SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

'tttptt w a tttt? ' Tnis Afternoon, 7.51 HIGH WATER-- To _ morrow Morning, 8.6 SUN SET.—This Evening, 6.16. SUN RISE.—To-morrow Merning, 6.5 MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter, 23rd, 0.48 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Southern Cross. Molanesian Mission vessel, Bon gard, from tho South.

DEPARTURES.

The Wolverine, the new flagship of the Aus tralian squadron, was to leave Sydney for this port a few days after the City of New York. It is probable the is now on her way here. The barque Victoria, which has been wind bound some days at Manukau Heads, got a start yesterday, and proceeded on her voyage to Newcastle.

The three steamers, Takapuna, Lilly, and Transit, are all advertised to take passengers to-morrow to the Tamaki races. We understand that a general tariff of Is 6d for return tickets has boon agreed upon. MF.X-OF-WAR OX THE AUSTRALIAN STATION. —Nymphe, 9 guns, at Western Australia; Sap phire. 14 guns, on a cruise; Sappho, 4 guns, on a cruise: Beagle, 1 gun, on a cruise; Alacrity, 1 gun, at Sydney; Sandfly, 1 gun. on a cruise; Remvrd, 1 anm, on a cruise : Conflict, 1 gun, at Sydney ; Wolverine, 17 guns. The s.s. Taupo has been detained at Nelson tiil to-night, and will, in consequence, not arrive at the Manukau until Sunday morning, about 11 o clock. She will not leave till noon on Tues diy.

The barque Emma left Adelaides for this port a few days ago. She brings a cargo of bark for Messrs Ireland Bros.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING. GISBORNE, this day. Go-ahead arrived this morning from Auck land.

NAPIER, this day. The s.s. Southern Cross left for the Wairoa (Bay of Plenty) yesterday. HOKIANGA, this aay. DEPARTURE OF SCHOONER QUERN. The, schooner Queen leaves to-day withfgum and timber, and one Government passenger.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

Mr Alfred Buctcland's Weekly Report— At Remuera on Thursday, good dairy cattle were in less number than usual; prices obtained were higher than hitherto. Store cattle were in usual number with an irregular demand, but, on tho whole, higher values than usual. Fat cattle were in large numbers—2oo penned, but many of them were coarse and of inferior quality. Prices for well-bred cattle were fully maintained. No good fat calves yarded. Store sheep were in moderate numbers. Fat sheep were in less than usual supply, and dull of sale at last week's quotations. Prices obtained were: For dairy cattle, £8 to £14 ; dry cows, £-1 to £6 ; well-bred calves, 40s to 50s; two-year-old steers, £110s; fat cattle, 23s to 28s per lOOlbs ; fat sheep, 2d to 2id per lb.; goods lambs, 12s to lls each. Hunter and Nolan's Weekly Report.— We quote hacks from £8 to £12 7s 6d; light har ness horses, £13 to £14 15s each. Cattle: There was a fair supply and steady demand at New market on Tuesday. At Mr Abraham's sale at Pukekohe, there was a good attendance of buyers, and the result was satisfactory. Dairy cows sold from £10 to £12 7s 6d; yearlings, from £3 2s Gd to £310; weaned calves, £1 10s to £2 ; two year-old steers, from £4 to £4155; three-year-old steers, £6 to £610s each: beef, 25s to 27s 6d per lOOlbs. Sheep: The Newmarket pens were well-filled on Tuesday. Best fat wethers sold from 17s to 19s; mived sexes, 13s to 15s each ; fat lambs, 8s to 153. Pigs; A good many were yarded, and. there remains an unsatisfied demand at full rates.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

REPORT. P.ank of New Zealand—Buyers, £19 15s; sellers, £20. National Bank—Buyei-s. Css : sellers, 6"s 6d. Colonial Bank (40s paid up)— Buyers, 36s 6d. Thames Gas Co.—Buyers, 21s. South British Insurance—Sellers, 80s. New Zealand Insurance —Sellers, 92s 6d. N.Z. Loan and Mercantile—Buyers, 525; sellers, 53s (new). Union Sash and Door Co. (old issue)— Buyers. £8; do. (new), sellers 80s. Red Queen—ls 6d: buyers, Is 3d. Caledonian—(dble.), 22s 6d ; buyers, 22s 6d. Moanatairi—9Bs. 100s, 102s 6d; buyers, ;97s Gd ; sellers £5. Caledonian (double)—22s Gd; buyers, 22s 6d. Waitekauri —12s : buyers, 12s. Union Beach--i2s 6d. Welcome— Buyers, 3s ; sellers, 4s. Palmerston—Sellers, 4s 9d. Thames —255. JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-

morrow, at 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle. on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m., and per Kina, at 1.30 p.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per

Rowena, this day, at 4 p.m. For Tryphena, per Three Brothers, to-morrow,

at 8 a.m. For Waiwera, Mahnranei, Matakana, Manga wai, Waipu, Mangapai, and Wangarei, per Annie Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Gisborue and Napier, per Jane Douglas,

to-morrow, at 1 p.m. For Waiwera, per Rotomahana, to-morrow, at

For Whitianga, per Ocean, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For Taranak'i and Southern Provinces, per HTaupo, on Monday next, at 8 a.m. Tor money orders and registered letters,

to-morrow, at 5 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per

lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Norfolk Isl*md. per Southern Cross, on or about Wednesday, 4th April. Note.—A letter receiving box has been erected at Mr Hatswell's store. Princes-street, and is cleared at 8.15 a.m., and 3.45 p.m. S. B. BISS. Clref Postmaster.

BIRTH.

COLDICUTT.—On the 13th instant, at her resi dence, Ely Cottage. Mrs. J. Coldicutt of a daughter.

JENKIN.—At her residence, Nelson street, on the 16th March, the wife of James Jenlcin, carpenter, of a daughter.

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 1877.

Eor the r.avse that lacks assistance ' For Die wrong that needs resistance, For the future iii the distance, Anrl the good that we can do.

Our attention has been drawn to leading articles in the " Herald " of Tuesday and to-day. We do not know how many persons have read those productions ; the, evil they were manifestly intended to work has probably not reached very far ; hut all the will is there, and we do not hesitate to say that a more infamous and rascally attempt to stir up religious bitterness and strife Avas never made in this city. Let it be understood in the outset that we yield to none in our belief that the Government system of education must be strictly secular. There is no other way of avoiding conflict with denominational differences, and at the .same time of securing a sound school system. The Government undertake only to supply the key which opens up all know ledge, leaving others to guide the search in the right directions. Our columns for years past attest the fact that we have unwaveringly maintained the principle of secular instruction as alone within the practical domain of the Govern ment. But Christianity has not reached that ebb in an English community when even a respectable minority consider that secular knowledge embraces all that a child should be taught. We have not arrived at that stage when it is deemed a wise and noble tiling to abolish from the schools all know ledge of the existence of an inspired litera ture and si sacred historical record of incalculable A ralue to humanity. The Go vernment is restrained by certain unavoid able, but admittedly regrettable causes, from making the common school system unacceptable to various sections of the com munity, but, with few exceptions, the com munity is agreed that very much more than secular education is needed to raise a moral, orderly and intelligent people. This is the position ; and it has been recognised by the legislature in the 45th clause of the Education Act, 1872, as follows :—

" 45.—N0 religious instruction shall be given in any school established under the provisions of this Act at any time within the regular school hours aiithorised by the Board. Provided always that nothing herein contained shall be taken to prohibit religious instruction being imparted in any school building established under the pro visions of this Act at any time not within the school hours authorised by the Board, and to such chilaron as may voluntarily attend such instruction.

The strict wording of this clause, as well as the common sense view urged in our issue yesterday, f u\v y supports the application made to the Board last week for permission to give religious in truction to any children who may choose voluntarily to remain after " the school hours authorised by the Board." If the Board authorise from ten o'clock till four as the regular school hours, religious teach ing may! be commenced, by persons no way identified with the common school sys tem, two seconds after four without com. ing "within t\o regular school hours authorised by iw Board," What, the

give expression to thought, is that re ligious teaching may be given to children attending public schools, so long as the attendance at such teaching is voluntary, and that it does not infringe on recognised school hours. In pressing this view on the Board of Education, and desiring its affirmation of the interpretation, the memor ialists took a fair and defencible course, one that must carry conviction to any mind not prejudiced by strong preconceived opinions. Yet this simple application, under a law that has been in full force since 1872/ is made the pretext by our contemporary for a ruffianly attack upon all those who have been identi fied with tho movement, and for an appeal to the most unworthy prejudices of sectarian bigotry. Commenting on an intemperate letter, either real or bogus, signed " Parent," the " Herald " tried on Tuesday to fasten upon the memorialists all the over-wrought zeal, bigotry, or venom of that anonymous scribbler. Not satisfied with the first effort in that direction, our contemporary again harps on the same string to-day, asserting that " Parent " " may bo taken as the exponent of ;ho opinions of those gentlemen who memoralised the Board of Educa tion." (The gentlemen referred to, it should be mentioned, were :—Clergymen: Rev. Messrs. R. S. Hassard, It. F. Macnicol, William Kirk, John O. Cargill, R. Taylor, Charles M. Nelson, J). W. Runciman. Laity: Messrs. J. C. Firth, Frederick Buttle, D. Goldic, George Hernus, T. B. Kenderdine, Joseph Newman, G. P. Pierce.) Thus introducing the.se gentlemen to public notice, tho literary Bill Sykes proceeds to quote from " Parent's " letter the following sentence, as a specimen of the Christian views of the gentlemen from Avhom tho innocent, application em anated :—-"Do those few gentlemen think that because there exists a small section of infidels, Scoffers, and Papists in tho land, who may be inveterate haters of God's Book, that, therefore, tho mass of our children were to bo hindered from having it in a most perfectly lawful manner ?" Iho "Herald" then proceeds to a pseudo defence of tho "conscientious convictions of those whom " Parent" calls Papists." Is it sup posed that any intelligent Roman Catholic will bo deceived by this disreputable attempt to hold up a number of citizens to public reprobation as the exponents _of an unchristian bigotry and sectarian hatred, happily now rarely met with among the members of any _ denom ination ? Does the writer think that the Roman Catholics have not sufficient self-respect to resent an attempt to make them a stalking-horse in a miserable and truckling appeal to religious prejudices, with the single object of creating sensation and strife. Happily, the subsistence of long-established friendly relations and religious tolerance in Auckland has robbed such arrows of their poison. In marked contrast with the opinions of the self-appoin ted exponent of Roman Catholicism m the " Herald," we have the declaration of Bishop Moran, the prelate now in episcopal charge of the Auckland See, that rather than accept purely secular education, lie would prefer to have Roman Catholic chil dren taught under the " most bigotted system of Presbyterianism. " At tho conclusion of a column of misrepre sentation, the " Herald," as a clenching argument, says that objection would be raised if " Roman Catholic priests were to ask leave to commence religious teaching in the common schools immediately after the secular teaching." Why should such objection be raised 1 Where, now, is our contemporary's vaunted assumption of religious equality and freedom ? There in no exception in tho Act ; none in the memorial. If a Roman Catholic priest desired to impart to a number of members of his flock attending a public school, the religious instruction which he believes to bo essential, but which the Government cannot give, why should the use of the school building be denied him ? Neither law nor reason would warrant refusal, nor woukl it for a moment be attempted. What is free to one denomination is and must be free to all, and there is no reason why it should be otherwise. We maintain that, while the Government is bound to keep clear of the meshes of denominational partiality, it is also bound not to throw obstacles in the way of purely voluntary effort to impart religious instruc tion to the rising generation. Its duty rather lies in affording every encouragement to those who, at great self-sacrifice, watch over the spiritual growth of the lambs of their flock. We trust that the "Herald" proprietary, laying claim to an unopposed position in the field of morning journalism, will avoid another such abuse of its position as that perpetrated in this morning's issue.

The cable message last night, jstating that an attempt had been made in the Legisla tive Assembly to dislodge the Robertson Ministry by refusing supplies, shews that " Old Jack," as the Premier is familiarly termed in Sydney, has declined to vacate, notwithstanding the vote of censure re cently carried. We have received a copy of the terms of the resolution, by the steamer City of New York, and any Ministry that would hold oifice in spite of such an adverse vote of the legislature must be dead indeed to Constitutional usages. The vote of censure was moved by Mr Parkes on the 6th of March, as follows :—" 1. That the retention of office by Ministers, after having suffered within nine sitting days four several defeats on motions expressive of condemnation and want of confidence, is subversive of the principles of the Constitution. 2. That the foregoing resolution be transmitted by ad dress to his Excellency the Governor." After a very brief debate, the resolution was carried at the same sitting by 31 against 28. One of the defeats referred'to by Mr Parkes, was the refusal of three months' supplies asked for with the object of obtaining a dissolu tion and going to the country. And the veto upon supplies mentioned in the cable des patch yesterday had reference to a similar request. Mr Parkes in moving the vote of cen sure said that " The time had now arrived when every independent member of Parlia ment ought to give his vote in defence of the principles of the Constitution. There was no depth of degradation to which we might not descend if the House toler ated the existence of a Ministry which held. oifice after such repeated de feats as the present Government had suffered, and which was maintained in office by such narrow majorities, secured by the most questionable means." The complication is probably without pre cedent. What his Excellency the Governor should do upon receipt of such an address as that adopted by parliament forms not the least curious component of the constitu tional problem. With the reluctance of Governors to enter actively into the arena of political warfare, Sir Hercules Robinson probably hesitates to dismiss summarily his tenacious advisers. There can be but little doubt, however, that his sympathies will go with Mr Parkes, who vacated office through a generous acceptance of responsibility for the Governor's pardon to Frank Gardiner, tile bushranger. It is admitted that the Parkes Ministry might have avoided political responsibility for an act performed by His Excellency in the exercise of the prerogative of the Crown, and which had actually originated with the Governor. But Mr Parkes took the onus, and popular indignation quickly put him out of office. The gift ©f prophecy; is not needed to con vince" anyone acquainted with parliament ary usages that the position of the Robert son Ministry cannot be maintained for very long. The return of Mr Parkes is but a question of time, and we feel some interest in knowing his views on the mail question. In a debate on tho subject, we gather from Sydney rjprta, feat Mr Parka's, j»ajn.^c»;

tion seemed to be to any change Hhat would not place New South Wales and New Zealand on an equal footing. As an early friend of the San Francisco service, and an advocate of co-operation with New Zealand, for the purpose of carrying it out, we do not think there is any reason to fear the disturbance of the terms agreed to between the Robertson Ministry, the New Zealand Government and the con tractors, under which the subsidy was fixed at £72,500, Now South Wales paying £40,000, and New Zealand £32,500 for a service via Honolulu and Auckland ; New Zealand to perform its own coastal service. [Since the foregoing article was in type, we have received, late this aftornoon, a cable message announcing that the Governor has refused a dissolution. Mr Robertson's last resource, therefore, has failed him.]

rust.

To-morrow's Star will contain a double supplement and will therefore oonsist of eight pages, — the largest pennyworth of literature over presented to the public of Auckland. The " Doctor" has forwarded his usual weekly prescription for those un fortunates who suffer from Hypochondriasis, and it will appear in our issue of to-morrow. Tho "Dose contains a graphic account of the " Hegira of the Councillors" from which the Paroellites will date a new era, the " Proceedings of the Appeal Court" held at Newmarket, the arguments of Counsel, the verdict of tho Jury, and the dreadful pre parations for the Execution, at which the spectators are respectfully requested to appear in mourning costume, and to preserve that expression, of grief which is becoming on such solemn occasions. Those who delight in the sentimental and poetic will find'ample materials in King Henry's Head, but must take care lest they be found "Drifting into Love," which is woo and tribulation "Tojthe Unsatisfied," though en passant, it may be mentioned that there are fellows who never seem to have enough of it. " New Zealand's Volunteers " will also learn all about " The two Armies." "Shadows on the pillow" and " A Mother's Love " complete the poetical budget. The prose contains an article entitled " A tax on bachelors," which is by no moans a "Novel swindling ruse," but a very proper and laudable method of eradicating that abominable class^of shilly shallying people. "Thieves Charms" very appropriately comes next. " A Lively Lunatic " stands check by jowl with " A Modern Crcosus," who is naturally not far away from '-A Banker's Safe." The "Longevity of Flies," "Rythmical Philos ophy " and other corruscations of original and foreign genins make to-morrow's sup plement a collection of litorarv gems worthy of the perusal of,the gods of high Olympus.

We hear that a charge of alleged ill treat ment of a boy has been made against a teacher at Onehunga. The charge is made against the teacher by the father of the boy, who is to have an early opportunity, one of establishing the correctness of his allegation before the Resident Magistrate.

Mr Allen, tobacconist of Queen-street, lias had on view a fine specimen of a skein dim, which was dug up on the battle-field of Bannockburn. Tlie weapon resembles a dagger, and is in a splendid state of pre servation. The workmanship of the dagger is of the most exquisite character. The steel is evidently highly tempered, and the guard is richly chased, and inlaid with silver. The artist has lavished all the resources of his skill upon the weapon, the design being remarkable for great ocenrancy and beauty of outlines. The weapon possesses an historic interest which must render it "well worthy of inspection by the sons of Caledonia, and apart from this it will be equally interesting to the student of archaeology. We have carefully inspected the weapon and compared it with illustra tions of similar weapons in the days of Bannockbnrn, and we havo no hesitation in vouching for its genuineness. Unfort unately an attempt has been made by one of the former owners, to polish the steel, which had become thickly mcrustatcd with.

About that £400,000 and the Smiths. Some months ago all the Smiths of Auck land were excited over the prospect of get ting the money, and subsequently it was stated that a chimney sweep of that übiquitous name, down South, had distanced all competitors, and been declared the rightful heir. We have not heard much of the cleanser of chimneys of late. Probably he has retired to his country seat to live on his wealth, and to meditate on the sweeping changes which have been made in his fortunes. But now we learn on the autho rity of the " Rockhampton Bulletin," thcit the qaict township of Yaamba has been thrown into a state of intense excitement by the fact that Robert Smith, a " selector, in a small way, who also docs a little in fencing," has come in for £400,000, consisting chiefly of pro perty in Cornhill, London. Truly the Smiths are a lucky family, and the eminent firm of solicitors in Melbourne who have unearthed all this wealth deserve to rank side by side with Dr Schliemann, the discoverer of the tomb of Agamemnon, with its treasures of gold and silver.

Ladies and gentlemen who have promised to take part in the entertainment at the Lome-street Hall, on Monday evening next, are desired to meet in the said hall this evening at half-past seven o'clock for rehearsal.

The .annual meeting of the Auckland Ladies' Benevolent Society will be held in the lecture room of the Young Men's Christian Association this evening. His Honor Mr Justice Gillies will take. the chair at half-past seven o'clock. Mr Sergeant Sleigh, who visited Auck land on his "way to Sydney by the mail boat, and received scant courtesy, has, since his arrival in Sydney, been the guest at a dinner party at Government House, been entertained at a dinner by the Chief Justice, at which all the Judges of the Supreme Court, the Attorney-General, and the leading members of the bar and Parlia ment were present. Mr Sergeant Sleigh will reside in Melbourne for a year, and will practice at the bar. He suffers from an affection of the throat, for which his medical advisers recommended residence in a dry climate

A new Wesleyan Chapel is to be erected at Onehunga on a site near to the present chapel. The want of a commodious build ing has been felt for some time by the con gregation which has been increasing in numbers, and consequently an effort was recently made to raise the necessary funds, which proved successful. The foundation, which will be of scoria stone work, has already been commenced. Mr George Broadfoot is the successful tenderer for the erection of the chapel, which will be a hand some wooden structure, 51 x 31, with pointed or gothic windows. The entire cost will be upwards of £600. Mr Herapath is the architect.

An effort is being made to start a weekly- Temperance organ in Wellington, to be called the " New Zealand Reformer." The proposed capital is £500 in £1 shares, of which the Hon W. Fox offers to take 100 shares.

Mr McMaster, draper, of Queen-street, has just opened per Oxford a new shipment of seasonable goods for all classes of wearers, and for every department of the household.

A new Coroners Bill hns been introduced into the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. The principal change proposed by the bill is to permit the Coroner, in cases where the jury do not arrive at a unanimous verdict in four hours, to accept the verdict of a majority equal to five sixths. In places where a jury of www cannot bo procured, it is proposed to allow the Coroner to hold the inquiry with a. jury pi cix persons*

" Mgles" in the " Australasian" tells the following story :—" He got his testimonial, and it was thus :—He is one of the best little fellows going, and was about to start for England by the Tanjore. Several of his friends invited him to a farewell dinner at the—. No, under the circumstances I won't say where. After dinner there was a round game, and the traveller netted, before saying "Good night," £550. He says he will dine with them again when he comes back. This was something like a testimonial, and without the speeches."

A great deal has been written about the liberality of the Sydney hotel-keeper, Mr Punch, in paying Trickett's expenses to England to row the champion of tho Thames. It would appear, however, from a letter written by Mr Trickett to the "Sydney Morning Herald," that it was a .pure speculation on the part of the Sydney publican, and that Triokett lias gained very little by it. He says that Punch received the £300 won in stakes, as well as the proceeds of the sale of steamer tickets and silk handkerchiefs, many of which were sold for a guinea each. Apropos of this subject, we observe that Trickett and Rush are to row a match on the Parramata River to decide the championship.

The "Daily News" has addod another Walter press to its machinery. It was ready in eight weeks after the order was given. The "News" has now seven of these machines in operation, and theso each print 12,000 por hour, or 84,000 per hour in all.

During the arctic expedition there was no appearance of the sun for 142 days. One of the survivors says : " This in the longest period that we know of that any mortal being has spent without the sun."

Tho City Council at their last meetng, resolved to open their Collector of Rates Office on Saturday evenings', for the purpose of receiving rates from persons who find it inconvenient to attend on tho day. The office Avill be open until further notice, on Saturday evening from half-past five to half-past seven o'clock.

By an absurd typographical blunder, the amount of money spent by the Hertha in this port was yesterday given by us as £2,000 instead of £12,000.

A splendid branch of the hop-vine, laden with fragrant hops, hangs by the entrance of Robert Brewin's seed and plant depot in Queen-street. The hops were grown in the garden of Mr Smallfield, of Parnell, and yesterday attracted much gossip from new chums. A couple of young persons stood sometime looking at the hops, when the woman, said, " Law, John, how these things remind me of my Kentish home ; they arc just like those that curl over the hedge of mother's garden at Yaldcn green.' Oh, I do wish I was there again !" " Nonsense Polly," returned John, " what's the use o' fretting about mother? We shall be all right here after a bit! Yon see, Polly, that apples, plums, cucumbers, pumpkins, and hops can be grown in this country as well as in Kent, and mutton and beef are a precious deal cheaper in Auckland than at Maidstone." "So they be, John," said the maid, " but ain't these woppin' fine hops ?"

A dividend of i>s in the pound, in the estate of Henry Probort of Shortland-street is now payable nt the ollice of Messrs B. Tonks and Co. ; the first dividend was 15s, so that Mr Probert's creditors will receive "20s in the pound. A good example and worthy of imitation where it is possible.

The Temperance Variety Troupe of vocalists and performers, under the manage ment of Mr Sceats, Avill give a grand con cert and quadrille party this evening in the Catholic Institute, Wellington-street.

The following is the complete balance sheet of the Standard Insurance Company for the half-year ending 31st December, 1876" :— Liabilities. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Capital .. .. 30,000 0 0 ~ Capitalised in .June, 1870 .. 1,250 0 0 31,250 0 0 „ Reserve P'untl 5,810 0 0 „ Bonus for Distribution .. 2,490 0 0 „ Balance of Profit and Loss Account 19,830 16 7 £59,389 16 7 Assets. £ b. d. By Investments 38,901 6 6 ~ Value of Buildings, Furni ture, etc 1,821 2 5 „ Cash in Bank, Duncdin .. 4,896 810 ~ Cash at Branches, in hands of Agents, and uncollectcd at Agencies and Head Office 13,770 18 10 £50.389 16 7 Profit and Loss Account. £ s. d. To Fire and Marine Losses .. .. 20.153 14 6 ~ Agents' Commission .. .. 2,768 13 2 „ Salaries and Charges .. .. 1,040 10 0 „ Salaries and Charges .. .. 1,910 10 0 ~ Deterioration of Property (say) 150 0 0 „ Balance 19,839 16 7 £14,852 14 3 By Balance, Juno, 1876 24,385 19 4 „ Less Dividend Capi talised .. .. 1,250 0 0 „ Reserve Fund .. 5,810 0 0 „ Bonus for Distribu tion .. .. 2,490 0 0 9,550 0 0 „ Net Firo and Mar ine Premiums .. .. .. 28,789 12 5 ~ Interest and Trans fer Feeß 1,227 2 6 £14,552 14 3 After the adjournment yesterday at the Resident Magistrate's Court, Mr Bartley gave evidence to the effect that he did not regard Mr Evans as acting for the Insurance Company. Mr W. A. Ridings corroborated the evidence of Mr Gilfillan as to what took place at the interview with McGarrigle. Mr Hemus, photographer, was also ex aminod. Counsel in the case conmented upon the contradictory evidence. Mr Hesketh was of opinion that there must have_ been flagrant mistake or perjury on one side or the other. His Worship reserved judgment. In an action by the Cure G.M. Co. v. Tyler, to recover calls amounting to £S1 on one hundred shares, the defence was "not indebted," on the ground that the shares had been transferred, though the company refused to register, and that the calls had been made at a meeting of directors not legally convened. 'Mr Hesketh appeared for plaintiffs. His Wor ship reserved judgment. At a recent meeting' of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, Mr Ramsay read a paper on a new species of Pelodryas from New Zealand.

RETURN OF THE MELANESIAN MISSION VESSEL.

The Melanesian Mission vessel, Southern Cross, Capt. Bongard, returned to port this morning, after a cruise down South. She lelt Auckland on the Ist of February, and in consequence ofaheavyS.E. gale, bore up for Wellington, stopping there about a week. Here the ship was visited by His Excellency the Governor, the Hoii. the Minister of Justice, and other officials. Sailed from Wellington on Tuesday the 13th, and arrived in Port Chalmers on' Mo nday the 19th, after a tedious passage. Went into dock on the 22nd, and hauled out on the 28th, having overhauled the copper, and fitted new hawse-pipes. Sailed for the north on Ist March. Passing Banks Peninsula encountered a gale from the southward which prevented the ship calling at Lyttel ton. From the Kaikouras, had heavy N.W. weather into Wellington, reached on Wednesday the sth inst. On the B^, took the local Sunday school children, number ing 270, for a trip in the harbour, and on Saturday the 10th sailed for Auckland. Had N.E. winds till offHawkes Bay, when 1^& eeJ5 B ia Blxifted l1 to th° southward with a the tnt&^>^ w\™™ii*& to

• 9 o'clock. When the Southern Cross left Auckland there were 26 boys from the Kohimarama school on board, and only two A.B's, but two more had to be shipped at Wellington in consequence of the heavy weather. The boys acquitted themselves very well, and created great interest at the ports visited. They went to church in a body at Port Chalmers. Two of them were shipped as apprentices on board the homeward bound ship Otaki at Port Chalmers, one was left in Hospital at Wellington, with a bad knee, and two others were placed on board the Govern ment steamer Stella. Captain Breton who went in charge of the boys, left in Welling ton to proceed South for the purpose oi visiting the schools there. Passengers: "Bishop Selwyn, Mrs Selwyn, and Mr Max well.

- The "Wellington Post" is rough on Mr J. J. Utting'splay of " Check and Cotinter- Check." It says that nowhere outside a Lunatic Asylum could persons bo found behaving ao the characters do in the play.

CABLEGRAMS.

[PRESS AGENCY.]

Another Proposal by Russia.

MONTENEGRO'S DEMANDS

UNABATED

LONDON

this day. RUSSIA makes fresh proposals for collective action by the Powers. Montenegro persists in her demands.

Australian.

Nev South Wales Ministry Resigned-

All-England v- Combined Australia-

SYDNEY.

March 15. The Governor has refused a dissolution The Government has resigned.

MELBOURNE

March 15. The Combined team of Australia went in first at the wickets. Three are now out for 40 runs. Banner man, not out, has scored 20.

SIX WICKETS FOR 166.

BANNERMAN THE AUSTRALIAN

GRACE,

This day. The Combined team, six are out for 166. Bannerman is not out for 126.

Kaipara Shipping.

(From our own Correspondent.)

KAIPARA HEADS, Wednesday.

Arrived this morning, brig Pakeha from Dunedin ; schooner Kaiuma, from Welling ton.

Dkpartures.—The Hannah Broomfield on the (>'th, for Wellington ; Annie Hill, for Lyttelton, on the Sth; Sarah Pile, for Westport, same date ; Owake, for Dunedin, on tlio 11th ; Sarali and Mary, for Lyttel ton, same date; Prince Alfred and Maud Graham, for Lyttelton, on the 11th ; brig Wild Wave, for Melbourne, and Enterprise, for Black Head, sailed on the 12th.

The report that a vessel was in the breakers is false.

TE KOPURU

The Julia F. Carney, Marmion, and Marion are loading, and will leave by the end of the week.

KAIHU, Wednesday. The Ada Whiswellis commencing to load. The mills are rather bare of shipping com pared to the briskness of late, but several vessels are expected.

The Torea left Onehunga at 9 a.m. on Sunday, and arrived in the Wairoa at 7 p.m. same night. She is now loading for Lyttelton.

Since Friday very heavy rain has occurred causing much loss to settlers in the river. News from Matakohe states the new bridge has been partly washed away, and considerable dc'image done in the district.

ARATAPU, Wednesday.

The Onward is loading here. One mill had to stop work for a day, owing to being flooded out. A large -number of logs broke away, and several boats have started to recover them.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before J. May, Esq., and Robert Graham

JEsq., Justices) DRUNK.

Henry Austin surrendered to his bail on a charge of drunkenness, and was fined 10s and costs.

NON - PAYMENT OF WAGES.—A LIVELY

SCENE IN COTJJRT,

A charge of a breach of the Merchant Shipping Act against Captain Carey of the Star of the South was on the list.

MrWm. Loclder applied for an adjourn ment, as the vessel would not be in port for a few days. Mr J. B. Russell objected to Mr Lodder making any such application. Either the the accused ought to be present, or lie should be represented by competent counsel. Such a thing as a non-profoesional man appearing for the defendant in a quasi criminal charge had never been allowed in that Court.

The Court ordered the case to be called.

James Carey was then charged with re fusing to pay George Frost, lately mate of the Star of the South, £15 4s,the balance of wages lawfully due to him according to duly signed articles of agreement. Mr Graham: There seems good reason for the adjournment. Mr Russell : You can know nothing but from affidavit or the officers of the Court. Mr Graham : We are here to do justice. Mr Russell: According to the due forms of law, I protest against your Worship's going out of your way to find reasons for adjourning the case. I shall claim my right to proceed at once and prove my case. There is nothing on the face of these proceedings to warrant an adjournment or to excuse the defendant not bein<* here to-day. I ° Mr Graham : This case will stand over. Mr Russell : I am still addressing the Court, and hope I shall be treated with some respect and courtesy. Mr Graham : We must adjourn the case as it will take a long time to hear. You have been speaking over five minutes, and if you go on like this you will take aU the morning. Mr Russell: Because your Worships keep interrupting me. You are making exceptions in favor of the accused, and it is my duty to put the matter plainly before you. I cannot allow you in your official capacity to adjudicate in such a case with put letting you know the state of the law.

The Bench conferred together for some minutes.

Mr Lodder said he would instruct Mr «eorge to ask for an adjournment. Perhaps that "would do.

Mr Russell said he would rand tlto taw W* th« ptyest, The, teamed. «qu»^ ?«^

extracts from a law book, which went f show that all wages due to a seaman should be paid within two days after the termina tion of the agreement, or at the time sudi seamen is discharged whichever harmpw first. He would call their Worships atten* tion to the fact, that the summons •wag issued last Wednesday, and instead of making any attempt to pay the man's wages, the Captain went away on a three weeks voyage, and the claimant was kent kicking his heels in Auckland without his money. It might happen that Mr Frost would lose the chance of going in a vessel by reason of his detention. The law made provision for speedy recovery in such cases' m view of the precarious nature of a sailor's calling, and he trusted that if an adjourn ment was granted it would be on terms that the complainant's expenses should be paid, and that the money claimed should be paid into Court. As yet they had no guar antee that Captain Carey would be back at all.

Mr George applied for an adjournmen till Friday next. He was instructed tha* the complainant was in employment at thet present time, and the defendant had good reasons to assign for not paying the -wages namely, neglect and loss of cargo. ' The Bench, after Mr Russell had agaiu spoken against the adjournment, ordered the case to stand over till Friday; the costs to go with the issue. Mr Russell: About as unjust a decision as over I heard.

Mr May: You might wait till you are out of Court before making such a remark Mr Russell. It is a contempt of Court. '

THE SKIPPER AND THE CUSTOMS.

William MofTatt, captain of the English barque Santiago, was charged at the instance of the Collector of Customs with landing certain uncustomed goods, to -wit, one harmonium, contrary to section 163 of Customs Regulations Act, 1858, -whereby the said William Moffatt had forfeited the sum of £100, for which the Collector of Customs elected to sue.

The case was remanded till to-morrow on the application of the Collector.

ROBBING A PAL,

Robert Dunn, was charged with stealing a watch the property of Thomas Jones. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and said he had nothing to say. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the prisoner and prosecutor were drinking together yesterday, and prisoner stole the other man's watch, and went and pawned it for 21s, and spent the money. The prisoner, was ordered to be imprisoned for one month.

The Avatch was returned to Mr Neumegen that he might recover the amount he had advanced on it.

PETTY THIEVES,

William Lloyd, and Frederick Gillon, two littlo boys, were charged witli stealing a melon, the property of Mrs Melville. Sub-Inspector Partly said the two boys had gone into Mrs Melville's garden and taken the melon. It was a simple case, but instances of the kind were so common in the suburbs, that it was necessary to take measures to stop them. The boys, who pleaded guilty, were let off on their parents undertaking to give them a good flogging. WARNING NO 1.

Thomas Chambers, who had been remanded for a week, on a charge of lunacy, the result of excessive drinking, was brought up again this morning, and as he was much better he was discharged with a caution.

THREATENING LANGUAGE,

Thomas Harrison was charged with using threatening and abusive language to George Priestly. Defendant pleaded not guilty. Mr George appeared on behalf of the complainant. George Priestly said he lived in Parnell, and the defendant lived next door. On the day in question, in the evening, he was sitting in his parlour when he heard the voices of his wife and the defendant in high dispute. He went to see what was the matter, and found Harrison leaning against the fence very much the worse for drink. He was abusing Mrs Priestly, and accusing her of going to Sergt. Jackson about him. Complaints had been made against Harrison for having a bad woman in his house, but they were not made by his wife. When he went out, defendant called him a b cur, ard wanted him to come out and fight. He also used very bad language to Mrs Priestly. Mrs Priestly and her son corroborated this statement. All the witnesses were crosm-eximined by defendant, who tried to show that he had received great provocation through the complainants throwing fish hoads into his yard and irritating his dog with a concertina.

Defendant was sworn, and denied in toto that he used the language attributed to him. When he came home of a night, complainant and his wife were in the habit of jeering at him. Mrs Priestly did so on the preterit occasion, and he did not yant to say anything to her. She called him a blackguard, and then Priestly came down and called him a blackguard. He had got his house at a cheap rent, and Priestly wanted it. That was the reason they were always doing him all the harm they could. Mrs Madigan was called for the defence, and deposed she was close by -ill the time. She did not hear Harrison make use of any bad language. She was not the worse for liquor herself. She had taken a glass, but Mrs. Priestly could take half-a-dozen to her one. Dr. Wright said she was very ner vous. Mr. Priestly was sober ; she had never seen him otherwise, but she could not say the same for Mrs. Priestly. , Defendant's son, a boy of 13, corroborated Mrs. Madigan's evidence as to defendant not having used any bad language, and as to complainant's jeering at his father and mother.

This was the case.

There was a cross'case, William Harrison accusing Mrs. Priestly of having called him a thorough blackguard. The evidence in this case was simply a repetition of that in the other, except that a witness named Margaret Conlon was called to deny that Mrs. Priestly used any such language as that attributed to her. After patiently listening to the evidence, their Worships dismissed the second case with costs, and ordered the defendant, Harrison, in the first case, to be bound over to keep the peace for three months in two sureties of £10, and his own recogni* zances of £20.

This was all the business.

Interesting Customs Case.

CAPTAIN MOFFAT OF THE SANTI AGO AND MR D. GOUK ACCUSED

OF SMUGGLING,

SOME excitement in shipping circles, was caused last night when it became known, that Captain Moffatt, of the barbue Santi ago had been arrested on a charge of smug* gling. The Captain was released shorty afterwards on bail, Mr W. CnuckshaaJv and Captain W. Anderson, becoming sureties for him. The circumstances of tne charges, for there are two, bear at present a very strong semblance of Customs persecution. They may be briefly recapit' ulated as follows :—Captain Moffatt when he arrived from England, had a harmonium m on board which he wished to sell. One mM the first persons he spoke to about it W*V Mr Provis, of the Customs, who told him W' would have to pass an entry for it, the same as for any part of his cargo. Mr GouK, a« the last moment bought the harmonium* and as the barque was going off into ww stream, the instrument was landed o» *»■ I 14th inst, and M> Gouk had it put into • bonded store, anij aftorwwcU P»ea,;« Ma fam.' It fe stated m &«****

THE EVENING STAR FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 1877.



TV ■ ° T * c E J. W. PEARSE INTENDS HOLDING A CHEAP CLEARING OUT SALE OF HIS LARGE AND VALUABLE STOCK OF GENERAL DRAPERY, HEADY-MADE CLOTHING, ■ And FANCY GOODS, «©• At a Very Great Reduction ! Sale to Commence on SArURDAY, 3rd March. No Credit Given. Closed on Friday to Mark Down the Stock.__ T> A R GAINS —IN— FINE MILLIHBEY. )o(— COSTUMES, MANTLES & JACKETS, DRESS GOODS, MANCHESTER GOODS, HOSIERY, GLOVES, LINEN SETS, &C, | BLANKETS, SHEETINGS, CLOTHING, FANCY GOODS, &c. During the next three weeks we shall offer the above goods at (jTREATLY XVEDUCED X RICES! DRESS AND MANTLE MAKING ON THE PREMISES. )O( A. LINA BU R V & CO., 204 AND 206, QUEEN-STREET.



\\T A. WATEKMAN begs to inform



BOYS' AND MEN'S CLOTHING, STRONG TWEED FOR BOYS' WEAR FLANNEL, &c, &C. A LARGE PARCEL OF NEW GOODS JUST OPENED UP AT RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN'S, Comprising— Men's Tweed Trouser variety, from 10/6 per pair Men's Strong Tweed Suits, at 30/ sui complete Men's Superior Quality Suits Paget Coats, and Boys' and Youths' Suits in variety Men's Moleskin Trousers, a really good quality, at 7/6 per pair Strong Cotton Working Shirts in variety All Wool Crimean Shirts, good qualities, from 6/6 And. A Lot of STRONG TWEED, suitable for Boys, wear, from 1/11 per yard Also, 2 Bales ALL WOOL WELSH FLANNEL from 1/2 per yard New Prints, Furnishing Goods, &o. Inspection will prove that the above Goods are really ciiKAP, the whole parcel having been exceptionally well bought in an over stocked market. t@T One Shilling in the & returned on all pur chases of 20s. and upwards. USHBROOK & BRIDGM\N, Upper Quekn-strrbt Auckland- J7IURNITURE! FUR HUTURQ Ladies and Gentlemen about to iFumish ara respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DBA WING - ROOM, DINING- - ROOM BEDROOM, ANB GENERAL SOUSE HOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacions Showrooms. T. & STCOOKE, 67. QUSBN-STRBBT Adininina Rank of N*in Zealand ~ 5 T j c E . The BANKS will be CLOSED on SATUR DAY, 17th March (St. Patrick's Day). O"T. PATRICK'S NIGHT. LORNE-STREET HALL. C A L E D O N la¥" COMPANY. JESSIE RAYMOND I ACTORS! SINGERS! DANCERS! National Bouquet! CEAD MILLE FAIL TH E. nnHE PEOPLE'S CONCERTS, X V.M.C.A. ROOMS. TO-MORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING, Doors open at 7.30, to commence at 8 o'clock. Mr. C. B. Andrew in the chair. Programme :-A night of Irish Melody, suitablo to the occasion. Admission :—THREEPENCE. Carl Butschkow, Musical Director. C. B. ANDREW. Hon. Sec _ T" O THE MEMBERS OF THE AUS-" TRALIAN MUTUAL PROVIDENT SOCIETY. Ladies and Gentlemen,—The time for which I was elc-ted a member of the Board of Directors of your Society expiring at the next annual meeting, I beg to inform you that I shall be a Candidate for re-election. Trusting to a continuance of your confidence, I am, yours obediently, SAUL SAMUEL. January 3.



Family Antihilious and Liver Pills.— These Pearl Coated Pills contain no Mercury ; they stimulate the Liver, assist Digestion, re movo Headache, and give a healthy action to the Bowels and Kidneys, give colour to the cheeks, and bi-ightness to the eyes. They are universally used thoughout New Zealand. Price, Is. and 2s. 6d. a box.—Prepared by Sharland & Co., opposite the Post-office, Auckland. Charlatans arc continually attempting to practice upon the health of the unsuspecting by the sale of adulterated, fiery potions in bottles of Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam aromatic Schnapps which have been emptied of their legitimate contents. The name of this celebra ted elixir is also counterfeited to aid the swindle. Buyers should inspect the labels closely.