SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

This evening 9.27 ; to-

HIGH WATKR morrow morning 942 STTN SET : This ereuing, i6O ; STTN BISE: to morrow moraine, 7 3 * MOON'S AGE : Last quarter, 28th, 6 9 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Star of the South, ss, Palmer, fromLevuka KbDecnlaiior, barque Leith. from Lvttelton Jane, brig, Chamb«r'ain, from FTobart Town Phoebe, as, from the South (in the Manukau)

DEPARTURES

Go-ahead, s.s, for fiisboTne and Napier Atlantic, fchroner, for Lyttelton Wellington, s.s, Carey, for the South (from the Manukau)

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For the South— Pbcebe 27th For London— W. W. Smith, barque, early ; Fernglen, ship, early For the North—lona, s 8, Mondays For Sydney—Mikado, s.s., abont 25th inst.

VESSELS EXPECTED

Mikado, s s, from San Frwciaco, about 25th Hero, ss, from Sydney, about 30 h inst Rhoderick Dhu, brigantine, from Sydney " Caller Ou, ship, HMPK, from London ; sailed Feb. 18 IRobina Dunlop, barque, from liondon Emily McLaien, barque, from London ; sailed 20th January Cabarfeidti, harque, from Boston, via Table Bay

sailed December 21 ; Xstelle. schooner, from Dunedin ; sailed 26th Lsutitia, schooner, from Dunedm Ryno, brigantine', from "Rotumah, early Papua, schooner, from Rarotonga, early Moneynick. barque, from Lyttelton Magellan Cloud, brigan*ine, from Lyttelton, early Syren, brig, from Adelaide, early £mv, brigantine, from L->vuka, early .Albatross, schooner, from Levuka, early Martha, bwque, from the Islands, early CnroDet, schooner, from the Islands, early Edith, schooner, from the Islands, eirly Forf +rsbire, HNTE, ship, from London ; sailed March 19 Flecbero, ship, from London, early Lntter^orth, ship, from London, early Look Out. schooner, from Sydney Nightingale, brfgantiae. from Melbourne, early Pearl, schooner, from Timaru, early

The A.S.P. Co.'s s.s. Star of the South arrived early on Sunday morning from the Fiji's. She left Levuka on Thursday the 13th instrnt. Fine weather was experienced until the 18th instant, when a heavy gale blew from the W. and S.W. The vessel had to be hove-to for twenty-four hours. The Poor Knights were made on Saturday evening at 6 o'clock, and she came in the harbour at S a.m. yesterday. She brings a cargo of maize, ■ copra, oil, cotton, fibre, gum, etc. Passengers : Mrs Brownell and three children, Messrs J. C. Smith, Nuligan, and Howard, and six in the steerage.

The screw barquentine Emu left Levuka on the Bth inst. for Taviuni to load for Auck land.

The schooner Mary Melville, from the Thames, arrived at Lyttelton on the 20th inst.

Mr. Thos. Henderson, junr. has purchased the ketch Maid of the Mill.

The barque Especulador left Lyttelton on the 15th inst and rounded the East Cape oa the 20th, arriving, after a good run, at 6*30 a.m., yesterday. She had southerly winds on the passage. Her cargo consists of wheat, flour, barley, oats, cheese, butter and other southern produce.

The brig Tane, from Hobarton, arrived yesterday morning. She left on the 3rd and had strong adverse winds for the first twelve days. She then ran before a south-west gale to the Three Kings, which were made on Friday. Down the coast light westerly weather. Her cargo consists of fruit, pre serves, &c.

The schooner Albatross left Levuka for this port on the 12th instant, with 612 sacks maize and 19 tons copra, shipped by Messrs; Brewer and Mannelle.

COMMERCIAL.

CALL LIST. Amount. Date. Calls: £ a. d. Prince Imperial G-.M. Co. .. 0 0 6.. May 27 Whangapou GM. Co 0 2 0.. June 6 Dixon's No 1 G.M. Co .. .. 0 2 0.. Jane 9 N.Z. Loan and Mercantile AgeocvCo 0 10 0 .. Junell DivroRWDS: Moltum-in-Parvo .. .. 0 0 I}.. May 11

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails tvill Close as follows .— For Thames, on Tuesday, at 930 am For Coromandel. on Tnesdav rext, at 5 p m For Australian Colonies, per Mikado, six hours after arriv»l For Whitianj?*, Tairua, Opotiki, and Napier via Tau ranga. per Rowen», t^-morrow, at 3 p m For Wsngarei, Eussel, "Wangaroa, and Jttongonui, per lon a to-morrow, at 4 p m For Kawau and Matakana, per Lady Bowen, to-mor row, at 9 a m. Mails for Otahnhu, Papakura, Drury, Pukekohe, Tuakau, Pokeno, and Mercer, will, until, further notice, be made up at 6am daily. Return mails will reach town at 7 pm. (Signed) J. E. Coney, Acting Chief Postmaster.

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

MONDAY, MAY 24, 1875

Wot the cause that lacks assistance,! Jot the wrong- that needs resisUsce. f*r the fmtnre in the distance. Ami the i*od that we can im.

We have with some persistency kept public attention directed to matters proceeding among the Waikato Volunteer Engineer Militia, and the charges laid of malversation of public property. We find that the agita tion on this subject has not been unattended with some result. It appears that Captain Rowe, whose name was prominently mixed up with these affairs, is no longer connected with the force, the connection having been severed within the past week by a tele gram received by that 'gentleman from the Department at Wellington. He haa on Friday last come down from the Waikato, having disposed of his effects and property there, and since returned, we believe, to the Thames. We cannot say that this is entirely a satisfactory conclusion to the affair, or that either Captain Howe or the department should allow it to end thns. If this officer believes that he has been unjustly dealt with, and that the charges which were made were merely trumped up, and without foundation, it is due to himself that he should demand a most searching examina tion into the whole matter, in order that he may have an opportunity rif repelling the slur attempted to be east on his adminis tration of his trust, and the integrity of his character. Whereas, on the other hand, if the head of the department believes it ad visable that a severance 'should be effected between hia late officer and the public ser vice, the grounds for such a course should be clearly established. It is unjust to Captain Rowe, if merely on newspaper criticism, such as that in which we have indulged, or on private reports transmitted to Wellington by the opponents of that gentleman or their solicitors, Captain 1 Eowe should have been tried and condemned without wmingface to

face with his accusers. In fact, we may go so far as to say that if the charges made are without truth, Captain Rov»e has been ex ceedingly badly treated ; and if true, the character of the public service demands that something more should follow than the mere retirement of this officer from the public ser vice. We have said that it is becoming an article of the public creed, that the connection with the public service exempts from responsibility, and that the esprit de corps of the service is a panoply of protec tion. Efforts should be directed to disabuse the public mind of this impression, and rein state in the public faith the vulgar old dictum, " What is sauce for tLe goose is sauce for the gander." Besides Sergeant-Major Small, Color-Sergeant-Craig, and Sergeant Barlow have been . either greatly sinned against or greatly sinning, for these three gentlemen owe their voluntary or eD. forced retirement from the service solely, and entirely to the odium in the eyes of their superiors attaching to the part taken by them in connection -with these charges. If they brought these charges from a sole desire to act faithfully towards the public service— a supposition which we espoused in their favour —and if the charges were true, which is yet, so far as we know untried, then have they been very cruelly punished, and should be not only " rehabilitated" in former rights and position, but rewarded for their fearless and honorable conduct. If on the other hand the charges are untrue, and Captain Howe have suffered loss of place and perhaps fame through their idle and unfounded rumours, then these officer 3 are deserving of condign punishment. We feel somewhat solicitous that the whole of this matter should be brought to light. The Stae has been the only paper in the province that has dared to allude to these charges and to demaj 1( j an enquiry, and if our psrsistent Agitation has been the cause of Vagina injustice on Captain Rowe we atflx \^ b e Borry i n the ex . treme. A^i now when that gentleman is dis connected from the service, and under no con straints of discipline, it is his duty, if he believes the charges base and truthless, to peremptorily demand from the department a most stri_2,g en t enquiry. If Captain Rowe does, not do so, he cannot blame the public if they retain an unfavorable impression re specting the transaction in relation to the sale of the Government mare, and other transactions of a similar kind, the rumours of which have been in all men's mouth 3; and if he demands such enquiry, and establishes his blamelessnes9,none in New Zea land will be more glad to publish abroad his vindication than we who have so per sistently tried to pour in light on the doings of the Engineer Militia. As for tho Govern ment, we do not expect from them any further action, for the possibility of ugly revelations would be but the possibility of a stain on the spotless escutcheon of the Government service, and this would never do. In any thing affecting the puiity of officialism, mum's the word.

The following letter, which we have receive^ from a gentleman resident at Otahuha, brings up a circumstance, perhaps generally known to most of our readers, but none the less a hardship of the hardest kind. The treat ment which the once thriving village of Otahnhu has received at the hands of the Public Works Department, in the line being made to pass it in the distance was bad enough, but was probably necessitated by the exigencies of engineering. But such a course having been taken, it should certainly have been a part of the railway works to have obviated the evil as far as possible by making a road connecting the village with the station. We give the letter as we re ceived it, as it fairly states a case which is but another illustration of the utter and con temptuous indifference -to local interests and local feelings, which is essentially character istic of a Central Government —that centre being at Wellington—of which so many of us are enamoured :—

"No communication with the Otahuhußail way Station !" It is really too true, as you cannot get to it unless trespassing through Mr. Bowden's paddocks, leased from Mr. Fairbnrn, and the inhabitants of this, one of the oldest districts, have to go by 'bus, or otherwise to Penrose station. The land for this part of the line and station was pro cured from Mr John Fairburn, with the con dition that a road would be laid out from here to the station ; but as yet, nj road. It was tried to raise some money from some of the residents have to make a public road to the station through his (Mr F.s) property, which would be principally for his benefit, but he, not having fulfilled his part of the engagement, has caused bhe matter to drop for the present. The filling in of the gully and making the road passable would cost several hundred pounds. The Government made a culvert down in the bottom of the swamp, and I am told Mr Stewart says the Government will not do any more, and what io done is perfectly useless. Is that the way to make public works pay ? You can imagine one of the oldest and most produc tive districts, with a considerable population and trade and capable of increase, being completely shut out from railway communication unless obtained by 'buss or otherwise at other stations miles off, and particularly what a great injustice has been done to this district by persistently taking the line to there. It is not to save expense but at a cost of more than £1000 sterling. I have to cart at least seven tons of goods from Auckland weekly, as the railway at present is of no use to me as well as many others, although I suppose I will shortly have to pay my share of taxes to support and make good the differences caused by sacrificing the public interests to serve some purposes that I cannot at present con veniently describe.

The time-table of the Waikato Steam Navigation Company's steamers has been revised, and appears, as amended, in our advertising columns. From these it will be seen that the Company has provided for the connection of all the Waikato settlements with the railway terminus at Mercer.

We would direct the attention of our readers to a letter in another column on the Kauri Gum Tax. It is valuable, as being the statement of experience and authority on the subject.

A special service for the children of Trinity Church Sunday-school, North Shore, was held yesterday afternoon, at three o'clock. The attendance was large, and the orderly demeanour of the children reflected credit on their superintendent, Mr Brown. The spe cial prayers for the occasion were read by the Rev. J. Bates, in a most impressive manner, and an eloquent discourse, delivered by Bishop Cowie was listened to with rapt atten tion. The singing of the children (of whom there were, about 170} was the theme of praise by all who had the pleasure of being present on the occasion,

On "Amateurs and Professionals" a cor respondent writes;—"i£r,—Permit me space IP your journal to make a few remarks in re- W *° ' °ne of the Troupe", appearing in your Saturday s issue. My letter to the Cross was not written i n the form appearing in the columns of that paper, which in its present sense would make it appear 1 objected to -Dorad a Troupe playing in opposition to the Hobson Band Minstrels, In my manuscript to the Cross I complained of the fact that ama teurs should take advantage of general holi days Dy performing in opposition to profes sional talent (hence the heading of the letter), wuo on such occasions took forward to extra patronage in recognition of fchsir arduous studies to amuse us, and are deprived of its benefit by some 'Grand Variety Entertain ment.' I hope however that in common with othe? amusements Doran's Troupe will be well patronised, and that the instruments and music to be purchased by the proceeds will form a prominent feature in their future entertainments. The above is sufficient ex planation to a letter in this morning's Cross signed by P. Doran.—l am, &c,, Cbitic."

Late news from New Caledonia state* that the prisoners are engaged in reclamations about Noumea, extending the beach frontage by falling in with stone taken from the neigh bouring hills that require removing to allow the town to extend inland. In social life there is little or no gaiety. Such a system of espionage is observed that it precludes much convivial intercourse of residents, and our governor, as yet, is very retired and seeks seclusion at home j occasionally we are enlivened by an operatic entertainment at our theatre, which> strange to say, is still allowed to bear the designation of the Iheatre Imperial. Telegraphs are being pushed throughout the Country, havin» ofnees now established at Noumea, the cop per mines, and some eight or nine other places 5 a scheme ib also on the tapis for lay. ing a cable between Sandy Point, Queens land, and Noumea.

Two widely different pictures of an old Aucklander are given in the Southern journals. The. first we clip from the Wel lington J'osl as follows :—The following -rcetch of a high legal functionary ia from a West Coast correspondent:—"Our District Judge, commonly known as Tommy Weaton, riga himself up in a Supreme Court Judge's .silk gown and mob wig, including the coat, with big buttons on the wristbands, and has three huge clumps of alum on the Bench to keep off' infection. A bottle, holding about a pint of eau-de-cologne, stands by his side, with which he repeatedly bedews a hand kerchief, which he waves to perfume the air. It is high fun for the people here. I wonder what Judge Johnston would say if he saw the little (monkey) decked out ia the Supreme Court feathers." The other sketch is taken from the Inangaliua Times, thus : — "Before the rising of the Court, on Satur day, his Honor Judge Weston expressed his willingness, in order to render the Court of the greatest public service, to attend at any time between the regular sittings to hear cases of special importance, upon receiving notice at Hokitika or elsewhere. Such a concession to public interests from the judi cal bench falls as "the gentle dew," and to litigants, present and prospective, in this district, will be regarded as a circumstance of much favor."

In accounts of the cruises of labour vessels among the South Sea Islands the dry details of " arrived here and left there" are realised by highly sensational passages. For instance in the report of the Marion Itenny recently arrived at Levuka from a cruise we read :— "Retraced our course to isavo, whera we picked up some more recruits, and then made sail for the north-west coast of Gaudalcinoa, where we experiencsd heavy gales which we ran before to Makira Harbor, a course of pre caution we were compelled to take during hurricane months. Whilst laying here the local natives stole one of the labor, and re fused to give him up, as they intended selling him for a cannibal feast On the passage two boys died from natural causes, and one jumped overboard when suffering from fever and ague."

The annual soiree in connection with the Grafton Road Wesleyan Sunday-school is fixed for to-morrow evening. Tea will be on the table at half-past six o'clock. The audience will subseauently be addressed by Rev. W. J. Williams, Mr Newman, and other friends of the cause.

The Saturday evening entertainments at the Young Men's Rooms, Wellesley-streefc, in connection with Templary have met with a fair share of success, and on Saturday evening last a very pleasant hour was passed in h&rmony and song. Mr George Snuirrell, the indefatigable secretary, did wisely in admitting outsiders, as the last meeting evidenced; his paper on "Alcoholic In fluences " was well received.

"Ruy Bias," a tragic drama was success fully presented to the audience at the Prince of Wales Theatre on Saturday evening, and the parts were ably sustained by the performers. Mr Darrell and Miss Stephenson were the principal delineators of the scenes of " Ruy Bias," which cannot by any means, be noticed as a very meritorious production. The second drama was that of " Susan Hopley," wherein is described the adventures of a country girl. The piece is termed a domestic drama, and possesses many points of interest. Mrs Darrell ex hibited the heroine of the story, and Mr Darrell took the part of her unswerving, and persevering lover. The acting of Messrs Pdole, Peering, Ayeling, and Holloway aided in rendering this simple drama complete and acceptable. The ladies were equally at home in their proper places among the stars of this talented dramatic company. The piece selected for this evening is the "Streets ot New York," a lively and interesting drama, which is eminently adapted for the elope of a loyal holiday as it presents many pictures in relation to life and character, not only in the city of the Republic, but also in other cities of other laads. The scenery of a first rate character, has been prepared by Mr Thornton, scenic artist.

Messrs Fraser and Tinae presented a beautiful gold watch to MrW. H. Humphrey's on Friday evening last in testimony of their esteem for one who had faithfully served the firm during the last five years. Mr Humphreys has received the appointment of Assistant-Engineer to the Auckland Water works.

The scandal has doubled the sale of Beecher's pewa, and run Tilton's " Tempest Tossed " into the thirteenth edition.

' Canrobert is mentioned as the one to play tbe Serrano part in France when the time for a restoration of the empire comes. Canrobert do it ? is the qnestion.

We have been favoured with one of Mr. Woodward's sixpenny plumcakes for the people. The cake weighed well and was of excellent quality, thickly curranted, and veined with lemonpeel. We took it home, and the youngsters smacked their lips in ecstacy, and dreamed all night of a world of currant cake.

An old toper chanced to drink a glass of water one day, for want of something stronger. Smacking his lips and turning to one of his companions, he remarked—" Why it don't taste badly. I have no, doubt that it is wholesome for females and tender children !"

A. Hickman (Ky.) poess wrises of the lively girl of his choice :—

" The glance of her eye is blue ruin, Her blush is blood of the vine, Her pout is a punch in whose brewing Tart, sugar, and spirit combine."

, A Southern contemporary says our American Cousins are not too well np in the geography of Australia, and particularly of New Zealand. The American Good Tem plars being desirous of communicating with a high official of the Order in Christchurcb, hoped to find him f some where " in New Zea land, wrath of, Cook Strait, Australasia."

The report presented at the annual meeting of subscribers to the Papakura library on Wednesday shewed that the number of books had been greatly increased duriiig the year and a balance of £9.5s 3d remained. The Rev. Thos. NtJrrie, Messrs J. B. Hay, C. Wallis, (*. Eevell, J. Cole, E. Willis, and Joseph Scoullen, were elected a new committee, and a vote of thanks was passed to the retiring one. Dr Bodle delivered a very successful lecture on " Bush Surgery" last Thursday in aid_ of the Opab.eke School funds. Mr Shan aghan will i.ecture on the 17th June in aid of the same object.

The number of persons apprehended in Ofcago during the year ending 28th Feb ruary, 1874, was 2,207 ; and for the corres ponding period, 1875, 3,223$ showing an increase of 1,016, «r upwards of 40 per cent ; whilst the increase of the population of the. province during the ten months ending 31st December, 1874, which i 3 the nearest approximate, peridd; was 12,953, or at the rate of only 15 per cent.

Wellington j fi fEys- tie Tiilive, is now the scene of operations of a few gents who are thorough adepts at card-playing. They make their living by this and similar doubtfal occupations. Perhaps Christ church ;might be called the head-quarters, and from there they radiate over the colony, Dunedin and this city being particularly favoured by them. ''Euchre" or "poker" in their hands is not a game of chance. Whenever they touch the cards the result is a dead certainty; and whenever the dice box is resorted to the sixes have a wonderful knack ef turning up. It would be advisable that those who speculate their money in games of chance, and who play the square game should know their company. Within the past few weeks con siderable sums of money have been lost at cards. On one occasion, we are told, a9 much as £1000 finding its way to the pockets of one of our obnoxious visitors. It would also be well to examine the dice before throwing. Of courso the proper thing to do would be to play no game of chance for money, but ad vice would be thrown away in this quarter. The next best is to see thai; no unfair advan tage is taken. It is a case of inevitable loss where the novice plays against the profes sional.

FIJI.

(from ottk own corkespoxdest. ) Tvevuka, May 13, 1575. THE MEASLES.—IMPROPER

BURIALS

As another boat is leaving for your metro polis it may, perhaps, be as well to let you know how we are getting on in the islands since our" recovery from the measle3. We are about Ovalau, and the nearest islands are pretty well clear of the epidemic, for the simple reason that there are no more subjects to catch it. Those who have recovered have escaped by the skin of their teeth, and the others, who laid themselves down to die, have been decently, or rather indecently in terred at a depth only of two feet. So much for our temporary Government, and the ability of the old lady who administrates, whose term of office is fortunately ended, and whose services are again at the dis posal of the British Government, who will doubtless pay him the compliment of sending him to a desert island to adjudicate and govern. Poor man !He was out of his element here. His study is ornithology, but his acquaintance is as limited as his ignorance is discernible.

MEASLES AT THE NEW HEBRIDE3

The natives taken to their home 3at New Hebrides in the Dido flowered beautifully in measly eruptions on landing amongst their friends, and with the same generosity they distribute their trade one with another, so they parted freely and unreservedly with the infection.

MARINE SURVEY OF THE GROtJP

The Blanche arrived here last week, bring ing Lieut. Dawson and and a steam launch for the purpose of making a msrine survey of the entire group. She has proceeded to Suva, where operations commence. By-the bye, this place is talked about as the coming capital: it has few recommendations, is re dolent of all poisonous miasmas, and well stocked with sandflie3 and mosquito 3. GROWTH OF SUGAR. The growth of sugar and erection of mills is being rapidly progressed with, and as they are perfected towards completion, it will be found that Fiji grown sugar is second to none produced elsewhere. A recent leader in the • Cross has been read with some satisfaction - here, for it shadows forth the introduction of capital. It is well known, the motive power of that journal frequently consists of the moneyocracy of certain merchants of Auckland, who if wanting in faith, have all other Israelitish proclivities ; hence the feeler given is not regarded in the light of a supposition, but looked upon as the first public intimation of another scheme for plunder. However, we shall recog nise with pleasure the foririation of a refining establishment, and we believe, after the vampires or blood-suckers have taken their promotion money, the Company may flourish on its merits. THE NEW GOVERNOR. Sir Arthur Gordon is to arrive the 16th of June, and we gather from Lord Carnarvon's dispatch his first attention will be directed to the land question. The fixity of tenure is a very important matter, and will en gender a deal of dispute ere a satisfactory settlement is arrived at. > THE MAIZE CROP. Fiji maize is in good demand, some of our merchants having realized good returns in your market. More attention is now paid to cleaning and getting it in good condition for export, and hence ii has improved in favor. TRADE WITH AUCKLAND. The fact of a large vessel being put on by the Auckland Steam Packet Company is well received, and there is an evident desire to throw all the trade into the hands of Auckland merchants so long as there is an equalization of prices for imported goods. Hitherto Auckland prices exceed Sydney, and unless shippers and consignees are more generous, the trade will fall off. A large vessel will be well supported, and a hulk in harbour will be the means of securing pro duce in good condition for exportation. *SA fine 'consignment of oranges leave by the Star of the South; they are grown at Reive and are from seedlings imported from Malta; they are large, luscious and juicy and will command a ready sale in your city. DEVILLRY POLITICS. Politically we are very dull, nothing is in fact doing in official circles, we await our governor and until his arrival the temporary magnates are regarded only with derision. MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS. Mr. Horton, our bank manager, has been very ill of dysentery but we are happy to report his convalescence ; he is an active bnsiness man and his loss wonld be much felt here. The weather has improved but is warmer than usual at this season of the year. The schooner Albatross left here for Auck land on the 12th May (yesterday) with a cargo of maize.

Tha steamer Emu, left here for Auckland, via Taviuni (an island about 90 miles N. E. of Levuka) on Sunday last, where she will load maize for Anckland.

TO-NIGHT'S AMUSEMENTS.

Octb readers are reminded that the Ethiopian entertainment will be given this evening by the Hobson Band Minstrels, assisted by gentlemen amateurs, in the Catholic Insti tute, Wellington-street. Such performers and vocalists as Messrs. Seton, Ludlow, Bertie, Rice, Ross, Levine, Hull, and Gray don are a sufficient guarantee for the genuine ness of the Minstreli' programme.

Mr. Doran's grand variety entertainment will also take place this evening in the City Hall, to which we called special atten tion in Saturday's Star. Grace Igerton (Mrs. Case) will give her parting entertainment this evening in the Choral Hall, which will consist of the popular " house-warming" and "character sketches." Mr. Case will assist in the musical depart ment and give selections on the violin and concertina. The Oddfellows of the Auckland district will meet this evening in Cook-street. A tea will be provided on a liberal scale, fol lowed by music and dancing.

THE KAURI GUM TAX.—INTRINSIC VALUE OF THE GUM.

g IR X should like to make a few remarks on the question of the duty on kauri gum. I was for many years engaged in the manufacture of varnishes in London, where the manufacture originated, and where the best varnish in the world is made. The duty will fall upon the varnish-makers, for thi3 solid reason, that this gum has never yet reached its real intrinsic value. I assert from mv past knowledge of it that it is worth (actually) as a minimum value from £8 for lowest samples, up to £15 for finest bold White. When I was in the business years ago, I used to buy it at average—£2l per ton—delivered to me, and with three months credit; its real goodness was scarcely known ; or only to a few, the rough, dirty, and dusty state in which it used to be sent, just as collected from the diggers, mad 3 it at first an object of suspicion, and for years many would not touch it. Only after various trials and the best of time, was it found to be a sterling article, and superior to the low African copal and other African gums which then fetched from 9d to Is 6d per lb.—say £84 to £160 per ton. The highest quotations for kauri I have met with, were: £56 to £80 per ton, and this price had been reached by successive steps. One gum is scarcely a substitute for another in varnish making. The kinds used in oil varnishes are — animi, cooal, and kauri. These all have somewhat different character istics, and are used sometimes alone for special uses, sometimes in combinations. Kauri made its way at first very slowly by its very low price, but, when the quality was ascer tained, the trade was prepared to pay increased prices rather than forego its use. African copal, which will doubtless from the explorations now being made come into the market more largely than ever, is not a substitv.tp for kauri—its nature is different, and it is not adapted for use alone. This gum never affected the value of animi, which used in my time to go as high as £20 par cwt. for the finest, and not below £9 or £10 for very common and dark. Again : the profit on varnish-ran king, leaves so largo a margin that the price fluctuates but little in the wholesale, and never but once (during the war in America, when turpentine went up to 1203) in the retail ; so that an increase of three halfpence a gallon, which is all, even in a varnish made entirely from kauri, which would be caused by a £5 per ton duty can have no appreciable effectuponconsumption. There is not the shadow of an excuse for the merchants to give a farthing less to the digger. Were I M.P.C., I should have been disposed to move an amendment that the duty should be £10, instead of £5, for I know the article would bear it; and were I a capitalise, I should be glad to secure a monopoly of all the gum raised here for the next ten years ; at present prices, I would willingly pay the £5 duty. I consider the member of the Council on both Bides of the question may set their minds entirely at re3t as to the wisdom of the impost.— I am, *c, D.L.

Auckland, May 21, 1875

NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, BERESFORD-STREET.

One of the most conspicuous instances of active religious effort in Auckland is that furnished in connection with the erection of a new Congregational Church, the walk of which are rapidly rising. It would hardly be expected that any congregation in such a small community as that of Auck land could build two handsome and substantial places of worship within a very shorb period of time and open them, if not entirely free from debt, yet very nearly so as compared with the large ness of the undertaking. Bnt this is what the congregation presided over by the Rev. Warlow Davtes, M. A. ig doing, and the ex ample should stimulate other churches to greater effort. From the report and balance sheet presented at the annual meeting of the Church, inadvertently omitted with another portion of our report from the edition on the day following, we learn that during last year the congrega tion, in addition to £546 ordinary Church offerings subscribed £1045 towards the build ing fund, leaving only £950 to be raised of the entire cost of over £4000 for site and buildings. The brick school-room, which was first erected, and is now used as a Church, is a very commodious structure, and the new Church will be a handsome addi tion to the public buildings of the city, and its construction with concrete will secure to the congregation s. permanent place of wor-v ship subject to a very minimum cost for repairs, a consideration which has been given too little weight to in expending large sums upon Church structures in Auckland. We append the balance-sheet of Beresford streat • Church, which shews in detail the work done by the congregation during the year :—Receipts : New Church Fand—Col lections and donations, £1035 Is lOd ; pro ceeds Albert-street property, £504 9s 2d General Account— Sabbath offerings, £477 93 Id ; incidental receipts, £25 10s. Sacra mental Fund—Sabbath offerings, £26 15s Id. Sabbath-schools — Proceeds anniversary ser vices, £16 3s lid. Total, £2085 9s Id. Ex penditure : New Church Fund— Expended on account of schoolroom and church, £1233 18s sd. General Church Account—Minister's stipend, £375 ; incidental payments, £126 15s 3d. Sacramental Fund—Expended, £16 18s. Sabbath-schools—Paid to schools, £16 33 lid. Balance in hand, £316 13s 6d. Total, £2085 9s Id. It is pleasing to notice that, the Rev. Mr. Davies' congregation is as vigorous in its spiritual life as it is found in its finance. The Sunday-school shows 147 children on the roll, with an average attend ance of 96 ; there is also a school in William street with 82 oh the roll. Two members of the congregation have been appointed to visit immigrant ships on arrival, and the congregation has been strengthened by ac cessions from this source. The new church is to be pushed on a3 rapidly as possible, now that the recent rains have furnished a plentiful supply of water to mix the concrete with, the want of which has very much re tarded the works during the summer.

PITCHER BROKEN AT THE FOUNTAIN.

They lately had an ice sensation in Daven port, lowa. The poor people living on the river side had a hole in the ice where they went with their backets and drew clear ready-made ice water. The hole was about twenty inches In diamater, and the con sumers keep the well ot>en and in good orde.^flThe other morning a river-side dweller saw a bucket on the ice near the well, and told his little daughter to go and see whose it was. She went, and soon came running back terrified, and said there was a dead woman in the water-hole. The man stirred around amongst his neighbours to find out who was missing. He found a man asleep in bed whose wife had got up at five o'clock in the morning and gone to the river to get water to make his coffee. He had fallen asleep again, and was not aware how long the partner of his bed had been gone. A little procession of poor people was made across the ice to the waterhole.

There was the missing woman, Iviiz^ft* unward staring at the B ky through thb sheet of ice that had closed over herSafter her death-struggle was past. There Jwere marks of blood on the brink, w<fce r e she had cut her hands elntchint AJi the ice. She had become wedged isoreuX narrow aperture so that she could not ' V. and float away under the thick, frozen slreek. with the current of the river. Her bucket was right-side up and close to the brink She did not "kick the bucket," but stepped into the well by accident, in the shadows of the dark morning, and could not drag herself out. She faced futurity just as she lay, and the pitying frost teuderly spread a thin veil over her white face. The poor people, dwellers on the river-side, have abandoned their water-hole, and no more dripping buckets are carried across the ice since the pitcher was broken at the fountain.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Edward Isaacs, Esq., J.P.)

STBEET PERFORMERS,

Andrew Freeman, Boberb Thompson, George Rus3ell, George MeKenzie, and John Smith, were charged with drunkenness and disorderly conduct in the public streets, but as it was the Queen's Birthday, they were cautioned and discharged. John Quinlan, John Salmon, Jeremiah Fish, William Instone, and James Auld, for the same offence, did not appear but forfeited their bail. FROM LIVERPOOL. Mary Davis, a young woman, a new arrival from Liverpool by the Dcnedin, was brought up for the fourth time for drunkenness and riotous conduct since she hasjbeen in Auck land. Mary said she was very sorry, but she had not got used to the colonial beer, which seemed to be very heavy. She could take half-a gallon at home without being affected, but here three pints and a nobbier of brandy turned her over. She was very sorry.

Sergt. O'Connor, seeing the young woman in a condition of stupor, took her <to the

station.

The Bench hoped Mary would take warn in?, and kindly discharged her on her pro mising amendment.

ASSAULT CASES

Charles Hill, on warrant, charged with committing a violent assault on the person of Samuel Oliffe, of Pukekohe, was remanded till to-morrow.

Alexander McDonald, for a savage assault on Constable Dews, in Queen-street, whereby that officer nearly lost his finger, was also remanded until to-morrow.

EMBRACE OF COLOUR?,

Alexander Calder, a black sailor from Barbadoes, and Stephen Meer, a white settler of property, were charged with riotons con duct while in a state of drunkenness.

Prisoners said it might have been bo,— could not tell, they were drunk.

The'prisoners it seems run against each other in fond embrace Meeiy swearing that he •was not above his dark-skinned brother, they were of one blood, legitimate sons of Adam. Whilst hugging each other to the obstrac tion of the passers- by, the constable took them into custody. In Meer's possession was fonnd a number of cheques aad notes ; Meer vowing he would go to his solicitor and bring an action for false imprisonment. The Bench hoped the "lock-up" would be impressed upon their memory for future good, and in the exercise of its clemency, allowed them to go free. TOM BROWIT. Thomas Brown, a seaman, was charged; with making a great noise in Wyndham street on Saturday evening, with intent to commit a breach of the peace. The case will be heard to-morrow. ; • SONS OF OCEAN. John Gallagher, and Richard Paillips were charged with committing assaults on board the brig " Jave," on the high seas, on the 22nd inst., —Gallagher having struck the master, and Phillips having struck Mr. King, the chief mate of the said vessel. .Remanded until to-morrow.

TELEGRAPHIC.

GRAHAMSTOWN.

(From cur own Correspondent.) This day. Boat Accident.—Narrow Escape !

Mr Bennett (captain of the Prince Alfred) and John Osborne (owner), had a narrow escape from drowning in the Thames river on Saturday. They were rowing up the river near Ohinemuri, when, shooting one of the bends of the river, they were met suddenly by the steamer Pearl, which struck the boat on the quarter. - Mr Bennett was pulling the stroke oar, and got his feet out of the stretcher just in time. The skiff went down, but both men were rescued by the Pearl, just in time to save their lives. Mr Bennett sunk under the boat, and was a good deal exhausted when rescued. Volunteer Parade—Pumping Associa tion. There was a good parade of Volunteers to-day. The Advertiser publishes long correspon dence between the Genera^ Government and the Superintendent, relative to the Pumping Association.

MERCER.

[From oar own Correspondent.] This day.

A Breakdown.

, Saturday night late, the township was a scene of excitement witnessing the . local i talent repairing the broken axle of Mr Wynyard's buggy. The gentlemem's spirit had been charming ; they were so elated with success that the strength of the buggy was probably not considered when the pheasants were stowed; hence the broken axle. The Train. The general excitement on the arrival and departure of the train has become a, thing of the past. Once now and again you will see, a youngster opening widely his mouth and eyes, and lifting his hands, exclaim, " There is the train ! there is the train !" bat that il all.

LATEST SOUTHERN TELEGRAMS.

WELLINGTON.

(From oar own Correspondent.)

This diy. The "Tribune" on the Government. The Tribune strikes out for the Ministry in Saturday night's issue. It saya that, although Mr Vogel is undoubtedly a tower of strength to them, they can without him meet Parliament without the least misgiving, and carry on the business of a short session S to a satisfactory termination. The country, is with the Government, and Stafford will;V assist them with his ability and influence ; besides, there are no intellectual giants on the Opposition Benches, The anti provincial party remains firm. With the exception of the member for Eden;., we have not heard a whisper of political back- lr alining. The Government have therefore i; nothing to fear. They will Very properly keep their own counsel j but we should suppose it will be prudent not to enter upon much or miscellaneous legislation—-any busi- s ness in short that can be relegated to the new , parliament. , But in whatever way busines* may be arranged, the Opposition will reckon without their host if they suppose they are to meet a Government in the least afraid to hold its own against all comers. &> American Notions. ./^ The Queen of the South arrived here ye*y terday. from New York with « cargo ofiS notions consigned to Turnbull ahd Co., a firm which has extended its mercantile operations ' of late years ifl a remarkable manner.

mm «*wnw stab. Monday, may v, m*



J^-EW Q.OOD-S. EX SHOOTING STAR AND DUNEDIN. To OPEN in a FEW DAYB . ■^■HITEAND JgCARLET JILANNELS, ALL WOOL SHIRTINGS, UNION SHIRTINGS, BLUE SERGE, CALICOES, CORBETS, HABERDASHERY, HOSIERY, HATS AND CAPS, CLOTHING, &c, &c. ■ BARGAINS IN GIRLS' AND WOMENS WATERPROOF TWEED MANTLES. A lot to be cleared out at Job Prices, from 6a. lid. upwards. New Goods. INSPECTION INVITED. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, (LiTK E. ROBBs), JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel, Upper Qottew-street, .'•■■■ ___ Auckland. QITT QLOTHING J^ART, 92, QUEENSTREET, NEXT DOOR TO THE AUCKLAND HOTEL, AXD Opposite the National Bank. rpKE ENTIRE BUSINESS is now carried on in the One Establishment, where the Public will find an ENTIRELY NEW STOCK, which, for Cheapness and Quality, cannot be Equalled in New Zealand. Every requisite for Gentlemen's wear in stock. Men's, Boys' and Youths' Clothing, Hats. Caps, Scarves, Hosiery, Portmanteaux, &c, &c. SAM U E L~~C~O 0 M B E S 92, QUEEN-STREET. JUST ARRIVED, Pjib Mabathon and Italy— 627 casks Blue Dei-went Potatoes Canterbury Cheese Fowl Wheat Bonedust (Billyard's No. 1) Peruvian Guano Salt Butter Sydney Maize Also, to arrive— Tartarian Seed Oats - ■>.--.,. Seed Wheat. * , , . , ' ; JAKINS & WILLOOX, Durham-street. •vr o t £ c c. Our Coach will Icavs Auckland for Hamilton as usual at 6 a m. on Monday, and take on passengers from the Train at Mercer, and on and after Wednes day, May 26, a dally Coach will leave Mercer (im mediately on the arrival of the Train at Mercer) for Hamilton. A dal)y Coach will also leave Hamilton for Mercer, arriving in time for the la»t train for Auckland, Parcels addressed to our care at Mercer will be delivered to all p»rts of the Waik»to, and Freight collected on delivery. , C. Q. QUICK, Proprietor; \ H. MOFJFLMT, "'■ .*■"■' Manager, •



T QOS GRAVE AND QO. BEG to inform the Inhabitants of Auckland that, owing to excessive shipments to hand, and expected, they find it necessary to 'call a Sale of their DRAPEBY and MEN'S CLOTHING, both Wholesale and Betail. The entire Stock, valued at has been Be-marked, and •will be offered to the Public at COST. SW The SALE COMMENCES T HIS DAY (FRIDAY), the 7th May, at our Retail Premises, Queen-street. OHOW "DOOMS NOW COMPLETE. JUST OPENED UP AT THE CITY HALL, ANOTHER SHIPMENT of BONNETS AND HATS, Cheapest in the Province. Black Velvet, trimmed, at 5s Gd. Black Straw, trimmed, from Waterproofs, from 3s Gd. Ladies' Jackets, from 4s lid. Mantles, Shawls, Clouds, Skirts, and V clothing. JUST TO HAND— A VERY LARGE ASSORTMENT OF CARPETS, FLOOR CLOTHS, DOOR AND SHEEPSKIN MATS, &c, &c. HOL LOWAY~~& GAPvLICK:, CITY HALL, 230, Queen-street, Auckland. TTT EAR-RESISTING FABRIC FOR BOYS' AND YOUTHS' CLOTHING. A. LINABURY & CO. Have just opened up a large quantity of Zißal Home Spun Melton Cloths, specially a^ at ,i e( j for Voji' and Youths' Clothing ooable "Width (neirly Two yards W ide), 3s 6d, 3s lid, and 4s 6d PER YARD. FIFiY DOZE.N PAIR 3 cr SUPERIOR KID GLOVES, In all the leading colors, ONLY Is lid PER PAIR.



nnHORKTON", SMITH, & FIRTH'S X PRICES CCTRRBNT (Wholesale):— £ s. d. Fine 'FlGur, silk-dres?efl, " Crown Brand," per ton of 2,0001bs 12 0 0 Ditto, ditto, "T. 8. &F. Brand," ditto.... 10 10 0 Shirps, ditto 6 10 0 Bran,per bnshelof 201bs 1 3 Fowl Wheat, per bushel of 601bs 4 0 Bags charged.—Terms : Cash. THORNTON, SMITH, & FIRTH. "VTECHANICS' INSTITUTE. TE3HNICA.L CLASSES. The "Winter Quarter will commence on TUESDAY EVENING next, 25th inst. Mechanical Class Ma Humphrey*. Architectural Class Mr J«-ntiks. Mathematical Class Mr Talbot.



The Nightmare is a Horrible Tormenter. To wake in the dead of the night, bathed in cold perspiration, from some terrible dream, gives the nerves a shock from which it takes longer to recover than most people imagine. Many never sleep with out disagreeable dreams. These nocturnal halluci nations are the result of indigestion and nervous disorders to which, as well to hysteria, hypochondria, and uterine difficulties, Udolpho Woi^fe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps are a complete antidote.