SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

mew wator t This Afternoon, 7.20 HIGH WAIER— - To . morrow Morning, 7.40 SUN SET.—This Evening. 5.34 SUN RISE.—To-morroAV Morning, 6.33 MOON'SAGE.—New Moon, 14th, 5.29 a.m

ARRIVALS.

lona, s.s., Farquhar, from the North

DEPARTURES.

Go-ahead, s.s., Cooper, for AAA-anui and Poverty

Bay Rowena. s.s.,Sellars, for Tauranga Elmiranda, barque, Lampher, for KendAVorth, schooner, for Wangapoa

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For London—Glenlora, barque, early; Loch Urr, barque, early For Tonga—Rob Roy, cutter, next Wednesday For Wangarei—Argyle, every Tuesday For the South—Hawea, s.s., 16th inst. For Levuka—Augusta, brigantine, early ; Emu, brigantine, curly.

THE ACTIVE.

A fine new schooner of nearly 150 tons, was launched a few days ago at Wangaroa, by her builders Messrs Lane and BroAvn, the construc tors of several of our best coasting craft. She is loaded with timber, and is to leave to-day for Auckland in charge of Captain Lane. We believe that she is for sale, at any rate she was built to any one's order. When she arrives we shall be able to give a fuller description.

The little steamer Kina is becoming quite an institution in the Coromandel trade, for which she is admirably suited. She is advertised to j leave, at noon on Monday, for an excursion j both to Coromandel and GrahamstOAvn. She will touch at the former place flrst, and then go on to the Thames. On Tuesday evening, she will return to Coromandel, and come on from thence to Auckland at 10 o'clock on Wednesday morning. H fine weather favours the trip, it will he a very enjoyable one. , ' . The A.S.P. Co's s.s. Go-ahead left last night for the East Coast, with the foUoAving passen gers :C. Marks, J. Jeune, and two steerage. ; The barque Emma has turned out her cargo in capital condition. The new Customs' offices on the Railway Pier are rapidly approaching completion. They will be ready for occupation in a few days. Messrs Grant and Morton yesterday, at auction, sold half of the schooner Charybdis to Mr John Buchanan, for £210. The barque Acacia is going to load timber for Melbourne, at Wangaroa, on account of Mr John Reid. , _. . The s.s. lona arrived this morning at 10 o clock with several passengers, as per yesterday's telegram, 20 head cattle, and large quantities of gum and oysters. The schooner Kenilworthleft to-day in ballast for Wangapoa. The barque Loch Urr was hauled away Into the stream this afternoon. She has a few more tons of cargo to take in, but it will be conveyed on board by means of lighters. The captain wiil probably clear at the Customs on Monday, and sail immediately after.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Bank of New Zealand—£2o. National Bank—Buyers, 675. Colonial Bank (40s paid-up)— Buyers, 38s. Thames Gas—Buyers, 30s. South British Insurance—Buyers, 775. National Insurance—Buyers, 30s. New Zealand do—Buyers, 935. New Zealand Loan and Mercantile—Buyers, 635. Union Sash and Door (old)— Buyers, £8 ss. Do. Do. (new) —Buyers, £4. Red Queen—Buyers, 3s. Caledonian (double)- Sel'er3, 60s. Moanatairi—£9, £10 ss; buyers, £9 ; sellers, £9 10s. Inverness—Sellers, ss.

Waitekauri—2os; sellers, 20s. Alburma—22s to 22s 6d. Union Beach—Sellers, 38s. Tokatea—7s 3d. Queen of Beauty—Sellers, 255. Kuranui Hill—3os ; sellers, 30s. i Piako—l7s 6d. Royal Oak—7a. I JOSEPH NEWMAN, ChairmaE

CALLS AND DIVIDENDS.

The following are the current calls and dividends payable in the companies named below:— ___, £ s. d. Date. Calls— NeAV Morning Star 0 1 0 — April 16

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and on

Monday next at 3 p.m. ands.3o p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle oh Monday next at

11.30 a.m. For Newcastle (N.L.W.) per Emma, on Monday

next at noon. For Russell. Wangaroa, and Manganui, per lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Wednesday, 18th instant, at 4 p.m. For Levuka Per Augusta, on Tuesday at 9 a.m. For Tonga and Eva, per Rob Roy on Tuesday

next, at 3 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipn__-SKaHy"n_xtr at —3_HBS '

For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per HaAvea, on Monday next, at 8 a.m.

A Post Office letter receiver has been erected at the corner of Queen and Darby-streets, and will be cleared daily at 8.15 a.m., and 3.30 p.m. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

FORD.—On Tuesday, April 10, at the Grange, Russell, Bay of Islands, the Avife of E. Ford, Esq., of a son.

MARRIAGE.

STRINGFELLOW—BLAKEY. — On the 12th April, at the residence of the bride's father. Nelson-street, hy the Rev. W. Kirk, Sydnoy William Stringfellow, late ef London, to Christiana Blakey, second daughter of Mr. Benjamin Blakey, late of Sunderland, Eng land.

DEATH.

URQUHART.—At her late residence, Albert street South, Ann. the beloved wife of Donald Urquhart, and daughter of the late John Flynn, of Onehunga, aged 29 years. The funeral will leave her late residence on Sunday next, the 15th instant, at 2 p.m., for the Cemetery, Onehunga. Friends please accept this invitation.

KING.—On the 11th April, at Parnell. Margaret, the beloved wife of Ernest John King, aged 30 years. , , . _, __ The funeral will leave her late residehce, Parnell. at 4 p.m., to-morrow. Friends are respectf idly invited.

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1877.

For the cavse that lacks assistance^ » For the wrong that needs resistance For the; future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

The Press Agency has forwarded a long telegraphic summary of a dispatch from the Agent-General on the inscription of NeAV Zealand stock. The substance of this epistle, although obscured by a confusion of legal explanations, is, that the Bank of England has virtually repudiated the negotiations of 1876, Avhich the ex-Premier brought back to the colony from his sixteen months' mission, and flourished as a sort of trump card. The Bank has raised various objections to the Act passed last session in Ncav , Zealand, validating the proposed inscription, more particularly the clause requiring that the stock-register shall be kept open for inspection ; and other conditions are insisted on that can only he engineered through the Imperial Parliament by the exercise of considerable ingenuity. It is not probable that the colony Avill go into mourning,' even should the diplomatic skill of the Agent-General fail in bringing the scheme through the dangers of incubation. We have always entertained doubts of the benefits derivable by the colony from the outlay upon an inscription of its vast deben ture issue, notAvithstanding the jubilations of Sir Julius Vogel's admirers-over this new exhibition of financial genius. The power of registering stock instead of being com pelled to keep possession of the debenture and coupons, pa&sing it from hand to hand like bank-notes, Avith every sale, is of service to the debenture-holders rather than to the colony, and Aye see no very good reason why, if the debentures already issued are to be inscribed for the convenience of holders, those Avho have bought them in their present form should not pay the requisite fees. The chief argument employed by Sir Julius Vogel in commending the appropriation to the colonial Legislature Avas the likelihood of improving the value of New Zealand securities, by popularising the {took uq adapting i_ W fee »iv^m-.i..t pi \m\

funds, Sir Julius having been assured when in England that if trustees were able to divest themselves of the responsibility of holding debentures they would invest a very large sum of money in the securities of this colony. It New Zealand were entering the money market, instead of—as we trust—leaving it for a Avhile, the advantages of an inscribed stock would be evident, and even now it is perhaps true, that some effort by the colony to popularize New Zealand stock, and enlarge its market, would form but an act of justice to the original debenture-holders, whose securities wo have imperilled by reckless operations. The charge to bo made by tho Bank of England for inscription, or—to simplify the matter— for establishing a register for colonial debentures.tobeoperatedonbytransfermthe same way as commercial stocks arenegotiate _ was fixed at £650 per million up to ten millions, and £550 per million thereafter per annum. On the whole amount ot the Ncav Zealand debt this per centage would absorb a very large sum, but as only those debentures could be inscribed which holders chose to present, and as a great many, perhaps a majority, would prefer the security in its present shape, passable froni haud to hand, it is not probable that the Bank would be called upon to inscribe the whole of the issue, and forseoing this, the Bank insisted that the Government should guarantee,whether the facilities for inscrip tion were takon advantage of or not, that the Bank should derive a sum of £2,500 from the business for a period of ten years. This precaution was not un warranted, for a stamp duty of 10s per cent on share transfers is likely to operate very materially against a general adoption by investors of the new regime. And if a reduction of this impost to 2s 6d were, as Sir Julius hopes, secured, the cost and trouble of transfers would still militate against the popularity of inscription. To obviate this, it Avas a part of the proposal that in issuing future loans the New Zealand Government should free its stock from duty on transfers by a com position of 7s 6d per cent., as allowed under an Imperial Act to the Metropolitan Board and the Canadian Government. The pre sent duty on debentures being only 2s 6d per cent., the inscription would again involve the colony in heavy outlay for a questionable advantage. Tho announce ment, therefore, that there is a chance of the scheme faUing through need not affect our readers unto weeping.

Rhuter's Telegram Company's interests are said to bo under offer to the Globe Share and Investment Trust Company of London. The rumour comes from London, and we hope, for a variety of reasons, that it may prove to be unfounded. Reuters Telegram Company at present supplies telegraphic information to a large majority of the leading journals of the Avorld. its only rival being s the Press Association of England, the Associated Press Agency of India, and other kindred combinations, whose operations arc practically local. Router's com mercial telegrams exercise an immense influence on the Stock Markets of the world, and so far, their reliability and bona fides have never, to our knowledge, been challenged. It must be patent to any one who has the slightest insight into the inner mysteries of Stock Exchanges and the ulterior influences which control the fluctuations of stocks, that such enormous powers as are possessed by Reuters Telegram Company might be misused for the perpetration of wholesale frauds, by which colossal fortunes could be made ia all parts of the Avorld in a. single day. The history of the Sampson scandal has shed somo light upon the dark places of tho Stock Exchange, and has shewn unmlstakeably that there are not wanting un principled speculators who are prepared to offer princely bribes to A-cna.l writers. It speaks volumes for Routers Agency that it has iie\-or been stained by such an infamous blot as was cast upon tho money market column of the •' London Times," whose commercial editor Mr Sampson, Avas, b-fore he retired upon the fruits of his knavery, which by a just retribution he was not long permitted to enjoy. It speaks well also for the English Press that such occurrences are rare. We do not know anything of the Globe Share and Investment Company, and avc do not impugn its commercial morality. It may. for aught wc know to the contrary, be one of the most strictly honourable institutions in existence but we protest on principle against the transfer of --oh immense poAvers aa are wielded by ituuter's Company to an organization identified with mercantile speculation. Suoh an alteration would rightly or Avrongly, give rise to gram suspicion, and would speedily lead to the setting up of another agency by the leading ioumals of Great Btitain and the colonies, in which move mentthe "Times," which was formerly a most powerful opposition to the Router's Company and has throughout niaintained,at enormous expense its independent telegraphic correspondents on the Continent, would probably take the lead. The Globe Share and Investment Trust Com pany, so far as we can gather, is established on a basis similar to that of the Thames Gold Mining Investment Company. The interests are distributed over a great variety of speculations, Avhich return dividends irregularly, and an annual dividend is declared out of the next balance of profits upon the whole of the invest ments. The Company was farmed in fact for the equalization of dividends, and by syndicat ing the shares in various undertakings succeeded in establishing hiwher quotations upon change. Thus the Globe Company's interests ramify over an extensive field of specu lation, and in telegraphic? quotations its own stock would frequently be mentioned. HaA'ing regard to these facts, and the sensitiveness of the public to anything like a speculative element in press-telegraphy, we are disposed to believe that the rumour will be found to be a mere canard, and, for the reasons already suggested, we hope it has no better foundation.

Moanatairis sustained their ruse of yes terday afternoon only for a very short time. They Avere sold at £10 10s last night, and to-day have fallen to £9, with sellers at a feAV shillings more. The latest scare is that the gold Avill run out to a point only a iew feet beIOAV the old level. There is no a. ar rant for such a supposition, further than that on the bottom of the level the reef is narroAver than it is up above. A reason given for the decline to-day is that the directors do not intend to Avork doivn on the runs by means of the winze but are siuking the latter only to afford air for the lower level Avhen it is reached.

On Monday evening, Mdlle. Atlanti, the American singer and elocutionist, will make her debut before an Auckland audience at the Lome-street Hall. We have already given from Southern journals extracts speaking most favourably of this lady's entertainments. The following criticism appeared in the "Lyttelton Times":— " This lady gave one of her elegant draAving-room entertainments on Saturday evening at the Templar Hall, Avliich -Avas Avell filled. The entertainment avus diver sified, consisting of instrumental and vocal music, interspersed Avith select readings. It is no light task for an artiste, unaided, to amuse an audience for an evening, and the difficulty is enhanced when the performer is a lady, as the fatigue consequent upon the necessary exertion must be great; yet Mdlle Atlanti successfully accomplished this task, keeping the attention of her audience fixed from the beginning to the end. _ She is a pianiste of very considerable ability, her in strumentation being distinguished by. crisp ness and delicacy of touch, combined Avith brilliant execution. She possesses a mezzo soprano voice of moderate poAvcr, sweet and flexible, and carefully cultivated. She sang the great aria from " Robert le Diablo," Avith fine expression; also, the pretty ballad " Shells of Ocean ;" and the arch piquancy Avith Avhich she gave " Comin' thro' the Rye " was deservedly applauded. As an elocutionist, Mdlle. Atlanti possesses talents of a no mean order ; she evidently enters into the true meaning of the subject she is reading, and has the faculty of infusing into her rendering that expression, Avithout Avhich the most correct enunciation falls flat upon the ear.

At the Papakura R.M. Court judgment was given for plaintiffs in the following cases :—Lloyd v. Guldery, £26, and costs 46s 3d, less £14 Ss lid for avool supplied, £1 to be paid monthly ; Lindsay v. Stokes, claim £12 12s sd, judgement for £7 13s, and costs 45s to he paid within one month ; Same v, Martalii, claim £33 ?l §|d, judg;.

A Wellington correspondent of the Otago " Guardian^' says that Captain Campbell Walker's lecture on the " Conservation of NewZealandForests" was a most lugubrious performance. The lecturer's oratorical poAvers were poor, added to which the manu script was badly Avritten, necessitating frequent stoppages, and there was an apparent uncertainty as to pronunciation ot the French names. The general impression concerning State Forestry in the Empire City at present is that, as a study, it must be one of the most depressing and melan choly nature, and that Captain Campbell j Walker is certainly not the man to impart even a moderate amount of vivacity to it.

Mr Rees applied yesterday to his Honor, Mr Justice Gillies, in Chambers, for a writ of habeas corpus to bring up the body of the lad Duke, son of Mr Duke, of Ne-wton, who had been lodged in Mount Eden rather hastily, while his father was seeking bail. His Honor consented to hear the appli cation in open Court on Wednesday next, when the youth will be examined on the matter contained in the writ.

There is only one case set down for hearing at the civil sittings, which open on Monday next, namely Malcolm Niccol v. R. Stephenson. We learn that Mr Hamley, book-keeper to Mr Dornwell, butcher, who unfortunately had his leg broken on Wednesday last at SheUy Beach, by a fall from a horse, is progressing favourably in the Hospital. A painful sensation Avas created in Well ington, by the news, which spread very rapidly, that a man had shot himself on the Adelaide-road. Constable Shiels went to a house next door to Mr Moody's store, and there heard that a man named Arthur Peterson, the head of the house, had shot himself with a gun. He at once went to a room indicated, the door of which he was compelled to break open, and on entering, a sickening spectacle met his eyes. The body of the man was lying on the bed, the upper part of the head being shattered to pieces. A short rifle was lying between his legs. It appears that about half-past 8 o'clock mthe morning, while the family Avere at break fast, Petersen went into the room Avhere the rille and ammunition were kept, and soon afterwards a sound was heard as if a charge was being rammed into the weapon. A minute or two after this Petersen ran into the room where bis family were sitting, with the rifio in his hand. On being asked where he Avas going, he replied, "I am after some people outside." He looked out, and then said, "I am too late ; they are gone." He then went into his bedroom, saying, " Pray for me," and shut and locked the door. A fe\v seconds afterwards an explosion was heard. Dr. Munro, who had been sent for, arrived at about the same time as the con stable ; but of course the man was dead. It seems that Petersen had been drinking for some time past, and it is believed that he was suffering from the effects of liquor when he shot himself.

At the close of the inquiry into the charge of cruelty to a bay pony, heard yesterday at the Police Court, the Bench expressed a belief that the evidence sliCA.ec) great cruelty but no malice aforethought, and as the case had not been brought under the Municipal Notice Act, as it ehould have been, they Avere obliged to dismiss it. This was an unfortunate case, as the parties Avere near relatives, and the daughter, the husband of the prosecutor, avus obliged to give cau dence against her father and brother-in-laAA'. In the course of the inquiry, it came out that the hot iron was used in accordance w-ith a West of England tradition that if a horse would not move under the whip the touch of a hot iron on the hind quarters Avould have a quickening effect. Mr Kin lock, the veterinary surgeon, wild he had heard of the old tradition, but had never seen it tried, but he should think, ill such circumstances, " a horse would go it rather than stand it."

At the R.M. Court at Mercer, Robert Miller, for using obscene language toAvards Arthur Brown, at Tuakau, was lined 10s and costs, 28s 3d, in default, seven days. On the civil side judgment was confessed in the case of Porter v. Lloyd, claim £7 17s, £1 a month.

The shoemakers of Auckland are re quested to attend a meeting of the Trade and Labour Council, on Monday evening next at 8 o'clock, for the purpose of forming a Trade Protection Society.

The Government Avill introduce a measure next session dealing Avith hospitals and charitable institutions.

The " Thames Advertiser" states that the Hon. F. Whitaker has resigned the Chairmanship of the United Pumping As sociation, and Mr Warwick Weston has been elected to the vacancy.

The " Lyttelton Times" makes merry over the telegraphic references to native disturbances m th. North Island. The " Times " says : —" We remember formerly when there Avas talk of native disturbances, how our sleep Avas disturbed by the tele graphic accounts of a certain Maori Avorthy. Hone te One Aye read Avith a shudder Avas proceeding. Hone te One, Aye heard Avith a sense of security, is reposing. Hone te One—and Aye strained our ears to the utmost—is speaking. Hone te One has spoken, and all danger is over. How thankful Aye Avere to be sure ! Iv those days there Avas really some talk of native disturbances, and Hone te One Avas really somebody in his country Avherever it Avas. He Avas to many a phantom of terror, and to others a bogie that Avas periodically brought out from a hiding place by a fatigued purveyor of intelligence to alarm the public Avith his grisliuess. He was even confused by many with, the Fighting Onetyoneth immortalised by Thackeray. Yet, lie AA-as no myth, but a man of influence and position, Avhose nods and becks and Avreathed smiles all had their significance in the chronicles of the time. But the dangers have passed aAvay, and our friend Onetyone is knoAvn to us no more."

In to-night's issue will be found announce ments of two impoitant agencies just acquired by H. S. Meyers and Co., to wit Lediard's Knickerbocker schnapps, and Krani's celebrated vegetable life pills, heal ing ointments, and chlorodyne. We have sampled—the schnapps, not the pills—and register it Al among seductive liquid.. The pills, ointment and chlorodyne have been tried by other reliable Avitnesses and pronounced a boon to suffering humanity.

Mr C. F. Mitchell has had another " conference" Avith the great rangitara Tukukino, and has Avheedled the old savage into granting a road from Puku to Paeroa. The close of the korero is thus reported in the "Thames Advertiser"..— Tukukino : Well, close up the river, and take a road. Let the steamer cease to travel, and take the road. Mr Mitchell : N i ; the river is not yours to give nor mine to take. It is God's gift to all. Let there be a vote of all the Maori people, the same as iv the Council, and let that decide as to the road. Tukukino : Take the present road, and make it, (Murmurs of approval from all the young men.) Mr Mitchell: I Avill take the present road. I Avould much rather you had given me the other one. But let me understand ; can the Council make this road, and take it as a Queen's road ? Tukukino (very proudly) :I do not go back from Avhat I say. Mr Mitchell : I thank yon. I will report to the Council your Avord. The meeting broke up after a large amount of hand shaking.

We observe the time for receiving tenders for the Flour Mills lease at Western Springs, has been extended until Wednes day, 30th May.

The inauguration of the new Masonic Lodge at Warkworth, under the name of the Rodney Lodge, will tako place on May 3rd, and not 281$ as swwtPHrty ata-ted ik QW.ig*tiWW>t

Mention .vas made a few days ago of a child of about five and a half years of age, who is designated the '' Australian Mozart. Particulars to hand from the "Argus state that his name is Ernest Hutcheson and that he does that by intuition which evonmen who have become great in the art have failed to do after years of practice. " Ernest Hutcheson plays the pianoforte as a child must play who cannot stretch his finders to the extent of an octave, and he is such a little feUoAV that he has to kneel on a chair to reach tho manual of the instrument be plays on. In this position ho is quite at his ease, and seems to see the keys on the piano through the tips of his fingers, for in the selections which we heard him play yesterday it did not inter fere with his accuracy of touch whether his eyes were fixed on his music or were look ing out throngh the nearest window. He has only a child's power over the instrument with his hands, but in his head and heart are absolutely correct judgment and spontaneous warmth of feeling. His first selection was the air " H mio tesoro, from Mozart's "Don Giovanni." He played some half-dozen other pieces, which we need not notice in detail, but which bore upon them the impress of the same remarkable genius. Another innate faculty, and one altogether surprising, he displayed when standing in the middle of the platform and not looking at the piano forte, he correctly and instantly announced the names of the notes touched on the instrument by Mr J. Summers and by Mr Pulver. These gentlemen tested this rare faculty with chords in groat variety of progression, retrogression, and inversion. D fiat, A flat, and F natural ; C sharp, E natural, G natural, and B flat; and so on in varying series, Avere announced by the "a. onder-child " Avhich perfect accuracy as soon as struck, to the great admiration _of all Avho heard him. As a further exhibition of his powers, the little felloAv played a few bars of a lively strain of his oavii composi tion, and by a progression of flats conducted it through a complete circle of modulation; It was altogether a surprising and most admirable exhibition. With reference to an advertisement issued by the Town Clerk for licensing all public places of amusement, we understand this notice will not apply to halls or buildings registered under the Municipal Corporations Act, 1867, on Ist October last until after the 10th November next, when the licenses for these buildings will require to be in confor mity with the clause 323 of the Corporation Act, 1876.

We are glad to learn that Mr Foote, the proprietor of the Miranda Coal Mines, has secured a concession from the Government in the matter of the conveyance of his ex ceUent fire-clays, Avhich have already'secured a high place in public favonr. Mr Foote has received a letter from the Railway authorities, stating that in future the freight on fire-clay Avill be the same as on coal, in stead of 14s 5d per ton as formerly. Rclievedof the incubus which Aveighed down his enterprise, Mr Foote -will noAV be enabled to supply the clay at a cheap rate. We direct attention to his advertisement in another column.

My Weekly Dose.

BY "THE DOCTOR."

The springs of rosy laughter he Close by the well of tears. Yet why should merry fancies die, O'erwhelmed by idle fears? THE SUNDAY QUESTION,

THE great problem of the day is, " Shall the masses be allowed to have their beer on Sundays ?" though a man may have as much as he likes on week days. He may drink a double alloAvance on Saturday night, and take home a bottle in his pocket so as to infuse spirit into his devotions on the Sabbath, and the law looks on ap proA'ingly. But woe to that publican and sinner who shall open his oack-door on Sunday to relieve the thirst of some poor sufferer "from the effects," or some honest labourer who has forgotten to purchase his Sunday beer on the previous night, and cannot, like the BAvells, bid his servant go down to the cellar and bring up a bottle of Tennant's or Bass's treble X. On the week days we see hundreds _of pubs open, and scores of men reeling in and out, and we don't mind it a bit. But on the Sabbath our feelings receiA'e a great shock a. hen we behold an intoxicated man in the streets, or see the slightest indications of a move ment at the front door of an hotel. And having expended our indignation, it is no uncommon thing for some of us, on our •way home from church, to slink round to the back door of some obscure pub, and restore our wonted equinimity in our un laAvful brandy and soda, or perchance a pint of interdicted beer ; and then, having reconnoitred the offling, we Avipe our mouths and carefully slink out again, and if we see a policeman at the next corner Aye gaze upon his austere countenance Avith au unflinching eye, and a face of conscious A-irtue. Thus it is that our beautiful Liquor Laws tend to promote slyness, cunning, dissembling, and passive lying on Sunday, but on the Monday, active perjury, lying and slandering, envy, hatred, ami all uncharitableness. The Licensed Victuallers, anxious to remove these painful anomalies, met the other evening in solemn conclave to discuss "the Sunday question." A brother bung was holding forth on the evils of bad legislation and intemperance, Avhen suddenly a great commotion Avas heard outside. There Avas a temporary lull in the proceedings, and, anon, the tyler reported that there was a regular stand-up fight going on doAvn stairs. The brethren adjourned to become spectators of the fray, and the "Sunday question" was shelved. TO YOUNG POETS.

Please don't send any more poetry. I gave my grocer two tons of contributions the other day in payment of an account, and he Avas seen perusing a feAV scraps. The doctors have been there since, and the poetry has been throAvn back on my hands. I wanted my wife to use it for lighting the fire, but she says the sentiments of some of the verses are so glowing, that she is afraid of setting the chimney on fire. I picked out one piece at random, an " Ode to Umbrella Courtship," composed during the late wet Aveather, and it began thus :— Underneath my Umbereller, First I saw my Cinderrellar, And my heart began to swell, ah, How I longed to speak and tell her What I felt! But then her feller Hit me plump upon the smeller, Was'nt it it a dreadful sell? ah. This was the agonized oiitpoui ing of some blighted heart. But Avhy can't people do this sort of thing in prose ? A SORROWFUL SHERIFF.

, The scene of the following story is not in Auckland. I deem it necessary to say this hy way of preface, in order to prevent . misunderstandings. A sheriff" was seen walking moodily down the street. The gloomy expression that sat on his usually placid features betokened- that some imvard struggle Avas disturbing the sheriff's soul to its very depths. A bailiff followed behind, lest haply some unexpected job should require his services. Two friends of the sheriff passing by, remarked the care- Avorn expression of his manly features, and Avere filled Avith sympathy. Said one of them, "Let us interrogate this good man , the bailiff, so that Aye may discover the i mysterious cause of our friend's sorrow. And they did so. And for all ansAver, the i bailiff, a man of rude speech,- und unused to the melting mood, pointed jerkily to the distant figure of the head of his department, 1 and explained in that dry, abstracted tone i Avhich is peculiar to the profession, " Well, I don't knoAV as there's anything the matter • Avith him, on'y this 'ere —there's a man ; as has been sentenced to be hanged . to-day, and the sheriff knows as hell i have to pay the hangman out of his own screw. It aint pleasant to have to pay aAvay £10, is it ? Some on yer Avouldn't look . pleasant it you had to do it. Would yer now ?" The tAvo sympathizing friends ex changed significant glances, recollected that they had important engagement, on opposite sides of the street, aud the bailin resumed his pensive and contemplative stroll. HOW THEY FOUND IT OUT. In one of the Canterbury settlements there Avas a man in a state of bereaved AVidotf' hood, with tAvo groAvn up daughters ap* proaching the marriageable age. Poor P» had been a Avidower for the brief space of a few months, and had borne his sorrows meekly. But uoav there Avere indications that the storms of grief had at length paasea over his saddened soul, and that hi* chastened spirits Avere beginning to arise from their ashes. Noav and then a melan choly smile, like a stray ray of sunshine, stole over his careAvorn features, and re* joiced the hearts of the family circle, by and by the smiles became more frequent, poor pa Avould sometimes be heard chuckling slyly unto himself; yet a little, * longer, and the black mourning gave P laC| to gayer attire; anon, poor pa began to spena more time than usual over his toilet, partea his hair in the middle, shaved all but w moustache, rejuvenated himself, read senti mental novels, and stayed out late o mgn» The daughters marvelled thereat, and tooK counsel of a neighbour. It a. as unanimously agreed that the signs Avere suspicious, ihey agreed to be vigilant. A few days later, one of the girls Avent to perform her house hold duties, Avhen she perceived s°metm?° in her father's bed-room Avhich set .w> feminine mind on thorns. His ".^jS 'attire Avas carefully laid out, and, o > Venus and Hymen ! a new wedding « cunningly hid in the pocket of aw« Avaistcoat. Poor pa came home early, ioo ing elated and joyous, dressed himseir, »a« remarked casually that he was going■ron». drive in'the country with a friend. W one of the daughters « That story's too tlim, you're going to get married to thatoawu Miss ±—1, and if you bring her bomß Ave'lltear her eyes out!" and it was even » NEWSPAPER LATIN.- « I can stand the ''status qw, <^ _»*_"%_< i though I rather prefer «ito*Wl l/ M. I What does the « Herald "meani togSS ; nigwl What mysterious iWW *W»m\ Iwfo. ws» that item . \

CABLEGRAMS.

This Day.

[Press Agency.]

Russian Official Organ Threatens War.

Prince Bismarck Retired*

LONDON, April 12.

The Gollos, the Russian journal, states that the Russian army will make an advance if the negotiations betweeu Turkey and Montenegro be not resumed.

AUSTRALIAN,

Destructive Fire in Sydney.

SYDNEY. April 14.

The premises of Messrs Mountcarlle, hatters, were totally destroyed by fire last night. The inmates narroAvly escaped, and the majority Avere seriously burned. Commercial business is dull, with no change to report. Prince Bismarck's leave of absence is extended to August, during which his position will be filled by Baron Camphausen, De Buloav becoming Vice-President, and Hoffman, Secretary of State.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M. WILLIAM AND MARY. AdoAvn life's slope together .ye will slide, A lushy couple, stumbling side by side. William O'Callaghan, and Mary Kelly, Avere charged under the Vagrant Act, Avith being habitual drunkards, etc., cct. O'Callaghan said he Avas certainly a little drunk, having taken a little drop. Constable DevArs deposed to prisoner's con duct ; he Avas holding forth at midnight to an invisible audience, on the weak points of the Counties Act. Prisoner did not deny that he took a deep interest in politics, the county in fact was badly governed, and he Avanted a seat in the House of Representatives. If the Court would let him off this time, he Avould put a stop to this sort of thing. Prisoner Avas returned to Mount Eden for tAvo months' "Avitli hard labour. Mary Kelly, an old woman, avlio had been convicted many times of drunkenness, Avas again brought up on the same charge. _ His Worship regretted to see such a long list of convictions against the prisoner, and sent her to prison for twelve months. Prisoner : Thank you, I'm obliged to your Worship.

WITHOUT CONTROL,

Patrick McGrath, a lad of ten years, was charged under the Naval Training-school Act, Avith being without proper control. The hoy Avas a son of McGrath, the shoe maker, who is suffering imprisonment for ill-treating his Avife, and the mother stated that the lad Avas quite beyond her control. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the boy was intelligent, hut if alloAved to be at large, Avonld most likely become a criminal.

The Court made an order for the boy to be sent to the Naval Training-school for four years and a half, to be brought up in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church.

DISFIGURING FACES. James Keenan was brought up on a charge of beating his sister-in-law, Anne Keenan, and depriving her temporarily of her eye-sight. Prisoner's only plea Avas that he Avas drunk.

Anne Keenan noAV asked the Court that the case might be withdrawn, as James had promised not to thrash her any more. The Court said that there was no guarantee that, if at liberty, prisoner Avould not repeat his Moavs. Anne said she thought she could trust him, as he had solemnly promised his brother he would be civil.

His Worship gave the prisoner a severe lesson, and in discharging him, said if he appeared in the dock again on such a charge, he would certainly have to go to prison.

BOLTED. Bernard Coyle Avas charged Avith a breach of the Destitute Relief Ordinance Act, in not contributing toAvards the sup port of Charlotte Sad grove's little baby, of which he Avas the putative father. The defendant did not appear. Sub-Inspector Pardy said he believed aetendant had purposely got out of the

forthwith for the apprehension of defen.

UNWILLING SONS,

Hugh and Robert Sullivan, brother*. described as fishermen, were charged with neglecting to contribute to the support of ' their aged mother. l

Defendants said the times were bad their boat Avas out of repair, and they had nothing to do ; in fact they were unable to pay. It was sheAvn that the young n-'en could find money for the public-house, „ut Were not willing to assist their motbp_i_ The Court ordered Hugh Sullivan to pay his arrears, 40s and costs,by the 21st April or be committed for one month, and Robert to pay 21s with costs on the same date or sufter fourteen day's imprisonment. '

THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY. APRIL 14, 18*77.



A UTUMN AND WINTER ■^ 1877. yy The undersigned are Now Opening Up a Large lot of NEW GOODS, for the incoming Season's Trade, comprising— NOVELTIES IN DRESS MATERIALS (Neav Patterns). Winceys, new shades, extra width, and un usual good value, from 6£d. Black Lustres, Merinoe. o'atin Cloths, &c. OT FLANNELS ! FLANNELS ! =m Flannels all makes, white and coloured. All wool and Union Crimean Shirting All wool Plaids, &c. A Very Choice Lot of NEW LINEN GOODS— Linen Sets, Collars and Cuffs, in great variety, new shapes and cheap. Alloa and Fingering Yarn, plain and fancy colours. WO BALES CHEAP GREY CALI CO, 30in. 3d. per yard; 36in., lid. per yard. Specially suited for House Lining; superior to Scrim, and cheaper. Bl .ek Straw Hats, New Ribbons, Flowers, and Trimmings, Skirts, Umbrellas, Jackets, and Waterproof Mantles, all sizes. THE CLOTHING DEPARTMENT is also well stocked with Boys' and Men's Clothing, in great variety. A New Lot of Men's Printed Moles, good patterns Men's White Moleskin Trousers, a good line, at 7/6 per pair, really cheap Belts, Braces, Collars, Scarfs, Ties, Hats and Caps, and other Goods too numerous to particularise. £2T One Shilling in the £ returned on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMA.N, junction drapery warehouse, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel), Upper Queen-street Anokland. THE PHOENIX FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF LONDON. Established a Century, during which time it has Paid in Claims, Eleven Millions Sterling. Head Office : Lombard-street. AGENCIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. The undersigned is now prepared to effect INSURANCES at Loavest Current Rates. ■ THOMAS H. MABIN, Superintendent for New Zealand. Office: Lower Queen-street, Opposite Fort-street. ~.'... P «| f % f % We NOTICE A GREAT RUSH of T ople into PEARSE'S CHEAP DRAPERY and CLOTHING SHOP. On investigation WE And the EXCITEMENT is caused by his Selling CLOTHING, DRAPERY, French Merinos, Alpaccas, Blankets, Flannels, Ribbons, Ruffles, Millinery, Silk Umbrellas, &c., at frightfully J.OW PRICES, which seem to us SUCH a SACRIFICE. However, we recommend all who have the CASH to ROLL UP for Bargains ww m cheap sale m QN.



n-OTICE OF REMOVAL J TT k TKINS &< BEGS TO ANNOUNCE THAT HE l) £• H A S REMOVED!!*®* TO THE •bemises Next Door Below his Old Shop. H. ATKINS Begs to heartily thank his numerous Cus tomers for their very liberal patronage s from his first commencing business up to the present time, and to assure them that although his trade has increased to -r that extent, that his REMOVAL to * more Commodious Premises was a neces sity, the same principles of business will still be adhered to: viz., keeping a good article, buying in the cheapest market, and selling at the smallest profit possible. • His New Shop shall always be known as The Cheapest in Auckland. JB.A. will be happy to see all his old Customers, and as many new ones as may honour him with their patronage. ; • A SPLENDID STOCK OP DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. Will always be found, and the PRICES THE LOWEST IN AUCKLAND ! } H. ATKINS. TW~,.E W yEALAND TTOUSE, , 66, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. During the WINTER MONTHS this Establish ment will bo CLOSED at 5.30 p.m. (Saturdays excepted), commencing on MONDAY, the 16th April. W. RATTRAY, DRAPER, CLOTHIER, AND SILK MERCER, 66, QUEEN-STREET, ' Auckland MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. Incorporated by Act of Parliament. ,/ NEW ZEALAND BRANCH: Head Office, Auckland- Local Director: George Burgoyne Owen, Esq. (Messrs. Owen and Graham.) Principal Medical Officer: Charles Field Goldsbro', Esq., M.D. General Agent for New Zealand : William T. J. Bell. With Sub-Agencies in all the Principal Towns. Every information on the subject of LIFE ASSURANCE ANNUITIES, and ENDOW MENTS FOR CHILDREN, afforded by J. A. Lowe, Travelling Agent to the Association ; or WILLIAM T. J. BELL, General Agent. $3L Special Features.— Age admitted on Policies, which are unchallangable from date of issu».. Lowest Rates of Premiums, and no hamper ing'conditions as to residence or occupation. mHE LAY OF THE LAST MINSTREL. When sicknesß comes across our path, we're apt to look around. In hopes to find a skilful man whose succour can be found; _ ..ucnufe Can ease poor mortals of their pain, and bring us back to health. Is there no hope for invalids in this fair world of ours ? No virtue ever to be found in herbs, and roots, and flowers 1 Oh! yes, there's one in Melbourne of whom we've often beard, Whose remedy for most complaints is now a " household word." Melbourne can boast of many men whose en terprise and worth Are known abroad in every port, and known at every hearth; But nought comes from our fertile vales, or .: c'en our golden hills, : That works more good for human race than Krams'b Noted Pills. Read o'er the Testimonials which come from every part. Of affections cured of Liver, the Kidneys and the Heart; All forms of Indigestion, Bile, Costiveness, and Chills, Are soon to due subjection brought, by use of Krams's Pills. Thousands who grumble at the Rheums, Tic- Doloreux or Gout, By taking to these famous Pills are quickly ' brought about;. Whilst those who ail from Blood Disease,. Skin Eruptions or Dim Sight, Will find relief from one small box, if not be cured outright. All sufferers from Spasms, Low Spirits, Cold or Cough, Should know that iust a single dose may drive such torments off; Debility and Nervousness, with all attendant ills, Can scarce resist the virtues of a box of Krams's Pills. These Pills contain no Mercury,—the ingre dients are pure, « No pain or sickness ever cause, but work a MAGIO CURE; Then, if you wish for best of health, to save your doctors' bills, Be sure and keep within your house a box of Krams's Pills. KRAMS'S VEGETABLE LIFE PILLS, HEALING OINTMENT, AND CHLORODYNE, "Have no Equal." Everybody gratefully de clares this fact. Read Medical and other Testi monials in proof of above assertion. H. S. MEYERS & CO., SOLE AGENTS, Auckland, And Retailed by all Chemists and Storekeepers.



fi AY'S FABLES PARAPHRASED. Dyspepsia, curse of human kind, Your Antidote where can we. And. Nor love, nor honour, Avealth, nor power. Can give the heart a cheerful hour When health is lost. In time avake, Of Knickerbocker Schnapps partake, With lotion, drug, and pill dispense, All fell disease 'twill vanish hence. "Oh that men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away then* brains." —Shakespeake.



LE DIA R D'S KNICKERBOCKER SCHNAPPS Is an ABSOLUTELY ORIGINAL PREPARATION. Its owner claims for it no relative or compara tive merits, but that it is ne plus ultra, and the large and increasing demand for it in this colony is a proof that the people understand its virtues, and will continue to use it EXCLUSIVELY ON ITS OWN MERITS. KNICKERBOCKER AROMATIC SCHNAPPS, The MOST RELIABLE and SAFE DRINK in any weather. The BEST STIMULANT for tiie coming season. The VERY PUREST beverage distilled. Sole Wholesale Agent tar Auckland:



JXURNITURF! FUR NJTURZE Ladies and Cent etnen about to Furnish are respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DRA WING - ROOM, DINING - ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacions Showrooms. T. & m'GOOKE, 67, QUEEN-STREET Adjoining Bank of New Zealand. ~ _-k T IT-OR MANUKAU JL HEADS. TAM O' SHANTER Will leave Onehunga TO-MORROW (Sunday), at 11 a.m. sharp. Passengers by 9.25 train. WALLER &co JEW WILL ALL FIND GOODS TO SUIT THEM AT THE riITY TIT ALL arcade. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK'S DRESS DEPARTMENT is replete with tho Newest Seasonable Goods. Damasso Cloths, *| As worn in Pans. SS' J gewDesigns and Colours. Plain and Fancy Satin Cloths. Broche Lustrines, and Fancy Diagonals. French Meriaoos, and Homespun Tweeds. WINCEYS, immense variety, for town and country Avear. OUR SHOW ROOMS (IG6 feet long) contain the greatest variety of DRAPERY, CLOTHING, & FURNISHING GOODS IN AUCKLAND. Blankets, from 103. to 455. per pair Flannels, Avhite, coloured and fancy Ladies' Winter Skirts in groat variety Shirtings, all Wool, Crimean, and Union. MEN'S & BOYS' CLOTHING. Our Stock is constantly being RenoAved with Clothes especially mado for Country as well as Town Wear. Our Moleskin and Working Men's Trousers are VERY LOW TRICED. Ladies, Purchase your Millinery at the Arcade. 1 Large Stock Ready Trimmed Hats & Bonnets Milliners on the Premises, to execute orders with dispatch. ' THE ONLY ESTABLISHMENT Conducted on the English system of combining Drapery, Clothing, Millinery. Underclothing, Carpets, and House Furnishing. QUEEN-STREET & LORNE-STREET. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, Family Antibilious and Liver Pills.— These Pearl Coated Pills contain no Mercury ; they stimulate the Liver, assist Digestion, re move Headache, and give a healthy action to the Bowels and Kidneys, give colour to the cheeks, and brightness to the eyes. I hey are universally used thoughout Ncav Zealand. Price, Is. and 2s. 6d. a box.-Prepared by Sharland & Co., opposite the Post-office, Auckland. . . , , . An Iniquitous Game is being played by cer tain flagitious scamps Avho put cheap and fiery liauor in bottles Avhich have held the national medicated beA-orage, Udolpho Wolfe s Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps, for the purpose of deceiving the unwary into the belief that their vile concoctions are identical with the great original. Demand the genuine. The Medical Profession have doclared Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic; Wine to be a necessity to all in search of health, and especially to those suffering either from Incipient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspopsia, and the dis orders arising therefrom. This lonic is also particularly recommended to all avlio are in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time are desirous of studying health by taking that which will act most bcneticially on the system. Mr. Wm. Johnson, Government Analy tical Chemist, report: - "I have examined Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con taining about 16 per cent, of a very pure alcohol, and holding in solution a clear wholesome. Vegetable Bitter, combined with a frmty spicy aroma. I com.id.er this Bitter a very superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotei i keepers. •