SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

"Wellington, s.s., Lloy^. frpm th« Sou*h

DEPARTURES.

Go-ahead, s.s.. Cooper, for the East Coast Vincent, cutter. McLellan, for Samoa Charybdis. schooner, Loverock, for Kaipara Seagull, brigantine, for Hokianga

IMPORTS.

Ex Roderick Dim—3lo gunnies and bags sugar, 63i-chests tea. —G. W. Owen and Co. Per Roderick Dhu from Melbsurne : 500 bags Su^ar, 75 half-chests tea-—Owen and Graham. fPer s.s. Wellington: 13 packages, 351 sacks, 1 ile. 38 cases fruit, 1 do., 1 box gold, 72 sheep, 57 cases, 1 do., 5 trunks. 5 cases bacon.

EXPORTS.

Per Go-ahead lor .. ap^or : I qr-casks whisky, 10 casirs old torn, 1 keg apples, 1 heg blacking,:-! kpgs currants, 5 cases oil, 3 cases lobsters, 3 oisus mustard, 2 cases pipes, 1 case sundries, 2 boxes sardines, 1 case sago, 1 case saurre, 50 c uses kerosene, 1 case milk, 'A cases confectionery. Jb'or Gisborne : 1 parcel, Owen and Graham. iPor s.s. Wellington: For Dunedin—3 bales sole leather, 166 sides do., 1 case saddlery, 2 pkgs. saddlers' ironmongery. For Christchurch—- S bales sole leather, 200 sides do., 1 bale upper leather, 1 case, 1 pkg. saddles, 2 pkgs. grindery, —Ireland Bros. ./

The s.s. Wellington, arrived in the Manukau t>day. She left Otago on the 20th, arrived at Akiroa and Lyttelton on the 21st, and Welling ton on the 22nd; left Wellington 21th, and arrived at Picton and Nelson on the same day : arrived at Taranaki at 9 a.m.. and sailed at 5 p.m., arrived alongside Onehunga wharf at 8.30 a.m. Fine weather and light variable winds throughout. Passengers: Mrs Smith, Mrs Atkins, Mrs Blake and infant, Mrs Comisky, Messrs Murray, Roberta, E. J. Cox, Proctor, Ro.re. J. T. Carr, Dr Currie, Salter, Jenkins, Comisky, 11 in the steerage.

The schooner Charbydis left last night for Kaipara, to load timber for Dunodin. She has undergone a thorough repair since her. return from Samoa, but is hardly sufficiently renovated to warrant the adiective "new" being applied to her. (Vide "Herald" of this morning.)

The s.s. Go-Ahead left to-day for the East Coast ports of Awanui, Bay of Plenty, Gisbornc, »nd Napier. She had a large cargo, and the following passengers—Messrs By croft, Morgan, Edwin, Brain; Mesdames Ziggs and Kayle.

TheP.M.S.S. City of Sydney is advertised to leave for San Fr»ncisco, via Eandavu and Honolulu, on Wednesdajr, the 9th May.

The cutter Vincent, which returned from Samoa under such curious circumstances last month, left fegain for the same island last night, with a cargo of timber. Mr Dunlop is a pas senger, a fact which may cause Mr Liardet, the British Consul at Apia, considerable surprise.

Consignees of goods by the brigantine Roderick Dhu, from Melbourne, are requested to pass entries and pay freights to Messrs Cruickshank and Co., the agents.

Thoarrirals of the brig Vision from the Line Islands, and the schooner Lcietitia, from Raro tonga and Tahiti, are now anxiously looked for, both vessels having been a much longer time away than they were expected to be.

The s.s. Staffa is expected from Tauranga to-night, and will probably leave again to morrow, in-place of the Rowena.

The new railway wharf is proclaimed a legal landing place in the "Government Gazette,' which .arrived to-day by the Wellington. '

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

Mr Alfred Buckland reports.—At the Haymarkht: Hides, 3Jd to 4Jd the lb.; skina, Is 8d to Is lOd; pelts, Is to Is 5d each; wool in grease, 7d to Bid the lb. Oaten hay, 3s to Is 6d ; meadow hay, 2s to 3s 3d the cwt.; small loads, ISs to 35s each; carrots. 3s 9d the cwt. Horse stock: Heavy draught, £36 10s to fi 10 ; medium draught, £11 to £22; riding horses, £6 to £15; ponies, £1 to £8; the half-entire Eclipse, £22. At Waiuku : Calves and yearlings sold at full values; three-year-old steers comparatively dull of sale. At Remuera on Thursday: Fat cattle, 120 head only yarded, and many of tnose of coarse and secondary quality; prices ivce slightly lower. Good steers brought from 23s to 263, cows from 21s to 25s th« 1001b. Sheep : Stores at late values. Fat sheep better worth id per lb. Pigs in steady demand. Fat wethers broiight 3d per lb.; ewes. 2id per lb.; lambs, 9s to 12s each.

Messrs Hunter and Nolan's Weekly Report.—We quote hacks, £6 to £11 10s : light harness horses, from £10 to £1715s each. Cattle: We quote dairy cows, £10 to £12 lfls ; two-year old heifers, from £3 10s to £1; yearling steers, £2 10s to £3 ; two-year-olds, £3 10s to £1 5s ; three year-old steers, in fresh condition, £5 to £7 2s Cd. Beef, 26s to 27s 6d per 100 lbs. Sheep ; The. best pen of wethers, averaging about 2()01b5., sold for 21s 9d; mixed sexes, 15s 6d to 16s 9d. Stores were but poorly represented, and sold at from 6s toßs6d. Pigs: A large number were yarded, and met good competition. Good porkers realised rromM to 3id per lb.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr R. Arthur's weekly produce, grocery, and geHeral sale was largely attended to-day, but as the business was proceeding as we went to press we are unable to give full quotations. Potatoes sold at 3s 6d to 4s 2d; onions, jdto yd; pump kins, 3s 6d; carrots, 3s 9d: provincial cheese, 4d to 7d.; do bacon, s}d to 7id ; apples. Id to 4d ; pears, 2id to 3^(1; butter (good), 5d toSWi. Mr George Sibbin, of the corner mart, sold a large quantity cf goods to-day. The following represents the average prices: Maize, ■ 53; potatoes, 4s; Wairoa cheese, 6d to 6d \ ; flour, £16 10s ; tea (ex Hero), 2s 6d per 1b and 30s per box ; kerosene, 3s 9d; sugar, s ; ].d ; other goods at fair prices. At the store ot Mr Smith, ex Seagull from Oarnaru, the lot of oats, consisting of 196 bags, realised Is lOd to 3s; cases of Can terbury cheese, 4Jd. The balance withdrawn. Messrs M. Jones and Co. had a large show of country fowls to-day, and the sale was well attended. Fowls (small), Is 4d to Is Cd; do. (large), 2s; ducks, Is 6d to Is 8d; turkeys (small), 2s 6dto2sßd; geese, 3s 6d; butter, 7d to 10} d; cheese, 5Jd; potatoes, £3 10s. The sale', of furniture was not brisk, and but few goods were sold. Messrs Cochrane and Son's usual Friday sale of furniture Vas fairly attended, and good prices realised. %

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Bank of New Zealand—£2o. National Bank—Buyers, 68s. Colonial Bank—4os, 41s. > Thames Gas—Sellers, 335. National Insurance—Buyers, 80s. Moanatairi—£lo. £10 los, £10 ss; buyers, £10 sellers, £10 7s 6d. Cure—7s.

Waitekauri—l6s 6d, 17s, 17s 6d; buyers, 16s 6d; sellers, 17s 6d. Alburnia—27s 6d, 35s ; buyers, 30s; sellers, 40s. Yeung New Zealand—Sellers, 7s 6d. Queen of May—Buyers, 21s. Tokatea—6s 6d ; sellers, 7s. ■ Royal Oak—Buyers, 6s 6d. Waiotahi—Sellers, 42s 6d. Kuranui Hill—26s; buyers, 203 6d : sellers, 27s 6d. Piako—l2 6d, 13s ; sellers. 13s. Queen—2s 6d, 3s Id; sellers, 3s 3d. JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to-mor row, at 11 a.m., and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Kina. this day at -1.30 p.m.; and per Argyle, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. For Waiwera, Mahuraagi, Matakana Manga wai, Waipu, Wangarei, and Maneapai, per Anne Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Whitianga. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. ■ For Wangarei Heads, Waipn, Wangarei, and Mangapai per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at 4 p.m. Per s.s. Wellington, to-morrow (Saturday), as follows: For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 7 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Aus tralian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially ad dressed), at 8 a.m. For United Kingdom, via Briridisi. and late letters for Sonfchem Provinces and Melbourne | at 8.15 a.m. For newspapers, at 6 a.m. For money orders and registered letters, the previous evening at 4 p.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTHS.

POLLOCK.—On the 26th April, 1877, Mrs. James Pollock of a son. >

DEATH.

NICOL.—On the 27th instant, at Grey-street, Auckland, William Nicol, in the 56th year of his age. The funeral will leave his late residence on Sunday next, at 3 o'clock p.m. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.

WALKER.—On the 26r.h instant, at her late residence, Karangahape Road, Elizabeth, the beloved wife of Thomas Walker, butcher, aged 30 years. The funeral will leave her late residence at 3 p.m. on Sunday next. Friends are respect fully invited to attend.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1877.

Fo»the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs rcsistanse, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do,

New troubles are brewing in Europe. Count Yon Moltke, the Commander-in- Chief ofthe German army, as will be seen by a cable despatch to-day, is alarmed at the menacing attitude of France, and fears that peace cannot long be maintained with that country. The rapidity with which the work of army reform and re-organization has been pushed on in France has excited the admiration of military critics. Yon Moltke augurs from this, evil to the Father land. The stern military President of the Republic, smarting under the defeats of Woerth and Sedan, Avifch every feeling and instinct deeply wounded, is not an unlikely man to venture on an enterprise for the, re covery of lost honour lind the Rhine pro vinces. Yon Moltke's declaration at.this juncture is not improbably, in .some way, associated with the war in the East, and is suggestive of future offensive alliances. Whatever else it may mean, the threats of trouble in this new quarter deepen the black cloud hanging over Europe.

The crowning honour and happiness of a British politician is a dinner, or rather, employing the language of polite literature, a public " banquet." There is a power of John Bull instinct in this conception of man as a feeding animal. The intellectuality of the student and scholar, associated with the burning of the midnight oil, may elicit a feeling of pitying respect, but the hero of the people is a genius of another type, of different social habits. Major Atkinson last night attained this pinnacle of human felicity, and, from behind the champagne bottles at New Plymouth, divulged some thing of the Government programme for the approaching session. It is particularly gratifying to know, on the Major's own ipse dixit, " that if there is one thing he is proud of, it is of being a Taranaki settler." It does not appear why he might not have been eqtially proud of being a settler any where else, but, inasmuch as Christian meekness discovers its virtue in thankful ness for small mercies, the Premier's assurance is commendable. We are quite certain that a very general sympathetic response throughout the colony will be provoked by ]\fa supplementary 'statement that " the jmin of being turned out of nffica

will be lessened by the thought that he will once more return to Taranaki." A reception in Auckland after his villification of the settlers here, might tend to increase the distress attendant on -the .inevitable expulsion. Mediocrity will \ not reign supreme for ever in New Zealand politics ; it is prudent, therefore, that Major Atkinson should make provision for his early retirement. But we are less concerned with the things that contribute to the Premier's personal happiness than with those which he has in store for the colony. The list of these, although not very long, is select, and gufELcieutly general _ and vacue to baulk criticism. Major Atkinson said :— The policy of the Government would be first to complete the establishment of local self- Goveriiment throughout the colony, to complete the establishment of a system of primary education, to promote tho settlement of our waste lands by a yeoman population, and to cultivate and maintain a good understanding with the native lace; to reduce considerably the annual expenditure on public works, and continue the construstion of main lines of railway throughout tho colony until completed ; to reduce ordinary expenditure within the narrowest limits consistent with efficiency ; to simplify our finances, and place them on a sound basis for the future.

Serious exception cannot be b.ken to any one of the various aims of legislation suggested by the Premier, but neither does their announcement convey any very tangible information concerning the pro bable scope of the intended Ministerial bills. The parat n ount i mportanco of State prevision for education will inevitably force itself upon the attention of the House, but we should like to know whether the Government will meet it with a broad colonial statute, by the make shift expedient of a permissive Act, or by the perpetuation of the varying systems of provincialism, after the power that created them has disappeared. The settle ment of a yeoman population supplies the substance of a line phrase, but is it to be realised by throwing open the whole of the North Island lands to speculators, while the colonial Government, retiring from the posi tion of a purchaser, oilers a few blocks on deferred payments, and then takes tip the position of an inactive spectator? The cultivation and maintenance of a good un derstanding with the native race imposes a duty on the Government, but docs its fulfil ment imply a truckling recognition of rebel obstructionists, and a discouragement of the loyal adherents to the Crown ? On these points all the information the Premier vouchsafes is thus expressed :—

Regarding education, they looked upon it as their first fluty to sco if. properly provided for throughout the colony, and it must be secular, and administered by local committees. The settlement of waste lands was of vital impor tance. The colony could not advance without occupation and cultivation of fresh lands, and they would provide facilities for farmers, small capitalists, and persons desirous of taking land on deferred payment. They had also under consideration the necessity of providing some means of opening new bush country. Intimately connected with this was their relation with the natives. He was happy to say that the good understanding which had been gradually grow ing for years, was still improving, and would, no doubt, lead to complete reconciliation between the Iwo races, but they must be con tent to tarry a little iw order to make an end the sooner. Looking at the past legislation on I hese questions, and the general circumstances (if the colony, they came to the conclusion that facilities should be aifonded for tho acquisition of native kinds by private individuals. The subject was .surrounded by difficulties, and would'require careful handling, but they were of opi n ion that an Act could be drawn which would protect the interest of the native, the ICuropean, and the community. They would submit such a measure for consideration to next Assembly! They had also under consideration the laws relating to representation, the registration of electors, scale, fencing, and the Civil Service, but fhow far they would be able to deal with them next session he was unable to say.

Traversing the success that has attended th« constitution-niongering of liiat session, and the necessity for future amendment, Major Atkinson \rasmore vague than when treating of other political questions. He said : " The County system had proved, on the whole, very satisfactory." Heaven help the Ministerial failures! The Municipal Corporation Act was a "considerable suc cess, as it had given satisfaction throughout the country." Content with these assuring and self-evident propositions, the Premier leaves it to he inferred that the whole constitutional question will he disposed of next session by one or two unimportant technical amendments. We shall see. Speaking in his capacity of Treasurer, he admitted that the Customs revenue had fallen short of his estimates. " The posi tion was one of considerable difficulty, but they had grappled with it, and he was sanguine enough to think they would deal with it so as to satisfy Parliament and the country." They had avoided application to the London market, for further loans by obtaining half-a-million each from the Bank of New Zealand and the Brfuk of New South Wales, at five per cent., repayable in two years. They had also arranged' for a further loan of half-a-million from the Bank; of New Zealand if parliament approved. The Government and banking institutions evidently do not anticipate the closing of the English money-market to the colonies as one of the possibilities of the Eastern question, and the coining Armageddon war. The speech lays claim to a prudent ad* ministration, and zealous effort to retrench. As a whole, it embodies a fairly judicious policy, and a wise avoidance of debatable subjects, but we shall be in a better posi tion to judge of the support it receives from fact when we are in possession of the Ministerial bills, estimates, and parliamen tary papers.

Moffat, the Pakeha-Maori, has been con victed on the charge of manufacturing and disposing of gunpowder to the natives, and been sentenced by Mr Justice Richmond to two years' imprisonment, with hard labour. Thus, for a time at least, a "Wholesome check lis put upon Moffat's mischievous propensi ties, and the natives are well rid of an arrant "loafer," and instigator of trouble. A rumour was current during the war of 1863 that gunpowder was being manufac tured in considerable quantities at Toko ngamutti, and some of the cartridges found on the bodies of the Maoris appeared to confirm the statement. It was generally of a very coarse nature, composed of large rough grains, some of them almost the size of a common pea, and it lacked the glaze 'which is usually given to powder of European manufacture. The military authorities were of orjinion that the natives were in possession of the art of making .gunpowder, audit was known that they obtained supplies froni whalersj and from Europeans, who defied the law. As shewing the straits to which the Maoris .were reduced for ammunition, it may be mentioned that at Paterangi they used as bullets large type and " quads," part of the plant of the "Pihoihoi" newspaper, I established by Mr Gorst at Te Awamutu, ' and demolished by the Kingites. One of these missies, fired into the 40th rifle-pits in front of Paterangi, was found to be an " M-quad," the corners of which had been rounded with a hammer. Some of the cartridges were wrapped in portions of Lack files of the "Pihoihoi." The manufacture of gunpowder at Tokonga mutu was carried on by a half caste who had picked up a knowledge of the process in Sydney. We believe he removed from the King country, after a time, and the industry was neglected until revived by Moffat. This miscreant was troubled with no conscientious scruples as to the wholesale mischief he was doing. He was an outcast and a pariah from civil ization, and was ready to turn his hand to any villainy which might be dictated by the people who tolerated his presence amongst them, and treated him invariably 'as little better than an ordinary slave. If there tire still at large any other degpiqalsio and traitorous Ijuj'Qj^ps emi&fped, W &W&M Wasp* wf w>us ii ml\' $

peruse the very pertinent remarks of Mr. Justice Richmond iv passing sen tence :—" If your offence were to be^pun ished in proportion to the. danger which it occasioned to the public, you ought to. re ceive a heavy sentence. You are to be looked upon by all well-judging persons as an enemy to feoth races in this Island. On the one hand you have been strengthening against your fellow-countrymen, men who are merciless, for a Maori victory,. you well know, means massacre, sparing neither age nor sex.; ; On the other hand, you have been encouraging the disaffected in a vain resistance to the advance of civilisation. You have been planning disaster for the Eu ropean, but for the native you have/ been preparing utter destruction. The evidence has but given a glimpse of your proceed ings ; enough, however, to disclose their dangerous and treasonable character. It is well for you that the time is one of pro found peace, or you could expect, as you would deserve, nothing but the halter. I am going to pass upon you a more made quaite sentence ; but it is the heaviest which is allowed by the extreme leniency of the LiAV on this subject." His Honor sentenced the prisoner to two years' imprisonment, with hard labour. . -.' . ~ ,

A special meeting oE the Licensed Victuallers' Associatian, was held this after noon in the British Hotel. Mr Johnstone in the chair. flP.ie & a'iman said the meet ing was called in consequence of a paragraph which appeared in the St.Aßj to the effect that Mr liohert Whitson had called a meet ing of Licensed Victuallers in support of Mr liohert Graham's candidature for City West. He begged to state tli.it no such meeting had been called, or even contem plated, as there was no need for such a meeting in the interests of thii Licensed Victuallers. Some discussion was held on the matter, in which Messrs Oram, Fuller, Stone, Gorham, and others took part, when the Chairman moved, and Mr Robert Stow seconded. "That there was no occasion for the paragraph in the STAR,1 which was evidently a mistake, as the L. V. A. had no intention of taking active! steps .in the City' West Election." The meeting closed with a vote,of thanks to the Chairman. A musical and literary entertainment will be given this evening in the Ponsonby Wesleyan Church, on behalf of tke library fund, to consist of vocal and instrumental^ music, readings and recitations. The concert which came off on Wednes day night at Coromanrlclj for the benefit of St. Column's church and school, was very successful. The large Court-house was crowded in every part. This was due, no doubt, to the amateur singers from Auck land, Misses Shanaghan, Sheehan,! and Swan, whom the public of Coromandel had an opportunity of hearing before, and whose vocal talents they justly appreciated by lilling the house. To particularise the songs, duets, piano solos, etc., would, 1 fear, occupy too much of your: space, suffice it, that the ladies fiom Auckland-were loudly applauded for their efforts, aud encores were numerous*, i Isor must the social talent be forgotten, Miss Davis' rendering of the songs allotted to h-er were very affective, while Mr Panter, in, his song of "The SextOn',"surpassed himself. Ah iwua.l, the Tokatea Glee Club rendered their aid, and all went merry as a marriage bell. Great credit is due to the Committee and to Father O'Uiley, for the arrangements being so complete, and we trust it will nut be long before we have the pleasure! ot hearing the same amateurs again.— Ow.x Correspondent. We have been requested to contradict a statement made in the " Herald " yesterday morning, to the effect that a preliminary meeting, convened by circular by Mr Kobt. Whitson, was held in the oflice of Messrs

FiOAV and Motion, and that the Licensed Victuallers Associated hail promised to support the candidature of Mr It. Graham. We learn on the authority of the " Herald " itself this morning that no such meeting was cither convened or held, and that its assertion that the Licensed Victuallers have resolved to support Mr Graham was incorrect. A meeting was convened for three o'clock to-day. We have since re ceived the following letter. To the Editor : Sir,—Permit mo to contradict the statement made to the effect that at a meeting of

Licensed Victuallers, held in Messrs Low and Motion's oflico, and convened by Mi

Robort Wliitson, it Avas resolved to give a united support to Mr Robert Graham in his candidature for City West. Mr Robert Whitson did not convc.no a meeting of Licensed Victuallers, but of Mr Graham's supporters, and at which meeting only one licensed victualler was present. A meeting of the trade has been called by Mr George Johnson, the President of the Association; to be held ttxis afternoon, for the purpose of considering "which candidate shall have the support of that body. . By making this correction you will oblige.—Yours respect fully, E. Hadkill, Secretary to Mr It. Graham's Committee. . . > i

The quiet little country village of Pan miire was last evening awakened out of its usual lethargy by the appearance of a large four-horse coach, loaded inside and out, being driven through its deserted streets, the occasion being the visit of the Officers and Delegates of the Auckland District, A.O.F. (many of whom came from the Thames) for the purpose of holding their quarterly meeting there. . On arrival, the visitors, were met by several Foresters resi dent in Panmure and Onehimga, and, after a cordial greeting, were conducted i^to the Church of England school-room, where, after a few preliminaries, the meeting wits opened by Brp. A. Campbell, D. C.R. " The various business gone through during the evening was of a somewhat important and interesting character in connection with the District generally. The report and balance sheet' were read, and showed that there were upwards of ftoO financial members on the books, and funds amounting to between £800 and £900, besides £G0 worth of goods in stock just arrived from England. Among the various items of expenditure during the quarter was £50 funeral inorrey refunded to Courts. The business was ■brought to a close at a few minutes after eleven' o'clock p.m. The brethren then adjourned to Host Buchanan's, where a sumptuous spread was laid out in the best style, which Avas done ample justice to, after'which thecloth was removed, and the usual loyal and fra ternal toasts were enthusiastically drunk and responded to. The meeting broke up at a suitable horn-, and the "merry men" started for town, which • was reached about three o'clock, each one having thoroughly enjoyed the trip. In connection with°the above, a special meeting was held to-day in! the Cook-street Hall, for the purpose o£ framing new District General Laws.

A committee meeting of Mr R. Graham's supporters" was held last evening, when a committee consisting of thirty-two members Avas appointed, and preparations made for the approaching1 electoral campaign. The meeting adjourned to Saturday evening. The City Council are about to do a 'good work by constructing a wooden platform on the east side of Upper Queen-street in order to the completion of the footpath on that side of thestreet. Thisannouncement will afford much satisfaction to persons in the habit of walking in that thoroughfare, as the present state of the street on that side is very unsafe, especially in the evennv, when the moonless sky is darkly draped with cloud-curtains.

A match has been made between W. S. Fagan and J. L. Nelson to run 1 mile on the 27th May, for £30 aside. Part of the money; has been already deposited, and there is ao doubt both men mean business, Nylsan wejves 40- yards start, The affair.

The passer-by:v will have observed the improvements being made in the surround ings of the Supreme Court. At the back of the Court, a very sightly white paling fence has been erected, which separates the land belonging to the Court from Parliament street, and gives a neat appearance, where -before the ground was untidy and run wild. The chain fence in front of the Court has long been very much out of repair, but this is now undergoing renovation, new posts* being substituted for those which have gone rotten, and the corner pillars strengthened and where necessary, replaced with new. A much-needed coat of paint is also being vouchsafed. It is intended, we hear, to plant a quick-set hedge along this front. In future years this is likely to improve the aspect of the building. The semicircular plot of grass between the rails and the Court is being trenched for the purpose of being ultimately planted with trees and shrubs. This is being done by prison labour. It is satisfactory to notice that some one has made it his business to see that our temple of justice has justice done it, and we hope that the same official will also have the pathway in front raised, sufficiently to prevent the water lying there, as it does in'wet weather.

The " Wangarei Comet" states that its reporter gathered from MrDenniston, in the course of conversation, that he is of opinion that the Wangarei coal, whether for house hold or steam purposes, is equal to the Bay of Islands coal. The Whau Whan basin is confined to a small area, being cut off by a slate far crossing from Kawa Kawa towards Whau Whau. Mr Denniston is further of opinion that the Kamo coal is the best household.

" The wisest schemes' of mice and men gang of t aglee." The loyal people of the flourishing little township of Milton, in Otago, have just been treated to a very striking illustration of the truth of the old adage. • It had been intimated to the Mayor that his Excellency the Governor would condescend to pay a Hying visit of fifteen minutes on his way. Forthwith, the loyal citizens of Milton began to exert themselves for a demonstration on a large scale. An elaborate address was prepared, the conspicuous places were decorated with evergreens, flags and banners were hung outy the Bruce, rifles turned out in uniform, with 150 ladies as spectators and admirers of their martial bearing, and all went merry as a marriage bell. The people were resolved to make a grand display, and to mark the Governor's visit aa a red-letter day in the annals of Milton. Everything was in readiness, the Mayor and Borough Councillors turned out in their go-to-meeting habiliments, his Worship was quietly rehearsing the little speech which lie intended to make in introducing the illuminated address, and the ladies adjusted their head gear and pull-backs, and put on their sweetest smiles. Anon, it was announced that the train was in sight, and the excitement became intense. The expected moment arrived, when hey ! presto, the train Hew past at the rate of ,30 miles an' hour, and was soon lost to the view ou the distant horizon. The Mayor exclaimed "by jingo!" the Councillors blamed the Committee, who blamed the Mayor, j and the laities blamed everybody. The fair ones then rustled away indignantly, and the Committee and others adjourned to ih'OWii their sorrows in the (lowing bowl. Iljs Excellency was expected to make a short stay at Balclutha, but passed on.

"The'wonderful Fish," or the " Syjliat- Is-It 7" was placed on view this mofnhlgin the Theatre Royal Buildings by Mr Targett,, thp proprietor of the interesting ■ ichthyological specimen. Jt belongs to some rare species, and lias baffled the investiga tions of the Thames savants to define the order to which it belongs. Under these circumstances it is incumbent upon Mr Cheescman to coim to the rescue. mill deliver an anxious pubiicfromt'ie pangs of unsatisfied curiosity. The Jish wi.s caught under peculiar circum stances, it was disporting itself in! its native element, at the Thames, when one day; it was seized with an unconquerable desire to see what was transpiring upon the deck of the passing steamer, Te Aioha. To (lo_ this, it was necessary to accomplish a salmon leap of "about eight feet, but the iish did it. His sudden appearance on the deck created some little surprise, which was increased by the industrious manner in which he. laid about him with a sword-like tail measuring about 3 feet 3 inches in length. He was promptly beheaded with a pis-knife, but upon closer examination, Mr Targett, who has devoted many years of his life to the study, of fishology, felt convinced that the specimen was new to science, especially \vh'enth,e oldest Maori inhabitant had never before seen its like. The mouth resembles that of a dog fish,'the eyes are large, and placed close to the nose, and the dorsal (ins are broad and evidently were powerful propellers.

An: old Canterbury settler, named Peter Kerr, has,been thrown from his horse and killed.. ..

The usual trip of the s.s. Lily to Waiwera on Saturdays has been .discontinued: We are requested to state that the price of admission to the entertainment in the Ponsonby Wesleyan Church will be one shilling. The hon. F. Whitaker has informed the Chairman of the Wangarei County Council that the works projected in that district may be proceeded with at once, as the grant will be paid over in instalments to meet payments to contractors.

A meeting of creditors in .the estate of Mr John Anderson, master mariner* was held to-day, at the office of Mr Thos. Macftarlane, whqn the debtor applied for his discharge! which was granted. . , The Auckland Chamber of Commerce has increased its membership by electing forty seven new members. The" annual meeting takes place on May 17th. The • Thames " Star" contradicts the rumour that infections prevailed at Grahams town.

_In the telegraphic summary of tl.e Premiers speech, from the Press Ao-eucy published in this morning's " Herald " it was stated that'the Bank of Wow South Wales will place another half-million at the disposal of the Governme»t if parliament .approves. It-should have appeared that the Bank of.New Zealand will do so. ilThe Banks y. AVarehouses will open the the football season to-morrow afternoon at 2.30 o'clock. There clubs have been the inaugurals for the last two seasons and the, matches have been well and worthy contested. From the names this match siiould be no exception. For the Warehouses : Messrs Cotton (cap tain), Biggs, Tohks, Whitaker, Burgess T Mackey, Western, Gatland, W. Jones,'m. Clark, Goleman, J. Mackey, Davy, Mit chell, and Mears. Bank: Messrs Mowbray Kathray, Gudgeon, Withers, Mitforcl, Cor bett, Eweii, Blaydes, Anderson, Sommer villei.Dignaii, Hanna, Cunningham, Wood ward, and Phillipson.

Fire at Mount Albert.

Between half-past seven and eight o'clock last night, Mr. R. Beck heard some person outside shout " Fire !" and he hastily rushed out to see what was the cause of alarm. He found the back premises, consisting of a long shed and stables, on fire. The stable cnntamed about half a ton of hay which added fuel to the flames, and despite the prompt and willing aid rendered by neigh bours the whole of the buildings were soon destroyed. They were insured in the South Bntuji.m the sum of £100. The outbreak of the fire has a somewhat auspicious appear, unec, and Mr Beck believes that it was the work of some prowling iwwvUwy, though he 1? at *\w to indigo W yoiie <ta $0 *H\ pi% avf &v& a^ ggt pveu

of offence to anyone. None of the inmates of Mr Beck's house had been on the burnt pre raises yesterday, and there were no matches or. other inflammable material on them. The lurid glare of the fire last nignt. was observable from the city, but. most people readily jumped to the conclusion that it arose from burning rubbish.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

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

TOO MUCH LIQUOR.

F, AVillis, Jno. Daly, and Jeremiah O'Donovan, were fined 5s for being drunk. James Bruce, who said he was rather deaf, was fmed 10s and costs for being drunk and disorderly.

DRINK AND KLEPTOMANIA.

John James Brock, a sickly-looking man, about 40, who shook violently from the effects of drink, was charged with larceny of a book, value 20s, the property of Peter Martinson, at Newton. Mr Ilees appeared for the prisoner, and asked that the case might be withdrawn. The accused was a man of property, and had a comfortable home, but had bern on the loose for some time, and had reduced himself to a state verging on lunacy. 'He had certainly taken the book, but under all the circumstances lie would ask his Worship to dismiss the charge, on condition that his friends took charge of him. His Worship took a merciful view of the case, and discharged the prisoner,_ who staggered out of Court, shaking like a leaf. XKOLICIEXT FATHERS. John Fowler was brought up on remand, charged with haying neglected to pay for the support of his child in the Industrial Home. Arrears of £6 ISs were recorded against him. The accused, who was about GG years of age, admitted the debt, but he had been ill and unable to work. ■ He Avas granted time to pay. Edward Lysaght, who owed £2 19s, was next brought up. Sub-Inspector Pardy said this was a worse case than the other. Here was a young man who left his child to be supported at the expen.se of the community. The Bench told the prisoner if he did not pay at once lie would be committed. A WIFE BEATER. James Keatny, who was charged on the sheet with assaulting his wife Charlotte, I did not appear when called upon, and as the wife said she was not safe at home, the Bench ordered a warrent to issue for his apprehension. MR BEOCK. Mr J. B. Russell here came into Court, and said that the friends of the unfortunate "man Brock declined to take charge of him in his present condition. He would ask [ his Worship to remand him for eight days, perhaps at the end of that time, he would be sufficiently recovered to take care of himself. Brock was brought in again, and |in answer to Mr Russell, said he wished to be remanded.- The Bench remanded him accordingly. ; Mr G. S. Kissliug here took his seat on i the Bench. ! WHAU CASE.—EXTRAORDINARY HALLU CIXATIOX. Christiana Davis was charged with ■ assaulting Harriet Simons, on the 19th insfc., !at Oakley Creek, New North Road, by I throwing a stone at her, and hitting 'her in i the knee. j Mi- Recs appeared for the defendant, and j pleaded not guilty. i Mr Thorne appeared for the complainant. Harriet Simons said she was driving a 1 cow to the Whau, when the defendant ' came put of her house, and used the most i vile and disgusting language towards her. She then took up a stone, and asked her little boy to see that nobody was coining. He said there was uobody in sight, and that she had a capital chance. Defendant then threw the stone, and it hit her in the knee, inflicting a bad wound. Complainant, in examination, detailed a long list of complaints against the defendant, who, she said, had threatened her nearly every day since the month of September, ''one thousand, eight hundred, and sixty six;" no, "seventy-six." When defendant threw the stone, she put herself in a fight ing attitude, and called her a very "bad name, "London bastard," and threatened to knock her brains out. Mr Rees cross-examined the prosecutrix, with a view to shewing that she was in the habit of accusing people of annoying her. . , Miss White, a young lady of 17, was called to give evidence for Mrs Simons, but on going into the box she said she had never heard or seen Mrs Davis misconduct

herself in any way, , Mr Thome said he had been instructed that Miss White had material evidence. After what she had said he had nothing further to ask her.

Mrs Davis was sworn, and totally denied that she had given Mrs Simons aiiy cause for the charges she had brought'against her. She had never threatened her, and never used bad language to her. She recollected the 19th April. Complainant came by her house, and began abusing her. She called the children in and shut the door ; that was all she did.

Mr Sub-Inspector Pardy, on being asked if he knew anything about the parties, said that Mrs Simons for some time had been in the habit of coming to the police, and making outrageous complaints against her neighbours. At first they, had sent mounted constables and detectives oat to inquire into the charges, but they always turned out nothing, and at last, tlley came to take no notice of thorn. She had written to Wellington, complaining of the police neglecting her interests ; and she had also written to the Governor of New South'" Wales, on the same shbject. She did not seem .quite responsible for her actions. Mr Barstow dismissed the case, with costs £3 Is.

Mrs Simons at first flatly refused to pay the costs.

iMr Simons here came forward, and said she had the money in her pocket, and could ptiy.

Mrs Simons : I tell you, I shan't pay. aniio m lam yins PeoPle to

His Worship said if she did not pay she would have to co to gaol. Mrs Simons: No, I shan't,! ■thJJf (l"ughte r , Well l6t S° to -^ Mrs Simons was here goin^ into a lonJ recital of her grievances, when the Bencfi won r'l Payithem^ieyfirst'Jludthenthey would W^her. Mrs Simons upon this handed out the money, and then began her Story, Which to of an extraoKlnaxT character. She said she suffered from the police very much. Mr Broham and Mr Pardy had been the worst of the lot. They had set people on to annoy her, and refused to take notice of any of her for 1 fif 1 ' S° tlilt sllewa« riiW there wasn't a witness but what had been SS.J o*?* u\ 3- Mr Pardy had sent the woman S^H.^l °f llOme aS a bad woman. He sent out a constable, and told a lady fneud of hers that she received visits Mr Barstow promised to look into rh P nutter, and Mrs Simons, who wafin !

A ymtoßUoij owlor !wm.. |ie r : Uiwu.ti.,. w__

MR KEATLEY The man Keatley aenwoi * wife, was aiTested^boTott^hi, after a desperate resist^ °cl°ck ,£.: before Mr Bestow atTo'El,^ Sht The case was of an „j ---cription, and the only deW/ ar * 4 the prisoner, was that he had n • ?^ t His \\ orship bounahim'o^--. \ peace for three months in IhW kee P the' sauces for £20, and two SL ? rec°gni This was aU the.bnsi s etles

ORANGE BANQUET.

A BANQEUT took place at fV V Hotel last evening, pn i^^H unfurling the very handsome S?L° n * imported from home by the Tin 11?1Un>«r About 80 of the brethren aWi^-l long room of the Auckland Sl^ Messrs Hales and-Banks'had S excellent dinner in their best »f, out »tt W.G. Master, Bro. J. H . Burn^ T|* the vice-chair was occupied by IW i(H and all the Lodges in the AuckWvi'j-^, except the Thames,were laS^ IS«« by officers and members a W? *S^ being present from Onehunga and n^ where the institution is in iTvervfl- •"> condition Ample justice havSt""? done to the very excellent and win ceil viands, the tables were cleared T* usual loyal toasts <. were probnsfi? the received with enthusiasm " TliVt memory of William, Prince of n 0 and "The Imperial Grand Masteh'Y World," were then proposed, received •? enthusiasm, and responded to in n,, ' lt'l riatc speech. The healthof the GiS^' of New. Zealand, Bro,J H 3"*" proposed by the vice-chairman *"! the Grand Master on rj ? j^ to S, 1"* received^ with prolonged \ ? ST ? delivered a most interesting speech m ti progress and extension of the Qrane»T • tution in New Zealand, as ffISBEwS opening of new lodges, and increni , membership. After a son" X v R ° ' Whisker, the toast of the Wf ' officers of the city of 'Auckland '"L and posed by the chair and was well 'rpwifj" Brother Barton responded in ayS• cellent speech, in which he adviS various measures for.:.. the <r O o2 < Orangeism. An instrumental dv& 1 a pianoforte:.was .then played in « n ws style bythe Misses Hales. The next to£ 4 " The W.M. Officers itfd^thtfiSffißg Lodges in Auckland!" 'Proposed 1 ? Nesbitt, and responded to by Bro Mack Bro. Sherson then proposed "Tlie Ww officers and brethren of th*Oriehiiif»a £ Otahuhu lodges, coupled.with the JT of Bro. Hendry,WM.?' with the usual demonstrationsfow nw Hendry in replying to the'" w stated that the Otahuhu Lodge ! t S commenced with a membership; ftf.w now included, forty-three;' ' A loikj * cussion took place on the question If walking in procession, on' the 12thJnlv and it was suggested that the pfficers anl brethren of the various -lodges ;lfiouM assemble near the Young Men?'btrlstiaß Association rooms, and headed by a band march in procession to Newmarket thence to be conveyed by special train to Ellerslie where a picnic and -amusenients should be held. It was finally, decided that a pro cession shall take place on tlie daymen tioned,and that the lodge.-; be communicated Avith, and the.plan of. proceeding on iiized. The to^tof'the W.M., officers, ad bretliren of ; Otahuhu Lodge was proposed by the Vice-Chairman, warmly received and responded to by Bro. Willis, \\rj{ In reply to an inquiry by the W.M* of W Otahuhu Lodge, the Grand Master an nouncedthat he would go outtoOtahuhnon the 2nd May for the purpose of cohfe'rrin» the purple degree. The, toast of Mr Hales family, and daughters was proposed from the Chair, and received with every maVk of favour, and a high complinient Was p'^d to Mr Hales for the very excellent'iiiaiuiefiS wluch the banquet was provided and sewed up. The Misses Hales sang in gpoivoice "The Canadian Boat Song;." and the Misses and Master Hales, -''"file School master. " The latter song elicited; much laughter, and was vociferously applauded, The proceedings of the evening -were brought to a close by "God Save the Queen," which was sung by the brethren, still standing. - The company then dispersed at a comparatively early hour, after'haying spent a veiy enjoyable evening.

CABLEGRAMS.

(Pre;ss: Agency.) ' '>■''- "°"

Voa Moltfce Fears War With

Ks Points to liftj^a -Xftjtffctf Troops on. G&raaan Frea|s.

LDND.QN, //;.;•'7. "Wednesday, April M I-N'thg course of a debate in the Gel'matt Reichstag, on the. army -estimates, Goutit Yon Moltke said they|could not hope long for peace.- He alluded to' the readiuess of France for ;^ai-, and :tlie uimsually r large masses of troops between Paris and.the German frontier.- .':■■■ ■■•:<■■■. •■■ ■■<■> >••. Jl

SYDNEY.^THIS'DAY' Arrived : Hero, s.s., from'Aucklaii.4, ,

CITY WEST ELECTION.-MEfifttfO TO-NIGHIV , „,:

Me Egbert Graham- -vnll; address' the electors in the Mechanics', Insti^t^tliis evening, at half-past seven o'clock'.' "" Dr Wallis appears-at the' Catholic Institute to-morrow night af the mi hour., .

MASONIC.

As we go to pressv a meeting is proceeding atj Mr Tyler's office of Past Masters of the various lodges under the Scotch Constitu tion, for the purpose of making arrange ments for| thej instalation of the Hon. F. Whitaker as Provincial Grand Master. We understand that the necessary Warrant has been forwarded to the Sir Walter | Scot Lodge, Thames, and that m all probability the installation will take place in Auckland after the nextsession w Parliament. , ; '~,

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

A spkciAl meeting of the AucWand Pres&yfetf was held at noo£ in St. Andrew's GJujrcfc Present: Rev. John Macky, in the chatoJSevs- G. Brown (clerk), S. J. Niell, D. Bruce, J. HIM. and Andrew M.Wri<rht, of Edinburgh. The proceedings opened with a reading of f» Ist Chapter of Ephesians* arid prayer. .. The, clerk stated the business before tae meeting., • . ■■. ' ' : ; Receptionof "Rev. A. M. Wriprht.' '''_„ Rev. D. Bruce then introduced the i»v- Andrew Maclean Wright, who had just arrrrea from Scotland as a student for the ministry, ano who had brought with him his testimonials, ana degree.of Master of Arts. Mr Bruce then pro posed "That Mr Wright be received by, H» Presbytery, and that arrangements be manei oy the executive of the Home Mission ComKp«g for his employment in terms of the appw"r ment." Mr Wright was then received. NEW CHURCH AT CAMBRIDGE. ' Rev. S. J. Neill informed the Presbytery tow the friends in the district of Cambridge ™*ro desirous of securing a now ohuroh, t°W° which £150 had been collected, Vrfth-tWWP pect of other donations; they had ftlsowE secured a favorable site, which they f4E anxious to secure. He had been requited ng present a petition from the Pmbt^wS Ohaupo, »nd perhaps the presbytery raiPNffifi? the responsibility oil advising <Mva< «*S , W»on Proposed aVsan for th uivi9io» $ TO Mis l^av(i- in Die several s§«!#(s»^*.S, le Wftfet«.rt ( A uiatvpts lie n»ty, «<l?i'l*i| l 2

THE EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, APRIL 87, 1877.



T>AKURANGA HUNT CLUB. W. RATTRAY Begs to inform Members of the Club that he has received the GREEN CLOTH for Making their HUNTING COATS, and is prepared to execute orders with W, RATTBAY, S&QTHrER '■& MERCHANT TAILOR,



X Oj| H N O M I T H is RETIRING FROM BUSINESS, AND SELLING OFF THE STOCK AT ' RIDICULOUSLY LOW PRICES ! THE GOODS ARE BEING GIVEN AWAY! A SINGLE TRIAL WILL PROVE IT. THE PREMISES TO BE LET. JOHN SMITH, NEXT THE UNITED SERVICE HOTEL, QUEEN-STREET. SPECIAL NOTICE. AUTUMN & WINTER GOODS, B A.NNOCKBURN AND MOSGIEL TWEEDS 11. L. POSSENNISKIE Opening Out these New Seasonable Goods, w Mild call particular attention to their quality, which is second to none imported, while from his large and varied Stock Gentlemen can rely on a choice of Cloth unattainable else where in the colony. H. L. POSSENNISKIE, MERCHANT TAILOR & HABITMAKER, Opposite the City Mart, Shortland-street. /CONTINUATION OF CLEARING \J OUT SALE. JOHN W. PEA RS E (Leaving kok England). The Stock must be sold at Frightfully Reduced Prices, to realise quickly, consisting of a very Large Stock of Men's and Boys" Clothing, Ulster Coats, Waterproof Coats, Inverness Capes, Overcoats, French Felt Hats, Cloth Caps. A large quantity of Ladies' Very Fashionable Costumes, Jackets, Shawls, and Felt Skirts, just received from London. Blankets. Flannels, Tweeds, Hosiery. Gloves, Ruffles, Feathers, Flowers, and Straw Goods. Every Department is Marked Down, so as to clear out. The Lease of the Premises for Sale.



JO-MORRO W (SATURDA V) we shall hying forward the Greater Portion of Messrs. Stewart and Anderson's Stock, consisting of Winceys, French, Merinos, Fancy Dress Goods, Shawls, and Mantles; also an. immense quantity of Men's and Boys' Clothing. The above Goods will be cleared out regardless of cost, to malce room for our Winter Shijmients, now landing, per JElectra and Emily Chaplin. J. COSGRA YE & CO.



The vilest rogues are those who impose on the sick. There is a class of impostors now engaged in rending imitations of that health-promoting beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aro matic Sciixai'PS, put up in bottles which pre viously held the real article, and often bearing counterfeit labels. Purchasers should ask for and take none hut the genuine. Luxuriant and Beautiful Hair. — Use " Sharland's Tricophero." It increases growth, removes dandriff. gives a gloss, and stimulates the roots, and produces flowing locks of silken hair. Beautifully perfumed, and clean in its use. Price. 2s. a bottle. tSi, Sharland & Co., opposite Post-office, Auckland. ATKINSONS PKRUUMERT AND SpF.CtALTTIKW.