SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

mnu w\T¥P ( This Afternoon, 6. HIGH WAIJUI— | xo-morrow Morning, 6.36 SUN SET.—This Evening, 6.55. HUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 1.39. MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter, full Moon, Ist, 10.13 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Go-Ahoad, s.s., from the East Coast. Ryno, brigantine, Power, from Sou warofF. Tairua, schooner, Douglas, from NeAV Caledonia

DEPARTURES.

Jane Douglas, s.s., Eraser, for Gisborne and Nopicr.

ARRIVAL OF THE TANNA.

The schooner Tanna, 57 tons. Captain Douglas, arrived in harbour from Noumea early this morning. She left on the 15th inst., with light easterly Avinds and calms, Avhich lasted until sighting Cape Karakara on Tuesday last. Fresh N.E. breezes with squalls from thence into port. The Tanna belongs to Captain 1). McLcod, late of this city. She brings a cargo of maize. Passengers: Captains McQuarrie and Urquhart. Messrs. Rogers. Hebblethwaite, and the oreAV of the Mary Melville.

ARRIVAL OF THE RYNO.

The barque Ryno arrived from Souwarrott Island last night, with a small cargo of copra, etc., after a fine weather passage of 22 days. The following report has been furnished by the captain:—Loft Auckland at noon of August,2/ with a fresh breeze from the west, which con tinued to the tropics, and then proved very light. The Savage Island Avas sighted on Sunday Sept. 10, and the Island of Souwarrott' reached 22nd. VisitedManahiki and Rokohanga, and then re turned to Manahiki on the 281 h; from thence bore up to SouwarrotF, which was reached on the 3rd inst. On arrival received orders from Air. Henderson to get ready for Auckland, and on the 7th inst. got under weigh and stood out of Sou warrofF lagoon. The trades proved very light when out of the tropics, and a succession ot light southerly weather prevailed up to sighting Cape Brett, on Tuesday morning. From thence light easterly weather. The Lynn brings the following passengers—Mr. and i.lrs. H. B. Stcrndale. Captain Fernandez, Captain Metcalfe, .Messrs. Bird, Mair. Niocol. and 1 of the crew ot the shipwrecked schooner Peerless.

The p.s. Te Aroha. tho new vessel built at the North Shore by Mr W. Holmes for Messrs. Holmes Bros., is now finished, and avill take her trial trip on Saturday next. The owners are in tending to turn tho occasion to charitable account, for the proceeds of an excursion in the afternoon Avill be handed over to the funds of the Orphan Home. The boat will make an ex ceedingly useful river trader. That the Christmas holidays are approaching will be seen by the fact that the Union Steam ship Company are advertising return tickets to an from any* port called at by their splendid steamers, as available from the loth December to the 28th February. Besides tho extension ot time, a noteworthy feature of the notification is that a deduction of 30 per cent. Avill be made on the double faro. .»_.-, Messrs. Owen and Graham, the agents for the P.M. Co.. advertise that the s.s. Zealandia may be looked for from Kandavu on Saturday. Tho Go-ahead's departure for Gisborne and Napier, has been postponed till Friday evening. The brigantine Kvno brings up the rigging and gear of the American barque Omvard, wrecked at Souwarroff about live months ago. The schooner Mary Melville, Avhich left for NeAV Caledonia some months ago. has been sold at Noumea, and the captain and creAV have re turned by the Tanna. The s.s. Go-ahead arrived this morning from Gisborne. Captain A. McGillivray reports leav ing there on Tuesday. Passengers—Revs. Sidcy and Root, Messrs Campbell. Sims, Nicol, jun., Sanaway, Milford, Webb. Mrs, Smith. Cargo— 71 hales wool, 22 casks tallow, 2 cases, 1 box, 1 parcel, 1 case plants, 1 parcel.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wanganui, Wednesday. Arrived—St. Kilda, s.s., from the Manukau. Wellington, Wednesday,

Sailed—Ladybird, s.s.. for Nelson and the North. Passengers—Mrs. and Miss Goodman, Revs. McKcc, Ross, and Patterson, Messrs Rose, McLean, Brent, Hind, and two steerage.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs M. Jones and Co. held a Avell attended sale of musical boxes, glassware, etc., at their Central Mart. The pianoforte (Collard) brought £13: the musical boxes, £7 5s and £5 10s. The goblets and tumblers. 4s to 5s per dozen . resin, 8s 6d per 100 : pitch, 2ls per cask : tar, 20s. The cases of bright-varnish were withdrawn, the highest bidding being 3s. A variety of smaller goods realized satisactory prices. Messrs. B. Tonks and Co., held a' clearance sale of ladies' boots and shoes, slippers and sum mer goods, to-day. The trade avus fairly repre sented, and the goods were all sold.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails avill Close as Under:—

For Thames, to-morrow, at 2.30 and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, to-morrow, at 2.30

p.m. For Gisborne and Napier, per Go-ahead, to

morrow, at 3.15 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, to-morrow, at 1 p.m. For Napier, Gisborne, and Southern Provinces. per City of Sydney, four hours after her arrival from KandaA'u.

For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga- Avai, Waipu, &c, per Anne Milbank, on Satur day next, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Ladybird, on Monday next, at 8.15 a.m.

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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1876.

Fur tin. c;a .c thnt lacks ns.si_t.ince, 1-i.r -Jii: ■..-_■.<>.' that need . resistance, y. jr tho luitiru in the d^taiice. And the .rood Cut we can do.

The letter from the Bank of New Zealand to the City Council yesterday, relative to the supplementary Waterworks Loan of £25,000, creates a curious complication, and affords another example of the loose way in which Acts are passed through the Legis lature, notwithstanding the large proportion of lawyers in the Assembly. The objection taken by the Bank is, (hat even the Colonial Parliament has not power to make a second mortgage rank with a first one. That in fact, the special rate for Waterworks being already pledged as security for £100,000, no further money can be raised upon it unless in the nature of second mortgage. Sonic of the Councillors appeared to doubt this, failing to perceive why, if the Government of New Zealand can go on borrowing millions upon millions on the security of a limited and uncertain revenue, the Council may not be able to do precisely the same thing. The reasoning, although specious, is of course unsound. The powers of the Council arc limited to levy ing a certain rate, and the whole of that rate has been unreservedly and speci fically .pledged. But the Government, in borrowing, pledges the general credit of the colony and its whole tax-bearing powers, and the creditor determines the value of his security by the resources of the country and its power to bear burdens. The As sembly can do a great many things, in cluding sonic which, if any individual or Corporation were to do, the consequences might be serious to those making the attempt ; but there is even a limit to the powers of a parliament. The Assembly cannot legally violate every statute under which real property is held by individual subjects. It cannot issue a Crown Grant to one man for a section of land, and then issue an equally valid Crown Grant for the same land to another man. In short, it is not competent for the Assembly, more than for anyone else, to dispose of property which it has already alienated, unless it first resumes posses sion ; and it can only resume possession on certain equitable grounds, and by compensating those whose rights have been infringed. Whether the alien ation may in the first instance have been a bad bargain for the vendor is alto gether beside the question. The objection : urged by the Bank is, we fear, fatal, and the security oit'ered for the supplementary loan, is, therefore, totally different from what it purports to be. That the waterworks revenue will be more than ample to meet all charges upon it must he admitted, but, as one Councillor pointed out, the difficulty will he to make that un derstood in London. The security is so good that, despite the complication caused by the form in which the Act authorising the loan has passed, the Council will not be war ranted in floating the loan at a sacrifice. Whatever minimum may have been deter mined upon when it was understood that the new debenture-holders would rank equally with the first, it should still be rigidly adhered to. and positive instruc tions to that effect convoyed to (he loan agents.

The "Poverty Bay Standard," in comment, ing upon the close of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the charges preferred by Mr Commissioner Wilson against Judge Rogan, characterises tlie entire proceedings as a huge sham. Tlie "Standard" asks why ordinary accusations by two civil servants against'each other were not summarily in quired into, and disposed of in tlie same manlier as would have been followed in tlie case of any other two officials. Our readers Avill remember that Mr Wilson, a Native Commissioner, charged Judge Rogan with official corruption and turpitude, and that Mr Rogan made a counter-accusation against Commissioner Wilson, of squandering large sums of money, and accused the Native Minister of having made misrepresentations in his Land Purchase Statement, presented to Parliament, The "Standard" says : —

" We deprecate Hie action of the Govern ment in this Enquiry, as being of the most rcprchciisibly partial character, and one of the most flagrant shams, and piece of official hiimbiiggingoverhatchod in that very hot-bed of shams, ami official crookedness — flic Native Department. Had there existed a desire in the mind of Sir Donald McLean to sift this matter to tlie bottom, and to uphold the integrity of the Civil Service, an ordinary Commission of Enquiry would have sufficed —sharp, short,, and decisive, — instead of that, the "Great Mystery Man" can he satisfied with nothing but what assimilates to the orb in which he moves. Kverylhing must he esoteric, dark, mysterious, and the Uoyal Enquiry just ended, comes fully within the scope of the whole three. Had' the charges and counter charges of these two officials been of sin ordinary nature, and involved nothing in which the public interests were at stake, the usual departmental investigation would have sufficed ; but, if there was one reason more cogent than another in support of an open and public enquiry, it was to lie found in the fact that many persons outside tlie Government Service were implicated, as well as other ollicers in tlie service, hut un connected with either party. The fact is, the Government, or rather tlie Native De partment, does not want any more publicity given to tlie matter than connot he avoided, and the Native Minister knew that a Com mission appointed by the Governor avus the most effectual mean's to that end, as it now rests with His Excellency whether the Re port of the Commissioners overreaches Par liament or not."

The habitues of the Temple of Justice in Chancery Lane wore taken by surprise this morning. Punctually as the Court clock pointed to half-past ten, Mr W. J. Hurst emerged from the magistrate's room, and took his seat on the Bench, a tall constable, with his chin at an elevation of 45 degrees, called " Silence in the Coort," in stentorian tones, and a hush fell upon the scene. The business Avas all disposed of in a few minutes, and the crowd outside Averc just beginning to troop into the court, as Mr Hurst exclaimed in tones of satisfaction :— " That case is withdrawn. That concludes the business." Then the crowd that hail trooped in, went to the right about face, and marched solemnly out again —a red faced man with an inclination to apoplexy, a, one-eyed person with a skull cap, a sinister' individual with a wart on his nose, a man who was undergoing a penance after the manner of .tlie Brahmins, and had made a solemn vow never to wash or cut his beard, and several other persons Avith no particular character istic worthy of mention. .Mr Hurst's punctuality' had taken them by surprise, and while'some broke up into little knots outside, and discussed the situation, others repaired into the nearest ale-house to drown their sorrows in the foaming tan kard. Sic transit gloria mundi.

Owing to the proximate arrival of the lion. W. Pox by tlie San Francisco mail, Mr Broomhall lias postponed his intended visit to Tauranga.

About thirty couples appeared at the Hibernian monthly bull, in the Oook-slreel Hall last evening. The music avus excellent, the dancing spirited, and a feeling ol joyottsness pervaded the whole assemblage.

In the cast; of Grant v. Grant and Clial lender, heard at the Divorce Court, at Wel lington, tin; petitioner stated that he married Eliza Reid in 1871, at the Registrar's Ollice, Auckland. They then went to Kaiwara, Wellington, but the Avit'e became discon tented with the place, commenced to drink, and at length returned to Auckland to live with a, married sister. Afterwards, she returned to her husband, but again fell into her former habits, ami she returned to Auckland. Detective Jeffrey gave evidence that the woman Avas leading a dissolute life in Auckland, ami associating wilh Chal lcuder,who, though once possessed of money, was now a vagrant.

To the Editor : Sir, — "New Chum," who Avritcs you in last night's paper, relative to the existence of a private lunatic asylum in High-street, is in error. No such establish ment exists. It is true thai in High-street, a (iueen-strect linn have a workshop, in which they employ men and women, who, at certain times (worse at full moon) com mence yelling and shouting at the top of their voices, much to the annoyance of their neighbours, and, as your correspondent says, to the horror of passers-by. 1 understand that they have been repeatedly requested to desist, but, Avill not do so. It lias now become such a nuisance to tlis neighbour hood that the police really ought to inter fore.—Youis, truly, High Struct.

Aii inquest was held at the Star hotel Otahuhu, before K. <'. Marstow Esq., Coroner, on the body of Frank Elmsley, a son of Dr. Elmsley. The little boy was found drowned in a dam of water used for sheep-shearing purposes, The evidence of a lad named John Weston, Avent to shew that- he saw deceased struggling in the water. He weal and told his father, avlio however, instead of going to assist in rescuing the lad, took no notice, until another boy, in a quarter of an hour after, came and repeated the story. He then went and got the body out, but life was extinct. I>. A. Ryan gave evidence of a similar character. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death by drowning.

Tlie case of Webb v. the National Bank has been heard at the Appeal Court, Wellington, ami judgment reserved, to be delivered by Mr Justice Williams at Dunedin, during the vacation. Leave to appeal to the Privy Council Avas granted.

The meeting convened for this afternoon at the ollice of Messrs Low and Motion, to consider (he desirability of accepting Mr !!. Graham's offer of a site for a iicav cemetery, has been postponed until three o'clock to-morrow, at the same place.

To-day the season for oyster dredging closes for a period of four months.

The Public Library at the Auckland Institute Avill be open daily for reference from and after to-morrow.

The inspection of the battery, with Armstrong guns, Avill take place this evening at half-past seven o'clock at the gun-shed. Members to appear in full dress uniform, with arms and accoutrements, under command of Captain Burns.

Troopers of Nixon Light Horse avi'll mister, dismounted, at Crowther's stables

his evening at scA'en o'clock sharp, to irocccd to Otahuhu by coach, to arrange or week's drill and prize-firing, Captain \. E. Isaacs in command.

In a recent match with carrier pigeon. near Sydney, the winning bird, the property of Mr Crane, did 8(1 miles in two hours, notwithstanding that the atmosphere was hazy, and the weather otherwise unfavour able.

At the Resident Magistrate's Court, Otahuhu, yesterday. Thomas Rodgers was fined 40s and costs for supplying beer to a little boy, for his mother.

The Secretary of the General Australian Weslcyan Conference has telegraphed to the President of the Ncav Zealand Confer ence that all the Presidents concur in the expediency of admitting laymen to the next Annual Conference.

A telegram from the Agent-General reports that the Leicester has been des patched with 340 immigrants for Welling ton, the Marlborough with 239 for Otago, and the Waipa and the Weltherse with 560 for Canterbury. At the barm.net to the lion. F. Whitaker at Grahamstown, after his affiliation in Lodge Sir Walter Scott, Pro. the Rev. J. II ill, R. W. M. said : " Though not generally known, Pro. Whitaker Avas connected with the first Masonic lodge in Ncav Zealand, the Lodge Ara, Irish Constitution, Auck land. Not only so, but be Avas the first Master of that lodge ; and not only so, jus name Avas on the warrant for the formation of that lodge, obtained from the Grand Lodge of Ireland. It is therefore as the father of Freemasonry in NeAV Zealand that we have received him into our midst to-night" In the course of bis reply. Bro. Whitaker said : "It is true, as the R.W. chairman has said, that I Avas connected with the first Masonic lodge in New Zealand, and Avhen 1 look back at that time—33 or 34 years ao-o—l do so with satisfaction. There were then in Auckland only a feAV wooden and raupo houses, and in a small room, not one fourth the size of this, we established the first lodge in New Zealand. it is with pride and satisfaction I look back to those days, and notice how early men from tlie mother country plant Masonry in the coun tries they take up their abode in. "With about a dozen bretliern we set '<> work and laid the foundation of Masonry in New Zealand, and now Aye see the fruit thereof; and those who took part in that opening— and there arc feAV that remain—look with pride and satisfaction on that tree which they have planted, and which has now spread and flourished to such splendid proportions." The grand Melbourne Cup Swoop settle ment took place last evening', at Mr. Abbott's City Club Hotel, Shortland-street, and the successful men received their Aviniiings. A capital spread Avas provided for the occasion by Mr. and Mrs. McCor inack, and a number of toasts drunk, including the health of Mr. and Mrs. Abbott. The evening Avas harmoniously passed, and shortly after eleven o'clock, the party broke up. The strawberries at Willow Grove, are pronounced superior in taste to any others (Town, and a very large number of visitors avail themselves daily of the unlimited supply offered. The proximity of Willow drove to the wharf, makes it a most conve nient icsort for ladies and children, it being only a fe\v hundred yards distant. The low price at which strawberries are now selling places this luscious fruit within the means of the most economically disposed. A special intercessory service for missions was hehl at St. Matthew's last evening, and the attendance was large. The Rev. Mr. Penny, a gentleman connected with the Melanesian mission, delivered a practical sermon from St. John, c. i, V.35, and in the course of his sermon referred to missionary labors in the Melanesian islands, and urged fhe necessity for supporting them. The collection amounted to .Co' 7s 3d. A meet ing was then hebl in the school-room, lire sided over by the Venerable Archdea con Maunscll, and supported by the Rev. Dr. Purchase, and llcvs. Messrs Mas sard, Nelson, Dudley, and Burrows. The speeches of the several gentlemen were in teresting ill relation to the progress and work of missionary enterprise, and closed with prayer and the benediction. An ingenious farmer near Napier has posted up tlie following notice on the gate of a cricket held: —" Notis Naharscs Allad In side this gate." Billy Howe's organ and advocate, the Thames "Star" is sorrowful over (lie reception of the arch schemer on Saturday. 11, sa y S : __" However mistaken his (Mr Howe's) views may have been—and, as we have pointed out, ill some respects Aye think they are—there is no doubt but thai he was most discourteously treated by the assem blage of Saturday.' Wc do not deny the light of any meeting called together by public advertisement to endorse or dis approve of any motion they may be asked to vote for or' against ; but we distinctly say that if so-called public meetings can do nothing better than hoot and yell at a speaker before he lias spoken a single word, it would bo much better if they weie never called at all." The " Thames Advertiser " referring to the meeting of Mr Howe and his friends in the Pacific Hotel to urge amalgamation of the borough with the eountv " objects (o any attempt to smuggle the amalgamation through, without openly consulting those equally interested with tlie few "trim men " chosen to consult with .Mr Ito we on the subject in the back parlour of a GrahamstoAvn hotel."

A grand billiard tournament will short 1 take place at the Occidental Hotel. Partie desiring to enter will please coinmunical with IX Perkins.

This being St. Andrew's Day, the gentle men of the mining association consented t< a holiday, consequently then; was no reporl

issued

Mr, Charles Hursthousc, who died lip; other day, in the Lunatic Asylum at New Plymouth, came to the colony in 1843. lie introduced the acacia on his Avay from the (.'ape. In 1848 he Avent home and published a book on Ncav Plymouth. He I ben devoted himself to literature Avithout success, and this lately weighed on his mind and produced the malady from Avhicli he suffered.

A bitter controversy has been going on lately between Archbishop Vaughau and the Freemasons of Sydney. The Archbishop, in an address, severely denounced (he .Masons, which elicited replies from loading members of (be craft, and Protestant clergymen. In defending himself from accusations of dis loyalty, the Archbishop replies :—Previous to" my consecration, 1 took an oath, by which I consider myself bound during the rest of mv life.—(l)'. To regard the sover eign pontiff as my spiritual head, and to die rather than deny him to be such. (2). To regard her Majesty the Queen as my tem poral head, and to'die rather than deny such to be the case. (3) To do all I can to open the eyes of my fellow men to the truth and beauty of the religion of our ancestors—the religion of those men who laid the founda tion of England's greatness, established her universities, built her cathedrals. (4). To do all this with gentleness and charity, that is, in the spirit of our .Saviour—and only to speak vehemently when vehemence seems the only way to 'make oneself understood. (5). To'consider loyalty to the Ciwi: as much an obligation placed upon me by Al mighty God, as obedience in spirituals to the Pope, and to be willing to lay down my life rather than prevaricate against either.

To the Editor. Sir,—Will you inform me through your valuable paper, whether the council would have committed themselves at all if tlicv had waited to give a decision in the hose, reel contract until! they had seen me to ascertain if 1 would comply with the conditions of the contract. I did not know that a deposit was to be made witb the lender, nor did T sec the conditions of the contract. otherwise I was fully prepared to make any deposit required, my fender being £17 W*, less than the one v.ccoptcd, and as I have frequently fnltilled contracts for the Council, it would have been fair tome and advantageous to the rate payers to have inquired whether Use deposit was omitted inadvertently or not. — Yours, Sec, CIIAHI.ES WOOLG.AU.

The Star of Freedom Lodge of the United Free Templars Avill meet in future on Tues day evenings, in the Cook-street OcldfelloAvs Hall, instead of the Christian Meeting House as heretofore, as per advertisement.

The English Cricketers have arrived at Sydney.

The Hobson Company and Band, to gether Avith the Naval 'Brigade, meet at the Drill Shed for a moonlight march to morroAV (Friday) evening, at 7. 30. p.m.

This morning, apout 10 o'clock, a gum digger's dog on the Avharf bit a little child avlio happened to touch it. Sergeant Mar tin, of the water police, immediately laid hold of the dog, when the quadruped re turned the compliment and bit the Sergeant on the cull', and then bolted as hard as lie could go. That dog's days are numbered. Neither of the bites is severe.

j&SJOn the fourth page to-day appears an in teresting account of Stanley's proceedings Central Africa, and a report of a remarkable case in the Divorce Court.

ELLERSLIE GARDENS.

The Foresters fete this Christmas, will come off at Ellerslie Gardens, on the 26th December. Special attractions Avill be advertised in due course, but Aye may inform our young athletes, that gymnastic competitions and footracing, Avill form a large feature in the day's sport.

EXTRAORDINARY PROCEEDINGS AT SUWARROW ISLAND.

ARREST OF MR 11. B. STERNDALE AT THE ISLAND. HE SHOUTS AT CAPTAIN FERNANDEZ. APPLICATION FOR A WARRANT TO-DAY. A VliliY sensational incident crops up in connection with the arrival of the brigantine Ryno, from Suwarrow Island. — Passengers by the vessel are: Air and Mrs 11. 15. Steriidale. This gentleman was formerly well-known in Auckland, principally by his letters sent to the '■Southern Cross," newspaper, on the Islands of the Pacific. The following is one version of the allair, as gleaned by our reporter : —" Two years ago, Mr Stcnulale, who had purchased from the natives the island of Suwarrow, was engaged by Messrs Henderson and Macfarlane to proceed to that island, and manage a station there for the collection of pearl shell, in connection with the firm's island trade. About four or live months ago, on the arrival of some of the linn's agents, there arose a disagreement between them and Mr. Steriidale, as to the way the station was managed, ami complaints were made about a lengthened absence during which the manager was away at Tahiti. Between Captain Fernandez, of the schooner Kricn hehla, and Mr Stcnulale, the unpleasantness arrived at such a pitch, that some very threatening language was used towards the former, by the latter. On the 7th October, Captain Fernandez, and several others took possession of the station. It was some days after this that the incident occurred, which is likely to form the subject of judicial enquiry in our Courts. One day Captain Fernando*, was on the esplanade in front of the houses at Suwarrow, when Mr Steriidale saw him from the house, lie immediately took a loaded rifle, and going to the door fired it at Captain Fernandez, who was only 15 yards oil. The captain was warned in time, and dodged the shot, by dropping on to his hands and knees. He then ran away. With regard to these tacts, we are informed on the best authority, that Mr. Steriidale admits the shooting with intent, but says when the time comes he will he able to give very good reasons for his conduct. After this the captain and crew of the Krienhilda demanded the surrender of .Mr. Steriidale, who ultimately gave himself up, and who . the Ryno arrived, was sent in her to Auck land. This morning, Captain Fernandez, alter an interview with the firm he repre sents, repaired to the Police Station, and applied for a warrant against Mr. Stern dale, for shooting with intent to mur der. A difliculty was raised on the question of jurisdiction, and the warrant had not been is. .led at 4 o'clock this afternoon. Mr Stcnulale is in exceedingly bail health."

MR. STERNDALE'S STATEMENT.

•Ml! Sti.i.ndau-: lias furnished us with the following slaleme.nl, in contradiction of the account.given in the " Herald." His version, it will lie seen, differs from the above : The rep-rlcr of t\ie "Herald" admits that his account of the affair is vague, and I should like to say that there, are a good many errors in his statement. He says first that " Mr Sterndale was sent down by Hender son and Macfarlane." Noav 1 was not sent down (here or anywhere in particular by Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane. 1 simply went where 1 thought best, and Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane were comparatively ignorant, of the existence of that island at that time. I took it up; they knew nothing about it. The '•Herald" (hen goes on to say : This island Avas to be the depot for a number of other islands "Avherc agents Avere also to be stationed." Tin; fact is, they Avere entirely ignorant of the island ; it was myself who made the depot in I hat place. 1 was al liberty to go to any island in the South Pacific that I thought best. I want distinctly to con tradict the idea that the island was taken up by Henderson and Macfarlane, and that I Avas sent there to conduct their business. It Avas taken up formerly by me in consequence of information which' I re ceived from the captain of a, ship of Avar. The next, statement is "There appears to have been some quarrel between Mr Sterndale and Captain Fernandez." The fact is that Fernandez had a, quarrel Avith a number of people, amougsl whom 1 was in cluded. The "Herald" also states that I threatened to shoot Captain Fernandez if he came on the Island. 1 entirely anil emphatically deny that. That there was a quarrel between myself and Captain Fernandez is not to be won dered at, when he had quarrelled with every one all round. You must remember that the island SouwarroAV was solely and entirely in my possession, and under my management. I cannot remember the exact date when Captain Fernandez arrived at the island, but I gave him notice before his landing that I desired him not to do so Avithout intimating his intention to me, in order that I might take necessary steps to prevent the breach of the peace which I con sidered avus likely to occur for several reasons, one of which Avas that there were upon the settlement persons with whom ' Captain Fernandez Avas at utter variance exclusive of myself. Of c.uirse as the person in possession of the island and the manager of the place, \ bad a perfect right to dictate as to what steps should be taken to preserve the peace. Two or three weeks subsequent to this Mr H. Henderson, in conjunction with Fernandez and others, took forcible possession of the island ; aud being unable to secure my person beseiged me and my Avife in our private house for sixteen days', armed men keeping watch upon us day and night and cutting us off from our supplies of food and Avater. At the end of that time I Avent out for water, carrying a carbine. A short distance from the house, in the direction I desired to go, I encountered Fernandez and wo others. Fernandez, upon seeing me,

immediately made a motion, as if to draw a pistol from his waist-cloth. He Avore no trousers, but a cloth round his waist. Seeing this motion, and not choos hv to be shot, I took the initiative, and and fired at Fernandez. He dropped down on all fours, then scrambled along like a frog for several paces, got up on his feet and ran away. The impression _ which is attempted to be conveyed m the "Herald "is that 1 maliciously attacked Fernandez to satisfy some former grudge. Nothing of tlie kind avus the case. As 1 have said. I Avas sixteen days besieged, and cut off from food and water, and that within a tew degrees of the equator, m a place that was so dark I had to use a kero sene lamp in the day-time if I wanted to enter up my journal. I leave it to anyone s common sense to say I was not actum in defence of my wife and myself when I went outside to light for water and food, rather than remain indoors and die of thirst and starvation. There Avas no Avater on the island except Avliat was in the men s charge " Mr Sterndale had a conversation w;th OMr Laishlev, his solicitor, and went to the Police Court, accompanied by Mrs Sterndale, for the purpose of informing the authorities where he might be found if they wished to serve any proce? of the Court upon him.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before W. J. Hurst Esq., J.P.) DRUNK.

Mary Robinson, an old lady in a Nor mandy bonnet, of dissipated appearance, gcntlv pleaded guilty to a charge of having been twice drunk in three months. The Constable : Do you plead guilty ? Mary (sadly) : Yes. Mr. Hurst: Ah then my good woman you will have to pay a line of 10s and costs, or to be imprisoned for 48 hours. INDECENT ASSAULT. Thomas Kingham, a red whiskered man, who leaned on the front of the dock, and stared at the Bench, was charged with having committed an indecent assault on Elizabeth Bailey, a girl 5 years of age, on November 25th, at Freeman's Bay. He was also charged with having on the same day indecently assaulted Bertha Bailey, aged 10, at the same place. Sub-Inspector Partly said the prisoner was arrested an the previous day. Mr. Laishley had undertaken prisoner's defence, hut was engaged at the Resident Magis trate's Court, and it had been arranged by consent, to adjourn the case until Saturday next. Adjourned accordingly. THREATENING LANGUAGE. A charge of threatening language pre ferred by James Knapman, against Thomas S. Odkin, was withdrawn. This avus all the business.

CRICKET.

Tiik Buckland Challenge Cup matches for this season, are now arranged. There are four entries, and the following Avill be the pairs : Auckland v. United, and West End v. North Shore. The winners will play oil' for the possession of the trophy. On Saturday next a match, Auckland v. North Shore,'will be played at the North Saore, and another bv'twee i the Carleton and West End, in the Domain.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.— This Day.

(Before K. C. BarstoAV, Esq., R.M.) JUDCMENTS Fill: PLAINTIFFS.

Lewis Pros. v. M. Moreross—claim, £32 (is, balance of account ; costs, £4 .Is (Mr .Meyer for plaintiffs). M. Levy and Co. a\ James Gcrrish —claim, £7 15s lid, balance of account ; costs, £2 Is (Mr Armstrong for plaiutiff)s ; defendant said be Avas the bell man of the Thames, and his employment was very precarious ; he could only pay 2s Gil a Avcek ; 20s a month. George FoAvler v. Wm. Williams —claim, £2 (is 7d, goods ; costs, 14s ; payments, Ss a month. John Young v. George Strong—claim, £3 IDs fid, groceries and fresh butter ; defendant said he Avas not aware that he OAved the money, but most likely he did, but if he Avas in debted lie had got nothing to pay with ; he had got neither goods nor money. Mr Young said defendant bad a good boat. Defendant : " That's not mine." His Worship said defendant must pay, or a dis tress warrant would be issued against him. Costs, 14s. JuufiMEXT Summonses. SAMUEL COOMIJES V. KKEJDEIUCK MEKKIMAX. Claim £13. 17s. Mr. Thome for plaintilf. .Air. Kissling, who acted as Mr. Coombes' solicitor, deposed that a judgment summons had been obtained against defendant some six months ago, but he had disregarded it. He understood that defendant possessed properdin Parnell. His Worship ordered that defendant pay ,-Cli Court, on tho Ith January, and the balance in February or be committed. SAMUEL COOMBES A'. C. BASTAN. Claim £2 8s 3d. Mr. Thorne sai«. defendant was willing to pay 2s Ud per week. Accepted. Adjourned. W. C. Demies A'. T. Johns; claim £28; Samuel Coombes a'. George Bennett, claim £15 is. APPLICATION. Mr. James Rae applied to the Court for a license for the purpose of carrying on the business of a pawnbroker in Auckland. In answer to His Worship, Mr. Rae said ho held a business at the Thames which he had continued for some years, he proposed to con tinue that with the aid of a competent assistant, and superintend the proposed business in Auck land himself. As there was no opposition, the application was granted. JOSEPH B. BUKK A'. AY. N. CLARKE. Claim, £22 10s. Mr. Dufaur for plaintiff, Mr. Ileskoth for de fendant. The plaintiff, in this case, was n commission agent in Shortland-street, and the defendant was the landlord of the Red Lion Hotel, Drake street. The claim was for commission in con nection with the transfer of the hotel from Mr. Pye.

Mr Dufaur opened the case in a very humour ous strain, and ealied Mr Buer to give evidence,

.Joseph Bradbury liner deposed that defendant called at his ollice, and said he Avanted to get a house, and said he Avould give about £500 for a good house. He intimated that he thought he knew of one. but should require his com mission 5 per cent, to which defendant agreed. and he signed the authority (produced) authorising plaintiff to negotiate lor the hotel, lie wen) to Mr I'yeand MrMowbray and bought the house for £110. After all his trouble in the matter. Mr Clarke said he would give up all thoughts of having the house, lie asked about his commission, as he had done all the work. Ho replied, Oh, you must ask Mr Mowbray about that. Mr Mowbray laughed at the matter, and said they knew nothing officially of Mr Clarke.

To Mr Heskcth: He did press both Mr and Mrs Pye to let him have the hotel for £110. He told Mrs Pye if he got the house on these terms, ho would give her a new bonnet; it was not. a new dress they arc too expensive in this country. He did net offer to settle the matter Avith Mr Clarke if he would give him £2, the amount he spent in drinks. He advertised as J. B. Buer and Co. He had a partner of course. Mr Heskcth : May I ask you the name of your partner.

Plaintiff: MyAvife (laughter), and she receives her share of the profits. His Worship : She s's a sleeping partner then ? Plaintiff: Oh yes, certainly. (Laughter.) Arthur Pittar, of Shortland-street, knew the parties, and heard the conversation between , tliem respecting the purchase of the Red Lion Hotel. He heard the agreement that Mr Bucr was to effect the purchase, and to receive five per cent, for his trouble. Mr Clarke tried to frighten Mr. liner out of the matter by threatening to lay an information against him under the Arms Act for selling a revolver. William Pye deposed that he Avas the land lord of the Bed Lion Hotel, hut asked how about his expenses. Being satisfied on this head, he stated that Mr. Mowbray had acted as his agent and (hat Mr. Bucr cameto him Avith the view of purchasing it for Mr. Clarke. Mr. 13tier came three times, offering £130, £115, and £150. He told him that it Avas in Mr. Mowbray's hands. He Avent to Mr. Mowbray, avlio sold tlie hotel to Mr. Clarke for £150. He wanted £170 at first. William Newport Clarke deposed that be called upon Mr.Bucr, and a conversation ensued when tlie hotel question was brought up, but I he did not request Mr. Bucr to buy tlie house for him, as he was quite able to buy the house him self. He went to purchase a house from Mr. Bucr if he had one, but he did not agree to give him five per cent. Mr. Bucr neve r asked for commission, but said once that if he (witness) I

would give him £2 for drinks, etc., they v — cry " quits." . (Left sitting.) "'->

THREE KINGS INSTITUTION.

The old and time honoured gathering of the Wesleyan ministers and friends of the above institution took place yesterday. The Re\\ Thomas Buddie, principal of this College, gave on last Monday a general invitation to any of the friends to come, and some availed them selves. The whole of the District ministers Avere not present, as some of them are perhaps on their way hack to their stations, and others engaged on business Avhich prevented their attendance. The folloAvingrev. gentlemen were there :-—Revs. W. Kirk, W. J. Williams, \V T Watkins, J. Smith, W. House, ti TT \_ C. H. Schnackenberg, and several lay gentle : men. The occasion seemed a kind of re-opening I ceremony, but as the Secretary Avas aAvay no report was read. The Avhole of the place wa3 visited, and everything seemed in holiday attire. The Rev. Thomas Buddie gaA'e a succinct account of the college since its opening under his care, Avhich Avas pleasing to hear. He was sorry that a larger gathering had not been there, hut as many had to go to their work again this could not well be. The Maori and European students had made Avonderful progress in English and the classics. Mr. Fee conducted the Maori examin ations, and it was pleasing to hear tho ready replies to very difficult problems in arithmetic Mr. S. La wry examinpd in reading and spelling" and|thegatheringappearedlikeaspellingbee.The Rev. W. J. Williams spoke a short time by Avay of encouragement to the students, and His re marks Avere listened to with great attention Mr. Edson spoke regarding the objects of the' College, and hoped the coming year Avould mark further progress. An excellent tea had been provided by Mrs. Buddie, and a most pleasant day Ava.i passed. The thanks of all arc due to ReA'. Mr. Buddie and his estimable lady, for the great efforts put forth since June last.

Australian Telegrams.

[PRESS AGEXCY,

[PER ALBION AT THE BLUFF.] Government Railways. The English Cricketers. Another Bank Defaulter. MELBOURNE. November 3rd. The Railway Constitution Bill provides for eleven separate lines, comprising an aggregate distance of nearly three hundred miles, at a cost of one million three hundred, thousand pounds. The county lines not to exceed £4250 per mile. The Hobsons Bay railway is under ofl'er to the Government, at the lowest estimate of £1,374,000, being at the rate of £85 per share. The proposal is likely to give rise to a long discussion, rendering it very doubtful if the session will close before Christmas, if this bill is to become law. The Swiss Bordietti, lies under sentence of death, for murder. The prisoner is an tdd man, and a foreigner. The Alfred Hospital scandal is being well ventilated. English Cricketers have visited Mel bourne. Bowling is their strong point. Large numbers witnessed their practice on the Melbourne ground. They play in Sydney on the 7th December. A large number of professionals continue to arrive. Another Bank defaulter has been dis covered. A clerk in the Union, is some hundreds in arrears, but the matter has been settled by his friends, and there will be no prosecution. An immense quantity of rain has fallen in all the colonies, most bcnellcial to all interests. Dr. Cordon, Superintendent of Ararat Lunatic Asylum, who committed suicide, Avas much liked. He bail lately been drinking heavily.

TELEGRAPHIC.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

DUNEDIN, this day

SPREAD OF SCARLET FEVER

Scarlet fever is on the increase here, Eleven fresh cases were reported yesterday.

(Press Agency).

CHRISTCHURCH, this day SALMON OVA.—RIFLE FIRING.

Between 70,000 and SO,OOO salmon ova have been hatched out.

It is feared that the firing for the General Government district prizes avi'll interfere with many voluuteers attending the Otago Rifle Association's prize shooting, as the two take place about the same time. Efforts •will be made to get the date for the district prize-firing altered. Firing for selection of carbine representation at the Colonial prize bring has commenced. The highest scores on the lirst competition are—Sergeant Hill, S7 ;Se geant-Major Fox, 86; Lieutenant Strange, 78 ; gunner Patten, 74.

WELLINGTON, this day

The County Boundaries.

A Gazette last night publishes Orders in Council fixing tlie boundaries of counties and ridings, also the number of Councillors for each riding. The following affect Auck land district :—

MoNOONUI COUNTY. —Kaitaia Hiding, 3 Councillors ; "YVhangaroa Biding, 4. Hokianga County.— Waihou, 3 Coun cillors ; Waima, 4. Bay of Islands County.—Russell, 4 Councillors ; Waima to, 3. YViian._ai.ei County.—Ngunguru, 1 Councillor; Hikuraugi, 3; Maugapai, 2; Mania, 1 ; Waipu, 'l 0 Rodney County.—Kauknpakapa, 2 Councillors; Puhoi, 2; Mahurangi, 2; Tauhoa, 1 ; MangaAvai. 1 ; Albert, 1.

Eden County.— Whan, 1 Councillor; NcAvton, 2 ; Grafton, 1 ; Epsom, 1 ; One hunga, 1 ; Parnell, 2 ; Tamaki, 1.

Coeomandkl County.— Haratainanga, 4 Councillors ; Mercury Pay, 3. Piako County.—YVaitoa, 3 Councillors; Mata Mata, 2 ; Taotaoroa, 2 ; Pateterei, 1. MoissoN County.—Paparoa, 4 Coun cillors ; Wairoa, 3.

Waitemata County.— Ararinni, 2 Councillors ; Weti, 1 ; Takapuna, 2 ; \Vai takerei, 1 ; Mannkau, 1 ; Titirangi, 1. Manukau County.—Otahuhu, 2 Coun cillors ; HoAvick, 1 ; Papakura, 2 ; Matuiga tawhiri, 1 ; Pukekohe, 1 ; Waiuku, 1; AAvhitu, 1.

_ Thames County—Hastings. 1 Coun cillor; ParaAvai, 1 ; Waiotnhi, 2; Ivamvai ranga, 1 ; Ohinemnri, 2. Waikato County.—Cambridge, 2 Councillors; Tamahere 2; Kirikiriioa, 2; Kangariri, 1. Waipa County.—-Newcastle, 1 Coun cillor; Hamilton, 2; Mangapiko, 2; Kan- r , giawhia, 1 ; Pukekura, 1. ' '§ . Raglan County.—OneAvhero, m_%#&yza*o ciUor; Te Akau, 1; Knrioi, 2; 2; Wliangape, ]. '-•-'> ■> Taueanga County.—Katikati, 1 Coun cillor ; Waimapu, 3; Maketu, 2; Kotorua, l

Whakatane County.—Omataroa, 2 Councillors ; Waioeka 4 ; Waikana, 1. Cook COUNTY.— Waipu, 1 Councillor; Tolago, 1 ■ Waimata, 2; Gisborne, 2; Te Arai, 1.

THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1876.



-vr O T I C E. In consequence of the room used as the Pro vincial Library being required for the Survey Department, the Books haA-c been removed to the Museum Building in Princes-street, where they Avill be open to the public daily from 10 to 4, Avith conveniences for reading. The privilege hitherto enjoyed by certain gentlemen of taking Avorks out of the Library Avill be continued to them. This arrangement Avill be in operation on and after the Ist December next, until the Genera Assembly shall make other provision for the disposition of the Library. FREDK. WHITAKER. 23rd November, 1870. QOIREE AT THE LAKE.—A Grand lO Soiree will be giA'en at the Lake School room on the evening of TUESDAY. sth instant. Rev. Peter Mason Avill preside. The Music, by Auckland friends. Avill be of a very high character. Mr. Ewington will give a reading. Mr. Blackman will read an original humourous poem. Tea on the tablclut fi.3o o'clock. -TVTOTICE TO CREDITORS—X. MES- J3i SANGER'S ESTATE. All Accounts must be at once rendered and Debts proA'cd, to the undersigned. E. ISAACS > Trllat *' R. ARTHUR j 11,lstecs-. IS S TEUTENBER, G'S ART U NIO N. The Subscription Lists will CLOSE on Satur day, the '2nd December, and the Prizes Avill be drawn for on THURSDAY, 7th December. All Subscriptions must, be paid previous to Drawing, or the shares Avill be considered as forfeited,and will be re-allotted. Tji URNI TU R E ARCADE KST CARPETS ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE KST FURNITURE ! FOR THE PEOPLE ! CITY HALL ARCADE SST BEDDING ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE m FLOOR CLOTHS! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! _W DRESS GOODS! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! t& MILLINERY! FOR THE PEOPLE ! CITY HALL ARCADE! tW MEN'S CLOTHING ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! ear boys' clothing i FOR THE PEOPLE ! CITY HALL ARCADE! Grandest Display of Coons, axd Gkeatest Variety, at the j@-CITY HA L L -m DRAPERY AND FURNITURE ARCADE. HOLLOWAY & GA KLICK, CABINETMAKERS. UPHOLSTERERS DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c. R. Cranaveix, Manager of Furniture Department.



T C 0 S GRA V E & CO. Beg to announce they will bring forward on MONDAY NEXT, 27tii NOVEMBER, A Fresh Lot of B A R G A I N S!!! Consisting of THEIR LATE SHIPMENT BY THE ORARI, Purchased at Home at Job Prices, together with the Avhole of their SUMMER DRAPERY & CLOTHING, REDUCED IN PRICE TO SUIT THE TIMES ! Several Bales of CALICO, damaged by sea Avatcr, will be Sold under Invoice Prico. JJURNIIURE! FURNITURE! Ladies and Gentlemen about to Furnish arc respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DEA WING ROOM, DINING - ROOM BEDROOM, A ND GENERAL ROUSE HOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacious Showrooms. T. & lI.'COOKE. 07. QU.VE.VSI'KBKV Adjoining Bank of New Zealand.} I -vr O T l C E. IN addition to their NEW SEASON'S STOCK of SPRING AND SUMMER DRAPERY GOODS, the undersigned arc now offering a number of SPECIAL LINES, at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES :— Strong While Calico, at 3/10 per doz. Grey Calico, 3A per yard Crowdson's Best White Calicos, an overstock, offering Cheap, fo reduce Splendid Value in Winceys, from /I per yard Superior 30 in. wide ditto, /!._■ yard, worth 1/2 Good Blue Dungaree, /8 per yard 30 in. Deny, brown and grey, /9_, best, quality New Japanese Silk, 1/ and 1/6 per yard Plain Blue Cloth, 00 in. wide, 1/6 per yard, half price Blue Diagonal Cloth, double width, 5/per yard, half-price Melton Cloth, double width, 3/(3 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, 111 Job lot Children's Brown and Grey Cotton Socks, from /3 per pair. Other Goods equally Cheap. Inspection Invited. RUSH B R OOK & BRID GM A N (Late R. Hobbs), JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite Army and NaAry Hotel), Upper Queen-stueet, Auckland.



A Flesh Creating Medicine.—When a due proportion of the food is conA'erted into pure rich blood, the natural nutrient of tlie body, there is nothing to prevent the acquisition of flesh, pro vided there be no undue waste of tissue from overwork, or any depleting ailments. "We would recommend those avlio desire to see the angles of their frames rounded off, to use UdOLI'HO Wolke's Schiedam AkomaticS-hnaiu'S,which promotes assimilation of tlie food and repairs all loses of substance.



Mark Twain ox Bab Musicians. — The musical public and general readers arc cautioned not to purchase Weston's Wizard Oil and Magic Pills Avithout carefully examining the outside Avrapper—and be sure that the Avords " None Genuine Avithout the Signature of tho Proprietor. Frank Weston, Sydney, N.5.W.," are engraven thereon. Any other so-called preparations of mine, are unauthorized by me, and calculated to mislead the public—Signed, Frank Weston. Sole Agents: Kempthorne, Prosser and Co. — Price, Half-a-croAvn.



Clearing-Out Sal© at j W. Rattray's. | Great Reductions !in every Department j Cheapest and best J Clothing at j W, Rattray's