SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

(This Afternoon, 5.32 HIGPI WrATER— -, To-morrow Morning, ...i SUN SET.—This Evening. 5.3S <_.t tv Fi-F —To-morrow Morning. (>.lb MOONS AGE.--_.ew Moon, Sept. Bth. 0.39 a.to

ARRIVALS.

Taranaki, s.s., from Kussen.

DEPARTURES.

raranaki, s.s., Malcolm, for Tauranga and the South.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For I_.-_.lan— p.s. [i.iurai.i, -.ui_ . . . ... B_r London-Spirit of the Dawn, about 6th Sent.: Columbus, barque, early. For the South—Wanaka, Bth Sent.: Hawaa. 14 th

Ser't For Tauranga and South—Taranaki. sth Sept. For Napier and South -Rotorua, 11th Sept. For the. Islands-Charybdis, schooner, and Energy, schooner, early ___ For Sydney-City of New York R.M.S., on '4. arrival from 'Frisco, a.bout 1 riday.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Gity of Auckland, ship, from London Active, schooner, from the Islands early Hinemoa. schooner, from the Island*. - 2ailj Augusta, brigantine, from Le.mn. earl. Haleione. ship, from London, early Oi-ki -bin from London, eariy ... . Me,.--hikci-, barque, from Samoa ana Levuka

Ei .more.'barque, from Dunedin, early OabarfeicHi. barque, from Lyttelton. earl. Sam "Mendel, ship, from London ._ . CM v of New York. P.M. ... from San Erancisco Friday (English mail.) S.s. Hero'and s.s. Rotorua from. Sydney, earl..

The s s Taranaki arrived in ballast from R. s-c-ll'tl-is mornins;. The passengers for the Novth _re Capt. Nearing, Capt. Grey, Miss Wheeler, Mrs Williams. Mrs Davis. Mr McLean. Rev. Mr Fee. Mr and Mrs \. alsh, M°sPr lir-- Mrs Corbettj and 2 children, Mr and Mrs Williams, Messrs De Morniay, Hemming. Oorbett, Roslin and 1 children, Little McKay Pa_;e!„ and 12 in the steerage. The schooner Minnehaha. Capt. Matthews, has cleared at the Thames with GO.OOOft. timber Cahik-atea. for Lyttelton. The timber was shipped from Messrs Bagnall Bros. mill. . lie agent of the New Zealand Shipping OoVvpanv advertises that all claims against the i-arcue Spirit of the Down must be rendered at. the Company's office in duplicate ov noon to-morrow, or they cannot be recognised. The barquo Co'umbus has discharged her London Vods in excellent condition, and has already started taking in her outward cargo. A large portion of her cargo is already en-aged and she will probably be ready to sail about the Ist November.

COMMERCIAL.

Mes-rs M. Jones & Co. offered the Onelmn-u Choral Hall and allotment for sale to-day.fjThe allotment was withdrawn ; the building was sold far £36. A large number of tin plates, spades, picks, and buckets were sold at good prices Mr R. Arthur's sale of household furniture and effects was well attended, and fair prices were obtained.

SALE OF THE TE AROHA.

The paddle steamer Te Aroha, sola at-auction io-davbv Messrs Tonks and Co.. was purchased by Mr % Aitken for the North Shore Ferry Co. Thei price was £550, which it need not be said is very small. Her original cost was £Loo.

CALLS AND DIVIDENDS.

The following are the dates and amounts o calls in connection with the undermentioned gold mining companies

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

B-ATatt.. wit__ Cr.osrc as un„e_:-» For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.: and to rn orrow, at 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.. For Coromandel, per Argyle, on triday next, at 2.30 p.m. , ~ _ ~ . . , For .Vaugaroa, per Knemhilda, tms day. <_t PorPWa'ihcke, per Sney, this day. at 1 p.m.. For Vvaiwera, Warkworth, and Te Arai, pel Anne Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Tairua. per Mana, to-morrow, at _ p.m. ; paid per Mercury, at -! p.m. Fo- Whitianga. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Itowena, oh Eriday next, at 1 p.m. Wot Australian Colonies, per City of:lsew York, immediately alter her arrivalfrom Honolulu For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Wanaka-immediately after arrival of the City of New York. SB. BISS. Chief Postmaster. :1

BIRTH.

BURNETT.—On the 23rd August, at her resi dence, Blake-street, Xewton Road, the wife of James Burnett of a son.

MARRIAGE.

SMITH—JAGGAR.—On the 21st August, at tho residence of Mr. Beaumont. Collingwood street, by the Rev. Thomas J. Jaggar, James Henry Smith to Mary Jaggar.

DEATHS.

STOCKS.—On Ith September, 1877. Mr. Joseph Walker Stocks (late butcher), Karangahape Road.

The funeral will take place on Thursday. oth September, at half-past 3 o'clock. Friends will please accept this invitation.

RAVEN.—On the 23rd August, at East town belt, the wife of W. J. Raven, of Ramsgate, England, after a long and painful illness, aged 31 years.

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

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1877.

fotihe cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future iv the distance. And the good taut wt c__ do.

The House of Representatives at length evinces a desire to press forward business. The Land Act, a voluminous measure con taining lb'S clauses besides 12 appendices, and repealing no less than 56 colonial and provincial ordinances, passed its second reading yesterday, without a word of dis cussion. The Education Act also made progress in committee. We hope there is no truth in the report that the Middle Opposition Party intend to direct their energies towards the obstruction of the Government Bills simply on party grounds, because, if they do, with such a heavy order paper, practical legislation is hopeless. It would l»e utterly impossible that measures really necessary for the government _f tke colony in its altered circumstances could pass if they were obstructed by a factious oppo sition. The country would assuredly not support an opposition acting without any broad guiding principle. Although we believe the Government, on the general question of administration, do not command the confidence of the country, the prevailing feeling is favourable to the enactment of several of the Bills now before the House, with such minor amendments as are necessary to meet the requirements of various district. of the colony. The Laud Bill read yester day does some service to the State if only by way of purging the statute book of the 56 measures in which the colonial land law was previouslj renveloped. The Bill likewise has the merit of vetoing the ridiculous clamour, in which Mrßowcn was at one time a prominent participator, for uniformity in the price of land, irrespective of itfi quality. The waste lands of Auckland are to be classified into first, second, and third qua__ti<_s, which will be offered by auction at a minimum of 15s, 10s, and 5s respectively. The old system of free selection gives way to one of dc-forred payments, which will be applicable throughout the colony. The clauses relating to this system of sale require tiiat one-twentieth of the land shall be brought under cultivation in the first year; one-twentieth the second year ; and a fifth of the whole selection by the fourth year. The Act provides for forests, reseiv.s, pastoral lands, and a number of other matters that arise in the manage ment of the colonial estate. Its provisions will require material alteration, but the general principle appears to be well conceived and adapted to the large and important question with which it deals.

Another meeting of the unemployed is convened by advertisment in another column, to be held on Saturday evening next in the Young Men's Rooms. If this step has been taken through pressure from a large number of men actually out of employment it ha^ our entire sympathy, but if for mere purposes 1 of agitation we can perceive no good likely to be accomplished by it. It is quite certain that with the number of contracts now in hand in various parts of the city there should be no dearth of labouring employ ment. Very rarely have so many large works been under way at one time. Various mechanical trades, particularly the iron, ship-building, and building trades are still undoubtedly in a very depressed state, but the announced object -of the proposed meeting is to urge the Government to Ethrow open further works, : which would be more especially available to pick and shovel men.

Our Police Court report of yesterday contained a serious blunder, which we hasten to correct. In setting out the charge of forgery against Morris Hyams we said : "which transfers were made use of by William M. Young, with intent to defraud the said Company." There is no charge against Mr Young at all. It is simply alleged in the indictment against Hyams that his (Young's) name was the one forged by the prisoner with intent, Sec.

The assertion in the " Herald" of this morning that the Union Beach Mining Company has always been looked upon as a " close-borough" is not at all endorsed by ■ these who know anything of the history of | the money market.' The Union Beach has to our own knowledge always been prompt in sending up reliable information when any discovery or transaction of importance has taken place, and Mr Clark, the legal manager, has invariably posted the tele grams as soon as possible after receipt. The following capital clerical story is re lated by the London correspondent of the "Western Morning News":—A Manchester curate walking along a street in the dinner hour passed a lot of bricklayers smoking their pipes, and he heard one of the men say, " I'd like to be a parson and have nowt j to do but walk about in a long black coat j and carry a walking stick in my hand, and ' get a lot of bra_s." There was an approving ; laugh all round, whereupon the curate ! turned quietly round, and the following I conversation ensued. "So you'd like to be a parson ? How much do you get a week?" "Twonty-scvenshillings." "Well, I am not a rich man, but I will give you j 27s if you will come with rac for a week, and see what my work is like." The bricklayer did not like the proposal, but his mates told him it was a fair offer, and j he was bound to accept it. So, reluctantly : lie followed the parson down an alley, j '' Where are you going ?" he said. ' ' To ■ see a sick parishioner," was the reply. : "What is the matter with him?"; "Small-pox." At that the man drew ; back. His wife and bairns had never had small-pox, and he was afraid of taking it to them. "My wife and bairns have never had small-pox," said the curate, ■ "come along." The man hesitated, "Oh, i but you promised to accompany me where- ; ever'l went," urged the curate. "And where be you going next ?" asked the bricklayer. ' " To see a poor family huddled in one room, with the father dead of scarlet fever in it, and themeselves all down with it; and after that to see another parishioner ill with typhus ; and to-morrow there will be a longer round." Thereupon the brick layer begged to be let off. Twenty-seven shillings a-week would be poor pay for the kind of work, and lie promised that he would never speak against the parsons again. ; Advertisements have lately appeared, signed by the Chairman of the Harbour Board, calling for tenders for a steam tug for harbour work. As nothing in reference to such a vessel being secured has cropped up a. any of the recent meetings of the Board, people have been rather puzzled to know fin what grounds the lenders have been called for. It may interest our readers to know the history of this adver tisement. Many months ago, nearly a year, a motion brought forward by Mr Maselield was carried in the Board, recom mending that tenders for a steam tug should be called for. The resolution, we understand, was at variance with the opinion of one or two prominent members of the ttoaj-d, and itjwas quietly shelved ; in fact, to all intents and purposes, consigned to the waste paper baskot. Mr Maselield, good easy man, let the matter slide like the rest until about a fortnight ago, when he suddenly appeared at the Harbour Board office and demanded to know why his resolution had never been given effect to. There was really no answer to give, except to say that there was no serious intention to engage a steam tug, and that therefore it was just as well not to call for tenders. But this did not satisfy the honorable member, and lie stoutly maintained that the tenders should be called for. Accordingly they were called for. It is just as well that proposing tenderers should be aware of these facts, that they may be able to estimate the probability there is of any tender being accepted.

The action taken by the Registrar against Yelverton William O'Connell for a false declaration in the elopement case, Game before the Resident Magistrate at Hamil ton on Saturday. An information had been laid against kirn for false declaration under the Marriage Act, 1554. The prosecutor was represented by Messrs Whitaker and O'Neill, and the prisoner by Mr Hay. The case was remanded till Saturday, bail being allowed in two sureties, of £50 each, prisoner in £100. Messrs W. Walker and W. Jones became sureties.

The body of a man was found in the Wai kato River, below Ngaruawahia, on Sunday. It is supposed to be that of an old pensioner named Bently, who has been missing from Hamilton for three weeks.

Talking of the Nelson Football Match, " Autolycus" writes: —"It was really too bad, the way the newspapers published the results of the football mateh —Dunedin, 4(i ; Nelson 0. Nothing, indeed ! Why, I saw a Nelson man kick a Dunedinite in the nose as neatly as it was possible to perform the feat, and it was "pain fully apparent" that two of our visitors weiit away lame. Nothing forsooth! It, is true our side did not kick the ball over the rope so often as their opponents, but in the matter of " shunters, rib-breakers, and knee-twisters" —the real beauties of tlu's noble game—the Nelson ites had nearly as much in their favor as their antagonists."

The notorious John McLaren, formerly an Auckland agitator, but now the self dubbed champion of the working man in Dunedin, has returned to Dunedin from Christchurch, with a black eye and a pretty generally enforced conviction that he is not wanted up North. He says he has returned for the sole purpose of commenc ing an action against tiie proprietors of the "Saturday Advertiser" for libel. It would be interesting to read the article which could by any possible stretch of imagination libel MaLaren.

Mr Cox visited the school of Newton West yesterday, and on the part «f the committee of the Auckland Gift and Prize Association, awarded prizes to 54 scholars, value £2 14s. This is the thirteenth school to which the Association has given prizes, and unfortunately the Association's fund is now exhausted. .Subscriptions will be grate fully received towards the gift fund by the secretary, Mr J. G. Brown ; or by the treasurer, Mr Samuel Rout.

A Foresters Court in London recently pursued a mosti extraordinary course in dealing with a policeman, a member of the A. O.F. Tive constable was on the sick list of the club, and absent from his police duties. But while returning from Scotland Yard, where he had been to see the Chief Surgeon, he met two thieves and arrested them. When the Court hea-d of this, it fined the constable one shilling, and ordered the forfeiture of his sick pay, the excuse being that, in making the arrest, he was " following his work," contrary to the rules relating to the payment of such allowance. He applied for advice ou the subject, to the Lambeth Magistrate, who, though unable to help him in any way, condoled with him on the hardness of the case ; remarking that he had acted very properly, and conferred a boon on society. It is a well-known fact that the market

is overstocked with unskilled labor, and the action of the Government in importing lire thousand additional im migrants at present is condemned from one end of New Zealand to the other, as an uncalled-for and useless expenditure of the public money.—[Nelson Times.]

The most extraordinary theatrical fact of our time is the longevity of "Our Boys," at the Vaudevilla Theatre, London, the play reaching its 700 th night on the 14th of March.

Says the "World": That native students are not only acquiring a mastery of correct expression, but of accurate historical know ledge, is shewn by the following extract from an essay on Cromwell, by a Baboo, which appears in the Allahabad "Pioneer : — " Oliver Cromwell "was a very stern man. He destroyed Charles I by repeated be headals. __fter this, he was never seen to smile, but was frequently heard pensively to murmur : ' If I had only served my God as I have served my King, he would not have deserted me in my old age.' "

A very singular feature in the marine landscapes between Terra del Fuega and the contiguous mainland is the fl siting gardens of seaweed. The plant frequently gro\r3 to a length of between 300 and 400 feet. It gives cover and pasturage to every specie of Crustacea, great and small, while the intertangled mass, swaying like a ponderous curtain in the water, effectually breaks the shock of the most tremendous rollers.

The American newspaper humourists are gloating over the jaw-breaking cablegraphic names. The "Burlington Hawke-cye" says: "Abdel Phelirn Khaboolish Pasha moves from Rotigtschak by way of Kit cheneffender toward Blakdr ; the Russian auxiliary force under Prince Yldmrant chikipoff at Wrmtpechaki will be cut off and conciliated./ The Souisbille " Courier" journal improve* upon this, and pictures : — "Alexander pacing up and down before his tent—"Pshaw! Let him wave his Sandbag' Sheriff, if he wants to. Would, however, that Alexis with his bold white terrier were here." Enter a Cossack— "Sire, Djbtubrichktivokmagdebigis taken!" Alex. —" Upon me word. Well, speed the news to Ivan Bull. Ho, villain ! Say to Nckopoitchitsky that ere Right-all our Hag must be in Wbaudispakomensivdsky !"

Major Tisdall's visit to Nelson is thus chronicled by " Autolycus," in the "Times":—"The fashionable arrival of the week is Major Tisdall, on a branding expedition. The services of this officer are certainly priceless. I am informed that upon the very first day of his arrival he discovered a blacking brush that had never received the broad arrow ; it is almost needless to add it was stamped forthwith. The second day's researches of this inde fatigable ofiicer were rewarded by finding a virgin saddle strap, a pair of unstamped handcuffs, and a pannikin. The third day was lost in searching for a missing chair —if the piece ,of furniture "wanted" was similar to those supplied to reporters in the Court-house, the time might have been better employed—and the result of the hunt I have not yet ascertained." It would appear that the gallant Major is to have a modicum of the fun poked at him which used to greet Colonel Gorton's perambula tions.

A short time ago a telegram from Mr Commissioner Clarke was published warn ing Europeans against settling a. the Mokau, opened by the s.s. Hauraki's visits. The action taken in the matter was very freely attributed at the time to Native OMice obstruction, and this impression appears to have received full confirmation by subsequent events. Te Weterc, the leading Mokau chief, has written to the Native Minister (Dr. Pollen) concerning a Government telegram. Retells Dr. Pollen to stop sending such telegrams, as it rests with him (Te Wctere) to settle mutters regarding the Europeans being at Mokau. He says that lie has seen a newspaper in which it is stated that the natives should take the goods belonging to the Europeans at Mokau, burn their houses, and kill them if they refused to leave the place. He says such remarks are "not good," and requests that the practice may be discontinued. If the Government desired information respect ing Mokau they should inquire of him.

The meeting of the Domain Hoard lapsed to-day, for want of a quorum. Mr McKechj-ie' and Mr Joseph J Warren being the only members present. Mr Mitford, who rarely misses a meeting, was unavoid ably absent. There was no business of immediately importance.

The New Zealand Shipping Company's ship Uakaia, from Wellington, arrived in London on the 26th July after a rapid pass age of 81 day.

It is important that persons disposed to be mischievous should knew that for damaging or destroying young trees in and about the city, they will be liable to a jMMialty of £10, or a term of imprisonment.

At the meeting of the Harbour Board yes terday, the principal part of the business was the discussion on patent slips. The Endowment and Works Committees recom mended that the site near the Breakwater be let for a patent slip upon a lease of 1)9 years, slip to be ready for use in eighteen months' time ; the slip to be capable of tak ing up vessels not less than 350 tons ; if the slip is not ready in eighteen months, the lease to be null. As to the site opposite Wyndham and Nelson-streets, the com mittee recommended that the/dte be leased for 21 years at £1 rental ; slip to be capable of taking up vessels from 20 to 150 tons ; if slip not completed by eighteen menths, the lease to be null. Various opinions were ex pressoil by Captain Daldy, (Messrs Thorne, McKcnzie, Niccol, Maselield, Casey, and the Chairman, when it was resolved that a special meeting be held on Tuesday next, for the purpose of fully discussing and deter mining the questions raised in relation to the lease.

An 'anecdote of animal sagacity, which puts Jessie's tallest stories into the shade, comes from Kapunda, South Australia. A dog called Sultan, is being exhibited there by Alons. Oriel, which plays a capital game of cribbagc. On the dog's cards being dealt, Mr Oriel would spread them in a chide, around which the dog would walk until he picked out two cards for the " crib," and it was curious to note that whenever it was his own crib, he would put out such cards as would be likely to fatten it, such as a ten and a live, for instance ; but when it wtis his opponent's "crib," ho would throw out cards as far apart as possible. By whatever means the result was brought about there can be no doubt "Sultan" played X capital game, and at the end of the eleventh deal he was declared the victor with six holes to spare, the game being once round the board. Several times ho pegged well while the cords were in play, once securing six holes for showing the third deuce."

Wc are informed that the remarks made by Inspector Thomson at the Licensing Court yesterday, relative to the Queen's Hotel, did not refer' to the general manage ment of the house or itw accommodation.

" W.H.C." Parnell, referring to the dis pirited letter,Jin our Friday's issue, writes suggesting in lieu of a work-house for the distressed that the Government should buy 5,000 or 10,000 acres of land, e>r as much as shall be thought necessary to farm ; call it Government farm ; appoint a good practical farmer as manager or governor of said

farm, having six or any number that may be necessarily employed at current rate of wages to act as overseers to such as may from time to time become dependent on the farm for support. In the first place, there should be an hospital on the premises to receive anyone in need of such ; secondly, a doctor, at per annum, to attend at least once a day to all inmates or persons working on the farm. Any aged or decrepit parson of either sex wishing to become an inmate may do so by doing any such work as the Governor or Doctor may appoint for them ; but for their home alone. 4th. Any man or woman able and willing to work, and who cannot obtain it otherwhere, be taken to work on the farm for their home and a small trifle per day, according to their abilities; of course it must not be too cosy, or all sorts ef idlers and loafers would be there. Such a farm would act as a depot for labourers, and employers wanting hands would go there for them. Tho Governor would, of course, recommend the best working and well behaved he had, Lots of poor girls and women, by having such a place to go to, might escape such dens as a great number wow inhabit. Such a place, I believe, could nearly or quite support itself. Beef, mutton, pork, fowls, vegetables, &c, could all be fed and grown on the premises. Cooking, washing, mending, cleaning, &c., could all be done by the inmates. There would, of course, be a code of regulations whereby the Governor could punish to a certain extent by stopping a portion of food or pay, or bring braccording to anyones mis conduct before a magistrate. By some such plan as this there would be n© excuse for idlers and loafers hanging about our streets, and anyone might get shelter.

Last year the oanning firms of the Oregon river canned or otherwise used 40,000,000 salmon ; and, fearing a sourcity, are establish ing fish-hatching ponds on a large scale.

The Chinese question is assuming much importance on the Sandwich Islands; large accessions to their numbers are arriving.

The Registrar of births, marriage, and deaths (Mr Wayland) lias no cause to complain of the dulness of the times, if one may judge of his business from the number of mar riage certificates issued by him this morning at his High-street office. We are not at liberty to enumerate the waiting swains and lasses of this morning, whose one wish was to get " mawwied" as soon as possible, but the number was alarming, or pleasing, according to individual views. One stern man with a Malthusian look considered the prospect " orful," whilst another was of opinion that it was a happy sight, and in perfect harinony| with the benignant laws of nature.

The Hebrew residents of the city, at a meeting held on Sunday last, resolved to forward a petition to the General Assembly by the hands of Mr W. Swanson, praying that sub-section 3 of clause 85 of the Educa tion Act may be excised, excepting the words —" The teaching shall be entirely of a secular character." It is believed that while many would by no means object, to the reading of the Holy Bible, they object to the wording of the clause Lord's Prayer and a portion of the " Holy Scriptures," which might by some jealous avid bigotted teacher be interpreted not necessarily to mean the Bible, but what he may consider Holy Scripture reading.

In the " Fraser Magazine" for June appears the tenth of a series of articles upon "British Trade," in which this cheerful reference to the land we live in occurs:—"As to New Zealand, with her thousand miles of unremuuerativo railway, she must inevitably face bankruptcy and a trade demoralisation which it is appalling to contemplate. Her gold mines will not serve her then, nor her wealth in copper, silver, ironsand, and coal. She will be fortunate if she holds together and weathers the storm without the loss of half her population." The following month Sir Julius Vogel replies in a glowing article, proving that the past, present, and future of New Zealand find no parallel in the annals of colonial prosperity.

Mr J. T. Semaine writes at considerable length on the Education rate. He says : — " Now that the thermometer of a heated public opinion, brought to boiling point by a few over-excitable demagogues, lias some what cooled, it would perhaps not be unin teresting to examine the whole question dispassionately. It is pretty clear, by Mr Beale's statement of last evening, that many of us have rushed into print in entire ignorance of facts, and have, to supply deficiencies, resorted to falsehood and exaggeration. If we compare this account of Mr lleale's with tluit of Mr Alexander wc shall find that Mr Alexander., surplus was caused, not by monies received from the rate, but by sums collected under certain collectors' bonds. Mr BeaJe, how ever, wtis not so fortunate, for during the Whole period of 2A years only one collector, as far as 1 can learn, was found not so far dclicicnt in human kindness as to depart from his duty. And if persons took the trouble to look at the affair impartially they would find that the fault lies else where ; that in the case of each solicitor it wa* found that the collection of the mere rate did not pay expenses, But, it is a true saying that long scores tire always disagree able. And if Mr P.eale had rendered his account, say quarterly, people would look at it with undistorted vision. The true fault, hoewver, of the expensiveness of the collection is not that the cost., are excessive, but that scores have been summoned who never should have been summoned. But the whole evil of that aro.c in allowing collectors to still receive their commission oa amounts reeoveredigby solicitor just as though they had collected it themselves. The consequence was that to save them selves trouble they called on the persons onee —seldom twice — andjthen rushed with a host of cases into the hands of the Re ceiver, saying that they were well able to pay, and would not. The Receiver, who, in a province of 70,000 people, knows their circumstances just about as much as Adam's, sends them, ;us is his duty, to the solicitor ; and then the true state of things is gradually unfolded. Of this I felt con vinced when 1 learnt it was the cause of the whole evil; and how such ;i system could ever have been maintained I cannot understand." Our correspondent concludes by a personal attack on the members of the Education Hoard (the Chairman, Dr Camp bell, and Colonel Haultain excepted), and upon Mr J. S. Maefarlane and Major Atkin son; his ire being excited apparently against the latter gentlemen because they dared to express an opinion on the proceedings of the Board.

A correspondent of the " Scotchman " writes :—" I have received some further particulars concerning the release by the King of Abyssinia of Colonel Mitchell, who arrived at Suez lately. He was in chains for thirty-four days, during which period he lost fifty pounds in weight. It appears that King John, at the head of 50,000 men, met him as he was being dragged along without any shoes, and instantly ordered his release. I also learn that the King vows he will not make peace with Egypt, which ocrta'nJy differs widely from statements made in letters recently ad dressed by Colonel Gordon to his corres pondents in this country. The truth seems to be that the constant kidnapping of the Abyssinian youth of both sexes for the Turkish and Egyptaiu slave'markets, asj w ell as the exclusion of Abyssinia from a port on the coast, practically renders peace im possible. Mr Smythc, the much-travelled and ur bane agent, telegraphs us from Nelson that "Thackeray" will be the subject of the Rev. Clark's opening lecture in Auckland next week.

To the Editor, Sir, —Be kind enough at your earliest convenience to say who was the lirst superintendent of the province of Auckland, and oblige,—A SUBSCRIBER.

In Colonel Baker's book on Turkey, he puts forward the following plan of the cam paign :—'' The only hope for Turkey is to make every use »f the natural defences of the country, and to oblige Russia to fight as far from her base as possible." And after pointing out that the invaders must do or die before December, he goes on to say : — " It would seem then that the be.t line of defence for Turkey would be south of the Balkans, where she wouldjbe in railway communication with her capital, arsenals, and the sea, of which she would have the command ; Avhile the Rus sian forces opposed to her would be more than 300 miles from their base, and would have the great Balkan range lying right across their lines of communication." lie was also of opinion that all the fortresses should be evacuated except Sbumla and Varna, neither of which could be taken in a single campaign of one season. "It may be argued," he observes, " tha this plan of defence would be giving over a large por tion of the empire to Russian occupation, but the answer is, that Turkey, being in command of the Black Sea, could strangle all Russian commerce in those waters until that power released her grip of the Ottoman throat."

Gentlemen interested in the Sparrow Match arc requested to meet on Friday afternoon at the Occidental Hotel. It seems that the greatest difficulty is being cxpeii-iiC-d in catching sparrows, numer ous as they appear to be. Twopence each is offered for them, by the promoters of the match, but as yet the coppers have not yet brought the sparrows in. A married woman named Lucy Tizzard has been charged at Winterbornc, in Dorsetshire, with administering poison to her two daughters. The prisoner, who had mixed a quantity of arsenic with some cocoa, said she intended to poison her husband, her son, her daughters, and herself, in order that they might all be together in heaven. A warrant was issued for her removal to the asylum.

Walter Bedford writes in replyfto remarks made by Detective Jeffrey, impugning' his character. He says he can paove that li£ never Jwas a "bully," and has proof to shew that he has been in receipt of 30s per week ever since he arrived in the colony. The Rev. Father Walter McDonald acknowledges with many thanks receipt of the following sums for St. Mary's Orphan age, Ponsonby :—Mr De Lias, £2 ; Mr Sparrow, £1 ; and Mr Clarke, £5.

Our Goldfields.

THE HARBOUR VIEW.

The following telegram was received this afternoon by the Auckland Directors of the Harbour View :—

" COROMANDE-, 12.55 p.m

" The mine manager reports striking gold in No. 5 level this morning. A splendid reef, 18 inches wide. —P. TIERNEY."

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER)

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.]

WELLINGTON, this day.

THE NEW OPPOSITION PARTY.

Competent judges believe the middle party in the House to be very strong, and likely to increase rapidly. The party has been formed to combine under one leader a large number of members in the House of moderate views, who, though opposed to the Government, would not support Sir George Grey. The latter, with Mr Mac andrew, will probably maintain an in dependent attitude; but, if opportunity arises of turning out the Ministry, will vote with the middle party. The Opposition will really be two wings under separate com manders. They assert their confidence that a majority will be formed against Ministers. One of the first .stand-points will be on the religious clause of the Education Bill, on which the Government supporters are shaky. The chief weakness of the new party appears to be the number of men who aspire to the position of leader. It is also doubtful whether they can find a common platform with Sir George Grey's party. Small caucuses have been held of promoters of the new party, but no general meeting. Attempts are now being made to bring the elements together some day during the present week, to arrange a basis of action. One of the proposals of the new party is to definitely localise the Land Fund, and to shelve the question of Separation It is believed that this will win the confidence of a large number of Otago and Canterbury members. The real secret of the opposition of the party is the Government vacillation. Meantime ardent Ministerial supporters are sanguine, and say the middle party means the entire dis traction of the Opposition, and a vain attempt to reconstruct a new party out of the shattered elements.

Messrs Stout and Macandrew have abso lutely refused to join the new middle or any party adverse to Sir George Grey, who has still twenty-three followers. These with the new party are said to number forty-six. The main programme of the new party will I believe, prove to be an avoid ance of any definite indication of policy, directing their attacks against Government measures. Probably the result will be that the Ministry will experience great difficulty in carrying their most important measures, and some are certain to be thrown out or emasculated.

A caucus of the middle party was held at eleven o'clock to-day. About twenty members attended. The utmost unanimity prevailed, but the agreement has not yet transpired. A CRUEL SELL. Mr George Jones has been bitten. He telegraphed to Mr Moon, of Cambridge, asking evidence against Mr Whitakcr. Moon replied that he intends to proceed against Jones for libel, and that Jones's impertinences are only exceeded by his ignorance. |Moon telegraphs both tele grams to the editor of the " New Zealand Times," and they appear in that paper to day. Evidently Jones has been moon struck. BUOYING WAIROA RIVER. The Government have, with Sir Robert Douglas's consent, determined to delay for one month the buoying of the Wairoa River, on the ground that Captain Johnston cannot be spared to visit the place until then. He will go up in the steam launch. The Govermcnt has also under considera tion the extension of the telegraph to Dargaville, but is considering various claims of the same character, with a view of asking the House to make the necessary appropriation where such work can be approved,

AUCKLAND HARBOUR ENDOW MENTS. In the House, yesterday, Mr Tole in troduced a Bill to enable the Auckland Harbour Board to dispose of certain lands reclaimed from the foreshore in the harbour of Auckland. It was read a first time, and the second reading was fixed for to-morrow week.

WASTE LANDS' BILL.

The Bill consolidating the Waste Lands kiws and extending the deferred payment system to all parts of the colony was intro duced by Mr Donald Reid, and read a second time without discussion.

EDUCATION BILL. The House then Went into committee on the Education Bill, and passed the first six clauses without material alteration. In the House yesterday,notice was given of -A question regarding what steps the Government intend taking with regard to the case of Tukukino. SCHOOL BUILDING-. Mr Travcrs gave notice to ask for details of the proposed expenditure of £50,000 on school buildings. MR JONES' STATEMENT. Mr Wakefield gave notice to ask the Government if it was true that a certain document sent by Mr Jones to the cl.rk of the House, had been refused when he asked for its return. This applies to the statement he made at the bar of the House, which wras lent to the clerk to be printed. AUCKLAND ARTISANS' PETITION.

The petition of 900 mechanics of the province of Auckland has been before the Petitions' Committee, who report that the subject matter of the petition is of vital importance to the colony, and recommend the petition to the serious consideration of the House. Work in the Petitions' Com mittee is becoming very large. Petitions come in scores from all parts of the colony, and the Committee cannot find time to go into them. Many petitions on the Local Option Bill are literally thrown under the table without examination if the signatures are genuine. The Government complain of the numerous and practically impossible recommendations made by the Committee ; especially for payment of money by way of compensation to petitioners.

GAMBLING.—LOTTERIES. Mr Button asked the Government if they intend to take any steps to put a stop to the numerous raffles, lotteries, and other "ambling transactions, now so common in different parts of this colony. He said gambling and lotteries were becoming so common as to interfere with fair rivalry of trade. Whenever a shop keeper found he could not dispose of his goods so rapidly as he desired he im mediately rushed in for an Art Union. By this means, the fair competition of legiti mate tradesmen was interfered with. These gambling transactions had a preju dicial influence on the minds of the people who take part in them. They lead them to trust to chance more than industrial effort. Mr Bowen said it was not the intention of the Go .eminent to introduce legislatioai this session. By law, lotteries were illegal. The custom was to deal with lotteriesaacord

ing to their nature. It was customary to notify publicans that lotteries would not be allowed. But with regard to charitable lotteries it had been usual not to inter fere.

THE CASE OF MR GEORGE JONES Mr Murray askedithe Attorney-Goneral why Mr George Jones, contrary* to usual practice, has been summoned toappear be fore the Court of Wellington, instead of Otago, where the alleged offence was com mitted.

Mr Murray said he would be glad of a fuller answer from the Attorney-General than the stereotyped statement that it was strictly according to the law of the land.

The Attorney-Ccneral said the matter was entirely in the hands of the Crown Prosecutor, who would exercise his own discretion. Proceedings were in strict con formity with the Justice of Peace Act wherever both parties happened to be which was Wellington in the present case' The preliminary trial would be held, and if the Magistrate found suilicient evidence he would commit Mr Jones for trial ac cepting recognisances for his appearance in Dunedin ; but if he found the evidence insufficient he would remit the matter to Oamaru, where the Magistrate would hear the case, and likewise commit if the evidence was sufficient. The Court would alse com pel him, (the Attorney-General) to appear in Dunedin.

LAST NIGHT.

Proceedings in the House last night were stale, flat, and unprofitable. The House was in Committee on the Education Bill to 12.20. The clause relating to the extension of the Bill to Maoris excited considerable discussion. The general objection to the clause was that it would render the system expensive, by necessitating Maori teachers in schools. Clause 7 was amended so as to read, " The Governor may from time to time' appoint and remove a sec retary, General Inspector of Schools clerk, and other officers he may deem necessary." Discussion on clauses 8 0 10, and 24 were postponed. Several important amendments were made in Committee.

THAMES OVERDRAFT. It has transpired in the Public Accounts Committee on the evidence of the Comp troller that payment of Thames overdraft was made under the head of unauthorised expenditure, and the House will therefore be asked to vote the money.

CABLEGRAMS.

WAR NEWS.

The Agent- _} e__eral C o_,_L____s the

Turkish Victories

Osmaa Pasha'- Accesses at

Plevna

The following-is the Agent-General's

telegram :—

LONDON.

September 3, 5.30,

Mehemet Ali attacked the Russians in force on the 30th, at Poskoi, and drove them back beyond Tirnlom (River Lorn) with heavy loss.

Osraan Pasha attacked the Russians on the 31st, at the front of Plevna, and captured the several Russian positions commanding the road to Loftcha.

The Shipka situation is unchanged.

FIRE AT FRASER AND TINNE'S BOILER-WORKS, MECHANICS' BAY.

The unfamiliar sound of thefire-bell startled the citizens of Auckland last evening at about a quarter to eight, and a flutter of uneasiness agitated those who were en route for the opera. As neither flame nor smoke was visible tothe bulk of the people, these ran to every point indicated by the compass —every prominent place being studded with people anxious to catch sight of the glare of the fire. Mr G. S. Graham (Norwich Union) made straight for the old incendiary-depot, viz., Queen-street; and as his familiar form was seen hurrying along, many followed in his wake, being satisfied he would lead like a general either to victory or fire ; but the common enemy was not observable in Queen-street. Mr Graham after a time discovered the fire wa nt Eraser and Tinue's, Mechanics' Bay, and he hastened to Mr Eraser's house, in Wynyard-street. to apprise him. Mr Williams (National) reconnoitered through Newton in a cab. Mr G. P. Pierce (New Zealand Co.) made a bee line for the tire, and ran with con siderable speed down the Grafton Road, being early on the spot. The first outbreak of the fire was observed by Mr E. Hodgson, owner of the cutters Tay and Eupheim_ lying alongside the Works, on beard of one of which he was working. Several times he had paused in his work to watch the glare which spread over the windows of the Boiler Factory, and although feeling uneasy he attributed the light to men working late. When, however, the flame burst threugk the side of the f nrnaee shed, he perceived the dangerous visitant, and ran to Mr MeNiccol, the manager, who lives in Cra croft-street, on the way giving the warning to householders. About this time several others saw the building had caught fire. As Mr Carter, who is employed as one of the carters at the Union Mill, was proceeding to the stables, which are situated between the boiler factory and the mill, he saw that the shed or skillion cover ing the plate furnace was in a blaze, and with great presence of mind ran to the mill for buckets, of which he knew there was a plentiful supply. By this time a number of boys were standing on the cliff shouting that the steamer Go-ahead was on fire that vessel being hauled up alongside the factory for the purpose of getting re bottomed. Mr A. Eraser, who lives ia Bath-street, Mr J. Coates, Mr Harris, Hodgson Bros., and a few others, arrived almost simultaneously, and formed a row from the well to the skillion. The fire appeared to have started between the door way leading into the main part of the building and the spot where a previous ignition took place. By this time the ilames had run up the entire height of the weatherboards of the main building—the plate-furnace skillion being entirely ablaze. Harris got on the angle iron furnace, which was high enough to allow of his pitching water over the burning boards. Thanks to the prompt supply of buckets, and the energy of the few men who were on the spot, the water was kept streaming over the woodwork, and eventually subdued the lire. Meantime the Fire Brigade under Superintendent Hughes had left town, and had not the flames been so quickly put down, would have rendered immense service. Mr Inspector Thompson was one of the first of the officers on the ground, Sergeant Jackson alone being ahead of him ; Sergeants Clarke, Martin, and others of thejj| force were also on the spot. No accident occurred, excepting an injury which Mr Coates tailor will be " able to __ repair The factory was insured for £1,500, dis tributed as follows :—Norwich Union foW. New Zealand £500, Victoria £500, The cause of the fire is no doubt the bead of the plate furnace, which ignited the woodwork near. In this furnace the plates are heated

rHE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1877.



, —_, £ s. d. Date. New Golden Pah.. ..003- Sep. 12 Young Colonial ... 0 0 2 - Sep. 12 Young New Zealand.. 0 0b- Sep. 12 Hane- Pro. k .006 — hep. H gg&W** :. ? t •, = _»_ Phffin.x •'• .. 0 1 0 - Sep. 10 Sd_ui.-n- .. .. -050- Sep. 10 Auckland 0 0 3 - Sep. 10 1':. 0 10 0 - OctM 1 ffiS__ 0 1 0 - Sep. 6



q4pH_r~C~rA"l7 N 6 T I CE. to country settlers and others Requiring strong clothing material. The undersigned have Just Received a Fresh Supply of _ NEW PRINTED MOLESKINS, Light and Dark Patterns. CORDUROY, Various Qualities, and WHITE W MOLESKIN. Also, _ ~ __ WHITE and GREY CALICOES of all the Be*t Makes, and First-class Value. Grey Calico from 3d per yard Good White Calico from 1 Id per yard A nice lot of New Shirtings, fast colour and new patterns _ , , , Heavy Brown Holland, a very cheap lot at A Jo b I-Ota? Huckaback Towels, at 6d each, 5s 9rl per doz. Alh.-mbra Quilts, at 3s lid each Kidderminster Carpets, _- mcc assortment of n-tterns and good quality, at 3s lid ; _ elt Carpets; Mattings of various makes; _x -1 Floor Cloths : Axminster ?._ats : and every description of FLRNISHING DRAPERY, at Very Reasonable Prices. . Kxfa Good Value in BLANKETS, all sizes, Ino^cfe^^ REMNANTS, &c, are now e_fered at Gonsiaei >ablv Reduced.Prices. Special to Dressmakers, &c. — A very Choice Lot of Silk and Fancy Buttons just to hand, all new designs, and very caretully se'°. ted for the incoming season's trade. The CLOTHING DEPARTMENT is well stocked with every requisite for Boys and Men being- constantly replenished from the be3t sources of supply. Inspection Invited. • a in the £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRTDGMAN, -UNCTION Drapery Warehouse, Upper Queen-street, auckland.



-*yr AN CHESTER GOODS. W. RATTRAY Bees to notify that he has JUST OPENED an ' assortment of the following Goods, tj_. : Horrocks' and other makes of Cahcoes and Longcloths . _ ... . , _, . , 40, 61, 72. 80. 90, and 100 inch 1 mlay's Plain and Twilled Sheeungs 6/1, 7/1. 8/1, 9/1, and 10/4 White Linen Table Damasks , , , 6/_, 7'k and 8/1 Hambro and Unbleached do,, do. Damask Table Cloths, Napkins and Tray Cloths, Rough and Dressed Hollands, Diapers, Frontings, &c. _ ___. , , Linen and Cotton Bed Tick, Huckaback Towel ling, Tea and Glass Cloths, Christy's Turkish J_ us _ ©rS- Counterpanes, Quilts, Toilet Covers, and Anti macassars. The above have been Marked at the Lowest Remunerative Prices. TJ-EW 7EALAND TTOUSE, 66. QUEEN-STRHET, AUCKLAND. Ymportant notice [Saving introduced STEAM PO WER into the Manufacture of FURNITURE, we are now enabled to Supply our Cus tomers at ORE A TRY REDUCED PRICES. T. & 11. COOKE. Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, &c, <.vc _^- SHOW ROOM S. G7, Queen-sir est, STEAM CABINET FACTORY Victoria-street. A Gaol, is the proper place far counterfeiters, and particularly those who poison the com munity by palming off deleterious liquor sea soned wPh some pernicious drug as that salutary and standard cordial Upolpjio Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps. To render the ini quity more plausible, the rogues use empty bottles of the genuine and imitate the labels. Be on the alert and so avoid being imposed upon.



mi) 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 flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BELL'S BONEFLOUR i and --inch BONEDUST BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-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. AY. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN-STREET, CLOVER SEED, FOR SPRING SOWING. Just Landed, ex Columbus— 30 casks new Clovers, cousisting of Red Clover White Clover Cow Gras Also on hand, Alsyhc, 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 SOO sacks of 1575 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour. Bran. Sharps, Chaff', Oilcake, Coal, &c. &c. Particular attention is called to 500 sacks Prime Bariej at 4s per bushel of 501b. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh Oatmeal, at £21 per ton. !W. J. HURBT & CO. 101, QUEEN-S TRE ET, AUCSXAXD. 6fe T>AY OP PLENTY TIMES." MR. ARTHUR F. STBLEY is at present in the city, and will wait on Advkrttsers for a continuance of their favours. Mr. Sisley is authorised to receive Monies due to the "Bay of Plenty Times." E. M. EDGCUMBE, Proprietor. Tauranga. Ist September, 1577. _$_|9 ..-.ICHVKtJ]