SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER- \ % Ms Afternoon, 5.32 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 6.1 MOON'S AGE.—New Moon, 15th, 2.33 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES.

Rotorua, s.s., MacfarlT.no, for Sydney, from the Manukau. Pretty .T:me, s.s., Cooper, for Gisborno and Napier. Fairlio, schooner, Norris, for tho Thamos.

Tho Union S.S. Co.'s steamship Rotorna loft for Sydney this morning, with tho following passenzons :—Saloon—lVlr.' and Mrs. Taunton and 3 children, D. M. McLeod, Mrs and Miss Baker .and 2 children, Miss Munro, J. G. Black, C. F. Nichol. W. N. Scott, J. P. Wyld, Mrs. Gray, Mrs. Child, Mrs. Mclntosh, Hughes. Mrs. T. Williams and child, Mrs. Wall, A. S. Brown. J. Bonnott, J. M. Shora, M. Waley, Mrs. Har groaves. Carpenter, Bryan, Ross, Drysdaio. Steerage—J. Appleyard. J. Hastic, P. Kerns, Solwyn, Lambert, Watson. J. Kennedy, D. Mc- Kay, Jno. and Jas. Dix, Mr. and Mrs. Bryan, J. Dobson, J. Champion, J. Simpson, J. S. Pope, E. Barry, E. Leigliopo, J. Mhnro, Nolan, Mans field. G. Drake, D. McKellar, E. Palmer, J. Daniels, C. Evans, Baton, P. Norbury, F. H. Greene, T. Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Walton, C. Bishop, T. Wilson, G. Cameron, T. Tapson, 11. Ryan, J. Forbes, S. Bennett, T. O'Halloran, Mr. and Mrs. Hall, C. H Hudson, Mr. and Mrs. Knight and 2 children, Kewville, and Smith. The Rptorua left tho anchorage, Manukau, at 6.30 this morning, and crossed the bar at nine. The German man-of-war Augusta, whose arrival we announced yesterday, is armed with ten KrupD guns, and has a complement all told of 270 man. Her engines are very powerful, and aro said to be capable of driving her at a rate of 14 knots per hour. Tho following are the olHcers: — Captain-Commandant Hassonpfiag, Captain - Lieutenant Schultze ; Lieutenants Langemark, Fredk. yon Maltzahn, yon Sperling, G. yon Bandissin; Sub-Lieutenants Dietert, Guneh, Fredk. yon der Goltz; Surgeon Ilicn rich : Paymaster Dregler. A Press Agency London cablegram of the 10th reports the arrival of the Invercargil, Waitangi Waikato, Columbus, and Zealandia. A Sydney cablegram reports the arrival of the Australia at San Francisco on March 9th. Messrs Casey and Son announce an excursion on tho Upper Northern Wairoa, with the 6.8. Minnie Casey, on Saturday morning the 17th inst (St Patrick's Day.) The boat will leave Toka Toka at 8 a.m. sharp, and will oarry the excursionists as far as Piritaha, calling at seve ral places of interest, and returning to Toka Toka the same day. The s.s. Kina is announced as open for freight and charter on St. Patrick's day. The clipper schooner Jessie Henderson is announced to sail for Levuka (direct) on Tues day next, the 20th inst. Messrs Niccol, Hendry and Co, are the agents. . sgThe City of New York, tho outward bound mail steamer, is due hero to-morrow morning, and will leave for San Francisco a few hours after her arrival. The following passengers are already booked by the agents: Mr R. Barrett, Mr J. K. Emmett, wife and child, Mr and Mrs H. N. Abbott and child, Mr Walter Graham, Mr and Mrs E. Lane and infant, Mr John Marshall, Mr J. M. Manghan, hon. J. Drayton Grimke, Mr A. Hyndman Neil, Mr J. W. Cowan, Mr P. Sturick. Steerage :Mr and Mrs Jas. Sullivan, Mr Choukicsee (the giant). There are no less than three vessels called the Southern Cross expected from the South at the present moment. These are the mission vessel, tho Training School vessel, and the A.S.P. Co's Steamer. The s.s. Pretty Jane left for Gisborne and Napier this afternoon. The B.s. Star of the South left to-day at 2 o'clock for Napier, Wellington, and Lyttelton. £3 The London vessels now on tho berth aro getting on slowly. The Loch Urr has her 'tween-deeks full of wool and her lower hold partly stowed. She gets 25 bales of wool from the Omaha, and expects a full cargo by the Go- Ahead from the coast. We understand also that the Island produce brought up by the brig Vision, if she arrives in time, will be trans ferred to this vessel. Tho Glenlora has been greatly assisted by the Coronet and Blanche cargoes. She is now about half full, and is getting along well, Should the Loch Lee arrive from the Islands within tho next three weeks she will tranship into tho Glenlora. The brigantine Augusta is expected from Fiji every day. The brigantine Sir Isaac Newton left Sydney for this port on the 27th ult. Captain Adams has been appointed to the command of the s.s. Kina. Tho brigantino Matchless is on tho berth at Tlmaru for this port, loading with grain. There was a general clear out of vessels at the wharf to-day, to make room for the mail steamer. The Santiago and the Oxford have both been moved into the stream.

COMMERCIAL.

A London cablegram of yesterday states that wool is weaker, and prices are irregular. 5000 bales were withdrawn.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to morrow, at 11.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Kina, to-morrow, at 1.30 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, this day, at i p.m. Per City of New York, on Wednesday, 14th inst., as follows: — For Kandavu, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 9 a.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 9 a.m. For money orders! and registered letters, this day, at 5 p.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d in addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board up to time of sailing. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, and Southern provinces, per Wanaka, to-morrow at 1 p.m. Late letters will be received till 1.20 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki, on Thursday next, at 5 a.m. Note.—A letter receiving box has been erected at Mr Hatswell's store, Princes-street, and is cleared at 8.15 a.m., and 3.15 p.m. 8. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster^

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 1877

Sfor the cavse that lacks assistance, For tlie wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the eood that we can do.

Are the Hon. J. D. Ormond, Minister of Public Works, the Hon. J. Hall, and Mr. Rolleston, late Superintendent of Canter bury, fools ? We ask the question because these gentlemen, having framed the Counties Act for the benefit of their country, have studiously rejected it them selves. It was a very excellent sauce, declared Mr. Ormond, for Gome geese, but it wouldn't agree with the stomach of a knowing old gander like himself. We have already stated that in Hawke's Bay, where Mr. Ormond's possessions are ex tensive, through that gentleman's in fluence not a single County has been formed. Now for the Hon. J. Hall, like wise a member of the Cabinet last session, and Mr. Rolleston, ex-Superintendent of Canterbury, two of the most able politicians and administrators New Zealand has pro duced. Their estates lay in the County of Selwyn, one of the richest districts of the richest province in the colony. Mr. Kolleston was elected Chairman of the Gounty, and the Hon. J. Hall a

member. This County, like our own Eden, had its subsidies, but it was entitled to something more, to wit, a, large haul from land revenue. Surely here was an instance where the whole Act would be brought into operation !If these men are not fools, they must, while passing the Act clause by clause, or subsequently, have discovered the same beauties in it as have been found by some authorities on local government in our Eden Council. These men had valuable estates, they had complete control of the County machinery, but after discussing the mH®& &M ft®s JWtye, point, aM

communicating repeatedly with Wellington to ascertain the position of local districts if the Act were not worked, they abandoned their high dignities, their lordly command of place and power, and rejected the Act. We should like Mr Taylor, or any of his fellow Councillors to explain the reason. Were they fools, who could not see the beauties of the Act, or had not suffi cient intelligence to administer it ? Their rejection certainly did not arise from factious opposition, for when the question affected their own properties, we find Messrs Ormond and Hall, who, as members of tho Government were interested in securing the acceptance of the County law, joining hand in hand with Mr Rolleston who opposed it. The reason, we opine, is precisely that these men are not fools. Their interests at stake were large, and they knew that the Counties Act meant duplicate taxation ; that its design was simply to compel local rating for local works. They knew likewise, that although they controlled the powers of the Act then, someone else might do so a year hence, and as wise men, they argued fcluit tho easiest way of neutralising the evil principles of the Act was to reject it in toto. lief ore adopting that course, Mr Kolleston, as Chairman of tho County, addressed the fol lowing telegram to the Colonial Trea surer :— "Christchurch, February 12th, 1877. " To Hon. Colonial Treasurer, Wollington. " Can you tell mo, for information of inquiring local bodies, when payments will bo made to them of subsidies in respect to rates levied prior to March 31st, J.fc>7(;, aud when first payments on rates to bo levied before March 31st, 1577? " W. ROLLISSTOX," To this he received the appended reply from the Government:— '• Government Buildings, Wellington, February 13th. 1877. "To W. Rolleston, Esq., Christchurch. "Subsidies on ratos collected to March 31st, 1876, are now being paid to Boroughs and Road Districts under section 5 of Appropriation Act, 1876; subsidies to Counties, Boroughs, Road and River Districts, under sections 8 and 13 of Financial Arrangements Act, are payable as soon as returns arc sent in. Those latter subsi dies for the present year aro modified by section 29. For future- yoars these latter will bo the only subsidies paid; they will be computed on returns, to be sent in in May (see section 32) and will bo paid in two or throe instalments during currency of ensuing financial year. n. A. Atkinson." In addressing his constituents at tho Wlia.ii, on Saturday, Mr Taylor took credit as one of the virtues attending the adoption of the whole Act, that the Road Boards would get their subsidies immediately, instead of having to wait till the end of the year for them. Some dis cussion bearing upon this question arose at the Selwyn Council meeting, which puts the matter in quite a different light:—

The Hon. John Hall said that no mention was there made of a very important subject—viz., when they might expect to receive their share of the surplus land revenue.

The Chairman (Mr Rolleston) said that so far as he could see there was nothing mentioned relative to this. He might state that he be lieved tho Government felt somo difficulty in deciding as to the payment of this money until the Council had decided whether they would adopt the whole, or only a portion of t.lic Act.

Mr Matthias desired to ask whether lie under stood that the Road Boards wore deprived of getting their share of the surplus revenue aris ing from land sales, because tho County Council hud not decided whether the Act should be wholly brought into force or not.

Mr Kollcston explained that tho difficulty was this : If tho Counties Act did not come into forco the money would have to be paid into a separate account, and j;o to the Road Boards direct.

Now, which authority we are to accept ? The dictum of Messrs Taylor, Wrigley, and Jackson, who went into the Council firmly believing that the interests of the electors lay in suspending the permissive clauses, but who now .submit, as a reason for chang ing their views, that they did not then understand the subject ; ur Messrs Ormond, Hali, and Kolleston, who, having framed the law and obtained the right to administer it, take the chance of putting it carefully on the shelf. We are driven back upon tin; simple question with which we started : "Are Messrs Ormond, Hall, and Kolleston fools ?"

ANOTHER matter connected with the "burning question" of local self-govern ment —that relating to boroughs—was re ferred to by Mr Taylor, at the Wh.au, and will probably be discussed at the meeting of Parnell ratepayers at Newmarket to-night. Mr Taylor is reported as having said : —

in answer to Mr Wallers, Mr Taylor said ho did not think they had any cause to fear loss of revenue from Parnell and Ponsonby becoming boroughs, for the one he thought was heartily sorry that it had petitioned to be made a borough, and the other would have quite enough to do to mead their roads without paying a Mayor.

If the speaker had stated that the " repre sentatives of Parnell" regretted the borough movement, he might have spoken to the mark, but a general assertion without inquiry, made in the name of 2,500 people, smacks rather of the "We the people of England " immortalized by the three Tooley-streot tailors. It is easy to speak in generalities, and the effect when well-

managed ia usually good, but that form of appeal does not always stand the test of descending to particulars. We propose to inquire briefly whether this exaggeration of the costliness of the borough system is warranted by experience. We have before gone into the subject fully, and proved that it entirely depends on the Council whether the cost of working the Municipal Corpora tions Act exceeds that of the present High way system or not. But Dnnedin papers, to hand by the Rotorua, place us in posses sion of the exact financial position of the Dunedin suburban municipalities, which have worked most satisfactorily. The total revenue of the South Dunedin Council from rates last year Avas £317 4s; while the little Corporation of St. Kilda, also a Dunedin suburb, worked the Act, with all the paraphernalia of Mayor and ToAvn Cleric, on a rate-roll of £103 9s ! ! The borough of Alexandra (Otago) collected rates amounting in the aggregate to £57 IDs, and the borough of Roxburgh, £53 Bs. The population of some of the suburbs of Dun edin is very small, but the Munici pal form of government has been generally adopted as being better suited for the government of town properties. Pamell, Ponsonby, or Karangahapc, with their rate rolls of £400 to £700 -would make two or three of these little boroughs. We might ask what Parnell would have to be sorry for in parting from the County? It would get all the rates that ever it had ; it would receive a subsidy of a pound for every £1 collected; it would get the licenses,transfer, and other fees, which otherwise will go into the County Fund ; it would secure the levying of rates by a body solely elected by the district ; and at the same time prevent even that body from levying a rate of more than one shilling on the annual value, which might be doubled under the joint rule of Highway and County legislation. By remaining in the County, it is said, that if the Council bags the licenses it will keep the main road, and that there may possibly be a surplus of County revenue for distribu tion. Against this, however, must be set another possibility—or rather certainty— of a County rate instead of a surplus. Parnell ratepayers came to the conclusion that the possible winnings were not worth the risk, and on the whole, we think they have summed it up pretty fairly.

Heeling of Parnell Electors, To-night.

It will be seen from our advertising columns that the proposed meeting at Parnell to-night has been abandoned, iv order to suit the views of Messrs Kis sliug and Wrigley, who have called a meeting at Newmarket with the view of giving "the quietus to public opinion at Parnell. An advertisement calls upon the Parnell electors to follow their runaway representatives to the Newmarket Hall. The trouble begins at half-pfist. (3CY6n

Several short, interesting letters to the editor appear on the fourth page of to-night's issue.

The total receipts of the Kaipara to Riverhead railway for. the four weeks end ing February 10th. amounted to £215 13s Sd, and of the Auckland to Mercer railway for the same period to £1,933 sd.

We understand that considerable damage has been done to the Kawakawa railway at Russell by the late heavy rainfalls. A part of the lino is altogether washed away, and some days must elapse before the traffic can be started again. For the present no coal can be sent down to tho shipping.

Referring to a recent performance of the Chicago Minstrels at Wellington, the " Argus " says :—" The Chicago Minstrels, who opened at the Odd Fellows' Hall on Saturday night, drew another crowded house last evening. The troupe consists of ten persons, the majority of whom possess excellent voices, and are generally well up in their business. The corner men, Messrs. D. Arlington and C. Wallace, are proficient in the use of the bones and tam bourine, and the triple dance in which they take part, in conjunction with G. Arlington, is excellently done. This, and the quartette singing 'of Messrs. Cary, Hawkins, Towlc, and Marshall, were tho two best items on the programme last night."

A "rummy" tomperanco anecdote, nsed by an ex-chaplain of the Duke of Bucking ham in illustration of the evils of drink, really deserves immortalising, even though it was too rich to be true. The rev. gentle man stated at a recent medical conference, that within one hundred yards of the Bailors' Home at Liverpool, there were forty-seven public houses, and the publicans actually strewed sawdust on the pavement in front of them, and sprinkled rum over it, so that the smell of the spirit might decoy sailors within their doors. This beats even the proverbial pinch of salt on the bird's tail.

A most distressing story is told by the Dunedin newspapers. Mr J. H. Pope, long connected with the Dunedin High School, was oilored a similar situation in A rictoria. Ho sold his property and went across to Victoria, but through bad faith did not obtain his appointment. This preyed upon his mind, he went mad, and is now an in mate of tho Kew Asylum.

The first anniversary soiree of tho Pon sonby Baptist Sunday-school will be held to-morrow evening.

Referring to the arrival of Mr Thos. Rus sell, avc learn that his stay in Auckland will not be long. His family remain in England.

The eldest daughter of Isaac Ear] Featherstone, late Agent-General for New Zealand, recently died in Wellington.

The Rev D. Bruce is gazetted a Fellow of the New Zealand University.

It is understood that the native difficulty at Murimoto, Hawkes Bay, has been settled, the arrears of rent having been paid.

After we went to press yesterday, the further hearing of the evidence in the action brought by George McCaslin against the Karangahape Highway Board was adjourned until Friday as it was almost impossible to conclude the case last even ing, there being such a number of witnesses. Mr Cherry was defendant on behalf of the Board, and objected to pay for several reasons. When he (Mr Cherry) succeeded to the chairmanship, Mr Barnes, the late chairman said the Hoard was free of debt, but at tlio meeting on the Slat July, ho said thui'o wjis a debt due to McCaslin, for scoria supplied. His real objections to pay were, Ist, the amount of scoria claimed for, was never delivered. 2nd. lie heard that a quantity of scoria was sold privately, and not accounted for, and 3rd Mr Barnes had undertaken to spend one fourth of the rates of the next year. He also knew that some of McCaslin's drays would not hold the stated quantity of scoria.

The return match between the eleven of the Juvenile Templars'C.C., and eighteen of St Paul's C.C. took place in the Barracks on Saturday afternoon and was Avon by the Juveniles in the first innings. The scores were : Good Templars, 67 and 63. St Pauls, 36 and 21 for loss of 8 wickets.

The firing for the second set of district ride prizes takes place at the Mount Eden Rifle Range, on Thursday next, at 8 a.m. wharp. Any volunteer arriving after that time will be disqualified form competing.

The young men of St. James' Mutual Improvement Association held a meeting last evening for the purpose of hearing aii essay on "Rhetoric." The paper was well written, nnd evidenced much careful thought. A good-tempered discussion fol lowed the reading, and compliments were paid to Mr Burton for his logical essay.

The Assessment Court for the district of One Tree Hill was held yesterday afternoon, before Mr Barstow, at the Junction Hotel. The only two cases before the court were those of Win. Cook,which was reduced by £4 ; and that of John Rose, by £2.

The late fire in Blenheim has scared the proprietor of the " Express," so that he has constructed anew safe for his business books and valuables. The proprietor has hitherto been rather dubious about the existence of incendiaries at Blenheim, but his scepticism has had to give way under an accumulated load of evidence. It is said that he has fitted up a 400-gallon tankwliich, by means of mysterious self-acting springs, will deluge incendiaries, and effectually prevent fire. We congratulate our contemporary on his conversion.

The annual meeting of that most excel lent association, the Ladies' Benevolent Society, will take place in the Lecture-room of the Young Men's Christian Association, on Friday evening next. We trust there will be a large attendance. His honor Mr Justice Gillies will occupy the chair.

The sittings of the Supreme Court Avere resumed to-day, when his honor Mr Justice Gillies held a sitting in Chambers, at Avliich several applications Avere disposed of. A sitting in banco will be held tomorroAV morning at eleven o'clock.

A meeting of the creditors of Joseph William Elliott was held at the office of Mr T. Macffarlane, Supreme Court Buildings, at noon to-day. The liabilities were stated at £200, and the assets, in cluding household furniture and book debts, were stated at £46. Mr Macffarlane was appointed trustee. Three meetings of creditors will be held to-day, at "which applications Avill be made for final discharge.

It has been generally supposed that the race of Waterloo heroes had nearly become extinct, but on the 10th inst. Thomas Newton, aged 77 years, who was present at the great battle of 1815, died in the Pro vincial Hospital. The old warrior has seen four sovereigns on the throne of Great Britain in his time.

The " Auckland Journal of Commerce" appears to-day in an enlarged form. This useful monthly trade periodical is now of very respectable proportions and appearance, and the contents are of great value to the merchantile classes. The leader in this number treats of the sudden rise in A ralue of mining stock, and its influence on trade.

BACHELDER'S PANTASCOPE.

There was a very fair attendance at the Theatre ]loyal last evening, to witness the interesting pevntascope of Mr ISachclder, to which wo have daily referred. The scenery was well developed, and vividly pourtrayed, giving a correct outline of the character oi! the hills and valleys, and wonderful nights on the New Zealand Postal Ronte. The whole afforded much pleasure to the audience, which pleasure was enhanced by the chatty descriptions of tho lecturer. At the close, a number of gifts wore disti-ibuted, and Mr McKenzie held the Jiappy fiQJset wMch ty-'QUgUt him a gold watch,

EDEN COUNTY COUNCIL.

A SPECIAL adjourned meeting of the County Council was appointed for seven o'clock last evening, at the office of the Council, to discuss the question of bringing tho sixth section of the Act into operation or otherwise. The date had been fixed about a month ago, at the adjournment of a debate on the subject brought on by a motion of Dr Wallis, that tho Permissive Clauses be not brought into operation. At the hour appointed, only A. K. Taylor, Chairman, J. D. Jackson, and J. 'Wrigley, were present in the Council room. Mr Udy and Dr W Tallis were down stairs, but seeing that five members would form a quorum, and that they were in a minority of ono on the question of "hanging up" the Act, they hesitated about attending tho meeting. After some delay they went upstairs, and Councillor Wallis suggested an adjourn ment imtil Wednesday, so as to allow of a full meeting to discuss'the question. Coun cillor Wrigley said if the two members took their places, the business would proceed, whereupon Dr. Wallis and Mr Udy at once left the Council room; leaving the Chairman, Councillors Jackson, and Wrigley unable to form a quorum. Subsequently, Councillor Maselield arrived, but his attendance only made four Councillors, one under the num ber required to form the desired quorum. The usual half-hour was allowed to elapse, and the meeting was adjourned until to morrow evening. Councillors Thorne, and Ireland did not put in an appearance. Mr Kissling arrived before the Councillors left the room.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before G. M. Mitford, Esq., and Colonel Nation.) THE NIGHT CTIAItCIES.

Anthony E. Cowan, Bob (Maori) Seaton Hudson, and Edward Brown, wore charged with drunkenness. Cowan was sent to prison for seven days, it being his third ofTcnco. The rest suffered the usual fine of 5s and costs. ON BAIL. Charles Lawsou out on bail, charged with a similar offence did not appear, and his bail was forfeited. LUNACY. Hugh S. Hind, a vacant looking man of about 40, appeared before the Court under the following circumstances as detailed by Sub-Inspector Pardy. Ho had been drink ing heavily for some time, and was suffer ing from delirium tiemens. This morning he had tried to cut his throat, and it had become necessary to put some restraint upon him. The wretched man was reman ded for eight days. KROAPED BY THE SKIN OF HIS TEETH. William Ryan, was charged, on remand, with stealing the sum of £14, the property of Edward Morgan, on board the cutter Lee in Auckland Harbour on the 4th inst. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the circum stances of this case were as follows : The prisoner, in company with Morgan, the captain of the cutter Lee, had been out on the spree. They went, on board the cutter together and the captain fell off to sleep. When ho woke the prisoner was gone and so was his money, to the amount, specified in the charge. The accused, who was known to have no money before this, was afterwards found to have been spending money freely, and was drunk himself the next day. Detective Jeffrey had tried his utmost to trace the money but had failed, and be must therefore ask their Worships to discharge tho accused, as there was not Buflicient evidence to ensure his conviction, although suspicion was very strong against him. The Bench ordered the prisoner to be liberated. EDUCATION RATE CASES. Mr Bcfile attended before the Court with a most formidable list of Education Rate defaulters, principally hailing from Coro mandcl. The names were called in the usual man ner, and those for whom no excuse was found had judgment, with costs, pro nounced against them. THE CITY BYLAWS. Alfred llibbcrt was charged with a breach of the city by-laws by leaving his cart unattended in Queen-street on the sth inst.

Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined 2s 6d and costs. .

CABLEGRAMS.

[PEK PRESS AGENCY],

DISCHARGED FRENCH SOLDIERS TO LEAVE ALSACE AND LORAINE

LONDON, March 11th. Discharged French soldiers arc ordered to leave Alsace and Lorraine, unless they consent to denationalise themselves. The Bangalore left Galle to-day.

Australian.

Fiie at Young.

SYDNEY, March 13th. A large fire occurred at Young last night. Five houses Avere destroyed. The Com mercial Bank Building Avas much injured.

DISTRICT PRIZE FIRING.—FIRST SET.

The firing of the first set for the District Rifle Prizes, took place at the Mount Eden Hi lie Range, this morning. The weather was good. A slight breeze blew across the range during the progress of the firing. The following are the scores :— 300 yards. Mr D. Buttle, No 3 Co., Ist Range Prize, 21 ; Sergeant Henderson, Victoria Co., 2nd Range Prize, 21 ; E. Cooper, Victoria Co., 3rd Range Prize, 21 ; H. Ansell, No 3 Co., 4th Range Prize, 20 ; McDonald, No 3 Co., sth Range Prize, 20 ; C. E. Forder, Victoria Co., 6th Range Prize, 20; A. 18. Morrow, No 3 Co., 7th Range Prize, 19 ; H. BoAvden, Victoria Co., 10; C. F. Cooper, Victoria Co., 19; D.. Kelly, No 3 Company, 19; F. R. Alderton, No 3 Company, 19; A. Payne, Victoria Co., 19 ; E. Morrow, No! 3 Co., 19; Lieutenant Skinner, Victoria Co., 19; J. Duff, Victoria Co., IS; Color Sergeant Self. Vic toria Co., 18; Myers, Victoria Co., 17; Haslett, Victoria Co., 17; J. W. Robinson, No. 3 Co, 17 ; Cameron, No. 3 Co., 17; C. Watson, No. 3 Co., 17; A. Wall, Otahulm, 17; McCarthy. Scottish Co., 16 ; Moss, Victoria Co., Y6 ; Fort, Scottish Co., 16 ; W. Stirling, Engineer Co., 16; Eady, Victoria Co., 15; Burke, Victoria Co., 15 ; R. Morrow, No. 3 (Jo., 15; Sergeant Little, Hobson Co.. 14; Brighton, No. 3 Co., 14; Sergeant Finluy Hobson Co., 14; J. C. Soal, No. 3 Co., 13 • J. Broderick, Otahuhu, 13-; J. W. Leigh Victoria Co., 12 ; W. Brighton, No. 3 Co 12 ; Mills, 1G ; May, 17.

1.30 p.m. 000 yards range has concluded, with the following result : —Alderton, Ist range prize, 24 ; Duft", 2nd range prize, 24 ; Little, 3rd range prize, 22; E. Morrow. 4th ran^e prize, 22 ; A. IS. Morrow, sth range prize 22 ; Kelly, 6th. range prize, 21 ; JBowdcn 7th range prize, 21 ; Payne, 21 ; Wall, 20 • 11. MorroAV (retired), 19 ; 0. Watson, 19 • Burke, 19; C. F. Cooper, 19 ; Robinson 19 ; Leigh, 19 ; McDonald, 18 ; Brighton 18 ? Skinner, 17 ; Eacly, 17 ; Forder 16 • Fort, 16; Henderson, 15; Haslett, 15- Myers, 14; E. Cooper, 14; Cameron, 14 W. Brighton, 12; Self, 11 ; Stirling, n . Lrodenck, 11; Moss (retired), 11 ; Buttle 11; Fmlay, 10; May, 10; Mills, in • Soull, d ; Auscll, 5 i 5, * '

3 p.m. 600 yards. The shooting at this range was extremely bad. The following arc the names of the prize winners : Pressure on our space compels us to hold over the full scores. J. W. Robinson, Ist Range Prize., 21 ; W. Stirling, 2nd Range Prize, 21 ; C. Watson, 3rd Range Prize, 20; D. Kelly, 4th Range Prize, 17 ; E. Cooper, sth Range Prize, 16 ; H. Bowden, 6th Range Prize, 15 ; J. JDuff, 7th Range Prize, 15. AGGREGATE. The winners of tho aggregate prizes are : —J. W. Robinson, Ist prize, 57 ;D. Kelly, 2nd prize, 57 ; J. Dully, 3rd prize, 57 ; C. Watson, 4th prize, 56; H. Bowden, sth prizo, 55 ; McDonald, 6th prize, 53 ; A. B. Morrow, 7th prize, 53.

PITT-STREET WESLEYAN ASSO CIATION.

The opening meeting of the eleventh session of tho aboro Society was held last evening. The evening was most unpropitious, keeping many of the members and friends away. Tho first part of the service was given to singing and prayer. The special feature of the evening was the inaugural speech by the Rev. Mr. Watkin, who had come all the way from One hunga to meet the engagement. The address was one specially adaptod to the wants of the institution, and contained truths, such as were calculated to inspire every member. At every turn in tho paper, chaste and elegant language forced home thoughts which must have made a moving impression upon those who heard them. The paper did not seem to be one of those old ''high and dry" compositions, which had lain upon his library shelves for years. It seemed, warm from the speaker's heart. Tho rev. gentleman deserved to have every society of the kind in tho city to hear him. At the close, a most cordial vote of thanks was passed to the lecturer for his exhaustive paper, and carried by acclamation. The present session promises "to bo a most successful one. The members appear eager for debato, after having ' spent some months of a montal holiday.

THE CHRISTCHURCH ASSAULT CASE.

POOLEY COMMITTED FOR TRIAL,

A TELEGRAM in the "Tiraaru Horald" throws some light upon the naturo of the assault committed by Poolcy, of the English team. It says that a most brutal and cowardly assault was made on Mr Donkin, Assistant Railway Engineer, while that gentleman, in company with a friend and Mr Charlwood, one of the English eleven, were on their way to the Theatre Royal. The assailant was Pooley, one of the English cricketers. It appears that on Saturday last Poolcy, who stopped at the same hotel as that gentleman, said he would take odds of 6 to 1 that ho (Pooley) would name the scores for the Canterbury eigh teen. Mr Donkin took him up, thinking that the bet wan a perfectly bona fide one, and that Pooley would place the exact num ber of runs to cacli man. It afterwards turned out that this was a catch bet, Pooley boasting that he "had" Donkin by placing a duck's egg to each man. On hearing this Mr Donkin was hoard by many to declare the bet off before and after the match began. Last night Pooley met Mr Donkin in the smoking-room, and demanded £36, The latter refused to pay, when Charlwood1, who knew Mr Donkin's relations at home, took that gentleman away as his friend, and it was while they were on their way to the theatre that the assault was made. Pooley caught hold of Mr Donkin, and before any body had time to collect their senses, struck Mr Donkin three times violently in the face. Mr Donkiu being thrown down, Poolcy jumped on him, and continued striking him until he was pulled away. Threats being heard, Mr Donkin, by the advice of his friends, slept for the night in another hotel. This was not the last of it. The room at his usual place of abode Avas forcibly entered, and every particle of Mr Donkin's wearing apparel torn to shreds, and some important plans partially des troyed. The public indignation at the outrage is intense." Christ church telegrams of yesterday, state that Pooley appeared on bail to answer the charge of assault. It appeared from the evidence that a second assault was com mitted, and the Resident Magistrate was of opinion that Pooley was the aggressor in both. A fine of £5 was accordingly in flicted. Edward Pooley, and Albert Bram hall, money-takers for the English Cricketers, were then arraigned for wilfully and maliciously destroying clothes and plans, the property of Ralph Donkin, at 10.30 the same night as the assault. The damage to the clothes was valued at £35, and the damage to the plans at £GO. The Bench committed both men for trial; bail was accepted, each man in his personal security for £200, and two sureties of £100 each.

SUPREME COURT.—This Day.

IN CHAMBERS,

(Before his Honor Mr. Justice Gillies.)

His Honor Mr. Justice Gillies resumed the sittings of the Supreme Court to-day after the vacation, when the following applications were heard :—

Re P. H. HaCKETT.— Mr. Dignan applied for probate, which was granted to Eliza Hackett, widow.

Re F. H. ALEY. —Mr. Bcale applied for letters of administration. Granted to Elizabeth Aley, widow of deceased.

ReG. H. Hagix.— MrMcKechnie applied for pro Date, which was granted to H. F. Hagin and Patrick Martin.

Re R. Bruce.—Mr. Jas. Russell applied for probate, which, was granted to W. T. Ball and R Wyles.

Re Gibbons.—Application for letters of administration. Postponed. Re Joseph Wooden.—Mr. James Russell applied for probate, which was granted to Robert Proud and W. Carr.

Adams y. Fttger.—Mr. George moved to set aside the writ on the ground of irregularity.—An order was issued to amend.

This was all the business,

WASTE LANDS BOARD.

TriE monthly meeting of the Waste Lands Board was held to-day in the new offices, Provincial Bnidings. Present :Mr D. L. Tole (in the chciir), Messrs J. C. Firth, J. L. Campbell, J. May, and — Moat. TE AROHA AND OTHER SURVEYS. A letter from the Hon. Dr Pollen was read, in reply to a communication from the Board on the-subject of the Te Aroha survey. The Native Minister stated that the survey will be made without delay. Another letter from Dr Pollen intimated that the Government wera desirous of ex pediting the survey, and acquisition of certain native lands on the left bank of the Thames river. THE PATERI BLOCK. A letter was read from the Crown Secre tary relating to the acquisition of the Pateteri Block. MR J. V. STEWART ACCEPTS. A communication was received from Mr J. V. Stewart intimating his acceptance of the Board's terms for the purchase of 10,000 acres adjoining the Katikati settlement. With regard to this piirchase the Board have consented to extend the payment to the Ist September if required. Tairua. W. C. Daldy, jun., wrote offering to give the Board certain information as to the state of the Tairua block. Thames County Council. In response to an application from the Thames County Council, Mr. Tole said a return had. been prepared of the Waste Lands of the Crown in the Thames County under the administration of the Board. The return was laid upon the table, and allQWl tbftt there >vere, ayrea under !

their administration, comprising lands in th following blocks :—Omaha, WhannumatT Hikutaia, Tairua, Wharau and Taranoh together with 132,175 acres in the OhinoW muri block. It was resolved that the mr* ticulars asked for be supplied to the Tharn County Council. es

THE HON. JAMES WILLIAMSON The application of Mr James Williamson to exchange some land at Tahikarami for the hospital endowments at Hautana was made the subject of a long conversat ional discussion.

Mr. Firth considered the proposals made by Mr. Williamson very reasonable. Mr May thought they ought to have tho endowments valued.

Mr Firth proposed that Mr. Palmor be instructed to value the land, and raport to the Board. This was agreed to.

THE GOVERNMENT SHIPPING CONTRACT.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—ln your remarks last Friday on tho Pn_ vornment arrangement with tho New Zeakmi Shipping Company you entirely omitted t« netico tho fact that Shaw, Saville and Col™ for years the biggest and most arbitrarv-'mrmn polists that ever gained theoontrol of a coloniM shipping trade. For a long time the Shipping Company was unablo to break the little arraS ment which that firm had established with tho Government, and which waa sedulously Rim ported by the late Agent-General. That firm should be the last to complain of private con tracts, even if any such has been made with thn Shipping Company, which does not appear tn be at all clearly proved. I admit, however that the business arrangements of the Government would be more fairly and advantageously con tracted for if let by open tendor.—Yours frn Merchant. ' •'

[Our correspondent admits all we contended for—the pernicious character of secret Govern ment jobs. If what our correspondent assert'? were true, two blacks would not mako one white. The Government some years ago lika Auckland merchants, were almost wholly de pendant upon Shaw, Saville and Co for shipping facilities of any description to' this part of tho colony. The private contract said to have boon entered into with the Shippi™ Company appears to us, apart from the thou sands of pounds loss which it may mean to the Colonial Treasury, to bo of that class which must be rooted up if wo aro ever to secure pure straightforward and efficient public adminiatra^ tion. If tho arrangement had been with Shaw Savillo and Co, or any other shipping firm' the principle at issuo would not have been" altered in the slightest degree—Ed. E.S.]

THE RIVAL MEETINGS IN PARNELL AND NEWMARKET.

(To the Editor of the EVENING Star). Sik,—ln your issue of last night there was an advertisement calling a meeting of tko rate payers of the Parnell Riding iv the Parncll Hall this evening. For more than two months tbo councillors of the said riding have been tioinir their very utmost to force the Counties Act in its entirety upon the rocalcitrant county; and though they must have br;on aware thac in this they were Triisrepresenting the rate-payers, they never during these months called the ratepayers together, and consulted them, but sought, by every possible dodge and trick that the law does not punish, to secure their object^-the adoption of the Act. Certain ratepayers, thinking that these councillors misrepresented them, called, at the last hour, a meeting, for the expression of public opinion in the Parnell Hall. Though aware of this mcetidn, the councillors have, with their usual trickiness, called an opposition meeting at the same hour in the Newmarket Hall; no doubt with the view of creating a diversion,' and splitting the ratepayers into factions, and pre venting any fair expression. Their calling such o meeting at such a time and in such circum- Btances.seems to me conduct most reprehensible on the part of pnblic men. The Parnell rate payers, with more than Job-like patience, waited two long months, in the hope that their repre sentatives would call a public meeting, and explain the reasons which had induced them to turn their.coats,a,nd advocate what they wore in all honour bound to oppose. At the vory last momont some ratepayers, at their own expense, and for the public good, summon a meeting, and then the councillors, finding themselves brought to book, start forth and summon a counter or diversionary meeting in order to thwart and bamboozle these public spirited ratepayers. This artful and tricky sort of game might be excusable in children and schoolboys, but is utterly unworthy of men invested with political power and responsibility. The meeting in the Newmarket Hall is too late, for it is only by the merest accident that the great question in debate was not settled yester day, and the ratepayers should shew their scorn of such, childish and miserable dodgery, by leaving the Newmarket Hall empty, and attend ing the Parnell Hall. The proper recompense of such dodgery is a determined demand on the part of the befooled ratepayers that the Council lors, who have so glaringly proved their incom petence for the office into which they accident ally fell at the late elections, should at once resign, and keep out of public life until they had grown older, and attained to the average amount of ordinary human intelligence and straight forwardness. I am, &c—The Man in tHe Moon.

THE WATERWORKS.

Last night, the contractors for the City "Water works resolved on testing a section of the pipes preparatory to the permanent supply being turned on. Accordingly the water which had accumulated in the Ponsonby reservoir was turned into the mile and a quarter length of piping extending along Karangahape Road and down Queen-street to the wharf. It should be mentioned that the pressure in Lower Queen street is the highest throughout tho whole pipe track, and although avo havo not heard the reason, it is probable that this section was selected as giving the best test of the endurance of the pipes. The pressure was exerted gradually, and was at last put on to its full head of lOOlbs to the square inch. At six o'clock thi3 morning, soi no fire-extinguishing experiments were tried with a hose and jet, and the contractors were successful in sending a stream of water right over Messrs Wm. McArthur and Co.'s building in Queen-street. They also tried the pressure further down the street, and a stream was sent over tho Mayor's store. Between ten and eleven o'clook, one of the pipes opposite Messrs. H. F. Anderson and Co.'s store, gave way, and the result was that the water forced the road metal out of position, and a large stream poured through the surface and found its war into the gutters. The neighbours were at first afraid of a Hood, but in a very short time the connection was cut off, and the water sent wholly into the pipes the other side of thej t road. Half-a dozen workmen came down within an hour, and might be seen picking up the road to get at the break. The leak was found to result from a damaged pipe.

TELEGRAPHIC.

(From Our Own Correspondent)

SEoaaatairi.

GRAHAMSTOVVtf, this day. It is the amount of specimens which is being kept quiet till Saturday. The "Advertiser" of this morning censures those connected with the mine for keeping the quantities quiet, and the result is that Mr Bleazard, a local director, has taken upon himself to give the amount. There were 4 cwts of specimens broken down yesterday, and a fair show overhead. The "Advertiser" says the Moanatairi still attracts the attention of investors. The speci men on vie*? was greatly admired, and was certainly the best exposed to view since the Caledonian'days. It was estimated to contain 100 ozs of gold. We are not aware what amount of Specimen stone was broken down yesterday. It is not considered desirable to say anything about the amount on hand until the end of the week, when s. cleaning up will take place. Wa must protest in the name of the public, and 0 the shareholders against this mysterious way of doing business. The shareholders have a psr fectiright to be informed daily through the press how matters stand, aud we shall make it .our business to find out, notwithstanding the deci sion arrived at by those in authority. If it is intended to act on the square, there is no reason why the information sought for should not ba given to the public, It is expected, by those who ought to know, that the yield at the end of the week will reach 3,500 ozs., inclusive of the . interim retorting last Saturday. But we may also state that appearances do not warrant tho conclusion that the present fortnight"s yield can be long maintained, and those who are able to judge, say it is probable the rich run will be cut off at the present face, whilst in the bottom- Of this level, it is a strong, compact lode, very healthy.looking, and likely to dive down, and, that being so, the sooner sinking is couunoncea, the sooner dividends will be payable. 3.12 p.m. The Moanatairi is breaking down to-day. An efficient reporter was down, and judges well, as _, \ there were, at the bank yesterday, 3 or i owe. ■» V He does not notice any indications of tho golu dying out.

THE DURHAM PUT BACK.

RUSSELL, this day.fi

Arrived, the lona. The Durham started for Auckland, but returned,; There ar seven •wind-bound colliers in the harbour.

PORT ALBERT, Saturday. Messrs Day and Burdett were nominated to-day for Tauhoa Riding, TJobson 001$% TUwe \y«i§ uq meeting,

THE EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 1877.



WARD'S DEVONSHIRE CIDER, in Champagne bottles, 2s. per bottle, at Thames Hotel. BOYS' AND MEN'S CLOTHING ROtf a T WEED FOR BOYS'WHAR FLANNEL, &c, &C. A LARGE PARCEL OF NEW GOODS JUST OPENED UP AT RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN'S, Comprising— Men's Tweed Trouser „ variety, from 10/6 per pair Men's Strong Tweed Suits, at 30/ sui complete Men's Superior Quality Suits Paget Coats, and Hoys' and Youths' Suits in variety Men's Moleskin Trousers, a really good quality, at 7/6 per pair Strong Cotton Working Shirts in variety All Wool Crimean Shirts, good qualities, from 6/6 And, A Lot of STRONG TWEED, suitable for Boys, wear, from 1/11 per yard Also, 2 Bales ALL WOOL WELSH FLANNEL from 1/2 per yard New Prints, Furnishing Goods, &c. Inspection will prove that the above Goods are keally cheap, the whole parcel having Leen exceptionally well bought in an over stocked market. iTS" One Shilling in the £ returned on all pur ohaaes of 20s. and upwards. USHBROOK & BRIDGMfYN, Upper Queen-street Auckland TO TOURISTS AND VISITORS TO WAIKATO AND THE.LAKES. BUGGIES (DOUBLE AND SINGLE), AND SADDLE HORSES, ALWAYS READY FOR HIRE AT REASONABLE CHARGES. Parties intendingto go through to the Lakes provided with first-class animals by B. EDWARDS (Late of Cobb & Co.), LIVERY STABLEKEEPER, Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton, Waikato. JCOSGRAVE & C 0., Beg to announce they will bring forward A Fresh Lot of BA R G A I NS!M Consistin.er of feHEIR LATE SHIPMENT BY THE ORARL Purchased at Home at Job Prices, together with the whole SUMMER DRAPER? & CLOTHING, REDUCED IN PRICE TO SUIT THE TIMES PTeral Bales FoC CALICO, damaged by ggg ■■ mty> vW'te. sow w%w^y«« JWw* *



TW" O T I C E J. W. PEARSE INTENDS HOLDING A CHEAP CLEARING OUT SALE OF HIS LARGE AND VALUABLE STOCK OF GENERAL DRAPERY, READY-MADE CLOTHING, And FANCY GOODS, £2T At a Very Great Reduction ! Sale to Commence on SATURDAY, 3rd March. No Cbbdit Given. Closed on Friday to Mark Down the Stock. TnWRNITURJS! FURNITURE Ladies and Gentlemen about to Furnish are respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DRA WING - BOOM, DINING- - ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacious Slwivrooms. T. & STCOOKB, C 7, QUEEN-STJREET Adjoining Bank of New Zealawi. OAMUEL riOOMBES Begs to apologise to his Customers for not being able to open tliis day as advertised, being unable to get his Stock ready, but lie will Open on MONDAY, with an entirely New Stock, having disposed of all his old stock to his neighbours. CITY CLOTHING MART 92, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. pRETONNE^S!! Large Assortment of Beautiful Patterns in CRETONNES Just Opened. FURNISH your House economically from the City Hall Arcade. , F URNISH your~Drawing-room from Holloway and Garlick's Choice Stock. URNISH your Dining-room, Kitchen, and Bedroom with substantial and Cheap Furniture. "OEDDINGM—AII made on the Premises. BEDDING '.—Guaranteed Genuine. BEDDING!— To fit all sizes Bcdsteadg and Cots. BEDSTEADS !—Half-tester, French, and Folding. BEDSTEADS —Iron, Wood, all sizes and prices. "OEDSTEAD Hangings made to order. JLJ ______ INOLEUM!—The best covering for Floors of Halls, Dining, and Billiard Rooms. Unsurpassed for durability. T INOLEUM I—Especially prepared for Stairs, JLJ iust opened ex Loch Urr. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN wanting Good and Cheap Furniture, Drapery, aiid Clothing, are invited to inspect Our Stock. Most Extensive Si-iow-kooms in Auckland. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, CITY HALL FURNISHING ARCADE, j QtTEEN-STKEET AXD LORNE-STKEET. Auckland. An Iniquitous Game is being played by cer tain flagitious scamps who put cheap and fiery liquor in bottles which have hold the national medicated beverage, Udolpiio Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps, for the purpose of deceiving the unwary into the belief that their vile concoctions are identical with the great original. Demand the genuine. DEATH. BUTLER.—On Monday, March 12, at her resi dence, St. George's Bay Road, Parnell, Isabella, the beloved wife of J. Butler. The funeral will leave her late residence, Parnell, to-morrow, at half-past 3 o'clock p.m. Friends will please accept this invitation. MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. Incorporated by Act of Parliament. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH: Head Office, Auckland. Local Director: George Burgoyne Owen, E^q. (Messrs. Owen and Graham.) 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. id. Special Features.— Age admitted on Policies, which are unciiallangable from date of issue. Lowest Rates of Premiums, and no hamper ing conditions as to residence or occupation.