SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH 'WATER— This afternoon, 9 8 ; to-morrow ■Homing, 9 31

BITN SET-This evening, 515 SUN RlSK—To morrow morning. 642 MOON'S AQE—Bltai Quarter Ist May, lOC am

ARRIVALS.

Bowena, rs. Ucm Tauranga Maud, cutter, from Russell Lake St Clalr, barge, from Orewa

DEPARTURES.

{A special charge is made for consigneesl names in

this column.)

IMPORTS.

Fpr Stag from Newcastle : 455 tons coaL—D. H. McKenzie, agent.

EXPORTS.

Per Bella Mary for Hob*rt Town—3 CBS es, 1 cask glass, 5 bales flax, and part of her Original cargo.— Stone Bros, agents.

LAUNCH OF A SCHOONER. A new fore-and-aft 'schooner wai to-day success fully launched from *; ne y , rd of Messrg Mercer and Co. in Freeman's P. oy . The vessel registers about 55 tons, and has t>. een bnilt to the order of Captain Keane, for wJ- lO rn Messrs. Mercer's last vessel the Kslkouras w;>; g a i go built. The dimensions are as follows_■— 'L.ength of keel, 62ft ; beam, 17ft 6in ; Vi? • *?* n Miss Mercer performed the ceremony of chru.iening, and gave her the name of " fhemy." Captain Keine is highly satisfied with the manner in Jjh'.ch the builders have performed their contract. Tee Phemy is built with a very wide floor, and will Wry a large cargo in a small draught of water.

The barque Bell* Wary hauled away into thestream yesterday evening, <rad is now about to sail for Ho bart Town.

The barque which was signalled yesterday turned out, as we anticipated, to be the Sag, from New castle. Captain J-ainty reports levying Newcastle on the B'h instant, and having easterly winds and calms during the passnee across. The Three Kings were mada on Thursday last.

Mr Bailey, whose name is identified with the con struction of ma&y of onr best yachts, is now engaged npon a 10-tonner for Mr Joy, the solicitor. She is to be 31ft in lensth, 9lt 2in broad in the beam, and 6ft 4in deep. In her model she will be something "between the Daphne and iheFleetwirg, not quite so Wuff ia the bows as the former, and not quite so sharp as the latter. She is to be built for comfor table sailing, but like the Daphne will no doubt ■pursue a good turn of speed. The builder has undertaken to have her ready by the 24th of next month, so that no time will be lost.

The cutter M»gic, having completed the discharge of her Island cargo, has cleared out in ballast for Hussell

"We learn that Bince the sale of the ITary to Captain Keane a n ortpngee has put in a claim, and the transfer has not been crmpleted. The schooner Edith cleared out to-day for another trip to the Islands. Bhe takes one passenger, Dr A. Hassell, aud a cargo of trade She Pails at ouce. The barque Bella Mary takes the following passen gers: Mr and Mrs Manning and 2 children, Mrs Cousins and child, Messrs Jno. Copping, Jno, Har "wood, and Bmith.

The barque Cabsrfadb. entered out to day for Newcastle

The new barque Lake St. Clair 'arrived from Orewa yesterday with 10,000 feet timber, and 37,C00 shingles.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs E. and H. Isaacs held a soft goods sale to day of winter lines. The attendance was very numerous, and bidding spirited, and had it not been for the very superior class of goods submitted, the result would not have b=en so satisfactory. The articles being very choice induced intending piir chagers fo enter into greater competition. On the whole the result was favourable.

CATL AND DIVIDEND?.

Tie following are the current calls and dividends J»yal)le in tho companies named below: — £ s. d. Date. Dividends— Union Beach.. ..076— May 7 Calls— Effort 0 0 3 — „ 10 New Exchange ..009— ~10 Golden Arrow ..006— ~10

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mailb will Close ah roLiows: — For Thames to-morrow at 5 30 p m For Ooromandel to-morrow at 10SO am l"or WhangaTei, etc . psr Sovereign of the Seas, this

day at & p m For Australian colonies, per City of San Francisco, immediately after her arrival from Kandavn For Eva, per Edith, tomorrow at 9 am For Newcastle (N.S.W.), per Cabarfeidh, to-morrow atl pm For WbUiangi, Tairua, Opotiki, and Napier, via Tauranga, per Eowena, to-morrow at 4 p m For Waiwera. Mahurangl, Matakani. To Aral, *c,

per Annie Milbank. on Saturday at 10 a m For Taranaki and Southern provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Taranaki, on taturday next, at 10.45 am Mails for Australian colonies. India, China, Vcditer raean ports, Continent of Furope, United Kingdom via SufZ and 9outh»<nptfin. and via Brindisi, will be made up, per Tauro, on Tuesday. 2nd May. For Taranaki, Southern provinces, and Australian colonies, at 12 45 p m For United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton

(for letters specially addressed) at 12 45 pm For United Kingdom, vU BriDdisi, and" late letters for Southern provinces and Melbourne at 1 pm Per Colima. on Monday. Bth May, as follows:— For Kandavu. Pandwich Islands, United States of America CaDads, British Columbia, CeDtral and South America, and BiWsh and Foreign West In dies at noon For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe at

noon For Money Orders, Registered lettere, and newspap ers at 11 a m

(Signed)

S. B. BI3S. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

THOMSON—At Mount Eden, ihe wife of Mr. W. A

Thomson of a son. NADEN— On April 25, at Upper Symonds-street, Mrs. Grtat Rex Naden cf a son. TRENWITH-On April 2G, at her reßidence, Mount street, Mrs. John Trenwith, jud., of a daughter.

DEATH.

WOODWAED—Died suddenly, on April 26, Mary, the beloved wife of 3lr. Charles Wcodwr.rd, baker, aged 47 yeaTS.

The funeral will leavn her late residence, Pitt strret, to-morrow (Fiiday), at 3 o'clock. Friends please accept this Invitation.

S OMERVELL— On the 27th instant, at his residence, Lower Albert - street, Hnndry Somervell, Esfi., native of Scotland, aged 50 years.

Ihe funeral will leave hie late residence at 3 p.m. on Saturday, 29th inst. Friends p.'ease ncccpt this intimation.

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1876.

For the cau:e that lacks aisbtanca, For the menu lhat needs re:>i_,Usc«, For the future in tlic distance, A--iJ tJj.5 aoo.i thai •■»= cvi do.

The bungling legislation of laat session, as exhibited in the "Representation Act," will completely defeat the intention of parliament. We understand that Messrs Barstow, Lawlor, and Major Keddell have held a consultation relative to the difficulty created by the incomplete returns of ratepayers fnrnished by the Highway Boards in accordance with the terms of the Act. The course ordinarily pursued in cases where the qualification is not properly stated is to enter a formal objection, which is then advertised, and unless the claimant appears at the appointed time to support his right, his name is struck off by the Revising Officer. But were this done with the hun dreds of informal applications which have been called forth by the Act of last session* the Gbvernment would be put to an enor mous expense to destroy what it has already cost no mean sum procure ; it is said th?,t the Rtvisng ; Officers have, therefore, determinsd not to object formally, but to 3xercise their right of striking out the whole of the names summarily when the Revision Court is sitting. As the newspaper proprietors, who might by objecting to these lists, have netted some hundreds of pounds out of the little blunder, have magnanimously refrained from taking advantage of their opportunity, tha Government will probably be saved the heavy pecuniary loss which their blundering has laid them open to. But it is important to note that the course proposed by the Revising Officers will have the effect of disfranchising a section of the people which the legislature specially desired to get fully represented upon the rolls. And further, that many electors who have refrained from putting in any application in consequence of the knowledge that their names would be sent in the ordinary course as ratepayers will suffer special damage on grounds which they could not anticipate. We think that if the course indicated ha 3 been finally resolved upon by the Revising Officers, it is right that public notification of the fact should be given, so that those applicants for registration who. have relied entirely upon the ratepayers' returns, may understand that if they desire to have their names inserted on the new rolls, they must appear before the Revision Court;and establish their claims. The Courts commence sitting about the 15th of May.

The Provincial Secretary haa replied to the inquiry sent by the Mayor relative to the intentions of the Provincial Government concerning the slaughterhouse. The answer runs thus :—

" Sir, —In reply to your Worship's letter of this date, I have the honor to state that the question of selecting a site for the pro posed slaughterhouse was under the consider ation of the Provincial Government during its last session, but the Council, coming to no definite conclusion upon the subject, the Superintendent did not think himself justi fied in ordering the erection of the slaughter house until the site had been definitely settled by the Council.—l have, etc,Rbadek Wood, Provincial Secretary."

The query Bubmittcd by the Mayor was, "Is it the intention of the Provincial Gov ernment to build a new slaughter-house/ and the answer must be accepted as one distinctly in the negative. The City Council need ; therefore, have no further hesitation in dealing with the subject. That they wil^ find it one beset with difficulties we on^ doubt, but the &i ea t er neceesity, therefore, exists x or grappling with it vigorously. Past experience of the danger of procrastina. tion as applied to this disgusting establish ment, compels us to believe that nothing but immediate and definite action will prove satisfactory. The Mayor, in another capacity, lias fortunately had consider able experience in connection with the busi ness, and at one time very nearly brought the contendicg difficulties to a practical set tlement. He will again have an opportunity for turning his knowledge to good account, and by doing so will undoubtedly add another laurel to thoEe which already decorate the brow of the first choice of the bnrgesaes.

WHAT THE SOUTHERN PAPERS ARE TALKING ABOUT.

They are very much 'agitated about Mr Maeandrew'a Jotter to Sir Julius Vogel. The NcUon Colonist, edited by Mr Shepherd M.H.E., a thick and lliin Ministerialist*', says : "Mr Maeandrew is obstructive." We should think to. IS compares his attitude with that assrmec! by Auckland, and says: " There is a depged assertion of the ri^ht of each Province to have its alleged wishes plrced before the interest of the Colony." Enlarging upon this idea, the article pro ceeds to speak vaguely about Auckland " havinc; eaten its cake cannot be tnado to understand the folly of expecting still to have it, nnd in the genuine sturdy beggar spirit, rejecting assistance unless the mode, as well as the smonnfc of relief is agreeable." That is the way kelson is being taught to regard the mnnly independence which re fuses to accept as charity what should be demanded as a right. -The Iscw Zealand Times assumes the conciliatory tono of its inspircr, to whom Mr Macandrew's letter was addressed. The editor refers to the Superintendent's courtesy and remarks : "A good deal can be allowed in the case of a man whei-e whole, and personally most un selfish, efforts have been devoted to the wel fare of one part of the Colony, and whose misfortune, not fault, it is that he regards Otago as New Zealand, and cannot com prehend that the latter includes the former." —The Wellington Argus, the most fawning Ministerial organ in the colony, character ises Mr Macandrew's letter " aa the pro duction of an earnest and sincere, although mistaken, enthusiast."—The Otago Guardian Company in its last days of possession, devoted ita leading columns to virulent attacks upon Mr Macandrew and the party whose influence and popularity brought the Guardian to auction. The Superintendent's letter being beyond tho editor's powers of argument forces him to strong language. He declares : " The Superintendent of Otago is a head-strong political fanatic, and if the law happens to be against him, so much the worse for the law. Evidently he is dispored to resist Abolition m el armis, if he can get a sufficient number of fools to back him."— The editor of the TvapeJca Times in reading the {[letter has made a singular dkcovrry. He really thinks that: "It eeems to us His Honor and "his Executive are doing their very best by their resistance of the proposed changes to incite the inhabitants of the province against the Abolition scheme.I' — Other papers are occupying themselves upon no less pleasant topics. One complains that Alexandra (Otago) " now possesses a brass band, the members of which make night hideous in their praiseworthy efforts to be come musical."—The editor of the Lyttelton Times has been refreshing himself with an outlook upon the future, and thus records his observations : —"We delberately assert that the state of Colonial finance is very critical. We have a failing revenue, an increasing ex penditure, enormous liabilities, and the neces sity and the difficulty of our borrowing daily grow side by side in stature and in strength." The writer for the Wanganui Chronicle in a similarly depressed vein has observed that " Swagsmen have been more frequent visitors during the lsst few days than pre viously, sure sign that work becomes less plentiful, and the winter is approaching."— The editor of tho Otago Daily Times comes to the relief with the information that " Mr Herbert John Webb has been admitted and enrolled as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand," and that " he makes the 226 th lawyer in this Colony." This looks as if there still remains in the colony a remnant of foolish people with a plethora of money.—The same journal has been reviewing Mr Donald Reid's position as the agricultural representative in the Otago Executive in relation to his strong advocacy of wholesale land grants for hill runs, and the editor concludes "that he will plunge himself into a sea of troubles with, his old staunch allies cannot be denied ; but then, on the other hand, Sir Julius Vogel is waiting to catch runaway Provincial flies. Mr Eeid finds himself in deed between the deep blue sea and the devil : " a very unpleasant position, it must be admitted.—The Wellington Post feels for the sufferings of citizens who are made the victims of coroners' juries, and, although it is not prepared to affirm that any New Zealand coroner would emulate the Yankee i who drew his guineas for sitting on a, mummy, yet the editor is of opinion that— "As a rule, coroners are very prone indeed to hold inquests when only very slight caase may exist for doing so." He advocates as a remedy the bill brought before the Victorian parliament that the number of jurymen be reduced to five, and the jurors be paid for their services.—Poor Taranaki is greatly exercised over the col lapse of the Titanic Steel Company, and the News says : " There is something singular in the collapsing of the Company, and some thing mysterious in the statement of Sir Julius Vogel that Dr. Percy, the metallurgist, had told him the manufacture of the ore would not pay-" It proceeds to state its reasons for doubting Dr. Percy and his exponent, and then remarks that the singularity of the Company's action con sists in having " devoted all its energies and all its capital to the erection of works with out apparently bestowiug any thought or making the slightest provision for what surely ought to have been its great object — the reduction of the sand. The works are excellently constructed, and all things are" in readiness for the commencement of operations, but the Company has neglected to procure a manager who knows how to carry on the smelting. "—The latest instance of true wifely forethought comes from Otago; where tho bleak winds tell of approaching winter. The case Is thus reported:— "Charles," said a young wife to her doting husband, as they, sat at the window watching the well-dressed throng on their way to church, "when you die and I get hold of the insurance money I intend to have a fur cape and muff just like that lady has on over there."

The complimeutery ball given by the citizens in honour of His Excellency the Governor and Marchioness of Normanby, and the Commodore and officers o£ the Squadron, takes place this evening in the Choral Hall. The weather to-day has not smiled upon the occasion, but still we have no doubt that the affair will be a brilliant success. The Executive Committee have, at any rate,been unremitting in their efforts to make it so. The hall is very tastefully decorated, and the other arrangement 3 are of a| character

which must ensure the comfort and enjoy ment of the Company deßpite the frowns of Jupiter'Pluviua.

The Suez mail if; will be seen by our Australian cablegramSj fcs.n thrived a,j Adelaide. It will probably reach Melbourne to-iiij.,ht. five (i n y3 V.t-foro due cU^e, and ir.ay i,e expected at. ti-e Binff on the 2nd or 3rd of May. By this louie the dates v:a Brindisi will be to March 17th, while tho S;iu Ftan cisco mail now expected, only brings letters from London to the 9ih M»roh, so that on the present occasion the delivery via Suez in the Southern^ provinces will present an enormous advantage over that via San Francisco.

His Excellency the Governor, in con sequence of the inclemency of the weather, having dispensed with the " Guard of Honor" this evening, the order for the assembly of the Victoria, Hobson, Scottish, and No. 3 Company for parade this evening is cancelled.

Mr Devorej of the firm of Russell and Devore, solicitors, has been appointed acorn; mistioner of the Supreme Court of Fiji, to take affidavit e; etrj.

. The Court Pride of Onehunga, No 5261 of the Ancient Order of Foresters A.D., held their fitst anniversary Bill last evening in the Choi al Hall Onehunga, which proved a great success. The Hall was beautifully decorated with bannu-3 and flagi of all nations, and representatives from other Societies' Courts in Auckland and Onehunga attended. This CourS has only been established twelve months and in the report presented by the Secretary, Bro G. T. Codlin they have introduced forty members and accumulated funds to about £00. Dancing commenced at 9 o'clock, and was kept up till fj o'clock this morning. During the interval the following responded to the invitations : Bro. Garret t for the Auckland District. Bro. Cole, on behalf of Court City of Auckland; Bro. G. Christmas, on behalf of Court Zea- Jandia; Mr Hank, on behalf of the Odd Fellows ; Mr Farrell on behalf of tho H.A.C.B.S. The refreshments were well provided, and reflected ereat credit on |the caterers, the Messrs Kellsall Bros. Great praise is also due to jjtue committee for the efficient manner in which everything was carried out, Mr Morris acted asJM.O.

Mr T, H. Smith, who ordered a stamp from the American Rubber .Stamp Company, Dunedin, is requested to call at the office of this paper.

Persons who have travelled the English shires in the month of May will have noticed those beautiful pastoral scenes—viz , mea dows p.reen and golden with fresh grass, but tercups and daisies, and the stately horse chestnut trees full of silver blossoms stand ing erect on the branches in defiance of the sweeping Btorm. Wallace, the naturalist, avows that he never witnessed a more beauti ful sight in any part of the world, and other travellers will be inclined to second his opin ions. We have not seen a flowering horse chesnut tree in New Zealand ; certainly there is not one in Auckland. Ere a few years pass over, however, these h'ne trees may be seen rising in and about this city, as we learn that Mr Thomas Russell has ship ped a cask of chestnuts for planting at his old colonial quarters.

We regret to hear of the sudden death of Mrs Woodward of Pitt-street, on returning from the city yeßterday afternoon. The cause of her death was apoplexy, a complaint to which she was predisposed by her stout ness, and had been subjected for some time. Mrs Woodward was the wife of Charles Woodward, confectioner, and was well-known for her courtesy and kindliness of disposition. She had been into Queen-street, and returned shortly before five o'clock. After reaching her residence she was taken so ill that medical assistance was immediately sent for, but be fore the doctor arrived, the patienthadpaHsed beyond the reach of human aid.

A special meeting of the Presbytery " i?i liuno ejpeclum" was held at St Andrew's Church yesterday to consider the question of the translation of the Rev Mr Galloway from the'charge of Waiuku, Mauku and Pukekohe West, to the Presbytery of Weatland and the charge of Hokitika. Prior to the main business being entered upon the Rev David Bruce introduced to the P.esbytery a Qneens land clergyman, the Key Mr Crawford, who was welcomed to the Presbytery. The Rev R. F, Macnicol the Moderator presided. The Hokitika charge was represented by Mr Wilkinson. The Rev Mr Nome reported upon the edict summoning the congregations of Mr Galloways present charge. Mr Wilkin son read the call, and .spoke in support of it. After further letters had been read, tho Rev Mr Galloway asked the advice of tho Pres bytery as to his lino of action. The Rev Mr. Macnicol and the Roy John Macky advised Mr. Galloway to remain in his present charge. Mr Galloway thanked the two gentlemen for their advice, and agreed to follow it, at the same time paying a graceful acknowledgment to the Hokitika congregation for their kind and generou3 offer. Tho meeting then for mally passed a resolution " that Mr Galloway be not translated," and the meeting ter minated.

" Stick-in-the-Mud," has a word for the City Council:—" Sir, —Will you permit me through your paper to caU the attention of the authorities to the state of the roadway in Symonds-street, between the Karangahape road and Wellesloy-street East; it is simply disgraceful, and unless soon mended, some one will come to grief there one of these dark nights. I hope it will be one of said authori ties."

The Eev Mr Backhouse delivered a very interesting address last night, in St Mary's Church, Parnell, in connection with his mission on behalf of the British and Foreign Bible Society. The Eev Archdeacon Maunßoll presided, and spoke of the great benefits which this Society had confer red upon mankind throughout the world. —Mr Backhouse then announced as the basis of hisgremarks the scriptural passages : —St. Mark, chap. 16 v, 15, " And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature ;" and .Revelations, chap. 14, v. 6, "And I saw an other angel fly in the midst of Heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to. preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, kindred, and people." During the course of his remarks he said that 1,300,000 copies of the scriptures in three hundred languages had been sent abroad by the society and the demand was greatly in excess of the supply.

Young persons of both sexes who desire to cultivate their vocal powera will be glad to know that Mr Bloomfield is still willing to instruct them on easy terms, on the _ Tonic Sol-fa principles. A practice meeting is called for to-morrow evening, when a full at tendance of members, and intending members iB requested. The prppent quarter com menced on tho fimi instant.

The annual inspection of No. 3 Company of Volunteers will not take place this evening in consequence of the inclement weather..

A football match between 16 of_ the Naval Squadron and 16 composed of eight of the Auckland Football and eight of the Nerth Shore Club, will be played in the Domain ground on Saturday next j play to commence at 3 o'clock. The North Shore men will be Messrs Rees, Eobt. Duder, C. Pacre, J. Nolan, H. Niccol, and E. and J. Burgess; the 1 Auckland players will comprise T. Henderson, ;H. Henderson, G. Carter, W. Caverhill, F. Abram, Gudgeon, and others.

Mer-rs Norton Jones and Co., auctioneers, requuat us to announce to the public that hia sale of E. Owen, Esq's. furniture is post poned on account of the weather until Satur day next, the 29th,Jnst. The sale •will be an unusually good one as the goods are splendid, and it is only fair to the public that the sail was not gone on with to-day,

The annual meeting of the Auckland Foot ball Club took place last tight. Mr T. Hen derson, the captain, who occupied the chair, showed that after expenses had been paid there war & net balance of £1 16s Gd in hand. The report and balance sheet were adopted. The result of last year's opera'dous evinced a very satisfactory result, the club having out of thirteen marches won eight, lost one, and drawn four. Messrs H. Whitaker. Caverhill, ami Gudgeon wero elected committeemen for the ensuing year : the other officers were re elected. A discussion arose upon the ques tion of scoring games by poiuts, instead of goals, and it was resolved that the secretary write to the other clubs, requesting them to meet and settle the question. Other matters which were talked over were left to be settled at the same general meeting. The subject of playing the Naval Squadron was then intro duced, and decided in accordance with a para graph which appears elsewhere. A vote of thanks to the chairman ended the proceed ings. The members of the Pearl of Peace Float ing Lodge of Good Templars held their second meeting since their arrival in Auckland, last evening, and were visited by numerous mem bers of the order. The business transacted consisted principally of electing officers for the ensuing quarter. After the business was concluded the Lodcc was thrown open to the public, and many persons availed themselves of the opportunity of witnessing a sailors entertainment. Several officers of H.M.s Penrl were present, and Mr B,earle g.^ve a reading from one of Captain Mangat's well known works, which tended greatly to the success of the meeting. Several members of the' Lodge gave songs, recitations, &c, and altogether a most enjoyable evening was spent.

The Light of the Ocean 'Floating Lodge, ccnsietiDgof men of 11. M S. Barracouta will meet at the Temperance Hall to-morrow night at 7.30.

Mr Thos. McMaster, one of our most re spected city drapers, has issued another of his periodical circulars, intimating to his patrons some splendid new shipments of winter goods just to hand—comprising novel ties in ladies' dresses, shawl 3, silks, laces, and English millinery, together with a large stock of gentlemen's winter clothing of super ior styles., Mr McMaßter's special clearing sales are not frequent, and when they are announced, tho public may anticipate that a visit to bis shop, 242, Queen-street, would result to their special benefit.

A case was brought under the notice of Mr Baistow to-day, in the Resident Magistrate's Court, which reminded those present of the olden days of thimble-rigging, where it was hazardous to say which thimble the pea was under, especially when a sovereign was at stake. A simple-looking young man named McDougal, but who, from his evident lack of shrewdness, was not a Scotchman, sued a man named Edwards for the value of his gold watch which, according to his own acknowledgment, was all he possessed of the treasures of the world. In a quiet tone he said, " I was hard up." He left the gold watch with Mr Riordan for sale, to whom he owed a small ecore of 25a for sundries. He was anxious to sell the watch for £18 103 if he could get it. He met two men Edwards and Johnson on the wharf, who knew of the watch, and they went back together to the hotel to look at it. The score was paid by Johnson, and before making a final purchase it w&s agreed in the presence of a third peruon, thab Edwards should get the opinion of a practical watchmaker as to its worth. The watchmaker pronounced it to be worth £12. The poor sailor, meanwhile, procured tho 25s for tho purpose of getting back his watch, when he found that Ed wards had passed quietly away. The next timo he saw Edwards he was coolly told that he j had taken the gold watch to Ellerslie races and lost it. This story of rustic simplicity is worthy of notice in illustration of the old saving "there are always sprats to be caught," and especially near the sea.

We would remind subscribers to the Choral Society that the next concert will be held to-morrow evening, when Mozart's "Requiem Mass," and Gounod's "Solemn Macs " will be performed.

Mr Peter Farrell, Clerk of the R.M. Court, Tokomairiro. occasionally treats his hearers to a " bull" worthy of a son of Erin (says the Bruce HesrldJ. In the Resident Magis trate's Court on Tuesday a suitor applied to the clerk to place his case at the bottom of the list. "Ie can't be done," said Mr Far rell; " sure there are thirty-four at the bot tom of the list now."

At the Grey a man named .'Bennett sued a police constable for false arrest and imprison ment, claiming £200 damages, and the jury awarded him £35 damages, with £20 15s 6d costs. A local paper remarks : " Constables will be rather cautious after this how they arrest people without due cause. Dorris will bemoan his action with respect to that meerschaum pipe and its supposed pur loiner."

CABLEGRAMS.

[PRESS AGENCY.]

Arrival of the Suez Mail.

SYDNEY.—THIS DAY. The Suez Mail arrived at Adelaide yester*

day evening,

The Countess of Kintore, from London to Wellington, was spoken on 10th March with measles aboard. Three deaths had occurred.

The Murderer Sullivan.

MELBOURNE.-THIS DAY.

Application has been made that a writ of Jidbeas corpus be granted to bring up Sulli van, the .New Zealand murderer, who is applying for discharge from custody.

THE MUTUAL PROVIDENT SOCIETY.

THE EEMAEKABLE CUSTOMS CASE,

Sydney, Wednesday. The annual meeting of the Mutual Provi dent Society was highly satisfactory. The report shewed that the business had in creased in all the colonies.

The wools at the Exhibition are splendid. Victoria and Tasmania are well represented.

Melbourne, Wednesday. The Government have handed over to Messrs Stevenson their detained letter un opened. The Commissioner of Customs has Btated that all packages imported by the firm will be opened and examined, in order that the reliability of the invoices may be tested.

SUEZ TELEGRAMS.

Piracy on tb Spanish Ooast.

Tllq Stratkmore Survivors.

The mail steamer arrived at Adelaide yesterday. There are eight of ,the Strath more's survivors aboard from Galle bound for New Zealand. Two went to England, and one is employed in Ceylon. 1 >

The New Zealand Provincial six por cent loans of £100,000 each have been successfully floated at about 102 and Howards. ■

On the 2&th of February the English trad ing vessel Amelia, while off Gibraltar, was seized by the Guarda Costa, and a prize crew

crew put on board. The crew of the Amelia, however, overpowered the cap turers and carried them prisoners to Gibraltar, where they have been committed for tiial on a charge of piracy. The Spanish Foreign Minister has demanded satisfac!ion from our Government.

Several great jswel robberies have been committeed lately at noblemen's houses in the suburbs of London.

The general news has been anticipated by cable.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Dr. Home, J.P.)

DRUMCKNNFSS. John George,for a second bout, wag fined 10s and costs, with the alternative of spending 4S hours at Mount Eden.

PIU-STFALTKO,

George Vaughan and John Wilkes ap peared to answer a charge of stealing three pies, (he property of C. R- C, Smith, at Long Bay, the Wade, on the 24th insr. The prisoners, who had only just been brought up to town, pleaded not; guilty, and were°remanded till Monday, bail beirjg al lowed as follows : themselves in £100, and two sureties of £50 each.

This was all tne business

TOLL THE BELL.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) Sdr, — lam but an ignotamus, so I hope you'll excuse my asking if " Fra Diavolo,'' means fry the devil ? because if it does, I should like to have a finger in the fry. It'll take a spell to frizzle him, I guess the. tropical, firperoof exotic will require that the latest improvement in the " Kindler " line be well saturated with the essential oil of total depravity. To which end doubtless the Mayor and Corporation of every great city (dear Auckland excepted), together with all Pope?, politicians, cardinals (except Mann ing), and capon-lined Protestants, rich in the good things of this wicked, wicked world, ■will freely immolate themselves on so "consecrated" an altar. Indeed all the shining lights of literary circles, not for getting the Presp, must needs be laid, under tribute, to assist in creating a white heat, which will out devil the devil; who, according to all accounts, is so well practised in turning the spit, it is but fit he Bhould be spitted in tarn. Seeing the necessity that his familiar friends should be stacked like logs, ready for fuel, I'm puzzled to know who'll be smart enough to catch old Harry napping, unless it be the man on the wrong side of the street, or the Eeverend D.J. Even supposing that anyone will undertake to prove that there is but one devil, and that when he's cooked he's done ior ; some will be found who'll qnestion whether we can afford to use him up out of the way, a scapegoat is so convenient you know. How ever, I incline to go the whole length of my tether, and shall be happy to see the arch fiend brought willy-nilly, already for dissection to the board of the skilled manipulator of dainty morsels ; and further beg humbly to suggest to him who rules the roast, Sir, sir, sir,—what's his name, who has a passion for utilising choice tit-bits ? that the sable monarch be served up instead of turtle in souy>, for the poor of the world's parish. Or to uaake assurance of his notable exit doubly sure try cremation ! Then for an alabaster urn of exquisite workmanship— an art trophy, wherein to deposit the precious ashes of his Satanic majesty, and his emisaries. Which ashes would prove a world-wide specific against alllying, cheating, stealing, and general devilry, among male dignitaries. And if feminine divinities were but allowed to sniff the odoriferous perfume, the altar of venerable Nicholas, they would find that it possessed all the power to re juvenate the charms of those who once boasted of pink and white beauty and nothing else. And so poor old much-be mired Satan would be turned to good ac count at last, and we, of the •' happy mean" would be left in possession of the land, and would sing and be joyful to the end of the chapter.—l am, etc., Typo's Rargatika.

THE OLD STYLE AND THE NEW.

[To the Editor of the Evening Star.]

Sir,— Being a quiet, retired citizen, and one who does not usually feel interested in politics, I hope I "will be pardoned in offering my opinion to the public, respecting different men and subjects -which have been lately brought so prominently before the notice of the people. " Measures, and not men" is a cry that has been used in all countries at election times, and often with success, the public sometimes forgetting that dishonest men are not capable of giving effect to honest measures. It is said in the scriptures, that it is easier for the. leopard to change his spots or an Etheopean his skin, than it is for those who aye accustomed to evil to do good. With this in view we will have a glance at measures and men. This colony wa3 originally gifted with a form of government, such as no other British colony possessed, it being intended by its founders (good and wise men), to confer a boon on the inhabitants such as Britisher'a alone can appreciate, such boon being the giving the inhabitants of provinces the choice of their rulers on the reasonable supposition that the people are the best judges of intelligence, honesty, and worth, as also of what works and measures would conduce most to the well-being of their different districts. Under this system Inhere has been very important public works carried on in the several provinces. In Otago, under the Provincial Government, roads were made through the whole length and breadth of the land, townships^ surveyed, and splendid buildings raised, in fact the country trans formed from a barren wilderness, to the comfortable and prosperous homes of thousands of families. Any one who knew tb.it province sixteen years ago, looking at it now, must be prepared to give the lie to the assertion, that the provincial form of govern ment is no longer of use. I have pointed out this to show that our public works policy is not new, as some would have it, but that it is as old as the provinces them selves. Now for our immigration policy : Is it the idea of our present premier or of one who has gone before that great tribunal from.- whose desision there is no appeal—l mean the late Mr Williamson ? He, at the expense of this province, brought out immigrants furnished them, with land, which he had the satisfaction of seeing re-claimed from the forest, and changed into fruitful and productive farms through the energy and «labor of those people and their children. It is now proposed to sweep away these insti tutions, i and to substitute for them a form of government that will give the shadow without the substance, and will give to Ministers immense power and patronage, which power may be wielded for the benefit of the country, or used by bad men to corrupt and demoralize, or to secure the votes of needy members by bribery, and thus gain their acquiescence in fobbing.^the country. It must not be lost sight of that those men,, to whom this form of government would give suoh vast power, may not represent one twentieth of the inhabitants of the country, in fact, they may be men, such as some of our present Ministers, who are not represen tatives of the people, and would be refused by almost any constituency in Few Zealand. I think that the great majority of the people will say that, as they have no yoice as to who are to be Ministers, it would be danger ous to place too much power in their hands; as, for instance, it is quite possible that some person may become Premier wHo in other days and places has been a black-leg, or pro fessional gambler, or who has subsisted by laying traps for the unwary, so that be might, through cards, fleece them of their moneyj; or there might be others] who would

desire to perpetuate that disgrace'^ ♦'. country, the Native office, an f J,teJg- which Parliament could not enquire into A the purpose of acquiring vast estotafftS own pnvate use ai u] thus be enabled to B eH ana abscond with the money before a R O S Commission could be held to enquire X their doings ;or they might be brick ma S ° who have employed men and emitted to 2 them for their wotk : in fact, there mfiffi men who r through cheek and entireSf nf honesty md moral worth, might be able 2 get a following tuch as Tweed did in V. York, and be enabled to rob the count* b. fore it could realize their trne characW Intelligent men admit that an emperor 't wise r.nd good, will do more to advance \h welfare of a state than a limited monarch or republic, and have also decided that con centrated power is a very dangerous form of government, and is likely to subvert Hi liberty of the people. This would be tha case with the proposed form of government known as Centralism, which may kg intended by corrupt men, Jto give them such influence over the destinies of this conn try as to enable the most unscrupulous toll distinguished by the title of Sir So-and-so I think that the great majority of the people will agree _wUh me that our liberties and otn finances will be safer in the hands of onewh o is elected by the majority of the people than they would be in the hands of any clever aj. venturer who may not even have a good narnj to lose. It is evident thattherehaseither been* mistake in the framing of our constitution or that the General Assembly has usurped i powers which it was not intended by the framers of the constitution that this body should have. Ihe mistake has been in not defining the amount of power that the Assembly should have, I think ii thiafras donp, and the proportion of debt assessed which each province is entitled to hear, the people of the different provinces might be safely tiusted to work out their future destinies. Trusting sir that you will deem the above worthy of insertion in your valuable journal, I remain yours, An Om Settler.

THE SHAREMARKET.

Bank of New Zealand—£l7 53; buyers £17 23 Gd ; sellers, £17 ss. ' ' National Banks—Buyers, 755. Colonial Bank ■ Buyers, 305." South Britifh Insurance—Buyers, 53s Cd, Auckland Gas—Buyers £10 ss. Loan and Mercantile—Buyers, 303 (new), Caledonian (double) -Sellers, 27s 6d. City of London— 235. Karangahake—Pellets, 4s. Palmerstown— Sellers, 3a. Cure —Buyers, 7s ; Sellers, Bs. Royal Oak—Buyers, 5s 6d ; sellers, 7s 6d, Union Beach—B2s 6d ; sellers, 84s. Tokatea—Sellers, 10a 6d. Bismarck—Buyers, 6s 6d. Tairua, 9a, 9s 6d ; buyers, 9a.; sellers, 10g.

DEATH OF MR. H. SOMERVELL.

Another old settler has passed away. TBJg morning at 5 o'clock, Mr Hendry Somemll died at his residonce at Smaile's Point; THg gentleman came out to the colony by the ship Duchess of Argyle, in the year 1842, and immediately started in the boot and shoe trnde. He prospered in business, and being a careful and provident man, gradually acquired a competency. By judicious pur- ■• purchases of city property he greatly in creased his worldly wealth, and when he retired from business about twelve years ago he was looked upon ss a rich man. Mr Somervell never appeared in public life, but has been well known for his straightforward and consistent line of conduct in his own concerns. Since his first arrival in the colony he has twice visited the old country. A month ago Mr Sometvell was seized with an affection of the' lung, and his friends advised him to see a doctor, but he was a man who was on> willing to call in medical aid unless he wtt really in danger, and accordingly, believing his indisposition to be only trifling, he re- ;. fused to comply with their suggestions. He became worse, till at last, when a doctor was consulted, it was found that Mamma* tion had set in, and there was but alight chance of recovery. He sank by degrees till this morning, when he died peacably.- - Mr: Somervell leaves a wife and three daughters —all married, the eldest to Mr Hay; of. Dunedin ; the second to Mr Culpan, andth?,1 ■ youngest to Mr Fred Ireland, of the firm of 1 Ireland Bros. Mr Somervell owned the fine , new block of buildiDgs just put up at the corner of Vulcan Lane, besides oth^er hotses and land in the city and suburbs. He aIBO had large interests in the Bank of New Z*a< land stock and the Loan and Mercantile Company, in addition to other property. The funeral will take place on Saturday.

FALLING LEAVES.

" We all do fade as fheleaf."

By John Blackman.

55- The summer's pone, the year is on the wane, The breezes whisper round the cottage eaves; The winds of autumn blow with mournful stiwn,

And scatter ioand the falling, withering leave!— The worn-out leaves. The sceiie reminds us of our fleeting years, | And of those dreams which y onthful fancy WMWj;!: ■Which oft seem frnitless, steeped In merooiy sfeffl, : And leave us nothing but the leaves—

The yellow leaves. But e'enU hough dead, the scattered thoughts appear, And o'er the seeming waste the spirit grieves: ■'■> The truth still lives, there comes the golden year, And flowers immortal spring from aat thOB leaves—

Those dank, dry leaves.

THE OLD MEN'S REFUGE.

A visit to the temporary home of the afflfl and infirm tends to humiliate human pride, and acts like a medicine to the thonghtfßl spectator, In the old country, alms-housea and homes for the destitute and the suffer ing abound, but here, in this new W there are but few of these asylums. Happily however, in Auckland there is a refuge jot old men and old women when aged, and un fitted to prolong the battle of life, .alfluWM:/ the accommodation is very limited. W walked through the refuge which is pleasantly situated on a sunny slope overlooking tie G-rafton Road, and with a distant view," the sea. The Refuge at present accommodates 35 men and 10 women, who appeared gene rally as comfortable as their circumstances would admit. They were cleanly kept and .their apartments were well furnished withcon* venient and comfortable bedding. IJ' CD ttom was decorated with pictures and texwi reminding the inmates of the uncertainty c human life, and the vanity of human wißbev and yet of such a character as to impart' feeling of cheerfulness. Many of the inmates expressed a felling of gratitude for the home, and. said that they were well cared _ for dj their overseers and the friends of the institu tion. We found that most of the indweliew could read fairly, and, beside the bible, W were supplied with many books by patsias friends, and especially by the ladies of we Benevolent Society, who visit the Refage *J least twice a week, and who read and instruct them in a central room set apart for uw ■special purpose. The ladies of the .0 fID" volent Society are evidently the best »■ : more constant friends of the old people. k» their attentions are unremitting. The "°i contained many excellent volumes of bo literature, such as " Good Words," *amE at Home." and Chambers' li^iomr° nJl l the People." There are singular o&«fS;. in the Refuge : some were en. anVh er « turn, and others highly communicatiTe. was one old lady who had passed her yi» year, and who was almost past memory, old Maori did nothing but play w"n, fingers and toes and make a noise w» mouth. The inmates generally evinced a » ing of gratitude, and said they had pW»J eat and were kindly treated by those authority over them. The garden was *■ t

llllllUMIlin"! llinfll'lTlTT " n I l""ll"ni'imil Till ll I I I —~, ——i« H »mM«i^a— *



AUTUMN AND WINTER DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. A Large Parcel of NEW ana SEASONABLE GOODS of every description, just to band, at RUSHBROOK and BRIDGMAN'S. Exceptionally cfocl Valne, havin? been Purchased at a considerable discount :— BLANKETS! BLANKETS ! Blankets, all sizes, "White and Coloured . Good sirong All-Wool Flannel, fr-m Is per yard I Winceys, in great variety, from 5d per yard 32-inch Wincey at 1p per yard, rare value A choice asportment of New Fancy DreHs Goods, Calicoes and Sheetings, Furnishing JCtoods, etc,, etc. Also, « / CLOTHTNG ! CLOTHING I For Boys and Men, splendid value. Suits, Coats, Tronscrp, and Vests Overcoats, Pilot Jackets Printed Mole Trousers, Shirts, Hosiery ■ Hats and Caps, &c. E. & B. with confidence invite attention to the above, and inspection will prove that for PRICE and QUALITY onr Stock will bear favourable comparison with that of any other House In the Trade. Patterns forvsarded on application, awl, prompt and careful attention to country orders. 6 % Discount allowed on all Cash Pdrchabeb of 20s. and upwards. EUSHBEOOK & BRIDGMAN, [KatE R. HOEBHIi UNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel, Upper Queen-street, Atckxanp. BLANKETS! BLANKETS! blankets! 1,000 Pairs. 1,000 Pairs. j f 9-4 White, 10/G, 12/6.14/6 per pair tn , 110-4 White, 17/6 and 21/ per pair g rt i 11-4 White, 25/ per pair. 0 / Bedding of all kinds at H)l W HOLLOWAY & GARLICK'S. Handsome Drawing-room Suites in Silk Rep Horsehair and Damask Suites Great variety of Chairs, Looking Glasses, Tables Drawers, Washstands, Toilet Sets Mattresses. Palliasses, Pillows, all kinds Iron and Wood Bedsteads and Cots. JUST OPENED— Beautiful lot of Winceyß from /5J per yard, worth/9 f Crimean Shirtings, extra good value 1 Blankets, Sheeting, and Quilts from 3/11 C Hearth Rugs and Carpets . i Another Shipment of Door Mats at 2/11 Z, Fancy Hosiery, Stays at 2/11, worth. 4/6 • Table Covers, Damasks, &o. (. Shawls, Hats, ana Millinery. Country Settlers will find it convenient to deal with Xis, aa we can_ supply Drapery, Clothing, Millinery, and Furnishing Goods, which will be well packed, and forwarded with Despatch. &0~ Buy your "Winter Dresses and Clothes from— HOLLOWAY & GARLICS, DjUPERS, CIiOTHIEBS, MILLINERS, CABINETMAKERS UPHOIISTERSBB, AND UNDEOTAKEES, • :;:* our hall, Queer-fitreet, Av clluKfl.



QTJE MOTTO—"MAKE THEM COME AGAIN." LOOK AT OUR WINDOW! 216, QUEEN-STREET, • (Late J. W. Peabse). HEMUS AND TEIGG, Milliners,' Drapers, and Haberdashers. J/f/E beg to call the attention of parties about to Furnish to our large stock of Household Furniture. T. & H. COOKE, 148, Queen-street, (Opposite the New Theatre). Funerals Economically Furnished. An Ally of Nature.—All attempts to force natures react injuriously upon the systom Medical treatment to bet successful, should b« auxi liary and not compnleory. The cures of nervous ness, debility, indigestion, innomia, hypochondria, titerine dieord rs, kidnej and bladder 'Jiflficnlties, iheurnatlsm, nd of all affections of tho sensitive organs wrought by Udoi.piio Wolfk's Schikda.m Aro matic Schnapps are attrityiitable to the fact that it is a potent ally, but nevtr a violent compel^cr of nature. Advice to Pursers.—For Winter Dra per3\ Millinery, &c, try if Hiatus and Tiiigo cannot successfully compete with anything in Queen-street. Wide-width French Merino. Is 4ri ; Winceys, 6d; 32 ---inch Saxony Wincey, lljd; Hair Plaits, from Od; Cuffs and Collars, frim lOrt; EmbOFsed Silk Scarfs, all colours, Is each - lIEIIUS & TIUGG, late Pearce, 2i6, Queen-street. Westons' Wizard Oil and Magic Pills.—Have enred more ■wonderful cases of Kheimatism, Govt, Neuralgia, Aches. Fains, Swellings, Caked Breasts, Scalds, and Salt-Rheum, upon the human frame, than all the pretencU-d remedies have Bincc the world began. These Great American Medicineß are Com posed of vegetable .oils, healing gume, roots and herbs; and act like a charni upon pain and inflam mation. Price: Half-a-crown. Sole Agents: Kemp thorn c, Prosser and Co.