SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

fTlus Afternoon, 3.;19 SIGH WATER--, To . mo rrow Morning:, F3l qttxj -sET.—This Evening, fi.l. CTTN RTSE.—To-morrow Morning. 0.J7 MOON'S AGE.-- New Moon, 7th, 8.37 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Minnehaha, schooner,.from hy t(r<^ Colonist, schooner, Bailey, from Waitata

DEPARTURES.

Hawea, s.s.. Wheeler, for-Russell

.TECTEI) DEPARTURES.

For the Islands-Active, schoon r, early. ,", i '.Any -C-ilnmbns. barque, earlj For llobart Town-Bella Mary, barque at once, tkw T" fvrn'rta— Mazcppa, schooner, early V. ■ T-'mva-a and the South - Hawea, ou 1-rrival of-v-:i,htndia with mail. v *fnn Rnuth-Taupo. s.s.. Tuesday ftthinst. For Napier-Southern Cross. Monday, Sth inst.

IMPORTS.

Per Minnehaha, schooner, irom Aim 150 sacks dour. 100 do bran, 70 do. sharpy, *W bags oatmeal. 11 case. bacon.— l. H. Wan « 00.

The schooner Minnehaha arrived.torn. Lyttet ton yesterday evcnin_r. after a fine passage, one Urin"V-i r-^-ao of hreadstull.., potatoes, etc. "''Tho as Hawea left for Russell yesterday Liu. ...a. _- -->• . Kppir aeain !■->-.sorrow, __Swl!__eS_ ?»f th,- South on ISSSSSS nearly finished '^^^one^Cololdst ~ Jf^^ror V. eHin_-ton with a cargo of Umber, S?-S.tl.« Go .eminent Inspector of A-f\A:A i" .. ..resent, in town, and is onga.red F--;'' IFF.i.F fF i_,ir-yenrb- inspection ot toe varmusi_.toi_.__ vessels "belonging to the pork

COMMERCIAL.

■my -n * rthur held a sale of new and secona ha id furniture at his mart to : day. There was a g™ Attendance, and fair prices. wwe.realised. The sale of sugar, produce, etc, at MrJU W. Eaton's miction mart to-day was .well-attended. 1. hiding was good, and the various lote w«e quitted at moderate prices. 1 '.^r^^bn-v brought from £27 to £28 10s per ton ; Canterbury potatoes, £3 16s to .-S3 17s 6d per ton.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Undrk :

For Thames, this day. at 5.30 p.m.; and to-mor row. at, 10 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel per Ar_ryle, on Friday next, Fo- W-Wm, Warkwort-i. and To Aral, per Vnnie MilV.nk, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. . For' Australian Colonies, per Zealandia, im niediatelv after arrival from Honolulu. Foi Tmratv .1. Gisborne, Napier, and Southern Provinces: per Hawea, immediately after arrival of Zealandia. rw___«w n.r For Whitian-ra. Tauranga, and Opotlkl. per Rowona. on "riday next, at, 4 p.m. For Levuka, per Mazcppa, on Saturday next, For Friendly Islands and Samoa, per Active, on Saturday next, at 1 p.m. . Var Tarmaki and Southern Provinces and Australian Colonies,per Taupo, on Tuesday next, at S a.nu g^ ch . rf PoatnMll , tor .

CALLS AND DIVIDENDS.

Th" following are the dates and amounts ot calls in connection with the undermentioned gold mining companies: & g fl Date _ City of London . .. 0 1 3 - Oct. 4 Red. White, and Blue 0 1 0 - Oct. ft •Albion - - V "ncr Oct 10 Homeward Bound .. 0 0 6 - Oct. 10 Shannon and Fergus.. 0 0 3 - Oct. 10 & Golden Pah."." :-" So° I = BS_ 18 Dividends— a n (w q Bank of Australasia, .2! 10 0i - Oct. J CREDITORS' MEETINGS. In the estate of Henry Jackson .. Oct. 4 Walter O. Best .. Oct. 8 Henry P. Hayden .. Oct. 10

MARRIAGE.

JOHNSON—FITZPATRICK.—On Ist October. at St. Patrick's Cathedral, hy tho Rev. Walter McDonald, James Johnson, of North Wairoa Rivor, to Sarah Fitzpatrick, of North Stioi-o, Auckland.

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

WEDNESDAY. OCTOBER 3, 1877.

f or«fe--c_-_- tkat lacks s_kLs__-ic_ i For the -rrros-jj that _---<-_ lesisKiaco. For th_ l-iu-w ia the d__b__ce, /___ .___»!_lV_U_ _a» -fc-^a-

It is a remarkable peculiarity about all progressive movements in Auckland that after talk and agitation have continued for , years, with apparently the utmost unani- . mity, until a matter has become regarded as one about winch there is no divided opinion, someone arises, when tho realisa tion of the ripened scheme appears to be at hand, and asks whether it would be such a good thing after all. Captaiu McKenzie's motion at the Harbour Board yesterday against the extension of the railway to the Queen-stre-t Wharf will be very generally ; vieweda_.partaking of thisdasaof objection. If the reasons put fosward in support of the motion had been different —if nouttempthad been made to defend the present station, which is _u_JD_-i-tak_.bly inconvenient aud unsuitable, and another and more central Kite thau tho Queen-street Wharf had boon suggested—the motion, wc believe, would have received more support. _ Evoryone who has occasion to use the railway is so thoroughly impressed with the unfitness of the existing B ito for the purposes of- a station, that Captaiu McKensie courted defeat for his inotioa iv _.-.: presenting that the public would reap nothing in con venience, and the line nothing in traffic, from a change in position. It mui_i be acknowledged as a cardinal -point that a removal of tho terminus is imperative in the interest of the public, and for the sake of the line. That admitted, it may be open to discussion whether the tacit acceptance of the Queen-street wharf as the best site for the new station has been arrived at after due deliberation. Captain McKenzie's objection is baaed on tlie injury to the Board's allotments along Custom-house-street which would be occasioned by the railway embank ment cutting oft' the water front age. This might be avoided by bringing the line through the opening made in Britomart Point, across the intake into Fort-street, or by constructiong a short tunnel under Stortland-street, ending on tho Improvement Commissioners' property on the flat at the bottom of Barrack Hill, a most central and in every way admirable situation, combining the advantage that the land for tlie staion could probably be Hceuued . free. It should be held as an open question, | until after careful examination, which of the available termini would be most , advantageous to the public interests as represented either by the Harbour Board, j oAhe Government. But the fact that the ' station ought to be removed to some more : central site .must be decisively ahirmed,and j it is injudicious just now to raise conside rations secondary to the main issue, mas- I much as these ' may be employed as a J pretext for shelving the whole thing. The Government are a; the present moment i spending something like £10,000 to shift | the Helensville station 43 chains-. The terminus of the lines North and South is j surely entitled to equal consideration. Most certainly,for one case of inconvenience j that has occurred through, the location of the Helensville station, a hundred arc j represented by tho daily annoyance and ; loss which the public suffer through the mis- I placement of the station at Point Brito- j mart. | i

We have had several letters to tho editor j in type for two or three days, bu,-'.- no . chance has yet presented itself of giving j them publicity. j At the meeting of the Harbour Board ! yesterday Captain 1). li. McKeu/ie moved j a resolution to the effect that a. represcnta- ! tion be made to the Government that the j removal of the railway station to the ■ i Queen-street Wharf would be prejudicial to I j the interests of the Board, and of no benefit , ;to the public. Captain McXcnzio said lie f I had often tried to think of what good the ; projected removal would be, aud had never •' been able to find any benefit that would i arise from it. He was quite sure ifc would \ be a bad thing for the' Board. The line j weather was coming on, and tlie nuisance of j a bad road would no longer exist. Captain McKenzie supported his motion by re- j ferences to the station.", at Christchurch, i Oamaru, and Timaru. Captain Casey, in a characteristic speech, .seconded, end the motion was supported by Mr Thome ; ' ; Messrs Cosgrave, Masefield, and others, \ \ opposed it. On being put to the meeting j ; the motion was lose by 11 against 3. j i

A select quadrille party will be held this evening in the Oddfellows' Hail, Cook street, as per advertisement, Mr W. T. Donald will act as master of ceremonies.

The Christian Doctrine Society's enter tainment was fully attended last evening in ths Catholic Institute, Wellington-street, and proved a tlireo-fold success; namely, in attendance, in music and literary exposi tion. The programme was very choice, in cluding songs from Thomas Moore, and sketches from Charles Dickena and other popular authors. " Let Erin remember the days of old," was sweetly rendered; Miss Martin gave the " Soldier's Funeral," with pathos aud feeling; aud Miss White and Miss Ckadwick rendered the duct " Two Merry Heart.." iv a highly creditable man ner, and submitted to a recalL Miss Naughton's sweet ballad, "The heart of thy Norah" was a vocal treat. This lady seems to improve upon every occasion. In reply to the determined wish of the audi ence, Mis*. Nanghton again stepped forward and sang "Listening for the voices.' : Mist; Kirby, in :i sweetly plaintive stylo ' gave '• Thy voice is near," aud won the ear af tho audience by her nice rendering of the poetry. Messrs Christopher and Sheahau performed a elariouettee and flute solo very satisfactorily. Mr O'Neill closed the first part with a song and comic speech, which set the house in a roar. The second part was equally well executed, including the "Minstrel Boy," " Sweet A-iigelus," by Miss Thomson; "Charity," by Miss Willis ; "The Convent Balls," by two ladies, and " Sergeant Buzfuj.," by Mr Napier, in the character of counsel for plaintiff iv the famous trial of Bardell versus Pickwick. The address was successfully delivered, to the delight of the auditory. Miss Shanaghan presided with her usual ability and taste at the pianoforte. Mr Owen Mahon, the secretary, gave an account of the progress of the Society, and thanked the singers and others for their kindly assistance, and the company for their' liberal patronage. The Nafcoual Anthem closed the entertainment.

The Waitekauri Gold Mining Company will clean up, after a, month's run, ou Satur day next, but the return is not expected to come up to the average, owing to many stoppages, and no divide:!:! will ensue. [Thames Advertiser.]

To-morrow tho large and subsiautial school building erected in Onehunga will bo formally opened. In the cveuiug the Committee will attend a meeting, at which there will be speeches and congratulation, after which a lime light entertainment will be provided by the Committee for the pleasure of tho school children and their friends. Mr Matthosou is contractor tor the schools, which are capable of holding 41)0 children, lie has done his work well. Mr Allright is architect.

It might be mentioned, as many of our readers hay ~ no doubt, surmised, that the letter from an old New Zealand resident now at lterak, near Penaug, Malay, was from Captain Speedy, loug resident in Auckland, and several of whose relatives are pcrnanently located in the province.

A rehearsal of the music for the Choral Festival will be held to-morrow (Thursday) evening, in St. Paul's Church. Members are requested to be punctual at half-past seven o'clock.

The bombing " Daily New/ war <-,( <r rcspomlentinformsthatjournaltlmt llcutcr'j agent at the sent of war is a military doctor in the Turkish service, and unless ho submits his telegrams to the Turki.di officials for supervision lie runs a chance of being shot.

Mails for Australian Colonies, per Ringaroorna at the liluff, close on Thurs<lay, the 4th, at 11 a.m.

A general meeting of the new Ponsonby Rowing Club is called for Friday next, the sth instant, for the purpose of receiving tho interim committee's report.

With referenoe to the risk of fire at Mount Eden (Jacd, we uro informed that In direction of the Hon. the Ministerof Justice, arrangements havo been made some time sincefor lay ingon water from the Water works to the building ; and that the work has only been delayed by ihe illuess of Mr Stewart, the District Engineer, who has now the work iv hand.

A meeting wan held at the Claremont Hotel last night to consider the formation of another Athletic Club. Twenty or thirty gentlemen were present, and the desirability of the formation of a second olub was oarru.a with acckimation. A. committee was appointed to draw uprulsa and wing up a report, to a future meeting, to 1m". held on Tueuday next Mr Sbepka.d

occupied the chair.

The following i_i tho clause in the Works' Committee's report in referenea to patent slip situs, Thick was adopted by tho Harbor Board yaatnrday : "That re Messrs Sims and Gouk'a applications for sites for patent slips, tho resolution of tho Board paased on tho 29th of May. 1877, in reference to the term of lease of allotments between Hardiugc ana Nelson-streets, bo rescinded; and that allotments Noa, 18 to 31 and 33 be leased for a term <_f G6 years, with the privilege of cxtemding 100 feet in front (seaward) of each allotment ; and that the applications for sites for slips bo not entertained."

We bolicve we arc right in stilting that there is no truth in the report that the stone building at present occupied by Mr Seccombe iv the IsLyber Pass Road is about to be utilised as an additional department of th". gaol. From what wo can learn, the report arose from the fact that tiie Grand Jury, who yesterday went out to inspect the gaol, were observed to extend their investigations to the interior of Mr Seccc-nbe's brewery. The conclusion rushed to was altogether premature. The visit had no connection whatever with the gaol business

The Auckland Engineer Company o Volunteers will hold their grand concert and quadrille party in the Choral Hall, on the evening of tho 18th inst, the programme of which, with full particulars, will appear in future isßues. Lieutenant Sauuders, of Queen-street, and the officers aud non commissioned officers of the Company, will supply ticket*, to those who may desire to take part in the entertainment, which will be of a select character.

The annual meeting of tho members of the North Shore Cricket Club will be held this evening in the Masonic Hotel, at half past seven o'clock.

Speaking oE the Prince of "Wales Austra lian tour next year, tlie " Lahore Civil and Military Gazette " observes that " it is pro bable that the Prince will find this tour a more agreeable and enjoyable one than his Indian tour, which is said to have bored him, so irksome was the restraint upon his movements, and the consciousness oi being expected to pose perpetually as a mode! Christian ruler and an idealised impersona tion of every English virtuo."

Tlie Onehunga Episcoptdian Churchyard Ls so full, notice has been given by tho authorities that they have no more room. Residents consequently inquire "What is to become of them if any die, and think that tho Borough Caunoil will one of those days have to introduce a by-law enforcing cremation," as it is out of the question to think of interring any more bodies in the above-named cemetery. _\t ia understood that Mr Gill .mail has written, to tho Onehunga member, Mr O'Rorke, requesting him at (me* to tako steps for the appropri ation of new ground for burial purpoaea for the Borough.

The time for receiving tenders for erec tion of school-buildings in connection with St. James' church ia extended to Saturday next at noon.

ARRIVAL OF THE S.S. HERO

Messrs Ciwcksiiank and Co. have received the following telegram from Sydney: The s.s. Hero arrived yesterday all well. There was a serero gale yester day.

NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING.

A NARROW escape from drowning occurred to three fishermen in the harbor, on the afternoon of Monday last. It appears they were sailing past the silt-basin in the fish ing yacht Energy, when a squall struck the vessel, capsizing her. All threo men wcro suddenly precipitated into tlie water. Two held on to the yacht, while the third struck out for the shore, which —he beiug a good swimmer—lie reached with very little trouble. The accident had been witnessed hy a number of persons, and several boats put off to the rescue of the unfortunate men, who were clinging to the sides of the yacht. They were picked up hy a dingy from a cutter near at hand, apparently little worse for their immersion.

PARLIAMENTARY.

[FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.)

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.]

WELLINGTON, this day. MR KENNEDY NOT DISQUALIFIED,

The report of the Disqualification Com mittee state.., "That while Mr Kennedy knowingly and deliberately entered into a contract with the Government—-using another name instead of his own—there arc doubts as to whether his case comes within the strict letter of tho law ; though, no doubt, he infringed the spirit of it."

On dit, that a strong attack will he made ou the Government in reference to private sale of land to Mr Kennedy.

In the lobby last night some one stuck up a piece of paper, with the words, " Private Inquiry Office. —All members of the Government requiring any secret in formation respecting the private affairs of members must apply to Mr Burns, M.H.R." This refers to his informing the Go vernment of the allegod disqualification of Mr Larnach.

MR LUSK'S ACCOUNT.

Mr J. S. Macfarlane telegraphed to the City Council for a copy of Mr Lusk'a Account to be sent hy telegraph. The Council refused. Mr Macfarlane accordingl}- got an order from the Chairman of the Privileges Committee, which was telegraphed to the Council. It is now understood that a copy of the account will ho telegraphed. Some membors of the Privilege Committee arc in favor of compelling the members of the Corporation of Auckland who authorised expenditure on Messrs Lusk and Stevenson's accounts ovor a Municipal Bill to refund the money to the Corporation, bearing the expense individually.

AUCKLAND STATION,

It is understood that no commencement will be made to extend the Auckland Rail way Station to the wharf until the £10,000 placed on the Supplementary Estimates passes tho House. KAIPARA RAILWAY.

Probably the inland route will be adopted in the Kaipara Itailway. Mr T. Mueflarlanc has been instructed to make a valuation of the inland route, and report to the Minister of Public AYorka When the report is received it will be dismissed. It is under stood that Mr Steward, C.E., is disposed to advocate the sea coast route, but if the other is found more advantageous his decision will be over-ruled.

THE WOMEN AGAIN

In the Petitions' Committee yesterday, a peculiar case was under consideration. A dispute arose between the wives of two police sergeants, named Fox aval Perdu... Fox referred the matter to Inspector Wcldon, in a confidential letter, remarking that Mrs Perdus'disagreement with Mr*. Fox caused great annoynuco, and .___ king what, was to bo done. Thereupon, Inspector Wcldon, with all the high and mightiness of a superior Dogberry, wrote a minute to tlie ei.'ect that Sergeant Pcrdus must explain the conduct of his wife, or be dis missed from the force. The upshot of tho matter was that Perdus was relegated to an up-country station and uu inferior position. lie petitiot-fi the Houa,_ for compensation, and will probably get it.

Parliament appear, to have devoted itneli to mutual destruction, like the Kilkenny oats. Everybody in trying to disqualify everybody else. More lawyers are threatened with the i/rdcul oi the Privilege Committee. It is rumored that another lawyer, Mr Button, received money for drafting a petition,.which he afterward presented.

COMMITTEES. Twelve committees sat yesterday. Thero iiro not rooms enough. The Native Altaiir.' Committeo had to adjourn, the Sur veyors' Admission Committee having usurped their room. Consequently, to-day the Native Affairs Committee brought up a report to the (.fleet that the room should be exclusively devoted to that Committee. The report was referred to the House Committeo. j Mr Cox is now present in the House. THE NOTICE PAPER. Yesterday's notice paper embodied nine question*, aud tho introduction of six private Billa Eighty-six other Bills have already been introduced, and 38 motions. j THE CHARGES AGAINST SIR GEO. GREY. The following is tho digest of a letter ; from the Hon. Henry Russell, read in tho House yesterday. Tho letter is to the Speaker. Mr Russell desired to address ! tho Speaker on the subject of tin. corres- j poudencc quoted by Mr Ormond as reflect- j ing on Sir George Grey. He was present i in the House on the 7th September ; tho I letters wore laid on tho table by Mr i Whitaker. He then objected to his j private letter* being read without I ■ permission. He was ignorant at the time j of the contents of letters written ten years ; ago. There was uothiug in the letters • injurious to Sir George Grey, though : they might refer to other mutters i which ought not to be made j public. He was attacked by v severe illness on the evening of the 7th before he j left, and had been uuable .since to attend j the House. A few days ago he applied to Mr Locke for the letters which were irregu larly laid on the tabic by Mr Whitaker. : He had obtained possession of them, and begged now to forward eleven letters and two reports. Mr Stout said ub the publicity had been given to the remarks of Mr Ormond, he I would'move thesejetters be'prtuted. Also, that the statement furnished to him hy Mr Russell be printed with them. The letter from Mr Russell states that, during the session of 1807, Messrs Buller, Whitoiore, aad the writer, agreed to join together to acquire a large tract of country in the centre of the North Island, near Kuapehu. It was to be taken up as a station for sheep under a lease of 21 years, ufter the land had passed through ! the Land Court. A partnership was sug gested by Mr Bailor, to take up country, but lie had not sufficient capital to under take such a largo concern on his own account. Colonel Whitmore asked him (Mr Russell) to come down about the matter. The subject had been discussed before he arrircd. Talking one day to Mr j Cox he said he was on good terms with Sir j George Grey, who could, perhaps, give some information, as he had spoken about the same district two months earlier. They j went to soe Sir George Grey, and asked , him for information regarding the country between Pate.., Kuapehu, aud Taupo. Sir j George Grey said that was part of the J country he mentioned. Tho natives would be glad to have hint take up country. I He had formed a plan for establishing stations and a settlement near Taupo, thus doing away with the native difficulty in the interior. He told Sir George Grey that a number of gentlemen were anxious to take in a run about Patea, including Muri mntu. Sir George Grey did not ask who his other partners were. The interview lasted only a short time. Sir George Grey ap peared very busy. Mr Russell turned back after Mr Cox left. Just as he (Mr Russell)

was going away, Sir Goorge Grey said " I would not niiud going into the Rotorua run with you and Cox. 1 shall he absent from the country. You can mauage the things better than I can. lam anxious to opeu the laud." Mr Russell asked Mr Cor to put down his ideas ahout the matter. Sir George Grey afterwards stated he had re ceived a letter intimating his recal at an early data, and after due ■ considera tion, determined to have nothing to do with the matter, as enemies _ might misrepr«__nt hio motives. He promised to assist, Messrs Russell and Cox so far ad he could use his influence with the chiefs. He also offered to advance £10,000 at four to five per cent, though eight to ten per cent was the ruling rate of interest. Sir George Grey said he desired to assist both natives and Europeans, Sir Goorge Grey remarked if he came hack, he would like to erect a small chateau at Lake Rotorua, under the shadow of Tongoriro. At a second inter view it was suggested that some person should rent Rotorua. Mr Russell saw Mr Locke, who undertook to go, and wa_ fur nished by Sir George Grey -s-ith letters to natives there. Mr Locke went on behalf of tho proposed company. The agency wa_; extended so as to embrace the wholo country. On tho 6th September, he (Mr Russell) was in the House aud hoard Mr Ormond state with astonishment that Sir George Grey ** blew hot and cold," " abused his position." These statements were absolutely and entirely false. Sir George Grey never had anything to do with it. He knew that no letters of his could fasten such a charge on Sir George Grey. Ke had since seen them and found nothing in the slightest degree to implicate Sir George Grey. Nr Ormond also accused Sir George Grey of uai^g tha phrase "ground bait." Th» letter in which that phrase appeared was dated 26th September three months after Sir George Grey had intimated that he would not bo connected with the matter. "Ground bait" is a phrase used by native land purchase agents to signify advances. The letters from Sir George Grey were simply intro ducing Messrs Russell and Cox to the natives as trustworthy persons. ' After the sesnion was over, Taupe ! country was over-run -with land spec { ulators. Mr Ormond was there. (Laughter.] I He was in treaty for 300,000 acres from I Rcnata Rawepo. " Mr Russell went up aud stayed in Tanpo district three mouths. I Tho result wa_ that ho resolved to have | nothing to do with the matter. I Sir George Grey moyod that "Hansard' proofs of debate on this question be laid or | the table, the speeches having beer 1 altered. Tho Premier, in reply to Sir George Grey, said he had been frequently made ir proofs to say exactly the opposite of wkal he had said. Sir Robert Douglas suggested that over} speech should be reported iv tho " Han sard " exactly as spoken. Mr Russell said " Hansard" had been the greatest curse to the conntry, in maklnf members deliver long speeches. If speeche. were literally reported, members would h. much astonished at their bad grammar. After a great debate, tho motion wat carried "That Hansard's proofs of the debate be placed in the hands of the Report j iug Debates' Committee for Sir George Gre\ ! to examine" ! ADOPTION OF THE COUNTIES' ACT j In reply to Mr Tole to-day aa to th< j number of names of Counties in which tk< whole provisions of the Counties' Act hav< j been adopted ; tho Government said th. , following : — Hokianga, Bay of Islands ! Whangarei, Hobson, Rodney, Waitemata. | Thames, Waikato, Auckland, Taranaki, : Patea, Cook, Wairoo, nawke's Bay. ' Wanganui, Raagitikci, Manawatu, Wai ; pawa, Hutt, Kaikoura, Buller, Inangahua. i Cheviot, Grey, Waimate, W Testland, ! Waitaki, Waikonniti, Wainototo, Vincent, | Lakes, Taieri, Bruce, Clutha, Tuapeka, ; Southland, and Wallace In Cheviot nc j Council was elected. Therefore 35 Counties 1 accepted the Act. I THE PEOPLE'S INTEREST IN LANDS. In the House last night, iv committee on t_ Land Bill, Sir George Grey said the Bill struck at the liberties of the peoplo; the people I gave the Governor power of nomination of District Land Boards, and thus gave the Government utterly irresponsible power. Power was taken out of (lie hands of the people, and they should do their utmost to oppose this ; cither let Milliliters take all responsibility, or let tho Land Board be elect i vo by the same district*; n.-i the Education Boards. A new clause had beau inserted, ro laud on deferred ; payment, which gave hack '»nc third the purchase money to County Council or Road Boards. It was good iv ' itself, but if passed, tho present system of county voting according to property should be abolished. Every man, whether pos sessed of wealth or not, had the same right in the lands o£ tho colony. People could not prosper until fair land laws were instituted. Mr Rolleston supported the Bill In the : hope of amendment in committeo. ; Sir Robert Douglas thought the Bill per petuated provincial-Jim. He wouid like to see a central -.y«_toa_ introducod. At pre sent they could not got lands opened. i County Councils should be authorised to 1 advise" the Governor aw to tho lauds to bo ' opened. i *Mr Bastings thought that in tho interests af settlement there should be free selection I over tho pastoral lands of Otago. , ' Mr Gisborne advocated separate Bourds, j but condemned the elective system. Mr Howe agreed with Sir George Grey ! that a purely nominative Board was the j worst possible. He pitched strongly into the Auckland Board. There was a ten- I dency of nominated Boards to become I" Hottentots." The Thames never got ! anything but promises from the Auckland Board. They only provided land for men 1 like Broomhall, mere speculators. It could : not have happened ii the Board had beon i elected by tho people in Auckland. jThey j knew nothing of the wants of tho people of | out-districts. Nomination was centralism : | in its vory worst form. Mr Reynolds opposed nomiuated Boards. Mr Stout condemned tlie froe selection system in Canterbury. Mr Wakefield defended the Cantorbury system. Instead of Canterbury beiug a sheep walk, G53,000 acres there were under crop. Messrs Joyce and Stout argued strongly in favour of residence clauses. He objected j to free selection in Otago as not applicable to the requirements of tho province. Mr Pyko went a header for free selection. Mr Lumsden thought free selection in Otago would create monopolised purchases. The House went into Committee on the Bill. Clause 18 wu__ reached, raid progress j reported. Amendments made in the Mines Bill by I the Goldl'ields Committee were adopted pro forma. The Bill will be committed to-day. Tho House adjourned at 12.30. LATEST. MR BALLANCE IN OPPOSITION. Mr Ballance has gone over to the Opposition, and threatens a motion on tlie Murimutu purchase damaging to the | Ministry. j 2£. Lust's Alleged Disq,nali-L" eatioa j__ Mr Lusk gave evidence before tko 1 Privilego Committeo to-day. j The following account, rendered to tho City Council by Mr Lusk, was telegraphed I from Auckland by the Mayor, in response ' to tho request of tho Chairman of the | Committee : — "The Auckland City Council. —Pr. to 11. H. Lusk :-June Sth, 1876 : Attending you perusing suggestions for amendments in the Municipal Act, and comparing with existing clauses, considering how far amendments feasible —£5 ss. June 16th : Long Confercuce with the Premier relative to desired amendments, when he at length desired me to draft new clauses to give effect to the suggestions of J the Council—£s ss.

i Drawing thirty-five clauses to give effect | to variousi objects of Council to be ombodiod | iv Government measure—£26 ss. j 22. Long conference with the Premier ! upon tho clauses as drafted when he agreed • to accept most of thorn, subject to revision \by tho Government draftsman, and con | ferencc with Solicitor-General —£5 sa. After much inquiry advising Council to . send a special Representative to carry . clauses through the Uppor House, and ' keeping Council advised by telegraph—£3 ] 3s. I Drawing Bill to enable £25,000 to be 1 borrowed by City Council to complete Waterworks ; and repeated coaferences with the Government to remove objections to its passing—£lo 10s. Advising Mr Stevenson upon all questions affecting objects of Council in which Go vernment Bill was before the House— £10 10s. j Total—£66 3s. ! "The House to-day opened with a bare quorum. Mr Ballance gave notice to ask to-mwr row whether, if Sir Julius Vogel is willing to continue as Agent-General, the Go vernment will avail itself of his services; also, whether the Government indirectly or direct!}- promised the Agent-Ge_.ercl.-hip to anyone else. Mr Pyke gave notice to ask for a return shewing the coat of County Government in the colony. In reply to Mr Gisborne, Mr Curtis said the report of the Public Accounts Com i mittee, with reference to the Thames over i draft, would be brought up in a few days.

A Trip to Weitekauri.

[FROM OUR SPECIAL EFPORT2R.) Lfavinc. Grahamstown with the impres sion that Ohincmuri was the most out of the way and outlandish place this side of the line, and that the road we had to travel was something even awful to contemplate, it was with dreamy forebodings of future sore feet and weary limbs that we gazed on the distant range pointed out to us as the goal of our hopes and dreams. After three hours steaming amongst some of the prettiest scenery imaginable, we arrived at Paeroa. Paeroa is an extensive town with a small population near planted by a river, and consists principally of public-houses, Maoris, Native Lands Courts', and mud, though fortunately for us tho latter ele ment happened to be out of season during our visit. Leaving Paeroa, an hour's sharp walkiug brings us to Shaw's " Royal Road te Fortune " Hotel, where an excellent view is to ba obtained through the end of a tumbler. A few minutes to take a view, and we are again fairly on tho road, and in the heart; of the bush. The road, instead of being the awful affair we had heard in Grahamstown, was in ex cellent order, and in capital condition for travelling on. We were assured the present Govcrnme_.t track was the old original track first struck out by the pros pectors, with the exception that they took round all the practicable sidings whereas the Government Engineer preferred to take it over all the tops of the little spurs and will, and their «ame is legion. May tha bletssiugs of sturdy logs rest on him. Some say his idea was to let visitors have a good view of the country, some that it was to take the extra beer out of the men returning home after a visit to the Thames. Anyhow, it is a lasting memorial of how not to do it, and a grateful oonntry should present the noblo engineer with a putty medal to reward hia efforts at giving a practical lesson on the upe and downs of poor humanity. Three hours' walk brings us to Waitekauri, and here as we stop to get breath we behold a view that amply rewards us for our long and toilsome walk. The sun is setting behind a bank of clouds that seems to burn it to blood with its red rays striking iv every direction, and peeping through tiie tops of ancient forest trees, giving every huo and color, and taming all into a glorious many-colored panorama, constantly changing and vary ing, till the darkuess envelopes all in its mantle of ni^ht. Further round towards tho Karangaheke, where the rays of the departing sun strike with magnificent effect, a huge body of tsmoke rises towering like a demon of destruction, and it is quickly rumored that Mackaytown fes ablaze. Fortunately not, but many an anxious eye gased thither wards, and many cympathiuiug words are heard. Away, far beyond where the bright sun rays now reach, can be seen the calm blue sea, with tho mighty Mo__at of Mongoimi guarding tho entrance to Tauranga; tho Kati Kati aud Waiho Rivers boldly -.retching in the foreground. With a sigh wo leave the lovely scene, for tho twilight warns us wc yet have a long distance to go—our night's destination being the Waitekauri battery, a mile away yet. The road is all downhill, but terribly rough especially about the step grades, and many a low breathed fdgh is heard as we stumble and fall—sometimes in the water, sometimes amongst tho stones —for the light of day is fast leaving us, and the shades of night steal through the ghostly shadows of the forest trees. Arrived at the battery, wc put up at the Excelsior Hotel, where, after tho luxury of a good sup per and comfortable smoke, we made an early move for bed. The weather here is still cold at night, aud what with thisand4ohead of stampers knocking aud thumping like a young earthquake, it is no easy matterl for one unused to it to get to Bleep. Rising beforo daylight, and taking a plunge into tlie mdl stream, which in bitterly cold, and makes one's teeth chatter _yon to think of it, we feel a slow of hoalth and renawed vigour through our veins, nnd start off for a neighbouring hdl to enjoy a _u»st charming view or sunriise in the forest. Though told a treat was in store for us, wo little thought of the view we should eret in tho clear braci"S air, with the c_.riy sun rieine in the clear blue firmament, and his cheerful rays i striking with charming effect through tho green shining foliage of tho numberless forest trees on all sides. After a hearty breakfast wo were most courteously shewn through the battery by Mr K. M. Corbett. Itisa sub-timtial and sightly battery at 41 level, driven by a water-wheel, which is said to be the largest and most power ful of any on tho Thamos- The wheel is callable of driving 100 head with ease, and a eompara tivoly small outlay -would erect an additiona ■10 head to that now working. The battery is about a mile from the mine, with which it is connected by a tramway constructed under the supervision of Mr Corbett, and which is a credit to that gentleman, and the admiration of all visitors. The tramway is capable of sending 120 tons down to the battery daily, working twelve hoars a day. The battery 1b capable of crushing (W tons daily, and whan in full swing, with tho ponderous water-wheel going, the earth rumbles and skate* for half-a-mile away. Tho whole battery was fully employed while we were ther*, and tour b.rduns out of six, and the manager told us the quartz was averaging an ounoo per ton right through. Tho water for tho battery is brought in from two creeks by races about three feet sq uara. The 1 _ugth pf the races are both over a rnila long, aud the Quantity re quired may be imagined whan I say the wheel is 40 feet high, by 12 feet six inches broad. The whole of* tho worku were constructed and designed by Mr Corbett, the battery engine, r, and for substantiality and good workmanship are not to be surpassed. Everything eeems to have been done with tho greatest judgment and ability, and with a view to possible future rcquii .uueuls, as weil aa what is at present needed. Tho battery i 3 so excel lently finished, that the loss of quicksilver is wonderfully small compsrod to the loss from buttories of equal size at tho Thames. No one seeing the battery now could imagine the wilder , ness of swamps and supplejack that was formerly there, and tbe trouble and difficulty it was to clear a site. Tlie wonder to the unini tiated is how It was done, and dona so well; for what is now a few minutes' walk was then an hour's hard scramble through the thickest *nder*<crub, bush lawyer, and supplejack, tkat ever existed, and it- was no unusual Uiing for men to t.et lost in goinx less ti_an s. quarter of a mile. In tbe thick of all theac difficulties, aed corroapondirp- privations, Mr Cor'.K.t-t pushed tho battery ahead, and brought the ..ark t$ such a successful issue that it l-eflecta the utmost credit ou his angina ..ring and i_.rchi tectural skill and ability. We were told subse quently that the tramway we admired co much in travelling up was almoet entirely contrived aud constructed by the tame gentleman, and that through hia anility in p. department not strictly belonging to his office, ho saved the Company some hundreds of pounds, besides making the distance far shorter than the surveyor employed specially by tho Company had done. It is in tended, shortly, to have the battery and work ings photographed, which will give people at a distance a bettor idea of the stupendous and ponderous works belonging to the Waitekauri G.M. Co., than all writing would do, and when they di* see the photographs of the battery. I think they v. ill begin to realise where the £lß,ooo for the battery was spent.

— — ' The prosperity of the Waitekauri fi..*,. «. . almost wholly dae to Messrs l.i4zirrf ICt *! Brown, who _ i.ked a largo amount SmSSLwS developing the mines, when thero Z7 m parcntly little prospect of return, Any rt«,_" P _ they now reap will be well-merited, rfcWar<l (To be continued.)

CABLEGRAMS.

SDGF;LDSKGDS'KGAS

INCREASE IN REVENUE

SYDNEY, this day The quarters revence has increased over £31.000 on the corresponding quarter of last year. ' ' '" Arrived : Hero. The assembly has agreed to a suppi v Bill, and will probably dissolve this week.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before A Beetham and L. D. Nathan Esqs., Justice-;.) ' DRINK.

Samuel Dixon, Charles Talbot, Nickcla- Staunton, were all convicted of drunken. uess, aud punished as usual. Nicholas Staunton, for exposing himself iv Queen-street while iv his drunken state was sentenced to 24 hours hard labor. ' ' John Leonard, who had two charges against him : one of drunkenness, aud the other of vagrancy, was remanded until to. morrow. FORTY-TWO YKAItS MJIBBIBDi Francis McMahon, an old 58th man, witk his nose very much damaged, was charged with using threatening language to his wife Louisa McMahon, and saying that he would " stick her with a knife," and "cut her head off with a tomahawk." This was a very sad case, as tlie parties had been married forty-two years, and the present unhappy state of things had been brough about by the prisoner's intemperate habits. McMahon pleaded not guily. They had a row, that was all. Mrs McMahon, a respectable looking elderly lady, who was much overcome while giving her evidence, deposed that she and her husband lived in Abercromhie - street. On the night of the Ist inst her husband was the worse for liquor and abused her shamefully. He tereatened to stick a knife into her. For several years his ill-treatment had goncjon. She had more than once paid hi, passage home to Ireland, but he had always come back, and renewed his misconduct. She could put up with it no" longer. She wag getting old, and ho made her life a burden to her. (It transpired that a few months ago, Mrs McMahon, who has a considerable amount of property, gave her husband£3ooto go to Sydney. He went and she applied for a protection order, but before she obtained it be was back again. John McMahon, a son of the pair, gave evidence corroborating his mother's state ment. He distinctly heard his father use the expressions attributed to him. The damage to his nose was caused by his fall ing down when too drunk to stand. The prisoner excitedly denied the state ments made by his wife and son, and pointed to a scar ou his throat, which he said was caused by his son kicking him. This was the case for the prosecu tion.

Mr Beetham asked the prisoner if he wished to give any evidence. McMahon immediately shifted his posi tion from the dock to the witness box, and was sworn Mr Beetham : Now mind McMahon, if you swear what is false you will be indicted tor perjury. You had better be careful how you contradict tho evidence. As I said, if you swear falsely you will be com mitted for perjury. McMahon (who had at first erifioed a lively desire to deny everything:) Ah! Then I don't think 1 _U make any statement at all, at all. (Laughter.) The Bench found the prisoner guilty, and sentenced him tojjbe bound over to keep the peacs fcr 12 months in his own reoog nisances oi £100, and two sureties of £-d

each. This was all Che business,

AUCKLAND AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUB.

A spi3C;al general meeting of the above Club was held last night ai the, dub-room, Thames Hotel, to elect new members, and-receive the oor__-_itt__'_ rcrort as to ada .tin;? the roles of the London AtleFo Club. Mr T. Henderson was voted to the chair. After ths prehnoinaries of i-oacing- minutes, etc., the balloting was at once proceeded with, and resulted in tire election of tho folic wing new members: Meesre A Benner, J. A. Coibeok, A. Yates, E. Dufaur, J. A. Laing, L. Casein, T. Biggs, F-. Purchas, G. Cheeseman. H. Davy, R. vv. Duder, R. H. Duder, J. Ilaultain, S. Bucholz, A. Hears, 6. Tnrrror, \T. 'A'ooir, F. Abrams, W. Rattray W. E. CoimeU, M. A. Clark, E. Burgose, W. Mow bray, J. Blades, J. Herapatb. J. P.ussell, and T. Durance. Tho Hon. F. Whiiakwr, and Mr T. H. Ivey, were slectod honorary members of the Club. This brings up the total number cf mem bers to 81. The rules, as originally adopted, wero thou roecindod, ttid the new code as adapted and compiled by the committee, laid before the laoeting, and after discussion, adopted without alteration en tho motion of the Secre tary, seconded by Mr Colson. The most im portant features of the new rules are, that new members shall, in future, be elected by the committee, one black ball in five to ezcJudo; that notice of general meetings shall be given hy circular or otherwise, and that the number of committeo men, in addition to the officers, bo increased from se. en to ten. The regulations of the London Athletic Club were adopted with slight alterations. One of the most important of those is that members at athletic meotings must wear "university cos tume " that is, a Jersey and trousers to the knee, instead of tho objectionable "tights." On the motion of Mr Dulaux it was resolved that the rules and regulations be printed, and a cony furnished to each member who has paid ___. subscription. The following gentlemen were elected as the three new co-_.n_it-__-__.e_.:— Messrs J. Coates, F. Dufaur, and M. A. Clark It was resolved thai the committee b. reqoestea to arrange for another hare s.nd hounds paper chaee on Saturday, the 20th October. The Secretary informed tho meeting that Mr J. A. Brown, the lessee of Ellerslie Gardens, intendea to offer a silver cup for competition by amateurs in the sports to come off on the 9th November. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.

THEATRE ROYAL.

The unpropitious state of the weather last evening bad a thinning effect upon the Theatre Royal, on the second representation of Bouci canlt's popular drama of " Arrah-na-Pogue, or the Wicklow Wedding." The drama was pre sented with all its interesting scenery and lively features, descriptive of Irish life and character. Mr Charles Wheatleigh's impersonation oi Shaun was peculiarly attractive, and conveyea the authors idea in a series of picture., w£i.ij were pleasantly shaded, forming a drama of no ordinary interest. The ioyous wedding party on their way to the chapel, the barn-door pK. and the sudden appearance of the army of rea coats, under command of Major Coffln, vrere irresistible in their several characteristics. 188 nifflculties of Shaun; his self-accusation, im imprifioument, eontenoe, innocence, ana pardon, were worked out with consum mate abilitr. The part of tho heroine, by Miss Tilly Andrews, was deserving the approval she elicited. The music of tne orchestra was effective and pleasing, ilx i«v: pold was eoually successful as the unprincipled Michael Feenev, a representation unique ana real, exhibiting the trials which almost lnva-r ably belong to ihis class of individuals. J/ 010™1. Grady, by Mr Belton; Beanish, by Mr Verner. and the other stars of lesser sheen- r w?£FF,T tamed in a commendable manner. Mr VV near leigh is determined, if possible, to win the smJe» of citizens, if variety can claim success. _■«¥» evening the famous sporting drama ot w» "Flying Scud" will be introduced, J^f^SZ leigh representing the old jockey. _Na. wsuub* This drama on its first appearance at j» Holboru Theatre, some twelve years »go, aaa » kuve aud very successful *tm tor not* than a hundred nights. The action of uu» drama is laid at Doncasfcer. in hreefT Yorkshire, and there is a great °«* of interest for! sporting rani in the develop* ment of the- »lot. The " Flying «cudl is_«« favourite, and is expected to do great th ings o" the Derby Day, at Epsom, for tho*'-who Bew" his favour. There is much of Engush ootmw life depicted in tho scenery, such as Lore JJ»"°> Doncn-t-r ; tho garden and cottage attaencu Nobbley Hath tho wood, and other sconearnuß Yorkshire to Epsom in Surrey. With iw "" bracing downs, and tho commotion oxe-tea £ the races, especially when the " Flying Sena comes iv first, to the irtonso joy of th<"»?*S of spectators. _Mr Wbcatleigh will w«re*? the knowing Nat; Mr Alexander. Goodgo, Mr Leopold. Moses Davis; M/V-raw, Col. Mulligan ;Mr Hoylo, Choasir; Mr Belton. Tom; Mr Searle, Quail; and Miss uw Andrews will assume the pretty caaraww ■*> Julia, who plays a very important, part in fortunes of the day. As the drama is one " Boucicault's beat and cloveriy ean.trac.ea.

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<M LOVES ! GLOVES ! ! GLOVES !! ! HJT JUST OPENED. A CASE of Two-Button KID GLOVES At 3/9 per pair. W. EATT It A V, DRAPER AND SILK MERCER, JfEW E ALAND JJ OUS B. (56, Queen-street, Auckland. Drapery and Clothing TOR THE „ SPRING AND SUMMER TRADE. The undersigned arc now onening up supplies of NEW GOODS for the incoming Season, comprising:— ?i rew Prints, in great variety of pattern and style, from -IJd per yard Very' Choice Brocaded Prints, quiuc new White Satin Striped Brocaded Muslins Tan.'T'ose -Silks, very choice aUAc ? assortment of Black Silks unusually "ood value, from 3.-. 6d per yard. V Varied and Carr-iMP :---••_ lee ted Stock of New T. ancv Dress Materials . Black ami Coloured Lustres in variety, and General Drapery Goods oi every desenp- A Job Line of Heavy Brown Holland at Gid RalantseofLa3t Seasons Dress Goods and Job ftnes at very greatly Reduced Rates, to Job CLot-0_ lar.2e-si7.ed Honeycomb Towels at Gd each, li yards Ions: TCverv Requisite in Furnishing Drapory. C-u-Fts in variety. Curtains. Blind Muslins, """"Window Holland, Damask, Sheetings, all makes, Toilet Covers, Coloured and White Quilts and Counterpanes Blankets all sizes, unusually cheap, s_c, \,c. A Large' Stock of Calicoes, of best makes, always on hand. Grey Calico from 3d per yard White Calico from i.d ncr yard Every Description oi! Clothing for Boys' and Tweeds. Corduroy, Moleskin, strong material, for Boys' wear. . . in he £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards, RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, FJoF.CTiOr. Drapery Warehouse, Upper O.xtken-street, AtTCKLANI). m O AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS W-.J HURST « CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in this dist'-icr. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist :— M-YLDI.N ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do- BELL'S BONE FLOUR YandJ-inch BONEDUST BTLLYARD'S No. I do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OP LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat _____ Clover-sick Pastures, as well as tho Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will ho supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101 Q UEKN-S TRE ET, CLC'YER SEED. FOR SPRING SOWING .Just Landed, ex Columbus— SO casks new Clovers, consisting of Fed Clover White Clover Cow Gras Also on hand, Alsvhe, Timothy, Lucerne, Rape, Rats-tail, Rye grass, Cocksfoot, &c., at lowest market rates. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEEN-S TRE ET. 560 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) 3009 ~ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also 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. Bran, Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c, &c. j Particular attention is called to 500 sacks Prime Barley at 4s per bushel of j 50,b. o tons Anderson's Freeh oatmeal, at \ £21 per ton. i W. J. HURST & CO.. 10F QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND.



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ITTN I 0 N INSURANCE COMPANY t_J OF NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL £2,000,000. AUCKLAa,D B R A N C II : Temporary Offices: q v c f. n - st p. c c t, Next to Mr. G. AY. Finney's Store. !FII_E DEPARTMENT. Insurance.. granted on Dwelling-houses, Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on. Merchandise, and Goods of every j description. / MAf.I-.F_ DEPARTMENT. j Hulls of Ships or Steamers. Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and "Wool to United Kingdom, at Lowest Current Rates. It. H. STEVENSON, Manager. TMPORTAITT NOTICE A Having introduced STEAAIPO WE A into Hie Manufacture of FURBITURF, ice are now enabled to Supply our Cus tomers at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. T. & 11. COOKE, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, Ac, Ac _m* SH O W AZ Q O MS. 67, Queen-street. STEAK CABINET FACTORY Victoria-street. JJNION FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. NOTICE TO APPLICANTS FOR SHARES. The LETTERS of ALLOTMENT havo been issued, and settlement of Balances will be effected upon presentation of tho Loiters, and the original receipts, at the Union Rank of Australia, where Share Certificates are ready for delivery upon, the Articles of Association being signed.



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