SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

arrctr -iT-Arnrr, f This Afternoon, 9.12 HIGH ATER--j To . morrow Morning, 10.5 SUN SET.—This Evening, 4.13 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 7.16 MOON'S AGE.—First Qua :ter, 18th, 6.3 p.m. .

ARRIVALS.

Queen, schooner, Jones, from Hokianga Spirit of the Dawn, barque, Wards, from Lon-

Victoria, barque, Shimmins, from Newcastle, Sovereign of the Sea, ketch, from Aitutaki. Rob Roy. cutter, from Samoa. THIS DAY. Hero, s.s., Logan, from Sydney.

DEPARTURES.

WaA-e of Life, schooner, LopAvith, for Lyttelton.

IMPORTS.

Per barque Spirit or tne uawn, ironi uuuuim 5 casks sumach, 9 casks A'alonia. 9 bales wool packs, 3 cases French calf skins, 3 cases upper leathers, 1 cask grindery, 1 cases saddles, 2 cases saddler's ironmongery, 1 case A\-hips, 1 case boot uppers, 1 cask sundries.—lreland Brothers. 6 casks A-alonia, 3 cases leather.—B. Gittos & Sons. , „ , 25 cask? vinegar, 18 do. AA'indoAV glass.^ 50 do. red heart rum, o do. York hams, 5 de. English bacon, 1 do. confectionaries.—Kummer & Co. , 2 cases Avinter drapery.—J. M. McLachlan. 100 kegs nails, 10 casks zinc, 5 crates buckets, I cask fire-irons. 10 cases fendeis, 3 cases bel lows, 53 bundles spades, 3 casks hardAvare.—E. Porter and Co. 66 bales, 51 barrels, 22 hhds , 331 casks, 221 hhds., 110 bundles, 27 crates, 8 tanks, 42 trunks' 601 boxes, 251 casks, 5 puncheons. 352 kegs, 250 packnges, 2219 cases. 12 tons pig iron, 137 drums, 5 sheets lead, 573 bars, 16 coils. 2355 rails, 75 boxes copper coin, 1000 bricks, 2 tierces, 1 tank. 537 cases. 77 bales, I box, 10 hhds., 6 casks, 1 tierce, 17 crates.—Owen & Graham. fllO case 3 D.S.F. mustard, 25 cases starch. 20 do. E. milk. 10 do. A^estas' (250), 1 do. essence lemon 3 casks ink, 10 boxes raisins, 3 cases sultanas, ,2 do. muscatels, 5 bales pap«r, 10 cases pickles, 10 cases oils, 50 boxes Price's candles, 10 quarter casks A-inegar.— Barnett Se Le\-y. . 513 bars iron, 151 bundles iron, 30 sheets iron, 80 kegs nails, 1 bag engine packing, 1 case electro-plate, 1 cask screAvs.—E. Porter Se Go. Per Hero from Sydney and Melbourne: 300 boxes soap, 100 cases brandy, 10 quarter casks, 2 cases leather, 9 trunks boots,—Owen & Graham. 106 cases f rnit.—R. Arthur.

1 case. 1 package.—R. Athur. 21 packages glass earthemvare. -R. Arthur. 3 bales and 6 cases paper.—Wilson and from Sydney and Mero :22 packages machines Sec, 11 coils rope, 92 package mer chandise.—Stone Bros. 99 boxes tea, 220 gunnies sugar.—Barnett and i packages merchandise.—H. Brett, ; 100 cases kerosene.—G. W. Owen. 200 bags rice.-H. S. Meyers and Co. 215 packages sugar, 20 cases Persian dates.- Close Bros. , ._ ~ .„» Per barque Victoria, from 4/0 l°Per ketch Sovereign of the Seas, from Aitu taki : 80,000 oranges. 60,000 oranges.—R. Arthur. Per cutter Rob Roy, from Samoa: 18,000 oranges. 50,000 oranges.—R. Arthur. 106 cases oranges.—R. Arthur.

TWO COLLISIONS IN HARBOUR—THE P.S. DEVONPORT AND THE FLIRT.

On Saturday evening about half-past eight, Avhile the brigantine Flirt was being hauled out from the berth outside the outer eastern tee, the n s Devonport, AA'hich was coming over from the North Shore, Avas steered too closely under her boAVS, the consequence being that the flow ing tide carried her right under the brigantine's jib-boom. A collision took place, causing greac damage to both vessels. The sailing vessel's Martingale chains and bobstay Avere earned away. The jib-boom proved too tough, how ever, and instead of receiving inflicted severe iniuries. It raked the steamers deck, carrying away the funnel and the rails of the bridge injuring the Avheel and playing havoc generally. The passengers were allbeloAV, or it is probable some of them Avould have been injured. As it was they were very much alarmed, and came running on deck, anxiously asking Avhat wa3 the matter. When assured that there Ava3 no danger, they calmed down, and, in a few minutes, Avere landed safely.

THE BARQUE VICTORIA AND THE SCHOONER CHRISTINA.

A collision, which threatened to prove much more serious than theforepoing, occurred before daA-break yesterday morning, oft' the North Head. The barque Victoria, which was coming in from NeAVcastle, ran into the schooner Chris tina, Avhile lying at anchor. The barque struck the schooner right amidships, and. had she been g'oino- at any speed, must have cut her to the water's edge. As it Avas, she carried aAvay the Christina's bulwarks, rail, and covering-board, and sprung some of the stanchions. The crew were sleeping beloAv at the time, and immedia tely after the shock, came rushing up under the impression that their vessel Avas sinking. They all clambered on board the barque, Avhich had lost her head-erear in the collision. Captain Shimmens supplies the following report of the incident: "North Head, S.S.W.; wind: N.N.W. After passing North Head, collided Avith a schooner; she having no light nor Avatch on deck The crew came on deck, out ot their bunk's, and got on board the Victoria, stating that their vessel Avas sinking. I accused them of not having a watch on deck, to look after their light. Th^y told me they Avere not supposed to keep a watch. What damage the schooner has received, I know not. The Victoria's head gear Avas carried aAvay. The pilot came on board at 5.30 a.m. He stated that they had no li^ht and was kind enough to take the schooner's men on board their oavu vessel again. —Sunday, 17th June, 1877." Captain Shimmens, having an exemption certificate, had not en gaged the ser\'ices of a pilot. _■___~, We understand that enquiries into both colli sions will be held before the Collector of Cus toms to-morrow.

ARRIVAL OF THE SPIRIT OF THE DAWN.

The iron barque Spirit of the Dawn, arrived in harbour on Saturday night, after a passage of 105 days from the Downs. She comes consigned to the NeAV Zealand Shipping Co., and brings a heaA-y general cargo, but no passengers.

ARRIVAL OF THE HERO.

The regular Auckland and Australian trading steamship Hero arrived in harbour between one and two o'clock this morning, after a fast pas sage of 51 days from Sydney and 8J- days from Melbourne, the time from the latter port being the fastest on record. The Hero bring 351 pas sengers and 550 tens cargo. We are indebted to Mr Cogswell for the captain's report and latest files of Australian papers. The Hero left Sydney and cleared the Heads at 6.15 p.m. on the 12th nstant. and carried a light westerly wind until 2 pm. the uext day. Then had a strong S.S.W, gale with thick, rainy weather dnring the next twenty-hours, which necessitated running the ship on a northerly course from 8 p.m. until 3 a m next day, the 11th, Avhen the gale gradually abated. Afterwards had light variable Avinds, and fine weather to arrival in port at 1-15 a.m. this (Monday) morning. Passed the NorthCaDe at 7-20 a.m. on the 17th (Sunday), and at 8.30 nassed the mail steamer Zealandia near the North Cape. Passengers -.—Captain W. H. Col beck. Misses Colbeck (2), Messrs F and H. E. f iolbeck. Masters Colbeck (2). Mrs Garland and child Miss Davis, Mr and Mrs McManus, Miss and Master McManus, Mrs Wallace, Miss Silk, Miss Jeffries. Mrs -William McDonald, Captain Waimsley, Mr Hill, Master Dudley "Ward,Mr B. Carbines, Thomson's Diorama Troupe, viz., Messrs W. H. Thompson. Goodall, Professor Saunders, Mr Brooksbank, and 21 in the ste er age.—Oruickshank and Co, agents.

The schooners Hally Bayley and Rosanah Rose were still at anchor in Rangitoto Channel this morning. _ v, _- The schooner AVave of Life left yesterday, and after beating through Rangitoto Channel, got away with a spanking breeze for Lyttelton. The s.s. Wellington arrived off Manukau Heads yesterday morning, but was unable to set in, as the heavy westerly weather was caus ing the bar to break badly. She stood away to sea, intending to try again later in the day, but as up to the present time, the wind has increased in violence, instead of subsiding, there is not much chance of her having crossed yet. The barque Lebroyd left Newcastle for this port ten days before the Victoria, and it is somewhat strange she has not yet put in an appearance. Perhaps the barque passed by the Hero off the Poor Knights will turn out to be

er. The departure of the Flirt for the Islands has been delayed a day or two, by the collision on Saturday night. The s.s. Hero passed a barque inward bound, off the Poor Knights, at 5 o'clock yesterday eA'ening. , . The Hero is advertised to leave on her return voyage to Sydney and Melbourne, on Wednes day next, at noon. The hrigantine Odalisk is still at anchor under the North Head. ____. The cutter Vincent left^.pia, Samoa, for Hapai on the 25th ult. The s.s. Rotorua left Sydney for this port on Thursday evenihg. She is due on Tuesday. The ketch Sovereign of the Sea, Captain Schultz, came in from Aitutaki on Saturday night Avith a caJgo of oranges. The cutter Rob Roy arrived early yesterday morning from Samoa, with a cargo of oranges and several passengers. She has made a capital passage of thirteen days and a half. The barque Victoria arrived from Victoria at five o'clock yesterday morning, after a rapid passage of 8£ days. She comes consigned with her cargo to Henderson and Macfarlane, The schooner Canterbury was still refitting at Apia on the 3rd inst. The schooner Norval left Apia for Vavau about the 25th ult. ENGLISH SHIPPING. The barque Columbus sailed for this port on the 4th May. She comes consigned to the New Zealand Shipping Company. The iron barque Galatea, a neAv ship of 581 tons register, the Company's next vessel for Auckland, sailed on the 10th June, (a cablegram to this effect was received on Saturday). The Company are now loading the City of Auckland. She will probably leave London about the be ginning of July. The Albion Shipping Co. dispatched the George Broughton for ibis port on the 14th April, ard they are now loading the ship Sam

Th^ barque SpeedAvell was loaded at Hokianga when the Queen left. She ha 3 probably left for Melbourne by this time. The launch of Captatn Casey's new steamer, Avhich was to have taken place to-day, was postponed in consequence of the weather. •A Sydney cablegram of yesterday says: • The steamer Balima collided AA-ith and sunk the barque Sylphide, bound from Portland Bay to Sydney, half a mile south of the Long Reef. All lives Avere saved. The Rotomahana will leave for the Thames to-morroAV eA'ening at 9 o'clock in place of .7, as previously advertised. The schooner Elizabeth Curie arrived in the Waikato from Lyttelton about ten days ago. She is noAV discharged, and when last heard of wa3 awaiting a chance to get out. She is bound for Kaipara. The schooner Queen arrived from Hokianga last night. The left port on Tuesday last, and has had an ordinary Aveather passage. She brings 15,000 feet timber, 6 tons gum, and tAvo passengers, Mr Walkins and a Maori prisoner. The s.s. Wellinarton which put to sea yesterday, OAving to inability to cross the Manukau Bar, has not been sighted to-day. She cannot arrive before to-mcrroAV afternoon, and her departure is therefore postponed until Wednesday, at 2 p.m. ;

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this dayJfct 5 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. ; and to-morrow at 3.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, on Friday next, at 2.30 p.m. For NeAV Caledonia, per Alarm, this day at 4 p.m. For Waiwera, KaAvau, Omaha, aud Matakana, per Annie Milbank, to-morroAV. at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and southern Provinces, per Wellington, on Wednesday n£xt at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered tetters and newspapers, at 10 a.m. Late letters till 11.20. For Gisborne, per Pretty June, to-morrow at 11 a.m. For Tryphena, por South Carobna, to-morroAV at 11 a.m. For Chatham Islands, per Omaha, to-morrow at 3 p.m. For Wanganui, per St. Kilda, to-morrow at 11 a.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai. per Argyle, on Tnesday next, at 4 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, aud Opotiki, per Rowena, this day, at 4 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Hero, on Wednes day next at 11 a.m.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Left Wheel Into Line.—Our correspon dent is under a misapprehension. Major Lusk spoke in complimentary terms of the Engineer Corps, without reflecting in any Avay upon the other branches of the force.

BIRTHS.

HARRISON.—On the 11th instant, at the Tiki the wife of J. 11. Harrison, Esq., of a daughter. Mother and child both doing well.

WILSON.—On the 17th June, 1877, at the resi dence of Mr. McCulsky, top of Hobson-street the wife of Jam^s T. Wilson, of WarkAvorth, Mahurangi, of a son.

DEATH.

PLUMLEY.—On the 18th June, at her late re sidence, Otahuhu, Edward Plumley, aged 67 years. The funeral -will take place on Wednesday next, 20th instant, at 3 p.m. Friends are iiiA'ited to attend.

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 1877.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs icsistance, For the future in the distance. And the good that we can do

THE Hon. E. Richardson, formerly Minister of Public Works, although iioav out of the Cabinet, appears to be admitted into the secrets of the inner sanctum. From his address at Christ-church on Friday,Ave learn that the customs revenue will sheAv a deficit of £30,000 to £40,000. Treasury Bills valued in the aggregate at £150,000 have been issued to make up the deficit of land fund in A'arious proA'inces,besides £110,000 advanced to aid the rcA-emies of Auckland, Welling ton, and Westland. Mr Richardson added the peculiarly Vogelian statement that "if the recent changes in Government AA'ere got over at double the cost it Avould be cheaply clone." We Avere frequently assured by the Ministry of Avhioh Mr Richardson avus a distinguished member, that the abolition of the six-headed form of government Avould bring immediate relief to an over-burdened country. Noav avc are told it Avill be cheap at tAvice £2G0,000 a year. Mr Richardson struck a trail which might have led him to most interesting calculations and conclusions, but he shewed an indisposition to folloAV it. If, instead of dismissing his ominous figures in a jaunty kind of Avay as a "cheap" figure for the purchase of a Ministerial whim, he had shcAvn an escape from this annual deficit of a quarter of a million sterling on ordinary revenue and expenditure, his nonchalencc •might have appeared in some other light than that of an idiotic indifl'erence to a serious national embarrassment. Mr. Richardson avus alive enough to the fact that the sources of revenue upon Avhich these bills are charged will in all pro bability never repay tbe debt. He Avas of opinion that, Otago excepted, the proA'incial land fund will ncA'er redeem the paper floated in its name. And yet he looked upon this enormous issue of deben tures to meet interest on loans already spent, and defray the ordinary purposes of Government, as calmly as if. he Avere an nouncing a huge surplus. So accustomed have public men become to reckless trading upon tho colonial credit that it is hopless to look for reform until some impending financial calamity brings them to their senses. We shall not be surprised if next session the Colonial Treasurer — ignoring the forced loan of £2Go,ooo—repeats the farce of congratulating Parliament on an excess of revenue over expenditure. Mr Richardson Avas never suspected of shining a.s a statesman, and it is quite cei-tain that Nature did not design him for a finan cier. It is even doubtful Avhether his capabilities as a politician are likely to bring any great access of strength to a party. We can Avell believe that his clumsy performances as an apologist of the Ministry Avill carry dis may into the camp of his friends. Mr. Richardson AVas addressing a city con stituency, and his faithfulness to party could not altogether close his boAvels of sympathy against those Avho had placed him in Parliament. He mourned with them over the shorn proportions of their anticipated subsidies. "It Avas a great mistake," lig said, "introducing permis sive clauses into the Counties Bill. Where these clauses have not been adopted the County Councils levied no rates, and thus received no subsidies tOAvards hospitals and charities, the cost of Avhich had thus fallen unfairly on municipalities, Avhich the Go- A'crnment Avere unable to avoid. He hoped this Avould be altered next session." . The Government, then,have seized the subsidies of the municipalities to make up for the laches of those Counties Avhich Avisely fought shy of the rating powers of the Act ! The honourable member for Christchurch speaks of the deduction as a painful alternative, reluctantly adopted. He forgets that by the eA'asion of County rating, the Government Avere saved from the payment of subsidies; and if their intentions Avere so very philan thropic, what Avas to prevent them from paying any deficiency out of the money left unclaimed in the Treasury ? It appears to us that this procedure Avould have been more honest than the impounding of sums beyond the full contributions Avhich the municipalities Avere legally entitled to pay for the maintenance of charities Avithin their own boundaries. Mr Richardson complains that the Government Avere com pelled to filch portions of the municipal subsidies, because certain Counties Avould not accept the good gifts generously offered them ! Such is the first impression left by his statement. But on closer examination and a consider ation of the £260,000 deficiency, the matter has a different aspect. In short, the Government have found the administration of County affairs throAvn on their hands, a bad investment. They have discovered, what most of the County electors found out before them, that the County subsidies are insufficient, Avithout rating, to defray the cost of County admin istration. Mr Richardson's speech brings out pretty clearly one or tAvo propositions rather foreign to the political creed Avhich guides his mo\-ements in the lobbies of the House. He sheAA's as conclusively as Aye could expect from the most bitter critic of the Administration on Opposition benches that constitutionally and financially the country is in a hopoless mess.

The re-opening of the Eden Terrace Lodge of Good Templars (No. 8) Avill take place this evening in the Baptist School-room. Tea at half-past six, and entertainment at eight o'clock. Rev. S. Edger will occupy the chair, and among the musicians and vocalists in attendance Avill he Miss Gribble, Messrs HoAvden, Ryan, and others.

The Saturday night's entertainment AA'as fully patronised on the last occasion. Mr W. J. F. Donald occupied the chair, and de livered the opening address. The folloAving programme Avas then successfully performed: —Piano solo, Mr ButschkoAV ; song, "Old Mother Gum," Mr J. Mettam ; "Home by the Sea," and " The Man at the Wheel," Mr McGuire ; bending feats, Mr H. Matti son ; song, " She did," Mr W. H. Sceats ; " Whip-poor-Avill," Mrs Smith; "Bologna Sausage Boy," and "Deitcher Milk Girl," Mr W Mettam; recitation, " Bumpkin and the Recruiting Sergeant," Mr Jamieson; concertina solo, Mr Parkhurst; song, "Waste not, Avant not,". Mr Jamieson; "The Doctor's Boy," and "A.8.C." Mr Hodgson; song and dance, "She's only seA-enteen," Mr McGuire ; and the farce " First Round for John," Mettam Bros.

At the return football match at Napier, between a team of Aucklanders and local players, the result was, Auckland 10, Na

"Quagmire" sends the folloAving particu lars of an accident arising from the dangerous stated of Upper Queen-street, NeAvton, close to the new school built by the Board of Education :—" A few Aveeks ago the rgad Avas in passable repair, when theJSoara decided to cut doAvn half the length of one of the footpaths, which; is about eight or ten feet high ; this they have done, leaving the road three feet deep in slush and mud, causing foot people _to take the old patlnvay on the bank, Avhich is partly cut aAA'ay, but noAV comes the dangerous part of the story—last night pro ceeding home I heard cries for " help," and on going to the spot found a respectable AvidoAv lady stuck in the slush AA'ith her ancle dislocated ; upon assisting her out she explained to me that to avoid the dirty state of the road she took the pathway on on the bank, and not knoAying that part of it had been cut aAvay, in the darkness was precipitated doAvn' the breast of the embankment left by the Board Avithout a light or other preventative. Hoping that the reflection of the Star may remedy the above mantrap, and save the Board a large amount of damages for broken limbs."

The Avinter course of lectures in connec tion Avith the NcAvmarket Literary Institu tion Avill commence to-morroAv evening AA'ith a lecture "Lions in the Way" by Mr J.C. Firth. Yen. Archdeacon Pritt in the chair.

A concert will be held to-morroAV (Tues day) CA'cning in the Masonic Hall, One hunga,in favour of a new melody organ for St. Peter's Church. We learn that the best local and Auckland talent will be brought into requisition on this occasion, and the, entertainment Avill lead to a select dance Avhich AA'ill close as the village clock proclaims aloud the hour of midnight.

Messrs M. Jones and Co. will oiler for sale at their Central Mart, on Wednesday next, a number of A-aluable city and neigh bouring allotments.

We notice that Mr Hugh H. Lusk will address the electors of the Franklin dis trict on Wednesday evening next, in the public hall of Otahuhu.

Mrs Mitchell, a lady Avho has charmed thousands of listeners Avith her fine singing of beautiful songs, announces her annual vocal and instrumental concert for Thurs day evening next. The concert Avill be in tAvo parts, tbe first agreeably diversified by ballad minstrelsy, and the second Avith Legonix's operetta of the Crimson Scarf. We notice that Judge Fenton has kindly consented to conduct the musical depart ment.

A proposal has been received by the Victorian Government, from Mr F. Gisborne representing the Submarine Telegraph Company, for the construction of a cable from Galle to the NortliAvest Cape, and from King George's Sound to Portland, the latter being necessary to avoid the coast land line. The subsidy required is about £50,000. The same Government has received through the authorities of South Australia proposals from a company recently formed in England, for a neAV system of ocean telegraphy, accompanied by a reduction from 10s Gd to 5s per Avord for messages to England. It is said that by the iicav system, the cost of an insulated or covered conductor is dispensed with. We have received the " Commercial Exchange map of the City of Melbourne," published by Mr M. L. Hutchinson, of 15, Collins-street Melbourne.

Sir William Jcrvois's proposals for the defence of NeAV South Wales advise the purchase of a 2,500 ton vessel, with ten-inch armour and tAvo 18 ton guns, the vessel having a ram, and arrangements for pro pelling the Whitehead torpedo. The cost of the vessel is estimated at £150,000, and the annual expense in time of peace £10,000. The total cost of the several proposals is £325,000, and the estimated annual cost of a thorough system of defence is £89,760. The Editor : Sir, —Seeing in your Thurs day's issue a letter signed W. Soloman, complaining of alleged treatment he says he received at the Thames Hotel, I Avrite to inform you that this is the person who is well-knoAVn in the toAvn by the 3 cognomen of Te Kooti, Avhose manner and conduct is equally knoAvn. The reason of refusing to supply him avus on account of his bad con duct, and having had meals and gone away Avithout paying for them. IntelliugyouAvhom lie had served under, he did not tell you lioav many times he has figured at the Police Court.—M. GALLAGHER, Manager Thames Hotel.

"T. L. S." urges the regeneration of the Saturday night's entertainments. Ho says : "Night after night the same performers sing the same old songs, and flounder through the same time-Avorn dances, till the audience are thoroughly disgusted, and the greater part invariably leave long before the close of the performance. Most of the singers and reciters take no pains Avhatever to commit their pieces to memory, and it is a common thing for a singer to sing about three lines of a song, and then, forgetting the rest, to dance for about ten minutes, or perform any grotesque gestures Avhich may occur to him, and then suddenly disappear from the stage. The only performers on Saturday avlio created any interest Avere the Boneless Boy, Avhole bending feats are something wonderful, and Mr J. Mettam, avlio is really a capital comedian. If there Avere a feAv more performers like Mettam they Avould redeem tho character of the entertainments completely."

Professor and Madame Hennike will make their first appearance before an Auckland public this evening in the Choral Hall, in their Avonderful entertainment of Magic and Mystery, including the Arabian Box, the aerial suspension of the entranced lady, and the goblin drum. The intervals be tAveen the mysteries Avill be occupied by the members of the Thornton family, Avho will represent a scene from Shakespeare's " King John," and the sparkling burlesque of the " Belle of the BarloAV Moav."

The Sabbath evening service at the theatre Avas Avell attended, although the weather Avas not favourable for Avalking out. Mr Buddie occupied the chair, and Rev. Mr Tinsley and Mr EAvington delivered addresses on religious subjects. The amount collected Avas 17s 9d.

A multitude of persons assembled in Queen-street on Saturday evening about eight o'clock, opposite the Greyhound Hotel, and there was a great noise. Bloavs and high Avords Avere heard, but no one seemed to be able to account for the hubbub, although every person appeared anxious to ascertain the secret of the commotion. Presently the blows Avere less frequent, the storm Avas evidently lowering, and a decent looking couple emerged from the croAvd, the weaker vessel stil cuffing, very gently, the man with such terms, as "your are a pretty husband, you are, I've caught you I have, I'll learn you to stay at home in future, or good-bye for ever."

To the Editor, Sir,—ln this morning's " Herald," there is mention made of my let ter respecting the report of the case of Som erville v. Rochfort, in that paper, and of the application by Mr Brookfield of the term " shirking," to my conduct. I would much rather the communication had been rejected altogether, than noticed in the manner in AA'hich it has been, as the most important points have been omitted. I stated ex pressly that Mrs Rochfort neA'er denied that Somerville's account Avas hers, and not mine, that she always made part payments in res pect of it, out of her separate estate, and that if she has not paid the balance, for which application was made to her so late as April last, as admitted bygone of the wit nesses, it Avas simply OAving to her inability to get the necessary funds from her trustees. I further mentioned that Mrs Rochfort Avas no party to setting in motion the proceed ings against me, and that they were com menced Avithout her consent. I purpose so soon as arrangements can be made, to publish a report of the case.—Yours. &c, Singleton Rochfokt.

At a meeting of the St Kilda County Council, Otago, Councillor Halligan and Auditor Eager, having disagreed, Avent out side and referred the question to fisticuffs. The ratepayers foimed a ring, and did not interfere until both combatants were seA' erel.v punished.

The Council are abo r !r nri : n ail buildings nearest to fire-plugs-a conspicuous notice slioav ing tbe situation thereof. The penalty for removing or defacing the same, under clause 269 of the "Corporations Act, 1876," is a penalty, of .£5. A meeting of football players is called for to morroAV evening, at half-past seven, at tbe Thames Hotel, to consider the question of changing the rules.

Anchovies and Toast.

(FROM OUR OAVN CORRESPONDENT.)

London, May 3. INFLUENCE OF SECRET SOCIETIES

ON THE WAR. WHEN the first grumbling notes of Avar Avere heard in the East, I told you that my firm conviction avus that Russia Avould fight. When diplomatists cut in, and there avci-c rumours and counter rumours, notes, protocols, and all sorts of diplomatic mem oranda dying about like a political siioav storm, I told you that I avus convinced Russia meant fighting, and iioav here avc are in the very thick of telegrams of every description —lies pure and simple, most of them—Avith everybody Avishing for an event, one Avay or the other. I believe most people Avere surprised AA'hen the Avar declara tion came, for there had been an industrious party at AA rork, under that able leader and bearer on the markets, Mr Labouchere, trying to discredit the solvency of Russia, and a Avidespread notion had got about that the land of the north wind would scarcely venture to embroil herself in a cause Avhich would never recoup her outlay. But Lord Beaconsfield AA'as right Avhen he told us that the Secret Societies of Europe had more to ansAver for than all the politicians in existence, and avc can noAV see that it is their Societies that have simply forced Russia into a conflict Avhich she had no desire to undertake, and Avhich, as far as her oavii aggrandisement is concerned, can do no good. As for the Turk, he believed up to the last that he would be supported by England, and I am not at all sure that he does not believe it yet, in spite of our declaration of neutrality. For ourselves, avc are arming to the teeth, and the Govern ment organs are doing their darndest to get up a Avar spirit amongst the masses. The " Daily Telegraph " AA'hich belongs to Mr Smith, and, therefore, is of course a Government lickspittle, is raving, liOAvling, screaming for Avar. At present, the people don't see it. I ahvays feel like James LoAvell Avhen I read these bellicose leaders in the " Telegraph," Avhen he Avrote his BigloAV Paper on the recruiting sergeant : — " Take them editors that'scroAvin' Like a cockrel three months old, Don't catch any of 'em goin' Though they be so blasted bold." HoAA-cver, I confess I have not much hope of our present Ministry. They have been driving solidly along in the direction of a quarrel for a long time, and if Aye escape it Avill be by the skin of our teeth. ! THE LYING TELEGRAMS.

There is not the slightest reliance to be placed on the official telegrams on either side. Both are supervised by the Govern ment officials, and are- probably utterly untrue. The fact is, as far as Turkey is concerned, the Porte dare not allow the populace in Constantinople to hear of any defeat of its army, since such an announce ment Avould mean an immediate rcA-olution. Things are in a very ticklish condition in Turkey, as you knoAV, and a very little spark would explode a mine Avhich would do more to knock Mahommedanism on the head than a victorious campaign on the part of Russia. PROBABLE RUSSIAN TACTICS.

lam not by any means certain that the? Russian operations on the Danube are not a feint to draw off the Asiatic forces of Tur key. It seems only natural that the Asiatic frontier Avill be the point of attack, and the sloav movements of the Russians in the Avest, and their rapid manoeuvres in the East, tend to strengthen that opinion. During the next three or four months, unless I am Aery much mistaken, you will not hear much of Danubian operations, unless, indeed, the Turks show an utter incapacity for resist ance, but you will hear of very vigorous ad vances from the Caucasus. The Russians want desperately, to have Batouniand Trc bizoni. The Porte has been hard at Avork fortifying Batoumfor the last sixmonths,but I don't believe the Ottomans can hold it against the enormously overwhelming forces of the Czar. As for Trebizond, its .fortifications are very ancient, and could not stand at all before modern siege guns. It is on the cards even that if Russia could get these tAvo places she Avould be prepared to make peace, as her honour Avould be satisfied, and even as late as yesterday came a Vienna telegram stating that terms of peace Avere being discussed at Russian head-quarters in Europe. But lam much inclined to think that iioav that Russia has launched her back on such a sea of troubles she Avill not be satisfied Avith any such trifle. She Avishes to reach the Persian Gulf, and so have a free passage to the Indian Ocean. She Avants a harbour for her fleet in the Bay of Smyrna. She does not Avant Constantinople iioav. She knoAA's Avell that all Europe Avould resist such a step, and that she could never be permitted any such thing; but the points I have named are feasible enough. They Avould be of enormous A'alue to her commerce and poAver, and would be no disadvantage to any other European PoAver. I have reason to believe that in our own Foreign Office they are convinced that at present Russia's energies will he confined to the Asia Minor plan. BATOUM AND TREBIZOND.

As to the value of Batoum and Trebizond to Turkey, they are condsiderable no doubt. Batonm is a seaport only 15 miles from the Russian frontier, aud the surrounding districts are said to be very rich in grain. Trebizond is also a fortified port, and exports an immense quantity of Avheat, silk, etc., and the imports are stated at £3.000,000 a year. If Russia should acquire these ports the commerce of England AA'ould suffer a good dteal, as her protective policyjwould be substituted for the free trade policy of Turkey.

CONFLICTING MILITARY OPINIONS

OF THE COMBATANTS,

It is singular what divergence of opinion exists among military men regarding the respective merits and capabilities of tha combatants. Last night I Avas talking to an officer who has visited Turkey within the past feAv weeks, and who, I have reason to believe, Avas employed by the Govern ment in some military matter in connection Avith the coming Avar, and he told me that the Russian army AA'as far inferior to the Turkish in point of spirit and equipment, and that in numbers there really Avas not a toss-up between the two. This morning on my way to my office I met another military man, an old friend, and one Avhose opinion I should value, who knoAvs the country well. He gave it me as his de liberate conviction that the Russians Avould be at the foot of the Balkans before the end of June. They could, he said, leave sufficient troops behind them to mask the Turkish fortresses, and the body of the army could push on to the mountains, and thence to Constantinople Avithin tAvo months. " When doctors differ, etc." THE SUEZ CANAL. It seems likely that the Suez Canal will be the bone of contention which may draAv England into the melee. It is pn^>able that the Russians may Avant to^pass through the Canal Avith some of their ships of war, and that of course Aye cannot alloAv. It is, I fancy, to guard the Canal that our fleet is being prepared. Every one feels uneasy about it, and even the most blustering I fancy shake in then shoes at the idea of our being involved, Avith great depression aud increasing gloom in j commercial circles a Avar, the end of Avhich no man can fortell, is not a pleasant thing to look forAA'ard to. We have really no ally in Europe. The French have declared a strict neutrality, and they mean it. Austria would be glad to annex to the eastAvard, and no doubt has a clear under standing Avith Russia. Hard bIOAVS ! hard blows ! "are the order of the day.

Greenstone,

TERRIBLE COLLIERY CATAS TROPHE.

A MINE INUNDATED,

MINERS ENTOMBED DAYS.

FOR SEVERAL

Brett's " Hastings Gazette" gives a full account of an aAA'ful Colliery accident Avhich occurred on April 18th, from AA'hich Aye condense the folloAA'iing : On Wednesday evening in last Aveekat Troedyrlmv Colliery, I situated in the greater Rhonda Valley, and at the entrance into the Ferndale Valley the scene of a terrible explosion some years ago a roar of rushing Avater Avas heard, i Many men succeeded in making. their escape to tbe surface, but it was soon dis covered that 14 men and boys were missing. There were plenty of brave volunteers forthcoming, and many descended the shaft, which is 92 yards deep, and entered the Avorkings. They quickly discovered that all the Avorkings Avithin a feAv hundred yards of the bottom of the shaft Avere filled Avith Avater to the roof, and no hope Avas entertained that any one Avould be discover ed alive. While the explorers Avere con sulting Avhat should be done, faint knockings were heard on the other side of the coal, at a distance it AA'as conjectured of a dozen yards. : No sooner Avas this heard than a score of men threw off their jackets, and Avith mandrils commenced cutting through the solid mass. The imprisoned did like- Avise. Relays of men worked Avith great energy throughout the night, and about four o'clock on Thursday morning they reached within speaking distance of each other. The imprisoned men Avere greatly excited, saying that the rising Avater Avas gradually approaching them. It came out that there were five firemen and a boy. About six o'clock in the morning a mandril struck through. The next moment a terrific explosion, as that of a cannon, occurred, but not of gas, and one man Avas terribly cut about the face. A feAv minutes later, on approaching the hole made, it avus discovered that a man named Morgan had been jammed in the hole, and that he Avas | dead.' The inundation had been so sudden as to imprison the air in the inner Avorkings, and the force of this had kept back the water from the five men. The moment a small hole Avas made by Morgan's mandrill this volume of imprisoned air escaped. Between eight and nine o'clock Morgan's dead body was brought to the surface. On Thursday afternoon, Mr GalloAvay and the officers of the Troedyrlmv and other collieries, after penetrating as far as possible into the colliery, heard knockings ahead of them. Some of the men left in the colliery, therefore, were still alive at that hour, but there avus half-a-mile of water from the nearest point reached, and where they Avere imprisoned, and. OAving to a deep basin intervening, filled Avith AA'ater to the roof, it was feared that they could not be reached .for some days. The most intense excitement prevailed. On Friday,the knockings AA'ere still heard, but the roadway from the shaft to the place Avhere the imprisoned men were was filledAvith AA'ater for 300 yards in length, and up to the roof. Pumping Avas carried on incessantly during Friday, and in the evening, a pump, capable of ejecting 13,000 gallons of Avater per hour avus laid on. Hundreds of men and women congregated about the mouth of the pit, and terrible anxiety prevailed. On Sunday morning the knockings of the imprisoned men Avere still heard. Tavo divers penetrated 500 feet in to the drift and got Avithin 27 feet of the men, but were stopped by floating timber. At 3.30 p.m. on this day the knockings Avere again heard. The pumping Avas very successful on this day. The exploring party could hear the clink of the tools of the entombed men, aud feared lest they should cut out into the AA'ater, and be droAvned by the inrush of the flood. On Monday the knockings continued. In the evening, the rdflue party heard a terrific roar like that of the roughest sea dashing against a rocky beach. They immediately took to their heels along the Avay they had come, and, cutting up a narrow windtvay, the torrent dashed by along the roadAvay they had left and in the direction of the five men. They were covered Avith water for a feAv moments, but they soon made their way along the narroAv windway and into another heading leading to the bottom of the incline, intending to make their escape through a small opening one of them remembered, far up in the side of the incline. They had not proceeded far Avhen they heard another torrent coming to meet them. They all escaped from this into another AvindAvay. The roar about them was fearful. All then knelt and prayed. Suddenly they saAV that the water stopped advancing, and they concluded that their prayers had been ansAvered. The explorers got the water sufficiently under this afternoon to enable 16 picked men to commence cutting from the centre heading the 38 yards intervening betAveen it and the front of Morgan's stall in Avhich the men are confined. On Tuesday relays of men were engaged cutting through the intervening ground. The water was being reduced at the rate of 20,000 gallons per hour. Operations were energetically pushed fonA'ard, and the men Avere rescued. The folloAving is the NARRATIVE OF ONE OF THE EX PLORERS, ABRAHAM TODD. " Up to about half-past eleven on Friday morning Aye had been working, AA'ith the gas flaring about in our Davy lamps, and at intervals it had interfered with our Avork. AYe could hear the men inside calling out to us as plainly as could be, "We don't AA rant any food." They said, " Cut us out as soon as you can. Never mind about trying to put food through." They called out to us frequently, saying " Keep to the left, keep to the left." About oue o'clock I should think it avus, AA'hen Aye drove the hole through, though I did not think much about the time, for Aye had not much time to bother about that. All along Aye could hear George Jenkins calling to us, "Take plenty of time, and be careful." Isaac Pride, one of our party, tried to get through the hole after that, but Pride is a bigger man than I am, and he could not get in, so he turned round, and said to me, " you are smaller than I am, a little bit— you can go in." And so I Avent in. I called out, "George, George, I am coming to you." "All right," he replied, "go on, my dear; I have given you up this long time." And I jumped through, caught him in my arms, and he caught me round the neck and kissed me. Then Moses PoAvell came up to me almost at the same time. I had gone through in tde dark, and he squeezed me as Avell. As soon as I could, I asked them where I could turn the coal. I asked them Avhat side they Avere standing on, so George Jenkins said to me, " If you keep on going at the right hand side from me it Avill be better." Everything Aye had been doing till Aye could hear from them had been to the left, i Then I asked Moses Powell and Jenkins where AA'ere the other men, and h©Av they { felt, and if they were in a more exhausted stats than himself. They told me they ' Avere farther back inside, lying doAvn. I i could not see them. Gropiug for them, I felt them, and I caught hold of David Jenkins and John Thomas at the same time. John Thomas Avas leaning AA'ith i his head against the coal, and I "caught him and put him on my knee. Then GAvilyn Thomas met them coming out at the hole. So the men AA-ere passed out to GAvilyn Thomas, and I got hack through the hole—for I myself aa-us very AA-eak, having been Avorking there many hours. . Pride handed them to Mr Thomas. They Avere put on the stretchers which had ' been brought up right close to the hole. ! Then they were carried out. I carried out the last man to the level heading.

NARRATIVES OF THE SURVIVORS

" We burnt the candles tAvo at a time as long as they lasted, and some of us ate bits of them. I tasted one, sir, but I did not like it. We got Avater to drink in tho heading. He had evidently expected to see his lather among the rescuimi mrtv for

the moment he was- conveyed to the lirrU" he looked around upon the dusky and sympathetic faces aboatt him, and nsbia "Where is father?" He was told that ft had not come. Alas, the poor lad's father Avas under water ;in the dark pit. Geor«A Jenkins, the stronger of the two su»ni;«! the following:-" We Avere drilling Hole in the rock for the purpose of blastino Moses said, ' Come on ; it is only the N o ' S door open and the air escaping alone the heading.' We then heard another rush Avith peculiar sounds in our ears. David Jenkins called out, ' Lads, something has ' happened.' All five of us ran up° the heading in the direction of the door on Thomas Morgan's stall. Before we had got more than half Avay Aye found water meeting us and reaching to our knees. The lad was about "falling— the water being too strong tor him, when he called out, ' Catch hold of me, George ! I can't come.' Moses and I took him by the hand, and pulled him alone We Avere getting deeper in the water, un til it Avas up to our throats, when the little boy called out, ' Oh, dear, George, I cannot hold on any longer. Catch hold of me, AA-ill 1 you 1' I too hold of him Avith one arm, aud with the other guided my Avay after Moses. We, hoAvever, soon found it Avas of no use advancing farther, for the water Avas up to ! the top. It was coining in great Avaves jnst as you have seen the tide rolling in! We at last to our great joy, discovered the sea had ceased advaucing. We Avere then feeling very cold. We had left our jackets behind us. We went into the tram aud huddled together, so as to gain Avarmth. We had not beeii there long, Avhen Aye heard the roof cracking and roaring, as if about to fall on our heads. We jumped up and pushed back the tram a distance of 15 yards. On next going to look at the maik on the Avail Aye found that the Avater had receded a little, and you can imagine our joy. Moses took off his clothes and entered the AA'ater, and Aye lost sight of him. He returned after some time, and said that the water Avas just like the sea everyAvhere. Soon after this our stock of candles' became exhausted, and we were in the dark. We < slept occasionally. I nursed the little boy nearly the Avhole of the time. He noAV and then cried ; at other times he Avould sing Moody and Sankey's hymns in Welsh, ' V mac gwlad sydd yn harddach na'r haule,' &c. We could occasionally .hear distant thumping. At last_ Aye could hear the click, click, click of mandrils. I Our joy then was indescribable. After a ' bit we heard blasting. We frequently shouted to those coming to meet us, aud at last Aye Avere heard. When the drill came near through the coal there ! Avas a tremendous rush of Avind, and 1 avc heard the Avater coming. We shouted, : "Shut the hole," as loud as Aye could. This Avas done, but it Avas opened again, 1 and something pushed through Avhich I did my best to push back, because the Avater I was rapidly advancing upon us. I Mttle I thought that it was food I Avas pushing I back. Other holes were made, and we I shouted, but not a word could be heard, | owing to the roar of the air escaping •! through the holes. The water .came against i the face of the coal, and Aye crouched in j it in a space of about 27 inches above water. | We could hear busy working on the other side. At last Aye got out of the Avater by j climbing to a ledge above the roadAvay, ! Mr James Thomas, the manager, called ! out to us that Aye should ,be out soon, and : that avc should have food in a short time, but Aye Avere in for a feAv hours after that. The last thing I asked Mr James Thomas was if they had food or anything to take ready for us Avhen Aye came ..out ; of the water. " Yes my dear boy," Ihe said, " sufficient for you." They i Avere then trying to push through i some tubes Avith food in them, but Aye had j no food until Aye came out on to the level j We could hear a loud roaring noise caused j by the air as they bored the hole through, so I plugged the hole up Avith two of our j caps and some coal. We Avere afraid, and j Aye did not knoAV then it was food being j passed through. I was afraid of the hole being opened, because the hole was draw ing in the air, and so alloAving the Avater to come up to me. I Avas very much afraid of that. We Avere very glad when Happy j j Todd (Abraham Todd) came in to us."

AWFUL DEATH, AND RECOVERY OF

MISSING BODIES,

Late on Saturday night the explorers were able to penetrate from one of the headings above into a heading below, under Avater, in Avhich it Avas known Edward Williams, the father of seven young children, and a lad named Robert Rogers, Avere Avorking on the day of the acci dent, and from Avhich no knockings had been heard. When the face of this heading was^ reached from above, it Avas discovered that the AA'ater had receded along the roadway. On descending from between the rocks above, to Avhere the tram stood, placed there to be filled Avith coal, the first object that met the gaze of the explorers by the aid of the flickering light of the Davy lamp Avhich one of the party carried Avas an immense stone nearly a yard in thickness lying upon the tram. On looking under it - between the front of the tram and the standing coal, a man's legs Avere seen hanging over. The body Avas discovered to be that of Edward Williams. Lying on the ground in a narrow space between the tram and the side of the stall AA'as found the body of the lad, AviuV a stone on the lower portion of hislegs. It Avas found that the man had been crushed in a horrible manner', and that the lad had died from suffocation. " On Monday the bodies AA-ere buried at the Glya Rhondda Church. There Avas a proces sion of about 2,000 men and women./ -After some plaintive singing the biers Avere lifted on men's shoulders and the procession moved down the valley towards the church, hymns being sung at intervals during the whole journey. When near the fatal shaft, which->s about ioo yards from the cottages, the ka"er gave out the hymn , "In the deep and mighty Avaters," Avhich AA-as sung by the five men first liberated on the night when the Avaters were gathering about them in the mine. The coffins were laid in two graves parallell with each other. When this had been done the throng quietly separated.

THE QUEEN'S ANXIETY. _.; ' The story of the entombment of the miners aroused the whole heart of England. Payers Avere offered up in all the churches, tia Majesty the Queen sent several telegra^ through the Home Secretary, and a thrill ° joy passed through the House of Commons Avhen the safety of the men was announce^. The poor fellows Avere extremely gratified wneu they learned that the Queen hadtaken^, intrest in their fate. "We little thought, saw one of them to me in Welsh, «*when wef^ in our prison beloAv, that the Queen °! fn^~y Avas interesting herself in our behalf. U requested Miss Jenner to send a telegram » Her Majesty, expressing their gratitude tor interestevinced in the fate of her Welsh.coUK»- The message, which was subsequently sent, translated by Miss Jenner, and was couc^ in the same terms as delivered by the sunen^ Collections Avere made for the rehet °r. sufferers, and to reward the gallant Thanks giving services AA'ere held. _ J> .^ artists for the illustrated papers *r!llt& £# the survivors, but Avere informed that tn . wished, first to have their likenesses in *"

colliers dress sent to the Queen. The Queen Avas graciously pleased to <*F£g -. Her Majesty's desire that the -Aloert fl* hitherto only bestowed for gallantry fl» ■» . life at sea, shall be extended to sir^\s: for on land, and that- the first medals so^. the this purpose shall be conferred c heroic rescuers of the Welsh miners.. Home Office -instructed Mr Wales to- to the Government the names of tnow distinguishe d themselves in - the n 1 Troedyrhiw.

THE THEATRE.

Tins popular place of amusement was - creditably filled on Saturday. «£J__a an* and interesting drama of iaj Lizette" charmed the hundreds w»_ «"1 assembled to Avitaess it. Mes»r* Baker have learned the secret % successfully to the popular taste. Vh r ongb°£ Lizette" are pleasant companions^j ble to^ the evening, and of whom it is >»PO_*r houf; weary in the space of three fleetui ? , g There is nothing in _ th^whote w £|

mjg^^^E^mmmmmmmmmmmm



OPECIAL NOTICE. H. L. POSSENNISKIE, TTTTT A mi LL OO RRRRR TT A II L O O R R TT AA II L O O R-R-R TT A—A II L O O R R TT A A II L O O R R TTT A A 1111 LLLLL OO R R AND HABIT-MAKER, SHORTLAND-STREET, Auckland. H.L.P. begs to inform his customers and the public generally that he has Just ReceiA-ed a Large Consignment of WINTER TWEEDS and FANCY COATINGS; also, a Special Line of SUPERIOR SILK VESTINGS. N.B.—The Trade supplied at a small advance TnA'oice Prices, for Cash. SMALL PROFITS AND QUICK RETURNS. WINTER DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. USHBROOK AND BRIDGMAN liiA'ite the attention of Purchasers of Drapery to their Large and Complete Stock of NEW AND SEASONABLE GOODS. A number of Special Lines noAV offering:— Girls' and Ladies' Waterproof Mantles.—A lot slightly damaged to be cleared out this season at Very Greatly Reduced Prices. Ladies' Black Cloth Jackets very cheap Moss Trimming, assorted colours, 10id per doz. Good Strong Wincey, heavy make. 7d yard Striped, Check, and Rob Roy Wool Plaids, A-ery cheap Ladies' White and Shetland LambsAvool Hose, good. Is 3d per pah- Good Ali-wool Flannel, Is per yard. An Unequalled Stock of BLANKETS. Further supplies just received, all sizes and qualities, at Very Loav Prices. A lot of Moleskin Trousers, small Men's sizes, A-arious qualities, at Great Reduced Prices to clear A large stock of Gentlemen's Overcoats, Macin tosh Coats, &c. Clothing of eA-ery description for Boys and Men Hosiery, Shirts, Hats, Caps, &c, &c. Is. in* the £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of |20s. and upAvards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Queen-street, auclkand. <__k J. COSGBAVU & CO., Beg to inform tiie inliabitants of Auck land they will hold a SALE of tiie remainhtr/portion of their WINTER DRAPER I AND CLOTHING on TO MORROW (Friday), loth June. They ivill briny forward a la rye quantity of Job Goods, arrived by Alastor, consisting of Ladies' Costumes, MoAitles, Shavjls, Purs, French JSleri noes, Fancy Dress Stuffs and Silks. The Goods to ill be offered to the public at Very Low Prices, in order to clear. MJTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. Incorporated by Act of Parliament. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH: Head Office, Auckland- Local Director: ; TO33E Burg^yne Owen, Esq. (Messr3. Owen , and Graham.) Principal Medical Officer: D:iarles Field Goldsbro', Esq., M.D. General Agent for New Zealand: William T. J. Bell. With Sub-Agencies in all the Principal Toavus. Every information on the subject of LIFE ASSURANCE ANNUITIES, and ENDOW MENTS FOR CHILDREN, afforded by J. A. Lowe, Travelling Agent to the Association WILLIAM T. J. BELL, General Agent. x. Special Features.— Age admitted on policias, which are unchallangeable from date of issue. LOAA rEST Rates of Premiums, and no hamper ing conditions as to residence or occupation; THORNTON, SMITH, AND FIRTH'S PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale). Subject to alteration Avithout notice. Sacks. 100's. 50's. Crown Brand Flour, £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. per ton 22 0 0 22 10 0 23 0 0 T.S.&F. Canterbury Brand 19 0 0 19 10 0 20 0 0 Meal for Pig-feed .. 10 0 0 Sharps .. 810 0 Bran 6 10 0 Fowl Wheat .. .. 0 1 otols.6d. The above prices include sacks and bags; sacks and bags not returnable. Terms: Cash. . Auckland, I3th June. 1877. The Medical Profession have declared Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine to be a necessity to all in search of health, and especially to those suffering either from Inc'pient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, and che 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 the system. Mr. Wm. Johnson, Government Analy tical Chemist, report: — "I have examined Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con taining about 16 per cent, of a very pure alcohol, and holding in solution a clear wholesome, Vegetable Bitter, combined Avith a fruity spicy aroma. I consider this Bitter a very superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotel lrAA _____££ Shun as you would prussic acid the detestable shams which their vendors proclaim as identical with, similar to, or as good as Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps. They are all worse than worthless. Very frequently they are sold in bottles which previously contained, the genuine article, which is as agreeable and remedial as they are nauseous and hurtful. Relief from Cough in Ten Minutes.— Sharland's Cherry Pectoral, a specific for Colds, Coughs, Asthma, Consumption, Bronchitis, Lung Diseases, &c. It acts like magic. Price, 2s. 6d. and Is. 6d. a bottle. Sharland's Instant Cure for Toothache; Is. a bottle. Sharland's. opposite Post-office. Auckland.