SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„ Trp _ f TJii3 Afternoon, 5.39. tiiL-rri vv.-i.ujLi, To-morrow Morning, ».SS. SFN SET.—This Evening, ti.l2. SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 4.1 G. MOON'S AGE.—New Moon, 16th Nov., 12.27 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Soutlicrn Cross, s.s., Holmes, from Napier Camilla, brigantine, from Lyttelton

DEPARTURES.

lona. s.s.. Faronhar, for the North Rowena. s.s., Sellars, for Tauranga Albion, brig, Robertson, for Kaipara

Mr David Johnstone, jun., the new Collector of Custom.-; for Poverty Bay, and late senior landing waiter on the wharf, was the recipient t iis ai'te.mon of a very pietty little tilen of esteem in the shape of a gilt epergne. who i Ins fellow-workers in the Custom House h.au par chased for li m as a memento on his leaving: for n fresh sphere or action. The presentation took pla:-e on the whari, jnst before the departure of tiie Southern Gross, and was entrusted, to Mr. H. W. Brewer, the landing surveyor, who per formed the grateful task with some appropriate remarks. Mr. Johnstone, in returning thanks, said he appreciated the good feeling which lv.ul dictated the gift, and would always try to m ri. their rf'enn.

I\ir. K. G. Smith has received a telegram stat ing that the schooner. Transit, left Oamaru for this por- yesterday, with a cargo of grain. The shin Orari, lias entered out for London.

The s.s. Southern Cross, for Napier and uis borne. and the Jane Douglas, for Gisborne and the East Coast:, leave this afternoon.

The barque Bella Mary has cmnpletprl tlio discharge of her cargo and will sail for Hobart Town <iv Thursday.

The ship City ol1 Auckland having discharged her powder, came up the harbour yesterday evening, and will come into the berth lately occupied by the Bella Mary. The brigantine Camilla, with a cargo of wheat. .arrived in harbour lust night from Lyttelton, after a tedious voyage of 21 days. Tenders are invited by M. T. Clayton, Insur ance Buildings, for repairs to the s.s. Pretty Jane,

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs. M. Jones and Co. held a sale of furniture, clothing, produce, and groceries to day, at their Central Sale Rooms. The sale was largely attended, and articles generally, tlie furniture especially, realisod very good prices.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as uxdeb:— For Thames, to-morrow, at 5.30 p.m. For Coroiuandel. per Lalla Rookh. to-morrow, at 3.30 p.m., and per Argyle, on Friday next, at 2.30 p.m. , . - For Trvphena, per Three Brothers, tins day,

For Russell, per Maud, this day, at 1 p.m. _ For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai. per Argyle, this day, at 4 p.m. For Opotiki, per Opotiki, this day, at 4 p.m. Per Ladybird, on Thursday, lGth instant, as follows:— , Fur India, China, Mediterranean ports, and Continent of Europe, at 5 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Australian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez ana Southampton (for letters specially addressed), ats a.m. ~ . For United Kingdom, via Brindisi at o a.m. For money orders and registered letters, the previous evening, at Ip.m. . Pt ? City of New York, on Monday, 20th instant, i'or Kandavu, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Colum bia. Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For U niterl'Kingdom and Continent-of Europe, For money orders, registered letters, andnews- T^uTleUers. bearing an extra fee of 6n. in addition to the postage, will be received by the mail agent, on board the steamer up to US I^BISS. Chief Postmaster.

A Skull Tbewuxkdwith a Pickaxe cannot be mended, but the head-splitting headaches provoked by a disordered stomach can be per manently cured by soothing the great sympa thetic nerve which connects the gastric organs with the brain. Matcria Mediea affords no cor rective of disturbances and weakness in the abdominal region, no eradicant o£ any ot the causes productive of brain and nerve excite ment more reliable than Udolpho Wolfe s Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps. Mark Twain ox Bad Musicians. — The musical public and general readers are cautioned not to purchase Weston's Wizard Oil and Magic Pills without carefully examining the outside wrapper—and be sure that the words "None Genuine without the Signature of the Proprietor. FRANK Wkstox, Sydney, N.5.W.," are engraven thereon. Any other so-called preparations ot mine are unauthorized by me, and calculated to mislead ihe public—Signed, Frank Weston. Sole Agents: Kempthorne, Prosser and Co.— Price, Hiilf-a-crown.

BIRTH.

TERN VII AN—On the 12th November, at Queen street, Onehuntra, the wife of R. Ternahan, hotel-keeper, of a son.

DEATH.

TERNAHAN—On the 13th November, at One hunga, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Terna han.

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

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1876.

For the cause that lacks assistance, Tor the wronif that needs resistance, For the future ii: the distance, And the food that we can do.

The stern effects of Abolition will begin to make themselves felt about the end of this month, when the staff of officials at the Provincial offices in Auckland will be re duced to the lowest possible minimum con sistent with the efficient management of public business. The same sweeping reduction will be extended to all Provincial oflices in the country districts of Auckland, which Avill in many cases be entirely abolished, and in some brought under the immediate control of the General Govern ment. It remains to be seen whether or not these changes shall result in ultimate benefit to this part of the [colony, but if they be judiciously carried out, and the general arrangements lead to considerable retrench ment in the civil service expenditure of the colony, those avlio have opposed the aboli tion of the provinces on Constitutional grounds Avill find some consolation in the result. We are not sanguine enough, hoAVever, to believe that such a re sult Avill be realised. In the pre sence of the Hon. F. A. Whitaker in Auckland the public have a guarantee that no changes avjll be sanctioned that are likely to cause any very serious inconven ience to the city or country districts.

A CHRISTCHURCH telegram published in another column- states that a public testi monial is being subscribed to Mr Rolleston, in recognition of his services as Superinten dent of the province of Canterbury, There are few men in New Zealand who have been more consistent and conscientious in politics than Mr Rolleston, and few Superintendents who have more earnestly, ably, and un selfishly devoted themselves to the welfare of their constituents than he. Combining the abilities of a foremost debater, a ripe scholar, with a character for independence, probity, and foresight, he has always oc cupied a prominent position in Colonial and Provincial politics, while his influence in social circles has been no less marked. Mr Rollcston's bitterest political opponents have never been able to accuse l)im of self seeking, or even in his devotion to Canter bury, of indifference to the welfare of the colony as a whole. It speaks volumes for Mr Rollestou's political honesty that he was almost alone among the Canterbury members in his opposition to the Ministry last session, and that he was not a party to the attempted Run Swindle. Ifc Avas pro bably the knowledge of the utter hopeless ness of making the Superintendent of Can terbury a party to that disgraceful business that lexl the Canterbury members to carry their votes to a more promising market. Those who have watched his career, kinyyy that he has been an unflinching opponent of abuses, that his voice has been persis tently raised against corruption in high places, and that he lias been above price, He deserves well of the people of Canterbury, and a public testimonial will be a litting recognition of the services of one who has not amassed riches by self-seeking in the public service.

Sir George Grey will address Ins consti tuciicy ut flic Thames <>» Saturday nijjht He is expected up from the Kawau to morrow

There was a goodly muster of athletes at the Occidental Hotel last evening, when the prizes won at the late sports wore presented. The following is ;i list-.—High Jump, T. Jcnvhin, £1. Jump with Pole :D. Dono vanflst prize, 30s ; T. Kerr, 2nd prize, 10s. Tossing the Caber : Sterling, £2. Putting the .Stone : O'Connor, £1. Wheelbarrow Race: Hayr, £1 ; Brooking, 10s. High land Fling': Ist prize, Glover, £2 ; '2nd prize, Driver, 10s. Step Dance: (Hover, £'2; Daly, 10s. Throwing the Hammer: Ster ling, £1. Birthday Cup : Ist prize, W. J. Grimes, .C 2.") ; 2nd, £8, Xr<\ £3, divided be tween Messrs (}u\v and Ellis, as the result of a tie. Ladies' ('up, value.B guineas •. Ist, George Ridings ; 2nd, a cup value C 3 3s, T. Henderson, jun. Kicking the Football : Caverhill, a' set of gold studs. Hurdle Piace : D. Donovan, a gold ring.

A correspondent writes : —"Two strong nsted immigrants, who arrived l>y flic Oniri, made a bolt up the country, towards the Wnikato, very shortly after landing, in search of work. It would appear that while looking for work, they had no objection to a little holiday-making. I whs given to understand by my informant, who appears now himself, and evidently enjoys a bit of tun, that the poor fellows had a. most unsuccessful time of it. "No work," "no work," was the general reply. My informant says that after a forty miles journey, they came Lack upon an old black hack, jailed, sore, and tired. I avhs left in doubt whether the two men came to town on the one black horse, or whether one rode outside and the other took an enclosed passage, with return ticket. This part of the information I failed to get, as the narrator was in a hurry. It seems also that the two new claims had an affection resembling Jonathan and David's, for they would not be separated. One was offered work ; but unless both were employed, they refused. They were consistent, for where food was offered, they partook freely together, shewing that they'had lost none of their ruminating-powers; they ate to gether and they wished to work together. This seems to be one of the great foiling*) of new chains. They club too much together If a situation is advertised, they sometimes go in a crowd. They spoil themselves. And I should have thought if they had tramped it, instead of ridden, they might have got work,"

During the storm on Saturday,a telegraph oflice at Poraugahait, near Napier, was struck by lightning, the wire fused, and a quantity of telegraph message forms ignited.

We have received a telegram from Mr Lingard, announcing that he will open on Monday next at the Theatre Royal in "Our Roys," which has had such a run of popularity throughout the colonies. Mr Lingard brings with him his own company, which is admitted to be excellent in every respect. We anticipate a rich treat for the play goers of Auckland.

A Melbourne cablegram reports that Rush has challenged Triekefct to row for the championship of Australia.

I The Teachers' Association at Christchurch 5 intend to recommend at the approaching conference " The recognition of teachers by Government as Civil Servants; that the examinations for teachers and children throughout New Zealand bo similar; that education be free, compulsory, and secular, and that pupil teachers be apprenticed for a given period, ;>

A Wellington telegram reports that Mr, J. Sheehan, M.H.R., who worked so strenuously during the late session, is seriously ill at Grey town, Wairarapa. The hearing of the action yesterday in the District Court, between Alexander Duihie, and John Booth, (Mr. Hesketh for plaintiff, and Mr. Rees for defendant) occu pied the time tit the Court until live o'clock, when Ids Honor said he must reserve judgment until next Court day. The evidence of the three principal witnes ses was of the most contradictory charactei", a&d d,ir.ficttj.Qpp^ .to m& 9.%*>

The advantages of life insurance were strikingly exemplified at Pokeno on a recent occasion. An old man named James Home, who was in humble circumstances, was seized with illness in the night, and died before morning leaving a widow and several children. But he had left some thing more, namely, a life assurance policy, of the value of £500, with accumulated bonu. -?s of the value of £100, in all £600. Though earning little over a. bare subsis tence, Homo had faithfully met the peri odical premiums out of his scanty savings, and his widow and family are now placed beyond the means of want.

The recent rise in flax in the English market has given an impetus to llax dress ing in this province. There are now four llax mills in operation in the neighborhood of Pokeno and Mangatawhiri, and some others in contemplation.

Telegrams from Christchurch inform us that the settling on the late race meeting there, passed off satisfactory. The boot makers did well, no doubt owing to the defeat of so many favorites. The entries for the Canterbury Derby of IS7B have been received, and number 26. They comprise 4. from Mr Delamain, 3 ifroni R. Wilkius, 1 from Mr Mallock, 1 from Mr Eraser, 2 from Mr Webb, 5 from Mr Nosworthy, 2 from Mr Vincent and Col. Watt, 3 from' Mr C. F. Murray, 3 from Mr Redwood, 1 from Mr Murphy, and 1 from Mr R. Campbell.

A cablegram alluding to the Melbourne Cup, says : " The first three horses are by one sire, namely, Tim Whifler." This is correct, and yet incorrect, for though it is perfectly true that Tim Whiller is the name of the sire of cadi, yet there are two stud horses of that name, one of which was imported from England, and the other bred in Sydney. Briseis and Timothy are by the imported horse, while Sibyl is by the colonial imhnaL This is not such a .stud triumph as when three sons of the famous Stockwell ran first, second, and third for the Derby in Lord Lyon's year, the Bribery colt and' Rustic being the runners up. This was reckoned such a splendid adver tisement that the subscription to Stockwell went up to two hundred guineas immedia tely.

A stray child of the masculine type was found this morning by Durham-street, by Constable Menzies. The little boy was dressed in a blue frock, was without a cap, and apparently about the age of three. All that could bo got out of him was "I want my ma, where's my ma ?" and ma at the same moment, no doubt, was equally anxious about her fair-headed three year old. The constable took the child in his arms to tlie station, made him up a little, bod, and fed him with bread and butter and milk. The little fellow ate heartily, asked again for ma, gave two or three yawns, and fell fast asleep.

To the Editor: Sir, —Having read in your issue of last night that my liusband, John "Windsor, had been apprehended at Onehunga on Sunday last for making a brutal assault on his wife, while in a state of drunkenness, and wounding her in the arm witli a bill-hook, I wish you, Mr Editor, to have the state ment contradicted, as he did not make any assault on me, and was not drunk. He. was apprehended on a. warrant issued at Onehuuga about two months ago.—Yours, tSfcc.', Mks YVixnsoi;, Onehunga.

At the inquest on the body of Joseph Tyson, accidentally killed at (lie Awitu Sawmills, a verdict of "accidental death" was rot urned.

At the meeting of the Board of Education yesterday, ;i discussion took place as to tlic disposal "of the Provincial Council Library. Mr H. H. Lusk stated that he had had an interview -with the Hon. F. Whitaker on the subject, and the latter said that the Government had not yet made any definite arrangement in regard to the books. A fnajority of the Board expressed themselves in favour of the library being handed over to the Auckland Institute.

A " Friend to the Poor " Avrites detailing the persecution which Mrs Banncster has suffered in the market, in her efforts to establish a fried and smoked tish stall. The matter is one which we have no doubt, the Market Inspector will look into, and have rectified. One correspondent very justly remarks, that the persecution of n poor Avoman struggling to jnake n living for six small children, is not creditable to anyone concerned in it.

At a meeting of members of the Baptist Church, Wellesley-street, held last even ing, we understand it was determined to invite the liev Mr Webb, Baptist minister of Sydney, to visit, Auckland to preach at Wellesley-street with a view to the pastor ate. The substance of the church's resolu tion has been sent to the rev gentleman by cablegram, and it is believed he will be able to arrive in Auckland by the Hero at the end of December.

The members of the Excelsior Lodge of Good Templars, meeting in Sheridan-street, will hold their third annual tea-meeting and entertainment on Wednesday evening, (to morrow). Tea on the table at half-past, six o'clock ; chair taken at half-past seven, when a lengthy programme will be in troduced, consisting of music, ballad, speech, and story.

The young persons who form (ho Parnoll dancing claws met on Friday evening for the purpose of presenting a gold ring and an illuminated address, drawn by Mr Hammond, tin: architect, to their loader, Mr Henry Phillips, on the eve of his marriage. The address was brief, but to the purpose, and expressive of the esteem in which Mr Phillips, as master of cere monies, is held by the members. The ring and address was presented in the name of the class by Sub-Lieutenant Norrie. Mr Phillips, on receiving such substantial tokens of their regard ; trusted they would take the will for the deed, and not look for an, eloqent reply from one "who was natu rally adverse to public speaking, and in capable of oratorical display. He hoped to treasure that ring as long an lie lived, and he would frequently look upon the golden symbol, which would remind him of the circle of his Pamel] friends, whose friend ship was to him like the genuine Australian ore of which it was composed. He begged to thank them heartily for the double presentation of that evening (cheers).

An old settler sends the Wairarapa " News Letter" the following curious com munication :— One of our first Governors (F ) was in the hands of a keeper before lie became-Governor of New Zealand. The Colonial Office appointed him because the Beagle had sailed along our shores. He was very impertinent on his visit to the people of Wellington, and at a meeting I said that if he had not been in a madhouse he should certainly be placed there. A late resident near your township, and who is now no more, came up.to me and said, " You are right; I have been a keeper, and he has a mad eye." He made the Bay of Islands a free port of entry, and Lord Stanley, who would not notice our com plaints', then quickly recalled him. Subse quently he was put in charge of the winds — a practical joke of the \Vhigs, I think, and while filling that office he committed suicide.

Yesterday Sir Robert Douglas made an application to the Board of Education for funds for the erection of a school-house and teacher's residence at Kamo, and the estab ] ishment of a superior school at Wangarei. The application was deferred until the Board shall be in funds.

> A Torres Straits mail telegram states that Austria, on the motion of Hungary, has in formed Russia that if she continues to send troops and officers to assist Servia, Hungary will send at, once, 30,000 men to. aid, th'c twks. '

The National Insurance Company met yesterday at Dunedin. The balance sheet shewed receipts, £50,590, expenditure, £38,461. A dividend of 20 per cent per annum was declared, and the balance of £8, 620 carried forward.

Mr J. TX Clarke informs us that, in consequence of declining health, he is compelled to relinquish his position in Union-atrect as a teacher of youth, and considers that parents will do well to trans fer their children to his late assistant, Miss Reynolds. The Kiwi, which was advertised as lost by Mr Nelson, was discovered in Mr Bartley's garden this morning. It was caught and returned to the owner, who has its mate. The pair are to be forwarded to Kurope by the first opportunity. By permissiori of Captain Anderson, the Engineer and City Band will play to-morrow evening at the Sunday School Exhibition. Overture :II Matrimoni's Secreto. Selection : Der Frcischutz Comic Fantasia, "Here, there, and everywhere."

The new public hall recently opened by.MrW. H. Porter at Pokcno, is a neat and substa^Hnl structure, built in a very convenient site, aiui it is likely to be highly conducive to the general welfare and social enjoyment of the settlers. In these days a rising country community labours undor a serious drawback without some place of common assemblage as a focus for the intelli gence and enterprise of the district. The interior of the Pokcno hall is neatly fitted up with a handsome stage, tho scenery and proscenium of which were painted,by Mr. Porter, who has es tablished his fame in the district as a local ama teur artist. The building is very creditable to .his enterprise.

Our London correspondent thus writes on the Grecian throne : " The King and Queen of Greece seem about tired of playing at royalty at home, and in spite of the fact that their throne is said. to be tottering, arc still dallying in the North of Europe. Some people are inclined to think that King George has quietly taken his leave of his kingdom, and if so, it will add materially to the Eastern complications. You will remember that not, long ago the Duke of Edinburgh, then Prince Alfred, refused the Greek throne. Per haps if it were offered to him now, as husband of the Czar's daughter, he might be of a different mind. But thrones are not popular just now, and seem to go a-begging like Indian bishoprics.

Mr Hamilton, wholesale confectioner, has commenced business in premises opposite en trance to the Market, Queen-street, lie has most of the necessary plant required in his business, and is expecting a shipment of extra facilities for his work. Mr Hamilton has had long ex perience in the trade, and is already doing a good business.

The Rev. G. Brown will deliver a lecture in the Choral Hall on Thursday next. The subject it is needlese to remark, will be the New Islands which have so long demanded, but so recently received attention at the hands of our mission aries. Mr. Brown is performing an important duty, but it must prove a very arduous, and (physically speaking! wearisome task. lie is separated from family, and cut oiF from all the comforts and blessings of civilised society, and everyone must feel a strong sympathy with him in his labour of Christian love. The islands of New York, New Guinea, New Ireland, and Now Britain are peopled with bloodthirsty tribes. Small tribes cover the country, and though but few miles intervene in most cases between these tribes, they live in constant fear of each other. and, by all accounts, the mutual understanding between the lot, is that perfect security can

only be brought about by getting dangerous neighbours eaten up as quickly as possible. The subject is such an interesting one, and the speaker so well qualified to speak upon it. that we have, no doubt he will attract a large audi ence. The curiosities brought by him from the islands, arc now on view at the Auckland Insti tute.

Several complaints have reached us lately about (lowers being continually stolen from the graves in the church of England cemetery. Those who perpetrate such thefts must be among the meanest of mankind, for they shew by their conduct that they do not mind lacerating the tendorcsl feeling of othors so long as their own whims arc ratified. The constable on thai beul has been incited to further exertions to trace the culprits, and those may depend on it, thai if they are found, they will receive due punishment. To the Editor: Sir. Solicitation for charitable aid is becoming notorious in Auckland. Not a working day passes without a passing beggar of higher or lower degree Shopkeepers, who arc obliged to resort to prudent measures of economy, are beset by various beggars. Only on Saturday last while waiting in a shop, no less than three be'-rgars entered: the lirst was a well-dressed lady, who pleaded exceedingly hard for a hajf-u ---cro'wn, only half-a-erown. for the Funds of alittle Hethel, to winch she was ardently attached. Presently in came a second beggar, who called herself "i\lrs Shields, and presented a dirty petition in favour of "a puir, sicke cratur," she pleaded hard, and got a shilling, and was dead drunk in Lome-street on Saturday night (see police report in last evening's Star). In a few minutes in came a third for a trifle towards a bazaar; a picture or flannel dressing gown would do, but something she must. have. And so the popular system of begging goes on, like the stream of time, and will go on until we eat one another up. —l am, etc., U.L.

The Hon. Mr. Waterhpuse sot a noble example to selfish politicians by the annual devotion of his honorarium to the Greytown Institute, and other kindred local institu tions. By these means a great impetus has been <-iven to intellectual improvement in the Wairarapa district, the books provided out of Mr Watcrhouse-n .donations bean" widely circulated, and produ#JM| great sad lasting benefit & $ y°«W5 m*

gin"1 population. Whatever eccentricity Mr! 3 Waterhouse may have shewn as a politician, we can well afford to place this liberal encouragement of literature, as a set-off against 'any faults he may have shewn. Mr. William Swanson, has: we believe, always pursued a similar course, strictly reserving his honorarium for chari table purposes. We are glad to notice that Mr. J. S. Macfarlane, M.H.R., has taken the very earliest opportunity of doing like wise, by applying the whole amount of his honorarium for the purchase of books, for the benefit of all the school children in the Waitemata district. The colony has not arrived at that position when a sufficient number of independent men whose wealth and honourable names would be the best safe <nuirdagamstcomuption,couldbeobtained>to represent the interests of the people, in the colonial parliament. Many of our mem bers are not in a position to leave their businesses, and spend three or four months in Wellington, without remuneration ; but where it is within the means of any repre sentative to give his services for the benefit of his adopted county, without expectation of reward, lie should endeavour to raise colonial state-craft above the miserable level of pounds, shillings, and pence. A long devotion to money-grubbing unfits many of those colonists who naturally turn uppermost in seats of honour for apprecia ting any of the higher ethics of politics. Their sacriliccs are limited to the spilling of their neighbours' blood on the altar of a sniftering country. This policy of selfishness and marauding in public affairs will continue to rule until (he voice of the people ~r | t . s '• shame," or until a low liberal members iufn.se a new and healthier spirit by the force of good example. This <iucstion is one in which party considerations do not enter, but it is to the interests of all classes and all parties, that men of wealth and position shall seek a seat in the colonial parliament not for pay but as a mark of distinction, upon the preservation of which, unsullied, they stake their good name.

We learn from Wellington that since the session an unusual strain has been put upon the tele graph department, by the largely increased number and length of telegraph messages trans mitted between General Government Depart ments in the provincial districts, in carrying out abolition arrangements. The main lines have been frequently clogged of late, and press and private messages inconveniently delayed, es pecially during business hours. We should think the difficulty could be easily obviated. Or one tiling we are certain, the blocking ol the wires has not been caused by any increase in press messages since the session, the amount ot lele irranhic matter transmitted to the news papers having decreased to less than one third of what it was during the sitting ol Parliament. It is to be hoped that if any very serious complaints are heard from business men of delay in the transmission of messages, the saddle will be put upon the right horse, and thai the sins of the verbose government; officials, who having nothing to pay for the use ot the wires, see no necessity for the exercise of an economy of words, will not. be laid upon the newspapers, which have quite enough to answer for already. Probably the ro-issuc of the old ukase against unneces sary telegraphing would have the effect ot curtailing the telegraphic profligacy ot some ot these dilriisc Government officials, and the pri vate business wou]d resume the even tenor ot its wav over the wires. We have implicit confidence in \h: Lemon's sense of justice and his imparti ality towards the Press generally, but un fortunately he is very much at the mercy of any under-strupper or Jaok-in-ojUco who is authorised to frank telegrams, and who accor dingly feels it to be due to his dignity to use the privilege to the fullest extent. Mr Lemon might however, remedy the evil by publishing monthly statements of the extent and value ol the Government telegrams, comparing the tcle '-raphic "gush" of the various departments m a compact table. We venture to think that Hie ligures would be instructive, and wo make the suggestion for what it is worth.

Thunderstorm at Hawke's Bay.

TELEGRAPH OFFTCE STRUCK V,Y

LIGHTNING

(From Our Own Ookrespoxdent)

NAPIER, this day

A tbbmexdops thunderstorm passed on Sunday over the country, stretching from Taupo to Wainui, avoiding the Ahuriri Plains. At Pornngahau, the strangest cll'ects of the storm appear to have been felt. The Post and Telegraph Offices were struck by lightning. An eye-witness who was outside the building states that he saw a large ball of lire entering the office window, followed immediately by a loud explosion. Mr Spencer, officer in charge, reports that the first intima tion "be heard, of the building being struck was hearing a report just behind him like from a 9-pound cannon, accom panied by a strong smell. Papers in the oHice were set on tire. The brass -work in connection with the telegraph instruments Avas chaffed and burned, and the wall blackened as if with gunpowder. Fortu nately, Mr Spencer, on the approach of the storm, took the precaution or earthing his wire, otherwise a move serious accident would have resulted.

In Tarawera several telegraph poles were struck and broken by lightning, and the office-connecting wires were burned up. This also occurred at Taupo station.

SIR DONALD McLEAN.

Sir D. McLean, as soon as lie is able to undertake the journey, is to be removed from Wellington to Napier.

THEFT OF A LOST CHEQUE,

A man named Paul, recently from Auck land, picked up a cheque for £117, drawn in favour of the Captain of the Zior. He cashed it, and spent £30 on jewellery. He was arrested and coimnitteed for trial yesterday.

Divorce Case.

G. V. STEWART V. STEWART AND

GLEDSTANES.

For some months back it lias been rumoured that a notable divorce case was likely soon to come into Court, affecting certain of the principal settlers at the special settlement of Katikiti, near Tauranga. Up to the present time we have carefully refrained from publishing any of the reports we heard, and it is only now when we hear that it is arranged for the suit to be heard at the Civil Sessions in January next, that we are led to mention it in our columns.

The petitioner in the case, which we may say presents most extraordinary features, is Mr George Vcscy Stewart, the pioneer of the Katikati settlement, who sues for a divorce from ■ his lawful wife, Margaret Torrens Stewart, on the ground oi her adultery with Mr Cecil Glodstanes, of Kati kati, a youth about 19 years old, who is one of Mr Stewart's cadets, and has been resid ing in his house,

The following is the main substance of the petition ;—

"22nd August, 187b'. " The Petition of George Vesey Stewart, of Katikati. in the

Province of Auckland, Settler, Sheweth—" 1. That your petitioner was on the 17th day of April, 1556, lawfully married to Margaret Torrens Stewart, then Margaret Torrona Miller, a, spinster, at the Church of St. Jolm Moneymore, in the County of Deny, Ireland. "2, That after the said marrjage, your PQ^Uioiiei- lived, an'cl go4ia^te^ <p|U hj^

said wife at Lisbcg House, in the County , of Tyrone, Ireland, and at other places •md latterly from about the month ot Se tembe 1875, until the month of July, Is| X Mtad with her at Katikati, in the said province. , . ~ "3 That your petitioner and Ins said wife have had issue of their said marriage, to wit, nine children (the names follow . "4 That on the tenth day of July, 187b, and divers times between the i 10th and 15th days of July, 1876, the said Margaret lor rens Stewart committed adultery with Cecil Gledstaues, of Katikati, settler at Katikati, a °< Your petitioner therefore humbly prays -1 That your Honor will be pleased to decree that the said marriage of your petitioner with the said Margaret Torrens Stewart shall be dissolved. 2. And that your petitioner may have such further and other relief in the premises as to your Honor may seem meet, "G. Vesey Stewart."

It will be seen from this that the rumour that the co-respondent was a young man named Wilson, and that he went home m the ship ' Carnatic,' is totally unfounded. The crime of which Mrs Stewart is accused is intensified by the fact of Mr Gledstanes being her own nephew. lne respondent's reply to the petition is a com plete denial of the charge. We are in formed on good authority that some ot the allegations are so singular, that the case is bound to provoke great public interest. The suit is yet very young ; indeed the issues for the jury are not quite settled, so that we are able to say very little about them. The citations were served on the respondent and co-respondent, at Katikati, on the 25th August last, and the answer was delivered by the respondent on the 27th September. As soon as Judge Gillies returns from Wellington the issues will be definitely shaped, and the case will be ripe for a jury. Messrs Hesketh and Richmond are the solicitors for the petitioner, and Messrs J. B. Russell and A. Devore for the respondent.

CABLEGRAMS.

[press telegram agency],

AUSTRALIAN.

THE VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT.

ARRIVAL OF ENGLISH CRICKETERS,

MELBOURNE November 9th.

The Government are pressing their mea sures through Parliament, and will close the session before Christmas, if possible. The Electoral Bill has finally become law.

The Council have thrown out the Mining on Private Property Bill. The attendance on the Derby day num bered about 25,000, and on the Cup day over three times that number.

Briseis, who won the Cup in 3m. 36i5., very good time, beat a field of 30, including all the crack horses. The race was won by about a length. The book-makers won heavily.

The .English Cricketers have reached Ade laide ; ali well. They play their first game there next week.

Uoberts has been playing in Melbourne, and was beaten two nights running by near ly T>oo points. The extraordinary case at the Alfred Hospital, where a pair of forceps and a sponge were sown up in the body of a woman after an operation, lias been inquir ed into by the coroner's jury, who acquitted the operating surgeon of blame, but the matter is being much talked about and com mented on.

At the theatre the Italian Opera Company is performing, which arrived by the ">St. Osytli", and Miss Catherine Lewis is pri ma donna. They arrived under engage ment to Mr Lvster.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before K. C. Barstow Esq., R.M.)

LUKE THE WAXDEREK. Luke Pond, a rough-looking man, was found drunk on Constitution Hill by Con staole Jackson. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was fined 5s and costs.

A TRUAXT BOY,

Alfred Dare was charged with escaping from the Industrial School, on the evening of the 13th instant.

Sub- Inspector Pardy said this was the third day the boy had run away.

Mr Stickloy informed the Court that the hoy, who was only eight years old, had been a great trouble to him, and had run away from the school no less than three times. The boy was an orphan, from the Thames, and the tricks he played were very remarkable. The boy, on one occa sion, had picked the lock with a nail. On another occasion he had taken some of the side-boards down by the window. He (Mr StickJey,) hearing a noise, went into the room, when the boy had popped into bed, closing his eyes as though in sleep. Yesterday afternoon he found the fugitive under a gooseberry tree witli only his shirt on. He got through a thick fence in the most marvellous manner. He saw him to bed at nine o'clock, but lie decamped in the night, but how he got out was still a mys tery.

His Worship gave the boy some kindty advice, and persuaded him to go back to the Home with the master.

THIEVING,

George Armstrong, alias Hill,was charged with stealing from the cutter Spey a pair of trousers, cotton shirt, and two pair of socks, value £1 10s, the property of John Hodgson, on. the 15th nit.

Prisoner pleaded not guilty. John Hodgson deposed that lie was master of the Spey, and on Sunday, the 15th ult, his vessel was lying in the intake of Mechanics' Bay. He went on shore at eight in the evening. When he returned at ten o'clock, lie found that some person had been in the cabin, and turned the beds upside down. The next morning he missed the articles enumerated in the information. They were worth about 30s. He spoke to the mate about the things, who told him that he had lost his shirt. He gave in formation to the police. The trousers now in court were his, also the other articles. He knew the prisoner, who was a seaman on the Mary Hogan, but was not intimate with him.

James Clark, master of the Mary Hogan, knew prisoner, and saw him with a fresh pair of trousers on. He asked about them, when prisoner, said he bought them for ss. He replied : " George, you got more money than sense;" to which prisoner replied: "B'lieve 'cc my boy." Sergeant Martin took prisoner in custody with the trousers on. On asking who was his tailor, as the trousers were not a good Jit, prisoner said that Charley Hopkins gave them to him ; they were left behind by a seaman on board the Saucy Kate.

Prisoner said the articles were given to him.

His Worship said as prisoner could give no satisfactory account or them, he must find him guilty. This being his second offence of larceny the prisoner was ordered to prison for three months with hard labour.

BY-LAW ENTABLEMENTS. Joseph bkelton v,- a . s charged with leaving his .horse and cart unattended pi Queeif street, where they were discovered by Con stable Jones. Fined 2s. 6d., costs os. 6'd. James C^inpb.ell, of Lome-street, pleaded guilty to allowing his clog Strap to wewter without a collar.

Defendant said he was a very poor man, without a cent in his pocket, and lie hoped

His Worship said, as the dog had got a collar, and defendant was poor, he would make the fine Is. Costs 5s (id. George Coulam was charged with allow in" cows to stray in Park road, Newmarket, on othe sth November. Fined 2s 6d, and costs 5s 6d. THE DIFFICULTIES OF MAKRIED LIFE. James Dyer, of Mechanic's Bay was charged with deserting his wife Isabella, and her two children, and leaving them to the world at large, without bread and butter. . Defendant did not appear, but sent in a letter with a medical certificate, shewing that he was unable to appear m conse qnence of a severe accident Sub-Inspector Pardy said that defendant was a sober, hard-working man , he believed there were faults on both sides. Some time aso Mr Laishley had arranged matters, on defendant agreeing to pay a reasonable sum •ncr week, Mrs Dyer promising at the same time that she would aUow him to see his children once a week ; she had failed to do this, and had not received the pay in conse fi The case was ultimately adjourned for a week. —

The Thunderstorm.

FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.

BRIDGE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. A stone bridge on the Mangapai Mat was struck by lightning and seriously shaken, a portion of the solid masonry being loosened and carried away. The work lias been so severely shaken that unless promptly repair ed it must collapse into the stream.

FLOODS AT TE ARAL—SHEEP DROWNED.

The lower portions of Mr. Hazelden's land at Te Arai, were flooded, tlie water rising, and overflowing the land so rapidly that all efforts to remove the sheep were ineffectual. They, were carried away by the flood, and drowned in considerable numbers, and Mr. Hazelden, who has always been a most excellent settler, is a heavy loser. Great sympathy is expressed for him by all his neighbours. Nearly 30 sheep are missing. THE FATAL CASE AT POKENO. There was an error made in transmitting the telegram fro:n our special reporter at Mercer, which was published in last night s STAR. The distance of the mill from Por ter's Queen' Hotel is one-eighth of a mile, not eight miles. THE CLOTHES. The hat, boots, flannel shirt, and socks worn by deceased are now on view at this office, and may be seen by anyone at all curious to observe the extraordinary effects of lightning- The left side of the hat, which is of straw, with a felt covering, is completely burnt out, the shock having left the edges of the hole torn and ragged. The flannel shirt is scorched on the left side,, and the socks are also charred. The boots present a remarkable example of the effects of a stroke of lightning concentrated upon a non-conducting material. The fluid appears to have struck deceased on the left side of the head, to have found a conductor in the body, passing downward inside the clothes, and scorching them in its passage. In its rapid passage clown the legs, the trousers were shattered and torn to shreds, and the whole force of the shock was con centrated on the inside of the soles of the boots, tearing them away from the uppers, and bursting them in a very remarkable: manner, and then passing into the ground. APPEARANCE OF THE BODY.

All the wituessses describe the feat ores after death as perfectly calm and in repose, with something like a smile upon them. This appearance is often observed in the case of men who die suddenly from suspen sion of the nervous system, and of the action of the heart. The writer lias very frequently noticecljjon the faces of men shot through the heart iv action, a calm smile as though the person had passed away without a pain. The statement in a morning contemporary, that Leatham's clothes after being ignited by the lightning were extinguished by rain is incorrect. One of the witnesses stated that he extinguished the lire in the clothes with his hands.

THE SCENE,

The scene of the accident is in a potato field in front of the Queen's hotel. The ground is comparatively open for some miles on all sides, and rises gradually from the hollow to low undulating hills. The mill extends east and west, on the bank of a small creek which is used for washing the ilax. The building is almost entirely of. corrugated iron. The entrance to the mill is on the south side. Deceased, when he went for the spade, walked out front thd western end of the mill. The spade was st\ick in the ground amongst some growing potatoes, 107 feet in that direction. James Lockie, the engineer, watched deceased through a window at the western end of the building, in-order to direct him to the spade. Mr. Leatham had walked over 66' feet of the intervening space, when., the lightning blinded the workmen, and killed him instantaneously. There was a scythe standing under ati-tree bush between the spot where Leatham fell, and the creek,, about 19 feet from the body, and 4 feet from the creek, but the scythe was un touched. A horse stood 21" feet oft" fronii Leatham, in a S.E. direction, but it also escaped. A little daughter of deceased was coming round the east end of the mill to wards the door on the south side, when the sheet of lightning enveloped the mill, and for a minute she was blinded and dazed by the flash. When she recovered she saw her father a corpse a few yards off. The whole thing was the work of an instant. INTERVIEW WITH THE WIDOW. Our reporter called upon the widow, and was witness to a heartrending scene. She was in a rather gloomy, and very scantily furnished house in the old Queen's Redoubt. She was surrounded by six helpiess little children, three of them, only able to toddle about, and incapable of realising the great blow which had deprived them of their protector and bread-winner. Mrs Leatham was in a state of mind which rendered conversation im possible, and made one anxious to terminate a painful interview. It struck our represen tative as singular that none of the wives of the settlers—who are usually not lacking; in ready sympathy—were not at hand to> aid and cheer the unfortunate widow in her great trial. In justice to the neighbour^ however, we should mention that Mr Porter, and some others had supplied the immediate wants of the family. One man ty> whom our _ reporter suggested a subscription, replied, "Wql1 v I don't know anything about subscriptions, but when I heard of it, T weat down and made her take a sovereign." This was practical phi! an tropliy. In reply to our enquiries, Mrs Leatham stated that she had nothing hi the world. Mr Leatham had beer, twelve years in the. district, and had a sub-contract on the railway, but owing to the formation being flooded, had lost by the undertaking. He had nqxt concentrated his energies upon the building of a flax mill, and in order to obtain the necessary machinery and material parted with a small piece of land, and the cattle. Mr Leatham was known to be con tf iderably indebted to several tradesmen and' others, and it is certain that when his affairs are wound up, there will be nothing left to the widow, if indeed she Avill not be in debt. He was an exceedingly temperate, hard working man, but his circumstances had not been prosperous-. THE INQUIRY.

At ftn inquiry held as to the cause 6. death, on Saturday, before Capt. Jackson, R.M., and Coroner, Mr W. H. Porter, foreman, a verdict oi "Death by lightning " was returned.

SUBSCRIPTIONS. "We Jearu that subseiiptioj^ ar,a fceis^

THE EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1876



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