SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER JThis Afternoon OSO *S mf BETJ-Thi-< Evening, 5 57. SUN P.ISBB -to-morrow Morning. 5 45 MOOiV'a AGS-First Quarter, 26th, 11 42 am

ARRIVALS.

Arf i I L sc'loollt>r> Slmrt, from Lyttelton £ £. S' ch> Williams, from the Thames ©O-aieaa, a.S. McQilliveray, froSE Waitara

DEPARTURES.

southern Cre3s, s.s., Holmes, for Napier lona, s.g., Farquhar. for Kussell -Belle Brandon, schooner Ols n, for Napier. IJueen, schooner, Jones, for Hokianga Mary Melville, schooner, Urquhart, for the Thames f^o-anead, s.s , for Waitara

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For 3ydney—Hero, ss. early ; Llewellyn, as. 3 days after arrival 2?or Southern Ports—Taupo, ss, 28th t or Coromandel—Argyle, ss, ever" Monday For London-Kobina Dunlop, barquo, early Vnl Jfc/r inS ore& onT llQOil *W»< bariue early earl D ' **£<&*, Helena, brigantine, Wnl e7. castle-Ma>T Ana Annison, barque, early For Melbourne-Sam Mendel, ship, early

VESSELS EXPECTED

«.ero, bs, irom Sydney ; sailed 20tfe Sapphire, H.M S., from Sydney, surly iuiewellyn, ss, from Sydney, about 28th inst Haranui, ship.rom Loa&on, early Afeernyte, ship, from London, sailed June 30 ftnann Leo, ship (ELJS), from London Utyor Ancfcfaad, ship (KMTR). from London, galled Grari, shrp^ from London, sailed 13'.h July Houthera Cross, Mission vessel, early Hainan Rose, from Otasro early ' *™&rl. ketch, from Ponrhyn Island, early "Jenlora, barque (WGVT), from London, early x»msya. barque (VT>JN), from London, sailed dobn Matthews, barque, from Boston ; sailed 17t July Bell* Msry from Hobart Town, early AfleU, barque, from Newcastle, early Visiop, brig, f rom Tonga, early Augusta, brigan me, from Levuia, early l l*J, Queen, schooner, from the Islands, early Loch i-.ee, f rom the. Inlands, early

The barque Loch Fergus has entered out tor Portland, Oregon. The brigantine Wollamai is discharging her Littelton cargo &fc the inner western tee. The brigatifcine Seabird is moored on the west side of the wharf. She is likely to proceed to the Chatham Islands. w-thiV" Soutbern Gross left for Napier last evening, the following passengers-Messrs Colobrook, •K-WRSton, and 11 steerage. The schooner Belle Brandon has left for Napier with a cargo of timber, etc. The cutter Start is being repaired at Messrs Sims and Brown's slip at the Shore. _The s s. Go-ahead arrived from Waitara yesterday, ''nth one passacger, and a careo of live stock She left ag»in to-day for Waitara and New Plymouth.

The schooner Kenilworth arrived yesterday evening from Lyttelton. Caotain Bhort reports that he left pnrt era the 18th inst, and rounded the East Cape on Wedne day at 7 p.m. Had very Heavy weather sub sequently, and lost square-sail and two jibs, as well as Slaving the topsail split. Had to take shelter in Mercury Bay from Saturday to Sunday. She brings a cargo of breadstuffs.

The schooner Mary Melville sailed for the Thames yesterday in ballast.

The brigantine Helena hauled alongside the Eobina Dndop yesterday, and began to tranship her cargo of copra.

The schooner Queen has left for Hokianga with a general cargo.

The ship Sam Mendel is taking in 500 tons of manganese, which sbe will conyey to Melbourne as tallaßt. A portion of it will be shipped on to London, and the rest probably sold to other vessels for dead wnight. Tho demand for this mineral product aeetns to be increasing. The barque Mary *nn Annison has entered out for Newcastle She will clear immediately, and probably lwve in ballast to-morrow.

The barque Martha does not return to tho Islands at present, the copra trade being doll. We understand there is some chance of the vessel being purchased by the Harbour Board as a powder hulk, for which she would do admirably. The p.s Rowena arrived this morning from Tnuranga, with a quantity of coastal produce an < 19 passengers. She leaves again for Tauranga to-morrow evening

The steam-tug Lionel leaves for Wangape this after noon. We hope to hear of her doing good service in her proposed field of labour.

The gchooner Kenilworth uauled alongside the wharf this morning and commenced discharging.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr <Z W Bioney held an auction sale to-day at tbe Exchange Mart, which was well attended. Nelson potfi ,* sold at £3 to £3 sg; Canterbury do. £4 ; Cai le nun flour (no brand) £10 7s 6d in Back', XH 7s 6d in 1 "o*-; bacon (inferior) 5d ; cheese 7d to 9%& ; Anckl nd nutter B^d ; sample beef, in rolls, 7>£d ; fowl wheat 4s 4d ; Hawkins jams, 7s lid per doz ; and pearl barley, £22 10s per ton.

Mr X Arthur sold a handsome side board of mottled kauri, curved in groups of game and flowers, for £17 10a. A fine drawing-room suite fetched £16. The sewing machines were held over.

Messrs M Jones & Co.. held a produce and general furniture sale to-day. The goods generally brought fair prices.

Mr George Sibbin held a sale of furniture at the Auckland College to-day, by order of the proprietor, which was well attended.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND

Mails will close as under:— For Thames this day at 530 pm and to-morrow at 5 30 pm For Coromandel via Thames this day at 6 30 pm For Coromandel per Argyle on Fiiday next at 2 30 p m For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Manga pai, per Argyle, this day at 4 pm For Whitiangi, Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotlki, per Rowena to-morrow at 4 pm For Newcastle (N.S.W.) per Mary A Annison to-mor row at 4 pin For Taranaki and Southern Provinces per s s Taupo on Thursday next at 12 45 pm. Late letters will be received till lpm Signed) 8. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

NICHOLSON—On the 22nd Instant, at her residence, Cookßtreet, the wife of J. W. Nicholson of a daughter. MARTIN—On the 24th instant, at City Road, Mrs Josiah Martin, of a daughter.

DEATH.

WILLIAMS—On the 25th September, John Williams, t-tone mason, late of Melbourne. The funeral will leave the Provincial Hospital to morrow, at 3 p.m. All stone masons are invited to attend.

MoKAY—On the 25th instant, at the residence of his parents, William-street, Auckland, of inflammatory cronp, George, fourth son of Daniel and Eebecca McKay, aged 7 years. The funeral will take place to-morrow, 27th mat, at 3.30 p,m. Friends are Invited to attend.

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

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1876

f« the cause that lacks assistance. for the wrong that needs resistance For the future in the distance, Ajid the food that we e»n do.

The operations of Messrs Macandrew »nd Stout in Otago will be watched with very keen interest. That they have not under taken the expedition with the simple object of hearing a public meeting shout their praises seems more than probable. And, so far as we can see, there is no middle course between the acceptance of abolition, for the present,and an open defiance of the Assembly. Provincial Councils cannot be convened without a direct breach of the law, and if, as Southern telegrams have intimated, Mr Macandrew intends to call the Council together, he must be prepared to submit a policy placing the powers of the provinces in open conflict with the colonial parliament, While the General Government retain com plete control over • the purse strings—the Custom - house, Courts of Justice, and other important public departments ; and the administration of lands re mains with a Board which has already shewn its readiness to do the bidding of Wellington, Mr Macandrew's Convention would be powerless for good or evil, and des titute of the means to prolong its own exis tence or sustain its authority. A step f ur thur, therefore, is necessaiy, and if the people of Otago are to make up their minds for the first act of resistance, they cannot stop short of those which logically follow—the seizure of the Custom-house and general re bellion. This is a very serious step, but one which finds so close a parallel in the past

political history of Otago, that we cannon regard it as impossible. We need hardly say that its successful acomplishmeut would depend entirely on the unaßimity of the people. However closely wedded to abo lition the General Government may be, they dare not force it on :* people in arras t snn are. moreover, powerless to to so. We can scarcely conjecture What would be the out come of ruch a crisis, but we cannot close our eyes to the fact that Mr Macini)rew may make the effort in the belief tb.»6 the Assembly would \efc «-«ur&c» iWs &fc<p's f»n>i give its aascQt n> p-'rmissive provincialism

-A £UisLlc moecing ia the Mechanic's Insti tute is summoned for Thursday evening, the night following the Dunedin demonstration. Although convened for the purpose of hearing Mr Lusk's views on tho poli tical situation, it is intended, we believe, to take an expression of public feeling upon the present phase of the parliamentary struggle. Looking at the turn matters have taken in the As sembly, we believe it will be regarded as specially fortunate that a member who has worked heartily with the Auckland represen tatives is at present in the city to enlighten us more fully upon the future prospects and intentions of the Auckland members. Mr J. T. Boylan will take tho chair at eight o'clock.

A singular and very important discovery has been made on board the barque Robina Dualop now loading for London in this port, namely, that three or four of the iron knees in the lower deck are extensively fractured la the throat. The discovery waa made quite accidentally, aad no cause can be assigned for the injuries. Wo learn that a survey of. tho vessel is about boing made, and it is not improbable that some of the cargo may have to be discharged to enable freßli knees to be substituted.

The Rev J. Hill has commenced a series of Sunday evening lectures on the subject of "The Millenium."

A lad employed in a furriery established in Melbourne has confessed to having partici pated in an extraordinary fraud. He took, at difFerent times, 150 dozen valuable native skins, and handed them to an accomplice at the rear of the establishment, who convoyed them round to tho front entrance, and resold them to the owners.

The Luna has lately been engaged in a cruise among the Sounds, the main object of her cruise being to ascertain whether any survivors of the brig Britain's Pride may have been castaway in those inhospitable regions.

Mr Cr. W. Collier is in Oainaru and has taken a benefit at the Masonic Hall, when, in addition to a variety of entirely new char acter songs by Mr Verner. Mr (Jollier gave selections from the drama of '' E.ip Van Win kle."

An eminent engineering firm in London has received letters from its reprsentatives in Russia which announce that the Russian squadron in the North Pacific is to be at) once reduced to two small vessels, the others being ordered Home, via Suez Canal, as soon as possible. It is added that the Black Sea squadron is to be at once reinforced by three ironclads for the Baltic, which aro to sail for the south as soon as they can be got ready, but not in company, so as to avoid anything like a demonstration. Some hands have actually been taken from the private Russian shipyards in order to puah on the refitting of these ironclads in the briefest practicable period.

Messrs Anderson and Co., of Commerce street, have purchased the consignment of English coal which was brought out in the Sam Mendel and advertise it for sale retail. The coal is from the famous West Hartlepool Colliery, which has been the scene of so many dreadful explosions. Its quality ia first-class, and practical men have tried it and returned an unqualifiedly favourable verdict. For household use, and smithy purposes it is reported, and we believe with truth, to be superior to any thing brought here from Newcastle, N.S.W. The con signment will no doubt have ,a ready sale.

The attention of hotel-keepers and the trade generally is called to the rare oppor tunity of obtaining a choice stock of wines and spirits offered by the sale to-morrow at Messrs Hartley and Co.'s warehouse. Messrs Tonks and Co. have been instructed by this firm to sell the remainder of their valuable stock of wine and spirits as per advertise ment.

Roberts, the billiard champion, says that Mr Weston is undoubtedly the best player he has yet met, and deserves the name of champion of the Colonies.

Tenders for the formation and other works in Napier-street, will be received by the Town Clerk at the Council offices1 until to-morrow (Wednesday), in terms of con ditions, specifications, and plana. Napior street, which is fairly populated, is one of those streets which has long been over-looked, but thanks to the action of the Star in vetoing the Drake-street cutting, the time has arrived when it will receive due atten tion.

The Rev. Father Petitjean, whilst praying in the Catholic Church, Wellington, fell down, and died within ten minutes. He was suffering from advanced organic disease of the heart.

Mr Eaphael, agent for the Opera Company, now in Wellington, has been unable to make terms with Messrs Bates and Howard for a short farewell season of opera at the Theatre Royal. The company therefore proceed from Nelson to Chriatchurch.

Affairs are very bad with the working men in the United States, and fifty thousand people are prepared to pay one-third of their passage money from the State of Pennsylvania to Australia. Such is the announcement made to the Government of New South Wales by Mr Morris, its executive commis sioner at Philadelphia, who adds that in formation respecting these colonies is being sought for by a considerable number of per sons, and that "many first-class mechanics, mostly farmers, with from £200 to £400 each, are anxious to emigrate at their own expense to Australia."'

The spiritualists of Sydney hpve suffered a terrible sell. The J2clio relates that since the seance that was held to ascertain the result of the boat race between Trickett and Sadler, scores of people have sat around tables until their arms ached and they themselves felt ridiculous, trying to get some communication from the spirit world to allay the universal anxiety respecting the fate of the newly-won championship, and in several instances the table tipped Trickett as the winner in the match with Lumsden. But the most explicit communication was onefreceived through the planchette on Saturday night, the 26th ult., when a spirit announced himself as James Hansen, boatswain of a frigate Wasp, one of the fleet under Sir Hyde Parker, with Nelson second in command, at the battle of Copen hagen in 1801. The Wasp—according to Hansen—got ashore in the Great Belt at the time when the Danish fleet was defeated, and he with others died in the battle. This old naval hero was interrogated as to his know ledge respecting the boat race, and he very civilly wrote to say that he did not himself know what the result was, but he thought he could ascertain. He left the planchette for a few minutes, and then returning, the pencil wrote in a clear and vigorous style of hand writing, " I am told Trickett won easily by 10 lengths." The telegram which was received in Sydney the following Monday, to the effect that the match had fallen through, proved rather trying to the believers in spiritualism.

A borse and curt accident took place near . Rt-muera this morning. Tho wheel of a cart belonging to Mr Cook came off, and tho Vehicle upset, 'inflicting some injuriea on a wntnan The account received gives no further particulars. A rfeque ia lost signed by Samuel Well and in f«vnr of 193(5 for £2 lls. It is stopped at the bank. The .system of payment of members of tbe letfi«lature is not popular in Victoria, and to i 1; is attributed the demoralisation of pftri'umnnt The Melbourne correspondent o.f 'hf «Vfcago Times wrote : " I' is galiiag to thi"k chat all rh«st! ignor.«nt. violent, greedy, factious, self-seeking men, who assemble to exhibit all their odious Qualities io the ob atruolion and huslesquing of public business, are >airi '.be ti'.erivl salary of £300 a year for these absurd buffooneries and faction fights. If the vote of the Colony dould be taken on the subject, the payment would be swept away to-morrow, and all classes would join in the vote. Those whoa few years ago were the strongest friends of the system on pay ment, and who regarded it as essential to the working of democratic institutions, are those by whom it is now most strenuously con demned. They say the experiment has been fairly tried, and has proved a failure. The expectation that it would enable many thoughtful, capable men to enter Parliament who could not afford to do so without pay ment, has not been realised. What has been relised is very different. The system has helped to breed a class of political loafers— trading politicians utterly de/oid of principle, aud ready for any rascality. The amount of tho salary is seen to bo large euough to induce men of unscrupulous characters and glibness of tongue, to desert more or less honest occupations for the sake of devoting them selves to this business of membership, which to anyone thus qualified, is 'as easy as lying.' Several cases of this kind have occured, and we are breeding a very objectionable type of politicians by this means."

The eutertainment in the Catholic Insti tute last evening for the benefit of widow McManus waa successful There was a very good attendance. Songs were sung by Messrs Chapman, Marter, Fry, Stanley, and Mitchell, Mrs Clark, and Miss Harvey. The aongs were generally good, with the excep tion of "Pull down the Blind," by a Mr Bishop, which was not creditable to his sem;e of propriety. Messrs Bertie and Rice gave their {original version of "Gens d'Armcs," which made a comic impression upon the faces of tho audience, and in the twinkling of an eye changed them from smooth serious ness to wrinkled laughter. Our correspondent says these young sailors danced admirably, their make-up was really excellent, and they were loudly encored. They were Flars in their particular spheres, full of sparkling paragraphs of unspoken wit—their very feet were eloquent upon the stage, and their looks had a mesmeric influence upon the girls. Masters Buchauan sang a duett which won due praise. Mr J. Mettam appeared in a song and dance, which was well receive.l. Tho whole dissolved into a quadrille party, which was continued through the night.

Specimens of the postal cards shortly to be issued in New Zealand have been exhi bited in the House of Representatives for final adoption. They are in four colors—pink, blue, mauve, and brown. The design in similar in eaoh case, the stamp in the right hand corner on one side, and between it and the left-hand border the words, ' Post Card, New Zealand. The address only to be writ ten on this side.' The other side of tbe card, which by the way is of no great size, is blank. There is only one objection to tho cards, the stamp on each is price one penny. Seeing that for this sum a large sized letter envelope can be sent within the limits of town delivery, the price of the postal card seems exorbitant. If they arc to bo a success they should be issued at one halfpenny each.— N.Z. Times.

Wiltshire, the pedestrian, has been sum moned for assault in Wellington. The Times thus refers to the case: "An assault case which came before the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday created some fun. Wilt shire, the pedestrian, was defendent, but did not appear, his wife appearing for him. The particulars of the case did not come before the Court, but it was ascertained from a statement of counsel that complainant was alleged to have used a revolver to de fendant. Mrs Wiltshire had this pistol. It caused some uneasiness round the Court. It was loaded in six barrels, and Mrs Wiltshire was carrying it about in a kind of way which suggested the painful thought that it might go off and kill somebody. It is stated that this revolver was at one time seen pointing in the direction of the Magistrate's head, and that he winked. Within five minutes the revolver had pointed round the compass about fifty times, and the effect of its presence there was shown. The passage between the witness box and the wall cleared quicker than it ever was before by the bailiff. Then Mrs Wiltshire went to advise her counsel, Mr Buckley, about the case, and he took a deep interest in her words until he found himself looking down the muzzle of the revolver. Then he turned away and addressed the Court. Eventually the weapon was got rid of, beiug placed in the care of the clerk, who put it away care fully, the case being adjourned until Wilt shire has completed his thousand miles stroll.

The All Saints' school-room having been restored and enlarged tho members of the Ponsonby Literary Society will hold their usual weekly meeting there on Thursday evenings. The secretary desires the atten dance of members and frlend3 on Thursday evening, as a grand programme of unusual interest has been prepared for that evening.

Tho Good Templars of Newmarket, in connection with Victoria Lhdge, will have an open lodge meeting on Wednesday evening, on which occasion a varioty entertainment will be given, consisting of speeches, melodies, and music.

The sixth lecture of the course of Temperance lecrurea under the auspices of tho Total Abstinence Society, will be given on Friday evening by Rev X S. Hassard ; Colonel Haultain in the chair. The subject of ?ho lecture will be "British Workman Public houses." Uuring the evening the choir of singers con nected with the Society will give several pieces of choice music, The last entertainment, chiefly by the Edger family, was very successful, and we hope that Mr Carr's efforts to amuse and beneat the people will be equally patronised.

The Victoria Lodge 1.0. G.T. Newmarket, will give a variety entertainment in the Newmarket Hall to morrow evening. A. .number of gentlemen outside the order, kindly give their assistance at those meet ings, so that thoy are by no means of an exclusive character, and deserve a good attendance. The charge of admission is only sixpence.

A CHALLENGE.

(To the Editor Evening Star).

Sir,—A statement being current in town to the effect that on the alarm of fire being given on Sunday morning last, that the Brigade were not at the scene of fire (Messrs Milne and Choyce's) for fully twenty minutes after the bell rang. I beg to challenge the author of such, report to substantiate it, and am willing to place the matter in the hands of Mr E. Perkins, who is best able to decide the matter, he having given the alarm, and further will hand over to you the sum of five pounds for the benefit of the Orphan Home funds, if the statement is proved to that gentleman's satisfaction. I assert that not more than eight minutes elapsed before the Brigade and appliances were on the spot. It is most disheartening and unfair to the Brigade as a body to have our efforts misrepresented in this way, after the members had strained every nerve to save time. The best proof of the fallacy of the statement lies in the fact, that although the buildings were of wood, old, and rotten, that the fire was extinguished so successfully, as, taking the time it was burning before discovery, and giving 20 min utes more, the fire would have had such hold as jfco be beyond mastery. With this challenge I leave the matter in your hands, trusting that the author of the report will take it up, feeling sure that the issue will only exonerate the Brigade. I am, dear Sir, Yours etc.— John Hughes, Superintendent, A.F.B.

PAKURANGA HUNT CLUE RACES.

HAKDiCAr Hubble Race. St. lbs. Isleman, aged 12 7 Perfume, 6 yrs 12 4 Locomotive, aged ... 11 4 Wrangler, aged ... ... 11 o Shamrock, 5 yrs.... ... 11 0 Handicap Steeplechase. St. lbs. Isleman, aged ... ... 12 7 Rarey, aged 12 0 Cockie, aged ... ... 11 10 Wrangler, aged ... .. 11 7 Shamrock, 5 yrs.... ... 11 4 We vet Tremble | late BlkSMonitor) aged 11 0 Rocket, aged 11 0 Wm Percival, Secretary P.H.C,

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

A yottng man, named Earie, was brought up this moaning at the Police Court, charged with attempting to commit suibide by means of a strong poison. The case was remanded at the request of Sub-Inspector Pardy, in order that prisoner might undergo a medical test. The facts of the case are simply these : Abraham Charles Earie, the prisoner, went into the Greyhound Hotel, last night, at a quarter to twelve o'clock, and asked the bar maid for a glass of water. He appeared to be much excited, or under the influence ofdrink. He was supplied with the water,whenthe barmaid observed him unfold a white powder packet from bis vest pocket, containing a. which he emptied into the glass of water and drank it off. He then drank a glass of brandy whichjhe had ordered. The barmaid, suspecting that he had taken poison, put the question to him, when he confessed that he had taken poison, as he was tired of life, and longed to die out of the way. She called Mr Corcoran and toldjhirnof the circumstance. He immediately called in a constable, who took the would-be suicide in charge. At the bottom of the tumbler about two ounces of oxalic acid were found, as the prisoner had not allowed it to dissolve before drinking. A young man named Hill who knew Earie, asked him why he attempted to destroy him self, when he repeated his former reply, add ing " You don't know my troubles with my friends, with whom I have fallen out, or you would not be surprised ; If meant it." Dr Dawson attended and administered the remedy usual in such cases, but was of opinion that this case was not dangerous, as prisoner had not succeeded in drinking the contents of the glass. We learn that the prisoner has been indulging in drink rather freely of late, owing to disappointments and want of em -1 ployment. It is said that he is respectably connected, and that his friends live in London.

THE CATTLE FAIR TO-MORROW.

The catalogues of the fair to be held to morrow at the Itemuera Sale Yards are now issued, and may be had at Mr Buckland's office. 121 lots will be offered for sale, com prising cattle of all descriptions, some being well-bred beasts. There are, in special breeds, a shorthorn yearling bull, bred by Mr John Johns ; a bull calf (November 22nd, 1575), by 9th Colonel Tregunter, bred by Mr Hut chinson ; bull calf (April 14th, 1575) by Weatherby, out of Polyanthus, bred by Messrs McLean ; a shorthorn bull calf, bred by Mr John May ; a Hereford bull, bred by- Mr James Robertson ; a shorthorn, bred by W. *->islop; a roan, bred by Mr J. Taylor; a shorthorn, bred by Mr T. Keilly ; a two year old suorthorn, Mr W. H. Martin. There are 350 steers, 250 well-bred yearlings and heifers, 200 cows. The trains run close up to the grounds where the fair takes place, so that all parties taking an interest in in specting stock can do so on this occasion, without the labour of much travelling.

LOCAL CHAT.

Thk young men of Pitt-street held their weekly meeting last evening in the under School-room, Mr McMaster in the chair. The qusetion for disens sion was, " Does the power of England shew signs of decline?" Mr T. King opened in the affirmative, and Mr Bloomfleld took the negative side of the question. Mr King stood almost alone in his opinion, being opposed by 15 members. Mr King, however, stood bravely on his solitary ground for a time, but subsequently shewed the white feather by stating that he was urged on to the dangerous precipice, little thinking of the large army that he should have to confront without being properly announced for the fight. He intimated that the fault was with the Committee and not the King, and like one of old, he would now recant, for he hud expressed sentiments in which he did not believe. A. round of cheers followed Mr King's con fession, and the meeting closed in silence. The young men of St James s held their weekly meeting last evening. The business was to hear an essay from Mr J. Geddes on " The Bise, Progress, and Decline of Turkey." The Eev E. F. Macnicol occupied the chair, and introduced the essayist. The audience was not so large as usual. lie young writer tieated fairly of Turkey, past and. present, and glanced with a keen eye at her present political and social condition. We trust Mr Geddes's next paper on tha " Republicanism of Milton/ will attract a larger audience. On Monday next, Mr Kennedy will discourse on "Judgment," and Mr Burton on " John Stuart Mill."

ENGLISH CABLEGRAMS.

LINE OF STEAMERS TO AUSTRALIA VIA THE CAPE.

NEW ZEALAND COAL.

WOOL UNCHANGED.

[PRESS AOBNCY.]

London, September 18.

Preliminaries of contract have been ar ranged with Messrs Green and Co., of Black wall, for a monthly line ot steamers, via the Cape of Good Hope to Australia. The steamers are to be 4000 tons burthen, each doing the outward passage in forty-five days, and the homeward in forty-five days. The Board of Admiralty have instructed Commodore Hoskins to report as .to the suitableness of New Zealand coal for Naval use on the Pacific station. At a special rifle practice the Irish beat the Australians by one point. The American and Scotch teams were far behind. Wool unchanged. 1 " ""■"■■OO ■

Australian Cablegrams.

CAPTAIN AND SECOND OFFICER OF

THE ELMGROVE EESCUED.

[press agency.]

Melbourne, September 25.

The captain and second officer of the Elm grove were rescued, after enduring great privations. They report the wreck of four other vessels at the same place.

ACCIDENT TO A BUTCHER.

An accident occurred this morning to a young man named Charles Parsons, in the employ of Mr Young, the butcher. The lad was on his morning round riding a newly-bought horse. When in Waterloo Quadrant he had occasion to dismount and call at one of the houses. After transacting his business, he proceeded to remount. When he had put one of his feet in the stirrup, the animal started off, aud before the lad could either secure his seat or withdraw his foot he was thrown down, and fco make matters worse, the horse, which would appear to be of a vicioua tendency, kicked out behind, and struck Parsons in the right thigh. At first those who saw the accident thought the lad's leg was broken, a belief which was shared by the lad himself. Dr Kenderdine, whose house wa«f within a stone's throw of the scene of the occurrence, was called, and quickly rendered assistance.

He made an examination of the injured limb, and found, that although seriously contused, no bones -were broken. An express was ob tained, and Parsons was conveyed home in great pain.

PARLIAMENTARY.

[From cur Special Correspondent]. WELLINGTON. This day. _ The Government have introduced their modifications of the Counties Bill in theiorm of amendments in committee, and last night these were admitted in that form without any very strong opposition. They provide for making the Bill quite permissive. Ihe first meeting of a County Council may deter mine by resolution upon omitting any portion of the Act. If this is not done the whole of the Act will be deemed in force m the County. The number of Counties remains to be fixed by the House. g Another lapse of the law occurred in con nection with the Ohinemuri agricultural leases proclamation, which should have been published in the New Zealand Gazette. > A Bill ratifying all undertakings entered into will be passed. Parliament will be asked to bear the brunt of Captain Morris's expense in connec tion with the East Coast contest, but is not likely to accede. Departure of Messrs Macaa&rev;1 and Stout. Messrs Stout and Macandrew have gone South. Much work was done last night _in Committee. The House shewed a disposition to get through business ;—a most agreeable change from noisy combat.

LAST NIGHT'S SITTING.

[press agency.] MANHOOD SUFFRAGE. Sir George Grey last night gavo notice for introducing manhood suffrage. Mr Joyce gave notice to ask whether during the recess, the Government will grant evening papers 500 words at evening rates. MR GOLEM AN PHILLIPS. In reply to Mr Hamlin, the Premier said the Government did not intend to give effect to the recommendations of the Public Petitions Committee in regard to Mr Coleman Phillips. The provincial abolition and Financial Arrangements Bill was introduced, and read a first time in committee. POSTAL CARDS. On the Post-office Acts Amendment Bill, several attempts were made to get the postal cards to bear a halfpenny stamp instead of a penny, but without avail, large majorities being against it. The hill passed unaltered. COUNTIES BILL. Considerable discussion ensued on the motion to go into Committee on the Coun ties Bill, various details introduced into the amended bills being taken exception to. Ultimately it was agreed to accept the amendments made in the old Bill pro forma, and allow progress to be reported. The Bill is to be re-committed to-day. EDUCATION BOARDS. The Education Boards Bill, which is a temporary measure to carry on education throughout the colony for a year, was read a second time.

The House adjourned at 1.15,

MR COLEMAN PHILLIPS AND SIR JULIUS VOGEL.

The claim made by Mr Coleman Phillips, of Auckland, for compensation in cornection with the Polynesian scheme, is a somewhat curious one. Sir Julius Vogel at the time gained great credit and renown as being the supposed originator of this famous project. It was proposed to form a Polynesian trading company with a eapital'Jof £1,000,000, on which the colony was to guarantee an interest of five per cent. It was a very grand under taking indeed, and everybody who took shares in it was to be made fabulously rich. New Zealand was to secure the whole trade of Poly nesia, and the operations of the company were ultimately to assume enormous dimensions, and rival the commercial success of a great trading corporation of a past age. The scheme was elaborately set forth in voluminous printed papers, and for a time nothing else was talked about. It got noticed by the London press, and was the means of making Julius Vogel's name known in high places. By and-bye some shrewd journalist discovered that the whole thing was utterly illusory and impracticable. Then the bubble burst, and the scheme was heard of no more. It now appears that Sir Julius Vogel, while pretending to be the originator of the scheme was not so at all. He had stolen it from Mr Coleman Phillip?, and adopted it as his own. Mr Phillips objected to this trading on false pretences, and petitioned Parliament for compensation. It seems that Sir Julius not only appropriated Mr Coleman Phillips' grand conception, but got him to come to Wellington, and in some measure work out the scheme on paper. The Public Petitions Committee, to which body the matter was referred, evidently thought Mr Cole man Phillips an ill-used man- They have therefore awarded him £li,i- for his expenses in coming to Wellington, and £150 besides as general solatium and compensation. The net results of this South Sea Bubble may therefore be stated thus :— Db. —Cost to the colony for clerical work and printing, say £500; compensation to Phillips for pirating his conception, £300 ; estimated loss to the colony in discussing the abortive scheme in the House, and thus wasting the time of members, say £250 ; total cost of South Sea Bubble, £1,050. Cr.—Great Kudos to Vogel: Notices of the scheme in the the London press; despatches to the Secretary of State for the Colonies about the schemel; Vogel regarded as the most original projector of the age, and Knighted accordingly. This little story plainly shows how easy it is for a cunning and unscrupulous man to obtain a temporary renown by the adoption of the most questionable devices. Sir Julius stole from Mr Stafford the idea and plan of the immigration and public work policy, and this pirating of Mr Coleman Phillips' Poly nesian scheme is quite in keeping with the former act.— Post.

COURT OF PETTY SESSIGNS.

(Before G. M. Mitford, Esq, (Chairman) and G. S. Graham, and Thomas Cheeseman, Esqs., Justices of the Peace.) THE LTTSHINGTON FAMILY. Alexander Mackay, was fined 10s and costs for being drunk, James Epps, a stalwart man suffering from the Scorip-rash, was fined 58. Eliza Kelly, a wretched looking object, ap parently in a half-starved condition, on mak ing a pitiful plea, was discharged, and John Beaton, an habitual drunkard, was sent to gaol for 21 days. STRAYING COWS. Owing to the influences of the season the pastoral glades of Kemuera have put on their vernal vestments, the beauty of which has been too tempting for the cows of Remuera, which have caused the following losses to their respective owners :— John Andrews, for allowing two cows to wander in the said district, was fined 10s and costs. Mary Galvin, an elderly lady, for allowing her two cows to accompany the preceding n quest of pastures new, was fined 10a and costs, Stephen Clarke, a young farmer, for allow ing his two cows to feed upon the public grass, was fined 10s. and costs.

Edward Perkins, for allowing his oo^ t& associate with the preceding in the lanes o! Remuera, was fined ss. and costs. OFFENSIVE MATTER. James Kirk was charged with allowing offensive matter to be drawn into Kcotlaad. street, Parnell, on the 18th. mst. Defendant pleaded guilcy, but it was cob his fault; he had only just taken the premises and was pounced upon. He had rectified the error. Fined 20s. and costa. " BON PEDRO. Henry Coup] and was charged with permit ting his dog, " Don Pedro," to wander in Hardy-street without a collar. Mrs Coupland said that " Don Pedro" was formerly her dog, but she had presented it to a young man as a remembrance. She had, moreover, purchased a collar some twelve months ago, which was stolen by some vil lain. Fined 103 and costs. A SAVAGE DOG. John Greenleaf was charged with allowing his dog to attack a lad named ArehibaV "^ Fleming, and cause a serious wound. ij Captain Dickey appeared for defendant anPj pleaded guilty; he knew nothing of the occur ence. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the dog was a very savage one, and the owner, who waa master of a small crafb, had frequently been spoken to upon the matter. The Bench wished to hear the case. ircnibald Fleming, deposed that he was an apprentice, and on the 18th inst, he was sent to the wharf, to take some iron on board the cutter " Firefly," when the dog flew at him and bit his haDdveryseverly; he had not been able to work since. To the Bench : He had done nothing to the dog, did not tease him, or annoy him in any way. • George J^eahy, blacksmith, deposed that the plaintiff was one of hi.q apprentices, and he had suffered considerably by the bite, and was unable to pursue his work. The Bench commented on the impropriety of keeping such a ferocious animal, and fined defendant 40d, costs £1 Gs. A RECKLESS PARENT. Edward Lysaghfc was charged with neglect ing to contribute towards the support of his boy in the Naval Training School, he being able to do so. *«.*!. Defendant, a strong man, deposed that he was unable to pay. Sub-Inspector Pardy said that Lysaght's children were all kept at the public expense, two were in the Industrial School, and one in the Training School. The man and his wife were both in gaol, and their children were left to the mercy of the world, when they were picked up and taken care of by the police. Defendant still pleaded inability through want of employment. Sub-Inspector Pardy said defendant had been much given to drink, and his wife was no expense to him, as she was supported at the public expense in Mount Eden; he believed that defendant might pay something if he was so disposed. The Bench ordered him to pay 2a a week towards the support of his boy. love's locket. "William Henry Oram, a youth of IS, waß charged with a breach of the Criminal Childrens Acfc by holding communication with a female inmate of the Industrial School, on the 10 th instant. Mr J. B. Russell appeared for Mr Stickley, on behalf of the Home, and Mr Joy pleaded guilty for the defendant. Mr Russell stated that the master, Mr Stictley, had been subjected to a great deal of annoyance lately, through young lads talking with the girls of the Home, at such hours when the master's eye could not be upon them, and which he could not well prevent without turning the Home into a prison. He has therefore, taken this step to warn others of the unlawfulness of such proceedings, L great deal of telegraphing had been going on from the hill sides, and on one girl had been found a locket, containing the portrait of William Henry, which led to defendant's detection. Mr Joy, LtL.B., spoke on behalf of the lad, and urged his youth as a plea for his indiscretion. He beleived the offence would not be repeated. The Bench said that defendant had acted with great impropriety, and as a caution, rather than a punishment, he must pay a fine of 40s, costs £1 17s 6d. THE BELLE OF EDWARDES-STREET. Catherine Clarke, alias Naughton, alias Bright Eye, was charged with beatiag her cousin, James Ingham, over the head and face with a big stick, on the night of the 25th instant, in consequence of which the com plainant could not see out of his left eye, and was obliged to wear a bandage on his head. Prisoner, with her golden hair banking in ringlets down her back, pleaded not guilty. James Ingham deposed that he resided in Chancery-lane, and that prisoner came to his residence, and with a quart pot, a big stick, and a poker, inflicted the wounds, which were visible on his head and front. He was afraid for his life ; he believed she would kill him. He could not speak to his wife without receiving a blow from the tigress. His wife brought her to his house against his wish, and brought a lot of drink with her. Prisoner said she was a friend of the man. She brought him blankets and tried to keep him warm. She made him cordials, and bought him a shin of beef. She mended his trousers, and frequently put the buttons on his [shirts. The Bench said these things had nothimg to do with the charge. • Kitty Ingham here stepped forward, and stated that ■ the woman did not strike her husband, it was she that did it. Her husband broke open the woman's box to rob her, and she detected him; he flew at her and grasped her thumb between his teeth (holding out her thumb) and nearly bit it off, and Kitty could not stand that. The row was on Sunday. The Bench : And is that the way in which you spend the Sunday. Woman : It is your worship—fighting and ; quarreling, God help us. Mr Haultain said he saw the man in the office yesterday morning and the wounds ; were quite fresh and bleeding. The Bench ordered the prisoner, who was very impertinent, to find sureties to keep the peace for three months, herself in £20, and two others in £10 each. WALKER V. LINDSAY. This was a case of quarrel and exchange of blows between two neighbours at Epsom, but as complainant was too ill to appear the case was remanded until to-morrow. ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

A tall young man, apparently about 20, was_ charged with attempting to commit: suicide by drinking a doae of deadly poison, on the 26th inst. Sub-Inspector Pardy asked for a remand in order to ascertain the state of the prisoner's mind. This was all the business.

RIP VAN WINKLE.

Pbeviottbl-st to tho repetition of the favorite drac, of Kip Van "Winkle, at the Theatre Royal, last evei me, a little farce, entitled "Twenty minut< with a Tiger " was played This piece was introduced rather for convenience sake than for any other immediate object. The farce occupied five characters, the principal being Chutnee, (Mr C S»arle) who impersonated the tiger both in speech, irritability, and manner, with admira ble tact. Mr A Power, the Jacob Mutter in livery, and Dolly (Miss Leake) were full of sparkling life, and well sustained. Charles Beeswing (Mr Hollo way) as the Young Commercial, exhibited powers of acting which will ripen with the inorease of years. Miss Lyster as Arabella, played her part as Chutnee's daughter, with artless grace, and winsomeness of manner which attracted genial attention. The farce was lively throughout, and had the happy effect of turning the Tiger Into a lamb. The piece of the even ing was Mr Fall's version of Irving"s beautiful story of Sleepy Hollow, where according to the legend, Elp slept for twenty years. The scene and musical asso ciations were all that could be desired. The selections

&VJSMll!fti BMM 5 TOBSDAY, BEMIMBEB M, Ijflfl.



J^ 0 T I 0 E T. & H. COOKE, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, &c, Beg to inform their friends and the public that they have £3- _g» To the new and spacious Show-rooms in Queen-street, next to the Bank of New Zealand. In addition to the usual varied assortment of Furnishing Goods, T. and H. C. have just Opened Large Shipments of Iron Bedsteads and Toilet CUaase ex Bebington and England's Glory. JJ" O T I C X ! A, liIiNABTJRY & CO. HAVE REMOVES TO THEIE NEW PREMISES, 204 and 20C, QUEEN-STREET, Lato in ilia occupation of Mr. Wm, Wilson, GRAND DISPLAY OP NEW GOODS! "DEICES TO MEET THE TIMES. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN Are determined to sustain tho character of the JUNCTION J)RAPERY For Supplying the Public with GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY !!! THE NEW SPRING GOODS NOW COMING TO HAND, HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY SELECTED AND WELL BOUGHT and are being marked off at «3" Prices 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 over stocked Market at a Considerafm Reduction, and offered at correspondingly Low Pbiceb !!! IW Remember the address :— RUS HJB ROOK & BRIDGMAN, (Late R. Hobbs), JUNCTION DR4PERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite Army and Navy Hotel), Upper Queen-street, Auckland. Relief from Cough in Ten Minutes.— SHARLAND'S CHERRY PECTORAL relieves the Breathing and gives refreshiniz Sleep. This ia a cer tain and speedy remedy for all Disorders of the Chest and Lungs; in Asthma. Consumption, Bronchitis, Coughs. Influfinza, Spitting of Blood, Hooping Cough, Hoarseness, Loss of Voice, &c. &c. Is. 6d. a Bottle. —APOTHECARIES HALL, opposite the Post-office. Hemus & Trigg, opposite McArthur, Shera and Co.'s. will sell the Balance of their Winter Drapery and Millinery for Two Weeks, at Cout, in order to make room for Spring and Summer Goods to arrive soon. Mark Twain on Bad Musicians.— The 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 tnat the words "None Genuine without the Signature of the Proprietor, Fbahk Weston, Sydney, N.8.W.," are engraven thereon. Any other so called preparations of mine, are unauthorized by me, and calculated to mislead the public—Signed, Frank Weston. Scle Agents: Kempthorne, Prosser and Co. Price. Half-a-crown. It makes one Shudder to think of the immense quantity or unmedicated firewater consumed for medicinal purposes The liquors of commejee are absolutely devoid of remedial virtue. Luckily there is a most desirable substitute for such excitants which never overspurs the brain or nervous system, but which imparts strength, overcomes a morbid habit of body, assists convalescence, and promptly rectifies organic irregularities. Ask or send for Udolpho Wolfe's Schikdam Aromatic Schnapps.



, HONEYCOMB JJED QUILTS, IN ALL SIZES AND PRICES, AT HOLLOWAY & GARLICK'S, From 7s lid to 255, Prettiest ana Easiest-Washed Quilt ever made. IMMENSE VARIETY or MUSLIN LENO AND LACE CURTAINS! From 2s lid to 55a per pair. OPENING UP: SPRING & SUMMER DRESS GOODS. JAPANESE SILKS and FASHIONABLE FANCY MATERIALS 150 different Patterns in DRESS PRINTS Latbbt Fashions in MILLINERY. MEN'S and BOYS' CLOTHING. FDR WISHING GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CITY HALL DRAPERY & FURNITURE BJA. Z A A R, QIEEK-STREET, AUCKLAND. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, Proprietors. OPEOIAL piEAP TINES. AT 130 AND 132, QUEEN-STREET. HEAVY <LANKETS, 12s 6d per pair GOOD WHITE SHEETING from Is 3d a yrd A Special Line in LONGCLOTH, S^d pc STOUT DRESSES from 9d per yard SUPERIOR BLACK VELVETEEN, 2s 9a yard STOUT WINCEYS, s#d per yard. s. & j. eTvaile, 130 AND 132, QUEEN-STREET.



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