SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGrH WATER— J'This Aiternton, 5.13 STTXT awm' "m, ■ « To-morrow Morning, (5.0 5m- KtSISj—To-raorrow Morninsr. 6.55 MOON'S AGE.—New Moon, 9th, 156 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES. Island S' E" MoGillivra J r > for the Bay of Iloweiia, s.s., Scliars, for Tauranga.

THE SCHOONER QUEEN.

li is now, we are glad to say. quite certain that thr- vessel wrecked on the northern coast ih not the schooner Queen. That vessel arrived at ifokianga some days ago, and is at presont loading at Kohukohu for Auckland. We shall no.v look anxiously for news of the schooners VtajweraandEbenezer. The fact of oranges being found among; the wreckage would indi cate that there isa possibility of it being a vessel from the islands. The Blanche has been expected for some time, and one or two others are almost, due.

LATERiPARTICULARS. Since the foregoing1 was written, we have gained some important additional information tii rough the arrival in town of two of the Messrs Subriizky in the schooner Venture. (It was a third who wrote the letter to Captain McGregor.) From them we now learn that the wreckage was picked up on the 22nd July, in the evening, and comprised the following articles: oranges by thousands, one crate (of bambooi. one sugar cask (gmj,(,;), 1 new hand be ot, several partly burnt candles of large size, measuring about an inch and a half in diameter, with the word " r.lission" stamped on them. Parr of a seat

such as they have on board steamers on deck, a new spat1 r>f about twenty foet long. part of a mast sp i: up, and without any gear attached to it. The planks which came ashore were painted black and i-ed.' From the above it isfe'ear that if the date ;s correct the wreckage can have nothing to do with the schooner Waiwera, which c.ii not clear out at our Customs until the 21th July The opinion is now gaining ground that it is a steamer which has been wrecked. We know of none being missing. The oranges bom;- 83 numerous would favour the belief that the vessel was coming from the islands It is ha dl f likely to be the Blanche, for that vessel wouldwcarcely use such candles as those picked up, and she had no seats of the kind described. That a wreck has taken place is very certain, but it looks as if we nrn°t wait some time longer before the mystery of identification is cleared up.

The schooner Mazeppa came alongside the Queen-street "Wharf yesterday afternoon, and commenced putting out her cargo of fruit, &c. This ves?e! during her trip to Fiji, has proved

fcliat ilia pDSsesses sailing powers oi no mean ordar. She ran the distance from land to land in si>: days on the outward voyage, and nine days on the return.

The s.s. Hawea has been detained at Neisou for the purpose of transhipping the Nuvv Plymouth cargo, ex Taupo. which the latter vessel was unable, to land yesterday. The Hawea will leave t*7elson to-day, and arrive at O ashunga about 9 o'clock on Thursday morning. The well-known barque Columbus, now daily expected from London, is announced as the New Zealand Shipping Co.'s next, ship to load for London after the Spirit of the Dawn. The s.s. Rowena was detained from last night and. took her departure for Tauranga this after noon.

The barque Lombardian cleared out to-day, fo:1 Newcastle, in ballast.

The schooner Christina has arrived from Russell, with 100 tons of coal. The schooner Venture arrived from Ohore this morning.

COMMERCIAL.

E. and 11. Tsaacs have to report at their sale of cement yesterday a great number of the trade were present, and bidding was brisk ; the prices realized beiny: very satisfactory.

Messrs B. Tonks and Co. 'sold 200 bags of maize t-o-day, more or less damaged, at 2s lOd. Messrs M. Jones and Co. held a sale of produce, poultry, groceries, and furniture to-day, which was well attended, with fair results.

Mr L. W. Eaton reports of his fruit sale, ex Mazeppa ; bananas, 2d to 3,-; oranges, 7s Cd to 8s; apples, lid to 2d.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND,.

Mails will Close as Undkp. : —

Fdi' Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m. and to-

morrow at 5.30 p.m. Fo- Coromandel, per Argyle, on Friday, at

2.30 p.m. For V' rnngarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, this day. at i p.m. For Wangaroa, per Ivliemhilda, to-morrow, at

7 a.m. For the Marshall Group, per Vision, to-morrow,

at 8.30 a.m. For Waiheka, per Spey, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, and Southern Provinces, per Wanaka, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 2 n.m. Late letters will be received till 3.20 p.m. |for Gisborne per Pretty Jane, to-morrow, at

3.30 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, per Rover, to-morrow,

at 3 p.m. For Waiwera, Warkworth, and Te Arai, per

Anne Milbank, on Thursday next, at 10 p.m. For Napier, per Southern Cross, on Thursday

next, at 1 p.m.' For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Hawea. immediately after arrival of the Australlia from Honolulu. For Australian Colonies, per Australia, im mediately after her arrival. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS

" ENEMY TO HUMBUG'S " letter is evi dently dictated by personal animus, and is moreover libellous. We recognise the hand writing, and it does not correspond witli the name forwarded in confidence. " Olt> Identity No. 2."—Your letter might be very clear to old settlers, but would not convey much light to the uninitiated.

" IRON'S " letter is held over

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, &c.-

AUGUST 7. International cricket meeting, Thames Hotel. 7.30 p.m. St. Andrew's Church meetin','. 7.30 p.m. Monthly inspection parade ot'lOiignieer Volun teers, 7.30 p.ui 'Temperance Benefit Society meeting, Albert street, 7 30 p.m.

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

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 1877.

for the causs that lacks assistance, For the vtong fhat needs lesistance, For the future m the distance, Aid tie good that we can do.

The place given in the vice-regal speech !to Captain Campbell-Walker's report on forest conservation should have gained for that voluminous document a greater amount of attention than it has received. The fact is, however, that the original wonder with which the men tion of the report in an. epitome of national events at the opening of Parliament was regarded, is increase cl to a blank amazement after a perusal oi the report itself. It may be sup posed that commendation from some extra ordinary quarter was felt to be necessary to make the Little bill of expenses in any degree palatable to the Commons. Captain I Walker has arrived at two conclu sions, which he expresses with very great candour. He is satisfied, after an inspection of the mills in the provincial district of Auckland, that he can teach New Zealand bushmon nothing in the art of getting timber out of the forest, and he thinks they have very little to learn from other countries. In the second place, he highly approves of, and entirely coincides with, the report made a year or tyro ago by Mr Kirk upon the nature aud durability of New Zealand woods, aud the importance of paying at tention to the season of cutting timber. He thinks so highly, indeed, of what Mr Kirk has told him about New Zealand forests that he weaves that gentle man's observations in Avith his own, and produces quite a bulky addition to the colonial blue books. Endorsed by so great an authority, and basking in the smile of his approval, Mr Kirk no doubt feels very happy. Possibly, too, the £800 salary and expenses spent by the Government in gleaning the information that they already had in their possession everything which Captain Walker could tell them, may not be mis-spent if it saves the colony from any further unauthorised appointments by Ministers abroad. We do not gainsay the large amount of personal enjoyment which these little family arrangements produce. To the magnificent emissary who distributes favours with a lordly hand among the friends and relatives of his en tertainers, to the happy recipient who makes a tour oi the colony at the colony's expense, and who sets out with a firm conviction that he is about to confer on the poor benighted people here incal culable blessings through his superior knowledge and attainments ; and even to the colonists who pay for the whistle, it is not without some amount of grim satisfac tion that they show the imported Solo mon that they are not so green as lie imagined. The fun of the thing, however, scarcely recompenses for the evil principle of such appointments, and we hope Captain Campbell-Walker's is the last of them. Nov.' that we have done with the gentleman himself, it is not, perhaps, too '■ much to say that some good should result from the attention

which has lately been directed towards the .subject of conserving the natural wealth stored in our forests, and of utilising it to the best advantage. It was pointed out by Mr Kirk—and Captain Walker lays great stress upon the subject—that there has l)ocii a criminal waste of timber in the destruction of young trees deliberately or by forest fires. Captain Walker states that the same evil was felt in India, until a rigid supe.vsion over forests and punitive legislation put a stop to it. He further proposes that the Government should take steps to prevent, as much| as possible, the cutting of trees in spring and summer. To the want of attention to the proper season for cutting, he attributes the inferior character of much of the sawn timber offered in the market. Both of these recommendations merit care ful consideration. Atthepresentvatsof con sumption of kauri, Mr Kirk estimates that the most valuable timber tree in the colony will be extinct in forty years, and Captain Walker doubts whether it will last .so long. Of this and other useful timbers, it appears from the report there yet remains a considerable area—amounting in the general estimates of the report, to eleven million acres. With careful working and provision for re-plant ing this extent of timber is practically inex haustible, but recklessly dealt with, as in the past, it is by na means so. The estate is one of the utmost value to the country, and the Government would fail in its duty if it did not make some effort to introduce the precautionary measures adopted in other countries against the total destruction of forests. There is, however, some dangei| of this pretext being used to cover meddling interference with the timber trade of the colony. Before proceeding with any legislation the question should be con sidered by a Commission composed of men practically acquainted with the present mode of working the bush lands. From the two sources of information a system of forest conservation might be evolved that would satisfy all the requirements of theoretical knowledge of forestry, without exercising a baneful influence upon out most important industry.

A numerous gathering was present at the annual meeting of the Auckland Racing Club, held yesterday afternoon. Mr B. Tonka was voted to the chair. The balance-sheet of the past year was of a more satisfactory character than those of previous years, and shewed a balance to credit of £138 14s 2d. The report and balance-sheet were adopted, on the motion of Mr Cosgravc. The following gentlemen were elected a committee for the ensuing year : Messrs R. Wynyard, Joseph Banks, J. Cosgrave, G. Johnston, S. Morrin, T. Morrin, G. W. Binney, W. J. Marks, B. Tonks, C. Ring, J. Kirkwood, W. McLaughlan. A discussion took place on the disqualification of A. Huntly, a jockey. On the motion of Mr Johnston, seconded by Mr T. Morrin, the lad's disqualification was rescinded. The oilices of I'resident and Vice-President were not provided for at the meeting, but the chairman intimated that it was their intention to nominate Mr Dilworth as the President and Mr A. Buckland as Vice-President. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the

meeting.

" Old Reuben " inquires why Wakeficld strcet has been neglected in the allo .ment of stand-pipes. We learn that the posi tions for the spare stand-pipes have not yet been determined.

Tenders are invited for supplies of rat ions and medical comforts to the hospital and

gaol

Messrs E. and 11. Isaacs beg to call the attention of the trade to their extensive wale of wines and spirits to-morrow. The quality of .some of the wines is very superior, and the brands of the bulk of the goods are well-known. A good opportunity is offered for buying in a stock for the approaching season.

It has been made known that the Bishops of Nelson, Wellington, and Christchurch have intimated that they will not be present at the Pun-Anglican Synod, which the Archbishop of Canterbury lias summoned to be held at Lambeth Palace in the autumn of IS7S. The other New Zealand Bishops have not sent any de finite answer. Among the subjects which the Archbishop proposes for consideration is that of " Missionary Bishoprics and Missions." Three of the English Bishops (Winchester, Norwich, and Peterborough) disapprove of the Synod and will not attend. Twenty-eight American Bishops have signified their approval, and live have ex pressed their disapproval of the meeting.

The mine manager of the Long Tunnel Gold Mining Company lias been instructed by the directors to procure ihe necessary number of air pipes to ventilate the tunnel. The pipes will be six inches in diameter, and the air will be forced in by means of the water from the drive.

This members of Uv, United Free Metho dist Literary and Debating ('lass met last evening in the school-room for the purpose of considering the subject of debate ottered by the young men of St. James. The following subjects were fixed upon and sn.bmil.ted to the St. James' society : —" Is the use of slang at all desirable?" "Is the use of tobacco commendable?" "Should the Local Option Bill become law V" " [s manhood sult'rage desirable?" "Should the franchise be extended to women?"' Mr J. ficcles then gave a humourous reading, entitled "Smoking and Joking." Mr .1. Spinley recited "The Wondrous Little Man.""

Mr It. Bull, coach painter and trimmer, has removed from the premises in Upper Queeu-s>trect, to Durham-street, next to Mr Bucklaud's sale yards, these premises being much more commodious for the increasing requirements of the business.

The fifth of Mr Severn's series of lectures on scientific and astronomical subjects was given last evening in the Choral Hall. The subject was a mos^ interesting one, being "Light," with illustrative experiments. The weather was very unfavourable, but the rain did not prevent a large number of young persons from being present. Mr Severn stated the result of tke sketches of his lecture on "The Earth audits Satellite." Sixty-six papers were sent in. of which the following were the most successful :—

Senior—lst, Albert Brown, Model Training School, prize-holder for No. 1 lecture; 2nd (prize), Charlotte F. Baker, Parnell; 3rd (prize), F. Holmes, City East School; 4th (commended), Ethel Durrien, Girls' High School. Junior—lst, Louisa Durrien, Girls' High School, prize holder for No. 1 lecture; 2nd (prize), Cyril Churton, Parnell Grammar School]; 3rd (prize), F. Goodacre, Ponsonby School; 4th (commended), —Smith, Ponsonby School.

Dr. Wilkins expresses his opinion in the " Otago Guardian" that skating is not only not injurious, but positively beneficial to ladies.

Tho quarterly meeting of St. Mathew's Union for the promotion of Temperance was held last evening intho school-room, Hsbsou street, Rev. R. S. Hassard in tho chair. The meeting was not so largely attended as anticipated, and several who had promised assistance were absent owing to the weather. The programme consisted of a paper by Mr Waymouth, sen., on "Total Abstinence From all Intoxicating Drinks," the writer arguing that it was the only safe course to pursue. The paper was excellent in every respect, and met with the approval of the audience. Several glees were given in a spirited manner. Mr YVarnock gave a recitation, ';The New Member," Rev. Mr Hassard and Jaggar

gave readings, and tw© young persons sang two ballads in a delightful manner. Mr Brown presided at the pianoforte.

A meeting of the shareholders of the Cure Gold Mining Company was held this

afternoon, Mr Geo. Williamson in the chair, nine shareholders were present. The meeting was called to cantirm the following, " That rule 106 be amended by adding at the end thereof 'or by newspaper advertise in eat. '"

The members of the Good Samaritan Lodge held their usual meeting last evening, and the following members were installed to office for the ensuing qtftirter by Brother Biggs, L.D., assisted by Brother Cobine, G.W.S., and Brother Marsden, G.W.M. :•—W.C.T., Brother Robert Peace ; W.V.T., Brother Hist; W.S., Brother Blair; W.F.S., Sister Bettany; W.C., Brother Monlden ; W.T., Sister Mackey ; W.M , Brother Meldrnm ; W.1.G., Brother Bushell; W.0.G., Brother Elkin ; W.D. M., Sister Keating; W.A.S., Brother Drake; W.E.H.S., Sister Keelon ; W.L. H.S, Sister Moulden.

Such a pretty little story from Boston, Mass. Little Kimball, a sweet infant of four years, had a childish quarrel Arith little Cox, aged six. With the impul siveness or Infancy, little Kimball said he would " fix" little Cox. Th 3 playful little dear, who, it seems, has alreapy ob tained the title of "Major" among his playmates, went home, got his papa's re volver, and shot little Cox, blowing his brains out. And the Boston newspaper says that, "notwithstanding the extreme youth of Kiaiball, his conduct meets with general reprehension.

The Prince of Wales lately made the fastest journey from London to Paris on record. It occupied only seven hours and three-quarters. The ordinary time of tran sit by the fastest tidal express trains and steamers is nine hours and a quarter.

In Wellington there fis a population of 20,000. To supply bread and meat there are fourteen bakers and five butchers, and to "drown dull care" with fiery alcohol, there exist 44 public houses.

An interesting debate on the character of Henry the Eighth was held last evening by the young men of St. Jamcss' Debating class. Mr Burton sided with Freiide. the historian, and saw nothing but shining virtues, glistening like diamonds, in the King, while Mr Geddis, on the other side, recognised but few virtues in his estimation of the father of good Queen Bess. Mr Burton said that Henry was a star of the firstmagiutude, that he emancipated English men from .spiritual serfdom, that lie was compelled to marry Catherine of Arragon— it was a question of policy, not one of love — consequently he loathed her, she being old enough to be his grandmother. Mr Burton eloquently apologised tor Henry for the executions of his wives ; he had good reason for permitting a surgical operation on the body of Anne Boloyn, she was incontinent. After dilating upon his hero, Mr Burton wound up with a eulogy on Henry, from Ful well, a writer of the Elizabethan period, but whose writings are nearly forgotton. Mr Geddis replied to the opener, and endea voured to confute the arguments adduced by the previous speaker. He shewed that Henry did not emancipate his people, for in taking their allegiance from the Roman Pontiff, lie became, in power, an English Pope. Ilia arbitrariness was displayed in the execu tion of Sir Thomas More for refusing to ac knowledge the King's spiritual supremacy ; and of the Bishop of Winchester for dissent from Act of Succession. The speaker dwelt upon the prominent acts of Henry's life, shewed that Anne Boleyn's innocence was proved, and referred to his spoliation of the monasteries, his' treatment of Cardinal Wolsey and Thomas Cromwell, the execu tion of Buckingham and others, the slavish subserviency of his Parliament; and the folly of relying upon the state ments of such a biassed and obscure writer as Fulwell for a true portrait of the King.

" By the Suez mail .steamer Bangalore,' says the Melbourne " Argus," " there was exported from the colonies Mr .1. M. Peebles, the spiritist medium lecturer. The Bangalore also fo>k away a large quantity of treasure. In addition to the gold and specie from Sydney, valued at £220,000 -the largest consignment which lias been forwarded thence via Suez for some time—she took from Melbourne gold and specie to the value of £230,743."

A meeting of the settlers of the Queen's Redoubt wa.? held last Saturday to deter mine the position of the church and .school room. The liev. T. Nome claims the building as a Presbyterian Church ; but it is alleged by a body of the subscribers that the funds were raised for the building distinctly on the assurance that it should be a place available for a public school, and for clergymen of all denominations. Mr 1!. IJ-obbs occupied the chair. Mr Dean, one of the principal subscribers, explained the object of the meeting, and stated that it. was distinctly understood the building should be unscctarian. A resolution to that effect was carried by a large majority, and a petition to the Waste Lands" Board praying that the ground be vested in live residents on behalf of the district, was carried almost unanimously, and signed by nearly everyone present.

Tie D.'ivctors of the Aiburnia Company met ti i< morning, and declared a dividend of ton shillings.

The " Poverty Bay Herald"says that Mr. E. Ilesketh, the eminent Auckland bar rister, intends to sojourn in Poverty ]>;iy. lie is advised by his medical man to leave Auckland and his practice for a time, his health having suffered from over application to his profession.

We have received from Mr Eric Craig, of Princes-street, a set of New Zealand ferns, beautifully mounted. Mr Craig's labours have done much to familiarise colonists with the elegant natural verdure of their adopted country. The ferns of New Zea land are unequalled in the world for variety and graceful beauty. Mr Craig, by long attention to the subject, has acquired a thorough botanical knowledge of the ferns of the country, the places where perfect specimens of the different species may lie found, and the best means of preserving them so ;vs to retain their original hues. The twenty-four varieties contained in the set to hand are mounted and classified, and bear testimony to the skill, care, and good judgment bestowed in their selection and preservation. Mr Craig has a very large collection of both New Zealand and foreign ferns at his shop in Princes street, and takes great pleasure in shewing them to visitors. As presents for England from New Zealand we know of nothing to equal these offerings, the product of New Zealand soil and sunshine.

A gentleman in Wellington has offered to let his house for the session to any member of Parliament for the nominal rent of 25 guineas a week. At present no member has offered to pay this small rent of £112 per month.

OHINEMURI.

From oiri: own Correspondent.

Monday. WAITEKAURI.—The manager is busily engaged timbering and getting everything ready to break out quartz in large quantities as soon as the mill has been overhauled and put in'thorough repair, which will take about a week or ten days. In the mean time, the battery is crushing with twenty head, while the other twenty head are being overhauled, so that no great falling off on the yield this month should result from the stoppage.

Queen. —Are making better progress, and in a better class of country, and the manager fully expects to get something worth while when the reef is taken down, as the indications and class of country are at present excellent for gold.

Bank of England.—The low level is still being pushed vigorously ahead through nice kindly sandstone country, freely sprinkled with base minerals and mundic.

Auckland.—The manager has had the old top drive cleaned out, and will drive till he reaches the large outcrop of quartz some distance further along the spur. In the low level, the ground has got lighter, but very good progress is being made by the contractors on sandstone country, with loose quartz interspersed through it. The manager is in good hopes of soon having the main Waitekauri reef in hand.

jgTKAMWAY.—The tramway is rapidly approaching completion, and is about ready for the rails to be laid, so it will not be long now before the Welcome and Young New Zealand should be to the fore as gold pro ducers.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROM OUB SPECIAL REPORTER).

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.]

WELLINGTON, this clay. Ministry Hot Sspsctsd to Last a Week.

The general opinion appears to be that the Ministry cannot last through the pre sent week. Messrs Ballance and Bryce have gone over to the Opposition on Mr Woolc«ck's motion, and will announce their defection this evening. Their in lluence is expected to carry others. Government supporters are rapidly desert ing the failing cause. There is some talk of Ministers moving the previous question on Mr Woolcock's resolution. Mr Wool cock is the observed of all observers —the political centre of events. The whole affair is most peculiar. Mr Woolcock had given notice that on going into Committee of Supply he would move a resolution for a change in the incidence of taxation. The House foresaw the importance of the ques tion so raised, and awaited the debate with interest. To the great astonishment of all, when the question came on Mr Woolcock sat still in his seat. The qiiestion ran amongst the Opposition members, " has Woolcock been squared ?" by and by, how ever, he got up with a great pile of notes, and made an excellent speech. If Wool cock's motion comes to a division, as there is every probability of it doing, the result will probably be about as follows : — Foil GOVERNMENT, 36 :—Messrs Atkin son, Bowen, Brandon, Carrington, Cox, Fitzroy, Fox, Harper, Henry, Hunter, llursthouse, Johnstone, Kelly, Kenny, Larnach, Macfarlane, McLean, Mooriiouse, Morris, Murray-Aymsley.Pyke, Reid, Reynolds, Richardson, Richmond, Russel, Seymour, Sharp, Stafford, Stevens, Button, Taweto, Teschmaker, Wason, Wliitakcr, and Williams.

For Mn Woolcock's motion, 3D: Messrs Ballance, Bastings, Brown, J. C. Brown. ,1. E. Bryce, Bunny, Button, Curtis, Do Latour, Dignari, Fisher, Gibbs, Gisborne, Grey, Hamlin, Hislop, Hodgkinson, Bryce, Lumsden, Lu.sk, Macandrow, Manders, Montgomery, Murray, O'Rorke, Roes, Rowe, Sheehan, Stout, Swanson, Takamoana, Thompson, Tole, Travers, Wakefield, Wallis, Wood, Reader Wood, Woolcock.

DoUIITFUL fOU THE GOVKRNMENT — Douglas, Kennedy, and Rolleston. Doubtful koi: the Opposition—Beet ham, Hoani Nahe, Shrimski, and Tairoa. Government supporters appear confident that the Ministry will overcome the diffi culty raised on Mr Woolcock's resolution. To-night will show. Prominent Opposition members meet privately to discuss the main principles of the programme, but nothing leaks out.

SIR WILLIAM FITZIIERBERT,

Sir George Grey is understood to bo favourable to Sir William Fit/.herbcrt lead ing the party. Sir George Grey would not take ollicc under any circumstances, but remain general adviser, and lead the Auck land party in her interests. Mr Bunny continues negotiations on behalf of Sir William Fitzherbert, but without tlie hitter's direct sanction. Sir William Fitz herbert will not leave the Speaker's chair unless assured of a strong majority follow-

V DISCOVERY BY MR. REES

Mr Kces has discovered that in the Native Lands Hill chaises have been in troduced from the Act of 1869, which pro tect Mr Oruiond'.s transactions. Mr Kens will move to amend, with the view of in validating transactions made, whereby equal shares were alloted to joint owners who only held small interests.

Silt GEORGE GREY

AND CANTER-

BURY LAND SALES.

Mr IJowen, in replying to Sir George Grey in the debate on. the second reading of the Charitable Institutions' Bill, charged Sir George Grey with having put up the lands at Christchurch at 10s an acre to en-

able capitalists to buy it up. It is generally understood that Sir George Grey's connec tion with the matter was this : —Sir George Grey fell into disrepute because lie refused to set aside 4,000,000 acres as an endowment for the Church of Eng land ■. whereupon Lord Lyttelton was petitioned to ask Her Majesty's Minis ters to dismiss Sir George Grey. The latter then received orders to put up land outside Christclmrch at a certain fixed price, and did so at IDs per acre, intending to make a regulation that every purchaser should pay threepence to sixpence an acre towards the institutions of the country, so as to prevent large speculators from acquir ing great tracts of land. When lie left New Zealand the land was sold at l()s per acre, but purchasers were not made to pay the tax. Sir George Grey also intended to enforce the hundreds system, which was not carried out. Mr Bowen misrepresented Sir George < Jrey in the matter, only telling half of the truth.

BROGDEN'S CLAIMS

Brogden's claims amount to £223,000 They have been under consideration six months. They find a clause in the (Jon tractors' Arbitration Act, IS7-. which bars their claim, and have offered t» refer the claims to any lair tribunal, but not being

accepted have sent a petition of right to the Governor.

BOROUGH CONFERENCE

The Borough Conference yesterday passed

a resolution, condemning the present mode of deducting from subsidies, inasmuch as municipalities have to bear an undue pro portion of the cost of maintenance of charitable institutions. They recommend Jirst, that the cost of maintenance of such institutions should be provided for wholly as a colonial charge ; second, if necessary to provide revenue to meet such a charge, a special rate should be levied over the whole colony on the basis of county and municipal valuations. Thirdly, if neither of those proposals be carried' out, and deductions from subsidies continue to be made, then that a share of contributions towards the maintenance of such institutions between municipalities and country districts, should be lixed on the basis of the number of patients or inmates of such institutions contributed by each. Those patients or inmates not as signable to any particular district, to be charged as belonging to the whole, and the cost to be divided in fair proportion amongst all subsidised bodies.

MR O'RORKE'S LIBRARY BILL.

Mr O'Rorkes Libraryjjßill proposes to give the Provincial Library to the City of Auck land provided the citizen within two months levy a library rate for the maintenance and extension of the library. The gjraie as prescribed in the Public Library Act can not exceed a penny in the pound. If Auckland|does not adopt the Library Act, the Council library is to be reserved for the Thames gborongh, in case it will, within one month, ' levy a library rate. If neither Auckland nor the Thames ac cept the Council library, it is to be given to that Municipality in the province of Auck land which shall iirst adopt the Public Libraries Act, 1569.

Mr O'Rorke's Onehunga Endowment Bill proposes to vest the Market Reserve opposite Codlin's Exchange Hotel in the Borough Council; also, proposes to transfer from the Board of Education to the Borough two acres of land near Bycroft's Mills ; 'it also places the control of Mount Smart un der the Borough; and also makes thirty acresof the slaughter-house paddock a pub lic cricket ground or place of recreation; the other eighteen acres to be town endowments. The Bill also proposes to give the old wharf and adjacentallotmcnt to the Borough, with power to levy toils on the old wharf for municipal purposes.

MR MOSS'S PETITION.

Mr Moss's petition has been under con sideration of the Petitions' Committee to day. It will probably be adjourned till to-morrow.

THIS DAY.

The motion for the second reading of the Native Lands Bill will be met by a resolu tion asking that it lie withdrawn and re drafted, so as to give small capitalists a clvince of acquiring land for bona fide settlement.

A close division is expected

CABLEGRAMS.

THE WAR.

Russian Position at Turnova

Menaced.

Further Turkish Successes

South of Balkans

Russian Eeinforcsmcnts Hurry-

ing Forward

Fighting in Asia Minor.

[PRESS AGENCY.]

SINGAPORE, August G, 9.32.

The Bussian position at Tirnova, where the head-quarters arc established, is seriously menanced.

Sulieman Bey re-captured Esky-Snghra, south of the Balkans.

Russian reinfoicoments are hurrying across the Danube, and making strenuous exertions to retrieve the Plevna disaster. BOMBxVY, August 6th. Sulieman is actively pressing the Russians south of the Balkans.

Mehemet Ali is operating near Itasgrad, on the Varna and Rustclmk railway, north of Shumla.

The Turks are advancing from Osman Bazar to Plevna to join the forces under Osman Pasha, Commander-in-Chief.

THB LATEST.

Latest Intelligence from Asia Minor states that the Russian Commander — Melikofr"—has been reinforced, and a battle

is now raging

THE GOODWOOD CUP.

LONDON, August 5. Winners of the Goodwood Cup : Hamp ton, Skylark, and Chamon.

AUSTRALIAN.

DERELICT SCHOONER. SYDNEY, this day.- Arrived : Rotorua. Sailed : Easby. MELBOURNE, this day. Arrived : Arawata, Duchess of Edin burgh, from London. The latter passed a derelict schooner during the passage. The waether was too stormy to communi cate. The vessel was supposed to be

American

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before John Cosgrave and G. S. Graham, Esqs., Justices of the Peace). INEBRIATES. David and Xancy, both to drink inclined, Were drunk last night, and wero, this morning,

lined. David Miller and' Ann Gordon were fined 5s each for drunkenness.

WINTER CLOTTIIXfJ.

He took the things— a cloth coat and a cape— And vainly fancied that he should escape. John Wilson was charged with stealing a cape, value 10s, the property of Mr George Staincs, on the 6th instant ; also with stealing a coat, value 20s, the property of David Sykes, on the same day,

Prisoner pleaded guilty to stealing the cape, and not guilty of stealing the coat.

Mr Sykes, of the Turkish Baths, said the prisoner acknowledged to stealing the coat, but he was so drunk that he was not con scious of what lie did.

Two months' imprisonment, with hard labour.

STRIKING A WIFE

Oh, it was wrong id strike your faithful wife, And swear thai you would, take her precious life.

Frank Magan was charged with assault ing Eliza, his wife, with a cup, striking her on the eye, and threatening her life, on the 7th inst.

Mrs Mayan said that if her kusband would leave her she would withdraw the

charge. Sub-Inspector Pardy said this was a very serious case, and in all probability the woman would have been murdered if the constable had not interfered.

The Bench refused to let the case be withdrawn.

Eliza Magan gave evidence with much reluctance. He struck her violently on the eye, and if it had not been for the constable she might have been killed. He threatened to do for her with a candlestick.

Constable Gordon deposed to being called in. The prisoner was under the influence of drink. He prevented him from attacking her with a candlestick. She bled profusely.

The Bench said that prisoner had been convicted previously for a like offence. He must find sureties, himself in £20 and two others in £10 feach, to keep the peace for six months.

A DRUXKEX FATHER

EdwardLysaght was charged with failing to contribute towards the support of his children in the Industrial School, arrears, £2 12s. The prisoner had been in prison for neglecting to pay, and was represented as a person of drunken habits, and who would not pay unless compelled to do so.

The Bench ordered a warrant of distress to issue against prisoner's goods.

ALLEGED LARCENY.

Charles Parker was again brought up on a charge of stealing: a cloak from the shop of Mr Thomas McMaster, of Queen-screet, on the 21st ult, value 20s.

Mr G. E. Madden appeared for the prisoner, and pleaded not guilty.

Samuel McMastor deposed that he was in the employment of his brother. The cloak was ticketed and hung up for sale on the 21st July. In the evening he was informed by a boy that a man had taken the coat and run away to wards Wakerield-street.

To Mr Madden : He knew the cloak by a cer tain mark which he put upon it; it was one of a lot imported by his brother.

Catherine Burke, wife of Michael Burke, of Chancery Lane, purchased the cloak of prisoner for 3s. The prisoner was a stranger to her. The cloak was of more value, but there was a risk in buying of strangers. Detective Grace arrested the prisoner. To Mr Madden : On taking him into custody prisoner denied the charge ; he had about £5 in his possession.

To the Bench : There yrere no previous con victions against the prisoner. Mr Madden said he had evidence of character to offer.

James Bailey, boarding-house keeper, of Wellesley-street Jiast, and James Crawley, testified in favour of prisoner. Mr Madden, in his defence, pointed out the improbability of a man possessing so much money, and selling a coat for 2s. He thought the evidence was insufficient for a conviction. The prisoner was discharged.

AGAIXST THE BV-I,A\V3. George Harrison, carman, was charged with leaving his express without a chain on the wheel.

Defendant denied the charge of leaving his cart.

Constable Jones said defendant was inside a public-house at the time.

bub-Inspector Pardy said that the Corporation haa provided simple means for allowing persons to leave their carts, viz., to put a chain on the

The Bench imposed a fine of Is and costs. Defendant: "Most uniust." Mr Cunningham: You must not address the Court in that manner. John Robinson, a lad of twelve summers, was charged with a similar offence. .bined Is and costs. George Gleeson, a youth of fifteen, was simi larly charged, and fined Is and coses. i wo charges for driving over a footpath were withdrawn, as under the circumstances they wa:e unavoidable.

MBS JENXIXfJS* COWS. Poor harmless cows, if 'neath the bou^h* Perchance ye stray, By instinct taught, then ye are caught And I must pay. ' William Jennings, of Nelson-street wa« charged with allowing his cows to take ''thp walks abroad" in the suburbs of thu cityaKai™ the provisions of No 1. by-law. against ~\lr Jennings, as the owner of the cow 3 sq,; r i they were entrusted to the care of the boy' The Bench took} a lenient view of the'ea-f and ordered a line of 2s 6d and costs. '

AN APOLOGY. George Harrison was called and asked whether he would make an apology for his offensivp remarks to the Bench, or be committed for contempt.

Mr Harrison said he was sorry that he had made the remarks, and would apologise; still he thought his case should have been dismissed' The Bench said the lowest fine possible had been inflicted, and if he persisted in making remarks, he must bear the consequences.

Defendant again apologised, and said he could not pay, and desired Mr Cunningham to bnnt the Is and costs. X

This was refused, and defendant went mur muring out of Court.

CITY RATES. Several city rate cases were settled out nf Court. l

This was all the business

SUPREME COURT.—THIS DAY.

IN BANCO.

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies.)

Re Levy and Goldwater,

An examination took place this mornm* before the Judge, in accordance with an order of the Court issued at the last sitting the object being to verify the date of execution of two transfers of mortgagesfrotn the bankrupts to Messrs IT. S. Meyers and Moses Montague. The deeds purport to have been signed in August, 1875 ; but it was alleged that there was a strong suspicion that they had been made within the last few months. Mr Tyler appeared for Messrs Meyers and Montague ; Mr Devore for the bank rupts, and Mr Hesketh for the trustee. Mr J. B. Russell was the first witness examined. He deposed he was a solicitor^ practising in Auckland. He could not tax his memory to say whether he had advised the debtors as to the deed of arrangement. He was inclined to think he had. He might have incidentally advised Mr H. S. Meyers as to a trust. He could not say that he had specially advised the assignees as to two deeds of transfer. His Honor : What trusts do you refer to?

Mr Russell : He meant te say that he had given Mr Meyers advice as to his duties a.s trustee for certain monies which he (witness) understood he held as trustee for Mrs Levy and Mrs Goldwater. Mr Hesketh: Have you the custody of those deeds of transfer ? Mr Russell : I have at the present moment. Mr Hesketh : On whose behalf do you hold them ? Mr Russell : I should like to explain— His Honor : You must answer first, Mr Russell, and then explain afterwards. Mr Russell said he could not answer

directly. In further examination, Mr Russell said ho had seen the deeds about two or three months ago. He thought Mi1 Eliot Meyers brought them to him. They were then executed, but not registered. He was then acting for Mr H. S. Meyers. The deeds were not left with him. He could not tell when they again came into his custody.

To His Honor : It is right I should ex plain, your Honor, that I believe the deeds nave been in my office for some time, but when they came there, I don't know. Examination continued : The deeds were taken away for registration some time in June. They were then brought back. He could not say by whom. He had advised Mr Meyers not to part with the deeds. He believed that the deeds were now in the custody of his firm on behalf of Messrs Meyers and Montagu.

Mr Hesketh : Do you know that one of ! these deeds was taken out of the Eegistra i tion OJHce and the other left ?

I Mr Russell: I gave no instructions of the kind, and am not aware that such instruc tions were given. Mr Hesketh : Had you anything to do with these deeds before they were executed? Mr Russell: No. Witness continued : He had nothing to do with advising an;/ of the parties prior to their execution, He had known nothing about the deeds until two months ago. Some transactions he was concerned in at the time helped him to fix the date. He

could not say whether it was the latter end

of May, or in the beginning of June. He only knew they had not been registered from explanations given by Mr Eliot Meyers. He had seen a conveyance of land, in which the land was conveyed on trust. Mr Hesketh : Have you seen any <iced of trust concerning Messrs Meyers and Mon tague, in relation to these transfers ?

Mr Russell : He had seen a declaration of trust by Mr Meyers. Mr Montague would not sign.

i Mr Hesketh : When was it executed ? ' Mr Russell : I cannot say. It is not dated, and not witnessed.

Mr Russell said he could not say whether the declaration of trust was executed before or alter the transfers. With the exception of the registration, the deeds were in the same state as when he first saw them. In advising as to. the declaration of trust, Mr Meyers was his client. He saw the debtors in reference to it. They did not tell him in so many words why the} r had executed the deeds. He learned, from several conversa tions, why both these and other deeds were executed.

At this stage. Mr Hesketh asked whether • it was not reasonable that all witnesses 1 should be ordered to withdraw while the examination was proceeding. His Honor said it was. The Crier then ordered all persons con ! ncctcd with the case to withdraw. | Mr Hesketh : You say you gathered from | various conversations when the deeds were , executed. Will you give me the reason ? i Mr Russell :I do not know specially. | Mr Hesketh : I did not say specially. 1 Mr Russell : I cannot give the reason, i for 1 know nothing of my own knowledge. | Mr Hesketh : But do you know from in j formation ? Mr Russell : No, I do not. I - only gathered a very general knowledge of it. j Mr Hesketh : Were you consulted about j these deeds, because one of the parties com i templated proceedings in bankruptcy ? j In answer to this, Mr Russell said he did not believe that was the reason he was con sulted. It was not in view of the proceed ings in bankruptcy that he had advised the declaration of trust. He could not tax his memory to say that he was aware of any proceed ings in bankruptcy being contemplated at the time Mr Meyers signed the deed. He was not actuated by any knowledge of the proceedings in bankruptcy. He had known of the existence of the trust for years, but there was no deed. The debtors told hint when the deeds were executed. Hi* impression was that it was in November 1876, he thought it was Levy who told him. He had other deeds in his possession;. they had been given to hha by his partner, but he had not looked at' them. The witness, by request, went through the deeds, and then said he had no other deeds re ' fen-ing to the property alluded to in the transfers of mortgage. By Mr Devore : It was after the execu tion of the deed of arrangement that my advice was given to the debtors. At the time of the execution of the deed of trust he was not aware that the deed of arrange ment was contemplated. Mr Russell: Will your Honor allow me to explain how I came into possession ot these deeds ?

His Honor : I understood you to hate given the reason.

Mr Russell was proceeding to give some further explanation, but was stopped by the Judge. Bernard Levy said he was one of the debtors who executed a deed of arrange-

ment on the 9th July last. There was no meeting of creditors before. Mr S. Meyers was his adviser at the time. He had maw

THE EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 1877.



FOB, GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY IN VV INTER DRAPER JL OK 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 OV ALX, KIXD3. An Unequalled Stock of Blankets, and Rare yVAT.UE, having been exceptionally well abou^ht, we can afford to sell at consi derably less than uscal price. FURNISHING GOODS. General Drapery of all kinds, and a Larare and EW«ll-asiorted Stock of Boys' and Men's ClotMng, Macintosh Coats, Overcoats, SrrirtP, Gentlemen's MercoiT. &c, Always on Hand. Is, in tlio £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. rushbrook & bridgman, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Queen-street, auckland. STOCK-TAKING "OABGAINS ! ! W. RATTRAY Is Preparing tor STOCK-TAKING, so he offers a lot of CHOICE DRESS MATERIALS At Cost Price. Remnants of Dress Mpterials at and under Cost Price.



The Balance of the STOCK of INDIES' COSTUMES, JACKETS, and FURS, At Cost Pkice. W. RATTRAY, DRAPER AND CLOTHIER, New Zealand House, C 6, QUEEN-STREET. AT7CKr,AN'D. Linoleum i Lwiolenm! Linoleum! A f\ ROLLS JUST OPENED, Tfcv/ Ex ' Spirit of the Dawn.' GREATEST VARIETY nsr AUCKLAND. Best Covekins FOR Balls, Offices, and Dising Rooms. ' DIFFERENT PATTERNS if. TO SELECT FROM JLt> AT THE lALL FURNITURE ARCADE. CITY 1- CARPETS: •oin 2s. lid.; Brussels, from Is. 9d. Tapestry. *>■ VGROOM SUITES on Vievr. DBA- » n FURNITURE of all Kinds. k SHING HOUSE. jURNL x r AND GrAELICK, "HoLLOWAY OT AUCKLAND. | QUEEN-STRKI



JMPORTANT NOTICE \Having introduced STEAMPO WES, into the 'Manufacture of FURNITURE, we are now enabled to Supply our Cus tomers *t GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. T. & H. COOKE, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, d:c, <L-c g^- SHOWROOMS 67, Queen-street. STEAM CABINET FACTORY: Victoria-street. TO AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS. W. .T. HURST tc 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 ot them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Fannera justify W. J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every A griottlturisi :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BELL'S BONKFLOUR \ and i-inch BOXEDUST BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OP POTASH SUPKR-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATK 0F LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating '.veal-: Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will be supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HUIIST & CO. 101. QUE EN - SITCRjE EjT. In order to induce an enlarged consumption of Maiden Island 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, Q UKEN"-S TRE ET. W. J. HURST & CO have for Sale, at the lowest market rates : Clover Seeds, Red, Wliite and Cow Rye-grass, Cocksfoot, Rats-tail, Garden Seeds in great variety and best quality. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) 3001) ~ Oats First-class Tartars for Peed, also SOO sacks of 1375 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 sack 3 Prime Barlci at Is per bushel of uOr:>. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh oatmeal, at £21 per ton. Prices and other particulars on application. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEEN-S TRE ET, Auckland.



The vilest rogues are those who impose on the sick. There is a class of impostors now engaged in vending imitations of that health-promoting beverage, Udou'HO Wolfe's Schiedam Aro matic SCHXAI'VS, put up in bottles which pre viously heid the real article, and often bearing counterfeit labels. Purchasers should ask for and take none but the genuine.