SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER-This afternoon. 6.3, to-morrow toon dr, 5 23 BTTT* »Bl Tijj ? 623 BT'K Rl««E—To morrow morning. 5.5 Mi ON'S Ab£- New moon, 29th, 4 53 p.m

ARRIVAL.

Anne McLeod, schooner, from fiussell

DEPARTURES.

.rretty June ss, fori'isborne aad Napier Clyde. bcl'OD' pr. f or W*m.a v Prince K.unert, l"-tch for R> ssell loua. ss, for i<ns = c ) tnd t^ie Norlh Isabell* Prait, schooner, f^r Kussell

•3* r" A special charge is made for consignee* or shippers' names inserted in this column

TRIAL TRIP OF THE S.S. WELLINGTON.

Th- tri 1 trip of the Kpw Z*»la»)d '•team Sh'ppinp Con piny's Bte.ner WOI ugt n, leserr'ay, w.s the occasion of one of he ny st e< jo able aquiic excur sions of Ih' y>ar The day wns fine wi ha westerly breeze hnri the bright sun on the beautiful new (too new indeed) decorations of the b^at gave a joyous asr eot to the scene Tin vessel was gaily ornamente . wi'h flaes and looked quite unart. On leaving the •wharr the course was laid to the faDdspit, and a good hnnr's_ run brought the ship s me distance past Motuthi. Here the engines were slowed down, and the ho»t lay-to while the important busioe«s of luncheon was discussed. Tab es were set oat in the saloon ard in the )a<iies' cabin, and about 80 sat down Mr ' urnes. the Company's chairman of di-ector*. orcunied the heud of the table, f»ced by Captain Carey (not • aptain Casey). When th* clnth was iemov. d, tb* chairman said ltwas the Usual t-ing to > ark the conclusion of any imporiaut work by a lunch and the Company wished to do what was the correct thing on the present ore ston He was happy to siy that ths restoration of thn vessel had be*n ccmpMed to the entire satisfaction of th ■ directors. He woulri n^t keep them loneer, rut would si'uply propose ' The Qu»pn " Tha toast having been rlul) honoured ti atof "Hi* ?xoellenryar dhis Kesponsi-iie Advisers" followed. This was responded to r-y Major Green, "ho twitted Mr Stewart, C.*.. on ros undar taMntr the task of returning thanks. It was not often that G-. vernors admitted tat ihey had responsible advisers He was pleasadto say iliat ihe present no vernor was an exception to the rule Mr "VV J. Hurst, i" replring ti the toast of tN> Superintend- nt. alluded to 'lie approaching annihilation of the Pro vincial system. S r George Grey would shed a lustre on tbe dying hours of Provincialism (Cheers) A step had Veen taken in the dark, and what the result •wonlfl be th> y knew not He trusted that the change would be for the benefit of the colony. He strongly disapproved of separation. The health of the Mai or having been drunk, the Chairman next gave the " Sister Companies " Captain Daldy responded fo >■ the i.S.P Co, and in co doing tiaceel the rise, of steam navigation in the colony It had originated in Auckland, *.rd then taken up In Wellington. He thought ro company had di w so iliiich for the colony a« ibe New ZealandPteam Co. (Cheers). The company which he represented were now making strenuous efforts to build up a permanent trade between Auckland and Fiji which he had little doubt ■would be developed into important results The two conn, anies did not clash, but he hoped that they ■would always try to emulate one another in enter prise. Like TVIr Hursr, he believed in a v iled colony Mr Thomas Hendersrn rep i< cl on behalf of th". Union Company, and said it was the do-ire of 'hut. c miany to vrork harmoniously w;th their comp"ers » e;iher to gi intn extreme opposition, nor combine for the purpo-e of o 1 tninU ;» huh rates O*itain Paldr proposed. " Th« New Z-i.lsi^d Bte m Shipping C mpany " Tle Chairtn-n , et.urn.ed thanks, at d triced the. operations of iho Company In con clusion, he sutetf that the six boats of the Company were working profitably, arid thiy had.catt-iins of ■whom they wer* proud, who old tbeii* work well The health of Captain Ct>rf-y, Tiroposei bs- Captain Daldv. w-*s receiver] with lend cheers Capt*in Cure shortly re«-arntd thanks "!he "Cor>tra<t rs" came next —vi<: Messrs Yeoman, Gonk, Henderson, nni Brsn°tone. Mr Gou>>, in returnir g thanks, exmv RSed his pleasure at. the Auckland work neir'g1 well thought of Mr Yeoman hoped that th ' "Wellirgfon would still prove a remunerat've boat to * er ow'erg. :>.nd that, the one jnst finished wonli n t he the only jo*i of the kind in Auckland. Mr Hurst propo'd the healiha of Messrs Nancarrow arid -tew*rt. Mr Na- <Barrow. in answering, bore va'uaWe test:monv to the Rood chnTaoter of the workmanship execu edin *rck land. The health of ih-- "Officers,' proposed by M' M'isefield was ap ropriately Tepl el to by Mr Pollock (chief et g'neer), and b? Mr C ffer Mr Binney pro posed the " Pres3," w>ich was duly resniDde^ to Thetoatnf the 'Ladies" fill .wert. Mr Thnma« ■Henderson Tfsn nded on beha'f of 'thefex.'* '"£<"<■ teal h of Mr Whe«l»r th« Auckland sgent,'' fi 'ish-fl thp 1-st. n the reiurn journey, the lo;r was ih'own everbnard, and in h.lf an hour recorded a speed o' close on eleven knots per hour. O■■ the w*v m the harbour th measured mile a^ain«t a B'roj g t"d- was Tar i-i 6 mirute« 32 feconds, or about 9J kr ot« pr hour S etf en tu>ned had a run down wi h 'he I ra The mi c thi* time was done u> 6 n inutpß 10 seconds, nm-Virg a mean of 10j knots The. Pr minp o? the new boilers, preventid full pres sure h in? maintained while it is well known thai the bit'om i^ f^ul. Ye hive to d-mb* what-ver that nnder favourable cirr-umsttr-ce^ the ■\V»i!lin t 'ton -will c'nroi.ic'e HJ Vnots. The Tw% siocd no show •w.th her. a mi^hibeexpecte 1 Th'-ate-merrßtiiTi d to 'he wharf at a quarter rat six after a most er.ji - able tnp. We omitted in our da^Tipt'on of the alterati ns the other day to mention thrt Mr. Pollock the chief eneii eer. prepared the plans a^d speci&oi tionß for Ihe new boiler and machinery. The geßtle man's modesty prevented his inforn-ing our reporter of the fact. He should none the 1-S3 have pr*ise for his share of what every one admits to De one of t'e moss creditable pieces of work eve* done in Auckland.

The s s. Taupo is to leave the 'Manukas for Southern perls on Monday next at 10 a m The s.s Phoe"e is to le»ve the Manukau for the South on Thursday next.

The ship City of * uckland put out the last of her heavy goods ye3terdav morning. he is now com pletely discharged. As soon a» she has taken in a few more tons of ballast, she will move off into the stream to wait for her London cargo.

The lhr<>e master) scho ncr Fairlie i 3 discharging her LytteHon cargo. It U nothing newo s»y that thi« vessel is turni g out h?r po^ds splendidly The schooner Acariia arrived at N»pier yeaterd«y from Wmgapoa, and the s hooner Kite McGregor from Men-nrv Hay

5 h°b*rqne Director according to latest advices from Kaihu i«ie<rly rea'y fo- sea She is expected to sail abcut the end of next wefk.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

3TAIL9 *IW 01088. AB.FOW.OWB?^ F« Wanwoalw Canny Kelly *v««»^i.j "For HusaeU p* Oem, to-morrow at 9am _ For New .Ply* nth via Waitara, per Go-ahead, Fr^Tlranakiind Southern provinces, per Pha^e,^; jJ hSSKßj"ftrw« 1 8««t». and SouJ ports, per rf toi, on rhu'sday^t 11 a^^m i^J Por Mik*d'/on Friday 29th inst ' r^J ;i lcw R 3-~ a ; for'Saiidwich Islands, ■ ffnltert fjtotes America,/ Canada. Brltlak Colombia Gel, .; aad Scnlth "■ *m<»rfca, and British and Forc; ; | "Weat Indies at 10 80 a m _ jK For tta'-.TJniUjd. Kingdom-ana Oontlner { ' Europe; »t 10.30 am . 'For money orders, registered letters,;, . neWspap(«B:aV9.3o'am %■ ■' _ iif^:", ■-, Late letters bearing an extra feo of 6(! in'» j to tho postage, will be received on bGsj&!g , Mill A««ntnp to time of s^Ung. . ' After this date, mails vill be mas'> rp ttr Newcastle and HamiJton. %:^e monthly '&&£&&&s■ - - ;|fc ' Messrs JWH^ * '■• baod, f)*/JJH

BIRTHS.

EVINSON.—On the 2Cth October, at her private re sidence, Karangahape Eoad, Mrs. 8. Evinson of a son. ,

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

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1875.

s'f.v (is civuns- tiu.flr.cfcu asgiateaci!. S'M the wrur.i- ii '-. ace.is, HMiitaat's 'Sir ihfli"ntiti< in '-v;: >.;ii:.v...\«.

It amuses one to see the air of seriousness and affected simplicity with which the Cross begins to hedge round to Separation. We are pleased to ste the coining change, though we had scarcely expected that any journal would persistently continue to run contra, not on]y to the local interests of the district in which it lives, moves, and has its being, but to the undoubted and unmistakeable cur rent of public feeling. Indeed, it is alto gether amusing to see the way in which peo ple generally, who denounced Sir George Grey as the very embodiment of mischief, now begin to mb their eyes, and notice that there may have been something in his per sistent firmness in Wellington, when righting to prevent the liveting of the Centralist chains, until the people should have time to pronounce. We accept it as a sign of the times, and an augury of good, and are glad, for, though there was to us somethiug inspiriting in fighting against such odds as those which eisiwhile enccnintered our advocacy ot the cause of the Opposition in Pailirmcnt, it is pleasant to find that the odds are diminishine and that the time is at hand -when eveiybody will assert by all the paints in the calendar that Separation is wha^ he ever supported, and that Separation is the hope i"of New Zealand. After all the abuse that has been showered on Sir George Grey it will be funny to see one aftet another mounting his triumphal chariot and singing the praises of the new programme. That, as stated by ihe Cross this morning, the Otago tour of the Supeiintendents will be the open ing of the new campaign is certain, and right cordially shall we welcome back the Cross from its wanderings among the campsof the enemies of Auckland, just as, after a quiet laugh in our sleeve we shall welcome the disinterested utterance of every political authority assert ing consistency and conservatism of prin. ciples and views in shouting poeans to Sir George and Separation. Three months a^o we were privileged to announce that Separa tion wculd be the programme of the Opposi tion when its policy should see the light, and that Reparation would be the battle cry of the genoral election. The enunciation of the disruption cf ihe colony was re" ceived with a shaking of the head as at hopeless ra-hness. Now the idea is not rash but &ound and feasible, and just what eveiy one expected and always sup ported. However, it is now as we antici" pated ; and we vtnture lo say thst ere fix months are over, there will not be an honest man in Auckland that will not be heart and soul in favour of the Separation of the islands, au<i the restoration of its ancient glorie3 as a capital, to the Corinth of the

South

Now that to many eyes the setting of tho Superintendental sun is looming in the dis tance, we may expect thatjthe Mayoral sta r will be rapidly in the ascendant; and th c excitement that once attended the election of the Chief Magistrate of the province will be transferred to the election of the chief officer of the city. Ihe quiet little board-room arrangements, with their plots and counter plots, their intriguing and their heartburns, are ended, and henceforth the choice of Mayor is transferred to the more healthful atmosphere of public election. Whether the change will be beneficial or otherwise to the interests of ratepayers remains to be seen. It is no u^e now discussiug the question whether the chairman of a board should be chosen by the members whom he is to ruleand guide, or whether those who choose the mem bers should also choose for the m their chairman. The discussion of theory is past, and we shall have the actual results to leara from. Bat whatever the result on the proceedings in council or on the interests of ratepayers, it is undoubted that the office will now par t&ke of a semi-political character, and that the election of mayor will be subjected to all those influences whether good or bad that flow from electioneering partizanship. That the office will be largely coveted by those who have a love for public honours there is little doubt, and we venture to say there will be a host of aspirants to the ma yor's chair. Indeed already, although the election is by many weeks removed, the names of probable candidates are becoming as plentiful as blackberries. We trust the sphere of choice will be really an extensive one, so that the first fruits of popular election may l?e honorable to the wisdom of citizens and a credit to the position won ; and that impudence and presumption may not win a reward which Bhould be an honour to the very best of our citizens.

Ilk The Kaipara Railway from Eiverhead to ri.#-%enßville will be opened '"officially on fjpXorsday, Mr: Passmore having arrived from-; M:fl>sßouth for the purpose of taking pvep^fie ■:V ;na Mr. Fallow, the contractor.-' f^^S^s'sa tiie Auckland and Mercer j^efour weeks ending-25ch8ep '. , ij^rom passengers and parcels, •iode of shewing appre '&sjls»e want of funds, ?jpd- that every mem- I :■ • :-i :■:■'■ 'vf either subscribe or ''. U\,.' ■■ ■' ;: -mA-»ubscription list | fm£M fpromiaed in a j pAterpreter and [I'atiis office from jgijet next the . mwm an entrance . ,'' ■'■■■' ■(■ ' ■ Hyper's . will tasi'e ■; X' .; ■;■•"- _. ;• MHaiUv..., •' «> ttnjfi.> \itfx, -~ -,^3 Diiv wMcfe

The bad condition of the road between the railway-station at Pukekohe to the rising district of Patumahoe, writes our correspon dent, "is one which calls for immediate attention. It is not more than five miles between both places, and yet the road is in such a frightful mess that it is almost im passable for travellers, and outside the reach altogether for horse or dray traffic. The result of this neglect on the part of tho-se whose duty it is to see that our main thoroughfares are kepb in repair is the diverting of the principal traffic from Patumahoe and the surrounding portions of it from our own doors to the Drury station. Your independent paper having a large circu lation ia ihi3 district, perhaps the publicity of this grievance will spur on our local bodies to joint and immediate action. —There is a tendency here towards asking Mr. K. riamlin, M.P.C. for Mauku, to come forward as a candidate for the Pvglan district in the General Assembly at the forthcoming general elections. Mr Hamlin would make a first rate representative." Margaret Wall, the wretched murderess of her own children at Grahamstown, was brought to town in the Hauraki last night, and lodged in gaol to await her trial at the next criminal sessions of the Supreme Court. She is in a very we;tk state, and perfectly indifferent and vacant in her demeanour. The little band of musicians known as the Juvenile Hibernian Temperance Band took a turn through the streets of the city last even ing, and played several lively air 3. This baud, considering the disadvantages they have laboured under in not having a settled band-master, have made very creditable progress.

The moat flourishing crop of do cks in the neighbourhood of the city overlooks Chan cery-lane from behind the Northern Club House. The natural weeds grow very near the locality of the human weeds, but .vhich by judicious treatment might be turned into rlower« of humanity. The denizens of Chan cery-lane often come into collision with the dock.

We learn that the Town Clerk forwarded to Wellington yesterday a request for the use of Government House lawn once or twice a week as a promenade, on occasions when the City Band is willing to delight lovers of music with an open air performance It was not considered advisable to ask that the building itself be thrown open or diverted from its present purpose. In accordance with the resolution of the Synod an Auckland branch of the Church Temperance Association is to be formed forthwith. Those who feel an interest in the movement are requested to meet at Bishop's Court to-morrow, at three o'clock in the afternoon.

A poor woman has recently established a registry office for servants in Shortland-street, and with some difficulty, she managed to get a board announcing the fact. On the first day of its appearance somebody purloined the boari ; another was subs fi>uted, and stolon or spirited away, like the former. The third board is attached to tho post by screws, and is unscrewed and taken in every night, so that it is possible that the last board will not; be takea away. The monthly inspection of tho Auckland Scottish Volunteers will take place this even ing in the new Driil-shed. Members to appeir in full dress with arms and accoutre ments.

The monthly inspection of the Hob3on Company will be held this evening in the Catholic Institute, Wellington-street at seven o'clock.

The meeting of the waiters, cooks, and stewards' association, with its long and vague title, " The New Zealand Men-Servancs' Association," was held last evening in the British Hotel, Mr J. C. Primrose in the chair. The business last night was simply to intro duce and pass th > rules of the committee. The rules were discussed as read by the Chairman, and were unanimously agreed to. The Society at present numbers fifty-eight members.

The case of McManus v. Roth wag not concluded last evening in the District Court. A number ef witnesses were examined on both sides, on the side of Mr Roth to show that the youth, who was his apprentice, had been disobedient and unmanageable ; and on the side of the lad McManus to indicate that Mr Roth had not treated the youth well, and that his month's imprisonment at Mount Eden wa3 unjustifiable, and that the justices had made a mistake in committing him. Mr Rees contended that the arrebt was illegal, as Sergeant Sanderson arrested McManus without a warrant. Such an arrest was against the provision of Magna Charta. Mr Joy said that mnch of modern legislation was against Magna Charta. The addresses of counsel, and his Honor's decision will be given next Court day. Messrs J. S Macfarlane, Walter Lee, and Yon der Heyde are named as likely to con test the seat for Waitemata, and some of the candidates are already putting matters in train for a commencement of politisal hostilities. TheOhinemuricorresponoentof the Thames Star writes " A Native youth named Kimu kimu has got into trouble through playing the role of " Othello." Armed with a gun be sought revenge for honour lost, and was only prevented by the timely appearance of his wife's friends. The two native assessors, Wikiriwhi and JJopata, have engaged to restrain the wrath of this young man. The different occupants of holdings taken up under the Lease Regulations are proceeding vigorously with the preliminaries of clearing and fencing their sections ; pretty large areas have already been ploughed and planted, and generally there has been a vast amount of energy and perseverence displayed, by our pioneer settlers." The monthly inspection of the Victoria Rifles A.R.V. postponed from last Tuesday, will be held this evening in the drill-shed. "Snyder" answers two important ques tions put to him in the Coromanclel Mail thusly :—"Tradesman. —To give a customer a receipt on a written bill head instead of a printed one subjects the tradesman to a penalty of £100 with six months' hard labor, the first six weeks to be in solitary confine ment upon bread and water: We do not think the punishment is sufficiently severe. The law should be-made more stringent. The man who writes out his own bill heads instead of having them printed would be capable of committing any crime that is to be found chronicled in the Newgate Calender. Hn gipg&i.—Wa scarcely think "that Holloway's and Ointment would be found efficacious in preventing boilers from bursting. Peach and other orchard trees are known to'bear much larger and more exquisitely flavoured fruit, which have had two or three of Holloway'B pills dag in at their roots, while the Ointment is known to be good for killing slugs. A supply of this useful medicine can be obtained from Mr Whitmarsh and Mr Silk of this town.

In view of the proposed geographical bee, a correspondent sends the following simple queries, which he thinks may be useful. They are from the Singhalese language, which stands in the front-rank, of all spoken tongues. In the # Veyaloowa district there is a village termed * " QaUiappoooaduraoirrbacor omhera." Another hamlet close by is siylM " Keenloolagagollepooeama." • ,A feffis-..mere are "iOusekellapbodamakandV' ** Bcto4<>-;.j ogeykondegamowa," " KittoolanebadietaiJ galle," "Poodemarfeournecapella," *'Gine gattoocapellaamblam," ." Pdolgaliagedera gamwa," " Kandettemankaddegamowa/ " Galendacapejlakooroowecoole," v M-allapu- j dichellaciLddawatte," and so go. I *. S"-\ ■ ~^

Another Customs Case.

Mr Higgins, a recent importer of dutiable goods, and whose business is within a few doors of the Bank of New Zealand, in Queen street, will be charged to-morrow morning at the Police Court with a breach of the Customs Act in attempting to land goods upon which duty should be paid. The de fendant is the same individual whose Cheap John selling on a portion of the Market reserve caused a discussion at one of our City Council meetings on a recent occa sion. The goods intended to be landed aro stated to be Worth £10. The information was laid by Mr Hill, the collector of Customs, and sworn to before Captain Thomas, J.P., one of the officials attached to the depart ment at Auckland. We understand that the defendant has retained Mr Kee3 to defend the charge.

The Dunedin Banquet.

(BY TELEGRAPH.)

DUNEDTK

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

The Macandrew demonstration has been declared a test of political feeling. At a meeting of the Banquet Committee on Satur day night, the following resolution was adopted : "We hereby declare that our purpose is political, and based on the fol lowing resolution, which was passed previ ously viz. : 'That, while we admire Mr Macandrew as a public man, and we specially approve of his action in relation to the Abolition Bill, all statements to the contrary notwithstanding.' " The Mayor accordingly declines to accede to the request of the Com mittee to proclaim a public holiday in honor of Mr Rlacandrew's return. The Friendly Societies and Volunteers also refuse to take part in the proposed reception, on account of its political nature.

The MacDonnell-Brissenden Affair,

[BY TELEGRAPH.]

WELLINGTON

(From our own Correspondent. This day,

The MacDonnell - Brissenden inquiry is over, and in all probability the result will be known some time to-day. Ever sioce the facts of the case became known there has been a great deal of public and private talk as to the respective characters of these two persons. The scandal went so far that the Post and Times have taken the matter up. The Times yesterday morning has the follow ing :—" Some person recently made a state ment regarding Colonel MacDonnel!, which in common justice should not go unchal lenged, and which it were better that person had not made, because it is wanting not only in truth but in that gnardedness and sense of honor which should influence every man in speaking of the character of another should he find it neces sary to do co. This person stated in the presence of the officers of the Sappho and members of the Wellington Club that Colonel McDonnell had been cashiered by the finding of the Court of Inquiry intothn charges made against him by Mr. Brissendeu. In the first place this is entirely without foun dation. A Court does not cashier ; cashier ing follows its finding. The Court now sitting is simply inquiring into the truth of the charges made against the Colonel.

Fatal Accident on the Waikato Railway.

A FATAL accident occurred last evening on the works now proceeding beyond Mercer for the extension of the Waikato rail way. A young man named Fdward O'Neill, aged 2<A years, was working for Mr. Geraghty, sub-contractor on Mesars. Martin and Brittain's section of the line. Yesterday afternoon, in company with another man, he had been employed exca vating. Shortly before five o'clock a large mass of earth, which had been undermined, shewed signs of falling, and O'Neill endea voured to step quickly backwards, when he fell and the earth came on the top of him. No time was lost by Mr. Geraghty in getting the unfortunate man out, and the earth was soon cleared away. The sufferer was then alive, but notwithstanding the attention paid him, he expired about an hour after the accident, no doubt from internal injuries. An inquest is to be held at Mercer to-day. The deceased was a single man, and has a brother working on the line ; his mother resides at Onehunga, and his brother-in-law, Mr. Swartze, watchmaker, in this city.

Funeral of Mr. Gratten.

The funeral of the late Mr. R. G ratten, of the Thames Hotel, took place this afternoon The melancholy cortege left the deceased's private residence in Emily Place shortly after three o'clock. In front of the hearse the members of the various Masonic Lodges marched in procession. All appeared in re galia. Prominent among the insignia were the distinguishing badges of the Ara Lodge, of which lodge Mr Gratten was a membar. Mr Robinson, the Worthy Master of this lodge, was present. After the corpse followed the relatives and fiiends of the deceased and the Oddfellows in procession. A large number of the general public swelled the funeral train. Preparations for receiving the body had been made in the Protestant burying ground and there the interment was made, the officiating minister beingDr Kidd. As Mr Gratten was a Roman Catholic this statement will no doubt cause somo surprise and we therefore give the; following facts in explanation. On Sunday some of the Masons heard that there existed among the Catholic clergy a disinclination to perform the funeral cere mony on account of deceased's membership among the Freemasons. Mr. Robinson waited on Father W. McDonald and now states that he was led to believe that so long as the craf b did not make a demonstration by appearing in regatta t^y were willing to perform the rite. i- final answer was not given at 11 o'clock yesterday morning. At three in the afternoon the clergy abso lutely declined to have any thing to do with the obsequies. The Masons then took the matter up and in the short time allowed them made preparations for con ducting the funeral in their own state. Mr. Hayward conducted the funeral arrange ments.

Per Pigeon from the Thames.

By Star carrier pigeon from the Thames to day we have received the following extracts from the Thames Advertiser :— KEROSINE EXPLOSION. The Bendigo Hotel, Shortland, narrowly escaped being on fire on Saturday night. In fact, although no alarm was rung, a number of people were made uneasy by the occurrence. 'It appears that at about 12 o'clock on Saturday I night, Mrs Mcllhone went' to the bedroom where the children were ; she laid an ordinary delf kerosine lamp which she had earned with. ■'herOn a washstand, and lay down with the children.: A few moments after this she heard a I noise as of something bursting, and then suddenly saw a bright light. She immediately alarmed Mr Mcllhorje, who ran to the room. By this time •tibft'valance and toilet were inflames, and they appeared to be taking hold of ihe wall." With considerable presence of mind he dragged the I iva^'i '">"'') to the centre of thfe room, away •:... ;■ & wail,' aimough in *doirg so his.hands I p-oc burnt, and just th^n Mr,. Joienh Hartly, a I manki of the Shortland Jijje">»ii^idt,, who

and, with a blanket snatched from the bed, the fire was put out. The woodwork of the wash stand was charred, and the wall against which it stood was smoked. Had prompt steps not been taken, or had the building been allowed to catch fire, the consequence might have been disastrous.

OVERDOSE OF LAUDUNUM.

A foolish and exaggerated report was current yesterday afternoon to the effect that Mrs. Hicks, wife of Mr. T. B. Hicks, of the City of London mine, had attempted to commit suicide by taking poison. This report came to the ears of the police, who made enquiries into the matter, and found that Mrs. Hicks acci dentally took a slight overdose of laudanum, and that a medical man had been called in, but nothing to cause serious alarm had occurred. It seems that Mrs. Hicks has for the past twelve years suffered more or less from severe spasms, and has been in the habit of taking laudanum. She yesterday by mistake used a dessert spoon to measure the dose in instead of a teaspoon, and was about an hour clearly under the in fluence of the poison, but soon rallied again. Someone heard of the accident, hence the silly and untruthful report.

Bank of New Zealand Meeting.

The half-yearly meeting of the shareholders of the Bank of New Zealand was held in the banking-house, Qaeen-street. C. J. Stone, Esq., Chairman of Directors, presided. About twenty-five shareholders were pre sent. Mr Murdoch, the Inspector, opened the proceedings by reading the advertisement convening the meeting and the minutes of the last half-yearly meeting. After the latter had been confirmed, the Inspector proceeded to read the report and balance-sheet for the past half-year as follows :—" The directors have much satisfaction in again meeting shareholders with a report and balance sheet, which afford continued evidence of the Bank's prosperity : —The nett profit; at 30th September, after ample provision for every debt considered bad or doubiful, and for reduction of Bank premises and furniture accounts, amounts to £47,103 2s Id; to which has to be added—balance of undivided profit at the 3'st March last, £16.974 11s Id: making a total available for division of £G4,077 13s 2d ; the following appropriation of which is now recommended ; to payment of dividend at the rate of 10 per cent per annum, £30,000 ; " bonus of 5s per equal to 5 per cent per annum, £15,000 ; " balance carried to profit and loss new account, £19,077 13a 2d ; £64,077 13s 2d. The dividend and bonus will be payable at the Head Office, Auckland, on Wednesday, the 27tb October, and at the branches on receipt of advice. For the Board of Directors, C. J. Stone, Chairman. Balance-Sheet. Dr. £ s. d. Bank Stock 600,000 0 0 Keservn Fuml 330 000 0 0 Notes in Circulation .. .. .. 420,170 0 0 Bills Payable in Circulation .. .. 1,780,028 911 Depo'iti aiul o her Liabilities .. 5,760,745 7 5 Balance of Profit and Loss at Maroh 31, 1875 10,974 11 1 Net Profit for Half-year .. .. 47.103 2 1 .£8,755,021, 10 C Cr, & b. d. Coin, and Cash Balance .. .. 054,119 OH Bullion on hand, and in transitu .. 237,808 12 4 Government Secuit^s .. .. 350,000 0 0 Landed Property Bank Premises, Furniture, &c 107,229 7 0 Bills Receivable and Securities in London 1,737,300 15 4 Bills Discounted and other Debts aue to the Bank 5,508,503 14 11 £8.775.021 10 C rnoni and loss accoum, £ a. d. To dividend at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum 30,000 0 0 ~ Bonus of £>s per share, equal to 5 per cent 15,C00 0 0 ~ Bilaace ca.-rkd to profit and loss new account 19,077 13 2 £04 077 13 2 £ s. d By balance of profit and loss at 31st March, 1875 16.974 11 1 Net pi oats for halt year, after writing off bad dubts .. .. 47.103 2 1 £04,077 13 2 In moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet Mr Stone spoke as follows :— Before moving the adoption of the report which you have just heard read, allow me to make a few remarks en its principal features and on the general affairs of the Bank. It must be a matter of congratulation to share holders to witness bow well the business of the Bank is maintained. It is now fourteen years since its first establishment, and a hasty retrospect of its progress may not be con sidered inappropriate. The circumstances which led to the formation of the Bank will be in the recollection of many now present, the insufficiency sf accommodation affordec by the establishment, which then occupied the chief position among the Banks in the colony, the retirement of the Oriental Bank and the advent of the Bank of New South Wales. A few of our more enterprising and far-seeing citizens resolved that the time had ' arrived when the colony could well support a Bank of its own, and that there was no reason for New Zealand eny longer remitting yearly large dividends for the enrichment of foreign shareholders. The result you all know, and no higher compliment can be paid to the judgment and foresight of the pro moters of the Bank of New Zealand. Since its commencement dividends have been paid to shareholders amounting in the aggregate to £920,000, a reserve fund of £180,000 has been formed,and a very large amount about£loo,ooo has been written off Bank premises and furniture accounts. But apart from the fact that the whole of this large accumulation of profit has been saved to the colony, we may well take pride in the often acknowledged service the Bank has rendered to the com mercial and general interests of the people of New Zealand, and in the evidence of their confidence in the institution as evinced in the figures put before you to-day. The balance-sheet shows the deposits and circula tion amount to £6,180,000, and though it is right for me to mention that about a miliion and a half of these resources is due to the deposit of the remaining portion of the four million loan, the balance is yet of such, mag nitude as to afford gratifying evidence of the support and confidence of the public. On the other side it will be seen that the Bank's advances keep pace with its resources, as we are resolved to attempt at least to meet every legitimate requirement of our customers. The demands oa the Bank for accommoda tion during the past twelve months, conse quent on the rapid growth of the business of the colony and the apparent indisposition on the part of foreign banks to enlarge their advances, have been very great, and it has for some time been apparent to the directors that without taking a very sanguine view of the future, a return as favourable as is pro posed to-day could be paid by the bank on a considerably increased capital. The directors have therefore determined to avail them selves of the power committed to them by you at the special general meeting held ou 29fch July, 1870, to make a further i°"ue of ten thousand shares, which will be first offered to present proprietors at a premium of £5, being £3 below the present colonial value of the shares, and £7 below the price in London; and as the directors entertain not the least doubt of maintaining the divi dend on the increased capital, the difference between the "price of issue and the present rnirkat price may ba, regarded as a bonus to present shareholders. At an early date a circular will be addressed to each shareholder on the subject; but I may only further say, 'at present, that payment for1 the new shares will not be required till Ist January, from which date the new shares will participate in the profits of the half year, and meantime any shareholder electing to pay in advance will, tiil'lst January, be, entitled to interest at the - rate of six per bent, per ■ It will be in the recollection of shareholders

that the resolutions, to which I have re ferred, empowered the directors to make an issue of ten thousand shares in any one year till the capital reached a million; Five years have now elapsed since the first issaa under these resolutions whs made, which may be accepted as evidence of the directors determination nei to ask for additional capital until fairly satisfied not only that it is required to main tain the leading position of the Bank but also that the calling up such capital will not interfere with the ordinary dividend. Under the existing regulations as to the amount of the reserve fuud onlj £15,000 of the £50,000 to be obtained as premium dp be new shares, would be available as »v inc. >-:i3K Ito our present reserve, but 1 m-.y state thab it "is the intention of the directors before the next half-yearly meeting to cail a special general meeting to effect an altera tion of this clause of the Bank'a deed of settlement, to admit of the reserva fund acquiring larger proportions. Yon will .EC doubfc have observed that during the session of Parliament just ended an inquiry was ordered into the banking arrangements o< the Government, and the committee en trusted with it took very full evidence or. the subject. Their report recommends that the existing agreement with thi« Bank be terminated, and that tenders for the account be called for. So much jealousy ai..<l bad feeling have been excited by oui possession of the account, and so mad misapprehension as to its actual benefit, thai should the Government adopt the course suggested we will not feel aggrieved. Nc doubt, if the account were to remain as at present, or as it has been during the past six months, there would be good reason to make it an object of desire; but the condition tc which 1 have referred is far from being the normal condition of that account, and it maj well be apprehended whether it will long remain in such a state as to make it so muci an object of envy as it has been of lafco. At a moderate estimate, at least fifty of oui clerks are employed solely on the Govern' ment business, besides tho cost of numerous agencies, which would not have been opened but for the Bank's desire to offer ready faci lity for the transaction of the business of the Government. The opportunity, however, it now afforded for one of our competitors step ping into the breach, and if they are abk to offer equal facilities with ourselves at a better price, then by all means let them have the account. The balance has usually been so nicely adjusted that, as a rule, a very slight increase on our present terms would turn profit into loss ; and, though we attach some weight to the prestige of btiog bankers for the Government, we are noi disposed to suffer a los» by it. While on this subject, I feel bound to call attention to the evidence afforded the Committee by Mi Bridges, the representative intbeco'ony of the National Bank of New Zealand. Yoi: will no doubt have observed that the chairman of that bank at the annual meeting in London on 9th August, remarked that the directors had made a strong pnsh tc got a share of the New Zealand Government account, and he hoped in time they would succeed, adding in the course of his speech, "I must entreat everyone interested in the fortune of the institution to put all the pressure he can on those in authority with the view of obtaining this concession." I suppose we may accept ttis as the key note to the line of conduct lately pursued by Mr Bridges, but I cannot for one moment sup pose that the directors at home could for an instant have anticipated that tbeir chief re presentative here woald have descended to what assumes too close a resemblance to false accusation and malicious innuendo, even for the purpose of securing the Govern ment account; but whatever may be the verdict of his fellow directors, I am very much mistaken if they do not receive from the colony very convincing proof of the reprobation with which it is viewed by the public of New Zealand. HouesS rivalry we are ever ready to welcome, out -w c cannot sufficiently deprecate the line of conduct followed on this occasion, which has obtained for Mr. Bridges the well-merited veidict of the committee adopted with accla mation by the House, that " his charges are absolutely without foundation and wholly unwarranted"—a verdict which, I may say, is heartily confirmed by this Bank. Leaving this disagreeable subject, let me only remark, in conclusion, as to the future, that while there is much to encourage, there is aiso much to incite great caution, and your directors are resolved that while maintaining the premier position of the Bank in the colony, they will not lend themselves to any undue stretch of credit or to any business oi a purely speculative character. Their efforts will be devoted to the development of healthy enterprise, and to the legitimate support oi the rapidly-growing interests of the colony of New Zealand. With these few remarks, I beg to move the adoption of the report. Mr Whitaker, in seconding the motion of Mr Stone, said he would add a few words in reference to the late proceedings in commit tee at Wellington. As a spectator of the whole investigation, he could say that those proceedings were taken quite impartially. Looking at the evidence given before the committee, especial importance was attached to the testimony of Mr Bridges. This testi mony involved two distinct charges against the Bank. The first charge was connected with the purchase of the Port Chalmers rail way, and the second was connected with cer tain transactions at Wellington, in which, among other gentlemen, Mr Thomas Russell, his partner, was concerned. Now, as to the Port Chalmers railway accusation, he could say from his own experience that Mr Bridges bad spoken of matters of which he was totally ignorant. There was no doubt he was trying to get the Government account taken from the Bank, and he felt sure this was his object far more than any intended injury tc Sir Julius Vogel. He wanted to get the accounts distributed, and then the National Bank would come in for their share. But the means he had taken to accomplish this end were very unworthy of an honorable man, and having known Mr Bridges so long as he had, and conceived a respect for him, he could hardly bring himself to believe that gentleman capable of such conduct. He was inclined to think that Mr Bridges, in his efforts to get the account, had lost his head, and been saying things he was not responsible for. The committee was composed of no one party, and were not specially interested in the Bank, but they felt the seriousness of such insinuations, and thought it necessary that the matter should be cleared up. Mr Bridges appeared "on the face of his evidence, not to be actuated by truth. Such reckless asser tions were most culpable. It created a feel ing of distrust and uneasiness in business circles for a man to divulge matters which had come under his notice in the confidential position as manager of a Bank, and the blunt sense of honor which could make such reve lations must be regarded as somethig abso lutely shocking. He repeated it was calcu lated to shake all confidence in managers. As to Mr Bridges, that gentleman might be 7 i safely left to his own directors. Were ■i he (the speaker) one of these and had a ser f Vcinfc who was capable of such actions, he t should not feel safe till he was out of the i office. This charge had been fully explained, 1 and there was no necessity to further refer 9 to it.

The second charge involved thei accusation that the Bank had used its influence for political, purposes. It appeared that at a certain time a sunn of money had to be re mitted to London. The negotiations were , conducted at Wellington where a meeting of gentlemen connected with the Bank was held to discuss the subject. No Board meeting was h_eld, simply because it was not usual for the Board to meet in; Wellington. Now it was asserted that it/was resdlved by the Bank to turn out thel ministry ol Mr Wold and put in Mr Stafford, they oam&.to the expressed determiflfotum that theyjwauld ma^nQadvancetoMrjp^d.Xheacctaatadttß |

specivic ctutrge ijgaisst Mr x. iivT - ing said this in so many worda'afc <*'* Of o<.uree the refutation of this ?%, '..,'..|- : | be !ef& to Mr Russell himself; hug:us part, he could say, on his honor, Lffen the confidential anviset of tn? 0 = sixteoc years, ho "r.ad never oaoii v,? influence of the Bank uacd for p ■■ poses, and it was impossible tl£^/ j MrSuss<-.!i, ho •,?.« sate,'would--feel•t^J height, of impropriety >,■. advise such a Cortrfc .>■ and this chs^ge' »■•; v.oli at- the first, fo e {^: i n orally ct-rtam, .vv;ir, S.e'.uiy unfouftdei^ j Throughout >J'>> J.'« ln i;; "Hiv., iMr Whst'alo^ j connection wi;.ii t1..;.' r.ti'. .Vs lumld recpllecf" Ino action pi' nhicL lie >vas .^hsuied, Havte •'" hid tiuch a close kuc;l edge of tho Ba'u'Va affairs, aad having be&a : steely a spectatorVl j the proceedings ai Weiii^'i^n-., lie had take& tiiii opEoriupity af ser.<mr.o.';g U?e adoption o! the report ani/ 'xdarn-si^ •• ::> ■'..-■ the purpose. of affording-, vhi-i pxplanat uhi. (Cheers.) The Hen. Jilr rJVS ior tixprasstfd his ap proval of iiioicasiug tho o: pital of the Bank, and ahentig the deed, at for the - purpose- of -JBulargiog the reserve fuad. ■ The nuef'tic!) o'' :Mlepx'm>. '-vas then put and carried unanimously. Mr Cherry calked be attention of the Chaiivnan to the fact oi tiis Bank having been ia existence losa than .16 years. '! ho CLudrni: v iai> tae gentleman was quiic right. He should have said 14 years. Mr P. Di<znan tben proposed the election of Mr Geo. P. Pierce as auditor.

Mr T. Hill seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

The election of Mr W. T. Taylor, as director of the Bank, was confirmed.

Mr Taylor returned thanks for his elec tion. , Mr P. L. Prime proposed, and Colonel Balneavis seconded, a vote of thanks to the directors and officers of the Bank.

The Chairman, en behalf of the directors, acknowledged the compliment. The figures which he had put before them were certainly calculated to create a feeling of egotism. He had been honored with a seat at the directory nearly ever since he had been connected with the Bank, and he felt proud of the circum stance.

Mr D. L. Murdoch, in replying for the staff of officers, said : — I have much plea sure on behalf of the staff in acknowledging with thankfulness your vote, expressive of your appreciation of their services during the pass half-year. The result you know in the report which has been put before you to-day, but you can only surmise the zealous efforts aiid constant care which have pro duced that resak, and which, while they conduce so much to T,he comfort and profit of shareholders, make it a pleasure, and I may say an honour to be associated with the gentlemen who now form your staff. It has been a matter of deep regret to us that a reflection has been thrown upon the banking profession by one who in past years has participated inyourvotesof thanks, and whose conduct has been fitly commented on by the chairman. I would only take the opportu nity of saying that while it is a matter of congratulation that the party referred to is no longer connected with us, I would have you to believe that such conduct on the part of a Bank officer is singularly exceptional, and that a nicer sense of honor actuates the profession. I will have pleasure in communicating to the staff your vote of thanks, and, in their name I feel warranted in assuring you that no effort will be wanting on their part to make future results as- good as that placed before you to-day. (Hear, hear.) Mr Murdoch chen read the rough minutes of the meeting, and the business concluded with the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman.

COURT OF PETTY SESSIONS.—This Day.

(B fore Robert Graham (Chairman), Dr. Home, and W. J. Hurst.) 3MOLLY AND NANCY. Two femail soakers, bearing respectively the names of Mary Doran and Anne Paulgran were brought up on charges of drunkenness and fined 5s and costs.

A DKTJNKEK C;UCHMAN,

'Ti* shakers like Tom whom you load with re-

Thalfeuable you swell coves to ride In your coaches.

Thomas Walters, was .charged with being drunk and disorderly while mounted on the box of the vehicle of which he is the accre dited driver. The defendant, a modest-looking young man, pleaded guilty. .< Mr B:oham described the circumstances, the prisoner was very drunk and nearly run over several people on the wharf. His master, Mr Crowther was in Court. Mr Crowther said that Thomas had been in his employ for five or six years, and M was about his best man; he had never known him to transgress before; he was a married man with a large family. ( The Bench, in consideration of prisoners good character, fined him 5s for being drunk and 103 for a breach of the by-law. Thomas Winham was fined 53 for,being drunk and incapable last night. " MY NAME IS SULLIVAN, SIR. ' James Sullivan, alias, Herbert, alias Jemmy the Kover, waß charged with being a rogue and vagabond. James objected to this character. : G Detective Grace had known the prisoner, who came out of gaol only a month ago. Prisoner said he was a true worker, ms name was Sullivan, and he would no. dis grace his Hibernian ancestors. t-. Detective Jeffrey, said the prisoner was a a notorious thief, and a loafer of tha worst description. , Mr Broham said he knew the prisoner ten years ago, on the West Coast, as one of tM most abandoned of characters and notorious thieves in Kew Zealaud.

Prisoner laughed at this statement. Sentenced to three months imprisonment with hard labour.

A NEGLECTFUL PAKENT. _ , A wretched looking man, named Jonn Fowler, was brought up on warrant, chargea with neglecting to contribute towards tie suppoit of his three children in the Industrial, school. Amount due £2 18s 6d. ~/W The man said that he had been laid up with the -rheamatics and unabled to pay. _ ••' Ordered to pay £1 within the next montn, and 2s per week afterwards. Susan Wetherell was brought up on * similar charge ; the amount due being &> >>*• The woman said her husband had leftlier and gone to England ; she was destitute or means. ~ it v vii The chairman said if she would call at n» office, he would give her a pound, another gentleman, (name not mentioned) offered w giva another pound. . ~ Mr. Broham asked that the money ;vag«. go towards the liquidation of the debt due to the Industrial School, which it was agreed should be done.

COWS. - : l far Patrick Ryan was summoned to answer to his cow, which had disobeyed the WjSR-rf .eating grass by the wayside on the^sca v September. ' . _. M Mr. Evan stated that his cow, wMf« of a lively nature,, got out of his pada<>c*; without his knowledge. ... i '-t The Bench : There are a number oW» vicfcioos a g ain3fc.,a Mrs. Ryan. Aw you o the same family, ? .3 »fhtti ■' Defendant: I don't belong to my mow t your Worship. (Laughter.) The Bench : That is strange;.* ■ xou m pay « fine of £1 and costs, vao y^V^ft!^ Defendant rOh yes, yoar VF^f ■' J

THE EYEKI O STAB, TUESDAY OCTOBBB 2fr **fS



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