SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

MIl-11 WATICR—J lilIS Afternoon, 8.10 Hint vvAlim- 1To _ mWTO _ Morning, 8.33 SUN SET.—This Evening, 4.54 SLN RISi".—To-morrow Morning, 6.57 MOONS A(3 !fi.—Last Quarter, 24th, 1.21 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Onward, schooner, Pankon, from Russell Spitfire, cutter, Olson, from Russell Pretty Jane, s.s., Kelander, from Gisborne lona, s.s., Farquhar, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

Island L!ly, brigantine, for Chatham Islands Fanny, cutter, Ricketts. for Whangapoua

EXPORTS.

Per Island Lily, for Chatham Islands: 500 nieces timber, 11,000 shingles. 2 pairs sashes, 1 J-cask brandy. 4 cases spirits, 1 case con fectionery, 58 pks groceries. 4 pkgs paints and oils, (i cases, 20 pkgs oats. 5 sacks'" bran, 6 sacks wheat, 1 tierce tobacco, 7 cases cordials, 1 tun glass, 1 boiier, 20 bales hay, 32 pkgs, and a quantity of powder. Per Ness, for Levuka: 1735 pieces timber, 30 keys beef, 40 tins biscuit. 11 bags onions.

Per Mary Anderson, for Samoa : 20 bags rice, 20 mats sugar, 40 cases geneva. IS cases oilmen's stores, 80 tins biscuits. 60 tons flour, 70 bags potatoes, and a quantity of sundries. 20 cases geneva, 2 bales cotton, 1 ease drapery, 6 pkgs oilmen's stores, 3 drums boiled oil.— Owen and Graham.

Clearwd Outwards—Mary Ann, cutter, for I Kennedy's Bay, in ballast; Lake St. Clair, barge, for Orewn, in ballast; Wangarci. cutter, for Thames, with 15 tons coal: Minnie Hare, cutter, for Gisborne, with 35,000 feet timber ; Fawn, cutter, for Russell, in ballast ; Firefly, schooner, for Wade, with sundries. Entered Inwards, —Onward, schooner, from Russell, with 52 tons coal; Spitfire, cutter, from Russpll. with 43 tons coal; Mary Ann, cutter, from Kennedy's Bay, with 37 tons fire wood ; Lake St. Clair, barge, from Orewa, with 18000 feet timber; Firefly, schooner, from the Wade, with 12,000 staves. The s.s. Taranaki will arrive at Onehuga about 11 o'clock to-morrow (Sunday), and not Monday as previously notified. The brigantino Island Lily sailed la3t evening for Chathcm Islands, with a full cargo and several passengers. 'J'he s.s. Wanaka will arrivo from Tauranga and Soul hern ports about 9 o'clock this evening. The cutter Ness did not sail for Russell to-day, but she will probably get away during tho evening. .'"The schooner Mary Anderson cleared at tho Customs to-day for Samoa, and will sail during the evening. She takes a general cargo of mer chandise and the following passongors: Mrs Schultze and Margaret Jackson. The s.s. Pretty Jane arrived from Gisborne at an early hour this morning. The p.s. Hauraki arrived at Manukau Heads from Waitars to-day, with a general cargo. The schooner Winifred, for Levuka, did not sail to-day. The schooner Minnie Hare is to sail for Gisborne immediately, with a general cargo anfl a quantity of timber. The schooner Orpheus cleared at <ho Customs today for Napier, with a general <.:„rgo of mer chandise. She will sail at once. The s.s. Rowena left Tauranga for this port at 5 p.m. yesterday, and will therefore arrive in harbour late this afternoon. MjThe Wanaka and lona will leave on Monday for Russell, the latter calling at Northern ports. The s.s. I«na arrived from Russell thiß morn ing with 186 packs gum, 86 sacks oysters, .7 parcels hides, 5 kits fish, 5 cases fruit, and tho following passengers :—Mr and Mrs Lane, Master ?F. Good, Messrs Lannigan. J. Selfe, Taiwhanga, Menzies, O'Donnell, O'Reilly, G. RUiott, Lamper. and Williams, TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING. Napier, this day. The s.s. Go-ahead arrived at the Spit from Auckland to-day. Tauranga, this day. The s.s. Rowena sailed for Auckland at 5 p.m. yesterday, and the Wanaka at 5.30 a.m. to-day. The s.s. Tarn o' Shanter is to be brought round from the Manukau to this port, for the purpoue of being placed on the Wade trade.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Undbr :— For Thames, on Monday next, at 5.30 p.m. For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m.- For Russell and Kawakawa, per Wanaka, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa. and Mon gonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 8 a.m. Fo' Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena; on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki. on Tuesday next, at S a.m' For Russell, per Spitfire, on Taesday next, at 8 a.m. For Waiwera, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana, per Anne Milbank. on Tuesday next, at 10 a.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu. Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at 4 p.m. Per s.s. Wanaka on Thursday, 23rd instant, as follows: For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 2p.m. For Tauranga. Gisborne, Napier, Southern Provinces, Australian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially addressed), at 3 p.m. For London, via Brindisi, and late letters for Southern Provinces and t Melbourne, at 3.15 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and .newspapers at 1.30 p.m. Should a later opportunity offer, supplemen tary mails will be forwarded. Per 5.3. City of New York, on Tuesday, 28th inst., as follows ;— - For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 3 D.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers at 1.30 p.m. Lato letters, bear ing an extra fee of 6d in addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. S. H. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

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

SATURDAY, MAY 18, 1878.

#s»_b» umHliM'l' t n _rt»tin-__ {_• fire maag tfant mat- teslrUffiffl* f4wtee «__«« la Uar __utca, _■ A_uS ttectn—1——!?■«*»«_»«»■

Probably some citizens are aware— although the number, owing to the manner in which the Albert Trust has been admin istered, ia small and select —that one of the chief benefits secured to the city of Auckland by the Imperial grant of the Albert Barracks Estate, was a public park of fifteen acres. Six years hare elapsed since a Commission was created, and endowed with one of the most valuable properties in tho city, mainly to develop this beneficial purpose, but the adventurous explorer who' seeks for the park, will find the task arduous and baffling, and productive of feelings of be wilderment, such as we may suppose ani mated the enterprising Stanley inhis search for Livingstone. A number of lino residences have arisen on the pro perty,' no doubt most conducive to the comfort and happiness of the fortunate people who inhabit them; there are also several good, though little used roads giving accens to these palatialjj man sions; but from a public point of view, the administration of tho trust vested in the Improvement Commissioneisisaflagrant and disgraceful failure. The first provision of the Act of 1872, constituting the Commission de clares that:" The Commissioners shall set out and reserve as absolutely inalienable, not less than fifteen acres of the said laud, as land for public recreation and amusement. Power is then given for disposing of the re mainder of the land by lease, in such a way as will improve the city, and contribute to the chief end already specified. In what spirit has the Act been administered? Except where the laud is alienated for private objects or cut up for roads—and for these purposes the sections which ouce served as a public recreation ground were taken—the estate remains in a worse con dition than when the Commission took charge of it, for what was once unencum bered, is now weighted with a heavy mort gage. The inquisitive citizen, in search of Ills' legal rights under the clause securing public recreation, will find a large part of the Albert Park, on the seaward slope of the Earrack Hill, fenced oil', subdivided, and devoted to private purposes ; the remainder covered with wretched tumble-down structures, hideous closets, undiained, filthy, and pes tilential back yards, where typhoid fever has repeatedly found a congenial nursing ground. For the paltry value of a few pine-trees, the Commissioners illegally allowed, if they did not absolutely invite, half-a-dozen purchasers of allotments along Princes-street to fence and use exclusively for their own benefit, this '-'inalienable public park" for a period of ten years. A similar abuse of public reserves by the Cor poration of'Dunedin was successfully re sisted two years ago by a patriotic com mittee of citizens, and ended in the Caledonian Society, which, upon the autho rity ef the Corporation, had erected a Grand Stand, value £1,500, Oil a recreation reserve, being summarily ejected, a mandamus also issuing forthoinimediadte removal of the municipal fever hospital from the town belt. It may comfort the citizen who feels disposed to stand on his rights, thereforo, to know on tlio authority of repeated appeals to the Supreme Court of New Zealaud, under similar circum stances, that Jif he desires to enjoy the healthful recreation and beautiful prospect afforded, from the Northern slope of the Albert Park, he has only to pull down the fence, now illegally standing along the Eowen-street frontage. The owners of allotments, who have been misled into fencing and planting this part of the Park have no doubt a just grievance, and the best thing the Commissioners can do, is to reimburse the outlay, and thus regain their rightful position before combat ling the more serious, but in one sensejparallel abuse of the recreation reserve on the western side of the slope. With all the sins that rest on tho head of the Commission, and they are by no means few —it is not altogether their fault that the park continues in its present con dition, and the public are deprived of the advantages which this magnificent endow ment should confer. The mistaken course adopted by the Commissioners with refer ence to the Northern section of the Park was, no doubt, actuated by good motives, but the large area now covered by the miserable shedifices used as police barracks, in violation of the most vital conditions of the trust, is not only without the fair intentions which so often pave the way to similar preserves, but is al3o in defiance of the Commission. Five years ago the Commissioners did their utmost to secure from the Govern ment an early and peaceful evacua tion of the usurped territory, but in vain. The Grammar School authorities were likewise fully aware that their tenure was dependent upon a breach of the rights of the citizens of Auckland which could not ho permanent. A spirit of fairness demands that so much should bo said of the desire of the Commissioners to secure the observance of tho will of Parliament. Where they aro to blame is for permitting the Government to bully or cajole them into the toleration of a wrong which could have been instantly remedied by a simple exercise of tho powers they possessed. If this had beon done at first the Albert Park would now be somo thingmoro than a myth, Jand at least five years would have been gained in carrying out the purposes of the Act. There appeared at length, ground for hopo of a firmer policy, Arrangements were mado with the Government for the removal of the unfortunate police to the moro comfortablo quarters furnished in the stone building occupied by the Auckland College and Grammar School, and tho latter body received final notice to quit. This intima tion, which the educational authorities have had suspended over their heads so long that they treated it with unconcern, seems to have come as a surprise, and although temporary provision was arranged for the school in'the Choral Hall—bad, no doubt, but scarcely worse than the present school house —whilo Mr Martin's pupils found quarters in St. Paul's school, a final stand was made yesterday, in the form of an appeal to the Government. We regret to learn that this appeal has met with some en couragement'; andjre-assmed in possession, sllinglers have commenced operations on the decayed roofs of the old public barracks, The duty of tho Commissioners no longer admits of question. The occupation of this land is an infringement of the Act, and a wrong to citizens, for whose recreation it is inalienably dedicated by lnw. The Act gof 1873 gives them ample power to pull down any buildings on the property necessary to the administration of the trust. There is no excuse of want of due notice, for the occupancy has been an illegal trespass since the trust was created. After plucking the mote out of their own eye, let the Commis sioners tackle the beam iv the eye of the Government by pulling down, occupied or unoccupied, the buildings which prevent the application of the land to its rightful objects. The level land near Princes-street might immediately be turned into an excel lent ground for cricket and athletic sports ; the slope should be laid off and planted without delay to secure in the coming years the purposes of the reserve. The matter must be brought to an issue some time, and the patience exercised by citizens with the inertness of the Commission has now j nearly readied its limits. i

The directors of the Colonial Bank of New Zealand have resolved to offer the un alloted balance to existing shareholders at 10s per share, after the fir.st issue of 200,000, in the- proportion of 1 to every 5 shares now held.

In the windows of Messrs Champtaldup and Cooper, booksellers, may be seen two pictures which are hot by any means devoid of interest. The paintings, in oil, are by tho eminent artist and sculptor, Mr P. E. Connolly. One picture represents the figure of the well-known " Merrylegs,." the favourite horse of Mr J. C. Firth, which carried that gentleman through many es capes from Te Kooti and other villains who at onetime rendered travelling; in the interior of no little danger. The likeness of " Merry legs" is admirable, and the bits of scenery so charmingly introduced by the artist add to the beauty of the picture, which posses ses a certain historic interest. Maunga tautari, a mountain famous in song and story, may be seen in the far-off distance, whilst a little clump of trees marks the spot whero the Maori King movement was first initiated about 1854, at a, Maoii kainga not far from Matamata. The other picture is a faithful likeness of Rewi, the greatest of all the Maori chiefs reigning there, and is said to ba an admirable one. The artist has accurately depicted on the speakiug countenance, the firmness, manliness, and courage, which are so characteristic of this famous chieftain. This portrait has a speoial interest at the present moment, from tho fact that Rewi is one of tho central figures of the historic drama now being enacted in this colony. We need hardly mention the fact that Mr J. C. Firth, a patron of artists and lover of art, is the possossor of theao companion pictures, which havo boon framed by Mr John Leech, of Shortland-street. Their high finish and appropriateness reflect a great deal of credit upon him. Tho pictures wore presented to Mr Firth by Mr Connolly as a «ourenir of travel.

Tho entertainment of tho members ot the Good Templar Lodgo " Gem of tho Sea," composad of tho men of H.M.s. Sapphire, held an entortainmont of a "musical and literary character iv the Newmarket Hall on Thursday ovening, in connection with the brethren of the other lodges. The entertainment throughout was harmonious and successful.

The Pakaranga Hunt Club will hold tho first meeting of the season to-day at Papa toitoi, on the estate of Mr William McLaugnlau.

" Butchor Boy," the well-known steeple chase horse, was sold yesterday by Mr A. Buckland to Mr Gerald Allwell, of the Wai kato, for tho sum of £52. !»:*<*} Tho organ recital at the church of St. Mary, Parnell, last evening, was a decided success, and shews that St. Mary's choir oc cupies a high position among tho choirs of city and suburban churches. Mr Living stone presided at tho organ with tho hand and judgment of a master. Tho selections of sacred music included, "Praise tho Lord" (Spohr), " Oh, Lovely Peace !" (Handel), "AsPants tho Han" (Spohr), "Tho Lord is Mindful" (Mendelssohn), "Forsake Me Not" (Spohr), " Aye Vorum" (Mozart), "All Glory" (Spohr). Tho seaman Begley, who fell overboard from tho Sapphire, ou her recent voyage, died on that vessel on Thursday night, and was interred to-day. We are informed that Hawkos has been presented by the officers and men on the vessel with a sum of £30 iv recognition of his bravery. The funeral, which took place in the afternoon, was attended by the sailors and marines, and the band belonging to the ship played the "Dead March."

Tho work of laying the foundations for the. Auckland Timber Company's new mill ou tho Freeman's Bay reclamation is pro gressing satisfactorily under the superin tendanco of Mr W Priestley. It is expected that this portion of the work will be com plotod iv about a week. ,

It is quite probable that within a very few months the educational district of City West No. 2 will be able to boast of a new school building suited to the requirements of the district. At the meeting of the Edu cation Board yesterday, it was stated that tho City Council offerod an allotment at the coroner of Beresford and Howe-street for a. school site for City West No. 2, and it was decided to apply for it at onse. The committee have been looking out for a suit ablo sito for some time, 1 and unanimously fixed upon tho present one as suitable for their purposes. It is to be hoped that no time will bo lost in calling for tenders for tho new building, which it is to be hoped will bo completely as quickly as possible.

The so vices at the several churches of tho city aro duly announced in another page. Tho MountEdou Baptist school anniversary services willboheld to-morrow. Preachers : Morning, Rev. A. W. Webb ; evening, Rev. R. Willis ; and in the afternoon addresses by Mesrs Ladd and Wood. Tho evening service at tho Theatro at the usual hour.

At a meeting of tho Otahuhu Crickot Club, it was rosolved " That a ball lie held in tho Otahuhu Public Hall, on Wednes day, Juno 12, in aid of the funds of tho Club, tho first object being the proper laying down of a now ground."

Tho man-o'-war regatta was continued for some timo after we weut to press yes terday. Tho race for galleys, pulled by officers, was won by the Wolverine, IN ymphe second, and Sapphire third. The prizes for this contest were six belts. The next raco, for dingies manned by stokers, was won by the Nymphe, with the Wol vorino second, and the Sapphire last. The prize was a sum of money amounting to £2 10s. Iv the 6th race, for dingies manned by four boys, the Wolverine's boat pulled off the prize of £2 10s, the Sapphire second, and the ISymphe a long distance behind. The last was a sailing race for launches, cutters, and steam pinnaces, and 14 boats competed. Tho first prize—the Commo dore's—was £10, and the second, £5. A good race resulted as follows : —Wolverine steam pinnace, 1; Wolverine's launch, 2 ; Nyraphe's pinnace, 3.

A social gathering of a very interesting character was held last evening iv St. Matthew's school-room by the members of St. Matthew's Sunday school choir, under the management of Mr Webb. About throe hundred persona wero present at the tea tables which were plentifully supplied by the young ladies. After tea, thore was an excellent entertainment, presided over by Roy. R. Burrows, tho officiating minister of St. Matthew's, who delivered a practical and pleasing address. The programmo was as follows :—Pianoforte solo, Miss Hamilton ; " Tho Pied Piper" (Browning), Mr Wort h ington ; full chorus, by tho school choir ; duet, Mr and Mrs Cavanagh ; part chorus by members ; comic song, by Mr Howden (recalled); and soveral duets and musical selections, also, a pretty love song well sung by Mr Spry. Mr J. B. Russell gave an excellent address on " Something to be proud of," in which he said that every one present had, during his or her lifetime, something to be proud of, on looking back to the past, and he thought that this occasion would enable many of the choir,, in future years, to look back upon with a feeling of pride. They had much to be proud of as a choir, and much praise was due to their teacher, Mr Webb, for bringing them forward in such a creditable manner, and they should be proud in having such an efficient teacher as Mr Webb, to instruct them in the art of music and singing. At the close, Mr Doonin proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the choir, for adding so much to the enjoyment of the -evening, which was carried by acclamation. The whole closed with the national anthem.

At the Education Board yesterday, after we went to'press, it was stated that the con tractors had completed tho CKy West school building, but were seven days behind con tract time, and therefore liable to a penalty of £7. As the work had been well done, the Board resolved to remit the penalty. Leave of absenco was granted to the school mistress of Newton East.

Wo learn that during the week Colonial Insurance shares have beon applied for to nearly the number likely to be allotted in this province. None but bona fide insurers have been encouraged to make application. The list is expected now to close at an early date. Tho fact of the Board having only allotted shares to bona fide "insurers, shows that they are determined to discourage im proper speculation.

The following are the tenders received yesterday afternoon at the office of Messrs Keals and Son, for erecting new buildings for the South British Insurance Company, at tho coiner of Queen and Shortland streets :—Watson and Co., 4s 3d per foot, £6,344 ; William Blewden, 3s 6d, £5,550 ; C. Layer, 4s 3d, £5,500 ; Kay and Harvey, 6s, £5,320; J. W. Jones, 5s 6d, £5,277 < Henry Sliailer, 3s 6d, £5,225 ; Colcbrook, 6s, £5,200; McConnochie and Flatt, ss, £5,070; John Jones, 4s 6d, £5,049,- Jas. Holland, ss, £4,955 ; Jos. Malcolm, 43 9d, £4,953; G. Rhodes, ss, £4,949 ; C. S. Wright, ss, £4,939; W. Philcox, ss, £4,840 ; no name, supposed to be McGuire, 4s 6d, £4,832.

Tho romantic districts ef Rotomahana, Rotorua, and the Lakes, with their natural associations, are now amongst the world's attractions, and, year by year, the number of visitors are on the increase. Poets, painters, and authors, have been struck with the unrivalled beauties and marvels of theso districts, and have eulogised them in song, picture, and story. Photography also has imparted additional interest to the lake scenes by its perfect delineations of the pink and white terraces, water-falls, and geysers, decorated by the cunning hand of Mature. Without detracting from the merits of other photographic views, we may state conscientiously that Pulman's new views of tho Hot Lakes, and the surround ing localities, recently taken by Mr Steel, are among the finest, for clearness of out lino and minuteness of detail, that have yet been produced in this colouy, and as such are worthy the notice of lovers of art and persons of taste. See advt.

Tho band of tho Choral Society is re quested to meot at the Hall on Monday evening. Touching the skating rink, a correspon dent writes: "Sir, —I should bo glad, through tho medium of your valuable paper, to ask the committee of tho Choral Hall skating rink to reconsider their decision as to fixing on Wednesday evening for their skating night. It interferes with the choir practise of nearly every Church in Auckland, and with the service of one or two. When the world and the Chinch comes in contact wc all know which balance kicks the beam. It would be an act of graceful courtosy on tho part of the committee if they decided to substitute somo other evening for Wednesday, and might not, perhaps, pas 3 unforgotton by the recording angel's pen.—l am, &c, A Member of a Ciikistian Church.

A correspondent sends the following:— Sir, —" The hospital authorities are causing a drain to be dug from the hospital build ing in a slanting direction through tho Domain to the gate of Stanley-street, Grafton Road, and here it terminates in an open shallow ditch which baa a very little fall to tho sea, the sea beach being about half-a-milo distant. And what do you think this drain is for? I waa perfectly astounded when I was told —It is the Hospital Sewer. Just imagine the concen tration of compounded stinks shot out iv such a place exposed to tho action of the sun fund air. YVhat.a refreshing bouquet, right at the very place where it is intended to begin the projected road through this pleasure ground. Surely the hospital people can't mean it. Will you kindly publish this, as I have it on good authority that it ia so intended. —Yours,&c., PERAMBULATOR. [Upon inquiry we are informed that tho pipe drain is being made to carry oft hospital sewerage,Jwhich is now poured down the open gully, at .the back of the houwes in Grafton Road. The work is an improve ment so far as it goes, but tho Stanley street sewerage demands immediate atten tion. A covered drain from the bottom of Grafton Road to the sea, is imperative to the healthfulness of this part of the city].

Tho Rev. Mr Monro will give an address at the usual Sunday evening service iv the Theatre Royal.

The members of the Victorian Company are notified to attend the Monthly Inspec tion, on Tuesday ovening nextj[ at half-past seven o'clook, a full muster is expected. The} telegram forwarded from Reeftou. and printed in our issue of the 16th inst., should have been, "Mr Reeres, strongly supports tho policy of tho present Govern ment," and not opposes, as mis-sent.

Messrs. Kummer & Co., of this city, have received the following highly important cable message from their London agents, dated London, May 10, 6.30 p.m. : —"Cover all goods against war risks."

• When the liinomoa left Auckland with His Excellency the Governor a request was made that the steamer should call at Taranaki for His Honor Mr "Justice Gillies. For some reason, tho steamer did not call, and His Honor telegraphed to the Minister of Justice stating that he -vas left in New Plymouth without means of reaching Wellington, where important business awaited adjudication before the Appeal Court. The Hon. J. Sheehan immediately telegraphed instructions for the Hinemoa to return front Wellington for tho con veyance of Hi 3 Honor. Tho Stella, however, being at liberty, was detached for the service, and Mr Gillies left New Plymouth yesterday.

" Defence" writes, urging that the old sniooth-boie cannon in the barracks, should be removed to _the North Head, as a tem porary means of defence. It is hardly worth while to incur the trouble and expense, for all the defensive value of these antiquated specimens of Ordinance. The Government should press forward as jiapidly as possible the efficient measures of defences suggested by tlio Imperial Authorities.

At a meeting of the Coursing Club, which - was held at the office of the Auckland Racing Club yesterday, it was resolved that the first meet of the season will tako place on the Ist June, at Papatoi toi station. The election of members will take place on Friday next, after which a judge and slipper will be appointed. Appli cations of persons wishing to become mem bers will be received up to that date.

CABLEGRAMS.

AUSTRALIAN.

Special to " Star"

(FROM OUR SYDNEY CORRES PONDENT.)

THE VAGABOND'S LIBEL

ACTION,

The famous sketch writer, the " Vaga bond, has brought an action for slander against the notorious book-maker, Joe Thompson. Damages are laid at£2ooo.

The tariff on press messages by the cable has been reduced to seventy-five per cent, of the present charges.

There is a proposal to purchase the New Zealand and Tasmaniau lines.

THE CABLE CONFERENCE.

[REUTERs SPECIAL TO PRESS AGENCY.]

MELBOURNE, May 17. The Cable Conference meeting? are ex pected to close to-morrow. The proceed ings are to bo published early. It is an ticipated that a modification of Colonel Glover's offer will be agreed to. PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGES BILL. SYDNEY, May 17. The Council have rejected tho Parlia mentary Privileges Bill, the. great objection' being that the provisions are too extensive and indefinite.

MR HOBBS AT DRURY.

{BY TELEGRAPH.]

DRURY, This Day. . Mr Hobbs addressed a large assembly of electors in the Wairoa public hall, Mr James Bell in the chair. Mr James Crawford moved a vote of thanks and confidence, which was seconded by Mr McDonald, and carried unanimously.

FUNERAL OF THE SEAMAN BEGLEY.

The funeral of the seaman Begley, who died on Thursday, in consequence of in juries received by falling overboard from H.M.S. Sapphire, took place this afternoon. The coffin was placed on a gun carriage, and covered with the Union Jack, a num ber of blue-jackets drawing the carriage to the cemetery. A number of the comrades of deceased followed tne remains, and a drum and fife baud played the dead march.

Wreck of the Ann Gambles at the Bluff.

(BY TELEGRAPH.)

(From Our Own Correspondent)

BLUFF, this day.

The passenger ship, Ann Gambles, on her way fiom Loudon via Bluff, to Port Chalmers with passengers,and cargo, has been wrecked near hear. Intelli gence is only just to hand, _ and no particulars have yet been received. [ will however proceed immediately to the scene, arid will telegraph full particulars, as soon as possible. The Ann Gambles was a barque of 424 tons, and commanded by Captain Morgan. She sailed on January 22nd for tho Bluff.

THEATRE ROYAL.

ROMEO AND JULIET,

In spite of the fact that Romeo and Juliet has been played pretty often in Auckland, it drew a very fair audience to the theatre last night. Miss Firmin's Juliet is. a careful and well considered, but thoroughly traditional performance. We liked, her best in the last parts of the play. In the scene where she drinks the potion, she acted magnificently, and shewed an amount of really tragic power. With the Balcony scene we were not so well pleased, for several reasons ; but the love dialogue by night, in Juliet's chamber, after the marriage, was well nigh perfect. For the culminating scene of the last act we have also nothing but the highest praise ; the way in which Juliet, after stabbing herself, dragged pain fully along the ground till site jjcould lay her dying head on Romeo's breast, was, although painfully realistic, deeply pathetic, Mr Steele, as Romeo, did more than respectably. In point of fact, wo have never s«en him better suited before. In the early scenes with Juliet, he was as gallant a lo\ er as girl would wish to havo, and later iv the play his acting was powerful. Mr Jack's Friar Laurence was not merely an excellent, but an original per formance." He gave an entirely new and impressive reading of the text, which ren dered the subordinate part undoubt edly the fcatuio of the representation. Miss Jessie Raymond deserves great credit for her impersonation of, the Nurse, and Mr Burford's Mercutio was also creditable. The other characters were only moderately well played. One does not expect much in the way of scenery or dressing in a play only mounted for one night, but surely Mr Steele might have found a more suitable disguise for the masked ball than that comfortable-looking Ulster and "billycock" hat. By the way, the orchestra at the theatre this season is really deserving of special commendation. It is neither too large nor too small, and the instruments are well chosen, and go well together. The "Bidder Lustig Galop" and a set of pretty waltzes were excellently played last night. TO-NIGHT. An exciting drama, entitled the " Female Detective," will be produced to-night; and on -Monday we are to be treated to the wonder ful comedy of " Our Boys," now approach ing its I,looth night at the Vauderville Theatre, London.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT IN QUEEN STREET.

ABOUT eight o'clock this morning and acci dent occurred to a working man named James Lyle, who was employed pulling down the shop lately vacated by Mr. Aickin, chemist. He was occupied on the roof, and must somehow have missed his footing, for, without any warning, he was seen to fall through the verandah on to the pavement. His head struck the parapet first, and lay quite still, apparently badly stuuned, Before angtving could be done a heavy bar Of iron which had somehow become disloged came clattering down and struck the un fortunate man across the face. He was picked up immediatedly and conveyed into the shop of Mr Hamilton chemist, where his wounds were dressed, and he was then taken home in a cab.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M., and B. McLean, Esq., J.P.) BACCHANALIAS TEMPLARS.

Two drunkards were fined in the usual amount.

BREACH OF SHEEP ACT,

Thomas Jolly waa charged with a breach of the Sheep Act, 1575, for permitting sheep infected with scab to bo driven upon a high way at Epsom on the 30th of April, contrary to the provisions of the Act. Mr Brookfield appeared for the prose cution, and Mr Hesketh for defendant, who pleaded not guilty. Mr Brookfield stated tho-case, and said that he should be able to shew that the sheep were scut down by Mr Jolly, a farmor in tho Waikato, and that one or more weie infected by scab, as the evidence of com petent witnesses will prove. Mr Brookfield then put in the Act and other documents necessary to the case.

George Callwell, station - master at Rcmuera, deposed that the sheep were consigned by Mr Jolly, 66 in number, to Messrs Hunter and Nolan. Mr Jolly assisted to put them in the truck.

To Mr Hesketh : No other sheep came by the same train.

Robert Keal, of Remuera station, gave similar testimony. He saw the sheep, which were taken to the sale-yards.

Richard jOlney, in the employ of Hunter and Nolan, received the sheep and drove them to his employers' paddock, at the foot of Palmer's Hill; lie then drove them along the Great South Road, to the sale yards and penned. Mr Lewis, the sheep Inspector, was in the yards ou that day, and told him to shift them as they were scabby. Event ually the sheep were carted away. To Mr Hesketh :Mr Jolly was not present, nor any one else ; he changed them to another pen in the same yard, and re mained there until the following day. G4 were carried away. David Nolan believed that he received a telegram from Mr Jolly to say the sheep were coming ; they had sold sheep on six preceding weeksjier Mr Jolly. To Mr Hesketh : A great number of the previous sales had been sold to Mr Clayton ; he attended all the sales, did not see Mr Lewis examine the sheep. Francis Charles Lewis, Inspector of sheep, deposed that he was at Hunter and Nolan's yards on April 30th. Mr Jolly's sheep were drafted in three lots, As they wero passing in the lane, he observed.something suspicious about them, add found a patch on the shoulder of ono sheep as large as the patch of his hand. He called fho attention of Ferguson, an old shepperd, aud Alex ander Totter to the scab, who had no doubt about the scab. These witnesses and others who saw them wero persons of great experience in speep. Mr Brookfield: Is it true that "One scabby sheep infects the flock, and poisons all-the rest.". Mr Lewis :It is quite true. To Mr Hesketh : When finning one sheep infected with the disease, he seldom

looked further. The sameshleph? lievedj had been previously affected 1, had been imperfectly dressed, and n ■ quently not perfectly cured. Ho w see Mr" Jolly on the subject, and tolrinv.- to that his sheep were scabhy, and th k would not handle anothor of his sheen k in his preaen c. Mr Jolly would not h_i. that his sheep were scabby, he did not *ny inseots in the wool, but he had r. n a 8? e but he couldfl have found plenty o ftkbt He regarded this as an ordinary case " by any means a serious one. He was *0t tain he had made no mistake. Thesh he believed, had since been killed TT_t ep l seen the skin. - tiehad Mr. Hesketh said he might as well +m. Mr. Lewis that he had made a mistake that it was not scab. K,e'-

Mr. Lewis said he had examined th spot with his glass, and was quite convince that his decision was correct. He was satisfied that it was quite unnecessary f° to search for an insect. Mr. Lewis th minutely described to the Court the exte? nal appoarance of the wound. The slti was diseased around the patch; the -\vonl had been rubbed off by the animal; the skin upon that part had a stiff feel. Whan piuched the sheep turued round, apparently to bite his hand, which is an unmistakable proof of the. existence of sc-,d. H e jj„? been inspector 15 years, since 1652. go did not think it necessary to communicate with the Waikato inspector.

Mr. Hesketh asked again if it was riot possible that he had made a mistake as according to public prints, he had made in another case.

Mr. Brookfield said it had been reported that Mr. Lewis had been prompted by p e _. sonal feeling in bringing this case to Court" put he (Mr. Brookfield) was satisfied that Mr. Lewis was only acting from a sense of duty. Mr. Lewis said that was correct. He had no personal feeling either against Mr. Jolly or Mr. Runciinan, the Maikato inspector. To Mr Brookfield : _ He was certain that it was not from the bite of a dog. To Mr Hesketh : He had no doubt but he could find insects in the skin, if preduced, but it would be a tedious process and might take an hour.

The Court: Would you like the skiu produced and examined.

Mr Hesktk_ said : He hoped the case would be over in an hour ; and he would not ask for the skin at present.

William Ferguson, a shepherd of forty years' experience, had examined the sheep and was decidedly of opinion that he sheep was soabby; the wool was off and the disease breaking out around the sore. To Mr Hesketh : Scab is a different disease from any other iv sheep ; it would take a month to develope scab ;\ the inside had not been dressed properly and the insect was alive; he had known good judges of scab to be mistaken ; one instance at Oiahuhu a great judge had been deceived he supposed however that he was a baa judge ; that was an exceptional case ; there would be* a great difference between the bite of a dog and the scab ; the bite would - not be followed by an insect and the other would. Scab generally strikes first up the fore shoulder, and sometimes on the hind leg ; a bird might have carried the insect iuto another part. Alexander ,Trotter, Frederick Howard, and Herman Schimeale, gave evidence of a similar nature. This was the case for the prosecution. The Court asked how long the case was likely to last. • Mr Hesketh said he had at least six witnesses for the defence. His Worship said the goose case occupied, three days and if the sheep case would occupy a proportionate time, it would not be over to-night. Mr Hesketh : If a.goose case takes three days, how many days will the sheep case take ? that was the question. Mr Cunningham considered nine days at the lowest calculation. . ,| The Court then adjourned.

TELEGRAPHIC.

(From our own Correspondent.)

DUNEDIN, this day. LOSS OF A VESSEL.—INSURANCES,

£1,000.

The Lloyds Herald, 48 tons, the property of Guthrie & Laruach, is reported as totally lost in Wiltshire Bay, Molyneaux. The vessel is insured for £500 in the New Zealand Insurance Co., and the cargo in the South British for a like amount.

MR DONALD REID AND HIS CON-

STITUENTS.

Mr Donald Reid addressed a meeting .of - his constituents. In the first half-hour Mr Reid dealt wholly with'Mr Stout, giving him some very hard blows. He then went on to say that the Opposition offered to the : late Government was unconstitutional. He continued : " I mean they had no platform, and no principal was agreed upon, so that when they came into power, they were forced '. to, accept the policy of the Government they had superseded. Why it was dishonestly conducted was this : They first endeavoured by undermining the private characters of the members of the late Government, and by insinuations and assertion it was impossible to refute, because they were not made in a specific form, and by leading people through the country to;: believe that the late Government were | dishonest, and guilty of transactions that ■ would not bear tf.o light of day; but to this i; day, no proof of :-:;y of those charges was offered. You, however, must not under-[ stand me to c- idemn inquir}' into any question wher,' there is a doubt as to pro bity or integrii -. The Government think inquiry ought .o be made by members of" tho Assembly in any direction they maybe prompted to make it, without riak of being called to account for what they may say, when they honestly believe that the acts oft Ministers require "to be inquired into on |; behalf Of the public ; but what I do contend against is, the continual making of charges which are in no way specific-—. making of charges which cannot be taken hold of or, inquired into, or refuted, such as has been pursued amoug members of the Opposition during the last two years. I ask you to set your faces against that course, or a fury will rise up that will destroy the private character of political opponents. 1 ask you whether Aye ought not to have such strong judgment and healthy public: opinion as would denounce and put a stop for ever to the cry that everything is «# in politics. Let it be understood that the v man who has publishe d slander, or uttered a lie for the sake of party, has been guilty of conduct as reprehensible as if it had been done towards the private individual,_tnat nothing will justifiy' a man in depart ing -from the strict line of truth, and that Avhat is observed^ &f private conduct should be observed in the. conduct of public parties ; unitein insisting we should hiwe probity, integrity, ana morality in our public dealings. The Oppp' sition, last session, did not attempt to " Stonewall," but in other ways quite as successful, in wasting time. If such con duct is to be continued, farewell to <B°°* Government. The Government of tne country will fall to those who will sticK at nothing to accomplish their ends. Men° character, honesty, and moderation who will not descend to such tactics/must stand in tne background, while men who will stoop to such conduct as I have reterred to, w!j®;;, inevitably be the men who will carry on™ : public affairs of. the colony. He referred .V> Sir George Grey's defence in Dunedin of W» action re the land bill, and he said M?* 1*?. Act was a fraud upon the population of N«« r . Zealand. Why did not Sir George Grey,» true to the interests of the people, rise upuj his place in Parliament, and give expression to that opinion, and try by all means to.pw veut that fraud being carried into effect n What will be thought of a man in the wag sntial position of Premier, who strives ■ *» ;: . stir up the publicmiudby makingsuch staw_ ments, and also, when the BUI was.undW consideration in Parliament, stood stui,» ,■.;■■ never opened his month ? It is truo he «** harangued as to the iniquity of Canterbury laud jobs, but these were brought on oco» sion, to suit party purposes, but when tnex>»

EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, MAY 18,1878



mo AGRILULTURISTS & OTHERS W. J. HURST <X CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have beon proved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a.judicious and a free use of there. Tho flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending thorn to every Agriculturist:— MADDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO ' MKXIC A.N do. BELLS BON 111 FLOUR i and .-inch BONK! J UHT BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATK OP AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIMIf. SALT, SULPHATHJ OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H, & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, &h well us the Potato and Mangold mixture that for the Jast two sea sons has attracted such favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will be supplied on application at the Stores. W. .1. HURST & CC, 101. Queen-street.



TtrOVELT'-IBS. The Bees-wing Scarf The Wasp's Wing The Grenadier The Double Wasp Satin Scarf The Bumblebeeswing Scar (a new thing). SAMUEL COOMBES & CO., CITY CLOTHING MART, .92 queen-street, Auckland. Y^l R E A T E S T SHOW OF J3ress (_rooDs AT THE CITY HALL ARCADE, QUEEN-STREET. HOLLOWAY, GARLICK, & CRANWELL. GREATEST SHOW . FURNITURE AND CARPETS AT THE . . CITY HALL ARCADE. HOLLOWAY, GARLICK, & CRANWELL. FOR BEDROOM FURNITURE _3«£l DRAWING-ROOM FURNITURE SITTING-ROOM FURNITURE KITCHEN FURNITURE j DRAPERY and MILLINERY MEN'S and BOYS' CLOTHING CURTAINS and CRETONNES BLANKETS and SHEETINGS FANCY GOODS FOR PRESENTS GO TO THE QITV • JJ.ALL Garliol: Ss OraawoU, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland.



THE COLONIAL INSURANCE COMPANY, FOR FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE. Capital: Two-Millions Steeling. In 200,000 Shares of £10 each; 10s. per Share pay able ; 2s. 6d. on application ; 2s. 6d. on allotment; and ss. by Call three months after Registration. FIRST ISSUE:—100,000 Shares. CHIEF OFFICE: WELLINGTON. The undersigned will be in Auckland for a short time, and afford to intending Insurers or Investors all information. GEO. S. GRAHAM, General Manager. Temporary Offices: I Hobson's Buildings. ' t>ri"me table potatoes! prime tartarian seed oats prime milling oats prime spring wheat prime eonedust prime garden seeds. w. j. hurst & co., 101. Queen-street. /CORNED EUTTER FROM BEST WAIUKU AND PUKEHOKE DAIRIES. Storekeepers. Bakers, and othor3 can Select from a Variety of Dairies at wholosalo prices. ADAM LAYBOURNE, FORT-STHEET. A MAGNIFICENT STOCK OB" NEW AUTUMN AND WINTER DRESS MATER ALS Just Opened. H_ A TKINS INVITKS ATTENTION TO HIS STOCK OF New Dress Materials, Ladies Jackets, Ulsters, Black and Coloured Silks, Velvets, Velve teens, &c, suitable for the coming Season. Now on View. Splen did Colours in New Silk Reps, Wool Reps, Wool Poplinettes, Satin Cloths, Wool Serges.T willed Carmelites, Estamane Serges, French Merinos, Winseys, and Fancy Dress Goods. All splendid value. All the new shades pro curable in Stock. The selection this season is the largest and best ever shewn in the city. Good quality Black Silk at 3s lid por yard. All the new shades in Coloured Silks. Also Good Chenp Blankets, Quilts, Sheetings, Table Linen, Flannels, Calicos, and Manchester Goods. IN THE CLOTHING DEPARTMENT New Tweed Suits, Coats, Trow sers and Vests suitablo for all classes. A large Stock of Boy's and Youth's Tweed Suits, in our own make and imported. An immense stock of New Tweeds in Bannockburn, Mosgiel, Scotch, West of England, &c. Tailors can select from the largest stock in Auckland at Wholesale Prices. Cheap Tweeds suitable for Boy's wear. Good Quality Guaranteed, and Prices Lowest in Auckland fob. All Descriptions op Drapery and Clothing. tar H. A T X I N s. -®» LADIES AND GENTLEMEN about to FURNISH are reminded that ONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS IN THE COLONY OF FURNITURE CARPETS FLOORCLOTHS BEDDING, &c, &c„ &c. Ta ox Sale at T_ & H. Cooke's furni'shi n?jg warehouse 67, Queen-street. OHOOTING SEASON, 1878. E. PORTER & CO. Licensed Dealers under, " The Arms Act," Beg to call the attention of Sportsmen to their Stock of DOUBLE and SINGLE-BARREL MUZZLE LOADING GUNS Double and Single Breech-loading Guns Curtis & Harvey's, and Hall's Sporting Powders Eley's Central-fire Percussion Caps F.ley's Pin and Central-lire Cartridge Cases Eley's Chemically prepared Gun Wads Walker, Parker & Co.'s Patent Shot, in 101b. and 28ll». bags PATENT CHILLED SHOT Machine for Killing and Re-capping Cartridges Powder Flasks, Shot Pouches And every requisite for the Sportsman. QUEEN AND HIGH-STREETS, Auckland, N.Z. TTNTON INSURANCE COMPANY NEW ZKALAND. CAPITAL £2,000,000 A U C X L AND BRANCH: Q U E E N - S T R E IB T, Next the Colonial Bank. ■ yiitE department. Insurp.no granted on - Dwelling-houses Stores, Shoos, Buildings in which trade is carried on. Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARIN 12 DEPARTMENT. Hulls Of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, A'r Lowkiit Current Rates. R. 11. STICVKNSON Manager. The vilest rogues are those who impose on the sick. There is a class of impostors now engaged in vending imitations of that health-promoting beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aro matic Schnapps, put up in bottles which pre viously held the real article, and often bearing counterfeit labels. Purchasers should ask for and take none but the genuine. It is a good thing to learn the reasonableness of walking when you cannot run. Many sick persons retard their progress towards restora tion to health by being unduly impatient, and regardless of the dictates of common sense. " Ghollah's Great Indian Cures" whsn patiently used, are equal to tho correction of every evil influence at work in the system. They aro the most reliable and safe means of ultimate re covery that have ever been presented to the public. The curc3 effected by them sre some thing marvellous. The many testimonials re ceived by the proprietor, copies of which can bo seen at any chemist's, fully prove the assertion. BIRTH. ANDERSON.—On May 16th, the wife of Wm. Anderson, Ponsonby Road, of a son. VANDERSPECK.—On the 4th May, the wife of Mr. Jacob Vanderspeck of a son. MARRIAGE. HOSKING—McKELLAR.—On the 16th May, at the residence of Mrs. Corbette, Brookland, Tuakau, New Zealand, by the Rev. Samuel J. Garlick, John, son of the late Mr. John Hos king, of Penzance, Cornwall, to Mary, the eldest daughter of the late Archibald McKellar, Esq., of Thornlie Bank, Renfrewshire, Scot land. D EAT EL VANDERSPECK.-On the 11th May," Joseph, son of Mr. Jacob Vanderspeck, aged 10 days.