SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER—This afternoon, 88; to-morrow aorping, 3 39

PUTV K£T- This evening. 6 8 SUN RIBB-To {Borrow rnornla-r 641 MOt.^T. <U*R— Kull Moon Bth, 0.32 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Waiwers, schooner, from Wangaroa

DRPARTURES.

Ar?r/7o fs, for WanparH nnd Mnnea^al Tuna, G vrmm<ut vs. Fal'chlld, fe,r B»y of Islands _P#»tl, it MS. Con modore lloßkins, for Eay of Islands

and camoa Panpno, 'IMS Dighv, for Bnv of Is'a'ds MiOToh»ka. sibo'uer. for Timmi via Mercury Bay Tasso, barque, for Newcastle

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Por Tonrlon- Carnatic shtp, Olenlnra, barque, May 6 Fort evuka- irnu, birqnentine, ear y For Lytf..itpn-M«u^ G aharo schooner, early For > ew< astir—Brodick Castle, ship, parly For Wang«r-i—Argyle every W<doe»day For Pa» of Islands—lona every Monday For the South Seas-Ryno, brigantine, early -Por the South—Phco'e. ss, Saturday For Sm Francisco—Colima, s s, Bth (outward English mail)

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Colima ss, from the South, Bth imtant Hem. ss, from Sydney, 18th instant Oceola, brigantine, from I yttelton. early Flirt, brigantine, frrm Lyttelton, early Prince Alfred, bsrquentine, from T.Tttelton, early Robina ' unlop, barque, from London Martha, bo que, from the Islands, early Lady Franklin.barque, from Newcastle; sailed 29thult I -otitis, schooner, from Rarotonga Hinemoa. schooner. fr> m Dunedin Transit schooner, from Dunedin La Ercocesa. Jbip, from London ; sailed Feb 9 Bebirgton, ship (PRHV), from London; s»ilod 7th .February Loch Lee. schooner, from Sydney, early Albion, bWg, from Lyttelton ; sailed 25th ult Wanlork, barque, from Glasgow ; tailed Feb 9 ElebankCastic, schooner, from Oamaru Fiery Cross, schooier, from Sydney Coron> t, schooner, from the Islands, early Clematis, ke,ch, from Timaru

IMPORTS.

Per Phcehe—lo cases Canterbury cheese—T H Hall and Co.

The ss Argyle Is to leave for Coromandel on .Friday next. Thn ss Pretty Jane leaves this afternoon for Gls fcorne and "Napier. The barque Tasso leave for Newcastle In ballest at once.

The Acadia schooner, has left Lyttelton for Waikato Heads with a cargo of wheat, &c.

The following are the names of the passengers Who left yesterday afternoon fc the South in the 88 Taupo :—Messrs G Blew, J Haidge, A fchera A Wathins, Mr and Mrs Warien, Mr and Mrs Bates ana servant, Mrs Ccok and 3 children, Miss Mill, Mr Searel), G Mcllbride, L> Fitzgibbon Mrs W H Moulder, Miss Collins, Mr and Mrs R Wallace and 6 children, X Kelly, R Wocdward, G Duncan, and 14 steerage passengers. The barque Tasso left this afternoon for "Newcastle In ballast.

CALL AND DIVIDENDS.

The following are the current calls and dividends payable in the companies named below :— ■ £ s. d. Date. Dividends- Calls—. . , Queen of the May, new 0 1 0 — May 10 Effort 0 0 3—,, 10 ' New Exchange.. ..000— „ 10 GoMen Arrow.. ..006— „ 10 Bullion :. .. ..003— „ 10 Dividend .. ..003— „ 10 Black Beef .. ..006— „ 10 Akurnia GMC .. 0 5 0 — June 14

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Closk as follows :— For Thames this day at 530 p m For Coromardel per Argyle, on Friday next at 2.30 pm Per Colima, on Tuesday, 9th May, as follows :— For Kandavu. Sandwich Islands, United States of America Canada, British Columbia, Central and South A merica, and British aud Foreign West In dies at 10 am For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe at 10 am For Money Orders, Keglstered Letters, and newspap ers at 9 30 a m Bate letters bearing an extra fee of 6d in addition to tbe postnge will be received by the mail agent on board up to the time of sailing. For Eusscll per Nes?, to-morrow at 9 am For Wai-^era, Mahurarigi Mnt-lfana, To Arai, etc, per Anne Milbank to-morrow at 10 a m For Taranaki and Southern provinces, and Austra lian" Colonies, per Phoebe on Saturday, 6th instant, at 5 30 am For Napier and Gisborne, per Southern Cross, to-

morrow at 3 p m For Whitiangi, Tairua, Opotiki, and Napier, vi» Tauranga, per Bowena on Friday ntxt at 4 pm (Signed) 8. B. 8183, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

CLABK—On the 2nd May, at ber residence, Napier street the wile of Mr. Alfred Clark, telegraphist, of a son. LAISHLET-On the 30th April, the wife of Mr. O, Laiehley, of a son.

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3, 1876.

For the cnute that lacks isststanca, Fur the wrong that needs resistance l«or the future In tlie distance,

And the trowi that v; can do.

With the progress of the Waikato district is bound up very intimately the prosperity of Auckland, and it is therefore very satis factory to note that rapid strides are being made in settlement throughout that wide and fertile part of the province. The Wai- Teat o Times gives considerable prominence to t his in reviewing the recently published agricultural statistics, and points out that this, the youngest of Auckland's fields of agriculture, now stands second in extent of cultivated lands to Franklin, the earliest and most thickly-settled country district in the province. Another feature of the statistics shows in a striking light the activity that characterises agricultural operations in the Waikato and the extension of settlement there. The area of land broken up but not under crop in the Waikato was 5905 acres, while the total for all the other districts in the province amounted only to 7,986 acres But in Waikato, as in all other parts of the province, the area under crop is exceed ingly small as compared with the grass lands. The increase of lands under crop (including grass) in the province of Auckland for the year ,1875, was 88,331 acres, [and yet 3,261 represent the entire increase in grain and root crops. We can not, however, cpiarrel with this result. Farmers have found cattle-rearing and sheep-farming pay best, and so long as that is the case, by no course of reasoning can we hope to convince theni that it would be better for the province, any more than for the mselves, that they should expend their labour upon the production of an article of smaller commercial value than the one that occupies their attention. ; '■

At Monday's meeting of the City Council the application for a private slaughterhouse in Stanley-Btreet was refused, and the Mayor gave his assurance that steps would be taken to obtain the requisite powers for the erecton of city abattoirs beyond city limits. Upon this assurance, agitation will probably for the present slumber. But the wisdom of refusing to private enterprise the right of remedying evils .under which the ap plicants suffer through Government neglect and mismanagement has been [called in ques tion. We think, however, that, if looked at

broadly, the precedent that would have been established had a city - license for a slaughterhouse, been granted will find very few disinterested advocates. The city has stinks and nuisances enough already without creating new vested interests in a line of business that has, under Government man agement and inspection, developed the fea tures which -Have been so graphically de scribed in connection with the Newmarket slaughterhouse. Those who think that the legalising of private] slaughterhouses, even beyond the city, would afford any . absolute j guarantee that the evils of the existing system would be done a way with, labour, under a great hallucination. At Dunedin, the system' of private slaughter houses prevails, licenses being granted by the Provincial Government for the erection of such establishments outside the city; but a strong agitation is now proceeding there in . favour of the erection of large and suitably drained public abattoirs in lieu £of the many small ones, which have become a widespread nuisance. The Otago Daily i Times, in one of its last week's issues, had a strong article upon -the subject, and says: "The yards and pad docks adjoining) the. present tenements are atjjrewn with Heads; with flesh oh them In { ii' O .AA

,I.g«. a ji. T

every stage of putrefaction. Gullies are reeking with blood and filth, there being in scarcely any abattoir here, any properly paved court or system of drainage. Some are also in such positions tbat they do not command the necessary Rupply of water, and scarcely any of their walls seem to have neen so yliolesome a thins as lime. Their state is a disgrace to an enlightened community, and calculated to seriously impair the healthiness of some of onr suburbs." Another objection to tbe private slaughter house system is its tendency to give a monoply to a few meat salesmen who, doinp a Jnrpe business, can make a slaughterhouse profitable which the smaller butchers could not do, and are so placed at a great disadvan tage. The best solution of tbe difficulty, as the Provincial Government will not move in the matter, is undoubtedly the erection of slaughterhouses under the control of tbe City Council, and this we hope to have carried out before the next summer,

Tlie t-etnurfes tiiade in our yesterday's issue relative to the probable acceptance of the Speakership by Mr Fitzherbert, have been justified by the event. From onr Wellington teleprams it will be seen that he has favourably entertained the Government pro posals. His usefulness to the opposition, although greatly reduced by his occupancy of the Speaker's chair, need not. bo altnct ther lost. Mr TJollcnton has thought it nccn'snrv to contradict the report that, he was likely to accept the Under Secretaryship of Education should abolition prevail.

A bullock which took it into his head that a walk along the Bnmortoti line in front of the locomotive would afford a plcan.int ex citement, found himself suddenly lifted by the " cow-cntcher" in front of the engine rolled over and over, and finally pitched off tbe line, where the engineer saw him lying very quietly, apparently reflecting upon the uncertainty of all imitahle thinrs, and no doubt wondering what the mischief had got him.

The present condition of Turkey and tbe neeotiatirns between Encland, Austria, nnd 17 nsm, for maintaining the Ottoman Emrire, i: /■ of serious import to the whole civilised world, and is especially momentous in its bparing upon the British possessions in tbe East. In the course of a debate in tbe Houpo of Lords recently, Earl Derby said :—" 1" believe tbat a war between th? Mahomedan and Christian populations of Turkey would be a great evil to the world, and possibly a danger to ourselves, and I hold that if without too deeply compro mising ourselves, we can stave off that event we should havo done a pood work for civilization in Turkey and for our own interests." The intervention of the four European Powers has averted this relijrous war, at least for the time. On this subject the Sydney Morning Herald remarks : — " Tbe interest of England in the Eastern ejnestion cannot be over-estimated. Of the two hundred millions of Indian subjects of the Queen, forty millions hold the faith of Islam, and it cannot be supposed that a war between Christian and Mahomedan, which should shake to its centre the Empire of Mahomet's successor, would be unfelt on tbe banks of the Indus and tbe Ganges. Such n war would indeed be 'a danger to ourselves,' and neither Russia, nor Germany, nor perhaps Austria, tbe most nearly interested of all tbe Continental nations, can have issues depending on this struggle so momen tous as those of Queen Victoria, now about to be proclaimed Empress of Tndia. How far the negotiations will succeed in pacifying the revolted provinces and securing per manent peace snd good government is exceedingly doubtful."

Mrs Wiltshire will undertake to perform theremarkablefeat of walking lOOmiles in 24 hours, a feat which has never before been attempted by any female inhabitant of. our planet. Mrs Wiltshire will commence on Friday evening at eight o'clock, and con tinue every hour until her task is accom plished.

The annual meeting of the friends and supporters of the Home for Neglected and Destitute Children will be held to-morrow pvening in the large room of tho Young Men's Christian Association. His Honor Sir George Grey the Superintendent has kindly promised to take tbe chair.

It is understood that the Duke of Edin burgh takes command of the Sultan in order to prevent his being placed on the retired list, in accordance with the regulations. The ship is an armour plated vessel, carrying 12 guns, launched in 1870, and built at a cost of £356,000. She is said to compete with the Hercules for the honor of bein# the best broad side ironclad in the navy. When he has served his time in the Sultan, he will, no doubt, be made an Admiral, and promoted as fast as the regulations of the service, and other obstructions will permit, to the post of Lord High Admiral of the fleet, which has always been regarded as the honor ultimately awaiting him.

Those persons who heard the real Artemus Ward (Mr Browne) read his racy sketch of "Among the Mormons,"at the Egyptian Hall, will never forget the sensation created thereby. It was believed that no person could successfully imitate the author of that inimitable sketch, whioh will be recited to morrow evening in the City Hall by a gentle man possessing equal comic powers to Artemus himself. We know nothing person ally of the representative of the American humourist, Mr Talfourd Young, yet we feel a kind of presentiment that the comic ora tion of to-morrow evening will be a treat of more than ordinary interest. We learn also that Mr Talfourd Young, whose Christian name seems to be a recommendation, is in possession of Artemus Ward's own notes, or stage directions to guide him in the repre sentation ; hence a good hour's entertain ment may reasonably be expected. We await the issue with saintly patience.

Under the heading "The Domain Gar dens," a correspondent writes: "Sir, — I observe the Acclimatisation Society have liberally offered free admission to the officers of the squadron to the Public Gardens. Is this because sixpence is supposed to be au object to them? or is it because it looks,as it really is, mean to make people pay for ad mission ? May one ask why people who can well afford to pay are admitted free, while the poor struggling portion of the community and their families are virtually shut out by the prohibitory charge of sixpence each, a piece of illiberality is not exhibited at no other 'public gardens in the colony. For the highest of snobbism, commend me to this act of liberality. Verily, "to him that hath shall be given."—Yours, The Elect.

The ladies of Pitt-street Wesleyan Church ' met in the afternoon of yesterday to consider 1 the question of clothing the children of Rev W. .House, who lost their all in the disas trous fire at Waima. After due considera tion, it was determined to form a working meeting, the first to take place on Friday next, at two o'clock, in the Pitt-street school room

Cock-fighting is one of the pastimes of Christian New York. The papers report a champion match between New York and Connecticut, 21 cocks each, 250d015. a battle, and 1,000 .dols.the odd fight, was wop by Connecticut by about 9 to 8.

The enormous shipping trade of Liverpool is jshown, by the fact that one Sunday recently, four hundred wind-bound vessels left the Mersey, including 193 bouiid to foreign ports. The spectacle was unprece dented. The vessels formed a procession, sometimes ten "•' abreast, and occupied two hours in passing out to sea, ... , •

To-day, a party of gentlemen, including Mr Errington, 0.1!., and Mr Wear, one of the contractors, might have been seen on the wharf taking the lines fcr the construc tion of the new dock. Piles Mill be drven at once, and v. ithin a few days the outlines of the dock works wil) be visible. *

Mr Brewer, the sub-Collector of Customs at Onehunga, proposes to retire from the service and ei.yy that ease which a loog life's service has fairly earned. His withdrawal has been veiy fittingly made the occasion of a testimonial from those who have been brought in contact with him in his public capacity, and a subscrip tion, limited to one guinea, s>.t on foot for that purpose by his friends has re sulted in a hearty response. Captains Lloyd Wheeler, and others engaged in the Manukau trade, who have known Mr Brewer most in timately, haye taken the lead in this recogni tion of Mr Brewer's assiduity and urbanity as a public officer.

.Reviewing tbe Abolition proposals as dis-' closed by the Premier, the Coromandel Mail says :—" Iv fine, Ministers have so con trived it that the whole appointments of offi cers in the Colony shall be in tbe hands of Ministers, by which they will be from first to last the rulers of the Colony. With such an amount of patronage as it will be in their power to bostow, or withdraw, the rule of Ministers will be despotic. The whole thing has been planned by Sir Julius Vogel, who has expressed an opinion that if the govern ment of the Colony is left to its representa tives, Ministers would not hold office for a week. That if Ministe s do not rule by a majority, no matter at v. bat cost, the country must become bankrupt."

We learn tint loiters patent have been applied for by Mr Greenshield, for certain improvements in tbe manufacture of trousero, yes's, braces, and belts, the invention being one likely to increase the comfort of the wearers of such articles. In looking over the annual record of specifica tions of inventions, in respect of which letters patent or letters of registration, have been applied for during last year, we observe that 17 applications were made for letters patent, and 22 for letters of registration. Letters patent are granted for 14 years, but letters of registration are in force only during the continuance of the original patents respecting which they are granted. Out of tbe 17 applications for letters patent, there were six from this piovince, and 10 from the other provinces collectively. Those applied for from this province were as follows: —"A floating dock to raise vessels by pumping air into the dock." "Making and using a flux for smelt ing titantiferous iron ore." " Making and using a flux for smelting and reducing titanic specular hematite iron ore." "New process for charging blast or other furnace with iron sand." "An improved junction drain pipe." " A machine for splitting shingles." Out of the 22 applications for letters of registration of patents, there were only 2 from this colony, one of which was for Vaile's " Improved Rotary Engine." All tho other applications were from parties out side of New Zealand.

The Prussian police have been ordered to seize all newspapers containing sentences of excommunication pronounced by Roman Catholic Bishops.

Great excitement prevails in Brussels over the discovery of an extensive defalcation in tho National Bank there. It appears that 6,000,000 francs have been embezzled by one of the clerks of the bank. A man suspected to be tbe guilty party was arrested on the steamer City of Paris, at Queenstown, as she was about leaving for JNew York.

In the House of Commomon March 9Mr Mclver asked whether there had been any diminution in the number of vessels lost in the Bay of Biscay since the adoption of the load-line restriction. Sir Adderly, President of tho Board of Trade, replied that between February, 1874, aud February 1875, 2G steamers were Tost, and 175 lives ; and be tween Febrjary 1875 and February, 1876, only 2 steamers had been lost and 56 lives.

A London dispatch says Lord Aylsford's wifo has eloped with the Marquis of Bland ford, the eldest son of the. Duke of Marl borough. The Marcpiis of Blandford is notorious for his social escapades, and the Marlborough gems have been, it is said, sold to pay bis debts. He is a brother of Lord Randolph Churchill. Lord Aylsford, the unfortunate husband, was called home from India on urgent affairs some time ago. The elopement is the topic in the clubs.

A late despatch by Atlantic cable, says :— "It is reported that the congregation of Rites at Rome have reported against the canonization of Joan of Arc.

Preparations are being made for a soiree anel concert in aid of the fundß of the Whau district Anglican Church. The concert will be held on the evening of the 9fch inst,, iv the Whau Public Hall.

We would direct the attention of the Board of Education authorities and the com mittee of City West schools to the first-class chance for acquiring a large place for a girls' school-room or infant's school. The property alluded to is that so long known as the Sheridan-street Primitive Chapel. It is cen tral, and in every way fitted for school pur poses. The land is freehold, and may be had at a reasonable cost. Tenders for its purchase are invited.

The annual meeting of the Ponsonby Football Club was held in the Royal Insur ance office yesterday evening. There was a large number of members present. Mr W. Jones was re-elected captain, and Mr F. A. Jones secretary and treasurer. The first match this season will be played on Saturday with the Parneli Club,

The mortality returns of the city shew that the last month has been remarkably healthy. The comparisons suggested by Mr Goldie's return appended will be read with interest: — During the month ending April, 1876, there were 22 deaths registered within the city of Auckland. The number during the corresponding month of 1875 were 39 deaths. For 1876— Under 1 year, 7; under 2, 2; under 10, 4 ; under 30, 3 ; under 50, 5 ; over 50, 1. Total, 22 deaths. For 1875—Under 1 year, 18 ; under 2, 10; under 30, 2 ; under 50, 3 ; over 50, 2. Total, 39 deaths. There were three deaths in the hospital during the month of April, 1876.—Ge0. Goldie, Sani tary Inspector.

A dispatch was read in the Spanish Cortes Saturday, announcingthata Spanish squadron had defeated the Soolos pirates off the Philippine Islands.

The Welsh colonists in Patagonia aire al most in a starving condition. The colony is on the river Chiipat, and the land like that of Egypt, depends for its fertility on the rising of the iiver. The past season the Chupat did not rise, and there was no crop. It is expec.cd Hi .t the Argentine Government will help the Colonists to tide over their troubles. - -

At a receht| meeting of the Wellington Patent Slip Company the Chairman of directors said :—" It must be gratifying to the shareholders to notice that the business of the Company had increased and was daily increasing -a fact which left no doubt of the general usefulness of the slip, It had not proved a success from a commercial point of view; but indirectly it had proved of great advantage of the port. The directors regretted exceedingly having to meet the shareholders on the present occasion without being able to recommend the payment of a dividend.—The subscribed capital proved insufficient to pay for the undertaking ; that was to say, the slip cost £36,000, and the subscribed capital only amounted to £30,500. The deficiency was provided for partly by the use of debentures, and partly by an over draft at the bank. The overdraft which had at ;one time reached £12,000 was reduced to £3,500, and it was intended to apply the amount of subsidy due to its further re duction. .«•%■ fyv ,; ■.'(■;. AH' }:. .'{

The usual examinations of the St Patrick's schools took place yesterday afternoon. The Rev. Fathers W. McDonald, J, O'Dwyer, and O'Hara, were in attendance. A choice and efficient programme was rendered in a very praiseworthy manner by the young gentlemen of the schools. The elocution of Masteis M. Kirby, D. Sheehan, W. Kirby, and A. Philips gained well-merited applause. The instru mental and vocal music was lustily ap plauded. The English essay by Master David Pheeban showed marked literaty taste. The classes in mathematics acquitted themselves very creditably ; and Masters P. Nolan and P. MeGiath gave interesting lectures on "The use of the Globes " and "Tbe rotun dity of the Earth." After the distribution of prizes, Father Walter addressed the children, their parents, and friends present, congratu lating them on their improvement since tbe last examinations, complimenting the teacher (Mr Walsh) on his success with the ecboolp, the Dumber of pupils having increased near three-fold, and their progress far exceeding the most sanguine expectations of the R,ev. Father. This terminated the pleasing enter tainment.

The administration of justice in Cuba is carried on under difficulties. At Havana on the 2nd of last month, according to a late telegram, after an angry controversy in the Court room over a claim, Sanchez Isnagua shot fatally the Marquis of .Argudin. Both parties are wealthy and are well known.

THE STEAMER DURHAM ON FIRE.

Tins morning about a quarter to ten o'clock, just as the passengi-rs by the steamer Dur ham, which was lo leave for Thames at ten o'clock, were going on board, volumes of smoke began to pour out from the dome of the boiler, and tbe cry was immediately raised that the vessel was on fire. Tbe steamer was lying at the time moored to the northern side of what is known as No, 5 tee, to the eastward of the wharf. At the first alarm the passengers, as may be supposed, beat a hasty retreat off the boat, some of them in their trepidation leaving their bags and packages behind them. Although this was the first outbieak of which the public at the time knew anything, it has been subse quently ascertained that tbe Durham was found to be on fire at four o'clock this morn ing. The wood casing, known as the lagon, round the dome was then in flames, which were extinguished by the hands on board apparently effectually. At half past eight, however, a gentleman who went on board informed the mate tbat he felt convinced from the smell that the fire was still smouldering, and though nothing could be seen in the way of smoke or sparks to bear out his assertion, two men were put to watch, and every precaution was taken by the owners. The damage done by the outbreak of the morning was so trifliDg that it was not deemed necessary to postpone her trip to the Thames, ond had the second outbreak occurred an hour later, the vessel would havo been well on her way. The flames when they reappeared, started from the same spot as before, and it is there fore pretty certain that the first measures taken to extinguish the fire were ineffectual. The whole of the lagon was now quickly encircled with flames, which burning down wards and forwards, extended to the under portion of the deck, planks and beams, and thence to the saloon and officers quarters, more particularly to tho captain's and engineer's cabins on the port side of the cabin companion. Seeing that (he conflagra tion had obtained too firm a hold to be easily got under, Captain Ellis, chief wharfinger, who, with Messrs Holmes Bros., Mr Edwards and CaDtain Farquhar, was rpiickly on tbe spot, and gave orders for the moorings to be cast off and for the vessel to be towed clear of the wharf and tbe other shipping. These orders were quickly carried into effect, and the Durham, from which the smoke now poured in denser clouds was towed out to the eastward of the North Shore Ferry tee. The crew, assisted by volunteers to thejnumber of about 20, now worked like niggers to put the fire out with the ship's buckets, but with little effect, as the principal seat of the fire was under tho deck and could not be got at without a hose and jet. Orderß were now given to scuttle the vessel, but before this could be safely done it was necessary to let off the steam, which waß up to full pressure in the boilers, and the rushing noise of the valves soon told that one grave source of danger was being re moved. The water police now cut two holes one on each side just below the water line, and in ten minutes time she began to settle down. Within a few minutes of the out break large crowds of people had assembled on the wharf and tees, and remained eagerly watching the struggle between tho band of workers and the enemy below. For at least half-an-hour no impression appeared to be made; on the contrary, at the end of twenty minutes the interior of the saloon and some of tbe smaller cabins was a burning mass, and there seemed every probability of tbe work of destruction being completed. But about this time Mr. Pierce, the manager of the New Zealand In surance Co., had sent down the Company's Badcock's Patent Fire Extinguisher, a ma chine which sends a stream of liquid chemicals against a burning substance, with wondrous effect, in tho way of rendering uninflammable tbe Bource of combustion. This was in charge of Mr Piggott, who quickly applied it by means of a small hose through one of the port-boles. This useful appliance soon made a difference, indeed it was noticed that the fire from this moment began to decline. Mr Superintendent Hughes and Mr Humphries, of the Fire Brigade, arrived on the scene rather late about this time, but as no bell was rung they could not be expected to have the information of the occurrence at the first. A few only of the fittings of the saloon could be removed, as the saloon was so full of smoke that from an early period of the conflagration it was dangerous to go into it. When the Durham had quite settled down, the water was only up to within about two feet of her deck, and did not ex tend its extinguishing influence to the deck ing. There was dadger here till the arrival of the hand pump, kept for the shipping, and which, strangely enough, was not sent for till Superintendent Hughes asked where it was. This arrived about half-past ten. At this time the men who were down the stoke hole, up to their breasts in water, keeping a watch under the saloon could still see great bodies of fire fore'ard, and on these the engine was brought to play, the hose being taken down the companion and pointed under the planking of the captain's cabin. It; was a great pity that this engine VTiu not procured sooner, as to the time of its arrival the only way of getting at the main seat of the fire was by making holes in the deck which did as much harm as good by feeding the flames with air. At ten minutes to eleven all danger ot further damage was at an end. Still, warned by the deceitful lull of the morning, Messrs Holmes still kept the engine playing on the deck planks, for half an hour longer; till every chance of another outbreak was exterminated. It was now about low water, and the efforts of the crew and assistants were next turned to stopping the scuttling holes and trying to raise her the same tide.

The damage done is very extensive, greater indeed than would be imagined by a specta tor from the shore, for the flames never burst above the deck, and little could be seen but volumes of smoke. The saloon decking and the fittings on the port side are nearly destroyed. The planks of the deck, between the funnel and the companion, are so charred that there is only about a quai tar of an inch of soundness left on the upper side'; they are not safe to walk on, as they give, io, the weight of a man. The oaptain?s cabin»ahd the engineer's cabin are com pletely gutted. The lagon of the boiler is one mass of cinders. The"ladies' cabin,is damaged!by smoke' and water, and hasty' removal of fixtures,;; Besides Ithieso; there ate

serious injuries. The Durham was insured for £1000 in the New Zealand office. ■ Nothing is known for certain as to the origin of the fire, but the most reasonable supposition is that it arose from the wetness of the coals used for the fuel. This caused an unusual heat to generate about the funnel, and this probably extended to the wood work of the lagon. After a little pumping the Durham was sufficiently lightened to be towed into shallower water, and as the tide rose sho was hauled right up close to the gridiron. Of course when the tide goes down she will be left high and dry, and Iben the will be made taut so"as to float the next tide. The extent of the damage cannot be even approximately ascertained till a survey is made.

DOMAIN BOARD.-THIS DAY.

The ordinary monthly meeting ot the Domain Board was held at noon to-day.—Present, Capt. Heale, (chair) G. M. Mitford, and S. E. Hughes, Fsqrs.

MINUTES The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

BOYS IN THE DOMAIN".

Mr Hughes complained of the boys that get into the Domain on Sunday mornings, their conduct and language being of the tnoßt revolting description, and he thought it waß time that some steps should be taken to put a stop to it. The nuisance was generally committed about noon when persons were coming from Church. mr heale's rttort.

Mr Heale said he was not prepared with his promised report relative to the new carriage drive into the domain, inconsequence of being under on error through misinforma tion, He must defer the report therefore until a future meeting, when the chairman of the Road Board might be present. LETTERS. A letter was read from the Colonial Secretary relative to the accounts of the Board for the. year 1875, shewing tbat it was necessary to have schedules of all

accounts.

Mr Brown said the schedules required were prepared. It was then resolved that the returns as required should be forwarded as early as possible. A letter was read from Mr Chalmers of the Domain, infoiming the Board that, according to instructions, he had commenced to cut down the trees, and for that purpose he was obliged to purchase one new axe and handle. When the job should be finished there would be a quantity of timber to dispose of

cook's tenancy.

A discussion was held on the privileges in the Domain accorded to the lessee ; when a resolution was passed to the effect, "That unless the conditions of the agreement between the Board and the lesß.ee be carried out, in respect of rent and the drains, during the present month, his tenancy would terminate""

ACCOUNTS. The monthly accounts were brought up and ordered to be paid.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Messrs. Beetham and McMillan, Justices of the' Peace.)

OVERDONE,

John Robs, a native of Kilmarnock, was charged with being drunk and disorderly. Prisoner said be bad but two pints of beer which affected his head ; he could not stand drink.

Detective Jeffrey stated that prisoner was very noisy at a quarter-past two o'clock this morning, treating a number of sailorß and using bad language

Fined 20s and costs, or 48 hours

Alexander Chappel and Robert Dormer were charged with being diunk, and fined 5s each with costs.

COLLAKLESS DOGS,

A number of names were on the list, against wbom summonses had been issued for neglecting to take out collars for their dogs. In Beveral instances the charges were withdrawn for good reasons; in others, the summonses had not been-served,consequently the cases were adjourned until tomorrow.

CABLEGRAMS.

[press agency.]

Sydney, May 2.

R. A. Wilson, W. G. Skidmore, Joseph Ward, Wm. Wilson, Wm. Rooke, Wm. Handling, and James Wright, of the ship Strathmore, arrived here by tbe mail. Sub scriptions have been opened to assist them to New Zealand.

The departure of the Australia has been postponed till Saturday,

DEPARTURE OF HIS EXCELLENCY FOR THE NORTH.

His Excellency the Governor left for the North this afternoon in H.M.S. Pearl. The Marquis and suite went on board shortly before three o'clock, and a few minutes after wards the anchor was hove up and the man of-war Bpread her sails to the favouring westerly breeze and started off. H.M.S. Sappho with Lord Henry Pbipps on board, got under weigh a few minutes later, and proceeded in company with the Pearl.

3 The Colonial Government steamer Luna started for the North at the same time, hav ing on board the Hon. Sir Donald McLean, Lord Hervey Phipps, Mr Thos. Henderson, Messrs Morpeth and Davies,.and the Tau ranga chief Hori Tupaea.

His Excellency's visit to the North is likely to last about a week, Russell will be the first port of call: Mongonui will come next, and then Wangaroa. On the. return, Wan garei will receive a visit from his Excellency. Several native meetings will take place during the stoppages at each place. It had been intended to extend the trip to Hokianga, but this part of the excursion has been abandoned in consequence of the late ness of the season. The Pearl will not return to Auckland bnt after leaving the Bay will proceed to Samoa.

WAIWERA SPRINGS.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star). grit,—l was recently a patient at Waiwera, and as the Pprirgs there are acquiring fame and reputa tion, I Send you the result of an application made to Messrs Corbyn and Co, the eminent analytical chemists of London, to ascertain/what baths or waters in Europe, the two springs ef Waiwera are similar to, I enclose a copy of jpeir answer, and add also that tbe waters of Aix-la-Cxapelle, to which those of Waiwera are most similar, are considered most beneficial in cases of gout, rheumatism, and gravel.—l am. &o, W., E. THOM4S. Auckland; May 3,1876.

(Copy).

300, High Holbortf, 1, ' • London, J-fauary 26,1876,

Sir,—We have compared the two analyses pf New Zealand springs as enclosed, with analyses of all the Spas of Europe, and we find'that they resemble (generally) the following, viz :— 1. Adelheid-quelle 3 FledrlcVishallo 2.lAix-la-Chapelle 4. Kreuznach No 2 is the one they resemble moat closely. Yours, &c, (Signed) • Corby* & Co.

The 'diagonal waltz,' just introduced into dancing society, is generally supplemented with refreshments of such a nature that the 'diagonal' part of the gait is kept up,all the way home in the morning."

The following is a full report of President Grant's speech from a hotel balcony at Den ver : 'My friends ; I have got, a bad : eold and sore throat ; I don't think this cool air willdome any good. lam going in anyhow j I will be here again in a few dayß, and you can see me then.'

EXPOSE OF A WELL KNOWN SPIRIT UAL MEDIUM.

A MATERIALIZED GHOST DAUBED WITH LAMPBLACK.

[From the Indianapolis Sentinel.] Terre Haute has long been noted as a sort of Mecca for modern spiritualistic pilgrims Of late years, however, there has been trouble in Ihe happy family that has had beadqnar ters at Pence's Hall. A Mis Stewart suddenly rose up and said tbat she was a superior medium, and sbe succeeded in satisfying some of the faithful few that she was all she claimed to be in that respect, but others of the family would not be convinced. The brethren abroad began to take an interest in the ttouble, and some prominent followers in the faith constituted themselves a Committee of investigation. Tbey went to Terre Haute and one of the members sends tbe result o£ their investigation to a friend in the oily. It is a sad story of spirit siauosity. At your request I send you a brief description and result of my investigations of the spiritual phenomena as manifested by Mrs Anne; Stewart, the celebrated medium in Terre' Haute, Indiana, and I might as well begin at the first, and tell a plain, straight story. As you know, I have for years been investi gating Spiritualism, and, hearing that Mrs Stewart could materialize the full form of departed friends, bringing them out of the cabinet to shake bands with and caress you, tbat she was highly recommended as being tbe best materializing and slate-writing medium-in the world, I resolved to go and see her, staking my future faith in the subject upon her truthfulness; if true, to go completely over to the new

"HARMONIAL PHILOSOPHY."

If false, to utterly repudiate the matter, both root and biancb, as my previous investiga tions bad proven nothing satisfactory. In/ this state of mind I went to Terre Haute, presented my credentials to Messrs Dr Allen Pence, Hook, and Connor, who form the Committee of Arrangements, and who, by the way, I found to be very genial gentlemen, giving me every opportunity to see, but not investigate, as they will not permit extra conditions aside from those tbey themselves impose, wbich are very few. They are fear fully duped or you may draw your own conclusions from the denouement. I was told it required several sittings to obtain good manifestations, but if I would remain five or six days I would certainly be converted. Having come so far for the purpose I thought I would stay and see the matter through. On Thursday night we bad our first "seance," which was conducted in a 1 darkened room, and by means of a cabinet, which is no more than a large wardrobe, being three feet deep, seven feet wide, and seven and a half feet in hight, placed upon, a platform one and a half feet high, and ex tending in front six feet. I had previously examined it, and found it honest. We were" placed in seats in front of the platform. I, \, being a new corner, had to lake a back seat. Dr. Pence, being manager-in-chief, placed himself at one side to regulate the lights and music, which is produced by a large musical box, which, as He facetiously remarked, " made Dutch music." Mrs Stewart now made her appearance and went into the cabinet, closing the doors after her. I will 7 not attempt to describe, her, but merely say.i she has rather a prepossersing countenance. The lights were turned down and the music began. Any one who has sat in

A DARK CIRCLE

Knows what it is—to me it was a novel sensation, waiting the appearance of the dear ones who have gone before, expecting to feel the fsmiliar cla?p and hear their dear voices, and when the cabinet doors slowly. opened and there appeared the dim outlines of a figure that moved and came forward—the, medium being in view reclining upon a chair —my blood began to creep, my nerves to tingle, and I thought truly there are more things in heaven and earth than aredieamed of in our philosophy, end when tbe spirit, coming forward, was recognised by a pentle man from lowa as his daughter, caressing' and kissing bim, my astonishment was com plete, but baying from early youth been tanght to accept nothing as truth until after " strict trial,"'! molved to go slow. Several spirits made their appearance, and;.were more or less recognised by persons present. The conditions not being good and theo medium fatigued, the seance was not pro-1! longed. I engaged a sitting for the slate ; writing next morning, and retired to dream of the wonders I bad seen. The next" morning at ten o'clock I was promptly on hand and the sitting began. I wrote a message to father asking him to:. come, and, as a test, give me his name. After sitting about fifteen minutes and get ting nothing, I addressed a friend who passed away three years since, Charles Hall. In a few minutes a reply came, saying "father was there," and they would both write as soon as they had obtained perfect control. Now the manner of communicating is this : You write the message upon slips of < paper, and fold them and place them upon a ' slate which the medium puts beneath the ; table, and the spirits at c supposed to write d the answer on the slate. I noticed that my slips had been opened but said nothing.. I now addressed a cousin in spirit-land, and while waiting the reply tbe medium kept writing with her left hand the name Hew. She asked me if I ever knew a person of that name, saying there was a spirit "of that name claiming to know me. I replied in the affirmative, and asked the given name. She immediately wrote Charles How, I asked if it was not Hall she meant, but after listening awhile said no/ it was How ; . .■„' , ''„

SHE NEVER MADE MISTAKES IN NAMES.:'; • A .i looked at my former message and found the address indistinctly written, and would eaßily.be mistaken for How. Thinks I, " Ma lady, you have put your foot in it this time, and immediately indited a message to. myvr wife, who, you know, is-Btill in the flesh, and il was as follows, well calculated to deceive:— vr "My Dear Wife Eva : I ask for yori last, J£ not but what I know you are ever near me, .. but I wanted to hear from the others, know-:*' ing you would keep tbe control when once ' you got it; but come now."

The reply soon came :— " Dear Husband : I will write now. We are happy. Will manifest for you " This was consoling to know she was-,r happy, and I should see her. , I said nothing; to in regard to the fraud, being desirous to see1 d how far they would go, and took in every- , ; thing for gospel truth. This closed the sit ting. After engaging another for the next —' morning I retired. That-night the medium being exhausted it was thought best she ~ should go sleigh driving, whichshedid, and I lost that seance. While waiting, I went to see a child medium, who materialized hands, but, as I found her to '■ be an unmitigated fraud, I will say nothing further about her.,, Saturday morning I was up to time foi. n>y sitting. A number of slates were upon the table, and Mrs Stewart," taking.,up pnej.^ asked me hold it with her, and/see if any spirits "were present. We put it beneath the table and waited. I should say here that I had neglected to examine the, slate before putting it under the table, so .you) will readily understand what follows : in a few minutes she said some one had written. 1 took the slate, and found theside '••.'.: IL-

WRITTEN PULL IN A BEAtfTrFPL HAN®_ A And very straight lines, commencing, "My :, dear husband," and endings"your lovmg spirit wife executrix." It contained some r very beautiful sentiments and good advice. I seemed- very much overcome, and a,Bked'_,r permission to keep ; the slate for framing, to* This pleased the medium andended' the ~;, sitting. Now, right here, most, persons,, . Jt i would have been satisfied with the fraud, and. b| have left disgusted, but not so with; knew the theory advanced by the^Spmtriab,,.,'! ists, that if we attempt^ deception^ W6 fia ourselves!;,: are,"'. deceived, so thinking this : mights be{«. " Dlakka," I kept mum,. .pw"?g, A

fit! ifiMiSNa SIA3, WEDNESDAY, MA.V...3, lM



THE FIJI BANKING AND COM BO lIOIAL COMPANY (LIMITED) Notice is hereby given that an Extraordinary General Meet'ng ot the Fiji Barking and Commcrical Company (limited) will beheld at tbe Heeistered Office of Ihe Company, Shortland-street, Auckland, on MONDAY, the 15th d*y of May noxt, at 12 o'clock noon, for the purpose of considering and passing (if approV' d) resolutions for Winding-up The Fiji Bank ing and Commercial Company (Limited), and any businers incidental thereto. . WARWICK WESTON, Secretary. Auckland, April 26,1876. J/ffE beg to call the attention of parties about to Furnish to our large stock of Household Furniture. I J''X & H. COOKE, ;'"V -■■;_ ii ■ 148, Queen-street, '„, ."'. J. ' ' ;'.."■'•! ! (OppositetheNexo Tlxeatre). Funerals Economically Furnished. A TJTUMN AND WINTER J\. . DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. A Large Parcel of NEW and SEASONABLE GOODS of every description, just to hand, at RUSHBROOK and BRIDGMAN'S. Exceptionally good Value, having been Purchased at a considerable discount: — '' ', BLANKETS ! BLANKETS! Blankets, all sizes, White and Coloured Good strong All-Wool Flannel, fr m ls per yard Winceys, in great variety, from 5d per yard 32-inch Wincey, at ls per yard, rare value A. choice assortment of New Fancy Dress'Gooda, Calicoes and Sheetings, Furnishing Goods, etc,, etc. ' ...... Also, clothing! clothing! For Boys and Men, splendid value. Suits. Coats, Trousers, and Vests Overcoats, Pilot Jackets Printed Mole Trousers, Shirts, Hosiery Hats and Caps, &C • R.. &B. with confidence invite attention to the above, and inspection 'will prove that for PRICE and QUALITY bur Stock will bear favourable comparison with tnat of any other House in the Trade. . Patterns forwarded on application, and prompt and ~,, , ea/reful attention to country orders. ' 5 % Discount allowed on all Cash Purchases of , ;<■• i 20s. and upwards. ; RUSJHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, o-i". [Late B. Hobbs], VNOTJON DRAPER V WAREHO USE, .' Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel, . " ■, :..;</ . UPPEH QTJBBN-STIiJBET, f, ::..'•■• "-^ !•■•."■ Auckland. .. '";.='., , A'B CDE Fat the City Hall; / »' A Beautiful; oleanly, Durable,' E conb " ■ mical E loorcloth. ~,, , :.. LiNoifißUM, the Cork Carpet, has now bees proved5 by the severest tests to be the best covering for floors of dining-rooms, halls, offices,. &c., it lays more solid, is warmer to the feet, much less noisy,: retains its pat tern longer, and is far more durable than oil cloth.!'By the "Dilpnssund " Holloway and Garlick.haye received their fourth large ship ment—six new handsome designs never seen In the • Colonies before ; also, a lot of Tap. Brussel.parpets>t,3s4cl, 3s 9d, 3s lid, the very;,cheapest in Auckland; Door Mats from ls lid each. They've on view Furniture of all kinds, Bedding, their own make, good and'eheap ; 100 Hearth Rugs from 5s lid to 18s 6d, decided bargains ; Toilet Glasses and Chairs, Dining and Drawing Room Suites, &c.„'&c_ Goods delivered Free to any part of the city. Cash'btiyers; call at Holloway 4 *nd v^oWsWhQ.offeryou excellent value. H Go and test>themi~City.Hall, Qtrten-streeJ;,; H vjll : Jn-idtr hat lv:_ .fiiMf/roll I'hassi an A m ..Mam ;m



EAE AtfGAHAKE GOLDMINING AND QTTAItTZ.CftUSHING COMPANY (LIMITED). Tl- r> Directors of t T»« nbove-Tmmefl Company have tilled..*- ui_"e a Call ( be feoond), of Threepence pnr Sbarn na- o.b'p at the Comrnnv's Roistered Office in Alhc-f arid "Dav^-streets, Gralitimstown, on Wednes day, tho 10th day of Mfv, 1876. D. G. McDONNEIL, Manager. Gr»h»mstown. M=>y 1, 1870. THORNTON, SMITH & FIRTH'S TRTCES CURRF^T (Whot,wat._)r— Racks. lOOlbs. BOlbs. "Crown Brand "Flour, £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. por ton 14 0 0 14 10 0 15 0 0 T. S F. Canterbury Flonr do 12 10 0 13 0 0 13 10 0 Sharps, do 6 17 fi Bran, do G fi 0 Fowl Wbpat, prr busbpl. 4s Sd to 4s Od. The above prices include sacks and'bags, Saoks and bags not returnable.-—Terms Cash. Auckland. Kay 2.1876. SOCIETY OF ARTISTS, AUCKLAND. BLACK AND WHITE EXHIBITION The attention of Art Studenis, Amateurs, and others is directed to tbe above Exhibition to be held In June next. Works intended" for exhibit-on may be executed in "Plaek Tend. Fepta, India Ink, Charcoal, Crayon. *c, but rot in colours. Further inforrcatton way be obtained from the undersigned. J. SYMONS, £ecretaiy, 5, Wyndham-street.



Hundreds of disreputable Speculators have sought to palm off upon the public fiery and adulterated drams for a benign cordial, to which the weak, the nervous the dyspeptic, the sleepless, the despondent, owo more than to any other reatorativ. of a century most prolificin remedies. But, these vile imitations can revpr deceive those who have once used the Great Original." TJpoi__o Wot.fi. .' Scuthuam Abomatic Schnapps, which is at once a donor and pre servative of health. You may often Hear the exclamation "Oh. mv!". at the Window of MesFrs. TTimpsand Trior's 2'fi, Queen-street. It escapes from persons almost Involuntary, as they catch a glimpse of Hats trimmed on tbe premises marked from 3s lld. Splendid value in Winter TVcpsMatcria'sisalso being exhibited. Beautiful Embossed Silk Scarfs are. marked ls each ; and don't they sell at HEMTJS AND TBI GO'S, 216, Queen-street. Westonb' Wizard Oili and Maoio Pim.S.—Have onred more wonderful eases of Rheumatism, Gout. Neuralgia, Aches, Pains, Swellings, Cal-cd Breasts, Scalds, and Salt-Rheum, upon the human frame, than all the pretended remedies have since tho world began. These Great American Medicines are com posed of vegetablo oils, healing gums, roots and herbs; and act like a charm upon pain and inflam mation. Price: Half-a-crown. Sole Agents: Kemp thorne, Prosser and Co.