Second Edition.

Opposition Gaining Strength

The Parnell Meeting.

Wellington Public TJnanimous Against Abolition-

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPON-

DENT.

WELLINGTON.

3.30 p.m. Dargaville telegraphs to Luckie--"No chance carrying resolution favorable abolition in Auckland or suburbs, and that they raust fa]' back on out-districts."

T"e T-iirna C'-mmittee has been engaged all the morning examining Mackay. Evidence Is not finished.

The debate last evening was very good. The Opposition speakers were Montgomery and Gibbs.

On Government side, Luckie and Tribe

Montgomery's speech was wonderfully good. Tbe Government cowed aghast to find Gibbs opposing the bill. The Wellington people, at a crowded meet ing last night, went almost unanimously against the abolition meeting. It had been called by friends of the Government.

The news of Parnell meeting coming on all this bas strengthened the Opposition immensely, and the Government party look gloomy and are becoming alarmed It is generally thought now that the Government must send the bill to to country. Sir G. Grey gave notice to-day of his intention to bring in a bill to prevent the Government com pleting certain land jobs in the Waikato and other parts of the province of Auckland. Mr Mieehan will ask to-morrow when the Government will call for tenders for the Kai para extension railway, and when the bill for facilitating the recovery of rates against land will be brought down, f Mr Swanson will ask when the House will have a Bill placed before it.

Mr Wood moves an important motion to-day asking for returns throwing light on the new financial proposals. Your Council is much excited about Sheehan's bill to make the Mayor elected by rate payers, they have been telegraphing all round. ihe House, but allbut all Auckland members are in favour of ihe Bill, and,,will vote for it. It will certainly be carried.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER—This evening, 2.57 ; to-morrow xnorr ng, 3,34, SUN **ET This fivening, 5.19. SUN Rl9E—To morrow morning, 6 49 MCON'S AGE— Full moon, 17th inst, 1.18 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Hawea. ss, 462 tons, Wheele1-, from the South Golden Isle, schooner, from Russell Leo, cutter, from Russell Gem, schooner, from Russell Ruby, schooner, from Wangaroa

DEPARTURES.

Belln Brandon, ac ooner, for Karotonga Advance, s hooner. f r tilsborne Go-Ahe stl, ss, for Wanganui

1&~A special charge is made for consignees' or shippers' names inserted in this column.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Tor the South—Hawea, ss, 13th inst; Phoebe, 15th;

Toranaki, 21st For Hok'anga—Queen, schooner, 9th inst For London- KerugJen, ship, now ready; Robina

Dnnlop, barque early For Newcastle—Lochnsgar, barque, early ; Wave, brig, early

IMPORTS.

Per Hawea from the South—2 parcels, 11 cases, 1 stone, 3 cases aims, 43 kegs butter, 100 sacks malt— BecCerscn and Macfarlane, agents Per Hawea from the South—B kegs butter, R. Arthur.

The following goods were shipped by Ireland Bros : Per Lady BoweD—2 bsles leather; per Coralie, for Opotiki—l bale leather : per Hawea—l bale leather. The sa Ha»ea arrived this morning in the Manukau from the Fouih. Shi left Port Chalmers Wednesday aftern jou at 4 o'clock, and arrived atLyt'elton Thurs day morning 915; left the same afternoon 5.15. arriving in Wellington 8.15 Friday morning; lelt Sa'urday at 12.15. arriving at Picton wharf 4.35 pm ; left Sund y morning^at 6, but had to lie-to for five hoars in Queen ( hsrlo'.te's Sound owing to a dense fog. It cleared r,p about 11 a m t-teamed outside Stevens" Island, and arrived cff Felson 6 pm; left Nelson Tuesday at 3 p m, arriving at Taranaai9 am Wednes day. Could not land carjro, but landed passengers and mails; left at 6p m. crossing Manukau bar 7a m Thurday. The pilot refuatd to take the steamer oat of Nelson on Monday afternoon, because of heavy swell on the t>»r, and strong northerly gale. Passen gers-Saloon: Mrs Raikea, Mr and BJrs Wilfcie, Mr and Mis Morrison and four children, Mrs Earnclough, JWessTg Dixon, Ste^herson, Leorard T. Uonald, Hayman, Raine. Captain Parr. Steerage: ' Messrs Eogers, McTerry, Stephens, Phillips, Masters, Liv nut. lhe *choorjer Ruby, from Wangaroa, brings 30,000 fe»t tirnbtr and 2 hides The s s Phoebe Js due in the Manukau, from the South, to-morrow morning. The cutter JMand cleared out in ballast to-day for Bnseell. _ The cntter L»o briDgs 50 tons of coal frcm Russell. Captain Fn>zer of me Ferngien we are glad to say, is so far recovered his r«cent indisposition that ie is likel> the vessel will be able to sail on Saturday The R M.s.s Macgregor may now be looked for at any moment from San Francisco. Business on the wharf is now pretty brisk owing to the number of vessel* discharging or loading alongside the quay* The s s Phoebe is to leave Onehtinga for the Sontn immediately on arrival of the English mail via' Frisco The schooner Beile Krandon departed for Baro tonga this afternoon. Phe takes a small trading c»rgo. and as passengers Mr Ohlson and child, and Mrs The schooner Advance left for the East Coast this morning. 1 he terms of the contract for altering the steamship Llewe hn oblige the contractor to finish his work in five weeks: it is evident that great expedition will have to be used. The schooner Golden Isle brings 100 tons coal from Russell.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Gisboknb, this day. The 8 8 Pretty Jane left for Auckland at 3 o'clock this morning. The ss southern Cross arrived at 10 o clock thia morning.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs Tonks & Co. held a trade sale of snperior congou teas, ex James Service, to-day at noon. There was a good attendance of bidders, and a number of parcels sold at prices ranging from Is 16. to Is lie in bond. In the face of arrivals of new season teas, 412 half-chests w*re sold at satisfactory price* Mr K. Arthur sold to-day a portion of the library Of the late John Williamson, consisting chiefly of theological wojks, commentaries, ives of Wesleyan ministers, and statis'ical and political issues, which realised very fair prices. Mr Levi W. Eaton sold to-day a large quantity of fruit, ex Free Trader from Hobarton, at the sub joined prices • French rrabs, 2)£d to 2Jd ; stone pip pios £d to 2f d ; Newgate do, Jd ; pearmains, 2|d ; and nonpareil russets, 4d. Sale of potatoes aud but ter postponed.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING

REPORT. Business done this day :— JFiji Bank—Sellers, 52s 6d. Sooth British Insurance, 48 ; buyers, 47a. 6d. ; sellers, 48s. Standard Insurance—Sellers, 14s. Ajax G.M.C.—Buyers, 2s. 3d.; sellers, 2s. 9d. ■ • . Gem—Buyers, 6s. 6d. ; sellers, 7s. Long Drive—Sellers, 155., ex dividend. Caledonian, (double issue), 84s; buyers, 82s 6d; sellers, 87s. 6d.« 4-.J '&nqp, Crown Prince- Sellers, 4s. •■■'■-■;-* -■■ Golden Calf (new)i 6s. 3d. ; sellers, 7s. Golden Calf do., buyers, 14s ; sellers, 16a. Union Beach, 30s ; buyers, 28s 6d ; sellers, 30a.

Bismarck— Sellers, 9s. 6d. Tckatea, 16s. 6d to 17s. ; sellers, 17s. Care—l 43 6d. Pride of Tokatea-Buyers, Is 3d ; sellers, Is 9d. Queen of May—Buyers, 11s.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows . — For Thames, to-morrow, at 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, to-morrow, at 11.30 a.m. For Tarauaki and Southern provinces, per Hawea, to-morrow, at 12.45 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at noon Late lettei swill be received till 1.10 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Macgregor, six hours

after her arrival For Taranaki and Southern provinces, per Phoebe, immediately after arrival of Macgregor, from Honolulu For Opotiki, per Coralie, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For London (direct)! er Feraglen, to-morrow, at

4 p.m. For Mahurangi, Matakana. Mangawai Waipn, &c,

per Lrdy Bowen. on Saturday nrxt, at 9 a.m. For Gisborne and Napier, pel" Pretty Jane, on Satur

clay n-xt., at 3 p.m. For India, China, Mediterranean ports, Continent of Europe, United Kingdom, via Suez and Southamp ton, and via Brindisi, per Taramlri, on Saturday, 21st iustant.

S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster

Radical changes for the better take place iv the disordered and weakened stomach, the torpid liver, 1 he dormant or congesttd kidneys, the irritated bladder, the overstrained nerves, the rheu matic joints and weakened muscles, when that supremely efficiently stomachic, anti-bilious remedy, nervine bled depxirent and tonic, Udolpiio Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps is employed to rectify their disorders or overcome their disabilities.

BIRTH.

PHILIPS.—On the lltli instant, Mrs. P. A. Philips of a son.

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

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 1875

Fer th« cause that lacks assistance For the wranff that needs resut&xcSL Poi tli» fsture In the diatanco, Ai4 tiu gsod that we can 4a.

The other day we warned those good gentle men who talked so glibly of votes of censure, and who endeavoured to make capital in Wellington out of their mighty intentions, that the electors would probably claim the right of thinking and acting for themselves ; and the melancholy spectacle at last nigat's meeting in Parnell of a dozen hands in favour of the Government proposals against the forest and uproarious cheering for the policy supported by Mr Reader Wood bears testi mony to the truth that great swelling words are not always borne out by mighty deeds We trust the Wellington correspondent of the Cross will again feel it his duty to find out Mr Wood and shew him his telegram, explaining what became of the vote of censure that was to have been ; and we also trust that Mr Reader Wood will not on this occasion be so overcome as to leave the dinner table prematurely. We need not here go over the arguments employed by the several speakers last night, which are fully reported in to-day's issue. The same unsupported assertion which has characterised newspaper articles and speeches on the Government side, was reproduced in the utterances of the advocates of the Government bills last night, and contrasted most unfavourably with the facts and figures which were conspicuous in the speeches of those who can only see in the so-called aboli tion, a more obnoxious form of provincialism than that which it supercedes. On no occasion have we heard Mr Lusk speak to such advantage. Labouring in the outset v nder unfavourable manifestations of the fact that the education rate still rankled in the memories of his hearers, he gradually gained the ear of the meeting and ultimately carried it enthusiastically along with him as facts and arguments wereadducedwhich admit ted of no dispute. Hisspeechwasundoubtedly the best analysis of the jugglery of the Government measures that has yet been made. Altogether, the electors of Parnell last night proved themselves worthy of the privi" leges they enjoy. They gave unmistakable evidence that whatever may be their views iof the necessity for Constitutional changes they are not swayed by blind unthinking prejudice; they recognised the. fact that the question before the country is a great one which should be well weighed, and measured by the light of experience—one which could only be dealt with fairly by the matured judgment of the people ; and they placed on record their protest against that unnecessary and indecent haste which would deprive them of both the opportunity and right to think. We venture to assert that this is the opinion of nine-tenths of the people of this province. Such a meeting as that last night will afford great encourage ment to the Superintendent and his party, and we think it is incumbent on the people of the city and other suburbs to adopt similar modes of giving expression to their views.

A very important commercial question wa s raised in the case of John Keid v. 0. and G. Clarke, heard yesterday in the District Court, and the decision arrived at is calcu lated to cause considerable consternation among commercial men. The electric tele graph has now so largely suparceded postal correspondence that very important contracts, often involving thousands of pounds, are initiated by a brief message; bub if the ruling of the Court yesterday cor rectly defines the existing Btate of the law in relation to telegraphic orders, merchants will have to use extreme caution in acting upon instructions communicated by wire. The case for the plaintiff yesterday rested materially upon a telegram received by Mr Reid from Port Chalmers, and the Auckland manager of the telegraph depart ment appeared in Court, and produced a cer tified copy of this message. But counsel for the defence contended, and the Court sup ported the objection, that the telegram was inadmissable as proof of contract unless the original copy were produced and the signature of the sender duly attested. To do this even in the case under notice, where the transaction has been between parties within the colony, the cost would have been consider ably more'than the value of the debt, but in cases of telegraphic orders between New Zealand and Great Britain such a law would prove an almost insurmountable bar to re covery in the event of a dispute. Why this in convenient and obstructive restriction should be placed on telegraphic communications any more than upon written or verbal orders, either of which may constitute a legal contract, does not seem very clear. It may be said that tolegrams are very open to forgery, but surely they are not more so than ordinary written communications, and

in cases where the question of authenticity is really &t issue, it would not be difficult for the assumed sender to prove on oath that he was not responsible for messages bearing his name. The necessities of trade now unquestionably demand that; a telegram certified by the local officer of the department, shall, prima facie, be accepted as a communication written by the person from whom it purports- to come, throwing upon him the onus at any rafce of denying the authorship on oath. Assuming, as we must do, that the ruling which placed Mr Reid out of Court yesterday is unimpeachable, we maintain that no question affecting commercial interests has arisen of late, calling for more immediate legislative action than that under considera tion. The subject is one which specially comes within the province of the Chamber of Commerce, and we think the committee should make inquiry at once in order to define clearly for the guidance of merchants the legal value of telegraphic communica tions, and, if deemed advisable, to secure amended legislation during the present ses sion of Parliament.

Mr Veith, of Ngaruawahia, is at present in town for the purpose of purchasing cattle and sheep to supply the Waikato district with meat. The fact is somewhat extraor dinary inasmuch as a large proportion of the very cattle which will most probably pass into Mr Veith's hands, come originally from the district they are to retnrn to. The reason of the anomaly is said to be that the settlers in the Waikato have an idea that whatever price is offered them in their own district for their animals they will get a better price by sending them to town, they accordingly refuse to accept even good prices, and prefer to undergo the trouble and risk of the journey. They ought to have found out their mistake by this time but Mr Veith's presence among us shows that they have not yet been set right on the point. It is not uncommon we Jearn for sheep fetching 143 per head in Waikato to be sent to town and bring only 13s. Ihe piece of butter is said to be still on the increase in this district.

The second anniversary of the Star of Newton Lodge will be held this evening in the Congregational school-room at half-pa3t six.

Mr Hammond will give the first of a course of lectures on architecture this evening in All Saints school-room, in connection wiih the Ponsonby Literary Society. The lecture of this evening will relate to the Greek and Roman periods. The lecture will be illus trated with diagrams, prepared especially for the lecture by Mr Frank Hammond.

The Auckland Society of Artist 3 have de termined to hold their next art exhibition in November, at the Choral Hall, Symonds street.

A lecture on Good Templary will be given to-morrow (Friday) evening In the Temper ance Hall, Albert-street, by Mr. Spei»ht, Grand Worthy Chief Templar. The subject is entitled "The Objects of GoodTemplary, and the Means of its Attainment." Mr. Speight is an eloquent speaker, and the sub ject, being of special interest, will no doubt command a good audience.

The next lecture of the winter series in connection with the Youog Men's Christian Ass ociation will be delivered to-morrow even ing by Rev. P. H. Cornford, pastor of the Wellesley-street Baptist Church. The sub ject *' Sweet home," being the refrain of Howard Paynes thoroughly English song of the same title, will, no doubt, be pleas ant]y and usefully handled by Mr Cornford as the subject seems in harmony with Mr Cornford's tenor of thought. "Sweet Home" has nothing sensational or spasmodic about it, but is one of those themes which take hold of the human heart with the sunsbiae of heaven upon it. ".Sweet Home" is sug gestive of domestic happiness by the happy fireside, apart from those demoralising vices which destroy the poetic prefix.

A number of local milkman have been summoned to appear at the Police Court to morrow, on the grave charge of mixing water with their milk, so that Friday will be the great white day at the court.

Thero was a full attendance lash evening at the Prince of Wales Theatre, on the occa sion of the ninth entertainment of Dr. Silvester, the well known Fakir of Oolu. The representations were mainly the same as on the previous evening, but although the same in leading features, the Dr. has the happy knack of giving a newness of life to the Bcenes, by anecdotal and witty observa tions. The legend of the Harts Mountains, the entranced lady, in her variety of cos tumes and representative figures, the many hued fountain of sparkling water, were received as on previous occasions, with unbounded applause.

The company and band of the Auckland Engineers will meet this evening at the Drill-shed for monthly inspection, with' arms and accoutrements, and any member not having a new rifle may obtain one by calling on Mr Walter Dawson, corner of Wellesley and Elliott-street. No. 3 Company of Auck land Rifle Volunteers will meet at the same place, by order of Captain Morrow, this evening. The Auckland Scottish, under Captain Mowbray, will also meet this even ing for parade.

We hear that a well known citizen, Mr S. Full, is about to leave by the Macgregor for the sister colony. Mr Full is well known in sporting circles and carries with him the best wishes of a large circle of friends. Perhaps to some of our readers the depart ing citizen will be better known under the familiar pet title of " Blowse."

The monthly meeting of the Prince of Wales Lodge will be held this evening, at the Masonic Hotel, at the usual hour.

We intimate to our readers that Baker's Hibernicon entertainment will take place this evening in the City Hall, and as this will be the last opportunity the public will have of witnessing this really excellent attraction, we advise those who have not enjoyed it to embrace this, the last chance. The Messrs Baker deserve well of those for whose benefit they have exerted themselves in a praiseworthy manner. In order to swell the interest of the programme, several talen ted ladies and gentlemen have tendered their gratuitous services, viz., Mrs. Searle, Messrs. Collier and Kingsley, and Master Hill, the Auckland tenor singer. The prize silver cup, value five guineas, will also be awarded to the amateur vocalist who shall sing the best comic or sentimental song. We have no hesitation therefore, in saying that the Hibernicon treat of to-night will possess extraordinary attractions for lovers of ballad lore and chaste melody.

T he goods for sale by Messrs H. S. Meyers & Co. to-morrow, have all been landed in fine condition.

The action in the District Court yesterday, Kelly v. Gibbons (Mr Rees for plaintiff, and Hesketh for defendant), in which plaintiff sought to recover the sum of £90 for services rendered, but which was disputed by defendant, was adjourned. To-day the court was occupied with an action between Wilkins v. Taylor, in which plaintiff claimed for firewood, loss of a bull, 1090 feet of kauri boards, and damages to the amount of £32 17s. The defence was the defendant knew nothing of the circumstances. The case is proceeding as we go to press.

It appears that the standpipe in Wyndham street did not burst yesterday, but was being flushed to clean it out, an' ample supply of water being now available at the reservoir for the purpose.

The Hobson Band Minstrels will givethei variety entertainment this evening at th Whau Public Hall. The programme promise^ a capital evening's treat. A 'bus will star from Darby's Thistle Hotel at six o'clock.

The monthly inspection of No. 3 Company, A.R.V., will take place this evening at half past seven. All arms and accoutrements are to be returned at once to the armoury.

The only business at the Police Court this morning consisted in the punishment of three drunkards, named respectively Robert Thompson, Mary Dunbar, and John George. The fist named, as an old offender, was visited with a sentence..of 7 days' imprison ment : the others had fines of 10/ and costs inflicted.

The members of the City of Auckland Loyal Orange Lodge will meet this eveniug at half past seven o'clock in the lodge-room, Wellesley-street.

A full rehearsal will take place tomorrow (Friday evening) in the Newton Excelsior Hall, all those who are going to take a part in the entertainment at the City Hall on Monday will be expected to attend to morrow's rehearsal.

PUBLIC MEETING IN AUCKLAND.

By announcemeut in another column his Worship the Mayor has convened a public meeting for Saturday in the Mechanics' In stitute, to give expression to the views of the people on the Government Abolition pro-

posals

TO-NIGHT'S MEETING AT NEW MARKET.

The electors of Eden, at the meeting to night in the Presbyterian school-room, are to have an opportunity of expressing their views on the impoitrnt measures now before Parliament. The enthusiasm exhibited at Parnell last night shows that Sir George Grey is not mistaken in his belief that the peeple of Auckland are with him in his determined efforts to get justice for the pro vince. We believe that the good people of Eden are just as keenly alive aB the electors of Parnell to the inexpediency ot rushing on changes that are preg nant with mighty results in the future. Due reflection and caution are demanded, and we think will be insisted on by a suffi ciently large portion of the Assembly to cause the Abolition Measures to be carried over till the next general election. We trust that the meeting to-night will affirm the resolution so overwhelmingly carried last evening.

Mr. Header Wood's Speech

Exposure of Government Finance-

(SPECIAL TO THE STAB.)

Mr. Rfader Wood after referring to the legal rloubts which beset the question, proceeded to criticise the Bill. Instead of one land law for the colony, the several land laws ot the provinces were to be per petuated. For elected Superintendents, we were to have satraps appointed by the Central Government, and in the entire bill there was only one real reference to abolition, namely : the proposal to sweep away the Provincial Councils. But that benefit was counterbalanced by the strong centralising tendencies of the Bill, which perpetrated a double deceit, because it strengthened the North Island and broke faith with the South. The object of the bill was not abolition, but to enable the Government to cover an enormous deficiency in their finance. The expenditure chargeable to the consolidated revenue was estimated at £2,405,400, in which was in cluded an item the House hod not been accustomed to, viz., expenditure on account of railways, £244,318. In that expenditure, as explained by the Treasurer, was included working expenses, £244,000, but besides that sum, together with ordinary charges, there should have been provided a depreciation fund, for if one was not provided in a short time people would not be able to travel upon the railways. As a depreciation fund there should be annually set apart a sum which should be kept- as absolutely intact as the sinking fund for loans. From that £240,500 might be deducted £50,000 as depreciation fund for railways. The consolidated revenue for the year was estimated at £2,476,193, which included two or three items the House had not seen before. First, there was provincial miscellaneous revenues, £50,000 of which was to be given to municipalities, but he waß not aware where the money was to come from unless it arose from the Otago Provincial Government's estimate of the receipts from the working of railways in that province. If that was the case, it must be included in the £294,000 of receipts. The total expenditure, therefore, was £2,455,400, and the total ordinary revenue, leaving out contributions to the land and railway funds, £2,180,189, leaving a deficiency of £275,211, which would be covered by appropriations from the land revenue of the South. Then as regards appropriation of the land-fund. First it was to be charged with the payment of interest and sinking-fund of loan, debts, and other liabilities. Then there were to be balances struck into two parts, one towards payments under the Immigration and Public Works Acb, and the other would be subject to appropriation by the Assembly. . The land fund, as estimated by the Treasurer amounted to £702,000, two thirds of which equalled 468.000 Z. (Major Atkinson: My estimate was more.) The last five years' average was 580,000 Z. This year the Otago Government estimated its land revenue at 200.000Z, and Canterbury hers at 120,000Z,; but he was not able to rind out how 702,000Z was likely to be reached, much less to be exceeded. There was conse quently under the first head a total of 245.890Z ; under the second, for surveys' 247,626/! ; under the third, for payments to Road JBoards, 33.333Z; which, with the other two heads of public works and departmental services, made a total of £578,127. Thus, with the land revenue esti mated at £468,000, there was a deficiency of £110,127. But since the Abolition Bill al lowed the Governments to borrow £100,000 on security of the future land fund for those provinces which at present had none, the taking the whole of that deficient would be reduced to £10,127, which was divided into two equal parts. It seemed, to him that one mind had prepared the Bill and the financial statement, and another mind prepared the estimates without caring whether they agreed or not. That deficiency was to be divided into two parts, one-half being a charge for certain provisions of the Public Works and Immigration Acts, and for the support of charitable institutions. Very cold charity he was afraid it would be, for the Government , had not been able to make an estimate of it; and the other half was to be subject to appropriation by the Assembly for public works in Provincial dis tricts. This was estimated at£1,608,168, 2s 2d. He concluded : To carry this bill would be to strike a blow at the credit of the colony under which it would reel again, and which would throw its finances into inextricable confusion. On the other hand, by examin ing all-these statements, looking carefully into the financial condition of the country, economising in every direction, and entering upon no new works until those in hand are completed, it is just possible that the colony might ride over the brink upon which we are standing. Mr Vogel well understood the finances of tho colony when he staid : " The country has got into a mess, and must get out of it as beat it could." (Loud Opposition Cheers.)

Mr. Reeves on the Sale of Confis cated Lands.

He Accuses the Government of Dissipating Half-a-M illion Sterling-

SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE BTA R

WELLINGTON

This day.

Mr Reeves, in moving for 9- return shewing in detail the lands disposed of v iinder the New Zealand Settlements Act, and the regu lations issued thereunder, showing in each case the date and terms of the disposal, the names of purchasers, consideration given, extent and locality of the land disposed of, and date of authority or regulations under which the disposal was made, also shewing the public reserves made of such lands, and the objects for which such reserves were made, asked how much, of the three-million loan had been returned to the colony from the sale of the confiscated lands. No information was ever given as to the mode in which those lands were disposed of. He would show bj one notable case that large estates were disposed of absolutely contrary to the law as laid down by the Government. One impression the public always understood was that these lands should be set apart for settlement. The country kuew very little of the method of the disposal of these loans. .To one case he he desired to direct special attention, more especially when the Government were pres sing great changes which would give them larger powers than they before possessed. There was a large swamp in the centre of the Waikato district— a tract of most valuable country, about 80,000 acres. Not very long ago that land was disposed of to a company of capitalists, in concraventioa- of the law which requires that all lands should bs sub mitted at an upset price of five shillings \yer acre. (Hear, hear.) It was disposed of to the company for the virtual sum of 2s. 6d. per acre—disposed of absolutely by private treaty under a private arrangement with the Government. The purchasers were Mr. Thomas Russell and Company. Who the company were he did not know, except the names of two gentlemen associated with Mr. Russell, who were largely connected with in stitutions, and closely connected with the financial business ot the colony. The manner in which this estate was disposed of, was deserving of careful consideration on the part of the House. This land had bten held by the Government from the earliest date of confiscation, eight or ten years ago. During that time the House was repeatedly informed by the Government that peace had been secured at an enormous cost to the colony ; that a system of public works had been instituted upon land by which ifc would be settled, and a railway would run through the estate, or in close proximity to it. Why could not the Government have held the land a little longer until the railway was made, when its value would have been enormously added to ? Why not have improved the estate itself, ana rendered it fit for settlement ? Nothing could have been easier. Some few years ago when the Government came into office itwas stated that a demilitarised force was to be employed in making roads and other public works. In this case why were not the Constabulary employed in opening up this valuable tract of land instead of the Government having to give capitalists £10,000 as a return from their miserable purchase money to make roads, and to virtually drain the swamp. If funds had not been forthcorniog money could have been taken from the roads north of Auckland loan. Why have they made these gentlemen a virtual gift of half-a million of money ? He failed to see any reason for dissipating the public estate in that way. He contrasted the mode of dealing with it, and if it had been dealt with by the Provincial Govern ment, such a transaction would have been impossible with a Provincial Government which administered lands in strict accord ance with the law (Oh !) which did not drive bargains with capitalists in bank par lours (Oh !) ; where every transaction was fair and open, and every man got justice and fair play (No !) In a Provincial Council it would not have happened as it did in the Legislative Couucil last session, when the matter was referred to that body it had not been discussed. He eaid advisedly that had such a charge been brought against the Provincial Government in the Provincial Council from which he came he would have had a loDg and stormy debate. The j?ress would have taken the matter up, and if no better defence were offered than that made in the Legislative Council last session the Government would have been charged with being guilty of a gigantic job, or a wanton waste of the public estate, and been immediaiely ejected from, office. In the Council last year when the question was brought forward, the Premier made the admission that the Government had acted contrary to law, but in describing two most important parts of the transaction he was inaudible. The Provincial Council w«uld not bo have dealt with the question. How many more transactions of a similar kind there might be on record it was impos sible to say. He had heard there were larger transactions. The returns he asked for would make a fitting conclusion of a system which had been in force many years of administering these lands, and of which there wa3 no satisfactory record. (Op position cheers.)

Sir Donald McLean said the Government would have the returns prepared. There was not the slightest doubt that the original expectations from confiscated lands had not been realised. None of the three million loan had been returned to the Colonial Trea sury as expected when confiscation was com menced. With reference to the particular transaction, under notice, be would at once explain how it arose. The transaction was good, sound public policy. An applicati on was made by Mr Russell, on behalf of

company, to purchase a tract of swamp coun try, between Waikato and Taupo He ap plied at a lower price than the Government would agree to. He (Sir Donald McLean) insisted on the upset price of five shillings per acre. Other lands in the district were open at the same price, but not taken up. This particular land required a large expen diture to make it available. Mr Russell and Co. agreeing to make roads to it was one of the reasons which induced the Government to agree to the sale. That was the way of the transaction, which was approved by the settlers in the neighbourhood who had been much benefited by the Company's purchase. With reference to Mr Reeve's observation that it had been in contemplating to make a railway to that particular locality, he said if any railway was to be made it must be by the Company themselves. The Government advised with the Inspector of surveys as to the cost of making roads through this swamp. On his recommendation they insisted on the Company making roads for wheeled carriages which has since been converted by the latter intoatramway,thusenhancingthe value of the adjacent property. It was certain the Go vernment could not have got better terms than those obtained from Mr Russell. The returns that would be presented would show that the administration of the confiscated lands under his management had been as satisfactory as they could be considering the difficulty to be encountered.

In answer to Sir George Grey's query, If the transaction was in conformity with'the law? Sir Donald McLean said the transaction, was as yet incomplete, requiring a proclama tion which could not be issued until certain native difficulties were overcome. Sir George Grey complained that equal jußtice had not been done to all the Queen's subjects.

The motion was then agreed to.

The Abolition Question.

MEETING AT PAKNELL,

One of the largest and most enthusiastic meetings ever held in Parnell took place last night, pursuant to adver tisement, in the Parnell Hall to afford the electors of the Parnell district an oppor tunity of discussing the Abolition Measures now before Parliament. Over COO electors were present. " Mr Brett said the meeting had been con vened at the request of a number of electors of Parnell. In order to proceed to business, he would ask them to elect a Chairman. Some disinclination was manifested m in augurating proceedings, during which good natured chaff was indulged m. but at length Mr. James Baber, C E., was called upon to fill the chair. . Mr Hughes then came forward and said he would shortly give them his views of the two bills before Parliament. As to the Abolition Bill bis opinion was that the Provincial system had done its work. Most of the functions of the Provincial Governroeats had been gradually transferred to the Municipal Councils the Harbour Board and the Road Boards. At the same time as the Provincial Government had been divest ing itself of the duties, it had kept the means of administering them. Then they had the Provincial system to thank for the glorious Education Tax. This was an incubus which they would have a great difficulty in getting rid of. As to the Local Government Bill it was a very long bill and he had not tho roughly mastered it But it had some capital features. Among these the speaker enumerated the piohibition of any public money being spent in roads less than C 6 feet wide- the R-oad Boards having to decide what' workß should be undertaken; the abolition of the proxy system and compulsory submission of names for election seven days before the annual meetings ; the improved position in which it placed the road boards ; the clause which arranged that half of the boards only should retire each year &c. Mr. Hughes having spoken at some length moved the following resolution : " That this meeting approve of the Abolition Bill and of the Local Government Bill." Adding that while proposing this he wished it understood that he did not think the measure the best that could be devised, for he was in favour of a common land fund and common Customs purse; at the same time he thought the present measures were the thin end of the wedge and if once it got in it could be driven home (cheering.) The Chair man asked several times if there was a secon der to the resolution, but as no one res ponded the Chairman declared that the motion had lapsed. (Cheets.) Mr George Staines came on to the platform to propose the following resolution : —"That this meeting views with alarm the proposi tion to abolish the provinces without an appeal to the country by means of a general election, and protests against the proposed Abolition of Provinces Bill being passed by the Assembly, whose term of office is expiring, and which does not represent the people of the colony." Mr. Staines said his hearers would recollect that when fcir George Grey had come forward as Superintendent, he told them that if they stuck to him he would be able to do much, but if they left him to himself he could do nothing. (Cheers and cries of "We will stick to him.") Mr Staines went on to base his reasons for moving his resolution upon the unfairness which it was to a large portion of the population to pass such wholesale measures without allowing; them to have a voice in the matter. He approved heartily of the mode in which Sir George Grey had adminis tered the Provincial system, and thought if others had] administered it as well, tbtey would not now be reduced to the strains they were in. (Cheers). Mr Staines alluded in forcible terms to the large influx of population which had lately been going on in the colony owing to the Govern ment immigration system, and maintained that it was contrary to all princples of jus tice to decide upon such an importantchangeas that contemplated by the Government with out giving them a chance of expressing their views in the general election. He concluded by moving his resolution, which was received with immense cheering.

Mr H. Bretfc seconded the resolu tion, and handed the Chairman the following telegram, which was read : " Na ture of bill not understood. Debates will make all clear. No money for endowments. No legal power to abolish. Contest Parnell against all-comers. Read this to meeting. —Rkader Wood."

The reading of this telegram was accom paDied by bursts of cheering.

Mr Caleb Wood next addressed the meet ing. He pointed out what he considered the defects in the Government measures, and passed a high compliment to Sir George Grey for his disinterestedness and desire for the good of the province. In him they had a man above most men, a man who had no pri vate ends to serve, u.o timber leases to get. (Cheers and laughter.) In concluding, Mr Wood proposed that they signify to the Go vernment their readiness to accept the license fees and other money which it seemed the Government had to spare, but let them know that they were not prepared to sell their birthright to get them. (Loud cheers.)

Mr W. Kirby said he had something bo say. He was of opinion that the pas sing of the measures was a ques tion of sharps and flats. (Laughter). He thought that any one reading Sir George Grey's speech that morning and wishing for Centralised Government without considering the matter was not fit to be a citizen of New Zealrnd. (Cheers). It was a question that concerned them all, and they should have time to think it over. (Cheers.) Mr Dargaville after stating that it was his intention when he entered the room not to take part in the meeting, (cries of " gammon,") as he was pre pared to contest the seat of Parnell with Mr. Reader Wood, and he did not care to attack his adversary in his absence. Since Mr. Hughes' motion had lapsed, he thought he would be showing the white feather if he did not come forward. He had prepared the following amendment: "That in the opinion of this meeting the provisions contained in the Abolition of Provinces Bill and the Local Government Bill now before Parliament are generally such as to merit the approval of these consti tuencies and it is highly desirable that both Bills should be passed into law during the present session." " That the chairman be be requested to communicate the above by telegram to the Hon. the Premier and to the member for Parnell." The reading of Mr. Dargaville's amendment was greeted with loud hisses. In response to these Mr. Dargaville quoted Shakespeare to the intensa. amusement of the audience. He then proceeded to comment upon the two great public measures of the session. At the outset he paid a high tribute to the talents of Sir George Grey, and the good he had done, and no doubt would still do in opposition. The . principal objection taken to the present Abolition scheme was the asserted illegality of the measure. He thought it was absurd that after Southland had been absorbed into Otago any outcry should be raised against absorbing any or all of the other provinces. Again even if the measures were illegal it would no doubt be easy to obtain from the Imperial Parliament a rati fication of the Act. It had also been objected that the bills confirmed to the South their Land Fund. In the first place he maintained that the bills placed the General Assembly in the position of being able at any time to lay their hands upon the money. In proof of this he would instance the opinion of their own member, Mr. Reader Wood, given in his speech of last night, that he thought in this instance Mr. Reader Wood must have been carried away in spite of himself. If they looked at the ranks of the opposition, they would see that Macandrew, Eolleston,

and the sturdy beggar of Wellington « ■ M foremost in the ranks of the Op^osiiilß and why? because they consideredtb»tf" the measures were carried, the Land ]?£ would be public property. They r«?7 recollect that all the Land Fund hadß^ paid into the Consolidated Revenue a A then afterwards apportioned to its vari objects. He considered ihat if the I^S Fund was confirmed totheSouthagreatwrn^ would be inflicted on the colony &o^W^ He would also call their attention «£ jjjjf 6; that they had a large land reveuS jiw^ allysprineingup in the Province of >g ,y Bn j" and by the time the land fund c? Cante bury and Otago were exhausted theirs Wonto be just coining in. Nearly 4,000,000 acr« of land had been purchased in the Nortfc Island with this object. The questW" was whether the bills should be r^sed or not. The speaker here expl a j B <!2 his reasons for denouncing Provincialisnj ■; It had resulted in oppressive taxation. $g|f could show from history that unjust taxation had been the cause of nearly every revolution in history. He could go beyond the lgjj. century— (A voice—that's quite far enough V Tbe Rebellion in Wat Tyler's time, the Rebellion in the reign of Charles the Just the war of Independence in' America had all been brought about by unjust taxation, ft was nonsense to talk sentiment in these days; finance was at the bottom of every great question and its consideration must precede all other considerations. Jfo objected to the change being carried over till tbe next session, because if the Bnbjectof abolition was made an election cry it woulj result that their representatives would be elected as they supported Provincialism of not. This was not right. These men were elected for five years, arid they should hV elected for their general fitness not for their, predeliction for one particular measure. ThY speaker concluded by alludirjg to the benefits 1 which Parnell in particular would receive from the Bills in the increased grant to the Road Board.

oa Mr Wrigley, in secondng Mr Darpavill e y amendment, contrasted Mr Beader Wood's expression of opinion as contained in the telegram just read, and in his speech in that ball after the last session. He should support the bills beoause they provided that the land fund should for the first time he paid into the Central Fnnd. The obtaining of a pound out of consolidated revenue for each pound raised in the district was also a great thing. (A voice : Will it be paid ?) i Mr Wrigley : He would defy them to point out any act of the Assembly which had not been carried out.

Loud cries of the Capitation Act, the Capitation Act ! Mr Wripley said they mutt . recollect that the Capitation Act was pasaedj one session and altered the next. He had noticed . that the Provincial Council did nothing but tinker and talk over the Educa-/

tion Bill and the Highways Bill,

Mr Ehodes, ascending the platform, began , a speech in which the words "worms," " provincialism," " bloodsuckers," were au dible, without any distinct connection between them. Two facts told by Mr. "Rhodes were intelligible, viz. : that Sir George Grey was born in Lisbon in 1812, belonged to the SOth Foot, and was Btill ' drawing the pay of an officer of '"that regiment; and that.he himself was born'at f Leeds, the fifth town in England, and wwj in favour of the abolition proposals; (Ironical cheers and laughter.)

[For Conclusion of Meeting see 4th Page ]

PARLIAMENTARY.

CFS.OM OUR SPECIAL CO JIBESPON DJEN/TJ

TUESDAY NIGHT'S DEBATE.

The following telegram on TuesdayV debate came to hand too late for publication yesterday :—"The debate last evening WM; animated. Sir George Grey made a splendid speech, hitting out on all sides. He wis particularly warm on Dr Pollen. Mr Wood spoke well, and claimed that the financial, statement showed an actual deficiency instead of a surplus. Sir Donald McLean spoke weakly, got confused, and evidently left the greater part of his speech undelivered. Mr Pyke spoke on the Government side. Mr Thomson delivered a sound speech for the Opposition. To-night, Murray, Bunny, and Montgomery speak on the Opposition side. It is not known who the Govern-1 ment speakers will be. Fitzberbert and Stafford are fighting shy of each other<u! usual. The Government are determined to f oroe a division at all hazards.

Notes on Last Night's Delate. The speeches last night were decidedly ; better, all being practical.

Deiver, au oeing prauutai. Mr. Montgomeryls was the best; with j great frankness he admitted tbat public opinion in Canterbury favoured Abolition.; .■ He himself was in favour of a chaDge but he disapproved of the bill because of the uncer tainty of the endowments, and effects of the bill on out-lying districts where population B is scant appeared to be injurious. Mr. Tribe made a most effective speech on the Government side. He showed con clusiveJy tbat the capitation grant was eves now fully equal to what Mr. Vogel originally promised it should be. Mr. Luckie1 declared his readineßS to sup* port any party that was prepared with » r property and income tax. ~ Mr Gibbs, an out-and-out Abolitionist,, does not see how the bill can be altered to ' meet his views, therefore he will be found voting with the Opposition. What Mr. Travers Thinks. M At a meeting last night, Mr. Travers said . Mr. Vogel's views on the proposed bill were , statesmanlike. Mr. Vogel was desirous that the measure should consolidate the existing local laws and make a change, doing no violence to the constitution. That the.../ people should not feel the change as doing violence to existing institutions and plunging | it into a new system without due prepare a tion.

Stamp Duties Amendments- - . The Government intend exempting mort gages under £500 or £600 from the operation of the new Stamp Act. A strong effort wm be made to exempt building societies.

Election of Mayor.

[per press agency],

The bill to make the Mayor of AucKianu elective by ratepayers was introduced ana read a first time. '

Friendly Societies. . ..fJjk : Mr. Rolleston moved for a revision of we Friendly Societies Act, so as to afford further provision to enable the several societies more effectively to manage their own affaij-V especially in respect of regisration, '^P? 1*; tions of tables of contributions, f periodical accounts of liabilities, an efficient system 01 audit, and security for the proper responsi bility of their officers in respect of funas or property entrusted to them. Then in onjw to secure such provision, and fully *° a*"*; tainfthe requirements of the several socieraw, a draft bill will be prepared and ciroalatea, and the friendly societies invite the^°S tions and concurrence prior to the ne ~ session of Parliament, and that *$%£fflM should be >then submitted to Parliament. He spoke at length of the importancei 01 friendly societies in England, which had iou million paying members and were estunaw to save the country £2,000,000 a year, m poor rates. . «.«,n'na Mr. Shepherd also spoke of the importance of these societies. «X,«.ti The Hon. Mr. Bowen said a measure jttw^ be introduced, to provide for the lmmt^^ss necessities of the case, and an measure would be brought down at B subject has been dealt with by the lm!Dh||p,B Parliament which was being done. fi • i|j 4 I Various Motions. . Wm In response to Mr. Creighton'B mots Ml

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• rr^HE LOLONIAL BANK OF X NEW ZEALAND. Capital, £2,000,000; Subscribed Capital, £850,000. A Branch of this Bant, for the conduct of General Banking Business, is pow open in the premises Queen-street, next the Insurance Buildings, and 2a tely occupied by the National Bank. a Branch Inspector. Auckland, 21st July, 1875.