SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

(This Afternoon, 6.1 IxiGH WArER—j To _ morrow Morning, 6.26 SUN-SET.—This Evening. 5.28 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 6.38 MOON'S AGE.—Full Moon, 21th, 10.50 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Christina, schooner, from Russell.

DEPARTURES.

Wanaka, s.s., McGillivray, for the South. Taupo, s.s., Carey, for Russell. Argyle, s.s.. Stephcnson, for Wangare?. Reward, schooner, Burke, for Russell.

The s.s. Wanaka left the Manukau for the Soutti t ills afternoon The s.s. Taupo left last night, for Russell. She will be back to-morrow, and leave for Tauranga and the South on Friday. The schooner Christina brings a full cargo of coals from Russell. The ship Yosemite cleared out to-day tor Newcastle in "ballast. She will sail to-morrow morning. Passengers: Mr and Mrs H. A. Severn and family.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr G. W. Binney sold to-day, at his Exchange Mart, between 300 and 400 mats Mauritius sugar, in bond, at £29155. Mr L. W. Eaton sold TOO bags of good Canterbury potatoes, ex Taupo, at £3 Ss. A clearing-out side of shelf-goods, safe. fixtures, &c, in the estate of Barnctt and Lovy, will be held byMessers B. Tonks and Co. to-morrow.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

TvTa-uS will Close as under:' For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to morrow, at 11.30 a.m., and 0.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, on Friday ,;next.

For Waiwera, Warkworth, and Te Arai, par fcmo Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Tonga, per Elizabeth, to-morrow at noon. Foi- Tairna. per Ooralie, to-morow, at 3 p..m. For Tryphena, per Three Brothers, to-morrow, at ! p.m. Fo'1 Wan^arei, per Rover, to-morrow at i p.m. For Tiiurinsia. Gisborne, Napier, and Southern Provinces,: par Taupo, on Friday next, at For P Whitiangi. Tauranga. and Opotiki, per Rnwena, on Friday next, at i T>.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Hawea. on Monday, 27th inst. at 8 a.m. Per s.s. City of Sydney, on Wednesday, -';»tn " Fo^SifnAwich 'island*. United States of America Canada. British Columbia, Central andSouHi America, and British and Foreign V/rtst Indies, at noon. For United Kingdom, and Continent ot Europe, at noon. , , .. , For money orders, registered letters, and nswspaue.rs, at 10.30 a.m. Late letters, oe-anns o n extra fes of fid. in addition to the postage, win be received by the mail agent on board tb'Tsteamer ud to the time or sailing. S. 8. HISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

FINLAY.—On the 22ud instant, at her residence, Durham-street, the wife of Mr. Patrick Fin lay of a daughter.

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

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1877.

for the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance. Ami the good that we ««» do.

WHETHEK we view the proceedings in the House of Representatives during the last few days from a Government or an Opposition standpoint, we are led in evitably to the conclusion that a majority of the House are favourable to a change in the incidence of taxation. Both the Go vernment and Opposition have pledged themselves to the principle, and, whatever the fate of parties, the question must come to She surface sooner or later. Year after year the revenue required for State purposes, has been obtained simply by imposing heavier dutic-s on everything that is consumed by the people. Twelve millions sterling have' been raised to open up and improve the land, beneftttiug many pro petty owners to the extent of thousands of pounds, and yet the annual outlay for interest, with the exception of the two per cent fastened on land fund of last session, is made a charge'upon the consolidated revenue. The beginning and the end of Govern ment finance lias been to make levies upon the merchants, leaving them to get it out of the people in the best way they can. The feeling has grown in the House since Sir George Grey first drew attention to the uneaual and unjust working of the present fiVcxl policy, in favour of making wealth pay a fairer share of the national burdens. There is now a compact party sworn to support a re-adjustment of taxation. The ques tion, however, is mofit difficult of approach. An indiscriminate tax on property, some classes of which are already very heavily burdened, would be oppressive to a number of people who are by no means wealthy— the small struggling settler, and the house owner. Such a tax is in a measure an impost upon industry and settlement, and when applied to house property comes back directly again upon the people through the channel of increased rents. To the latter objection, there may, of course, be offered the very natural answer that it is just as reasonable to make the man of property raise ravenue for the State as to place the merchant in that position. With an accompanying reduction in customs taxation, the people would be more than reimbursed for their share of the new duties. The owner of large areas of laud, which have been made valuable at the public cost, the land speculator, and the absentee living on his rent roll, would find no such escape. It is for these people—a growing number —that a property tax is designed, and there appears to be no other way of reaching them. From the representa tives of the run-holders and land-sharks the strongest opposition to any change in the incidence of taxation will come. The first turn of the screw has extorted from Mr Stafford the protest that nine out of every ten Canterbury people would throw in their land fund to meet the exigencies of the colony rather than put their hands into their own pockets. Perhaps no better testimony could be offered that the pressure is being exercised in the right direction, and the kowls of the squatters will encourage the representatives ef the people to drive the screw firmly home.

There is some talk in sporting circles about a coining match eventuating between Mr Percival's brindle dog Lord Nelson, and Mr McCabe's bitch Susan.

The work of building the retaining wall at the Sash and Door Co.'s corner, Parnell, is going on steadily under the superinten dence of Mr Strange. It will be finished in a few days.

Some weeks ago, a meeting of cricketers was held to consider the proposals of Mr Conway, of Melbourne, regarding the project" of bringing over an Australian cricket team. A committee was appointed to get certain information which they were to report to a future meeting. The infor mation required has been obtained, and a meeting of cricketers is called for Friday next to further discuss the anticipated visit.

The "Alpha' gas machine, invented in Ameiicasome time ago, has been adopted in many large shops and hotels in Dunodin, and it has lately made its appearance in Timaru, liy the use of this machine, price £45, anyone can make his own gas instantaneously. It is quite safe and the process is very simple. The reservoir is tilled with gasoline, the weight wound up, and the tap turned on, when the gas is ready for lighting. It is said that the gas is produced in the same quantity as it is so that no waste is possible, and at the cost of only 3s 6d for the thousand feet !

! s£sTn the c.i.-»e of fraduient insolvency in Melbourne, His Honor Judge Noel delivered judgement on a compulsory certificate appli cation in the estate of Isaacs & Cohen, who had traded as Moss, Isaacs and Co., of Mel. bourne, fairniture dealers. A number of objections had been lodg«ri by creditors against the insolvents, amongst which were —that they had not kept reasonable accounts, that they had obtained goods from creditors by false pretences, and that theyhadobtained goods from creditors within four months of insolvency, and had disposed ©f them fraudulently, otherwise than in the ordinary way of trade. His Honor held fehat the objections named were proved by the evi dence which had been given, and as the case was one lie considered deserving of punishment, lie sent the insolvents to prison for six mouths each.

Of the Ministry and Mr Stafford, the "Wellington Post" says:—"Public mea have public as well as private duties, and Mr Stafford, in silently slipping out of his duties to the party he so long led, has practi cally left the more moderate and conservatire section of the House not only without ite legi timate leader, but his presence in the House has made it impossible for any other man to nil his place. Major Atkinson's Cabinet is one representing diluted Vogelism, " heavy-fathered" by Mr Stafford. In dued, the colony ewes much of the evils of the Vogel era to Mr Stafford's want of courage or want of energy in opposition.

To the Editor : Sir,—Will you be good enough to suggest to the city authorities the advisability of tarring the surface of the wooden pavement used as a cab stand —say once every month during the coming summer season. If done effectually, this will tend materially to prevent its t»o rapid decay, and will kill the unpleasant effluvium which rises therefrom. Ir, would be a pity to spoil such a good work for the sake of a ha'porth of tar. —I am etc., Vix LIQUIDA.

Sir. —I observe that the name of the rail way station at the coal mines, Waikato, has been changed from ituawaro to Huntley. This is a change in the right direction, in dicating something of progress and civiliza tion. It is to be hoped that some reformer may bring a Bill into the Assembly sweep ing away a host of barbarous and indecent names,jand replacing them by good old Eng lish, Irish, or Scotch names.—l am, &'c., REFORMER. [For our own part, we should be extremely sorry to see euphonious Maori names replaced by the Pottsvillcs, the Fea therstones, and other vulgarities of a bas tard nomenclature, There arc, of course, exceptions.—Ed. E.S.]

Yesterday afternoon at the Public School North Shore, 3S prizes wore awarded to the same number of scholars, by the Auckland Scripture Gift and Prize Association, for homo scripture exercises. These exercises were most creditably performed ; equally, in neatness of writing, the children's own selection of texts, and their correct repeti tion. A number of cards, containing suitable verses, were also distributed in the school.

An organ recital will he given to-morrow evening in St. Matthew's Church, under the direction of Mr Brown. The programme is of the moat attractive character, including choicest selections from Rossini, Handel, Spohr, Congreve, Mendelssohn, Weber, and other eminent composers. A rare treat may be expected therefore by lovers of high-class music. The selections are :— organ, air and chorus, (Rossini) ; anthem, " Blessed be the Lord God" ; Sonata No 10. (Beethoven); solo, "Angels ever bright and fair," (Handel); unhem, "The Wilderness;" duet, "O, Lovely Peace,' (Handel) ; organ, (Spohr) ; anthem, " I will greatly rejoice," (Congreve); "O rest in the Lord," (Mendelssohn) ; " Waft her, Angels," from Elijah ; selection from Polycarp ; "All thy works praise thee," organ, (Weber) ; solo, " Charity," (Weber) ; qucrtette, "O, conic every one that thirsteth," from Elijli ;" Be not afraid ;" organ (Mendelssohn.)

The rota of attendance at the Court of Petty Sessions on Tuesday, the 2Sth inst., includes the following : — Justices of the Pence : Messrs Allan Iv. Taylor (Chair man), J. IJaber, A. Beetham, J. McC Clark, !'. Comiskcy, .J. CoHgrave, W. C. Daldy, J. M. Dargaville, J. Dihvorth, P. Dignan, H. Gilfillau, C. K. Goldsbro' W. Graham, G. S. Graham, D. Heane. The scene in Princes-street consequent upon the finding of Mrs Smith's purse of gold, notes, and silver, is thu.s described by a correspondent who witnessed it: —"I stood outside the Northern < Hub on Mon day afternoon, whe-n 1 heard a noise of many voices, "the noisy children just let loose from school." On looking towards the Supreme Court I observed a crowd of forty or fifty boys, in a state of high excite ment, " give me some, give me some," were words frequently repeated. The crowd of juveniles reached Princes-street, and into tlio shop of Mr Hats well, rushed three or four of the leaders, and went in wholesale for Prince ofj Wales jewels. On coming out there was a scramble, and one of the large panes of the grocer's window was broken. Hurrahs rent tliff welkin, and into the confectioner's shop (Mr Collisions) bolted .several of lads, "Any plum cake, Mr." " Yes," and a formidable, one of recent formation was placed before; the urchins "Make me three shillings worth, and take it out of that," said the speaker, at the same time flinging a pound note on the counter. The con fectioner was suspicious of something wrong, and said he could not give change. "Well, then," said the boy, "take the note and give me as much cuke as you fan for the mo nay." The tradesman did not sec it, and refused the request. The crowd of happy youngsters were now joined by the boys of St. Paul's school, and the street was soon alive with an army of school-boys clamoring for a share of the proceeds of a lady's loss.

With reference to the remarks of our correspondent " Fiat Justitia," complaining of the roadway on the city side of Mount Eden toll bar, and asking it among others the City Council «>re not responsible, it may ,be remarked that the Council have been paying rates to the Grafton District Board for some years for the reservoir site facing this piece of roadway, and are pay ing nearly £15 per month for tolls, and the contractor 6d por load royalty ; a pretty fair contribution, wo should think.

The horrible atrocities committed by Turkish irregular troops arc thus described by a special correspoadent of the " Courier de France" in a telegram, dated Vienna, July 2S : —'' Supported by certain official intelligence from Rustchuk, I formally contradict the allegations of Sir 11. Elliott in regard to my despatches of the sth and 6th. A horrible massacre of Christians took place at Cabrovc (Kabrova), and the corpses Trcre so numerous that the Turks, led by Ibralim Bey, made a bridge <»f them across the Infcria River, at Kabrora, and passed across it. The bridge was twenty metres long, and forty broad. Within an area of six leagues the whole population wis muidered. The figures of 10,000 i.s not an exaggeration. Second.—That on the bourg of Belova, a band of 320 Circassians has, in presence of Dejel il Aga, a merchant of Rustchuk, who may be called as a witness, (buried ten children, defiled and mutilated in presence of their mothers, who were after wards subjected to the same fate. The ground into which these poor children were thrown alive is just outside the town I have named, on the high road to Kasgord. Third —That in the neighborhood of Thilipoplis a massacre \ras committed in a church by a band of fanatics, at the head of whom was a khodja named Mahraud Abdul Salih Eftendi, a convent attached to a church was pillaged, and the monks hanged and mutil ated.. Fourth—That at Eski Zara a whole town TViis destroyed, and the women, after being violated, were taken by train to Adranople. Fifth —That at Isermagoa, near Cata Baxarkjik, at Bonigarina and at Tsaritsa, a series of frighttul excesses pro duced, from the 4th to the 12th, 3,000 victims. Sixth —That the Turkish Govern ment i.s not ignorant of those facts, and that tho men sent from Constantinople have received orders to establish a reign of terror throughout Bulgaria."

The New Plymouth Harbour IBoard has entered into an agreement with the Bank of New Zealand to provide lunds for carry ing on the harbour schemo. The Board is guaranteed J095 absolutely, on ,-tIGS,OOO worth of debentures, thus enabling the Board to go on with its work. Colonel Trimble, who ki the interest of settlers pro tested against rendering their lands liable to taxation for the support of a doubtfully practicable scheme, was buraed in elligy by the roughs of New Plymouth.

"Ignoramus1" writing from Onehunga, asks : Ist. If a master f radulently alters the indentures of an apprentices, what category of crime does this come under? —2nd. In such a case is it not the duty of the Govern ment' to prosecute?

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER)

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.]

WELLINGTON, this day

AUCKLAND PETITIONS

The Petitions' Committee yesterday declined to make any recommendation on the petition from the ratepayers of Te Arai. The petition of the Licensed Victuallers of the Thames was adjourned. Sir George Grey presented a petition from Thomas G. Wood, of Taranaki, praying a pension for military service, he having been wounded.

Mr Lusk presented a petition from 300 members of the Church of England Tem perance Society in Auckland district, praying for legislation on the subject of Temperance. Mr Lusk presented a petition from 360 persons, praying that no stops be taken to legalise Sunday liquor traffic. Mr Macfarlane presented a petition from residents at Kaukapakapa praying that a road be made to Hclensville. PROVINCIAL COUNCIL LIBRARY. Mr O'Rorke gave notice of motion to omit clauses two, three, and four in the Provincial Council Library Bill, in order to introduce amendments to vest the library in the Mayor and Corporation of Auckland ; and that the library be vested in the city as soon as the Libraries' Act, ISfiO, is brought into force in Auckland, the library to be open free of charge. DR. NORTON'S PETITION. The Petitions' Committee recommend that the prayer of the petition of Fred. Norton, i praying registration, be granted. RAILWAY MATERIALS AND LOCAL INDUSTRY. Mr Shcchan gave notice to move in going into Committee of Supply, that in the opinion of this House all railway material* that can be manufactured in the colony shall be so manufactured ; also, that the Government take steps to ensure the use of New Zealand coals instead of foreign coals on railways in the colony. v MAORI MARRIAGES. Mr Tairoa gave notice to introduce a Bill to validate Maori marriages. NATIVE LAND SPECULATION. Mr Sheehan, in asking the Premier when the Bill to prevent illegitimate speculation in native lands will be introduced by the Government, expressed a hope that it would be brought in sufficiently early to give the House time to discuss the matter. The Premier said the Government hoped to have the matter ready in a few days. At present they were making inquiries res pecting the feeling of the natives.

MOTION OF SUPPLY. The " Way* that are dark and tricks that are vain," in connection with the proceed ings of the Government in sudddenly bring ing down an Imprest Supply Kill for another £250,000, gave rise to some adverse criticism on the part of several members of the Opposition this afternoon. After the usual preliminary business hml been gone through, a message was received from

His Excellency asking for further supplies, and on the question being put that the House should go into committee to consider the question, Sir George Grey asked how limy the Government wanted supplies for. Thu Premier answered that (hoy were only required to tide the Government aver some five or six weeks. This appeared by no means satisfactory, for Sir George ro.se, and suggested that until the important question before the House was settled, the Govern, ment ought to be contented with ten days' supply, and, if all went well, the vote could be renewed. The House, however, allowed the message to be considered in committee. <'n its being reported to the House, and leave asked to sit further on the matter in com mittee, .Sir Gcorye Grey protested most strongly that no further action should be taken till to-morrow. He objected to the House being taken by surprise on money motions of this kind. Had notice been given on Friday all members would to-day have been prepared and in their places, whereas many were now absent. Mr Gisborne urged that before anything could bo done the .Standing Orders should be suspended. Sir George Groy supported tin's view, stating that if tilings went on in this way the House would before long have passed half a million of money without any debate, or knowing the why or wherefore. He argued that the Government might, it they wished the Hou je dissolved, come suddenly down and got nil the money they wanted tor the year, and then tell the House they needed no further supply. The Premier pooh-poohed these remarks, and said it was a matter of urgency. The Speaker ruled that the .Standing Orders need not be complied with in the present ease of urgency, and the Bill was read a iirst and second time unopposed. ■ Oh the motion for third reading Mr llees moved as an amendment that the third reading should be postponed till to-morrow. The voices for and against seemed even, but the* Speaker gave it in favour of the original motion, and, >io division being asked for, the "Dill was passed. POINTS OF ORDER. Yesterday may bo called the points of order day, the best part of the afternoon being consumed in this way. On the motion for going into Committee of Supply being resumed, Mr Murray resumed the debate on Sir George Grey's amendment, and con cluded by moving that the word " immedi ately" in the first line be ommitted, in order to insert " next session." Mr Jleid followed by moving an amend ment standing on the order paper in the name of Major Atkinson. " The Hon. Ma] or Atkinson to move that in the opiniou'of this House, tlio incidence of taxation should be so adjusted as to impose upon property a fair portion of the burdens entailed on the colony,by the expenditure on public works, and thereby afford means for reduction of taxes on necessaries ; and that the financial proposals of the Government next session should embody this principal. Messrs Stafford, Stout, Reynolds, Hodg kinson, and Gisborne, delivered orations on points of order. Mr Stafford said he was in such confusion that he did not know whether he ought to vote with the ayes or noes. The Speaker said the substantive motion was constantly the subject of further amendment. It was customary to regard an amendment as suspending substantive motion, and make further amendment and amendment on the substantive motion. The House would see the reason and rationale of this, »is in the present instance it was desired for the sake of hypothesis to amend the original amendment proposed in order to meet the desire of the House. Many members were unable to vote on the question, and distinctly make up their minds that unless some modification were allowed in the amendment thay should not vote. It would be extremely hard it members were to be debarred from discrimination in votes. The system in such cases was to lay aside the substantive motion, and regard the amendment as the substantive motion. At present the House was not concerned with flae question of going iruto Committee of Supply, that could only be resumed by the question that the Speaker do inimediatelyleave the chair. The debate now was on Mt Wooloock's motion, and Sir George CJrey's amendment, which it was proposed to amend in order to render it intelligible to the minds of members. When the House ruled that certain progress be made, it did not stultify itself. The amendment by the Minister of Lands, therefore, was in order. The Speaker then put the question before the House, namely, Sir George Grey's amend ment with the motion by Mr Murray, to omit the word " Immediately " in the first j line, and insert in lieu thereof " next j session." > The reporters, so far as bad hearing j would parmit, understood this to mean, that Mr Reid's amendment was ruled out of order.

Mr Reid then spoke to Mr Murray's amendment. He agreed with the prin ciples laid down by Sir George Grey, in favour of an equal distribution of the ■burdens, but argued that the question required consideration during the recess. A great portion of his speech consisted in flippantly vulgar personal references to Mr Stout and his law. He argued speciously in favour of big land speculators. Mr Reid spoke with considerable hesita tion, and amidst frequent and loud outbursts of laughter. His speech was a bad specimen of bucolic special pleading, with a strong conscious ness of weakness. It was interrupted by adjournment.

POUR AMENDMENTS.

Many members say Mr Fitzherbert is getting int« the sear and yellow leaf —that his mental faculties are getting hazy. His ruling palpablyineliues to the Government, even when there is no necessity for the Speaker to exercise a constitutional bias in order not to disturb the existing order of things. There are now four amendments to be disposed of before going into Com mittee of Supply. Mr Murray's amend ment takes the objectionable portion out of Sir George Grey's amendment, and fore stalls the Government in their proposed amendment,which stood on the supplemen tary order paper, to stave oil' the question until next session. As the matter now stands it Avould command a majority against the Government, but further amendments will doubtless be forth coming. THE INCIDENCE OF TAXATION DEBATE CONTINUED. When the House resumed at half-past seven, Mr Iteid continued. He said all property had improved by Public AVorks expenditure. The fault in Sir George Grey's proposals was that valuable laud woiild only be taxed at the same rate as poor country land. The House ought not to relieve land which was enhanced in value by Public AVorks expenditure from bearing a fair share of the burdens. All pro perty taxation was based on the liability of improved property to beat' taxation. Therefore, persons who could not improve would escape taxation. Sir George Grey's proposals would injure the struggling, in dustrious, working settler, who is not to Ik: benefited be Public Works expenditure. He characterised Sir George Grey's finance as speculative. Anyone who knew how intricate our Customs' arrangements were would know that Sir George Grey's proposal to bike £BSO,OOO from Consolidation Fund would be impossible. The workmen of the colony were not so urgent. Their claims required careful consideration. Whence this anxiety for poor men V lie said the mem ber* of this House who voted in favor of ten per cent on imported goods—many of those who cheered Sir George Grey— had met their constituents during the recess, av:d the question of incidence of taxation was never mentioned. He had no doubt that an overwhelming majority of the House would agree to post-pone the question until next session. The question of altering taxation should not be done in a perfunctory man ner, but only after wise and careful deliber ation, which the House could not give to the matter during the course of this session. lie would support the amend ment of the* Premier. Sir George Grey rose to explain, that he would not answer the representation of the last speaker with reference to his intention. He would nol follow him into his fallacies. Mr Reid said lie (Sir George Grey) was anxious to prevent people of this country being educated. Mr Held : " No, I did not intend to say that." Sir George Grey said he must protect himself from being misrepresented in this respect. He was opposed to the Govcru moiK on education because it was part of the tyranny and despotism they attempted to force on the country. He admitted that their Education BHI was well drawn ; but it was another attempt to pauperise the country, to establish a sort of colonial aristocracy in the colony, and make the poor man provide eduoation for tin: rich. The rich men of Canterbury took their education reserves, and made the poor Weslevan and Roman Catholic pay £1 per head for education from which the princi pality benefited. They now proposed to establish higher schools for only children attending Government schools, so that children of those parents who were preven ted by conscientious scruples from allowing them to'attend Government schools would bo debarred. INTEREST IN THE EVENT. When the House resumed all the galleries were crowded, a division being expelled. Auckland and Otago members mustered strongly. Stafford and tail and Mr Whitaker not in the house. Mr Thomson followed Sir George Grey in reply to Mr lloid's,. taunt that the Opposition was split up into parties, and had no loaders. Mr Thompson said "Who i* the Government leader? Do any of I hem mean to say lie could lead the party '.' They had been placed on those Benches by Sir.Julius Vogel. The real Premier is now in England. If the Government were driven from those benches, as they would be soon, could any of them aspire to lead a party"' There were two Premiers—a Premier, and a sub-Pieinier. The Speaker pointed out the differences on the Govern ment benches and amongst their supporters on Separation, &c. The Government did not know their own minds, nor their own bills. The Premier had said that finance was not book-keeping. The Speaker understood that to mean the Government did not keep books. That would account for their abstruse financial statements. The Government, during the first quarter of the year, took £150,000 from the Public AVorks Account, and in the second quarter £40,000, to supply the deficit in the consolidated fund. He con victed the Treasurer of cooking accounts in the budget, and shewed a deficit of £73,000. The speaker severely criticised the budget. Mr Gisborne followed, showing that the Treasurer had illegally transferred charges from the consolidated fund in order to shew fictitious savings. He characterised the localization of the land fund as orga nised hypocrisy. The Colonial Treasurer fanned the land fund with his wings, while he .sucked its life-blood like a vampire. Why did he not slay it outright ? He called the Government the mere lacqueys of lobbyists —men who would dance to any tune the Opposition might play. The Government professions were more the outcome of fear than deliberate conviction. Mr Stafford commenced, and the House rapidly refilled from Bellamy's and the lobbies. He contended that Mr Mont gomery had understated the Treasurer's credit balance, afcid only £1,832,000 would have to be borrowed unless further works were undertaken. If the House sanctioned a further loan of £1,200,000 for works, the total loans of the next two years Avoiild only amount to £3,032,000. He attributed the responsibility for Treasury bills to Sir Julius Vogel, and the repeated renewals by House. He considered it would be cruel to attempt to raise an income and property tax this year. If a poll were token, ten to one of the people in Canterbury would re linquish the land fund rather than submit to an income and property tax. Ever since he gave up the leadership of a party, he had carefully avoided expressing opinions which might form a party, and either em- I barrass the Opposition or Government. He ' had been frequently asked to lead a party, ! but declined. The people said his Timaru j speech contained no policy. He contended that lie indicated three fundamental points of policy. The best report of his speech would be found in the " Lyttelton Times." (Here Mr AVakelield positively blushed.) Mr Keos, during the speech, devoted a more respectful attention to the speaker than he usually does to anyone. Mr Stafford spoke coldly, without his old force. He keeps the monster on the wall : just behind him, and never gets warm, ever since he scornfully denounced the Vogel Ministry in seventy-two as " Miserable.

wretches, contented and contemptible." He ■ got called to order, and since then minds his stops. Mr Stafford evoked cries of " I did !" from all sides of the House, when lie asserted that only a few members of the House pledged themselves to support a change in the incidence of taxation. He said it was a mistake the Land Fund was not colonialised, when the Public Works Policy was initiated. The present Go vernment was only responsible for acts since it came into oflice. He objected to the removal ot the duty oft sugar, because the principal consumers were brewers. Mr Travers criticised the Government finance as wasteful. He suggested a tax of a pound a hogshead on beer, which would produce a hundred thousand pounds a year, with an increased duty on imported beer. Half a penny a pound on salt would yield £17,300 ; half a penny a pound on sugar would yield £60,000. He would fully com pensate working men by a reduction on other articles. Someone placed in his bands a suggestion for twenty-live per cent, on lawyers. He considered that the time had come for placing the railways of the colony in private hands. There was no difficulty in London in forming a company to take over railways. This would relieve the colony of debt to the amount of their cost, and remove political influences. The speaker opposed an acreage tax. He did not think it desirable that taxation should be changed this session. He was not satis fied with a limited extension of the public works proposed by the Treasurer. He hoped thoy would propose larger extensions. He believed that if a fair statement of the position was made at home there would be no difficulty in obtaining considerable fur ther loans.

Mr Johnston intimated his intention to vote with the Government, but would not pledge himself to support an income and property tax next year or any other time. Mr Ballance moved the adjournment. The debate was adjourned until half-past two to-day. WANT OF CONFIDENCE MOTION. The Opposition threaten a want of con fidence motion if the amendment on the incidence taxation is lost. The motion will probably take the shape, that the financial proposals of the Government are unsatisfactory. A COMPLAINT AGAINST THE CHIEF JUSTICE. The Committee on Mr .Barton's petition resolved to-day to recommend that the matter be inquired into by the following committee of tLc House : — Sir George Grey, Messrs JJowen, Stafford, Fox, and Stevens. This will bring the matter on the floor of the House.

CABLEGRAMS.

TT7 "ft* TJF A T?

(l'j;i; Phes9 Agency.)

Ths Russians Ises1*: Shi"bka Pas?

Reported Bepulse of Turks.

The State of the Nile

LONDON, August 20. The Russians hold strongly to the Shipka Pass. Suleiman Pasha and the Turks, in making a recognaisance near Jenikoi Pass, where Russians are strongly entrenched, were, according to Russian ollicial despatch, repulsed. The Nile has been stationary for four days. The level is fourteen feet below tne average for the past three years.

Our Goldfields.

MOANATIRI,

TIIEUK was a better feeling with regard to this stock this morning. At half-past ten the following telegram was posted :—

"URAH^MSTOWK, this day. " Good colors of gold showing in drive, cast, towards No. 1 winze, 150 ft. level.— R. Comer."

ALBURNIA.

The mine manager reports—Whau Level : I have driven 42 feet on the course of the Sons of Freedom reef, which has shown gold the whole length, especially the last 3 feet of the leader in West drive, from which I have broken SOOlbs of specimens, in fact, the face previous to the last shot looked really excellent, the leader being 2 feet in width, IS inches of which shewing splendid «, fold from lloor to roof of drive. The leader on iloor and roof still looks well; in the face of the drive it is fifteen inches lhTck, well defined, and shewing gold. This leader, above in the stopes. is 7 feet in width, and shews gold very freely. I have to-day broken SO lbs specimens from it. 1 have not broken down much of the specimen leader in the stopes since my last report, but the leader still shews good gold.

The following telegram was received at 1 a.m. :— " Just blasted a face west drire. No gold visible.—S. GIUBBLE." This makes it clear that the show of gold in the west end of drive in Sons of Freedom leader has stopped, but the block of ground upwards being 70 feet in height and intact, large deposits may be found in the stopes equal to that just broken in the level. The telegram, therefore, is not so alarming as it appears at first sight.

The Wreck of the Lionel.

He&jrtrondingl Scene

A MAN CLINGS TO THE WRECK

TILL NIGHT.

(From our own Correspondent.)

(By Telkgeaph.)

HOKIANGA, this day. THE s.s. Lionel was wrecked while entering Wangape yesterday. There was a very heavy break at the time of crossing the breakers. The iirst one broached her to, and the second one turned her over. All hands on board were drowned. Orse man stuck to the wreck until after sunset, and strenuous efforts were made by those on shore to save him, but they were of no avail, and his would-be deliverers saw the poor fellow perish almost within reach of help. A boat was manned from shore three times, and was swamped each time. Five hands were on board at the time of the wreck. SHIPPING. The schooner Queen has bees wiudbound for nearly a fortnight, through a continuous bar at the Heads. The brigantrne Odalisk just completed loading, bound for Adelaide.

Mr G. W. Binney received the following telegram last evening : — iv" Hoki axoa, 21st August 4.20 p.m. i Entering the bar a heavy sea struck her. I She broached to, and a second sea struck | her and she capsized and drifted overthe bar. j One man was seen on the bottom. He : had jumped overboard. He ulung to the keel for a long Mine, and was then drowned in the surf. The people on shore tried to launch the lifeboat three times, but ecch time it was swamped. There were fifty present, but they could not sure his life.— W. DOKALD," The following reached Mr Binney this morning:— "HOKLVKOA, this day, 10 a.m. Hull worth nothing, nearly all smashed; might save engine, tiniks, propeller, and shaft ; boiler gone.—W.Donald. Captain W. S. Stewart, who had only ?

just taken command, was formerly nectedwith the brig Craig Ellachie \iT Mary Webster, and other well-Wv craft. He lived in Newton, wherl heX wife but no children The engineer's name is Mr John Hume. He leaves a wife arirl four children unprovided for. The oth two of the crew were single men TIT Maoris say there was a fifth man on board* If so, it is probably someone who got a sly passage from Onehunga, but no one it present seems to know who it is.

TELEGRAPHIC.

(FKOJI OUE OWN COKKESPOKDKKT.)

GRAHAMSTOWN. thi« ,in,.

THE ALBUKNIA. 'I>'

!• 30. p.m I have just arrived from the Alburnia mine. The Sons of Freedom reef is no + showing so much mineral as yesterday In fact, there is hardly any. The blast was put in the fa^e of this reef, which brought down about 20 lbs of fair specimen, f he stopes look very well. The winze towards the opening out of next low block is down 50 feet. A ton of specimens will be crushed on Tuesday.

Waitekauri.-—Tbe show of gold in the low level is greatly improved.

A pigeongram from Waitekauri says :— "Young New Zealand.—Another gold, bearing leader was cut yesterday on excel-" lent country.

Waitekauri.—Splendid gold in No. 4 level and in low level going towards Home ward Bound battery started yesterday Waitekauri. Young New Zealand, and Homeward Bound stock hardly to be '<*ot at any price here." SHAEEMAIiKET. Sales : Moanatairi, £8 10s to £9 to £8 10s; Alburnia, £7 10s to £7 5s to £7- Kuranui Hill, 22s 6"d; Queen of May, ißs to ISs (jd ; City of London, 14s to 14s 6d • Cure, 10s 6d ; Waitekauri, 14s ; New North Devoa, 3s 3d. Sellers: Moanatairi, £815s • Alburnia, £7 ss. '

A trial crushing of 30 tons from the old Manukau Claim realised 89 ozs.

COIIOMANDEL, this day. Tokatea. —There is nothing to warrant the sudden rise in shares yesterday altnough tlie mine generally "shews a marked improvement; gold shewing in several places.

RUSSELL, this day.

THE TAUPO.

The Taupo arrived at 6.30 a.m., and leaves again at 6 p.m. for Auckland. Passengers for Auckland : Messrs Yon der Heyde, Mills, Goffe, Johnson Reynell; Mesdames Yon der Heyde and Couitayne. For Napier : Messrs G. Williams and Kemp.

Sailed : Gem and Elsinore ; also Blanche, Captain Buchanan, for Paroa Bay.

CAMBRIDGE, this day

FARMER'S CLUB.

A good meeting of the Farmer's Club was held last night. Twenty members were present.

Mr H. Reynolds read a paper on tree planting at the show committee meeting. A subscription list was started. We expect to have a good cattle show. The contractor is expected to start the Club room this week, at a co.st of £800. The Cambridge brass band is making rapid improvement under Mr Mackintosh, and is expected to turn out on the show day. iSEEIOUS ACCIDENT.

An accident occurred to Mr C. S. Smith, A.C. of the force, who almost lost his life. The danger, however, is believed to be past.

ALEXANDRA, this claA

A MAORI FORGER

A half-caste, calling himself George Daw son, who has been agent buying cattle up country, has let in several tradesmen here, with forged cheques, and bolted to the King country. W. Oliver, store keeper, suffers for £16, Einch £— John Gane, £50, and others, various sums. Glover went after him late last night. Dawson was last heard of at Otorohanga. Oliver intends following up with one of the Thompsons. The roads to Hikirangi are alive with Maories to-day, proceeding to t!ie meeting.

TAURANGA, this day.

THE MAORI KING INVITED TO WELLINGTON.

The Olunerrmtu correspondent of the " Bay of Plenty Times " writes : " Natives who have returned from the Tef IVhetu meeting report that Tawhiao has been invited to Wellington, to assist in framing a new Land Act. He has refused to

WELLINGTON, this day.

SIR GEORGE GREY.—THE FOOT BALLISTS.

Sir George Grey has won golden opinions from the working men of Wellington by his interest in the Working Men's Club. Betting is 3 to 1 on the Dunedin foot ballers. RIVAL TO THE DAVEVPORTS. Rose Brothers have drawn excellent houses here. After a tour in Wairarapa and Wanganui districts, they go to Auck land, and will challenge Messrs Hurst and Hesketh to tie them.

DUNEPIN, this day

SCARLET FEVER

A petition with 15,000 signatures goes to Wellington, asking the central authorities to retain the fever hospital "which .Muni cipal authorities must remove next month. .Scarlet fever is on the increase in the town. POVERTY A CRIME. At the City Police Court yesterday, John Williams, an old printer and cripple, was charged with having no lawful means of support. Inspector Mallard stated that accused had been arrested out of purely humane motives. It was one of those hard cases where a man, after living a respect able life, had to be sent to gaol because there was no other asylum for old age and frailty. The Bench agreed that the case was a deplorable one, and regretted there was no other asylum, but lie could scarcely be sent to the Hospital, and the Benevolent Institution was crowded. He was sent to gaol for three months with hard labour. Mr McKay, solicitor, stated he knew that the prisoner, who was over 80 years of age> was unfit for hard labour. The Bencn replied that only such work as Wi'kams could undertake would be given him.

PRESS AGENCY

DUNEDIN, this day.

MUSEUM ON SUNDAYS. _. ,

A public meeting was held m *lisl Church to protest against the opening <» the Museum on Sundays. Resolutions strongly disapproving of the action of tfle Museum Committee were carried .linil? 1" mously, and it was resolved to petition tne Governor to have it closed on Sabbath dap.

WELLINGTON, this day.

THE HAWEA. T ..

Hawea sailed for Nelson and tiie *"»•" at Hoon. Passengers : Messrs KeD">. Trollove, Brown, Wood, Scardon, P. Jo". 11 * ston, G. Sclmltze, C. Hurst, Captain Baillie, and Captain Kenny.

NAPIER, this day.

BREACH OF STAMPS' ACT.

At the Resident Magistrate's t-»«'« this morning, Xobert France was fined o three cases of infringement of the Stamp Act, tire pounds each case, for § lVI,f receipts for rent to Fortune and &mr? backers, Avithout affixing stamps "W*? ' The costs were £4 10s. The proseciU^ was by Fielder, l)eputy-CommissK>»er v Stamps,

f;TTRTRTr,HTTRCH. this da&~

IMPORTANT DECISION EE 'BANK RUPT ESTATES.

Mr Justice Johnson has delivered a ye*

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 33, 1877.



fA N CHSSTE R GOODS W. RATTUAY Begs to notify that he has JUST OPENED a assortment of the following1 Goods, via.: Horrocks' and other makes rof Calicoes an Longoloths ~_.,, 40, 5!. 72. SO, 00, and 100 inch Finlay s P.am an Twilled Sheeiin.KS ~ _ ~ 6/i, 7/4. S'l. 9/1. an<i 10/1 White Linen Tab! 6'i 7/1." andTs/i Hambro atid Unbleached do., d< Dams sk Table Cloths, Napkins and Tray Cloth Rough and Dressed Hollands, Diaper Frontinsrs, Sec. Linen and Cotton Bed Tick. Huckaback Towe lins?. Tea and Gla9s Cloths, Christy s Turkis Counteraaiies, Quilt?, Toilet Covers, and Ant macassars. The have bees Marked at tii Lowest Remunerative Prices. 7VT E W 7SALAXD IT 017 S I S6. QUEEN-STREET, AUCKXAtfD, Q P E C I A L N O T I C I 10 COUNTRY SETTLERS AND OTHER REQUIRING STRONG CLOTHING MATERIAL. The undersigned have Just Received a Fresh Supply of NEW PRINTED MOLESKINS, Light an Dark Patterns. CORDUKOY, Various Qualities, ana WKIT MOLESKIN. Also. WHITS and GREY CALICOES, of all th Bast Makes, and First-class Value. Grey Calico from 3d per yard Good White Calico from 4}d per yard A nice lot of New Shirting, fast colour an new patterns Heavy Brown Holland, a very cheap lot £ G'rd per yard A Job Lot of Huckaback Towels, at od cacl 5s 9d per doz. Alhambra Quilts, at 3s lid each Kidderminster Carpets, a nice assortment c patterns and good quality, at 3s lid; Fe Oarpats; Mattings of various makes; a x Floor ntoths : Axminstei' Mats : and ever dwriptioTi of FL RNISHING DR APER"Si at Very Reasonable Prices. Extra Good Value in BLANKETS, all size; white and coloured In oi-dor to Clear, WINTER DRESS GOOD; REMNANTS, &<■"-, are now offered at Conside: ably Reduced Price 3. Special Tis Dressmakers, &c. — Aver Choice Lot of Silk and Fancy Buttons jnstt hand, all new designs, and very careful! selected for the incoming season's trade. The CLOTHING DEPARTMENT is we stocked with every requisite for Boys and Mci being constantly replenished from the bes sources of supply. INSPECTION IXVITBD. 3. in the. S. allowed on all Cash Purchases ( £Li23u 20s. and upwards. ru3hbrook & brtdgmax, Junction' Drapery Wake-house, Upper Quk en-stbeet, AUCKLAND. mO AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS W. J. HURST ql CO. have on sale the nndei mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have bee: proved to produce satisfactory results in thi district Experience teaches that large am profitable returns can be relied on by a.iucliciou and liberal use of them. The llattering Test) monials from leading Farmera justify W. J Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to o very Agriculturist :— MALDEN" ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do BALL'S BONEPLOUR I and i-inoh BONEDU3T BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPSR-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT. SULPHATE OF LIME, la addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. an prepared to supply special Chemical Manure: for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing1 Ciover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potatx and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. -Analysis, prices, and other particulars will bf Supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEEN- SJTIRJE E.T. In order to induce an enlarged consumption of Maiden Island Guano (equal, if not superior tc Boncdust), we are prepared to accept deferred payments from responsible parties atextremelj low rates. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUKKN-STEEET. V\ r. J. HURST &CO have for Sale, at the lowest market rates : Clover Seeds, Red, White oud Cow Rye-grass, Cocksfoot, Rats-tail, Garden Seeds in great variety and best quality. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior samplo) 3000 „ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, al3o 800 sacks of 1875 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour. B-an. Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c. &c. Particular attention is called to JSOO sacks Prime Barlej at 4s per bushel of 50! li. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh at £21 per ton. Prices and other particulars on application. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEEN-S TRE ET, Auckland. ___ iteMXAXTS of Carpets at a Sacrifice REMNANTS of Floor Cloth at a Sacrifice liBMNAXTS of Dress Goods at a Sacrifice Housekeepers have now a rare chance of jjft-ocuring short lengths of Brussel and Tlweatry carpets and Floor Cloths low. Two weeks prior to Stock-taking we shall sell Remnants below cost price. Full 25 per cent reduction made to effect a clearance. HOLLOWAY and GARLIOK have 15 patterns in Linoleum to select from ; carpets, upwards of 100 patterns to choose from. English, American, and Colonial made Furniture, for Drawing, Dining, and Bsdrooms. Bedding of every description. The patent Roller Blind of the Age, procurable only at the City; Hall Arcade, tlolioway and Garlick, Proprietors.



JMPORTANT NOTICE Having introduced STEAM PO WEB into the Manufacture of FURNITURE, we are now enabled to Supply our Cus tomers at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. T. & H. COOKE, Cabinet makers, Upholsterers, &c, dO SBT SHOW ROOMS G7, Queen-street. STEAM CABINET FACTORY Victoria-street. The Medical Profession nave declared Steane's Superlative Aromatic Toxic Wine to be a necessity to all in search of health and especially to those suffering either from Inr" pient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, ant) ciie dis orders aiding therefrom. This Tonic is also particularly recommended to all who are in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, aud at the same time are desirous of studying health by taking that which will act most beneficially-on he system. Mr. Win. Johnson, Govemmen Analy tical Chemist, report: — "I have examined Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic "Wine, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con- Jaining about 16 per cent, of a very pure alcohol, and holding in solution a clear wholesome, Vegetable Bitter, combined with a fruity spicy aroma. I consider this Bitter a very superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers aud Hotel keepers. Dealers of threadbare reputation in various parts of the country are continually getting up inferior imitations of Udolpho Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps, which they put in empty bottles of the great medicinal stimulant and sell to the unsuspecting. False labels are also used by them. Shun these inflammatory nostrums and persist iv having the genuine article.