SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH W_.Tt.B--Thin afternoon, 10 40 ; to-momr* nomine. 1119

BTJN BET Thl» evsnine. 512 BITN RISE-To morrow morning. 6 43 MOON'B AGE—Hirst Quarter Ist May, 10 Cam

ARRIVALS.

City of Pan Franci'co, s «. 3400 tons, J J Waddell.

commander, f>om San Francisco .Krjglish mail) Syren, b^g, firm Svcnev Go », eid, r s Conner, fr m Wai ara Phoebe as, from tho s-ou h

DEPARTURES.

City of Pan Frann'rco, s *, J J Wad Hell, for Sydney Edith, srhoone-. Traytn. for Society Islands TfiraraW, ra, 1 lovd for tho South Eowena, s_, for Tauranga

IMPORTS.

{A special charge is made for consigneesl names in

this column.)

Per City of San Francisco, PMss, from San Fran Cisco:—

30 cates salmon—Owen and Graham

9 packages seed - T and S Blorrin

Per Syren, brig from Sydney .—ICO bags maize, 1733 bags bonedust, SO baleFi *_ tm p, 100 cases jam, 12 packages sundries— G W B_n__ev, agent. Per Syren from Sydney, transhipped from Lion from Ne^ York :—K< cases axes' and hitchets, 24 pkgs agricultural Implements, 7 cases shovels and spades, 9 case*, handles, 11 cases scales. 6 cases clothes Tinkers. 24 rases nails, 2 cases machinery, l case wrerc'ies, 2 esses hammers, l case braces, 25 cases yap'xtee notions-E Porter and Co.

ARRIVAL OF THE CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO.

The P MS 1 Co's m'ngnificent steamship City of Snn 'Francipco, J J Wad dell, Esq. commander, arrived in harbour at half-past six o'clock last evening frrm San Francisco with Hie English mail and several pas sengers. C-ptain Waddel! reports having left San Francisco at IpmonApi il 3. On the llth. sighted land at 8 15 a m, bearing SWi_ff, distant 25 miles; stopped for pilot ; at 8 30 st?amed into the harbour of Honolulu, and mnde fast at, the wharf; loft same day atG 20 pm. On the 14th, John Kiji, a steerage pas senger irom Honolulu to KaDdavu. died, aild wa« consigned to the deep. On the 15th. occasional squalls, wird Eby S. On the 24th. ta'ade land at 830 a m ; 1215 pilot came off, and i_tl p m dropped anchor in the harbour of Kandavu; 430 same day steamed out cf harbour On the 25th, cloudy, heavy rain squalls, occasional flashes pf lightening in the north ; 2-th, at 5 pm, _,eavy _ffualls from SS W, wbirh continued all night, accompanied wiih rain and lightning. On ♦'___ 28.h. made lard, Poor Knights, at 945 am, an-?, anchored in Auckland harbour at 7 pm. We .._ indebted to the purser for tlio ship's report arcl, flies of Americui, Fiji, and "Hawaiian pap>is. T'assenger list:—For Ado_land-Cabin :J W Wilkin ■_ (mail agent), T S McMasters, C J Stock. E Pert. .ns"and wile. Mrs Foot, Andrew McWath, Hon J C Smith 'and Col A B Steiriberger, Thomas Hor tor_. Second cabin: J S Million, John Jeffreys. Steerage : Wallace and son, Mrs Wallace and four thildren, W J Benton, A J Biker. For Lyttelton— Second caMn : Miss Sarah Fer^usson. For Napier— Steerage: Miss B M Cox, Alfred Cox. lor Sydney- Cabin : Mr and Mrs Scott Siildons, J Teonard, Capt Livingston, Thomas Wallace, Miss M B Jones, Miss M C Lee, Mrs Dr Rattry. Mr Traff'ord and friend, James Wood, J P Ritchie, John Mcßean, Captain Chompion, G A Woods. Sceond cabin : J H Marshall. R F Smittea, and 40 in the steerage. Melbourne—Cabin : Mrs D Wilkinson.

The S3 Taranaki left for the South to-day with tho Southern portion of the English mail ex City of San Francisco, and a fnll complement of passengers.

The Bs Bowena left last night for Tauranga. Tbe schooner Edith has tailed on another trip to the Islands.

The brie Syren arrived in rort last night from Sydney with a cargo of bonedust and general stuff. She comes consigned to Mr G W Pinney. The following is a list of the passens-ers on board Messrs Patrick, Henderson, and Co's barque Wan lock, Captain Tilley, which left Glasgow for this port on the 16th Feb. fhe is consigned to the N.Z.S. Co:—Mr Richard Sinclair. Mr James Bussell, sen, Mr James Rusrell, jun, Mr David Russell. Miss Janet Russell, Miss Catherine Russell, Miss Isabella Russell. Mr John Eussell, Miss Agnes Russell, Miss Jane Watson, and Mr George McFarlanc. Tbe barque Prince Alfred leH Lyttelton for this port on 24th inst. She returns via Kaipara with timber.

The brig Pakeha, with 110,000 ft timber, was towed from Heletsvflle to Kaipvra Heads by the Minnie Casey on the 26th inst, bound for Dunedin.

Tbe brig Thomas and Henry left Koporu Mill en 27th inst, with 140,000 ft of kauri for Dunedin, shipped on account of Mr Jno Teid,

The ss Phoebe arrived from the South this morning. Passengers—Mr and Miss Buckland, Mr and Mrs Bolden arid family, Mrs Henderson, Misses' Lodge (2), Hnlden, Captain Johnson, Messrs Waddington, 3Wonk. Baxter, Mabin. Stewart, Metcalfe, Fitzbam, Misllride, Fitzoibhon, Dudley, and 12 steerage The ketch Wild Duck is to leave the Waita.a to. day with a carpo of cattle for Mr Hunter. She may bo expected In theManaksn to-mo'rew. Our London correspondents sendrf the following 3hippingnews :—" There is no material improvement ■in the freight market since my ]a«t. shipping busi ness generally being very dull, and the advices from all parts of the world unsatisfactory. It's tbe same ■with all the vessels in London loading for the various ports of New Zealand, ships ar<! a long1 time on the berth, and with great difficnlty loaded I have not seen the like before. " Fiecbero " arrived here en the 3rd. "robins Dnnlop" sails a full ship on the 12th cf this month, Captain Graham late chief officer comes out in command. Yotir next vessel for Auckland will be tbe "England's Glory" 750. It will be all the middle of Ap*il before ihe leaves. The s.s. Waita'a arrived this morning from Waitara Captain Cooper reports leaving yesterday al noon and experiencing stroDg S.W. winds and heavy westerly swell on the way np. Crcs? e4 the bar at 730 a.m and reached the wharf and 9'..0a.m.- The Go-Ah?»d brings two pa«sergtr„ and 450 sheep. She •was detained in tbe Waitira fcr a week by strong westerly weather and a heavy bar. %■■ Ihe City of Pan Francisco took in coals during tbe night and this morning, and Failed for Sydney early this afternoon. Passenger?: P».b on—Mr HX> Thorn ton wife acd children, Mr H Walduck. Mr and Mrs __ D Murdrch and child. Mr A. Walker, Mr and Mrs C A Badger and two little badgers, Dr.J H Cartwright, Key A Crawford, and Gin tbe Steerage.!

COMMERCIAL.

Mr X C Greenwood reports his usual Friday's sale as follows :—Turkeys not quite so plentiful ag last week, 3s Cd to 4s i)d each ; geeso, scarce. 3s 6d to 4s ; ducks, scarce, Is 6r) to 2s 6d eath; fowls, plentiful, but mostly very poor; small ones, lOd to Is Gd each ; good, ls9d to 3s Cd each ; chickens, 9d to ls each ; pigeons, !)d and lOd each. A large lot of canaiies fetched from 5s to 10s each ; cages, 5s to 18s each ; potatoes in demand at £5 ton; onions, £2 10s to £4 ton ; pumpkins, £4 lOs ton; furniture fetched fair prices. Mr Greenwood sold to-day at Manukau road, Parneli, the household furniture and effects of Mr A. Livingstone, late organist of f-t. Paul's church. We learn that Mr Livingstone is about to pay a visit to England.

CALL AND DIVIDENDS.

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

Dividends— Union Beach.. Calls— Effort .. New Exchange Golden Arrow

07 6 —

Date,

00 3 — 00 9 — 00 6 —

May 7

„ 10

„ 10 „ 10

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows :— For Thames on Monday at 8 a m and 4.30 p m, For Coromandel on Tuest at 10 30 a ra For Eussell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui at 4 p m on

Monday Per ss Taupo on Tuesday, 2nd May, as follows :— For India, China, Mediterranean ports, Continen

of Purope. at noon For Taranaki, Southern provinces, and Australian colonies, at 12 45 pm For United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially addressed) at 12 45 pm For United Kingdom, via Brindisi, and late letters for Southern provinces and Melbourne at 1 pm Per Colima. on Monday, Bth May, as follows :— For Kandavu. Sandwich Islands, United States of America Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West In dies at noon For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe at

noon For Mod ey Orders, Registered Letters, and newspap ers at 11 a m

(Signed)

8. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster,

DEATH.

D ALTON—On A wil 28, at Upper Bymonds-street, Dora Marion Eveline, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Dalton.

The funeral will leave her parents' residence at 3 p.m. on Monday, Ist May.

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 1876.

for the c-Oi__ that lacks asslstanco, For tli- wrong that needs resistance, l-'or tiie future in the distance,

And the good tnat we can do.

W hen it was semi-officially announced a few weeks ago that tenders would be called for the construction of the Kaipara Railway, we ventured to express an opinion that there was no genuine intention on the part of the Government to undertake this work, for the carrying out of which nearly every member of the Ministry at one time or other has pledged his word of honour. We were then assured hy Ministerial supporters that our views of Government promises were unduly warped, and that in a week or two we should find cause for modifying them. In relation to this moat important work, upon which depends the whole future prosperity of the districts north of Auckland, we should have the utmost pleasure in rejoicing with Dr. Pollen over the turning of the first sod. But from a letter and tele grams kindly placed at our disposal by Mr John Lamb, of Riverhead, and printed in another column, the prospect of doing this appears more dist ant than ever. Mr Lamb has been untiring in his exertions to secure the construction of the line, and has neglec ted no opportunity for bringing the pressure of public opinion, supported by ascertained facts, to bear upon the Government. In a letter to His Honor the Superintendent, after shewing how a select committee of the Pro vincial Government had proved that there was sufficient trade to make the line pay, a course which, Mr Lamb justly remarks, " no other province has been asked to follow in order to get their railways constructed," that gentleman proceeds to relate his own experience in his many negotiations with the Government. He says :—

"At the request of several of the leading merchants in Auckland, I waited on the Hon Dr Pollen, Colonial Secretary, soon after he came from Wellington, and stated to him that there was very great concern in the minds of the leading men of Auckland regard ing the extension of this railway, and that a deputation of them was desirous of waiting onihim to ascertain when this much-needed work would be begun. I stated that there

was no use of the deputation waiting on him without some definite result, and asked him to communicate with the Minister ef Works, so that the reply s.iven to the deputation might not be a formal one. He informed me that he had to go up the Waikato, and in the meantime he would communicate with Mr Richardson, and on his return have his reply and be prepared to communicate the result. T saw no intimation of his leaving for the Waikato, and wrote asking him_ to appoint a time when w.e could wait on him. The reply I received was that he had to leave for Wellington, and could not appoint a time for this purpose. This lam sorry to say has b*en the general treatment of the General Government when anything was wanted tor the province of Anckland." Loolude. at Mr Lamb's own admission of the systematic injustice of the General Govern ment in its treatment of this province, we cannot see the force of his implied reflection upon his Honor the Superintendent, con tained in the sentence, " Had we a Superin tendent like Otago they would not have treated us so." The fact is that Otago's strength has consisted less in the personal influence of its Superintendent than in the firm phalanx of members pledged to make the interests of their province a first consi deration ; and when Auckland sends to represent her eighteen men fighting unitedly under one recognised head the representations .of bcr Superin tendent and merchants will not l<c treated so cavalierly. We are sure that Sir George Grey will use his utmost efforts to compel the fulfilment of the many promises made concerning this line, but at the Same time we very much doubt whether, even were the Government disposed to carry it out, there remains in the Treasury sufficient balance from loans to cover its cost.

In consequence of the pressure of mail news we are compelled to hold over till Mon day a sporting letter by " Hotspur."

We learn by tho mail that stagnation in the Eastern wool trade has had a depressing effect on the prices of the Californian staple. New York wool-broking fiims say that tho duty of 100 per cent, on foreign wool has had a most injurious effect upon manufactories. The trade outlook is very bad, causing de creased manufacture and consequent lessened demand and lower piices for American wools, which are inferior to the foreign, and not at all suitable for various kinds of fabrics. Failures have been numerous, and the remedy generally suggested for the existing stagnation is the complete removal of the duty, which is found to be so terrible a drag upon industry.

Our London correspondent mentions that no emigrants are now being sent out by the Govemmet, and there are very few pas sengers offering for New Zealand.

The Mayor intends to move at the next meeting of the City Council that £200 be voted for planting shade trees in various streets of tbe city.

The football match between sixteen of the North Shore and Auckland Football Clubs and sixteen of the Naval Squadron, was commenced to-day at 3 o'clock in tho Domain in the presence of a large number of specta tors. We shall be obliged, owing to the late ness of the hour of starting, to defer our re port till Monday.

In all the Wesleyan churches of Auckland special collections will be made to-morrow (Sunday) for reinstating the Rev W. Rouse at Wairria, whose house and furniture was recently destroyed by fire. Mr Eouse has a family of eight children, and every thing he possessed even to wearing apparel, were consumed, and the family are left naked to the world. We are ..-lad to learn that Rev W. Kirk, Mr. F. L. Prime, and Mr. Edson have kindly consented to receive donations for this really deserving case.

We direct the attention of our numerous readers of the the third pago of the present issue for information respecting Sunday services in the soveral city and suburban

churches.

The good Templars will, this evening, hold their usual ' Saturday Night,' at the* Young Men's Chn'stain Association Booms. Wo learn that a programme has been provided with care, so that no fault shall be found with the socal character of the entertainment.

We notice that Mr Clarke has opened a general commission office and registry for servants in Hiph-street, and, according to advertisement, Mr Clarke will treat with no applicants whose characters will cot bear investigation, so that ladies requiring good servants may apply with confidence to the High-street office.

An alarm of fire was raised in Chapel street veaterday afternoon, but which ended in smoke. The chimney of a cottage oppo site the Bricklayers' Arms got on lire, but which was suppressed in a short time by three buckets of water.

The protracted charge of larceny against Thomas Colebrook was concluded last even ing before Mr Barstow, the Resident Magis trate, and after a good deal of evidence the prosecution failed to fix the charge of feloniously taking certain specifications belonging to Mr Hartley, the owner of a house in Durham-street, and defendant was dismissed. Mr Edward Perkins was a passenger to Auckland, by the City of San Francisco last evening, after an extended absence from Auckland where he had by his business habits and energy made both money and reputation. He was welcomed back by a large number of old friends. During his sojourn in America he entered the lists of benedicts and is now:accorapanied by his wife. We understand that Mr Perkins has secured several American agencies, and if push and " go " can make them successful, we have not the slightest doubt that they will soon become institutions in the city. It is a matter of surprise that with close and reliable means of communica tion we have not reaped more direct benefit from Yankee ingenuity than has yet been developed by the Pacific line, but probably the reason may be that there are so few men who k combine the requisite knowledge of what we want and what the Americans can supply, posessmg at the same time, the inclination to form the connecting link between the two. _ If Mr. Perkins is about to do this we wish him every success;

A great deal of amusement was caused yesterday afternoon at the corner of West Queen-street by a restive, stupid donkey that "'wouldn't go," but which unfortunately ended in a sad accident to a young man named William Moore. A lad was leaving the ancient animal, and using persuasive means to coax him towards the wharf, when ' " Neddy " as though possessed of a dim con sciousness that he was going to sea, obstin ately refused to proceed, and began rearing and kickeng in an alarming manner A crowd soon gathered round, some tickhng the beast and one boy of small size had the impudence to pull "Neddy's" tail, but all to no purpose, he " wouldn't go." At length he was pulled along by main force and now dragged his slow length veluctantly to the wharf followed by a large concourse of people. He was taken on board the " Tweed, but while in the act of swinging him he kicked out violently, like a disagreeable donkey, and struck the young man, William Moore, who fell on to the vessal, a distance of fourteen feet and lay for a time insensible. Dr. Jlara ing was at once sent for, and recommended his removal to the Hospital. He understood that Moore was considerably bruised, but as no bones are broken, it is hoped that he will speedily recover.

On the night of the 26th instant a fire broke out on the premises of Mr George Runciman, at Papatoitoi. The fire has en tailed a serious loss upon the owner. We learn that a bam, about five tons of potatoes, three tons of meadow hay, a large number of implements, harness and other properties were destroyed. The cause of the fire is

unknown

POLICE COURT.— This Day.

(Before R. C. BarstowEsq., S.M.) PROSTRATION. Your Worship, is is true, egad, a drap o* whiskey shure I had, Which turned ajfog my poor old head, And laid me on a cold sto^e bed. James Murphy, recently from Ireland, William Hart, a serious looking, middle-aged man, and John O'Connell, were charged with drunkenness and fined , r )S each, or twenty four hours in durance vile. A CRITICAL POSITION. John Kingsley, a sprightly youth, was charged with offering violent resistanae to Serjeant Mulville, and threatening to smite hini to the wall if he dared to take his mate into custody. Prisoner pleaded guilty. Sub-Inspector Pardy said this kind of offence was becoming very serious, and some effort should be made to stop it.

Serjeant Mulville described the circum stances. Tie was about taking Murphy into custody, ho being very drunk, when prisoner rau up, find handled him very roughly, swearing tha1: he would nob see his mate J miiiey Mm_hy, taken to the lock up with out; mailing an effort to save him. The prisoner's interference nearly cost him the loss of Murphy. He did not attempt to strike him, only threatened. His Worship enquired if prisoner was known, when it was stated that he had only landed last evening by the steamer. Tbe prisoner was fined 40_. and costs or 14 days, the court remarking that in all future cases of resisting the police persons so offending would be sent to prison without the option of a fine

ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE

William James Henderson, a young sea man pleaded guilty to a charge of absenting himself without leave of the captain, from the ship Bodick Castle, and was sentenced to two months imprisment with hard labour.

The San Francisco Mail.

SPECIAL SUMMARY OF NEWS TO THE STAR.]

TERRIBLE RAILROAD DISASTER IN FRANCE.

THE WAR, IN ABYSSINIA..

BRUTALITIES BY TURKISH TROOPS

THE QUEEN GONE TO GERMANY RELATIVE TO THE SAX-COBURG h '■■"ti^" DUKEDOM.

WRECK ON THE ENGLISH COAST, WITH LOSS OE THIRTY LIVES.

INTENSE COLD IN MARCH.—SCOT TISH RAILWAYS BLOCKED.

ENGLISH AND EOEEIGN.

A terrible railroad calamity at 111, Erance, was caused by the breaking of a bridge, owing to heavy rain storms. The carriages fell on top of each other, aud immediately disappeared in tho river, where they were broken up by the strength of the stream. Those of the travellers who wero not killed by tho fall were unable to escape from the wagons in which they were imprisoned, and they were carried down the river until they were dashed to pieces against the rocks and slowly drowned. Over thirty bodies have already been recovered ; but this un fortunately does not represent the victims of the accident.

Turkey has postponed payment of the April coupona. The King of Abyssinia sent envoys to Egypt seeking peace, but made unreasonable demands for war expenses. Egypt is now fortifying all the strong positions. Many persons are in favor of placing Theodore's son on the throne under guarantee.

The eruption of Vesuvius continues un abated.

The Spanish Government has sent rein forcements to the Phillipine Islands. A Calcutta despatch reports affairs in Kelat as still unsettled. The Kahn was completely routed by his rebellious chiefs'in a late bat tls. The British Commissioner, who has gone to attempt to negotiate a settlement, re ports that active interference is not necessary as the Indian Government is not pledged to either party. A land slide at Caub, in Germany, caused the death of six persons and injured twenty one others.

The sum of 200,000 marks has been bud scribed for Cardinal Ledochowski by the aristocracy and clergy of Posen. A very destructive hurricano Bwept ovor Germany lately, and did great damage at Cologne. The observatory at Marsburg was destroyed.

The Times' Berlin dispatch says > the pros pect of a regency in Russia excites much speculation here concerning the probable relations of Russia and Germany, because of the anti-German tendencies of the Czaro witch.

A correspondent of the Times at Ragusa telegraphs as follows : The conference between Baron Radich and the Turkish officials is considered a complete failure. The Turks refuse to give any guarantees of personal security to refugees, and show no desire to conciliate them or to propose an acceptable condition of pacification and were absolutely unable or unwilling to appreciate the danger of their position. In official circles here the conciliation is considered hopeless. The reports of insurgent defeats are false. No band has been driven across the frontier by force. On Sunday the Turks entered a Christian village and murdered three men and four women and brought their heads in.

The failure of Stoeckeig and Banchoff, wholesale silk merchants, for £125,000 is announced.

The French Government oppose a general amnesty to Communists, but will grant many pardons. It is rumoured that the forthcoming inter view between Queen Victoria and the Emperor William is for the purpose of ceding to Germany the right of the Duke of Edinburgh as heir presumptive to the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg Gotha. It is reported from Berlin that Count Yon Moltke will probably resign his position as Chief or Staff of the Army, and will be succeeded by General Wartensleben. The TelegrapVa Berlin special says the negotiations lor _no pacification of Herze govinia are now regarded as having failed. The Powers seriously contemplate armed intervention; if this should prove unavoid able, they will give notice of their intention to maintain the peace of Europe. Intelli gence from Slavonian sources announce that the insurgents, led by Pelkovies, repulsed an attack of Turkish troops, on the 28 th instant, near Ljubinje, capturing 300 head of cattle, 40 horses, and the Turks lost^ several men. Russian journals state that if the South Slavonians feel strong enough to raise against the Turks, Russia, according to the Vedomosti, will guarantee the neutrality of other parts. A Vienna despatch says a com mittee of Bosnian refugees.has sent teleraphic despatches to the three Emperors, entreating them i._ the name of God not to send refu gees back under the Turkish yoke. The plague has reached Bagdad, where there are]ten cases. The Egyptian sanitary authorities quarantine arrivals from the Persian Gulf for fifteen days. I

Fifty thousand dollars were recovered from

the wreck of the German steamer Schiller yesterday. ~ j • The Prince of Wales arrived at Alexandria on April first en route for England. ' The Times, in its financial article says : The best private information we can obtain S ay a financial circles on the Continent have no belief in or apprehensions of immediate troubles in Eastern Europe. Letters from Oordon, the African ex plorer, to December 29, 1875, are receive*.. He announces that he has subdued tbe bos tile tribes which destroyed Senant s pnrtv. After this he proceeded by land to Duffli, found the Forts Rapids were not navigable, made a detour on the left bank of the Vic toria Nile. The steamer Isabel, from Rochelle for Bristol was wrecked on Pendever Rocks, between St Ives and Lands End Six corpses have been washed ashore. Ihe crew were thirteen in number, and all undoubt edly perished. Oakley, the manager of the Co-operative Credit Bank, has been committed to New gate awaiting trial for obtaining money and valuable securities on false pretences. A team of the best Scottish marksmen, including six competitors last year for the Elcho shield go to the American Centennial matches. English and Irish teams also go. A London telegram, under date March 20, says : " Nearly all the railways north of the river Tay are more or less blocked by snow. The Caledonian line is covered with snow twenty feet deep Near Aberdeen twelve trains aro snowed in. At one point more than a dozen trains are blocked on the Great Northern line. The teler-raph lines are buried nt several points north of Aberdeen. The cold is intense.

The Mark Lane Fxpre.s/t, in its grain market review, says that floods and storms on the continent cause great anxiety to farmers.

A Naples telegram, describing the eruption of Vesuvius, says : "The lava is flowing to ward Pompeii Large columns of vapour rise from tbe summit and reflect the fire beneath Vast quantities of ashes are thrown upward, and the sight is magnificent."

The Parliamentary Commissioners ap pointed to enquire into the alleged electoral corruption in Norwich, England, report that corrnptprnctices extensively prevailed during the Parliamentary elections of 1874 and 1875. They consider that tbe evidence given before them proves that a hopelessly corruptand depraved election element of no inconsider able proportions exists in Norwich. The Bishop of Paderborn has suddenly and secretly quitted Holland. It is believed the cause is that Prnssia demanded his extradi tion or expulsion. It is reported he has gone to England. The French expedition exploring the desert of Sahara has returned to Fouggourt, after fifteen days' march from Rhadomes. President McMahon has announced an Universal Exhibition, shortly to be held in Paris. The Spanish steamer Elvira exploded yes terday and sank off Passages. Many persons on board were killed or wounded.

AMERICAN NEWS.

RUMOURS RELATIVE TO THE PACIFIC MAIL SERVICE.

FAILURE OP THE NEW YORK

NATIONAL BANK

DESTRUCTIVE STORMS AND FLOODS.

Washington despatches say there is no proof that Minister Shencfc was required to resign in obedience to a request from Great Britain. . _ It is stated that Enpland will claim in demnity on the United States on behalfof Englishmen who suffered in the Emma mine scheme. A destructive fire occurred at Boston de molishing several blochs. Tho New York Times in reference to the Bank of New York failure says it seems the vice-president ran the institution in bis own interest, and that of his friends. Bankers say the failuro will not affect banking busi ness greatly. The Washington News says the Legisla ture is cutting down expenses by abolishing

offices. Levy, treasurer of New Jersey, has been committed for trial for embezzling State funds.

There are various rumours as to the instability of the Pacifiic Mail Company. At a meeting of the directors a resolution was passed authorising the directors to issue two million dollars in ten years, seven per cent, currency bonds. The Company has isued a circular showing tbe earnings^ of the past year to amount to eleven million nine hundred and fifty thousand dollars. A New York despatch says the failure of the National Bank of the State of New York to-day caused intense excitement in Wall street, and prices of securities fell off with a feverish feeling prevailing. Prices, how ever, afterwards raised. At one time fears were entertained of a run on other banks, but a calmer feeling prevailed subsequently. The capital of the Bank was 2,000,000 dols, This, it is thought, will be reduced to 1,000,000 by the losses sustained, and stock holders will be assessed for the deficiency. The troubles of this bank, it is understood, arose principally from bad management and unfortunate advances made upon cotton, the prices of which have been gradually sinking here and in Liverpool for some time past. Jameß E. Gray of New York who ab sconded four years ago with a large amount of money obtained from members of Stock Exchange and banks, was arrested yesterday in London.

Mass meetings being held in San Francisco to protest against increasing the immigration of Chinese.

The steamer Great Western from Mediter ranean ports went ashore on Long Island, and became a total wreck. The crew were

saved,

A great storm raged on the 25th March over the whole of the New England States doing great damage. The railroads wero stopped with snow. - One of the most disastrous freshets known in Connecticut swept the valleys of the Shatucket. Quinnebaugh and Yantic, yester day and destroyed bridges and houses, devas tating the surrounding country. An immense amount of property was destroyed. Extensive frauds in the Custom House department of New' York are reported. Robt. McDonald, silk importer, Broadway, failed for 100,000 dollars, assets unknown. Storms are reported raging in Illinois and Misconnin.

At Worcestr, Mass., on 30th March, a dam of theI*reservoir gave way, letting off 760 million gallons of water, which poured out in a solid mass 20 feet high, and swept the ravine and country with fearful havoc, de molishing houses and property to an enor toons extent. The stream poured down for nine miles.

An extensive fire occured at Charleston. The loss is estimated at half a million dollars,- Several streets'were destroyed. The Government troops at Jalapa, Mexico, had revolted, retaining the Governor as prisoner. The Judges, Deputies and State officials fled, taking refuge at Vera Cruz. It is believed Government would succeed in restoring order. A Despatch dated Texas 27th ult., says : General Gonzales is organizing and drilling Revolutionists. Some of Diaz' men came near Matamores and fired into the town, the people are fleeing. '

COMMERCIAL.

Nnw York, March 31st,

Hides dull, nineteen cents; Whale, oil sixty-two, sixty-eight cents; dull. Sperm, 1 dol. 4S ; Winter bleached, I dol, 85. Sales, sixty bales Australian wool, forty-six cents.

BSak Francisco, April 2nd. Stagnation in the Eastern wool trade has had a depressing effect on the prices of the Californian staple. Wheat, 1 dol, 95 per cental; flour, superfine. 4 dol. 50, to 4 dol. 87; Barley 1 dol. 25 ; Oats, stocks light, 2 dol. 20, to 2 dol. 85.

OUR LONDON LETTER.

London, March 9 THE SPELLING BEE MANIA. We are all Spelling Bee mad in England, and the thing is "becoming a villanous nuisance. Tlie quiet rubber has given place to the demented insect; the after dinner nap is interrupted by the call to torture; the spell is cost over body ; Church and State a ike revel in Webster, Chambers, Walker, Johnson, and Bailey ; swell parties resolve themselves into committees on the structural devolopment of words . betting, men get up sweepstakes on the anatomy of jawbreakers, and even the irrepressible collier deprived of his pineapples and champagne by the tali in coals is'consoled by the public house "bee," and drives a pick through the skull of the man who persists in spelling "Hibernia" with a " y."

DON CARLOS IN LONDON t , At last my oft repeated but slowly ful filled prophecies have come to pass, and Don ft Carlos is a refugee in London that home not g) only of the brave and the free, but of the loafer and scoundrel. His reception was ~. everything that could have been desired U6 was thoroughly well hissed and hooted when he landed and at the railway terminus. To the mind of an Englishman this Don * Carlos is the incarnation of fire and sword, priestcraft aud terrorism, blood and £ slaughter. At last Spain has rid herself of the most horrid incubus of modern times. . Wherever this fellow went there was • murder and rapine; in fact blood was what he fed upon. With his crocodiles tears he pretended grief for those very woes which he himself persisted in nursing np for , his country. It is true there are a few dozens of asses in this Island who sympathise with Hon Carlos and his sins. They are the Ultramontane party who would have liked to have seen the revival of the Inquisition in Madrid, A few old fogies who believe in the "Divine Right" to murder, rob, and slay, and a still fewer mob of very young < men and women who love to parade them selves as bewailers of the old Stuart Dynssty, and warble dissolute Jacobite ditties under the impression that such sentiments will give \ them what they most lack—the reputation of . " blue blood." It is to be hoped that a close inspection of the Spanish rascal will be mam tamed, in order that this country may not : be made the nest for hatching all sorts of cowardly and bloodthirsty plots against the peace of Spain. Before leaving France he issued a proclamation to his followers, saying tbat he did not consider himself vanquished, and did not despair of his cause, and that when the moment turned up he should be ready. To the devil with such men, if men they can be called. AN UNPLEASANT OLD TAR-TAR. Old Rowley Lambert, Rear Admiral, does not seem to be over and above popular amongst the officers of the Detached Squad ron, which he now commands. He was ever a strict disciplinarian, and he seems disposed to carry that sort of thing to an outrageous length. We makes all hands and the cook turn out ou deck at dawn to watch the bles sed ensign getting run up to the peak. He can't keep a band, but the skeleton thereof has to parade and make a *hot at " God Save the Queen," whilst tho half-dressed and three pa! ts asleep officers shiver in the cold, and then make a bolt below for another forty winks. Lambert is rather behind the age in these things, and h«s to learn that there can b_ excellent discip iae without red tape and pipe-cla;y ad nauseam. STRENGTH OF THE DISRAELI GO VERNMENT. The Government is having everything its own way in Parliament. It does not seem to . matter what has turned up, whether Burials Question, Suez Canal .Purchase, Slave Circu ; lars, no matter what, and no matter how great . the efforts made by the Liberals, still tbe aristocratic Hebrew and his friends seem to be able to do exactly what they please. , Depend upon it they are in for a long run ' of it. Their rule has so far been very accept _ able. Now there was the Burials question . and Mr. Osborne Morgan's resolution, which was discussed the other day, to the effect , that it was desirable that churchyards should be open to dissenters to bury with other ser _ vices and other ministers than those of the . Church of England. Now it was perfectly , true that this was merely an agitation got 7 up by the Liberation Society, a move on the f chess-board by the Disestablishment party, i who thought if they could get into the churchyards they would soon have the pul f pits too. Most of us saw this, and knew c that there was really no grievance at all. All large towns and centres of population i have their public cemeteries, and church . yards are closed, and it was only in villages 3 that grievances could possibly exist. Those of us who had any acquaintance amongst a . good class of Dissenters were also aware that there was no wish on their part for any 3 alteration in the present law, and that they were perfectly satisfied to do as their fathers had done ; but it was a battle cry, and the Liberal press made the most of it, for their 1 " straw " this session has been very limited, a and still they were bound to. deliver their _■ " tale of bricks." The resolution was well 3 discussed, well ventilated, and supported by . several Government members of liberal dis t position, and still Government came out with c a majority of 45. This on such a point was r, an immense triumph, because without making it a Government question Mr Disraeli had r, distinctly stated that Government opposed -_ the resolution.

LEGISLATION FOR THE FARMERS,

The Agricultural Holdings Act — that Act which was forced upon us by that miserable, restless crowd, the advanced Liberals —is just coming into operation, and is an instance of harassing legislation, and an excellent commentary on the style of law-making, of which this is a specimen. I may tell you that on all sides both landlords and tenants are contracting themselves out of the Act. .It is, as you will remember, an optional measure. It provides for compensa tion for unexhausted improvements, in the case of a quitting tenant, but parties are not compelled to come under its operation, if they give due notice. Now we begin to see how really no legislation was wanted on this sub ject. Landlords and tenants were happy under the old regime ; they wanted no laws to bind them over. Landlords in England are liberal enough, and tenants are generally safe enough. But the Chambers of Agricul ture wanted something to talk about, and some M.P.'s who wanted a cause and a fol lowing stepped in as Farmer's Cham pions, and I verily believe that so much fuss was made about it that the farmers began to think they were going to be made rich by Act of Parliament. But now see what is the real state of the case. On all sides landlords or tenants are giving one another notice that they desire mutually to remain in statu quo, and not to come under the Act. How is this ? It is simple enough. The Act provides that if_ a tenant leaves a farm he shall be able to claim for unexhausted improvements, that is—for manures, draining, and so on, done at his own expense. Just so ; very proper, and I never heard of a landlord who did not allow for such things, or of one who was not glad to keep a tenant who would improve land in such ways. But the land of England is no toriously and almost universally underlet, and it is not likely that a landlord would permit himself to be made liable to pay a heavy sum to an out-going tenant, and allow that tenant to remain on at a low rent. Tenants know this full well, and are also anxious to retain their farm at low rents, for

to them a hud ro the hand is worth two in t he bush ; and bo it is that it is to the intel est of both sides that they should remain as they are. I know of numbers of instances of very large landowners whose tenantry have held meetings, and expressed a decided wish not to come under the Act.

FENCING IN THE COMMONS. After all Radicalism is very inconsistent and I don't believe there is much difference between a good Conservative and a good Liberal. The latter mined their cause and name by endeavouring to act up to a creed chalked out for them by their hot-headed foi lowers, and so falling to the mercies of the democrats. A short time since what a cry the Radicals used to raise about "waste lands." Oh ! they said, if all the waste lands of England were made to come under the plough there would be no lack of bread but the rich man keeps these lands idle 10. his own selfish sporting purposes, and letg the poor man starve. What was the con sequence of this cry ? The fashion was set of enclosing waste lands, and hundreds of thousands of acres were made profitable which were mere sandy wastes. But who got these lands ? Why, of course, the people who had vested rights in them, and who went to the expense of reclaiming them. Oa the other hand what did they benefit the poor man ? Nothing at all! Nay !, so far from it—the poor man no longer had the stray for his cow and the breezy heath on Which to ramble. His goose had no common, and his donkey's thistles were sadly cur tailed. So much for radical improvements.

And now the party have slewed round and got up a cry of, the rich men are grubbing up all onr waste lands ; the poor man hag no place where be *can breathe the fresh air of - heaven. We musb preserve our " commons" for the people. And so professor Fawcett' is popular as the opposer of enclosure - . schemes. For my part I rejoice to nee the change. England is getting so horribly '• business like. There was a danger of onr , quite losing all our love for nature and the beautiful in our love for the practical. The" New Fore.t itself has had a narrow escape, < , Tbe fact is we get most of our com from abroad n'nw. You contribute somewhat to . our supplies, and in the future will no doubt send more. Prosperity makes us love luxury. Even tbe " poor" are beginning to say, "We must have our moors and heaths on which to . disport ourselves on holidays, and' after all. health is something luxurious, perhaps youi may say, but luxury of a very favourable kind surely."

NEWS OF THE AUCKLAND ELEC TIONS.

Tbe election news from Auckland _____ month is very cheerful, and I am delighted to see the return of so many good men in op position to the muddling set of muffs who re present your Government. What a Govern.' ment ! We can scarcely realise here the paltriness of a set of men who cut opt the ' Opposition Press from participation in the Government advertisements. We expect to.', hear of Mr Rees opening his mouth pretty wide when he gets down to Wellington, That is exactly what they want in that part of the world. A little of the naked truth would do a world of seod. We now have some hope of seeing separation effected and. ,' Auckland getting the right to dispone of her own monies, instead of being rifled and* robbed for the aggrandisement of poverty ' stricken Wellington and the Southern . squatting aristocracy (?). To see that; precious Upper House done away with , would also be a mighty delight to all sensible folk. We cannot in England under-" stand such an anomaly as an Upper House created for the sake of having an Upper ; House. We respect the House of Lords and its opinions, because our Peers are men of; breeding and education, and because the House itself is an ancient inbtitutiori, out do ynu imagine for a moment that the; English people would allow a House 0f... Lords to he made up' out of retired publicans, * Stock Exchange bears and bulls, enriched ' tallow chandlers and such like ; hut that Wr exactly what you are doing at this moment, Why ! royalists as we are in England, we]; should scorn to be ruled by such a mob of ignorant loons, and as for creating and tM '. petuating such a farcical piece of stupidity i we should laugh at the idea

Ge-kenstone, M

CABLEGRAMS.

[PRFSS AGENCY.]

SYDNEY.-THIS DAY. The barque lady Franklin sailed from,, Newcastle this day for Auckland with 350;, tons coals. She is consigned to Mr John ; Reid.

Accident in Upper Queen Street.

This morning while a horse drawing a loaded'; dray, all beloneing to Mr Lloyd of thePon son'by Rope Works, was ascending Upper ; Queen-street, the animal commenced to ] D and kept the driver employed for alongwMe / in fruitless endeavours to urge him on. ■. At,... this moment Mr Mynott, a carter, pened to pass with his vehicle, and made an; offer of assistance, which was gladlyaccepled. Mynott's dray was fastened in front of tMj other, and the horse tried to drag his recaloi-1 trant brother np the bill. This not succeed^ ing, Mynott turned his horse down the M, : , so as to give a start and then face round to the ascent. In carrying this plan into execn- i tion, the turn was made a little top suddenly., and Mynott's horse and dray capsized, tie. owner and a boy escaping injury by jumping ; ; out. The dray, however, was a good4|«| damaged, but, no doubt, Mr Lloyd will see Mynott is no sufferer by his exertions m nis, behalf. I

COLONEL STEINBERGER.

This gentleman, whose name has been heard mentioned so often lately in connection MM Samoa, was a passenger to this port by tw City of San Francisco last night. W ■ intends to remain here for some time, pend ing the settlement of bis affairs. In responj to a gentleman of our staff who waited m him this morning, the Colonel, who ».» ' squarely built man of about 35, witn m distinctively American tjpe of countenance,.. made a statement to tbe following effect :- The interruption of cable communication with Washington rendered his plans v . action uncertain at present. Heh? dgS grievances against certain persons w would be submitted to the proper tr»buM| at present it would do no good to p ticularise. He believes that ff* »gj. will entertain the opinion that the Ufliw States would give important document, the disposal of a ship of war, "^ presents to a large amount '0 mere adventurer. "The " inhabitants ». the various districts of Samoa at the "Die" was arrested all expressed the greatest sy. pathy for him, and their universal W^A that Captain Stevens should give them "» ~:, their white man. Of Captain «»eTV Colonel Steinberger declines to speak, d for the other officers of the Barracouta ne "^ presses the highest esteem, He comes fl with the fullest confidence in English J? 3" > and he would submit his case to iw' f tribunal with just the same convict^ receiving fair play as if he appealea^ American authorities. He is muotii si that, serious outbreaks we ■ imm m en., Samoa. At present he wishes us toj rl^: our judgment on his conduct, vv only heard one side, but the other bioo , come out in due time, In regard to Peerless he states that he is convince" title is not worth a rush, bat he aw intend to interfere with her, at any » ■.., the great question is gone into, ana F (Jj not at all. Upon one part of his sroi j Colonel speaks very bitterly, and tWJ * way in which he was arrested, us Si» ; ;■.;":' < ■ 4

me irofira s*ab, satoedat, &pbxl 29, nib*



Vf/E beg to call the attention of parties about to Furnish to our large stock of Household Furniture, T. & IL COOKE, 148, Queen-street, (Opposite the New Theatre). Funerals Economically Furnished. OUTH BRITISH FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL £750,000. The popularity ft the South British among In surers is clearly ibo vn by the large and steady Increase of its bv-tins.s. The receipts on Premium account have been: First Year i- £34,032 Second Year £69,041 ' Third Year ...........£95,184 Lowest rates. Prompt and liberal settlement still BpeciallyJattendoa. A. BOARDMAN, "1 Manager.



BLANKETS! BLANKETS! blanketb! 1,000 Pairs. 1,000 Pairs. j ( 9-4 White, 10/G, 12/6. 14/(5 per pair k,w \lO 4 White, 17/6 and 21/ per pair HJ/ 11-4 Whits, 25/ por pair. 3< / Bed-n'"-of all kinds at U) V jar- HOLLOW •. V & GAKLICK'S. ___£_ HandPoma Drawing-room Suites in Silk Bep Ilorsphair and Damask Suites Great varietr of Chairs, T.ookinf? Glasses, Tables Prowers Washstancls, Toilet Sets Mattresses Palliasses. Pillows, all kinds Iron and Wood Bedsteads and Cots. JUST OPENED— EeantSFUl lot of Winceys from /5J per yard, worth /9 Crimean Shirtings, extra good value Blanlcts, Shcctinsr. and Quilts from 3/11 Hearth Buss and Carpctß Another Shipment of Door Mats at 2/11 Fancy Hosiery, Stays at 2/11, worth 4/6 Table Covers, Damasks, &c. Shawls, Hats, and Millinery. Conntry Settlers will find it convenient to deal with us, as wo can srpply Drapery, Clothing, Millinery, and Furnishing Goods, which will bo well packed, and forwarded with Despatch. rf3?~ Buy your Winter Dresses and Clothes from— HOLLOWAY & GARLICK., DItArEPP, CI.OTHIKHS. MILTJTOCTR, CABINETMAKERS UpnOLSwiii'ns, and Undertakers, CITY HALL, Cwt) -siie v, 1 1 cl 'f r (■ . AUTUMN AND WINTER DKAPEBY AND CLOTHING. A Largo Parcel of NEW and SEASONABLE GOODS of every description, just to hand, at RUSHBROOK and BRIDGMAN'S. Exceptionally £r«od Value, having been Purchased at a considerable discount :— BLANKETS! BLANKETS! Blankets, all sizes. White nnd Coloured Good sirong All-Wool Flannel, fr<-m ls per yard Wincoys, in great variety, from Bd per yard 32-incli Wincey at Is per yard, rare valuo A choice assortment of New Fancy Drcs Ooods, Calicoes and Sheetings, Furnishing Goods, etc,, etc. Also, ' clothing ! clothing! For Boys and Men, splendid value. Suits, Coats, Trousers, and Vests Overcoats, Pilot Jackets Printed Mole Trcusers, Shirts. Hosiery Hats and Caps, &c. R. & B. with confidence invito attention to the above, and inspection will prove that for FBTCE and QUALITY our Stock will bear favourable comparison with that of any other House in tho Trade. Patterns forwarded on application, and prompt and 'careful attention to country orders. 5 % Discount allowed on all Cash Piirctiasks of 20s. and upwards. iiushbeooe: & bridgman, .Late E. Hobbs!, UNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposite tho Army and Navy Hotel, tJTfer. Queen-street, Auckland. THORNTON, SMITH & FIRTH'S PEICES CURRENT (WnoLESAii.) :— Sacks. 1001t>s. Gott>s. "Crown Brand" Flour, £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. per ton 14 0 0 14 10 0 15 0 0 T. S. F. Canterbury Flou.-, do 12 10 0 12 10 0 13 0 0 Sharps, do 6 17 6 Bran, do 6 5 0.. Fowl Wheat, per bushel, 4s 3d to 4s 6d. The above prices include sackß and bags. Sacks and hues not returnable-.—Terms Cash. Auckland. Aprils. 1876.



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