SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„__„ .x. . rr._r> (This Afternoon, 2.8 HIGH WATER—-j To _ morrnw Morning, 2.19 SUN-SET.—This Evening. 5.2! SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, b.-lg MOONS AGE.—Full Moon. 21th, 10.50 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

lona, s.s.. Farquhar. from the N ortli Transit, schoooer, Hooper, from Lyttelton (in

the. Manukau). _.._-__ AVanaka, s.s.. McGillivray, from the South Charybdis, schooner, from Lyttelton Rowena. s.s., Sellars, from lauranga Southern Cross, s.s., from Napier, via Thames

DEPARTURES.

Golden Isle, schooner, for Russell

The following arc the passengers who went South by the Taranaki yesterday afternoon: Mr and Mrs Elliott. Mr and Mrs_H. Owen. Mrs Humphries, child, and servant, Miss Norman, Rev. Mr Isitt, Messrs Eliis (_), Abrahams, Bastard, Stewart, Driscdl, Gillis. Dunedin Football Team (17), and 9 steerage.—Henderson and Macfarlane, agents. The next London ship expected is the Sam Mendel, which left Gravesend on the 20th May, and is consequently SI days out. As she is a noted clipper, and a powerful ship into the bargain, she will probably shew her number in a few days. , , _ ~ . , The barque Columbus was brought alongside the. western tee of the Queen-street wharf yes terday afternoon, and will start discharging her cargo on Monday. . _. , The bi-igantine Adonis is discharging her car_o of manure at the new railway wharf. The brig Transport has almost finished dis charemg her cargo of coal. On completion she Avill leave for Newcastle in ballast. The s.s. lona arrived this morning from the North, with seve-al passengers, as telegraphed yesterday, and the following cargo: 200 bags gum, 100 bags oysters, and a quantity of sundries. The s.s. Rowena arrived from 'lauranga at noon to-day. Passengers : Mrs Marsh and two children, Messrs Chadwick DeJongh, Martin, Delaney. The. bi-igantine Helena has been taken over to the North Shore to nave her bottom surveyed. The schooner Blanche is moored alongside the barque Spirit of the Dawn, into which she has been transhipping the cotton she brought frem the Islands. ,_ The s.s. Wanaka arrived m the Manukau this morning, having crossed the bar at seven o'clock. The t ollowing is a list of her passengers: Messrs Cnlpan, Allen. Pully, Woods, Peady, McLaughlin. Captain McKenzie, Capt. Nome, Miss Raker. Mr and Mrs Fletcher. Mrs Hodge and two children, Mr and Mrs Peno and three children. _ . _ The ss. Southern Cros-. Captain Carey, arrived from Napier, via the Thames, at six o'clock this morning. She left Napier on AA redn°sdav at II am. Had moderate weather to the East Cape, and N. and WW. winds until arrival. Passengers: — \I-. r iru'.\ Mrs Conroy, Messrs Carter, Smith, and 4in the steerage. Captain Carey reports the ketch Venus lying in Hicks' Bay on Thursday at 10 a.m. The Southern Cross passed a school of whales off White Island on Thursday last. The cutter Maud brings IS tons coal from l.nssell. , _ . . _• ,phe cutter Thistle cleared out to-day tor Russell, via' Mahurangi, with 10 tons animal manure, ex Adonis.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

Bank of New Zealand—Sellers, £22. National Bank—Sellers, 725. Colonial Bank—Buyers. 13s ; sellers, 13s Gd. Thames Gas—sellers, 30s. South British Insurance (new)— Sellers, Sis. National Insurance—Sellers, 31s. Xew Zealand Insurance—Sellers, £5. City of Lotidon-lls 6_. Mo'anatairi—£3, £812s 6d; buyers, £8 ; sellera, £S 10s. Cure—7s Od : sellers, 10s. Waitekauri—lis ; buyers, lis. Alburnia—£3, £9 7s 6d; buyers, £9 ; sellers, £9 ss. Homeward Bound—2s 3d. Kuranui Hi I—2os; buyers, 20s. Piako—l2s. Harbour A'iew—Buyers. 4s 6d. JOSEPH NEWMAN. Chairman.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Qt.osb as Under : For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m. ; and on Monday next, at 9.30 a.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. For Port Fitzroy, per Wanderer, this day, at 1 p.m. For Tairua, per Mercury, on Monday next, at 9 a.m. For Napier and Gisborne, per Southern Cross, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa. and Mongonut, per lona. on Monday next, at 1 p.m. For AVaiwera. Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana, per Anne Milbank, on Tuesday next, at 10 a.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga. and Opotiki, per Rowena. on Monday next, at 1 p.m. For Tonga, per Elizabeth, on Tuesday next, at 11 a.m. For AA'angarei Heads, AVaipu, wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at 1 p.m. For Russell, per Taupo, on Tuesday next, at 4 p.m, „„ , . _ Per s.s. Wanaka, on Wednesday, 22nd inst., as follows: — ___ _ For India, China. Mediterranean Ports, ana Continent of Europe, at 5 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Austra lian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially addresr sed). at 5 a.m. ._._.. ~nn For United Kingdom viaßrmdisi.ata.2oa.rn T^or newspaper?, at 5 a.m. For money orders and registered letters, the previous eve.nin g, at 1 p.m. Per s.s. City of Sydney, on \V ednesday, 29th August, asunder:— -,-..,-__. For Sandwich Islands, United b-.ates of -merica, Canada. British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign \V"«st Indies, at noon. For United Kingdom, and Continent or Europe, at noon. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 10.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fes of 6d, in addition to the postage, will be received by the mail agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 1877.

for the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that**_ceds lesistancCi For the future in the distance. And the good that we can do.

I The Government have oaten the leek over I the Native Lands' Bill, SAvallowed it with

'Mr Woolco.k's motion on the incidence of taxation, and now there is a more nauseous dish before them, presented by Sir George

Grey. The effect cannot be conducive to the general health of the administration. The proceedings in the House last night Avere very entertaining, particularly those relating to the forestalling of Mr Bowen's mild aperient by the Opposition black draught. We must, however, refer readers to our correspondent's telegrams for a graphic account of the scene.

The mode of dealing with the Auckland Provincial Council Library proposed in Mr O'Rorkc's Bill is likely, unless amendments arc made on the measure in Committee, to rob Auckland of a valuable nucleus for a Free Public Library. The votes passed from time to time by the Provincial Council for library purposes have not been much short of £2.000, and the present value of the library probably exceeds £1,200. The Avorks are costly, rare, and specially selected for reference purposes. It is unquestionable that the intention of the founders avhs that such a collection of books should be deposited in the most central place, for the use of the largest number of people. Mr O'Rorkc's Bill, however, ignores the chief objects for which public libraries are created,"and proposes that unless, within two months after the passing of the Act, Auckland takes steps under the Public Libraries' Act to secure the books,they shall lie ottered to any little Pedliugton that may become a claimant to them. His Bill is nothing less than a sacrifice of cosmo politan views to local prejudices and jealousies. The books are now in very good hands, and there avus no pressing necessity for making an immediate change. A museum established aud maintained by a private Association is kept open free to the public, and there could hardly be any more fitting resting place for the- Avorks than such a repository, until the city is prepared to enter upon a free public library scheme. The library is the property of the Avhole provincial district of Auckland by right, purchased Avith money squeezed from a not too abundant provincial revenue ; and if the apathy of the city should result under Mr O'Rorkc's proposal in diverting the collection from its original object, ;i great Avrong avi'll have been perpetrated to the people North and South, avlio look to the city as their natural centre. While in Auckland, the library is available for the use of the inhabitants of the whole pro vincial district, but remove it to the Thames or Onehunga and the student must make a pilgrimage to drink at its fountain of instruction. The shortness ef the time allowed for the city to take advantage of the Act—-two mouths— might be taken as significant of a design to deprive Auckland of tlie library in the interest of some smaller district Relying upon the natural unwillingness of the ratepayers, already overburdened with taxes, to levy even the penny more provided in the Free Public Libraries' Act, some ambitious little municipality may be cherishing the hope that two months Avill lie alloAvcu to pass before unanimity can be secured, and the library may thus p,_ss from the city for ever. The matter is one to Avhich the Council should direct the attention of the Mayor, -with a vicav of get ting, the Bill amended in committee so as to secure the rights of the city, and avert Avhat Aye should icgard as little short of a calamity.

TllE Roman Catholic agitation commenced in Dunedin under the direction of Dr Morau, Bishop of the diocese, against the religions clauses of the Education Bill, should convince those who desire to insist on the clauses that their action is ill-advised, and opposed to the best interests of national education. The force of Dr Moran's objections cannot be gainsaid. Put the proposal in whatever shape the advocates may, it is impossible to change the fact that Bible reading and prayer involves the question of teaching religion at the cost of the .State. The character of the instruction alone is at issue, aud the principle once admitted, Roman Catholic citizens have as much right to demand that the teach ing shall be in the form prescribed by their Church as a majority of the Pro testant denominations have to press their views upon the whole people. We learn that the Rev. Father Fyncs, V. G., has prepared a petition to the House of Repre sentatives in support of the opinions already enunciated by our Roman Catholic fellow colonists in the South. The petition points especially to the absence of a State religion in the colony, and prays for the elimination of the religious clause from the Bill, sug gesting oilier modifications. It Avill lie at the several Roman Catholic churches for signature to-morrow. We feel quite certain that any petition praying Parlia ment to expunge till traces of sectarianism would command the support of a large majority of liberal Protestants. The moment the State departs from its secular sphere and inter-meddles with religion, the colony will cuter upon an era of religious bickerings and rancour. Distinctly apart, as Church and State now are, to the general contentment of the people, Aye should guard with extreme jealousy against anything tending to bring them into inharmonious alliance. The true palladium of religious and civil liberty is involved in the separa tion. Let the Church attend to its own concerns ; the State to the consolida tion of laws based on the everlasting principles of equality, fraternity, and universal civil and religious rights. The clauses of the Education Bill Avhich have been justly taken exception to by adherents to the Roman Catholic faith in New Zea land sap the very root of national education, but the principle they embody reaches out into a far wider sphere. Repudiate it as we may, Bishop Moran struck the true key in his declaration that the equal rights of manhood and citizenship are involved in this, as in till class legislation; although Aye by no means imagine that the consequences would be so serious as the worthy Bishop, inhis zeal for his Hock, appears to anticipate.

A little incident connected with the football match lias not yet recciA red that publicity Avhich it deserves. It is avcll known that our friends in the Waikato, despite their pretended denouncements of tlie game, tire really most enthusiastic OA-er this manly pastime. On the morning of the recent match nearly a dozen gentle men started in a body by the early train from Ngaruawahia for Auckland. On the journey they talked of the coming struggle, and as each one gave his opinion of the prowess of the two teams, and thon of the individual members of theirs, they Avaxed excited, and began to wave their hats and shout victory in sten torian tones, Avhich Avoke the echoes of the districts through Avhich the train passed. Suddenly, one of the party let go bis hold of the unoffending "castor," aud away it tlew to grace the avilJs of Pukekohe. The cir cumstance wini voted a good joke by every one except the proprietor, avlio remained in moody silence for a moment or tAvo, and then, with a quiet but rapid movementj tilted his neighbours hat out the Avindow. The example proved contagious, and despite all precautions, Avlien the train arrived in Auckland only one of the party still kept possession of,the unbecoming, but necessary iieadgear Avhich forms part of a decent Briton's dress. "'Tis an ill Avind that bloAvs nobody goad" avms vetiiied in this instance. The bareheaded representatives of the favoured Riverine district 'marched in ;i body to Mr Benton's establishment, Avhere they were re-tiled fashionably and gladly by that obliging tradesman. Mr Ridler, of the Railway Hotel, Mercer, | advertises, for the information ©f the tra\-el- j ling public, that refreshments are ready on i the arrival of each train at Mercer. This ,' arrangement "will give great satisfaction, as j passengers per early morning trains from Auckland frequently have to rush to the statioia without having had breakfast, and i a_ the trains remain long enough at Mercer j for the engines to take in supplies of coal . and water, it is but reasonable that starving , bunn-iiby should replenish the inuer Mian, i Mt Risldler deserve*; suppedt for his con siderate arrangement.

Upon the question of Avar feeling in Eng land the Chicago "Tribune's" correspon dent telegraphed as foUows on July 3rd :—

" It is certainly true that Avar preparations are going on continually, though quietly. There are already _0,000 British soldiers at Malta and Gibraltar, and more are being shipped daily. (.rant DttiV has contributed a paper to the "Nineteenth Century" on the Eastern difficulties, which represents very nearly the conservative feeling. He divides Englishmen into three classes—one, slenderly represented in the House of Commons, but more largely re-presented by the Peers, would not be sorry to have to go to Avar for Turkey. Another party, more largely represented in the House of Com mons, Avould be delighted to join Avith Russia for the coercion of Turkey in the interest of its Christian inhabitants. The vast majority, however, of Englishmen is represented by the minority on both sides in the House of Commons. This party is desirous, in the present phase of the dispute, to lie absolutely neutral between Russia aud Turkey, but are prepared at the same time to push intervention, even to Avar, if British interests are threatened."

The latest instance of colonial servant galism reached us this morning. The lady avlio had to endure it has only been in New Zealand afeAV months, and innocently asked a friend afterwards Avhether her servant Avtis a fair sample of colonial girls generally. The story as told to us is as follows :—A lady in Parnell has for her cook a lively young damsel of some twenty summers, Avhose form, far from exhibiting any of the obesity generally connected Avith such duties, still retains the shapely proportions of early youth. Yesterday morning the lady received a visit from this demoiselle in hei morning room. " Well, Lucy, Avhat is it." she asked kindly, seeing that, there Avas a petition coining. "Well, ,mann, I avus agoing to ask would you lie inclined to dine early during the opera season V" "Dine early during the opera season, Lucy, Avhat on earth do you mean ." " Why, you see, mann, it's very inconvenient for me to get dinner at six, and then be down to the opera at eight. I Avas agoin' to tell you as I've taken an engagement from Mr Do Lias to dance in the ballet, Avhich isAvhat I used to do in London, and 1 thought as how if you could have dinner at live instead of six, I could manage the two jobs." The astonishment of the lady may lie imagined. Sliding the Aveck's notice which trembled on her tongue, she told the sallatorial kitchener she would see what her husband thought about it, and give I'.cr an answer Liter.

Samples of line peas, the first of the season AThicli have appeared in Auckland, may be seen to-day in a fruiterer's shop, a few doors from the Thistle Hotel. They arc large Avith well-filled pods, and known among gardeners as th c" Colin Campbell" pear. They were cultivated by Mr Alex ander Wilson, tanner, of Woodside.

We direct the attention of readers to our third page for particulars of Sunday services to - morrow in the Auckland places of AYOrship. The new Wesleyan church, Onehunga, Avill lie opened to morrow, and introductory sermons Avill be preached by Revs. Messrs. Buddie, Tiusley and Williams. The evening service at the theatre will be continued as usual, com mencing tit eight o'clock.

.John Catlicart Avas fined _10 tit the Papakum Resident] Magistrates' Court for assaulting and wounding David Dalton, Avith a heavy stick. The row commenced about capitation money, over a hoi tie of brandy, and had it not been for the heroic conduct of Mrs Dalton, v serious injury, if not death, would have resulted to her hus band. The gttid Avife rushed in at the opportune moment and stopped the fight.

To the Editor: Sir, —What hor.se won the English Derby in lSb'7 -—-EX(__'ini--l. [Hermit.—Ea E.S.]

The anniversary sermon- in aid of the United Methodist Free Church .Sunday- School, will be preached to-morrow, and in the afternoon the Key. Allen Webb will deliver an address to parents and children. On the following Tuesday a public tea meeting will be held in the school-room, and addresses and music Avill given by ministers and the choir.

The road between the Eden Vine Hotel and the corner of Kyber Pass road is in a terrible state. Accidents of a more or less serious character occur daily, and good fortune alone lias prevented injury to life or limb. The residents in the neighbourhood we believe would not have lamented a fatal casualty to one or other of the stiff necked trustees, who arc responsible for the present unsatisfactory deadlock. The road is no doubt cut up to a very great extent, by carts going to the mountain for metal, and the tolls should be a large contributor towards the cost of keeping it in repair. If no agreement, however, can be arrived at for an equitable apportionment of cost, an appeal should be made to 1 lie Govern ment to bring the present disgraceful difficulty to an end.

The Scripture Gift and Prize Association preseutedyesterday by Mr J. [Cox (as agent) 43 prizes to scholars in Mount Albert Pub lic School, for home scripture exercises. The neatly writtciij'papcrs brought in by the boys and girls, and their repetitions from memory, were creditable in a high degree.

Geo. R. McNab, Avholesale and retail grocer, loAver Queen-street, at the request of several of his customers keeps open his premises on Saturday eveving. The former proprietor, C. Sutton, used to close about 2 p.m., which Avas not convenient to many.

The Body of Wm. Cross Found.

Till-; body of William (boss Avas discovered yesterday afternoon at three o'clock, near the Tamaki Head-, by Mr J.JMc. Cameron, Mr Alfred Buckland's manager. The body had been Avashed up by the tide. Mr Cameron at once informed Constable Moar, Avhen that ollicer repaired to tjie shop, pro cured a boat, and had the body conveyed to the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, Panmure, where an inquest Avill be held on Monday next at tA\ ro o'clock, before Dr. Philson and a jury.

THE SOLDENE OPERA TROUPE.

"MADAME L'AItCHIDUC

The English Comic Opera Company, which arrived by the Australia, appeared for the first time at the Theatre Royal last night, Avherc they Avere welcomed by a very full house. The composition chosen for the opening night of the season avus Offenbach's Litest, opera bouil'e—"Madame L'Archi duc." Miss Emily Soldene, the prima doiinti of the company, appeared in the part of Marietta, Avho from servant at an inn becomes the Archduke. This lady retains the great talents Avhich made her so famous in London. Her voice is fresh and vigor ous, and her acting is of that, piquant des cription so attractive in this kind of per formance. A first night is never calculated to impress a critic Avith a fair estimate of the poAvcrs of a company, and accordingly we shall defer a complete analysis of the performance until Monday. We can, however, say generally that the company's debut in Auckland was a success. The various artistes rendered the sparkling melodies and concerted pieces Avith ability and taste, and the acting avus all that could be desired. The orchestra, though somt'Avtiat Aveak, Avere well up to their business. The dancing of Mdlle. Sara caused the sensation expected. Miss Rose Stella lias a rich contralto voice, Avhich she uses avcll. Her acting is also arch, and without conventionality. Mr Farley, the basso, Avas heard to great advantage. His voice is of that deep resonant kind Avhich pleases more than tiny other. Mr C. J. Campbell, the tenor, is thoroughly up to his Avork both in singing and acting. His "organ" is of good quality, and Avell trained. Mr Edward Marshall has an excellent comic vein, and Avill become a favorite. " Madame L'Archiduc" will be repeated this even ing.

CABLEGRAMS.

GREAT BATTLE GOING ON AT PLEVNA.

Quarter-of-Million Russians Cross the Danube. LONDON. August 16, 1.40 p.m. The two armies, a hundred thousand strong, met near Plevna. A great battle still continues. The issue is not yet knoAvn. The other principal positions tire un changed. A quarter of a million Russians are across the Danube.

BRITISH MINISTERS ANXIOUS.

(PRESS AGENCY).

RUSSIAN INVASION OF ASIA LONDON, August 16. Lord Beaconsfield and Lord Derby remain in town during autumn. Mukhtar Pasha remains on the defen sive. The Russians have evacuated Kiesten dji. LONDON.. August 15. Left wins of Mahomed is marching to wards Sulieman Pasha, Avhose cavalry is beyond the. Balkans. General Melikolf, the Russian com mander in Asia, has been reinforced, and has resumed ott'ensive_operations. Ismali checks Tergukaso.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER).

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.]

WELLINGTON, this day BRANCH RAILWAYS.

The Southland members interviewed the Government regarding branch railways. Mr Ormond said it was purely a question of means at the disposal of the Govern ment. The matter would be considered. Dr Pollen was indisposed lor a feAV days, but has recovered. RAILWAY TICKETS. Mr Sharp has given notice of motion that railway tickets be sold in the same manner as postage stamps. BAD ACOUSTICS. Hearing in the House is very bad. The clerk mumbles avlicu reading a report. The canopy over the Speakers'chair, put up to ornament Sir Dancis Krillon Bell, hinders sound. The reporters Avould bless some members if it would raise their voices. SIR JULIUS VOGEL'S RESIGNATION. The letter from Sir Julius Vogcl to the Ministers states that he lias been offered a partnership by his uncle, and Avlien the mail left was about to accept it. He writes to say that he cannot continue the Agent- Generalship after the end of the year. DISCONTENT AMONG THE GOVERN-

MENT PARTY

The vacillating policy of the Govern ment is causing considerable discontent amongst their supporters. The latter say that Government ignore the suggestions of supporters, and only accept them when forced upon them by the Opposition. Then the Government turn round aud claim sympathy Avith the proposal.

A strong party in the House Avould support George Jones junr., if there was any foundation for the charges in the article. Mr Wliitaker _ denial is generally accepted. Put it is said tlte assertions in the ariicle apply to another person. Sir George Grey went to the Ministry aud asked if the Government Avould pay Mr Jones' passage up. If not lie would do so. 'Lite Government promised to pay the passage.

THAMES VALLEY RAILWAY

In the Mouse to-day Mr Whi taker presented pet it ions from settlers in the Waikato, praying that a railway be made from Waikato to the Thames.

LAND SPECULATION

Mr Sheehiin gave notice to ask the Government Avhen they intend to intro duce the proposed bill to prevent speculation pending legislation by the General Assembly, ft is understood that if any measure is introduced, Mr Ballance will move resolutions Avitu the view of permitting the sales of blocks

not exceeding three hundred acres. Many members of the House hold the opinion that the stopping of all legitimate dealing would excite discontent in the native mind, especially the class of natives who live principally on the proceeds of sales of land. AUCKLAND PETITIONS. Mr Macfarlane presented a petition pray ing for redress for a breach of faith in connection Avith an agreement with the Government re the Kaipara rail- Avay by Kaipara natives. The latter contend that free passes are promised for a time in consideration of land granted.

Mr Macfarlane also presented a petition from a native named Piarama, praying for license to sell spirits.

DEBTORS' COURT IN THE COLONY,

Mr Macfarlane gave notice of motion for a return of debt cases brought in R.M. Courts at Dunedin, Christchurch, Welling ton, and Auckland, Avith the particulars of each case. Also, the particulars from the Supreme Court of insolvencies, and result of each. Mr Macfarlane's object is to shew that poor people are sent to gaol for small amounts, Avhile the hnv 4 used by Avealthy people to defy creditors. He contends that bankruptcy luavs are used by rich people to oppress the poor. The return is also ex pected to shew enormous sums paid by poor people in costs and kiAvyers' fees.

Dr Pollen is to be examined before the Petitions' Committee respecting Taipiri' s claim.

The petition, report, and evidence in Mrs McManus' case is ordered to be printed. The committee report that the explanation of the justices is unsatisfactory ; that Mrs McManus is entitled to redress, and if the justices decline to afford it, they should either be called upon to resign or be struck off the roll.

Sir Robert Douglas gave notice of mo tion that the debate on the second reading of the -"atiA-e Land Court Bill be printed and circulated in the Maori language.

THE INCIDENCE OF TAXATION,

When Mr Woolcock's motion on the in cidence of taxation came on, Air Boavcu rose and expressed the concurrence of the Government in its spirit. He moved, as an amendment, " That in the opinion of this House, the incidence of taxation be adjusted so its to impose on property a fair share of the burdens entailed on the colony by the expenditure on public Avorks, there by affording a means for the reduction of taxation on necessaries, and that the financial proposals of the Government next session should embody this principle." The Speaker ruled that the amendment was out of order.

Mr BoAven's speech on the incidence of taxation fell fiat. When his amendment avus ruled out of order, Ministers looked at each other and at the.Speaker in unfeigned disgust.

Mr Stafford's suggestion did not make hem look any pleasantcr.

Mr Manders rose, and made a speech to his constituents.

■Mr Reynolds thought hesaAV a Avay out of the difficulty. This pawky tall gentleman hits become assistant dr> r nurse of the Ministry. It is said Mr Stafford lias threatened to spank 'em if they do not behave better.

Mr Bunny raised a "general laugh when he talked of the hardships of Customs duties on fathers Avith lift ecu children. Many honourable members Avere en rapport Avith his sentiments.

Mr Travers spoke well. Auckland mem bers applauded him Avhcn he said that while the Middle Island capitalistsAveregoitigabuot looking for investment for capital, vast areas of land in the North Island were lying waste for Avant of industrial development. He said the people of the North Island Avere the best consumers the Middle Island bad. He saw Canterbury produce all over the country. It Avould pay the Middle Island to spend capital in developing the North, and so support their oavii interests. Mr Lumsden excited shouts of laughter when in broad Scotch he said, "It Avould lie better for the people of the colony to eat more oatmeal and so reduce Customs."

Mr Fisher made a strong and anti- Nothcrn speech. This is a Canterbury man of the farmer type. He thought it quite time for a property tax, Avheu time payment subsidies to local bodies out of borroAved money ceased. The natives were being demoralised by land sAvindles ; made drunk

and debauched. The result was that the North Island Avauted to seize the Southern laud fund.

Sir Robert Douglas said if he recollected rightly he had read that the natives of the North Avent down and conquered the natives of the Middle Island, cooking and eating them, and thus extinguishing their rights. The Southern land, therefore, belonged to the natives of the North Island, if to any one. Mr Fisher : I did not say Aye potted them. (Great laughter). There Avas a temporary lull in the proceed ngs.

Mr. Bowen Cleverly Outwitted "by Sir George G-rey.

After Mr Woolcock's amendment Avas carried and became the substantive motion, Sir George Grey leaped to Ills feet Avith tiie energy of youth and tire in his eye.

Mr Bowen lazily rose also,

Sir George Grey : " Oh, I Avas up before you."

Sir George Grey stood like one of the gladiators of old, fighting in the cause of the people.

The Speaker said Sir George Grey had first caught his eye.

Mr Bowen looked considerably flabber gasted, turned as red as a turkey-cock, and appeared to Avaver between standing and resuming his seat. He had a sort of a jellyfish appearance.

Sir George Grey confronted him sternly,

At last one of- Mr Boavcii's colleagues reached for his coat tails, and he gracefully collapsed on the cushions like the ichthyo logical curiosity referred to.

Mr Reynolds, for the thousand and first time this session, rose to a point of order. The move was too apparent, and the Speaker ruled him out of order.

Mr Reynolds collapsed with the offended dignity of a heavy father, and stared doAvn his shirt bosom, Avhich is always capacious and snowy. Mr Reynold- must have a good washer-Avoman, but is well able to pay the bill.

Sir George Grey still standing, " I have a motion on the order paper. The Speaker ruled hint out of order.

Sir George Grey, Avith great prompti tude : " Then, sir, I propose that all the lite Avoids after " that " be left out in order to insert "That the system of taxation should immediately be altered with a view toimpose a tax upon income and property, As-ith a view to relieve some classes of customs now imposed.

The Speaker ruled this in order

BRILLIANT ORATION BY THE OPPOSITION LEADER.

Sir George Grey then prepared himself for one of his great oratorical efforts, and delivered one of the most telliug, eloquent, and beautifully -classical speeches ever delivered Avithin the Avails of any New Zealand Legislature. He carefully avoided those sentimental flights, which sordid and coarse-minded critics and ignorant fanners have termed "high falutin," and dealt with sober facts. The House listened Avitli breathless attention, and Avbatever might have been the differences of political interest, no one in that House could fail to feel a thrill of admiration at a sight of a stern old warrior like the orator standing there doing battle for the rights of the people. Even from tiie Ministerial Benches came suppressed cheers. All other sides of the House cheered frequently. He spoke till the adjournment, ami Avhcn the Speaker interrupted him Avith tbc_ stereotyped: "I will resume the chair at half-past seven," everyone awoke as if from a spell. Sir George Grey's Avords deserve to be printed in letters of gold. It was a master-piece of calm, "scholarly eloquence, of deep feeling, of consciousness of a righteous cause, aud of scornful con tempt of wrongdoing and corruption. Even stern old Takamoana, like the village blacksmith, Avith his hand Aviped away a tear out of his eye at the reference to the Avrongs of the Maori. At half-past seven, Sir George Grey resumed to a full house and crowded galleries, and at eight o'clock the champion of the people was still doing battle Avith the same brilliant eloquence. Sir George Grey concluded Fa most bril liant speech by stating that if the Govern ment would not carry out the the proposed changes, there Avere men on the Opposition benches capable of doing so Avithin tAvo months. He concluded a speech lasting over two hours and a quarter, amidst loud cheers, in Avhich many prominent Govern ment supporters joined. All except minis ters and their toadies pronounced the ora tion as one of the noblest ever delivered in New Zealand. Sir George Grey spoke wlthjgrave solemnity. His utterances Avere like those of one impressed with a crisis in the affairs of the colony —as one imongst conflicting influences, but not of

them After the echo of his solemn Avarmngs died aAvay, Mr MacaudrcAv rose to second Sir George Grey's amendment. He com plimented Sir George Grey on his able and convincing speech. He appealed to the Government in the name of heaven [to do justice, and sacrifice party interests on the altar of public good. The Premier opened his speech in the usual, pugnacious style Avith exordium. He spoke amidst roars of laughter of mingled feeling of regret, surprise and satisfaction, then got mixed himself in a labyrinth of figures. He tried to reverse the yankee adage that figures canuot lie which elicited defiant opposition cheers. He then said if Sir George Grey Avas able to prepare a new system of taxation in half-an-hour he hoped the House Avould support Sir George Grey. He admitted it Avould be Avise at as early a date as possible to have direct taxation. ■ (Loud cries of "oh, oh"). Major Atkin son also provoked derisive laughter on all sides when referring to his far-seeing financial policy. For many years they i Avere obliged to finance on paper. The j public accounts of the colony were* a, ! question of bank ledgers. The time of the Government had been occupied with great constitutional changes, and final reference to the wisdom of keeping a balance at one's banker's. Mr .Montgomery folloAved, and slowly but surely shewed Major Atkinson's finan cial statement to be "a sham, a delusion, and a snare." He shewed that the country avus dependent on Treasury bills. lie boasted that the credit and balance of' the Treasurer Avas more than required to meet existing liabilities not taken into account. Mr Reynolds appealed to his friends and the Government to adopt proposals lie had so often promised to vote for a change in taxation. They could not get out of it. Mr Harper, a big Canterbury land mono polist opposed an income and property tax. It would frighten capital from the country. The question avus tin entirely new ru-ie. .! Mr Pyke, in an amusing speech on piisil auimity, _ said as to the leak "They eat, and if they sAvear they eat." He con- C.uded by supporting.

Mr Hodgkmson could not understand how any man Avitli a respect for morality could support the Government. I n the annals of Ncav Zealand they Avould b known as the lymphic Ministry. He re supported, quoting damaging fi<nires, Mr Hunter, in his usual lluffyand porkine style, attempted to reply to Mr Rees .r ot muddled and lost his temper, grunted' and slopped around amidst Opposition cheers After a Aveak flabby speech Mi- Hunter collapsed, and mopped himself Avith a red cotton handkerchief. Mr Murray moved the adjournment. DISTRICT RAILWAY BILL. The folloAving arc some of the leading features in the District Railway Bin •-_ Joint Stock Companies may construct and maintain railAvays. The companies must first make application to the Countyr Coun. oils, and if a majority or one half of members approve of the pioposals, then the votes of the ratepayers are to decide, but if amajority of the County Council disapurove the matter drops. When the sanction of the ratepayer, and Governor is obtained the company may take any land required' subject to Government inspection ; and in accordance with approved plans, may con struct railways Avith a guage of 3ft. fjjn Interest at the rate of seven per cent win he guaranteed for the company on the cost of construction, such interest to be raised by special rate levied by Borough and County Councils.

CITY COUNCIL CONTRACTS.

)To the Editor of the Star.) Slit. —The letter of Martin Danaher, laid before the City Council at its last sittin.r affords ah example of the abuse to Avnieha man may be subjected while acting faith, fully in the discharge of a plain duty. 1 bad determined not to take any notice of such a letter, but on reconsidering the mat j ter, I think it right that the ratepayers ! should know the grounds for com j plaint the Avriter has against me. I I. will pass over the offensive remarks made i about myself, merely stating that I am ' not a cabinet maker by trade, although I ! have folloAvcd that occupation for several 1 years with satisfactory results both to my self and those Avho employed me. lam charged by Mr Danaher with having said that he had not giA ren satisfaction to his employers, that he was incapable of per forming Avorks he undertook, or Avilfully carried them out in an imperfect nianner. I made no such SAveeping charges as these against the man. It would seem, however that some just grounds may exist for thinking that such charges, had they been made Avould not be very Avide of the mark, otherwise he could not feel so sore nor belloAV so loudly. He tells the Council that I have made false statements about him, and produced tAvo letters or certificates of character, —one Avritten by Mr Daldy, aud the other by Mr McDonald, (re spectively the Chairman and Engineer of the Harbour Board) —Avliich clearly and unmistakeably prove that all I said is true. The facts are as folloAvs :—A month ago, tenders Avere received by the Council for building a retaining Avail in Hobson street, in the construction of Avhich it was proposed to use mortar composed of ground scoria ash and lime. Before the tenders were opened, and before I knew the names of the parties tendering. I objected to mortar of this kind being used for the Avork, on the ground that it Avould be too costly, and Avas not necessary ; and referring to the retaining Avail built by the Harbour Board in the same locality, I pointed out that in the contract for that Avork it Avas provided that mortar of this discription should be used, but that othor material had been substituted by t lie contractor; and I con ended .hat it would be unnecessary to go to the expense of erecting a steam engine and machinery for grinding scoria ash, when a cheaper material could be had, Avhich, as in the case of the Avail erected by the Harbour Board, had been found to answer equally well. I believe then, and am still of the same opinion, that a saving of £50 would have been effected had this course been adopted, and there are many localities in this to.vn in Avhich even the small sum of £50 Avould be found very use ful. The majority of the Council, hoAvever, decided to adhere to the specification. The tenders were opened, and Mr Dauaher atos found to be the lowest by about £15. I then proposed that the next lowest tender should be accepted, on the ground that as Mr Danaher had not adhered to the terms of his contract with the Harbour Board, he .Avould most probably adopt a similar course iioav. I said further that Aye ought to have the article we bargained for, and not alloAv another to be substituted. It was then pointed out to me that such a course Avould act prejudicially to Mr Danaher, that, we could compel him to carry out the Avork according to agreement, and shoulddo so ; and that the difference incest between Danaher's and the next tender Avould almost pay the Avage of a clerk of Avorks. I th nw_tl_c__AA r-_yproposit_on___d the loAvcst tender was accepted. It Avill thus be seen that I found no fault wliatever Avith the quality of this man's work, and that the only purpose I had in \ TieAV in referring to it at all was to induce the Council to save their money. I have here given you a plain statement of the facts as they occurred. No part of the discussion had been published by either of the papers, and Mr Danaher must have obtained his information from some one employed about the offices, or perhaps a member of the Council. ■ So that I Avas not greatly surprised at the manner in Avhich his letter Avas received by the Council. In any other Councillor's case I, for one. would not have consented to receive it or permit it to be read. There is one little matter con nected with this case I ought to refer to, viz., Mr Daldy's letter. That gentleman states that Danaher had permission to sub stitute other material than that agieed upon into his Avork. I never doubted it, in fact he could not possibly have carried on his work otherwise, but by Avhom Avas • the permission granted 'I I very much doubt Avhether a single mem ber of the Board, other than the Chairman, knew anything about it. But supposing they did knoAV, I deny the right of any public body to permit a contractor, or any oue else, to substitute a cheaper article in lieu of that he had agreed to supply, un less there is a corresponding reduction made in the price." Mr Daldv says the altera tion was allowed ; this little'word alloAved affords a clue to what has been a puzzle to a-good many people. Several costly works ' have been executed for the Board, that have not quite come up to what people were led to expect. But the Avholc thing Avill be rendered clear to" anyone capable of cor rectly interpreting the meaning of theAvord " allowed.'"—Yours, &c, Richard Dick son.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATES' COURT.

THIS DAY.

SPECIAL SITTING.

(Before R. C. BarstowEsq., K.M.)

CLARKSON Y. SMITH.

Claim, £10 10

Mr Beale for plain fid". This avus a claim for a sewing machiiie.- The plaintiff, David K. Clarkson, deposed that the defendant, Hoary Smith, engaged a sewing machine, on the Ist of December, 1876", ou the usual terms of agreement,. Avhich defendant duly signed. He Avas to have immediate use of tlie machine, keep it in good repair, and if the instalments were regularly paid, defendant Avould have the machine! Defendant had not paid according to agreement, and as he was going to Mercury BaA T, and Avas not willing to return the machine, he ha i institute* this suit for its recovery. . Henry Smith deposed that he got tne machine of plaintiff, agreeing to pay *-,> deposit and 10s or £1 per month, and that he was to cl..ar the amount of £10 10s W the Ist of December of the ] resent year, aim

I/HE ETEMTS TG STAR. SATURDAY, AUGUST 18. 1877.



Linoleum i Linoleiim I Linoleum! Apk ROLLS JUST OPENED, Ex ' Spirit of the Dawn.' GREATEST VARIETY IN AUCKLAND. Best C o-v erixg for Halls, Offices, axd Din tin_} Rooms. I** DIFFERENT PATTERNS TO SELECT FROM AT THE CITY HALL FURNITURE ARCADE. CARPETS: Tapestry, from 23. lid.; Brussels, from Is. 9d. DRAWINGROOM SUITES on View. D _TO_S£?_r M r FURNITURE of all Kinds. BEDROOM . CHEAPEST FURNISHING HOUSE. TToLLOWAY AND GfARLICK, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. T WEEDS! Tweeds i T WEEDS! NEW TWSEOS, for Gentleman's AVear. NEW TWEEDS, for Boys' Wear. NEAV TWEEDS, at Low Prices. W. RATTRAY Has Just Received his First Sh:p.mkxt of NEW TWEEDS FOR THE SPRING TRADE, Which have been Marked at U.\ Tusually Loav Prices. YEW 7EALAND JJOUSE, 66, Qcjeent-street, Auckland. J. COSGIIAVE & CO., Beg to inform the inhabitants of Auck land they are now holding a SALE of the remaining portion of their WINTER DRAPERI and CLOTHING. Ladies' Costumes, Mantles, Shawls, Furs, French Merinoes, Fancy Dress Stuffs and Silks. The Goods will be offered to the public at Very Low Prices, in order to clear.



mO AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS. W. 3. HURST _c CO. have on sale the under mew.f ioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify AY. .1. ' Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do BELL'S BONE FLOUR. . and .-inch BONEDUST BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPBR-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATR OF LIME. In addition to the above, AY. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars AVill be supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEEN- S.T.R.E E_T. In order to induce an enlarged consumption of Maiden Island Guano (equal, if not superior to Bonedust), we are prepared to accept deferred payments from responsible parties at extremely low rates. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN-S TRE ET. W. J. HURST & CO have for Sale, at the lowest market rates : Clover Seeds, Red, White and Cow Rye-grass, Cocksfoot, Rats-tail, Garden Seeds in great variety and best quality. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) 3000 „ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also 800 sacks of 1575 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and sonic early varieties for seed purposes Flour, Bran. Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c. &c. Particular attention is called to 500 sacks Prime Baric, at Is per bushel of 50!t>. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh _>atmeal, at £21 per ton. Prices and other particulars on application. W. J. lIDRST & CO. 101, QUEE N- S T REE T, AUCKLAND. \\7E SHALL BRING FORWARD SOME SPLENDID CHEAP LINES FROM THE Estate of N. B. Plant & Co. 250 BOY'S TWEED SUITS, 15s. 6d. 300 TWEED TROUSERS, Ss. lid. 500 GENTLEMEN'S TWEED GAL ATE AS, 153. 6d. 1 case MEN'S UNDERSHIRTS, 2s. Od. 1 case FLAX SHIRTS, Is. 9d. i^OOMBES & po., CITY CLOTHING MART, 92, Queen-street. TMPORTANT NOTICE Having introduced STEAM PO WER into the Manufacture of FURNITURE, ice are now enabled to Supply our Cus tomers at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. T. & 11. COOKE, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, dC, ax. _S_T SHOW R O O Of S: 67, Queen-street. STEAM CABINET FACTORY Victoria-street. SPECIAL NOT I CE. '10 COUNTRY SETTLERS AND OTHERS REQUIRING STRONG CLOTHING MATERIAL. The undersigned have Just Received a Fresh Supply of NEW PRINTED MOLESKINS, Light and Dark Patterns. CORDUROY, Various Qualities, and WHITE MOLESKIN". Also. WHITE and GREY CALICOES, of all the Best Makes, and First-class \ ralue. Grey Calico from 3d per yard Good White Calico from l_d per yard A nice lot of Now Shirtings, fast colour and new patterns i Heavy Brown Holland, a very cheap lot at 6_d per yard A Job Lot of Huckaback Towels, at Od each, 5s 9d per doz. Alhambra Quilts, at 3s lid each Kidderminster Carpets, a nice assortment of patterns and good quality, at 3s lid; Felt Carpets; Mattings of various makes ;1 x 1 Floor Cloths : Axminstcr Mats ; and every description of FL RNISHING DRAPERY, at Very Reasonable Prices. Extra Good Value in BLANKETS, all sizes, white, and coloured In order to Clear, WINTER DRESS GOODS, REMNANTS, Sec, are now offered at Consider ably Reduced Prices. Special to Dressmakers, &c:. — A very Choice Lot of Silk and Fancy Buttons just to hand, all new designs, and very carefully selected for the incoming season's trade. The CLOTHING DI.PARTMKNT is well stocked with every requisite for Boys and Men, being constantly replenished from the best sources of supply. Inspection Invited. s. in the £ allowed on all Cash. Purchases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Junction Drapery Ware-house, Upper Queen-street, auckland.



The Medical Profession nave declared Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic "Wine to be a necessity to all in search of health and especially to those suffering either from Inr: pient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, and the dis orders arising therefrom. This Tonic is also particularly recommended to all who are in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time are desirous of studying health by taking that which will act most beneficially-on he system. Mr. Wm. Johnson, Governmen Analy tical Chemist, report: — "I have examined Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con 'aining about 16 per cent, of a very pure alcohol, and holding in solution a clear wholesome, Vegetable Bitten combined with a fruity spicy aroma. I consider this Bitter a very superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotel keepers. Don't be hoodwinked by imitators of Udolpiio Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, who inclose vile spirits in bottles which contained t.ho Simon Pure Schnapps and put bogus labels thereon. Repudiate these nostrums. Scruti nize the labels, and if they are deficient in exe cution or the ear-marks of authenticity, don't buy.