SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

• EWE WATER— This afternoon, 148 ; to-mowow morning, 2 27 BTJW fc£T-Thls evening, 5 9 StTN EISK-Tc ttorrow morals?, 6 41 MOON'S AGE—Full Moon, Sth, 9.32 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Southern Oro.'S, s s, Holmes, from Napier

DEPARTURES.

Tona, as, Fflrcmhar, for Bey of Islands Taupo, as, "Worsp, forth o South

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

3Tor London— Camatic, ship, Glenlora, barque, Mny 6 For Levuka-Fimi, bnrquentine, ear'y Tor Lyttelton—Maud Graham, schooner, early For Newcastle—Brodioh CasiK ship, early For ■WanfrT'i—^rpyle every W'-drcday Tor BaT of Islands—lona f very Monday T"or the ■North—Peirl HWS early For the Pouth coas—Tiyno brijtaniine, enrly Por Busfell—Lima, ps, tn-monrnw; U.M.S. Pearl

and -appho, to-inonow Por tho Povith— Pho3*-e, ss, Sat'irday For Sin Francisco—Colima, 8 s, Sth (outward English

mail) T"or Gisborne and Kapler—Pretty .Tane. Wednesday For Napier—Southern Cros3, ss>, Wednesday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Colima. ss, from tlie Honfch. Sth instant Hero, ss, from Sydney, 18th iristant Oceola, brigantlTip. from Lyttelron, early Plirt, brigantine, from Lyttellon, eirly Prince Alfred, bjrquontino. from Lvttelton, early "Robina r unlop, barque, from London Martha, bvrine, from the Islands, early lady Frnnfclin, barque, from Newcastle; sailed 29thult I rtititis, schooner, from Rnrotonga Hinenina, schooner, from Dunedin Transit schooner, from Dunedin Xa J>coeesa. ship, from London ; sailed feb 9 BeWrclon, ship (PRHV), from Lo«d"U; sc.ilea 7th

February Loch Lre, schooner, from Sydney, early Albion, brig, from Lyttelton ; sailed 25th nit "Wnnlorlf, barque,, from Glasgow"; sailed Feb 9 Elabank Casue, schooner, from Oatnaru Fiery Crops, school pr, from Sydney Coron< t, schooner, from tbp. Islands, early Clematis, ketch, from Timaru

Thft us Southern Cross leaves on Thursday text, at 4 pin, for Napier direct.

Tlem was a dense fog last night, says the Oamaru *' Eveninp; Mali" oflhe?2nd, anrt the fog-gong at Ihe Heads was nscd for the first time. It was very effective, and was heard two miles off, and led the steamer Matnu through to the entrance.

The s s Southern Cross arrivtd yesterday afternoon from Napier, with the following passengers—Mrs Mclvor, Mrs Bunler, Messrs Owen, Stephenson, and Holmes. After eettingdown her passengers the Cross prrceeded to the Shames to laud her csttle and sheep.

The new schconer Minehnha Is atout fo leave for Timaru. She will load a cargo of sleepers at Mercury 3Jay.

The lona left on her weekly trip to Russell last Bipht.

Tho new tfme tables of the Durham and Enterprise steamers appears in our advertisement columns.

The s.s. Tftnpo leaves tnia afternoon for the South.

The Government 6teamer luita is under orders to convey hii Excellency the Governor to the Bay of Islands fo-morrow. H.M.S. Pearl and Sappho will accompany his Excpllp nC jr_ The s.s Pretty Jane will lf>ave for Gisbome and Napier to-morrr jW (Wednesday), and not on Thursday as advertised. *m the morning papers.

CALL AND DIVIDENDS.

The following are the current calls ancl dividends payable in the companies named below :— £ s. d

Date,

Dividends—

Calls—

Queen of the May, new 0 10 — May 10 Effort 0 0 3 — „ 10 New Exchange.. ..009 — „ 10 Golden Arrow.. ..006— ~10 Bnllion 0 0 3 — ~10 Dividend .. ..003— ~10 Black Beef .. ..000— ~10

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Maixs ■wiii- Cioas as follows:—

For Thames to-morrow at 930 a m. and at 530 p m For Gisborne and Napier, per Pretty Jane, to-moTrow at 3 p m For Tararmki and Southern provinbes, on Saturday; 6th iustftTjt.at 5 SO a.m :■ . I Per s s Taupo on Tuesday, 2nd: May, as follows :— For India, China, Mediterranean ports, Continent of Vurope. at noon For Tnratiaki, Southern provinces, and Australian colonies, at 12 45 p m For "United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton , i (for letters specially,addressed) at 12 45 pm For United Kingdom, via Brindisi, and late lotters for Southern pro.viuces and Melbourne at 1 pm Per Colin.a, onfronday. Bth May. an follows:—

I"or Kandnvu. f-andwitli Tslands, Tfritted States of America, Canada,.British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West In dies at noon -■■'•

-For United Kingdom and- Continent of Europe ai ■ noon '

For Money Orders, Registered Letters, and newspap ers at 11 am

(Signed) 8. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

DEATH.

WIXSON—On the Ist May, at FranWyn Bond, John L upton, younc st sou of Mr. J. J. Wilson, of Tairua, aged 9 months.

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

TUESDAY, MAY 2, 1876.

F^r the cause thst lacks Pi^krtnc*, I'm the wrt'»£ t!m needs resisuccs, A.ucl tlifi vfvK'C^ tHat vt ci-ui do.

Tin? necessity for levying a shilling special rate for water twelve months before the rate payers can hope to erjjoy any benefit from the outlay is an extremely unpleasant one^ Taxation is at all times disagreeable, but a direct tax for the payment of interest upon a Jittle debt which we have as yet enjoyed no benefit from is something about as unsatis factory as a liquidation call. From the tenor of the Mayor's remarks at the meeting yesterday it is evident that the system of capitalising interest, which has formed the theme of glowing eulogy in connec tion with the public works scheme, has not been permitted in the Act that controls the power of the Council, and the members seem animated by an amount of respect for the law which is quite refreshing in these times when our rulers bend statutes to suit their own sweet wills. A diffi culty however, more formidable than the provisions of any Colonial Act, controls the Corporation in dealing with this ques tion. The powers of borrowing are limited to £100,000, and it is doubtful whether that sum will cover the entire cost of the undertaking. Unless an amendment to the Water Works Act could be secured early in the approaching session of Parliament, authorising the raising of a further loan of £20,000, and legalising the payment of interest out of principal until the works are completed, there is no course, open for the Council but the one proposed yesterday. The Mayor intimated at the meeting' that there was a probability of the special rate of six pence upon the £20,000: debfe being dis continued. If this can be accom plished, a point of no little importance will be gained. A tax of 12-£ per cent upon the annual value of property is assuredly a burden very grevious to beat, and until the waterworks become a source of revenue and afford a tangible benefit to the citizens, no measure which would tend to lessen the weight should be overlooked or neglected by the Council. If the increased taxation can be limited to sixpence in the £1, ratepayers would probably find it much more advantageous to face the imposition rather than accept any alternative involving a postponement secured at the cost of an increased indebtedness and a consequent enlarged annual liability.

MR FITZHERBERT AND THE SPEAKERSHIP.

With reference to the offer of the Speaker ship by the Government to Mr Pitzherbert, the OtcU/o Daily Times, usually well in formed, says :—We believe that we speak ;with perfect accuracy when we say that tbe offer waa accepted. In a few days, we have no doubt, this piece of news will be authori tatively announced.. by the Government organs." The tenor of the remarks made by the Wellington Post in announcing the offer leads to the conclusion that at any rate Mr Pitzherbert has not finally rejected it. The t)unedin Evening News thus discusses the probabilities:—" In the progress of this struggle, it is not difficult to understand how the Superintendent of Wellington may desire to retire from the fury cf the conflict. He may love opposition much, but he loves Wel lington move; and the past furnishes a goodly array of illustrations to prove that with Mr Fitzherbert, Wellington's gain weighs heavy in the scale against all other political consi derations. Por it must be apparent to any whose interests are bound up with Welling ton, that the absorption of all control from all the provincial centres, and the concentra tion of all authority and officialism, and consequent expenditure of money, in that place of earthshakes and barnacles, must be profitable to Wellington shopkeepers, andlj per consequence, to the whole of that people. To find, therefore, Mr Fitz herbert continuing to fight against centralisa*

tion and the ascendancy of officialism, would be a sight for gods and men. Mr Fitzherbert does not and never did aspire to the crown of personal martyrdom, and though the bonds of party compelled him to work shoulder to shoulder with those who resisted the too rapid action of the Government, we can perfectly ucderstand how in his heart of hearts Mr Fitzherbert may wish well to the cause of centralism, which is to make his beloved Wellington supreme, and Dunedin, Christchurch, and Auckland, but subordinate and vulgar provincial towns ; and how in the circumstances he might feel peace of mind iv shrouding his feelings under the robes and frillings of Sir Dillon Bell."

VOICES FROM THE SOUTH.

One from Wellington, which usually sppats under inppiration, say 3 :• —u!The consolida tion of prison control which will take place under the Abolition Act,, and the establish ment of a central penal depot at Taranaki, renders necessary the appoininent of an Inspector-General of Pripbn^" A very excellent posfc for h faithful follower. Another Voice feays :- " A good deal of interest has been excited amoDg certain gentlemen vrho bold tbtmsolves -well fitted to administer justice by the fact that a second magistrate is to be appointed for Dnnedin." Mr Vincent Pyke, M.H.li. and J P., hps been diligently discharging the duties, and is publicly spoken of as " the conning man " —another very nice little arrangement,— There is likely to be a vacancy in the Resident Magistracy nnd Distiict Jndgef-hip of Napier. Onr tele grama naively intimate that the appointment will not be made until after the sitting of Parliament. With judicious angling these official sprats "will provide baits for at least six. The Under-Secrctoryship of Education seven, and the Speakership, eight trouble some people disposed of.^—Sir Julius Vogel's allusion to the greater advantages which the country, as compared with the town, will eujoy under abolition has failed to convince the Otar/o !Pimes, which rensonu tbusly :— " No Provincial Government tver dared to endow Dnnedin with several thousands per, annum. The money for &nch endowment must ccme from eome^herfe, and we think that the up-country rettleis will not fail to see in such a proposal a left-handed blow at their prosperity. We have all recognised that it was a bribe. Some cities took the bribe and returned numbers to support the policy, of which the endowment of towns formed a part. Punedin refused to soil its hands, and ihe count) j districts of Or.ago know it." The same journal instances "as an illustration of one of the probable results of local Government, the case of the enter prising little Municipality of Oamam, which has an income of L some £2,500 a year, or so, from rates, rents, &c, and in the exercise of its large borrowing powers, has recently boen considering various grand schemes for water supply. The most ambitious of these, in volving an expenditure of about £90,000, has been seriously entertained, and an engineer appointed at a salary of £,1000 a year."—The Lyttellon Time.? has been discussing abolition in the light of the alleged intended sacrifice of the public estate in Otago, and concludes that if the worst allega tions of anti-provincialists are true, abolition does not gain a single point, for the very cogent reason that "the Otago Provincial Government are checked in the administra tion of the Land Law, by a nonpolitical Waste Lands Board, composed of men of known probity and independence, but the Colonial Government have no such check upon their actions. Mmimotu, Piako, Ohine mnri, Tairna and a host of other nsmes do not prove that the central authority iB above the necessity of that check. Neither do these names jointly or severally constitute a greater claim to public confidence, than that which the Provincial Governments enjoy. I'—ln our Saturday's issue we gave the return of enormous expenses, salaries, and commissions,, paid by the General Gov ernment to Land Purchasers in the province of Auckland. This is what the Napier Telegraph says about their operations : " There is no disguising the fact that there is an immense tract.of country in the centre of this island that is utterly valueless for the purposes of settlement. Yefc is for the possession of this dreary waste of pumice stone that the Government in its wisdom has expended no inconsiderable sum of money." The kind of sickening literary stuff provided for the enlightenment of the civil servants, and their. butchers and bakers, is fairly represented by the appended specimen frem the New Zealand Times :—" Mr Macandrew has, of course an indubitable right to write and send as many letters as he may please, but after the exhaustive statement of fcir Julius Vogel on the question at issue it is difficult to ccc what effective reply he can make." The amount of provincial indebted ness, which suggested to the Otago Executive the idea of disposing of large blocks ot land, is £200,000 in liability upon contracts, conrirjg from the construction of the Awamoko, the Waiareka, the Mosgiel, the Greytown, and the Orepuki lines.

An officer of one of the ships-of-war in port yesterday evening made a mistake while walking down the wharf, and fell over into the water close to the watermen's steps on the East side. Bunt and Johnson, two watermen, went to his assistance and got him out, without any other damage than a good ducking. The tide was low at the time,' and a boat was moored close by. Had thfe sailor fallen on; this be would have re ceived severe injuries. We would suggest suggest the propriety of railing off the Un protected corners of tbe tees of the wharf.

The directors of the Bank of New Zealand were--the only tenderers for the Government account on the conditions published some time ago, and their tender has been ac cepted.

It will perhaps afford general relief to some anxious hearts in Auckland to know that definite intelligence of the whereabouts of the three able civil servants, who so myster iously disappeared in Dunedin, has at length been received, They are journeying towards Nelson, where, we are assured by a local paper, they will be most graciously received. It is reported that his honor Sir George Grey has written to them stating that the expense of their passages to Auckland may be saved the colony. Whether the hint will be taken or not it is impossible to say.

A man somewhat in years was making the most hideous.noises this morning and soon after six o'clock, which had a waking influence on the citizens of Shorbland-street, On looking out an old man was discovered in the rain, with a barrow load of fish, and crying at the top of his voice, " Here ye are laggards, fine ripping fish here, git up and come and pick and choice, git up, Polly, and iput the kettle on."

; The officers of H.M. ships of war have been granted free admission to the Acclama tization Gardens. The boon comes late, but in spite of this it will no doubt be thank fully received. We share the opinions ex pressed by some of the members at the meet ing yesterday, and think that something might be done by the society to make these gardens a little more attractive. The ex pense would be more than paid for by the increased number of admissions. '.

At the meeting of the shareholders of the Tairua Gold Mining Company held yesterday in Mr G. S. Graham's officeß, Bank Buildings, the resolutions of the meeting of the 28th March, :?or winding up the Company were confirmed. It was also resolved that the new Company be called " The Tairua Pros pectors Gold Mining Company." The whole of the resolutions were carried.

It is understood that the Eoyal Marionettes will open in Auckland next week. This an nouncement will be hailed with pleasure by young and old alike, for the performances of these little creatures are something wonder ful.'

By order of the Acclimatisation Society, handbills have been printed offering a premium of £50 for the first twelve pairs of Australian swallows landed here, and a pro portionate sum for any number not less than two pairs. The hmdhills have been sent to Sydney for distribution in Australia. In our acknowledgement of the £'G 3a, subscribed for Mrs Bailey, we inadvertent]}' omitted to state that the mouey was col lected by Messrs Priestly and Murphy. Members of the Templars' Berefifc Society are requested to attend, the monthly meeting this evening In the Newton Congrega tional rchoolj Edinburgh street, when the election of .members will take place, and other important business will be introduced. Trees add much to the beauty of a city, and exercise a genial influence oh the mind and health o? citizens. In the beautiful city of Paris, in London, and in Washington, and in the principal cities of the United States, trees are plentifully planted, and they act like Kings or respirators to human life in such crowded places. Auckland cannot boast largely of its trees at presut, but the time is approaching when its vacant spots will be overshadowed by the foliage of fine trees. Yeeterday in the City Council, on the motion of the Mayor, it was agreed to sulhoiire the Streets Committee to expend a mm, not exceeding £200, for the purpose of beautifjing particular streets with trees. Hence, certain parts of the cily, between thickly sowu houses, may bo adorned with trees which may become the paradisaical home of birds, and perchance in other days nightingales may ting their midnight pongs among leafy orchestras.

Seme interesting conversation on the subject of the importation of Calif orni an salmon took place at the- Acclimatisation Society's meeting yesterday. The Chairman, Mr Firth, stated that since the last meeting they had received a Jotter from Messrs Cross and Co ; of California, in which they •were informal that iii September next a supply of eggs, could he sent, the main expense being the cost of the ice. It would now become a huestion whether they should bbu cooperate with Canterbury and Wanganui, in securing a shipment of these fine fish. As this was the first port from San Francisco the other provinces Would look to them to supply the Colony. Mr Palmer strongly advocated taking; advantage of the offer they had received from California, not only for themselves but for the other provinces ; the objection brought forward by Mr Earle that the American salmon did not afford the sport of the English species, was only after all an unimportant objection, for it was* principally as an article of food that the introduction of salmon was desirable. After some chat Mr Palmer moved and it was canied, ■' That the Secretary com municate with the other Societies in New Zealand, to afsiet us in procuring salmon ova from California, on condition that when they arrive the Society shall do its best to tranship a portion of them as safely and speedily as possible." Mr John Henderson, C.E., formerly Messrs Brogden and Sons' representative in New Zealand, proceeded to Sydney in the s.s. Eatby last week, in the hope that the voyage and change of scene may restore his broken health. The Post says that Mr Hen derson has been for some time past in failing health, caused mainly by the protracted anxiety and tUspense during the long uncer tainty as to tbo fate of the Stratbmore, in which ship his eon and daughter were pas sengers— a suspense only ended in the saddest way by the definite tidings of their death.

A disgraceful act of vandalism was perpe trated at the i'res-byterian cemeteiy on Fri day night. The two massive pillars support ing the gates are ornamented by large stone balls. Some .miecreant on, the night men-

tioned knocked one of these off and rolled it

into the cemetery ground. The pillars are so high that, in order to carry out bis singu larly unprofitable work of destruction, the rascal must pither have got a long pole or sledge hommer, or have climbed the wall. The improvements lately effec ted at this cemeiery have cost a large sum of money, raised by private effort, and the erection of a substantial wall, the clearing and ornamentation of the grounds, and the proposed planting of trees constitute aviork of city improvement which, apart from its association with the sacred memory of the dead, might, we should think, bo appreciated by tbe vilest scoundrel who breathes. It would appear however, that there is Eomeono in the city who is dead to all these feelings, and who is cleaily not fit to roam at largo. We hope the police will succeed in laying hands upon bim, in order that ho may, under proper icstrictions, be afforded the recreation at stone-breaking which is apparently so congenial to his tastes.

" It has been determined by the Acclimati sation Society to distribute part of the seeds of the Californian and Indian pine, which have been received from the Colonial Museum, among the Auckland nurserymen. It is to be hoped that these seeds will be taken care of, as the introduction of these trees will be extremely beneficial.

A fall of earth on Mr Proud foot's section of the railway near Blueskin, Otago, buried a labourer named James Jamieson, and in jured two others named John Dallessey and Peter Ode. Jamieson when du# out was alive but died soon afterwards. Dallessey's left thigh was fractured, and Ode sustained an injury to his ankle.

A supply of young salmon is shortly to be placed in the Maungatawheri Creek.

The wretch Sherman who was lately sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment and 30 lashes for rape upon his stepdaughter at Palmerston was formerly well known in Wellington, and noted as a somewhat "pronounced" member of a religou3 Beet. He was clearly a specimon of " a wolf in Bheep's clothing."

B-ICCjJ C UlUlJJlilg. The annual meeting of the friends and sup porters of that useful institution, the Home for neglected and criminal children, will be held on Thursday next, in the large room of the Christian Young Men's Association His Honor, the Superintendent will take the chair. Referring to the action of the Barracouta in the Sfceinbergor-Samoan row, the Auckland correspondent of the Otago ADaih/ Times'Bt.ys: —** Captain Stevens evidently did all that man could when ouce engaged in hostilities. The puzzle is how he came to be engaged in them at all. It may have been necessary to interfere for the security of the white settlers, and this will possibly be found to be tbe cause. Or it may be that he was acting under direct orders, or at the request of the ____cm __nsn._ Tn i-ha __mo_ n__f_ ifc nan

Referring to the action of the Barracouta in the Sfceinberger-Samoan row, the Auckland correspondent of the Otago Daily Times'says:

—" Captain Stevens evidently did all that man could when ouce engaged in hostilities. The puzzle is how he came to be engaged in them at nil. It may have been necessary to interfere for the security of the white settlers, and this will possibly be found to be the cause. Or it may be that he was acting under direct orders, or at the request of the foreign consuls. In the former case, it can only be a step towards the annexation of this group, and it 3 addition to the Colonial Empire."

One effect of thrliun^ing piece of legisla tion known as the " Debtors and Creditors Act" has been that a creditor at Oamaru, des pairing of getting any pecuniary satisfaction j from a man who had victimised him for £30 just before filing his schedule, resolved to take it out of his skin. He proceeded to the office of the debtor's lawyer, and finding his man there, the following dialogue took place:—Creditor: You gave me a bill for £20 the other day, and also borrowed £10 of me ? Debtor : Yes. Creditor : 1 have come for it; I thought I'd find you here. Debtor: I cannot pay you. Creditor : Well, then, if I can't have it one way I'll have satisfaction another ; and suiting the action to the word, he took his coat off and, calling upon the debtor to defend himself, took his satisfaction there and then. '

Du.iijg the past month IS green linnets have been sent to Gisborne, 18 goldfinches to the Thames, 18 yellow hammers, 12 green linnets, and 7 chaffinches, to the Bay of Islands. The Acolimati&ation Society are about sending a supply of these birds to Kaipara and Hokianga.

At the sale of Improvement Commissioners' allotments to-day, there was a large at tendance. The bidding however, was very languid, and little disposition to purchase. The various lots offeied were therefore with drawn.

We understand that settlement has been making rapid strides at Ohinemuri during the last few weeks. Several well to do settlers have taken up land there, and better times seem coming for the district.

The Simonsen Opera Company appear to be doing good business in Chriatchurch, though they are encounteringatrODgopposition in Blondin, who is able to draw crowds into his portion without pyrotechnic assistance up to the present.

This month cock pheasants will be allowed to be shot in the province of Canterbury by persons holding k license. The licence costs fifty shillings.

The Fire Brigade practised last evening, and went through their hose, engine, and hook and ladder exerciee, in the most satis factory manner. Mr John Hughes, superin tendent, informed the wen that Mr Gr. P. Pierce, manager of the New Zealand In surance Company, had presented the brigade with Young's work on "Fire Engines," and John Braid wood's work on "Fire Preven tion " Mr Hughes expressed a hope that every member of the Brigade would in turn read these volumes, which contained a fund of useful information.

Two sportsmen in the Manuherikia dis trict, near Cromwell, Otago, bagged seventy rabbits in a day's shooting. The stations are over-run with these pests.

A revolting case of cannibal brutality was heard at the Dunedin Police Court last week, and its details were perfectly sickening. The complainant's face was disfigured almost beyond identification by, it is alleged, defendant tearing Ih'h finger nai'S down it and clawing him. There Were deep flesh wounds on the fingers of one hand, produced it was said, by defendant burying hh teeth in them.

A scandal has convulsed society at Mel bourne. The story is thftt a soldier's wife committed herself with two knights and a merchant, ahd that the matter was hushed up by the payment of four thousand pounds.

The whaling brigantine Isabella, belonging to Wellington, has returned to that port after moie than a year'B absence, perfectly empty, not having got a single fish alongside. She coasted along the east side of the Middle Island for six months without seeing any whale's. She then proceeded to the Chatham Islands, and on the 2oth December, some sperm whales were seen, and one was har pooned, but it had to be let go in order to snve the crew of tbe boat, which latter was being dragged under water. Three days later, another sperm whale was speared, but it attacked the boat and smashed it, the mate, who was therein, having three ribs broken.

Tbe notorious J. G. S. Grant has, it appears, had bis little love adventures in his time. Tn a letter addrsseed to the Welling ton Arr/us he rebuts several insinuations made in that paper relative to his past career, and says : "I never did 'succumbto the charms of one of my pupils, who, however, proved insensible to instruction in the art of love, and Mr Grant's wooing be came at length so violent that the lady had to seek legal protection from his impor tunities ' This is an atrocious slander, and, as snch, I fling' it back in your teeth with manly scorn and virtuous indignatiob. I was, indeed, engaged to a lady in Otago, and we were twice proclaimed—on two successive Sabbaths in JJr Burns's Church—but before the third proclamation the contemplated! union was broken off for reasons best known to me, and with which you have no busi ness The young lady, however, never was a pupil of mine, never did 'seek legal protection from my importunities,' and I have cherished a life-long gratitude for having been rescued from the snare of the fowler." If Mr Grant has cause for thank-; fulness what shall we cay of the lady who escaped the fate of her successor in the affections of J. G. S. ? I

We welcome into the field of journalism our new contemporary the Oamaiu Evening Mail, the first issue of which has reached us. It is s fair well printed broadsheet, and the matter contained on it is good. The reason for the Mail starting is stated in the leader to be the increase of newspaper readers in Oamaru.

Our readers must bear in mind that the Ceramic and Crystal Palace Art Union, for which Messrs Jakins and Wilcox are the Auckland agents, will close to subscribers on the Bth May. An advertisement in reference to this appears elsewhere.

Horse-chestnut, willowp, and osiers are very valuable trees, and it is gratifying to learn that the Acclimatisation Society are taking considerable trouble to secure their introduction into this country.

Our sporting correspondent Hotspur was wrong yesterday"in his pedigree of Dainty Ariel. It should have stood —'' by Riddles worth out of Althea, by Mreonides out of Alice Grey."

Sentimental bank robber—'with all thy vaults I love thee still.

It is terrible to love somebody and see her washing windows for another man, says the Detroit Free Press.

A Danbury man had a bag of oats last week, which he calls the Seamless, as they won't have to be sown. Some one stole them.

There is said to be a young lady in Texas named Kitty Fewclothes. Miss Kitty must either put on more garments, except at balls and parties or change her name. Calico now ranges from 4 to 6 cests a yard.

CABLEGRAMS.

[press agency.]

Departure of the Bingarooma with the &uez Mail-

MELBOURNE.—THIS DAY. The s.s. Ringarooma left yesterday for New Zealand with the Suez mail.

THE AUTUMN RACES.

The following are the weights for the Birth day {Handicap and the Handicap Hurdle Race at the second day of the Autumn meeting of the Auckland Racing Club, to come off on the 24bh May : — BIRTHDAY HANDICAP.— 1% Miles. at. Ib. Parawhenua, 6yrs 8 12 The Don, aged 8 10 Ariel, Syra .. .. ..' .. ..8 9 Ngaro, 4yrs 8 8 Isaac Walton, 3yrs 8 7 Perfume, 6yrs 8 6 Folly, 6yra 7 12 Bedouin, syrs 7 3 Medea, 4yra ..7 3 Eclipse, aged . 7 0 HURDLE JBACE.—2 Miles. St. lb. Gladstone, aged 11 0 The Don, aged lo 10 The Arrow aged 10 0 Myatery, 4yra ..104 Waitara, 4yra .. ~ ~ .. 10 0 Black Monitor, aged 10 0 May Moon, 4yrs .. .. .. .. 911 Mount, aged ' ... 0 7 H. E. HANDLEY, Handicapper. The acceptances for the above races and the general entries are due on Friday, the 12oh instant.

The leap year rhymes is in everybody's mouta in the Western States:

Mother may I go out to pop? Yes, my darling daughter;

If you fall this year you must shut up shop; You've kept longer th an you'er.

DREADFUL COLLIERY EXPLOSION IN FRANCE.

The following particulars of the shocking explosion of fire damp, resulting in the death of 200 persons, near St. Etienne are given by the Dally Telegrajih :—At the time when the explosion look place there were 216 per sons in the pit, (ho entire day shift, and nobody had any indication of the presence of the gas until the fatal moment. Immediately after the accident, aid was proemed, but those who descended into the pit found nothing but the bodies of men, boys, and horses'strewed about, either dead or danger ously wounded. A abort time after ihe noise of the explosion was heard, the scene at the month of the pit was most distressing. The corpses of those killed, and the bodies of dying find -wounded men were brought up in batches, while crowds of relations of the unfoitunate victims came to search for their friends. All the authorities of the districts, military, civil, and religious, were promptly on the spot, and at the pits mouth a priest stood, with bare heed, praying with the wounded, and administering the last rites to the dying. The sad work of recovering the bodies was puisuect during the whole of the night. Ihe sight which presented itself in the pit is described as harrowing. Groups of poor workmen were found in corners, their bodies quite carbonized, aDd insome places the bodies were found attached in one mass. The Correspondent of the Daily Telegraph under date St. Etienne, Feb. 7tb, also gives the following additional particulars of the dreadful accident :- As yet only one-third of the bodies buried in the coal-pit have been brought out. This morning, at eleven o'clock, severity carbonised corpses, placed upon roughly constructed litters, _ were conveyed by the companions and relatives of the deceased into the church, in some cases fathers and mothers being obliged, through lack of assistar.ee, to carry their own children. This ghastly funeral cortege was conducted by the doctor and engineers of the mine, the members of the Administrative Council ; General d'Abzae, representing the MaithaJ; M. de Meatiy, the Minister of Commerce ; the P/ocurcur.Gdce'.al of Lyons; Bishop Thibaudier, and a number of officials, magis trates, and commercial notabilities. Ihe little church known as the Eghee dv boleil was completely filled by the bodies, and the persons present bad to stand between the improvised coffins. The scene at the cemetery was heartrending, Five hundred relatives, composed chiefly of women and children, wept aloud, and threw themselves on the bodies of their fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons. The snow, driven by a bitterly cold wind, was falling heavily, and it soon covered this scene of anguish and despair with a white shroud. Everybody present was deeply impressed, and the thought that twice the number of bodies lying before them had yet to be brought to the mouth of the fatal pit, made the sight still more distressing. Energetic efforts are at tnis moment being made to clear away the rubbish "thrown up by the explosion, and, to put out the fire which is still burniDg, moist eaith is being let down into the mine. The number of victims is even greater than was ■at first stated. Two hundred and sixteen men were killed, but the bodies which have been recovered are in many cases so much disfigured that they cannot be recorrised. Day and night crowds of poor women and children are to be seen at the pit waiting anxiously to receive the corpses of those who were once their breadwinners. Priests move acout, advising resignation, and promising subfctantial assistance from (be subscribe)s sr.d sympathisers at Lyons. All classes of the population are greatly moved by this terrible cataatrojhe, and large sums have already been collected for the relief of the widows und orphans. Marshall McMohon has tubecribed 5,000 francs; Madame McMabon has given 500 francs; M, Buffet hafc sent 3 ; COOf. to the Piefect of the Loire to be distributed among the sur vivors ; snd M. Balar-zier, director of the Opera, has announced that he will give a special peifcimance for the benefit of the distressed families.

THE POLLEN FEED AT THE THAMES.

(To the Iditor of the Evening Stab )

Kir,—lt appears to me and others by ac counts we have read in the different news papers, that Dr. Pollen was invited by the public of the Thames to a bar-quet. Such an impression is a false one. If a public meeting were called to test the question, the Hon. Dr. Pollen would appear very small. Dr Polk-n was invited to a feed by a few sneaking individuals who are trying to curry favor and look big, &nd I believe that the same seekers after the loaves and fishes had the audacity to make use of the name of the Thames public, so as to give the thing an air of importance. I can assure you, sir, that the Thames public feel degraded and huimli a ted by Buch an invitation being given to Dr Pollen in their name, especially when given by such men as Billy Eowe, M.H,R. If the Thames people wished to give a banquet to Dr. Pollen (which is not' at all likely, considering the polished venom shown by that party to this place, they would have chosen men of very different Btamp to represent their wishes. As. regards rhe Mayor, he did the thing to try' and make himself popular and a big man, and thought it the correct sort of thing to do to work himself up into an important posi tion. The others, the Highway Boards, merely went in for a cheap feed at the ex pense of the general public, lb is sincerely hoped, by a large number of the Thames people, that the Auckland citizens will not for a moment imagine that the Thames public were insane enough to invite the Hon. Dr. Pollen to a banquet. He (the Dr.) showed a remarkable" amount of shrewdness by not accepting the invitation. Many of the people here 'believe that it was a made up thing between the Hon. Dr. and those who invited him. Hence the prompt refusal and ready excuse, etc.—l am, sir, yours, etc.,

Obsebvke,

Grahamstown, April 29, 1576

FAREWELL DINNER AT BLACK AND CO.'S BOOT FACTORY.

In consequence of the withdrawal of Mr J. A. Ferguson from the Aberdeen Boot and Shoe Manufactory, of Messrs Black and Co., of Albert-street, the employees in connection with this flourishing firm determined upon passing a pleasant evening together, and of presenting to Mr Ferguson a token of their esteem before his departure for England. A portion of the factory was cleared and adorned with flags, flowers, and evergreens, and an excellent supper served up in good taste by Mr W. A. Clarke, which ftave much satisfaction to all present. Mr Hunter's brass band was also present, and enlivened the scene with some choice selections of music. As near as we could tell, about 100 persons were present. After the spread came the speeches and toasts, Mr Marshall presiding. The first toast was "The Queen," which was duly drank, followed by the National Anthem by^ the band.—Mr Black, the senior partner in the firm, then rose in favor of Mr Fergusson, and in the course of a very interesting and practical speech, spoke of Mr Fergusson's business qualifications, and the signal success of the manufactory, which was greatly due to the energy and generous demeanour of Mr Fer gusson towards those with whom he came in contact, and especially towards the employees under him. Mr Black thju proceeded to sketch the rapid rise of the Aberdeen Boot and Shoe Manufactory since its establishment, six years ago, and stated that they had made no less than £25,000 worth of boots and shoes during that period. He considered . that their es tablishment, and others of a like character, added to the wealth of the colony, and de

served encouragement. When hefirstleanjeil that Mr lerguison was about to leave the firm he felt a, keen sense of regret, not on account of his leaving to his worldly advan, tage, but on account of the loss the firm uii^ht sustain by bis absence ; and when he mentioned to the employees that some p re . sentation should be made to Mr Ferguson he found that the employees were before lvj m and bed already projected ihe same. T o that testimonial everyone had readily contributed. The presentation, consist ing of a handsome silver tea and coffee service, fmmehed by Mr Kolid jeweller, was then hnnded to Mr Ferpufoii in the name of the proprietors and employees of the Aberdeen Boot and Shoe Manufactory bearing the following inscription: "Prel sented to Mr .T. A. Fergiuson as a mark of esteem frem his late partner and the era ployees of the firm of Black and Co Aberdeen Boot Manufactory, Auckland' 1576."- Mr Fergiuson replied in feeling terms, and was at a loss to express his grati tude for the beautiful present of the evening. He had always endeavoured to fill his posi tion faithfully, and had always found the employees willing and courteous in their several capacities. He thanked them heartily. —Mr Black then introduced the new partner and successor of Mr Ferguson, Mr Wooley, a gentlemen well known to many of them. Mr Wooley responded in a neatand well-set speech, and at the close proposed "the Visitors and Strangers." Mr John Gittos, of Wyndham street, replied at length, auel pi oposed the " Manufacturing Interests of the Province," coupled with the name of Mr Panders, fore man to Messrs. Black and Co., and who occupied the vice-chair. Mr Zanders replied, raid referred to the respect in which the employers were held, snd the unnrjinuly of feeling that prevailed among the em ploy dee. " The Press " was ne-xt proposed, and responded to by Mr Blackmail, of the KvEKIKG Star ; and the final toast was Ihe "Ladies." Mr Home was called upon to respond, and felt himself quite un equal to the tssk, as there were so many pretty faces before him, and so many ladies watchiv g for his words. However, he must say that he loved the ladies, and in one brief sentence would say, " Gcd bless the ladies every one." Mr Fox also returned thanks. During the proceedings the band, under Mr Hunter, played several lively pieces. The rcom was subsequently cleared, and at 9.50 dancing commenced, which was kept up merrily until the dawn of breaking day.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

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

STATION BOOSTERS,

James PouthfoVd, a youth, of Chancery lane, was fiEed 5s and costs tor being drunk; Bobert Turner, alias Simon Candy, was fined in the same amount for the same offence; Mary Walton, aged 73, was also fined 5s for being drunk.

A LILY IN THE RAIN,

Maria Lily, a youug won^an of 25, who bad just completed a year in Mount Eden, was found last night in a helpless state of drunk enness.

The Lily bo-wed her.head, which /was bound up wilh a white linen rag to hide a wound she htd received by a fall. She had just escaped from priton, and merely had a wet ; it took effect, and she fell. Pined 5s and costs. ; . DESPKEATB.

Ella Brown, a strong young man, was charged with being drunk and disorderly and creating a disturbance last night by the Grejbound Hotel, Queen-street. Constable Dews deposed that prisoner was violently drunk last night; he tried to pacify him, when he became furious and kiefced out. Fortunately he escaped without injury. Fined 20s and costs, or 24 hours. THROWING STONKS.

Two lads, named Gilbert and James Mc- Kay were charged with throwing etones on the 26th ultimo in Drake-stteet, Freeman's Bay.

The boys pleaded gniUy. The father of the boys, a respectable man, expressed his regret at the circumstance. He was not aware that the lads were in the habit of throwing stones. The constable said they were thrown in the direction of the Bay. He had not known anything against the boys. His Worship said that great complaints had been made about slodo throwing, which must be put down, but aa this was th 6 first offence he should only inflict a fine 5s each, with 5a Cd co^ts, making a guinea.

The tine was paid. WITHOUT REINS,

Andrew Kelly was charged with driving a horse and cart in the Kyber Pass on the 26th ultimo without reins.

Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined Is and costs.

DEPOSITING"'OFFENSIVE MATTER.

James Dunpsey,: contractor, appeared in answer to a summons charging him with de positing offensive matter in Fort-street,, in the city of Auckland.

Mr I'empsey pleaded not guilty. Mr Laishley appeared for defendant. Mr J. B. Russell, for the piosection, stated, the case. The defendant had been employed by Messrs Hartley and Watson to rtmoye certain rubbish from their premises in Durham-street, and among the rubbish was a quantity of offensive matter, which was de posited in Fort-street by Alfred Eoberls by, it was alleged, defendant's instructions. The Inspector of Nuisances .had his attention called to the spot, or was attracted thither by a kind of instinct—(laughter) —which inspectors seem to possess, and felt bound to take proceedings. ■ George Goldie, Inspector deposed io find ing the filthy matter near Mr Barber's store, and charging Robeits with it, who Baid ho had brought it from Durham-street under Mr Dempsey's instructions. Alfred Roberts stated upon' oath that he was a carter, and in the en) ploy of Mr Demp sey, but he believed that Mr Howe had the contract in Durham-street. He remembered a conversation with Mr Goldie about a load of stuff deposited in Fort-Btreet, when he told him it was mostly clay ; he was then in Mr Dempsey's service. He told Mr Goldie that Mr Dempsey had asked Mr Watson if he would be responsible for the re moval of any matter from Durham-street. He heard Mr Watson tell Mi Dempsey that he would be responsible for the consequences. He was positive that he mentinned Mr Watson to Mr Goldie as the responsible party. He also used Mr Dempsey's name, but not in the same sense. When he removed the stuff he was working for Howe, and subsequently he worked for Dempsey by the day. Mr Dempsey ordered him to tip the load into Fort-street.

James Murphy corroborated the evidence regarding the nature of the nuisance. James Dempaey, in answer to the Court, stated that he had a contract in Durham sfcreet for removing a quantity of clay for a foundation to be laid in Durham-street. He did not order Eoberts to remove earth to Fort-street ;ib was the proprietor who gave the order, and it had nothing whatever to do with his contract any more than the man in the moon. He would swear that Roberta was not in his employ at the time of removing this load. He was working for Howe, as his (Dempsey's-) contract had been completed. Mr Thomas B. Cameron, architect, de posed to the completion of Dempseys contract before the removal of the night soil. He believed he first suggested the necessity for its removal to Mr Watson. Michael Hogan and Michael MoEwen gave corroborative evidence. The Court having weighed the evidence, found defendant guilty of the offence, and ordered him to pay a fine of 40s, and costd £5 14s.

TBtvnmpm stab, Tuesday, may % im



J/ff E beg to call the attention of parties about to Furnish to our large stock of Household Furniture. T. & X COOKE, -: v. .7 148, Queen-street, ."' ' ■ {Opposite the New TJieatreJ. Funerals Economically Furnished. !"T> LANRETS! BLANKETS! jd . blankets! .^; 1,000 Pairs. 1,000 Pairs. ' j f 94 White, 10/6,12/6! ljl/6pfir pair k, V 10-4 White, 17/6 and 21/ per pair • gj < 1,1-4 White* 25/per.p'auv , ;-,:•' i . <i 'ji } s Bedding- of all kinds at ■ . ..»[. W HOLLOVVAY & GARLICK'S. Handsome Dra-winff-room Suites in Silk Rep " Horsehair and Damask Suites - ' • Great variety of Chairs, Looking Glasses, Tables Drawers, 'Wasliatandß, Toilet Sets - Mattresses Palliasses, Pillows, all kinds r. ' ■ Iron and Wood Bedsteads and Cots. JUST OPENED— Beautiful lot of Winceys from /Bj par, yard, worth /0 Orimoan Shirtings, extra good value . Blaukots. Sheeting."and (Juilts from 3/11 Hearth Kugs and Carpets Another Bhipment of Door Mats at 2/11 Fancy Hosiery, Stays at 2/11, worth 4/6 Table Covers, Damasks, &c. , Shawls, Hats, and Millinery. Country Settlers mil find it convenient to deal With as, as we can supply Drapery, Clothing, Millinery, and Furnishing Goods, •.:. . i . which will be well packed, end forwarded with Despatch. &ff~ Buy your Winter Dresses and Clothes from— HOLLO WAY & GAELICK, DIUPEIIfI, CtOTHIEBS, MILLINEBS, CABTNETMAKEKS UPHOLSTER BRS, AND TJNDEIITAKERS, • CITY HALL, ;•,.[; t ( ; Cueer-Eireet, Anciland. TJTTJMN AND WINTEE DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. A Large Parcel of NEW and SEASONABLE GOODS of every description, just to hand, at BTJSHBROOK and BKIDGMAFS. Exceptionally gooa Value, having been Purchased at a considerable discount :— BLANKETS! BLANKETS! < ' Blankets, all sizes. White and Coloured Good strong All-Wool Flannel, fr.^m Is per yard • Winceys, in great variety, from 5d per yard rr- •; ■ 32-inch Wincey at 1r per yard, rare value A choice assortment of New Fancy Dress' Goods, Calicoeß and Sheetings, Furnishing Goods, : 'etc,, etc.: • ■ Also, .' rcLOTHING! (iLOTHING! 'For Boys and Men, splendid value. • Suits. Coats, Trousers, and Vests l " Overcoats, Pilot Jackets »■- ■ ■Printed Mole Trousers, Shirts, Hosiery Hats and Caps, &c. R.& B. with confidence invite attention to the above, and inspection will prove that for PRICE and QUALITY our Stock will bear favourable comparison with that of any otb.tr Houbo is the Trade. Patterns forwarded on application* and prompt and cwrtful attention to country orders. 5 % Discount allowed on all OAsn Purchases op 20s. AND UPWARDS. RUSIHIBIItOOK & BE IDG MAN, f»3 [Late r. hobbbl, VNOTION DRAPERY WAREROUSE Opposite the Array and Navy Hotel, '" . Uppbr Qtjeen-stbbbt, -■- ' AtrOKLAKb; '' - ,;:;!";:



TTABANGAHAEE GOLDMINING AND JX- QTTARTZ-CfiTTSHING COMPANY (LIMITED). The Directors p7 the above-named Company have this day mr^e a Call (•lie record), of Threepence per Shave payable at tho Company's Registered Albert anr* T>avT-streets, Orahamstown, on Wednes day, the lOlh day of May, 1576. d. g. mcdonkell, Managw. GrahatnstoTvn, May 1, 1876. rpHOßff TON, SMITH & FIRTH'S J. PRICES CTJBBV*T CWholtoalt!:) •— Racks. lOOlbs. POfts. "Crown Brand" FloTir, £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. per ton 14 0 0 14 10 0 15 0 0 T. S F. Canterbury Flonr. do 12 10 0 13 0 0 13 10 0 Sharps, do fi 17 fi Bn.n, do fi R 0 F.owl Wheat., per bnsliel. 4n Rd to 4s 6cl. The above prices include Facts aDd bagß. Sacks and buee not retnrnsMe.—Terms Cash. Auckland. ITay 2.1876. SOCIETY OF AETISTS, AUCKLAND. BLACK AND WHITE EXHIBITION The attention of Art Sinciputs. Amateurs, and Others is dirpctfd to tie nbnVft'Fxb?bitir.ri to be hrld In June next. intended for exWhit'or may he expeotfd iri 'Plar'k lead, Pe/iia, Tndia Trk, Chmcoal, Crayon. <^c, tmt not, in colnirp. Further inforrratton mv.y be obtf.ined from the undersigned. J. SYNODS, fecretary, 5, "Wymiham-street.



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