SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

$, ,— iii«H WATEK—Ih!» afternoon, 8 52; to-morrow morning, 9 13 BtTN SET— Thfa nvflnfng, 447. SUN RISB-To tt"Tow nioralcif 717 MOON'S AGE-F.rst quartor, 29th, 253 am

ARRIVALS.

"■aincra, pciionrer, from Wungaroa lona. ss, Farquhar, from the Norlh |

DEPARTURES.

Pretty .Tano, ss, for the Thames

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

m tno bonth-Wellington. «s, Sunday, 10 am; laupo, Wednesday • Taranaki, Saturday ■fcor Waitara- Go-ahead, Tuesday next For Hbbart Town-Bella Mary, barquo, at once Jror Tauranpta—Rowena, Monday ifor the Islands-Martha, barque, early; Pearl, ketch, early For London-Cam atic, ship, sth July: Dilpussund, barque, early For Coromandel - Argyle, ss, Mondays and Fridays For Wangarei—Argyleovory Tuesday For Bay of Islands—lona every Monday

VESSELS EXPECTED

Jtaraniki, from tho South (to-morrow) Taupo, from the South Wanlock, barque, fr om Glasgow • sailed Feb 18 Bobington, ship (PR.HV), from London; sailed 24th Fobruary

THE S.S. WELLINGTON.

In conseqnence of tho stormy state of the weather the s s Wellington did not, leave the Onehunga wharf this afternoon as advertised. She Is now appointed toi'eave at 10 o'clock to-morrow (Sunday) morning. The train leaves Auckland at 9 25 a.m.

The s s City of San Francisco is advertised to leave this port with the outward English Mail on the 3rd July for San Francisco vi • Honolulu and Kandavu. The _rpyl. cme up flylne from Wangarei on her last, trip. The time occupied was only 1\ hours. We learn from Mr John Reid that tbe barquentlne Prince Alfrpd has been wind bound at Kaipara Heads nearly a fortnight. Hie is bound South with timber. The barque Roseneath loaded by Messrs Stone Bros with a c-rcro of timber for the Enellsh Admirality was aho wlnrl-bound according to latest advices, Tho Pretty Jane has transferred to tho ship Oarnatlc her cartro of t.llow and wool from Napier. She cleared out and left for the Thames this morning with 30 head of cattle and 100 sheer, which will be shipped at Tamaki The cutter Coral'e has cleared for Coromandel, via Tamakt, with 18 head of cattle. The schooner Swallow, while lying at Wangaroa, dragged her anchor in tho gale on Thursday night, and drifted on to some rocks on the Point. It is expected she will ba prot off safely. The ss lona arrived from the North this morning after a very fast passage of twelve hours. The ss Go-ahead is advertised to leave for tho Wai tara on Tuesday next. Cargo will be received on bowd In Auckland—not In the M*nukau, as usual. The vessel will proceed direct to Waitara via the North Cape. The s s Taranaki with the Suez M»il has been detained throuch bad weather at Nelson. The earliest at which she may be expected in tbe Mannkau is 71 o'clock to-morrow morning, but it Is impossible to namo any time with certainty in consequence of tho stormy state of the weather.

CUSTOMS RETURNS.

The following aro tho Customs returns for the week ending Saturday, June 24,1876 :— Dulles £2824 0 4 Light Honse Dues 46 11 8 Morchant Shipping Fees 112 0 Arms Fees 10 4 0 GoldPuty 423 12 2 Other Receipts 0 3 0 Total £3Sf6 3 8

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND

MATLS WILL CLOBK AS FOLLOWS:— For Thames on Monday at 2 .0 pm and 5.30 pm For Coromandel. per Argylo, on Monday next, at 10.30 am Per ss Wellington today as under :— For India, China, Mediterranean ports, Continent of Furnpe. at 4-_0 nm For Taranaki, Southern provinces, Australian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton, (for letters specially addressed) at 4 30 pm For Bu?s-ll Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, on Monday, at 4 pm For Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Monday nr-xt, at 4 pm For Wangari, Wangarei Heads, Mangapai, and Waipu, per Argyle. on Tuesday next, at 4 pm For T»ranaki, Southern provinces, and Australian colonies, per Tanpo, on "We Inesday next at 1045 am (Signed) S. B. BIS 3. Chief Postmaater.g?

BIRTH.

BIGELOW—On June 22. at her residence, Primrose Cottage, Ponßonby, Mrs. John Smith Blgelow of a son.

DEATH.

O'IIARA—At the residence of her mothor, Wake Geld street, after a long and painful illness. Margaret, the eldest and beloved daughter of tho late John O'Hara. aged 20 years.—Thames and Southern papers please copy. Tbe funeral will leave her mother's residence to morrow ( Sunday), at _ p.m. Friends -will please accept this Invitation. LYNCH—On the 23rd instant, at his residenco, Clanricarde Hotel, Michael Lynch, aged 3C yearfl. The funeial will leave his late residenco on Sun day next, at 3 p.m. Friends are invited.

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 1876

l-rjt the cause that lacks auSsWac*, For the wrong thit needs resist?-_c«, For the future in the distance,

And the good that we can (io.

Mr. Reader Wood retaliated rather severely upon Mr Stafford for his statement that Sir George Grey entrusted hundreds of free pardons already signed in his keeping when Premier. The Press Agency telegrams state :— " Mr Wood vaguely referred to some case wherein a Premier insisted upon having the last sentence of the law carried out upon some person, but that the Governor would not consent. The hon. member then said, pointing to the member for Timaru, he ought to thank God he had a kind heart and clear head standing between him and judicial murder.—Mr Stafford interrupted, giving an unqualified contradiction that there was ever any instance such as that indicated." We suppose if it was not Mr Stafford, it must have been some other Premier, about whom the story made mention of by Mr Wood gained currency. But the tale has come up before, in this wise. Mr Rees, at a meeting in the Mechanics' Institute some months ago, stated that Sir George Grey had been twitted with setting his responsible advisers wholly at defiance when Governor, and he (Mr Rees) avowed that only on one occasion had Sir George done so, and when the circumstances were known they would redound to his honour Only a few people present understood the reference, but we believe the tale is something like this: On one occasion a judge, newly appointed by the Ministry then in power, whatever that Ministry was, had bronrjht before him, as one of his first cases, a charge of murder, and sentenced tho accused to death, without any recommendation to mercy. The Ministry submitted the warrant for the wretched criminal's execu tion to Sir George Grey for signature, and he, looking carefully into the evidence, considered there were such surrounding cir cumstances as warranted the exercise of the clemency of the Crown. It is further stated that the Ministry considered that such an interference would be a censure upon their appointment, and threatened that, unless the warrant were carried into effect, they 4 would

send in their resignations. That Sir George Grey then told them they were at perfect liberty to do so, but must inform Parlia ment of the reason. After deliberation on this phase of the matter, tho Ministry deter mined to hold office, and the sentence waß commuted. It is further stated that the course pursued by His Excellency was fully justified by subsequent knowledge of the case. This is what has been related as the only act of open defiance committed by Sir George Grey towards his Responsible Ad visers. If it is true that, while exercising the strictest care before allowing any man's life to be taken away, Sir Geo. Grey left it within the power of his Ministry to issue a pardongat pleasure, his leanings must be wholly to the side of mercy. We leave to Mr Beader Wood the task of discussing with Mr Stafford the merits of the story and its application, but the version given above will enlighten our readers with respect to the nature of Mr Wood's allusion, and adds n singular ohapter to the unwritten history of New Zealand : How the sparing of the life of a wretched criminal was once made a Ministerial question.

We have heard, or read, or dreamed, something ahout the supposed connection between Goodwin Sands and Tenderden steeple, or tho spire of some other oat hedral of equal repnte. but as weoould never precisely see what that relation was, we are precluded from informing our readers. Wo are In something of a similar fix:, concerning Mr Stafford's comparisons in the Plako Swamp debate. He endeavoured, co our telegram, stated yesterday, to show that Sir George Grey had done worse than the Government, " ho had offored lands yet nnoonquered to military settlers, before the Assembly was even aslted to legislate in the matter." Wherein lies the application of Mr Stafford's criticism ? Sin, we know, is not imputed when there is no law • it is in the breach of the law that the offence doth appear. The measure selected by Mr Stafford from the hundreds of transactions that must havo come to his knowledge during the many year, of Sir George Grey's Governorship !s about as inappropriate to the oooasion as anything could bo. His allusion was to the enrolment of men in the Waikato militia for the de fence of the colony, with a promise of fifty acre sections of land at the oloso of tho war. The exigencies of thoso perilous times, when citizens were doing " sentry go " in the out skirts of'the city, would have amply Justi fied a breach of tho law, but nothing of the kind was involved. And what a marked contrast there is between the manner of carrying out Sir George Grey's measuro and the secret negotiations which alienated tho 5.5,000 acres of pnblio estate known as the Piako Swamp. The pleasures and emolu ments of military settlerism were freely offered to all her Majesty's liege subjects. Even Mr St-fford might havo secured his fifty acres had he fo!t disposed to win it at the risk of his skin, but no such oppor tunity was afforded in tho sale of tho Swamp. If tho terms upon which that block was to be disposed of had been publicly notified for the benefit of all colonists aliko, any illegality in the transaction would have been condoned. Therein lies the head and front of the offending. If Mr Stafford knows nothing more discreditable to Sir George Grey than the offer of fifty acres of land to every man who was prepared to win it at the point of tho bayonet from rebels against the Queen, it will be very judicious on his part to take a back seat.

A Provincial Government Gazette published to-day alters the definition of the City or Town of Auckland under the Municipal Police Act, and makes it the same as that defined by the first schedule of the Municipal Corporation Act, ISG7. The Act is also made applicable to Parnell, Newmarket, i Eden Terrace, Karangahape, Arch Hill, Newton, Ponsonby, and Devonport. | A very interesting document appears in a Provincial Government Gazette published to day, being none other than the Charter of Corporation granted to tho town and suburbs of Auckland by Sir George Grey in 1851. This gave the Corporation a very extensive jurisdiction over a wide district with valu able endowmonts and large revenues. The Highways Act is brought into opera tion in the Whangarei Township Highway District. Part of the Harbour Board proceedings on Tuesday will be the nominations for election to the office of Chairman. Tenders will also be received for the renewal of the wharf, ironwork, timber, carting, and repairs to the crane. The town clock was set going again this afternoon. It would be hazardous to say how many appointments have been missed in consequence of the temporary stoppage. We can't do without that clock now, anyhow. The Venerable Dr Maunsell, of St. Mary's Church, Parnell, will deliver the next of the series of lectures at the Albert-street Tem perance Hall, on Monday evening next. The subjects of Dr Maunsell's lecture, "Instinct and Reason," are fraught with much interest, and have often been dis cussed by members of Mutual Improvement Socities with much advantage. They have also been largely investigated by Lord Brougham, and writers on natural history. Dr. Maunsell in his pithy, original manner is always interesting and instructive, drop ping a thought here and there which are worthy of preservation. The committee have wisely provided a choir for the occasion, in order that the wishes of the many may be satisfied. The Hon. Col. Haulfcain will occupy the chair. We refer our readers to our third page for subjects of Sunday discourses at the various places of divine worship in and about the city, all of which are of importance. Courting in Cumberland is surrounded by some singular customs, which resemble very much the Swiss mode of wooing. The Liverpool Post reports an extraordinary affiliation case which was concluded recently <*t Ulverston before the magistrates, after lasting three days. Margaret Dixon, a young lady of considerable personal attractions, summoned John Newby, yoeman, as father of her illegitimate child. About thirty witnesses were summoned, an action for seduction pending for £500. Mr Tilley appeared for complainant, and Mr Poole defended, and contended the father was Wilham Whinn, farm servant, whom complainant was also courting. Under the assize court subpoena Whinn pro duced about a hundred letters received from complainant of the most amorous character, one containing an acrostio of the ; moat questionable propriety. Tho cbild was born in July, 1875, and Newby h_d sat up all night twice a week from September ( previous to March with oomplainant, The Bench said this mode of courting was the custom of the country. Newby denied any undue familiarity with the complainant, bat Whinn admitted the existence of improper relations. The case has caused considerable excitement throughout the district of Fatness, tho parties being respectably con nected, and tho court was crowded.,, , > ' >

A mooting of the Presbyterians was hold last evening in the district hall, to consider the advisability of making efforts for a branch church for Ponsonby. Considering the wet- I nesg of the evening, the audienoe was good. The proceedings opened with praye., after which the Rev Mr Macnicol, who had called the meeting, explained the object of their meeting together, which was to establish a sunday-Hchool and place of worship in that locality. He thought the step should now be taken. The population of Ponsonby had greatly increased, and a branch church had in consequence become a necessity. He be 'ieved the use of the hall could be obtained for a small sum, and the chief matter to be considered now was whether there would be support for an assistant minister. Mr Morton thought they were not strong enough to sup port a minister ; there were only fifty families who could assist. Mr Stewart regarded this meeting as Initiatory; the hall Bhould be at once secured, or to-morrow the opportunity might be gone. Mr Anderson recommended the election of a canvassing committee. Mr Taylor volunteered to be one ef three to guarantee the rent of the Hall for six months Messrs Symonds, McKeDzie, Taylor, and Stewart were elected as a committee. After some further conversation it was decided " That the matter be left to the decision of the committee to petition the presbytery as to tho forming the congregation into > a Church," also that a canvass of the district be taken first, and a general meeting called. A canvass was then marie in the room, and sums amounting to £80. was guaranteed. IMr Stevenßon suggested that the skating ! going on in the Hall should be stopped if possible, if the Hall was to be used for pub Ho worship. The meeting dosed with the benediotion pronounoed by Rev R F Macnio col.

We understand that a movement 5s on foot among the members of the Victoria and Good Templars Band to give Mr McComish a benefit in return for his great exertions in instructing them in their playing. The benefit is to take the shape of a musical entertainment, at tho Temperance Hall, Albert-street, and will come off on Friday evening next. Further particulars will be advertised in due course.

We are requested to announce that the notices in the papers about the Rev. P. H, Oomford's visit to Sydney were premature The rev. gentleman—although thinking of going there for a month for change of air— is not likely to go for two or three months.

To the Editor: Sir,—lt appears ( that there is nothing but the cold stones in the drunkard'sgcell for tho poor wretches to lip upon, and whon it is considered that th. poor woman, Wilson, was lying there from four o'clock in the afternoon until two o'clock the next morning, it is not wonderful that death should ensue. Surely there might bo some softer and warmer resting-place provided for tho poor slaves of a depraved appetite, than the bare stones. Could not some rude couch be provided in the police cell, for women especially, as a preventative to " apoplexy accelerated by intemperance " and the cold stones of the cell, which, in the opinion of many persons, strike death into the heart.—Obskrvkr.

Admirers of the cue will be pleased to learn that efforts aro being made to induce Mr Boberts, junr., tho English ex-champion, now in Australia, to pay Auckland a visit. Mr Perkins of tho Occidental Hotel who is well known as one of tho be_t players in New Zealand, is willing to make a match, and Mr Curtis of the Pacific Hotel, Grahams town, has offered terms for Roberta to make a tour through the colony. Tt is to be hoped that we may have an opportunity oi witness ing Roberts'skill before he goes baok homo.

Mr FT. W. Farnn.ll is en the point of leaving for Wcllincton, for tho purpose of bringing before Parliament a claim for com pensation for wrongful dismissal. It will be recolleoted that this gentleman, was appointed Immigration Ap,ent for Ireland under the Immigration and Public Works Act of 1872. Ho porformed the duties for a twelvemonth, and was then suddenly dismissed by Dr Fca thorston, without any roason being assigned. It has, wo believe, been admitted that Mr Farnall is entitled to some compensation, but the sum offered by the Government has not boen considered adequate. An enquiry is likely to be instituted into the circum stances under which Mr Farnall was dis missed, and we aro promised some rich revelations on the administration of Dr Featherston'e Agency-General.

It will be seen from our telegrams that the arrangements which havo been long known to have been pending have at last been completed by which the Union Steam ship Company takes over the boats of the New Zealand Steamship Company. The transfer takes place as each boat arrives at Dunedin, beginning with the Wellington, which leaves the Manukau to-morrow. The trade between tho Manukau and Dunedin has not proved sufficient to pay against the hot competition of tho rival companies, and we are pleased to see that an amalgamation has been decided on, believing as we do that it is best for the public and the shareholders of both Companies.

The wreck of the cutter Williamette drifted ashore three miles south of Manukau Heads. All the sails and gear and other fittings are being saved. The United States Government are still occupied with Indian troubles. A Herald Washington special says : General Custar will leave here at once to take command of his column, which is to take the field for opeartions against the hostile Sioux. He says the three columns about to start under the plan of operations directed by Sheridan, will aggregate in numbers about 3000 men, \ while it is said that the Sioux can put 8000 warriors against them. Some very hard fighting is expected. We have received a letter from Mr John Pilmer, the complainant in the assault case at the Police Court yesterday, in which the writer complains of having been mulcted of costs ; but as there does not appear any ex traordinary circumstances connected with the case we do not see any necessity for the publication of the letter. Offenbahc, the co.nposer, Is now in New V ork, and was seranaded with his owu music at the fifth Avenue Hotel. He appeaaed on the balcony and replied in French. He de clared that he was delighted with the city and bis reception. The vicar of St Petrock Minor, Cornwall (who lately advertised that he would reject all letters addressed to him as "Reverend," and would only be styled G. W. Manning), died lately. He had his coffin made years ago, and has slept either upon or in it for many months. It was fitted with mattress and pillow, and lately he employed a carpenter to alter it, so as to make it more comfortable. For several weeks he has slept within the coffin. The walls of his bedroom were papered with the letters he received respecting his assumption Cf the title, and with notices of the steps to be taken in the event of his being seized with illness. Among other eccentricities, he from the pulpit on Sunday gave his domestic servant notice to leave his employment. Although thua peculiar, he has continued to do duty in church until now, but the popu lation of the parish is under one hundred. Tho De Murska fever appears?f.o have set in here as elsewhere. The applications for reserved seats exceed any thing yet ex perienced in this; town, and people are expected to be present from all parts. Every provision has been made by Mr Medoalfe for affording all an opportunity of hearing this gifted artiste, amongst other things that of special late trains and omnibusses for the suburbs. Intending visitors to the seoond seats will be pleased to know that the raised platform Is to be erooted specially for their :accommodation, , Mddlo. De, Murska, with her talentod company, and the great Signor D. De Vivo as manager, will arrive here in the Tftupo on Monday morning, i. !.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M ) PILGRIM- TO HADES. Thomas Mahoney, William Smith, Robert Macfarlano, and Robert Reid, were charged with being drunk last night, and fined 5s eaoh and Is 6d costs. A PLEASANT NAP. Ngungu, a native, was charged with a breach of tho Railway Regulations Act, by being found asleep in a carriage belonging to the Auckland and Mercer railway, this morning. Prisoner said ho was guilty. Mr Brown interpreted. Mr Broham said that he did not wish to press the charge against the prisoner, as he was not aware that he was doing wrong, and was not there with any evil intention." The prisoner was then discharged. ABSENT SAILORS, Edward Hayes and Robert Binmore were again brought up on a charge of absenting themselves without leave from her Majesty s ship Barracouta. Mr Broham said he had received a tele gram from Wellington asking for a further remand until the arrival of the Nymph. His Worship said tho men had been re manded three times already, and it was un usual to remand more than three times. Mr Broham said in this case it was perhaps necessary. , , ~, The prisoners were then remanded until the Ist of July. The prisoner Hayes complained ot the hardness of their position ; they were treated as though they were housebreakers, and put among the worst of the prisoners. He hoped they might be permitted to have some tobacco as they had suffered twice over for their offenco Binmore thought under the circumstances they might be allowed their tobacco, and he thought that it was inconsistent in any Government to subject seamen to a long ' period of punishment, beyond that of ordinary crimin-ls, for a harmless offence. His Worship promised to do what he could towards a supply of tobacco for them. The prisoners thanked his Worship for his expression of sympathy, and were removed in custody, and sent back to Mount Eden. WITHOUT A LICENSE. Ernest Ronald Hill was summoned for tradiug as a hawker without a license on the 15th inst., as required by the city bye-law. Mr Hill pleaded not guilty. Mr J. B. Russell, who appeared for the Council, said he was in hopes that defendant would have the good sense to plead guilty. Defendant was in^ the habit of collecting greenstuff and bringing it into the Auckland market for sale, and also with hawking it about tho town, thus depriving Mr Greonwood, the lessee of the market, of his fees. John Bray, a youth, deposed that he was a working man, and in the occupation of Mr Hill; he knew Mr Greenwood as the Market Inspector ; he spoke to him about a license for selling, greenstuff; he was then serving his customers, or rather Mr Hill's customers; brought it from Mr Hill's farm at Epsom ; sold it to any one who might ask for a bundle ; he did not cry out "here ye are, green and fresh ;" every body could see what was in the cart. On that day he sold one to Mr Kennedy and two to Mr P. Doran, the expreßsman, and one to somebody else. He took the money to Mr Hill ; of course he did not pocket it. To Mr Hill : He never knocked at any body's door ; he never stuck people up in tho street (laughter). (Mr Hill intimated to the Court that he did not mean to imply that the boy was a garotter.) Witness: The customers usually pay monthly. George Clarke, poultry-dealer, deposed to buying a bundle of green stuff off the boy for a shilling. Patrick Doran deposed that by! the particular request of Mr Greenwood he bought a bundb of green stuff off the boy. Mr. Greenwood asked in a very courteous manner, and he thought ho would oblige him, as he was a smart looking man and wore a bell-topper. (Laughter.) When he bought it, Mr Greenwood made him a present of the bundle, for which he was very much obliged, but he did not think be intended.to bring him to court, or he would not have caught Pat Doran. Mr R. C. Greenwood said that he was paying £75 n month as lesßee of the market, and it was necessary for him to get the fees in order to make up his rent. There were a number of persons who acted in the same way as defendant, and he had acted in the way he did, as it was almost impossible to get evidence without. Mr Hill wished to call John Kennedy, who deposed simply that he was asked by Green wood to buy a bundle of green stuff, for which Mr Greenwood found the money j he gave him the bundle; he should certainly not have done so, but he was not up to the dodge. Mr Bussell having addressed the Court, his Worship said the case must fall through, as the by-law hal not been put in evidence. He was guided specially by a decision of Judge Johnston. It was absolutely neces sary. Mr Russell said he should have not only to put in the By-law, but the Gazette, and the other documents. He thought if the by-laws had once been proved, it was suffi cient, but of course he would abide by the decision of the Court. If his Worship was right, he had certainly been misled in the matter.

His Worship said, if counsel thought fit, he would take time to look into the matter. He took the by-laws as already proved, but it was necessary to put them in evidence. The case was dismissed upon its merits, the Court allowing it to be re-opened at the request of Mr Russell. Mr Hill complained of the injustice of attempting to make him take out a license, as he was neither a pedlar nor a hawker ; he grew his own stuff, and never sent a bundle more into town than was ordered ; he paid his rent, and £6 12s 6d a year in rate,s, and £9 2s 6d in tolls, and if he was compelled to be further oppressed by the expense of a license, the sooner he retired from honest labour and gave the police a job the better; he defended this action entirely upon, prin ciple, and was no more liable to take out a license than a cheesemonger, or milkman, who supplied their customers; and since the case was reopened, he hoped, if he was found guilty the fine would be but nominal, and that the oosts would be divided. His Worship said, before giving his fiual decision he should like to look into a few similar cases, and he would give judgment on Saturdty next. DEPRAVITY IN- MILL LANE. Four miserably clad children of the name of Morgan, respectively named, Matilda, aged 11^ ; John, aged 9; Christina, aged 8 ; and Mary Ellen, aged 6 ; were brought up charged asibeing neglected children. Mr Broham stated the circumstances, which were of a lamentabl- chrraoter. The mother of the children said she had done her best for her children unaided by the father, who was away. She worked as a washerwoman, ~ Constable Grace deposed that he knew the mother, who had lived in a house in Mills Lane frequented by thieves and prostitutes. He had often seen the mother drunk and the poor children lying about in a half nude con dition, dirty and neglected. He turned three prostitutes out of the house yesterday. The woman did no vn-hing; tho statement W*s false. , '. i The ohildren v. .re ordered to the Home for neglected children, to be brought up in the religion of their parents. .: '

A Bridegroom Arrested.

A singular story Is told in a late issue of the Waikato Times. It appears that Mr George Geven, a respectable settler at Waiuku, had had a dispute with a neighbour about a horse which Mr Geven had in his possession, and which that gentleman main tained to be his own, and which the neigh bour claimed as his. The difference of opinion was still existing on the eve ot a very important epoch in Mr Geven s lite, nameiy, the celebration of his marriage to Miss Harper, daughter of the late proprietor of the Hamilton Hotel. Mr Geven had arrived at Ohaupo, where the ceremony was to be performed by the Rev Mr Scott, when, on Monday last, he was suddenly arrested on a charge of larceny by Detective Doolan on a warrant issued by the Waiuku magistrates. He was taken before' Col. Lyon and Capt. Steele, Justices,at Hamilton, and remandedto Waiuku.bail being allowed in a bond of £200, and two sureties of £100 each. The damper which this unauspicious occurrence threw upon the wedding preparations may be well imagined, but we are happy to add that the bride, with that sublime confidence of which only woman, true woman, is capable, refused to entertain any thoughts of suspicion against her beloved, and the ceremony was per formed in due course. There is full confi dence in the district that Mr Geven's expla nation will secure the dismissal of the case without a stain on his character.

PARLIAMENTARY.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON.

Public Accounts Committee. Sir Julius Vogel notified bis intention to propose the substitution of Mr Montgomery and Mr Reid for Messrs Cox and Kelly on this committee. Sir George Grey gave, nofaoe to move that Messrs Stout and Rees be placed on the committee. Ministerial Civil Servants. Tn reply to Mr Bees, the Premier stated that Dr Pollen was on the Civil Service list, and would be entitled to any retmng allow ance due to him. Sir Donald McLean was not. Sir Donald McLean explained that the office of Lands Purchase Commissioner had been abolished by Sir George Grey in 1865. Graves of War Heroes. Sir Donald McLean, in answer to Mr Williams, said the graves of those slain in the war were heme; looked after. The Old Mall Penalty. The Premier stated, in answer to Mr Stevens, that tbe colony suffered a loss of £18 765 by the breakdown of the Hall- Forbes contract, and had not received a penny of it. A compromise bad, however been pronosed which it was possible would be carried out. DisQiialification Act. The Disqualification Act Amendment Bill was passed through all stages. The Great Debate. Mr Reader Wood, who moved the adjourn ment of the debate on tbe Piako Swamp resolution, resumed It this afternoon in his best style. He kept the House in a state of good humour by his polished hits. He spoke of the expressed opinion of the two legal gentlemen who had spoken as to the illegality of the transaction and tbe inability of the Government to produce a sinele leeal opinion in its favour. The best parts of his speech were his satires on the Government and the member for Timaru (Mr Stafford). The support of that gentleman reminded him of Lord Palmerston'a remark that he did not Care for people who supported him wheD he was right; he wanted those who would do so when he was wrong. Mr Stafford's allusion to Sir Geo. Grey leaving hundreds of blank par- ; dons in his possession was in bad taste. One hon. member, he said, ought to thank God he bad a clear head and kind heart standing between him and judicial murder, when as Premier he insisted upon the execution of a man in whose favour Sir George Grey justly, ns it proved, exercised the clemency of the Crown. (Mr Stafford here interrupted the speaker, emphatically denying any knowledge of such a case as the one alluded to by Mr Wood.) Mr Wood adduced Mr Brissenden's evidence before the Tairua Committee in proof of undue favouritism. There should not he one law for the Government aud another for the people. He condemned the Premier's bank correspondence, and stated that the Crown Grant for the Piako Swamp .was not to be made out in favour of Mr Russell, but of the Loan Company. He con cluded by a very cutting reference to the Premier's attack on Sir Geo. Grey, concerning his letter to the Secretary of State about the use of Imperial power to enforce colonial mandates. If that letter, he said, was the production of a lunatic, then Sir Julius Vogel's argument that they would become a laughing stock if they offered 83,000 acres by auction was the reasoning of an idiot. Here the Speaker interposed. Such lan guage was unparliamentary. Mr Wood said he was sorry if that were

so. Mr Ormond followed. The line of argu ment pursued by him was that no tittle of pi oof had been adduced in favour of Buch grave accusations. He was glad the new members had purged themselves of their part in the late surprise. He spoke of Mr Stout as occupying the position held by Mr Fitzher bert in pulling Sir George Grey out of the quagmires his own rashness had brought him into. The Piako Swamp Committee last session had carefully investigated the matter, and found the charges of corruption ground less. He asked what Sir George Grey had done since he became Superintendent. His Government took good care that their friends should have the land. He admitted that the Piako Swamp sale had been irregular, and thought that, although a very good bargain, it might have been foregone. The dinner adjournment then took place.

LAST NIGHT.

T3i@ Debate.

The Piako Swamp debate was still un finished. The House sat till two o'clock this morning, and adjourned on the motion of Mr Macandrew. It is supposed there are not manyjmore to speak, but certainly a few will do so. Of all the speeches delivered Mr Wood's was the best and most telling. It was delivered in his best manner, and was really damaging to the Government. Mr Rees made an excellent speech, and was very much more moderate in tone than expected by some. Some of the new members—Messrs. De Latour, Wakefield, and Wason—spoke shortly and to the point, all condemning the transaction on the ground of want of pub licity, and all expressing the greatest doubts of the propriety of the bargain. Messrs Wakefield and Wason will, however, vo.e for the Government resolution, both belong ing to Stafford's young Canterbury party. | The same may be said of. Mr Stevens, who made a short and moderate speech which would have been better but for over referring and the dillitante manner of the man. •Mr Rowe distinguished himself by making a very strong speech condemning the. Gov ernment on its land transactions generally, but assured the House that as he had known Messrs Whitaker and Russell many years, and never known anything but the highest honour in their actions, he could not possibly doubt it was all right. This was the first case of a strong speech on one sj^e followed by a promise to vote on the other. Mr Whitaker's Speech. Mr Whitaker made a long speech at a very late hour, in defence of the wholetranßaction. He then attacked Sir Greorge Grey for having:

classed him wither Russell In the timU*. leasing transactions. He got very fi. towards the end, securing Sir George Grey of appointing the Provincial Auditor Visit, mg Justice of the Lunatic Asylum and broadly hinted that the £50?w£ was meant for bribe to that officer He also accused Mr Rolles'on of bein_ mixed up in the Hunga hunaa block transaction and haying todo with the scandal about land in Canterbury. Mr Rolleston indignantly denied about the Canterbury land scandal, and said all he knew about the Hungahuoga land business was he had placed a small s nm f or mve _ t ment in the hands of Mr Russell, and hear ing how it was invested, he asked for and got it back. On the whole, Mr Whitaker lost caste with the House by the whole speech. Mr Rolleston next, in a short speech, con. demned the whole business as bad in principle and loose in practice. Mr Montgomery also condemned the wholo business, but said at present he would not wish to see the Gobernment resign. He would vote both for the amendment of Mr Stout's motion and for the resolution so shew that he was in no way bound to the Govern ment, and did not approve of their action. Mr Cox made a speech, in which he reasoned with the Auckland members for their prejudice against Mr Russell. He said Auckland people were jealous of Mr Russell who was the most enterprising settler in the province. He spoke ot the Swamp as a doubtful speculation; but argued the good policy of the Government making a bargain to draw capital to the district; thought well of the business, and explained the hostile vote of the meeting at Ngaruawahia by say ing that they had a land grievance against the Government, but thoroughly believed in the Swamp. The debate has brought out an unusual number of new speakers, and tends to con centrate parties. The vote will favour the Government, but will not really strengthen their position, bo large a proportion of votes are given with distinct reservation and disapproval. Another Loan Ztaw- Further papers are published relative to the £4,000,000 loan including a letter from Messrs Julyan and Sergeant declining to be in any way associated with Sir Julius Vogel, of whose conduct they speak freely and strongly. The' final letter dismisses Julyan and Sergeant from the position of in any representing the colony. The papers will cause comment.

WELCOME HOME OF HON. S. D. HASTINGS.

WHAT HE TELLS OF 14 MONTHS IN

AUSTRALASIA.

[Prom the Wisconsin State Journal, May 15 J

The announcement that onr esteemed fellow citizen, Hon S. D. Hastings, who, it will be remembered, was for eight years Trea surer of this State, had returned, after an absence of a year and a half in Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, and the Paoifio Islands, on a missionary tour to promote the cause of Temperance, and especially to enlarge and strengthen the order of Good Templars, and would give some account of his observations drew together a large audience, filling the Congregational Church, last evening. Services were suspended in the Presbyterian, Methodist, and Baptist churches. The introductory services were conducted by the pastor of the church, Rev. C. H. Richards, and included prayer, reading appropriate scripture, and singing of stirring pieces from the Moody and Sankey collec tions, in which choir and congregation joined heartily. Mr Richards then, with a few words of welcome home, on behalf of the audience, and expression of pleasure at seeing again with them their brother beloved, pre sented Mr Hastings to the audience. Mr Hastings "seems in much better health than when he went away. With an apology that owing to brief time for preparation, when there was so much to say, he had not been able to oondense into so brief space as, he desired, what he wished to tell, he pro ceeded to Bpeak of the lands, little known to most Americans, which he had visited, and whose history and progress, inasmuch ' as they started like us British colonies, and their inhabitants for the most part came from the same common stock, spoke the same language, read the same books, and wor shipped the same God, and like us were building up a great nation; should be of special interest to us in the Centennial year. He said there was to be in that far off region at no very distant day, a new United States,'; not perhaps in name, but in extent,in power, in spirit and enterprise, and gave numerous statistics as to their area, population and progress, which were new and surprising to most of his hearers. Of course we cannot undertake to give any abstract of the address which occupied about an hour and a half in delivery, but indicate a few points of what he had to say of the countries in _ which he spent fourteen months. .Some interesting account was given of tbe Maories or natives of New Zealand, a class much superior to the aborigines of other colonies visited, a fine appearing, intelligent race, cultivating the soil, having farms and means. They were formerly cannibals, but have been changed by the labors of the missionaries. At the same time they have been injured by the vices of the white men, especially by intem perance, but are now attempting to reform. Some are already Good Templars, and it is l proposed they all shall unite with the Order. Mr Hastings read some interesting extracts from an address read to him upon his arrival among the Maoris, from the proceedings of ;a Maori meeting, a chief's temperance speech, a Maori paper, etc. Mr Hastings gave » very encouraging account of his work in the colonies. He reports the Temperance cause progressing, and the outlook promising, es pecially in Tasmania, where there are more Good Templars in proportion to the popula tion than elsewhere, and the Order is strong in the character and social position of many members. In the seven colonies are eight Grand Lodges of Good Templars, one in each, two in New Zealand, with some^D.UW members, and they will be represented at the International gathering this year, as they were last. Mr Hastings closed by. saying that his tour had given him new views of the importance and benefits of the missionary work, and that the good resulting many fold repaid all the cost. He referred par ticularly to what he saw of the Sandwicn Islands Christianized, the change wrong" in the cannibals of the Fiji Islands and m Maoris of New Zealand^giving some striking illustrations. Civilization and Christianity, are spreading all over the world, and jna kingdom of Christ is extending, and wm finally fill the earth.; . Rev. Mr Henderson, of Melbourne, w_o accompanied Mr Hastings, was called on ana spoke briefly, expressing his pleasure at being present on this occasion, and &eisPJ>^W had in Christian communion with Mr J±ai^ ings in his own country and here. He sa nis views in regard to total abstinence ana prohibition were not popular in,^ cto"i but he had advocated them manfully, ana he had won golden opinions by his laDOur. there, and had made many warm friends.

The parents of Ella Margrove of » phia sensibly insisted upon was at least ."sweet sixteeni" beforLßg ing 20-year old John Stone o»?^|gf Pa Foolish John bored a hole l«g| with a revolver, leaving the brief and jjttjjj obituary : « Ella darling. I cannot hve™ % years without you. When youi read this will be dead." They fonnd his body in tm nearby. , .-\> ■-■■< -«v;'- ' J,' ~■'"■ *laj ITomThrimbis go^toTexarto ii«V , f Chicago Paper thinks th* v^m g shall hear of Tom being.waylaid and abduct [; , by a .Texas grasshopper. ■'.*'-

mi iiriMii mm, satot^ai» ttfst HJM **-_w'-"*«' v ~ * ....._. . _:_._---_-_.__________*-__«^



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gjPECIAL rjHEA'P TINES. AT 130 AND 132, QUEEN-STREET. HEAVY BLANKETS, 12s Gd per pair GOOD WHITE SHEETING from Is 3d per yard A Special Line in LONGCLOTH, s#d per yard STOUT DRESSES from 9.1 per yard SUPERIOR BLACK VELVETEEN, 2b 9d per yard STOUT WINCEYS, o^d per yard. S. & J. R. VAILE, 130 AND 132/ QUEEN-STREET. THORNTON, SMITH & FIRTH'S PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale) :— Sacks. lOOlbs. 501bs. "Crown Brand" Flour, £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. per ton 14 0 0 14 10 0 15 0 0 T. _. F. Canterbury . _< Flour, do 12 10 0 13 0 0 18 10 0 Sharps,do (5 17 6 .. .. Bran, do 6 5 0 Fowl Wheat, per bushel, 4s 3d to 4s 6d. The above prices Include sacks and bags. Sacks and bags not returnable.—Terms Cash. Auckland. May 2,1876. APPOINTING ADDITIONAL GAZETTES UNDER " THE DEBTORS AND CREDITORS ACT, 1875." Normamiiy. Governor. -Whwr-R's by the fifth section of " The Debtorsand Creditors Act. 1575 " It- i«, amongst other things, enacted that the te*m " Oazett.." in the said Act shall mean any now-paper or newspapers to be from time to time apnMntod _y the O.vemor for each dls'Het : And whe"B»" by a. Proclamation dated the twontv-sen nid day of December one thousand eitrht hundred and seventy-five, Hip districts named In the ScTiednle hereto were amongst others, constituted dl«Mc>9 under the Paid Ant: And whfi-nas certain newspapers have been annotated to be Gazettes for such districts respectively: And whereas It is ex pedient to appoint other newspapers to he G .zottes In addition *o those appoint, d as aforns-ld : Now, therefore I, George Augustus Constantino Marqnis of ■Worminbr, the Govornnr of the Colon* of New Zea land In pursuance and . x.rclpo of the power and autho ritv vested In me. do hereby appoint that, for the districts named In the . chedule hn»eto, the news paper" the names whereof a'e in the said Seh'dnle set opposite to tbe names "f such districts sh-11 he Gazettes for such districts respectively under the said Act. in addition to the nswspapers already appointed. POTI-DUIYE. Auckland—" The Fvkntno Stau." As witness the hand of TH. Fxc.Heney tho Governor, this third _ay of Jnne. one. thousand eight hundred and seventy-six CnARL. 8 C. BOW RW. Relief from 0 onfrh in Ten Minutes.— «H*RL-ND'l. CHERRY PF.CTOR.L relievos tho Rr. aHu'nsr and gives refreshin? Sleep. This is a cer tain and speedy remedy for all.Disorders of tho Ghost and Lung": tn Asthma. ConsnmnHon. Bronchitis, Con. lis Influenza. - pitting of Blood, Hooping Con .b, TTonTßppees. T.o". of Voice, &c. he. 9s. M a Bottle. —APOTHECARIES HALL, opposite the Post-offlco. Well T never! exclaimed a Woman as she. lootrnrl in at a Draper's window. "What's the matter?" paid a neighbour. "Why look! hoi-, is a Uat marked 3s lid : surely it's a mistake." "No its true. T bought one for t. v Annie: that's all T paid " " Did you ev«r! But 'oolt, he is taking it out. of the window: T'll i?o and get it at once." She was 'n time to see It Bold. v_t loft an order for one 1 .st like it " Sorry wo have not, another trimmed." says tl'. Milliner " The fact Is. wo cannot keep these 3 . lid t^ats peop'° fa>e them in qnrtntlHn . " Next day when Ph» raw it on. she said, " HEMUS & TRTGG. 216, Qiwn-Btrcet, for me." If there is any truth in the Belief that those who suffer greatly in this world will cs. ape scoTPhin_ in the pox*, then will the victims of rheu matism assuredly be unscathed by tho eternal fires.; for to nothing short, of martvrdnm at the Rtak. can their tortures be a dequa'elv compared. Dyspepsia and urinary diseases, especially ffrnvel. alqo inflict mqppaknbl . misery. Eradicate tbe causes of these sufferings with UDOLrno WOLFE'S Sotit_dam Aromatic SotrvAr-p.s. Weston's Wizard Oil and Magic Pills Have cnr"d more wondorful eases of Rheumatism-. Gout Neuralgia, Aches. Pains, Swellings, Caked Breasts. Scald.x, and Salt-Rheum, upon tbo human frame, than all the pretend°d remedies have since the world besran. Those Great American Mr.di.lnes aro com posed' of vesetahlo oils, healing K.nw, roots and herbs: and not Hk. * charm upon pain and lnfl»m mation. Prloe: Hslf-a-crown. Sole Agents: Kemp thorn p. Proflner and Co.



Barnum the famous showman, is a-candi date to represent Conneoticit in Congress, His claims are spoken of as 180 votes' out of every ipndrea., ".„ ,'.," •-.',',,,.. , - ;/