SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

mnv \xr att7t? ( This Afternoon, 8.13 HIGH ABATER— -, To _ moriw Morning, 9.0 SUN SET.—This Evening. 4.4S SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 7.19 MOON'S AGE.—Last Quarter, 4th, 8.10 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Wave, brig. McKenzie, from Oamaru Lochiel, three-masted .schooner, Hewin, from Oamaru

DEPARTURES.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Kaipara—Seagull, brigantine, Thursday, 2Sth inst For London—Electra, ship, eai-ly: Ann Gam bles, barque, early ; Spirit of the Dawn, barque, early For the South—Taupo, July 2nd For Wangarei—Argyle, every Tuesday For Batavia— Alastor, barque, early For the Islands—Coronet and Edith schooners early For Kaipara—Freetrade, 3-ma3tod schooner early. For Levuka—Mazeppa, schooner, Saturday For Tonga and Samoa—Samoa, schooner; Monday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Rotorua, s.s., from the South, early Hero, s.s., from Sydney, about July 16th Lombardian, barque (N.W.G.T.), from London : sailed 14th March Yosemite, ship (H.W.V.L.), from"London, sailed

13th April G. Broughton, ship, (N.K.V.Q.), from London,

sailed 14th April. Columbus, barque, from London; sailed 4th

May Fairli<\ schooner,' from Lyttelton, early Galatea, barque, from London ; sailed 10th June City of Auckland, ship, from London acHgtgJ Elsinore, barque, from New York, early Belle Brandon, schooner, from the Islands,

early Shannon, schooner, from Melbourne, early. Pearl, ketch, from the Islauds.early Vi3ion, brig, from Sydney, early Ryno, brigantine, from the Islands, early Cathanna, brigantiue, from Oamaru, early.

IMPORTS.

Per Lochiel from Oamaru: 739 sacks flour, 510 half-sacks do., 120 qr-sacks do., 2il sacks oats, 271 sacks barley, 1130 sacks bran, |ISo saccks wheot, 100 sacks oatsneal.—Niccol and Hendry, agents. Per Wave, brig, from Oamarn: 1159 sacks wheat, GlO do bran, 500 bags flour, 1,000 half bass do.—D. H. Mclteuzie, agent. PerCeara. from Dunedin: 970 sacks flour, 280 i-sacks do., 920 J-sacks do., 10 sacks peavl barley, 210 sacks oats.—T. H. Hall and Co., High-street.

A QUICK RUN.

The three-masted schooner Lochiel, Captain Hewin, arrived from. Oamaru this afternoon, after a very quick passage of 4-days 21 hours, during which strong favorable winds were ex perienced. The Lochiel has accomplished that feat very rarely recorded of a sailing vessel she has overrun the steamer which brings her advices. aswa The s.s. Taranaki left Onehunga at 11 o'clock this morning for Southern Ports. Passengs— Mr and Mrs B. Smith Miss Lawrence, Messrs J. Wood, Arden, Hawes, Levinsolm, Jenkins, Symonds, Donne, Walshaw, Robertshaw, and three steerage. The schooner Clan Alpine has cleared at Lyttelton for Hokitika with a cargo of bread stuffs. The schooner Mary Kin;? has arrived at Timaru with a cargo of coal from the Bay of Islands. The schooner Samoa is advertised to leave for Tonga and Samoa on Monday next. The s.s. Hero arrived a tSydney after a passage of five and a half days. The brig Craig Ellachie, whose arrival from Timaru we announced yesterday, had a lengthy and rough passage of 17 days. She brings a full cargo of southern produce. Cruickshank and!Co have received a tele gram from Sydney, stating that the Hero had arrived after a passage of five days and twenty hours. ' „ „ ~ By a telegram received from Lyttelton. we notiGe that Captain Davis, of the barque Stag, has been fined £5 for flying the exemption fla^ when entering the port, without being entitled to do so. Laxity in regard to exemption flag 3 also prevails in this port, but the fault here is in the opposite direction, for our pilots complain that captains who have exemption certificates are in the habit of coming iv without hoisting the white flag, thus giving them the trouble of going out to them for nothing. We believe that in order to shew captains what the law is on the subject, it is intended to take proceedings againat some of the offenders. By the Harbour Regulations, a fine of £50 can ba inflicted for thi3 negligence. The schooner Mariner cleared at the Customs to-day in ballast. The schooner Charybdis, Cnpt. Brewicke, cleared to-day for Mercury Bay, where she will loadjtimber for Lyttelton.

COMMERCIAL.

to-day of holloware and ironmongery thus :— The goods having been sold as slightly damaged, the prices realised were up to the mark.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will close as under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to morrow, at 4 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, to-morrow, at 2.30 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, per Rover, this day at 4 p.m. For New Plymouth, per Hauraki, this day, at 4.30 p.m. For Waiheke, per Spey, this day, at i p.m. For Whitianga, per Janet, this day, at 4 p.m. For Tairua, per Mercury, to-morrow, at 4.30 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Rotorua, on Tuesday next, at 11 a.m. Per s.s. City of New York, on \\ ednesday, 4th July, as under : — For Sandwich Islands. United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 11 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d in addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board, up to the time of sa.ilina'. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

MARRIAGE.

WALLEN—HUNTER.-On the 16th May, at St. Mary's Church, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, by the Rev. Thomas Jones, Frederick, fourth son of Francis Robertson Wallen, TCsq., of Melbourne, Victoria, to Caroline Harrictte, fourth daughter of Alexander Hamilton Han ter, Esq., of Auckland, New Zealand.

DEATHS.

BURNS.—On the 33th June, at Richmond, after a long and painful illnc33, Ellen, the beloved wife of Andrew Burns, aged 69 years. The funeral will leave Richmond to-morrow at 3 o'clock. Friend 3 please accept this invi tation.

CARRAN.—On the 27th June, at Punga Flat, Annie, only daughter of H. and Ellen Carran, aged 9 years and 10 months.

MCDONNELL.—Oh the 23th June, at the Pro vincial Hospital, Auckland, Francis McDon nelli late of Dublin. The funeral will leave the Aurora Hotel to-morrow (Friday), at 3 p.m. Friends please accept this invitation.

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 1877.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs lesistance, For the future in the distance. And the good that we can do

When the Government invited Sir William Jewois to visit the colony, and report on the best means of defence from foreign at tack, it may be supposed that they were impressed with the folly of leaving our chief ports at the mercj of every cruiser on plunder bent. This apprehension,-which is participated in more or less by all who have a property stake at the* points most easily assailable,should result in some prac tical remedy. But, unfortunately, propo sals of defence have been as oft-recurring a? rumours of war, and have uniformly ended in nothing. In 1859, Colonel Mould made a tour of the colony tinder Govern ment instructions, and devised plans of fortifications, which,in his opinion, would have rendered Auckland, Wellington, and Lvttelton impregnable against any minor attack from the seaward. In 1859, the Colonel reported fully on the subject; and

five years later, replying to an application from the Government,he revised his former reports. None of these recommendations Avere acted upon. An order issued for the construction of a battery upon Bean Rocks, at the entrance to our harbour, which formed part of Colonel Mould's plan, was rescinded, the Government suffering in that as in our own day; from chronic tightness of the chest. Captain Hutton's plan of Auck land defence, prepared in 1871 in compliance with a request from the Defence Minister, was the next official contribution upon the question, and shared the fate of its predecessor. The colony had just borrowed £800.000 for defence purposes, and Mr Vogel, then in England, opened a correspondence with the Imper ial War Office with the view of procuring plans of coastal defence as part of the general' scheme for which the loan was authorised. The services of Colonel Jervois were promptly placed at his disposal, and Mr Vogel reported in • eulogistic terms of that distinguished I officer's "most cordially earnest desire to afford all the assistance he could to the c< 1 »ny," and stated that "lie had deviled plans by which the ports of Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Lyttelton, and Otago, can be placed in a position to resist the attacks of privateers and vessels, not being ironclads, at a cost of £44,000." The expense of transport of material and cost of site would be additonal to the amount named. It does not appear that any purpose has been served by these reports, beyond the accumulation of very costly waste paper in the Government departments. A million sterling has been frittered away during the past seven years upon defence purposes in NewZealand,and yet at the present moment there is not a port in the colony capable of protecting itself from the depreda tions of a fifth - rate privateer. When Sir William Jervois last reported, sonic thing like £800.000 were lying to the credit of the colonial defence account; now, the Government have the utmost difficulty in obtaining means forordinary expenses. How under such circumstance >, they propose to carry out any recommendations that may re sult from the approaching inspection, we shall not venture to predict. It would be little else than criminal however, to leave easily defended cities like those on the New Zealand coast in their present helpless condition. The £44,000 estimated in Sir William Jervois' last report might be levied on the colony in a few hours at anj one of our four chief seaports, and ommon prudence suggests a moderate armament. We may suppose thnt the Government considered this branch of the question before adding to the store of reports already stowed away in forgot ten pigeon-holes, and we shall probably learn more about it when the House meets. If the announced appointment of Sir William Jervois to the governorship of South Australia, reported by cable to-day, proves true, the colonies will enjoy the benefit of his ripened engineering experience during the years over which the construction of the fortifica tions recommended in his reports will necessarily extend. It is not unlikely that thelmperialauthorities have beeninfluenced in selecting him as the successor of Mr Cairns by a desire to encourage the present movement in the colonies for self protection with its consequent access of strength and solidity to the Empire.

We are glad to hear that Sir George Grey is rapidly regaining strength, and is in better health than at anytime during the last two years. Our informant states that Sir George is in excellent spirits, and will go to Wellington as well-prepared for hard work as at any time heretofore.

Messrs John Bathgate, R.M., W.H. Reynolds, Captain Frazer, J.P., Maitland, and 26 other Dunedin capitalists, have started a kind of Leviathan Bill-broking and money-lending concern, which is ostensibly a. Building Society, but admits of money being lent on personal security.

Mr J. R. Randerson announces that lie has commenced business as a sharcbroker, account, and commission agent, and that he is prepared to undertake various matters fully set forth in his advertisement.

Mr Thorne, solicitor, has prepared a counter-petition to the petition forwarded to the Government by the chairman of the committeo appointed by the Arch Hill and Newton ratepayers, praying- for the forma t'on of the Newton Borough, as follows :— " That your petitioners are resident share holders in the district for the constitution of which into a Borough such petition has been presented to your Excellency. That your petitioners a:e desirous that the district, the boundaries and area of which are described in the said petitio.i, may not be constituted a Borough. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray your Excellency not to assent to the prayer of the said petition. And your petitioners will ever pray," &c.

It was arranged last evening in the Drill shed, by the officers of the Auckland Vol unteers, that a sham fight should be held on Friday evening, and that the following Companies meet for that ijurpo.se at half post seven, at the lire-bell at the junction of Queen and Grey-streets : —Engineers, (Captain Anderson), at the fire bell, corner of Grey and Queen-streets. The Artillery, (Captain Burns) ; Victoria C.omnany and Scottish, at the Drill-shed. Naval and Hobson Companies at the Naval Boat shed, Mechanics Bay. It is proposed that the Navals shall attempt to land in their boats, and be repulsed by a Company on shore.

" A Shareholder" who has received notice of the last liquidating call in the Golden Calf Gold Mining Company, writes sugges ting that the late legal Manager should publish a statement, shewing the position of the Company, and the purpose for which the call is required. He thinks a meeting of shareholders should be called.

The Pakuranga Hunt Club will meet on Saturday next at the Scottish Church, Great South lload.

Constable Jonas Abrams was married on the 23rd insfc., to Elizabeth Davis, at the Newton Police Station. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Dr. Wallis. Mr Patrick Doran and his comedy friends have resolved to tender a benefit concert to Austin I'ower, an actor, who is about leaving Auckland for Sydney. The concert will take place on the evening of the 4th inst., in the Lome-street Hall.

Dr. Carr, the mesmerist, has been lec turing in Wellington on Spiritualism, trance-mediums, and clairvoyants.

At a meeting in London to receive a re port from missionaries sent to recover the tribes of Israel, a certain Lord was asked to take the chair. " I take," he replied, stut teringly, "agweat, a vewy gweat intewost in your wesearches,gentlemen. The fact is,l have bowoed money from all twibes at the East and West-End., if you can find a new set, I shall feel vewy much obliged."

A petition, praying the Governor to constitute the Town of Tauranga a Municipality, has been numerously signed.

It is rumoured that Dr Pollen has sought an interview with Tawhiao prior to the meeting of Parliament, but the meeting has been declined by the dusky potentate, unless the restoration of Waikato be first agreed to.

A Working Men's Club has been started at Wellington.

We are in receipt of the latest monthly circular of Messrs Lord and Hughes, Melbourne, reporting on the state ot the timber market. Last month's rates have been fully maintained, but sales by auction have been below the usual average. There is, however, no disposition to operate beyond tke usual trade requirements. Amongst the arrivals have been the Yarra from Kaipara, and the Emma from Wan garoa. The imports of kauri pine from 23rd December, 1876', to 14th May, 1877, amounted to 2,270,396 superficial feet; and from 14th May to 11th June, to 253,000 feet. Of the Yarni^s cargo, flitches realized 21s 6d, but the flooring and plank ing were withdrawn at 20s!

An intending passenger by the early Mercer train this morning called at our office with what has every appearance of a genuine grievance. He had got inside the rail at the window and paid his money, when two other passengers better dressed, came up and, reaching over, contrary to regulations, demanded their tickets. The clerk improperly served them first. Imme diately after they had gone, the first applicant asked for his ticket. The clerk said he had given it, and if he had not picked it up the fault was his own. While endeavjuring to obtain a recognition of his just demand, the train left for Mercer with his tools on board, and he had no chance ot following till night. The state ment is one that should be investigated, by the manager. If our informant's version is correct he has been subjected to very considerable hardship.

The effect of Sergeant Gamble's recent raid upon unstamped and short Aveights and measures, has been to create a panic among those shopkeepers who have neglected to have their weights and measures tested. Every morning since, an observer might have seen frequent visitors crossing the threshold of the inspector's office, bearing with them either strings of pewter pots, nests of corn measures, or packets of weights, which had not received the mystic impress which makes them standard or legal. One publican alone has sent up 91 new pewter pots to be tested. While on the subject of weights and measures, it occurs to us that in Eng land it is made compulsory for coal mer chants to carry with them on their waggons and drays a pair of scales, and a set of weights, with which they are supposed to weigh every sack upon delivery, A rule of this kind made here (applicable both to weighing coal, and measuring wood) would be very useful, as we believe some of our local wood and coal dealers are not quite so particular as they ought to be.

We learn that the United States Mins trels will arrive in Auckland in a few weeks from Sydney, where they have been per forming to crowded houses. Professor Tay lor is one of the partners who undertook the speculation of shewing these Minstrels round the Colonies, and is the corner man of the troupe.

In the case of Henderson and another v. H. B. Sterndale which came on at the Supreme Court yesterday as reported in our last evening's issue, the name Hender son was erroneously written "Angus." The mistake is attributable to the very bad acoustic properties of the Supreme Court building.

Our Wellington correspondent writes :— " There is a lull at present in political matters —the lull before the storm. Sir Win. Fitzherbert is still spoken of as the comingoppositionleader. All sorts of opinions are hazarded to account for his assuming this rOle, in reality, I think the reasons are few and simple. First and foremost he is personally, and, one may say, laudably, desirous of holding the position of Premier, a position which with all his length of service he lias never yet held. And secondly, he, together with all thinking men, is disgusted and almost horrified at the '• Fantastic tricks played before high heaven" indulged in by the present Ministry, that he would like to see a change for the credit of the colony. It is asserted by Ministerial ists that Mr Fox is altogether with them ; this is, I think, extremely doubtful. It is true, Mr Fox is woll disposed towards them, but it is stated he wishes Mr Gisborne to be taken in to the Ministry ; should this occur then Mr Fox gives a hearty support. Gisborne knows a trick worth two of this, and declines the honor. Mr Vesey Stewart is here finally arranging matters with the Government for the- extension of the Kati kati settlement. The Government have waived all their objections to the terms arranged by the Auckland Lands Board, and those terms, with some very slight modifica tions, will now stand. The draftof the agree ment is printed, and will be submitted to the Auckland Board.

A very considerable audience attended at the Theatre Royal last evening to wit ness the farewell performances of Messrs Baker and Farron. The choicest parts of " Lisa Eccles," " Conrad and Lisette," and the ' 'Governor," were presented successfully to the visitors. Several new comic songs were introduced, and the whole well re ceived. Those popular actors will perform at Onehunjja this evening, and at the Thames on the evenings of Friday and Saturday.

TheH.A.C. Benefit Society's half-yearly meeting w;is held last evening, in St. Patrick's Hall. There was a good attend ance of members present. The officers elected to of-lice for the ensuing half-year were :—T. H. White, president; P. Lynch, vice-president; M. Connolly (re-elected), secretory ; J. Clark (re-elected), treasurer; J. Cavanngh, warden ; Fenton, guardian ; Dr Wine, medical attendant. The report and balance-sheet shewed progress, and a healthy existence. The sum of £50 had been added to the bank account, and the general statement proved that the Society is being managed with economy and care.

A miscellaneous concert will be given this evening in the Edwardes-street school room, consisting of musical selections, songs, and recitations, Mr D. Goldie in the chair. The concert is designed for aid ing the funds for improving the school building. Thy committee have recently spent £44 in additions and necessary im provements. The teachers and scholars have done Avhat they could towards reducing the debtor balance, and the committee desire during the Avinter months by con certs and lectures to clear off the balance in order that the room may be free of d&mands. A good programme has oeen carefully prepared for the concert of this evening, which promises to be a success.

The second lecture of the Young Men's Christian Association winter series will be given to - morrow (Friday) evening, in. the Lome-street Hall, by the Rev. Allan W. Webb, Baptist minister, of Wellesley-street. The subject of Mr Webb's lecture will be "Personal Recollections of India and its People," subjects upou which Mr Webb is well qualified to speak. India, in consequence of its extremes of climate, where winter and summer reign at the same time ; and from its variety of soil, is one of the most capable countries under heaven for the production of all the necessaries of physical life. The variety of languages, religions, and castes form another singular feature; while her history, markod with blood-shed, war, superstitions, and ignorance, possesses in terest for the student of human nature. Mr Webb will not be expected, however, to deal with other than that portion of India and its people which has come with in the range of his own personal expe rience.

Professor Hennikie repeated his novel entertainment last evening in the Albert Hall, including the Arabian Box Mystery, feats of magic, and the dark seance, after Professor Fay, which was performed with equal success. The serial suspension oi the entranced lady was a distinguished feature of the evening's disclosures. The performances ynXL be repeated again this evening. A concert and gift auction will be held this evening in the Lome-street Hall, in aid of the St. Thomas' Mission Church, Union-street. A number of the loading Auckland amateurs have promised their assistance on the occasion. The musical department will be under the conductorship of Mr Joseph Brown. Mr Binuey will till the office of auctioneer.

The statement made at a meeting of the Road Boards on Tuesday evening—in refer ence to the roadway at the top of Symonds street—that the city got scoria free of royalty is a misapprehension. They are, at the present time, being charged with royalty and toll. The waterworks reservoir was rated last year by the Grafton Road Board at £4000, but the amount was reduced on appeal.

In cases at the Resident-Magistrate's Court this morning, where _ judgment debtor summonses had been issued, the defendants failed to appear, in consequence of which the Resident Magistrate remarked that in such cases in future, where defen dants did not appear, lie should make an order for payment of the whole amount forthwith, or commit the defaulters to prison.

A Sydney cablegram states that 200 tons of New Zealand wheat have been sold for exportation to England on private term?. *f

In its " Theatrical Gossip" the Era says: " Mr Frank Towers has procured a company to support Miss Rosa Towers in his original dramas, " A Waif," "Grateful," and " Grif," and intends to travel the provinces. Mr R. S. Smythe, the Australian manager and agent, arrived in Liverpool from New York last Monday. This gentleman claims to have been the first manager to go to Japan, the first to ascend the Himalayas, and the first to cross the Orange River in South Africa with a professional company. Mr Smythe returned to Melbourne in 1869 with Heir Bandmann, and during the intervals he has been several times through Australia and New Zealand with various ".stars," numbering Madame Arabella Goddard. To obtain talent for Melbourne, which now possesses four first-class theatres, is Mr Smythe's present object in visiting this country." Mr Smythe, it will be remembered, left Australia last year with the Rev. Charles Clark. The Gourlays have completed a most successful 12 months' tour in Scotland. They appeared at Newcastle-on-Tyne on April 2. Herr and Mrs Baudmann are again in England, and appearing to overflowing houses in the Western counties.

The Poverty Bay "Standard' 1 — "givesa description of remarkable relic which was picked up on the beach by the daughter of Mr O'Meara, of that town. It is an ancient iron rowlock, deeply encrusted with shells and marine deposits.without destroying the original form of the iron Itcannot be less than a century old, and is of the exact form of a ship's rowlock of that date. It is believed to have belonged to a boat which landed on the beach from Captain Cook's ship.

Twenty-six shillings, tied up in a pocket handkerchief, the property of a poor person who can ill afford to lose the money, were dropped in Queen-street to-day. The finder will be doing an act of true charity by leaving it at the Star office at once.

CABLEGRAMS.

TULTCHA EVACUATED BY TURKS.

RUSSIANS FALL BACK ON ZEADA KIM.

SINGAPORE, June 2G, 11.45 p.m. Tultchii has been evacuated by the Turkish forces. They retreated in good order to Hirsova.

The British Ministry, relying on the assurance of Russia, does not contemplate protecting the Suez Canal. Severe lighting has taken place at Deli- Baba.

The Russians had to fall back on Zeada kim. (? Tarokau) An amendment has been moved in the French Senate, that a dissolution take place in three months,

REPORT THAT SIR W. JERVOIS WILL BE GOVERNOR OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

SINGAPORE June 27th, 1.57 p.m.

It is reported that Sir William Jervois replaces. Governor Cairns as Governor of South Australia.

RESIGNATION OF MR NORTON,

HOSPITAL HOUSE SURGEON

We learn that Mr Norton who has been Resident Snrgeon at the Auckland Hospital for the past eight or nine years, has been selected for the position of Medical Officer for the N orthern Wairoa District. It is no exaggeration to say that Mr Norton's resignation of his position in our Hospital will be felt as a serious loss. His great experience and ability, and his uniform kindness and attention to patients, have been the subject of eulogy by all the patients who have come under his care. His new sphere is one for ■which, he is specially qualified, and the residents of IS orthern Wairoa have every reason to be satisfied with the choice that has been made- Mr Norton has received high testimonials from the medical profession. Dr. Philson states that from his knowledge of Mr Norton during his connection with the provincial hospital, extending over three years and nine months, he is convinced of his thorough knowledge of surgical and general anatomy of the human body. Dr Day states that on his recommendation, Mr Norton was appointed House Surgeon to the Provincial Hospital. He is satisfied that Mr Norton's professional attainments and high character will make his residence as medical practi tioner a boon to any community. Dr Goldsbro' says Mr Norton has great abilities and is a thorough practical surgeon. Dr Hooper speaks of him in equally high terms. Mr Norton lms the good fortune to carry with him the kindly wishes of the medical profession of Auckland, and we have no doubt that success Avill attend him. in his new sphere.

KAIPARA HEADS.

(From Our Own Correspondent)

Wednesday Arrival :On the 22nd, Prince Alfred, barque, from Lyttelton; on the 24th, Ethel, brigautine, from Auckland. There have been no departures. The Ellerton passed up to Wairoa on the 24th.

Vessels loading :—At Te Kopura : Eliza Mary, Reliance, and Ellerton. At Aratapu : Prince Alfred. At Darga ville : Hermann and Glimpse. At Te Pahi : Chira. At Port Albert: Ethel.

Vessels at Heads : Loch Lee and Ansdell for Australia; Enterprise and Hannah Barrett for Wellington; Aspasia, tor Lyttelton.

THE FIRE INSURANCE RING, AND THE WATER SUPPLY.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star,) Sip,-Those having property to insure are under obligation to you for your a- tide on this subject a few evenings ago. It is, however, a matter that must not be allowed to slumber, Your con temporary the "Her»ld" has also published some remarks, sbewing the necessity for the Insurance Companies making: Eome reduction in their rates now that the supply of water has become an accomplished fact: but neither the mild, not to say milk and watery, tone of its remonstrances, nor tha more forcible represen tations of your own paper, have, as yet, pro duced any effect, and public opinion must be aroused more strongly before the Insurance Companies will see justice done in this matter. Meanwhile, the unfortunate insurers are either compelled to renew their policy for 12 months at the old exorbitant rates, or take the rates on their own shoulders. The Companies are well aware that no prudent business man will do this, so they are going on, quietly pocketing their enormous gains, and laughing at their customers. Allow me to state one or two facts, and also to suggest a remedy for this state of things. A reduction in fire rates was repeatedly promised, and was one main argument for the large outlay on the waterworks. To shew what tliese com panies are making out of tis, there is the fact that one of them, a new one, not more than 5 years established, actually proposes to pay a dividend of 10 per cent upon its savings aione, without reckoning any profit on current busi ness. As a remedy, I would suggest that a committee insurance should be appointed to wait upon the Insurance Committee, to induce them, if possible, to make a fair reduction in the present high rates, failing of success in this, that insurers should combine to support any company who may be willing to forego the advantage of high premiums for the sake of a large circle of customers, and an increased business. In conclusion I ask, why should we pay 8 times the amount of Pire Insurance pre miums that is paid in the old country? Yours etc.,—One Whom iiys Shoe pinches. |We understand that the companies doing business in the city are .now oousidering aa amended tariff,—Ed. E.S.J

NEW ZEALAND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S PLOUGHING MATCH.

The prizes were awarded by the judges at three o'clock. Ploughing ; Ist class ; single furrow. — Ist prize, £5, C. Coxhead—and special prize, cart jack; 2nd prize, £3, Henry- Brown ; 3rd' prize, handsome pair horse collars, Fred. Brown ; 4th prize, set back hands, Taylor ; first-finished prize, Michael X ennedy. 2nd class ; for boys under IS. —Ist prize, £3, W. Gray, jun. ; 2nd prize, £1, W. Roe; special prize, copper kettle, William Cooper ; 4th prize, spade, T. Gillard. 3rd class, double furrow plough. —Ist prize, £5, Donald Clark—also special prize, pair swingle trees ; 2nd prize, £3, James McConochie (This is a lad only 16 years of a^e, who competed successfully with the men). Special prizes : 1 cwt flour, H. Smith; water-tight boots, Levaney; draining scoop, Hutchinson. Mr Knox, in his excitement, rode over Host Perkins' buggy, and broke a shaft, and Mr Perkins cut his thumb while repairing the broken shaft. Draining Match. — Ist prize —£3— P. Kemp, and special prize for first finished ; 2nd prize—£2—Harper ; 3rd prize—Bag Flour —H. Smith. Jumping Match. —prize, a saddle. Con tested by McGee's Connaught Ranger, Wynyard's Cockie, and a number of the horses, Avhich, however, left the field to the above two. An exciting contest ensued, both horses trying the skill of their riders considerably. The jumping eventuated in each doing as well as the other. McGee received the saddle, and his competitor a bridle. Greased Pig.—The pig was surrounded, by about a hundred norsemen, and two hundred people on foot. On being liberated he was at first set upon by Dixon. A fresh start was made, but no fair chase ensued. Before the people on foot could catch hold of the pig, the Agricultural Cavalry rode up at full gallop, and what with _ horses trampling on the pig, and dogs seizing him by the ear, there was great confusion ; J. Hamilton finally emerged from this Babel of confusion with the pig.

THE DINNER.

More than twice as many as expected stayed. A great many youths were present. The tables being cleared, Mr Joseph May presided, Mr J. Eobertson, J.P., being in the Vice-chair. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were drunk. In proposing "The commercial interests of Auckland" the Vice-chairman showed how identically the true progress of the city was coupled with that of the country. If the Russians took possession of Auckland, citizens would be glad to remove their families and wealth to the country. Mr Robertson jun., responded in a brief emphatic speech. The toast from the chair was the •' New Zealand Agricultural Society." Mr Joseph May passed a high compliment to the assistance that had always been given the Society by the Auckland tradespeople, (cheers). He, however, felt a delicacy in asking Auckland people to subscribe to an outside movement, for, as some re marked, the money was taken from the tradesmen and expended entirely among the farming community. Mr May thought that if the Society were again started the annual subscription from farmers should be increased, so as to make their Society less dependent on outside contributions. He had to congratulate the working committee (Messrs Robertson, A. Harris, Boovey, Bainbridge, Anderson, and Owen McGee) upon the very satisfactory issue of their ploughing match. Mr May had at first taought it well to divide the balance of the Society's money, in hand among local insti tutions, but Mr Bainbridge had advocated its distribution among the farming com munity, for whose benefit it had been raised, and the committee might be proud of the result. (Cheers). The toast was drunk with cheers. Mr McGee responded. He said the Society had to thank commercial gentlemen for their readiness in responding to a request for special prizes, which had that day been distributed. Mr McGee, in a characteristic speech, reviewed the past, present, and probable future of the Society, and Avas hot on the subject of " withered old trunks." decayed specimens of humanity, who had like the Mexican Spaniards, degenerated, if not in body, in spirit. He had only been a member nine months ; he came in time to see the last flicker of the candle as it was burning down in the agricultural candlestick. People said their name of New Zealand Agricultural Society was too big for their boots—that they attempted too much—wanted '• to cover the whole colony, and to soar too high, but he believed in high aspirations. All good done to farmers for years past in the shape of fostering and encouraging farming opera tions was done by the good old Society, whose light seemed about,to be extin guished—but if extinguished, he hoped a thousand beacons would spring from the spark it bore. (Loud applause). Mr Bainbridge, in response to loud calls, said he would rather get up another plough ing match for them than make a speech. He was, however, pleased to see everyone so well satisfied. (Applause). ' 3'lr Harris approved of Mr McGee's sentiments in the main, and was gratified at the approval the exertions of the Com mittee had met with.

Mr Boovey replied in a similar strain. Mr Luke was sorry to see the Society in a dying state ; as an old member, lie felt a sympathy for it, and would do all he could to assist any similar enterprise in the future. (Cheers).

"The Judges" was proposed from the Vice Chair. Responded to by Messrs Weston, Jeffrey, McLean, John Wallace and Basset.

Mr Anderson, secretary, after reading prize awards, presented them to the winners.

Toast : —"The successful ploughmen," re sponded to by Mr Harry Brown, (by proxy) by Mr Gray—Mr Fred Brown said he would sit silent. Mr Coxhead, the champion for 1877, also responded amid cries of " You're cock of the walk," &c. Mr Owen M'Gee proposed the health of Mr J. Johns (who had been erroneously called Jonas by ,he Star) who had, in the most gentlemantly manner possible placed his fine property at the service of the Society, to choose their own ground for ploughing when no other suitable ground could be got. (Loud and prolonged cheers). Mr Owen McGee had not felt Mr Johns' head, but he was quite sure, from his generous conduct, that he had the bitmp of benevolence very largely developed. (Cheers and loud laughter.) Mr McGee alluded to the day s ploughing. He thought it done well, but one of the ploughmen was so fastidious as to feel insulted by being ofTered, as an extra prize, a new oilskin coat (Laughter.) He proposed sincere thanks to Mr J. Johns, of Mangare. Toast drunk enthusiastically. In responding, Mr Johns said he was glad he had the power to render the Society any .assistance, and he would give them still better ground next year, if they desired it. (Applause.) Toast-" The Health of the Chairman," (Joseph May, Esq.) Mr May, in responding, alluded to the excellence of the double fn-row ploughs he had that day seen used, made by the local manufacturer—Mr Wallace Mr Wallace manager, replied. (1 he plough W hi c h W on first prize was made since Monday morning.) ohl J he i 2f afe 3 VrY as ProPosed from the respond. WaS Called on to

•Mr White said he knew very little about sponcL P BOrne °ne else would re"

like. Ihe eyes of two stalwart youn» men e lnth^S ie + °f V fG Bhoulfl spnSwit enthusiasm at such a toast ; biit it did not become a married man and! the■ fatheiTf

ten children to expatiate « qualities, though he coulrl h^J I"*^ Mr McGee proJS «?Th*f^*Bj? ' ' Special Presents." The Given, The next toast proDo^ «, vice-chairman, the^SgSLTj, * % power > the 19th ceutSry™s T^ 0 { The vice-chairman, in a br'ir -"ess" * pourtrayed the benefits of tS?" sPeech In response to calls, Mi- \v-?u per^ acknowled the toast. Wlthef Or i After " The Hostess and Hn I been duly proposed and r IS I^?"*^ Mr Rogers, trie remain!; 7i tS* was spent in a convivial manner *Uili%\

POLICE COURT^This Day. (Before Thos. Macffarlane, Esn j Yon der Heyde, Esq.Sfl' «* G.

DRUNK.

John Collins, Edwin Bunneli , known as Somerton, and John m\ a^° alias Chapman, were each fiuedl fe> costs, with the alternative of ««' Mount Eden for a period of 24 hours to A DISGUSTING PAIR John McMahon and Jemima Mn two well-known habitues of the P?' were brought up this morning, ands PVo ,>• charged-McMahon with u§£ fluffs guage within earshot of °the I v?" thoroughfare of Cook-street; and jS'lO with being an incorrigible rogue, and having no visible lawful meals of »lM h The man pleaded guilty, but » stoutly denied what was alleged agai^l

It appeared from the evidence of S jeant Clark and Detective Jeffrey that fT house was a great nuisance to the neirif hours in consequence of the fro Q ,^ disturbances which occurred there o June the 28th there was a frightful shind there, and the whole street was alarmed^ the fearful cries and imprecations \ihyt were given vent to by both prisoners The Bench fined McMahon £10 and cosh with the alternative of three months' barf labour, and sent Jemima to exercise her spleen within the walls of Mount Eden for the longest period allowed by the law namely two years. " ' '

This was aU the business,

RESIDENT MAGISTEATE'S COURT.- This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow Esq., R.M.) JUDGMENT FOR PLAINTIFFS. James Halyday v. A Nonuanby, claim £iO'i a goods, costs. £2 53 (Mr Brock for plaintiff! w Landell v. William Farrell, claim, £Uiii eonfll' costs, £1 4s Cd, (Mr George for plaintiff) w' Banks v. Bailey McKay, claim, £4, board and lodsrfng, costs, Us. a

W. H. Skinner v. E. G. Smith, claim, £45 dm. missory note. Mr Dufaur for plaintiff, said ha would confess judgment without costs, as plain tiff took out the summons on the day the note became due, and did not give defendant a fair opportunity of paying the money into Court Mr Skinner said he gave notice at a late hour in the day. His Honor ruled that plaintiff did not allow sufficient time, and thought Mr Dufaur's proposition a very fair one. Plaintiff consented to nay costs. W. Banks v. Jacob Orniiston, claim, £3 l(k This was a claim for board and lodging. De fendant, possessing all the appearances of a man, but who was three months short of twenty one, pleaded infancy. His Worship said that the pica did not hold good in this case, as the claim was for food and lei!-ing. It was shewn that plaintiff had sued upon an 1.0. U., given for the amount, instead of suing for the amount due consequently the Court could make no order for payment, Defendant did not wish to "do* the plaintiff, and offered to pay a half-a-crown a week. The plaintiff withdrew the case, and trusted to t ac young man's honour. ADJOURNED CASES. J. W. Carr and Son v, Robert Todd, c 7aim £1 7s. boat hire; Thos. Inglis v. Murdoch Rosa, claim, £17 3s 7d, balance of account; J. P. De Moulin v. Kalph Stewart, claim £2610, damages. John Adams v. Robert Kemp, claim &1, food and lodging; W. J. Suiter and Co., v. Edward Williams, claim £14145, goods. DEFENDED CASES. Andrew Fargie v. John Roberton,—Claim £il 163 8d; Mr Hesketh fer .plaintiff and Mr J. B. Russell for defendant. This was 1 claim for extras in connection with a building, and which it was expected wonld occupy moat part of the day. Mr Russell said he had beenin srtucted by the architect, Mr Wrigley, that there was a pnbability of the differences heing amicably adjusted without troubling theCouit. The case was therefore adjourned. James Robbie v. Jas. Paul.—Claim £50; Mr J. B. Russell for plaintiff and Mr Tyler for defendant. This action was brought to recover damages for non-fulfilment of a contract, in which plaintiff agreed to build a-jfije roomed house in College Road, Ponsonbyjlorthe sum of £222, but which contract he wr B not permitted to carry out. After considerable discussion, his Worship said that the Court had no jurisdictior.

UNION BEACH GOLD MINING COMPANY.

FOURTH ANNUAL MEETING.

The fourth annual meeting of the share holders in the Union Beach Gold Mining Company was held in tha long room of the Insurance Buildings at two o'clock this afternoon. Captain Daldy, chairman of Directors presiding. The legal manager, Mr J. Friar Clark, read the notice convening, after which, The fourth animal report of the Directors of the company was then read as follows: —"The Directors have much pleasured submitting this, their fourth annual report and balance-sheet to the shareholders. On referring to the accounts it will be seen that dv i -g the past twelve months 1,832 tons of quartz have been crushed, fora yield of 11,362 ozs 2 dwts of gold, which realised £34,88814s 4d; out of this sum dm dends amounting in the total to £25,187105, which is equal to £3 5s per share, have been paid to the shareholders, and we reserve fund has been increased from fzOW to £2SOO. Information respecting the work done, and the state of the mine, can be obtained from the mine-manager's report, annexed. The Directors recommend tnat the sum of £250 be appropriated as an honorarium for their services during 'the past year. Captain W. C. Daldy and Mr C. J. Stone retire from the directory Dy rotation, and, being eligible, offer them selves for re-election.—For the Directors, William C. Daldy, Chairman." The balance sheet on the 31st May, lm showed the balance in Bank of jNew Zea land was (omitting shillings and pence; £486, in hand £19. The gold on same <la» was valued at £2,843. The other teceipts had been 11,282 ozs, from 1,598 tonsil quartz, £34,647; interest on fixed deposits, £61 ; stores sold to contractors, £17. unuer the head of expenditure, the creditors claims on 31st May, 1876, /rownJJ; to £202; and other expenditure m» been as follows .—Permanent womb, £594; claim, £9996; battery, £809; macW; - nery and plant, £416; water supply.*!?: dividends, £25,187; reserve fuud,. «w» balance in National Bank, £85; cMflb* hand, £12; total, £38,118, &}™ rtZ dividend account shewed payments to s>iw holders £31,960 15s. Since May ®**£&1: there have been seven dividcnds,amounwu 0 to a total of £35,187 10s. .. oiK f The eh * irman then moved the adopt"® the report, commenting briefly on tnee*. lent conition of the mine, Pf" 1' machinery, and said the DirectolS-,lto directing operations as fast as possi«« M? J." McLeod seconded the motion. .^ The chairman having asked several tions which were answered bytn;die tary, the motion for the adoption orw* port was put and carried. . .^jieifs Mr J. McLeod proposed, Mr ■J**^ seconded, add it was carried, tfia^r^ W. C. Daldy, and C. J, Stone Esq-tDB _ tiring Directors be re-elected. flll tKior. Mr Waymouth was re-electea » Mr J. McLeod said as aJ^«SSW, he had considered himself dltreatw time ago. He held 900 d^jT&jfi could not have as much of to•Jjjg „ he desired, he retired from the diree i might be his hasty temper that J aa Ms him to retire, but ho believed ■ advice been followed the Bnnesharen t;nj?( would have benefitted. At the, saw* he knew the mine was a very valijo &a and he believed the directors couJtt » ,

JL.AI V* J KJ A. XJ.J.C, JL XX <^ J-fcKJ JL^XJ^ rTtTCITIi ■'■;PmKjj -«--v^ ■» » .



QPECIAL NOTICE. H. L. POSSENNISKIE, TTTTT Aim LL RRRRR TT AA II L O O R-R-R TT A-A II L O O R R TT A A II L OORR TTT A A lIH LLLLL 00 R R AND HABIT-MAKER, SHORTLAND-STRKET, Auckland. H L.P. begs to inform his customers and the public generally that he has Just Received a Large Consignment of WINTER TWEEDS and FANCY COATINGS; also, a Special Line of SUPERIOR SILK VESTINGS. N.B.—The Trade supplied at a small advance Invoice Prices, for Cash. T3OOFING, SHEATHING, AND OTHER FELTS. Agents for xue Sale of D. ANDERSON & SON'S MANUFACTURE. T. H. HALL & CO. JUST RECEIVED, EX "HERO":— A SMALL SHIPMENT OF SUPERIOR QUALITY GEELONG TWEED MELBOURNE-MADE B& CLOTHING. "ES To our Order, Direct from the Manufacturers. MATERIAL OF NEW PATTERNS AND STYLES, AND FIRST-CLASS CUT. Is. in the £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. rushbrook & bridgman, Junction Drapery Ware-house, Upper Queex-street, . r . AUCLKANT> #



J. COSGBAVE & CO., Beg to inform the inhabitants of Auck land they luill hold a SALE of the remaining portion of their WIJS^TJEB DRAPER? AND CLOTHING on TO-MXMROW (Friday}, loth June. They ivill bring forward a large quantity of Job Goods, arrived by Alastor, consisting of Ladies' Costumes, Mantles, Shawls, Furs, French 3leri noes, Fancy Dress Stuffs and Silks. The Goods will be offered to the public at Very Low Prices, in order to clear. DECIDE AT fW N C E!! CARPET YOUR ROOM NOW ! REAL BRUSSELS, 4s. OD. per YARD. BEAUTIFUL QUALITY! SERVICEABLE PATTERN ! AT THE «2T CITY HALL ARCADE, "m CHEAPEST CARPET EVEVt OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC ! UoLLOWAY AND GrARLICK, GENERAL HOUSE FURNISHERS. mHORNTON, SMITH, AND FIRTH'S JL PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale). Subject to alteration without notice. Sacks. 100's. 50's. Crown Brand Flour, & s. d. & s. d. & s. d. per ton 22 0 0 22 10 0 23 0 0 T.S.&F. Canterbury Brand IS 0 0 IS 10 0 19 0 0 Meal for Pig-feed ..900 Sharps 8 10 0 Bran 6 10 0 Fowl Wheat .. .. 0 A oto Is. 6d. The above prices include sacks and bags; sacks and bags not returnable. Terms: Cash. Auckland. 28th June. 1877. MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. Incorporated by Act of Parliament. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH: Head Office, Auckland Local Director: ■iiOBSE BurG"-yne Owen-, Esq. (Messrs. Owen and Graham.) Principal Medical Officer: CJharles Field Goldsbro', Esq., M.D. General Agent for New Zealand : William T. J. Bell. With Sub-Agencies in all the Principal Town 3. Every information on the subject of LIFE ASSURANCE ANNUITIES, and ENDOW MENTS FOR CHILDREN, afforded by J. A. Lowe, Travelling Agent to the Association WILLIAM T. J. BELL, General Agent. *%. 3pect.al Features.— Age admitted on policias, which are unchallangeable from date of issue. Lowest Rates of Premiums, und no hamper ing conditions as to resideace or occupation^ TUS3T RECEIVED, An Assortment of BOY'S TUNIC SUITS, In a Variety of Shade 3,' .From 12s 6d to 27s Cd. ALL KINDS OF Boy's and Youth' 3 Clothing Inverness Capes Pea Jackets, Overcoat 3 Hats, Shirts, Braces Ties, Scarves, Socks W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER AND OUTFITTER, New Zealand House, Ar?CKLAiVD: A Gaol is the proper place for counterfeiters, and particularly thosa who poison the com munity by palming off deleterious liquor sea soned wil"h some pernicious drug as that salutary and standard cordial Udolpiio Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps. To render the ini quity more plausible, the rogues use empty bottles of the genuine and imitate the labels. Be on the alert and so avoid being imposed upon. Relief from Cough in Ten Minutes.— Sharland's Cherry Pectoral, a specific for Colds, Coughs, Asthma, Consumption, Bronchitis, Lung Diseases, &c. It acts like magic. Price, 2s. 6d. and 4s. 6d. a bottle. Sharland's Instant Cure for Toothache; Is. a bottle. Sharland's, opposite Post-office. Auckland.