SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

MOON'S AQB^-Fuli moon, 6tb, 617 pm

ARRIVALS.

Jp^' £!" }g> from Sydney, in Mannimn »aranaw, sa, Andrews, from tlie South

DEPARTURES.

wity of New York, P.M Co's sb, 3400 tons, Cavaly, for Ban Francisco via Kandavu and Honolulu (English Mail Awryle, sb, Stepheagon, for Wangarel Minnie Hnre, schooner, for Wangaroa stag, barque, for New Caledonia via Kaipara Oolden Isle, schooner, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

ffat London—Kobina Dunlop, barque, early ; Dllpus- Bunfl, barque, early

VESSELS EXPECTED

Agnes, schooner, from Chatham Islands, overane Helena, brigantlne, from the Islands, early Augusta, brlgantioe, from Levuka, early Martha, barque, from the Islands, early Queen of the Seas, barque, from Sydne- feariv Ajßosy,barque, from Dunedin, c- ■'.-'"' 3 Woosung, ship (VWDC), fm- - -'7 j, fl °30ih r MaybarqUe (OT^X SfISS. of m 7 e p l d ß eli,* in 'PVSR). from London, early Huranui "" ><*U9' from T.yttelton, early oSS ¥r diV> from London, early i?-?' S^?P, from London, early barque, from Newcastle, early. Vision, brig, from Tonga, early. JaoneynfeK, barque, from Timarn, early «ellaMarv, barqne, from HobartTown, early *iora, schooner, from «vdney, early vaiejo, barque, (EOJF) from Liverpool; sailed 21st -Api-il vrownthorpe. Rhip, (MKBD) from TCngland April 19 Thomas and Henry, t>rig, from Dunedin, early C"aryt>a?s , schooner, from the Islands, early Ariel, schooner, from Oamaru, early to!™ emy' Rch°oner i fro 0" Samoa, early schooner, from the Islands, earlr Walmea, ship, from London : sailed 30th May

IMPORTS.

trer xarannßi, rrom the Soutn :— It cases. E Porter and Go. 54 cases, 8 package?, 1 parcel, 1 bale, 57 aacks •wrier, 1 package hop 3, 328 sacks malt. fiuPer Syren, from Sfdney :—50 pairs shafts; 799 bags Wiaiee; 732 baca benedust; 6 cases sewing machines ; 78 caoes chairs ; 6 drays ;60 cases fruit; 10 cas«3 matches ; 5E baga fait ; 3 ca=eg herrings; 5 casks vinegar; lo cases ao ; 2 do. chicory ; S do. pickles ; » "o. jam. 20 do. st»rch; 1 do. sundries; 3 do. »o««?.—Waller and Garlick, Agents. oVi Dalrs shafts, -V.. Porter and Co. 599 bags maize; 732 bags bonedmt—Conpland and

10 oases matches . .Owen and Graham.

DEPARTURE OF THE ENGLISH MAIL.

We City of New York left before daylight this morn lnsr for San Francisco via Ksnffavu and Honolulu wh:h th<* mails for America and England. Phe con •veyed 22 passengers from th« South in addition to ihosn booked in this port, and published last nigfrt. During the night, tte " City " took lv about 300 tcDB of cosL

The ?a Taranaki arrivfed at Onehnnsa wharf at 9 am this rnornine Sbe Mt Port Chalmers at 615pm on the 27th. arWvorl a* Lytellton st noon ; sailed at 415 Tm on the 28th. arrlvrd at ■Wellington at 945 am on the ?9<h; nailer! at noon on the 30th, arrived at Pieton »t 5 3f» pm ; palled at *l pm game evening, arrived at T'elson at 430 am on the 31st; sailed at 510 pm same evening, arrived at Taranakl at 9am on the Ist; l«f t i at 4pm same d»y, arriving at Onehunga as abovo. Kxperlenced flno weather throughout the passage ' Passensrers— Miss McMillan, Contain Huiislow ; Messrs V- Is»acs, Leonard, Thomas, Eainey, Walker! Beres ford, Htaunton, and 8 steerage. W« are indebted to Mr Wm, Dougherty, purser, for flies and report The s s Bowena leaves for Tauranga thi3 evening at' 0 o'clock. Th» barque TJzzle Fox from this port arrived in New York on SOih May. The bri<? Vision is making an extended trip amonsr the Islands ; we understand she is not expected back for at lea?t a month yet. The schooner Golden Isle has left for Bnssell with s oargo of railway machinery for the Kawakawa rail v»y. The cntt9r Mana, brings 48 tons coal from the Bay 3?ho barque Gllmoee cleared out to-day for Now o«BUe is. biiiUbi- and the barque Wanlock in ballast for Lyttelton. '

ENGLISH SHIPPING.

The following is a list of the passengers who left Xotidon for this port 1" the ship Sara Vendei on the 80th Mar and wa« off Dartmouth on ftth Jane.—Chief enbin : Sir TV, Yonng. Mr W. Shaw. Misses A'ice, "•Jve.lyn and Oamillla Shaw. Mr and Mrs J. Xelsrm, Mr Pf. LnokwooA. Mr Alex. Barr, Mr "P. J. Buelin, Mr G H. Carr, Mr E. B, Rtocken, Mr V, O. Hihorty, mml H Herman. Rteerecre: Mm and G Clinch.Elizabeth Clinch, Henry Clinch, "VV. J, Hntchlnson, Mrs Machin Mr A. Herman, H. N. Pennes, "W. W. Ball, W. Byron, W. Bedford, J. a. Smith, G. Wood, H. Higginson, and J. Khot. . <

WThe barqne Loch Fergng sailed from' Deal on'the Bth Jnn« bound for thi« port.

The ship "England's Glory bound here was spoken on Way 14th in lat. 25 N". long. 25 W. The new steara yacht. Stella, bnilt by Messrs Scntt •nd Co., Cartsdike, for the Kew Zealand Government went a satisfactory tii*l trip on May 23rd at GreenocV.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs. Cochrane and Son, Bold a number of bags of oatmeal (25 Tfes each) for £117s 6d. Mr. E. Arthur sold to-day, a number of kegs of salt butter from 3£d to Is, according to quality ; potatoes, 4s 9d to ss; carrots, 2s 6d to 3s 6d ; onions, apples, 3Jd; and bacon (inferior), 3d to 6Jd. To-morrow Messrs Cochran« and Son will offer for Bale (as will be seen by advertisement in another eolnmn) jGSOO worth of gold and silver watches, gold and silver chains, Viena and American clocks, &c. The*e goods belong to Mr K. D Sykes. late President of the Manchester Watchmakers' Society, and are direct from the manufactory of Messrs Crossman and Co., London. Each Watch will have a stamped guarantee and be kept in good order for twelve months. There will also be offered a silver-plated tea service, of very superior character, acorn pattern with fern leaf.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND

%*AIu& WILL CIiOCE Afi FOMCOTrS .'— For Thames this day at 530 pm, and to-morrow at

11 30 am For Coromandel on Friday at 2 30 pm Ifot Whitiangi, Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotiki this

day at 4 ptn For Kawau this day at 4 pm Tot Tiiirua to-morrow at 8 am For Whitiangi to-morrow at 9 am For Waiwera. Mahurangi, Matakana, and Te Aral

to-morrow at 10 am For Knastill tc-morrow at 2 pm For Taranakl, aonJhern provinces, and Australian colonies, per Taranaki, Saturday, £ 30 am Signed) S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

WATiE—On the Ist instant, at he? residence, Parnell,

the wife of W. Ware, Esq., of a daughter McCONNACHTE-On tho 15th July, at Palmprstnn North, Wellington, the wife of Mr. James McCon nachie, compositor, of a son.

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

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 1876

For the cause Out lades asfeUae*, For tlm wrong that needs resistance. For the future in tlio distance, Ajid the uonA that we ciii tie.

The division on Mr Whitaker's land fund resolutions last night shews the ttter futility of attempting to secure equitable Colonial finance in the Assembly as at present con stituted. We are fully alive to the truth that justice to Auckland demands that the land fund should become colonial revenue, but every Auckland representative, no matter how enthusiastic in his demand for "one Colony and one purse " when entering tipon his legislatorial duties, soon discovers that Southern influence so greatly preponderates that he might as well ask for the moon. It is well that thki land, fund question has been introduced by a man possessing the influence of Mr Whitaker, for the extraordinary defeat can neither be attributed to a lack o* political status on the part of the mover or a want of loyal support among the Auckland members. Sixteen votes out of the 21 recorded in favour of the resolutions were from Auckland. Mr Sheehan probably did not anticipate that a division would be taken so early, and hence his absence. Mr Cox's opposition is what might have been expected from one possessing his Southern sympathies and interests. The M\ aikato settlers have great cause of thank fulness and self-congratulaiion in the even division of their vote on every important question affecting the province. When they had only one member his vote counted for somothing, but now, by the pursuit of a policy which has virtually given Canterbury an extra member, their representatives so nicely balance each other that by mutual coassnt they might as well keep away, Sir George Grey has given notice of his eepara tion resolutions for Thursday, and upon these the great debate of the session will take place. The division will be a narrow one either way, and although, according to present appearances, the Government may have.a majority of two or three, it is quite possible that the result will be the other way.

When the Premier wrote, since the opening of Parliament, that the irregularities in the San Francisco service were so great that little regret would be felt in New Zealand if it were abandoned, he spoke in a spirit singularly at variance with the tone and teachings of returns previonsly prepared by the Government bearing upon the perform, ance of that service. In a letter dated 27th March, 1876, enclosing a report by Mr Gray, Secretary of the Post Office, an almost laboured attempt was made to prove that in no respect could the Suez service be com. , pared with that via San Francisco as the chief; maill route for this colony. In this letter Sir Julius Vogel says :— "The statement subjoined shows —in the opinion of the Postmaster-General— that the interests of tJie colony require that no effort should he spared to keep up the service. The net cost of the two services is estimated to be £31,277; whilst, supposing the Suez were the only service, the es timate shows a net cost of £15,896 ; in other words, th« additional cost of the Californian Service is only £15,381. But, &s Mr Gray very properly poi»ts out, this difference is a continually diminishing one as th« number of letters increases, sinoe by the Californian Service the colony keeps the postages, whilst, under the arrangement with victoria, the payment to that colony for the Suez Service is always in excess of the postages reoeived. Every letter by Suez increases the net coat to the colony, every letter by Cali fornia diminishes it." He adds his belief that the cost of the Suez Service is under estimated. Mr Gray likewise proves that, if the Suez Service ware abandoned and all letters sent via San Franoiseo, the amount in favour of the Galle service would only be £881, annually decreasing by the increased pOßtal reveaue^while the payments to Vio

toria would be continually increasiiig with the Ose made of the Suez Service." A tabulated comparative return was issued from the General Post Office, Wellington, bearing date June 24, shewing the number of days occupied in the delivery of mails re latively via Suez and' San Francisco. It i p proved by this return that between the lGth of October, 1575. and the 6th of June 1876. the average time occurred in the mail delivery inwards at Melbourne, the head quarters of che Suez route, was 46 \SB days Vlft Bnndisi ; and 54*88 via Southampton. The average time from London to Aaeiiland via San Francisco was 47 "4 days, or leF B than four hours above the Brindisi time to Melbourne, and 7f days quicker than the Suez Service via Southampton. The out ward delivery from Auckland to London averaged 47 days, and from Melbourne to London via Brindisl 47"1 days; via South ampton, 541 days. The average delivery inwards at Wellington via San Francisco was 50 9 days, and via Brindisi 5f dayß longer ; at Dunedin via San Francisco 52*9 days, and via Brindisi a day and a quarter longer. The longest time occupied in the delivery by either service was 62 days from Melbourne to London via Brindisi; the maximum on the ' outward service via San Francisco was 56 days, and the minimum 43. Three times the outward service was accomplished via San Francisco in 43 days, and only once in the same time from Melbourne to London vi.i Brindisi. In the face of these figures it must be confessed that Sir Julius Vogel'a whole sale condemnation of the San Francisco Service is hardly merited, and indicates a change in the Government barometer as affecting our present mail route. With a Ministry guided in every action by the question of political expediency, we are quite warranted in reading these "signs of the times" as strong presumptive evidence that the Premier may see an advantage in finally abandoning his pet child. Such a result, now that the service is in good workinp order, would, we believe, be deeply deplored by business men in this city. We would again point out that in a question of this kind our members would be guided very much by an expression of opinion emanafcine from the mercantile section of the community, and we cannot help thinking that if the Chamber of Commerce allows the present critical juncture in the history of the service to pass without consideration it will be guilty of a' serious neglect of its functions as guardian of the commercial interests of the community.

The grant of £3000 to Dr. Featherston's family must come up on the estimates, when there will be another opportunity for discuss ing the principle and throwing out the appropriation. Once more, therefore, we enter our protest against this gross mis appropriation of public funds. Unwarranted by the state of the Treasury, bad in principle and pernioious as a precedent, this grant has not even the plea of necessity in its favour. Three of Dr Featherstone's child ren are married to very wealthy men, and the others are not left unprovided for, £2000 worth of land, voted by the Provincial Council of Wellington several years ago as a testimonial to Dr. Featherston, remains intact, and has immensely increased in value. We cannot believe that out of the Agent-General's large salary and allowances, he has not made other provision for bis family. We call upon the Auckland members to initiaite a practical retrenchment by voting against this wilful waste of public money. Dr Featherßton's services may be honorably acknowledged by a resolution of both Houses of the legislature, but if parliament once inaugurates a syßtem of making up, out of the public Treasury, deficiencies caused by the assumed improvi dence of public servants who have had every opportunity of making provision against the calamities of life, no one can see into what extravagences we shall be led.

Lovers of Centralism might learn a lesson from a few days sojourn in Wellington. Evidences of General Government waste are strewed around on every side. New Go vernment offices of wood are rising on reclaimed land, at a cost, with furniture, of £100,000, and will be rotten in a very few years. Sir Julius Vogel's Ministerial resi dence has coat the colony something like £20,000, and involves a large annual outlay, while the Premier has spent in various expeditions at least £15,000 of New Zealand money abroad. All the other members of the Ministry are comfortably housed at the expense of a grateful country.

This is a big world made up of people of every variety of tasce and smell, and who knows but that the information conveyed in a report by the Sanitary Inspector, laid before Par liament, may afford comfort to some suffering spirit. For the benefit of such an one then, we reprint the intelligence that on the 30th -f April last there were 1200 " boxes fixed within the city in privies." Mr Goldie has properly refrained from designating these boxes as earth closets, the use of the deodorising properties of earth, which are the great essentials of an efficient earth closet system, being much more honoured in the breach than the observance. Twelve hundred ptitrefying masses of corruption, sending their foul gasses into the atmosphere of the city by day and by night, is the reve lation affecting public health made in this contribution to polite literature. Twenty-seven lives were lost by the recent wreck of the Gottwood on the South Australian coast. She was a new vessel of 1056 tons, and was on her maiden voyage from to Melbourne. Her com mander, Captain Harrington, had his wife with him, and intended to go no more to sea. As former telegrams stated all on board were drowned. *r The thoroughbred entire Slanderer has been sold by Mr Nosworthy, of Canterbury, to go to Victoria, Messrs Brown and Mitchell .being the purchasers — The draught entire Young Prince of Wales has died recently in Canterbury, having ruptured his stomach while rolling. Mr Torrens reckons his loas at £500. "Sinjjad," in the Christchurch Press, says :—" The betting market is very slack at present, but for the Derby, Puriri has been backed at 100 to 15, Dead Heat and Ada Colt, at 100 to 12, and Songster at 100 to 10. For the Melbourne Cup, Newminster,. Robin Hood, Burgundy, Dilke, and Rapid Bay seem to be most fancied here, prices ranging from 100 to 3 to 100 to 5." The report circulated some tims ago as to the ship White Eagle having seen Bignals of distress at the Crozet Islands on her passage from England to Auokland, and rendered no assistance, ia the subject of a question to be put to the Colonial Secretary by the Hon. Colonel Brett, who desires to know if any inquiry has been made as to its truth. "Tributer" writes from the Thames com* plaining of the insufficient time, and the want 'of publicity through the press, in letting the Moanatairi Tribute., He Bays: That if the directors will go to the Thames, plenty of men could prove to thorn, that the ground is rich and easily worked, and he considers that the interests of the shareholders would have been better served by the working of the ground by the Company, or fuller publicity given to the letting of It on tribute.

Mr Lavwß' 1-epoHf.to th* Central Soari of Health, on the sanitary eonditiqn of Epsony is n model of conciseness. He writes :—"1. That tho health of the district is excellent, 2. That each house is a model of cleanliness. 3. That the general sanitary state of the district pon!<? not be materially improved^' Mr MoNeiH's report on Newmarket is scarcely so plowing. He says the foul but life-giving effluvium of the slaughterhouse is materially thickened by an sromatio con tribution from brewery refuse flowing under Hobsnn's, Bridee. Mr John Probort com plains of a boiling-down esf ablishtnent in Mount Albert district. Graffoii Road and PnuHonby are reported as sasisfaotory^ and Mr Thomas Barnes notes that " having a large sta^o in it" himself, he has considered it hia duty to look after Karangahape, which is "clean, healthy, and flouriahing." The young men and women of Epsom. Kemaera, and Newmarket, are informed that a quadrille party will be commenced this evening at the Junction Hotel, Epsom, and continued every evening during the season, under the superintendence of a committee. This arrangement will be wel come to the young people of the above mentioned districts, who will thus be enabled to enjoy a little music and a dance, which will break into the week like a gleam of sunshine, and dissipate its glooms. The anniversary of the Auckland Branch of the amalgamated society of carpenters and joiners, will be celebrated this evening m the Lome-street Hall. The proceedings will comprise tea, music, ballad, and dance of a varied and interesting character. Mr. G. Wright will provide the necessaries for the tables, and subsequently Mr. Wright's string band will be brought into play, for the es pecial purpose of setting the feet into motion. An enjoyable evening no doubt will be the happy result. The young men of St James's Mutual Improvement class met last evening in the vestry of the church to hear a brief Jeotnre from the pen of Mr Wiliam Cooper, on "Mormonipm." The sketch was fairly wrought, and gave a generally correct view of Mormonism as it is at present. The paper elicited a considerable amount of criticism This is tlie second of a aeries of essays on religious bodies, the first being "Spiritual inra," Others, we understand, will follow on kindred subjects, such as " Swedenborgian iam," " South coHs>m," and " The Shakers of Amprion." Mr Cooper's paper was very creditable to so young a critic. Dehtband and Allan's boot factory at Ohrifltchurdi has been giving offrnce to a Mr Henry Bush, a painter, who resides nexb *o the factory, so h« nought to recover in the Supremo Court £2,000 as damages from the proprietors, also an injunction to stop the nuinanne he complained of. Mr Bush com pl lined of the noise of the rivetting machines, th-3 vibration from an engine, and the offen sive smoke arising from burnt leather. The jury gave Bush a verdict for £50 to salve his wounded feelings. The editorial "precisely as we said" or, "anticipated," for which onr revered contem porary, the Cross, is distinguished, takes a singular form to-day, virtually insinuating that Mr Whitaker cabbaged hia speech on the land resolutions from the dreary columns of the Southern luminary. The writer, refer ing to the early part of the speech, says 'it " reads to us like a re-pernsal of the doctrines we have repeatedly preached in these columns." We' trust Mr Whitaker will feel flattered. The meeting of the Sir Henry Havelock Lodge was largely attended last evening. Thirty-seven new members were proposed, and ten initiated into the mysteries of the Order. Brother George Squirrel; the young and active secretary, read a well-writton ve noi-t of the progress of the last quarter, shewing an inorease of 70 members, making the number of genuine members 258. Brother-Brooking, G W.S., then installed the following officers for the coming quarter :-Bro. Goldte, P.W.C.T. ; Bro. Parker, W.O.T. : Bro. Brown, W.V.T. ; Bro. Young, O. ; Bro. Squirroll, Secretary ; Sister Haines, T. ; Bro. Barker. F.S. ; Bro. DineH, M. ; Bro. Thorn, W I.G. ; Bro. Hines, W:O.G. ; Sister Good, W.A.S. ; Sister Pardie, W.A.M. ; Sister Ell&nor Frouda. W.R.H.S. ; Sister Gribble, W.L H.S. The proceedings were of a pacific and harmonious character. The following is the Sanitary Inspector's report for July :—During the month there were 20 deaths registered within the city of Auckland. The number during the cor responding month of 1875, were 19 deaths. For 1876 Under 1 year, 7 deatha ; under 5 years, 2 ; under 20 years, 2; under 50 years, 2 ; over 50 years, 7 deaths : total. 20 deaths. For 1875—Under 1 year, 4 deaths ; |tinder 5 veara, 2 : under 20 years, 3 ; under 50 years, 5 : over 50 years, 5 : total, 19 deaths. There were three deatha in tho hospital during the the month of July, 1876. The New Zealand Presbyterian Church News, for the month of August, sustains its genial, refrfsshiog, and communicative character. The opening article contains thoughts, or rather a synopsis of the proceed ings of the Supreme Courts of the various churches of the Presbyteiian orderi which met at Edinburgh in May last. A sermon follows, by Rev Dr Aikmnn, on " Life at Home," which contains many.valuableJiinta and suggestions, founded on scriptural teach ings and common senss, in regard to f?mily training. This discourse is valuable, and read a like a commentary of the old song, " Home sweet home," with the music of birds and bees around in the gladsome trees. ,We are tempted to give two extracts from Dr Aikman's discourse. (1.) Civilization varies with the family, and the family with civiliza tion. Its highest andfrnost. complete realiza tion, is found where the enlightenment of Christianity prevails, where woman is exalted to her true and lofty place as equal with the man, where huahan d and wife are one in honour, in influence, in affection, and where children are a common bond of care and lore. (2.) Many and many a man would not be brave enough to meet life's trials and life's labour, but would faint rather, and die-would per haps rush out of life in very despair—were it not that from the family, come the calls of wife and children, like the music of angels, or a warriors clarion, giving him-a new inspira tion of energy and hope. Oh ! how many a cloud of care is! caught up and waftecl out of sight by the gentle winds which breathe from that sacred place ; how many a broad and steady gleam of sunshine gilds the pathway, and lights up the head of weary toilers when their' steps cross the threshold of home 1 Thoughts on "The Sacrements " is another brief paper which ' will be read with much interest. " Correspondence," " News of the Churches," in the province and elsewhere follow with a lengthy summary of the doings of the Church of Scotland Assembly ; scraps of news from the land north of the Tweed; and a well-written poem from tho pen of a Scotch Writer, on " The Lament of the Covenant, 1876" The treasurer's acoounts are stated, and with'several good extracts, the Presbyterian Church News is. freighted with select passages and golden thought*, which its readers will enjoy. The portrait of Mr Samuel Ooombes, the Queen-street clothier, on his gigantic copper token is familiar to everyone within a circuit of twenty miles around Auckland, but the fame of his establishment appears to have travelled even further. A letter was received by Mr Coombeg from Ohristchuroh, per City of Few York, enclosing a pound note, accompanying the following request:—" I liave further to Bay that so many have asked, me about you that I have promised to get your photo., and the only way suggested to me is by getting one pound's worth of your copper tokens, for which I how enolose a one pound note. If yon can do so send them at once, and yon will accommodate me. They are preferred to those, of Queen Victoria." We have seen the letter and can vouch for its genuineness. '

k* W. Mahoney, vtho for five years past hafi aoted in concert with Mr P. Doran in getting up benevolent entertainments?, m about to leave Auckland for Australia. Some of Mr Mahoney's friends, therefore, feel that some genuine tribute of esteem should be presented to this gentleman before his final departure, find have resolved upon giving him a complimentary benefit, which will crobftbly be given during the present month. The leading r.m?.tcurs of Anokland will give their services. The Fey. Mr Tinsley told a story at tho United Methodist soiree on Tuesday evening which is too good to be lost. America owns a preacher named Carfcwright, who had aS a momber of his class an old woman, who always boasted that she was in the enjoyment of such high spiritual life that, "She only wanted one more feather to her wings, and she could fly away and be at rest." Now Mr Cartwright had an idea that this woman's departure under such circum stances would be no loss to that class, and so, on one occasion he rose in class and said, "Good Lord, give her the feather and let her go."

" Skatorial " writes from the Thames that the people there are longing for a chance of participating in the latest novelty. He says there are no amusements of any kind now on the goldfields, and a golden harvest will repay the enterprising gentleman who first introduces rinkomania.

We notice the Wellesley-street Sunday school teachers have announced that the third of their series of winter evening entertain ments, is to be held in the school room to morow evening, The object is good. Money is required to buy books for the school library. The names of those who will take part in the musical and literary entertain ments are such as we trust will draw a, good audience. Messrs Rvan, Tudehope, Sprsgg, Rowe, form part of the musical department. Messrs Cooper, T. L. White, Matthews, Beaumont and Brame and others, will give the readings.

.An instanoo of how intelligence travels and missing friends are found, have just trans pired. Some months ago Mr Warden Broad, while at Beefton, received a letter from a (Irepk merchant residing at Cairo, maldner inqnirips as to a long absent brother, nunicd Demetrius Dracatoß. In the letter Mr Broad's unknown correßpondent fltated that a West Coast miner, making the overland trip, had, while in Cairo, noticed the name " Draeafcos" over the door of the writer's bazaar, and enteritis, he said that he had known Rome one of the same iwme in the Inhan^ahua district. The merchant Raid he had a brother somewhere in the colonies, but he knew not of his whereabouts. On the advico of the miner, he wrote to Mr Warden Broad, asking that inquiries should be made. Strange to relate, just after getting the letter, Mr Broad found on the list of business in the Warden's Court an applica tion from one Dracatos to register some min ing race at the Landing. Desiring the man to stay until Court business was over, Mr Broad found, in conversation with him, that this was the missing brother of his Cairo correspondent, to whom he subsequently wrote a. letter on the brother's behalf. By the last mail Mr Broad received a collection of photographs of Egyptian scenery, sent by Mr Dracatos, of Cairo, as a slight acknow ledgment of the services bo opportunely rendered.

PARLIAMENTARY.

The Land Resolutions Debate

Tllq Eesolutions Lost "by 51 Against 21-

[From our Special Correspondent 3

WELLINGTON.

This day.

MR. TONES. Yesterday being a Government day, no miscellaneous business could be proceeded with. Mr Tonks was sworn in as membor for City West. He was introduced by Sir George Giey and Mr Dignan. KARAITIANA'S ELECTION Sir Julius Vogel explained that the Government was ready to allow Mr Curtis to move his resolution respecting the Eastern Maori Electoral District, although not in order on the paper, as it affected the constitution oo the House. Mr Curtis moved that Karaitiana Takamoana be requested to take his seat as the duly elected representative of the Eastern. Maori Electoral District. He ex plained, a." chairman, how the evidence had been taken, and detailed some very absurd facts disclosed. It is evident from the evi dence that the sole object of Mr Locke and his Deputy was to secure, by any means, the return of the Government candidate. Some of the plans resorted to recoiled on the heads of those trying them, and the result was that the Government favorite was at the bottom of the poll. Sir Julius Vogel said, Government did not agree with the opinion of the committee, but would not oppose it. The motion was carried on the voices. It is felt that the Govern ment have been obliged to give in very un willingly in the matter, as Sir Donald Mc- Lean fought the matter out to his best in committee. Opposition would have been worse than useless in the House, however, and would only have led to a disgraceful defeat. It is probable that the committee, in the final report, will recommend the punishment of the returning officer for gross neglect of duty. ' « CORPORATIONS ACT. The House went on with consideration of the Municipal Corporations Act in Com mitee, and reversed the decision of Friday night as to leases being confined to 21 yeara by agreeing to a provisio to make it 66 years in the province of Auckland. Then members from Westland, Canterbury, Wellington, and Otago jumped up and insisted on exemption of their provinces, and amid munh laughter the clause was amended so that its main provision only applied to Nelson, Hawke's Bay, and Marlborough. The Bil. was then pushed on rapidly, and with the exception of a clause struck out, giving power to erect tolls in Municipalities, and several clauses postponed relating to the terms on which gas works might be acquired or established by Corporations, the Bill was passed up to the, 309 th clause before the adjournment. Mr. Whitakor's Resolution. At the evening sitting Mr Whitaker moved his resolutions in a speech which lasted about two houi-a, and was calm, argument!ve, and able, as all parties acknowledge. He gave the whole history of the land fund arrangements, shewing the absurdity of the title of " Compact," and the grossly unfair operation of the law. He then pointed put the financial reasons rendering it most suit able that the fund should be resumed by the Colony, and the almost certainty that it very soon must be bo to meet our needs.; Sir Julius Vogel followed Mr Whitaker in a speech of about an hour and a-half, which was very weak, and in spite of its being made in favor of held by a large majority, it fell dead on the House. Sir George Grey followed y and in a short speech stated that he looked on the motion as not enough to secure good Government. He intimated his intention of moving Separa tion resolutions, in case the motion was lost. Mr Macandrewr followed, expressing strongly his objection to the resolutions as a breach of agreement. A division was tltien demanded, and on rising the question was put, 21 members only voting for the resolutions and 54 against. Of Auckland members Mr Sheehan was absent, and Mr Cox voted against the reso lutions. All other Auckland, members voted for them. .. „ ,

Separation.

It is though?; by some that Sir George Grey's notice of motion lost some few votes, perhaps four or five, bat nofe enough to nuke any difference in the result. . The Govemmsn* insisted upon taking no other business till Sir George Grey s resolu tions are disnnseJ. of, and they vere L givsu notice for Thursday evening. They Will lead to at least a week's debate. The resolutions are as follows :~ « 1. That, ia the opinion of thisiEonj, the state, of the colony required that its finanrfal and constitutional arrangements Sh^ T r^f^ho colony should be m«tthSe "should be two local govern ments, one for each island. "4 Tb° Colonial Government being responsible for the colonial debt, for**** the annual charge *>r uiteresfc and smking fund is £815,000, the North Island shall be charged with £190,000 per annum, and the South Island with £G25,000. mrLHprs "5 With the exception of those matters of great colonial importance, which mrist-be for the Colonial Government, each Local Government shall have the entire con trol and management of its own affairs, and the North Island to be at Auckland. " 7 The seat of the Local Government of the South Island to be at Christchurch. "8 The aeat of the Colonial Government to remain, as at present, in Wellington.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Messrs Beetham and Dunne)

SOAKERS.

'Tls sopkers like us whom you load with reproaches, ThatS the big bugs to ride in Uoir coaches. Patrick Dunne pleaded guilty to being drunk for the third time within a few days. Seven days imprisonment with hard a Matthew Barry for the first offence was fined 5s and costs.

CAUGHT AGAIN. Stephen Home was charged under the Vagrant Act with having behaved in an im proper manner, and using indecent language in West Queen-street, on the 25th ult. Prisoner said he had no recollection of the circumstances. He hoped if he did make use of the language in the charge the Bench would consider his family in dealing with him He had a wife and seven children to rapport, and if he was pub away from them they must starve. To Mr Cunningham: He did not appear in answer to the summons yesterday because he was engaged on the mail steamer, and thought the day for him to appear was Thursday. Sub-Insoector Pardy said prisoner s state ments were entirely false. The mail steamer was not in yesterday morning ; and as for supporting his wife and family, he never gave them anything, but spent all his money in drink. Constable Foreman deposed that while on duty in Queen-etreet.Mrs Home came to him and said her husband had been ill-using her, and had turned her out of doors ; and would he come and try to pacify him ? He went, and found the man in the wildest state of excitement, throwing chairs, tables, and crockeryware about, and using the filthiest language. He quieted him a little, and pre tended to leave, but waited outside. In a few minutes he commenced again, and kicked his wife out of doors.

Conatable McGrath deposed that when he went to prisoner's house, Mra Home drew a sad picture of her life, and 3aid that her husband never contributed one penny towards the support of herself and family ; he was a continual nuisance.

Prisoner now began to whine in a piteous tone, and to spoak of his amiable disposition and sjond qualities. The Bench ordered him to pay a fine of 40s or go to prison for seven days with hard labour.

The prisoner wished to know what was to becomo of his dependent family and his poor, disconsolate wife.

The Bonch considered that a person of prisoner's character and habito would not ba missed for seven days.

WAVELET 3ON TIIE NOTtTH SHORE.

The North Shorefol<k,whoareusuallyhappy in their somewhat rural situation, with the blue sky above them (except on a wet day), and continually cheered by the musio of the winds and waves, sometimes feel the tem porary innovation of an adverse breeze, which slightly ruffles th© rarely disturbed and almost settled calm of that delightful neighbourhood. Sach was the case on the 30fch ult., as the following pleasant episode will shew.

Thomas Heath was charged with assaulting George Brown, by striking him, on the 30th inst.

Mr Brown aaid as the assault was not of a serious character, he would not press the charge against Mr Heath. He would ask to withdraw it by permission of the Benoh.

Withdrawn accordingly.

Thomas Heath was then charged at the in stance of Mr. Bond, with riding a horse on a foot-path by the Beach-road, Devonport, on Sunday last, to the terror of several persons. Mr. Heath was not aware that he had offended in the manner described.

Sub-Inspector Pardy said it would be necessary therefore to prove the case. George Brown deposed that he was taking his wife for a walk on Sunday evening laßt, when defendant was riding very fast, and he feared danger ; indeed he was so frightened that ha did not know what he was about. He could not gay what pace the horse was going at, but he seemed to go like the wind.

The Bench considered this was evidenoe enough, and fined defendant 10s and costs. This was all the business.

THE AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

"THE PONSONBY CALL."

A pro re nata meeting of the Presbytery was held at St. Andrew's Church, this morning Present: Rev. R. P. Macnicol (moderator) Rev. G-. Browne (Clerk), Revs. D. Bruce R Sommerville, Thos. Norrie, J. Macky R McKinney

Messrs Anderson and Stewart were present as a deputation from Ponsonby. A portion of scripture, having been read and prayer offered, The Moderator said the object of the meet ing was to consider a call which had been made by the residents of Ponsonby to the Rev. Jas. Hill, of the Thames. As they were ;aware, a commission had. organised a new charge in Ponsonby,. and at a local meeting the call had been drawn up, and had been carried through the district for signatures.. ~■ -. -, , - 16 was now for: the meeting to say whether that call should be sustained. •■■■'

The Eev. D. Bruce read the report of the Commisaion.

The Rev Mr Browne moved, and the Rev Mr Norrie seconded, " That this meeting approve of the action of the Moderator in calling this meeting." This was carried unanimously ■• ■ The Clerk read the call, whicu was signed by 38 residents, and guaranteed a minimum stipend of £250 per annum. The Rev Mr Mackyaaidhe thought it ought to be thoroughly understood whether the f res bytery thought the Commission had suffi ient reason for constituting the new charge He called the meeting's attention to the fact that ihe stipend named was considerably less than was usual to insist upon for a city charge. He should like if possible, to have more information. The Moderator said he had no more to give.

The Rev Mr Bruce having spoken in favor

of the Coam^slon. having huH sufficient manse might have been guaranteed as weß aVVetv dMrSim 3 ey said the minimum stipend of £400 was only fixed by recom mendation of the Assembly. The Rev Mr Norrie moved, and Esv. Mr McKinney seconded, " That this meeting approve of. the action of the commissioners. This was carried. The deputation were then called upon to speak. , Mr Stewart alluded to the increasing popu lation of Ponsonby and its growing spiritual wants. It was thought very desirable that a minister should be appointed, and Mr Hill was looked upon as a .most suitable gentle men. .As to tho stipend, the £250 had been guaranteed by only 8 or 10 gentlemen, but he had little doubt that they would be able to ensure £300 per annum and a manse, perhaps not the first year, but at any rate second. ~ , Mr Anderson said the call would have re ceived a great many more signatures, had it not been that the district Was very scattered, and people were slow to leave their present congregations. He quite concurred m what Mr Stewart had said as to the stipend. The "Rev Mr Macky now moved, and the Rev Mr Browne seconded " That the Presby tery sustain the call." This was carried. . . . . On the motion of Mr Someryell the Presbytery appointed the Rev. Mr Bruce to preach at the Thames on Sunday 6th mat, to intimate to the Thames coagregations the call to Mr Hill, and to summon them to appear for their interests at a rrieeting of the Pres bytery to be held at St. Andrew's church on Wednesday the 16th inst. at 11 o'clock. In the event of Mr Hill not being able to ex change with Mr Bruce that he read the notice himself." This was carried unanimously. i The meeting closed with the benediction, pronounced by the moderator.

The Extraordinary Droning and Revival Case.

Bass's Appearance Verified;

It is now .absolutely certain that Mr Basa, who was said to have been drowned from the steamer Taranaki between Lyttalion and Wellington, and for whose wife^ a sub cription was raised by her friends, is still in the flesh, and accordiria to latest accounts in good bodily health. He came up to Auckland within a fortnight of the news of his death, and plainly told an expressman with whom one of our staff was talking yesterday, that he did not intend going home to his wife. The man inferred that there was some cause of disagrement between them. Bass is at present said to be away at one of the settlements on the coast not far from Auckland.

A Murderer Pardoned.

HE LEAVES AUCKLAND IN THE MAIL

STEAMEE.

Oub readers will perhaps recollect that three years ago when Eppright was condemned to death for the murder of young Garretty, the third mate of the whaler Rainbow, at the Bay of Islands, he had a companion in his trial and sentence named Fisher, a shipmate,

who was said to have urged on Eppright to the commission of the deed for which he was hung,, and to have actually put into Eppright's hand the knife with which he stabbed his victim. Both prisoners were found guilty and condemned to death, but Fisher, on account of his not being the actual murderer, and also on account of his youth, had his sentence commuted to ten years penal servitude. We believe that the rule in our prisoa system is that when convicts behave well they are let off with two-thirds of their sentence, but in -a

this case it appears that the prisoner has been released, after serving less than a third of his time. Why the exception has been made is not very clear, but it is possible that it may. may be owing to the statement made by Epprlght on the scaffold, to the effect that the evidence against s^sher was wrong, and that he had nothing to do with the murder. Yesterday : Fisher, who is an American, mad«* *» application t© Mr H. P. Barber, the H^Cgsrican Consul, to be* sent home as a distWcJ*"* seaman, and that gen- , tleman procured him a passage in the mail steamer City of New York, in which he left this morning.

DOMAIN BOARD.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Domain Board was held to-day in the Mayor's office, G. M. Mitford, Esq., in the chair. The minutea of the meeting of July sth were passed.

A report was read by the secretary (Mr Brown) from Mr Chalmers, the ranger, stating that ;he had planted the piece of ground fenced off in the front of the Hospital, and made certain repairs. He requested that the fence between the cricket and hospital grounds be made good, so as to prevent straying cattle from trespassing. Mr Kissing propossd, and the chairman seconded :. " That the Secretary see the Pro vincial authorities upon the matter." —Car- ried. .. . . , ~

It was agreed that the policy of Insurance on the new cottage in the. Domain be re newed.

An application was recived from Mr Hamilton asking for a few loads o:E scoria to be placed upon the path by his house at the Bowling Green, as it was in a very bad con dition.

Mr Mitford said it was &: neoessary re quest, and should be done as soon as possible. Mr W. H. Kiasliiig said, while they were about it, they might do the path lead ing to the cricket ground at the same time. This was agreed to. The passing of the monthly, accounts closed the business.

PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN LLOYD.

The following is a copy of the address presented to Captain Lloyd, late of the s.s. Taranaki, together with a handsome gold Albert guard, with locket attached, bearing the following inscription :—" Presented to Captain Lloyd by the officers arid crew ef the s.fl. Taranaki, Dunedin, July 26, 1876." The testimonial was subscribed for entirely by the officers,and crew., ~Mr Dougherty, the ; purser, read the address, and Mr Anderson, the chief officer,' on be half ; of. the Subscribers,. presented the testimonial. Captain Lloyd, -although much overcome by this spontaneous display of kindly feeling and goodwill, thanked the donors in a few wellTchosen words, conolu dmg by proposing, VSuccoss to the Union Company," ooapled with the health of Mr James Mills, the managing director, to whioh Mr Monkman suitably replied; Captain Lloydhaving business engagements, the meet ing, after drinking "Health and prosperity to Captain Lloyd, and success to the Onion Company,'? broke ,up< ; ,

'-U,, „ Dunedin, July 26, 1876. To Captain C. Lloyd. Dear Sir;—We; the undersigned, officers and crew, cannot allow the occasion of your retiring from the command of the s.s. Tara naki to pass without tendering you our thanks for the uniform kindness and courtesy which has invariably marked your.intercourse with us during the eighteen months we have had the privilege of serving under you ; and we respectfully beg your acceptance of the accompanying token as » slight memento of tha universal esteem wo entertain for you. While ever seeking the interests of the com "pany you. served, and forwarding them itt every way, we cordially bear testimony that you have managed, with a tact seldom found

Kvmm»G mk% WEtoNESDAY, Atf&tjsfl % nn.



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Hemus ft Trisrsr'p Cheap Shlrtine. 61d yd TTernus & Cheap Wineev. from KM per yard ■"emus tz Trigg's erood quality Wincey. 7M Por yard TTemufl *c Trtcsr'n new Press Materials, from 4M yard Hprnns ft Trice's EmboPSPd Silk Scarfs, all colors, 1/S TTemns & Trieer'R Cheat) Flowers. 5n oreat variety. 4ld Hemus h ""Mare's n*enn Hats, new shane", from Is Hemus fc Tricrcr's Tooted TWrnmpd Hats, from 3s lid. For one month tmrehaeera to the. amount of TOa -will receive a Silk Scarf, » -pair of FTnse, Cuffs, and Collars, Straw Hat, or any article worth Is, or Is in money.— Note the •prinpß.— Hemus A Triers?. 216, Qu«en-Btre.f>t. Mark Twain on Bad Musicians.—The musical pnWif> and eenprnl readers are cautioned not to prcohase Wnston'fl Wizard OH and Mnffio Pills, ■without carefully examining the outmde wrapper— and lie snre. that th» words "Wine Genuine without the Signature of the Proprinfor, FnANK Weston, Sydney. IS.S W.." are ensrraven thereon. Any other bo cal'ed pvep" ration a of minp, are unauthorized by m«. and calculated to mielead the public.—kerned, Frvnk W^rto-v. Rrl« Agents • Kempthorne, Prosser anl Co. Prine, TTa'f-a-crown. Relief from ftoneh in Ten Minutes.— BHAKLATWR CHTSPBY PECTORAL relieves the Brpathinor and gives refreshing Sleep. This is a cer tain and sneedv rptnedv for all Disorders of the Chafst and Lunelo: i« A»thmi. Consumption. Bronchitis. Couphs Tnflupnza, Snittintr of Wood, HooptnßConcrh, Foarßonnsp, Loss of Voice., &c. he. 2s. P»i a Bottle. —APnTTTECAETES "FT ALT,, opposite the Poot-offlce. Professor Anderson used to Perform dime sstonridine1 tricks. We have, for Instance, seen him pour several Mncls of wine—anparpntly— out of thp some nntt.'o "Bu* we tnow of far more wonderful hottlps than the Professor's Th»r« is the mo=t pori tive testimony to prove that disorderxof the Ftomarh. kidneys, and rrsniratorv orerans. fevers of an inter mittent, and remlttP''t, tvp«. and all dioeas^fi requiring: Inv'eor»tivo tTPatmen*1 are cur^d by the asroeßb^e cont°ntn of the hottlps which hold ÜBOI.PHO Wolfb'h Sohirdam Aromatic Schnapps.