SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

pr rTT \\r\T'Tr-R (This Afternoon 5.17 tiiuu "-UHR--. -jro-morrow Morning, S.:?j SUN SET.—This Evening. 5.4 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 7.5 MOON'S AGE.—Last Quarter, August 2, 10 p.m.

ARUIVALS.

Ephcmr, schooner, from Napier

DEPARTURES.

Powena, s.s.. Sellarw, for Tauranga The barque Memento cleared in ballast to-day for Newcastle.

PROJECTED DEPARTURE.

tor Honolu'u and S:u) Francisco—Zealandia. s.s., Wednesday, Ist August For Taurar.ga and the South—Hawea, s.s., Wednesday I p.m. For London—Electra. ship, early: Spirit of the Diivsn, barque, early For Wiviigiirci—Argyle."every Tuesday For Hobart Town—Bolla Alary, barque, early. For Gisborne—Jane Douglas, s.s.. Satm-duy. For Rarotonsra—Wave of Life, schooner, early For Hobart Town—Bella Mary, Monday For Sydney Rotorua. Wednesday, 11th mst.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Rotorua, B.s . from the South, 31st mst Columbus, barque, from London: sailed -Itn

May Galatea barque, from London : sailed 10th Ji City of Auckland, ship, from London rear! ketch, from the Islands.early Oatharina. brigantine. from Oamaru. early. Emu barquentine, from Adelaide, early. Blanche, schooner, from the Islands, early Active, schooner, from the Islands, early

EXPORTS.

Per Fiery Oos?. for \v aitara: .;l'.i rails, ;: cases fans bolts and spikes, and 1000 rail joints.

The smart Httle schooner Norval has cleared at the Customs for Tonga, with a r-.argo of '"trade." She will take her departure at once. Tenders are invited for the repair of the schooner Fairlie.

The barque Memento and the schooner Norval arc awaiting a change of wind !o sail for New castle and the. Islands respectively. The schooner Ephomy arrived this morning from Napier, with a few tons of bones and in ballast. The schooner Fiery Cross cleared out to-day for Waitara. with a cargo of railway material.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

(From Our Own Correspondent)

Kaipaka Heads-., July 25.

Arrived: On 22nd. th? barque W. C. \\ ent worth and American three-masted schooner Free Trade, from Auckland. The former loads at Helensville and the latter at Aratapu Mill. On the 25th. Enterprise, brigantine, 81 tons, MundK from Lyttelton, in ballast. Sailed: On 21th. barcme Glimpse, 335 tons, Harris, for Shangai, with 253.000f.t baulk timber, loaded ar Dargaville. On 24th, Marmion, schooner, 92 tons, Hart, for Wellingtor, with GG.OOOf t timber, loaded at Kopuru Mill.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs E. and H. Isaacs he'd an extensive sale of English-made furniture on VV ednesday last, and were fortunate, considering the dul ness of times, in quitting over £1200 worth at fair prices. The attendarce was large, the trade being well represented. The goods were well displayed and catalogued in the now build ing adjoining their bond. Mr R. Arthur held yesterday a very large sale o^ fruits by the Bella Mary. There was a large-number of the trade present. There were over 'WO cases fruit, of of various sorts, lhe dealers were taken aback when the samples were opened to view. We have rarely ever witnessed such «■ trashy consignment of fruit to ou- harbour. The. various lots as they were opened seemed to have been the refuse and kickings of Tasmanian orchards. We wonder very much that the patience of the auctioneer was not more tired, as he vainly endeavoured to get a bid in any form at all. There were hundreds of boxes that were j ust worth carrying away as a gift. A few boxes appeared good, and they were eagerly bought at 2d to 2id per Ib. It is of no "se for business men to send such consignments. When a good article «omes it scareely'fails to soil well, and this will show in regard'to Mr Arthur's sale. Jams were sold at 7s Gd dozen.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

Mr Alfred Bnckland reports:—At Reniuera, on Thursday. July 23. dairy cattle were in moderate numbers, and at lower values ; store cattle In less than usual supply, and free inquiry. Fat catt'e penned in less than average supply ; 119 head yarded, of better than usual quality; prices were lower—about 10s per head. A few pens of store lambs brought 53 and 5s Od each. Fat sheep in less than average supply, and slightly better worth. Pigs plentiful, for well bred animals free inquiry, at crood prices: in ferior animals scarcely saleable. Prices obtained were • Dairy cows, £5 to £3 : barren cows. £3 to 55105; IS months heifers, £3 10s; calves, mixed sexes 3S3to 535; three-year-old stters, £5 10s: well-fatted steers, 275: cows and secondary ouallty from 2is the lOOlbs.: fat heifers, 2?d the ib • weil-brcd piss, sd; inferior, 2kl per lb. A.vera"Cß were : It. Kelly, 17 oxen. £12 5s ; TV ll fiam Scott. 35 oxen, £10 103 Grl; John Fisher, 29 oxen £10 9s 6d : K. Seccombe, 28 head mixed sexes £7 15s ; R- Kelly, 235 weathers. 163 Sd. Messrs Hunter and Nolan report:—Cattle : There has been a tolerable supply during; the past week, and we have disposed of a large number privately. Scarcely the average num bers were yarded at Newmarket on Tuesday, but at Wa'iuku on Wednesday there was a larger muster than is usual at this season of the year. There was little alteration in the value of dairy stock, and prices for stores have con tinued to rule in favour of the vendor. We quote : Dairy cows, £0 to £11; yearlin-s, £3 Cs to £3 11s ; weaned calves, £1 15s to £2 Ss; two year-old steers, £1 10s to £5: two and three year-old heifers. £1 10s to £0 15s; dry cows, £3 to £5 5s : beef, 27s 6d per 100!bs. Sheep were in very short supply, and steady demand, and.f ally last week's prices were given for wethers. No stores were disposed of. Pigs were scarce, and in improved demand.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE AUCKLAND.

SMatls will Close as under:— For Thames, this day. at 5.30 p.m.; and to morrow, at i p.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromanclel, per Argyle, on Monday next,

at 11.30 a.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga. and Opotiki, per Rowena, this day, at. 4 p.m. For Waiheke, per Euphemia, this clay at i p.m. For Whitianga. per Telegraph, to-morrow at

8 a.m., and per Venus, at 11 a.m. For Waiwera, Mahurar.gi, Matakana, Manga wai. Waipu, Wangarei, and Maffgapai, per Annie Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m.

For Levuka, par Augusta, to-morpow at 11 a.m. For Tonga, per Norval, to-morrow at I p.m. For 'Parana!:! and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki. on Monday next at 8 a.m. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per

lona, on Monday next at i p.m. For Xapier. per Southern Cross, on Tuesday

at i p.m. For Wangarei Heads. Waipu. Wangarci, and Mangap'ai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at 4 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Rotorua, on Wed-

nesday next, at 11 a.m. Per s.s. Zealandia, on Wednesday, Ist August, as under: — For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada. British Columbia. Central and South America, and British and Foreign Wfist Jndie3, at noon.

For United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, at goon. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 10.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fes of 6d, in addition to the postage, will be received by the mail agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

ENTERTAINMENTS, MEETINGS, Etc. July 27.

Young Men's Christian Association ; lecture on " Luck." fey J. C. Firth. Esq., 8 p.m. Parnell Borough Council, 0.30 p.m. St. .Tames' Young Men's Class; " A Pica for Jezebel," by Mr W. Cooper, 7.30 p.m. Musical entertainment, Franklin Road School room, 7.30 p.m.

RANK Poison is scarcely more injurious than arc the deleterious liquors which the scamps who vend them represent to be the sainc or as good as Udoli-iio Wolfe's Schiedam Aroma tic Schnapps. Bottles which formerly con tained this superb medicinal beverage arc used by the impostors, and the genuine labels imi tated- We trust this caution will forearm the public and baffle the swindlers.

Relief from Cough in- Ten- Minutes.— Sharland's Cheriy Pectoral, a specific for Colds, Coughs, Asthma, Consumption, Bronchitis, Lung Diseases. &c. It acts like magic. Price, 2s. 6d. and Js. 6d. a bottle.

Sharland's Instant Cure for Toothache; Is. a bottle.

Shakland's, opposite Post-office. Auckland.

DEATHS.

JONES.—At her residence, Ponsonby, Sarah the beloved wife of Morton Jones, aged 31 years.

The funeral will take place at 2 o'clock p.m on Saturday, the 28th instant. Friends please accept this invitation.

GREY.—On Wednesday, the 25th July, at the residence of Alfred Sheath, Hulme House, St. George's Bay Road, Parnell, Minnie, the youngest daughter of the late Walter Grey, K.N., aged 23 years.

The funeral will leave at 3 o'clock p.m. on Saturday.

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

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 1877.

•Fot the cause that lacks assistance, For the vrronij that l-.ceds icsistance. For the future in the distance,

And the good that we can do.

Our prediction that Mr Gisborne would be found working heartily with Sir George Grey in Opposition lias been realised. This was hardly looked for by the Govern ment, who reckoned upon him as a safe vote. His accession to the Opposition ranks is undoubtedly an event. Possessing a very intimate knowledge of the weak points of the Government defensive works from a close acquaintance with the internal arrangements, and being more deeply versed in departmental matters than, per haps, any other man in New Zealand, he will prove a very nasty thorn in the Ministerial side. We shall not be surprised to find Mr Gisbome taking a very prominent part in Opposition matters, and influencing the future of the session very considerably. The Wellington section of Oppositionists, and members who are more opposed to the personnel of the Ministry than to their policy, Avill look towards Mr Gisborne as a compromise between the extremes on both sides of the House. If the section of which Mr Gisborne is a type sees its way to anything like a workable programme acceptable fo the Aiu:kl-:nd mid | Ota'^o parties, a clear m ».'oi\ry n.ii.wowAhh?

to the present Ministry will, avc believe, be obtained. Failing this, the chances are that the Government will again weather the storm, notwithstanding their natural weakness.

Tin: motion given notice of in the House of Representatives on Wednesday for a com parative return of Customs' receipts for three years on spirits, tobacco, tea, and sugar, and also of ad valorem duties, shewing the increase or decrease each year, will raise a topic of very gceat interest. The colony is annually increasing in population and consuming power, yet for the past two years there has been a marked decline in the revenue derived from ad valorem duties. This is usually explained in a general way by reference to the collapse after the extreme activity of the public works' period, but it is curious, if no more, that the decrease is observable only in ad valorem duties —there lias been a substantial increase in the revenue from those articles that pay duty by weight. It has been calculated that the ad valorem duties for the current, financial year yielded £63,942 less than those of 187-1-5, "while the increases in goods assessed by quantity for the corresponding periods were : spirits, £7,745; tobacco, £16,070; tea, £8,849; and sugar, £16,361. The returns asked for by Mr Gisborne will

give the actual results, hut these figures may he taken approximately. The inference is that the loss of revenue upon goods under the ad valorem tariff is due to defects of the special system under which the duties are levied, rather than to causes that would equally affect all classes of imports. If the powers of colonial consumption had really contracted, surely spirits and tobacco would be among the lirst tilings to exhioit the decreased purchasing power of the people. After every allowance for heavy stocks and lower English prices, there is still a margin, for which no intelligible explanation, but "salted invoices1' can be offered. An average, covering three years, embraces a fair mean of all variations in prices And where the probabilities, supported by actual results on goods subject to it specific duty, and "therefore supplying a reliable test, were unequivocally in favour of increase, we have a connected weight of evidence to sustain the suspicion of extensive Customs' frauds. The charge is by no means a new one against the ad valorem system, and has been established in innumerable in stances. The temptation to place a lower than the true value on merchan dise for Customs purposes is so great, the chances of detection so small, and the moral weight attached to such oifences so insignificant and destitute of restraining power, that we should be regardless of all experience in other matters if we did not calculate that the honesty of the trading community would suffer damage under the trial. It was for precisely this reason that ad valorem duties were super seded in New Zealand in 1850 by a measurement scale. In England the system was abandoned, after a Royal Commission had carefully investigated its working and condemned it as pernicious to the extent of taking "the trade out of the hands of the respectable merchants, and putting it into those of the lowest class of traders." Mr Gladstone, who, as Chancellor of the Exchenuer,|intimluccd a fixedreform, agreed that "the system of ad valorem import duties on manufactured articles is highly inconvenient ; and that it greatly tends to de moralisation of the operations of trade." Theinjustico which the honest trader suffers through the fraud of his less scrupulous rival, and the demoralisation of the trading community is even a more serious objection than the apparent loss of revenue. If it be proved that the system is one that olters peculiar temptations and facilities to the swindler, and places the honest trader at a proportionate disadvantage it will be hard to shew any counter-balancing advan tage to warrant the Legislature iucontinuing it." The returns asked for by Mr Gisborne will supply authoritative data on the subject, and should they, as we anticipate, confirm the judgment arrived at

years ago by the highest authorities on political economy, very good reason will have been shewn why parliament should alter the form as well as the incidence of

taxation

An exciting but brief quarrel occurred to day between two gentlemen in an oiliee in the Insurance Building?, in respect of transfers of Caledonian shares, and one gentleman used uugentleinanly words which the other could not tamely accept, and which led to an unpleasant termination. The word "liar" was freely used by (he aggressor, whonihis opponeutcalmlytold him that if the term was repeated, ho should cer tainly take the libeity of wringing his nose. The unsuspecting broker angiily repeated the obnoxious "liar," with several impolite additions, when in a moment lie felt his proboscis within the iron grasp of the oilier, and was at once whirled back into ;i chair, literally roaring with pain. Mr de clared that if it were not in consideration of the size of his antagonist, lie would certainly smack an important part of his person. We understand that the matter will be investigated by the proper authority.

All entertainment was given in (lie Newmarket Primitive Methodist Cluipol, on Tuesday evening, Rev. .!>. .J. West brookc in the chair. The programme was varied with recitations and ballads, given by the teachers and scholars of the Sunday school. The chapel was crowded, and a pleasant hour was passed. The following were the pieces submitted to the audience : " Patient Joe," J. Walker ; " Why Die the Good so Early?" C. Kennedy ; " The Dying Girl to lier Mother," b\ Stainton; " Casa bianca," T. Jones and G. Burgess ; " Lady Clare," A. Jones; "William Tell," j. Kennedy ; "Orphan's Voyage Home," Miss A. Home ; "The Little Boy That Died," A. Clark ; " Ist part May Queen," S. Adair ; " 2nd part May Queen," S. Homo ; "Little Robin," E. Smith; "Little Jim," E. Smith ; " Crossing Sweepers," E. Home; " How ail Irishwoman Reformed her Hus band," E. Eaves ; "Lord Ullin's Daughter," E. Carter ; but the gem of the evening was a piece entitled, " A Small Girl's Wishes," given by Miss Lily Bishop, a little girl about 5 years of age. Between the pieces the children sang several of Moody and Saukey's hymns very creditably, assisted on the harmonium by Mrs Palmer. At the close a collection amounting to £1 17s 6'd Avas taken up in aid of the Sunday school.

Russia will suiter heavy loss by the war, if only in the destruction of her wheat trade with England. The closing of the Black .Sea has placed the grain growers of South Russia out of the market, and the increased production in America, India, and other sources of supply, excited by the present great demand, bids fair to permanently destroy the Russian trade and ruin her grain-growers and merchants.

The New Zealand Treasury by a mistake in accounts recently paid the Waitaki Council £4757 more on land fund account than it was entitled to receive, and then wrote coolly asking the Council to hand the money back.

Scarlet fever is raging with fatal violence at Hokatika. Whole families are suffering from its attacks, and the disease has made sad havoc among the children.

England lias turned the tables on the United States for the Alabama claims, and

lias filed a claim before the Fishery Com mission now sitting at Montreal, §12,000,000 damages on the part of the Dominion and tf2,500,000 for Newfoundland for twelve years, six of which have elapsed.

Mr Owen Curragh McGee lias purchased (in connection with another .sporting gentleman) the well-known steeplechase mare Auckland Kate, with foal at her side by Ake Ake. The foal is already manifesting its jumping proclivities, and is daily seen taking high voluntary jumps. A gentleman living near the mare's

pasturage says he never saw the like in so youiiLr an Knimai : no stockyard keeps if in. A long 'figure !i:ts boon nn\<\ !■>:• fho purchase, but the b"yors urc w..1!! satisfied.

Mr Howden, watchmaker, of Shortlaud street, has just received several of Allison's harmoniums, or melody organs, which instrumentalists and connoisseurs will do well to inspect. Tiie peculiarity of this new harmonium consists in the melody stop causing only one note to speak at once, thereby making a perfect solo instrument, in fact, the same effect as a person playing a flute with an harmonium, and thereby doubling the treble note.

The Dimodin Jockey Club has agreed to the resolution pjissqd by theiCanterbury Club that "They will in future only recognise the following New Zealand Jockey Clubs, namely, the Dunedin, Wellington,' Nelson, Auckland, and Hawke's Bay ; and tkat theC.J.C. will take no cognizance of any complaint or disqualification made by any other Club unless such complaint or dis qualification has been first referred to and confirmed by the metropolitan club of the provincial district within which such club holds its meetings."

Mr R. R. Hunt, of Ngaruawahia, has submitted to the people of Gisbornc a proposal for the construction of a tramway from Oisborne to Ormond by raising a loan of £22,000 for twenty years, on the joint security of the Borough and the County rates and the tramway plant, in £100 deben tures bearing interest at the rate of seven per cent. Mr Hunt offers to dispose of these £100 debentures for £90, which would reduce the net total to £20,000. lie also recommends that the Taruru tramway should be purchased for the partial construction of the line, and oilers to procure! the balance of the material required for the completion of the line for a commisiou of two and a half per cent. For negotiating the loan Mr Hunt

states that lie would require a commission of two per cent, or one per cent if the man agement of the line were entrusted to him. lie would also accept the last-named ollice on a salary of £500 per annum.

Grasshoppers have appeared in great numbers in the southern portion of San Jnaquiu county U.S., and arc eating every thing green that comes in their^way. They appear to advance in a belt about a mile wide.

A Paumurc correspondent gives the following particulars of the death of an old settler :—"At the hour of 3 o'clock ]>. in. yesterday, the remains of the late Mr Patrick Quinlan, who died at the ripe age of 74, and whose deatli notice appeared in your popular journal of the 24th inst., were conveyed to their last resting place in the Roman Catholic Cemetery, and were followed by a large concourse of mourners, both male and female, as is customary in this pretty rural district. The late Mr Quinlan was an old colonist, having arrived herein the ship Clifden, in 1847, as one of the four Sergeants and 100 rank and file (Company of pensioners), commanded by the late Col. Gray (who is interred at Otahnhu), which were to form the pensioner settlements instituted by the (governor of the colony, our late venerable and esteemed Superintendent, Sir George Grey. The deceased was a true type of a line old Irish gentleman, good-natured, generous, and a sincere Christian, lie was also one of the late Father Matthew's oldest total ab stainers ; and an ardent supporter of the late respected honest John Williamson, in all his electioneering contests. The funeral service was most impressively read by the popular pastor of the district, the Ilev. Father Kiordan. He leaves a wife, two sons, and four daughters, and a large circle of relatives and intimate friends to lament their loss. The late Mr Quintan entered the British army at an early age, in the year 1823, and had seen much active service in China, in 1841. He served in the I'Jth Kegiinent (fool), throughout the whole of the operations in China (medal), and was present at the first talcing of Chnsan and Nankin. Also ;it the storm and capture of the heights above Cantero , attack and capture <>f Auioy ; second capture of Cluisau ; attack and capture of the heights of Chiiihac; occupation of Xingpo, an.l repulse of the night attack. Was also present at the attack and capture of the enemy's entrenched camp on the heights* ot Sagnan, Champoo, Woosung, and Chin Kiang I'oo. He received his discharge in the year IS46', after serving a period of ~."> years ; receiving lI.M. pension of 2s per day, he having attained the rank of .sergeant to entitle him to that amount. Thus it will be observed that he was in receipt of pay from the British Government for a period of 5.'3 years."

The following is the petition which the ironworkers ot Dunedin have prepared for presentation to Parliament on the subject

of their and oilier manufactures in the colony: -"To the Honorable the Spcnkcr and members of the House of Representative ; in Parliament assembled: The petition of the undersigned artisans and others humbly sheweth - — 'That we, your petitioners, feel aggrieved at the injustice being done to us by the importation of manufactured materials from foreign parts, since so many of our class have come, out here under the Public Works, and Immigration Scheme. That we were led to understand that we should lind constant

employment at our several trades, but we

have found nothing but disappointment, and ;i great number of us tiro of necessity going idle. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that, all railway plant, iron shipbuilding, engineering, and all iron and brass Moulding required for public service, may be manufactured in the colony, and that tenders may be invited for all such materials requisite for the public service." Mr Robson, landlord of the Newmarket Hotel, who was victimised on "Wednesday with the order for a wedding breakfast, has now got the laugh on his side. After the convivial meeting' with his Newmarket friends ®ver the delicacies of the untouched feast, Mr Robson -went in pursuit of the defaulter. Luck was in his favour, and while passing down Hobson-strcet ho espied his man walking leisurely up. The meeting was a mutual surprise, much more pleasurable on the side of the landlord than of the quondam bridegroom. The practical joker confessed his liability, stated that the order was given in all good faith, but the wedding had fallen through, and reluc tantly handed over the full cost of the little treat he had unwittingly provided for others. He finds that the joke is not quite so good as he expected. The responsibility of hotel-keepers has been determined in an important decision by the Lord Chief Baron at the Guildhall sittings. The plaintiff, a civil engineer, on retiring to rest left his watch, jewellery' and case of instruments, value £130, on the dressing table, closing, but not locking, his bedroom door. The property was stolen during the night, and the loser brought an action for damages against the landlord.

The Lord Chief Baron, in giving his deci sion, said there was no doubt that before

the passing of the Innkeepers' Act the innkeeper was liable for the loss of

any goods which might have occurred from any cause whatever in the inn, but since the passing of the Act the innkeeper's liability had been limited

to £30, except in such cases where it should be proved that the loss had occurred by the wilful act, neglect, or default of the inn keeper. The statute, however, had not been complied with, owing to the omission of the word "act " in the notice, without the exhibition of which the innkeeper was unable to claim protection under the statute. The word "act" was a material word, r.nd was not covered by the subsequent words in the sentence. He was of opinion that

lie plaintiff was not guilty of negligence in

failing to lock his door under the circum stances, but there might be occasions when

it would be otherwise. His Lordship directed judgment to be entered for the

laintiff

To the Editor: Sir, —Please inform me, if you can, what horse Avon the English Derby in the year 1526. —Enquirer. [Lord Egre mont's Lapdog.—Ed. E. S.] The Pakuranga Hounds will meet to mnvrowj at the Ellerslio Hot >I, nt half-past one.

In accordance with advertisment, ameet ing of the Auckland Cricket Club was held at "the Thames Hotel last night, to take into consideration the letter received by the secretary Jtrom Mr Conway, of Melbourne, ill reference to the proposed visit of an Australian team of cricketers. Mr Lank ham was voted to the chair, and stated the business. A short discussion took place, when it was unanimously resolved to defer any action until ti meeting iiad been called of representatives of the other clubs, it being agreed that although the letter was addressed to the Auckland Cluo it was intended to apply to Auckland Cricketers generally^. The Secretary was requested to communi cate with the secretaries of other clubs, and to secure their co-operation if possible. In reference to this meeting we venture to express our opinion that the proper course has been adopted by the Auckland Club. It would be a fatal mistake to start with reviving any of the old club jealousies which have now happily died out. Let all our cricketers combine in carrying out a i concerted plan of action, and the affair is pretty sure to be carried through success fully.

MxJ. Peach, of Reuiucra, has had in use for the last four or Jive years .several drays ho imported from England with 4A inch rims and heavy tires. Mr Peach is much pleased with the success of the trial he has given, (hiding that upon the hard metalled road the broad wheels travel with as much ease to the horse a.s the narrow wheels ; on newly metalled roads they act like rollers, while upon softer ground the advantage is very great indeed. The use of broad wheels is getting much into favour in America, and in most of the English country districts. [tisuow proposed to advocate their adoption in New Zealand. The great expenditure required to maintain main roads in good repair makes the question worthy the consideration of the Highway Boards. Broad wheels, if generally used with heavily loded drays, would lessen the wear and tear both of carts and horses and roads. Instead of four or six inch tires, the carts in use in Auckland appear to be mainly 2} inch, and even as narrow as 2 inches. With a heavy load of scoria, merchandise, or produce, these nar row wheels cut like knives, and the des truction of roads is prematurely hastened. If the broad wheels are so much less des tructive to the roads—as it is said they are—it would ba well for t:.e introduction of such to be oucoumgod in every possible way. Funds for road repairing are not likely to be very abundant, and as much as possible we must practice the precept " Prevention is better than cure."

A Chinese paper, the " Sinpao," makes the following reflections on the proclamation of the Queen as Empress of India -.—

"India, in respect to extent of territory aftd population, which amounts to some 2-U) millions, is about equal to the 18 provinces of China. That the Sovereign of Kngland, separated by 10,000 Us, assuming the title only of Quern (Wang) in her native country, should be Empress in far-oil' India, and send merely nil envoy to represent her in that great domain,is a circumstance strange and remarkable to reflect on. Truly may it he asserted that in this world never has there been a greater appointment under sovereign rulers than .that of the Viceroyalty of India! Since the time when the Great .Mogul (lit, ancient Emperor) of India was defeated by England, and the country annexed, Asia may be said to have contained but one Hwang-ti, ie. , that of ('lima. Now that the Sovereign of England, giving way to the wishes <;f the princes of 1 lulia, has proclaimed herself linipressof that nation, another Hwang-ti lias been added to our continent of Asia. The circumstance forms a great epoch in the history of the world, and as such we give prominence to the event."

We observe that a new business linn is announcing the commencement of opera tions in Queen-street. .Messrs Shera Bros. (late of McArtlmr, Shera and Co.) have taker, the store lately occupied by -Messrs Stewart and Anderson, and are starting as Warehousemen and General Commission Agents. The promises, in view ot" the arrival of a large consignment of goods l>y the Columbus, now S3 days out from Lou don, have been renovated and re-furnished, and as their position makes them one ot iiie best •' stands'' in Auckland, they should be eminently suitablf for open ing up a new business. Messrs Shera have had large experience in the line of business which they have adopted, and are intima tely acquainted with the requirements of the Auckland market. Their experience will be assisted by correspondents at all the principal manufacturing emporiums in Gre:if Britain and Australia, so that they will be able to secure each novelty as it comes out. Besides the shipment oxpectcd by the Columbus, and which will be of an extensive character, comprising no less than ID! bales and cases of goods, large con signments will, come to hand by the s. s.

Kent, which sailed from London on the 14th .May, and the ship Sam Mendnl, which left London on the 2Sth May. Messrs Shera have obtained the Auckland agency for Messrs L. Stevenson ami Sons, of Melbourne and London, and will under take commissions on their behalf. We fully expect to see the new Jinn take at once a prominent position among our soft goods wholesale houses.

The annual meeting of the One Tree Hill Highway Board was held at the .I unction Hotel on Wednesday, 3.1 r Uilkey in the chair. After the minutes had been read and confirmed, the report and balance sheet were read and adopted, the ratepayers being highly pleased with the work done by their late respected chairman, T. Brown Esq., and the other trustees. The election of trustees closed as follows :—Messrs T. Brown, Downey, Wall, llayr, and -Joseph May, senr. Auditors, Messrs Dilworth and Marks. Fence-viewers, Messrs Ferguson and G. May.

It is remarkable that while some colonial Judges have denned the law of libel in such a manner as would if observed by juries and the press stiilo all free expression of opinion, the most learned English judges have scrupulously protected the journalist from persecution in the honest pursuit of his onerous calling. The following is a portion of Lord Chief Justice Coekburn's summing up in the case of Spill v. Maule :— "Now, the presumption of law being in favour of the absence of malice in the defendant, and the only evidence of malice being his description of acts done by the | plaintiff which wore capable of a two fold construction, the presumption of innocence which attaches to the writer must also, where his act is capable of a double aspect, still attend him. Starting with the presumption of innocence in his favour, we must -issume that the defendant did entertain that view of the plaintiffs acts which induced him to believe, and honestly to believe, and say, that the plaintiff's conduct was dishonest and dis graceful. "We have not to deal with the question whether the plaintiff did or did not act dishonestly and disgracefully ; all we have to examine is whether the 'defen dant stated no more than what he believed, ■ and what lie might reasonably believe.' If lie stated no more than this 'ho is not liable ; and, unless proof to the contrary is produced, we must take it that he did state no more."

WAITAKEREI WEST RATEPAYERS MEETING.

A MEETING of the ratepayers of this dis trict was held this afternoon, at the Shakespeare Hotel, Wyndham-street, Mr David Russell, sen. , in the chair, who in troduced the business of the meeting, viz., to nass the accountsjand appointing officers.' Mr Moginie read the minutes of the last annual meeting, also tlie balance sheet for the past year, which shewed that the in come from rates and other sources had hoen £91 9s 3d, and the disbursements, £91 3s Gd, leaving a credit balance of 5s ltd. On the motion of Mr Bimy>soTi seconled by Mr Kelly, the htiiv'.-meut was u<i ••■ton.

The following gentlemen were then

appointed to the office of trustees for the ensuing year:—Messrs Dihvorth, Kelly. O'Neill, .Hunter, and TlusseJ". Fence - viewers: Messrs Russell junr. , and O'Neill.

A vote of thanks to the chairmau closed the meeting.

POLICE COURT, This Day.

(Before 11. C. Barstow, Esq., R. M.)

V HAPLESS PAH

Lost Alice, fading like an nutumu flower

Stood trembling in the dock, And Pat beside her, drunk at midnight's hour Said "guilty" 'neath the clock.

Alice Hoskins pleaded guilty to being drunk, and it being her third conviction, was committed for seven days, and Patrick Welch was lined 10s or 4S limirs.

INNOCENT SUFFK3

John Scharrer and Alexander Cromwell were summoned in respect, of the overflow of closets on their premises iv Victoria-street on the 18th of July.

Mr J. i>. Russell, who appeared for the City Council, .said that although the premises belonged to defendants, they Avere innocent sufferers, and the neglect was attributable tothctemmts ; he would there fore ask that the charges bo withdrawn, which the Court permitted.

A PAIR OFSAWDY

Alexander Drummond was charged with pushing Alexander Macdonald against a wall, and shaking a door-key at him ; also, with threatening to lock him out of his habitation in Clianceiy-slrcet, en the 23rd inst.

Alexander Drummond denied the charge, It was a foul accusation.

Alexander Macdonald deposed that lie was a lubourer residing- [ n Chancery-street, and lie owed three weeks' rent to his land lord, Alexander Drumraond, who «jave him notice to " get out." He promised to do so on Monday last. He was prepared to do ho, when Mr Drummond got into a passion, threw Ilia tilings about, and bundled him out oftlieJiou.se.

Complainant was sharply interrogated by defendant.

Alexander Drummond deposed that he went in a peaceable spirit a:id asked com plainant for liia rent, and desired him to leave the premises, when he became an"ry and collared him ; lie merely acted °iii self-defence.

The Court dismissed the case, each paying his own costs.

WITHIN THE CITY

Patrick Gunning was charged with standing for hire within the prescribed space of the city with a hackney carriage without the proper number ailixed thereto, on the 23rd inst.

The defendant was in the employ of Mr Crowther, and therefore not the re sponsible person.

Mr J. IJ. Russell explained the peculiar circumstances of the case, and said if the Court would allow it to be withdrawn without costs, he would ask for its withdrawal., but if not, lie would ask for a adjournment until Tuesday next. Mr Hesketh appeared for Mr Crowther, and said lie understood that it was to be ad journed, as some of the witnesses could not l)e present to-day, but if it was dismissed lie must press for costs. In his judgment there were some delicate points iii the case which it would be well to consider, and which would be investigated at the proper time.

Mr Russell said that Mr Goldie had simply done his duty in the matter.

Mr Hesketh said he was prepared to go on with the case.

A great deal of argument followed, Mr Russell contending that the charge was made for a breach of (he law, and it would he hard for the costs to fall either upon the Council or Mr Goldie.

His Worship said lie could not remember that he ever dismissed a charge without hearing the case in which he ordered costs, lie would rather that the case went on. It would be ;: bad precedent to establish with out defendant's consent.

Mr Russell said this was really a police prosecution.

His Worship considered that defendant had a right to be heard.

Mr ilussell said lie would withdraw the case, and leave the matter of costs with the Court. Yiv Jiesketh therefore asked for costs, namely, two guineas, notthree. as sometimes given. liis Worship said he regarded this as an undefended case, and allowed a guinea. USTSAVOUJSY. John Savoury, of Edwardes-strcct, was charged on summons with neglecting to clean the yard of his property in*"Cs]uncerv street. Mr J. !'». Russell characterised this as an unsavoury cass ; but, as in n previous charge, it was the fault of the tenant rather than of defendant ; the charge was, therefore, withdrawn. LAPSUS MEMORL/E. Edwin Hesketh, solicitor, was charged with neglecting to give the accessary notice of the birth of his daughter, Margaret Elizabeth Kenyon, born.on or about the 3rd of October, 1876, to the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, within the time prescribed, to wit, six months, as required by the Act of 1875. Mr "YVaylaud proved, and Mr J. 13. Rus sel pleaded guilty for defendant. Mis Worship said that Mr Hesketh could not plead ignorance of the law, and imposed a line of 20s and costs. This was all the business.

THE RECENT SAILING MATCH.

(To the Editor of the EVENING STAR). Sik, —A number of nautical gentlemen have expressed their disapproval of the manner in which the last race between The Brothers ami Pet was sailed. All praise is due to the Brothers for having won the race fairly. The builder is deserving of the highest commendation, as also the persons who sailed her ; still, I am of opinion—and which is backed up by these Mho clesely watched the congest—that had not the Pet crossed the harbour in the first beat down, the result would have been the opposite to that which it was. "We are still of opinion that the Pet is the fastest boat and would wish another test. A challenge from Mr Bailey appeared in the STAR the same evening as the race was run. Such challenge lias not been accepted. As I understand there are many willing to back The Brothers, and that Mr Hunt has said it would not pay him to waste his time in sailing again, and as it is but fair he should be paid for his trouble, some gentlemen as well as myself are Avilling to pay Mr Hunt £5 should he lose the race, if the challenge offered is 'accepted for a sum not less than £20. Apologising for trespassing on your space.—l am, etc/, R. Alisox.

DEATH OF SIR JUNG BAHADOOR.

SUTTEE OF HIS WIVES.

IT is little more than a year since Sir Jung Bahadoor was "showing the way " to the Prince of Wales in the wild haunts of Nepaul. He seemed then a man of iron, and talked of his approaching visit to England as a certainty. But it is believed that he never quite got over the effect of his severe accident at Bombay the year before. He was an abstemious man, ex cept in two respects, and he was naturally of an extraordinarily robust constitution; butit was surely a crucial test of his powers to pluDge into an icy cold river before daybreak in the month of Feoruary, and to come out all shivering and dripping to say his prayers i He was over sixty • years of age, and one can only wonder at the spectacle of a man so sagacious doing- such a foolhardy thing in the exercise of what he es teemed his religion. The story of the suttee of the three wives of the deceased is sufficiently ghastly, and becomes! all the more painful when it is remembered that when they re ceived the Prince of \Vales in their camp while he was in the Terai, and sent a valuable present to her Royal Hicness the Princess ot Wales, then- agreeable looks pleasant manners, and dignified behaviour, were said to have produced a most favourable impression on the Royal visitor and his suite. The native paper does not state which of Sir Jung- Beha rioors many sons set fire to the altar on which they perished; but if it wereHßubbur Jung who a-ip v-rt the torch, he may not have been a ir.vi;:Ci%asic w,.i,-s boik-v.:'! ho w.y !' c .-■ n o:

a yov.ngcr wife. Runodeep Sing, who appears to have succeeded to the position held by his brother, which was virtually iho absolute government of Xepaul, is not supposed to have

iiossepsed much of the ability--but, perhups, he has all the resolution—of the late Prime Minister. Ho is a, sf[uat, ill-built, odd-looking' little man, with splay feet and Calmuck face : but he is said to be brave, and to possess the confidence of the troops. On February 25th. .Sir Jung Bahadocr died peacefully, saying his prayers, in Nepaul. That day twelvemonth he was directing one ot the maddest hunts ever seen, with the Prince of Wales at his side, and riding like a demon huntsman, full of life, energy, vigour, and excitement.

AUCKLAND AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

A MKETING was held at Mr A. Auckland's, offices, Queen-street, to-day, to inaugurate the. formation of the Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Messrs Hurst, Roscruge, Larkins. W. F. Biickland, J.. Pounds, Lcwisson. Hugh Knox, R. Hall. J. Dilworth, A. Buckland, T. Morrin, W. McLaughlan, J. Lamb, Robert McLean, E. Toilks, J. Ranks, M. H. Roe, W. J. Marks, Thon/as Paton. J. L\ Hay, R. J. Middle ton, and J. Cosgrave were i)rcsent. Mr W. J. Hurst (Mayor) was voted to the chair, and opened the meeting.

The proposed rules of the Association were submitted and adopted, with slight alterations.

Moved by Mr Lamb, seconded by Mr T. Morrin, "That Dr J. L. Campbell b< elected President of the Association."

Carried unanimously

Moved by Mr T. Morrin, seconded by Mr -J. Lamb, "That Mr J. Dihvorth be Vice President."

Moved by Mr McLaug'ilan, seconded by Mr It. Hail, "That Mr Alfred Buckland be Treasurer.

Moved by Mr Tonks, seconded ;.nd carried that the following be the committee :— Messrs Jas. "Wallace (Hill Side), W. McLaughlan, J. Bainbridgc, Tho.s. Morrin,

Every McLean, J. May, J. Banks, W. J. Taj lor, Andrew Anderson, Wm. Gardiner, 11. Hall, and Jno. Lamb.

The meeting then closed with a vote of thanks to the eh; innan.

A commiitee meeting was subsequently held at which Mr Yv\ i'eicival was elected secretary, and an adjournment was made until next Friday at 2 p.m.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROJI OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.)

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.!

WELLINGTON, this day

MR. JUSTICE GILLIES'S DECISION IN THE WAITOA RATE CASE.

A caucus of Auckland members was held at two o'clock, and was largely attended. The object was to consider Judge Gillies's rceeait decision in validation Highway Board transactions on the ground of technical omission of the works " with the advice and by the consent of the executive,'" in proclamation. The caucus agreed to a bill to validate tbe constitution of Boards, and the Government promises facilities for passing the Bill through all stages. AUCKLAND PETITIONS. Cn.pt. Morris presented ;i petition from Mr Dennis Kennedy, late private of the S9th Regiment, stating he was ordered to the front during the war in the Waikato, immediately on landing from India. He was thus prevented from making appli cation for the land lie was entitled to within proper time, and prays the- House to grant him relief. Also a petition from Recta Te Manuahura, praying for com pensation for certain lands confiscated in Waikato. Also a petition from Reteriti Tapihana, Hemi Tapihana, and Parapc Tapihana, with the same object. The Speaker has given up to the reporters the room behind the reporters' gallery. This is. inconserjuencoof the representations of the Star reporter, ably supported by that old Auckland favorite, Mr J. jVJ. Peirier. DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM. Mr Rolleston gave notice to ask the Government whether they intend to make provision to establish an Asylum for deaf and dumb. INCIDENCE OF TAXATION. Mr "Woolcock gave notice to ask the Government whether they intend to intro duce legislation to alter the incidence of taxation. (Hear hear) from all sides of the House. ADULTERATION OF FOOD. Mr Gisborne gave notice of motion to ask the Government whether they intend to introduce a bill to amend the adultera tion of Food and Drinks' Bill. Mr Wakefield gave notice asking the Government to lay on the table the names of the police, shewing their rank and seniority. NEW SERGE ANT-OF-ARMS. Major Paul, the new Sergeant-ut-anns, commenced business to-day. He will be remembered in Auckland by many of the old 05th regiment. He is a great favorite ; looks younger than Dr. Greenwood, who well deserves a pension.

PROVINCIALEXECUTIVE OFFICERS.

The correspondence moved for by Mr Do Latour, re the appointment of the Executive Olileers of Provincial Districts, was laid on the table yesterday. It does not indicate the preliminary negotiations leading to the appointments, though early letters' refer to negotiations. The correspondence is strictly official, andcontainsnotincations of appoint ments and subsequent resignations. No mention ivas made of any overtures to Sir George CSrey or Mr Macandrew. The cor respondence contains letteis intimating that full payment for services is to be made, <>r has been made, to the end of December, IS7<>. This point will be brought on in motions tabled by Mr Murray. Mr Header Woad did not oiler services after December. Donald Keid's resignation is not referred to. Carteblanche is given as to the mode of transferring offices, and the functions thereof. The correspondence is very barren, except indications at the end that their services may again be required.

FEIENDLY SOCIETIES' ACT.

Tiie following clauses of the Friendly Societies' Act are sent fully, so far as they affect Auckland. The Governor is to appoint the Registrar, who shall, with the approval of the Governor, cause to be con structed and published tables for payment of sums—money on death, in sickness or old age, or on any other contingency— forming the subject of an assurance authorised un der this Act, which may appear to be calculable, provided nevertheless that the adoption of such tables by any society shall be optional. No society assuring to any member a certain annuity shall be entitled to registry, unless tables of con tributions for such assurance are certified by an actuary attached to the oitice of Ke gistrar, or by some actuary approved of by the Governor, who lias exercised the pro fession of actuary for at least live years, be sent to the Registrar with an application for registry, li the revising barrister shall be of opinion, after perusal of the rules, that the objects of the Society, or any of them, or any of the rules, are repugnant to, or in consistent with this Act, or any of the laws in force iii New Zealand, he "shall notify the same in writing to the Registrar, speci fying in what particulars rules, or other matters are repugnant to, or inconsistent with this Act, or any of the laws in force in New Zealand, and the Registrar shall thereupon return the rules to the secretary of the Society, with a copy of the objection's made by the revising barrister, aud' the So ciety may thereupon transmit amended rules, signed as before required, or if possi ble, comply with the requirements of the- Act. The previously omitted Societies may appeal from the refusal of the Regis trar i. {ho Si'Mrr^ie Court.

THE EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, JULY 27, 1877.



■VT G T I C E. J. W. PEARSE GIVING UP BUSINESS 82L, POSITIVE CLEARING-OUT. TS» In order to effect a Speedy Sale, the Whole Stock of DRAPERY, AND MEN'S' AND BOY'S CLOTHING Will be Sold at a GREAT Sacrifice. the sale is now on. Corner of Queen-street and Vulcan Lane. JMPORTANT NOTICE. {Having introducedSTEAMPO W&R into the 'Manufacture of FURNITURE, toe are now enabled to Supply our Ous iomcrs at greatly reduced prices. T. & 11. COOKE, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, tM' SHOWROOM S: 67> QUEEN.STREE7: 6y> BTEAM CABINET FACTORY: VICTQRIA'STREET.



FOR GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY VV INTER DRAPER X of i Every Description, j FLANNELS, WINCEYS, FRENCH MERINOS, WOOL PLAIDS, SHIRTINGS, WATERPROOF TWEEDS, CHILDREN'S & LADIES' WATERPROOF CLOAKS, &c, &C, &c, GO TO THE JUNCTION .DRAPERY WAREHOUSE. | BLANKETS AND RUGS I OF ALL KINDS. 1 An Unequalled Stock of Blankets, and Rake j VAr,t7i-;, having been exceptionally well bought, we can afford to sell at consi derably less than usual hrice. FURNISHING GOODS. General Drapery of all kinds, and a Largrc and Well-assorted Stock of Boys' and Men's Clothing, -Macintosh Coats, Overcoats, Shirt-1, Gentlemen's Mercery, &c, > Always on Hand. Is. ia the ,-2 allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. rushbrook & bridgman, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Queen-street, auckland. CJTOCK-TAKING "OARGAINSI! ! k3 JL> W. RATTRAY Is Preparing for STOCK-TAKING, so lie offers a lot of CHOICE DRESS MATERIALS At Cost Price. Remnants of Dress Materials at and under Cost Price. The Balance of the STOCK of LADIES' COSTUMES, JACKETS, and FURS, At Copt Price. W. RATTRAY, D 11A PE R AND CLOTHIE 11, New Zealand Mouse, GG, QUEEJT-STREET, AUCKLAND. TO AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS. . XV. J. HURST to CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist:— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BELL'S BONEFLOUR ■]■ and Vinch BONEDUST BIL,LYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPKR-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATK OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clever-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars Will bo supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST' & CO. 101, QUEEN-S TRE ET. In order to induce an enlarged consumption of Maiden Island Guano (equal, if not superior to Bonedust), we are prepared to accept deferred payments from responsible parties at extremely low rates. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN-S TRE ET. W. J. HURST & CO have for Sale, at the lowest market rates : Clover Seeds, Red, White and Cow Rye-grass, Cocksfoot, Rats-tail, Garden Seeds in great variety and best quality. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) 3000 ~ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also SOO sacks of 1575 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour. B>-an, Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c. Sec. Particular attention is called to 500 sacks Prime Barloj at Is per bushel of 50ib. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh at meal, at £21 per ton. Prices and other particulars on application. TV. J. HUUST & CO. 101, QUEEN-S TRE ET, Auckland.