SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

.. „. .„„ (This Afternoon 11.37 HK.r.i iv Aijii t — - To-morrow Moraine, 12.0 SUN SET.—This Evening, 8.55 ST'N RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 1.40 MOON'S AGE.--Last Qr.&rcer, 28th, 9.44 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

DEP ARTURE3. Tauoo s.^., icr Russell loiia s.s.. for R nisei I and The North Rmvena, s s.,Sellar3, for Tatiranga Enorsry, schooner. Savory, for the Friendly " Isiiuids Eawea s-1?-' whsaier, for the South (from the Manafc&fes

EXPORTS.

Per R-frrs-ki, for Waitara: 1 bale, i ca-ks currants, ■% boxes raisins. 1 ease muscatels, 7 packages ironmongery, 25 cis 33 jama—Owen an■■» Gxtam. Pc ■ sthoonpr Eiiercry, for Tough : G CiSSS and b.i om cctton. 12 do. drapery, 2 ca^ea vestas, i do, per-fUiHery, 10 do. kerosene. 1/ do. pren-va, 1 i-cask rum. 1 Vcask and 12 oases hramij', 1 i- ay and 20 cases wine. G^ mats sugar, 29cases ho-tied beer, I box:*s tobacco, 12 boxes tea, 3 C-J33S perfumed suirits, 28 do. preserved asm, o,::i. sar-baparilla. 10 packages and cases lmra ■R ;••■:- i tins paint, 3 drums oil, 2 case-3 lams, V- , :.jii3 biscuit*. 90 tins flour, 10 boxes candies, 51 :;-_, r3 b>.er. . 9 F.'cnch casemsnts, 2,3')') reet i unbar, 120 door sashes 15 boxes so:ip, o pigs, l horspt.—Owen & Graham. Per Hero from Sy-"n y: :-: Walt s rags, 330 baled flax, 100 sacks hr-ui, 20

si;l:s pollard, 20 bars fungus, 12 packages machinery, 5i sicks fungus, 171 pieces timber, —Cruicksliank & Co.. agents.

116 cases plaster of Paris.—Owen & GraTiain,

THE HERO CESS.

The Hero of screw Bteomers receded from v r-.\- to-day, in the direction of the capitals of New South' Wales and Victoria. The voyagers on board were not a few, nor was the-cargro

ins! nificant. The desire to witness her un mooring was widespread, and the cowd on the wharf fit noon was by no means small. The fo1 lowing Is the car-go-y of the lamented d-parted : Saloon—Messrs. H, Ridings, J. C. Hill. M. Keesintr. E. Etornsbj. J. R. Handle. J. Davidson. E. Brigs?, P.'ter Hall. Mrs Coombes, Joseph Coombes, Sydney Coombes, Eleanor Coombes. Mrs J. M". Darsraviile, Miss Must, M^ss M. J. B. Pears?, Miss M. Hall, Mr C. Bel t-^a W. Johnston. F. Carter, G. Hill. Steerage— Messrs. J. Martin, W. Hyatt, A. For.s;ie, H. Tapley, '\ Melville, H. Smith, Mrs :r. M. Dor satt Mrs Summer. Mrs Falkner, Robert J. Falkner. Alex. Falkaer, *gnes Falkner, -lien Falkner, Matthew Kall-.er, Lizzie F.i'.kner. Emily Falkner. and inf.nt, Mr and T\f-s Cadlev, Emily Cadiey, Ada Cadley, Frank Cadley, Arthur Cadley. Ernest Cadlev, Edith Oalley, Harry Cadley, MrsH. Lough, Frederick Lough..

CAUTION TO SHIPMASTERS.

A Press Agency telegram from Wellington informs us that the captain of the - schooner Pelican, which arrived there from Oamaru a few d-^y.s a?o, was fined in the R.M. Court y-sterd'ay 20s and cpst=s for overloading his vessel, "'he fin* would have been greater, but Mr McKellar, ths Collector of Customs, asked for a nominal penalty, as it was the first off-'iice. It lias been generally supposed that when a, vesssi arrived safely at her destination the captain was safe from prosecution for overloading From this it appears that such assumption is incorrect.

Thebricantine O^eola cleared to-day for New castle i~ ballast, and with the following passen gers: Messrs H. Townend, John Kelley, and Annie Bigelow. Ths p.s. Hauraki ax-rived at Taranaki at half past twelve to-day, from Onehunga. The ship Famenoth has come in lately for a good lift towards the completion of her home carpo. The schooner La Gironde brings her 107 bales of wool, the Go-aheart, from her last trip, brought up 181 bales of the same useful material, "with a promise of more-next voyagre, while the schooner Blanche is now alongside, transferring to her hold 50 bales cotton, and 21 tons copra. If she goes an like this, she will be Tea'ly for sea before her announced time, like the Orari last year. The s.s. Hawea left the Manukau for New Plymouth and Southern Ports to-day at one o'.cloek. . The s.s. Rowena sailed last evening for Mercury Bay and Tauranga, with cargo and passengers. . The s.s. Go-ahead is to leave lor Gisborne this evenina at 5 o'clock. Alessrs J. Casey and Son aT-e advertising that on Saturdays only the City of Cork will run excursions from Auckland to Riverhead and back at 3s each, or one penny per mile.- The boat leaves Auckland at half-past twelve and returns at 5 p.m. . ...... The topsail schooner TV aye of Life is to clear immediately for Norfolk Island. From thence she proceed on a trading cruise to the "An extraordinary meeting of the Auckland Steam Packet Company is announced to be held ft 3 p m. to-morrow, for the purpose of consider iu" thsadvisability of winding-up the Company. SSThe mission barquenti^e Southern Cross, Captain Bongard, came up harbour this morn ing to take in stores. She will proceed to Dunedin in a few days to be docked, for the purpose of bavins her copper seen to. When the s.s. Hero returns to this port next month Captain Loa:an, with his accustomed courtesy, will place the good ship at the disposal of the trustees of the various charitable institu tions of Auckland on Roxing Day, for the pur pose of giving the children connected with them a trip to Alotutapu. These annual excursions are alwayß looked forward to with a great deal of pleasure. The ship City of Auckland is steadily progres s'n«- with her loading. She is now taking? in 1,500 cases of gum. supplied by Messrs Walker and Co., another large quantity sent down by Brown. Campbell and Co., and 300 bales of wool from the Loan and Mercantile Co. The Taupo arrived at Russell at 6 this morn ing, and the lona at half-past ten.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under: For Thames, this day, at 5 p.m.; and to-morrovr at 4.30 p.m. a-nd 5.30 p.m. For Ooromandel, per Durham, tomorrow, at 11.3') a.m.; and per Argyle, on Friday next, ac 2.30 p.nri. For (jksborne, per Go-ahead, this day, at 4 p.m. For Russell, per Chompion, this day, at t p.m. Eor Wangaxoa, per Kriemhiida, this day, at i p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Wavou, Wangarci, and Slangapai, per Argyle, this day. at -1 jj.m. For Hobart Town, per Bella Mary, to-morrow, at 2 p.m. For Norfolk Island, per Wave of Life, to morrow, at 5 p.m. For Wa.i-.vera, Warkvvorth, and Te Aral, per Ann« Milbank, oi Thursday next, at 10 a.m. For Taui-itntra, Gisborne. Napier, and Southern Provinces, p^rTaupo, on Thursday next, at 3 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Australia, im mediately after h'-r arri^'al from H9IIOIUIU. For Taranaki and Sonthem Provinces, per Wanaka, i:mnciiat-2l> after arrival of the .Australia. For Whitiangi. Tanran;;a, and Opotiki, per H.owena, on Friday next, at i p.m. S. H KISS. Ch'ie." Postraaifirer.

BIRTHS.

[The price i^or inserting birth notices in this column is recJSßfcd to one shilling; other notices asbeforej *f* YOUNGf-Jfifejtho 24th instant, at her residence, Willis-Sferae£ Wellington, the wife of Mr. alJolm Younjifftf .twin sons.

DEATH.

MILLETT.—At the residence of hersten-father, John Boyd, Orinda Hester Millett, daughter of the late Richard Millett. of the Thames, ajred G years. The funeral will take place at half-past 3 o'clock to-morrow, 28th instant.

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

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1877.

For ttsc cause that lacks assistance, tor the trtapg that needs jesistanca, Pot the future in the distance, Aad the good But we eaa d«.

The drilling of the Dunedin police to the use of the Suider rifle appears to have startled those peace-loving gentlemen, Messrs Pike and Reynolds, and accordingly they enter their protest against it. Mr Sheehan, doubtless anxious to smooth the closing days of the session, readily acquiesced in the suggestion, promising not only to restore the Middle Island police force to a purely civil"body, l»nfc also to de uilutuil-ie tUe foiee hi the l\.jiih Lshud.

The proposal, in. our opinion, is not only an ! unneccessary concession to mistaken "pre judice, but, vi the case of the North Island,, v.-iIL he fraught with danger to the public peace. A. mere civilian like Mr Reynolds cauno-t he competent to adequately '-esti mate tiie value and importance of a general system of police organisation, and Mr Pyke has resided too loKg on the dig^iugs not to i *iave become imfoued with a digger's anti- I j to armed coustables. Moreover, both | are unable to appreciate the contrast between the circumstance's of the North and Middle Islauds as regards the protection of life and property, ff Mr Sheehan really promised to demilitarise the whole of the police force in the North Island he must have laboured under a complete misconception of the ex istiny requirements, and the provisions for the niGinfenance of the peace in native dis-* tricts. With regard to the Southern police, up to the beginning of June last they re mained under the same system oi discipline as before aboli-ion. On that date, however, ! they were sworn in under the Constabulary ■ Act, the rates of pay being assimilated to i the old Canterbury standard. At the same ! time a portion of the Constabulary in the i North Island were detailed for purely police | duty, the remainder being distributed in I detachments on the frontier, and employed ; practically on military service. The two i forces were rendered entirely independent ! of each other, and placed under separate com j mauds. Simultaneously with this reorganisa i tion the police of the Middle Island "were | armed with Sniders in lieu of the Eufield, i and steps were takei? to train them to the use of the new weapon. For the life of us I we cannot understand why Messrs Pyke i and Reynolds should be .seized with } apprehensions in consequence. In all the Australian colonies the police are drilled to the use of the rifle, and we believe that i even the English police undergo similar | training, though the utmost care is taken jto conduct these drills in barracks, in deference to the prejudices of a Jarge class who regard the existence of an armed police force as a menace to the liberties of the ; people. We fail to see why the police of New Zealand should form an exception to I the general practice, or why men who are ! maintained out of the public funds for the | specific duty of protecting lite and property I should not be placed on the most cllicient | footing for the discharge of those ; functions. A body of policemen armed with i mere batons would be worse than useless jin the event of a serious riot., and they j would cut a sorry figure in attempting to j repel any sudden incursion from without. ■ On the other hand by training the police force throughout the country to the use of . the riile and company drill they would be i always available as an effective defence force, and in the event of any native rising, j such as was too common between 18G0 and j 1867, these men could be promptly drafted ■ off to the scene of danger, their places be i ing filled by special constables. On i the other hand were the proposed ; wholesale demilitarisation carried into : effect, it might become necessary, in j a time of emergency, to take the citizens I from their ordinary occupations, to defend a ■ helpless police force. But there arc many ! advantages which would attend the;placingof i the police force of the colony tinder a general .system of organisation. Facilities would : be afforded for regular and fair promotion, and a better class of men would be induced jto take service. When the police force is i cut up into small isolated bodies, each un j der a different system of discipline, I the bulk of the force Avill be com posed of men of the Dogberry stamp, j with a mission for serving subpoena:, and i " running in" trespassers against Munici pal bye-laws. The combination of the ; force also affords facilities for the removal lof constables from station to station :as occasion may require, enabling them to form a larger acquaintance with. j the criminal classes, and preventing those : local partialities or private antipathies i which frequently rcsul! from long residence |in one place. On the whole, we think ! the advantages are decidedly on the side ' of a general system of organisation, and . training to the use of arms.

The Thames "Advertiser" of yesterday ' again comes to the defence of Mr Rowc in a j leading article. The " Advertiser " says : ;" We are no apologists for Mr Sowe. We ■ have o/ten had cause to find fault with his j erratic voting in speaking in his place in ; Parliament, but cannot in fairness see a ; man kicked when he is down." The ; " Advertiser " further argues that the late j meeting at the Thames was not a repre- I sentative one, though it "was attended by i between GOO and 700 persons, and accuses j the mover ol the resolution calling upon |Mr Rowe to resign of interested motives in i connection with a claim for compen j sation. |At Gisborne, the want of rain lias been !so severely felt lately, that the "Prayer | for Rain " has been included in the Church j services. jAn extraordinary meeting of the Auck land Tradesmen's Athletic Club is to be* I held this evening at the Charlemont Hotel, ! Waketield-street, at 7.30, when a good j attendance of members is requested. ; The first of a. series of united prayer j meetings, in anticipation of .a visit from the | eminent Scottish Evangelist, tho Rev. Dr. Sommerville, was held last evening in the rooms of the V.M.C.A. The Rev. J. Robertson presided. The Rev. Allan Webb gave an account of the revival now realised iin Australia, and of the labours of Dr. 1 .Sommerville and Mr Varley. One striking | feature of the work in Sydney was that the j first general movement commenced with i the evangelical section of the Church of j England. The Rev. T. Buddie, Rev. F. j Macuicol, and Mr Utting cngaged^in prayer. i Sankey's hymns were used. It Avas inti ■ mated that next Friday the meeting would j again be held, when the Rev*. P. Mason j will preside. The total number of inmates in the Pro vincial Hospital on Saturday last was 74. j There were two deaths during the preced ing week. The total number of prisoners in Mount Eden on the same date was 160, of whom 35 were females. , The Rev. Father Uenueibery is heading a temperance crusade at Christchurch. . After an eloquent sermon on total abstinence he called upon the whole congregation to stand up and repeat ;x total-abstinence pledge after him. Fifteen hundred persona at once arose, and with their right hands raised repeated a promise to abstain from intoxicating liquors, and in every way to discountenance their use. At the evening service the same ceremony was repeated, and many others took the pledge. An emergency meeting of Lodge Waitc mata is convened for 11 o'clock on tit. Andrew's Day, when the lodge will be close tyled at noon, and no brother will be admitted during' the ceremonies attending the inauguration of the District Grand Lodge E.C. An emergency meeting of St. Andrew's Lodge is also convened to be held at 2 p.m. on the same day, when the lodge will be close tyled at 2.00 p.m. Brethren are requested to obtain tickets of admission , to the ceremonies, so as to prevent con fusion. The following office-bearers were elected at a meeting of Lodge St. Andrew S.C. last evening :—R.W.M., Bro. W. C. Walker; Deputy Master, Bro. Thomas Whitson: Senior Warden, Brother Hewson ; Junior Warden, Bro. riendry; Treasurer, Bit; Lewis ; Secretary, Bro. Payne ; Senior Deacon ; Bro. McEwan ; Junior Deacon, Bro. McCoskric ; Senior Steward, Bro. Gallagher; Junior Steward, Bro. W. Niccol; Bible-bearer, Bro. McClusky; Inner Guard, Bro. Hughes ; Outer Guard.. Bro. Porter; [.Chaplain, Rev. F. Gould. ' We, are requested to notify the bretliren 1 who are to take part in the musical pro- i ceedings at the installation that another ] practice will be held to-morrow evening at j half-past seven o'clock in the Choral j Hall. j Mails for the Australian Colonies, per 1 Ringrarooma, close ;it the Bluff at 11 a.n . t o:i Thufeduy, the 2v".h i.:.-t. s

S The usual monthly quadrille p&vty of the shareholders-of the liiberniaii Baud is anuoiuiced to be lickl in the Cook-street HaU on Thursday evening next. The efforts of the committee in keeping these quadrille parties as strictly select as possible have been carried out successfully, and ladies are only admitted by invita tion card. The result of this exclu » sion of the low class of females 1 who frequent these places of amusement whenever an opportunity occurs has been to enhance the• pleasure experienced by j those present, and to cause these monthly meetings to be greatly appreciated by the ! young people of this city. Mr J. Patter son is to-act as M.C., and the dance i music will be supplied by the Hibernian j Band, under the direction of Mr J. P. •i Lonergan. iWe are informed of a singular clrcum ! stance which occurred on Saturday ! morning last. The curator of the. Ac dim a- I tisation Society's Gardens received instruc tions to capture some Prussian carp foi distribution, and while one of nis assistants j was engaged in the work, he observed £ : j large eel spring forward and seize a can i(5 inches long) by the head and kill him. ! The eel then caught the fish by tin back I and was dragging him into deeper water | when the man rescued the fish. This ' j circumstance abundantly proves the ' necessity of the arrangements made bj 1 Mr. J. C. Firth for the protection of the : i salmon ova lately distributed by him iv the | northern and southern districts of this : j province, in building walls, and closing ; | them* in with fine wire netting so as tc : ; protect the fish until able to take care o: ! themselves. The carp being a sluggisl 1 ; fish, and very file win its movements wher I compared with the trout or salmon, woulc ; : the more readily become a prey to the eel. • The members of the liobson Corps art ■ requested to meet this evening for th< ' purpose ot marching out. They will b( [ ' preceded by their excellent band, which wil! perform a number of popular airs durine : the progress of their march. ■■ In another column appears an announce meut from Mr Waller to the burgesses o; Onehunga, stating that at last night's meeting, at which it was arranged to heai the views of both candidates, his opponem I monopolised the time of the meeting, anc debarred Mr Waller from a fair hearing. i A committee meeting of the Aucklanc Amateur Athletic Club was held last nigh, at the Thames Hotel, principally for th< purpose of passing the accounts of the lat< Athletic meeting. Seven members wer< present. The Treasurer read his state ment of accounts, from which it appeared that the meeting had been so far a pecu niary success ; that it was unnecessary t< draw upon the funds for the £10 which hac been voted by the Committee for the pur pose. The accounts were passed for pay ment, and a sub-committee was appointee to arrange for the engraving, at the Club, expense, of the Cups, &c., won on the 17th inst. A vote of thanks was passed to Mi J. E. Macdonald, of the Thames, to the Secretary, Mr King, and to Mr Colsou, foi their exertions towards the success of the meeting, and a vote of the same chsractei to Mrs Whitaker was recorded for her kind ness in presenting the prizes. A resolution was passed affirming the desirability oi holding another Athletic meeting at an interval of about three months from the last, and it was also decided to bring oil" a four mile handicap steeple chase in about a month's time. Fifteen new members were ballotted for, and' de clared elected, their names being as follow : —John Haliday. Percy S. Butler, Charles E. Butler, Arthur Wright, T. J. Brassey, R. Wynyard, sen, tf.-.Wynyard, jun., C. N. McM"urdo, F. Earl', G. A. McQuarie, E. Nolan, H. A. Watt, and Phillip Luckie. ■ Two .Honorary Members were elected, Mr William Burton and Captain Tilly. A special parade of the No. 3 Company, A.Pi.V.-, for instruction in rille musketry, is to beheld to-morrow evening in the Drill shed. Commanding officers and color serjeants of the other companies of Volunteers in Auckland are invited to be present on the occasion. At a meeting of the Hospital Committee of Tiniaru, the following resolution was passed:—"That the Commissioners agree with the principle of throwing open the Hospitals to medical men where there is a Resident Surgeon, but until some definite system is fixed by Government, they con sider the present arrangements at Timaru Hospital should not be disturbed." . We have received the sum of 5s from Mr George Kent, of Newmarket, iv aid of the Indian Famine Relief Fund. The Parnell Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club Is now open for the season. Mrs >S. McNaughton writes requesting us to correct an error in our Police report of the 22ud inst. in which it was stated that her son had pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing a eloor-mat and scraper, and she expresses her belief that Constable Burke acted hastily in relying upon the statement • of a young scamp who was going about seeking shelter at night under houses. In our report of the case the word " not" before " guilty" was omitted by an over sight of the printer. To tho Editor : Sir, —The readiness with which the STAR ever conies to "the cause that lacks assistance," induces me to lay before you the case of a poor, struggling, honest woman in this city. Her husband has neglected her, and has recently left the place, ostensibly to seek for work, but it is thought for a less honourable purpose. She lias seven young children, all dependent upon her industry for support. After her husband left her she desired her landlord on Monday morning to give her a cheaper house, so that she might pay her back rent, and pay her way. This he refused-to do, and said he helel her responsible for the week upon which she had just ejitered. Nothing daunted the gooel woman found a cheaper house, and tendered the key of the old liou.se to her landlord, Avho again refused to take it, and held her responsible for all rent until she had paid up her arrears!. Surely, sir, among so many cases of public charity, it is a pity to leave to i neglect a case.of such rail distress. Igive ' you my name as a guarantee of good faith in til is matter. To tlie Editor : Sir, —In answering'1" Full Private" regarding General Chute. I think you arc; mistaken in the meaning of " Full Colonel of Regiment." The full Colonel of a Regiment is always a General Officer, as Sir Trevor Chute, K.C. 8., Lieutenant- General, is now Colonel of tho 22nd Foot. The Lieutenant Colonel commanding a Regiment obtains a Brevit Colonelcy after holding command for live years, and thus I becomes a full Ce>lemel iv the Army, hut not ful! Colonel of a Regiment. Of course Bre vitColonelci es.'indMajori ties are given for oilier things such _as distinguished service iv the ueld,&c. — fours, AmiY LIST. The members of the Choral Society will assemble itt tho ball at half-past seven o'clock this evening for a rehearsal of the " Messiah." Those who desire to participate in the performance arc desired to attend the rehearsals. Mr Councillor Goldie will move at the meeting of the City Council to-morrow, " That the Council do now proceed to the" re-election of two Councillors, whi.se duty it shall bo to countersign all cheques for Monies, authorised to !>.• paid by the Council, iv accordance with clause 197 of the Municipal Corporation Act; also, " That the Harbour Board be requested to receive from sale for public purposes the j water frontage and intermediate redama- ' tion abutting on the following streets, viz. :—Hobson, Hardinge, Nelson, and any other street terminating with the reclama tion west of Queen-street wharf." The members of the Sir Henry Havelock Histrionic Class had a promising re hearsal of two dramatic pieces, " Check mate " anel the "Harvest Home," to be produced on Tuesday evening next. The leading characters on the role are to be taken by Messrs j oiuig ami klquirfell. strutted hy fair atm.^eur talent. . j

The Pitt-street Wesleyan Young Men's ; Debating Society will be favoured on to-morrow (Wednesday) evening, at half past eight o'clock with an essay on the theme "Popular Amusements." The writer is Mr Wrn. Buttl£ This subject has of late been on board the Methodist craft, " The Institute," and made rather an unfortunate passage across the District Meeting, where she ran several times narrow escapes from foundering. The wind anel tide were favourable ; but there was an old linic of a pilot, who attempted to steer the vessel, and in the moment of danger, when breakers were ahead, he was indiscreet, and gave the wrong turn to the helm. It is no wonder he should be under suspended orders ; such orders being "That in future, never, dear sir, usurp a position where you are not wanted, anel in time to come aim to excel in the dillicult duty of minding your own business. This admonition of the' Ministerial Admiralty wi'.s received amid stifled mental reserva tions. The thinking public are invited to come on Wednesday evening, and hear the dictum of the son of a Wesleyan preacher, who, it would seem, dares to suggest that " there is a time for every purpose under the sun," and moderation in all things, and a happy heart and innocent and pure amusement are becoming, even to the modern St. Paul. The local correspondent of the "New Zealand Wesleyan" .may happily be present to watch proceedings on account of that eminent organ.—Con tributed.

Mr F. G. Ewington will deliver his lecture this evening in the Ponsonby Baptist Chapel on "Dutch Courage.1' Thi3 is considered to be one of the best of Mr Ewingtoa's lectures in connection with tho history of the struggle in the Nether lands, and as its immediate object is in favour of: the Sunday-school funds there should be a good attendance.

JOHN ASHWOUTH OF ROCHDALE.

Rev. R. Taylor, of the United Methodist Free Church, instructed and amused a considerable audiences with his excclleutlj-condensci story of ihe life, strugßles, and triumphs of the painter, writer, uud preacher of Rochdale, a town in Lancashire, which is known not only aa the birthplace oi: John Bright, and as the centre of co-operation in England, buf. as the native town or the author of " Strange Tales of Lanca shire Lite." Tha chair was taken by Mr James Coupland, who formally introduced the lecturer. The proceedings opened with a hymn by the choir, under the guidance of Mr Gee. jVlr Taylor then proceeded with his story of Ashworth's life, struggles, and triumph?, which was emphatically what Shakespeare would term " a plain unvarnished tale." There was no attempt at exaggeration, romance, or eloquent adornment on the part of the speaker, while every utterance was clothed in simplicity, bear ing the impress of truth. The lecturer knew Ashworr.h intimately, had laboured with him in Rochdale, had preached frequently in his chapel for the destitute, and knew personally the origi nals so graphically pictured in Ashworth's tales. Hence th"re was a charm in the lecture which lectures do not always bear. Ashworth was born of low estate, and brought up amidst poverty of the coldest grade, which can only be known by men who have experienced it ia the northern'counties of England, among the fre quently starving operatives of the manufactur ing districts, and which has been told by such men as Samuel Hamford, Thomas Cooper, Edwin Waugh, and John Ashworth. The love of his mother, depicted in his touching story of " My mother," was tenderly introduced, and the story of Ashworth's first waa told with winning- pathos, and in this pretty episode of the affections was shewn the characteristics which led Ashworth through ali his difficulties to a successful issue. Ash worth's marriage with Miss Thornley, tho daughter of a small farmer of the Wesleyan persuasion, his start and failure as a shopkeeper, and his final success as a painter in Rochdale, wore faithfully pictured; also his cave of time, continued hard work, preaching three or four times on a Sunday, and up between five and six o'clock on thi Monday inorninga-tter»ding to busi ness, illustrative of ihe text "Diligent in busi ness, serving fhe Lord." We have not space for more than a glance at Mr Taylor's excellent tri bute to the memory of his honest and industrious friend, the full particulars of which -may be gathered from the iccently published "Life or Ashworth." The story of this Lanca shire worker shews that means, however humble, if employed in a proper manner, may produce works of the most beneficent kind, and that a man of average .abilities may shed lustre on the meanest occupation. A number of excellent anecdotes were told of the man who was neither a great preacher nor a fluent lecturer, but who had the happy faculty of arresting and maintaining the attention of the people by a stylo of story-telling, peculiarly his own. At the close of the lecture, Rev Mr Caysill read a number ot passages from Ashworth's tracts, and with several musical pieces by tho choir, and with votes of thanks, the proceedings closed.

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

The adjourned meeting of the Board of Education was held yesterday afternoon, the only persons present being 11. 11. Lusk Esq., M.H.R. (chairman) Dr. J. L. Campbell, and Mr D. M. Luckie.

Crrr East School. —A letter was received from the Town Clerk, informing the Board that the water mains had not been laid so far as City East School, and suggesting that the Board should communi cate with the City Council, and request thorn to supply the water by a small pipe connection. The charge for the water would be'3s 6d per 1,000 gallons. The recommendation of the Town Clerk was agreed to. The report of the Committee on the alleged case of severe flogging at this school was read and adopted. The ques tion of engaging a person to take charge of the school was introduced, and it was decided that Mr Allright be requested to find out ojjl what terms » suitable person could be procured. Alexandra Schools.—An application received tit tho last meeting for the use of a cottage fora superiorsohool at Alexandra, and a grant of £10 with which to .furnish it comfortably, was considered. It was decided that the applicants might have the cottage s<> long as it was not required by the Board, but the Board were unable to grant money to furnish it. A sum of £11 was granted to ihe school committee for the purpose of completing the lining of the school-house. Applications.—The application for a new school-house at Aratap'u was allowed to lie on the table until the Board ascer tained what share of the cost the applicants were willing to pay. An application from Hantapu asking the Board to ndd the sum of £S 10s to a vote of £44 already made for a teacher's residence, in order that the teacher might have a room attached to his house where he coulel act as Postmaster, was refused. An application was re ceived for £14, for the purpose of erect ing a chimney and fencing an allotment at Pateiangi, but was refused. A sum of £5 .was granted for the purpose of ferry ing the school-children over the river at Lower Matakana. An application for £l, r» 15s, for the completion of the Waitangi school, was referred for the present. Mr Taylor, teacher of the Waiuku School, asked for an inquiry into his dismissal, but aa the cause was said to be the desire of the committee to obtain a first-class teacher, the application was refused—the Board con sidering the committee justified in their action. Closing of Schools.—lt was agreed that the Henderson's Mill School should be closed on the 31st December. With regard to the small attendance at the Ngahine pouri School, the Board decided thaf unless the' attendance- be largely increased, the school should be -"closed. It was agreed that "the Secretary should write to Mi- Edwards, jun., informing him with reference to the pluvious refusal of tho Board to appoint him to the Ohinemuri School, that they would not object to his taking a posi ■ tii Hi as assistanttteachcr in any school. PROBATIONERS.—Messrs T. Sinclair and Stevens and Miss Martin were admitted as teachers on probation. 1 The Pokeno Squabbles:—Thedismissal of Mr Campbell, the teacher of the Pokeno i school, through a squabble as to the right ful owners of the school-house, was con sidered, and the Board resolved that the separation should take place from 3lst December.. It was also decided : " That in all cases where the school-room was un der the same roof as the teacher's residence, the school-room should not be used for any than school purpose.-;."

PARLIAMENTARY

(From our own Correspondent.)

MINISTERIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

During the debate on the priyilege ques tion Sir George Grey deprecated the Gov ernor's powers in Council, suggesting as a remedy the assumption of responsibility alone by the Ministers amenable to impeach ment for misconduct. He made an excel lent speech, temperate and audible. Major Atkinson endeavoured to explain Piako and other transactions, and admitted (which he did not last year) that they were in some respects illegal. DURATION OF SESSION. It is expected the business of the House can be finished at the end of this week if there be no opposition, and then another week for the Council Conferences, etc. CANTERBURY BEY/AILS ABOLI TION. It is generally believed that Canterbury is bewailing abolition as a just retribution of those few votes that carried it. They cannot recal Provincialism, but may in time attempt a policy akin to it, and if that be not possible they may advocate Separation. CANTERBURY LUNATIC. Talking of Canterbury, a good story is current. Sir George Grey got an abusive letter from an inmate of the Lunatic Asylum at Christchurch. Sir George took it to Rolleston, and asked him humorously if the inmates were allowed to do this. Mr Rolleston did not know how far they were restrained by the rules, but could say lie did not wonder at lunatics breaking out these times. CAPTAIN BEADON'S LAND CLAIMS. Captain Beadon has published in the " New Zealand Times " to-day a caveat against anyone occupying any Piako or Waitoa land, over which he has claims. COUNTIES ACT AMENDMENT. In the Legislative Council yesterday the Colonial Secretaiy announced that Govern ment proposed to remedy certain deficits in the Counties • Act by introducing an amending Bill during the present session. VOLUNTEER REORGANIZATION. Colonel Brett moved that it is desirable that the Volunteer system be reorganized. Pie quoted from the returns shewing the effective strength of the various Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery Volunteer Corps in all parts of the colony, and made a strong speech in condemnation of the present system of Volunteering. Colonel Brett is in lavour of abolishing the Infantry March ing Corps, and converting them into Artillery. After some discussion Colonel Brett's motion was agreed to. The Marine Act Amendment Bill was passed. SALE OF LUNA. In the Lower House Mr Fox brought up the report of the Disqualification Com mittee in reference to the sale of the Luna to Mr Kennedy, M.H.R., for the Grey mouth Coal Company. The report stated that the Luna had been sold at a fair price, hut recommended that in all such cases in future Government property should be dis posed of by public auction. BILLS READ FIRST TIME. Law Practitioners' Act Amendment Bill, Civil List Amendment, Employment of Females Act Amendment. BILLS PASSED. Sale of Food and Drugs, Public Libraries, Mining Companies Act Amend ment. The Registration of Dogs Bill was dis ■ cliarge-1 SOUTH RAKAIA BILL, NO. 2. This Bill was introduced by Mr J. E. Brown, for the purpose of deciding the dis posal of the funds remaining in the Bank to the credit of the South Kakaia Road Board. Mr Wason, having been rejected by the South Rakaia ratepayers, induced the late Government to divide the district, appointing him chairman of the new Board. A difficulty then arose as to the disposal of the funds, the bank refusing to pay the money over to the new Board. When the Bill came on in Committee Mr Wason moved that the Chairman leave the chair in order to shelve the - Bill, and his motion was carried en a division by 24 to 23. Attention was then drawn to I the fact that Mr Fox had sneaked out of, the House after the Chairman had ordered ! the doors to be locked. Major Paul, the Serjeant-at arms, was ordered to go ami bring Mr Fox back; Mr Fox returned, look ing very angry. The Chairman, amidst considerable amusement, asked Mr Fox how he had succeeded in effecting his escape from the Chamber. Mr Fox said the doors were not locked, aud he had got out in the ordinary way, having paired on the Bill. The Chairman ordered a fresh division, when the members were 24 for the ayes and 24 for the noes. The Chairman, Mr O'Rorke, gave his casting vote with' the noes, and Mr Wason's motion was consequently lost. THE VOGEL HONORARIUM. A lengthy discussion took place last night on the sum of £3,000 put on- the estimates of the late Government as an honorarium to Vogel. The House was much divided in opinion about it. Sir George Grey opposed money being squandered. The public should not be burdened to ~pay such' a claim. Vogel had received at the time a greater salary and allowances than a British Ambassador on the Continent. Others opposed the honorarium because it would all go to the Bank of New Zealand, and make a bad debt good. Hail it been to Vogel family they would not mind, bat in the present form they opposed it. However, ova division many walked out, and the money was carried by 21 to SO. All but supplementary estimates have passed. BARKIS IS WILLIN'. It is rumoured that Mr Rolleston would not decline office as Commissioner of Annuities therein provided at £1000 a year. The Government will consider whether it should not be a board instead. More memb.ers leave for the South on Friday. DR WALLIS EXPLAINS. Mr Stout read a telegram from Dr Waliis yesterday; in which he stated he did not refer to members in Wellington. Mr Reid interjected jocosely that per haps Dr Wailis meant what lie said to refer to members away from Welling ton. CHANGE OF SEATS. It is stated authoritatively that in the event of a dissolution, the three seats of Hawke's Bay, Ormond's, Sutton'sßussell's, will be filled by persons to support the present Government. It is rumoured that in a day or two corres pondence of the highest iuterest to this and the neighbouring colonies will be laid on the table. THE LAW PRACTITIONERS' BILL \ beio.ro the House enables excess 'of fees paid by the profession, and which go to wards the support of libraries now, to be in future paid to the examiners of Candidates at preliminary examination.

[PRESS AGENCY.)

Last flight.

DR. WALLIS' DENIAL. Un the House resuming, Mr Stout read a, telegram from Dr. Wallis positively deny mg having called members iv rogues and trimmers." The further consideration of the South Katair Road Board Bill, No. 2. was post poned to \T ednesday. DEBATE ON FINANCE RESUMED. On a motion for going into Committe of Supply, a further discussion took place on the financial policy of the Goverment, Mr Murray stretched out proposals, both of finance and dealing with native land, which he thought more satisfactory than those of either the present or the late Government. fMr lieynol.-s assented to the.land fund ■ !.:.:>.; U...V.U uli.'., us It v. as l*oyektsS to

retain it but he hoped the present would be a final settlement of the question a Mr Reid ridiculed the speeches both of Murray and Reynolds. He did not belief the present system would be final He <Tp nounced the taking of the Laud Fund as 1* wholesale robbery. Mr Hodgkinaon said southern members would not have adopted the present polirv from.choice, but it was better than that of the late Ministry. l Mr Macaudrew said spoliation of Otago was completed when abolition was accomphslied. The present Government' were endeavouring to save something out of the .fire. Otherwise not ? penny would Ye saved for local purposes Even in addition to taking the Land Fund the utmost !encouomy and retrenchment would have to be exercised to extricate the colony from its difficulties " '" OTAGO BRANCH RAILWAY Mr Burns moved that the Government during the recess make survey of a branch railway Hue up the Kaikiorai Valley, Ota"o The Government promised to attend to the matter, and the motion was .negatived. Honorarium to Togol Passed-' Tho House went into Committee of Supply. There was a long discussion on the item " Honorarium to Sir Julius Vogel fof services in England, £3,000." The vote was supported by Messrs Hunter Macandrew, Reynolds, Macfarhme, Evans' Brown, Manders, Atkinson, Stout, Reid' and Rowe, and opposed by Messrs Rees' Gisborne, Hodgkinson, Murray, De Latour' Montgomery, Grey, Wood, and Siieehan' On a division the item was carried by 33 to 21. The remainder of the ordinary estimates were then passed. The House rose at 1.45 a.m.

Illness ef Mr- LarnacL

Proposed Ministerial Changes*' Owing to Mr Larnach's continued indis position it is understood that his his medical advisers have recommended him to obstain from all official duties for some months. In consequence of this advice it is understood that Mr Larnach will resign' and that either Mr Mongoinery or Mr Ballance will be the nesv Treasurer both being spoken of as likely for the office. John Evans Brown, it is stated, will be appointed Minister of Public Works. In the Legislative Council last night CoL Whitmore moved formally, and it was agreed to on a division by a majority of three, that the Council should not insist upon its amendments in the Education Bill.

ONEHUNGA MAYORAL ELECTION

AN EXCITING SCENE.

Last night a crowded meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Onelrunga. Mr C. Fleming was voted to the chair, and intro duced Mr Jackson. Mr Jackson said he had not come before the ratepayers to make promises, but he would explain certain rumours which had been propagated in the Borough. _He first gave the following brief calendar of notable Onehunga events :—ln 1575 Guehuuga was a Road Board District, and he was elected trustee at the head of the poll; was also elected. Chairman of the Board. In 1576 he received similar honors. In 1877 alteration was made, County Coun cils wereappointed, andhewas elected with out opposition member of the Riding. On the introduction of the Borough system he was elected Mayor, a honor some seemed to covet, liking the sound of " Yonr Worship." He did not find it add so much to one's dignity, although the first voice he heard greeting him each morning was that of his comely milk-maid, who cried out " Here's the milk, your Worship." (Loud laughter). Alluding to internal affairs Mr Jackson pointed out the advantages conferred by the Borough system as opposed to the projected County Council. The revenue for the past six months was £840, of which sum £650 wa3 spent. (Voice : " And nothing done." Great uproar.) After silence was restored, Mr Jackson continued : His past .life wohH shew he had no axe to grind. However, he was accused of having friend's axes to grind. There were three distinct charges made against him :—lst. re-Appointment of Town Clerk. 2nd. That of bigotry. 3rd. He- was twitted with suppressing letters, and of straining a point in favour of a Church of England man, and that when the pound vras first mooted, he would only, allow a Church of England man to be pouudkeeper. In spite of interruptions, Mr Jackson got through his explanations, shewing that he'was misrepresented. Such was all false. (Continued uproar). Another charge was that he had proposed a ruinous water scheme. (Amid great out cries, Mr. Flatman, of " Pumpkin Flat," said that they would not want water works if they went to his place and took his water away." Renewed uproar). Mr Jackson detailed his scheme for supplying the harbour with water. It would do much good, and only cost £500. Mr Jackson said the worst charge against himself was the Poundage question. He was accused of having oppressed the poor ; and, by placards in shop windows and ont side the Hall, he read that his friend Mr Waller was the "friend of the poor." (Immense cheering for Mr Waller followed this statement.) Mr Jackson continued.— 05 horses in mob had gone down Onehuaga to tbe Springs. ("Bosh, not 60 on the run;" and great hubbub.) Mr Juckson's inform ant had counted them. (Cries of "Name, name.") Mr Broadfoot told him. (Con siderable veiling and hooting followed this.) He was sorry he had brought a hooting on Mr Broadfoot, but the cattle were a nuisance in the street. (Voice : " Did you ever tumble over a cow going home ?'' Voice 2 : "Did you ever tumble over.a goose going homo ?:'). Mi' Jackson, with great gravity : Gentlemen, I have never tumbled over a cow, nor a goose either. (Great laughter.) Mr Jackson related a touching anecdote of an old woman who lived by herself in a cottage, and a cow got into her acre. She got up in the cold to drive the animal out" and died in conse quence. After allusions to pound regula- ■ tious at Mangare and other districts. Mr Jackson proceeded amid much interruption to quote from the Municipal and Public Works Acts, on the subiect, and con tinued the delivery of his address with quaint allusions to the cunning old coiss_of Onehunga," uud other '-nuisances requir ing reformatk n. ' At a little after lOo'clocK the address closed, questions being invited. Question.—ls it true you stated ratepayers could not do without you as Mayor? M* Jackson.—A sense of respect would prevent my saving so. A Burgess said he h«»rtl Mr Jackson say the other nine Councillor were not lit to table a motion ! (Voice: ".Alt, ah !" and immense uproar.) &* Jackson said-he was fitted to fill his p°»j tiou, but it was no disgrace to the others v they could not table a motion. Hes illus trated his meaning by allusion to traces ne could not work at" A most exciting scene ensued. Mr (jfivinin, who with an *L" wearied tongue, kept pegging away atJ«. Jackson was checkmated by a supporteroi v" Jatter gentleman named Mr Tidmarsb, vw had been seen to look at Giviuiu with avers warlike lire in his eye. Mr Tidman* made at Givinin with his umbrella, an« Givinin raised his fists to operate on 1" fiery rival. A rush was rrade round them, polico were oiled in. Constable Adanujj seized Mr Givinin round the waist, & Serjeant Gn en threw his influential .ww in "front of Tidmarsh. The i»fa"a£? umbrella calmed down, the redoubtable nw expanded in genial style, and peace w restored. * i was Mr Waller, on rising to. speaK, "£• received wtih chce:s. He would not-*" flict a long speech, as the hour was ia» r Mr Jackson has. laid stress on the plf?^,. lie {Mr Wall-.-: Lw nothi-g abont IW*-

' HE EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1877.



e££kfe*- T> EGO LA it MONTHLY -S^£i> s'\j S'VEA M COMMUNICATION *3®S2^Sfc^> BETWEEN AUCKLAND, SYDNEY', AND MELBOURNE. The fast and favourite s.s. HERO, Captain Logan, may be expected here p,gain about the 2ith of December. She will leaye for Wydney and Melbourne three days after arrival. CRUICKSHAXX & CO., Agents. i 6. Queen-street, Auckland, November 27, 1877.. CARPETS, HEARTHRUGS, ■LINOLEUM, FLOORCLOTH. T. & H. COOKE JBecj to inform their friends and the puhlic that they have imported a large assortment of tlie above, which to ill render their F U B XIS lIIN G ESTABLISHMENT one of the most complete untl extensive in Auclcland, having purchased these Goods of the Manufacturers direct, for cash, lliej/ are enabled to ojfer them-at VERY LOW PRICES. New Patterns in Carpets and Linoleum. ear sm o w rooms: 67, Queen-street. Steam Cabinet Factory Victoria-street J"|TtKSSEfcH DRESSES,' DRESSES! W. RATTRAY Bae a L trge and Well-assorted Stock of DRESSES, ' In all the Newest Materials and Shades, including ALPACA LUSTRES, in Navy Bluk, Dakk Bnovvx, and PRUNE. *W. BATTRAY, ■ DRAPER AND SILK MERCER, ■&TEW yBAL AW D TT OU& F.



Tin FIE undersigned are now bring I forward a Large Parcel of GEN Eli DRAPERY, HABERDASHERY, &U-. bovU? at considerably less than usual prieo s. to Which they invite the attentiryi of all requiring Good Yalce For Money, Corsets in great variety of quaUtf and style, • white and coloured, from 2/6 pet pair \ Linen and Lace Goods. Cufts, Collars, and Sets, j in variety 1 Ladies' Underclotfemtr I Umb.-ellas and Parachutes, Silk, Zanella, 1 ' Alpaccat, &c. i JjOt of Flowers at very low price, quite fresa . | Straw Hats, Ribbons, Gloves. &c. ; A Splendid Stock of Muslin, Lace, and Leirce j ( fcurtains, Counterpanes. Quilts, Damask ! Table Ciotb.^, Sheeting, Felt Squares j Carpets, Floorcloth, China Mattinsr, Ticks, Sso. ; 1 .arse-size Huckaback Towels at /S each I New Fancy Dress iTaterials. Japanese "Silks, i Coloarod Lusr.res, Bla-'-k Lustres. EirJsossed, Striped, and.Check Muslins, Prints, tic. Brov/n Holland, froKi /6i per yard Union, Fancy Jean, aud Oxford Shirtings, very cheap A Line of Superior Quality Silk Mrsed Fancy ! Shirting, at 2/3, usual price 3/6 per yard White and Grey Calico. Good Grey from /3 per yard Also, A very large assortment of Gents"Shirts, Tjongcldth, Union and All-v?ool Crimean, Fancy Silk Mixed Scotch Tvril!, Fancy Jean, Oxford, &c. Strong Tweecl for Boys wear A Job Line of Stout Mosgiel at below Factory prices Braces, Belts, Ties. Scarfs, Cellars, Cotton and Merino Hosiery, Undershirts, &c. Leghorn, Tuscan, Straw, and Drill Hats, for 'Boys and Men, &c, &c, &c. s. in he & allowed on all Cash Purchases of [20s. and upwards. rushbrook sc bridgman, Junction Drapery Warehouse, ..—- Uppsk Quebn-stbkkt, auckland. DIVIDEND. NATIONAL FIRE AND MARINE • SURANCR COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. Qapital fiIiCOOjOOO. THE DIVIOEND IS NOW PAYABLE at this Branch. Shareholders can have Warrants forwarded to them on sending their address to nearest Agent of the Company. HENRY E. WILLIAMS, Manager. NEVER Have the PnMic had such a Choice of BED STEADS oftV-ed them as at the present time! Besides our already well assorted Stock of Iron Bedsteads, and those o£ our own manu facture in Ka'-ki, Rimct, Cedar, and Mottled Kauri, we ask them to bear in MIND •that -we have Just Opexk.d Up, ex ■' Otaki,' TWO HUNDRED IRON BEDSTEADS ■of th« most modern style, comprising FRENCH, Half Tester, Children's, and Stamps, also Cots, at Pricks to suit all classes. Having •purchased for Cash from Best Manufacturers, we can SELL A GOOD BEDSTEAD at a Very Low Pkice. BEDDING, of every description,kept in Stock. HOUSES FURNISHED THROUGHOUT at a Short Notice. Otir system is to make a large retctsn ; to insure this We Sell for Ready CASH at a Small Profit, and DELIVER GOODS FREE to any part of the Town and Suburbs. SST Give your Furnishing Order to Sollovay, Garliok 65 Cranwell, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, AND CLOTHIERS, City Hall Arcade, QUEEN & LORNE-STREETS, AUCKLAND. TTNION INSURANCE COMPANY NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL £2,000,000. AUCELAJSD B It A N C H : QUEEN-S T R E E T, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Insurances granted "on Dwelling-houses, Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on, Mere-fl andise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds. Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at Lowest Current Bates.-, R. H. STEVENSON Manager. BANK II OLID AY. T II E BANKS WILL BE CLOSED OX FRIDAY, 30 th NOVEM BE R, {Eeixg St. Andrew's Day). O~i AA REWARD re KITCHEN'S $jJL\y\y BLOOD RESTORER. A3 several Bottles, containing trash y worth less compounds, have been palmed oif on un suspecting people on thu pretence of their being the celebrated "Kitchens' Blood Restorer,"-the Proprietor respectfully cautions his patients to see that the Bottles bear both his Trade Mark and Signature. lh- also warns the unscrupu lous persons who, under i'a.l3e pretences, receive people's money, that 100 JPcttn&s Bswasd will be given oii conviction of persons guiltj* of j infringing his righty. j H. HITCHENS. "A little prudence in purchasing will enablejthe buyer to defeat the aims of the rascals who sell spurious counterfeits of Udolpiio Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schxapps in bottles which formerly held tlie real article. See that the label bears theuiame and signature of the proprietor, observe its execution, and do not be imposed upon by plausible explanations of any deficiency.