Brigade, named Hugh Wilson, who leaped from the wharf and caught Mr Shannaghan before he had sustained any personal injury.

The Wananga, a Maori newspaper pub lished at Napier, is got up in first-class style, and contains a large amount of reading matter, published in Maori and English. The contents are well written, devoted of course mainly to subjects of Maori interest. The advertisement pages are filled with notifica tions, which show that the natives fully ap preciate the value of the fourth estate. The inhabitants of Ponsonby are brighten ing up, and have caused their lamp-posts to be painted white, which gives to them a smart appearance. The district board has resolved upon levying a farthing rate for the purpose of lighting a portion of the district, as described in a notice issued by the rate payers. The curious and absurd pig case, between Houlton and Borley was concluded yesterday in the Resident Magistrate's Court, when his Worship, having sat the greater part of the day in listening to the evidence, gave judgment for plaintiff with costs. The plain in the case was a landowner, and the defend ant a shoemaker at Epsom, and a pig belong ing to defendant was put in plaintiff's pad dock by his consent by a man named Trebil cock, but as soon as plaintiff found out that the pig belonged to Borley, he made a charge of 5s for nine day's keep, and would not let the pig go, until he was paid, the money was sent down and refused by plaintiff's wife, when defendant went down and demanded his pig, Houlton dared him to enter his premises. Defendant then whistled his dog, went in and secured the pig. Plaintiff alleged that his two sows and eleven pigs went mad in consequence of being disturbed, and broke into a Mr Her bert's garden and made havoc among the cauliflowers. The case was justly charac terised by counsel ag a case of '' pig-headed ness," and it exhibited feelings which are not creditable to a Christian community.

The Sunday-school teachers of A 1 Saints have just received a harmonium built by Mr Hewlett. It is one of his 18 guinea instru ments, with 5 octaves and 3 stops, fitted up iin a gothic caso of kauri pine. The principal 1 amount (about two-thirds) has been obtained from a share in the t roceeds of the lime-light exhibitions which Me Donne* kindly gave not long ago for the oeneno of the Sunday schools of Ponsonoy, and collections in the school; the remaining portion has been given by Mr Hewlett. It must be very gratifying to those who are interesting them selves in the laudable work of Sunday-schools to hear of such efforts being crowned with such results.

Messrs. Henderson and Spraggon are about to lay the keel of a lareje cutter r Mr Thomas Kelly, the manager of the Waikawau Sawmills. She is to measure about 50 feet on the keel. The most import ant feature about the vessel will be that her construction is to be under the inspection of British Lloyd's surveyor. She will be the first Auckland vessel so built.

Tbe Whangarei Comet and Northern Advo cate is really a capital country paper. Its laßt isaue contains a discussion caused by the refusal to admit to the public school children who came from a house where typhoid fever was prevalent. The editor S ays:—■" For our own private information we telegraphed to Dr. Philson, and, with marked courtesy, he immediately answered that there was a risk in allowing children to attend school coming from a house where typhoid fever existed." The same journal says the settlers of Waipti intend to invite Sir George Grey to stand for Marsden at the next elec tion. —A meeting of settlers resolved to form a township.—The first lodge of Good Tem plars, under the title of " The Hope of Whangarei," has been formed. —The Cale donian Lodge, at Waipu, now numbers 51 members.

The "Intelligent Vagrant" in the New Zealand Times says :—" lamina position to state, as paragraph writers say, that there is no truth in certain rumors which have been current regarding Sir George Grey. He denies positively having asserted in his place in the House that the Governor was a nincompoop and the Chief Justice a bush lawyer. There is no truth whatever in the report that he is in ill-healtb. He is at present merely suffering from a slight com minuted fracture of the left eyebrow, brought on from long effort to understand the Financial Statement and Abolition and Local Govern ment Bills. I may say that he is the only man who has made such an attempt and he deserves sympathy under the circum stances."

The Fakir of Oolu addressed himself in his professional capacity last evening to a lar^e number of interested spectators, and his tricks and wonderful feats and beautiful fountain elicited the admiration of all be holders. The matinee this afternoon was crowded by young persons and their friends. The children and matron of the Home for Neglected Cdildren (numbering about 70), and the matron and thirty child ren from the Pamell Orphan Home were admitted free of charge. The amusements consisted of tricks, interspersed with anecdotes and funny stories, the en tranced lady, and the fairy fountain. During the brief interval, the Fakir scatteied oranges and apples given by Messrs Levy and Mendelshon among the juvenile audience, which created much interest among the juveniles. The entertainment evidently gratified the little ones. The Drum and Fife Band played some merry selections.

The paragraph in our issue of the 19i.h inst. respecting the young man McGinty, we learu, was not strictly correct. McGinty made false representations to Mr. Dunning ham, of the Governor Browne Hotel, as the Government had refused to make any allow ance for McGinty's board and loggings, as a letter from the Public Work's Office, which McGinty has sinoa handed to Mr. Dunning ham, fully confirms. The letter states that while the Hon. Mr. Richardson regrets the accident, the Government cannot be held responsible for certain reasons named therein, and that no maintenance can be allowed. McGinty therefore deceived Mr Dunninghanti ia withholding thia letter, and Mr. Dunning ham states that he withdrew the charge in the hope that McGinty may pay him when he obtains employment.

DISAPPEARANCE OF A GENTLEMAN AT MAHURANGI

Tiik name of the gentleman supposed to have met with a fatal accident, referred to in last evening's telegram from Mahurangi, wa3 Mr John Pilkington, formerly proprietor of the William Denny Hotel, Auckland. The facts are these : Mr. Pilkington lef S the hotel at Warkworth on Monday afternoon with the view of reaching Matakana before dark, in company with a man named Smith. They had some previsions and spirits with them as well as a few parcels. He was heard passing the residence of Mr. Munro about eight o'clock in the evening, and no more was seen of him. Smith states that he had no recollection of Mr. Pilkington being ia the boat, but, seeing his coat in the boat, he acquainted Munro of the circum stonce. Mr Munro immediately went in search of the missing man, and sc-ircbed along the creeks and rivers, and places where he was likely to land, but could find no trace of him. On reaching Parker's Point on Thursday, Mrs Kaspar informed the con stable that Mr Piikington's hat had floated on shore that morning, where it was found. Munro and others were engaged yesterday in dragging the river, where the hat and oar had drifted ashore, but had not succeeded in discovering the body. It is feared that Mr Pilkingtou has come to an untimely end.

THE CONSEQUENCES.

Why all this row, this fuss and riot, Provincialise, you'd best bo quiet, And rave not so 'gainst abolition, And do not Kpout so much sedition, a bout your to the death resisting-. Such foolish conduct don't persist in, Or else Sir Donald you will rile, And cause bis Highland blood to bile ; AVho straight the Lima will send down, With ordeis to bombard the town. And to the Inspector send directions, To supress ail insurrections. Suspend the issue of the Stafi, For waking people up to war, And perhaps they will, I shouldn'twonder. But if they do, they'll make a blunder, In trying to mike men born freo, submit to such gross tyranny; For though Sir Donald may talk big, For him we do not care a fig, Nor fear the wiles of Soapy Dan, Who leads the Abolition clan ; And who would much delight to see Auckland a mere dependency. Then shall we tamely make submission. Exist but by the Youth's permission. jSo, for they try at their pleasure, To force this most obnoxious measure. Their views pursue with such persistence, They will provoke an armed resistance, And then they mast make restitution, Of revenues and constitution. And if we can't get reparation, Why then we will have separation. The Onkhunga Vagrant.

ABOLITION.

(To the Editor of the Evening Stae.) Sir, —Indisposition having prevented my attendance at any of the political meetings held during the past week, I avail myself'of your columns to express my opinions on the questions of of the day—the abolition of the provinces. Let me say at the outset that I welcome the revival of public interest which the recent n>eetingg have called forth. And, though I regret, as every well-wisher to this country must regret, that in some quarters appeals, have made more or less direct to the settlement of the questiou by the armed hand, I am satisfied that the good sense of the community jjwill regard these foolish and impulsive utterances as mere sound and fury, signifying nothing; and that ultimately there, will grow up a healthy public opinion, without which the most liberal insti tutions imust become of little value. Most people admit that the provincial system was at tirst a necessity, and that it has done much work, and done it in the main well. Nearly all its ancient duties are, however,' now done by municipalities, harbour, ednca tion, and road boards. In the provinces destitute of land funds the system is dying of inanition. In the provinces with large land fnnds it has developed into a wasteful Centralism of a very narrow and selfish type. Provincialism has fostered a mean Provincial jealousy, greatly subversive of the true interests of the colonists. The presence of tha Superintendents and their henchmen in the House has created a system of log-roll ing and intrigue which, so long as the Provin cial system continues, will render good govern well nigh impossible. These considerations, amongst others, "colate,'ferine the past year produced a gen<!- ... c^.,,,-Throughout the colony for the abolition of the Provincial system. This remarkable concurrence of public opinion North and South can only point to the conclusion that the great body of colonists have well considered the question, and fully made up their minds that all the provinces must be abolished. That being bo,

the minor question of when becomes.simply a matter of convenience. Of course, when the time has come for opinion to take the form of action, there is the usual, and not unnatural disinclination to part company with an old acquaintance, just a3 some men cling to an old coat long after the threadbare and worn-out; garment has ceased to be of any use. Even the enfranchised beggar won ders how he will get along without the wallet he no longer needs, but which he has carried so long that he can hardly bring him. self to believe that he can get along without it. The Opposition in the House, with a few exceptions, have had very little to say against abolition per se. The cry is for postponement. Remit the question, say they, to a new Parliament. Most of the speakers at the Auckland meetings have taken up the same cry. Divested of its sentimentalism there is nothing in it. If the thing is to be done, the sooner the better. Hid of the superintendents and their cliques, the House will the better ad dress itself to the real work before it—the codification of crude provincial ordinances, and the adoption of measures to secure the peace, order, and good government of the colony as a whole. lam no partisan of the Government, but I give them credit fer being able to read accurately the state of public opinion in the colony as being, by an over whelming majority, in favour of abolition, and I hope they will not be deterred by the intrigues of time-serving politicians, or the cries of impulsive orators, from carrying this desire to its logical conclusion, namely aboli tion, both absolute and immediate.—l am, &c. J. G. Firth.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) Sir, —The electors of the province seem to be waking up to their interests, and, thanks to your independent paper, their views will go the length and breadth of the laud. Whether our representatives will be true to their con stituents is another print, and the very fact of their voting with the Government will be sufficient to shew that they do not represent our views, and therefore the present Parlia ment, which has almost run its course, is not the one to deal with such important measures as are now before the House. It will be fresh in the memory of most of us, that when the Government introduced the ail valorem duties they deprecated the idea, that it would be increased taxation, and was for the purpose of swelling the revenue. I think, sir, nearly every Chamber of Commerce shewed them the fallacy of this statement, but the Govern ment were unbelieving, because they were insincere and meant to do one thing while they blandly said another. If I am incorrect; if, in truth, no increased revenue was wanted, they had their remedy, and ought to have reduced taxation when they discovered the enormous increase from these duties, and now sir, I believe the present bill for abolition, and all it* promises are as insincere as the ad valorem duties, and the only means of carrying oat their grants will be by increased, taxation; the colonists' money will fist be taken, and may or may not come back again. lam not aware hoy/ many know how fast the last loan is melting away, and that before December 1870 very little, if any, will be left. I believe a great portion wa3 spent before it was raised, and I find many of our public works will be only partly completed when the Government Exchequer is empty. It is well, then, to be one on. this vital question of abolition; to be true to our selves and the politican who is fighting our battles, his advocacy is not to be lightly lost, and above all things, let us resist the nominee to be delegated by the Government. If Councils go by the board, let the districts appoint their own chief and not the Govern ment. This is but one point out of m^ny, and time to dwell on this bill will develope many alterations that will be for our good and the colony as well.—Yours, &c, H.

GOOD TEMPLARISM AND THE CROSS.

(To the Editor of the Evening Stab.)

Sir, —Who would have thought it ! The Daily Southern Cross has turned Good Templar, and the Good Templars have leased a portion of that consistent journal for the advocacy of their cause. I could scarcely believe the fact until shewn a circular which plainly stated' that arrange ments had been entered into for so many columns of the weekly and the Saturday's Croxs. On remonstrating with my friend upon the inconsistency of such an arrange ment, especially with the Cross, whose advocacy of the liquor traffic wa3 well known, he replied: We have made very good term 3. The Cross' circulation is falling off and thig will bolster it up. Now Mr Editor, though quite agreeing with the reasons given, viz., the impeouniosicy of the Cross for liberal terms, yet I cannot see anything more inconsistent and suicidal to the Templar movement than this arrange ment. It i 3 ludicrous in the extreme, five columns of the Cross devoted to the destruc tion of the liquor traffic, and alongside of it those wishy washy articles in its favour. Jf that is not hypocrisy I don't know what is. So much for Templary, and so much for the Cross,— l am, &c, A Citizex.

AN EXPLANATION WANTED.

the Officers of the Auckland Typographical Society. (Per Favour of the Evening Star.) Gentlemen, —The employees of the Auck land Evening Star have this day been shewn a circular, printed, and distributed in the Southern provinces, bearing the signature of a Mr Le Grove, the co-called secretaiy of the Otago Typographical Society, wherein it is stated that you (the Auckland Typographical Society) have "ratted " certain men employed in the Star office, which in printer's language means damaging their reputations as men capable of exercising their own judgments. Now I should like to know when did we show ourselves unworthy of the name of men True, we refused to "strike" on such a verbal notice a3 was given to us by a member of your committee, which was to this effect : "Dick Wheelan (meaning your President) says you are to give a fortnight's notice next Saturday, or you will be declared ' rats.'" But would we not have shown ourselves pos sessed of far less intellect than rats (the four legged ones I mean) if we had resigned good situations for such threats, when it was well known to the committee at the time that applications were pouring in from compositors from all parts of New Zealand to fill our frames when va cant, they stating that they had no sympathy with us for so trifling a cause. In the next place (and this you will find it hard to answer), the Auckland Typographical Society was never properly formed. It possessed no members' cards, nor had it any printed rules, besides it never had solicited the co-operation of the various employers. Again, why are those men who were not members of the Society not " ratted. '\ This omission on your part shows unmistake ably that it is far better to keep clear from all trade societies 'which do not include all the m°rnbers of the profession. Another question I should like answered is, Why are not the names of the handß employed in the Shortland - street office published as "rats." Tbe original hands went out on a question of pay, and the present lot (or the majority of them) jumped in at any price. In my opinion upite has had a good deal to do with this. If we were, vulgarly speaking, " rats," how can you reconcile the fact that after the Star office was closed to Society men by your action, you shortly afterwards wanted. U3 to rejoin it ? I think I can tell you. The Star hands regularly paid their subscriptions, and their withdrawal caused the expenses of the Society to be greater than its income. Trusting you will at your next meeting consider this matter, and accord us justice.—l am, &c, T. Bakeweil.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(-FROM OUR SPECIAL COIWEgPrnM BJENT.J Wm

Progress of the Great Debate.

Mr Reeves and Nabob Wilson.' T Mr Keeves made a first-class speech in m, I opening of the debate. He handled his& pe J!v 1 well from all points of view, but achieved hk best hit at the close, when he literally aPa fied Nabob Wilson. The latter had made mo3t personal and offensive attack on Moor* house and Macandrew, for their conduct Superintendents many years ago. Mr Keev showed that, in Moorhouse's case, Wilson' attack was utterly without; foundation. ~Wi] son accused Moorhouse of resigning, becanjlo tne Provincial Council refused him a aalarynf £2,500 a-year, whereas Mr Reeves showedW vetoed the Act of Council increasing h ■ salary, and only when about to resign Jm!' a message to tne Oouucu recommending it to make better provision IZ,:hi% successor Wilson referred fco Maeandrew's having p ro .' >■ claimed his private house a prison. Ah" Reeves admitted the error, but went to show * how it had been amply atoned forby yea * ; of unselfish devotion to the public good of his province and col. ny. He denounced th»:: unmanly and ungenerous nature of the person who could on such an occasion refer tL to a matter which the people had fully f ON -• ■.<■ given, and wound up by saying that Macan drew's name would be honored and venerated by countless thousands long after the memory of Sir Cracroft Wikon had utterly passed away. Enthusiastic cheering from all sides including Government benches, greeted thig vindication, and showed how deeply the whole cfoute felt the wanton affront offered '' to the Superintendent of Otago. Mr. Curtis.

Mr Curtis followe iMr xteeve3. He made as usual a nice pleasant speech, but without 'j animation or effect.

Mr. W.--;rd, of Marlborough. At the evening aicding Mr WarJ, of Marl borough, made a capital spaech against aboli. ■■'■■■ tion. He spoke fluently and with consider- :■ able effect, and was warmly applauded at the clo?e.

The Ministerial Protector

Mr Stafford's rising was the signal foffi applause from all sidea. He spoke for about an. hour and a quar er. His spseea was a dead failure. Buch an opportunity! Taa filling iv the key-stone of the arch of the ! policy, advocated by him for so many years, ought to have brought out one of his . best efforts. It ought to have been at once a ■+, vindication and a song of triumph. It was-v neither. His argumenbs were weak and illogical. He took up a loDg time with hig : own political biography, and accused Sit,' G-eorge Grey of jumping unfairly on Messrs Bowen and Askinson. He defended Mr ; Bowen's appointment by quoting the case of \, Mr Cross, the present Home Secretary, who,he ; said, was a stranger to public life. As he wag-| reminded afterward?, Mr Cross had eat inS? Parliament seventeen years. He made r number of similar historical allusions equally mistaken and quite as unfortunate for his side as Jamaica was. He harped over and ■ over again on the provinces having now onljr: power to passlaws imposing dog taxes for simi-:, lar purposes. He eulogised the wisdom, the 1 firmness and sagacity of the present Govern- ; ment, and rejoiced in fact that we were soon to get rid of nine hungry little parlia- . ments. He was of course loudly cheered at the close, but the general opinion was that -\ the effort fell far short of the occasion. ..

Characteristic Speech by White. He was followed by Mr White, who made; one of his characteristic speeches, keeping the House in good humour for over anhonr and a half. His hit at the " Smiler "as one who took up in the House the position of being father of the mining interest occasioned:: great laughter. Mr White spoke well at & ghort notice, and was warmly cheered at the; close.

Attempt to Baulk Discussion. Then it became evident that the Govern-1 ment wanted to cboke discussion or force; Opposition. Speaker got up one after another, and Messrs Bunny and Sheehan. had to speak plainly to the Government whip. Ultimately the Government put up Mr Mervyn to move; the adjournment.

Mr Mervyn's Effort. Yesterday (Friday), the debate was opened, by Mr Mervyn, who spoke without much effect to a thin house for about an hoar and a-quarter.

A Good Speech by O'Connor. He was followed by Mr O'Connor, who made one of the fairest and most impartial speeches of the debate. He pronounced him self in favour of abolition, but iatimatedhis intention to demand sweeping alterations in* committee. He will most likely vote against the third reading.

The New Member. :,,> . Mr Bastian, new member in "Webster s place, followed in a short speech in favxmr,of the Bill, and the House rose at 5.15 for dinner.

Effect of Auckland Meetings- Last night, at 7.30, Mr Fitzherbert opened the ball. The Auckland supporters of the Government snap their fingers at the'reso lutions of their own public meetings, and, I hear, have promised to vote for the bill without alteration or amendment. This ought to put our people on their mettle. The news of successive meetings declaring against the abolition this session is occasioning great chagrin amongst the supporters of the Government.

Tairua Inquiry. ,-;: The Tairua Committee sat three hoars yesterday. I understand a number of wit nesses ara ordered from Auckland.

The Ohinemuri miners' rights enquiry, begins on Tuesday. Mr. Brissenden will then be examined.

The Veteran Superintendent- . Mr Macandrew will probably open tne debate on Tuesday, and after him Messrs' Bunny and Sheehan will probably follow. The debate may close about Thursday night. Improvement Commissioners Bill- The Auckland Improvement Bill passed; through Select Committee yesterday, &nd will go through the Lower House next_weejfc, and Dr Pollen takes charge of it in the Upper House, v Ms? Stafford's Allusion to tho "Star."

I forgot to mention that Mr Stafford in his speech referred to the Evening Stab aS a paper talking about forcible resistance, and. seizing the Custom-house, and as being either under the control of. or inspired by Sir George Grey. Sir George laughed heartily and said he was glad of it, as it is * good advertisement for the Star.

[per press telegram agency.]

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Yesterday (Friday.) Reserves- ,_.: la reply to Mr. Wales the Colonial lT«r surer said the Government would secure the preservation of existing reserves to toMf original objects in the abolition measures. Government Printing. . A discussion arose on the oTerns!- eIJ printing, which is greatly in arrear. Most of the newspaper members favoured _tno printing of provincial work in the various provinces, and the putting up of the otuer work to tender. The Abolition Debated • Mr Mervyn, who moved the adjournment in re-opening the debate said the objeyort •• the bill seemed to be unanimous inj V|iPs» one objection only, that the time w^fß^1 portune and the people taken by p^jr He denied that the question was a/segjgl'



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Night!



Fakir



Ooohi!



A Startling



Sensational



Illusion.