SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

Southern Cross, s.s., Holmes, from Raglan (in the Manukau)

IMPORTS.

Per Fairlie, from Lyttelton : 300 sacks flour.— Per g Taranaki from the South :—B2 cases, 1 Df.i, SO- oM ,v s 9 portmanteaus X ■' 20 boxes, 3 trusses,2casks -si lg £pkgs, 350 sacks malt, 1 fJ^i^.-Hender noka, 1 ba'6, 25 head calt.e,z sou and Macfarlane- ASt- Ilts-

The s.s. Taranaki is expected to arrive in the Manukau at 2 o'clock this afternoon.

The weather, instead of improving has been worse to-day, and an easterly gale with heav3 r rain have conspired to interfere seriously with all shipping arrangements. No vessels could go out this morning. The sailing of the Pretty Jane and Star of tflie South are again postponed till to-morrow, and the s.s. lona has not made her customary appearance from the North. The last telegrams speak of her not having arrived at Russell from Wangaroa. The very regular packet Anne Milbank did [not go to Warkworth to-day.

A misprint occurred in our yesterday's issue r?lative to the alteration in the time-table of the Lily. Instead of "this boat now leaves at half-past twelve and half-past one," the para graph should read "and not half-past one."

Messrs Coupland and Co. give notice to con signces of goods by the Mera that the vessel will discharge at the Railway Wharf. They are requested to present bills of lading, and pay f .-eight at once. Tixe s.s. Rotorua left Lyttelton yesterday, for Auckland, via Wellington and Napier. She is due here on Monday overling, and will leave for Sydney on Tuesday, the Bth inst. The schooner Kate McGregor left Oatnaru yesterday for the Waikato, ■with a cargo of breadstuff's.

The City of Sydaoy, -vyhich is the mail steamer advertised to leave this port f«r San Francisco on Wednesday next, is not to call at Kandavm this trip. It is now virtually settled, all but the formal confirmation by the New South Wales Parliament, that the route in future will be San Francisco, Honolulu, Auckland, and Sydney, and vice versa.

The A.S.P. Go's. s.s. Southern Cross, Captain Holmes, arrived in the Manukau, from Raglan yesterday afternoon, at ± o'clock. The s.s. Taranaki arrived in the Manukau at 2 p.m., with the "following passengers:—Mes dames, Gleeson, and family (3), Fautham, and family (S), F. Secombe, Miss Davis, Messrs Williams, Evans, Fautham, Klingender, Yol dorvyn, Rae, Lockhart. VValker, Hill, Davis, Short, Leightoa, Gavin, Ellis, 9 steerage.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr. George Sibbin reports the following prices yesterday :—Maize, is 8d ; oats, 3s 3d to 3s Id ; butter, Bid; lard, sd; box tea, 23s 6d to 32s 6d; bacon, 10'Vd ; ham, Is ; sugar. 5d to oid; cheese (inferior^ 3d to 5d ; good, 6d to 7d ; flour. £18 10s to £19: potatoes, 3s 6d to Is; wheat, 4s (3d. Messr3 M. Jones and Co. report a good attend ance at their sale yesterday, and the following prices were realised:—Fowls, 5s 6d, Is 6d, Is id, Is sd, 2s Id, 2s 2d, and 2s; ducks. Is 7d, Is 9d, 2s, and 2s Id; turkeys. 3s 7d, 3s Id, 3s. and 2s 9d. There'was a fair attendance at Mr 11. Arthur's sale of produce. The demand for salt butter doss not improve ; but little sold at 7d to 9d per lb. Potatoes sold at 3s 3d to 4s 3d; onions, fa to ljd per lb.; pumpkins, 2s to 2s 6d cwt. ; cheese, 5d to (Ud lb.; bacon, Canterbury, 8d to 9id per lb.; apples, Id to 5d per lb.; pear", 2d to 3}d per lb.; carrots, 3s to 3s 4d per cwt.; flour, £12 to £17 10s ; pig food, 10s 33 to 10s Cd per bag; tea, 25s to 26s per box; half-chests tea, Is 9d to 2s 2d per lb.; barley, 33 6d per bushel; oatmeal, 2d per lb.: fowl wheat, Is per bushel. At the furniture department sale, goods brought fair prices. A double-barrelled gun sold at £2 10s ; harmonium £11.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as TJ\t>tcr -.— Fov Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and on Monday next, at 8 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. For Tauranga and Gisborne, per Pretty Jane, this day, at 5 p.m. For Napier, per Star of the South, this day, at 5 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki, on Monday next, at 1 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at noon. Late letters will be received till 1.15 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona. on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowcna, on Monday next, at i p.m. For Lyttelton and Dunedin, per Southern Cross, on Tuesday next, at 1 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Rotorua, on Tues day next, at 2 p/m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 1 p.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne will be received till 2.20 p.m. Per s.s. City of Sydney, on Wednesday, 9th May, as fo'lows :— For Kandavn, Sandwich Islands, Lmted States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. ~-,,,.,. ~ For moncv orders, registered letters, ana newspapers, at 11.30 p.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of fid in addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to time

of sailinsr. j s T OTl^._Mails for Riverhead, Kaukapakapa, etc., and for Helensville and other places on the Kaipara river, will in future be closed at noon, instead, of 1 p.m., as heretofore. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

RYAN.—On sth May, 1877, " Unto us a son is given"—John and Ann Ryan, Upper Symonds street.

HARD WICK.—On the lth instant, the wife of Mr. G. W. Hard wick, of Shortland-street, of a daughter.

MARRIAGE.

KKAN—ROBINSON.—On the 25th April, at the residence of the bride's mother, Hobson-street, by the Rev. J. Robertson, Charles Kean, third sou of W. Kean, to Jane, only daughter of Thomas Georgo Robinson.

DEATH.

OAKFORD.—On the. sth May, at. his late resi dence, Wakefield-street, Charles Oakford, aged 70 years. The funoral will leave to-morrow (Sunday), at 2.30 p.m. Friends please accept this invita tion. MAJOR.—At his mother's residence. Strand, Mechanics' Bay, John William, the beloved son of Racheal Major, aged 13 years and 7 months. The funeral will le xve the above place to morrow (Sunday) afternoon, at 3 o'clock. Friends are respectfully invited to accept thi3 invitation.

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

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1877.

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

SuXDAY-TUADIXfi and sly grog-selling have been exciting some attention in Ihiuedin. Very recently, a deputation, consisting of members of'the Licensed Victuallers' As sociation, waited upon the Hon D. Reid, and Mr Golder, a retired policeman, who acted as spokesman, stated that while there are 103 licensed public-liounos in and around Dunedin, there are an equal number of sly grog shanties. The same speaker pointed out that the Revenue Oliicer appointed by the City Council to suppress the illicit sale of liquor, having no legal status, occupied the invidious position of a public informer, and was practically powerless to act with vigour. He advocated the passing of an Act of Parliament, so as to place the appointment of the Revenue Officer* in the hands of the City Councils, the lines and penalties recovered becoming part of the revenue of tho.se bodies. Mr Watson, another hotel-keeper, declared that publicans were compelled to break the law on Sundays, seeing that they dare not refuse to supply regular customers for fear of losing their trade. Another speaker naively remarked that the present licensing system " was calculated to make publicans the most deceitful people in the world,"Mr. Reid promised that measures should be adopted for the suppression of sly-grog selling, but he was unable to give any assurance that the law should be altered so as to legalise the opening of public-houses on the Sabbath.

Mr Reid went on to siy:—l think that as a general rule if well-conducted people require stimulants on Sunday they can provide them selves with what, they want on Saturday. It majr be said Unit some people have not sufficient forethought to do that. But the more we give rfuch people facilities, the more shall we en courage their want of forethought. Mr Richmond: With reference to the sug gestion that people could get a supply of liquor for Sunday oni Saturday, I think it is question able whether many would keep it until Sun day. Mr Reid: I am afraid that is true, but I think that class ol persons would drink on Sunday more than would be sufficient for Monday and Tuesday also.

Herein lies the whole gist of the matter. The opening of the public-houses on Sun days would largely increase the evils of intemperance and the consequent suffering, and it is ope-fl to doubt whether the publicans would pay more respect to the law with an hour's indulgence than at present, seeing that on Mr Watson's own confession they dare not refuse to supply regular customers who have no respect for law. It is within the bounds of probability that the opening of public-houses on Sundays would whet the appetities of hard drinkers, who would desire to obtain liquor with the same facilities as on ordinary week days, and would be always able, to find seme unscrup lous person to supply their wants.

The Rise in the Price of Bread.

THE rapid ri*e in the price of bread demands some explanation. To the agricultural statistics and grain circulars we have looked in vain for anything warranting an advance in the "staff of life " equal to one fourth the former ruling rate. In Canterbury, the area sown has been wider, and the harvest more bountiful than in previous years. The agricultural statistics just published shew the acreage of wheat in Canterbury for the present year to be 92,416'^ acres against 57,500 acres in IS7G ; the estimated gross produce 2,707,6*25 bushels against 1,770,363 bushels last year, or nearly a million bushels increase. The Otago harvest is proportion ately heavier than for the previous season. Instead of an advance, therefore, we were justified on these figures in looking for some easiness in the Hour market. Turning to the price of wheat we are equally non plussed. On February 9th, sales of milling samples were made in Christchnrch at 4s 0"d to 4s 9d per bushel; to-day the ruling qu.o ---j ation there is from 4s 6'd upwards f.0.b., at Lyttelton ; in the meantime, Southern flour has advanced both here and in the South about £2 per ton. A greater advance, it is true, has been established in Australia, and is reflected in the rise of "Crown" brand flour on which £1 was added to-day, making £4 per ton since February last. But what we have more particularly to d 6 Avith are the rates current in New Zealand, and, as will presently be proved, the price of bread in Auckland is disproportionate and excessive. We have communicated with our Southern correspondents, but in no instance has the rise in flour which speculators have established for reasons best known to themselves, been made the pic text for largely increasing the price of bmcU Qujr Jjunediu, ChriatoUurch, ar4 Welling!!' otkM t«l»sr»pUwl

"Dunedix, Friday. " Flour gone up £1 a ton, but bread re mains at sevenpence per four-pound loaf." Christchukch, Saturday. " Bread is sevenpence per four pound loaf. Flour, free on board at Lyttelton, £16" to £17 ; wheat very firm, from 4s 6d upwards." Wellington, this day. Flour is £15 10s to £16, equal to a rise of £1. Prices are not firm. Bread, is eight pence per 41b. loaf.

In Auckland, the combined bakers have fixed the rate at fivepence per two-pound loaf ; the four-pound loaf at tenpence. Assuming that nothing but flour, with out -water, is used in the manufacture of bread, the rise of a penny on the two-pound loaf represents an ad vance in flour of £4 13s 4d per ton, while, as a matter of fact, the advance In T.S.F. brand flour has only been £2 per ton since the beginning of the year. But there has been no rise in the price of water, and it is a well-established fact that good dry wheaton bread contains 45 per cent of aqua purn. According to Chamßers's Encyclo pedia every 2SO pounds of flour will yield 3(>o of good bread. At this rate, one ton of flour would produce 1440 two-pound loaves. The rise of a penny per two-pound per loaf thus amounts to £6, while the actual increase on T.S.F. brand flour is only £2, and on Crown brand £4. We have not even hinted a suspicion of potatoes, which, like water, remain at the old figure. Looking, then, at the acknowledged advance on the price of flour, an increase for which thore appear to us to be no warrant in the state of the grain market, we still see a disposition among the Auckland bakers to improve the occasion, and " Grind the face of the poor." When we find twenty bakers publicly advertising a mutual agreement to raise the price of the first necessity of life, we are not slow to conclude that the com bination augurs evil to the public, and means the destruction of that healthy competition which regulates prices in accordance with supply and demand. We do not hesitate to say that it is the first duty of the community to sniiash up such a combination by any means, Is it not enough that the city groans tinder a virtual monoply in the flour market, and prices rise and fall at the will of n single firm ? Are we to suppose that Aucklaudhasnotemerged from that infancy when a combination of tradesmen might arbitrarily levy a heavy impost on the chief article of food ? What misery and hardship docs this penny a loaf on bread mean to hundreds of struggling families in Auckland ? We declare war to the death against this and every similar combination, and the subject shall not rest till every honest man cries " .Shame on it." If reason and remons trance fail, the combination shall be met by co-operation. While fair competition lasts, prices will be pretty fairly sustained, but when tradesmen controlling the food of the people baud together in unholy alliance it is time for consumers to unite likewise. We now offer to publish an advertisement gratis for every baker who breaks through the ring, and sends us his name as being pre pared to soil bread at a reasonable price. li:it if none arc willing to do so let the people look to themselves, the remedy is in their nun hands, an-1 there shall not be wanting opportunity to apply it vigorously and well.

In the cnsc of Mr Deinpsey, contractor, charged with blasting rock in Hobson-street, without permission of the City Council, His Worship finally ruled that defendant had technically committted a breach of the by law, and must pay the nominal penalty of 2.s fid with costs. Jn the course of the inquiry the question waft raised by Mr I'ce.s as to whether or not the by-laws under the Act of 18f>7 were in force under the Act of 1876', and Mr Kees wished His Worship to decide the question if possible; lie questioned if the by-laws of any corporation were saved. His Worship thought the City Council should take legal advice on the point, and said he thought lie should reserve judgment for a week in order to make an in vestigation. Mr Philips, the town clerk,drew the attention of the Court to subsection 4, sec. 15, shewing satisfactorily that the by laws were saved, and the ca«c proceeded. Mr Dempsey drew His Worship's attention to the plan of the work, and stated his peculiar position in relation thereto, He left the fee for the permit with Mr Ander son, who informed him that such could not be granted, excepting on certain conditions. He consented to accept those conditions and pay for them, but they were refused, and now that the blasting was over, and the danger past he was brought to court.

A surf boat was launched yesterday from the yards of: Messrs J. W. Can1 and Son, boat builders, next to the Gas "Works. The boat is light, neatly constructed, and of the best native material. She was ordered on the 30th nit. for the " Atlantic" schooner, and was built, painted, and ready for use iv four days.

The interesting chess tournament was resumed last evening on the premises occupied by Mr Waters, confectioner, of Queen-street. A good many persons, admirers of the game, were present. The result of Messrs Heather and Stewart's contest was terminated by a "draw." These gentlemen played one against the other, while Messrs Lusk and Morton occupied another table. The matches were not finished at 10.15, and consequently were adjourned until the evening of the Bth hist. The following is a summary of jjames won and lost during the several contests r — Morton with Heather, won 1, and 1 draw.; Morton, with Lusk ; Stewart, witli Schmidt won 1 ; Stewart, with Heather, lost 1 ; Lusk, with Jakins, Avon 2; Lusk, M'ith Morton ; Heather, with Morton, won 1, and 1 draw ; Heather, with Stewart, won 1 ; Jakins, with Lusk, lost 2 ; Jakins, with Brec, won 2.; Schmidt, with Bree, won 2 ; Schmidt, with Stewart, lost ] ; (rorrie, with Bree, won 1, and lostl ; Bree, with Gorrie, Avon 1, lost 1 ; Brec, with Jakins, lost 2; Bree, with Schmidt, lost 2.

Thfi following choice specimen of an easy transition from the sublime to the ridiculous is extracted from a leading article in a Thames contemporary : —" It. is to our volunteers we must trust to repel all danger from foes within the colony, as well as to co-operate, if necessary, on the shore, with Her Majestf 's ships in defending the coast, and ill our opinion it is most requisite that the Government should speedily allay the fears and doubts that trouble the minds of our volunteer defenders on the subject of their, land scrip."

To the Editor : Sir, —In my advertise ment of yesterday, the sentence " I am now receiving a regular weekly supply of meat andniilk fed pork," should read " meal and milk fed pork, and refers to pork only, as in this article I have made special Arrange ments with the largest grower in Auckland, which enables me with, truth j to make such a strong statement, viz.. that no other tradesman in the city is in the position to otter such a superior article. —Noah Wood pi-The second of the series of lectures in aid of the funds of All Saints' Sunday School, will be given on Thursday next by Dr Maunsell, on "The True Gentleman." This subject was the means of drawing a large attendance some time ago, and we are sure the school room at Ponsonby will be crowded on this occasion. Last week a singing class was started in connection with the above school, imder the able conductor ship of Mr Swallow. There was a good attendance, and it is looked forward to as being the means of assisting both the ch"vcb nnd school in a. short timo.

A little boy, about two years old, was i und wandering in Queen-street this afternoon in the .wind and rain. He is at present being taken care of by the polices uutil his ftiendu come, to claim him, ■ He is a, ruddy faced Uttle fellow, awl wq*S (Jl'l'iUS &ttstyvi)^«\pK^sv saw fetal* ~

This morning a narrow escape from fire ocenred in the central hall of the Insurance Buildings, Two gentlemen were talking together when a strong smell of burning was noticed, and smoke wa observed issuing from a grating near the office of Mr Moi-peth, sharebroker. On looking down it was apparent that the rafters below were in a state of incipient ignition. A pail of water quickly procured, soon removed the danger, but the incident should show smokers how dangerous it is to throw away matches without blowing them out.

The steeplechase horse Wrangler, was sold at auction yesterday for £15, to Mr A. Dormvell. He is engaged at the forth coming Autumn meeting. Rev. Peter Mason, 13.A., has just issued the fifth thousand of his excellent little geo graphy of New Zealand and Oceania. The book is accompanied by a very good map of the colony, specially prepared by Messrs Schmidt and Co., and containing every j)lace of importance, marked clearly ami accurately, though in small compass. The brochure is bound in a form which renders it very durable and convenient for carriage in the pocket. For purpose of convenient division, the Provincial boundaries have been retained. The book has been care fully revised throughout, and it contains geographical, statistical, ineteorogical, botanical, and historical information arran ged in readable and handy form, a set of questions for examination being appended to each portion. The style is clear and intelligible, a vast amount of valuable in formation being condensed into small com pass, so that the book is peculiarly adapted to school purposes. The information, however, is so complete that Mr Mason's geography will also be useful to the man of business, the traveller and the general reader. The chapters devoted to climate, geology, physical features, minerals, plants, animals, birds, fish, history, the natives, iS:c., exhibit a large amount of patient research and skilful condensation, and we can confidently recommend Mr Mason's book to the general public. Messrs Upton and Co. are the publishers.

The Wangarei " Comet " will appear on June 6th in a new, improved, aud enlarged form, under the title of " The Northern Advocate." We observe that it has issued a circular to the Maoris of the North in the native language. The notice states that a portion of the paper will be devoted to news affecting natives, and to the publica tion of their opinions, in the same mannc as " Te Waka Maori."

There was a lively discussion in the Dunedin City Council on the question of voting a sum to defray the cost of receiving the Governor. Councillor Isaacs moved that one shilling be spent in the reception, and this was seconded by Councillor Walter. Is was finally agreed that the amount be £25.

The remarkable fish exhibited by Mr Targett, under the Theatre Royal, attracted many visitors yesterday.

Messrs Cochrane and Son will offer for sale on Monday next a number of valuable allotments in the city and adjacent settle ments, the property of the ltev. F. Thatcher.

Owing to the threatening weather the opening of a Good Templar lodge at Titi rangi, arranged for last evening, has been postponed. The Temperance Variety Troupe will give another of their Saturday entertainments this evening, in the Temperance Hall, Albert-street, consisting of comic and senti mental songs, dances, jigs, and hornpipes, to conclude with the lively farce entitled the "School," under the (management of Mr Sccats. Mr James Cox will take the chair, and ilclivjr the opening address.

A committee of persons favourable to the cause of spiritualism was held last evening with a view to arrangements for a lecture by Mr*Valker, the " trance-medium," and possibly, at no distant date, a spiritualist seance will be held in some public place. The sum collected at the doors of Lome street Hall, on " Genesis and Geology" was was £3 f>.s 6d, which scarcely paid the ex penses of the hall, although 292 persons were present. Had each person given a shilling, the result should have been £14 12s instead of lo*s then 3d a head.

Capt. Ileale has been appointed a judge of the Native Lands Court. Capt. Heale's knowledge of the land laws and the position ami the character of various blocks, as well as his long experience, fit him to discharge his new duties with efficiency, but whether or not the new office was required is another question.

We notice that Joseph Worms, avliosc letter appeared iv our columns last evening, has been tbe subject of another letter this morning to the " Herald." From inquiries we. have made, avc are satisfied that the less Worms courts publicity the better for himself, and Aye regret that his letter should have been granted publication in the Star. ■

Late Cablegram.

AUSTRALIAN

LATEST SHIPPING. SYDNEY, May oth.

Arrived—Easby. The Southern Cross for Auckland, resumed her voyage yesterday.

The Wakatipu is detained at NeAvcastle by a heavy sea on the bar. She sails on Tuesday. The City of Sydney sailed yesterday.

Stabbing in Queen-street.

BETWEEN two and three o'clock this after noon two men named William Anderson and Healey had an altercation iv the Queen's Head Hotel. According to Ander son's statement Healey called him a liar, whereupon .he gave him a smack in the face. A few blows were exchanged, and both went out, Anderson thinking that it was all over. He walked up Upper Queen street, and when about half way to the top he heard quick footsteps behind him. Almost directly afterwards he heard Healcy's voice, and then felt a blow on the eye, which he at first thought was from a list. He says he turned and aimed a blow at his assailant, but found his eyes full of blood. He called out " You've stabbed me," and then some people came up. They bound up his eye, over which was a danger ous cut, caused by some sharp instrument and he went to two doctors to get the wound dressed, but they were both from home. He then [went on to the Hospital, where his hurt was attended to by Dr Philson. The doctor told him that it was very fortuuate for him that the Aveapon hud just missed the great artery, Anderson, Avholosta considerable quantity of blood, Avas able aftenvards to come down tOAvn, and lay an information against Healey, AA rho is not yet arrested.

Another Rogers Case.

A man named John Western was brought to the Police Station this afternoon, in a very bad state. He was evidently und r the influence of liquor, but he was also badly injured by a fall. There was a large wound on the scalp, caused apparently by his having pitched on his head, fie is re p ait id to have gone into a merchant's office in Queen-street and committed a nuisance, and we are informed that the in jury was causedlby his being forcibly ejected, tie is at present confined in one of the cells, and the police have not deemed itnecesaaiy to call in a doctor. Coming so shortly after Rogers' case, we should have thought that this was omq in which the police would hsv© taken e.xtrfl. care to see that svery pre*

THE S.S. GO AHEAD.

The following telegram was received this morning by the New Zealand Insurance Company

Gisborxe, this day.

The Captain has given notice of aban donment which I declined to accept. Last night's tide she went out nearly to bar. Water at half tid iup to deck. Lying quite half across Channel, stern lowest. Surf still heavy, but no wind. High water, s ja breaking over her. —W. Ad AIR. It is evident from this, that there is little prospect of the vessel being got afloat again, unless the weather remains quite calm. She has apparently slipped from her first position, and drifted close up to the bar.

We are informed that there is no truth whatever in the statement made by the "Herald" this morning to the effect that Captain Cooper was in charge at the time of the accident, the pilot having refused to take the vessel out in the rou^li weather. A telegram from Gisborne received this morning says that the pilot was in charge. Captain Clayton, the Marine Surveyor for the New Zealand Insurance Co., and Mr Gouk, ship-builder, with a party of work men with the necessary appliances for securing and raising the wreck, are waiting to go down to Gisborne by the Pretty Jane.

This afternoon a joint telegram was sent to Captain Cooper infracting him to do the best he can for all the parties concerned.

England's Military Resources.

The total effective fleet of Great Britain, including Indian troop ships, on December Ist Avas 123, against 122 of 12 months before. These include four armour plated line of battle ships, 13 armour plated frigates and corvettes, 30 other frigates and corvettes, 65 steam sloops and small vessels, 11 sailing vessels of the same class, including reserve ships, training ships, store ships, and others. There was a total fleet on December Ist, 1876", of 24S vessels against 240 on December Ist 1575. THE ARMY.

The total British regular army as shewn by the statistics for 1577, including staff and militia, but exclusive of the Indian forces, and, of course, the Volunteers, was 133,720 men. In India there were 61,593 men.

My Weekly Dose.

(BY THE DOCTOR).

ludimUnm acrl, Fortivs et mciius magnas plcrumgue sccat res. —Horace.

THE RECENT ELECTION.—THE MYSTERY SOLVED. I mkt my friend Smith in Queen-street. He rushed up with a face suffused with smiles, and wanted to embrace me. I thought he had gone mad, and looked about for a policeman, I saw one on the distant horizon, absorbed in contem plating the movements of a collarless puppy dog. Seeing that no help was at hand I deemed it best to temporise with Smith. So I asked him " Why this enthusiasm, why this extra ordinary exuberance. Have you made a lucky hit in Moanatairis, become the happy parent of twins, or filed your schedule V He giasped my hand w;th fervour, and exclaimed: "My dear Doctor, i. congratulate you on your elec tion !"' The murder \yas out. Tlic man had confounded me with Dr Wallis—which was a confounded error—and I learned from this man th^t he had voted for me under the same hallucination. This will account for the lame inaiority of votes which were polled for Dr Wallis at the late election. His canvassers, cunning rascals, went about soliciting votes for "The Doctor," .and the electors, poor deluded souls, went like lambs to the slaughter, and re corded their votes under the belief that your humble servant was the candidate. I cannot but feel that I hare been disgracefully swindled, and I mean to petition the Assembly to unseat Dr Wallis, and declare me elected in his stead. "Strange that such diiFcrenec there should be Twixt Tweedledum and Tweedledee." I have carefully read over the speeches of Dr. Wallis and Mr .Robert Graham, and have been struck fay the singular coincidence in their views. Dr. Wallis was Grey, and so was Mr Graham ; both were for Separation ; both con demned the same things, and, except for one slight difference, one speech would have done for both. The difference was this: One was in favour of Sunday beer, and the other wasn't. This was the grand ticket on which the election was decided. ADVANCE CIVILIZATION. Formerly, when the Maoris sold land they were wont to spend the proceeds in a spree. Now, however, the progress of Good Templary has changed all this. At Patea the other day £100 was paid over to the natives, and they decided to invest the money in the erection of a skating rink. I never saw a Maori skate, but I hive seen one in a new pair of boots, and can therefore gues3 what it must be like.

THE WAR. LATEST TBLEGRAM. Constantinople, May Ith. 1877. Inshallah! Tell this to jour Effcndi Koohupar and the Christian Giaours of St James': If they cast any more dirt upon the children of the lloly Prophet, we will send Hobart Pasha to bombard Auckland. May their- graves be defiled!— Signed, Finxymoor Pasha. St. PETERsnuiiC.il, May Ist. Convey my distinguished thanks to the eminent Koopercholtski for having expressed him self favourable to a Russian occupation of Constantinople. It is a source of deep satis faction that my humble efforts for the pro tection of the oppressed Christian subjects of the Porte are approved by that eminent, savant. I have made him a Knight of the Order of St. Nicholas. I have now no doubt of the ultimate success of our arms. I have caused M. Kooper chotFski's opinion to be promulgated throughout the Empire. The people are erecting a monu ment, the army is enthusiastic, and I am grate ful.—Alexander. P.S.—You need not be apprehensive of any Russian cruisers attacking Auckland after the friendly declaration of Mr Kooperohoffski. I couldn't think of being guilty of such black ingratitude. A LIBERAL CANDIDATE. There is a slight difference between Dr Wallis and Mr G'-ininiond, who stood recently as a candidate for Ross. At the conclusion of one of his. orations he was asked to explain his views on the Permissive Bill. He said he did'nt know any " sich pusson," but so far as he heard, Billy was a decent sort of a cove. The question was explained. Grimmond said now he teqk the elector, and he'd answer that 'ere question stvaiglitfor'ard. He was'nt in favour of no sich Bill. For his part, he would allow a man to drink as long as he could keep on his legs. He did'nt cotton to these 'ere new fangled notions, and he believed in liberty; it was a free country, and every man oupht, to be 'Howed to do jist as he darn pleased. Grimmond was'ht elected. INTERVIEW WITH HOOKEY WALKER. Hearing of the famous trance medium, I re solved to interview him, and spend half-an-hour in the company of the ghosts. I found him in a kind of cabinet, surrounded by skul's and cross bones, wigs, burnt cork, patent calves, glass eyes, and other machinery used in the spirit business. After I had introduced myself to the Medium, he said:

"My friend, I have just been enjoying half -an hour of sweet converse with my friend Adam." Doctor: Adam ! What's his other name ? Medium: Other name! Why, my friend, I never knew him by any other name. Doctor: D'ye mean the chap that married Eve1? ' Medium: The same, my friend. . Doctor: Does he ever bring his missus with him I The Medium here gave a slight cough, and replied : Well, he has not yet done so; but I'll ask him to next time he calls. Doctor: Can't you trot him out now ? Medium : No, my friend; the conditions ain't exactly favourable. Doctor: Well, I'm sorry for that, because I wanted to ask the otf lady to explain all about that precious apple business— " Of man's first disobedience, and the fruit Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste Brought death into the world, and all our woe." Medium: I see that you have a taste for poetry. Doctor: You bet. I've got yards of original poetry ot my own manufacture at home. Do you do anything in that lino I Medium : Often, my frirnd; but alwaysunder the influence ot Byron, Burns, Homer, Virgil or some other spirit poet. Doctor: You might sling us a spo.cimen right Medium: The conditions isn't favourable. Doctor: Well, try something else. Here the Medium suddenly threw his head over the back of the chair, and appeared to be going into a faint. I immediately seized a bucket of water, and was about to throw the contents over him, when he recovered, and ex plained that there was nothing the matter. He was only going into the trance state. Then he gave a shiver or two, shut one eye. drew in his breath, and subsided into a geDtle slumber. He raised one hana suddenly and struck me in the Doctor: Look here, Mister Medium! Don't yon ploy off any of your larks on me Medium: Friend, the subject of our-discourse this overling i<j "■ WjuvtJ h tuv-yul \\ V ItlTft eon? EhuawdtioA of infinite f|bfc««oniUMCtt^^ X

itintheZpndavesta, in ConfucrasTinthTi^r~ and m election speeches. Ter-viith •Oran universal totality and essential eS £ * existeat and realistic facts embodied in . Self and disembodied in the universeT sc «»ce# n£Efe COaMll>t y °U make k just M 4 Medium :. The conditions isn't favonrnwJ 3 Johnson*/ C°Uld y°U trOt °Ut the Spirit S" lo ft Medium : The condit Doctor : Oh. blow the conditions! I Wanf Jt ask Tom why he didn't stump un th*ts-L to owed me before he left this vale of tears he 1 Medium ; The conditions ain't favourable Doctor: Can you inform me whet W'«. spirit of BUI Jones is on the rampage as he n 2? to be down here ? c "sed Medium: Our friend William is havnr Doctor: Then he's screwed, as usual kn« i. had any rows with the old woman ud thpr» h8 bridlf lUni: He ** marri6d to anoth«^Ptit i • Ds ctoi/r: That' s J'^st like Bill. He always hart kinder Mormon tendencies. What's the nai?£ of Mrs Jones No. 2. name Medium: The conditions isn't favourable Doctor: Has Bill seen anything o' Bi"ggl c , since he went to the spirit land? -"'ssres Medium: Often. Doctor: Was'nt there an all-fired fight? Medium : The conditions is'nt favourablp Doctor: Ask Joe Sprigga whether he takp* any interest in worldly things, and whether h ever visits the little room behind the bar in thl old place ? ta9 Medium : He's looking at you now. Doctor: That's mighty odd. Medium: Why, my friend? Doctor: Because Joe was as blind as a bat Medium : The conditions is'nt favourable Doctor: Look here, Mr Medium, it's mv opinion that you're about one of the rankest impostors that I've seen. You're a bigger fraud than wooden nutmegs and glass shirt-button-! You've got some fellow to write you a lot of grandiloquent nonsense which you've learned by heart, and you spout a piece of this or that tn fit any subject. Go hence! Get thee to a nunnery ! ! go ! !! Here the Medium awoke, rubbed his eyes and said " Where am IT Doctor : Well, I'll tell you, and that withont the aid of any spirits. You are on the road to some gaol. That's where you are. You are in a fair way to devote a few years' practical study to Hugh Miller's " Testimony of the Rocks," unless you pull up, and try some other track. So saying, I grabbed my tile, and fled from the scene. THE RUSSIAN INVASION. The Doctor begs to notify that he isn't a bit afraid of the Russians. He doesn't own an inch of property in Aiickland, and he thinks he could look on with perfect equanimity while a Russian cruiser was throwing shells into the houses of a few people he could mention. It would only be a foretaste of something still hotter that will come by-and-by. The Doctor has a plan of operation ready in the event of a Russian attack which is not only likely to render him perfectly safe, but to enrich him with the spoils. He will in the first place select a suitable spot where he will be perfectly secure from the enemy's shells, and from such. hiding place he will shoot some straggling Russian, don his uniform, and join in the sport of sacking the jeweller's shops. It will be glorious fun, and the profit will be immenae.

Sudden Death.

An elderly man, named Johii Sumfeet, died suddenly this morning in Echvardes street, itnder the following circumstances. The deceased was in very poor circum stances, and was in receipt of relief from Mr. Graham, the Relieving offcer. He had lodged for four or five years in the house of Mrs. Gundy, of Edwards-street. This morning lie got up, apparently in his usual health, about seven o'clock, and shortly after lie went into the back yard. Elizaheth Sullivan, another lodger, went out to call him to breakfast, and having called several times without receiving an answer, she opened the door of the water closet, and discovered Sumfeet in a sitting position with, his head on his shoulder. She felt that something unusual had occurred to him, and called a woman named Foreman, who, upon looking at the man, considered that he must be dead. They called the assistance of Thomas and John Hunt, who removed deceased into his room, and placed his body on a stretcher. Drs. Dawso'n and Hooper were sent for, and were shortly in attendance. Having examined the body, they pronounced life to be extinct. As the cause of death is not clear, an inquest will probably be held on the body at the Fitzroy Hotel.

FEARFUL TRAGEDY.

A Gumdigger Burned to Death near Lucas' Greek-

OxE of the most harrowing recitals which we have ever heard was told to the Police this morniug by a young lad who arrived from Lucas' Creek in the steamer Te Aroha. It contains the particulars of the wretched death of an inveterate drunkard named "William John Peacock, who, with the lad above-mentioned, whose name is James Nesbitt, lived in a miserable whare on the Riverhead side of the Parenioreniore Creek, the creek next beyond Lucas' Creek.

A WRETCHED HISTORY. Both Peacock and the lad have heen maintaining themselves by gum digging, and have lived together for about six months. Peacock has been in the colony sixteen years, and was formerly in the Commis sariat of the Militia. He lias been living up the river for about six yea.rs. He was a big, heavy man, about 45 years old, but looking more. He had an iron constitution, for no man possessed of any thing less could have existed through the fearful exposure and privations to which his drunken habits exposed him. Nesbitt informs us, that since he has lived with him, he has had four narrow escapes from drowning. About six months ago, he fell out of a boat at Deacon's wharf, Riverhead, and Nesbitt then held him above water till he was got out. Soon afterwards he fell overboard -while rowing between the Railway wharf and Riverhead; another day at Riverhead he was rescued from deep water by Mr Deacon's cook ; and ahout a. month ago he fell into the creek near Ms own whare, "when Nesbitt again got him otit. Ail these accidents were directly caused by intoxication. He has also been on two or three occasions burnt out of his whare, and there is little reason to doubt tliat the fires were attributable to the same causa. Four years ago, Peacock lived with a mate named Wilson, who was drowned while in his company, They had been to Riverhead on a drinking botit, and on the way back the boat capsized,and Wilson, who could not swim, was drowned. Only a fortnight ago Peacock was up in town and was seen in a drunken state by Sergeant Martin, of the water police, who told him then that he fully expected sonic day to have the job of going to look for his body.

NESBITT'S STATEMENT. James Nesbitt, who is ouly seven teen years old, is a slightly built Irish boy : he told his horrible story with commendable straightforwardness, but was evidently still in a state of tremor, caused by the harrowing sight he had seen and the events he had taken part in on the previous night. We will give his story as nearly as possible in his own words, merely putting the events in tlieir proper order of sequence. " "We live in a whare made of rushes and sticks on the creek on the other side of Lucas' Creek, I don't know what it's called : it's a Maori name. The whare is about a quarter of a mile up the creek, and the creek is about 200 yards across. The whare lias two rooms, a large one, where we scraped our gum, and a smaller one, where we slept. At half-tide yesterday (about, 2.30 p.m), Peacock started up to Riverhead in the dingy. He came back at low water (5 p.m.), and Avas evidently pretty jolly then, for before he landed he shouted out ' Grog, oh ! Grog, oh ! He intended to be heard by a man named Richards, who has a whare about a quarter of a mile further up the creek, where he lives with a little boy, his sou. Peacock made himself wet on gctti»g. ashore, and when he came in to the wlwev he took off all Ins clothes, except hl» tisM and flannel He brought a bottle ek *«f with him, mid at onoo began t<* apafc «•• Before 8 o'clock ha nearly iu».fs&eU it, mm; went fco lie down. Soon nftej'WWi £*

THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, MAY S, 1877.



-pAKURANGA HUNT CLUB. W. RATTRAY Begs to inform Members of the Club that he ha 3 received the GREEN CLOTH for Making their HUNTING COATS, and is; prepared t9 execute orders with promptitude. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER & MERCHANT TAILOR, 66, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland P E C" I A L TTT I C "E. AUTUMN & WINTER GOODS, BA.NNOCKBURN AND MOSGIEL TWEEDS H. L. POSSENNISKIE [ Opening Out these New Seasonable- Goods, i would call particular attention to their quality, which is second to none import ed, while from Ms large and varied Stoc ik Gentlemen can rely on a choice, of Cloth unattainable else- > where in the colony. H. L. POSSENNISKIE, MERCHANT TAILOR & HABITS lAKER, Opposite the City Mart* Shortland-street. "VrOTICE O~F REM O V AL. H. T TKINS BESS TO ANNOUNCE THAT' BBS I&-HAS REMOVED!!"®* TO TH Premises Next Door Below his Old Shop. H. ATKINS Begs to heartily thank his numerous Cus tomers for their very lit ,eral patronage from his first commencin g business up to the present time, and ■to assure them that although his trade nas increased to that extent, that hi?, REMOVAL to more Commodious Pre mises'wasa neces sity, the same princip/ t es of business will stillbeadhered to: v iz., keeping a good article, buying in th' 3 cheapest market, and selling at the snr allest profit possible. His New Shop shall always be known as The Cheapest in Auckland. H.A. will be haj )py to see all his old Customers, and as r aiany new ones as may honour him with $ heir patronage. A SPLET SDID STOCK OF I DRAPERY AND CLOT.HING Will aim' f9 be found, and the PRICES T-IHE LOWEST JN ATJ CKLAND I



/~1 AE, G O & ~\/T cX A I G, CLOTHIERS, OUTFITTERS, HOSIERS, MERGERS, &C. QUEEN-STREET, AUCKXAXD, Next door to Mr. E. Waters, Confeotioner. CARGO & McKAIG beg to intimate their in tention of OPENING as above on THURSDAY next, the 10th instant, with a Large and "Well assorted Stock, consisting of the Newest and Most Fashionable Styles in MEN'S. YOUTHS' AND BOYS' CLOTHING, HATS and CAPS, SHIRTS, COLLARS, TIES, AND SCARFS, HANDKERCHIEFS. BELTS AND BRACES, HOSIERY, UNDERSHIRTS & PANTS, UMBRELLAS, PORTMANTEAUS, &C, &c, &c. This Stock will be the most complete and best assorted in Auckland, having been selected with the greatest care, and with strict attention to the, requirements of this market. Our arrangements are such that we can con fidently assure our Customers of their receiving the utmost satisfaction, and also that they will obtain the best possible value for their money.l CARGO & McKAIGf, Clothiers, Outfitters, Hosiers, Mercers, &c, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND, Next Waters, Confectioner. rriHORNTON. SMITH, AND FIHTH'S X. PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale). Subject to alteration without notice. Sacks. 100's. 50's. Crown Brand Flour, & s. d. & a. d. £ s. d. per ton 22 0 0 22 10 0 23 0 0 T.S.&F. Canterbury Brand 18 0 0 18 10 0 19 0 0 Cantab Flour ■• 15 0 0 Sharps 8 10 0 Bran .. .. .. .. 610 0 .. Fowl Wheat .... 0 i oto 4s. 6d. The above prices include sacks and bags; sacks and bags not returnable. Terms: Cash. Auckland, oth May. 1877. c CONTINUATION OF CLEARING \_y OUT SALE. JOHN W. P EAESE (Leaving for England). The Stock must be sold at Frightfully Reduced Prices, to realise quickly, consisting of a very targe Stock of Men's and Boys' Clothing, Ulster Coats, Waterproof Coats, Inverness Capes, Overcoats, French Felt Hats, Cloth Caps. A large quantity of Ladies' Very Fashionable Costumes, Jackets, Shawls, and Felt Skirts, just received from London. Blankets. Flannels, Tweeds, Hosiery. Gloves, ufnes, Feathers, Flowers, and Straw Goods. Every Department is Marked Down, so as to clear out. The Ltcase of the Premises for Sole. TnUBJNITUBJE! FURNITURE ! Ladies and Gent emen about to\Farnish are respee fully requested to inspect the Large Slack of DMA WING - ROOM, DINING - ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacious Showrooms. T. & S. COOKS, 67, QUEEN-STBKET AAialnino Bank nf V*m» ZmljtinA. : vr o t T~ c c. MACINTOSH COATS, WATERPROOF CLOTHING. KUSHBEOOK AND BRIDGMAN Have Just Opened, and are now Showing, a Large Parcel of the above Goods, from the same House, and of similar style, to their Last Season's Goods, concerning the Wear and Quality of which they have received many satisfactory testimonials. The Parcel includes various Styles, and all sizes. 6, /Light Textures, in Black and Drab, for O i town wear. O Strong Heavy Sheeting. £ m | Strong Twilled, Velvet Collars. P* E-J j Cashmere, Fancy Check, and Diagonal K!S ) Tweed Patterns. 2 o Extra Heavy Diagonal Warm Lined, 3 and extra long. > Sealskin Lined, specially adapted for •*" v. Cabmen, 'Bu3S Drivers, &c. waterproof aprons. leggings, &c. Also, A FURTHER SUPPLY OF BLANKETS, REVERSIBLE BUSH RUGS, AND FANCY AUSTRIAN RUGS, To Hand this Week. 15, in the £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROQK & BRIDGMAN, Ju^qTioN Drapery Warehouse



CHEAP FOWL FEED.—Maize, 4s. to 4s. 6d. per bushel, at Coupland and Co.'s Queen-street. JUIA SACKS MAIZE, slightly inferior, "xv?'' now offering at 4s. to is. 6d. per bushol, by Coupland and Co., Queen-street. MRS. BEASLEY, Milliner, Dressmaker and General Draper, Princes-street, next door to Collison, Confectioner. There are "land rats and water ratsT"says Shakespeare, meaning tricksters on land as well as pirates on the sea A certain class of the former are at present occupying themselves in the preparation and sale of sophisticated liquor disguised in bottles which had for their iirst contents the finest medicinal beverage of the age, viz., Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aro mattc Schnapps. Accept none but the genuine. The Medical Profession have declared Steane s Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wink to be a necessity to all in search of health, and especially to those suffering either from Incipient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, and the dis orders arising therefrom. This Tonic is also particularly recommended to all who are in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time are desirous of studying: health by taking that which will act most beneficially on the system. Mr. Win. Johnson, Government Analy tical Chemist, report: — "I have examined Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con taining about 16 per cent, of h very pure alcohol, and holding in solution a clem- wholesome, Vegetable Bitter, combined with a fruity spicy arorma. I consider this Bitter a very superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotel keepers.