SKIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Kt€«WATISR—This afternoon, 2 14 j to-morcow WlOTntpij, 2 55 ■Girw SiST -Thli ovonlng, 547 SUN RISK-To acrn:ow morning, 6 21 MOON'S AGJK— JfuU moon, Mb taatant, 7-18 am

ARRIVALS.

Taupo, s b, from the South 8t Kilda, ss, from Wauginui, in the Manukau Pretty Jane, s a, from (Mfborno Jessia Henderson, schoonev, from Lyttelton *ffie Meikle. schooner, from Op ltlkj XUinoro, schooner, from Russell Onward, schooner, from WaugareiJ WAky, schooner, from wangaroa

DEPARTURES

VESSELS EXPECTED Hero, ss, from Sydney, 18th April •Tuscarora, American war-ship, from Sydnoy, early La E'cocesa. ohip, from Loncwn ; sailed Beblrgtou, ship (PjßflV), from London; sailod 7Ui

February Dilpussund, barque, from London ; sailed Deo 22 Aline, barque, from Glasgow; sailed Dec 2(5 Annie Lewis, barque, t'r nn Dunedin, early Eyno, brigantlne, irom Islands, early E. W. Twcker, schooner, from Melbourne Loch Lee, schooner, from the Islands, early Dauntless, schooner, from Fiji Edith, schoonur, from the Islands Magic, cutter.from Penrhyn Island Bella Mury, barque, from Hobart Town Atlantic, schooner, from Dunedia ; sailed March 27

IMPORTS.

Per Taupo, from tho South: 2 packages, 47 cases tobacco, 4 do drugs, 12 bags rape seed, 3 packages, 25 sacks malt, 1 picknge 3 cises. 21 bales Nelson hops, 2 packages, 1 case, IT cases batter.—Henderson and JM.acfar.lane, agents.

The Union Steamship Co 's s.s. Taupo, Captain Worsp, arrived at Onelmnga this mornirig from the South. She left Port Chalmers at 430 pm on the 29th instant, and arrived at Lyttelton next morning at 8 ; left again at 6 p m, arriving in Wellington at Bam on the 31st; left at 2.30 pm, arrived at Picton at 730 pm; left on Ist April at 3 am, arrived at Nelson at noon; left again at midnight, arrived at Taranaki, at 1p m on the -2nd, discharged 60 to cargo; left at C pm. and arrived at Mann 1- above. She experienced S.W. gales with ' „.„ " from Port Chalmers to Picton, and f' \£lZ% fi °* weather. Passengers-Mrs Cha' Ws Mr f gates servant and child, Miss Watior Mr Cameron Mr^and Mrslnglis, Messrs Hedge gh'ane, SSSS,' nX, Mayher, Lioni, Mace. T^ amail Mr ' and Mr3 £ etshall Messrs Woodhead Mr ancl Mrg Cubitt Meggr^ McKenzie,Lall- ) -ty atsoni Bennett Walters, ToWie, ™ tSt rr^Wo. Cats, and Young. »v ooa ?' ftoion sailed from Diinedin f or Kaipara on the 28Jh« ultimo. Tt<j schooner Jessie Niccol arrived at Dnnedin «'om Kaipara on the 24 h March with fiO.OOO feet 4aurl timber.

Tho schooner Jessie Henderson arrived at One hunga on Saturday with a cargo of grain, etc, from Lyttelton. Hhe leftLytUlton ihe 14th instant. The following passengers arrived, per Pretty Jane, from Gisborne and Napier—Messrs Hill, Morgan, Banand, Chatfleld, Mann, Matlaud, Nandrest, Key Mr Eau.

The hip Merwanjea Framjee is progressing satis factorily with the discharge of her London cargo. It Is estimated that she will be finished duritg the week. Her goods are tuniing out in car.it<il condition. For a 13-year-old ship, we have never seen a vessel in a better state of peeservalion. Captain Bidwell evi dently takes a pride in h's ship, and keeps her in apple-pie oider. On Saturday he received a telegram from Port Adelaide, inforuiiug him that Messrs Darling and Sens had a cargo for him there, so thai his destination from here w that port, rt is nearly ceitain that Bho will load wheat for Liverpool.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Clohb as follows:— For Tonga and Samoa, per Vision, to-morrow at 11 am For Gisborne and Napier, per Pretty Jane, to-morrow at 3 pin Mails for Australian colonies, India. China, Mediter ranean ports. Continent of Europa, United King dom, via Suez and Southampton and via Brindisi, will be made up on Tuesday next, 4th April. For Money Orders, Registered Letters, and News papers at 1030 am For Coromacdel on Wednesday at 11 30 am For Chatham Islands on Wednesday next For Thames this day at 530 p m and to-morrow at 9 30 am For Wangarei this day at 4 30 p m ITor Waiwera, Kawan, and Matakann to-morrow at .10 am Per Colima oa Monday next as follows— For Kandavu, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies at 11 a m For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe at 11 a in For Money Orders, Registered letter, and News papen at 10 am Late .Letters bearing an extra fee of CJ, In addition to the postage, will ba received by the Mail Agent on £ board up the time of\sailing (Signed) S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr S. Cochrane sold at his rooms to-day, a number of freehold allotmknts, which realised the following prices :—Six lots, Cook-street, from 223 to 24a per foot; lots 1 and 2, Cook-street, from 14s to 18a per foot; lots, Cook-street, 14a per foot; lot 33, Sale-street, 203 per foot ; lot 10, Newmarket, adjoining Mr Clayton's residence, 11s per foot; lot 58, Conquest Place. 10s per foot. A flarge ; number of shares in several gold mining companies were also sold at good Mr R, Arthur's fruit sale to-day, was very well attended. Apples brought from Sd te 4|d per Ib. ; and pears 3d. It. The attendance at Mr G. W. Binney's sale of produce to-dry, was very small, and the lots were consequently withdrawn.

DEATH.

ARMSTRONG—On the 2nd instant, at his late resi dence, Wakf-fWd-street, Henry Armstrong, lato of tho 14th Begiment, aged 4<t years.

The funeral will take place at 3 p.m. to-morrow Friends aro respectfully iuviud.

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

MONDAY, APRIL 3, 1876

Kor the cause th?.t lacks Lssistance, I'or the Mi-out"- that needs resistance, t^or tli-future in t!ie d.rtance,

Aiu! the nood that we caa do.

True to its appointed rule the Crew proceeds

on Saturday to abuse the Superintendent. For

this it lives, and moves, and has its being, and such an opportunity as another tilt at arms between the two Government authori ses was not to be missed. When we read such comments on such an occurrencp, we cannot help asking ourselves, what rolianee

can we place on the historical records o

events and struggles of distant ages, when here, events that are pasting before our own

eyes in our very midst, and with all the actors

i n them familiar to us, arc capable of being misrepresented in such a daring, unblushing, and brazen-faced fashion, as that in which the Cross describes the arrogant and intensely insolent aud irritating demeanour adopted in the treatment of our province's interests, and our province's chief magistrate. Where a print published in the very midst of these events, deliberateiy and coldly lies in such a manner as should almost make a man choke, and on a subject that everyone understands as well as the writer, what can we

think of writers on events exempt through

age from contemporary criticism ? Our readers have read the correspondence between

the Superintendent and Colonial Secretary which appeared in our issue of Friday. How the Mayor of the Thames said the Colonial Secretary had instructed so and so, and how the Superintendent desiring official certainty

asked the Minister if he had so instructed, and

how the Minister censured him for doubting the Mayor's word, but would not confirm it, and impudently told ''the Superintedent that he did not ask his approval; and how the Superintendent for the sake of peace and the good work swallowed the insolence—and from such a man ! and volunteered the approval. And on all this the Cross hangs an attack on the Super, intendent for getting up a war of words abou.t trifles, and abuses him for a quarrel which was endeavoured to be fastened on httn, but in which at least—whatever may be true of other of his struggles—the Super intendent's share was something like being smitten on the one cheek and turning the

other also. Our wonder at such a mis-re' presentation is lost in the greater wonder, how'

ever a journal dares to pursue the course

which the Cross does j seeking evermore to humble the friends and defenders of the pro vince, and ever lauding and defend, ing those whose unconcealed struggle only is to deprive' it of every thing of which it can be deprived, to drag it to its knees as a mendicant, and hold ii up before the whole Colony as " poor bankrupt Auckland." But our superlative degree of wonder ia, how long is this to continue ? How long is the patience of the people to be abused, and is there to be no deliverance from this insolent ai> rogance of irresponsible and unchecked tyr anny 1 Are the feelings, to say no thing of the rights of the people, to be trifled with and chaffed at, and is hope ever to be presented till the whirl wind of revolution is excited, and sweeps over the land. In no other place has any Government ever dared to assume the in. solent and impertinent tone which at present characterises the party in power in New Zealand, the party that further seeks to trample on every bulwark that has hitherto .remained in some sort a protection to the rights of the people, and demands greater power as an encouragement to greater arro gance and insolence towards the public. We venture to say that less irritation than this persistent insult has lashed many a people into fury, and raised a flame that has been only quenched in the oppressor's blood.

Further and very lengthened correspondence between the heads of the two co-ordinate Governments has seen the light. To its details we have not space to allude. But we cannot avoid a word of comment on one portion of a letter, in which the Premier, Sir Julius Vogel, late member for City East, thus

writes to our present Superintendent oE bia own personal relations to Auckland :—

" I was lately one of its representatives and probably would be so still but.for my recent absence. Two years since I was aa popular in Auckland as your Honor was six months since, whilst I have never been so unpopular there ?,s your Honor was a few years ago, and I certainly have never had any but friendly feelings towards the pro vince, and a desire to serve it. Ido not like, in a correspondence which will be pub lished, to indulge in such lavish praises as your Honor gracefully does, although I h&ve a great admiration and esteem for the people of Auckland. That they are forgiving, generous, and impulsive, your Honor-ha? had proof ; and when facts are before them, I do not doubt they will also evidence their sagacity."

Sir Julius Vogel speaks much truth. It is true he was popular, very popular in Auck land. Not indeed so popular as Sir George Grey at present 13 in Auckland, for neither he nor any other man ever war so. Bub Mr Vogel was indeed popular. People believed in bis ?aW*' o Works policy, and bclievad ii> j^, B ut; he has sold us like t\ htillock ; and his policy, whatever it "has been toothers, has been disaster to us. TheUj nearly every one in Auckland with any grasp of mind or any enthusiasm about the colony hailed the Public Works policy with delight, and reverenced Vogel as its High Priest. Now, no one follows him but those who have fore3ts or lauds, or some other swindle in eye, or are in some other way in present or prospective enjoyment of the regime of corruption which he inaugurated. This is the secret of the change. It is based not on " impulsiveness," but on bitter disappointment and consequent chagrin ; and it should be a warning to all public men. When rejected of the South, Auokland took him up and petted him and fondled him, and like the frozen viper warmed into lifo in the shepherd's bosom, he has turned and stung his benefactor. When Aucklaud took Mr Vogel to its bosom she was happy, prosperous, contented and pro gressive. Now after five years of his policy Auckland hangs behind the rest of the colony commercially, is politically crushed, and her Treasury bankrupt. We charge Sir Julius Vogel, her representative, as the traitor whose hand wrought this, and the burst of indignation before which he quailed eighteen months ago, when he ran from the platform of the Choral Hall and fled from the city in the clouds of the night, was the righteous disgust of a oonfiding and deceived people whose eyes had been fnlly opened to tho fact that they had been sold.

None of our readers wa3 more suiprised than ourselves at seeing the opening words of a paragraph in our Saturday's issue res pecting "A Lively Eally in Queen-street." " A Jew, named Rogers, committed an assault," said the penman, and without editorial supervision the printer gave it to tho world. Wo need not call to witness the whole character and spirit o£ the Star to show our desire to shelter snd protect the sensitive feelings of onr fellow citizens in matters of religiou from offence, nor do we think it is necessary for us to say that such a phrase, had it beea noticed, would have been elided. The paragraph came in wet ink to case while the machine was chafing and fretting to pro ceed, and so it saw the light. If thero is one communion in Auckland that more than all others is tolerant and generous towards others it is the Hebrew denomination, and we feel confident that any attempt at reviv ing the anachronism of using his faith as a term of opprobium to a Jew would meet with general condemnation in this city. Since disabilities were taken away the descendants of Abraham hava too well shown their ability to stand in the van in everything that can distinguish humanity, for any one to be able to speak sneeringly of a " Jew." The phrase was a blunder.

"Pots and kettles to mend" would be the password to fame »nd fortune in Auck land ; for it is a remarkable fact that among all the strange classes of society from which the Agent-General has drawn his recruits, he baa overlooked the tinkers. In fact a living tinker is about as hard to find as a dead donkey. Why it is that Dr Feather stone should have exhibited such an anti pathy or suspicion towards this class of operatives we know not. He may be a lineal descendant of ono of them, and like many another dis tinguished colonist may be sensitive on the subject of his father. But it is a fact that while artificers in brass and iron aDd all other kind of metals have come by his ships the arrival of a tinsmith is not re corded. The consequence is that those of that ilk already here are intollerable in their cheek, and being masters of the situation lead their employers a sorry life. We have it on authority that the operatives in this par ticular path of life are becoming unbearable ; and have got into the way of doing .just as they like. The necessary result will follow. We must take care that it is well proclaimed in England, that of all classes of men, there are none here so bounceable and independent in their ways as the operative tinsmiths, and if we do not|have a swarm of them in a few months we shall at least have them bearing some proportion to the plumbers, and the gafitters and kindred artificers who arrive ad libitum by every ship.

The cricket match on Saturday at the Domain between the Auckland G.C. and the Peripatectics, resulted in a draw, the Auck land Olub at the conclusoin having only to make 19 runs to win, which, considering there was only two wickets to fall, might have easily been accomplished. For the Peripa tecties, the best scores were those of Simcox 15, Castelli 14, Hamilton 10, and Ward 9 ; the bowling being executed by Messrs Hamil ton and Swainson. For the Auckland Club, Pilling showed up well with 27, the only other score worthy of note being that of Lowry for 10. The principal bowler on this side was Mr Cotton.—A friendly match was played between the Auckland and Paraell Grammar schools, which resulted in favor of the former by 14 runs. The scores on both sides were very good.

The Marchioness of Normanby, accompan ied by her son, Lord. Hervey Phipps, last week paid a visit to the Orphan Home Par nell. The Marchioness was shewn round the establishment by Mrs Cameron, the Matron, and testifies her pleasure of what she had seen, by requesting that the children might have a holiday in commemoration of her visit. Her wish was granted, and the children will accordingly be taken to the domain to-morrow to enjoy themselves.

rumor having been circulated in Oamaru lately that, following on the recent earth quakes, a volcano had broken out, the North Otago Times sent a special reporter in search of it, but he returned with the information that the source of the smoke was either the burning of wheat-stacks of Mr. Robertson, " or a lagoon which has been on fire for some days in Totara paddock." ,

We understand that the amount realised at the late benevolent concert at Lome street Hall was £13.

The anniversary tea-meeting at Edwardes street Primitive Methodist Church, will be held this evening in the adjoining chapel. Tea on the table at half-past six o'clock, after which the public meeting will be held, when ministers and laymen will address the people,

To the Editor $ Sir^—A widow's cause in some respects is one that "lack'sassistance.'* Indeed, I often think that there is no peace for a widow in the neighbourhood of Auck land, she ig subjected to so many worries. II a widow stays out late of niglit, which she should not do, Bave on imperative occasions, she is liable, like Fanny Bowman^ to be attacked and Assaulted. If she keep 3 pood hotirs and goes to bed early, she is liable to have her clothesline stripped, or alarmed by the sight of a rude face at. the top of a ladder looking in af; ber be'd-rbora window. If she is prim and smarrlooking, she is bothered by some lone widower^ wbo seeks ; her consent to keep hia house and look after his children. Hence, siil, there in no^aoe for a widow-, p.n.r?-. wheii sue gets a decent offer* mal'fxaga is clearly her only way Oi. escape, however reluctant she may be to make a second venture. 7. hdp&d ttt escape all these trials, by retiring to the sweet;, Iresh breathing locality of Spring bank, and in being absolute mistress. of » small two-roomed cotton wi:fch ffiy surviving spaniel, Snap-, I lioped'there to be free from Worldly molestation, and have opportunities of peaceful preparatian for the future, and retire in musical concert at eventide with the birds, with my mind in harmony with all natuce. The othar day, however, when about to conclude my week's wash, the post man brought me a letter, which I eajjorly opened in expectation of a friendly message, what do you think the envelope ontained — when not a letter, net a draper's bill, not a summons' for payment of the E luxation rate ; but a ivooicg circular, nicely worked from one who was evidently well-versed in the " art of Love." The circular was of the most gushing description, wherein the eloquent writer promised in the most fascinating style to procure a husband for me on easy terms, namely, the serene acceptance of his beautiful plan. I was surprised and sank overcome on my little horsehair couch under the window. The circular was strikingly poetic, with suitable quotations from Shakespeare, and after a sublime expression of sympathy for the lone widow and her desolate condition, my case was cited by the matrimonial manager as one that ought not to be, I have not replied, but I have thought over the promises of that circular many times ; some times the thoughts have compelled mo to fly to the tea-pot as a gentle remedy for the headache which that circular invariably causes. Fancy, Mr Editor, an address to a susceptible widow, with a heart to dispose of, and don't wonder that I get the headache ; it is enough to make one's heart ache. "Dream no longer of an Elysian," says this complete letter writer, "but hearken unto mo, and be practical ; mark everything confidential. Tell me— Would not you like to exchange that miserable little cottage of yours for a comfortable home stead in tlierjuiet country with a wealthy settler for a husband, a gold, ring and keeper, a store of home-made wines and fruits, a pony to ride on, snowy-headed old lov«r of sixty to pay all expenses, house in the centre of 1000 acres of good land, with flower and kitchen gardens at hand, silk dress every six weeks, and home in a fine healthy situation ? Can you, Madam, resist the opportunity ? Make up your mind speedily, and notice shall be given to such minister as you may name ; and the white Parnell ponies shall be ordered —duly caparisoned—for the wedding day !" Flow shall I answer this poetic match-maker: shall I eDgage his confidential services, or shall I remain a widow on the look out. — Anne Ford, Springbank.

The New Zealand Presh/lerian Church News for tho present month opens with a review of the Statistics Committee report iv relation to tho financial condition of the Pres byterian Churches of the colonies. A sermon on combative Christianity by Rev Dr. Wallis, suggested by the text in the Gospel of St. Matthew, c. 10, v. 34. "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth ; I came not to send pence, but a sword," will be read with especial interest by Christian people as a rational explanation of a difficult text of scripture, shewing tho Christ's declar ation, though apparently strange, is verified in the experience of the individual Christian, in the experience of families and nations, and that peace in its truent meaning can only be reached through conflict. The "Safety of tho Church," by Rev. J. P. Wilson is a thoughtful and suggestive article in the form of a discourse. A sketch of puseyism is instru tive and predictive of what may como to pass according to the views of Mr Gladstone and other controversial writers. Another article treats of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand Total Abstinence Society, and its constitution. The remaining p.iges of this useful monthly serial is devoted to news of provincial churches and meetings in various localities, with many itema of nows from various parts of England, Ireland, and Scot land. The literary merit of the articles is quite equal to that of the preceding numbers, and the April News will bo welcomed by its many readers, and especially by members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr Edward Jenkins, M.P., well-known as the author of that remarkable book " Ginx's Baby," which immediately upon its appearance, won for its author an "enduring populary, has justjissuedanew work entitled the "Devil's Chain," written in favor of total abstinence from intoxicating liquors. The story is exciting much interest at home, the principal character is the son of a brewer whose conscience is at variance with malt, hop 3, etc., and some remarkable dis closures are made by the brewer's son, and many truths told in a wholesome manner. A book from the pen of such an original writer will do an immense amount of good, and it is hoped the proverbial niggardness of templars will give way on this way, and assist in circulating the work which is calcu lated to give a freshening impulse to the cause of templary.' Mr Jenkins has also been lecturing in different English and Scottish jtowns on " Edgar Allan Poe," in furtheranoe of the same cause. This erratic genius, whose " Eaven," is admittedly one of the most original poems in the language, is held up as a warning by the gifted lecturer, and no better as "a caution," could be set before young men to avoid the fatal path which led to the poet's ruinj and miserable death.

The funeral of Mrs Parker, the wife of Mr William Johnson Parker, of Napier-street, took place yesterday afternoon in the Church of England cemetery, and the very large proceaßi'on which followed the remains of the deceased lady to her quiet resting place shewed how much she was respected by her neighbours, among whom' she never made an enemy. The ancient Order of Foresters shewed their respect to the deceased by being in the procession in regalia. The funeral service was read over the grave in a very impressive manner by Rev. R. S. Hassard of St. Matthew's, and much feeling was observ able ameng those who gathered around the affecting scene. Mrs Parker was most un assuming in her character, and cleanly in her household. Her miniature garden, in which she laboured early and late, was a model of taste, neatness, and beauty. Mrs Parker endured her long term of illness with ex emplary patience, and died in Christian, as surance of the better life.

A consignment of new bronze coinage has arrived at Dunedia from London by the ship Manlesden, and may be'obtained at the Custom-house on application to the collector of Customs. Last August it was notified by proclamation that the copper coin of Great Britain and Ireland now in circulation, was no longer current.

We learn that an old woman, seventy years of age, named Mrs Coppell, who re sided with her daughter, Mrs Pearson, at Lome-street, has been missing since last 4.30 Saturday. She has not been heard of since Saturday afternoon, at which time she was noticed on the wharf, dressed in black. As she was of a childish turn of mind, it is pro bable turn of mind, it is thought probable that she may have fallen off thee wharf and been drowned.

We have the greatest gratification in in forming out readers that; the District ha srineer, Captain Turner, has been instructed to have the line between Waitekaun (Ohme rnuti) «anft Katikati laid off forthwith This work V/ill be proceeded tfitb immediately after the arrival of Captain A. C'rapp, who is now on his way up from Gisborne. Che Armed Constabulary at present stationed at Ohinemuri, are to be employed on the line. When completed, the road or r^Z, overland communication with the rhames, and open up a very fine tract of country, ihe absolute necessity of constructing this road has on more than one occasion been pointed out by US. We congratulate the districti on the flatter having been taken in hand.-2% of Plenty Times. ' With reference to a letter from trie driver of an Onehunga omnibus* We learn that the tarrying 8t any drunken ptSrson, or the defy ing of liquor to passengers, is an offence against the vehicle and passenger regulations of tbe city, for which the driver renders Him self liable to a penalty of £5 and costs, and upon a second conviction, a risk of losing his liaence. from the disinclination of persons to come forward and give information at the Police Court, a great deal of laxity exists among drivers in respect of the various regu lations for the comfort and protection of travellers. A time will come, however, when these rules must be enforced.

The regular cotntrmnicatioa of the Lodge Ara will bo held this evening in the Lodge room, Masonic Hotel, at the usual hour. The Church Gazelle, the representative organ of the Anglican Church for the present month is full of entertaining matter.. The diocesan and perochial intelligence and re marks are useful to churchmen. The articles comprise thoughts on the Cliu.ioh of England Temperance Society. A readable sketch of Ohinemuri, and a trip from Hopuhopu to Mercer, from the pen, we believe of Key M. Ashwell. The Church of England news will be welcomed as a record of passing events both at home and abroad, also, a number of excellent extracts from new books, and quotations from eminent theological writers of present and past age 3. The Sunday School exercises for the month, so useful for Sunday school teachers, help to make up a goodly April number of this penodica 1.

Speaking of the confusion which prevailed, after the tiro at Wellington the New Zealand Times says : "The lodgers suffered con siderably. One gentleman, a commercial traveller, kmt property consisting of samples of jewellery to the value of over £200. Others were unfortunate in different degrees Some lost everything they had in the hotel. Several watches were lo?,t, and also money. In some eases the victims had not even found time to provide themselves with a complete auifc of clothes. Oae of these had to buy a pair of boot 3 and borrow a coat yesterday morning. Another was seen to rush up and down the street once or twice in a costume of the queerest kind, being a com promise between that used by our forefather Adam and a modern dres3 suit. < He had on one tall hat, one shirt, and a pair of boots. He found a friend'and clothed himself."

An extraordinary incident says a Welling ton paper ocurred at the Theatre last even ing. A gentleman was sitting conversing in the dress circle, when suddenly he felt something running up tho leg of his trousers quickly, and on shaking his leg, out jumped a large rat. The circumstance occasioned not a little merriment to those who saw it, but the gentleman lost his composure for a few minutes.

The half-yearly meeting of the Court City of Auckland A. OF., will be held this evening in the Lodge-room, Cook-atreet, for election of officers for the ensuing term and for other important business. The lodge will open at eight o'clock. A miner, named Lynch, lately up from C'oromandel, has shown us this morning a small lump of white metal which, he says he found while fossicking in the Coromaudel district. It has been submitted to a jeweller, who pronounces it nearly pure bismuth. The man who discovered it, saya that it was found several feet below the surface of the soil, and could nob possibly have been dropped there. From the appearance of the specimen it has become dotached from a larger quantity, as the edges in places are sharp and rugged. Bismuth is of considerable commer cial value. In combination with oxygen, it forms a compound of great use in the manu facture of porcelain, in which it is employed as an agent for fixing the gilding, and for increaaiug the possibility of /luxes, at tho same time, neutralising the colours which are often communicated by them. Pearl White, or.Pearl Powder, is thesubnitrate of bismuth, and is used as a cosmetic, and also in medi cine as an astringent. Bismuth to bo of value must be found in large quantities. The specimen is on view at our office, and, we shall be happy to show it to anyonewho may feel interested in the discovery.

The monthly Club Rifle match of No. 3 Company, A.R.V., was held at tha Rifle range on Saturday. The firing, resulted in a tie between Captain Morrow and Volunteer J. Leigh for first place. Captain Morrow having made the best score at 500 yards, he was declared winner of the first prize, the Ladies' Cup. The following were the prize takers—Captain Morrow, 56 ; Vol. May, 56 ; Vol. Hay, 55 ; Vol. Yates, 54.

Messrs Mofflin and Smith have taken the Victoria Livery and Bait Stables, in Albert street,* lately in the occupation of Mr Crovvthor, and intend carrying on the busi ness of coach and fly proprietors. Mr Mofflin has had the advantage of learning the busi ness in which he has now embarked in a capital school, for he has been well-known as Mr F. Quick's business manager for some years. Ec has given great satisfaction both to his late employer and the public generally. One of the partners will always reside on the premises, so that the public may reckon upon promptitude in the dispatch of their orders. Mr Smith will be remem bered as the pilot, of the Riverhead and Hel ensville 'bus before the railway wag opened.

The Pitt-street Wesleyan Chapel was crowded last eveningjjongthe occasion of the valedictory sermon of the Rev A. Reid. The rev gentleman selected as his text Romans xvi. chapter 25th, 26th, and 27th verses, " Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my Gospel, and the preach ing of Jesus Christ, according to the revela tion of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith ;to God only wise be glory through Jesus Christ for ever, amen.'-' The address was d very eloquent and instructive and was listened, to with great attention throughout.

To the Editor : Sir,—There is an awful rowdy element existing in Onehunga. Gene rally in the small hours of the morning there is a sudden rush of noisy voices in the street, and the language is plentifully besprinkled with cursing and swearing. I heard them this morning between two and three o'clock. They went down Church-street, I think to avoid the policeman hearing them. This morning I hear Brierly's lamp and windows are broken. Fuller's people were alarmed by the evident attempt to force in his doors, and Mr Codlin's lamp was broken. Where does this secret club of rascality come from I —l am, &c, Enquirer. By advertisement elsewhere we observe that the technical classes in connection with the Mechanics' Institute will commence thi3 evening. The terms are so very reasonable that the youths of the city ought to avail themselves of the opportunity afforded to attend these classes.

Some amusement, was caused in the neighbourhood of High-street this morning, by a fight between two youths. After several rounds had been.fought, the comba tants were separated by the spectators, much to their disgust, one of them especially venting his rage in language not fit for ears p_olite.

The stranded schoonpr Melaine was sold this morning by Messrs B. Tonks and Co., for £50, to Mr Harper, with a contingency oi another £150, should the vessel be floated. Mr Barbour, of the Kaipara, has the contract for floating her. The usual weekly drill of the Artillery will take place this evening in the Albert Bar racks On Thursday the,annual inspection of the Battlion will take place when blank cartridges will be fired. Captain Burns having obtained permission from the Corpor ation to fire within the precints of the city. As it will be a moonlight evening we expect to see a largo number of citizens present to witness the military movements of our local Artillery Volunteers.

PUBLIC SLAUGHTER-HOUSES V. PRIVATE.

(To the Editor-of the Star.) Sir —1 had fully made up my mind when I wrote you last; that 1 would bring the sub iecfc of the Slaughterhouse before the public at some future day. la the Herald of bafcur day, I see a discription of Fisher and Go s slaughterhouse, and I quite a?,ree with the party that wrote the~ article that it is very good for a butcher or company to have a private slaughterhouse and have all the profit; but I want the public to look at it in a dif ferent light from what it is put before them in the EeraU. Fisher and Co. would be glad to erect slaughterhouses on their own ground, at we'll say.half the fees that are charged at present at the Newmarket Slaughterhouse, wbi'^h would amount to six or seven hundred pounds a year, but is that lessening the amount that the people have to pay as atax on their meat ? No ; it is making things worse ; it is making it a monopoly to the firm. Why could we not have in Auckland a Board of Trade, and let the Provincial Government give the butchers a piece of ground near Auckland to erect public abattoirs, and I daresay that the butchers would be only too glad to erect good substan tial buildinp's,' and guarantee that the rate charged would be less than the amount charged at Newmarket at present; but, Mr Editor, with your permission, I will shew the public than it would be better to grant every butcher a license to kill at a mere nominal fee, subject to government inspec tion. Fisher and Co. certainly have erected good premises for themselves, and so they ought to. They pay fifty pounds a year license.and their average killing is some'hing like forty bullocks and two hundred sheep a week, which would amount to, charged at the Newmarket rate of fees, something like £585 a year, and still they do not profess to sell meat at less per IT) than the butchers that kill at Newmarket. You will be able, from what I have shown you, to see that the slaughfcer-honses should not be made a monopoly, but should belong to the public. I have no doubt now that this question has been raised that Sir Julius Vogelwill cast his eyes around the different provinces and see how there could be another £20,000 made (as a tax on meat) for the good of the colonial revenue. —Yours, etc., A Butcher.

CABLEGRAMS.

[press agency.]

THE QUEEN'S NEW TITLE AND THE COLONIES.

THE TURKISH INSURRECTION.

LONDON.

March 28. Mr Gladstone, Lord Hartington, Mr Forster, and the Times urge the expediency of including the colonies in the Queen's new title. March 18. The Prince of Montenegro is using his endeavours to induce the insurgents to sub mit. For wheat there is an improving demand. The tin market has rallied, and is now quoted at £74. Wallaroo copper is quoted at £85, pending the sale by public auction of 2000 tons. 350 bales of New Zealand hemp have been sold at full rates. Present stocks are firmly held.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE PACIFIC MAIL ROUTE. SYDNEY. April 1. Our Executive Philadelphia Commissioner thinks a mistake is made in including a Fijian port in the Pacific service. He suggests the Bay of Islands as the port of call for New Zealand. He thinks the line will work under difficulties while New Zea land has to join at Kandavu.

Sudden Death.

A sudden death under painful circumstances took place last evening in Abercrombie street, the victim being a man named Arm strong. It seems that the deceased had been drinking heavily for the past fortnight, and as a consequence he was yesterday attacked with delirium iremens. While in this state he threw himself out of bed several times, and threatened to kill himself. Mrs Arm strong sent for Dr Stockwell, Sergeant Mul ville, and Constable Revell, who gave all assistance in their power to the unfortunate man. When leaving, the police desired that if their services were again required they might be communicated with. A little after ten o'clock the woman, on going upstairs, found her husband in bed lifeless. The widow is a milliner, and keeps a small shop near to the Fitzroy Hotel. Deceased was a pensioner, 44 years of age. An inquest will most likely be held on the body.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. 0. Barstow, Esq., K.M.) DRUNKENNESS. Alice Hoskins, and Henry Joiner, were charged with drunkenness, and fined 5s each with costs. UNDER THE VAGRANCY ACT. Mary Burke was charged with being drnnk and with having no visible, lawful means of support. As this was prisoner's fourth offence, for drunkenness, and as she had been convicted and imprisoned on several other occasions, the Court ordered her to Mount Eden for the term of three months with hard labour. Elizabeth Best was brought up charged with the same offence. Prisoner said she was a married woman, and hoped, as she would plead guilty, that the Court would send her child to the school for destitute children. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the woman had been leading a wretched life for some time past, and appeared to have no home. Six months imprisonment with hard labour. Mary McKallanee was charged with the same offence. Prisoner denied the charge. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the woman was found laying out, but as this was the first time she had been brought up, he did not wish to press the charge against her. Remanded until te-morrow that enquiries might be made into the woman's niude of life. A LITTLE DUST. Mary Kenny was summoned for using in sulting language towards William Inison at Newton on the 26bh instant. Mrs Kenny having apologised, Mr Inison was not willing to press the charge which was accordingly withdrawn. EDUCATION RATE. Mr Beal, solicitor, again appeared with a list of Education Rate defaulters, and ob

tamed judgments in the following iariaftfete: >;' The parties resided in the Waikato districts Jamea Butler, Jacob Baner, George Rawii son, James Baker, Carter Longbottam AW Wilson, and Wm. - .rdcX pay, £1, and £2 123 costs in each case. I A number of other- defaulters •were then called, and adjourned until the. 2nd day of May, when other names would prokblv ' extend the Jisfc. * % Tais was all the buaiaess. '!'

Opening of the Criminal Sessions.

SUPJtEM X COU.RT.-THIS DAY.

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies,) The April Sessious of the quarterly Circuit! Court of Now Zealand for gaol delivery waa ?oened this morning, at the' Supreme Court before *»s Honor Mr Justice Gillies and tha Grand Jury'of the province. ~ H s Honor to?* his seat at eleven o'clock precisely. The Court was crowd*?" Wlth jurymen, and numbers of the general pui^ic in attendance on business or otherwise, The following genbleman were stf?ornqf Grand Jufy by Mr Wilcocks, i.he new Registrar, who conducted the prelitmnary business in a very able manner :— Jos. May, Jno. Goulon, Wa Aitten,Bi M. Wynyard, Jas. Baber, Jno. Buchanan' Joseph Howard, Edward Isaacs, Jno. Lawl ford, Archard Wallace, L. D. Nathan, W. T. Bassett, Jas. Walmesley, J. E. Pound:/ G, P. Pierce, J. M. Shera, Robert Graham) Sfcad?uis Jones. M. M. Taylor, J. L. Camp, bell, J. ir- Dargaville, and J. T. Boylan, .' Dr. Campbell was elected Foreman. ■■:'■': The crier now' proclaimed silence on psfe of imprisonment, wnr'e. his Honor delivered his charge to the Grand' Jury. Th§ Chargev Hia Honor addressing the foreman and gentlemen of the Grand Jury spoke as fol^ . lows:—lt was again his pleasing dflty to congratulate them upon the exceptionally lignt calender. He meant with regard to the number of the charges. Unfortunately there were several charges of a seriouV character, but in reference to the duties they .■ ■] had to perform, there were few that wonla" present any difficulties, the evidence for the most part being clear. There were altogether 15 person& accused of 15 crimes, but some per? sons were charged with several crimes, and in some cases several persons were charged with the same crime. There were two per sons charged with wilful murder, six persons were accused of three charges of indecent assault, one person was accused of breaking and entering, one of larceny, three were accused of live cases of forgery, and one with two charges of bribery. There might be sonW subordinate charges in the indecent assault cases, in which they would have an alterna tive presented to them. In reference to the larceny and breaking and entering, oases, it was unnecessary for him to detain them, as the evidence was simple, and there were sufficiently familiar wich such crimes as' to render any direction from the judge needles?/ Nor need he say anything about the perjury charges, except to notice what he had before remarked on, namely that the facility with which cheques with unknown names on them were received from unknown persons, tended greatly to the encouragement of crime. He did not advocate legislative in terference ibut wished to bring moral pressure to bear, bo that persons might be led to be more careful; otherwise they would be in a manner conducing to crime. There were an unusual number of indecent assault cases. Crime often occurred in waves , or tides, and just now there wss a rapid suc cession of indecent assaults. In dealing : with these they would remember that such charges were very easily made, ahdrebutted with great difficulty. They must be careful te Bee that the evidence of the complainant was corroborated. The crime was one of a very serious nature, and wag deserving of strong reprobation by all and of their and his best efforts to keep it downl Suill they must weigh the evidence verycate fully. There was one case in Which a married woman was the prosecutrix. Looking at the evidence on which the prisoner waß com mitted, he should advise them to give the ;; charge their most earnest attention. In another case four persons were accused of one charge. In this there was apparently an attempt on the part of the defence to prove that the nerson on whom the assault was committed was drunk at the time. It was, perhaps, unnecessary for him to^oint out that thab was no palliation of the crime, and if the evidence showed that the crime was committed, they were bound to return a true bill. Every person, whether drunk or sober, was entitled to the "protection of the law. In reference to that case he had to remind them that the law laid it down that although all the parties charged might not be actually employed in the commission of the offence, yeb if it was proved that any of ; them stood by without interfering they were equally guilty. They would find with re gard to one of the persons accused that the question would arise whether he was either actively or passively concerned in the onme» ;i or was not actually trying to prevent it. It was extremely likely that it would be ' necessary to make a difference in the degrees; of guile. He next came to two charges of an unusual character, namely, bribery" in • connection with the recent elections. Tne crime of bribery appeared so rarely in the calendar that he would read them an extract from the Act to show them what the.legal de finition of bribery waß. (His Honor quoted largely from the statute book. They would observe that bribery did not merely; include,: the act of giving money for votes, but that the law comprised under the crime every mode by which votes might be influenced,;- ■-■ either by promises or the expenditure; of a > money. The witnesses had sworn very pos itively to the fact of the crime having been committed, but it wouW be for them ro de termine whether that evidence was strictly reliable. The purity of election was m trusted a subject of sufficient importance to cause them to use their best efforts tow"™?.-, matters thoroughly, and he'felt satisfied they would not allow the position in life in whicn the accused moved to interfere with tneir, giving the charge very careful consideration In one of the cases of wilful murder the person who was stabbed had recently died. He wonltt point out to them that the crime of muraer r consisted of killing with " malice afore; ~ thought." It did not follow that murcier .* must be actually preconcerted, it must De ,•• siinplv shown that there was no Bufflcien?, excuse. The law implies malice where tne,,, absence of it is not demonstrated. -^ crimes of murder and manslaughter were very closely allied. The fact of the crime being committed in the heat of PaßS^ might reduce it to manslaughter; »*.W ' infighting, if a person suddenly,, wf °uu any previous intention, or in sejf;defence, drew a dangerous weopon and nseoUt «»a"J the crime might be then construed as any, manslaughter. They must take the circum stances of the case into consideragn. , In either case they had iM l J*** to return a true bill. J-he T,.nnn it would be necessary for him *° tofl" P d ° r ' was that of the Maori accused ofmu™^ who avowed the offence, but urged m«wus that the murdered man h^£Xt witchcraft. Now he need not teU that such an excuse was nona i* *J f eJ , had i law. Although it was true that W^ biß , been judicially burnt for witchcraft mm , the last 200 years, and some people BUU lieved in it, it was not recognised by J v- Rhi and however the ignorance of .accu*? a hßl <> n t, palliate his guilt and modify his V**Z iO ter it could make no aifference in *£${$$$* >■■■ of the crime. His Honor said W£" .• an &" all the comments h^T *'* "^vto W* directed the Grand J^^ture t0 $> room and commence their JnOTj1' j TBTTB BILLS. v . fl -Mnljt, I The Grand Jury found true WIJB »B

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