SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

,„„„ txt a rpTT-o (This Afternoon, 0.22 HIGH. W ATER—j To _ morrow Morning, 0.43 SUN SET.—This Evening. 4.46 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 7.11 MOON'S AGE.—Last Quarter, 4 v-h, 1.50 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Wanaka, s.s., McGillivray, from Tauranga and

Southern Ports Kowena, s.s., SeUars, from Tauranga Annie Gambles, barque, from Lyttelton Durham, s.s., Jackson, from Kaipara Lretitia, schooner, Harrison, from the Islands Atlantic, schooner, from Tiinaru

DEPARTURES.

Star of the South, s.s.. tor Russell Helena, brigantine, Moller, ror Ly<.telton (via Manukau)

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For London-Electra, ship, early; Anne Gam ble?, barque, early. For Wangarei-Argyle. every luesday For Sydney—Rotorua. Wednesday, bth June. For Honolulu and San Francisco—Atistralia, s.s., Gth June __ ~ For Tauranga and East Coast, TVanaka, s.s., 6th June. ,_ , ... For the South, Hawea s.s., Wednesday, 6th For Lev iika—Augusta, brigantins, Thursday ; Don, cutter, early

IMPORTS.

6 cases bacon.—R. Arthur. ;tO sacks oatmeal.—Owen & Graham. "Per Anne Gambles from Lyttleton : 837 sacks flour, 100 sacks malt, 12 cases bacon, 200 sacks bean- 122 sacks oats, 32 sacks onions, 923 sacks potatoes, 370 bags do., 60 sacks sharps,,_3o do. oatmeal, 2922 do. wheat. For London: /oo sacks wheat-New Zealand Shipping Co., agents. The s.s. Hawea, which was expected to-day, ha<* been detained at Nelson. She "ill leave New Plymouth at 5 p.m. to-day, and will proba bly -rrive at Ouehun*a about 4 p.m. to-morrow. She wi)l leave again for the South at 3 p.m, on Wednesday.

ARRIVAL OF THE ANNE GAMBLES.

The barqus Anno Gambles arrived, eariy mis morning from LyUelton, after a tedious passage. She left Lyttelton on tho 21st ult.. and has had her Damage by heavy westerly weather. She briaes * l*r*e cargo of Southern produce incladine I.OM wtcks wheat and above £ thousand aajriof potatoes. She has also on board7oOW * Wtwhieh will form part o£ her cargo tor' L«S«, for wlu.hport she will com plete loading her* a&mo* « she has put out her Southern stuff. She is now alongside the Rail way wharf. 91* ie ft to* clipper barque of 42a tons, built o £ irom. and nearly new. The greater part of her Laaion oargo is already engaged, so that she will ha.r& auick dispatch.

THE S.B. GO-AHEAD.

Arro*-diß» te * telegram received to-day by M7W Lodder, %**mt of the A.S.P. Co., the Magisterial Ingairy fote t£A wreck ot the s.s. Go-ahead was flnisfeed on Saturday. The deci sion of the Coort w*» deferred untn the deposi tions had l»<**i forwar««d to W elhngton. 1 1 he mate and angtces* <»w<d an to Auckland in the s.s. Wanaka.

Captain Jackwra informs us that the schooner Winnehatta »»d the kotcb. lUliance, both bound Sout)i, left Kiaparft Heada S company with the ss. Durham. The brigaQ«»es Sarah Pile and. Nightingale, aad the Bcheoners Loch Lee and Mansion ware still ißiuda the Head 3. The ss Pretty Ja&e -will leave to-morrow afternoon foy Tauranga &»& Gisborne. The schooner Coronet arrived at Rarotonga, from Tahiti, on th» l«th ult. Captain Rose ex pressed his inflation »t coming on to Auckland 3nThe 3cha»»e» Edith was met at Mangaia by tha Lajfcitia »n t*»e 80th March. The s s Rotorma left Napier at 9.40 a.m. to-day, should arrive here, about 8 to-morrow night. She is advertised to leara for Sydney at noon on Wednesday. The schooner Atlantic briars a cargo of flour and sraiu fconi Timaru. The little steams? Transit was engaged yesterday in r*naiHg trips to the "Wolverine and back. During the day she conveyed a large SEuAer o£ visitors, who were treated with great courtesy on teoard the Commodore s ship. The s c Durkam, Captain Jackson, arrived from Kaipara early reatarday morning, after a q The brteai&i'SUto is to. sail for Levuka ° The schools Il'a^he to to leave Rarotonga for this port a few days after the Lsetitia. The cutter Dt» has entered out at the Cus- Cross leaves this afternoon arrived at Sydney on Saturday laThe brieantine Roderick Dhu was expected -o leave Wangaroa for Dnnedin on Friday last. T?-pss Wanaka arrived from Tauranga and the South shortly before niidmght, on Saturday Wellington and Napier; the rest of the pas sage was fine. Passengers-Misses Suhvaa and Gavin Mbsdamos George, Smythies, Pearde. Judge Gillies, Bishop Cowie, Revs Fraser and Eccles Dr Pearde, Messrs Butzingslowen, Fletcher Davis, Eden, Ferris, Champers,, Cau den Wnson, Liddle, Rattray, Mann, Wttmson, Nicholson Anderson, and six steerage. The Wanaka is advertised to leave for the same port3at 4 o'clock on Wednesday.

ARRIVAL OF THE LAETITIA.

The scuooner Lretitia arrived m harbour on Saturday night from a lengthened cruise among the South Sea Islands, extending over a period s&s^&jaassssos sates €^rto^^^ fonTA^f. R^roton-a was touched at. and 30,000 oranges taken on board, after which a course was shaded for Auckland on the 10th ult. Fair father was experienced till approaching Sun day Island, when heavy westerly and S.W. Sales were experienced, in which the vessel was iSvl too on several occasions. On Monday last ifteLEßtitia was off the Great Barrier but baffling winds prevented her arrival till Satur flav evening. We understand that the schooner ancl clrf o will be sold for the beDefit Of Captein Palmers creditors.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to-morrow, at 4.30 p.m. For Coromandel, on Friday next, at 2.30 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Eowena, this day, at 4 p.m. For Russell. Wangaroa, and Mongonui.. per roTTryJhenlfplr^Three Brothers, this day

For Waiwera, Kawau, Matakaaa, and Omaha, vev Annie Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Tauranga and Gisborne, per Pretty Jane, to-morrow at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and ForTong^an^lamoa, per Energy, to morrow

For\V%ngarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle to-moroow at i p.m. Per s.s. Australia on Wednesday, 6th June, as f°For V£Sandwich Islands. United States of America, Canada, British Columbia. Central Snd South America, and British and Foreig West Indies, at 11 a.m. ; For United Kingdom and Continent or For money ordera, registered letters, and newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. . Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d in addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board, up to the time or

For 1 Australian • Colonies, per Rotorua, on Wednesday at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and Fcr Tauranga.^isborne, Napier, and Southern Provinces7per Wanaka, on Wednesday next,

Fo^ Taranaki rand Southern Provinces, per Hawea, on Wednesday next, at 1 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and. newspapers atnoon.^ postmagter .

The particular attention of the public is called to the fact that without the exercise of a little caution they are likely to be imposed upon by cheap imitations of the standard medicinal beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aro matic Schnapps. These spurious imitations are frequently put up in second-hand bottles of the true article, and often bear false labels.

Manntng's Hair Restorer, prepared only by SHARI.AND and Co. The best of all Hair Restorers, and a triumph in modern chemistry. Its use preserves the Colour, promotes Growth, removes Dandruff, and gives a glossy and silky texture to the Hair. It is fragrant and perfectly harmless. Price, 2s. 6d. and Is. 6d. a bottle.— IJSL Sharlaxd and Co., opposite Post-office, Auckland.

Atkinson's Perfumery and Specialities.

BIRTH.

ROBINSON.—On the 3rd June, at East-3treet, Newton, the wife of R. W. Robinson, of a daughter.

SOMERVILLE.—On the 31st Mar- at her resi dence, Wellington-street, the wife of Richard Somerville of a daughter.

DEATH.

MATIRE ROPL—At Mangarei, on Friday, Ist June, Matire Ropi, daughter of Maraea Tuku iho, aged 14 years.

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

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wron£ that needs lesibtaac For the future in the distance, And the jjood that we can do

SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 1877.

We have received this morning from the printers, by order of the Hon. Mr Whitaker, a copy of the new "Native Lands Court Afct, 1877." The bill contains 120 clauses and three schedules. Its whole scope, as foreshadowed by our Wellington correspondent the other day, is to give native owners titles to their lands, and leave them free from Govern ment interference afterwards. The legis lation of 1873 affecting native lands is repealed. The Act provides that a Court for the investigation of native titles, consisting of one Chief Judge, and other judges and assessors appointed by the Governor, shall be established. Any native claiming land may make application to the Chief Judge, in whom all administrative functions are vested, to have his title inquired into, and the judge shall fix a time a».d place for hearing the claim, due notice thereof being given. The boundaries must be clearly marked off, and before a Crown Grant is issued the land shall have been surveyed. Provisional certificates may, however, be authorised in the interval. The Court has full power to inquire, by the best means at its disposal, into the rights of all claimants, whether appearing in Court or not, with the single restriction that the Governor may by notice stay proceedings in any case. When the facts affecting a claim have been established to the satisfaction of the Court, a certificate of title shall be issued. Any native who feels aggrieved by the decision may apply within three months for a re-hearing. Failing appeal, a Crown grant shall be made out in the names of all the natives entered on the Certificate of Title,and the natives thus become possessed of an inalienable right. Beyond the ascer taining of titles, the duties of the Court are few and simple. It has power to consider the propriety of making certain lands, with the consent of a majority of the natives, unalienable as reserves, and, at the request of the Governor, of issuing a title to certain lands now held as native reserves, but which it is desirable should be diverted from that purpose. All surveys shall be carried out by the .Surveyor-General, or competent per sons to whom licenses shall have been issued by him, and all plans are made subject to his approval. The power of issuing or suspending licenses to native interpreters rests in the Chief Judge. The procedure of the Courts appears, and necessarily so, to be left very much in the hands of the judges. Surveys and necessary expenses involved iii passing the land through the Court may be carried out with monies advanced cither by the Government or private persons, and will be regarded as a first charge on the land. Where these

advances are made privately a certificate in form of the third schedule of the Act must be presented to the Chief Judge for registra tion, and the reasonableness of the amount may be made the subject of inquiry by him. When there are more than tan claimants to a block, and in other oases on the application of all the owners, the Court may make a division in issuing the certificate of title; and subsequent to the issue of a certificate or Crown Grant, application may be made by any grantee to have his section individualised. Where this is effected, the land so separated remains subject to its proportion of all charges resting on the other portions of the block, and when under lease can only be sold upon conditions applicable to the remainder of the block. The Government have secured their interests in respect of the large tracts of country upon which payments have been made by removing them from private sale until the Native Lands Court shall have investigated the title, and made orders either for the comple tion of the purchases, the apportionment of the land between Government and natives, or the return by the natives of the sums paid. The Government likewise reserve the right of taking land for roads or rail ways, amounting to not more than five per cent, of the whole, free of cost, and claim a royalty of twenty per cent, upon the purchase money in all cases of private sale, and an equal amount on the capitalised rental of leases. Thus guarded, tho Act leaves no embargo whatever on the sale of native lands. It enables infants whose names have been entered upon a Certificate ef Title to alienate their shares, with the approval of the Court, the money so derived to be invested in the hands of trustees, and it in other ways facilitates freedom of sale between owners and purchasers. Having thus summarised the provisions of the bill, we shall in a future article comment upon its scope and probable effects.

THE report of the Commission of Inquiry into the condition of the Mount Eden Gaol is now to hand. The members were Messrs W. J. Hurst, chairman, W. Swan son, T. Morrin, A. K. Taylor, and J. S. Macfarlaue. The Commissioners made a minute inspection of the goal, took the evidence of competent persons, and generally obtained information as to the management of similar establishments in New Zealand and Australia, They report that the portion of the prison buildings appropriated to the hard labour and penal classes are " in a very cleanly condition, in marked contrast to the oflicers' quarters, which are both untidy and dirty." Con sidering the amount of labour at the disposal of the gaol authorities this is by no means creditable to the officers. The whole of the buildings the Commissioners consider unsuitable jn construction to the existing requirements, faulty in arrangement, and utterly inadequate for even the present number of occupants. It transpired in the course of the inquiry that at times prisoners were permitted to have lucifer matches in their cells, and the report very justly ensures a practice which is fraught with so much danger, especially in the absence of an ample supply of water. The setting lire to a prison is one of the favorite methods adopted by the most desperate of criminals for escaping from custody. With the attendant risks of being suflbcated in the smoke or of perishing in the flames, there is the possibility of effecting an escape in the general panic and confusion, more particularly where, as in this case, the buildings are constructed of wood. The risk is increased by the fact that all the culinary operations of the gaol are performed in a kitchen immediately vi demeath the prison hospital. Add to this the passages, not more than three feet wide, and the closeness of the cells, and the Commis sioners may well remark, " It appears to us difficult to contemplate calmly the consequences of a fire in the dead of night, with no provision for water. Without calculating upon the absence of the warders for ever so short a time, even at present the smoke in such confined passages would render it next to impossible to liberate the inmates. The opinion of Mr Mahoney, architect, was also taken with respect to the buildings, and his report is appended to that of the Com missioners. With respect to the danger of fire, he remarks : —" The structures being of wood and roofed with shingles, are liable to be set on fire, either wilfully or by accident, and in either case it is fearful to contemplate the consequences, as it would be almost impossible for the wardcis in charge to liberate all the prisoners from the several cells and wards as these are arranged at present." The lack of room compels the association of prisoners in the same cells at night, a practice which the experience of all good discipline has shewn to be exceedingly objectionable. The Commissioners submit a plan for the erection of new buildings, so as not to interfere with the existing structure. The ample supply of stone in close proximity to the gaol, and the ease with which the available labour may be utilized, afford_ an easy solution of this difficulty. This is a matter of paramount importance in com parison with mere returns on paper, which shew a fictitious surplus of profit. The Commissioners, while expressing an opinion that the management of the gaol lias been defective in energy in the direction of erect ing permanent buildings, saddle the prin cipal blame on the late usual Provincial institutions, in which matter we cannot agree with Mr Hurst and his fellow Commissioners, and we think the dragging in of reference to " tlie impecunious condition of the late Provincial Government," as a scape-goat for the alleged shortcomings of the gaol management, though it may be acceptable to the Government, was uncalled for and wide of the mark, seeing that with the large amount of cheap labour and material, the monetary question did not form a principal element in the consideration of the matter. We believe the main obstacle in the way was skilled labour and super vision. Captain Eyre's management was in no sense defective, and at that time the gaol answered its purpose as well as could be expected. The Commissioners express their entire approval of the task system, and of the plan of paying exertion money, which is an incentive to industry, saving, and good conduct; while the alternative of stopping the exertion money acts as a Avholesome deterrent. They recommend the adoption of the cellular system, with such privileges as a small supply of tea and sugar, which has worked with admirable results in Victoria. The industory of the prisoners in Mount Eden Gal, and the absence of maligning and scheming are spoken of in terms of high praise. The Com missioners find the stone-breakingperformed by the prisoners at lOdper yard to be very pro fitable, yielding a gain of f d per yard to the public, out of which, however, a por tion is paid to the convict at the time of his release. And here the report contains a very excellent sugges tion, which ought at once to recommend itself to the mind of the Government, viz., the regular payment of a portion of the earn ings of married prisoners towards the sup port of their families. For the general administration, the Commissioners re commend, the appointment of a Board of live persons with definite powers, subject to the vote of the Minister of Justice, and it is suggested that from such a Board might spring a "Prisoners' Aid Society." The addition of a library to the gaol is recommended, . the Commissioners re garding the "marked absence of efforts for the mental improvement of the' of prisoners is a blot on the institution." Classification is only casually touched upon in the report, as the Commissioners do not regard any effective system possible with the existing accommodation. They, however, urge the fitting up of a few additional cells near the Police Court, where all sentences under a week could be served, thus avoiding the contract of novices in crime with the contaminating influence of hardened and practised criminals. They reoommend stronger punitive measures in short sentence cases, and hint at a dimiuu

tion of rations as one method of rendering a criminal career distasteful at the outset. They recommend also the erection of a bakery in connection with the gaol, which might supply the eleemosynary institutions. The knitting of socks by the women, and separate tenders for provisions, are among the other sugges tions. It appears from the report that some of the printed rules.are more honoured in the breach than in the observance. The report recommends the employment of a is noteworthy that the officers are paid less than those of other "gaols in the colony. A uniform system of accounts is recommended for all the New Zealand gaols, the present number of skilled masons as warders. It plan being capableof an exaggerated assess ment of the value of prison labour, which appears to apply to the Dunedin gaol, where a profit of 14s a day per head is claimed. Amongst the remaining suggestions are the depositing of the prisoner's earnings in a Savings Bank instead of a wooden box in the office, and the extension of the water supply to the gaol. Among various returns and reports appended by Mr O'Brien, the Governor of the gaol, there is an estimate of the value of the prison labour from Ist April, 1874 to 31st March, 1875. The gross earnings, inclusive of skilled officers, and foreman-warders, are set down at £9,939 3s lid, and the expenditure on salaries and contingencies at £5,36211s lOd, shewing a surplus of £4,576 12s Id, which is doubtless a merely nominal surplus, capable of considerable reduction when practically analysed. Altogether the report reflects considerable credit on the management, having regard to the existing facilities, but it shews the urgent necessity of reforms and of improvements on a scale commensurate with the increasing popula tion, and the inevitable increase of criminal convictions.

Rev. W. Rice will lecture this evening iv the Lome-street Hall, in aid of his mission. The subject as previously stated, will be "Ireland's Orators, Statesmen, and Poets." The Hobson Band will play the much admired Carola Waltzes, rendered famous in Auckland by the band of H.I.M. Hertha. The chair will be taken by the very Rev. Father Fynes. V.G.

We notice that Mr Thornton will open a new and varied entertainment this evening, ■ in Mr Dornwell's new Albert Hall, the par- ' fciculars of which appear in the Star. The character of the performance will be light , and pleasant, consisting of Professor Herd- ' kie's "Arabian Box Mystery," the " Goblin Drum," a series of magical wonders and tricks, a petite comedy, entitled " Out to Nurse," and a burlesque, "The Belle of j the Village," accompanied bj numerous songs, dances, combats, etc. A pleasant hour may therefore be anticipated. Professor Heinkie does a number of the Fakir of j Oolu's best feats of legerdemain, the little company is most eflicient, and the costumes, scenery, and other accessories being also equally good,the entertainment is likely to prove exceedingly attractive and merito rious.

The Sabbath evening service at the Theatre last evening was largely attended. Mr G. Henuis occupied the chair. The principal speaker was the Bey. C. Nelson,* M.A.,ofSt. Pauls, who delivered a very impressive address. The collections amounted to £1 17s 9d.

The Templar entertainment at the Temperance Hall, on Saturday evening, was a decided success. Mr G. Warburton occupied the chair. Songs and recitations were the order of the evening, which closed with the " Negro Photographer," a pathetic, tear dropping farce.

The winter course of lectures of the Young Men's Christian Association, will open on Friday evening next, in the Lome street Hall, with several introductory addresses by Dr Ellis, Rev J. Robertson, and F. Larkins, Esq., interspersed with music by the united choirs, and glees by the members of the Orpheus Glee Club. The programme of lectures comprise ten on a variety of subjects, and by gentlemen well qualified by knowledge and experience for their chosen tasks. Each lecturer seems specially formed by the cimimstanccs of life to deal faithfully with his subject. The Rev W. Tinsley delivered the second of his discourses on the Holy War last evening in Edwardes-street Primitive Methodist chapel, illustrative of the conflict of the Christian Life. The subject was " Enlisting in the Army," and was elabor ated and applied in the preacher's careful and forcible manner. Mr Tinsloy's aim in this series of sermons is to make Christianity a life, instead of a letter, and to shew by figure, that it is vain to expect the wages of a campaign which has not been fought ; that the repose of honest victory over evil can only follow the strife of noble endeavour, and that true peace can only be won by persevering, virtuous effort.

The roof of Mr Williams' house, in Albert-street, lias been covered with the new waterproof and non-conductor of heat composition, invented and manufactured by Mr John Duly. The composition, when dry, resembles felt, and is laid over the old shingles or boards of which the roof was composed. It is about one inch in thick ness, and is covered with Portland cement, to give it a clean and neat appearance. The composition obviates the necessity for plumbing &c, on the roof, as it is placed so that the water will run straight off the roof without the guidance of spouting. The composition is extremely light, being only one-third the weight of shingles, and is guaranteed to last for 50 years. A short time ago Mr Duly manufactured a small roof out of lathes, and covered it with the composition, in the same manner as is done to the roof of a house. He put this roof in an open place and left it there exposed to the violence of the weather for three weeks. The rain had no effect whatever, upon the composition, except in hardening it. At the conclusion of this time, Mr Duly placed the roof over a strong fire, where he allowed it to remain for live hours. A hole about 2 inches square had been made in the roof, so that the draught might carry the flames upwards. The composition, after passing through this ordeal, presented a slightly blackened appearance, but was not injured. The lathes forming the frame of the roof were greatly charred by the heat. The price of the composition is 5s per square yard. Mr Duly has applied for a patent for his invention.

We notice by the " St Matthew's Parish Magazine," that the union for the pro motion of Temperance has commenced. Rev. Mr Hassard is the president and Mr J. B. Russell, vice-president. Thirty members were enrolled on the opening night. At the last meeting Mr Robert Warnock read an essay on " Idleness," which drew forth a lively discussion. A paper will be read this evening on " Tobacco," and a paper on " Novels," is promised on the 18th hist.

"Mercy" calls the attention of our vigi lant police to a nuisance in Princes-street, in the shape of a large old dog, collarless, and most horribly mangy. He says : — "This poor, old, objectionable beast seems to have ns friends, and, had it been a clean dog, and perhaps a nice one, our vigilant police would doubtless have taken charge of it, but as it is a wretched, _ mangy, dirty, old nuisance they leave it there, probably because it might infect the kennels. It would be a Christian act to take its life."

The total number of inmates of the District Hospital on Saturday was 86. There were 169 patients in the Lunatic Asylum on Wednesday. Nearly. six hundred invitations have been issued for the proposed ball, to be given in honor of the Govenor's visit to Christchurch.

The Board of Governors of the Canterbury College, have under consideration the establishment of an intermediate High School for boys bet-ween the common schools and the College. At Wellington the sum of £339 was found on the person of a drunken man who was picked iq> from a gutter by a passing policeman.

Mr Editor, Sir, —One side of Darby-street is asphalted, and the other is in a danger ous condition. Is it necessary to call the attention of the'Sfreets Committee to it, or do they require some horse and dray to come to grief, before it occurs to them that some thing should be done to prevent an acci dent ? Some have narrowly escaped already. Surely they cannot say they don't know about it, when they pass it every day. They are good at cutting down roads, and perhaps it would be better to protect those already made. Your pen in assistance may save some person from trouble, in giving vent to the good you can do.—Yours &c, J. Bro\vn.

In our notice of the St. Matthew's concert, we unwittingly omitted to mention the opening piece, "Golden Waves," a very difficult performance, which was admirably played by Miss P. Young, of Chapel street.

The treasurer of the Home for Neglected and Destitute Children begs to acknow ledge with thanks the following contribu tions: Moanatairi, 10s; Epsilon, 20s; Blank, per " Herald," 50s ; Mr 13. Wood, per Col. Haultain, 20s; a Friend, £10 ; Mrs Reader Wood, 40s ; A. Stewart, Pamiure, 10s ; Mr Neumegen, per Evening Star, ss.

The department of Colonel Gorton, of branding-iron celebrity, is to be over hauled next session by a section of the Otago members.

The members of the Auckland Trade and Labour Council held their usual meeting on Saturday evening at the Foresters' Arms. The business, however, was not of a public character, the painters unsatisfactory strike being the chief topic of discussion.

The monthly meeting of the Lodge Ara will be held at the usual hour this evening in the Lodge-room, Masonic Hotel.

The excellent lecture on the "Eye and its functions," given by Dr Schwarzbach last week, brought but £3 11s, while the expenses were £4 3s 6d, being a loss of 12s 6d. The doctor, however, has given a sub scription of £1 to the Orphan Asylum, for the benefit of which the lecture was pre pared.

To the Editor : Sir, —I wish to contradict a remark made in the " Herald's " report of the St. Matthew's entertainment last Friday evening, viz., thut several urchin? had congregated in the gallery and created a disturbance. As I was there during the whole evening, I can vouch for the good behaviour of those present, and all the members of the choir to whom I've spoken say that they never witnessed better con duct from the "gods" than on that occasion.—lam, &c, Alf Urchin.

The usual monthly meeting of Lodge Ara will be held this (Monday) evening at the Masonic hall, Princea-atrect. Visiting brethern are invited.

The lease of Market House tolls &c, will be offered for sale on Wednesday, the 6th, inst., at noon, at the Market House, by L. W. Eaton, auctioneer.

A collie dog, named Clyde, arrived by the barque Alaska for Mr Perkins. He was purchased at Galaahields. His pedigree and other credentials, with the dog himself, are on view at the Occidental, and lie will probably shew his performance? at Mr Bucklamls yards next Thursday. The dog came out under care of Mr Hudson, chief olHccr.

Another great content is expected over the Wairoa licenses at the Helens-ville Court to-worrow, a petition signed Dy about a thousand residents having being prepared against the renewal of any of the Kaipara licenses. Counsel are engaged on all sides.

On Monday, May 21st, no less than lifteen persons were charged at the Christ church Police Court with being drunk on the previous day. The " LyttGlton Times " says the members of the police force freely express the opinion that Sunday drinking is gradually on the increase in Christ church, and that stringent measures will be required to place some check upon it.

The "Post" has reason to believe that when the Financial Statement comes to be made, it will be found that the returns for the year from railways are in excess of the Colonial Treasurer's estimate. We hope they may be.

In one of the up-country districts of Victoria there is a young lady who lias served as apprentice to a watch and clock maker, and opened a shop. A selector in the district also boasts that his six daughter s can fence land with any half dozen work men in the Colony.

Mr Chadwick, whose name is so closely identified with the progress of Tauranga, lias lost no time in taking advantage of the privilege accorded to himself, and other Tauranga settlers, to erect a new wharf, and collect the toles thereupon. Tenders are called by advertisement in another column. The wharf will be 360 ft long by 13ft 6in. wide, with an arm ~| shaped at the end. Depth at low water spring tides 10ft, so that almost any vessel that can enter the port may be berthed alongside. The wharf will be run out from opposite Cook's Hotel, at the corner of Harrington-street, leading up to the Government buildings. Two tramways will be laid along the structure, and a handrail running the full length will afford protection for pedestrians. Ten ders are receivable till the Bth inst.

His Honor Mr. Jiistice Gillies was a passenger from Wellington per s.s. Wanaka on Saturday, and will hold a sitting of the Supreme Court in banco on Wednesday next.

The Police Court box, to which the late Resident Magistrate often pointed his linger, with the sonorous remark " There's the poor box, sir," hangs dust-covered against the uninviting wall. A full year has passed since it was opened, and it appears like a forgotton thing of the past, or only remembered as the books of lialf-century ago arc remembered. A witty plea for the box which means the Industrial Home, was made in our Saturday's issue-, from one of the wittiest contributors of " Punch" to the gentlemen of the bar, but whether the box will be the merrier for the ringing changes, or silent as heretofore, remains to be told.

Further Suez Telegrams.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT)

Austria will Occupy Bosnia when Russians Cross Danube.

The Neutrality of Roumania.

Itussian Army "will not Occupy Bucharest.

This Day.

Indian telegrams by the mail elucidate the cable one dated April IS. They state that the Vienna advices are to the effect that Austria will occupy Bosnia and Herzego vina when the Russians cross the Danube.

Mr. Bourke, in the House of Commons, said no treaty exists guaranteeing the neu trality of Roumania, which the European powers consider part of Turkey.

Earl Derby vindicates the action of the Government re the protocol, adding that it s best to say nothing about our future

poiicy.

On April 27, the Powers rejected the Turkish proposals for mediation.

Russia promises not to occupy Bucharest,

A Team and Driver Buried at Mount Eden.

Mr Rainbow, carter, was drawitfg scoria from the pits on Saturday, and met with a very severe accident. The constant digging out of scoria ash has left an immense over hanging* projection, which had been ! loosened by the late heavy j:aia 3 and while

Mr Kainbow was in the pit with his dray, about forty tons came down, burying the horse, dray, and driver. A number of men, working near, at once ran to help to get them out, which was done with great difficulty. Mr. Rainbow had a most miraculous escape, but was much in jured, and was taken home in a trap. The horse is ruined, the flesh being literally torn off kis legs and body. He was a fine animal, and cost £50. The cart is also knocked to pieces. Mr Rainbow has had several narrow escapes previous to this, and it is evidently a dangerous undertaking to dig scoria ash from some of the old pits, as the constant draining of stuff from the face necessarily leaves overhead a course of great and apparently unavoidable danger.

THE DERBY OF 1877.

Thk race of races, the English Derby, was run last Wednesday—it is almost always run the last Wednesday in May—and the ocean cable has flashed the news to us at the Antipodes, among short but pregnant items of information of that war and those rumours of war with which Europe at the present moment is quaking. It is difficult for persons so far removed from the scene of the event as we are to estimate the importance which is attached to the Derby in England. It is a race by itself, so to speak. Non-sporting men, and even women and children, who know nothing about horse racing in general, know all about the Derby, and the name of the winner is in everybody's mouth. The lucky owner of the horse, besides pocketing a stake amounting as a rule to between £6000 and ,£7OOO, finds himself famous in the land. The Derby is indeed par excellence, the English National festival, and'is witnessed on an average byhalf a-million of people, including the noblest in the kingdom ; its description occupies whole pages in newspapers, which, as rule, do not care to mention a horse race in their discreet columns : sporting writers vie with one another in giving the most graphic account, not only of the race itself, but of all its accessories : "The Road," and "The Rail," "Going to the Derby " and " Coming from the Derby," "The Scene 0:1 the Course," " The Start," " Tattenham Corner," " The Finish," ara all subjects which have re ceived the most artistic treatment at the hands of historians and painters. Perhaps no greater tribute is paid to the genius of the Derby than when in that assembly of grave and potent seigniors, the British House of Commons, the Prime Minister annually rises on the Tuesday before the race, and solemnly moves that the House do not meet on the next day "being Derby Day." And although of late years one or two goody goody members have opposed the motion, it has, as a rule, been carried unanimously and never negatived. The result of this year's race, according to the cable gram, is as follows : — Lord Falmouth's h.c. Silvio by Blair Athol — Silverhair .. ... ... ••• z Glenarth (?) (Chamant) 2 Mr. McKenzie's b.c. uob Roy by Blair Athol

—Columbia ... ... ... ■•• 3 The winner Silvio ran third for the Two Thousand Guineas in April and as a two-year-old ran five times, and was only once beaten, namely by Count Lagrange's Verneuill. Lord Fal mouth, who is one of the most popular of Eng lish sportsmen, has won the Derby once before —in 1870, with Kingcraft; and it is a singular, coincidence that in both years the winners should have occupied the same tertiary posi tion in the first great three-year-old race of the season. Kingcraft was third to Mr. Merry's Macgregor in the Two Thousand, and so easily did the late lamented Ironmaster's colt win that he started for the Derby at|" 9 to 4 on," a price which is without parallel. Chamant has been such a hot winter favorite that we should not be surprised to learn that his chance of victory was almost as favourably regarded as that of Macgregor. We cannot find among the entries any horse of the name of Glenarth, and it is probable that this is a mistake for Chamant. Rob Roy won some good races as a two-year-old and according to last quotations was a good favorite at 10 to I. Blair Athol, it will be observed, is the sire of both first and third and it is now obvious that the immense price, about ,£12,000, paid for this celebrated stallion was not a penny more than he was worth. -There would be great rejoicing in England at the result, not only from the popula rity of Lord Falmouth, but because it was universally feared that the mortification of another French victory vas to be endured.

THE DERBY DAY.

[by augur.]

In our previous articles under the abo ye head ing, we discoursed at some length anent th merits and demerits of certain patrons of the Turf. We intend to write yet more up on the same subject some day ; but at present we feel in want of a little relaxation, and so propose (especially as it is a bright fine day inclined to favour the illusion) to pay an imaginary visit to Epsom upon its greatest race carnival. Epsom Downs on Derby Day presents a sight which, once seen, can never be forgotten. The crowd is unlike any other crowd on the face of the earth. "We have elbowed our way through the immense mob of Yorkshiremen at Doncaster on a St Leger day, and we have been tolerably near crushed to death whilst endeavouring to view the Melbourne Cup. But neither of these crowds, although they have plenty of distinctive features, struck us as in the least like a Derby crowd. Perhaps the most remarkable feature in this gigantic annual assemblage is its supreme good humour. There seems to be champagne in the air as well as in the carriages. The bookmakers'feeblest joke and the niggers' most ancient witticism alike provoke shouts of laughter. t

To a great majority of the visitors, the event of the day is quite a secondary consideration. Many only come to see the crowd and the fun. It is well worth a stranger's while to take a hansom and go by by the road to Epsom. The distance is eighteen miles, but as the cab is obliged to proceed at a walking pace the whole way the journey takes nearly five hours. The fun of the procession is immense. Volleys of chaff fly from one vehicle to another. My Lord's drag, and a donkey cart; the fashionable barouche, the country shandry, the cockney covered bus, and scores of hansoms progress slowly together, whilst the white-hatted, and blue-veiled travellers fire off many caustic witticisms at one another. As we near the course, dusty and thirsty after our lengthy drive a dull roar of voices becomes! audible. We leave our hansom outside the grand stand, and proceed to pay a guinea for the luxury of entrance. Inside the crowd is dense indeed, and we gaze hopelessly at the top of the great edifice, which is already (two hours before the race) thickly peopled. Below stand a long line of list men, dressed in scarlet or green or yellow hats and coats, with huge bags with "Jones of Sheffield "or " Pook of Manchester," &c, engraved in huge letters thereon. These are the illegitimate bookmakers, who do business for ready money only. They are quaintly dressed in order that they may be soon recog nised, and they will lay us the odds (giving us a voucher which we return when we win our bets) even to a modest shilling or half-crown. Adjacent is Tattersall's enclosure, to which we now push our way. At the gate stands a detec tive in plain clothes, to see that no improper persons enter. We pay an extra 10s, and find ourselves in the midst of a perfect Babel. Towering above the crowd, is the Leviathan (Mr Steele) offering to bet "twenty monkeys" (£1000) against anything and everything. "Hany hodds, some of these houtsiders," shouts a little Jew, at our elbow. We forthwith acquaint him with the fact that we desire to back a despised one, if he will lay us 40 to 1. "My tear, that is double his price," says the deceiver, We pretend to walk off, but he recalls us, and books the bet at 40 to 1, entering our name and address very carefully, as we do his. This is all that is neces sary in the Ring. And now it is time we made for the paddock, at the gate of which another sovereign is de manded. Here many coloured jockeys are flit ting about, aiid equine celebrities, carefully clothed, are being led slowly round and round.

Let us suppose the first two races over, and a dense crowd assembled to see the Derby "cracks" saddled. A number of people are eye ing curiously a leggy chestnut, having been toid by an artful stable-boy that it is the favourite. Instead, however, of being the favourite, it is a despised, outsider, without a chance. The real Simon Puer is being saddled yonder. Only a few cognoscenti are round him. Watch the owner. How pale he is; how fast he talks to the jockey. The horse is a noble animal, and backed to win a great stake.

But it is time we got a place on our friend's drag. The course is being cleared. See how the crowd vanishes before that compact line of police. Everybody stands up now, and the horses appear. The veteran jockey distance,

on a noble Duke's colt, heads the pw&de tk cornea Archer on my Lord Falmowth's craol? and is greeted with a cheer by hundreds «?£•' backers. A dozen other noble speoimefiwnf S 8 thoroughbred follow. After tlw pi£dL o& he canter. Our friend Jones, who. has a fln»«e 7 for a horse, thinks the favourite goes "nrn™ % As a matter of fact the colt never cant^ better. At any rate the Ring seem to think Look at the bookmakers stand over there n n ' grave the faces are. And now all ere* nY turned one way, and the starter's fla** is eaUri watched. Dead silence, and then a terrific ** fills the air: - They're olf!" nnc err In a moment every head on the grand stana is uncovered. What a sight it is, that immpn« throng of humanity. For the minute that; th* horses are out of sight we gaze nnon the scene with wonder. A moment nf silence, and theu the shouting begins a<*ain The horses are coming round Tattenhnm Corner ; " Falmouth is beaten I" resounds cm all sides. An outsider forges to the front 1 Maidment, on the favourite, raises his whin iHe is second. They are past the grand stand' Now the three first horses are neck and neck llt is a critical moment. A sharp stroke of the whip, a leap forward, a hideous yell from the ring, and the favourite has won. It is pleasant to hear the roar of delight with which the good horse is greeted. The happy owner leads him to the weighing-room, the complacent jockey yet on his back. Around the colt there is a vast mob of people, who are all striving to pull hairs from the conqueror's tail. There is another brief, breathless moment whilst the jockey weighs out, but "all right" is pro nounced, and up go the numbers. In the King there is weeping and gnashing of teeth for the bookmakers have lost heavily. Every where else the fun now waxes fast and furious Champagne corks in thousands are popping' The rest of the racing is scarcely noticed. At last it is time to go home. Our cab-driver is very drunk, and the journey home a chapter of accidents and uproarious fun and riot. But we reach London at last, and so end the Derby n^r nf f>io>'ht.p.p>n linndrftrf nnrl wVin.fc'2

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

A DESTITUTE PARENT.

(Before R. C. BarstowEsq., R.M.)

Jolm Gordon Hodge was charged -with, neglecting to assist in supporting his father, he being of sufficient ability to do so. Defendant did not appear, as he was in enrplo3*ment at Christchurch, but had written ottering 5s a week. An order was made accordingly; +o be remitted through the clerk of the R.M. Court at Christchurch. THE CHARGE OF RAPE. David King, Hugh McKenzie, and Duncan McKenzie were brought up on a charge of committing a rape on Ellen Garret, an old woman, at Howick, on the 30th May. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the old woman who had been assaulted was very ill in consequence of the injuries received in the struggle. He would therefore ask for a remand. Remanded until Friday. BaO refused. SHOOTING PHEASANTS. James Herbert, farmer, was charged with shooting pheasants on the 26fch, on the farm of Mr McCaul, in the neighbourhood of the Whau, without a license- Defendant pleaded not guilty. Detective Jeffrey deposed that he saw defendant and two others, with three pointers, and three double-barrelled gnns. He saw defendant deliberately take aim, and knock over a fine pheasant. He heard the report of the gun, and saw the smoke in the distance. He went to defendant^ and asked him for his license. He said he had got no license, excepting a note from Mr McCaul, which was quite enough. A license, however, was not necessary, as he could not shoot straight enough to hit a haystack. Constable Bullen corroborated. The de fendant was a good shot, and if he took aim he should not care to be the haystack.

Henry Tourk, carpenter, deposed that de fendant went out to shoot rabbits, and lie accompanied him with another neighbour, named Simpson. They fully intended the shot for the rabbits, but as half-a-dozen pheasants came in their way, they shot and bagged them. James Simpson gave similar evidence. They were out for a little sport, and the results had not been so happy as antici pated. Defendant : If Mr McCaul were present, everything would be made satisfactory to the Court.

The Court thought otherwise, and imposed a fine of £3, costs 16s 6d.

EDUCATION KATE.

Fifty-one cases of non-payment of the education rate against persons living in the Kaipara district were brought forward by Mr Beale, solicitor, and judgment with costs obtained in each case. The costs in the case of bachelors were £112s 6d, beyond the 10s rate, and in cases of married men, beyond the 20s, £1 16s costs, and in other cases "where the defendants lived in remote places, £2 3s costs. A large number of unsettled cases in Auckland were introduced and proved by Mr Westmoreland, collector, and in which, the Court gave judgment for the amounts claimed, with costs in each case avenging about 355.

Mr AY. Hitchcock, of Baker-street, appeared to object, his objection being that he had paid the rate, "which was shewn to be correct on his producing the receipt. Mr Beale explained the error which arose in consequence of defendant having paid by two instalments, and his name having been sent in as a defaulter by the collector.

Mr Hitchcock asked for expenses, and evinced some angry feeling. His Worship said that defendant might have saved himself the trouble by sending a note, or calling upon Mr Beale, and as he had not done so, he could not order costs. Defendant hereupon said it was a great shame, and putting on his hat, was about to walk out of the Court, when his Worship rebuked him, and ordered his detention until the close of the Court, when Ms Wor ship said he was surprised that a man of his respectable appearance should act in tl«j manner he had done.

Defendant expressed his sincere regret, and was discharged from custody. THE EDE]^ MILKMAN.

Terence Brady, described as the milkman of Eden, was charged with committing^ a breach of the" Municpal Police Act by permitting his three calves to be at liberty in the district. Mr Brady said he would plead guilty, but he was not aware before this charged that he had more than two calves ; but if the charge sheet said three, he supposed he was richer than he was aware off. The constable was positive as to the number.

Fined ss, costs 5s 6d. Mr Brady ■ Why, dash me, that's more than the calves are Avorth, I shall send them to grass. (Laughter).

A NATIVE DIFFICULTY. William Gable, (Maori) was charged witii committing a breach of the Prisoner s Act of 1873, by attempting to deliver tobacco to a prisoner undergoing sentence. , Mr Dufaur said the prisoner would plead guilty, and throw himself on the mercy ol the Court, He did not willingly offend, but he could not bear to see a fellow creature in distress for a quid of tobacco. _ His Worship commuuicated to the pri soner, through Mr Brown, the interpreter, that he had committed a serious offence, and was liable to a fine of £25; or three months' imprisonment. He should, how ever, under the circumstances fine him 4U3, costs 6s 6d.

HAPPY GEORGE. • , George Eowe, a fat, good-humoured youth, pleaded guilty to trotting too quickly round the corner of Queen and Wellesley-streets, and was fined 103, costs 5s 6d.

LUNACY. . f John Fletcher was charged with being or unsound mind. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the prisoner had drank to such an excess that he Avas quite unable to plead for himself. The case was remanded for eight days, in the hope that defendant might by that time be sufficiently restored. BREACH OF SLAUGHTER-HOUSE ACT. Walter Paul appeared in answer to a summons charging him with a breach_oi the Slaughter-House Act, of 1866, »y slaughtering cattle on his premises. The ease was adjourned for-counsel w appear in defence.



-vr o • t t c c. MACINTOSH COATS, WATERPROOF CLOTHING. RUSHBROOK AND BRIDGMAN Have Just Opened, and are now Showing, a Large Parcel ef the above Goods, from the same House, and of similar style, to their Last Season's Goods, concerning the Wear .and Quality of which they have received 'many satisfactory testimonials. 3Mie Parcel includes various Styles, and all sizes. P^ flight Textures, in Black and Drab, for O town wear. O Strong Heavy Sheeting. X m Strong Twilled, Velvet Collars. 5j =2 J Cashmere, Fancy Check, and Diagonal R5 ] Tweed Patterns. 2 q Extra Heavy Diagonal Warm Lined, 3 and extra long. " Sealskin Lined, specially adapted for >-~ V Cabmen, 'Bu^s Drivers, &c. vv'aterproof aprons, leggings, &o. Also, A FURTHER SUPPLY OP BLANKETS, REVERSIBLE BUSH RUGS, AND FANCY AUSTRIAN RUGS, 0^ To Hand this Week. HU Is. in the & allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. W^m RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Junction Drapery Warehouse, H Upper Queen-street, ■HH auclkand,



P E C I A L, N O T I.C E; H. L. POSSENNISKIE, TTTTT Aim LL OO RRRRR TTAnL O O R R TT A A II L O O R-R-R TT A—A II L O O R R TT A A II L O O R R TTT A A 1111 LLLLL OO R R AND HABIT-MAKER, SHORTLAND-STREET, Auckland. ILL.P. begs to inform hi 3 customers and the public generally that he has Just Received a Large Consignment of WINTER TWEEDS and FANCY COATINGS ; also, a Special Line of SUPERIOR SILK VESTINGS. N.B.—The Trade supplied at a small advance on Invoice Prices, for Cash. |~UST RECEIVED. EX "HERO." ONE CASE OF WOOL POPLINS AND BLACK SILK FRINGES. Very Choice Goods. W. RATTRAY, DRAPER, HOSIER, & SILK MER3ER, New Zealand House, 6G, QUEEN-STREET. Auckland mHORNTON, SMITH, AND FIRTH'S JL PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale). Subject to alteration without notice. Sacks. 100's. 50's. Crown Brand Flour, & s. d. & s. d. & s. d. per ton 22 0 0 22 10 0 23 0 0 T.S.&F. Canterbury Brand 13 0 0 18 10 0 19 0 0 Cantab Flour .. 15 0 0 Sharps 8 10 0 Bran 6 10 0 Fowl Wheat .. .. 0 1 0t045.6d, The above prices include sacks and bags; sacks and bags not returnable. Terms: Cash. Auckland. sth May. 1877. MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. Incorporated by Act of Parliament. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH: Head Office, Auckland- Local Director: GEOR9E Burg "--yne Owen, Esq. (Messrs. Owen and Graham.) Principal Medical Officer: Charles Field Goldsbro'. Esq., M.D. General Agent for New Zealand : William T. J. Bell. With Sub-Agencies in all the Principal Town 3. Every information on the subject of LIFE ASSURANCE ANNUITIES, and ENDOW MENTS FOR CHILDREN, afforded by J. A. Lowe, Travelling Agent to the Association ; or WILLIAM T. J. BELL, General Agent. t$3L Special Features.—Age admitted on Policies, which are unchallangable from date of issue. Lowest Rates of Premiums, and no hamper ing conditions as to residence or occupation.