SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

high vv A ,v.R-: l.j^TAi.^.iiw SUN SKT. -Till-* ■■'.. •.■■in,, -"..It cU.V Klir:,-To--r^v;)iv .d >'.-illli*. ".0 aiOQN'S AGE.—New Moon, 91h. i 5u p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Taujsa, s.s.. Ca-ey. from the South

DEPARTURES.

Hauraki, p.s., Oakes, for Waitara (from Manu lean).

[A special charge is made for consignees' names in this column. Two lines. Is; if booked 23 6CLI

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For London—Electra, shin, early; Spirit of the

Dawn, barque, early For Wangarei— Vrgyle, every Tuesday For R.-irotonga—Wave of Life, schooner, early For Kaipara and Sydney—Syren, brig, early

The cutter Gipsy, which, arrived from the Great Barrier yesterday, brings word thatUie s.s Southern Cross was at anchor in Irjphena :Bay when she left on Wednesday. The steam tug Lionel is expected in the Manu kau to-day from Hokianga, with a quantity ol salvage from th* wrecked schooner Msra The s.s. Taupo took on board 800 sheep at Ispw Plymouth yesterday, and left. at 5 p.m. for the Mnnnkau where slie is to arrive this afternoon. ~ The schooner Wave of Life, Captain Sopwith, cleared to-day for Ravotoaga with a full cargo ol timber and miscoilaaeous stores, bhe will, it is expected, said to-night if tho wind serves. Her vova"-e is not likely to last many months as she will load up with copra for Messrs Owen and Graham as soon as possible, and come straight The barque Hermana has finished loading at Dargaille, and is now waiting a fair wind to •take her to sea. She is bound to Shanghai with 400.000 feet timber. . effSThe p s. City of Cork will make her oflicial trial trip on Monday next, starting from the Queen-street wharf at 2 p.m. A schooner has been signalled all day. but owing to lack of wind had not made the harbour up to the time we went to press.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

Mr Alfred Btjcklaxd's Weekly Report. —At the Haymarket, on Friday, July 2i, but little business was done with horse stocic, entries being below th« average. Two horses, dray and harness, sold for £58 ; a pair of pomes, £9 • medium draught. £27 ; liffnt harness horses, fill to £15. Fodder was in full supply with a brisk demand. Meadow hay brought from 3s 3d to Is 9d ; oaten hay, 5s the cwt.; small loads, 20s to 35s each; maize, is per bushel. Hides were in larger numbers than usual. Sound hides brought t'.d to lid the lb.; damaged hides, 2Jd to 3|d. calfskins, ih& tho lb.; horse hide. G.s 9d : sheepskins. Is 6d to Is lOd each. At Remuera on Thursday, dairy cows were in moderate number, and slow of sale. A choice bred short-horn cow sold for £12 10s ; with this exception, £Slos was the best price obtained tor "■ood animals. No store cattle yarded, iat cattle in moderate number; 75 head penned. Prices obtained were irregular, but on the whole higher than has been obtained for several weeks, about 3s per lOOlbs., averaging oOs per lOOlbs Fat. sheep in moderate numbers; IoU sold ; prices slightly higher, 3d per lb. being the rate obtained. Pigs in moderate supply and at late, values. Averages obtained were: J. M. Short, 6 cows, £6 9s id ; Robert Hall, 15 steers, £10 is 6d; -.7. Bainbridge, 7 steers, £9; John Scott. 10 steers, £10 12s Gd ; J. Stewart, 10 steers, £10 2s 6d.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

Bank of New Zealand—Sellers, £22 10s. National Bank—Buyers, ?os. South. British Insurance—Buyers, 80s. National Insurance—33s; buyers, o2s (>d. New Zealand Insurance—Buyers, 100s. Red Queen—Sellers, 2s 6d. Caledonian (double)—9ss: sellers, lbs. Moanatairi—£s sp, £S 10s ; sellers, £S os. Cure—Buyers, 9s. Alburnia—s7s 6d : buyei a, o7s; sailers, oSs. Welcome—Sellers, 5s 3d. Union Beach—Buyers. 15s ; sellers, 1/s 6d'. Kuranui Hill—2os: buyers, 18s ; sellers, 21s. Piako—los; buyers, 10s; sellers, 103 6d. Thames—4os. Tokatea— Buyers, fls; sellers 10s. JOSEPH NEWMAN. Chairman

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Matls will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at J. 30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m.; and to-morrow at 5.30 p.m. , For Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday, at For"Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai. Waipn. Wangarei, and Man^apai, per Annie Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki. and Southern Provinces, dnd Australian Colonies, per Taupo, to-morrow, aFor money orders and registered letters, at For WMtianga. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Monday next, at i p.m. For Russell, Wansaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. . For Wangarei Heads. Waipu. \v angarei. ana Mangapai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at For 'Southern Provinces, per Wanaka, on Wednesday next, at 3 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Australia, im mediately after her arrival from Honolulu. S. B. BIBS. Chief Postmaster.

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, Etc.

August 3. Lecture. "Reminiscences of London," by Mr Larkins, V.M.C.A., at 7.30 p.m. Enniskillen Loyal Orange Lodge (No. 3), monthly meeting, 7-30 p.m. Ethiopian Entertainment, Panmure Hall, 8 p.m. Parnell Borough Council, G. 30 p.m.

DEATH.

BARTENSHAW.— On the 3rd August, 1577, at his parents' residence, Elliott-street, Auck land, Robert Henry, youngest son of William and Mary Barfcenshaw. a^ed 18 months.

The funeral will take place at 3 p.m. to morrow (Saturday). Friends please accept this invitation.

WALLIS.—On 2nd August, the Rev. J. W. Wallis, third son of the Rev. J. Wallis, aged 35 years.

The funeral will leave Carlton Road at 3 p.m., and Pitt-street Church at -1 p.m.. to morrow (Saturday). Friends are respectfully invited to attend.

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

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 1877.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the -wroiiji that needs icsistaacCi For the future in the distance, And the tood that we can Jo.

The proposals of tlic Government, disclosed in the Financial Statement, make no change upon the established policy of temporary expedients and make-shifts. The consoli dated revenue has fallen short of estimate by £77,265, towards which the decline in Customs receipts contributed £40,621-. It is stated that the Government were com pelled to take full advantage of the power of borrowing £150,000 on Treasury bills to supply the ordinary administrative services in parts of the colony that have little land fund, and an advance of £53,000 from con solidated revenue was required in addition to keep the wheels of the State coach lubricated in those unfortunate districts. We are also informed that besides these temporary and illegitimate operations, necessitated by the unequal distribu tion of the revenue from Crown lands, the Government have met a quarter of a million sterling, provincial liabilities, out of loan, and a, further sum of £259,556 is required for the same purposes during the ensuing year. Without treating this evi dence of helpless drifting into a financial whirlpool as a fitting ground of alarm, or even accepting it a* significant of any disastrous decline in the prosperity of the colony, it assuredly suggests the necessity for a bold and masterly effort to place colonial finance on a sounder footing. The occasion is one when a strong Government, or one desirous only of consulting the wel fare of the country, would'stake place and pay in the cause of reform. Nor do we need to travel outside the budget to dis cover the natural, most equitable,and indeed the only sound policy which a Treasurer wedded to colonial unity could have pursued under the circumstances. The gross revenue of New Zealand, including proceeds from sales of Crown lands,, if carried into one fund, would be more than ample to meet all the charges created by a lavish ad ministration and a heavy debt. Last year, including sales of Crown lands, the total revenue, of the colony was £3,06*1,594. Appropriated, as the whole amount would have been in any colony but New Zealand, to meet the ordinary current liabilities, a handsome surplus would have remained at the close of the financial year. Under the system of robbery which one section of the colony has succeeded in legalising, Canterbury exercised a preferential claim of £350,000 in addition to the two pound for pound subsidies and a specially liberal share of those Government services which form the sole portion of less favoured districts of the colony. The deduction was made at the cost of an issue of £150,000 worth of Treasury bills in liquidation of unavoidable charges for ordinary colonial services. Year after year has the commonwealth been sacrificed for the aggrandisement of the most naturally favoured districts of the colony ; and the Government of the colony, bartering the public interests for place and power, pandering to a party made powerful and compact by partnership in unholy gains, once more comes for ward' as the apologists ot the miserable system. It is instructive to note on what impotent grounds the Treasurer attempts to justify a coin-so co momentous and .so ruinous to the dearest interests of the country. AVo are told by Major Atkinson that "the money received for the wale of Crown lands within a, defined district should be spent in opening up and peopling the district.'' "Those who pay the most should receive the greases* facilities for occupation." Let us examine the proposition for a moment. Tiie Govern ment are vendors of laud of various quali ties, some worth £5 an acre, other tracts perhaps worth ss. Each purchaser gives exactly the value of the land, and receives full value foi- his money. Why, then, should the man who owns the rich lands be entitled to the return of a large poriiou of his£s in the form of roads ami improvements, while the .settler on poor lands is left to fight his way against unmade roads, as well as unproductive soil. \Ya admit the principle on which Major Atkinson's theory rests—the revenue from lands skoukl be expended in opening up awd settling tlw country. But surely in proportion to the > necessities, so should be the assist- [ ance afforded, unless the Government adopt the system of ,»ivii>g to him

who alreivly has ami taking away j from kini who has niif-. Colonisation will progress ou the fertill- plains of Canter biuy wiliiour. (r ivenuii mi: aid, imr who arc we to lo:)k to for the opening of the regions of mountain ami ilood, the extensive tracts of barren country, and the districts threat ened by native hostility ? The General Government, as administrators of a valuable estate, should employ the produce of their rich lands to advance colonization in the poorer territories. There is a very wide distinction between revenues from land and monies raised by taxation. In the former case those who contribute the money receive an immediate and absolute quid pro quo for their outlay, and have no more claim upon their purchase-money than has a customer at a grocery store the right to demand a pat of butter gratis to spread the loaf for which he has just paid the market price. Instead of standing upon an invincible justice, tiie Treasures relies for the corning year's revenue on a trick worthy of a sharper. He has raked up from past transactions of parliament a claim for unpaid interest against Canterbury and Otago, with which lie hopes to make ends meet. We look in vain to his speech for any indication of statemanship. In its estimates of the state of colonial finance the jj Budget is encouraging. We doubt whether a strict scrutiny of the tables attached to the statement would not anni hilate the supposed surplus, but, as the public accounts are manipulated, a surplus or deficit claimed by the Treasurer is of equally little significance. Of more im portance is the fact that the Government are again forced to enter the English market with a loan of two millions. Not until the credit of the colony is completely exhausted and the Government thrown on internal resources, need we expect in the {[budget .sound finance or any indication of our true position.

Special European Cablegrams.

Two months ago, in conjunction with an Australian evening newspaper, avo under took the cost of despatching au experienced journalist to act on our behalf in England, for the purpose of forwarding special cable grams in the present critical state of European affairs. The English cable rates are, as most commercial men are aware, 10s (>d per word from London to Sydney, with the Australian cable charge of nine pence a word added. The cost of this effort to supply our readers with earlier and better English news exceeds £2,500 a year, divided amongst a very small number of papers. The Star, by paying a large portion of the expense, secured the sole right of the messages in New Zealand. But to shew the disa bilities under which journalistic enterprise labours, and its unprotected state from the piracy of unscrupulous neighbours, we have only to narrate* our experience with the first message after the arrival of our special correspondent hi London. The dispatch in another column announcing a .serious defeat of the Russians in Turkey was received by our agent m Sydney at four o'clock yesterday afternoon; but Sydney time is one hour 33 minutes later than New Zealand time, so that the message reached Sydney at twenty-seven minutes to six o'clock New Zealand time, and the transmission by Australian cable and land lines occupied another hour to Auckland. The consequence was that the news came to hand too late for last night's paper. It was, however, in plenty of time for the issue of our constituents in Sydney, and the telegram appeared in the Sydney " Evening News" last night. If a cable message wore like any other commodity for which a business man pays £30, and the persons guilty of stealing it were liable to imprisonment with hard labour, we should suffer no damage by the prior pub lication in Syduey, But the moment of its appearance there it was seized by the repre sentative of the New Zealand Press Agency, and wired to all the colonial papers, our con temporary the " Herald" included, although they had not paid a sixpenny piece towards the heavy cost of procuring the news. We are thus pillaged of all the fruits of our enter prise, while our contemporary fills its cable columns with the plunder. Not the slight est intimation of the severe engagement at Nicopolis had come through the channels on which all the New Zealand and Aus tralian journals were depending for their information, and but for the cost we bad incurred, the public would be without the intelligence. It is needless to say that we shall not rest satislied with such a one-sided arrangement, and if appeals to reason and fairness fail, we shall be compelled to cuter a suit in equity to ascertain whether the law will not protect us in the exclusive enjoyment of rights for which we pay so dearly. We are advised that it will do so, and we are determined to make the trial.

[.Since the above was in type, we learn with much satisfaction that the circulation of the telegram was due to no fault of the New Zealand proprietors of the Press Agency, and we fully acquit those gentlemen of any intention to infringe our rights.]

Letters from Dr. Purchas, and other cor respondents, are unavoidably excluded.

The Pakuranga hounds will meet at 11 o'clock a.m. to morrow at the Pakuranga school.

We have been requested to publish the following with reference to the schooner Dauntless :—" I, the undersigned, John Grundy, at the request of Hans Peter Poulson, master of the schooner Dauntless, of 72 tons resistor which vessel was lying on the hard at Wairoa Rivsr, Kaipara, full of timber, did, iv company with Captain Dawson, of the Hannah Blomficld, survey the above named vessel as she grounded on a rock coming down the river; and I hereby certify that the keel|was in good order, with the exception of a splinter of from three to four inches oil' one corner. There were no signs* of straining in the bottom, and I considered the Dauntless seaworthy. At this time she was bouirl to Dunedin.—John Grundy, Master of the Torca."

At the usual weekly meeting of the Excelsior Lodge, held last evening in the Primitive Methodist School-room, Franklin Road, the following officers were duly in stalled by Bro. Booth, L.D., assisted by Eros. Jones and McKenzie : —W.C.T., Bro. Porteous; W.V.T, Sis. Portcous; W.S., Bro. J. Gibbs; W.F.S., Bro. Carra dus; W.T., Bro. Anderson; W.C, Bro. Salt; W.M., Bro. Sweetman; W.1.G.,; Bro. G. Rout j W.0.G., Bro. R, Moore. W.A.S., Sis. Whitcombe; W.D.M., Sis; Hughes ; W.U.H.S., Si's. Anderson . W.L.H.S., Sis. Booth ; P.W.C.T., Bro." 6 Whitcombe.

The New Zealand racing saason of 1877-8 has made its first sign by the publication of the entries for the Canterbury Cup and Can terbury Jockey Club Handicap. These races are to lie nun at the Metropolitan meeting in November, and, in addition to 'die sweepstakes money, have a solid douceur of £500 attached to each. For the (Jap, which is a weight-for-age race, there aro exfeictly twenty nominations, of which Mi Rcdwjinl supplies live, including the evergreen Guy FawJces and Puriri. Mr Wrtltors has only entered one of his for either race, namely, Venus Transit, amd we look hi vain for the name of Hippocampus, from which we may conclude this good looking son of Dainty Ariel and Fanny Fisher will be reserved for our own meeting and Duuedin. Ariel appears in both races, :iu t-lie name of Mr Farmer. The Handicap has obtained % total of .">7 entries, the only Auckland candidates being' those already mentioned, and Lsnglnnds, unless Mr Leii naru's Bidc-a-vrce, whose name appears, can be considered such. It is rather strange that the sensational three-year-old Le Loup has been entered for the Handicap, and not for the Cup. His owner, Mr Walker, can scarcely expect a horse, which, as au un tried two-year-old, cost £1,100, to get in with a " big show "in a handicap. The other well-known names are Guy Fawkcs, Tompleton, Maroro, Pungawerewere, Fal lacy, Opuwa. Bribery, FovTl Play, Jangler, ! &c.

!vhviirde-i-*fTe3t 1 mimou after a n.'/tyd military man of 1 ! -<- present age, has admiral an unenviable uotorietv, conse-

quently its .sober-minded residents desire to change its name. Edwardes-street has somewhat of the picturesque about its trees and cottages, looking at it in its gradual descent from Symonds-street, but on going down tills street of perpetual warfare, you find that "distance lent enchantment to the view"' and you observe dilapidated homes, careless people, and shoeless children. The two leading characteristics of this street are "whisky and war" as the records of the Police Court prove beyond a doubt. Still, there are some decent people in Edwardes-street, and the indecent are fast passing away, so that there is a chance of the street becoming respectable, and the sober class desire a change of name with a view of removing thestigmarestinguponit. The body of Good Templars, andthelittle Primitive Methodist Church, in which the Rev. Mr Tinsley ministers continually, to a very limited congregation, have not been without their good influence on the people, and so it comes to pass that the "quiet, sober, and peaceful" people desire a change of name, and suggest that of "Alexandra," the pretty name of the daughter of Denmark, which, no doubt, the Streets Committee will graciously grant to the petitioners.

We were shown to-day a literary curiosity, being the fac simile of the second number of the tirst newspaper issued in Melbourne, in 1838. The double sheet is an epitome of all the news of the day , written in a clear, small baud by the late John Pascoe Fawkner, the iirst pioneer of Melbourne, in con junction with Jolm Batman, tlic partner and associato of Fawkner in his Australasian struggle, when Melbourne was little more than a fishing village.

The Lady Godiva farce was observed at Coventry on the 4th of June, and a certain lady rode through the town so famous for its watches and ribbons. This scene was annually enacted in former years, but latterly for the want of a heroine it lias not observed every year. The legend of the grim earl, and his courageous bride, who " Took the tax away, and built herself an everlasting name," has been poetically stated by Tennyson.

Mr F. Larkius will deliver his " Remin iscences of London" this evening in the lecture hall of the Young Men*' Christian Association. Mr Theo. Cooper will be in attendance with a select choir of vocalists, who will sing several sacred and secular pieces, including the anthem, "God be merciful," "God bless the Prince of Wales," " Caller Herrin," the "Men of Harlech," and the National Anthem.

One of those untoward incidents which sometimes occur in our streets was wit nessed this morning in Queen-street. A young man was driving umilkcart, belong ing to a settler at the Whau, at a smart pace down Queen-street, and when opposite the shop of Messrs Phillipps and Son he endeavoured to pull up, aud in doing so the animal fell upon his knees1, and rolled over upon his side, the cart also went over, and the several cans of pure white milk were completely emptied of their contents. A number of persons gathered round, and assisted to extricate the horse. Fortunately, the horse and cart were uninjured by the misadventure, but, as the poor fellow said, with an indescribable look of grief, "the milk lias gone to the dc'il."

The man McArthur, who was supposed to be insane, and discovered at Henderson's Mill, was examined by Dr. Lee yesterday afternoon, and pronounced by him to be of sound mind. He was discharged from cus tody by Messrs Lusk and Graham, Justices of the Peace.

We arc glad to hear that Dr Norton has been most successful in winning golden opinions in the Wairoa district, Lvaipara, and id gaining a large practice. The resi denco of a .skilful medical man is esteemed as an estimable boon by the settlers.

The claim of Rev. Dr. Purchas upon the City Council for damages, £30, was pi'eferrod yesterday at the Resident Magistrate's Court, and particulars stated. Mr Hesketh, instructed by Mr Brookfield, for the plain tilt", and Mr J. H. Russell for defendant. Dr Purchas stated his case :—On the Sth of May, he was driving in his buggy at a moderate pace along Vincent-street to wards Chapel-street, and had just passed Goodwin's shop, when the horse suddenly made a tremendous plunge, and then foil over on his back, with his head under the wheel of the buggy, "which had been turned over on its side. Having fully des cribed the accident, lie said that he lost the use of the horse for ten Ways, which lie put down at £(>, and it was so injured that its value had depreciated to the extent of £10. Before the accident occurred the horse was a perfectly staunch animal, now it had a habit of stumbling. The buggy had been damaged to the extent of .L'K), and the har ness to that of £2. The other evidence was that of Mr Phillips, Town Clerk ; Charles John Goodwin, draper, of Vincent-street: George Shaw, and Dr. Purchas's son. After hearing counsel, his Worship reserved judg ment until Thursday next.

There is a football practice every after noon at the Metropolitan ground, and our representatives are requested to roll up as often as they can, so as to get themselves Jit to contend for the honor of Auckland on the 15th. Yesterday afternoon sides were chosen at about a quarter to five, and three quarters of an hour's play was indulged in by about twenty players. The game was not a good one, for most of the players seemed to prefer waiting for the ball to come to them to following after it. Ken kicked a goal for his .side. Two or three of the Selection Committee were on the ground taking notes of the performances of the men. We understand that the final selec tion, of the Auckland representative fifteen will be made by Monday next. Our cor respondent at Dunedin forwards to-day a telegram descriptive of the Dunedin players, which will be found published elsewhere in our columns.

A meeting was held last evening at the Bishop's library, forfthc consideration of the Home Mission, Dr Cowie in the chair. The following resolutions were passed in relation thereto : — "1. That this meeting approves of the principle of withdrawing grants in aid from the Home Mission from any district neglecting to fulfil its engage ments. 2. That it is desirable that the town and suburban congregations should be informed that, although the income of the Home Mission for the last year has slightly increased, yeft the extending work of the Mission lias compelled the Standing Committee to draw upon them their small reserve fund, and that increased contribu tions are urgently required in order to extend the Home Mission work to districts that are now almost entirely neglected." The two large boilers for the pumping machinery of the new dock have just been landed from the barque G. Bioughton. They ench weighed about 6|t tons, and of course special tackle had to be used for landing them. OUe of them was put out oji to the wharf Lust night, and was taken round to the works on a trolly this morn ing'early. The other boiler was lifted out this morning. The dock works generally arc getting oh capitally, the recent iiuc weather having enabled the contractors to make up a lot of the leeway, which was caused by the accident to the cofferdam. At the head of the dock the rubble masonry is all in position, and already a large portion of the faced stone is laid. The tlftclcness of the stonework altogether is 4,1 feet. In excavating the bottom of the dock the workmen have come across the remains of a small vessel, buried at least S feet from the present surface level. There are persons in town who recollect a wrecked vessel feeing left on this spot about 30 years ago. ami it is supposed that it has silced over in the course of time. Presuming that the Sft. represents the rise of the sur face in thirty years, it would teem that our harbour is silting up at the rate of three inches per aunum. This is a very serious matter, if it is so, and deserves very careful iuyastigtion

The rumour that the railway from Mercer to Ngaruawahia was to have been opened on the Ist of this month was circulated without any authority from head-quarters. It arose, we believe, in consequence of a report sent in to the Government some weeks back by Mr Stewart, stating that the works were going on so well chat it was possible the line might be ready for traffic about the beginning of August. Towards the cud of July, Mr Stewart walked over the line, and he found that although Mr Fallon, the contractor, was pressing on the work with commendable zeal, and taking full advantage of the line weather, there was no chance of the line being ready by the lirst. Mr Stewart will make another visit of inspection in a few jdays, and it is probable that by the middle of next week the absolute date of opening'will be fixed. Monday, the 13th inst. is .spoken of as a likely date, but nothing is yet known for certain. The survey of the Thames and Waikato line is rapidly progressing, and if the iinc weather should hold out it will be finished in less than a month's time.

At a regular meeting of the Hope of Par ncll Lodge, I. 0. 6. T., held on the Ist August, the following officers were duly in stalled by the L.D., Bro. L. W. Gladding, assisted by Bro. J. Clendinning as Gr.W.S., and Bro. If. G. Dorriugton as G. W. M. viz., W.C.T., Bro. Lloyd; W.V.T., Bro. Bryan ; W.5.,8r0. Gladding ; W.F.5.,8r0. Scholes ; W.5.,8r0. Watt; W.C.,8r0. Leiloy, senior; W.M., Bro. Boyd; W.1.G., Bro. Burgess ; W.0.G., Sis. Priestly R.H.S., Sis. Don L.H.S., Bro Nairn D.M., and Sis Hayter W.A.S.

Mr Severn delivered the third of his series of six lectures last evening, before a very large audience, in the Choral Hall. The subject of the evening was " Terrestial Magnetism," illustrated by a number of diagrams, models, and an apparatus, and explained in the lecturers' popular and lucid style. The young people present frequently expressed their pleaure in the usual way. Mr Severn subsequently exhibited a num ber of interesting views of cities and noble buildings, with which the scholars were delighted.

Special Cablegram to Star

Severe Defeat of the Russians.

Sight Thousand billed, Sixteen Thousand "Wounded. (FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT). LONDON. August 1. Tjiio first great Turkish victory is an nounced. Osman Pasha, with the whole of the available force, gave battle to the Russians at Nicopolis. A severe engagement ensued, lasting two days. The Russians were defeated. The total loss was eight thousand killed, and sixteen thousand wounded.

[PRESS AUENCY.]

DESPATCH OF TROOPS.

SINGAPORE, Aug. 2, 10.32 p.m. .Sir Stafford Northcote, in replying to a question, said that a special vote was not required, for the despatch of troops, and that it was needless to explain the inten tion of the Ministry before the proraga tion.

AUSTRALIAN.

SAN FRANCISCO MAIL SERVICE. RESIGNATION OF TASMANIAN MINISTRY. SYDNFY.—THIS DAY. The Treasu.iv has given notice of motion for Thursday in the Assembly that as the contractors for the Pacific Service are unable to carry out the forked service. The House approves of the modification proposed by the late Ministry. A vote of censure was carried against the Tasmanian Ministry, who have resigned.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.

[ISY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.]

WELLINGTON, this day

PRIZE FIRING,

in tilt; estimates, votes for prize living were omitted tins year, and there are none for4lnainteuan.ee of Government steamers. THE HOT LAKES AND TERRACES.

The Bill introduced by Mr O'Rnrke yesterday, to be called " The New Zealand Public Recreation and Reserves Act, 1877," is to protect Rotoinahaua and other wonders of the Hot Lakes against jbeing gobbled up by private .speculators, and make them public reserves in perpetuity.

AUCKLAND PUBLICANS 1 PETITION

Mr Tole presented a petition from SS publicans of the city of Auckland and suburbs, praying an extension of the Licensing Law, so that compulsory burning of lights outside licensed houses' in cities and towns lighted with gas out of corporate funds may he abolished; also, that public houses may be open during certain hours on Sundays, subject to certain conditions.

DR. BAYNTUN'S FEES

Mr Sheeb.au gare notice of motion for f lie production of correspondence between the Government and Dr. Bayntun, relative to his claim to professional fees for an inquest at Ararimu.

NATIVE LAND SALES

Mr Rces gave notice of motion for the return of all land conveyance in fee simple from native owners, which have been assented to by the Governor during the last three years.

MR FARNALL AND HIS GRIEVANCE

Mr Farnall has published a pamphlet, in which Ills case is strongly set out. He claims two thousand pounds.

THE HINEMOA.

~ The Hon. Mr McLean endeavoured to [ snub Captain Hamlin, who moved a motion . for returns re the Hinemoa. He said the , information would be included in another . return to b« laid on tho table. On •lit that the Hinemoa was laid up just before Parliament in order That members ; might be disrupted at not being allowed to ■ travel in the Vice-Ilcgal yaclit, and be in a readier mood to assent to her nuiet sale :to the Union Company. FEES FOR INTERVIEWING SWELLS. Mr Roes was very aniusmg yesterday while speaking on Mr WakciiekT.s motion, asking- what fees are levied by the .Surveyor- General without the authority of law. Mr Rces said if the principle of levying uu- j authorised fees were once granted, they | might have clerks and understrappers charg ing tips of ten .shillings for admitting the public to interview the Native Minister, | and of a pomid to see the Premier, (Great laughter.) THE "W^KAMAOIII" CASE. Mr Kees moved, "that tins House is of opinion that it in unjust and unconstitu tional for any Minister to use the inJiueneo of the Government and monies oi" the State on their own authority, for the purpose or defending an action brought by onu citizen against another for an alleged libel. That '"after tho deliberate vote of this House in committee last sie.s*ion strik ing oat the item asked by the Government j for the "Wake Maori" newspaper, and ! the strong expression of opinion of this House that the Ministry should not support that paper as before, this House considers

the conduct of the Government in still con tinuing to carry on the " Waka as highly reprehensible." The speaker moved his motions in ;i well-lilkd ii:>:;.se. Tic

commenced by saying that there were circumstances under which the Government were bound to defend their servants, when

meting under the instructions of their cm plovers in the performance of ordinary duties. But that would'be in matters which could be fairly brought under the attention of this House. He would be able to shew that the duties they were performing were unjust and unconstitutional. The «■' Waka Maori" on July 11th, 1576 and August Bth, 1876, while the House was in session, contained articles which were alleged to be libels by the Hon. Henry Russell. The subject matter of the articles was reflections upon his character, or articles which lie supposed contained reflections. If he had not been a man of means and determination he might not have been able to defend his character. In the month of August, there appeared an other article which was alleged to be a libel. He (Mr Ilees) did not know whether the Ministry themselves considered these articles before they were put in the " Waka Maori,"' but the Attorney-Genei al had stated in the House that the defendants in this ac tion were simply acting as sorvaiits of the Government. l J>ut could that protect a pub lic servant in all cases, and give him a claim on the Government to defend him ? For in-

stance, suppose a public servant commits an assault, or any wrong, against a private citizen, and that private citizen bring.-: him into Court, ought the whole Government influence and Government money to be used against him V If such were the case, individuals who desired to protect them selves against wrong would find they would be opposed by the whole power and influence of the State, which would be an invasion of the very principles of the great charter under which we hold our liberty,

and against the first principles of law. It must be held that the person who pub lished the alleged libels in the "Waka Maori" were acting under the miluence of the Government. The Government was moved by the plea of justification put on record, which means that the defendants wero justified in what they did in any attack upon the Hon. Henry Russell's character —any imputations against his honesty, any aspersions they have cast upon him —and that they were prepared to prove such in a competent tribunal. If the printers were justified in what they were doing—they should have been left to defend themselves, and i£ it was proved

they were not justified in a court of law, then the Ministry could come to the House and say "Our servants have been cast in an action for damages in discharge

of their duties ; we ask you to re-imburse the costs of the case." But the Govern ment not only supplies funds, but uses the whole machinery of Government in the

Mouse not only to defend their servants, but actually with a promise to pay expense, and by employment of the machinery at then1 disposal endeavour to fa .s to:: the charges they made upon Mr Russell. (AppliUi.se). The costs had been proceeding at the rate of no less than£loo a day. (Beasation). He did not know whether the Government were contributing the money out of their own pockets, or from the money of the State. But the in iiuence of Government being used for this purpose, the Government had no right to keep newspapers which were libellous pub-

lications. They had a right to have a paper, which contained information for the State or people in it, but no right to have newspapers professing to be printed by the State, which could be made vehicles for calumnious attacks upon private indivi duals, especially members of the legislature, who are* their political opponents for the time being. However fairly people migkt be inclined to defend ministers, however fairly disposed to judge what was right and wrong, what men of unbiased minds should attempt to justify a ministry hi keeping up at the expense ot its portals a paper whose columns from time to time contained calumnious attacks upon their opponents in the Legislature. Were such things permitted to exist, private in dividuals would be at the mercy of the Ministry, backed by a majority of the House. It was necessary there should be a Government "' Gazette," containing infor mation for the native race, bat the publica tion of a libellous attack in such paper was a breach of the law of the land. If the members of the Government were responsi ble for libels appearing in the " Waka Maori," then they could be placed in the dock as criminals. The principle is com monly recognised in the Courts. From time to time owners appear subsequent to civil or criminal prosecutions, and write fully because it is the only remedy which the law gives. Suppose a jury found these letters libellous, and assess damages in favour of Mr Russell, the costs will bo enormous. Would the Government ask the House to vote these costs? I do not. think any member of this House would for a moment authorise the Government to

carry on a newspaper to libel opponents of

the Government. I might, for instance, be singled out for libel action. I will put the case to any man of feeling in the House. Ought Government to be allowed the con duct of a paper to libel him grossly, and is lie to have no remedy? Such a thing is

abhorent to every seu.se of justice. lam sure if the members of the Government thought the matter over they would not have taken the course which lias been taken in relation to this case. When the Govern ment saw the matter in the paper they might have made a gentlemanly apology, ami it Would have been accepted. Instead of that, a plea of justification is put upon the records-;. Mr Russell was obliged to go into a court of law and substantiate his cise. If Mr Russell had not gone into the law courts lie must have practically ad mitted these libels were true ; if he had not taken these steps, he must have acquiesced in the charges made against him. Now there are expenses on. each side amounting to £100 a day. A Com mission is sitting at Napier, and there are about tifty Maori witnesses. One witness occupied four days in his examination. Native officers are scouring the country, collecting evidence in respect to this case. Such libels might be circulated against any man if such a system were permitted to continue. If a man lived in any country where French or German were spoken could it be contended that the libel ought to be pennittcdjto be circulated against indi viduals, half in each language V If such were permitted, and the sufferer not a man of wealth and determination, he must .succumb. I was told to-day that it was not the slightest ttsc moving this, as members must vote against it, because it is a vote of censure upon the Ministry. They said '; The majority wiU be sure ti> vote against you. because the Ministry will regard ihis as a a vote of oeusfere and if it is carried they cannot sit." I would be sorry it any member of the Ministry should attempt to defend such a course wheflier this was a vote of censure upon the meeting or not. I certainly did intend it. If I did not believe I the thing to be right L should not move it. I i simply ask the House to endorse these opinions, and it can exorcise its discretion. I only wish I could by a vote of this House elicit the real sentiments »f lion, members, without any respect whatever to questions of policy. Coming to my second resolution : the Bouse, last year, struck out tJie vote for the ■• \Vaka Maori." By that vote the House virtually affirmed the principle that it" it y/.-is to be a newspaper for the Maori people it sh«:;iil be sell-supporting. It was said "why should the country pay fora-paper which is used as a Governiue'iit organ?" Tiie members of the Rouse perceived it was so used, aid unmistakably a vote of the House was taken after the subject had hue:! fairly debated. We have been told we must yield to the sense of the majority. A majority oftliis House might boofa certain

opiuioji, or might be on some consideration open to support the Government (looking at Canterbury members),only it was fair to get the Ben.se of the House whether the Government did right or wrong in adopting

a course which seemed to strike at the basis of all Constitutional Government. (Ap plar.se.) Mr Whitaker rose, but before he bean to speak Mr Stout rose and suggested "ad. jourament. Mr Speaker said the Attorney-General was in possession of thu. House.

Mr Kees (pointing to the clock) : It ; s half-past five o'clock. The Hon. Mr Whitaker said : \V O considered in the first instance whether the question as to whether the Government de frayed the expenses of this action was a proper question to bo answered when pro ceedings were being conducted in the Supreme Court. Certain interrogations were put to witnesses ns to who were payin« their costs. (Head the questions whether they or any of them were ideimiified whether any person or persons had promised or agreed they should be idemnified by any person or persons).—Cries of " Time." The Judge would not allow a question to be put. " Time."

The Speaker:—l will resume the chair at half-part seven.

Mr Itees' motion is not likely to be carried in its present shape. Many mem. bers are averse to ousting the Ministry. The Southern members do not'understand the question, and no amount of hammering is likely to make them understand native affairs ; they arc too intensely bovine, and conveniently affect ignorance. "Where ignorance is bliss, etc." This confession of knowledge might involve recognition of the claims of the North Island.

The House adjourned at 7.30 to attend McLean's hop.

Programme of the Opposition. Many Canterbury and Otago members are sitting on the rail. They seem desirous of outbidding each other for several Jittle unconsidered trifles. On the other hand many Auckland and Otago members are strenuously endeavouring to form a com pact party. A meeting of leaders will pro hably be held to-morrow. The main points upon which leaders are agreed are said to be these—l. That it ig unjust to grant subsidies to municipalities and counties on the hand to mouth system. 2. That it is unjust to improve property by the local expenditure of bor rowed money, which is a burden chieliy on the customs revenue, and falls on con sumers and non-property holders. Property should be improved by local taxation, :}. That taxation on ordinary articles of con sumption should be relieved as )vuch as possible, and income and property should bear a more equitable share of burdens. 4. That waste lands should not be sold in large blocks to monopolists before being opened up, but should first be opened up by the State, and then sold at an enhanced value. 5. That lunatic asylums, hospitals, and infirmaries should be maintained by State, funds aided by local endowments. There are other minor points not commn nicated to your special.

AU OK LAND RAILWAY.

1 hear that Mr Reader Wood's motion for the remov.il of the Auckland railway station to Queen-street wharf Avill probably be withdrawn, as the Government is favorable to the proposal. In all pro bability the alteration will be made.

ELECTING GOVERNORS.

Mr Stout's notice of motion that the Governor shoitld be elected by the people, has caused a flutter at Government House. The motion is only tabled to elicit dis-. cussion.

NEW BILLET.

In the estimates there is a new billet for Mr Leeds, son-in-law to Mr Wilson, at £350 a year.

Mr Wilson's petition in Eogan ease will not form the subject of an inquiry in the Lower House. The matter will be fully investigated by the Lords, and their report wiil be accepted as final by the Lower Mouse.

AUCKLAND PETITION,

In the House to-day Mr O'Rorke presented a petition from Mr I). O'Lonnell, warder Mount Eden Gao], praying compensation for dismissal.

NATIVE LANDS BILL,

The Government will be asked whether they will make the Native Lands Eiil a ministerial question.

BOROUGH CONFERENCE.

At the Borough Conference to-day, the recommendation from Auckland that market leases be granted tor three years Instead of one was agreed fo.

The Conference resolved that the basis upon which deductions have been mad hitherto from municipal subsidies in rese pest of the share of cost and maintenance of charitable institutions is highly unsatis factory, and steps should be taken to remedy the same. That in the opinion of this Conference, municipalities have a fair claim to Government assistance towards the cost of the maintenance of the lire brigades, and that legislative provision be made to give effect to the same. Mr Swan son was present at the Conference to-day. The report will be brought up on Tuesday. The Charitable Institutions Bill dis cussion was postponed at request of the Borough Conference until Tuesday. The Conference will consider the Slaughter house Bill.

NEWMARKET STATION,

In reply to Mr Tole, Mr McLean said the Government had no intention of re moving the telegraph station at Newmarket.

THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

Members are studying the tables of the Financial Statement. It is believed that the alleged balance will be found to be ;t large deficit, when the advance of £1.10,000 in aid of the land fund, and other advances arc taken into account.

THE AGENT-GENERALSHIP.

It is generally reported that the Goveri> ment threw out the proposed appointment of Mr Stafford, and the dismissal. The •'•Times1' to-day, "without professing in ' the least to be in the confidence of the Government," states that the Ministers never had or could, would, or should have the .slightest intention to dismiss Sir Julius Vogel. On the contrary, they had every reason to be satisfied with the manner in which the present Agent-General has car ried out his duties, ihere does not exist the smallest desire on the part of the Gov ernment to dispense with the services of Sir Julius.

THE AGENT-GENERALSHIP.

Mr Macandrew asked the question whether the Government intended to dispense with the services of Sir Julius VogeJ, rtunouis cf wlijh were circulated in the press. He said it was desirable that the matter should be set at rest.

The Premier said the conditions wader which Sir Julius Yogcl accepted the ap appointment of agent generalship v,-as,Jtfcat the appointment was to cease at the end of a year. Neither Sir Julius Vogel nor the < Joverameut desired the engagement to cow tinue longer, The Government fully recog nised his "service:-. When the vote"for the expenses of the Agent General's department comes on, he would b.e pi epared testate dis tinctly what are the proposals of the Gov ernment on the subject. OVER-PAYMENT OF £4600 Isi the House to-dfiy Mr Fox gave notice of motion for papers relative to the pay ment of £4000 to Ilsngitikei native* in excess of the appropriation irade. Mr Russell gave notice of motion whether the Government will .introduce or support during the session a bill to make *»py* right of works of art. Also, whether the Government will inaugurate a system of parcels pa«t similar to that hetwes* England anil India. NATIVE LANDS BILL. Karaita-na gave notice of motion whether the Government intend to make the Native Lands Bill a Government question, and whether if thrown out on second reading they will resign. Estimates for Auckland- The following arc the estimates fot Auckland services : — SURVEY D EPARTMEXT.—Chief Surveyor (also Deputy-Inspector of native survey?)* £<500 ;• Field Insxector, £350 ; three Distrtf*

THE EVENING STAB, FBI DAY, AUGUST 3, 1877.



FOR GOOD VALUE FOE MONEY IN "Winter draper X OF Every Description*, FLANNELS, 'WINCEYS, FRENCH MERINOS, WOOL PLAIDS, SHIRTINGS, WATERPROOF TWEEDS, CHILDREN'S & LATHES' WATERPROOF OLOAKS, &c &c, &C, GO TO THE JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE. BLANKETS AND RUGS OP ALL KINDS. An Unequalled Stock of Blankets, and Rake Value, having been exceptional!:,- well Übougrht, we can afford to sell at consi derably less than usual price. FLRNI3HING GOODS. General Drapery of all kinds, and a Large and r£Well-assorted Stock of Boys' and Men's Clothing, Macintosh Coats, Overcoats, Shirts, Gentlemen's Mercery, &c, Always on Hand. Is. in the £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 203. and upwards. rushbrook & bridgman, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upebb Queen-steeet, auckland. STOCK-TAKING "OARGAINS ! ! JO W. RATTRAY Is Preparing for STOCK-TAKING, so he offers a lot of CHOICE DRESS MATERIALS At Csst Peice. Remnants of Dress Materials at .and under Cost Prick. The Balance of the STOCK of LA.DIES1 COSTUMES, JACKETS, and FURS, At Cost Prick. W. RATTRAY, DRAPER AND CLOTHIER, New Zealand House, Go, QtTEENT-STREET, AUCKLAKD.



JMPOR TANT NOTICE \Having introduced STEAM PO WEB into the 'Manufacture of FURNITURE, ice are now enabled to Supply our Cus tomers at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. T. & 11. CO OKB, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, cOc, cCv. figr s ii o w ii o o m s i ■'C 7, Queen-street, STEAM CABINET 'FACTORY: Victoria-street. A Gaol is the proper place far counterfeiters, and particularly UiOS3 who poison the com munity by palming mY deleterious liquor sea soned wi'h some pernicious drug as that salutary and standard cordial UDOLPUO WoLVH'sSauuS dam Aromatic Schnapi-'S- To render the ini quity more plausible, the rogues use empty bottles of the genuiue and imitate the labels. Be on the alert and so avoid being imposed upon.



rjpO AGRICULTURISTS'& OTHERS. w i ; 1 ■" CST cc CO. have on sale the under mentioned. L-Vi-tilizors, all of which have been VH-ui-ed to [K-oduce satisfactory results in this district-. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns cab bo relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify YV . J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do- BEuUS BONE FLOUR 1- and i-inch BONE-DUST BTLLYARDS No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPWR-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ! ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will be ; supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEEN-S T?R EE T. In order to induce an enlarged consumption of Maiden Island Guano (equal, if not superior to Bonedust), we are prepared to accept deferred payments from responsible parties at extremely low rates. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUK E N -STREB T. W. .T. HURST & CO have for Sale, at the lowest market rates : Clover Seeds, Red, White and Cow Rye-grass, Cocksfoot, Rats-tail, Garden Seeds in great variety and best quality. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) 3000 ~ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also SOO sacks of 1575 crop hard feed, surpassing any of! last season's growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour." Bran. Sharps, Chuff, Oilcake, Goal, &c. &c. Particular attention is called to 500 sacks Prime Barlej at is per bushel of 50!b. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh oatmeal, at £21 per ton. Prices and other particulars on application. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEEN-S TRE ET, Auckland.