SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

t-nru w \'rvn fTllis Afternoon, 8.13. JrilGH vvAXJiK—[To-morrow Morning, 3.33. SUN SET.—This Evening, 6.46. SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 1.44. MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter,2lth Nov., 1.6 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Tasso. barque, from Newcastle

DEPARTURES.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For San Francisco—City of New York, s.s.

(English Mail), Monday For Gisborne and Napier—Go-Ahead, s.s.,

Saturday For Coromandel—Argyle, s.s., Mondays and

Frida.vs For Wangarci—Argyle, every Tuesday For the North—lona, s.s., every Monday For Tauranga—Kowcna, s.s., Friday next For London—Orari, ship; City of Auckland, earl y; Rapido, barque, early For Newcastle—Victoria, barque, early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

City of New York, s.s., from the South, Sunday Tainaya, barque, Y.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 lGth September Rapido, barque, from Newcastle, early Edith, schooner, from the Islands, early Transit, schooner, from Oamaru, early Augusta, brigantine. from Levuka : early Mendoza, bai-que, from London ; sailed Sept. 2 Glenlora. barque, from London, early Loch Lee. schooner, from the Islands, early. Lretitia, schooner, from the Islands, early Ryno, brigantine, from the Islands, early. Rebeccah Jane, brig-, from Melbourne, early Emu, brigantine from Dunedin, early. Fairlie. 3-masted schooner, from Dunedin, early Thomas Brown, barque, from Newcastle, early William Gilford, barque, from Melbourne: sailed.

The s.s. lona arrived from the Bay of Islands this rnorning with several passengers, whose names have already been published, and a large quantity of cargo. The brigantane Camilla has discharged her Lvttelton cargo.

The brig, Byron, and the barque. Isabella Ridley, left Lyttelton on the 7th hist. for Kai para, to load timber for the South. C'-The barque. Bella Mary, sailed for Hobart Town this morning with a cargo of timber. The barque Tasso arrived from Newcastle this morning after a tedious passage. She brought up opposite the Bastianliock at 11 o'clock, as she was unable to make headway against the west erly wind and the ebb tide. The Tasso brings a cargo of coals for Messrs Stone Bros. The new steamer which has been built at Messrs. Fraser and Tinne's yards, Mechanic's Bay, will be launched at 9 o'clock on Monday morning. The gross tonage of the steamer is 183 tons, nett 130. A good view of the launch maybe obtained from Barnabas Point, or the end of the breakwater. Messrs Niccol and Son of the North Shore have received an order from Messrs Godeffyoi and Co.. of Samoa, to build a small fore and aft schooner for them. It will bo remembered that Messrs Niccol built the Tongatabu for the same firm, and the advent of the new order must be looked upon as proof positive that Messrs Godeffroi are well pleased with the first vessel. Captain Brenck, of the Johan Cesar, who brought the last order, informed Messrs Niccol that his linn had received several offers for the Tongatabu but they declined to part with her. The new order is being already proceeded with. On the beach at the North Shore may be seen the framework of a 20-ton schooner, of rather peculiar construction. She is intended for some special trade, in which light draught of water is necessary. She is J2ft. on the keel, 50ft. overall, with 13ft. beam, and only Ift. Sin. depth of hold. She is to be finished by the end of December.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :—

For Thames, on Monday next, at 1.30 p.m

For Coroniandel. on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m., and per Lalla Rookh, on Wednesday next, at For 3°Taraiiaki, Southern Provinces, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Taupo, on Monday next, a Late letters will be received till 8.30 a.m. For Wanganui, per St. Kilda, on Monday next,

For Whitfanga, per Atlanta, this clay, at 4 p.m. For Gisborne and Napier, per Go-ahead, on For Russell! Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona on Monday next, at i p.m. . For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, Pet Citjror New York, on Monday, 20th instant, as under: — _ , n Tr ~ , For Kandavu, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Colum bia Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, For money" orders, registered letters, andnews- Late Pletters, bearing an extra fee of Go. in addition to the postage, will be received by the mail agent on board the steamer up to (SigS) °f fjFIOBB. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

STEPHENSON—At Grafton Road, on the 11th November, Mrs. S. Stephcnson of a son.

DEATH.

HATiPER—On Friday, the 17th hist, of serious effusion of the brain, Ella Mary, the beloved daughter cf Emilie and William Harper, of Chapel-street, aged 15 months.

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

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1876.

For tlie cawe th.it lacks .-iss'stauce.

In apportioning the £50,000 voted by the General Assembly, last .session, for school buildings, the Government have an oppor tunity for demonstrating what they mean by Abolition. What Otago thinks of it was pretty plainly stated in a telegram last night. The Provincial Government has managed very cleverly to enter into con tracts amounting to£lo,ooo,and claim £G,BOO more, or one-third of the whole sum voted. If Abolition is to be synonymous with the obliteration of provincial distinctions and the application of money by the General Government to various parts of the colony in proportion to their necessities, the ex tremely modest claims of our .Souther!) friends will run a very small chance of being satisfied. Otago long ago took good care to provide for its educational system from liberal endowments out of the public lands and equally liberal grants from the revenue yielded by those hinds. In the prodigality of the early settlers' generosity with the colonial estate, the Presbyterian Church came in for no inconsiderable portion of the best, sites in the city of Dunedin and other parts of the province. Substantial school buildings have been erected throughout the length and breadth of Otago. Canterbury is equally well-provided for in the matter of school buildings, and is indebted for that provision to the sale and lease of lands properly be longing to the whole of New Zealand. Auckland, through being defrauded of her just share of the revenue from Crown pro perty, has been unable to furnish any adequate school aecomodation, and such provision as exists in the country districts is very largely due to the liberality of the settlers. Our claim upon a large proportion of that £50,000 is one that was recognised by a special vote of £14,000 passed by the Assembly previous to the introduction of Mr. Montgomery's motion for a Colonial vote for school buildings. £14,000 will do little more than suffice for the necessary school buildings in the city and at the Thames. It is estimated that only £2000 would remain from the vote for country schools, an amount wholly insufficient to meet the many claims made upon it. The whole sum of £50,000 would not place this province in nearly so good a position as that now occupied by Canterbury or by Otago which coolly lays claim to a third of the cross sum available for the educational v/a!its of the whole colony. The activity displayed by the canny chiels away South, iv pressing ihaiv claims to the lion's share of the grant, should pliifee pur Board of Educa tion on the alert.

We have endeavoured to keep public attention firmly rivetted on the question of the Southern runs and the designs of a bastard aristocracy upon the public lands. The powerful nature of the influence emanating from this class is but im perfectly appreciated h) /Uickland, but a careful' examination of the motives that underlie the effort to acquire thousands of acres of territory in single blocks, must arouse a very keen apprehension <>f tke danger which is threatening, not only the present generation of colonists, but all who jome after % Wj?at does the acquisition of all estate of 100,000 a^res—twenty square miles of counfcry-Mjir even a, (juarfer of tliat area of land, really mean '! The treason ,of. a manor, equal in extent to a British duchy, with a dependent tenantry! We wish everyone familiar with the English sy«fceni of landed proprietary, to think over it. and consider what lias driven hundreds of thousands of people from Great Britain to distant and barbarous countries. The desire for personal aggmndisenjei.it v.iil;. the public estate will yet prove the bane of Now Zealand. Already its first efforts have taken the direction of. throwing taxation off the wealthy, and of smothering representa tive institutions ; and year hy year \re shall see its evil track more plainly marked.. The statement" that the run question largely influenced the legislation ot last session is not a mere assertion by the exposition The Lyttelton "Time*,"iho mcr.t inhiientml paper published in the tqaoUaw capital, and deriving its support very largely from mnlioldere, is *wy tettact pw I.Uq.

subject. In a reeent article, that journal declares :—" We are strongly of opinion that if the critical year of grace to runs were not so near, the majority of members from this Province would not have supported Abolition." We reproduce this autlaoritive extract merely by way of reminder, and for the purpose of keeping the subject prom inently lixed in the public mind. Pro vincialism lias been slaughtered—that must be recognised —and it is "how for the electors to watch very narrowly, and thwart the scheming of those who desire to create a , bureauracy in which all the chief springs are worked by a dominant class that ha waxed wealthy by laying unholy hands on the people's patrimony.

The Union Beach crushing-, just completed, is very satisfactory. About 200 tons gof general stuff were treated, and yielded about 200 ounces of gold, and 4G5 lbs of specimens have yielded over 2£ozs to the pound. The total "yield is 1,378 ounces, from which a dividend of 7/6 per share has been declared. This makes £2 15/ per share paid within the present year, and it is probable this will not he the last dividend for this year. We learn that after the dividend is paid there will remain a balance of nearly £700 to carry on work with. To the Editor : Sir, —In reply to Mr. Daltou'.s letter, in last evening's issue, I would merely state, there is no difficulty about the matter, the Board having accepted a suitable tender for the work, under plan No]. Herewith I send you a list of the tenders received :—Larkin and O'Brien, £0()2 ; Cooke, £%'0 0s (id ; J. Wilson, £SIS ; liutler. Smith, and Co., £7SO ; Burke and Smith,' £780; Burke and Collins, £74-0; T. Skelton, £730; A. Wolley, £718; J. Kirby, fc'o'B4, accepted. — 1 am &c, T. Thompson, Chairman Mount Eden High way Board. A warrant, wasj issued for the apprehen sion of Mrs Elizabeth Nelson, of Cook street, charged with neglecting to contribute towards the support of her children in the Industrial Home. The woman, however, had taken a journey into the country, it was supposed ; but this morning she came puffing into court, and stated that she could not go, as some person, whom she named, had stolen her boots, and she wanted a search warrant. She was desired to ac company the clerk into the oflice of the station, when the warrant for custody was presented, and she was safely secured beyond escape. She uttered a womanly scream, sank into the chair, and exclaimed " It's all up." She was conveyed, without her boots, in the prison van, to Eden, where she will remain within its peaceful enclosure for one calendar month.

Tin's morning a horse marched out of Mr. Craig's stable in Fort-street, and caused smne .sensation by capering about in Queen streot. He went up the street as far as the -water trough opposite Ellison's the bootmaker's, and then stopped to take a drink. While thus occupied he was quietly secured by the stableman, and led back to his quarters.

Professor Silvester, known by his profes sional title, the Fakir of Oolu, was recently married in Victoria, to Miss Beaumont, a talented vocalist, and daughter of Air Beaumont, a wealthy hotel-keeper of Hobart Town.

The ileet of Maori boats which have been shark-fishing at Kauri Point, daring the last day or two, returned this morning, to Orakei. They made a very pretty shew as they ran down, with the wind and tide. We did not hear whether they have been successful, or not. At the Appeal Court at Wellington, on Monday next, the following divorce cases from Auckland will come on for hearing ; Grace v. Grace, and Arepata te jN'gatiori.

The manager of the Old Mcna Refuge desires to acknowledge with thanks the receipt from Mr A. H. Nathan of the fol lowing clothing, &c, for distribution amongst the inmates : 2 coats, (> pairs trousers, 1 morningl gown, (> shirts, 1 doz. linen collars, 1G neck-ties, sausages from Mr Dornwell.

Several cricket matches are on this afternoon, viz., West End and North Shore Clubs at the North Shore, Press and West End second eleven at Pousonby, and the Auckland and Carlton Clubs in the Domain. We shall give the results in our next issue.

The French must experience very great difficulty in keeping the Communist prisoners, notwithstanding that since the escape of the notorious Kochefort, the precautions have been redoubled. Cable grams state that at Noumea, twelve Com munist prisoners seized a steam launch and put to Kca, but were overtaken by a war vessel. Ten were captured, but two jumped overboard, and were drowned. The French system of prison discipline at New Caledonia, must lie exceptionally severe, when two men could be found to deliberately sacrifice their lives rather than return to confinement.

The Manukau Amateur Dramatic and Minstrel Club were eminently successful' in their first public appearance at Onehunga in favour of the unfortunate man, England, the proceeds of which appeared in last even ing's S'l'AJi. We notice that the members of this club are about to give their second entertainment at Otahuhu for the purpose of meeting general expenses. We wish the members of the new club every success.

The maturation of the Corinthian Masonic Lodge at the Thames, under the English Constitution, appears to have been conducted with allthe ceremony usual on such ■important occasions. The lodge is the first under the English Constitution opened in the North Island, since the installation of Sir Donald McLean as Provincial Grand Master. Owing to his illness, Bro. M. S. Leers, P.M., of the Prince of Wales Lodge, who is learned in all the mysteries of the craft, was selected by Sir Donald as his deputy for the occasion, and lie was accom panied by Bro. T. Jenkins, as Master of Ceremonies, and Grand Marshal. Amongst the other visitors from Auckland were I>ro. C. M. Nelson, chaplain of Prince of Wales Lodge, E. C.; liro. lleoce, P.M., Ara Lodge, --1.C.; Bro. Dyson, P.M., Ara Lodge, I.C. ; Bro. Dr. Dawson, Prince of Wales Lodge, E.C. ; Bro. G. S. Graham, P.M. ; Bro. Gossett, Prince of Wales Lodge, E.C. ; and Bro. W. it. Robinson, P.M., Ara, I.C, and Prince of Wales, E.C. There were .also a large number of visitors from Ohinemuri and Mackaytown. The Lodge having been duly inaugurated, the following officers were installed :—Worshipful Master :—Bro. L. Ehrenfried, S.W. ; Bro. H. Goldsmith, J.W. ; Bro, the Rev, V. Lush, Chaplain ; Bro. F. H. G r Woodward, secretary; Bro, J Osborne,treasurer; Bip. T. Bell,organist; Bro, G. Best, S.D. ; Bro, D, Booiie, J,D. ; Bro. Hopkins, I.G. ; Bro. 0. Garrctt, Tyler, A banquet afterwards took place. By a letter tojMr E. Perkins, of this city, from a well-known Auckland gentleman now in Europe, he states that ]|c was receiv ed with untold kindness and attention by Mr P G. Bean, the General Agent of the Great Niagara Falls Route, via Michigan Cenral R. R- Not only did Mr Bean shew him ari.i hia fellow-passengers every atten tion in the:cftailg;.ii£pf their money, secur ing proper s'eaV i,ri Palace wars etc. etc., but deputed his confrere, Mr J. If ifeJ^y, to shew them till places of interest in ban Francisco. In the wimUxip ojt f.he letter lie says all passengers, upon the mall steamers amval at San Francisco, will know Mr IMdvay. the passenger agent, from any other railroad in:ui by his handsome and gentlemanly appearance Furthermore, they saved fifty dollars'eack by looking at the Michigan Central It. I|. oiiice. the passengers by the Anne Milbank, to the Hot Springs, this morning, were the Hon. Mr. Whitaker, and Mrs. Whitakcr. The Attorney-General, no doubt, goes to spend a quiet period of relaxa tion, at this pleasant rcsortj alter the toil of ti>Q session

The Free Templars entertainment of Monday evening next promises to be a splendid affair. The programme is a long one, and contains the names of the leading musicians and vocalists of the Order. The proceeds will be given to the pianoforte fund. Among the comic singers will appeal- Messrs Doran, Sceats, Chapman, and Mcttain Brothers. Mr Brown will give a new recitation. Messrs Whiteman, Sul livan, Jamieson, and Mitchell will fill the sentimental department, and no less than ten ladies will render vocal aid to the en tertainment. Mr George Warburton will take the chair. (See advt.)

The subjects of discourse at the several churches of the city will be found in our advertisement columns. The evening service for the people, Avill be held at the usual hour in the large room of the Young Men's Christian Association. The anniver sary services of the Onehunga Congrega tional church, will be held to-morrow.

We notice that Mr Brothers, from the United States,'will preach to-morrow even ing in the Cook-street Christian Meeting House.

The last number of the " New Zealand Licensed Victuallers Gazette" conies outin an enlarged and improved form, and displays increased enterprise in its literary and general get up. We have received a copy of the Prospectors issued by the Christ church Inn Newspaper Company (Limited), capital £2300, forming for the purpose of taking over the New Zealand Licensed Victualler's Gazette, which _it is proposed to publish as a daily evening penny paper. The prospectus promises great things. Mr Thomas H. Fielding, whose journalistic experience and enterprise render him an army in himself is the manager.

An accident occurred yesterday at the bottom of (riafton lload, Mr Smith, the contractor for the carting, was backing a load of earth to the .side of the gully when the dray went too far, and the horse was dragged down into the gully, a depth of nearly 30 feet. The horse kept liis feet all the way down, and was uninjured.

The following is a lady's answer to some one who sent her an anonymous letter en closing an extract entitled, " The two duck eys :—To the Editor : Dear Sir, —Will you kindly permit me through the columns of your "Evening Luminary" to inform my dear anonymous correspondent, that 1 am his ducky and his alone ; why does he not come like a man and pop the question ? I am anxiously waiting the happy hour when we shall be made one ; then lie shall know whose ducky Tarn. Itis cowardly in him sending such true tokens of love and a flec tion anonymously, but I just hap] >: ' •■' ■■"> know his dear, sweet, sugary han. '..•'-

ing, for he must have been ;ifter tho ..j:. , when addressing the letter. Shame on your noughty draky. From yv ever-chang ing.—DUCKY.— P.S.— A ~,ood mntto : — Ladies, preserve a little wimple of your old lovers handwriting ; it may be useful some day.

The " Saturday Night" committee of the Temperance Hall have issued a capital pro gramme for this evening. Mr Robert Peace will take the chair, and deliver the opening address on " Tcmplary in relation to the People." The programme promises musical selections by Messrs Hunter, McGuinncs.s, anil Butsciicow, comic songs by Messrs Hodgson, Winchcombe, and others ; senti mental songs by Miss Hall and Jack, and Mrs Homer. Miss Peace will also give a song "The Drunkard's Raggit Wean." Mr Buteshkow will appear as the "Tailor of Paris." The whole composition is by him self, and is doubtless worthy of the musi cian, whoso reputation is his best recom mendation.

Mr E. Ward and his musical companions will give their promised entertainment for Mrs Sloran, on the evening of the 27th inst., in Lome-street Hall. It will lie remem bered that Mrs Moran lost her husband in their passage from London, on board the Orari, and the suggestion of a benefit by the Star was immediately taken up by Mr Ward. The programme of the evening will include the chnir performance by the Orari .Minstrels; also songs and dances, and a farce by Ward's Variety Troupe. The whole will be under the patronage of his Worship the Mayor (B. Tonka, Esq.), Cap tain Mosey and officers of the Orari, the Order of Foresters, Court Zealnndia, and the shareholders of the Hibernian Band. A programme of particulars ■will be shortly issued.

To the Editor : Sir, —Tn reply to " Stall holder's" statement ancnt the fish stall in the market-house, 1 am prepared "if he will disclose his own name" to disprove his heartless assertions* respecting the stinking fish on Banne.'iter's stall. A greater piece of oppression to a struggling family than lias been pursued towards these people is hard to conceive. Talk about effluvia, why where is the meat, poultry, fruit, or produce that are free from it more or less? [feel confident that the majority of the stall holders will not take it as a compliment to make it appear that they endorse his un called for remarks, but whose warmest sympathies arc with the honest " victims" of persecution. Trusting you will kindly insert this in the paper as a wrong that needs resistance. —Yours, &c, JOSEPH (IBKEN, another stallholder, Auckland Market,

The Pioneer Juvenile Templars held an open lodge meeting last evening in the Wel les! ey-street lodge-room, which was largely attended. The vocal programme having been executed in a proper manner, the spel ling bees commenced, Mr Andrew acting as pronouncer. The first prize ill the ladies' bee, "Spain and it.s People," was awarded to Miss Dnunmond, and in the boy's bee, Master Marson was the victor. The whole passed off very harmoniously.

We call attention to the entertainment of this evening by the Temperance Variety Troupe, in the Young Men's Christian As sociation, the monster programme of which may he seen in this evening's issue of the STAB, with its varied attractions. Consi dering all things, avc think it more than probable that tlie Troupe will have the pleasure of appearing before a crowded house. The Juvenile Templars, for wlio.se benefit the proceeds will be given are re quested to be present as early as possible. The Temperance Drum and Fife Band, under Mr F. Jeuue, will perform a number of popular airs outside, before the entertain ment commences.

We publish to-day a report of the meeting held at Hastings for the purpose of adopting addresses to be presented to Sir George Grey on his arrival at the Thames to-day.

The Mount Eden District having been Gazetted an Educational District under the Act, a meetihg of the ratepayers was held at the Baptist schoolroom on Tuesday, the 14th hist, to elect a School Committee. Mr. Thompson having been voted to the chair, the following gentlemen were nominated, viz, : Messrs Cole, Thompson, Shepherd, Waite, Shaw, Hirst, and Udy. The result of the ballot, was in favour of Messrs Cole, Thompson, Shaw, Shepherd, and Udy, who were declared duly elected. The newly elected Committee met immediately after', and Mr. T. Thompson was unani mously elected chairman.

THE THAMES

Tuts popular panorama of the English Thames was largely patronized last evening', and the views presented and explained eli cited many expressions of pleasure. Mr Cntterell amused with a number of character s'keleUtts, and Mrs Cotterell with a series of beautiful English snugs. A large number of our young friends availed themselves of the opportunity of seeing the pictures this afternoon, and this evening being the last or the panorama in Auckland, there WJU pos sibly bo a, fuJJ house,

My Weekly Dose.

(By the Doctok)

"Laugh to-day, ye may weep to-morrow." WHAT MAX" HAPPEN TO A DOCTOR IN

NEW ZEALAND. Dr. Apollyon wont down to Christchurch to meet Mr. Stafford on neutral territory. In fact, they wanted to hold a meeting away from the Empire city, so as not to attract observation. The Doctor always had a way of that sort, modest and retiring—something like a spider. Well, he rang the bell outside the door of Staitora House, and immL:liately came a trim servant of the Hibernian persuation. "What name shall I say, sir." " Oh, your master expects me, replied Daniel, "say its the Doctor." Ijio abigail hastened into the library, where Mr. Stafford was deep in the study of political economy in relation to New Zealand in general, and Tini-ar-ru in particular. "Iv yo plaze, sur, the Docthor would be scein' you." Languidly looking up, Mr. Stafford replied, " Oh, bother the Doctor, I don't want him just now. Tell him 1 didn't send for him." T'nen that young lady went and said to Dr. Apollyon, the mighty, " Misther Shtafford doesn.'t want ye, at all at all, so be off wid ye now," and she slammed the door in his face, thinking that he was perhaps one of those quack doctors who get a Massa chusetts diploma for a dollar, aud then go about seeking whom they may physic and devour. (In which conjecture she would not have been far out.—Printer's D.) Of course the little mistake was rectified, and the Doctor was admitted. What took place at that conference no one knows, except the two distinguished men them selves. Probably they talked about runs and re-leasing, but it was all done sub. rosa.,and Mr. Stafford said in the House last session, that he had never let the cat out of the bag, and never would " split" under any circumstances. Thus it will remain an awful mysfery.liko the Sphinx, or the meeting that was held between the two Emperors on a lonely raft in the middle of the mCI THEREBY HANGS A TAIL. There has been a good deal of talk lately about the men of Kalili, who, like] little, 80-beeps sheep, carry their tails behind 'era. I was attacked with the prevailing enthusiasm when I saw the beautiful illustrations in your columns, and I went straight down the wharf with the view of sailing for Kalili by the first opportunity. 1 met a boatman, and asked him how much he'd take me for. He turned a quid, and eyeing me with a frank, open expression on his manly countenance said: "Well, I dont see what'call people have got to make such a fuss over a tail only an inch long. I've Keen more than that myself." I thought I had got hold ot a treasury of knowledge, and I took that boatman right away to the Thames Hotel, gave him a pint of beer, and asked him to tell me all about it. He said: "Well, I were a youngster at the time.but I went to see a play called Mcstifofneles, and there was accve with some outlandish name as coined on with a tail nearly a yard long as he carried under his arm." If any one of the boat men should bo missing, I beg to inform his relatives that his remains will be found buried in the coal-cellar of the Thames Hotel. "SHELL OUT." I never could understand the meaning of that expression,until!read Rev. Brown's lccture,and then it was all plain to me. It appears that the natives of New Britain use shell money, and make everybody pay for everything; which I may remark, en passant, is a very good rule indeed. I believe the Bankruptcy Act is a thing unknown to the New Britons, and no one ,vi.-; ever been known to compound with his ir.-ditors for so many shells in the fathom. It v.'as doubtless from some of these islands that we derived the phrase, "Shell out." THE AG ENT-GENERAL. By the way, I haven't seen any telegrams in your paper announcing Sir Julius Vogel's arrival in America. I received a cablegram from Julius the otlior day, which is at your service :— " Grand Hotel, 'Frisco, Nov. 15. " Doctor. Auckland. " Arrived safe. Passnge awfully dull. No one on board understood 100, and 1 wns reduced toja game of poker with the ship's barber. " After we were a work out. they stopped the turtle soup, and put us on poultry. " I've, lost two stun, and £100 .">s Gd at poker. "The ship's barber knows a tiling or two. " A telegram reports that the House refused to pass my £2,570. It' 3 very rough on the fellows who advanced. "I applied for a train all to myself. The Railway Manager, who is a General, and wears a cocked hat, and sword, said they didn't know me. I explained. He said, "No, siree, we don't give special carriages to anyone under the rank of a Premier, you bet your bottom dollar. .Stranger, I guess you've got to take a back seat." This is what comes of sacrificing your self on the altar of patriotism. " Respects to Walter MeCaul and Sadler, "Bless you, Jotjus Vockl." A GAP WHICH MUST BE FILLED. T noticed the following in a late number of the "Quoenslandcr":—"Recent advices from Europe disclose an enormous deficit in the world's production of sugar amounting to over 400,000 tons, and creating a gap which must, by some means or other, be iilled.'' When I read that, you might have knocked me down with a feather. The news is perfectly appalling. "C're. ;U ing a gap which must be filled." And how is it to be filled I Can l)r Wallia tell us i Can John Mason enlighten us ? Can the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Discussion Class solve the problem.' I've often been short of sugar myself, but then it was another sort. Just reflect for a moment. Think of 200,000 helpless infants of ' various ages and sizes gaping for lollypops. and hundreds of thousands of respectable citizens drinking their whiskey without sugar. If you don't hear of an extraordinary number of suicides shortly, I shall conclude that the gap has been filled from some source or other. But, no! —yes ! 1 have it! that is, an idea—which thing is almost as remarkable for me as the deficit in sugar. Why not telegraph Julius to return at once and start his beet-root scheme. Would'nt it be a grand thing for New Zealand to come to the rescue of the world, by tilling this gap, to save a lot of infants from premature graves. Moreover, immigrants of small capital would be sure to be strongly biassed in favor of a country where they would not be deprived of sugar in their toddy. W.E.S. TESTIMONIALIZES. I have received the following testimonial from " W.E.S." [To The Doctoii.] Sir,—Continuation of literary caligraphical elfusionizatin, delights and pleases, del cctates and eliminates mental problematism. It is good and right, fit and proper, appropriate and excellent. Continue to prolongate and parabol ise. Paradoxical exemplifications symbolize categorical interrogatory expositions. Satirical grotesqueisms cmphemerally instructive, enter taining ; psychological itinerisation immensely funny, Go on.—W.E.S. DOGMATIC PREACHING. 1 read in a newspaper the other day that dogs are in the habit of going into "saored edifices," and "occasionally misconduct themselves, to the no small annoyance of the congregation." In another paper I read something about a "Pro testant horse." Perhaps some of these dogs belong to antagonistic denominations, and go there to create dissension, or to disseminate schisms among the other dogs ; in fact, perhaps they go there to dogmatise. If they did, they would only be imitating some of their betters. In order to prevent sectarian differences among the canines, it would be well to chain them up during divine service. THAT BEGUM—BY GUM! There was a subscriber to a newspaper who wrote to the office, requesting that the Satur day's issue might not be delivered until Monday morning, as he always read it on Sunday, and it obtruded secular, thoughts upon his mind, when he wanted to work up a proper degree of pure, calm, holy Sabbatarian devotion. That's just what I mean to do. Last Sunday I went to church as usual, and was startled from a siesta in the middle of the sermon by a big yellow dog, one of those denounced as above, which came sniffing at my legs. Now Iliad just, been dream ing that I was in Calcutta, amongst the coolies, chowder, bungaloes, and things, and that I was going to be "married to a "White Begum," so I woke up with the exclamation of "Begum!" Of-^courso, all the people stared, and the parson looked severe. I asked my landlady the other day what was for dinner, and she answered abstractedly " Boiled white • begum and turnips." Nor is this all. A country settler in the Kaipara district has written me the following letter. " Dear doctor, you know everything. • Can you tell me what is this white bee-gum that every one is talking about, and whereabouts is it dug i Is it anything like our kauri ? and how muoh does it fetch a ton? Please send mo a specimen, and believe me, yours truly, Gum Digger." Probably my bucolic friend is not aware that this " White Begum " was a woman, and that the story is just now occupy ing half the space of half the newspapers in New Zealand. Take up any j ournal, and there you see staring you in the face in big capital letters '.' THE WHITE BEGUM." In fact, there is just now a sort of journalistic Begum mania, and the symptoms are growing decidedly dan gerous.

SUNDAY SCHOOL EXHIBITION.

About 500 persons, including a number of settlers from country districts, visited the exhi bition in the Drill-shed yesterday, and the receipts at the door amounted to £13 13s Bd. The proceedings Avcre enlivened by a number of very choice, jnuaioal selections by the Hobson Band". The members of the Or"pheus Glee Club sang several of their favorite glees, which elicited much applause from the listeners. The concert by the members of the Tonic Sal-Fa Union, under the government of Mr Charles Bloointield gave great satisfaction, and gave variety to the occasion. At the close of the exhibition, the committee met. to consider the manner of the final closing which will be to-night, when it was resolved to ask Mr. Firth, the president of the Union to terminate the exhibition with a par tint? address. We notice that the Newton Choristers will give a vocal concert to-niprht. The Engineer and City Band under the direction of Mrlhypey, will also bo present. J. C. Firth, Esq., will deliver- the cjQsiug &<i.CUw this evening,

A Horrible Custom.

HOW THEY TREAT GIRLS IN NEW mm ma IRELANr>>

The following portion of the Rev. G. Brown's lecture, describes one of the most horrible customs ever met with amongst any savage race. Mr. Brown said : I should like now to tell you something of a , horrible custom, the practise of which we dis covered when we began to make a few journeys on the New Ireland Coast winch we had explored very often during the fast six months. In fact we were very often not a week at home. We were all the time in the boat, or steam launch, doing one work or another, sometimes conveying teachers, but often spending a good deal ot time in the boat, and that was no easy work, I can assure you. I very much wished to cross to New Ireland, but ot course, when I mentioned this I received any number of warnings. If I had attended to'the warnings I received from one and another, I should never have started out ot Port Hunter. We started from the West Coast of New Ireland, and got over to the east side. We crossed the mountains at an elevation of 2,500 to 3,000 feet. I have not yet corrected the reading of the aneroid, but we were down to 27 '20, and we started at 30.

"THE STRONG SMELLER." We got to the village of a chief called "The Strong Smelling." The name was given to him because the smell of human flesh, or roast pig was never absent from his village. When I got there, I saw some strange sights,such as you have seen briefly mentioned in the paper. By and by 1 learned something about the houses in which young girls are confined. I will try to <nve you an account of what I saw there. It was the most distressing sight we saw in all our journey. v<i< __ CAGED GIRLS. If you cam imagine a house, I suppose about 25 feet long, standing in the hot glaring sun 'without any shade, and fenced roundr not only at the sides once, but fenced with bamboos outside that again, so that scarcely a.ay air can get in at all. Well, imagine that, iv a climate four degrees only south of the line, in a blazing tropical sun, and you can imagine the state of the atmos phere inside that house. Inside that house again, there were three conical cages—l am sorry I have not got some of the stuff to shew you, but you can see it in the Museum. But I wish you could sec how those cages were formed of broad leaves and battens. They were sewn together so that they were apparently watertight, and almost' air-tight. Tlie.se cages were all 10 or 12 feet in circumference, with a height of C> feet from the ground, when they tapered away to a point. Now, on one side of these cages was an entrance closed by a double door of plaited cocoa-nut leaves, and these all laced together with string. You can imagine that the inside of these cages would be perfectly hot, being almost air tight : very lrfttle air could get in, certainly not much. About three feet from the ground is a baanboo stage, on this stage a water-bottle. . GETTING A PEEP AT THE GIRLS. Now, we were told it was "taboo" for anyone to go into one of -these houses, bnt a few beads secured us an entrance into one of the large houses, in which were three cages like candle extinguishers. We were told that there was a young girl in each of these cages. I could not believe it, and I said I did not. I told them I should like to see the inside of it. The chief said it was taboo. I said we were white men, and it did not apply to us, and I got some beads and held them up. He wanted the beads, and he sent for an old woman to come and open the cages. Whilst the messenger was away I heard voices inside these three coni cal cages. THE DUENNA OPENS THE CAGES. By and by the old woman came along, grumbling terriMv at having to open the cages, then, and these young girls came close to the opening, and they held out their hands for the beads. I said " I cannot go there, you must come out here for the beads." I wanted to see the inside of the cages. Then they put some bamboo on the ground for the girls to walk upon, because it was taboo for them to walk on the ground at all. They came for the beads, and then I went and looked in. THE GIRLS LIVE IN THE CAGES FOR YEARS. The girls have to live in those hot cages for 5, 6, and sometimes 7 years. Now, mind you,there is no mistake about this at all. Of course, when we talk about years, you begin to ask what kind of years. I was anxious to ascertain if there could be any mistake because I thought it was really too horrible to credit, that human life could be main tained in such a den as that. I asked- the natives about it, nd I found without any mistake, that the eldest girl had been in there 5 years. The man," to convince me, said lie had fished for the "pelora" five times, since the girl was put in, and they only do that once a year. That settled the matter. He pointed to the little girl and said "The biggest girl was not so big as this little girl when she went in there." One of the girls was eight, the other ten, or twelve. They told us' the eldest girl had been kept in there since she was younger than the youngest was then. The little one had the prospect of living at least five years, perhaps more, in one of these dens. MR. BROWN'S HORROR. Why, it haunted me. All the way I was walking across the mountains, on my return, the thought of those young girls, shut up in those fearful cages, haunted my mind. I tell you I could have cried for those girls. I asked the natives if the girls ever got sick. They said " Oh, yes, some times." I said "Well, do they come out then ?" They said "No." I saw in a news paper that the girls were allowed to come out, and take a walk at midnight, but that is not correct. Mr. Cottcrell who was my collector, and who wrote that, was never on the side where I was, and I think he must have been misinformed. It might be allowed on the side where lie was, but cer tainly not at the place I am now speaking of. HOW THE GIRLS WASH. There were little wooden bowls placed at the foot of each cage, and the girls are allowed to come out once a day to wash themselves. No man is permitted to see them, all the time they are in, except their own relatives, and they, only for a few minutes at a time, and they are always watched while they are out. RELEASED FOR MATRIMONY. They are only taken out when they are to be married, and there is a great marriage feast. I saw a number of girls with fringes across their shoulders, and I asked what they were. We were told that they were girls made sacred, and differing from the others. Their parents could not afford the feast that was given on the marriage of the girls inside the cages. So you see that their being kept for years * shut up in those dons, is regarded as a luxury, and only the rich can afford it. I put my hand into one of the cages, and it was terribly hot. I only wished I had a thermometer to try the temperature. But there are the facts. The girls have to live in those cages five or six years, and see no one all that time except their own relations.

A LIVE THERMOMETER. We may add to Mr Brown's remarks that Kaplen, a young reformed cannibal, states that he accompanied the Rev. G. Brown on his visit to the village, and was present when the cages were opened. Kaplen put his hand into one of them, and the heat "was so intense that in a few minute.1? hiss l\m<k koka qul* with perspiration.,

SIR GEORGE GREY AND HIS CONSTITUENTS.

Sib George Grey, K. C. B. and M. H. R., left at noon to-day by the s.s. Lalla Rookh, for the Thames, where he Avill address his crgf stituents this evening at the Academy »f| Music, Grahamstown. The steamer is cM pected to arrive oft' Tararu wharf about n\i o'clock. The Enterprise, with the Recer. ] tion Committee on board, will meet tlie Lalla Rookh there, and escort Sir George Grey to Grahamstown. It is confidently expected that the leader of the Opposition Avill meet with an ovation on landing. The speech is looked forward to with great interest. The other Thames member, Mr W. Rowe, was also a passenger by the Lalla Rookh.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow Esq., R.M.) SHADOWS OF NIGHT.

John Leonard, an old off ender, was found drunk last night by Constable Jones , to whom he shewed fight.

Prisoner said he was guilty. Seven days imprisonment. Michael Tobin, a tall young man, for being drunk, was fined 5s and costs. EUPHEMIA.

Euphemia Canty, an eccentric looking person, was charged with being an habitual drunkard, and with having no lawful, visible means* of living. Prisoner denied the charge ; sli c was a respectable married woman, and her hus band was at sea.

Sergeant Gamble deposed to finding the woman last night, at half-past twelve, in Masefield's foundry ; she was a continual pest, and had no home. Prisoner : Oh, dear, how shocking ; did you ever hear ? Constable Gamble proceeded to say, that the woman was in the habit of stopping men; she stopped one last -evening, in Albert-srreet.

Prisoner : Oil, shocking, shocking ; how can you say so ? Constable Gillies, and Detective Grace, deposed to the woman's bad conduct; she had been in the habit of wandering about at all hours of the night, and soliciting drunken sailors.

Prisoner made a long rambling statement to the Court, in vindication of her charac ter ; she was fond of walking on the wharf, when all things were quiet; she was very partial to a moonlight walk. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the woman had been discharged on a previous occasion, on promises of amendment, but had continued in the same miserable course.

The Court sentenced prisoner to two months' imprisonment with hard labour. Prisoner : Thank you. A YOUNG THIEF.

William Home, was charged with stealing a whip, the property of Timothy Hayes. The boy, who appeared to be about 14, pleaded not guilty, he found the whip. Timothy Hayes, deposed that he was a farmer and grazier at Epson, and came into town this morning with a load of grass. He stopped opposite the Waitemata Hotel to do a little business, and when he re turned his whip was gone. The whip, produced by the constable, caused some laughter. Mr Hayes thought it was honestly worth sixpence, although it had been valued at 3d.

Detective Grace took the boy into custody, and found the whip upon him ; he said he had picked it up. It was shewn that the boy was neglected, and belonged to disolute parents. The Coiirt discharged him with a cau tion.

PUBLIC MEETING AT HASTINGS.

ADDRESSES TO SIR GEORGE GKEY.

Hastings, November 16th 1876. A MEETING- of the inhabitants of Hastings was held last evening at S o'clock, in the Public Hall, for the purpose of forwarding a congratulatory address to Sir George Grey, to be presented to him on the occasion of. his addressing the electors in Grahamstown, this evening. Although the affair was only suggested at the last moment, the meeting was well attended by every man in the township, except those on night shift. Mr. McFarlane was appointed to the chair, and in a pithy address, explained to those present, the noble and disinterested manner in which Sir George foiight at the General

Assembly, not only for his constituents, but in the interest of the colony at large. His remarks drew the applause of those present, and at the conclusion, the cheers were deafening. Proposed by Mr. H. Kolf, and seconded by Mr. J. Plummer, " That the inhabitants of Hastings, wishing to testify their appreciation ot the able and honest manner in which Sir George Grey has acted for the interest of the whole colony (notwithstanding the great opposition he had to contend with), do present him with a congratulatory address, on the occasion of his visit to the Thames on Saturday next." Carried with applause. The meeting now resolved themselves into several small parties, each vicing to produce the neatest, and most appropriate article. After a lapse of about half an hour, those prepared were read, when the annexed two were considered the best. It was proposed by Mr Gillies, and seconded by Mr. Meyenberg, and carried, "That both be amalgamated, as it would take too long to write the addresses neatly.' Mr Hawks proposed, and Mr McQuain se conded (carried), " That those _ present do now come forward, and sign their names to be appended to the address when prepar ed." This part was really amusing, as there was a general rush to the Chairman, each wishing to see his name first, and thirty five names were put down, that being the entire number of male adults present Three cheers were called for Sir George, and were heartily responded to, and three more for the Chairman, when the meeting termi nated. ADDRESS FROM THE INHABITANTS. To Sir George Grey X.C.8., , Representative of the Thames ill the General Assembly. ,_, „„ Sir,—We, the inhabitants of Hastings, Jlapu Creek), being a separate and distinct portion ra. your constituency, desire to give you a "ea"ji welcome to the Thames, after your lone ana laborious duties at the General Assembly, a* Wellington. , . yn Your noble and disinterested advocacy ot mo legitimate rights and liberties of the people,» raised our admiration, while your ettorts <w behalf of Education, the apportionment or ww Public Debt, and the Separation Resolutions have met with our hearty approval. . , "We are proud to have such an earnest, tajeniw* and unselfish t-epresentative. And it is ""J earnest prayer, that you may bo long spareo to carry out the work you have so well "es"r' and which we believe will ultimately 0° jor'u fl benefit of the whole of New Zealand, and ma** it a happier, more progressive, and respew* country. ADDRESS FROM ELECTORS. . We, the undersigned electors and resident*" Hastings, being informed that it was.yo"*^ tention to address the electors of the I"^^ , Grahamstown on Saturday next, are aesiro"^ <, convey our appreciation of your action. Genera' Assembly, as representative of V"3 trict. i.aiinß We would further wish to say that on fir^es that it was your intention to stand for "^JLbeing we felt convinced that in the event of y°?L,U t.o returned brighter prospects would toe °Pc" s -^c the district and the colony in general. » knew that it would be your purpose to "£* g^g clique, and remove the incubus so long flaua nv er us. n i fhe °l We need scarcely add that feeling tbns a* „,. t - ection, our votes wore unanimously in J^ avor, but regret to say that through some j* , or neglect in forming the Electoral roll, so» of us were deprived of registering our v°7when Wo would all wish itßo be.understood ttyjj?■ »£ Mr "VV. Howe came on the stage as a csZam[ J w his representative here stated that he v*3*j)7 ing as an entire supporter of your PFfjsp -$'s which he secured the popular feeling.) V «; j° g; to find that he has not carried out that/guara? P»« and shall bo move cautious again. ; JnrinlS We have oarcf ully followed your actiions o^ the past len.uthcned Session, andl aye "! ! vincod that though the lvuit of yonr \p>or,^v6 not ripen fax the present, yet. that lyou »»JJ. engruited into the heart of every wel|-th»w|S clectorj the feeling th*t you, b^ve hgntow ***.

THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1876.



JjIUBJSriTURE ! FUBNITUBJE I Ladies and Gen'.lemen about to Famish arc respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stack of DRAWING - BOOM, DINING -BOOM BUD BOOM, AND GENEBAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and. Spacious Showrooms. T. & STCOOKE, 67, QVSEN-STREET Adjoining Bank of New Zcaland.\_ TCT- 0 T I C E. 2r addition to their NEW SEASON'S STOCK of SPRING AND BUMMER DRAPERY GOODS, the unclcrsigncd are now offering a number of SPECIAL LINES, at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES:- Strong White Calico, at 3/10 per doz. Grey Calico, /3i- per yard Crewdson'3 Best White Calicos, an overstock, offering Cheap, to reduce Splendid Value in Winceys, from /I per yard Superior 30 in. wide ditto, ,'9i yard, worth 1/3 Good Blue Dungaree, /8 per yard 3f> in. Derry, brown and grey, /9i, best quality "Vow Japanese Silk, 1/and 1/6 per yard Plain Blue Cloth, GO in. wide, 4/6 per yard, halt Slue Diagonal Cloth, double width, 5/per yard, half-price Mc^on Cloth, double width, 3/6 per yard W-itpi^roof Tweed, double width, 3/C per yard Strom?"'f ?veed for Boys' Clothing, 1/11 yard White Blankets. 13/ per pair Blue Blankets, W ». Grey Blankets, 9/o ~ White Turkish Towels, 111 Job lot Children's Brown and Grey Cotton Socks, from /3 per pair. Other Goods equally Cheap. Inspection Invited. RUS lIBROOK & BRIDGMAN (Late It. Hobbs), JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite Army and Navy Hotel), Upper Queen-street, Auckland. Tji URNI TU R E ARCADE «S- CARPETS ! FOR THE PEOPLE !- CITY HALL AR CADE m FURNITURE ! FOR THE PEOPLE! ■ CITY HALL ARCADE &3T BEDDING ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE S.W FLOOR CLOTHS ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! m DRESS GOODS ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! asr MILLINERY! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! IST MEN'S CLOTHING ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! &T BOYS' CLOTHING ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! 'Grandest Display ok Goods, and Greatest Variety, at the /T2TCITY HALLm DRAPERY AND FURNITURE ARCADE. . HOLLOW a"y~lTg ARLICK, BABINETMAKSTIF,, UPHOLSTERERS iii DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c. R. Ckanweia, Maaasor o£ ffuraiture Departmeat. ■■■■■■ ■ . -*_ . . ~ !



THE REMAINING PORTION ; ■ OF R. W. DYSON'S STOCK WILL BE BROUGHT FORWARD TO-MORROW FOR SALE. GRE A T B' ARGA IN S IN SILKS, MILLINERY, STRAW HATS, AND DRESS GOODS. J. COSGRAVE & CO.



The Mrdtcal Profession have declared Steane's Superlative Axiomatic Tonic wine to be a necessity to all in search of. health, and especially to those suffering either from Incipient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, and the d:s orders arising therefrom. This Tonic is fuso particularly recommended lo all who are in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation ro lake stimulants, and at the sanio time arc desirous of studying health by taking tiuv which will act must bw.flcially on tno system. Mr. Win. Johnson, Guvcrnmeni Analy- Ucal Chemist, report: — ".! havp examined Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tome A mo, ana iindit to bo remarkably plea.sa.nl in Lavour, con taining about 10 per cent, or a very pnrn iucohol, and holding in solution ti eu-ac wiuuesomc, Vcirstablo Bitter, combined wiih a fruity spicy aronia. L consider this Bittei\a very superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotel- Makk Twain ox Bad Musicians. — The musical public and general readers are cautioned not to purchase Westcu's Wizard Oil and Magic Pills without carefully examining the outside wrapper—and be sure Dial the words "None Genuine without the Signature nf the Proprietor, Fr\xk \Ve3Ton, Sydney, N'.S.W.,I'arc engraven thereon. Any othar so-caiied preparations of mine, are unauthorized by mo, and calculated to mislead the public.—Signed. Frank Weston. Sole Agents: Kempthorne, Prosser and Co.— Price, llalf-a-crown. Ax important Question; and its Answer.— What is the best means of fortifying the .system against influences prejudicial to health, such as bad air. unwholesome water, sudden changes of temporal ure, intense cold or heat >. The rational answer is- by sustaining and increasing the con stitutional and physical strength, and thus en dowing nature with the capacity to resist the influences referred to. To that purpose, as well as to correct inherent tendencies to disease, Udolpho Wolfe's Shiedam Aromatic SCHNAI'I'S is peculiarly adapted.