SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

i.TniT ax- ITWP < This Afternoon, 6.18 HIGH WAlJ_.lt— | To-morrow Morning, G. 20 SUN SET.—This Evening, 6.59. SUN PISE.—To-morrow Morning, 4.39. MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter, full Moon, Ist, 10.13 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTUK.ES. John Matthuos, barque, for New York.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Melbourne—Janet Stewart, brig;, early For Coromandel—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, 30th December; City of Auckland, early ; Rapido, barque, early ;

Glenlora, barque, early For the South—Zealandia, s.s., Saturday ; Lady-

bird, s.s., Monday, 4th December. For Gisborne and Napier—Go-ahead, s.s., Friday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Zcalandia, s.s. (English mail), jroni Kandavu,

Saturday. Hero. s,S., from Sydney, about 3rd December Clan Alpine, fchooner, from tho Islands, early Clyde, schooner, from the Islands, early Favorite, schooner, from the Islands, early Omaha, brigantine. from Chatham Islands, early Tamaya, barque, V.D.N. 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 16th September Rapido, barque, from Newcastle : sailed 22nd

inst. Edith, schooner, from the Islands, early Augusta, brigantine, from Lovuka ; early Mendoza, barque, from London ; sailed Sept. 2 Glenlora, barque, from London, early Lfetifia, schooner, from the Islands, early Rebeccah Jane, brig, from Melbourne, early Thomas Brown, barque, from Melbourne, early William Gilford, barque, from Melbourne

sailed. Glimpse, barque, from Newcastle; sailed 11th instant.

The s.s. Go-Ahead yesterday afternoon went alongside the ship Orari. and transferred her cargo of wool, tallow, etc. into that vessel for conveyance to London. The Go-Ahead leaves on Saturday for Gisborne and Napier, at 12 noon. _ . The s.s. Rowena has been laid up during the week for an overhaul. She loaves this evening for Tauranga. The schooner Amaranthe, now in the Manu kau, has received on board ex City of Auckland the machinery for the new saw-mill at Waitara, and will leave at once for that port. Messrs. Eraser and Tinne are getting on fast in their work of fitting out the new steamer Rotomahaua. The engines and boilers are in position, and it is estimated that the vessel will be ready for the trial trip about the 18th instant. The ketch Pearl, which has been laid up for a time, has now come alongside the wharf, and will load for Tonga at once. The new schooner Nellie, Captain Armstrong, leaves at once for Kaipara, where she is to load timber for Lyttelton. The ship City of Auckland has finished the discharge of her London cargo. She will move off into" the stream in a day or two, and will remain there until the Orari is loaded. The Orari's cargo is still rolling into her as fast as it can be stowed. It is now certain that this vessel will receive the quickest despatch ever given to a ship of her size in this port. Weunderstaed that the barque Star Queen will on leaving here proceed to Melbourne in ballast.

The yacht Ulni-i-Lakeba is to go out on atria. trip tb-morroAV. She starts from the Avharf at half-past twelA'c.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

Me. Alfred Buckland's Weekly REro-r.— At Remuera, on Thursday, dairy cattle were plentiful, and sold freely at fully late values. Store cattle in a\*crage supply, and at lower A-alues. Fat cattle in less than usual numbers; ninety head only penned. Prices rallied as the sale proceeded about 2/6 the lOOlbs. from last Aveek's rates. Xo store sheep offered. Fat sheep in usual supply: about 500 sold. Prices ad vance, slowly. Lambs in less numbers than required, and" for some pens extreme prices ruled. All sold freely at prices equal to the beginning of last Avcek's sale. Fcav pigs penned ; those were of small size, and in steady enquiry. Prices obtained Avere:—Dairy cows, £6 to £7 15s ; yearlin us, £2 to £2 15s; two-year-old heifers, £3 12s Gd ; dry cows, £3 10s to £5 10 : three-year old steers, £6 15s ; fat cattle, 27/ to 30/ the lOOlbs; shorn sheep, 2-Vd lb. ; lambs, 11/ to 17/ each. Messrs Hunter and Nolan's Weekly Report.—Hacks from £3 to £13 23 6d ; light harness horses from £16 to £25; draught colts from £32.—Hairy Cows from £8 to £10 2s Gd ; store cows, £t 12s Gd to £5 7s 6u ; yearlings from £3 to £3 7s Gd; tAvo and three-year-old steers, £1 15s to £6 10s; beef, 27s to 30s per 100lb. —Best fat Avethers sold from 13s to 10s ; second quality, 10s Gd to 12s ; hoggetts, in wool, 12s Od ; aged eAves, in avool, lis; fat lambs, 8s to lis each. Pigs Avere scarce, but prices Avere rather loav.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails avill Close as Under :—

For Thames, this day, 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday next

at 11.30 p.m. For Whitiangi,

Tauranga, and Opotiki, per

Rowena. to-day, at 1 p.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, Waipu, &c, per Anne Milbank, on Satur day next, at 10 a.m. For Gisborne and Napier, per Go-ahead, to

morroAV, at 11.15 p.m. For Napier, Gisborne, and Southern Provinces. per City of Sydney, four hours after her arrival from Kandavu. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Ladybird, on Monday next, at 8.15 a.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

DEATH.

lIEMPENSTALL—On the 29th November, Mr. Robert Hcnipenstall, aged 72 years. The funeral will leave his late residence, Edinburgh-street, Newton, to-morrow (Satur day), at 1 o'clock. Friends will please accept this invitation.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1876.

J-.ir tlio" . v~e tli.it !.i< ks assistance, i „ r le v.r-.-.:/ iii it nci-ils resistance,

THE labour expended by Parliament on the Counties Act at the fag end of a weary session might, to all appearances, have been spared those jaded guardians of the people's liberties. There seems to be a disposition everywhere to let the Act severely alone, and Mr Ormond, the latest addition to the Cabinet which fathered this cumbrous and blundering attempt to build up a Constitution has, Avhile softened Avith the mellowing influences of a public ban quet, quietly counselled the llawke's Bay sett ers that if they are Aviso they will have none of the Act, Mr. Ormond took very large credit to himself for having been instrumental in securing to the colonists of Ncav Zealand the right to determine that they shall not avail themselves of the blessings which this brilliant scheme of local self-government has placed within their reach. He said :" He thought it would be found that in many places the exercise of the Council's right to delegate it oavii functions and revenues to the various existing highway boards Avould be the most convenient and economical course, ujud he Avas glad to find that in several of the counties in the South-that would bo the decision. Here (llawkes Bay} for instance, where they had three counties, there would be need for three chairmen, each Avith a staff, and all of Avhom would have to be paid. That Avould not be so economical us the Provincial Government, and he really believed that the wisest course would be for the Councils to elect to be only distributing bodies." In Mr. Ormonds opinion, then —and he should know some thing of the working of provincialism —the cost of Chairman and staff for three Counties " would not be so economical as the Provincial Government." What shall Aye say of the eighteen comities, of the eighteen paid Chairmen, each with paid clerks, surveyors, offices, valuators, and collectors, and the 135 County Coun cillors the collective wisdom deemed necessary to replace the fifty Provincial Councillors avlio before administered the affairs of this Province. But less con spicuous for economy than for extreme simplicity and general workableness is this cheap and efficient form of .Government designed to supercede an effete and cum brous —that's the term —Provincialism ; to simplify and reduce the governing machi nery of this terribly over-governed Colony. We may take as an example the County surrounding the city, as the one in which there arc feAvest obstacles in the way of working the' Act. Tbc suburban distracts, possessing larger re venues and a common centre in the city, and connected by good roads, are, it may be assumed, in an admirable position for working out any high destiny that may be hidden in one or all of the 213 clauses comprised Avithin the covers of the Act. The County Council of Eden Avill consist of a happy family, represented by two members chosen by a constituency of the ratepayers in the Newton, Arch Hill, and Ponsonby Highway districts, known as the Newton Riding ; one member chosen by the ratepayers of Grafton-road, Karan gahape, and Eden Terrace, known as the Grafton Riding; one member chosen by the ratepayers of Mount Eden, Epsom, and One Tree Hill Highway Districts, termed the Epsom Riding; one member elected from the Whan Riding, Avhich comprises Mount Albert, Whati, Point Chevalier, and Mount Roskill High- Avay Districts ; Parnell Riding, two mem bers, elected by the ratepayers of Parnell, Newmarket, and Remuera districts ; One hunga Township, one member ; and Tamaki Riding, including Mount Wellington and West Tamaki Highway Districts, one mem ber. The deliberations of this singularly coustituted body, especially in appropriating the limited County Fund for the necessary works spread over so wide an area, would doubtless be of an interesting and highly ani mated character. The duties of the Council are much more tangible than ils rev enues. It has the care and management of county roads, bridges, ferries, public works, charge of the sick and destitute, is entrusted Avith the establishment of museums and public libraries, of recreation reserves, market places, slaughter-houses, hpvkers, pounds &c. From the various sources of income in the Eileii County-—-the licenses, slaughter-house Fees, tolls, etc.—it will not be ■. h.id'v off lieciiiiiaiilv as tin- purely cnii.ili •

wholly dependent on local the pound for pound subsidy thej--sii But the maintenance of the Great South Road, and the North roads will absorb a

large proportion of its funds. It is extremely probable that no county in tin's province will venture upon the experiment of bringing the Act into operation, more especially as, once in force, there is no power to rescind it, or divest the Council of its duties and res ponsibilities. The course prescribed when the Council determines to delegate its^administra tive powers to tho road boa. Isjis simple. After the elections, which will take place on a day to be fixed by the Governor, the Council must, within three months from its lirst meeting, determine by resolution that the third schedule, which embodies the adminis trative powers of the Act, shall not come in force within the county. The Council will then continue in existence, but its powers of ex penditure are limited to the payment of a clerk. At the first, or an adjourned meet in;-, the Council must determine in what proportion the county fund payable under the Financial Arrangements Act—the pound for pound subsidies, licenses, &o. — shall be divided among the various Road Boards and shall forward its resolu tion forthwith to the Colonial Secretary, who Avill pay the subsidies direct. In such an apportionment, consideration will have to be given to the responsibilities of the various' boards, and the extent of main roads which they have to keep in order. The road boards then remain supreme in their respective districts. Whether County (Councils Avith no powers are worth tke cost involved in calling them into existence may be matter of opinion, but the legisla ture lias so willed it, and settlers will pro bably sympathise with Mr Ormond in his congratulations upon the existence of power in the Act to make it comparatively harmless. It, will be observed, however, that this power rests in the hands of the Council, not of the electors ; that it is possible for the members of Council, what ever the wishes of the road boards may be, to bring the Act into operation. Meetings should be called as soon as the dates of elections arc iixed, for the pur pose of discussing the Act and testing the feeling of the ratepayers in the various highway districts comprised within the ridings. A Wellington telegram to-day states that the Government expect to get the whole of the elections over by the Kith inst. This expectation, however, is mani festly impracticable ; but an effort will, no doubt, be made to carry out the elections in the vicinity of cities by that date.

In the programme of the Lyttleton Regatta, avc notice that the Ncav Zealand Shipping Company, and Shaw, Savill and Co., each gave a cup value £25. At Nelson Shaw, Savill and Co. also gave a cup of the same value. This is as it should he, and slioavs a desire on the part both, of the com pany and linn, to encourage the Maritime interests in places Avbcre they do a good deal of their trade. No doubt (he Auck land Regatta will receive the same marks of favour, and these two cups with that already promised by the New Zealand Insur ance Company "will make a very fair start in the formation of our prize list,

A writer named Rangikatukuu Taniati I'aora —a very respectable name enough so far as sound and length go reads his countrymen a homily on their duties. He counsels loyally, the relinquishment of a pseudo King, and an absurd religion called the Tariao, obedience to law, and encour agement of education. He insists upon all the -Maori people becoming Good Templars, and advises the young men to cease riding about over the country and put their hands to the plough.

A paragraph lately went (lie rounds of the newspapers to the effect that over 100 bags of seed wheat had been planted in the Taupo district. The statement was contra dicted at the time. A correspondent of the " Wananga," named llohepa Tamaniutu, says that more than the quantity named has been sown at Taupo proper and all the adjoining settlements.

The STAK supplement of to-morrow Avill contain a large mass of original and care fully selected matter, surii as " How to Secure Good Looks," which the Auckland girls will have no occasion to read, as nature has favoured them, and their pretty laces render artificial means unnecessary : " The Doctor and his SVtip. ou ;" "Judge Cop ley's Problem-;" a1 column of " Danbury Fun ;" symothin;.;' about " Spiders,"' accept able ..members <>t" the Natural luvcstiga tion Society of this city; "Warned of;a Warning, or the Giant Athlete Crushed by a Rosebud," is a fairy lab; Avorthy of Mrs Gatty, whose parables of nature have de lighted young thinkers; "Clubbing To gether" is Avorthy of emulation ; " Zarctc, the Mightiest I>Avarf," will be instructive to city giants ; " Minnetta*' is a beau{_. * I *<\ very pathetic story ; and " A^.G- /•*. >ol' Avib cause bursts of Inmr^ 4 v^Ul- v a household. The poetry j;,; '' ' yAypc, including live pieces 0',!," '.'■'•> '•■ viz., _ The Fall Cricket** j 'Wattle," **^Sr«t mul.l-''V~ '.-. • ■ M and the

"Violet.." '.. .'..x^,./ '-/number of beautiful and hiuiiqinous make a goodly peimy's-Avorth for Saturday evening.

A'pro re .nata meeting of the Auckland Presbytery will be hold at 11 o'clock on Tuesday next, at St. Andrew's Church. The Session of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand will commence iv the evening, Avhenthe election of Moderator Avill take [face. *'

Lieutenant Barriball, <>f the Waiuku Cavalry Volunteers, has won twstar pre sented by tbc non-commissioned ofUceisand men, with a score of '.)(>'. lie was winner of the same trophy on two previous occasions. Trooper W. 11. Barriball avi'hs the belt, with a score of 101^ The latter won the belt on a fdmier occasion.

The Christchurch takers have "given notice of their intention to charge 9d for the 411) loaf.

.The special parade of the llobson corps for march-out, in company with the Naval Brigade will take place this evening. The companies, beaded by their respectiAro bands will start from the Drill-shed at half-past seven o'clock, under command of Captains Dignan and Loltoy. Sonic excellent selec tions of music Avill be performed by the

bands,

An inquest avus held yesterday afternoon at the Provincial Hospital, before Dr. Goldsbro', on the body of the lad, Robert Skelton, avlio died from injuries received by a fall from a horse at Mount Eden, on Monday last. Mr John Wilson Avas fore man of the enquiry. Mr Charles Tothill, Drs. Philson and Stockwcll, and the father of the lad gave evidence as to the accident, and the nature of the wounds, when, brief consultation the jury returned a A rerdict of " Accidental Death."

Trains Avill shortly run to Taupiri.

The Grand Lodge meeting of the Good Templar Order in the North Island, will be held in this city on January 9th. Each lodge returns one representative for CA-cry 50 members, or fractional part of that number iv good standing at the date of the last quarterly returns. The travelling expenses of representatives arc to be borne by their respective lodges.

The " Medical Press and Circular" has been estimating the value of a man at diflerent ages, the calculations being based upon (he Norfolk agricultural classes. In that county the infant labour is worth, at the time of birth, £5. When he has sur vived the first dangers of infancy, and has advanced five years nearer th-.i time at which he Avill become a productive agent, his price rises to no less than £56' ; and this, again, in live years more, is something more than doubled. At the age of 25 years he has attained his maximum value, £246; and he declines afterwards steadily but .slowly down to £13S at 55 years of age, anil £1 at the age of 70. After this he produces little or nothing, but still he consumes, and when he is 80 years old he is valued at minus £41.

" Young Colonist," in the Napier "Tele graph," says that the proposal to raise subscriptions for the purchase of a piece of plate as a testimonial to Mr. Ormond eman ated from the " Ring," and he thinks they ought to raise the money amongst them selves, instead of going round with the hat.

W. W. Parsons, avlio was remanded to Gisborne from Auckland on a charge of horse-stealing, was brought before Dr. Nesbitt, and further remanded for a week iv the absence of tho necessary witnesses. The Melbourne correspondent of the "Sydney Morning Herald" considers the gorgeous display on the Elcmington race course on the Cup-Day was not indicative of a healthy state of society. He alleges that there is keen competition among the fair sex as to costliness of attire and extra vagance of display, and the husband, and tbc family are too frequently sufferers. The'correspondent writes : " Every boy clerk in the town for two or three weeks before the several events come oft' is convinced, and tries to convince others, that he knows the winner of every pending race : but, when the event comes oil', the cleric has no money to pay the debts which be has incurred in backing the favourites, lie goes on to say that a keen gambling spirit is being generated by the betting ring, and concludes bis remarks with the following severe strictures :—" Mr. Thomas Hughes,' the author of "Tom Brown's School Days," said once in the House of Commons, that "the members of the bet ting ring were chieily some of the greatest scoundrels unhung," and the versatile but very able contributor to the "Argus" under the signature of "A Vagabond," whose literary contributions prove him to be a thorough man of the world, says that Tom Brown's remarks would be equally applicable to Victoria. He, with a personal acquaintance with Turf affairs in England, writes that "the ordinary betting man in England is bad enough,' but the highly successful ones of Victoria are worse. They are still greater rogues !"

We have received a copy of the "Presbyterian Church News" for De cember. It opens with a sermon on the "Forgiveness of Sins,"byan eminent Scotch divine, the manuscript of which found its way to this colony in an inexplicable manner. Then follows an extract from tbc late Dr Eadie's book on " The English Bible," which is worth reading. A racy article by the Rev. Theodore Cuyler, on " Helpful People," is in that preacher's best style. The Rev A. Honoro supplies some interesting information of his work among the Maoris. The New Hebrides mission comes in for its slum; of notice ;

and the "Survey of Fifty Years' Mission Work" supplies valuable facts as to the results of mission work generally. There is also a space devoted to the children, which wc think might be profitably followed in future numbers. The remainder of the number is made up of denominational news, general news, extract readings, and poetry. Altogether this number sustains its reputa tion as the organ of the Presbyterians in this province. Tim prize winners in Mr J. Symons' Art Union were :—Messrs W. S. Cochrane, 11. Brett, I. Alexander, -I. M. .McDonald, Kenton (of Hill and Kenton), W. 11. K'issling, S. 15. Hiss, Vickcrs, I). B. Cruck shank, J. 11. Smith, W. Atkin and W. Aitkcu. Sixteen prizes were carried oil' by the 105 unsold tickets.

The names of the West End players in the matches of Ist and '2nd Elevens against the Carlton Cricket Clubs to-morrow are : Ist Eleven..!. Mnckv, T. -Mucky,(J. Gleeson, G. McLean, F. Cook, R. Mason, W. Mason, ('. Mclviiiny, C. Western A. Heal her, and T. Hanna. 2nd Eleven, C. A. Taylor, C. Forrest, 11. Smith, J. McCoskrie, E. lleriies, Stoviu, Goodwin, Helps.

One of those pleasant gatherings which break the monotony of country life and

allbrd an agreeable change to city folk will be held in the Lake School-room on Monday evening next. It consists of a soiree and concert, (lie latter furnished by some of our best Auckland vocalists. The entertain ment is under the direction of the Rev.

Peter Mason, and has been arranged in a way that must secure complete success. A boat leaves the waterman's steps Auckland,

at 4..50, returning at ten o'clock

The bowling green Avill re-open for the season to-morrow evening at 5. o'clock. Wc arc informed that a requisition signed by intepaycrs of Ponsonby is to be pre sented to '.Messrs Maseficld and Thome the anti-proxy candidates who received the highest number of votes at the recent elec tion, asking them to allow themselves to be nominated for the two vacancies in the Roiisonby Highway Board, the other three gentlemen having declined to be nominated.

The "Hawkes Ray Herald" gives currency to a report that Mr Rees, M.U.R., is about to practice in Napier as a barrister, and solicitor. We arc informed by Mr Roes that there is no truth in this report, Avhich has arisen out of the fact that be is going to Napier shortly to conduct some eases for Mr Shcohan.

'The Artillery met last evening in the Old Barrack grounds, for inspection with

Armstrong guns. The various movements of Field Gun-drill, Avere very well executed, blank ammunition was used, and a very .large number <>f citizens were present to witness the niameuvies. It isA-cry evident that for service, our Artillery would be more effective than the I. He Corps. The Battery was under the command of Captain Burns. After the inspec tion, the Battery marched down Queen street, as far as the Hank of New Zea land, Avhei-cjthcy were dismissed. Previous to dismissal, Captain Burns notified I hat the Battery would parade for Church Parade at the Grey-street .Junction, on Sunday morning at ten o'clock. On Saturday the 9th inst, the Battery Avill proceed to the North Shore for shot and shell practice. We understand that our local Artillery intend during the summer, to make them selves thoroughly efficient in shot and shell, firing with a view to sending a. challenge for the different Artillery Corps of the colojjv, armed ay fi the Armstrong Guns. The"action between Mr. J. B. Buer and AY. N". Clarke, before the Resident Magistrate yester day, terminated in favour of plaintiff. Tho greater part of tho evidence appeared in our last issue. The plaintiff claimed £22 10s, com mission on the sale of the Red Lion Hotel, Avhich Avas sold through Mr. Mowbray. The hearing of the case occupied the greater part of the day. In the course of the case, (he.following extra ordinary evidence was given, relative to a docu ment alleged to have borne a spurious signature. Mr. John M. Mowbray, land and mining agent, deposed that plaintiff had asked him to divide the commission. To this, witness had answered that he did not know Mr. Buer at all, and that Mr. Clark paid no commission. Mr. Buer pro duced a written authority to sell, signed by Mr. Pye. Witness read the document, and thought the signature Avas not genuine, Mr. Buer had produced a document signed by defendant pi-CA'ious to this In consequence of his suspicions, he asked Mr. Pye if he had given such a document, and that gentleman emphatically denied having done so.—Mr. Dulaur asked* that tbc plaintiff might be re-called, in order that he might explain this matter, of which Mr Hesketh said lie had no knowledge.—Mr Buer (re-called) deposed that the document referred to by the last witness had been written by him for Mr Pyes signature, but had not been signed. It had not even been seen by Mr I've, as witness did not think it of any use when he found that the house Avas in the bauds of Mr Mowbray.—To Mr Hesketh: May I never leave this box alive it I gave Mr MoAvbrav a document signed by Mr Pye. The document Avas written on the same day that he saw defendant, as he intended to try and work for both parties if he could. It was written before ho saw Mr Pye at all.—Mr J. M. Mow bray (re-called) Avas handed the document which the last witness had sworn was snown to him by mistake. He read it, and declared that it was not the same: Die document he had seen he was sure was signed. Counsel on eacli side addressed the Court at length on behalf of their respective clients, iris Worship, in sum up, said it was an unpleasant case to adjudicate upon ; be thought there bad been hard swearing on both sides. He must give judgment for plaintiff for the amount claimed. Costs £o lis. We understand that defendant intends to ap peal. '

The employees of Mr. G. Hemus' Boot Factory drove out to Ellerslie gardens this morning, in three of Crowther's breaks, to hold their annual picnic. Kiss-in-the-ring and other games were indulged in, the merry-go-round and swings were in frdl request, and for the elder parties dancing to the inspiriting strains of Mr. Impoy s band was provided. A plentiful repast of tea cake, etc., was provided, amongst Avhich straw berries and oream formed a conspicuous item.

The case of Brogden v. the Crown, in which Messrs Brogden claim compensation from the Government for losses sustained by their immi gration scheme, was argued in the Appeal Court yesterday. It will be remembered that Messrs Brogden' and Son introduced a number of navvies for railway work by arrangement with the Government, the immigrants giving prom niisssory notes. Afterwards the Government introduced and assisted free immigrants, and the majority of Messrs Brogdcn's men, consider ing that they had been unjustly treated, loft their employment, and scattered themselves throughout the country, in consequence of which Messrs Brogden asserted that they suffered a loss of £60,000. They petitioned Parliament for compensation, but the report of the Committee was adverse, and Messrs Brogden afterwards commenced legal proceedings, which dragged their slow length along for two or three years. In the pleas heard yesterday, the Crown abandoned the lirst, the second was uphold as good, and Messrs. Brogden were successful in the third, thus narrowing the qcstion.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

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

INEBRIATIONISM,

From step to step unhappy Morgan passed, And fell into O'Connor's arms at last; And for his drunken freak of yesterday, Ten silver shillings Morgan had to pay.

Morgan Kelly, or Mary Ann Kelly, was charged with drunken and riotous conduct last evening, and lined 10s and costs.

A WOMAN'S WAlt. Eliza Kelly, and her friend Ann Nobbs, Kicked up a fearful row in Chancery Lane, Till parted by a trotter man, Bill Hobbs, Who charged them both with "brandy on the brain."

Eliza Kelly, alias Price, and Anne Nobbs, alias the " Chancery Lane Beauty," Avere charged Avith using obscene language AVithin hearing of the respectable inhabi tants of Chancery Lane, on the 30th nit. Eliza Kelly, a young woman, said she was not so bad as she seemed, and she hoped his Worship would let her oil' this time.

Sergeant O'Connor deposed that the scene was terrific. At eleven o'clock the storm arose, and the conflict commenced. Blood fIcAV from noses, and the light winds carried a deal of natural hair towards the hungry sea.

The young woman hung down her head and feigned a modest, blush. The words used by the girl were written on a slip of paper in a legible, official band, and handed to his Worship. The Court wan shocked, and ordered Eliza to pay a line of 20s and costs, or 48 hours. Anne Nohbs said that the constable was a good deal too fast in bringing this charge. The row arose about Gd, which she was to give Kelly for minding her baby Tommy, while she went out a washing. _ Eliza wanted more, and she would not give it, Avhen she received a gratuitous blow on the nose. She retaliated, not caring to be 'posed upon. She was a respectable woman, but Chancery Lane was not a respectable

place. Joseph Bell deposed to the prisoner 8 horrid language ; she gave him a blow in the eye. Prisoner here began to rave, and said Bell came then. sAveethearting, and Avcnt to bed in the middle of the da v.

Bell intimated that be worked o' nights, ami was compelled to sleep ill the day time.

ivi.soner: But you need not have Sally to tuck you up. Your Worship, lam looking out for a house in a better street. Sergeant O'Connor gave the woman a character ; she was a pest to the place. Fined £~), or three mouths imprison ment.

I'itOSSIXi; THE UNI

Edgar P. Hulme appeared iv answer to a summons, charging him with committing a breach of the Auckland and Mercer Rail way Regulations, by driving across the line at Newmarket, on the 17th ult., with the train in sight. Sub-Inspector I'ardy conducted for the police. Mr Ffesketh appeared for defendant. A considerable discussion ensued in re spect of the by-laws, as to whether there was one in existence at (he time of the alleged oUcncc, the old bye-law having expired on the Ist November, and the new one not having been gazetted at the time.

Sub-Inspector Parity said the charge had been laid under two beads. The first Avas under the old, and the second under the new by-laws, so that failing undcr^the first he could fall back upon the second.

His Worship said that the old by-hiAv Avas not in force, and the new one was not gazetted. Mr Hesketh spoke at some length upon the matter, and he hoped llis Worship would see his Avay clear to go on with the case, as it was a subject Avhich ought to be investigated for the public good.

His Worship said that however clear the evidence might be, be should not be able to convict upon it; the alleged offence Avas committed on the 17th ult., and there was no operative by-law until the 25th.

Mr. Hesketh said he believed there Avas no by-law in force at the time ; still be avu-s very desirous that the case should be beard if possible. There was no way avoiding the olleuee, unless a person knew exactly the times of the passing of the trains, as you could not possibly know that a train was near, without your watch in your hand.

James BracCAvell, engineer driver, gave similar evidence. He was driving the " Lord of the Isle." Left Auckland at 7"20 a.m.

The previous Avitncss stated 6 "50 a. m., but the difference arose in consequence of Mr Edward's lever being half an hour behind.

Cross-examination by Air Hesketh

Robert Cleave Station-master at Ncav Market, and William Lodder, engineer, gave evidence.

To Mr Hesketh : The engine made but litttle noise, he could not say that she was graceful in her motion, like a thing of light.

William McElwaiu, plate-layer, heard the whistle tAvice, and suav defendant ap proaching the crossing in the Remuera Road.

Sub-Inspector Partly said Mr. Hesketh had evidently got on the wrong line, and he read an extract in proof from the regula tions.

His Worship said there was a station intervening, as Avell as the tunnel, and in the case of a train stopping, considerable time Avould be allowed for a person to cross. Mr. Hesketh said the information must be differently shaped, but what shape it could take he was at a loss to know. His Worship suggested that defendant should be charged with a breach of the Public Works Act, by driving across the line at Newmarket, on the 17th ult., while a train was approaching, and within a mile of such person. Sub-Inspector Partly acquiesced. IBThe witnesses were then ordered out of Court.

John Edwards, fireman on the railway, deposed that he avhs on the locomotive engine, on the 17th November, at O'.oO a.m. from Auckland to Mount Smart, He noticed a horse and cart crossing the line towards Newmarket ; going about ten miles an hour ; the horse belonging to defendant, was being driven at a gallop. Defendant was in danger, and tried .to pull up, and ho told thS* engine driver to*shut oil the steam, which Avas at once done •he then put on the break. The train Avas within 150 yards of the grossing at the time,

and defendant Avhen he pulled up was with in a short distance ; he whistled twice. To Mr. Hesketh : The whistles Avere long, and defendant might have heard them ; he first saw Mr. Hulme between the tAvo sheds, iust passed the railway store. Mr. Macdonald, manager, gave unimportant OVMr nHeskcth then addressed the Court, and contended that the case must be dismissed, as the charge was attempting to cross, whereas defendant had made no such attempt as the whole of the evidence proved. . - Mr. liulue, defendant, deposed that he was coming doAvn the road, and when AVithin a short distance of the rail, he saw the engine, but neither heard it nor the whistle; he pulled up with much difficulty AVithin two feet of the line, he was going at 6 or 7 miles an hour. „„„„.-, Mr Herbert was passing at the time. Heard the engine, which was coming at a rapid pace, give two sharp whistles. Saw defendant pull up. He Avas by Vincent's shed. This Avas the Avhole of the evidence. His Worship said he should dismiss the charge on tho ground that Mr Hulme, as soon as he Avas aware that a train Avas approaching, made every attempt to avoid an accident. Mr Hesketh asked for costs, which could not be allowed, as the police had laid the informa tion.

Drowning Accident at Mangapai.

A TELEGRAM received this r. • -n mg, informs us of the accidental drowning al Mangapai, yesterday, of Mr. Simpson, shoemaker, of Wangarei, and Mr. William Don his assistant, Both were avcß known in the district, and Mr. Simpson was an old settler.

DUNEDIN SPRING MEETING,

The following were the placed horses in the events at the Spring Meeting, in addition to what we gave last night. It will be seen that an Auckland horse ran third for the St. Andrew's Handicap, and another won the Spring Handicap.

St. Andrea, s Handicap, of 100 soys. Distance, 2 miles. Mr. _ nd's b h King Phillip, 5 years .. .. 1 Mr. O'Brien's b h Fishhook, i years .. .. 2 Mr. Walter say b Kingfisher, 5 years .. . - o

Won by a length. Selling Race. Ii miles. Weight for age. Mr Fagan's chm Flying Beauty, aged.. .. 1 Mr. Smith's Alice .. .. ••• •• •• | Mr. Stephenson's b m Kathleen, aged .. .. o Spring Handicap, of SOsoa^s. ; distance, li miles. Twelve entries. Mr. Walter's br h Isaac Walton .. .. .. 1 Mr. Stephenson's br g Haphazard, aged .. 2 Mr. Stepbenson's b g Steamer, 1 years.. . . z> Flying Beauty, Dead Heat, Fishhook and Tad mor scratched. Isaac Walton Avon by a length, after an exciting race. The positions ot the horses Avere often changing. Rob Roy fourth, and all the other horses a long way behind. Time, 2 inins. 21 \ sees. Handicap Trotting Race, of 30 soys.; 3 miles.

No weight under 10st. Mr. Milne's blk g Black Boy, aged .. .. 1 Mr. Reaney'sbrg Snip, aged 2 Mr. Mercer's br m Mystery, aged .. • • •> Benevolent Scurry Race-One mile and a

distance.

Mr. Smith's Alice Mr. McKay's Glencoe Mr. Hastio's Miss Elswick

The Suwarrow Embroglic.

CAPTAIN FERNANDEZ'S VERSION

Wl. published in bur issue of yesterday the .statement of Mr. Sterndale as to the recent extraordinary proceedings at Surwarrow Island. This morning a reporter of the Stak waited upon Captain Fernandez, avlio stated that while the case was sub judice, he had refused to furnish any information to the press, but now that Ivlr. Sterndale's statement had appeared, and Mr. Barstow hatl stated that be bad no jurisdiction in the case, be (Captain Fernandez) would make a full and complete statement of the whole matter, from beginning to end. Our reporter accompanied Captain Fernan dez on board the Ilyno in order to obtain the journal kept by the captain from the time of his leaving Auckland, and the fol lowing statement was then read to our representative by Captain Fernandez from his journal, and taken down in short-

THE VOYAGE FROM AUCKLAND

Thomas Fernandez, master mariner, states : " I left Auckland on the 6th Nov., 1875, in command of the Krienihilda, under instructions from Messrs. Henderson and Maotarlanc to proceed to SuwarroAv Island and then: place myself and vessel Avbilc absent from Auckland under the orders of Mr Sterndale, who had charge of affairs there. I arrived at Sinvar row Island ou November 21st. 1 received instructions from Mr Sterndale to proceed lo Manihika, Avherc I arrived on November 2.) th, and communicated with Mr Mair, the agent. On Thursday, De cember 2, the Ryno arrived off Rokohauga Avith Mr Sterndale on board. At 10 a.m. went on board with Mr Duunett and others. MR STERNDALE'S ATTIRE. 1 Avas astounded at the get-up of Mr Sterndale. He Avas dressed in a militia olliccr's coat, with a silvcr-lacc collar, and a cap Avith a scarlet band, and silver round the peak. He wore serge trousers, Avith a red stripe. The clothes had evidently been made for a man of large proportions, and had been "razzied" iloavii to suit Mr Sterndale. A STATE RECEPTION. After landing, Mr Sterndale proceeded -o the Turo (or law) house, and seated himself in the state chair, surrounded by Messrs Dunnctt, Mair, Herd, myself, and a group of admiring natives. When be sat down flic collar of his coat projected above his cars, and caused much amusement. In fact, I thought every moment he would disappear inside the uniform. The two vessels, the Ryno and Krienihilda, remained there for* 2J days, cruising be tAveen the islands of Manila .a and Kako hanga, carrying natives to and fro and feed ing them. ROYAL SALUTES. Mr Sterndale occasionally came on board the Ryno and lired oil' sniall cannons, of which avc had three on ooard. I Avould just mention here that the natives of Man ihika are peaceful, that they have no arms, and have no names for guns. The two islands arc about 20 miles apart. On Mon day, Dec. 20th, I received instructions from Mr Sterndale to proceed with Air I Mair to Penryn Island. I arrived there on the 4th January. Mr Mair Avent ashore to procure native laborers. MR. MAIR IN WAR COSTUME. I Avas also astonished at his appearance Avhen I next saAV him. He Avore tAVO large pheasant's feathers in his hat, and a Avar medal on his breast, and he strutted about with a martial stride, crushing the coral sands beneath his feet. Wc sailed from Penryn on January 12, Avith one native diver, and arrived at Manahika on Jan. 14, Avhen Mr. .lair Avent onshore to his trading station. On the loth January I per ceived on board a quantity of pearl - sheß and copra, and ' sailed for Kakohanga which Aye reached on Mon day the 17th. Mr Herd came on board, and Mr Mair Avent ashore Avith natives. There we took on board a quantity of copra. I filially landed Mr Mair at Mauahiki and sailed for SuwarroAv on January 20th, arriving on January 22nd. Gn February the Bth, I sailed for Palmerston, arriving on February 12th. I spoke the cutter Magic from Auckland. Took on board cocoanuts at Palmerston and sailed for Suavuitoav, where I arrived on February 28th. On Thursday, March 23rd, received instructions from Air. Stern dale to sail for Savage Island. Embarked Mr. Mair, and Jack, Mr. Sterndale's fore man, and 15 Savage Islanders, returned labourers from Suavuitoav. Arrived at Savage Island on March 30th. Landed Mr. Mair and trade, also returned labourers, j Took in cargo, cocoauuts &_ Embarked ! Mr. Mair and remainder of trade* Sailed lor Suavuitoav on Aprilo. l, and arrived on April 21st. Hauled alongside wharf, and prepared to discharge cargo, J

MR. STERNDALE STABBED. f\ This afternoon heard a quarrel betweei. \ Mr. Mair, and the diver Peterson. Mr.^s"- Mair was accusing him of some impropriety with his (Mr. Mair's) native wife. On Monday the 24th, I was lying i n the Church, -when Mr. Mair came in in a very excited state, and asked me to lend him my revolver with which to light Peterson. I refused and lay down again. In a short time I heard a native woman crying and the clash of steel. AVent out in front of the store,and saw Sterndale Mair, Peterson, and Mrs Sterndale! I found that Mair had stabbed Sterndale in the neck with a cavalry sabre, and the blow forced Sterndale backwards. Mr Mair then pulled out a Derringer, and said to Sterndale: ' Here, by God, shoot me.' The pistol was' seized by Mrs Sterndale, _ who handed it to Peterson, and he immediately opened tho barrel and let the cartridge fall out. Both Sterndale and Mair were under the influence of drink. Mr Sterndale was confined to his bed by the wound until May Hth, when he Avas sufficiently recovered to proceed to Tahiti, on that date. On the 31st May was abreast of Raratonga, where the pilot came on board, and I went ashore in company with Mr Sterndale, leaving the pilot in charge of the vessel. On Friday June 22, at 5.30 p.m., sailed for Tahiti, (hi Sunday June 19 (Auckland time Monday) pilot came on board, and anchored vessel "in Papeete Harbour.

MR STERNDALE ARRESTED. On Wednesday, 2Sth, Mr Sterndale Avas arrested, while talking to myself and Mr A. 11. Helps, the present mate of the RynoJ by the Commissaire of Police and native constables. He was charged with presenting a pistol at a member of the Catho lic Bishop's household. On Thursday he was brought before the Tribunal of Cor rection at the " Palace de Justice," but owing to the intercession of the Bishop he was simply fined for being drunk and the pistol confiscated.

MR STERNDALE FINED 40 DOLLARS On Wednesday, August 9th, Mr Stern dale was again brought up on charge of being intoxicated, and awis fined 40 dollars. This Avas the third arrest. I hold the receipt for the forty dollars, Avhich I paid BetAvcen the 9th and the 24th August Mr. Sterndale requested me to prepare°the vessel for sea. On the latter date he came on board, and was under the influence of liquor. I remained in the cabin, and refused to hold communication with him.

Mr. He! [is came, and asked mc AA rhat to do Avith Mr. Sterndale, as Mr Sterndale Avis-

bed to go on shore, do not care what

I replied " I you do with

him." lie then got Mr. Sten .ale ashore. I beard a splash, and I Avent on deck, and saw that Sterndale had fallen overboard. He was got into the boat, and again fell overboard. He AA^as hoAveA'er got ashore. MR. STERNDALE AGAIN ARRESTED. Upon going ashore in the moi'nhig I y;asjß informed by the agent of Wilkins& Co.,that Mr. Sterndale had been again arrested on a charge of intoxication. The consul (Mr. G. C. Millar) then called upon mc, and in conversation stated that if I Avould .keep Mr. Sterndale on board and endeavour to get the vessel away that day, he (the consul) might perhaps use sufficient influence to prevent the vessel being detained. He said if a process verbal Avas issued against Mr. Sterndale he Avould be imprisoned for three months and the vessel detained. As I Avas under his orders, I declined to act, but said I Avould engage a crew, and proceed to sea as fast as possible. I then found I had to pay the 40 dollars. I

searched for Captain Rhodes of the Coronet, and borrowed £20 from him on account of Messrs Henderson and Macfarlane, Avitli part of which I paid the fine, and cleared the vessel for Suwarrow. On sailing from Tahiti, Mr. Sterndale Avas put in board by the police, and lie elected to live in the hold I sent Mr. Helps to him to ask if there was anything* I could do for his comfort, in the shape of spirits, &c. Mr. Helps informed me that he required nothing from mc. THE WAR BEGINS.

September 3rd, in Suwarrow Harbour. Mr Sterndale A\'ent ashore. On September 9th (Auckland time, Sunday) Mr Hender son informed me that he had received a letter from .Mr Sterndale, Avarniug me not to come ashore under any circumstances other than business matters, on peril of beu_g shot. I therefore, by Mr Henderson's advice, Avent on board the vessel. Had I known at that time that the law Avas poAverless to protect me, I would then and there have settled matters with Mr Sterndale. On Monday, (Auckland time) sailed from SiiAvaiTOAv Avith laborers for Manihika, and returned to SunvarroAV on the 21st Sep. I found the brigantine Ryno just arrived from Auckland. ANOTHER RUMPUS. I received a letter from Sterndale ordering me not to go on shore. I, of course, re mained on board. On the night of Sept. 23 (Auckland time), AA-hile lying alongside the wharf, I heard a great noise on shore, and observed Sterndale and a number of people on the island in a A rery excited state. On the folloAving morning Mr Herd brought on board a Derringer pistol, Avhich he had taken from Mr Mair's pocket, as he feared sonic act of A riolencc Avould be done. Mr Sterndale had a large knife, and Mr Mair kept putting his band to the pistoL The pistol is iioav in my possession. Mr Sterndale's conduct had been so bad, and lie had been in such an excited^ state during the Avhole time Aye Avere at Tahiti, that I had refused to receive any more i orders from him, and I told him that 1 would refuse to act under his orders. I also stated that I Avished to retain to Auckland. Mr Henderson gave me orders to prepare for sea and proceed to Auckland on October 7th, and Mr Henderson decided to send Mr Sterndale and Mr Mair to Auck land in the Krienihilda. He wrote to Mr Sterndale that as be bad made certain charges against me it Avould be perhaps 88 Avell for him to proceed to Auckland at once, to prefer his charges and also to settle up business matters betAveen him and the firm. MR. STERNDALE BARRICADES HIS HOUSE. Upon receipt of this Mr. Sterndale at once barricaded himself in his house, and sent Mr. Henderson a letter, Avhich is now in the possession of Messrs. Henderson ana Macfarlane, and which Mr. Hendereon read in tho presence of the Europeans, in WJUCn Mr. Sterndale stated that lie would not go to Auckland, and that if anyone attempt* to molest him or his Avife lie would treat them as " burglars and assassins," »u<* Avould fire upon them. We also heard tha* Mr. Mair had furnished him with a, loaded carbine and forty rounds of ammunition. THE SIEGE. . , After this, as Mr Sterndale had locked himself up, Aye Avatched the house, so thai no provisions or water should be got. y" Sunday, October 22nd, the Ryno sailed »r Manihika and Rokahanga. . On Monday, October 23rd, atl.3oo'cloCK. —This afternoon, Avhile sitting ni the office, I noticed one of the native women holding communication Avith Stcrnd" -■** if supplying him with provisions.^wfe^yl the native woman away from the hou!H_r CAPTAIN FERNANDEZ FIRED AT. While standing talking to her, I keara Mr Herd call out "Lookout!" and o« turning half round I perceived Mr Sterndale at the corner of the mess-room, in the act of raising a carbine. My back was tinvaras him when he fired. He missed me, but the

report considerably accelerated my m°ve"

nients, and I got out of reach. „. A MR. STERNDALE CALLED UPON TO

SURRENDER. After this the Europeans held a meeting.

THE EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1876



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TO" O T I C E. IN addition to their NEW SEASON'S STOCK of SPRING AND SUMMER DRAPERY GOODS, the undersigned arc now offering a number of SPECIAL LINES, at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES :— Strong "White Calico, at 3/10 per doz. Grcv Calico, /3.1 per yard Crc'wdsonV. Best White Calicos, an overstock, offering Cheap, to reduce Splendid Value in Winceys, from /I per yard Superior 30 in. wide ditto, /*)_■ yard, worth 1/2 Good Blue Dungaree, /S per yard 36 in. Deny, brown and grey. /lU, best quality New Japanese Silk, 1/ and 1/6 per yard Plain Bluo Cloth, 60 in. wide, 4/6 per yard, half price Blue Diagonal Cloth, double width, 5/per yard, 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 pah- Blue Blankets, 13/ Grey Blankets, 9/6 White Turkish Towels, 111 Job lot Children's Brown and Grey Cotton Socks, from /3 per pair. Other Goods equally Cheap. Inspection Invited. RUSH BROOK & Ell ID GM AN, (Late R. Hobbs), JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite Army and Navy Hotel), Upper Queen-street, Auckland.



Why will people dose themselves with terrible alkaloids like Quinine, which is a most danger ous drug, and at the best, affords only a respite incases of Chills and Fever, when there is a harmless, effectual, and speedy remedy winch totally eradicates any complaint ot an intermit tent or remittent character. And why do they not anticipate such disenses by protecting them selves against the effects of malarial poison with such an antidote and preventive as UIIOU-HO WOLKI.'S SOIIIKDAM AROMATIC SCHNAPPS. 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 tho words "None Genuine without the Signature of the Proprietor, Frank Weston, 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. Solo Agents: Kempthorne, Prosser and Co.— Price, ilalf-a-crown.