SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

mm w.tijp (This Afternoon, 2 p.m. HIGH WAili.lt—j To _ monw Morning, 2.33 SUN SET.—This Evening. 5.4 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 6.52 MOON'S AGE.—New Moon, 13 h, 5.5. p.m. p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Rowena, s.s., Sellars, from Tauranga Stella, Government sieam-yaeht, from Wel lington

DEPARTURES.

Staf of the South, s.s., Carey, for Napier Pretty Jane, s.s., for Tauranga and Gisbome Taranaki. s.s., for the South

THE S.S. GO AHEAD.

" This unfortunate vessel is still submerged near Ihe bar at C-isborne. The following telegram, in r .ference to her, was received from the captain tin's morning: Gisborne, this day. Started to pump out last night with 3 Califor nian pumps, and 2 gangs of men. As tide came in water rose on them, and they were obliged to knock oh". A heavy bar.—D. R. Cooper." The s.s. Southern Cross is announced to leave Onehunga for Lyttelton direct to-morrow (Tues day) afternoon at 3 o'clock. Tho s.s. Rowena arrived from Tauranga yes terday with the following passengers: Messrs H. Clarke, Meßoxio, Blundell 12), J. P. Wood, Fane ; Mr and Mrs heighten, Mrs Saddler, Con stable Kelly, and prisoner. — A. McGregor agent. We arc informed that Captain Fisher is in command of the barque Bella Mary this trip in t'ac. piace of Captain McArthur. The vessel left Hobart Town on the 22thulto., and is quite due. The s.s. Hero was advertised in the Melbourne papers as to leave on the sth inst. for this port via Sydney. The steamers Lily and Te Aroha now leave for Riverhead an hour earlier than they have been accustomed to. Their departure time is now half past twelve. The barque Stag sailed for Newcastle yester day, after nearly a week's detention from bad weather. The s.s. Rotorua is to leave for Sydney to morrow afternoon at 3 o'clock. A cablegram states that the City of Sydney left, Sydney on Friday last for Auckland. She is due on Wednesday morning. The s.s. lona arrived in port from the North yesterdiy. She left Russell at 10 a.m. on Satur day, but Avas compelled to take shelter all night in Tutukaka. She left yesterday morning, and arrived in the afternoon. Her foresail was blown away off ©ape Rodney. The s,s. Star of the South left for vapier yesterday morning. Passengers: Messrs Stewart Collie, Carson, Ohlson, and 3 steerage. The Pretty Jane, after being detained for two days by the strong easterly blow, got out yester day morning on her way to Tauranga and Gis borne. Mr Gouk, Captain Clayton, and a party of shipwrights, en route for the s.s. Go-ahead, were passengers by her. The Government steam yacht Stella arrived in the Manukau on Saturday. The s.s. Rowena leaves for Tauranga this afternoon. Her engines this trip will be gene rated by Wangarei coal, which is daily becoming more generally used for steam and household purposes. The s.s. Kina took the place of the Annie Mil bank in the Mahurangi trade on Saturday: The latter boat is laid up for cleaning. The fleet of Wellington owned vessels will be increased shortly. Messrs Beck and Tonks have purchased the britc Jane at Hobart Town, a vessel of about 170 tons. . She loft that port about two weeks ago, and is therefore well due in Welllington now. We understand she is to take up the trade between Wellington and Hobart Town,—" Wellington Post," 2nd May.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs Cochrane and Son held an unreserved sale of city and outlying properties this morning, at their Fort-street Mart. Parts of allot men is in Sale-street, realised 16s Gd per ft. ; two idlot ments at Onehunga, with cottage thereon, £.'7: 201 acres of laud at 5s ppr acre; parts of Cl-ndoc's grant. Papakura, at 17s per acre, and 2s (id per acre ; 480 acres at Awitu, at Is 3d per acre. The property at Ponsonby was withdrawn.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails avill Close as Undes :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m. ; and to morrow, at 9.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, this clay at 5.30 p.m., and on Friday next at 2.30 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, this day at 1 p.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena. this day at 1 p.m. For Waiwera, Kawau, and Matakana, per Annejivlilbank, to-morrow at 10 a.m. For Wangaroa, per Fanny Kelly, to-morrow at 11 a.m. For S.-mioa, per Hinemoa, to-morrow, at 1 p.m. For Lyttelton and Dunedin, per Southern Cross, (via Manukau) to-morrow at 1 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Rotorua, to morrow at 2 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 1 p.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne will be received till 2.20 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, to-morroAV at 4 p.m. Per s.s. City of Sydney, on Wednesday, 9th May, as fo'lows". — For Sandwich Islands, United States of America. Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. ._._,, _. t ~ For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. . Late letters, bearing an extra fee of 6d in addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to time of sailing. For Taranaki, Southern ProA'inces, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Taupo, on Friday next, at 1 p.m. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

COOMBES—On the sth May, Mrs. Samuel

Coombcs of a son. BRADLEY.—On sth May, 1877, at Edinburgh street, Newton, the wife of J. Bradley of a daughter.

MARRIAGE.

SUTHERLAND--McINNES.—On the 2nd May, at the residence of the bride's mother, Nelson street, by the Rev. K. F. Maenieol. Alexander Sutherland, contractor, second son of John Sutherland, Esq., Dunbeath, Caithness, Scot land, to Annie, only daughter of the late John Mclnnes, builder, Cape Breton. Nova Scotia.

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

MONDAY, MAY 7, 1877.

For the cause that lackg aasist.-mce, For the wronj; that nt'eds'ToSfecance, Per the future ill the ilrsthtwC; And the good tltat we dan do

The Avar news discloses the steady advance of the Russians. In Europe, the work of concentrating a vas army on various points of the Danube is proceeding with such obstructions as may be offered by the bombardment by Turkish gunboats of Galatz and Ibrail, two important points of concentration on the Lower Danube, con nected with the railway system of Ron mania. Wc bear of a section of the army advancing on Scrvia. This body will no doubt, prove to be identical with the Cossacks reported some time ag<> as marching on Kalafat, and will form the right wing of the invading forces. With its left wing vesting on Dobnulsoha, the whole line of the Danube from S ervia to the sea will lie covered by the Russian army, involving a wide dissipation of the Turkish forces, and leaving the defence in ignorance oftthe point where the crossing of the main army will be attempted. In Asia, similar tactics are being pursued, Bajazid at the extreme South of the Russian frontier having been occupied, to form the left wing of the army operating against Batoum, Kars, and Eizeioiim. The road from Bajazid leads directly on Erzeroum. England's leaning to the Ottoman side is iirst indicated by the unwillingness of the Government to close the Suez canal against Avar vessels. The advantage is one conferred entirely on Turkey in her communications with Egypt. The announced intention of taking measures to protect the canal, means the despatch of British ironclads to tho entrance, if not an Egyptian occupation. The difficulty of dissevering British interests from the struggle has thus early come into play. War preparations in England, and the attitude of Austria arc not favourable to the localizing of the Avar.

The Rise in the Price of Bread.

There is no response from the combined bakers to our remarks on Saturday. Pos sibly they act on the prudent principle that the least said on a bad case the better. But wc assure them that avc shall readily a (lord any space that may be required for a justification of the present, high prices. In order to facilitate discussion Aye shall formu late the billowing propositions, to whicli Aye solicit an answer. It is useless to make reply by mere assertion ; the rise of a penny a loaf is a stern unpleasant fact, and facts and figures,appealing to every man's reason, are Avanted to support it. The queries on which avc invite the vieAvs of the combination are these :I. We are informed by two of the principal bakers of Auckland that 1512 two-pouud loaves may be obtained from a ton of Hour. Is this a fair average ? 2. This being so, is it not a fact that one half penny per 2-pound loaf rise in the price of bread is more than equivalent to £3 per ton advance on Hour ? 3. Does the rise in Hour .since bread Avas sold at fourpenco a loaf, exceed £2 on "T.S.F. " and Southern Hour, and £4 on Crown brand, nr say an average of £3 per ton? 4. What justification,then,do bakers allege for levying il half-penny a loaf more than the millers have levied on them ? Judging tlie question by another standard, Aye Avant to know (5.) Why, if, as we are prepared to prove,tlie Christchurch and Dunedin bakers do sell 'bread at 3id per two pound loaf, Avith Hour at £16, the Auckland bakers cannot sell it at fourpence a loaf with Canterbury and "T.S.F." flour at £18. Is there any reasonable ground Avhy the bakers in Auckland should charge threepence upon every four-pound loaf more than is charged in the South, Avhere wages, rent, and fuel arc about thirty per cent higher than in this city? Again, looking at the question from another point, Avhy was it necessary, if the rise in bread fairly represented the advance on Hour, that the signatures of tAventy bakers should have been obtained to an agreement fixing the price of bread at fivepence. If the rise fairly represented the difference between present and past quotations of Hour, would not the prices have been regulated by the ordinary trade competition Avithout combination. Adam Smith and other political economists lay it doAvn as an invariable luav that trade combinations involve an attempt to raise a commodity above a natural level, while competition, although sometimes pressed to an extreme that kills off the weakly, and preserves others by a luav of the survival of the fittest, must, in the long run, result in establishing a fair trade profit. Com bination, on the one hand, implies a design against the consumer, and competition is his protection. Was not the agreement among bakers drawn up and signed because it Avas feared by those avlio Avanted to raise bread a penny that others in the business Avould be satisfied with and could Avell afford to sell at an advance of one half-penny, and Avould so cut into the dear bakers' business. These are questions Aye should like to hear answered by those avlio have promoted the combination. Upon them may depend the future action of the public. We repeat the assurance we gave the bakers on Saturday that there is no disposition to submit to an arbitrary tax on bread sustained by a trade combination, and IX

their steps, a public meeting should be called to consider what action consiuners should take. The question is one too closely affecting aU classes of the com- , munity to pass unchallenged. The letter from "ALabourer" fairly puts the case as it affects hundreds of families in Auckland, but even that lioes not state the whole case. If, with a large harvest and full stocks of grain, the remote possibility of England being involved in war has sent bread up a penny a loaf, what price may wc expect bread at if war actually ensues ? The bakers may and do retort, and with some reason, that they are themselves controlled by the continual bulling and bearing of the Hour market. They allege too, we believe, that the people "of Auckland demand an unusually fine sample of bread. These complaints may be retaliated on themselves. It is their duty in the first in stance to protect the public by encouraging importation, and in the second either to bake two qualities of bread, or accustom the people to use the same class of bread as satisfies elsewhere. Our experience of bread in the South is that it is quite as palatable, and perhaps more nutritious than the Auckland bread.

We would direct the attention of our readers to tho announcement by Mr. Wood ward, of the market, that he is prepared to supply first-class bread at 4_d. per loaf.

A remarkable instance of the power of memory which some persons possess was exhibited by a gentleman in High-street on Saturday. 'The name of Moore, the Irish poet, was mentioned, Avhen Capt. said he could recite from memory every one of Moore's melodies. He was immediately put to the test by one of tlie listeners, who, singularly enoitgb, was an admirer of " Dublin Tommy," who "loved a lord," as Byron has it, and who happened to have a copy of the Irish melodies in his pocket. The captain proceeded, commencing with " Rich and Rare " and pausing at the rising of the " Young May Moon," giving accurately fifteen melodies. The listeners were not willing to tax the powers of the reciter beyond the May moon, being fully impressed that he could have given them more (Moore).

Tlie gold returns from the Thames for the past week show a total of 3,389 ozs, of gold of Avhich the Waitekauri mine yielded 1,368 ozs. ; and the Alburnia Company 577 ozs. 5 clAvts. in addition to Foster's, Alburnia tribute which gave 239 ozs. 10 dwts. The Moanatairi operations having been restricted to dead work, that mine docs not ligure on the list except through its contributors avlio are doAvn for 252 ozs. The Piako shows for 284 ozs.; the Queen of Beauty for 324 ozs.; and the Waiotahi for 125 ozs. 3 dwts. All the other yields are under 100 ozs.

At the meeting of tlie Pitt-street Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association, this evening, several essays on tlie benefits of such associations Avill be read by Messrs Birch, Hosking, and McEwan.

The son of Mrs Major, of the Strand, Mechanics' Bay, who died rather suddenly on Saturday, Avas buried yesterday after noon in tlie Presbyterian Cemetery, fol lowed by over 200 of the scholars of St. Andrew's Sunday-school. Rev. David Bruce performed tlie service in an impressive manner, during Avhich the assembled scholars, Avith beads uncovered, sang " Shall avc (lather at the River."

11l reference to the case of the man, Jno. Weston, who avus taken into custody on Saturday for drunkenness, and was found to be suffering from a wound in the bead, we are informed that he was only kept in the cell until the arrival of Sub-inspector Pardy, who was away from the station house at the time, but was expected every minute. When that officer returned he at once ordered the removal of Weston to the Hospital. Tlie wound on the head was there examined, and pronounced to be only trivial. It was dressed, and the man was then sent hack to the police cells.

The monthly inspection of the Victoria Company of Volunteers will be bold to morrOAV evening, in the Drill-shed.

Rca*. E. N. Brcc, of All Saints', is about to take a holiday, and contemplates visiting Napier for a term of six Aveeks.

The Sunday evening service at the Theatre Loyal, last evening, avus fully attended. The hon. secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association presided, and ad dresses Avere delivered by Rev. R. F. Mae nieol and Mr. EAvington. The collection amounted only to 28s.

Th? unfortunate man Rogers, Avho fell against the kerbstone in Victoria-street, Avliilc in a state of intoxication, and avlio avus subsequently removed to the hospital, lies in a very precarious state, and but little hope is entertained of his recovery.

To the Editor : Sir, —Can you inform me through the medium of your valuable journal Avhctlicr the scoria ash of Mount Eden lias run out, or Avbetber the funds of the City Council are so low, or labour so scarce, that that august body is prevented from making a path, hitherto a tolerably fair one, passable '! I allude to the footpath in Symonds-strcet, betAveen Upper Wel lesley and Mount-streets, Avhich is iioav quite impassable. About five or six Aveeks since it avus cut doAvn and fillcd-in, for the purpose of iinproA'eineiit, Avith clay, to bo then covered with scoria, but the latter has not yet made its appearance, consequently, foot-passengers arc continually sticking in the mud, or getting a nasty fall, and I fear that unless some scoria is shortly laid doAvn there Avill be a broken limb or tAvo for our Councillors to ansAver for. Hoping this reminder Avill have the effect of remedying the evil complained of, I am, etc., RATE PAYER.

The Post office at Whapu, Northern Wairoa, is henceforth to be kiioAvu as DargaA'ille. S Captain W. Frazer, R.M., is gazetted Returning officer for the Thames County.

Inquiries are made in the Gazette for the Avhercabouts of William Edward NcAVCombe Cureton, and John Humphries.

The annual concert of the Engineer and City Band will be held on Thursday even ing, in the Choral Hall, in aid of the funds of the band. We need scarcely remind our numerous readers that the Engineer and City Band, under the conductorship of Mr Impey, are deserving of public support for their "continued musical exertions to gratify the people. We learn that an exceUent programme is in preparation for the concert, and which will appear prior to the interest ing event.

Mr Thomas Jenkins] advertises that his name has been improperly used to a number of postal cards issued as rate notices in the Ponsonby district. Objections against the assessment must be made at once, so that ratepayers should examine the valuation in respect of their own properties.

The folloAving appears in an advertise ment, in a, Calcutta paper : — "Wanted, by a blackguard, employment of any kind, tem porary or otherwise. The advertiser having hitherto conducted himself as a gentleman, and signally failed, of whicli his hopeless state of impecuniosity is the best proof, is induced to adopt the other course, in the hope that he may meet Avith better success. No objection to upcountry. Terms moderate. Apply by letter to ' Perdita,' care of the Printer."' The Temperance entertainment in the Albert-street Hall on Saturday evening was largely attended, although the weather was very unfavourable. The farce of " School" avus avcll represented, and contained some laughable local. Mr James Cox occupied the chair, and introduced the proceedings Avith some seasonable remarks on the advantages of a sober life. The programme was as follows :—Mr Sceats, song, "We parted by the River Side ;" Miss McEvov, "Maggie's Secret;" Mr Phillips, "All Fours;" The Masters Elders, "Irish jig and Hornpipe ;" Mrs Smith, " I cannot sing the Old Songs;" Messrs Smart and Hog sard, "Chucking:" a comic duet, " The Hungry Aimy,?' Messrs Sceats and Mettham, (by special request); Mr Jameson, recitation, "The Maniac ;" Mettham Bros.; double song and dance. The Good Templars of the Mystic Tie Lodge, Papakura, held an entertainment in the District Hall on Wednesday last. Mr Shanaghan in the chair. The programme included duets by the Misses Edger on the pianoforte, songs'by Misses Dobson, Gribble and Mrs Kemp, also by Messrs Hemus and Lett. Several recitations were given in excellent style, by Miss Agnes Carr, Mr Herman, and Mrs Ellis. The speakers of the evening w© *^v ( g, Edger, mk M*

AUSTRALIAN.

(PER RINGAROOMA AT THE BLUFF.)

POLICY OF VICTORIAN MINISTRY.

— MELBOURNE, April 30th. f_\ , The Premier announced the Government Pollc.Y at Warnambool. It includes the reduction of 20 per cent, m duties, tor the purpose of freeing trade ; a land tax and stamp tax, which will be sufficient to meet the reduction from Customs; Legislative Council reform, by increasing the number of members and provinces ; lowering the qualifications of electors and members; the tmie for holding land before a title is granted is to be increased from three to ten years- _A mnW °? P 7 i; iv r ate Wty Bill and a Civil Service Reform Bill are amongst the principal measures promised, The policy generally has been favourably > received. Messrs Berry and Lahey have been very bitter against it, and there is a promise of want of confidence motion so soon as the new House meets. _ _ _ Colonel Scratchley and Sir William Jervoia commence their duties here on the work of defence about June. They begin first;in Sydney. _ . * ive men belonging to the Admirahty sur veyjng vessel,were lost last week m Bank's Straits, through the boat capsizing during a sA uaU-., , _ . ~. • , , The raihvay to Dunkeld has been opened, from Ararat,; ~,.„, , Mrs Jury the real tastes of Arthur Qrton, hwcowe out, expecting to mMV h'Qthjsy

OHINEMURI.

SATURDAY. Waitekauri.—Continue getting splendid gold bearing stone from all parts of the mine. Tho battery is crushing with full force, and making capital show on the plates.

Queen.—Start driving immediately. United Kingdom.—Start work to-day with a prospect of soon having something good inhand from Welcome crop leader. W ELOOME.—Are still getting out good stone, and have already a respectable paddock of first class stone to commence operations on. Young New Zealand. -Have cut another gold-bearing leader,with splendid prospects. Homeward Bound.—Have decided to im mediately push the Waitekauri low level ahead into their own ground. Waitekauri Company to pay a shar« of expenses till the drive reaches the Homeward Bound ground.

CABLEGRAMS.

[PRESS AGENCY.]

THE WAR.

LATER NEWS- THIS DAY

England will Protect Suez Canal.

Russians Advancing into Servia

Occupation cf Bayazid, in Asia

Minor.

SINGAPORE, May 5,

Sir Stafford Northcote, in replying to a question, said England was not prepared to consent to tlie exclusion of Avar vessels from the Suez Canal, but Avould take steps to protect the canal.

The Russians are advancing into Seivia, and have occupied Bayayid, in Asia Minor.

AUSTRIA RESERVES LIBERTY OF ACTION.

MILITARY AND NAVAL PRE PARATIONS IN ENGLAND.

ENGLISH ARMY FOR

FOREIGN SERVICE

RUSSIAN ARMY PLACED ON

"WAR FOOTING.

THE MONEY MARKET

RISE IN WHEAT ARRESTED,

LONDON, May 5,

Austria, though neutral, reserves liberty of action to protect her own interests.

Military preparations are going forward iv the English arsenals and dock-yard.

The, Porte protested to the other Powers, against the recently signed Russo-Rouma nian convention, and suspended the functions of the Roumanian agent at Stamboul. The " Times" states that seven Cavalry regiments, four brigades of Artillery, and forty-nine battalions of Infantry aie re served for service abroad if required. The Avbole Russian army is placed on a Avar footing. Money is stiff. The Bank minimum rate of discount is 3 per cent. The reserve is under 3,000,000 in the Bank of Engl and. Stocks arc recovering, Avith the exception of consols, which, are doAvn to 93-^. Wheat.: The rise has been arrested. The market is iioav quiet. Ncav Zealand Avheat, Gss 6d. Tallow Aveaker, and has declined one shilling.

TURKS BOMBARD IBRAIL.

MR. GLADSTONE TO MOVE THAT GOVERNMENT EXACT PLEDGES FROM THE PORTE.

COUNTER CONSERVATIVE MOTION.

BOMBAY, May 4. Khamatchharoun Pasha, one of the Commanders of the Turkish Fleet, With several ironclads, engaged the Russian bat teries at BrailoAv, or Ibrail.

The Turkish gunboats bombarded the town, and then withdrew.

Mr. Gladstone is to nioA-e in the House of Commons that the Government continue its exertions on behalf of the Christian subjects of Turkey, and exect pledges from the Porte.

The Liberal leaders disapprove of Mr. Gladstone's action, and Avill move the pre vious question. The Conservatives Avill submit a motion approving of the Government policy.

The Suez Mail.

TWO BRITISH MEN OF WAR DIS-

ABLED.

INCREASE OF BRITISH NAVY.

DISTRESS IN GERMANY.

FAMINES IN THE EAST.

Several naval disasters are chronicled. The Sirius and the Thetis have both been disabled, and the Lynx, with a crew of over a hundred men, has not been heard of since last November. The report of the Admiralty Committee on the Arctic Expedition shows that, although limei vice was recommended to the sledging paities, Sir George Nares decided to omit it, as the men had been previously saturated with limejuice. Five new ironclads are to be added to the ser vice this year—the Dreadnought, Nelson, North ampton, Shannon, and Temeraire. A new description of vessel, a torpedo ram, carrying two guns, is to be constructed. Sir Harding Gilford, the Solicitor-General, has found a seat for Launceston, and Mr Sydney Herbert, brother of the Earl of Pembroke, is returned for Wilton.

Obituary—Field-Marshall Fitzgerald, Admiral Sir _S. Belcher.

Eleven steamers are advertised to sail for Melbourne, via the Cape. There is an immense demand for American meats. Shops for its sale have been opened in the suburbs of London.

Captain Hancock, late Colonial Secretary of Fiji, has been appointed President of the island of Nevis, in the West Indies. Great distress prevails amongst tho working men of Germany, and a largo immigration has taken place iv Belgium. The famine in Southern India continues very severe, and it is feared that the .1 uly and August crops will be a comparative failure. The " Time*- " notices that Lord Mayor Cotton has received from the Mayor of Dunedin a sum of £180, contributed in Otago towards the relief of the sufferers in Bulgaria, and remarks that it was the only public subscription fer the purpose in the Australasian colonies.

Harrowing accounts are given of famine in Northern China, where no aid is available for the unfortunate people. The Bishop of Nelson has replied to the Archbishop of Canterbury's invitation to attend tho approaching Pan-Anglican Synod, that he is prevented by pressing work in his diocese, but he strongly disapproves of resolutions carried at any such meetings being elevated to the rank of authoritative decisions. He thinks that the independence of the ecclesiastical provinces will be endangered by such a conference, and that it will lead to centralisation.

WAITEKAURI.

A FINE piece of ground adjoining the Queen Company, and on the line of the rich Waitekauri reef, has been for some time held by a party, Avho, having tested stone found upon it, Avere aAvare of its rich ness, and secured the ground by taking out a lease. This ground avus subsequently taken up by Thames miners, avlio Avere ignorant of its being already secured, and they sold shares at a high price on the Thames before finding out their mistake. In consequence of the fine yield from last months crushing of the Waitekauri, and the vigorous action taken by the Directors of the Queen Company in starting a loav level tunnel near the Auckland boundary, the shareholders of the Auckland license are determined to at once folloAv the Queen's steps, establish the company, and open the Waitekauri reef in the Auckland ground.

The Tragedy at Lucas' Creek.

INQUEST ON TUE BODY,

Ax inquest was held at the Freeman's Hotel to-day on the body of William John Peacock, avlio Avas burnt to death at Lucas' Creek on Friday last, before Dr. Philson,

Coroner, and a jury of 14, of whom Mr AndrcAV Fargie was chosen foreman. The jury having"viewed the body at the Free man's Bay Dead-house, the folloAving evi dence avus adduced. James Nesbitt, gumdigger, deposed : I reside at Pareuiorenio, about 17 miles from Auckland. I knew deceased Avho was 44 years of age. He was a ploughman but had been gnmdigging for about a year. I last suav the deceased alive on Friday, the 4th inst. I had not been out all that day, as I generally stayed at home when deceased was absent at Riverhead. He departed to Riverhead, 4 miles distant, at 7 o'clock in the morning. His business at Riverhead Avas to sell gum. Tuc gum avus our joint property. He Avas commissioned to bring back a quantity of food. He took a dingy with him, and brought his purchases home iv it about Ha'c o'clock the same evening.

He was in liquor at the time, and just able to walk. He pulled the boat from Rrver head to the Creek. Both deceased and myself carried the provisions from the boat to the whare. On the journey up, the boat had struck on a sand bank, and deceased had to get out to push her off, thereby Avetting his clothes. When deceased entered the whare he said he Avanted a

1 '•' hot nip," meaning some tea and rum. I did not see him take the ruin at that time. I Avent to the boat to bring up some potatoes, and on returning found that the deceased had off all his clothes, Avith the exception of bis flannel shirt and hat. He Avas shivering, and I requested him to go to bed. He said he Avanted some dinner, as be had bad nothing since the morning. While I Avas engaged in prepar ing his dinner, deceased took another glass of rum. mixed with hot tea. He sat doAvn on a stool by the fire, Avith his clothes still off. He Avas in this position when I went to the boat, to get the empty gum-bags. When 1 came back, deceased Avas drinking another " nobbier," consisting of a glass or half a glass of rum. He continued to sit at the fire until after six o'clock. I gave him sonic beef, bread, and tea for dinner. He eat some of the beef and bread. He then had a smoke. For another hour, deceased and myself sat by the lire talking. It Avas about 8 o clock, and quite dark. He Avas greatly overcome by drink. His head Avas hanging down. Two little boys Avho had been looking for coavs came in, and deceased wished them to take some rum, but they would not do so, and ran out. They only stayed for a feAv minutes. After they went away, deceased took another nip of the rum. He poured out some rum into the cup for me, which I said I Avould take Avhen going to bed ; that Avas the iirst Avhich I had. Deceased bad only one bottle of rum. I tried to get him into bed, but he sat on the side shivering, and Avould not get in. After the lapse of half-au-hour, I succeeded in getting him to lie down, but he Avould not have the blankets on top of him. He asked for another "nobbier " of rum, but, thinking that he had had quite enough, I took the bottle outside, and emptied the contents on the ground. I told him there was no more left. He Avished to know if it avus too late to go to Biverhead for niore, when I said it was ; the tide was out. I lay down on my bed, after taking the rum deceased had given me. There avus a. candle standing between the tAvo beds at this time. About twenty minutes later, deceased asked me to lend him my pipe! I lighted it with a match, and gave it to him. I saAv deceased lying on his bed smoking. Tlie pipe went "out shortly after, and deceased asked me for a match. I told him I bad none ; be should get his own. He had a box of. matches under his pillow. I heard him in the act of striking a match, and on looking over suAvhim put tlie lighted match to his pipe. I dozed for about a minute. I avus aroused by seeing flame and smoke proceeding from deceased's bed. I did not see him throw the match aAvay! The fire might have been caused by a spark from the pipe. I was not smoking at tlie time, nor did I smoke in the bed at all. I sprang out of bed on seeing the flamesj. and rushed to where deceased was lyin"-. I had my clothes on at the time. I called out to the deceased to get up, and receiving no ansAver, I took hold of his hair and whiskers, and pulled him off the bed. He fell upon me, and I had some trouble to extricate myself. Deceased was a stout man, weighing more than U stone, The room waa full of flame and smoke. Decked m lxs>% ipOffci toft s«wd mad mmmii

The door was open aU the time. Wh.i trying to pull deceased out. there wl c explosion of gunpowder underneath v piUow, .ca.use_ by the ignitioT* tt powder m the flask The roof and sde of the hut were now enveloped in the %£3 and I became alarmed, and ran out TV fowling piece owned by the deceased wen? off at the same time. During this mr kept on shouting for the man Richards Th lived about 50 or 60 yards away. I took',? 0 axe, for the purpose of cutting a hole in the of the whare, so as to get deceasl* Blde Failing in this object, I threw & °« axe and ran to Richards' house to wt i,Lt assist me. He and his son came ucl xS_5 l 2 came back I cut a hole, but the flamek i-nov* i to such a pitch that it was impossible toyS™ within several yards of the whare w. t£» c water on the fire, but without avail. There w^ half a bag of gum-dust in the whare. SS smell the roasting of the flesh. The W, d totally consumed in five minutes. We disced 3 ' the blackened and charred body in the debwf It was in the same condition as at present Af? the fire was over I went down to Richards house and lay down. The whare was built of flaS rushes. When I was endeavouring to eet d« ceased out of the hut, he was throwing his arrrT about wildly, and I was afraid he might tat! hold of me. I had not. strength to pull him nift Ho was so much intoxicated that he could „!£ help himself. My age is 17, and I arrived ?^ this colony by the ship British Empire two vpaw, ago. On the day after the fire I came into tow?, and reported the occurrence at the police statim? Detective Martin Grace and Sergeant Martin (water-police) returned with me. They tnnk charge of the body of deceased, and conve.ved ft to Auckland. Deceased had formerly been in the Waikato Militia and the Transport Coins T am not aware that deceased had any relations'.* the colony. "* John Itichards, |gum-digger, deposed that-he. resided about 60 or 70 yards below deceased's hut. Saw deceased returning from Riverhead about 5 o'clock on Friday last. He was not in toxicated. About 11 p.m. he was awakenedbv Nesbit. He went to the scene of the fire but could render no assistance. Found thp' charred remains lying beside Nesbit's bunk Did not think Nesbit exerted himself as he should have done to save deceased. Deceased was a pasFionate man, and frequently quarrelled with Nesbit.

Detective Grace deposed to finding the body and hrinping it to town. No suspicion was at tached to any person connected Avith the affair ' This Avas the whole of the evidence, and a verdict of " Accidental Death" Avas returned.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.) MEDIUMS. Your Worship's pardon, Aye were in a trance, Unconscious mediums—spirits made us dance,

John Weston and Thomas Berry were charged with drunkenness. Weston, Avho AA'as taken to the hospital on Saturday, in a cab, avus lined 55., and 10s. costs aiid cab expenses. Berry was fined ss. and costs. William" Patterson, drunk and disorderly was fined 10s. and costs. Elizabeth Lynch avus alloAved to go free, on the promise of clearing out by the next train. Mary Collins Avas remanded for a week, as she avus suffering from delirium tremens. Maria McFinns was allowed to go free, as this Avas her first offence, and hitherto she had borne a good character.

A CHIP OF THE OLD BLOCK. . Edward Roberts, the son of his father, was charged Avith committing a breach of the Naval Training School regulations, by using offensive language to Captain Breton, and threatening to stone the schoolmaster on Saturday last. The boy pleaded guilty. Captain Breton stated the circumstances : the boy used filthy language, and was waiting at the door of the mess-room with a large stone ready to throw at the head of the officer on making his appearance ; the boy was 13 years of age. His Worship observed that a number of offences Averc recorded against the boy, and he Avas one of the boys avlio stole the boat a few Aveeks ago ; he should order him back to the school, Avhere he Avould be subjected to twenty lashes. ASSAULTING "MINE HOST." Thomas E. Doyle Avas brought up oh a charge of assaulting Mr EdAvard Perkins, of the Occidental, AAdiile in a state of intoxica tion, on the sth inst. The prosecutor did not appear, and the charge of assault was AvithdraAvn. Fined 5s for drunkenness. HEADS. William John Healey Avas charged Avith willfully aud maliciously wounding William Anderson, of Mount Albert, on the sth inst. by striking William Anderson on the fore head Avith a tomahaAvk.

Sub-Inspector Pardy described the assault. The tAvo men had been drinking together in a public house, fell out, and fought, and subsequently, in Upper Queen-street, pri soner struck complainant on the head Avith a tomahawk inflicting a serious Avound. The case Avas remanded until Wednesday next.

THE MOLESKINS. William Radmore was charged Avitli stealing a pair of moleskin trousers,'value 10s, the property of Daniel Wood, of Auck land. Prisoner pleaded guilty, but had just come in from the country, and scarcely knew Avbat he avus about. * Fourteen days imprisonment. HAULING THEM UP. Matthew Carroll avus charged with lading towards the support of his son in the Orphanage. Arrears £1 14s, defendant paid ISs, and the case Avas remanded for a Aveek. John Fowler on a similar charge, paid 10s and the case was adjourned for a Aveek. A ROOK WORM. John James Brock Avas charged Avith purloining a neatly - bound volume of Shakespeare, value _os, the property of a gentleman in Parnell, on the 25th April As defendant had no direct intention of stealing, but simply reading the book, with a A'ieAV to an acquaintance Avith the Avorks of Shakespeare, Avho, he had been informed was the Avorld's greatest poet, and as he had since returned the book Avith a poetic apology, he Avas discharged Avith a caution. WALTER ROGERS. The case of Rogers, who was severely Avounded Avlrile in a drunken state, in Victoria-street, was called on.

Sub-Inspector Pardy-informed the Court that there were hopes that this man Avould recover, but he Avas still unable to be moved. As the man had suffered most severely for his folly, he would ask that the charge of drunkenness be withdrawn. Withdrawn accordingly.

City West Election.

DECLARATION OF POLL.

The official declaration of the poll for City West took place at noon to-day in one.of tlie committee rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association. H. Y. Collins, Returning Officer, declared the result to be as folloAvs :— Dr. Wallis ... ... -479 Mr. R. Graham ... ... 268 Informal ballot papers ... ... ... H Majority for Dr. Wallis ... ... 211. In some papers both names Avere erased, in others neither of the names Avere erased, and there were one or two cases of person ation, which had been detected. He declared Dr. Wallis the duly elected member to represent City West in the General As sembly. , Dr. Wallis, on rising to address the electors,was received with cheers. He saut : Mr. Returning Officer, and gentleSren electors of Auckland City West, I beg to return you my heartiest thanks for having elected'me by so large a majority to be your representative in the General Assembly o* New Zealand. Gentlemen, there is now established a connection between you *m me ot the most important kind. I certauny am very proud of that eonncctioß- a»oj * shall try to do my utmost so to net that yow phaU hot be churned p| it, (CWH m\ only 88.y» what l ws& w m\

THE EVENING STAR, MONDAY, MAY 7, 1877.



«^&§fe**. QTEAM TO THE WADE •S_M2S>O AND PUHOI. «S__32___2s' The p.s. EFFORT leaves as folloAvs :— . Auckland to Wade : Wade to Auckland: Tuesday, 12 noon AVednesday, 1 a.m. Thursday. 12.30 p.m. Friday, 5 a.m. Auckland to Puhoi: Puhoi to Auckland: Saturday, 12 noon Monday, 7 a.m. Single Fares to Puhoi, 7s 6d; Return. 13s. Will call at Brown's and Long Bay if required. Cargo will be received at the office of Messrs. Holmes Bros. Weather and other circumstances permitting. HOLMES BROS' & CO., Agents. "OAKUR A N G A " 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 Avith promptitude. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER '& MERCHANT TAILOR, 66, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland -T^TOTICE OF REMOVAL. H. ~X TKINS BEGB TO ANNOUNCE THAT HE *2THAS EEMOTED!!^ TO TH Premises Next Door Below his Old Shop. H. ATKINS Begs to heartily thank his numerous Cus tomers for their very liberal patronage from his first commencing business up to the present time, and to assure them that although bis trade has increased to that extent, that his REMOVAL to more Commodious Premises was a neces sity, the same principles of business will stillbe adhered to: viz., keeping a good article, buying in the cheapest market, and selling at the smallest profit possible. His NeAV Shop shall always be known as The Cheapest in Auckland. H.A. will be happy to see all his old Customers, and as many new ones as may honour him with then- patronage. A SPLENDID STOCK of DRAPERY AND CLOTHING Will always be found, and the PRICES THE LOWEST IN AUCKLAND J



THORNTON, SMITH, AND FIRTH'S PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale). Subject to alteration without notice. Sacks. 100's. 50's. Crown Brand Flour, £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. perton 22 0 0 22 10 0 23 0 0 T.S.&F. Canterbury Brand 18 0 0 18 10 0 19 0 0 Cantab Flour .. 15 0 0 Sharps 8 10 0 Bran 6 10 0 Fowl Wheat .. .. 0 4 oto 4s. 6d, The above prices include sacks and bags; sacks and bags not returnable. Terms: Cash. Auckland. sth May. 1877. __ CONTINUATION OF CLEARING OUT SALE. JOHN SV. PEA RS E (Leaving for 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, utiles. Feathers, Flowers, and Straw Goods. Every Department is Marked Down, so as to clear out. The Lease of the Premises for Sole. JTfURJSIIURE! FVBNJTUBEI Ladies and Gent env.n about to' Furnish are respec fully requested to inspect the Large Stack of OR A WING - ROOM, DINING -ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL SOUSE HOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacious Showrooms. T. & R. COOKE, 67, QUEEN-STREET Adioininn Bant nf W>.mj Zealand. _N[ 7j _ l ° MACINTOSH COATS, WATERPROOF CLOTHING. RUSHBROOK AND BRIDGMAN Have Just Opened, and are now Showing, a Large Parcel of the above Goods, from the same House, and of similar style, to their 1 -ast Season's Goods, concerning the Wear and Quality of which thvy have received many satisfactory testimonials. The Parcel includes various Styles, and all sizes. [2, /'Light Textures, in Black and Drab, for O town wear. O . Strong Heavy Sheeting. M to | Strong Twilled, Velvet Collars. £j =2 1 Cashmere, Fancy Check, and Diagonal W "2j } Tweed Patterns, p § Extra Heavy Diagonal Warm Lined, 3 and extra long. bl Sealskin Lined, specially adapted for r~ \ Cabmen, 'Buss Drivers, &c. WATERPROOF APRONS. LEGGINGS, &c. Also, A FURTHER SUPPLY OF BLANKETS, REVERSIBLE BUSH RUGS, AND FANCY AUS T R lAN RUGS, To Hand this Week. Is. in the £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. rushbrook & bridgman, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Queen-street, auclkand.



nAR 6 D & 1%/r oK A I G, CLOTHIERS, OUTFITTERS, HOSIERS, MERCERS, &C. i QUEEN-S T R E E T, Auckland, Next door to Mr. E. Waters, Confectioner. CARGO & McKAIG beg to intimate their in tention of OPENING as above on THURSDAY next, the 10th instant, with a Large and Well assorted Stock, consisting of the NeAvest and Most Fashionable Styles in MEN'S. YOUTHS' AND BOYS' CLOTHING, HATS and CAPS, SHIRTS, COLLARS, TIES, AND SCARFS, HANDKERCHIEFS. BELTS AND BRACES, HOSIERY, UNDERSHIRTS & PANTS, UMBRELLAS, I " PORTMANTEAUS, &C, &C, &C This Stock Avill be the most complete and best assorted in Auckland, ha\'ing been selected with the greatest care, and with strict attention to the requirements of this market. Our arrangements are such that avo can con fidently assure our Customers of their receiving the utmost satisfaction, and also that they will obtain the best possible value for their money.] CA.RGO & McKAIG, Clothiers, Outfitters, Hosiers, Mercers, Sec, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND • . Next Waters, Confectioner,



O P E C I A L NOTICE. AUTUMN & WINTER GOODS, B_NNOCKBURN AND MOSGIEL T WEEDS H. L. POSSENNISKIE Opening Out these New Seasonable Goods, would call particular attention to their quality, which is second to none imported, while from his large an<i varied Stock Gentlemen can rely on a choice of Cloth unattainable else where in the colony. H. L. POSSENNISKIE, MERCHANT TAILOR Se HABITMAKER, Opposite the City Mart, Shortland-street. The enormous sales of Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, a medicinal beverage without a peer, either as regards flavour or curative qualities, have induced a pack of law-contemning scamps to attempt, the imposition of vending in genuine bottles of the Schnapps compounds of adulterated spirits and hurtful drugs. Buyers, inspect, the labels closely. Family Antibilious and Liver Pills.— These Pearl Coated Pills contain no Mercury ; they stimulate the Liver, assist Digestion, re move Headache, and give a healthy action to the Bowels and Kidneys, give colour to the cheeks, and brightness to 1 lie eyes. They are universally used thoughout New Zealand. Price, Is. and 2s. Gd. a box.-Prepared by Sharland & Co., opposite tho Post-oilice, Auckland.