SECOND EDITION. THE PROROGATION OF PARLIAMENT.

•n tt j^^ s afternoon' /n/^W^vas prorogued at three o'clock. jj&m&enezicy said :— **no,NORAYsLE Legislative Councillers and GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF RE PRESENTATIVES —

" The state of the public business enables me to relieve you from further attendance in Parliament, and I take occasion to thank you for the zeal and attention which have marked the discharge of your onerous duties during the Session. Having expressed your satis ■ faction at the completion of the contract for the laying of the Telegraph Cable between New South Wales and New Zealand. You will be glad to be assured that before the next session of this Assembly the Colbny will be placed in telegraph com munication with the Australian Colonies, and Great Britain. Th s conditions of the contract foiv the mail service via San Francisco which you have ratified, give promise that on this occasion the permanency and .'efficiency of that service will be secured. Gektleivien of the House of Represen tatives, — I thank you for the liberality with which you have granted supplies for the current year, they will be administered with economy and care for the attain ment of the objects for which they have been voted. The Immigration and Public Works A pppropriation Act, to which I have assented on behalf of Her Majesty by giving distinctly a statement of the Immigration and Public Works Loan Accounts, and hy showing separately all appropriations charge able to loans will render easily intelligible a a subject upon which there has been some misapprehension, and with the Public Revenues Act and the Stamp Duties Act, to ■which I have also assented, will effect a valuable administrative improvement.

Honourable !■■ gislative Councillors and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,—l be question rela tive to the. Abolition of the Provincial form of Government in these islands—which I intimated at the o{ ening of this session you would be invited to decide—has been answered by the passing of the -Ab.lition of Provinces Act b? large majorities in both ' HpusfS of the Assembly, I have assented on behalf of Her Majesty. It will be the duty of my Government during the recess to give attention to the consolidation of existing provincial Acts and ordi nances-, and to prepare such general laws of a muni cipal character as will facilitate and render uniform the administration of the local governing bodies now existing or hereafter to be established in the several provincial districts, so that the constitutional change •which is appointed to take place at the clo=e of the first session of the next Parliament may be accom plished with ease. The readjustment of the representation effected by the Representation * ct, will meet the altered circum stances, of feveral electoral divisions, i,in which in creaee of the numbar of members has been mad*

I earneslv trust th*t, under tha blessing of Divine providence, the mf asnres you have auihorised in this session may tend to promote the progress of this colony, and the welfare of the people.

Australian Telegrams.

THE VICTOBIAN" MINISTRY,

THE SHIP BURNT AT SEA.

INWARD SAN FRANCISCO MAILS,

MELBOURNE,

Oct. 16

The ministry is not yet absolutely formed, but by Tuesday next the complete list ■will be announced to the House. The names will include Beveral members of the late Kerford Government, with Mr. Kerford as attorney general, Mr. Macpherson, chief Secretery Sir James McCullocks, Treasurer and Prumies, Mr. Gillies, Lands, and one or two new men, perhaps Messrs. Maddin and Jones with W. Wilson in the Upper House

The Church Assembly is sitting, dealing with matters of some importance, the election of Bishops, apd providing for the pecuniary wants of the Church. The vessel burned at sea was seen in lat. 22-33 S. 35 21 N. She is about 900 tons. A portion of fish-plates, and brickp were seen in the hold. Some of the iron was red hot/ The MOR, and underneath Liverpool was seen on the stern. The figure-head is a woman full length carrying a child. The vessel was seen on August 17 last. Ihi Sfuth Australian Parliament was \ Uv roguedon November 10. The Governor in his speech referred glowingly of the future prospects of the colony. Mr Layton delivered a free lecture at Eagleoak, a mining township, and was very warmly received. The Cyphrenes reached Sydney yesterday. Shipping.—Sailed, from Sydney, on 15th —Moneynick, for Auckland. Commercial. —Large sales of kerosene at la 3d, and Is 2d is now asked ior Devoe's ; Is 3d for diamond. At the sugar sales yes terday prices shewed 18s advance. Flour very firm, £12 was refused; Wheat, none offering ; oats, nothing doing. Two nightmen, named Kam (father and son), were suffocated by foul air while empty ing a cess-pool in Bast Melbourne. Home pensioners are dissatisfied because the increase in pensions, after & certain age, does not extend to those in the colonies, and they have resolved to petition the Admiralty. Bentley, late manager of the JS'ew South Wales Bank, at Beechwortb, was sentenced to nearly eight years for making false en tries, and the accountant Houghes to. three and a half years 1 The City of Melbourne left SaJa Francisco on the 11th instant.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

, HIGH ■WATER—This afternoon, 11.56; to-morrow morning, 12.

ARRIVALS.

Atlantic, schooner, from Talma Bob Roy, from "Wa'ngapoa Pretty Jane, s.s, from Napier via Poverty Bay

DEPASTURES.

Emu, s.s. (auxiliary), for Bussell

The following characteristic letter has been for warded by Captain C»sey to the Registrarof Shipping, Port of Anckland —"Sir —I find from long experience that steamboats ate' mini? slower than six knots are not worih owning. Knowing this fact, I have landed the b iler and engines out of the ps Lady Bowen and br'ke np the hull. I enclose you the ship's register and license, and remain—Yours most obediently, J. CJSET?, owner of the late p.s. iaßy Bowen." -■■■'■ Mr W. WilcocVs. formerly purser of the Wellington has been appointed agent of the New Zealand Shipping Company at Taranaki. Mr McOormack takes Mr "Wilcock's former position on board the Wellington.

It may not be generally known' -that 'the s. s. Ken nedy, which left the Manukau to-day for Southern ports on the West Coast, has lately'been fitted with new engines by Messrs Fruser and Tinne. They are capital specimens of Auckland workmanship, and have increased the speed of the boat nearly two knots. She is now nearly np to ten knots Messrs Brain and Bishop launched this day at high water in Mechanics' Bay basin, a fine useful looking schooner of about 45 tons, for themselves and Captain Conway, who will take command, feno is 68 feet long la the* keel, l7fi 6ln. broad in the beam. 7ft. Bin. deep.- Wesars(Brain and Bishpp have followed their nauai plan in giving their vessel full lines and in currying the floor well along fore an.d af t ■ This gives her a rather heavy appearance, and would rather in dicate good carrying capacity-than ppeed. Ihe same 'comments were made upvn the Kata Br&ln and the Aurora, built by the same firm, but both these vessels turned out very fast There wore .the customary, hospitalities i.t the,launch Xhe rigging has been BUpplied'by M*»bi;s Oarnaut. .:'■ •. > ' . 3 " Tbe «.■• Pretty Setua, from Poverty Bay, brings 20 he'd1 cattle, 117 hides 140 sheep skins, § casks tallow, PassengTs: Miss Wilson, Messrs Adair, J H. Smith, viMnrte, Tnrnbiul Townley^Large Messrs Ireland Bros have received, per Pretty Jane teAnm Kapler and»Poverty"Bay; 117 blaea. 'fe^he barque Prospector v;as taken over to tbo North ':'lSwte this morning and placed on the hardfe«f||he ' Stitfwir^A'Mrine her bottom cleaned. f'«.' • '■ HK-Jp ' ; « entered out to-day for Se--" f^et me Not for Sydney vfaj?/';.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails -will Close as follows: — For Thames, to-morrow at 5 p m For Coromandel on Friday at 10.30 a m For Kawau per Heather Bell, to-morrow at 11 am For Whitianga, Tairua, Opotiki, and Napier, via Tauranga, per Eowena, on Friday at 4 pm For Napier ai.d Gisborne, per Southern Cross, on Saturday atl pm For Gisborne and Napier, per Pretty Jane, on Mon day at 2 p m Per Ladybird, on Friday next, as follows :— For India, China, Mediteranean ports, and Conti nent of Europe, at noon For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, and Australian Colonies, at 12.45 p m Cor United Kingdom via Suez and Southampton ,(for letters specially addrfssed), at 12.45 p m For United Kingdom via Brindisi, and late letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne, at lpm For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 11 a m Per Mikado, on Friday, 29th inst, as follows: — For Sandwich Inlands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies at 10 30 a m For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 10.30 a m For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers at 9 30 a m Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d in addition to the postage, will be received on board by the Mail Agent up to time of sailing. Supplementary mails for India. China, United King dom via Suez and Southampton, and via Brindisi will be made up, per Ladybird, on 22nd instant After this date, mtils will be made up daily for Newcastle and Hamilton. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTHS.

IVIL.—On the 21st instant, at Drake-street, the wife

of Mr. G. Ivil of a son. DRINKWATER —On the 17th instant, at her resi dence, Collingwood-street, the wife of E. Drink water of a son.

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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1875.

F»r tko cinoo tlist lm-ks ansista-. *"«/ the ftiture Jo ttc dM.tarscf

The Public Accounts Committee, while re porting in favour of the Government Banking Account being submitted to tender, has placed upon record its opinion with respect to Mr. Bridges' evidence, "that his imputations and inferences are absolutely unwarranted, and without foundation." We do not see that they could have arrived at any other conclusion. A more pitiful spectacle than that presented by the General Manager of the National Bank when before the committee it is impossible to conceive. Originally the accuser, weighty with momentous things which it was not lawful for a man to utter, we find him ultimately placed on the defensive, with counsel constantly in attendance to protect him from himself. Mr. Bridges has experienced the sensation of being roasted on the spit he had specially prepared for his enemies. The continua tion of his evidence after, the Act of the Assembly had been specially passed to indemnify him, is communicated to the Cross by telegraph, and appears in that journal to day. The whole gravamen of Mr. Bridges's charge is expressed in the following questions and answers :—

The Chairman : Mr. Eridges, in your evidence on Friday, you stated that up to the time you left the Bank of New Zealand, Sir Julius Vogel's accounts were nearly always overdrawn '! — A. Yes. Q. The committee desire me to ask you whether you are aware that that account was ever exceptionally treated by the bank. —A. Yes ; exceptionally treated in this way : That the account was allowed to be over drawn m Wellington up to a certain amount (I think it was ,£200), and then was transferred to Auckland by his own cheque on the Bank of New Zealand.

Q. Which, in fact, wiped off the overdraft from the Wellington accounts ?—A. Yes. Q. Do you know whether that cheque which extin guished the overdraft at Wellington was placed to the debit of his account in Auckland ? —I do not know within my own personal knowlddge.

The insinuation here is clearly that these overdrafts were absolutely cancelled in consider ation of services rendered by Mr. Vogel on behalf of the bank. But being pressed relative to his knowledge of Mr. Vogel's account in Auckland, the witness made a further state ment :—

Mr. J. Shepherd : You know nothing of the state of Sir Julius Vogel's account in Auckland ? —A. No. Q. Nor did you at the time you were manager?—A. No. Q. At what interval was this overdraft cancelled in this way ?—A, At irregular in tervals.

Q. About what intervals 7—A. I. cannot trust my memory to make any answer to that question. They were very frequent. . Q. Four or five times a year ? —A. I should say much more than that ; but I really cannot tax my memory. So that Mr. Bridges had no knowledge what ever of the way these cheques were met, and was not therefore in a position to judge whether the proceeding was regular or otherwise. The charges of "pressure" in reference to the Port Chalmers railway were based on equally insufficient and shadowy grounds, and Mr. Bridges was compelled to retire very ungraci ously from : the- position he had assumed in relation to that transaction. Looking at the evidence in an impartial spirit we are compelled to admit that Mr. Murdoch's explanation of the mode r of dealing ,with Mr. Vogel's account is reasonable and satisfactory. In a letter to the committee that gentleman says: —"At the time Mr.. Bridges was in the Bank of New Zealand Sir Julius Vogel was resident in Auckland, where he had valuable mining ;and other interests, yielding a consider able revenue. His Wellington account was for family expenses while obliged to reside there, and at his request, instead of his drawing on Auckland the balance was allowed to accumulate till it reached about two hundred pounds, and he then drew a cheque on his Auckland account. In no way was the account treated in an exceptional manner. The imputation apparently meant by Mr. Bridges is simply allied to malicious invention." ■"'• '•■■'•

' If itflmd been desired to cancel Mr. Vogel's overdraft we do not see any special facilities afforded in Auckland for doing so more than in Wellington, and we are bound, in words of the committee's report, to say that Mr. Bridges "inferences and imputations are absolutely unwarranted and without foundarion."

A splendid sample of the great Bismarck cucumber may be" seen in the seed-shop wjiidow of; Mr. Robert Brewin, of Queen- Street. It was grown, we learn, in the garden? .of Mason Brothers. The said specimen is about eighteen inches in length, and of excellent flavour. We have witnessed longer and large"! cucumbers, but have noticed none more pleasant to the taste. A great deal of prejudice exists in the minds of some persona against this summer esculent, but think without reason, the misceief being as with many otheri things in the excess instead of the moderate use of the cucumber. The seed of theßtf^ewftimbers, according to report, wsa brought from/the garden of the celebrated Yon Bismarck and was much esteemed by him,.and consequently named the "Bismarck cucumber." ,:;.l.

To the Editor : Sir, —I saw in the Cross not long ago remarks about the treatment of patients in hospital. I have been a patient there, and lam a pensioner too. During my time there could be no loafiDg in the insti tution as every one there drew his rations daily, and there was no one had any business in the cooking kitchen except the wardsmen to clean the utensils after meals. For my part, when there, I had plenty to eat and to spare, but I must say that I had not any live animals in my stomach to deprive me of the benefits of my vituals, as, I believe, some people has, and as my hand is in motion, I may as well explain what attendance the patients had. The head surgeon attended twice every day, and oftener if required. The house surgeon was always there, and ready at every call, and as for the surgery man he had enough to do to see the clothing counted going and coming from the washing, and attending every day to see the rations distributed, and the cleaning up of the hos pital and every thing about it, and as for the nurse, I cannot see how the men patients could come in contact with her. By what I observed of her she is capable of doing her own part without the assistance of loafers or gormandisers. lam not in the habit of trou bling the press, but consider it my duty to others, and I return my thanks to the head surgeon and Mr Norton. —Yours, Gkantown. P. S. If there is anything in my letter that is not agreeable, the editor can give my name if required.

Mr William Coleman informs members o^ the Pioneer lodge of Good Templars that the proposed open lodge meeting is postponed, and that the private lodge meeting will be held this evening at the usual hour.

The following report has been made by the Provincial Analyst on grape wine manu factured by Mr. J. Wendel, Grey-street : —" Provincial Laboratory, Mr. J. Wendell: Sir, —After having made a very careful ex amination of the vine manufactured by you, 1 have much pleasure in certifying that it is free from all deleterious matter, and is, in my opinion, a very superior article, especially suited for invalids.—l am, etc., J. M. Tunny, Provincial Analyst."

The monthly inspection of the Engineer Company, under Major W. Gordon, took place last evening in the new drill-shed, and the men went through their task in a soldier-

like manner

The ninth of the winter course of lectures in connection with the Young M en's Christian Association will be given to-morrow evening by Mr. Goodall, on the " History of Electri city," illustrated with interesting experi ments.

To-morrow evening a grand concert will be given in the Choral Hall in aid of the funds of Sfc. Fary's Church, Parnell. The pro gramme promises many excellent things in the way of sacred and secular music, anthem and song. The singers will be chiefly of the excellent choir of St. Mary's, conducted by Mr George J. Brown. The programme will be divided into two parts—the first sacred, and the second secular. Among the ladieß who will take a prominent part we notice the names of Misses J. and A. Maunsell, Thorns, Brooks, Corbeit, and Mesdames Ellis, Holt, Yon Stunner, and Raines ; also, among the gentlemen, Messrs Brett, Ilarker, Diethelm, and Gradwell. The sacred anthems in the first part wi)l be from the choicest works of Handel and Mendels sohn, while the duets and choruses in the secular part will be : "Le Domnio," from Auber ; " Hymen's Torch," from Meyerbeer; and " See the Moonlight Beam," from Doni zetti's " Lucrezia Borgia." The ballads that will be introduced will be "Kathleen Aroon," "The Marseillaise," "The May Queen," Kingeley's "Three Fishers," "The Lady of the Lea,'" " The Death of Nelson," and a sweet ditty, entitled " Robin's Re turn." As will be seen the concert is chiefly by ladies and gentlemen of the St. Marj's choir, who have nobly come forward with their musical gifts, which are not inconsider able, in aid of their church. Their efforts to assist in a good cause will, no doubt be fully appreciated, not only by the friends of St. Mary's, but by attendants of other churches.

Captain Chrisp, habour-master of Poverty Bay, has been busily engaged in blasting the rocks in the neighbourhood of the bar, yesterday. After being some two hours in the water, he succeeded in boring a hole several feet in depth, and in introducing a charge of dynamite, the explosion removed several large blocks of the Jfapa rock.

We learn that the statement in our issue of the 18th instant that the man Edgeby had been drinking at Diury for some time past is incorrect. It appears that he was suffering from the D.T.s when he arrived, and Mr Godkin handed him over to the authorities the following morning.

The Loyal Eoniskillen Lodge meets to. morrow evening in the Young Men's Christ ian Association.

Mr De Lias's excellent theatrical Company has had a very successful season at the Thames, and will re-open in Auckland on Monday next.

Mr Wiseman, the well-known saddler and harness-maker, has issued an illustrated busi ness card of his own designing, lithographed at the Herald office, the same being a most creditable production, and we hope it will impress upon the public the fact that theie is nothing like Auckland-made harness.

Messrs Mason Brothers, Parnell, have, at considerable expense, improved the appear ance of their grounds bordering on the main road. Their last outlay was on the entrance gates to their garden, which they have had constructed new ; on each pillar of the gate way a vase has been fixed, into which a rare ornamental plant was planted and thriving well, and was admired by all passers by. Last night some miscreant pulled out the plants, threw them behind the wall, and heaped stones over them, finally taking the trouble to lay a heavy post on the top of all, some of the palings having also been stripped off. There appears to be Borne party or parties bent on mischief. Messrs Ma?on and Brothers are determined on putting a stop to these atrocities and offer a handsome reward to any person who will give such infor mation as will lead to the conviction of the offender. , ,

GALLANT RESCUE.

About ten o'clock last night the cook of the Minnie Casey, while going on board, slipped and fell between that steamer and the En terprise. The rireman of the Minnie Casey, Mr Creamer, fortunately had not retired at the time, and, hearing the splash, he rushed to the side, and without hesitation plunged in, rescuing his mate from his dangerous po sition. The gallant conduct of Creamer is deserving of all praise.

New Catholic Bishop for Auck land.

Wjs understand-that intelligence has been re ceived in Auckland by the last mail that the Eev. Father Hickey is likely to be Arch bishop Croke's successor as the Catholic Bishop of Auckland. Father Hickey.is well known in the colony, having been on a visit to the different parts of it about six years ago when collecting subscriptions for the en largement, improvement, and building of chapels in portions of Ireland. He is a man of considerable experience, distinguished ability, and an eloquent preacher. His appointment is likely to give general satis faction, and from what is known of him previously, his onerous duties will be dis charged in a manner not only creditable to himself, but with benefit to his own people. The administrative duties of the diocese is, and has been for some time past, satisfactorily conducted by the Very Key. Father Fynes, of Parnell. The arrival of the next 'Frisco mail is likely to confirm Father Hickey's appointment.

Horsewhipping an Editor.

(BY TELE&BAPE)

OAMARU.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

Mr Shrimskie, late Mayor, met the editor of the Oamaru Times yesterday morning, and demanded an apology for a letter which appeared in that paper during the election for Mayor two months ago. The editor refused. Mr Shrimskie drew a horsewhip and cat at him. The editor took him by the collar and threw him down in the road, Shrimskie fall ing on his face, cutting his cheek and nose. He got up and made another rush at the editor, who again threw him off, throwing him on the pavement. Shrimskie got up again, when the editor seized the whip and told him not to disgrace himself in the street. Eventually Shrimskie went off.

Dangerous Result of Throwing Stones.

This morning, about 10 o'clock, a party of boys were skylarking in Wyndham-street, when one, a boy named Duke, picked up a large stone and threw it with considerable force at one of his companions named Brown. The stone hit the boy behind the left ear in a most dangerous spot. He staggered against the wall by Mr Sibbin's auction mart and then fell to the ground. The bystanders raised him up, and in a few minutes he came round. The cowardly urchin who threw the stone, as soon as ho saw what he had done, bolted as bard as he could. The practice of stone-throwing in the streets is becoming very prevalent, and should be put a stop to by the police in a very firm manner. The boy Duke deserves a week on bread and water for his prank to-day.

THE MAIL AGENCY.

Teleobams from London have just been received in town confirming the appointment of Messrs Owen and Graham as the Auckland agents of the San Francisco line of mail steamers. We congratulate the firm upon receiving such a valuable appointment, and at the same time we are glad on behalf of the public that the conduct of the Auckland busi ness of the line has fallen into such good hands.

SEPARATION OF THE NORTH ISLAND.

Mr Hug h Cableton, we notice has announ ced himself as a Separationist. This cry will certainly by the sheet anchor of the pro vince at the forthcoming elections, and it is only reasonable to suppose that its "banner" will be faithfully stuck to. Already public opinion it steadily leaning that way, and we are glad to find that at a recent meeting of one of our literary societies here, after a two nights debate, the following resolution was carried "That, in the opinion of this In stitute, no member should be returned for a constituency in the province of Auckland at the forthcoming general elections who does not pledge himself to the separation of the North Island." We antici pate that the leaders of the Opposition who are going from Wellington to Duneain by the Bteamer Albion on Sunday, before leaving there will propound a policy that will show the people of the colony the true position.

ARRIVAL OF THE "RINGAROOMA" WITH THE SUEZ MAIL.

PRINCE OF WALES' VISIT TO INDIA.

THE 'COSPATRICK' RELIEF FUND.

BLUFF.

[Per Press Telegram Agency.] This day.

T,he Ringarooma with the Suez Mail left Melbourne at 7.40 p.m. on the 17th. On the 19th experienced a Wrific north-wester with heavy sea and thick squally weather. Was compelled to heave to for nine hours ; arrived at the Bluff at 10 30 a.m. on the 21s*;. Brings 40 saloon and 35 steerage passengers, and 360 tons cargo and 200 sheep for all ports. She sails for Dunedin at 4 p.m.

[CABLE MESSAGES.]

LONDON.

October 13. Cteßarwitch Stakes : Duke of Parma, 1 ; P. A. Grant, 2 ; Perplex, 3. A Republican Governor has been elected in Ohio, signally defeating the Democrats. This is important, as indicating the future financial policy. October 14. Mr Wade, British Minister, telegraphs from Pekin that he has obtained the necessary guarantees. Grosvernor goes to Ziman. The Prince.of Wales has arrived at Lurira en route for Alexandra. Bismarck is unwell and •will not accompany the Emperor to Italy.

THE SUEZ MAIL.

At the final meeting of the Cospatrick Relief Fund, a balance of £542 was dis tributed amongst several applicants. There is a schism between MrWalley and Dr. Kenealy the former refuses to accept the political leadership of the latter. There is a marked decrease in the past year's emigration from Clyde to Canada and United States.

Governor Musgrave, of South Australia, is created Knight Commander of St. Michael and St. George. Mr Weld, Governor of Tasmania, and Dr. Hector, of New Zealand are made companions. The P.O. Company purchased two new steamers 3000 tons each, and one is building of 3400 tons. : ;

A railway accident occurred on on the Midland Line, near Skepton. Seven lives were lost.

The Alexandra grain warehouse, Glou cester docks, was destroyed by fire. At Rifau, in Russia, three hundred houses were burnt.

Complaints are praised on Colonel Baker's sentence. The question of his military status was settled by the Queen signing his dis missal. The Queen sent a letter of sympathy to Miss Dickenson. ! Seventeen lives were lost and twenty in jured by an explosion aboard a Spanish steamboat.

Keheally's son sent a challenge to Major Dickenson on account of his speech in the House of Commons on Colonel Baker's case. At the suggestion of the Speaker, Mr Disraeli and the Duke of Cambridge, to whom the matter was referred,it was treated with con temptuous silence. The foot and mouth disease is rapidly spreading in England and Ireland. Mean while stringent regulations threaten to stop importations. The price of meat is already advancing, and the public are growing anxious. Birmingham ia manufacturing war material for Germany, France, and Japan. Alexander Collie ia supposod to have fled to Buenos Ayres. The cost of Moody and Sankey's London mission was over £28,000, slightly more than the receipts. Lilly Agnes wAn the Edor handicap. The autumn manoeuvres in Germany were so severe as to nearly equal a small campaign.

Several cases of sickness and death occurred. Fresh calls are made for the modification of the programme. # Thiers declines to interfere m the benate. He prefers the Lower House. Very heavy rains in India Caused floods and loss of life at Delhi and Punjaub, and great damage to property. Obituary : McClure Boyle ; Bernard, dra matic writer; Sir Edward Ryan; Prince Charles of Bavaria; Professor Smith, of Berlin ; Lord Grantly, (Waterloo hero); William Bennett, veteran actor.

Exports, N.Z.:-£283,750. The Indian financial statement was made by Lord George Hamilton on the ninth August, an amendment was proposed by Mr. Smollett condemning the policy of borrowing large sums each year without regard to in come, and was negatived by sixty-six and twenty-one The motion by F. Aurew cnnsuring the Government for deferring the Indian budget to the close of the session was also negatived. A scheme for army" organisation will engage Mr. Hardy's attention during the recess.

The Prince of Wales' visit to Sheffield was a distinguished success. The Prince and family afterwards left for Scotland. The Duke of Edinburgh was handsomely entertained in Russia by his father-in-law. The Duke of Connaught has arrived at Berlin after visiting the Grand Duke of Baden. The Duke has been promoted from the rank of Captain to Major in the 7th

Hussars. The King of Italy has presented to the Queen six Italian ponies. A statue of the late Lord Mays has been unveiled at Bockermouth.

Subscriptions were started by working men to erecfc a statue to Plimaoll near the East End Docks.

Cardinal Manning, when receiving a depu tation of Maltese residents in London, de livered an address touching on the warlike tendency of Europe, and the probability of sanguinary war, from which the Papacy would emerge a renewed power. The state ment that Cardinal Manning was admitted to the Royal circle, and introduced to the Queen at a garden party is denied. A diescusion has occured among the Magna Charter Association through plans through out the country. The Leicester branch is unable to obtain an satisfactory statement of appropriation of itß contributions. It has repudiated Dr. Keneally and denounced him as violent, dictatorial, tyrannical, avaric ious and the Englishman as the most infamous paper ever published. The Committee threaten to prosecute Dr. Keneally for slander.

THE S.S. WELLINGTON.

Some three months ago it was announced that tenders had been called for fitting the N. Z. Steam Slipping Company's steamer Wellington with a new boiler, and repairing her machinery, and that the successful tenderer was Mr. Yeoman, of this city. The figure at which the contract was taken was £2885. About a month afterwards the boat arrived in our harbour, and was immediately set to work upon. The new boiler was ready for her when Bhe arrived. The difficult task of removing from one place to another such tremendous pieces of iron-work was overcome in a masterly manner by the contractor, and in little over a fortnight the old boiler had been taken out and the new one placed in position. The new boiler is 14 ft. 6 in. wide 12 ft high, and 9 ft. 6 in. long. It weighs 25 tous and is acknowledged by all practial men who have seen it to be a first-class piece of work. Ad vantage was taken while the toiler space was vacant to fit new boiler kelsons, and the ship's frame was thoroughly overhauled. The engines have been repaired, fitted with new brasses throughout, and in every respect made equal to new. Fresh bunkers of \ inch plate have been constructed. The new boiler was tested a few days ago. It has been subjected to a pressure of GOlbs. to the square inch with cold water, and stood the test well. The day before yesterday it was tried under steam to a pressure of 27ib3. to the inch, and the trial was productive of satisfactory results. Additional machinery has also been supplied in the shape of a new donkey winch and boiler of a very powerful description. In addition to Mr. Yeoman's contract, a tpnder of £170 was accepted from Mr. David Gouk for sheathing the main deck. This work has been carried out in a manner which has given satisfaction to all parties, and reflects credit upon the contractor and his workmen. A contract was also taken by Mr J. Henderson, of Queen-street, for painting and decorating I the vessel. Mr Henderson has ornamented the saloon, smoking-room, ladies' cabin, and staterooms in a quiet, elegant, and chaste style. The colours are well combined and the general effect is exceedingly good. A large amount of general renovating work ia addition to what has been already mentioned has been carried out under the supervision of Mr Coffey, the Company's superintending shipwright and carpenter. Included in this is the building of a new house on deck af b comprising handsome smoking room, cap tain's cabin, lavatory and companion. This house ia much larger than the old house. Its dimensions are 30ft. long by 10ft. broad and 6ft lOin. high. The old-fashioned staircase has been removed, and a new and elegant, flight of steps substituted. This is the first staircase of the kind furnished to a vessel in Auckland and is afao simile of one furniahed the Phoebe in Sydney. The whole of the ballusters are of caafciron from Messrs Mase field's foundry and are fitted with mahogany rail 3 highly polished. All the fittings of the saloon have been taken down, furbished up, and, where necessary, supplied by new. The ladies' cabin is greatly enlarged ; the bulkheads have been removed, further forward, and now there is accommodation for sixteen lady passengers, instead of ten as before. When finished it will be an elegant apartment and a great convenience. The whole Bhip is fresh painted and grained throughout. The forecastle and forecabin have been completely gutted out, and rebuilt on a new and improved prin ciple, giving additional light and ventilation in all parts. The plumber's work throughout the ship is all new, and has been done by Messrs Branston & Foster, of Albert-street Mr Coffey speaks of this work in the highest terms. Mr David Gouk ha? also furnished the ship with a new foremast and topmast, the old one having been sprung some time since. The sails and rigging are in like man ner all new, arid have been supplied by Messi's J. and D. Oxley, who have not allowed their reputation to suffer in the transaction. Mr Inglis, the blacksmith, has attended to the whole of the smithing in a very creditable manner. We notice that several inconvenient houses which formerly lumbered up the main deck have been pulled down, and rebuilt in places where they are out of the way. Among these are ■ the pastry cook's shop, scullery, etc. The bridge-deck has been lengthened by carrying it 40 feet further aft, thus 1 giving a splendid promenade of over 70 feet, and affording shelter on the main deck for the array of cooks and stewards necessary in a vessel of this class. Mr. Coffey is able to testify, in the most gratifying manner, to the ability and promptitude of the Auckland tradesmen he has had to employ. In addition to those already mentioned we mast not omit to add that Mr. Carr has supplied one new boat, and repaired the others in every way satisfactorily. The Union Sash and Door Company have been called into request in many instances. Most of the saloon fixings have been supplied by Messrs E. Porter and Co. and Messrs T. and S. Morrin. Messrs Winks and Hall have supplied a good deal of the upholstery, though the' contract for the greater portion of this has been let to a firm in Wellington. All this work has been done in seven weeks,

ia which time the New Zealand Steam Ship Dins Company have expended close on AbUUU in Auckland. The job is said to be the most expeditious and important that has ever been undertaken in Auckland- Mr Coffey must surely be entitled to the thanks of the company for the efficient manner m which he has supervised the work. The trial trip is fixed for Monday next. From the in creased power of the boiler and the renovated state of the machinery, it is confiently antici pated that the boat will attain a speed ot if knots. With Captain Carey still in command, and Mr Pollock as chief engineer, Mr Mcbee as chief officer, and Mr McKenzie (late of the Hawea} as chief steward, the favorite s.s. Wellington will be able to hold her own against all-comers for many years to come.

SUPREME COURT.—Civil Sittings.

|_YESTERDAY.J (Before his Honor Mr Justice Gillies, and a special jury.) BEERY V. BROGDEN AND SONS. Cross-examinations of plaintiff by Mr. McCormick; he had large experience in masonry, well understood the nature of the work to be performed, removed his tools and carts from the work on the 14th and 17fch of November ; he never returned to complete the work ; he withdrew his tools &c, because he could get no money to carry on the work, could not pay his men, who refused to con tinuef stopped quarrying on the Bbh of November. He introduced a person named Wilcox, as a proper persoft to complete the work according to contract, and to whom no objection was offered. An agreement was accordingly drawn up and signed. (The cross-examination of Mr. Berry occupied three hours). Arthur MacMasfcer a mason was then ex amined, and deposed that he worked for plaintiff when Mr. Stewart found fault with the bridge and called witness attention-to other defects. Plaintiff was not allowed »to superintend his contract. The cement sup plied by defendants was too bad for use. The rest of Mac Masters evidence was similar to that given by plaintiff. This case was resumed this morning, Mr. Rees for plaintiff and Mr. McCormick for defendants.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before F. D. Fenton Esq. R.M.) THE INSIDIOUS DRAUGHT.

The following wanderers of sleepy Hollow who had fallen under the bar of the en chanter, Bacchus were successively intro duced into Court and dealt with as follows : Charles P. Jones was fined os and costs, James McGuire 10s, and James Lynch 5s for taking freely of the insidious draught. Michael Terry, an old offender, was fined 10s, and George Johnstone. His Worship said this continued drunken ness presented a frightful state of things. How was it that these people got drunk so frequently ? . Mr Broham said there were 95 public houses in the city, so that there were plenty of opportunities of getting drunk. His Worship : Then you put ninety-five temptations in the way of these poor crea tures, and ask the Court daily to punish them for what the Government is partly responsible. These people contribute largely towards the revenue of the country. A KOLLING- BRUNETTE. Harriet Fodesta, a dark-eyed young girl who has been in the colony nine months, and been convicted of drunkenness nine and twenty times during that period, was charged with being drunk, and under the Vagrancy Act with being a rogue and vagabond. Harriet admitted being a drunkard, which was the result of excessive drinking, but she never would consent to being termed a rogue and vagabond so long as her name was Harriet and bore a good character. If his Worship would let off she would clear out at once.

His Worship : Have you ever been to prison. Prisoner : Oh yes, your Worship. His Worship : What did you do in prison in the way of hard labour. Prisoner : Sewing and wanhing, and mak ing myself generally useful. His Worship regretted, but must send her to prison for three months with hard labour. WILD AND WANDERING. Albert Robert Brown, a smart little boy of ten years of age, was charged with a breach of the Naval Training School Act by not being under proper guardianship. Mr. Broham stated that the father of the boy was in Sydney. He was a very bad character, and the mother was wholly unable to look after him. Tbe mother, Eliza Brown, corroborated Mr. Broham's statement. Dr. Hooper had been very kind to her or she should have been badiy off indeed. The Court committed the lad to the Train ins; Ship for five years, to be brought up in tha faith of the Church of England. LUNACY. Joseph Molloy was charged with being of unsound mind, and upon the medical testi mony of Drs Kenderdine and Hooper was committed to the Lunatic Asylum.

The Charge Against William Kirty. William Kirby again appeared on the charge of unlawfully and indecently assault ing and ill-treating Isabella Bain to her great damage at Auckland on the Ist October. Mr Brookfield appeared for the prosecution and stated that information was now laid in a different form, and he would endeavour to make the case as short as possible, so that no unnecessary delay must take place. His Worship thought the public could not be ordered out of Court, and from the num r bera before him, it would appear that a great many people looked upon the Police Court as a place of public amusement. Mr Brookfield said it was, especially in an enquiry like the present where a woman was about to be put through her facings. He would ask, at all events, that all women and children be ordered out of Court.

His Worship then appealed to the people?s sense of decency, which should suggest that they should withdraw.

The crowd then reluctantly left the Court.

Mr Joy appeared for the defendant. Isabella Bain, then deposed that she was the wife of James Bain, living in a bouse in Lome-street; she knew the defendant, Wil liam Kirby. The room she occupied looked into an allotment by Wakefteld-streefc, there was a closet in the yard, about eight yards from the door of her apartment. Qn Friday the first of October, her husband left the house at a quarter to six o'clock in the even ing. Did not know what time he would return, he said, on leaving, that he should be very late and gave her some money for household purposes. In the room they oc cupied were a table, bed, chiffonier, a box and colonial sofa. The plan produced marked A. is a fair representation and shews the position of the furniture. When her hus band left she locked the gate of the yard, and went to see _ her mother whom she met in Wakefield-street. She got change for a note of the man who attends in Kirby's woodyard. She had seen Kirby just before and asked him for change, but as he could not oblige her, she went into the woodyard; that was all that passed. She gave her mother five shillings and went home and put 12s 6d in a drawer. The room was in the same state as when she left it. Shortly after Kirby came, the door was open, and he said, "Good evening, Mrs Bain," to which she replied in a similar -way. He then said he had seen her husband going out, she re plied, " Yes, but she expected him back in a few minutes." He said, "I am come up for a chance," and if I would consent, he would make it all right, he would give me a hand some present." She repudiated tht) offer, she did not want his present; he then said "You are a silly woman,"and if any one

would offer the same to Mb wifirT""" take the opportunity. ' 'sne Wotjlj [Heie. the prisoner broke on< ,«j was a lie, and began to Bake a lld * but was silenced by the Ciurt 1 I She was not aware that; any o th ''■'■ was in the room at the1 tim e °j* P*Won towards the door; was Wandim "^ the chiffonier, he was standing n « °W*"k table ; he then put his am.won??*" 9 th» and prevented her from g O u, g . nelfc put his hand upon let nfontV ■*% could not cry out; he then ? rl the door with his own hind and 1 i ? ™ He pushed her. towards the bed c'* 1 struggled with him. He took the jLJI* pane off her bed and twisted it *o2, eN head. He then pushed her down onl ? k and leaned on her, and tried to p n u? e h^ ciothes. He tore one of Ler underskirt His Worship was very anxiou ß tit X possible, the indecent p«fc of th fi O »J4 ' should be omitted, so as to IZ *? witness. BpMe *•

Mr. Brookfield said he wbnld willin I save the witness from this part o f thei dence, if possible, but it was necessary 6Vl* Witness continued : He persevered V she tried to turn over on her side. She» ceeded. He tried to get her hack again wa said, "You had better give in, or ifnoH would leap at her." "•

The Court could not understand wW_ meant by leap. ~

Mr. Joy said it was a '•• hop, step, andll : jump" v*u* Witness : Her husband then came to V '■ rescue and pulled Kirby off. A candle w«« burning at' the time. She got her heart X out of the counterpane and saw her hiT ' band shakirg Kirby as he waa buttonina ' up his clothes. Her husband asked him what he was doing there. Kirby trembled but said nothing. After a bit he stuttered and said that he had come after his money My husband asked him if it was in bed witi his wife he expected to find it. Kirby vent away, and the next day she and her husband consulted Mr Hesketh about the matter; Shj did not encourage Kirby in any way. To Mr Joy : She had spoken to Mr Kirby in the afternoon about 4 o'clock, bnt did not talk for five minutes. It was about 7 o'clock when Kirby came to her house He wag there about seven minutes. The matter was not arranged between her and her husband. She knew Elizabeth Moore, she occupied the two.front rooms of her house she never told her that the job was planned between her and her husband. Knew Mra Barr's public house, but she waa not there on. that day, nor in any other public house, she did not know Mrs Barr, nor was she ever I served with drink by her; she believed sh« was in the house in May last. Mr Brookfield wished to know what this had to do with the case. Mr Joy said his object was to test the credibility of the witness. He could bring witnesses to contradict her. His Worship could not see the relevancy of the course taken by Mr. Joy unleßs it wia shewn that Kirby was there too. Witness continued : Mr. Kirby wag a stranger to her until August. She had known him as Mr. Kirby for eleven months, but was not acquainted with him. Mr. Joy wished fora closer definition of the term "stranger." His Worship's said that Claribel's beautiful song, '' Stranger's Yet," would explain Mm. Bain's meaning. To his Worship : She tried to scream, but could only make a noise on account of the counterpane, which covered her face and ren dered it difficult for her to breathe.

Jnmes Bain, husband of the last witness, I knew Mr Kirby. Eemembered leaving his | house in Lome-street on the evenifigof the | Ist inst. at a quarter to six o'clock; he" took ! his horse out, but did not go to the Whan, j but to Cook's stables. Be then returned | home, no one was in, concealed himself in a cheffonier in fiont- of the stairs; his boots were off, heard some one enter the room j shortly after, could not see who it was ; the person lit a candle and went upstairs for | about five" minutes, and then came down j again. He then heard a -footstep at the Moor, and another person came into j the room. He said, "Good evening, Mn j Bain " He knew the voice in a moment; it j was William Kirby's voice, who said he hsd seen Mr Bain go up the street with a horae, j and that th»;re was a good chance for him j that night. His wife made use of an exclamation, when Kirby said he would take no denial. He then heard a sco file across the floor towards the bed. Kirby said he would buy some earrings, a gold brooch, and a silk dress for his wife. He could not distinguish his wife's reply. He next heard a fall upon the bed. He then got out of the cheffonier, and saw Mr Kirby. j oa his wife. He immediacy Tilled himoff by the back. Kirby's person was exposed; He shook Kirby, whose arm knocked off the candlestick. His clothes were ail disarranged. , He was sure that his wife resisted by the noise. Kirby was very much excited. He asked Kirby what he was doing th^re. He stuttered for some time, and then CB^ ™ j waited his his money. He said, "Diiip.l i expect to get it in bed with my wife. «c I owed Kirby £4. He turned towards V» j mantelpiece to get something to strike hitf ■ wi;h. He went out, and the next morning he went to Mr. Hesketh for advice. Since thit time he had various offers of compro miie. 2lr. Joy objected to this evidence. _ Detective Jeffrey had seen him get into the cheSbnier Robert Moore, brassfinisher of Lorne i street, occupied, with his wife, the front part of Bain's house. Their apartments are separated by a brick wall and a door, which is niiled up. Could not hear distinctly wh« was, except the partes spoke loudly. There is a water-closet in Bain's yard, about tea,,; yards from the house, he was there about» quar;er past seven on the evening in quesboß whilt there he heard a noise in Baini houst as if a person were stragg ling, he could not distinguish Mr- Kir b/^'s voice at the time when the door was opened Le heard Bain say to Jfo&Jup " I'v< caught you now, I've been watching for yra," saw Kirby going away, bnt did not comeout until he had passed. , Amie Moore wife of witness deposed tn« she ieard a noise in Bain's room on tne evenbg of the Ist October, it was like scufi ling along the floor. Heard Mr Bain's voice. He sail *' I have suspected you for the las ten nonths, and I've caught If* now, " What &re you here for." *"* voice 'eplied "I come for my money ( She dfl not know that it was Mr tfubys voice, kain said, " I will make you sweat in the m fining." That was all she heard. Detective George Jeffrey deposed, rentf■* y bared soing to Bain's house on Suaday, tB 3rd mi, in company with Detective Grace; saw a <heffonier in the room, Bain got -»*, it ; he shut .the doors, folded his arms »na was quiW concealed ; he had ample room. I This -vas the case for the prosecution- Mr. Jy said he had subpeened six or seve witnesse; but he did not wish ro take up »'. time of fie Court by calling them if it was tne intentioij of the Court to commit. Committed for Trial- His "Vtorship said as far as evidence had|gone it wouldbe his unpleasant duty to send } case foririal, but if Mr. Joy thought prop to call ha witnesses he would hear them. Mr Jf declined to call his witnesses. The were then read over to w prisoner-who wished to address the tonrs> but Mr Joy persuaded him to reserve n» defence.; Mutt- Mr. Kiriy: Owing to the Government taMngtaw^ he would iffe; no defence. Wo magistrate in au fe land wouil o\ could have the independent siw" acquit titii cllrge. He would say no more. /.«=^ The prlsorer was then fully committed -™*gWMf< the nextcrimial sittings^at the Sppreaie &JffWM The piisoneiwas admitted to baU-hunse^?irj||| and two suretes, Messrs. Corcoran and BM*** \ *250e«a. I .

THE EVENING STAB, THURSDAY; OCTOBBB 21. 18T5



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THORNTON, SMITH, & FIRTH'S PRICES CURRBNT (Wholesale) :— Sacks. lOOlbs. 501bs. 'Crown Brand" Flour, £ a. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. J, P^ ton 14 0 0 14 10 0 14 17 6 T. 8 F. Canterbury Flou/.do 12 0 0 12 10 0 12 17 6 Seconds Flour, do 10 10 0 Sharps, do 6 17 6 Bran, do G 5 0 Fowl Wheat, per bushel, 4s 3d to 4s 6d. The above prices include sacks and bags. Sacks and bags not returnable —Terms Cash. Auckland. October 20, 1875.



AH Persons of Intelligence are aware, or should be, in ibis century of enlightenment, that the best vehicle for diffusing the tonic properties of any medicinal preparation throughout the system is a pure^wholesome spirit. The presence of distilled spirit in lan invigorant provided it be pure, is con sidered by physicians to greatly promote the opera tion of the remedial principles in combination with it. This is one reason why medical men so strongly recommend Udolpiio Wolfk's Scuikdam Auomatic Schnapps as a remedy for debility.



Success



Airec's



Great American



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City Hall



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