SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

te55!.7«* 1BM,,l" *««™ooft, 551.t0-mo™~ o Wanla,C' 6U STO£IaB!-T'- MOONH AOBL.F uII woon) 6thj fllT pm

ARRIVALS.

Soothers Cross, sa, from Napier and Gisborne

DEPARTURES.

TRowena, S s, SellaTS, for Tauranga Wimpse, barqne, Harris, for Newcastle

We are informed that arrangements have been made by which in future every square rigged vessel which passes the Bay of Islands, southward, near enough to be made out, will be telegraphed to the Chief Harbour master in Auckland, who will cause the telegram to be exposed to public view on the shipping board at the Harbour Board office. By this means the earliest intimation will be given of vessels approaching the port, and merchants and others expecting goods 1 or friends will be thankful for the convenience thus afforded. <c«S? The as Taranaki la appointed to leave for the South on Saturday morning next. mess lona, which was to have arrived from the rf&v of Islands this morning, has been detained at *™s.' e ".aid Is not expected till Saturday morning fry' ifer seoond trip, which was advertised for to-day. cannot therefore take place., and she will cave at h, 6r Tj gllfll ] tj me on Monday afternoon next. £ ne oarque Gliiqpse left for Newcastle last night. x-T . ss Southern Cross arrived this afternoon from ■Napier and Gisborne.-

COMMERCIAL.

Mr Greenwood sold today the stock-in trade of a tradesman in the market, con sisting of crockery, brushware, drapery, &c, which fetched reasonable prices. The Berkshire pigs realised from 10s to 15s each.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

Bank of New Zealand—£lß 3s 6d ; buyers, £18 2s 6d. Colonial Bank (40a paid up)—selle^ 33a 6d

Sonth British Insurance—s4a: Buyers. 54s 6d ; aellera, 555. National Insurance—Buyers, 245. Standard Insurance—Buyers 12s. New Zealand Insurance—Sellers, 80s. City of London- Bayers, 16s 6d. Wa.teksuri-83. Karangabake—sellers, 2s 6d. Core—Sellers, 8s 6d. Queen of May (paid np)—loa 3d. Union Beach—64s. 65s ; Sellers, 67s 6d. Tokatea-Sellers, 8s 6d. Tairua (dble ) 16s 6rt ; sellers, 16s. 6.1. Welcome—Buyers, 6s. 3d ; Sellers, 6s Bd. Shannon and Fergus—Buyers, Is Bd. Golden Arrow—Buyers, Is Bd. Joseph Nbwmaf, Chairman.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND

WATC.S Wilt, Ct_OSB AB TOttOWB _— For Thames tomorrow at 530 pm Coromandel per Argyle, to-morrow at 2 30 pm For Heads, per Ness, to-morrow at 9 am For B-nasell per Magic, to-morrow at 9 am For Gißburre and Napier, per Southern Cross, to-morrow at 2 pm For Taranaki, Southern provinces, and Australian colonies per Taranaki. Saturday, 530 am For Wanganui per St Kilda, oa Saturday next, at 10

am For Gisbeme and Napier, per Pretty Jane, on Mon day next, at S pm For TCusiell, Wangaroa, and Mongonul, per lona, on Monday next, at i pm Signed) 3. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

BENZONI—On the 28th July, at hor residence, Tinakori, Wellington, Mrs. Charles T. Benzoni of a daughter.

MARRIAGE.

HENDERSON—TAYLOR-On the 25th Jnly, at the Grafton Road, Weeleyan Chapel, by the Rev. W J Williams, Graham Henderson to Mrs Jane Taylor, Ponsonby.

DEATH.

GLOGOSKI—On the 3rd instant, at his parents' re sidence, Chapel-street, David Alexander Glogoiki, aged 10 months. The funeral will takeplaceat3.3op.m. to-morrow (Friday). *

NADEN—On the 2nd instant, Frank Edward, infant son of Mr. Naden. Veterinary Surgeon,

The funeral will leave the resldenoe, Symondb street, to-morrow (Friday), at 2.45 p.m. Friends are invited to attend.

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

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 1876

for tbe cause that lack* assistance, For the wrong; that needs resistance. For the future in the distance,

And the good that we can <to.

The political situation at Wellington is still one of suspense. Apparently, Auckland is ontweighted on Separation, as upon the land fund, by Southern interests. Wellington gives; of course, a block vote against any proposal calculated to strip the wretched place of its importance ; and Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, and other small provinces, are jealous of the new seats of Government. Unless under a vagne apprehension that by esoaping the Scylla of abolition they are bonnd to be wrecked on an unknown Charyb dis, we oan hardly understand, why West land or Nelson should prefer the Wellington that has robbed them before the Christchurch which has not. The antagonism of Taranaki and Hawke's Bay is, , perhaps, more readily com prehensible. Canterbury appears to be very well satisfied with the tax-paying capabilities of the North, and is not at all desirous of cutting the connection. Another motive here jis also not very far to seek. Protection of ; runs and squatting interests form the sum total of Canterbury politics and patriotism, \ and members from that province shrewdly suspect that a Government which can work . Piakoswamp jobs is the right sort of institu tion for runholders. Through these divisions there isa strong probability that a Govern ment neither possessing the confidence of one section or the other, will' be kept in office. No one can predict, with certainty, however, what a day may bring forth. We differ entirely with those who think the Separation Resolutions should ■have been* moved as an amendment upon the motion for second reading of the Counties Bill., It is infinitely belbter that the question should be determined before •members come to the consideration of the financial and administrative proposals of the Government, which may yet form the subject of a direct wfint of confidence vote. Our correspondent, it will be observed, speaks of the abandonment of the Kaipara railway as being due to the most potent and fatal of all causes, tbe positive emptiness of the trea sury. Employing the favourite expression of the Cross, " turn up our back flies and sco

if we didn't shew that this must be so six months ago.

Periodically, and with singular persistence pttempta are made to force through the City Council a proposal for the cutting down of Drake-street. While hundreds of ratepayers in the city are unable to get a cart near their doors, this huge job, involving for its com pletion an outlay of £8000, Is, apparently through some potent inriuence whioh does not appear on the surface, repeatedly recom mended for the adoption of the Corporation. Some months ago, the work wa3 within an ace of being undertaken, but public indigna tion at the outlay in breaking up Hobson street was successful in baulking it. We urged at that time the propriety of the Council positively affirming the principle that no more expensive alterations in the levels of metalled roads should be undertaken until every street in the city is put in a passable condition. But further con sideration of the Drake-street job was simply deferred, and comes up now, we understand, on the City Surveyor's report, in order that if it is to be carried out, the ensuing summer months may be taken advantage of. Tho proposal submitted by the City Surveyor is only for a portion of the work, but in volves an outlay of £5000, and fo*r what ? A little explanation may enlighten the burgesSes dOhcerning the nature of this work. Drake-stre^, as it exists, is a good metalled road, and might, by the expenditure of £300 be rendered equal to Viotoria-street, Short hand-street, Wakefield-street, or any thoroughfare in the city upon which nature has conferred a wholesome slope It has two or three times before been cut down at a coat exceeding the gross amount of the rates likely to be derived from the properties abutting upon it during the next thirty years. The scheme for which this £5000 is asked contemplates the cutting down of the crown of the hill to the material injury of properties on both sides of the street, and the formation of a road round the beaoh, which is valueless as a building front age, and would actually tap the traffic from the properties in Freeman's Bay which have been paying rates for years. The squander ing of this £5000 is in short meant to damage, to the very utmost, properties within the oity, for the sole object of furnishing Pon sonby, which does not contribute one shilling to city funds, with a ttVorS letfo! approach. We wish to fasted the eyes of ratepayers firmly OU this job before it goes a step further, and we shall watch its progress through the Streets Committee and Counoil with great interest. Looking at the present disgraceful condition of NelsbA-street, Napier-street, Anglesea-street, Beresford street, Hofte-street, Sale-street, Collingwood street, and Picton-street, expressly men tioned iv the schedule of works appended to the Act under whioh tha £50,000 loan was raised, besides Sheridan-street and a host of other grass-grown thoroughfares not mentioned in the Act, we can only conclude that some powerful hand is pulling tho strings that bring the Drake-street cutting so prominently before th« Council. Its advent within a fortnight after the departure of the Mayor, who sat on it before, is rather singular. Fortunately the eleotion of three Councillors within the next few months will give the ratepayers an opportunity for expressing their opinion on this system of dealing with city funds. An expenditure of £300 or £400 in channelling and improving the present roadway and sidewalks would be amply sufficient expen diture on Drake-street, subject to the ordinary wear and tear, for ten years to come. The question is one of vetJ great importance, and now that it has been again raised, let us have it fairly fought out. Further postponements simply mean inoreased chances of getting it carried by a side-wind. No better time for dis oussing it could be ohosen than the present, when ratepayers have reserved to them a right of reviewing the decision. Consider- Ing the magnitude of the work, singular reticence has been manifested in discussing it at the publio meetings ef the Counoil, the members apparently preferring its re legation to the secret chambers of committee, The job is clearly one that requires a little more daylight let in on it, and we should very much like to hear some expression of opinion from within the Council.

We are glad to notice that another poultry, animal, vegetable, and general farm-produce exhibition will be held in September next, in the City Hall, as by Buch exhibitions, which aro generally brought about by a few earnest persons, producers and workers are stimulated to laudable emulation whioh can not fail in producing beneficent results upon the community at large. A preliminary meeting was held yesterday in the office of Mr Percival, Shortland-street, for the con sideration of snch an exhibition, when after weighing the subject carefully, it was decided to have the third annual poultry exhibition on or about the 15th day of September ,nexS ; to consist of poultry, pigeons, canaries, fanoy : birds, rabbits, cats, culinary vegetables, fresh butter and eggs. Further particulars may be obtained of Mr Greenwood, market leasee, or of Mr Percival. We understand that it :is contemplated to give special as well as ordinary prizes, and any subscription 6r prize for the furtherance of the object in view will be received by Mr Greenwood at the market-house. We hope that all those ladies and gentlemen who can assist in any way will not fail in doing their part towards making the projected exhibition a creditable success in Auckland. To the Editor : Sir,—-In your report of the City Board meeting you say a letter was re ceived from me regarding unlicensed hawkers. I beg to state it was a small peiition signed by several of the licensed hawkers. I only put my name as well as the rest. Hoping you will ju&t make mention of this, I am, &c, J. Worms.;, , The death of Mr Charles B. Levett, who will bo remembered as the travelling agent of Dr Carr, occurred in the Wanganui Hospi tal. He died of heart disease. He was only thirty-six years of age. Just before hia death he sent the following note to an ac quaintance :—Dear Lornigan,—Destroy evpry letter,, chart, or scrap of paper among my things ; all receipts, cheque books, and ac count books, that no trace may be found of past and settled accounts. The tender of Mr James Ransom, builder, has been accepted for the erection of the new Theatre Royal Hotel, Wellington, for Mt. Thomas Urwih. The total cost will exceed £4000. The hotel will contain between 40 and 50 rooms. The Hobson band sent orders to England by yesterday's mail, for a new set of brasß in struments. It is expected the order will be complied with, and the goods delivered before Christmas. l'

The next of the series of lectures will he given to-morrow (Friday) evening, by Rev Samuel Edger, 8.A., on Socrates, the Greek philosopher, and bis apparent anticipation of Christianity. The subject is not new to the lecturer, who has given considerable attention to the history of Athens, which was the world's seat of intellect five hun dred years before the dawn of the Christian era. The subject which Mr Edger has chosen is full of interest, and has engaged muoh of the thought of the wisest men of the Christian centuries. The history of Greece, by Dr?John Mitford,? was for many years the leading book amongst students, until it was far surpassed by the elaborate work of the late Mr Grote, the banker, of London, and intimate friend of the late John Stuart Mill. Knowing somewhat of the lecturer's opinion of the Athenian philosopher, we feel sure that his treatment of the subject will be new to many persons, and very instructive to young men, who should not miss tbe opportunity of listening to a thoughtful and well condensed account of one of the wisest of mankind who lived before Paul taught on Mars Hill. " There can be no doubt," says ?Mr Grote in his splendid notice of this great character, " that the individual influence of Socrates permanently enlarged the horizon, improved the method, and multiplied tho ascendant minds in the Grecian speculative World, ih a manner never since paralleled, philosophers may have had a ftiore elaborate doctrine, and a larger number of disciples who imbibed their ideas ; but none of them Applied tbe same stimulating method with the same efficacy ; none of them struok out of other minds that lire which sets light to original thought ; none of them either pro duced in others the pains of intellectual pregnaney> Or extracted from others tho fresh and unborrowed offspring of a really parturiant miad." The lecture will be accompanied by selections of music Miss Edger will preside at the piano.

The Free Templars, aided by their friends, are amusing the inhabitants and drawing a good number within their circle. An adver tisement of theirs appears in our columns. calling an emergency meeting for to-night, to enrol more new members.

The Prinoe of Wales Lodge will hold its regular monthly meeting this evening at the Star Hotel* at half past seven o'Clock, to which Visitors are invited.

The free Templars of Qhehiinga gave their fourth entertainment l*3t night in the Choral Hsll to an attentive andfrespecfcable audience. Mr W. R. Willis, upon taking the chair, de livered a short address, concluding with the following peroration : " In conclusion let me earnestly entreat you to join our order. Strong drink taken in excess ruins the poor man —it beggars the rich—it disables the strong—it slays the weak—it debafc.es old age, and dishonours youth -it fills our unions at home with a million paupers, our prisons with one half their convicts, and our asylums with two thirds of their unhappy inmates ; it sets father against son, the husband against wife, and man against his Maker. It saps the foundatiou of our social life — it lowers man to the level of the brate—ttlav I beg pardon of the brttte creation—man lowers himself by excesses far below them. Drunkenness is a serpent that drives man from his social para dise ; for this world teams with all things beautiful and grand, and man alone makes the world he lives in a dogert and a wilder ness; drunkenness enfeebles the body, lowers the mind, corrupts the feelings, forfeits the character, and endangers the soul. It is the losa of everything noble in this life, and en dangers the forfeiture of a peaceful end, and a happy hereafter " A very pleasant even ing waa spent, and a vote of thanks given to the ladies and gentlemen of the Glee Club. Mrs Such aud Mrs Maxwell gave songs, Mr J. Keesing gave a reading (encored), Mr A. Robb recitation, Mr 0. Bates, reading, and Mr F. Mooro and Mr Doaovan, songs. Mr Patter son (piauo) and Mr Stebbingii (violin) en livened the meeting with choices selections.

We (Napier Telegraph) learn that the Defence Minister has intimated to officers commanding districts, that the Government has determined to make a reduction in the Armed Constabulary Force of the colony. The reduction will coneist of four sub inßpectors, eight sergeants, and ninety-seven men, in all one hundred and nine.

Madame Arabella Goddard has (says the New York Herald) during the past three years, or, to speak more accurately, three years, one month, and seventeen days, since her departure from England, appeared in pnblic at 189 concerts, and has travelled 45,000 miles. The net profits of the tour amounted to 75,000 dollars gold. The largest receipts for a single concert were 3,100 dols. gold, at Melbourne. The special vicissitudes of the lady's tour were the following :—Quarantined on arrival at Melbourne for two weeks on account of small-pox on board ship ; almost fatal illness, contracted in Ceylon; robbed of $200 at Madras, the money being afterwards re covered ; shipwrecked on the north-east coast of Australia ; great lawsuit at Sydney, whioh was compromised. Madame God dard has left for Europe, and will shortly oommenoe a starring tour there.

Under the new Municipal Corporations Act, the general rate is limited to 2s in the £, and spscial rate to Is; the latter oan only be levied on petition of a majority of the rate payers.

The latest tale of horror occupying the English papers has been a mysterious poison ing case. A young barrister named Bravo I died very suddenly in Easter week, and was found to have been poisoned with antimony. The circumstances of his death were very remarkable. He dined with his wife and her lady-companion, a Mrs Cox; eat a hearty dinner; drank a half bottle of Burgundy; and soon after dinner retired to bed. About nine o'clock he shouted loudly for his wife and asked for hot water. He was then taken very ill, and the following day he died, as it was proved, from poisoning. He gave no account of the mode in which he had taken, or thought he might have taken, the poison, though he was perfectly sensible for a long time before his death. The coroner made the absurd blunder of asking at the inquest, not for the remains of the bottle of Burgundy from whioh Mr Bravo had been drinking, but for another bottle of the same sort. Even tually an investigation had to be made by the Solicitors of the Treasury, to supplement the inquest;—the remaining half of the bottle of Burgundy could nowhere be found. The butler did not remember throwing it away, and he certainly had not drunk it. Suspicion alighted upon Mrs Bravo and her companion. The greatest excitement prevailed. At length by the aid of medical men the board of iiavea tigation'eame to the conclusion that there was no evidence to justify proceedings being taken against any of the Buspeoted persons ; but that it seemed most seems probable en the whole that Mr Bravo had poisonedhimself in tentionally. In this conclusion they were sup ported by the facta that he had been a disap pointed man in his marriage, and that the poison iv him after his death would, if it had been administered in hia wine, have produced effects before tho time at which he was taken ill. Steam engines ara .'to be employed on the Wellington Street Tramways. The looo motive used is the invention known aa Morry weather and Sans. It iB entirely enclosed, and presents the appearance of a diminutive car in front of'the other oar, and is free from noise, smoke, or other objection. Mr Mo Ewen, who purchased the wreck of the Lady Franklin, returned to town this morniug from the scene of the stranding at iKaipara. All efforts to get the vessel afloat having proved futile, it was determined, some days ago, to break her up and take out every thing of value, which is now being done. Mr MoEwen has been rather unfortunate in pur chasing wrecks lately. Of three which he has invested, ia he has not been able to get oe,e into the water.

PARLIAMENTARY.

The Separation Resolutions.

Probable Majority for tlie Government.

[From our Special Correspondent]

WELLINGTON.

This day.

There are no new political combinations to record. Some doubts are expressed as to the wisdom of Sir George Grey in moving his Separation resolutions in the way he does. Some consider these should have come in as amendments on the motion for the second reading of the County Councils Bill, and not as separate resolutions. The ad vantages of this, however, may be over estimated, and if the debate on Sir George Grey's resolutions does not last too long, no harm will be done. If the debate is protracted it may tire out members and lead to the acceptance of many things better opposed ; also to a less critical consideration of the estimates and finance gererally. This is really the weak point of the Government. They can command a majority on Separation, which, in the absence of aid to Sir George Grey from Canterbury, may amount to seven or eight votes, but on finance they are weak and admit it. It is said they are really in straits for money, and they certainly look anxious and unhappy. KAIPARA RAILWAY. The proposaljjto abandon the Riverhead Railway is looked on here as caused solely by want of money, and in no way by exorbitant olaims for compensation.

To-nights Debate- The debate $o begin to-uight can scarcely last less than four sitting days, and possibly longer. It.will be very warm, and probably the speaking will be good. It is said that arrangements will be made to-day as to the order of the debate, and when this is done, some better idea may be formed of the proba ble length of time it will take. PROXIES EXPUNGED. Of course all other business is at a stand still, which is unfortunate, as the Legislative Council can find nothing to do. Yesterday the expunged the power to use proxy votes, but it is said it will be again put in although confined to country district elections. Notice of this motion was given.

Reduction in Civil Service.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.)

It is stated that great 1 eductions will be made in the estimates, and that some four hundred General and Provincial Government officers will lose their appointments, and, probably, the volunteer vote for the South island will be struck off.

FROM AUCKLAND TO SAN FRAN CISCO IN THE COLIMA.

X ANDA VU.—(CoNtiNtiKD.)

We visited a whare where there were a number of women variously employed. One was beating the bark of a tree, which looked when finished like a piece of cotton stuff; a little strip of it does for a full suit of clothes. The worker of it was a nice, plump-look ing girl of sixteen. A little further off an older woman was seated on tho ground filling small fish into cases made of leaves, which they tied up very neatly : her long, lean breasts hung down, and looked very ugly, snd in great contrast to those of the young girl. One young woman had a nice-looking half-caste child, which she seemed to be very proud of. By-and-by, a great crowd of old women and girls came in, and tried to do a trade in shells, which they were not very successful in, as thny had none but what resembled those we had picked up on the beach. I wanted to buy a neat wooden comb from one of the girls, but she would not Bell it. i also saw the process of making ararach. They filled their mouths with a rotten sort of wood, and after well masticating it threw it into a wooden bowl. They said it was very good, as one chief ex pressed it, " all the same as rum." A tall, lanky, and dirty savage came in, and when I requested the chief to get us a cocoanut for a drink (they were not ripe), he always made some inexplicable objection about Queen Yiotoria and a fine. However, in a short time he came in with some with the husks off, which he gave us. I opened the holes in the end and had a hearty drink. I could scarcely imagine it could hold so much water. In the middle of the whare they had a fire with a large clay jar over it, sup ported on three stones, with the mouth stuffed with leaves. This they told ua contained sweet potatoes. "V\ c were anxious to get away in case the other steamer might have come in, and we did not want to lose our passage; however, our chief said, " Time enough, boat not round yet ;" bur not being willing to risk it, we started away with a native boy as a guide. He took us through the bush, along a winding track, beautifully dry, and white with shells. Some large parrots were cawing and flying about from tree to tree; they were a large species, with dark green backs and red breasts ; small swallows were also plentiful, darting about after the smaller insects, while flies went with us in swarms. I closely followed the native boy, and noticed he had two outs on his shoulder-blades about one and a half inches long, and gaping open quite half an inch in the middle. These cuts ' were covered with flies, and the lad had a whisk composed of long grassy flowers, which he every now and then whisked over his shoulders and under his arms, for the flies annoyed him. After a long walk, winding through bush, banana : groves, lemons, oranges, cocoanuts, pine : apples and large plantations of taro—they cul i tivate the swamp land and grow this species of lily for the sake of the root, which they : pound up into a sort of paste called poi, con sidered very wholesome food—after passing and winding through many of these planta tions we come in sight of the bay, and I saw the two steamers lying at anchor. I shouted to the others, who were a long way behind, .that the Australia was in, but they took it as a joke, believing she was detained by some accident. However, there she was, and no doubt the Colima would start as soon as the mails and passengers were on board. We could see no boat, and were in a dilemma what to do. We resolved at last to push on to a village opposite the steamer, and get a boat there, and started off at a good round pace. When the track was well defined, I went ahead of the native boy, but where it got bad I had to let him go first, when we did not get on bo quickly. TVe arrived there just in time to see the chief of the Island going off in a whale boat, we shouted to them, and at first they seemed inclined to go with out ns but the universal shilling for carrying us off to the boat, and another for carrying us to the steamer, prevailed, and we secured a passage. In the meanwhile our chief had come np and demanded his pay. We only gave him half, which he at first objected to, but after our threatening him, to give him nothing, he accepted it unwillingly. We got on board, and had just time to take a run over the Australia before starting. The Aus tralia bore signs of all the bad weather Bhe had experienced on the passage. One side of the smoking room was knocked away, while the purser's room and store room down below had a musty smell. Forward there lay a large spar snapped In two ; some of the wood and iron rail was carried away, and the passengers said there was not a dry cabin in the ship. The sun is going down as we pass away from Fiji, and are safely out slda the first reef. When the pilot is about to go ashore, it is fouud that the boat with his'natlve crew had broken adrift; we stopped soma time blowing the foR horn, but no boat made its appearancer We could now see on eaoh side the phosphorescent light on the reef j it would show very brightly for about

fifteen seconds, and then disappear for about a minute. The Captain, not caring to delay the vessel, told the engineer to go ahead, saying he would take the pdot on. I under stood from some on board there was another on the island who could act. We are, i»w through the outer reef and well out to sea when I turn into my bunk. We are greatly rveiowded, thcre^eing 140 cabin passer^ gers and I dout know how many second and third. _ .

UNION BEACH GOLDMINING COM PANY: ANOTHER BLUNDER.

q™ _By the statement attached to the re port of the Thames Goldmining Company Mlimited) I find that Company holds only % JhS m In the Union Beach Company. Now, the recently appointed Dgjrto, «l *to Union Beach Company—C. J. Stone, Esq.— Ss hS seat by virtue of his being * share holder in a company, ho ding 200 shares in Union Beach Company (see rule 58). U these facts Ire correct, ta another blunder has been committed. Mr Stone is disquali fied and all acts done or resolutions carried at any meeting over which he presided are nulSvouiiYours, etc., A Shakkholdek. [On referring to the Company's register to day, we find 271 shares standing in the name of the Thames Goldmining Company. We learn, however, that the statement in the report submitted to shareholders last week as strictly correct, the bonafide interest held by the Company is only 171 shares; the question remains, how came the additional shares upon the register, and for what pur pose 9 The proper course for the Ihames shareholders to pursue under the circum stances, is clearly to claim the whole of the shares which they are legally entitled to On the authority of the Union Beach register.— Ed. H.B.J

NO ! HE'S NOT MAD.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star ) Sir —In answer to your contemporary's cor respondent " Sphinx," I was one of the many persons who listened with such marked at tention to the Rev. Mr Edger's discourse last Sunday night on the intermediate state. " Sphinx" has certainly chosen a most appro priately norn de guerre, as such men, like the fabled monster of old, will soon be numbered with the things of the past. " Sphinx, like many of his fellows, follows some stereotyped form of doctrine, whioh, if others do not be lieve, he calls unbelievers. These men generally go with the herd, and from the day of their birth to the day of their death are in capable of forming any individual or indepen dent opinion. Mo wonder the grave covers them and we never know they are gone. «■ Sphinx's" remarks are not particularly brilliant, and what there is of them are some what hackneyed from being in such common use. lam no spiritualist, but I cannot afford to ridicule (like "Sphinx") any man's religious ideas, it.having been my good fortune to have been associated with both good men and true of wide diversity of opinion in religious belief in countries much larger extended than the narrow sphere of " Sphinx," the colonies, and the time is not far distant when the man will always be considered, and not that man's religions belief. Spiritualists can, and do bring forth as good arguments in support of their doctrine as any one against them. This all persons will admit whose minds are free from prejudice. Swedenborg's doctrine of an intermediate state certainly accounts for the disposal of the soul at death, a ques tion I have never yet heard answered by any other Christians, with the exception of tho Boman Catholics. That Mr Edger handled the subject in a very able and impartial manner was, I am certain, the opinion of most of his hearers, so that no heed can be taken of such drones and nonentities in the fields of progress and investigation as "Sphinx : " men who wrap themselves in their mantles with such a regal air when they pray, well knowing that the eyes of the whole multitude are on them, and who generally ask for all things but the one they most want—a little more light.—Yours, eto., John L. Grahame.

ST. JAMES'S SOIREE.

The annual soiree in connection with St. James's Presbyterian Church was held last evening in Wellington-street. An excellent tea was provided by the ladies—Mesdames Macnicolj Chalmers, Murchie, Gorrie, Ballan tine, Craw, Gow, Mackie, Alexander, Lloyd, Mrs. and Miss Oxley, and Miss Cargo. After a plentiful repast, the public meeting com menced ; Rev R. F. Macnicol in the chair. The prooeedings opened with the beautiful anthem by the choir, " I will lift up mine eyes." The Chairman then made a short introductory speech expressing his gratifica tion at seeing so many present, and hoping that the favourable natnre of the report which would be read would lead them to continued exertions for the good of the church. Duett, Misses Kennedy and Home—" Charity."—The Rev D. Bruce spoke, alluding to the difficult work a minister had to please all his congregation. Choir : Anthem, " Remembrance."—The Rev Mr Morrice gave some interesting par ticulars of a recent visit to Australia, and expressed his opinion that colonial church goers were not so reverent as at home. Choir; Anthem, " Letusgo unto Bethlehem." Mr Mckinney next made an exceedingly humourous speech, giving his experiences of a minister's life in the bush.—Mrs Mitchell : " Angels ever bright and fair."— The Rev. Mr Macky addressed the meeting on the temptations of young men in the present age.—Choir : anthem, "In Jeury is God known."—The report was now read, and was of a most instructive and encou raging character. Unfortunately our space compels us to give merely the most important features of it. Daring the year, 28 commu nicants had been enrolled ; 3 members had been removed by|fleath ; and 9 by change of residence, leaving the total at present 244, \or 16 more than last year. There were 272 scholars in the Sabbath-school, under 34 teachers ; the average attendance was 215. The sohool library contains 360 volumes, and is expected to be soon increased. A teachers' meeting is held every month, and in ad dition, on Sunday mornings at 10, meetings are held in the Lesson. House for studying the subjects given for competitive examina tion, by the Presbytery. Mr MoCoßkrie is thanked for leading the singing with the harmonium. Alluding to the exclusion of Bible teaching from the State schools the report insists strongly upon the necessity of Sunday-school teaching, and exhorts all to assist in the good work. Quarterly services for the young, during school hours, had been commenced, and it was hoped would prove successful. Prayer meetings were held every Wednesday even ing, but the attendance had4 not increased, and was not what it« ought to be. The attendance at the Ministers' Bible Class had been better lately. The choir, under. Mrs Mitchell and Mr McCos krie, had been kept in an efficient state, and the members were thanked for their services. The Young Men's Association had proved a succeßa, and young men were earnestly requested to make it more so. The Home Mission Fund did not show well, as only £25 4s 5d had been contributed against £41 15s 7d raised last year; the Foreign Mission had fared no better, and it was desirable that the efforts of Mr Watt, the Presbyterian minister at Tairua, should be more freely sapported. Funds of the church v —ihe receipts were £828 against £763 last year, and £120 had been received in liquida tion of the debt on the manse, which it was hoped would be paid off in two or three months.

o f£f^ no£ HKST -D'-To paid Rev J. F Macnicol stipend, £850 ; precentor and organist, £50 ; church officer, £45; gas, £17 Oa 3d; Insurances, £19; Interest Manse debt, £32 ; Cbamberlin, on account principal, £200 ; commission and expenses, £4; poor, £10; printing report, £3 7s o«L geS?ral waembly expensos, £7; Bible Society, £618s 6d; home missions, £80; widows' and orphans'

fnnd_pq« at?ed and infirm ministers* fund, £3 lft& S£^SlTeie. Sabbath-school librae ■ m Sfed adverti.i n| £ l*n *»s***; Ulg j &\ Us 9d: repairing windows. £2 16s lOd; balance, Sfißs lOd • total. £880 13 sd. Cr ;By paance on h»nrln fi r account, £52 8s 7d ; Sabbath collecticns for all pu^oses?S 83 2d : pew rent, £286 18s 6d j net nroMedsof soiree, £21 18s 9d; home mission from, hnxes£l4 i6s Hd; home mission, collected. £10 8s ercomriSutions towards mause debt^ £120; total, £BSOl3s 5d : balance, June ?K)tb, £58 8s lOd. The report and balancp-sheet were read and adopted, and ordered to be printed. The Rev Mr Macnicol having temporarily vacated the chair, a discussion arose as to the propriety of incrersing the minister's stipend, and it was agreed to raise it £50 if the funds peimitted. Mr Macnicol, on his return, expressed his thanks. The Com mittee, it was arranged, should in future consist of eight persons instead of six. Two of the committee having retired, four more had to be elected. On a show of hands Messrs John Hanna, Kennedy, James Bab lantine, and Faulkner, were elected. Messrs Morton and Murchie were appointed auditors. Votes of thanks were passed to the ladies who had provided the tea, and to the choir. The chairman having pronounced the Benediction, the meeting separated.

SIMONSEN'S OPERA COMPANY.- LUCREZLA BORGIA.

The new Theatre Royal is now receiving its finishing touches, in anticipation of the open, ing of Simonsen's Opera Company, on the 14th instant. The dress-circle entrance ia from Victoria-street, and approached by a broad stair-case. One of the most magnifi. cent chandeliers in the colony has been fitted up for the illumination of the building. The commodious cloak rooms will be prpvWed with suitable attendance during the season. From the rapidity with which the season tickets are being taken up there is every prospeot that a brilliant reception will be accorded this large and talented Company. It must be borne in mind that the box-office closes this week, after which full price will be charged to all parts of the house. The opera chosen for the Opening is '^Lucrezla Borgia," and its performance at Napier elicited the fol lowing eulogistic notice in the Telegraph .--.

"As was anticipated, 'Lucfezia Borgia' drew a crowded house last night, and as rich and intellectual a treat as has everbeea offered a Napier audience, was enjoyed to the full by the large numbers who were present. Madame Simonsen's Lucrtzia was from first to last a most finished piece of acting, and ia the many long and trying arias pertainingto the part, she again showed her commanding power of vocalisation. Mlbs Lambert, as Maffeo Orsini, never appeared to better ad. vantage, and the spirited manner in whioh she sang ' II Segreto," deservedly gained for it a boisterous encore. Signor Morley was assigned the character of Gennaro, one whioh was admirably suited to his magnificent voice. The difficult part of the Duke was taken by Mr Richardson; he was in splendid voice, and performed the character exceedingly well. Such talented artistes as Madame Simonsen, Signor Morley, Mr Richardson, require no advantitions aids to enhance the, attractiveness of their performances, though rich dresses and appropriate scenery are necessary to the proper production of an opera. It is in these details that the manage ment of the Simonsen Company excels. La crezia Borgia was produced in a manner that reflected the highest credit. The costumes were most rich and costly, while the stage effects, and general management were admirable. Every scene in the opera was a studied picture, in fact, we do not remember any piece per formed in Napier so artistically put upon the stage as was that of Lucrezia Borgia. A very marked feature in the production of these operas by the Simonsen troupe is the excel lence of the orchestral management. At the conclusion of the opera, there was a grand ballet by the Leopold Family. We need but make one remark. It was well performed and elicited rounds of applause irom an ea thusiastic audience.

A Praiseworthy Rescue.

An exciting scene was witnessed at the time the barque Glimpse was hauling off the wharf yesterday evening. The yes Bel had already moved away from the wharf some three or four feet, when one of th« crew who had been up town on a parting spree arrived to go on board. Seeing a rope hanging over the side, the man spraag to catch it, but either missed it or it was not fast, for the unfortunate sailor, the next moment, was struggling in the water. A young fellow named Creinen saw the accident, and slipping off his coat promptly dropped himself in the water to the rescue. Seizing the collar of the drowning man he held his head above the surface till a rope was lowered to him from above, and the pair were taken on board. The sailor was insensible, but after the use of restoratives he came round. We are informed that ssi Creinen has now saved three lives in this harbour by his bravery.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Dr.. Home and Colonel Nation, Justices.) ■ dbtjnk:. —'■;■ Henry Harris pleaded guilty to having been intoxicated last night. Fined 5s and costs. AJST TrNNATa_RAI_ SON. George Lamb was charged with most un filial conduct to his father William Lamb, whom he had struck in the mouth and other wise ill-treated.. The prisoner simply pleaded guilty, but as his father, ga very old man, appeared, and said he did not wish to press the charge, bis son having promised to behave better in future. The Bench gave the young man a caution, and allowed the charge to be with drawn, j COMPROMISED. Another charge of assault was on the charge-sheet, but the parties having settled it out of Court, it was struck out. This was all the business. • v.?

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.- This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.) A formidable list of cases was presented at this Court this morning, many of which were settled out of Court, including the great pianoforte case, of which notice had been advertised in the Star, and which caused some disappointment to a number of persons who had assembled with great expectations ; others confessed. JUDGMENTS FOR FI_AINTIFFS. Francis Sheppard v, Theodore G Walker (Mr Beal for plaintiff); claim, L 3 13s 4d; costs, LI 6s 6d.— Thomas McMaster v. Wm. Fraser (Mr ThorneX for plaintiff); claim, L 2 lis 6d, draperies; coats, LI 9s 6d.— I Alexander Brace v. Thames G.M. Company (^•frnwtrong for plaintifi) ; claim, Lll 15a 6d, goods; costs, L 2 ss.—Trustees of M. Foley v. James Maodonald; claim, X 9 5s 6d,''balance of account.(Mr Macfarlane proved); costs, 18s.—Trustees of M. Foley v Thomas Hopkins; claim, L 6 8s 6d; costs, 12b.—Jane Savory v. James Doherty; claim, U 7s, for rent; costs, I4s. — Prismatic Rainbow v. Abel Fletcher (Mr Thorne for plaintiff); claim, L 3 2s 6d, bricks; costs, 14s.—Neil Campbell v. James Delaney (Mr Dufaur for plaintiff); claim, L 4, clothes, LI per month; costs, 19s 6d.—Neil Camp bell v. John H. T. McLennan (Mr Dufaurfor plaintiff); claim, L4l9s 6d, clothes; cosH LI 4s 6d ; L 2 paid into Court. FRED RIORDAN V.' WALTER CALDWELL. Claim, £H3s4d. Mr Tyler, for defendant, denied the debt. Plaintiff's brother entered the witness box to state the,case, but Mr Tyler Objected;

iVMINft STAR, ttHtTBSBA?, A WPBB S, lfcfC



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A Z2NABVBY AND CO. OFFICIAL NOTICE. ieisoo WORTH OF DRAPERY AND CLOTHING TO BE SOLD. The PARTNERSHIP of A. LINABURY & CO expiring by limitation, our EXTENSIVE STOCK MUST BE CLEARED, and our Accounts called in, to settle existing Partnership business, we now offer our ENTIRE STOCK of DRAPERY & CLOTHING, etc, etc, at COST. We Mean Business ! ! ! CASH Willi us is, the LOWEST PRIOES Hie People of Auckland have ever seen. This is no Humbug! We do not make Low Prices on one Line of Goods only, but on the ENTIRE STOCK. CASH will BUY these GOODS CHEAP I tS" SALE NOW ON!! t& LOOK IN AND SEE!! I A. LINABURY $ CO., 224 and 226, Queen-street.



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Hemus & Trigg's Cfee'ap Shirtiner, 6Jd yd HemUs & iMgg's Chfeap Wincey, from Rid per yard Hemus h Trigg's good quality Wincey, 7jd per yard Hemus h Trtog's new Dress jfaterials, from 4£d yard Hemus & Trigg's Emlw s«d Silk Scarfs, all colors, 1/8 Tiemus h Trigg's Cheat) Flowers, in great variety, 4£d Hemus k Trigg's Cheap Hats, new shapes from Is Hemus & Trigg's Noted Trimmed Hats, from 8s lid. For one month purchasers to the amount of 10s will receive a Silk Scarf, a pair ol Hose, Cuffs, and Collars, Straw Hat, or any article worth Is, or Ib in money— Note the Prices.—Hemus * Trigg, 218, Queen-street. Mark Twain on -Bad Musicians.-^The musical public and general readers are. captioned not to purchase Weston's Wizard. OU fetid Magio Pills, without carefnlly examining the outside wrapper— and be sure that the woras " None Genuine without the Signature of \*he Proprietor, Frank Weston, Sydney. N.8W.," are engraven thereon. Any other so called preparations of mine, are unauthorized by me. and calculated to mislead the public.—signed, Fba.sk Weston. Sclb Agents: Kempthorne. Grosser and Co. Price, Half-a-orown. Relief from Cough in Ten Minutes.— HH*RLA.ND'S CHERRY PECTORVL relieves the Breathing and gives refreshing Sleep. This ia a cer tain and speedy remedy for all Disorders of the Ohest and Lungs: in Asthma. Consumption, Bronchitis, Coughs, Influenza, Spitting of Blood, Hooping Couch, Hoarseness. Loss of Voice, &c. he. 2s. 64 a Bottle. —APOTHECAKTES HALL, opposite the Poßt-offlce. The Rational Public is not to be con vinced hy mere apsertiou. It wants proof Accord ingly when it learns that four thousand physicians guarantee the purity and efficacy of ai alcoholic ia vigorant, and see on every hand Its wonderful cures of nervous debility, kidney and bladder ailments, rheumatism, iudlgeßtion, and torpidity of the liver, the public puts its entire faith in the article. The above explains why Ut.oi_rno Wolpb's ScimroAM Ako matk) Schnapps enjoy such unbounded popularity.