_____~?^?^^ri^rn)WSi(milrig, 5.59 MOON'ri AGE.—Now Moon. 15th, 2.33 p.m

ARRIVALS.

Rowcna, y.f., Selhirs, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

IMPORTS. Per Nymph, from Gisborno and Coast: 133 bags seed, 114 do maize, G do fungus, 10 pigs.

The e.s. Taranaki leaves New Plymouth at three oY.look this afternoon, and will arrive at Onohunjja wharf about 7.30 to-morrow (Sunday) morning. . , . There is some talk m shipping circles ot a race coming off between the now schooner Mazcppa and the well-known island trader. Coronet. 1 tie latter is well-known as a smart vessel both on and off tho wind, .and if Mr Niceol's now craft ran ti-at her pho must bo a clipper. Tho Haley Bailey, of Hobart Town, is expected every day, a schooner said to bo without a match for speed in tho Australian colonies. If Mr Niccol wants ,i good reliable trial, ho could not do bettor than got tho Ually Bailay to join in and make a s woepstakes of it. And what sport it would bo ! Tho trial trip of the Pretty Jano after nor ro;>air was very successful, and showed tho little boat's machinery in good order. Mr Job son, the Government inspector of machinery, Mr W. Loddor, Captains Caroy andMcUiihvray and Mr G. Frasor Wore among tho company on board. A run was mado to tho reef and back, and ample opportunity was afforded for a good wo-king trial of tho engines. Tho departure of the Pretty Jane for Gisborne and Napier, is deferred till Monday at A p.m. The. schooner Mary Anderson cleared to-day for Noumea, -with a largo trading cargo and several passenjjers- , , , The ship Thurland Caatlo was to have hauled into tho stream to-day, but the high wind caused Captain Ellis to dofer moving her till Monday. All her ballast is on board, and she is quite ready for sea. Tho schooner Fairlio olearod to-day in oaUast for the Thamos. She will load there for Lyttcl ton. The s.». Rowona arrived this morning after a vsry quick run of 11 hours from Tauranga, with about a dozen passengers. Captain Sellars reports very strong easterly winds outside. These were blowing dead in his teeth on the imsaage down to Tauranga, which, in conse quence, occupied 37 hours, (5 of which were spent at the Great Barrier. Tho arrival of tho Wanaka is expected from Tauranga at 3 o'clook p.m. to-morrow.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

LYTTELTON, this day. The s.s. Rotorua left last night for the north. Passengers for Auckland: Messrs Thos. Russell. W. F. Buoklaud, Cowie, Wilson, Wheeler, and Young, ________

COMMERCIAL.

Tho Bale of produce, &0., at Arthur's mart yesterday was very largely attended, and a fair amount of business was done. All kinds of pro duce appear to be brought forward in excess of demand. Many producers are still hacking their produce, which tends to keep the prices down; as the smaller producers get cleared, our prices may be expected to rise. No one will buy potatoes in any quantity, as many samples will not keep a week. They have sold at 3s to 4s per cwt., onions, id to Id per 1b (supply greater than the(demand); fowl wheat sold is to Is 6d per bush.; oats, 3s to 3s 6d; na«ize ss, bran, 5s to 6s per sack; carrots, 33; pumpkins, 2s perewt; cheese, 2d to 6id; butter, 6d; bacon and hams (in cloth), lOd to 10id; apples, 2d to 3d; pears, lid to 3&d ; damsons, 3d to 3}d; quinces, lid to 2id; bacon (bare) inferior, 2}dto Gd; jujubes, 13}<i per lb.; marmalade, 8s 3d per dozen ; sugar, white, 5d ; sugar, brown, 4Jd per lb. Furniture depart ment: Sales were bat thinly attended, as little second-hand furniture was brought forward. Tne. piano sold at £27. CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND. Mails will Close as Undkk:— For*, Thames,.-.this day, at. 5.30 p.m., and on Monday next, at 10.30 ii.in. For Coromandel, per Avgyle, on Monday next. at 11.30 a.m., and per ivina, at 1.30 p.m. For Noumea, New Caledonia, per Mary Andor > ?oi, on Monday next, at 9 a.m. For Newcastle, N.S.W., per Thurland Castle, on Monday next, at 11 a.m. For Russell. Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m For Gisborne and Napier, per Pretty Jane, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga. and opotiki, per Rowena, on Monday, at 4 p.m. For Napier, Wellington, and Southern provinces, ,?/,per Star of tho South, on Tuesday next, at 11 a.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, ■^at i p.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, and Southern provinces, per Wanaka, on Wednesday next, at 1 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Rotorua, on Mon day next, at 4 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 3 p.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne, will be received till 4.20 p.m. Per City of New York, on Tuesday, 13th inst., as follows: — For Kandavu, Sandwich Islands, united States o£ America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 2 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 2 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. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Inquirer.- The fact of the race being ordered to be sailed over again, implies that the first was declared null and void, and must be regarded as if it had never (aken place. 1 hero could only bo one winn«r, namely, the boat which came In first in the wocond race.

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 1877.

Tor the cfwse'that lacks assistance For the wrong that needs resistance, for the future in the distance, And the iroml tli.it nc ran do.

Will the County of Eden bring the Act , into operation ? The electors are as much puzzled OTer this question as they were i three months ago. Although every Rifling, ; either before or since the election of Coun cillors, has declared against the Act, and some have endeavoured by petitioning for ; boroughs to remove themselves from its operation, the Council lingers fondly with it, reluctant to lay aside the dignities of office. The borough movement has impar ted a new and singular character to the deliberations of the Eden Council upon, the subject. Three of the members who are credited —no doubt, unjustly as we shall presently show — with being determined to force the Act on the remainder of the County, represent districts which have already taken the preliminary steps towards the formation of boroughs, with the express object of freeing themselves from County control. We are aware that it is useless to look for the same Jine sense of honour and consistency from men in their political capacity as we should naturally expect and receive from them in their ordinary private and business relations. But there is .1 limit to the tergiversation which con stituencies will quietly stand from repre sentatives, and we bciieve tho .sentiments ; expressed in the Dunstan requisition calling upon Mr Pyke to resign will be echoed, when it'declares that " Division of political opinion will always exist in every district, but there is one thing which admits of no division of opinion, and that is the personal reputation which our member must bear as a man of common honesty and truthfulness." We have no means of knowing what the fatal decision, "which cannot much longer be delayed, may ho. but iQo,ki»s $ tke constitution, q! tg& £$«»

TiUll 01 the" Act must be suspended. Councillors Wallis, Thome, Udy, and Ireland, are understood to have already declared in favour of that course, and as Councillors Kissling, Wrigley, and Jackson will feel in honour bound to stand on one side in the voting ao as to avoid torc ing upon others the measure -which their constituents have refused for themselves, the matter will be determined, whatever way the other Councillors, -whoso views are un known or undetermined, may vote. Coun cillors Jackson and Wrigloy bare expressed themselves so strongly against, the Act, that we should not bo surprised to find their zeal for its suspension carrying them out of a. position of strict neutrality. So early as the Ist of December last, wa find Council lor Jackson presiding at a meeting of One hunga ratepayers called togothcr to liberate the residents in that town from the abomin able thing. Mr Jackson had been a member of a committee appointed at a previous meeting to examine the Counties and Municipal Corporations Acts carefully, and report, upon them for tha guidance of the ratepayers. Ho now came forward, and thus eloquently delivered ins matured opinion, which wo quote from the "Herald" of December 2nd :—

"It was said, ' stay as you arc." But that waa impossible. They wore put into the County of Eden, and they could not help themselves oxcopt by Retting out of it. Tho chairman vindicated the committee ayainst the imputa tion of having acted \Yith indecent haste. The fact was there was but one month to take the necessary preliminary etops before the Coun ties Hill Cfttno into forco, and it was dcßiniblo for man? reasons; that; such Btepa should bo taken. There wore only two things posssiblo—They must remain in the County of Edon, and bo rated by others, or como out of the County of Edon, and administer tho rates raised by tUciasolvcs. (Gheeri?)."

It is hardly necessary to add that before such powerful arguments any strong opposition gavo way, and the resolution in favour of a borough wan carried by a large majority. On precisely similar grounds arc we justified in anticipating tho policy of Councillor Wrigloy. At an influential meeting in Newmarket on the 15th of December, exactly nix days before his election, we lind that gentleman speaking in earnest advocacy of a borough for Newmarket and llcniuora. His arguments are so forcible that we feel disposed to reproduce them from the "Herald" of December lGtii :—

Mr Wrigloy, in reply, said that Newmarket and Romuera were comparatively rich dis tricts. They would bo good milch cowh for tho new County, who would stick to them oiico they got them. Ho know men from out districts who were going in for County rates. The effect of it would bo that the poople of Newmarket and Ren-morn, would have to pay the County rate and thoir highway rate as well. (Hear, hear). The out-districts would want a bridge hero and a culvort there, and would have them if possible. That would soon show where tho money would go. The Borough would secure their own rates for their own district. . , , , Question put : The resolution in favour or constituting: the districts of Newmarket and Rerauera a Borough wa« carried by 30 to 11. Mr YVrigley moved, "That the candidates for tho ParncTl Hiding be requested to pledge them selves not to bring into force the rating clauses of the Counties Act." Mr Morgan seconded the motion, which was agreed to unanimously.

It is evident from the vigour arid truth of these sentiments, and tin- self-iinpo-ujd nature of Councillor Wrijjley'H pledge, that the Act is us good as dead in Eden. With it, vanishes from the longing gaze of newspaper pro prietors, as well as others, visions of considerable pickings in the shape of advertising and printing. The wisdom of handling the thing gingerly, however, cannot be gainsaid. The Govern ment have prepared a nicely spiced dish of local taxation—it is goodly to look upon and sweet to the smell, but the taste thereof is bitter. The onus of rejecting it has been conferred.nntupon the electors who will have to bear the burden, but on the Council who are standing directly over the sweet odours. The present Councillors, however, and particularly those who have property in the County, should remember that their day's reign will come and go, but the legacy of debt and taxation which, if tho Act is brought into force, may be fastened upon a wide district hitherto Lightly burdened, will remain a permanent and unreniediable weight. The Counties Act is at present just a wee man—only a little harmless, well meaning tellow —-whom the people in the State barge may take in without hesitation. But when lie begins to swell and grow, and the ratepayers find he is (ixed, immovable, they Avill curse their original folly. It wfJl then be :

Lord! how they chided with themselves That they had let him in, To see him grow bo monstrous now, Tiitit was so small aud tliin. The counties of Hawkes' Bay, adopting the advice of the Minister of Public Works, have rejected the permissive clauses ; the County of Selwyn, one of the richest in Canterbury, wo observe, also, rejected them last week. 11l relieving their constituents from the burden for a season and allowing the highway boards to go quietly on in the old accustomed way, Councils are doing nothing that may not be undone any day of the week. If the loss of a central local" taxing body to double on highway taxation is found to be a drawback it can be remedied any day of the week by the Council meeting and resolving to bring the Act in force. The facilities for making the Act operative are something marvellous ; the precautions against getting rid of it equally fearfully and wonderfully made. The County Council may resolve to-day not to bring the Act ill force, and to-morrow or next day or next week, month, or year, that it shall, and the first resolution would be immediately abrogated. But the reverse proposition'dons not hold true. If, even by trick or dodge, a majority at_ a Council meeting can got the Act brought into opera tion, the door is barred for ever against retreat. The Act expressly provides that that resolution shall never bo rescinded. Rumours were current that some such trick was to be attempted in relation to the Eden County on Monday, but in a matter of so serious import ti every property owner from Tamaki to the Whan, we do not believe any five members would lend themselves to such a procedure. The Council will be consulting tho universally expressed wish of the electors by suspending tho Act until after the next session of Parliament, when the future course of legislation and the prospect of permanence for the subsidies, which alone have made it possible to work the Act, will have been more clearly determined.

Things have been very quiet in the mining market to-day, and little business in comparison with the other five days of the week lias been done. .Speculators are evidently desirous of waiting for the news of the result of the Moantaiari crushing before they commit themselves further. The shares are heldlinnly at 90s to 92s 6d, and there are few offering. There is no change of importance in the Union Beach, 57,s 6d being the general quotation. Alburnias are still in demand, and there is a sneaking fondness for Palmei'stous. We are in a position to state that the appointment of matron at the Asylum has been given to a lady who has had some previous experience in English Asylums, Mrs Longdill, of Parnell, _a very judicious appointment, it is believed. It is _ a matter for regret that the late matron, Mis.s Sidney Hamilton, would not consent, to remain. This lady who is a sister of the late Astronomer lioyal for Ireland—Sir W. Rowan Hamilton—only took the position at the solicitation of the late Provincial Government, and entered into the charita ble work with philanthropbic zeal. Miss Hamilton proved herself invaluable in. per forming the onerous duties of theoflise, and will be missed by many of the poor dig* : truught creatures, j

—.^irr —sput'llllg contributor^ rr Hotspur," sends this :—The following are the condi tions of the Dunedin Cup race, which have caused the late uncertainty as to what weight Mr Redwood's horse, Guy Fawkes, ought to carry. "The winner of any handicap race of the value of 200 soys. after declaration of weights to carry 7 lbs extra; of two or more such races 10 lbs extra. Of any such handicap race of the value of 100 sove. to carry 5 lbs extra ; of two or more such races 8 lbs extra." Now Guy Fawkes since the de claration of the weights, has won the Welling ton Cup of 300 soys. and the Wellington J. C. Handicap of 150 soys. According to our telegrams yesterday, tho Australasian has decided that Guy need only carry 71bs penalty. Wo are inclined to dispute the Australasian on this matter, for if words mean anything, Guy Fawkes has certainly won two handicap races of the value of £100, and so must carry Slbs extra, _ This is leaving ont altogether the question of whether the penalties arc cumulative, a question which the Australasian has no doubt decided correctly. At the R.M. Court, Onehunga, to-day, R. Bruco was sentenced to eight days im prisonment for drunkenness, and resisting the police in the execution of their duty. Mr A. Dornwell publishes a new adver tisement touching cheap joints to-night. We have been requested to notify that the Imperial Pensions, and Trust Commis sioner's office, has been moved from the Albert Barracks to tho Supremo Court Buildings. At an entertainment given in the Public Hall, Wangarei, on Wednesday last, a piece of plate was presented to Dr. Sissons. A New Plymouth telegram gives the re sult of the agricultural statistics for 1877 as follows : —Holdings, 74-5 ; wheat, 10KJ-J ---acres; oats (grain), 711 acres; barley, 48 acres; grass, 82,340 acres ; potatoes, 59(> acres ; other crops, 2(>B acres : total, 95,159 acres. Total increase of acres under crops, 24,504. Mr H. N. Abbott, the well-known host of tho City Club Hotel, is about to take a nine months' holiday from the toil of busi ness, and pay a ilying visit witli his family to the mother country. This gentleman has well earned tho luxury of such a trip, as he has conducted his house with syste matic order and respectability, a line of conduct which has not been without a reward. Steady application to business for a course of years lias however, made inroads upon Mr Abbott's health, and it is as much on this account as for any other reaßon that the projected home visit has been planned. The party have, our best wishes for their enjoyment, and we trust that the paterfamilias will return in better health. Mr F. S. Clarke, who takes the City Club during Mr Abbott's absence, was associated with that gentleman in business on the other inland, There is little fear of tilings going back with such an experienced head. We notice that Mr R. Arthur will hold a clearing-out sale of the machinery, tools, and stock-in-trade of Messrs < 'raig, plum pers, of Wyndham-street, on Monday next, also, of .'! farm of 1,000 acres of first-class land at the Great Barrier, known as " Blind Hay." At the Board of Education meeting yes terday afternoon (Mr Lu.sk in tha chair) a sum of £2fi was granted for tho purchase of a gymnastic apparatus for the Crammer I school. The Secretary read a memorial on the subject of religious instruction in schools to the following effect, signed by clergymen nnd others, viz. Clergymen : R. S. llassurd, It. F. Macnicol, William Kirk, John O. Cargill, It. Taylor, Charles M. Nelson, D. W. Run ciman. Laity: J. ('. Firth, Frederick Buttle, D. Goldie, (leorge Ilemus, T. I>. Ivcnderdinc, Joseph Newman, C P. Pierce. Gcntlcmcil, —Since the adoption of the pre sent Education Act, it has been the common practice, on occasion of religious instruction after school hours, to announce the same generally; giving liberty to those scholars ■who may be unable, from any cause to at tend, to leave, for their homes at the close of school hours. It is thought that this plan carries out the meaning and spirit of the Act. Any dispersion and re-assembling of childron at the schools, would prove wholly detrimental to voluntary efforts now put forth to impart knowledge of Holy Scrip tures. We bring this matter under your notice because of an order recently given to a school teacher by your Inspector, to dis perse the children before religious instruc tion was given. We respectfully ask your decision in the matter. A lengthened dis cussion ensued, and the final decision was postponed. The question as to the propriety of school teachers being Appointed members of County Councils was also introduced and considered, when the Board resolved "That in the opinion of the Board, it is undesir able that school masters should become members of County Councils." With re gard to the capitation rate the chairman was doubtful whether the Board could collect the rate under the Act. On the motion of Mr Luckie the chairman was authorised to obtain legal opinion on the question. Footprints of a moa were recently dis covered at Foxhill. They were seven inches across in the hard ground, and in the soft ground the prints of three claws were noticed, the points of the side ones being 'J5 inches apart. A Wellington telegram says :—The New Zealand Shipping Company have received London telegraphic advices of the arrival of the three first wool ships : Waitangi, from Lyttelton, passage, 90 days ; Waimate, from Wellington, passage, 1?> days ; Columbus, from Napier, 82 days. A meeting of Spiritualists was held in the Carlton Academy last evening, to make arrangements for a scries of lectures proposed to be delivered in Auckland by Mr Charles Bright, now in Dunedin. On the motion of Captain Burns, seconder] by Mr F. Danks, it was agreed that Mr Bright be communicated with, and another meet ing be called on receipt of his answer. The third of the scries of amusing con- Certs' for the people will be held this even ing in the lecture room of the Young Men's Christian Association. Mr Joseph Syms in the chair. The programme has boon specially arranged by the Committee for tiiis occasion, and some first-class songs and recitations will be introduced. Mr Butschkow, professor of music, will preside at the piano with his wonted ability. The painters of Auckland, in connection with the Trade and Labour Council, will meet this evening at the Foresters' Arms, Albert-street. Mr J. A. Tole will address his constitu ents of the Eden electoral district on Mon day evening next in the Newmarket Hall. The new Mission church, in Union-street, Freeman's Bay, dedicated to St. Thomas, will bo opened to-morrow. The morning •service will be conducted by Right Rev. Dr Cowie, Bishop of Auckland, and the evening service by Rev R. S, Hassard, Incumbent of St, Matthew's, through whose exertions chielly the church has been estab lished. It was expected that Rev J. R. Selwyn, the newly appointed Bishop of Melanesia, would have taken part in the opening services, but as this could not be, through his absence, he will hold a special service in the same church on Thursday evening next. Wo wonder how the lion. W. Fox defines the phrase "habitual drunkard." At a recent temperance meeting at Morton, Wanganui, the lion, gentleman said there were thirty millions of habitual drunkards. The journeyman bakers will hold their half-yearly meeting to-night, at the Bri tish Hotel,

His Honor Mr Justice Gillies will resume the sittings of the Supreme Court on Tues day next, at eleven o'clock, in Chambers, and will sit in Banco on Wednesday, at the same hour. A report of Herr Schott's concert appears on fourth page. We would respectfully urge upon citizens and others who may be eligible for having their names placed upon the electoral roll for the due exercise of their political rights to lose no time in filling up claim papers, whioh may bo had of Mr Collins, the Re turning Officer, over the Police Court. If such persons negleot to register during the present month the opportunity of voting for another your will be lost. In these times when good government is so necessary for the- political and economical health of the colony, the exercise of the franchise becomes an absolute necessity on tho part of all thinking men. Mossra Cruickshank & Co. have received a cablegram informing them that the s.b. Hero leaves Melbourne to-day for Syd ney and Auckland. She will bo due here on tho 19th mat. Miss Alice May, the new Australian prima donna, says the " Hornet" has made a decided hit at the Gaiety, and she is to be heard again several afternoons in this weok. She is young, clever, and gifted with a line voice, while she evidently possesses rare intelligence as an actress. Nine patients at the Wellington Lunatic Asylum were recently admitted gratuitously to witness the performance of Mr and Mrs Hall in "our Nelly" and " Lurlino." Yesterday a silly and contemptible joke was played upon the Penrose station-master through the medium of the Post-office. A , box was announced as lying at Otahuhu Post-office for him, the postage of which was not prepaid, and the sum of us was re quirod of him before its delivery. Mr Scho lield, having travelled a little in his time, was more inclined to suspicion than credulity in the matter, but not Having enemies could not anticipate any dishonest trick. One of the members of his house, however, of a confiding and impulsive character, sent oil the ss, and after receiv ing the box opened it to lind it had been packed full of dirt by some dirty individual. Mr Schofield, singular to relate, had a few days before called"at a cottage in Onehunga and whilo there had particularly noticed a little narrow box with a picture thereon, and immediately he saw the 5s box he said " I think I have seen you before," and is perfectly sure that the box is of Onehunga parentage, and is determined to father this illegitimate box of earth upon the right party. The first meeting of creditors in the estate of W. F. Jones, of Auckland, and C. C. Smith, of the North Shore, were held yesterday. In the former estate, the liabilities we're £171, assets, nil ; and in the second, the liabilities were £115, assets, nil. Mr Macilarlane was ap pointed trustee in both cases. Divine service will be held to-morrow at the various churches of the city and suburbs, as per advertisement in our third page. The Sabbath evening service for the people will be held at the usual hour at the theatre, when the Rev. J. J. Lewis will give an address. In Cabbie's letter last night the word ''usurpations" was misprinted "Accusa tions." The half-yearly meeting ot the share holders of the South British Fire and Mnrino Insurance Company is announced for the 9th proximo. The Rev Mr Ingles nnd Rev W. Watt, arrived in the city by the mission schooner Dayspring. Divine Rervice will be con ducted tc-morrov.' in the several Presbyter ian churches of the city, in connection with the new Hebrides mission as foilows : St. Andrew's, morning Rev W. Watt; evening, Rev I). Bruce ; St. James', morning, Rev John Inglis ; evening, Rev AY. Watt ; St Luke's Hcmucra, morning, Rev R. F. Macnicol ; evening, Rev John Inglis. A good deal was said about the children of the Duncdin Orphanage, and other charitable institutions, eating up all the cocoannts on board the Dayspring. The Captain desires us to ntate that the Auck land children need not be under any appre hension on the matter, as' there nre plenty of fine juicy nut* slill in the hold, and— hut we promised not to tell what was to be done with them. The complimentary concert in the Lorne stroot Hull, on (lie 19th inst, in favor of Mr 11. Dean, the comic singer, is likely to be a success. The concert will be under the patronage of the Loyal Fountain of Friend ship Lodge of Oddfellows, the Court Zcn landin of Foresters, and Captain Burns, and officers and members of the Artillery Company. A splendid band will bo in attendance. The general performance will be under the able management of E. Clair, wlio.se famous troupe will take an active part in the proceedings. Mr Fox, the unrivalled pedestal dancer, will perform a golden shoe marvel, and Mr Clair will appear in a new character illustrative of life in the Far West. A quadrille party will follow, under the practical eye of Mr F. Christmas, as master of ceremonies. The " Wangarci Comet" says that the matter of bridging the Wairoa river will shortly come before the local County Council, which is much needed in order to render the road to Kawakawa more practic able. The Rev. J. J. Lewis will preach in Pitt-street Wesleran Church to-morrow (Sunday) evening, for the last time, previous to his departure South. The Enpino.cr and City Band will play in the Barrack Reserve on Monday eveningl, com mencing at quarter to seven. Programme: — March, '"Feat," (Kicslcr): overture, "Ceneren tola," (Rossini) ; quadrille, " Rarber Blmi," f (Godfrey); grand selection, "Lc Doinino Noir," (Auber) ; polonaise, " German," (Kicslor) ; val.se, " Soldaten Leider," (Gungl) : galop, • Mabel/ (Godfrey); " God Save tho Queen."

"Paddington Villa."

A NUMBER of persons were disappointed tliis morning at the Police Court, who had come in the full expectation of hearing a description of " Paddington Villa," or the "Retreat," as it has been more recently termed, in connection with the evidence ill a, charge against Madame Valentine, But as this lady, who had been guilty, according to her own confession, of soiling ale and spirituous liquors to gentlemen, without a publican's license, the interesting details were not disclosed, nor were the gentlemen who had been supplied at ss. a bottle, asked to give evidence in the case. One respectable-look ing man outside "the Court, was in raptures with the beautiful residence of Madame, which he described as secluded and pleasant to the eye, with its creeping foliage and natural adornment!--, and inside, really charming with its magniliceut furniture, brussels carpets, mirrors, portraits, and statuettes. It was arranged that Madame should plead guilty, and pay a moderate line, rather than the "Retreat" should be subjected to a worse than an auctioneer's description of a spot worthy a " Fair Rosamond" or a Queen Anne, aud which no one less gifted than the author of the "Faery Queen," should venture to describe. The crowd having waited for the unuttered romance some half hour, were lamentably disap pointed at the prosaic words, "guilty" from Madame, and £25 and costs from the Bench. Still the climax was delightful. Madame turned round towards the door, and exclaimed " I'll make that up in a week." "What's that," said the Bench, "bring her back." A consta ble at once touched her on the shoulder, when she turned and bowed gracefully to the Bench, and said, "I beg your Wor ship's pardon, I said 1 would go and fetch the money,"

EDENOMANIA; OR, The Hanging of the Act. AN ORIGINAL TRAGEDY IN THREE ACTS, BY The Doctor.

ARGUMENT.

The play opens with » conspiracy of three mombora of tho Council who represent intended boroughs, to provent the loss of County dignities. —They aro in •minority of one.—Councillor Wriggles sees a way out of it, mid oommunicatea tho fact that one of the enemy will be spirited away on the fatal evening.—ln Aotthosacond the Council meets in solomn Conclave.—The plot seems to be on the eve of accomplishment; one chair ia vacant. —Tho conspirators are tri umphant, when a happy thought seizos Councillor Thorno, and Councillor Wallia comes to the rescue.—After a two hours' search, Councillor Wallis meanwhile discussing the political economy of the Peruvians, tho missing Councillor stalks in to tho general consternation of the con spirators. —The Act is solemnly condemned, , and the curtain falls on tho preparations for ! the execution.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE.

Jimmy Wriggles, First Villain and Chiof Con spirator of tho Pioco—a very riggle-j cus tomer, who ingeniously endeavours to Engineer tho Permissive Glauses of tno Counties Act, with a view of getting Per mission to do a little Engineering for lum- BOlf. Mit. Ci f issling. Second Conspirator—a man of Law and Jaw—who wants a Borough and which will borrow. Mr. Jackson, Third Conspirator—A LIiTL,K BIG MAN iv a very small place— Mayor (in futuro) of One-Hunga—bat as to tho Por mieaivo Clauses will iwt have one hung, ah ! A. Kkru Taylor, who is proparod to curtail, ah anything but the salary of the Chairman of tho iiden County Council. B IRELAND, who believes there is nothing lice leather, hidca his talents under a bushel, but malco3 no bones about voting to suspend the Pormissivo Clauses. Mr. Thornk, a rising barrister, and a tnorn in tho sides of tho Conspirators aforesaid. Mil. Maizkkikld—A Dark horso. Mk. Udy, A Bucolic who wants to hang the Act without Judge or Jury. Dii Wallis, a Hansman, who gives the Con spiratora a fuw pills, and lluallT ' work! off " the Act with a lonjf drop. Mr Toddlk, a Scribe (and a Pharisee), who doesn't want the Act "hungup," bocauae he sees something hanging to it. Butchers, the general public, «trafc£?ors In tne gallery, and small boys.

ACT THE FIRST.

Scene.—A secret chamber m tiic uaraen 01 Kden. Three conspirators discovered Bitting at a tabio with pewters oil beer, the gas burns a yhastly blue. Wriggles—Hush! Chissling—Ah! J acksox--Silence in the Goort! The conspirators Btride round the room in melo-dranmtic etyle.Uisten at the keyhole, peer furtively under the sofu, and resume their seats. Conspirators then ehaunt in horrid whispers- Air—" We are Three Friars " : We arc three Councillors, so gay, And through tho County we take our way ; We pull no blackberry, haw, or hip, Though we don't object to a quiet tip. Our long rate roll we merrily scan. We mean to s(j uccsw "em whenever we can ; And why we're so cocky, the reason well tell. We're ffoin^ to perpetrates a regular sell, What buron, or squire, or Governor, Is half such a swell as a Councillor." Chibsling—Methinks 'twere folly, brothers, If this 'ere noble Act we smothers, 'Twould be a step, 1 think, inglorious To Rive up onron'o ecnutonoiis. Some people think I want to per petrate a sell, J only want a Borough for Parnell, And 'as for saying that I've turned ray coat, oh? To thai 1 most decidedly object in iuto. Jackson—Bravo ! Them sentyinents I cord'ally endorses, And them's the worry wiews ns I discourses, When I'm the mayor of Onehun>;a Bor ough, I moan to be a swell, slap up.and thorough. Wriggles—Well, bluw me! aint this ere a rummy go ; Uut p'raps you'll give &. cove like' me a show. If I could manage it by careful steering, I'd like to do a little engineering. The Vogel dodge will easily fulfil it, I'll get myself appointed to a billet. I'm Yorkshire, and I ought 11 have the nous, To get, the job of that 'er« slaughterhouse. ClliSSUN'G—But the Electors might upraid. Wkiugles and Jackson (defiantly)— Blow the electors! Who's afraid ? (VV rriggles executes a nigser flip-flap on the table, crows defiantly, and winds up by singiMg, " I'm old Jem Wriggloy, oh." The other Councilors conceal their nosc3 in the pewters). Jackson*—But hows this conspiracy a going for to b3 did? j Wiiicr:i.i:s—Hol«l on ! I've got it all planned out, my noble kid. (He winks mysteriously to the other conspira tors, they lav their hearts together, and Wriggles communicates the plot. They embrace mutually and lake the oath). Ciionu.s of Conspirators— We shall meet, but we shall miss him ; There will be one vacant chair; For his absence we shall blc3s him, When the Act's adopted there. (They join hands solemnly, and mutually take the oath :r/ain (neat). The conspirators perform a double-shuttle, and a walk-round, singing- Air— '' Walking in the Zoo." "We'll shove it on em now, We'll shove it on 'em now, etc.) Exeunt omncs, to renew their vows.

ACT THE SECOND.

Scexe—The Cnincil Ctnmber. Honourable CouncilloiS seated in great state at the tabi«. Wallis opens the proceedings -with, prayer, Cr. "Wriggles pronouncing the " Amens" in sonorous'a-nrl spirit-moving tones. A. K. 'f AYIiOU -As all the necessary forms are executed, I now declare this Council duly constituted. Cr. JACKSONI—Mr.1 —Mr. Speaker, sir, I rise on this occasion— Cr. Wriggles—Shut up; we don't want an oration. Cr. Jackson (rising)—Mr Speaker, sir, I can't help feelin' Before the business of the meeting we purcced to. We ought to have that precious seal in, And pass a motion that it be agreed to. The Speaker (with dignity)—Mr Toddles bring in the seal! Dr. Wallis (with pious horror)—A'wcel. a'wool! (The Clerk of the House, attended by two small boys in buttons, marches in to slow music, bearing the seal on his head on a silver salver. He lays ifc on the table with three profound obeisances.) Toddlko—Lo ! hero's the seal, Groat Panjandorum, AVhich I've the honor Fur to lay before "em. Small Boys—Yer most hobeyjunt, dootiful! Councillors (omnos)—-Isn't it bec-he-yew-ti fiiW Ck. Wriggles (Air. " Lo, hero the sabre." Lo ! hero the seal is of our ch'ice, And, strike us lneky ! nint it nice, High may our feelings e'er aspire. Nor oC that nobby work of art e'er tire. Chorus of Councillors— Lo, here the seal, oh ! the seal, oh ! Lo, here the seal, oh ! The sealer of the Board. Dr. Wallis (inspecting the seal with his eye glass)— With your ideas I shouldn't like to quarrel, But isn't it, a trifle too immoral. CR. Udy—lt'.s very nobby, but.dangmy but tons, Is them there things below there meant for muttons ? Ck. Ireland—What's your opinion of them fleeces ? Ck. Udy—l wouldn't like to buy 'em in their greases. Cr. Jackson—lt's certainly a work artistic, Cr. Wallis—But. that young female's just a wee bit naturalistic. In fact, I may say, rather unsophistic, And then the contour of the figure— Cr. Wrirsles (sighing) -The artist might have made it just a trifle bigger. Ck. L'irr— Them apples, doctor ?—you're A cove well Tip in legendary lore— At Scripteral hist'ry you're of course a dab 'un, Is that the way as Eve reached up to grab em ? If that the way we fallen sinners Were doom'd to moil and toil to earn our dinners ? Is that the reason why them sanguinary Gets in among the wheat, and spiles our crops ? Ck. Wriggles—Oh ! he's a cove of the Wes (cyan persuasion. The Speaker—No personal allusions, please, on this occasion! (Butchers, and public generally, 'ear 1 'car!) Jackson—Mr Speaker, sir, your attention I would rouse, sir, To the presence of strangers in the 'ouse, sir. The SPEATCHu—Toddleo, request'cm to with draw 1 Qr. Tuqjwis—You can't, it's contrary to law, j (ftcflant 'ear; '90*31 |rg Ql! the strappers) i

CR'^CrVd y hePOiUtthathMb^^ ' H Btudymed SUbJeCt °f mil<* fa** ' Cr. Wriggles—Mr Speaker, I rhp t ft * , The SPEAKER-He's travelling slightly v»rd6r the record-ah— SMly beyond Cr. Thornk—l'm clearly of opinion tw * } Campbell's Act upmiolltliatL or4 T That seal does most glaringly inf™,* We're liable to penalties if we afflv -I CR. Cii issling—l trust the Council accept my learned friend's mereinLy-011'* Cr. UDY-Oh ! hang the laws ! PBedlfit. Cn. Wrigglks—Besides that flax-bnsi, . saving clause. ÜBn <8& But apropos of hanging, the solntionv Rerenon a'no» moutons. s (Cr. Wriggleß looks significantly a t «, "raoant «h*ir." The Conspirators nUnj 8 tinalr nudge each other, wink, and « fr triumphantly). ' na 8I*U» Cr. Wallis (asido)-Where the-«w ■ where'« he ganjed 1 Wm& I If ho's not hero thia Act '11 not be harm, a Cr. Jackson—l move, sir, without anyn1 necessary oration, * "H- That this ontiro Act be forthwith bronrt* Into operation. Ul"ugnt I may say most emphh*t . Cr. Wriggles—l second t hat. (Dr. Wallis whistles softly, sotto voce " r»> where.and oh where is my HielanTladdiesonß^ Cr. CmssLlNG (smiling)— Put the resolutio* ' Cr. Wallis (aaido)-OhLord! tho ConstitutL is endangered! . Ullon Cr. TiiornJ': (dosperately, in a whiaperUTalir againat time preach 'em a sermon-. I*ll go'n find him, by the great St. Hermon i Give 'em firstly—secondly—and thirdly And "in conclusion,"—n'er roind h'nw absurdly, uw Only keep talking—ta ta—pitch it stronir I'm oif, old fellow—mind, I won't be lomr i (Exit Cr. Thome with strides of six feot). Thei dootor rises solemnly, and addresses the Council on tha Question of the antiquity of seals. He speaks tor two hours, when) Cr. WRIGGLES (rises)—l protest again3t tMs waste of time Cr. Chisslixg—lt's nothing short of a delibe rate crime. Cr. Jackson—Put the resolution, Lot 3 uphold the constitution. (Sensation nmongst tho "strangers in the gallery," during which the missing Councillor stalks in majestically). Cr. WBIGGLES—Ha! ha! Cr. Jackson—Ho ! ho ! Cr. Chissling—He ! he ! (Chorus of disgusted conspirators to the time of "Up a Tree. Cr. Wallis Binilos a smilo that Is "child-like and bland," and "terminates his discourse" with the bonediction). Chorus of Jubilant Hangmen- Air—" I'll hang my Harp." We'll hang this Act in Chancerec, And go to the Boards again. This hodge-podge Act has no charms for me It's full of " tricks that are vain." ' He went away, and slidod homo, We know that he " hold a suit," It's a way he had,— Cr. "Wriggles—l move the adjournment of this dobate. Dr. Wallis—My Christian freond, you're just a wee bit late. The Spkakbr—Well, I suppose I must— Cr. Jacksox—lteally, thia id ioo much; I shall bust—- With indignation. Cr. Wriggles—Damnation! Cr. Wallis—l move, as an amendment, tlio Act be hanged without judge or jury. Cr. Tiiokne —I second that, xuh <lc jure. (Loud cries of " Pat the amendment,," from the Great PUBLIC, including smaU boys ) Speaker (hitching up his shoulders)—lloigho 1 I s'pose I've got to put it . (Cries of "Yes," "Slaughter it," and " You want a salary." (The .Speaker resumes)— Hallo! more dis turbance in the gallery. I'll have to give up hopes of that there salary. Wriggler (confidentially)— You mean me ! Ck. ClirsSLIXG —I'm off to commit /<;'. o dase. (The amendment of Dr Wallis is carried amidst loud and enthusiastic cheers.) THE HANGING UP OF THE ACT. In consequence of the " Weeping and waH ing andsrnash.iag of tecMi," and more especially Ihe awful grief of Mr Toddle, coupled with|the general rejoicings of the public, our reporter is obliged tohold over his report of the Execution, which is (To hn contlnnercd in our ncx.)

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Dr. Home (Chairman), and J. Will cox Esq., Justices). DISORDERED HEADS. George Chapman, Joseph Robinson, and William Foster, were charged -with drunkenness, and dealt with according to law. MAGGIE OF THE LANE. This woman, known as Maggie of the lane. Had taken brandy, which disturbed her brain. Margaret Sainsbury, alias Maggie Wild fire, was charged with being drunk and disorderly last night in Q.iieen-street. Prisoner made a low curtsey, and pleaded guilty. Fined 10s and costs. LUNACY Samuel James was charged with being of unsound mind, the result of excessive drinking. Remanded to the Provincial Hospital for eight days. That Valentine. TBecouet Martin, alias Madame Valen tine, appeared in answer to a charge of selling ale without a publican's license, on the 7th inst. Sub-Inspector Tardy conducted, and Mr Tyler defended, and said this war; a different case to that which was brought before the Court yesterday, and to this defendant would plead guilty, hoping that as this was the nrst offence against de fendant, the Bench would deal leniently with the case, without taking into consid eration the charge of yesterday, which was not proved. Sub-Inspector Pardy said he would leave the case in the hands of the Bench. _ After some reflection the Bench, in con sideration that defendant had pleaded guilty, would not order the full penalty of £50, but defendant must pay a fine of £25, costs £5 Gs 6"d. UNDER FALSE PRETENCES. James Hay, on remand, appeared in answer to a charge of obtaining ISs from Henry Hoag by making a false representa tion, on the 6th inst. Mr Tyler pleaded not guilty. Henry Hoag, hotel - keeper of New Market, deposed that prisoner was at his house on the 6th or 7th of the present month. Received a cheque, but the bank would not cash it, nor give a reason for not cashing it. He spoke to Detective Jeffery about it, but did not lay an information. Sub-Inspector Pardy said that the police were not forward in prosecuting Mr Hay,, but it was persoveringly done by Mr Hoag; —who now appeared to have altered his mind upon the matter, and was not desirous of pushing the case. Mr Hoag, said the prisoner owed him a small account and gave him a cheque in payment; he gave him the difference ISs, and on presenting it was informed that there were no effects. Cross-examined by Mr Tyler : It was on Saturday that he received the cheque,, but he did not say, "Don't present this until Tuesday." He believed at the time that prisoner had moi?ey at the bank. Joseph Hanna, ledger-keeper at the Bank: of New South Wales : He knew Mr Hay's; signature. He had an account at the Bank,, but only a few shillings. A number of cheques had been presented in Mr Hay's name, but there were no funds to meet them. Detective Jeffrey arrested the prisoner, ■who wished him to allow him to settle them, but he said he could not, as, to his knowledge,'there were about fourteen value less cheques of prisoner's which had been dishonoured. Mr Tyler addressed the Bench at some, length, and contended that there could he . no conviction in this case, as there was, r l q false pretence, only a promise fnr 'the future. There was a person at Po* er ty Bay, who owed prisoner £30, a\i-j ~a y e him a promissory note, amU which should have been met on the d&S' 3 o f the date of the cheque, but as it \va»< no t me t; he was unable to place money id bank as he had intended. Hence*t> ierc wag no ' false pretence in the matter. The Bench said there was a doubt in the matter, and they were -wilj^no- to give de fendant the benefit of that., doubt. Discharged. LOW MORALITY. Susan Duncon, alias Hawkins, a woman with a .sad and melancholy countenance, Was charged, with stealing from, the h.QU§f



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