SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

loan, s.s., Farquhar, from the North

DEPARTURES.

Eicctra, ship. Thomson, for London

IMPORTS.

Per Transport from Newcastle : 500 spokes. 50 pairs shafts, 176 tons coals.— Stone Bros., agents.

EXPORTS.

Per Hawea—l case roller skates,— E. ana H. Isaacs. Per Hawea for the South : 1 case.—lreland Pros. 1 case.—E. 8; H. Isaacs. 13G packages for all parts.—Henderson End Macfarlane, agents. Per Roderick Dim for Newcastle : From Oamaru : 300 bat's bran. _iif) bags pollard, 200 bags bran. Shipped in Auckland : 100 doors, II bundles mouldings. 151 packages skirtings. 200 packages architraves.—Cr_ic_ shank Se Co., agents.

DEPARTURE OF THE ELECTRA.

The ship Elecfcra sailed for London at day light this morning. She went away with a light SAY. breeze, under full sail, and rounded the North Head shortly after 7 o'clock. Four boxes of gold, s-ontaiaing over 5.500 o_s gold wire. were taken on board yesterday afternoon, b-lnjc shipped by the Bank of New Zealand.

There was no sign of the mail steamer A"s tralia up to the time of our going to press. We are informed that the captains of the mail boats have received instructions to keep as nearly as possible to their contract time, which is not up until Sunday. By taking it easily, and doing one knot auhaur less th*n full speed, they can save a large quantity of coa!, and yet arrive to their time-time date. The s.s. louo. arrived from the fNcrth at three o'clock this morning. She brings no further particulars ot the wreck at Ohore. The s.s. Kawe-a will leave for the South to-morrow morning, whether the 'Frisco mail arrives by that time or not. The following passengers have already booked: Mr and Mrs A Fergu.-ori., Mrs James and family, Mrs Snod'.aw. Mrs Hoane Nahe and daughter, Ivlessi, Hurst. W. J. Firth, Cawkweli. S. Fox, Piper,~Cuuiu_sha__, Car rick, Rowley, KarJand, Smith. Phillip: . Rainc, Taipari, Marks, Lovin- SDhn, Tahi Mana. . . The hrigantine Rodencic Dim cleared out to-day for Newcastle in ballast, with a portion of the -jar .0 she brought from Oamaru, and a Quantity of doors, sashes, mouldings, etc. She i 3 to pail this afternoon. The s-hoouci' Amaranth arrived this morning from W_n._aui, with a cargo of sheep. £he is to load tiniUsr at Messrs Walker and Cos nidi for Wanganai. _, .__ , _ , . . The schooners Acadia, Transit, and Colonist, the ketch Wild If)nek, and the brigantine Ethel ere daily exp .cted from various southern ports, and the present westerly winds should bring them in soon. . . The brig Transport, which arrived in harbour as Aye were going to press yesterday evening, ba= had a stormy passage of twenty days. She encountered a. succession of easterly gales until sth •Vugust, when the wind, without subsiding, veered .o the S.W.. and was accompanied with thunder and lightning. The Three Kings were made at noon on the 7th, and the North Cape at 2 a.m. on the Bth. Had very squally weather down the coast, Basides the bad weather Cap tain Blake ■■'■■■!'-'■ his crew had another and even more serious difficulty to contend against on the passage. On the night after leaving Newcastle the water tank on deck was knocked adrift by a heavy sea. and all the wa/.er lost. This left the vessel with only one tank of fresh water. contain'ng 490 gallons, under ordinary circum stances quits sufficient for drinking purposes. But on the 29th ulto,, when the mate went below to draw off a quantity, it was found that the whole of the remainder had become strongly impregnated with salt, and the consternation of all on board was great to find themselves 620 miles from the nearestlaiid—Lord Howe's Island, nd without, a drop of E_e3h water. The reason of til" warer in the tank becoming salt was not ascertained, but it was believed to be from water drippfu . through the hatches, and enter ing the moutli of the tank. The captain and officers fortunately proved equal to the emer gency, and once set to work to manufacture a condenser. The first one that was perfected was made out of an oil can and ar. ordinary iron bucket. The pipe between the oil can. or the venerator of steam, wa_ the waste lead pipe. Taken from the captain's washstand. thickly wrapped with canvas, and coated with white lead, to reserve the heat, while the top of the receiving bucket also was well packed and then placed in cold water, and the <=team was there condensed. A sec»nd appara tus was constructed ; the connection pipe, how ever, between the generator and condenser b. in. perhaps the most novel of its kind ever made. It §waa nothing more than five thick-, nesses of canvas wrapped round a broomstick, and every thickness coated with'white lead, which answered remarkably well as a pipe when the broomstick wa3 withdrawn. For the first 3G hour . each man received a wineglass of condensed water, and, as one of the. seamen stated -if was more like castor oil. Imswas, however, speedily rectified by continuous use, and the next supply was much better, end it gradually improved. The galley fire was con stantly ablaze, and ultimately the apparatus turned out 32 quarts daily—suflic'ent to meet the requirements of the crew. The vessel has . rrived in port with all on board in good health, but had it not been for the clever ingenuity of those in charge the whole crew must have perished. ______—^—-

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs E. and H. Isaacs held one o_ the largest sales wc have had in Auckland for some time past, on Wednesday last, nearly £3,000 value' being quitted. Th . attendance was very large, and some splendid samples of wines and spirits oft.red: and taking into consideration the large quantity of goods thrown into the market the prices realized were very satisfactory.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

(.Bank of New Zealand—Sellers, £22 7s 63. HNational Bank—'Buyers, n>s; sellers, 725. Colonial do.—''2s 6d ; buyers. 42s Gd. Thames Gas-Sellers, 30s. South British Insurance—tellers, S2s CI (new). TfN'ew Zealand Insurance—Sellers, 102s Od. _?Union Sash and Door Co.—Buyers, £10. Red Queen -Sellers, 2s 6d. Caledonian (double)— Sellers, 703. Moanatair.—£7 53 ; buyers, £7 5s ; sellers, Alburnia—s6a ; buyers, 553; sellers, 573 6d (ex div). Welcome—Sellers, 53 Gd. AVaiotahi—Sellers, 275. Kuranui Hill—Buyers, 13s Sd; sellers, 10.3 Gd. Piako—Buyers, 10s 3d. Thames—Buyers, 40s; sellers, 455. Tokatea-S.llers, 9s G^. ,TOS_PH 'N'F.WT.TA.X. Chairman.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE. AUCKLAND.

Matt... wjll Close _s Under: For Thames, this day at 5.30 p.m.; and on Monday, at 4 p.m. For Coromanilel, per Argyle, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. For Napior and Gisborne, per Southern Cross, this day, at 5 p.m. For Tairua. per Rob Roy, this day, at 4.30 p.m. For Taranaki an. Southern Provinces, per Hawea, this day. at 7 p.m. For Australian Coloniea, per Australia, im mediately after her arrival from Honolulu For Russell. Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per Tona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Waiwera. Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana, per Anne Milbank, on Tuesday next.ar. 10 a.m. For Levuka (Fiii), per Mazeppa, on Tuesday next, at 10 a.m. For AVangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at 4 p.m. For Xapier. Wellington, and Southern pro vinces, per Rotorua, on Tuesday next, at 3 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern provinces, per Taranaki, oa Thursday, 16th iust, at 11 a.m. S. !.. WIS... Chief Poar.m_.-f.-r.

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

SATURDAY. AUGUST 11. 1877.

for the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs i-csistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we c*_ do.

Mr. Fox's Local Option Bill is the device of a man completely blinded by' prejudice to any but one side of a great question. His enthusiasm —we might almost say fanaticism—lias closed his eyes to the plain demands of equity in any matter affecting a publican. In his view, a vendor of alcohol is a social pariah, without claim to the common justice which the law awards to criminals of the deepest dye. Using his own inelegant simile, publicans arc to be rooted out by any means, fair or foul, as a long-nosed Inspector of Nuisances would "sweep out the seeds of typhus in the shape of impure sewage." The traces of these monomauiacal senti ments are marked in broad, deep lines on the measure which he has introduced for the suppression of the liquor traffic. An examination of its provisions leaves only one impression—astonishment that any man with faculties apparently evenly balanced in other matters could seriously ask the legislature to endorse such pro posals in the name of righteousness and public molality. We can foresee no other issue from the extreme form in which he lias attempted to embody the Permissive principle than the defection from his party of that large moderate section who, recognising the terrible evils of drink, are prepared to support just legislation enabling a clearly defined majority of the people to suppress it. Mr Fox's bill, briefly epito mized, proposes that any twenty adults, male or female, residing within any licensing district may, by notice to the Chairman of the Licensing Court, demand the formation of a sub-district for the purpose of taking a poll on the question of completely suppressing the sale of intoxi cating liquor in their neighbourhood. Upon receipt of this memorial tlie Chairman must choose a licensed house in the neigh bourhood of the petitioners for a centre, or if there is more than one hotel in the vicinity, shall take a point midway between those existing ; and then, if in a munici pality, shall create into a district all the inhabitants living within a radius of one hundred yards from the hotel thus chosen as the pivot. Beyond municipal boun daries the area is to lie two miles. It then becomes the duty of the < lhairman to appoint a polling day, and issue papers to every man or woman in the district thus defined, asking "yes or no," whether he or she is favourable to the closing of all public-houses within the district. On a day appointed, a collector is to call for these papers, and if a majority of one deter mines for the adoption of the Act, the licenses in the district shall not be renewed, and every person found guilty of selling drink thereaftei' within the district shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term of not less than fourteen days, nor more than six months, without the option of line The expense of taking the poll is to become a charge on the local licensing revenues. The bent of Mr Fox's mind, and his utter incapacity to judge aright between teetotal lers and those who differ from them, is dis played in his comparative modes of pro cedure when the decision is favourable and when it is adverse. If the majority in any district shall have decided against the adoption of the Act, it will still be lawful for twenty adults to demand another poll against any particular license in the district, and an appeal may again be made at the expiration of one year with the object of securing the adoption of the Act. If, on the other hand, the first poll is against the traffic, no new poll shall be held for three years, and then only upon the petition of fifty (not twenty, as in the citse of the sup pressionists) adult residents. The publicans, whose means of livelihood may thus be swept away in a moment, their investments rendered valueless, themselves brought from affluence to ruin, arc left without compen sation or redress. Mr Fox would crush them with as little compunction as lie would crush a Hy. Desirous, as we are, of seeing the power of controlling a trade which has spread misery, destitution, and crime throughout the land, placed in the bands of the people, we refuse to believe that the public well-being will be advanced by the perpetration of a cruel wrong. There are vendors of grog, we admit, as there are

grocers, butchers, and milkmen, for whose villanies Mr Fox's confiscation would be but a poor measure of retribution, but these arc in a very great minority. The majority of hotel-keepers are respectable men, who have engaged in a business recognised and specially licensed bylaw; and who. upon tiie faith of legal enactments, have embarked a iarge amount of capital in their calling. From two to three thousand pounds have not uncommonly been paid for the goodwill of hotels. Are rights like these, which have grown u]> under the law, to be denied all recognition ? If it were true, as Mr Fox argued, that all the present holders of hotel properties had reaped their reward from past enjoyment of monopolies, sanctioned by the State, it might be a question whether the Government should recognise any further claim to considera tion. But it is wpll-known that a large proportion of landlords have bought recently, relying upon the protection of "the law as it existed, and the operation of Mr. Fox's bill means to thorn utter ruin. If the setate is to enjoy the blessings which Mr. Fox predicts from a temperate popula tion, the State can well afford to pay for it. We thoroughly agree with Dr. Wallis that the proposal contemplates an iniquitous determination to do evil that good may come of it. If enacted, the Bill should either be amended in such form as to make it inoperative for several years, giving duo notice of the future course of the licensing laws ; or the publican, whose license is cancelled without offence, should receive compensation for the sacrifice he is compelled to make for the good of the Commonwealth.

Parliamentary telegrams shew the Min istry to be vacillating and disunited. Aware that they lack a majority of the House upon important ministerial bills, they cannot arrive at any definite plan for grappling with the situation. Different devices are sug gested daily, and Ministers apparently live in hope that by repeated delays they will gain strength, or something will "turn up" to relieve them from their extremity. It is understood that Mr Donald Reid favours a direct issue mi Mr Wool cock's motion for a change in the incidence of taxation, with the intention of appealing to the coiKtitry if defeated. It is not known for certain whether the Governor would grant a dissolution. His Excellency has done such extraordinary things already, that it is dangerous to predict what he might not do. We should think it improbable, how ever, that he would lend himself to a dissolution, simply for the purpose of enabling the present Cabinet to relain office, and there is really no other question before the House. We learn that the general opinion in Wellington is that the Government will keep the Native Lands Court Bill low down on the order paper, taking Mr Wooleock's motion first. The Government organ is already feeling the way by stating that the measure should be submitted to the natives. One tact comes clearly out of tbe mists surrounding the position — Ministers are determined to _ stick to their seats if they j possiblycan, and ha. eno sentimental notions I of standing or falling by their measures. Already rumours are afloat that a vacancy ' Avill occur at the end of the session, by Dr

Pollen's retirement on a civilservice pension, and by this and other means, the Cabinet will leave no stone unturned to strengthen its position before the House meets again.

WRECK OF THE QUEEN BEE.

It is with a feeling of profound relief that we hear of the safety of the whole of the passengers of the ill-fated ship Queen Bee. The loss of the ship and cargo, and the solitary death of the carpenter, will now be the extent of the disaster which only a few hours ago seemed likely to be aggravated by the lingering death of the greater number of the women and children among the passengers. By a tele gram which we receivad this afternoon, it appears that they, with the cutter in which they left the ship, were discovered by the Navalsfpinnace in one of the nume rous bays which stud D'Urvillc's Island. It seems probable tnat the two boats seen entering Dark Bay were the navals and the cutter. As many of our reiufers may not be conversant with the line of Wie coast at the scene of the wreck we quote the following description of Cape Farewell Spit from the " New Zealand Pilot ":—

" Farewell Spit extends from Cape Farewell iii an easterly direction 17 miles, slightly curving to the southward toward., its extreme : and is the danger which ships must be careful to avoid in entering Cook's Straits from the westward or southward. Several vessels have been wrecked on it within the last few years, but this has generally arisen from a want of due caution, it is, however, a treacherous spit, so great a part of its eastern extreme being covered at high water, and its southern or inner

side being very steep too. The portion which is always above water extends 13 miles from Cape Farewell, and maintains an average width of little more than half a mile, it is composed of low sand mounds partially covered with vegatation. There is a cluster of bare sand hillocks midway between the Cape and the extreme, the highest of which is 90ft above the sea, and at the high water extreme, on Bush End Point arc several scattered bushes growing From Bush End Point the low water extreme of the Spit which dries in patches, extends S.E. by E. 4 miles and the water shoals suddenly at the distance of 11 miles outside it from 25 to 5 fathoms. On the northern or outer side of the Spit, the water shoals gradually from 40 to ~."> fath oms (sand) .. miles off shore, to 14 fathoms within one mile of it. On the southern, or bay side, the sand dries in patches for more than 3 miles from the high water edge of the bank, and in some parts for even ojmilcs to the southward, there are only a few feet water shoaling suddenly to that depth from 7 to 10 fathoms."

Immediately south or inside of the Spit is Massacre Bay, which is about 10 miles across, and has Separation Point for its southern headland. About two miles south of Separation Point is Awarua, where the life boat was picked up by the schooner Merlin on Wednesday. Port 1 lardy, where the gig was found, is the most northern bay of| D'lJrville's Island, between Cape Stephens and Nile Head. It bears S.E. of the Spit, from which it is distant about 45 miles. This is described in the New Zealand Pilot as an ugly place, and in bad weather, there is generally a nasty sea on, making it an undesirable harbour for vessels. The name of the bay where the cutter was found is not mentioned, but from its being near tbe French Pass, it is evidently at tbe southern extremity of D'Urville's Island. It is obvious that the gale must have driven the boats right across IJlind Bay, the violence of the N.W. wind rendering it im possible to make Nelson, which the cutter would pass within a few miles of. There are several reasons why it is imperative that the inquiry into this calamity should be most thorough. With out knowing all the facts, we should be slow to pronounce any censure, but it cannot fail to st like everyone that after tin: vessel struck the arrange ments were not the best that could have been made. One question which will have to be answered is bow is it that the captain and officers were altogether in the gig, while all the women and children were placed in a cutter with only one A. I'>. and three ordinary seaman. Considering, too, that the vessel struck at midnight and Cue gig did not leave until seven o'clock, without provisions, sails, mast, rudder, or sullicieut oar., there appears to have been a culpable want of forethought.

At the Hoard of Education yesterday, an application was read from the principal teacher of the Girls' High School for further assistance, owing bo the increased number of pupils. The application stated that there were 97 pupils, and the principal and her two assistants were over-taxed with labour. The Board was favourable to the request, and decided to telegraph to Wel lington to ascertain if the services of Mrs McWeish could be secured.

Mr I. Gwynne, of Epsom, has purchased the entire Young Performer,whose pedigree, from Quicksilver ami Prick Willow, Sec, is unrivalled, lie notifies in our advertising columns that the horse is still at the service of the Auckland settlers. Mr Gwynne is willing to offer, at the annual show, prizes for yearlings—the product of the trotting horse—to the amount of £10, to be divided into three prizes. Thisshcws con siderable spirit and pluck on the part of the owner. We hope that he will b_ repaid for trouble.

On the importation of fresh salmon from California, " Citizen" writes : —Seeing that Sydney has made arrangements for a regu lar importation of fresh salmon, preserved in ice, from San Francisco, it is to be hoped that Auckland will make similar arrange ments. A Sydney paper of the 2Sth ult., says : ' The salmon is reported to be ex cellent. I hope that a large trade in this line will be opened up.' What is the en terprising proprietor of the ' Occidental,' about, when this motion has, apparently, not yet struck him ?"

Helensville district, writes our correspon dent, has been in a great state of excite ment consequent upon the completion by Mr Fitzgerald of the purchase of the Okatuekura No. 1 and 2 blocks, containing 24,000 acres. The negotiations which have been pending for upwards of 18 months seemed to have nearly discouraged the purchaser, but having recently em ployed Mr Charles Nelson, that gentleman soon brought matters to a speedy termina tion, and the deed of transfer was signed yesterday. The purchase money, £3,600, was paid in the presence of Captain Symonds; and Mr. Dufaur, from Auckland, prepared the deeds, and assisted Mr. Nelson in obtaining them executed in the proper legal form. The matter passed off very quietly, but several persons, storekeepers and others, were to be seen amongst the natives endeavouring to obtain debts due. The first preliminary meeting of the whole of the members of the Pitt-street Mutual Improvement Society, takes place on Monday evening Jnext, at half-past 8 o'clock, in the school-room, Pitt-st_-eot. Business : to adopt the programtne for the ensuing session, and receive Committee's report. A full meeting is requested. We are glad to learn that the Auckland movement in support of the Dunedin artizans' appeal to the Government to have railway material constructed within the colony is likely to be brought to a satis factory issue. The committee meeting last night fell through, but Messrs Heslop and Cook to-day interviewed the Mayor and a number of gentlemen named as committeemen at the public meeting, with \ a satisfactory result. Plis Worship re gretted that he was precluded from actin« on the committee, being orn the eve of leaving for Wellington, but promised to do his utmost there to advance the movement, with which he thoroughly sympathised. Mr Firth agreed with the'object in view, but desired to be relieved from acting on the committee. Captain Daldy, Messrs C. A. Harris, Goldie, Boylan, and Tinne, entered heartily into the project and agreed to act. A committee meeting is convened for Monday afternoon at four o'clock in the Mechanics' Institute.

A very interesting entertainment, deno minated an open lodge meeting, was held last evening by the Juvenile Templars, in the side room of the Y roung Men's Christian Association. Bro. Hayward presided. The room was full of members and friends of the order, and the songs and selections made in accordance with the canons of g»od taste. The speakers of the evening were Mr McKenzie and Mr Andrew. Miss Knox, the Sister-Secretary, read a favour able report and balance-sheet, both of which were received with expres sions of satisfaction. The vocalists and readers were mostly girls and boys, yet their performances sbewed good train ing and careful study. Sister Carter, a pretty little girl, recited an extract from " Marmion," and the "Orphan Child," rather a long poem, with much apparent feeling. Sister Binns gave two songs in appreciative style. Miss Marson, gave a little ditty, but Aye could not catch the title. Bro. Bell read a little piece from a Californian journal, entitled " Out of Work," but this brother, who could read fairly, _ kept his head too much in the position of a bell to give due effect to his reading. A visitor read a poetical story of Widow Brown and Parson White. Mr Wra, Doran sang a comic and a sentimental song ; and received the rapturous plaudits of the company. Bro. Jamicson gave a capital recitation, " Neath the green JSouth Downs of England, here I wandered when a boy." The remarks of Bros. McKenzie and Andrew on the political aspects of affairs and the Local Option Bill, were interesting, e-pecally to the adult portion of the audience. The proceedings were of an interesting character, and closed with the " Beautiful River."

The members of the Hibernian Band, who have gratuitously exorcised their musical talents in the public interest on numerous occasions, will celebrate their first anniversary on Tuesday evening next in the Albert Hall, Darby-street, by a social gathering of shareholders and friends, and a ball. The first public appearance of the band in its associative character was on the 14th of August of last year, on the occasion of the opening of the Theatre Royal. The ellicient band of the Hibernians have since appeared at nume rous concerts in Auckland. Onehunga, Painurc, Howick, and the Wliau, and on these occasions their services have been gratuitous. Mr J. P. Lonergan has given great satisfaction, both as conductor of the band, ami as instructor of the young mem bers; and we are glad to notice that a feeling of unanimity exists among the members, which is the host security that can be

given in favour of its life and permanency. The entertainment of Tuesday evening is expected to be a great success, tbe band will provide the music,

and an experienced master of ceremonies has been engaged. The monthly quadrille parties, in connection with the band are very select, and conducted on the principles of order and decorum.

The No. 3 Company of Auckland Rifle Volunteers, under command of Capt. Morrow, have decided to lire forjthe Ladies'

Cup ami other prizes, on Saturday, tbe 18th inst., at the Mount Eden Range.

The following giants of money were made yesterday by the Board of Education : £3 10s for repairs to Alexandra School; £19 to the Hautapu School, in consideration of the residents contributing tlio remainder of the sum required for fencing, i.e. ; £10 for lireply.ee in Wairoa North School. The following were appointed as assistant teachers: —Miss Ross, teacher of needlework

at Kaiwaka. Mrs Lewis W. Edwards senior assistant, Newton East School. Mr Clarke, teacher, Omaha School. Mr Jones as temporary teacher of the Parua School,

and Mrs McLaurin as teacher of needle work at Te Awamutu.

The unfortunate man Charles Duncan, who was injured at the Golden Arrow mine, Tairua, on Wednesday, was brought down by the " Pearl," which arrived'at Shorthand wharf at S o'clock yesterday morning. Stretchers were procured, and the man was at once taken to the hospital, where his injuries were attended to. The doctors are of opinion that the injuries will not prove fatal, although they are very dangerous. Duncan has received a very severe seal]) wound, besides bruises on the arm and small of the back.—[" Advertiser."]

Our Dunedin correspondent telegraphs thai the "New Zealand Tablet" under stands the Bull appointing Dr Chareyrc Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland has reached the colony, bu it is by no means certain whether he will accept the preferred See.

The remains of the young man Mr Archi bald McLiver, who was killed at Tapu Creek, Hastings, on Wednesday last, were brought to town tin's afternoon in the Kotomahana, accompanied by tbe mother

and brother, and several friends of the deceased. The body was met at the wharf by a large number of friends wlio had long known and esteemed the young man and his family, and after depositing the body in a hearse the mournful cortege, occupying several carriages, and about 50 others on foot, proceeded to the Presbyterian Ceme tery, where the last mournful rites were performed by Rev. Mr McNicol. The family of deceased arc well connected, it being a fact that legal steps have been taken to establish a claim to the estate and pro perty of the late Lord Clyde, who once is saiil to have known the name of McLiver better than Clyde or Sir Colin Campbell.

We understand that the Council of the Auckland Institute have made arrange ments with Mr H. A. Severn for the delivery, at the Museum, at an early date, of a short course of popular scientilic lectures. The subjects will be :1. Aspects of the Solar System when compared with the Stars; 2. Galvanism, Magnetism, Electro-magnetism, and Induction, their uses, resemblances, ami differences; 3. Photography, its practice and value" for scientilic purposes. The lectures will be fully illustrated by experiments, many of which have not been previously exhibited before an Auckland audience.

We understand that Newton West new school, which is now nearly completed, will be opened on Monday week.

The Rev. Mr Isitt, from Taranaki, will give an address at the service in the Theatre Royal to-morrow evening.

An old festival, known as " Rush-bear ing," lingers in some parts of England, and is observed in different places on different days. The poets, especially Shakespeare in his Henry the Fourth, and Brown,in his pastorals, refers to the custom as a religious and joyous one. Rush-bearing is kept up in some parts of Cheshire, on the 11th August, with much spirit, particularly in the villages of Lymm and Warburtoii. The rushes are bound, and carried on carts, associated with music and garlands of flowers. The horses are decorated with ribbons and bells, the young people being duly dressed and joining in the processional dances. Beyond the fun,howover, the rush festival has a beneli cent influence on the people of the villages in a sanitary point of view, as they make great preparations for the event by completely cleansing their homes anil surroundings ; consequently the villages of Lymm and Warbuiton are reckoned among-the healthiest of Cheshire, although the fustian-cutting trade at times causes much depression.

Notices of the Sunday services at the various city places of worship will be found in our third page.

The Temperance Variety Troupe have provided a promising programme for this evening in the Albert-street Hall, consist ing of comic and sentimental songs, by Messrs Sceate, O'Hare, Mrs Smith, and others ; also, dances by the Mettani Bros, and the celebrated McGuire. The farce of a " Lawyer for a Day" will also be e^ven, containing some local touches. Mr James Cox will take the chair.

A meeting of the Thames Football Club is to take place at Grahamstown this even ing, for the purpose of making arrangements for a mat oh with Auckland.

The numerous friends of the late Rev. J. W. Wallis will doubtless be present in large numbers at the Pitt-street YVesleyan Church to-morrow evening, on which occa sion the Rev. Mr Buddie will preach a funeral sermon. The late lamented gentle man, whose demise is to be the occasion of a special discourse, has long been suite i 0 from consumption, and though his early death has been anticipated by all his friends, his removal at the early age of 35 is naturally felt with much acuteness; for added to the natural abilities by which he had raised himself to a creditable position as a Christian scholar, his zeal in mis sionary work at Tonga proved him to be imbued with a fervor of enthusiasm which could only emanate from a whole-souled devotion to the faith he held so sacredly. It was undoubtedly in consequence of his voluntary surrender of his entire being to his work, and the labour and hardships he underwent, that his disease was greatly accelerated. After a temporary retirement from active ministerial work, Mr AYallis seemed to improve in health, and was elected to the editorship of the "Wes leyan," for which position a previous connection with the press qualified him. In the hands of Rev. Mr Buddie the life of the deceased youthful missionary and philanthropist will afford ample materials for an impressive and useful discourse.

The bring for the Ladies' Cup and other prizes, by the members of No. .3 Company A.R.V., will take place at the Mount Eden Range on Saturday week, the 18th inst., at

p.m. sbarp.

To the Editor: —Kindly inform me of the date of the arrival of the immigrant ship Dorette, which was quarantined hero, and oblige,Mate.—[The Dorette arrived on the 14th April, 1874.—Ed. E.S.]

understand that a discourse will be delivered in St. Paul's Church to-morrow night on the subject of Education.

WRECK OF THE "QUEEN BEE."

The Search for Missing Boats

(Prom Our Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

Further intelligence of the missing boats of the Queen Bee were waited for with intense anxiety, but up to four o'clock yesterday no tidings had been received. The Commissioner of Customs stated in Parliament that the Manawatu, which left Wanganui yesterday evening, had been instructed to proceed direct to Blind Bay and vicinity to search for castaways, with orders to coast carefully along Stephen's and D'Urville's Islands, enter Port Hardy and Greville's Harbour, and closely examine the shores, then run out into Blind Bay, and cruise about, to ascertain if there were any signs of the boats visible. It is feared the search will prove fruitless.

CAPTAIN CAREY'S OPINION.

Captain Carey, of the Taupo, informs me that on the morning the boats left the shin a heavy gale came on from N.W. to S.W.. with tremendous sea setting in to the entrance of Blind Bay. When he went out with the Taupo the same evening he had to round Stephen's Island, and found a heavy N.W. gale blowing, with terrific sea, dead on the rocky shores of that and D'U rville's Island. He expresses his conviction that unless the boats happened to make Port Hardy or Greville's Harbour, destruction was almost inevitable, as they would probably be dashed to pieces on a lee shore or swamped, even if they managed to live through gale and sea. Chance of escape is but slight.

H.M.S. SAPPHO SENT OUT.

In Parliament yesterday afternoon Mi- McLean stated that H.M.S. Sappho is going to look after the castaways. The Sappho went out under canras at 4 o'clock.

FURTHER PARTICULARS.

Captain Davies, of the Queen Bee, was commander of the ship Dalham Tower at the time she was dismasted on the coast of New Zealand three years ago. Dr. Maun scll, who is in the missing boat, was for merly resident at Hokitika, and went home about two years ago. He is a nephew of Archdeacon Maunsell, of Auck land. The Queen Bee was bound to Napier, as well as Nelson. Mr Burley, the mate, was formerly mate with Captain Bishop, on the Halcionc, and was at one time Captain of the ship Wild Duck.

The following is a summary of the cargo of the Queen Bee ;—Plain cottons, £1,075 ; coloured do., £247; printed do., £700; woollens, Sec, £397 ; linen, £414 ; millinery, £.03 ; hosiery, £430 ; haberdashery, £1,746; apparel, £3,037 ; carpets, £34S ; straw hats, £105 ; leather £4fi2; agricultural imple ments, £299 ; books, £606; pianos, £322 ; agricultural seeds, £516; hardware, cut tlery, Sec, £1,735, liuseedoil, 1,522 gals. ; paint colours, £612; window glass, £473; china and earthenware, £740 ; wool packs, £467 ; cement, 300 barrels : brandy in bulk, 1509 proof gallons; brandy in case, 1,198 do. ; spirits in bulk, 51S do. ; spirits in case, 274 do. ; red wine, 1,528 gals. ; white wine, 1,648 do. ; oilmen's stores, £597; vinegar, 1,625 gals. ; candles, 257 cwt. ; white salt, 30 tons ; bicarbonate, 25 cwt. ; soap, 16 do.; raisins. 89 do. ; currants, 252 do. ; almonds, 17 do. ; refined sugar, 76' do. ; confectionery, 59 cases ; chemicals, 71 do. ; alum, 30 cwt., Sec, Sec Total value, £25,300.

(SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE STAR.)

Peyilous Voyage of the Boat

Full Particulars.

The Naval Brigade boat Aurora found the missing cutter at Elmsley's, French Pass, yesterday afternoon. The following are the particulars : The boat left the Queen Bee on Tuesday morning, at 7 a.m., with 21 passengers in all. The boat had only three oars, which were almost useless,

NO SAILS, RUDDER, OR MAST, no water with the exception of one bottle which a passenger happened to have, and 3 tins of preserved meat. They tried to keep on to the lifeboat to get rid of some of the passengers, as the boat was overloaded, but could not. The wind and sea were very high from the west. After struggling for an hour they had to run before it. When two-thirds across the bay they found they were making no southing, and ex pected to be blown seaward.

THE BOAT FILLED THREE TIMES,

Fortunately the wind shifted to N.W., and by means of a rug held on a brass rod the boat made a little southing. At S o'clock, at night, we sighted Savage Rock Cove, French Pass, when the wind shifted to ;W. again, which blew the boat into the mouth of the Punia Harbour where we held on to the oars aH night. Had hard work to keep off the shore at daylight. We gradually rowed into Punia Harbour, and LANDED ON THE BEACH.

and made fires and boiled water, some of the crew went over the hill to look for a habitation, and fell in with a Maori settle ment, . .here they were treated with great hospitality. We remained at Punia har bour till the following day, when we were rowed into Elmslie's place, and were picked up by the Aurora, all in the best of spirits.

[Press Agency.]

THE GIG FOUND.—THE CAPTAIN AND OFFICERS SAFE.

NELSON, Saturday, 12.50 a.m. The Manawatu has just arrived at the outer anchorage with the crew of Captain Danes' boat. She arrived at Port Hardy at 3 p.m., and found the captain and crew. 1 hey report they left the wreck at G p.m. on Tuesday; had fearful weather during the night, and at dusk on Wednesday were by Port Hardy. The water was very rough, and the boat capsized on landing, drowning the carpenter, and smashing the feet of Mr HilHard, a passenger. Two

men went on the hills, and were missing. The whole of them are in aver emaciated condition, having had nothing to eat since leaving the ship. Captain Davies thinks there is very little chance of finding the cutter with the women and children _% ___.._, impossible they could endure the pri vations he and the crew met with. J Us f after leaving Port Hardy, the Ma'nawatu met the Lyttelton, which had searched the other side of the bay. She will look for the two missing men, and continue the search for the cutter, the finding of which appears most improbable.

The following are the names of those in the missing boat : Dr and Mrs Maunsell and two children, Misses Fosbery (2) ]yir Gibbs and five children, Messrs. White' and Hartell, Mrs Cheel and son, one A.B. ____a one ordinary seaman.

The Sutter With Passengers Safe.

NELSON, 1 p. ni ,

The cutter with the Queen Bee passen gers was found by the Naval Brigade at Elmslie Place, D'Urville's Island, near French Pass. They are all safe and well now at Wakapuaka, Cable Bay, and will leave for Nelson at three this afternoon.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL BSPOSTEBJ.

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.]

WELLINGTON, this day. EXTRAORDINARY SCENE IN THE

HOUSE

The scene in the House yesterday after noon was a most extraordinary one. The Government shewed a humiliating anxiety to cling to the sweets of office. The whole secret of the scene is that the Government has the arrangement of the order paper on Government days, and, being pressed by its supporters before the House, met to-day and placed the Native Lands Court Bill first amongst the orders of the day. Just before the House met, the Government consulted their whips, and learned that they were in a minority. Therefore, instead of shewing fight, they determined to eat leek, and the Premier asked for an adjourn ment until Tuesday, in order to brine pressure to bear upon waverers. It is understood that many members of the Opposition were called into the sweating room in the Government Buildings yester day, but were proof against all blandish ments.

The Opposition, very promptly and adroitly, after agreeing to the postpone ment of the orders of the day, endeavoured to force the Government into an adjourn ment, to make it appear they had adjourned to consider the Ministerial position. Ministers, on the other hand, kept on protesting that they regarded the Bill merely as a social one, and would not make it a party question. When they expressed sympathy with the amendment there was great laughter.

Mr Button created roars of laughter by expressing a desire to discuss the measures free from surrounding influences. This was a double entendre, referring to the lobby influences of to-day.

Sir George Grey also created merriment when he said Ministers were like the manager in the play, who said, when the audience was dissatisfied, that he would call on a lady to give them a song.

Mr Stafford gave Ministers parental advice. He advised them not to make the Public Works Statement under present cir cumstances. They might lose some votes. Curiously enough, many Ministerial sup porters admitted that the amendment resolved the fate of the Ministry.

AMUSING SPEECH BY MR SHEEHAN.

When the House resumed at 7.30. Mr Sheehan chaffed Ministers on having been lobbying and holding a Cabinet meeting on Sunday, to the great scandal of Sabbata rians. Ministers looked dejected, and he hoped in a few days to see them resigned. Mr Reid had gone into the Government benches baldheaded, but had got into the hands of the Philistines. He would suffer some punishment, and have his eyes put out. (Laughter.) The Opposition—his sorrowing brethren—would have to go down in a few day s and bury his little body. The Opposition had seen the difficulty of bringing the Government up to the scratch. They were like some troops, who could only be brought up to the scratch by the bayonets of their comrades. (Laughter). On Tuesday they would be called upon to take up the guage of battle, and against the occupants of the Government Benches. (Hear, hear.) They said "hear hear," but they would not take up the guage. They would drop it like a hot poker. The Oppo sition did not desire to delay business, and would therefore be glad to hear the Public Works Statement. He hoped afterwards members would be allowed to go home to their beds. They must remember, if the Government had hard work to retain their seats, the Opposition also found a good deal of hard work in trying to turn them out. Mr Sheehan delivered a most amusing speech, amidst roars of laughter from all parts of the House. The motion for adjournment was then negatived on the voices, and Mr Ormond proceeded with the Public Works Statement. There was a full muster of members, and the galleries were crowded.

PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT. PlThc Public Works statement was brief and devoid of interest. With reference to

AUCKLAND RAILWAYS, it was stated that the Kawakawa line was now completed to the shipping place, ana but little additional work on it was pro posed at present. The Auckland-Kaipara line was being extended from Helensville to a new and more conveniet station on the Ivaipara River, and from Auckland towards Riverhead a "section of ten mites was in progress. The course fi'oß that section to Riverhead had to be dented, and alternative plans .sere being prepared. The Auckland- Waikato line/as expected to be opened in August to New castle, 76 miles in all. Newcastle to OhauP 0 was proposed to be completed during the financial year, thus adding 26' miles more. The line towards Te Awaniutu was being also pushed on. The Railway Wharf a' Onehunga was in progress. During the year it was intended to Improve the station and workshops at Auckland, and connect the present station with the Queen-street Wharf.

LENGTH OF COLONIAL LINES. The total length of railway yet author ised in the colony was 1227 miles, of wiuc" 412 miles were in the North, and 815 b_W in the South Island, and there were open for traffic 212J miles in the former, and 64/J miles in the latter—making a total of »» miles. An additional length of 274 _ajj would be completed during the finan<i 1?J year, about 133 being in the"North and M m the South Island. This would leatt nera-ly 93 miles of authorised lines to o completed, subsequent to the current fin^ cial year, something more than B)U. being in the North and 25 miles in *

South Island.

VARIOUS APPROPRIATIONS. The Government oroposed to ask for vote of £25,000 for roads north of AucM^l and £50,000 would be asked for open"* , blocks of land for settlement in vano" parts of the colony. £86,367 would asked for completion of water &_*& which the Thames would receive £ .°T Local explorations had been contofW*. In the Waikato Basin it was believed to " probable that more coal existed than m yet been stated in most sanguine estim aW| Two new mines were sending coal nfpr market, and one of them, the Bridget had a seam fifty-five feet thick, only ci B u een feet being at present worked. AUCKLAND RAILWAYS TO BE LEASER The Government believed that *h« tar

THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 1877.



ti PEC 1 A L NOTICE 16 COUNTRY SETTLERS AND OTHERS REQUIRING STRONG CLOTHING MATERIAL. The uudersi .ned bave Just Received a Fresh Supply of NEW PRINTED MOLESKINS, Light and Dark Patterns. CORDUROY, Various Qualities, and WHITE MOLESKIN. Also, WHITE and GREY CALICOES, of all the Best Makes, and First-class Value, iff Grey Calico from 3d per yard "^Good White Calico from IVd per yard fflA nice lot of New Shirtings, fast colour and new patterns ggHeavy Brown Holland, a very cheap lot at Gidper yard A Job Lot of Huckaback Towels, at 6d each, 5s 9d per doz. Alhambra Quilts, at 3s lid each Kidderminster Carpets, a nice assortment of patterns and good quality, at 3s ltd; Feit, Carpet. ; Mattings of various makes ; 1 x _ '■"-' . f Floor Cloths : Axminster Mats : and every descrip tioc of F L RNLSHING DR APERY, . """"' at Very Reasonable Prices. Extra Good Value in BLANKETS, all sizes, white and coloured In order to Clear, WINTER DRESS GOODS, REMNANTS, foe, are now offered at Consider ably Reduced Prices. Special to Dressmakers, &c. — A very Choice Lot of Silk and Fancy Buttons just to hand, all new design., and very care-fully selected for the incoming season's trade. The CLOTHING DEPARTMENT is well stocked with every requisite for Boys and Men, being constantly replenished, from the best sources of supply. Inspection' Invited. s. in the £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of _3S_9 _ 11203. and upwards. [Vc^brRUSHBROCHXf & BRIDGMAN, Junction Drapery Warehouse, HIPPER QUEKN-STREET, apSfVi'-<f._£_______Si "^AUCKLAND.! 3 *«". _..^ f_ i l' wz ___ m __



| QTOCK-TAKING "OARGAINS ! j W. RATTRAY Is Preparing for STOCK-TAKING, so he offers a loi of CHOICE DRESS MATERIALS At Cost Pines. Remnants of Dress Materials at and under Cost Price. The Balance of the STOCK of ' LADIES' COSTUMES, JACKETS, and FURS, At Cost Price. W. RATTRAY, DRAPER AND CLOTHIER, New Zealand House, 66. Queen-street, At_-,k_an_. :j. cosgua ye & ca, Beg to inform the inhabitants of Auck land they are now holding a SA.LE of the remaining portion of their WINTER DRAPER! and. CLOTHING. Ladies' Costumes, Mantles, Shawls, Furs, French Merinoes, Fancy Dress Stuffs and Silks. The Goods will be offered to the Public at Eery Low Prices, in order to clear. TN THE BANKRUPT ESTATE OK N, JB. PIaNTE Se Co., NAPIER, —SAMUEL COOMBES & CO..— having purchased THE CLO TIII N G STO C X OF N. B. PLANTE & CO., ok Napier, A T A LAR G E DISC 0U N T m- FOR CASH ! ! "=©. WILL hold A CLEARING SALE OF THE SAME, Commencing ou SATURDAY, AUG. 11. QJAMUEL |~.OOMBES Se fiO., V. ould call the attention of their customers and the public gene rally to the undermentioned, being as they are all From __T 30 TO 50 PER CENT BELOW i MARKET VALUE !! ! "SBa 200 BOY'S and YOUTH'S GOOD TWEED SUITS, at 15s 6d the suit 250 MEN'S SUPERIOR SCOTCH TWEED 175 MEN'S NELSON TWEED GALATEA SUITS, 37s 6_ 5G5 X NICKER and SWISS SUITS, from Ss lid to 12s Gd, A lot of Job Lines of the above as low as 7s Gd 200 MEN'S TROUSERS and VESTS, good strong Tweed, 15s Gd and 183 Gd. A large line of MEN'S TWEED COATS, 7s 6d, Colonial made 150 MEN'S GALATE_ TWEED COATS, Duuedin-make, 10s Gd 200 MEN'S NELSON TWEED TROUSERS, 12s 6d; worth 21s A large line of MENS TWEED TE.OU3ERS 83 lid; worth 17s Gd 350 DRAB SHELL HATS, at 7s Gd 5 cases of MEN'S FRENCH FELT HATS, in Drab and Black, at 2s lid 250 GENTLEMEN'S SILK UMBRELLAS, at 5s lid 3 cases of MEN'S WHITE SHIRTS, 3s 63 2 ca-=es MEN'S WOOL CRIMEAN SHIRTS, 3s Gd 100 dozen MEN'S DIAGONAL TWILL NEW ZEALAND FLAN SHIRT, 3s 6d: usual price as advertised. Is Gd. This line is part of our own Stock, but having rather a large lot in Stock, we have reduced them to a little below cost, to clear thorn before other shipments arrive. There is in this Stock also a large lot of TWEEDS from Is lid. THESE GOODS ARE ALL 50 PER CENT BELOW WHAT THEY CAN GENE RALLY BE BOUGHT FORM SAMUUL COOMBES 65 CO,, CITY CLOT HIN G MAR T, 92, QUKEN-STIIEET, AUCKLAND. JMPORTANT NOTICE: [Having introduced STEAM PO WER into the Manufacture of FURNITURE, we are now enabled to Supply our Cus tomers at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. T. & 11. COOKE, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, &c, d;c _^T SHOWROOMS &7, Queen-street. STEAM CABINET FACTORY Victoria-street. The Medical Profession nave declared Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine 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 aiding therefrom. This Tonic is also particularly recommended to all who are in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time are desirous of studying health by taking that which will act most benetioiallv -on he system. Mr. Wm. Johnson, Governnien Analy tical Chemist, report: — "I have examined Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic V. me, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour,'con 'aining about 16 per cent, of a very pure alcohol, and holding in solution a clear wholesome, Vegetable Bitter, combined with a fruity spicy aroma. I consider this Bitter a very superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotel keeners. Look for the signature and address of the pro prietor upon labels of bottles purporting to con tain Udoi.piio Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, and observe whether the same are deficiently executed or not. If anything be lacking, you may know them for shams and reject them. Swindlers are putting up bad liquorsm battles which previously held the most salutary medicinal beverage in exfster.ee. Baffle the rogues, i NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. 1 Permissive Bill.—a letter from Mr. Graham j in condemnation of Dr. Willis, Was receive.i too late for publication to-day. It will appear ' if possible, on Monday.