SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

TFR t This Afternoon, 8.42 HIGH WAliiiK— - Morning, 9.1 SUN SET.—This Evening, 5.10 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 6.47 MOON'S AGE.—Las1 Quarter, sth May, lO.oS p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Mariner, schooner, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

Sapphire, H.M.s., Murray, for Tauranpra Sirnh and Mary. hrig'nntine, Stevens, for the Thames and Lyttelton

IMPORTS.

Per Syren fi"vm Sydney: l case nrewuina, < pk"-=! aariculti r 1 implements, 10J coils rope, 6 Umys, 20P0 ha.* bonedust, 2 tons rock salt, V'O brigs maize, 05 bags bonedust,—Henderson & Micfarlane, agents. TO pairs shafts, 1 cedar board.—E. Porter and 10 qr-casks vinegar.—Barnett & Levy.

The. Union Steamship Company's time-table for the month of May is published in the ship pin" advertisement column, on our iirst page. The schooner Rosanah Rose, is expected from Timaru shortly. EMS, Sapphire lef yesterday for 1 auranga, en route for Fiji . .„ , . ~ i^The Rotoinahana (not Koroma) will be laid up to-morrow for an overhaul. Messrs holmes Bros', steamer the Te Arohn, has come up from the Thames, the. Ohincirmri trade beinsr insufficient to support three bnais. The Star of the South left Napier on Saturday .i.ffht, with a cargo of sheep for the Thamfs. The Pretty Jane leaves Tauranga to-day, for Auckland. She will be in early to-morrow morn- The schooner-barge Lake Erie brought up a car"o of stone from the Tamaki quarry last night, and anchored near the new dock. During the nisht, she sprang a leak, and towards midnight the crew had to clear out, as it was palpable she woul-1 sink. She went down soon after, and this morning her masts standing iip from the water were all that could be seen of her. There will be no great difficulty in raisins her. The brig Syren arrived this morning from Sydney under command of Captain bainty. bhe has been 15 days on the trip. She left Sydney Heads on the loth inst., and had unsteady weather all the wa.v across, with the wind prin c:pally from the. N.E. On several flays last wesk, thunder and lightning were experienced. Rjunded the North Cape at 9 p.m. on Saturday. Thence strong westerly winds till arrival. Ine Syren comes consigned to Henderson and Mac farlane, and brings a general cargo. She will discharge her cargo at the Railway wharf, and afterwards will load back to Sydney with timber We understand that is purposed to run shis vessel regularly iv the Sydney and Auck land trade. . , , . The s.s, Hawea left Nelson yesterday, and is expected inthe Manukau about noon to-morrow. She will leave again for the South at half-past twelve on Thursday.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to morrow, at 5.30 p.m. For Kapanga, per Kina, this day, at 1.30 p.m.; and to-morrow, at 4.30 p.m. _ For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Staffa, this day, at 4 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, this day, at 4 p.m. For Waiwera, Kawau, and Matakana, per Annie Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu. Wangarei, and Mangapai per Argyle, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. yor Taranaki, Southern Provinces, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Hawea, on Thursday, 3rd May, at 10 a.m. For newspapers, at 9 a.m. For money orders and registered letters, the previous evening at Ip.m. ■;*&&&***, ''. ,^l'■.,"."'''""r T -; -V ■•.";»;,•=■ :■'. -■*,■<>•■■■;• ■-»_,,;_•-•

AUCKLAND STOCK A MINING REPORT.

National Bank—Buyers, 68s. Colonial Bank—Buyers. 39s 6d. Thames Gas—Sellers, 325. South British Insurance—Buyers, 80s. National Insurance—Buyers. 30s. New Zealand Insurance-IOOs : buyers, 98s. Standard Insurance— Buyers, lis Cd. Tied Qaeen—3s. N.Z. Loan and Mercantile—(old), 100s. Caledonian-(dble) 50s; buyers, 50; sellers, 60s Moanatairi—£lo 7s 6d, £10 15s, £11; buyers, £10 12s (3d ; sellers, £10 17s 6d. Waitekaiiri—Buyers. 163 6d : sellers, 17s 6d. Alburnia— 335, 40s ; sellers, 395. Queen of May—22s 3d; buyers, 22s 6i. Union Be«ch—3os. Tokatea—Gs 6d; buyers, 6s 6d. Queen of Beauty—2os ; buyers, 20s; sellers, 225. Kuranui Hill—26s; sellers, 275. Piako— Buyers, 10s; sellers, 10s. .JOSEPH NEWMAN. Chairman.

BIRTH.

FAWCUS.—On the 29th inst., at her residence, New* North Road, Mrs. John Fawcus of a daughter.

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

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1877.

For the cause that lacks assistance, I;or the wrong that needs resistance, For die future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

FIRST blood has been drawn, the Turks suffering defeat with loss of eight hundred men, at Batoura. Spelling Turkish names by cable is not conducive to an intelligent conception of the geographical position of the armies. Neither in the latest gazetteers nor detailed maps, so far as we can discover, does Batoura appear. We believe,however, the conflict referred to has occurred in Asiatic Turkey, soon after the cross ing of the Russian troops_ at Alexandrope', a town of 18,000 inhabitants in Trans-Caucasia. The Russian plan of operations, as in 1854, contemplates a simultaneous invasion of Turkish territory < n the European and Asiatic frontiers. Alexandropol commands the road to Kars, where an English General (Williams) in 1855, in command of dis organized Turkish troops, held the town for six months against a large Russian army, and only yielded to starvation caused by the peculation of rascally Pashas. The main army, it is said, is marching on Dalramcha, which is likewise beyond the scope of any English Gazeteov, but will ?robably prove to he some village on the >anube. The Russian stnttp-Tists have apparently pclectc;' "U- (he .enwinjr }>luce i point unprotected !•" ■••; y hi.170 T'ur'-iyh ; force, and it is stated that one of the most difficult, feats of the raMflgftijgii >vUI bo j

accomplished before the Turks have time to make effective resistance. The opening incidents are thus very unfavourable to Turkey, and call to mind the decisive opening of the Franco-Prussian Avar. If the strong posts on the Danube are success fully avoided or masked, and the Russians have still a force sufficiently large to press forward on the Balkan passes, the campaign may be much shorter than was anticipated by those acquainted with the natural strength of <he defpnsivepositioiis at the dis posal of the Turks. Everything depends onithe number of troops actually at the disposal of the Russian commander. Should his force be large enough to cover the dangers of the quadrilateral by au army of observation, it is within the bounds of possibility that the invading army may bivouac within view of the minarets of Constantino])]e in less than three months. We incline to think that the next few days Avill bring news of the concentration of the main bodies of both armies for a decisive struggle, upon the issue of which will depend the future course of the campaign.

Letters from Mr Caleb Eohinson, Mr T. B. Hannaford, and others, and a largo amount of other matter prepared for to-days' sssue, are crowded out.

The Governnicnt has given £50 in pay ment of expenses to witnesses in the Moftat case, and ;is a reward for information respecting his treasonable practices in making gunpowder.

An entertainment illustrative of May Day, entitled " May Day with the Muses," will he given to-morrow (Tuesday) evening in the Primitive Methodist Chapel of New market, hi aid of the library of the Sunday school. The choir Avill give vocal and instrumental assistance. The chair will be taken at half-past seven o'clock.

We would remind hotel-keepers, and others, that bagatelle and billiard room licenses must be taken out at ouce at the City Council Offices.

One of the chief attractions of Queen street on Saturday evening was the wonder ful fish, now being exhibited by Mr Targett of the Thames; and which lias puzzled some of the wisest of Auckland naturalists. Tlie fish is really a wonderful fellow, with its sword-tail, large round eyes, and powerful body. Tins stranger of the deep will be again exhibited, under the Theatre, this evening, and a new comic song, with a full description of the capture and action of the fish, given gratuitously to eacli visitor. The song was composed expressly for the fish, by the Thames poet, who Avon the gold medal for comic singing, May 3rd, 1873.

A banquet was given at the Thames Hotel on Saturday evening to Mr W. Humphreys, on the occasion of his leaving Auckland for Sydney to enter upon his new appointments a.-, chief <lrruie;htsman at Mort's dockyard. Mr JFumpreys has won the respect of all with whom he came in contact, while occupying the position of assistant engineer at the water works. About thirty gentlemen partook of the repast, which wa.s nerved up in excellent style. Mr T. T. Maselield occupied tlic chair, supported on his right by I he guest of the evening, and on the left by Air •lames Wrigley. The vice chair was filled by Mr George Holdship. The health of Mr Humphreys was drunk, and his social qualities pleasantly referred to by the chair man. A handsomely-framed testimonial, and a weighty purse of sovereigns were also presented, and were feelingly ac knowledged by Mr Humphreys. Mr E. B. Dickson was the writer, designer, and illuminator of the tribute. The following toasts were given, after which the meeting closed in a proper way :—" Mr William Ellington, Engineer-in-chief of the Auck land Waterworks;" "The Commercial interests of Auckland ;" "The Contractors for the Auckland Waterworks, Messrs T. and S. Morriu ;" " The Contractors for the Auckland Graving Dock, Messrs Jones and Ware."

Iho Temperance Variety Troupe held a successful entertainment at the Temperance Hall on Saturday, Mr G. Warhurtou in the chair. The following programme was then gone through, Mrs Hertz presiding at the pianoforte. Mr Smart, song, " The Union Jack of Old," and " Hard-working Snob ;" Mr Sceats, song, " I am as Happy as a King;" Mettam Bros., song and dance;" Miss McEvoy, song, "Flora Lloyd;" Mr Hoggard and Master Elder, a sailor's horn pipe each : Mr Ploughman, song, " That's Where You Make the Mistake ;" Mrs Smith, song, " Ellen Bain ;" Mr Phillips, .song, "Odd Man Out." The farce entitled " The Rival Artists," brought the enter tainment to a close.

X'line days ;igo a friendly trial of speed Mine oft' hoi ween Messrs Niccol's sailing bo.it the Sari;a, mirl Mr Brassey's Aline. The match was spoilt on that occasion by •iOiue <>i: the Santas near carrying away. On Saturday another little match between the

same boats eventuated, and this time with .i more satisfactory result. The course was from the wharf to the spit at the North Shore, hack round the Sapphire, thence to tho spit, finishing off at the wharf. The wind was very gusty, and the raco called for seamanlike qualities in those who sailed the boats, as well »h sailing capabilities in the boats themselves. Mr Niccol's boa<t led from the start, and at one time was 2Jr miv. ahead, but at the finish the Aline crept up, and was only beaten by H- niin.

Yesterday afternoon, Mr George McLtod ami Mr A. Dornwel! while walking in '■Jueen-street noticed smoke issuing from die grating in front of Mr Burton the confectioner's premises, on the west side of the street. While Mr Dornwcll at once took measures to ascertain the cause, Mr McLeod had the fire-bell rung, and sent for the police. On admission being gained, Mr Doniwell found an old potato bag, which was lying smouldering in the area under the grating. Constable Gillies and Menzies, and Mr Superintendent Hughes of the Fire Brigade, soon arrived on the spot, and not long afterwards a son of Mr Burton put in an appearance. The party made a strict search over the premises, but could not find indications of any one having entered the building. It is surmised that the incipient conflagration was caught by the accidental dropping of a lighted match through the grating. No one is residing on the premises.

The Lyster Opera Company was expected to leave Melbourne on the 24th, and to appear first at Christchurch. The Dunedin Press, however, says that the company will appear in that city before going on to Christchurch.

We notice that the shareholders of the Hibernian Band will in future hold their monthly quadrille party in Mr Dornwell's new hall in Darby-street, the next meeting to be held on Wednesday evening, the 2nd inst. Dancing to commence at eight o'clock; the dance music to be supplied by the band.

The annual tea-meeting in connection with the Wellesley-street Baptist school will be held to-morrow evening at half-past six o'clock. The after meeting will include speeches by ministers and gentlemen, and selections of music by the Wellesley-street choir.

The annual tea and public meeting of the Beresford-street Congregational Church will be held this evening in the hall, associated with addresses and music.

A meeting of Mr R. Graham's Committee will take place this evening at 7 o'clock in the Committee Room Y. M. C* A' Rooms, Gentlemen on the Committee are requested to be punctual,

Wo would tittll attention tT the sale an» nnuufci] by Mr Arthur, ■£ the stock of a tqtioner, to-morruw* TUe stock is fcew BSWI W<?U«*BSoi't«d,

The officers and brethren of Court City of Auckland of the Ancient Order of Foresters will hold a meetimg at their Court-room this evening at half-past seven o'clock, for the purpose of considering business of importance in reference to the Court funds.

Mrs Redmond, wife of an old settler, fell down dead at Tauranga on Friday last.

The Theatre Service was well-attended last night, despite the inclemency of the weather. Dr Kenderdine occupied the chair. Addresses were given by Mr Beau mont, and the Rev. Win. Tinsley. £2 Is was collected towards expanses.

A splendid picture of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, in full regalia as Grand Master of the English Masons, is on view at Mr. Wayte's, Queen-street.

A meeting of the Tairua Gold Mining- Co, in liquidation, was held to-day to receive the liquidator's report &C. We are requested to notice that there is a distinc tion betwoen this Company and the Tairua Prospertors' G. M. Co. A resident at Dunedin, a man named Goodly, has successfully performed the Davenport rope-tying feats.

Poisoning at Onhaunga.

Supposed. Death from Arsenic

[BY TELEGRAPH.!

(From our own Correspondent.)

O NFHUNGA, this day.

Onehunga was again agitated, to-day, with a rumour of the poisoning of a woman confined on Thursday.

She was suffering in an extraordinary manner, and died on Friday morning.

Three doctors attended her

Dr. Ros-s suspected that the symptoms shewed poison, and caught in a bottle the foam from her lips and submitted the same to Mr Tunny, Provincial Analyst. The result shewed arsenic.

The police were informed on Saturday morning. The woman was buried on Friday, the day of her death.

The police are investigating the case. Later,

A woman named Scott, whose husband is on one of the steamers, was taken ill on Thursday. At first it was thought an ordinary case of confinement, but the ex traordinary nature of the pains gave reason to suppose there was some other cause of suffering. Drs. Zinzan, Ross, and Purchas attended on being sent for. The child was born on Thursday. Dr. Ross believing that the symptoms were indicative of poison, went to the chemist's to procure a bottle, in order to test some of the vomit. Pro ceeding at about 9 o'clock on the following morning to the house, he found her dead, but ivjih able to put into that bottle a sutli cient quantity of froth for analization, ob tained from the sides of the mouth. This lie took in the afternoon to Tunny's labora tory to havj it tested, but he was not in. On returning to Onehunga Dr Ross was astonish d to find that the woman had already b;;eu buried. On Sa urday he again went with tho bottle and contents to Mr Tunncy, without mentioning the nature of the enquiry. Mr Tunney's scrutiny resulted in his pronouncing the presence of arsenic. Mr Tunncy then accompanied Dr ltoss, tit the reijnest of the latter, to the police sta tion, where the case was reported.

The police tare investigating the affair. It is expected that further action will be taken, which may lead to the body being exhumed.

TAIRUA GOLD MINING COMPANY.

A MEETING of the shareholders in the Tai rua Gold Mining Co. was held to-day at the office of the Company, MrG. S. Graham took the chair, and explained that the business", of the meeting was to present the balance .sheet for adoption. The following statement of accounts were then laid before the meeting:— Receipts.—From shareholders for prelimi nary expenditure, £187 10s ; c.ills, £4,037 10s ; proceeds of gold, £1)70 1b 10d ; crush ings,£s2 11s 6d; from Bank of New Zealand (overdraft), £171 Cs 3d; total, £5,418 IDs 7d. Expenditure.—Mine expenses, £2,701 8s 2d ; battery," £1,715 ; Plant, Tools, &c, £002 11s 5d ; total, £5,418 IDs 7d. Mine Account.—Dr. To expenditure, £2,701 8s 2d; creditors, £2,068 12s 4d ; total, £4,770 0"d. Cr. By receipts from shareholders for preliminary expenses, £187 10s; proceeds from gold, £970 Is lOd; Crushings, £52 lls (>'d ; balance (carried to balance sheet), £3,550 17s 9d ; total, £4,770 fid. Balance Sheet.—Dr. To creditors, £2,008 12s 4xl; Bank of New Zealand, £171 Gs 3d ; capital, viz : —IO,OOO shares at lO.s each, £5,000; total, £7,239 18s 7d. Cr. By battery, £1,815 ; plant, tools, &c., £902 lls 5d ; mine, £3,559 17s 2d ; uncalled capital : 9,500 shares at Is (>d per share, £712 10s ; unallotted shares : 500 shares at 10s per share, £250 ; total, £7,239 ISs 7d. The balance sheet was carried. The statement of the liquidators shewed that £2002 ISs lid had been received and ex pended on liquidating the affairs of the Com pany. In person, and .by proxy, a large number of shares were represented. Mr Winter having read the New Zealand Gazette advertisement convening the meeting, the chairman, Mr George S. Graham, read the audited statement of accounts and affairs of the company, which were received and adopted, and the meeting resolved that the affairs ot the Tainm G.M. Company, limited, have been tairly wound up. There was no other business.

THE VOLUNTEERS.

We gave in Saturday's issue of the Star, the result of the living for Dr. Campbell's trophy, ■which fell to the lot of Volunteer McLean, who scored 70 to the honor of the Naval Bridge. The National Rifle Associa tion's silver medal, the prize for the highest aggregate scorer in the three matches, falls to the lot of Lieutenant Kelly, No. 3 Com pany. The fourth match was begun immediately at the conclusion of the third. The ranges were—2oo, 300, 400, and 500 yards ; 5 shots at each. The honors of the Volunteers in their contest have been nicely distributed so that no Company has won more than one prize, as will be seen by the names and companies of prize winners:—Mi- Beck's Cup was won by Gunner Rose, Artillery Company ; EVENING Star Cup and Star, by Captain White, Engineer Cadets ; Dr. Campbell's prize, by Volunteer J. McLean, Naval Brigade ; National Rifle Association's silver medal, by Lieutenant Kelly, No. 3 Company; All Comers' (Association) Cup, Volunteer J. Leigh, Victoria Company. The firing on Saturday, notwithstanding the roughness of the wind,

was highly creditable, and some excellent shots were made.

THE GEORGIA MINSTRELS.

Tins amusing troupe had a grand house on Saturday night a.t the Theatre. The pro gramme was partly new, so that those who wore paying a second visit had something fresh for their money. The antics of the "bones" and the tambos were, as usual, th« great attraction of the evening. Some very characteristic negro melodies and choruses were sung, and the band and other accompaniments, such as hand-clapping, beating time with the feet, etc*, etc> were highly relished* The audience were maintained in a state of good humour throughout the evening. The popularity o<" the Minstrels has not declined as many propheciiid it would. They make up for the absence of imitation by several intrinsic ex« elleuoica, and as thtf can vary their pro* framuißS to an unlimited exfceat.they *rsa},Wfty»

CABLEGRAMS.

(Press Agency.)

THE TUROO-RUSSIAK WAR.

Earl Derby and Prince G-orts-

chakoff at Issue.

i The Russians Cross the Frontier.

Direction of the March of the

Main Army.

First Blood: Turks Defeated at Batoura with Loss of 800 Hen-

LONDON

Friday, April 27

Earl Derby neither accepts nor adopts the conclusion or the arguments of Prince Gortschakoffs circular. On the 26' th the Russians crossed the frontier at Alexandrople. The main army is moving towards Dal ramcha. It is considered doubtful if the Turks will arrive in time to prevent the passage of the Danube. The Russians commenced hostilities at Ardaharu to-day, and routed the Turks, near Bartoura, with loss to the latter of 800 men. The following ships have arrived in Lon don on April 21st from Melbourne : North American and Rodney ; from Dunedin, the Tim aru.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before K. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.) ON THE RICJRST. Tipplers are we, and tronbled oft with thirst, And like the water-pipe?) are on the burst. John Symonds (2nd offence) Avas charged with being in a state of beer, and fined 10s. Adam Moore and George Sherriff, for over doing it, were fined ss. each. FROLICSOME MOLLY. Frolicsome Molly, on Saturday night, Was found in the street in unwomanly plight. Mary Ann Alexander was brought up under the Vagrant Act, charged with having no visible lawful means, etc., and with being an habitual drunkard. Prisoner, who had lost her feather,denied the charge. Molly was innocent. Detective Grace described prisoner as a person of abandoned habits, and she was one of the homeless wanderers of the niplit. Snrgeunt-Major Mason, deposed that the prisoner was a frequent lodgor in the police cell, through her unfortunate habit of drunkenness. Prisoner said she "was v needle-woman. Sub-Inspector Partly said that prisoner was greatly addicted to drink, and seemed incapable of reforming herself. He thought a term of imprisonment would be of great service to her. Tlic Court sentenced the woman to two months' imprisonment with hard labour. A S.VVACK HUSBAND. 1 Instead of shielding tenderly hi» wife. lie blacked her eye and swore he'd take her life. Alexander Craig, labourer, was brought up under the Vagrant Act, charged with assaulting Letitia Craig, his wife, and threatening to take her life on Saturday last. The words used by prisoner were read over, but he had no recollection of them. Letitia Craig deposed that she was the wife of prisoner, and lived in Grey-street, and had been subjected to a seines of ill treatment. On Saturday he came home much intoxicated, told her to clear out : she went out,and he chased her, and committed the assault; he also said he would choke her, and looked as if he: meant to do it. She was afraid of him ; h« was bound over in November last, and she wished for tho protection of the Court. Constable Parker deposed that on Satur day the complainant ran to him for pro tection ; be returned with her, and saw Craig leaping and jumping like a madman ; he said he would have Letitia's life. He had much trouble in arresting1 him, as he swore he would not be taken by any con stable ; he called assistance. Constable Dews stated that he went to the houso, and saw prisoner with an iron, bar in his hands, swearing he would kill his wife ; he was under the influence of drink, but his wife was sober. Prisoner, in his defence, said he was a hard-working man, but got drunk occasion ally. He wanted to go away into the country, but his wife would not leave Auckland.

The prisoner was fouud guilty; and was fined 40s, and 6"s fid cosf;s, or one month, for the dreadful language used in the hear ing of persons passing, and to find sureties, himself in £20, and two others in £10 each, to keep the peace for six months, and to pay the costs, 14s. YOUNG MCGJtATH. Patrick McGrath, son of McGrath now undergoing a term of imprisonment for ill treating his wife, was charged with escaping from the Naval Training school on Saturday last. Thomas Turner, another boy, was charged with the same offence. His Worship gave the boys a sharp lecture on the impropriety of their conduct, and they were ordered back to the school. A NEGLIGENT FATHKR. Stephen Home was brought up again, charged with failing tp contribute towards the srpport of his children in the Howe street Industrial Home. Arrears £8 15s. Defendant said he was aware that he owed the money, but the police locked him up instead of letting him be at liberty, and trying to get the money. The defendant, it appears, was a man of drinking habits, and who never made an effort to assist in support of his children. The Court ordered that a distress warrant issue upon Home's goods and chattels, for the payment of the arrears,, and that prisoner remain in custody until the dis tress had been effected. Neil McGechan, tailor, against whom a warrant was issued for nonpayment of arrears, £4 18s, in a ssmilar case, settled the account, and departed with a clear conscience. A STRAYING INNOCENT. Edwin Clark, a little lad in knicker bockers, was charged with a breach of the Naval Training Act, by being about with out proper guardianship. The lad was found by a tender-hearted constable on Saturday evening in the Queen street crowd, and as he said he was lost and wanted his mamma, he was taken to the station and feasted with bread and new milk, and also with a paper of lollies, kindly supplied by "Detective Jeffrey. Having filled his little belly, the little fellow faintly articulated his name, Eddy Clark. The child was subsequently discovered by his father, who embraced him tenderly and took him home. (The case was withdrawn. EDUCATION RATES. Mr Beale, solicitor, appeared with a short list of the names of defaulters, who had not paid the education rate of last year. Among the defaulters were, Edward Phillips, and Arthur Rowe, who at once paid up, and the cases of George Hunter, George Lcnf, Henry Dixon, and Wm. Kussoll, were adjourned, until tlie sth of June, This YTW oil tl*e bu^ftWp.

DR. WALLIS AT THE CATHOLIC INSTITUTE.

According to previous announcement Dr. Wallis met the electors of City West on Saturday evening, in the Catholic Institute, Wellington-street, and notwithstanding the several counter attractions the hall was filled with, electors and listeners. Mr Waddel was voted to the chair, and in a speech remarkable for its point and brevity, formally introduced the Doctor to the au dience. Dr. Wallis on coming forward was greeted with loud applause, and commenced his address by expressing his regret in being almost compelled to meet them on that evening, but circumstances necessitated it. He hoped that eA'ery elector had received a copy of his printed address which had bceu sent, his committee thinking it well to adopt this course in order to avoid a personal canvass. The nights of his meetings nad been marked and duly advertised ten days ago, and yet Mr Graham had called a meet ing of the electors in the Mechanic's Institute ou°the very evening that he (Dr. Wallis) had announced his intention of addressing them in that hall, an action which he condemned and regarded as very shabby in an opponent; he believed in fair play. He would not, however, further refer to this matter, but proceed at once to the immediate business of the meeting. New Zealand was but a young country, and it was the desire of her adopted sons," who had her interest at heart, , to endeavour to make her in the future great and glorious. In order to bring about that happy consummation, several elements, political, commercial, and industrial, were necessary—(cheers)—and the development of these would depend mainly upon the laws by which she would be governed; hence,good Government was of the first im portance. It would,therefore,be essentially necessary that her legislators should not only be honest men, but men of in formation, above meanness and the level of ignorance, capable of making good and just laws. Dr. Wallis then dwelt upon the financial condition of the country, and referred to the land fund resolutions of 1556. These resolutions were no more a compact than any other set of resolutions would be, which were liable to be amended or rescinded when over expedient or desirable. When the Government and the Parliament said they would grant a capitation allowance of 40s, that was quite as much a compact. They reduced it to 30s the next year, and to. 15s afterwards. The speaker, touched upon the borrowing policy of 1870, Avhich resulted in the death of provincial institutions through the scheming of the Hon. Julius Vogel, The speaker in referring to the abolition of the provincial system, said that the abolition had taken from the people all that was good in the former constitution and left them all that was bad in it, the object being to establish centralism. The Counties Act reproduced the bad with the addition of imposing extra taxes xipon the people. The next matter touched lipon was the customs revenue in relation to this city. Auckland had not been fairly treated, she had not received a full share in theloans which had been raised, nor had she been fairly treated in the matter of railroads and public Avorks. Yet, Auckland would be called upon to pay the interest of expen diture from which .she gathered no advan tage. As for immigration, the South reaped the advantage, in employment for labour, on Government works. Auckland did not want more immigrants at present. But she would be called upon to pay the interest of expenditure from which she never got any advantage, and for immi grants, of whose labour the South only got the benefit. (Cheers.) He believed that the only safe cure for the accumula ting evils which were becoming intoler able was insular separation. (Cheers.) Unless public men Avere vigilant, dis inteiested, and fore-sighted, history would repeat itself here ; they would have this North Island impoverished, depressed by injustice, and oppressed by Government, as Ireland Avas for centuries, and the cry of "Home Rule" would be heard here as it Avas there (loud cheers). The only thing to ward oil* such evil Avas an efficient, econ omical, and undivided local government. The freedom of which Englishmen boasted Avherever they Avere settled AA'as being threatened. They saw here a Legislative Council nominated by the Governor or the Government; they saAv a bastard aristoc racy growing up out of the Civil Service which, unless their careers were stopped, tended to deprive the people of every pri vilege they possessed. The tendency towards Centralism was illustrated by another fact. In England, the police, with the exception of the Metropolitan branch of it, were under the control of the local authority. But in Ncav Zealand there Avere 1090 men drilled, armed, and equipped, and everyone of them at the back of the Government in Wellington. The speaker next touched upon the impor tant question of trade, which lift considered should be entirely free in every country. He Avas also an advocate for niauho->d suffrage ; but manhood suffrage, he thought did not go far enough ; he would have "the franchise extended to women; he Avas aware, however, that such an idea was condemned, it AA'as certainly an advanced idea, and he had no intention of pressing it under present circumstances. If property needed protection it would be better, rather than public and individual rights should be interfered with, there should be a property franchise, and a separate chamber where the rights of property might be determined. His views in reference to education were considered peculiar, but lie believed that they involved the settlement of that great and vexed question. According to the Premier's announcement, the subject would be brought before the Assembly in the next session of Parliament. It was commonly said that education must be either secular or denominational. He did not think this division embraced the whole question. He thought the right defi nition was that education should be " unsectarian." He would have the words "secular "and "denominational" become obsolete, for neither of them indicated exactly what Avas Avanted. Neither did he think that the sole educators of the people should be the Government, No doubt that Avould promote the greatest efficiency in some branches of kuowledge, but it implied a possibility that the knoAvledge Avould be of a kind that Avould be serviceable to the Government, and might, in the long run, be turned against the people. In our day, it Avas true that education was falling more or less into the hands of the State, and en lightened Governments were taking this matter in hand. But, at the same time, the Government ought not to be the sole educa tors of the people. Here was the difficulty. One said it must bn secular ; another said it must be denominational. It should be neither ; but it ought to be unsectarian. The difficulty lay in the relations Avhich had sprung up between people of different modes of thinking. A teaching of any particular tenet would be held to he sectarian. The Protestant protested against those to which he was not favourable ; the Roman Catholic objected to any other than his own ; and the Secularist, who Avas a sectary, too, objected to all of them. Therefore, education should be unsectarian. But the history of the question showed that denominations, after all, had been the great educators of man kind. Would anyone say that religion Avas to be excluded altogether from the educa tional process ? No i Hence he said that if there Avere schools in which the great principles of morality should be taught, they should have the same encouragement and receive the same support as others Who would deny that there ought to be such schools ? Ho preferred a denomma- I tioiml to a secular system, but he preferred I a. system that would be strict:y unsoctarian ■ to either, (Loud and prolonged ohesrla»i h*l there be m Bdueaticm that wlU«wbm«B

every sound and good form of instruction The regard for public liberty should prevent the people from allowing the Government to be the sole educators of their children There could be a system of education thoroughly unsectarian, Avhich should com prehend a splendid variety of topics and would not exclude that part of mental culture upon which all other parts depend for their right application. (Cheers.) Questions. —The speaker replied to the folloAving questions (by Mr Staines), that he Avould be willing to extend the hours for polling votes at an election, so as to enable working men to vote ; (by the Rev. Peter Mason) that he Avould support the Permis sive Bill; that he would support a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the temperance question; that publicans and their servants were hard worked like everyone else, and were entitled to the " day of rest," hence their houses should be closed on the Sabbath day. Mr Ross then moved, "That this meeting has full confidence in Dr. Wallis as a fit and proper person to represent Auckland City West in the General Assembly." Mr Ross in* moving the resolution, spoke of the influence of the fair sex on elections, and generally he thought, they were inclined towards Dr! Wallis for City West. Mrs Ross had told him that he must vote for Dr. Wallis, and consequently he felt bound to do so. Mr C. GreeiiAVay made a feAv remarks, and seconded the resolution, which was un animously carried. Dr. Wallis returned thanks. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting.

City West Nomination.

The nomination of a Candidate to repre sent the district of Auckland City West in the General Assembly, took place at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms at noon to-day. There was a large atten dance, the hall being well filled.

Mr. H. Y. Collins, Returning Officer, read the writ, and the official notification, and then called upon any elector who had a candidate to propose to come forward and do so.

Mr. A. Black (amidst cries of platform,) said the candidates ought to be proposed in accordance with the mode in which s tliey came out.

The Returning Officer said he had no power to arrange it. Mr. Graham said he had arranged with Dr. Wallis to come first, but he would be satisfied with the decision of the meeting on the question. The Returning Officer put the question, when 29 hands were held tip for Mr Graham to be first proposed, and 38 for Dr Wallis. Mr A. Black then said he was again called upon to nominate a gentleman to represent City West, and not before it was needed (applause). He had refused to support the late representative, because he had no con fidence in him, but he had confidence in Dr Wallis, and he only wished that the present audience had been present at- the meeting on Saturday night to hear his able exposition of the affairs of the colony from its com mencement. If lie consulted self-interest, he would vote for Mr Graham, but for the good of the colony, he would support Dr Wallis. (Applause). He (Mr Black) Avas not under the thumb ot any big house iv Queen street. (Applause). He spoke of the mis representations of the " Herald," and said the press in Auckland was not independent. He had not supported the last representative, and lie believed when he resigned, it was time that he did bo. The speaker enlarged on the qualifica tions of Dr Wallis, Avho would work with Sir George Grey. (Applause). He would propose Dr Wallis as a fit and proper candidate.

Mr Barton said he seconded the nomina tion because Dr Wallis was a man Avho had no selfish ends in view. He was a cultured man, a good speaker, and one well able to cope with the men of the South. (Applause.) And he was quite sure that Dr Wallis would support Sir George Grey, as he had promised. Mr J. P. King hoped that there would be be no low vulgar personalities to-day, but every man would utter his sentiments. Mr Graham was an old and tried servant (a Voice : Query), and had never stultified himself. He had a large stake in the colony, and large experience of its wants. His views on the Native Question were that the law should be upheld, and murderers punished. (Applause.) He (Mr King) regarded the Counties Act as an abortion, and ho] >ed that whoever went in would see that the Act was repealed. It was a serious matter that £1,000 out of £5,000 raised in the County of Eden should be spent in salaries. He" denied that Mr Graham was in league with Mr Whitaker to monopolise the lands. The speaker was about to come off the platform, when Mr Staines said "Why don't you second him properly f? The speaker then ' said lie would propose Mr Robert Graham as a fit and proper person to represent City West. (Applause.) Mr Layers said he would second the nom ination of Mr Graham, as an old aud tried servant.

Mr Swanson said lie had been informed by Mr John Luiidon that he could not be present to-day. Mr King : So much for his trouble. Dr WaUis said he would state the views that had induced him to como forward to (1 ay. He thought that no profession should be debarred from Parliament. It would be very hard to exclude a lawyer or a publican. He belonged to the profession of the Church, but he happened also to be a surgeon, an apothecary, and a man mid-wife (laughter). He had for years been engaged in teaching truth, and why should he not go into Par | liament, and have an opportunity of ndvoca ! ting that in public which he had in private. Another reason why he had come forward was for the good he'might do. The speaker spoke of the evils of bad legislation, and the pressure of the public debt) and he said the colony was on the verge of bankruptcy. He thought that business should predominate in Parliament, but there should also be a few men acquainted with the science of politics and the principles of political economy, and it was upon these subjects that he had been lecturing, and writing in papers and magazines all his life. He snoke of the evils of Centralism. Sir George Grey had come forward to save the colony from sinking deeper and deeper into debt, and falling into the centralising power of Stf Julius Vogel. To Sir George Grey belonged the determined will, the eloquence, and the honesty to lead a party. (Applause.) Reference had been made to the } *ern^ "profess to follow Sir George Grey." (A voice : Rather an ambiguous term). He had used that term in one address, but he had issued another, in which he had stated that he not only professed to follow Sir George Grey, but he had always practised what he professed. (Cheers.) The great burning question of the next session would be Separation. The speaker then compared the natural connexion of Scotland and England, as compared with the insulation of the North and South Islands of Aew Zealand. The cry for separation would make itself heard,'but it had been P^ciß' tated by the wrongs which Auckland had suffered. He considered that financial separation must lead to insular separation. To atteniDt to retain both, would be to trj to ride two horses. The speaker related an amusing anecdote of his youth to illustrate the absurdity of his argument. He was IDA favour of the cheapest form of local, sf[r\ Government, which would be one *of tm) I prominent questions next session. Consul. ei-ing the action he had taken in furth^iisg local self-Government, he thought Mr King might have paid liim a voluntary com pliment, when ho was speaking (applause.) #c was in favour of %h$ Highway Bosra system, with verj? limited "toiwvwff £>9WS% tfe* &Wiition of thj> jwjjy fJf|W?( I

THE EVENING STAR MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1877.



IVTEAT AT MILLION PRICES NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED! In consequence of th« ACCIDENT to my New Premises last night, I am compelled to SACRIFICE MV LARGE STOCK, to allow Repairs to the Ceiling to be Commenced on MONDAY. gat Note the Address of my new Shop— R. REEVE S, BUTCHER, Corner of Chapel and Victoria-streets. FOR LEASE or Sale, on easy terms, a most valuable Orchard situated at the foot of Rutland Road, Parnell, with Dwelling house and Shop ; unfailing well of water.—Apply to F. W. Lally, Shortland-street. LOST," on~Saturday, between Newton Road and Pitt-street, a Little Boy's Tweed Coat (new).—The finder will be rewarded b< leaving it at 31r. Davis's, Grocer, Karangahape Road. W bcu's to intimate to his friends and the public generally that, he has j-tairted Lock- Smithing and Bell-Hanging in all its Branches at the junction of Queen and Grey-streets, and hopes to obtain a share of public support. rMTY WEST No. 2 PUBLIC SCHOOL, <O WELLINGTON-STREET. The EVENING CLASSES will be Re-opened on MONDAY, 30th April, at 7.30. English, Arithmetic, Bookkeeping, &c, Sir. Hakktsox- French (Commercial and Conversational), Mons. F. Peltzbr. Monsieur Pelt-er is highly successful as a Teacher of French. Those interested in the study of this language are invited to call and observe his method of instruction. T^ 0 T I C E. Is withdrawn from the Coromandel trade. J. CASEY & SON. eTEESLEY - STREET BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL. The ANNUAL TEA MEETING on Tuesday, May Ist. Tea on tables at half-past six. Tickets, Is 6d caoh. "VfOVELTY ! Novelty ! Novelty !— J3I Butter Coolers, Sugar Basins, Cream Jars, Tankards, Tumblers. Glass Basins, all full of best English Jam, from Is 3d to 2s 3d; Tea Cannisters, Is and Is 6d. Ex Electra from London. At H. Watts, Pitt-street.—Note.— Fruit and Parrots shortly to arrive. BOARD and Residence.—A comfortable home, use of piano. Terms moderate.— Apply Mrs. Cope, Warwick House, Pitt-street, opposite Vinoent-street. T> SALMON, Butcher, will remove on JL\j» Tuesday next to those premises in Hobson ■street lately occupiedbv Mr. Reeves. T ODGE WAITEMATA, 659, E.G. The Members of the Lodge of Instruction are particularly requested to meet at the Lodge room, Masonic Hotel, TO-MORROW (Tuesday) . EVEITING, Ist May, at 7.30 o'clock sharp. Business of importance. > By order of the W.M. SHAREHOLDERS Hibernian >3 Band Monthly Quadrille Party will be held in Mr. Dornwell's new- Hall, Darby-street, on WEDNESDAY EVENING, May 2,1877. Doable Tickets, 3s. 6d. each. Dxnoing to commence at 8 o'clock jßt Rharp. Their splendid Band will provide the H H. p. HAYDBN, Treasurer,



NOTICE. AUTUMN & WINTER GOODS, BANNOCKBURN AND MOSGIEL TWEEDS H. L. POSSENNISKIE Opening Out these New Seasonable Goods, would call particular attention to their quality, which is second to none imported, while from his large and varied Stock Gentlemen can rely on a choice of Cloth unattainable else where in the colony. H. L. POSSENNISKIE, MERCHANT TAILOR & HABITMAKER, Opposite the City Mart, Shortland-street. YJURNITURE! FURNITURE ! Ladies and Gent emen about to Farnteh are respect fully requested to inspect the Large Slock of DBA WING - BOOM. DINING- - ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNTTURE, In our New and Spacious Shov/rooms. T. & STCOOKE, 67, QUEENSniBET A dioining Bank of New Zealand. JO-MOB.RO W (SATURDAY) we shall bring forvxird the Greater Portion of Messrs. Stewart and Anderson's Stock, consisting of Winceys, French Merinos, Fancy Dress Goods, Shawls, and Mantles; also an immense quantity of Men's and Boys' Clothing. The above Goods vjill be cleared out regardless of cost, to make room for Winter Shipments, novj landing, per JElectra and Emily Gliaplin. J. COSGRAVE & CO.



T>AKUR A N G A HUNT CLUB. W. RATTRAY Begs to inform Members of the Club that he has received the GREEN CLOTH for Making their HUNTING COATS, and is prepared to execute orders -with promptitude. W. RATTRAY, [cLOTHIEI! & MERCHANT TAILOR, IKi. QUISEN-STKISET. AUOTCT.ANO "VT OTIGE OF REMOVAL. H. A TKINS . BEGS TO ANNOUNCE THAT HE ffE A S REMOVED!!"©* TO THE Premises Next Door Below his Old Shop. H. ATKINS Begs to heartily thank h is numerous Cus tomers for their very liberal patronage from his first comm^ncinc: business up to ihe present time, and to assure them that although his trade has increased to that extent, that his REMOVAL to more Commodious Premises was a neces sity, the samo principles of business will still be adhered to: viz., keeping a good article, buying in the cheapest market, and selling' at the smallest profit, po^sijble. His New Shop shall always be known as The Cheapest in Auckland. H.A. will be happy to see all his old Customers, and as many new ones as may honour him with their patronage.



A SPLENDID STOCK OF DRAPERY AND CLOTHING Will always be found, and the PRICES THE LOWEST IN AUCKLAND 1 H. ATKINS. Look out for shams in the shape of poisonous imitations of the People's favourite health beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Sciiikdam Auo matic Schnapps. These detestable swindles often bear counterfeit labels or names closely approximating to that of the true article. A close scrutiny should be brought to bear upon preparations purporting to be the real Schnapps. Bkal-tiJ'X-l Teeth — SirAßLAxn'.s Pearl Dkntixe preserves and whitens the Teeth, and gives a pleasant odour to the Breath ; produces healthy gums, and prevents and arrests decay. Pri<"c, 2s. 6d. a box. SuABLAND's Perfect Tooth Brush, Is. and Is. (id. each. Opposite Post-office Auckland.