SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

m ntrm.™p (This Afternoon, 7.16 ffIGH WATER- vro-morrow Morning, 8.1 SUN SET.—This Evening. 4.4S SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 7.6 MOON'S AGE.—Last Quarter, 4<h, i.oO p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Amherst, brigantine, put back on voyage u> Nevrcastle.

DEPARTURES.

Southern Cross, barque, Boon, tor .Newcastle Taupo, s.s,, Carey, forth* South Waiwera, schooner, for Noumea

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For London—Electra, ship, early; Anne wu,ur

bles, barque, early. For Sydney—Syren, brig, early For Levnka—Nymphc, schoonei-, early. For Wangarei—Argyle, every Tuesday _ For the South—Tauno, Tuesday, 28tn instant, Wellington, Saturday, 2nd June. For Svdney—Rotorua, Wednesday, 6th June. For Honolulu and San Francisco—Australia,

s.s., 6th June , Samoa, schooner, from Fiji, aarly

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Lombardian, ship (N.W.G.T.), trom nonuuu, Y03 Semhe, Jsh?P (H.W.V.L ), from London early. Wiul^nn shiD (W.S.F.D.), from London, early. G Broughtoi.; ship, (N\K.Y.Q.),from London,

Dilpusluiid, barque (M G.M.D.), from London, SpirifS? the Dawn, barque (H.T.V.C), from London ; sailed 2nd March Alastor, barque (W.T.G.F.), from London; saded

Ann Gambles, barque, from Lyttelton, early Odalisk, barque, from Adelaide, early. William and Henry, brig, from Oamaru, early Vision, brig, from Sydney, eaiiv Rvno. brigantine, from tne Islands, early Aiu-usta, brigaur.ine, from Levnka, early Lcei't'p schooner, from the Islanas, earlj. ; EUth,'schooner, from Friendly Islands, early.

The schooner Samoa is expected from Flu shortly Avb.li a cargo of maize. According te last advices, she Avas to sail about the nuddie ot th, nie 1s 1s l Taupo left for the South this morning- Passengers- Mr. Mrs, and Miss Hamilton, Mr Jnd Mrf Kallett and family,. Messrs' Vavasour, Humphries, Beaumont, Wilson, Petty, Sec combe, Meyer, Brown, Bonmngton, Belcher, PaTker, McConglc, Myers, Ward, MeLeary, Macassey, and 7 steerage. . The Union Co's s.s. Wellington will arrive at Onehunga about noon on Thursday 31st liist. The schoom r Mazeppa arrived at D "eiton yesterday after a quick run ot five days from 1 The schooner Jessie is about to sail for Wan garoa, to load timber for Napier. * Owing to theontinuance of the heavy weather this molning, the brig Syren, and the schooners Nymph. Waiwera, Ellerton, Jessie, are detained in port. The schooner Queen, which left for Hokianga last nignt, returned to port this morning.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day. at 5.30 p.m., and to mori-OAV, at 3.30 and 5.30 p.m. Far Coromandel, per Argyle, on Fndaj next,

at 2.30 p.m. . __ , - For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, ana Mangapai, per Argyle, this day, at 4 p.m. For Russell, p?r Fawn, to-morrow, at 8 a.m. • For Whitiaugi, Tauranga, and Opotnu, per Rowena. to-morrow, at 4 p.m. <=„+„,. For Tonga and Samoa, per Energy, on featui Per^sf Australlaon Wednesday, 6th June, as f°For riSandAvich Islands. United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom and Continent ot Europe, at 11 a.m. , For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of Gd in addition to the postage, wdl be received by the Mail Agent on board, up to the time ol saibng. g^ __. BIS&> Chief Postmaster. _

from Cough in Ten Minutes.— Sharland's Cherry Pectoral, a specific for Colds, Coughs, Asthma, Consumption, Bronchitis, Lung Diseases, &c. It acts like magic. Price, 2s. 6d. and 4s. 6d. a bottle. Sharland's Instant Cure for Toothache; Is. a bottle. Sharland's, opposite Post-office, Auckland. The vilest rogues are those Avho impose on the sick. There is a class of imposters now engaged in vending imitations of that health-promoting beverage, Udolpho Wolfe!s Schiedam Aro matic Schnapps, put up in bottles which pre viously held the real article, and often bearing counterfeit labels. Purchasers should ask for and take none but the genuine.

BIRTH.

CLARK.—On the 27th instant, at Timaru Villa, the wife of Mr. J. N. Clark of a son.

MARRIAGE.

WAIT—HE A RN.-On tho 23rd May, at Auck land. James Wait to Ellen Hearn.

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

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong thai needs lesistanoe, For the future in the distance, And the good tii~t we can do.

TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1877

We have frequently pointed out errors in the Government returns affecting the province and Provincial District of Auck land. By some singular anomaly, where ever the returns redound to the credit of Auckland, as compared Avith those of other districts they are under-estimated, but, on the other hand, in all matters that tend to our disadA'antage or discredit they are correspondingly magnified. In the wreck chart for last year, Auckland Avas saddled Avith several casualties which never oc curred, Avhile those Avhich were actually recorded were magnified into serious dis asters. In the meteorological returns, the climate is unfa\ rourably represented. It is windy and Avet, hot and dry, and generally very bad indeed as compared Avith the results recorded at the observatory in Wel lington, which, after having been frequently scattered to the four Avinds by the prevail in<* hurricanes which come howling down the gullies that surround the Empire City, Ayas artfully removed to the calm shelter of

peaceful vale where the Avind never bloAys >ove a zephyr. But it is very different in spect to returns which, Arere they fairly implied, Avould exhibit the progress and •osperity of Auckland. For instance, in le agricultural returns Colonel Haultain Ihered to his instructions by omitting from le aggregate of lands under cultivation aids merely in native grasses, Avhile other numerators, less exact and more nxious to give a fictitious appearance f prosperity" to their districts, included uch lands, and thus swelled the otal so as to reverse the actual results .s compared Avith districts which exceeded hem. Wellington avus thus made to slicav m immense area of land under cultivation ib compared with Auckland, which actually argely exceeds Wellington in this respect, aid similarly with other provinces. Even Captain Campbell Walker falls into the same inaccuracy in a matter so little affecting our commercial character us the quantity of fircAvood annually consumed, and the ;: New Zealand Herald" unconsciously followed his example yesterday in a leading article. While Otago is credited with Hie consumption of ISO, 000 tons of fireAvood annuallj, and even Taranaki with 94 000, it is represented that Auckland consumes only 25,000. Now, admitting that the consumption of coal in the Auck land district is proportionately large to the per centage of population as compared with Otago, it is certainly much larger than that of Taranaki, and it is therefore obvious that Campbell Walker's figures arc grossly inaccurate. It Avould appear that Avhile in the c.ise of Otago and Taranaki he has taken the total consumption for the entire districts, in respect to Auckland he has given only that of the city. The matter is comparataA-ely of small importance, but it furnishes another instance of the fashion of vieAving Auckland and other parts of the colony through spectacles of different lenses.

A CORRESPONDENT, Avhose letter _is_ pub lished in another column, desires informa tion as to the conditions of the Government sA-steiii of nominated free immigration. We have made inquiries in the proper quarter, and learn that tho Government continues to pay the passages of nominated immi grants from Great' Britain, and is anxious to encourage the system as far as possible. Within the past' mouth a circular Ayas addressed by the Minister for Immigration to Major Green, Immigration Officer for the Provincial District of Auckland, re questing him to publish three times in each month, aud shortly before the close of the outgoing English mail, a notification in the principal neAVspapers of the district, _ in timating the date up to which nominations Avill be receivable for transmission to the A^ent-General by that mail. The Govern ment believe that this step will have a good effect in directing attention to the matter, and in stimulating colonists Avho have relatives at home desirous of emigrating to NeAV Zealand to adopt measures to secure their passages. It is also to be notified that the monthly lists will be closed on a certain date, and that nominated immi grants on arrival in the colony Avill be per mitted to join their friends immediately after inspection, without being required to go into the depot. Married immigrants nominated for free passages must be under 43 years of age ; single men under 40, and single women from 15 to 35. The Government pays the whole cost of passage. Nominations by persons in the colony must be sent in to Major Green at least eight days before tbe date when *he mail closes. The following classes of immigrants are eligible :— Agri cultural labourers, such as farm servants, navvies, shepherds, carpenters, country mechanics, single women suitable for domestic service, such as cooks, house maids, general servants, dairymaids, &c. Free passages will not be granted to more than three children under 12 years of age in one family ; but. the number in excess may bo paid for at the current rates of passage. Immigration officers are, lioav- CA-cr, authorised to accept nominations of persons not eligible under these regulations, if satisfied as to the prospect of employment on arrival. 'Tho Aliuivtur far luumurntum wlxv ...Vmo uuUjoflnD j.txyi viout l»»-»«M»l» *»I ruion an amount as he may deem lit to be taken for the passages of ineligible persons^ and persons in the colony nominating friends for free passages, may deposit Avith the Immigration Oiiicer such sums as they may desire" the Agent-General to advance for i outfit or expenses of embarkation. Persons j desirous of obtaining labour of a particular class may send instructions to their friends or agents at home through an Immigration Officer, and such agents Avill be accre dited to the Agent-General, who, should lie deem the selected persons suitable, Avill provide them Avith passages. The nominator is required to fill up a form, which may be obtained from Major Green, setting forth the name, supposed age, relation, whether married or single, nature ol occupation, and address of the person nominated, and further to promise to receive the immigrant on arrival in the colony, and do Avhat is possible to procure employment for such immigrant. A knoAvledge of the facilities thus offered by the Government for the introduction of relatives and friends into New Zealand, ought to stimulate exertion in relieving the evercroAvded population of the old country, and in placing desirable I se ttlers on the Avaste lands of the colony.

By an advertisement which appears in another column, it will be seen that a meet ing of the Devonport Literary Society is to be held in the Church of England Sunday school-room to-morrow evening at S o'clock, to consider as to reforming the society. Lately the Society has not been such a success as might have been Avished, and we believe it is the intention of the committee to pro pose a change in the manner of Avorking the institution. All those Avho are at all interested in the matter should attend the meeting, as, no doubt, the committee proposals Avill be Avell Avorth consideration. Mr William Cooper read an essay last evening before the members of St. James' Mutual Improvement Association, on the "Romance of History." The paper Avas pleasantly written, and many of the Avavbe places of history Avas illuminated Avith the light of intelligence. The paper Avas Avell received, and gave general satis faction.

At the meeting of the A.S.P. Co. yester day afternoon the report and balance-sheet Avere adopted on the motion of the chair man. Mr L. D. Nathan afteiAvards moved '' that this meeting of shareholders esspoAver the directors to sell all boats and property of the Company whenever they obtain fair prices for the same, with a'view to Avind-up the Company as soon as possible." HeAvas sorry to propose such a resolution, but as it Avas impossible to do any good noAV that the Southern boats were talcing the trade out of thur hands, he thought it was best to take the bull by the horns. He should like to see another Company started to take up the East Coast trade. Mr Thos. Morrin seconded the resolution. Mr D. H. McKenzie spoke against it. He thought they should in preference call up the other £4 per share. The port would lose a lot of trade if the Compamy were Avound iv\ Several questions Avere asked as to the accounts and report, which were answered by the chairman. Mr Lodder pointed out that one great difficulty they had to contend against was having to pay IS per cent for overdraft and insurance before a shilling could be divided as profit. The motion on being, put was carried, 6 against 1. The retiring directors Messrs A. Wardrop, J. M. Clark, and T. Morrrin were re-elected, and Jno. Buchanan was re-appointed auditor. This Avas all the business. A lecture Avill be delivered in the Lorne street Hall on Thursday evening by Dr. ScliAvartzback on the subject "The eye, the sight, and its care." The doctor has a high reputation as an oculist, and in the treatment of special diseases of the ear, throat, &c, and his lecture in Duuedm is favourably noticed by the "Otago Daily Times."

The number of prisoners in the Mount Eden Gaol on Saturday was 137.

The total number of inmates of the Auckland Lunatic Asylum on Saturday last svas 16S, of whom 5S Avere females. The second anniversary ball of Court Pale of Onehunga No. 5261 Ancient Order of Foresters, took place in the Masonic Hall, Onehunga, on Wednesday last, 23rd May, and wan a great success. About eighty couple were present, And dancing was kept up till 5 a.m. The music Avas supplied by the Hibernian Brass Band, under Mr J. P. Lonergan, and gave great satisfaction. Refreshments of first-class description were abundantly supplied during the night. This Court has gone ahead very fast since its opening tAvo yer.rs ago, having then started Avitli nine members, and now having fifty four good on the books. Previous to the ball, the members of the Court marched from their Court-room, Royal Hotel, to the Hall, headed by a brass band playing Bold Robin Hood and other lively airs, to the delight of the inhabitants, aylio turned out in large numbers to Avitness the procession. A Church of England Temperance concert was held a few evenings ago, in the W ark- Avorth Public Hall, and a very pleasant evening avus passed. Rev. Mr Sparling,the Warlcworth minister, introduced the pro ceedings in a well-arranged speech. The folloAving programme avus then gone through in a creditable manner:—Miss Palmer, " Let the Angels in ;" Misses Palmer, " Gipsy Countess ;" Mr Wickham, " War of the' League;" Mr W. J. Angove, "The Englishmen ;" Miss Palmer and Mr Wick bam, "Floav on thou Shining Riv«*r," Mr Angove, sen., J.P. ; "The Woodpecker," Misses L. and M. Palmer: "Sweet Belle Mahone," Miss Palmer; " Softly falls the Moonlight." The Editor : Sir,—would you or one of your numerous readers kindly decide the following bet:—l backed "Medea" against "The AriWAV," and am of opinion that " Medea" completed the course,Avhich "The : Arrow" did not. This my friend disputes, stating that neither horse Avent the full distance, and thus making the bet oil". By deciding the aboA'e question you Avill oblige. -One too saav "Medea" go round I THE second TIME. —[Both horses were dis tanced whether they- completed the course or not, so that your friend is quite right; the bet is oil", unless the stipulation was made that the money Avas to go to the first past the post.—Ed. E.S.] In the window of Mr. Wells, of Queen street, jeweller, a highly creditable display of articles of local industry may be seen, consisting of orne silk belts for gentlemen, also kneelets of a very tasty character for ladies. The silk Avork is by Mr. Green shields, of the Insurance Buildings, and the silver mounted clasps, set with precious stones, by Mr. Wells. We understand that these highly finished articles of use. and ornament have been manufactured to order of Auckland citizens for presents to friends in Sydney, Melbourne, London, and in different parts of Scotland. One splendid belt Avas especially attractive, being a presentation to C. Stewart, Esq., of TiuiiAvorth. on the Peel river, mounted -with silA-cr adjusting slides, and ornamented Avith an amethyst. We believe that Messrs Greenshields and Wells intend making a display of their combined workmanship at the forthcoming Industrial Exhibition at Wanganui, Avhere they Avill form an exhibit j of much interest. As presents, avc cannot I conceive of anything more appropriate, j although Thames quartz or specimens, with greenstone, might be more appreciated than stone settings by distant friends. A full attendance of instrumentalists, in connection with the Auckland Choral Society-, is requested this evening at 7.30, as this will probably be the last rehearsal. The ratepayers of the Eden Terrace Dis trict Avill hold a business meeting this evening, in the Eden" Vine Hotel ,_ to con sider the propriety of striking a ninepenny rate on the annual value. The free-thought movement led by Mi Bright is exciting considerable attention ill Dunedin. The following notice Avas posted on the Exchange to-day :—" Auckland Gold Mining Co.--Aeall ..'of, 3d per share math Mr. Vavasour's bay gelding Bide-a-Avee, the winner of the Birthday Handicap, has been purchased by Mr Leonard for £130. The horse is to be taken down to Christ church and trained by Mr R. Ray. Our telegrams recently stated that a movement avus afoot in Otago to hold a Convention of County Chairmen to consider the Avorking of the Counties Act, and to suggest amendments therein. Favourable replies to the circular calling the meeting have been received from all places, except Wallace and Clutha. At the Kumara diggings bread is Is to Is 3d the 4lb loaf. Kumara must be a nice place for a poor man -with a large family. The Mercer goats are still imbued with the spirit of mischief, and knock doAvn daily a large quantity of earth from the tunnel facing. Some wag proposes to run a special train from Auckland conveying cracksports men to the spot, in order that they may rid the line of the nuisance. The members of the Orpheus Glee Club, in addition to a number of musical, literary, and vocal attractions, have volunteered to assist at the Edwardes-street concert this evening. Miss Dobson Avill, also, perform some choice selections on the pianoforte. The busiuess of the Pitt-street Wesleyan Class, last evening, was confined to an elaborate essay by Mr Ewington, on the question, "Is reason confined.to man ?" in which many interesting examples were illustrated in the writer's lucid and pleasing style. The "Cumberland Times," an Australian paper, gives Rignold, the actor, pepper, in the following way;—" He has found out much more than the smartest man over here has been able to discover. But certainly Rignold ought to know. He is quite an authority on "loav neigh bourhoods,'' and spent enough time in bar-rooms to be able to say Avho owned them, and Avhat the rent Avas, and how many hogsheads per Aveek were run off. He Avas as constant to tap-rooms and skittle alleys as a duck to a puddle, and— (whenever there Avas a friend handy to buy him drink)—was as thirsty as a mud oyster. If there was a "loav neighbourhood" anywhere within five miles he Avould nose it out. and go there to refresh himself every night after butchering Henry the V, But Aye Australians haven't been abl« to dlscoA'er the " saloons " that Rignold describes, nor the "beer cellars"either; indeed, the police say that there is not a " beer cellar" in the city; so some of us haA-e come to the conclusion that Henry the V. has confused the places he got drunk in here with some other places AAdiere he had not money enough to get drunk, or had no friends to buy him liquor."

AUCKLAND- GOLD MINING COM PANY, WAITEKAURI.

The first meeting of the Directors of the Auckland Goldmining'Company Avas held yesterday. The mining inspector's report Avas received, which shewed that the Wai tekauri Company's main reef was-traceable for fifty feet along the surface of the Auck land ground, and that a month or so of work would open up the reef at a good level. It Was decided to at once call for tenders, for a tAvo hundred feet tunnel. Mr A. H. Clarke, of Ohinemuri, AA-as appointed Min ing Inspector for the Company, with poAver to open and accept the loAvest eligible tender in order that no time may be lost in developing the mine. The prospects of the Company were considered extremely favourable, the ground being suitable for economical Avorking, aud situated nearer than the other Company's ground to the Battery. An offer to erect a Battery for the Auckland Company has been made, this shows that the district^ is rapidly securing a name for substantiality and per manency as a gold-field. A call for 3d Avas consideredampletomeetallthe requirements of the works which have been undertaken.

"PAPERS PLEASE COPY."

(To the Editor of the STAR.) SIR,— As I seriously contemplate matri mouy, and-intend to have " no cards " yet I Avould like my friends in the five comers of the globe to be duly notified of that impor tant fact. Therefore I shall thank you to inform me if the papers in these five ~orners of the earth, will, out of pure affection, pay any attention to the request of the Auckland Evening Star "Home, Foreign, find

Colonial papers please copy," and that Avith- , out a dollar accompaniment to each neAA^s- j paper.—Yours, &c.', An Intending Bene- ; diet. I | [We advise our correspondent to post his ] ! notice with the accbmpying dollar to any j journal he desires it to appear in. The . price for a birth notice in the London; " Tinios" is six shillings. The idea that j I newspaperf proprietors are ready and eager i i to do for strangers Avliat they will not do j j for their oavii supporters is a little delusion ! which seems to be still popularly enter -1 tamed.—Ed. E. S.]

TUHUA AND THE UPPER WAN GANUI DISTRICTS.

[By a Special Correspondent.]

ASCENDING TIIE RIVER. Having been living for over twelve months in the above districts, I have thought it may be interesting to your readers to learn some particulars of that nearly unknOAvn country. Leaving Wanganui by canoe, and going a distance of twenty-five miles, as far as a settlement called Parakino, the country on both sides of the river is very similar to that near Wanganui. After passing Parakino,. extensive ranges of hills on both sides commence, aud extend the Avhola length of the river with the exception of about forty-five miles at the head of it, where the land on both sides becomes flat and continues so to Lake Taupo. The range of hills through Avhich the Wanganui river passes is one hundred and fifty-live miles long, and for a distunes of forty miles between Utapu and Pakatapu the socks on both sides of the river are nearly perpen dicular, and rise to a height of from six to nine hundred feet. There is no landing place or settlement betAveen these two

places. NATIVE SCHOOL.

At Parakino there is a Government school for native children, the teacher being Mr Henry Nickless. The natives, however, do not appear to properly appreciate it, for Avhen I was there only nine children were in attendance, aud in passing the surround ing settlements I observed a great number of children wandering about idling then time instead of being at school learning something that Avill be for their future benefit. There is also a Government school for native children at a settle ment distant sixty-five miles from Wan ganui, at a pah called Iruparama, the master is aMr Donalds .n. There are, I believe, over sixty children on the roll but of course many are always absent, and when I visited it there Avere only about thirty-five present. At the settlements of Utapu and Tiakc there are several large orchards—plum, peach, grape, quince, and fig trees growing in abundance. Utapu is the only place where I saw the vine properly cultivated ; at every other settlement their vines have never been pruned. The result is that their grapes are only the size of horse beans, whilst at Utapu they have very large black Ilambro' grapes. A great quantity of the grapes, quinces, apples, plums, peaches, and figs grown here have this year been brought to Wangiuiui and sold to the fruiterers. Twenty miles before reaching Utapu there is a pah called Pipiriki. Here is fruit of all sorts in abun dance, including Cape gooseberries, stniAV berries, and raspberries. This is the settlement where the native police are stationed, and where R. W. Woon Esq., J. 1., visits once a. month on his magisterial duties. GOLD PROSPECTORS TURNED BACK.

Forty miles higher up the river than Utapu you come to a pah called Pukatapu, where all Europeans are turned back. Lust month,P. W. Woon, Esq., Resident Native Magistrate, and sonic gentlemen from Wellington, Ayere stopped, from proceeding any further up the river. Here may also be" seen the instruments aud baggage of Captain Skeath aud party. The natives call the theodolyte "the bloody taipo" (or devil). 1 have seen the things,and read their diary ; the last entry is _' gold found to-.1u..v -inwiujill uuuui-itk-s ; will iio. lUiaiii to-nioitOAV." However, -to-morrow never

came, as their capture that evening preven ted it. There is a very good eel fishery at this settlement, and in fact all the Avay along the river up to its head eels arc caught in abundance. An eel pah may generally be found a short distance from each settlement. This month I have had some delicate small fish about the size of a sardine, and the natives tell me that they are caught for about three months in each year —April, May, and June. I have seen many eels as large as a man's leg. Tho best Avay to cook them is to thrust a stick through their body lengthways, then fold the leaves of the Indian com plant round them, and roast them before a charcoal fire. I never tasted

anything better in the Avay of eels. At a settlement called Kirikiriroa, about 145 miles distant from Wanganui, may uoav be seen large quantities of hops growing. At this settlement there is one plantation of four acres, and the crop appears to be a very heavy one. Last year R. W. Woon Esq., J.P., gave the Tiihua natives a large supply of plants, which they planted at the folloAving settlements : —Kirikiriroa, Koiro, Teo Teo, and Aorangi, and at each of these places a large crop of hops is the result. They have some good ploughing horses, and a quantity of first-class ploughs and harroAVS. They cultivate a large quantity of Indian corn, and some wheat and oats; also beans for horse fodder, but their greatest crop is potatoes, humerus, and Indian corn. The natives are Aery fond of boiled Indian corn, but to a European it is loathsome, as they steep the corn in Avater and let it lie there and rot for some months before it is used for food. The smell Avhen cooked is very offensive, but the natives are used to it, and consider a feed of Indian corn boiled with a little sugar added as one of their best meals. They have large stocks of cattle, but no sheep are to be seen until you reach Taupo, where the flocks are extensive. The natives are very fond of horse-riding, and Avherever there is any flat land round a settlement there you aaRI ahvays find a number of hacks. A good many Avere taken fiom Taupo last month, by way of the Murumutu Plain, to Wanganui, _ and there sold. The natives are very anxious for their children to be taught English, and they purpose applying to R. W. Woon Esq., J.P., for him to recommend the Board of Education in Wellington to establish a school and provide a teacher for Koiro. They say that there are over forty children ready, and would attend school if the Government would establish one. They have already spoken to Land Commissioner Booth, avlio is at present at Mararkohoi obtaining the natives' signatures to the transfer deeds of Roturuke. There are an immense number of rapids on the Wanganui River; some very dangerous. BetAveen Koiro and Whenuatere one is so bad that the natives have to take everything out of the canoe, and it is as much as five men can do to drag by ropes the empty canoe up this rapid ; sharp projecting rocks on each side under the passage, leave only

sufficient room for one canoe to pass at a time. Many accidents haA re taken place. Is There Gold at TuJma? I haA re lived in the Tuhua country for OA _er tAvelve months, but as yet have not seen a speck of gold, yet the natives assure me that at one place there is both alluvial and a very rich reef of gold quartz. I have not as yet visited this spot. Time aat.ll tell if such be the case. In the above district there is only one place of worship to be seen, ?.nd that is at a settlement 65 miles from a toAvn called Kaareoa. It is a Roman Catholic chapel, and is inw in a A-ery dilapidated condition ; nearly half the roof is fallen in, and the floor * beloAv is decayed, owing to the constant pouring of rain upon it. The j chapel Las not been used for fiA*e years. The priest had to leave, as the settlers could not afford to support him. He iioav ! officiates at the Roman Catholic Chapel at ' Taranaki.

CABLEGRAMS.

This Day.

Australian ETews

Cable Broken

The submar

SYDNEY, thisday. iue cable between Victoria Avas breken to-day.

and Tasmania

CONSTANTINOPLE IN A STATE OF

SIEGE,

THE SULTAN PREPARING F.OR THE

WAR PATH.

EGYPTIAN TROOPS ON THE DAN UBE.

[PRESS AGENCY.]

LONDON, May 26 (Saturday), Prince Bismarck, after a short leave, has returned to Berlin, and had a conference with the Emperor. The German " Official Journal" has assumed a friendly tone towards the Ncav French Ministry. Diplomatic relations betAveen Germany and Italy are A-ery intimate.' The Sottas are "making demonstrations at Constantinople, and demanding Ministerial modifications.

Constantinople has been placed in a state

of siege. The Russian troops in Roumania, are now moving westwards tOAVards Scrvia. 55,000 troops are uoav concentrated in the upper and middle portions of Roumania. The Danube AA'ill probably be impassable till the middle of June, owing to the recent heavy rains. Valentine Baker is on the stall' of the Turkish Commander-in-Chief en the Danube.

Turkey called upon Roumania to act Avith the"Porte. The question was referred by Prince Charles to the Roumanian Chamber of Deputies, avlio replied that the Roumanian Government, having unsuccess fully endeavoured to induce the Porte and the "other Great Powers to recognise the neutrality of Roumania, a convention had been entered into with Russia. The Sultan has issued an address to the Turkish army, saying that he Avill defend the integrity and independence of the empire to the uttermost. If necessary, he Avill himself take the Sacred Banner and lead his army. The Khedive of Egypt, complying with the request of the Porte, promised to send an Egyptian contingent, under the command of Prince Hussein Pasha, his third son, to assist Turkey. But he states he cannot aid with the -revenue, which he has pledged to the foreign bondholders. Large numbers of Egyptian troops are already on the Danube. I THE SAN FRANCISCO MAILS.

LONDON, May 26. The San Francisco mails Avere delivered on Monday. STOCKS.—COMMERCIAL.

The money market is calm. The posi tion of the Bank is stronger. Stocks are recovering, Consols having reached 95. Colonial debentures are high. 100, 000 bales of avool were offered at the late sales. The greatest decline is in scoured and half-bred parcels. Lambs avool commands extreme rates. Flour, 40s to 435.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Captain Daldy (Chairman) and John Cosgrave Esq., Justices of the Peace.) INEBRIATES. Charles Fredrick Bismarck Warnstedt, Thomas Douglas Gavin, and Christian LaA\-son, were charged with drunkenness, and fined 5s each, with coits. AN OLD HAND. Elizabeth Kennedy, a daughter of night, was brought up on the common charge of being in a state of intoxication, but as this was tiie first offence of the new series of off 3nces" Elizabeth was allowed her liberty on payment of 5s and costs. the Vagrant Act, Avith being a rogue and vagabond. Prisoner, Avho wore a sad countenance, pleaded guiity. Sab-Inspector Pardy said that prisoner Avas downright lazy ; he had been up on several previous occasions. He was found this morning in the passcnu-ers' room of the -North Shore Ferry Company. He Avas a mechanical en euidneer, but preferred s. life of idleness. The Bench on looking over the lists, obserA'ed that prisoner had been frequently before the Court since 1575, and it was pretty clear that he Avould not work. He must therefore go to prison for 12 months Avith hard labour.

Frederick LancrshaAV Avas charged under the sune At, ayi ,h b3 ng a rogue and vagabond. Prisoner said he nad formerly been in the Waikato Avar, and had since had the rheumatics, and could not work Avith convenience.

Sub-Inspector Pardy described thf. prisoner as one of those individuals Avho obi cct to honest labour. One month's imprisonment. DEFYKG THE LAIV. John K. Nichols! Avas charged with a breach of the Municipal Police Act, by allowing his coav to Avander. Defendant did not appear. Constable Abrams Avent to the house se\-eral times te serve the summons, but defendant's son invariably bolted the door, and set him at defiance. Wearied with continued A-isits, and on the last occasion hearing the A roices both of son and fathor inside, he put the summons beneath the door.

Sub-Inspector Pardy said this was a case in which defendant set the laAv and police at defiance, he would therefore ask that a warrant migh be issued for his apprehension. Several witnesses were in attendance Avho could testify to defendant's determination to oppose the summons.

The Bench thought another effort should be be made to deliver the summons, before the issuing of a warrant, defendant to pay the expenses of Avitnesses to-day, as well as on the day of hearing.

This was all the business,

THE McINTYRE CASE CONCLUDED.

VERDICT OF MANSLAUGHTER

AGAINST MRS REID,

(From our own Correspondent.)

DUNEDIN, tins day. The inquiry re the death of Mary Mclntyre lasted till five.

Mrs Reid's butcher said that though her's Avas a large family, the largest orders he received averaged 11^ pounds of chops weekly. She never took joints. The medical cA Tidence sheAved conclu sively that death Avas the result of starva tion and ill-treatment. The e%ddence of Avitnesses who supplied food to Mrs Reid shewed that the girl Avas miserably clothed, and was exposed to the severest priva tions.

One of the Avitnesses saAv her one night during very cold weather, collecting stones on a road, and the girl said she had been ordered to do it by her mistress. She had no hat on, and Avas thinly clad. The witness told her to go inside out of the cold, or she would perish, aud tried to frighten her by pretending to call a police man from the bottom of the street. She, however, continued to pick up stones, and said she would go in after gathering a feAv more. The girl Avas very emaciated, and appeared to suffer from the cold.

Another Avitness deposed that Mrs I_eid was a Sunday-school teacher. He remarked to Mrs Reid that the girl Mclntyre appeared to be suffering from ill treatment. Mrs Reid replied that the girl was in service "up her wav," but did not state that she was in her" service. A girl at the school said that the girl Mclntyre was servant to Mrs Reid, and that she Avas compelled to work in all weathers, Avithout boots or stockings. Mr Stout, who appeared for Mrs Reid, then addressed the jury at considerable length.

The Coroner, in summing up, pointed out that the evidence clearly sheAved ill treatment, but the jury would have to decide Avhether the girl voluntarily subjected herself to starvation, and Avant" of proper clothing or Avhether her mistress had subjected her to it.

The jury yould be justified in believing from the medical testimony and tne post mortem examination by Drs. Bake well and Batchelor, that death was not the

result of disease but of ill-treatment. If thev decided that Mrs Reid aa-us blameworthy they would have to consider to Avhat extent whether triflingly, or to the extent of manslaughter, or even murder. After deliberating for half-an-hour th jury lettimed. *'

The foreman stated that the jury had *■ carefully considered why the girl had not returned to her mother's house, and found —Ist. That the deceased did not come lv Ler death from natural causes. 2nd. Her death Avas caused by the treatment reciiv>d at the hands of Mrs Reid. 3rd. That Mrs Reid has been guilty of culpable neg.ia c ;ce# to-the extent of manslaughter. " ""'" The Coroner said the evidence fully ij 0l . c out the verdict, and complimented tiie iurv on the care with which the inquiry * had been conducted. The jury were then discharged. MRS REID ARRESTED.

Mrs Reid was arrested shortly after the verdict, but an application will be made this morning to release her or. bail.

ELSA'S FORM, AND MR. OWEN McGEE'S BAD TREATMENT BY THE HANDICAPPER.

To the Editor : Sir, —Mr Owen McGee's predisposition to a growl is so Avell known that under ordinary circumstances his letter in your issue of last night would not be worthy of notice. Probably his contradic tion of "Hotspur's" statement about Lisa having the gripes is correct. But so glar ingly—to use his own expression—are his other statements at variance AA'ith facts, anil so groundless is his attack on Mr Haudley that I have taken the trouble to collect a few racing records to prove : Ist. That Elsa, in the late meeting, run at least a stone below her public form, and avus not " most glaiv ingly Aveighed out of her engagements, and allowed no slioav to figure in a race at Auckland." 2nd. That Mr Owen Curran McGee is the very last person in NeAv Zea land Avho should complain of tiie Auckland Racing Club handicapper having endea voured " to stop " or crush out of handicaps any hoi c* that he owns. First then as to Elsa's form. Let ns see A\diat she has done during the pressnt season. At Wellington—Elsa Avon Provincial Plate, li miles, weight for age, beating Flora Maedonald (2nd) and Tambourhii (3rd). Ran good third in Jockey Club Handicap, carrying Bst to Guy Fawkes Ost lOlbs (Ist), Flora Maedonald 7st 51bs (2nd). Won easily; a good race for second money. Lady of the Lake, Lady Mary, Voltaihna, and Stirabout not placed. At Wanganui—Won Wanganui Stakes, 2 miles, Aveight for a«e, beating Perfume (2nd) ; Parawfienua (3rd). Won easily by four lengths, Opawa and j several other good horses being not placed.

Ran third in Wanganui Handicap,2J miles, carrying 7st lOlbs. Resolution. 7st 31bs (Ist), OpaAva, Bst 12lbs (2nd}. Maori Weed, Sst slbs, May Moon, Bst 51bs, Queen of the Vale, 6st lOlbs, Aida, 7sf3lbs, The Peer, 7st 31bs, Frowning Beauty, 6st olbs, Flora, 7st 12lbs, Folly, Sst sibs, Monarch, 6st6lbs, and Lucifer, 6'st, not placed. At Taranaki —Placed second in the Taranaki Handicap, carrying Sst. In this -race Bide-ii-Avce, carrying 7st 71bs (includ ing 71bs overweight), ran first, beat ing Opawa 9st. A Icav lengths from home Elsa, Bide-a-Avee, and Opawa Avere head-and-head, and Bide-a-wee 3A\«erv ing from the Avhip cannoned against Opawa, wdio cannoned against Elsa. Bide-a-Avee Avas disqualified, and the race awarded^) Opawa. Elsa's jockey said he believed he could have won if he had not been interfered with. On the Wellington and Wanganui form Elsa should have Avon Thursday's race outright, and e\'en on the Taranaki form . she should have been close up with Bide-a ---i wee, if indeed her Taranaki jockey's Avofds [ had not been veiified. Her Avretched ! display can only be accounted for either by her being out of condition or by another explanation infinitely less complimentary § to Mr McGee. It is uoav Avell-knoAvn that Mr Vavasour's gelding Avould have had another half stone in the Birthday Handi cap had the fact of his carrying 71bs over weight at Taranaki been published ; as it let in with Bide-a-Avee on 71bs better terms, a fact which should, entirely exonerate, the handicapper f rom wishing to deal harshly with Mr McGee. In the Autumn Handi cap, Elsa was let in Avith reference to Bide-a-wee on 12lbs better terms than at Taranaki, and if Mr McGee wants any thing better than this he must be hard to please. But this brings nic to my second object, which is to shew, with what glaring injustice Mr McGee complains of his horses being systematically crushed Avith weight in Auckland handicaps. And before proceeding in my very easy task lavUl , challenge Mr McGee to find a single respectable man who Avill come fonvard and support him in his assertions. Does he not" knoAV that in bringing such ridiculous accusations he is making himself a laughing stock to the sporting community of Auck land, Avho point to him as an illustration of ■ the fact that some men would not be satisfied if they had all, and every body else nothing. If he does not knoAV this, let him learn it uoav, for it is true, as the appended record will prove. During the present season, Mr OAveii McGee has Avon the following handicaps : —At the Auckland Summer Meeting, the Handicap Hurdle Race of 50 soys. with May Moon ; the Auckland Racing Club Handicap of 150 soys., AA'ith Perfume; the Handicap Steeplechase, of 100 soys., with Perfume; the SteAvards Handicap of 100 soys Avith May Moon. At the Waikato Ammal Meeting, Avon the Turf Club Handicap of 100 sovs,with May Moon; and the Publicans Purse of 50 soys, Avith May Moon. At the late Autumn Meeting, won the Handicap Steeplechase of 70 soys Avith Per fume : making a total of 620soa'S. in handi caps alone exclusiA'CjOf Aveight-for-age races; not a bad return for tAvo horses, one of which cost Mr McGee 40 soa's., and, the other 30 soys. Can any other OAvner show such a list of winnings ? No. And tfiis is the man who complains of being unfairly treated. If Mr McGee had one particle of sensibility in .F ' composition, he would blush with shame at having so loudly published flis greed and untruthfulness to the-'world for be it remembered, the letter of last nignt is not by any means the only occasion on Avhich McGee has uttered similar sentp; ments. In conclusion I shall ask the owners of racehorses in Auckland to come forward and vindicate the handi capper from the unfounded charge brougW against him. Let them jointly sign a declaration that they have confidence in Mr Handley, and Imve no sympathy aviW !Mr « Owen McGee's statements; and; perhaps, though it is scarcely to be ex pected, when Mr McGee finds hmsetf universally condemned, he will see nt to apologise for his unmerited attack on an honourable man. —I am, sir, FAIRPLAYS ! Jewel.

AUCKLAND INSTITUTE.

The first monthly meeting of members of &« Auckland Institute Avas largely attended m eA-ening, especially by the ladies. R. CyfISSiSS Esq., R.M., who takes much interest in the pro gress of the Institute, occupied the chair, auu delivered a very pleasina: address. The secrew-i announced that the following gentlemen n»« been (admitted to membership since tne «» meeting, viz.: Messrs R. Cameron, P. U_W__ J. H. Greenway, S. E. Hughes, J. Symonds, J. L. Tole, E. K. Tyler, Auckland. A largei bum ber of various donations to the library a. museum had also been made. Mr i f al_l w .„_ address Avas of a very interesting natm<e,» evidenced a large amount of research _________ ful thought. Having stated the means by JS the Society worked for the attainment "£ scientific and other knowledge, Mr tfarf"" said that the impression on the mind is i"« positive, more indelible, and more accunuw Avhen conveyed by ocular inspection or a_--. stance than by the perusal of a written ?&®m tion, or in listening to a lecture; hence mci j portance of a Museum. The speaker must™ >* his position by several facts, and rereiiea comparison to the gigantic strides whicbsciem. . had made during the last thirty years, vj__^ that it Avas necessary for the sducaw themselves and children that they should^w pace with the march of human aavanceuw He next made judicious remarks upou _ f - study of history, and sheAved hOAV transiflKi i» the past had corrupted passages from »"'»



TUST RECEIVED. ?! ' . , EX "HERO." ONE CASE OF WOOL POPLINS AND BLACK SILK FRINGES. T cry.: <2S-? 90(IS * :.. A - W. RATTRAY, DP^PER, HOSIER, & SILK MER3ER, New Zealand House, 66, QUEEN-STREET, Aijctcland MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. Incorporated by Act of Parliament. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH: Head Office, Auckland Local Director: George Burg -vne Owen, Esq. (Messrs. Owen and firaham.) Principal Medical Officer: Charles Field Goldsbro', Esq., M.D. General Agent for New Zealand: William T. J. Bell. With Sub-Agencies in all the Principal Towns. Every information on the subject of LIFE ASSURANCE ANNUITIES, and ENDOW MENTS FOR CHILDREN, afforded by J. A. Lowe Travelling Agent to the Association ; or ' WILLIAM T. J. BELL, General Agent. sa, Special Features.— Age admitted on Policies, which are unchallangable from date of issue. Lowest Rates of Premiums, and no hamper ing conditions aa to residence or occupation. OPECIAL 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.



fp H. HALL & CO. HAVE REMOVED FROM WYNDHAM-STREET TO THE STORES FORMERLY OCCUPIED BY MESSRS- LOW & MOTION, HIGH-STREET AND VULCAN LANE. TT AIPARA RAILWAY. To ensure Dispatch, GOODS should leave Auckland Wharf for the Otamatea—TUESDAYS. Wairoa-FRIDAYS. By order. . A. V. MACDONALD, General Manager. |Z~ AIPARA RAILWAY. On and after Monday, May 7th, 1877, the Train will leave Riverhead at 3 p.m., for Helensville. Table Avill be as follows:— Riverhead, departure .. 3 p.m. Kumeo 3.16 p.m. Waimauku 3.30 p.m. Rewiti 3.18 p.m. Woodhill 3 53 p.m. Pairoa Li p.m. Helensville, arrive .. .. 4.20 pm. By order. I A. V. MACDONALD, General Manager,



: :^ JM t~W-:::::::::::: Roller Blind of the Age. SELF-ACTING. Pronounced Perfect after 12 Years Test. only obtainable AT TIIE BP CITY HALL ARCADE, =©a T7VLOOR /SLOTHS, IS inches to IS feet Avide. A \y For Stairs, from 9d. per yard I For Passages, from Is. lid. yard ] For Rooms, from 2s. lid. ¥> yd. T INOLEUM, all widths, for _W___i Rooms, Halls, and Stairs. Mats especially prepared for Billiard Rooms. The Greatest Variety at the I CITY HALL ARCADE. 1/IARPET3, upAA-ards of V> 100 Patterns to choose from Hearth Rugs to match.



FURNITURE, for the | Drawing-room, Dining and Sitting-room, j Bedroom and Kitchen. \ Cheapest .Furxishixg JHLouse. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, City Kali. Arcade, QUEEN Se LORNE-STREETS. J^ O T I E. MACINTOSH COATS. WATERPROOF CLOTHING. j RUSHBROOK AND BRIDGMAN Have Just Opened, and are noAV Showing, a j Large Parcel ef the abOA'e Goods, from the 1 same House, and of similar style, to their i Last Season's Goods, concerning the Wear and Quality of Avhich they have received many satisfactory testimonials. The Parcel includes various Styles, and all sizes. 5a fLight Textures, in Black and Drab, for O " toAvn wear. O Strong Heavy Sheeting. Ph m Strong Twilled, VeiA-et Collars. j 0i \_\ J Cashmere, Fancy Check, and Diagonal W "3 \ Tweed Patterns. g § Extra HeaA-y Diagonal Warm Lined, 52 and extra long. S Sealskin Lined, specially adapted for ? V. Cabmen, 'Buss DriA-ers, Sec. waterproof aprons, leggings. &c. Also, A FURTHER SUPPLY OF BLANKETS, REVERSIBLE BUSH RUGS, AXD FANCY AUSTRIAN RUGS, To Hand this Week. Is. in the £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Queen-street, auclkand.



-TKT E HAVE NO W BR O U GII T FORWARD THE GREATER PORTION OF MESSRS. STEWART & ANDERSON'S , STOCK, — CONSISTING OF — WINCEYS, FRENCH MERINOES, FANCY DRESS GOODS, SHAWLS AND MANTLES. Also, AN IMMENSE QUANTITY OF MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING. The abOA-e Goods will be CLEARED-OUT Re gardless of Cost, to make room for j WINTER SHIPMENTS, j Now Landing, ex Electra and Emily Chaplin J. COSGRAVE & CO. T-rcoT*NToi*' ; ' ■sMxTxt.'ATwii'ifiit'rirb PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale). Subject to alteration without notice. Sacks. 100's. 50's. Crown Brand Flour, £ s. d. £ s. d. £ a. d. per ton 22 0 0 22 10 0 23 0 0 T.S.&F. Canterbury Brand 18 0 0 18 10 0 19 0 0 Cantab Flour .. 15 0 0 Sharps 8 10 0 Bran 6 10 0 Fowl Wheat .. .. 0 4 oto Is. 6d. The abOA re prices include sacks and bags; sacks and bags not returnable. Terms: Cash. Auckland, sth May. 1877.



CONTINUATION OF CLEARING OUT SALE. JOHN W. PEA RS E (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 receiA'ed from London. Blankets, Flannels, Tweeds, Hosiery. GloA res, ufHes. Feathers, Flowers, and Straw Goods. Every Department is Marked DoAvn, so as to clear out. The Lease of the Premises for Sale.