SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HEGH WATER-J^A^rnoon, 2.18 &37 SUN SET.—This Evening. 6.2 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 6.12 MOONS AGIO.—Full Moon, 29th, 5.28 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

lon a, s.s., Farqnhar, from the North Rowenn, s.s., Sellars, from Tauranga Pretty Jane, s.s., HeJaLder, from Gisborno and Napier

DEPARTURES.

Star of the South, s.s. Carey, for Napier. Jessie Henderson, schooner, for Lovuka. Go-ahead, s.s. Cooper, for Gisbornc and Napier.

IMPORTS.

Pretty Jane from Gisborne: 48 sacks barley, 30 sacks wheat, 2 horses.—A.S.P.C., agents.

EXPORTS.

'Per Jessie Henderson, for Levuka :—lO5 cases Efoneva, 3 cases cotton, 2 cases, 1 case paper hangings, 2,91)1 pieces timber, 452 sacks potatoes, 42 sacks onion*, 1 cases cheese, 17 kegs butter, 1!) kegs beef, 11 casks ale. 40 boxes soap, 20 half do., 3 cased stationery,2oo pieces timber, 10 bags bran, 9 cases onion 3, 100 sheep. 3 kegs tallow.— Niuool and Hendry, Agents.

'The s.s. lona arrived this morning from the North with 17 passengers and the following cargo : 57 cattle, 70 sacks gum. 3 cases. The clipper schooner Jessie Henderson cleared out to-day for Levuka, with a full cargo of merchandise and live stock. She sails this evening1.

The senooncr Policeman and the ketch Fanny Kelly arrived at the Bay of Islands yesterday. The s.s. Wellington cleared out to-day for tho South. She will leave to-morrow should the mail steamer arrive by 1 p.m., otherwise, positively her time is 4 p.m. on Monday. Pas sengers : R. Smallshaw, w. Kyle. Sheridan, Mr and Mrs Harris, Mrs Fake aiid three children, H. Clark, R. Manuhira.

Tho schooners Konilworth and Jessie arc both expected from Lyttolton shortly. The barque I3le of Florence sailed from New castle on the 22nd inst., with a cargo of !(50 tons of coal for Messrs Henderson and Macfarlane.

The wrecked schooner Clyde has boon con demned, and was sold at auction yesterday on account of ■whom it may concern. The hull fetched £50, and the cargo £198. Two American barques are now on their way to this port from Dunedin: The Courser, 495 tons, left on the 12th, and the Elmiranda on the 13th.

The brigantine Yarra left, Port Chalmers on the 13th inst. for Kaipara.

The schooners Sissy and Atlantic cleared at Lyttolton for this port on the 17th inst., with wheat, &c. It is probable they will have another close race.

The s.s. Pretty Jano is announced to leave for Gisbornn and Napier on Wednesday next.

The ketch Clematis is bound from Onehunga to Kaipara. She cleared out yesterday in bal last.

The barque Stag sailed from Newcastle for this port on the 19th inst. with -150 tons coal.

The schooner Saucy Kate left Port Chalmers for this port on tho 17th inst.

The following are the names of the passengers who arrived by the Wellington yesterday: Misses Kenney (2), McLaughlin, Shore; Mes flames Murray, Grundy, Kenney, Robinson and servant; Messrs Lewis, Baird, Murray, Moore (2), Rev. Robinson, Willcocks, Reid, Drummond, Bayly, Owen, Shore. Kass ; 7 in the steerage.— Henderson and Macfarlane, agents.

A barque has been signalled all the day, but has been prevented making the harbour owing to the Southerly wind. She will probably prove to be either the Elmiranda or Courser, from Port Chalmers.

The s.s. Pretty Jane arrived in harbour from the East Coast this morning with a small cargo of grain, and the following passengers: Messrs Wright, M,cKenzic, Caulton, Webb, Walker, White, Kemp. Ross, Reah. The s.s. Rowena arrived this morning from Tauranga. with 18 passengers. It is now a long time since the s.?. Minnie Casey had an overhaul, and we learn i.o-day thnt Captain Casey has chartered the s.s. Durham to proceed to the Kaipara to relieve her for a week or two while she is brought round for a b (iush up. The Durham will start as soon as possible.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :—

For Tbames, this day, at 5.30 pm., and on Monday next, at 10 a.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m., and per Kina, at 1.30 p.m. Foi Tairua, per Atalanta, this day, at 1 p.m. For Napier and Gisborne, per Star of the South, this day, at 4.30 p.m. For Kawau. per Heather Belle, this day at 1 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per City of Sydney, immediately after her arrival from Kandavu. For Taranaki, and Southern Provinces, per Wellington, six hours after arrival of the City of Sydney. Fov Thames, Gisborne, and Napier, per Go- Ahead, on Monday, next, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per

lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Whitianga. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Napier, Wellington, and Southern Pro vinces, per Rotorua. on Tuesday next, at 3 p.m. Fo r Waiwera, Kawau, and Matakana, per Anne Milbank, on Tuesday next, at 4 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at

4 p.m. For Gisborne and Napier, per Pretty Jane, on

Wednesday, 28th inst., at 3 p.m. For Chatham Islands, per Omaha, on Saturday.

31st instant, at 11 a.m. For Norfolk Island, per Southern Cross, on or

a.bout Wednesday, 4th April. Per e.s. Taranaki, on Monday, April 2, as fo'.

lows :— For India, China. Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 7 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Aus tralian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially ad dressed), at 8 a.m. For money orders and registered letters, od Saturday, 31st inst., at 5 p.m.

For newspapers, at 6 a.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

CRUICKSHANK.—On March 21, at Remuera Mrs. D. B. Cruickshank of a daughter.

MARRIAGE.

MACINDOE — GRIERSON. —At Auldhame, Ponsonby, on 20th March, by the Rev. D. W. Runciman Frank Buchanan, youngest son of the late John Macindoe, Esq., to Agnes Clark, only daughter of the late William Grierson, Esq., both of Glasgow.

SINTON—WISHART.—At the residence of the bride's father, on the 22nd March, by the Rev. Dr. Wallis, John Sinton to Margaret Wishart, only daughter of Geo. Wiehart, Mount-street, Auckland.

DEATH.

JOHNSON.—On the 21th March, at his parents' residence, Jermyn-s'reet, William, infant son of Oliver and Rose JoMison, aged 1 year.

The funeral will take place at 3 p.m. to morrow. Friends are invited to attend.

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 1877

For the cavse that lacks assistance. For the wrong llmt needs resistance, l-\ir the future in the distance, Anrl the irnod that we can do.

Important London cablegrams to March 20th are published in another column. General Ignatiefl', the Russian Pleni potentiary has been entertained as the guest of Her Majesty the Queen, and is the bearer of fresh proposals for the amendment of protocol recently sub mitted to the British Government, and to which modifications were submitted by the English Cabinet. The new Russian proposals are probably a conditional acceptance of the modifications. " More vigorous administration" fs promised by the Porte, but little importance will be attached to that which has been so frequently promised before, and as seldom fulfilled. Meantime, it is admitted that the " Sick Man" is rapidly declining from internal disorganization. The most satis factory feature of the telegraphic news"is the offer of Russia to demobilize her army if the amended protocol is accepted by Great Britain. Fighting has been resumed in Bosnia.

Another vacancy has occurred in the representation of City West in the General Assembly, by the resignation of Mr. B. Tonks, the sitting member. When invited to stand, Mr Tonks exhibited considerable reluctance owing to business consider ations, but his unwillingness was ultimately overcome. Finding it probable that business engagements will prevent a due attention to the interests of his constituents, Mr Tonks lias resigned, and a notification to that effect appears in our advertising columns. The early notice will afford the electors ample time for making wise choice of a successor before the Session.

We congratulate the " Herald" upon a happy conversion to the views we mildly urged upon it respecting the memorial on religious instruction. The Board of Educa tion, yesterday, adopted unanimously.the motion of Colonel Haultain, "That the teacher is not required when dismissing the school to oblige all the pupils to leave the

room." This is exactly what the memoria lists asked ; it is all they wanted ; and our contemporary speaks of it as a " happy termination of the religio-scholastic difficulty." "Under this new rule" con tinues the writer, "the moderate arguments can be fulfilled without causing dissatisfac tion, to cither side, or hurting the sensi bilities." Now, looking to the fact that the proposal is exactly the same in letter and in spirit as that which the " Herald " a few days before denounced as an attempt "to graft religious teaching on our common-school system," that it declared " the gentlemen who got up the movement forget that the rights of con science must be maintained to all classes of the community," that it proceeded to charge them with fanaticism and bigotted hatred of " Infidels, scoffors, and Papists," and declared that the Board was "bound to refuse tho prayer of the memorial"—-when these very strong assertions are viewed by the light of to-day's congratu lations, the force of public opinion on our contemporary's wavering convictions comes out in beautiful relief. Wo cannot express the exuberance of our joy upon seeing our aged friend once more clothed, and in his right mind.

The country members of the Tvlcn Council wound up tho proceedings last night by stealing a inarch on tho townsfolk, and securing the lion's share of the plunder. The position is this : Council]orjjWrigloy unexpectedly brought np ». motion, after the Act whs suspended, fixing the propor tion, of the County revenues to bo paid highway districts not abutting on the city one fifth higher than that payable to subur ban boards. The scheme of division is unfair, for while the main roads which form the iirst. charge on county funds mainly benefit the rural districts, two of the sub urbs receive absolutely nothing from tho first appropriations of County revenues, to which they contribute the largest propor tion. Moreover, the suburban roads suffer considerably more wear from rural traffic than is inflicted in return. However, the country advocates among the members of Council outnumbered those of the suburbs in voting power, by a majority of one, and were thus able to work the oracle, notwithstanding a judicious and well directed attempt of the suburban represen tatives to secure a postponement and fair discussion by withdrawing for the purpose of destroying the quorum.

A report of the interesting farewell pre sentation to the Roy. W. Harris, and other reading matter appears on the fourth page of to-night's issue. Is the editor of the " Marlborough Ex firess" an Irishman ? The other day the ollowing appeared in his notice to cor respondents-.—"Wedecline to acknowledge the recipt of your Post-Card." Mr R. French, of the Royal Tea Mart, notifies that each purchaser of a pound of tea, to-night, will receive a jewellery pre sent. Particulars of Sunday services are duly advertised in our third page. The opening .services of the new Weslcyan church, Devonport, wiU'-'bc continued ; preachers, morning, Rev. T. Buddie, evening, Rev. .1.

Robertson. The Sunday evening service for the people will commence at the usual hour in the Theatre Royal. The tidewaitor at Wanganui is in sore grief and tribulation because his " screw" has been docked £8 to pay for his uniform, all except the brass buttons aud the badge on the cap. The upriver Wanganut natives have established an " aukati," but Mr Woon in still permitted to pay his official visits. It would be interesting to know what share the mystery Department has had in the establishment of the aukati. The town crier of Duncdin is said to he as rich ns many a Ciermau Prince, and a Chinese hawker of vegetables in the same city, having made £3,000, has gone home to see " hi.s poor old mother." "We learn that Mr Dooley has an offer i from the proprietor of the Waikato coal mine, to work the coal from there free of charge, for the purpose of introducing his new patent. The coal from this mine ha« been proved to be of great value, and much more advantageous than the coal of New castle. Several practical men who have examined samples of Dooley's patent fuel are loud in its praise, and consider it an industry worthy of cultivation.

A strongminded female named Louisa Sutcliffe, whose son was bullied by a boy named Firth, forced her way into the school room where the two boys were, and exclaim ing that if the master " wouldn't put a stop to that sort of thing, she would," cuffed Firth's ears. For this she was summoned on a charge of assault, ?and fined 2s. (id.

A private letter to the editor of the " Grey River Argus," shows that Mr. Tribe, MJI.lt., whose death was reported in a recent Wellington telegram, had suffered from a severe cold contracted during last session of the Assembly.

There is a toll-gate rumpus at Henui, in Taranaki. The gate formed a bone of con tention between the Mayor and the General Government, who demanded its removal, and instructed their executive officer at New Plymouth to take it down. The Mayor sent three men to defend the gate, and a little war between the Borough and the General Government appeared imminent. The forces of the former remained four days on the ground, and there being no sign of the enemy, withdrew. But what could not be accomplished by open force was achieved by stratagem. A Mr Jack, in command of eight men, descended upon the gate at day break, and demolished it in a twinkling. No sooner was the Mayor informed of this than he engaged men, and;another gate was erected. An appeal to the Supreme Court is likely. The question in dispute is whether or not the gate passed into the control of the General Government in the abolition of the Provinces.

A meeting of free thinkers or secularists was held last evening in the Carlton Academy, Hobson-streefc, but the meeting was of a very limited character in point of numbers. In fact, it would be extremely diffi cult to form an anti-religious society in this religious city, upon the principles of the late Robert Owen, Richard Carlisle, and George Jacob Holyoake. Mr Clements was elected chairman, and Mr McGinley secretary Mr David Ross, the convener of the meet ing, was the principal speaker of the even ing, a,nd considered that the time was come for a revival of the old association, and concluded by proposing " that the old association be re-organised. " Mr R. Smith seconded the resolution, but it was not carried. Mr Ross proposed that a committee should be formed for the resuscitation of the long dormant society, and mentioned the names of Messrs Backhouse, Campbell, and Ross. The meeting was then adjourned until Friday next at the same hour, when rules and other business matters will be shaped.

A vote of want of confidence in the Mayor of Akaroa having lately been put to the votes of the members of the Mayoralty Court, they were found even.—"As the numbers are equal"—exclaimed that re doubtable fuctionary,—" I shall vote for myself like a man !" And he declared the motion lost.

From the " Otago Daily Times," of the 14th, we notice in the City Council pro ceedings that at one sitting a Avrit was served' on the Council for £6,000, and another claim for £100 damages, and the Corporation solicitor's little bill of costs for the year amounted to £946; while at Taranaki the City Council have been light ing the County over a turnpike gate, resulting in pulling down the house and gatCj and various actions at la.\v,

The Engineer and City Band will play in the Barrack Reserve on Monday evening, commencing at a quarter to seven ; Programme: Grand March, "Scrpion (Neuman) ; overture, "II Barbier de Seville" (Eossini); "Rheinlander" (Kcisler) ; selection, " The Gems of Scotland" (Sibold); polka mazurka, "I Think of You " (Keisler).

The monthly children's service in connec tion with All Saints Ponsonby, will be held to-morrow afternoon. The Rev. Tom linson will preach, and the singing will be conducted by the children. These services are now held regularly the last Sunday in each month, and deserve the support of every parent in the district. The long talked of lecture on "the Lost Tribes of Israel" in aid of tho funds of the abovo school will take place the week after next, when some chsice piocea will bo sung to enliven the proceedings.

The All-England Eleven realized £125 for tho gatos at Wellington, and £450 in the three days' match at Duuodin.

The gods help those who help them selves. By tho payment of all municipal or othor rates before the 31st of the present month, now close at hand, the income of the various local governing bodies will bo most considerably augmented, £1 for £1 being guaranteed for all rates collected prior to the 31st of March. Those who have tho interest of their own districts at heart will do well uot to omit paying their rates at onoe.

We cull the following from the proceed ings of tho Board of Education j'esterday:— Miss Sykes' appointment as assistant teacher of the Howe-street school, vice Mrs Bowring, has been sanctioned by tho Board of Education. Ellerslie has been pro claimod a school district under the Act. Mr P. R. Peaooeke has been appointed as teacher at Howick. The application from that district for a new school lias been referred to the Building Committee. Mrs Phillips was appointed assistant teacher at Mangare, subject to the Inspector's approval. £10 was granted to tho Port Albert Rohool for fencing. Mr T. Jackson was appointed teacher at Stokes' Point, subject to the regulations, with an allow ance of £12 for rent. The application for a new school was referred to tho Building Committee.

Mr Mascfield writes :—" To tho Editor: Sir, —Pleaso correct statement in last night's Star, in report and leading article re my speech at Ponsonby relative to Mr Joseph May. What I said was as follows :' In tho County of Waitemata, where the Act is adopted as a whole, and where Mr Oliver Maya ia Chairman, that gentleman informed me, they did not purpose to tax the ratepayers more than tho amount they at present paid in their respec tive Highway Boards ; that they intended to keep the Highway Boards intact as at present, except such as desired to merge into t'.e County ; to distribute the amounts collected in each Highway District propor tionately, with their share of subsidies, and leave its expenditure to he managed by the local Boards. Mr Joseph May is unknown to me, and the mistake has doubtless arisen because that gentleman is, I believe, also in favour of adopting the whole Act.

A Sydney telegram states that no signs of the transit of the supposed intra-mercu rial planet Vulcan Avere observed there.

The People's Concerts take place this evening as usual, in the Young Men's Christum Association Rooms. Tho ud mission is reduced to one penny.

An interesting foot race between two gentlemen amateurs is to come oil' this afternoon, at Ellerslie Gardens. The distance is I'll) yards.

The race yesterday, bstween Henderson and Yates' crows, was attended with satis factory results. The Ktart was ofF Judge's Point. Yatcs won the toss, and took the inside position, and until abreast the Augusta, there was but a slight difference in the positions of the boats, but when nearing the wharf, Yates' boat, the Maimkua Maud, went ahead, and finally was the winner by two lengths. The rowing of both crews was much admired by spectators on the wharf, and the men in both boats pulled manfully. The following are the issues :—Manukau Maid : Yates (stroke), Cavcrhill (3) Mason (2), Ewen (]), H. Wilson (cox.). Colonist : Henderson '(stroke), Shcra (3), Haultain (2), Moss (1), P. Luckie (cox.).

The Rev. Mr Penny, of the Melanesian Mission, will by permission of Captain Vtvux, hold divine service on board the ship Oxford at half-past nine o'clock to morrow morning. The service is intended specially for seamen.

We understand that the report of the Railway Commissioners has been presented to the Governor. Mr Passmore's evidence went to shew that the loss in working the Auckland and Mercer line had been £20,000 on the first year, and £14,000 on the second, and that gentleman gives as his opinion that tlio reason is lack of population and trailic to make the line pay. The Commissioners do not endorse this opinion. They lay considerable stress on the fact that the oilicials are paid out of the tax ation of the country, and have no interest in encouraging the traffic. Some suggestions aro made on this nnbject which are likely to lead to good results, that is to say if the Government are in earnest in their desire to improve matters.

Mr Mahoney has prepared the plans for the new building for the Bank of New Zealand at Hamilton East. The structure will be a very important and handsome addition to the buildings of the township. The main front will be 42ft. long, and the side front 50ft. The material is to be brick, and the style solid and imposing. The lowest tender is £2,800, but none will be accopted till Mr Murray, the Inspector, has returned.

Some remarkable fossil remains were dis covered last week at Whangarei by the labourers quarrying limestone for Mr B. Keane. One specimen showed very dis tinctly the spinal and rib bones of five fishes, about 8 inches long. The specimens were found on the bank of a stream four miles inland, in the neighbourhood of limestone formation. A large star fish was also found embedded in a good size boulder. Two gentlemen of the Geological Survey Department, Wellington, who are at present prospecting Whangarei, obtained some very nice specimens.

The inaugural meeting of the Whan Literary Society, adjourned from the 12th inst., will be held on Monday evening next. Rev. R. Somorville, the president, will deliver the inaugural speech; the secretary, and Messrs Bollard, McCaul, and other gentlemen will also speak on the objects of the society. The choir will assist with a number of choice selections, songs will be sung by members, and recitations and read ings given by gentlemen of the locality and *om Auckland.

The religious instruction in schools difficulty was tackled by the Board of Education yester day, and a resolution was passed " That the teacher is not required, when dismissing the school, to oblige all he pupils to leave the room." ••^^

THE WOODSIDE SCHOOL GRIEV ANCE.

At the Board of Education meeting: yesterday, the Woodside memorial caused a good deal of discussion. The memorial was signed by the trustees of the local school, and set forth that so lons as the present teacher was kept in his office, a large portion of the children of the dis triot would be debarred from attendance at school- The gentleman in question had ac knowledged to having threatened to cut a boy's livpr out, and in making the admission had volunteered the addition that he was sorry he did not do it. Statistics were given of the attendance, which shewed a lamentable falling off. After discussing the subject, the Board came to the conclusion that the complaint would have to be made through the School Committee before they could interfere, and the memorial was referred to them to inquire into. The secretary was instructed to inform the trustees tbftti they had no power to close the schogl,

THE EXECUTION OF The Count Exact, IN WHICH IS RELATED AN ACCOUNT OF THE TRIAL, THE LAST DYING SPEECH AND CONFESSION, AND THE ROW OVER HIS EFFECTS.

A TRAGEDY IN THREE ACTS, BY The Doctor.

DKAMATIS PERSONS,

Taylor — Foreman of the Jury, very anxious to acquit the prisoner. Wriggles—An accomplice of the Culprit and one of the Mourners. Wallis—The Sheriff, formerly a chartist, and also a Mourner. CHISSLING—An Absent Juryman, who has conscientious scruples against Capital Punishment. Maizefield —A Hangman who solicits the Job from the Sheriff. Tiiornb—Ono of the Jury. Ireland —A Statistician who reckons up the prisoner. Udy—A Juryman who says " you die." Sandy Black—An Undertaker who fur nishes the Coffin and Hearse. Aijbott—A person, who takes an "interest" in executions. Toddles —Keeper of The Great Seal. Suiter —A Philadelphia lawyer. Jenkins —Proprietor of the Temple of Fashion, who provides the hat Hands. SEABROOK—A Tailor who takes the Cul prit's measure. CnKRRY—A Friend of the Culprit, who is not at all "cheery." E. Wood —A Butcher who cuts up a poli tical infant ono week old. FRENCH—A Teetotaller who throws cold water on the Count Exact. Tolk—A Bell Ringer, who "tolls" the funeral knell. Mourners, small boys, Wriggle's angel, the Ponsonby Entire, &c., &c.

ACT THE FIRST. —THE TRIAL,

Scene—A Court of Justice.—Jurymen in waiting.—The public in the back ground. The Count Exact, a fat, ruffianly looking person, of foreign extraction, with a cast in his eye, was placed in the dock, and indicted for that he did at sundry times and places since the Ist January 1877, falsely, wilfully, feloniously, and with malice aforethought, conspire, plot, and scheme, together with one William, alias " Financial arrangements Bill " with intent to defraud, cheat, bamboozle, and finally strangle certain of Her Majesty's subjects resident in Eden, to wit (here followed the names) against the peace of our Sovereign Lady the Queen, and contrary to the Statute in such case made and provided. Tho prisnnor, -who was undefended, pleaded " not guilty." A jury was empannelled, and witnesses named Purnell, Newmarket, Eden, New ton, and Ponsonby gave evidence wliich left no doubt of prisoner's guilt.

Prisoner called no witnesses in defence, but asked leave to make a statement. He said he was a very young man, and had been unfortunately addicted to vicious company from his birth. His parents had thrown him upon the world at a very early age, and refused to bo responsible for him. His father had run away to England, and left him to the care of persons who had utterly neglected to train him in the paths of virtue. He was born in shame, and seemed to be predestined to a dishonest career. He begged to refer the gentlemen of the jiiry to his friends in Wellington, who might, perhaps, Bay a word or two in his behalf, but lie wasn't sure. Ar to his pals, Taylor, Wriggles, Chissling, and Jackson, they had first tried to share in the plunder, and had then basely turned round and deserted him. He was sorry to speak so hard of his parents, but what he had stated was true, so help his Bob !

During this address several of the jury were visibly affected.

They then retired to consider their verdict.

The Foreman—Gentlemen of the jury, thisis a most solemn occasion, And I view the evidence with the greatest reprobation ; I'm sure the pris'ner's innocent, and I'll shout If you'll agree to give him the benefit of the doubt. Jackson—One of this 'ere jury's been a miz ling. Wkigui.iss—Don't you know, it's Councillor Chissling. The Forkmax—(blowing his nose)—No more he'll mi riffle in the tstrifo ; He has resigned—Gone into private life. (Sings).—Air, " The Soldier s Tear." In Shortland-street he turned, To take a last fond look At Toddles and the lovely seal And our new minute book. He gazed upon the seal, And went and had a bser, And, as ho blew the froth away, He wiped away a tear. (The remainder of the song is drowned by loud lamentations. Councillor Writrgles falls upon Jackson's manly bosom, and weeps). Wriggles (wiping away a tear)—l rise to make an intimation That Wallis has aspersed my reputation In a speech at Newmarket full of soft sawder — Wallis—Mr Foreman, sir, I rise to order— Foreman—Wriggles, be quiet! You'll have a further opportunity Of vindicating yourself in the eyes of the community. I would suggest, ere we bring in a bill, Tho prisoner be advised to make his will, Maizkfield—His last sad hours we needn't so perplex, I'm sure we'll all look sharply after his effects. Wallis—Let's hang him first, perform our duty. There's time enough to quarrel o'er the booty. Maizekikld—l move, lest further time be thus expended, The Count Jfizaot be here at once sus pended. (Wallis and Udy jump up together to second the motion). I'm sure you can't holp feeling sensible There's one whose conduct's been most reprehensible. Pm sure if he's amenable to shame— Wallis—Name ! Name ! Maizefield—You're the last person in the world that I'd be rude to, But you're the very cove that I allude to/. Wallis—To do the hanging job was my ambi tion, But there's another hangman now in com petition. Excuse these tears, I grieve to see, That Maizefteld wants to grab the fee. He's done me brown, that job to bone ; Othello's occupation's gone—gone—(weeps). Thorne—My learned friend,—l mean gentle men of the jury, I'd just suggest to ye amicus curice, As teinpusfugit, we'd best proceed, \ The prisoner's guilty, we're all agreed! Ireland—l always said so, and for your in formation Tye here a statistical compilation— , (The jury wink at each other, and make wry faces). I'll prove it plainly to you in a crack, We 11 save expense by scragging Count Ezact. Jaqkson—l don't approve of all those sangui nary figures, 4nd never was an advocate for these 'ere rigours. Nor for the Act, he's safe who hedges ; Besides I don't approve of making pledges. "A. merciful Providence fashioned us holler O' purpose that we might our principles s waller." A Juryman (singing)—l dv believe|inbeing this Or that, as it may happen, One way or t' other handiest la To ketch the people nappin'. It aint by principles nor men My prudent course is steadied. I scent which pays the best, and then Go into it bald-headed. (Winds up with a Christy flip flap, in the style " This hoof o' mine," which is enthusiastically applauded by the jury). * * Wriggles.— As for this, I call it muj"' There you have it plain and **">'♦ ' I dont want to go no. f.u»""\, r ' Than my Testania?,t for that. JAOKscw-Amen -But I must leave, kxcujse these tears-it makes me grieve, (exit Jackson weeping)'

"Wriggles—Adieu, you'll excoose me if I also goes, I cannot check the unbidden tear that flows. (Exit Wriggles blowing his nose). Foreman—(insinuatingly) 'Tis true the Count JSzact's a sinner, But let's acquit him, and go to dinner. Omnks—No, we'll scrag him 1 — Foreman —Lag him!— Wilt 'cc 1 Omnks—No, guilty ! guilty I (Applause from the audience, which is sternly suppressed by the foreman. Wriggles and Jackson return with red eyelids and wet handkerchiefs. The judgo pronounces the last dread sentence of th« law. Toddles, amidst solemn silence affixes the seal to the warrant of execution, and the populace at the back set up): "We'll hang.Count Exact on a sour apple troo." (The Count Ezaot is then solemnlyg executed, and the curtain falls upon a tableaux of mingled, lamentations and rejoicings). ACT THE SCENE.—THE FUNERAL. Tho procession sets out precisely at !8 p.m., from Toddles' office, in the following order:— Small boys, with kerosene tins, playing the dead march. Sandy Black (In a stovepipe hat, with an onion in his button hole). Dr. Wallis (In Hisrland costume, solemnly bearing aloft a draped copy of the Counties Act and having on his hat two yards of black crape which flutters in the breeze), Mutes : Mr Swanson and Mr Tole. COFFIN. #Born\ ■Jan. I,U f 1877. \ 1 Died | |MarJ3.| (Drawn on one of Abol Fletcher's Chariots by the Ponsonby entire, and covered with a copy of the Counties Act, poster sizo, surmounted by the Great Seal). Pall Bearers: (In black, and with long crape on their bell toppers ). Mr Abb ott Mr Staines MrMcElwain, Mr Jenkins Mr McColl Mr Suiter. TODD LEB : (Bearing Wrigley's Angel). • Mr Jenkins and Mr McColl are attired a la Brutua and Mark Antomy. CniEF Mourners : Cr. Taylor (leaning on the arm of Bollard, with Cherry on the other side, bearing a spare handkerchief and a sponere). A few inmates of the Whan Asylum. Cr. Wrigfcles, (in sack cloth and ashes). Cr. Chissling, (with an air of resignation). Cr. Jackson (in a Californian hat, thigh boots, and a swallow-tail coat —stroking his beard). Crs. Masefleld and Thome, (humming "Nix my dolly pals fake away). Crs. Ireland and Udy, (conversing pleasantly about wool and hides). Messrs Seabrook, Field, Morrison, O'Bierne, Brodio, Bagnall, Hughes, Thompson, Machattie, Hamilton. Holt, Paddy Doran (in nigger cos tume), Burke, &c. &c. &c. The lame, the halt, and the blind. Small boys. (The procession reaches the grave at the junction of four cross roads at Newmarket, where it halts and forms round it). Taylor—lf 'twero done when 'tis done then 'twere well 'twere done quickly. Jackson—A most unseemly haste you do display. To hide our dear departed brother in the clay. Wriggles (in a whisper to the other Conspira tors) : Tho grave is shallow—a mere scratching What d'ye say to a little body snatching ? Dark is the night—no moon, no star— We'll disinter and bear it hence afar.l Jackson—l dare do all that may become a man. And I'd do anything to amuse yo, But I'll have to got you to excuse me. Chisslino—Alas! nlive again we cannot make Wriggles—We'll take it xip to Cunningham's and wake it. We'll have some whiskoy, candles, and a spree. And mourn the dear departed decently.

Dr. Waixis (adjusting his eye-glass)— Dearly beloved, 'tin a vera painful duty, To have to bury such an unco'beauty, But 'tis my oflicn, and I aiblins I must> -Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Wriggles (kneeling)—ln sure and certain hope of resurrection. Walijs-No need, ma frien', o'any genuflec tion. Abbott—The place thereof shall know it no more. Dr. Wallis (aside)—l wish of that I wore as fully sure. (Solemn chant of ratepayers—" Down among the dead mon there let him lie."

(Wriggles and Jackson, beiner overcome, are taken to Cunningham's in wheelbarrows to be resuscitated, Kissling waters the grave with his tears. As the clods are thrown in by Udy, Thorne, and Ireland, Toddlos takes a last fond look at the seal, and exclaims in piteous accents, "Thou art gone from my gaze like a beautiful dream.")

Taylor (tea*fully)—Farewell, a long farewell, to all my greatness, This is the state of a Chairman—to-day he has hopes Of getting a decent screw, to-morrow rejoices, A nd bears his blushing honours thick upon him. The third day comes a cove like Dr Wallis, And when the Chairman thinks, good easy man, full surely. He's got a snug sinecure—the Act's hung up. And so he falls, as I do, into private life— To take a back seat! Jenkins—Sound the loud timbrel through Eden Countee, The doctor has triumphed, the people are free. MoColl—Electors, Edenites, countrymen, lend me your ears— Abbott (aside)— He's going to do a recitation it appears. McColl—l came to bury this Act, not ot praise it, The evil that Acts do lives after them. Dr. Wallis—Oh, cheese it! Scot's wha hae wi' Wallis bled— Maize field—Won't someone put him in his little bed ? McColl—The good is oft interred with their bones— McElwain—Who says bones? Let's leave the ground ; Go up beyant, and have a shake all round. Abbott—Trust not to the casting of a die. McElwain—lt's murderin' hot"; besides I'm dry. (Flourish of trumpets—Grand march of mourners, mutes, and the general public to the Newmarket Hotel, the kerosine-tin band play ing " Camptown Races," with full vocal accom paniments.")

Curtain.

ACT lII.—DIVISION OF THE SPOIL,

Scene.—The Council Chambers. Councillors assembled. The seal is absent. A gloo my silence pervades the room.

Wriggles (aside)—l lost the job of that 'ere slaughter-house, Bnt still I'm not entirely destitute of nous I think I see some little pickings • H™**7,*? on a^ain ™y lively chickens. Whacking of subsidies to Highway Boards A beautiful opportunity affords To be p-ven with 'em. Tiie Chairman-We've met here to pay our last respects J • To the deceased, by dividing his effects Thorne (to Maizeneld)-Our share w"ll nab WRiGGLEs-Let's throw for it at Yankee WALLIS cholymUSt Object-It's really melan- To hear a proposeetion so unholy And therefore I refuse to stand in Jackson g (a.Me)-He only wants delay to got Wriggles-I know a plan that's a first-rater 'Twas tried by the Provincial Legislature ? -Pi an air£ f great respectability And always has been found of great utility U DY (whisperin^W^e Taylor's casting WRIGG^ Smolf %?^Js Si^°~™* country • I^ve^ot^^n^To^ ACKS°s NuspS' e itat°nCe <asidS Sy don't Ihorne—lt's monstrous ! It's quit' jution. Maizefield—We want sonj<» ' vires. /ttj T en,quiries. time to make -JUdy, Jackson, and W-. , Chairman, who. i>>- nggles, winking at the Divide [) -oponds-" No, no." Dividel v "'oufirem 110 Chairman' here's only lRELA^whis P ering)-Thecastingvote makes Maizefield- We're floored as I'm nii^o quorum i-uoreii be no (Cr S , Thome, ijfrtancU an 4 Maizefleia esecutQ

have seized Carned- The B^ ' I wouldn't be a partly tS*ss**«Sr TAYLOR-Fact is Ileftraypurse JF * I came out. v m afwme *],„. JACKSON-Have we no funds thi borrow? U8 "^Wsc.,, Tobble^L^ I think thexe Wbxggles-I vote we expend it fo^ ' (Sings—"l'm old Jem WriKrlev «i» (Grand chorus of jubilant QonS^ grand walk-round. Wrirgles and WOIB- «Hd Break-down, Wriggles esptdaUy 8 S S0? d»» double-shuffle. Exit Conspirator^Ta^SM* to melt the half-crown at I&? d V^e "We are a band of brother^ Ottß> Curtain.

CABLEGRAMS.

General Ignatieff the Quest a the Queen. BI

Russiaprop^uiAaeadti9

Fighting Resumed ia Bos&ii

LONDON, March 19th, Mr Eliott has received instructions to return to Stamboul. w General Ignatieff is the guest of T^ Salisbury at Oxford. . Lor 4 The Queen received General Imatiaff il Windsor Castle. 8 mat

LONDON, March 20th. Russia proposes a still further amend meiit in the protocol, and England is con sidering her answer.

-;ln a speech on Turkish affairs in Parlia. ment, it -was admitted that the Empire was gradually declining, owing to internal disorganization, but the Porte promises more vigorous administration. KusbU'i promises to demolish the army is absolute if England signs the protocol. ' Vengeful fighting has been renewed in Bosnia. Warlike preparations are making in Asiatio Turkey.

The Moanatairi.

The number of visitors to the Moanatairi mine yesterday, says this morning's "Ad vertiser," was larger than ever. Over one hundred, persons went up and down the cage, and inspected the lode. Some disappointment was felt because a recent shot put in had discolored the reef to suca an extent as to render the gold almost invisible. There could be no mistake about its presence, for all that, and the majority of those who went down returned fully impressed with the importance of the run of gold. The show was not quite so good along the line of reef, but its rich doiraward tendency was umnistakeably encouraging, and fully satisfied all but the most fastidious or querulous visitor. About 4 cwt of good specimens were broken down yesterday, and the crushing at the single stamper continued as rich as ever. Shortly after the hour for the admission of visitors had expired, there was a lull in the share market, and some persons, perhaps, enter taining but a feeble notion of the appearance of golden stone in a reef, placed their shares in the market, causing a temporary depression in the price of stock, which declined to £15 15s, but soon recovered their former buoyancy. Mr F. A. White, legal manager, received the following telegram to-day :—;' Grahams town, 9.25 a.m. —Two cwt of Specimens. Good show in face. Six thousand ounces gold."

MOANATAIRI, 2. 3. p.m. MOANATAIRI RETORTING.-LHE

{EXPECTED RESULT. The retorting for the Moanatairi wU \ not be completed till night. 6000 ounces are expected.

TELEGRAPHIC.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day. GOLD RETURNS.

Cook's Tribute, Old Whau, 929 ozs.; Morburns Little Agnes, 74 ozs. 13 dwts.; Thorns Piako Tribute. -I ozs. 10 dwts.; Moyler's Canadian, i ozs. 10 dwts.

LASEST STOCK QUOTATIONS. Sales: —Moanatairi, £19 10s; Red Queen, ss: Waitekauri, 21s ; Welcome, 5s 9d; Young New Zealand, 7s. Buyers:— Moanatairi, £18;. Red Queen, 5s ; Welcome, 5s 9d. Sellers:—Moana tairi, £19; Red Queen, 5s 6d; Inverness, 9s 6d; Caledonian, £5; |Waitekauri, 225; Welcome, 6s. Little Lizzie, 2ilbs stone, 21ozs.

COROMANDEL, this day. SPECIMENS EROM THE KAPANGA

Kapanga.—A large parcel of rich speci mens were reported last night, and more are expected. Union Beach.—The reappointment of M\- Hanny as manager of the Union Bea^j^ has given satisfaction here. The mine \ s to be worked on sound principles. The Royal Oak and Tokatea reports are generally satisfactory. The Thistle cutter has arrived -with coal.

ALEXANDP a, this day. MOVEMENTS OF THF, KiNGITJiS. Tawhiao with a number o f natives, are now at Kaipiha Takere'"^ Terau with a party are going on to tJ\ e Thames, to attend a large tangi to be b' a id there. Threshing is now completed. The native crops have turned out well.

Wellington, this day.

ELECTION CONTEST. : lhe nomriiation of candidates for the seat in tiro Assembly took place to-day. Messrs. Travels and Hutchison were the only candidates. Both stand about equal chance. At a meeting last night, Mr Hutchison, one of the candidates, was asked by an elector whether he would introduce a bill to prevent members of Parliament from blackguarding each other in the house. He. said he would introduce it, but did not think members would pass a bill to control their own tongues. THEATRICAL. Mrs Scott-Siddons is doing a magnificent business. Playing to splendid houses nightly. RAILWAY CHANGES. Mr Allison Smith, general manager of the Wellington railway, has been appoint d locomotive superintendent on Canterbury railways, and will leave here shortly. He will be succeeded by Mr Stone, late manager of New Plymouth railways. Mr Smith is a very obliging and energetic officer, and his departure is regretted. FIRE AT NATHAN & GO.'S STOBf Nathan and Company's lavge store, in the most crowded part of tiie city, was nearly d^royed by fire on Thursday night, The c i er k s on going back to work: 111 une evening, found the goods in the store on fire, and extinguished the flames \nm difficulty. Had the fire not been discovered, the result would have been very serious. [PRESS AGENCY-.] WELLINGTON, this ddV. . THE ELECTION.-SHOW OF HA^IM IN FAVOR OF HUTCHISON. V At the nomination to-day, Messrs Travcrs and Hutchison were the only candidates proposed. The Returning Ollicer deelarea the show of hands in favor of Hutchison. The number of electors present was lftTSe* tlutu usual,

THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 1877.



J. GOSGRA YE & CO. will show TO MORROW (Friday), the 23rd instant, their First Shipment, per ' Oxford,' of WINTER GOODS, consisting of Black and Coloured Silks, French Merinos, Fancy Dresses, Wool Plaids, Winceys, Millinery, Flowers, Feathers, Mantles and, Costumes. They toould call special attention to the BLACK and COLOURED SILKS, as they have been purchased previous to the recent advance in the Home Markets, and will he Sold at extremely Low Prices. Great Reduction in Woollen and Cotton Goods. CRETONNES!!! Large Assortment of Beautiful Patterns In CRETONNES Just Opened. T^URNISH your House economically from the Jr City Hall Arcade. FURNISH your Drawing-room from Holloway and Garlick's Choice Stock. URNISH your Dining-room, Kitchen, and Bedroom with substantial and Cheap Furniture. EDDINGM—AII made on the Premises. "OEDDlNG!—Guaranteed Genuine. BEDDING!— To fit all sizes Bedsteads and Cots. "DEDSTEADS!—HaIf-tester, French, and JD Folding. TDEDSTEADS —Iron, Wood, all sizes and Jj prices. "DEDSTEAD Hangings made to order. T INOLEUM!—The best covering for Floors JU of Halls, Dining, and Billiard Rooms. Unsurpassed for durability. LINOLEUM ! —Especially prepared for Stairs, just opened ex Loch Urr. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN ■wanting Good and Cheap Furniture, Drapery, and Clothing, are invited to inspect Our Stock. Most Extexsive Show-rooms ix Auckland. HOLLOWAY & QA RLTCK, CITY HALL FURNISHING ARCADE, j . t},UEKN"-ST«EKT AND TiOKNlw S'JKEKT. ' Auckland.



Manning's Wonai Powders.—This excellent Vermifuge 5s sa^e and quick in its operation. One or t«"O doses is sufficient. Hundreds of testimonials may be seen from those who have used them. Price, Is. a packet.—Prepared only by Shahlaso & Co., Apothecaries Hall, opposite Post-office. Auckland. Atkinson's Perfumery and Specialities. Swindlers are putting up imitations of Udol- P ho Wolfe's Schiedam aromatic Schnapps in bottles which formerly contained that stand ard medicinal beverage, and in many instances labelling their vile compounds with the name of the genuine article. This artful imposture is narticularJy detestable, since it is calculated to rob the sick and debilitated of a genuune source ©f health and rigor, '



JfURNITURE! FURNITURE Ladies and Gent emen about to Furnish are respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DRA WING - ROOM, DINING - ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL MOUSjSBOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacious Showrooms. T. & JL~COOKE 3 67. QUKEN-STREET Adminina Hank of iVm/i Zealand. BOYS' AND MEN'S CLOTHING, STRONG TWEED FOR BOYS' WEAR FLANNEL, &c, &c. A LAEGE PARCEL OF NEW GOODS JUST OPENED UP AT RUSIIBROOK & BRIDGMAN'S, Comprising— Men's Tweed Trouser variety, from 10/6 per paii- Men's Strong Tweed Suits, at 30/ sui complete Men's Superior Quality Suits Paget Coats, and Boys' and Youths' Suits in variety Men's Moleskin Trousers, a realty 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 abovo Goods are really cue a i*, the whole parcel having been exceptionally well bought in an over stocked market. flgr One Shilling in the £ returned on all pur chases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BEIDGM4.N, Upper Qukkn-stkekt' Auckland npHE PIKENIX FIRE INSURANCE X COMPANY OF LONDON. Established a Century, during which timo it has Paid in Claims, Eleven Millions Sterling. Head Office : Lombard-street. AGENCIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. Managing Dihectors : Sir John Lubbock, M.P. (Robarts, Lubbock, and Co., Bankers, Lombard-street. Kirkman Hodgson, Esq., M.P. (Director of Bank of England). Octavius Coope. Esq., M.P. Secretaries: G. W. Lovell and F. M. Broomfield. The undersigned is now prepared to effect INSURANCES at Lowest Current Rates. THOMAS H. MABIN, Superintendent for New Zealand. Office: Lower Queen-street, Opposite Fort-street. W. R A T TB A V HAS OPENED HIS FIRST SHIPMENTS ENGLISH AND COLONIAL TWEEDS, INCLUDING A CASE OF MOSGIEL TWEEDS, OF THE NEWEST PATTERNS. WHICH HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE LOWEST REMUNERATIVE PRICES. LIBERAL ALLOWANCE TO THE TRADE. NEW ZEALAND HOUSE, 66, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland