SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER—Thi! afioruoon, 0 £8 T to-morrow •toniing, 1 30 BlTtf fIET-Thfo flvenlns, 455. BUH KISB-Tc- Oorrow morning, 6 60 MOQN'B AGE-last quarter, 17tli, 1.6 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Atalftnta, schooner, Stevens, from Tairua *3?<>lla Brandon, schooner, from Wangarei Tibllia, brigantine, Eat2ey (in distress), from Stmd&y Island barquentine, from Ru33ell

DEPARTURES.

AVKjrle. as, for Wargarel Mwcury, cutter, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For tho South-Australia, ss, C hours after arrival For London— CarnaMc, shin, early KorLevuka-Barracouta, HMS to-morrow, IStb. For London—DHpussund, barque, early For Pan Francisco and Oregon—La Kscocesa, ship, early For Coromandel-Arfryle, s », Mondays and Fridays For Wangarei—Argyle every Tuesday For Bay of Islands—lona every Monday For Tanranga— Eowena, s s, every Friday For the Islands—Charybdis, schooner, at once

VESSELS EXPECTED

Fairlie, schooner, from Lyttelton .Australia, ss, from Kandavu (English mail), 10th inst Hero, as, from Sydney, 22nd Instant Glimpse, barque, from Newcastle early Bella Mary, barque, from Hobatt Town, eady Oceola, brJgantine, from tyttelton. early Kobina Dunlop, barque, from London Martha, barque, from the Islands, early Lady Franklin,h&rque, from Newcastle; sailed 29th ult T-atitia, schooner, from Earotonga Stranger, schooner, from Melbourne BeWng'r.on, ship (PRHV), from London; ssilea 24th February Inland's Glory, ship from London, early lioch Lee. schooner, from Sydnoy, early "Wanlock, barqno, from Glasgow ; galled Feb 18 Woosung, ship, from LondoD, early Coron»t, snhonnor, fiom the Islands, early Thomas Brown, burque, from Lauticeston Ethel, brigantine, from Oamirn, early Rosannah Rose, schooner, from Dunedin Moneynick, barque, from Adelaide, doubtful Clarion, tchooner. from Lyttelton Inverallen, barque, from London, sailed 14th March Pesrl, ketch, from the Islands, early Edith, schooner, from the lalirnds, early Mary lWVlville, schooner, from Lyttelton; sailed 12th instant

r Messrs Crnickshank and Co. received a telegram yesterday from Captain Thyne, asnouncing the arrival of the Brodick Castle at Newcastle.

The brie Jane left Newcastle for Hobart Town on the 18th ult, On arrival, phe was to load at the latter port for Auckland. She is expected hero within the B«xt for'nieht.

The training schooner Southern Cross 1b being1 dis mantled at the breakwater. She will undergo a com plete survey and upon the result of the surveyor's Tepnrt will depend her future di»posal. The barquentine Prince Alfred haa cleared for Kaipwa with a peneral cargo of stores etc. She will load at Ka'para for the South. The mail steamer Australia is advertised by the Apents as due on the 10;h inst, from Kandayu. The Government steamer Luna leaves this after noon for a coastal trip round the north cost of thi? island. Captain Fairchild will probably visit thn Bay Of Inlands, Wanparoa, and Parenßarenga, where vaiioua buoyn and beacons are to be laid clown. These improvements to the navigation of our coast 'will be very mneh appreciated by the ssttlers. Some surveys of doubtful channels at the entrance of some of the northern harbours will also ba made. The Luna will gradually work her vray round to the Mannkan harbnur. from whence she wil? convey Bis Excellency to Wellington before the meeting of Par liament.

The signal of a barque Outside Tiri Tiri was hoisted this morning. The vessel had nos made the harbour ttt the time of going to press. Several barquee are dun, and among them the Wanloch, now SO days from Glasg vw.

Many peopTn were much puzzled by the airmailing of a steamer this morning. As no coastwiss fHg was appended to the cone, wild conjectures as to the mail coming; in before its time were afloat. These of course turned out unfounded, and at oneo'clock it was known that the steamer was the auxiliary birquentine Bmn, lrom the Bay, with coal. Our 6igEalman might Use hifl coastwise fla?s a little oftener.

COMMERCIAL.

CALT, AND DIVIDENDS. The following are the current calls and dividends payable in the companies named below: — £ s. d. Date.

DIVTTiENDS— Alburnia GMC .. 0 5 0 — June 14

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENT.

" Safety's" letter is held over until to morrow.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND

MATXS WILL CiOSB AS FOLLOWS:— For Thames on Friday at 530 pm

For Coromandel. on Friday nest, at 2 30 pm Btor "Waiwera, Mahu'rangi, Matakana, and Te Aral

per Annie Millbank, on Thursday noxt, at 10 am T"or Russell, per Mana on Thursday next, at 11 am For ■WangMoa, perßel'e Brandon, to-morrow at 11 am F<;r Tsranski and Southern provinces, per Taranaki, on Raturday next, at 10 45 am. (Signed) 8. B. BIBS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

BLAIR—On thn 11th infltnn?-, Mrs. John Blair, Try phena Bay, Great Barriur Island, of a son.

DEATH.

JOUNING— On May 17, George Christopher Jouning, aped 12 months.

The funeral will leave hi« parents' ropidonce, Groat North Road, to-morrow, at 2.30 p.m. Friends will ploase accept this invitation.

McWATJCTTTON— On the ICth instant, at Nar>ier- Rtre°t, Sarah Ann, the youngest child of Mr. John MoNanjfhton. Tho funeral will leavn at 3 30 p m. to-morrow. Friends pleaße accept this invitation.

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1876

For the cause that lacks Ks'utanc*, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance,

Aj.'l the fcooJ lliat vc chn do.

It is contended by Southern journals which have discussed the question, and will, we believe, be maintained by some of the Revising Officers, that the alphabetical lists of ratepayers, sent in by Corporations and Highway Chairmen, fulfil all the require ments of the Registration Act of last session and the intention of the Legislature iv framing that Act. And looking carefully into the Act itself we are disposed to think that the course pursued by our own Registra tion Officers in objecting to these lists whole sale is contrary to the letter and spirit of the statute, and, therefore, illegal. In order to determine the question it would be advan tageous if a number of ratepayers objected to, would combine for the employment of counsel to argue their cases before the Re vision Court; but as those legally qualified have annually the privilege of registering without cost, we do not anticipate that any one will go to the trouble or expense. The clauses of the Amendment Act bearing most directly upon this point are 3 and 5. Clause 3 provides, under penalty, that Highway Chairmen and Town Clerks shall forward an " alphabetical list" of ratepayers in their respective districts, and clause 5 instructs Registration Officers regarding the mode of dealing with these lists. This clause runs as follows :—

5. " The Registration Officer of every dis trict shall on receipt of such lists accept and deal with the same as claims to be inserted on the list of voters for the electoral district as effectually as if the same had heen made in the form prescribed by the Electoral Act of 1866', and all provisions of the last-named Act shall, subject to this Act, be applicable to the registration by this Act provided."

The intention of the Act was manifestly to create a new legal evidence of qualification to vote, that qualification being the fact of paying rates ; and the wording of the Act is distinct in specifying that these " alphabeti cal lists" shall be as effectual as if made " in the form prescribed by the Act of 1866." That this is not only the meaning conveyed by the wording of the Act, but was the in tention of the framers is rendered still more explicit by the provision specifying that the Electoral Act of 1866, shall continue in force "subject to this Act." By insisting that no qualification can be regis tered unless applied for in the form prescribed by the Act of 1866, the Registration Officers are making the Act of last session subject to the Act of 1866, and thus rendering nugatory its provisions. The mode of dealing with claims created under the Amendment Act, in placing them on the roll, is indicated by the definition of the qualification. The title to rvote is the evidence of having paid rates, and " John Smith, ratepayer, of Parnell,", would, we imagine, be quite as easily identified as "John Smith, householder, of Parnell, or " owner of allotment 22, section 4." If a John Smith who is not a ratepayer of Parnell voted in the name of one who is, the personation could be as i easily detected aa in A case where the form of the Act of 1866 had been complied with. The wisdom of creatißg this new mode of registration, which necessarily reßults in confusion, is open to dispute, but we opine that administrators of the law are not empowered to determine what part of existing statutes shall be put in foroe and what thrown ottt fc!s pernicious. The Herald

this morning contends that the qualification to vote is determined by the Constitution Act, and that the mode of registration pro vided by the Act of last session is opposed to the Act upon which it is founded. This is virtually a plea that the Amendment Act is ultra vires, but that is hardly a question to be determined by a Revision Court. It is true that in some cases, by placing all rate payers on the roll, persons would become entitled to vote who have not a legal qualifi cation as defined by clause 7 of the Consti tution Act,. but in the great majority of instances the ratepayers are in every way legally qualified, and, having been presented for registration in the manner provided by law, they are fully entitled to dispute the right of tjio Revising Officer to reject their claims,

Otahuhu

on Friday,

upon its site,

Mr Maoandrew lias addressed a letter'to the Colonial Secretary endeavouring to elicit a direct answer to the question whether the General Government instigated the rejection by the Otago Waste Lands Board of the applications for land proclaimed open for sale by the Provincial Executive. He says :— " I much regret that while you neither deny nor admit the rumour alluded to, you exprefs your approval of the action of the Waste Lands Board in declining to grant the appli. cation, and, as a necessary inference, your approval of tho serious consequences which that action involves. The result of the Board's action will have a most injurious effect upon the labour market duriDg the ensuing winter, if indeed it do not throw thousands of men out of employment." Tha Superintendent then shews that the land was offered for sale in the ordinary way, and that the applicants would have much preferred that the block should have been put up for auction, when they would in all probability have got the land for ten instead of twenty shillings per acre. The tone of the correspondence indicates pretty clearly that thfa General Government, which has ko grossly rnisrnanaped and dissipated the colonial lands under its control, had inter fered to defeat tho intentions of the Provin cial Executive. If this was done with the view of throwing the finance of Otago into confusion, and of creating an outcry against Provincialism by neenssitating tho discharge of thousands of working men, it has failed in its intention.

A corrkspo> tdbnt draws our attention to the fact that although two surveys of the Kaipara line .have already been made, surveyors are again at work near Mount Albert laying off a contemplated deviation, which if not quite impracticable, will result in an enormous expense. He attributes this latest develop ment of Government shuffling in connection with this Hne to a desire to benefit a certain large land owner in the district, who might thus be enabled to lay off his property as a township. This would be quite an accor dance with the established practice in laying out railways in New Zealand, but another and perhaps an equally powerful reason is suggested by another resident in the district. The line as already surveyed passes over an easy fountry and coiild be formed at a very moderate cost, but by taking it through the scoria hills and ovfcr the most broken route that can bo selected, tho cost will be so enormous as must place the construction of the railway out of the question. By combining the two suggestions we shall probably arrive at a fair estimate of the object of the present survey. Mr John Lamb should look to it. They will cheat the province of that line yet.

Another vacancy for a troublesome member ! Abolition, we are informed by a Wellington telegram, will necessitate the creation of a seventh portfolio. What tho members of the Ministry do during the recasg except wander about enjoying themselves has puzzled most people, but we are assured that they are over-worked and an addition to their number is imperative. The heads of depart ments are well-known to be tho real rulers of New Zealand, and oven they, ib would appear, can be placed on a roving commission for two months without the world coming to an end. But it is all right. Tho spirit of inspiration, however, might as well have told us at once who this bait is intended for. It is clearly meant for higher game than Mr Bunny.

The election of a member of the Harbour Board in place of Mr J. S. Macfarlane will be held at noon to-morrow in the Mechanics' Institute. Mr H. S. Meyers has come for ward as a candidate, in compliance with a requisition signed by the retiring member and a large number of the leading payers of harbour dues. He has for many years been identified with the commercial and shipping interests of Auckland, and would, no doubt, make a very useful member. Mr Ansenne, who is likewise a candidate, possesses a thoroughly practical knowledge of harbour matters. We are not aware whether any other nominations will be made at the meet ing, but, from the choice already available, there is every prospect of the vacancy being most satisfactorily filled.

We have received from Mr Alexander Saunders, a copy of the last annual report of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, which shows that this successful company now does the largest business in the world. The new business effected during the year 1875, represented 4144 new policies, assuring £1,487,357, with a new premium revenue of £53,048. Claims have arisen under 195 life policies by the death of 171 members, amounting to £95,518 158 Id, Including £11,568 15s Id, for bonus additions. Two endowment assurances have also matured, amounting to £1,202 12a 6d, includ.ng £202 12s 6d for bonus additions. The balance of receipts over disbursements amounts to £183,607 8s 2d, and the accumulated fund now stands at £1,684,255 4s 7d.

The Mayor has addressed a letter to the Colonial Secretary, explaining the provisions which the Council desire should be intro duced into a Municipal Corporations Act, which the Government may be framing. These suggestions refer to the abolition of the sixpenny special rate, and the erection of slaughterhouses. The extreme ramifications of American swindles and the corruption in high places, are indicated by the fact that Ex-Chief Justice McKean, of the United States has deemed it necessary to repudiate a charge of participation in the Emma mine swindle. In a memorial to Washington he says of James E. Lyon's testimony in the Schenck investi gation : " This testimony, so far as it con cerns me, is made up of lies without con taining one truth. This man Lyon, in the fall of 1870, brought suit in my court in Utah against the owners of the Emma mine. He failed in an attempt to bribe me with IOO.OOOdoIs. He then went to Washington and attempted to bribe men in high places to exercise their political influence to secure my removal from the Bench. He failed with some. I believe Lyon commits perjury, and I know he committed perjury in regard to me."

We learn thatjfMr Montague, one of the sufferers by -the late Queen-street fire, has received notice from one of the city insurance companies that, in consequence of his per sistency in removing a portion of his stock in oppositon to the instructions of the company, his fall claim will not be recognised.

Mr Bailey requests us to return her heart felt thanks for the kindness of those who have assisted her in her #reat distress, and desires us to acknowledge receipt from the Stak of £20 7s, the amount of subscriptions raised for her benefit. We learn with very great regret that her already heavy affliction is deepened by the illness of her brother, who would otherwise have been able to help her and her little family of six children, but who now lies at the point of death, and is ex pected every moment to breath his last. The hand of affliction has, indeed, been laid heavily upon this poor family.

A would-be literary youth quoted the following mixed stanza to his sweetheart, a well-read young lady, and got snubbed.

Oh, woman, in our hours of ease, Uncertain, coy, and hard to please; But seen too oft, familiar with thy faco, We first endure, then pity, then embrace. We wandered by a darksome wood At evening soft and mapic; She felt as ugly as she could, And I felt traßic. The dew came down and vet ns through— (How harshly fate disposes:) We both came home with feelings blue, And stuffed-up noses.

Mr George Smith has returned from Con stantinople, where he has at length succeeded in obtaining a two years' firman, permitting him to resume his excavations at Nineveh, for which he will shortly set out. His leave of absence from the British Mnseum, how ever, will depend upon the extent and value of his discoveries.

Some idea, says the Timaru Herald, of the immense quantity of grain at present in stock in town may be judged from the fact that many of the stores are unable to hold any more, and thousands of bags are being stacked outside on temporary platforms. Despite the large amount that has been Rhinped during the last week, stocks seem still to be increasing.

Another unseemly squabble between clergymen and parishioners has arisen at St Michael's, Christchurcb. At a meeting of church people in the district, a resolution was passed that considering the present disorganised state of the parish, and the small probability that eympathy and co operation between the Incumbent and parish ioners would exist in the future, they were of opinion that the peace and well being of the parish could only be secured by the resignation of the Incumbent. The Incumbent, however, declines to comply with the terms of the said resolution, and claims from hie parishioners their cordial co operation in carrying out the duties of his position, to which "he has been called by Oind in His holy Church." A large number of parishioners aro furiouß, and a plebiscite is suggested as a means of determining the dispute.

No one doubts, says the 'Phn'dru Herald, that if Mr Maeandrew would fall in with Sir

Julius Voxel's views, and deliver the piovince of Otago into bis hands, he might ask for what ho liked without fear of refiißal; and

it is that very fact of his identifying himsel

with the people of Otago, that gives him the influence which he undoubtedly possesses.

** Jn alluding to the cdneert in aid of the Otahuhu parsonage fund, it was erroneously Rtated that the concert would take place at

It will ho held in the Chora!

Hall, on the Ist June. Amateurs arc again reminded of the practice at St. Sepulchre's

Although the will of Alfred Anderson has been proved in Melbonrne, bequeathing his mother £2,800, it is understood that the solicitors of lima de Mureka intend to move the Supreme Court for the recovery of £1800 —the amount of her money of which Ander- Ron became possessed a few days after marriage.

Mr Brown advertises the commencement of a new quarter with his part singing class on Monday evening next. We perceive the easy oratorio mutic, anthems, and part songs will bo practised. We should imagine this to be a capital opportunity for young people, possessing a fair knowledge of music to improve themselves. The terms are so low that we hope to see a largo number of amateurs on Monday evening. Mozart's 12fch Mass will be the subject of the first practice.

The silt basins are now full, and the Harbour Board engineer estimates the cost of emptying them at £.'590. The Chairman of the Board at yesterday's meeting expressed the opinion that by nsing the iron punts and emptying the stuff into the intake the cost would be much less. The Harbour Board yesterday determined to grant the present lessee of the Breakwater baths £200, and lease him a site near the Wynyard pier for 21 years, at £10 per year, to re-erect the baths there, within twelve months. The present buildings must be removed at once to clear the site for the proposed slip. The Municipality of Dunedin six per cent, loan of £100.000 was floated at £102, the minnirrmm fixed. The tenders for it amounted

to £700,000. The Otago Harbour Board loan of £100,000, the first of £250,000 authorised, was all subscribed from the min nimum, £101 10s to £105. The amount ten dered was for £146,200.

The scandalous charges made upon the Waikato railway are exposed in the follow ing letter : " Sir, —Will you kindly publish the following charges made by the railway for conveyance of the undermentioned goods from Auckland to Mercer, viz., 2 empty tanks, 3 beer, 36 gallons each, 2 cases kerosine, 3 bundles spouting. The gross weight of these would be 18 cwfc., but the railway charged me 4 tons 4 cwt, at 15s 8d per ton, £3 53 lOd. I could have had them brought by drays for 3a per cwt. By inserting the above you will much oblige.— Yours obediently, James Kidler, Railway Hotel, Mercer."

The monthly meeting of the Wharehine Mutual Improvement Society was held on Monday, May 8, at Mr E. Marcroft's. After doing justice to the good things pro vided, the members proceeded to business, Mr Steventon in the chair. An animated discussion took place on the all-absorbing topic of the weat coast road. Road boards interested will be asked to co-operate in attainment of ends desired—its being opened for traffic. Mr T. Marcroft was the essayist

of the evening;, the subject "Sheep," being dealt with in a manner indicating much ex-

perience and close research. The thanks of the meeting were accorded in 'the usual manner.—The new store on the Tauhoa is nearly, completed, and will be a great boon to the district, supplying a long felt want. Mr Chadwick, the proprietor, runs a cutter up to the store from his headquarters on the Wairoa.—[Correspondent.]

A lad named Henry Carling, who was brought up from the South last week upon a committal to the Training Ship, ran away yesterday, and was found by the police on board the s.s. Taupo, which was expected to sail for the South. The poor little fellow does not seem to be a naturally vicious boy, but the " homing " instinct strong upon him had no doubt induced the effort to gain his liberty. He was restored to the school. The Glasgow Corporation has invested £1,016,000 in gas works. They have 400 miles of pipes, 317,500 meters, and 1309 work men ; and 1650 millions of cubic feet of gas were registered at the work dnring last year. The London Tavern, Biehopsgate-street, has been purchased by- the Royal Bank of Scof.ln.nd, for £SO,OOO, for the purpose of establishing the London office of the Bank

The outlay on Wesleyan Methodist chapels' schools, ministers, houses, and organs in the United Kingdom, amounted in 1875 to £328,592, of which £261,313 was raised by voluntary contributions. The aggregate out lay! on the objects specified has amounted during the last 21 years, to £3,689,056, and the entire debt at the close of 1875 was £894,577.

Mr Wilkes delivered his lecture last even ins in the Newton Hall on the subject of " Spiritualism." Some delay was caused by the Chairman who had promised to attend, but did not do so, and others that were proposed declined the honor. Mr Wilke* then proceeded with his discourse, and nairt he expected to find among his aucHenoe enquirers and sceptics ; and shortly, ho be lieved, a gentleman would be in Auckland, fully competent to enlighten the people upon the subjects under review. He consi dered that the believer in the Bible must also accept Spiritualism. Our knowledge was not complete in regard to Spiritual phenomena, of which Home and others lesti fied. Mr Wilkes divided his lecture into three parts :—l. Man is an embodied spirit. 2. The Spiritual man sustains a relationship to this worM and the next. 3. There is an inter-communication between the Spiritual and material worlds. The lecturer then spoke at length one each of these subjects, but did not give general satisfaction to his hear ers. Mr Carlisle said that the lecturer had given them no solid information upon the subject: he was disappointed. Mr Wilkes said that the Auckland Spiritualists were only beginners, and had much to learn Mr Daws proposed, and Mr Brame seconded, a vote of thanks to the lecturer. After a good deal of unimportant discussion, the vote of thanks was carried.

The adjourned inquest on the body of the child found near the Reclamation works, Freeman's Bay, was resumed before Dr. Philson and the jury. In addition to the evidence previously given, Dr Hooper deposed that he had made a post-mortem examination on the body, and gave, as his opinion, that the child had evidently breathed fjr a few minutes, but might have died before proper delivery. He was of opinion that it was evidently dead before it was put into the water, as the stomach was empty, and there was no water in the lungs. The cause of death was asphyxia. The jury returned an open verdict.

Mr A. Pollard, builder, is the successful tenderer for the erection of a villf next to the Ohoral Rail, designed by Mr W. F. Hammond, of Shortland-street.

The young men associated with the Pon ponby Literal y Society, meeting in the All Saint's school room, are making headway, and. week by week, are found debating subjects of political, liternry, and colonial importance. They have also arranged for an evening with Shakespeare, when each member will be expected to present a gem, silver speeched, from the living pages of the English prince of song.

Mrs Wiltshire offers to make a walking match with J. Mahon for £100 a-Bide, to come off, if the challenge shall be accepted, in three weeks time. The match to he con tested in the Lome-street Hall, and the distance to be the same as on the previous occasion.

We notice that Mr Wm. Edwards, late assistant teacher in the Grafton Road school, has issued an appeal to the people in vindication of his character while in that capacity. The pamphlet is a protest against the decision of the Central Board of Educa tion in the late enquiry case.

The following is the rota of attendance at the Court of Petty Sessions to be held on Tuesday next:-Messrs J. Baber, J. M. Batharo, ST. C. Balneavis, A. Beetham, Fenry Burton, C. Chamberlain, T. Cheese man, ,T. Clark, P. Comiskey, J. Cosarave, W. 0. Daldy. J. M. Dargaville, J. Dilworth, P. Dignan, F. A. fieorge.

Mr Foley, of Victoria-street, has informed us that Mrs Winslow, the wife of the ex- Constable who is now in gaol for forgery, is in great distress through severe dysentery, which renders her unable to work. She was yesterday taken to the hospital, on an order from Mr Graham, but was unable to gain admittance, owing to its crowded state. The case seems to be one calling for the in tervention of benevolence and of the Believ ing officer.

The regular quarterly meeting of Court Zealandia, A.0.F., will be held in the Court room, Provincial Hotel, Princes-street, at eight o'clock this evening. A full attendance js requested.

The case'of two neighbors in Victoria-street viz., W. Eyro, and P. Gleeson, being an action for trespass, damages laid at £100, heard yesterday before his Honor Judge Fenton, terminated in favor of plaintiff, dam ages, 30a. Mr Rees appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Hesketh for defendant. The claim was for alleged trespass in consequence of a trench which was dug by Patrick Gleeson, of the " Aurora Hotel," on his, and plaintiff's boun dary line. A number of witnesses were examined, engineers, surveyors, and archi tects. The plaintiff argued that the cutting of the trench had injured his property, while on the other hand, defendant denied that the excavation bad injured Eyre's property ; he was exceedingly careful not to interfere with any of the timbers of his neighbour's house. After hearing all the evidence that could be urged on either side, his Honor expressed the opinion that the conduct of plaintiff was not as it ought to have been, and caused much of the unpleasantness that followed. His Honor then gave judgment for plaintiff, 305., and reserved his decision as to the matter of costs. A number of interested persons have been making enquiries respecting the New Zealand Men Servants' Association as there have been no meetings lately. We may state for the satisfaction of such enquiries that the principal projector, who was also the active chairman of the Association, Mr Golin Macintosh, is seriously indisposed, and has been bo for some weeks past, which accounts for the non-action of the society for a season.

The members of Clair'a Magnet Troupe are requested to meet for rehearsal at the Lome-street Hall, to-morrow evening, at six o'clock sharp.

Mr Gladstone in a recent sppech made a careful statement to the effect that he had no doubt wages, during the last thirty years, have risen more than prices.

CABLEGRAMS.

[press agency.]

THE CASE OF MESSRS STEVENSON

AND SONS,

Melbourne, May 16. ) Messrs Stevenson's letters by the Nor thumberland were seized by the Customs, but have been given v p again, unopened. \ An indictment for assauit against his em ployed has been filed. . Sailedr-Alhambra.

Infanticide at Napier.

A Melancholy Story.

(BY TELEGRAPH.)

NAPIEE;

(From our own Correspondent.) This day. At an inquest held to-day on the body of a child suffocated by its mother on Monday, medical and other evidence showed that the woman was long subject to fits of insanity. She confessed to several that she could not help murdering her child, as she thought it would be better off. Last week she had intended to commit the deed, but a better feeling got hold of her. She was afraid of herself, and spoke to a clergyman, and told him she wanted someone to stay with her. Her husband had levanted, leaving her in bad circumstances with four children to support. The jury gave a verdict that the child came by its death at the hands of its mother while she was [suffering temporary, insanity. Letters produced at the inqu.eßt^hewjjjl

that the poor woman had been well educated and brought up in a superior manner, fche vu completely crushed down by her mis fortunes.

Drowning at Sea.

Duiotg the voyage from Tairua of the schooner Atalanta^a young seaman named Joseph Beale was lost overboard before day light yesterday morning. The morning was very dark and it was raining at the time. The vessel was rounded-to. and efforts were m»de to recover the poor fellow, but he was^ not seen a C ain. Young Beale had only been' in the colony a few months, and hia parents are now living in Auckland. The sad news has proved a great blow to them. The vessel at the time of the accident was loaded up to her bulwarks with timber, and the accident is asc-ibed to this cause. We presume that the fatal occurence will form the subject of an official enquiry.

European Hews.

THE INSURRECTION IN HERZEGO.

VINA.

REVOLUTION IN MEXICO.

MELBOURNE.

May 16. The Northumberland brings dates to March 24fch. ~ Oakley, the manager of the Co-operative Bank, has been committed for trial. Heavy falls of snow in Bosnia and Herze govina impede operations of insurgents. It is expected that the insurrection will break out again with renewed violence^ as a con siderable number of volunteers, with supplies are arriving for Servia. Servia counts upon having 300,000 men at her disposal, in case of a war with Turkey. The Emperor of Germany intends visiting Queen Victoria at Baden. Heavy storms are reported throughout the United States. Many shipwrecks occurred [ on the Atlantic Coast.

It is stated that the Government troops have suffered serious defeat from a body of Mexicans in the State of Oaxaca.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Albert Beetham and C. C. Macmi; lan, Esqs., Justices.) DRUNK.

Charles Williams and Duncan Smith were charged with being found in a state of intoi cation last evening. The offence being proved in both cases, prisoners were fined 5s and costs each, or 24 hours' impfisoment with hard labour.

BREACH OF VAGRAKCY ACT. Henry Mason was brought up charged with behaving last night in Queen-street in a manner calculated to provoke a breach of the peace. , . , , ~ Henry Duff, a cabdriver, deposed that the prisoner had an altercation with him yester day in Queen-street about something which prisoner said he had heard wit ness had said about him. He refused to go away, and used very insulting language. Mr Williams and Constable Allen corro i borated Duff's statement. T^ie Bench fined the prisoner £5, with the alternative of one month's imprisonment. A PROSTITUTE. Sarah Kerslake was charged with having no lawful means of subsistence. Sergeant O'Connor said he ,was led to arrest the prisoner by the representations of her own daughter, a respectable girl of 14, who was in service in Hobson-street. He had known prisoner for years as a prostitute, and she had been turned out of several places where she had lived. The daughter tfaid she was continually coming to her and wanting her to come home. She knew what it was for, and at last came to the police and asked them to prevent her mother annoying her. Detective Jeffrey gave the woman a very bad character. She and the woman she lived with had already been the means of inducing one girl to go on the streets. The Bench said there was no doubt the cass was a very bad one, and inflicted the full penalty of three months hard labour, j STRAYING COWS. Henry Madden, who was represented by his wife, was charged with allowing two cows to roam at large in the public thoroughfare. The charge was made out and a fine of 10s and costs inflicted.

Mathew Grace was charged with allowing a horse to be at large in Union-street.

In the absence of defendant the case was adjourned till to-morrcw. This was all the business.

A Strange Sail.

A mysterious schooner arrived within the precincts of the port of Auckland yesterday afternoon, and anchored near the Bean Rock lighthouse. She is the Vibilia, a schooner belonging to Sydney, which port she left three weeks back under command of Captain ,T. D. Beezer, bound for the Islands, on what business is at present uncertain. The vessel comes into port in charge of the mate, Mr Nalzey, and a crew of Kanakas. The mate states that the Captain called at Sunday Island on the sth inst. for water, and went ashore with the super cargo, Mr McGregor, the boatswain, Mr Sperington, and a Kanaka. Tbey did not return, and the mate kept the vessel cruising round the island for three days, waiting for them in vaia There was a heavy surf beating on the coast of the island, and no landing place, and the mate arriving at the conclusion that the boat had been swamped and all hands lost, took com mand of the ship and set sail for Auckland. Very heavy weather has been experienced during the run to this port, and the vessel arrives in a disabled condition, leaking, with loss of fore-topmast, stay-sail, fore-topsail, and jib, and with her mainsail split. Her gaff and. boom have also been carried away. She is a very old craft, and has no cargo on board. Pnrtlier Particulars. Mr Ratzey, the mate, came up to town last night, and telegraphed his arrival and misfortunes to Sydney. He also had an interview with Sub-Inspector Pardy and told an apparently truthful tale. From this it appears that the vessel cleared out at Sydney for "Guam," with only "trade" cargo in cluding such articles as barrels of beef, tins of biscuits, potatoes, and general stores, He himself only joined the vessel the day before she left, and knew nothing of the intentions of the skipper except that the vessel was bound pearl' fishing. (This statement is borne out by the ship's papers which are all in proper form ; the mate is entered as having joined in Sydney at the lay of £3 per ton of pearl shell) This morning Mr Ratzey went down to his vessel, and soon after 10 o'clock she was observed to get under weigh and stand up the | harbour. The officers of ■ the Customs boarded her about this time, and examined her papers and general condition. Everything appeared straightforward enough, except that the officer in command did nob seem to relish being questioned, and there was a formidable'array of arms on board- These included six muskets, twelve flasks of powder, and" several cutlasses. She is in a very dilapidated condition,. as, besides the ravages in her sails and spars made by the storm, her decks are so worm-eaten that they yield to the tread of a man. Mr Ratzey knows nothing of any insurances existing on the ship. This is not the first visit of the Vibilia to this port, as she was here about 18 months ago with Goal from New castle. To thoroughly investigate- the strange circumstances under which the vessel arrives, Detective Jeffrey's went down in the Customs launch, and had An

interview with the officer in command "W understand also that Inspector Broha'm C sent a letter to Captain Stevens, o f «7 Barracouta, acquainting him with the fa* ascertained^ Whether that officer will t«l any action is uncertain. 9

Visit of tie Police.

The "Vessel admitted to %o . Slaver,

While tie vessel was beating up, Detect' Jeffreys psid a visit to her, going do^o'ln the Customs launch. When the detent went on board, the mate, who appeal decidedly the woise for liquor, at fif evinced a decided objection to answer V questions, but ultimately the offic obtained the following remarkable admi sions: —He (the mate) was a ]j e tenant, holding Her Majesty's Commi Sß ion in the Naval Keserve. He had formerto owned some vessels of his owd, and latel had sold one named the Ocpan Pride i Messrs Turnbull and Co., of Wellington for £1,500. Captain Beezer, who had command of the brigantine on leaving Sydney, wag fnrmerly a captain in one of his (the mate's* own vessels. Besides himself, there ■were only the steward and fonr Kanakas on board.

- The vessel belonged to Mr Kelly, Cliff Cottage, Wooloomooloo, and had cleared at Guam, on the. I3th April, the day after he joined her. She was to go to the islands f or pearl shell. They put into Norfolk Island list, and the captain and the same men, who afterwards attempted to land at Sunday Island, went, ashore At Sunday Island the Captain said he must get some water ; the mate told him there was plenty of water to last them till they got to Tahiti bnt he persisted in going ashore. The party took with them a fowling-piece, two days provisions, and a bottle of gin. Thoße on board saw them disappear round a projecting point, and after that neither heard nor saw anything of them. The Captain took pens and paper with him and told the mate to Btand off and on and he would send him instructions from the shore. During the time they were waiting off the island the surf was so great on the rooks that the mate did not deem it safe to attempt to land, and, moreover, he had no doubt but that the boat had capsized and the occupants been drowned. He knew the expedition was to get niggers. He did not join her knowing her to be a slaver, but was himself deceived. An inspection of the vessel above and below revealed a fearfel Btate of rottenness and want of repair. In the hold is a ; lot of maize meal and biscuitp, on which it was doubtless intended to feed the slaves. The seams of her sides are nearly gaping, and. her timbers scarcely bold together. Her sails and gear are in a similarly wretched condition, and how on earth the authorities in Sydney allowed her to pass muster is a puzzle. Ib is difficult to believe she can have had much bad weather to con tend against, as she would not stand'much knocking about.

The police have forwarded a report bf the mate's admissions to the Captain of the Barracouta. wi

Political Rumours.

The Government IssuiagTreasuxy Bills. J

(BY TELEGBAPKJ

WELLINGTON".

(Prom our own correspondent.) ' This day. The money is getting very tight here just now, and is causing considerable incon venience. The Government are now uaßtiing Treasury Bills. It is pretty certain that they do not propose next session to ask for any authorisation for any further loans, nor do they intend to endeavour to place any of- the unplaced balances until the home market is more favorable than it is at present. T Pend ing this, they will of course continue to issue Treasury Bills. . . . '■ * A good deal of gossip is going on as to who will succeed Mr Cooper asUUnder Secretary.rrSecre tary. The names of Messrs Knowles and Gisborne are mentioned, and even Mr Ebenezer Fox, in a spirit of waggery, no doubt. It is said that, should Mr Fox be made Under-Secretary, Mr Gillon wouloYstep into his boots as Sir Julius Vogel's private secretary. _ - An Addition to the Cabinet. The Argus to-night'throws out a feeler on behalf of the Government. It saysthat one of the results of Abolition will >not improbably be an increase in the number of Ministers. It says the amount of depart mental work devolving on Ministers is eHongh to tax the capabilities of any seven gentle men, even if all could devote themselves to it, which of course they cannot do in a colony like this, where one or more ministers must unavoidably be'absent occasionally. In default of the Ministry securing the services of the Hon. John Hall to release Sir Johns Vogel of the Post-office and Telegraph departments, it suggests that Mr Bunny would makeagood Minister, and oraoks up his qualifications. 1$ is very .positive half ever that whoever may be appointed, he ought to bechosen from inside the House of Representatives.

SPIRITUALISM.

(To the Editor of the Evening Stab), a Sib,—Much.was Baid last evening in W> Pitt-street school-room on Spiritualism with regard to table turning, electricity, and the means used, &c, &c, but which could easily be accounted for by person who has seen any of the Indian jugglers in their.own country, or, the wizards Anderson and Jacobs in the colonies, but nothing to assist anyone Who wished to become a convert to one Bide or the other. I should certainly like to kndW how so many questions are correctly, an/ swered : things in men's past lives which no one but themselves and God could know- Doubtless, many thought the Bubjecfc-ftbiy handled, but I do not think it was discussed with that strict impartiality which it snouM. and would have had, had others in the ; andK ence, not members of the class, been al lowed to speak. This subject, to have been fairly investigated, should have been ais cussed in a room unattached, to any religion^ denomination,' and speakers (thorough^ W' .; Revel's in Spiritualism) should have .beef heard. Another subject is announced tor their next meeting, but this one is by no means exhausted. Most of the speaker? voted it a lie; and, if Spiritualism m «"> slightest affects the morality of our young men, it is welh they did so. But thW does not do away with the truth ;tfl«> some of the Spirit mediums answer questions which other, men outside equally as gooa —perhaps better-could not answer.'. A* any rate, as there are doubtless manyotbers like myself halting between two opinions,^ am sure they would like to hear this matter, more fully discussed by both sides.r?*?* I*'?" 3 etc., John L. Grahams. .., — .•.« ■.•-■'-: il '•'',;

Sir,—-I went to the lecture on <" spiritism,"• at the Excelsior Hall, on Tuesday eyemng, for the purpose of hearing an exposition 01 , the facinating phenomenon, \ but .in common with all present, except a few prolessea believers —lame followers of the blma— retired disappointed, not that I_ expectea anything else, for, as the lecturer intimatea, . the " science" is only yet in its swadiing clothes, notwithstanding that the «gm» »y* claimed to have a history nearly as old as iao, Adataic race.,, ,The utmost that was claimea, _y for the "sensation" was, that it was asearCfl :; } f after truth, and yet, in thisnew metooaj 1;,^,, truth-hunting, it was a characteristic tt« the foundation of the proposed superstrnctnre Tvaa ir tbe >»»n filched from tin *¥*™m

Htl ifilfflS B*l4, WEB^USBAf f Mil? 1?, 18?6



ATT CXL AN"D IN S TITUTE. A Grand Industrial, Artistic and Scientific Exhibi tion will be held at the opening of the New Museum Buildings, on MONDAY, June 5, and following days; and with the view of rendering it as complete as possible, the temporary loan of all objects of Interest is earr estly solicited, The active co-operation of the Society of Artists has been liberally promised, and the "Black and "White" Exhibition advertised by them will be held at the same place and date. His Honor Sir George Grey, X.C.8., has Mndly con sented to preside at the opening. The Building will he open for the reception of on and after Thursday, May 25. T.F. CHEESEMAN, Secretary. AUTUMN AND WINTER DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. A Large Parcel of NEW and SEASONABLE GOODS of every description, just to hand, at BUSHBROOK and BKIDGMAN'S. Exceptionally ?ood Value, having been Purchased - at a considerable discount :— BLANKETS ! BLANKETS! Blankets, all sizes, White and Coloured ■ Good strong All-Wool Flannel, fr^m Is per yara Winceys, in great variety, from 5d per yard ■ 82-inch Wincey at In per yard, rare value A choice assortment of New Fancy DresßfGoods, ; ■. Calicoes .arid Sheetings, Furnishing Goods, etc,, etc. Also, CLOTHING! CLOTHING! For Boys and Men, splendid value. ■ Suits, Coats, Trousers, and Vests Overcoats, Pilot Jackets Printed Mole Trousers, Shirts, Hosiery Hats and Caps, &c. E. &B. with oonfidence invite attention'to the above, and inspection will prove that for PRICE and QUALITY our Stock will bear favourable comparison trith that of any other House in the Trade. Patterns forwarded on application, and, prompt and careful attention to country orders. B % Discount allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20S. AND TJPWAKDS. BUS'HBROOK & BRIDGMAN, " • [LATE R. HOBBS], JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREBO]USE, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel, upper. q.tjeen-st.rekt, Atjokxajtd. TDUY TOUR JJ LANK JETS ;-•'. ".', '.', FROM HOLLOWAY & GrARLIOK. BLANKETS! 10s 6d pair. BLANKETS ! 10s 6d pair. WHOLESALE! 10s 6d pair. WHOLESALE! PRICES!!! PRICES!!! White Blankets, large size, 12/6.17/6 per pair Bedding of all kinds Flax, Flock, Hair, and Fibre Mattrasses. WINCEYS.— Splendid Value, from s|d Check Homespuns, Merinos, &c, &c. Our WINTER MILLINERY now on view -—-- At the Usual Low Prices. CLOTHING- for Boys', Youths' and Men. EAEMERS AND SETTLERS.— Buy your Drapery, Clothing, and Furnishing Goodß from us. Great attention paid to Packing. HoLLOWAY AND GaRTJCK, CITY HALL, ENBRAL HOUSE BURNISHERS.



T% EDTTCED FARES, AUCKLAND XV TO ONE HUNG A., AND ONEHUNGA TO AUCKLAND. J. 3. BOYD Begs to inform the inhabitants of Auckland and One hnnga that lie now rurs a 'Bus at the following reduced rates :— From Auckland— From Onehunga— 1115 am ■ 916 am 5 30 pm 3 pm Single FaroSj fid; Return Tickets, lf>. 3 J. BOYD. HHHE LATE FIRE. T. & 11. COOKE, Cabinetmakers. Upholhthreks ko., Beg to inform tbefr 'rienfls and the public that they have resumed business in those commodious pre mises in SHOUTLAND-STREKT, lately occupied by Mews. McArthur, Shera and Co., two doors above the Post-office. T. & H. Cookt! having a quantity of their extensive Stock of Furniture and Bedding slightly damaged by fire and hasty removal, intend to offer it for pale at REDUCED RA.TES for TWO WKEKB ONXY, for Cash. Immediate inspection is invited, as the Cmup Saiik will not be continued beyond the time named. May 15,1876.



All Person« of Intelligence are aware, or should lm. In this pp.ntnry of enlightenment., tliit th« best, vehicle for difFnMnß tho tonic rirrvpertiPß of any mpdiVinaT preparation t^ronphont <Tip Rystcm 'a a vmre. ■who'es^mp Rpirit. Thn prospneo of distilled Fp'rit, in an Invisrorant, pTovlrlod it be num. is con sirlprrd by physioiang to gypnUy promotn the oppra tfon of tlie rfmpdial principles *n combination ■wilh it. This is one rpacon why mecli''al mfin so strongly recommend Upowtto Wotito's Sciubdah Aromatic Sottnapps as a remedy for debility.



You may often Hear the exclamation "Oh, mv!" fit tho Window r>f Mppfi'3. TTfmtts ANT) Thigo's 2'fi. Qnepn-strppt. It prcjipps from pprsonn almost Involuntary, an thny catch a pliirpso of Hatn trimmpd on the. rvrem'sps wrkpd from 3s lid. Splendid valuf* in Winter IVppsMatPria's is also boinu exhibited. Ttpnutifnl Kmiiossort Sillr SWrfs n.rp, marftorl Is pnoh : and don't they sell at HEMTJS AND TRTQG'S, 216, Qnocn-fltrpet.



Westonh' Wizatib Oil and Maoio Ptmr.—TTnve enred moro wonderfnT cases of Rheumatism. Gout, Weiiraltfn. Aches, Pains. SwelHnQS, Caked Breasts, Scalds, and Salt-TUieMm, upon frho Irtilnan frame, than all. the rretPTulpd renipdifts have Rinec the world bepan. TTicne Grpat Ainprican MerHcinpe are com r>oß«*r! o*" VPft^nV.lo oilp. I'palin"l H'niß, roots arid herbs; alia act K\e.a charm unonpain nnd Inflam raatlon. Prico: Hnlf-a-crown. Solo Agents: Kemp, thorn c, Prosser and Co.