SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ttt^tt Tr.Ti?D (This Afternoon, "AO tiUjii WAiJin- - ( I'o-raorrow Morning, 8.1 SUN SET.—Tliis Evening, 4.14 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 7.16 MOON'S AGS.-NewMoon, 12th, 2.11 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Southern Cross, 8.5., from Napier (via (*ranams-

town) Rowena. s.s., Sellars, from Tauranga Dante, cutter., from Raglan (in the Manukau)

DEPARTURES.

Ladybird, s.s., Griffiths, for tlie South lona, s.s., for the North

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For the South—Taupo, s.s., 15th inst. For Sydney—Zealandia, s.s., about Friday, loth inst; Hero, s.s., about the 20th For Napier—Southern Cross, ?.s., Wednesday For the South—Wellington, s.s., Tuesday, 19th For Kaipara—Ethel, brigantine, early , For Napier and South— Rotorua, s s., 20th inst. For the Islands—Flirt, brigantine, early For London—Electra, ship, early; Anne Gam bles, barque, early. For Wangarei—Argyle, every Tuesday For Lytteiton—Wave of Life, schooner, early For Chatham Islands—Omaha, bngantme, early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Zealandia, s.s., (English Mail) trom *nsco,

Friday, 15th . Hero s s. from Sydney, about the lbtn inst Miss'KilmansegK, brig, from Dunedin ; sailed

CabaWidh.'ba'-quc, from Lytteiton early W. C. Wont worth, barque, from Newcastle.

"Uelrose, barque, from Newcastle, early Freetrader, barque, from Melbourne, early Sarah and Mary, brig, from Lytteiton, early Lombardian, snip (tf.W.G.T.), from London yosemite, ship (H.W.V.L.), from London, sailed

Hudson," ship (W.S.F.D.), from London ; sailed

G. Broughton, ship, (N.K.V.Q.), from London,

DilpSnd, barque (MG.M.D.), from London,

Spirit^' the Dawn, barque (H.T.V.C.), from London; sailed 2nd March Elsinore, baroue, from New lork, early William and Henry, brig, from Oamaru, early Vision brig, from Sydney, early Ryno, brigantine, from the Islands, early Samoa schooner, from Fin, early ElSh schooner, from Friendly Islands, early. Belle Brandon, schooner, from the Islands,

Shannon, schooner, from Melbourne, early. Pearl, ketch, from the Islands, early

The tight little schooner Lcetitia will be oflered at auction to-morrow at noon, by Messrs B. T The Ss as dSt: Okild a is advertised to leave One- sail for Hobart Town about Thursday. She has landed hpr careo in excellent condition. The auxiliary steam barquentme Emu put into Western Port, near Melbourne, about 20th May on her voyage to Adelaide. She had been knocked about a good dealin the heavy westerly weather, and would reuair damages before proceeding.

POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :- For Thames, this day, at 0.30 p.m. ; and to-morrow, at 3.80 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per A.rgyle, on Friday next,

For Wangarei H>.ads. Waipu, Wangarei, and Mansranai, per Argyle, this day, at 4 p.m. For Napier, per Southern Cross, to-morrow at

For P'whitlangi, Tauranga, and Opotild, per Rowena, to-morrow, at 1 p.m. For Wangaroa,per Kriemhilda, tomorrow, at

For Waiwera, Warkworth, and To Arai, per Annie Milbank, on Thursday next at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taupo. immediately after arrival of Zealancua from Honolulu. For Australian Colonies, per Zealandia. im mediately after her arrival from Honolulu. For Chatham Islands (via Whitiangi), per Rowena, on Monday, 18th inst., at i p.m. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

Both in flavour and effect Udolpiio Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic ScnxArrs is the very antipodes of the cheap counterfeits of that in effable medicinal beverage which are sold in hpttles in which the real elixir was previously contained. The true Schnapp3 confer health and strength and are palatable in the highest degree. The counterfeits are most pernicious and disagreeable.

Relief from Cough in* Tex Mixutes.— Sharland's Cherry Pectoral, a specific for Colds, Cougli3, Asthma, Consumption, Bronchitis. Lung Diseases, Sec. It acts like magic. Price, 2s. 6d. and 4s. Gd. a bottle.

Sharland's Instant Cure for Toothache; Is. a bottle.

Sharland's, opposite Post-office, Auckland.

DEATHS.

PILLING.—At Prospect House, Parnell, on Ilth June, from concussion of the spine, William Frederick Pilling, second son of the late Capf. Oswald Pilling:, 70th Regiment, and stepson of Lieut.-Colonel De Quincey, Weston Lea, Wai kato, aged 22 years.

The funeral will leave Prospect House at 2.30 p.m. to-morrow (Wednesday). Friends will please accept this intimation.

HIRST,—On the 11th June, after a very short illness, at her parents' residence, Tine Villa, Mount Roskill Road, Susanna, the youngest and belovod daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Hirst, aged 16 years and S months.

The funeral will leave her late residence on Wednesday, the 13th instant, at 3 p.m. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.

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

For the cause that lacks assistance. For the wroi-.j; that needs lesistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 1877.

In order to judge fairly of the question raised in connection with the si:pplcmentary waterworks loan, it is necessary to publish the opinion furnished by the solicitors of the Bank of New Zealand in London, and forwarded to the City Council. The following is a copy of the document, which we have obtained from the Cor poration offices : —

" Bank of New Zealand, "Auckland, sth January, 1877. To the Town Clerk of Auckland,-*-

Sir, —I beg to quote for your information the following paragraphs from our London letter, per last mail : — "The Auckland Waterworks Debentures of £25,000 have reached us safely, but on examining the Act under which they arc issued, we ascertain with much surprise that they have been placed by the legislature on a level with the £100,000 already disposed of by us as a ' first charge' on the water rate. We believe this lias oecn done under a misapprehension, and we cannot conceive that either the Municipality or the Govern ment would deliberately seek to establish the principle that a security once given is not inviolable. The smalluessof the amount, or the improvement of the security, cannot, in any way, affect the principle, for if the previous issue may be ' watered' (as it is called) to the extent of £25,000, why not to any amount? Were a similar step taken by a municipality, or any other public body here, an Act to authorise ifc, if such were necessary, would not receive the consent of the Imperial Legislature, and were it other wise attempted, a debenture-holder of the prior issue would apply for, and readily ob tain an injunction in Chancery to prevent the issue. Had the loan in the first instance been declared to be either for £125,000, or say £200,000, the issue of the first £100,000 might have been succeeded by a subsequent issue of any amount up to the sum 'author ised, and no one could have complained. We strongly recommend that the Bank should not sell these bonds in their present' state, but assuming that we were to attempt to do so, and the objectionable condition escaped the observation of any of the holders of the prior issue, we are quite certain that the Stock Exchange would call attention to the irregularity on our applying for a quotation, ancLeven if it escaped their notice, and were subsequently discovered, it might become a serious question in connetf- ■ tiou with any further'issue of New Zealand bonds. The only course that can iioav be adopted, is to amend the existing Act, to the extent of making the £25,000 either a second charge on the water rate, or a charge on the general municipal rates, and it must be at the same time iinderstood that in either chape it will not be desirable to make public sale of :the bonds, as the amount is too small for Stock Exchange purposes. 7"

The objection to floating the .loan under the Act of last session, it will be observed, is made entirely as a matter of poJicy and good faith. It is not questioned that if the Council choose to exercise -the powers granted by the Assembly tlaey may do so. The authority of the Assembly' .iv the matter could hardly be controverted. The memorandum, iv pointing out that the circumstances woisld have been changed if the £100/900 had jaeen floated as the first installment of a large: loan,uo doubt touches the root of the original error. As far as our memory serves,ihe city did apply for a larger loan, but the asaomit was cut down through opposition to the granting of powers of borrowing beyond what were then deemed actually necessary for the carrying out of the scheme. It was understood, however, that if mow; money should after wards be required incres«e(? b^irotying powers ; would be granted, and the Corporation had no hesitation in nnnlviiif/ for ;>, further

believe, by these circumstances, combined with the ample character of the security, and the purposes for which the "additional £25,000 were required. The "difficulty of dividing the security, the risk of loss by depreciation in making the loan rank as a second mortgage, and other manifest advantages in securing uniformity for the whole liability on water works, also carried weight. If the £100,000 loan was floated as a '' first charge " on the Is 3d rate, it must be admitted that a specific security has been given, and the debenture holders might have some right of complaint at its subsequent ' watering.' The Waterworks Act,however,empowering the Council to borrow any sum authorised by the Legislature, sufficiently reserved, to our mind, the right of the Legislature to extend the powers of the Council when i was satisfied of the necessity and the ampleness of the security. One way out of he difficulty presents' itself as feasible, and one .that should prove aeceptab'e to debenture-holders—to Avit, that the sup plementary loan, as authorised by the Act of last session,.shall be offered to them at par. The granting of a preference right of this kind, with a minimum of par for all deben tures not taken up by the first holders would shew respect for existing rights, and extricate the city from the existing dilemma. The extension of the supply to the suburbs must then remain for future consideration. In our last night's remarks a misapprehension was conveyed with respect to the exact position of the last loan. The loan is quoted in Westgarth's circular as having been floated, less accrued interest, at 961, but we learn that the average price realised on tender was 9S$. There is still a balance to the credit of the water supply account. The Council has not, incurred an overdraft for two years, but while a portion of the loan was on deposit, current accounts were met by drawing against it. The account has since been adjusted,and it is 1 estimated that the £100JOOO will prove about sufficient to cover the whole cost of the works, leaving the supplementary loan to redeem the £10,000 charge on account of purchase of site, and to extend the pipes to streets in various parts of the city where they have not yet been laid.

THERE is ;i rumour current that Mr Stout, and other leading Opposition members of Parli inient, propose to establish a morning journal in Wellington during tlio coming session, and this may account for the advertisements which appear in several of the journals of the colony for a literary stafffor a new paper. That the Opposition had great need of a special organ devoted to their interests, was abundantly demon strated during the last session of the General Assembly. Prior to that time, the " Evening Post" had fulfilled that require ment, but the splitting up of parties, and the divergence-of interests caused by the abolition of Provincial institutions raised new issues, and the "Post" gradually performed a species of literary counter march until it got into a position of anta gonism to the Opposition party. The " New Zealand Times " has been the Government newspaper from the time when it was launched by Sir Julius Vogel, with the aid of a few capitalists who leut their money and influence to further the_Preiniei's pet scheme out of a lively sense of gratitude for favours to come in the form of special monopolies, fat contract?, and other rewards for services rendered, which a grateful Government so well knows how to bestow. The " Times " has Pnevcr been aught else but the mere] organ of the Ministry for the time being, and its views, except when inspired from the Ministerial Chambers of the Government Buildings, have never extended beyond mere municipal bounds. It has not in any sense been ably edited, it has never attempted to strike out any broad or well-defined policy, it has rarely been in accord with the views of a majority of the people of Wellington even, and in short it has filled the position of a kind of Government " Gazette." The " Argus," though new in the field, has been ably edited, but during last session its main views were not in accord with the Opposition party. The great bond of union between the journals of Wellington and the cause of their antagonism to the Opposition was the separation question, which was regarded as inimical to the interests of the Empire City, and was viewed with disfavour by the more in fluential sections of the Wellington public. Consequently, on all main questions, the " Wellington Press" harped on one string. They were unanimous in their hostility to Sir George Grey, because they regarded the co-operatien of the Auckland and Otag-o party with distrust, believing that Mr Stout and his party feel it necessary to establish an organ to represent the views of the Oj(position during ncxt,session.

There is just now a sort of scare at Gisborne, and fears are said to be entertained thatTe Kooti intends to perpetrate another massacre. We had thought that this redoubtable .savage had retired into private life, and that the bogie was put in the cupboard. It now appears that he is to be trotted out again, because there are only half-a-dozen constables at Gisborne. We do not approve of these periodical scares, and we trust the able-bodied Gisborne settlers will organise themselves into a volunteer force, so as to be ready to take up arms in case of emergency. The country cannot stand the expense of a standing army, distributed in detachments in every exposed situation, though such provision as is within the means and necessities of the colony will doubtless be made. The Government has never exhibited any strong disposition to unduly retrench in the Department of Defence ; in fact, so far as we can gather from statistics and the annual budgets, they have rather erred in the opposite direction, and their fault has consisted in a too great tenderness in res pect to dispensing with the services of men whose trade is war. Self-reliance, and proper training to the use of arms, are the best sources of defence and safety in the out districts. We can well understand that the Government has not hitherto given practical direction to these resources, but has wasted the public funds by fostering a policy which teaches the settlers to commit their safety to the overshadowing influences of the Native Department, and which has substi tuted a pernicious system of bribery and hush money for self-reliance. The treat ment^ of the Cambridge Cavalry is one striking example of this. We do not advocate the indiscriminate encourage ment of that sham and holiday soldier ing which too often characterises the Volunteer corps in some parts of the colony. What we would suggest as being most con ducive to the general safety of the out settlements, is the supply of arms and ammunition, and in certain special cases, a small rate of j>ay on a few days in the year set apart for drill, to properly organised local corps, a certain standard of efficiency being necessary qualification. Failing that, the next best alternative is a resort to the compulsory system, in which all male adults capable of Sparing arms would be required to undergo a specific degree of training.

The inquest on the remains of Mrs Scullen, the particulars of whose death appeared in our last issue, resulted in a verdict of ' ' death from natural causes."

An error occurred last evening iv our reference to the arrest of De Fratez on the charge of illicit distillation. It was stated that the accused had been employed as a ceoper by Messrs R. Whitson and Sgiis, till December last. This was not the case, over three years having elapsed since De Fratez was in the employ of that firm, and since he left in 1874 Messrs Whitson have had ,uo knowledge whatever of his pro ceedings. ;

Sevferal newiules under 'the Debtors and | Creditors Act^came into forjee on the.lst of j this month, rules 11, 19 and 25, prescribed j by an order in Council, of December 7th, | 1876, having been revoked. The first rule prescribes that the scale? of charges, fees, aud allowances to witnesses, and disburse ments allowed upon taxation in bankruptcy in England shall, as far as may be suitable to the requirements of this colony, be fol lowed by the Registrar. Until the appoint ment of a creditor's trustee, the time and place of meetings of creditors are to be fixed by the Registrar, but any meeting of creditors may be adjourned from time to time. Any place at which meetings are held under the Act is to be deemed the " prescribed place" for the purposes of the Act. The fifth rule is important. It pro vides, " That no business shall be tran sacted at any meeting unless there shall be present, either personally or by proxy, at least three creditors, or all the creditors, if the number does not exceed three.

The usual fortnightly meeting of Court Zealandia, Ancient Order of Foresters, takes place to-morrow (Wednesday) evening, at the Court-room, V.M.C.A., Wellesley strect. The committee of gentlemen belong ing to the Order, who were appointed to draw up a code of rules and carry out pre liminary arrangements for the opening of a Juvenile Foresters' Court in connection with the above, will also meet at the same time

and place, and submit the result of their labours for the approval of the parent Court. It has been decided that the name of the Juvenile Court shall be "Zealandia's Pride," and that boys and youths between the ages of six and eighteen years may be admitted as members ; and by the payment of a weekly contribution, varying' from Id. to Gd., secure to themselves a proportionate amount In periods of sickness or death. A committeee of members of the adult Courts, to be called the Executive Council, will be appointed, who will instruct the boys in the various duties and offices appertaining to their Court. On attaining the age of 18 years the boys will be drafted into the ranks of the adult Courts at the expense of the Juvenile Court. AVo learn that a similar institution is in existence at the Thames, and has proved a great success, and in the old country Juvenile Forester Courts have nourished to such an extent that there is scarcely an adult Court without one.

We have received a sample of Messrs Close Bros.' "Encore Coffee" which is

very fragrant, composed of the very ber-t plantation berry, excellently ground, and of very fine flavour. This coffee is entirely

free from any mixture or adulteration, is quite fresh, and is far superior to most if not all of the kinds usually imported from abroad, some of which are reduced in quality by deleterious and inferior mixtures, by want of care in packing, exposure to climatic in fluences and other causes. The " Encore Colfee" is conveniently packed, and as a local industry is worthy or general consumption. We are able to speak in high terms of the very great care which in shewn in the pre paration of this coffee for household use, and if the vendors continue, as they doubt less will, to exercise the same judicious at tention, they will assuredly establish a very high reputation for the " Encore Coffee" To the Editor : Sir, —Can you, if you please, inform a subscriber whether there is a society in Albertland where the practice of a man and woman entering into a con tract to live together, by simply signing the same, without any religious or loyal ceremony, with the understanding that any children horn to them arc given over to a committee to bring up without the interference of the said parents? If so, what are they called, and who are the promoters?—l am, etc., Hookey WALKER. [Rumours of the kind mentioned by our correspondent have frequently been cir culated, and we institituted some inquiries respecting them before. Our investigations lead us to the conclusion that the reports rest on very frail foundations?. In reality, that there is no such society.—Ed. E.S.] It will be seen on reference lo the obituary

notice which appears in this issue that the

funeral of the late William Frederick Pilling will take place to-morrow after noon. The funeral cortege leaves Prospect House at half-past two o'clock. The

deceased gentleman was held in very high

esteem by a very large section of the Auckland public, a^ well as by his numerous friends in Waikato. We have no doubt that many of the*e will take the opportunity of paying their last tribute of respect by following in the funeral train. The interment will be in the Roman Catholic burying ground, Symonds-street. In our notice of the accident which

occured to Joseph Osborne, otherwise known

as "Flowery Joe" there was a slight error as to the time at which the accident OCClU'cd. We learn on further inquiry that it happened before and not after 11 o'clock, when Osborne was making his way down stairs to the front door, just as Mr Campion was closing up the hotel. Osborne was seized with an epileptic fit, and fell heavily. He lost a quantity of blood, but is proceeding satisfactorily towards recovery. Mrs Herdson, the wife of f.lie defaulting secretary of the Canterbury Mutual Invest ment Society, died suddenly a few weeks ago. She had been ailing for some time, but refused to have a doctor called. Her husband levanted to America some months ago, leaving defalcations of nearly £(J0l)0 in the Mutual Investment Society, of which he was acting manager. Skice then Mrs Herdson's health had been bad; her

youngest child was born three months ago. Herdson had settled certain property on his wife, and endeavours were being made to have the settlement set aside. She was served with a writ not to sell the property, two days before she died.

The funeral of the late Susanna Hirst, lute teacher of the New North. Road Wesleyan Sunday-school, will take place to-morrow afternoon at 3 o'clock. The children and her fellow-teachers will assemble at 2 o'clock at the school-room, and from the school will proceed to the cemetery. The children and teachers arc expected to sing one of their sweet parting hymns at the grave. The school is now fa mous for its sweet singing, and the departed sister was no small helper in the musical arrangements of the church. She is deeply lamented by all who knew her. She was kind and affectionate, with a meek and re tiring disposition. Her loss is much felt among the circle with whom she. associated.

The Wanganui "Herald" in reviewing the new Native Lands Bill points out that the proposed thirty per cent, ad valorem duty will tend to reduce the price for land received by the natives, and will not pro hibit laud-sharking.

The " Grey River Argus," like many other journals in New Zealand, experiences great difficulty in fixing the whereabouts of .some of the outlandish Turkish names mentioned in the cablegrams. The Argus, therefore, falls foul of the Press agent at Sydney, as follows : "Having had time for reflection, and moreover, having made care ful inquiries with a view to discover with whom the fault lies, wo feel that we apply the most temperate language to the com piler of the above massage when we write him down an unmitigated ass. Nor shall allow the matter to rest here. It is noto rious amongst Victorian journalists that a certain individual acting as Renter's agent, and also holding a Subordinate position on a leading journal, "cooks" the telegrams that are intended for the Associated Press of Australasia, so that the journal referred , to may always appear to keep ahead of its contemporaries in enterprise and the means of obtaining the fullest information. When ; next our Australian files come to hand, we shall compare the telegram as sent to us, and as it appears in a certain journal; and if, as we strongly suspect, something worse than stupidity lias been displayed in it compilation, for the New Zealaud Press, we

: Mr Jolm Robert Walters, of the New North Road, was charged this morning with trespassing with a dog and gun, in company with John McElwain, on grounds in pos session, of Mr McTavish, but the matter as stated by Mr Tyler was of no public interest, and defendant had infringed _no law, and the cases were, the: c fore, with drawn. It appears that since the para graph ill the. STAR, stating the number of pheasants shot by Mr Walters on the opening morning of the season, a jealous eyo has been kept on Mr Walters' movements, as he was regarded as the best shot in the neighbourhood, but in the pre sent case the attempt to put him down utterly failed, as the charge of trespass could not be substantiated. At a meeting of shareholders in the Albion Claim, Tairua, it was resolved to form a Company under the Limited Lia bility Act, with an unpaid capital of £10,000 in £1 shares. Messrs. E. Perkins, G. Gled hill, B. Gilmore, R. H. Bartlett, and T. W. Allen, were appointed Directors, aud Mr R. T. Graham legal manager. Sergt. Monaghan, an old an efficient oflicer of the Wellington police, has been presented with a public testimonial, and a purse of 175 sov.s. on retirement from the force.

The Dcvonport Club, which for a long time has been in a dormant state, is again in motion. The newly-formed committee have taken two rooms, one for the purpose of chess and the other for the library and reading room. About sixty members have joined the club, the library contains "200 volumes, and Mr Greenwood fills the ofrice of librarian. A meeting of the club will be held this evening to arrange for an opening concert.

To the Editor : Sir, —It is always gratify ing to read in your columns of the honesty of not only bakers but of auy tradersman transacting a large cash business to whom every facility is given of taking advantage of peculiary errors. To jV.i- Hayles of the Auckland Dining Rooms, let u.s " now" offer ona word of recognition for having returned a sovereign some time after it had been given to him by a poor man instead of one shilling for his dinner.—COUNTRY Settler.

During the month ending May, 1577, there were 14 deaths registered within the city of Auckland. The number during the corresponding month of IS7G were '21 deaths. There were 10 deaths in the hospital during the month of May, 1577. — GEO. Goldie, Sanitary Inspector.

An action was brought yesterday in the District Court, by C. B. De Thierry against Allan O'Neil, for the recovery of £23 Ss, alleged to be due to plaintiff as commission on the surveying of a quantity of land, known as the Patatere block. Mr Tyler appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Hesketh and Mr Meyer for defendant. The evidence of Thomas Machattie, the plaintiff, and Wm. J. Dalton having been taken, his Honor adjourned the further hearing of the case until Tuesday, the 19th hist.

The Wellington correspondent of the Lyttelton "Times" says: Not withstand ing the semi-official denial telegraphed by the Press Agency the other night, and which appeared next morning in the " New Zealand Times," I can assure you that.dur ing the late assemblage of all the Ministers here, there was a considerable difference of opinion found to exist amongst them on most important points, and at one time an open rupture was near occurring. No one here believes the story about the perfect agree ment of the discordant elements which recently met, or against the Government policy having been satisfactory shaped out, and the bills being in a forward state, etc. There is plenty of proof available that this is not the case.

The St. James' weekly di3cu33ion and essay class met last evening, and a very interesting essay on " Church and State," was read by Mr J. C. Macky. The writer took the views which were propounded some years ago by the late hon. and Hey. Baptist Xoel, when he seceded from the Church of England, and express**! the opinion of the Anti-church and State Society, that religions and churches should be indepen dent of State help. The president, Rev. R. F. Macnicol, made some interesting remarks on the churchO3 of England and Scotland, and while he retained his old affection for the estab lishod church, he had no desire to witness a State church in New Zealand.

The Bishop of Auckland will present the prizos to the children of the Parnell Orphan Home, to-morrow afternoon, at i o'clock, to which ceremony friends and subscribers are invited.

Messrs Frafcor Brothers, of the Insurance Buildings, have effected a sale of 1,100 acres of land, near the town of NgaruawaJiia, to Mr Carruthcrs, the Engineer-in-Chief, at nearly 50s aii acre.

Arrival of the Wakatipu.

Australian News.

Bank Forgers Committed for Trial.

Death from Injuries at Football

in Adelaide.

Kntries for Victorian Spring

Meeting.

WELLINGTON, this day.

The following Australian news is to hand per Wakatipu :—

Colonial Ward retires on the expiration of his leave of absence, and Col. Scratchley remains here permanently as Deputy Master of the Mint,

Dr Macartney will be petitioned against, on the ground of illegibility being a minister religion. The conference of Viguerona resolved that Government be petitioned to use its best endeavours to obtain repeal of the duties on native wines between Victoria and other colonies. The Bank forgers were committed for trial. Pierson made a full confession, showing a regular system of forgeries. Siinonsen's Opera Company opened on the 4th inst. in St. George's Hall to a good house. SYDNEY. Sir William Jervois and Colonel Scratch ley left for Melbourne on the 6th inst. BRISBANE. . S4O tons of milchester, on being crushed, yielded 2,077 ozs. of gold. The warden states that the reefs at Normanby are rank duffers. The secretary of the Rifle Association has suggested to the Rifle Association of Eng land to scud a team to Australia every second year.

Further forgeries to a large extent are reported.

COMMERCIAL. MELBOURNE. Wheat, 7s 2d ; none offering. . Flour, £15 15s ; Queensland sugar, £22 5s for brown, £32 10s for medium, best quality passed in for higher rates.

ADELAIDE.

A young bank clerk named Poole died from injuries received at a game of football.

Wheat firm ; 7s 9d has been refused

The following entries will be made for the Victoria: Racing Club Spring meeting : —Melbourne Cap, 114 Melbourne horses, and 26 from Sydney. Champagne Stakes, 43 from Melbourne, and S from Sydney. ' _ There are 7S nominations for the Victo rian Derby and Oaks ; for the Metropolitan Stakes, 49 entries.

_ The Government have not yet appointed its representative in the Legislative Coun cil. -

. Tllc population of the colony of Victoria is 845,877 ; of Melbourne, 244,505.

POLICE COURT.—This Day. (Before R, C. Barstow, Esq., R. M.) TRUANT BOYS. , : Thomas Quinn, Bertholt Rosenorke, and Edward Margaruay, were charged with absconding from the Naval Training School on Friday last. Captain Breton stated the circumstances. This was the third offence in the case of two of the boys ; the other had only been in the School a fortnight. His Worship gave the boys a severe reprimand, and ordered them back to school, and also ordered them to be severely whipped in the manner prescribed by the rules. THE £10 XOTE. James Shearer—charged with stealing a, £10 note, the property of his employers, Messrs Ryan, Bell and Co., and who had confessed his crime—was brought up to receive sentence. It appeared that the boy had confessed, and part of the money had been recovered. Mr Bell said he would not press the charge against the boy. His Wors'-ip, in dismissing the lad, said be ought to be greatly obliged to Mr Bell, as it was through his kindness that he had escaped punishment. ERRORS AND COMPLAINTS. Alexander Black, of Onehunga, was charged with leaving his cart unattended in Queen-street, aiid the wheel unchained. Mr Black acknowledged his error, and was fined 2s Gd, costs Ss. I James Robinson,of Otahuhu, was charged | with driving a dray without his name legibly written thereon. Mr Robinson said he was not the man. The constable had hunted for two days among all the Robinsons of Panmure. Otahuhu, and Onehunga, and as- lie boro the very name on 4he summons, he must serve the summons on one of the Robin sons. Sub-Inspector Pardy characterised the act of Constable Graham as a foolish one ; of course there was no case against the defendant. Defendant: Who is to pay me for coming here to-day '! His Worship said lie was sorry he could not order costs. George Clynch, for riding round the corner of Shortland-street at more than a walking pace, was fined ss, costs 5s 6d. Patrick McGinn, for allowing his horse to wander in Hobson-street was fined 2s Gd, costs 5s 6d. James Coyles, for having no name on his dray, was fined 2s Gd, costs 5s Gd. Alexander Banks, for leaving his cart unattended, was fined 2s 6d, costs 5s Gd. John Hammond for the same offence was fined 2s 6d, costs 5s Gd. DISREPUTABLE. Charles Nugent, alias Wag, was charged under the Vagrant Act, with indecent expo.«ure in Victoria-street on the 11th inst. Prisoner would not admit the offence. Constable Baldwin deposed that prisoner committed the offence in the middle of the footpath as ladies were passing. Prisoner .said he was in liquor, and a fool, and scarcely conscious of what he was doing. Seven days' imprisonment with hard labour. Prisoner : That's hard lines, your Worship. MR GREEXWAY AGAIN. Christopher Greenway again appeared in answer t) a charge of allowing offensive matter to. overflow, to wit, in Abercrornbie street. Mr J. B. Russell appeared for the prose cution, and Mr Tyler for defendant. The witnesses were ordered out of Court.

Mr Russell in opening the case, said that this was not the first time that defendant had been charged with these offences, not of a pleasant odour certainly, and which would linger in the recollection of the Court.

Mr Tyler complained of Mr Russell repeating jokes. Mr Russell then proceeded to a statement made by Mr Greenway's servant, who committed the offence complpaned of, under the immediate direction of his employer, as the man stated to Mr Goldie.

Mr Tyler objected to any statement in this roundabout manner.

Mr Russellfsaid he would call evidence and tender in evidence the by-law.

George Goldie, Inspector of Nuisances, deposed that he knew the premises in Abercrombie-street owned by Mr Green way. He had occasion to inspect them ou the 31st May. He found anppen trench leading from the closets into the street, in which were deposits of filthy matter. Two men were working there and acknowledged that

Mr. Tyler : Was Mr Greenway there ?

Inspector

Mr Tyler : Then I object to any admis sions as to what the men said, as it is not evidence in accordance with IaAV.

Mr Russell then rose to examine his witness, but as often as lie questioned Mr Goldie, so often was he interrupted by Mi- Tyler.

His Worship said it was impossible to go on in this manner, and if evidence was not to be allowed to be given, he would adjourn the case for a week. If the men said they cut that drain for a certain purpose; that would be evidence, but as to what other people said, that would not be evidence.

Thercontention continued for some time longer, while Mr Greenway walked to and fro in a state of great agitation. His Worship said lie must certainly adjourn the case at twelve o'clock.

Francis Donnelly deposed that he was a carpenter, and was engaged by Mr Green way to do certain work to a' water-closet in Abercrombie-street, the earth was broken in on the sides, and he was desired to lay down some boards to keep the children out ; he [could not manage it, because of the water, it was overflowing ; they were obliged to open a drain. He was employed by the day.* To Mr Tyler : He was not ordered to open the drain, but did it for his own con venience ; his orders were to repair the water-closet.

William Downing, a labourer, was sent by Mr Greenway to assist the carpenter, and the carpenter told him that Mr Green way ordered that he was to dig the drain , Mr Greenway also saw the drain when he was cutting.it; and said he was well pleased with the job. He discharged him on Friday evening, because there would not be much to do on Saturday, and Mr Greenway saved by discharging him on Friday, (laughter.) Counsel addressed the Court. Kate Roberts stated that the closets had not been cleaned out for three months. His Worship considered that the car penter, Donnelly, had cut the drain without consulting Mr Green way, and should have been held responsible ; he must dismiss the case.

Mr Eussell wished to state that there was no prosecution against Mr Greenway but the witness Donnelly had led Air Goldie astray in first place, sayinn- that re was ordered by Greenway to cut the drain, and now contradicting that statement His Worship said that the fact that the closets had not been cleaned out for three months was not creditable to the owner.

BREACH OF DISTILLATION ACT. Manuel De Fratez was charged with a breacn of tlie Distillation Act of IS6B. in saving and employing an illicit still' at the Great Barrier.

Mr Brookfield appeared for the prosecu tion on the part of the Collector of Customs Mr Itussell appealed for defendant, and said that although Fratz had the still' and apparatus upon his pfeniise?, which could not be denied, they had never been used for tae manufacture of spirits, aud Le would advise him to plead not guilty, as it would oe s shewn that tae accusation of distilling v,as groundless. His client was simblva wood-cutter, and he was the owSr of-a IS,l Ia"d **** was compel?

Brookheld then described the renl state of ilhcit-stills m operation, which h ehowrf would be discovered in time B trusted moreover that as defendant had pleaded guilty to having such a still on fife premises, His Worshp would order surh a fine as would have the effect of 'nut tins a stop to illicit distillation. " " ■"* His Worship inspected the apparatus and was of opinion that it was not made for any ordinary purpose, but, from all its pafti for the purpose of distillation. He must say that the thing- looked very suspicious ■ Mr Tyler, who a^so appca ed f r the detence, called the attention of the Court to the fact that the still was only found upon defendant's premises, and ft was only a supposition that distillation had been carried on, and he thought the IoM-est fine that the Court could inflict under the Act would be sufficient to meet she case.

His Worship could not look upon this a* a case in which he could impose a light penalty, as the boiler and other apparatus we:e found, which could be but for one purpose. The defendant must pay a fine of £120, or be imprisoned for six months.

Great Robbery at the North Shore.

That favourite suburb, the North Shore was yesterday .startled out of its ordinary - repose by the report that a burglary had taken place at Messrs Duder's private house, situate on the road opening on the sea at the Masonic Hotel. Detective Jeffrey was employed during the day - trying to gather some clue to the per petrator, but his efforts have been to a great extent nullified by their premature exposure by our morning contemporary. The robbery is a very serious one, and has evidently been committed by some person who was well acquainted with the premises and with the habits of the occupiers" Between £200 and £300 worth of gold", notes, cheques, and other securities "nave disappeared, and with them the stand of a broken looking glass in which they were kept in Messrs Duder's bed-room. It is surmised that the thieves, whoever they were, must have obtained, access to the premises on Sunday evening between six and eight o'clock, when the whole family, consisting of Messrs Robert and Richard Duder, Mrs Duder, Miss Duder, and a young brother, were absent at church. The feeling of security which has pervaded the place has led to a widely spread habit of allowing back doors to remain merely oh the latch, and Messrs Duder's back door was so in this case. At ten o'clock on .Sunday night the brothers retired to bed. They had been accustomed to bring up the money from their store every night, and place it in the drawer of the looking-glass stand referred to. This stood on a table behind the door, and would not be observed by a person going into the room, unless lie specially looked for it. While the brothers were undressing Mr Robert noticed that one of the drawers of the stand was lying on the couch. He casually mentioned the fact to his brother, but took no further" notice at the time, as the drawer in which ■the money was kept was always locked, while the other was used for ordinary purposes, and was sometimes taken out. Nothing further occurred till next morning, when, before going to business, Richard Duder went into his bedroom for the pur pose of taking out some money. To his astonishment, he could not find the looking glass stand or the drawer containing the property. The house was searched, but without finding any signs of the missing money or its receptacle. The police were communicated with, and, as we " have already said, steps have been taken to bring the thieves to justice, but up to the present time without | success. The property lost consists of cheques of different people, mostly North Shore residents, to the extent of between. £60 and £70, notes, and gold about £70,|and about £150 in promissory notes. Unfor- : tunately, Messrs Duder have no complete record of the documents, as they use then banker's book as a cash book. A man and a Woman are suspected of having been con- - cerned in the robbery. The bed-room plundered is at the end of the verandah, with doors opening front and back ; the ad joining room, which is occupied by Miss Duder, had not been disturbed, as several valuables, including a watch and chain, were | discovered in the same place, where they must have been at the time of the robbery. The affair is at present very mysterious, and the neighourhood will not regain its security until the culprits have been | brought to justice.

PONSONBY AND OR DEDWOOD.

A MEETT2T.G of ratepayers of the Ponsouby district was held in the Hall last evening to consider the question, of bringing into operation within the district the 'c Regular tiou of Looal Elections Act. 1576," Mr J. A. Tole, Chairman of the Board, in the chair. The Chairman opened the proceedings, and pointed out that the object contemplated was the abolition of the proxy system, and also pointed out the expense of the proposed change. Mr Banbiuy moved, " That the Local Elections Regulation Act,-1876," be brought into operation on the Pon sonby and or Dedwood district," and enlarged on the great benefits that would result from the substitution of the ballat for the proxy system. Mr A B.Mck seconded the motion. The resolution was carried unaniniuously. iNIr Morton.Jones then moved, " That this meeting request the members of the present Board "to•■Jflfe for the bringing into operation" the s&ii Act." Mr Masefield, as one of the mem bers of the Board, promised to comply witli the resolution. He referred to the abuses which the proxy system had developed fit Ponsonby. The motion was then put and carried. Mr Tole then defended the Board from charges of negligence in regard to the; valuation of the district. He spoke in high terms of the list prepared by Mi- Jenkins. He animadverted on the conduct of Mr Barstow in refusing to recognise Mr Jenkins as valuer, because' he had not his written appointment in Court; and the appointment of Mr Stevenson, the refusal to adjourn so that the BoardeßUgM be represented by Council, and the excessive cost of valuation of the district as' compared with others.—Mr Field moved, "That this meeting deprecate the action of Mr Barstow in appointing Mr Stevenson valuator for the Highway District of Ponsonby and or Dedwood, thereby putting the Road Board to a large and Unnecessary expense."—Mr Stevenson stated that Mr Jenkins, at the hearing before Mr Barstow, had distinctly ■ denied that he" was Clerk to the Board, that be represented it, or held his appointment from it.—Mr Thorne said Mr. Jenkins was ap pointed by a quorum of the Board.—Mr ! Stevenson said it was only when Mr Tole discovered the Convent would be rated, that he took the action he did. He ought topay the bill, as it was incurred through hi* i neglect. Mr Stevenson was frequently interrupted by cries of "shame," "li&> "put him out," &c. Mr Tole said Mr Jenkfn's appointment was written in pencil,' and was extant. Mr Lincoln asked. Mr Stevenson if there had not been an under-

standing betAveen him and Mr Barstbw^a-*., if to the valuation of the district, wluch Mr Stevenson denied. Mr Field's motion was |

carried. Mr Jones moved, Blr Simpson . •seconded, and it was carried. Mr W.. Jones, seconded by Mr Simpson, moved,. . " That this meeting- pledges itself t? - support the local Board, should they deem n . advisable to resist the payment of the exces- m sive award made by the Judge of tne Assessment Court, for payment pi «ie services of the valuer appointed ty t» p - I Court." :|;i

VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE.

The comm'tiee of the Ancldaud Fine -Assocjiv tion met last evening in the Drill Shed for ,ta»- a pi l-po c of -presenting the priw.s tn t.hC-£aa£ili^

THE EYENIFG ; .sMft'tfESI)AY s a%NlS:'i& 1877.



T/ AIP AR A RAILWAY. arTana after MONDAY, Ith. June, there Will be Wharfage on Timber. Bj order, y> MAODONALD , V General Manager. USTREC E I V E D, An Assortment of BOY'S TUNIC SUITS, X In a Variety of Shades, • Trom 12a 6d to 27s Gd. a ALL KINDS OS* 'Boys and Youth's Clothing Inverness Capes Pea Jackets, Overcoats Hats, Shirts, Braces Ties, Scarves, Socks W. BATTRAY, v CLOTHIER AND OUTFITTER, New Zealand House, Auckland1 MALL PROFITS AND QUICK RETURNS. WINTER DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. B, CJSHBB.OOK AND BRIDGMAN Invite the attention of Purchasers of Drapery to their Large and Complete Stock of NEW AND SEASONABLE GOODS. A number of Special Line 3 now offering:— Girls' and Ladies' Waterproof Mantles.—A lot slightly damaged to be cleared out this season at Very Greatly Reduced Prices. Ladies' Black Cloth Jackets very cheap Moss Trimming, assorted colours, lOid per doz. Good Strong Wincey, heavy make. 7a yard Striped, Check, and Rob Roy Wool Plaids, very cheap Ladies' White and Shetland Lambswool Hose, good. Is 3d per pair Good All-wool Flannel, Is per yard. An Unequalled Stock of BLANKETS. Further supplies just received, all sizes and qualities, at Very Low Prices. A lot of Moleskin Trou3ers, small Men's sizes, various qualities, at Great Reduced Price 3 to clear ■ ' . A large stock of Gentlemen s Overcoats, Macin tosh Coats, &c. Clothing of every description for Boys and Hosiery, Shirts, Hats, Cap 3, &c, &c. • Is. in tiie £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 203. and upwards. 4 ___ rushbrook & bridgman, Junction Deafery Warehouse, Upper Queen-street, AtTCI/KAND. O P E C I A L NOTICE. H. L. POSSENNISKIE, TTTTT A 1111 LL OO RiIRRR TT A lIL OOER TT AA II L O O R-R-R TT A—A II L O ORB TTAAIIL OORR TTT A A 1111 LLLLL OO R R AND HABIT-MAKER, SHORTLAND-STRKET, AUGKLAWDj H.L.P. begs to inform his customers and the j public generally that he has Just Received a I Large Consignment of WINTER TWEEDS and FANCY COATINGS; also, a Special Line of SUPERIOR SILK VESTINGS. X.B.—Tke Trade supplied at a email advance 3 Tuvoice Pricea, for Cash. MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. IjCCOBPORATED BY ACT OS' PARMAKSNT. •hew Zealand" branch: Head Office, Auckland- Local Director: :< oass Bueg^ynk Owjcn, Esq. (Messrs, Ovren and G-rahatn.) Principal Medical Officer: CZARfcES FIKLD GOLDSBBO', ESQ., M.D. General Agent for New Zealand: »r«^ William T. J. Bell. With Sub-Agcpciee in all the Principal Towns. A«« T e Tl?AinTf^:Kuafcio' l $n the subject of LIFE Lowe, Travelling A«ent to the Association . WrLL,I4.M T. J. BELL, General Agent.



Trt E C liD E A T /"V . CARPET YOUR ROOM NOW \ SEAL B&USSSLS, 4:3. 1)d. per YARD. BEAUTIFUL QUALITY! SERVICEABLE PATTERN ! AT THE «r CITY HALL ARCADE. "B» CHEAPEST CARPET EVER OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC ! OLLOWAY AND \JTARLICK, GENERAL HOUSE FURNISHERS. T7&T E HA V E N O W*B BOUGHT H FORWARD THE GREATER PORTION OP MESSRS. STEWART & ANDERSON'S STOCK, — CONSISTING OF — WINCEYS, FRENCH MERINOES, FANCY" DRESS GOODS, SHAWLS AND MANTLES. Also, AN IMMENSE QUANTITY OF MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING. I The above Goods will be CLEARED-OUT Re gardless of Cost, to make room for WINTER SHIPMENTS, Now Land ing, ex Electra and Emily Chaplin J. COSGRAVE & CO.