SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

mrw wifffß (This Afternoon. 1111 HIGH WAISK-1 To-morrow Morning, 11.10 SUN SKT.—This Evening. 5.22 SUN T RISE.—To-morrow Morninor, (Ufi MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter, 16th, 10.7 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Blanche, schooner. McKay, from Rarotongn. Taranaki, s.s.. from the South: (in the Manukau), Rowena, s.s., Sellars. from Tauransra. Pretty Jane, s.s., Hclandcr, from Gisborne.

DEPARTURES.

Rotorua. s.s., Macfarlane, for Napier and the

South. Jane Doiiglas. s.s.. FYas^r. f.ir Gisborne. Venture, schooner, SoubritsWy, for the North Ephemy, schooner, Kcane. for Noumea.

IMPORTS.

Per 81.-nche from Rarotonjra

50 tons copra,!3o bales cotton. 7 casksHmeinice. 1 tin oil, 8 crate* orange?, [5 tins oil, a quantity of arrowroot, 4071bs old copper.—Owen and Graham, agents. Per Taranaki, from South :—25 head cattle. 13 ''ascs, 7 parcels. 2 hhds bc«r, 20 casks, 1 trunks, I'auk fruit 1 drum, G trus-es. 45 k^gs. 2 ssic.es, 0 boxes. -Henderson and Macfarlaae, agents.

ARRIVAL OF THE BLANCHE.

The Blanche arrived in harbour this morning from Rarotouga, thus setting: at vest the appre hensions which have been felt l-pg.u-ding her identity with the vessel reported wrecked at Ohore. Captain Maekav reports having left that island on 22nd July, carrying light northern winds to long. 173 W. From thence hat to contend »i<rainst a succession of S.W. "ales to within 200 miles of the Coast, when calms and variable <vinds with heavy rain prevailed. Sighted the Poor lvingh*B on the morning of the 13ts. The Blanche brings a full cargo consisting of copra, cotton, limc.iuco, and oil. and two passengers Mr Alfred Pratt, and Don Angos St. Just McKay.

The s.f. Taranaki, Captain Malcolm, arrived at Onciiunc;a at 2.15 this afternoon. U fdlime rin at 1.31 p.m. on the Bth, and arrived at lara n*ki at 10 a.m. on 11th : Iftft at 5.30 p.m., arriving as above. KxneriPnood fine wnattaer all up the coast. Mr C. J. Edmi3ton, pnrsor, ha=f supplied us with the following lisr. of na*sengere—Mes flames Young, Stuart, Dc Thiery, Oaptan Yauni?, Messrs Fergnsor-, Graham. Nichol, Strain. Smith, Curiliffc. Cartfill. Allen, Dixqn, Mills Rose, McKinnon. Slciirh. McL?an, >< evil), Sweet. Rolland, Tu>-ton. Carßill, Murray, Fulton, Captain Orking. and 7 steerage. . The barque G. Brouirhton hauled irto the stream yesterday. She cleared at the Customs to-day, and will sail at once. . The whalins; brierartfint! Magellan Cloud is reported by the ketch Pearl, she is cruisuiff round the Friendly Groin, and when last seen w« five months out with no oil. T le s.s. Pretty Jane arrived in port last even in r from Gisbofne and Eat Coast. She returns to Gisborne this evenine. „,*—• The s.s. Rowena arrived last nia;ht from Tau ranga wich several passengers, and a sood cargo. >*he leaves again for Tauranga this evening at a O'clock. The s.s. Jane Douglas sailed for (jisborne yes- Tae "schooner Kate McGregor sailed from HjytV^.ton for this port yesterday, with a full Th.3 schooner Ma/.eppa cleared to-day for Levuka, with a full cargo of timber and stores. principally shipped by Messrs Niccol and Hendry. 'Passengers—Mrs Garraway, Mr W. Niecol." She is to sail at once. The s.s RotoruasailedforNanierandtneboutn )a«t night at 0 o'clock. Passengers: Mr and Mrs J. C- Buckland, Mr and Mrs E. J. Mac rtonald. Mr and Mrs Wilk.n Mr* Curie, Miss Home, Miss Tunics. Mr and Mrs Melville, Mrs Martin. Messrs C. A. Harris. Tester, Mpriarfcy, Gidlaw. Pascal. Smith Calender, McPhail, McNaughton, McLellan. Kirk. Ruddy, Connors, and original passengers from Sydney.—Hender son and Macfarlane. agents. A barque and a schooner coming in, are sicr nalled as we go to press. Thfi barque is not unlikely to prove the Columbus, now 103 days out from London. The G. Broughton entered out to-diiv for Port- The briprantine Ethel sailed from Timaru for Manukau on the 11th.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as under: _ For Thames, this day. at 5 p.m. and 0.00 p.m. ; and to-morrow, at 3.30 p.m. anc!s.3C p.m. For Coromandel, per Argrle, on Friday next,

at 2.30 D.m. For Whitiangi. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena. this day, at 4 p.m. For Waiwera. Warkworth, and Te Aral, per Anne Milbank, to-morrow, at in s.m. For Taranaki. and Southern Provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Taranaki, on Fri day next, at 11 a.m. , For money orders, registered letters, ana ' newspapers, at 10 a.m. . Late letters for Southern Frovmces and Melbonrne will be received till 11.20 a.m Per s.s. Wanaka, on Wednesday, 22nd inst., as For India. China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 5 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Austra lian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and. Southampton (for letters specially addres- For'Un^ed"Kingdomviaßrindisi,ata.2oa.m For newspaper?, at 5 a.m. _ For money orde rs and registered letters, the previous evening, at t p.m. Per s.s. City of Sydney, on Vv ecmesday, 29th For Sandwich Island*. United States of America. Canada. British Columbia. Central and South America, and British and Foreign W^st Indies, at noon. For United Kingdom, and Continent or Europe, at noon. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 10.30 a.m. Late letters, beannsr an extra fes of 6d. in addition to thfi postage, will be received by the mail aarent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. v v *?v H. HTSS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

STKPHENSON.—On tho 12th August, the wife of Mr. E. StCDhenson, of Domain-street, of a daughter.

DEATH.

LEYS. — On the loth instant, at Karangahape Ro«.d, Kate, the dearly beloved wife of Mr. John Lays, engineer.—Sydney and Southern papers please copy.

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

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 1877.

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

It affords us the utmost pleasure to give .scope for tho'ventilation of opinions adverse to those expressed in these columns, and with reference to Mr Fox's Local Option Bill it is very desirable that everything which can be said in support of its extreme measures should be placed on record. The question is second in importance to none that will be submitted to Parliament this session. And because we can see abso lutely uo justification for some of the arbi trary features of Mr Fox's Bill, we would draw special attention to the views of those who believe they can. Last evening, two letters appeared supporting Mr Fox's Bill, and denouncing all who differ from it. To-day, Mr Joseph Newman addresses himself to the same subject. Accepting in all humility Mr New man's very complimentary allusion to our remarks of Saturday last, we shall do him the jus-tice to believe that lie has duly consi dered the subject in all its bearings before committing himself to paper. His matured judgment, therefore, is the more valuable. Lotus inquire then, what our correspon dent offers in opposition to the objections urged against Mr Fox's Bill. He says that " Local Option seeks to transfer the power to grant licenses from the present Licensing Board to the people themselves." The principle is not one upon which we are particularly at issue. It is desirable, for reasons which have become only too apparent, that a change should be made in the direction suggested, but it is just as well to point out that, the definition of the Bill offered by our corres pondent and prominently put tor ward by other advocates, is incomprehensive and misleading. Tke Bill was not framed to empower the people to grant licenses, but to disallow them ; it is intended to keep the sale of liquor within proper limits, but to suppress it altogether; it is levelled, not at the vendor, but at the thing vended. No sound object is gained by disguising the purpose of permissive legislation in a false phraseology. The question nt issue is, simply, mayamajority bind a minority in respect of the consump tion of alcoholic liquors? Inasmuch as the purchase of drink is a purely voluntary act, what do the advocates of the bill expect to gain by the enactment of a Permissive Bill, unless it be to enable a majority of the community to place restraints on a minority who are now consumers of dttink, and to prcrcnt others I from becoming consumers? Surely Mr

Newman vroulil not have us believe that 11 his opinion it is a mere question of licensing yet his letter bears no other interpretation Starting from these false premises our cor respondent is not long in creating a numbe of wrong issues. He at once saddles v with the belief that " if the people had th> power, a majority of them would be ii favour of closing nearly all the hotels in th city, thus by inference putting a majorit; of the people in the same fanatical catogor; with Mr Fox." By no means ;we believe and have asserted, precisely the reverse that, in point of fact, but few hotels wouli be closed in the outset, and that dens situ ated in bad neighbourhoods, with a: attached constituency around them, vouli be the le;ist likely of all to fall before th hand of the reformer. We should be blind indeed, did we not perceive that the drink ing customs are too deeply rooted to b easily plucked up. And this might be urge as one of the strongest reasons why the ie\ publicans who may fall victims in the firs years of the operation of the law shoul not be made the scapegoats of a measur that would rouder more lucrative th monopolies enjoyed by their neighbours- The Bill is one' designed for the good o the State, and the State can atfor to pay for it, in the same way as i proposes to pay f« holding polls— on of the revenues which, will still fall t the share of the Government from th trailic. We no more deem it ju* to visit upon the heads of iudividua publicans the sins created by the law, thai we should think it righteous to charge on correspondent with criminal participation in the folly of those men who have gamble' away their substance, and brought rui: and destitution on themselves an> families by wild operations in tli scrip market. Again we must tak exception to Mr Newman's exposition o our opinions, or his deductions from them We will just assume, for a moment, th extremely improbable theory that the firs use made' bythe people of a Local Option Bil would be to close all the hotels in the city how,in the name of all that is logical,woult that necessarily put "a majority of th< people in the saino fanatical category a Mr Fox V" If a substantial majority of tin people—not a majority of one, ascontem plated by Mr Fox, but say of two-thirds— were in favour of prohibition it would onl; show that two-thirds of the people are no wedded to their nobbier. Such a stronj public feeling would oiler the best guarantoi for the successful working of the Bill, am without it the abolition of licensed an< properly regulated sale would do infinite!;; more harm thuu good. Our objection.' were not levelled against the righ of a large majority of the pcopl< to institute restraining and reformatory measures for the general good; wha we do object to is that one ulass shoulc be saddled with the whole cost. Insteac of opposing the control of licensing by tin people, our desire is that the whole people and not oue section of it, shall be entrusted with the powers of licensing. We base oui opposition to Mr Fox's Bill upon its gross inequalities when dealing with public foel iug in favour of and against the trailic, ant his intemperate attacks on those wiio have embarked capital in a branch of busines specially recognised by law. Fanaticisn pre-supposcs a strong moving and oftei thoroughly good motive, acted on U a pitch of extravagant enthusiasm that un fits a man for judging fairly of the claim; of any side opposed to him, and this i. exactly what we discover in Mr Fox'; advocacy of temperance, and his Bill t< promote it. Into the question of compen sation we have now barely space to cute; further, but ©ni" correspondent can hardlj escape from the proposition tha no just la>v will empower the State o. people to ruin one subject in order that another mnv reap advantage. Nothinj. will warrant the State in executing reform.l at the expense of individual citizens. M Newman's answer,to this is simply that tin Bill would not do so, that it would onl\ "close a number of the worst houses." I the measure is directed only against abuse; in the sale, and not against the sale itself then Mr Fox's proposals are singularly clumsy and ill-devisod. Then effect i; directly to extinguish the trailic in district; where public feeling is in favour of sobriety and to preserve it, where the neighbourhooi is decidedly given to toping. But this i; altogether beside the question ; we musi judge tiie Bill by the powers it contains and if those powers might be exerciser in the direction of oppression am individual wrong they should be met by some compensatory balance. The rareness "with which claims for com pensation are likely to arise in the gradual inauguration of the law is the very best reason why they may be readily provided for. We perfectly agree Arith our corres pondent that progress would be slow, and seven years' operation of the law, beyond which the State might equitably cease to recognise claims for compensa tion, would probably find but small inroads on the licensing revenue. We are told that the publican has no claim because his license is only for one year. The argument is specious but hollow. Licenses are issued to publicans, a.s to auctioneers, for revenue purposes, and it is well understood that they will be renewed so long as the licensee observes the law. it might, with as much appearance of justice, be urged that a license is a special recognition of the trade by the law, and that a grocer who could appeal to no specific Act in proof of the legality of Ids calling could be deprived of his livelihood with less claim, to com pensation for the ruin brought upon him than the publican who Ikis in vested thousands of pounds on the faith of express statutes. Let the distinction be clearly drawn. If a publican loses his license for wrong-doing, he sutlers justly ; if through no offence of his own, but be cause the public think they will prolit by his lo.ss, we cannot conceive on what prin ciple of justice the State can disregard his claim for redress. While the State has authorised and profited by the sale, it is altogether unjustifiable to saddle upon publicans a^ a ulass the evils which drink voluntarily indulged in, has brought upon the community. The system which the State has nurtured is to blame, and the State must bear the burden. When Mr Newman asserts as a general principle that the temperate part of the community have provided hos pitals, asylums,/and orphan homes for the victims of hotels, he states that which is unquestionably wrong. Unhappily, the drinking part of the community are the main prop to the revenue, and for every pound which the temperate man pays to the State the tippler pays five. It was a melancholy statement, but nevertheless a true one, made by Mr Gladstone, that Eng land had drunk herself out of the Alabama award ; and it is equally pitiable, although equally borne out by the revenue returns, that our Government is largely supported by a traffic which demoralises the people. We are no opponents of temperance reform, and we believe that the evils of the liquor traffic are such that the people should have it directly under tlkeir control. At the same time, we are most strenuously opposed to the perpetration of wrong that j,ood may come of it. When our correspondent speaks of a notice given by Good Templars to publicans, we must remind him that- Good Tc#nplar« are not yet the rulars of the colony, nor above the law. They are getting on very well, but it is imprudent to claim too much, for the most docile animals' are apt to become restive under a hard rein. We are sorry to see that Mr Newman hurls charges of " self interest" against Drj Wallisj and those members of the House who ditter from Mr Fox. It is one of those melancholy features of temperance agitation that suppressionists cannot believe in the possibility of disinterestedness or conscientious ness out of their own circle. Of Dr Walli's it is patent to all that he was elected by a very large majority in the face of an active and united opposition from the Licensed Victuallers ; and ,that.as a politi ci;i-u, if he acted as a mere time server, his

interests would be all on the Templar side. The same is true of other members. It is, therefore, to bo regretted that those who discuss the subject should descend from fair argument to the insinuation of vile and un worthy motives.

1 r s 3 1 0 7 y I a il c c d V it (1 c c <. ■f (1 ;t t 0 c it Ll ii r ti d v il c c i .. ii t 1 i c s 2 f t 1 1 t t 1 I i. r i > < ■i » r t r t r f I t i i ' ; Mr Severn will deliver his lecture this evening on "The aspects of the solar system when compared to the stars." The lecture will be given in the Auckland Institute, and illustrated by means of the oxyhydrogen lantern. : At the usual weekly meeting of the Fra ternal Homo Lodge, 1.0. G.T., heidjui the Temperance Hall, Albert-street, lasrcleven iiig, the following brethren were installed as ffift J ollicer.s for the current term, by Bro. W. Baxter L.1)., assisted by Bro. O. S. Ellis, G. 8., and Sis. Kuox, a.s G.M. :— W.C.T., Bro, R. French ; W.V.T., Bro. J. Lovell ; S., Bro. T. Hell ; F.S., Bro. E. 11. Allen; T., Bro. W. Piper; C, Bro. G. Rhodes; M., Bro J. Norris ; 1.G., Bro. J Kirkpatrick ; 0.G., Bro W. K. Roberts; R.H.S., Bro. P. Pascoe; L.H.S., JBro. J. Williams ; A.S., Bro A. Bell ; D.M., Sis. E. Proud. There are how 117 members in good standing on the books of the Lodge. 1 The subscribers to the Hibernian Band celebrated their lirst anniversary by a select ball and social gathering last evening, in the Albeit Hall, Darby-street. The neat little hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion with an original drawing of the representative harp of Hibernia in the centre of the building. Previously to re tiring into the ante-room for refreshment, Mr James P. Lonergan, addressed the as ; semblage, thanking ladies and gentlemen for their genial presence on the first birthday of the band, which was established on the ! 14th August, of last year. He briefly j sketched the year's history of the band, | stating that it originated with twenty j gentlemen, who subscribed for the instru ments. The band thus formed had suc ceeded beyond their expectations, and lie trusted that it would yet survive upon those principles of harmony and good fellowship which had hitherto char acterised it. (Cheers.) Mr James Deinpsey. one of its earliest patrons, also spoke in'a similar strain, and said the idea which led to its formation was a laudable one, namely, to lend its services gratuitously for tie benefit of the distressed, in connection with any scheme of a charitable nature where musical assistance might be neces sary. Under the able directorship of Mr Lonergan the band had been eminently suc cessful, and had done much good. (Cheers.) An excellent spread was provided, and dancing was kept up with much spirit through the still hours of the night.

The monthly parades of the Hobson and Victoria Companies were held la«t evening, in the presence of Major Lusk. The Hobsons were under the command of Captain Dignan, Leiut. Cliu'ton, and Sub-Lciut. Connolly. The Victoria Company was com manded by Capt. Derrom and Lieut. Mahon. At the close of the parade the Hobson Band struck up a merry time and the men marchedforth into the still moonlight, while the members of the Victoria Company re mained to consider the challenge from the Thames Scottish Company. Captain Derrom having spoken on the subject, it was agrcod to accept the challenge, and fire at the Thames. A sclactiou of men were named for the contest, and the further consideration of the matter postponed until the evening of Friday, the 17th inst About twenty members signified their in tention of competing in the proposed match.

The Temperance Variety Troupe held a successful entertainment in the New market Hall, on Monday evening, which wound up with a farce and quadrille party.

The officers of the Auckland Volunteer companies will hold a meeting this evening in the Drill shed, for the purpose of making arrangements for another sham fight, to be held towards the close of the present month.

The " Cardiff Times," and local journals of dates June Gth and 9th, contain very pleasing notices of the reception of the Rev. J. T. Warlow Daries, M.A., late of Bercs ford-street Congregational Church, Auck land. A crowded tea-meeting and social gathering were held on the evening of Monday, June sth, in the large school room adjoining Hannah-street Congrega tional Church, Bute Docks, for the purpose of welcoming Mr Davios back to the capital of Glamorganshire, where his earlier years were passed, after an absence of eleven years in the colony of New Zealand. The meeting was one of special interest in con nection with Hannah-street, as Mr Da.vies' father was one of the deacons of tho Church. The tables were profusely adorned with flowers and hot-house plants. The chair was taken by Elev. D. Thomas, minister of the Church, supported by the Itovs. Messrs Waite, Thomas, Fair, Tilly, and other ministers of neighbouring localities. The chairman said there hud been a little rivalry among the members of fclio Cardiff churches as to which should have the honour of giving Mr Daviea a hearty welcome on re turning to his native land. He further said that Mr Davie* had won high honour at his University, and lit' had since been made President of tha Now Zealand Congrega tional Union. Other ministers followed with congratulatory speeches. Mr Davies made an eloquent reply, and said the meet ing w;ts one in which pleasant and sorrow ful memories were strangely blended ; many pleasing and some painful associations were awakened in his mind as he looked around him. He also contrasted the social and religious life of Auckland with that of Cardiff, and concluded by thanking them all for their kindly welcome. The meeting throughout was #fa friendly and harmo nious character.

The protracted ca.se between Jamcg Inglis and Charles Hardy, settlers in the Wade district, occupied the whole of yesterday, and was resumed this morning at the usual hour, and the remaining witnesses far the defence examined. The witnesses examined for plaintiff's ca.se were : Messrs Croinarty, Wilson, lUucher, Welsh, senior and junior, Muntley, Dougkis, I. and 11. Inglis, and E. L. Green. Those already heard for the defence were Messrs 11. N. Warner, and H. Allwright, engineers, and Messrs Kelly, Davenport, Smyth, Lloyd, Dodd, xnd Wil son. It is confidently expected that the action will be concluded this evening.

Mr E. Wayte, stationer, has a number of admirable photographs of H«t Lake and geyser scenery, taken by the Bay of Plenty Company, and by Mr Collis, of Napier. Among the latter is an admirable picture,of White Island, in permanent photography, and the Tauranga Company contribute a capital transcript of Mr Watkin's painting, shewing a general view of Lake Ilotoma* liana. The pictures are admirable speci mens of tUc photographic art, and very suitable for presents to send abroad, con voying to the senses of those who may never have a chance of seeing it a good idea of the wonderland of New Zealand.

A critical lecture., or rather an evening with the English poets, will be given in the lecture hall of the Young Men's Chris tian Association, on the evening of Wednes day the 22nd inst., by a gentleman of elocutionary abilities, and well acquainted with general literature. Choice extracts will be recited from Shakespeare, Milton, Pope, Byron, Tom Hood, and others. A selected choir of singers »will assist with musical pieces, glees, and madrigals, two of these being from old poets of the Eliza bethan age.

The Scripture Gift and Prize Association Committee I gave 33 prizes on Monday to scholars of City West (No. 1) school. The selections and writing shewed considerable amount of diligence and care on the part of the scholars. The half-yearly award was £2 12s. 54 text cards were given to the younger children.

The sale of trees from Messrs Hay and Son's nursery,.held at Mr R. Arthur's Mart to-day, passed off very satisfactorily. The attendance Avas large.

In reference to the Dock difficulty we learn that the Works Committee of the Harbour Board have instructed Mr Erring ton, their engineer, to carry out the terms of the specifications and conditions, and deposit the silt on the south side of the dam. We understand that there is a clause in Mr Dempsey's contract according to which the Harbour Board may deposit silt wherever they like on his contract. We are requested to state that there has been no dispute at all between the contractors for the dock and Mr Dempscy, as stated by the "Herald " Messrs Jones and Ware have been directed by Mr Errington to continue the works as usual to-morrow morning.

The programme of the Free Methodist Young Men's Improvement Society con sisted of an address by Rev. J. A. Caygill; "Tears of Repentance," a humourous reading by Mr C. Cooper ; and an essay on " Imagination," by Mr P. Tudeho] c.

The Naval Brigade Troupe will repeat their unique entertainment this evening at the Albert Hall, Darby-street, consisting of dances by members, a. hornpipe by Master Elder, and sentimental and comic songs by Mr Hoyle and other vocalists.

Elopement and Exciting Pur suit.

(From our own Correspondent.)

HAMILTON

This clay. Some stir has been caused by the elope ment of a good-looking young lady of sixteen summers, named Martha, with an industrious carpenter. An exciting pursuit lias been instituted. Great excitement has been caused by the elope ment. This young person was prematurely engaged t., marry Chips. The father, it is said, encouraged the match, but subsequently wanted her to marry another little fellow, asserting that the carpenter had heart disease. Martha did not care for the sub stitute, and finding the parent inexorable disappeared on Monday night. The High way Board boat being missing, the father thought they had taken it. The police was informed, and detectives started. The boat proved false scent. The happy pair went on horseback to Tanpiri. The father is in hot pursuit. It is supposed they have since taken the train to Auckland.

CABLEGRAMS.

THE WA R

THE TURKS CROSS THE BALKANS SINGAPORE, Autfdst 14th.

Sulieman Pasha has taken the offensive and crossed the Balkans. There is much sickness in the Russian army.

AUSTRALIAN.

2sew Ministry of 2Xqv7 South "Wales. SYDNEY.—THIS DAY. TIIE new Ministry consists of Sir John Robertson, Premier ; Mr Docker, Vice- President of Executive Council ; Mr Long, Treasurer ; Mr Garre:t, Ministcorof Lauds ; Mr Combes, Minister of Works ; Mr Baker, Minister of Mines ; Mr Dalley Attorney-General ; Mr Lackey, Minister of Justice and Education ;Mr Davie*, Pjst-M aster- General.

THE MAN FOUND DEAD IN THE DOMAIN.

INQUEST TO-DA^J

Ax inquest was held at the Old Men's Refuge, this afternoon, before Dr Galsbio', Coroner, and a jury <>f 1-, of whom Mr Caleb Wood yras chosen foreman, on the body of the unfortunate man who was found in the Domain two days a^o.

Mr Sub-Inspector Purely conducted tin: enquiry on behalf of the Police.

Lti leuce wa< given by Dr LHiilson, Mr Hamilton, and Sergeant Jackson, of Parucll.

Xo further facts than those already pub lished were elicited. The evidence of Dr. Philson shewed that death had resulted from inanition. From the statement of Sergeant .Jackson it appears that despite the endeavours of the police it had been found impossible to identify the body.

After hearing the evidence of the various ■witnesses, the jury returned a verdict to the effect "That deceased died from ex posure to the cold and the want tit" proper nourishment."

The following ruler was attached to the wnli«:t : —The jury suggest the propriety of the Domain Board devising sonic means to prevent persons from harbouring or sleeping in the Domain at night.

LOCAL OPTION.

(To the Editor of the STAR.) Sii:, —l can scarcely give you credit for writing the leading article in your Satur day's issue—you must have picked it up in the street, and inaertcd it without con sideration. You charge Mr Fox with being blinded by prejudice, and bordering on fanaticism. Strong charges these against one of New Zealand's best and leading statesmen. The Local Option Jiill seeks to transfer the power to grant licenses from the Licensing Hoard to the people themselves, who arc personally interested in the question, while the present Boards are not, but are selected with out personal fitness for the oliicc. ' It is an old maxim, "If you wish to have work Avell done do it yourself," and I can not see why the people should not decide how many houses should be licensed to sell intoxicating drinks, for, by so lining, they would beat consult their own interests. But anyone reading your article on Saturday i would infer that, in your opinion, if the people kad the power, a majority of them would be in favour of closing nearly all the hotels in the city ; thus, by inference, put- | ting a majority of the people in the same : fanatical category as Mr Fox. I confess I ' am not so sanguine on this point as your fears would indicate ; my confidence in the good sense of the people leads me to j believe that the effect of the Local Option Bill would b. to close a number of the j worst houses, and leave all that ;«e j necessary for the well-being of the people. ! With regard to compensation, or notice in ' lieu thereof—why, your own time has ' already expired. It is more than seven years ago since the <Jood Templars gave the public notice of what they intended to ' do, and two years a«o Mr Stout's Bill ! became law ; bit the machinery was too complicated to make it a success ; , but if the seven years' notice were granted, I fear you would only illustrate again the fable'of death and the !

woodman, aud run away from the euoace nient when you saw it was likely to°be realised. As for compensation, I would retort upon you in your Saturday evening language. It is only people blinded by prejudice that would ever think of compen sating people for a privilege they have enjoyed, some of them for the last "twenty > years, and renewed to them (bear in mind) year by year with no promise beyond, but in many instances accompanied with a threat, that if their houses were not better conducted the license would be withheld. Is it not enough that the temperate part of the community should have i provided Hospitals, Asylums, and Orphan | Homes for their victims? Are we now to be called upon to give the proprietors retiring pensions 1 No, Mr Editor, if you try until your pen is down to a stump you will not succeed in proving the justice of such a claim. It is a mere subterfuge for Dr Wallis and other members of tiie House to plead for compensation elanes. Let them tell us honestly they see the wind of self-interest blowing in the other direction,

then we slinll believe them.—l remain, yours truly, Joseph Neavmax. [The sub ject is referred to in our leading columns. — Ed. E.S.] !

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FEOM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER)

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.]

WELLINGTON, this day. AUCKLAND PETITIONS.

Sir George Grey yesterday presented a petition from 1,400 inhabitants of the Thames, praying that the sale of drink on Sundays be not legalised. Mr Wood presented a petition from Mr Colcman Phillips, in reference to the Native Land Court Act.

l)r Wallis presented a petition in favour of the third sub-section of the Local Option Bill. Mr Williams presented a petition .against the decision of the Court at Ohaeawae.

Mr Sheehan tabled a petition by Mr G. C. Barton, complaining of improper proceedings in the Supreme Court. Mr Burt gave notice to ask tlie Government whether they intend to enforce uiipafd and overdue accounts in connection with runs. SUWARKOW ISLAND. Mr Reynolds gave notice of motion to ask the Government to move the Imperial Government to place Suwarrow Island under the control of the Colonial Govern ment. MR FARNALL'S CLAIM. Mr iAisk gave notice of motion for the payment of members of the Defence Force ; also, notice asking the Governor to place £1,500 on the estimates to satisfy the claim of Mr W. H. Famuli. CONVICTIONS AGAINST PUBLI CANS. Mr Fox gave notice of motion asking the Government to produce returns of the con victions against publicans; also, re gambling in public-houses. TREASURY BILLS. Mr Rees gave notice of motion, re the method the Government propose for the payment of the £400,000 Treasury Bills ; also, the estimated interest and sinking fund payable, and the method proposed for payment. LAND FUND. Mr Wakefield gave notice of motion that the upset price of land throughout the colony, including the confiscated laud, be £2 an acre. All blocks above twenty acres to be submitted to public auction, one-fifth of the land fund to be paid to counties in which it was raised. The other four-fifths to go to the Consolidated Fund. THE FINANCIAL V'EAR. The Committee on Accounts reported that there was no objection to making the financial year end 31st March, but the end of the financial year should be made to depend on the time of holding the session. Mr Reid, in reply to Mr Rolleston, pro mised to bring down the Waste Lands 13111 in two or three days. The House Committee reported in favor of placing the whole Pii.liameutary Build ings under the control of the House, which would render available several Government oflices in the Buildings. TRAINING SHIP AT KOHTMARAMA. Mr Reynolds asked the Commissioner of Customs whether the Government intend taking any steps with the view of establish ing another Training School similar to the one existing at Kohimarama. Mr McLean said the encouragement from the present school was not sufficient. It was doubtful whether it would warrant its con tinuance. He had taken steps to get ship ping companies to take boys from the Training School. The Albion Shipping Company would probably take live or six. I He hoped the-New Zealand Shipping Com pany would take more. WITHDRAWAL OF NATIVE LANDS COURT BILL. The Premier's speech, in stating the decision of the Government with regard to the Native Lands Court Bill, was frequently interrupted by laughter. The Premier appeared very much annoyed at the laughter of Mr Rees. He said" the Bill was merely intended to simplify the present law relating to native lai;ds, and embodied the principle of the present law, which had proved acceptable to the natives. The Bill was objected to by some Europeans in con sequence of the growth of a party favour able to a reversal of the policy which had prevailed in relation to native lands pur chase during the last ten years. The na | fives objected to the constitution of the Courts, and they ought to be consulted. When the Bill was brought before the House it was clear that a large number of the Government .supporters ! objected to the Bill; those gentlemen who usually voted against the Government took advantage of this, and endeavoured to make it a party question. It was the first time a Native Land Bill had been made i a party question. Considering the vast im i portance of the question to the natives, and j the necessity of consulting them, the ■ Government decided to ask for the dis i charge of the Order of the Day relating to the Bill. To-morrow he would move for ■ leave to introduce a Bill to prevent all | purchase of native lands by private persons | until the end of next session. \ Mr Stout at once raised a point of order whether it wasregular to discharge an Order of the Day before the amendment was : disposed of. Sir George Grey, Messrs Reynolds, Stafford, Rees, Fox. Travel's, Sheehan, Gisbomo, and the Premier, also spoke to the point. ! The speaker decided that the motion was in order, but it opened the whole question to debate. | Mr Lusk then moved as an amendment on the Premier's motion : " That the following words be added to the Premier's motion for the discharge of the Order of the Day, namely : —" To enable the Govern ment t:> give effect to the amendment of the hon. member for R&ngitikei." | He spoke at some length on the nature of the Bill. He said that the measure was one of the utmost moment to the North. The acquisition of the land ; from the natives of a certain class of : individuals would cause widespread. 1 dissatisfaction. It was not free trade in land to compel natives to mortgage in order to get surveys. Native lands should be placed in such a way that they would come naturally into the market. Induce ments ought to be held out to natives to come iv and settle like Europeans. He condemned the proposal to defer so impor tant a question for twelve months. The Premier's proposal would stop colonisation altogether for that period, and create discontent. Mr Button, of Hawkc's Bay land fame, defended tke Bill. He declared that the cry ot monopoly was a mere stalking horse. The House then adjourned for dinner. INTEREST IN THE EVENT. On resuming after the adjournment, the galleries were orowded. The members of the Upper House mustered strongly in the Lords' gallery, and wea-e evidently^ much concerned, about the fate of the Bill em powering them to seize on a large slice of the colony's surface. On the House resuming, Mr Fox took up the debate. He reviewed the native lauds legislation, and spoke of the present Bill as being in the direction of individualising native title, so much in accordance with the views expressed by Parliament last year. Mr Lutsk's speech and amendment were quite a surprise to the Government, who expected the Bill would have been per mitted to be withdrawn without a division. AY ith reference to the status of the judges, ne said that out of seventy-three judges holding office in New Zealand only five held ollice by non-political tenure. He would be glad to see, if possible, the whole machinery of adjudicating on native lands handed over to the natives, but believed it would be impracticable, unless the Courts were presided oyer by a European judge.

The native protest against the Bill was nni so much against the Bill as against th advance of colonisation into their district He did not think either Mr Balance's Mr Lusk's amendments would meet tl° l difficulty. He accused the Maori membe^ of having danced a Avar dance over th Bill. The measure would not work with out the sympathy of the native people, w" denounced great speculators. By anieicif 1 interposition of Providence the "Land Court at Murunmtu would not adjudicate on th lands there, or the whole of these itnmens 6 areas would have passed into the hands of speculators. He approved of the with drawal of the Bill, and the Government demand for time to consult the native mind on the question. Mr Gisborne said the Ministry nn«U adopt the words of Falstaff, " I am as brave as Hercules, but am a coward on instinct " The Government expressed their sympathy ■with the Bill, then why did they not manf fest their sympathy by adoptingtheamend" mend of Mr Ballance V Whence this new" born sympathy V It was a thin* o f two or three days, and originated jn the fear of big batallions. Ho traced its existence to the Government -wlvm The speaker went on to shew that uncle the section of the Act which authorised advances _on land for speculation, land sharks might acquire liens on vast' areas of land. He quoted the report of ]\{ r Cooper (1567) on the operation of the Act of 1565, pointing out the danger of pauper ising the natives by leaving insufficient land. The present Bill removed all re strictions, and made insufficient provision for reserves. The native difficulty was not ' dead; it was only sleeping. The Bin would loose upon the natives the whole llock of speculative land sharks. jj e quoted the report of Mr W. H. Clarke, p. 07 The Government, in spite of warnings from the officer of the Government, actually ny 0 . posed to do away with restrictions for the maintenance of reserves. If there was any sign which conrained danger, it was the accumulation of vast lands and wealth in the hands of a tow. He did not wish to see New Zealand divided into powers and principalities. The Bill would produce the yeomanry which the Premier promised in the spcecli to his constituents at Taranaki. He suggested the sale of land, by auction, which is repugnant to land, speculation. Did the House wish to place peace, prosperity, and colonisation in the hands of monster land rings ? If not let the House vote for the discharge of'the Bill, but with the amendment on the Bill; added. Mr Travers said it was notorious that a land speculator had said the stoppage of land purchases for one year would improve his property. He spoke of land sharks as animals. The judges under the Act would be tools of the Government. One hundred and twelve people owned one-tenth of both Islands. He denounced the system of exciting the cupidity of the natives: by advancing grog and slops, and inducing them to sign deeds while drunk. No one knew more of these things than Mr Orrnoud. He condemned the exclusion of lawyers from the Courts as dangerous to the public, preventing clients from receiving justice. The customs introduced into Land Courts were ridiculous. The judges were like petty monarchs of all they survey. The method of interpreting a document was a miserable sham. He quoted the Omaranui case. Memorials of ownership were traps, and delusions. The transactions in Hawkes Bay were the most rascally in the colony. Captain Morris objected to the Bill while generally supporting the Government. Some people regarded the Government like the Yankee, wh» said there was not a darn sin in the world. Your long-nosed British. Parliament would not commit if it could make a cent by it. He denied that the Maoris were being pauperised. Captain Morris's speech was rambling, and it was difficult to say how he really regarded the Bill. Mr Thompson twitted Mr Ormond on his silence in the face of Mr Travers accusation. He regarded the Bill as defunct and chaffed Maltsters on their dis unity. There were two Premiers in the Cabinet. He recommended them to consult each other in future. They should reside at Wellington, instead of travelling about the country like evil spirits. He had been aked to lunch in Parliament House. He saw extraordinary things for lvi ci there. Gentlemen replied '* oh but its a fact the Government will bring in a large humble pie and one Minister will ha dressed in a large white apron." Mr Thompson replied, "well, they will be the largest co isiurers of it. They had seen the gusto with which Ministers ate it. (Great laughter.) Sir Robt. Douglas supported the with drawal of the bill. He proposed words binding the Government to introduce another measure this session should be. omitted. ONSLAUGHT ON MR ORMOND. Mr liees gave Mr Ormond a tremendous lashing re Hawkes Bay land transactions. He instanced the case of Paora Toratora, who Avas induced to sign mortgagas while drunk, and drove a buggy with lamps lighted through the streets of Napier in broad daylight. He shewed how Waka Kawataui had been swindled out of im mense blocks of land. He charged Mr Ormond with complicity. He said he betrayed his trust as .Superintendent of Hawkes Bay and protector of the natives. The people of Hawkes Bay spoke these tilings with bated breath. Mr Sheehaa was shunned by friends because he took up the cases of cheated natives. The ring endeavoured to expel the Honourable Henry Russell from the Club. He de» flounced Captain Morris as having ratted for the Taurauga reserves. The Govern ment, like rats," were attempting to escape into holes. Ministers held their seats at the back of seven supporters. That miser able rag, their organ, which was A blot OB the country, called them a strong Govern ment. The Ministers Avere like telly fish. They had no back-bone. TLey had evacuated the Balkan passes and were now being attacked in the rear, and were ex posing constitutional Government to cfi* tempt. He quoted an article, "Frazerre New Zealand Finances." Ministers fo* better eat tLe leek at once instead of nibbling it. Captain Russell denounced the attacks on Hawkes' Bay as libels. The suiall farmers would not pay, and an outcry was raised against large land owners. It was merely popular clamour. He quoted Judges' Manning and EicQ' rnond in their report of the alienating com mission. He went on to defend Mr Ormond, and denounced his accusers as accomplished liars. He was considerably discoiacerted when Mr Eees jumped up and charged him with being a partner in lands of which the natives had been cheated. ! Mr Karaitiana moved the adjournment of the debate to Friday. The Premier moved'the adjournment »■ Thursday, at half-past seven. . . i Mr Stout moved the omission ot tlie- I words " half-past seven." , ! The House divided on the question 01 adjournment till half-past seven on Tll«F day : Ayes, 37 ; Noes, 28. Messrs Stafford and Toll, who had been conspicuous by being absent during w greater part of the debate, walked into tlie Government lobby. i The House adjourned at a quarter to one. 1 To-day being private membes day : the House, there isn comparative qxiiet. The only important question 'i^ely , come on is the resumed debated 01) J liees' " Waka Maori" resolution. Motion "by Sir Gsorga Grey & tb* Incidence cf Tasatios- In the House to-day Sir George W gave notice of motion to move <B S Ol ? into Committee of Supply that the prese" sysiem of taxation iu«e» unfairly i«P° different classes of society, mul that w system be altered that the duties on tw. sugar, tobacco, coffee, . n 1 other neefcssau^ of life, and some articles of clothJUg) abolished, anil the loss to the revenue made up in part by imposing a taX incomes above a certa'n value per ann«"»i upon all real property in the colony.

THE EVENING STAR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 1877.



Special notice •1O COUNTRY SETTLORS AND OTHERS REQUIRING STRONG CLOTHING MATERIAL. The undersigned have Just Received a Fresh Supply of NSW PRINTED MOLESKINS, Light and Dark Patterns. CORDUROY, Various Qualities, and WHITE MOLESKIN. Also. WHITE and GREY CALICOES, of all the Bast Makes, and First-class Value. Grey Calico from 3d per yard Good White Calico from 4 ld per yard A nice lot of New Shirtings, fast colour ana new patterns Heavy Brown Holland, a very cheap lot at 6id per yard A Job Lot of Huckaback Towels, at Gd each, 5s 9d per doz. Alhambra Quilts, at 3s lid each Kidderminster Carpets, n nice assortment of patterns and good quality, at 3=i lid; Felt Carpetß; Mattings of various makes; ix i Floor Cloths : Axminster Mats : and every description of FL RNISHING DRAPERY, at Very Reasonable Prices. Extra Good Value in BLANKETS, all sizes, In order toCIear,°WINTER DRESS GOODS, REMNANTS, &/•-, are now offered at Consider ably Reduced Prices. Special to Dressmakers, Sec. — A very Choice Lot of Silk and Fancy Buttons just to hand, all new designs, and very carefully selected for the incoming season's trade. The CLOTHING DEPARTMENT is well stocked with every requisite for 7-Joys and Men, being constantly replenished from the best sources of supply. Inspection- Invited. s. in the £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Quebn'-strket, auckland. fjiweeds ' Tweeds sT W£mSl NEW TWKKD3, for Gentleman's Wear. NEW TWEEDS, for Boys' Wear. NEW TWEEDS, at Low Prices. W. RA.TTRAY Has Just Received his First Sii:p.mkxt of NEW TWEEDS KOK THE SPRING TRADE, Which have been Marked at Unusually Low Prices. "VT E W 7EALAND TTOUSE, 6S. Queev-street, A.ncKrASn. JM PORT ANT NOTIOE Having Introduced STEAM PO WER into the Manufacture of FURNITURE, we are now enabled to Supply our Cus tomers at GREATLY REDUCED FRIGES. T. & 11. COOKE, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, <he, <L-c. ggf- S H O W R O O M G7, Q ween-street. STEAM QABIXET FACTORY Victoria-street,



Linoleum: . ' Linoleum! Linoleum! A f\ ROLLS JUST OPENED, Ex ' Spirit of thk Dawn.' GREATEST VARIETY is AUCKLAND. Best Coverixg for Hai/ls, Offices, xsd Dt.vin-g Rooms. -g r DIFFERENT PATTERNS TO SELECT FROM AT THE CITY HALL FURNITURE ARCADE. CARPETS: Tapestry, from 2s. lid.; Brussels, from 4s. 9d. DRAVriNGROOM SUITES on View. DBKDRo\?S M } FURNITURE of all Kinds. CHEAPEST FURNISHING HOUSE. HoLLOWAY AND GfARLICK. QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. rjlO AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS. W. J. HURST *c CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist :— MALD.EV ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do -BELdVS BONEKLOUR I and '.-inch BON K DUST BILL YARD'S No. I do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATK OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPKR-PHOSPHATK OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATW OF LIME. In addition to the above, \V. J. H. Sc Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sicjc Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will be supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUE EN - SITfRIE E.T. In order to induce an enlarged consumption of Maiden Island Guano (oqii-tl", if not superior to Bonedust), we are prepared to accept deferred payments from responsible parties at extremely low rates. W. J. HURST Ss CO., 101. QUEKN-S TRE ET. W. J. HURST & CO have for Sale, at the lowest market rates : Clover Seeds, Red, White and Cow Rye-grass, Cocksfoot, Rats-tail, Garden Seeds in great variety and best quality. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) 3000 „ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also 800 sacks of 1875 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour. B^an. Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c. &c. Particular attention is called to 500 sacks Prime JJarlet at Is per bushel of oOlti. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh oatmeal, at £21 per ton. Prices and other particulars on application. W. J. HURST Ss CO. 101, QTJEBN-STRE XT, AUCKCAXD.



The Medical Profession have declared Steaxe's Superlative Aromatic Tome Wine to be a necessity to all in search of health and especially to thosesntFeringeither from Tnr: picnt or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, and che dis orders arising therefrpm. This Tonic is also particularly recommended to all who arc in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time are desirous of studying health by taking that which will act most beneficially -on he system. Mr. Win. Johnson, Governmen Analy tical Chemist, report: — "I have examined Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con taining about 16 per cent, of a very pure alcohol, and holding in solution a clear wholesome, Vegetable Bitter, combined with a fruity spicy aroma. I consider this Bitter a very superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotel keenera. There arc "land rats and water rats," says Shakespeare, meaning tricksters on land as well as pirates on the sea. A certain class of the former arc at present occupying themselves in the preparation and sale of sophisticated liquor disguised in bottles which had for their first contents the finest medicinal beverage of the age, viz., Udolpiio Wolfe's Schiedam Ako- MA.TIC Sch.vapps. Accent none but the genuine.