SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„ ♦ This "Afternoon, 4.7 HIGH VAiEK-- ( T O _ morr ow Morning, 4.29 SUN SET.—This Evening. 6.45 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 4.40 MOON'S AGE.—Full Moon, 21st, 9.58 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES,

PROJECTED DEPARTURES. For London—City of Auckland,ship; Famenoth,

For Tauranga and the South—Rowena, three times a fortnight. For Tonga—Norval, schooner, early For Clyde River, Australia—Glencoe, barque, early.

The s.s. lona ?aila on Tuesday, instead of Monday, for the Bay of Islands only, returning on Thursday^ -

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

- Mails will Close as Under : For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m. ; and on Monday next, at 11 a.m. For Coromandel, per Arsyle, on Monday next, For Kawa™" per Heather Bell, this day, at For P Tryphena, per South Carolina, this day. at ForlLevuka, per Mazeppa, on Monday next,

ForGisborne, per Go-ahead, on Monday next,

For Ru^ell. Kawa Kawa, Wangaroa, and x»ion gomii. per lona, on Monday next, at i p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Rotorua, on

Tuesday next.'.at 1 p.m. T . _ Fo- Wangarei Hearts. Waipu, Wangarei, and Maagapal, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at PerPs™.' Zealrindia, on Wednesday, 21st icstant, a? under: — _ , . For Sandwich Islands. "United States of 4.me'-iea Canada. British Columbia, Central ?nd South America, and British and Foreign Wfist Indies, at 11 a.m. , For United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. Fo 1- money orders. re:Hs f.ered letters, ana newspapers/at 9.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an estra fee of 6d. in addition to the postage, will be received by the mail agent on board the sf-camer un Jo the time of sailing. S. B. BISS. Chief Po^niaster.

BIRTHS.

[The price for inserting birth notices in this column is reduced to one shilling; other notices as before.]

MARRIAGES.

PHILLIP?—TOXG.-On November 10, IST7, by the Rev. R. i-\ Macmcol, Thomas, eldest sou of Mr. T. Phillips, to Elizabeth Kitto, third daughter of Mr. C. 3. long.

O&ITjVIE—HYDE.—On the loth November. 1577 at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev. Allan Webb, John Cruickshank, second son of John Ogilvie, to Maria Jane, eldest daughter of Joseph Hyde, both of Auckland.

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

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1877.

For the oiuse that lacks assistance, For the irrcn? that needs ies:s!22CO, Fir the fn».uro in the distance, Aad'thc gcod thit va c*a ti«

Last night's crowded, enthusiastic, and unanimous meeting was representative of several important political facfs. Primarily., as a proof of the united, unwavering, support of the people to Sir George Grey, the meet ing left nothing to be desired by the Premier's most earnest supporters. As a condemnation of Major Atkinson and the party who are now obstructing the investi-> gation of public affairs by a new set of men, the chief resolution and the temper of the meeting were equally; emphatic. There ■was absolutely no division of opinion. This was testified not merely by the absence of tokens of dissent, but by the demon strations of assent universal throughout the large and densely packed hall. The first great fact, therefore, established by tha gathering was the unanimity of public feeling in favour of the present Government, and the indignation with which the people view the disgraceful lust of office that has prompted the attempt to oust Sir George Grey and his colleagues before they have been afforded fair oppor tunity for submitting their measures. Proceeding to art analysis of the speeches delivered in.support of the chief purpose of the meeting, we find fairly prominent those great political questions which involve the position and stability not only of the present Government, but of all future governments. Differences of opinion will, doubtless, pre vail concerning the relative importance of these questions. Our morning contem porary, we observe, gives pre-eminence to the colonisation of the land fund. But to our mind this and all other political cries are simple side issues, subordinate to the one great, all-absorbing subject of equitable Representation and dependant legislation to bring the Parliament into harmony with the'will of the people. Given a Parliament which fully and fairly represents the dominant feeling among the great mass of the population, and there exists a Government, under which abuses are easy of correction, and evety man in the State feels his personal responsibility for the evils which he suffers. The adjust ment of representation on the basis of population is a necessary corollary to the ideal democracy that now entrances the popular mind; but without shortening the duration of Parliament to three, or if found

desirable, two years, the term for which members are elected^ _to Congress instances of representatives setting their constituents at defiance, will continually recur while theelectors will remain as powerless as they feel themselves at the present moment. The paramount consequence of Sir George Grey's oft expressed desire to make the parliament truly represent the people, is as yet only half grasped by the electors. When that has been realised, no matter what the grievance—be it the unjust division of the land fund, the extravagance or autocratic pretensions of Ministers, the domination of the Civil Service, or prevailing political corruption — a certain antidote will constantly be in operation, which must mitigate, and with the growth of enlightened opinion, ulti mately eradicate those evils. If the Gov ernment were neither better nor worse than the majority of the electors desire it should be, if it fairly reflected their views, we should have but little to complain of in the present,and for the future aihopeful prospec of progressive advancement.

The subjects and hours of services at the churches are announced in another place. The people's religious service at the Theatre will be held as usual.

His Worship the Mayor to-day addressed the following ' telegram to Sir George Grey :—"The Honourable the Premier, Wellington.—A numerous and influentially signed requisition requesting me to convene a meeting of the citizens to discuss the present political condition of the colony was presented to me on the 14th inst. Last evening the meeting took place at the Choral Hall, when the following resolu tions were passed without a single dis sentient (Here the resolutions are quoted.) The building was unable to contain all who sought admission. Would you favour me by causing a copy of these resolutions to be transmitted to the city members.—W. J. Hurst, Mayor, Chairman of the meeting."

Mr J. A. Tole., member of the House of Representatives for the county of Edc-a, has been in communication with the Trea surer at Wellington, in accordance with the expressed wishes of local Highway Boards, with the view of urging upon the Govern ment the immediate necessity of sending

subsidies due to the Ronniera, Panrnure, Eden Terrace, Whau, Mount Eden, Grafton Roacl, Mount Albert, and Mount Roskill Boards. Mr Tole, we are glad to notice, has succeeded in obtaining the written pro mise of the Secretary of the Treasury, that half the subsidy for 1577-S, would be at once remitted. We have since learned

that the Treasurers of the several Boards mentioned have since received the promised subsidies. The subsidies hare been re ceivedjmuch earlier this year, chiefly through. the timely exertions of Mr' Cole, and which will be (greatly to the advantage of the Boards.

H|Mr J. T. B. Dines writes a long reply to the letter from an anonymous correspondent on the. Newton meeting. He accepts all the writer's satirical remarks on the absence of abomination as serious, and proceeds very gravely to refute them. We have not space for the letter.

We are requested to draw attention to the sale of unredeemed pledges by Mr I\. Arthur on Monday at 12 o'clock.

The "Herald" to-day, persisting in its attempt to cold shoulder the public meet ing, gives prominence in its leading com ments to alleged groans for the Governor 3 On refei-ence to its own report, we find no mention made of the alleged occurrence, and if it occurred at all the incident was certainly a very minor one with which three parts of the meeting were absolutely unacquainted. Our contemporary, like wise, tries to get a back slap at Dr. Wallis by applying specially to the House of Representatives, his general remarks upon the proportion of trimmers and rogues in average representative assemblies. These little tricks on the part of a public journal, devised to bring into disrepute a great public demonstration, will doubtless meet with due appreciation and reward. As the fact was overlooked at last night's meeting, it is only fair to mention that Mr William Eyre exerted himself •with Mr A. Black in getting up the requi sition to the Mayor, which resulted so successfully.

The last meeting for the year of the members of the Auckland Institute, will 05 ill'iU Oil IM.UIIIUVJ i>» 1,111.11^, m-.a, i.1i...n several interesting papers will be read and discussed.

The extraordinary general meeting of the Auckland llegatta Club will bo held on Thursday evening next, at the Thames Hotel.

To the Editor : Sir, —Holding two sweep stakes on the North Shore Hurdle Race, Avill you kindly inform me through your valuable paper if -I should pay the money to the person holding the horso that first passed the post, or the person holding the horse that was declared the winner. As sportiug men say in sweeps that the first horse past the post wins the money, you will greatly oblige by deciding the above.— Yours, &c, Parn'ell ROADEK. [The question is a very difficult one, and has been dacided various ways. The rule in sweepstakes is, that the first horse pastthe post wins. But when the first horse ha.s been disqualified for not going the whole course, the real winner should take the money. The force of this exception will be seen by exaggerat ing what happened in the case quoted by our correspondent. If, for instance, a horse bolted right acro.-s the course and passed the post first, it is unreasonable to suppose that sweepstakes would pass from the real winner.]

The general meeting of the effective members of the Loyal Orange Institution will be held on the 23rd inst., in the hall, Newton, for the purpose of confirming the appointment of trustee, made at a previous meeting in July last.

Mr Charles Bright will deliver his fourth and last lecture to-morrow evening, in the Choral Hall. The subject will be "Free Thought, and Fettered Thought," to be opened at eight o'clock. The Excelsior Lodge entertainment, con sisting of tea. speeches, musical selections, original and select compositions, ballads, etc., will be held on Wednesday evening next, in the school-room of Franklin Road Primitive Methodist Church.

On Thursday evening next, a social gathering of the congregation of St. Luke's Ciufrch will take place in the gardens and grounds of Allan K. Taylor, Esq., Mount Albert. Ample amusements will be pro vided in the shade of .summer trees, and everyone will be at full liberty to share the festive enjoyments innocently among the flowers, amid the hum of insects, the mur muring of bees, the songs of birds, and the harmonies of nature,

Incidental to St. Matthew's musical service last night, at the conclusion, says one youth to his chum (both of whom had apparently been listening at the church door) : " All ! —always a great many people at these cheap things." We have been permitted to view a full size oil portrait of our late and much re gretted Resident Magistrate, Dr. Ncsbitt. The likeness is strikingly faithful, both as respects lineament and expression. The subdued, calm countenance ; the thought ful eye, bespeaking intelligence and gentleness, all show the admirable pencil ling of the artist. The painting is from the easel of Mr Arnold, of Auckland, who may well feel proud of the work he has achieved. Handsomely framed, it is to be yriaced iv the members' room at the Club. The worthy deceased gentleman will be associated ' with the early history of Poverty Bay when those now living shall have passed" away, finding a last resting place in some part of God's Acre near where the remains of the Doctor lie buried.—" Poverty Bay Standard."

A deputation consisting of Messrs. Dakly, Morrin, Upton, and three other gentlemen, waited on Mr. F. Larkins to-day, and re quested him to become a candidate for the Mayoralty, to which, we understand, he con sented. There are now two candidates announced, and we hear that Councillor Goldie may also be nominated. Another laudable effort to promote local in dustry has been made by Mr Samuel White, of Parnell, who has recently commenced the manu facture of blacking. Simple as the blacking business may appear to some persons, it is yet a branch of trade that reqnires no small care and skill to produce an article that will meet the brilliant ideas of the polished public of Auck land, and Mr White's experience in the trade

should qualify him, if not to attain the success of Day and Martin, at least to realise what ho aims at—to add lustre to the reputation of the blacking trade. Mr White's advertisement will be found in another column.

PARLIAMENTARY.

[PEESS AGENCY.]

WELLINGTON, this day. Yesterday afternoon's sitting was occu pied with various bills.

IMPREST SUPPLY.

The chief interest centred in the intro duction of an Imprest Supply Bill for £100,000 by Mr Larnach. A fight was an ticipated on it, but none occurred, the bill passing through all stages without dis cussion.

ADJOURNMENT.

At half-past five o'clock Mr Sheehan pro posed that the House do adjourn till Mon day at half-past five o'clock. He pleaded that the Ministry had a large amount of important business in hand, and had no time to meet in Cabinet, owing to the con tinuous sitting of 'he House. There was no Opposition, and the House adjourned accordingly;

RACES AT NORTHERN WAIROA.

The North Auckland District races will come off on Wednesday and Thursday next, at Dargaville, Wairoa River. A very large gathering of settlers^ Maoris, and others is expected, so that visitors from Auckland will have the privilege of gazing upon the assembled Wairoa community in addition to admiring the beauties of the country, the magnificent forests and grand river. Many Auckland citizens have not had the pleasure of seeing this very important portion of the Auckland Provincial District;. There isnow offered anususually good opportunity o£ seeing the extensive operations of enter prising capitalists, and the throngs of human

beings who have elected to settle down amid the trees so far from city life. Excursionists ■will leave Auckland on Mon day at 12.30 mid-day by J. Casey and Son's new steamer, City of Cork, a vessel which has been built specially for the Riverhead trade ; the next period of the journey will be over the renowned Kaipara Railway to Helensville. Here J. Casey and Son's fine and elegantly fitted up steamship, Minnie Casey, Captain Rawson, will be in readiness to convey passengers by the first tide on Tuesday to the Wairoa. arriving there during the morning, and returning from the Wairoa directly after the races and ball are over.

CABLEGRAMS.

{SPECIAL TO THE STAB.)

RUSSIANS ADVANCING ON SILIS-

TRIA.

MORE PROMISES

OF TURKISH

REFORM.

EXTENSIVE FLOODS IN WALES.

REPUBLICAN

MAJORITY IN

FRANCE

LONDON

Oct. 21. A large Russian force with siege guns is advancing on Silistria from Medjigee. The relations of the Porte with Greece have improved. The Sultan has informed the Belgian Ambassador that he intends studying the institutions of Belgium, with a view of adopting reforms at the close of the war. Extensive floods have occurred in South Wales. Cardiff was inundated. PARIS. Oct. 31. In the second balloting for French elections on Sunday, the 28th, the Con servatives gained 11 votes, and the Re publicans 4; making tUc t^l~l B<n«>.UJ»«na majority uervr 117. The Hon. Alfred Henry Thessizer, G.C., has been apppointed to succeed the Right Hon. A. Pamplett as Lord Justice of Appeals.

Australian ETqws.

[PRESS AGENCY.)

DEPARTURE OF THE ZEALANDIA,

SYDNEY, this day

The Zealandia sailed at 3 p.m. yester day for Auckland, Honolulu, and San Fran cisco, with the outward mails.

AUCKLAND SUMMER MEETING.

Tiih weights for the Summer Meeting: were declared last night as follows :—The Auckland Cup (Handicap) of 2CO soys., with a sweepstakes of 10 soys. each added; second horse to receive 20 soys., and third horso to save his stakes. Distance, 2} miles.—Danebury, 4 yrs, 9st; Hippo campus, i yrs. Bst lllbs; Lara, 5 yrs, 7st 71b; Gang Forward, i yrs, 7st Gibs; Klsa, 5 years, 7st 41bs ; Bide-a-wee, aged, 7st; Gillie Callum, 5 yrs, 7st ; Longlands, 3 yrs, Tat; Venus Transit, 3 yrs. Cst 131bs ; Katcatcner, 3 yrs, 6st 131h3; Foul Play, 3 yrs. Gst 121bs; Oberon, 3 yrs, Ost lOlbs; Pprthenopccus, 3 yrs, Gst 71bs; Baron, 3 yrs, Cst. Handicap Steeplechase, of 150 soys., with a sweepstakes of 5 soys. each; amount accruing from sweepstakes to go to second horse. Dis tance, about 3v miles, over a fair hunting coun try. Perfume, aged, 12st 41b ; Auckland Kate, aged, list 111b; Butcher Boy, aged, list 91b ; Don Juan, aged, lOst lUb ; Whitefoot, aged, lOst 111b; Tom Finn, C yrs, ltat 91b ; Greyhound, lOst lib; Shaushraun. 5 yrs, lOst lib; Ouida. 5 yrs, lOst lib ; Don, aged, lOst; Arrow, aged lOst.

INDIAN FAMINE RELIEF FUND

The following sums have been received at my oilice up to 2 p.m. this day : —Collected by by H. Chrisp, £5 ; collected by Father Fynes, £12 11s ; collected by MrJ. Bollard, Chairman Whau District. £7 4s 6"d; col-

lected by Mr Dc Carteret, 5s ; collected by ! Mr Heta Tarawhiti, £3 oh ; collected by Mr |B. Myles, £6 Is ; collected by Mr E. W. | Williams, £3 13s ; collected by Mr T. Ball, £2; Mr Harbutt, £1 Is; Master King, ;2s Cd. The total receipts to date are : £1,516 3s 2d.—F. G. EWIKGTON, Hon. ' Sec, per T.D.H.—Auckland; Nov. 17th, 1577.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow Esq.,R. M. SPECTRES OF NIGHT. Kamera (a Maori) was charged with drunkenness (Mr Richard Grigg interpreted) and fined ss. James Hooley and Susan Hawkcs were also fined for the same offence. WILD AND RECKLESS. Martin Lestrange, aged 22, who had been convicted over 20 time^ for charges of drunkenness, assault, and vagrancy, pleaded guilty, and was ordered to pay 20a and costs, and suffer live days in Mount Eden, or in default seven days. SAVAGE ASSAULT. Samuel Sykes, a sailor, was charged with committing a violent assault on George Welford, by kicking him. Prisoner said lie was so drunk that he had no recollection of the case.

George Welford, a respectable looking youbg man, deposed that as he was passing the Ccsmopolit-m Hotel last evening the prisoner came out, and asked him for a match to light his pipe. He gave ',him a match according to his request, when, prisoner immediately commenced kicking him on the legs and other parts of his body. Prisoner said lie was an old sailor, and had taken some beer, which immediately deprived him Jof reason. He remembered nothing further. Ordered to pay 40s and coats or be com mitted for fourteen days. THE SHORTLAND-STREET ROBBERY. Jane Reed, alias Rolfe, and Elizabeth Speers, who were charged with unlawfully clearing the house in Shortland-street of sundry articles of jewellery and wearing apparel, the property of Henry Bell, of Helensville, were again placed in the dock.

The evidence in this case appeared in the last issue of the Star, his Worship re serving the issue until this morning. The depositions were read over last even ing, when the prisoners declared that the deceased, Sarah Ann Bell, was indebted to them for services rendered, but as they were unable to produce eridence in favour of their statement, they were fully committed to take their trial at the next criminal sittings at the Supreme Court. The wit nesses were also bound over to appear against the prisoners at their trial, Annie Bannerth, a dressy young lady, desiring that her name might be spelt correctly in the Star.

KIVALS IN ARMS.

John Rose, a young man in the bloom of early manhood, again appeared on a charge of maliciously wounding Patrick Crowley on the evening of the sth of November. Mr Hesketh a2)peared in defence. Sub-Inspector Pardy produced a medical certificate from the hospital to the effect that Crowley was still unable to appear, as he was in a very dangerous state, and grad ually getting worse. If death should ensue, which appeared highly probable, the pris oner would have to answer to a charge of manslaughter. He would therefore ask for a remand for another week.

Mr Hesketh said if he couldj reasonably oppose a remand he should do so, as accord ing to his instructions no weapon was used. The case was remanded until the 26th inst., and prisoner admitted to bail. This was all the business.

To the Editor : Sir,—Can you give any information-respectingthe Balmain Jttegatta, whether the Secret was one of the com p editors, and what position she was in when the race finished. By doing so you will oblige,—Yours &c, T. RICHARDS. [No particulars of the Regatta have yet been received. But from letters to hand by the last Sydney steamer, it appears that the recent alteration threw the yacht completely out of trim, and it is doubtful whether she would compete at all.l

THE PARLIAMENTARY CRISIS.

ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING AT THE

CHORAL HALL,

One of the most densely crowded and most unanimous meetings we hare ever seen in Auckland, took place in the Choral Hall last night, the object being to discuss the present political situation. At the time appointed for the opening—half-past seven —a number of gentlemen, including Mr Reader Wood, M.H.R. for Parnell; the Rev. Dr Wallis, M.H.R. tor City West;. who were both vigorously cheered, his! Worship the Mayor, and aeveral other in fluential person?, entered the hall by the side door, and took their places on the stage. The Mayor took the chair, and the meeting at once began by his Worship reading the requisition inviting him to convene the meeting, and his reply. He said he would not take up the time of the meeting by making a speeeb, but would leave that to others whom they wished to hear speak. He would simply crave their indulgence for speakers of all shades of opinion. He would now call upon some one to propose a resolution on the subject they had met to discuss. Mr J. T. Boylan came forward to move the first resolution, and was received with cheers. He said they had been accused in Auckland of packing meetings. They certainly had a packed meeting that night, and he' did not know who had packed it. It was the more surprising to see such a crowded assemblage, because it had only been advertised once, so that it could only be ascribed to the very great interest which the people of Auckland took in the present political crisis. There Vv ere several gentle men to speak after him, and he knew he should consult the wishes of the audience as well as his own by making his remarks as short as possible. The resolution he had been requested to move was as follows : "That, in the opinion of this meeting, it is considered desirable that the financial position of the Rnlnny should be placed before the country by the present Government, and, if any factious opposition shall be continued, they should apply to the Governor for immediate dissolution of Parliament,"' They would see how moderate the tone of the resolution was. The object of this was that it might be supported by all. As to the desirability of a financial statement being made, that passed without question. The expression " factious opposition" was used because no one could object to a proper and fair opposition. Auckland had to be congratulated that "the votes of her members were at length of some weight in the Assembly. Only a short time ago the votes of her members were so divided that they were generally 7 to 7, and consequently did not count at all. Now lie was glad to see they had a voting power of G, and if other members followed out the purpose for Avhich their constituents had sent them to the Assembly tliey would have 10 (cheers). It was a significant fact that while*the late Minister had not a single supporting member in his own province, the present Premier had thirteen (cheers). Auckland had been like a boat without a rudder, but she was now being guided better. Another thing he had to say .was that if it was not true that the whole of the constitu encies of Auckland were in favour of the Grey Ministry, of them were at any rate in favour of giving it a fair trial. (Loud cheers.) Mr Atkins (of Cousins and Atkin) came forward to second the resolution. He was there by an act of duty. Following the ex ample of Mr Boylan, he would make his observations as brief as possible. There Avere two reasons why he had come there that night. Stagnation wasHinbearable and war was horrible. If a factious opposition were to continue, stagnation would continue without, and intestine war within. Some stop must be put to it. Many years .ago, they had a Ministry which grappled millions as a boy a bag of marbles. He would not say what would be the result of the expenditure of these borrowed millions, but he would say that there were documents relating to them among the archives of the colony, which the present or Grey Ministry would like to look at, and it was the intention of the late Ministry to prevent them (hear, hear). He was" one of those who were of opinion that it would be good for the colony that these documents should be published, and that no one should be permitted to thwart those who desired to give the country every information. They should take their petitions to the very parliament benches, and if unsuccessful there, should knock at the Governor's residence, and use all true and honourable means of obtaining a dissolution (cheers). There were men in the House who were unworthy of their position (cries of "Billy Howe, Billy Rowe "). He wanted these men brought before the hustings, and if it were found that they trampled on their rights, and used them like a football, then he would have it made so hot for them that they would have to pass away, and be no more seen (cheers). Here the crowd in the hall became so great that a large number of persons had to move on to the stage, and the gallery door had to be unlocked to admit a large number there. No other person rising to speak to the motion, it was put by the Chairmau, and declared carried unanimously amid a burst of cheering. Mr Robert Graham came forward to propose, "That a copy of the foregoing resolution be forwarded to Sir George Grey, and the city members now in Wellington." It was high time the people of Auckland should express their opinion on public affairs. He was glad to see so many there. He had never seen such a large and unanimous gathering,andit was evidence of the great concern felt at the present position of the State. He was present at the Thames when a meeting was held at which Mr Rowe (hisses) had been asked to support Sir George Grey. Had he done so they would not be in their present difficulty (hear, hear). He would say one or two words on those members of Auck land province who were opposing Sir George Grey. Dr. Pollen, (hisses) had lived over thirty years in Auckland, and had never been abie to get a seat for a con stituency in this province. Here was an Auckland man who made it a boast that he had been instrumental in removing the seat of Government to Wellington (hisses). He had spoken of Mr Rowe (hisses). Then - there was Mr Williams, of the Bay of Islands. He was the son of a missionary, whose enormous land claims had been docked by Sir George Grey,and the son was therefore a bitter opponent of the present Premier. Sirß. Douglaswassaidtobeaplace hunter. Captain Morris had got into Par liament as a supporter of Grey, and directly he was there turned his coat and voted against him. [Cries : What of Whitaker? ] It was rather a delicate matter for him to speak of Mr Whitaker. [Cries of "Out with it," and laughter.] It was well known that Mr Whitaker would not again join the Atkinson Ministry. It was a question who would represent the Opposition in Auckland. There was Billy Rowe, Mr Fox —Cox he meant (laughter.) Well, he was both Cox and Fox (cheers.) He had had many years' experience of the late Government, and he had found they would do nothing. The most hardworking men in the House when he was in Wellington lately, were Mr Swansan and Mr J. S. Macfarlane. The last-named had been a Lite Government supporter, but he had seen how little they did for the colony, and he had turned against them. All honor to him for doing so.

Mr T. B. Hill seconded the resolution. He described the Atkinson Ministry as the dark Ministry, and that of Sir George Grey as the Ministry of light. He firmly believed that if Sir George Grey was enabled to keep his position he would be able to open Kawhia, and remove the aukati, and open up the whole of the kiiig country. In yesterday's " Waikato Times" a notice appears that if any eltbrts are made to pre vent the meeting between the King and

Sir George Grey, the settlers would com bine to bring it about. He had seen Mr Whitaker —he would not say which— button-hole an old Maori, and a few minutes afterwards the old fellow came out in a brand ne\T suit. He said at the time, he wondered "what the Maori had been made to sign. If the country had had fair play he -would not be before them to-night. (Cheers). The Mayor put the second resolution, which was carried with the same unanimity as the first, amid renewed cheering. Mr A. Black said the resolution he had to propose was a Tory simple one ; it was, "That Mr Reader Wood and Dr Wallis be .requested to address the meeting." (Cheers). Mr Brett said he had much pleasure in seconding the resolution moved by Mr Black, to whose exertions the calling of that successful meeting was largely due. Messrs Wallis and Wood hadgreatiirfluence in the House, and had exercised it on the right eide. He believed the country would not be satisfied without a dissolution.

Carried unanimously. The Mayor requested Mr Reader Wood to address the meeting. Mr Reader G. Wood was received with vociferous cheering. When it subsided, he spoke as follows :. lie felt like an interloper at the meeting, as he was not a member for the city ; but at the same time if they were good enough to waive their right to refuse to listen to airy one who was-not a city member, he should have great pleasure in aiding the proceedings in the best manner he could. (Cheers.) It was high time the people be stirred themselres to secure their rights, and although Mr Boylan had flattered Dr Wallis and himself by ascribing the large meeting to a desire to hearthem speak they must pardon him if he said he didn't believe it. Had they called a public meeting they would only have secured a small audience. Then why was there so large a crowd ? Because the people felt that the time had come when they must use their influence and power, and he was of opinion that when the people of a country were of one mind there was no power v/hich could resist them. If the people of Auckland, Nelson,and Otagowere all determined to bring this business to a conclusion, and to compel members to face their constituenccs, it would not be long before a dissolution was brought about and they would be called upon to elect fresh members. (Cheers). He had no doubt their example would be followed, for the people were not likely to allow £200 a day to be frittered away in in doing nothing. The session had lasted four months, and no Important measure had been passed except the Education Bill. It was an immense time to waste doing no thing. In the early part of the session the late Government were utterly incapable of carrying a single measure. That went on until they lost vote after vote, and at length they lost their seats. Then came in Sir George Grey, and the present Ministry. (Cheers.) They would naturally suppose that those who assisted to turn out the old Government would have supported the new. But not so. Why? Not because they had.any political principles at stake, but simply "because they "Didn't like Grey." Like girls they wouldn't play, " because Idon'tlikeMiss'Emily Snooks." (Laughter.) That was a dignified position for members of parliament. (Laughter.) Another section said "we will have Grey. They believed in English fair play. They said " Greyf is the ablest man in the Bouse. (Cheers). He is the best speaker. He has large ideas, and he has led an Opposition for three years, and has at last led them to victory. We are not going to soe him shunted for a set of fellows not worthy to tie his shoe-strings." Sir George Grey had a hard task. 'He had to fight a majority of one or two, but he had the advantage of generalship, aud could manage his little band so as to defeat their large battalions. In spite of their majority he would win. (Cheers.) What was his attitude, and was it fair or not ? Grey said the late Gov ernment had been tried, and had- lost public confidence and their seats. He, with his friends, was now in power. He admitted that he had no majority, and that it was impossible-to carry any measures of impor tance. What he said was, " Let me bring down a short measure for the readjustment of the representation, so as to make more proportionate to the numerical strength of the constituencies; let me do thaf,andgiv3 me supplies for two or three months tor a general election, and I will advise the Governor to dissolve the House." It was utterly impossible to conceive a fairer proposition. For an opposition to fight to get back to power for the sake of the places only was unworthy of statesmen, and worthy of a set of office-seekers. (Cheers). As regarded the measure of reform it was of the utmost importance. At present uo principle of representation was adopted. He held that it should be as nearly as possible in pro poi'tion to population. Out districts and suburban districts should, of course, have larger representation in proportion to popu lation than towns, but when once a fixed principle was adopted it was easy to adhere to it. It was not right that Taranaki, with a population of S,OOO, should have three members ; while the Thames and Coromandel, with 15,000 or 16,000, should only have two. These anomalies Grey was desirous of adjusting, before he went to the country and asked what Goverment shall stand. He had told them Sir George Grey had to fight a majority. But that was not_ his only difficulty. He who had been" out from home to hold the scales of justice fairly, with his eyes bound, so as to look neither to the right nor to the left, he was sorry to say was holding these scales unevenly, and instead of being blindfolded was looking askance for party purposes (Hisses and groans). At the moment when Sir Geo. Grey was weakest he received a back handed slap from the Governor. (Hisses). But it missed its mark, (Laughter). What was the Governor's position? He said : "I won't leave this thing to parliament (they had already decided it), but I'll go and tell papa. (Laughter.) " 111 write to the Secretary, of State." In his opinion that Secretary' of State would reply in a very different way to what the Governor expected. He would probably say, "If you can't manage things out there better (you have only to draw your pay and keep quiet) without creating continual bothers, you had better come home, and grace the House of Lords, instead of remaining to disgrace the colony." (Cheers.) The first resolution he most heartily agreed with. It was drawn with care, and met all the circumstances of the case. Whoever drew it had hit the right nail on the head. It was of the utmost importance to know all about the finances. He was' satisfied they would not know all about them }if the late Government came back. They had had a little glimpse, which made them wish for more. They had heard of the great state ments of Vogel and Atkinson—three hours' statements —with the surplus here*, and a surplus there, and things all happy aud comfortable, and telegrams sent to England which made the bondholders quite delighted at the prosperity of the colony. That was what Atkinson told them. A few of the members, including himself aud Mr Rees, (cheers) had tried to find out the actual condition of these finances. They had told the late Government " You are wrong; there is no surplus — you are borrowing money for departmental expeuses and making up deficits out of loan." They were told in reply that they could not count &c. Now he wanted the audience to see aud he had intended to have given from memory a statement made by Mr Larnach in the House, but that day he had received the statement in "Hansard," and he would read it to them. It was a short statement, and so could be understood perhaps better than the three hours' state ments he had spoken of, and it was a marvellous commentary on the state of prosperity which had been so loudly trump etted. It dealt with actual money too. not with ledgers, books, &c, but with the actual cash, and there was a charming simplicity about cash. (Cheers.) The public account on the 31st October showed

a balance of £640,000, a^oT^T~ If a man had a balance like tffj^^ banker's he would feel very -3 ?■ **1 But there were deduction? toT^i* First there was the whole of the?^ Fund Canterbury, £525,000, that if* big slice gone at once. Ota«w-e«?*• a Hawkes' Bay £8,000; »2Xo^BS Auckland, nothing. (Laughter \' %?'> £595,000. Then there wereihetrLJA 1 ' af the colony-Savingsßanks baiS*?* £57,000. Now how Wh did thatiL^' Why, £12,000 to the bad (Wu Ye? That was a quiet business manW^' not a wild fellow's like Rees oVf* ment. (Laughter). So that to pS tne^? mental expenses, and all that tW vT? 1" debit balance of £12,000 And tiff a not all. Tho late Prime Minister W that there was a large balanec to the pJu* ' Works Account. But they had Wltc borrow £300,000, or about £100 600 month, and still there was a deficit Tr,a law would not allow them to borrow' & and if it did, they could not becanse ti^ was nothing left. There was another m** of the matter to be obtained from am orandum by Mr Batkin, the pennant officer of the Treasury. This f? testimony of no political partizan, butofrt officer who was responsible for the corn** 6 ness of what he stated. What did he say'

On the 15th instant I had the honour to * • out that, after providing for all orders in fiXr 11' of the Agent-General to the 13th instant ma? 1 all interest and sinking fund due in Londmfi* the loth January inclusive, the whole nf tv moneys in London, including the proce«L c the £800,000 Imperial-guaranteed dewS o£ (taken at their par value) would be exWeS? and there would be a deficit of £6,863 lasirt ' the last-named date to be provided for 0B The remittances for Public Works maw 1 made by the mail of the 20th, will hay* «• effect of enlarging this deficit to the sum™} £33,27113s 9d ; and, believing that the matted becoming urgent, I again beg to call atteS to the state of the account. a"ention

The Treasury accounts at this date show» nominal overdraught of £195,933 16a Bd. TV amount has been drawn against the balancpiS the guaranteed debentures in the hands of th» loan au-ent3 available for hypothecation £375,C00; leaving a balance of £179,066 »- w This balance represents the available fund<f£ England, after charging all interest and sinHnS fund due in London to date, and aliordersoS thR bank transmitted to the Agent-General The interest and sinking fund falling "d,,. between this date and the 16th January, ism l as follows:— . £ s. d. 31 October 5,485 7 i 1 November 3,105 0 0 1 November 12.500 0 0 1 December .. .. .. 4,000 0 0 15 December 13,198 0 0 31 December 18,915 0 0 15 January 15i,136 10 0 Total £212,33nj~l Deficit £33,27113 9 Funds will have to be provided to meet this deficit, atsd for any orders on the bank in favour of the Agent-General, which it may he necessary to transmit to England from this date.. A further sum of LI 35,000 is due in London, for interest, on tie first February.

So, by that you wijl see that over £lsß,ooo would have to be provided on the Ist of Febru ary. Then, yesterday, sir, I received another memorandum referring to the one I have jnst read: — "Keferrirc- to my memorandum of the 23rd instant, relative to the position of.the New Zealand public account, London, ia which I pointed out that the amount remaining to be raised or. the guaranteed debentures would be insufficient by a suni of £33,27113* 9d, to provide for the interest falling due in London on thelSth January, and that a further sum of £135,000wDl be payable on l?t February following, I haw again to call attention to the matter, and to point put that, if provision for theee paymentela to be made by remittance from the colony, such remittar.ee must be made by the mail leaving on the 16th November proximo."

Mr Larnach bad told them they must borrow five millions to get square. Then the whole indebtedness of the colony would be about 24 millions. (Oh, oh.) His (the Speakers) object had been to call to their attention that while the public chest was in this con dition, the Canterbury exchequer was over flowing. Otago had a large sum to credit, and 3*et the iaw would not allow them to touch a penny of the colony. For .the, last two years attempts had been made to unify and to separate. But if they were to have one Government they must have one fund. One province must not be gorged while the others were starving. The Road Boards in Can terbury actually did not know what to do with their money, while here they did not know which way' to turn to get rid of their load of debt. They want the Government to say this land fund must be made general, and if not, we will oppose you until we force it from you. It was because they had reason for believing that Sir George Grey would support this colonisation of the land fund that they were a-axious he should have a show, and lie would support him if he did f;ud if he did not, lie would have him against hi n. (Cheers.' Dr Wullis said he was suffering from a severe cold, and must claim their indulgence i! he was inarticulate. He was surprised at seeing such a large and splendid audience^ more'partieularly because he had noticed that although there were two papers in Auckland, he had only seen attention called to the meeting in one', the STAB, (cheers,) whiletheother,the "Herald"had completely , ignored it. (Groans and cries of LucMe, Luckie.) He feft in a very awkward, situa tion, coming after an accomplished orater like Mr Wood, but he would tell his tale in his own Scotch way. (Laughter.) The meet: ing had been called to give expression to the opinion of the people of Auckland on public affairs. That opinion was un doubtedly that they were all heartily sympathising with Sir George Grey, and were all anxious to "urge upon the Gov vernment to dissolve Parliment, more especallv if Sir George Grey was not able to keep bis position (hear). Since 1569 the Government had been in the-handsof,a clique. In the parlimentary history of England it had been said that the Whigs ruled by the Governing families. A some what similar state of things had come about in New Zealand. They had had a govern ing clique who had spent three millions ot of money yearly. While they were living » clover the colony was sinking in difficulty, and debt. In'the present state of tne colony the representation bore no propor tion to the population : The Waste land? were in an unsatisfactory condition. native affairs were uneasy, and it was e™*£ there was something to be concealed, m Civil Service was domineering over dob Government and people, and sat jK«■» Vampire. Provincialism had been overv turned, and no satisfactory system of low self-government, substituted^And .yrWewx late Government had been enjoying pow and borrowed millions the affairs of tne colony had been sinking deeper mto.^ fusion. The state of the colony reining him of the Augean stable and they wanH* a Hercules to clean it out. Sir hem Grey was this Hercules (cheers). Fuwjj this deterioration this gentleman nadia his retirement and come forth to rftr the colony from impending rum. Alter long struggle he was now mm (cheers) and in a position to ciewv the stable and to carry out a sys^ m of financial and constitutional ■ ™?Z f They knew that was his intention, DM* h clique did not want him to, and , U now moving heaven and earth -that r^.-..M theological phrase— he might »j I " earth and hell " to prevent him, » put him out. And, tell it not m GatU, v, | were five or six Auckland members^ | were assisting them. (Hisses and en» | Traitors.) Traitors they were mo^Vjji I trimmers too. He was quite sure taev | wanted to see Sir George Grey I (Hear hear.) English fair play demJJ, | he should have an opportmty of, sneyj | the state of the colony, and if he sn | remain in a minority he was entitle^ j a dissolution (cheers). If &*&*%# I should allow personal feeling to »■ . g him, and cause him to refuse their pew^ | they ought to knock at the door unW^ f obtained wimt they desired. _ J»x , | had referred to the past session dbm^ | failure. There was oue point 01. | from which it ' was not so. | Government had been in » I of unstable equilibrium. "J I It was this which gave to the unpn»'^ | and unscrupulous political tnm^J^j | traitors the opportunity of ' mlt £$?£ themselves. An even balance 01 J^rf ! was their sunshine, and he never «

i JBE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 18777



CARPETS, LINOLEUM, FLOORCLOTH. T. & H. CO ORE JBeq to inform tJieir friends and the \ ' public thai they have imported a large assortment of'the' above, which will render their FURNISHING ESTABLISHMENT one of the most complete and extensive in Auckland, having purchased these Goods of the Manufacturers direct, for cash, they are enabled to offer them at VERT LOW PRICES. ' New Patterns in Carpets and Linoleum, €W && 0 W ROOMS: 07. Queen-street. Sieani Ocibinet Factory Victoria-street. 7|/|- A N T L E S, COSTUMES, I UNDERCLOTHING, AN D BABY-LIKE N. A Large Assortment of these Goods has just been received by W. RATTRAY, DRAPER AND SILK MERCER, T^" E W 7EALAND TTOUSE, 66, Q.UEEX-STREET, AUCKLAND. I\ Steph ens Having now the Sole Proprietorship of the old-established Business at No. 136, ad joining Lewisaon's, will spare no efforts to keep up his name as a leading BOOT AND SHOE MANUFACTURER AND IMPORTER, (Laxe Cater), X3G, Queen-street 136, opposite the union bank, Auckland. * BOOTS & SHOES of every description made to order. French and German Kid Boots and Shoes always in Stock. £S* Storekeepers Supplied Wholesale Prompt attention given to all orders. Cash Orders from the country will receive immediate response. Goods forwarded by train, steamer, &c., &c. NOTICE.—AII Debts due to the late Firm of Stephens and Carter must be paid to the under signed, whose receipt alone will be a sufficient discharge. F. STEPHENS. Auckland, November 3,1877. rfIHE undersigned are now bringing X forward a Large Parcel of GENERAL DRAPERY, HABERDASHERY, &C bought at considerably less than usual prices, to which they invite the attention of all requiring Good Value For Money. Corsets in great variety of quality and style, ■white and coloured, from 2/6 per pair Linen and Lace Goods, Cufts, Collars, and Sets, in variety Ladies' Underclothing Umbrellas and Parachutes, Silk, Zanella, Alpacca, &c. Lot of Flowers at very low price, quite fresh Straw Hats, Ribbons, Gloves, &c. A Splendid Stock of Muslin, Lace, and Lenoe Curtains, Counterpanes. Quilts, Damask Table Cloths, Sheeting, Felt Squares Carpets. Floorcloth, China Matting, Ticks, &c. Large-size Huckaback Towels at /6 each New Fancy Dress Materials, Japanese Silks, ! Coloured Lustres, Black Lustres, Embossed, Striped, and Check Muslins, Prints, &c. Brown Holland, from /6* per yard Union, Fancy Jean, and Oxford Shirtings, very cheap A Line of Superior Quality Silk Mixed Fancy Shirting, at 2/3, usual price 3/6 per yard White and Grey Calico. Good Grey from /3 per yard Also, A very large assortment of Gents' Shirts, White Longcloth, Union and All-wool Crimean, Fancy Silk Mixed Scotch Twill, Fancy Jean, Oxford, &c. Strong Tweed for Boys wear A Job Line of Stout Mosgiel at below Factory prices ■ Braoe3, Belt?, Ties, Scarfs, Collars, Cotton and Merino Hosiery, Undershirts, &c. Leghorn, Tuscan, Straw, and Drill Hats, for Boys and Men, &c, &c, &c. b. In he £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Uppkb Queen-street, auckland. i UNION INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. C APITAL : £2,000,000. AUCKLAND BRANCH: QUEEN-STREET, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. granted on Dwelling-houses, stores. Shops. B u ilding 3in which trade is aarried on. Merchandise, and Goods of every crescription. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers. Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at Lowest Current Rates. ,R. H. STEVENSON Manager. What is more nefarious than selling adultera ted and poisonous drams labelled and bottled to imitate a pure and health-yielding medicinal beverage. This is precisely what the rogues are doing who sell imitations of the celebrated Upolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic vSo3iKA.PPSput up in bpttles whfch previously held that incomparable cordial and specific for ■disease. Let the public beware of such shams. '



A GREAT HAVING TO ALL WHO BUY FOR CASH. v During the next month a Very Decided Advantage may bo had by all Ready Money Buyers, as the Entire Stock of PLAIN and USEFUL GOODS. FANCY GOODS, DRESSES, MILLINERY, and COSTUMES are MUCH REDUCED in PRICE, to suit the times. JUST OPENED, for the ; SPRING AND SUMMER TRADE r- I \\ -FRENCH MILLINERY, A «*«s_„ GOODS, q )( ■ SKIRTS, $ \[ FEATHERS. _ )( FLOWERS, H )( UMBRELLAS, _ C> / PARASOLS, g )( UNDERCLOTHING, J g w MILITRrMMiNGB, Z. £> ) &c, &c, &c. q )( NEW DRESS GOODS, ° 5 MUSLINS. S _ j PRINTS, £ § )( PIQUES and other Washing t-s p3 w " Materials. ~ )( ioo Pieces NEW JAPANESE ry )( SILKS tO be SOLD CHEAP. B ][ ' BLACK SILKS. £J )( MANCHESTER GOODS. g jj &c. v &c, &o. ■>, / -_- —- —' •—; -^ 5^ 5^ 5^ ;r; 5X LINABUEY'S MILLINERY ! We sflter the Largest Stock and Lowest Prices in the City. SPRING AND SUMMER STYLES NOW IN. Dress.makixg on the Premises. A X I N ABU R V & flO., ~ Ih '"& 200, QUEKN-STREET, Auckland.