SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER—Thi* afternoon, 148; to-morrow •Jorn'nj;, 2 27 BUN SET-This "evening, 5 9 BUN RISB-To- Baorrow mornlntf, 6 41 MOON'S AGK^Fnll Moon, Bth, 9.32 p.m,

ARRIVALS.

Southern Orors, s s, Holmes, from Napier

DEPARTURES.

lona, b s, Fnrquhar, for Buy of Islands Taupe-, as, Worsp, fortho South

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

JJror London—Carnatic, ship, Glenlora, barquo,May6 For Levuka—Emu, bwjnentlno, ear'y 3. or Lyttelton—Maud G'aham, schooner, early ;For Newcastle—Brodick Castle, chip, early For Wang-T"!—Argyle every Wi-dne«day 'For Ba>- of Islands—lona every Monday For the Forth—Pearl PMS. early For the Pouth Peas—Eyno, brigantine, early For Russell—Luna, ps, to-morrow; H.M.S. Pearl

and °appho, to-morrow For the South— Price' c, ss, Saturday For San Francisco—Colima, 3s, Sth (outward English

mail) Fflr Gisborne and Napier—Pretty Jane, Wednesday iFor Napier—Southern Cross, s s, Wednesday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Colima, ss, from the South, Bth iDstant Hero, ss, from fydnev, 18th instant Oceola, brigantine. from Lyttelton, early Flirt, hrigiTitinc, from Lyttelton, early Prince Alfred, baTqnentine. from Ivttelton, early ■Robina funlop, barque, from London Martha, barque, from the Islands, early Lady Franklin,barque, from Newcastle; sailed 29thult Iffititia, schooner, from Barotonga Tlincmoa, schooner, from Dunedin Transit schooner, from Dunedin La Efcocesa, ship, from London; sailed Feb 9 IBebington, ship (PRBV), from London; ssiled 7th February ■Loch Lee, schooner, from Sydney, early Albion, brig, from Lyttelton ; sailed 25th ult 'Wanlock, barque, from Glasgow"; tailed Feb 9 Elebnnk Castle, schooner, from Oamaru Fiery Cross, schoorer, from Sydney •Coronet, schooner, from the Islands, early -Clematis, ketch, from Timaru

The ss f outhem Cross leavo3 on Thursday next, at 4 pm, for Napier direct. There was a dense fog last night, says the Oamaru "Evening Mall" of the 22nd, anrt the fog-gong at the Heads was used for tho first time. It was very effective and was heard two miles off, and led the Steamer Matau through to the entrance. The s s Southern Cross arrived yesterday afternoon from IVapier, wiih tho following passengers—Mrs Mclvor, Mrs Hunter, Messrs Owen, Stephenson, and Holmes. J-fter setiirgdown her passengers the Cross proceeded to the Thames to land her cattle and Sheep.

The new schooner Minehsha is about to leave for Timaru. She will load a cargo of sleepers at Mercury Bay.

The lona left on her weekly trip to Russell last nli-ht

The new tfme tables of the Durham and Enterprise steamers appears in our advertisement columns.

The s.s. Taupo leaves tnis afternoon for the South,

The Government steamer Luna is under orders to convey hU Excellency the Governor to the Bay of Islands to-morrow. H.M.S. Pearl and Sappho vi.il accompany liis Excellency.

Thes.s Pretty Jane will leave for Gi'_borne and Napier to-morrow (Wednesday), and not on Thursday a3 advertised in the morning papers,

CALL AND DIVIDENDS.

The following aro the current calls and dividends payable in tho companies named below :— & s. d. Date. Dividends— Oa.t_i.B-- Qneen of the May, new 0 1 0 — May 10 Effort 0 0 3—,, 10 New Exchange.. ..009— „ 10 Golden Arrow.. ..006— „ 10 Bullion 0 0 3—,, 10 Dividend .. ..003— „ 10 Blackßeef .. ..006— „ 10

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

MArr_B will Cloak as follows:— For 7h*»mes to-morrow at 030 a m. and at 530 p m For Gisborne and Napier, per Pretty Jane, to-morrow at 3 p m For Taranaki and Southern provinbes, on Saturday, 6th ii staut.at 5 30am Per ss Taupo on Tuesday, 2nd Msy, as follows:— For India, China, Mediterranean ports, Continent of Kurope. at noon For Taranaki, Southern provinces, and Australian colonies, at 12 45 p m For United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (tor letters specially addressed) at 12 45 pm For United Kingdom, via Brindisi, and late letters •for Southern provinces and Melbourne at 1 pm Per Colima. on Monday, Bth May, as follows:— For Kandavu. Sandwich Islands, United States of America. Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West In dies at noon For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe at noon For Money Orders, Registered Letters, and newspap ers at 11 a m (Signed) S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

DEATH.

WILSON—On the Ist May, at Franklyn Bond, John L uptou, youngest son of Mr. J, J. Wilson, of Tairua, aged 9 months.

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

TUESDAY, MAY 2, 1876.

Fir .Us cr..ee that lncics smL-tanea, For ths *-ri._i that needs re.istauoo. _>"or thr .i;.ura in ihe distance, Aj.ri tlie ff.ov. UuU ..<_ can Co.

The necessity for levying a shilling special rate for water twelve months before the rate payers can hope to enjoy any benefit from the outlay is an extremely unpleasant one. Taxation is at all times disagreeable, but a direct tax for the payment of interest upon a little debt which we have as yet enjoyed no benefit from is something about as unsatis factory as a liquidation call. From the tenor of the Mayor's remarks at the meeting yesterday it is evident that the system of capitalising interest, which has formed the theme of glowing eulogy in connec tion with the public works scheme, has not been permitted in the Act that controls the power of the Council, and the members seem animated by an amount of respect for the law which is quite refreshing in these times when our rulers bend statutes to suit their mm oweet 'wills. A diffi culty however, more formidable than the provisions of any Colonial Act, controls the Corporation in dealing with this ques tion. The powers of borrowing are limited to £100,000, and it is doubtful whether that sum will cover the entire cost of the undertaking. Unless an amendment to the Water Works Act could be secured early in the approaching session of Parliament, authorising the raising of a further loan of £20,000, and legalising the payment of interest out of principal until the works are completed, there is no course open for the Council but the one proposed yesterday. The Mayor intimated at the meeting that there was a probability of the spec;al rate of six pence upon the £20,000 debt being dis continued. If this can be accom plished, a point of no little importance will be gained. A tax of 12J per cent upon the annual value of property is assuredly a burden very grevious to bear, and until the waterworks become a source of revenue and afford a tangible benefit to the citizens, no measure which would tend to lessen the weight should be overlooked or neglected by the Council. If the increased taxation can be limited to sixpence in the £1, ratepayers would probably find it much more advantageous to face the 1, imposition rather than accept any alternative involving a postponement secured at the cost of an increased indebtedness and a consequent enlarged annual liability.

MR FITZHERBERT AND THE SPEAKERSHIP.

With reference to the offer of the Speaker ship by the Government to Mr Fitzherbert, the Otago Daily Times, usually well in formed, says :—We believe tbat we speak with perfect accuracy when we say that tbe offer was accepted. In a few days, we have no doubt, this piece of news will be authori tatively announced by the Government organs." The tenor of the remarks made by the Wellington Post in announcing the offer leads to the conclusion that at any rate Mr Fitzherbert has not finally rejected, it. The Dunedin Evening Neios thus discusses the probabilities :—" In the progress of this struggle, it is not difficult to understand how the Superintendent of Wellington may desire to retire from the fury of the conflict. He may love opposition much, but he loves Wel lington more; and the past furnishes a goodly array of illustrations to prove that with Mr Fitzherbert, Wellington's gain weighs heavy in the scale against all other political consi derations. For it must be apparent to any j whose interests are bound up with Welling ton, that the absorption of all control from all the provincial centres, and the concentra tion of' all authority and officialism, and consequent expenditure of money, in that place of earthshakes and barnacles, must be profitable to Wellington shopkeepers, andlg per consequence, to the whole of that people. To find, therefore, Mr Fitz herbert continuing to fight against centralisa

tion and the ascendancy of officialism, would be a sight for gods and men. Mr Fitzherbert does not and never did aspire to the crown of personal martyrdom, and though the bonds of party compelled him to work shoulder to shoulder with those who resisted the too rapid action of the Government, we can perfectly understand how in his heart of hearts Mr Fitzherbert may wish well to the cause of centralism, which is to make his beloved Wellington supreme, and Dunedin, Christchurch, aDd .Auckland, but subordinate and vulgar provincial towns ; and how in the circumstances he might feel peace of mind in shrouding his feelings under the robes and ffillings of Sir Dillon Bell."

VOICES FROM THE SOUTH.

One from Wellington, which Usually speaks under inspiration, says :— <:The consolida tion of prison control which will take place under the Abolition Act, and the establish ment of a central penal depot fefc Taranahi, renders necessary the appoinment of an Inspector-General of Prisons." A very excellent post for a faithful follower. Another voice says :-- " A good deal of interest has been excited among certain gentlemen who hold tbf mselves well fitted to administer justice by the fact that a second magistrate is to be appointed for Dunedin." Mr Vincent Pyke, M.H.R. and J.P., has been diligently discharging the duties, and is publicly spoken of as " the coming man "—another very nice little arrangement.— There is likely to be a vacancy in the Resident Magistracy and District Judgeship of Napier. Our tele grams naively intimate that the appointment will not be made until after the sitting of Parliament. With judicious angling these official sprats will provide baits for at least six. Tho Under-Secretaryship of EdUco.tion seven, and the Speakership, eight trouble some people disposed cf .--Sir Julius Vogel's j allusion to the greater advantages which the country, as compared with the town, will enjoy under abolition hns failed to convince the Otago Times, which reasons tlur 0 W ;_ " No Provincial Government ever dared'to endow Dunedin with several thousands per annum. T lie m6ney for such endowment ran >« come from somewhere, and we think that the up-country settlers will not fail to see in such a proposal a left-handed blow at their prosperity. We have all recognised that it was a bribe. Some cities took the biibe and returned members to support the policy, of which the endowment of towns formed a part. Dunedin refused to soil its hands, and the countiy districts of Otago know it." The same journal instances "as an illustration of one of the probable results of local Government, the case of the enter prising Jittle Municipality of Oamaru, which has an income of .some £2,500 a year, or so, from rates, rents, ftc, and in the exercise of its large borrowing powers, has recently been considering various grand schemes for water supply. The most ambitious of these, in volving an expenditure of about f°O,OCO, has been seriously entertained, and an engineer appointed at a salary of £,1000 a year."—The Lyttelton Times has been discussing abolition in the light of the alleged intended sacrifice of the public estate in Otago, and concludes that if the worst allega tions of anti-provincialists are true, abolition does not gain a single point, for the very cogent reason that "the Otago Provincial Government are checked in the administra tion of tbe Land Law, by a nonpolitical Waste Lands Board, composed of men of known probity and independence, but the Colonial Government have no such check upon their actions. Muriinotu, Piako, Obine muri, Tairua snd a host of other names do not prove that the central authority in above the necessity of that check. Neither do these rames jointly or severally constitute a greater claim to public confidence, than tbat which the Provincial Governments enjoy."—ln our Saturday's issue we gave the return of enormous expenses, salaries, and commissions, paid by the General Gov ernment to Land Purchasers in the province of Auckland. This is what the Napier Telegraph says about their operations :— " There is no disguising the fact that there is an immense tract of country in the centre of this island that is utterly valueless for the purposes of settlement. Yet is for the possession of this dreary waste of pumice stone that the Government in its wisdom has expended no inconsiderable sum of money." The kind of sickening literary stuff provided for the enlightenment of *be civil servants, and thoir uutcliers and bakers, is fairly represented by the appended specimen from the New Zealand Times :—" Mr Macandrew has, of course an indubitable right to write and send as many letters as he may please, bnt after the exhaustive statement of Sir Julius Vogel on the question at issue it is difficult to see what effective reply he can make." The amount of provincial indebted ness, which suggested to the Otago Executive the idea of disposing of large blocks oi land, is £200,000 in liability upon contracts, coming from the construction of the Awamoko, the Waiareka, the Mosgiel, the Greytown, and the Orepuki lines.

An officer of one of the ships-of-war in

port yesterday evening made a mistake while walking down the wharf, and fell over into the water close to the watermen's steps on the East side. Hunt and Johnson, two watermen, went to his assistance and got him out, without any other damage than a good ducking. The tide was low at the time, and a boat was moored close by. Had

the sailor fallen on this he would have re ceived severe injuries. We would suggest suggest the propriety of railing off the un protected corners of the tees of the wharf.

The directors of the Bank of New Zealand were the only tenderers for the Government account on the conditions published some time ago, and their tender has been ac cepted.

It will perhaps afford general relief to some anxious hearts in Auckland to know that definite intelligence of the whereabouts of the three able civil servants, who so myster iously disappeared in Dunedin, has at length been received. They are journeying towards Nelson, where, we are assured by a local paper, they will be most graciously received. It is reported that his honor Sir George Grey has written to them stating that the expense of their passages to Auckland may be saved the colony. Whether the hint will be taken or not it is impossible to say.

A man somewhat in years was making the most hideous noises this morning and soon after six o'clock, which had a waking influence on the citizens of Shortland-street, On looking out an old man was discovered in the rain, with a barrow load of fish, and crying at the top of his voice, " Here ye are laggards, fine ripping fish here, gifc up -and come and pick and choice, git up, Polly, and put the kettle on."

The officers of H.M. ships of war have been granted free admission to the Acclama tization Gardens. The boon comes late, but in spite of this it will no doubt be thank fully received. We share the opinions ex pressed by some of the members at the meet ing yesterday, and think that something might be done by the society to make these gardens a little more attractiye. The ex pense would be more than paid for by the increased number of admissions.

At the meeting of the shareholders of the Tairua Gold Mining Company held yesterday in Mr G. S. Graham's offices, Bank Buildings, the resolutions of the meeting of the 28th March, for winding up the Company were confirmed. It was also resolved that the new Company be called " The Tairua Pros pectors Gold Mining Company." The whole of the resolutions were carried.

It is understood that the Royal Marionettes will open in Auckland next week. This an nouncement will be hailed with pleasure by young and old alike, for the performances of these little creatures are something wonder ful.

By order of the Acclimatisation Society, handbills have been printed offering a premium of £50 for the first twelve pairs of Australian swallows landed here, and a pro portionate sura for any number not less than two pairs. The brndbills have been sent to Sydney for distribution in Australia. In our acknowledgement of the £6 3s, subscribed for Mrs Bailey, we inadvertently omitted to state that the money was col lected by Messrs Priestly and Murphy. • Members of the Templars' Benefit Society are requested to attend the monthly meeting this evening in the Newton Congrega tional school, Edinburgh-street, when the election of members will take place, and othet important business will be introduced. Trees add much to the beauty of a city, and exercise a genial influepee ott the mind and health bj. bitisen.B. In the beautiful city of )?ati_!, in London, and in Washington, and in the principal cities of the United States, trees are plentifully planted, and they act like lungs or respirators to human life in such crowded places. Auckland cannot boast largely of its trees at presnt, but the time is approaching when its vacant spots will be overshadowed by the foliage of fine trees. Yesterday in the City Council, on the motion of the Mayor, it was agreed to author., c the Streets Committee to expend a turn, nob exceeding £200, for the purpose of beautifying particular streets with trees. Hence, ceitain parts of the city, between thickly sown houses, may be adorned with trees which may become the paradisaical home of biids, and perchance in other days nightingales may sing their midnight gongs

among leafy orchestras.

.Some ihterestinp; CbhversatioU on the subject of the importatiofa bf Califbrnian salmon took place at the Acclimatization Society's meeting yestsfday. Tbe Chairman, Mr Firth, stated that since the last meeting they bad received a letter from Messrs Cross and Co., of California, in which they were informed that in September next a Supply of eggs could be sent, the main expense being the cost of the ice. It would now become a question whether they should not co-operate with Canterbury and Wanganui, in securing a shipment of these flue fish. As this was the first port from San Franchrco the other provinces would look to thrm to supply the Colony. Mr Palmer strongly advocated taking advantage of the offer they had received from California, not only for themselvos but for the other provinces ; the objection brought forward by Mr Earle that the American salmon did not afford the sport of the English species, was only after all an unimportant objection, for it was principally as an article of food that the introduction of salmon was desirable.

After some chat Mr Palmer moved and i'

was earned, •' Tbat the Secretary com municate with the other Societies in New Zealand, to af sist us in procuring salmon ova from California, on condition that when they arrive the Society shall do its best to tranship a portion of them as safely and speedily as possible." Mr John Henderson, C.E., formerly Messrs Brogden and Sohb' representative in New Zealand, proceeded to Sydney in the s.s. Easby last week, in tbe hope that the voyage and change of scene may restore his broken health. The. Post says that Mr Hen derson has been for some time past in failing health, caused mainly by the protracted anxiety and suspense during the long uncer tainty as to the fate of the Strathmore, in which ship his son and daughter were pas sengers— a suspense only ended in the saddest way by the definite tidings of their death. A disgraceful act of vandalism was perpe trated at the Presbyterian cemetery on Fri day nipht. The two massive pillars support ing the gates are ornamented by large stone balls. Some misoeant on the night men tioned knocked one of these off and rolled it into the cemetery ground. The pillars are so high that, in order to carry out bis singu larly unprofitable work of destruction, the rascal must either have got a long pole or sledge hammer, or have climbed the wall. The improvements lately effec ted at this cemetery have cost a large sum of money, raised by private effort, and the erection of a substantial wall, the clearing and ornamentation of the grounds, and the proposed planting of trees constitute a work of city improvement which, apart from its association with the sacred memory of the dead, might, we should think, bo appreciated by tbo vilest scoundrel who breathes. It would appear however, that there is someone in the city who is dead to all these feelings, and who is clearly not fit to roam at large. We hope the police will succeed in laying hands upon him, in order tbat he 'may, under proper restrictions, be afforded the recreation at stone-breaking which is apparently so congenial to his tastes. It has been determined by the Acclimati sation Society to distribute part of the seeds of the Californian and Indian pine, which

have been received from the Colonial

Museum, among the Auckland nurserymen. Ifc is to be hoped that these seeds will be taken care of, as tho introduction of these trees will be extremely beneficial.

A fall of earth on Mr Proudfoot's section

of the railway near Blueskin, Otago, buried a labourer named James Jamieson, and in jured two others named John Dallessey and Peter Ode. Jamieson when dug out was alive but died soon afterwards. Dallessey's left thigh was fractured, and Ode sustained an injury to his ankle.

A supply of young salmon is shortly to be placed in the Maungatawheri Creek.

The wretch Sherman who was lately sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment and 30 lashes for rape upon his stepdaughter at Palmerston was formerly well known in Wellington, and noted as a somewhat •' pronounced " member of a religous sect. He was clearly a specimen of " a wolf in sheep's clothing."

The annual meeting of the friends and sup porters of that useful institution, the Home for neglected and criminal children, will be held on Thursday next, in the large room of the Christian Young Men's Association. His Honor, the Superintendent will take the

chair.

Referring to the action of the Barracouta in the Steinberger-Samoan row, the Auckland correspondent of the Otago Daily Times says: —" Captain Stevens evidently did all that man conld when once engaged in hostilities. The puzzle is how he came to be engaged in them at f.ll. It may have been necessary to interfere for the security of the white settlers, and this will possibly be found to be the cause. Or it may be that he was acting under direct orders, or at the request of the foreign consuls. In the former case, it can only be a step towards the annexation of this group, and its addition to the Colonial Empire."

One effect of tho .wangling piece of legisla tion known as the " Debtors and Creditors Act" has been that a creditor at Oamaru, des pairing of getting any pecuniary satisfaction j from a man who had victimised him for £30 just before filing his schedule,' resolved to take it out of his skin. He proceeded to the office of the debtor's lawyer, and finding his man there, the following dialogue took place :—Creditor: You gave me a bill for £20 the other day, and also borrowed £10 of me ? Debtor : Yes. Creditor : I have come for it; I thought I'd find yon here. Debtor: I cannot pay you. Creditor : Well, then, if I can't have it one way I'll have satisfaction another ; and suiting the action to the word, he took his coat off and, calling upon the debtor to defend himself, took his satisfaction there and then.

During the past month 18 green linnets have been sent to Gisborne, 18 goldfinches to the Thames, 18 yellow hammers, 12 green linnets, and 7 chaffinches, to the Bay of Islands. The Acclimatisation Society are about sending a supply of these birds to Kaipara and Hokianga.

At the sale of Improvement Commissioners' allotments to-day, there was a large at tendance. The bidding however, was very languid, and little disposition to purchase. The various lots offered were therefore with drawn.

We understand that settlement has been making rapid strides at Ohinemuri during the last few weeks. Several well to do settlers have taken •up land there, and better times seem coming for the district.

The Simonsen Opera Company appear to be doing good businesa in Christchurch, th ough they are encountering strong opposition in Blondin, who is able to draw crowds into his portion without pyrotechnic assistance up to the present.

This month cock pheasants will be allowed to be shot in the province of Canterbury by persons holding a license. The licence costs liity -.hillings.

The Eire Brigade practised last eveuing, and Went through their hose, engine, and hook and ladder exercise, in the mest satis factory manner. Mr John Hughes, superin tendent, informed the men tbat Mr G. P. Pierce, manager of the New Zealand In surance Company, had presented the brigade with Young's work on " Eire Engines," and John Braid wood's work on " Fire Preven tion " Mr Hughes expressed a hope that every member of tbe Brigade would in turn read these volumes, which contained a fund of useful information.

Two sportsmen in the Manuherikia dis trict, near Cromwell, Otago, bagged seventy rabbits in a day's shooting. The stations are over-run with these pests.

A revoltihg case of cannibal briitality was heard at the Dunedin Police Court last week, and its details were perfectly sickening. The complainant's face was disfigured almost beyond identification by, it is alleged, defendant tearing his finger nails down it and clawing him. There were deep flesh wounds on the fingers of one hand, prod uced it was said, by defendant burying his teeth in them.

A scandal has convulsed society at Mel bourne. The story is that a soldier's wife committed herself with two knights and a merchant, and that the matter was hushed up by the payment of four thousand pounds.

The whaling brigantine Isabella, belonging to Wellington, bas returned to tbat port after more than a year's absence, perfectly empty, not having got a single fish alongside. She coasted along the east side of the Middle Island for six months without seeing any whales. She then proceeded to the Chatham Islands, and on the 25th December, some sperm whales were seen, and one was har pooned, but it had to be let go in order to save the crew of tbe boat, which latter was being dragged under water. Three days later, another sperm whale was speared, but it attacked the boat and smashed it, the mate, who was therein, having three ribs broken.

The notorious J. G. S. Grant has, it appears, had his little love adventures in his time. In a letter addrssscd to the Welling ton Argus he rebuts several insinuations made in that paper relative to his past career, and says : "I never did 'succumbto the charms of one of my pupils, who, however, proved insensible to instruction in the art of love, and Mr Grant's wooing be came at length so violent that the lady had to seek legal protection from his impor tunities ' This is an atrocious slander, and, as such, I fling it back in your teeth with manly scorn and virtuous indignatioh. I was, iudeed, engaged to a lady in Otago, and we were twice proclaimed—on two successive Sabbaths in Dr Burns's Church—but before the third proclamation the contemplated union was broken off for reasons best known to me, and with which you have no busi ness The young lady, however, never was a pupil of mine, never did 'seek legal protection from my importunities,' and I have cherished a life-long gratitude for having been rescued from the snare of the fowler." If Mr Grant has cause for thank fulness what shall we say of the lady who escaped the fate of her successor in the affections of J. G. S. ?

We welcome into the field of journalism our new contemporary the Oamaru Evening Mail, the first issue of which has reached us. It is s fair well printed broadsheet, and the matter contained on it is good. The reason for the Mail starting is stated in the leader to be the increase of newspaper readers in Oamaru.

Our readers must bear in mind that the Ceramic and Crystal Palace Art Union, for which Messrs Jakins and Wilcox are the Auckland agents, will close to subscribers on the Bth May. An advertisement in reference to this appears elsewhere.

Horse-chestnut, willows, and osiers are very valuable trees, and it is gratifying to learn that the Acclimatisation Society are taking considerable trouble to secure their introduction into this country.

Our sporting correspondent Hotspur was wrong yesterday^m his pedigree of Dainty Ariel. It should have Btood —" by Riddles worth out of Althea, by Mreonides out of Alice Grey."

Sentimental bank robber—'with all thy vaults I love thee still..

It is terrible to love somebody and see her washing windows for another man, saya the Detroit Free Press.

A Danbury man had a bag of oats last week, which he calls the Seamless, as they won't have to be sown. Some one stole them.

There is said to be a young lady ia Texas named Kitty Fewclothes. Miss Kitty must either put on more garments, except at balls and parties or change her name. Calico now ranges from 4 to 6 cests a yard.

CABLEGRAMS.

[PBESS AGENCY.]

Departure of the Ringaroema with tlie Suez Mail.

MELBOURNE.-THIS DAY. The s.s. Ringarooma left yesterday for New Zealand with the Suez mail.

THE AUTUMN RACES.

The following are the weights for the Birth day and the Handicap Hurdle Race at the second day of the Autnmn meeting of the Auckland Racing Club, to come off on the 24th May :— BIETHDAY HANDICAP.-1% Miles. St. lb. 8 12 8 10 8 9 8 8 8 7 8 6 7 12 7 3 7 3 7 0

Parawhenua, 6yrs The Don, aged Ariel, 3^rs .. Ngaro, 4yrs .. Isaac Walton, 3yrs Perfume, Byrs Polly, 6yrs .. , Bedouin, syrs Medea, 4yrs.. Eclipse, aged

HUEDLE EACE.—2 Miles.

St. lb, 11 0

Gladstone, aged .. The Don, aged The Arrow aged .. Mystery, 4yrs Waitara. 4yrs Black Monitor, aged May Moon, 4yrs ~ Mount, aged

10 10 10 6 10 4 10 0

io o 9 11

H. E. Handley, Handicapper.

The acceptances for the above races and the general entries are due on Friday, the 12th instant.

The leap year rhymes is in everybody's mouth in the Western States:

Mother may I go out to pop? Yes, my darling daughter; If you fall this year you must shut up shop; You've kept longer than you'er.

DREADFUL COLLIERY EXPLOSION IN FRANCE.

The following particulars of the shocking explosion of fire damp, resulting in the death of 200 persons, near St. Etienne are given by the Daily Telegraph :—At the time when the explosion took place there were 216 per sons in the pit, the entire day shift, and nobody had any indication of the presence of the gas until tbe fatal moment. Immediately after the accident, aid was procured, but those who descended into the pit found nothing but the bodies of men, boys, and horPeß strewed about, either dead or danger ously wotmded. A short time after the noise oi thfc explosion was heard, the scene at the mouth of the pit was jnost distressing. The corpses of those killed, and the bodies of dying and wounded men were brought up in batches, while crowds of relations of the unfortunate victims came to search for their frieflda. All the authorities of the districts, military, civil, and religious, were promptly ou the spot, and at the pits mouth a priest stood, with bare head, praying With the wounded, and administering the last rites to the dying. The sad work of recovering the bodies was pursued during the whole ot the night. The sight which presented itself in the pit is described as harrowing. Groups of poor workmen were found in corners, their bodies quite carbonized, and in some places the bodies were found attached mone m3SS- . ■_. -7 ml 7 The Correspondent of tha Daily Telegraph, under date St. Etienne, Feb. Ith, also gives the following additional particulars or the dreadful accident _--As yet only one-third of the bodies buried in the coal-pit have been brought out. This morning, at eleven o'clock, seventy carbonised corpses, placed upon roughly constructed littetft*ere conveyed by the companions and relatives of the deceased into tbe church, in some cases .fathers and mothers being obliged, through lack of assistance, to carry their own children. This ghastly funeral cortege was conducted by the doctor and engineers of the mine, the members of the Administrative Council; General d'Abzac, representing the Marshal; M. de Meaux, the Minister of Commerce; the Procureur-Ge^ral of Lyons; Bishop Thibaudier, and a number of officials, magis trates, and commercial notabilities. Ihe little church known as the Eglise dv boleil was completely filled by tbe bodies, and the persons present had to stand between the improvised coffins. I'he scene at the cemetery was heartrending, FiVe hundred relatives, composed chiefly of women and children, wept aloud, and threw themselves on the bodies of their fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons. The snow, driven by a bitterly cold wind, was falling heavily, and it soon covered this scene of anguish and despair with a white shroud. Everybody present was deeply impressed, and the thought that twice the number of bodies lying before them had yet to be brought to the mouth of the fatal pit, made the sight still more distressing. Energetic efforts are at tnis moment being made to clear away the rubbish thrown up by the explosion, and, to put out the fire which is still burning, moist earth is being let down into the mine. The number of victims is even greater than was at first stated. Two hundred and sixteen men were killed, but the bodies which have been recovered are in many cases so much disfigured that they cannot be reco: nised, Day and night crowds of poor women and children are to be seen at the pit waiting anxiously to receive the corpses of those who were once their breadwinners. Priests move aDout, advising resignation, and promising substantial assistance from the subscribers snd sympathisers at Lyons. All classes of tbe population are greatly moved by this terrible catastrophe, and large sums have already been collected for the relief of the widows and orphans. Marshall McMahon bas subscribed 5,000 francs; Madame McMabon bas given 500 francs; M. Buffet bas sent 3,C00f. to the Prefect of the Loire to be distributed among the sur vivors ; and M. Halanzier, director of the Opera, has announced that be will give a special peifoimance for the benefit of the distressed families.

THE POLLEN FEED AT THE THAMES.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) Sir,—lt appears to me and others by ac counts we have read in the different news papers, tbat Dr. Pollen was invited by the public of the Thames to a banquet. Such an impression is a false one. If a public meeting were called to test the question, the Hon. Dr. Pollen would appear very small. Dr Pollen was invited to a feed by a few sneaking individuals who are trying to curry favor and look big, and I believe that the same seekers after the loaves and fishes had the audacity to make use of the name of the Thames public, so as to give tbe thing an air of importance. I can assure you, sir, that the Thames publio feel degraded and huimli ated by such an invitation being given to Dr Pollen in their name, especially when given by such men as Billy Rowe, M.H.R. If the Thames people wished to give a banquet to Dr. Pollen (which is not at all likely, considering the polished venom shown by that party to this place, they would have chosen men of very different stamp to represent their wishes. As regards the Mayor, he did the' thing to try and make himself popular and a big man, and thought it the correct sort of thing to do to work himself up into an important posi tion. The others, the Highway Boards, merely went in for a cheap feed at the ex pense of the general public. It is sincerely hoped, by a large number of ithe Thames people, that the Auckland citizens will not for a moment imagine that the Thames public were insane enough to invite the Hon. Dr. Pollen to a banquet. He (the Dr.) showed a remarkable amount of shrewdness by not accepting the invitation. Many of the people here 'believe that it was a made up thing between the Hon. Dr. and those who invited him. Hence the prompt refusal and ready excuse, etc.—l am, sir, yours, etc , ' Observer.

Grahamstown, April 29, 1876,

FAREWELL DINNER AT BLACK AND CO.'S BOOT FACTORY.

In consequence of the withdrawal of Mr J. A. Ferguson from the Aberdeen Boot and Shoe Manufactory, of Messrs Black and Co., of Albert-street, the employees in connection with this flourishing firm determined upon passing a pleasant evening together, and of presenting to Mr Ferguson a token of their esteem before his departure for England. A portion of the factory was cleared and adorned with flags, flowers, and evergreens, and an excellent supper served up in good taste by Mr W. A. Clarke, which gave much satisfaction to all present. Mr Hunter's brass band was also present, and enlivened the scene with some choice selections of music. As near as we could tell, about 100 persons were present. After the spread came the speeches and toasts, Mr Marshall presiding. The first toast was "The Queen," which was duly drank, followed by the National Anthem by > the band.—Mr Blaok, the senior partner in the firm, then rose in favor of Mr Fergusson, and in the course of a very interesting and practical speech, spoke of Mr Fergusson's business qualifications, and the signal success of the manufactory, which was greatly due to the energy and generous demeanour of Mr Fer gußSon towards those with whom he came in contact, and especially towards the employees under him. Mr Black then proceeded to sketch the rapid rise of the Aberdeen Boot and Shoe Manufactory since its establishment, six years ago, and stated that they had made no less than £25,000 worth of boots and shoes during that period. He considered that their es tablishment, and others of a like character, added to the wealth of the colony, and de

!f v. cir nc-S urßgement ' Wkenbefirstlearael that Mr Ferguson waß about to leave tha firm he felt a keen sense of regret, not ol account of his leaving to hiß worldly advan tage, hut on account of the loss the fim mipbt sustain by his absence ; and -when he mentioned to tbe employees that some « r6 sentation should be made to Mr Ferguson he found that the employees were before bim ' and had already projected the same. % that testimonial everyone had readily contributed. The presentation, consist, ing of a handEome silver tea and coffee service, furnished by Mr Kohn jeweller, was then handed to Mr Feraueon in the name of the proprietors and employees of the Aberdeen Boot and Shoe Manufactory bearing the following inscription: "p{ e l sented to Mr J. A. Fergusson as a mark of esteem frrm his late partner and the em ployees of the firm of Black and Co Aberdeen Boot Manufactory, Auckland' 1876."-Mr Fergusson replied in feeling terms, and was at a loss to express his grati tude for the beautiful present of the evening. ;He had always endeavoured to fill his posi". tion faithfully, and had always found the employees willing and courteous ia their several capacities. He thanked them heartily. —Mr Black then introduced the new partner and successor of Mr Ferguson, Mr Wooley, a gentlemen well, known to many of them. Mr Wooley responded in a neatand well-set speech, and at the close proposed "the Visitors and Strangers." Mr John Gittos, of Wyndham street, replied at length, and pioposed tho " Manufacturing Interests of the Province," coupled with the name of Mr Sanders, fore man to Messrs. Black and Co., and who occupied tbe vice-chair. Mr Sanders replied, and referred to the respect in which the employers were held, and the unanimity of feeling that prevailed among the em ploy e"es. " The Press " was next proposed, and responded to by Mr Blackman, of the Evening1 Star ; .and the final toast was the "Ladies." Mr Home was called upon to respond, and felt himself quite un equal to the tssk, as there were so many pretty faces before him, and so many ladies watching for his words. However, he must say that he loved the ladies, and in one brief sentence would say, " Gcd bless the ladies every one." Mr Fox also returned thanks. During the proceedings the band, under Mr Hunter, played several lively pieces. The room was subsequently cleared, and at 9.30 dancing commenced, which was kept up merrily until the dawn of breaking day.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

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

STATION BOOSTERS,

James Southford, a youth, of Chancery lane, was fined 5s and costs tor being drunk; Robert Turner, alias Simon Candy, was fined in the same amount for tbe same offence; Mary Walton, aged 73, was also fined 5s for being drunk.

A LILT IN THE BAIN.

Maria Lily, a young woman of 25, who had just completed a year in Mount Eden, was found last night in a helpless state of drunk enness. The Lily bowed her head, which was bound up with a white linen rag to hide a wound she had received by a fall. She had just escaped from prison, and merely had a wet ; it took effect, and she fell.

Fined 5s and costs. DESPERATE,

Ella Brown, a strong young man, was charged with being drnnk and disorderly and creating a disturbance last night by the Greyhound Hotel, Queen-street. Constable Dews deposed that prisoner was violently drunk last night; he tried to pacify him, when he became furious and kicked out. Fortunately he escaped without injury. Fined 20s and costs, or 24 hours. THROWING STONES.

Two lads, named Gilbert and James Mc- Kay were charged with throwing stones on the 26th ultimo in Drake-street, Freeman's Bay.

The boys pleaded guilty. The father of the boys, a respectable man, expressed his regret at the circumstance. He was not aware that the lads were in the habit of throwing stones. The constable'said they were thrown in the direction of the Bay. He had not known anything against the boys. His Worship said that great complaints had been made about stone throwing, which must be put down, but as this was the first offence he should only inflict a fine 5s each, with 5s 6d costs, making a guinea.

The fine was paid. WITHOUT REINS,

Andrew Kelly was charged with driving a horse and cart in the Kyber Pass on the 26th ultimo without reins.

Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined ls and costs.

DEPOSITING OFFENSIVE MATTER,

James Dempsey, contractor, appeared m answer to a summons charging him with de positing offensive matter in Fort-street, in the city of Auckland.

Mr Dempsey pleaded not guilty. Mr Laishley appeared for defendant. Mr J. B. Bussell, for the proseotion, stated the case. The defendant bad been employed by Messrs Hartley and. Watson to remove certain rubbish from their premises in Durham-street, and among the rubbish was a quantity Of offensive matter, which was de posited in Fort-street by Alfred Roberts by, it was alleged, defendant's instructions. The Inspector of Nuisances had his attention called to the spot, or was attracted thither by a kind of instinct—(laughter)—which inspectors seem to possess, and felt bound te take.proceedings. George Goldie, Inspector deposed to find ing the filthy matter near Mr Barber's store, and charging Roberts with it, who said he had brought it from Durham-street under Mr Dempsey's instructions. Alfred Roberts stated upon oath that he was a carter, and in the employ of Mr Demp -Bey, but he believed that Mr Howe had the contract in Durham-street, He remembered a conversation with Mr Goldie about a load of stuff deposited in Fort-street, when he told him it was mostly clay : he was then in Mr Dempsey's service. He told Mr Goldie that Mr Dempsey had asked Mr Watson if he would be responsible for the re moval of any matter from Durham-Btreet. He heard Mr Watson tell Mr Dempsey that he would be responsible for the consequences. He was positive that he mentinned Mr Watson to Mr "Goldie as the responsible party. He also used Mr Dempsey's name, but not in the same sense. Whenhe removed the stuff he was working for Howe, and subsequently he worked for Dempsey by the day. Mr Dempsey ordered him to tip the load into Fort-street.

James Murphy corroborated the evidence regarding the nature of the nuisance. James Dempsey, in answer to tbe Court, stated that he had a contract in Durham street for removing a quantity of clay for a foundation to be laid in Durham-street. He did not order Roberts to remove earth to Fort-street; it was the proprietor who gave the order, and it had nothing whatever to do with his contract any more than the man in the moon. He would swear that Roberts was not in his employ at the time of removing this load. He was working for Howe, as his (Dempsey's) contract had been completed. Mr Thomas B. Cameron, architect, de posed to the completion of Dempsey's contract before the removal of the night soil. He believed he first suggested the necessity for its removal to Mr Watson. Michael Hogan and Michael MoEwen gave corroborative evidence. The Court having weighed the evidence, found defendant guilty of the offence, and ordered him to pay a fine of 40a, and costs £5 14s. .',.....,„ , ■~■-.-.:.. -v,;'^ ,*

m mmm mk&, mmr?, mats, we.



J/J/E beg to call ihe attention of parties about to Furnish to our large stock of Household Furniture. jr\_ji•ii.cooke, *■ ~ 148, Queen-street, (Opposite the New Theatre). Funerals Economically Furnished. BLANKETS! BLANKETS! blankets! 1,000 Paies. 1,000 Paiks. ' -• ( 9-4 "White, 10/6,12/6.14/6 per pair t* V 10-4 White, 17/6 and 21/ per pair Hrt 1 11-4 White, 25/ per pair. 8<! V Bedding of all kinds at H { V$T HOLLOWAY & GARLICK'S. __g_B Handsome Drawing-room Suites in Silk Rep Horsehair and Damask Suites Great variety of Chairs, Looking Glasses, Tables Drawers, Washstands, Toilet Sets Mattresses Palliasses, Pillows, all kinds Iron and Wood Bedsteads and Cots. JUST OPENED— Beautiful lot of Winceys from /5f per yard, worth /9 Crimean Shirtings, extra good value Blankets, Sheeting, and Quilts from 3/11 Hearth Bugs and Carpets Another Shipment of Door Mats at 2/11 Fancy Hosiery, Stays at 2/11, worth 4/6 Table Covers, Damasks, &o. Shawls, Hats, and Millinery. Country Settlers will find it convenient to deal with us, as we can supply Drapery, Clothing, Millinery, and Furnishing Goods, which will be well packed, and forwarded with i . . Despatch. d&~ Buy your Winter Dresses and Clothes from— Holloway & gaelick, Drapers, Clothiebs, Milliners, Cabinetmakers Upholster icrs, and Undertakers, CITY HALL, Cueet-street, Auckland. TJTTJMN AND "WINTER DEAPERY AND CLOTHING. A Large Parcel of NEW and SEASONABLE GOODS of. every description, just to hand, at RTJSHBROOK and BRIDGMAN'S. Exceptionally good Value, having been Purchased at a considerable discount :— BLANKETS ! BLANKETS! Blankets, all sizes. White and Coloured Good strong All-Wool Flannel, from Is per yara Winceys, in great variety, from 5d per yard 32-inch Wincey at lfl per yard, rare value A choice assortment of New Fancy Dress' Goods, Calicoes and Sheetings, Furnishing Goods, etc,, etc. Also, FCLOTHING! CLOTHING! For Boyß and Men, splendid value. Suits, Coats, Trousers, and Vesta Overcoats, Pilot Jackets Printed Mole Trousers, Shirts, Hosiery Hats and Caps, &c. E_ & B. with confidence invite attention to the above, and inspection will prove that for PEICE and QUALITY our Stock will bear favourable comparison with that of any other House in the Trade, Patterns forwarded on application, and prompt and careful attention to country orders. 6 % DISCOUHT ALLOWED OK ALL CASH PURCHASES OP ! 20S. AND UPWARDS. busihibirook~lTb.ridg.man, 1 «Rj [Latb E. Hobbs., 1 | UNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, j n Opporita the Army and Navy Hotel, ■j. TJPPBE QUBEN-STBBKT, j if ' AUCKLAND. '■ ~' J



KAEANGAHAKE GOLDMINING AND QT^RTZ-CiIUSHING. COMPANY (LIMITED). The Directors of tne above-named Company have this day mar-o a Call (be second), of Threepence per Share, paval^n at the Company's Registered Office in Albert, and T>avr-streets, Grahamstown, On Wednes day, the 10th day" of May, 1576. d. g. McDonnell, Manager. Grahamstown, May 1, 1576. THOKKTOST, SMITH & FIRTH'S PEICES CURRTOT (Whompat-e) :— Sacks. lOOlbs. fiOlhs. "Crown Brand" Flour, £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. per ton 14 0 0 14 10 0 15 0 0 T. S F. Canterbury Flour, do 12 10 0 13 0 0 13 10 0 Sharps, do 6 17 6 Bran, do 6 5 0.. Fowl Wheat, per bushel. 4s 3d to 4s Gd. The above priors include sacks and hags. Sacks and bafrs rot returnable,—Terms Cash. Auckland. May 2,1876. OOCIETY OF ARTISTS, AUCKLAND. BLACK AND WHITE EXHIBITION The attention of Art Students. Amateurs, and others is directed to the above Exhibition to be held In June next. Woilcs intended for exbihit.on may ho executed in Elaek Lead, Sep's, India Ink, Charcoal, Crayon, &c, but rot in colours'. Further information may he obtcined from the undersigned, J. SYMOFS, Secretary, 5, "Wyndham-street,



The Professional Reputation of a re spectable physician or chemist is at stake when either under.*.' s to pronounce upon the fffiency or purity of a popular remedy. Thousands of eminent physi cians aud analysts have publicly concurred in declar ing that for pnritv and invigorating prep _t-'es the medicinal Biir.nl.nt best entitled to public confidence is TJnOLriio Wot/f-k's Poittkoa. Atomattc SriTNArrs. It is the remedy y\nr eorcllencn fcr kidney disease, in digestion, and debility. You may often Hear the exclamation " Oh, my!" a* the Window of Messrs. Ff>trsAKTi TIUGG'a 211. Queer-street. It escapes from pprsons almost involuntary, as they catch a glimpse of Hats trimmed on the premises marked from 3. lld. Splendid value in Winter Dtps Mat. rials is also being exhibited. Beautiful Embossed Silk Scarfs are marked ls each : and don't they sell at HEMUS AND TKI GG'S, 216, Queen-street. Weston. Wizard On, and Mao--*, purs—Have cured more wonderful cases o* Rheumatism, Gemt, Nevralpia Aches Pains, ~v . e u ;v ^ Cakrcl Breasts, Scalds, and Salt-Rhf.v;,,,, t j pon tI)P } lllm!lr , fraKlC) ihnn all the preter.. f fl remedies have since tho world began. __nei»-i Great American Medicines are com posed ___f vppeinMe o ;] Si {baling gums, roots and -jerbs; and act like a cham. upon pain ard inflam mation. Price: Half-a-crown. Sole Agents: Kemp thorne, ProHger and Co.'