SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

Daphne, schooner, from Fiji (Lorna Loma) Fiery Cross, schooner, from Wellington

DEPARTURES.

Fairlie, schooner, forl-lie Thames Hinemoa, schouner, xor Samoa

IMPORTS.

Per Daphne from Loma Loma, Fiii; 3000 cocoanuts, 430 sacks maize.—CruickshaniC and Co, ageuts.

THE S.S. HERO.

Messrs Cruic.Ushank and Co. have received a cablegram stating that the s.s. Hero left Mel bourne on the 9th mst. (yesterday), for Auckland via Sydney.

The statement we took from a home paper to the. effect that the Dilpussund had sailed for Melbourne is wrong. The barque Dilpussund, Captain Kelly, left London for this port on March 9, consigned to Messrs Owen and Graham. The following are the names of the passengers: Chief Cabin—Lady Townshend, lizzie Townshond, George Townshend, Ernest Townshend, Harry Townshend, and R. O. Brigstucke. Steeraec—M. Renton, W. Black lock, jun., J. Russell. Arthur Hannel, M. J. Mattliews. J. Mallet, Mra Mallet, A. li. Bryne. W. R. Escombe. J. Richmond, Mr J. Pfluger, and William Taylor. The s.s. Wellington, expected rat Onehunga on Saturday morning, will not arrive until Sunday morning, having been detained at Wellington. She willlleave again for the South on time table date, Tuesday 15th inst. The Union Co.'s s.s. Phoebe will be despatched from Wellington for Sydney on Tuesday, 18th inst. Intending passengers can go forward per Wellington, on Tuesday, loth inst. The topsail schoomr Daphne arrived from Loma Loma (Fiji) at noon to-day, with a cargo of maize. She left on the 18th nit. Had squally aud showery (weather for the first 21 hours, and then fine weather, with northerly winds, until Saturday, April 21st, when at four o'clock in the afternoon, a strong S.E. gale with torrents of rain was encountered, The wind split main sail, Hforesail. and squaresail. This lasted till next morning, when the wind went round to the N.E. After that had light weather. No S E. trades were met, but instead S.W. and W.S.W. to S.S. VA/. breezes. OnThurs.iay, May 3' sighted Cape Brett, a strong easterly breeze freshening to a gale, make it impossible to weather it. Wore the ship to the N.N.E., rpefed mainsail, and furled .iib and topsail. At eleven blowing a gale with furious squalls. _At twelvn weather worse, heavy sea runnintr, and keeping decks full of water. Bore up for Russell, and anchored at 2 p.m. Left there again on Tuesday, at 3 a.m., and ex perienced squaliy weather, with westerly winds down the coast. Anchored off North Head at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Having split all the sails, waited this morning before coming up harbour. The schooner Fairlie has left for the Thames, with part of her original cargo from Lyttelton. She will load back to Lyttelton at the Thames. The schooner Hinemoa, Captain Ross, left to-day for Samoa, with sheep and cattle. Pas senger : John Smith. Phantom, cutter, for Samoa

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to morrow, at 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, to-morrow, at

2.30 p.m. For Tarrnaki, Southern Province, and Aus tralian Colouies, per Taupo, to-morrow at 1 p.m. For money orders {registered letters, and newspapers, at noon. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne will

be received till 1.20 p.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For Waiwera, Mahuraugi, Matekana, Manga wai, Waipu, Mangapai, and Wangarei, per Anne Milbank, on Saturday next at 10 a.m. N.B,—A Post-office has been opened at Te Kopura, Wairoa River, Kaipara. Mails will be despatched from this office every Monday at noon. Return mails will be received every Thursday at 11 a.m. 8. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

SHEPPARD.—On the 9th May, the wife of Mr. A. M. Sheppard, of Otahuhu, of a son.

MARRIAGE.

WILLTAMS—CHAMBERS.— On the Ist May, at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev. B. J. Westbrookc, Edward Williams to Sarah Ann, eldest daughter of Mr. M. Cham bers, of Somerset Place, Auckland.

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

THURSDAY, MAY, 10, 1877.

For the cause tli.it lacks assistance. For t'ne wrong that needs icsistance, For the future in the distance, And the good Oiat we can do

The modified San Francisco service, from Sydney via Auckland and Honolulu, omitting the New Zealand coastal service, may be regarded as 'permanently arranged, for a subsidy of £72,500, of which this colony contributes £32,500. The consent of the New South Wales Parliament has yet to be given to complete the contract, but as the terms embody the policy of the Opposition party when Mr Robertson held office two or three months ago, no difficulty in securing the consent of the Legislature is anticipated. The terms likewise fulfil the letter and spirit of the resolutions passed by the House of Representatives last session. The new service will be inaugurated at once. After the incoming steamer, therefore, we may expect a speedier delivery by the omission of Kandavu.

Some speculation lias been excited here by the rendezvous at San Francisco of six Russian men-of-war, under Rear-Admiral Pousino, commander of the ileet in the Pacific. The movement had all the appearance of a menace to the British posses sions in the Pacific, but, from the weakness of the ileet, it is not likely that any greater depredations could be committed than such as might be carried into effect by a sudden descent on unprotected points. The osten sible reason for the presence of the fleet in an American port was to pass the winter. Whether, as an American contemporary sug gested, safety from the Turkish fleet had anything to do with it, we cannot say. But one circumstance of considerable" impor tance in connection, with the event appeal's to have been overlooked, to wit, that the Russian fleet was followed through the Golden Gate, after a very short interval, by four of the British men-of-war on the Chinese station. I>iploinatU;u}),y, till soin.Qi&en.ce, -will; of CQVUUfy Jiavs Jio

significance whatever—the^ merest chance in the world might have brought about such a conjunction ! The idea that the British ships were dogging the Russians about and taking stock of their capabilities at a place in direct telegraphic communica tion with Europe is not to be enter tained for a moment ! But,taken in connec tion with the Hon. George Ward Hunt's evident acquaintance with the movements of the Russian fleet in the Pacific, there is a certain amount of comfort to the coloniesinthetwo circumstances. With the growing prospect of war between Eng land and Russia we feel the complete help lessness of our chief seaports, and their inability to repel the incursions of even stray ill-armed cruisers. The whole ques tion" of colonial defence will have to be taken into consideration early in the approaching session of parliament. An expenditure, insignificant compared with the amount of property at stake,.would suffice to place all the New Zealand ports in a position to resist bombardment or sacking until help from the iieet could be summoned by cable, and it seems little short of madness that we should place our lives and property at the mercy of any enemy or lillibustermg expedition." The history of the colonies lias not disclosed any disposition, among men with British blood in their veins to sit down quietly and be plundered, and, de generate as we may have become, very few colonists relish the idea of occupying a position in which a defence of their homes and hearths is practically out of the question. Never yet have the Australasian colonies been destitute of British troops while the mother country was at war with a maritime Power.

A cable message announces that the Zealanditi arrived in San Francisco on the sth instant, two days late. The City of New York left on the 24th. If the latter ligure can be relied on, the incoming steamer started a day before her time, and may be expected about the end of next week. Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, is said to possess eminent scientific attain ments. The freestone quarry on Capt. Symonds' property, Muddy Creek, Manukau harbour, is now about to be worked. The testimony of experienced gentlemen has been given in favour of the stone being exceedingly valuable. Mr. Hewitt is n gotiating with the proprietor, and it is probable that some arrangement will be come to, to work the quarry for a period, during which Mr. Hewitt will have all the stone taken out. Captain Symoiids has lately spent a con siderable sum in opening up a workable face, which has proved beyond doubt the presence of a large quantity of freestone.

Rats in parts of Queen-street are getting hungry, and in their quest for food have committed several outrages. At a small store in Victoria-street they committed a burglary, broke open a candle box, and decamped with a pound of dips. At Mr Woodruff's, late Brown's fruit store, next the Union Bank, they gnawed through n gas pipe, and caused an escape of gas, and in the immediate locality on Tuesday evening, while a young lfidy alone in a hotel bar, was singing "Meet me by moon light alone," she heard the shaking of a bottle behind her, and saw a huge rat, apparently listening to her song. She immediately uttered a scream, aud the rat bolted. A more remarkable story is told by a respectable resident in Nelson-street, who for a short time occupied a house over run with rats. The rodents got into the bedrooms by night, eat the children's toe nails, and on one occasion suckled at the good woman's breasts, in proof of which marks of teeth remains.

The venerable Archdeacon Maunsell will deliver his lecture on " The gentleman," this evening in All Saints' School-room, Pousonby, in aid of the funds. Mr. W. L. Ree.s has found publishers for his long-expected novel of "Sir Gilbert Leigh." The work lias been accepted by the well-known and successful house of Sampson, Low, Marston, and Co., of Lud gate Hill, formerly of Lamb's, Conduct street, where the elder Mr Low commenced in a very small way as a bookseller Since the commencement of its career, this linn has been eminently successful and now ranks in the front of publishing nouses. The appearance of the work is expected towards the close of the present year.

The grand vocal and instrumental con cert ii) aid of the Engineer and City Band, will commence? at eight o'clock this evening, in the Choral Hall. A full programme ap pears in our columns.

Most amusing scenes arc reported to have taken place in the Government Buildings, Wellington, in consequence of the new regulations not allowing the usual half hour for luncheon. Some of the clerks bring down corn-in populo fryingpans, saucepans, and toasting forks, together with all varieties of eatables ami drinkables, and one large department, the head of which will persist in .smoking, ha.s been .solemnly reported to the Government, by the head messenger, for " cooking red herrings, onions, and beef steaks on the iire-tong- !" The harbour outside the buildings is further said to be covered with empty bottles. Corporation property in Dunedin, front ing Princes-street South, has been leased at £3 to £4 per foot per annum.

The City Corporation of Christchurch has adopted a steam road-roller. Public meetings are to be called at Oamani and Naseby, to urge the construc tion of a railway from Oamaru to Ryeburn. Wine-making-is making great progress in Wanganui. One quality has been sold as port wine, and another is said to resemble Moselle.

The " New York Tribune " gives several instances of religious lunacy produced by Mr Moody's revival lectures. We learn that a large number of summonses are being prepared in the City Council otlices for all arrears of rates.

The Spiritualistic meeting in Lome-street Hall last evening was frequently disturbed by a drunken man, who would persist in sitting on the floor, and making such re marks upon Mr Walker's utterances as "Hookey," "I know more about spirits than Walker —hie," and then he would fall back, with another " hie " and a groan. The poor fellow was at last assisted out of the hall, and with a rapid succession of "hies," stumbled into the mud. It was said that he Avas a medium, and in the power of spirits.

News has been received that shares are being liberally subscribed in London to wards the Scottish and New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, formed at Invercargil.

By the Suez mail we learn that Mr E. J. Reed had made a vigorous attack upon Admiralty management, pointing out that some of the first-class ironclads were deii cient in engineering staff. He said that such immensely complex machines as our Devastations and Iron Dukes are sent to sea, let alone constructed, Avith a staff which confessedly does not understand the appli cation of the best principles to vessels pro pelled by steam.

In the estimation of competent judges the Russian soldier is inferior to the Turk. He is smaller in fctature, not so abstemious, and not so well drilled. The Turk is tall, heavy, and soldier-like. He fights with the in spiration of a fanatic, and faces death and danger with the composure of a fatalist. The Asiatic recruits which have been pour ing into the camp on the Asiatic side of the Boaphorus for many months past are described as hearty, hardy, .sunburned fellows, full of martial ardour and religions enthusiasm, and, gagUy inituitoii *ttt° Ul<* %i tV.&i« $ way,"

The Mutual Improvement Society of Otahuku is progressing, under the patronage of the leading residents and the young people of the district, although the balance to the credit of the Society was only 3s Sd, according to the report of Mr Whitmore, the Treasurer. At the annual meeting on Monday, Mr S. Luke was chosen President, and Mr Sheppard, Vice-President. The Committee chosen were : Rev Mr Gould, and Messrs Higgin, and Hall, Mr Bowden, Secretary. The Society have issued a good syllabus of subject for the winter session, the subjects for Monday evening next are " Cromwell," by Mr Donald, and a debate on "Strikes," rather too much for one evening.

At the annual dinner of Directors and Commanders of the P. and O. Company, the chairman, Mr Fane Ac. Salis, pointed out that it has a capital of £3,500,000, and possesses a fleet equal in tonnage to that of the United States, employing 17,000 men afloat and ashore. He referred to the services rendered by the fleet during the Indian mutiny, and the Abyssinian Campaign. Connected as he was with the Australian colonies, he claimed to know them Avell, and it was his conviction that some persons in that room would yet live to see the day when they would stand pre eminent in the commerce of the East. Three months ago Sir Hercules Robinson, the Governor of New South Wales, delivered an admirable address at Albury, in the course of which lie endeavoured to fore shadow the future commerce and population of Australia. He showed that according to the present rate of increase their popula tion would in fifty years equal that of England, while in eighty years it would exceed that of the United States. In making this estimate he said, with, truth it might prove too low, as no person could exactly gr ago the future flow of Australian emigration.

The "Wellington Post," referring to the election of Dr. Wallis, says:—"The rev. gentleman is a very longwinded person, and will doubtless be of great service to Messrs Rccs, Stout, and Thompson, if they have another bout of "talking against time." At the same time he is an able man, and one who can form an intelligent opinion on public questions."

la the recent inroads of tlie sea at Napier, the force of the waves carried a bloeic of limestone, weighing a quarter of a ton, a con siderable distance.

The following appears in the "Age," and was evidently recorded by the last .Suez mail : —An English correspondent, whose position entitles him to know that of which he writes, states in a letter by the incom ing mail as follows, relative to the visit of the Prince of Wales to these colonies :—

The visit of the Prince ot Wales to Austra lia is considered as a settled thing. The names of the specials for the different papers are generally mentioned in press company. l)r Russell will complete his knowledge of the Avorld by a visit to the Australia* on behalf of the " Times," Henty will represent the " Standard," Forbes the " Daily News," Drew Gay (who went out to India for the "Daily Telegraph") will again represent that journal, and Messrs Simpson nud Johnston the " Illustrated News " and " Graphic."

The members of No. 3 Company A.X.V., are referred to our advertising columns for parade orders. Among the list of passengers who left yesterday by the City of Sydney, we omitted to mention the names of Mr and Mrs Charles I'ike, who arc old colonists of twenty years standing. They intend remaining in the old country for two or three years, after which in all probability they will return to New Zealand.

In several cases called on this morning at the Resident Magistrate's Court, the plaintiffs were not in attendance, and one after another, solicitors asked that their cases might he placed at the bottom of the list. His Worship remarked upon the dilatoriness of plaintiffs, who ought to be present, and said that in future, where parties were absent when their cases were called on, they would be struck out. A Tauranga telegram last night made all usion to the common disregard of the game laws, and the general slaughter of pheasants. The offence is not confined to that part of fhe province. On the Ist of May one gay sportsman marched up Queen street Wharf before the eyes of admiring policemen, with a heavy burden of the dainty bird over his shoulders. His bold ness seems to have saved him, for the case has never come on. A good many people, we believe, sin in ignorance of the fact that the game season docs not commence now till the 21st inst. We would caution them, however, against presuming too much on the leniency of the dread minions of the law.

SLAUGHTER-HOUSE WESTERN SPRINGS ESTATE.

(To the Editor of the Star).

Sir,—Your correspondent A.L.0.J., in his letter on the above subject in last night's issue, has either been wrongly informed or else ho writes with a disposition to deceive the public, when he states that the premium has been awarded to the author of the accepted plan on the condition that he can alter the plan to suit the price specified. The above statement is totally untrue. What the committee did was iust the opposite of the above : for they passed a resolution to the following oftVct:—" That the plan signed ' Utility' be accepted, on the under standing that the owner prove to the satisfaction of the Council that the total cost of building erected in accordance with his plan and the conditions given by City Surveyor shall not exceed the amount specified, viz., £1500." The above resolution was submitted to Mr Mahoncy, the architect, who waited upon the committee and proved to their satisfaction (hat the building proposed to be erected in accordance with his plan would cost at least £30 less than the sum specified. I may say further, sir, that there has not been any alteration whatever made in the plans, but1 that tenders are now being.called for the erection of the building in exact accordance with the plans as at first submitted.—Yours, &c, D. Gold in.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.— This Day.

(Before R. «. Bars<w, Esq., R.M.)

Tiik weekly sitting of this Court, for the reco very of small debts, was held this morning, and the following cases heard and disposed of— JUDGMENTS KOIi PLAINTIFFS. Alex. B. Donald v. Geo. Dowd, claim £5K?s id, costs £1 Ills (Mr. CJoleman for plaintiff). Plutus Gold Mining- Co. \. Carlo Blashe, claim £8 14s, calls and interest on 50 shares, costs £1 19s (Mr. Hesketh for plaintiff); Mr, F. A. White proved the claim to be still due. J. W. Hoare v. David Lindsay, claim £S 16s 9d (Mr. Ihornc for plain tiff) ; costs £2 Is. James Watt v. C. W. Cook, claim £5 6s, firewood; costs 18s. Chas. Marka v. H. M. Jervis, claim £t -ts 6d, goods; costs £1 Is 6d (Mr. Meyer for plaintiff). A MILK SCOKK. Itobt. Glasgow v. Jas. Halliday, claim 10s lOd. The plaintiff in this case was a milkman, and defendant a labourer, and the claim was for a month's supply of milk. , ] )efendant said he would admit the claim, and had offered Mr. Glasgow 3s. a week, which he disdainfully refused to accept. Ha (defendant) was a poor man, with " a family of six children. His wages when in work lid not exceed 35s a week. He would submit to the Court's decision. Here plaintiff got into a great rage, said defendant might go to the —, put on his hat in Court, and was called back. Judgment for plaintiff. Costs, Ms ;to be paid by weekly instalments of 4s. JOHN BBAITHWAVTE V. HON. DANIEL VOLLEN. Claim, £117s Od. Mr Thornc for plaintiff. This was a claim for highway rates. John Braithwaite, collector for Eden Terrace Highway Board, deposed that Dr Pollen's name appeared on the rate book, and the rate, £1 17s (id, due from him had not been paid, although, he had several times applied for the amount. Mr Kissling was expected to ower a defence, and the case was delayed for his appearance. Judgment for plaintiff, with costs, £2, DONALD BUCHANAN V. D. MCGREGOR. Claim, £7 17". Mr Luak for plaintiff. Mr Hesketh for defend ant. The plaintiff in tliis ease deposed that four teen years ago, he lent riefend.*i»t $h W » friend, which he $Q\y elftiw* with 4$ J.?S j^teres^ for tbs w*»>

The case being now beyond the Statute of Limitation, judgment was given for defen dant ; costs, £1 6s. Mr J. B. Kussell said that in the case of Watt v. Cooke, in which plaintiff had obtained a judgment, he wished to say that Watt was equally indebted to Cooke, and it was a mean action on the part of Watt, when he know that he was indebted in the same amount. His client would have defended the case, but, being pound keeper, he was delayed about his duties. It was arranged that no execution should take place until after the cross-action, to be brought on Thursday next. GEORGE WORTALL V. MARK WOODWARD. Claim, £t 7s. MARK WOODWAHD V. GEORGE WORRAIX. Claim, 12. Mr MacKecknie appeared for Mr Worrall, and Mr J. B. Russell for Mr Woodward. These claims arose out of a sale of a horse in April last, the fl|-st amount was a claim for breech of warranty, and tshe claim in the latter case was for balance due on the sale of the horse.

(Left sitting.)

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before J. Cosgrave, Esq., J.P., and G. Graham, Esq., J.P.)

DRUNKENNESS. John Brown, Frank Loder, James McGuire, and Charles Flagherty were severally fined 5s and costs for this offence.

STEALING RABBITS. Edmond Wilson, Palmer Wilson, and Patrick Sandall, three small boys, were charged by Peter Mackay with having, on May 9th, stolen three rabbits, his property, of the value of 2s each. The boys pleaded guilty. The Bench ordered Edmond Lewis Wilson to be sent to the Industrial School for a period of five years, to be brought up in the doctrines of the Church of England ; Patrick Wilson to be sent to the Training Ship, to be brought up in the same faith, and the other boy to be confined in the lock-up for 24 hours, he having been con victed of a previous oft'enee. WILFUL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Edmond Wilson and George Wilmore were charged by F. L. Prime witli wilfully and maficiously breaking 18 panes of glass, valued at £1 7s, on the 30th March last. The boys pleaded guilty. The Bench imposed a line of 2s Gd, and ordered the boys to pay the value of the property destroyed, and costs. The boy Wilmore paid, and Wilson was given to the 17th to find the money. This was all the business.

CABLEGRAMS.

(Press Agency.)

The San Francisco Mail.

SYDNEY, this day.

The Zealandia, with the new Zealand April mails, arrived at San Francisco on May sth.

The City of New York, with the London mails, left San Francisco on April 24th.

The Exhibition.

The Exhibition has closed. The receipts were £(>OOO.

A meeting of creditors has been called by Barthold, the Melbourne- cloth manufac turer. The liabilities are over £13,000, and the deficiency is likely to lie heavy.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Colonial Bank 12i; buyers, Us; sellers, 12s South British Insurances—Buyers, 80s. National Insurance—Buyers, 30.-?. Xe\v Zealand Insurance -Bayers, 102s fid. Union Sash and Door Co. (new)— Buyers, •Cl 10s. Red Queen—Sellers, 3a (id. City of London—Buyers, 10s. Moiuiatairi—£ll 153 , £10 15s; buyers, £10 10s; sellers, £11. Alburnia—s7e to 58s; sellers, GOs. Queen of May—Buyers, 20s. Union Beach -28s lid; buyers, 2.">3 ; sellers, 30s. Tokiit.ca--.Ss ; buyers, 7s (id ; sellers, Ss 3d. 1 loyal Oak—Buyers, (is Cd. Kuranui Hill— 29s, :iOs ; sellers, 30s. I'ialco—Buyers, 11s. New Morning Star—Bs; buyers, 7s. .JOSEPH NKWMAN. Chairman.

TELEGRAPHIC.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day.

GOLD RETURNS.

Howe's Moanatairi tribute, 82ozs ; Mor they's Kuranui Hill, 30ozs Ddwts; Wallaer's Golden Age tribute, 4}ozs. THE SHAREMARKET. BrsiNK.ss Done : Moanatairi, £11 15s to £11 10s ; Kuranui Hill, 29s ; New Morn ing Star, 7s 3d ; Alb;miia, 58s (>'d ; Queen of May, double, 20s ; Waitekauri, ex div, lGs 6d. SELLERS : Moanatairi, £11 10s; Kuranui Hill, 31s; New Morning Star, 7s 6d; Albumin, 60s ; Piako, 11*; Queen of Beauty, 27s ; City of London, 10s ; Waite kauri, lfa's 6"d; Cure, Ss; Colonial Bank, 425. BUYERS : Kuranui Hill, 29s ; Piako, 10.S; Queen of Beauty, 25s ; City of London, 9s ; Waitekauri, 15s 6'd ; Cure, 7s.

COROMANDEL. this duv.

ROYAL OAK CllU S H ING. —TO KA TEA.

The Royal Oak finished crushing picked stone, and obtained 65 ozs retorted gold. The Tokatea have obtained, during the last two days, over 200 pounds of specimens and picked stone from tho van level. The Kapanga got another large parcel of specimens yesterday evening. McLean's crushing will finish to-morrow. A good yield is looked for.

TAUPO, this day.

WINTER.—LAND SPECULATIONS.

lhe winter has fairly set in. It is bitterly cold, with squalls and heavy rain, yesterday and to-day. The surveyor's have been driven in from Ngararoro and Whaka, on account of the snow. The rivers are Hooded.

European speculators are here,negotiating tor native runs at Tuhua, and west of Tongariro.

[PRESS AGENCY.]

WELLINGTON, this day.

BANKRUPTCY OF A WELLINGTON MERCHANT.

Mr Jas. Ashea, merchant, has suspended payment. The cause of failure is heavy trade losses on home shipments, and bad debts. The liabilities are about £22,000. Meeting of creditors will be held on the 17th iust. ARMED CONSTABULARY. All the members of the polico force in Wellington were to-day sworn in as mem bers of the Armed Constabulary force to 30th June. FATAL BOAT ACCIDENT. A nshing boat, with three men on board, capsized yesterday off Poahuranga. One man was drowned outright, and a second died as soon as he got on shore. The third man recovered. A TARDY MOVEMENT. The Inspector of police has received in structions to despatch a mounted constable to Palliser Bay to prosecute the search for any wreckage there. It is thought the wieckage already found there is that of Kate Brain, supposed to be lost.

HOKIANGA, this day. The Sea Gull arrived on Tuesday. The schooner Queen is wind bound at Herd's Hoint. It is blowing a strong S.W. "ale. 'I he Sj>eedwell is outside the Heads,

MARLBOROUGH, this day. TUa liutuug Club Jiqa endorsed fcllp tJjs».

BLENHEIM, this day.JR

Mr Syniond's cottage, Charles-street, was burnt this morning. The house and furni ture are insured in the South British for £350.

BREAD IS THE STAFF OF LIFE.

(To the Editor of the Stak.)

Sir, —Ever foremost in the Avorking man's cause, too much praise cannot be accorded you, and every one should assist you avlio has the poAver. Hercules' advice to the Avaggoner Avas '' put thy oavii shoulder to the Avheel," but the AA rorking man is always a laggard when his benefit is at stake. The advice of the master bakers to them is to form a co-operative bakery. I fancy smacks of derision, and should stimulate them to the effort. The success of the co-operative stor.es all over Great Britain slicavs what the Avorking man can achieve Avhen left to him self. It is only Avhen the petty-fogging schemer gets his linger in that the stores fail. I myself helped to form what is now one of the most flourishing stores in Eng land, and can see no reason Avhy one should not pay here. Working men Avould gain one great point, as the principle of these stores is pure and unadulterated food. In conclusion, if this system of extortion is carried on, Aye should folloAV the example of Pharoah and hang the chief baker and all his combination. —Yours sincerely, DITKH Humphrey.

To the Editor : Sir,—With regard to the strik ing of the average in your sub-leader in last night's issue, I ndmit rou are correct when deal ing with the 2210 lbs ton, but in your footnote to my letter of Tuesday, you state : " Upon inquiry Mr Waddel gave us 130 21b. loave3 to every 2001b. bag of Crown brand flour, and Mr Woodward estimated it at 110 loaves." On this misunder standing "hinges" the difficulty about the avorage. I " wish" you " had been more explicit," and stated there plainly what you based your calculations on, by doing which you would have prevented the cause for my remarks at the meeting on Tuesday evening, and I cannot but think it would have bo.en much more " explicit" had you adhered to the 2()001b3. ton. as I believe it is neither special, local, nor novel. I take this opportunity of thanking you for the fair report of the meeting on Tuesday evening, wit.h one trifling exception, which, with your permission, T will here correct. What I really did say was as follows: " I should like to mention that on previous occasions, when there has been an agreement like this, some of the members who have signed it were selling their bread at another price the next day or next week, in consequence of which, the time before last,l had fully made up my mind never to have anything moi'e to do with the agreements; but on this occasion the protocol had been round to a good number of the bakers before reaching me, and on looking the names carefully over, I considered they were honorable men who had signed—men who would stand by their, Avord. Consequently. I signed it. When I saw the articles and other correspond ence in the Stak, I thought T would lower the price at the cost of the quality, and thinking there might possibly be some others who had signed the agreement of a like opinion, I was led to the expect! Nt of calling the meeting, so that if I did decide to withdraw, I might do so publicly, and afford others the opportunity of doing likewise, which I reckoned was a more honorable way than slinking off like a dog with his tail betw'epn his legs." The remainder is sufficiently correct with the exception of the word "standard," for which substitute the word "quality" the word used by me. as I reckon "standard" to be misleading, and I wish the public to understand that it was not.my intention to lower the price, but at the cost of the quality. T have to state that this will .close the corres pondence on my part, nssnrin-r all concerned tlwit it will be my conatant endeavour to productl, the best loaf in my power, at a price consistent with solvency. In conclusion I most emphati cally and unhesitatingly repudiate the charge of " foolish piece of bounce," and fail to see that my invitation to the co-operative bakery was not in " good taste," owing to the fact that such a movement had been threatened by various writers.- Yours respectfully. .Toiix Biuxie. [\V~e arc sorry to accuse our correspondent of disinv;enuousness,but a reference to the footnote will convince him that his opening remarks expose him to that charge. He wishes we "had been more explicit, and stated what we based our calculations on." If he will take the trouble to look at the footnotes again, he will (md the basis distinctly stated as a ton of 2,210 lbs., the number of lbs. being expressly set out,-Ed. E.S.I.

[Letters from " T.W.M." and "One avlio Suffers," on the same ' subject, arecroAvdcd out,]

NEW MASONIC HALL, ONEHUNGA.

The Onehunca fraternity of Freemasons, Lodge Manukau, f>S(i, have greatly distinguished them selves by tlio bnilding of a most resnectable Masonic Hall, and have outstripped the older and more numerous scions of the order which, are located in and about the city of Auckland. The Building Committee were appointed but a few months ago, and are to be congratulated upon the speedy and very successful issue of their enterprise. The. gentlemen forming the committee are:—Messrs. J. W. Waller. \V. Dunwoodio, J. R. Henry. P. Clarke.T.G.Blakcy. The building is situated upon a piece of ground fronting the main street, and within a few minutes' walk of theirai'way station. The hall' has added considerably to the substantial appearance of Queen-street, which has of late years received the. addition of several two storied shops and dwelling-houses. The want of a large and well-arranged public hall has loner been felt in Onehnncra, and the originators of this Masonic Hall Company had in view to supply the 'Want.'" The enterprise will thus prove a public boon, and will no doubt be largely patronised by the inhabitants of this rising township. The hall is 72ft. by ofift., and is 21ft. high clear from floor to ceiling. On entering the hall from the front there, are rooms on ouch side to bt; used as dressing rooms. The plan of lighting is similar to that of the Choral Hall, the windows being placed at the top of the walls. The style of finish inside is remarkably neat and strikiner. The walls are penciled, 'inside the 1 panels being papered with green tinted paper having gold borders, and the procenium is being finished to match. The stage is ample, and altogether the effect of the internal arrangement is most pleasing to the eye. Everything is done to suit the taste of the most fastidious, and the result will prove equally satisfactory to caterers for public amusement, as to the audience, who will not have to rest their eyes upon rough beams, nor rugged lengths of scantlins. nor the overlapping edsres of the weatherboarding. sights which greet the eye in most of our newly-built edifices. On the con trary, here, every inch is eai-efully lined or papered, cr painte\ regardless of trouble or ftxpense, and with an artistic display of taste which bespeaks a well-cultured mind on the part of the architect. Shewing that he is like wise aware of the pleasure afforded to an intel ligent mind, by being surrounded with objects of beauty, and well-contrasted shades of colour. The interior of this hall is perfect of its size and kind, and we learn that the committee are thoroughly satisfied with their building, which reflects great credit upon the architect, Mr Bart ley. The first mayor of Onehunga will set maics tioally within the graceful arches of the pros cenium as he presides over the first public meeting hel in the new building, and his Worship's manly bosom will innate with honest, but pardonable pride as he gazes on the the excellent interior of the Onehunga Masonic Hall.

SPIRITUALISM.—MR WALKER'S LECTURE.

Mr Walker, the trance medium, delivered a lecture last night, at the Lome-street Hall, the subject being "Spiritualism defined and defended." The Rev. Mr Edger took the chair, and introduced the speaker in a short speech in which he said he re-echoed the wish of the dying Goethe for more light. The lecturer began by warning the audi ence that many of*the'things he was going to say would be at variance with their pre° conceived ideas, but he asked them to hear him patiently, and calmly form their own conclusions afterwards. Spiritualism, though only come into prominent notice or late years, was in reality very ancient, for it was coeval with the beginning o f the universe. He was sorry to say that many of the modern investigators had approached it in a carping spirit, and with a greater desire to find out the impostures and absur dities which had been connected with it than to arrive at an understanding of its true nature. On the other hand, so many great and acknowledged leaders of science had expressed their belief in it that we must pay some deference to it. Professor Bailey and others equally famous might be men tioned among these, and Sir David Brew ster, though professedly an opponent, had left private memoranda which showed him to have been very much impressed with its phenomena. Thousands had testified to the fact that the phenomena of spiritualism: could not be explained bvriuiv law of the natural worid, Mind suttoa upon, matter, odic force, Wffachio fSw

tion : other ascribed them to electricity o«j galvanism. But it had been proved bvtZ that none of these were right eluciffi? and more, all these tests put together plamlv that no other explanation couwT arrived at than that the phenomena 1! caused by a disembodied intelligence Th said "We are the spirits'of your"fri e 2 departed." How else could they acorZt for the little daughter of the FoxS hWn a + ™Gf G When Only three mon£ old. What intelligence caused that ? They might go back to the rappings heard by the Wesleys which could only be accounted for by spiritualism. To those who said spirit ualism was not rational he answered what -was more reasonable than presuming thp immortality of the soul to be a truth° that disembodied spirits should evince an anxiety for the welfare of the friends they had left on earth. St. Paul said " There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body." What more natural than that the spiritual world should throw some of its influence in the physical world ? Tyndall had proved that the very dust we breathe Avas teeming with life and should we believe that the space which separates world from world was an empty void. As well argue that there was no air because we cannot see it, no motion of the earth because we cannot' feel it, no electricity because we cannot taste it. What said S;. Paul ?'• " Are they not ali ministering spirits," sent forth to minister to those that are heirs of salvation ?" How were we to account for Swedenborgs, and other seers' mysterious revelations ? They must give some explanation of them, and the only one which stood all tests was spiritualism. It, was maintained by some that the communications were only -with evil spirits ; but it was absurd to suppose that God would grant to devils a power which he denied to raigels. The direct influence of spiritualism was to make men lead godly lives because it showed men that no single law of God could be broken without Him knowing it. It was calculated to do good or evil as it was used ; its natural direction was to inculcate a pure philosophy. It must not be used for selfish purposes as many people tried to use it. Some said ifc was anti-Scriptural. All he could say was that if there were no spiritualism/there would have been no Bible. It was eini nently Scriptural. Every sublime truth was its property, and it might be defined as a collection of the best thoughts and the best truths that exist. It was a church, founded upon all denominations, all sects, all tenets. The lecturer here defended spiritualism with the somewhat lame argument of Scriptural precedent, and spent some time enumerating the miraculous occurrences mentioned in the Bible. He saw no reason why things that happened a thousand years ago, should not happen now. People believed in the old miracles, and there were many who were in the habit of demanding a thousand years test before they believed anything. Others Avere fond of quoting certain texts of Scripture against them, such as " Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live," the prophecy of St Paul as to the latter days,when men should "give hoed to seducing spirits, etc., etc." If they accepted the definition that all who talked with spirits were witches, then they must inevitably come to the conclusion that Jesus was a wizard ; if they denounced all who .spolca only to evil spirits, then in the same way, they must denounce Jesus. The lecturer here quoted several texts as foretelling Spiritualism, such, as "In the latter days I will pour out my spirit on all fiesh, etc.," and "These signs shall follow them that believe, etc.," "Now, concern ing spiritual gifts I would not have you ignorant, etc.," " Try the spirits, whether j they are good or bad," and others. In conclusion, the lecturer said Spiritualism would test itself in the future, and would show that it was not antagonistic to science and religion. He was confident that if they would dispassionately examine the evidences they would come to the same conclusion as he had himself, Mr Walker, who had kept his eyes closed all through, his lecture, here rubbed his eyes and shook his head, and appeared to wake up with a start. The Rev. Chairman, after a compli mentary reference to the lecturer, and a lecture to the reporters, who he said had misrepresented Mr. Walker's previous lecture, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Walker, and afterwards, on behalf of the lecturer, proposed a vote of thanks to the audience for their patient hearing. Both were understood to be carried. The hall Ava-s Avell filled, and great attention was paid.

THE SUPPOSED POISONING CASE AT ONEHUNGA.

Adjourned Inquest on the Body-

[FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.]

ONEHUNGA, this day, 3 p.m. THE adjourned inquest on the body of Annie Scott, was held at the Hibernian Hotel, Onehunga, at 12 o'clock, before Dr. Philson, and a jury of 14, Mr J. D. Jackson, foreman. Mr Inspector Thompson, and Mr Brook field appeared on behalf of the police ; Mr Tyler for Dr. Ross ; and Mr Hesketh for Dr. Purehas.

At the request of Mr Tyler, a, summons was issued to compel the attendance of a Mrs Bnlcraig, who was present at the time Dr Ross took the froth from Mrs Scott's mouth.

Dr. Zinzan, sworn, deposed: I reside uv Onehuuga, and remember Dr. Ross coming to me on the 2oth ult., between 10 and 11 a.m., and asking me to come to see Mrs Scott. I knew she was in labour. I went to her house. The appearance of the woman was natural. I did not think it necessary to relieve her at the time. _ I administered opium as]a soothing [medicine. The woman did not complain of any other than labour pains. She was not vomiting during the time I was there. I only remained in the house ten minutes; I ad ministered the first dose of the medicine myself. I did not see any other medicine administered while I was there. , Dr. Ross left with me. I, returned in the afternoon and found Dr. Purehas in attendance upon the patient. I did not examine her at that time. J thought that she might be delivered. She was not vomiting then. I only remained a few minutes on that occasion. I saw her about midnight on the next day. She was then living. Dr. Purehas was not there. I found her in a state of collapse, and vomit ing brownish matter, incessantly. The state in which she was might have been caused; by rupture of the uteris. I remained until the morning of the 27th, and was present at her death. The vomiting did not cense, and was of the same description as at first* I was present at the post mortem exannna« tion held by Dr. Goldsbro', and from the appearance of the body I believed rupture ■ of uteris caused her death. I saw the rup« tme in the uteris. , By a juryman : My attention was not drawn to any symptoms of poison, nor curt I observe any from first to last. Dr. R°s? did not suggest to me that the woman m<* taken poison. A portion of the medicine administered by me still remains. I believe, no medicine was given by Dr. Ross before i saw the patient. I wrote a prescription. wr my medicine, and it was dispensed by M»« Gillman, „ By another juryman : I shoulddffnppNjJ ox this j|4tuuustva.tii>n of. wrot of W* W W \

THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1871.



/CONTINUATION OF CLEARING \J OUT SALE. JOHN W. P EARSE (Leaving for England). The Stock must be sold at Frightfully Reduced Prices, to realise quickly, consisting of a very Large Stock of Men's and Boys' Clothing, Ulster Coats, Waterproof Coats, Inverness Capes, Overcoats, French Felt Hats, Cloth Caps. A large quantity of Ladies'"Very Fashionable Costumes, Jackets, Shawls, and Felt Skirts, just received from London. Blankets. Flannels, Tweeds, Hosiery. Gloves, uffles, Feathers, Flowers, and Straw Goods. Every Department i 3 Marked Down, so as to clear out. The Lkase of the Premises for Sale. SPIRITUALISM EXTRAORDINARY. TO MR. THOMAS WALKER, and all other Spiritualists possessed of the Circulating Medium— There are SPIRITS above, And SPIRITS below. The SPIRITS above Are SPIRITS of love ; But MY SPIRITS below Are SPIRITS Divine. Try BRITOMLART'S SPIRITS, And BRITOMART'S WINE. F. ARCHARD, j^BRITOMAET HOTEL 1» Custom-house-street.



T> OVAL T>OWLING Q ALOON, Opposite Thistle Hotel. New Alleys ! New Balls ! Everything New! ONLY 6d. Game through the Day. S3T Cheapest and Healthiest Amusement in Auckland T> O L L E R SKATES! ROLLER SKATES! The undersipmed have a Large Assortment of ENGLISH AND AMERICAN ROLLER SKATES. E. Porter & Co-, QUEEN AND HIGH-STREETS, AUCKLAND. SPECIAL NOTICE. AUTUMN & WINTER GOODS, BA.NNOCKBURN AND MOSGIEL TWEEDS H. L. POSSENNISKIE Opening Out these New Seasonable Goods, would call particular attention to their quality, which is second to none imported, ■while from his large and varied Stock Gentlemen can rely on a choice of Cloth unattainable else where in the colony. H. L. POSSENNISKIE, MERCHANT TAILOR & HABITMAKER, Opposite the City Mart, Shortland-street. J^URBITUBJE! FURNITURE ! Zadieiand Oentemen about to Furnish are respee fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DTLA WING - SOOM, DINING -BOOM BEDROOM, A ND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacious Showrooms. T. & S. COOKE, 67, QUEEN-STREET ZifLoM.nina Bank of Nt.in Zealnnd. Rheumatic &sm Gout Cure, prepared by Sharland and C 0.., Opposite Post-office, Auck land. Made from Indian Recipe. One or two doses will relieve, two bottles will effect a cure. Its healing powers rarely ever fail. People far ■and near obtain it. Price, is. 6d. a bottle, to Atkinson's Perfumery anj> Specialities. Dealers of threadbare reputation in various parts of the country are continually getting up inferior imitations of Upolpho Wolfe s Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps, which they put ib i empty bottles of the great medicinal stimulant andsell to the unsuspecting. False labels are also used by them, Shun these inflammatory nostrums, jujyj, pe,r&Bt W» hSfcVißg tfe& gt»TO© «M 4



MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. Incorporated by Act of Parliament. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH: Head Office, Auckland Local Director: George Btjrgoyne Owen, Esq. (Messrs. Owen and Graham.) Principal Medical Officer: Charles Field Goldsbko', Esq., M.D. General Agent for New Zealand : Wtlliam T. J. Bell. With Sub-Agencies in all the Principal Towns. Every information on the subject of LIFE ASSURANCE ANNUITIES, and ENDOW MENTS FOR CHILDREN, afforded by J. A- Lowe, Travelling Agent to the Association ; or WILLIAM T. J. BELL, General Agent. $&, Special Features.— -Age admitted on Policies, which are unchallangable from date of issue. Lowest Rates of Premiums, and no hamper- INO conditions as to residence or occupation. T^T INTER HOSIERY. W. RATTRAY Has Just Opened Up a Large and Well-selected Stock of £F WINTER HOSIERY, "©ft Including RIBBED MERINO HOSE, in a very Superior Quality; the Fashionable Striped CASHMERE HOSE, and other makes, Well Suited to the Season. , W. RATTRAY, DRAPER, HOSIER, & SILK MER3ER, New Zealand House, 66, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland / hi 111 h WILL ALL FIND GOODS TO SUIT THEM AT THE niTY IT ALL A KCADE. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK'S DRESS DEPARTMENT is replete with the Newest Seasonable Goods. Damasse Cloths, ") As worn in Pans. Matelasse do. J- .._ _ . "_, , Satin Trails, j New Designs and Colours. Plain and Fancy Satin Cloths, Broche Lustrines, and Fancy Diagonals. French Merinoes, and Homespun Tweeds. WINCEYS, immense variety, for town and country wear. OUR SHOW ROOMS (166 feet long) contain the greatest variety of DRAPERY, CLOTHING, & FURNISHING GOODS IN AUCKLAND. Blankets, from 10s. to 455. per pair Flannels, white, coloured and fancy Ladies' Winter Skirts in great variety Shirtings, all Wool, Crimean, and Union. MEN'S & BOYS' CLOTHING. Our Stock is constantly being Renewed with Clothes especially made for Country as well as Town Wear. Our Moleskin and Working Men's Trousers are VERY LOW I'KICED. Ladies, Purchase your Millinery at the Arcade. Large Stock Ready Trimmed Hats & Bonnets Milliners on the Premises, to execute orders with dispatch. THE ONLY ESTABLISHMENT onducted on the English system of combining Drapery, Clothing, Millinery, Underclothing, Carpets, and House Furnishing. QUEEN-STREET & LORNE-STREET. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, JO-MORROW we shall bring for ward the GREATER PORTION of Messrs. Stewart and Anderson's Stock, consisting of Winceys, French Merinos, Fancy Dress Goods, Shaivls, and Mantles; also an immense quantity of Men's and Boys Clothing. The above Goods will be cleared out regardless of cost, to 'make room for our ' Winter Shis>ments, noio landing, per Mectra and Emily Ghqplin. J. COSGRA YE eG CO. NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. Joseph Worms.—Your letter is declined, except as an advertisement.