SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

HIGH Wai "in—- ;, ,;; a(VT . Iw ji:,-,,,!,', I.;.:;.! SUN SET. - I'tiis K.- in;-'. "».'.! SUN Rldri. —To-iii ir.ow ! i-uing. '.i MOON'S AGil.~L.ist. Quarto:-, August 2,10 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Rotorua, s.s, Macfarlane, from the South, via

East Coast. Zealandia, R.M. s.s.. Chevalier, from Sydney. Rowcna, s.s., Sellars, from Tauranga.

DEPARTURES.

Zealandia, R.M. s.s., 3,100 tons. Chevalier, for San Francisco via Honolulu (English mail) Rotorua, s.s., Macfarlane, for Sydney. Southern Cross, s.a., Holmes, for Xapior. Fiery Cross, schooner, for Waitara. Bella Mary, barque, Fisher, for Hobart Town.

IMPORTS.

Per Zealandia from Sydney: 351 cases fruit. 15 cases drapery, -t cases periodicals, 1 bale sail-cloth, 2 casos Ibooks, &C, and 3 packages hides.—Owen and Graham, agents. . 110 cases oranges, 10 cases mandarines.—li. W. Eaton. 120 cases oranges.—X. Arthur.

EXPORTS.

Per Southern Cross for Napier: 9 cases, 27 pad;ages. 5 cases brandy.—Owen ?? Graham. Per Zealandia for Honolulu ■ 10 cases confectionery. 160 gunnies sugar, oJ coils rope, 20 sacks oats, 1 box. For San Francisco : — 30 cases gum.—Owen & Graham. 26 sacks potatoes. JO sacks oats, 7 bales fungus, 1 musical instruments.—Owen ana_ Graham, agents.

S.S. GO-AHEAD.

To the Editor: Sir,—-Permit me to explain a statement inserted in your shipping notice of July 30th, which runs thus:— "We learn that Messrs Gouk and Caudan declined to sign the bond pledging themselves to fulfil the contract under penalties/ Now the true version of the affairs is this: Tenders were called for certain repairs to bo done according to specifications, each tender to be accompanied by a deposit oj. 10 per cent of the value of tender, as security of good faith, so that in the event of a tender being accepted, and the tenderer refusing to proceed with the work, the company would indemnify itself from the deposit of expenses it may incur. or delay from which it may suffer; As is usual, the deposit was to be placed to the credit of the company and returned to contractor with balance due on contract at the completion of the work to the satisfaction of the Co.'s engineer, Instead, we found that after tenders had been opened, and ours accepted, a clause was inserted in the bond that in the event of the work not being completed to dato we forfeited our deposit and incurred, besides, a heavy penalty of £5 per diem, we naturally objected to sign conditions by which we never tendered. Now the next lowest tenderers were not even asked to sign the bond, but the directors of the Committee actually gave Messrs Fraser and Tinno a value in money and time equal to £250 above our tender. Were it not, sir, that I have already greatly trespassed on your space, I would endeavour to point out the evil influence of such a transaction upon future tendering, but allow me to add for the credit of Auckland, I regret deeply that gentle men in the position of the directors of the A.S. P. Company could sanction such shady proceed ings. Yours respectfully,—A. Caudax.

DEPARTURE OF THE ENGLISH MAIL. The R.M.S. Zealandia. with the English and American mails on board, left for Sam Fran cisco, via Honolulu, at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Her departure was witnessed by a large crowd of persons. Passengers: Booked in Auckland saloon: Mr and Mrs Salvin, Mr and Mrs McCosh, Clark, 2 children, and 2 servants, Messrs Arthur, Gubben, Carrick, Phillips, G. V. Stewart, G. 11. Russell. Steerage: Messrs Hutteu and Fisher, and 52 from Sydney.

The A.M.S. Zealandia arrived from Sydney at half-past ten o'clock this morning after a fast passage of four days and threequarters. July 27th, 2.45 p.m., received last portion of H.M. mails; 3 p.m., unmoored and proceeded to sea: 4.10 p.m., cleared Sydney Heads and discharged pilot—fresh N.Wly." breeze ; 28th, fresh southerly <*ale ; 29th. strong S.Wly. winds. Passed Three Kings 31st, at 11.10 a.m., and Porth Cape at 3.15 p.m. Auckland Pilot bearded August Ist, 9.35 a.m.—Passengers: Mrs J. D. Humphrey, child and servant (from Hong Kong). Mrs J. Alex ander and child. Captain Boyldon, and Mr J. Campbell, and 1 in the steerage, and 53 in transit for San Francisco. Wo are indebted to R. McDonald, purser, for files and other favours. The s.s. Rotorua arrived from Napier last night between nine and ten o'clock. She left Port Chalmers on the 27th ult., and called at Lyttleton, and Wellington. She could not land passengers, or lanTl or take oft' mails at Napier in consequence o? N.E. gale blowing. Passen gers : Saloon—Mr and Mrs Ford and 2 children. Airs McCrao and 2 childr&n, Mrs Gibbon, and child, Mr and Mrs Coster, Miss Shirley Hill, Messrs Bishop, Naylor. Beaver, DeLias, Paul, Chisholin, Carter, Watt, Captain Andrew, and 25 steerage. In transitu I'or Sydney; Saloon- Mrs MacEarlaue, Mr and Mrs White, Mr and Mrs Litchnelcl, Messrs Conil, Mallow, Wilson, F. Litchfleld. Penny, and 12 steerage. For San Francisco: Saloon—Messrs Marshall and Jchn son (mail agents), and 3 steerage ; and 3 steerage for Napier.—Henderson and Maciarlane, agents. The s.s. Rotorua left shortly before noon to day for Sydney with 22 passengers booked at Sonthern ports, and the following booked here:— Mpssi-s Paley, .[Anderson. Mosely, D. Jones, Mowatt. Blackmore, Lockhart, F. Stubbs, Power, 11. B. Itlorton, P. Qui.2ley. W. Walters, J. Russell, Campbell, Walker, McKenzie, Xaden, Mordue, Chamberlain (2), Gillies (2t, J. McDonald, T. Moore and 2 children, T. Patterson, A. Johnson, H. Cooms' Mr and Mrs Howard. Mrs Cobb. Miss Croker, Mr and Mrs Fryer, Mr and Mrs Saxton, and 8 children, Mrs McGrath. The s.s. Jane Douglas sailed yesterday even ing with a cargo of merchandize, for Gisborne and Napier. . The s.s. Rowcna arrived last mght irom lau ranga and Mercury Bay. The s.s. Southern Cross left for Napier this morning, taking bacl-: the mails and passengers brought on by "the Rotorua through not being able to communicate with thatuort wi Monday. Passengers: Mr Banks, T. Weston, llobson, and Crowther, and several others transferred from the Rotorua. Messrs Cruickshank have received a telegram from Bright Bros., of Melbourne, informing them that the Hero would leave there on the 7th, and Sydney on the 11th. for Auckland. She will be due here on the 16th or 17th. We learn that the cutter Isabel is on shore at Wangarei Head?. The Cabarfeidh sailed from Newcastled for Lyttelton on the 25th July, with 500 tons coal. The brigantine Oceoia sailed from Adelaide on the 20th July for Auckland with the follow ing cargo :—7OO sacks wheat, 600 sacks flour. 1700 sacks baric, 7 cases books, 20 cases jam. The 3-masted schooner Argosy cleared for Newcastle in ballast to-day. She is now in the stream, ready to sail the first opportunity. The barque Bella Mary sailed for Hobart Town in ballast to-day.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— Far Thames, this day, at J. 30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. ;

and to-morrow at 4.30 p.m. and 5 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, on Friday next,

at 2.30 p.m. For AVaikeke, per Spey, this day. at i p.m. For AVhitianga. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per

Rowena, this day, at i p.m. For AVaiwera, Warkworth, and Te Arai, per Annie Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and AVanganui, via Waitara, per

Hauraki, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Trynhcna, per South Carolina, to-morrow.

at 11 a.m. For Rarotonga, por Wave of Life, on Friday

next, at 9 a.m. For Taranaki, and Southern Provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Taupo, on Saturday next, at 5 p.m.

S. B. 8133. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

DALLEN.—On the 30th July, at her residence, Canada-street, Upper Queen-street. Auckland, Mrs. W. D. Dallen, daughter oE Mrs. Scott, of a daughter.

DEATHS.

CHISHOLM.—On the 3tst July, at the Whau, Robert Oliisholm, in his 79th year. The funeral will take place on Thursday, 2nd August, leaving the Whau at 2.30 p.m., for the Presbyterian Cemetery, Symonds street, and passing top of Kyber Pass Road at ■1 p.m. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, Etc.

August 1. Entertainment at Wosleyan Church. North Shore, in aid of the Harmonium. Fund; 7.:J0 p.m. Lecture on the '" Science of! Music," by Mr Blomfield. at Baptist School-room, Mount Eden; 7.30 p.m.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

"Joseph's" letter is not unto edification. It exaggerates a trifle.

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

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1877.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs icsistance, For the future in the distance, Aiid the good that we can do.

PRESSURE on our space, caused by the length of parliamentary telegrams, compels us to hold over a leading article on the financial statement and other matter. We would direct attention to the summary of the budget published in another column.

We hear from Wellington that a circular has been sent to tiie Inspectors of the various Lunatic Asylums in the Colony, that the Government have placed these Asylums under the sole control of Dr. Skae, who will visit them in turn, and with whom the Local Inspection will rest. In connec tion with this change the remarks of the Treasurer in the financial statemont re garding " Police, «X:c.," or proper "local" changes, becomo significant. Is this the first step towards throwing the burden of these " local" institutions on the "local" bodies, the Government confining itseif to mere inspection ?

Somi-: interest is perhaps felt in nautical circles, in the question touched upon by "Shipwright's" letter published last evening;wnich, as will be presently pointed out, was most inaccurate in its .statements. Everyouc willj agree that the survey of

damaged vessels should be carried out, only by persons who, by training and experience are competent to pei'iurm tke work, not only in its genur«il principles, but in its most minute details. Hut our correspon dent goes beyond the mark when he says that masters of vessels ai-e, as a rule, unqualified ' t) to act as surveyors of the hull of a ship. Of course, this is true with regard to some captains, for in the nautical profession, as in all others, there will be found men who are just able to scrape through with the routine -work which they are occupied on day after day, but if you put them at anything else they are at once floored. But, as a rule, it will be found that masters know a great deal more about the construc tion of the hulls of their ships than our correspondent gives them credit for. If they did not they would be poorly qualified to bo entrusted with the lives of their passengers and crews at sea. In the first place, a large proportion of captains have served their apprenticeship as shipwrights ; in the next place, no intelligent man could be connected with the management of a vessel for years, having her repaired every now and then under his eye, and knowing from exijerience her weak and strong points, without becoming competent to pronounce an opinion upon any question as to the construction of her hull which might be submitted to him. It is well known that the principles of wooden ship building, in all countries, and during a succession of years, have only altered in comparatively small details. The general frameworks of all ships resemble one another nearly as closely as one skeleton of the human body resembles another. So that it follows that a man who is thoroughly conversant with the anatomy of one craft, would be equally competent to pronounce upon another. That this opinion is gene rally entertained'by those who have the best opportunities or forming an opinion is shown by the fact that although some of Lloyd's professional surveyors—those who survey ships for classification—are practical shipwrigl ts, generally men brought up in a graving dock, all their salvage and wreck surveyors are sea captains. And again we find nearly all the Insurance otliees at home and abroad appointing masters of vessels as their surveyors, their reason for this being—as we learn from inquiry—that captains are the only men who have a com plete general knowledge of the manage ment at sea as well as construction of a vessel from her "keel to her truck. In the instances given by our correspondent of accidents happening to vessels through the absence of a practical shipwright's advice as to re pairs he is singularly unfortunate, as we shall see by referring to them seriatim. The brig Albion was surveyed by a prac tical shipbuilder in conjunction with a niariue surveyor and passed, and the second survey iv IS7G -was carried out in the presence of two shipwrights and an engineer. Her present damage was not caused by the weak bottom, as stated in a Nelson paper The Dauntless, atter being, as lie states, repaired on the gridiron, went a voyage, returned, and was then again repaired in Auckland. She went to Jvaipara and got on shore in the Waiioa full of timber. The Captain had a survey held on her there, and she left for Duncdin, after which she never returned to this port. It will be seen from this that her loss could not possibly be ascribed to defective repairs on the gridiron. The Lovett Peacock was surveyed by a ship builder and Marine Surveyor, and certain repairs were recom mended which have never been fully carried out. She is not classed at all. We have every desire to give space for free discussion of such ques tions as these, but our correspondents should take care, when their statements are likely to ail'eet the reputation of others, to see that their facts are correct.

About £30 worth of new books have been added to the library of the Mechanics' In stitute, and placed upon the shelves. The volumes have been selected from the current literature of the day, with due care to the various tastes of readers, and are available for immediate use. The committee have requested Dr. Ellis to take charge of the petition to the House of Representatives for a grant, and that gentleman visits Welling ton in ;i few days, and will personally exort himself to interest members in favour of the proposal.

A purse was picked up this morning on the pavement of Albert-street by a gentle man, who lias taken the trouble to bring it to this ollice. It evidently belongs to some young person, and if the owner calls at this ollice and describes the contents, the purse will be given up.

Mr Thomas Hollywood, landlord of the Globe Hotel, Papakura, "was lined 4.0s and costs, on Monday last, for allowing ;i rattle to take place in his licensed house, contrary to section 42 of the Auckland Liccuing Act, of 1871.

"St Paul's Magazine" for the present month fully bears out the promise of its conductor made in a previous issue. The contents are j(leasing and instructive, con taining interesting readings on natural history, an excellent account of the "Arctic Exploration," a paper on " Kindness to Animals," a contribution on "Composers of Church Music," more chapters oi a coutiiiHous story, church proverbs, poetry, extracts, and a short sermon on the duties of a minister. The outer pages contain announcements of current services, notices of the month, church accounts, and the calendar.

The "Presbyterian Church News" for August, is full of matter of special intorest to members of the churches which it represents. The opening article refers to the appointment of the itev David Bruce to the important oilicc of agent to the Church of Now Zealand, "and secretary to the schemes thereof. We learn that Mr Bruce, being freed from the immediate pastoral duties of St. Andrew's congrega tion, will at once commence his new voca tion, and at once visit all the Presbyteries with the view of organising and adopting generally a sustentation fund and extension scheme for the whole church. Mr "Bruce will also endeavour to complete an "Aged and Infirm Ministers' Fund," by means of subscriptions or endowments in land; and will engage in other labour of benevolence and usefulness. A short paper is devoted to to the evangelistic mission of Rev Dr Somer ville, of Glasgow, who has accepted a call to the Australasian colonies. A sensible essay appears by " Alpha " on the ".Temperance Reformation," with'particular reference t» the baneful influence of strong drink in this country. On the subject of the Permissive Bill, the writer thus refers to Mr Fox :—lf Mr Fox succeed in securing ;for the colony a good, workable Permissive Bill, and can secure for the people a real control over the issuing of retail licenses by the popular election of the Licensing Bench, or other wise, he will have rendered the most signal service to his adopted country, and his name will be handed down to posterity as the greaj; champion of temperance. There is moreover, in the present issue, a thought ful paper entitled " Prophets at work," re viewing briefly the beliefs of Dr Gumming, ofjCrown Court Chapel, and Canon Garbett, with reflections on the probable future of the Turkish Empire, which the writer tliinks will not be blotted out of the map yet awhile. The remaining pages are de voted to terms of Sabbath School examina tion, an argumentive essay o/i the necessity for a scriptural confession of faith for the Christian Church, Professor Smith's case, news of home and colonial churches, useful extracts, reports, a poem on the word " when," and the treasurer's accounts up to the 30th tilt.

A misprint occurred in the article on " Tw.rkey and the Christians," last nig lit. It should have been " Christianity remained mistress of that portion of the world until A.D. 1068. The " Limited Free Methodist Associatiwn" mentioned in last evening's issue, should have read the "Auckland Free Methodist Association."

Messrs A. Brodie ami John Reid, of the Thames, -were in Auckland yesterday neg itiatinjf a loan of £2000 in connection with the Thames Domestic Water Supply Corporation. In reference to their business in town the Thames '' Advertiser" of yesterday says ; —We understand- that an arrangement is likely to be completed with Messrs T. and S. Morrin, of Auckland, for a supply of the new mains for the Thames Domestic Water Supply, and a sum of money, making the accommodation equal to £2,000, or snfficicntlto wipe off liabilities and lay down the new mains.

At the Mount Eden ratepayers' meeting, last evening, the report referred to the unsat isfactory financial position of the Board, and stated that ife was due to the new Turnpike Act, which enabled carters to use the road all day on one payment. The disgraceful state of the road between the Eden Vine Hotel and Kyber Pass was also noticed. This is one of the worst pieces of road that we have as yet seen about Auckland, and of which we have received complaints. It is, as Mr Udy, Pace, and others said, in a disgraceful condition. The matter was subsequently discussed ; and, a-3 the chair men of the Mount Eden and. Eden Terrace Boards, Messrs Thompson and Suitor, agreed to pay a fair share of the costs, and as the Grafton-road had also promised half, there is a prospect of it being put into de cent order for the benefit of travellers.

Messrs B. Tonks and Co. will sell to morrow, at 12 o'clock, a superior shipment of first-class wines and spirits. As the brands indicate, the- wines are of special merit. The advertisement appeal's in another column.

We notice in Messrs Phillips and Son's window a half-hull model of the ship City of Auckland. The lines of this well-known London trader are hit off very exactly, and the model is finished with the skill of an artist. A special feature about the work ia the beautifully delicate manipulation of the upper works. Her deck-flanks, deck houses, skylights, companions, stanchions, &c, arc all imitated with marvellous exactness and show that a great deal of time and trouble has been expended on the task. The model was carved by Mr Pile, a pas senger by the City of Auckland on her last voyage, who, who intends it for presenta tion to Captain Rolls, on hi.s arrival here in about two months) time.

A short time since, Mr Chalmers planted a number of healthy young native trees in the Domain ; on Monday last, on returning from work, he found that a considerable number of them had been torn up and cast away —-some Avere completely' destroyed. He suggests that the Domain Board should offer a reward for the apprehension feueh offenders against good taste, which might have the effect of stopping the malicious destruction of valuable plants.

The claim for extras on the Waterworks' contract, sent in to the City Council, amounts to about £SOOO.

A distribution of thirty-eight prizen to the same number of scholars, by the Scripturo Gift and Prize Association, took place at 12 o'clock to-day, in the new buildings of the Newton School. The children were examined in their Scripture exercises by four members of the Association and showed evidence of painstaking in the subject at their homes. The cost of this half-yearly distribution was two pounds three shillings.

The meeting of the members of the Domain Board lapsed to-day, for want of a quorum, Mr Mitford and Mr Warren being the only two members present"

The ordinary meeting of the Borough Council of Onehunga was held on Monday. Copies of telegrams jwere read, urging a slight deviation in the Railway Wharf, A letter was read from the Registrar- General, declining to appoint a Re gistrar of Births and Deaths for this district. — With reference to the proposed Slaughter-house Bill, strong objections where made by the Mayor and several Councillors to the proposed restric tions upon the Slaughter-house in boroughs. Mr O'Roke had beeu written to on the sub ject.

The departure of the mail steamer was t■t-duy witnessed by an unusually large crowd, in consequence of Mr and Mrs James McCosli Clark being among the passengers for England.

It will be seen by a telegram in another column that Mr T. I>. Cameron, of Auck land, was the successful competitor for the Town Hall plans called for by the Dunedin Corporation. The prize is £200.

By the Rotoiua, which left for Sydney to-day, Mr W. Walters is ;i passenger. He is taking the famous brood mares, Peeress and Fanny Fisher, on a visit to the celebrated stud horse Yattendon.

Mr Hatswell, grocer, of Prinoes-strfiot, has received by tlio ship Great Broughton, a largo importation of tea canisters, from the manufac turers i;i England. Those canisters arc of a now description, and of every variety of size, from 115 to 'M lbs, the former for family use. and the latter for shops, also, fancy boxes, twine rollers, and treacle cans. These goods are beautifully japanned,l polished, and illustrated with (lowers and portraits. They are r»»ally woi th inspection, being entirely new in shape, and o! iginal in design.)

The fourth of the series of musical entertain ments at the North Shore Wealeyan Church will be held this evening, consisting of vocal and instrumental musio, readings, and songs. Addresses will bo delivered by Rev. W. .T. Williams and Mr ]?. \V. Isitt- The proceeds will be given to the Harmonium Fund.

The stock Of pianos, organs, and harmoniums. now exhibited by Mr Hoffman, of Queen-streot, is without challenge the most oxtensive ever seen in Auckland, and a walk through his mag nificent show-room will ainnly repay the time and trouble, even though a purchase is not con templated. The pianos are of all kinds, from the noble grand to the tiny but elegant cottage. Prominent among thu instruments are some splendid pianos with stool frames, calculated to last a life time, and imparting to the tone a beautiful musical ring. Wo also notice several very handsome German and Parisian pianos in mahogany, walnut, and rosewood. The stock of. harmoniums is unusually extensive, and embraces elaborate instruments at SO guineas, as well as neat and useful harmoniums at 20 guineas, But perhaps the instruments which will bo regarded with most interest are the American organs. These are in shape like largo harmoniums, but their tone is fuller, and in all respects equal to that of the regular organ. They are imported from the famous makers, Messrs Hamlin, for whom Mr Hoffman is the solo Auckland agent. Thoy are suitable for either drawing-room, con cert-room, or church, and their price is from 2S to 70 guineas. Further consignments are daily expected from London, Paris, and Berlin, so that Mr Hoffman's stock is likely to be the most varied and valuable in the colony.

CABLEGRAMS.

THE WAR.

) [PRESS AGENCY.] PRECAUTIONS AGAINST MAHOM MEDAN FANATICISM. AUSTRIAN MOVEMENTS. SINGAPORE, July 31, 11.17 a.m. Aii outbreak of Mahommedan fanaticism is feared in the Levant. The foreign Con suls demand that the war vessels shall protect the Christians. The Austrian Cabinet have been sum moned to deliberate on the question of the mobilisation of the army. The Roumanians have crossed the Danube and occupied Nicopolis, captured by the Russians. LONDON, July 30. Wool prices remain unaltered. Super combing flirt. The next sales are expected so show a decline.

AUSTRALIAN.

FOUNDERING OF THE BARQUE GLOUCESTER, SYDNEY.—THIS DAY. The barque Gloucester, with coal, from Newcastle to Japan, foundered ou the coast. Tho crew were saved. ■

POLICE COURT, THIS DAY.

(Before Albert Beetham Esq., Justice of

the Peace.) HELPLESSLY DRUNK.

Ellen Lucas was found drnnk and asleep on a door-step in Queen-street last night. She pleaded guilty, and was lined 5s and costs.

FRACAS IN MILL T-ANE

Jane Kelly, with cut face and discolored eye, and Jane Kyan, with a similarly disfigured face, were charged with drunkenness.

Constable Davorem proved the state the women were in ; they were stretched exhausted upon the ground. It appeared the women had fell out, and had a terrible mill in Mill Lane, until they could no longer stand. The former was sent to prison for seven days (third offence), and the latter lived 10s and costs (second offence).

A SUBSTANTIAL FRIEND.

Robert Rowley, a young man, was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and pleaded not guilty. Constable Gordon described the dis orderly conduct. Prisoner Avas drunk at two o'clock this morning, clinging to a post, calling it his "old substantial friend," and embracing it with con siderable emotion. He reasoned with him, when he called him the "maniablue," and if he did not take him into custody, he would immediately report him at head quarters. Fined 5s and costs. This was all the business.

PARLIAMENTARY.

{FROM OUR SPECIAL REPGRI

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.]

WELLINGTON, this day

NOTICES OF MOTIONS

Mr Burnt; gave notice of motion for_ a return of the cost of the Railway Commis- Hion ; also, the cost of the Storm Signals Department. Mr Curtis gave notice of amendments to the Education Bill. The principal one is that all books be approved by the Board.

TIUENNIAL PARLIAMENTS.

Sir George Grfy gave notice to ask leave to introduce Bills to provide for triennial Parliaments and manhood suttVage. Also, notice of motion that in elections of mem bers of the Houses of Representatives re gard should be had to the number of voters in the district, so that members should bear in relation to the House the same pro portion as members in the district should bear to the -whole of the electors in New Zealand.

THE MISSING STXTY THOUSAND

POUNDS.

The slight discrepancy of £GO,OOO in the railway accounts of the Middle Island was discovered. Some slight discrepancy was also found in the Home Statement.

MINISTERIAL PATRON AGE

Five new railway inspectors and auditors have been appointed at £250 a year and 10ri a day travelling expenses. One is Mi- McLean, nephew of Mr Ormond ; Mr Wright, of the Ocean Mail case, is another. The other three are from Otago. One was porter on the railway, but, being the son or a duchess, the Government made him comfortable. Another youth has been appointed to the Audit Oiiice, against the wish of the auditor. The youth has been at drill in order to learn accounts. He appealed to his fellow clerk to shew him how to work fractions.

BROGDEN'S CLAIMS

IJrogden's claims came on again. They are lobbying. Thy claims amount to £240,000. Mr Travers brings one set of actions and Mr Barton another, in order to try different issues.

THE PRICE OF THE RUNS

Sumo Canterbury men had satisfactory interviews with the Government yesterday regarding runs, it is believed a mutually satisfactory arrangement will be made. Afterwards, some Leading"members of the Opposition interviewed (he Canterbury members, but the result was not so satis factory-

The scats behind the Speaker's chair being curtailed, the Governor's aides and Under - Secretaries are excluded from Bellamy's. PANMUItE TELEG 11APH STATION. In the House yesterday Mr Tole asked the Commissioner of. Telegrajihs if it was the intention of the (Jovcrnmcnt to establish 11 telegraph station at Panmure. Mr Tole pointed out the rising; importance of the place—population three hundred—and the distance from the nearest telegraph oilice. Tlio Coinniissioncr of Telegraphs replied that the Government did not consider the expense justified—Panmure being too small. The Commissioner does not know Panmure or he would not call it small. The Panmureites ought to make thoir voices heard. Places down South with less population get more than telegraphs by raising a good noise.

MARINE LAWS

Mr Tole also asked the Commissioner of Customs if the Government intend during the recess to introduce a bill to amend and consolidate into one Act the Marine Steam Navigation, and other Acts in the colony relating to ports, navigation, and shipping. He said it was ;i matter of importance to ship owners of the colony. The.matter has been considered by the Auckland Harbour Hoard. .Mr McLean said that legislation was in a forward state. He hoped" to have the measure down soon.

Mr Tole tusked whether, in the event of no such consolidation, the Government will, during the session, amend the Marine Act, IS7O, so as to extend the provisions relating to pilot exemption certificates. Mr Tole said lie proposed, for instance, that when masters of vessels held certificates for a certain tonnage it should extend to vessels with lower or the same tonnage. It ought not be necessary for a master to get a certificate endorsed by the Customs.

The Commissioner said that when the Bill came down he hoped to make amend ments to meet the hon. member's views.

GRAFTON PETITION

Dr Wallis asked whether the Govern ment had received petitions from certain ratepayers of the Grafton Riding, and what action they proposed to take.

Mr Whitakcr said the Government had not received the petitions, but correspon dence.

PUBLIC MAPS.

Mr Joyce give notice of motion that all maps drawn at the public expense should be open for public inspection without charge.

AUCKLAND PETITIONS The petition of Captain Johnstou, Military Officer, praying fora grant of land iv the district of Auckland, was received. Also, from Mr Rice, praying the House to consider compensation for loss of office by Abolition. : A petition was received from Mr F. J. ! Moss, asking an inquiry into his removal \ from the office of Secretary to the Board or Education. ! Mr Morris presented a petition from I natives of tlie East Coast, praying that his ' son bo employed by the Government. MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS' ACT. ! Mr Hamlin gave notice to ask the ! Gorornment whether they "will introduce ; a bill to amend the Medical Practitioners' Act, lSb'ft. i Mr Tole gave notice of motion re the : telegraph station at Newmarket MOTIONS BY MR REES. | Mr Rees gave notice to ask whether the ' expense of the " Waka Maori" libel case its being defrayed by the Government ; ; also, whether [the " Waka Maori" is being printed at the cost of the Government'; also, notice moving the re-appointment of a select committee to consider the question of

assimilating the: id ministration of Courts of Law to the EnglUh system.

NATIVE LAND CLAIMS

Mr Tairoa gave notice to introduce a bill to amend the Crown Grants' Act, IS7I, to enable certain claims against the Govern ment by Middle Island natives to be heard.

THE AGENT-GENERALSHIP.

The Wellington correspondent of the Nelson " Times" writes that the folio wing was the correspondence Avith the Agent- General : "To the Agent-General : My dear Sir Julius,—To assuage the Opposition's "Heathen rage," will you resign your present billet; we've got a man out here to fill it. (Signed) A, KINSOK. To this the following reply was' received on Thursday morning: "London, 18th July: To the Hon., etc :—You ask me. Major, to resign this pleasant agency of mine. You cannot seriously suppose it. Not for Julius, if lie knows it. (Signed) VOGEL."

PRESS TELEGRAMS

In the House to-day, the question will be asked by what authority the Telegraph Department claims the right of refusing to send at press rates matter included in press messages, and intended for bona iide publi cation. The " Star" special has sent_ tele grams for publication, containing opinions and remarks of his own, and up to the present these have been transmitted. Yesterday the " Star " special lodged a telegram giving particulars of _ a question asked by Mr Tole, gregarding a telegraph station at Panmure. Remarks were added to the following effect : —" The Panmureitesought to make their voiccjheard, &c, &c., :I The officer in charge of the telegraph at Government Buildings came out "and said The telegram could not go in that shape. The remarks would have to be charged as an oidinary telegram. The officer in charge also said " you are not sending facts." The Star special : " what business is that of yours. I will send remarks and opinions if I choose ; I will send a leading article if I choose. Who decides what are facts ?" Mr lien nor : "Dr Lemon is to decide what goes at press rates, and what at ordinary rates." Your special conceives that if Government officials are to decide what are opinions and what are facts, it will be impossible to do his work faithfully here in the interests of the public ; statements made in the House, even, would often be open to question. A telegraph censorship would be dangerous to public interests. Anthing sent for bona fide publication ought not to be charged at ordinary rates. CIVIL SERVICE AMENDMENT BILL. The Civil Service Amendment Bill in troduced by Dr Pollen in the Upper House sets out in" the preamble that, " Whereas doubts have arisen whether personspn the Civil Service of the Colony, whose rights to retiring allowances purport to be preserved by the Civil Service Act, 1860, and the Civil Service Act Amendment Act, 1871, are entitled to such allowances when they have been appointed or transferred to other oliices in such service ; and whereas it was the intention of the said Acts that the privileges thereby deemed to be secured should attach to a person holding office in the said service, irrespective of any such new appointment or transfer ; and whereas doubts have also arisen as to tne construc tion of certain provisions of the first-named Act relating to such retiring allowances ; and whereas it is just and expedient that all such doubts should be set at rest; be it therefore enacted, etc., in construction the words of tite said Act to mean " Civil Service Act, 1866, and Amendment Act" means the Act of 1871, and the right to retiring allowance to all civil servants, which purports to be preserved _by the said Act or Amendment Act, is to be preserved, although transferred to some other appointment or oirice, whether created prior to the said Act or Amend ment Act : retiring allowance is to be calculated under the Act under which the person claims, and upon the annual salary at the time of retirement. The provisions of the thirtieth and thirty-first sections of the Act of 1566 shall be deemed to confer on persons mentioned as entitled to the right to have retiring allowance granted under either of the Acts repealed by the 29th section of the said Act. This Act shall he deemed to have been in force with respect to any person whose claim to retiring allowance may have been allowed before the passing of this, and shall extend to all rights, claims, and interests, whether absolute or contingent, purporting to be preserved as aforesaid.

AUCKLAND PETITION REJECTED

The petition of Mr Synis, of Auckland, for land consideration, for services rendered as Provost-Marshall was rejected by the Petitions Committee on the evidence of Colonel Moule.

Nothing was done yesterday on the Golilfields Committee. Mr De Latour was selected as chairman.

CROSS CHEQUES

Tti committee on the Cross Cheques Bill, Mr Swanson moved an amendment to clause 2, to the effect that no cheque under £20 should bo treated as a crossed cheque. He pointed out that working men were fre quently put to great inconvenience and loss through the practise of crossing cheques. The law was also made use of to

gain time for payment, and in cases ; where there were no funds. ! Mr Mongomery moved, "That the drawer lof a cheque for wages should not cross it, I under a penalty of £10." A division was j taken on Mr Swanson's amendment, i which was lost by 40 against 25. Mr j Murray's amendment was lost on the voices. '■. The Bill passed through committee unal • tered, but it will probably be amended in < the Upper Honse, so as to carry out the i recommendation proposed by Mr Swan j son. ■ AFTERNOON TELEGRAMS. The Government have made an arrange* ! merit, under which it is quite impossible to ! scud you anything of the proceedings of ■ the House in the afternoon. Messages i lodged between half-past two and three | o'clock are delayed until half-past three I o'clock before transmission. I have applied for alteration of this without success.

GOVERNMENT PRESSURE ON

COUNTY COUNCILS

Mr DeLatour asked the Government in the House this afternoon whether any pressure, direct or indirect, was brought to bear upon the County Council of Waiko tuaiti or its chairman, by the Commissioner of Customs, by the threat to withhold all subsidies in order to force the Council to gazette a main arterial road to the interior as a county road. He also asked leave"! to introduce a, Central Otago and South Canterbury Railway Bill.

OTAGO AND THE LAND FUND,

Since the Statement, the Ot;u;o members say it would he better to make the Land Fund, colonial revenue at once, instead of insidiously. They say Otago is conserving its Land Fund, and Canterbury spending it as rapidly as possible. In a short time the Fund will be the object of attack, when Canterbury will have none to lose.

THE DELIVERY OF THE BUDGET During the delivery of the Financial Statement last night, all the galleries were filled. There was an air of rapt attention. When the Treasurer commenced, an attempt was made on the right of the Government benches to get up a cheer, but it only faintly succeeded. When the first . opening sentences were suokeiij their apparent unpromising character caiised| lugubrious expres sions. As the statement proceeded faces cleared. The Treasurer spoke clearly and more audibly than Sir Julius Vogel. There is no stammering, and he is easily audible in the gallery. In the Lower House, Mr Stafford sat in his accustomed attitude. _Mr Waketiekl on the other side of tiie White column, leaning sideways at the same angle as Mr Stafford. Sir George Grey sits in a grey coat and black hat, with imperturbable countenance; one hand isside the breast of liis coat. He lcoks like

an old General watching the foe andrcadv for a spring. Mr Rees is intent and vigilant, leaning back with a stern face, as though watching the arguments of opposing counsel. Now and then he ex changes whispers with Mr Header Wood on the light—Mr Reader Wood Bmilingmcredxu lously, and caressing his moustache. Dr Wallis is dunking in every syllable at the right hand corner, Sir George Grey jyf r Tole, and Mr Dignan, on the benches behind, Mr Hainlin looking the Nestor of the House. Mr Hainlin looms largely up further back, behind Mr DignaiT soldierly and good-humored. When the Treasurer anouueed the total dib. over twenty millions a thrill runs through the House. One member gives a loudsignifi. cant whistle and suppressed exclamation mingled with surprise and bewilderment' Faces seem to say "we wonder where this is'to end ¥' Then tlie Treasurer lays stress on the fact that the public debt of New Zealand is only eight tiires its income while the public debt of England is i ei { times, at which some members laugh. The H©n Mr McLean sits in a profound reverie - Mr Stout is industriously taking notes ; M r Sheehan, at the extreme back, in' th e corner, is surveying the wnole House A reference to good points in the speech evokes faint cheers from the Government side. Whenthe Treasurer confessed thatitwas hopeless to reduce departmental expendi ture, there were: loud cries of t: h C ar hear." The Treasurer frequently paused, when dealing with the Land Fund question. The Auckland mem. bera laugh loudly when Canterbury is hit* Mr Rolleston looks gloomy and threaten". ing. When the treasurer speaks of reliev ing the land fund of- the Middle Island. Mr Stevens says, " Yes, relieve us of it." Taking part 01 land fund of Otago and Canterbury, seemed a perfect bombshell among them. Even Mr Stafford laughed. At its conclusion ministerialists cheered. The speech occupied an hour and 25 minutes. A message was received from the Governor, asking the House to appro priate for salaries, eontingences, and ex penses legislative departments for the current year, amounting to £31,696. Major Atkinson moved an adjournment.

PETITIONS.

Nothing was done in the Petitions Com mittee to-day affecting Auckland. The Committee was occupied all morning hear ing the Oamaru petition. A great many native petitions have been sent to Native Petitions Committee.

A JOKE,

The " Times," to-day, contains the fol lowing sneer at Panmure :—" Mr Tole M.H.R., wants a telegraph station at Panmure because there are a tramway, a public house, and a bridge there." This is evidently jerked oil by some Minister in a lucid interval.

(From Another Correspondent.)

RUMOURS OF MINISTERIAL RECON STRUCTION.

There is some talk of a re-construction of the Ministry— Atkinson, Whitaker, and Pollen withdrawing —and there is also some talk of forming a Government from the ranks of the middle party ; the latter .seems more probable than the former, as it is quite on the cards that the extreme Oppo sitionists Avould assist them in order to oust the present Government; after that they could proceed to discuss the large questions; however, there is nothing known for certain at present.

THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

At the evening: sitting1 the Colonial Treasurer (Hon. Maior Atkinson) "made his financial Statement. He said it was true we had reached that point in the scheme of the Public Works and Immigration when the revenue was suffer ing- to the greatest extent possible from the large unproductive expenditure upon railways in course of construction. It was also true that there existed a feeling of uneasiness—amount ing in seme quarters to anxiety—because of the belief that the services of the year could not be provided for except by increased taxation. He declared the loan operations of the Government during the year ; an advance from the Bank of New South Wales of half a million, bearing 5 per cent principal repayable in London in three equal instalments, at intervals of one month, the first instalment falling duo on Ist December, IS7S. From the Bank of New Zealand they had obtained £500,000, secured upon short-dated debentures, bearing 5 per cent repayable in London upon the loth February, 1573. A further arrangement with the Bank of New Zealand had also been made, by which under the Bank agreement an advance of £100,000 could be obtained upon remittablc securities, instead of £300,000, making the total advance obtained under that arrangement £500,000, and fixing the loth February, IS7D, for the repayment of all such advances.

PUBLIC "WORKS EXPENDITURE

The appropriations last session for immigra tion and public works amounted to £2,032 286. There had been expended up to June 30th rSI.-t50.017. so that there had been a saving of £551,CSS during .-the year on the amount voted. On railways the expenditure had been £333,000 less than the estimate ; water supply en gold fields. £61,000 less; land purchases (North Island), £-10,000 less : and roads, £36.000 less. The other savings included £22,000 on immigra tion, and about the same amount on public buildings ; £23,M)0 on lighthouses and £12,000 on telegraph extension. Taking the public works account as a whole, the was sand means had been, £11,500,000 from loans, including £750,000 out of the loan of 187t3. and £310,620 from receipts in aid, including £-264,657 from stamp duties up to December last; there was thus a total of £11,810,020 of ways and means. The expendi ture up to Juno 30th amounted to £10.5G0,431, so that there was on that date a balance of £930,189. The principal items of the expendi ture had been : Railways, £(j, 120,920 : immigra tion (including location), £1,517,809 ; roaHs, £59i.571 ; land purchases (North Island), £533,550; water supply on goldfields, £105.063. The charges of raisins the loans had amounted to £493,532, and interest and sinking fund repre sented £215,500. Of the balance of £930,159, there would be required £615,957 for works under con tract or about to be let. It was proposed, to ask for appropriations amounting to about £1,274.07(5. and if these were granted additional ways and means, amounting to about £990,15, would be required for this account during the year.

PROVINCIAL LIABILITIES.

Next, as to Provincial liabilities. Treasury Bills for £110,000 had been issued under the power given by the Appropriation Act of last year, and the proceeds had. been applied ia terms of that Act in making advances to the Provincial Districts of Auckland, Wellington, and Westland. Out of the 1576 loan, a quarter of a million was appropriated to meet Provin cial liabilities, falling due between the Ist or January and 30th June.

THE PUBLIC DKBT. The gross public debt of the colony. General and Provincial, including Treasury Bills, whtn the balances of all loans now aiithorised or raised will be £20,85)5,311. As against this dew we had a balance if £950,15!) 13s Id at the credit of the Public Works account on the 30th June. £35,410 ISs 9d: at the defence loan account, ana accrued sinking funds, £1.353,562 2s lOd,

THE REVENUE AND DEBT. Our total revenue last year was £3,0G1,59f 10s id, and, excluding land sales, £2,171,059 13s; that is, after setting apart that portion of our income derived from the sale of land, which, in ffi°** colonies, is called revenue, our net public deD' is eight and a haif times our revenue ; or, if we include our income i'roni land sales, our public debt is equal to six times our revenue, while tne public debt of Great Britain is more than ten times the amount of her revenue. This seenis to me a far fairer way of comparing our indent edness than at so much per head of the popula tion. It should, moreover, be remembered tJiai the public debt of England has been incurredior war purposes, while that of New Zealand d& mainly been incurred for reproductive worKS. THE PROFITS FROM RAILWAYS Had been £87,92-1 during the year, the receipts having been £310,220, and the expendituie £228,295. HOW THE LOANS HAVE BEEN EXPENDED. It may, perhaps, be interesting to state h* purposes for which the several loans, «c"c"i and Provincial, which constitute our national debt, have been raised, and the amount aPP'i'" to each. I have ascertained, by an exannnauu of the several Loan Acts, that those P^P 05'? and amounts may ba classified thus:—A dv £3,300,000 has been spent upon rail vays, on iminiaration, £1 400,000 on harbours, US"1, louses, public buildings, roads, bridges, »« other public works for opening up the county ■ £1,300.000 in the purchase of native lanuS, »' eluding the payment of the debt to the >e> Zealand Company : £2,000,000 in the suppress^ of the native outbreak, and the remaining £500,000 on miscellaneous pniposes.

CONSOLIDATED REVENUE. The total receipts under this head were esti mated at £1,091.850. but they Bud reacl> e» £1,61 1 .632 only. The Customs revenue snovea«; deficiency of £10.021. but looking at the d'f vi" ance of trade throughout the world, and to i" uncertainty of the wool marker: during the >e» > the Government were prepared to find tne <w, ciency larger. The transactions of tnfi }'|^ might be summarised tlms: Actual expendi"ll. . including liabilities, £2,02-1,572; actual revem^ inclac'Jng realisable assets, £2,172,75)2: leaving buHvnce of £H5,220 as a surplus with wlucn i begin 1577-78. Comparing lS7i!-77 with lwa-'Ji the falling Oif in the Customs revenue was v small, and notwithstanding it, the revenu-

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDA V, AUGUST 1, WK.



FOR GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY IN "Winter draper jl ov Every Description; FLANNELS, WINCEYS, FRENCH MERINOS, WOOL PLAIDS, SHIRTINGS, WATERPROOF TWEEDS, CHILDREN'S & LADIES' WATERPROOF CLOAKS, &c, &C, &C, GO TO THE JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE. . BLANKETS AND RUGS OF ALL KINDS. An Unequalled Stock of Blankets, and Rare Value, having been exceptionally well bought, wo can afford to sell at consi derably less than usual price. FLRNISHING GOODS. General Drapery of all kinds, and a Larae and Wftll-assorted Stock oi: Boys' and Men's Ciothinpc, Macintosh Coats, Overcoats, Shirts, Gentlemen's Mercery, &c, Always on Hand. Is. in the & allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. rushbrook & bridgman, Junction Dkapery Warehouse, Upper Queex-street, auckland. XTOTICE TO THE I'UBLIC. I will not be responsible for the quality of either Ale or Stout, in bottle, bearing my name, unless ordered from myself direct, as my bottles may ba refilled. T. FORDYCK, Fort-sl ract. "TTOLUNTEEIi LAND SCRIP Pur- V chased.;— Williim.gjColeman, i Solicitor, Vulcan Lane,



TM rORTANT NOTICE Jo. ' Tlacin i Introduced STEAM POWER into the Manufacture of FURNITURE, we are now enabled to Supply our Cus tomers at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. T. & H. CO ORE, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, <L-c, d-c SHOWROOM S: 67, Queen-street. 'STEAM CABINET FACTORY: Victoria-street. J. GOSGIIAVE & CO., Beg to inform the inhabitants of Auck land then are now holding a SALE of the remaining -portion of their WINTER DRAPER I and CLOTHING. Ladies' Costumes, Mantles, Shaivls, furs, French Merinoes, Fancy Dress Stuffs and Silks. The Goods will be offered to the Public at Very Low Prices, in order to clear. mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS. W. J. HURST to CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify "YV. J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist:— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BBjUL'S BONEFLOUR i and J-inch BONEDUST BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPWR-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATK OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. arc prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clever-pick Pastures, as well as the Potato aud Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will bo supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST Ss CO. 101, QUEEN-S T;R EE T. In order to induce an enlarged consumption of Maiden Maud Guano (equal, if not superior to Bonedust), we are prepared to accept, deferred payments from responsible parties at extremely low rates. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEKN-S TRE ET. W. J. HURST & CO have for Sale, at the lowest market rates : Clover Seeds, Red, White and Cow Rye-grass, Cocksfoot, Rats-tail, Garden Seeds in great variety and best quality. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) 3000 ~ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also 800 sacks of 1575 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour. B>-an. Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c. &c. Particular attention is called to 500 sacks Prime Barle? at Is per bushel of 50lt>. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh uatmeal, at £.'1 per ton. Prices and other particulars on application. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEEN-S TRE ET, Auckland.



The Medical Profession have declared Steaxe's Superlative Aromatic Toxic Wine to be a necessity to all in search of health and especially to those sutrering either from Jnr' pient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, and rho dis orders at-^silig; therefrom. This Tonic is also particularly recommended to all v.-lio arc in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time are desirous of studying health by taking that which will act most beneficially -on he system. Mr. Win. Johnson, Governmen Analy tical Chemist, report: — "I have examined Shane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wme, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con 'aining 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 koeDera. Fire-water inclosed in bottles which for merly held the most popular and agreeable medicinal beverage of the century, Udolihio Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, is being sold by unscrupulous traders upon tho public health. These fiery poisons often boar imitation labels to render the deception more complete. Beware of them. Demand and re ceive none but the genuine.