SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER— /THIS ArraitifOOtf. 9 01 -r»T »_ " " IT°- KORBOW Mornivg, 9.15 SUN- SET«_This EvPning, 5 52. SUN RISE3 ---r/J-morrow Morning, 5 52 MOON'S AGE-First Quarter, 26th, 1142 am

ARRIVALS.

'"'u,;u ißle. scnormer, from fiussall Eowena, sg, Sellais, from Tauranga L*o>bira, S3, Andrew, from the South

DEPARTURES.

Albion, brig, for Newcastle Fanny Fothereill, brig, for Wangaroa and Melbourne

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

*orsau rrancisco— City of Sydney (English mall) 25th For Sydney—Hero, ss, early; Llewellyn, ss, 3 days after arrival For Giaborne and Napier—PrPtty Jane, ss, early For Southern Porta—Ladybird, ss, Saturday ; Tanpo, ss, 23th For Coromandel— Argyle, ss, every Monday For London—Robin* Dunloo, barque, early Por Portland, Oregon—Loch Fergus, barque r■'.* Tor the Wands—Martha, barque, Helena, Clyde, schooner, early • "ngantlne> For Kaipara-Prince Alfred, b , ril , p „t sne ear l 7 ForHokianga-Oueen sr-h- .. 'fquentine. cany s vueen, sen Thursday

VESSELS EXPECTED

Huran ,i 'J7 rota sJ"Jney, about 28th Inst Ahlr^L "H 1?-* 0™ London, early Sh«™ t ' Sh& from London, sailed June 30 Pit™. *eß' ,^ Ip (HLJS)' fr"ra London rwt V. . and- "kip CKMTR). from London, sailed sJmVhiS.^ rrom London sailed Ist July T»nsK rOSS ' Mission vessel- eari? S««T ' hoCner- fmm Tiraaru ; sailed 7th Inst. Rn=™'J; e5> o<,Ber- from Oamaru : sailed 11th Inst Peari % fMm 0ta *°> Wly ri»ni f*r? I >.fn'ni Pomhyn Island. e*rly Tim.? rav b»"Iiw(WGTT), from London, early Tnhr f xr har T,s (VD.TN), from London, sailed »onr, Matthews, barque, from Boston ; sailed 17th July

IMPORTS.

-rer i^dvbird fnro f-e South: 42 packages, 253 sacks, 9, sheep—Henderson and Macfwlane, Agents.

in a "hippino. p^rae-arjh 1 ist eve.nlncr. It was an nounwl thit Hi-; brig«ntlne Pthel had arrived :—"at t- 'r lm' n " "hould have been added. it will v -eon by our Australian cib'egrams that the steamers Hero and TJewellvn have'both left ~ya?££ { 0T *h'*s POrt The Hero m*y be expected Th dAT- nnd tbe Wewellyn the d*y after. «, *•*• ladybird, Ciptain Andrew, arrived at unehunga K»i s morning. She left Port Chalmers at , P-? 1- oa the 15th. Tfxperienced fine weather to Wel lington ; thence to Picton heavy southerly gale with £j* vy sea. Had to enter the Sound by north en trance, the sea running too high to attempt the south *J nPl- From Picton to arrival fine weather and westerly swell. 'Pass<njg= H : Mrs Northcroft Mrs 'I*l. Misses Chamock and Marbrnok. His Honor Gil'ies and P-nretary, Messrs. Andrews, vvhitaker. G Mnnro. Wrieht. Dishn, M^Cormick, Une Cashmore, Pierson. Atkin and son, Morrison, SJ*! **" tnVs' an|i ~ in the steerage. We are in debted tn Mr Bongrmrtv. purser, for report, flies, etc A schooner coastwise has be<"n signalled during the oay, bnt ha? not been able to make the port up to the time of going to p-ess. The hrigs Union and Fancy Fotbergill have both left in ballast for Npwcastl?. Messrs Pirns and Brown's new schooner was launched to-day with complete success. Miss Sims performed the ceremony of christening, and gave the vessel the name of the Nymphe, after the man-of-war now in port.

Thenew tnglionel had a veTy sncce?sful trial trip yesterday. The engines attained 140 revolutions per minnte, at which a speed of between seven and eight knots was accomplished. Captain E. Keane has been apnoinW master

The Golden Isle from Bussell and the s s "Rowena from Tauranga have arrived in harbour this after noon.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND

mans win ciose as under r— For Onotiki. per Opotiki, this day at 4 pm For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakina, Te Arai, etc. per Anni Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 am For Sunday Island, per Clyde to-morrow at 11 am .For Thames to-morrow at 5.30 pm For Ooromandel, per Argyle to-morrow at 230 pm For "Wangarei per .Rover, to-morrow at 8 am For "Whitiangi, per Oceola to-morrow at 31 am For Gisborne and Napier, per Pretty Jane, to-morrow at 3 pm For Tairua, per Mercury to-morrow at 4 pm For "Whitiangi. Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Bowena to-morrow at 4 pm For Taranaki, Southern provinces, and Anstralian Colonies, per Ladybird, to-morrow'at 9 45 am Late letters will be received till 10 am For "Wangantii, per 8t Kilda to-morrow at 9 45 am Per City of Sydney, on Monday, 25th instant, a3 u^der:— For Kwdavu. Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Centra land South America. and British and Foreign "West Indies, at 11 am For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 11am For money orders, registered letters, and news papers at 10 am Late letters bearing an extra fee of Cd In addition to the postage will be received by the mail agent on board the steamer up to the time at sailing. Signed) H. B. BIStJ. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

« ATTENTION !!! — PURCF.LL. A.S.V.— At Nixnn \*l street on the 21st instant, Mrs J. H. Pnrcell of 11 a daughter. JETJVK—On September 19, at Newton, the wife of J. Jeuue of a son.

DEATH.

TAYLOR—On the 21st instant, at his parents' re sidence, Eden Creßcent, David, youngest child of Thomas and Eliza Jane Taylor, age-i 7 moniha

The funeral will take place at 3 o'clock p.m. to morrow. Friends are invi'ed to attend.

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1876

¥*ir the c*use that lacks assHtanct, For the wconjr that needs resistant*. For the future in the distance,

And the food that we cm <a«.

The high-minded tone with which Messrs. Rowe aud Pyke, and other patriots have approached the subject of members' re muneration is perfectly delightful. The question to them is not one of pounds, shillings, and pence, but of parliamentary purity—their votes not influenced by sordid considerations of pecuniary gain, but solely the offspring of fervent longings after legisla tive efficiency. Just so ; but if the proposed reformation had come in the last instead of the first session of Parliament, we might, perhaps,have believed in its disinterestedness. The proposed increase means a difference of £750 in the remuneration for work which each member has already contracted with the public to perform, and if Messrs Rowe» Pyke, and compatriots of like kidney, believe for a moment that the place they occupy in the affections of their constituents raises them above suspicion of such a sordid consideration they will probably be undeceived. Payment of members, bad in principle,should be strictly limited to moderate expenses. By increasing the remuneration to £300, the House will create politics into a business, and reduce the honorable position of a representative to the most contemptible standard of pecuniary gain. The salary will render the office one sought after hy needy adventurers and every unscrupuloua loafer who has been mis-shapen by nature imparting to his jaw the power which should have been developed in his muscles. At £300 per member, each session will cost the colony £2G,400, or £132,000 per parliament. The resolutions submitted yesterday involve a proposition beyond the means of the colony, impolitic, and disgracefnl to the legislature that entertained it.

We notice that Mr Waddell has written to the Herald disclaiming, on behalf of himself and his supporters, any part in the attempt to misrepresent Mr Niccol's candidature. Mr Waddell we have already acquitted of complicity in the discreditable dodge, bnt his supporters we distinctly charge with being the authors and propagators of the reports that have been industriously circu lated through the city, and we are quite prepared to prove what we say. Mr Waddell's letter contains two insinuations characteristic of the other tactics employed to secure his election, and equally without shadow of foundation. He wishes it to be inferred, first, that our remarks yesterday were "from office production," whatever that may mean; and secondly, that Mr Niecol was induced to withdraw from con gesting the last election on the understanding that he should be placed in nomination for this. Mr Niecol retired from his candi dature on the former occasion entirely of his own accord and for reasons published by him at the time. Probably he felt that the eight other candidates gave the rate payers a fair choice. Really Mr Waddell must not complain if some burgesses, looking at the position he occupied at the bottom of the poll only last week, considered that the true interests of the city would not be served by giving him a walk over now. We are rather surprised that this view of the subject should not have suggested itself to Mr Wad dell, as a more reasonable ground for Mr Niccol's present candidature, than any of the absurd .reasons urged by Mr Waddell's sup porters. There, are, we venture, to say,'

many ratepayers who consider that Mr Niecol would make a great deal better Councillor than Mr Waddell. This may, perhaps in Mr Waddell's estimation be their misfor tune, but it comes witb a bad grace from him to charge them with it as a fault. Equally obtuse it is for him to express surprise that no public meeting was called previous to the last election. With the single exception of Mr Waddell himself 1, every candidate had been frequently before the public, and his claims to confidence were well understood. The attempt made in this election by underhand and unworthy means to brand Mr Niecol as the nominee of a clique is simply disgraceful, and will be resented by every right-minded burgess. Mr. Niecol, to our own knowledge, 'has come forward under strong inducements from those who desire to inaugurate reforms in the Council, and what ever support he may receive at the polling to-morrow, he will have the satisfaction of knowing that he has done his duty.

In anticipation of to-morrow's meeting of \ the provisional directors of the Atheureum, we would again draw prominent attention to this important effort. The project, fchanka to Captain Burton's untiring exertions, is in a fair way towards .success. Seven hundred annual subscribers have promised their sup port ; a practicable and mutually advan tageous basis of amalgamation with the Mechanics' Institute i 3 arranged ; a perma nent source of income from rent of the hal secured ; and, with suitable designs for tho building, and a central site available, we are temptingly nejr to the realisation of a scheme which would do more for social and in tellectual advancement ami rational amusement in the city, than anything that has ever been attempted. The one difficulty to be surmounted now is : c raising; of the necessary capital, bur, in a community that spends not less that £00,000 a year upon various amusements, and considerably more than £100,000 a year on the cup that both cheers and inebriates, the monetary queation should not prove any very serious barrier. This, however, is the next preliminary step, and it will be judicious for members of the provisional directory to carefully consider the question of ways and means in anticipa tion of to-morrow's meeting, in order that they may go prepared with well-delined ideas of the future course of procedure. The failure of the project, when within an ace of accomplishment, would be a cruel blow ; and for the sake of Auckland we will not believe such a contingency possible. If not attained now, all hope of an Athentrjum worthy of the city may be abandoned for many years.

There were submitted to us this morning some samples of preserved fruits tinued by Mr Matthews and Mr Kelly of Mongonui. These two settlers intend launching upon the manufacture of preserved peaches and other fruits as a trade venture. It has often struck us. and we have little doubt it has others, that the enormous crops of peaches annually produced in the northern districts of this colony might be turned to as good account as the grapes of France and Spain. At present tons upon tons are given to the pigs or are allowed to rot. It appears to us that in the utilization of these there is an opening for a new local industry, which should benefit alike the province and the promoters. The quantity of American fruits annually imported into this province alone i 3 very large, whereas if a few such enterprises as those of Mr Matthews and Mr Kelly proved successful we might not only supply our own wants but in addition create an important export trade. So far as quality is concerned the samples tested this morning bear favorable comparison with the imported article: the flavor bein? so well retained that it would be difficult to distinguish between the fresh and the preserved fruit, Then as regards price, we are imformed that at present the arrangements have not been perfected for manufacturing the tins, yet, notwithstanding that the cost of these, together with freight, constitute the prin cipal items of expense, the local preservers are now able to supply the market with 2? lb. tins at ISs per dozen, or below the ordinary price of the American goods. It is confidently expected that ultimately it will be possible to offer the 2£ lb tins at 12s, and the 4 lb tins at 18s, and still leave a handsome margin of profit. Several circum stances favour the production of the goods at such a low price. In the first place, the fruit costs next to nothing ; then there^ is no skilled labour required, except in making the cases and labels. The whole process of preserving, tinning, and packing, can be done by children and women. At present only a small quantity i 3 on the market, but we are informed that the promoters of the industry feel sufficiently assured by the result of their trial to launch out next season. Enterprises of this description are specially worthy of commendation, as they keep money in the place and encourage trade and labour. We wish the Mongonui fro it preserving venture every success. Relative to the supposed drowning case at Whangarei a correspondent writes : —Sir, I see in last night's Star a notice respecting a man named Mercer being missing from Whangarei. When up there I knew two men who were mates, named Mercer and Methuen, but at that time (about July) neither of them were settlers. If the river which the missing man had to cross was the Wairua (not Wairoa) I should think he must have known the nature of it better than to attempt fording it at this time of the year. Once I wanted to cross to come over to Whangarei, there were three of us want ing to cross, one being a Moari pretty well known in these parts, but even he would not cross ; and this on horseback. So we had to leave the horses and crose in the punt. The crossing place is some distance below the basis on which the punt is placed, and if the unfortunate man lost his life in trying to cross on foot, I think it likely that, until the body floated after being immersed the usual time, it would lie in one of the holes just by the rocks or boulders which form the falls at the crossing. When the body rose to the surface through long immersion it would of course be carried over the falls and down the river, which runs very rapidly. lam alluding to that part of the river which is a few miles up the road leading through Ruatangata."— I am, yours &c. J. S. To the Editor : Sir,—Please to inform me who the Daniel Lynch is who was brought up amongst the list of drunkards, before G. S. Graham and Mr Yon der Hyde, Magis trates, yesterday I— Yours sincerely, Damiel Lynch, Otahuhu. [We cannot undertakejto investigate Daniel's story and antecedents, but if our correspondent is very deeply interested in his welfare, posaibly, the police may enilghten him. —Ed. E.S.] The city was enlivened lasi evening by the musical strains of the band of the Engineer Volunteers, in the stately march of the members round the town. The band was dismissed at the Corner of Wellesley-street.

The following is the rota of attendance for Petty Sessions, September 26 :—" Messrs J. Baber, A. Beetham, Henry Burton, C. Chamberlain, T. Cheeseman, J. Clark, P. Comiskey, J. Cosgrave, W. C. Daldy, J. M. Dargaville, J. Dilworth, P. Dignan, F. A. George. The carp, liberated in Lake Rotorna by Mr Young and Captain Mair a year ago, can be seen by thousands enjoying themselves in water almost too hot to bear one's hand in. In England, these fish are generally a dirty brown, but here (owing perhaps to being almost parboiled) they are a beautiful brilliant red gold. This change of colour is an entertaining physiological and piscatorial fact, which might puzzlo even Professor Agassis to explain.— Bay of Plenty Times. We are obliged to hold over our report of the soiree and entertainment at the Ark Lodge pf Good Templars until to-morrow.

The poisoniDg of two natives at Ohinemutu •with laudanum, is thus referred to- by the correspondent of the Bay of Plenty Times : — " Yesterday, a mad native named Hakswa, stole a bottle containing six ounces of laud anum from Mr Allom's house. He "bolted " to the village, and considerately offered his plunder to two friends, named Hiwinni and Ngapera, telling them it was "rum." They eagerly drank every drop, and then returned the empty bottle to Mr Allom, who promptly administered copious draughts of strong mnstarr] and bot water, of which Ngapera took eight pints (and appeared to like it.) Hiwinni refused to take any. C.xptain Mair's medicine chest was brought into requisition, and everything done for the sufferers. Ngapera soon recovered, but Hiwinui had a very narrow escape ; he turned blue, fell into a sort of stupor, and for twelve hours had to be kept awake by somewhat rough measures. He is now nearly well again, and vows vengeance on the madman, who was however, too knowing to take the draught of Socrates himself."'

Of the marriages solemnized in New Zea land in 1ST"), 973 were solemnized by Minis ters of Presbyterian denominations, S2l by Ministers of the United Church of England, and Ireland 406* by Ministers of the Wesleyan Methodist Society, 381 by Ministers of the Roman Catholic Church, 202 by Ministers of other denominations, and 330 by Registrars.

The trustees in the Grafton Road Highway district will meet this evening in the school room, for the purpose of hearing objectors against the rate for the current year.

It's all cleared up j it's all right ; rejoice, and let us be glad. The contractor is held blameless, the foundry is blameless, and the encineers are blameless. It has been ex plained. The collapse of the Grey Gorge Bridge is no longer a mystery. The incr.m Detent rascal had been detected. Just fancy, the smash-up being caused through a printer.. devil. A mistake in the original specifica tions. The infernal printer put in a figure "2 " for a"!) "—hence the burst up. The mistake was not discovered until las' week, when some smart engineers found out the misprint. If this report is correct it speaks volumes for the efficiency of the Public Works Department when a poor printer's devil can upset all their engineerim labor by the placing of a wrong figure in a specification. — Greijmonth Slav. The concert to stimulate the funds of fcht- Newmarket Literary Institute will take place to-morrow evening in the Newmarket Hall Through the kindness of a number of gentle man weil known in musical circles, a good night's entertainment will be given. The programme has been arranged co as to give satisfaction to the variety of tastes found in ah audience.

An ex-soldier of the 57th Regiment com mitted suicide at Wanganuiby hanging him self in a stable a few days ago. The local Chronicle says:—"lt appears that the un fortunate suicide, whose name was " Zecka riah Bezar," had been in bad health for some time, had received hospital treatment, had 2ot into low spirits, and so concluded to hang himself. He appears to have gone into a stable in the rear of the Railway Hotel, and fastened the rope round his neck, wbeD standing on the step of a ladder leading to the loft of the stable, and thus launched himself into eternity. On a piece of board close by waß found a last message, written to

his brother, concluded in the following terms : — 'My dear brother, I am very sorry to bring disgrace upon my family, but yon know how I have been for some time. Al though I can say that I have received the greatest kindness from yourself and your wife, from Mr and Mrs. Armstrong, and also from Mr. B Hood. But I see no way

to get food, and cannot get into the Hospital, and have nothing to relieve me save rleath. Your affectionate brother, Zechariah B"7.ar.' We are glad to learn that the amount of dress-ed stone ordered from Melbourne by the dock contractors is very considerably ex aggerated. We are also informed that as much Auckland stone will be used as can be

supplied in time to render the completion of the dock within contract time—the end of next year —possible. Wo should certainly have supposed that the whole of the stonf required could have been quarried and dressed here during the next twelve months

but the contractors say not. A musical and literary entertainment will be held in the Pitt street school-room to morrow evening, Rev W. Kirk, in the chair. The programme is pleasantly interspersed with music, songs, and readings.

The next lecture of the winter series in connection with the Young Men's Christian Association will be given to-morrow (Friday) evening by Rev. A. R. Tomlinson, of One hunga. The subject which Mr Tomlinson has chosen is " Venice," a suVject profoundly interesting to students of history and dram atic poetry. Two of the finest dramas in English literature relate to this splendid city of the sea, viz., Shakespeare's " Merchant of Venice," and Otway's "Venice Preserved," and Rogers, the banker-poet, gave the best poetic description of the city in his poem on " Italy," and which is constantly quoted and preserved among the memories of the Re public which figured for more than a thou sand years among the independent states of Europe, and acted no inconsiderable part in modern history. Venice originally was a city of refuge, and its first inhabitants were fugitive citizens of various towns of the neighbouring continent, who, alarmed by the devastations of the Goths and other northern tribes in the early part of the fifth century, retired to the various strips of land which rise just above high-water, in the midst of the shallow seas which extend from the mouth of the Adige to that of the Piave, and which are separated from the open sea by a natural dyke, through which are channels for the passage of ships. The eighty islands became numerously inhabited by an indus trious population, and were joined by 450 bridges, and upon these islands arose the city of Venice. The canals form the highways of communication, so that horses and carriages are useless, and their places are supplied by gondolas, or boats of a light character which are continually passing, to and fro in all parts. Venice contains, according to recent computa tion, 2000 streets and alleys, and 28,000 houses. The church of St Mark, built, or completed in 1043, is considered the finest Byzantine church in western Europe, and St Mark's Square is the fashionable resort of the Venetians. The massive ducal palace re cently shewn by Mr Severn, in one of; his lecture-evenings in Auckland, is a magnifi cent building, and contains the halls of the numerous councils of administration. Venice was for ages, a city of merchants, but her commercial greatness declined under a succession of wars, until her posses sions passed into other hands, and she was formally handed over to Austria by France, into whose hands Venice fell. The banks of the grand canal are lined with what Rogers calls her "marble palaces," in which were the finest works of Vinci, Michael Angelo, and Raphael. Readers of the poems of Byron will remember many pleasing recollections of the city, and the melancholy one of the " Bridge of Sighs." We anticipate therefore, an historical treat of no ordinary character from Mr Tomlinson to-morrow evening, who will, no doubt, trace the causes of the extra ordinary rise and decay, of the once wonder ful republic, and splendid city of the Adriatic Sea. The lecture will be illustrated by Mr Crook's Venetian views, associated with musical selections.

CITY COUNCIL ELECTION.

MEETING TO-NIGHT AND POLL TO-

MORROW.

We would again remind ratepayers of the meeting to be held in the Mechanic's Institute, at half past seven o'clock to-night, to hear an exposition of the views of Messrs Niecol and Waddel, the two condidates for civic honour. The polling takes place in the~ Mechanic's Institute between the hours' of S a.m. and 4 p.m. to-morrow.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT. This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.) JUDGMENTS FOR PLAINTIFFS. H Partington v. Wm. Foot-claim, £39, dishonored bills with interest (Mr Thome for plaintiff) ; costs, £3 17s. R- H. Duder v. Fredk. Gertz -claim, £-4 5s 3d, groceries (Mr Tyler for plaintiff) ; costs, £1 13s 6d Thos. W. Marsh v. Chas. E. Madden—claim, £20, promissory note ; costs, £1 7s. Edward Waters v. Agnes Baxter—claim, £3 16s Ba, confectionary"(Mr Hesketh for plaintiff, Mr Dion proved the claim) ; costs, £1 6s bd. A. and W. Craig v. Hugh Reed-claim, £4 12s 6d work done (Mr Brock for plaintiff); costs, £1 4s Gd. Charles Marks v. W Young claim £2 10s 6d. boots ; costs, £1 4s 6d. Henry Daffy v. Val. Blagrove-claim, £3: costs £1 4s 6d. Joseph Abbott v. James Harkins—claim, 16s 6d, goods ; costs, 14s. APPLICATION.—PONSONBY BOARD. Mr Tyler in conjunction with Mr Hesketh, made an application to the Court for the issuing of fresh summonses against the persons at present acting as trustees of the Ponsonby Highway Board at the request of the ratepayers of that district, to shew cause why they, the Board, should not be ousted from their position. His Worship said he would attend to the matter after two o'clock. MTJRDOCK ROSS V. MARTIN DONAHER. Claim £36 Is 7d.. for work done. Mr Tyler for plaintiff, and Mr James Russell for defendant. Mardock Ross, contractor, deposed that he had been doing work for defendant at the Reclamation works, Freeman's Bay. When he made the agreement, Mr Gouk was present. Mr Donaher asked him what he would drive certain long piles for him. for. He said, 10s a pile • the long ones, 3 feet, and the short ones 18 inches • the latter at ss. He agreed to do the work himself, because the job would not allow him to hire. The planking, or sheeting he agreed to do for 12 6d a square of 10 x 10 feet. Nothing was said about the size of the wood. Mr Donaher was to find timber, and witness tools. On the following Monday, defendant and Dun da; s saw him! and asked him if he wonld take the work, when he knocked 6d off the sheet in c, and undertook it at 12s a square. He eommf-nced work at once, put in 48 long piles :? and 4 feet dr-ep. He was then stopped ia the work by Mr Taylor, who acted for the Harbour Board. Nothing more was done for some time, when Messrs Donaher and Taylor ordered him to go on, and put the piles in four feet deep. He put 25 in four feet, and the remainder 3 feet. Nothing further was said about the price, but Is 6d or °s is the regular price ; he did 115 squares of sheetiDg. He finally left the work for want of material. The work was generally approved, but one part, marked in the plan, was found fault with ; but it was no fault of his. Mr Donaher wished him to proceed with the work according to verbal agreement but he told him he could not do so, unless he (Mr Donaher) measured the work and paid him, and agreed to pay him weekly until the work was completed. The claim was originally £110 Is 7d of which he had received"£74, leaving £36 Is 7d the balance of this claim. The plaintiff was cross-examined at great length by Mr James Russell, in order to shew that he was in error in his measurements and calculations. At the time of the temporary adjournment at one o'clock, there were six witnesses, beside Mr Donaher, to be examined, so that we are compelled to hold over the result until oar next issue. A number of cases were settled out of Court, and in others, defendants confessed judgment.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before Dr. Home, and G. S. Graham, Esci3., Justices ) WHO STOLE THE CHEESE ?

William Hyde a surly-looking fellow, with red hair, was charged with being drunk and also with having stolen a cheese, value ss, from Mr. R. Arthur. Prisoner was found in a drunken condition in Wakefield-street by Constable Ahrams. He had the cheese in his possession and gave an incoherent account of how he got it. One version being that the Bishop had given it He now pleaded guilty and was sent to Mount Eden for a month- The charge of drunkenness was not proceeded with. WITHDRAWN. A charge of assault was withdrawn by permission of the Bench, the defendant hav ing apologised.

AUSTRALIAN CABLEGRAMS.

[PRESS AGENCY.]

BANK OF NEW ZEALAND SHARES,

Bank of New Zealand shares sold at an ad vance of half-a-crown, and are held for a further rise. Arrived ; Otago. Sailed : Hero, s.s., and Llewellyn, s.s., for Auckland. ' MELBOURNE, Wednesday. During the voyage of the Thomas Bell from London, she met very severe weather. The stock and fresh water were destroyed, and cargo was broached till rain water was obtained.

INQUEST ON THE BODY OF A CHILD.

THE JVERDICT,

The evidence on the body of a new-born female child found in the garden of Mr S. Kissling appeared in the Star of last evening, but the verdict was not given in time for that issue. After some twenty minutes deliberation the jury returned a verdict "We find the child was still-born." The Coroner, Dr Philson, then asked the jury to say whether or not there was conceal ment of birth. Mr Dickson, foreman : We do not think there is sufficient evidence to show that Fanny Dynes was the mother of the child. The Coroner (with some warmth) : " Are you, gentlemen of opinion that the birth was concealed, and that the prisoner was the mother ?" The jury (with one voice) : " No. " Coroner: "You must declare how the child came by its death. " A juryman : "It is impossible, the child never lived ? The Foreman : " We that if the crime is to be brought to the prisoner she ought to have been medically examined. There is no evidence to shew that she had ? child." The Coroner (with much surprise) : " She has confessed It. The verdict you give is likely to bring coroner's inquests into 'dis repute. The Foreman: "Oh, only before the police. We see the state she is in to-day, and we do not think she was in a better state when she made the confession to Detective Jeffery." The Coroner : She heard the evidence, and she might have challenged it. Don't stultify yourselves by saying she is not the mother." Sub-Inspector Pardy : " Gentlemen, you simply accuse Detective Jeffery of perjnry by your verdict." A juror : "Nothing of the kind." The jury were again left to themselves to reconsider the evidence, and in the course of ten minutes, announced that they were of the same opinion, and .jould give no other verdict; they were not inclined to take upon themselves the responsibility of "saying who was the mother upon the evidence before them. The Coroner then put the verdict in legal form to the effect that the child was still bom, and its mother unknown. i The young woman, Fanny Dynes, who sat throughout the enquiry, with her face coveted

by a dark veil, was then removed tol the station, and from thence in custody to Mount The prisoner will be charged on Saturday next at the police court, with concealment of birth. *

THEATRE ROYAL.

THE NEW DRAMATIC SEASON.

Mr and Mrs John L. Hall re-appeared last night in their original cnaracters ol caterers for the public amusement in Auck land Our readers are alreaay aware tUac these talented artistes have taken the lease of the new Theatre for two years. lhey intend bringing out at intervals a series ol high-class plays, for which purpose a com pany of able performers has been got together, not without considerable trouble, good actors and actresses being remarkably rare iust now. Last night the season was in augurated with Byron's clever _ comedy o " Old Soldiers." and the domestic drama ol " Toodles " The curtain rose to a crowded house, and the audience received theirold friends very enthusiastically. The plot of " Old Soldiers " is told in a few words :— Major McTavish (Mr John Hesford), a dis reputable and spendthrift old so dier wants to marry his pretty and estimable daughter Kate (Mrs J. L. Hall) to Lionel Everett (Mr Holloway), the rich son of another old soldier. The said daughter Kate is in loye with a penniless young fellow, Gordon Lock hart (Mr lnglis), but consents to marry Everett at her father's dictation. On the other hand Mrs Major Moss (Mrs Stoneham), another species of "Old Soldier endea vours to secure Everett for her daughter Mary (Miss Laura Wiseman) between whom and the young man a warm attachment exists, though stifled by some little misunderstandings. Major F*ng (Mr C. F. Searle), another of the old school, appears, and besides assisting in some capital scenes with Mrs Moss, is largely concerned in directing affairs into a proper channel, though this portion of the business is chiefly attended to by Cassidy (Mr J. L. Hall), another old soldier, a pensioned corporal, who has sworn to Lionel's father to stick to his son through thick and thin, and who is m the latter's service as man-servant, lne performance went smoothly and well. Coming just after the opera may be assigned as the reason for the applause not being so frequent as the merits of the piece deserved The musical clothing being suddenly snatched away as it were, made the dialogue appear somewhat bare, though in reality it is rich and sparkling. Mr Hall reminded us forcibly of Wheatleigh in his portraiture of the faithful Irish servant. There was power and yet perfect repose in his acting, and his capability of holding his audience m rapt attention, was forcibly illustrated in his feel ing appeal to Lionel on the latter s giving him notice to leave. There was a splendid bit of natural pathos about this which enthralled everyone. Mrs Hall gave us a pretty delineation of a warm hearted generous girl. Mrs Stoneham s version of Mrs Major Moss was capital. The scheming widow with her hypocritical wait ings over the late " lamented Demetrius, and her desire at times to " shed a maternal tear" was hit off to the letter, and was very amusing. Miss Laura Wiseman acted with quiet appropriateness as Mary, and created a very favourable impression. Mr Hesford exhibits marked improvement since he was here three years ago. His Major McTavish was pointed and life-like, and his elocution was remarkably clear. Mr Holloway as Lionel acted his part carefully and with considerable talent. The character might perhaps be made a trifle more prononce, but still the reading was intelligent and gentle manly. Mr Searle as Major Fang was made up excellently, and as the character suited his line to perfection, he made the part a success. Mr lnglis deserves a word of praise for his painstaking version of Gordon Lockart. In "Toodles," Mr Hall convulsed the audience with his antics : he was ably assisted by Miss Jessie Raymond, as Mrs Toodlee, though the lady might have spared a little of her energy in the dance. The remaining characters were well taken. The scenery and stage appointments were remark ably good, better irideed than we have seen on an Auckland stage hitherto. The music by the orchestra "was all that could be desired. AmoDg the selections, the Cen tennial March was most attentively listened to. The same programme is announced for to-night.

PARLIAMENTARY

[From our Special Correspondent]

WELLINGTON

This day PAYMENT OF MEMBERS.

The chief discussion yesterday was on Mr Larnach's motion to increase the payment of members. The first part of the resolution provided that the House should go into com mittee on the following day to consider the question of renumeration, and the second part provided that the payment should be increased to £300 a year each.

Billy Rowe and Pyke were active in sup port, and thought it would be very conducive to Parliamentary purity, enabling such able men as themselves to engagelin Parliamentar7 work, and keeping them out of temptatior. Messrs Stout, Tribe, and Wooleock also Bupoorted. Mr Stafford spoke strongly in opposition, and was followed by Messrs Swanson, Ms« farlane, and Reader Wood on the same side Messrs Murray, Harper, Bowen, Reynold, and Roll eston also spoke against the increase The Government took a very undecided position, stating that they would oppose the motion in committee. The second resolution, fixing the arrount at £300 a year having been withdrawr, the first part, in favor of the House consiiering in committee an address to the Governor for | an increase, was carried by 30 againsi 25. PENSIONED MEMBERS. The Government have promised a return asked for by Mr Wooleock, of all members of the late Parliament who have been ap pointed to offices of emolument. FOREST CONSERVATION. A bill to repeal the New Zealand Forests Act was read a first time on the notion of Mr Macfarlane. THE STEAM YACHT. The £1500 worth of plate on the Hinemoa, was raised by a question to the Com missioner of Customs by Mr Rolleston, but he avowed that the Government did not know as much as the newspapers about it. There is sure to be a big row when the vessel arrives, and it is rumoured in the lobbies that Mr J. S Macfarlane will move for her immediate sale.

[PEESS AGEKCY.]

MR TAIROA'S MAORI REPRESEN TATION BILL.

Last night a very long discussion took place upon the Maori Representation and Amendment Bill. A number of members warmly supported giving Maoris seven members instead of fonr, as at present. Others strongly objected to the double power of rating now enjoyed by the Maoris. The Government wanted the bill rwith drawn until they could consider the whole matter of representation, Maori and Euro pean, during the recess. At length, all clauses of the Act were Btruck out except the eighth, which was amended so as to secure the seats of the present Maori members during this Parlia ment (supposing no intermediate legislation to take plaoe), as according to the present Act their terms end in October, 1877.

GOLD DUTIES. The only other business of interest was Mr

Pyke's Gold Duties Act, I|Amendment Bill. The object of which to reduce the sold duty from 23 to Is. § After a great deal of deb a compromise was come to. and the an»t made Is 6d. Ifter which the Bill was ,d a third time, and passed. The House adjourned au.m.

[ADVERTISE^].

CITY COUNCIL ECTION.

(To the Editor of theening Star) Sib —Is it true that MVaddell has been brought out by the mews of the Orange Institution, and that thewe pledged them selves to support him.f this is the case their is a very poor char for him.—Yours etc., Not oxe wh© hahade up his Mind who to Vote fob.

ROBBERY AT BLACKS.

To the Editor of thvr.siNG ?tAr % _ Sib,—l am a bootmaker taade, and arrived m Auckland in January last m Sydney with a sis years' good character from tester I served my time with I»m a vourg man,Jtranger in Auckland, without a friend or relatiorthln several thousands of miles trusting, by mdv and the unblemished rharacter I brought with an build up a happy and Prosperous home* I soughfl obtained employment in my trade from Black* Company wholesale bootmakers Aib^rt-strc^t,.. up to a week Or ten days ago. appeared to eivasfaction On the night of Saturday week, o rfiirkome part of; Sunday a bnr-larv was committed oheir premises, a Unbox containing money. bmkepen, and several pounds abstractefl. On Monday.rning: at S a.m I came as usual to my work in corny with several others of the factory hands, and 3 for the. first time was made aware of the robl. A wind-w, two feet ™om the ground, was apently the ingress selected by the robber for enterithe premise S] Kr Bkck shewed me, in commonth other workmen, where the money was taken frl I told Mr Black it was my otf nion that no rtrjf had done the deedinas much a? the tin bor b-n oner, had not the appear ance of a c»sh-> ox .ndoreover. the bar that was appa^Uiy led in rn^the box open, and which was found by it, *ide. to my knowledge lay in a different Part be bnildmg undera heap of leather, a very unliketface for a thM to se-k It who was not well aeon «d with the premises About -loam on Monday JV# and Grace arrived and ha«l a the detectfves.were minutely inspecting Window, one of the workmen his ornnionit it was too small for a thief tolenter by. I bein^aller man, dissented from his oDinion and sta as my opinion that a thief "old? n fact that Icddo it myself. Jeffries asked mPtotrv which I didd succeeded m so dome. Now MrEd or had IbeAhe thief is it likely I would io^,o -Toinnteered ft a statement as that? £EMl?«*3y I said anything havepacked up my fellow workn's assertion ? On the Tuesday evening following, going up Wakefleld-street to mvhome both delves stopped me asked me if £v name Was not Cke. and demanded to taowmy nlace of abode Bcfluerics on their part 1 satisfied. This; the J demand* accountof: my XmTcould oarnrdav and Puncfciehts. I told them I couia bo h time and pU?nd asked them ".they thought "had committede robbery. I them to c4e to my reside to search, which they did I gave them volurfly up the key of my chest. I fsked the landl.' before detectives, Jefl«y »d firace what houf was in on both nights which sh» told them then asked them as a favor to come with me the residence a lady, in whose comnanv and I! daughters I was in, both nights S'omTrt home-this they declined to do. Mr Black stat^penly in the shop that he should discharge the he suspected of the robbery and ot| hatulda??af charged me I requested^imte state his reasonx 'so doing, when he told me that it was enough, tithe detectives suspected me and I was not to erft any more work from him nd here am I a -anger in your midst with a hideous crime"Sritatto me, who am as gnilOws of it as a new-bom infa^ How can I expect that any master will employ *' with suoh a damnable stain on my ' character ° V is it likely lam ever again in Auck i LmTto enioyinquUity of mind knowing that I am portedat'bWrwfrkmates »T pass alongitte ' street to th' acquaintances as the young fellow 1 who wa7susjted of robbing Black's premises^ If 1 ever there w» cruel wrong inflicted on any man— , a wrong that the highest degree needs resistance— ft I/mine Ousting you will bring this cruel wrong 1 before the plic through the Stab's columns-I am, ! &C, GIORG^LABK.

POSTPOEMENT OF GRAFTON ROAD ENTERTAINMENT.

A SnelS Bee and the popular lime-hght entertammt by Mr Dennes. was announced for thS vening in the Grafton Eroad school. Owing r/ever; to a Highway Boaid meet ing of aich the promoters of the enter tammentere unaware, the more interesting gather ing is posoned until to-morrow night (Enday). The program? prepared is a capital one.

ST. MATTHEW'S.

The cldren's oratorio, being a Service of Song foundedn the life of Chi Ist, was successful last evenSSnd numerously attended. The children of the Inttrial Some, Howe-street, and the Orphan Home, arneli. were also present under the care ot their pointed guardians, and appeared to er joy toe io« amalngly. The hjm ? s in connection with f service of song were well sung by the St. Matth/'s School Choir, under the leadership of Mr Webb The readings between the melodies were riven' Eev R 8 Hassard. Mr J. Brown officiated ft thergan. The offertory produced £6 2s 3d,whicn will gto the Sunday-school fund. The service con cludfwUh the Benediction and Handel's fine Halle j &h chorus.

ELLERSLIE GARDENS.

Mr Robert Graham, intends issuing his usul Caledonian Sports programme for the 9ttNovember. .a. brief announcement of th? fact appears to-day, and we are told to lot for further particulars in a few days. Tfc Birthday Cup will, as last year consta tte the chief attraction, and will no doubt B€ ure entries from the Thames, Walkato, Cromandel, and possibly from the South.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TAURANGA.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day. Barry's Prospecting Expedition. There is no truth whatever in the report which.doubtless reached you, of Barry having been sent back from Kaimai by Hopkins Clarke. Barry's return is inexplicable.

COROMANDEL.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

Union Beach.—lt is reported here that this company contemplate purchasing a new column from the Pumping Association to relieve the mine from the present when we are reliably informed that, by the asking k for a suitable column, it could be obtained in the district, and landed on the mine in a few hours. This looks like another job. The lona has some more good stone.

NEW PLYMOUTH.

[Per Press Telegram Agency.] Wednesday. The Maoris and Lost Tribes of Israel.

The Paraika meeting has been terminated. Over a thousand natives were present. Te Witi was the centre of attraction, and was looked up to with almost adoration by the natives. He says the Maoris were the lost tribes of Israel, and exhibited maps and plans showing the supposed ruote by which the present race orignally reached New Zealand. His knowledge of Scripture history and of late researches in Palestine is spoken of as astonishing. He said it was no use educat ing the Maori regarding the land, each man could sell or keep it as he liked. He spoke of the proposed meeting of the Maori Bang, the Governor and Sir Donald McLean. One hundred and thirty-four acres of land within two miles of New Plymouth were Bold to Mr Burke, of Auckland, for £l,boU, cash.

DUNEDIN.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day. T3ie two Government Steamers- The Times yesterday published the follow me: "A gentleman in Scotland, writing to a Dunedin friend by the last mail, says the Stella and Hinemoa are regular jobs, flimsny built and exorbitantly charged for. &* states that a gentbman connected with a steamboat company in one of the neigh bouring colonies, remarked of the Stella ana Hinemoa that there would be a fine row about them when they got to New Zealand. Death of Mr. Saloman. A cablegram announces the death of Mr. Edmund Saloman, the well known pianist. The Nevis portion of Mr. Pyke's constitu

mrmrnt srnyr—



JT 0 T I '0 B T. & H. COOKE, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, &c, Beg to inform their friends and the public that they have •ST [REMOVED JBT To the new and spacious Show rooms in Queen-street, next to the Bank of New Zealand. In addition to the usual varifld aasortment of Fnmiahin? Goods, T. and IT. C have just Ooened Large Shipments of Iron Bedsteads and Toilet Glasse ex Bablngton and England's Glory. "pEICES TO MEET THE TIMES. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN Are determined to sustain the character of the JUNCTION T)RAPERY "r^AREHOUSE. For Supplying the Public with GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY !!! THE NEW SPRING GOODS '' MOW COMINO TO HAI7D, HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY SELECTED AND WHLL BOUG HT and are being .marked off at H tfw Prices to Meet the Times, "ffia CASH PURCHASERS OF DRAPERY AND CLOTHING Are invited to inspect our Stock, which is well assorted in every Department, and Includes a number of Special and Job Lines, bought in an over stocked Market at a Constdebabpe Reduction, and offered at correspondingly Low Pbtoes !!! Pr Remember the address: — RUSHJBiROOK & BRIDGMAN, (Late R. Hobbs), JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite Army and Navy Hotel), Upper Queen-street, Auckland. HONEYCOMB "piRINGED JJED QUILTS, IN ALL SIZES AND PRICES, AT HOLLOWAY & GARLICK'S, From 7a lid to 255, Prettiest and EaslesVWashed Quilt ever made. IMMENSE VARIETY or MUSLIN LENO AND LACE CURTAINS! From 2a lid to 55s per pair. OPENING UP: SPRING & SUMMER DRESS GOODS. JAPANESE SILKS, and FASHIONABLE FANCY MATERIALS 150 different Patterns in DRESS PRINTS Latbst Fashions in MILLINERY. MEN'S and BOYS' CLOTHING. FURNISHING GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CITY HALL DRAPERY & FURNITURE BJAZAAR, _ , \; QCEEN-STREBT, AUCKLAND. j I' - * HpELO^X & GARLJCfc; t}i — Proprietors. 1



(SPECIAL pHEAP T NES AT 130 AND 132, QUEEN-STREET. HEAVY jLANKETS, 12s 6d per pair GOOD WHITE SHEETING from Is 3d yard A Special Line in LONGCLOTH, 5Xa Pc STOUT DRESSES from 9d per yard SUPERIOR BLACK VELVETEEN, 2s Od yard STOUT WINCEYS, 5%d per yard. S. & J. R~ VAILE, 130 AND 132, QUEEN-STREET. THORNTON, SMITH & FIRTH'S PRICES CURRENT (Wholmat.e) :— Sacks. IOOIbs. 60It>s. "Crown Brand" Flour, £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. ""perton 15 0 0 15 10 0 16 0 0 T. S. F. Canterbury Flour, do 13 10 0 14 0 0 14 10 0 Seconds ditto ditto 1110 0 Sharps,do S 10 0 Bran, .do 7 0 0.. Fowl Wheat, per bushel, 4s 3d to 4s 6d. The above prices include sacks and bags. Sacks and hn^s nnt returnable.—Tpths Cash. Auckland. September 19, 1876. The Leading Tonic and Corrective of the Ace. —Its purity, remarkable efficacy in obviating dfgpstivp weaknoos or irreiulantv, the promptitude and certainty wit.^i which it supplies vigour to the str T-tjth'ff", its rranqnilizing effect unon the brain and n«rvp=, and final'v its adoption by the medical prorPs?ion as a means of strep jrtlnming and regula ting th» vital foreps, justly entitle UnotiPiin Wolfe's Schiwdam Aromatic Schnapps to be regarded as the leading tonic arid cirre-tivp of t-le age. The New Feason Cod Liver Oil, 1876. <3nrirantPP<l rerfectir pure and frpe from amell or nnnleasinT flavour. Tli° quality i« pspe"ially finp -2h 61 and siabottle—T O Sharland, Apothecaries' Halt,, opposite rh° Po=t-offl"p. Man nine's Worm Powders—A safe and ffeetual Vermifuge. Prepared only by J. C. SHAR LA.'VD 1= a packet.— VpoTnECAtvrEs'HALi. opposite the Post-office. Hemiis & Trisrar, opoosifce McArthur, Shera and Co.'s. will sell the Balance of the'r Winter Draoery and Millinery for Two Weeks, at Cp«t. in order to make room for Spring and Summer Goods to arrive sonn. Mark Twain on Bad Musicians.—The mnsi-al pnrui"! ->nd eppprnl readpTS are cautioned not to nnrehase W. stop's Wizard Oil and Marfc Pills, without carefnlly examining the outside wrapper — and be sure that thp words " N"op» Genuine without the Signature of the Proprietor, Fhank Weston, Sydney. N.5.W.." are enuravpn thereon. Any other so cal'ed preparations of min°. »r° unauthorized by mp, and calculated to rrtelpad the public.—kerned, Frawk Weston. Srl<»A{«n +8: Kempthorne, Prosser and Co. Price. Half-a-orown.