SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ftrnvf w atitp J This Afternoon, 9.15 HIGH WAi_.it— , Tc-morroiv Morning. 10.3 SUN SET.—Tiiis Evening, 1.47 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 7.9 MOON'S AGE.—Last Quarter, Ph, 4.50 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES,

PROJECTED DEPARTURES. For London—Electra, ship, early; Anne Gam-

bles, barque, early. For Wangarei—Argvle. every Tuesday For the South—Wellington, Saturday, Sad June For Sydney—Rotcrna, Wednesday, 6th June. For Honolulu and San Francisco—Australia, s.s., Gth June

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Wellington, s.s., from the Sout4 Fnaay next Ethel, brigantine, from Timarn ; {sailed 29 May Lombardian. ship (N.W.G.T.), from London

sailed Jan. 26. Yosemite, ship (H.W.V.L.), from London, early. Hudson, ship (W.S.F.D.), from London ; saded

May SO _. a G. Broughton, ship, (N.K.Y.Q.), irom London,

early. Dilpussuad, barq/.e (M.G.M.D.), from Loudon,

early. Spirit oJ the DaAvn, bn.r_.ue (H.T.V.C.), from

London : sailed 2nd March Ann Gambles, barque, from Lyttelton, early Odalisk, barque, from Adelaide, early. William and Henry, brig, from Oamaru, early Vision, brig, from Sydney, early Ryno, brigantine, from the Islands, ear'y Samoa, schooner, from Fiji, early Lsiiitia, schooner, from the Islands, ear'l3'. Edith, schooner, from Friendly Islands, early.

IMPORTS.

Per Alastor, barauc, from London: — 1 casa walking sticks, 1 do scissors, 2 do photo. frames, 2 do hair and cloth brushes. 1 do courier bags, 1 do P.M. goods, 9 do slates. 3 do har moniums and cylinders, 1 do tin cannisters, 1 do concertinas, 1 do tinned iron spoons, 5 do toys and sundries, 1 bale Manilla kits, 24 packages nreAvorks.—M. Levy and Co.

Per Alastor, from London :—1 case furniture, 1 cask ironmongery, 1 case wool mats. 1 case wool mat3,l do damask, 4do linoleum, Ido net curtains, 1 do hair seating, 2 bales feathers, 4 do carpets. 2 hhds toilet Avare, 6 cases toilet glass is.—Winks and Hall.

THE BARQUE ALASTOR.

The Alastor did not arrive at her anchorage yesterday afternoon, until it was too late for U3 to pr.bhsh her report of passage. As it happened, our readers did not lose much, for with the exception that the passengers and crev/ arrive in good health, and the ship in excellent condition, there is not much to report. The voyage has been uneventful to a degree, not even a birth or death occurring to vary the monotony. We are informed that a good natured sailor did' A'olunteer for a couple of sticks of tobacco to fall overboard, (of course,on the distinct understanding that he was picked up again) in order to raise a little excitement, but his considerate offer Avas declined. Although 118 days elapsed since the vessel left dock, her voyage, reckoning, as usual, from the Downs, has only lasted 107 days, and only 100 days counting from land to laud. The Alastor crossed the line on the 13th March, and passed the meridian of the Cape on April 15th." The eastings were run dovrn on the parallels of of 39 and 40 S. Some very rough weather was- experienced betAA .en Tasmania and the North Cape, sighted on Monday last. Strong S.W. gales Avere carried doAvn the coast. The Alastor, ha-%-ing poAvder on board, came to anchor in the usual part of the harbour set apart for vessels having "dangerous" goods on board. She will probably come to the upper anchorage to-morroAv, This is the Alastor's second voyage, her former trip haA-ing been to Rangoon. She belongs to Mr R. H. Penny, of Sboreham, and was built by Mounsey and Foster of Sunder land.

The s.s. Wellington leaves New Plymouth at five o'clock this afternoon, and will arrive at Onehunga Avharf about one o'clock to-morrow {Friday). Messrs Holmes Bros', steamer, the Te Aroha, was withdrawn from the Riverhead trade thi3 morning.

<- The brigantine Helena, we understand, is not to return to the islands at present. She is under charter to Messrs Waller and Co. to take a load of sawn timber to Lyttelton from the Manuka., in the olace of the Kate McGregor, wrecked in the Waikato. She avJ.ll leave for Onehunga at once.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

The Sarah Pile left Te Koporu on the 28th inst., with a cargo of timber for the new Go a 'em inent wharf at Weatport.

The Eliza Mary left New Plymonth for Kai para on the 17th, and as yet no tidings have been received of her arriA ral._ She is a brigantine, of 161 tons, belonging to Webster Bros. She is under orders to load at the Te Koporu mill for Australia.

No signs of the A3pasia. The schooner Kaiunia, since her ariival at Te Koporu, has been supplied Avith a new mast. She is loading for Wellington. The barque Chira is expected from Melbourne in the Kaipara shortly to load baulk timber for one of the Australian ports, on account of Messrs J. Reid and Co. She was to have sailed last week.

[from our own correspondent.!! Kaipara Heads, Yesterday Morning. The steamers Hinemoa, and Durham, brigan tine Nightingale, schooner Marmion, and other vessels are still wind-bound, Avith no appear ance of getting out.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs E. and H. Isaacs held a sale of general goods and spirits to-day at their mart. The attendance Avas large, the bidding spirited, and the results more satisfactory than v,-as antici pated.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND

Mails avill Close as Under :—

For Thames, this day, at 4 p.m, and 5.30 p.m. ; and to-morrow, at 4.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, to-morroAr, at

2.30 n.m. . For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Waipu, Mangawai, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Annie Milbank, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. For Tonga and Samoa, per Energy, on Satur-

day next, at 2 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Eowena. on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Russell. Wangaroa, and' Mongouui, per lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Rotorua, on

Wednesday next, at 11 a.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, and Southern Provinces, per Wanaka. on Wednesday next, at 1 p.m. _ For Taranaki and Seuthern Provinces, per Hawea, on Wednesday next, at 1 p.m. . Per s s. Australia on Wednesday, 6th June, as follows: For Sandvdch Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. _ Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6a m addition to the postage, win be received, by the Mail Agent on board, up to the time of s°^ling S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

Luxuriant and Beautiful Hair. — Use " Sharland's Tricophero.'' It increases groAvth, removes dandrifr", gives a gloss, and stimulates the roots, and produces fioAving locks of silken hair. Beautifully perfumed, and clean in its use. Price, 2s. a bottle. • WS, Sharland & Co., opposite Post-office, Auckland. Atkinson s Perfumery and Specialities. Beware of Counterfeits of the time honoured and standard medicinal beverage. Udolpiio Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps,- contained in bottles which formerly held the true elixir. It is hoped that an ex posure of this infamy may put the public on its guard against these disguised poisons, Avhich are nothing but the vilest spirits .vith an ad mixture of some heap and hurtful drug.

BIRTH.

NOKTHK.-At Parnell, on the 23rd May, the wife of Mr. H. F. Northe of a daughter.

DEATH.

NORTHE.—At Parnell, on the 31st May, the beloved wife of 11. F. Northe, aged 28 years. —Edinburgh papers please copy. Tne funeral will leave her late residence on Friday, at 3 o'clock p.m. Friends are respect fully invited to attend.

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

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong; that needs lesistance, For the future iv the distance, And the good that we can do.

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1877

The Mechanics' Institute has so long been in a moribund condition that anynneAr\ r exhibition of its death throes will not excite much surprise. The application to the City Council yesterday for a grant to prolong the existence of the institution partakes of that character. With the abolition of provincialism, tlie Institute has lost the last crutch that supported its feeble frame. Among the earliest establishments of a literary character in the city, the institu tion has carried into the days of progress and advancement the relics of a primitive state of things. It lacks the requisite A.tality for self-resuscitation, and it has so long been identified in the popular mind with failure that no one will put forward a hand to help it. In other cities ©f the same size as Auckland Aye find Athen?eums flourishing, and forming a natural centre from which knoAvledge and intellectual employments and enjoyments radiate, to the general of the community. Are Aye to conclude, then, that the class Avho support and interest themselves in swell associations is less numsrous here than elseAvhere ? We think not. The causes that Imve con tributed to the deeJine and impending fall of the Mechanics' Institute may be traced in other directions. For one thing, the tree AA'as planted in an unwholesome spot. Around it have collected much of the squalor, Avretchedness, and unhealthy excrescences of our population. The neighbourhood a few years ago acquired au unenviable notoriety, and there is little doubt that tho early ailments of the Institution were very largely induced by its unpleasant surround ings. Latterly, tho place has had to labour not only against the drawbacks of an ill-chosen site and ancient buildings, but !

the complete alienation of public interest and sympathy. The subscribers and committee, who have, manfully struggled through all previous difficulties, are noAv, by the loss of the provincial grant of £200, brought face to face with the question whether the place can be kept open any longer. The issue rests very much in the . hands of the City Council, and in deter mining it the members will have to consider whether the Institute, in its present condition, is worth preserving, and if not, | whether there is any reasonable likelihood of its revivification. In a small way, and after a fashion, the Institute does un- | questionably accomplish an amount of good, and fills a gap created by the absence of anything better. The technical classes, especially. Aye regard as an undertaking that merits assistance from the public treasury. But on the whole we do not think that the institution, as iioav carried on, possesses any very strong claims upon city funds. It is* indeed, a question whether the continued existence of the Mechanics' Institute has not prevented a determined movement among those by whom the want of a place of the kind would be very keenly felt, to obtain a library and reading room fulfilling all the offices which arc expected from a Avell-raanaged actively conducted Athemvum. If the Council could secure for the city a popular library and reading-room in which the unemployed, the stranger within onr gates, and others without fixed homes, could pass an hour or so, it would confer an inestim able blessing upon the city. It is idle to suppose, however, that a trilling dole to keep the Mechanics' Institute alive will accomplish this ; yet we cannot ignore the fact that the closing of the institution with out any substitute would be a step back wards. The subject is a larger one, and worthy of more consideration than it received at the Council yesterday, or is likely to get at the hands of the Finance Committee to which it was referred. The appointment of a special committee to go into the whole question would have been a step more likely to lead to a satisfactory solution. The Corporation cannot ignore the fact that it possesses duties and responsibilities of the-nature indicated by the deputation, and Aye may expect it to fairly deliberate lioav far it is in a position to as ist in rearing up noble literary institutions for the city.

We are requested by the Manager of the Old Men's and Women's Refuge to ack nowledge receipt, from Mr Dornwell, of ten pounds of sausages for the Old Women's Home. To the Editor : Sir,—-Enclosed is 5s for the Howe-street Industrial School, being my expenses awarded by the Court on Monday last in the case or breach of Pawn brokers' Act.—Yours, &c, L. N. N_tr- MKG-en. The adjourned meeting of Masons in con nection with the formation of a Grand Lodge of the Scotch Constitution, with the Hon. F. Whitaker as Grand Master, will be held this evening, when delegates from various Lodges in Wellington, Wanganui, Tarauaki, Patea, Thames, Onehunga, and Auckland Avill be present.

The business of the Police Court will begin to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock instead of half-past. The Avliole day is likely to be taken up with the hearing of the Feronia AA'reck case.

The Light of the Ocean Lodge of Good Templars Avill hold its meeting this evening in the Temperance Hall, when the officers for the ensuing quarter Avill be installed. The members of this Lodge are composed of seamen connected with 11. M. S. Sappho.

A deputation consisting of Messrs A. K. Taylor, B. Ireland, Wrigley, Thome, and Tothill, Availed upon the lion. F. Whitaker yesterday with respect to a request made by the Council to the Government for an advance of a sum for the payment of pre liminary and current expenses, and to obtain information as to when the subsidies Avill be paid over. Mr Whitaker replied that the Council must apply to the Treasury in respect to matters of account, and to the Public Works Department respecting engineering matters. lie had instructed Mr Stewart to report on the state of the Great South Load.

The Pitt-street Wesley an Young Men's Debating Society has almost come to the close of its present session. Any who had attended the society's meetings a year or two ago would observe a marked change were he to visit one of the present meetings. First: He could only mark a few of the old members whose love for such societies, and the personal benefit received, propels them from their homes when the evening conies round, and they hold on with an appreciable tenacity. Again, the visitor Avould be struck with the little interest taken in the society by its supposed ministerial guar dians. When the visitor looks round and sees no President or Vice-President in the chair, he intuitively sighs for the names of the Revs. A. Reid, and J. J. LeAvis, whose constitution allowed and gave a corner, for the mental and spiritual improvement of the young men. These men seem to have started in their pastoral life with the idea that there was as grand a work to be done for young men as there could be in the occasional call at the cottage, and both services combined got their care. " Train and guard the young, e'er they pass to the hoary state, and become impervious to impressions," is a proper motto for all true philanthropic labor. But trained (mentally) young men are inquired after, and refuse to be found. Why ? -Asa rule, they may be excellent in character, and strict in morals, but their mentality is not stretched in their young days by the grand aids of Christian Debating Societies, and the result is they snap when pushed or strained by a Avork they have never been fitted for by those Avho guard them. We still hope for great things for the Pitt-street Class. There is an individuality about its members which will never fail. To secure the old position, the follOAA.ng is urged : Let every member aim at being present, and the proper President and Vice-President shrrange that their presence must always grace the proceedings. —Communicated.

A quantity of the finest and most fragrant blue violets that we haA re seen in New Zealand appear in the shop of Mr BreAvin, seedsman, Queen-street, and are attracting much attention.. They were cultivated by Mr Gandry, in the Domain Gardens.

Mr. ScliAvarzbach's lecture on " The Eye, the sight and its care," Avill be delivered this eA-ening, in the Lome-street Hall. The proceeds will be given to the Orphan Asylum.

Tenders are invited for the erection of a refreshment room at the^ Mercer station, receivable by Mr .teAvart, C.E., District Engineer till the 9th June. An entertainment will be given to-niorroAv evening, in the Lome-street Hall, by the members of St. Matthew's choir, assisted by several noted vocalists and friends. The entertainment Avill consist of songs-, music, and recitations. The proceeds Avill go to the school harmonium fund.

The entertainment at Matakana in aid of the ball fund was attended by about a hundred persona. Rev. R. McKinney occupied the chair, and opened the pro ceedings Avith an appropriate speech. _ An excellent programme was then capitally performed, including two farces by tho Dramatic Club, entitled " Uncle Jeff," and "Borrowed Plumes." Votes of thanks aa-ere passed to those who had assisted in the entertainment, and at its conclusion dancing Avas commenced, and kept up with great spirit until daylight.

About one hundred ladies and gentlemen cnjAod a pleasant and lively evening last mg_| on the rink in the Choral Hall. The ladies espociallg presented a most interest ing sight, with their rink hate and dresses. They .hewed, moreover, queenly fortitude under the vicissitudes and misfortunes of the sport. The falls of the gentlemen were but preludes to manly risings.

uoav ready. This monthly issue contains a variety of sound and good reading for fami lies, judiciously stored with short stories, essays, extracts, poetry, and a simple, prac tical sermon. The outer four pages form a guide for the congregation to the services and meetings of the month in prospect. The objects bf the magazine are briefly stated on the second page, and it is to be Avished that these laudable objects may be realised. We notice that the St. Paul's choir need the willing sendees of tAvo or three gentlemen possessing a knoAvledge of music. i Mr Dornwell's hcav hall is one of the \ most creditable of public buildings in the j city, and is conveniently fitted up for : public meetings, delivery of lectures, and j dramatic performances. The proprietor has j also completed a skating rink underneath j the hall of considerable dimensions, for the just of skaters, and which will be opened j this evening, under the superintendence of jMr Adams. The stage, proscenium, and | drop scene of the hall were finished yester ; day, and reflect much credit on the painter, jMr Thornton. The back-ground represents : a mountain and lake scene in Sicily, with j the outlines of the distant mountains boldly I defined. The drop scene shews a portion j of the river Elbe in its westerly course j towards the picturesque tOAA'n of Kolin, and \is reported as a faithful delineation, with | its fine cathedral turrets peeping from a j cluster of little hills, with cottages of { native peasants, and native trees by the ; river side. The vignette representation of | the four seasons shadoAV forth their ; characteristics. Spring is delicately pic i tured with its buds and foliage ;' summer I with its roses; autumn with its fruit and | com ; and winter with its snowy mantle. { The tintings and colourings of these em- I blatic figures are shadowed according to the j age of the particular season. The side panels are illustrated Avith guide reflections, j and over all are the royal arms, coloured and executed by the hand of an artist. The Inspector of .Miners' Bights at the Thames (Mr Mcllhone) has laid complaints against several persons and companies for being engaged in mining on the goldiield without possessing miners' rights. The cases are to come on for hearing before the Warden during next week. Although about three hundred rights have been taken out within the last three weeks, it would appear that there are still some Avho have not complied with the law on the subject. —Advertiser. His Worship the Mayor has consented to nominate the charities on behalf of which Professor Fay and Mr E. D. Davies have consented to give a benefit entertain ment. The day spoken of for the perform ance is the 15th of June. * The usual weekly meeting of the Otahuhu Mutual Improvement Association was held on Monday ca .ning. In the absence of the President, Mr S. Lane (avlio was unavoidably absent at the opening meeting of the Auckland Institute), the Rev. F. Gould Avas voted to the chair, Mr Wallace read his essay on Volcanoes, and from the manner in which he treated the subject he must have given it considerable time and thought. The criticism which it evoked showed that members were well read 'up on the subject, Mr Higgin also gave a reading on the " Water Supply of Jerusalem—ancient and modern," on Avhich criticism was postponed as time would not permit. The first sub ject on hand for the next e\ .ning is an essay on " Cromwell" by Mr Donald. Members should be sure to be in good time so as not to miss this paper, which has been looked forward too Avith considerable interest for some time.

Tenders Avere received yesterday at the City Council for leasing the Hour mill at the Western Springs from Messrs Stitt, Stimpson, and Maxwell, £120 per annum for 21 years ; James Wilson and McGregor, £90 per annum, payable monthly. The matter AA'as referred to the Finance Com mittee.

Dear Sir, —Would you be kind^nough to ansAvcr me the following questio_Fto decide an argument ? Were the Difcrenport Bros, tied so that they could not release them selves, in any part of tins colony previous to last night, the 20th inst., at the Theatre Royal, by Messrs Hurst and Hcsketh.— Yours," &c, Constant Readiou.—[They were never successfully tied in Ncav Zea land before Tuesday night.—Ed. E.S,] Tho Canterbury Acclimatisation Society has voted £150 for the introduction of black game. James McDougall, a ganger, at Giey mouth, was drowned while crossing an unfinished bridge over a lagoon.

At the Resident Magistrate's Court, Onehunga, yesterday, a charge of assault, by Mary Jane Wren against Jessie Brown, of Panmure, was withdrawn. It appeared from the statement of plaintiff that defend ant threw a piece of brick across a hedge which struck her on the head. Defendant pleaded that she was driving her coavs, and threAV the brick without intending to hit plaintiff. James Rowe, charged by John Udy with usiug threatening language, was bound over to keep the peace in the sum of £20. It appeared that there had been a dispute between the parties with reference to a gate on a public road.

At the meeting of the City Council yesterday afternoon an application re ceived from Mr F. Coombes on behalf of the Good Intent Lodge, requesting that the footpath near the hall be asphalted, the Lodge paying half of the expenses, Avas complied with. 8A letter from Mr A. Seuffert, respecting his lease, was referred to the Endowment Committee. A letter from Dr. Purchas, asked for compensation for damage done to his buggy and harness, in Vincent-street, Avas referred to the Streets Committee. A letter was received from Mr Ballantyne, of Drake-street. Mr C. Greenway appeared in person to complain of a grievance relating to some smoke which issued darkly from Messrs Cook's furniture warehouse. Mr John Sceats called atten tion to a dangerous landslip by his property in Howe-street Mr Masefield corroborated the statement of Mr Sceats. The matter was referred to the city surveyor to report upon. Mr F. D. Fenton's communication respecting the metalling the foot way in Domain-street, was referred to the Streets Committee. Mr Hazard's application tor permission to erect a sign-board over his premises was granted. Mr Herbert Aspton's letter, on the state of the gully near Hardinge-street, was referred to the Streets Committee. Mr F. William's application fer permission to build a fish-smoking shed in Shortland-street was referred to Streets Committee.

A London cablegram informs us that Boyd has beaten Higgins by 20 lengths. These tAA ro scullers are probably at the present moment the tAvo best in England. Higgins is a London man, and was to ha\ re rowed Trickett, if the disgraceful Lumsden business had not disgusted the Australian so much as to cause him to leave England without risking the loss of the honors he had won. Boyd is a rising young New castle sculler, who Avill now probably hold the rank of champion. Three years ago, when only 20 years old, he defeated Sadler by half a length, over a mile course at Gateshead, the distance being roAved in the fastest time on record. He Avas subse quently defeated in turn by Sadler over the championship course. He is now in the prime of life, and if he has added stamina to his splendid speed it will take a rattling good man to beat him.

Remarking on the failure of the Davenports last Tuesday night, the Thames " Star " says :— " The Auckland people seem to be laying them selves out for this kind of thins. They have lately exposed the hollownass of the pretensions of a so-called " trance-medium f now they ha"*, gained a signal advantage over two men who have for years mystified people Avith feats, which depend for success upon the manual dexterity with which they can free themselves from ropes, and slip into them again. Such, at loast, is the theory regarding rope-tying feats, and it is borne out in the case of the Davenports, we are assured, in that they have "very small hands and large wrists, and a wonderful facility, acquired by long practice, of expanding and contracting their mu3clas,"

wmmmmmmmmm of the best football matches of the season. The contest is fixed to take place next Saturday in the Metropolitan ground, which has been kindly placed at the disposal of the players by the Hon. Mr Whitaker. The game will be played twenty a side, and will commence punctually at 3 o'clock. In such a match there is more than usual incite ment to good play; there is a feel ing akin to patriotism, Ai'hieh impels the contestants on both sides to strain every nerve to gain victory not for themselves but for the country they represent. The sides arc evenly balanced, and the verdict either way will not be gained without a struggle. The following are the names : — World :F. C. Sharland, Benner, Shake spear, Robertson, Mason, J. Nolan, Mow bray, Wright, G. Kallender, Moss, Whe weil, Orchard, Ewen, Green, Blaydes, Mer cer, Cotton, Pilling, H. Kallender. New Zealand : Thomas Henderson, E. Burgess, C. Burgess, Carter, J. Philson, W. Philson. T. Macky, J. Macky, W. Jones, J. Haul tain, Kerr, Hemes, Warbrick, Bravewater, Williams, Rcid, Ring, Anderson, Blackett, Gudgeon. The World Avill play in coloured jerseys, and the Colonials in all white. The players are requested to be on the ground by half-past t\vo.

The No. 3 Company of Rifle Volunteers will meet in the Drill-shed for drill, this evening, at the usual hour. Captain Morrow requests that every member of the Company Avill be present.

MEETING OF MR O'SHEA'S CREDITORS.

We make the following extracts from the report of the meeting of Mr O'Shea's creditors, published in the New Zealand Times: —" Mr T. K. Macdonald, aa'lio had bGen appointed at the previous meeting to draAA r up a statement of accounts, stated : " In round figures there was a deficiency of £12,000 ascertained and £6,000 unascer tained. He had ascertained in going through the books that a large amount of money had been drawn from the business for private and house expenses, and a certain portion of the money was used in paying for additions and repairs to private property belonging to Mr O'Shea that had been settled some years ago on Mrs O'Shea, besides _Tllß 5s for shares in the Gas Company. The profit and loss account for the last three years and t\vo months, from April Ist, 1874, to May 9th, 1877, shewed a total loss of £11,255 16s 4d ; and the total profit £4110 4s lOd, leaving a balance of loss upon the business of £7166 2s -9d. But then, adding to the loss account the draAA.ngs from the business in cash and goods during the above period, namely £5065 3s sd, the deficiency on May 9th, 1877, amounted £12,231 6s 2d. The books had been aa .11 kept, and the state ment as a Avhole might be relied upon ; but he had not had sufficient time to satisfy himself that the statements aa-ere genuine and bona fide."

Mr Palmer stated that he had assisted Mr Macdonald. He then referred to the goods which Avere in bond, and the certificates of which had been transferred to the Bank of Ncav Zealand and to Mr Schultze as security for monies received, and ranging over a period of three years, and he ore w special attention to the fact of such certificates having been issued quite recently, which left room for placing unpleasant construc tion on the conduct of Mr O'Shea.

Mr H. Selwyn Smith considered that the action of Mr O'Shea in paying monies into the bank to meet accommodation bills Avas unfair to the firm he represented, having im ported goods from people at a distance to meet engagements on the spot. There Avere other instances of a similar character.

Mr Krull : Do I understand, Mr O'Shea, that you have been living at the rate of £1700 a year for the past three years ? Mr O'Shea : Yes, sir.

Mr Krull : Not a bad income, considering that you slioav a debit balance to start with of £20. And was that sum taken out of the business Avhile it Avas going to the bad ?

Mr O'Shea : Yes.

Mr Palmer : According to the statement prepared for yesterday, it appeared that Mr O'Shea did not knoAV his position before the 7th instant, and it AA'as upon this that he considered it necessary to stop payment. I think, taking all these circumstances into consideration, that this seems to be an ex traordinary statement to make, when it must be obvious to all of us that he has been trading in a state of insolvency for tAvo or three years past. Some conversation occurred as to the amount which Mr O'Shea had drawn from the business and expended on his property and in the purchase of shares, amounting to over £500. It appears that in April 1574 he started with a debit balance of £20 some odd shillings. The year after that he was £1,100 to the good, and the next year he lost £1,100 and £4,000 in addition ; and on balancing on the 31st March this \ rear it was found that the loss had increased to £5,526 4s 2d.

Mr O'Shea, at the request of the Char man, then retired from the room. Mr Krull thought that, taking the circum stances of the case into consideration, it was one in Avhich they should not have much feeling for the debtor, who should be brought to book in some aa'ay or other. Mr Smith said he should be actuated by a desire to look after the interests of the creditors he represented, and of course, as they were absentees, he did not care so much about clearing Wellington of this pestilence. He should like to get as much money as he could, and he therefore desired to hear whether Mr O'Shea had any offer to make which AA'ould be acceptable to the creditors ; but he had no sympathy what ever with the transactions of Mr O'Shea.

The meeting adjourned to giA-eMr O'Shea time to see whether he could offer 7s 6d in the pound, instead of ss, which he first pro posed.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

This Day,

(Before R, C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.)

JUDGMENTS FOR PLAITIFFS,

George Waller v. "W. J. Bardsdell, claim £4 Is Gd, goods ; costs £1 6s (Mr Dufaur for Slaintiff). Felix Monaghan v. Thomas lurphy, claim £6 10s 6d; costs £2 7s (Mr Hill for plaintiff). Cruickshank and Co. v. Thos. Allen, claim £17 2s 2d ; costs £2 5s (Mr 'Alexander for; plaintiff). Cole man Cook v. Peter Horan, claim £1 18s 10d, »oods ; costs £1 4s 6d. Mr J. B. Russell for plaintiff stated that 25s had been paid, leaving -a balance of 3s lOd. Thomas Merrigan v. Charles Millins, claim ss, milk-scoi. ; costs 14s. C. G. Hil v. James Wilson, claim £3 16s 7d ; plaintiff did not appear. The case, therefore, on the appli cation of Mr Alexander, was dismissed ; plaintiff to pay costs, £1 14s. Wm. Farcy v. F. A. Lincoln, claim £17 10s 3d ; cost's £2 5s (Mr Thorne for plaintiff). Hellaby Bres. v. Edmund Connell, claim £1 10s 2d, meat; costs £1 9s (Mr George for plaintiff).

BAKER AND FARRON.

The great German and Irish dialect comedians, vocalists.aud dancers.Baker and Farron.assisted by the great Australian A 7iolin soloist, Charles Austin, and an efficient orchestra. Avill appear at the Lornehgtreet Hall, on Saturday evening. The first part of the entertainment will consist of scenes from the popular American play of Lisa Ecclea, during which Messrs Baker and Farron will introduce a number of original songs and dances. Pro. C. Austin will next give his wonderful violin performance, imitating a perfect farmyard, a baby crying, an<l a drunken man coming homo at 2in the morning. Part 2, a number of songa from the famous Irish and Dutch scenes in Conrad and Lizette follows, this part concluding with tho great military burlesque duett of " The Muldoon Guards," sung by Baker and Farron over 4000 times with immense ap plause. After another violin solo the perfor mance will close with the popular comedy of " Tho Governor," with a fine melange of musical gems.

Our Goldfields.

(From Our own Correspondent.)

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day. GOLD RETURNS.

The Moanatairi cleaned up to-day, for return of 207 ozs 10 dAvts retorted.

Smith's West Coast tribute gave 23 ozs 14 dwts from 16 tons. Jones, Moanatairi tribute,2l ozs. Delahunty's Golden Age tribute crush ing realised 3 ozs 11 dAA-ts 12 grs.

ALBURNIA.

This day. Tavo hundred pounds of good picked stone brokendown to-day.—S. Gribble.

PIAKO.

RICH SPECIMENS FROM THE SEA-

WARD END,

The Piako company got 40 lbs of excellent specimen stone from the' seaward end of the mine this morning, which is a good indication of improvement in.the ground, as specimens were got yesterday from the opposite side.

THE MOANATAIRI.

GOOD news is again to hand from the mine. The following telegram Avas posted this morning on thc'Stock Exchange : " Grahamstown, this day.—To F. A. White.—4 cAvt specimens from drive, neAv winze. Splendid gold three feet high from floor. Also good shOAV of gold in roof." In spite of the above the market was very sluggish all the morning, and the shares did not rise in price more than about 5s from yesterday's quotations. THE PIAKO. The folio iviiig telegram in reference to this mine Avas published on 'Change this morning. Grahamstown, this day. 40 lbs. stone—showing gold freely form south stope.—S. E. Richards. Market very quiet to-day. Moanatairi : Sales at £13 10s to £13 5s ; Alburnia rather better, buyers 60s, cum div. _ Bank of NeAv Zealand, sales £20 15s ; South British In surance, 84s.

MINING NEWS.

(From To-day's "Advertiser."

Alburnia tribute (Foster and party), com pleted their general crushing of 58 tons quartz obtained from their section on the specimen leader, above the Whau level, and obtained 255 ozs retorted gold at the Kuranui battery. This, added to the 45 ozs previously lodged at the bank as the result of specimen crushing, made 300 ozs, which on melting proA^ed 294 ozs, 16 duty gold. Dauntless and Siuk-to-Rise tribute (Hall and party), crushed 3 loads at Bull's battery, for 3 ozs 12 dwts 12 grains melted gold. West Coast tribute (Smith and party), crushed 11 tons at Bull's battery for the return of 24 ozs melted gold. Golden Age tribute (Nolan and party), crushed 28 tons at Bull's batteiy for 4 ozs melted gold. Piako. —In stoping out from the low level towards the Queen of Beauty, about 401bs specimens Avere obtained yesterday. Moanatairi.—ln breaking down reef in drive from winze (about 6 feet in length was blasted), the quality of the quartz proA'ed first-class, and 3 CAVt of best specimens were selected from the general stone. Large blotches of gold remaining in the floor and face. This sets at rest the character of the block, up to where the famous patch was. Avhile from the class of golden ore at bottom of winze, and on the floor of drive as far as it has been carried in, Aye infer that the reef downwards will be first-class, and that the run of gold as obtained in the main drive Avill extend to the neAv level, haA'ing a westerly dip. The prospects are decidedly encouraging. Moanatairi Tribute : George and party, working section near surface Home ward Bound block, crushed 20 tons at the Company's battery for 21 ounces 18 dvA'ts. retorted gold. Queen of May : Driving east on the footAvall leader improves daily. The quartz has gradually increased in since, and from time to time gold obtained. Yesterday 30 lbs good s|jecimens Avere taken out, and the reef is more than 1 foot thick. The volume of Avater continues in the face, and an additional reef is expected to be met with. The lengthening of drive on this reef is of great importance, as the present loav level extends beyond any of the upper drives on the same reef, and may lead to a long length of payable quartz from the 470 feet depth to the surface. Sinking the shaft proceeds satisfactorily. The country is firm, and the contractors make good work. MONTHLY GOLD RETURNS,

FROM THE IST TO THE 31ST INSTANT. Claim or Company. Stone crushed. Gold. en . _ |-ft a &te 2 r-i >,■ S_i o 'd CO Alburnia 86 0 0 m 1466 0 0 Ditto (tributes) .. .. 75 4 18 602 0 0 Aiaxtribute (Campbell).. 50 0 04_37 13 0 Atlantic tribute (Turner) 30 0 0 5 8 0 Black Angel tri. (Ferguson) 45 0 0 3S 0 0 City of London .. .. 45 0 0 60 15 0 Crown Princess . .. 40 0 0 40 0 0 Curetribute(Nankervis).. S 0 0 19 17 0 Ditto (tributes) .. .. 87 0 0 176 l 0 City of London tri. (Butler) 20 0 0 814 0 Caledonian tributes .. 85 0 0 9S 7 0 Collarbone tribute (Vine) 10 0 4 10 0 City of Manchester tribute (Scott) 500 5 10 0 Don Pedro tribute (Sykes) 0 0 80 26 0 0 Dauntless and Sink -to - rise tributes .. .. 12 0 0 33 4 0 Golden Age tr. (Delahunty) 10 0 0 wi7 15 0 Golden Crown tributes .. 46 0 0 64 0 1 Kuranui Hill 30 0 0 .i 25 4 0 Ditto tributes .. .. lit 0 0 119 0 0 Karangahape tri. (Coutts) 50 0 0 31 6 0 Karaka Creek (Robinson) 2 0 0 ml 12 0 Lord Nelson tri. (Simpson) 3 0 0 ml 9 0 Little Emily tri. (Cameron) 50 0 0 26 10 0 Little Lizzie 0 0 55 36 15 12 Moanatairi 800 0 0 2589 0 0 Ditto tributes .. .. 156 13 54 432 11 0 Middle Star tri. (Hayes).. 10 0 0 6 0 0 Nil Desperandum .. .. 3 0 0 2 0 0 Old Whau tri. (Garvey) .. 6 0 0 ml 3 6 0 Old Golden Calf tri. (Gill) 11 0 0 m7 10 0 Only Chance (Sprague* .. 3 0 0 110 0 Piako 400 0 0 m 556 0 0 Ditto tributes .. .. 121 0 0 201 6 0 Pluto tribute (Gold) .. 5 0 0 3 16 12 Queen of the May .. .. 150 0 0 382 0 0 Queen of Beauty .. .. 400 0 0 m 702 0 0 Red Queen .. ... 40 0 0 8 0 0 Red White and Blue trib. (Green) 70 0 0 25 8 0 Try Again tri. (Jenkins).. 10 0 0 213 0 Una tributes 20 0 0 29 3 0 Victoria tri. (Henrn) .. 45 0 0 m46 10 0 Waitekauri 500 0 0 724 0 0 West Coast tributes .. 45 0 0 163 10 0 White Rose tri. (Donnelly) 4 0 0 3 6 0 Watchman tri. (Mears) .. 24 0 0 46 10 0 Sundries 500 0 0 ' Total 2,467 0 0 7,381 0 0 Previous month .. 4,186 796 11,961 12 12

SUDDEN DEATH IN GRAHAMS TOWN.

A man named John Thomas Dove, who has been on a visit to the Thames, and Avho was staying at the residence of his brother in-law, Mr George Jennings; expired sud denly yesterday. It appears Mr Jennings heard a noise in deceased's room about three in the morning, and on proceeding to the room deceased occupied, found him lying on the sofa, apparently in a fit. Medical aid was called in immedia tely, but was unavailing, as deceased expired soon after the doctor arri ved. Cause of death is explained in the proceeding of the inquest which followed. Deceased about 22 years ago had his right leg amputated, and as the result of the operation, he had been totally blind ever since. The age of deceased Avas about 39 years, and, up to his death, he had been in apparent good health. The inquest.was held at the Courthouse, Grahanistown.

George Jennings, brother-in-law of de ceased deposed : Deceased resided in Auckland, but has been living with witness for about a month. He was not a married man, and was totally blind. He had his right leg cut oft.

Deceased was abcnxtWTear^Sff'JMK: ..the last month he had been in SwSts^ and was cheerful when he haf 2? healt«, '.* , speak to. Deceased never comp^S \\ , any pain. He was in good s P mK_ ft °! day night, and witness did not sep\- c?" better spirits. He went to bed _*? i& half-past eight o'clock. Witneai _•*s_« hear anything till about three o\_i_A?*_tf - morning, but was awakened at th _t JPI \by his wife. He did not hear SiS^ He called out, but got no reply 3fe& his wife told him to gget up, SKofiSS i and found deceased on the sofa TT_ . ld> ito b« in a fit, and Avas frothihg S^Sfi ! month. Witness bathed his *»_. ,he • Deceased did not speak. Witnes s fe . deceased m charge of his wife and a_ot„ I person. «winer | William Augustus Perston deposed it, . ; death resulted from sanguineous apopW? the circulation of the blood bein* nnh | enfeebled by the accumulation of hi the heart. ' Ul, i The verdict of the jury was "Th k deceased died from sanguineous apoplexy

POLICE COURT—THIS DAY.

(Before Root. Graham, Esq., and John _osgrave, Esq., Justices. DRUNKENNESS.

John Combs, Thomas Hesley, Patrick- Smith, Mary Brown, pleaded guilty tn having taken too much liquid stimulant and were fined as usual. '

A QUICK RETURN. Kate Clark, in addition to being charged with drunkenness, was charged with making use of obscene and disgusting lan guage in Lome-street yesterday, in the broad glare of Moonday, and in the hearing of several of Her Majesty's lieges. The prisoner said she had only come out of Mount Eden the day before the con stable took her. She was drank, but did not use the Avords.

Constable McGrath swore that she did and the Court sentenced her to pay a fine of £10 or go to prison for three months. Prisoner : God'll pay you for this Mr McGrath, before I come out. THE TRAINING SCHOOL. Thomas Turner and George Edward Bentley, two young rascals of eight oi ten years old, were brought up charged with running away from tho Naval Training School. The boys were too young to be dealt with by the Court, and were sent back to the school. FOUL-MOUTHED. Francis Rainsford pleaded not guilty to -- using bad language m a public thorough! fare, to wit, Queen-street. Accused was fined 10s and costs, with the alternative of 48 hours' imprisonment. HUSBANDS AND WIVES. William Negus, who had been arrested on a warrant sent from the Thames, charging him with neglecting to maintain his wife, was brought up, and on the application of Sub-Inspector Pardy, remanded to the Thames. HORSES AND DOGS.

John Robinson was charged with allow ing his horse to wander in Kyber Pass Road.

Defendant said his horse " wandered 1 without liberty." Fined 2s 6d and costs.

John Playford, a blind man, was charged with having a dog Avithout a collar. Defendant said he Avas training the dog to lead him about. He had taken out a collar since.

Sub-Inspector Rarely said he did not knoAV the defendant was blind. With their Worships' permission he would withdraw the charge.

Withdrawn accordinly.g Patrick Cox pleaded guilty to leaving his horse in Durham-street,

Fined 2s 6d and costs. George Bruce, to a charge of haA'ing a collarless dog, pleaded not guilty. He had no dog. Constable MeGilp proved that defendant's sister had told him it was their dog.

Defendant : Ah, that may be ; my sister ain't me.

Sub-Inspector Pardy : Well, just_ as you like; we -«,'iU summon your sister instead. Defendant said he might as well settle.it himself. Fined 2s 6d and costs. This w as all the business.

MOANATAIRI G.M. COMPANY.

NINTH ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS.

The annual meeting was held at noon to day in the large room of the New Zealand Insurance Buildings. There was a very large attendance of shareholders, and Mr J. M. Clark was voted to the chair. The Secretary, Mr F. A. White, read the advertisement convening the meeting, and minutes of the preceeding meeting, which latter were confirmed. He then read the _ following report :—

"The directors have much pleasure in pre senting to the shareholders the balance sheet, which shews that, during the year, 10,770 tons of quartz have been raised and crushed, yielding 33,125 ozs. 5 dwts. melted gold, realising the sum of £85,974 16s 2d, out of which there has been distributed to the shareholders _53,9i0. ---eq.al to £i per share. . • •as "During the year, the company have acquired the Point Russell Mine, at a cost of £54912s lid,' and, AA'ith a view to push ahead the Kuranui Kill Tunnel into this part of the mine, and to , intersect the reefs on the east of main slide, an Ingersoll Rock drill has been ordered from San 5 Francisco, which may be expected to be at Avork early next month. _. 01 " The Mine Manager's report, hereto annexe will furnish information regarding the operations carried on during the past year, and also me future prospects of the Mine. 1 '•The Directors have called an extraordinary meeting to alter the qualification for a sept »*. the Board of Directors, as well as to place tte election of Directors more in the hands ot WSaS shareholders. These views, they believe, wf-:; meet with, your apnroval and sanction. •_ _ 1 "In accordance'with the rules of the Coin- . pany, Mr J. M. Clark retires from the Directory, and, being eligible, offers himself for re-electiOE. The other seat, which was held by Mr Bleazard. is also at the disposal of the Shareholders, me Directors recommend that £250 be appropnatea as an honorarium for their services during me

past year." The balance-sheet shewed receipts cash in hand on April 30th, £20; gold, 33, L» ozs 15 dwts from 10,770 tons q«l £85,974 16s; tributers, £787 4s lOd; tail-, ings, £16 lis 9d; total, £86,778 12s TdJ crushing for other mines, £2852 15s 10.,. trucking fees from other mines, £23319 a* blankets, old copper, old iron, &c., ±*» ; . 19s 9d; from liquidator Waiteniata WL ' Co., £3 10s ; debtors per balance-sheet^ April, 1870, £133 10s 6d. The expenditure shewed balance due Bank of New *«?"£.. and creditors on April 20th, 1876, foiJf 4 16s; claims, £12,027 Ss3d; battery,^ £6,333 18s lOd ; machinery for repass, aw, tunnel, £250 Is 6d ; head office, *o« *» lid. Reserve fund, bearing interf*V? r posited in Bank of NeAv Zealand, W cent., £3,500; loan to Bismarck and m^ Republic G.M. Co., at 7 per cent, W»f i dividends, £53,940; cash, £6,818 13s , . The Chairman, in moving the adoptiony the report and balance sheet, said »«JJ£ was a pleasant one because the direo had produced a very flourishing repw. / and such a report would not require m eloquence to secure its adoption. - ordinary method of referring -to , operations of the year, P^ c"2 when they had been succef£ was to compare them with those w previous year. On this occasion «* would be some difficulty in d°M2 ffloar e because the fact was they did rT at all, or rather he might use tne > ■ contrast. One very good evidence oi was that at the last annual i»eetiH o two directors and two other sbarea^ were present, shewing thereby tj» ■_ degree of interest that was then t^ t i the affairs of the Company, but hl™°Jd the pi .sent meeting very ; the Shareholders. In looking at w» j for the year ending 30th Apnl, l» °> would find that it stood at sometnn* - 8 dwts to the ton, oast year AA'as nearer o ozs ;" indie*" But that in reality gave Ht«e fll ine, 4 tion of the value of the ld^4 inasmuch as tho sreo t hulk of thegow . j



P E C I A L NOTICE. H. L. POSSENNISKIE, TTTTT Aim 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 TTAAIIL OORR TTT A A lIH LLLLL OO R R ; AND HABIT-MAKER, SHORTLAND-STREET, Auckland. H.L.P. begs to inform his customers and the nublic generally that he has Just Received 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 adA'ance on Invoice Prices, for Cash. O T I C ET MACINTOSH COATS. WATERPROOF CLOTHING. RUSHBROOK AND BRIDG-MAN ! Have Just Opened, and are now Showing, a Large Parcel ef the above Goods, from the same House, and of similar style, to their LSgj Season's Goads, concerning the Wear and Aaali'ty of which they have received many_fj> isfactory testimonials. The Parcel includes various Styles, and all sizes. e_, /Light Textures, in Black and Drab, for q town wear. O Strong Heavy-Sheeting. P. m Strong TAvilled, Velvet Collars. P-, _J J Cashmere, Fancy Check, and Diagonal & 2 ) Tweed Patterns. g g Extra Heavy Diagonal Warm Lined, 2 and extra long. 5 Sealskin Lined, specially adapted for >> y Cabmen, 'Buss Drivers, &c. WATERPROOF APRONS. LEGGINGS, Sec. ALSO, A . -P.THER SUPPLY OP BLANKETS, REVERSIBLE BUSH RUGS, AND FANCY AUSTRIAN RUGS, To Hand this Week. Is. in the „ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 203. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, ! Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Queen-street, j AUCLKAND.



at _- CT _" _fc ''rJ_ _ T_r —-x 1 ---__, -_^_— >3 EX "HERO." ONE CASE OF WOOL POPLINS AND BLACK SILK FRINGES. Very Choice Gooss. W. RATTRAY, DRAPER, HOSIER, & SILK MER.ER, New Zealand House.. 65, queen-street. Aitckt.axd T\TE HAVE NOW BROUGHT FORWARD THE GREATER PORTION OF MESSRS. STEWART & ANDERSON'S STOCK, — CONSISTING of — WINCEYS, FRENCH MERINOES, FANCY DRESS GOODS, SHAWLS AND MANTLES. Also, AN IMMENSE QUANTITY OF MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING. The above Goods will be CLEARED-OUT Re gardless of Cost, to make room for WINTER SHIPMENTS, Noav Landing, ex Electra and Emily Chaplin J. COSGRAVE & CO.



:::::::::::::WlNl)0W"'-"":::: Roller Blind of the ____ge. SELF-ACTING. konounced Perfect after 12 Years Test. only obtainable AT THE m CITY HALL ARCADE. ■_» FLOOR i^LOTHS, 18 inches to IS feet wide. \j For Stairs, from 9d. pe-r yard For Passages, from Is. lid. yard For Rooms, from 2s. lid. %> yd. LINOLEUM, all widths, for Rooms, Halls, and Stairs. Mats especially prepared for Billiard Rooms. The Greatest Variety at the CITY HALL ARCADE. CARPETS, upAA'ards of 100 Patterns to choose from Hearth Rugs to match. 17IURNITURE, for the Drawing-room, Dining and Sitting-room, Bedroom and Kitchen. Cheapest t urnishing House. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK. City Hall Arcade, QUEEN & LORNS-STREETS. MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. Incorporated by Act of Parliament. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH: Head Office, Auckland- Local Director : George Bubc-vne Owen, Esq. (Mes3i_. Owen and Graham.) Principal Medical Officer : Charles Field Goldsbro', Esq., M.D, General Agent for New Zealand : William T. J. Bell. With Sub-Agencies in all the Principal Towns. Every information on the subject of LIFE ASSURANCE ANNUITIES, and ENDOW MENTS FOR CHILDREN, afforded by J. A. Lowe, Travelling Agent to the Association ; or WILLIAM T. J. BELL, General Agent. T3_ Spectal Features.— Age admitted on Policies, wluch are unchallangable from date of issue. Lowest Rates of Premiums, and no hamper ing conditions as to residence or occupation.