SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

f SIGH WATKS—This afternoon, 3 27; to-mowow naming, 8 40 . SUN BKT r^g evoQing 555 S tjn EISE-To fiJ.ocrow 7no«iir,g | a25 MOOJM'S A^A-List quarter 17th instant, 8 16 am

ARRIVALS.

schooner, from Ngunguru

DEPARTURES.

unmpse, barque, for Newcastle "Go-ahead, ss, for Raglaa and "Waitara Argyle, s s, for Waipu and Mangawai lonn, s a, for the fa'ay of Islands Marion, schoorer, forLyttelton Policeman, schooner, for Russell Clyde, schooner, for Wangarei

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Chp.tham lilands—/ignes, schooner, early For London- Carnatio, ship. Glenljra. barque, early For San Fra Cisco—Zeilandia ss., to-morrow, 12th

instint (outward Kngllsh mail) For the South—lTawea, s s .. "Wednesday For Adelaide—Merwanjee Framjeo, ship early For Sydney ann Melbuurne—Hero, 21st instant For Wangarsi—A.rgyl6 every Wednesday For Bay of Islands—lona every Monday

VESSELS EXPECTED

zifsmniiuut, s.s., irom ayaney. ii.va instant Emu, barqu?ntlne, from Melbourne Cabaifeidh, barque, from Adelaide; sailctUTtli ult Hero, ss, from a^dnev ) April Hawea, from the Ro Tjtj 1 early La Efcocesa, ship, f rom London; sailed Feb 9 Bebirgton, shs. p (PkeV), from London; suleS 7tli February DilpussuD a . barque, from London ; sailed Dec 22 Aline, r,arque from GlasgHW ; sailed Dec 26 BJn r ", brigaotine, from Islands, early Lo^.n Lee, schooner, from the Islands, early Kauntless, schooner, from Fiji Mtgic, cutter.fr. m Ponrh>n Island Bell* Miry, barque, from Hobart Town Albion, b'-ig, from Lyttelton W»rlocl:, barque, from Glasgow ; jailed Fob 9 Blebank Castie, ifchorner, from Oaroaru Llewellyn, s s, from Fiji, Wednesday, 12th Acacia, barque, from Lyttelton, sailed March 31

IMPORTS.

Per Annie Lewis: 20 stovc-i, 5 ca»es axe handles, 2 caslt3 do G cuei pi u^hs 7 osss shovels, 20 cases axes, 1 bundle brooms, 60 cases p-e^er^ed f uits, 1 bundle piles C ca3»s onrri:.ge3. C airs shafts, 4 bundles whirs, 3 nose' harness 8 casas ploughs, 6 ca-es carriage lol'R, Is cases clocks, 6 Cisoj gong ploughs, 2 eases tools, T and 6 Morrin.

EXPORTS.

•Por T^.ranakifor Welling on: 1 oight-hor3o porta ble engine, T aud S Morrin.

The auxilury-screw barquentine 'Krau is hnurljr ex pected from Melbourne. She is supoos 'd to have left about tan dawn »ko. Sho nrin s »gtsneal cargo The barqu» Bella Mary left Hobart Town for this port on the 28th ult.

During ye<t rday afternoon there was a regular exodus of vessels which had bean windboand. The Gli lapse left, for Newcastle, the two schooners Policemin and Marion wh'ch had put b iclc, resumed their voyages noith ar d south, respectively, and several coaster's also t-iolc th Ar d partnre. We learn that the H-iwei linvini,' bron detained at Kehon will net ar ive in the Ma ul?au till to morrow morning. It is not likely that the Ze lUndia will arrive Irom Sydney b bar, so that, there is not likely to be anydein.. in emsaqnenca. The lona left last, ni^ht f.ir the Kiy of islands, and the Arpyle for Waipu and llaxigavHt, both took orowls of passengers

The birque Acacia loft Lyfctelton for this port on the 31>.t ult, and the schooner .Jc33ie for the Thames the same day.

The barque Dilpussund is now 113 days from London si"ii thn Alms 05 days from Glasgow : both vessels should ba showing soon. • h Tie barque Annia Lewis was \b- ought alrngide th wharf this morning, and now occupies the berth astern of the Btodk-k Cutle, where she will discharge her cargo of Yankee goo:; s, The barque Roseneath is eDgaged in the Kaipara in iballastinsr preparatory to commencing to load with apar timber for Knglsnd. Mr KrtrooneJs, of Stone Bros, who loaded the Director, willproc^eed to Kaipara next week to superintend the loading of the Rose neath.

We are pleased to he-<r that Mr Trewln, lite chief officer of the New Zenlaml shipping Company's ship Waimate, has been appointed to a similar position on board the same eoMpsnys ship Rakiin We had occasion to comment, on Wr Trewin's arbitrary dis missal from the former vessel, and ma? now state that he proceeded to Christchurch, and lid his case before the general manager of the Company. It wm thoroughly investigated, and ample redres3 accorded tn him in his ap ointment to the Kakitia — Otai/o Daily Times. [Mr Trewin was well known it Auck land a,3 chief officer of the City of Auckknd v iv which capacity he made many fdends. It is pleasing to hear that hs has obtained redres3 in a case where he wa3 wiongecS.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs Tonka and Carr held a trade sale of grocery and other goods to-day, which was well attended. The goods consisted of candles, starch, cornflour, eleme r.iisifcs, new figs, and ariicies of general use, and fair average prices were obtained. Mr it. Arthur's furniture sale was numerously at tended, with favourable results.

"' Mr Geo. Sibbln sold a 1 urge quantity of boots and shoes at Ms Corner M,«t, which averaged 7s 6d per ' pair.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND

, Mails will Closb as i-ollows :— i For Thames at 2 30 p m and 6 30 pm, ' Per sa Zealandia on Tuesday next as follows— For Kandavu, Sandwich Islands, United States of '•■ Amerio*, Canada, British Columbia, Central and •'• > South America, and British and Foreign "West .; Indies at 3p m For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe at 3pm -.:';. For Money Orders, Registered letters, and News .< papers at 2pm I! ,:yli»ie Letters bearing an extra fee of 6d. In addition to .■.' the postage, will Ih received by the Mail Agent on < aboard up the time of sailing *' For Wangarei, per Arnyle to-morrow at 4p m For Chatham Islahds, per dgnea, on Ihutsday, at t 4-? m v for Whitiangi, Tairua, Tiuranga, and Opotiki, per • - Ro *ena, on Thursd iy next at 4 pm. For TaranakJ, i-outhern provicces, and Anstralian Coloninji, per H*wea, on Thursday at 8 am ."NB—Priday next being Good, the local mails Usually closing on that day will be closed on Thursday. (Signed) S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

DEATH.

DICKIE—On the sth March, at Dunedin. Jane, the ba-oved wife of James Dickie, late of Newton, Stewart, Couuty Tyrone, Ireland.

QARRETT—On thn ]oth April. Mary, the beloved wfe of Amos Garrett. ased 63 years, afteralonj; and painful illnrss —Hastlt.KS pap> rs pleaso copy. Tlieiuneralvill leive her lato residence, Duke- Rtreft, Preeman'R Bay, to-morrow (Wednesday), at 3. HO p.m. lYiends please accept this invitation.

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

For tfci cause that lacks assistance, Fcr tin ir.-onj; that needs resistance, yor die future in the distance.

And the pood that we cia do,

It has become the fashion during the last few weeks for a certain set of shallow-brained politicians, to decry what they are pleased to term "The waste of time and paper" in the different memoranda between Sir George Grey and the members of the General Government. The ignorance of such people, and in some instances their malignity, is disgraceful to themselves and hurtful to those who not having been at all trained in the school of politics, to some extent look to them for guidance. But really they might as well abuse a general officer for drilling or reviewing his forces, or a lawyer fordrawing a skilful plea in order to compel his opponent to come to the trial, or a philosopher for propounding theories or speculations which ultimately confer vast benefits upon man. And it is enough to bring a blush upon the cheek to see that ,the editors of a portion of ths New Zealand press give the echo to such sen timents. These would, like Aristophanes, have styled Socrates an idiot, and Aristotle, teaching his immortal philosophy in the Lyceum, an impostor. If public matters had been discussed always in public in New Zea land, we should not be to-day in the shameful position we now occupy. New Zealand had wonderful advantages. She ought by this time to have been the most perfectly

verned and most contented and peaceful c ommunity in the Empire. But, owing to the secrecy in which all the public matters have been transacted, political power has been so abused and prostituted to the benefit of privileged classes and districts and mdi. viduals, unseen by the people, that we are in a state of semi-revolution. Class is set against class, district against district, provincial legislatures against the Central Government. Instead of an overflowing treasury, we are well nigh bankrupt in money and credit; instead of a calm and peaceful spirit, we are well nigh upon the verge of a civil war, which at any moment indeed, North or South, may break into a flame. Our Legislature—our Press— our public opinion—are all debased and cor rupted. These are the fruits of the secrecy and privacy of our politicians and their politics. It is disgraceful to hear people talk about this correspondence being " use less," "ridiculous," "childish." It is from exposures such as these, trivial as they appear to some minds, and disagreeable as they are to others, that the people Joarn the value of those constitutional rights which they

enjoy. It is by these letters that the people will be aroused to a sense and knowledge of the'r rights, and" 'of the very great dan gers by which those rights are menaced. So long as all things are done in secret, there will be corruption, venality, bribery and all devilment. But in the light none of these dreadful diseases live. "Se crecy," said the Judges of England in a celebrated legal case, " Secrecy is the strongest badge of fraud." Publicity is like the 2 Spear of (Ithuriel. The devil may robe himself like'an angel of light, but whenithe

spear of Ithnriel touches him he appears iD all his hideous proportions; when Satan Squat like A toad close by the ear of Eve, "Essaying by his devilish art to reach The organs of her fancy. i •» * -y. * * Whence to raise

* * Vain hones, vain aims, inordinate desires, Blown up with high conceits engendering prida, Him thus intent, Ithuriel with his spea^ ToucVd lightly (for no fals8';; 00 a can en aure Touch of celTOti-'/ cera p Cr> fc u t returns Of fore* k, its own ukeness) up he starts discovered and"surpriaed.

fo started up in his own shapo tho fiend. We defy "any" reader of Milton to help re calling this scene to memory whpn perusing the correspondence between Sir George Grey and Sir Julius Vogel. Placing New Zealand in the stead of Eve, the scene is at once complete. How differently do the friends of justice and liberty view this question from those who desire to plunder their country for their own advantage. The one claoa, in the words of Sir George Grey, claim the protection of full publicity in order that no sourriloiis slanderer may accuse them of ffi&lveraation. The other aa ardently desire that retirement which will effectually conceal them from, the public gaze, that they may corrupt and bribe and plunder unrestrained and undiscovered. One says " I will be no party tj secrafc law-making* nor secret disposal of public monies." The other suggests, " We can meet quietly in the study of a Minister, and settle it satisfac torily. We can vote away the revenues raised by taxation from the people quietly enough, .'and nobody will be the wiser." The one sido disarms accusation by publicity and daylight. The other shields itself and its nefarious deeds from detection and pun ishuienS in impenetrable darkness.

AT a meeting of the Parnell Highway Board yesterday, some important improvements in tho district were decided upon. It was re solved that the south-west sidepath of the main street be.kerbed and asphalted from the Exchange, or &<i it is more commonly known, the Barrel Hotel, to the corner of St Stephen's Eoarl, to a width of 4-1 feet, or about half across the pathway. It is not likely to be disputed that this is a very wise outlay of the Government grant; at anyrate the asphalt will make Parnell much cleaner walking than it is at present, and the new kirbing will remove a plentiful source of danger and inconvenience Which exists under present conditions. It is to be hoped that all the business people, whose premises this improvement will affect, will stir themselves and lay out the sum neces sary to complete the asphalting of the whole width of the path opposite their shops. The Board have also resolved to make a bridlepath where the fiteps at present lead from the bottom of St. George's Ray Eoad to the high ground round Conquest Place. This alter ation will involve some expense as it will bo necessary to cut down a good deal of the hill to make tho path practicabio for horses, but greater facility of access to this neighbourhood is much required, and the money will be well laid out. The Parnell Board deserves recog nition for the way in which it studies the interests of the ratepayers in expending the ratep. Other boards might well take an ex ample and do likewise. By the bye, if the Parnell Board have any money left, they might profitably expend it in putting up a few more lamps.

TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 1876.

We beg to bring before the public notice the case of Mrs Bailey, the widow of the unfortunate man who was killed in Free man's Bay a few days ago. Mrs Bailey is left with five tiny children, all girls, the eldest of whom is 8 years old, so that they can do little to assist her in the battle for exist ence Bhe will now have to fight. In addition she is now just brought to bed of a sixth. It; is true, as was stated at the time of the accident, that Bailey had saved a iittle money, but it is so little that when the funeral and medical expenses are paid the widow will be left with only enough to main tain her for a very short time. A brother of her late husband offers to assist her as far as be can, but being in feeble health himself he cannot do much. It has been suggested that enough money might be raised by pub lic subscription to buy her a good cow, and thus give her a start. We shall be happy to give our mite towards such a charitable ob ject, and will olndly receive any similar con tributions. We may mention that Bailey has been in the colony 13 years, and Has always borne a good character as an honest hard-working man. His widow is entitled to some respect on that account, and is also herself deserving of pub!ic sympathy. We feel sure that the greater number of the 400 working men who followed Mr Bailey to his grave will join us ia doing something for his wife, and we likewise trust that those whom God has blessed with plenty, will remember the fatherless and widow.

At the present day there can be little doubt that among the best educated classes a simple refinement prevails, such as, in all its essential features was never known before. The last century might have shewn more polished clock cases, chests, and tables, whiter sanded floors and shining rows of pewter, such as Goldsmith described in his sketch of Auburn tavern, but its dependants were servile in spirit, and the amount of labour exacted from them was often cruel. Yet, in spite of all we have to suffer from a state of things resulting naturally from an inci\.ase of material wealth out of all propor tion to the existing amount of education amongst those who serve our daily needs, there can be no question that our dinner tables display an order and a cleanliness much to be admired. Taste will follow on a higher mental and artistic culture, and on the awakening of the mind of women of the middle classes to the truth that domestic knowledge and domestic duties are not incomputable "with the highest cultivation of the intellect. On the contrary, they aid it both directly and indirectly. Through the same educative processes women in a humble rank will learn to view servitude under a very different aspect than they do at present; the moral and material questions will work more evenly; and, provided the manufacturer advance with his necessary labours for uniting beauty with utility, no further hitch can arise in relation to these simple, yet at the^same time, complex relations of servitude, beauty, jand fitness.

The inquest on the body of the young man, Sydney Keynolds, yesterday afternoon, ter minated in a verdict of accidental drowning. An account of the accident appeared in our last, issue.

We notice that the secretaries of the Auck land Sunday ischool Union have resolved upon a second scholars Industrial Exhibition to be held towards the close of this fiyear, similar to that held in 1874, and they have issued a circular to that purpose, to the superintendents and teachers of the various schools in connection with the Union.

Mr R. Arthur announces a large sale of valuable freehold city, suburban, and country properties at his Qaeen-atreet mart to-morrow. The pioperties are to be sold by order of the trustee in the estate of the late Abraham Mears, and are situated in Auck land, Newton, Eden Terrace, New .North road, Waikato, and Wangarei. For par ticulars we refer intending purchasers to advertisement of the same.

We have already shown, says the Lyitelton Times, the evasive treatment in the speech of Sir Julius Vogel at Wanganui of the im portant questions of finance and the land fund, and the financial hollowness of his pro posals for the creation of County Boards. There are, however, in his political manifesto two other subjects to which we would direct public attention ; these are education and railways. His policy respecting them h well worthy of the attention of our provincial abolitionists, as showing one of the immediate consequences of abolition to be an instduous attack on the integrity of our land fund.

■To the Editor: Sir,— Why is it that directly any person is charged with an offence by the city authorities somebody is always ready to talk of combination against them and other nonsense 1 Are the public desirous of waiting to see lives sacrificed by greed and carelessness, or are we to wait until some great accident occurs before we are ready to blame the propel 1 authorities for not acting in the interest of the public who daily use the vehicles plying to and from the city. An interested Correspondent in your Saturday's paper strives to make out a grievance for one of the persona summoned for carrying a larger numbe* of pansfiftßfcrs than his iicensn author ises, if men persistently set the lawsat defiance, there can be no untruth in calling them old offenders ; and why should they be allowed privileges denied to others? The public onght rather to uphold the officers of the Council in fearlessly endeavouring to do their duty and prevent recklessness and what will be the ultimate consequences, danger to life and limb.—Yours, Preventive better THis Curb.

To the Editor : Sir,—ln your issue last night you say that Drs Kenderdine and Hard ing were of opinion that deceased died from inflammation of the hearb. Allow me to pay that I never gave such an opinion, not being nrrgpnt even at the inquest.—Yours, T. B. Kknderdine

The Chairman of the Harbour Board has received ft tclpgt&to stating that His'-Ex cellency the Governor will be advised to approve of the plans of the Auckland dock, transmitted by the Harbour Board.

After recapitulating tl.e accidents which have befallen the present San Francisco Mail Service, the Lyttelton Times concludes : " But the truth of the matter would appear to be that our American cousins have never acquired the knack of success with ocean steamers. Their strong point Refcmß to con sist in building Steamers lit for their largo rivers, whore little else but pace is required, and where tb^re are no adverse waves to con tend with. But they have never been able to take any share in the enormous steamer traffic between their own country and Europe ; nor, as far as we have had any c-xperier.co of American steamers, have they been able to do their work in the Pacific with that regu larity and certainty which has been achieved by others Last year, when the mails between San Francisco and Auckland were carried by an Australian company, time was kept and puctimlity was the order of the day, so that a returning confidence was beginning to be fp.lt in the trustworthiness of that route. But the experiences which we have lately endured will, if we mistake not, go far to prove that p,t any rate under thn present lninagement ifc is hardly deserved. No doubt the two splendid steamers—the Zealandia and the Australia—which were built on thn Glyrle are quite powerful enough to cover thn distance within the contract time. Their rapid voyages to Australia prove that they ore capable of great things if they are pro perly handled, so that when they are going to brink our mails in we may look with some thing like confidence that they will not be late."

Shortly after the opening of the Circuit Court yesterday, Mr Joynt said he under stood His Honor had expressed an opinion to the effect that members of the bar ought not to be present during the delivery of His Honor's address to the Grand Jury. His Honor said that in England the custom was for the members of the bar to retire during the delivery of the Judge's charge, and he saw no reason why that custom should be departed from in this country. Possibly, if the origin of it were to be traced, the neces sity for it would bo found to exißt no longer, as they had now daily newspapers. As His Honor waa about proceeding to address the Jury, the Crown Prosecutor and Mr Joint (the only two members of the bar present) retired to the robing room.

To the Editor : Sir,—l beg to_ protest in the most emphatic manner, against the in sulting tone of your correspondent "Green stone," in alluding to the recent visit of the Marquis of Ripon to Rome. This is not the first occasion on which the Catholics of this city have had reason to complain of the style adopted by " Greenstone " when referring to them or their church. I am sure that no Catholic objects to see the actions of the clergy and hierarchy of his church subjected to fair public criticism, but when such criticism is couched in terms insulting and opprobious, and when offensive epithets are applied to the princes of Catholicity they have a right to complain. "Your correspon dent evidently is a man of few expedients ; the Papacy is about the only one he knows to make use of in times of dullness nnd when there is nothing else to write about. But surely he cannot think that his sensational monthly epistle is the only source whence we can obtain European intelligence, or that we are not well enough posted upin the matterson which he^ writes to discern at aglance the dross and verbiage with which his communications so frequently abound. I have thought it right to address this note to you lest it might be thought that by preserving a criminal silence the Catholics of this city tacitly acquiesced in the infults which are being continually heaped upon their Church and ministers by such writers as your correspondent. —I am, etc., Dion Snip.

In consequence of Monday next being Easter Monday, the time for receiving ten ders for lamp posts for City Council has been extended to Wednesday, 19bh, at noon.

The public will be glad to learn that a Beries of the popular entertainments of Everett's Hibernicon Company will be given in Auckland shortly. The company are ex pected from Nelson in the Hawea, and their opening night will be Saturday next.

The Lydia Howarde troupe are playing to crowded houses in Napier.

The Chevalier Blondinjjis now performing in Christchurcb.

The yearly meetingV'of Court Pride of Onehunga, No 5261, A.0.F., A.D., was held last evening in the Eoyal Hotel, Oonehunga. The ÜBual business was gone through, and the following officers elected for the ensuing term :—C.R., Bro. W. White; S.C.R., Bro. Tapp; secretary, Bro. G. T. Codlin; treasurer, Bro. W. Kellsall; S.W., Bro. M. H. Keesing ; J.W., Bro. T, Stewart; S.B , Bro. F. Charman; J. 8., Bro. T. Brierly; Burgeon, Dr. Zinzan. This Court has only been established twelve months, and has 45 members, with funds to the amount of £90. They intend celebrating their first anniver sary by a ball, which takes place on Thurs day, the 26th inst., in the Choral Hall, Onehunga.

A very creditable painting of the Providence steamer, by Mr William Godwin, of Grey street, may be seen in the window of Mr Pat ridge, tobacconist, of Queen-street. The painting is attracting much public attention. The Providence is a tine steamer belonging to the Narrangusset line, running between New York and Fall river, in conjunction with the Boston railway. The Bristol is a Bister boat of the same dimensions aad employed in the same company. The dimensions are, length 375, feet, breadth 93, depth 16; burthen 3000 tons, and 2800 horse-power. Mr Godwin is also the painter of the San Francisco, and, other steamers. When a dying man makes codicils to his will he is allowed to put on heirs.

Interesting Court Proceedings.

NATIVES COMMITTED FOR TRIAL FOR FORCIBLY RECOVERING CONFISCATED LAND.

WANGANUI,

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

Three natives were tried- on the 6th mst, at Patea R.M. Court for forcible efitry, and taking possession of land belonging to Mr Dickie, near Waverley. The case has caused considerable eiciteffieftt in the distr).c», and is of much importance, as being afl attempt to ignore confiscation of their lands, me prisoners aclmowlegded to the fact alleged in the information, but pleaded justification as the land belonged to their ancestors. They said the Government had no right to take their lands, and informed the Court they would never let it go, but would gladly go to priaon. They were duly committed for trial at the Supreme Court. Before being removed Tapu bid an affectionate fare well to the natives present in Court, and enjoined patience and long suffering. He also requested Major Turner to' take care of his wife and family. There never wa? a larger assemblage of native* present; and duo precautions were taken tc1 pretent a disturbance. At the conclusion of this an other somewhat similar case was called against six others for unlawful occupation or land at Okotuku. They all pleaded guilty, but in justification stated they wished to shew that the land was not paid for. These were also committed for trial, but liberated on their own recognisances.

SPIRITUALISM EXTRAORDINARY.

(To the Editor of the Star.) Sir.—Last evening I was invited to attend a "spiritual seance" (save the mark), which was held on the premises of a well known perfumer not a hundred miles from Queen street, and as I had never previously had an opportunity of joining the " mystic circle, I eagerly accepted the invitation in the hope of witnessing something startling and un accounbable, but judge of ray surprise when I tell you that 1 was both disappointed and disgusted. About five and twenty persons assembled, including a oprinklirtg of the gentler sex, one of the latter being a "strong medium," and the whole was presided over by a kind of elder; whose hoary head is cer tainly not the otltwflrd and visible sign of wisdom and experience. This sage opened proceedings by handing round for inspection a number of "spirit photographs" just received from Melbourne, which in my humble opinion were palpable "frauds," the spirits being moat inartistically produced on the negative. Seven or eight of the faithful then sat round a small light table, which a child could tilt over with its little finger, and after " laying on of hands " for a few seconds, the elder in a sepulchral voice asked whether any departed spirits were present, when the table began to buck most furiously, and kicked out Y-E-S, and one of its screws simultaneously. The gas was then turned down (how these spirits love dark ness), a pencil and paper were handed round to each of the mediums, and shortly after their hands began to move spasmodically and at intervals over the paper, leaving thereon marks Biich as a child of eighteen > months would scribble at play. The gas was turned up, and these hieroglyphics were read out by one of the initiated as names of certain departed spirits now present at the seance, and one of them was supposed to be the brother of one of the visitors—several particulars were kicked out by the table—such as his Christian name, cause of death, etc., when suddenly the visitor '-'Ogged them to stop, and quietly in formed them that he never had a brother! Instead of appearing humiliated the elder gravely informed the visitor, that he, the visitor, must have had a brother without knowing it, Swhose spirit was now present. He, the elder, declared that ho had ex perienced several cases of the sort at seinces, and that the spirits always turned out to be correct. Perhaps so, but it was rather uncomplimentary to the visitor's papa. Several other such edifying manifestations 1 took place, and the the table bucked out "Good night." Can such things exist #in this the nineteenth century ? is the question of every rational person, and the sad answer is that they can and do exist, and, worse than all, seem to be gaining ground. Even supposing for the nonce that the table is tilted by some unknown power—To what does it tend? Is their any good gained by it? Are we taught or en lightened by it ? Does the " planchette ever scrawl out anything but old saws and copy book platitudes ? Are we instructed or im proved in any way by these so-called "spiritual manifestations?" To all of these questions I answer most emphatically, No ! And to me the thought is apalling that after death I stand a chance of being dragged out of " Hades" on a cold night to tilt up a table for the amusement of a pack of nincompoops. Perish the thought! I would rather never die at all. Trusting that ere long the spiritualists of Auckland will find a more profitable way of spending their Sabbath evenings, I am, &c, Anti-Humboo.—Auck land, April 10, 1876.

A SUGGESTION.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star). Sir, —1 want to bring under your notice the number of lives that are lost in the world for want of proper care. On Sunday morning, we had a very sad accident in our district in the shape of the drowning of Master Sidney Reynolds. Now, Mr Editor, if our young community would go into a tailor's shop and get a vest made to order, lined inaide, with 10 or 12 ounces of cork, it would be the means of saving thousands. Let the cork be placed all round the vest in equal quantity, and seams run up from the bottom to the collar, to keep the cork in its place. When put on, letit.be tied up in front with tape, no buttons, as it is liable to fly open. By inserting in your valuable paper these few lines, you will be doing me a favour.—l am, &c, A. C. Lecky, Parnell.

Pearls of the Ocean.

SAILORS ASHORE.

The merry seaman belonging to H.M. ships Pearl and Sappho, have created quite a sen sation to-day, reminding spectators of the days when Nelson fought and Dibdin sung, days with which our grandfathers were familisr. Jack-ashore is always the same, in all weathers , and all climates. The sailors to-day wished _to feel themselves on horseback, after riding so long on the bosom of the waves, and on horseback were seven of them, to the infinite delight of old women and children, and the terror of the police. They trotted about and played all sorts of equestrian manoeuvres, which were as interesting, but not so safe, as Wilson's circus riders. The fear entertained by many persons, was that the sailors might dash through somebody's window, or over somebody's child. Fortunately, how ever, no accident of the kind occurred. The next teat was performed outside the Grey hound Hotel, and was Neptune's dance, accompanied by Mother Carey's band, which consisted of instruments and implements, viz., a tin whistle, a Jew's harp, a pannakin with a stone in it, and a shovel. A number of sailors danced round this hideous music, and the landlord of the Greyhound peeped out with a sense of fear that the musicians and the dancers Bhould pass the portals of his sanctum. One sailor passed round the hat, but this was condemned as unenglish, and unworthy a child of Albion, for which Drake and Nelson had fought, besides in the opinion of one burlyjtar, it was too religious to be imitated by jolly tare. At this outburst of independent feeling, a shower of,

coppers fell at the feet of the men. Tho Sr with the shovel picked them up, and they were reserved for another purpose, as we shall see. The dance outside having closed, about thirty squeezed inside the Greyhound, and a ring was formed, and, after a Portsmouth wet around, one ot tne sailors, a slim young fellow, danced tne sailora* hornpipe in the most gleeful style, indeed! the pretty barmaid declared she had never, in all her glad life, beheld anything feo surpass that hornpipe, and the man was treated to whatever he felt disposed to take. The pence was the next thing, and a group of tars gathered a school ot yoxiDffsters on one side of Queen-street, and started them racing for sixpences and three pences, and a great amount of fun was created by these exercises. The men seem bent on amusing themselves, andwfi trust we shall have nothing more serious to ohrollifile in respect of their temporary visit to the city of Auckland.

HASTINGS.

(from a co-respondent.) Saturday. Last week the Great Extended people had 6i-oz of amalgam after a week's work with five stampers. Some of the shareholders were at opfcion that the stuff had been doctored, consequently an expert was brought from Grahamstown in order to see wnat ne could do after a week's run. T atti scrryto say that this week's crushing looks no better than last, therefore the Grahamstown expert appears to be as unable to make gold asi oui local artist is. No news from the Bullion. A row is going on in the Wardens Court between Bawkes and the Maoris about some timber. Alterations to the school are pro gressing rapidly, and meantime the teacher carries on his duties in the public hall.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before R. C, Barstow, Esq., R.M.) BACCHANAI7.AITS. Thomas Hawkins, for being drank (third offence), was fined 20s and costs, or forty eight hours; also, seven days'imprisonment. John Thompson, third offence, was sub jected to the same fine and seven days ; and Alexander Muir, a young man, was fined js and costs. " t'u. leather somebody.

Michael Fegan, a young Irishman, was charged with being drunk and disorderly last Prisoner remembered nothing of the mat ter He knew it was n stormy nignt; the thunders rolled, the lightning flashed, and there was a rattling hailstorm. Constable Gamble deposed that prisoner was violently drunk outside the Mount Eden Hotel, and swore he would leather somebody —he did not care who. As prisoner would not desist, he took him to a place of safety. Fined 20s and costa.

ROLLICKING SAILOBS. Alfred Titbury and John Taylor, were brought up under the Vagrant Act, charged with misbehaving themaelves in Fort-street, last night, in a manner calculated to provoke a breach of the peace. The prisoners pleaded guilty. Sub-Inspector Pardy stated the circura- Btances, the prisoners were drunk and fight ing to the terror of the public. Fined 40s each with, costs, or fourteen days in Mount Eden. Prisoners having no money submitted to the latter course.

HOUSING TOR THE WINTER. Tho pleasmt Eden that we love, The happy Men we nhould gain, To shield us in the winter time, And keep us from the wind and rain. Erlenic Rhymes.

Two old "hands, namedptitty Heaton, and Maggie Sainsbury, were charged under the Vagrant Act, with being drunk last night, and incurable According to the sheet, they were incorrigible rogues and vagabonds. The prisoners pleaded guilty; and were each ordered to prison for six months.

RTJM AND FREEDOM FOR JACK,

William Mallett and Joseph Wentworth, were charged with breaches of the Merchant Shipping Act, by absenting themselves with out leave from the ship Merwanjee Framjee, on the 10th inst. The prisoners were boatswain and sail maker to,,the ship, and went ashore and got drunk. Captain Shuttleworth said the men had caused him a great deal of trouble since he had been in port. The sailmaker, a very old man and deaf, said he did not wish to offend, and with the other, hoped the Court would not send them to gaol. The captain said he did not wish to im prison the men if they would behave themselves.

His Worship'said under the circumstances he would impose a fine of 6s 6d each, with costs, and each to forfeit two day's pay.

CONJUGAL.

Jamea Ingham, a little dark man, was charged with beating and kicking his lawful wife, Kitty, and with pulling the hair out of her head on the 9bh inst.

Prisoner said he merely Bmacked her face. He had no disposition to kill her. Catherine Ingham deposed that on Sunday night her husband swore he would do for her. He kicked her violently, pulled the hair out of her head, and held a pick over her. She could not get a half-pennyworth of salt, nor a pennyworth of pepper, nor even a pound of potatoes, without being subjected to his awful threats. He had suffered a long term of imprisonment. Sub-Inspector Pardy said he understood there were faults on the woman's side.

Prisoner said he never held a pick over her, it was an infamous , his wife was Here the woman began to storm at the man, and shake her fists and shew her teeth at him. She said he was a willian, and would kill her. Prisoner : I love ye, mi dear, and don't want to hurt ye ; ye knows that, but ye will get drunk now, Kitty, and spend my money. A shopkeeper in Chancery Lane, known as Hart, a Spaniard, said the woman was a frightful drunkard. Mrs Innes withed to know if witness was a married man.

Witness : That nuttin' to do wi you. Are you married I should like to know. Detective Jeffrey said he knew the prisoner. He had borne a bad character in former years, and had suffered for it, but latterly he had done his best to live by labour. The woman was married to prisoner at the Registry office ; and when he saw him going to the office for that purpose, he told him he was a fool, as she was a confirmed drun kard, and well-known to the police. Woman : Now, Jeffrey, don't you tell any tales. ' /

• The Court was of opinion that the woman was not faultless, and upon payment of 9s costs the prisoner was discharged.

BY LAWS.

The charges against Richard Grilham and George Cook, omnibus proprietors, were withdrawn at present.

STRAY CALVES

David May was called upon to answer for the conduct of his calves, which broke out on the evening of the 2nd of April, and took an evening walk in the Newton Eoad. Mrs May answered for her husband, and expressed regret at the circumstance, it was a lovely moonlight night, and while the family were away at Church, the calves leaped the fence and bolted ; she had already paid the poundage fees. The Court: You should take care of your calves Mrs May, and not allow them to run away. Mrs May : I assure your Worship, I have no desire to loae my calves, and was not aware they were so lively and frolicksome. As this was not the first offence, defendant was fined 10s and costs. Mr Albert Dornwell was also fin«dJ2s 6d

and costs, for allowing one of hishorseate be at liberty in Wellesley-street on the sams day. ,

CABLEGRAMS.

[press agency.]

Londoh, April 8. The motion condemning the assumption of the title of Empress was rejected. Medium wool is declining.

AUSTRALIAN.

STRUGGLE WITH THE CUSTOMS' OFFICERS.

i Melbourne, April 10. Messrs Stephenson, merchants, expelled the Custom officers who took possession of th<S gttods in their warehouse. The latter re tnrned jn force, and repossessed themselves. Mr Gu&rie, Collector of Customs, wa j wounded.

Departure of the Albion with the Suez Mail.

SYDNEY,

This day. The Albion has left' Melbourne for New Zealand with the Suez mails.

Australian Telegrams.

Arrival of the Ringarooma.

MELBOURNE,

March 6,

David Nesbitt, well?known as "Scotch Jock," one of the principal importer of Clydesdales, died very suddenly. He waa well known in New Zealand. Heavy rain has fallen in all parts of the colony, A private London telegram mentions a fall of 2d per lb. on greasy wool. The cable between Madras and Fenang is still interrupted. Nothing is yet known as to the whereabouts of the fault. MeanwhUu telegrams are being received by Siberia. Whsat is in good request at 5s 6d to 5b 7£d. Sugars, teas, and brandies also im proved. Oats dull. The salmon ova has not been a success, a large per centage died. Sir Samuel Welson has telegraphed home for another small shipment from the hatch in<> establishment at Stormontfield, not to be shipped until the eyes of the young fry are visible. They come via Suez. _ Every means are being taken to raise funflß towards sending a rifle team to Philadelphia and Wimbledon. Parliament after a session of eleven months will be prorogued to-morrow. Only one bill of any consequence was passed. The Loan Bill for £2,800,000 for railway construction, erection of schools and buildings, and water*

works The new Government house will be ready for occupation in June. Parliament must meet again in Jubc. Scenes in the Assembly are looked for now regularly.

Skip on the Coast.

A private telegram received from the Bajr of Islands to-day ssys that a large ship had. passed south. It is possible that the word ship is here used in a general sense, and that the vessel referred to may be the barqna Dilpussund now 113 days from London j or it may turn out to be another man-o -war.

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB.-EASTER RACES.

The following are the general entries and acceptance! (or the events to take place at Ellershe, which were received last evening by Mr Percivsl, the Secretary to the Auckland Earing Club :— Tbial Stakes, of 30 soys, with a sweep of 2 soys each added. 'Entrance, 2 soys ; weight for age. Maidens at time of starting allowed, for 3 years, 6 lbs;4 yaars, lOlbs: 6 years and upwards, 14 lbs. Winners of (handicaps excepted) 60 soys in one event tuc» Ist November, 1875, to carry 7 lbs penalty , of 100 soys, 10 lbs ;of 150 soys, 14lbs. Distance, onemilft and a quarter, Mr W. Bobbett's eh glThe lawyer, 4 years Mr B. Quinlan's b m Polly Plum, aged Mr J. A, Campbell's b g Derby. 4 years Mr H. C. Young's brh .Bedouin, 5 years Mr W. Walters' brc Isaac Walton, 3 years Mr James Walmsley's b c Areolite, 2 years Mr O. C. McGee's bm[May Moon, 4 years Tradesman's Plate (Handicap), lof 40 soys. Nomi. nation, 2 soys. Acceptance, 1 soy at the post, JMi tance, one mile. . Mr P. Quinlan's b m Polly Plum, aged Mr M. O'Sullivan's b m Deception, 6 years Mr H. C. Young's brh Bedouin, 5 years Mr A. Lambs b m La Belle, 8 years

Mr W. Walters' eh m Medea, 4 yean

Mr 0. C. McGee's bra Perfume, 6 years Selling Race, of 30sova. Entrance, 3 soys; weight for age. The winner to be" Bold by auction imme diately after the lace for 40 soys. If entered to be sold for 30 soys, allowed Vibs: if for 20 sots, allowed Wlbs; if for 10 sovb, allowed 211b«. Distance, one mile and a quarter, Mr W. Bobbett's eh g The Lawyer, 4 years Mr J. A. Campbell's b g Derby, 4 years Mr M. O'Sullivan's bm Deception, 6 year* Mr M. Casey's chg Potentate, aged ' Mr A. Lamb's bm La Belle, 3 years

Mr J. Ellis's b e Gladstone, aged Mr O. C. McGee's b h Robinson Crusoe, aged Deception is entered to be sold for £30, the otliexa are to be sold for £20 each. The following acceptances have been declared :— Hubdlk Rack (Handicap), of 40 soys, with a sweep of 3 soys each for acceptors; the amount accruing Irom sweep to go to second horse. Distance : Two miles, over eight flights of huidles. Btlb. Mr J. Gallery's bg Gladstone, aged .. .. 11 7 Mr W. Bobbett's b g The Arrow, aged.. .. 10 11 Mr J.- S. Buckland's b g Paddy, aged .. .. 10 10 Mr M. Casey's cb.g Potsntate, aged ~ .. 10 7 Mr W. Trimble's blkg Black Monitor, aged .. 10 0 Mr O. C. McGee's bm Perfume, 6 years .. 912 Mr J. Buckland's blk m Mystery, 4 years .. 9 7 East sb Handicap, of 60 soys, added to a sweepstake of 3 soys each. Distance, one mile and a half. at.lb. Mr Walters' br c Isaac Walton, 3 years .. 80 j Mr J. S. Buckland's bh Eclipse, aged .. .. 8 0 Mr o. C. McGee's b m May Moon. 4 years .. 7 6 Mr H. C. Young's br h Bedouin, 6 years .. 7 6 Mr W. Mcßoberts'bmTbe'Belle, 4 years .. 7 4 * Mr M. SulHvan's b m Deception, 6 years .. 7 0

ARTHUR'S NEW AUCTION MART.

Fob some months past, there has been in course of erection one of the finest block of buildings that our city can boast, upon what was once termed the eye-sore of onr city. We mean the old Supreme Court site. Some of these buildings we have noticed before. One of the most prominent in architectural appearance and complete finish, is that ... erected to the order of Mr R/Arthur, to be known in time to come as Arthur's Auction Mart. To these commodious premises we paid a visir, as we thought we should like to say a few woids upon them before the opening, which is announced to be in about 2 weeks. We think we are not outstepping the bounds, when we say that as far as we hare seen in Auckland, no other auction mart excels these premises for completness, facility, and com modiousness. They are in the very heart of the city, with a level access from our ship* ping, and the mart is the first fehat catches i the eye of the country settler, as he hauls his produce for city competitioa. The pub lic entrance is from Queen-street, where some hundreds of persons may enter at their ease. The long hall or public passage, is 35 ft long by 11 wide, which leads unto the first floor sale room; which measures 60 ft. by 30. This portion of the building is to be devoted to the sale of produce of any and every con ceivable kind. The different classes of pro duce will be arranged in order, and instead of what appears in auction rooms, where space is wanting, (a huddled mass, of every man's bacon, onions, and cbeeße), ea«hsore of produce will have its own place, upon this floor will also appear, very unique oj&oes. The cash payment and cash reoeiving offices, the bookkeeper's and other'clerks apart ments, will appear in glass casements, jnstaii <v the junction of the entrance, on the nrs^ floor. Immediately to the left, is the descent^ to what iB termed the cellar, or under story.

fill EVENING"gTISTTCJESDAY, AFJ&IL 11 $ 1878



Tl '§$ JUNCTION DRAPERY ;'■« "WAEEnousis hV ' FOR Q.OOD FOR jy£ONEY. DrAFbsry, Clothing, Haberdashery, , Hosiery, Hats and Caps, .V \ :.^ Furnishing Goods, " '•'■'■. "■■■ ■\'. ' ETC., ETC. ; -CTT Special Lines m Clothihg,'&c., Purchases • 'W | AT AUCTION BELOW VALUE, AND TO BE Bold V.KBX Chkap. .JABMRGE AND.-COMPLETE STOCK N EVERY ''&■'•-l^rV, : DEPARTMENT. . ' ,-il ;*A INSPECTION INVITED] 'IST4 % DiSCOTTNT ALLOWED TO CASH PURCHASERS ■'■,>:': on all Goods amounting to twenty shillings ';' ; \\ and^ upwards. l Orders promptly executed, well selected, and securely ' ■ ,v .'. . packed. RU^HSE,qOK & BRIDGMAN . ; J ~/V ".ifLATJB K. HOBBS], VNOriON DRAPERY WAREHOUS ' ■ Opposite; fhe Army and "Navy Hotel, . ' tfepi[R QUEEM-STBEET, • ;.; "\ * ■ Auckland. \ What can you huy from Holloway <£• Garliclt ? j .. • ■ -■; .■-)■■ ■ Handsome Drawing-room Suites in Silk Eep Horsehair and Damask Suites Groat variety of Chair's, Looking ©lasses, Tables , Drawers, Washstands, Toilet Sets Mattresses Palliasses, Pillows, all kinds - ; Iron and "Wood Bedsteads and Cots. JUST OPBNED- Beautiful lot of Winceys from /6J per yara, : worth/9 .;■ Crimean'Shirtinga, extra good value ■ B'Hikftts. Sheeting, nnd Quilts from 3/11 Hsarth Rugs and Carpels Another bhipment of Door Mats at 2/11 Fancy Hosi<-ry, stays at 2/11, worth 4/6 Tabl- Covers, Damasks, «c. Shawls, Hats, and Millinery. Country Settlers will find it convenient to deal with us, as we can snppiy Drapery, Clothing1, Millinery, and Furnishing Goods, which will be well packed, and forwarded with. Despatch. rf^r Buy your Winter DreßSes and Clothes from— HOLLOWAY & GARLIOK, Drai'eiis, Clothibbs. Milliners, Cabinethakebs, ttpholstebsbs, and undbbtakers, CITY HALL, Queen-street , Auckland.



T COSGRA YE & CO, will hold a Sale of the whole. of their Summer Drapery and Clothing, previous to opening up their Winter Stock. The Goods are considerably reduced below cost, in order to clear*. The SALJ3 commences on WEDNESDA V, Bth March. QTJR MOTTO—"MAKE THEM GOME AGAIN." (3T LOOK AT OUR WINDOW! 216, QUEEN-STREET, (Late J. W. PEAitsm). HEMUS AND TPJGG, Milliners, Drapers, and Haberdashers. ATAV. I A SEA AND FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY PREPARED TO '^ACCEPT FTRE OR marine risk- at lowest rates. pPLosses paid either in this Colony or at any of the Company's Branches, All inioruoation may be obtained by applying to 1! H. W. HKATH. General AgGnt, ltank Buildings. Auckland, February 3, 1875. A Flesh Creating Medicine.—When a dun proportion of tbe food ia cunverted into pure, licli blood, the natural nutrient, of th<> body, th-ie is nothing to pwvent thfi acquisition of flesh, provided '.'upro be i o undue waste of tissue from overwork or any dep'etin™ ailments. We would recommend thoae who desire to see the angles of their frame 3 "rounded off" to u»e Udolfiio Wowk's Sohikdam Aromatic Schnapps, -which promotfe Ms'.niilation of the fuoii and repairs all lof«es of Bttbstanca. Westons, Wizard Oik and Magic Puts.—Have onred more wonderful cases of Rheumatism, Gout. Neuralgia, Aches, Pains, S-wellinys, Caked Breasts, Scalds, and Salt-Rheum, upon tho human frame, than all the pretended remedies have since the world began. These Great American Medicines aru com posed of vegetable oils healing- gnnis, roots and herbs; B,nd tiet like a charm upon pain and inflam mation Price: Ilalf-a-crown. Sole Agents: Kemp thorn c, Proager and Co.