SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

«oml_£ 553 TS*~ThJs wttmon 524: im** BC> \_„-Tb.._ eT*___g, ESS _TT> RTSE-Tc o .a BJOON'p AGE-New Moon, 20th, 04 pm

ARRIVALS.

J aupo, ss, Worso, frr.m the "outh ' 00-ahead, ss, from W&'.tafa (in the Mnnukan)

DEPARTURES.

v>oinpn tsio, rchooner, for Buss. 11 Kcwena, ss, .. liars, for Taurang . lona. ga Farquhar, f- rMongonui Waiwcrn, schooner. Busfccll, for Wangaroa Mnb, ketch, for the Thames

IMPORTS.

Per Hawea rrora Iyttelton: 3 cases bacon and Bams.—R. Arthur. Per Bella Mary from Hobart Town; T097 cases iruit, 50 cases jam 2 cases leather.—R. Arthur.

i /^cding to teleeritns just received the s s Hero left Melbourne for "ydnev and Auckland on the 15th Inßt. She may therefore be exoected here about tbe 25th inst.

The schooner Queen is rgain on the berth loading for and will sail in a few d&vs. Til. _ London barque Robin a Dunlop ha_ come aloneside again to take In the balance of her carp-o. The wlWe of her compliment is now secure 1, and she will sail for En. land on the 31st inst. A notice to snippers, and Intending passengers has been Issued by the a.ents, »nd anpears elsewhere in our columns. » The ss Taup . arrived in the Manukau this morn- Infir. L«ft Port Chalmers Friday the 11th at 2.30 pm ; arrived at . karo* 4.30 am SaturcUv ; left at 7am ; arrived in Lvttclton 10.30 am, and Ms at 0 pm ; arriving in Wellington 10 30 am Sunday Left mid- Bight Monday ; arrivi-d in Plcton 530 am Tur_-av ; left at 7 am ;nr iverl In Nelson 3 cm ; left s .me tide 4 30 pm : arrived off faraniki 0 30 am Wednesdiv ; left at 2.30 pm ; arrived as above. Fresh SW weather from Dunedin to Wellington ; then, c fine weather to On»hu.ga Cms ed Manukau Bir 6.30 am, but were detained in the stream nwin. to a thicV fog. Passentrprs : Mrs Chisholm *r,d child. Mrs Blackis'er, Mrs F.rr-uss-m, a. d servant Mrs Smith, Messrs Dsley, Mendels-n. Chisnlm, Thymoma, Stcck, Glen, Jones, Tone, Foley, Brondhurst, Hirker, Smith R'ver, Lneas, T->p*>am, BaUen, Cleshorn, Berry, Glover, GUbraith. 19 in the steerage. Tlie F'honner FMrlie hns been placed on the grid- Iron for an examinntfor oi her bottrm. The harque B^bington was hauled away from the Wharf thlsmr-rning. and at high tid . this afternoon was laid on t. c haTd for an overhaul of her bottom. Thu -is charge of the Crownthorpe, England's Glory, and Vallego is urogresMng fast, and gives plenty of work on 'he wharf.

The brigantine Ethel arrived at Kaipara on Tuesday

The brig Rio Loge bad not sall_d for Chin* accord ing to latest advices fiom Kaipara. She was wind bound at t>e Head?. The .chooners Fsvonrlto and Torea left Kaipara yesterday after lying windbound for eight dars

COMMERCIAL

Mes»r_ Cochrane a--d ?on. held a clearing out sale of breech, and muzzle loading guns rifles, etc.. at their mat to-day, the property of gentlemen who have left the colony. Sinel° hr_«ch barrel loading gurß were cold for £4155; double do, £10103 ; double muzzle do £9 10s ; and snider rifles £i ; a quantity of araminition, swords, flasks and extras seld well Mr L. W. Eaton hsld a fr-ult Sale to-day at his mart a' fol'nws : bananas 2ira to 3Jd ; c^coa nuts, 10s to 13; 6d ; 10 cases of citrons 6d per doz. Messrs s. Tonks and Co. held a clearirg out sale of the general goods of a bankrupt's stock. The gords were sold at fair average price., but we are unable to quote with fairness, AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION. Sonfch British Insurance—Buyers, 555. National Insurance—Buyers, 24s 6d. New Zealand Insuranoe—sellers, 80s. New Zealand Shipping Company- Sellers, 82s 6d. Young New Zealand Mining Company— 255. City of London- Sellers, 17s. Palmerston—3s 6d, 3s 8d Waitekauri—sellers, lis. Union Beach—Buyers, 60s ; seller.-, 62s Gd Welcome, lis 6d, 12s ; Buyers, lis Gd : sellers. 12s 3d. Shannon and Fergus—2s 6d ; buyers, 2s sd. United Kingdom—3s 3d, 3s 4d ; sellers, 3s Gd, lona—ls9, 15s 3d 5 sellers, 16s, Joseph Nbwman, Chairman.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND

Mails wan, Ctosn af follows:— For Thames this day at 530 pm and to-morrow at 11 30 am For Coromandel.per Argyle on Friday next at 2 30 pm For Wangaroa. per Waiwera, this day at 4 pm For Tairaa, this day at 4 . m For Whitiangl. Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, this day at 4 pm ForWaiwera, M.hurangi, Matakana. and Te Arai, per Anne Milbank, to-morrow at 10 am Mails for Australia, India, China, Mediterranean ports, Continent of Europe, and United Kingdom via Suez and Southampton, and via Brindisi, will be made ur> per Taupo on Saturday ntxt, 196* inst Per Zealandia, on Monday, 28th instant, as under— For Kandavu, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America. and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 am For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 11 am For money orders and registered letters and news papers at 10 am Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d In addition to the postage will to recivrd by the mail agent on rboard the steamer up to the time r.f sailing. Stsmedl S. B. CISS. Chiof Postmaster.

DEATH.

DOWNING—At hor late residonco, Hymonds-strcot, Eliza Sabina, the beloved wife of Irvin Downing, aged 61 years.

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

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 1876

_kw the cause that licks a_-_ta_-a. -V.r 'he nroij-- thit 1..-C-S r-Siita.nc*. {•"-: ihr. ru»_- . l" tli-. _:-U..cr, An 1 - - .' •■- •'.-.(■ »r r*il ij.

The division on tho Separation resolutions was taken last night, and resulted, as an ticipated, in the defeat of Separation by a majority of fifteen votes. The Government had notified its intention to vote for the first two and tLe last resolution, the latter affirm ing that the Seat of the Colonial Government shall be retained at Wellington. After Separation had been rejected, the Opposition voted again.' resolution No. 8, defeating the Government upon division by forty-seven against thirty. Although it does not follow that the Seat of Government will be removed from the Empire City, which enjoys the advantages of possession, the division exhibits a feeling calculated to make the Wellingtonians very uneasy. It is instructive to observe Sir Robert Douglas and Mr Williams following tbe Government into the lobby on this Seat of Government question, although fifteen other Ministerial supporters changed sides.

The Drake-street cutting, it would appear, is only scotched not killed. At the meeting of the Council yesterday, the report of the Streets Committee recommended in lieu of the Drake-street work, the following new, and very necessary undertakings : Beresford street, £2,338; Howe-street, £1,42G ; Anglesea-street, £1,311 ; Sale-street, £1,200 ; and Napier-street, £1,000. The whole of the3e important oity improvements can bo carried out, for about £2,000 less than it would cost to complete the Drake-street cutting upon the original design. It must also be mentioned that the formation of these streets is specially provided for in the Act underiwhich the Council is empowered to borrow £50,000 on the security of the City endowments. The continuation of Nel son-street, a very necessary work, and the con struction of Picton and Collingwood stieets, likewise appear on the schedule to the Act. | If Drake-street is to be cut down, the state of city funds necessitates the abandonment of all other extensive new works during the ensuing summer. These are the oircun. sfcanoes under which the OomaaLbtee's report recommending the new streets, was referred back for further consideration. In the course of the discussion, some very singular remarksjwere made by Councillor Daldy with reference to the artioles that have appeared in the Star on this subjeot. He said that imputations of jobbery had been oast on the Council, and deprecated such "charges" as being calculated to destroy local self govern ment. We confess that the statement has taken us somewhat aback. To constitute a "job" in the sense intended by Councillor Daldy, be^beneficiaily Linter

ested, and for the life of us we cannot dis cover that any one will benefit to the extent of one cent by the squandering of £8000, or even £5000 upon cutting down Dfike-strf.'-; but that a good many ratepayers will be put to heavy and uncalled-for cost is manifest. If the residents in the street itself had shewu any undue solicitude for the expenditure of so large a share of city funds, we micrhft have suspected that influence of a corrupt kind had brought about the prominence which the work has unquestionably gained in tho deliberations of the Council, but tho fact is, residents have once petitioned against tho work, and are certainly^not now deisrous that it should he commenced. On referring to the article for some key to the puzzle, we find that the term "this huge job," was employed to designate the cutting, and that it ia spoken of in various places as "this job." We can assure Captain Daldy that the word was employed in all the innocence of its primary meaning, and involves just as much impu tation of jobbery agaiust the contractor who undertakes the job, if it is persisted in, as upon the Council that authorised it. There arc one or two other allusions in the article which may be considered to bear out Coun cillor Daldy's interpretation—references to some strong inlluence that has brought the work to the surface in moat unexpected ways, while its merits have not on any occasion formed the subject of such open discussion at the publio meetings of the Council as the im portance of the work warranted. Surely Councillor Daldy does not wish to maintain that there are no strong influences except those that are corrupt. We might very readily suggest one or two. There is, for example, such a thing as the influence exer cised by a hobby, which, if only sufficiently deep-rooted, will crop up, in season and out of season, and no matter how unreasonable it may appear to everybody else, may become to one man the object of a perfect faith. Rut we need not further discuss this Unprofitable turn which the ques tion has taken. If the Council can shew that any person will receive very sub stantial benefit from the work, we shall he quite prepared to consider the view suggested by Councillor Daldy and inquire whether the ratepayers may not have been made the victims of a " job" in the least lovely accep tation of that term, but until then we must continue to regard tho work as nothing more than a foolish waste of money, when the disgraceful state of twenty per cent of the streets on the western side of the city is taken into consideration. What we have really desired to elicit is some substantial reason for breaking up one of the best streets in the city at such an enormous cost, when hundreds of ratepayers cannot get a cart near their doors. Aud, in the report of the Council meeting yester day, the only light thrown on this dark aspect of the question was a statement that until streets are reduced to their permanent levels, hou.eholders will not put up sub stantial buildings. If this argument possesses any force as applied to Drake-street, which is already in good condition and built upon, does it not apply with treble force to streets that aio impassable? Looking at the condition of the thoroughfares on tho Western side of the city, the proposal to spend a sum equal to the whole city assessment for one year, upon Drake-street, af-pears so inexcusable that the Council would have no very grievous cause of complaint if ratepayers in neglected thoroughfares did seek an ex planation in reasons other than those which should govern a common-sense choice of works in strict accordance with their urgency and merit. We are aware that in terms of a written agreement with the Harbour Board, there is an obligation od the city to carry the beach road from its present termi nus to the foot of Franklin Road, bub an estimate made by the City Surveyor shews that the terms of that agreement can be ful filled for £1300 without interfering with the present roadway in Drake-street. Against the expenditure of one farthing in breaking up any metalled road until every street in the city has been made passable, we shall most emphatically protest.

We are compelled to hold over until to morrow a letter on the raising of the entrance fee to the race-course.

The Riverhead steamer this morning brought down two incapable passengers. One was a maori named Fori Popata a chief of the Ngapuhi tribo. The poor fellow haß considerable property near Kaihu, but he is blind and has been much neglected by his countrymen. Ho is unable to speak English and was put on board the boat with great placard round his hat with the word " blind" on it. He was inquiring for Mr Commissioner Kemp. Tho other was a buahman who was suffering from |a paralytic stroke. He was taken to the Hospital.

Mr G. Dillon forward, a reply to a lettf r in a morning contemporary et_tiug that the band that played outside the Theatre Royal had no right to claim the titl-j Hibernian B.nd. He says : " 1 regaid it as a piece of presumption for any one to dictate what name we call our band. Th-sy will next have the impudence to assert that we must not oall ourselves English, Irish, or Scotch, as the case may be. I must also state, that if the writer had not something more at heart than the goodwill and fellowship of H.A.C.8.5., he would not trouble himself what name we call our band, especially as tbe title does not imply any connection with the H.A.C.B Society.

Upon the want of thorough ventilation in the Beresford-street Church '• A Representa tive Congrej»ationalist" writes: "Sir,--1 wish to draw attention to the above elegant and substantial Turkish bath. But could a pane be taken from the top of every alternate window it would be still more healthful and pleasant. At present it is altogether too hot, making one wish he had a towel, a glass of cold water, an orange, and a bottle of rectified spirits of ammonia at band on every Sunday evening.-I am., A Representative Con- G K.T GATIONALIST."

The cause of Primitive Methodism is progressing in Auckland, and before the appearance of this issue of the Star, the first sod of their new church in Franklin Road, will have been turned by F. L Prime Esq., ex-Mayor of the city. The site selected for the new church is one of the most picturesque that could be found in the suburbs, and is in the midst of a well populated district. The band of the Good Templars will accompany the ceremony, hereafter memorable in the annals of re ligious advancement in New Zealand, and will play several appropriate selections of sacred music. The opening address will be delivered by the Rev W. Tinsley, minister of the Edwardes-street churoh ; a gentleman whose abilities, both aa a minister and a speaker, are recognised by all who have listened to him. At the close of the open-air proceedings the friends forming the pro cession will return to the " chapel on the hill " in Sheridan-street, where the ladies will have tea and its nice associates in readiness in gennine Sheridan • street style. At half-past six o'clock the public meeting will commence with a hymn and prayer. William Thorne Esq., solicitor, will take the chair, and introduce the more practical part of the business. Addresses in relation to the chief object of the social gathering, will be spoken by the Rev R. F. Macaicol, of St. James'a ; Rev W. Tinsley and Rev W. Harris, the representative ministers of the connexion; Rev. J. Lock wood, of the United Methodists, and possibly Mr Smith, a veteran in tbe cause, may make a few remarks.

The little church of Onehunga, under the j pastoral care of Rev A. R. Tomlinson, has recently been renovated, with due regard to tßste and economy, but the parishoners, although satisfied with what has been done internally and externally, consider that the church is like one dumb, without the warning and welcoming church bell. The ladies, therefore, have token the matter in hand, and in their resistless and winning manner ar<? soliciting subscriptions for a brass or bronze monitor, and in their r mission they will probably succeed. Bells; in connection with public worship, ate of very ancient origin. In the book of Exodus, c. 28, v. 33, bells are mentioned : '• And it shall be upon Aaron to minister ; and bis sound shall be heard when ho goeth in unto the holy place before the Lord." The bells which hung upon the robe of the priest were of gold ; but those invented by Paulinus, bishop of Nola, in Campara, in the year 400, were of meaner metal, and were introduced into England soon aoter their inven tion, by the Venerable Bede, and have been in use ever since that period. Subsequently the " Curfew bell" was introduced by the Conqueror, as a notice for the people to extinguish their fires at eight o'clock in the evening. The "Soul bell," or "Passing bell," placed in the tower of the church, was tolled when a person was supposed to be dying, in order that those who heard it might pray for a happy exit into a happier world for the departing spirit. Tho "Saint's bell" was rung when the priest came to certain words in the mass, so that absent persons might foil on their knees in reverence of the holy office which was then going on in the church Bells in church towers have since served other purposes, and are often rung in honor of marriages and on festive occasions. The most musical set of hells in this part of the colony are those of Bishop's court, Parnell, and their merry peal is often heard at eventide across the woody dell, reminding the bVener of the beautiful lines of the Irish poet : —

Those evening bells ! those evening bells! How many a tale their music tells; Q? youth and home, and that -weet time, Wli.n I latt heard Uieir soothing chime

An instance of "Honesty is Rewarded" is furnished by a correspondent, who says :— "The wife of a working man, yesterday afternoon, saw a gentleman on horseback drop a packet. She shouted for him to re turn, and restored the packet containing fifteen one pound notes. The owner gene rously rewarded her with Three Shillings "

To the Editor : Sir, —Permit mo to call attention of the proper authorities to the dangerouß practice of grazing cattle in yards attached to public residences. A storekeeper in Karangahape road occasionally gives a cow he has a cheap feed, in a yard adjoining a lot of others with broken down fences, Ac. This wicked animal travels from one yard to another, and has heen known to chase the children of the neighbours, and if this practice is not put a stop to at once the consequences may ba very serious. The Evkning Star has been the medium of redrtsaing a good many wrongs without having recource to the law courts, and Ido hope it will have the effect in the present case. —Yours, Ac, A WITNBSS.

The loss of property in central lowa by tho recent floods is estimated at over one million dollars.

The Emperor William of Germany received 41,371 presents from his subjects last year. They included books, charts, works of art, table delicacies, and other things.

An explosion of fire-damp has occurred at L'Hoipal colliery, near Saint Avoid, Franco. Forty-two persons were killed and forty-seven seriously injured.

An Atlantic cablegram says : " A passen ger train for Lausanne, Switzerland, came in collision at Palezleux with another train coming from Lausanne. Both engines were destroyed and several cars demolished and ten persons killed."

A man advertises in an English paper that ho will not be responsible for his wife's debts. She retorts as follows :—" I hereby give no tice that I do not expeob my husband, Wil liam Bacon, to pay my debts, as he cannot pay his own ; but I will thank him to ro turn the sewing machine, which was my own property, and by which I helped to maintain him.—Millicent Bacon, South Normanton. — May 22, 1876."

The committee of management of the new Athenssum met last evening for the purpose of consulting with Captain Burton on the proposed amalgamation of the Mechanics' Institute with the new Athenseum. Dr Kidd was voted to the chair. A long discus sion ensued in which several gentlemen took part. It was finally agreed to recommend subscribers to the Mechanics' to countenance and support the two Institutions under one bead : in the meantime the committee will do their utmost in giving effect to the resolu tion adopted at the annual meeting. We learn that already there are over a thousand subscribers to the new Athenseum, and as soon as _omo definite arrangement has been made the work will bo in progress.

Discussing Friday night's meeting at tho Mechanics Institute, the Wailcaio Times says :—" That the determination of the South to withhold from us evon thos i^htostmeasure of Justice has aroused fierce and vindictive feelings in the niiiids of mo3t persons in the Province of Auckland, cannot; b« denied. And it is well that it has done so. Tho people that would tamely submit to have their rights filched from them, and their humble petitions for justice treated with contemptuous indiffer ence, are not fib to be entrusted with political privileges. All honor to the people of this province for manfully and firmly resisting to the last the oppression with which the South are grinding uh down. The tyranny of a majority is the worst species of tyranny, said Andrew Johnson, late President of the United States, who knew well what be was talking about. The only question is, what means can be adopted to relieve'us from our troubles."

The entertainment for the benefit of Mrs Williamson and family will be held on Mon day evening next, in the Catholic Institute. A good programme is in preparation, in which the names of several of our best amateurs will appear As this is a genuine case of dis tress, we draw special attention to the forth coming concert. The entertainment will be under the management of Mr E. W. Ward.

The complimcntaiy concert tendered to Mr W Mahonoy last evening, was not bo largely attended as was expected. Mr J P Loodergan's band performed two sets of valses In excellent time, and the members received the applause of tho house. Tho brothers Merton appeared on the horizontal bar, and Master Elder danced a sailor's hornpipe which elicited immense cheering. Messrs Bertie and Rioe, the champion horn pipists, gave their "Little Social Dance," which created great applause. Mr E O'Hare sung " Yon have been a friend to me," and Mr W Doran, gave "Not before Papa," both of whioh went extremely well. The "Dying City Arab," from the pen of Mr John Barr, a London poet, was recited by Mr A Smith in a seemly and pathetic man ner. Miss Ash gave a simple ballad, Mr J Downing, a clog danoe, and Mr O'Hare, a song and dance. The promised faroe was not given.

The shipwrights of Anokland will hold a special general trade meeting, this evening, in the Temperance Hall, Albert-street j to which members are requested to attend.

Much importance is attached in Berlin to the faot that the Roman Catholics of Bosnia have protested against the annexation of that province to Servia.

We are glad to hear that Constable Greene of the Onehunga, and Constable Gamble of the Newton Police Stations have been pro moted toHhe rank of sergeants in the police force, in whioh they are old and aotive mem. bers.

The admissions to the Philladelpbia Cen tennial Exhibition since opening have been 1,962,054.

Henry Ward Beecher has engaged to lecture eighty nights next season, for which he is to receive £8,000.

The following act of courageous self-control and presence of mind, may be compared with advantage to the honours won by deeds of daring on the field of battle. Two workmen were engaged fixing a lightening conductor on the summits of a steeple at Ville sur- Ourthe. in Belgium To accomp'ish this somewhat difficult and delicate task, it was necessary that one of the workmen should stand on the shoulders of his companion While in this position, a violent gust'of wind made the topmost man spill some molten lead, which fell on th_ hand and forearm of his friend. Notwithstanding tho sudden in tensity of the pain thus inflicted, the victim of this accident had tho courage to remain motionless while the lead burnt its way into the flesh. He knew that'tbe slightest move ment mieht precipitate his companion from a height oi seventy feet into the street below, and he bravely endured tbe'pain rather than imperil the life of his fellow-worker.

To the Editor :—Sir,—ls there any means by which I can put a stop to the intolerable nuisance of boys knocking and rattling at the door of a house not a hundred miles from, Newton Hotel. I have tried all reasonable measures, but of no avail, therefore I should like to know what is best to do.—Yours &c, -D. K. W.

It was well known in Onehunga and Auckland that the Hawea would arrive^ in the Manukau at 2 p.m. on Sunday last with upwards of a 100 passengers, including the Opera Company, and she arrived punctual to time. The omnibusses were in waiting at the wharf for the passengers and four or five of them got well filled, and had started on the way to Auckland when the train came puffing down to the wharf in time to puff back again empty.

The skating rink will open this evening at the North Shore, and as a large number of persons are expected, a good evening is anticipated.

■MB." writes that an error crept into our report of the Breach of Harbour Regulations case at the Police Court yester day He says : " Seigeant Martiu never said that the liaht was out, nor did Captain Bushell give his men liberty to go on shore."

Australian Cablegrams.

[press agency.]

CHALLENGE BY TRICKETT.

THE ASSAULT ON LADY BOWEN,

MELBOURNE, August 16. The woman who assaulted Lady Bowen is supposed to be insane. The Government had a large majority on the vote of censure. Notice has been given for a select com mittee to enquire into the alleged frauds by Messrs Stevenson. Trickett has offered to guarantee the ex penses of any English scalier of note willing to row him in Sydney.

New Zealand Loan and Mercan tile Agency Company (Lim ited) Produce Telegram.

GALLE.

July 27,

-^r oo j — Sales progress firmly, Up to date 2r.4,000 bales have been sold. There is a moderate demand on French account, but Carman demand is dull. Superior greasy has advanced hi to id per lb. Cross-bred firmer. The sales will close on 12 prox. Tallow.—Stock of all sorts is 20,000 casks. Mutton, 42s ; beef, 41s per evvt. Market flat. Wheat.—The Californian harvest is abun dant. Adelaide is worth 47s per 496 lbs. Tin.—There is a good enquiry. Fine straits tin in warehouse, £72 per ton ; fine Australian in warehouse, £73 per ton. Copper.—There is a fair trade demand. Wallaroo, worth £77 per ton. July 29. Wool.—Sales opened at an average decline of 2d to 3d on last sales. Sales closed, at an average improvement of £d to Id on last, sale prices. Principal decline has been in cross-bred, medium, and inferior, and superior greasy. Seedy and burry wools are neglected. The sales comprise about 400,000 bales. Up to date, 74,000 have been sold ; 11,000 bales have been sent to the manufacturing districts direcs. Competition of both home and foreign buyers is dull. Trade in the manufacturing districts is unchanged ; prospects for next sale are improving. Tallow.—Market is quiet. Mutton, 42s ; beef, 40s per cwt. Leather. —Trade demand quiet. Mimosa bark.—Stocks, according to last returns, 4,000 tons. Supplies have increased, and the market is easier. Quotations : For Adelaide ground, £11 10s per ton; Melbourne ground, £10 10_.'per ton. We do not recom mend shipments. Tin.—The enquiry is slack. Sales have been to a moderate extent. The demands have been chiefly from the trade. Wheat.—Market fiat. The weather is favorable for the crop here. Off coast cargoes have declined since last report. Adelaide is worth 52s per 496 lb; New Zealand, 50s per 49G lb.

NOTE ON THE CONJUNCTION OF VENUS AND LAMBDA GEMINORUM, AUGUST 18th, 1876

(To the Editor of the Star).

g IR) —;F or the benefit of your astronomical readers, I send you a few particulars re specting this interesting conjunction, which will be of more th.n ordinary interest on account of its close proximity to an occul tation. The Right Ascension of the above star en the 18th is 7h 10' 59.30" and its declination 16° 45 v 51.83" north. At the time of conjunction (which occurs on the 18th at 0 30 p.m., local time), the Right Ascension of Venus'Vill be 7h. 10* 59 31": only O^s" or less than half a second east of the star. At tho same time the declination of {Venus will be 16° 44' 32.5" or V 19.3" north of the star. The semi-diameter of Venus at the instant of conjunction will be 19.1" and as the star is of the 4_ magnitude, to the naked eye it will appear occulted, but will not be actually so. Of course at nearest approach, Venus will be below our horizon ; but on the following morning, should the weather be favourable, a pretty sight may be expected.—l am, &c, S. J. Lambert, F.R.A.S.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Dr. Home; J.P.) Conway, Murray, and McColl Got drunk and in the streets did roll. John Conway, James Murray, and Thos. McColl, were each fined' 5s and costs with the usual alternative, for being drunk. DESiCRTIOJ.. Alexander Campbell, a deserter from the Nymphe, was brought,up and remanded for eight days. SERIOUS CHARGE OF ASSAULT. Georgo Wilson, a middle-aged man, an engineer by profession, appeared on a charge of criminally assaulting a married,1 woman named Mary McDonald at her house in Cross street, Newton. Sab-Inßpector Pardy asked for a remand, as the prisoner having been so recently taken into custody,*'sufficient time; had not been given to investigate the case, which on the first blush looked a very bad one. The Bench granted a remand till Monday, This was all the business.

REJECTED ADDRESSES.

In fulfilment of promise, w_ publish three of the unsuccessful competitive poems, prepared as opening addresses for the new Theatre, selecting a trio of those that were com mended in the judges' report: .

*'M__rOßA 3r. ramus." To t now we see the Buskin and tho Sock Where erst the felon cnwsr'.i in the Dock , The trip which once disclosed tho man of crime, Reveals the Fairy of the Pantomime ! The throne of Bench and Bar, of wis and gown, Behold usurped by Pantaloon and Clown. Where suits and actions different far were hewd, Now Hamlet suits tho action to the word ; Where Oalcraft's gibbot rcsr'd its hideous top, Artistic Thornton execute- a drop I And mimic. murdVe-s stalk upon the stage, O'er mouldering reHei of abye-gnno age. The audience now for jury mu<t be proxies Tho' witnesses still occupy the b'xes. now Prima Donna warblirg soars on high, FTer wooer breathing soft bis am'rous sigh ; Tho' lover's passion brook of no delay, Pursues the even tenor of his wmJ Carolling in the liquid tongue of Tasso. Heedless Of threats paternal hmrl'd from Basso I Stand firm proud structure, every storm defy, Undiaken see the fleeting seasons die. Ye flame-devouring demons come not near. Thesis protects the.ewalls, then Thespis fear! If still initiate, elsewhere seek your glut. Consume the hovel, burn the squalid hut; There if ye lUt. let fiery billows roar. But spare the Temple of Dramatic lore. Auckland, poor Maid I fair South Pacific Queen ! 'Reft of »hy rights, down-trodden hast thou bsen ; Yet; envious slanderers well thou may'st despise, Whilst in thy midst such stately mansions rise. They call thee Poor I yet talent ever gains Its meed of praise and guerdon for its pains. Let only those thy poverty upbraid Who to misfortune lend a readier "la. Bet foes now tremble, tremblo whilst they hate, For Auckland shines resplendent in debate: Her noble Champion towers in the fray, Unhappy he who crosses lance with Grey ! v 0 murmur steals from faithful City West One cry is heard, " He did it for the best " Go trusty Tonks. tho' loth to spare our Mayor ; If cray before we'll show we can be grayer ; Go lend thine aid to win the wished for goal. With Wood, with Rees, with Swannon, Luskand Tole, With Dlgnan, Hamlin, spirited O'Rorke, And all who strive to achieve the glorious worK. If any traitor lurks within the band, Better for him to shun th' avenger _ hand, And flee 'he taunt of infamous disgrace— " He sold his country, yet he shows his face 1 Behold his due—bsse reoreants wear no scar-^ A sack of feathers and a keg of tar ! We mourn, alas ! disunion in the Press: Poor Auckland, ever patient in distress, Tho' smarting 'neath th' excruciating dross. With Christian fortitude still b-wB her Cross! And should it rtie will yet survive the loss I More potent fsr to wage the righteous war. She proudly boasts her Herald and her Star. The battte waxes hot, our enemie3 flinch. Repulse but .roves w-'re gaining inch by inch ; Ministers totter on destruction's brink, A.s awkward tj'ros on th* Skating Rink ; Tne'r shuffling measures drive them 11 the wan, In vain they shun the inevitable fall! Then let us hail the better days in store, When Auckland shall be Capital once more. Lo ! here the symbol of the coming birth, A Theatre of opulence and mirth : Let each man act bis part to mould a nation, Make this, brave friends, a joint inauguration, Your voices lend, cry " Grey and Separation.

"ill THE WOPI/D'S A STAGE " When the kind fairy o'er the mice and gourd. Stretcbe''. berfnil wand, and spoke the magic word, X Bplendid equipage adorns the gatn, And princtng steeds for Cinderella wait. Fair Waitemata . sprite hath hied this way. And .hang- as wondrous here hath wrought to-day: From dirt and squalor raised anob'.epile, And reared a palace from a du.geon vile : Transformed the fearful "drop" where wretches

hung To this gay curtain here so proudly flung ; An Elis made where earth's fair scene was blurted, And dismal collb to beauty's haunt converted. In fancy still wo hear the voice of doom Consign the living to the awful tomb; Law-nnrdored Mar'den trims his bloafed stare. While brutal Burns gives b'ck a baleful glwe ; Maketu's rnfre no lnfint cry restrains. And Kelly's tt-eW-spent life foul murder stains. Forms steeped in crime sacc. Ed In dread array, Like Richard's phantasy ere Bosworth's fray. Our shuddering senses fail—revived, we leap Like scell-bound Rip, whole years in one short sleep. Apollo's temple rises from the ground An - throws its spaciou i arches far around : With gold and variod hues its courts are gay. And In their evening brilliance mock the day. Thalia <\nd Melpomene combine In Bwcot embrace, and lead the sacred nine ; Tho Muses claim th.ir shrine, a glittering throng, And all the glorious band burst forth In song. But. t» 11. bright god of mu»io. what mischance Hath held tho graces from thy festal dance ?— Mortal art blinded? Bhi.de thine eyes, and look Where beauty, rainbow-tinted, spreads har book : And learn, unless its bright page dazzle thee, A hundred graces deck our fane, not three. The session of the drama ope's to-niisht, And may our programme hit the times aright, While Wellingtonia right, the car of state Our " house" the code of tast - shall educate : T.ach man what faults deferm the manly race, Bring woman with her follies face to face : No foes to spite, no petty ends to gain, Our whole design your power to obtain : Bound to no side our voic* ; just as you say, We spend with Vogel, or retrieve with Grey :— Bukthis consider, if your clamant mouth Decide the former we must hie back South, For when Sir Julius has the punu-strings loose He sneers, Pooh 1 give to Auckland ? What's the

use? Wo thrust no consUtaH.n down your throats Our "bills " are only '* acted " by your votes. Vive Abolition ! —of what's stale or de*d; New bouse, new plays, new payers have instead : North torn from South without a pa. g we view, We dread no Separation,—but from you. Deem not our " members " idly legfslate, Grant them at least the wish tofelevate. And if a baser chord at times is struck Don't fhake sententious heads, and run amuck A gainst the Drama, c»ll it shallow, rude, For "Always game " Is nsr •: >bolesome food ; And triflas light as air ott cu_ry weight When Shakespeare palls, and Brinsley's out of date. Some folfes »c know are vexed If bound to praise, Nor can dull earth a faultless fabric raise : No Institution's sacred to a fool, And^scandal 'scapes not c'en a Sunday-school. No more the barren walls illumed by Dunne Shall serve the Muao ; Art's eagle race, begun From paltry .hell, to vigor ripe up-grows - nd stately pinions o'er its vofries throws. No The p«ian cart our dram* shall immuro A polio's court» should every sense allure, Well-spent our pains, our shaft hath speeded true Prove this fair temple worthy him and you : Lend but your aid, our undertaking vast Not only shall bo sple_did, but shall last: This hall the jowell'd case, and here the works— But you the main-spring: where ihe motion lurks. Come then in crowds; our net is now unfurled To catch tbe latest fancy through the world : Your chief delight onr aim and chief reward, Rivals we laugh to scorn, while you applaud. A.K.

" A GOOD BEGIN. It?G MAK.B A GOOD ENDING." Let beauty grace this opening scene, And virtua like a goddess dwell Within these walls, and reign as queen Within each h- art, then all is well. These lofty wa'ls will echo yet With songs of joy and talcs of grief ; And many here will ne'er firgat Our meeting, tho' it is but brief We meet snon for two short hours. To ease tho brain and calm the breast, And evidence the soothing powers Of muwc, scenery, and rest But when you hear the merry song. Or see the soul-entrancing sight Which shall within this place, for long Be teird and seen from night to night, Then think of those who pace the stage, And sing or act, as need may be. For young and old who here engage, Will need your ie«der sympathy. Yes, many a bright and smiling face Will hide a sad and heavy h .art, And come with sorrow to this place. To gladden you, and play their part. The act'ess is a woman still. The clown's *' a man for a' that," And both too oft feel winter's chill, But gladsome seem for all that And let your tender sympathy Irradiate o'er all tbis place. And kindly seem and kindly be To all who shall our meetings grace. And watch and cherish virtue here, Nor let her need to hide her face ; But guard ber well, and never fear To loud protest 'gainst her disgrace. The Theatre should be a school. Where young and old may learn to read In clever acts of sage or fool, Wh*t life and history bid us heed. The Theatre will oft beget A love of art and love of song,— 'Twas so in Greece, whose sun has set; 'Tw&s so In Rome, whose place among The nations is not as of yore, When Tarquin reisrned and Actius played ; Her crown was fall'n, the crown she wore When Caesar's rule the world obeyed And wherefore fell that mighty state ? Wast not because she dare despise, The good, the true, the pure, and hate The virtues of the loyal and wise ? Ber plays begat sore dis-eateem Of what we each should cherish most; For vice was gloss'd, and made to seem Such virtue as a saint might boast. And hence the fell. So, be it ours, In opening this new place to-night. To vow in heart that all our powers Shall virtue blend with our delight. Beginning thus, our end shall be Both pure, and goo -1, and prosperous too ; And when we quit life's stage, shall we, Get plaudits from the good and true. F. G. Iwikoton.

Serious Charge Against a Married Man.

Tbis morning a decently dressed man named George, alias John Wilson, said to be a married man with a family, residing in Free man's Bay, was brought up at the Police Court charged with the serious offence of attempting a rape upon a widow woman named Mary Macdonald last night at her house in Cross-street, Newton. A remand was asked for and obtained, as the police had not had time to complete the case. The circumstances of the charge aro somewhat peculiar. The woman Mary Macdonald lives alone, and has done so for years. She was one o in a respectable position, but gave way to drink, and was subsequently deserted by her husband, who has now been dead for some time. By his will she came into property consisting of two small house-, one of them'being that she is living in, and New Zealand Bank shares bringing her in about £00 per annum. Her inveterate drinking habits have resulted in her partially dissipating a property which would have comfortably maintained her for the re mainder"of her life, and only a few days ago the houses were sold by the mortgagee. It appears by the records of the Police Court that on the lO.h July she was brought up as a lunatic, and on its being explained that her aberration of intellect was caused by excessive drinking she w.-s sent to the hospitai instead of to the asylum. She recovered, and went back to her former resi dence. But her old habits still stuck to her, and her neighbours have more than once complained of the disturbances she was in the habit of making when intoxicate! It also appears that some moaths ago a neighbour Btated fo the police that a man had been with Mrs McDonald in the house while she was drunk, and that some very disreputable proceedings had taken place. The same neighbour last night informed the police that Mary was drunk again, and that she had another man with her in the house. Sergeant Gamble immediately repaired to the woman's house, and on approaching it heard loud shrieks proceeding from a back room. The door was not fastened, so he entersd at once, and found Wilson endeavouring to perpetrate a vile crime upon the woman, who was struggling and resisting with all her strength. ° On the officer making his ap.ear ance Wilson sprung up and endeavoured to assume a nonchalant air, taking his pipe from his pocket and striking a ma+ch, paying he was going to have a smoke He was arrested and charged with the offence, on which he said that the woman wa9 an old frien-5 of his, and he only meant to do her a good turn. The evidence may possibly very much dim inish the heinousness of the off .nee, though the law protects even the most abandoned from violence. It is somewhat singular that Wiison has been employed driving the stone breaking machine at Mount Eden. His con duct would seem to imply a preference for ha rd labour in the same locality.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(From our Special Correspondent.)

Separation Rejected T.y Fifteen Votes.

The Government Defeated on tit© Seat of Government Resolu tions.

WELLINGTON.

This day,

Major Atkinson's Defence. Last night the great debate came to an end. It was supposed the division would have come on at an early hour in the evening, but the speech made at the opening of the House by Major Atkinson prevented this. He made a fluent speech, much the best from the Ministry on the subject. He criticised the statements of the Opposition freely and strongly, especially those of Mr Rees, and ended by a strong attack on the adminis tration of Provincial Governments, and a declaration that they had dwarfed good men's minds, till they could not rise to taking a high national view of the question. Speech ly Mr Swansea- This brought Mr Swanson to hi. feet at once, and produced a speech, which for caustic humour and stern outspoken denun ciation has had no rival in this session. He described the work of Provincial Councils and the way it has been done. Ho then took up point after point of the indictment against the Assembly. He ridiculed the way in which laws are passed which no member ! has read, or cares to read. He described the expenditure on Bellamy's, and the effect of Bellamy's on the House, and again and again returned to the expression that ' ' Here the members were elevated to a high national level." Bitter Denunciation "by Mr "Wakefield. This lasted till after the dinner adjourn ment, when Mr Wakefield took his place, and in the most bitter speech of the debate denounced the Government, its system, and its supporters, accusing Sir Julius Vogel of beingthesole cause,by his profligate system of government, of such resolutions being brough down and required. Mr Wakefield is possessed more than any member of the House of the power of bitter and eloquent denunciation, and his speech contained more of thi3 element by far than any before it. He declared that his only pledge was to try to find out what Sir Julius Vogel had done with the money he improperly obtained for his expenses when in England, and while he should keep that pledge, he was free to vote for the resolu tions. He was greatly applauded. Sir George drey's Pvsply- As no one else rose, Sir George Grey was called on to reply, at about half-past nine. He did so in a speech which was one of his happiest efforts. No idea can be given of it in a few werds, as it consisted of a general reply to every argument used against the resolutions, but generally expressed in a few simple but telling sentences, referring to some less narrow sentiments than that used by his opponents. He declared that those acting with him did not require Mr Staf ford'- assistance, as they did not believe in deserters, and that Auckland's people would never consent to accept as alms from the South the share of revenue to which they are entitled. On Sir G. Grey closing, a discussion arose as to how the resolutions were to bo put. The Premier and party insisted that they shoald be put as one resolution, which the Opposition insisted that each should be voted on separately. Finally the speaker ruled they should be put separately. Sir Julius Vogel then said the Government would vote for the first two and last resolu tion. The two first were then carried on the voices. On the third, a division was taken, 32 voting for, and 47 against the resolution. There were fonr pairs, so that every member of the House was represented. The following are the names :—Aye3, 32 : Dignan, Grey, Hamlin, Lusk, Macfarlan., o'i_orke, Rees, Sheehan, Swanson, Tole, Tonks, Whitaker, Wood, R. G, Fisher, Wason, Brown, J. C. (teller), Burns, DeLatour, Hislop, Hodgkinson, Joyce, Lumsden, Macandrew, Murray, Reid, Seaton, Shrimskie, Stout (teller), Thomson, Taka moana, Nahe, Wakefield. Noes, 47 : Cox, Douglas, Read, I. owe, Williams, Atkinson, Carrington, Ormond, MeLean, Sir D., Russell, Andrew,jjßallance, Brandon, Bryce, Bunny, Hunter, Johnston, Pearce, Vogel, Baigent, Cnrtis, Gibbs, Henry, Hnrsthonse, Kennedy, Sharp (teller), Woolcock, Kenny, Seymour, Harper, Bowen, Fitzroy, Montgomery, Moorhoase, Murray- Aynsley, Richardson, Rolleston, Stafford, Stevens, Teschemaker, Barff, Button, Tribe, Mandera, McLean C, Pyke (tellar), Tamiti.

IBVSSMIHG W A% THt.BSDA¥, ATOtfSS. 5.7, IIM.



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