SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

tttptt wat¥r (This Afternoon, 5.3 HIGH WATER- } To _ morrow Morning, 5.29 SUN SET.—This Evening, 5.59 BUii KIbE.—To-morrow Morning, 6.11 aLUON'S AGE.—Full Moon, 2yth, 5.28 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Elnriranda, barque, from Port Chalmers and New York Courser, barque, 405 tons, Killman, from Port

Chalmers and Boston Hawea, s.s., Wheeler, from the South Jane Anderson, schooner, from the South Kphemey, schooner, irom Dunedin, via Oamaru Sissy, schooner, from Lyttclton (in the Manukau) Kale McGregor, schooner, from Lyttelton.

DEPARTURES.

Wellington, s.s., Lloyd, for iho South Jezsie Henderson, Schooner, Urquhart, for Lcvuka Augusta, Gorman man-of-war, for Samoa

IMPORTS.

20.} and J-boxcs tobacco, 3S boxes axes and toolß, 2GO cases chairs, 1 keg nails and 1 box cards, 30 cases axes, 500 boxes clothes pins, 100 amy* lobsters, 100 cases canned milk, 20 cases painkiller, 25 J-barrels dried apples, 10 Jtiercos manufactured tobacco, 101 barrels piaster, 200 cases oysters, 300 barrels rosin, 3000 cases kerosene oil, -13, 331 slates, Owen and Graham.

Per s.s. Hawea, from the South: —216 pkgs. c-cnorai merchandize, 2 boxes gold (2292 ozs.), Bank of New Zealand; 359 shoep.

i'er Elmiranda from New York:^-8 cases scales, 16 do. handles, 200 do. clothes pin?, 2 do. rolling pins, 1 do. knife boxes, 3 do. towel rollers, 2 do. broom handles, 2 do. socket brooms, 32 do. axes and hatches, 2 do. egg beaters, 23 do. hard ware. 1 do. shovelst and spades, 2 do, machinery, & do. choppers and tools, 1 package wingers, 1 do. drills and tools, 10 do. flower stands, 4 cases dry goods, 8 do. nails, 9 packages glassware, 25 do. lamps. 1 case braces, 3 cases hardware, G packages stoves, 1 package rings, 30 cases dried apples, 2 cases elbows, 10 barrels oil, 1 case lamps, 1 casa catalogues, 31 packages agricul tural implements.—E. Porter and Co.

Iflx Klmirapdo:—2s J-barrels dried apples, E. and 11. Isaacs.

528 sacks wheat, 200 sacks oats, 1 ton oatmeal 3 tons sundries.—D. 11. McKenzie, agents.

EXPORTS.

Por s.s. Wellington for Southern Ports: 5 Ca-.es, (5 packages groceries, 2 rolls matting.— Owen and Graham.

1 bale loathor, 1 box.—lreland Brothers.

Per Jessie Henderson, schooner, for Levuka: 2 boxes tobacco, 3 kegs tallow, 1 case mutton, 24 wedges, 3 brushes.—Owen & Graham.

Per James Anderson : 1265 sacks woeat, 01 do. bran. 20 do. pollard.—Coupland and Co., con signees.

Per Sissy from Lyttelton: 1029 sacks wheat. Per Ephemy from Oamaru: 112 bags wheat, 100 bags bran, 36 bfgs pollard, 200 bags (100) flour, 3 cases bran, 10 sacks oatmeal.—Coupland and Co

50 sacks flour, 60 bags (100) flour, 200 bags (50) flour.—T. H. Hall and Co.

10 sacks oatmeal.-

-Barnott & Levy.

40 bags grass seed, 40 bags oatmeal, 80 sacks do , 20 sacks pearl barley, 50 sacks flour, 60 bags (100) do., 200 bags do., 13 hhds. ale, 3 barrels ale, 2 cases fans and screens, 6 packages hardware, 40 sacks oatmeal, 1 crate ware.—Combes & Daldy, agents.

The German man-o'-war Augusta steamed out of harbour yesterday morning between nine and ten o'clock. Her next port is Samoa. The clipper schooner Jessie Henderson left for Levuka on Saturday evening with a line southerly breeze. The following is a list of her passengers: Messrs R. Craig, George Wallace, Alex. Creighton, Cassin, Mrs Bailey and three children, 1 native.

The topsail schooner Jane Anderson arrived early this morning from Tirnaru.with a cargo of grain. The American barque Courser arrived from Port Chalmers to-day. She was signalled ail yesterday, but was unable to make the harbour agu; .u3t the light southerly wind which pre vailed. This morning she was at anchor inside thereof, and she came up this-afternoon. She is a U3ef til looking barque., of 495 t <ns, and is originally from Boston, which port she left on the 2<>th October. She arrived at Port Chalmers on the 15th February, thus making the passage in 112 days. Her cargo was landed in splendid condition, and she left Port Chalmers on the 14th inst, In ballast, being under charter to load here for New York with kauri gum. on behalf Of Messrs Arnold, Hines & Co. It is a curious coincidence in connection with the simultaneous arrival of the Elmiranda and Courser, that the captain of the former vessel is part owner of the latter, and up till quite recently commanded her.

The barque Blmiranda, Captain Lampher, arrived in harbour yesterday morning from Port Chalmers and New < York. She brings a part cargo of kerosene and Yankee notions, principally consigned to Messrs Owen and Graham, who are the agents. She is a fine clipper barque of 656 tons, and made the voyage from New York to Dunedin in 89 days, said to bo the quickest time on record. She was built at Stockton, Maine, in 1874. Her departure from Port Chalmers took place on the 13th inst., or one day after the Courser. The s.s. Hawea arrived to-day from the South. Passengers— Mrs. Castles, Miss Wing, Miss Taylor, Miss Gilmour, Miss Allen, Miss Davis, Messrs Orbell, Allen, Harvey, C. Iryin, Collis, Heale, Guy, Dare, Donovan, Davis, Gilbert, Weston, Nancarrow. Gilmour, and 9 in the steerage. We are indebted to Mr. Dougherty, purser, for files, &c. The schooner Hally Bayly has cleared in ballast for Hohart Town. We are very sorry to see her leaving our port without giving us a chance of testing the speed of our Auckland vessels, against such a well-known "heeler." Some of our Auckland builders and owners get at times very cock-a-hoop about this or that craft, and if Captain Crone would give them the chance of measuring their strength with a vessel which has acquired such a substantial reputation as the Hally Bayly, it might do them good by taking the conceit out of them. The Aspasia, from Kaipara, arrived at Wel lington on the 15th instant, and the Hannah Bloomficld on the same day. The hulk India has been purchased by a Wel lington oysterman, and sunk near Point Jer mingham", Evan's Bay, as a breeding bed for oysters. The barque Hermon which was said to be coming here from New York is destined for Wellington and Lyttelton, and not for this port. The Missionary Schooner Dayspring will be engaged this week taking in supplies and stores for the various statior>s of the mission among the New Hebrides Islands. During the time she has been on view many thousands of persons have been on board, and all have received a cordial welcome from Captain Braithwaite and bis officers.

H.M.S. Sapoho left Sydney on the 24th ultimo, on a six months' cruise round the South Sea Islands, her chief object, says the '•Evening News," being to thoroughly satisfy the Home Government as to our stability amongst the native chiefs, and, as was whispered, to keep an open eye as to the likely result of the pending Eastern question. The cutter Dawn cleared to-day for Waitara with a cargo of 1252 pieces of timber. The ship Oxford will clear out to-morrow " for Gtiam "in ballast. Her real destination is said to be Calcutta. She hauled away into the stream this afternoon.

■ The schooner Sissy arrived from Lyttelton in the Manukau last night, with a cargo of wheat for Messrs Bycrof t and Co. The s.s. Go-ahead leaves this afternoon for the Thames, en route for the East Coast ports. Thfi missionary barquentine Southern Cross is coming up to the wharf in a day or two, for the purpose of taking on stores, &c, before leaving on her long cruise to the Islands. Her sailing date as at present arranged, will be about the 7th April. The A.S.P. Co's s.s. Southern Cross is under charter tj> bring up two or three cargoes of sheep from Lyttelton to Raglan, for Messrs Studholme, Your,'/ and Co's station, there. The/schooner Kate McGregor left Lyttelton last S/iturday week, and arrived this morning. She mings a cargo of wheat, oats, &c.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mait-s will Closk as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 pm., and to morrow, at 10.30 a.m., and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Kina. ou Wednesday next,

at 1.30 p.m. For .Australian Colonies, per City of Sydney,

immediately after her arrival from Kandavu. For Itussell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per

lona, this day, at 4 p.m. For Whitianga. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per

Rowena, this day, at 4 p.m. Fo t Waiwera, Kawau, and Matakana, per

Anne Milbank. to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Napier, Wellington, and Southern Pro vinces, per Rotorua,to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 2 p.m. Late letters will be received till 3.20 p.m. For Tairua, per Tairua, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For "Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Man&'apai, per Argyle, to-morrow, at 4p.m. For Taranald, Southern Pro\rinces, and Austra lian Colonies, per Hawea, on Wednesday next, at 5 a.m. For Uisborne aad Napier, per Pretty Jane, on Wednesday, 28th inst., at 3 p.m. For O'ftatliam Islands, per Omaha, on Saturday, 3ist ins! ant, at 11 a.m. Per s.s. TaiVinaki, on Monday, April 2, as fol lcws: — Forlndia.'China, Meditereanean Porte, and Continent of Europe, at 7 a.m.

For Taranalii, Southern Provinces, Aus tralian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially ad dressed), ot 8 a.m.

Tor money orders and registered letters, on Saturday, 31st inst., at 5 p.m.

For newspapers, at 6 a.m. ITor Norfolk Island, per Southern Crca?. on or about Wednesday, 4th April.

N.B.—Friday, the 30st inst., beinj? a Post-ofrice holiday, the mails usually closing1 on thnt dn.y will be nmde. up ov. tlw prerjono ev^nir. at. 7 ' . &«* am cwtf. rw&Mgtwt

MARRIAGE.

DAVIES—MACTNDOE.—At the residence of the bride's mother, Newton, Auckland, on the 22nd March, by the Rev. H. F. Macniccol, Alexander Orr Davies to Mary, the second daughter of the late William Macindoe, dairy man, Glasgow.— Horn« papers please copy.

DEATH.

GRIMES.—On the 20th March, 1877, Mr. John Grimes, of llowick.

The funeral will take place to-morrow, 27th instant, at 1 p.m. Friends will please accept this invitation.

KINSEY.—On the 2-jth instant, at the North Shore, of diphtheric croup, Alfred Palmer Kinsey, fourth son of William and Elizabeth. Kinsey, aged 7£ years.

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

MONDAY, MARCH 26, 1877

For the o-a.se that lacks assistance. For t!:o wrong that iiccdi resistance, For the future in Uic rllstaiice. And llie good tiiat vc c.\ii do.

The tangible results of the meeting at Tatipo between I)r Pollen and Manga (Rcwi) arc not, at first Bight, very apparent. Regarding the meeting ay the sequel to the two meetings held at Alexandra, we must confess to a feeling of great disappointment with the outcome. We know we shall be told that our perceptions in thcpc matters are obtuse, that it requires something1 more than plain common-senso to comprehend the mysterious intricacies of the Native question, ami we shall hear repeated the i»\H stereotyped expressions ay to "laying M )&$& -for $ isjw% %m\ iui'^i- I*

standing between the two races," which have been constantly heard ever since the native question was elevated into a science. To us, however, it appears that the recent meeting was practically barren of any substantial results so far as the King party are concerned. On the other hand it ia clear that the motives which influenced Rewi in holding the meeting do not appear on the surface, and, therefore, need elucidation. For some time past that chief lias boon pouri over the sale of certain lands near the confiscation boundary by relatives of his own who had acquired Crown Grants in the Native Lands Court, Rewi having persistently held aloof from those Courts, and refused to recognise their jurisdiction. Any loss which he may have •sustained by his non-attendance at the Court is, therefore, due to his obstinate neglect of his own interests, seeing that the Courts were as open to him as to others. But another source of trouble to the Ngatimaniapoto chief is the attitude of tho powerful Ngatiraukawa tribe, located soutli of Cambridge. These peoplo were formerly conquered by the Ngapuhi, and emigrated to Otaki, where they have remained until lately, when a considerable section of the Ngatiraukawa returned to their ancestral lands, by virtue of a nativo custom which makes a distinction botween the rights of a conquered people compelled by force to abandon their lands, and those who voluntarily leave them in order to evade defeat. 11l the lattor case the right of re-occupation is recognised. Sinco their [return tho Ngatiraukawa have indivi dualised their titles through the Native Lands Court, and have sold or leased con siderable areas to Europeans. Rowi claims an interest in these lands, and disputes tho sale, relying principally upon the absurd mana which has been set up by Tawhiao as a bar to the alienation to Europeans of lands south of tho confiscation boundary. Rewi's object in holding the meeting was to assert tho authority of Tawhiao, but though a strong section of the Ngatiraukawa have been staunch Kingitos, the moro powerful portions of the tribe repudiate Tawhiao's mana, and claim tho right to deal with their ancestral lands as they deem most advantageous to their own interests. It was hardly worth whiio for the Nativo Minister to hold a mooting in order to give the Ngatiraukawa an opportunity of expressing this determination, as it was perfectly well known before, and it was equally a mistake to give oven the semblance of recognition to tho position assumed by llewi on behalf of Tawhiao. Tho boundary which lie laid down as the limit of the Maori King's authority south wards, extends from llorahora, about six miles south »f Maungatautauri, thence to Atiamuri, about 20 miles north of Lake Taupo, and thence to Wangamata about midway on the norther a shores of the Lake itself, the northern boundary of this vast block being the confiscation boundary. The block over which the so-called Maori King claims to exercise his supreme mana, and to defy the authority of British law, comprises .some of the very best land iii the North Island, which is only cultivated in small isolated patches, and ia practically lying waste. The recognition of the absurd prohibitory claims «ot up by the King party, of whom Kewi on this occasion wu.t the mouthpiece, would defer to un iiidelinite date the extension of the main line of road south of Cambridge, and would moreover inllict injustice upon a large body of natives who rcßido within that boundary, but who claim the right to dispose of their lands in defiance of the usurped authority of Tawhiao. We.think the Native Minister was not sufficiently explicit in expressing the policy of the Government with regard to this boundary. He says "there is no reason why I should take one Hide or the other"— a declaration only calculated to discourage those natives who desire to come under the law, while it affords the Kiugites a pretext for persisting in their ridiculous demands. We hold that it was the plain duty of Dr. Pollen, instead of indulging in those double-edged Machiave lian speeches which are his peculiar forte, to have given Kewi to understand unmis takably once for all that the Govern ment absolutely scout the impudent pretensions of Tawhiao, and will pro tect the Ngatiraukawa, or any other tribe, in the exercise of the right to dis pose of their lands in accordance with law. There has been too much of this playing with a rascally band of obstinate savages who have set up aa authority unknown to and in opposition to the law of the land. The policy of the Native Department has had the eil'eet of giving a fictitious impor tance to Tawhiao in the eyes of his followers. They have seen Ministers travelling in semi-royal state, atten ded by Commissioners, interpreters and all the paraphernalia of the Native oilice and exercising apparently irresponsible power, meeting Tawhiao and tho leading LCingitcs on a footing of equality, hob-nob bing with prominent rebels, felons,and red handed murderers, and they have learned by the example of Europeans to attach a dignity and importance to the so-called King quite foreign to their own estimate of Tawhiao's position. Tawhiao, Kewi, and the entire band of Kingites, are, in the eye of tho law, traitors and rebels, and many of them murderers. Can any respect for the authority of tho law be engendered in the minds of the natives by ceremonious con ferences with such persons ? ij

A Dunedtn contemporary has discovered workmen employed by the Government taking tip the rails on the Clutha line, for the purpose 4of replacing Jbbotson's patent clip-joints witfi fish plates. The substitution, it is stated, involves the laying of new rails. To the non-skilled reader, this announcement may not convey anything very remarkable or instructive, but we shall shew presently that there is a great deal more in it than appears on the .surface. Two or three months ago, a railway was completed by private euterprize, connecting Ocean Beach with the Clutha line, near a Dune din suburb named Kensington. The result has been very unfavourable reflections on the roughness and jolt ing experienced on the Government line com pared with the smoothness of the continuation. The jarring, rattling of windows, and bobbing up and down, peculiar to some of the New Zealand rail ways is said to be caused by these patent clip-joints, and the colonial engineering talent is now so satisfied that a blunder has been perpetrated in adopting these joints, that they have induced the Minister of Public Works to incur the expense of taking them upon the first portionof the Cluthaline. When Ibbotsoh's joints were adopted, repre sentations were made to the Government by practical men, condemning the patent. The justice of these opinions has now been acknowledged by the action of the Govern ment in the matter of this Otago line, and there is a lively prospect of a hundred thousand pounds being requisite at no distant date to rectify the original mistake. Some reforming and retrenching member of parliament might do good public service by calling for a return of the actual cash loss to the colony of the various engineering blunders perpe trated in executing the glorious public works policy, with the name of the blunderer in each case attached.

"Humanity," commenting on the Charge of undue severity in flogging at Onelnmga, considers that the Education Board should provide some sort of "regulation" instru ment of punishment which might be issued to every teacher—say a young cat-o'-nine tails. Boys, of bourse, require punishment at times, and the use of such an instrument would be effectual, yet it would not bo likely to cntiiii any permanent injury,

The members of the Aiickland Naval Brigade, met on. Saturday evening at the North Shore, for their annual big gun com petition for the Governnient prizes. The men formed into two divisions, under corn, mand of Sub-Lieutenant Parker, and the firing opened exactly at four o'clock at the targets 4000 yards distance. A number oi spectators witnessed the competition, which was highly creditable to the competitors, and shewed that the men had attended well to their exercises, and deserve success. Sergeant Hyde was present in his capacity as gun instructor, and eight shots were fired by each detachment. The particulars of the scores will appear as soon as made out. Tho evening being very fine, numbers of people were out and about, and tho Brigade added to the other ploasantries of the evening.

An article on " Spiritualism" which was published in a portion of our country edition on Saturday, and then withdrawn to make room for late nows, appears on the fourth page of this evening's issue.

A case of considerable interest to country settlers was recently heard before the Chief Justice and Judge Richmond, at Welling ton. It was an application for a, new trial in a case heard at the last session of the Supreme Court, in which £270 damages was awarded. At tho trial, the Judge directed tho jury that, whore a person leavos a horse fastened, by even a strong bridle to a post in the highway, without any person in charge of the animal, and the horse breaks away and does injury, tho person so fastening the horse would bo responsible. The Judge also directed that oven though the fastenings were such as a prudent man would use, still ho would bo liable, and in the case of insufficient fasten ings, the porson would be still more liable. The ground of application was that tho Judge had misdirected. The Court held that there had been no misdirection, and upheld the original verdict.

We have been requested to publish the following balance sheet of tho entertainment given at Onehunga, for tho benefit of T. Mcßeynolds, by the Manukau Amateur Dramatic and Minstrel Club :—Dr. to cash taken at tho door, £7 19s Gd : cash for tickets sold outside, £14 14s; total £22 13s 6d ; Cr. by expenditure, £3 2s ; by cash handed to Thomas Mcltey nolds £10 ; by cash given to funds of club, £9 11s Gd; total, £22 13s 6d. Mr Thomas Mcßoynolds requests us to publish the following acknowledgement :— I beg with thanks to acknowledge the receipt of £10 from the Manukau Amateur Dramatic and Minstrel Club. It being my half of proceeds of entertainment given for my benefit on the Bth of March, 1877. — T. Mcßeynolds, Onehunga.

The opening entertainment at the Tem porance Hall on Saturday evening, by the Variety Troupe, was a great success. The hall was completely filled by a very respec table audience. Mr James Cox, a veteran in the ranks of temperance, occupied the chair, and spoke of the advantages of a life of perfect sobriety,and of the good effects of such entertainments as that over which lie presided. Tlie programme throughout waw creditably sustained. Mrs FTertz performed solos on the pianoforte. The beautiful duet, after Dickens, " What lire the wild waves saying?" was well sustained by Miss Warren and Mr Soeats. Ballads were sung by Miss McEvoy, " Dear Little Sham rock;" by Miss Warren " Far Away;" al«o a sentimental song,by Miss Hertz. Messrs Mettam gave a song and dance ; Mr Sccats gave several well known comic songs, including the "Hungry Army." Mr McKinnon danced tho sailor's hornpipe, and Mr Hoggard gave a clog dance. Mr Jameson's recitation was well received. The whole was satisfactory and pleasant.

The Kngrneer and City Band will per form this evening in Ihe Barrack Reserve commencing at a quarter to seven o'clock. The pr"gramino of selections appeared in the Star of Saturday.

Mr 11. Arthur sold to-day, in addition to the balance of fruit, per Hally Bayley, a quantity of cheese, jA\ to /S, Wangftroi

apples /3\, pears /.", quinces/I to/lj, pro vincial potatoes 3/ to 3/fi, and onions /I.

We must go from home to hoar news. Tn a recent election speech at Wellington, Mr Travel's said :—" A portion of the Auckland and Kaipara railway had also been laid out in the first instance by some one who did not know very much of the work of laying out railways, and it was

afterwards found by Mr Camithers that by certain deviations being made in that line of twenty four miles, a saving of between £20,000 and £30,000 could be effected."

It is announced in the " Oiazette" thai His Honor Mr Justice Gillies has appointed Clarence Rennel, Esq., a certificated accountant in bankruptcy.

The subject of debate this evening at the Pitt-street Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Society is the question " Has any Govern ment the right to enforce the observance of the Sabbath ? Mr Rhodes will open in the affirmative, and Mr Wm. Cooper will take the negative side. The question for dis cussion this evening at tho St Jnmcs' Mutual Improvement class is "Was Napoleon 111 worthy the admiration of the French people ?" Mr E. Cooper in the affirmative, and Mr J. C. Macky in the negative.

The monthly meeting of the Lodge St. Andrew will be held this evening in the lodge room at the Star Hotel.

The opening entertainment of the Whan Mutual Improvement Society "will take place this evening, in. the Pnblic Hall of the district, to which a large number of visitors are expected, a.s tho event has been anticipated by the residents of the Whan with much interest. The president, (Key. R. Somerville), will deliver the inaugural address. Several gentlemen of the locality, and the choir, will take part in the proceed ings ; also Messrs Ewington, White, and other gentlemen from Auckland. An original poem, written for the occasion, will also be recited during the evening.

In the pilo of neglected correspondence awaiting insertion, is a letter from " A Lover of Music " criticising the "Herald" musical critic's notice of the Choral Hall concert. Among other stupid blunders he satirizes the " Herald" statement that Mr Hard ing gnng "in a full tenor voice," while in point of fact " Mr Harding has got one of the most beautiful, light, baritone voices that a person could listen to, a voice, perhaps, not inferior to jhe great Santley's, in. quality at least."

Masterton -was lately policeless, tho gon. tleman in blue being engaged collecting the agricultural statistics. The other day his Worship the Mayor of Naseby was fined £1 10s and costs, for absenting himself from the town Council's meetings for more than one calendar month, without having shown sufficient grounds for so doing.

Objections to the jury list for the present year will be held before a meeting of Justices, to be held at the Police Court- House on the 6th of April. The list is at the police-station, where it may be inspected. It woTild be well if persons suffering from age or physical infirmities from serving would object before summoned to serve at the Supreme Court, as by so doing they would save time and unnecessary trouble.

In accordance with the determination come to by the Government last scsrsion, a purvey of a line of railway from the Waikato to the head-quarters of the Tipper Thames is now being made. The money for the survey has been voted.

Aa the result of the visit, to Wellington last session of Mr Macdonald and Mr Brodie, of the Thames, tho Government has taken over the liabilities of tho Borough, Waiotabi, Kauwacranga, and Parawai Boards^ wnQWlting to to W*3 IH 3d,

Mr Studholme has chartered the Southern Cross to convey O'OO sheep from Canterbury to Raglan, for the run recently purchased by himseif, Mr Thomas Russell, and other gentlemen, from Mr A. C. Young.

The Waikato was visited with a sovore thunderstorm on Friday List.

A meeting of the Borough Council will bo held at half past two o'clock oil Wednesday, when His Worship the Mayor will move : — " That a waterworks sub-committee be appointed, with power to determine all minor matters connected with water supply bxisiness, and to rejwrt to Council, com mittoo to comprise Councillors Maselield, Goldie, Waddel, Prime, and the mover." Tho next business Avill bo the confirmation of tho by-laws, and tho consideration of a petition from the Board of Health respect ing the intake. The reports of the com mittee on machinery, streets, market, &c. Tenders will also bo received in Hobson street.

A Chinaman named Ah Wong, 42 years of age, a butcher, and a colonist of 17 years standing, recently hanged himself at Dunedin. He left a piece of paper on which he had written in Chinese characters : "I came to the Colonies 17 years ago, and have had no luck. I cannot get any money. I owe too much money, and I am therefore going, to hang myself—-going to die. My parents reared mo up as big as I am now, and I cannot go home to see them 1 As long as I am in the Colonios I will be afraid every day. I would sooner be a devil than a man ! I owe peoplo money and I can't give it to them back. I ovvo it to them this timfl, and next time I live I will pay it to them back ! Whon I am dead it is nothing —it is nothing to die ! I have a brother at home iv China, and I would like this to bo written home to him." En passant, it may be remarked that few Christians manifest such extreme concern about their debts as did this Celestial, though many would be .glad to defer payment until tho next world.

A pretty, artistic piece of illustrated writing, Btrikes the spectators on entering tho cafe of Messrs Hayles and Banks, attached to the Auckland Hotel, and where the visitor unvariably gets ample satisfaction for his money, in connection with good eating, cleanliness, and courtesy. The placard referred to was written and illuminated by Mr Henry Gilbert of this city, and is surmounted by the flags of all nations, and centred with the flowers of all lands.

To the Editor: Sir, —The water now being in the town, which Insurance Com pany is going to be the first in the field to give notice of a reduction in the present high rates ? Don't all speak at once. I hope to see our local offices lead the van.— Yours etc., Paul Pry.

A dentist at Dundee, who has just retired from a busy practice of fifty years' duration, lias erected a singular record of his par.t labours. It consists of a sumnior-liou.se, on:the walls of which are arranged, in various tasteful devices, all the teeth which lie has extracted during his half-century of work. In this ghastly retreat, worthy of a Dyak skull-hunter, the retired wiclder of the forceps purposes smoking many a meditative pipe during the pleasant surnnKT-hoiirs.

Sir Julius Vogcl appears to have taken possession of his new quarters in London without any of those displays which dis tinguished his Ministerial movements in this colony. "Anglo-Australian" writing in " European Mail," says, " Ho came down one morning in a cab and took possession very quietly. There was no crowd around the doors to welcome him, as there would have boon in New Zealand, and the only " ollicial" he encountered on the stair* was the housekeeper's head maid dusting the bannisters. After making a tour of inspec tion of the ollices, and impressing the clerks with the ease and dignity of his bearing, hi; retired to the Agent-General's "own room," where lie is reported to have par taken of a substantial tiffin. This over,he summoned one of the officials, and making certain pertinent, inquiries us to the conduct of business, said very blandly that would do, a hint which the aforsaid official re garded as equivalent to the assurance that business was over for the day. Thus the oilicc was entered upon without the least demonstration or excitement, and as its tenure is said to be but temporary—possibly for a. year — there seems no good or valid reason why the business should not go on smoothly, or, at least, be conducted in a spirit of fairness and impartiality iv regard of vested interests."

The new telegraph office at Dunedin, facing Rattray and Bond-streets, and emoted at a cost of £9000, is rapidly approaching completion. The style of the building is striking and elaborate.

The natives who recently established an aukati near Mr Fraser's land at Te Puna have repented of their ways, and now state that the fault was committed whilst under the influence of drink, and that they were instigated to claim Mr Fraser's farm by Native Ofiice officials.

The Wellington Judicial district is assigned in a proclamation under the hand of Ids Excellency the Governor ,to James Prcndergast, Chief Justice, and G. W. Richmond, judge.

Speaking of some of the mortgages secured by Europeans over lands on the East Coast, the " Wananga " says : " Upon these mortgages the brand of fraud is written as plainly as God's mark upon the brow of Cain."

A Gazette notification vests certain lands at Wharepapa, Kaipara district, the pro perty of Karnutoa Tamahiko and others, in Te Keene Tangaroa, and Parora Tuhaere as trustees.

The Theatre Royal Dramatic Company will appear to-morrow for one night only, and play a new piece entitled '' Fair Face, False Heart, or Such is Life," written for the occasion by Mr Robert Glover. The drama, which we have seen in rehearsal, shows considerable merit, but representation only can prove whether the author possesses constructive skill enough to make it play able. It is Mr Glover's first attempt at dramatic writing, but he ought to know enough of stage business to be an fait with plot, situations, etc. The pirce reads very well, and the company will do their best to make it a success. A farce is to be given in addition to the drama. It is more than probable that the Georgia Minstrels who are under engagement to Mr R. J. De Lias, will arrive by the incoming Pacific mail steamer, expected to-morrow. Mr De Lias telegraphed passages a week before the anticipated departure of the steamer from San Francisco.

Mr Geo W. Collier is performing in Bris bane with a Dramatic Company; the Lynch family of bell-ringers have gone to Gipps land. Cooper and Bailey's circus took £3000 at Sandhurst in two nights, and £1000 at- Maryborough in one. Miss Christian is on her way to New Zealand.

AUCKLAND SECULAR ASSOCIA TION.

To the Editor of the Evening Star. Dear Sir,—Through more curiosity I attended the meeting of the Auckland Secular Association on Friday, and a more wretched concern I never witnessed in the wholo course of my life, I may also add that the surroundings were' fully in keeping with the infatuated twelve or thirteen men who wore present. The dilapidated room was badly lit. boards placed on barrels serving as f ornis to ait on. And taken on tho whole, a drearier gathering together it -would tic impos sible to conceive. A Mr D, Ross stood up and attempted to oxplain the object of the meeting. I say attempted, for owing to hia painful hesi tancy and tuijirammatical phrases, it was ex tremely difficult to arrive at his meaning. It is an awful reality, Mr Editor, that we have such man in our midst (so called free thinkers) and how dreadful to feel we are powerless to prevent them oircujstin.!? their lnipchiovons tracts. In, deed the librarian ooantecl, last night, he wa,a tha moj^is of dlsti'iljuttng a large number to the miners ft t&9 Ttoi»e9.™A BSJ-JtiSYgS IN Grpp, ,

In consequence of the unavoidable deten tion of Judge Fenton at Hamilton until this morning, Mr Lodge adjourned the sitting of the District Court until to-morrow (Tuesday) morning, at 10.30.

The programme for the Fire Brigade competition between the Shortland and Grahamstown Fire Brigades has been issued for April 7th. The first event is a reel practice against time, reel to be manned by S men. Second, reel practice, two teams of not more than 8 men each ; third, hose practice, without reel.

There was ascene the other day in the Wellington Borough Council. _ The accuracy of the minutes was questioned, and Councillor Dransfield attempted to speak a second time when he was called to order. He then accusodtha Mayor of being personally interested in the question in volved, and of trying to gag the Council. The Mayor demanded an apology, which not being given, he loft the chair. The Council continued the discussion, several members requesting Councillor Dransfield to withdraw the oifonsive statement, but he rof hscd. Subsequently the Mayor resumed the chair, and asked Councillor Dransfield if ho was prepared to withdraw the expres sions. Councillor Dransfield : No, but I beg to tender my resignation as a member of'this Council. He then left the Hall.

The action for libel by Mr Travers against Mr Perrier is in oonsequence of a paragraph in the " Intelligent Vagrant" making some accusations against Mr Travers in con nection with a whale which he secured for the Wellington Museum. The "Intelli gent Vagrant" thus alludes to the action : — "The only thing Mr Perrior has hoard in reference to the continuance of the action has been from friends of Mr Travers, who asserted that the latter gentleman had acted very foolishly, and one of them went so far as to get Mr Perrier to promise he ■would regard the .withdrawal ot the action and the payment of his costs by Mr Travers as sufficiently satisfactory."

Mr Travers in an election speech stated that when ho visited the Hot Lakes in this district, lie saw no cows, and the hotel was aupplied with preserved milk from Switzer land. He attributed this to the difficulties interposed by natives.

The Chicago Minstrels are on an up country tour in the Wellington districts.

The Kate McGregor left Lyttleton for this port on March 17tli.

The concert for the people at the Young Men's rooms was successful both in character and numbers on Saturday evening. Mr Meldrum occupied the chair, and delivered an interesting speech. The songs and reci tations were unexceptionable, the accom paniments being by Professor Butschkow. Mrs Homer as usual was remarkably good in " Please Give me a penny," and an encore aong. A gentleman amateur sang the " .British Lion " in line style, and received an encore. Mrs McDermott sang very nicely, and a gentleman whose name we did catch. Mr McDerrnott's recitation was well received, and with song and dance the entertainment went merrily oil", concluding with "God Save the Queen."

The commanding officei-s of Volunteer Corps will meet to-moirow evening in the drill-shed, to decide upou iiring for Captain Clark's District Clminpion Belt.

Last night a young girl at one- of the hotels in the city, upon retiring to bed. ran v needle into her foot, and broke it short oil' at the head. Mr King, the Chemise was sent for, but failed to find the broken piece. One of the lodgers went to the house of a doctor, who heard the fact 3of the ease, but though informed that the girl was in excruciating pain, refusod to attend, alleging that night was no time to operate, and JDr Golds borough vras oailed in this morning, but the needle had secreted itself, and he could only apply poultices for the present.

We are requested by Mr Andrew to state that tho secularists mooting on Friday night was not hold in the Carlson Academy as intimated by us on Saturday, but in the Old Carlton Academy Building, or Kentucky Hall, Ifcvver down Hobson street.

The silver cup, subscribed tor by tho members of t lie Hibernian Society, was run for on Satur day afternoon In the Domain, and caused con sideruhle ioierest. The race for this silverprize took place on St. Patrick's Day, but in conse quence of a dispute-:is to who was the winner, it wns determined to have fcho race over again. The following were the entries:—B. .lannings, scratch; F. Gibson, scratch; B. O'ilarc, 4 yards, J. Ale Arthur, i yards; J. Ryan, 10 yards; S. Fairweather, 12 yards ; J. Sweeney, 12 yards ; J. Patterson, 12 yards ;W. G. Smith, 12 yards; S. M. Smith, 12 yards. There were several false starts, and only three ran the whole distance, Jennings coining in first and McArthur second. The race of 150 yards, however, had to be run over again, when the ten competitors started, McArthur coming in first and Paterson second. A number of mistakes were made in conse quence of bad management, on which we cannot compliment the: subscribers,

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before T. Macffarlane, Esq., J.P.) A BEERY Edward F. Burns, John Jackson, Cather ine Jones, Charles Cliff, and Frank Day, were convicted of the offence of drunkenness, and submitted to the usual judgment in such cases.

WITHDRAWN.

A charge of larceny of a pair of boots, which had been preferred against Patrick Murphy by Peter Smith, was withdrawn, the police not considering the evidence suf ficiently conclusive.

This was all the business.

THEATRE ROYAL.

Miss Jessie Raymond, a popular actress of local standing, and who learned her earlier dramatic lessons under Mrs George Darrell, will take a benefit to-morrow evening at the Theatre Royal, supported by her friends. On this occasion a new drama of local interest will he produced in three acts, entitled " Fair Face and False Heart," written by Mr Glover of this city. This drama is well arranged for the stage, con tains somo good points, and is likely to succeed with the public. Miss Raymond lias appeared in many prominent characters in the theatres of New Zealand, and bids fair to maintain her position as an artist of much merit.

THE CITY WATERWORKS.

THE PUMPING MACHINERY PER-

MANENTLY STARTED.

The pipes throughout the whole of the new system of city waterworks have now been tested with the full pressure of water. The eastern section was tested last Wednesday and Thursday, and the Hobson-street, or western section, on Satur day One of the mains in Karangahape Road proved defective, and though it resisted the pressure when the water was being pumped into the Ponsonby reservoir only it gave when the extra 301bs were added for the Kyber Pass reservoir. This has been replaced by a new pipe. One joint in Lome-street was found to have been covered in without being leaded The omission was no doubt owing to the work here having been done by torchlight at night time. One or two other pipes have burst from various causes. The pumns were started permanently to-day, and it is intended to fill both reservoirs at once.

INSURANCE.

Stp ™ (T°.the Editor of the Star). -will t w* oxcessi™ tariff of insumncTratof Mni'noi °? e' arouse th« insurers to form a Mutual Insurance Company arid *£~ break up the monopoly. This eomWnVH fn m2n^ 8t *nsil™n?° Co Pmpanes is not can-io^ 107 in any other private or piiblio undJ" . .out Look at the Gas Comoany, S^WtaMnjf. , they were to come to terms v f 'iOW readily wlwn they thought a seec^T nZ r consumers, j likely to be ostaUH^ed % ?? s T (i ompan >' wai I havo capital will assist H sfm-f * hope n" w}l« I anco Company, and thusLmi l^l wutura ! the people, Vot^s, e£icAS^ mswiv9a an<i j

THE DAYSPRING.

The Missionary Schooner Dayaprin,, . Bented a prettysighton SaturdaySL^ when the children of the St Jam > n > Stephen's and other Sunday-schook »St entertained on board by Captain and S r° ■ Braithwaite The little oJ es Vh?*M\ bered over three hundred wer«in7i? Urn"!, the Bey. Mr. Macmcol^Te e Vfe? and the teachers of the schools n curiosities, which the genial skipper hZ collected in his voyages, were spreafout h inspection and it was pleasant to see £ curiosity of the youngsters to ascertain It use of the various odd looking aS^ view. The poisoned arrows an 3 spears ll * ' scanned with much interest and if ' childish alarm, and there was no neceZh whatever to reiterate the injunction not to ' touch. After an hour or more had tLn - spent m roaming over the vessel some 3 the more ventursome wanted to climb th "' rigging, but ftthis was not allowed TV children were collected on deck and hymn was sung, after which the most int? resting event of the afternoon in T* youngsters' eyes, took place. This was thl • distribution of cocoauuts. This ceremon was watched by a large number of persona from the wharf, and it was very amusin^ Z notice the look of eager expectation which tho little faces wore till their turn came and then tho quickness with which each' one obeyed the summons to step forward and receive the milky prize. This over the children gave three hearty cheers for the Daysprmg, and these were followed up by three more for Captain and Mrs. Braith waite. The procession was then reformed" and a start was made hack to the school! A number of little banners, which some of the children carried, imparted a lively appearance to the long line as it wound its way homeward. Captain Braithwaite re quests us on his behalf to thank the teachers • and others in charge for the orderly conduct of the children while on board. Nothin« was damaged, and hardly so much as a' piece of paint was scratched. The little ones will recollect the visit with pleasure.

The Moanatairi.

Mr. F. A. White received the following telegrams to-day : — °

MOANATAIRI, this day, 9.25 a.m. Two hundred-weight of specimens. Good show in face. Expect six thousaudouacqa of gold to-day.

10.36 a.m.

Five hundred-weight of specimens. Good show of gold in face, and run lengthening west. ?

The following report was posted up in the Exchange to-day: " March 24th, 1877. Moanatairi Goldmining Company Regis tered. To the Directors, gentlemen, I have the honor to report as follows :—No. 9 Reef. The leading stope, 6 feet high, is now carried home to the clayband on the run of gold, and the shew of gold in the reef is quite as rich vow as at any previous time. The specimens near the clayband. are very solid, being in fact one-half gold, and the reef stoped in the drive is partially broken down and shews a thickness of 2£ft. and a strong, hard, compound lode, with good patches of gold disseminated through the stone. I have estimated the stuff as fully worth 5 ozs per ton. There is little copper and mundic on the hanging wall of the reef, and good indications of further improvement. It will take a day or two to complete the breaking down reef home to the face, as the clay wall is a niass of stringers of payable crushing stuff. The leading stope west is worked over crescent, and the reef in back of stope is shewing gold freely throughout. In driving webt from the crescent the reef is oft thick, and I am expecting daily to strike a similar slide as in upper level, N.S. cross-cut. In driy ing east of all Nations,the reef has consider ably improved, being now two feet thick, and shewing gold freely. I look for further improvement here, as it will junction with No. 9 reef in and about the shoot clay worked from surface to tunnel [level in the lower reef, and I believe that similar results will be met with unless the'glevel is in the upper levels. There is no change to mention in junction of No. 1 and 3 reefs, or else where. The engine shift is down 20ft. from the present low level, and is going through splendid country. Every, thing else is going oh very well, and your machinery is in good working order. I would congratulate the Directors upon the splendid result of the po,st week's opera tions, viz., 6,235 ounces of retorted gold from the 30 cwt. of specimens and your general crushing. Tho present and future prospects of the claim are excellent.—l am, gentlemen, yours cbediently, EoBERT Comer."

Small-Pox at Port Chalmers.

THREE DEATHS ON A COOLIE SHIP;

(Press Agency).

PORT CHALMERS, this day. Arrived : Barque. Gloucester, from Hong Kong. She left on the 13tli January, and brings 120 Chinese and one European passenger.

Small-pox broke put ten days after leaving Hong Kong. Fifteen cases in .all have occurred, with threo deaths—two Chinese and one Fijian sailor. The last case appeared on the 15th February. Four cases are now raging. The rest of the passengers and crew are all well. The vessel lias been quarantined, with a guard boat rowing round her.

At a meeting of the Medical Association, it was resolved that the Association affirms the necessity for hospital accommodation being in readiness for the reception of persons suffering from scarlet fevery small pox, or such epidemic diseases as are likely to occur in maritime ports.

OHINEMURI.

[FROS£ A CORRESPONDENT.] Waitekauri.—The manager, in driving <m fho reet from the winze, has come across excellent gold-bearms stone, and as the d;rive cets in the prospect improves, and to-day and yesterday, stone as good as any yet gn&ssed came to hand. In the .intermediate level, a good class of stone is coming to hand, and. the last w<>ek has seen great improvement, the stove shewing freely, ihe Queen end of the mine continues to shew an immense face of quartz, which gives fair crushing results. The battery starts with full loroe on Monday, and if the stone continues as rioh as at present during the whole of the month, an extremely large yield will be the result. Queen—The Queen adjoining the Waitekauri 00. will start operations on the reef immediately atter faster, and as they have it cut on the surface U feet thick, with fair prospects, and a low level drive is already well on towards th» reef. This Co. will form its proximity to ft« battery and facilities for working will be shortly to the fore. Welcome.—This Co. still continues to get first class stone from the low level and oroas cut, an* as the drive approaches the Shannon and Fergus ground the show improves, and when once th« tramway to the Waitekauri Mill is completed.. and stone can bo cheaply crushed, dividends should not be long coming. Young Nq, 3.—The reef cut by the prospector ira.rsan.B, has developed in to a solid body of stor iB two feet thick, shewing gold freely, and sttV' lß g direct for the United Kingdom ground. * Perseverance.—After months of por\ ever in£ toil the management has at last out f ,„ Young No. 3 reef with a splendid shew o* on the faoo. This find is richly deser^ dd the Co and will also greatly enhance ' lh t\%q Tof the Shannon and Fergus group' ciie v

Cricket.

A MAW3S was tolayed on Saturday in the DomQinj °?.ty^en the Carton and West End Club§jj9 ■'inch the Carltons were the victors. A J*-° close of the match, the West End men hatf™j Wicket to the good, and 70 runs to get to eg «" those of their opponents. The Caritofl C|"° scores were 133, and West End 51. "f j return match between the Graf ton wm \ Albion Club and the Jnwnile Templars, too* place in the Albert Barraofe Keaerve, ana ■ was a cloi3«i ooptest, and resttlted in {wfZ%L I tae pure v,\«te? drinker* by i'onvi-una; the wwwr | scoring ga, and Ilia Juveniles W,

THE EVENING STAR, MONDAY, MARCH 26, 1877.



THE PHCENIX FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF LONDON. Established a Century, during which time it has Paid in Claims, Eleven Millions Sterling. Head Office : Lombard-street. AGENCIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. Managing Directors: Sir John Lubbock, M.P. (Kobarts, Lubbock, and Co., Bankers, Lombard-street. Kirkman Hodgson, Esq., M.P. (Director of Bank of England). Octavius Coope, Esq.., M.P. Secretaries : G. W. Lovell and F. M. Broomfiold. The undersigned is now prepared to effect INSURANCES at Lowest Current Ratks. THOMAS H. MABIN, Superintendent for Now Zealand. Office: Lower Queen-street, Opposite Fort-street. TO A T T R A V HAS OPENED HIS FIRST SHIPMENTS ENGLISH AND COLONIAL TWEEDS, INCLUDING A CASE OF MOSGIEL TWEEDS, OF THE NEWEST PATTERNS. WHICH HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE LOWEST REMUNERATIVE TRICES. LIBERAL ALLOWANCE TO THE TRADE. NEW ZEALAND HOUSE, G6, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland O TOURISTS AND VISITORS TO WAIKATO AND THE LAKES. BUGGIES (DOUBLE AND SINGLE), AND SADDLE HORSES, ALWAYS READY FOR HIRE AT REASONABLE CHARGES. Parties intendingto go through to tho Lakes provided with first-class animals by B. EDWARDS (Lato of Cobb & Co.), LIVERY STABLEKEEPER, Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton, Waitcato. npHORNTOF,-SMITH, AND FIRTH'S JL PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale). Sacks. 100's. 50's. Crown Brand Flour, & s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. per ton IS 0 0 18 10 0 19 0 0 T.S.&F. Canterbury Brand 17 0 0 17 10 0 18 0 0 Seconds Flour .. .. It 10 0 Sharps 8 10 0 Bran ' .. 6 0 0 Fowl Wheat .. .. 0 5 oto 59. 6d. i The above prices include sacks and bags; sacks and bags not returnable. Terras: Cash. Auckland, February 14.1877. The Medical Profession have declared Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wink to be a necessity to all in search of health, and especially to those suffering either from Incipient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, and tho 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 tho same time are 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 Wins, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con taining about 10 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 keeperß. The vilest rogues are those who impose on the sick. There is a class of imposters now engaged in vending imitations of that, health-promoting beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aro matic Schnapps, put up in bottles which pre viously held the real article, and often bearing counterfeit labels. Purchasers should ask for and take none but the genuine. Family Antibilious and Ltvsh Pills.— These Pearl Coated Pills contain no Mercury ; they stimulate the Liver, assist Digestion, re move Headache, and give a healthy action to the Bowels and Kidneys, give colour to the cheeks, and brightness to the eyes. They arc universally used thoughout New Zealand. Price, Is. and 2s. 6d. a box.—Prepared by Sharland & Co., opposite tho Post-office, Auckland. MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. Incorporated by Act of Parliament. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH: Head Office, Auckland- Local Director: George Burgoyne Owen, E=q. (Messrs. Owen and Grahu.ni.) Principal Medical Officer: Charles Field Goldsbro', Esq., M.D. ' General Agent for Now Zealand : William T. J. 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 Agent to the Association ; or WILLIAM T. J. BELL, General Agent. t£s&. Special Features.— Age admitted on Policies, which are unchallangable from date of issufi. Lowest Rates of Premiums, no hamper ing conditions as to residence or occupation.