SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

«6ro, ss, Loga,n from Sydney Phce'ie, s.s,, Andrews, from Southern Ports Qu'.en, schooner, from HoklaDga Acedia, schooner, from Napier Minnie Hare, schooner, from the North

DEPARTURES.

Ambers!;, brigantine, for Sydney

IMPORTS. wf* «Si ß F, eTn frnm Melbourne and Svdr. ev : 14" WT ,V a 6 35° °ah ™'«?hts. K6 bw imn, ?0 ca,«h 5 \ ron- 30 Hln^l M hoop iron, 1 c«k chains. 1 Porter »ndC * °356 handle3> * case woodware, E. imirfmra 1! 61: 1° casea C!lke3' 720 mafs snear. 93 20 case, SUM qt\CVkS ViDefrar' 25 ke«S Snllt Pea 9' nett 11a- X iOcartß nuts, 250 boxes candles, Bar nett and jlov?. H Ps r Mey e «ar?dICe! e'bOllrae: *° K'h°™ ioU ™' S" S ero •' 7 b"fc'3 anmoeli, Trelavd, Toothers. vZ tt!°: ! CMa *G't<ns Stone Brothers. BiaVMnL in! 4S P p-™^ nnfl picVagw. 7 casos Tand S MorrinaCb^ 6S mercliallfli3e- 54 Packages do, elnXZVhnh!m nS^U k^™' 10°

ARRIVAL OF THE HERO.

■"•a ss Hero nrrlved in harbour this mornlnp; at oi« mi,?iV tes mst 1 o'c'ofik. She left Sydney and th n?u llftads at nnon on tbe 10th inst: passed la »h,, Fee % lms at 10-30 Pm on the 15tb, and arrived »fiJ> ?' *Ile T'ass *c'fi across thfl Hero experienced *s™ng head winds and h*avv h.p S d sea throughout we are indebted *o MrW J foggwell for the prompt S!'y, er?, of ow fil™ Mid other favours. Passengers : M O T Welhotunp-WTR Thornton and family (4), rr'7 J\- fobbing. O. o. Besle. J. S. McPherson. ins M\ lrcnl »n. Gov Guilhnme, Wrn Anderson, and i" in the steerae^. From Sydney—Mrs "W. J. weston twn chiWr^n, md nurse, Mr and Mrs i;rownr!<?p, four children, and nnroe, Mrs T. J. «wnu<tand familf (4). IW Mr Palmer, and Mm i-ajmnr, w r Rrcl Mr , Bepk Mr and G j^^^ J"rs Younjr. Miss Mul'or, Miss Harvey. Bey TC. 0 Vvxt V' iertff-Pn^'K.N, Optaln Pennal, Messrs JJ. Nathan, g W. P«lfn-d HByrcm. Charles Jovnt. ■»■ "xley, 0 Marshall. P En K el, J McDonald, Thos Macready, and 3! in the steerage.

The brfeantino .'mho^st sailed last evening for Syrfnfly wHh n rare" of timber a^d margnnpse. Tb/s.s " P*cebo CfiptMn 'ndrews arrived, In )h« MarnVan <hi« mnrnine Pai«ergers—M> a?d Miss GHssn'd. Mrs and Mi°si>s B»rt>oi\ vfwei T'clfher ard IrvJr>B. Captain Munw. Mesßrs cho't, I\Turr*v f2\ JWroiston, Piealnep. Owen, nnd thrre in ihe steerage "Wn nrn Indebted to MrH. W Barton, pureevfor flies and otael favours.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

Mr Alfrtd BtrcKtANn'a Wtf.kly TCtcpobt.— Foddftr: At thn Ttnymarket this dir fodder was in usnal sutmly, of indifferent finality, and dull of sale. Meadow hnv, Is 6d and 2* M; oaten, 2s to 3* 91 per cwt; oats 2» 61 : r.nclssfoo^ grass reed. 8* to 9s ; rre grass seed, 6i 9rl p<>r bushel : chaff, 3s 91 per cwt. Hnrass of a gond cl»ss moro Uian usually nnmernns Baips were steady at satisfactory pHop.s: med'um draft nribrolren colts bvpnght from £19 to '£1i; heavy d'aupht. £30t0£50; riding and light horse«. £1 to £15 ench.—Hfdrs rare in Jess thin uuial supply, and broueht 4s 9d ; calf sVins. 5d per lb ; sheen sbins. 1b 5d to 2s Gd each : limbs' wonl, %% tn 101 pc lb Cattle and sheep ■ At the Eemuera yards on Thvirs d»y dairr cows werp scarce, and at extreme values; 'tore cattle plentiful nnd steers of a pood cl»s? rrmlr tiined previrus ivices. nut cow? in bad condition sold low. T_esi thnn tbo (ivrmgo number of cattle were yarded, nnd maintained late vulirs : 110 head Bold. Sb^ep effere 1 in limi'cd t umbern only, and were vary dull of sa'e D,i'V cons brotuht from £8 to £!4 ; eiphf,«enr.ionthn--i]d steers from £3 7s 6d tn £i : two to three-year-old steers frrm £i 7s Cd to £6 10s ; d*y c-wfi, £3 12s 6d; fat cattle, 25s to 303 the lOOlbs.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND

VIAIT.S WTT.T, UWBK AH KOJjkUWH : — For Thames this day at 5.30 p.m and tomorrow at 7 am For Wiiiwern, etc. to-morrow at 10 a m For Ta-aDabt mi* Southern provinces per Taupo to morrow at 120 vm. For Australian Colonies per Hero on Tuesday next For Tong* to-jv orrow at 10 am For Rnafell on Mondny at 4 pm For "WaJpn on Monday »t4nm (S)gned) S. B. HISS, Chief Postmaster.

The Napier Regatta.

NAPIER,

(From our own Correspondent.) This day. The Begatta took place on a aplendi'l day. The Interprovincisl Rare was a walk over for the Gisborce crew. The other two from the Napier Club reftißed to pull on account of the Gisborne boat being carvel-built, and Napier ones being clinker. Much disappoint ment was expressed by the public at the result, and consider the Napier clnbs much to blnme owing to the Gis bornites not having complied with the advertised conditions. Afterwards a race for twenty pounds a side was gotun between the Union and Nanier Rowing Cubs, and the former won easily. About 1500 people were on the ground, but are all annoyed at having left their business to witness such a miserable fiasco, No interest is taken in the other races.

BIRTH.

CANHAM—On March 16, at her residence, Symonds- Ptreet, the wife of Mr, Harry Canham of a daughter.

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1876

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong- that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the trood that we can do.

We have perused with an ever deepening interest the speech of the Premier of New Zealand as delivered to his constituents at Wanganui. The eyes of the colony, we are told, have been turned to the meeting of last night. Oar eyes were turned too, and we have listened with bated breath to the echoes of the oratory aB conveyed to us along the elaotrio wire. We have carefully read the oration as it appears in this morning's papers, having space only for a resume of the prin cipal topics In our own columns. The speech is bo lucid and statesmanlike that we think it a pity any one should fail to read it in its entirety as we have read it. But we shall for the sake of the unfortunates make a run ning comment on the speech with extracts of its most delicious morcoaux. Lucid, we have said the speech is. But lucid is not a Dame for it. Begal and viceregal addresses, aad the utterances of all great men are distinguished by particular features which separate them from the sayings of com mon men. In fact it is recognised as contributing to that Bense of awe whioh Invesleta all great men to the eyo of weaker mortals.Tlhaf; when'they speak they speak in language of doubtful interpretation. The position of Sir Julius Vogel at the present hour, not knowing exactly from whioh point the wind blows, conduces, in a special degree, to the fitness of his speaking In parables, and accordingly bis speech, as it appears this morning, is at once calonlated to enhance his prestige as a statesman and '6 give an excellent? mental exercise for the

babes and suckHng3 of political science. But to begin. The house was crowded and the galleries were filled with lovely women, and in his opening words Sir Julius says, " What he had seen in Wanganui advanced the pleasure of representation." And what had he seen ? He had not only seen signs of prosperity, but he " had seen their wives and daughters." After such a gal lant speech it was but natural thafe Sir Julius, speaking of the francliiso under the bright glances of sdme hundreds of pairs of pretty eyes, declared that he would "not confine women" any more than he would men," in the exercise of the franchise or anything else. But it was on finance that he was great as he was lucid. But we are so embarrassed by the whirling about of coupons and debentures that we shall not venture to reproduce his ideas, but the following extracts will give an insight into the whole matter. " The Bank of England caused inscription and will again receive bonus. Nobody but the Dank of England could carry out the two-fold in scription of issuing bonds to bearer. This would give the character of either speculation or investment." We are sure that this will give our readers a clear idea of what the great financier meant. For ourselves we are quite an fait on the snbjeefc. The much vexed question of the Colonial Port is dis missed with a wave of the hand. "The manngement of the harbour should not be confined to Municipal representatives, whose government must ba more or less successful in theory, but should be on a larger scale in Wellington." The principle of the thing is beyond a question, but if the abstract theory is equal to the fundamental basis then the thing is just so. In speaking of the " true theory of representation," the statesman says, "The members should be in a measure elective, but not of a nominal character." We quite agree with Sir Julius here, for the "nominal characters" are often bad character?, and it is highly desirable that men of genuine character only should ba elected. We presume that is what he means and he is quite right. But there is a great truth conveyed in the following, which like a talent rolled up in a napkin, wou'd perchance have been lost to pight had we not brought it forth from iMs concealment. The con solidated revenue," says the financier, "must be so regulated that we must not exceed our demands." Now we regard this as one of the first principles of New Zealand's success ful finance, and the thanks of the human race are due to the man who has clothed in so few words so invaluable a maxim in political economy. Put in terser terms it means that our expenditure is not to exceed our " demands," a principle of wise domestic and commercial management on which many a man has proceeded in life with results on a smaller scale indeed, but very much like those New Zealand is hastening to produce from a like obsorvance of the p'in ciple of limiting her expenditure only by the extent of her demands. The maxim is so pleasant and withal so characteristic and ex pressive of the Vogelian policy that wo are sure it produced a roar of applause among the coarser creatures below, and quite a fluttering of pinions among the doveß perched in the galleries above. After such enuncia tion it is pleasnnt to read that even the great man feels that he is amenable to prudential considerations and he say 3 " The financial position requires careful consideration no doubt, and we must not be unduly elated nor excited before we have all the money and the credit which for the interests of the Colony it is desirable we should spend." We should be sorry to see Sir Julius unduly excited while the game is proceeding. Cool heads are needed for desperate games. Deeming it as he does desirable to " spend all the money and all the credit of the Colony," it is well to allay all excitement so that we may all live quiet and peaceable lives untii the crash comes and then—we shall all slide to Eng land. But all these matters are beside the question, and it is to Sir Julius's views of the great land question, and the allocation of the land fund and the compact of 1856, that the whole colony has beea bending its neck and straining eyes and ears to gather the first and faintest indication of his purposes. And it is here if anywhere that he is lucid, and New Zealand will sigh a sigh of relief now that suspense is past and that we know the worst. Thus said Sir Julius. "The compact of 1856 is not undesirable if we con sider so, but some of those who spsak of it think that it is only sacred that they regard it so." It is needlesß for us to say that we entirely agree with these sentiments, and we believe a debt of public gratitude is due to the Minister for having in so bold and un equivocal terms defined his own portion and that of the Ministry in relation to this vexed and enthralling subject. Another question scarcely less interesting is that of the future public works of the country. And it is thus the minister foreshadows what is coming. Says he, "As they will eventually deVote the management of Pnblio Works, and will confine their locality in management had great desire to avoid inconvenience to the majority of the people." Bvit grand results are anticipated from a projected mission to which Sir Julius voguely points. Three " able " servants would be sent forth to all the provinces " to carry letters of intro duction to superintendents." What may be the object of this singular mission we are left to surmise. But these three wandering missionaries are to proceed on their travels, and "he hoped that superintendents would recognise that it was their duty and privilege to help them to some extent." Itwouldappear as if these ablebodied servants were to be of the character of mendicants, and to receive eleemosynary assistance fromjthe Superinten dents, though we are strongly under the impression that they are spies Bent forth maybe tojsee the nakedness of the land. The proposed method of retrenchment in the Civil Service is unique. Says the Minister : "As to civil servants, a great amount of money may be saved by dispensing with a great number, bub if there is not a large amount of money the theory of the thing wont work." As most of Sir Julius' theories "wont work" without a "large amount of money " the proviso is a very prudent and becoming one. But this theory of retrenchment is we assert surpassed by the economical principles on which the country boards are to be sustained. '' Any country

wanting assistance for public works," says the Minister, '' may carry it out and save expense of management. Admirable ! That is the simplest method of Government assistance we have heard for many a year. But among the many noble conceptions interwoven in the address, we find nothing better than the proposed Canterbury railway. Talk about a line leading from No Place to Nowhere. This is to lead from Canter bury to the middle of a river ! Says tho Minister, " Next we are going to carry out a railway between Canterbury the boundary being the middle of a river, which would make the accounts difficult." This would look mysterious enough ; but the immediately succeeding sentence leads us to the painful belief that the object of this mysterious railway to the middle of the river is to drown the Superintendents. For immediately after exciting our curiosity by leading us to the queer terminus, he adds, " When the change in provinces takes place, you might visit it without missing the Superintendent." This is horrible ! Indeed tho perusal of tlie whole address ha unstrung our nervous system by reason op startling pi-opoaitions and the unsatisfied longings of the spirit of enquiry.

The Panmurn people are celebrating St. Patrick's day by spcrhs, of which, horse racing is to be the leading excitement. A number of people went out from Auckland, and with the cool and bracing weather ex perienced, there is not ths slightest doubt;, but .13 much hilarity and mirth will dos tinguish their sports, as those in any other distinct*. One of the, L\uimure people indulges in a vast joke. " He says that Pail mure i3nol; in Ireland, but that Ireland (George) is in Paninure." This fact will, no doubt, account for the snioimt of respect evinced for this favorite Panmure holiday of St. Patrick. The following was brought to us to-day for publication hy a respectable and intelli gent Eomau Catholic lady. We willingly insert ih, as it shows that there can be broad Christian charity exercised in every denomi nation, and we hope the day is coming when sectarian bigotry shall cease to inilueiice. and its fever supplied by love to all irrespective of creed : — The same good soU su«taining both lVUkon both united fl-mrlsh, But cannot give lli^ Oraige growth, And ce-si tlic Green lo i ourisli. Tlirn let the Orange lily b> Thy b*djjo. my patriot brother— The ever-HviiiK Green for me, An ) Wd tor one another. The Star Supplement of to-morrow will contain a number of stories and sketches of interest, including "He got Married on Seven Cents," " John Blandford's Widow," "The Brother's Grave," "A Sight of Terror," " A Cooked Bachelor," "The Detriot Way," " Baron Fritz," "A Murdered Love," " The Marriage Market in India," and other sketches. Headers of a poetical tempera, ment will find intellectual satisfaction in the poem on " Dreaming and Waking."

Mr Ewington will give his next lecture on Thursday the 23rd instant. The subject will be tho " Dutch Revolt against tpain."

The Artillery Volunteers, under Captain Burts, and the 3rd Company under Captain Morrow, were inspected last evening in the drill-shed. Tho members of the corps mus tered well, and paraded to the satisfaction of the Inppecting Officer, M;ijor Gordon. Sub eeqncutly the men matched through the town, headed by their excellent band, play ing several lively airs until midnight. A London paper called the Week's iV"«.? writes :—" It would seem that tho leading journal has fully recognised its mission to l<eep in advance of its contomporaric3 by detailed telegraphic news. It has more space at its disposal than tho penny sheets, and its special wire to Paris, and its special wiro to Berlin, just provided, are supplemented, we understand, by a Bpecial telegraphic connec tion with India. A contract, we are informed has been signed with the Anglo-European Telegraph Company conceding to the Times for £4,000 for threo years the exclusive nse of the cable between Bombay and London for one hour every Sunday night! Last Monday the public reaped the firtt advantage of thia arrangement, and a charming account of the week's adventures of tho Prince of Wales in Ceylon was presented to tho public on Mon day morniug. This will be, without doubt, a permanent boon, for while during the excite ment of the Eoyal visit the principal inci dents have been described at considerable length by telegraph by several of the Bpecial correspondents in India, it has, of couise, been at great expense, and will not be con tinued. Besides, a message cut down to a certain prico is a very much leas readable thing than the full hour's narrative which will now be transmitted week by week."

The Sick Benefit Society of Eechabites, Eden Tent, Newmarket, will hold a soiree this evening in the Newmarket Hall to cele brate their second anniversary. This So ciety is the Pioneer one of its kind for the district; of Newmarket, and has already done much to aaaibt famili-.s suffering from sick ness by the philanthropic principle of action on which the Society is established. There is to bo good entertainment after the repast. The secretary is doing all he can to provide a first-class programme, and a pleasant and profitable evening will no doubt be spent.

Last night the officers prizes won in the first-class firing by members, also, the piize of a handsome oak, silver-mounted inkstand, the gifts of Mr Kohn were presented. Mr Kohn's priza was won by Captain A. Morrow. The aggregate prize given by the officer, as also the 2nd prize in the first-class wero won by Vol. John May. Corporal Partington won Ist prize in the Ist class. The lsfc and 2nd prizes in the 2nd class were won by Vol. A. Yates and B, Morrow. The Ist and 2nd prize in the 3rd class were won by J. Par tington and Corporal D. A. Hay, consisting of handsome cups, inkstand and timepiece manufactured by Mr H. Kohn. Mr James Buckland was elected Lieutenant.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before J. H. Home, Esq., and Captain Daldy, J.P.'b) SONS OF ST. PATRICK. John Hopkins, Michael Garrigell, and Jane Whitiar, pleaded guilty to being drunk last evening, and were fined 5a and costs each, or 24 hours' imprisonment. A WAIF FROM THE STREET. Annie Nobes was charged with being a neglected child under the meaning of the Mr Broham said the girl had been brought up in Chancery Lane. Her mother had frequently been before the Court, and the girl herself had taken up with prostitutes and bad characters. He would ask that she be committed to the Industrial Sohool for two years. The Bench thought the girl too old to be committed. Mr Broham said she could be sent to the Home, to remain there until she attained the age of fifteen. After that time application must be made to the Superintendent to re new the term. She .waß committed to the St. Marys Orphanage for year, to be brought up in the Roman Catholic faith. The mother, who was present in Court, expressed her assent, and left the Court in tears. A ROWDY. Lawrence McGiving was charged with drunkenness and disorderly conduct, and with damaging Constable Sampson's coat, value £2 13a 6d, on the 14th instant.

As the prosecutor did not wish to press the charge, it was withdrawn. The same prisoner was then charged with nsing beastly language in a public thorough fare. He pleaded not guilty. Constable Moar proved the offence, and prisoner was fined £5 and costs or one month's imprisonment with hard labour.

A FLAKB UP. Charles Langsford was charged with a breach of the City By-laws, by allowing the chimney of his house in Sho:tLnd-street to take fire on the 10th instant.

The defendant, through Mr. Cuuningham, pleaded guilty, and was fined 5a and costs.

CABLEGRAMS.

[PBESS AGENCY. J

LONDON, March 8. Hpe Majesty Queen Victoria opened the new wing of the London Hospital. Mr Delano succeeds General Schenck as representative of America at the British Court. March 7. A select committee has been appointed to inquire into the cause of the fall in the price of silver. A quantity forbidden to be landed in France has arrived in London, and the importers maintain their right to land ifc as representing currency. March G. The wool sales closed dull; 107,000 bales were catalogued, and of the quantity sold ,40 000 bales were taken for export Comb ' ing wools sold at the average of the first sales last year; crost-breds and Sydney clothing wools were 2d lower; good lambs' and greasy from Victoria and Adelaide commanded full rates. The probable stocks for the next sales is expected to amount to 250,000 ba!e3. The Australian and New Zealand mails, via San Francisco, nave been delivered. March 1. ;7Pho ship Coonatta, from Adelaide, which stranded at Newbaven, is breaking up. Por tion of the cargo is being recovered. Dublin-, Matictt 4.

The loan required by the Municipal Council of Dubiin, for the improvement ot that city, has been subscribed for to the extent of seven times the required amount.

Another Child Drowned in a Well.

We regret to have to announce tho painful fact of another death from falling into a well. A settlor from Pnkekohe informs us that tho child of Mr. Madill, farmer,. West Puko kohc, whb rlescoveied laeb night to havu fallen into the well and was quite dead when takon out. Thero is something exceedingly distressing in the death of children from such a cause. From most of tho assignable reasons for children's deaths there is no absolute protection. In these canes the proper security of tho mouth of the well would be safety for tho little ones, and prevent tho sad and constant repetition of these calamities.

LADIES BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of this excellent institu tion was held last evening, in the large room of the Christian Young Men's Association. His Honor Sir George Grey filled the chair according to promise. The proceedings opened with Rebel's evening hymn "Sun of of my Soul," and prayer by Rev. Mr Mao nicol. The meeting was not largely attended and several gentlemen, nimely, the Bishop and Rev. Mr Hassard, were unable to be present. Sir George Grey, having spoken upon the character of the Society and the amount of good it had achieved through the instrumentality of the ladies, called upon Mr J. B. Russell to read the balance sheet and report, as follows : - "The nineteenth annuil report of the. Auckland Ladies' Uonevoler.t Society : Another year his panned and the 19th anniversary of ilia Auckland Lidies' Uoievolfint, Society h>is a'rived, but the committio find it verc difficult to p-.esont _ th'-ir friends and sni porters any report than a ituUlieal one. Tlio operations of the society are so nnv<»m<l that year hj year tluro is only tho aamo record, v z, tho relief of want nrd suffering, as far as the means placel nt ihe disposal of the committee by a generous public will alloiv. 'lho comml.teo would ramiiid their Irierds, that it is with them a piiueiule to Iteop the expenditure within the income. They could beneficially disburse a much larger sum. &nd in sonio extreme caiea much uioro is neoded than thoy are ftl.'le to supply. During tha early part cf last yeir, fever was prevalent, and many families wcro, nwii g to this viiitati jn, reduced to a vory helpless condition—the father ill, the mother's time occupied incurring, and no ono to work for tho fiinily. la fcome houses two or three were ill ivt tho same time. Tlure are upon tho society's books twenty families that havo been visited with sovo:o sickness, end twenty-one deiths hwo occurred in connection wit' them- Tlisra havo also been soveral case? of accident; ono will ho a sample of the reit. A man in driving a c*rt was knocked down, it wont ovir Mai, and broko his k-g a:id co lar-bono ; he was taken to the hospital, leaving h's wife (who was expecting her con finement and uunWc to do any hard work) and six children to bo provided for These ewes make heavy demands ou tha Socioty's fund*. The tot>l number of ciscs relieved during tho year ling beon 132— 9fi mcra than during the precorting year; of these 27 wera widows, four women hud beon dcerted by their husbandH, &nd 20 women havo received asßialancA during their Cjiifinernent; 13 families of newly nrrivod fmmigrivnts h»ve been among the cases. There are in tho Home 10 old women : during the year two have died ; one of these van bstween SO and 90 years of nge, a relic of Waterloo, having been at that battle with her husband and children ; she had been t,/. yen years in the Hume Some of the inmates aro very infirm ; ono is iinito blind They are very com.'ortublu ami excejdingrly grateJul for tha refuge affoichd them in their eld !«e and infirmity. Tha committee would record the deep sonsn of obligation they are under to bis Honor Sir George Grey and B. G. Wood, J'sq. Provincial Secretary, lor tho a^sis!. ance given by them iv carrying on their worlc, and w, thout who o co-operation thair labours could not havo been so efficient Tho com mittee of the AucMsnd 1 adiee' Banevoleat Society desire to thank tho committee of the Young Men's Christian for tho use of their rcorn for tho monthly meetings of the Society, also for the lecture room for the public meeting—a boon loßi»g none of its value from bom? so often uraiitc-d. Tlib committee would t:iko thia opportunity of thanking Ilia proprietors of tho Evß.vi.sa Star, (Messrs Keed and Brett) for printing the last year's rop»rt3, &c , free of charge. The com mittee would le.ivo tho report (simply a faithful record of vro/k done and money expended) to plead the cause of tho suffering and destitute, and they con fidently hope from the experience of tho past, that the future will bring a supply of funds which will enable thorn to feod the hurgry, clothe tho naked, and furnish many a auk room with nocessarios and comforts."

AuSTKAOT OP TBEAStriUn'S ACCOUNTS, IS7&-6.— Recoipts : Balarco on band March, 1875, per last account, JE2O 3» o£d; collection at publio meeting, 1875, £2 19s 9d ■ ordinary donations and subscriptions from March. 1875, to March, 1876, £308 18a 6d ; Key. Chis. Clark (collection at sermon), £35 ; aJoisrs Watt andAitken. for Home, £15; society, £15, £39; relative of an inmate of Homo, £1 16s ; Chevalier Blondin, per the Hon, Dr Pollen, £20 ; Bis Worship the Mayor, (Mr Tonks), £5 ; total, £429 17s 3Jd. Expenditure: Advertising, 17s; relief of poor and maintenance of Homo from March, 1875, to March, IST6, £116 10s 7d; total, £417 7s 7d. Balance in hand : Bank, £7 17a ; treasurer, £.4, 12a 6Jd—£l2 9j B^d; total, £429 17a 3#d. — AajSKg Gilliks, Treasurer.

Mr Justice Gillies moved, " That the report now read be adopted and printed under the direction of the committee." ftev. Arch deacon Maunsell g seconded the resolution, which was carried. Mrs Clark then gave a solo upon the piano which was well received. Mr Reader Wood next proposed " That while this meeting acknowledges with gratitude the support the Auckland Ladies' Benevolent Society has received from the charitable and hu mane of this city for the last eighteen years, it would renew its appeal to them for their con tinued and increased support for the future." Rev. Peter Mason seconded the recollection, which was also carried. Mias Beal then sang the "Nuns Prayer." Mr Buddie then moved, " That the following ladieg be the office bearers for the ensuing year: — President, Mrs Philson ; treasurer, . Mrs Gillies; secretary, Mrs. Aickin; committee, Mesdames Aickin, Bain, Boylan, Beveridge, Crispe, Gillies, Gorrie, Hassard, Ellia, Mason, Macffarlane. Philson, Russell, Wallis, Warner and Williamson. Rev. Mr. Macniccol seconded, and it was carried. Sir George Grey, X.C 8., was elected patron. Miss Philson sang " The Lost Card," and Mr Walpole "The Loving Smile." Votes of thanks were then proposed to the Young Men's Associociation, for the free use of the room, to Mr Beal and the ladies for their musical assistance, and to Sir Geo Grey for

hia kindness in presiding over the meeting, which closed with the benediction pronounced by E.ev. Alexander Reid.

St. Patrick's Day.

Thk facts concerning the patron saint of Treland are scanty but the stories respecting him are plentiful as blackberries in Kentish lanes. We have examined lectures and notices of the good man. who was said to have landed at Waterford in 441, A.D., and to have died many years after at Down, when his followers nxclaimed bitterly, " Down, Patrick, down" meaning thereby that the Saint had gone to his final rest. Numbers of ancient writers connected with the old faith refer to the patron saint, but discrepancies are discernable in each writer. Ninneus gives 464, A.D. as the year of St. Patrick's death ; but Tillemont says, he died in 455, while Usher sets down 493, as the correct date, so that there are 58 years between the dates given by Tillemont and Usher. Casey O'Connor, aerjeant-al-law, in his " Irish Facts and Traditions," affirms that these several writers know nothing, or next to nothing, of the life of St. Patrick. And perhaps his notice of St. Patrick in his "Facts and Traditions, (Vol i. p 293) is about as good an acconnt as we cau procure in these times. John McGrath. also, in his "Elements of Irish History," leans towards O'Connor's account, as the most reliable. "We know" saysjj O'Connor, from ancient records in the possession of the O'Connor family, that Sb. Patrick wag bofn, ai the Saint stated in his " confessions,' at Bonaven T.abo inn, a village then situated at the mouth of the Clyde, between Dumbarton and Glas gow, which subsequently grew into a little town and, in honor of the Saint, was called Kilrmtrick. I wou'd fain have mnde Patrick an Irishman, as all great men have been from Julias C. ro3ir to the ill-ustrious Duke of Wellington, but facts, which the honest historian cannot overturn, compel me to declare that Patrick, though at heart an Irishman, was born north of the river Tweed. But never mind, his nature, and • sympathies, and grandmother were all Irishmen. Ifc is certain that Patrick was born one day when his dear mother was at home, in the rammer of 411, on the banks of the silver Olyclo, As he grew up he found the mountain air too keen for him, and longed to nettle down in Home pleasant spot in the Emerald Isle. He had hut little learning beyond thnt which he gathered from the book of nature. Education Boards were not dreamed of in those ble^fwl da- g, and consequently thnre wore neither education ra*es nor collectors. Patrick's name, how ever, was Randy or Alexander Muir, as Nin neus also effi'ms ; but I am not in a position to state whether he ever completed the alphabet, but, like the North of Ireland boys, I think ho was disposed to get knowledge, for ho was studiously inclined. He was once naught by his mother among the rocks of the Clyde, and whipped for his Ions; absence from his mother's hut. He was also discovered filling a Scottish girl's pitcher from a rock surrounded spring, and whispering in her ear ; but as Isaac and Rebecca had done the same thing in primitive times, nothing was said on tho matter. I cannot help thinking that our patron Saint was disappointed in live, for about this iime he became very religious, and attracted considerable notico from various abbots, and especially from Pope Celestino, to whom ho expressed a wish to convert the people of Ireland to the faith of the Roman Catholic Church. Pone Celes tino nwie him a bishop, consecrated him, and called him by the sacred name of Patricius, and after a tour for observation and improve ment on the Continent of Europe, he passed owr to Ireland, and landed amid great re joinings at Waterford. It is said that all the snakes escaped into the sea as soon os ffc. Patrick, as he was familiarly termed, set his foot upon the beautiful island, the patriotism and eloquence of whose sons have been Jauded by the best poets find lawyers that ever ap peared. I don't believe tho snake story, as the O'Connor records are silent upon the sub ject. Still it is worthy of note that Ireland and New Zealand —the Ireland of the Pacific hfivn no snakes that elide upon the holly and lick the dust of the earth. St. Patrick, like DeanSwifb, loved gardening, grew enor mous melons, was partial to a herring, and had potatoes been in vogue in hia day he would have relished tho mealy ones. St. Patrick, however, was a very good man, according to tradition, and fulfilled hia mis sion to the satisfaction of all true Irishmen, who think of him on the dawn of his anniver sary day, sing with rapturous voice 3 " St. Patrick's Day in the Morning," and invariably go to bed sober.

THE PROCESSION.

The proceedings of the day were com menced, by a procession of the various Roinau Catholic schools to the Domain. At an early liour the children assembled at Mr Dignan's paddock, corner of Wyndham and Hobsou-streets, to the number of about 2000, and were marshalled in tho following orf ] er .—City Band, children of Sb. Mary's Orphanage, bearing a large green silk banner, on which was beautifully worked a harp and wreath of shamrocks. This splendid banner was the work of tho Sisters of Mercy. Following came the boarders of St. Mary's, headed by tho Hob3on brasa band, St. Patrick's school, Bt. Patrick's boys' school, juvenile drum and fife band, Newton school, and the Onehunga and Otahuhu schools, with their line band. We noticed especially among the latter a beautiful banner, made by Miss Uhadwicb, on which was an Irish .wolf dog, an oakjtree, and a harp, also a fine banner executed by Father Simpson, beariDg on it a Celtic cross, Irish San-horse and round tower. The children under [the charge of the Eevs Fathers O'Dwyer, Walter McDonald, O'Hara, Paul, Eiordan, and Simpson, marched through several of the the principal streets, cheering lustily on the way. At the entrance to the Domain they were met by the Parnell school, under the Very Rev Father Fynes V.G., and the whole body marched together to the place of rendezvous, where they were liberally regaled with tea, cake, etc. They afterwards indulged in games, such as JFranch tfg, kiss -in - the - ring and other ways of spending a few hours pleasantly.

HIBERNIAN SOCIETY,

This society mot at St Patrick's Hall, about 120 o£ the members being present, this morning at eight o'clock, and after forming into procession, proceeded to the Catholic Cathedral, where high mass was preached by Father Simpson, deacon, assisted by Fathers Kiordan and W. McDonald, sub deacons. The mass was very well attended, They afterwards returned to St Patrick's Hall, and reformed into their previous position. They then marched to the Domain for the purpose of witnessing the sports.

DEPUTATION.

TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION IN

THE .NORTH.

A deputation consisting of Mr J. M. Dar gayille and Mr Monk representing the mill owners and settlers in the district concerned to-day, waited upon the Colonial Senretary to urge upon the Government the necessity of extending telegraphic communication to the Northern Wairaa. The deputation set forth the rising importance of the district which already contained a population of 2000, and stated they were prepared to offer a guarantee against any loss in the working or the line to the extent of £400 per annum ; the guarantors to consist of the following : Union Sash and Door Co. £100; Te Kopuru Saw Mill Co. £100; Mr Dargaville £50; Messrs Brown, Campbell and Co. (probably) £50 ; and other settlers and merchants £100. It wasj shown that the District had never had the benefit o£ any Government expendi ture, though during the laßt session of the Provincial Council, a resolution had been passed unnanimously approving of the con

struction of the line, and requeating the Superintendent to place cation with the Government on the subject. Dr Pollen stated in reply that he.tally recognized the claims and the importance of the district and that if such a g«»™»*J » that mentioned were formally tendeied he had little doubt that the work would be fttinroved by the Government and taken in hand His own support when the subject came up Sr consideration in the usual manner "ifLr^'mrctverTation on the subject, of i theHelensvillc Railway Terminus extension the deputation thanked Dr Pollen and with drew. -

Serious Accident.

A Bushman's Sands Crushed. A BUSHMAN named George Whitten, a man between 45 and 50 years old, was this morning brought up to.town and taken to the Hospital under very distressing circumstances. It appears that Whitten was working yesterday n Mr. John Smith's bush, at the Wainui, and while engaged in "jacking" a log the spear broke, and the log, which was a very large one, rolled clown and crashed both the unfor tunate man's hands against the woodwork of the lack, the left hand was simply smashed, while the right is so injured that there is little chance of his recovering the Use of it. vie accident occurred at about one o clock, and Whitten was quite helpless and bleedmg, with out a medical man near, and 24 mi es from Auckland. Two young fellows named Martin ilogan and Thomas May, under a sense ot duty which does them honor, at once under took to get the poor fellow up to town. ( 1 hey procured .bullocks, and before two o clock started with the sufferer for Dairy Flat. I here they - rocured horses from Mr. Wilson, and came on to Lucas' Creek, where they got a boat and pulled up to Auckland, arriving at four o'clock this morning. On taking \\ hitten to the "Police Station the sergeant in charge refused to have anything to do with the injured man, and informed the two men who were in charge of him that they could do nothing towards getting him taken to the Hospital. The sergeant, however, showed the way to Quick's, where a cab was obtained, for which Hogan had to pay ios., and the man was admitted at five o'clock. The two men de sire to express their thanks to Mr. Stephenson, of Lucas' Creek ; and Mr. Wilson, of Dairy Flat; who gave their horses free of charge, and even contributed money to defray the con veyance of the sufferer to Auckland. [In reference to the refusal of the police to take charge of the man, we presume the ser geant was acting in accordance with instruc tion's in such cases. The disinterested kind ness of Messrs. Hagan and May in bringing Whitton up to town should meet with some recognition.] .

Sir Julius Vogel at Wanganui.

WANGANtrr, Thursday. Sift Julius vogel addressed his constituents at the Oddfellows Hall last night, there was a great crowd including many ladies present, and Mr Beaver took the chair. The Premier in his opening remarks alluded to the cordial nature of his reception in New Zealand which was doubly gratifying to him coming as it did after the attacks to which he had been subjected. He was glad to see so many ladies present as he was personally not min isterially in favour of extension of the franchise to women. He was very sorry that ill health prevents his visiting other parts of the Colony. His speech that night would hive to be given more as Premier than as tbeir representative, and he felt the yreat responsibility that devolved upon him in delivering it. First as to his visit to England. One of the results of that visit had been the laying of the cable from Sydney to New Zealand which had put them in communica tion with the civilized world. It was the fi'-st large cable laid withotifc a hitch within contract time. The results could hardly be fexaggerated. It was effected at a small cost so that the tariff was small too. Next, he had succeeded in getting the Bank of England to inscribe New Zealand stock, by which arrangement in future, New Zealand bonds would be made payable to bearer, and so save a lot of trouble and expense. He had effected this at the low price of one-seventh per cent. On the subject of Harbours, his words lately had given lise to some misapprehension. All he intended to convey was the fact the manage ment of "Wellington Harbour should not be confined to the municipality, but should be looked upon as belonging to the whole dis trict. Provincialism he was certain would not last long. In the Session of 1874 he had found all hope of preserving ib at an end. In taking measures to abolish it throughout the colony, he had been actuated by a strong sense of duty which had cost him several peisonal friends, among others Mr McAndrew one of the most disinterested men in the colony. It would be necessary that the pro vinces should be dealt with impartially and without favour. The Immigration policy and Public Works policy were inseparable, as in carrying out great works it was necessary to introduce fresh population to make them re cuperative. Immigration could be overdone ; but so long as labour and capital acted con currently, they were safe. Notwithstanding spiteful expressions, the four-million loan had proved a triumphant success, and had been raised in London in 4S hours. He did not think they would ba wise to exceed their present credit. The policy of the Govern ment was to apportion to each district the general revenue, and so regulate the consoli dated reveuue as not to exceed the demand to spend the borrowed money on reproduc tive works,-jand the ordinary revenue upon general purposes. The idea of two separate Governments in the Colony the Ministry would firmly oppose. The compact of 1856 was not undesirable. A great deal of un necessary unpleasantness had arieen upon this subject, and there was a strong feeling that the land fund question should have special application next session. He did not think much would be said about it in the House, for he often found the prophets wrong on these points. With regard to the future the difficulties of the proposed cbauge seemed disappearing as they approached. They would have to provide an inexpensive system of Government, and they must try and manage so that while the people felt no difference in the efficiency of administration they would admit the economy. It was now definitely settled that the Provinces and Superinten dents would cease the week after next ses sion. Their first step was to place them selves in a position to tell Parliament at the opening of the session the cost of their new service. They intended to take over the Provincial services till they could be handed over to the local bodies ; and they intended to invite the cordial co-operation of the Superintendents in the work of reconstruc tion. They did not propose to combine the Police and the. Armed Constabulary, as that would create offence, and they did not wish to make any rapid or irritating changes. The goldfields were hardly entitled to that ex ceptional treatment which they desired, but they would receive due attention. Some thing would have to be done to facilitate obtaining land for settlement. All should pay, bub-the terms should be made as easy as possible. Many of ♦.he Provincial lines of railway would have to be temporarily taken over by the Public Works Department. In order to interfere as little as possible with local arrangements there would be a separate treasury for the payment of contractors and others. The harbours would devolve on the Customs Departments, not including im provements proposed. Education, hospitals, asylums, &c , would be under the Minister ofjj|Ju3ticG, though in the case of education and charitable institutions local oontrol would be promoted as far as possible. The Government would, send round three of the ablest civil servants to gather the estimates from the Provincial Auditors and Superin. tendents, and he trusted the Superintendents

"""'li^n. '? srould supply them with all theyZT^ -? : ;hey could. No doubt a greatn^SS jivil servants could bo dispensed S ei; «* <• lie thought that there was always aV1 U feeling even in persons profeasine uS^ ■ and Joe Humeism, which made them * I not to sacrifice men to political em D 7 *&* <! but to deal liberally with them tf eUci «S <: posed that good compensation "ahm,^ 1"0' given to those with whom thaw v.^ I to dispense. Public servants w fl I overpaid, for the rise in prnvisi!? not rent through the Public Worts pX H them suffeiers. As regarded aboliti Government would submit a statement 'ti 9 Superintendents he thouaht, when th« « 8 I came, would assist the ~Government v* 1 county system proposed was not to strenJ 8 I the central power, but to diminish it *?? system would regard road districts counties districts districts as conee* I revenue while at the same time it Waa B8 for them to co-operate. The whole conT" would be divided into counties by the a ernment or their commissioners, and rt I boundaries would be subject to alterat1 ! They proposedin thefirst place to make B e° n' divisions ; the Boards to have at the m^ ! an existence of twelve months, and aft ■ wards country Boards to determine thrf own duration. The chairman to be pa u VJ at all, out of the revenues of the Board h \ not to sit in Parliament if paid . the'BosM • to have charge of all main roads and artew ' works. Liberal subsidies from land and cob solidated funds to be equally divided! 5 licenses, tolls, &c, to go to counties, but nJ to levy special taxation without consents ratepayers ; the electors of counties to V i those wbo pay rates the same as in the R O J If Board districts. Throughout the connt and the Road Boards to be perfectly distinct The counties would have power to borrow under exceptional circumstances, but only on their own security. The trunk system of railway must be carried out so as to pla<w Auckland in communication with .even *■ province in the island ; and every province of the other island with each other. Borrow, ing must be dispensed with as much as pos sible so as to give confidence to the public creditor. He would not give any pl e( w about an Education Bill this session although there was a desire to abolish special rates "< He undertook to see education* carried on, and would introduce as ■ many l immigrants as required, no mote He would divide the land fund, half on ths basi3 of population and half on the present system,. by which the provinces were ie. sponsible for debts and interests. They also 1 proposed to ask Parliament to take charge of all railways He was certain 7 under the n«?\ ' regime the system would be lees costly and A 1 the machinery work more smoothly and I harmoniously than before. While admitting ! the great good the provincial system hail done, he could not help thinking the whole, If colony would benefit by the change. '» The Premier was loudly cheered at inter;..,, I vals and when he sat down. -

ARRIVAL OF THE S.S. 'HERO'

AUSTRALIAN TELEGRAMS.

MELBOURME, March 9.

A fire occurred at Geelong to-day, which destroyed an hotel and four other buildings. They were insured in the London and Lan cashire, and London and Liverpooi and G-lobe offices. -::

The Governor was present on the conns to-day. The Cup, although it showed that" Itichmonds victory was a certainty, produced a fine race and a very pretty sight for tha first mile and a half before the field began to scatter. Ftoi d'Artifice and Imperial ran a dead heat for second place. ' ". ; '''":'li. Joseph Thompson, bootmaker, andWilßon,; -the trainer, had a fight on thecourae; thisi wiil prabably lead to the 'exclusion of the' ring from the precincts of the Grand Stand. i: A man named George Erskine, working in Soloman's furniture factory, deliberately cut off his right hand at a steam saw, in obedience to Scriptural injunction. He was Buffering' from religious mania. •', ,r. Two horrible cases of criminal assault oo« curred at Sandhurst. Prisoners, are re manded. , Ellen Bourke, aged 17, was knocked down by a train while t croasing the railway line. She sustained injuries of which she died to day. . ■ A shipment of 13,000 bushels New Zealand oats sold at 3a 9d in bond. The cargo of Mauritius sugars ex Alphing< ton was sola ; grainy browns fetched high prices ; other sorts are unaltered. A girl named Emma Thursfield, represent ing herself as heiress to a large property, gave extensive orders to Ballarat tradespeople She has since disappeared. A farmer named Miller committed suicide at G-eelong by blowing his brains out. Advices state that Dondi's health is completely restored. _ A man named Pigotfc a boundary rider to Mr. W. P. Buchanan, was struck dead by lightning last night. "His horse was also killed. When found, Ms feet were in the stirrups. . The R. M. S. Sumatra has been placed;in quarantine, and will remain for a week; the mails are being fumigated at the Heads,.and will be brought to Melbourne by tag.. Vaccination of passengers is ordered. _ A woman, seventy-eight years old, livug alone at Ballarat East, was burned to death. Goldsbrough is scratched for the Australian Cup.

ATTEMPTED ROBBERY AND MURDER.

Sydney, March 10. The attempted store robbery at Emu Flat took place at n o'clock on Saturday nigh. The navvies had settled their store accounts and left for the public-house, fifty or sixty: or sixty yards off. A sub-contractor, namea Holman, entered the store simultaneously two other men ; the latter at once produced two pistols and demanded money j a scuffle ensued, when one robber fired at Holman, ana shot him through the lung near the heart, ac died at 6 o'clock this morning; the otner robber fired at M'Connochie, the owner oftne store, and the ball grazed his shoulders, blackening his shirt. Both then P/epff 1° bolt, when M'Connochie lifted a sheath kniie oft the counter and lunged at one of tneroD bers, and is supposed to have seriously woundea him. Both got away. Holman, a respectable maTied man, had just left his wife and six children to procure a bottle of vinegar.

FIRE IN ELIZABETH STREET.. ; , About 20 minutes before noon yestenMJ* fire broke out in the top flat of the warehouse of Messrs. Sander, Lazarus & Co., 42. beth-street, importers of fancy ware>, was no one in the flat, which was on the t""u floor, and attention was attracted by the crac* ling of the fire, when the place was founaw be full of smoke. An alarm was sent to hk Metropolitan Brigade, who attended at once, and found the flat full of dense smoke ana nre. The staircase leading to the flat below n* caught fire, but the brigade, having a gw stream on, put out these flames, and gor . fire under in about half-an-hour, Preventl^ nt spreading beyond the top flat, tne 1 portion of the roof of which was burnt ott. The stock in the place included a i«B quantity of inflammable goods m deal:w» ». which burnt furiously, and gave outas^ eating smoke. A large portion of the gog was consumed, and a good deal more w broken and destroyed, or damaged WS$ but there will probably be consider^ c w^ vage even in this flat. The goods«^g lower flats were much damaged dv^* coming through the ceilings or WP^, after the fire had been got under, .terpawjj. and blankets were spread over the stock: bew , and thus the damage was much less «»"s dJd ; able than it might have been. The flamesg not make any show, the walls of the builcuDg

Ml ftVIMStS Bf Aft, Iml BA* I AMffi lUßti



Be on the Alert if you have symptoms announcing' the approach of hidney or bladder dis orders. Pains across thfl liidnpys, hirbid urine, diffi culty in pasninjr water, burning in the uretha, pro claim that something is wrong1, and that eonietninsj if d sregarde ■, may develop into a most serious evil. Delay not a moment if there is the slightest urinary difficulty to apply the remedy ppppcialiy recommended by the faculty for such disorders, Udolpiio Wolfe's BOHIKDAM ArOMATIO SCHNAPPS. A" ifST RALITN~MTJTO"AL PROVIDENT SOCIETY. Members ara informed tbat in consequence of the resignation by Mr. Henry GilfiUan of th* Agency of ihe above Society for Auckland and its district, Mr Alexander Sanndern has be?n appointed Agent, and will act as such -n and after Monday the 13th inst., at his offices, No. 2, Insurance Buildings, Queen- Street, Auckland. By order of the Board, JOSEPH DYER, Resident Secretary. Auckland, March U, 1876.