SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

SiOH WATEa-Thls ftftwuooil, 44; to-mono* BSoin?_32 % 433 . SUN 9__.r-.Th!.. ewaJug, CO SX7K RXSK-T. temrow acni'K?, 7 2 MOON^ AGJS-Eull moon, sth, 617 pm

ARRIVALS.

Icna, ss, Farquhar, irom Tauranga Waiwera, schooner, from "Wangaroa

DEPARTURES.

£aupo, ss, for the South t-Mnatic, ship. Chapman, for Londoix *ona, ss, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Lyttelton- Wsnlock. barque, early X'or Kandavit—City of New York, ss, outward English Mail via 'Frisco, Tuesday, August 1 iv! r on«on—Robin a Dunlop, barque, early aor London- Carnatic, ship, Monday; DBpusßund, barque, early

VESSELS EXPECTED

Syren, brig, from Sydney, sailed July 20 « V Of New York, at, from the South, Tuesday AiranaVi, ss, from the South, 2nd August Agnes, schooner, from Chatham Islands, overdue ■Helena, brigantino, from tho Islands, early ■AXtfustn, brlgantine, from Levuka, early Martha, torque, from the Islands, early Qaeen of the Seas, barque, from Sydney, early Argosy, barque, from Dunedin, early woosung, ship ( VWDC), from T ondon, Silled X.ich Fergus, barque (NSRD), from London, sailed 8»m Mendel, ship (PVSR), from London, early Star Qnpen, barque, from Lyttelton, early Huranui, ship, from London, early Orari, ship, from London early Adela, barque, from Newcastle, early. vision, brig, from Tonga, early. Moneynick, b»rque, from Timain, early Bella Mary, barq.e, from Hobart Town, early Flora, schooner, from Sydney, early Valejo, barque, (KOJF) from Liverpool; sailed 21st A nril Crownthorpe, ship, (MKBD. from England April 19 Thomas and Henry, brig, from Dunedin, early C^aryna's,, schooner, from the Islands, early Ariel, schooner, from Oamaru, early Ephemy. schooner, from Samoa, early

The new boat for the Shoal B vy Ferry service, was launched this morning at tho building sheds of Mr 3W. Carr, near the Gas »orks. Now that she has been painted and finished off she looks a very smart craft, and reflects credit on her builder. She w*s named the " Alice Nicholas." after a daughter of Mr W. Nicholas, an old and respected settler of the district. Tho owners hope that now that they have a boat sdapted to the wants of the district, they will obtain same awistafce in the shape of a subsidy from the Provincial Government. We congratulate the settlers of tho district on having obtained such a com fortable fprry boat. The ss Ijna arrived at nine o'clock this morning from Tauranga after a smart run of fifteen hours She brought "p several pa^sen^ers. The Tona leaves this a'ternoon for Russell She is expected back on Thursday morning, and will make a second trip to the Bay this week, staiting again the same day as she returns. The ss Eowena will take up her running to Tau ranga at five o'clock to-morrow evening.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr Sibbin, of the corner mart, held a con siderable sale of general goods to-day, at his Q^rner mart, but owing to delay in conse quence of an earlier sale, the goods were not $11 sold. The sale will be continued to morrow, commencing at eleven o'clock.

■p Messrs Tonks and Co., held a large sale of groceries to-day, and good prices were generally obtained. The 420 half-chests of tea wore held over for a future sale, to^be announced.

Mr R Arthur held a furniture sale to-day at his new mart, and will offer to-morrow (Wednesday), 80 kegs of prime salt butter for sale, and other articles of home con^ sumption.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND

■\T_LIXB WILL 0t,038 kS FOLLOWS !— For Thame3 to morrow at 6 SO pm For Cnromanrtel on Friday at 2 30 pm For Knsssll. Wangaroa, and Mongouui this day al

4 pm For "Wangarel Heads, Waipu, and Mangapai this day

at 4 pm Per City of "New York, th.s day as follows :— For K»ndavu, Sandwich Islands, United States of imerlca, Canada, _Biilißh Columbia, Central and " South America, and .British and Fareign West indies, at 5 pm For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 5 pm For money orders and registered letters and news papers at 4 bm Late letters beaiing an extra fee of 0d in addition to the postage will bs received by the mail agent on board Ihe steamer up to the time of sailing. Signed) . S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

WRIGHT—On the 31st July, at Edenslde, the wife of HeDry Wight of a son.

DEATH.

ELTOTT—On the Ist instant, at Remuera, Mcldrum Whitcomba, third son of G. Eliott Jiliolt, aged 30 years. Tbe funeral will leave his late residence at 3 00 p.m. to-morrow (Wednesday), the 2nd Instant.

EOWP-On the let instant, at her parents' residence. Edinburgh-street, Newton, Alice S. M. Rowe, aged 0 months.

The funeral will taie place at 3 p.m. to-morrow

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED "The Evening News," "The Morning News," and "The Echo."

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1876

*v<* th<_ <;!_«$;; that iacks ssiAstanSi-, •F;_r _>;s wiu'-L' -!li- i'<_;d\ rcisUnc*. For th,' mi:..; i- the '.!;-.._.__«, _

Tuk provision for education made under the proposed colonial legislation has been criti cised very keenly by the Canterbury papers, which maintain that the compulsory school fee of £1 upon all children between tho ages of seven and fifteen, subject to certain exemp tions, will realiae more than one third the cost of the school system, leaving an actual profit to the Coleniftl Treasury. We are much less sanguine respecting tho amount likely to accrue from a direct tax so greatly , in excess of the means of many parents, and we rather think the impost will be extensively avoided at any sacrifice In principle, however, the view taken by our Southern °ontemporaries is absolutely right. Our provincial school rolls shew that the aggregate number of pupils receiving education under the Auckland Education Act is about 11,000. Turning to the General Government esti mates we find £8,083 voted for nine months as the contribution from the consolidated revenue for schoor i buildliiigs > teacher&'salaries, school appliances, and all contingencies ; or an average of £10,777 for the year. It would almost appear as though the Government had taken the school roll, and, calculating the cost of education at £3 per head, had fixed the school fee at £1 to cover the liability of the consolidated .revenue for one third, charging the balance nominally against the- laud fund, but practically against a local debt represented by Trea sury Bills. The working of the system if it ever is worked, will result in the creation of inferior private schools, and in many hundreds of instances the absolute withdrawal of children from any school in order to avoid the payment of fees. Parents may very well assume that honorary school committees will not in their capacity of tax gatherers and detectives go very far beyond the limits of the public school roll to hunt game for the colonial pot. Bub the expense of the system must continue on the same scale, though hundreds of children, now re ceiving all the benefits of a sound education, relapse into ignorance and neglect. The , Treasurer apparently calculates upon this result by estimating the expenditure at £58,347 against £30,000 receipts from school fees j based upon the present attend ance at provincial public schools, the receipts would be very much larger. A very serious omission from the appropriation for this province is the total neglect of any grant for school buildings. In Otago last year £24,000 were spent upon build ings alone, and that province and Canterbury, are now pretty well provided for. But on the principle, we suppose., that to him who hath shall be given, the appropria tion to defray the whole cost of education in Auckland, including buildings, is only L24.25Q ; while in Canterbury it is L 38,950 : and in Otago, L 41.050. The Bill creates a new and costly department, which we Bhall probably refer to on a future occasion.

Thk threatened hurricane at, Parnell last night, moderated into a very light breeze indeed, and we are glad to notice another instance of tho all ■ prevalent anti-proxy feeling. Unhappily, we have to go to Cook's Straits for the regulation of little highway gatherings now, and there seems every pro* babiliy that, the good sense of the people will form our final Court of Appeal against the; absurdities and abuses of the system. The., enthusiastic reception, of Mr R, &

_-__g%a<^3-_E-^-a*^^iift^Maa_M__-i-^^ Dyer's peremptory refusal to aocept election by proxy vote, and the position of Colonel Nation' in the polling, manifested the opinion of those present, and we cannot see how it coald have been otherwise, with the ludicrous spectacle of the rate collector carrying about tho fate of the trustees in his pocket, plainly exhibited before their eyes, We thick, however, that tho outgoing Board was very much to blame for allowing a sub ordinate officer to influence their proceedings to such an extent that the most im portant work in the district, the cutting down of the main road, was abandonee!, and a disgraceful waste of the rates permitted in Conquest Place road. Upon tho shewing cf the report, Mr Strange should have been sacked twelve months before, and as tho trustees neglected to per form this painful but necessary duty, Mr Strange has very properly sacked them. It is quite useless for a Board to throw the blame of mismanagement upon an officer who is, or should" be, under their control ; but of course everyone understands how these things come about. Men attend ing to their own business are always grided by one who devotes his whole time to the carrying out of works, and the overseer can thus generally secure a majority of trustees in favour of his view. The report read by the Chairman last night will generally be regarded as too candid ; it admitted where mistakes had been made, which according to the ethics of sound electioneering doddery should never be done. But it must not be supposed that the system pursued last year differs from what has prevailed from all time in Parnell. In fact an adherence to traditional policy and natural conserva tism warring with more liberal views, brought about the split in the camp, The new trustees have been elected by porsonalvoting and if they are wise men they will dispense with tin-pot engineering and day labour, and let all their work by contract;. A singular custom, we understand, has prevailed in Parnell, in making the valuation ; and that the ratepayers have submitted to it. so long ia a wonderful proof of their love of old institutions. Tho collector, it appears, makes ihe valuation, which regulates his commission. The policy of the new Board should be : An impartial valuation, tue;cnt ting down of the main road, plenty of lamps, letting work by contract, ancl tho bottling up of old foqeyism generally ; and if they do not receive the gratitude of an enlightened con s'itueney at the end of tw<lve months we vow our willingness to confess that Mr Strange and Colonel Nation have formed a fair estimate of tho average intelligence of Parnell.

A practical joke entailing some expense and labour was, within the last few days, perpetrated on Mr John Stokes of Onehunga. Mr Stokes, who is a gardener, had raised on his grounds this year several tons of pumpkins, which it was generally known he desired to dispose of to advantage. Quite unexpectedly a purchaser turned up a few evenings ago in the person of a respectable-looking Btranger, who _ was supposed to be an Aucklander doing a considerable business in produce. A hard bargain was driven for the pumpkins, which were eventually purchased at £5 per ton for th» lot, to be delivered at a house described in Victoria-street, Anckland. The purchaser spoke of paying a deposit and actually appeared to be pulling out the notes, but the vendor was so well satisfied with the price that he didn't think payment necessary until the delivery should have taken place. On the morning after the sale, a dray load of the pumpkins was taken by Mr Stokes, junr., to the house described, in Auckland, which proved to be a tin smith's shop, and to his surprise they wanted no pumpkins, and, after some further fruitless enquiries for the purchaser, the load had to bo brought back to Onehunga, as tho sham purchaser was no where to be found. Ho is now believed to be an Onehunga man, and when discovered by Mr Stokes may make up his mind for squalls.

"A Baby" makes its little plaintive cry heard through the Star, and says that those naughty milkmen are at their tricks again, vending the juice of the cow with tho iron tail. Thus fares it ill with twins, who have been unusually numerous this season. The little one prays that good, fatherly Detective Jeffrey will look after them, and will invoke the aid of Mr Tunny, in a scientific examina tion of the contents of those tiu-cans.

Mr Ellis, formerly theatrical critic in San Francisco, who came to tho colonies some months ago as theatrical agent, has started an evening journal in MoLbourne. Tho field is a wide one, and under vigorous management should prove a good speculation.

"One of Freeman's Bay" writes that he is a labouring man, with a wife and five small children, who are in want of food through the inability of himself or his wife to get work. He says ho is a Etrong man, used to all kinds of garden and earth work, and his wife a good laundress. He wishes to know if there is any placo of charity in Auckland. Tho Believing Officer is the proper person to apply to. His office is situated near the Supremo Court, and possibly be may be able to put our corres pondent in a way of getting work.

The monthly meeting of the Templar Benefit Society, will be held in tho Temper ance Hall, Albert-street,this (Tuesday) even ing at 7 30 o'Clock. The annual soiree in connection with St- James's Presbyterian Churoh will be held to-morrow (Wednesday) evening, in the Church, Wellington-street. We learn that a good programme has been prepared for the occasion; several clergymen and gen tlemen will deliver addresses, and an efficient choir will introduce selections of music.

The concert in favor of Mrs Homer last evening at the Lorne-Btreet Hall, was fairly attended, but not crowded, the wet weather possibly preventing many persons from being present. The two popular reciters, Mr A. Smith and Mr C Brown were not to hand. Mr Brown had promised to give Poe's musi cal "Bells," but did not turn up. This was a great disappointment to many persons, as this poem of itself, by a competent reader, is a treat of more than ordinary interest. Songs were sung ; by Mrs Cottingham, "The Lover and the Bird ;" Miss Ash, " Sing me an Eng lish Song ;" Mrs Homer, " Happy Moments, Day by Hay ; and Miss Thornton, a song and dance. Messrs McCappin, Chapman, W. Doran, Field, Hill, Sceats, Marsen, Masters, also rendered vooal assistance to the enter tainment A comic scene followed oy Messrs Burton and Langton. The Temperance Band performed an overture. Messrs Mettam Bros, gave their popular song and dance The whole wound up with a quadrille party, Mr Andrew acting as master of the ceremonies. We may mention that the utmost order pre vailed last evening through the exellent supervision of Mr Hornar.

The popular amusement of the skating rink was recommenced last evening in the mar ket house, for which great preparations had been made at considerable expense. The skaters were cheered on by the stirring music of an efficient band, and much amusement was created by the skaters.

The annual tea-meeting in connection with the United Methodist Free Church, will be held in the school-room this evening Ad dresses, will be delivered by several ministers and gentlemen, and the choir will enliven the meeting with sweet strains of music.

The monthly inspection parades for the month of August, will be held on the following dates, in undress uniform and with out arms or accoutrements :—Saturday, sth, 7.30 p.m., Otahuhu Kifle Company, Otahuhu; Thursday, 10th, 7-30 p.m., Artillery, No 3, and Scottish Companies, drill shed; Tuesday, 15th, 7.30 p.m. Victoria and Hobson Com panies, drill shed; Wednesday, 23rd, 7.30 r»m Engineer and Engineer Cadet Com panies, drill Bhed t Friday, 25fch, 12.30 p.m., Grammar School Cadets, drill shed ; Friday, 25fch, 7.30 p.m., Naval Brigade, drill shod.

The spirit ol evil possessed the lada, and one ' of them Bhied a stone through the upstairs window of Mr Teutenberg's residence, in Grey-street, on Sunday night, smashing a large pano of glass. The missle passed very close to a young lady retiring to rest, and she at once opened the window for the purpof c, of discoveiing the miscreant. A little by was standing below smiling with infantile irmccenae, In reply to questions ha said he was going home like a good lad, and wouldn't do anything wicLed, but some other bad boys came up the street shying stones and one of them went through tho lighted window. It is not desired to disgrace the offender by biinging him into the Police Court, but as he was detected in the aot, there will be no other alternative unless he goes down at once to Mr Teutonberg, pays the damage, and apologises for what he has done.

In the province of Auckland 2,128,225 acres of land have been disposed of, the sum realised being £312,288 ; of course a large area was allotted in free grants. The 1,795 27- acres alienated in Otago fetched £1,<.18,GG8; and the 2,014,096 sold in Canterbury realised £3,128,120.

One of the prettiest displays of fish ever seen in Auckland was on view in Mr McLean's shop on the whaif this morning. Three dozen mullet weighing on an average 41bs apiece (some turned the scale at 51bs) had been specially hunted up in readiness for the mail boat, in addition to a magnificent barra couta, some fine guinet, trevally, and schnapper. The fish were temptingly laid out, and looked so attractive that passengers continually stopped to admire them.

The directors of the Auckland Gas Com pany have come to the conclusion to reduce the price of their useful commodity. An advertisement sets forth that, on and after the loth Sep'ember next the price will be 12s 6d per 1000 cubic feet, with 2s 6d dis count for cash payments. Householders will thoroughly appreciate this reform, and we ven!ure to predict that when the price is re duced still further, so aa to bring the article within the reach of everybody, the Com pany's dividends will increase in inverse pro portion. However, we must bo thankful for present mercies.

POLICE COURT.—Tins Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, E«.q , R.M )

STRONG AND INFLUENTIAL.

Paul a native, and John Davis wore fined 5s each, for being drunk and intractible. John Millington, for being drunk and dis orderly, was subjected to 20s and costs, or 48 hours' imprisonment. SALLY O'KBKFE. This extraordinary lady, who avowel that her name was Jones, as she was the widow of the "late lamented Jones," said she got drunk last night, but she could not help it, it was so very wet. Fined 5s and costs. A " little" man and his friend. Joseph Little, a man of small stature, and George Morland were charged under the Vagrant Act, with indecent conduct in Vic toria-Btreet at midnight. The prisoners pleaded guilty Fined 40s each, or fourteen days. DOO3 IN GENERAL. Let dogs delight to buk an.l bite, lint let them have tbelr colUra. John Butler appeared in answer to a sum mons, charging him with neglecting to pro vide a collar for his little dog " Aloibiades." Mr Butler said he had taken out a collar. Finod 2s Od, and 5s 6d costs. Thomas Mankinville pleaded guilty in re spect of his dog " Phideas," and was lined 2s Gd and 5s Gd coats. John Elliott was charged with the same offence, touching his dog " Soorates," aud was fined 2s Od, aud 5s Od costs. Herman Mattsou was charged with the same effonce iv relation to his dog " Swede," fouud collarless in Hobson street. Mr Mattson said his dog wr.s not three months old, and whistled him into court in evidence. Constable Collis deposed that he was a judge of dogs, and, on looking into his mouth, was of opinion that the dog was over three months. Herman Mattson was then sworn, and deposed that he was a baker, and that his dog was only two months and eleven days old ;it was born in a hutch in his brother's yard. His . Worship, on looking at the dog, thought as there was a doubt in the case, Mr Mattson Bhould have the benefit of that doubt. Tho case was dismissed. A MKLANC-HOLY-CM.SE. Henry Sullen, baker of Freeman's Bay, appeared in defence of his conduct for leaving his horse and cart unattended on the 21st inst. The defendant expressed his regret; he had been unusually careful, and as this waß his first offenco he hoped the Court would act leniently. PLAYING TRUANT. Edward Ho^an and Frank Brown were charged with absconding from the Naval Training School on tbe 21st instant; also, with stealing two blankets, two pillows, etc., value 225. the property of the Queen. Sub-Inspector Pardy asked for a remand until Friday, as there were several Maoris in connection with the theft. James, a Maori, was charged with feloni ously receiving the articles from the boys Hogan and Brown, and with harbouring them. Prisoner said ho did not reoeive the things from the boys. Sub-Inspector Pardy said there were other Maoris implicated, who were not yet in cus tody. Remanded until Friday. ABUSIVE LANGUAGE. Stephen Home was called on a charge of using abusive language to a person not men tioned, but he did not appear. A warrant was ordered for his immediate apprehension. A MOTHER IN DISTRESS. Hngh and Robert Sullivan, two young men, were summoned for failing to contribute towards the support of their aged mother, they being of sufficient ability to do so. Defendants both said they could assist her, but lately they did not know where their mother had got to. She lived with a sister who had broken up her home, and since, they had been unable to find the old lady. His Worship expressed surprise at this. Defendants said they were fishermen, both were married, and could only allow 3s per week each. The old lady hobbled into Court with a crutch, and appeared to be in a very infirm state. A daughter said she would take care of her mother if her brothers would contribute regularly. She herself had a large family, or she would do more. An order was made upon the brothers to pay 3s eaoh, commencing to-day. His Worship said he would in this instance omit the Court fees. The men thanked His Worship. JPATHBRLEBS. William Decry appeared on a charge of failing to contribute towards the support of the illegitimate child of Susan Kent, oi which he was said to be th© putative father. Mr Joy and Mr Thorna appeared on behalf )f the young woman, and Mr Tyler for tho lefence. Mr Tyler said that there were a number ' >f witnesses in this case, and one, the most naterial witness of all, had gone on urgent '. msiness to tho Eiapara. Ho had been übpeoned, and every possible step had been aken to secure his attendance ; he believed towever that impartant business had called ho gentleman away, and that he would not 1 >o home again until the middle of the present i -tontli. (At this moment tho little infant, appm> J (

ently asleep in tne maternal bogom, began suddenly to cry, which a person in court interpreted as "Father come home.") He would therefore ask for an adjournment for a fortnight in order that the witness as well three others might be present. Mr. Joy said he would offer no objection, and the hearing of the case was accordingly adjourned for a fortnight. A large number of persons bad assembled to fcqar the case, in the course of which some merrimeut was anticipated.

This was all the business

PARLIAMENTARY.

The Two Debates

[From our Special Correspondent ]

WELLINGTON.

This day. The Land Fund Resolutions,

Sir Julius Vogel is reported to be likely to take part in the debate to-night, which will certainly tend to shorten it. It is very unlikely in that case to last more than two days. There is a great deal of speculation about the Otago members' action relative to the question. Many expect them to go out of the House rathet than vote with the Government, although they cannot of course support Mr Whitaker's resolutions. It is hoped for the first t'me for many years all Auckland members will go into the same lobby on this question, a circumstanoe which may foreshadow greater unity thereafter. Separation- It may be feared they will not do so, on Sir George Grey's separation resolution, which will follow on "tbe defeat of Mr "Whitaker's land fund resolutions, as yt is understood that Messrs Williams, Cox, Bead, and perhaps Sir Fobert Douglas will oppose, and bo play into the hands of the Government. On the other hand nearly every Otago member will vote for separation, and if only two or three Nelson and Westland men could be induced to pin, the resolution could be carried. Possibly this may come in course of the debate. There was a meeting of Nelson, Marl ho'out'h, and Westland members yesterday. and after a long discussion, they agreedto await the nrenment to be used in discussion before deciding. The Government organs here assert that they agreed to support Go vernment, but this ia wholly untrue, as they specially guarded against this at'the meeting, a good "many having no love for the Govern ment proposals. It is feared that very little will be done toward general business, until the two sets of resolutions aro discussed and disposed of, which will hardly be done under ten days or a fortnight.

Sudden Death.

On Saturday last Mrs Carmichael, the wife of Mr John Carmichael, of Kerikeri, was suddenly struck down by the hand of death. Mrs Carmichael was in good health when she got up in the morning, but subsequently while in the act of taking a piece of meat from the frying-pan, she fell back exclaiming " Oh, John." Her husband, who is infirm, did his best for the poor woman, and called some neighbours, who came and helped his wife into bed, when she was shivering and appeared to be suffering from cramp. He Rtarted for Papakura to get her some medi cine, but when he returned his wife had ceased to suffer. An inquest was held on the body at the Globe Hotel, Papakura, before Dr Bodlo and a jury. The medical evidence shewed that Mrs Carmichael died from disease of the heart, hence the jury returned " Died by the visitation of God." Deceased was forty-nine years of age, and the mother cf a young family.

A REMARKABLE TOUR.

DE MTJRSKA'S WANDERINGS*

Signor D. DE Vivo, who was instrumental in introducing Mdlle lima de Murska, the famous Bohemian Nightingale to Australian and New Zealand audiences, leaves for his home in New York by the mail Bteamer to day. The Signor is an experienced theatrical manager, his connection with the business dating back to 1860. He w&s travelling with Ristori's world-renowned Dramatic Company, and aftewards with the great Italian trage dian Salvani in America, where he met De Murska and undertook the conduct of her business. On September 25th the tour was onened with a season in Now York, where De Murska had been engaged at £100 a night for opera. Between that date and July 17, 1876, when Signor D. de Vivo's manage ment of the colonial business terminated, no less than 310 concerts were given in 95 cities and towns. 170 of these concerts were in the United States ; 9 in Canada ; 1 at Honolulu ; 95 in Australia ; and 35 in New Zealand. De ducting Sundays and time occupied in travel ling, these fa'gures shew very high average. Five concerts a week formed the rule followed in the United States, and three a week in the colonies. The gross takings amounted to between £35,000 and £40,000, or an average of something like £125 per concert. Moat successful, financially, were the seasons in New Orleans, San Francisco, Melbourne, and Sydney. In Melbourne the enthusiasm was wonderful, 45 performances, including ten opera nights and two oratorios, being given before immense audiences. Over 2200 miles were travelled by railway und Bteamer during the 22 months wanderings. The foregoing figures exhibit the gigantic nature of the un dertaking which Signor De Vivo has now brought to a successful elose„and we venture to say that in no professional tour has the time, the receipts, and the number of distinct performances in different towns so widely separated, ever been excelled, if equalled. We must not omit to mention, by the way, that among the other , events of this extended tour, were two marriages of the heroine, once in Australia and once in New Zealand ; but for this part of the business Signor de Vivo can claim no credit, the fair songstress having conducted all the romance while he looked after the S. s. d., which he has done to his own advantage, and that of his talented charge. He is now commissioned to arrange for an other American and West Indian tour, but will not again travel with the Company. Of the support received in the colonies Signor de Vivo speaks in the highest terms, and says that, proportionately to population, the colonial business was better than that given in the cities of the United Statee. He bids a cordial adieu to many friends. The follow ing is a list of the places visited in the course of this remarkable journey :— Untted States : New York, Brooklyn, Newark, Newhaven, Hartford, Springfield Worcester, Springfield, Boston, Providence Newbury Port, Portland, Cowell, Lexington' Indianopoli*, Terrchoute, St. Louis, Jackson ville, Peoria, Bloomington, Louisville, Nash ville, Memphis, Richmond, Norfolk, Raleigh, Columbia, Charleston, Augusta, Savannah, Atlanta, Montgomery, Zelma, Mobile, New Orleans, Galveston, Houston, San Francisco (California), San Jo»^, Stockton, Auburn, New Bedford, Philadelphia, Baltimore Washington, Easton, Pougkeepsie, Albany' Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, Watertown' Ogdensburgh, Lockport, Buffalo, Erie,' Young's Town, Titusville, Meadvillle' Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Weelting, Zeneßville' Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo,' Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, Fort Wayne) Logan's Port. Canada : Toronto, Montreal, Ottoma, Brookville, Hamilton, St. Catherine. Honolulu. Atjstbalia : Melbourne, Ballarat, Sand burst, Geelong, Castlemaine, Sydney, Bath- ; nrst, Orange, Golbourne, Maitland. New Zealand : Dunedin, Chriptchurohi Damaru, TimainJ Nelson, Auckland,

PARNELL HIGHWAY MEETING.

Thb annual meeting of the ratepayers of Parnell was held last night in the Parnell Hall. The assemblage was crowded. Mr F. J. Moss was voted to the chair, and read the minutes of the last annual

meeting. . , . ~ Mr Priestly said he thought there was a slight mistake in the minute about the lamps. , , , This was explained, and the minutes were confirmed. The Chairman said if the ratepayers de sired to have correct minutes kept of the present meeting., they must provide him with writing material. Mr Brett said it had always been custom ary for Mr Strange, the clerk, to provide such necessaries. Somehow he had not shown up that day. , ~««__ a A ratepayer : Perhaps the 2s 9d per day has not been paid lately (Laughter ) Mr Brett—the Chairman of the last Board —proceeded to lay before the meeting a statement of receipts and expenditure by the Board during the past year, with a detailed account of how the expen diture was distribted in the district. At the last annual meeting there appeared to be some dissatisfaction at the meagre report submitted to the ratepayers. The trustees therefore have been at some trouble to place before you a full summary of all the works undertaken, and where the money collected has been spent. The total amount of rates collected for tbe year was £672 10s 4d ; for dog collars, £36 15a ; amount from General Government, £457 2s 2d ; making a , total of £1166 7s 6d. That money was ex pended as follows : —Manukau Road, £284 5s 8d ; St George's Bay Road, £63 13s 9d ; i York-street, £17 9s 9d ; Rutland Road East, £61 14s ; ditto, £41 4s; labour on cutting, £5 ; Rutland Road West, £50 ; kerbing and channelling, £65 18 9d ; Avenue Road, £11 12s 3d ; Manukau Road, £17 8s ; St George's Bay Road, £34 17s 6d ; Dr Goldaboro's Lane, £4 Is 3d ; Selwyn Terrace, £8 7s 6d ; Con quest Place, £11 13s ; Alma Place, 13s 6d ; Cheshire-street, 15s ; Grammar School Road, £3 Is 3d ; Orphan Home Road, £3 12s 9d ; Gibraltar Crescent, £2 lis ; Manukau Road, £27 8s 3d ; Bradford-street, £5 10s Gd ; York-street, 13s ; Scarborough Terrace, £1 103 ; Strand Road, £3 15s 6d ; Wynyard street, 19- 3d ; Mechanics' Bay steps, £118a 6J- Hobson-street Road. £10 14a; St Stephen's Road, £18 2s 3d , Rutland Road, £2 13s 3d ; Hobson Park Road, £2 16s ; Havelock-street, 14s ; Portland-street, £2 7s; Devon-street, 12a Gd ; Brighton Road, £33 15s 2d ; Brown and Crey-street, £3 5s ; Avenue Road, £2 ISs 2d ; sundry repairs, £27 19s ; asphalt, first payment, £42; office rent, £11 ; salary to Mr Strange, £50; comn iision on collectiug rates. £40 19s 8d; lighting, etc., £116 lis 3d ; printing, etc., £9 Gs 9d ; legal expenses, £1 0s 6d ; Dog Nuisance Act, Ll2 17s 7d, less L 2 183 2d, making a total of LI 163 Is 2d. It will be seen from the schedule just read that no less than L 467 in round numbers has been expended on the Manukau Road, of which sum L 329 was required for scoria- ash metal; L 96 for kerbing and channelling, a work considered most important by the Board, and L 42 for asphalt. _ As a few of the ratepayers have been a little dissatisfied at the introduction of asphalt in Parnell, the trustees would state it was d6ne after mature consideration. The Board's overseer was continually ask ing for scoria for the Manukau Road. More than half the scoria has been washed down into Mechanics' Bay, necessitating an early renewal, and involving a continual out lay. This £329 does not include the cost of labour, which is something considerable, amounting to one-half of the money spent in wages. The total cost of laying the asphalt from the Barrel Hotel to the top of the hill will be, with wood kerbing complete, £175, and this the Board consider to be a most per manent work. They have a guarantee that

it will stand the wear and tear of traffic for two years without any repairing, and the contractors offer to keep it in repair at 3d a yard for ten years. Y^^T"*^! observe that the next her.-(j- item is £98 lis 3d, for St. George't Bay Road, for scoria and metal. Short^ after the last annual meeting, the culvort in Rutland-Btreet West fell in, re pairs to which cost the Board £50. Tbe oath, which was in a disgraceful state, has

been widened to six feet, and placed in good repair. The trustees regret that a largo amount of money has been squandered on Rutland-street East. At a meeting of the Board held on March the 11th, the way in

which the Government grant should be dis

posed of was discussed. It was resolved to get plans and specifications for cutting down the Strand and Manukau Road. These were received at the following, meeting, and the Board decided to call for tenders. At the meeting held onMarch 28th, four tenders were received, the lowest being that of Messrs. Collins and Kirby for L 365. The Chair man of tha Board had some impor-

tant business on that evening, and left

the Board sitting with the distinct under standing that the work be at once proceeded

with, and tbe lowest tender be accepted, but after he left Colonel Nation took the chair, and Mr Strange, who was always against this work, submitted a memorandum to the Board endeavouring to show that it would take £600 or £700 more for the comple tion of the work. The result was that the following resolution was passed : '' That the Board, finding the cost of the work will far exceed the amount at their disposal, resolve that no further action should be taken at present." At the next meeting the chair man volunteered, if necessary, to become guarantee to the extent of £100, if the other members would do the same, in order that the work might be proceeded with. Two of the trustees were willing to go as high as £50, but Colonel Nation said he would not guaran tee one farthing, »nd the matterhad to drop. The overseer having assured the meeting that the amount of money collected from rates wonld be sufficient to keep all the back streets in thorough repair, the Board were unanimous in favour of accomplishing some permanent work with the grant from the General Government, and it was unanimously resolved at a meeting held on the Bth day of April (at which every member of the Board was present) that Messrs Morrison and Company be written to, asking them to submit terms for asphalting the western side of the footpath of the Manukau Road; and that tenders be received for building a culvert and for a cutting down at Conquest Place. At the next meeting, Mr Robertson's tender for the latter work, £58, was accepted, al though the overseer considered it excessive, stating he could do the work for £20 less. A special meeting was called on the 15 th of April, for the purpose of Mr Robertson signing the contract, which was done. A dispute then arose between the contractor and the overseer ; the former asserting that an alteration had been made in the plan since he tendered. He threw up the contract, and forfeited the deposit. As Mr Strange had complained so bitterly at the waste of money, by accepting Robertson's tender, the trustees deoided that Mr Strange do the work, if he would guarantee to carry it out for the same money. Mr Strange undertook to do the work, and the result is that up to the present time he has spent LIOB on that job. He was never authorised to make a tunnel through the hill. The intention of the Board was simply to build a culvert and make a bridle track, at a cost not to exceed LI 00, The present work has already ccefe over LIOQ, and it is not half completed, presenting a miserable aspect, with the Bides falling in. and an enormous amount still to do, done, to cost probably another £100 or £150. The trustees have christened this cutting Strange's Folly." Mr Strange has asked that the following be attached to the report : " I P w^nS to the lateness in the season, the work has been so injured that the amount spent is fully £50 more than it would have been in fine weather."

Mr Brett said, in moving that thg report bo received, before sitting down, J

aave one or two matters to btfng 3efore you, concerning your poorly, paid servant, Mr J. B. Strange. On one occasion, shortly after we took office, Mr Beetham called several times to see the assessment list, and found the dcor loted. Subsrquently he met Mr Strange on Parneli - , I Ris», and asked him to return to the offr» \Xn and produce the assessment book. Id ,-f\ jf Strange replied that he was otherwise \ff engaged, and that Mr Beetham would h ave |f( I to come another time. At the next, Board meeting a letter was received from Mr Beet, ham, complaining of the insolence of, and the trouble he had been put to by the collector f of the Parnell Board. Tho Board investi gated the matter, and had to send a letter of ap. logy to Mr Beetham, regretting the annoy, anco and loss of time he had experienced. I will give you another instance of what your overseer did. At one of the ordinary meet ings o the Board, held at the cffic-->, oathe 24th fune, Mr Winks casually opened a drawer, and the first thiijg he laid Xi. hand upon was a proxy-paper of Mr Sfctr age's, endorsed in favour of the latter ront'eman's bosom friend, C-. loiel Na lon, and fc r other genthmen. Mr Strange, in txplanationin. 1 formed tho Board that the document brought to light reoresented his Board for the coming year. On'further questioning, Mr Strange $ told the trustees that he was not going to act for the paltry 2s 9d per day, and not have 1 control over the expenditure of the Parnell rates. He wished to inform them that he held in his hands the corr.pleto command, of • any highway election in Parnell. (In other words that he could lead all the P..rnell rate payers by the nose.) (Cheers.) I may say that an effort was made by Colonel Nation to reward Mr Strange by a donation of £10 for the efficient manner in which he had com pleted some work in Rutland road. The majority of the Board, however, thought Mr Strange was well paid for his services, and did not agree with Col. Nation. Prom that time the other members of the Board have been unable to work with Colonel Nation and Ml Strange. It was not my intention under any circumstances, again to become a candidate, i considering it right that other ratepayers i should have a turn. But I certainly wonld not work either with Colonel Nation or Mr Strange again for £100 a-year, and Mr 1 Ireland, lam confident, will not again take v office. The other two trustees are very indifferent, and as they are both against being returned by proxies. I suppose the 1 " old gentleman " will have the satisfac tion of placing his Board in. Mr Strange said that the only down he had on Mr Winks was in consequence of his not giving him the job " to clean out his earth closet." (Continued cheering). Mr McKenzie was a nice fellow, but not good enough for him ! On the 26th of June, the Editor of the Star ventured to show up Mr 1 Strange's little game, and in tbs next iesne appeared the following reply :—" Sir,—With reference to your editorial remarks in the Evhntng Stab of the 26th, in regard to the Parnell Board, I hope to have something to gay as soon as I am no longer a " servant" of the Board on the magnificent salary of two shillings and ninepence per day, Sunday in- 1 eluded, as surveyor, overseer, day mason, and ' | clerk of office. —Yours, &c, J. B. Strange," Now, gentlemen, you will see that for the 1 past year he has received, as Engineer and Overseer of Works, £50 ; commission on collecting, £46 I9s 8d ; and £11 for rent of I office, making a grand total of £107 19a Bd. i The Ponsonby Board received from rates last year £689, and paid for similar duties as those which Mr Strange has been intrusted with a sum of only £59 7s, made up as follows :- Commission on collecting rates, £34103; en. gineer's salary and rent, £24 17s ; total, £59 | <j 3 being about half the amount paid to Mr Strange. Gentlemen. I have simply placed these matters before you to prove to you that fl what has been said by tho majority of the ratepayers is correct; viz., " That Mr | Strange, with the assistance of a venerable | Colonel, wants to carry the Board in his pocket." , Colonel Nation : Gentlemen,—Did you ever hear anything more puerile? (Immense laughter). .. I Mr Kisaling "said it was clear that Mr Brett intended to extend tbe meeting over the night, so that they would not be able to' elect their Board. t | Mr Priestly seconded Mr Brett s motion that the report be received. _ i This was carried, and the discussion which had threatened, to become warm was sud denly closed. Mr B. Ireland proposed that the rate for the ensuing year be a penny in the pound on the value to sell. | This was seconded by Mr Winks. Mr Priestly moved as an amendment, and Mr Pollard seconded, that the rate be one halfpenny. H Mr B. B. Lusk spoke against the amend ment. The late Board, according to all ■ accounts, were leaving in debt. As to proxies, against which a good deal was said and written, he considered it very unfair that old men like himself, and females, should not have an opportunity of voting. Mr Caleb Wood thought a halfpenny rate 1 with the Government grant would be suffi cient. All men were not rich men, and things were looking bad. A halfpenny rate would be more easily collected, and he | should vote for the amendment. On a shew bf hands being taken, the chairman at first declared the penny rate carried. This was objected to, and a scrutiny was called for. Messrs Caleb Wood and B-aynes were then appointed as scrutineers, aud the result was now: For the amendment, 64; against, 59 ; majority for, 5. A poll was demanded by Mr B. Ireland. Some delay was caused by Mr Strange and the rate-book no. being forthcoming. Mr Strange at last shewed up, and ascended the platform amid loud derisive cheers. Messrs Caleb Wood and Waters were I appointed scrutineers, and a poll was at onpo ; ; i proceeded to. The chairman reminded the meeting that they had better decide it by a shew of hands, as they had other business to do. There c was a new Board to elect. A Ratepayer : Oh, that's done already. Mr Strange has seen to that (laughter). The result of the poll was : For the Id rate ... ... 109 For the rate 65 Giving a majoiity of 44 for the Id rate, which was.declared carried. I The next business was the election of if Trustees. Several gentlemen were proposed, and the show of hands resulted as follows : R, C. Dyer 82, W. H. Kissling 75, Coleman 59, G. M. Mitford 52, Colonel Nation 35. No poll being demanded, the chairman de clared these gentlemen duly elected. Messrs T. Waters and W. F. J. Bell were elected auditors for the ensuing year, and |I Messrs John Brown and George Hayter were §' elected fence-viewers. Mr Barton Ireland moved that »J. lighting rate of Jd in the £ be struck. Mr Mitford seconded the motion, which 1 was by no means favourably received. |1 Many of the ratepayers spoke strongly ia favour of the expenses of lighting being taken out of the general rate. A very warm dis cussion ensued, and some larrikins, getting* hold of the tap, turned the gas no less than three times, perhaps with a view of giving' >. a practical illustration of the relative merits of gas and no gas. . Mr Witheford proposed as an amendment,; "That the trustees be authorised to pay-' the expense of lighting the lamps of the district out of the general rate." The discussion started off now, j npon the legal question, and as about a X J dozen ratepayers on an average laid down | 1 their opinions at once, of course a great deal I of light was thrown on the subject. Mr r/ Caleb Wood pointed oat, that a fa thing rate" would produce £156, which was much more.,; . than they required. Mr Barton Ireland pro-; posed as a compromise that a rate |d bo struck, but the meeting was inexorable, and

ftv-Mitffl STAR, T&t&DAY, ATJGO^T I, UW.



RTJSHBROOK and BRIDGrMAN invito the attention of Purchasers to a number .Of SPECIAL LINES, just to hand, BOUGHT at AUCTION, and to be Sold at a considerable Reduction upon Usual Price. Waterproof Tweed at 3/0 per yard—a Bargain Imitation Nelson Tweed, first-class for Boys' Cloth leg, and very cheap. BIiANKETS ! BLANKETS! White Blankets, all sizes Bine Blankets Groy Blankets. Our Bldnkets are well bought, and tho large demand : for tnem is a convincing proof that they aro InasT-CLAss value. 3 •..?-• i 2 •gS ' « • I rf wO - fl % zo «_ • M O s« f ■..■-•■ a a - «•*■ a aj 2 ' Winceys, Costu___ie Olcth, French Merino, and Fancy Dross Goods. FLANNELS, SniRTINO, CALICOES, BTO, Ghnerai. . Drapery aud Clothing of Every De?dripi.ion. 1% (Is) Discount allowed on all Purchases of 20a and upwards. Patterns and Prices forwarded on application. Country Orders executed with care and despatch. RTJ SHBR OO X &_ BRI D. 6MA N, ■■■■■' Hfpek* Queen-street, ~.„.._ y, Auckland. • ■■; A- . xj>t!Y yOUR "OLANKETS *ROM HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, . BLANKETS ! 10s 6d pair. BLANKETS ! 10s 6d pair. "WHOLESALE! 10s 6d pair. WHOLESALE! r PRIOES If! PRIOES !!! -White Blankets, lar*;e size, 12/6. 17/6 per pair Bedding of all kludH Flax, Flock, Hair, and Fibre Mattra WINCEYS.— Splendid Value, from sfd ;, Check Homespuns, Mcuiob, he., &j. Our WINTER MILLINERY now on view At the Usual Low Prioes, CLOTHING for Boys', Youths' and Men. FARMERS AND SETTLERS.—Buy yonr Drap*ry, Clothing, and Furnishing Goods from us. Great attention paid to Packing. Holloway and Garlick, CITY HALL, GENERAL HOUSE FURNISHERS. ■■-* - —__— „.- at... - , J COSGRAVE & CO ANNOUNCE FOR POSITIVE SALg j .-■ _ri • Xhotr Magnificent Stock of "Winter DBAPSBY aad CLOTHING-. ftyrgA Portion of he Stock is REDUCED to COST . PRICE ana UIffDER. Quantities of Useful . and Valuable Goods, in all the Depart- S'ii_! .idehts will be BflSjeotcd to tfa-t aJ a H -'paralleled Reductions.. X ~ ; , ■> '■' •Watt tiV.f.l '"'■• ' ■ ■>'••■■'■ ' i . , j,f Sl i':': ,-; ■n-.i'. :c. I .klf .1 • '•• ■"'• ■, . ,-' ~.<! AnM ; .(: ■ :> — / '. . • • . T^tfl OokMENCES TO-MORROW r"i*; i ,:t,riday, f July 7..'. '.";.. v,- >r' ■;x ..-;.. •■■>■■■ ■ • '-".'OOOO wd%*.3jv-.vk«»p ul j;;;',V> Xx JX-.r. ,_'_..:,.-!! Situ.. -tVtitrltoW .-<»<■<>-> J'"



g^ECIAL fiHEAP- T/*™' AT ISO AND 132, QUEEN-STREET. HEAVY -LANKET3,I2s 6d per pair GOOD WHITE SHEETING from Is Sd per yard A Special Line hi LONGCLOTH, $%& per yard STOUT DRESSES from Od per yard SUPERIOR BLACK VELVETEEN, 2a 9d por yard STOUT WINCEYS, s^d per yard. S. & J. B. VAILE, 130 AND 132, QUEEN-STREET.



Hemus & Trigg's Cheap Shirting, 6_d yd Hemus h Trfrp's Cbenp Wincey. from s*d per yard Hemus 8c Trigg's Rood qun'ity Wincey. 7^d per yarrt Hemus h Trteg's now Dress Materials, from 4£d yard Hemus & Tripp's Embo'sed Silk Scarfs, all colors, 1/3 Hemus h Trie's Cheap Flowers, in great variety, 4^d Hemus k '''rieg's Cheap Hats, new shapes, from is Hemus h Trior's Noted Trimmed Hats, from 3s lid. For one month purchasers to tho amount or 10s will receive a Silk Scarf, a pair of Hose, Cuffs, and Collars, Straw Hat. or any article worth Is, or lfl in money.— Not* tbo Prices—Hemus & Trig*, 210, Queen-street. Mark Twain on Bad Musicians— The mufli.al public nnd central readers are cautioned not to purchase W#ftron'B Wizard Oil a:ul Magio PUIS, without carefully examining the outside wrapper— andbesm-a taut ihe word". " None Genumcwithout tho Signature of the Proprietor, FaAKK Wespon, Sydney. NSW ," are cneraven thereon. Any other ro oal'ed preparations of mine, are nn™*noriiß^ by me. aud osculated to mislead the public—^smed, Fn <l*-k Weston. £• 1« a gents: Kempthorne, Prosser and Co. Price, Ha'f-a-erown. Relief from Ooue.li in Ten Minutes.— BH'.KLAND'S CHEERY PECTORAL relieves the Br*athin« »ud Rives refreshing Sleep. This is a cer tain and spoedv rotredv for all Disorders of the Unest and Lungs; in Apthroa. Consumption, Bronchitis, Coutrbs Influenza, Spitting of Blood, Hooping Couch, Hoarseness, Loss of Voice, he. he. 2s. firf. a Bottle. —APOTHECABTES HALL, opposite the Post-office. _ A ITuddy Brain is the usual concomi tant of b disordered stom«eh. T ife's ewes aro quite enough for the great thinking organs to be-»r wltlirut being plagued by the demand begotten of ind'gf st ion, constipation, a"d kindred ailmoptp. But don t imsi?ln° you ran drive away these plagues by vioK'iv purgation. The one t'i.>_? needful is an alterative that will restore the regular an'ion of tho internal machinery without irrifaiingor weakc.u'n .< it, Unoi.puo Wolfe's Scbisdam Auomatic Schnapps will do this.