SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

T , T ,,.p (This Afternoon, .0.14 tuuti v, ( 'po-morrow Morning, 0.45 SUN SET.—This Evening. 6.41 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morniner, 4.47 MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter, 13th, 11.23 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Onward, schooner, from Lyttelton Seagull, brigantine, Marks, from Dunedin (in

Manukau I Hawea, s.s., Wheeler, from Russell Onward, schooner, from Poverty Bay

DEPARTURES.

Cabarfeioh, barque. McKeuzie, from Port Albert Trelevan Family, briganMne, for Newcastle Queen, schooner, Jones, from Hokianga Southern Cross. Holmes, for Napier Columbus, barque. 71i tons, Esson, for London.

IMPORTS.

Per Seagull in the Manukau: — 20 kegs "nails. 5 cases iron. 5 bundles wash board*, 3 do. rakes, I case knife boards. 1 do. furniture, 8 bundles buckets. 9 nests tubs, 10 cases kerosene. 2 do. saws, 2 do. axes, 10 boxes candles, 16 churns. 6 kegs blasting powder, 205 bags oats, 200 do. f.onv. 100 do. chaff, 135 do., 5 cases castor oil, 5 do. apples. 6 do. coffee. 6 do. iam, 6 do. currant?, 10 chests tea, 10 boxes do., 50 baas suarar, 70 cases suddries, 1 planeing machine.—Guthrie & Larnach's New Zealand timber and Wood Ware Coy. Limited. Per Columbus :— 2 cases merchandise.—E. and H. Isaacs. Per Onward from Lytteltou: 866 sacks pota toes.—Master, agent.

EXPORTS.

Per Southern Cross from Napier: 2-i casks tobacco.—Owen & Graham. 1 bundle clothes lines, 1 bundle wash tubs.— E. & H. Isaacs.

THE COLUMBUS.

This well-known vessel took her departure for London to-day at neon. She went away with a fine S.W. breeze, which should enable her to make a good offing before night fall. She is rather deep, but in spite of this her weatherly qualities should enable her to make a rapid passage. Passengers: Mr and Mrs R. G. Fenwick and family, and Mr Henry Chitty.

The s.s. Southern Cross left yesterday evening for Napier with the following passengers:—Mr and Mrs Peacock, Mrs Bulmer and family(4), Mr M. Banks. , The schooner Queen, Captain lelt yesterday afternoon for Hokianga. The barque Cabarfeidh left at six yesterday evening for Port Albert. The brigantine Trelevan Family, Captain Brown, has sailed for Newcastle. Her passenger list has already appeared. . HThe schooner Wave of Life is discharging her copra into the ship Famenoth. The cargo of the ship Otaki is being turned out in splendid condition. . The brigantine Seagull has arrived in the Manukau from Dunedin with the object of load ing with timber at Messrs Guthree and Lar nach's mills. _ • ~ Messrs Brown, Campbell and Co., the agents of the Pacific Steam Navigation Co., announce that the magnificent s.s. Cuzco. 3815 tons register, will leave Melbourne on the 13th December for London, via the Suez Canal. The s.s. Go-ahead left Gisborne for this port yesterday afternoon at half-past three. She may be expected to-morrow morning. The" s.s. Hawea arrived from Russell this morning. She is to sail i'or Tauranga and the South to-morrow afternoon. A schooner is signalled as we goto press. The schooner Onward, 32 tons, arrived last evening from Poverty Bay with 100 sacks maize.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under : For Thames, this day, at i.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Durham, this day at 4.30 p.m.; and per Arcjie, on Friday next, at 2.30 . p.m. For Waiwera, Warkvrorth, and Te Arai, per Anne Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Tauranga. Gisborne, Napier, Southern Provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Hawea, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 2 p.m. Late letters for Southern Provinces and Melbonrne, till 3.20 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga. and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Friday next, at 4 p.m. For Levuka, per Mazeppa, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki, on Saturday next, at 2.45 p.m. Per s.s. Zealandia, on Wednesday, 21st instant, as Tinder: — For Sandwich Island.3. United States of America, Canada. British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and. newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee 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.

BIRTHS.

[The price for inserting birth notices in this column is reduced to one shilling; other notices as before.]

LEAHY.—On the 14th November, at her resi dence, Wellesley-street, Mrs. Geo. Leahy of a son.

DEATHS.

HOLLAND,-On the 13th November, at Nelson street south, Catherine Amelia Josephine, the beloved wife of George B. Holland, aged 27 years. The funeral will leave her late residence at 3.30 p.m. to-morrow. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENT.

Mr H. Simpson, Drake-street.—The native modesty of the gentleman referred to would, we fear, be an insuperable barrier.

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

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1877.

fforthe cause that lacks.assistance, for the wrong that needs tesistaace, For the future in the distance, And the Kood that m <aa do.

The Canterbury members have carried a renewal of their leases for ten years. The question arose under the Land Bill introduced by the late Government, and taken up by the present one. The provision of the Bill Avas contained in clause 110, as follows: "Every holder of a depasturing license whose rent has been determined as hereinbefore provided, who shall on or before the first day of May, 18S0, pay the first year's rent in advance, ar.d in other respects comply with the pro visions of this Act, shall be entitled from thenceforth to hold his run as from the first day of May, 1880, until the first of May, 1890, subject to the provisions of this Act ; and thereafter the depasturing license and all rights (if any) created thereunder shall absolutely cease and determine." The clause was devised by the late Govern ment with the object of gaining the Canter bury votes. The bill provides that the rent

of existing leases for renewal shall be determined by the Canterbury Land Board on the basis of not less than ninepence nor more than two shillings per head of sheep, or a minimum of 4s and maximum of 10s per head of large cattle, which the run will carry. The estimates' of the Board may be appealed against on either side, and be referred to arbitration. Sir George Grey's Ministry endeavoured to modify these terms in two ways—by reducing the term for which renewals shall be granted to ten instead of five years, and by raising the minimum rent from 9d to Is for sheep, and from 4s to 5s for cattle. Both these modifications were lost on division last night by large majorities. There are two conditions contained in the Bill which modify in some degree the evil conse quences of this renewal. In the first instance, land so leased is at all times open for selection and purchase as free hold ; and in the second, vested interests acquired tinder the lease are abso lutely prohibited. The latter pro vision is of doubtful force, inasmuch, as the question of created rights in equity may be raised in 1890 with as much justice as at the present moment. The compromise is bad and unjust to the colonists for various reasons. With the expiry of these leases in ISSOj the laud absolutely reverts to the Crown, and it should be offered in open competition. Clause 110, which the House last night confirmed on division by 36 against 2S (a motion for fifteen years renewal instead of ten being only lost by two votes), grants special rights to the Canterbury run holders, which they have no legal title to above other colonists. Sir George Grey spoke on this subject with very great force last night—but his remonstrances fell upon ears dead to everything but the prompt ings of self-interest. Clause 98 goes a step further than this, and empowers a small local Board, probably susceptible to squat ting influences, to fix the rent at a very low value. It is notorious that this question of re-leasing the_ runs has, more than any other, precipitated the late constitutional changes. Fearing the agricultural element in the Pro vincial Council, the squatters calculated that better terms might be secured in the Colonial Parliament, and the result has justified their anticipations. The value of the exclusive rights thus granted to a few individuals in the South for ten years, is so great that we hesitate to make even an approximate estimate of it. But we might even rejoice if the baneful influence of ' these class interests on colonial legis lation were terminated with last night's division. We fear, however, that the painful spectacle of a number of members banded together to secure, in their capacity of members of parliament, certain pecuniary advantages, has not yet disappeared from the political stage. _ The members of the Lands Board are nominated and removable by the Crown. The motive for the evident determination of Canterbury members to secure, by any means, the removal of Sir George Grey from the Ministry during the period intervening between now and the Ist November next year, when the assessment of runs must be completed, is thus patent to anyone of ordinary discernment. It is deplorable that these men should find in representatives of other con stituencies, whose interests are diametrically opposed to the Canterbury ring, pliant tools, used deliberately for the spoliation of the colony and the enrichment of a few favoured individuals, who have already grown rich on the people's pastures.

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

His Worship the Mayor to-day re ceived a requisition signed by forty influen tial citizens asking him to call a public meeting for Friday evening next, to discuss the present crisis" in political affairs. _ It will be seen by advertisement that no time has been lost in complying with the request. We are glad to see that the suggestion contained in our last night's leading article has been so promptly taken up and acted upon. It is in times like the present when those of our representatives in Parliament who would devote their efforts to the good and advancement of the State, are closely beset with opponents, whose one aim and ambition is to enjoy the sweets of onice, that support from without is most acceptable. The battle is a hot one, and on its issue depends the future of Aucklaud. Our champions are lighting well, but they stand in need of every bit of encouragement that we can give them. The meeting Avill be held in the Choral Hall on Friday, at 7.30 p.m.

On the fourth page of to-night's issue appear a number of opinions of tlie press on " The Governor's .Latest Appearance," and the political consistency of Messrs. Gisborne, Travers, and Fox, a letter entitled "Capital Electoral Hint," and paragraphs concerning sharks in Melbourne harbour, Hobart Pacha's vessel, and Roberts at Whanganui.

By the Columbus, which left this day for London, eight boxes of gold were shipped to London. They were valued at £47,001 lGs 9d, and contained foreign gold coin to the amount of £3SO, 14s 9d, and 11,234 ozs. 11 dwts of gold, the produce of the Thames "oldfield. The duty on the shipment amounted to £1,123 9s Id. The Bank of New Zealand are the shippers.

A nugget weighing 161oz. was found at Berlin, near Inglewood, by two men known as Cornish Jack and Edmunds. It was discovered in new ground. Considerable excitement has been caused in consequence. The locality is about a mile and-a-half from the township, near the Tarnagulla road. The depth of sinking is from 6ft to Sft. A dead lizard of an unusually large size has been brought to our office, and is well worthy of inspection. The body is about 9 inches long, but the tail measures nearly 2 feet, indeed such a long caudal appendage to a lizard is very seldom seen. The reptile was found jammed among some timber which was being moved in Messrs T. and H. Cook's yard, Victoria-street. It has shrunk very much, and has evidently been dead for some time. It was probably starved, as there is an indent in the tail, where it was held by some superincumbent substance. It is the intention of the finder, we believe, to have the specimen sent to the museum. We have to acknowledge £1 from Mr Morling.. 10s from W. G., and 5s from J. C, for°the Famine Fund. Mr Harry Cauham forwards us a pound, in aid of Pridmore and family, burned out in the Wakeiield-street fire. He says he has known Pridmore for seventeen years as an honest, hard-working man ; and he and family have lost everything, being indebted even for the clothes they wear to the kind ness of neighbours. Thisevening attheDevonportHalla paper on " Education," Avritten by Mr Frost, of the Devonport Literary Club, will be read by Mr Alfred King. After tips reading, members will be invited to discuss the subject, which is one of paramount importance at the present time, when so many ideas as to what are the best systems are floating about indis criminately. The doors will be opened at a quarter to eight. The admission is free. A grand organ recital, in aid of the Sunday-school Fund oi St. Matthew's, will be given on Friday eveniug next, by Martin Swallow, Esq,, in St. Matthew's Church. The programme is of a high-class character, and divided into two parts, comprising selections from Mozart, the " Festival March " of Dunster, the fine chorus " Lift up your heads," from Handel's "Messiah ;" Symphony No. 5, from Haydn ; " Prelude and Fugee ;" and another piece from Kenck ; the '-'Wedding March," from Mendelssohn ; and an original composition by Mr Swallow, entitled, " The Cardinal's March." It will be seen, therefore, that the projected organ recital will be first-class, and. strikingly attractive.

The monthly inspection ofjjtbe members of the Naval Brigade will take place to-morrow evening in the Drill-:-hed, under Captain Leßoy; the men to appear in straw hats and white frocks.

A young man of highly respectable con nections was yesterday afternoon com mitted to the Lunatic Asylum, on the medical testimony of Drs. Goldsbro' and Keaderdiue. The young man was found in the early part of the day in a wild state in Cracroft-street, Parnell, by Mr Kay, who communicated with Sergeant Jackson on the subject. The sergeant endeavoured to converse with the stranger, but could get do thing satisfactory from him. He at once with much difficulty took him to the police station, where he was examined by the two medical gentlemen, and committed by Mr Barstow. The young man has recently re ceived £2,000 as a legacy under his father's will, who for many years was a tea mer chant in Feuchurch-street, London. The sadden possession of so much money had a disastrous effect upon his mind, and in troduced him to certain friends and com panions which have not proved to his advantage. In one week he ex hausted £250 in treating ladies and tippling, regardless of consequences. Find ing himself not altogether well, he was induced to accompany an interested friend to the Hot Springs for his physical benefit, and where symptoms of insanity were strikingly apparent The unfortunate young man is a descendant of a noted Derbyshire family, several members of which are clergymen of the Church of England. One of his great uncles, late rector of Witney, Oxon, was distinguished as a Greek scholar and theological writer. He was also an instructor of no mean abilities, and among his pupils were Sumner, late Bishop of Winchester, Tytler, the historian of Scotland, and the late ton. and Rev. Baptist Noel.

Few persons whose walks abroad take them occasionally through the Domain gar dens can fail to notice the improvement which has taken place in their condition since Messrs Gundry and Wood have leased them. Thesoilhas been workedfthoroughly and well, and the result is some capital crops of vegetables, which are just ready for digging. The new strawberries which have been planted out are showing well, and there will be a fair quantity of fruit. The flowers, especially the roses, are now in full bloom, and their delicious perfume is a great attraction. The free admission to these gardens is a privilege which the public of Auckland should continue to prize highly. Our local pedestrians may remember that about three weeks ago, D. Donovan, an Auckland runner of some note, who has recently removed to Gisborne, had a running match of half-a-mile with a local man named Malier, who beat him. Donovan immediately challenged Maher to run a return match. The challenge was accepted, and the race came oft' at the Agricultural Show on the 3rd inst., when Donovan com pletely turned the tables on his opponent and won easily ; the match was for £5 a-side, Witli reference to contemplated news paper changes in Wellington, the " Otago Daily Times" learns from information received that it is true that Mr Pcrrier is leaving the " New Zealand Times," of which lie was editor, but that it is not settled that he is to be connected with the Wellington "Argus." We also learn that it is not correct that Mr Luckie, editor of the "New Zealand Herald," is to be Mr Perrier's successor in the " New Zealand Times."

The last two girders of the Tay bridge have been raised into position. The struc ture is upwards of two miles long. The bridge consists of eighty-five spans, thirty of which are 90ft. above high water level. Nearly seven years havo been occupied in building the bridge, and between twenty and thirty lives have been lost during its progress." It has cost about £30,000. The enquiry into the cause of the death of the miserable woman Sarah Ann Bell, before Dr. Philson and a jury yesterday, resulted in a verdict, " death from convul sive fits, aggravated by intemperance," in accordance with the medical testimony of Dr. Kenderdine. The body of the woman was placed in a nameless parish coffin, and taken to the place of burial without a single mourner. The deceased lias been leading a dissipated life, ever since her discharge from prison, where she had suffered for ap propriating to herself a letter and money, delivered to her in mistake, having been sent from Scotland to Mrs Bell, of Taupo, whose Christian names were the same. When she yielded to the unlooked-for temptation, Mrs Bell was living a respec table life, and during her trial exhibited remarkable sensitiveness. So great in terest was excited in her case that a largely signed petition was the means of materially reducing her term of imprisonment. The gaol associations, however, and consequent loss of self-respect were fatal, for her career since liberation from gaol lias been steadily downward until it has terminated in the wretched manner described at the inquest yesterday. Threo children were left, which have been taken care of by Mr Bell, who has been for the last four years separated from his wife. He has arranged to have them taken care of in the Home for Neglected Children. Messrs Lynch and Scarrot, neighbours of Mrs Bell, called at our office to-day and wished to state that the deceased was a hard-working woman, and kept her children very tidy. 1 his statement, however, was hardly borne out by the evidence given by Sergeant Mulville at the inquest yesterday.

A private letcer received in Christchurch from the famine district in Bombay contains the folloAving : —" In addition to my Forest Avork, I ha/c been put on Famine Avork. I have about 136 villages to inspect and see that nobody in them dies of starvation. The utterly destitute and emaciated, and those otherwise unable to work, such as the blind, lame, old men and Avomen, and Avomen Avith young children, are sent to the chief toAvn, Arhere there are Government kitchens, and fed. The people "without food, but Avho are able to work, are of course put on the public works to earn their bread. Many people will not leave their villages, but prefer to die of starvation there than to go to a dis tance and work. The strict orders of Gov ernment are that officers are held respon sible for deaths which take place from want; it is also laid doAvn that people are only to be fed when in absolute want. I go round to about four or five villages a day, turn out all the inhabitants and inspect them. I went to the soup kitchen here this morning, where I found about 250 persons waiting to be fed—some old men. and women like skeletons, women with babies in their arms, little bundles of skin only ; all sorts of loathsome diseases, leprosy, small-pox, &c. —a most painful sight.

In the north branch of Raglan Harbour are numerous .hot springs, which have proved of great benefit to one or two gentle men who, suffering from rheumatic diseases, were induced to brave all the discomforts of a short sojourn in the bush, for the hope of a restoration in health. Their hopes were fully realised, for they return home new men. To any enterprising individual the purchase of the localities Avonid be a good speculation.

To-morrow (Thursday) evening Mr Cha3. Bright will deliver his popular lecture on " A race of barbarians," in the Albert Hall, Darby-stoeet, a discourse which has received high commendations from the Australian press.

COMMERCIAL.

SALE OF ELLERSLIE

An important land sale was held to-day at Messrs B. Tonks aud Go's auction mart. The property sold was a portion of the well known Ellerslie estate, andcornpnsediEllers slieHoxise and grounds. The attendance of bidders was very large, and the bidding was spirited, although the prices fetched for the various lots were not considered high.

The following is a schedule of the prices :— 8 lots, 220-227, £3 12s'6d each, Mr Aibken ;J1 do., 228, £3155, William Hamley; 12! d., 229-241), £3, W. Adams ;|16d0., 241-258, £3',12s 6d, William A it Ken; 1 do., 257, £3 15s, George Harper. 1 do., 258, PA os, do.; 26 'do., 259-2g4. £3 ss. T. Belcher; 29 do., 255-313, £3 15s, do.; 21 do., 34M65, £310s. William Aitken ; 5 do., 17-22, 4s per foot, A. E. Isaacs ; 2 do., 14-15, ss, F. Ledger; 1 do., 12,7s Cd, Uharles

Woolgar; 2 do., 6-7, 6s 6d, George Harper; 1 do., 02, Us 6d, P. Ford; Kllerslie house and grounds, £2,150, to Captain Read, of Poverty Bay; 1 lot, 175, £27 per acre, do.; 2 do., 176-189, £25, do.; 5 do. f 177-185-188, £12, W. C. Crowther; 1 do., 174, £20, Mason Bros.

PARLIAMENTARY.

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPON DENT.

WELLINGTON, this day. J^AIRS.

The following are the latest pairs which ■wore exercised on the division upon Major Atkinson's motion : For the Government— Bastings, J. C. Brown, Carrington, Hodg kinson, Lusk, Macandrew, Murray, Pyke, Taieroa, Wakofield, Wallis, and R. Wood. Opposition—Button, Cox, Curtis, Douglas, Fox, Harper, Hunter, Kenny, Murray- Aynsley, Richmond, Tawiti, Teschemaker.

CANTERBURY LEASES. When proceeding to business in com mittee on the Native Lands' Bill, yester day afternoon, upon the clauses referring to Crown leases, Mr Sheehan said the Canterbury leaseholders were entitled to some consideration. Whatever objec tion there was to the Canterbury license system "was modified by the right of free selection; the Crown had also a right of reservation in whole or part. The title was not indefeasible. It appeared from the regulations there Avas a right of renewal from year to year, subject to free selection ; but there was no absolute permanent right. All parties regarded the power of the House to put an end to these rights. He thought the time had come when the House should deal Avith the leases consistently with public requirements. The Government were prepared to meet the Canterbury licenses half way and not take an extreme view. He considered live years further extension would be sufficient. He proposed to increase assessment on sheep from 9d to Is, and from 4s to 5s on great cattle, and to reduce the increased tenure from 10 to 5 years.

The Canterbury members objected to these alterations on the Bill.

After a long 'discussion, the minimum assessment on sheep was retained cit 9d on division, by 36 to 26. The House then rose for dinner.

&Ast Wight. Votes on Questions Involving- Pecuniary Interests of Members. The House did not meet until ten minutes after the usual half-hour. Mr O'Eorke then raised the question whether any member had a wish to vote on any question in which he was pecuu iarily interested. Mr Rolleston quoted irom May to shew that the interest must be a direct pecuniary interest, and not one affecting public policy. Where members were equally interested it would be one of public policy. Last session a gentleman who voted had appealed to the Speaker to strike his name off the list of votes, but the Speaker ruled it was one which affected all tho House alike. He instanced the case of a gentlemen interested in bank shares and private companies. Mr Stafford called on the Chairman to rule. Mr O'Rorko said the mere fact that a person was interested, without affecting personal policy, would not affect his vote. Mr J. C. Brown said the vote on one clause of the bill would affect the interests of some members to the extent of tLoiisands of pounds. Therefore it was desirable that some members should abstain from voting. The Chairman called on the members charged to disclaim. The first name on the list was that of Mr Murray-Aynsley. Mr Rolleston said the question was whether persons were pecuniarily interested. Mr Murray-Aynsley said he understood the charge was made against him under Standing Order 153, " that no member of the House should hold an interest either in the Hoase or otherwise." He was only interested in some thousand acres of land. He did not expect to have the slightest interest in tlie land he held under this clause, any more than any member of a Bank who had money advanced. Mr Gisborne submitted that a pecuniary interest in the House of Commons on matters of public policy would not debar. He submitted that interest in land was not pecuniary interest which would debar. Mr Stout hoped the motion would be withdrawn. In 1869, the same question was raised in the House, when the Speaker ruled that a member could vote as he was interested with others in pastoral lands. Mr Bowen said the question was one affecting the minimum price of land in Canterbury.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO CANTERBURY. In the House last night in Committee on the Land Bill, Mr Murray spoke of the Gospel according to Canterbury. After considerable discussion it was decided that Mr O'Rcrke, acting Speaker, instruct the sergeant-at-arms to inform Mr Murray- Aynsley that the question of his being unseated was withdrawn. Mr Sheehan then spoke pointing out that in 1859 the determination was arrived at to make Canterbury laud Avaste lands of the Crown. Mr Stout followed, reading a parody on Longfellow's " Haiawatha" re Canterbury landholders, amidst great laughter. Mr Whitakcr, after a legal speech on the question said it would be for tb.3 House to consider whether it be ten or five years leases.. Mr Reid supported ten years. Mr Stout followed Mr Reid. He said the clauses referring to Canterbury run holders were inserted in the Bill by the late Government as a concession to Canterbuay in order to acquire support. Sill GEORGE GREY ON CANTER BURY RAPACITY. The Premier said the House now proposed to take valuable properties for a period of ten years, and vest the lands of the colony iv a certain class of Her Majesty's subjects. It was not taking a certain sum out of the Treasury in a fair way, but imposing additional taxation on the people. He left convinced that if the proposal of the Gov ernment were carried out, a larger revenue would be realised by the colony, greater exports, greater imports, and much larger rents would be realised. The leases were to run until May 18S0. Why, then this indecent haste to renew them now ? Why not wait until the present parliament ex pired. Certain elections would, take place before the proposed ten years lease. Were Canterbury runholders afraid of the elec tions with regard to leases ? Why attempt to snatch a renewal now ? This question might be the cause of numerous evils in New Zealand. When the country was formed, a section of its repre sentatives in Canterbury were banding themselves together to acquire land against the interests of the community at large. (Here Mr Stafford rose to order.)

Mr O'Rorke, Chairman, said he did not know that the Premier was imputing motives individually.

Sir George Grey continued calmly : The Canterbury combination had been most nnfortunate for the colony.

Mr Rolleston here jumped up impul sively, and accused Sir George Grey of using glaring assertions against the people in Canterbury^ The Canterbury members had accepted a compromise. The Premier, rising grandly : I should like to know .with whom that compromise was effected.

Mr Rolloston : There was no arrange ment that Iknow of.

Sir George Grey continued : He regarded the proposal to gvaait leases for twelve years as a great wrong to the people of the country. Better have an immediate ap peal to the constituencies to ascertain whether such a system should continue. The potential voices of the people should be used in the present crisis. Mr Wakefield made a strong speech in the interests of the Canterbury runholders. He accused Mr Rees of saying he would scatter the squatters off the land.

Mr Kees : No,BI would bring them back again after this iniquitous tenure were righted in the interests of the people at large. , After further discussion the House | divided on the proposal in clause 110, to alter the period of leases from ISSO to 1895. ! Ayes, 36 ; Noes, 38. j Clause 112, pre-emptive rights to cease on the Ist of May, 1880. An amendment was . moved to substitute 1879. The House : divided: Ayes, 34; Noes, 19. | CANTERBURY LEASES RENEWED. j The renewal of Canterbury leases for ten years was carried by 36 to 28. The Canterbury members now say they don't care which side Avins. They have got all they wanted. Probably tie bill will be j thrown out on third reading, or shelved, ' and the Canterbury members, who last night individually constituted themselves whips, "will be severely disappointed. j MR HARPER'S PAIR. ' Objection has been taken to the telegram ■ that Mr Harper broke his pair with Dr : Wallis. The fact is that the question of adjournment on which he voted was ruled not to be a Government question. It also appeal's that several reservations were made . in Mr Harper's pair.

THIS AFTERNOON.

CIVIL SERVANTS OBSTRUCTION.

In the House to-day Sir George Grey, in reply to Mr Stafford, said the Government was not responsible for statements by cor respondents re placed in the way of the Government by Civil Servants. The reports were not made under authority of the Government, and was not necessary to notice them.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Mr Larnaeh said that on Monday next he would be prepared to make the Financial Statement. He presumed it would not be interrupted by Major Atkinson, who threatened not to allow 'any business to prscee. He hope he would receive fair play. The Financial Arrangements 1576 Amendment Act was introduced and read a first time. The second, reading is fixed for to-morrow.

[PRESS AGENCY.]

The whole sitting last night was occupied in Committee on the Land Bill, chiefly over the Canterbury new clauses, which ultimately passed as recommended by the Waste Lands Committee. Mr Stout's pro posal to reduce the extension of tenure from ten years to five years, being lost on division of 36 to 28. The schedules and appendices are postponed to Friday. The House rose at 1.35. NATIVE STATEMENT. It is very probable that Mr Sheehan will not be able to make his statement on native affairs to-night, as he is now suffer ing from an attack of quinsy, which came on last ni4ht.

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.-This Day.

The meeting of the Auckland Presbytery was held to-day at St. Andrews's church. There were present Revs Neil (moderator), Brown (clerk), D. Bruce, Norrie, Macnicol, Sommerville, A Carrick, and Evans, Messrs Winks, Whitson, Peacock, Stevenson, and Lamb (elders).

The Moderator opened the meeting "with reading a portion of scripture and prayer. The Clerk read the minutes of the last Presbytery, and announced he had received a communication from St. Luke's, Remuera, appointing Mr Stevenson representative of that church to attend the session.

A certificate from the Presbytery of Toronto, Canada, was read commending Rev Alex. Carrick to the Presbytery. The Rev gentleman had been compelled to relinquish his charge in Toronto on account of failing health. Numerous letters were also read expressive of sym pathy and respect for the rev. gentleman, and commending him to the confidence of the Auckland churches.

Rev Mr Macky moved that the Presby tery receive the certificate and letters as highly satisfactory, and accord a cordial welcome to Rev A. Carrick.

Rev Mr Macnicol seconded, and the resolution was unanimously earned.

The Moderater then welcomed the Rev Mr Carrick in the name of the Presbytery, and gave him the right hand of fellowship and welcome.

The Clerk read communication from Rev John Wallis, Wangarei, resigning his charge on account of ill-health. This was accompanied with a m edical certificate urging a sea voyage, and a return to his native land. The Rev. Mr Wallis deeply re gretted his being compelled to take this step, and expressed a fear that his ministry was at an end, from incapacity to continue belabours.

Rev. Mr Macky sincerely regretted that one who has occupied more than one im portant position of trust and responsibility in the Presbytery, who has won the esteem of all, should have been led to take the course that seemed to him necessary. He moved that the resignation be received, with the fullest expression of smypathy and good wishes for the Rev. Mr Wallis.

Mr J. Lamb seconded in very eulogistic terras, and the Moderator put the resolu tion.

Rev. D. Bruce nominated a committee to draw up a special letter of commendation to be presented to the Rev. Mr Wallis, in addition to the certificate that will be issued by the Clerk.

Rev. Mr Sommerville suggested that copies of the numerous letters laid before the Presbytery in reference to Rev. Mr Wallis should also be given to that gentle man as an additional evidence of the esteem in which he is held.

These resolutions and suggestions were adopted.

Rev. Mr Bruce then rose and stated what had transpired at meetings held in con nection with St Andrew's Church, in regard to the steps deemed necessary to be taken to secure the services of a Minister in that Church. A deputation was present the Rev. Mr Bruce then formally introduced them, consisting of Messrs Peacock, Whit son, and Winks.

The Moderator received the deputation in the name of the Presbytery.

Mr W'hiteon, Mr Peacock and Mr Winks then stated that the desire of the congregation of St. Andrew's was most cordial that the call they had given to the Rev. Alex. Carxick should be sustained and facilitated by the Pi esbytery at once moderating on the call. , The Clerk testified that the feeling of the congregation was. enthusiastic in favor of Mr Carrick. His services had been eminently useful and appreciated by the congregation during the short time he has laboured among them.

Mr Peacock further stated that the con gregation had decided to offer £450 per year as a salary, with the manse, aud a further sum of £150 for expenses of bringing the family of Rev Mr Carrick to the charge. Rev. D. Bruce moved that the call be sustained, and Rev. Mr Macniccol seconded. The resolution was unanimously carried.

Mr Peacock asked whether it would be possible to obtain the answer of Rev. Mr Carrick while the present Session was sitting, in order that the congregation might at once communicate with the Commission operating in Scotland with a view to securing a minister. The Moderator then formally tendered the call of the Presbytery and congregation to the Rev. Mr Carrick.

Rev. Mr Carrick received the call, and said that his own feelings prompted him to listen favourably to the pressing call he had received, but the fact of his feelings being in sympathy with the present call urged him to ask that he might be aftbrded a little time for reflection before giving a final answer. It was resolved to comply with the re quest, and that a special meeting be held in a week to finally moderate on the call. The deputation then, letived.

! Rev. Mr Somerville thenwlTl 1 (several churches on the mA cp °r1 8 of j General Sustenation Fund 7hi °f V j had been sent down from the Aqil6BtlV , for tho consideration of the PresW ; the Presbytery had rd£^?Jfe«f ,the sessions of all the churchS t> - j St. Andrew's session had carefnii c | sidered the whole scheme, and hJtrl COtt> hn detail on the several' points snK* for consideration. NearlyaU lthcrt* | whose reports were read, were rl hea | generally in favour of a General ?** iteration Fund. The scheme tf <v j Victorian Assembly was read fte , Bey. Mr Macky said he considered ft report read as coming from the smJi ; churches, and that the wealthier^Tf j stronger churches did not seem to if reported favourably upon the scheme I Rev. Mr. Munro read a paper hV i? j ; compiled—based upon the Assmhlv'A turn—which shewed that the scheme J!" ; posed by the Assembly would on & I I basis, give £224 per annum to the dm** * j under the Auckland Presbytery ?ft ; £254 to all churches throughout the L^* ' Mr Stevenson entered at length into tK' I discussion of the difficulties surrottn^ | the question, and generally supported ftg | proposal; while he trusted the AssemK | would be able to overcome such difficult™ !as had appeared to affect some of ft ' lower Courts. l"c i Rev. D. Bruce urged the necessity of adopting some plan by which all th : churches might be brought to feel their responsibilities in relation to the tmestio ; of the S indentation Fund, and believed that the scheme submitted by the Assembly was calculated to ensure this result. He hone^ j the Presbytery would see its way to adopt ! the report sent down from the Assem bly.

Rev. Somerville moved the adjournment of the question, and the formation of a special committee to draw up a full report upon all the reports of the churches.

Mr Stevenson seconded this, and it was carried. The Presbytery then adjourned till next Wednesday.

Additional European News.

(Pee Arawata at Bluff.)

CONFESSIONAL IN CHURCH OP ENGLAND AND ITS FRUITS.

A PRETTY LITTLE DISH OP

SCANDAL,

[PRESS AGENCY.) BLUFF, Tuesday. A meeting of the clergy and laity of Bristol and Clifton has been held, —Bishop Anderson presiding—in opposition to the practice of auricular confession. A me morial to the Queen was adopted, and is to bs circulated for signature throughout the city. The memorial prays that Her Majesty will be graciously pleased to take such means as may b« effectual to put down the practice of auricular confession within the sphere of the Church of England.

The Rev. Frederick Willett, Vicar of All Saints' Church, West Bromwick, appeared at the Birmingham Police Court to answer an affiliation summons, taken out against him by Maria White, 17 years olcl. De fendant was said to be a member of the Society of the "Holy Cross," and it was alleged lie had corrupted and seduced the complainant through the confessional. A commission of inquiry, presided over by the Bishop of Litchfield, has been held, and has declared the allegations of the complainant to be unfounded. The present proceedings are understood to be to some extent pro moted by the parishioners of defendant. The case was partly heard at the Police Court and adjourned.

MEETINGS OF CREDITORS.

Re Malcolm Niccol.

The adjourned first meeting of the creditors in the estate of Mr Malcolm Niccol -was resumed this morning at Mr Macffarlane's office, Supreme Court. Fully forty gentle men were present.

Mr ft. W. Owen took the chair.

The minutes of the last meeting having been, read, Mr Owen asked if there were any new proofs of debt to be put in. Several additional claims were put in and admitted.

Mr Hesketh again represented the National Bank. Mr James Russell was present on behalf of Mr Hendry, Mr Cooper on behalf of Mr Niccol, Mr McKenzie on behalf of Royse, Stead, and Co., and Mr A, E. Whitaker on behalf of the New Zealand Insurance Company.

The Chairman said they must ignore the voting at the last meeting ; and he shonld accordingly write fresh nominations for the office of trustee.

Mr Chambers .(E. Porter and Co.), rose and said the best way out of the dead-lock which they had arrived at was to appoint one of the largest creditors trustee, and they might then depend upon the estate being-made the most of. He should pro pose Mr Pounds, the manager of the Union Bank, and representative of Messrs. Royse, Stead, and Co. as a suitable person for trustee.

Mr A. Heather seconded the nomination. He thought it most unseemly that accoun tants in bankruptcy should try to force themselves on creditors. He alluded more particularly to Mr Macffarlane, who had gone so far as to urge objections to such a just claim as that of Jno. Eraser and Co. on the voting list. It seemed to him that that gentleman had determined to be trustee, and he was surprised to see such conduct.

Mr G. W. Binney heartily concurred in the motion. It looked to him as if the fight were between the two trustees, instead of among the creditors. He was at first at a loss to know what had made everybody so suddenly honest, —(laughter)—but novrhe saw it was not a question of honesty at all. His own experience of being trustee was not of a kind to make him wish to under take such a duty again. By his trusteeship in J. W. Waller's estate he made £25 and g lost £1,500. He coiild not see why the I estate should be wasted, because Mr Mor ton and Mr Macffarlane had determined to fight. He was at a loss to know what.; there was to fight about; for, as far as his . knowledge went, it did not do to be trustee if you had any idea of acting honestly. He would support any good man who was . brought forward, but at the same tune he I thought him a fool for his pains. Mr Morton defended himself from the charge of having fought to become trustee, ,y Had he done so he thought there would have been no difficulty, but when he had been persuaded to go in for the office and went round to the creditors, he found that Mr Macffarlane had been there before him. (Laughter). If the meeting wished he would withdraw. Mr Binney need not ie& ■ that he should decline the office becaxise he was afraid of not being able to carry it out honestly. i» I Mr Binney : What I said was that it was impossible to carry out the duties honestly j without getting into hot water. # ;; Mr Macffarlane said considering it was well known that he got part of his living by.: being trustee in bankrupt estates, he was rather surprised at Mr Heather's attacK. , No one could say, that he had ever W&& underhand or unfair means to get himseu elected trustee. (Hear, hear). .He>^r? quite prepared to withdraw in favour of So. . Pounds. j No other candidate was ana m the Chairman having submitted Mr Pounds uamc to the meeting, that gentleman was declared to be unanimously electea creditors' trustee in the estate. This was all the business. RE JAS. TOS. lIENtBY. jjjg A meeting of creditors in this estate tooi- g place immediately after the other. . .... The same chairman was appointed, an« after the necessary preliminaries Mr rounaa was elected trustee in this estate, cm 6»| j motion of Mr Macfarlane, seconded Dy **..- Jas. Howard. This was all the business.

"HE EVENING- STAR, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1877.



A GREAT SAVING TO ALL WHO BUY FOR CASH. During the next month a Very Decided Advantage may be had by all Ready Money Buyers, as the Entire Stock of PLAIN and USEFUL GOODS. FANCY GOODS, DRESSES, MILLINERY, and COSTUMES are MUCH REDUCED in PRICE, to suit the times. JUST OPENED, for the SPRING AND SUMMER TRADE:— )( ■ ■ I \\ FRENCH MILLINERY, -!. H COSTUMES, ia )( STRAW GOODS, g )( SKIRTS, S \\ FEATHERS, r\ H FLOWERS. )( UMBRELLAS, j( PARASOLS, jl H UNDERCLOTHING, v S )( MILLINERY, £ S v TRIMMINGS, M £> \l &C-> &C- &C ---« CO A & q )( NEW DRESS GOODS, °Jj J( MUSLINS, £ O j[ PRINTS, f )( PIQUES and other Washing ►-a Ph w Materials. P-i A 02 )( 100 Pieces NEW JAPANESE P3 )( SILKS to be sold cheap. £ X r BLACK SILKS. # )( MANCHESTER GOODS. § ]/ &c, &0., &c. QSB LINABURY'S MILLINERY ! We effer the Largest Stock and Lowest Prices in the City. SPRING AND SUMMER STYLES NOW IN. Dressmaking on the Premises, a T.INABURY & QO., 204 & 206, qcjeen-street, Auckland. X^COSGRAYE & CO. Beg to inform the Inhabitants of the Province, that they have Received a Large Consignment of Goods, per the City of Auckland, purchased at the "^nd of the Season, in the English Markets, consisting of— Manchester Goods (7") Black, Colored, and Dress Materials ) I ' Japanese Silks Straw Hats ) I ( Men's Clothing, &c, Boys' Clothing (.JLJ &c, &c. They have now Marked them Down, and are now holding a Sale of the same. The Public are requested to come Early and' Secure the Extraordinary Bargains that •will be given. ttnTon insurance company U OF NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL £2,000,000. AUCKLA JN~D BRANCH: Q U E E N - S T X, E <E T, Next the Colonial Bank. FIXE DEPARTMENT. Insurances granted on Dwelling-houses, Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on. Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at Lowest Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON, Manager. ■ Scamps are selling counterfeits of that most whSlesTle of medicinal stimulants, Udolpho WoS SCHIEDAM AROMATIC SCHNAPPS famous alike for its health-giving properties and a^-eeabfe flavour. The knaves whaarecarry f,^ on this wicked traffic put their fiery decoct ions intbtmpty bottles of the real avtic c and in most instances imitate the genuine labels. Insist upon having the real Schnapps.



mO AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS- W. J. HURST <X 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 nattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. xJurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist:— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BELL'S BONESVLOUR i and Hnch BONEDUST BILL YARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPRR-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT. SULPHATE 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 Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars "Will be supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101 QUEEN-STREET, CLOVER SEED, FOR SPRING SOWING Just Laxded, ex Columbus— 30 casks new Clovers, cou3isting of Red Clover White Clover # Cow Gras Also on hand. Alsyhe, Timothy, Lucerne, Rape Rats-tail, Rye grass, Cocksfoot, &c, at lowest market rates. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEEN-STREET. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) 3000 „ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also 800 sacks of 1875 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour, Bran, Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c, &c. Particular attention is called to 6€o sacks Prime Barley at 4s per bushel of 50tb. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh oatmeal, at £21 per ton. W. J. HURST & CO.. 101, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. nnHE undersigned :'»re now bringing S_ forward a Large Parcel of GENERAL DRAPERY, HABERDASHERY, &a, bought at considerably less than usual prices, to which they invite the attention of all requiring Good Value For Money. Corsets in great variety of quality and style, white and coloured, from 2/6 per pair Linen and Lace Goods, Cufts, Collars, and Sets, in variety Ladies' Underclothing Umbrellas and Parachutes, Silk, Zanolla, Alpacca, <Sr°. Lot of Flower at very low price, quite fresh Straw Hats, Ribbons, Gloves, &c. A Splendid Stock of Muslin, Lace, andLenoe Curtains, Counterpanes, Quilts, Damask Table Cloths, Sheeting, Felt Squares Carpets, Floorcloth, China Matting, Ticks, &o. Large-size Huckaback Towels at /6 each New Fancy Dress Materials, Japanese Silks, Coloured Lustres, Black Lustres. Embossed, Striped, and Check Muslins, Prints, &c. Brown Holland, from /6J per yard Union, Fancy Jean, and Oxford Shirtings, very cheap A Line of Superior Quality Silk Mixed Fancy Shirting, at 2/3, usual price 3/6 per yard White and Grey Calico. Good Grey from /3 per yard Also, A very large assortment of Gents' Shirts, White Longcloth, Union and All-wool Crimean, Fancy Silk Mixed Scotch Twill, Fancy Jean, Oxford, &c. Strong Tweed for Boys wear A Job Line of Stout Mosgiel at below Factory prices Braces, Belts, Ties. Scarfs, Collars, Cotton and Merino Hosiery, Undershirts, &o. Leghorn, Tuscan, Straw, and Drill Hats, for Boys and Men, &c, &c, &c. Is. in he S. allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. rushbrook & bridgman, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Qukex-stkeet, auckland.! AJ N T L E S, COSTUMES, UNDERCLOTHING, AND BABY-LIN EN. A Large Assortment of these Goods has just been received by W. RATTRAY, DRAPER AND SILK MERCER, YEW 7EALAND TT OUSE, 66, QUBEN'-STRKET, AITCKXAND. F© Stephens Having now the Sole Proprietorship of the old-established Business at No. 13G, ad joining Lewisson's, will spare no efforts to keep up hia. name as a leading BOOT AND SHOE MANUFACTURER AND IMPORTER, (Laxe Catsr), 100, Queen-street JLOO, OPPOSITE THE UNION BANK, Auckland. BOOTS & SHOES of every description made to order. French and German Kid Boots and Shoes always in Stock. BST Storekeepers Supplied Wholesale TE$ Prompt attention given to all orders. Cash Orders from the country will receive immediate response. Goods forwarded by train, steamer, &c, &c. NOTICE.—AII Debts due to the late Firm of Stephens and Carter must be paid to the under signed, whose receipt alone will be a sufficient discharge. STEPHENS. Auckland, November 3,1877.