SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH tVAi-Bl—'rhh attsiaoot 7 25; to-morttw Bl )?nfnß, 7 4!) BT7W SET—TiiU flvoning, 440 -STTK KIBS--ffo snftwow monsfe,?. 7 V} MOOK'B AGE—New Mood, 22nd, 956 am

ARRIVALS.

Saxon, schooner, from Lyttelton Fea Pholl, barque, f;orn Sydney Kato McGregor, schooner. Hopkins, from Lyttelton

DEPARTURES.

Harriet A rniifcafjo, barque, for Ksttpara Kowena, ss, Hollars, for Tauranga

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Sydney and Melbourne—Hero, ss, Friday Tor Hobart Towb — Bella Mary, barque, at once For the South— Wo'Hngtoa Saturday, 24th For Tauransra—Kowena Monday For tho Minds -Martha, barque, early; Pearl,

betel) cti'lv For London-Camatic, ship, Gth/July; Dilpussuna,

barque, early For Coromaodel- Argyle, s *, Mondays and Fridays For "WangarM—Argyle every Tuesday For Bay of Islands—lona evory Monday

IMPORTS.

Per Pea Mioil, from Sydney—247 cases hrandy, 10 cases dates, 2 cases port, wine, 1 case sherry, 8 tea 12 casks sugar, 160 ba es hemp, 131 bags guano, 897 bass bonedmt. 46 tons shale, 100 tons coal, and a quantity of general store,—J S Macf»rlane and r^ agents. 100 casks hrandy, 131 bags guan^ owen an(J Gra . ham.

Tho schooner # ate McGregor, arrived f torn Lyttel •fcon yesteriiay evening, and came alongside the wharf. She brlnfjs a cargo of drain and other produce. Cap tain HosTuns reports havirg had a very tempestuous passage of fifteen days, While off Cape Palliser a sudden shift of wind from STC to SW smashed the main-boom into five pieces and split the mainsail, leaving the vessel to fight against the gale with only her foresail and jib Slow progress was made to Hicks Bt.y, where the vessel ran for shelter and remained six days.

The barque Bella Mary cleared out to-day for Hobart Town in ballast, She w»s to have sailed to day but is detained by the northly gale. Passengers: *— Mr and Mrs Eainsford and three children Mr and Mrs E, Jones.

The schooner Saxon arrived from Lyttelton last night at 10 o'clock after a passage of 11 days. She bad a fine run of 48 hours to Portland Island and thence stroncr westerly gales The briss Emperor a«d Byron were to leive Lyttelton the day after the Faxon. Grain and potatoes form the principal portion of their cargoes The barque Sea Shell Captain G. McArthur anived from Sydney last night after a rapid passage of some days. Left Sydney Heads on the 32th at 5 pm, carried N.W and W winds across, and arriving off Cape Breit at midnicht the 17th. The wind then chopped round to the South ar.d continued in that direction till her arrival last night The Sea fhell brings a cargo of stores for H.M.S. Nympho and two steerage passengers. Sho cornea consigned to Mr J. S. Macfarlauo.

THE SHAREMARKET.

Bank of N.Z.—£lß. National Bank—Sellers, 763. Colonial Bank—Buyers, 31s ; sellers, 33a. New Zealand Shipping Co.- Buyers, 78s. South British Insurance—Sellers, 545. Standard Insurance—Buyers, lla 6d. Union Sash and Door Co.—Sellers, £9 ss. Waitekauri—6s Gd, 63. Kuranui Hill—Sellers, ss. Union Beach—67s Gel, 70s, 72a 63, 75a } sellers, 71s 6d. Tokatea—9s. Ajax—4s 6d. Smile of Fortune—4s 6d. JoSEPir Newman, Chairman.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows:— For Thames to-morrow at 3 pm and 530 am For Coromandel, per Argyle, to-morrow at 2 30 p m For Tairuw Ihis day at 4 nm For Australian Colonios", per Hero, to-morrow at 11 am.—For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers at 20 am.—La(e letters for Sydney and Melbourne will be received till 1125 am For Tanranga to-morrow at 4 pm For "Waiwera, Mahnrangi, Matikana, Te Aral, fflps etc, per Annie Milbank, on Patiudiy at 4 pm For Eussell. Wangaroa, and Mongonui on Monday at ► 4 pm Per ss ■Wellington on Saturday, 24th Instant, a under :— For India, China, Mediterranean ports, Continent of Europe, at 8.45 am . For Taranakl, Southern provinces, Australian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton, (for letters specially addressed) at 9 45 pm For United Kirgdom, vi» Brindisi, and late letters for Southern provinces and Melbourne at 10 am For newspapers at 9 am -For money orders, and registered letters, on Fridaynext at 5 pm s (Signed) 8. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

APPOINTING ADDITIONAL GAZETTES UNDER "THE DEBTORS AND CREDITORS ACT, 1875."

Nobmaxby. Governor

TVHifiw sby lh« fift.li section of " The Debtors atifl Creditors Aok 1875" H U. am Angst othnr things, enacted that, the *o>m " GnZfitto,1' in the said Act shall rtipun any new-paper or newepapeTS to he from timo to time sprinted *>y the Governor for each dis'rict : And w]ie>-*""< hv a Proclnm<itlon dated the twentv-BCB'-nd day of December ot>o thousand efffht. hu-cl'-e'i n"d spventy-flv", Uifl districts named In the Schedule hereto were amongst others, constituted diat,v!cus tinker the fJiid let: And whe'ons certain ncwipar.ers* lv.ye Ve»n arvpolnW t-> h« GnzeUes for such districts rcsp'-cMvoly: And whereas it, is ex pedient to arpnint other newsir-pors to b« Ozettes in addition *n those ivnro'ntid «3 aforrs'trl: Now, therefore. I, tteorfo A uetnstm Constantino Mwqnis of Norirmnby, the Governor of the Colonr of New Zea land In pursuance and exere'so of the power and autho ritr vested In me. do hereby appoint that, for the districts named in the Pcneduln hereto, thn news paper? the namoi whereof aTe in the sad aoh<-dule set opposito to tho names of such districts shall he Gazettes for such districts respectively under the said Act. in addition to tho nawspapers alroady appointed.

Schedule.

Auckland—"The Rvfntnti Stau " As Witness the hind of Tlh !KxciHancy the Govprno-, this third rfav of ,Tnno, onp thousand eight hundred and seventy-six CrrATUiPS C. TJoivr.nt.

MARRIAGE.

BAKER—BALNEAVIS-On the 17th June, at Gore, Otago, by the Rev. A B. Arnat, William Andrew, eldeßt son of Andrew Baker, Esq., of Oamarn. to Mary, youngest daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Bainesvis, Sheriff of Auckland, ana grand-daughter of the lat« Lieut-Colonel H. Balneavis, C.M.G. aud K.H., Colonel of the 05th Kegt.

DBOMQOOL—DUNNTNG-On Hay 3, at Napier, by the Eev. E. Keigriez, Patrick Eobert Dromgool, third son of Mr. John Dromgool, of "Walnku, to Russell, second daughter of Mr, Jaß. Dunning, of Auckland.

DEATH.

McLEAN—On Juno 22,1876, at her residence, corner -of Upper Queen-street and Karangaliapo Eo»d, Mary Ann, the boloved wife of Donald McLean, aged 39 years. The funeral will leave her late residence to morrow (Friday) afternoon, at 3 o'clock.

PHILLIPPS—On the 22nd June, Priscilla, daughter of Frank and Mary Philllpps, aged 4 years. The funeral will leave the residence, Beresford street, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. Friends are respect fully invited to attend.

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 1876

For the cause that lacks issktanca, For the mor.g that needs resistant*, for thr. future in the distance, And the tooi that we can iio.

The parliamentary situation is still one of suspense. Sir: Julius Vogel last, night gave notice of a resolution authorising the issue of a Crown Grant for the Piako Swamp, and then moved the adjournment of the; House. Sir George Grey. assented to the post ponement of the discussion until to-day. Nearly a week has passed since the opening of the session, in lengthy ajournments and postponements that represent a heavy cost to the country with but little result. The course pursued by the Government is sug gestive of an objectless frittering away of time. But meanwhile, no doubt, Jobbeying is rampant, and parties are being consolidated. Absent members will have time to oome up for the final struggle. Our special correspondent dissipates the illusion that Mr Stafford is very hearty in his sup. port of the Ministry; and from present ap pearances, the possible defeat of abolition by any immediate change in the administration, is the only bond that keeps the semblance of a ministerial party together.

When we speak of the Piako swamp we picture a vast unbroken waste of rushes, without an oasis of dry land to relieve the dreary landscape. Wo venture to sayj that this is the impression entertained by nine tehths of the people whose minds have been excited by the controversy over this block of land, which seems likely to become as famous in New Zealand history as the "Wai tara purchase. But a gentleman, whose' authority we cannot for a moment question, and who says his information is founded upon personal observation during several visits to the swamp, thus desoribes the poai. tion and nature of the land :—" It begins a few miles south of Hamilton East, and not more than twenty minutes' ride from tha^. township. Thence it extends north—a mile

and a half distant from the Waikato river, and parallel with it to the Mangawhare river. Thence across to the confiscated land boundary, and along the hills that form that boundary, back to the point from which we started. He does not think there is much more than half swamp, a large aroa being downs and available land. The drainage operations at the time of his visit were confined to two ditches, one on each side of what is to be the road through the land, and the formation of that road, for which £9377 were allowed in the purchase. There were no other works of any import ance goins? on- Why the swamp should bear the name of 'Piako' is a mystery, as it really lies between the Waikato river and the range of hills which form the confiscation boundary on the East sid« ~* . . ""» This descriptor - .- , "" . „. ~. bo completely upsets our .* -uiioelved notions of the illustrious block, that we are at first sight almost dißposed to imagine that our informant's geography is in fault, but he is assuredly one of the most unlikely men to tumble into a blunder of that kind. Per haps someone else acquainted with the block can throw more light unon its physical fea tures. If even one-third of this extensive tract of country is dry, available land, of fair quality, every acre of it in that position would be worth, at the very least, £2 por acre, or £56,000, without a shilling's worth of improvement. The actual cash paid was only £13,152 for the whole 83.325 acres.

A petition was placed for signature at the doors of various places of worship on Sunday, praying the legislature to veto any attempt to secure, during tho present session of Parliament,-the legalisation of Sunday liquor traffic. This was the first intimation we received that such an attempt is to he made, but if the statement is well-founded we most heartily endorse the Templars' protest, and hope it will be takon up with epirifc in every city and hamlet throughout New Zealand. We shall be told in support of the proposed measure that the Sunday prohibition law is systematically broken in the eyes of all men. So much the worse then for those whose dnty it is to uphold the law. The sanction of certain open hours of the day would raosb certainly not prevent continual breaches of the law during tho prohibited hours, any more than tho closing of a house at ten I o'clock, renders, ill all cases, a nip after that timo an impossibility. We contend, there fore, that upon the ground of expediency, or upon the moral consideration that the law which permits of notorious violations is bid, the open botlr system would have nothing to recommend it ovor tho present one. But it has a hundred ugly features which may justly arouse the opposition of every class of tho community. Drink is procurable on Sun day now, but under such restrictions that the publican who will perelst in breaking the law does so with such caution, for his own safety, that a drunken man very rarely dis graces our streets on Sunday. The ex-, perience of open bars wherever legal ised is of a widely different charaoter. At the best, or worst, the Sunday drink traffic, now, is only a casual trade. Enticements to leave home for the pleasure of an hour or two's Bwfcziing at a grog shop are altogether absent, and the evils of the trado arc reduced tea minimum. Legisla tion invariably proves less effective in pro portion to the venality in public estimation of the offence which tho law is intended to repress. It i?, therefore, idlo to expect that any prohibitive enactments against the sale of grog would escape frequent infringe ment. But one object, the present Sunday prohibition does accomplish, and that Mr Gladstone very justly defines as the great end of all legislation, it "makes ib easy to do what is right, and difficult to do wrong." We have no hesitation in asserting that if a plebescite were taken, ninety per cent of the whole population, and that including a large section of respectable hotel-keepers, would vote against any law having as its | object the opening of hotels on Sunday. And 5 without caring one dump for the remaining ten per cent in favor of the proposal, if there be such an amount of support, we declare our unfaltering opinion that if a Sunday grog law is carried, the Parliament that sanctions it will become enrolled upon the scroll of infamy, and receive the deserved execrations of hundreds of families whose bomeH would be rendered wretched upon the only day in the week, now secured to an overworked humanity by tho laws of God and man, as a rest from the unvarying rounds of toil and trouble.

In a paragraph yesterday referring to the detention of the Auckland portion of the Suez mail, by a clerical error " the Chief Postmaster " was substituted for the " Post master-General." Of course there ia no blame chargable upon the Auckland postal authorities for the non-detention of the Hawea at Wellington. We have been fur nished with the following possible explana tion of the circumstance : —" The Hawea arrived at Wellington on Thursday, and was to sail at midnight, but owing to boisterous weather her departure was postponed until ten o'clock on Friday morning j it was then blowing a gale from the north-west, and it did not seem likely that the Albion would arrive until late in the afternoon, as she only left Lyttelton at 4 p.m. on the day previous. Without giving a round sum, the Hawea could not be detained aa she was already a day late. The Albion arrived at 3.30 p.m., being nearly twenty-four hours on the passage from Lyt telton. In any case the Hawea could not have waited at Wellington until 4 p.m. without losing another day, Steamers sail ing for Picton must leave Wellington, in winter, not later than 2 p.m. in order that they may reach Tory Channel during day light. Ifc will be seen from this that to detain the ' Hawea would have lost the department a sum scarcely warranted under the circumstances."

At a meeting of tho directors of the Auck land Steam Packet Co., held this morning, ifc was decided that, in consequence of the unremunerative character of the Fijian trade, the steamer Llewellyn be withdrawn from that trade, and laid by for a time.

On the death in the Police Ct 11, "A Lady- Subscriber" writes: Sir—My attention is called to the inquest on the body of a poor woman, which is reported in the papers of to-day's date. The Evening Star is called " the people's papei 1," therefore I trouble you with this hasty note. It is stated in evidence that a police-mare looked into her cell occa sionally, and placed a blanket under her ; she was found dead! I have often heard reports of the mode adopted towards poor inebriates awaiting trial in Auckland. lam told they are put into cells without beds or blankets, as if criminals; sleep on the floor, and left to the tender mercies of the police. I should like to ask who judges whether they are suffering from natural causes or drink? Is there no matron in the women's cell ? Is there a fire in said cell in winter ? I do not know who should rectify the evils, if true, whether the Resident Magistrate, Mrßroham, Inspector, or Justices of the Peace. I hope 'some Philanthropist, Howard-like will see to this matter with the view of rectifying a system, If ib be bo wrong aa represented.

A typographical error ocoura in Mr Sykea 5 Turkish Batha advertisement. It should read Saturday afternoon, from 4 to 10, 2a., instead of three.

We have been shown by our enterprising watch-maker, P. H. Lewisson, a silver watch, made by Thomas Russell and Sonß, of Liverpool. It is the only one of the kind ever imported into New Zealand. It is a phonograph, and made to order. This watch is for timing horses, and, in case of a false start, by touohing a springs the second-hand flies round to the figure 12, thus preventing a mistake that might occur. It is likewise keyless. The price is £30. It will be on view for a few days, and is well worth looking at. We have also been shown, bj Mr Lewisson a number of and silver keyless watches receiye( j thiq «^»h, which are for sale. To the Editor ; Sir,—l beg to draw your attention to the disgraceful state of Cook street,f rom Albert-street up toHobson-street, and particularly the crossing over Vincent street. It is, on dark nights, positively dangerous. Now, Mr Editor, myself and others have in a few days to again pay rates, and do you not think we should have our street passable as well as those streets that have City Councillors living in them ? I hope this will be the means of drawing the City Council's notice to this much neglected, and now becoming one of the most frequented thoroughfares.—Yours, C. Residents of Ponsonby favourable to the establishment of a Presbyterian Church in that suburb, are invited to meet the Ilev R F Macniccol at half-past seven o'clock on Friday evening in the Ponsonby Hsll. A large number of notices of motion were given, namely, for information as to dealing with lands in Auckland on which the Government dealt with Messrs. Russell and others j the leasing of timber lands purchased from "natives. In the House last night Sir Julius Vogel gave notice of motion, "That this House will not interfere to prevent the issue in ordinary course of Crown Grants for the Piako Swamp. He explained that none but formal and unopposed business would be taken till this was settled, f? The discussion commences at balf-past seven to-night. The New Zealand Agricultural Society's annual ploughing and draining matches'came off yesterday in a paddock belonging to Mr Thos. Rogers, of Otahuhu, and about a mile from the PapatoUoi railway station. The various competitions were well contested, and there was a good assemblage of specta tors. The following were the events and prize-winners : - Swing and wheel single plough —Prizeß, £5. £2, and £1 ; 8 entries: Henry Brown, 1 ; I\ Brown. 2 ; Chas. Cox head, 3. Double-furrow Ploughs—Prizes, £5 and £3; Donald Clarke, 1 ; J. Mc- Conichie, 2. Ploughing for boys under 18 — Prize, £3 ; W. Gray, jun., 1 (the only entry). Draining Match—Prizes, £3, £2, and £1 ; 4 entries :C. J. Kemp, 1; J. Harper, 2; J. Hogan, 3 j J. Lavena, 0. Special prizes were given by Messrs T. and 8. Mornn, Cruick shank, Miller and Co., Mr Webster, saddler, Mr Jones, saddler, Mr H. M. Morgan, paddlcr, Mr Wiseman, saddler, T. Johnstone, Otahuhu, G. M. Cramwell, Otahuhu, and Jaß. Wallace, Ofcahuhu. At the dinner in the evening at the Criterion Hotel, Mr Joßeph May occupied the chair, and Mr Goodfellow the vice-ohair. A variety of toasts were proposed and the prizes distri buted. About 40 guests were present. It has been stated that Rev. P. H. Corn ford, the respected minister of the Wollesley street Baptist Chapel, purposes visiting Sydney for a time, in the hope that a change of sceno and climate may be beneficial to him.

Mr Cranwoll's elementary singing class on the tonic sol-fa system will commence this evoning in the large room of the Young Men's Christian Association. R. G. has left 5s at onr office for Mr Hill, the old Waterloo man noticed in the Star of the 10th instant. The box offico for the DeMurska Concerts was opened this morning at Upton's, and re sulted in a perfect rush for .tickets for the reserved portion of tho hall. We understand that arrangements have been made whereby special late trains will leave for Onehunga after each concert, and other facilities pro vided for those people as may be residing out of town. Telegrams from Nelson state that tho business there is so good that an addi tional concert is to be given.

PARLIAMENTARY.

MR. O'RORKE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES. Sir Julius Vogel gave notice of motion to appoint Mr O'Rorko Chairman of Committess foa the new parliament. AUCKLAND PETITIONS. Nine petitions were presented, six of them from the province of Auckland. Mr Hamlin presented two ; one praying for a road to Waiuku from the railway, signed by the Highway Board of the district. Another was from a native for compen sation for losses incident to the war. Sir R Douglas presented a petition from tho Highway Board of Marsden prayiug for a road from Whangarei to Wairoa river. Mr Cox presented a petition from Ngarua wahia settlers praying for compensation for wouuds received afc tho time of Sullivan's murder from natives. Other petitions were presented from Ofcago on local subjects, except a petition by mem bers of the. legal profession of Dunedin, pray ing for money and redress for the case of Henry Smythies, so often before the House. The business of the House was merely formal, consisting of the appointment of sessional committees and reading several bills a first time, none of which are yet printed or before the House. DISQUALIFICATION BILL. The report of the Disqualification Com mitee was brought up by Sir Julius Vogel, who proposed to pass a short bill at once to give effect to recjmmendations. This was objected to by Mr Rees and others, as the bill had not been distributed, and he con sidered it of doubtful propriety. The matter was postponed. A bill to empower tho Speaker to appoint a Deputy-Superintendent of Wellington dur ing the Session was attempted to be gone on with, bub was opposed on some grounds, and, after a short discussion, also postponed. THE PIAKO RESOLUTION. Some surprise is felt at Sir Julius "Vogel moving the Piako resolution. It is thought to be equivalent to Government moving a vote of confidence in themselves. CURRENT CANARDS. The Wellington papers are making new discoveries of political combinations daily. They state that Sir George Grey's party has lost confidence and are looking to Mr Staf ford. Also, that Sir George Grey abandons the Piako Swamp grievance. The statements are absurdly mistaken. Sir George Grey'a friends are now the only united body in the House. The Piako scandal will be probed to the bottom. MR STAFFORD. Mr Stafford is forming a small third party, consisting of Messrs Stevens, Cox, Mont gomery, 6 Wakefield, Fitzroy, and one or two others, almost all Canterbury men. This party will support the Government so far as abolition of provinces, and propose to turn them out afterwards on finance and administration. They cannot hope to do anything unless coalesce with the Auckland and Otago party, who view Mr Stafford with dislike, but possibly might eventually join, it is whispered, on the basis of insular Gov ernment. . , The address In reply to the Governor's speech is put off till Tuesday.

CABLEGRAMS.

Destructive Gas Explosion.

Acoideat to Governor Bowen.

SYDNEY, June 21

Yesternight a serious explosion of gas oc curred at the residence of Mr Bond, com mission agent, who was seriously scorched on the hands and face, besides a severe shaking to the windows and doors of the house, which were blown on to the pave ment, The front of the house was torn out. The damage is estimated at £200.

MELBOURNE, June 21. The Governor, while kangaroo hunting at Perricoota Station, fell from his horse and sustained a slight injury to his back, necessi tating medical aid. Condah, for the Seymour Bank robbery, was sentenced to fifteen years' imprisonment, three in irons. Cold boisterous weather prevails, and is productive of considerable lors on the stations among sheep.

CURE GOLDMINING COMPANY.— HALF YEARLY MEETING.

The half-yearly meeting of the Cure Gold mining Company was held to-day at Mr R. Home's office, insurance Buildings. Mr G. Williamson took the chair, and there was a good muster of shareholders. The repoit and balance sheet were read by Mr Home. The report set forth that the operations for the past half year had not realissd expecta tions. The Directors had caused the mine to be prospected in the direction of the Waio tahi claim, and the efforts of the prospectors had been rewarded by culling the Waiotahi reef in the No. 1 level. Permission had been gben them by the Waiotahi Directors to use their shaft for working the reef, and this work was now in progress, and shewed signs of being enumerated, The directors hoped soon to be able to pay off all extra liabilities, the balance sheet shewed receipts (Princl" pally from the treatment of tailings) £830 63 Id and exocnees £2180 2s 8d leaving an over draft of £925 Oa 7d and a liability on cheques not presented of £427 19a. The Mine Manager's report was aIBO read. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr Reid, the reports and balance sheet were adopted. . Messrs Howard and Kirkwood, the retiring electors were unanimously re-elected. On the motion of Mr Howard seconded by Mr Morpeth. Mr Batgor was re-elected auditor. This finished the business.

Extraordinary Accident at Mt. Eden Quarry.

An accident occurred this morning at Mount Eden, but which happily was unattended with any serious consequences. As far as we have been able to ascertain, the facts are simply these. A man was driving a horse and dray near the wall of the prison, about half-past nine, when suddenly alarge quantity of earth, nearly a hundred tona in weight, gave way, burying the horse and dray, but, strange to state, the carter escaped without a bruise, as he was fortunately under the wall at the moment. By the assistance of workmen near at hand the horse and dray were extricater 1, and, as we have been in formed, without any material damage to either beyond ! !■ o breaking of a shaft.

Gas Accident.

THE ARMY AND NAVY HOTEL IN

DANGER.

A little before twelve o'clock last night an alarming explosion of gas took place afc the ; Army and Navy Hotel, Queen-street. From the accounts of tho accident which we have "received it appears that an escape of gas had been going on in one of the upstairs sitting: ' rooms, and that Mrs Codling, the wife ofthe landlord, caused the explosion by going into the apartment with a lighted candle. The concussion shook the building to the founda-' tion. The south main wall, which is of; briok and 14 inches in thickness, was bulged out quite 6 inches, leaving the beams and other supports of the building in a very dan gerous state. Great rents were made in the walls, both back and front, the plaster cor nice round the front was partly demolished, and tho partition walls were forced out of position ; tne door of the room was blown off its hinges and on to the sbairs ; and the windows were smashed to atoms. A more serious calamity was threatened by the cur tains catching lire, and had it not been for the promptitude and presence of mind shown by Mr M. Brierly, who was in the house at the time, and extinguished the flames with the table - cloth, the hotel would, In all probability, have been burnt to the ground. The fire-bells were sot ringing for a few moments, but for tunately there was no occasion for the assis tance of those members of the Brigade who arrived on the spot. The police under Ser geant O'Connor did good service in keeping back the crowd who assembled and eagerly pressed into the house to see what was the matter. Mrs Codling by a mirasle escaped instant death. She however sustained severe burns about the face, arms, and body, which injuries, together with the severe shock to the nervous system, will confine hor to her bed for some days. It is somewhat singular that neither of the glasses of the chandelier was broken, nor was the looking-glass over the mantelpiece though the frame was blackened from the fire, Three pictures, which were hanging on the walls, also escaped injury. During the day numbers of people have visited the house to witness the effects of the explosion and general astonishment is expressed that Mrs Codling escaped with her life. We un derstand at the time of the explosion the lady felt herself borne back, and found herself borne back, but was not insensible, though she can scarcely explain what ocrurred. The room in which the casualty occurred is in the S.E. corner of the building, on the first ffoor, over the bar. It had been occu pied by some ladies during the evening, who had retired to bed. The accident occurred when Mrs Codling was making her usual round for the purpose of seeing that the gas was properly turned off. Had it not been for the ready escape afforded by the window there can be no question that the whole corner of the, building would have been blown down. Duriag the day, Mr Anderson, the City Surveyor, paid a visit to tde place to Bee that the premises were not lefb in a dangerous - conditln, but before he arrived Messrs Jenkinson and Keane had been employed to shore up the outer wall, which was undoubedly in a precarious state and will it is nearly certain have to be pulled down and rebuilt.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

This Day,

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.) JUDGMENTS FOR PLAINTIFFS, W. J. Cawkwell v. Joseph Sinclair, claim £3 11s 4d., goods. Mr Kissling for plaintiff. Costs £1 7s 6d. ahjoc vkd cases. G. W. Binn-y v. C. McDonnell—Claim, £13 4s 2d ; ft. Webster v. Israel Wendell- Claim, £11 10s ; Roger Bacon v. Titus Oates —Claim, £2 103. C. LANGSFORB V. JOHN C. BURGESS, The plain tiff had previously obtained judg ment for his claim of £8 s', but the Court took time to consider the matter of solicitors' COSta. '. -•;■'.:■ : , , -;, -■■(■.•?■;.

His Worship now ruled that, as defend- ant had sent the amount of claim previously to the hearing day, and which plaintiff had aocepted, he could not claim the guinea for his solidtor'a fee. ROBERT GILES V. THOMAS COOK. Claim £1 11s lid. ■ In this case a judgment summons had been obtained against defendant, who appeared to show cause why he had neglected to oboy the order of the Court. , Mr. George for plaintiff said that deiendant had pomised to pay 3a per week. Tefendant said he had been out of work and had a family to support; he was willing to work it out if plaintiff would give him a The Court ordered the amount of 3s to be paid weekly, and if failing the whole amount to be paid, or defendant in default committed for fourteen days. GEORGE DUNNETT V. TERENCE BRADY. Mr. J. B. Russell for plaintiff and Mr. Thorne for defendant. This was a claim for a promissory note. Defendant denied the signature; and at the request of plaintiff's counsel went into the box. Terence Brady deposed that he was a purveyor of milk, and resided at Kyber Pass. He knew Mr Dunnett, but had never had any dealings with him, neither in the milk trade or otherwise. He knew a man named Irvine Armstrong, but did not know his present abode, he might be in Melbourne; Armstrong was not his son-in-law, nor in any way related to him ; he had known him four or five years. The business he had with Armstrong was through Mr Lockharfc. A Mr Craig asked him one morning when on his rounds, if he was satisfied to do that, viz. give bis word, he became responsible, but did not sign, because he could not write; he was never sued for the money. He understood that the matter was settled with Craig ; he did not know a promissory note; he ha( never signed one, nor had he authorized Armstrong at any time to sign his name on anylpaper'.to f make him responsible for bor rowed money. Defendant then went into a rambling state ment in which he, in several instances, con tradicted himself. His Worship cautioned him in giving evi dence, and told him to consider before he spoke, and only to speak truth of his own personal knowledge. Witness continued : He asked Craig if he would give £10 more on his responsibility for Armstrong and the name of another man. Did not mention the name of the other person; he would not say that it was Johnny Moore. Mr Thorne objected. Witness: He wanted another bill dis counted. Mr Thorne still objected as words were being put into Brady's mouth. The witness should be cautioned, as he evidently did not know the meaning of a good deal that was said. Witness : Craig refused to advance any more money, and he went to Lockhart; Johnny Moore went with him. Armstrong was a stranger, and he took him in. (Left Sitting.)

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Dr. Home, and J. Cosgrave, Esq., Justices.) DRUNKENNESS. Robert Muraa, Robert Wilson, Emily Diver, and Robt. Wilson each pleaded guilty to being drunk, and were punished accord ingly. MORE METHOD THAN MADNESS. Ngungu, the Maori who was brought up last week and remandnd on suspicion of lunacy, was produced before the Court again this morning. Dr. Lee said he had examined tho man most carefully, and his answers were so rational that he must decline to give a certi ficate of his insanity. Dr. Bayntun made a similar statement. Sub-Inspector Pardy said he had sent up to Dr Philson to ask what his opinion wag, and the doctor's answer was that ho could detect 'no signs of in- ' sanity about him.- He (the Inspector) thought that the native was playing tricks with them and' only used his madness for a cloak to ennble him to escape imprisonment tor his misdeeds. Yesterday he said that he did not intend being mad any more: that he did not like the treatment he got. ■ < . Dr Lee : I may mention your Worships that I examined the native to-day in the presence of an intelligent gentleman, and in answer to my enquiries he said he had been playing with the girls in the Wairoa district, and they kicked up a row with him rand put handcuffs on him. He had a sweetheart, but she would not marry him. The Court instructed Mr Brown the interpreter to tell the native that if he did not behave himself in future he would be sent to Mount Eden for a couple of years. Mr Brown having told the Maori this, the latter, who kept up a broad grin, something between the childish and the impudent dur ing the enquiry, asked whether Mount Eden was the place where the fellows brake the stones ? He was informed that it was. Kgungu : (Laughing) me no like go there. No ! no. The supposed lunatic was then removed, the police undertaking to get him sent back to his own district. NEGLECTFUL PARENT. " Young men will do It, When they como to it, Alack and fie for Bliame." SHAKESriCAIIE. George Eay was brought up and charged with having neglected to pay the sum of £19 15a, due for the Bupport of his child in the Industrial School. Prisoner said there must be some mistake ; he had no children in the Home. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the child was an illegitimate child of the prisoner, and an order had been made upon him with his own consent for the maintenance. . He had never paid a farthiDg, and had led a dissolute life. The prisoner : The child is not mine. I never admitted it. Their Worships said that point had been decided. The debt having been proved, the prisoner was sent to gaol for three months in default. WHEN THE DRINK IS IN THE SENSE IS OUT. Robert Carroll was charged with commit ting a brutal assault on his wife Mary Car roll in Parnell. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Mary Carroll, who gave her evidence in a very simple, straightforward way, said she had no complaint to make against her hus band except when he was drunk. On the day in question, he came home the worse for liquor. She told him she would go and fetch the cows as he was not fit to. He then jumped out of the cart, caught up a stone, and hit her a violent blow on the forehead. She was afraid of her life when he was under the influence of drink, or she would not i have appeared against>him. The prisoner, who still denied the assault, was ordered to find two sureties of £10 each, and to enter into his own bond for £25 to keep the peace for three months. Carroll: I'll take Mount Eden rather than be bound over. The Court told him he could take bis ohoioe. He was then removed. A DESERTER. Declmus Naah was charged on remand with deserting from H.M.S. Pearl. The prisoner was merely brought up and remanded for a week, CARELESS. Joseph Skelton was charged on a summons with leaving his cart unattended and without a chain being passed through the wheel. Defendant pleaded guilty and was fined Is. and costs. This was all the business.

HARBOUR BOARD.

THE BERUra-TOK ENQUIRY. In yesterday's issue we gave a brief resume of the proceeding* at the Harbour BoSS inquiry upon the first question rawed in t£ statements compkmed of by Mr Errington «Wk «T° Oni Par^S?Ph ran as followsL "Whether Mr. Kmngton.l after' obtains the supervision of the dock, for which hnS to receive over £2000, did not employ M Aickm, C.E., to do the work ?"

Mr. Errington: I was askad by Mr Holdship in the' first instance to give em ployment to Mr. Aicken. I did so. I e m ployed Mr. Aicken to get out the detailed plans m conjunction with my foreman and draughtsman, Mr. Humphries. During the time Mr. Aicken was in my office! certain information came to me. I heard that he had been making overtures to intending contractors, that they should go with him into the dock work, they finding the money and work, and he the engineer. I had no particular objection to that. I heard, how ever, of his making overtures to contractors that if they would adopt his idea- Several members : la thab relevant ?

Mr. Errington : I heard that he made certain overtures to a contractor, by which if his ideas were adopted, he would save to that contractor £400, upon the condition of getting half the money. Upon hearing that I told Mr. Aickpn he could no longer he in my office, and I could no longer give him employment.

Mr Mays asked Mr Emngton whether he had not in the first instance opened negotis tions with Mr Aicken ? Whether he had not made overtures to him as to the terma upon which the work was to be done ? Whether there were no conversations such as were implied in the statement ?

Mr Errinejton : He asked me for employ nient, and I said I would give him employ, ment.

Mr Holdship asked to be allowed to ex plain, in order that there might be no mis understanding. He was anxions to serve Mr Aicken, and, believing that he was a gentleman worthy of assistance, he endea voured to obtain for Mr Aicken employment. He told Aicken to go to Mr Erringfcon and see if he had any employment to give, and if there was any to be had, he (Mr Hold ship) would Übe his influence, whatever little he had, to get it for Mr Aicken. He believed Aicken had some objection to a salary, and told, him to settle that matter with Mr Errington. It was on his recommendation that Mr Aickea was employed by Mr Erring, ton. Whether that recommendation was wrong or not, at the time he (Mr Holdship) believed it to be right. My Brett (to Mr Holdship): I believe Mr Aicken was owing you money— Mr Holdship : No. Mr Brett: And there would be a hope of his paying you, if Mr Errington gave him employment ? Mr Holdship: Nothing of the kind. Mr Brett: Did you not suggest that Mr Aicken was to have two per cent out of the five that Mr Errington was to receive ? Mr Holdship: I did notgsuggest anything of the kind. I will tell you what took place. Aicken said no terms had been come to, and he did not like altogether taking salary. I told him to see Errington about it. He said when going away, " Don't you think two per cent would be about the correct thing?" I said that was for him to con sider, I would not enter into the subject, but that "it might, I daresay, be fair enough." Mr Brett: (to Mr Errington) The Har bour Board having requested you to prepare the design for the dock, did not Aicken at your own request make all the original sketches?

Mr Erringfcon: Most; decidedly not. - Mr Brctfc: Did not the three drawings made by Humphries from original sketches prepared by MrlAicken, constitute tho first plan submitted to the Harbour Board? • . Mr Errington : I say no to that; but as to the first question, if you will call Mrßrettan he will satisfy you on that point. A Member: Is it not a fact that those drawings were so inaccurately perfected that two of them had to be completely renewed, and others materially altered. Mr Errington : I admit the first plans and drawings were prepared in a very hurried manner, in order to be in time for the next meeting.of the Board, but there was no essential alteration in them.

Mr Brett: Were not all the contract draw ings prepared by Mr Aicken ? * , Mr Errington: There are in every en gineer's officejtwo or three meo. to whom the original designs and sketches are given, and they make the finished drawings after these designs and sketches. The plans were com pleted in my office. I think the Chairman himself saw the original pencil sketch of the dock in my office. The Chairman said the circumstance had escaped his memory, but now that it was cal led to his mind he recollected seeing the pencil sketch referred to by Mr Errington. A Member : Did not Mr Aicken draw up the whole of the specifications for the clock except the one relative to the engine and boiler. *

Mr Emngton : He wrote the specifications at my dictation. A Member: Were not the specifications submitted to Mr Oarruthers, and was not the only objectfon made by him, an objectionto the paragraph inserted by you relative to the engines. Mr Errington : As to the submitting the question to Mr Carruthers, that was the busi ness of the Harbour Board. The Board hare the correspondence. . , The Secretary of the Board brought up the , communication from Mr Bichardson, the : Minister of Public Woiks, with the report of the Colonial Engineer-in-Chief annexed. The memorandum was in effect that the ; work for the dock was such as the Governor would be advised to sanction. The engineer 1 in his report said that some of the work was more expensive than was necessary. He re commended that, as the depth below the sill 1 would allow only 18 inches of keel, the pump ing engine should be more cleanly specified. Mr Errington : In Mr Moriarty's design there was no depth for keel block. There was no necessity for describing the pumping engines minutely. These were specialties 1 provided for by the makers, and no contrac tors required information concerning pump ing-gear. , j A Member: Did you not agree to furnish all the quantities to the contractors who pro posed to tender upon consideration of £110, and did you not receive that amount from Messrs Jones and Wear the successful ten derers? ■■■ J Mr Errington : I did. That was done for the convenience of all contractors who might ask for them. As the engineer was not bound to furnish these quantities, and as they involved great additional expense and labour, they were furnished upon payment. He furnished them as requiredand he,<«<* r6" ceive a cheque from Messrs Jones and Wear the next day. I m. y further state that the 1 Engineer-in-Chief himself does not estimate in every case thejquantities. He hands them over to computers, whom he has eniployea in his office. All engineers charge for thewe quantities when furnished, , . Mr Cosgrave : The Board was informed oi them? k««-T Mr Errington: I am not sure, but i believe it was suggested that the quantities should be given to contractors if requires It was a matter of expense. _ .\J on Question: Where these quantities uwu out by Aicken and signed by you, without your personal supervision ? , Mr Errington : Certainly not. I read over the quantities at my own house. oa \>a,A Question : After the bills of WWiS been duly signed by you and &Mn™to among the contractors were not ant mistakes made in them, discovered d I believe there was •>*■

BJa M * JEN Iff 1$ 3IU 18. v i\o Ifta. Y« JUJN & za. ■ ISffS



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