SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER-{^rS g ,3.2l SUN SET.—This Evening. 4.47 SUX RISE.—To-morrow Morning, /.8 MOON'S AGE.—Last Quarter, 4'h, 4.50 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

iSS^:gS;SfS^fSSS'?S Bw ,

via Howe's Island and Wangaroa

DEPARTURES.

Eilorton, three-masted schooner, Kcanc, tor

Waiwera, schooner, for Noumea 4-mpi schooner. Robbie, for Levuka Queen, schooner, for Hokianga sirssy, schooner, ior Russell Syren, brig, for s=ydnej-

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For LoSdon—Electro, ship, early; Anna Gam bles, barque, early. For Sydney—Srren, brig, early f-or Lcvu! a-Nyir.pho, schooner, early. £,°t v/mAret-AWI3, every Tuesday ?£K nIS-:Taupo: Tuesday 2Sih instant; Wellington, Saturday, 2nd June. VorSs^:i-Jy-Rotoi-ua. Wednesday, Bth June. For Honolulu and San Francisco-Australia, s.s.. 15th June

IMPORTS.

??> tons coal." For transshipment to Poverty Bay :15 pkgs. To Napier : 4 cases, 55 casks, s:;i ■nVo'Q 1 iron cistern. _ life's! 2G3i pkea.. H }-cask~.-Owen and Graham. 1 fass.—lreland Bro3. 17C p i lVs3.--Cc;iickshauk, Miller, and Co. Per Au-u^ttPfrom Fi.ii:—l-A7O bags maize, 400 pickets sugar, 25 bales fibre.- A.S.P. Co., agents.

ARRIVAL OF THE ALASTOR.

The Kngiisa barque Alastor, from London, so 1 during morning. She is chartered by Messrs Shaw, skvUlandCo and comes consigned to Messrs L D. Nathan and Co. Captain Glazebrook is in command.

ARRIVAL OF THE AUGUSTA FROM FIJI.

The brigantiDe Augusta, Captain ir-uiman, arrived this morning from Nandi Bar, Fi.p, with a cargo of maize and sugar. The captain baa kindly supplied us with the tollowmg report :-Cleared the Moioia Passage at 5 p.m. on Monday' the 14th inst. liad light s.E. and easterl? winds, with fine weather up to Sunday the 2"th when the vessel was in lat. oZ b., and lonsTlTfi 25 E. A strong westerly gale was tnen encountered, which carried away, tne main topnWt. smashed the topgallant bulwarks, and filled \ V^ decks with water. On Monday morning the gale moderated, but sea continued very hi-'i and vessel laboured heavily.. On Tuesday moruing sighted the Poor Knights, weather still rough, with fierce squads from the westward. From thence into harbour unsettled and s&owery weather. Anchored in harbour ihis morning'at nine o'clock. Passengers : Mrs M^Nauiara and two children. Master Hooker. Th'eAugnsia brings no later Fiji news, and no tidings of the May Queen.

The s 3. Eowena arrived this in orpins: from Tauran'Ja. Passengers: Mr Reid Miss Maggie is on her way from Newcastle to this port with a cargo of coals for S HondcrsoEl and Macfarlane. With the Assent.werterly weather she ought to make a Ethel was to leave Timaru 7 TtesYwe'finlS^was detained at Nelson tiUtMa morning. She is not due in the Manukau tiT&forealnTkft schooner Josephine arrived W Jvrato» with a carßo of timber. When she SrivJdl at"wangaro-, suewaslast from Noumea ajStcSaon and Macfarlane received a telegram yesterday evening, stating that the s.s Wellington was detained in Nelson by a. heavy lale, On referring to the weatner board atthte Custom House to-day, we find the letter C nndraffi^alm'S ™ the wind column against Son both yesterday and to-day. A mistake hTbfSfe ero e f weather to-day enabled the numerous vessels which have been detained m harbour to proceed on their respective voyages this afternoon. A list of them wi Ibe found in -^tlic..v?ual rJace^ NAPIER, this clay. The 3.5. Stir of the South left for Auckland at 7"30 a.m. to-day.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND

Mails will Close as U sder :— For Thames, this day. at 5.30 p.m., and to morrow, at 4 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. Far Coromandel, per Argyle, on Friday next, at 2.30 p.m. ■ .., . For Whitian-'i. Tauranga, and Opoaki, per Uowena, this day. at 4 p.m. For Waiwera, Warkworth, and le Arai, per Annie Milbank. to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Tonga and Samoa, per Energy, on Satur day next, at 2 p.m. Per s s. Australia on Wednesday, Gth June, as For Sandwich Islands. United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. - „■ 1. <. f For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. . For money order 3, registered letters, ana newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. . Late letters beanng an extra fee or 6d m addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail -Agent on board, up to the time or For! Australian Colonies, per Rotorua, on Wednesday next, at 11 a.m. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

Beware ok Counterfeits of the time honoured and standard n-.edicinal beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic SCHNAPPS, contained in bottles which formerly held the true elixir. It is hoped that an ex posure of this infamy may put the public on its guard against these disguised poisons, which are nothina: but the vilest spirits with an ad mixture of some heap and hurtful drug. uUXURIAXT AXU BEAUTIFUL HAIR. — Use " Sharland's Tricophero.'' It increases growth, i removes dandriff. gives a gloss, and stimulates the roots, and produces flowing locks of silken hair. Beautifully perfumed, and clean in its use. Price, 2s. a bottle. SS, Sharlaxd & Co., opposite Post-office, Auckland. Atkinsons Perfumery and Specialities. The Medical Profession have declared Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine to be a necessity to all in search of health, and especially to those suffering either from Incipient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, and the dis orders arising therefrom. This Tonic is also particularly recommended to all who are in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same timo are desirous of studying health by taking that which will act most beneficially on the system. Mr. Wm. Johnson, Government Analy tical Chemist, report: — " I have examined Steane'3 Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con taining about 1G per cent, of a very pure alcohol, and holding in solution a clear wholesome, Vegetable Bitter, combined with a fruity spicy aroma. I consider this Bitter a very superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotel keepers.

DEATH.

CRICKETT.-On the 29th instant, Robert Whitelaw, infant son of Mr. John Crickett, aged 13 months. The funeral will leave his father's residence,

Wynyard-street, to-morrow (Thursday), at 3 o'clock. Friends please accept this invitation. DOVE.—On the 30th instant, at the residence of his si3ter, Kirkwood-street, Thames, after a long and painful affliction, John Thomas, eldest son of Mr. Samuel Dove, of Freeman's

Bay, Auckland, aged 37 years. RITCHIE.—On the 29th May, at his parents residence, Eden Crescent, David, infant son of William and Matilda Ritchie, aged four months, of convidsion3.

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

For the cause that lacks assist-mce. For the wrong that needs lesistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1877

In a Press Agency telegram yesterday, we were assured that there was no truth what ever in the rumour that serious differences had arisen "in the Cabinet." According to the telegram—which may be regarded as semi-official —we are asked to believe that a state of halcyon calm reigns in the Minis terial Chambers, that everything is

serene and pleasant, that the greatest har mony prevails, and that there is not even a breeze of antagonism to disturb the dignified letirement of the snug Ministerial sanctums, or to interfere with their enjoyment of picturesque scenery and ready hospitality in their journeyings to and fro in the land. In fact, we are asked to believe that, like the days when Sir Julius Vogel bent the rest of the Ministry to his individual will, and they performed his commands with the regularity of automatons, one single aim and thought animates the mind of the Government of the Colony. A telegram from our own correspondent at Dunedin, however, shews that there is a screw loose somewhere, and that everything does not work with such oily smoothness as was supposed. The " differences in the Cabinet" are said to be serious, but the Ministry may console themselves with the reflection that they are not alone in their misfortunes. Whether or not any of the performers in the New Zealand Cabinet have been recently subjected to any disagreeable restrictions our correspondent sayeth not, but we can easily conceive of various ways in which some Ministers would find an inextricable fastening put upon their pet schemes. It might be possible, for instance, that the Hon. D. Reid would not look with a favourable eye upon the cabinet perfor mance of the hon., the Premier at Taranaki, where he promised to accomplish, next session, a .set of feats rivalling in magnitude and difficulty anything that has been accomplished by the most celebrated of , political conjurors, the New Plymouth. Harbour Works to wit. On the other hand it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that some of the Ministry may anticipate some ugly " knots" next session, the " Local Government knot" for instance, or the " Subsidy knot," which is a very ugly knot indeed, and Aye do not quite see how they are to get out of it. In that case they will, of course, be anxious to get out of the "cabinet" as early as possible before the fiasco comes. But the business pays, and so long as there is a possible chance of drawing houses—and salaries—we have no doubt that Major Atkinson, and some few of the older and more experienced performers, will be able to straggle out of the (difficulty. He is known tobe an adept in the " dark seance," and some of his colleagues are exceedingly clever in getting off their own coats and putting on those of others.

There are murmurs loud and deep at the tardiness of the Colonial Government in paying over the subsidies due to County Councils. By the transfer to the General Government of all the functions previously performed by the Provincial Legislature, the County Councils and Highway Boards were thrown upon the tender mercies of a central authority at Wellington, whose knowledge of local requirements is exceed ingly limited, and liable to be warped by a variety of accidental causes, while they have shewn themselves to be absolutely wanting in that ready sympathy, accessi bility, and promptitude, which, to the extent of their means, characterised the Provincial authorities. Tho woeful results of this

system of iron-handed centralization are | already apparent. In many of .the out districts the roads and bridges liave been suffered to fall into a state of disrepair, which is dangerous to life and limb, and a hindrance to traffic. There is already a deep murmur of dissatisfaction which pre sages a coming storm. Nor is this the worst. "Whenever a sudden emergency arises, the Ministry are, in the words of a well-known poet,

Too far to call, Too high to appal, and until the usual tedious red-tape pre liminaries have been got througli_ the machinery cannot be moved. A striking instance of this has occurred at Waitakerei East, where the bridge on the Great North Road has been partly destroyed by recent floods, to such an extent as to stop vehicle and equestrian traffic, and to subject the settlers to great loss and hardship. Application for prompt assistance has been made by the Chairman of the Waitakerei East and West Boards to Mr 0. Mays, the County Chairman, but the dismal reply is that there are no funds for the purpose, the subsidies not having come to hand, and meanwhile the Govern ment; makes no sign of '-'stumping up/ Should the money not be promptly paid, Ministers may find their hitherto comfor table Treasury Benches a perfect hornet's nest during the approaching session.

One movement of the Russian forces in Asia, chronicled in our last night's cable dispatches, is noteworthy. The message states that the left wing ia'advancing on Diarbekir, while the centre is at Kara, and the vanguard marchingonErzeroom, by way of Olti. Any operation against Diarbekir, which is at least 250 miles from the Rus sian frontier, and 160 miles S.W. of Erze room must be distinct from those in progress against Kara and Erzeroom. It was hardly anticipated that the Russians had a sufficient force at command in Asia to engage in an enterprise at so great a distance from j their communications. The town is in the henrt of Asia Minor, and commands the-; navigation of the Tigris, which flows j right through Asiatic Turkey to the j Persian Gulf. We append a brief descrip- j turn of the place. We may infer from the i fact of such an undertaking being entered upon that the Russian force in Asia is \ overwhelming compared with anything the Turks have to oppose it, and that the successes already claimed by the Turks can only have been affairs of minor importance. Olti is a town in Asiatic Turkey, cap. of the Daikh country, pash. and 70 m. N. E. Erzeroom and is beautifully situated among gardens, on the banks of the Olti, here crossed by a stone bridge. I It is a very ancient, but decayed place, defended by a citadel, partly surrounded by a dilapidated Avail ; and once the residence of the atabegs who ruled the country. Numerous ruins attest its former magnificence. Pop. about 1500. Diarbekir is the capital of, and near the centre of the pash. of the same name, lat. 3~d>g. 57min. N. ; lon. 39deg. olmin. E., oa a high bank overlooking the Tigris, between which and the elevation on which the city stands, is a tract of meadow ground, forming one extensive garden, watered and tilled with the greatest care, and fertilised with the riches: manure. Diarbekir is sun ounded by a lofty thick wall, constructed of rectangular blocks of a black porous stone, regularly laid. The streets are paved, but narrow aiid dirty. The host nouses are built of the same material as the walls, which is quarried near the city, sometimes intermingled in building with a white limestone ; most of thorn, however, are of rough stone, overlaid with a plaster of mud and straw. .Some of the mosques are variegated in the manner above mentioned, the main body of the edifice being con structed of the black stone, and the minarets of the white. A part of the bazaars, and several handsome khans, are also built with the black stone. Extensive manufactures copper, wool, cotton, 4aWlCJWiii'l, 'Ulil SlU\& as well as the general trade of the city, have been latterly much deteriorated. It has still, however, some commerce with Syria and Aleppo, taking from the latter annually goods to the amount of £SOOO. Pop. about 13,000 or 14,000.

An advertisement elsewhere notifies that a meeting of South British shareholders will be held on July 3, for the purpose of increasing the capital of the Company, and altering the rule which prohibits the payment of more than a ton per cent dividend. From a letter addressed by the manager to the shareholders, we gather that the proposal is to issue 12,500 new shares at £3 10s per share, or 30s per share premium, the whole to be offered to the shareholders in proportion of one new for each three shares now hold. The total premium, £15,750, is to be added to the reserve fund, which will then be.£53,750. The number of shares will be 50,000; the amount of subscribed capital, £1,000,000 ; the paid-up capital, £1,000,000; and paid-up capital and reserve fund together, £158,750. This sum invested at 7 per cent per annum will yield a little over 11 per cent on £100,000, the proposed paid-up capital, independent of any profits from insurance business. There can be no doubt but that the share holders of the South British will readily subscribe for the new issue, and so materi ally strengthen the position of their Com pany, and assist in making it still more successful than it lias hitherto been. We may state that by desire of|the manager we last night forwarded per Press Agency a full synopsis of the proposals to the Press throughout the colony, so that intimation Avas given this morning to shareholders in every part of New Zealand of the details of the proposals made by the directors. The effect of the resolution with reference to the dividend will simply be to empower the payment of a larger per centage than that permitted under the present deed of associ ation. The resolution contemplates the removal of all restrictions on the amount of dividend.

The attention of members of No. 3 Com pany, A.R.V., is drawn to an important notice to be found in our advertising columns.

An entertainment, consisting of musical selections, readings, recitations, aud songs, was given last evening in the Edwardes street school-room. Mr D. Goldie in the chair. The object of the gathering was for the pm-pose of clearing the balance of debt upon the Sir Henry Havelock Lodge piano forte. The programme was a lengthy one, and as follows :— Pianoforte and flute solo, by Messrs Butschkow and Howden ; the " Two Roses," by the Orpheus Glee Club; " Thus goes the world around," by Mr John Henderson ; the " Gambler's Wife" (recitation), by Miss Fronde ; the " Magic of Music," by Mrs Bettany ; Wash ington's Boyhood (reading), by Mr Herman; the Drunkard's Raggit Wean (Scotch), by Miss Peace ; Men of Harlech, Mr Neal: " The Working Man's Inheritance"!original poem), by Mr Blackmail; "Call me not back from the* Echoless shore," Miss Gribble ; a selection from Mark Twain, Mr Young ; duet " A.8.C.," by Miss Peace and Mr Howden; the " Bashful young man " (new version), by Mr Power ; " Sour Kraut" by German musical professor ; "Parson McKnock's addross to his Flock," Mr A. Smith'; a "Love song" by Mr Salt. Mr Butschkow |appeared as Mr Fay, and Messrs Squirrell and Young as the Daven port Brothers, and" a remarkable illusion was practised in a very clever manner. The entertainment throughout was of an ngreeable character, and closed with the National Anthem.

The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Moanatairi Gold Mining Company will be held at noon to-morrow (Thursday) in tfee large* room of the Insurance Build ings.

At a meeting of the Town Council of Onehunga, held, yesterday, 'at was agreed that the Road Board office should be used as the Borough office. The assets of the late Road Board, which amounted to £60 cash in b;;nk in excess of liabilities, were, taken over. The Bank of New Zealand was selected for the Borough account, and Mr C. E. Cooke, of Auckland, was ap pointed Engineer- The salary of the Town Clerk was fixed at £50 per annum. # A motion in favour of the Council supplying water to the shipping was agreed to, and referred to a committee. The Council then adjourned.

The eye is reckoned the most interesting feature of the human countenance, and its structure is generally spoken of by those acquainted with it as the beau ideal ot delicacy in creation. A lecture on such a subject is bound to be interesting, and we" therefore anticipate that Mr B. Schwarzbach Will have a full audience to-morrow evening at the Lome-street Hall. The proceeds are to be devoted to the funds of the Orphan Asylum, so that there will be a good subject and good object combined. We may add that there is likely to be good treatment of the subject as we'll.

Buy. B. J. Westbrooke will delivering interesting lecture on " Dreams " to-morrow (Thursday) evening in the Primitive Methodist Chapel,- Franklin Road. The chair will be taken by Rev. R. F. Macnicol, and the proceeds will be devoted to the Trust Fund.

The inhabitants of the "North Shore will meet this evening in the Church of England school-room for the purpose of re-organising the Devonport Literary Society.

Mesaers Baker and Farron, celebrated comedians, arrived in Auckland. to-day, after a most successful season in the South. They will appear at the Lome-street Hall.

The quarterly meeting of Court Zealan dia, A.0.X., will be held this evening, in the Court-room, Weilesley-street, at eight o'clock sharp.

A public meeting is to be held at New Plymouth to urge the Government to hasten the completion of the Waitara- Wanganui railway.

The opening night of the Winter course of lectures of the V.M.C.A. will take place in the Lome-street Hall on Friday evening, Bth June.

A large primping engine, which has been used at the new dock, was being drawn along Queen-street this afternoon to Messrs Fraser and Tinne's foundry, when the front axle gaTC way, and the unwieldy obstacle was brought to a standstill in the middle of the road. They were engaged in moving it, when we went to press.

The Fraternal Home Lodge received a visit last evening from the oilicers and brethren of the Parnell Lodge, and a moat enjoyable evening was spent by all present.

Reports of the discussion of the bread question in the STAR' appear to have awakened attention in other parts of New Zealand. At Wellington the editor of the " Argus" caused loaves to be purchased at each of the bakers and weighed, and he afterwards published the names and results. With few exceptions the loaves were found to be considerably under weight. The bread was afterwards handed to a charitable institution. At Greymouth a "sufferer" writes to the " Star" stating that he weighed samples of bread, and found them Sozs under weight.

Targett's wonderful fish, which was exhibited in Auckland, i.s evidently not the only one of the kind out of water. At Long Island, New York, a fish was captured which in general appearance resembles a «ea serpent. "It has a long, soalclcss, .snake-like body. The flat head kas a savage bull-dug front, and is orna mented with bony processes. It is of a reddish-brown colour, "with darker red blotches funning longitudinal series on the .sides. The dorsal iin extends the entire length of the, body, and at intervals are fiery red spots, which, when the creature moves its fin, shews a heightened colour. The mouth opens obliquely upward, and the jaws are lined with sharp teeth.

Two drays were hopelessly stuck in cart, heavily laden "and '"drawn by two horses, got bogged at the crossing of Hob.son and Cook-streets, and in spite of energetic Hogging by the Jehu, and the assistance of a number of workmen who put their shoulders to the wheel, all efforts to extricate the vehicle failed, Mr Shove, seeing a brother of the clearer in distress, rushed to the rescue, and several of the quarters of beef having beest removed, the dray was got out. Simnlta»eously,further down the street, opposite St. Matthew's School-room a dray drawn by one horse, and laden with sugar got stuck in the mud, and it was necessary to partly unload it. In the latter case the dray was very much overloaded, and was evidently too much for the powers of one horse. '

The question "Is any wixt justifiable ?" ■was discussed on Monday evening by the members of the United Free Methodists Mutual Improvement Society* The dis cussion was carried on in a siptrited mannei on both sides. Affirmative : Rev. J. A. Caygill, and Messrs S. JWker, and G. Hemus. Negative : Messr^.G* Thwaites, J. Dixon, R. Tudehope, aucf-TW'. H. "White head. Rev. It, Tayjtor occujpied the chair. To the Editor, Sir, —Permit rilfe, th'rmirfi, the Star, to thank the members of th© Press Xjjjency in Auckland, for kindly forvardsbg-fd^'tne last night to the newspapers throughout the colony a full synopsis or the proposals in regard to increasing the shares and capital of the South British. J3y this means all'our; shareholders throughout New Zealand received-the intima tion this morning, and were %IL placed in pre cisely the same position as regards the informa tion referred to,- a point the directors and myself were specially desirous should be the case. I am, etc.,—A. Boardman, South British. „.' < ■.

Our Goldfields.

5? GEAHAMSTOA%N f this day. The Moanatairi report afgood-show of gold in the winze this inorrifftg. Shares touched £14 15s, but recede^ since to £14. The Alburaia cleaning-lip is not com pleted. They-have 900oz. on hand. SDThe Dauntless and Sink-to-rise has 3 ozs 6 dwts.

THE MOANATAIRI.

(From our own Correspondent.)

A passer-by would have easily told this morning that some excitement was rife on 'Change. Not only in the building, but on the pathway in front, knots of gentlemen were to be seen conversing in an animated manner, and an experienced eye. would have noticed that many of those so engaged were persons who are not rfcguiar habitues of the market. The cause of the stir was not at all difficult to ascertain, for every minute, as a new arrival walked in, he was immediately escorted|to thej notice board by some attentive broker or middle man, and often one could hear the triumphant "I told you so," as a copy of a telegram posted on the board was pointed at. This is what it was :

"Grahamstown, this day. To F. A. White Esq.—3 cwt specimens from new winze. Good show gold iii the face of drive, and going down iv floor. Think the old shot gold is coming in.—R. Comer.'-' Of course there was a rise in the price of shares, which were done as high as £13 10s during the morning.

PIAKO GOLD MINING COMPANY.

Thore was a slight stir in the shares of this mine this morning, in consequence of the following encouraging telegram :— " Grahamstown, this day. " Forty pounds from north stope, 80 feet from shaft. Gold showing freely.—S. E. Richards."

A steady demand commenced this morn ing in Moanataio. shares, consequent upon the report from the mine. Shares sold from £12 10s to £13 103, receding at noon to £13. Very few transactions in auy other stocks. Sellers: Kuranui, 30s; Albumia, 625; Pialco, 11s 6d. During the day a few parcels of Auck land Gold Mining Company shares changed hands at prices varying from Is to Is 3d.

POLICE COURT,-THIS DAY.

(Before A, Beetham, Esq., (chair), and G. S. Graham, Esq., Justices cj£the Peace). PUGILISTIC' Sam, a Fiiian, and William. "Wilson, from the bush, were brought up under the Vagrant Act, charged with unseemly behaviour, to Wit, fighting in Chapel-street on the night of the 20th instant. The man pleaded grnilty. Sub-Inspector Pardy said that Sam and Wilson were vigorously fighting together in Chapel street, and -when the constable went up to per suade them to desist, Wilson refused. The man Wilson was under the influence of drink, and insulted Sam. who would not stand it. and returned blow for blow ; he was not going to b9 put down ; ho was perfectly sober. The bench fined Wilson 10s and costs, and discharged Sam with a caution. A DEPRAVED WOMAN. Elizabeth Diedrick, who had been convicted many times of drunkenness and vagrancy, was again charged under the V>>g»ant Act, with being an incorrigible drunkard, rogue, and vagabond. Prisonor denied the charge, she did not deserve the reproach. Constable Eurke deposed that the woman got through the window of a house of ill-fame in Nelson-street, recently occupied by Mrs lyers lake, and constituted herself the mistress of the dark establishment. Complaints had frequently been made against the house. He found prisoner in the house with another woman, they had decoyed two men into the house, one had £10 in his pocket, and the other man escaped. Detective Jeffrey gave the woman a very bad character, she had only been out of gaol a few Weeks. Mr 13eetham said the woman had suffered for her previous offences, and as she was not charged with robbing the men, he thought some specific charge should be made against her. Sub-Tnspector Pardy said the charge was having no visible lawful means of support, and he had witnesses to prove that the charge was well founded. Mr Beetham said that any person might bs charged in the same way and sent to prison, he would atill contend that the charge was vague, and should take the responsibility of discharging the prisoner. A woman named Anne Morgan, who was 1 found in the same house, was brought under the same act, and as the case was exactly similar, she was also discharged. The Bench remarked that the house had got a bad reputation, and should be carefully watched. ; AX OUTCAST CHILD. i Anne Kerslake was charged with being a neglected child, within the moaning of the Neglected and Criminal Children's Act. The unfortunate child, was the daughter of tho woman who was committed to prison la3t week for robbing a bushman of £3 in the hou3e kept i by her in Nelson.street. | The Bench made an order for the committal j 1 of the child to the Industrial School,Howe-street | i for the term of seven years, to be brought up in | ; the faith of the Ckurch of England. : luxacy. A respectable woman of Newton was com mitted to the Whau -Asylum, on the united ; medical testimony of Dr Ellis and Dr Hooper, j ; This was all the business. - ,

THE AUTUMN MEETING.

Continuation of "Hotspur's" Review. Tiik second day of the meeting was spoilt by the execrable weather. The pouring rain of the previous night and the fre quent showers of the morning had made the course and saddling paddock regular quagmires, and locomotion both for horse and man was attended with anything but com fort or ease. The St Lcger gave us the first sight we have had of Hippocampus since he ran in the Maiden Plate at the Summer Meeting. Everyone was astonished to see what improvement lie had made. He has thickened out and laid on muscle wonderfully in the interval, and is now about the best specimen of a racehorse that hasj ever been bred in this province. He shewed no signs of having become stale after his hard work down South, on the contrary, his coat shone like satin, and in his canter round the course lie verified the eulogium passed upon him by a Southern sporting writer, who described his action as being like "well-oiled machinery" Whatever injury he may have sustained in the Dunedin Cup he has quite recovered from, and it is doubtful whether he ever shewed to better advantage. Aerolite was, of course, only started to enable Mr Walters to claim the full amount of the added money. Captain Walmslcy's colt has not grown much since last year, and lias not been in training lately. The Flying Stakes was seen from the first Sld^i^d that", the I&WW^mV oliler horses felt this was proved by Ariel, Elsa, Bide-a-wee, and Shanneen being scratched. The finish was the Champagne over again. Venus Transit and Longlands quitted their field at the half distance, and fought out another very interesting struggle, but the filly again had the best of it at the finish, winning a little more easily than she did on the previous day. The Baron and Queen Mab did no better than before, and I think they will turn out to be only moderate. Mr Hunt's Cockfighter was a competitor in this race,, but was not able to get placed. He! is a great, strax>ping, and somewhat coarse chest nut, by Ake Ake, from a Dainty Ariel mare. It is possible, with time, he may race, but at present he is very green. . The Steeplechase, curiously enough, was a repe tition of the last one, so far as .the first and second were concerned. R would have' been even more like, it had npt Butcher Boy's rider broken his stirrup iron. As it happened, this accid6nt, and the persistent refusals of all the rest of the competitors, enabled Perfume to come home by herself, after getting over all the obstacles without a mistake. In my opinion, Mr 0. C. Me- Gee has, in Perfume, thejery best steeple chaser, ijj the'eoidny. *' TPfifee '&kS said "she-: could not carry, the weight were quife oxit'in their reckoning, a^d I think there are few Avho would back Butcher Boy, perfect fencer and game honest horse as he is, against her at level weights. Although Isleman and Buck stone, by dint of praiseworthy perseverance on the part £of their riders, _ got round. it may safely be said that besides the first and second, there were no horses in the race capable of being depended on ,to.. negotiate such a course. Many persons ask why so difficult a course is chosen. One answer is that it cannot well be altered, and another that it is not more than ordinarily severe. The old track on the far side has been rendered impracticable by an insurmountable fence, put tip by one of the owners of the. land, and any other course would be out of view from the Grand Stand. It is noticeable also that the jibbers do not get stuck up at the worst jumps, but at the water jump; which is as easy a leap of its kind as could be devised, and at the simple hurdle at the top of the last hill. Mr Stephen's pluck in sticking to the contest with only one stirrup deserves special mention, and he -well merited the cheer he was greeted with on returning to weigh-in. The Autumn Handicap only brought out three runners. Magician, Shauneen, and Baron wisely declined the contest. Perfume could not be expected to shew after the Steeplechase, and the only candidate whose absence caused any comment was Elsa, who, unless out of form, was very favourably weighted with 7st 91bs., or on 12lbs. better terms with Bide-a-wee than the two ran in the Taranaki Handicap, where they were close together until right home. The quality of the actual contestants made up for the paucity of the number. Ariel, Hippocam pus, and Bide-a-wee formed the trio. The first-named got 61bs. better Aveights with Mr Vavasour's gelding than in the Birth day Handicap, and plenty backed the bay to reverse the running. Hippo., with 7st. 131bs. up, was, however, made favourite, and he justified the public confidence reposed in him by winning cleverly from Bide-a-wee, who ran as before with undeniable game ness. There are various opinions as to how easily the winner secured his victory, bivt there is no doubt he had a pound or two fn hand. Ariel was quite out of it when it came to the finish, and it is now pretty well demonstrated that he does not like dirt. Thia was Mr Walters' fifth victory at the meeting, an illustration of the old adage, "It never rains but it pours." In the Selling Race, Isaac Walton for the second time went as straight as an arrow, and gave Shanneen a stone and a comfortable beating. Mr Walters' stable, indeed, seemed invinci ble. His success was enthusiastically re ceived by the public, who seemed quite pleased to see the pink and white colours once more to the fore after their long fcirn of bad luck. Mr Waltei-3 will have some

rare stock coming on now, what with his j three Traducer yearlings, and Venus Transit and Hippo.; and his enterprise in sending his mares to the other end of the colony to secure the very best sprains of blood, deserves a good reward. Mr Watt's stable was as unlucky as Mr Walter's was fortunate. The black jacket and blue cap did not score a single win during the meeting. ft' is worth mention that Bide-a-wee was let "In the Birthday Handicap with such a light weight as 7st 7lbs by an accident. When lie ran with Opawa at Taranaki, it was recorded in the papers that he carried < 7st; it seems that on that occasion his jockey declared 71bs over-weight, a fact ( which" was not mentioned in the accounts of the race. Our handicapper accordingly allotted his weight as if he only carried 7st. This shews how particular racing reporters ou'jht to be in mentioning these little items. The mistake in the present instance probably led to the prize going to Mr Vavasour instead of to Mr Watt. I see that Bide-a-wee has changed hands, having been purchased by Mr Leonard for £130. He will be taken to Christchurch, and trained by Bob Ray. From what I hear, the financial result of the meeting is not so satisfactory as it might have oeen. This is, of course,' attributable to the wretched, weather on the second day. It seems I was wrongly informed about Elsa's having the gripes. I don't see that Mr McGeeneed be in such a hurry to declare that the mare was never in better condition, for if her form on Thursday was correct, he- has made a great mistake in giving £200 for a mare that Shanneen can beat at level weights. His hot-headed attack on the haudicappery I should hope Mr McGee is as sorry to see in print as every one else is, and I hope he will lose no time in making the amende honorable. The following are the amounts won by the various owners during the meeting : — Mr W. Walters, £453 2s; Mr H. D. Vavasour, £135 17s; Mr Owen McGee, £G6 10s ; Mr Jas. Buckland, £23 10s ; Mr Watt, £22 IGs ;Mr H. Henry,! £20 18s ; Mr J. Leonard, £19. Hotspur.

MR WALKER'S VINDICATION.

To the Editor of the Star. Sir, —I have no desire to prolong a dis cussion which, in whatever way it ter minates, will probably leave the subject matter in about the same position as it is now. Those who believe Thomas Walker genuine will doubtless retain their belief, and those who are convinced that he is an impostor will be of the same opinion still. I wish, however, to endeavour to correct two erroneous inferences which you draw from the report published in last night's STAR. You infer that the " general work " in the " Toledo Review" office was literary work. A moment's reflection, would have convinced you of your error.if you had recol lected that the only remuneration for the " general work " was Mr Walker's board. He was employed to sell papers, stand behind the counter, and in short was " office boy. ' You next infer that the resolution passed at the meeting was illogical. The great majority of the people in Auckland, I suppose do believe that Walker is a deliberate impostor. A very few, perhaps half-a-dozen, believe that he is controlled by the spirits of Dr Stewart, John Kuowles, Mungo Park, etc. If it were correct that everyone must adopt one or other of these conclusions, then your inference would be legitimate, but there is a third alternative, and that is that Mr Walker is self-deceived. This is the theory that I adopt. I have heard all his public lectures but two, several private ones, and have had a good deal of intercourse with him, and I candidly admit that I have seen or heard nothing which would justify me in coming to the con clusion that his utterances are emanations from the spirit world. I am, however, firmly convinced that Mr Walker really believes he is under spirit control. Most impartial persons will, t believe, admit my —^j.i.{ftfJT» ±A_i:k<»j*^;tJ'^~^UA~«iGa.l nor unreason able. History teems with instances of extraordinary self-deception. Men and women have at times endured persecution and death, rather than yield up pretensions which opposed themselves both $o the , prejudices and the reason of their neigh bours. Having come to these conclusions after giving the matter due consideration, I entirely coincide with the resolution passed at the meeting at Messrs Mason's, and fail to see that it is illogical or unsound. •; I trust that your spirit of fair play will carry, you far enough to insert this, as if "ihere is; a cause in Auckland that lacks assistauce, it is the cause of Thomas Walker. —I aTOy &c, William Cooper. ; [In assuming that Mr Walker was emplo^ect" on the literary staff of the " Toledo Review-," we drew the only inference left open by the wording of the report. It is not- usuaL. for.phe." editor ' of a journal to employ persons for other than -literary work, nor.would there be anything' . more remarkable in the acceptance of employ ment of that kind taah atiy 'other without remuneration*. We hfiye kriown literary men of no mean ability working, upon emergency, for less than board wages. A fact within our knowledge, no"£ .stated in our notes on the ■ report.also strengthened the inf erence,to wit,that ! on one occasion Mr McLeod discovered Walker I writing, in his normal condition, and was so , struck with the excellence of his composition , that he exclaimed, 'tGapA-*r-^ Walter, do you- like thafcr? ~^%£ictt the.cifldJike 'and i' bland rdsp'obsewaamjap-tnat when Ee^becarne | enthusiastic on any siiHffiSfSt, the spirit influences ! came around the innocent; medium. We have ! had specially favourable opportunities for testing Mr Walker, and we have likewise received such testimony as satisfied us that ; he is able to do in his normal condition ; all that he does in his so-called ■i "trance" state. The Evidence on this point . laid before the meeting at Mr Edger's house j waVib 'strong that, that gentleman, with all • f Ma. xlesire to shield Mr Walker, was non plussed. Our correspondent makes no allusion to th^e statement in the report that "Walker first j came ont- as a trance lecturer in America, but i had delivered lectures previously in England. The seconds explanation which Mr Cooper offers we hold to be quite inadmissible. All our j investigations have gone to disprove the ! supposition. of.selMeception. Mr Walker asks i his auditors to believe that he is a perfectly un conscious agent in the hands of his spirit controls —that at the close of each lecture he is utterly i ignorant of all that he has said or done in the I " trance " state. His own pretensions place the ■ idea of self-delusion out of consideration. But j let us suppose for a moment that ourcdrrespoh- I dent's conviction is correct. Would that.lessen ! the necessity for forcing Mr Walker from a | position In which he deludes others to the tune ! (in one instance quoted by himself) of £27-a night? If Mr Walker were content to hug his delusion in private, well and good, but when ne comes upon the platform under auspices that support his credibility, and, there speakswith the authority Of the dead upon the j most sacred subiects, his self-deceptions take a ] criminally aggressive form. Mr Cooper>is aware that there are offences committed without intent, which the law, for the protection of the community, punishes very severely. Weak minded people, who have not enjoyed our j correspondent's opportunities for satisfying ! themselves that the claims to spirit control are j imaginary, if no worse, may, and do, suffer ! greater damage than that represented |by the few shillings paid into Walker's I treasury. Taking Mr Cooper's own version lof the case, we think the committee's certificate verifying Mr Walker's thorough ! honesty and sincerity, without any qualifying i sentence expressive of disbelief in his claims to | spint possession, was a most injudicious one, and will be the means of assisting to support a I monstrous sham and fraud.—Ed. E S ]

PAWNBROKERS' CHARGES.

(To the Editor of the Star.) Sir, —I was very pleased to see there are persons in Auckland with sufficient courage to lay an information, and lose their timeTn attending the Police Court, to prove a case of overcharge by a pawnbroker which I see was adjudicated on Monday, before Mr ! Barstow. All I oan say is that those cou- i nected with it ought to be commended, , aiiddese.ve the thanks of the community, for it is not a very enviable j position to expose their necessities before the public. It is a notorious fact that there are those who would take advantage of the poor to any extent, knowing well that either they don't know how, or have not the means of obtaining redress. Every measure should be taken by the police to protect them, and especial care should be exercised in granting licenses. The pawn broking business can be carried on under the Act in as legitimate a manner as any i other trade.—Yoxirs etc. , Fair Play. !

THE DAVENPORT BROTHERS SECURELY TIED.

SCENE AT THE THEATRE LAST

L'HB Davenport Brothers' light seance af he Theatre Royal last night was brought :o a sudden and unexpected termination rhe performance was announced under thp patronage of the Mayor/ and there-was.! large and fashionable audience. At ei<»ht D'clock Professor Fay came forward "as usual, and announced the brothers' lbu cabinet seance. He stated that the names of three gentlemen—the Mayor, Mr Hes keth, solicitor, and Mr Swanson, M.G.A — had been submitted to act as a committee on the stage. The announcement was re ceived with applause. The Mayor and Mr Hesketh left the dress circle, and while they were going round to the stage Mr Swanson. stepped forward and said that there was a friend of his present (Captain Braund) who knew something about tying knots, and he proposed him as a .substitute. Loud crjes for Captain Braund were made, but that gentleman did not at first make Jus appearance. Meanwhile, the Mayor and Mr Hesketh had mounted the stage. The cries for Captain Brauntl continued. Pro fessor Fay said they had the usual num ber on the committee, and he would not have any more. There had been half-a dozen sea captains on the stage before, and if Captain Braund liked, let him come to morrow. Mr Swanson replied that he understood the audience were to choose the committee ; he wanted to know if that was so, or if the performers were to have it their own way. If they objected to Capt. Braund he would come on himself. There was no bashfulness about him. (A loud hub-bub ensued, with vociferous cries of " Braund! Braund !") The Mayor stepped forward and said that he alone was responsible for the position. He had suggested Mr Hesketh to assist him, stipulating that if that gentle men was absent then Mr Swanson should take his place. If the audience wished him to retire for anyone else he would do so. (Cries of No! "No! and Braund!) Mi Hesketh made a similar statement, anc offered to leave the stage, but thi cries abating, they proceeded to work Mr Hurst tying Ira and Mr He3ketl William Davenport (the sick brother) After the tying had proceeded so far tha both brothers' hands were firmly secure* behind their backs (continual remonstrances not audible to the audience, evidently pre ceeding fromtheßrothers during the process a very excited colloquy was observed to b going on between the Mayor and Ira Davei port, in which the latter was heard I ACCOSTING THE MAYOR IN ! VIOLENT TONES, asserting that the ropes. were tied s tightly as to injure him. Mr Hurst state to the" audience that his subject complaint of being brutally tied. He was satisfic that such was not the case, and if a medic man was present he would leave the mati to his judgment. (Loud uproar, and cri of Dr. Hooper.) Dr. Hoopeiv went on tl stage amid much cheering. He careful examined the ropes and declared that tl tying wasnotexcessive; he could putrdsfing between the ropes and the flesh. The was no stoppage of the circulation. ! f Ira Davenport in loud tones to the Mayc " I say, untie it. I am the judge wheth the tying is brutal; not Dr. Hoopi (Groans, howls, and cat-calls.)" William Davenport, who 100 ked very i also said the tying was painful,and stopp the circulation. A scene of great confusion here ensue Ira Davenport doggedly demanding th he should be untied, and his Worsl declining to unloosen the knots. T audience were in uproar, shouting th the Davenports should confess themseh beaten, and apologise. The Brothers positively refusedto goc and persisted in the demand for liberatic William was at length set loose, a slackened the ropes on his brother. Be rubbed their wrists, and William ca forward and shewed a red mark across ! wrist. _ ---•-—.-.. y - TEnr HesTTetti said he must expl: that the mark was caused Davenport straining to keep 1 wrists asunder while the tying was goi on. There was no reason whatever to belie that the tying had been in any way iihdi severe, and the spectators, satisfied of th marked their disapprobation in confini groaning. Messrs Hesketh and H ifst 1 the stage, and the Brothers went and sat the cabinet again, saying they would giv . .performance of their "own. Mr Swani and. Captain Bravrhd. then went on, a ~,were proceeding with the tying when. , ( sPaVenport,Avho was about to .be fixed by Captain Braund, called qui^;V?», s. "He says he can't secure".me.v v sithi inflicting injury, and I won't have it. I: not here to be' injured."' -'C-1. Captain Braund said it was no use adju iiig the ropes so that lie could slip, jjiu\ a moment. ' Ira Davenport refused to be tied, a the excitement in the theatre intensified Professor Fay said he would go into t cabinet and allow the Mayor and 3 Hesketh to tie him in any way they -pleas' (Cries of "No ! No.! . W*vaafrtbaDaw ■ pfts;-** "^£fet theiri'gi\s^n.first." "_gi ns back our money." 'S^u^pgtmdjfefiit strances came from all parts of the Ball.) Professor Fay repeatedly offered to into the cabinet, and take the place either of the brothers, and Mr Hesk« rising in the dress circle suggested that 3 Hurst and he should try their hand; on t Professor, brit the audience, which ; appear very much- incensed by the behaviour Ira Davenport, would not hear of<it. --T cries and noise continuing, the broffit made a very ungraceful exit from t stage, folJUAvieii'by tremendous howls. • Professor Fay said of course .said th were entirely in the hands'of the;aurhen( The Davenports had refused to* go. on, a he did hot -know-what could be done. * { Mr E. D. Davies, who had appeared the scene during the row, good humwtfed addressing the audience from time to m andendeavburingtothrQvyoilon the waters, said it was not" fair that Mr J? : 3iid himself should suffer from the sfio comings of the Davenports. Tom. ana j were two genuine characters, andhealwa left a town so that he could come baciuo (Cheers, laughter, andMteriupUonr) :*™ who liked co aid have the;iV:maj^.»ac, K-. The curtain fell amid general- confuse ■A row was threatened for a short time ..the box office, but it passed off quietly, ai i when the curtain rose after the .intent sion, it was seen that very [WM§ original audience had taken bacK^« ! money. Mr. Davies proceeded ***.* ventriloquial performance, excelling * his previous efforts. His imitations ye loudly applauded, and harmony and „<* humour seemed to be perfectly restore Professor Fay afterwards carried ot» « ! dark seance under the supervision J^' Mayor and Mr Hesketh with pert? i success. The instruments were^playea g floated about the hall, his coat w* tag : off and put on, and other marvels! exhiD» to the general mystification. Actan» the spectators, Professor WJ&; would offer no comment on the esiiw , made early in the evening. Thej £* eU( seen what had taken P^-.^^S to the manifestations exhibited, tney, judge for themselves. He J^*^ before that there was nothing superna* in connection with the performance. . The Mayor then moved a vote oi m to Professor Fay and Mr £avl^' A Xvhic really capital evening's entertoiuniem.^ they had afforded under difficult cv stances. . , , aeC ianis The resolution was carried by * tion, amid loud and prolonged cheery The event has, we learn, broken £f& Company, Mr Davies and Rote ss travelling in future on their '^.^^yai They appear to-night at the Theatre * and open at the Thames ™*nA*JL t^. The break-down was not »Qe^g *& Professor Fay, from ca^fggj sufficiently manifested last ni^w »l the Davenport Brothers. .

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, MAY^MjT.



SPECIAL NOTICE. H. L. POSSENNISKIE, XW T A¥ i o° 00°ol^ TT A-A II L O OR B TT A A II L O O R R "" TTT A A lin LLLLL 00 R R AND HABIT-MAKER, SHORTLAND-STRKET, Auckland. H L P. begs to inform his customers and the uubiic generally that he has Just Received a Cc 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. CONTINUATION OF CLEARING \j OUT SALE. JOHN W. 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, Freach 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, ume3, Feathers, Flowers, and Straw Goods. Every Department is Marked Down, so as to clear out. The Lkase of the Premises for Sale. TW" O T I C E. MACINTOSH COATS, WATERPROOF CLOTHING. EUSHBROOK AND BRIDGMAN Have Just Opened, and are now Showing, a Large Barcel 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. The Parcel includes various Styles, and all sizes. Ps, /'Light Textures, in Black and Drab, for O town wear. O Strong Heavy Sheeting. # m Strong Twilled, Velvet Collars. Pj 5 J Cashmere, Fancy Check, and Diagonal & 5 1 Tweed Patterns. g □ Extra Heavy Diagonal Warm Lined, 5 and extra long. >J Sealskin Lined, specially adapted for i-' V Cabmen, 'Buss Drivers, &c. waterproof aprons, leggings, &c. Also, A FURTHER SUPPLY OF BLANKETS, REVERSIBLE BUSH RUGS, AND FANCY AUSTRIAN RUGS, To Hand this Week. Is. in the & allowed on all Cash Purchases of 203. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Queen-stbeet, I AUCLKAND. i



~X".U --S T RE G E I"V,-E D> EX "HERO." ONE CASE OF WOOL POPLINS AND BLACK SILK FRINGES. ! Very Choice GooJs. W. RATTRAY, DRAPER, HOSIER, & SILK MERGER, New Zealand House, G6, QUEEN-STREET. At;crcr.ANT> UTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. Incorporated b" Act of Parliament.' NEW ZEALAND BRANCH: Head O:nce, Auckland Local Director: George Burg--vne Owen, Esq. (Messrs. Owen and Graham.) Principal Medica.l Officer: Charles Field Goldsbro'. Esq., M.D. General Agent for New Zealand : William T. J. Bell. With Sub-Agencies in all the Principal Towns. Every information on the subject of LIFE ASSURANCE ANNUITIES, and ENDOW MENTS FOR CHILDREN, afforded by J. A. Lowe, Travelling Ascent to the Association ; or WILLIAM T. J. BELL, General Agent. J3L Special Features.— -Age admitted on Policies, which are cx-challaxgable from date of issuo. Lowest Rates of Premiums, and no hamper ,\& conditions as to residence or occupation.