SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

OTOTT watpr / This Afternoon, 9.36. HIGH wAIIiK-| To _ morrow Morni 95L SUN SET.-This Evening, 6.48. SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 4.43. MOON'S AGE.-First Quarter, 2ith Nov., 4.6 p.m,

ARRIVALS.

Emu, screw barquentine, from Dunedin. Transit, schooner, from Oamaru Rowena, s.s., Sellars, from Tauranga Mercury, cutter, from Tairua Effort, p.s., Adams, from the Thames

DEPARTURES.

St. Kilda, s.s., Flowerday, for Wanganui. Go-ahead, s.s., McGillivary, for Gisborne and Napier. lona, s.s., Farquhar, for the North.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

*or Argyle, s.s., Mondays and Fridays For Wangarei—Argyle, every Tuesday For the North—lona, s.s., every Monday For Tauranga—Rowena, s.s., Wednesday next For London—Orari, ship; City of Auckland, early; Rapido, barque, early For Newcastle—Victoria, barque, early For Wangaroa—Camilla, brigantine, at once. For Napier—Southern Cross, Thursday. For the South—Wellington, s.s., Friday.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

w enmgton, s.s., from the South, to-morrow. Tamaya, barque, V.D.X.J., from London, sailed 23rd August Loch Urr, barque, W.Q.K.L., from London ; sailed 30th September Jessie Osborne, ship, N.K.D.C., from London; sailed 10th September Rapido, barque, from Newcastle, early Edith, schooner, from the Islands, early Transit, schooner, from Oamaru, early Augusta, brigantine, from Levuka : early Mendoza, barque, from London ; sailed Sept. 2 Glcnlora, barque, from London, early Loch Lee, schooner, from the Islands, early. Lsetitia, schooner, from the Islands, early Ryno, brigantine, from the Islands, early. Rebeccah Jane, brig-, from Melbourne, early Fairlie. 3-raasted sctioouer, from Dunedin. early Thomas Brown, barque, from Newcastle, ea'ly William Gilford, barque, from Melbourne: iasd.el

IMPORTS

Per Emu from Dunedin—ls hhds. ale.—John Reid.

300 sacks bran, 150 sacks flour, T. H. Hall and Co.

Per Transit, from Oaraarn : .">(> tons flour, 300 sacks oats. UOG sacks bran.— J£ G. Smith, Agent

Per Emu from Port Chalmers : 100 sacks flour, SOOdo. bran, 116 do. oats, 30 cases geneva, ldhhds beer.—Stone Bros., Agents.

Per Emu from Port "Chalmers : 150 sacks flour, 300 do. bran.—T. H. Hall and (Jo.

The schooner Transit left Oamaru on the 13th inst., and arrived in harbour this morning after a line weather passage. She brings a cargo of flour, grain, &c.

EXPORTS.

Per Go-Ahead for Napier and Gisborne: 1 keg nails, 1 case.—E. Porter & Co. 12 packages.—A. S. Meyers. 10 cases biscuits. —Stone Bros.

Messrs. Walker and Co. inform us the barque Rapido is to leave Newcastle for this port on the 22nd inst.

There were three tenders for the contract of repairing the s.s. Pretty Jane. Messrs Fraser and Tinne were successful, their price being £1,950. Mr. Hawkeswood (£1,905), and McEvven and McClosky (£2,78G) were the others. These are rather stiff sums for repairing a vessel said to be so very little injured.

The barque Victoria has entered out for New castle. ■

The s.s. Go-ahead left yesterday evening for Gisborne and Napier. Passengers—Mr. and Mrs. Kelly and family (6), Messrs Martin and Sims, and 3 in the steerage.

The s.s. St. Kilda left Onehunga for Wangamii yesterday afternoon. The s.s. lona left on her weekly trip to the North last night. The schooner Echo has been sold by her late owners to some natives on the West Coast. She will trade between Onehunga and Raglan.

The Harbour Board of Duncdin have decided to cut a channel 70 feet wide and 16 feet deep from the City Wharf to Port Chalmers, so as to improve the channel. The s.s. liowena arrived at 1 o'clock to-day from Tauranga, with about a dozen passengers, and a quantity of produce. The schooner, Ocean, cleared out to-day for Mercury Bay,with a cargo of sundries. The s.s. Emu, left Port Chalmers on the. 9th inst., and experienced N.E. winds throughout the passage. Rounded the East Cape on Sun day the 19th, and arrived in harbour this morn ing. The Emu brings a cargo of flour, oats, bran, and beer.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

New Plymouth.—This day. The Taupo arrived from Onehunga at half past four this morning.. Gkaiiamstown. —This day. The s.s. Southern Cross, left at 9.30 a.m. for Auckland.

COMMERCIAL.

The sale of produce, furniture, and general goods of Messrs M. Jones and Co. was fairly attended to-day, but not a great amount of busi ness clone, as bidders were few. The sewing machine was not sold ; shingles realised 10s.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, to-morrow at 6.50 p.m. For Coromandel, per Lalla Rookh, to-morrow, at 1.30 p.m.; and per Argyle, on Friday next,

at 2.30 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, this day, at 4 p.m. For Tairua, per Mercury, to-morrow at 11 a.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per

Rowena, to-morrow, at £ p.m. For Napier and Gisborne, per Southern Cross, on Thursday next, at 3.15 p.m. (Signed) S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

COOKE—On November 20, at Albert-street, Easi

Newton, Mrs. T. Cooke of a daughter. GILES—On the loth instant, the wife of Robert D. Giles, of Anglesea-street, of a son (prema ture).

DEATH.

BRENNAN-On the 20th November, Mr. James Brennan, aged 50 years. The funeral will leave the residence of his brother-in-law, Mr. William Conway, Carter, Freeman's Bay, to-morrow, at 3.30 p.m. Friends please accept this invitation.

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

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1876.

For tlio cnv.se thnt Incks assistance, I'nr the- wronsj tii.it needs resistance, l-"or tin; Iliturc in tlic distance, And llic sjciod tli.it »c can do.

It will require some -cool head to avert a collision between the Kainiai prospectors and the Pirirakaus, and we hold that a result so disastrous should be averted at whatever cost by the authorities. Latest telegrams report the Pirirakaus fully armed and determined to drive oft" the prospectors, while the latter, on the other hand, are equally resolved to proceed. Those who understand Maori custom will readily perceive that the forcible entry of Europeans upon the Kainiai Block will be at once | regarded by the Pirirakaus as a caaus belli, and that inexorable hereditary custom will almost impel the natives into resisting the prospectors by force of arms. Should the Europeans persist in their determin ation to occupy the block, the Pirirakaus Avill probably begin in the usual way with bluster and blank cartridge, but this will only be the prelude to an ambush or an open attack which may result in loss of life. Several prospectors have already started, and others are preparing to go out. Now, although we cannot but condemn the dilatorincss and mysterious bungling of the Native Departino/it, on the other hand we are equally unable to approve of the dangerous course adopted by the prospectors, which is calculated to endanger the peace of the country. It is abundantly clear that Rawiri Tangitu is acting under the direct sanction, if not at the suggestion of Tawliiao, who, with all the maudlin romance and colour de rose with which his character has been surrounded,is at heart a savage, and has the will, if he had the means, to revive the old dream of Maori enthusiasts of driving the Pakeha into the sea. The futility of that aspiration having been forcibly demonstrated, and its realiza tion having become more and more vision ary and hopeless, open resistance to settlement and civilization has given place to chicanery, plotting, and secret hostility. Tawhiao and Takerei, make profuse and gushing professions of friendship, while they are secretly plotting mischief and obstruction. Te Ngakau and Manuhiri profess nothing, but they are sullen, reserved, and irreconcilably hostile. Another instance of the pernicious influence exercised by the Kingites is to be found in the stoppage of the survey of the proposed telegraph line between Thames and Paeroa, In this case the line was to pass along the goldlields bounclaiy, upon land over ■which the Government exercises lawfully acquired proprietary rights ; therefore the obstructive interference of the chief Tukokino, of the Kiri wiri hapu, was" a mere act of wan ton "bumptiousness." It is unpleasantly evident that notwithstanding all the Native

.. . ••< k . I'inij with Tawhiao, and Mij m.. ..■ : uijj u£ compliments, after the manner of the high contracting parties of two great nations, the leopard lias not changed his spots, nor the Maori his skin. Thus, neither the Native Office flour and sugar, nor the honied eloquence- of Sir Donald McLean himself, charm he never so wisely, has maintained the peace of the country. The real peacemaker has been the conviction gradually working in the native mind that they are no match for the ever-increasing European population, and that •pen war means the loss of more land, if not extermination for the Maori. Had the powerful Ngatimaniapoto not perceived this long ago, and kept the Ngatihana Kingites in check,the war might have been renewed any time these last ten years.

The return of the Polar expedition, from which so much was expected, after reaching only within 450 miles of the North Pole, or little more than Parry accomplished in 1527, and other English and American explorers have .since attained, will cause disappointment. Without the full reports of the expedition we arc at a loss to discover why the original programme was departed from, and the expedition abandoned after an abseiu'cof six months instead of the two years projected. The theory of Arctic exploration arrived at after many unsuccessful attempts was, that the explorers must penetrate as far North as possible during the first summer, allow themselves to bo frozen in, for Hie winter, and press on their explora tions during the ensuing summer. Every pre paration had been made in connnection with this expedition for wintering in the polar regions. Provision stations were established, i and a complete line of communication opened which could be maintained, even if the exploring vessels were lost. The expe dition was the most elaborately appointed one that has ever entered upon this perilous undertaking. Distrusting the reports of an open Polar Son, reliance for reaching the Pole itself was placed upon sledges, in the construction of which ingenuity, suggested by all past experience in that bleak lone land, bad exhausted itself. One slight inkling is furnished in the cablegram, why the sleighs have not been, found to fulfil the expectations hopefully entertained respect ing them. Beyond the point reached by the explorers, it is stated, "the sea was packed with ice." Probably the explorers wore forced to the conclusion, that the huge blocks of ice forced up in the everlasting crush of ages, could not be traversed by man or beast. iS o sleigh track was discover able across that desert. The partial failure of this and the Austrian expedition, will deal a blow to Arctic explorations, and strength en the belief which had gained almost uni versal acceptance some years ago, that the mysteries whioh surround the North Pole will remain an unsolvaMe problem, ever tempting the enterprise of the daring and defeating all attempts to achieve the success which lias led hundreds to brave the perils of the polar /one and lay their bones in unknown sepulchres in that ice bound land.

JUDGING by recent accounts from Stanley, lie ')-• pursuing liis explorations in Central Africa in a style very different from tlntt which Livingstone adopted. The latter was a messenger of the Gospel of Peace, the former hears n sword. Dr Livingstone went about calmly and unostentatiously as a Christian missionary, carrying his life in his hand, and yet with v firm, trusting reliance on the over-ruling guardianship of the Master whom he served. Stanley travels with the pomp, pride, and cir cumstance of war, accompanied by a little army, slaughters ill-armed savages with elephant rilles and explosive shells; and yet it is certain that Livingstone accomplished a greater and more enduring work than hi.s American successor. The one was an English scientist, philantrophist, and missionary. The other is a matter-of fact Yankee, with little scientific attain ments, but all the self-reliance, energy, and determination of his race. The one en deavoured to implant Christian teaching* amongst the natives of inland Africa, shewing by his own example and precept the greatness and worthiness' of the cause lie had espoused. The other is a mere adventurer, who is likely to impress the natives with a dread of civilization and of white men, andtol>er[iicath to his successors a legacy of difficulty and bloodshed. AYe find from a letter written by Stanley in January last that lie had forced hi.s way, with an army of "2,000 choice spearmen of Uganda, under General Sainboogi" to Unjampaka Unyoro, on the shore of the Albert Nizanzi. Having pene trated so far by sheer force, he discovered that then; was no turning back from that line of policy, and we even find him speaking of an army of 50,000 or (>O,OOO men, as necessary to unable him to go on to Lake Albert. iJo tells us "We made a brave shew of spears and guns while inarch ing across the easy swells of pastoral Western Uganda." In fact, Stanley appears to have drifted entirely away from the original objects of his mission, and to have become addicted to " brave shows " and iillibustering. He cannot resist that passion for sensational display and adven ture which characterise his countrymen. On the frontier of Unyoro he "made warlike preparations," and the people lied, leaving their provisions behind, of which the army "made free use." He saw Gambaragara, which rises to an altitude of 1:3,000 to lf>,ooo feet above the sea, and on the .summit of which dwell the chief medicine men of Kubbft liegn, a people of European com plexion. The people, on the approach of an invading army retreat to the mountains, the intense cold of which delies the most determined of their enemies. These light complcxioued people, are described as a handsome race, with pinky hair, inclining to a brown colour, ami some of the women are decidedly handsome. The tradition is that the first King of the Unyorok gave them land around the base of Gambara gara Mountain, and they have continued to reside there for centuries, Mr. Stanley also obtained some information respecting a people called the Wakcdi, Jiving north of Usoga, who wear iron armour, and possess large dogs, which they use in war against

their enemies. The origin of these people is involved in mystery. Mr. Stanley" is nothing if not military. He describes how lie marched into the village of Kitagwenda, "with drums beating, colours Hying, and bugles blowing," which "drove the natives in a panic from their h'elds, and houses, in such hot haste that many of our people found the family porridge still cooking, and great pots full of milk, standing ready for the evening meal." The spectacle of the poor frightened natives fleeing from their homes, before a well-armed and disciplined army, must have been a very amusing scene indeed, and peculiarly gratifying to the vanity of this would-be African Cortez. Then we read of scouting parties of fortilied camps, and expeditions more in the language of a military des patch than that of a geographical ex plorer, until eventually lie tells us "We set out on our return from the lake in order of battle, 500 spearmen in front, 500 spear men for rear-guard, 1000 spearmen and the expedition in the centre." The army, how ever, left the country of the Kitagwenda without fighting any pitched battles, or performing any more brilliant achievements than parading in battle array, blowing bugles, beating drums, and other blood less exhibitions. Mr. Stanley named a gulf of the Albert, "Beatrice"Gulf," after the British princess of that name. He speaks of Usongora as the great field whence the natives obtain their supplies of salt.

The country is described as a land of ■wonders, abounding in hills of rock-salt, with great plains encrusted thickly wth salt and alkali, a breed of large dogs of extraordinary ferocity, and a race of exceedingly long-legged natives. "Gene ral Samboozy," Stanley's lieutenant, appears to have turned out a petty thief, for, being disappointed of the reward he had expected, or as Mr Stanley elegantly expresses it, '' perceiving that his hopes of reward from me were very slim" he stole three porter loads of beads. Stanley's com plaint to Emperor Mtesa brought down condign punishment on the head of the ''General," his cattle, wives, children, slaves, and every article he possessed being seized, while he himself was imprisoned and threatened with the loss of his head. Mr. Stanley next circumnavigated Lake Win dermere in the little steamer Lady Alice, entered the Kagera river, 84 feet deep and 120 yards wide, and which lie believes to be the true parent of the Victorian Nile. He visited the hot springs of Mlagata, which were visited by great numbers of diseased persons, " males and females lying promiscuously half asleep in the hot pools, while their itchy and ulcerous bodies were being half cooked." When a thermometer was placed in the water,the mercury rose to 12!) degrees of Farenheit. Mr. Stanley's narrative abounds in interesting and valua ble information, but it is too strongly tinged with military pageantry and warlike expedi tions to please the purely scientific student. It appears to us extremely questionable how far the "London Daily Telegraph" and " New York Herald " are justified in furnishing funds for an expedition that lias degenerated into a mere lillibustering raid, equally as miscnicvous and cruel as the predatory incursions of Arab Slave traders. Success, and the command of large means and contingents of men appear to have turned the Commander's head, and we shall be much mistaken if the evil effects of all this marching and counter marching, blowing of bugles, beating of drums and " brave shows " will not breed hostility and suspicion towards European explorers, increase the future difficulty of geographical discovery, and result in the | sacrifice of many valuable lives.

The letter on Polly Plum and the Auck*

land ladies, and an article on North .Shore ship-builders are published in our fourth page. Attention is drawn in the Gazette to section !) of the Stamp Act Amendment Act, whereby the stamp duty on duplicate or counterpart instruments is now elm <■- able as follows : —Where such duty not amount to 2s Gd, the same duty a ; i

original instrument; in any other i.

2s (;d. This general provision does not affect bills of exchange d.• 1 in sots, which are specially chii : ; but the duplicate of every other instrument liable ti> duty must now be stamped as above.

Mr. Tilden, Governor of New York, has been virtually elected President of the United States. This is a. victory for the Democrats, Free-traders, and political re formers. Mr. Tilden will be the nineteenth President of the United States.

A Cambridge correspondent writes : " Sir, —Having been a constant leader <

your valuable i>aper for the past six years, I think I am entitled to a small space in your columns. "Would you kindly insert the following as a cause which needs assist ance, and for the benefit of those sending goods, per train, to the Waikato. On the 31st of October, 1. removed from Auckland to Cambridge, and forwarded by rail to Mercer a few packages of household furni ture, and some cases. The opinion of com petent judges is that there was about two tons weight, for which 1 am charged (> tons lf>e\vt, which cost £6' 19s Id, being consi derably more than the charge by steamer from Mercer to Cambridge. To shew you that there could not be; much more, a

oue-liorse express brought them from my house in (Jollingwood-street, up Wellington street, and down to flic station. The agenf lien; informed me that he could have got it to Mercer much cheaper by dray. How the railway officers Aveigh or measure, I am ala loss to know. 1 suppose each chair is measured as a solid piece of timber. I

I hink, sir, I hat such an absurd charge should ha brought prominently before the com mittce appointed to emjuire into the in tillage ment of the Auckland and Mercer railway By inserting the above you will oblige,— Ois'H Who Has Hkkn Swindled."

The Hobson Company will meet in the Drill-shed tin's evening at half-past seven for monthly inspection. Members are re quested to be in attendance.

The monthly conversazione of the mem bars of St. Matthew's Church will be heh this evening at seven o'clock, Rev. M. Jlassa.nl in the chair.

■Messrs B. Tonka and Co, will offer for sale to-morrow a number of valuable town and country properties, by order of the owner, Mr \V. Kirby.

To the Editor : .Sir, —In last Tuesday's Stau there appeared sonic inaccuracy in connection with the statement relative to the late Mr Horn. I beg to state that his life aviih only insured for £300 in the Mutual Provident. Deceased "was 47 years of age ; he lias been 20 years in tbc country, most, of that time in connection with the timber trade, being several years saw mill manager for Mr (ribbons, of Onehunga, by whom ho was much respected, and by all wlio know him for the last four years. He lias been a mill manager for Mr Wells, of Mercer, where he died. lie leaves a wife and two children to deplore his loss.—Yours, &c, A. FitiKXl), Onelumga.

The creditors in the estate of Jonathan Mumford met yesterday. The liabilities were stated at £433 10s., and the assets £550. Mr Thomas Macffarlane was ap pointed trustee to the estate.

The inhabitants of Portsmouth have long contemplated the erection of a memorial statue to Charles Dickons, the Avorld-ftimed novelist, who was horn at Landport, in the neighbourhood, but have not yet decided upon a .suitable site. The site lias been under consideration for nearly two years.

We understand that the district orders of the 17th inst., in respect of fie firing for choice of representatives of companies, armed with medium sniders, have been cancelled, and efficient volunteers for com petition are requested to meet at the rille range at 0 o'clock on Wednesday morning, the 13th December, to fire the first of the proposed matches.

The English cricketers have beaten the Adelaide team in one innings with 43 mns to spare.

We notice that Mr. Steele, of Pulman's photographic establishment, is taking some special views of the new craft our ship builders are turning out. Yesterday, Mr Steele took an excellent photograph of Messrs Fraser and Tinne's new steamer the ltoto mahana.

We have been requested to inform the country division of the Nixon Light Horse, that they can obtain ammunition for practice, from Lieutenant Calvert, of Otahuhu.

The European Mail of September 29th, has the following, respecting the flax mar ket :-—" We have no sales oc New Zealand to report, and holders are still keeping off the market. Stock on Ist instant, 937 tons, against 1,454 tons ; deliveries, 488 tons, against 754 tons; and imports, 19 tons, against 211 tons in 1875.

The Superintendent of the Dunedi n Lunatic Asylum must have rather a checquerecl official carrsr. Not long since he was in hot water with a discharged lunatic who brought an action for damages for allegbd cruelty, in which plaintiff was worsted. Now the telegrams state that another former patient named Henry Baxter who has been on a visit to his friends in England lias returned to Dunedin for the purpose of bringing an action against the Superintendent of the Asylum, damages being laid at £100. Mr Baxter is a son of of the late Henry Baxter, of Mahurangi. It is said that startling disclosures will be made.

All the paid commanding officers of Militia and volunteers of the Middle Island have received three months' notice that at the expiration of that time their services will be dispensed with by Government. Colonel Header, of the North Island, has received a similar notice.

J. Lewis, "Greytown, Wairarapa. Your letter is to hand ; we made enquiries with out success. Your best mode would be to advertise with description, height, and other particulars of the person sought.

A correspondent brings to public notice the poor circumstances in which Mrs Coughlin has been left by the death of her husband, who fell from the wharf in a fit and was drowned : Sir, —It is my painful duty to bring to your notice the sudden bereavement of Mrs Coughlin, who is left with four fatherless children almost penni less, and likely to shortly have a fifth added to their number. I beg, therefore,you will, with your usual generous spirit give the sad affair that publicity you may deem prudent. I have been anxiously waiting for some male friend to take the matter up, but none having done so I thought it my duty to bring tin's really distressing case to your notice. I hope the merits of the case will be sufficient apology for asking you to give the matter publicity.—Yours very respectfully, Miis. C. M'Carthy, Albert street. P.S.—-The ages of the children are respectively 7 years, 4£ years, 3 years, 1£ years.—C.C.

Mr T. W. Allen has opened an excellent ly appointed bowling saloon opposite the Thistle hotel. There are two splendid alleys, Avhich arc largely frequented by lovers of this choice American game.

The lion G. M. McLean lias promised work on the AVaikouaite railway to the unemployed of Duncdin.

OurDnnedin telegrams yesterday report ed an alleged case of cruelty at the Indus trial School. The Superintendent's ex planation of the matter is that the girl is incorrigible.

A patient named Brennan died at the hos i.-:! last evening.

The following New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company (limited) pro duce telegram has been received : —London, November 4, 1876. —Wool.—The sales opened with spirit on 31st October at an

average advance of 1h to 2. The principal advance has been in superior combing washed Greasy advanced Id per lb since close of last salt;. Competition by both home and foreign buyers is active. Con tinental markets are lightly stocked. The sales compri.se about 200,000 bales. 9000 hales have been xmii to the manufacturing districts direct. Mimosa Hark.—Market is improving. Quotation for Melbourne ground, £12 ; chopped, £11.

A reception in honour of Mr. Broomhall, the pioneer of the Temperance Special Settlement, has been .arranged for Thursday evening in the Lome-street Hall. Mr. liiee and Miss Edgcr have taken under their direction the musical part of the programme, and a very pleasant evening will doubtless be .spent. We are glad to learn that there is every probability of Mr. Broomhall selec ting a site for the proposed settlement in this Province.

Concerning the alleged supernatural mani festations in the house occupied by the late John .Soar, we have received the follow ing letter : " Sir.- I think the melancholy circumstances attending the death of the late Mr Soar should have prevented Mr VVilkes and other so-called spiritualists from carrying on their tomfoolery with the object of cren.l ing a sensut ion at the expense of 1 he friends of an unfortunate man who, in a moment of temporary derangement put an end to his exis tence. The proceedings described in your last night's issue, were as silly as they are indecent, and I think you should have refrained from giv ing publicity to them. How any sane man, and I suppose iVlr Vyilkes claims to the possession of some glimmerings of common sense, could have become a party to such proceedings as were carried on in the house adjoining t lint lately occupied by Soar —not in the residence of deceased, as stated in last night's Star— passes my comprehension. I give a most em phatic denial to the statement that any super natural manifestations have been developed at the house in question, and tho most charitable construction I can place on the assertion that noises were heard on the roof of the house, is that Mr. YVilkes was labouring under a delusion, t trust,, however, that rcvorcnco for (lie dead will restrain the believers in this silly delusion from associating their superstitious practices with an event already sufficiently deplorable.--Yours, etc., One Who Knows."

A handicap tournament bet ween the members of the Ponsonby Chess Club commences to-night at. the Club llooiii. There are twelve entries and some good competition is oxpected. The prize is a sot of chessmen and board.

To tho Editor: Sir,—"Ex nihil nihilo fit "says the proverb. But I cannot sec what makes

" Ratepayer," in your issue of 20th inst., so cross tempered. Kvcry one knows, or should know, that a country school is best out of tlie village and nottoo near a public-house. The gentlemen of the Otahuhu School Committee arc very kindly and faithfully doing their duty, a rather dlftfcu.lt one by the by, for the good of the dis trict. They were elected to do what they are doing, and only called the meeting alluded to that everybody who has had the honour of pay ing the late Education Kate might have a voice in the local disposal of tho funds. If "Mr Rate payer " did not speak it was his own fault. He certainly should not be so Silly as to waste his valuable time in writing a reply to what needed nothing of the kind. -I am, etc., Own Coures- I'OXDKN'T.

The half-yearly meeting of the Auckland Tailors' Association was held last evening in tho Club-room of the British Hotel. There was a large attendance of members. The report and financial statement was very favourable, show ing a satisfactory balance to the credit of the society. The election of officers for the ensuing half-year having been made, the question of the painters' strike was introduced and discussed at some length. A vote of sympathy with the painters was unanimously passed, and it was resolved that (lie tailors should help the painters to the best of their linancial ability, until a rise of wages was granted by tho musters. The business ol! the meeting being owr, an hour was passed in harmony, and some good songs were sung, including the " Village Blacksmith," " Tuual (Jain," "Ton) Bowling" and several others of a kindred typo, shewing unmistakably that there are some capital singers among the tailors.

A special meeting of the Shipwrights' Prote ction Society will bo held on Thursday evening, in the Temperance Hall, for important business. The painters on strike are requested to attend.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq. R.M.) LOWLY LIFE. Ann Long, was charged under the Vag rant Act, with using obscene language. Defendant said she would plead guilty to using the language imputed to her. Sub-Inspector Pardy said she was not married, but was settled with a man in Freeman's Bay, and she went to the place where he was employed, and made a dis turbance, His employer had her removed. Fined'los, costs Bs, or imprisonment f°r seven days.

IN THE GENERAL WAY. Christian Olson, Alias Whecdler, was chaiged with stealing (1) a silver lever watch, value £5, on the 31st nit, the pro perty of iiufus Dunning, (2) with stealing a meerscham pipe, and stick of tobacco, value 21s on the 17th inst, the property Andrew Melville, and (3) with stealing a telescope and case, value £2 10s, ou the same date, the property of John Taylor. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Sub-Inspector Pardy asked for a remand in these cases. Remanded until Monday.

"MORE LIGHT." When clouds obscure the pale moonlight, We need the more, the landlord's light. —Hudibrastio.

William Charles Campbell, mine host of the Alexandra Hotel, was charged with failing to keep his light burning over the door of his hotel. Mr Campbell said the light was burning when he retired to rest, and he could not account for its going out. It was stated by Sergeant Gamble, that Avhcn on his ramble, he looked round about, and found the lamp was out.

Fined 2s 6d. and costs. THE RUNAWAY,

Alfred Dane, who had absconded several times from the Industrial Home, was again brought Tip on a similar charge. The little boy began sobbing violently on entering the Court. Mr. Stickley had tried every means to keep the boy in, but it seemed almost im possible, as the boy would escape through the window, and out of the chimney, and run away over the hills clapping his hands. His Worship gave the boy some good advice, and ordered him back to the Home.

A CHINAMAN IN TROUBLE.

James Ah Foo, was charged with a breach of the Customs Act, by evading duty on ipbs cigars, on the 20th inst. Mr. Brookfield appeared for the prosecu tion, and Mr. Joy, L.L.8., for the defence. After some consultation, it was decided to adjourn the case until Friday ; defendant being admitted to bail, himself in £30, and two friends in £15 each.

CHARGE AGAINST A MEDICAL MAN

Francis Gould was charged with taking, without the leave of Henry Smith, the owner, a novel, " Olympia," in one volume, 10 pairs of boots, 2 blankets, 4 shirts, and a box of cigars, value £10. Mr Dufaur asked that the case might be remanded, as the witnesses were not pre sent, nor the prosectitor, who lived at Mercury Bay, where prisoner had been act ing as a medical practitioner. Prisoner, who appeared to be a man of education, said that the statement that he committed a larceny -was untrue ; the per son was indebted to him, and if remanded he could produce witnesses in his favor. ON THE TROT. William Jane, was charged with trotting rapidly round the corner of Wellesley-street to the danger of Her Majesty's peaceful pedestrians. Mr. Tliorne appeared for defendant, and pleaded guilty. Mr. Jane was an experi enced driver, and he hoped the Court would make the fine as light as possible. Fined 10s, costs 5s fid. CHARGE OF WIFE DESERTION.

James Dyer was charged with deserting his wife and two children.

It was stated that Dyer was ill in bed, and could not appear. Mr. Rees appeared for Mrs Dyer, who said that she was in a very poor condition, and was in want of necessaries, for her children.

Mr. Kees said that there had been an arrangement between the parties, through Mr. Laishley, but it had not been carried out, and Mrs Dyer was unable to' support herself, and two children, without the husband's assistance.

Constable Jackson deposed to the hus band's circumstances; he kept a small store, and lodging-house, but at present was unable to pursue his callings. The wife deposed that she was married at Hoxton, 1546, to James Dyer, and that lie deserted her about eighteen months ago. She had two children, and she wished to have exclusive custody of them until they were fourteen.

An order was made upon the husband for KJs a week, the wife to have the custody of the children.

UNKINDLY,

Henry Miller was charged with using abusive language towards bis wife, on the 18th inst.

Defendant made a lengthy statement about his wrongs, and that lie was scarcely master of his own house. It was shewn, however, that lie was unworthy such a post of trust, that his habits were extravagant, and his disposition tempestuous.

His wife, who had exercised much len iency towards him, was not disposed to puuisb her husband, but her protection was necessary •

His Worship asked defendant if he would consent to be bound over to keep the peace, or have the case heard.

Mr Kissling, for the wife, said she would be satislied if prisoner was bound over.

The Court ordered defendant to find personal securities in £20, to keep the peace for six months.

CRICKET.

Ox Friday next an Auckland eleven will leave for Hamilton, Wsiikato, where they will play ii match with the best men of the district, on Saturday. The Waiksito' crick eters have visited Auckland, but no town team has yet had the courtesy to return the visit. It is gratifying to find that our Auck land hoys have at last woke up, and intend carrying the war into the enemy's camp. It is to be hoped that line weather will favour the game. The team selected are : Messrs Auckland, Blackctt, Cotton, Browning, Abraham, ifates, Abraham C., W. FLLoon, Regan, Lynch and McLean.

CABLEGRAMS.

London, November 8. ARMISTICE IN TURKEY.

The Turkish armistice has been fixed for two months.

PROPOSED EASTERN CONFERENCE.

It is proposed to hold a conference on the Eastern question at Stamboul.

Lord Salisbury, assisted by Sir Henry Elliott, will represent England. The other Great Powers arc also sending delegates to the Porte.

ARCTIC EXPEDITION RETURNED.

The Arctic Expedition has arrived at Portsmouth ; it readied to 450 miles from the North Pole, being the furthest point north ever attained. Beyond this region the sea was packed with ice.

TILDEN ELECTED PRESIDENT UNITED STATES.

Mr Tildcn has been elected President of the United States.

THE PONSONBY EMBROGLIO.— PEACE RESTORED.

luk Ponsonby double-board difficulty is at ail end, and quiet has been restored in that recently must disturbed higlnvay district. Disgusted with their unsuccessful appeal to the arbitrament of the Court, the parties to the quarrel consented about a fortnight ago to submit the case to the decision of Mr W. Swanson M.H.K., and yesterday that gentleman delivered his opinion, which is that two of the Proxy board should retire, and make room for two other trustees elected by the ratepayers. In accordance with this ultimatum, to-day Messrs Stewart and Dacre placed their resignations in the hands of the .Board, who will at once take steps to have the vacancies filled up. It is only fair to the proxy-ites to state that they ofForred to carry out this compromise more than a montli ago, but the other party insisted on not less than three retiring. The proxy party objected to this as throwing too much power into their rivals hands. The question which Mr Swanson was in reality called upon to decide was, whether two or three should resign. That gentleman had a tremendous file of documents delivered to him, upon which to base his decision. After reading them through lie is stated to have expres^ sed much sympathy for Mr, Burstow, and

to having given vent to the e> bation, that if he had not undertaken th, , ak of deciding, he would have sent the lot packing. We believe that now all un pleasantness will be removed, and peace and fraternity shine once more in this favored district.

WAIWERA.

(From a Correspondent.)

The season has fairly set in at Waiwera Everything is in splendid order. Buildings going up. The improvements made since last year shew what energy and perseverance can do. The Hon. F. Whitaker has selected a site for a Telegraph Station and Post-office. The place is all life and activity : more like a town ship than a watering place. The baths are frequented two or three times a day. The swim ming bath and shower baths are really enjoy able. List of visitors at Hot Springe :—Hon. F and Mrs Whitakcr, Mr and Mrs J. S. Macfar lanc, Major and Mrs Green, Dr and Mrs Hart man, Mr John and Mr 1). Main (Otago), Mr A Devore, Mr A. Wardrop, Mr Newdick (Thames), Mr SteinofF (Dunedin), Mr Uther (Sydney), Mr Donaldson (London), Mr Mann, Mrs W. E.Mann Mr A. Moses, Mr W. Scott, Mr Barrie (Poverty Bay), Mrs McLeod |(Waiheke), jMr Alfred Rey nolds (Dunedin), Mr W. Abbey (Mangawai) Miss Horn, Mr J. Lewis, Mr James Bentley, Mr J. Brewer, Mr A. Watson, Miss Graham, Mrs Merrington. Mr Peek, Rev Mr Homer (Canter bury).

THE COUNTIES ACT 1876.

A MEETING of the ratepayers of Onelnmga was held last evening in the public hall, to consider the Counties Act, and other acts connected therewith. Mr j. D. Jackson, chairman of the Onehunga Highway Board, occupied the chair. The chairman opened the proceedings by pointing out the importance of the business to be brought under consideration. The four Acts to be considered contained nearly 1,000 clauses. They were the Eating Act, 1876'; the Regulation of Local Elections Act, 1876 ; the Public Works Act, 1876; and the Financial Arrangements Act, 1876. He then went on to clearly explain the various provisions of the new legisla tion. An entirely new mode of assessment was provided for.' The rate is to be levied upon the rental value, and is not to be less than 5 per cent of the value of the fee simple. It was proposed that the valuer should be guided by the actual selling price, and not by the pro visions of any Waste Lands Act. Persons occupying waste lands of the Crown, or Crown lands for pastoral purposes are to be rated only in respect of the annual value, having regard to the tenure under which the lands are held. Under the present halfpenny rate, the Board obtained 4s 2d, but under the new method, at the rate of b'd, the result would be ss. T!i3 Regulation of Local Elections Act could be brought into operation in Highway districts by a vote of two-thirds of the electors. Regu lations were made for polling, proxies were abolished, the votes being personal. Under clause 8 of the Financial Arrangements Bill a subsidy of £ for £ was provided for rates collected, 10s being contributed from land fund, and 10s from Consolidated Revenue. The Government might issue Treasury Dills in default of land fund, which would bo charged against future receipts under that head. Only one half the subsidy would be payable during the first year under the Act. Onehunga was in the County of Eden, which was to be divided into liidingsj_and a gentleman was now engaged in Auckland in arranging the boundaries of Ridings in the several provinces. There would be nine Ridings, each of the County Boards having practic ally equal powers with a muncipal body, including the issue of licenses. Votes were on the following scale : —To £50, 1 vote ; to £100, 2 votes ; to £150, 3 votes ; to £350, 4 votes; and £350 and upwards, 5 votes. Owners of buses in Onehunga would pay licenses to the Eden County Board, which. would go to Onehunga, if constituted a borough, but if it remained otherwise a part of the County the fees would go to the County. A new borough must not include more than nine square miles, must not be more than six miles from any one point to another, and must contain 250 resident householders. Onehunga fullillcd these conditions. The adjusting of accounts between a Borough and the County from which it was separated was provided for. The Borough Council would consist of 6,and not more than, 9 members with a Mayor, 3 members to be elected annually. The Counties need not bring into operation the whole of the Act, and they could subsidise Road Boards. There was also provision for drainage, water-supply, lighting, wharves, jetties, &c, and for levying tolls. Mr. Codling moved, "That in the opinion of this meeting, it would be most advisable to take the necessary steps to have this district pro claimed a Borough under the Municipal Corpo rations Act. 1870." He advocated the appoint ment of a Committee to take the necessary steps. lie did not consider that the Counties Act would be an improvement, as they were progressing well under the former system with easy rates.

Mr. Eastwood, in seconding the motion, said the bills ought to have been sent to the Boards before they were passed. He believed there had been a dead set against Onehunga by Auck land, and therefore they should obtain the con trol of their own affairs.

Mr. John Lundon supported the appointment of a committee, but thought it would be prema ture to pass a resolution in favour of constituting Onehunga a Borough. As for the Treasury bills he believed they would be as hard to collect as were his own bills. He advocated the adjourn ment of the question for a month, appointing a committee meantime to report.

Mr. Martin May expressed regret at the pre sent condition of Onehunga. Mr. Earlc moved as an amendment, " That in the opinion of this meeting, it would be desira ble to wait for a mouth, and appoint a committee to report upon the effect of the several Acts." The amendment was carried by 21 to 18. Mr. John Lundon moved, " That the following gentlemen be appointed a committee to consider the effect of the several Acts—the Counties Act, 187(5, the Hating Act, 1870, the Public Works Act, 1870, the Financial Arrangements Act, 1870, and to report to a future meeting, namely—Messrs Eastwood, Fleming (Charles), Hardington, Kobb, Wakey, Ericrly, and Chairman of the Onehunga 13oai-d (Mr. Jackson), and the mover." The motion was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the Chairman was unani mously agreed to. Mr. Lundon called for three cheers for Sir George Grey, which were given with warmth. The meeting then separated.

WOOL SALE.

Mr Alfred Buckland commenced the first wool sale of the season this afternoon at two o'clock in the Haymarkct, consisting of SO lots, chiefly of long wool of good quality, half-bred wool, washed and in the grease, reported as the best brands in the province. The sale was largely (attended, with the following results as far as we are able to give in this evening's issue :—

Lot 1, longwool, grease, not sold. Lot 2, do., do., 7d, Sullivan, buyer. Lot 3, do., do., Sid, Gittos. Lot 4, do., do., S^l, Suth erland. Lot 5, do., do., BJd, Browning. Lot 6", do., do., Bid, Sullivan. Lot 7; do. do. 5 B£d, Browning. Lot 8, do., do., BJd, Gittos. Lot 9, do., do., Sid, Browning. Lot 10, do., do., 7|d, Sutherland ; lot 11, do., do., 9Jd, Gittos; lot 12, do., do., Sd, Sutherland; lot 13, do.. do., Sd, Browning j lot 14, do., do., 9d, Browning ; Lot 15, do, do, not sold ; lot 16, do, do, $}A, Gittos; lot 17, do, do, 7^d, Sutherland; lot 18, do, do, 7M, Sutherland; lot 19, do, do, S£d, Browning; lot 20, half-bred, grease, Sd, Browning; lot 21, longwool, 8 : ]: d, Browning; lot 22, do, do, Bd, Brown ing ; lot 23, do, do, 7kl, Sutherlaiwk^j 24, do, do, Bd, Osborne ; lot 25, do, dJ|§|r Gittos; lot 26, do. do, S-kl, Bro\\ jggpf; lot 27, half-bred, grease, ~Sd, Osbw*e; lot 28, longwool, grease, Bd, Sutherland; Lot 29, half-bred, grease, S.^d, BroAvning > lot 30, longwool, grease, 9£d, Browning; lot 31, do, do, 9d, Gittos; lot 32, do, do, 9d> J. S. Maofarlane ; lot 33, do, washed, Is, Osborne ; lot 34, longwool, washed, Is fd, Browning ; lot 35, do, do, lOd, Potter ; lot 3t>, do, do, Is Id, Browning ; lot 37, do, do, Is jfcd, Browning; lot 3S, do, do, Is : |d,

THY STAR, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 81, 1876



rp I M B E R . ROBERT BARTLEY, having charge of the Kopuru. Saw-Mill Company's Timber Yards, Breakwater Road, begs to notify to Builders, Contractors, Cabinetmakers, and others, that he has a Large and Varied Stock of TIMBER on hand, which he is selling at lowest ratc3. N. B.—Orders from the country will be delivered and stowed into the Railway Trucks if required. October 10,1876. QPEOIAL- NOTICE. In consequence of a mandate from the stern and unrelenting Inspector of Nuisances, I am obliged to remove a quantity of Second-class Timber. Preferring Selling to Removing, Buyers have a good chance if they come at once.—E. CARR, Waikawau Yards, Custom house-street. TXORNITURE! FURNITURE! Ladles and Gentlemen about to Furnish are respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DBA WING BOOM, DINING -ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL HOUSEhOLD FURNITURE, In our Ncvj and Spacious Showrooms. T. & R~~COOKE s 67, QUBEN-STREET Adjoining Bank of New Zealand [ __ ivr o t t c c. In addition to their NEW SEASON'S STOCK of SPRING AND SUMMER DRAPERY GOODS, the undersigned are now offering a number of SPECIAL LINES, at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES:— Strong White Calico, at 3/10 per doz. Grey Calico, /3i per yard Crcwdson's Best White Calicos, an overstock, offering Cheap, to reduce Splendid Value in Winceys, from /I per yard Superior 30 in. wide ditto, /9i yard, worth 1/2 Good Blue Dungaree, /S per yard 30 in. Deny, brown and grey, /9A, best quality " New Japanese Silk, 1/ and 1/6 per yard Plain Blue Cloth, GO in. wide, 4/6 per yard, half price Blue Diagonal Cloth, double width, 5/peryard, half-price Melton Cloth, double width, 3/6 per yard Waterproof Tweed, double width, 3/6 per yard Strong Tweed for Boys' Clothing, 1/11 yard White Blankets, 13/ per pair Blue Blankets, 13/ „ Grey Blankets, 9/6 ~ White Turkish Towels, /ll Job lot Children's Brown and Grey Cotton Socks, from /3 per pair. Other Goods equally Cheap. Inspection Invited. RUSH BROOK & BRIDGMAN (Late R. Hobbs), JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite Army and Navy Hotel), fil Upper Queen-street, Auckland.



TIURNITURE A BCA 1) «" CARPETS ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE m- FURNITURE ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE K3- BEDDING ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE m- FLOOR CLOTHS! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! m DRESS GOODS ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! m MILLINERY! FOR THE PEOPLE ! CITY HALL ARCADE! m- MEN'S CLOTHING ! FOR THE PEOPLE ! CITY HALL ARCADE! m BOYS' CLOTHING ! FOR THE PEOPLE ! CITY HALL ARCADE! Grandest Display of Goods, and Greatest • Variety, at the BZT CITY HALL IJI DRAPERY AND FURNITURE ARCADE. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS DRAPE US, CLOTHIERS, &c. H. CRANWEIiTj, Manager of Furniture Department. mII E RE M AINING PORTION JL OK R. W. DYSON'S STOCK WCLL BE BROUGHT FORWARD TO-MORROW FOR SALE. G It EilT B A R GAINS IX SILKS, MILLINERY, STRAW HATS, AND DRESS GOODS. J. COSGRAVE & CO. mHORNTON, SMITH! AND FIRTH'S JL PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale):— Sacks. lOOlbs. 50lbs. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Crown Brand Flour, per ton ----- 17 0 0 17 10 0 IS 0 0 T. S. F. Canterbury Flour, ditto - - - 10 0 0 10 10 0 17 0 0 Seconds ditto ditto - 13 0 0 Sharps, ditto - - - 810 0 Bran, ditto - - - - 7 0 0 Fowl Wheat, per bushel, ss. to ss. Gd. The above prices include sacks and bags. Sacks and bags not returnable. Terms—Cash. Auckland. Bth November. 187f>.



A Fliissn Ckkatixu Medicine,—When a due proportion of the food is converted into pure rich blood, the natural nutrient of the body, there is nothing to prevent the acquisition of flesh, pro vjdeel there be no undue waste of tissue from overwork, or any depleting ailments. We would recommend those who desire to see the angles of their frames rounded off, to use Udoli'Ho Wolfe's Hhiedam Aromatic Schnapps, which promotes assimilation of the food and repairs all loses of substance.



Mark Twain on 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, Fuank Wkston, Sydney, N.5.W.," are engraven thereon. Any other so-called preparations of mine, are unauthorized by me, and calculated to mislead the public.—Signed, Frank Weston. Sole Agents: Kempthorne, Prosser and Co.— Price, Half-a-crown.



Sale of



Drapery



aa&



Clothing at



W*~Rfttiifty'B«



liamease Reductions*