SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Trrr<TT w atttr i This Afternoon, 8..32 HIGH WATER— ■( To-morrow Morning; 8.51, SUN SET.—This Evening, 6.5. SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 5.32. MOON'S AGE.—Last Quarter, 10th, 9.58 p.m.

ARRIVALS. Argyle, s.s., from Wangarei.

DEPARTURES. Loch Fergus, barque for Portland, Oregon.

The Beautiful Star, steamer, is telegraphed as having struck on a shag reef yesterday, but was got off and beached. Several holes were dis covered.

We entirely disagree with an opinion expressed in the "Heralds" shipping columns that the Harbour Board might very well lend the new dredge to the Thames. For the next three months at least, in fact it is difficult to say how much longer, there will be any amount of urgent work waiting to be done by the dre.tge in our own harbour, and the Harbour Board would crown their list of mistakes if they were to send the dredge away as soon as it is beginning to be useful One suggestion, however, might be made. Let the Thames people buy the dredge if they want it. It is too small for our requirements, and if a fair price could be got for it, a more efficient machine might be built for Auckland. It isjust now doing good work in removing the bank to the westward of the wharf, and its efficiency will be increased when the third silt punt has been built. To send it away now wodld be ridiculous in the extreme.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

Mr Alfred Buckland's Weekly Report.— At Rcmuera, on Thursday, dairy cattle were in moderate numbers and/dull of sale. Store cattle in usual supply, and in request at late values. Fat cattle in less than average numbers, 10 head only penned; prices advanced on last week's values 2s 6d the 100 Ib 3. Store sheep in usual numbers, with a bctrer enquiry than of late. Fat sheep in fnll supply, but not many of choice quality; last week's values barely sustained. Fat lambs plentiful, and in steady demand. Pigs in moderate numbers, but dull of sale and at lower values. Prices given were: Fat cattle, 30s to 32s 6d the 100 lbs.; fat sheep in their wool, 3d to 3Jd; shorn sheep, 2Jd; lambs, Gs to 15s each.

Messrs. Hunter and Nolan's Weekly Report.—At Papakura there was an unusually large muster of cattle ; a good attendance of buyers' and prices highly satisfactory to vendors we're obtained. Dairy cows sold from £7 10s to £10 12s 6d; store cows, [£i to £5 2s [)d ; yearling steers, £3 to £3 10s; two and two and a-half year-old steers, £i 10s to £5 12s Gd: three and and four year olds, £6 to £8 12s 6d. Beef, 30s per 100 lbs. Sheep, there was a good supply, but, with the exception of a few pens, were in sufficiently fatted, and bidding was slow. Bost wethers sold from 17s to 20s ; second ditto, 14s to 18s 9d ; fat lambs, from 11s to 14s. Pigs: There was a large number yardedJbut principally of a coarse description. Prices ranged from 3d to 31d per Ib.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND. Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day at 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, on Monday next, at 10.30 a.m. For TaranSki, Southern provinces, and Austra lian Colonies, per Hawea, to-morrow, at 8 a.m, For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakanr, Manga wai, Waipu, etc., per Anno Milbank, to-mor

row, at 10 a.m. For Tryphena, per South Carolina, to-morrow,

at 11 a.m. For Penrhyn Island, per Favorite, to-morrow

at i p.m. For Napier, Gisborne, and Southern provinces, per Australia, four hours after arrival from

Kandavu Mails for India, China, Mediterranean ports. Continent of Europe, and United Kingdom via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially sid dressed), and via Briddisi, will be made up , r s.s. Taupo on Monday. 10th inst. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per

lona, on Monday next, at i p.m. For Wangarie Heaps, Wangarei, Watpu, and Mangapai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at

For Whitiangi. Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Wednesday next, at 1 p.m. N.B.—A Post-office hasboeii opened at Kuuico Flat, Riverhead. Moils will be despatched every Monday and Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. Return mails will be received every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. (Signed) S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

BREE.—On Ist October, at Gore, Southland, the wife of Reginald Bree, Esq., of a daughter.

DEATH.

SMITH.—On the Glh October, Ambrose, infani son of Henry Smith, aged 7 months.

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

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1876.

Pri'.r, ~im tlint lacks as,si:,tancc,

AFTER being three years under considera tion of the Assembly, it is still ;i moot point whether the Colonial Parliament hart power to pass the Abolition Act. The Government have endeavoured in ways that arc dark and by tricks that are vain to create an impression that they held a ' favourable opinion by English Law Officers. J3ut under pressure from Sir George Grey yesterday, they were compelled to admit that there is no such opinion in existence, and that reliance is placed upon such legal opinions as have already been given by colo nial barristers-, supported they maintain, by the intimation from the Secretary of State that the Queen would not exercise her powers of disallowance with respect to the Act. After the mess in winch Ministers very recently landed themselves through bad law, their assumed confidence in the validity of their position is a little over weening. The Opposition, who possess a full share of legal ability, declare that the Act is ultra , vires, and we have no doubt from the assur ances of Sir George Grey, and Mr. Macandrew, that their opinion will be put to the test of our highest Law Courts. The whole question at issue lies in an a nutshell. Primarily, Provincial Councils form as intrinsic, a part of the Constitution granted to New Zealand as the General Assembly itself, and in their own spheres, each stood perfectly independent of the other. So far there was no question whatever that the Assembly could not abolish the provincial legislatures'. JJttt some years ago it became desirable to create >W provinces and alter the boundaries of others, fli-d for tins purpose an Act of the Imperial •.ftr liament was passed empowering the Assembly to Interofere with, amend, abolish, and otherwise deal with the then existin" boundaries of provinces. The object of this Act was most assuredly not to des troy those representative institutions under which the colony had grown and pros pered but Hither to increase tacm. The Government, however, maintain that the power thus conferred of abolish ng one province as an initial step towards the creation of two, may he applied to tie swallowing up of all the provinces by the

General Assembly. Tins may be good law but it is very bad logic and scant justice. And if Messrs Stout, Rees, and Sheehan are to believed, it is not law. Mr Sheehan proved pretty conclusively yesterday that m leaning on the Secretary of State's very cautiously worded despatch, Ministers were relying on a bruised reed. The non-dis allowance of a statute does not necessarily give it countenance. Provincial statutes, which have enjoyed tlie same immunity from the adverse exercise of the Royal pre rogative have repeatedly been declared ultra vires when tested in the Supreme Court. Earl's Carnarvon's enunciation of Imperial intentions was very strongly expressive of tlie desire that public opinion in the colony should be well-matured and united before any attempt was made to destroy the local representative institutions. And beyond the announcement that the Imperial Govern ment would not stand in the way of any constitutional reform desired by the colonists, his despatch has no particular bearing on the legality of the Act. _ We do not pretend to pronounce ac opinion on so nice a question of constitutional law ; but that there is ample room fora constitutional resistance to the operation of abolition, is evident. And we think it is equally certain that Sir George Grey and Mr Maeandrow will refuse at the end of tlie session to vacate their oliiees, throwing upon the General Government the task of ousting them by law processes, which will raise the whole question.

The opening meeting of the Wesl Knd Cricket Club Was hold'last evening ill the Welleslcy-strcct Young Men's Rooms, when the several question before the meeting were freely discussed. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. McLean for his valuable assistance in furthering the interests of the club, also, to the members of the St. James's Mutual Improvement Class for an entertainment which resulted in an addition of £12, to the club funds. The following gentlemen were then elected to office :— President, Mr. Thomas Macky ; Vice- President, Mr. I<\ Battlcy; Secretary, K. Mason ; and Treasurer, T. Macky. Com mittee, Messrs McLean, J. C. Macky, and C. Western. Several new members were added to the club. It was resolved that the first match of the season take place on Saturday afternoon.

The supplement, or STAR rays of to morrow will contain a number of interest ing stories, sketches and poems ; also, the lecture on "Workmen's public houses," recently delivered by llev It. S. Hassard, Minister of St. Matthew's parish. Several original poems will also appear, viz., " A delicate wish" by a young lady of Ponsonby, a " Rejected poltical address, " by an expressman of Victoria-street ; and a pretty poem, "Love's Leisure," from the port folio of an English poet, " New yarns" by old Mother Earth, a "Woman's wit" and " Into the jaws of Death," Avill be read with intense pleasure. " Rich and Poor," the " Young Reprobates," answers to correspon dents, tit bits, wise sayings, and a splendid and sparkling penny-worth of varied read ings, pleasing to all and offensive to none.

Mr Rose, of Onehunga, lms shewn us a monster lemon, weighing 111). 4k>z., grown ],'■■ the Rev. J. Warren, of Onehunga, i" tlie open aiv. jT'je circumference of the lemon is no less than sixteen ijjehcJs. We arc in formecl that this is a fair sample *-f £];e friiit borue by Mr Warren's lemon grove, and no tetter proof could l>e adduced <>f the adapt ability of the Auckland climate for the cul tivation of this and other semi-tropical fruits. A greater attention to the gro\ytli of fruit in this province would, we believe, well repay the horticulturist, The lemon has been hung up on view iv Mr Ike-win's window,

From our Waikato contemporary of yes terday we learn thatW. S. N., Go's steamer "Waikato" is still laid up. A fire in) Stokes Bush destroyed a wharc and a quantity of tools. Preparations are being made for laying the foundation stone of the New Masonic Hall.

When the population becomes too numer ous for a locality to support, the people, like the bees, swiirm and fly to other spaces on the earth's surface. In manner, the Templar's "Saturday Night" movement lias .swollen so much with crowded audiences and new singers and fiddlers, that a swarm has taken place, and settled over the head of the librarian of the Young Men's Chris tian Association, and to-morrow evening, an entertainment of the Templar Variety Troupe, will take place in the lecture room of that institution. The public therefore, instead of one, will have two entertainments in future, and both in Albert-street, so that if the Temprance Hall should be crowded, the person crowded out, can. run to the Christians Young Men's Rooms. Professor Butschcow will preside at the piano of the former, and Mrs. Hertz, at the piano of the latter. The programme of the new troup will be seen in another column of the STAK. We may state that the committee of the Temprance Hall fraternity have £20 in hand, and are won dering "'what they shall do with it." A small moiety of this sum would-be acceptable to widow Whittingham, and her thirteen children, for whose bench"t a concert fakes place on Monday evening in the Parncll Hall. We think the committee might be extremely useful in contributing to people's deeds with the people's money.

The youthful votaries of the crystal spring, known as the Pioneer .Juvenile Templars, will hold an open meeting this evening in the lodge-room, Young Men's Christian Association, commencing punc tually at 7 o'clock. An excellent pro gramme has heen prepared foe the occasion, comprising select readings and recitations liy the members' of the Temple, and several comic and sentimental songs by local

amateurs. We would recommend all those who have an hour to. spare to attend the open meet ing, where they cannot fail to find instruction and pleasure combined. No charge is made for admission.

The funeral of Serjeant James Elliott yesterday, was attended by all the principal officers of the Armed Constabulary, and a number of citizens. The funeral service was performed by Key. C. M. Nelson of St. Paul's. The deceased ollicer was very much respected.

A meeting of the management committee of the ball given to the officers and petty ollicers of IT.M.S. Nyjnphe, was held hist evening at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. The accounts were passed and ordered to be paid by Mr Cairns, treasurer. It was found that the.c was a surplus after all accounts were paid, "which was divided among the various local charities, a sum being given to purchase a present of books for the ship's library. Votes of thanks were passed to Mr Cairns for his exertions in bringing the ball to a successful issue, and to Mr

Humphries, for (lie trouble he took in deco r:>(iii-Lf the Choral Hull for the occasion. The following amounts were voted : Orphan Home Parnell, C 2 ; Orphan Home Newton, £2; Old Women's Refuse, M- ; Old .Men's Kcf'uge, C 2 ; Cotholic Orphanage, C-. \Vc Irusl this will lie the forerunner of ;i scries of eqvally successful affairs of the s'amc class, ft must he a very plcsaat reflection for those who enjoy flic delights of the li.uht fantastic toe, that they are simulta neously contributing towards cheering the Int. of (lie widow, the orphan, and the destitute. Much a reflection will he a source nf consolation, for being disappointed of a lovely partner, or a had place: at the supjier (al>le. 'I'lie meeting of the Free Templars' Bcuo. lil Society helil yestercay evening Mas well attended" After the financial business was gone through, it was i-esolveil to adopt the regalia worn hy the Order in England, namely, a blue sash. Sixteen candidates were admitted during the ijuarter. Tins rules (if this society are compiled from the Sick General Benefit Society in England, which is the most extensive1 Totol Absti nence Society in (treat Britain. The rules admit all total abstainers, up to .">? years of age, and there is no ex]}ulsion for violation of the pledge. These .ules and all informa tion can lie obtained from the Secretary, Mr. J. N. Hunt, Wakeiicld street. Several oilers have been received by Mr. W. iAt ken for the purchase of the site of the site of the late lire, corner sf Queen street and YYellesley street East, and the oilers are under consideration. Mr. C. Kirk wood lias imported from Olngo, a splendid Clydesdale entire "Black Champion" bred from the famous stock of Messrs Craig and Wylie. The podigree of the horse is as follows: Sire, Marquis, a celebrated imported horse, who gained seventeen p.izes in Victoria, twenty one first, and three second prizes in Otago. Marquis Sire was old I'rinia Charlce, a celebrated horse, imported into Victoria. "Black Champions" dam Maggie, gained several prizes at Taicri and Tokomniriro. S!ie was liy "Black Cha.mpion, " a Scotch horse, which gained eighteen prizes ■when three year old, and LTiO premium, Maggie was awarded a similar sum, when a four your old. She won lirsl prizes al llnllarat, and Sweaton, was sold in New Zealand for £525. " Black Champion " may he seen at Mr I.end rum's stables Victorin.-fsJ.reel. Me is jet black, 3 years and 8 months old, stands 17 hands high, lias great strength of

bone,'splendid symelry and nctionn, good ti!iii]')cr, and is a sure foal-getter. Mr Kirk wnorl will probably for the present limit "Black Champions" services to Auckland, and surrounding districts.

A Tauranga telcg-uun reports thai another party of prospectors have gone out, and have been turner! back by Hauhaus. Parties are testing the Government lands at Kati kati with every prospect of success.

The members of the Auckland Cricket Club will commence the season with a

practice-match in the Domain to-morrow, commencing at 2.30 p.m. A telegram lias been received from the Agent, for the English Cricketers, addressed to Mr T. Leigh White, stating that he (Mr Bennett) wilf arrive in Auckland on Sunday next the Bth instant. It is to be hoped lie will succeed in making sntisfactoryarrangements

for the visit of the English Eleven

On this the Anniversary of the discovery of New Zealand by Captain Cook, the scholars, of the Panic! 1 Church of England Grammar School, under the care of Mr Adams, at the time we write, are enjoying an outing at Ellcrslie Gardens. The day is being "spent in the enjoyment of various games, such as Cricket, Hare and Hounds, vaulting &c. The youngsters are determined to enjoy themselves thoroughly. A lunch at at-Ellcrslie Hotel formed a conspicuous item in the programme of the day. Mr Brown, the manager, has attended to this with his usual care.

Mr Percival will be at the EUerslie Grand Stand to-morrow morning at 11 o'clock to show the riders in the Steeplechase over the course.

The Auckland Cricket Club will com mence their season to-morrow afternoon, on the Domain cricket ground. As it is likely to be an eventful season, members should not lose an opportunity for practice.

The animal dinner of the Pakuranga Tlxiiit Club takes place this evening at the Criterion Hotel, Otahuhu. Pinner will he on the table at half-past .six o'clock.

'The sewing mschine it an incenious^n uentioo,' scud Mr. iuncle to his wih\ 'Yes, dear, sew sew it,' was the demure people.'

Nkuving itself, perhaps for the onerous tusk of sustaining the high dignity conferred upon ii by tlor Most Gracious Majesty, the New Zoalaiid University has, through a bill introduced into the Legislative Council, secured certain alterations in _tlie Constitu tion of its Senate and Convocation, designed to bring a\-illllll the inner circle of that indefinite but delight fully classical body, many who are now kept without its pule. The present position of the University is probably not comprehended by twenty per cent of the colonists who learned from a cablegram the other day, perhaps with sonic surprise, that it had pleased the Queen in the exercise of goodwill towards her loyal colony of New Zealand, to confer upon our University the rank and status of the great and honoured seats of learning at Oxford and Cambridge. It may, therefore, be necessary to explain that the University is purely an examining, and not a teaching body'; that it is governed by a Senate of twenty-four members, who elect a_ Chan cellor and Vice Chancellor from their own numbers; that, subordinate to the Senate, is a Convocation composed of all graduates of over the degree of Bachelor, and all Bachelors of two years standing admitted as graduates of the University. The principal duty of the Convocation is to mould the Senate by electing, alternately witli that body, members to fill vacancies caused by resignation, death, or the absence of any fellow from two consecutive meetings of the Senate. But the Convocation lias never attained sullicient numbers—thirty gra duates admitted by examination - to empower- it to members of Senate, and the 'amending Act passed this session proposes to overcome the dilliculty by providing a ready access for the lifty-one gentlemen upon whom the Kenate of the University, iuitsearly/eal, has already conferred ad cundein degrees. This is accomplished by a clause making all graduates of the University for a. period of Ten years after the passing of the Act mem bers of (lie Convocation. The C3OOO annual parliamentary vole, which is almost the only revenue at the disposal of the University, will not permit of defraying tin; expense of a meeting of Convocation, and the Amending Bill provides for tlie choice of members of Senate; by letter to the Chancellor in lieu of personal voting. The Act was pressed through this session in order that seven vacancies existing in the Senate may be filled by election instead oi nomination by the Governor in Council, as Avould necessarily be the case it^ tlie Convocation were not constituted. _ These are the simple conditions under which the New Zealand University, working upon material sent up from the various alliJiated colleges in the chief cities of the colony, enters upon a career in which it is permitted, by letters patent, to allix the I loyal seal upon erudition. We trust that the Senate, having survived thai early yusli of mutual admiration in which members considerately distributed degrees among themselves, will prove equal to the responsibility thrown upon it. Whatever may be the advantages derivable from the elevation of a badge which might otherwise be regarded as of doubtful value into an honour worthy the emulation of the profound student, there is an attendant risk of -bringing colonial scholarship into disrepute and ridicule. The impress of the brand will not transform Brummagem into the genuine art icle. And although sincerely desirous of seeing every obstacle removed from the path of the earnest colonial student, and the same. facilities as those existing in other parts <>| the Kmpire alfordcd for the attainment of the very highest academic honours, we must confess that many of the conditions which have gained a world-wjdo fame for the degrees of the great Knglish Universi ties are absent here. If New Zealand degrees are to rise above the level ol American deplomas, ami preserve the stand ing sanctioned by liie I Loyal Sign-manual, it7s imperative that the Senate shall insist upon the product being equal to the Imperial slam] i.

PARLIAMENTARY.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT]

COUNTIES BILL.

Yesterday evening the following districts were excluded from the operation of the Counties Bill : Taupo, Kawhia, and the King Country. Silt GEORGE GREY CHALLENGES LEGALITY OF ABOLITION.

Sir George Grey asked if the Government. was in a position to produce any opinion from the Crown Law officers in London to the efl'ect that the Abolition Act was legal. The Premier replied that be assumed the Act was legal, because Her Majesty had not been advised to disallow it. Sir George Grey moved that the question be considered! and' charged Ministers with having ,n published correspondence, laboured to pro duce an impression that the Law ollicers had distinctly approved of the Act. Mr Stout declared the Abolition Act invalid. Mr Rees accused Ministers of deliberately making false statements, in declaring that Her Majesty had assented to the Act when she simply left it; to its operation, and the other in representing that they had the favorable opinion of the Crown Law ollicers, which they had not. No Government that would stoop to such shifts ought to be trusted by the pcaple. Mr Whitaker replied that, the usual course was for the Crown Law oliicers to advise the Queen as to the allowance or disallowance of Colonial Bills, and they had doubtless done so in tliis case, or the Act would have been disallowed. The Governor as the Queen's delegate bad also assented to the Bill. . . ,

Mr Shcehan said that Provincial Acts had frequently been allowed by former Governors, but had afterwards been annulled by the Supreme Court, as outside the Constitution Act. Mr Whitaker said he was of opinion that the Abolition Bill was valid. Sir George Grey said the Governor had not made a candid statement in reply to Mr Macandrow with regard to Abolition. The Premier jumped up excitedly

and drew attention to the last statemen. Sir (Jeorge Grey repeated the statement. The Speaker said the language was nol strictly Parliamentary. Sir George Grey Then I will say the Governor was no; advised to make a candid statement. M.: Whitaker's speech was wandering an< pointless. He contended that the Govern nicnt ought candidly to inform the country that the Abolition' Act bad never beei lawfully assetend to by the Crown. ' PRESS TELEGItAMS.

Mr Joyce lias been standing up manfully as Ilie champion of the evening journals. It willlie remembered that Sir Julius Vogel,

when Telegraph Commissioner, and part owner of several morning journals in the colony, which were being hard run by their more enterprising evening competitors, desired to an advantage to his own newspaper* by soaltering the telegraph rales as to enable them to get telegrams at a much less rale than the evening papers.

Mr Joyce asked a few days ago, if the

Govcrii'iueut would give evening journals Hie same facilities as the morning papers,

but justice was refused. Yesterday after noon lie moved that the rates for both classes of papers be uniform, and in spite of the opposition of the Government, the motion was carried on a division by 26 to 14. This may slightly increase tlie rales, but it will be an advantage to the evening journals in the long run.

(From a ('orrespondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

Sir George Grey and Messrs Stout and I!ees intend disputing the validity of the Abolition Bill. Yesterday afternoon was occupied in discussing the legal question. Advantage will be taken by the Opposition to defeat Abolition.

THE FORESTS BUBBLE EXPLODED WALKER TO WALK.

LAI/I1 NIGHT

The House resinned al 7". n>ll.

Upon a motion for thooonimittal of the For ests Acl Itepcul Hill Mr Uowcn explained that lie wiinleu to make an amendment in the Act, merely repealing tlio clauacß that jirovidad for purling away toil thousand pounds annually, and appointinir a l"'orcsl (.'ou.scrvator. Mr Uciii moved that ili<^ whole Forest Act be repeated, and thai the provisions of the Act of Ix7l solicit to be retained, should, ho introduced into the Waste Lands Act, which he considered Ilie proper acl for them lo appear in. Mi-Maei'arlane. was willing to take the mind of the House upon it, and if it decided so lie would accept the amendments oJ! the Minister for .lust ice. Kventuolly llio Jill 1 was carried, as a Rcpeul ilill by '■'<*> against JS. UNIVEItSITY BILL. The New Zealand University Hill was read n second lime. UAIWIT NUISANCE BILL PASSED: The llabbit Nuisanco J -Si 11 was passed. The House adoiurncd at l'2O a.m. (I^rom a Correspondent.)

Sir George Grey advocated accepting the amendment proposed by the Government, which repeals only certain clauses of the Slate Forests Act. Jleex only, of all the Auckland members, voted against it. UUINEMUIU LEASES BILL. The Ohinemuri (Joldlields Leases Bill, Oamarn Tramway Dill, and Duncdin Tram way Hills, all passed. I'KKiMISSI YD ABOLITION BILL. 'Flu1 IVrmissive Aholilion Provincial Bill was withdrawn for a week. A motion for the sale of the new Govern ment steam-yacht was pronounced by the Speaker out of order. Lt will be brought in again in another shape. UNIVERSITY BILL. Mr Rees spoke most admirably and ably in support of the New Zealand University Bill. Mr .Stout opposed.

A POETIC RELIC

Tine following lines copied from the diary of the late Mr. B. E. Turner, will have a special interest since his decease : —

I would, but cannot praise, 1 would, but cannot pray, For Satan meets me when I try, And frights my soul away.

I would, but can't repent, Tho' I. endeavour oft ; This stony heart can ne'er relent Till Jesus makes it soft. I would, but cannot love, Tho' wooed by Love Divine ; No arguments have power to move A soul so base as mine.

I would, but cannot rest In God's most holy will ; 1 know what lie appoints is best, Yet murmur at it still. Oh, could 1 but believe ! Then all would easy be.— I would, but cannot—Lord relieve, My help must come from Thee !

But, if indeed I would, Tho' I can nothing' do, Yet the desire is something good, For which my praise is due. By nature prone to ill, Till thine appointed hour. I was as destitute of will As now I am of power. Wilt Thou not crown at length The work Thou hast begun, And, with a will, afford me strength in all Thy way to run ?

[These lines I wrote at sea, while sailing my own vessel in the year 1836.—BEKJN. Evans Turner.]

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.)

WHISKYFIED. John Morgan, alias Shonny Taft, of Cardni" was charged with being drank, and fined ss. Henry Nasmyth, an elderly man, said to be a descendant of the painter ol the head of Burns, pleaded guilty to the third commission of the same offence, but said lie was tempted beyond his resolution, but it his Worship would kindly let him oil this time, lie would treat resolution no more. Fined 20s and costs, or 48 hours. COLD SHOULDER. " Give us a slice of bread, And gherkins with cold shoulder, and no more II! murmur ; but will sit upon the sward, As happy as a King." _tuppbr. George Ray and Joseph Harper were a-'-ain brought up on a charge of stealing three loaves and a shoulder of mutton from the larder of Mrs. Shayle George, of Alten Road, on the Ist inst. The prisoner Ray pleaded guiliy,_ and after some consideration, Harper said he mi "lit as well plead guilty, although he had none of the mutton. He was a respectable man,'but nearsighted, and was not aware that'he was in company with a thief. Sub-Inspector Parcly said that persons were continually losing thcirSunday dinners by such prowling thieves as one of the prisoners evidently was. The police had been continually watching for them, but were generally unsuccessful in catching them, "but in the present case Detective Jeil'rcy had succeeded. The two men were seen by him lurking about, and at length they entered the premises of Mrs George, ami walked forth, one witli the shoulder of mutton under his arm, and the other with the loaves under his coat, On seeing the detective they dropped the stolen food, and <>{ive chase, and after a hot pursuit were captured by Jeffrey. Harper : May I address the Court ? His Worship": I will hear what you have

to *ny- ,„ ~ T Harper : May it please your-Worship, i was never before a thief, nor was I hungry on that Sunday, but was induced to attack the safe at the instigation of Ray, who wanted a .Sunday dinner. lam a man of 'respectable standing in society, and in capable of pilfering safes. There are moments, however, in the life of a man when one is scarcely master of his own actions, and may be said to lie insane. It was in one of "these moments that I was unconsciously tempted to steal the mutton.

His Worship said there did not appear to be any former conviction against Harper, his sentence therefore would he hut one month, but Kay, against whom were re corded six convictions for felony, must be subjected to .six months unprisonment»with hard labour. I)( (MESTIC SHADOWS. James O'Dwyer was charged on a sum mons with deserting his wife, Isabella, and two children, without means. Mr Laishlcy appeared for defendant, and said that he had interviewed the parties, and thought an amicable arrangement would be made between them without the intervention of the (Joint. He would ask for a remand. Remanded until to-morrow. A lIORSK AT OKASS. John SutcUiie was charged with depas turing one horse on an unenclosed piece of land. Defendant pleaded guilty, but the hor.se had broke loose. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the defendant was a poor man, but he did not take proper precautionary steps to keep his horse within bounds. Fined 10s and costs, ~>s Gd. Defendant said he had not the money, and asked for a lesser fine. liis Worship said in future cases of a like nature he should impose a line of £2. This was all the business.

BRIERLEY'S CASE.

To the Editor of the EVENING STAR. Sin, —The references made to this case, to the trial and linal sentence, calls vividly to remembrance, several remarkable antece dent analogous cases, how they also avci'C disposed of, and how, after an intelligent summing up by the Judges, backed by the findings in the tirst instance of the Grand Juries, miscarriage of justice has been in some instances the result. Looking care fully through the criminal list, from about (lie year 186*5, and the reader will be struck with the number of this class of offences, the criminals or perpetrators in a majority of instances, having previously held good social positions. Some are married men with families, and daughters of their own, but possessed of brutish ;in<! cowardly pas sions, the crime itself being blackened in a tenfold degree, as the unfortunate ones became the recipients of their bounty, or were confided to their protection and care, f.t were hardly necessary to repeat, that for such men no punishment can be too severe, and where a miscarriage of justice has taken place, either through the supineness and apathy of the public prosecutor,

or from the proverbial ignorance and and partiality of petty jurymen, society lias nevertheless very wisely reserved to itself the right to brand and to banish for ever from its circle, both man and women sus pected as principals or accessories to crimes so revolting and dishonorable. The climax is inevitable and deservedly this, that in their own persons, they carry with them, a complete, and lasting condemnation, eking out an existence, as compared with which, the precincts of a jail, followed by the lash, would become a paradise on earth. Yours, &c, Ego.

WAIROA.

[PER CARRIER PIGEON.]

THE CONCERT AND BALL.

WAIHOA, this day, 5.15 a.m. THE concert and ball in the Public Hall last night, for the purpose of liquidating the debt on the Hall was a great success. The leading Auckland amateurs, who came down per Transit yesterday, rendered valu able aid. The Hall was crowded with settlers of the district, many coming from Papakura, Drury, and 20 miles round. The concert opened at 8 o'clock with an overture by the band, followed by the song "Here upon my vessel's deck," by Mr Harding, who was vociferously apiaudod, and gave "Ye Gallants of England," which he was obliged to repeat. Mrs Raynes, of Auckland, fairly brought down the house by her rendering of " Oil ! how Delightful,""" Come back to Erin," and " Robin's Return." She is a great favorite here, and had to .lespond to im perative encores after each song. Mr H. Davey kedt the liouse in roaas of laughter in his comic songs, " The hungry man," " The hungry army," and " Not befsre pa." He is the best comic singer that ever appeared in this district, and he was loudly applauded. Mr Tnrrelj jun. played two pianoforte selections, sang t™o favorite bass song, " The Blacksmith, and ac companied the singers, with great taste and skill, lie was frequently ap] (landed. Other songs were ac companied by Mr George Brook. Nearly every piece on the programme was encored. Mr Bell, chairman, moved a voto of thanks to the Auckland visitors which was carried by acclamation. The steamer being de tained till 9 a.m. to-morrow, Mr Crawford announced another entertainment for this evening. Alter the concert dancing was commenced, and kept up with great spirit till early morning. The weather hero is looking splendid. The rain has done much good,, and the farmers are very busy.

Beauties of "The Debtors' and Creditors' Act 1875."

A TRUE STORY.

Augustus Dedhrooke, Esq., was "down on his luck." To use his own expressive phrase ology, Augustus was in " Queer-street." He had been a long time coming to this conclusion, and it had cost him many brandies and sodas, a headache, and several cigars before he could make up his mind. The singular fact first downed upon his gigantic intellect in his land lady's little back parlor, and it had ever since been growing more and more distinct, until, from a vague, shadowy suspicion, it had expan ded into a huge, horrible reality, looming up before his mind's eye like a monster Juggernaut. The way the idea lirst struck Gus was thusly :-_ For some months past he had I LIVED ON EXPECTATION. Now this kind of thing is always impalpable and unsatisfactory- No man ever got very fat on it, while on the other hand, many men have got exceedingly thin, and have at length lan guished and yielded up the ghost from sheer inanition. Expectation is a very good thing in its way, but it is never to be placed on a par with hard cash. AUGUSTUS DEDBKOOKES LANDLADY had given expectation a patient trial, and it didn't agree with her. It was a very respectable tiling enough at first, but it had no stability or lasting qualities about it. She had told Gus that "it wouldn't wash," and Gus had emerged from her little back parlor a sadder and a wiser man. The stumbling-block in the way of the realization of Gus's expecta-" tion was the English mail. There is indeed a sort of fatality about English mails ; theyappear to have a decided apathy to expectations. This was the, source of all Gus's woes. He was the A'ictim of some DIABOLICAL CONSPIRACY, that continually delayed sundry large remit tances from a certain rich uncle in the West End, of whose wealth and eccentricity he had related anecdotes many a time and oft to beguile the tedium of the long winter evenings, and to entertain the landlady and her pretty daughter, who was taking music lessons at a Young Ladies' Seminary over the way. But the dis graceful irregularity of those English mails appeared to have a depressing 'effect upon the landlady's daughter. At first she sympathized with Gus, she shared his sorrows and his griefs, but as time wore on she had come to regard the mails with the resignation of despair, and, to avoid the painful subject, Gus had gradually absented himself from the little back parlor, seeking consolation in billiards, varied by an occasional shilling's worth of the legitimate drama. GUS THINKS. For the first time in his life Gus began to think. The sensation was so novel that it almost overpowered him, but he went out, had a brandy and soda, and was himself again. Gradually Gus resolved himself into a committee of ways and means, and came to the conclusion that he was "in Queer-street,"' If c passed a resolution to that effect nem con, reported without amend ment, and resumed. Then he was suddenly STRUCK WITH A BRIGHT IDEA !

which was a remarkable thing for Gus. The idea was to go out immediately and borrow £5 from one of his friends. The thing looked so simple that lie wondered why he had been so stupid as not to think of it before. Then he ran over the list of his friends with the viev,- of selecting the most confiding; but on mature deliberation it occured to him that he had al ready borrowed from, every one of them who had anything to lend. Then he said "By Jove! • I never thought of that'before.—how singular!" and he fell to thinking again until his head ached worse than ever. When he came to him self again he resolved to " SEE IF THERE WAS ANYTHING TO POP.' With this view he emptied his pockets. The result was a meerschaum pipe, two photographs of " lady friends," several little accounts, a toothpick, a penknife, a cigar-holder, a paper collar, two shirt-buttons, a comb, a match-box, an anti-billions pill, a note from his land-lady, several other dunning letters, a plug of tobacco, and threepence in "copper tokens. Then it slowly dawned upon the mind of Augustus Deu brooke. Esq., that "TIJEI4E WAS A CRISIS IX HIS AFFAIRS," and he determined to face it manfully. He went out and invested his threepence in a beer, met a good-natured mend from whom he borrowed Ealf-a-crown. and said " By Jove ! how lucky it was I kept 1 hat 3d." Then he played a little game of billiards, lost that half-crown, and having enrolled his name in the bar slate thus— "Mr Dedbrooke, 2 drinks, Is." went home to meditate. His landlady met him at the door and communicated to him the interesting intelli gence that A MR. RICHARDS HAD CALLED TO SEE HIM, which elicited from Gus the information that (he said IHchards was " a friend from the country." Then he retired to his room for devo tional exercises, locking the door to prevent his being disturbed. Next he began to think again. Poor Gus was'nt- to blame for this. Like all bad habits, it had arisen out of the force of circum stances, and had grown upon him unawares. Gradually his ideas became clearer, the mists of doubt and irresolution lifted, and he determined that "By George, old fellah, you must do some thing to' choke "bit" that fellow, Richards." Then befell into a profound reverie, and woke up with another "splendid ideah,"' videlicet, " TO TAKE THE BENEFIT OF THE ACT." So he hied himself to Mr Richard Fixus, a gen tleman who had considerable experience in bankruptcy matters, and was prepared to place that experience at the disposal of a friend for a consideration. Then Gus returned home with a great load lifted from his heart, seized his pen, and after two hours" intense application, pro duced something like this: LIABILITIES. & s. d. Mrs Dufaurem, board and lodging .. 50 0 0 Mrs Starchlcy, washing .. ..• .. 310 0 Mr Doobill's P.X 50 0 0 Ditto interest on ditto 100 0 6 Mr Slater, sundry refreshments .. 2 16 0 Mr Perkins, ditto 3 5 6 Mr D. O. Bittcrstiff .. 20 0 0 Ditto interest oil ditto .. .... 60 0 0 Mr Neumegen, interest 18 0 Totle £291 0 0 ASSETS. Nil 0 0 0 Tottle £0 0 0 Which was a true and correct statement of Ms affairs, so help his Bob. Then Mr. Dedbrooke had several serious consultations with his agent, and inserted a "Declaration of Independence" (Bankruptcy) in one of the local papers. But when the time came for the first meeting of creditors there were none present, whereupon Gus demanded to be discharged instantly. He was told that he must first get two creditors to prove their debts, and he went and did it. Flow it was done is a mystery only known to Gus himself. They were merely two creditors over £10, whom by an unfortunate over sight, he had omitted from the schedule. THE MEETING OF CREDITORS was held. There were no creditors present, and Gus. said "By Jove, old man, it's all up a tree!", Dick Fixus said " It all right my boy," and tri umphantly produced two pieces of paper, one bearing the uncommon signature '' John Smith " and the other that of "John Brown." Then Dick Fixus said "The Act lays it down distinctly that one creditor (personally or by proxy) must move a liquidation resolution, and another creditor (personally or by proxy) must second it. We had better proceed to business." Gus. said "By Jove then, old man, we're floored." Dick held up the piece of paper siarned "John Smith" in his right hand and said I move that Richard Fixus, Esq., take the chair." Then he held up in hisleft hand theothcrpiece of paper signed "John Brown," nnd said "I second that." Then he said, " carried unanimously." took the chair, and having examined the proofs of debt found them thuslv: John Smith, - - - - £10 5Hi John Brown, - - - - 10 11 i Total - £21 0 0 The Chairman then said: " The Act clearly lays down that there must be present at the first meeting (personally or by proxy) a majority in number, or three fourths in value of the creditors who have proved. Messrs Smith and Brown being the only creditors who have proved, I declare the meeting duly constituted." Then Smith and Brown went to business in right down earnest, carrying a resolution nem con declaring that the estate bo liquidated, and. that Blank Snooks Esq., of Nosueh-street, should be trustee. Guy said; "isn't it awfully jolly?'' Then the whole four persons went and had two pints of beer. THE SEQUEL. The. gentle reader must suppose that one week has elapsed.' Augustus Dedbroke. and Richard Fixus, are } met again. John Smith and John Brown are 1 also present (by proxy). Mr John Smith moved, Mr John Brown seconded, and it was carried, nem con, that Richard Fixus, Esq. take the chair. Dick did accordingly, and laid the business before the meeting in a, very able and lucia manner. . , . John Brown moved (by proxy) and John Smith seconded (by proxy) that the estate be declared wound up, and that Augustus Dedbrooke, Esq., an unfortunate and ill-used debtor, receive his discharge. The chairman put the resolution, which was carried, nem con. Gus. said " Hurrah, I'm a free man. Is'ntit a. jolly Act T " it's perfectly lovely." Then the meeting adjourned and refreshed, N.B.—John Brown and John Smith being good templars, declined to have anything. This is how Gus. Dedbrooke was whitewashed. MORAL. Isn't the Debtors and Creditors Act 1575 "a jolly act?" N.B.—Any person ignoranUy supposing that the above occurences took place In Auckland, will lie prosecuted with the utmost rigour of.

THE EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1876



fjiURNITURE! FURNITURE I Ladies and Gentlemen about to Furnish are respec fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DRAWING-ROOM, DINING-ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacious Slioivrooms. T. & S. COOKE, 67. QUEEN-STREET, Adjoining Bank of Ntv: Zealand.} Xjl I R E!I! _ TGI I R EMI SALVAGE FROM THE LATE FIRE! A. LINABURY & CO., ARE Noav Holding an Enormous Clearing Sale of DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, SALVAGE FROM LATE FIRE. As most ci the Goods are only Slightly Damp, ;Vjv are well worthy of inspection. The Entire Stock: must bk Cleared in ONE WEEK! A. LINABURY & CO., New Premises: 201 & 206, QUEEN-STREET. qPECIAL QHEAP J^INES. AT 130 & 132, QUEEN-STREET. HEAVY BLANKETS, 12/6 per pair. GOOD WHITE SHEETING, from 1/3 per yard A Special Line in LONGCLOTH, /oh per yard. STOUT DRESSES, from /9 per yard. SUPERIOR BLACK VELVETEEN, 2/9 per yard. STOUT WINCEYS, /5J per yard. S. & ,J. R. V A I I. E, 130 & 132, Queen-street. HONEYCOMB TmRINGED J>ED Q UILTS " IN ALL SIZES AND PRICES, AT HOLLOWAY & GARLICK'S, From 7s lid to 255, Prettiest and Easiest-Washed Quality ever made. IMMENSE VARIETY OF MUSLIN, LE k NO, n AND LACE From 2s lid to 55s per pair. OPENING UP: SPRING & SUMMER DRESS GOODS, JAPANESE SILKS, and FASHIONABLE FANCY MATERIALS, 150 different Patterns in DRESS PRINTS Latest Fashions in MILLINERY r MEN'S and BOYS' CLOTHING. Furnishing Goods of Every Description. CITY HALL DRAPERY AND FURNI TURE BAZAAR, Queen-street, Auckland. HOLLOWAY & GAKLICK, Proprietors •



TDRICES TO MEET THE TIMES. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN Are determined to sustain the character of the JUNCTION T\RAPERY TyAREHOUSE For supplying the Public with GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY !! THE NEW SPRING GOODS Mow Coming to hand, have been CAREFULLY SELECTED &JWELL BOUGHT and are being marked off at Peices to Meet the Times ! ! 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 overstocked Market at a CONSIDER ABLE REDUCTION, and offered at correspondingly Low Prices !!! Remember the address :— RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, (Late R. Hobbs), JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite Army and Navy Hotel), Upper Queen-stkeet, Auckland. J. QOSC HAVE ft QO. HAVE PURCHASED THE STOCK OF 11. W. DYSON. (IMPORTER), AT A LARGE DISCOUNT FOR CASH!! The Goods consist of— GENERAL DRAPERY. SILKS, UNDER CLOTHING, COSTUMES, MILLINERY/, MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING, SHIRTS, HATS, AND CAPS, BRUSSSELS. TAPESTRY, AND FELT CARPKTS, M A T T I N G, OILCLOTHS, RUGS, &C. The GOODS are now REMOVED (.o the Premises ol: J. COSGRAVE & CO., AND WILL BE SOLD AT A LARGE DISCOUNT OFF THE IMPORTED COST! THE SALE COMMENCES ON SATUR DAY, THE 7th OCTOBER. Jf.B.—There will be no credit given during this Sale, as the Goods will be Sold at Ridiculously Low Prices. "Where Shall we Look for It?1] was the question which (he medical profession, in scare] of a reliable tonic stimulant, at one time used to ask itself. The answer came twenty-five years ago in the discovery of an inviptorant and altera tive claimed to be perfectly pure, and an eracli cant of dyspepsia, urinary troubles, malarial disease, rheumatism, liver disorders, and debility. Analysis disclosed its purity, and subsequent experiment demonstrated its complete efficacy. It is called Udolpiio Wolfe's Schiedam Aro matic Schnapps. ■ _ ,„„„ The New Season Cod Liver Oil, 187G.— Guaranteed perfectly pure and free from smell or unpleasant flavour. The quality is especially fine. 2s. Od. and ss. a hot tic—J. C. Sijakland, Apothecaries' Hall, opposite the Post-office. Manning's Wokm Powders.—A safe and effectual Vermifuge. Prepared only by .f. C, Sharland. Is. a packet.—Apothecaries Hall, opposite the Post-oiHcc. Mark Twain on Bad Musicians. —I no musical public and general readers are cautioned not to purchase Weston's Wizard Oil and Magic Pills without carefully examining the outside wrapper—and be sure that the words "None Genuine without the Signature of f he Proprietor, Frank Wbston, Sydney, N.5.W.," are engraven thereon. Any other so-called preparations ol mine, are unauthorized by me, and calculated to mislead the public—Signed, Frank West on. Sole Agents: Kcmpthorne, Prosscr and Co.— Price, Half-a-crown.