SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

JJ'WB WATKR-Thfo afte noon 2 3S ; t.-morro-r *0( --' ur. 310 ■^7-v SB l r-h ovailng, 6 8 SUN KJBI%-To "*orrow morning. 6 8 BaOOtfS AUB—Kew moon, 28th, 760 a m

ARRIVALS.

AXgylg s«, frnm \Y*n<rar.,i «i>- edwell, ketoh. f'om usshll Citd , cho rro-, from vVainarei E'smo'B. sub.eoaer. from Russell Obri3!li,a. s-hoo.i-r Fmm Kusgell i-lewellyn, v b.. Jrom Fiji

DEPARTURES.

Hefena, brlgint^o, for Ton^a and Samoa arc K,ils, sa for Wv gaoui *»Cpo, 83, for tha South -

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Valparaiao- Edinburgh I'astle, barque, airly Tor Stdney eri>, a\ Tue.«d y next, 12 o'clock noon ■ForLovUiia—L owollyn ss, W-dnesday nex« 3For the South—Oolima, ss, hb ut 27ta For a cruise Southern Cms. Mission vessel, early For Rirotonga—Vision, brig ; LaHitia. s-hooner For London- Carnadc, ship, Glenlora, barque, early lor the East Coast—Agnes Donald, sohooner, on Mondiy

IMPORTS.

For Llewellyn from Fiji—4s7 pockets sugar, 1271 Dag* maize, 10 hides, 3 bundles skins, 37 bales Cotion-ASP 00, agents Per Canterbury from Nofolk Islande—3o hides, 200 Bunches bananas, 3 casts fruit, 4 do plants, 1 do drapery, part O f original cargo.

ARRIVAL OF THE CANTERBURY.-CAPTAIN JACKSON'S REPORT.

JACKSON'S RRPOUT. We left Auckland on tha 27th January, but owing to v gule coming on from the S., had to put into Bay of Islands next day, wlura we remained until the Ist February, on which we sailed again, and after a good run ai.d fair weather arrived at Norfolk Island on tho 6th February. Having landed paaseogew and cargo and shipped stock, we sailed again on the 15th February, where wa found the steamer Southern Cross an<l the Peerless, which litter Vessel had been Bold to Ciptain McLecid of that port A faw hours after our urriv.il at Koamei the Ciasey arrived from Attcklnnd. Having discharged cargo we stiU-d again on the 23id at. 9 * m., with, a strong breeze from the N. X.. but before getting outside the Main reef the wind freshened imo a gale, and the barometer began falling rapidly. We ihen attempted to regain the harbour, in company with tho French schooner Relno de3l9les, tmt f .iling v/ere compelled to anchor u^dar the lee of !sle Neu, with every appearauco of a hurri cane coming on. At 5 a.m. had to let ro our second anchor and veer aw*y ail chain, having about 80 fathoms of chain on ouch anoh.or, tho vessel bolng in 6 fathoms of watc. At 6 am. the barorm ter h»d fallen to 23 9*, and ife was raining so heavily as to render it impr-snola to s«e th» length of tae vessel, At S p.m the wind cimmencod ti shift round to the S. (e»st about) and such a sea got up (although the Vessel was comp iratively ' land locked1') as to breuk Cle*n over the vessel, nasMng aw*y th» jir> off the jib boom, 10 p.m. it was blowing a p.nmolete hurri cane, and fears wciM entertained for the safety of the vessel and all on toard ; however, the vessel held on well, having good "gnund lackl?," and towards morning 'lie biromster began to rse. a.id tin w=ather tobrenk. and by noon the next day (2-lth) tha wind had abated, aLhongh t^ere wai too much so» to attempt to get ruder wig i. Tha Krench schooner Heine dcs Isles was to be s ; on a perfect wreck oq one of the small yeefs to the S* cf where we were anchored havi k gone on shore during the night: but we were unable to nae rtain anything con-eruing ihe fata of the criw On the 2-Hli the sei, having gone down, we w-ighai and s uled for Noiio k IsUad, where we a-rived on the fith March, after a lon ■. pa»s*Re with heavy head winds and nasty -.vtaiher all through. Saile i from Norfo'k Island on <he 9th, expe ieneing h»ads winds and a heavy sea to the No-th Cape when we pi. Irel up fir weather, >md arrived in Auoklaud th s d*i at ll o'clock. Passengers —From Noii'nea ■O. Kuuel. From t No folk Islai d : Miss Ella Kvans, and one native boy fr.tn ttie Mllausaian Mission.

Thess St Kilda leaves Onshunga this afternoon for Wanganul. The brig P.keha sailed from. Buncdin for Kaipara on Thursday last. The brigantioo Ffel-na left on Pntiurtay night for Tonga an i Samoa Meisrs Owen and Nolan went as passeigers. The schooner Jessie Henderson ha 3 left Lyttelton for Onehnnga with 1200 sack* of wheit. The schooner Olyd 1 bri g-s a cargo of produce and Bis pissenger3 from Vanifarei. The s a Hero is to leave for Sydney to-morrow at nooa. The brigantine Omaha left Lytlelton for Auckland via Napier on thol3 h inst with a cargo of oats, grass seed, and othar Southern produce The powerful clipper ship Broick Castle h now 96 day 3 out frsm Plymouth, andii therefore fally.due. tihe has over 300 immigrants on board.—Tin bar qua Dilpussnnd is 91 days oil', from London. The ps Llewellyn arrived from L"vuka and Suva oa Saturday ovetii: g, alter en exceedingly lvugh jms'afie. On Tuesday last at 5 am. a h>ikvv s-<* struck the boat on the port quarter, wa hing it out of the cho-'ks, and severely i\ jiring three of the crew. The ss Granada was passed going under clo« ---reefed topsails on Thur>d*y. Tin Llowaliyn behived ye y well iv lha he ivy seas The pawa.gers presented Capta'n McGill vray with a flomplinaeni.'iry testimonial f r his seaminlika conduct dnring tho passage. The .Llewellyn brings a c .r*-o of maize, cotton, end su?ar. FasieDgorn— Saloon : Messrs AX Isaacs, F C Itfchard3on, F Howard,sMrs Ileedc man, child, and native sarvmt. : 1. Tlia ss Argyle avtived from Wangirei on Satnr day nlsht Passengora—Kev Mrapd Mrs Breo, Mr and ftlias "White, Miss J. Taylor, Mra Alexander, Me 3rs Thos M*ckr, J Slovn, M D*vie<, Goffo, Beasr'<r, Hewlett, Brown (2), HanTy, Alexander. Th.9 fo lowing i 3 the- ltat of passengers brought up by the Taupo on i-aturdar: —Mrs and Miss Brett, Miss shields, Mr Lower, Mr JacUson, Mr Biundell, Mr Fojre, Captain Hi-ale, Mr Nancirrow, Mr3 Nancarrow, Mr Badderlev, Mr Paul, Mis 3 tevern, Mr and Mrs LeJeune, Mr R°eves, Mr Salmon, Mr and Mrs Hunter, Mr Snell, and 0 steerage. The Taupo left for the South yesterday afternoon Passengers—Mr and Mrs ilurrcll and family, Mr and Mis Harrison and 2 children, Mr and Mis Drake, Messrs Whiting, Wright, Wilson, ~D-xt, Jones, Walked, Paul, York, C'arkßon, Lewi?, Bonlsy, Beal, Esihi, wifo and child, and 13 in tin steerage.

COMMERCIAL.

The attendance at the land sale, at Mr S. Coch rane's rooms, Fo.t-street, to-day was large, and the bidding very irocd. All the lot 3 were quitted at high prices. Lot 1, Matakohe. brought £2 9s per acre; lot 2, Motuotawa Wand, £10 ; lot 3. TcK'io-e Island. 14s uer acre ; lot 4, Miungakaramea. 353 per acre ; lot 5, Wangarei, £11 10s per ace; lot C, Wangarei, £42; lot 7, Hoanga, 4s 91 per asre ; lot 8. fcluuagaru block, 2s Gd per acre ; lot 9, Takapuna, £20 per aero. Tho total amount iciHsed was nemly £3500.

M' li Arthur's sale of household furniture to-day In Wellington-street was well attended, g.od prices being realised for tae different articles offered.

DEATH.

QUILLIAED—On the 20!h instant, at lisr parents' residence, Wellington-slrjet, Alfred Clitries, infant Bon of Henry and Kliza Ouilliard, aged 4 months.

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

MONDAY, MARCH 20, 1876.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that neeus resistance, For the future in the distance, And tii<; L'ood that we cau uo.

The position of the unemployed at the Thames, who agreed ■with Messva Oaks and McKerdy's agent to proceed to Wellington, ia nob creditable to the energy and enterprise of the contractors, or to the honour and integrity of the Government. There is no doubt the Thames agent was appointed in all good faith on the understanding that the Colonial, Secretary would arrange for the passages of the men, if a sufficient number could be found to accept the terms offered. The advantages were mutual. The Govern ment desired to show that the tale of dis tress was greatly exaggerated—they did not credit half its reality,—and if men were willing to seek employment elsewhere, Wel lington was the district the Government had a special interest in assisting, and Messrs Oaks and Co. were the favored contractors. Of course it was intended to experiment thus at the expense of the province of Auckland, if his Honor the Superintendent had not proved himself again equal to the occasion in checking the nice arrangement for robbing this province of a large amount of its bone and sinew at a time when works of importance are under^negotiation. But something will have to be done to help all the parties to the i plot out of the difficulty of their position. The Superintendent is not to be trapped, and the burden of responsibility falls with greater force upon the shoulders of those who hatched the plot and were prevented from oarrying it to a suocessful issue. The men are becoming clamorous, and if they had not been a well-behaved class the consequences might have been more strikingly demonstrated than they have yet been. The position is a very painful one—no work to do, and no moans of transport, after they have been led to expect both for more than a fortnight paar.—the wolf at the door, and no prospect of relief from the painfulness of their situation until a Government officer is forced into compliance, How long, we ask, is this jugglery to continue ? It is high timej relief was at hand for these harrassed men] and starving families;, wad wejwould

warn the authorities that the consequences of tlmr trifling and indecision may be more serious than they contemplate if something is not done at once to remedy the injustice complained of. The men look to the con tractors, and the latter to the Colonial Secretary. If Dr Pollen cannot carry his point with the Superintendent and bring him tc his Icuops, ib is not just that helpless families should he so severely punished, and we ask for speedy reparation. The doctor can now see that if he thought the cry of unemployed was a mero pretence to obtain monies withheld, as alleged, under the authority of an Act of the legislature, and had no existence on the goldfield, he was deceiving himself, and must take the consequence of his error in judgment. There can be no doubt that he led the contractors to believe he would, arrange for the transport of the men, provided they were forthcoming in response to the invitation of Messrs. Oaks and Co. Tho latter do not appear from the first to have contemplated any other course, and if the Government do not carry out their understanding, they will be guilty of a breach of faith with these gentlemen, which will not reflect credit upon the administration of public works. If the contractors care to receive the men they would, no doubt, be justified in arranging for their passages and afterwards enforcing payment of the same from the General Government.

In the farrago of varied and blended non sense which constitutes the oration of the Premier at Wanganui, at least as reported by telegram, there are elementa significant in their indications. There is a little touch of kindly feeling for n, breach of the civil service which, if it does not show the soft spot in Sir Julius' heart, shows at least a prediction that is deserving! of no'ice. He was speaking of the contemplated change?, and he comes to the (Police. "To combine the Police and Armed Constabulary forces would," he says, "create offence, for the police force was older, and from his own experience they had an old force in Otago which deserved the highest consideration." There is something very touching hero. Thero is scant courtesy for the feeling 3of the people when in spite of the risk of not merely " creating offence," but provoking the deepest indignation among the colonists themselves, his Govern ment would force on constitutional changes that are repugnant to the great bulk of the population. But that any branch of official ism should have its feelings wounded, —that is not to be thought of. It does not require these little sentiments casually uttered to show that tho stiugglc impending is one between bureaucracy and the people. The three " able civil servants," accompanied no doubt by tho " barrister of colonial reputation," wandering around the colony, will prove able apostles of the new crusade, and if tho present parliamont only shows itself as docile as the lust, wo shall exhibit in New Zealand an illustration of a VJeople governed by its servants, such as the colonial development of constitutional va garies has not yet exhibited to the amazed eye of mankind.

A blackguard named Campbell was to-day sentenced to two years' imprisonment; for extorting money uuder false pretences. The modus opi rand!, adopted by the aecuied was to follow couples walking in the Domain, and then, whether lie saw anything wrong or not, endeavour to'traco the parties to their several homes, and there, representing him self as a detective, threaten to expose them if they did not come to terms with him. As might bo expected, he baa found mauy of his victims a ready prey, the dread of exposure in many case 3 leading to his demands being acceded to, even where the persons threatened were entirely innoceut of any immoral conduct. In cases whero a guilty conscience has been present to aid his designs he baa been even more successful, and did we choose to be so unkind we might mention the names of several respectable persons of both sexes, who have gladly paid the black mail in preference to facing the disgrace which thi-y thought was hanging over iheir heads. A word to the wise is enough, but we know that wise heads are not always to be found on tho shoulders of young gentle men and ladies under twenty, and no to them wo would specially enjoin caution in their innocent evening rambles, which had better be taken outside the Doman, if they would avoid groundless scandal. The public have reason to be very much obliged to the witnesses who came forward to-day, and by their fearless testimony procured the con viction of this contemptible scoundrel. A wretch like this who trades upon the fears and even failings of hia fellow creatures, is about as mean a specimen of the human race as it is possible to conceive of.

Yesterday Constable Sampson discovered that a quantity of rubbish ou the wharf near the North Shore Forry T was on fire. He of course extinguished it at once. It is thought that the ignition might have been caused by a cureless smoker throwing a lighted match away.

The Rev Dr. Wallis yesterday preached the first of a series of sermons on Spiritism. The learned preacher devoted the first part of his discourse to remarks upon the enor mous strides which the belief in Spiritism had lately been making. It was calculated that there were 11,000,000 converts to the doctrine now in the world while some estimated the number at 20,000,000. By these estimates it appeared that the belief had spread more quickly than Christianity or Mahomefcanism. Assuming that the modern manifestations were genuine he believed them to be nothing more than a return of the old demonaical possessions. Dr. Wallis quoted several passages from Scripture in which communications with the dead were forbidden. He announced that next Sunday the otjeot of his address would be to prove "Spiritualism" a deception,

The accompanying letter sent to Captain H. Elliott the stevedore gives us a glimpee of a very wretched state of tbiDgs in our midst, and it is to be feared a very frequent oae : "Auckland March 15th 1876. Captain Elliott : Dear Sir,—l take the liberty of writing to you to aak what to me would be a great favour, that ia it were possible you would allow your clerk to pay your workmen on the Wharf when they knock off work on Saturdays as then they would come home to get something to eat and get cleaned and the wife would get the money to pay the Bills with, whereas she does not see them till perhaps half is gone and they come home more like demons than men. Begging pardon for the liberty I have taken I hope you will kindly "follow the suggestion I have made and very greatly oblige your humble servant The Wife of one of your Workmen." Captain Elliott appends the following in reply to the above : "I should be most happy to pay my workmen's wifes every Saturday bsforo 2 p.m. if they would get written orders from their husbands for me to do so. H. Elliott." It seems sadly derogatory to manly dignity and independence that need should exist for such a resource, but we can easily believe that in many cases it mip.ht be adopted with advantage, and the men themselves would gladly consent to it.

The Eiev E. F. Macnicol preached the annual sermon to children of St. James's Presbyterian, Sunday-school yesterday. Mr Macnicol took his text from Isaiah, chap. 45, verse 22, " Look unto me and ye shall be saved, all the ends of the earth, for I am your God, and there is none else." The discourse was earnest and impressive. Several hymns selected for the occasion were sung, and the collection amounted to £S 4s. 7d.

The members of the Harbinger of Peace Lodge will hold a tea meeting and public en tertaiument this evening in Couk-3trcet, f<»r which a good programme has been provided.

Those persons who have been in the habit of parading the Market on Saturday evenings, will remember Mrs Motion's store, so well known in connection with tho fruits and vegetables of the season. Mrs Motion's Woodside strawberries, fine shrimps and oysters, eggs from Otahuhu, cibbage and califlower from Onehunga, and fresh butter from the Tarnaki are as familiar as "house hold words." The Market, however, will know Mrs Motion no more. Like the Glou cester hosier, Mrs Motion weathered the storm from the opening of the Market, and continued to do so until prudence suggested that it was high time to change. This lady informs her customers that she has taken the shop at tho junction of Wakefield and other street, lately occupied by Mrs Yandle, where she intends to continue her varied and useful business, to the satisfaction of her many customers.

We notice that numbers three and four of tho churches of Auckland are now ready at Pulinan's photographic rooms, Shortland street, embracing tho churches of All Saints and St. James. The views are clearly and beautifully executed, and tho aeries, when complete, will form an excellent present from Auckland citizens to home friends. Mr Stfctle haa succeeded admirably in these pictures.

The members of the Naval Rowing Club will meet this evening at the Thames Hotel, at half-past seven o'clock.

Henry Cooper, who was concerned with Mi'iia iv stealing peaches at Ngunguru. was brought up before the Wangarei E.M. on Thursday last and was sentenced to pay a fine of £8 or go to prison for three months The cash being wanted, the good gentleman went to gaol.

§f \ man was seen riding down Upper Queen street this morning, with his coat in flame?, and apparently unconscious of his danger. He was at once stopped and en examination it was found that a spark from his pipe, which he had placed carelessly in his pocket, had ignited tho lining of his coat. A glaß3 of water, judiciously administered, quenched the flames, and the gentleman adjourned to the nearest clothier's for the purpose of re placing his ruined coafc. This should teach Binokoiß that they cannot be too careful in matteis of this kind, and nhou'd never put & pipe in any pocket without first seeing that no harm is likely to accrue from doing so.

The spirit of hoDest emulation which is now apparent in this city cannot fail of beneficent results. We have frequently of late had occasion to refer to the improvements going on continually about us, especially in the new buildings in course of erection. We believe that Queen-street will, ere long, become one of the handsomest streets in New Zealand, anrl Btaud forth as an example of beauty and durability. We notice that Messrs. VVhitson and Sons, have become possessed of the allot ments between the Albert Hotel and the new premises of McArthur, Shera and Company, on which those gentlemen have determined to build three magnificent houses and shopn, the shops to be 18ft*. wide, and the walls two feet in thickness, coiresponding with the walls of the hotel. The shops of course, will bo made according to the wishes of thos<) who may take them. The excavations are already begun, and the work will bo rapidly pro ceeded with, ao that there will be no lost time Wo have seoftih.a plan which, leaves no doubt about the character of iho houses and shops, which will bo second to none in the city. The architect is Mr Wriglcy, anrl the builder Mr Watson.

To the Editor : Sir, —I noticed in the Star of Saturday last thab a new Drum and Fife Band i 3 to be started in city West, "well, I said to mother, the more the merrier," and mother said, "right you are my boy." Now fcir, having piped for some time as a member of Mr F. Jeune's Temperance Drum and Fife Baud, I am bound to state that his bandmen have been exceedingly slow for a considerable time past, most of the members are good players, but they want more prac tice. Perhaps the reason of this apparent slowness ia that many of the membeis who wero very fast among tholadiea have recontly got married. I hope the new band will strike up merrily, and wake the originals into life and action. —Yours, &c, R.N.

We beg to acknowledge with thanks a pound forwarded ill the beginning of February last by "Kate A.," for Mrs_ Mul grew. Being addrossed to the late editor of the Star, the note was forwarded to Dane din, and has only jii3t returned from ita travels. Mrs Mulgrow is requested to call and receive the subscriptions awaiting her.

The "Dutch Revolt against Spain," will be the subject of Mr Ewington's lecture on Thursday evening next, at the Young Men's Christian Association, which will be the third of his series in favour of the funds of the Mount Eden school. A choir will be in attendance, and Mr Lamberb will preside at the harmonium.

At the Armidale Sessions vat closed, a conviction wag obtained against a respectable looking young fellow named Francis M'Cluire, who was employed by a well-knowu and highly respectable store keeper a3 assistant post master at Bundarra, thirty miles from Inverell. The evidence revealed one of the most astonishing cases of rascality that has come under notice for some time. Prom the evidence of a number o£ witnesses it was clearly proved that a miner, named John M'Laod, registered a letter containing £5 at Bundarra for his wife at Gulgong, that the letter had not been sent on by the first mail, but detained at Bundarra for the next mail, three days afterwards, and then the post mark was altered with a pen, and that the £5 was taken out of the letter and a £1 note substituted. A great deal of care was taken in the preparation of the case, and the charge was clearly sheeted home by Mr. Davies s> the postal inspector, who had first examined M'Guire, and discovered that he had detained the letter. M'Guire was found guilty, and, before being sentenced, he as sured the Judge that he had previously to this charge always borne a good character, and hoped he would be dealt leniently with. In reply to his Honour's inquiries, the police stated that about thirty letters mutilated or destroyed, had been found in prisoner's bed room. He was prepared to go into six char ges at leasb against prisoner, if necessary. There had also been found—evidently exe cuted by prisonor—a number of forged signatures; they had been copied from, cheques by means of tracing paper, and then written over with ink. Considerable sen sation was expressed in court at this state ment. His Honor told prisoner that he had. been guilty of a very serious offence, and what Inspector Harrisson stated was also very serious as affecting him. He could sen tence him to three years; he felt it necessary to sentence him to two years' hard labour in Maitland g&ol—RNetos, Feb. 23.

A number of the subscribers to the Mechanics' Institute met on Saturday even ing and formed a chess club. Dr. Home was elected President, Mr H. H. Lusk Vice- President, Mr Kee3ing treasurer, and Mr Parrell secretary. A committee was also formed and subscriptions to the amount of nearly £10 collected. Wednesday and Saturday nights are to be club nights, but the materials of the club will always be at the service of members. Chess is worthy of all the attention bestowed upon it, as it ia a game which affords healthier brain exercise than perhaps any other.

The committee moving in the matter of postal reform for the Eden Terrace district, have postponed the public meeting until to-morrow evening, to be held in the same place and at the same hour as previously advertised.

Mr H. Brennan writes in reference to his not getting a fair s<-art in one of the races in the Domain on St Patrick's Day. We are are sorry that he was so unlucky, but do not ppg how we can help him in the matter. The latter part of his letter we shall be happy to insert as an advertisement at the usual charge.

The new tables and regulations of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, show ing most important alterations advantageous to insurers are now ready, and members are informed that they can obtain them on npplicaion to the agent, Mr Alexander Saunders, No 2, Insurance Buildings.

The Thames paper, referring to the diversion of the loan for sinking the big pump shaft, says:—"We have already demon strated that the funds available from the balance of the loan will bo inadequate for the accomplishment of the drive to the Bright Smile."

An accident of a serious nature occurred this morning off Freeman's Bay, and had it not been for the bravery of a gentleman on shore, we might have had to chronicle a fatal termination to the afFai'-. Ssveral youngsters harl man aped to procure a dingy, and. with a boat-hook and a large sheet, succeeded in raifiinty what they were pleased to call—a anil. They hnd scarcely been out five minutes when a sudden eu=t of wind capsized the dinszey. "ni the lads were fsbusreling in the water. The position was taken in at a glance by Mr Lamey, who. without an instant's delay, proceeded to tho rescue of the unfor tunate boys ; and. after a fioorl deal of tfonble, they were landed oncß more on dry land more frightened tban hurt. Something should be done to stop boys, scarcely ten yfi'irs of age going out in mere cockle-shells to the great danger of their lives.

The members of the Pioneer Juvenile Templars a^e informed that the usual weekly meeting will bp- held to-morrow (Tuesday) evening in the YonnL' Men's Chriutian Asso ciation Rooms, Wellesley-sfeet, at seven o'clock, the evening of the meeting having been altered.

A brutal case of wife beating took place in Parnell on Saturday evening. The man's name is McQuin'an. He Hve3 in Rutlsnd s<-reaf;. He look off his boot to beat his wife, then dragged her by the hair of her head across the house into the kitchen, where h*> rencwr-d hia violence, and kicked her in a shameful manner. Fe was arrested by Constable Jackson, and brought before the court this morning. He deservedly received 4 months.

CABLEGRAMS.

THE QUEEN'S TIT';*I.—OBJECTIONS TO THE TITLE OF EMPRESS. [PRKSS AGENCY. J LONDON. March 17. The Marqnii of Hartingtnn will move, "That while Parliament is willing to con sider what addiHonal litie should be given to tho Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, it is inexpedient to impir tho ancient royal dignity of British Sovereigns by styling Quepn Victoria " Empress" of any portion of the Britißh Dominions. The French Ministerial p-ogramme is peace, free trade, and a desire that the nation shall give honest support to the Kn public. LONDON. March 18. Tbe Marquis' of Hartington's motion was negatived.

AUSTRALIAN.

SYDNEY MARKETS.

(Per Press Telegram Agenc}'.)

SYDNEY.

March 18. The ova on board tho Durham for New Z 'aland is in good condition. ,In the markets rice is nominal; kerosene. 2a Id to 23 2d per gallon ; brandy (Flen nessy's). in quarter-casks, Cn CH per gallon ; in case 29s 9d to 30a ; oats, 2* lOd to 2a lid per bushel.

THE DROUGHT IN QUEENSLAND.

HARTINGTON'3 MOTION,

SYDNEY. March 18. Fearful accounts hare arrived from Queens land back country as to want of water and feed. Fifty thousand cattle are now on the frontage river at Warego, which is dried up. The thermometer stands daily at 112 in the shade.

WHANGAREI MARCH RACES.

A SERIES OF ACCIDENTS.

(From our own Correspondent.) A eaoe meeting was held at Whangarei on St Patrick's day, and was well attended. The course presented a very gay appearance, moa,t of the spectators being mounted ; and the meeting was successfnl so far as racing was concerned, but two serious accidents happened to mar the spirit of the sport, besides others of a minor description, such as spills, etc. Brunette, a blood mare, belonging to the chief Taurau fell dead in running for the Consolation Stakes, throwing her jockey, Bowden, heavily to the gronnd, though happily, we are glad to learn, with out causing him serions bodily injury. He was picked np insensible, and remained in that state for nearly an honr, when he slowly regained his faculties. When the s.a. Argyle left, Bowden was improving fast. It is sup posed ;fchat Brunette burst a blood vessel throngh over-exertion. The mare was coming down a rather nasty incline, and Bowden was no donbb making the best speed he could, the distance only being once round the course, when she appeared to " prop " and then dropped dead. Auckland sporting men will, probably, remember Brunette on their own course. She was a theme for admiration, being such a handsome mare in symmetry of proportion. Taurau gave eighty guineas for her about two years ago, when she won the Whangarei Maiden Plate for Mr Kenneth Morrisson, of the Cove, Waipu. A second accident happened later in the day, which also caused much appre hension for the life of the victim, a gum digger named Amos. He was riding round the course after the conclusion of the day's sport, and came in contact with one of the posts, which had the effect of unseating and throw ing him in the air. He came down heavily on his head and shoulder. Amos was quite insen sible when picked up, and it was generally supposed he had broken his neck. Every endeavour was used to revive the man, he was removod in a dray to the Court House before he was sensible. Dr Sissons having arrived, examined him and found that the only harm sustained a broken rib, though he was otherwise greatly shaken. Master Fred Sissons met with a nasty accident while riding in a scratch race. His stirrup-leather broke, and, losing command of his horse's head for an instant, his leg collided with a course-pole, which unseated him. Besides the bruises to his leg, he sustainad an ugly bruise on the fore head. A young lady of fourteen summers

met with a very similar catastrophe; and had to bo assisted home. Captain Anderson, oi the schooner Clyde, fared no better. He waa accommodated by a friend on the same horse, but the dual system of horsemanship did not answer, and the two rolled to terra jlrma. Luckily the Captain underneath his friend. Had it been otherwise there might have been a serious issue to record k gainst the skipper a weight. Only one other spill I noticed. A young gentleman who was apeing the jockey finished his manoeuvres on the ground. This is quite a chapter of accidents to record, but sucn is quite an exception on the Whangarei course. Morrisson's Wizard took the Whangarei Plate, and Willis' Deceiver the Settlers' Stakes, which were the principal events. The amount of money ran for was •not largo. This was the Eecond meeting already since Christmas, and the races were got up to afford sport simply. The Argyle, which brought a number of Auckland visitors to the racjs, returned on Saturday with. 37 passengers, who expressed themselves well pleased with the days sport. The stewards were--Messrs W. Seccombe, T. Cottle, 1. Stephens, Taurau, and Pomari King ; Sir E. 'Dongta, M.H.R., was Judge; Mr 0. N. McMurdo, clerk of the course ; and Mr It. S. Alderton, secretary.

Second Edition.

LATEST CABLEGRAMS.

THE SALMON OVA. POSTAGE ON NEWSPAPERS VIA FRISCO. COMMERCIAL AND SHIPPING. LONDON. March 18. The proposal to increase the postage on newspapers via San Franciaco has been post poned till 1879. Wheat is improving in demand. 350 bs'es of N.Z. hemp are sold at full rates. Present stocks firmly held. ' Arrivals—Director, from Auckland ; Wai kato, fcom Lytteltou ; Halcions, from Wel lington.

SYDNEY.

This day. The Durham ova leaves for New Zealand by tho first steamer.

LATE TELEGRAMS.

TAURANGA.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day,

The Bribery Case, Major Pitt has been committed for trial on the first charge. His Excellency and Party Loss their Way. Dr. Pollen and Lord Phipps arrived yes terday, and left this morning early for Rotorua. Much comment ia being made on the Governor's party getting lost on the road from Waikoto to Ohinemuti, in the King's Country, the rendezvous of Pujukutu, Winiata, and all the outlaws.

PORT CHALMERS.

(Per Press Telegram Agency) Thisjday. The ship Wellington wag towed in last night, and, despite a case of typhoid fever still in hospital, Cap1;. Thompson, health offi cer cleared her. Dr Drysdale refused to take any part in the proceedings until the Board of Health had been consulted. Arrived : Baique Gloucester, fronvgHong Kong, with 58 Cninese and cargo. She is 04 days out.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.)

UXDEB IHS VAGRANT ACT.

Sam Antonio, a man of colour, was charged under the Vagrant Act with committing a nuisance in Miortland-street, by the Post office, last evening. Constable Moar deposed that although it was dark, he saw the offence committed. Antonio deposed that he was perfectly sober, and when about to retire into the shadows of the Post-office the constable rudoly put his hand on hia shoulder and demanded his name. He went there for the purpose of waiting fora gentleman according to app'ointmeent. The Court found him guilty, and ordered him to prison for seven days. Alexander Eglington was charged with a similar offence iv Queen-street. Prisoner denied the charge. Constable Sham proved that he saw the offence committed, and when he arrested the prisoner, he offered him a sum of money for his liberty. The prisoner was sober. Prisoner, a respectable-looking man, pro tested that the charge was unfounded. The Court ordered prisoner to prison for seven days. Sarah Ann Fairburn was charged with having no lawful visible means of support. The prisoner, a little black girl, denied tho charge. Detective Grace found the prisoner in a house of ill-fams kept by her mother, and gave a terrible description of the midnight revelries therein. Mr Broham said the girl's mother, who was the greater offender, wouli be brought in presently. The girl said she had been in service with Mrs Kernett at Ponsonby, till within the last three weeks, and left because she had the English cholera, The case was allowed to stand over. Emily Diver was charged with having no visible lawful means of employment. Detective Grace gave the prisoner an indiffetent character ; he found her in the samo horrid den off Wellesley-street in com pany with a number of prostitutes. Detective Jeffrey said the prisoner was the wife of a hard-working man, and she was a most abandoned character. Her husband had tried in vain to restore her to a life of virtue. She waa the constant companion of the notorious Maria Price. The prisoner sued piteously for mercy and the case was allowed to stand over.

DUCK ¥OR DINNER. William Stirling, a youth of thirteen, was charged with stealing two fowls and a duck value 9s, the property of Mr Gilfillan. Mr Gilfillan said he did not wish to press the charge, the boy belonged to highly re spectable, hard-working parents, and he thought the boy did not intend to steal them.

Mr Broham said that there were too many such cases now, and there was too much rea son to believe that the boy did intend to steal them, as he could show by ample evidence. The boy was taking them home, and when he Baw Serjeant Skirving, he threw the fowls and duck down and ran away. Serjeant Skirving deposed that he had his suspicion that the boy had stolen the duck and fowls; he followed him and, when ho overtook him, he said the,fowls belonged to his parents ; he wag to have duck for dinner. He sub sequently learnt that the fowls were the property of Mr Gilfillan. Mr Qnintal here pleaded for the boy, he had not stolen them from any fowl-house, and the fowls and ducks "were wandering in the great domain of nature ; he thought the case should be dismissed. His worship gave the lad some good advice and discharged him.

THE HOUSE. ■ *ft Edward Gore and Maria Price « >^W charged with being occupiers of a hr frequented by thieves and prostitutea .*. Wellesley-street, 6Uces j; ne w _: The prisoners denied the charge ■>■•» Detective Grace deposed to the chara^T of the house; the woman was one 0 £ tt •' worst of characters, she was the mother*"' the black girl, and the man Gore went ah and lured drunkards into the houße » lived upon the prostitution of themi Bera a?, '' i females within. She was watching at X 6 corners of the etreet3 every night for th purpose of entrapping the men. " " Gore said he got his living by hard work '^ and the woman said she was a wash* woman. r" i Detective Jeffrey gave a dreadful pictm* il of the life of the prisoners ;he lived unn m their infamy. The girl had been crying to ' him wishing him to rescue har from th m dreadful life to which she was subjected by Gore and her mother. : * jp Thomas Murphy, carpenter, was called, I His Worship, what do you know aW ! these people I, Murphy : They are the greatest black. \ guards in all New Zealand. Thi3 witness then proceeded to say that his ear 3 were disturbed night and day by the ' drunken brawls and fightings for ever boW ! • '»-. . .. "... • :r;

Another witness gave similar evidence, I Maria Price here made an effort to shed a 1 few tears, and was astonished to hear h et I character villifled in this case. : = Gore said it was better to shut up, y The Court sentenced the prisoners to three months imprisonment with hard labour. AVIFE BEATING. John McQuillan, engineer, was charged with violently assaulting his wife atParnel] on the 18th instant. ' ! Prisoner hung down his hsad andina low I voice pleaded guilty. Mr Brobam said this wa3 a very sad case the husband came home in the night, and dragged the wife out of bed, and hammered i and kicked her about the body until she became unconscious Bridget McQuillan deposed that she was the wife of the prisoner, and mother of three small children. Her husband dragged her out of bed by the hair of her head. ":Henoi only hammered her with the heel;pi the boot, but struck her bead several, times against the wall. She remembered no more, Archibald Wallace, baker, was near the spot, when he wa3 tolicited to fetch Con stable Jackson. He looked into the room on hearing a great noise, and saw McQuillan kicking his wife violently. Mr Broham said he had other witnesses. His Worship said it was one of the worst cases that had come before him, and sen tenced the prisoner to four months' im. prisonment with hard labour. - Henry Parsons, a sawyer, was charged with beating and kicking his wife, Elizabeth, on the 18th inst. in the most brutal manner. Prisoner acknowledged to striking his wife; •. ~ . Elixabeth Parsons, a decent-looking woman, said that her husband had often ill. used her, but she was not desirous" of seeing him imprisoned as she had a large family of little children to support, and she should be deprived of his earnings. Prisoner said he would treat his Wife ■ tenderly in future ; it was all through drink, His Worship addressed the prisoner npon the wickedness of his crime, and allowed him his liberty, on being bound in a £20 bond to keep the peace for six months.,, ASSAULTING CONSTABLE MOAB.;'^ Robert Carroll was charged with violently assaulting Constable Moar while ■in the'"exe cution of his duty, by flogging him with a whip, on the ISch inst; and John Griffin was charged with endeavouring to break the head of the said constable with Ms clenched fist. ' ;- /: ::. '' Mr Kissling aßked for a remand in these cases until to-morrow, which was granted. LUXACY. Wm. M. Gilmore, who had been on re mand charged with beine of unsound^muid, was brought up and discharged, his madness being the result of excessive drinking.;1"' POWL STEALEKS. , .-< ;-:.?o , William. Henry Campbell, an old thief, and John and George Culling, brothers, were charged with stealing three fofflfi, the property of Mr Barrett of Rcmusra. <% Garret. Barrett, settler of Remuera,!' re cognised the fowls as his property, but knew nothing of the prisoners. Elizabeth Dunning, carrying on business as a poulterer in the market, deposed that the prisoners came to her, and sold to her three hens and three ducks, she gavels U each for the fowls and Is 6d fcr the ducks. The prisoner Cambell cross-examined the witness in the most impudent manner, and ■ denied the charge. Constable Jackson deposed to hearing of; the robbery and to taking the prisoners into custody. The boys acknowledged to stealing them in company with Campbell, who drew : them into it. • Campbell here said he did not Bteal the fowls ; he waited outside while the" boys stole the hens ; he only held open the bag for the boys to put them in. (Laughter.)- Mr Edgar Hull, farmer, recognised the ducks as his property, which were stolen on the 13th inst. The boys were sentenced : George Collins to six weeks' imprisonment, and John Col lins, who was not so deeply implicated, to a fortnight. Campbell was also sentenced to siy weeks' imprisonment. Another and more serious charge was then brought against-Campbell, namely, that of extorting money from persons by fake pre tences. • Mr Broham said the prisoner had been levying black mail upon persons frequenting the domain, under pretence of being a detec-^. tive of the police. • . James Mahoney, labourer^ of ?*"'s' deposed that prisoner came to him on theitn inst., at the Sash and Door Compay'a ?«i; i and said he was a detective, that he\m seen witness on the previous Sunday mgby in company with a young girl, that he had a summons for him; he then made a charge against him, and promised to smash, toe _ matter; he gave him 3s but heßaidtnaj would never do, and he got another pound ; out of him. He believed that he WM a detective. j John Collins, one of the youths, deposea • that he was a stranger, and fell »,wwn , Campbell who told him that he was a private constable in the Domain; that he got m money from him, and drew him a*lenlv into trouble ; he was in the habit of, waiQnr ing 'people in the Domain, and f°"oWl. nß them, and demanding money from them alleged offences. fl a Detective Jeffrey, said tho prisoner tw » ; most determined thief,.and had been con victed of almost every crime short of tnuraer, He had victimized scores of immigrants, »nu for the last tea years his name had been," reproach. . u,; n « The Court asked if prisoner had anything to say. Prisoner : not to Detective Jeffrey. ( Another case having been proved agauw prisoner of a similar nature, he was Be»te"2 to one year's imprisonment in eacn o»i making in all two years, and three montu imprisonment. JIB AND MRS HARBISON. .. George Harrison was charged witn." treating his wife, but Mr Laishley [JWL [ there would be a settlement of the d*M | between Harrison and wife. He woul°*,j for a remand until Thursday next W»°" / the case not be settled, it wolud taKe ci» siderable time, as there were a number-, witnesses to be examined. Remanded until Thursday next. ASSAULT AT AKMS. -aa-nlt-" Arthur Field was summoned for assau ing Henry Probarton the Is^/^ The parties did not appear, a*"-^ . was passed. ,'J ~ "\jolpl. I Sarah Ann Fairburn, the liftleJlacVg on promising to go to service was discnarg" >



OHtßi' POST-OjmOJS. AUCKLAND MiILS WHIi CWiSS AS POIiLOTTB :— For Thames thi3 d»y at 5 30 i> m For Co om>indel tomorrow at 10 30 am For Nau'er to-morrow at 7 am For Waiwera. Kawau, and Matakans to-morrow at 10 a m For E.U sll to-morrow at 11 a m For Napier and Sou hsrn provinces per Colirna four hours after arrival For Ausfra'i m Colonies per TTero on Tuesday next (Signed) S. B. BJS3, Chief Postmaster.



J COSGRA YE <& CO. will hold a Sale of the ivliole 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 SALE commences on WEDNESDA Y s Bth March. HE JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE FOR C\ OOD XTALUE FOR jyTONEY. Dkapeby, Clothing, Habbrdashery, Hosiery, Hats and Caps, ; Furnishing Goods, ETC)., ETC.



B3F* Special Links in Clothing, &c, Porohabed at Auction bblotv Value, and to be Bold Ybbx Cheap. A L UIQE AND COMPLETE STOCK N EVERY DEPARTMENT. IN3TEOTION INVITED. W 5 % Discount allowed to Cash Purcha^s on all Goods amounting to twoi ty stiilluts and upwards. Orders promptly executed, well selected, and securely packed. fi;USHBROOK & BRILGMAN [Late R, Hobbs], , VNOTI.O'N D RAP ER Y^WA RjrHQUSB Opposite[the2Armyland rN'avy <SoTei, Uppek Qdeen-stbebtj AtTOiCLANDi i .



CELLING FAS Our Prices insure a Rapid Sale, therefore OVERSTOCKED AS "oDR NEIGHBOURS ARE! New Goods now Unpacking; elt -quares from 14/G each 3tair b'i,»>r lothp, 18x 22 inches wide Brilliant Tat) lirussel Carpets at 3/11, suitable for Hotelke 'p^ra Furniture uivtone Cloths at /1H Wide Ticks at /6J. Whitb Sheeting, 2 yds wide 1/1 per yard „ „ Twilled, 2yds wide.... 1/fi „ „ Plain and Twided, 2\ yds wide.. 1/9 „ 4 „ .. 1/11 „ Goo dWat^rproof Sheotinp, at 3/9 „ 7 4 Colored Table Covers from 3,'G 8-4 „ „ 4/11 Balance op octr Stock op Prints we aro -olearing at /4J, worth /6-J; /CJ, worth /0.



Toilot Quilts for Single Beds, 4/11 Ditto, largo size, 7/11 Fringed ditto, from 9/11 to 16/6 Axminater Door M*ts at 2/11 Furniture, Bedding-, Carpets White find Drab Slays, 2/11, worth 4/6 Silk Umbrellas, 7/11, good value. HOLLOWAY & GARL I 0 X, CITY HALL,' Queen-street, Auckland. TTSTKALIAN MUTUAL PROVIDENT SOCIETY.



Members are informed that in consequence of the resignation by Mr. Henry GilfiUan of tho Agency of the above Society for Auckland and its district, Mr. Alexcnder Sauuders has baon appointed Ageni, and Will act as such on and after Monday, the 13tli iast., at his offices, No. 2, Insurance Umldings, Queen- Street, Auckland. Ry order of tho Board, JOSEPH DYER, Resident Secretary, Auckland, March 14,1870.



OUR MOTTO—"MAKE THEM COME AGAIN." HEMUS AND TRIGG Have Bought ihs Goodwill of Mr. J. W. Pbausk, 2U:, (Jueon-atroat, and in T.vo Woeki arc to have possession. Until fiat tino we elnll cjatiain to offor at the samo REDUOriON, VIZ., 63. IN THE POUND, tleramilndorof the Stock Purchased frjm C'jok and Clayton. WE WILL TRY AND MAKB IT WORTH YOUR WHILE TO CLIiIH THE HILL. HEMUS AND TRIGG, Milliners, Drapers, a^d ELvberdashsks. Tomporary Premises : CORNER OF ALBERT asd WyNDHAM-STREErS, (Lite Cook and Clayton).



Westons, Wizard Om and Magic PiWi .— Unv cured more wonderful cases of Rheumatism, Gout Neuralyia, Aches, Pains, Swellings, Caked Breasts, Scalds, and Salt-Rheum, upon tlie human frame than all tho. protended remedies have since the world began. These Great American Medicines are com posad of vegetable oils hpalin<r gums, roots and herbs; and act like a charm upon pain and inflam mation Price: H«lf-a-crown. Solo Agoats : Komp thorno, Prossor and Co.



(PIA-BLE MESSAGES TO EUROPE \J ANGLO-NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAPH AGENCY. Auckland Agent: Alex. Saundors. TRANS-ATLANTIC FIRE INSURANCE COMPAjNY. Auckland /sgont: Alex. Saunders. House, Land, and Estate Agent, Stock AND SIIARKBROKF.rt, ALEX.' S AU N D E E S, 2, Insnrauoe Buildings.



Causes for Confidence.—l.n these days of lm;ubu(< and imposture the public are naturally distrustful of assertion unaccompanied by isroof. This U particularly tun ooso In regard to advertised remediep, many of which avo devoid of tho H'idhtost merit. But a mfidlciaal stimulant, profesniou.Uly endorsed and used for twenty-live ycaw as a curative of debility, nervous disorders, kidney arid bladder. ailments, dyspepsia, and rheumatism, deserves, and receives public confidence. Witness Udom'iio Womb's ScniBDAM Aromatic Sciinatps.