SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„ (This Afternoon, 8.21 HIGH WATER—j To _ mom)W Morning, 8.39 SUN SET.—This Evening, 5.53 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 6.19 MOON'S AGE.—Last Quarter, sth April, 4.9 a.m,

ARRIVALS.

Minnir Casey, s.s., J. Casey, from Kiapara. Fanny Kelly, ketch, from Wangaroa. Minnehaha, schooner, from New Caledonia

DEPARTURES.

Hawea. 5.8., Wheeler, for the South Wave, brig, for Newcastle

EXPORTS.

Per'Mazoppa, for Noumea: 28,000 ft. timber, 00 cases biscuit, 43 crates onions, 3 sacks garlic, 30 tons potatoes, 10 bales sacks, 30 tierces beef, 10 kegs do, 300 boxes soap, 1,000 rails, 500 posts, 2 cases bacon, 3 kegs butter, 5 cases cheese.— Niccol and Hendry, agents. 'Che s.s. Taranaki from tho South: 1 portman teau, 2 packages, 15 cases, 124 sacks, 2 parcels, 2 bells. 15 bales, 250 sheep.—Henderson and Macfarlane, agents.

There wi'l b° no steamers of Messrs Holmes Eros, leaving for thf> Thames on Monday. The s.s. %wea left yesterday morning for the South. Passengers: Rev, Mr Worker, Misses "Worker (2), Mr and Mrs Campbell, Mrs Lock stone, Mrs King. Mrs Elliott, Miss Blandford, Messrs, Roarers, McGee, Jones (2), Cass, Pitketh lev, Thomas, Roberts, Davis, Brett, Te Kloot, Engcl.Homus, Greatbach, Lee, Manuhiri, and 7 steerage.—Henderson and Macfarlane, aeents. Passengers will bear in mind that the s.s, lona is to leave on Monday for the North at 2 o'clock instead of 5 o'clock. The ketch Adah cleared, to-day for the Thames with a general cargo, and the schooner Golden Isle for Russell in ballast. The schooner Mazeppa cleared to-day for Noumea, with a cargo of timber and genera goods. Captaid A. Sloano goes in command. She will sail to-morrow morning. Passenger: Mr Farrell. ■'The Union Company's steam ship Taranaki, 327 tons, 90-horsc power, It. J. C. Andrew, Esq., commander, left Port Chalmers wharf at 3.30 p.m., on Saturday, 21th inst., in company with tho s.s. Albion, and proceeded down the harbour under easy steam, tho Albion passing her just inside the Heads. The weather was Jlne, with smooth sea. and fresh head wind, and on getting fairly outside tho Taranaki, was put on her mettle, and, with a fall head of steam, soon increased her spood, and about four miles out sido the Heads overhauled and passed the Albion. Still increasing her ler.d, the Taranaki was over ten miles ahead when, at 5 a.m. on the 25th, sha entered Akaroa Heads, the Albion s lights having faded out astern some time pre viously. At 8.15 a.m. left Akaroa, and arrived at Lyttelton at noon; left again at 3.30 p.m. on tho 28th. and arrived at Wellington wharf at 7 a.m. 27th, making the passage in 15J- hours from wharf towharf, against a head wind; left at 1.30 am. 28th, arrived at Picton 7 a.m. left at 1.30 a.m., the day being beautifully fine stayed 3hours, at the French Pass, got out one of the boats and went on a fishing excursion, proceeded under easy steam to Nelson, arriving at 7"30 p.m. same day Left at 730 p.m. on the 29th. and arrived at Taranaki at 9.30 a.m., having experienced fresh head wind and sea from Nelson. Lett Taranaki at 4*30 p.m., arriving at Onehunga at 10-30 a.m. this morning. Experienced fresh westerly wind, heavy rain, with cross sea from Taranaki. The fact that the Taranaki was refitted in Wellington should not be forgotten at a time when she has proved herself one of the fastest boats on the Coast, as it shows that the engineering establishments of New Zealand have reached a pitch of perfection which is hardly as yet generally acknowledged. Passen gers-Saloon—Misses Dunnon, Cameron; Mes darnes Cameron, Briscoe, Hetly; Rev D. Bruce Rev. Mr and Mrs Wcstbrook and family 3 , Sub-Inspector Northcrof t; Messrs Southly (2 , Hill (2) Thomson (2), Raine, Massey, Marshall Carleton, Richards. Shand, Wivtts, Paul, Melntyre, Brace, Kelly. Hayman, Mendelsohn, Guide, Johnston. White. Walker. Robertson 15 Btcorag". We are indebted to C. J. Edmioton, the purser, for report, flics, fee. The Wanaka left Tauranga at 10 o clock this morning, and will arrive at 10 o clock to-night. The sfs. Taranaki will leave the Manukau for the South on Monday at 10.30 a.m. Tho barque Courser is rapidly taking in her oavL'o of kauri gum. At the present rate tshe be a full vessel in two or three days. The Lor-h Lee is discharging her cargo 01 Island produce into the Glenlora. . The s.s.Minnie Casey arrived from Kaipara yesterday. She has come up for an overhaul, and for that purpose has been laid upon the hard alongside the Gore-streel jetty.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Gisborne, mis ciay. The s.s. Jane Douglas left for Auckland at 9 o'clock yesterday morning.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as undsb :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and on Monday next, at 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Kina, on Monday next, at 9 a.m., and per Argyle, at 11.30 a.m. For New Hebrides, per Dayspnng, on Monday

For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 1 p.m. For Chatham Islands, per Omaha, on Monday

For "Waiwera, Kawau, and Matakana, per Anne Milbank, on Tuesday next,.at 10 a.m. For Gisborne and Napier, per Star of the South, on Tuesday next, at 3 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next,

For Norfolk Island, per Southern Cross, on or about Wednesday, 4th April. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, and Southern Provincas, per Wanaka, on Wednesday next,

For Australian Colonies, per City of Sydney, immediately after her arrival from Kandayu. Per s.s. Taranaki, on Monday, April 2, as fol °For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 7 a.m. , For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Aus tralian C olonies, and United Kingdom, via &uez and Southampton (for letters specially ad dressed), at 8 a.m. i_**™«. For money orders and registered letters, on Saturday, 31st inst., at 5 p.m. For newspapers, at 6 a.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

Look for the signature and address of tho pro prietor upon labels of bottles purporting to con tain Udolpho 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 liquors in bottles which previously held the most salutary medicinal beverage in oxistenco. Baffle the rogues.

Beautiful Teeth — Shabland's Pkarl Dentine preserves and whitens tho lectn, ana gives a pleasant odour to the Breath; produces healthy gums, and prevents and arrests decay. Prif-e, 2s. 6d. a box. Shaklands Perfect looth Brush, Is. and Is. Gd. each. Opposite Post-office, 1 Atkinson's Perfumery and Specialities.

The Medical Profession havo 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 tho nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time arc desirous of studying health by taking that which will act most beneficially on tno system. Mr. Wm. 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 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 keepers.

BIRTH.

GRATTON.—On the 30th March, at her resi dence, Chapel-street, Mrs. Andrew Gratton of a son.

MARRIAGE.

SNOWDEX-RALPH.-On the 23th March, at the olficc of the Registrar, Auckland, New Zealand. Thomas Snowden to Lydia Ann Ralph, both of Corby. Northamptonshire, England.

DEATH.

KTNSEY.— At the North Shore, on the 31st instant, of diphtheric croup, Elizabath Palmer, aged 2 years and 10 months, youngest daughter of William and Elizabeth Kinsey. The funeral will take place on Monday next, at 3.30 p.m. Friends are invited.

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 1877

For the caise that lacks assistant*, For the wrong that needs resistance For the future in the distance, And the good tliat we can do.

There arc times when we almost regret that the speedier vengeance of lynch law has been superceded by the slower processes and more civilised penalties of'onr legal machinery. The case of McGrath, com mitted for trial on a charge of brutal wife beating, is one of those cases which specially arouse popular indignation. Tho accused is now awaiting an impartial trial to deter mine whether he is guilty or innocent of the inhuman conduct preferred against him, and upon that point we avoid, in accordance with journalistic custom in such cases, any expression of opinion. But there are various points of the evidence and of the crime of wife-beating which we can not refrain from commenting on. The bruised and swollen body of the poor woman, the "head perfectly black from chin to forehead, her eyes closed by severe contusions," her throat, breasts, back and limbs covered with "bruises too numerous to_ count," are painful realities attested by medical evidence. The final identification of the prisoner with these injuries remains for the jury at the coming criminal sessions of the Supreme Court ; but if that relation is established, we do not hesitate to say that the law, as it stands, is powerless to mete out any punishment adequate to offence. A more shocking story than that disclosed in the sworn testimony of Mrs McGrath, sup ported by her little boy, and the next door neighbour who acted the part of a good Samaritan, we have never read, al though we fear it differs but in degree from many others occurring con tinually even in this city. Wives arc extremely reluctant to bring their grievances for adjustment by the police Magistrate, and the penalties meted out to offenders have often been of a character to deter others, oroaning under the same yoke, from taking a step which may result in doubling their sufferings. In the case of Mrs McGrath, it appears probable that but for the interposi tion of a neighbour she would have borne the last atrocity as she had borne the ten years' cruelty testified to in her evidence. Indeed, the statement of the child that while blows were raining fast and furious on her, his mother pleaded for forgiveness, as if she and not the brute in human form standing over her, was the agressor,shews how little likeli hood there was of punishment following the commission of the crime through any action of the victim. The evidence given at the Police Court furnishes a fair outline of the circumstances attending a large per centage of the assaults upon wives. The woman, only five weeks over her confinement, had been out to make a small purchase of meat, while her husband was lying drunk on the sofa. Keturning, she fouiid him prepared for a quarrel. There was not even a pretext raised in the extenua tion of the scene of violence which followed —the flinging of the meat in the woman's face, and" the kicking and beating of her •senseless form after she had been knocked with such violence as to cause down -mega The little boy came near unconscious. . . eimplici ty of his childish the mark, m the his father beat his description,when ne fc.. / , rl j. mother until he was tire-: "4^ c£ d mere vent of passion and *': *a™ In McGrath's sober moments, *he_6ame causes contributed to the long period of ill-treatment which this poor woman averred she bad undergone, evei^ at times Avhen her husband was all right to everyone but his wife. There are craven natures—and of this race come the tribe of wife-beaters—whose miserable instincts find in a helpless woman, bound to them bylaw, an object on which to vent all the innate evil of their dispositions. Brutes without brute courage they recognise no restraining moral force, but that imposed by appeal to tho physical senses. To creatures Ukq these, the law should be made a terror,

little souls. We ought to whip them into subjection to social and moral law and justice as we whip obedience into dogs. No more righteous principle was ever formu lated than that which imposes physical punishment for crimes of violence. Measure for measure, blow for blow, at the hands of a public executioner, should such offences be expiated. Let but the law decree this, and a crime the most unmanly, the most disgraceful to the English national character, resulting in wrongs and oppression unworthy of the vilest Bashi Bazouk who ever slaughtered infants in Bulgaria, will very speedily disappear from our police records. < The weakness and unprotected position of those against whom those oftenceß are committed rendors it imper ative that the law shall be specially prompt, powerful, and severe in its punish ment. And the craven dispositions of the perpetrators prevent any punishment from being effective unless it appeals to tho physical feeling of pain which they possess in common with brutes, and on the value of which, as a corrective, they appear them selves to place a very high estimate.

We referred in a recent issue to tho gross political blundor committed by Dr. Pollen at the interview with Manga, or Rewi, and the Ngatiraukawa tribe, at Taupo. It is a lamentable and humiliating fact that, from some fatal and inherent weakness or rotten ness the traditions and practice of the Native Department have always an m ovoitablo tendency to pompous mystery, and brummagem diplomacy. Over the portals of tho Department might be inscribed in groat black letters " Mother of Mystery. Even the Hon. Dr Pollen, -whose assumption of tho Native portfolio was regarded as a hopeful sign of ,the inauguration of a now regime, has apparently succumbed to the traditionary shackles of the system, and linds himself powerless to strike out an honest and straightforward course. His path is encumbered with a rank growth of baneful excrescences, which it has been the interest of a host of dependents to foster and keep alive; and if the old evils of the system are not to be perpetuated, nothing short of a clean sweep will purge the Native office of its inherent rottenness. At the meeting at Taupo, Dr Pollen had a splendid opportunity of enunciating an honest, straightforward policy. He was not brought face to face with Tawhiao, but was addressing a luke-warm supporter of the Maori King, in the presence of a powerful body of tho Ngatiraukawa, who had manifested a strong desire to free themselves from the absurd dictation of Tawhiao, and to come under the s?.gis of the law. But instead of a bold and dignified declaration which would have done credit to himself, inspired general confidence, and assured the wavering of aid and sympathy, Dr Pollen gave a distinct recognition to the independent authority of the King, and used language which was calculated to encourage the absurd pretensions of la whiao, while it gave the death blow to tiio.se hopes of sympathy and protection which our friends were justified in entertaining, it is time that the language of compliment and coleur-de-rose views of native diplo macy gave place to plain unvarnished speaking, and the accumulating facts of observation. We maintain that all thlß paying court to Tawhiao is a mockery, a delusion and a snare, and that the Native Department is largely responsible for the creation of a Frankenstein, a monster un known to, and existing in open defiance of law. The fond partiality which the De partment has exhibited for its pet monarch, has been a striking proof of the inhoront snobbery which underlies tho surface of human nature. Native Ministers, Commis sioners, and the whole horde of interpreters and dependants, whose name is legion, have loved to bask in the sunshine of a .savage Court, as if it shed some sort of borrowed lustre on themselves. They have been accustomed to regard the Maori King with a species of llunkeyfied veneration, to magnify his importance in the eyes of Europeans, to mention his name in fear and trembling, and to surround a pig-stye Court with an apochryphal atmosphere of dignity, elegance, and refinement. The notes of interviews of Native Commissioners have been spiced with a vein of the Arabian Nights, Munchausen, or Mungo Park. Native Oifice Officials, from the head of the Department down to the office boy, in their peregrinations into kiugland, have invested themselves with all the mock dignity of special plenipotentiaries to the "Court of Te Kuiti." But there has been a method in all this rank flummery and foolery, apart from the gratification of personal vanity, and the inflated greatness and self-sufficiency that comes of being a guest at Court, and hob nobbing with a King. Tawhiao has been more King of the Native Department than of the Maoris. True, there has been no formal oath of allegiance, but fulsome adulation, secret support, and sub serviency to his every whim and caprice, have made the Native officials as much his subjects as if they had sealed it by all the the oaths known to Christendom. Tawhiao and the half-do/en astute tatterdamalions who compose his cabinet par excellence, have not been slow to discern the position of affairs, and to turn it to good account. Tho Kingites and the Native Department saw that they could be of use to each other, that their interests were co-existent, and, without a word of expressed agreement, they naturally fell into their respective positions, and by a tacit understand in"' played into each others hands. Outwardly and to the world, there was the flummery* of periodical misunderstandings, suspicious, and differences ; there were cere monions interviews and conferences, diplo matic exchanges, negotiations, and atlairs of great pith and moment; inwardly and secretly the two parties laughed in their sleeves, winked slyly at each other, and, like two astute lawyers who have come to an understanding, agreed to keep the game alive. Or, to use another comparison, the course of events has resembled the inter mediate scenes of a play, where the time is filled up by the utility men before the "flats while the leading actors arc fraternising behind the scenes; and the " native difficul ties " have been the rattling of the peas and stage thunder of the property men. "With out the Native Department the Maori king would have languished and faded into a common-place savage, and perhaps come to be regarded by even his subjects as the pre tentious humbug that he really is ; Avithout the king,the Native Department would have been a useless and expensive encumbrance, and equally the sham that it unquestionably is has been, and cannot be much longer.

The Hon. James Williamson, and Mr. Thomas Russell, have been visiting Maketu and other East Coast settlements.

At the criminal sittings of the Supreme Court at Hokitika, Ann Vincent charged with murder, and Cox and McGregor, charged with arson,were acquitted. Richard Sherrin, who has been commit ted for trial on a charge of writing a criminal libel against Mr G. M. Reed in the " Waitangi Tribune " was for some time in Auckland engaged on the stall or the "Echo." The ball which is to be given at Onehimga under the auspices of the local branch of the Hibernian Society promises to be a success the Committee having spared Sff pZ nor -P-se to -nder it worthy of the occasion. Utncr 1 nencuj SodetL in Onehunga wiU par|^ato m the festive proceedings, ilie ttiDeinian W under bandmaster londergan, will furnish te danco music, and^a we: ? uah- the baßi

We have received two letters from New market, defending the station-master in the matter of Judge Fenton's change. Our correspondents state that it was a £5 not a £1 note that was presented, and that the clerk offered to send the telegraph message boy for change, but the Judge would not allow him. Our correspondents further say that ohange might have been procured iv Newmarket.

Theatre-goers are again reminded that Mr. Emmett will reappear in "Fritz" at the Theatre Royal on Monday night.

We regret our inability to publish in to-night's supplement, according to promise, the admirable address on the advantages of literary institutions, delivered by the Presi dent of the Wliau Literary Society at the opening entertainment last Monday, our reporter not being able to lay his hand upon the notes intended for publication. Tho subjoct is one of such wide interest that the mishap which has prevented the intontion of bringing the influence of such institutions more prominently before our readers will occasion considerable dis appointment.

Attention is again drawn to the grand concert and dance to be given by Glair's Minstrel Troupe in the Lome-street Hall on Monday evening, The " Carnival D'Afric" will be given by request, and a silvor cup will be presented to tho best negro delineator.

During Wednesday and Thursday, tho amount of ratou receivod at the City Council Collectors offico, amounted to no less a sum than £1230.

The Chicago Minstrols are drawing good houses in Napier. The company includes several singers well-known m Auckland, and is very strong both in vocalism and instrumentation. Charley Wallace is on the " end," and Messrs. Gary and Towle have seats amongst the troupe. The agent, Mr James O'Brien, who, it will be remem bered, nearly lost an eye while defending a lady from her spouse's wrath, arrives to night in the Wanaka. Tho Chicagot? opon at the Theatre Royal on April Bth.

The people's Saturday ovening concerts will continuo this evening^ in tho large room of the Young Men's Christian Association. In addition to a number of songs.recitations, and duets, a brief drama, " The End," will be represented by Messrs. Mcldrnm, Mil dred, and Jamieson ; the musical accom paniments by Professor Butschkow.

By the kind permission of Mr Anderson, a service for seamen will be held in B store at tho end' of tho Queen-street wharf at half-past nine o'clock to-morrow morning, by the Rev A. Penny, of the Melanesian Mission.

The " Bay of Plenty Times" counsels the Tauranga County Council to hang up the Counties Act.

Tho following Auckland cricketers left by the Rotomahana this afternoon for the Thames ; they will play the local eleven on Monday :— Cameron, Cotton, Mason, McLean, Swanson, W. Philson. Mercer, Nolan, Pilling, Gleeson, Kent.

rJ he Franklin Road Sunday-school anni versary sermons "will be preached to-rnorro-w (Sunday) morning and evening, by Rev. Mr. We^tbrook, recently from Christchurch, and in the afternoon by Rev. Mr. Tiusley. Mr. Westbrook, the .successor of the Rev. Mr. Harris, comes to Auckland with nn excellent reputation as a good sound preacher, as a popular temperance advocate, and as the introducer of Good Templarv in the South. The anniversary tea-meeting will be held in the school-rooom on Tues day evening. The particulars of Sunday services are duly announced on our third page. Tho evening service for the people will be held as usual in the Theatre Royal. In the case of Gibson v. Morton and Chambers, being a claim for wages and inci dental expenses, the particulars of which appeared in our report of the business of the Resident Magistrate's Court, on Thursday, his Worship gave judgment, £4 4s for plain tiff, with costs £5 9s. The other cases were adjourned until Thursday next. The " Bay of Plenty Times" states that Captain Turner and Mr Vcsey Stewart, after an inspection of the land which the latter is purchasing from the Waste Lands Board, find that only half the 10,000 acres is arable land, while the remainder ia broken and of inferior quality

Tenders were received to-day nt Mr Tothills office, for 2580 unallotted shares in the Kuranui Hill United Gold Mining Company. The whole lot were disposed of at a minimum price of 20s per share, who were the successful tenderers was a piece of information not vouchsafed at the Company's office, but it transpired during the afternoon that the whole lot with the exception of 110 were taken by Mr Thos. Russell. The remainder were allotted among four other applicants. The effect of the allotment has been the reverse of what was anticipated. Instead of declining, the prico of the shares wont rapidly up till from 18s or 19s they touched 27s 6d. Mr Russell's sudden advent on the scene is evidently favourably regarded. The members of the Auckland Branch of the Hibernian Society will assemble to morrow (Sunday) morning at St. _ Patrick's Hall. The mombers will appear in regalia at half-past eight o'clock. The members of the Bercsford-street Con gregation took a trip yesterday to Motuihi by the Takapuna, which was crowded, accompanied by the Good Templar Band. The day being remarkably fine, the excursionists enjoyed themselves immensely in various sports on the island, while others preferred the shady solitudes of the ranges. The day was pleasantly passed, and all reached home without an accident.

At Ohinemuri, Sub-Inspector Bullen has seized a keg of leaden bullets, which was concealed in a dirty sack, and on its way to the natives at Te Aroha. The keg has been handed over to the Armed Con stabulary, and Ema Te Aoru, who claims it, will be called upon to srive an account. The finding of this keg indicates that the Te Aroha natives mean business. The Right Rev. John R. Selwyn, Bishop of Melanesia, will preach the morning sermon at All Saint's Church to-morrow. The offertory will be in aid of the Home Missiou

On Thursday last, at Judge's Chambers, on the application of the Attorney-General, Mr A. W. Bromfield was admitted a solicitor and barrister of the Supreme Court. The proceedings were of a formal character, Mr Bromfield being a solicitor of the English Courts. The secularists met in the| old Carlton Hall last evening, Mr Backhouse in the chair. Mr David Ross was the chief speaker,&nd complained of certain correspon dence in the papers. Another speaker thought Mr Ross was wrong in complaining as this was the very way of winning publicity. It was in the storm that men <n-ew strong. After some further remarks, ft was resolved that Messrs Smeaidon Ross, and Backhouse should be appointed to draw up the rules and regulations of the Secular Association, and that an advertise ment be inserted in the local journals, informing intending persons that they can become members by giving in their names to any members of the society.

THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

Up to the hour of going to press there was no sign of the overdue steamer City of Sydney, with the San Francisco mail. There is very little doubt that the _ steamer has either broken down or met with some accident at Kandavu. Only one other supposition may be offered to account for the unprecedented delay, namely, that the captian of the steamer on finding no con necting boat at Fiji, had gone onto Sydney, dropping New Zealand out, but this is very imurolmbja.

My Weekly Dose.

BY "THE DOCTOR."

" Heurenx gui dans sea vers Bait d'nne volx legere „ Passer dv au doux, dv plaisant au severe. —xjOILEAU*

AN APOLOGY.

I THINK the above motto is very appro priate on this occasion. Here have I for a month past been revelling in a fine phrenzy of poetry about " the hanging up of the Act, until folks have wondered what It was all coining to. The editor has been interviewed by a deputation of furious subscribers, who complained that the entire literary staff were poets, and they ended by bogging, with tears in their eyes, that he would indulge thorn with a trifle of prose. Therefore I say, in the words of my motto " Happy the poet who can pass easily from grave to gay,&c." I have sworn off pootry for a spell, and am clothed and in my right mind. A NOVEL REQUEST. A certain personage who signs himself " Monte Chnsto," has sketched out for me the materials for caricaturo of himßelf. Lately he has suffered from an attack of caccethes soribendi, and has deluged the Doctor with a storm of epistolary outpour ings. Well, with every desire to gratify the poor man's ambition, I'm afraid I can not find the space for such a caricature as he doßorves, and I can't afford to adver tise people for nothing, but if the man will go and hang himself, commit a murder or a burglary, or do anything in the world to distinguish himself,l shall bo happy to do his biography. A PROTEST.

I want to enter a loud-voicod protest against what I regard as little else than a moral swindle. I mean the custom of bailing up newspaper men for subscriptions. It is a fashion that has grown up of late, and threatens to develop into a gigantic evil. Thore was one long-suffering journalist who was lately waited upon seventeen times in one day by collectors for various funds, all, of course, very worthy and deserving, and that unfortunate scribe was so denuded of his spare cash that he had not the wherewithal for his bears. What a sad spectacle to see a news paper man reduced to this dire extremity ! First came a collector for the " Mutual False-teeth Provident Society," who received his quietus, smiled a bland smile, and went for the next victim ; then the representative of the "Society for the Prevention of tho evils resulting from the use of Conversation Lozenges," and, follow ing rapidly in his heels, collectors for ft "Patent Cork-leg Association," and other equally philanthropic objects. Is it not enough, Messieurs, the collectors, that you keep us out of our beds to attend your little gatherings, that you drive us to the verge of lunacy in knocking the angulari ties off your " few remarks,' and that you. bore us for " pars " on this,that, and t'other, that you must also mulct us in cash ? ABOUT THAT HORSE.

Economy is the soul of good municipal government. That is why the City Coun cil haw resolved to sell the " Council horse," and hire one from the contractors. I never naff that particular horse, but I've seen the Mayor. (Of course, the above is meant as a mild form of joke). I've also seen the Councillors ride their hobby, and trot out their " stalking horse," but the aniranl which is now to be sacrificed to a ruthless sense of economy has never gladdened mine eyes. Is it a horse, or a mule, or a donkey, and what is the Mayor to do Avhcn the horse is sold ?

WHO'S WHO

There have been several dubious announcements in the " Herald " of late as to the coining man for City East. We are told day by day that the " following are mentioned,'" "are likely to contest this seat "and bo forth. I beg to Bay Hint the "Herald" ban been grossly deceived, and that the only person in the world who is in a position to give authentic information on the subject is " The Doctor." _ Well, then, WE understand that the following are buckling on their armour for the fray : — Mr George Staines, Mr Tom Murphy, Hilly Eyre. Paddy Gallagher, and Dick Feltus. "it is expected that the contest will be lively.

A WHOPPER.

I shouldn't like to be a lecturer for a diorama. There is a limit even to lying, and the man who can stand up night after night, and confront an audience with stories like that about the tree which is 3,000 years old, must be lost to every sense of decency. Why, I saw the same tree (on canvass) several years ago, and it was exactly 3,000 years old then, and if I see it six years hence I expect it will be the same. ' Is there something about that tree still more remarkable than its age— the fact that it never grows any older nor younger than just 3,000 years? And then the aggravating way in which the picture, when its age is announced, dances off to a lively tune, which seems to say: "Isn't that a whopper, isn't that a whopper." BITING IRONY.

There was a certain dentist in Auckland who sought fresh gums and pastures new. He "vamosed the ranche" one fine day, and more people seemed to be interested in that man when he was gone than had ever manifested any concern for his welfare "when he was present. We never know the value of our friends until we've lost 'em._ Now let it be understood t -at the dentist had a good business, and that all and sundry went to that man who required a new set of masticating machinery, so that, when he was gone, there was grief and tribulation, and hundreds of poor toothless persons Avent discoiibolatly to his operating room, or surgery, or' slaughter-house, or whatever other name it is known by, to see if their orders had been completed ; and when they got there they found, nicely arranged and regularly labelled, the patent dental appur tenances of various persons who had never before been suspected of using such things, and thereby much painful scandal was engendered amongst the women folk. A MYSTERY.

I see that the illustrious "RES." has made a remarkable discovery. He was taking a ramble along a country road, no doubt absorbed in philosophic meditations, when his attention was attracted to things mundane by a wax vesta, and a little further on he picked tip a pin, whereon he proceeds to moralize in that way which is all his own. But "P.H.5.," with all his sagacity, never divined the secret disclosed by the finding of those two common articles. Like the man with the fly in amber he ex claimed with Pope : — " The things wo know are neither rich nor rare, But wonder how the devil they got there." The doctor presents the following solu tion of the mystery :—Two young people of opposite sexes, names unknown, had been taking a stroll along that road ; the young man struck a match to light his pipe, or to throw light on the dark places, and in so doing di'oppedamatch; a little further on he attempted to snatch a kiss, and the young woman in resisting loosened a tell-tale pin, which fell and remained there until thrifty "P.H.S. "found it.

N.B.—lt cannot be supposed that the match was dropped in trying to find the way to the girls' mouth. Let us hope that another sort of match replaced the one that was lost.

But here is another mystery. Just behind a heap of timber belonging to the Sash and Door Company, a parasoal was' found the other morning, and there was a pannier, or a Dolly Varden, or some machine of that sort close by. Will "P.H.S." concentrate his gigantic intellect on the solution of this mystery 1 GETTING COLONIZED.

Such a valuable class of immigrants as they are sendinn- out just now ! All tlxc intellect of tho United, Kingdom is emigrate

ing to New Zealand, and we ought toeing plans of praise to the great Julius There was one of these new arrivals the other day at Helensville, and two travellers who nad. breakfasted and were about to look at the country, asked for some sandwiches. " Whaat, Bor ?" inquired the interesting voting female attendant. "Some ham sandwiches, please." "Is it sassingers you mane?" "No, some sandwiches ; dont you know what they are? "Sure an' I don't know what they they are at all, at all; I'm only a racent arrival, and I don't know the language 01 theTNEW ySPECIES OF PLANT. A visitor to Wellington was assured that all the stories about hurricanes and earth quakes were gross libels on the place. He was assured that the wind never blew above a zephyr, and that the earthquakes had never knocked down anything bigger than a chimney. He says he supposes that story belongs to the species of " Wellingtons gigantica " of which he ha 3 heard so much. HOW EMMET HAD TO PAY FOR A BROKEN WINDOW. The "eminent Emmet," as a STAR critic styled him the other day, was staying at Warner's hotel in Christchurch, and when the time came for his departure for more northern climes, called for his little bill, a thing which landlords are never slow to produce. What was the surprise of that truly eminent man when he perceived among the items one of " repair of window, 10s." He sent for the landlord, who came inj in expectation of a cheque, and "Fritz" said, "Look here ! what do you mean by charging me 10s. for a pane of glass ? It was an accident. I was putting the window up. "Well," replied Boniface, " I have had that window broken before, and you must allow mo to know the price of repair ing it better than you." "But it was an accident I tell you." "Why didn t you call the waiter ?" " Absurd ! when I coulc do it myself." " Well, look hore, mister, I keep waiters here to lift windows, and if my customers choose to take the job out of their hands, why, they must pay for it, that's all. If the waiter had broken the window, of course, you wouldn't be charged." The eminent Emmet says he 11 not have anything more to do with win dows, and if he strikes a match he'll call the waiter to put it out, for fear of setting fire to something. Apropos of Emmet, when is the benefit to his lato agent, R. Thatcher, to be given ? The " Doctor " understood that the whole thing was settled, and that nothing but a full house was necessary to attest Mr Emmet's graceful recognition of his agent's indefatigable exertions, to complete that agent's bliss, and to bring about a parting in which both would swear eternal mutual esteem. But what dark shadow has thrown its mantle over the respective paths of the eminent Emmet, and the equally eminent Thatcher ? and why did the former eminent one retire to the Hot Springs when every body and his wife was preparing to give Thatcher a bumper house? Was it that the great actor, after the fatigues of his recent provincial tour, deemed it necessary to rejuvenate his exhausted powers in order to make a transcendent display of his genius at the benefit ? If so, well and good.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow Esq. KM.) DRUNKENNESS. James Kennedy and Matthew Hill were charged wfth this oilence, pleaded guilty, and were fined 5s each.

IRRECOVERABLE.

John Shiers, alias "Shaky Scissors," was charged with being a rogue and a vagabond, in tho legal sense of the term. Prisoner pleaded guilty to being drank, but as to being a rogue, that was something beyond his comprehension. He was never ji prig, nor would he confess to what was untrue.

Mr Cunningham then opened the in fallible Court Guide, and read out a list of convictions against Sliiers, which caused the unhappy man to exclaim " Oh, scissors !"

It Avas then explained to him that "rogue and vagabond" did not mean dishonesty, but ko many convictions of drunkenness within a certain space of time.

His Worship said that no less than 64 comictions stood against the prisoner, who must go to prison for eighteen months.

A PRETTY PAIR

David Crane, and Robert BroAvn, were charged under the Vagrancy Act, Avith using filthy language, and othenvise mis conducting themselves on the 28th inst, to the terror of the inhabitants of Havelock street.

Prisoners pleaded guilty. Sub-Inspector Pardy described the scene, ■which comprised drunkenness, and a Good Friday fight. Fined 40s each, Avith costs, or 14 days imprisonment.

THREATENING JOHN STICKLEY.

John Hamilton, a fine young man, with a Napoleonic chin-bunch, Avas charged with threatening to lay prosecutor (John Stickley) by for six months. Mr Laishley appeared for prisoner, and pleaded not guilty. John Stickley, master of the Industrial Home, Howe-street, deposed that fr\vo girls were placed in the Home at the request of their father. He saw prisoner coming with a cab, and in close conversation with the cabman. He was aware of the prisoner's business, which Avas to take his sister away by force, atid he Avas prepared for him. He told prisoner lie had better keep off, and leave his sister alone in the Home, instead of getting her away to a life of prostitution. Prisoner said he Avould have the girl away, and threatened to give him "what for," and lay him by for six

months,

To Mr Laishley : He did call prisoner a blackguard. He did not say he wanted to discuss the matter.

To Sub-Inspector Pardy : No person has any business at the Home, and the prisoner had frequently been warned not to come. John Bruce, shoemaker, deposed that he heard prisoner use bad language to the master.

To Mr Laishley : Did not hear Mr Stick ley call prisoner a blackguard. Counsel having addressed the Court, asked that prisoner's version of the story might be heard.

John Hamilton stated that. he had four sisters in the Home, and his eldest sister, Anne, had been in service where she was very uncomfortable. He tried means to get her away, when she was sent back to the Industrial School. He went to see Mr Stickley to have a quiet talk with him, when he said, " Get out, you blackguard, I know what you are after." His object was peace. To His Worship : He had often been on a visit to the Home, and never was ordered away before.

Mr Gleeson, of the Aurora Hotel, spoke of prisoner as a quiet, working bushman. He was a well-behaved lad, and had often lodged at his house. Prisoner had been locked up since Thursday. His Worship said prisoner was a foolish young follow, and had acted unwisely, lie must pay the costs, 11s 6d, and find suretias to keep the peace for six months, himself in £20, and two others in £10.

CHARGE 6F THEFT.

Walter or Eliu Eggerton was brought up on remand, charged with stealing Crimean shirts,and other wearing apparel, value 255, the property of Richard Carr, captain of the Miranda, cutter, on the 22nd inst, Prisoner pleaded not guilty, Richard Cnrr deposed that prisoner was a stranger to him. On the 22nd inst. he left the Miranda, and on returning next morning j he missed the goods mentioned in the ' dQcJaration, Prisoner said no person hat!

any business on the vesseT w TT*^ 5 and the captain. * but himself Charles Bell captain of the Mir, i saw prisoner on board, and asked hi™ & he wanted. He said he hadHi?, 1*" by Frank, the former master So ! mpM Great Barrier. He then went til *° th* Martha Cushion, a younsr lady -j in Aberorombie-streot, deposed that J^^ came to his lodgings with a blanket ver &c, which were given up to L Martin. h P t0 Sergeant Prisoner said he had nothing to say i answer to the charge. **l >n Three months' imprisonment with 1, labour ; his Worship characterising it J? d barefaced robbery. 6 , ■«»

BREACH OF LICENSING ACT Thomas Hood, who appeared in'annn-. to * summons charging him with selling on Sunday, the 25th March to a pe^ being a bona fido traveller, in the Welling Sub-Inspector Pardy conducted, andlW.- Hesketh defended. "'

Constable Burke deposed that he visited the hotel on the Sunday in question and saw a man with a bottle of beer under hi arm ; he said he did not get the beor at th hotel; he then dropped the bottle and made two vigorous kicks at it, but missed it • he picked up the bottle, and discovered by Mr unerring sense of smell, assisted by taste that it was beer. Ho did not see Mr Hood' and Mr Sutclifte serving the man. ' To Mr Hesketh : He knew Denis Donagher, but did not believe him nor did _he believe Mr. Sutcliffe when he said he did not serve Danagher he believed himself in perference. V

Denis Danaghor deposed that he was fond of a drop of beer, and on Saturday he bought a bottle of beer, and planted jj among a lot of rubbish in the Wellingtoi yard, and when he went for it on Sunday he ran against Constable Burke. He asked " Richard," for a pint of beer on Sunday but Richard emphatically said "you shan't have it ; he then told him to keep it, and pocketed the sixpence. His Worship said it was useless to pursue the inquiry further, the case must bo dis missed. . '

MASTER BOULTON'S LAST DODGE.

Thomas TV. Boulton was charged with forging and uttering a cheque for £6, pm. porting to be signed by Messrs Barrett and Brown, on the 24th iust. As there were five other similar charges against the prisoner, on the application of the Sub-Inspector, the prisoner was reman ded until Tuesday next.

ALLEGE!) POSSESSION.

Eliza Simmonds, alias Hughes, appeared in answer to a charge of receiving £12, tho property of John O'Connor, shoemaker,.on the 29th January, knowing that the money was stolen.

Mr Laishley, for prisoner, pleaded not guilty. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the prisoner's father and mother and a man named Nichol, were committed for trial in February last, for robbing John O'Connor of a con* siderable sum of money in a house of pri soner's parents in Chancery Lane, and £12 of the money had been traced to the pri soner.

John O'Connor, shoemaker of Wangapoa, repeated his evidence in connection with the robbery. Sergeant O'Connor also repeated his tes timony in relation to the robbery. He found a good part of the stolen money in'thfl houses of Nichol and the Kellys. .

Elizabeth Testro, wife of James Testro, brass-finisher, was living in Edwardes-streei in January last. The prisoner lived oppo site, and she (witness) assisted her during her illness. On the 29th January, prisoner called at her hoiise, and asked her to take care of two £5 notes, and two £1 notes, saying that her mother had got into trouble. She refused to have anything to do with the money. She said her parents were taken up on suspicion of stealing money. Prisoner then took the money away with her.j she did not state what the trouble was.

Sub-Inspector Pardy said that ■witness had made other statements to Detective Jeffrey, and he wished to knoAV if those statements were true.

Mr Laishley objected to leading a witness by putting Avords into her mouth. Witness further deposed that prisoner said her mother was suspected of stealing the money which she had in her hand. . Cross-examined by Mr Laishley. Pris oner did not say she Avould inform the police, and ask her to go to the station Avith tier. She did not know what had become of the notes.

Detective Jeffrey kneAAr the prisoner ai the daughter of Jane Kelly, and step daughter of David Kelly, Avhom he arrested the Kellys on a charge of robbing O'Connor of £43. He told Mrs Simmonds, the prisoner, about the robbery and that Ser geant O'Connor had recovered some of the money. He asked her if she knew any thing of the remainder of the money, she answered " no," nor did she believe that her mother kno\v anything about it. About an hour afterwards, strangely enough, he had to return to prisoner's house on another sub* ject, Avhen she promised to do what she could to recover the lost position of O'Conner's money. On taking her into custody on the present charge, she denied having any notes in her posssssion. This ATas the cA ridence. The depositions Ayere read over, and the prisoner fully committed. This Avas all the business.

ELLERSLIE GARDENS.

Foremost among the holiday resorts which Avill attract pleasure-seekers on Easter Monday, are the above gardens. A capital programme of athletic sports is advertised, and the two closed races, namely the Mile Handicap, and 150 yds Handicap, have secured the best entries of the season, and are looked forward to Avith much interest. The other sports include Biding the Yankee horse, (a highly sensational pastime), ThroAving the Hammer, Hop, Step, and Jump, 3-legged race etc. The flowers and shrubs are just iioav in the height of their second season, and are very beautitul. There are the SAviugs, roundabouts, and dancing platform for the young,-while the grassy slopes under the trees near the nsn pond and fountain, Avill prove agreeable to old and young alike. If the present fine weather continues, as at present seems in every Avay probable, a most enjoyable day Avill be spent at this Rosherville ol New Zealand. The 150 yards handicap will be run in three heats, commencing the sports at 12 o'clock. The mile race Avill be run at half-past three punctually.

RECHABITE SOIREE.

The annual united soiree of the HoiW 8 Auckland and Eden Tents of^Recbamw Friendly Societies was held at the Terapefanos Hall last night. The hall «v filled, and a double course of tea-takers did ampKffij? to the good things, plentifully supplied by JH£ B. C. Hayles. After the animal manMg received due attention, the tables ™n™*g& and the intellectual part of the programme w entered upon. Bro. John Branie jpasdafe »£ on the platform were several officers oi * Auckland District of Reohabit.es and-WR 1™0^ tatives of other friendly benefit societies, amply decked in the reg*lia of their resgoegj Orders. The programme was a very »?*£J and varied one, consisting of speecn.soiw, readings, the whole of which was «£{*s rendered, and received with evident app^ ation by the audience. After the v™f mffiy speech, appropriate to the occasion.^- Harrison delighted the meeting ™w.i£2i V seleotion on the piano, which was t?MW p the pleasing duet, " What are *c j*»ftf Saying?' effectively rendered by Mr Sceais» Mrs (Nottingham. Wing the eveningftf»» pavo her pleasing song "SingOn, J"i^f rf Adorable success; Bro. Hughes, Hope of Auckland Tent, and Bro, p«SS«f secretary of Eden Tont, gave very «*>*£s& reports of the progress of t&eu «° Th j Tents, both numerically and »nftnPffi«Biclf chief Ware of these ropwtaYT«! $*WW

THE EVENING STAR SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 1877



THE PHOENIX FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF LONDON. Established a Century, during which time it has Paid in Claims, Eleven Millions Sterling. Head Office : Lombard-street. AGENCIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. Managing Directors : Sir John Lubbock, M.P. (Robarts, Lubbock, and Co., Bankers, Lombard-street. Kirkman Hodgson,Esq., M.P. (Director of Bank of England). Octavius Coope. Esq., M.P. Secretaries: G. W. Lovell and F. M. Broomfleld. The undersigned is now prepared to effect INSURANCES at Lowest Currext Rates. THOMAS H. MABIN, Superintendent for New Zealand. Office: Lower Queen-street, Opposite Fort-street. Season's Trade, comprising— NOVELTIES IN DRESS MATERIALS (New Patterns). Winceys, new shades, extra width, and un usual good value, from 6Jd. B\«*-ck Lustres, Merinoes, Satin Cloth", &c. m FLANNELS ! FLANNELS ! "®» TriiiiTir>l<! nil m'^kes, white and coloured. x 1 lanneis an m. . ' «•_,„„_ «vn'i*Kr>o' All wool and Uni J n Crimean hhirtmg All wool Plaids, &c. _ „_„___._, A Very Choice Lot of NEW L,NBtH?7 Linen Sets, Collars and Cults, ingi at Yarietj, new shapes and cheap. „„_. Alloa and Fingering Yarn, plain and fan. ' y colours. TWO BALES CHEAP GREY CALICO, 30in. 3d. per yard; 3Uin., lid. per yard. Specially suited.for (Touse Lining; superior to Scrim, and cheaper. Black Straw Hats, New Ribbons, Flowers, and Trimmings, Skirts, Umbrellas, Jackets, and Waterproof Mantles, all sizes. THE CLOTHING DEPARTMENT Is also well stocked with Boys' and Men's Clothing, in great variety. A New Lot of Men's Printed Moles, good patterns ~. "Men's White Moleskin Trousers, a good line, at 7/6 per pair, really cheap Belts Braces, Collars, Scarfs, Ties, Hats and Caps, and other Goods too numerous to particularise. «r Or 3 Shilling in the P, returned on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. rushbrooklTbridgm \n, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposite tkb Awtv and Navy -Hotel) U?J?S* Qua SW'SIWPU- i Anckla nd. '



(A COSGRAVE & Co.'S GREAT SALE of Messrs. Stewart & Anderson's Wholesale Stock of DRAPERY AND CLOTHING will commence on SATURDAY, the 2>lst March. The whole of that Valuable and Extensive Stock will be offered to the Public at Extraordinary Reductions. "JJWRIVIIURE! FURNITURjf Ladies and Gent emen about to Furnish are respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DBA WING - ROOM, DINING -ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacious Shoivrooms. T. & STcOOKE t 67, QUEEN-STREET Adjoining Bank of N'-w Zealand.