SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER— /This Afternoon, 2 53 SUN" 9VTO m.i i, T°-MORBOW MORNING, $.28 d!^' 1 Evening, 5.58. SUN KJSEB* -o-niorrow Morninir, 5 42 MOON'S AGB-FullMoon, 3rd, 1035PT0

ARRIVALS.

kianrhW?, ketch, fromWangaroa

DEPARTURES.

Consignees by tho Rosannah Bose are requested to &St H hM Co?* Pay fiesghtS t0 th 6 aßentS' The Rowna went away for Tauranga last evening, Witn a good crowd of passengers on board. The steam tuir Lionel, airivod at Russell yesterday, after a passage of 20 hours from Auckland. She will 11*0 In coal, and then proceed on her voyage to Vw &Hg ftp 6« a Jis he b *arq£ e Mary,AD» Annison now on the point of £™«n w" 00 in balla9t- takM the Allowing P Th«» •" "s**" HopM-B, Croft, and W Cooper. The barques Ontalpa, and Charlotte Paflburg, which sv?r?v eporte/i I* the Home News as having left London Adelaide? a'e not comin& here- but are bound to Misprints of this kind appear frequently, thus we taar t>f the Midlothian from London to Auckland jig/ g SDoken Jane 11th. The Midlothian is not bound The barque Cabarfeidh, is to leave for Hokianga on Monday next. _ Messrs T H. Hall & Co.. are the agents of the ■Bosanahßose, not Messrs Tonfes * Co. The departure of the Hero is deferred till Saturday in consequenca of tho unfavourable weathpr. The brigantine Nightingale and the brig Wild Wave ? re-»7 1£ d'bountl »tKaipara Heads. Both are bound to Melbourne, The Peri, bound te Dunedin, is also lying at the. Beads.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs B Tonks and Co., sold the hull of steamer, "built by Mr Murdock Ross, to-day for £100. The surplus stores, ex Sam Mendel reallsod satisfactory prices.

RMr X Arthur held a fruit sale to-day at his nsw mart ; apples I%ft to %%& : nine apples 6s 6d to 7s 9d per doz ; oranges l(?s to 16a Cd per case.

TMTtwrhs Htjnt-rr av^ Nolan report:—'Horaeß: 9?je npnly has co itimrd s^ort. partlcu'arly those of a good stamp, and there remains an unsatisfied de mand for the latter. Od Friday about the u«nal num ber were entered for sale by auction ; bidding was good, and prices ruled in-favor of the vendor. "We ouote—Hackß. frcm £& to £11 ; light harness, from ■£15 10a. Cattle: There was a large munbnr brought forward for dairy and store stock prices have had an upward tendency, but for fat beasts prices ruled in favor of the purchaser as com pared with last week. At Newmarket on^ Monday, there was a large muster of dairy cows and store cattle, and an un usually large one of fat beasts. Dairy cows maintained late values, and stores had an upward tendency. Fat beasts receded ' fully 5s per lOOlbs. We quote dairy cOws. from £8 to £10 10a ; yearlings, £2 103 to £4 ; iwo-year-old steers, £4 12s 6d to £5 ; three-year-old h from £6 to £7 2s 6d ; store cows, £4 5s to £5 2s 6d ; weaned calves, £1 6s to £1 51s. Sheep: The Newmar ket yards were complectely filled, and the supply was in excess of the demand, consequently prices had a downward tenden cy. Best wethers sold from 18s. to 245. 6d., second do. 15s. to 175., small lambs at Gs. to Bs.—N.B.—Very few yarded, and prices were fully sustained.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

Bank of New Zealand—buyers £18 12s. National Bank—Bayers, 683. Colonial Bank (40a pd. up)— Buyers, 31s ; sellers, 32s 6d.

South British Insurance—sG3 6d, 575, 57s 6d ; buyers, 575. UnioD Sash and Door Company—(new) 588. |T City of London—Sellers, 12s 6d. Palmerston—3s. Crown Princess—Buyers, ss. Waitekauri—2os: Buyers, 193 6d; sellers, 20s 6d. Queen of May—Buyers, 7s 3d ; sellers 83. Union Beach— 553. Tokatea—Buyers, 93 9d; sellers, 10s 6d. Royal Oak- ss. Tairua—fdble.) 18a, 20a ; sellers, 21s. Tairua—(new) 9s ; sellers, 10s 6d. Joseph Newman, Chairman.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND

iuuuu w a <_uose as unaer: — For Thames to-morrow at 530'pm ! For Ooromandel per A tg yle to-morrow at 230 pm For Australian Colonies per Hero to-morrow at 11 am For money orders, registered letters, and news papers at 10 am Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne will be received till 11 20 am For Chatham Islands per Seabird on Saturday next at Signed) 8. B. BI3S. Chief Postmaster.

MARRIAGE.

STRETTON—WOODS —On the 25th July, at St. John the Baptist's Church, Murlgee, by the Venerable Archdeacon GUnther, assisted by the Reverends W. S. Newton. M.A., and Canon Smith, Reverend Frederick William Stretton, eldest son of F. W. Stretton, of Auckland, to Mary Esther, the third daughter of John Talbot Woods, Mudgee, New South Wales.

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1876

F«7 the c»tue Hiat lacks assistant*, For the wrong that needs resistance. for the future In the distance, Ajid the yood that ~<= <:»» <**■

The Dnnedin political meeting last night, in point of enthusiasm and readiness to en dorse the action taken by Messrs Macandrew and Stout in the Assembly, must have fully satisfied those gentlemen that their efforts were approved by a majority of their consti tuents. Such a meeting is the best practical answer to the memorial with which it was sought to harass the Otago representatives in Wellington. We know how very easy it is for a few influential men to get signatures to any memorial, and we have very little doubt that had Messrs Gillies } Strode, Fish and Co. headed an ingeniously worded petition for the cutting off of the Queen's head they would have Tieen equally successful in securing the assent of a large body of people, whose most earnest desire—next to that which they entertain for their victuals at regular intervals—is to wallow in her Majesty's gore. These memo, rials, however, often do an immensity ef harm, and Mr Macandrew last night attri" buted the failure of Otago members in accom plishing their purpose to this cause. The letter, it must be confessed, bore a large number of what are termed "influential" signatures, and there is no doubt the promoters were men of substance. But the same class in all parts of the colony, more or less, are ranked on the side of abolition, as they have, in other countries, been arrayed against every popular movement from time immemorial. Centralism, like all other measures tending to remove power from the hands of the people, and concentrate it in the few, is a rich man's policy ; and Messrs Gillies, Strode, and Co., just represent in Otago the same interests as are supported by Messrs Stafford, Richardson, Bo wen, and Co., on behalf of Canterbury. But the rich man's opportunity Is very often the poor man's ganger, so at least; the assemblage of last night appeared to think, and we cannot doubt from the exhibition of enthusiasm reported by telegram, that if Mr Macandrew resolved upon calling the Provincial Council together and defying the Assembly, he would have a large following. His intentions, for the moment, however, seem more peaceful, and were expressed in Mr Stout's determination to go back and fight it out. When constitutional fighting is shewn to be utterly vain, some more revolutionary measures may be resorted to, but.Mr Mao*

Andrew's declaration last night was not nearly so warlike as might have been antici pated. He favoured, it is stated, an appeal in some form to the Imperial Government; whether through a plebiscitum, taken by the Provincial Council, as hinted at in one of the resolutions carried last night, or merely by petition, the telegraphic summary of his speech does not vouchsafe any information. We must confess, however, that the Otago programme as presented laat night, is essentially selfish. Castiug aside all the higher questions of liberal Government which have raised the con stitutional question in Auckland from the gro velling level of mere pecuniary advantage, the sum and substance of the plea made by Mr Macandrew and his Provincial Solicitor is, tow much Ofcago will lose by the bargain, and to what extent that province is being made the " milch cow " of the rest of the colony« If tho question turned simply on that issue, the provincs which has wrongfully enjoyed twenty years' monopoly of the Crown Lands would have very little cause of complaint.

A London cable message on Tuesday, announced that Commodore Hoskins had received instructions from the Admiralty to test the suitability of New Zealand coal for use in the Navy. We have no doubt whatever that the colony is indebted to Mr. Thomas Ruasell for this prominent notice of its mineral products. By the ship City of Auckland,on her last trip, forty sacks of coal—from the Waikato,we believe— were shipped to Mr liussell, and the connec tion between the despatch of the message from the Admiralifcy soon after the arrival of the City of Auckland in London, taken together with Mr Russell's successful efforts in relation to the use of kauri spars for naval purposes, may very readily be traced. The enterprise ex hibited by Mr Russell, and the services un ostentatiously rendered by him in bringing Auckland's chief products into prominent notice hi England should not be lost aight of.

POLITICAL MEETING TO-NIGHT.

We would remind our readers of the address by Mr H. H. Lusk, M.H.R., at the Mechanics' Institute, at aight o'clock to night. A groat number of questions are at present agitating the public mind, on which Mr Lusk may afford ub light, and wo have no doubt a crowded audience will give him an attentive hearing.

Mr Bollard, Chairman of Road Board for Whau District, and Mr Shannon, of the Whau Hotel, waited on Mr Biss_, Chief Postmaster, this morning with a petition from upwards of SO of the settlers prayiDg for a daily mail to the Whau instead of as at present a biweekly mail. Mr Biss received the gentlemen very courteously,and promised to forward petition to the Postmaster General at Wellington with recommendation.

The Spelling Bee at Grafton Road School resulted in prizes to the following names :— Joseph Woollen, Elizabeth Martin, Thomas Cummins, Edgar Partington, Harold Part ington, Bella Bunting, Agnes Clarko, Mar garet Gellibrand, Nora O'Brien, Maggy Dunn, William Martin, James Patterson, Alfred Murray, William Staunton and Ernest White.

The A.S.N. Co. have received a telegram from England advising them of the launching of the Motonga and the Ellermang, two new steamers of large size for the company's inter-colonial trade. Captain Grainger, late of the s. s. Macgregor, who is now in England for the purpose, will take charge of one. They are expected to leave for Australia about the end of October.

On sly grog selling a correspondent writes : Sir, —I am glad to see the Police have at last succeded in detecting two cases of sly grog selling. No doubt the po'ice are aware of a arge amount of the same which is going on lin Auckland, but the difficulty is for them to get sufficient evidence to obtain a convic tion ; many cases of drunkenness especially those occuring on Sunday are blamed to the publicans (who no doubt are answerable to a large extent) but I believe the majority of cases are occasioned by sly grog selling at boarding honses, and not only at the humble boarding houses, but at thoso which are known as respectable boarding houses, such as some of those in Hobson-street, Graf ton road, Symonds-Btreet &c, and if the wine and spirit merchants were to give an account of the quantity of liquor sold to Buch houses and also to small grocers &c. in town, I think it would astonish every publican in Auck land. —Yours, etc., Exctsk.

The members of tho Auckland Scottish Volunteer Corps held their annual financial meeting in the drill shed. The chair was occu pied by Captain Mowbray. Tho meeting was harmonious throughout. Mr John Home, the Secretary, read a report of the proceedings of th« past, expressive of hope in the future. Twelve new members had cocao in, and eleven had gone out, making one member in addition to the number of the preceding year. Last year they numbered 41 now they number 42. The balance sheet shewed receipts for the past year, including a balance of £61 12a Cd, to be £128 Bs. Disbursements, £G8 10a sd, leaving a balance o.f £59 17s 7d, on the pleasanter side. Serjeant Whitelaw was thanked for his services as piper to the corps, and a welcome was given to Mr Thomas Swan the piper of the future. Mr John Home was re-elected secretary, and Messrs Robinson, Dickson, McDonald, Harley and Fort, were elected on the committee. •

Piako is the name to be given to one of the ships at present building for the New Zea land Shipping Company. A contemporary expresses a hope thst she will not be swamped..

It is said that Hustler, who discovered the rich Sandhurst reef bearing hia name, from which millions of pounds worth of gold have been taken, died penniless in the Bendigo Hospital.

The entertainment given by the Victoria Lodge, 1.0. G.T., at Newmarket, was a com plete success. The Hall was well filled, and the audience appeared highly satisfied with the entertainment provided for them. Mr Hogg occupied the chair. Mr Butschow pre sided at the piano. Songs,recitations,etc.,were given by Miss Ash, Messrs Sceafcs, Chapman, Mettam, Young, Squirrel, Page, Butler, Robertson, Slatfcworthy, and Low. During the evening, Mr Hemus addressed the meet ing on the evils of drink, and benefits de rived from Templary and total abstinence. The performance concluded about 10 p.m., with the National Anthem, everyone leaving the Hall with a smiling, satisfied countenance. The approximate departures of steamers from Singapore for India for the next three weeks are as follows :—September twenty ninth -, October first, second, fourth, seventh, tenth, fourteenth, seventeenth, and twenty first.

Mr Dornwell's name appeared by mistake as a purchaser at the Cattle Fair. It should have been Mr Goodfellow.

We have received a copy of the New Zea land Turf Kegister. This little volume con tains a very complete record of turf affairs in New Zealand. We have a full report of all races during the past season, lists of nominations for the weight for age races, a digest of racing law in the colony, tables of standard weights for age, list of foals, a sketch of the history of the turf in the colony, a list of winners of the principal races in England and the colonies during last season, &c, &c. The book is a very useful sports man's companion. It is edited by Charles Elliott, the compiler of the New Zealand Stud Book. Mr Percival can supply persons wishing to have a copy.

" More light" were the dying -words of the German poet Goethe, and •' more light " has been the cry of humanity in all ages. Mr Hannaford has caught this cry, and re iterated it in the. ears of the City Council. In his letter he complains of the dark, lamp less condition of Lome and Rutland-streets, which favors the "young blackguards," as the writer rashly terms the nnwashed juven iles of the city, who are in the habit of creep ing round the corner for the express purpose of looking at the tempting Tasmanian apples. It is not so much the loss of a few mellow apples, however, that annoys Mr Hannaford as the terrible language used by the unkempt urchins, and the promise of a plague spot under his house. After some discussion the letter was received.

Mr J. Smith has received a first-class billiard table from London, of superior work manship, and has placed it in the new billiard room of the" " Thistle" Hotel. The table is of solid Spanish mahogany of elegant design, with massive carved legs and scroll brackets, patent fast cushions, covnred with superfine Naples cloth, fitted with patent metalie adjusting toes, and altogether, in character and finish unsurpassed by any billiard table in Auckland. Mr Koane the proprietor of the "Thistle, " has also fur nished the room, which is well ventilated,and light and airy, with new furniture, and every necessary for the comfort of visitors. The room is well-lighted in the evening with gas from an ornamental ne v chandelier with six fancy burners, by Braiston and Forster. Adjoining is the lavatory, with its associa tions, and ablufcionary convenience. The cue rack and repository add to the beauty of the room, and its cirved work does tho work ma a, Mr Laid, much credit.

Mr Lewisson, the enterprising jeweller of Queen-street, has made several new altera tions in his shop, for the reception of a large importation of jewellery, watches, brooches, and valuable ornaments of every conceivable description. The rounded glass, in elegant frame-work, in which the choicest of the goods are deposited, has a pretty effect on entering the shop, and displays the golden trinkets togreat advantage. Tho frame-work, by Mr Bartley. is very chaste, and the polished work of Branston and Forster adds lustre to the whole.

A beardleHS youth went into a hairdresser's shop near the Exchange yesterday for a close summer crop, and observing the young man strapping a razor exclaimed " You are a tall, strapping young fellow, can you shave me ?" " No," replied the clipper, " I cannot shave an ur-chin," The youth was silent.

With regard to the disappointment experi enced by many people yesterday morning on finding no ten o'clock to Remuera as an nounced in the Herald, wo are informed our contemporary made the announcement on its own authority.

Mr Hughes, Superintendent of the Fire Bricade, has received a letter of thanks from Mr McGarrigle, photographer, for his suc cessful exertions in extinguishing the late fire. Mr McGarrigle has also presented thirty volumes of books to the library.

R,ev. Newman Hall's new church, entitled Christ Church, was opened on Tuesday, the 4th July last, in the presence of thousands of visitors. The entire cost of thfl building is £:"><) 000, out of whioh sum £53,470, includ ing special donations, have been contributed. The Primitive Methodists, who are a strong body in South London, have undertaken to occupy the old place of worship in P.lack friar's Puml, founded in Jnne, 1783, by the Rev. Rowland Hill, and known as Surrey Chapel, the lease of whioh has five years to run.

With the aid of carrier pigeons wo were enabled to give a brief resume of the salo of cattle at the fair to within ton minutes of the close. Yesterday's fair may bo regarded as an important epoch in the history of the cattle-breeding community. The establish ment of a large annual cattle fair has mutual -advantages for the seller and purchaser. 'When distant settlors find they can come to a sale at which every variety of stock can be seen and bought, they will flock in from all parts of tho province to sort up their own herds. While on the other hand, farmers with superfluous stock, finding an almost un limited demand existing at the fair, through the crowd of hona fide purchasers, will take advantage of the occasion, and drive in their extra beasts, with the certainty of securing a fair price. A cattle fair differs from a show, as at the latter, favourite beasts are on exhibition,which oftentimes money would not purchase, or if sold would be at fancy prices. At a fair the buyer looks for a totally different beast to the fat prize animal. The farmers, with abundance of grazing ground, seek to purchase store stock which would not bo allowed to enter into a cattle show. Beasts with good frames but in poor condition, these will be bought at a low price, and probably doubled in value by the time they are wanted out of the way. Good bred beasts that would not be sent to an ordinary weekly sale, neither would come in tho category of prize beasts, these also are specially suited for the fair. Yesterday's fair, though perhaps only held as an experi ment, shewed tho necessity which existed for such, and will no doubt bo kept up in future. Tho only drawback to the attend ance was to be found in the obstructive policy of the railway management. Mr Buckland individually is made to feel what the people collectively feel, that the General Government do not aid the people in thiß province in any public enterprise, nor in any thing calculated to promote the well-being and prosperity of the people. If special trains had been advertised to run yesterday to the fair from all stations, there would have been an increase of passenger traffic, numbering at leaßt 1000 extra, but however anxious Mr McDonald may be to cater to the wishes of the people he is impotent to act. Mr Frank B. Passmore sits Hke a public obstructor upon the line and neither engines, carriages, nor Mr McDonald dare move (except to time table) without running over Mr Passmore. The public would not be at all sorry if en gines, carriages, Mr McDonald, and all, ran over Mr P (figuratively speaking). There would then be some chance for the line to prosper, for the people to feel the benefit of the railroad, and for Mr Buckland to geb a crowded fair.

Mrs Moses Whittingham begs to acknow ledge, with thanks, the receipt of £2, being the proceeds of a raflle for a flute, presented by Mr A. Goodall.

Letters of an encouraging nature have been received from Rev. P. H. Cornford, who is in Sydney, to the effect that the rev. gentle man's health is greatly improved since his sojourn in that city, and great hopes are en tertained that he will soon be restored to perfect health.

We have been requested to acquaint the members of the Diocesan Choral Associa tion that a rehearsal for the annual Festival will be Held to-morrow (Friday) evening, in St. Matthew's Church, commencing at half past seven o'clock. ' The Free Templars of Onehunga held another open meeting last night to a well filled hall. An excellent programme has been prepared during the past week, and went off with great success. The following are those who kindly assisted :—Messrs Morris and Huckstep, a negro song and dance; also, one of the same character by Mr R. Bilkey; sougs by Messrs Blakey, J. Kelsall, T. Hamer, and Merriman. The last-named gentlemen caused much " merri ment " with the comic songs. Miss J. Vause gave a very pretty song, marking the impression with true feeling. Mr Wright gave a comic recitation in a very taking manner, which caused much amusement. Mr Patterson kindly presided at the piano, and played the accompaniments in his usual style. The chairman announced that a soiree is to take place in conjunction with the lodge, in a month's time. Bills are to be issued shortly giving particulars. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to those who assisted with the programme.

Although the belief in witchcraft and kin dred superstitions has long been exploded, there are some old-fashioned people who cling tenaciously to the opinion that the pre dictions of some of the seers of the middle ages will yet be verified. It will be remembered that on the eve of the Crimean war such works as "The Coming Struggle" had an immense circulation, despite the fact that they were acknowledged to be the ravings of a crack-brained enthusiast. The recent turn of Events in Europe has been the means of exhuming from oblivion some of "-"the, pre dictions of Robert Nixon, "a wise man " who was retained about the Court oE Henry A rII, and to whom the gift of prophecy was popu larly ascribed. Among other things, besides the manner of his own death, which Nixon foretold, and the accuracy of some of which history has since proved, was the downfall of the Pretender, Prince Charles. One of his predictions is as follows :—" Foreign nations shall invade England with snow on their helmets, and shall bring plague, famine, and murder in the skirts of their garments." This has long been supposed to foretell a coming war with Prussia, and although the belief in Nixon's alleged inspiration has been attributed to the ignorance of the age in which he flourished, curiously enough there are some people who, in this enlightened age believe they see in recent European compli cations the gathering signs of the calamities presaged.

An excellent opportunity is now offered to the projectors and shareholders of the pro posed, new A theme urn for a supply of durable building stone, sbecimens of which have been sent by Captain Symonds from the Muddy Creek deposits on his property. Captain Symonds, moreover, in the true spirit of liberality offers this material gratuitously for fetching away. The builders of Auckland who have inspected the 'samples are unani mous in their approval of the stone for the purpose suggested, and we think the friends of progress will do well in accepting the generous offer of Captain Symonds. The creek where the stone lies, is about eight miles from Onehunga, and the means of tran. sifc by water and railway are comparativel easy.

The cry of want of employment in Otago has been treated very differently from the manner in which Dr Pollen seized the Thames drowned out miners. The General Govern ment hos given instructions that the Wai kouaiti section of the Otago Great Northern Railway shall be proceeded with by day labour and a system of small contracts. The men employed on day labour will be allowed five shillings a day, and will be found tents and tools.

Mr G. W. Collier has struck out in the Sunday lecturing line, selecting as his sub ject, the Stage and Pulpit and the Stieets of London.

A submarine telegram has been received in Melbourne by Mr J. Summers from Mr Sims Reeves, the celebrated tenor, stating that he intends visiting Australia, and giving a series of concerts under the management of Mr Summers.

The Davenport Brothers are rstonishing the Melbourne folk with their alleged spiritist wonders.

AYe call attention to the announcement of the sixth of the Temperance Hall lectures, to be delivered to-morrow evening. The lecture will bo of an in teresting character, " British Workman Public Houses" by Rev It 8 Ilassard, incumbent of 8t Matthew's parish. Colonel Haultain has promised to preside, and the choir in counection witti the move ment will contribute towards the harmony of the evening with songs and musical selections. The installation of officers of the Prince of Wales Lodge of Masons will take place this evening in the Lodge room of tho Star Hotel, Albert-street, at the usual hour.

Messrs Tonks and Co., will hold the sale of govern ment tolls to-morrow (Friday), the bonds will be ready for signature immediately alter the sale

AUSTRALIAN CABLEGRAMS

(Per Press Agency.)

BODIES FROM RECENT WRECKS,

SYDNEY, September 27th. The Government intend to prosecute the constables who shot the Roman Catholic clergyman on the border. The schooner Atlantic, recently found bottom up, was righted yesterday. The body of a man and two hands and feet were found in the cabin. The other bodies are supposed to be in the forcastale. The body of a woman was seen last night floating off Jervis Bay. It is supposed to be one of the passengers of the Dandenonc. MELBOURNE, September 27.

The Government do not intend to entertain Mr Green's proposal for a line of steamers via the Cape.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before W. J. Hurst. Esq., J.P.) DRUNKENNESS.

Michael Mullins was charged with being found in a drunken condition yesterday, and fined 5a and costs. John Thackaberry, the renowned Mount Eden barber, was again brought before the Bench, charged with partaking too freely of the alcholic poison. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was fined 5s and costs. tfRAJIi MA.GGIE. Margaret Brainsbury was charged with drunkenness, she having previously been convicted of her natural failing. Prisoner admitted the charge, and was fined 10a. and costs, or 48 hours imprison ment. ELIZA. RICE. This interesting individual was charged with being drunk last evening, this being her fourth offence within the last three months. Prisoner pleaded guilty. The same person was then charged with a breach of the Vagrant Act, 1866, section 5, sub-section 2, she having been thrice con victed as a rogue and vagabond within the previous twelve months. Eliza again pleaded guilty. She had nothing to say for herself, and would leave her case in the hands of the Bench. Sub-Inspector Pardy asked that the pri soner be committed to Mount Eden for a long term. By doing so the Court would be con ferring on her an act of kindness, as she would be kept away from the temptations of the world for a time. His Worship after some consideration, sentence ' the prisoner to six months impri sonment with hard labour. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. Frederick De Vere was charged with drunkenness, and also with exhibiting his pugilistic propensities in public. Constable Gordon deposed that the prisoner was last night quarrelling with Mr Cairns of the Cosmopolitan Hotel. He warned him to go away, but he refused. He then took him in charge. Fined 10s and costs. John Jackson and William Alcock were charged with committing a breach of Vagrant Act, 1866, Amendment Act 1869, by behav ing in a manner calculated to provoke a breach of the peace, in a public place, to wit, Karangahape-road, on 21st Septemper. Jackson asked for the leniency of the Court. He was not fighting, only wrestling, and was not drunk. He had been fifteen years in the colony, and this was the first time he had appeared before the Court. In consideration of the previous good character held by the prisoners, they were fined in the nominal penalty of 5s and costs, or 24 hours. STABBING WITH INTENT. _ James Brookfield was charged with stab bing one James Smith, with intent to do grevious bodily harm, on board the barque Robina Dunlop. Mr Sub-Inspector Pardy asked for a remand in this case. The prosecutor was not able to attend, being in a very weak condition. Remanded till Saturday no This was all the business.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.— This Day.

(Beforo-R. C. Barstow, Esq., E.M.) A large number of cases were set down for hearing this morning in this Court, about thirty of which were either settled out of court or adjourned. JUDGMENTS FOR PLAINTIFFS. George Grice v. Frederick Harford, claim £1 183 lid, coats 143; Brook v. same, claim ss, costs 14s, goods; William Kirby v. Al pheus Baton, claim £50, wood, coal, and pro missory note (Mr Armstrong for plaintiff), coats £3 12s. JO UN MC'NEILL V A. KOBEKTS. Claim £4 15s. Mr Hesketh for plaintiff. A judgment summons had been obtained against defendant, and dE2 had been paid off the original amount, baying the present claim. Mr McNeil proved thst defendant was in possession of two horses and other property, and that he had recently been employed carting scoria. , His Worship made arojder for payment of the amount,'half in fourteen days, and the balance at expiration of amont^i, or a month's imprisonment, costs Ss. i, ' CROWN PRINCESS O.M.C. V. PHILIP HUNTS MAN, Claim ,£(5 14s 2d, calls. , Mr Hesketh for plaintiff. Mr Heath, Secretary, deposed that defen dant was indebted for ive calls of Is each to the company on 35 siiares, also, interest upon tbe same. Judgment for plaintiff, costs £1 19s. WM. KIRBY V JOHt MUXIALLY. Claim £3 03. Mr Armstrong for plaintiff. Vlr Tyler for defendant. This was a claim for the difference of an account Plaintiff deposed that in Dicember last, he owned a scoria pit at Mount Eden, aid defendant had carted 204 loads from that and the goiernment pit; he agreed to let Mullally and Lupton hwe scoria, at 3d per load for the Hobson-street contrac, but the scoria out of the government pits was to beCd; he now claimed the difference. To Mr Tyler : he was not ma position at the time to depose to the facts of the <ase, but he was repre sented by Mi- Corbett, his agait Roger Corbett, toll-keeper a. Mount Eden gate, de posod that ho received the Kcyalties from defendant in December, viz, 3d per loal, but subsequently he received, instructions to charge Gd, which defendant objected to oay. He sold 26410adg at 3d, he msant, he took 204 threepences f°r s> many loads of scoria. To Mr Armstrong : *ne s co -ia was taken from the government pit, or Rowland's pit; sure and it was not from Hick's pit, Mr John Coffee was called, but implored the Court not to swear him, as he did rot know that he knew anything about the matter, aid he could not satisfy both parties whatever he migbt say. Mr Armstrong thought defendant's evidence might be of service. Mr Coffee: Pray don't swetr'me sir : sure and I know nothing about it. I'd nther not be sworn, I wish to swear off. Mr Armstroug said as witnes was so averse to go into the witness-box, he woulc not press the matter further. John Kingston then gave ev.dence, which threw n light on either side. Johu Mulally deposed thtt he agreed with Mr Kirby at ad a Joad in Dacemba:, on condition that he (defendant) cleared out the pt. Be cleared lout the pit. Subsequently when Kvrb? got the tolls, he tried to out on the extra Gd. John f.npton gave evidence!n favor of Mullally. This being the case, counselon both side addressed the Court for their respective ilients. - His "Worship carefully lookel at the evidence, and considered that plaintiff's casemust fail, as there was nothing in the form of an agreement to shew that defendant was to pay Cd a loal. Mr Armstrong consented to ; nonsuit. Costs £2 Is. win kirby v .roar lui'ton. Claim £2 lla Gd. Atr Armstrong for plaintiff, and Mr Tyler for de fendant. This claim being analogous to the preceding, a nonsuit was accepted. Costs £16s Cd. GEORCIK W HESLOP V .TIMES IT-AS ER. Claim £19 Sa Id. Mr Hesketh for plaintiff, and Mr Tyler for defen dant. This was a claim for work ant labour done. The defendant acknowledged the clam to the amount of £5 11s which he paid into Courv but disputed the difference. After hearing plaintiff, the defmdant. and Kichard Bach; his Worship gave iudgmen; for £8, with costs, for plaintiff. (Left sitting

PARLIAMENTARY.

o [From our Special Corespondent]

WELLINGTON.

This day.

AUCKLAND MATTERS,

Various Auckland questions were raised in the House yesterday afternoon. In reply to Mr O'Rorke, the Government said that they did not intend to provdo a steam launch for the Manukau this yea-. They also in formed Sir Robert Douglis that the usual Provincial votes for agrijultural societies would not be forthcoming.

Mr Hamlin endeavourel to get a select committee to inquire into thj mismanagement of the Auckland and Merce railway, which was denounced by all the Aickland members who spoke, as disgraceful. The Government opposed the select committe, but promised the appointment of a Comuission of three Auckland men during the reesa to look into the complaints.

A motion to grant six morths gratuity to the widow of the late Charlei Elliott, Immi gration Officer at Nelson, wio expired sud denly, was carried.

The Hon. J. McLean stattd that another edition of the New Zealanl Pilot was in course of preparation.

LAST NIGHT'S SETTING.

PKOVINCIAL APPROPHATION ACT EXTENSION HLL.

[PKESS AGENC\]

The second reading of tht Provincial Ap propriation Act Extension Jill led to con siderable discussion, severa]members being under the impression that ftie present ser vices would be placed in the hinds and under the control of Superintendenis and Provin cial Secretaries when the piovincial machi nery was stopped. Generally, however, members considered the bil a wise and necessary measure. In order to prevent any hitch in the change from toe system to another, Sir George Grey announced his belief that Abolition would tale place, that the Home Government had bsen misled in the matter, and that so far as Auckland was concerned he intended t< contest the matter in the law courts of the'colony. After a good deal of discussioi the Bill was passed. A gratuity of two years salarj was granted to the widow of the late Col. Sfc John.

Appropriation of £110 was oidered in the matter of Mr John Fahey, and irilike manner £139 for Mr Farnall, late immigration Agent.

The Law Practitioner Act was bad a third time by 23 to 20.

CHILDREN'S EXHIBITION.

(To the Editor of the Evening Staf.) Sir,—Could you, or any of your numerous readers, inform me if the Sundiy-school Exhibition, some two years ago, gave przes to the successful competitors ? From whit I can understand they only gave them a lind ef card-board certificate. lam informed ;hat the charge for admission was one shillingand that the hall waa crowded to excess. Itwas open for nearly a week. If lam not mtfcing too bold I should feel obliged to be infomed what | became of the great amount of money that was collected. lam sure nany of the youngsters felt disappointed, after having worked day after day for weeJs get ting up their exhibits, to receive instetd of a good substantial prize, which migit only cost 2s 6d, a piece of colored carl-board, which they cannot understand, and 'he value of it somewhere about 2d. If the managers in the forthcoming Exhibition doiot show a little more wisdom and liberality and give the children prizes worth carryinj away, the affair will most assuredly fall through. They could easily give prizes of the vilne of 2s 6d to ss, or even to 10s, without braking them. —I am, etc., Umpire. f

Serious Staging Affair.

Yesterday afternoon a serious case of stab bing occurred on board the London barque, Robina Dunlop, by which the chief mate, Mr James Smith, was within a little of losing his life. It appears that one of the Bailors named James Brookheld had been up town and, having got on the spree, returned to the vessel in a state of drunkenness. His language and behaviour on the main deck were so bad that the mate ordered him fore'ard. The fellow, with drunken obstinacy, refused, on which Smith aasisted by some of the hands attempted to drag him along. Tne man re isted violently, and drawing his knife before his hand could be arrested, commenced stab bing round in all directions. He struck the mate on the inner part of the thigh, inflicting a wound two or three inches in depth. The clothes of the steward and one of the men were also cut. The water-police were imme diately sent for, and Brookffeld was given into custody. The mate's wound was so severo that Captain Graham at once went off in search of a doctor. Dr Goldsbro' was the first to arrive, and he lost no time in dressing the wound which was found to be in dangerous proximity with the femoral artery. The prisoner, was brought up at the Police Court this morning, and remanded till Saturday. Dr Goldsbro' stated that the injured man was unable to come forward and give his evidence he was very badly hurt, but he hoped by Saturday it would be safe for him to appear.

MRS HALL'S BENEFIT TO-MORROW.

A complimentary benefit will be given to Mrs J. L. Ball to-morrow night, when tbe popular drama of the "American Cousin" will be produced with full accessories. Mr Hall is the original Asa Frenchard in New Zealand, having played it lirsb in Dunedin 13 years ago when leading comedian to Clarence Hall's celebrated company. Mrs Hall is like wise the original Mary Meridith, and has made the character a speciality. All the interest ing situations and scenes of this artistically arranged drama, ac quire new and enthralling character under Mr and Mrs Hall's rendering and we can promise the critical play goer a treat of more than ordinary merit. Refer° ring to the fair beneficiar 3, it is unnecessary to say one word in advocacy of her claims upon the good wishes of all true lovers of the legitimate drama.

Railway Accident.

A BALLAST TRAIN AND AN ENGINE

COLLIDE NEAR POKENO,

A collision occurred on the Auckland and Mercer Railway at 3 o'clock yesterday after noon, at a point mid-way between Tnakau and Pokeno, between a ballast train going to Mercer and the engine Flora Mclvor, which was put on a trial trip after repair, and was returning to Auckland in charge of Driver Elliott. The ballast train was drawn by the engine McCallum Mohr, and was in the care of Driver Keat. Both these drivers,it should be men tioned, are experienced officers. The line at the spot where the collision took place, is on a side cutting, with an embankment below about 15 feet deep. There is also a sharp curve here, and a steep gradient rising to wards Auckland. Elliott, was aware of the ballast train being expected, but bad calcu lated that he had plenty of time to reach a certain siding before it came up. Unfortu aately the train was about 10 minutes earlier than anticipated, and it was very much more unfortunate that it should be met just where the formation of the line rendered it most difficult to avoid a collision. The train and engine did not come in sight of one another till they were within a quarter of a mile distant, and though every effort was made to arrest both engines, they ran into one another at the rate of six or seven miles an hour about 30 chains from the siding at which the engine was to have been shunted. The effect of the collision was to drive, both engines off the rails, and to damage the framework of both considerably. Had the shock been greater, it is more than likely that one would have been sent^over thefembankment. By great good luck none of the officials were killed, and even the injuries do not exceed some nasty contusions. Driver Elliott stuck to his engine, but Peal and nearly all those who were on the trains jumped off when they saw that it was impossible to avert the collision. Of course the line was completely blocked. Word of the accident arrived in town about 5 o'clock, and Mr McDonald, the manager, at once proceeded down, the line with the "break-down vari.' When he arrived between 7 and S o'clock the ballast engine had al ready been got on to the line. The other engine was replaced about half-past eleven at night. The ballast engine was able to come up to-town herself, but the steam had run down in the Flora Mclvor, and she was was brought up by another engine. The pas senger train which left Mercer at 3.50 p.m. had to wait at the scene of the accident till the 4.15 train from Auckland arrived at 7 o'clock. The latter then took the passengers from Mercer on to Auckland, while i the other train returned to Mercer with ; the Auckland paßsengers. The Mercer train arrived at S p.m. instead 7.28 as usual, while the Mercer passengers arrived in Auckland at seven minutes past ten instead of at two minutes past seven. Both engines are now in the Britomart work-shops being repaired. The Flora Mclvor was travelling hind end first, consequently her trailing buffer planks are most injured ; her footplates are carried away, the framework generally shaken, the break gear bent, a dent knocked in her chimney, and her cab smashed. The McCallum Mohr has her leading buffer planks knocked about a good deal, and her framework gene rally battered. A few days work will set both to rights. It is providential that the damage was as slight as it is. It would have been much worse had not a sharp look out been kept by those in charge. With these odd trains, we are.informed, it is al most impossible to ensure perfect security against accident. la the present case it does not appear that any particular person is to blame. Mr Fallon, the Contractor, was in the ballast train, but sustained no injury.

THE THEATRE ROYAL.

The "Yankee Teamsteb," and " Lurline.'' brought together so encouraging an audience at their second representation last night, by Mr and Mrs Hall and company, that the same programme is to be played to-night for the third time, and it may be safely predicted that the counter attraction being removed, the Theatre will be well patronised. The part of Solon Shingle is in the very richest vein of American humour, and Is provocative of immense merriment. Mr J L Hall is thoroughly at home in it, and invariably convulses his audience. " Lurline" also is a splendid bur lesque, and the company possess special qualifications for rendering it in first class style. Last night for instance,Mr and Mrs Hall were recalled four times, and the audience were not satisfied even then. Some capital local hits are introduced, and the dances are also particularly good A complimentary benefit to Mra Hall is announced for to-morrow night.

SIMONSEN'S OPERA COMPANY.

The opera season came to a close last evening. The performance was the "Grand Duchess," and was an nounced as Miss E. A, Lambert's benefit. The house was crowded, and the representation passed off most satisfactorily. The piece was altogether recast. Miss Lambert took the title r6le, Miss Fisher played Wanda, Mr Florence was Fritz, Mr Hodgson. General Booh, Mr Steinbach Prince Paul, and Mr Darbyshire, Nnpumac. The fair benenciaremust be congratulated upon her successful rendering of the difficult part of the volatile German Duchess. Her sprightly manner and facile play of feature served her in good stead, and with the aid of a few transpositions of key her rich contralto voice readily accomplished the music. Miss Lambert's efforts were loudly acknowledged by the audience, who seemed vastly pleased with h»r per formance. Mr Florence made a capital iTiitz. Miss Fisher's Wanda was a very meritorious delineation. The scenery and accessories were good, and the orchestra played con amore. The company left in the Taupo for the South to-rNy, and in bidding them fiirew&lJ, the public of Auckland should accord a special vote of thanks to those indefatigable artistes, Mr and Madame Simonsen, foi their untiring ex ertions for their delectation.

mmmm btam, 'thubsday. biptimbeb m> inn.



gPECIAL QHEAP TINES. AT 130 AND 132, QUEEN-STREET. HEAVY JLANKETB,I2B 6d per pair GOOD WHITE SHEETING from Is 3d a yrd A Special Line In LONGCLOTH, s#a pc STOUT DRESSES from 9d pet yard SUPERIOR BLICK VELVETEEN, 2b 9d yard STOUT WINCEYS, s#d per yard. s. & j. kTVaile, 130 AND 132, QUEEN-STREET. . <; , Tji I R E! T? I -R E! OUR SALVAGE STOCK WILL BE OFFERED to the PUBLIC IN A FEW DAYS. jt/TILNE AND QHOYOE, OHEAPSIDB HOUSE. "VT O T I O E T. & H. COOKE, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, &0., Beg to inform their friends and the publio that they have *3T iREMOVED jsm To the new and spacious Show-rooms in Queen-street, next to the Bank of New Zealand. In addition to the usual varied assortment of Furnishing Goods, T. and H. O. have just Opened Largo Shipments of Iron Bedstead* and Toilet Qlnmo •z Beblngton and England* Glory. ; >■> »



Jtf" 0 T I 0 E. A. LINABURY & CO. HAVE REMOVED l'O THEIR NEW PREMISES, 204 and SO6, QUEEN-STREET, Late in the occupation of Mr. Wm, Wilson, GRAND DISPLAY OI" NEW GOODS! HONEYCOMB JiRINGED JJED QUILTS, IN ALL SIZES AND PRICES, AT HOLLOWAY 85 GrAHLXCK'S, Prom 7s lid to 25a, Prettiest and Easiest-Washed Quilt ever made. IMMENSE VARIETY , OF MUSLIN LENO AND LACE CURTAINS! From 2s lid to 55s per pair, OPENING UP: SPRING & SUMMER DRESS GOODS. JAPANESE STLKS, and FASHIONABLE FANCY MATERIALS 150, different Patterns in DRESS PRINTS liATBST Fashions in MILLINERY. MEN'S and BOYS' CLOTHING. FUR NISHING GOODS OF EVERY DES CRIPTION CITY HALL DRAPERY & FURNITURE BJA Z A A R, AUCKLAND. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, PropriptorH TTNION LODGE OF MARK MASTERS, U No. 154, E.C. The Emergency Communication advertised in Last, Night's Star, will NOT TAKE PLACE. By order of the W.M. JAMES C. DOULL, Secretary and Registrar.



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