SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

trrruj UMTIT" ( This Af tCmOOn, ,11.0 4 SIGH WATER— - ( Tc--norrow Morning, 11.06 SUN SET.—This Evening. 4.54 SUN Til^E. —To-morrow Horning, 0-50 MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter, 20 h, 0.3.5 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

City of New York. P.M. Cos. a.s., irom san Francisco, via. Honolulu and Kandavu

DEPARTURES.

EXPORTS. *

i'cr Jess-c Henderson for Levnka: 20,000 ft, timber 200 s'iGep, i tons potatoes, i tons onions. 10 cases uscou, 30 kegs beef, and a quantity ol general merchandise principally shipped by— Mcco!. Heudry & Co., agents.

THE JOSEPHINE.

The s.s. lona brings word that tne scnooner Josephine is loading timber at Wangaroa, for this port. Tne Josephine left Howe's island on the 10-ii May, and sighted the North Cape last Wcdnesdav, after a very last run. the vessel being driven along by lierco westerly gales. The se:> 3 at times were very great, and thrcati n ,'d to submerge the vessel. Hhoput into Wangarpa on Wednesday night, with some of her sails solit, intending to "repair, and come on, but as Captain Jackson was offered a charier, he accepted it.

The City of New York is advertised to leave for Sydney to-ntelir, a!: 12 o'clock punctually. The bavqiie. Emma was towed to sea by tlic lona on Thursday. The s.s. lona arrived from Russell and the North, eariy this morning. She brought 15 passengers, and as cargo, 100 sacks oysters, 1(3 iund c-'f cattle, a quantity of gum, etc. etc. The s.s. Staffa arrived from Tauranga yester day afternoon, is to leave again on Monday, fo Tauranga and Opotiki. " The s.s. Pretty Jane left Gisborne for Auck land this morning, with 22 horses on board. She is due- on Monday. The s.s. Star of the South left Gisborne for this port yesterday afternoon, at 2 o'clock. She ln-i.v be expected to arrive on Sunday morning. The s.?. Southern Crrs3 left Lyttelton for Rajlan yesterday afternoon, at-4 o'clock. H'l'lio competition between the Te Aroha and the Lily Still continues in full vigour. Captain Cnsey's boat not only conveys her passengers to Biver-head free, but supplies a pint of beergratis to each. It is wonderful' how the trade is developing;. - The schooner Jessie Henderson cleared out to-d.-'y forLevuka with the folio wing passengers: Xaio"" Gordon. Messrs Donne. Kicsiell. Ga - wood Broughtoa. and Wilson, Mrs and Miss Wallace. Mrs Stuart and family (S), Miss Dimi. The Jessie Henderson has a cargo of timber ar,d general merchandise, and will sail to-morrow "morning. ~ , . , The schooner Waiwcra will leave m a tew days for New Caledonia. Captain Loverock will go'm command. ' The schooner Active entered out to-day tor Tonga.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 4 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. ; and on Monday next at 5.20 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday next, at 11.30 p.m. For Levuka, per Jessie Henderson, this day at 1 p.m. For Waiheke, par Spay, this day at i p.m. For Port Fitzroy, per Water Lily, this day at Ip.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Hawea, this day at 7 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per City of New \ ork, this day at 8 p.m. For Napior and Southern Provinces per Rotorua on Tuesday next, at 3 p.m. For Tauranga and Opotiki, per Stafta, on Mon day next at 11 a.m. For "Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona. on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei. and Manpapai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at 4 For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki. per Rowena, on Monday next at 4 p.m. For Waiwera, Kawau, and Matakana, per Annie Milbank, on Tuesday next, at 10 a.m. 8. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

One Who Would Like To Know.—The talented and cliarming young vocalist was, we believe, born in Auckland, but we cannot speak positively.

BIRTH.

CLARK.—On 18th May, 1877, at her residence, "The Sea," St. George's Bay Road, Pii.nell, the wife of Mr. E. J. Clark oi a son.

MARRIAGE. McDOWELL-CARTER—On the 17th May, by the Rev. G. Browne, at the residence of the bride's mother, Parnell, Gordon McDowell to Sarah Carter.

DEATH.

COOK.—On the ICth May, after a lons illness, William Henry, son of John Cook, late of the Thames, aged Hi years. The i'uneral will leave his father's residence, Pitt-street, Newfm, on Monday, at 3 p.m. BRAY.—On 19th May, at her father's residence, Mount Edon, Scelina Jane Bray, youngest daughter of James and Alice Bray, aged 1 year and 10 months. The funeral will leave her late residence at 9 a.m. to-morrow (Sunday). Friends are re spectfully invited to attend. HARDY.—On the 17th May, John Hardy, aged 77 years. The funeral will leave the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. W. Bryant. Klliott-^treet, to morrow (Sunday), at 3 p.m. Friends arc invited to attend.

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

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs tesistance. For the future ill the distince, And the jfood that we can do.

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1877.

With reference to the remarks made by the Rev. S. Edger,at the Lome-street Hail last night, we may say a word or two on the question of what constitutes unfair treatment by the Press. We are aware that these repeated references t» an exhibi tion which otherwise might have attracted little notice, serves Ma* Walker's purpose a good deal better than that of anyone else, by gaining for him notoriety. It may even, as Mr Edger desires it shall do, produce a certain class of sympathisers such as those who gathered round Home, iv London, and delighted to style him the " Martyr Medium." Some of these people, since Mrs Lyon's case, have doubt less had reason to change their opinions. But putting aside this view of the subject, and the fact that Mr Walker is indebted to press notices for his large audiences,we ask what, in Mr Edger's opinion, would have been fair treatment ? On repeated occa sions that gentleman, in his position of chairman, has given expression to opinions tending to certify Mr Walker's claims to spirit possession. His utterances, it is true, were more or less guarded, and it is left to speculation how far he pledges himself to swallow Dr. Stewart, Mungo Park, Knowles, and the spirit missionary band. Indeed, we should like very much to know how far Mr Edger is prepared to accept, with the conviction of Walker's sin cerity, his doctrine that the Bible is no more a revelation of truth than the Zendavesta and Books of Buddha, his pantheistic views of God, and his denial of the doctrine of the Atonement. Without entering into this question, however, it is sufficient to point out that such utterances of his own opinions as Mr Edger has chosen to vouchsafe, and his moral support to one claiming personal communication with the dead, have been faithfully committed to the public, or if they have not, the columns of the press were open to Mr Edger, or any of Mr Walker's friends, a privilege of which they have not been slow to avail themselves. If the press had left the matter here, and had allowed an assumption of power to call up the dead, thus certified, to go to the public uncon tradicted, it would,we snppoGe,have been a most fair and judiciously conducted press. But the press claims to fulfil a higher role, and like Mr Edger, is apt to express opinions. It aspires, also, to exercise some influence in guiding thought, and protect ing the young and unlearned from deception. Because those opinions in this instance have been diametrically opposed to the part which Mr Edger has thought it right to take, Christanity is, of course, all on the one side, and something unmentionably bad on the other. The press has not proceeded recklessly or without inquiry. After Mr Walker's arrival, seven of the leading representatives of both journals met Mr Walker at the house of a mutual friend to examine his claims. They permitted him to speak on a topic of his own choosing, and then subjected him to a long examination. The result was a conviction on the mind of every member of the press presentthat the exhibition was animposture, but one which, seen under circumstances less favourable for observation, might mislead unthinking or ignorant people, and operate injuriously. Were the public journals to keep silence upon such a suVe :t challeng ing their criticism, and were they to stifle facts that came to their knowledge ? When this becomes the maxim on which journalism is to be conducted we shall retire from the business. We utterly disclaim the desire to do Mr Walker or anyone else an injustice. If one statement has been published unfairly, our columns are as open to Mr Walker and his friends as to his enemies, but we maintain inviolable our freedon of speech. He shall have a whole paper devoted to himself if he can prove his assertion that Dr. Stewart, who died in 1802, speaks through him now, or ever did. " We are placed in that position in which it is demanded that we shall speak the truth, and speak it wo will, impugn it whoso list." We have nothing to conceal — publicity, free discussion, and truth, are, we maintaiu, inseparable. Theclu^J^ngje—

so ostentatiously thrown out last night, has ended in a liasco. The tribunal was chosen by Mr Walker's friends, and consisted wholly of those who have taken an active part in his public appearances. Mr Edger occupied the chair. Surely, here was a gathering the proceedings of which might have gone to the public in vindication of Mr Walker's claims, but instead of pro ceeding with the business for which various gentlemen had, ostensibly, been called together, the efforts of Mr Walker's friends were directed towards extorting from our representative some admission of the authorship of an article and the source from which our information was gained. We know not who the " superior " quoted by Mr Edgcr maybe, for his statement respecting journalistic practice in relation to authorship of articles appcariug in the press--, but this we do know that on every respectable journal with which we have had experience, any employe guilty of such a gross breach of the confidence tacitly reposed in him would be instantly dismissed. Failing in these efforts to extort admissions, the meeting to which two representatives of the press had been invited was declared private, and the members of the fourth estate had no alternative, but to withdraw. The view put forward by Mr Bettany that such a meeting .should be held publicly, is one that will commend itself universally. If Mr Walker is prepared to stake his £50 let him place the sum in the hands of some impartial person, commit the judgment on his claims to credence to half-a-dezen gentleman chosen by ballot, guaranteeing to abide their decision, and call a public meeting in the Choral Hall, as suggested by Mr Bettany.

Riccintti Garibaldi (says a contemporaiy), the second son <>t" the illustrious general, seems to have had an adventurous career lately. He is now in Melbourne, in a Government office, with a salary of £200 a year. When lie first arrived in Australia from England, with a wife—an Irish lady, to whom her father refused a dowry because she married an enemy of the JTolyFather—■ Ricciotti earned a precarious living by whipping coal. When at last the unhappy pair were on the verge of starvation, Ricciotti determined to lay aside his incognito and declare who lie was. The Government at once gave him the place of secretary in one of the public olHces, which post he lias now filled for a year with all honour and glory. Jem Mace,and Christie, the ex-detective, have been giving exhibitions in the noble art of self-defence, in Melbourne. A fisherman, who has been working at Wycliffe Bay, had occasion to make an urgent visit to Port Chalmers with his mate. On arriving at Portobello, they could find no boat. Not to be beaten, one of the men stripped, made his clothes into a bundle, fastened it round his head, and then actually swam across the channel to Innes's jetty, took a black boat moored there, pulled across, picked up his mate, and both came over to Port Chalmers. All this took place during the early hours of the morning, which was both cold and stormy, and constitutes a feat of swimming of no mean order. The Rev Win. Tinsley will preach at the Edwardcs-street church to-morrow evening, at half-past six, on the subject of "The Medium in our Midst." We understand that the subject of " Spiritism " will enter largely into the discourse, and the pernicious effect of such men as Thomas Walker wiil be shewn. In Melbourne Mr Emmet has played a farewell season of seven nights at tin- Opera House. Miss Flora Anstead and Mr.J. P. Hydes, at the Academy of Music, continue to be Avell received. Tn Sydney Mr Dampier concludes a season of unprecedented success to-night. A play written by Mr J.J. Utting, of thiscity, entitled " The Two Vagabonds"" was in active rehearsal. Mr " Dampier proceeds to Melbourne, where he opens on the 26' th May. At the Theatre Royal, Sydney, Mr 'Morton Tavmee ami Mi*» Surtoes Jmve been playing1 Shakespeare to good houses.

Mr Sadler wishes the spelling of " de nounciation" as printed in his letter last night to be corrected by the omission of the letter "o." If we attempted to correct in paragraphs all the typographical errors that creep into the paper our columns Avould be occupied with little else.

In our police report of last night, the time at which the little girl Anne Hooker was subjected to the assault wasmisreported. It was only a little after eight o'clock, her parent:; not allowing her out at a later hour.

A children's service will be held at St. Mark's Church, Remuera, on Tuesday even ing next at 7 o'clock. The ndilress will be delivered by the Rev. Mr Hassard, and the offertory will be devoted to the St. Mark's Sunday-school.

Subjects of religious services at the several churches of Auckland will be found in our first page. The anniver sary services of the Grafton Road Wesleyan Church will also be held to-morrow, when sermons will be preached by Revs. J. Robertson and W. J. Williams. An address in the afternoon will be delivered by Rev. Mr Caygill. The Sunday services as usual at the Theatre Roval.

A capital entertainment was given to the inmates of the Lunatic Asylum on Thursday evening. An excellent programme was creditably gone through by the officials of the institutions.

The che s players met last evening at the estabMshment of Mr Waters, and had some capital play. Mr Lusk was surprised by Mr Heather, Avho proved the conqueror in a well-contested game. Mr Morton Avon a game from Mr.Gorrie, and Mr Jakins from Mr SteAvart.

The Temperance Variety Troupe will give another of their unique entertainments this evening, in the Temperance Hall, Albert street, ending Avith the "Dramatic Agency," a very laughable farce. Mr James Cox Avill occupy the chair.

The preparations for the I"r?3 Templers ball at Lome-street Hail on the 23rd inst., are going on prosperously, and there is every prospect of the festivities on this occasion being fully as succcssiul as at past

The correspondent of the London •' Tele graph" thus describes the appearance of Ab dul Hamid, the present Sultan of Turkey : —A thin, unhappy face, the dark whiskers, beard, and moustache of "which only .served to increase the deadly hue of the sallow cheeks which they encompassed, a meagre, somewhat round-shouldered body a lank, lean, weakly frame—such were the char acteristics of the .Sovereign of the Ottomans. I know that in the West an idea prevails that Eastern nations are centaurs by birth ; that the saddle is their cradle, their house, their home, and that the Grand Tir.k seated on a magnificent Arab must necessarily be the very model of the Saracen monarchs of old. Yet I must dissipate the pleasing illusion, and say at once that Abdul Hamid would have been—if appear ances arc to be trusted— much more at home in a comfortable carriage. The steady slaughter of tho cadet branches, con tinued for generations as a State policy, has reduced the House of Ottoman to a group of seven grown males, — Murad, Hamid, Mahoud, and three still younger brothers, besides Yussef (the sou of Abdul Aziz), and all these men descend from one man, and all ■were suspected by physicians of inheriting the same family curse, a ten dency to brain-disease under circumstances of excitement.

We are glad to notice in a " Gazette" to hand by the s.s. Wellington, the promotion of Sub-Inspector Pardy to the position of first-class Sub-Inspector. The promotion was Avell-merited. The Sub-Inspector's duties on an important station like that of Auckland, arcjof a sx)ecially onerous and arduous character.

Mr J. Buckland, Avho arrived in town yesterdayinformes us that the recent floods have inflicted very heavy damage upon the new road from Cambridge to Paeroa. One bridge over a creek has been totally washed away, and every cutting has fallen in. Quite 5000 cubic yards of earth will require to be moved before the road is clear again.

" Great complaints are made by tourists of the want of proper management in regard to the trip from Te Wairoa to Rotomahana" says Wednesday's " Bay of Plenty Times." A party of tourists left Wairoa for Roto mahana last Aveek : on their returning in the evening the Avind had got up, and the natives proposed camping for the night about halfway, to whicE the party, consist ing of four ladies and three gentlemen, agreed ; next day, after the horses Avere harnessed in their conveyance, the natives headed by the Sergeant of Police, de manded payment for two days, for the services of the ro\vers,and the canoeSjandon being refused, they took the horses out of the trap. We hope the Resident Magistrate of the district Avill take steps to prevent the Police giving their assistance to this system of levying black mail, as avo cannot exj^ect tourists always to submit quietly. We believe that" the nathes Avere in this case pressed to act as they did by a Pakeha Maori avlio lives among them. Is there no clause of the Vagrant Act that could be brought to bear so as to induce these mischief-making loafers to change their residence ?"

CABLEGRAMS.

Headquarters of Hthe Bussica Army.

Battle of Batoum Confirmed-

Turkish Ironclads Bombard a

Prussian Port

Desperate Battle and Heavy Losses-

French Ministry Resigned-

LONDON, 17th May. The head-quarters of the Russian army> has now been transferred to Ployeste.

The accounts of the repulse of the Russian troops at Batoum are con firmed.

Russian despatches state that Turkish ironclads bombarded Sonkgoum Kaleh, in Asia, and a desperare battle was fought on land. Many were killed and wounded.

The French Ministry lias resigned,

(Sonkgoum Kaleh, is a Russian port in the Black Sea, about sixty miles north of Anaklia. Ployeschti is a town in Wnl lachia, with a population of 26,465).

Advance of Russians in Armenia

Tt^o Thousand Guinea Stakes.

[SPECIAL TO THE "STAK."]

LONDON.

May 3

Tm; Russians are gradually advancing in Turkish Armenia, and have occupied Bayazig, a town 140 miles south east of Erzerouni. The Two Thousand Guinea Stakes was won by Chamaut; Brown Prince, 2 ; Silvio, 3.

Australian Telegrams.

[SPECIAL TO THE

"STAR."]

Uew Melbourne Cathedral.

The Elections.

Ecclesiastical "Row.

MELJJOUHNK.

May 9,

Eight thousand pounds are promised towards the Episcopalian Cathedral Fund. The elections were conducted in an orderly manner. Mr Murray Smith was re-elected for St. Kilda. The other candidates were Messrs Carter, E. J. Dickson, and W. A. C. Backett. For the rest of Melbourne Mr Langton is one of the successful candidates. .Several new members were elected. The Ewing case again cropped up. The Rev. Mr Ewing refuses to give up his manse and Church at Beechworth. The Presby terian Assembly lias resolved to obtain possession of them, and matters will shortly be brought to a climax, as the Assembly is taking legal action.

Our Goldfields.

OHIXEMUIII

Wednesday night. WAITEKAUKI.—The manager to economi cally iill the leading stopes up lias started to open out three stopes from each side of the winze, above where the present stoping operations are being carried on. This is the part of the winze where such rich gold was got in sinking, and the very first shift brought down some exceedingly rich stone, and since the stopes have been fairly started the gold is visible through the "whole of the stone, and is equal to anything previously taken from the winze. The appearance of the stopes is realy splendid, and from present appearances the gold will probably extend a considerable distance along the reef with a liklihood of getting something far richer than is at present being taking out. In the low level driying towards the Homeward Bound still shews the reef of great size and excellent quality, and from appearances in the face the manager is con fident of being close to some other large reef jimctioning with the Waitekauri reef a few feet ahead, when something very good should be to hand.

Since the above was written it will be seen our correspondent's surmise about a new reef coming in has proved correct, as the manager of the Waitekauri Company reports a large reef having joined the main reef in the low level. This will considerably enhance the value of Homeward Bound's, Bank of England*, Bank of Irelands, and Washingtons, as the new reef, so far as can be surmised, comes in from the N.E. side of the Company. Of course this is merely conjecture, as a few days work will have to be done before the exact course of the reef can be definitely obtained.—Correspon dent.

THE DAVENPORT BROTHERS.

We have simply to remind our i eaders that these remarkable brothers, in connection with Professor Fay, and Professor Davies, the world-renowned ventriloquist, will commence their entertainment this evening in the Theatre Royal, at eight o'clock precisely.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., It.M.) DRUNKENNESS. Mary Burko and Maria Lysaght were charged with drunkenness; the former was lined ss, and the latter 10s with costs. LARCENY. Sam (a Maori) was charged with stealing a silver Geneva watch, value £1, and thie3 notes, making &~, the property of John Burrows, on the 18th iust. Mr Brown interpreted. The prisoner pleaded not guilty. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the prosecutor was verj r drunk when the robbery was effected; the things had been traced to prisoner, still for the sake of justice he would ask for a remand. Remanded until Monday. CROSSING THE CREEK. John Joseph Howard was charged under the Vagrant Act with indecently exposing himself

Mr Tyler appeared for defendant. James Smart,residing at. Stoker' Point.deposed that he saw defendant on the 7th inst. on the beach, lie went along the beach after a log, and stripped himself on the sand bank : he and Mrs Smart, and the; children, saw him from the verandah, he was quite naked, and went across the creek. Another person saw him. The spot where lie was stripped was 218 yards from his verandah.

To Mr Tyler: I did not come into town until Wednesday, but 1 won't answer yo r questions. The Court,: You must answer.' Witness then said "I don't know" to every question.

Mr Tyler : Are you a tenant of Mr Howard's? Witness: Well, I suppose so. Mr Tyler : Have you any doubt about it ? Witness : I don't know. Mr Tyler said he would shew that this case Ava^ brought, from pure animus.

His Worship : From the demeanour of witness he does not seem in a liv. state to be examined.

Mr Tyler: Has not defendant put the bailiff in your house for the recovery of rent? Witness : That's nothing; to do with it. Tne Court: You must answer. AVitness: Well, then he did, now you've got it, hang it.

His Worship: You must not conduct yourself in this manner, or I shall remand the case, and order you into custody.

Witness: Well then, hanp: it, I'll answer

Mr Tyler: Did you not threaten to have Mr Howard in prison ? Wltne,~3 : No, hang it. T did not. Witness continued : Jt was a public thorough fare, he had once seen a lady there, he coulc? not say that he exposed his person, he was aJter his log, he might havfl passed through my ground. His Worship said this was one of the most monstrous charges that had ever come before him, the defendant was evidently after his own property, the pl.tce was private, and there was no evidence of indecsnt exposure. Mr Tyler said he had a number of respectable Avitnesses in Court for the defence. His Worship said it was unnecessary to call them, and dismissed the case. LUNACY*. William Creighton, who had been suffering from a severe attack of delirium tremens, and had been remanded for eight days, was now recovered, and brought into Court, charged with drunkenness. Defendant said he had benn drinking heavily, and had suffered in consequence. Find 20s and costs, or IS hours imprisonment. This was all the business.

THE PRISONER TE PATIU.

(To the Editor of the EVENINO STAK.) Sin,—The article that appeared in your issue last evening, relating to the native prisoner who is awaiting his execution, appears to me to convey the idea that the efforts made to enlighten his mind, and to prepare him for his fate, have been totally unsuccessful. I have the satisfaction to inform you that such is not the fact; dur ing the interval between Ids trial, and the communication made to him last Monday to the effect that his sentence would not be commuted, he entertained some hope that his life would not be forfeited. But when he was assured that His Excellency the Governor failed to see any reason why the sentence of the law should not be carried out, he became more serious and thoughtful. Yesterday he acknowledged the justice of the sentence passed upon him, and appeared to be in a more hopeful state of mind than he had hitherto been. As "I was leaving his cell yesterday lie said, I shall remember what you have told me— E Kore te Atua c whakatupehupehu tonu, c Kore ano hoki c mauahara ake, ake." That is—God will not always chide, neither will he keep his anger for ever. Iliad been shewing him the enormity of the crime, but at the same time assured him that God would exercise his mercy upon him if he penitently placed himself before him. I think I may truly repeat what I have already written—that the efforts which have been made to convey light and instruction to }iis mind have not been unsuccessful.— Yours, etc., J. Wallis. May 19th.

FIRE AT MAUKU.

A fire occurred ;it Manku on Tuesday ni^jlit last, which destroyed the house of a settlor named .lames Finlay. The progress of the devouring element was so rapid that Mr Finlay could only save his watch and chain, evei^thing else was destroyed. The fire was caused by Mr Finlay's brother, who, wkilw limiting Home fut at the lire, acci dently S>)llt some. Tlie houss nud contcnta were valued at about £100.

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB.

THE AUTUMN MEETING.

LATEST BETTING

Birthday Handicap. 5 to 1 agt. Ariel 2 to 1 ant. Bide-a-wee 3 to 1 agt. Klsa 1 to 1 agt. Shanneon Steeplechase. 3 to 1 agt. Butcher Boy d to 1 agt. Perfume G to 1 each aqt. Buckstone, Shaiighraun and Connaugbt Kanger 8 to 1 agt. Don, and Islesman Champagne Stakes. G to 4 agt. Longlands (i to 4 agt. Venus Transit 2 to 1 agt. Queen Mab 5 to 1 others. Thr following is the list of entries and accep tances received by Mr Percival, the secretary : Tradesmen's Plate (Handicap) of -10 soys. Distance. 1 mile. Kowo's Onawa, 6 years Mc&ee's Perfume, 6 years Russell's Daybreak, aged Edwards's Baron, 2 years Walters's Izaak Walton, 4 years A. Buckland's Magician, aged ~ Watt's £ riel, 4 rears. Huddle Ra^e (Handicap), of 40 sots. Distance, 2 miles, over 8 flight? of hurd'e3. Trimble's Merry Monarch, late Cosoack, 4 years Edgai's The Don, aged Buckland's Butcher Boy, aged Bobbett's The Arrow, aged Vavasour's Shaughraun, 4 years McGee's Perfume, 6 years Thomas's Buckstone. aged Walters's Medea, 5 years. Birthday Handicap, of 100 SOV3. Distance, 2 miles. Acceptances: McGee's Elsa, 4 years, Bst Vavasour's Bide-a-wee, 5 years, 7st 71b Watt's Ariel, 4 years, Bst 131bs Henry's Shanneen, 5 years, 6st 81bs. Handicap Steeplechase, of 70 soys. Distance, about 3i miles. Acceptances: Jas. Buckland's Butcher Boy, aged. 12st McGee's Perfume. 6 years, list lOlbs McG'e's Connaught Kanger, aged, Ilst2lbs Thorpe's Isleman, aged, lOst Edgar's Don, aged, lOst Vavasour's Shaughraun, 4 years, 9:t 41bs Thomas's Buckstone, aged, 9st lib Bobbett's Arrow, aged, 9st. Flying Stakes, of 40 soys, for two-year-olds and upward. Weight for age. Distance, :} mile. Rowe's Opawa, 6 years McGee's Elsa, 4 years Russell's Daybreak, aged Hunt's Cockfighter. 2 years Vavasour's Bide-a-Wee, 5 years Henry's Shaneen, 5 years Edward's Baron, 2 years Walters's Venus Transit, 2 yeais A. Buckland's Queen Mab, 2 years Watt's Ariel, 4 years Watt's Longlands, 2 years. Selling Race, of 30 soys. Weight for age, with allowances. Distance, 1 mile. Russell's Daybreak,aged, to be sold for £50 Henry's Shanneen,s years, to be sold for £50 Walter's Izaak Walton, 4 years, £l£o A. Buckland's Magician, aged, £100. St. Leger Stakes, of 100 sots. Acceptances: Walmsley's Aeorolite Walters's Hippocampus. The Champagne Stakes, of 10 soys each; h.ft., with lOOsovs. added. For two-year-olds. Distance, (5 furlongs. Acceptances : A. Buckland's Queen Mab Watts's Longlands Leonard's Venus Walters's Venus Transit Wynyard's Lady Coventry

Autumn Handicap, of SO soys. Weights to appear by 8 o'clock p.m. on first night of the races. Distance, li miles. The entries for this event have already been published. The fo^owing handicaps for the Huidle Race and Tradesman's P. ate were declared to-day : Handicap Hurdle Race. St. lb. Mr Owen MeG-ec's bm Perfume, 6 yrs .. 12 0 Mr J. Buckland's eh g Butcher Boy, aged 11 1 Mr M. Edgar's b g Tne D»n. aged .. .. 10 0 Mr Tlioiuaw' blk h Buckstone, aged .. 912 Mr H. D. Vavassour's gr g Shaughraun, i years 9 5 Mr W. Bobbitt's bg The Arrow, aged .. 9 0 Mr W. Walter's eh in Medea, 5 yrs .. 810 Mr Jumble's gr g Merry Monarch, i yrs.. S 10 Tradesman's Handicap. Mr J. Howe's eh h Opana, G yrs .. « .. 9 3 Mr W. Watt's bo Ariel, i years .. .. 9 0 Mr Owen .McGee's bm Perfume, Gjears.. 8 G Mr W. Walters'* b c Izaac Walton, i yrs 7 4 Mr A. Buckland's bl g Magician, aged .. Cl 2

My Weakly Dose.

(BY THE DOCTOR),

"Shew me a man who will not laugh, and I will shew you a dangerous and discontented man."—By the celebrated author Mr Doxohue.

PUTTING A GOOD FACE OX IT. Whenever I take up a mining report I find the expression "There is a good show in the face." Not being versed in mining phraseology, I am unable to lix the precise scientific value which ought to bo attached to the expression, but interpreting it by the rule of common sense, I think I can make a decent shot at the mean ing. For instance, when I meet Brown in Queen-street, (he has owed me £10 (Js 9d for four years), and ho comes up and grasps my liand warmly, and says "How do, old follow? Glad to see you," his face beaming all over with affectionate regard, I observe there is ''a good si o-v in the face." Isc c the same thins in bank managers big capitalists, and wealthy swells generally. When yon see a bloated Crcesus iingling'the coin in his breeches pocket, you 'a'.wax.s see ' a good show in the face;" and occasionally when a man goes to smash, makes a bad speculation in Moanataivis, cannot collect, his little accounts, or has been having a row with Ins w'foorhia mother-in-law, there is a very "bad sl;o v in the face" Looking at it in this way, ItnJnK the expression is tolerably clear, only I don't quite understand whether the correspondents arrive at the fact that "there is a good show in the face" from on inspection of the countenance of the min« manager.or of the mine itself. I suspect, how ever, that tl'e phrase usually amounts to this : that the best face is being put upon matters generally connected with the mm.". A TESTIMONIAL. I don't know whether the irrepressible Udolphe Wolflfe of the Schiedam Schnapps (you must pronounce the words with a kina of sneeze) has ever nrmted my testimonial as to the virtues of his liquor in "restoring exhausted vitality." I think, men nnfauts, I told you how I expeiJmentcdonadcad dog, whose vitality was represented by— 0— and succeeded in resuscitat ing the animal. But I came across a testimonial the other day that beats mine hollow. It wa^ in a. place where testimonials on aU sorts of sub iccts, as well as extemporaneous poetry, is scribbled by the visitors. The writer of this particular testimonial testified that he had tried three bottles of Ghollar's Indian Remedy upon his better half, and his wife was now quite a different person, I haven't seen the obituary announcement of his first wife's death. I con clude, however, that Ghollah must be a great benefactor to hen-pecked husbands, and I can now understand the secret of the popularity of his " Indian Remedies."

GO TO THE AXT, THOU SLUGGARD. Sir John Lubbock, the entomologist, is a great authority on ants. He delivered a lecture recently, before a scientific society, on "The Social System of the Ant," and I findasummary of it in the " Spectator." It is all very wonder ful. Ants, he tells us, "distinguish the differ ence between their own nests, and those of strangers. If a party of ants come upon a brandy bottle, in which a little of the stimulant remains, and so 'get on a burst,' the ants of one nest recognise their friends, anrl carry them home, but the strangers they drop into the nearest puddle and drown." But, still more wonderful to relate, he sass, "ants maintain standing armies, and herds of milch cows are wholly demoralised by the institution of slavery. anrl that clearly they love an organized adminis tration, an army, a civil service, and public nurses." Whereat I exclaim with good old. Dominie Sampson—Prodigious! But, Sir John, old man, while you were "n your legs, as the Parliamentary phrase is, you might have let in a little more* daylight upon this all-absorbing subject, you might have deduced some exem plary rules from" the social system of the ants, for the guidance of erring humanity. What do you say to a lecture on "Sociology of a Mrs Ant, with some thoughts on my A(u)nt," or "The Economic Physiology of Anty-tip." To facilitate matters. I have formulated a few questions, which I would thank you to answer. Ist. Do the female ants wear chignons and pull-backs, and run milliner's bills? 2nd. Do the male ants patronise any such institution as a Bankruptcy Court, run tailor's bills, swear, spoon with barmaids, play billiards, and dabble in scrip ? 3rd. Are there any trance-mediums among the ants, and if so, can they throw sommersaxilts, spout in ton dialects, and seDd round the hat? 4th, What do the baker ants charge per two pound loaf? sth. How many beaux: are allowed per head to the single femile ants? These are a few questions which suggest themselves to my mind, and when you have answered them. I give you some more.

AN INGENIOUS EXCUSE. A gentleman who was brought before the beak a few days ngo for having suffered his dog to be at large without bavins round Its neck the collar of the order of St. Canis. pleaded a novel defence. lie said a policeman had become enamoured of a handsome femole servant in his service, and was in the habit of holding stolen starlight interviews with her in the garden. The dog. true to the interests of his master, had regarded these meetings with an eye of suspicion, and on a recent occasion had come away with a momento of the policeman's visit in the shape of n. niece of his unmentionables. It was by that forbidden to visit the object of his affect,ions?Tie had srone away and retaliated by laying the pre sent information.

AN ENTERPRISING EMIGRATION AGENT.

Snmfi of the emigration agents who were sent homo, have displayed an extraordinary amount of activity. In their zeal to render this country great, glorious, and free, they did not hesitate about sending out the lame, the halt, and the blind, a troupe of French ballet girK several hagsraen. two indigent Jack Ketches, and a horde of nondescript, broken-down.and used-up specimens of humanity. They all brought so much lioad-mnnor. But the niont ."nterprisinT of all the, agents, was a chap who in his peregrinations stayed at a place which was infested by a. gang of shakers. The squire of the district was ranch troubled about these eccentric folk, and he was equally exercised about thn emigration agent, who was sowing discontent among: the Hodge?, and Dobbins, an<i leading up to arise in wages. The squire ar.fl the parson thought much and deeply on the sad degeneracy of the times, but resolved to rid themselves of tho foreign intruder and the shakers by a master-stroke. The emigration agent was invited to Pitrglesworth Hall, and overwhelmed with hospitality. At the end of a few days Hie squire informed him confidentially that he knew of a most desirable body of persons in the neighbourhood, who misrht be induced to emigrate on the promise of free grants of land and twelve months' rations, but the affair must be cautiously gone about, seeing that rival agents were moving heaven and earth to carry them off. The squire further represented that his guest was a man "as he loiked, dang his boottens if he didn't," that he was determined to assist him, and that he would ask the parson to step across, and use his influ ence in the matter. The astonished agent could only murmur his gratitude, I believe the little swindle was so nicely worked that the agent had arranged the railway fares and passages of the shakers before he discovered what manner of people they were. But they are on the way out.

The Statements Against Mr Walker.

MEETING AT HEY. HOUSE.

S. EDGER'S

Pursuant to a challenge issued by the Rev. S. Edger, in the Lome-street Hall last even ing, a meeting was held at the private residence of the rev. gentleman, at 11 o'clock this morn-

ing, for the purpose of considering certain statements. Our reporter was invited to the meeting by a Mr. E. Balnark, who asked him

to come as an accuser of Mr. Walker. Our reporter, considerably amused at the form of

the invitation, declined to be present in any other capacity than that of a representative of

the Star, and requested that an invitation to attend merely as a reporter should be put into writing. This desire was complied with, and our reporter attended at the time specified. There were present : Rev. S. Edger, T- C. Wilkes, J. McLeod, Mr. McLeod, jun., Brabazon, Salt^ Faulkner, Bettany, Batty, W. B. Langbridge, editor of the Northern Advocate, and The representatives of the Evening Star and New Zealand Herald. Two ladies were also present to act as secretaries.

The Rev. S. Edger then took the chair and opened the meeting. He said ihey might as well proceed at once to business. Charges against Mr. Thomas Walker such as had appeared in the Evening Star ought to be substantiated, if possible. No matter whether Mr. Walker was a stranger or not, the charges should be sifted. He (the Chairman) Imd therefore called the meeting in order that justice might be done to all parties. A number of people in Auckland were inter ested in the subject of Spiritualism, and though, perhaps, they were not all advocates of its doc-

trines, it was a serious question to them whether Mr Walker was worthy of credence or not, because the claims which he asserted seriously affected their belief in Spiritualistic manifesta tions, and it was a matter of importance to the public that they should know whether they were being imposed upon or not. He wished that there should be the utmost freedom at the meeting, that those who pleased should ask questions, and elicit what could be elicited Mr. Batty : I would like to make 'one remark. I should not wish my name to go forth to the public, and if it i s to be published by the reporters it will neces sarily close my mouth. But what Mr Bettany will say will serve as well If lam lo say anything I must be assured that it will be reported verbatim.

can be traced to a meeting jieid at Mr. £ et tany's. I have heard a gieat deal about it' privately, and it has invariably tended to one quarter. I was ;iist going to ask Mr Walke whether he has done anything of the kind that took place-at Mr. Bettany's anywhere el^e Mr. Walker—Yes, at Mr McLecd's,' Mr Brabazon's, and Mr. Wilkes'. The Chairman—Wei!, it is quite clear that the information supplied to the Star. n^bt have come from one of those quarters. Mr Batty : I wish to know who the gentle men are that are here. I know some of them but there are others whom I do not know' and before I give any information I should like to know who the persons aie. The Chairman here calltcl over the names of the gentlemen present. Mr. Batty : Are the Spiritists who are here to ask question;, or simply as listeners ? The Chairman : As listeners. Mr. Wilkes : And questioners too. Mr. Kinsclla, os the representative of the Herald, said he felt some difficulty in the position in which he was placed. He had come by invitation as reporter of the Herald, and he had felt some doubt as to the propriety of attending; but it occurred to him that he might be required to take a special note of the proceedings. He had no instruc tions from his employers, those whom he represented, but had come here upon private invitation, and of course it would be under stood, as reporter of the iVrw Zealand Herald. Mr. Batty had insisted that his name should not be made public, and that created a difficulty. The question now to be considered was, as to whe ther this was, or was not a private meeting. He was not at liberty to be present as a representative of the public, and to give a guarantee that the name of any speaker should be suppressed, or that an} portion of the proceedings should be overlooked. Th t exact object, of the meeting had not been stated. It appeared now that the object was to investigate the private characters of certain persons, and therefore he considered himself out of place there, because he would, if he remained, have to mention names, or no names, just as he might consider it his duty-to do. He considered his position a delicate one. Mr. Montrose said he simply attended as the representative of the EVENING Star, and

unless it were distinctly understood that

he was at the fullest liberty to exercise his journalistic duty free and unfettered, a sense of propriety would dictate his withdrawal. Mr Batty : I liave raised the question in order to test whether or not the proceedings are to be made public. Mr Walker is present, and so is Mr Bettany, and I am here to prove the truth of some portions at least of what appeared in the STAR. It has occurred to me that no gentleman here can gnarantee that the reporters might not misrepresent the speakers by adding to or taking away frrsi anything they say. Therefore I think it we tad be better that Nothing should be said which should not be regarded as public. Therefore, without dis respect to the reporters present, I should wish that my name may be left out, or that there should be some guarantee that tney will give what I say verbatim. Mr. Kinsella declined to give any such guarantee Reporters were present at meet ings in the capacity of critics as well as note takers, and the reporter was often lost in the critic, as at a public entertainment. No per son present at the meeting had any commission to bind him in any way. He was simply bound by his personal honour and good faith, and by those who instruct and employ him. If he was a man of integrity and good faith he would not wilfully misrepresent any speaker. But he could not give any pledge that he would suppress the name of any speaker. All he could do was to guarantee that he would exercise his judgment in good faith. Mr. Batty—That is all I want. Mr. Kinsella —-That is all we desire to do. Mr. Batty had insisted that his remarks should be given verbatim, but he could not give any such promise. He was simply the servant of the public. Mr. McLeod said the time was passing, and they had better proceed to business. He thought it was folly for anyone to request that his name should be suppressed, and hoped that none who were present would shrink from Ktnndincr up in the cause of truth. Mr Bettany : I Have ueen ixi-nvM, i , j I may say I partly understand what for, but I do not fully understand what I am required to do. I think from what I know of the mat ter, and of what is to take place, that this should be a public investigation, say in the Choral Ha.!l, where the public and t'le Press should also be present, where there may be criticism —for it may partake of that as well as a report. The public can attend and listen to the investigation, and judge for themselves of the facts which may transpire at that meet ing. Anything that I may have said I will guarantee as strictly and literally true, whoever I may have said it to. As to anything I may have said with respect to Mr. Walker, if you will produce the person to whom I said it, I will substantiate every syllable of it, because it was strictly true. I have no desire to keep

anything back—l have no desire to shirk public enquiry—l only wish to advance the public good in this matter I only wish to test the

question whether Spiritualism is true or false,

so far as Mr. Walker's pretensions go, for I do not know anything of it otherwise ; and if Mr.

Walker's Spiritualism is an imposture, then I want it exposed. If you want to get the truth from me, I shall be quite willing to give it. Mr. Wilkes : Did you, or did you not The Chairman : No, no, you are out of order If the gentlemen present wish for a public meeting, there is no reason why we should not proceed with the investigation this morning.

Mr. Batty : As the difficulty has originated with myself I shall be willing to withdraw my objection. On the other hand I must assume that if this is really a private meeting, we shall be without any test of the accuracy of the reports. lam quite willing to submit to criticism, to have my statute and appearance described, but I must object to any misrepre sentation of what I say. I must say from what I have seen in the Press here I should not like my remarks to be misrepresented as is often done. Of course I know that the re porters in England are men of honour, and would not misrepresent.

Mr. Montrose said he could not with any self-respect remain further. He desired to be distinctly informed whether this was a public or a private meeting.

Mr Edger : This is a private meeting. (1V.%. Kinsella, the "Herald" representative, hereupon withdrew).

Mr McLeod asked Mr Montrose if he was the author of an article in the Star on Mr Thomas Walker ?

Mr Montrose : You must understand dis tinctly that lam not here on my trial. I must emphatically state that I deny the right of any one here present to put questions to me which are an utter breach of all journalistic etiquette, and a breach of good faith. lam here simply as the representative of the Star, and not to defend myself against any self-constituted tribunal, such as this. I am answerable to the proprietor and editor of the Star for my conduct, and not to this meeting. The Chaiernan : I have been informed that Mr. Bettany supplied the information in this article, and that you are the author. Mr. Montrose : Will you be good enough to understand that I simply regard any attempt to extract from me the authorship of any article in the Star, or the name of the person who supplied one line, word, or letter of any infor mation that may be published in that journal, or any other paper with which I may be con nected, as a piece of unwarrantable imperti nence. Mr. Edger : As a gentleman I think you are bound to substantiate anything you may have written. Mr. Montrose : This is not the time nor the place, nor are you the people to demand from me anything of the kind. Mr. McLeod : But surely you will not dei y that you are the author of this article. Mr. Montrose: I shall not answer the ques tion.

Mr. Edger : Persons in a superior position to yourself on the Press do not say that it is improper to disclose the name of the author or the person who furnished the information. Mr. Montrose : Then I can only say tha^. the doctrine is an entirely novd one to me. -Hut I must decline to argue the question, and there fore, Mr. Chairman, desire to have your

THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1877.



CONTINUATION OF CLEARING V_> OUT SALE. JOHN W. PEA RS E (Leaving for England). The Stock must be sold at Frightfully Reduced Prices, To realise quickly, consisting of a very Lar»e Stock of Glen's and Boys' Clothing, Ulster Coats, "Waterproof Coats. Inverness Capes, Overcoats. Freach Felt Hats, Cloth Cap 3. A large quantity of Ladies' Very Fashionable Costumes. Jackets, Shawls, and Felt Skirts, just received from London. Blankets. Flannels, Tweeds. Hosiery. Gloves, u3ls3. Feathers. Flowers, and Straw Goods. Every Department is Marked Down, so as to clear out. The Leash of the Premises for Sale. Q P JS C I A X, JV O T I C E. AUTUMN & WINTER GOODS, I?\NNOCK3UnN AND MO3GIEL TWEEDS H. L. POSSENNISKIE " 'Op^nins Out these New Seasonable Goods, ' would call particular attention t» their nnality, which is second to none imported, while from his large an'i varied Stock Gentlemen can rely on a choice of Cloth unattainable else ■ where in the colony. .. i~- :H L POSSENNISKIE. MERCHANT TAILOR & HABITMAKER, Opposite the City Mart, Shortland-street. MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. Incorporated bt Act of Parliament. * NEW ZEALAND BRANCH: Head Office, Auckland- Local Director: George Burg -we Owen, E=<q. (Messrs. Owen and Graham.} Principal Medical Officer: Charles Field Goldsbro'. Esq.. M.D. General A<?ent for New Zealand: William T. .T. Bell. With Sub-Agencies in all the Principal Towns. Every information on the subject of LIFE ASSURANCE ANNUITIES, and ENDOW MENTS FOR CHILDREN, afforded by J. A. Lowe, Travelling A^-nt to the Association ; or "\V ILLIAM T. J. BELL, General Agent. *%, Special Features.— Age admitted on Policies, which are unchallangable from date of issu«. Lowest Rates of Premiums, und no hamper ing conditions as to residence or occupation. T\T O T I C E. MACINTOSH COATS. WATERPROOF CLOTHING. RUSHBROOK AND BRID6MAN Have Just Opened, and are now Showing, a Large Parcel* of the above Goods, from the same House, and of similar style, to their .Last Season's Goods, concerning the Wear and Quality of which they have received many satisfactory testimonials. The Parcel includes various Styles, and all sizes. r,. /'Light Textures, in Black and Drab, for O town wear. O Strong Heavy Sheeting. X M Strong Twilled, Velvet Collars. °* 5 J Cashmere. Fancy Check, and Diagonal « < ~) Tweed Patterns. 2 q Extra Heavy Diagonal Warm Lined, and extra long. 2 Sealskin Lined, specially adapted for >-* V Cabmen, 'Buss Drivers, &c. waterproof aprons. leggings. &c. Also, A FURTHER SUPPLY OF BLANKETS, REVERSIBLE BUSH RUGS, AND FANCY AUSTRIAN RUGS, To Hand this Week. Is. in the £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. rushbrook & bridgman, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Queen-street, AUCLKAND. ■TXURNIITJRjE! FOBNTTTTBJS I Codies and Gcntenm abo<it to F<trnish an rsspi fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DUA WING- -R 0 OM, DINING -BOOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spcwions Shovjrooms. T. & R. COOKE, 1, QUEEX-STREEI A&Joining Ba-nJe of KeicZealand.



<^UITA33 L E O O D S X FOE THE SEASON. NOVELTIES. THE NEW MACINTOSH and TWEED CHESTEI I FIKLD O YE ECO AT. Also, THE PATENT AUTOMATON SILK UMBRELLA, In Gentlemen's size. A Large Stock ov MACINTOSHES. FIRST AND SKCONP CLASS WATER PROOF OVERCOATS. The former are gup-a nteedtogive satisfaction and will be found superior to any other Goods in the market. W. RATTRAY, DRAPER, HOSIER.. & SILK MERGER, New Zealand House. 66, queen-street. Auckland



jjUXTKIAXT AND JBEAUTIFUIi JtiAlli. — Use " Sharland's Tricophero." It increases growth, removes daadriff. gives a gloss, and stimulates the roots, and produces flowing locks of silken hair. Beautifully perfumed, and clean in its use. Price. 2s. a, bottle. t£3L Siiaklaxd & Co., opposite Post-office, Auckland. atkixsoxs Perfumery and Specialities. Charlatans are continually attempting to practice upon the health of the unsuspecting by the sale of adulterated, fiery potions in bottle"? of Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic SCHNAPPS which have been emptied of their legitimate contents. The name of this celebra ted elixir is also counterfeited to aid the swindle. Buyers should inspect: the labels closely. The Medical Fkofessiox nave declared Stkane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wink to be a necessity to all in search of health, and especially to those suffering either from Incipient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, and the dis orders arising therefrom. This Tonic is also particularly recommended to all who are in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time arc desirous of studying health by taking that which will act most beneficially on the system. Mr. Wm. Johnson, Government Analy tical Chemist, report: — "I have examined Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wane, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con taining about 16 per cent, of a very pure alcohol, and holding in solution a clear wholesome, Vegetable Bitter, combined with a fruity spicy aroma. I consider this Bitter a very superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotel keepers.