SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

tiTr'TT -\rr aw-p ' This Afternoon, 10.32. HIGH \vAlJiK—- (Tomorrow j loril i ngi i 0.59, SUN SET.—This Evening, 7.3. SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning:, 4.38. MOON'S AGE.—Last Quarter, Bth, 2.2 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Taupo, s.s., Carey, from the South

DEPARTURES.

Fairlie, schooner, Norris, for the Thnmes Ruby, schooner, for Russell

EXPORTS.

Per Tasso for Newcastle:—loo tons Mangan ese.

Per Syren for Sydney (from Onehunga) : 125,000 feet sawn kauri timber.

We learn from the. agents that tho well-known barque Glimpse which left Newcastle for this port on the 14th ult., has put into Nelson short of provisions. 'i he barque Lochnagar sailed yesterday from Nelson for Poverty Bay, where she ia to load wool for London, as she did last year. We are informed that the. total insurances on the s.s. Otazo amount to £15,090. The s.s. ZJealandia :rrived at Napier at one o'clock yesterday, and left at i o'clock for Wel lington. The new yacht Ului-i-Lakeba is to sail for Fiji on Thursday. The new steamer Te Aroha. belonging to Messrs. Holmes Bros., had a trial trip in harbour yesterday afternoon, and acquitted herself very well. About GO persons were on board, and a collection of £7 vtss made for the Oruhan Home. An evening excursion look plane later on, which was well patronised. Captain May takes charge. The Te Aroha will make a most comfortable river boat.and is spendicliyadapted for the Grahamstown and Ohmcmuri trade, for which she is intended. ETi'iie brig Syren has cleared at Onehunga for Sydney with a carco of timber. The barque Tasso li.is cleared, for Newcastle with 100 tons of manganese. The s,b. \Vjiifara. luts cleared at Onehunga for ■lie Waitara with a general cargo. g|Ths s-^- Taupo anvred from the South to-day vrith the folio win i.> > .•son-i.ers:—Mr and Mrs Nation, -Mran 1 J.I > «•":3:1 ■■-, Mi.sncs IMalin.-j and Harling, Revds. On! icr, Dongas, EMnsley, Messrs Cameron, i'av-, Milne,Johnston, Weston, Craig-. Chilly, Nor ruve, Klliott, Harkor. Cole man, and 10 in steerage.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails wilt. Close a- I*■•.••.■ ■•>■ For Thames, this ..lay, at 5.30 p.m.; to-morrow, at 5.30 p.m. ForCoromande!, pov '.. :1):i r.o'ifch, to-'norrow, at 1.30 p.m.; „!;: y-;r .'.r^yle, c-i Friday next. at 2 30 p.m. For Whitianjca Ta.ui;n;~.t, ami Opotiki, per Rosvena, this day, at 4 p.m. Fcr Waiwera, Miihurficsri, Matakana, and To Aral, per Annie Milbank, to-momm, at 10 a.m. For Norfolk Island, per Canterbury, to-mor row, at 10 a.m. For Australian Colonies, per Hero, to-morrow, at 11 a m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers at 10 a.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne will be received till 11.20 a.m. For Taranaki. Southern Provinces, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Taupo, on Friday next, at 11.15 p.m. Mails for India, China, Mediterranean ports. Continent of Europe, United Kingdom, via Suez, and Southampton, via Brindisi. will be made up per Wellington, on Tuesday, 12th instant. Per Zealandia, on Monday, 18th instant, as under :— For Kandavu, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and Sou'h America, and British and Foreii?n "West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at '0 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of Oil in addition to the pestasje, will be received by the Zvfail Agent on board up to time of Hailing. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

ME. W. J. Suiter.—Held over till to morrow, when the desired information will lie furnished.

The public have a right to know where thftv can iuvest. money to tlie l<e«t. ndva.ii ' ,/■ . .-, -.: ■■'■■ •-. ii:.!':.;-•:.;• .'it ;hf. Ci;v ■■ :■ .'V;.: j /,!:.„. ■..■:';!".;..'., 'n',i'''T.'!./!.v'w>-l! .■!.'< iv:!.! ;.' ■■■ \ c:,y\ »,y I'.iiir ih.'V.i all iJi'ty r. ■ ... in l f.,».!.;,in jmi.l K.imi hin o '. '•■!■•■--• -ir-01, ..' Oi-iMn.ry at;-! .Witiin-ry i P-iy a :<i: •- vh-- Cjxv KiUl iMtnihuris

The Medical Profession have declared j Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine to be a necessity to all in search of health, and especially to those suffering either from Incipient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, and the dis orders arising therefrom. This Tonic is also particularly recommended to all who are in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time are desirous of studying health by taking that which will act most beneficially on the system. Mr. Wm. Johnson, Government Analy tical Chemist, report: — " I have examined Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wme, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in llavour, con taining about 16 per cent, of a very pure alcohol, ioi6 holding in solution a clear wholesome, Vegetable Bitter, combined with a fruity spicy aroma. I consider this Bitter a very superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotol keepers. Hnxi'REDS of disreputable speculators have sought to palm off upon the public fiery and adulterated drama fora benign cordial, to which the iveak, the nervous, the dyspeptic, the sleep less, Uie despondent, owe more than to any other restorative of a century most prolific in reme dies Kur these vile imitations can never deceive liiu-e who have once used the Great Original, Udoufko \Tolke"3 Schiedam Aromatic Scii vatts which is at once a donor and preserva tive of health. Mark Twain- on Bad Musicians. — The musical public and general readers are cautioned not to purchiis-.i W'eston's Wizard Oil and Alagic Pills without carefully examining the outside vvraouur—and be sure that th« words "None I Jen'ui no without the Signature oi! the Proprietor, Fa YN'IC WE3TO.V, Sydney, N.5.W.," are engraven thereon. Any other so-called preparations ot mine are unauthorized by me, and calculated to mislead the public—Signed. Frank Weston. Sole Agents: Kempt borne, Prosser and Co.— Price, liaii-a-cro\vn.

BIRTH.

I \RTKIt—On the sth December, 1876, at her resid.-.iu-e, Baker-streot, Mrs. F. W. Marter, oi a daughter.

DEATH.

Bit KEN—At Parnell. John Breen, Esq.. 8.A., O E second son of the late P. Breen, Esq., C.K., County Clare. Ireland, aged 11 years. The funeral will leave Scarborough House, Parnell, at 3 p.m. to-morrow (Thursday). Friends are requested to attend.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1876.

Far tiic Civse that Licks assistance,

A WEEK or two ago, a cable message from .Sydney contained a brief reference to cer tain remarks made by Mr. Robertson, Premier of New South Wales, on the San Francisco mail service. By the ss Hero, we have the full text of his Manaro speech. With the exception of a passing allusion to the mail service it contains no thing of great interest to New Zealand. Upon that subject Mr. Robertson said : " I have mentioned a few words with regard to the Pacific Mail Service, and I saw a statement in thfa newspapers that there was not likely to be any arrangement made between this Government and New Zealand on the one hand, and the contractors on the other. I think that is a mistake. So far as I can understand it, there is great proba bility that an arrangement will be made. Although there have been some diffeiences between the two Governments many of them have been swept away. The negotia tions have now come down to very small points of difference indeed—l mean com pared to what they were—and we still hope that New Zealand, in the interests of the whole of these colonies —and more particu larly in her own interest, for she is more interested in the Pacific Mail Service than any other Australian colony—will be willing to meet us fairly, and I am sure that New South Wales will be willing to act fairly— nay, more than fairly, generously—in this matter so as to preserve this great .service." (Applause).

Mr Robertson's remarks leave us wholly in the dark regarding the nature of those large differences which have been " swept away," or the smaller points that remain. ]Jut it may be presumed —as we know of no other —that the New Zealand coastal service lias been the great obstacle, and the right of New South Wales to dictate where the New Zealand port-of-call shall bo. is the minor one-which still awaits adjustment in that spirit of fairness on the part of New Zea land, and the " more than fairness, j generosity" of New .South Wales. We ! thhik, however, that this colony i may look for some proof, beyond Mrßobert- I son's bald and iimennite assurance, that a I spirit of generosity has characterised his I Government in its negotiations for the alterations in this service. Mr Robertson, 'no doubt, claims as virtue the willingness iof New South Wales to abandon the Fiji j connection. When the whole advantages •of that absurd connection are balanced ] ! against the benefits thai would be derived Iby New South Wales from the cancelling of ; rl'io condition which compels large ocean going steamers to navigate a, tortuous and 1 dangerous harbour, the generosity of New I South Wales will appear in another i and not quite so glowing a light as j the Premier of that colony was I pleased to portray it. New South Wales will lose nothing by the change, but New Zealand forfeits its coastal service and ! terminus. It is a part of Mr Robertson's I policy —and lie displays a remarkable apti tude in carrying it out—to magnify the im portance of the service to New Zealand, and ! depreciate the interests of the colony which he represents. In the oliicial correspondence submitted to parliament last session, the Colonial Secretary of. New South Wales was quite vehement In dejH'ggating the idea I llij&t possession of the terminus WHS 8Q good a thing n% some legislators in this colony might suppose, Unintentionally, pro bably, but very ttWcmUi^jy, Mr Robert son in his lubrications ou the Man aro Plains, proved that the possession of terminus is not so lightly regarded as lie and his colleagues would have us believe. It was of sufficient importance in the eyes of Victoria to cause a rupture of the agree ment subsisting between that colony and its "generous" neighbour for the perfor- IlliWd'. •Tiil/J !•:('!■ :!■ ill-: i".;iiK',-S !lUd ■•. .scn.-ily .!•' New *<n:th v->!i s, is Mr l.'nii'.TiMii''.- ::ii:;i.x ii-tiki •; Victoria, a ;•■'!,;;- ■lii'.1'"- in;;;;:rif'! ;; tinge <>i ]|{.(>lan ■A;>>]y i-i-d ' i;t.■!■!.'.■ -•. ;>> tho whole of l)is Hi!]■■■:•.vi.-.-i .;■>•■-■ !>: L _ ;iud self-congratulatory d"JJM-ra!;c:-. !';wn th; 3 question <»f the Kiu.'Z Si <:: [ci; lie said :— \\: '<.j liad butter go on keeping' our eye on our own stato-ship, for we have very keen people alongside of us, ever watchful with regard to their interests, ever inclined to disapprove of a thing if it will houeht i»s, though it might benefit them. For exam ple : When the Suez mail steamers ran to ■ Melbourne and on fcr» Sydney, il w.is a . clear saving to the contriict:)rs. The '•■•;) ---tnictors were 'willing to com1 on withoit cost, but part of the bargain is tint t.'ii) siliip shall lie idle in the port of Melbourne, aria ahall not go to Sydney witlt tiu lottery,

and that it .shall not go to Sydney for coal, but that the coal shall be sent to Melbourne, and this merely because of the small and contemptible provision that the terminus of the Suez mail shall be at Melbourne. This is the kind of spirit we have to deal ■with." And rising from the contemplation of the contemptible conduct of Victoria, Mr. Robertson proceeded to deliver himself of the homily quoted in the first part of this article, upon the fairness and generosity of his Government in its dealings with New Zealand and tho contractors for the San Francisco mail service. And so, deploring the vanity and selfishness of neighbours—with one eye firmly fixed on " his own business," and the other elevated in fervent admiration <>f his own fairness and generosity—Mr Robertson has arrived at the conclusion that, for half the subsidy. New South Wales will permit the mail steamers to shoot passengers ashore somewhere about the extreme end of New Zealand, if thereby the great steamers are not delayed a moment in their course onward to the land of the great, glorious, ami free—the land of Mr Robertson. On behalf of New Zealand, we tender most humble and hearty thanks for this display of munificence ; at the same time we would venture to hint that, as New Zealand is to pay half the subsidy, and as she is to lose the coastal service, and the terminus, and to occupy the position hitherto enjoyed by Kandavu and Hono lulu for nothing, the considerations of her trade, and the comfort of her passengers may have some small claim on Mr Robertson's fairness and generosity. Our merchants have very uncomplainingly borne the delivery of their San Francisco shipments via Kandavu and Sydney and Kandavu again, but there is a limit to endurance, and that limit is passed when New South Wales undertakes to choose for this colony which of her Northern ports shall be chosen for transhipping mails and cargo. We can assure Mr Robertson that if he believes New Zeaiand will consent to the detention and transhipment of the whole of its English passenger and com mercial traffic at an insignificant calling place like the Bay of Islands, his confidence is misplaced. The feeling on this subject is not confined to this city, as shewn by the resolution which the Wellington Chamber of Commerce passed in favour of Auckland as the New Zealand port of-call. It is well, therefore, that Mr. Robertson and his colleagues should understand that their demand for the substitution of the Bay of Islands means the adherence of New Zealand to the present contract even with the certainty before it of a complete abandonment of the service.

TAKERIE Te RAU and the other breechless Ministers of Tawhiao remind us of the courtiers of King Canute. A telegram from Alexandra states that Takerei has come in with another manifesto from the Kingites, who object to the Taupo road. Jt would be difficult to point to anything that the Europeans are doing that the Kingites do not object to, H is consolatory, however, to reflect that whereas these manifestoes amuse the King ites. they do no harm to us, while they afford a great deal of" amusement at the same time. Unless Sir Donald McLean should see another " Native difficulty" in To Itau's words, the road will probably go Oil, and Tawhiao will be driven to find some new cause of complaint. One thing is unmistakeably clear : TakereiVPe Ran and all the rest of Tawhiao's followers might as well attempt to beat back the ocean with a besom as to arrest the progress of civiliza tion and settlement.

A son of Mr T>. McLean was riding along Pitt-street last evening on a spirited horse, when several young men near the Pitt-street Church jumped out and threw up their arms, causing the horse to bolt. But for Mr McLean's excellent horsemanship, he must have been thrown, and probably would have been severely injured. The young 1 men who caused the mischief should be cautioned that had loss of life resulted from their wanton act they would certainly have to suffer for it. The wilful frightening of horses is very reprehensible, anil an example ought to be made of the lirst person caught in the act, in order to prevent sonic serious accident. On Saturday evening some boys on the Cabbage Tree Swamp Road, found them selves very much in the position of the frogs in the fable, who found that wliat'was play to the boys was death to themselves. Three or four boys were bathing in a pond, when a number of lads armed with pistols lired pellets at them, and when one of tlie boys thus endangered threatened to inform the police, a lad on the bank actually lired a bullet over their heads, frighteningahorsc on the opposite side of the bank and causing him to break away from his bridle. One of the boys then rushed out of the water, hastily seized his clothes, and ran away to his father, who is now making inquiries with the object of taking proceedings. Mr. McCaslin was engaged with a horse drawing a dray from the Newton water works, when the animal took fright and bolted at at furious pace down hill in the direction of his accustomed stable. Playing in the road was a group ot little children, who would have been run over had not Mr. ('arter promptly ran into the road and got them out of the way. The horse managed to turn a very sharp angle without accident, and then made straight for the stable door, which was too narrow to accommodate the cart. He Avas found there trying in vain to reach the manger, the cart being jammed up against the door. The proprietors of the Alexandra Palace, London, have tiled a petition in bankruptcy. We are in receipt of a copy of De I>er nardy's " Next of Kin Gazette," for Octo ber, which gives a list of persons who arc advertised for as being entitled to various sums of moii;;y. Another list of persons is given who are entitled to sums of money, and wlio may obtain information on applica tion to De Jiernardy, or at this office. The nomination of candidates for the oflice of Mayor of Auckland will take place on the 13th instant, but persons desirous of nominating a candidate will have to deliver the usual notice to the Returning Officer, B. Tonks, Esq., not later than four o'clock on the afternoon of the 12th. The election will take place on the 20th. Mr Itobiiirfou, dairyman, residing near the iiaiji tjf. Erin, suffered a monetary loss yesterday, which, as Ij.e shrewdly remarked, took the cream off the milk. Mr Robinson had served the majority of his early customers, and on reaching Symoiuls-street, rinding it rather hot, pulled off hia coat, and threw it into his milk cart, £1 17s (id in silver and copper, was in the coat pocket. The fall caused a jingle which reached the ears of several colonial urchins who watched I their opportunity, and stole the. coat and i money. On Mr Robinson's return to his j can, !;e discovered his loss. The young j thieves hay« not yet been discovered. I Colonel Whitiijoix-, who has been ap pointed a mohibor of .the Waste Lands Board, Hil-wivc's Bay, is precluded by the PiaijunUljiGuHoij Act from drawing the emolument of #1 for each sitting. We regret to learn thai a puragraph yes terday relating to a little case of mistaken identity at Oiielmnga, has caused some an noyance to a most respected lady resident there. The writer who, no doubt, intended it as a little harmless fun, appears to have drawn somewhat on his imagination for the details. The objection which ladies in variably have to .-ujythiug ill the ip.atni'C of a referonisa t" their private njatter^ in the proas should have suggested the propriety of ! reuui.un.i- fro a allu uou to so trivial an j aifair.

To the Editor : Sir,—A prospectus of the proposed Ellerslie Cemetery Company having been read at the meeting held on Friday last, I fhave been expecting to rind it circulated in 'sanie form, not only for general information, but more especially for that of the Committee appointed to enquire into the whole question, that they may have it under consideration before they are called together. Will the promo ters of the movement allow me to throw out the suggestion ?—Yours &c., A MEMBER of the Committee.

"That Adam was the first man " was the subject for debate, at the last meeting of the Otahuhu Mutual Improvement Associa tion. Such interest was felt in the question, that the room, in which the meetings of the association are generally held, was over crowded. An adjournment took place to the largo room of the Public Hall. As the two principal speakers occupied tho greater part of the evening, the debate was adjourned till Monday December 11th, when the present session will be brought to a close.

Miss Teutenberg's art union drawing, will take place to-morrow afternoon, in the unoccupied shop of Messrs Me Arthur, Shera, and Co.

Mr Geo. Cottercll will entertain the peo ple of Ponsonby in the Ponsonby Hall this evening with his mtch admired entertain ment, " Quiz, or Masks and Faces," as sisted by Mrs Cotterell, (Miss Carandini) and Mr E. Lewis, pianist and professor of legerdemain.

An inquest was held yesterday at the Lunatic Asylum, before Dr. Goldsbro', coroner, and a jury, on the body of James Belcher, aged 26", and a verdict of " Death from natural causes" was returned.

The body of Done, drowned at Wangnrei, has been recovered, and the funeral took place yesterday. Mr Simpson left a life insurance policy, and a profitable trade which his eldest son will be able to carry on.

A meeting of the ratepayers of the Karangaliape, Grafton Road, Eden Terrace, and Arch Hill Highway Districts was held in the Newton Academy last evening. Mr Suiter, chairman of the Eden Terrace High way District, occupied the chair. The natureof the new Acts was lucidly explained by Mr Thomas Macfarlane, chairman of the Grafton Road Board, which, he said, had decided as to the course it would adopt, but the decision had not been made public. He expressed an opinion in favor of a municipal system in preference to the county system, and he adduced some arguments in support of his views. Several other gentlemen addressed the meeting. Dr. Wall is nrged care in forming the district into a Borough, which he did not think could be worked under an expenditure of £700 per annum. At the suggestion of Mr. Warren, it was agreed that a meeting of Boards of trustees be recommended, so as to agree upon a common course of action to be recommended to a future meeting of ratepayers. The usual vote of thanks to the Chair ended the meeting.

A bazaar in aid of the funds of the mission school church in Union-street, in connection with St. Matthew's parish, will be held in the Lome-street Hall, on the evenings of the 1-lth,lsth,and Kith of December. On the first of the evening's, a grand promenade concert will be given under the direction of Mr. Joseph Browne.

A telegram from our Wellington corres pondent states that Mr. Deverill, Govern ment photographer at Wellington, is going on a three months tour, for the purpose of taking photographs of New Zealand scenery. We shall be glad to learn whether Mr. Deverill goes at his own expense, or this is another of the fancy notions of Government for obtaining cheap pictures of 2s ]ew Zea land scenery.

A Canterbury telegram says : "An article in this morning's " Lyttclton Times" argues, with apparent truth, that the pro rogation of the Assembly in October last by Commissioner under a Royal Commis sion, was not legal, or in accordance with the Constitution Act. It is shown that if the prorogation was illegal, the session is not ended, and the Abolition Act of 187.*) is not in force, and therefore the provinces and Superintendents still legally exist. If the Abolition Act is not in force, the Counties Act is also not in operation, and any steps taken under it up to the present time are null and void."

A kauri gum merchant has shewn us his advices by the hist mail, which go 1o prove that our yesterday's estimate of stocks oil hand in London on the Ist- October, were beneath the mark. According to the figures shewn us, the ntockK on liand •were about 770 tons, with a prospect, of being increased. This is still a very low ligurc, as compared with the average stocks at the same date (luring the last, eight years, which stand at 1385 tons. Including that on board tlie Orari, over 1,000 tons of gum is now in Auckland awaiting .shipment.

The assessment list for the I'onsonby and or Dedwood district, for the year ending 30th June, 1877, has been finally settled, and rates may be paid cither to Air Charles Spurgeon or Mr Thomas Jenkins, as per advertisement.

A meeting of the Eden Terrace electors is convened for Thursday, the 14th inst, to consider the question of forming a borough. It is thought by an experienced New Hertford shipmaster that the men of the Arctic whaling fleet who stuck to their ships at the time of the recent disaster will escape, as they have an abundance of provisions, and are near land, to which the winds and the drift of ice will carry them.

Mr. Hatswell, Grocer, of Princes-street, has recently received a number of cases of curiosi ties direct from China and Japan, of native workmanship. Some of these are very remark able, and worthy of inspection, especially the Pekin chest of drawers, all complete with secret cash drawers, and other contrivances of Chinese ingenuity. The whole of these various works of art would form a miniature museum.

Mr. Charles Spragg, well known among social reformers of this city as a sturdy advocate of toi al abstinence from intoxicating rlrinks, who settled some twelve months at?o at Mawngaturoto, on a little farm, is doing what he can in spreading his views among settlers. On the 27th ult., Mr. Spragg induced a number of settlers with their children, to attend a meeting in the district chapel, for the purpose of forming a "Hand of Hope." There was a good, attendance, especially of the children. Avho listened with much interest to Mr. Spragifs address on the subject, and at the close about forty boys and girls signed the hook of membership. Mr. Itcdfern, the temper ance vocalist, rode over from Paparoa, and interested the company by singing several songs. Mr. Spragg was appointed President; Mrs. Spragg Treasurer, and Mr. Flower accepted the post of Secretary, llogular meetings will he held in the school-room, and much good may accrue from the rural society, so auspiciously inaugurated.

The members of the Star of Freedom Lodge of Free Templars, held a business meeting last evening in the Uook-strect Odd Fellows' Hall, when the following officers were installed by Bro, Lightfoot, assisted by Bros- Cox and Frasor: —XV. J. F. Donald, W.P.; Sister C. Cox, W.V. P.; H. Clayton, W.S.; Brother W. T. Donald, W.F.S.; I. W. Hunt. W.T.; Win. Leaks, W. Chaplain ; W. McKroy, W.M.; J. "Whitcman, W.J.G. ; Brother E. Caroll, W.O.G. ; Sister F. Donald, B.H.i> ; Sister M. Danks, H.H.S. ; Sister Kate McEvqy, W.D.M. The secretary reported fqrty-s'x candidates initiated during fcno quarter, A presentation way then made to Brother George Yyarburton by Brother Donald, W.P.. on behalf of the lodge. In the course of his address, Brother Donald saiii that since his connection with the " Star of Freerton " Lodge, he had noticed Brother War burton's kind and alFablc manner towards the members, especially in cases of distress. Ilewus deputed by the officers and members of the lodge to present and decora c him with the Regalia as a token of their esteem for his long atid valuable services as president. oE the lodge.' ' Brother Warburton, in reply thanked them'for the address'and Regalia, and said that in the coixrsj of his long term of otilce, he had dono no ri}.Qro thdn his'dijty, au'd had often l'el.t sorry that he had ijof. done that duty 'more efficiently in favour 'of Jus 'i'eHp^y n)en, He had endeavoured to the- best of hfa ability lo promote the objects of the order, by milking men and women more useful member" of society, by fostering a spirit of sobriety, industry and economy, so that they might put by a portion of their earnings for the rainy day. Brother Warburton next remarked niton tlje principles of Free Templary, and the progress it was making, and said ho should preserve the Regalia which tliey had presented to him, among, the dearest memories of. his life.

A case of alleged libel, heard in the Supreme Court, Levuka, in which Mr J. P. : Dv Moulin, Manager of the Bank of New Zealand, was defendant, and damages were laid at £2000, is reported in our fourth page. At the meeting of the Auckland Per manent Building Society last evening, Col. T. M. Haultain chairman, a report was read shewing a large increase in the Com pany's business, and it was stated that amendments in the rules were under con sideration to adapt them to the new Build ing Societies Act. The statement of accounts was of a very satisfactory nature. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr S. Cochrane, the report and state ment of accounts were adopted. On the motion of Mr F. Cherry, a vote of thanks was accorded to the chairman, and the meeting ended. The Taupo correspondent of the " Bay of Plenty Times " writes:—"A German with his wife and five children, the eldest of whom is hardly fourteen years old, passed through Taupo yesterday, having walked from Auckland via Waikato, to tiy to get work at Napier." A yeryjjiiiteresting conversazione will take place in the Choral Hall to-morrow night, in connection with the meeting^ of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. The meeting will be addressed by the Rev J. Elmslie, Christchurch ; Rev R. McKinney, Mahurangi; Rev P. Calder, Nelson ; "Rev J. Cosh, Sydney; and J. Paxtcr Esq., Sydney. A fruit refreshment at intervals, and musical selections of a sacred and secular character will fill in the intervals. A large quantity of the Waiwera mineral water is to be shipped to Sydney in the Hero, and this is but the beginning of what is ' ikely to turn out an extensive export trade. The water from Waiwera is now manufactured iuto ginger beer, tonic water, lemonade, and soda water, and while the manufactured article keeps all the medicinal properties of the springs it con stitutes, in any of these forms, a very agreeable beverage. The performing members of the rut-street Young Men's Association, are to have a rehearsal this evening, at half-past eight o'clock, in the Pitt-street School Koom.

My Weekly Dose.

(BY THE DOCTOR)

Laugh to-day, ye may weep to-morrow. FOR SALE, CHEAP, A NATIVE DEPART MENT. So Turkey is to have a Native Department, in J'.ulgaria, at least Russia has demanded this amongst other conditions, of the Porte. It is a very fortunate circumstance for Turkey, that she can procure a Native Department ready made to her hand, and if only "razzied," as Captain Fernandez puts it, the Department In question, will be equal to the requirements of all Turkey. It is a very lucky thing that we are in a position to spare our Native Department, and I have no doubt satisfactory terms may be arranged for the immediate deportation of the whole army of Commissioners, Secretaries, In tcrpeters, and that numerous and nondescript body of officials who never seem to have any definite position in the Department, but remain suspended in the air of officialdom, very much after the manner of Mahomet's coffin. When the cablegram arrived, announcing Russia's demand, i sent a telegram to the Agent General on the subject, and received the follow ing reply. . West mi nster Chambers. London, Dec. Ist, 1870. •'Have seen Turkish ambassador. He otters to pay .4:100, OIK) in Turkish bonds for your Native Department, to promote the Native Minister into a pasha of ten tails, and to transfer Abdul Aziz's harem. I replied that I should have to consult the Minister as to the latter part of the bargain. Major Finnimore (New Zealand Mili tia, unattached) has offered his old cavalry sabre to the Turkish Government, has been inadu a pasha of two tails, and he has now set tled down at Slamboul surrounded by an alfectionate family circle composed of ladies of various nations. 1 have, taken up my quarters here, but I can not give you the name of the firm with which I am connected in the capacity of junior partner, because I mean to throw a few contracts into their way, and want to keep it dark for the pre sent.—-Jl'lius." SEVERE KCONOM V. For economy of a Spartan typo commend me to tin1 Audit Committee of the City Council. Air Htaifurd's famous ukase about saving the double sheets whenever possible, is nothing to the death-dealing economy of the Audit Com mittee. They actually blamed the. City Clerk the other day for crossing his T's and dotting his I's with tDO much ink, and they requested him to avoid such wasteful and ridiculous excess in future, GUTTING jTHEJWEATirER-GUAGE OF A BAILIFF. Bailiffs as a class are a mild-looking, harmless set of men. with tender hearts. But they are not often caught napping. You've got to get up very early in the morning to take in a bailiff, And yet they are sometimes outwitted, as was the case under the following circumstances: One of them, a few days ago, waited upon a gentleman residing in Albert-street, and presen ted himacasa fora sum exceeding £20, The debtor was at breakfast, and he received the document very blandly, requesting the limb of the law to lake a seat, while he went on sip piny his cocoa as if nothing at all had happened. "ISut canyon pay this little affair?" asked the bailitrina tone of incredulity. "Pay it£'said the other, forcing a hearty laugh, " Why the thing's absolutely ridiculous. Just wait until 1 go to my drawer, and I'll get you the money." So saying he stopped outside, the bailiff eyeing him keenly, walked into an adjoining room, and in a twinkling had disappeared through the French windows. The bailiff simply mopped his face with a big red cotton handkerchief, and exclaimed, " Well, I'm blowcd !" A CANDIDATE FOR THE ORDER OF HYMEN. Who is Mr. Alex. Grant, of Sydney, who wants to lake a wife from amongst the daughters of Auckland.' What is it that has caused the lonely heart of Alick Grant to throb Auckland ward, and why can he not meet with a respon sive beat from some of the Cornstalk girls? Alick, according to his own description of him self, which maybea trifle stretched in places.says he is a gentleman by birth and education, un sullied reputation, temperate, and 33 years of age, and that " any lady may find in the adver tiser a kind husband." Alick docs not inform us how he has arrived at this knowledge, but pro bably he has tried matrimony before, and has guaged his own disposition. The only stipulation that Alick makes is that the lady should have an income of her own, his being small, how small he modestly refrains from mentioning. He does not ask for youth, nor for beauty in return for the many estimable qualities which he offers in himself. It is "any lady" who possesses the capital. Surely one so accommo dating will not long have to go a begging. Several lonely widows with tight little incomes will at once take passage for Sydney, and com pete, as only widows can compete, for the acqui sition of a man who can offer such attractions as Alick Grant. ■*- A CRUEL SELL ON THE DOCTOR. A mild-eyed man of very plausible address sidled into the doctor's sanctum the other day, and with an air of humility laid under the doctor's nose a thing that looked like a small watering-pot, with a short and a long spout on opposite sides. He laid the thing down with the air of a man who had done the State some service, and flourished an exact duplicate in his hand. Then he said insinuatingly, " There, I reckon mister you never saw one o' them before." Wo examined the machine carefully, turned it over, and regarded it from every possible point of view, while the man looked oil as though he were waiting for the solution of a great mystery. He said again in provoking tones of assurance, " I guess Mister you never saw one of these before, and you don't quite seem to understand its beauties. I 'spose you give it up,"We requested him to leave theblamed thing and call to-morrow, when we would give him a full description of it. Then he took hold of the duplicate machine and blew through one of the spouts, and thereon a fragrant odour of perfume filled the sanctum, throwing a halo of sweetness around the pot of stale paste, and causing a buzz of astonishment amongst the flics. Then the man said in honied tones, " Is'nt it beautiful ? Here, just blow into it." The credit of a man who never flinched at "blowing" under the most trying circumstances was at stake. We blew a gentle zephyr down the small spout of the machine which the man , ljad placed before us. It' was a very gentle zephyr indeed— sbiivething like a maiden's sigh. Hutno perfume came out of the other spout- nary a perfume, and the big blue bottle b,lo\y-fly jjave a maddening hux-y, or exultation over th'c tiii hire. Then the man seized his own machine and blew a blast that sent the perfume out in volumes, and caused the blue-bottle to sicken and faint ; and he said, " You must blow harder v you want to get a real beautiful scent. You must kinder exorcist1 your luivrs oil it, mister." We blew a desperate, puff Into the spout of the machine before us, but it wasn't perfume that was oiniUe.l from that miserable subterfuge. Not at ail. It was riour, and it filled the Doctor's eyes and nose, and caused him to turn pale, and snirt|c and sneeze, and use sinful expressions, while the blow fly recovered fr.om his temporary swoon, and seeing our handshelplessly occupied came buzzing around in concentric circles until he got into aggravating proximity, and then he changed his buzz from tenor to bass. ' The wretched author of all this catastrophe indulged in a brief but boisterous guffaw, and next moment was disappearing down the stairs, four at a time, with a series of jumps, his coat tails streaming in the wiud, and hii tin frauds clattering aitet him.

The Doctor has since heard that this man was not the original inventor of the infernal machine, but only a person who went around canvassing for orders on commission. The Doctor admires genius, especially in the wav of invention, and would be glad to see the actual inventor of that concern, just for a minute or two; and by the way he might just nsurchis life beforehand, as it would tend to render the interview more satisfactory to the widow.

AUCKLAND SUMMER MEETING.

THE WEIGHTS FOR THE STEEPLE CHASE.

St. lb. Tommy Dodd, aged, 12 1 Butcher Boy, aged, '117 Medora, aged, Ti n Islesinan, aged " " Whitcpool, aged, " v Wrangler, aged " Perfume, 6 yrs, ** in 7 Toby, aged .. - -■• ■■ ;" ' Don, aged \» < Shamrock, oyrs *" " Gladstone, aged £ x" Mystery, oyrs * Lottery, i yrs. p EROIVA £, Secretary.

Wreck of the Otago.—Further Particulars.

[BY TELEGRAPH.]

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

DUNEDIN, this day. INFORMATION of the wreck was conveyed to the Waikapura by a boat's crew, under the chief officer in charge, and thence to Edendale, whence it was telegraphed to the ship's agents, who at once arranged for the steamer Express, lying at the Bluff, to pro ceed to the scene of the wreck, and bring oft" the passengers and cargo to Dunedm. She is expected to return to-day. Captain Brebner, of the ketch Palmerston, mst arrived, reports sighting smoke oft Chastlaud's Mistake at 10 a.m. yesterday. He bore down and found steamer Otago on the rocks heading about W.S."VY. He was boarded by Captain Calders, who in formed him that the passengers and crew amounted to 100 persons, were all sate and landed, together with luggage and mails. Captain Brebner offered assistance, and was requested to communicate with the first steamer lie met, and send her to the Otago's assistance. The Otago ran on the rocks at 2 a.m. on Sunday in a dense fog. She has lost her fore foot, and at low water the sea was abreast of her taffrail.

SAD CASE OF DROWNING.

AN old man named James Kelly, a pen sioner, met his death in a very sudden manner last night, about eight o'clock. While the wharf was thronged with persons intending to take part in the moonlight excursion of the Te Aroha, an alarm of "man overboard " was raised, and on follow ing the rush to the eastern side of the wharf the body of a man could be made out, float ing on the water, apparently inanimate. Within a few minutes, Captain May of the Te Aroha descended a rope from the wharf, and got hold of the unfortunate man, of whom he was relieved almost immediately by the Water Police. Although Kelly, for' the patient was recognised as lie had only been in the water altogether about three minutes, was apparently dead when taken out, and although vigorous measures were taken to restore respiration, they were without success. Dr. Dawson, and Dr. Bayntun arrived within three quarters of an hour of the accident, but were of course, unable to do any good. Poor Kelly was better known to the police, than anyone else in -iis life time. The inquest will be held to-morrow at the Ereemans' Hotel, at two o'clock p.m.

PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Tin-: annual session of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand was opcncil last evening by a Divine Service in St. Andrew's Church, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper being afterwards admin istered to the clergy, elders, and general members of the Church. The Rev. R. McKinney preached his inaugural sermon. The roll of Commissioners was then read as follows :

Presbytery of Auckland ; Revs D. Bruce, John Macky, Thomas Nome, R. McKinucy, George Brown, P. Mason, John Wallace, James Hill, R. M. Macnicol, W. Mcßae, James Galloway, S. J. Nicll, Thomas Scott, Robert Sonnnerville, M. S. Beach, and .John Mark (ministers) ; Messrs Williams Ander son, John Chalmers, John Lamb, Edward Rhodes, Andrew Bell, Alexander Olgie, William Innes Taylor, and Andrew Stewart (elders). Presbytery of Hawkc's Bay : Revs David Sidey and W. Hcavingham Root (ministers) ; Messrs Thomas Macifarlane and Thomas Peacock (elders). Presbytery of Nelson : Revs Patrick Calder and William Shireff (ministers) ; no elders as yet commissioned. Presbytery of Welling ton ; Revs. James Patterson, John Ross, — McKee, and John Moir (minsters) ; Messrs John McLean, Robert Whitson, and Thomas Macky (elders). Presbytery of Christclmrch : Revs. W. S. McGowan, J. W. Crce, William Douglas, and W. H. Homer (ministers) ; Mr. J. Milne (elder). Presbytery of Timaru : No commission. Presbytery of Westland : No commission. The Rev. R. McKinncy explained that he occupied the position as moderator in con sciruenec of the illness of the very Rev. Mr. McGowan. On the motion of the speaker, seconded by Rev. T. Macky, the Rev. J. Patterson, of St. John's Church, Wellington, was elected moderator, and was inducted by the Rev. D. Bruce. The very Rev. Moderator then read the inaugural address. He expressed thanks for the honor done him by the election, and the pleasure experienced in these fraternal meetings. It was to many of them a real holiday, and they might hope that as the difficulties of travel were lessened, a greater number of persons would attend the General Assembly of the Church. He pointed out also the advantages to the Church of t'/iese periodical Conferences, and of the necessity for ministers of the gospel to be fully equipped for modern struggle between materialism and religion, truth and falsehood; and it was needful that they keep their own minds free from prejudice, and their hearts free from bigotry, that they cultivate a liberal spirit, and that their con victions be deep, and earnest, and true. He then referred to the question of union with the Presbyterian Church of Otago, which now appeared to be further olf than ever, though its accomplishment would be a great moral gain to either. At the same time the terms submitted by Otago were unsatisfactory, especially the proposal to break up into Synods. The speaker went on to point out the weakness of the Otago proposals. He was gratified to report that the church was making steady progress in extension and consolidation. He then went on to refer to the diHiciilties to be encountered in new districts. There was a want of better organization for church extension, and for unity of feeling and un selfish effort. _ He then dealt with theques- ! tion of inducing young men to come forward ! as workers in the church instead of being too dependant on the Home Church for a supply of Ministers. They must aim at the establishment of a Theological Hall or Faculty, so as to train up a Ministry within the church. The rev. gentleman concluded with an earnest appeal in favour of an ex tended evangelical spirit in the church. Letters were read appointing Rev.— Cosh, and Joseph Paxton, elder, as deputies from the Church of New South Wales.

The ordinary committees "were appointed. The Presbytery met again at two o'clock $U$ afternoon for devotional proceeding.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Edward Isaacs and John Cosgrave Esqs., Justices). THE LETHEAN DRAUGHT. William Lestrange and Robert Gilfillan were each fined 5s and costs for being drunk. James Anderson, alias Thomas Jones, was charged with being riotous in his cups] and received a double penalty. THE BARQUE EUROPA AND HER CREW. Robert Purves, Edward Montagu, John Croome, and John Smith, seamen, belong ing to the American barque Europa, were charged under the Foreign Seaman's Act 1860, with wilful disobedience to lawful commands. All the prisoners pleaded guilty. Mr. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the prisoners were only shipped last week, and had got hold of an idea that the vessel was unseaworthy, and had refused to go to sea in her. The vessel had only been surveyed a few days ago, and was declared by Captain Daldy and Captain Clayton, to be perfectly seaworthy. The Bench (to prisoners) : Are you willing to go back to the ship ? The prisoners : No! We don't want to be drowned. The Bench asked who repaired the ship ? Mr Pardy said Mr John Bigelow had. Mr Bigeiow was called, and being sworn, said that the vessel had been repaired at his hands, and all the work he had been in structed to do had been done thoroughly. The ship had been re-caulked, and re fastened where necessary. Several of the tree-nails had been renewed. The leak had been just below the copper. He had found the vessel quite seaworthy below the copper. The ship, in her present condition, was per fectly seaworthy. One of the prisoners : Why does .the vessel make water now ? Mr Bigelow : I was not aware that she was making water now. The captain on being called, deposed that the ship, from nine o'clock yesterday even ing to eight o'clock thia morning, made twenty-three strokes of the pump and no more.

By the prisoners : The ship had not been pumped for three weeks when the prisoners joined. The report of the surveyors was read to the prisoners, who still pointedly refused to go to sea in the vessel. The Bench said their only alternative was to sentence each of them to four weeks' im prisonment. This was all the business.

CITY COUNCIL.

A SPECIAL meeting of the City Council was held to-day, for the transaction of important special business. Present: His Worship the Mayor, Councillors Goldie, Cosgrave, Isaacs, Waddell, Dickson, Prime, Brett. The Mayor said the first business was the consideration of Mr. King's charges against the City Treasurer. Councillor Goldie proposed that the con sideration of Mr. King's letter be postponed till the discussion of the Officer's Committee which should have been taken fust, as it had been standing over for several months. The Mayorexcused himself from all blame in the delay. Councillor Cosgrave, seconded the pro position which was carried. APPLICATION BY MR SINCLAIR. Mr. Sinclair on behalf oi the Government made an application for a portion of the city land on the Waterworks property, for the purpose of carrying across it the Kaipara railway. The Mayor moved " That the land required for railway purposes be given free of cost, providing that any bnildin" damaged be paid for at a valuation, and that all fences be made good." Cr. Dickson seconded the motion. He thought the value of the Corporation pro perty would be materially improved by the line "running through it. Cr. Goldie moved as an amendment that a further condition be tacked on. This was not seconded, and the Mayor's motion was carried. THE CITY OFFICER'S REPORT. The consideration of this report, which was published some weeks ago, was next gone into and the Council went into com mittee, the Mayor being in the chair. On the first part of the report being read, which referred to the duties of the Town Clerk. His Worship said the report on this point was very good in theory but was impossible in practice. Councillor Goldie said he intended to move that the first part of the report be omitted, and that an amendment which he had prepared be substituted. Mr Goldie's amendment made it a necessity that the Town Clerk should be a lawyer and detailed his several duties. In speaking to his amendment, Councillor Goldie said it had been unmistakeably shewn at the last civic election that a change was wanted, and he thought they ought to go with the people's wish. He moved his amendment on three grounds : first, that it was a universal custom ; that it would act as a saving to the ratepayers ; and that it was the wish of the people. He made out that £572 had been spent this year in legal expenses. Councillor Waddel seconded the amend ment, and Councillor Dickson supporeed it. The Mayor explained that upwards of £300 of the legal expenses spoken of by Councillor Goldie were connected with the waterworks, and was a lump sum which wo uld.no t recur. Councillor Brett corroborated this, and also called attention to the fact that £50 paid to Mr Lusk would have had to be paid even if the Town Clerk had been a soii citor. Councillor Isaacs and Councillor Prime spoke in favor of the Town Clerk's assuidity in his duties. Mr Phillips, the Town Clerk, asked per mission to address the Council. The Mayor said before Mr Phillips spoke, he felt called on to say that he entirely dis sented from the proposition made by Coun cillor Goldie. He believed the Town Clerk had done his duty well. The Mayor then said : —" I will never speak against my con science to court a little: public favour." Councillor Goldie : Question. The Mayor :Go on Councillor (goldie. . The Mayor continued and made a series of remarks, in which his Worship was understood to say that he deprecated the matter being introduced by a side wind and not by a direct motion with noiice given. Had lie been aware that a motion to kick out the Town Clerk had been coming on, he should have come prepared with a list of the work done by the Town Clerk. Councillor Goldie after twittingthe Mayor on the subject of Parliamentary practice made a further speech excusing himself from all desire to court public favor. The Town Clerk having obtained permis sion to address the Council said he had madeenemiessiniply by unvarying attention to his duties, and by preventing incursions Qf lumber on the streets «S?c. It was simply impossible for any oilicer to discharge properly the duties detailed in C'omicilM|; Goldie's amendment. If the rates w^^j 3, be continued to be collected in the oihee;^ it was impossible for the Town Clerk to be in attendance at all the Courts. As to the practice in vogue in the colony, he was unable to mention a single place where the Town Clerk was a solicitor. Mr. Phillips concluded by complaining of the underhand way in which the attack upon him had been made. On the amendment being put, Councillors Goldie, Waddell, and Dick son voted for it, and Councillors Tonks, (Mayor) Prime, Masefield, Brett, Isaacs, and Cosgrave against it. The amendment was declared lost*

THE EVENING STAR,, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1876.



TCOSGRAVE & C 0. Beg to announce they will bring forward on MONDAY NEXT, 27T11 NOVEMBER, A Fresh Lot of B A R G A I N S ! ! ! Consisting of THEIR LATE SHIPMENT BY THE ORARI, Purchased at Hoinfl at Job Prices, together with the whole of their SUMMER DRAPERY & CLOTHING, REDUCED IN PRICE TO SUIT THE TIMES ! Several Bales of CATi IC O, damaged by sea water, will be Sold under Invoice Price. HftT O T~ I C E. -Ll In- ii A■ ■;i 11 . their NEW SEASON'S STOCK of Si:.:>. AND SUMMER DRAPERY GOODS, the undersigned are now offering a number of SPECIAL LINES, at GREATLY" REDUCED PRICES:— Strong White Calico, at.3'lo per doz. Grey Calico, /3A per yard Crewdson's Best White- Calicos, an overstock, offorinet Cheap, to reduce Splendid Value in Winceys, from /•! per yard Superior 30 in. wide ditto, /9j yard, worth 1/2 Good Blue Dungaree, ,'S per yard 3(> in. Deny, brown and grey, /9£, best quality Now Japanese Silk, 1/ and 1/6 per yard Plain Blue Cloth, GO in. wide, 4/6 per yard, half price Blue Diagonal Cloth, double width, 5/per yard, half-price Mellon Cloth, double width, 3/6 per yard Waterproof Tweed, double width, 3/6 per yard Strong Tweed for Boys' Clothing, 1/11 yard White Blankets. 13/ per pair Blue Blankets, 13/ Grey Blankets, 9/6 White Turkish Towels, ill Job lot Children's Brown and Grey Cotton Socks, from /3 per pair. Other Goods equally Cheap. Ixspectiov INVJ if.d. RUSIIB RO 0 X & 13 ti IDGM AN, (Late ft. Hobbs), JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, {Opposite Arm and Navy Hotel), UPPKK Q.V ISWN-9TKBET, Auckland.. Wli A T T R A V WILL SISLL TO-MORROW, IN HIS CLEARING SALE :— LADIES' SILK GRENADINE POLONAISES at 7s. (id. LADIES' SILK GRENADINE SLEEVELESS J AO X \& T S and APRONS at 155.; wortii 355. A Lot of LACE SHAWLS, damaged, at ss. Seven-and-Sixpenny CRINOLINS at Is. TUSSOIRE SILKS, all Pure Silk, at 2s. 6d. per yard. W. RATT RA V, 6G, QUEEN-STREET.



JJVRN2TUREI FURNITURE 1 Ladies and Gentlemen about to Furnish arc respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DRA fFING BOOM, DLNING - ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacious Showrooms. T. & IL'COOKJg, 67. QUSEX STREET Adjoining Bank of New Zealand]