SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS. I u-ift, Government Ps, rairchlld, from the Thames Riw«na. Sellers, fr m TaurAßßa Southern Crois, ss, from Napier

DEPARTURES.

Luna, p 3, for the Thames Go-aliHad, s », for Wattara, from the Mtnukau lilewellyn, gs, McQillivrAy, for levukti

IMPORTS.

(A special charge is wade for consignees' names in this cuhrMnJ

The G •vernment ps Luna arrived from the Thames at nine o'c'ook thin mornipg with his 'Rxcuileney the Gjvemor and ctute on bomrd, in addition to tho Tlon C C. Bowen. Cipt HVaser, and James Macky, juu , Who came as pas.-en^ets. It will b - seen by nnr tele»ram.=! that another of our ImimgrHnt ships h.is h.-ul » misfortune in the Channel soon after leaving iKu^l-ind. Tbe ship Bebinjjion which was telegraphed as having sailed on the 12th lebruaiy, collided with a bitque supposed foreign, which carrier] away all her head Rear, and herself sustained serious Ibjury. The Bebington had to put Into Portsmouth, but was n t expected to be detained lontf.

The ss Pretty Jane sails for Gisborno and Napier this afternoon. The following aTe the passengers booked : Major Pitt, Mrs Hound, MePsrs Mulloole?, -H. McKon2ie, Brantmd. and Mr and Mm Chas Rice. The A,S P. Go's ss Southern Cross arrived from mpier this morning, with several passengois. The L'ewellyn, after having been kept three days Windbound, left to-d*y for Levuka. The ps Luna luff, this afternoon for the Thameß She will return to-night. I The Emn is about to be taken to Mechanio's Bay to iave her boiler looked to.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs Hunteji and Nolan's Report.—Horso»: There has been no material alteration in the market. The supply haa not been equal to the demand, par ticularly of thr s<i of good st*rap. Tho holidays and alteration in the sale flsy lessened the number offered and disposed of by auction, but Sivles were satisfac tory to vendors, and £ood hoisei of every description can still ba plicod. We quote hacks from £S to £15 r>3 ; light harness horses, £11 5s to £20 10a ; draughts, from £2(5 each. Cattle; There was a mode late supply at Newmarket on Tuesday Dairy cows were fairly represented, and were exceptionally high. Stores were In ra'her limited numbers. Fat beasts, sufficient for requirement; bidding was rather slow, particularly for those insufficlpntly fatted. We quote dairy cows (best »t calving) £\H to £16 10a ; second quUity (at calving), £!) 12a Gel to £1115s ; weaned calves from £1 Ba to £1 17s; two-year-old steers, £4 to £4 10s. f-hesp : There was an excessive supply of both fat and store, but bidding was spirited, and there was scarcely a perceptible decline in price Best fat wathevs sold from 18) Gd to 24a; sec >nd quality, 143 3d to 17a ; fat ewo«. 14s; flinrn lambs, 8' to 133; store ewes, 8s to 12s ; -wethers, lls each. Pigs : "Very few yarded, and th^re is an unsatisfied enquiry. Porkers sold at fully Shi per lb live weight.

Mr Arthur sold to-day : Bacon, 7d to 9.1; pork, 3d ; beef, Id to 3d ; potatoes, 4s Gd ; pumpkins, 3s 3d to 4* Gd ; carrots, 43 to 4s 9d ; quinces, 3d ; maize, 3s lOd.

Mr George Kibbin, at tho corner mart, had a good attendance to-day, when the follow ing average prices were obtained : Potatosa, f>3 ; bran, Ga Gd ; pollard, Us 3d ; maize, 4s 3d ; flour, 13d ; oatmeal, 2d ; candles, lid ; cheese, 7;] d; butt6r, Is 4d ; tea, 2a 8d ; sngar, 4jd.

THE SHAREMARKET.

Bank of New Zealand —Business done £17 2a 6d (ex div).

National Bank — buyers, 755. Colonial Baiik Buyers, 80s. South British Insurance— Bnyers, 533 Gd Auckland Gas—Buyers £10 ss. Union Sash and Door—Bayers, £8 12} fid, Waitakauri- Sellers, 4a Gd. Caledonian (double) - Buyers, 255; sellers 30s.

Moanatairi—Sellers, 17s Gd Karangahake—Selle- s, 4s. Union Beach—Sellers, 80.3. Tokatea—Buyers, 10a. Tairua-Sellers, 7s. Bismarck—Buyers, 5s 6d.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

MAILS WIliL CLOHX AS FOLLOWS:— For Thames this day at 6 30 p m and to-morrow a

930 am For Wsiwera, Manurangi, Matafcana. Te Arai, <Sc, per Annie Milbank, to-morroi», at 10 am For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Welling ton tomorrow at 10 45 a m For Australian Colonies, per Hero.on Saturday next, —^t^hgamj ».u. BIBS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

CARS—On the Ifith instant, at Remnera, Mra. R. C,

Carr of a claughter. BAILEY—On the 19th instant, Mrs. Baik-y, widow of Josiah Bnilej', of a daughter.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 2!, 1874.

For th: caiive that lacks astlst&nes, Fnr th- w.-oiii' that nce:ds resistsnes, For th- future in tlie distance.

And the cood that tts ciai do.

The steps which nre now being taken by the Ministry to attack Sir George Grey, and if possible to avert defeat, aro to the last de gree reprehensible. Ministers have evidently issued instructions to their hired newspaper scribes to fill, the papers, which are the pro perty of the Ministers and their friends, with abuse of Sir. George Grey, and with all man ner of vile insinuations as to his plans nnd intentions. The latest of theso appeared yes terday in the columns of the Argus, an even ins paper, published in Wellington. In it the public in told'that the Superintendent of Auckland meditates treason—treason of no leas a character than this : that he intends to separate Auckland from the rest of New Zealand, and call in the power of the presi dent of the United States to enable him to de.il well for Auckland in the settlement or adjustment of the Colonial debt. As every lie if) dangerous just in proportion to the truth contained in it, the cunning malignity of tho writer of that article appears when it ia remembered that Sir fieorga Grey ia, nnd has been for some time past, convinced that Separation is the only rjossiUe cure for the present rind prospective evila of our condition. And, moreover, those more immediately about His Honor also know that he intends, if there be any diffi culty as to the fair allocation of the public burdens, to appeal to a superior power in order that those burdens may be fairly ad" justed. But the tribunal to wLich Sir George Grey intends to appeal is not a foreign power, like the president of the United States, who indeed would, in that event, most likely, feel alarmed for the sanifcv of i.w^" *>« esteems, rmv ne intends to appeal to GVwuar in the person of Her Most Gracious Majesty. Since^the first establishment of colonies at all, colonists have been enabled to approach the Throne by petition. The Privy Council has been for ages the ultimate court to which all appeals from the judgments of Colonial Tribu nals have been referred. To the Judicial Com mittee of that august body, Sir George Grey, in the exercise of his constitutional rights, and in the performance of his duty to the people of this province, may have to remit the question of the amount of the public debt, which this province or colony may have to bear. To the members of that crurt, unin fluenced by our local interests, dispassion ately viewing every aspect of this many-sided question, gathering evidence from every source, actuated only by a paramount desire to administer strict and even-handed justice to all parties, the solo tribunal ordained by the laws and customs of that "Empire," the very name or mention of which raises a vulgar laugh in Sir Julius Vogel and his henchmen. And to that tribunal only will Sir George Grey remit the cause of this people for trial. It; should be remembered that the paper which thus makes a charge of treason against the most faithful and talented Colonial Governor her most gracious Majesty ever had, is a sheet in every way disreputable. Only a few days since it received a part of the thirty pieces of silver—the price which this modern Judas is to receive for betraying the people to our present rulers. Its editor is a renegade from the ranks of the people. Not long ago, he was a fierce opponent of the Ministry. Now, bought by them in the mental slave market, he turns his miserable quill against our liberties and happiness. Such men are the curse of any community. The present Government are growing desperate. They are resorting to dangerous expedients. Bribery has at last lost much of its power, because having bribed all who came, within their circle who were susceptible to such base arguments, they now find a solid phalanx upon whom this weapon will not act. They now resort to abuse, to inuendo, to accusation. Their creatures are told to hurl the foulest charges against the leaders of the Opposition ; charges which they know to be false, iv order if possible to throw discredit upon them in the eyes of the public. Them selves convicted of every sort and degree of baseness, they seek anxiously to tar their opponents with the same brush. Menials such as the followers of the Ministry are, may be still further incited by their masters. Finding it im possible to effect their purpose-by abuse and false accusations, evil men resort nexb to personal violence. To this the tone, both of the JSteiu Zealand Times and the Wellington Argus, have been for some time pointing. The Ministry and their supporters are play ing a desperate game. To some of them the present struggle is not one of constitutional principles, or the best advancement of civil rights — local self Government, or ° any thing else of that nature : It is a question of the loss of great estates ; it is a question of the hiding or exposure of malversation of public funds; it is a question of impeachment andjruin ; it is a question of future fortune gained .by plundering the publio estate, or

fntiu-3 misery well nigh begging a crust from door to door. L?b the paople beware ! Sedition, treason, foul hopes, and incipient violence are in our mi'i'st; but not ia ihe bosom of the friend of English liberties, Sir

George Grey

We cr.ll special attention to the theatrical programme of this evening, on the occasion of the complimentary benefit to Mrs F. M. Bitts, who has delighted the pui'lic of Auck* land chuing tho evenings of the past several weeks with her artistic and graceful render ing of historic, characters, a line of arD in which thia lady eminently excels. The per formances will op-u wifch an adaptation of Guy Mannering, one of the choicest produo tious of Sir Walter Kcoit, in which Mrs Bates will appear as Meg MorrilSes. This fine rendering of a favorite novel, will be followed by the "Honeymoou," in which Mrs Bates will represent '•Juliana " Au excel lent orchestra will be in attendance, and the dramatic representations will be supported by Mits Lizzie Morgan, Mr Bates, Mr Lawrence, and the whole of the company. We have little doubt therefore, of the success of the programme, as great pains have boen taken to make this Ike night of the season,

According to our promise, we attended the "rehearsal of "King \rthur" iaat night, and found that the several blemishes to which we drew attention on tho occasion of the lirst performance hid been removed. Nothing could be Letter than the manner iv which the return of the captured Knights to their dungeon is made the occasion of a choina, ia which they threaten vengeance on their Saxon captor ; and the somewhat sarcastic dialogue which ha 3 been added to the scene in which King Arthur had originally toleavo the stasje alone and in silence, ia so ingenious, referring, we imagine, to our criticisms, that wo obtained the words of tins addition.

Arthur: I canmt reason ; I cun only pun Vivian : Stay, Sin; ! (To Tdiy — Folks a.y it isn't quits <irtisi.ic

1 hut A ruiur should »o sjuditouly cut hU stick, That cnrtitns-hi/uid fa'lon song duec, or chorus, Not un silent stigo like his bufore us

Key: LcVs si/g then, nor tffond their prejudices;

We'll try to p ease nn an iltmcoHuch as this Is.

(To AtUuu; —sho, will you j"in us witli jour flno f'klsot'o, Arthur: With pleasure ; but I wish 'twero a quartette. Merlin (horn iho treu): I' 1 sicg the bti3i if it i'on't yo above D, oh !

I'll join n quartette, though I'm in Hie ttce, oh ! Then fo'.lows a quartette, about cutting down ibo true in whiuii M'.-rlinis enclosed. Several curtailments hud been made, and five acts throwu i(it') three, the scenery being simply shifted, so lh:r, the v- unl loaa of time usually between acts v thus escaped. Toe per formers teemed perfectly familiar with their parle, and t,he band, as usu.il, was excellent. Is is said that the Commodore and officers of the fl-.-et will be present on Saturday. We

venture to aaauie him that they will bear in New Zealand no band at all to be compared to that of the Auckland Choral Society ; and wo havo no hesitation in predicting th.Vj they-will bo pleased with the operetta,, and that they will moot a large and respectable assemblage of the citizens of Auckland.

The event of the day to many persona, judging from the larae number preseut at Coohrane'a auction mart this morning, was tlie pale of a certain gold watch, (in the auctioneer producing the watch in question, he announced, in his usual bland manner, '• Now, gentleman, 1 have a gold watch to offer you," whereupon a lib.ral soul offered

" live shillings." At this moment; Mr George St&ines, who was surrounded by a consider able crowd of like-minded persons on this occasion, called out "Is that Di1 Wailis's watch, seized for the Education Rate?" To this, the auctioneer made no reply, when Dr Wai I is, who of course was present, replied, " Yes, that is my watch, seized for the Education Bate." Now commenced a lively '"run." A person wanted to get a commis sion to buy the watch in for Dr YVallis, who, however, refused to interfere in the course of '. . __„ ..«v..u-uo-ouaiurOSIIJU ajjiiflC was irate at this, and went in for " sat." Bid after bid followed in quick succession between tho Dr and this person, and eventu ally the watch was knocked clown to the Dr for £12, the expenses having bean run up to about 18a through the persistency of the opposing bidder.

Our Thames correspondent wires to-day a littlo piece of news which may turn out even more interesting than it looks at present. He fays :—" A local politician has received a communication from Auckland to-day, to the effect that circumstances are likely to ariso which may lead to a new election for the Thames. This has no connection with 8.0we."

The new rotary steam 3nglne, inventod by Mr Robert Vaile, of this city, was yesterday put through a preliminary test, with, we are glad to state, the most satisfnetory results to all concerned. The engine will shortly be put through a series of practical tests, to which the leading men of this province and anyone interested in such matters will be invited, when we shall place before our readers tho earliest information upon a sub ject which is at the present time exciting general interest. In passing we would re mark that the mechanism of the engine is of the most beautiful construction, and that it would be impossible for tho detail of the workmanship to have been carried out with more exquisite finish in any part of the world, reflecting great credit upon the work shop of Masefield & Co.

Mr J. Heap, having taken premises in Symonds-street, until lately occupied jby Mr Shaw, announces that he will re-open the premises with a large stock, to be sold at the lowest prices.

Sir Donald McLean is expected from Wel lington in a few days on a visit to his Ex cellency the Governor.

We understand that two of the ships of war, now in harbour, are to leave for Levuka within the next/two or three days.

Mr H. Waite, of Upper Quceu-stree!;, re quests na to state that he is not the H. Waite whose name appeared as a defendant in the Pi. M. Court yesterday.

The liabilities in the estate of Edward Ball, of Itangiriri hotel-keeper, were set down at £500, while the a;aets, comprising stock in trade, etc., ara auppoaod to oa abjus fiGOO. The liquidation order war-: passed and Mr Thoma3 Mccffarlane chosen trustee to the estate.

We acknowledge 5s 'from W. Frost for Mrs Bailey j also, £1 irom J. Edson, and £ 1 from a friend per Mr J. Edsop.

We are glad to fiui the Young Mens' Christian Association have received a season able addition to their select Library of some 40 or 50 volumes of choice Standard works, including the yearly series, all of which, no doubt, will be much appreciated by their large and increasing number of subscribers.

It cannot be denied, says the Australasian that recent legislative proceedings in the two leading Australian colonies are a sore trial to the faith of those who believe in Parli mentary institutions. It is not msrely that, as with us, a whole year is wasted in mere faction, but both in Sydney and in Melbourne, the personal conduct, not of a few, but of a considerable numberof membersof Parliament has become simply unendurable. Charges of drunkenness are freely bandied, the Chair is habitually insulted, and its authority defied, the lie direct is constantly inter changed among honourable members, even personal violence is used in tho lobbies or the refreshment rooms. The press of the neighbouring colonies cry shame itpon us. We are becoming objects of unutterable contempt to English gentlemen. Even among ourselves the respect of the public for Parliament and for its members never was so low. We complain, and with good reason, of the conduct of unprincipled sellers who, by their frauds with Texan buffaloes and Hamburg chemicals, bring disrepute upon our genuine meats and wines. But it is a still greater wrong when foul-mouthed rowdies?disgrace onr institutions, and rob us of our, good name.

The villa residence of the artiste, Mr J. C Hovte, who is about to start for Kokand, was purchased yesterday by Mr B. J. DeDias leesee of the Prince of Wales Theatre, for the sum of £690. A number of Mr Tloyte a pictures realised from £2 2a to £10 1 53.

The Stau Puppleracnt. of Saturday rext will present it* readers with an attractive vamty of good reading matter, in sumo re speoha also a variety upon the usual order of things. One feattue. which will commend admiration for the attractive inoidenti. will bo " V remarkable Cur-,'' which cxi l -its the perfection nf advertising qnickery, as culti vated by our cousins of the Stars and Stripes. There will he a sick Randolph, who goes to Siraraga Waters to gel cured, but he gcia cured in .". natural mannnr by a copious dos<; of reciprocal love. That was what, ai ed him. Jonathan will also «ive a wrinkle about card sharping, indicating some oF the Visciasituttfs of life of the profusion The readers will then trivel from Far West to Far East, and spend an enchanting hour amoa? the marvellously superstitious Der vishes, and the reader will admit that the Yankee who swallowed an Ironmonger a shop is nftwllctG. "They Were married" is a spneulatioa which may or may not command sympathy. The difficulty of "Finding a teacher for Lydia" taay provoke a laugh, and even a sigh from mammas similarly perplexed. A gentleman re siding at Ponsonby, or Parnell, or some where else, had "A Dream," and as soon as he got himself awake he put 16 all down on papprns a poem, and the Supplement will publish ii;. There will be other poetry about "The Maskers," and "Move's C«l- n-'hr,' etc, and a thrilling story about -'Opium Fating," and a sensational account about wild boasts, timers in one place and leopards elsewhere, besides tifc-bits of tale and fun by no means inferior to what has gone before.

There will be a football match played in in the Domain to-morrow (Saturday) between fifteen of the Albert and an equal number of the Choral Hall Football Clubs. Play to commence at two sharp. The following are the. names of the Albert toarn :—Armitage, Henderson, Cheesnman, Beale, Ridings. Ripley, McOrmick, Ansell, Luokie, Wil liams (2), Coombes (2), Hammond, and Smith.

R"We learn that scarlatina has shown itself in the Rhortland parsonage, one of the Rev V LubVh family being now seriously ill. Mr Lush, who fortunately has a very large and convenient housf, has, under Dr. Fox's advice, made such that the invalid, who inhabits an upper room is completely cut off from intercourse with all those not'nccepsnrily emp'oved in nursing All the others, Mr Lush, included, inhabit all other rooms and remain under a s',rict though voluntary interdict

The provision of the-Act passed last ses sion of the Assembly, which renders it necessary to pay a stamp fee of 10a for a subpeena for a witness in trials before the Supreme Court, presses .very heavily upon accused persons who have no money, and must certainly produce a mircarrisge of jintioo in some oases. During the criminal sessions of January last, onp, if not more instancrs occurred in which accused portions stated, that they were unable to produce \vitiKßses for want of money to pay the largo fee of 10s for a subpoena, and two cases have occurred during the present session. The subject has naturally gm<n ri:ie to considerable discussion among th<rc acquainted with the circumstance!) of the on°cs we refer to ; and it is certainly a matter which should he attended to during iiextsesßion of the Assembly. Although His Honor Mr Justice Williams seemed to he of opinion at first that he would bo able to over come the difficulty in some way, wo are given to understand that it is impossible for an accused person to subprena a witness un less he has" the moans '<i paying the fee. A correspondent suggests that the rule at pre sent in force in England should bo adopted herp, fcViP wile br!no stated by him as follows : "In all cases or leloijiea or misde meanours, at the committal by the Magis trates, any witnesses considered necessary for the defence arc bound over to appear at the trial, and all expenses are paid by the Crown."— Daily Times.

A correspondent'of the Dmlji News gives a description of the Veterinary School of Alforfc, which is situated on tho hanks of the Marne. "It is," he saya, <( a large huildiug with extensive grounds, paddocks, and pic tures. Horses, cows, asses, mules, dogs, catß—all animals, in short, are sent there to bo hoalfd of distempers, or to be surgically operated on after accidents ; and on any day a visitor is pretty certain of seeing a brougham or two arrive with ladies, bringing tenderly-loved poodles, terriers, or tabbies. The care bestowed on these interesting patients is very great, and it stands to reason that the veterinary surgeons must make thempelves well acquainted with the anatomy of tho animals they treat. Students daily ply their knives upon living animals, not to discover new facts, but to verify old ones which have been proved long since. Tho supply of dogs, cats, and knackers' horses at their command" is practically unlimited, and they appear to have entire discretion as to the extent and the manner in which they shall torture these creatures. Amongst other horrors, the list of which would be too re pulsive to give, I saw a horse that had been five times experimented upon, and whoso body was one horrible mass of quivering raw ness. He was to be hacked about again on the morrow, and thero was no intention of killing him, said my informant, it being the, rule to continue operating until tho subject died of his own accord.

i*s She was a Cincinnati belle ;fpier father stuck pigs for a living ; and as her impatient adorer urged the appointment of a day, sho could not but pity him. " I yearn as much as you do, Alphonse,' she said, with a sigh ; 'but we must wait. Taller's down and pork's flatter than ever.'

To the Editor : Sir, —In your report of the proceedings in the K.M. Court yesterday, a judgment was obtained against a person of the same name as myself. 1 wish to say that I am in no way connected with the person.— Yours, Ac, Wm. Chappell, Orpheus Lodge. Union-street.

Many a man thinks it's virtue that keeps him from turning rascal, when it's only a full stomach. One should bo grateful, and not mistake posatoes for principles.

Rifle Association.

PRIZE FIRING.—THIS DAY,

The annual firing for the Rifle Association prizes commoncod this morning at 8 o'clock, on the Mount Eden range, and was concluded before noon. The firing was under the superintendence of Mr C. B. Stone. It will be seen from tho appended scores that the first prize in to-day's match, namely Mr Beck's Cup, was won by Vol. Dore, of Otahuhu.

, 200 400 500 i yds yfti yds Tl. Dore, Otahuhu 14 17 15 48 Corp W Partington, No 3 .... 16 15 13 44 May, No 3 10 U 13 43 Mills, Victoria )8 15 9 it lieut Kelly, No 3.'. 18 15 i) 42 X X Partington, No 3 12 18 11 41 Henderson, Victoria 16 14 11 41 Corpl Hay, No 3 13 18 10 41 .Lieut Skianer,Victoria 12 17 10 89 Cameron, Victoria 13 9 10 33 Cooper, Victoria 10 10 10 86 Bell, Artillery 14 8 13 35 Jiose, Artillery 13 11 11 35 Lieut A Mears, Cadeta 12 13 10 35 Mears.TN 15 13 7 36 Yates.No3 . 12 11 8 31 Captain Morrow, No 3 12 12 7 3' McComish, Hobaon 12 10 6 28

Mills and Kelly fired off for the 200-yards rrnge prize, and Mills won. C. R. PartiDg ton and Hay fired off for the 400-yards range prize,.and Partington won. Cameron won the 500-yards range prize. 'i^The second match begins to-morrow at 2 p.husharp.

CABLEGRAMS.

[PRESS AGENCY.]

Sypney, April 19

The following are fcbo acceptances for the Gold Gup :—GukUborough, Kinysborough, Melbourne, Richmond, Robin Hood, Speou latioo, Valetta eolb. < leolite, Viva, Mairi of All Work, New Hollaud, Eorlwoorl, (Glad stone, Ella, Nerodah, A.T. B 'tting : Rich mond, 4 to 1 ; Maid of All Work, 6 tv 1 ; Kinasborougb, 7 to 1 ; llobia Hjoil, 8 to 1 April 20 A.T., Kinssborougb,

The Gold Cap Neredah.

Grounding of the Alhambra.

MELBOURNE.—THIS DAY.

There is little hope of any salmon ova at the iceworks being hatched.

The sailing of the Alhimbra has been post poned owing to her having been aground. The water has damaged a portion of her

cargo.

Death of Colonel St John.

WELLINGTON

[Per Press Telegram Agency.] This day

Cdlonel S-i John, Inspector of the Armed Constabulary, and lately attached to the Native Department,' died jesterriay after-

noon

Arrival of His feeelleaoy frem tho Thames.

Hia Excellency the Marquis op Nor- MAN BY and suite arrived from their trip to the Thames in the Luna, at nine o'clock this morning. Yesterday the Vice-regal party visited Waitekauri and the kauri forest at Oliinemuri, signing at eight iv the morning, and returning to the Luna at two o'clock in the afternoon. Before the boat left, the Hon. Dr. Pollen had a native re ception on board, and settled some dis putes and paltry claims which were sub mitted The Luna lefc Thorpe's and began to drop down the river at half-past three o'clock, and after a very clean run, during which the steamer did not touch once, reached Tararua at a quarter past seven, where Dr. Pollen, Captain Krackenbury, Mr Skeen, (the Adneri-wer correspondent) and ooma natives were landed. The Luua left Tararua at half past two th'i3 morning, and hia Excellency not caring to bo up buforenine o'clock, she came along under easy stoumaud sail and arrived to a minute at the time ap .pointed. Hia Excellency several times expressod his admiration of the scenery of the Upper Thames and, as the Luna glided along under the voiy trees with which the yards now and again got foul, could not restrain his astonishment at the progress thus made apparently through the bußh itself. The trip itself has been altogether a very enjoyable one, and the welcome given to his Excellency by the people of the gold fields was of a cor dial nature.

MERCER.

[From our own Correspondent.] Yesterday, at the K.M. Court, before Giptain Jackson R M. and Major Te Whero J.P., three Maoris were charged on the in formation of Constable Walker, with taking moa>y from the store of Mr Charles Bell, Chur hill, to the amount of about £30. Aftc v lengthened enquiry, two Maoris, Te Harm.-, and T« Kaurui were acqitted, and Te Uuru was committed for trial at the next criminal sitting of the Supreme Court, Auckland. No one offering bail, prisoner was conducted to the lock-up. rv\.n mUoUHonh nt Mow.r held a very large and influential meeting at Higgin's Hotel to take into consideration the advisability of petitioning the Central Board of Education to make a new Educational District for Mercer and to establish a public school under the Educational Act 1872. The meeting was iinanimous, and the resolutions will be forwarded in due course to the proper quarter. A (school hag been sadly wanted for a long time, there being about9o children in this district without any means of Educa tion.

At a meeting convened to take into con sideration the advisability of forming the township of Mercer into a Town Board under the Highway Act 1874, it was unanimously resolved to petition His Honor Sir George Grey X C.8., Superintendent of the Province forthwith to constitute Mercer a separate district, which no doubt he will readily do , the proper petitions being presented.

RICHMOND HILL SILVER MINE, NELSON.

The prospects of this mine seem improving. The manager, under date Gth inst, writes that after cutting away the rock he had come on the top of a very rich mineral lode. One small block which he took out weighed over 1401bs, and had to be broken in two for the men to carry away, clean solid ore, and will assay 300 ounces of silver to the ton.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., E.M.) LOVELY FANNIE.

Fannie Wilson, who occupied the cell alone during the night, was brought into the light this morning and fined 53 and costs for being drunk.

Miss Wilsoa said it was a mistake ; she wa3 not aware of the strength of the whiskey.

His Worship cautioned the prisoner, as she was in Court too often.

A SERIOUS OHABOE,

Thomas Colebrook was charged with lar ceny of certain specifications on paper, value £25, the property of Thomas Hartley, on the lSbh inst.

Mr J. B. Russell appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Tyler for defendant. Mr Russell asked for a remand, and in so doing drew attention to an unjustifiable com ment on the case in the New Zealand Herald, which had caused considerable surprise, and was calculated to prejudice the case.

Mr Tyler said he could have no objection to a remand, and ho would ask that the case be heard on Friday next. Mr Cameron had prepared the plans and specifications, but for which he had not been paid ; he therefore oontended that they were still the property of the architect.

His Worship said that Mr Hartley in formed him that he had paid £25 for the same.

Mr Tyler argued that there was no crimi nal intention on the part of defendant.

Mr Russell said that would be considered next week.

The case was adjourned until Friday nexi, defendant being admitted to bail.

JOHN SMYTH, CARPENTER, ETC.

John B Smyth, described as a carpenter, of Wellesley-street, was charged with strik ing the head of his wife, Catherine Smyth, with a bellows, and with breaking her thumb. The offence was committed on the night of the 19th iust.

Prisoner pleaded not suilfcy,

Mr Brohatn conduced, the enquiry. Catherine Smyth, deposed that on Wed nesday evening her husband came home in a temper, and caught hold of a pair of new bellows and struck her a violent blow over the head ; be then struck her on the hand and her thumb wag rendered useless thereby; the boy was witness.

To prisoner : The cause of the disturbance was his drunkenness; she did ask him for money in the morning ; she did throw the

i n w of him- did dowse him with water, it S. hi taoKiS head, it would have been a oood job; she did not call h,m a drunken blackguard ; did smash the caps «d saaeew, but acoidently ; she could \ n« md steaks without the oaah bhn himself with the nozzle. Prisoner said that it was all rt calumny;j rf■ hfa ™Jsn« »nd docility his wife was There wn no chance of his livjng comfort- Se with her. He was »^ »f hiq wife's crnelity, and well nigh exhaist.d. The W thing'he could do was to die in S.oti if it ho-ikl please the Lord to take h rafrom th« world of sorrow and iatenso Serins and fi-om the claws of the woman SK entertained "paw love and aff H C£°Wo'rBhip8 hip said that both were evidently to blame the wife was wrong in irritating Wm fa She mornina, and the husband wan w™ng in nsiDR the bellowa. He must go to Son for two months' with hard labour. WTTHOUT RETNS. Tames Tvler was fined 10a and costs for d/Sng without reins in Symonds-street on the 13 th inst

tite nor; skason. , Francia Cork was chareed with being.the owner of a flog called « Napoleon/ at Pon aonhy, which was found by Constable Nant/hton without a collar. "Pined 2s 03, with coats S3. . Mrs Cork appeared for her husband, in consequence of which the case was heard, an^ 2s fid ndried to the coils. James H. Buchanm, of Union-street, foi allowing hip dog " Fannibal" to be at large without a collar. Fined 2s 61 and 5s fid co^ta. Henry was charged with allowing his flog " Endymion " to be at large without a collar in Dr.ike-strnet. pinftd 2s Gd and 5s fifl costs. William Henry Forfc wan charged with blowing hia clog "King Arthur," to be out without a collar. Fined 2a fid and 5* Od costs. The defendants in these cases had all registered their clogs, and saved an extra amount of costs

VTOLKNCR AXD EOBP.ETY.

S?.muel Pembroke and Edward Byboiais, wfire charged with violently assaulting Joseph \Ventwor!-h, and stealing the sum of £7 103 from his person, on the l<S h.h inst. Mr Bronam conducted the enquiry. The prisoners w<>re undefended. Joseph Wcntworth, an old man a sail maker, deposed that he was discharged from the Mcrwanfee Framjee on the previous Tuesday, and received the wages due to him. Know tbe prisoners, who had been his ship mates. Met the prisoners in the house of a person in Nel°on-street, and went with them to tho Park Hotel, where they had some thing to drink at hi* expense ; they said they had "no money. They left the hotel about seven o'clock in the evening, and led him over the hill into a dell, about five minutes walk away from the hotel. His eyesight was bad, and they pretended to put him in the right way. Pembroke took hia arm. and when they cot into the dell Pembroke caught him hv the neck, and threw him down, whilst P.rvbnlais put his hand over his mouth and rifled bis pockets of his money. _ They "ofc his money and cleared out ; he did not know where he was. The bi« man pinched the skin off from his neck, and scraf-ched his face. He fell in with two young; men who shewed him the way to the Police Court, where he gave information of the robbery. (JiptairTST. P. Bid well deposed that he was commander of the vessel in which the prisoners and prosecutor had been engaged. To the best of his knowledge the prisoners had no money, they were continually worry ing him for money, and he gave them 5s each on the Sunday, and they had other money advanced between that day and the day of the robbery, he had no fault to find with the men on board, they were both well behaved.. •

Mary Haurahan, of Coburg-street, deposed that she kept a lodging house, and knew the old man and prisoners ; the old man had been staying at her house. The two prisoners came in with him on Tuesday last. Wentworth sent her child for half a gallon of beer which was brought and quickly drank. Pembroke . said when he got his money he would call at her house and they would have a drink. They all left her house together. Mary Harrison, barmaid, at Mr Avey's Park Hotel, saw the prisoners there about half-past four o'clock on Tuesday evening. Pembroke called for drink, but the prosecutor paid for it ; more drink was called for and supplied at the old man's expense ; the old man did not drink, but paid for all that was called for, as he said he knew how prisoners were situated in regard to their pockets. She last saw them at half-past five o'clock, but did not see them leaye the house.

Joseph Hudson, mariner of Parnell, met the prosecutor about half-past seven o'clock, by the Paanell fire-bell, when he enquired the way to the Police Court, he showed him the way, he seemed in a very weak state, and his face and 'neck bore traces of ill-treat ment. He told him that he had been knocked down and robbed.

William Jones, assistant to Mr Williamson, tobacconist, recollected prisoners' coming into his employer's shop, on that evening at eight o'clock, and purchased 21bs tobacco, lib each, the short one purchased a cigar, and the tall one a woodpipe and some matches, altogether amounting to 15s, which was paid for with a £1 note.

Detective Jeffrey deposed that he took the prisoners into custody on the charge, he arrested Pembroke at nine o'clock that even ing in the Prince of Wales Theatre, he said he must search him, when prisoner said, you have got the wrong man and you will neither search nor handcuff me. He succeeded with much difficulty and took him to the station, and upon searching him found a purse con taining £3 9s 4d in his pocket. He said the monoy was his own and he should be able to account for it. He deDied being out of Queen-street with Wentworth. He arrested the other prisoner at half-past eleven o'clock at the Thames Hotel; he was the worse for liquor. He denied all knowledge of the robbery. On searching him he found £1 7s 4d in silver upon him.

This being the case the depositions were read over to the prisoners, who were com mitted for trial at the next criminal sittings of the Supreme Court.

ASS VTXLT.

Mr Maclean was charged with attempting to break the'head of Mr George Feint, but which was not carried into effect in conse quence oE Mr Feint's manly resistance. Mr Laishley informed the Court that the matter was .happily adjusted between the parties, and he begged to withdraw the charge. As Mr Feint's head was not seriously damaged, and Mr Maclean had recovered, the Court allowed the case to be withdrawn. This was all the business.

Nominations for Hurdle E3ce (handicap) and Birthday Handicap, to be run on the Queen's Birthday, close this evening at 8 o'clock, at the Exchange Hotel.

BANK OF NEW ZEALAND.-HALF. YEARLY MEETING.

Qapen utrrat at noon today ffice m chS;. 0-mFWU' th° t-k the

Thera was a r,iim»r n n4 o «j • „ body of Bhareholdo IT^ZrA m *^\ Mr Murdoch, the Inspector, read H, arivertwement convening the rneetinr, ? Mr Murdoch next read the rennrV 3 baluoa-Fheet for the past half- Year tv^ were as follows:- y W) whl *

RKPOET.

The "Dir.-cforc, have much pleasure in m i, mitMnir to Bbarohnlders the r« ra lt «f hT past halfyear's operations :—The npt n»c! at 31st March, after making vet/n appropriations for all dependences wnsMmSi bad or doubtful, and for reduction of b2 pvem-ses and furniture accounts, aninnn* to £58 440 17. 6di.To.wHd. C%% adoe.fi—Premium on issufl of 9 616 sharo Ist January last, £43.080 ; Balance of n divided proisfc at the 30th Septembpr' i^ £19,077 13. 2d ; giving a total avaikb£?£ division of £125,508 10s Bd. The foffi* appropriation of which is now reconrmenrW -To payment of dividend at the rate f 10 per cent, per annum, £32,500 ; Boßnsnf 5? per fhare, equal to 5 per cent, perannnm £10,250 ; Increase propogpd to be msdn t Reserve fund, £70,000 ; Balance carried! Profit and ]>ss now account, £0.848 10«fiI° total, £125,598 Uh Bi. a >

The dividend and bonus will be payable (• the heaJ. oHice, Auckland, on Monftav iV 24fch April, and ah the branches onrcet'mkni advice. v l

BAI.AN'CE-SHKRT,

Dr, £ f . Bank Strck '00,000 0* 0 Eeseive Fund 181,000 o 0 Kotes in Ci'CiiUtioji ft BilU P*y*blß ir, Circulation .. .. 1,2)9.466 13 v Depnfi s ami otliir Liabi iUes .. 4,i0t.1&9 Ijit Baluine of f'rnfit and Los* at S«p tom'ierSO, IS7S M.077 13 ? Net f rr.fi t (or Uilf-'eir .. .. 58.440 17 c Premiums on New Sharon .. .. 43,080 0 o £6,061.162; Fl Cr. £ s. a Capital unpaid on 334 Shares allntterl to. but not vett iknnup by parties resident in fori«Sfi> places .. 3,840 0 0 Coin, find Cvsh Palances .. .. ' 650,12510? Bullion on h"id. and in transita .. 341.291 1 2 Government Securities .. •■ 410,000 0 0 Lindei Prnp-rt.y. Baofc Premises, Fn'iHt'ire *c 120,043 13 1 Bills Receivable and Securities in London 1,312,978 2 8 Bills Discounted mid other Debts due to f c bank 4117,838 011 ■gfi 9811C2^8~6 PROFIT AND LOSH ACCOT7KT. ":'. £ . :■,■ s. a. To Dividend at the rate of 10 per cent. por annum 32500,1) 0 Bonus of 5s per share 16,250 0 0 Proposed increase of "Reserve Fund.. 70,000 0 0 Balance currWl to Profit and Loss " New A.ccouDt" 6,84810 8 £125.638 10~~8 By Bilmico of Profit and-Loss at 31st March, 1876 58,440 17' ff Proraiuins on Wew Shares .. .. 48,080 0 0 Bilance from last Half year .. ~ 19,077 13' 2 £126 508 19 8 RESERVE FUND. £ B. d. To Balance 250,000 0 0 £250,000 0 0 By Balance from last Statement .. 180,000 0 0 Proposed Incre»se 70,000 0 0 £250,0Q0: 0 0

The Chairman then said : In moving the adoption of the report it does not devolve upon me to make any special remarks. If tbe last half year baa been uneventful, it .has nevertheless brought to the Bank that a'cc*ns tomed and satisfactory result which enables its shareholders.to participate in the dividend and bonus now declared; with, alco, the further aseutiog fact of a large increase to the Reserve Fund. The items all speak so plainly home to shareholders that comment; is hardly necessary. The only one supgeSt ing remark is deposits and other liabilities, which, show .a decrease of a million and a half, which is wholly due to tbe reductions of Government balances. A corresponding reduction is shewn in advances. You haye of course seen from the public prints that negotiations for the transfer of the Fiji Bank to this establishment have been brought to a point, and now await confirmation of the Fiji Bank shareholders, when the final ratifi cation will take place and the business will shortly be taken over. This step has not been taken without serious consideration,of your Board. Your directors felt that the critical moment had arrived when action must be taken to secure a footing in the new colony. The Fiji Bank had done gopd ser vice in having taken a good stand in that that colony, but it may without disparage ment be said that the Bank's resources would not have enabled it successfully to compete with any strong bank which might, start in opposition. Ib appeared, therefore, to ybur directors that they should not run the risk of allowing any foreign bank to step in.and deprive New Zealand of the future benefit which we hope to see arise by securing at least a fair share of the trade of the South: Seas. I say future benefit, because iranae diate results cannofc be of great moment; but we feel it is our duty—-If only looking to a future beyond our own day—to take such action as wonid best secure and draw ;i to these our own shores the growing trad^pf the Islands. Having taken our stand, #c intend to hold it against all comers. It shall not be the fault of your directors if Naw ■ Zealand does not hold a high position in'the commerce of the Sjuth Pacific. With regard to the Government account you are aware that tenders are now before the Govern ment. We have offered terms which we hope will secure the continuance of the account with us, and if not—though we should • deeply regret the sever ance of a connection which has lasted for fourteen years - shareholders need riot be under any-apprehension that the loss materially affect future results. At a later period of this meeting you will be asked: to pass a resolution for alteration of the Deed of Settlement to remove existing restrictions on the increase of the Reserve Fund. The issue of 10,000 shares referred to at last meeting has been successfully ac complished, only 384 shares remaining un allotted, and these are held on behalf of shareholders living in foreign countries who may be supposed not to have received^ timely notice of allotment. In consideration .'for them your Directors have allowed a short extra time to afford them the opportunity of taking up their proportion of shares. I ne'Sd only "remark in conclusion that the reporfc put before you to-day exhibits gratifying proof of tbe measure of support the Bank enjoys in the colony, and it has been the aim of the Directors in return to use eVery endeavour to meet the requirements of our constituents. I beg to move the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. Mr P. Oomisky seconded" the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. . t ,y; No questions being asked the Chairman, put the question of adoption, which was carried unanimously. - . The Chairman :—" It will no doubt be m the recollection of shareholders that the Chairman in his remarks at last half-yearly meeting intimated that a resolution would be proposed to you to alter the 102 clauses the Deed of Settlement to adn.it of the Reserve Fund, acquiring larger proportions than the existing limit—in fact to remove, all limit to the extension of such fund. Copies or the proposed resolution have been forwarded to all shareholders, and proxies requested from those who .would not likely be present atfchig meeting. The ready response whicb has been made by return of proxies fully satisfies the Directors that their proposa. hasi. met, with .tie general approva

THE AUCKLAND STAR THURSDAY MAY 9, 1881.



AUTUMN AND WINTER DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. A Large Parcel of NEW and SEASONABLE GOODS of every description, just to hand, at EUBHBROOK and BRIDGMAN'S. Exceptionally £ood Valne, having been Purch-sed 1 at a considerable discount:— BLANKETS! BLANKETS! Blankets, all sizes. White and Coloured Good strong All-Wool Flannel, fr-m Is per yard Winceys, in great variety, from 5d per yard 32-inch Wincey at Is per yard, rare value A choice assortment of New Fancy Dress Goods, Calicoes and Sheetings, Furnishing Goods, etc,, etc. Also, . CLOTHING! CLOTHING! For Boys and Men, splendid value. Suits, Coats, Trousers, and Vesta Overcoats, Pilot Jackets Printed Mole Trousers, Shirts, Hosiery Hats and Caps, &c. R. & B. with confidence Invite attention to the ftbove, and imipection will prove that for PRICE and QUALITY onr Stock will bear favourable comparison With that of uny other House 1b the Trade. Patterns forwarded on application, and prompt and careful attention to country orders. 5 % Discount allowed on all Casii Purchases op 20s, and upwabds. BUSHBEOOK & BRIDGMAN, [Late R. Hobbs], JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel, Upper Queen-street, Auckland. V\UR MOTTO—"MAKE THEM COME AGAIN." 18^"* LOOK AT OUR WINDOW! 216, QUEEN-STREET, (Lato J. W. Pearse). HEMUS AND TRIGG, Milliners, Drapers, and Haberdashers. J/f/E beg to call the attention of 'parties about to Furnish to our large stock of Household Furniture. T. & H. COOKE, 148, Queen-street, (Opposite the New Theatre). Funerals Economically Furnished. Carnatio shipments to hand I New Carpets just opened up ! The very large demand for Holloway and Garlick'a Carpeta has decided them to comply with the wishes of their friends and customers in entering thoroughly into the House Furnishing business. Having secured the services of Mr R. Garnwell, late Carnwell and Co., Short!and street, is sufficient guarantee that they will keep Furniture of first-class workmanship, and at the most reasonable prices it can be produced at. They intend keeping Goods to suit all classes, and purchasers are invited TO INSPECT THEIR STOCK. EUNERALS FuR NI3HBD AT MODERATE CHARGES by Holloway and Garlick, Cabinet Makers, Upholsterers, Undertakers, Drapers, [Clothiers, &c, City Hall, Queen-street,; Auckland.



Queer FeelingS.-Odd sensations in various parts of tho body, particularly in the head and lower extremities, which do notamonnt to actual pain, but are, upon the -whole, rather worse, trouble many per sons. Almost invariably they proceed from nervous-:; ness and weakness. A few dus fi of that peerless nervine svnrt invigorsnt. Unobriio Wolfe's Schikdam Aromatic Schnapps invariably dispel all Buch queer feoliugfl, and establish perfi.'ot bodily comfort ftud tranquility. Advice to PurserfJ. —"For Winter Tim pery. Millinery, kc... try if lljmos anb Tiaoa cannot BTiooessfully onißpctn with auytliiOK in Queeti-street. WW.e-wWtli Fr-nph Merinn, is <lrl; Winceys, M\ 32 ---inch Saxony Wincey, ll?d; Hair I'ia'.ta. from M ; Cuffs ana Collars, from JOrt; TCmbo^ss.i Sillr S.un-fs, all colours, Is trsch •- HEXIUs Si TRIGa, latt l'earce, 2(6, Quoen-3treet. Westonb' WiSATii) Oil and Magic Pills-Have cured moro wonderful cases of Rheumatism, Gout, Neuralgia, yft/ics, Pains, Swellings, Caked Breasts. Scalds, and Salt-Rheum, \ipon the humau frame, than all the pretended remedies have since the world began. These Great American Mofliclheßaie com posed of vegetable oils, l-eahng- ffvirns, roots abd herbs • and act like a clwrm tipon pain and inflam mation. Price: Ha!f-a-crown. Solo Agents: Kemp thorno, Prosser and Co.