SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

an n wimi (This Afternoon, 4.39 Ulb ii^ -i 11 -.-— -j To-morrow Morning. 6 2 SUN SET.— Th;. Evening, 4.4S <l"N RISE.—To-morrow Morning. 7.8 MOON'S AGE.—New Moon, Ist, 1.27 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Southern Cross, s.s., Holmes, from Napier

DEPARTURES.

Norval, schooner, McKenzie, for Tonga Lizzie, cutter, Diaz, for Whangapouaj Marion, schooner, Austen, for the Thames

IMPORTS.

Per Southern Cross, from Napier : £00 sheep, 90 liide^, 32,btike wool.

EXPORTS

Per Active, for Friendly and Navigator's Islands: 20 mats sugar, 1 case cottons, 4 coils rope. 1 barrel tar, 2 bales, 2 bales drapery, 8 packages ironmongery, 1 case confectionery, 1 case glassware —Owen and Graham.

The schooner Norval sailed last night for Tonga, with a general cargo of merchandise. A great deal of interest was manifested in shipping circle? at the end of December, by the departure of the ships Famenoth and City of Auckland from this port for London, and speculation was rife as to which vessel would make the smartest passage. We now learn, by the arrival of the -uez mail, that the passage of the City of Auckland occupied 93 day, while her opponent took 91 days. This result will be gratifying to the friend of Captain Ralls and his noble "vessel. The steamer signalled yesterday afternoon proved to be. a<? Ye supposed, the Southern Cross from Napier. She brought a large number of sheep, besides a quantity of wool. hides. &c. ... The s.s. Tan; O'Shanter, for this port, crossed the Manukau bar yesterday afternoon. On her arrival here she will be placed on the Wade trade. . _, . The s.s. TvOwena. which arrived from Tauranga ve.-terday. brought, the following cargo: 150 sacks maize, ISS sacks wheat, and 25 pigs.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close ah Under :- For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to-

morrow, at 11 a.m. For Waihoke and Corom'andel, per Argyle, on

to-morrow, at 2.30 p.m. For Whitianga, per Rowena, this day. at 4 p.m. For Napier, per Southern Cross, this day, at

4 P-nt. , . , „ .. For Taurr.nga, Gisborne, Napier, and Southern Provinces, per Hawea, this day, at 5 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newpaper?, at 4 p.m. Late letters till 5.15. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki, on Tuesday next, at 8 a.m. Fc Whitiansra., per Ocean, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Russell "and Kawa Kawa, per Taupa, on

Monday nest, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, ..Wangaroa. andMon gonni, ncr lona. on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Australian Colonies, Batavia, Singapore, China, and Japan, via Torres Straits, per s.s. City of Sydney, immediately after her arrival from Honolulu. _ '■ S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

To-day's Quotations— Bank of New Zealand—£23 7s 6d; sellers, £23 10s. National Bank—Buyers, 78s. Colonial Bank—Buyers, 535. South British Insurance—Buyers, 71s. Auckland Gas—Buyers, £10 103. New Zealand Insurance—Buyers. 90s. Guthrie & Larnach Co.-Sellers, 47s 6d Moanatairi—6ss, 65s Gd; buyers, 603 ; sellers, 70s. North Devon- 13s 3d, Us 6d ; sellers, 12s. Alburnia—s7s 61; buyers, 55s ; sellers, 60s. Piako—Seders, Is 6d. Corby—3o3, 32s 64 ; buyers, 31s. New Golden Pah—Sellers, ss. Queen of Beauty—Buyers, 7s 9d. Kuranui Hill—l3s, lis ; buyers, 12s 6d ; sellers, 14s. Bendigo United—ss; sellers, os. New North Clunes—sa. Watchman (Thames)— Sellers, 6s 6d. JOSEPH NEWMAM, Chairman.

BIRTH.

McDERMOTT.-On the 30th May, 1878, at her residence, College Road, the wife of Mr. P. McDermott of a son.

DEATH.

O'LEARY.—On the 30th instant. Elizabeth, tho dearly beloved wife of C. O'Leary, aged 33 years. , , ~ The funeral will leave her late residence, Gundry-street, Newton, to-morrow (Friday), at 3 p.m. Friends please accept this invita- MARCH.—On the 29th May, at her residence, John-street, Ponsonby, Anne, the wife of William March, aged 47 years. The funeral will leave her late residence at 3 p.m. to-morrow (Friday). Friends will please accept this invitation.

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

THURSDAY, MAY 30, 1878.

jij>Cni_ mil h-'rntr.-' —r ____£____? _____?____ ;>^__! t!*__S_!____ BMI*'

We have hitherto refrained from making any comment upon the enquiry which has been pending iv the City Council, affecting the management of the City Surveyor's Department. We have been induced to pursue this . course partly by the opinion that the matters complained of by Councillor Dickson could only be fairly determined by professional men, after care ful examination ; and partly by a desire not to prejudice a public officer, who is, person ally, deservedly esteemed ; but, still, with a paiamount respect for the public interests at issue. Since Mr Anderson's in discreet friends have not observed a similar attitude of neutrality, but haveendeavoured, by misrepresentations, to heap contumely upon the head of Mr Dickson —whose zeal for the public welfare prompted him to bring these matters up in bis place in the Council—we see no further occasion for feel ings of delicacy. We can, of course, under stand, and to a certain extent sympathise with, the part taken by Mr John. Taylor (Mr Anderson's brother-in-law) in promot ing the memorial which appears in to-day's " Herald," and is reprinted in another column, congratulating Mr Anderson ; and we can likewise account, on opposite grounds, for the zeal of Mr Keane, of the Thistle Hotel. The relation ship of the one, and Mr Dickson's connection with the big contract at Pah Farm, so interesting to the other, may not, however, be so well known to those ratepayers with whom their persuasive eloquence was all-powerful. It is equally impossible that people, who have quite enough to do to mind their own affairs, always bear in remembrance, when reading the continual attacks ou Mr Dickson in our morning contemporary, that that gentleman has in his possession an ab ject apology from the proprietors of the " Herald" dictated by his own lawyer, Mr J. B. Russell, for a libel which was wantonly published against him in that paper. It is neces sary, however, that this should be known in order to fully understand what follows, and to open the eyes of those 330 ratepayers, who dispose so sum marily of matters about which they know and probably care nothing. Iv the first place it is alleged by these gentlemen that " we have made ourselves acquainted, through the public press, with the charges made against you by Councillor Dickson." If this acquaintance refers to the informa tion gleaned from the garbled report of the "Herald" which was carried about with the testimoniaUwe shall shew in a few moments what their knowledge is worth. With this intent, we reprint from the " Herald," Councillor Goldie's amendment to the motion expressing satisfaction with Mr Anderson's explanations, side by side with the infamously perverted version given to " Herald " readers :—

TEXT OF MR GOLDIE'S HOW THE " HERALD' MOTION. PUBLISHED IT. Councillor' O oldie Councillor Goldie, as moved " That after an amendment, pro thoroughly investigate posed, " That having ing the charges made heard the charges.they by Mr Dickson against considered. they had not Mr Anderson, we con- been proved, but thought sider the charges in that some of the works the main have been had not been carried satisfactorily explained out strictly in accor at the same time we dance with speuifica think some of the tions, and that a com works have not been petent clerk of works carried out strictly to should be appointed, the letter of the speeifi- ■- , ctftions, and sutcgest that a competent Clerk- '.'? of Works ,be appoin ted." y $/:, > •'■•''' :'•-* .■■''

On motion and amendment being put, the motion was carried by 5 against 4, the Mayor refraining from voting because he dissented in some respects from both resolu ions, and whichever one he had

voted, for must have been carried, his deliberative vote tying and his casting vote vetoing the motion favoured by a majority of the other ..Councillors. Again; the "Herald," making half a truth serve the purpose of a falsehood, asserted and repeats to-day, that the Mayor at the last meeting declared that " the charges bad been satisfactorily answered." On turning to the " Herald" re port of the 18th, we find that the Mayor objected to the attitude which certain Councillors had taken up towards Councillor DicksoD ; we quote the " Herald" :—.

" The Mayor pointed out that it was not at the request of the Council Mr Dickson had made those written charges. He at first only asked the Councillors to go round with him and see these works, but they refused until they had specific charges before them." Again, it is stated in the " Herald " report, that " the Mayor considered Mr Dickson entitled to their thanks."

Turning to our own report of 18th May, which Avas from short hand notes and four times the length of the " Herald's " epitome, we find the Mayor thus reported : —

I think Mr Dickson deserves the thanks of the Council and the public generally for bringing forward these charges. I regret, however, that the matters were not relegated to a Committee to be dealt with, as by that course the Council would probably have been saved a great deal of time. After the evidence adduced to-day, I can only say that I concur in the opinions expressed by a majority of the Council. It appears to me that most of the charges have been satisfactorily answered. I cannot say, however, what might have been the result had two practical engineers been appointed to examine into and report upon these charges, as was proposed. According to my opinion, we as a body are not competent to deal with one or two of the principal charges which have been heard here tp-day. There may, perhaps, be one or two members who are competent, but others are not.

When the report of the committee came up in the ordinary course yesterday for final consideration, amendment or ratification, the Mayor again endeavoured to remove the stigma which had been unfairly cast upon Mr Dickson during this sham investi gation, and proposed that the following resolution be substituted for that embodied in the report :—" That after thoroughly investigating the charges made by Councillor Dickson against the Surveyor, we find that they have in tlio main been proved ; but consider the reasons given by the Surveyor for the condition of the work are to a large. extent satisfactory." With the object of making this resolution appear inconsistent with itself, tho editor of the "Herald" resorts to his old weapon of mis-quotation, and deliberately omits the words "to a large extent." These specimens of "honest journalism" will suffice to establish the character of the remarks made by the apostle of pure administration over the way. _ A word or two now upon the so-called inquiry, and the remarkable document signed by the three hundred and thirty. Mr Dickson is on the eve of leaving Aucklaud, and the censure or approval of the ratepayers is probably a matter of indifference to him. Nevertheless 330 signatures—or three thousand and thirty if need be—shall not restrain us from saying that his treatment in this affair is a public disgrace. Actuated by conscientious motives in bringing forward certain matters which as a practical man could not ha\ c escaped his notice, and which are patent to every ratepayer who has taken the trouble to look for himself, he was met by the most obstinate obstruction and bitter personal feeling. Induced to put his complaints in writing, aud assured that competent en gineers would examine them, he was next vilified for doing so ; and every effort, fair and foul, was employed to baulk any inquiry that could have a practical result. What has no doubt cost him con siderable sacrifice of personal inclination, in tho thankless discharge of a public duty, has been attributed to the most unworthy motives. Finally, he is twitted in this unique memorial of the 330, with shewing a "stronger personal animus to Mr Anderson than a regard for tho public good." If this is the treatment which public n<en are to re ceive when they arc faithful to their trust, then, good-bye to purity of administration. The matters which formed the ground of Councillor Dickson's charges were fori the most part admitted by Mr Anderson, who confined himself to shewing that he was not to blame for their occurrence. But the 330 who, with a wave of the pen, have swept away what the Councillors, as a body, were really incompetent to deal with intelligently, have fastened on a painstaking and conscientious borough representative an imputation of the vilest character. What are we to conclude from their declaration ? Is it that when culverts give way and Avails tumble down there must be no inquiry by the Council ? Of course, we understand perfectly how these things are signed. Probably a smaller per centagc have read what they appended their signatures to than took tho trouble to make themselves acquainted with tho merits of the inquiry. But they have none the less been the means of doing a gross injustice to a public man, which in their more thought ful moments we are certain they will regret. Mr Anderson, personally, we freely acquit from any part in this crowning folly. He may well exclaim "save me from my friends!" We regret it the more for his sake, because we are con vinced that a more well-meaning, assiduous, and obliging officer does not exist in New Zealand. Recent events have no doubt been painful to him, buttheyare what every pub lic man is liable to, and the more satisfac tory his work, the less reason has he to fear criticism and the fullest investiga tion.

We understand that Messrs John Grey and John Hay Avill be candidates for tie seat in the City Council Avhich will become vacant by the resignation of Councillor Dickson. Mr Thompson, grocer, and Mr CroAvther are spoken of as probable candi dates.

A telegram received from Sydney to-day by the Directors of the Union Beach claim states: " The new manager for the Beach leaves Sydney by the Rotorua." The direc tors of the Company had folloAved the ex ample of the Tokatea by reducing the salary of their manager, but the latter having re fused to acceptg the reduced stipend, the directors sent to Australia for ane>v mana ger.

His Excellency the Governor, with his private secretary and aide-de-camp, will leave Wellington to-day in the Hinemoa, and Avill remain in Canterbury about ten days.

The discovery of a valuable hot spring is reported from Peninsular Hills, Ellesmere di&trict.

A lecture Avill be delivered this evening in the Alexandra-street Church, by the Rev. D. Dutton ; subject • " Work and Win," which, in the hands of Mr Dutton, Avill prove especially in teresting and instructive. The lecturer has gathered, in the course of his itinerant experiences in Cheshire and other of the northern counties of England, a large amount of information in respect of charac ter in its varied phases; and is well adapted, therefore, by practical knowledge and fluency of speech, to place before his audience such a subject as " Work and Win " in a pictu resque, encouraging, and hearty manner. The Ponsonby Rinking Club Avill commence their rinking season to-morrow, (Friday) evening, in the usual place.

It is not often that the civic deliberations are enlivened Avith anything approaching a good joke, but Councillor Waddell got one off at yesterday's sitting Avhich is Avorth a passing record. The question of bank advances to the Council was under discus sion, Avhen one Councillor inquired what rate of interest the bank charged for over draft. The Mayor thought it was eight per cent; another Councillor belived it was nine; and a third faroured the opinion that seven por cent was current. At this point Councillor Waddell sapiently interjected his satisfaction at the palpable ignorance of Councillors upon bank usages in so delicate a matter. A knowing and sceptical one, ho\vever, observed that bank usage \'aries in different cases, and the ap parent differences of opinion might arise from causes not quite so reconcilable Avith simplicity.

The annual meetiug of the Auckland Football Club Avas held last evening at the Thames Hotel—Mr Thos. Henderson in the chair. A Avell-condensed report of the year's, proceedings was presented, Avhich sheAved that the Club had made successful progress in numerous contests. The state ment of accounts shewed; a balance of £1 13s 3d on the credit side. The following officers were elected for tho coming year : — T, Henderson, jun., captain; W. Woon, secrctaiy and treasurer; and Messrs. Carter, Gudgeou, and Sharland members of com mittee. Several neAV members were ad mitted, and, after the votes of thanks had been given, the meeting separated.

Messrs. E. and H. Isaacs, agents of J- Tann's celebrated "Reliance" safes, have received from London tAvo circulars bearing curious testimony to the value of these safeguards against fire and thieves. Mr Snell, Avhose premises, with others, Avere destroyed in the great fire at Pimlico, writes that "on the safe being recovered from the ruins, the books were found to be all preserved ; the contents of the draAvers— also including a gold watch, cheques, and other documents—were not the least damaged." Messrs. Duan, Carter, aud Co., Avholesale provision merchants, of Whitechapel, testify to the successful resistance of a bold attempt by burglars to force the safe. They say : " After remov ing the steel Avedges Avhich had been forced betAveen the door and outer edge, Aye find that the safe has not sustained the slightest injury."

The sole delinquent at the Police Court this morning Avas an old lady who Avas charged Avith drunkenness, and dealt with in the usual manner.

has telegraphed to Sir George Grey that he has arrived at Mokau, and Avill be at the great meeting at Waitara on the 20th June. RcAvi requests Sir Georgo Grey to meet him there.

The new City West (No. 1) school Avill be opened on Monday next in the presence of a number of gentlemen and others interested in the progress of education, avlio will deliver addresses,

The meeting of the National Independent Order of OddfellOAvs, Pioneer Lodge, No. 936, Avhich Avas convened for yesterday, Avas postponed until to-morrow evening, Avhen business of importance will be brought forward. It is also notified that certain officers of the lodge have been suspended.

To the Editor : Sir, —Hoav is it that none of our amateur troupes have as yet done any thing Avith a view to relieving the distress of poor Mrs Kendrick, whose really deserv ing ease was referred to in a local by Mr J. Hall, in tho STAR last week? Perhaps Carey and Dean's Minstrels, who recently gave a successful performance for tJis ben« ---•of Mrs McConkie, might be induced to jne'forward and render their aid in help; ,Sg the widow and fatherless in this case. They have among them some mt the best amateur talent of the city,'and should make themselves popular.—lam, &o, Sympathy.

Mr Alexander has in hi« AvindoAV a very handsome clock of novel construction, which is Avell Avorth seeing.

To the Editor : Sir,—Will you kindly inform me through your valuable paper if officers employed in 'the Telegraph Depart ment arc sworn to secrecy re messages transmitted by them? By doing so you will oblige—Yours truly, MlNEß.—[They all make a solemn declaration pledging themselves to secrecy. Any infringement or suspected infringement of this obligation should, in the public interests, be imme diately communicated to the officer in charge of the station. —Ed. E.S.]

Brother Burns, P.M., Avas last evening presented by the brethren of the United Service Lodge with a very handsome Past- Master's jewel in recognition of his valuable services in connection Avith the craft. The chiefs of the three principal Grand Lodges, and representatives of almost all the lodges iv the North Island, as Avell as representa tives of lodges in the South Island, attended; comprising the Ara, United Service, Rodney, Waitemata, Corinthian, Prince of Wales, Manukau, Tauranga, Dunediu, .and Sir Walter Scott. Altogether about eighty persons Avere present. Bro. G. P. Pierce, P.G.M., Irish Constitution; Bro. G. S. Graham, D.G.M., English Constitution; Bro. F. Whitaker, P.G.M., Scotch Con stitution ; and the Masters of a large number of other lodges, Avere present, and took part in the ceremony. The presentation of the jewel Avas made'by Bro. Pierce, K. W. P. G. M. The jeAvel Avas the work of Mr S. Wells, of Queen-street, and Avas much admired for its massive beauty and artistic finish. In making the presentation, Bro. Pierce re ferred in eulogistic terms to the valuable services which Bro. Burns had rendered to the craft, and to the high state of efficiency to Avhich he had brought the Uni ted Service Loage. Bro Burns, in acknow ledging the gift, expressed his gratification at the proof of his having secured the appro bation of his felloAV-craftsmen, and hoped, by his future conduct to merit a continuance of their confidence. An excellent banquet, provided by host Hood, was then partaken of by the brethren. The following toasts Avere proposed and duly honored : —" The Qneen and the Craft," " The Three Grand Mas ters," responded to by Bro. Pierce ; " The health of Bro. P. M. Burns," acknowledged in a neat speech; " The health of Bro. Wild man, D.D.G.M., English Constitution." The subsequent proceedings consisted of a number of excellent songs, Bro. Wildman accompanying the vocalists on the piano. The proceedings throughout were of a most enjoyable character. One topic of the speakers Avas the necessity of erecting a suit able Masonic HalL for the craft in Auck land.

The Hon. the Native Minister, and Hoani Nahe, will proceed from Wellington to attend the native meeting at Kaiapoi Avith reference to the Middle Island land claims. The most prominent man at the head of the movement is the native member of Parliament, Taiaroa. The claim is of long standing, and has been the subject of much agitation in Parliament and the Press. The natives nllege that when they parted Avith the ownership of their lands in the Middle Island the Government agreed to make certain reserves for the use of the natives, but that this part of the agreement hasnot heenfulfilled. The estimated present value of the area which Avas to have been reserved is about £3,000,000, so that in order to extinguish these claims, cA 7en if a compromise bs effected, the colony Avould have to saddle itself with au enormous additional financial burden. During the session of 1876 Parliament passed an Act with reference to these claims which prac tically shut the claimants out of Court. It is now proposed to send a monster petition to the Crown, praying that an Imperial Commission may be appointed to arbitrate on the claims.

The contract for the reclamation on the western side of the Queen-street wharf is now almost completed, and Avill be handed over shortly. The filling-in has been finished, and all the shanties fronting the Avharf have been removed, Avith the excep tion of the store of Mr Compton, and the fish-stall of Mr McLean. These are being moved back to the level of the new street.

Au amusing pheasant story comes to us from the country. Two enthusiastic sports men weut on to the land oAvned by a third party, and Avere expecting to make a fine bag, as pheasants Avere known to be numer ous in the locality. The tAvo gcutlemen had commenced to beat up the cover, Avhenthey were suddenly pounced upon by the owner of the land, Avho dsnJandtd a sight of their licenses. These were promptly produced,; and the two sportsmen Avere congratulat ing themselves on the forethought which enabled them to establish the legality of their proceedings, when their feelings sud denly received a rude shock by the OAvner exclaiming, " Look here, if you had come here without licenses you Avould have been all right, but I'm not going to have any of those adjective Acclimatisation Society fellows shooting ou my land. So get off. I Stand not upon the order of your going, but go at once." The two unfortunates, with rueful countenances, wendad their Aviay in search of fresh preserves. At the meeting of the Waitemata County Council yesterday, after the STAR went to press, the salary of the chairman Avas fixed at 5 per cent on the income of the Council. A motion by Mr Dihvorth for the appoint ment of inspectors of Avorks was Avith draAvn. The chairman Avas instructed to get the engineer to report on a pound at Henderson's mill, aud call for teuders for the same. A letter from Mr Casey refer ring to the state of the luverhead wharf, Avas referred to the Harbour Board. It Avas agreed to forward a memorial from William Norton to the Native Minister, praying compensation. The meeting then ter minated. • ■■■■,

iiiiuiiteu. ■ ■« James Blythe, who Avas released on bail, on a charge of embezzling monies belong ing to the Albion Brewery Company, has absconded, it is supposed to Australia. The Education Board of Dnnedin has re solved not to entertain further applications for school buildings until monejr for the purpose has been voted by Parliament. His Honor Mr Justice Gillies is expected to return to Auckland, from the Appeal Court, Wellington, on the 2nd June, and a sitting in banco is fixed to be held ou Tuesday. We'understand that great preparations are being made for the forthcoming native meetings to welcome the Hon. J. Sheehan to the Bay of Islands and other districts. The natives will muster in large numbers, and present a long catalogue of grievances in connectfon with land and other matters Avhich haA'e been outstanding peuding discussion. We noticed yesterday in Messrs Champ taloup, and Cooper's Avindow, Queen-street, a likeness of C. C. McMillan, Esq., J.P., executed in crayon, by a youthful artist named Whitmore, residing at Otahuhu. The production is highly creditable, and gives promise of better things from the same pencil. We congratulate Otahuhu on possessing an artist of such promise, who, Aye learn, came to Auckland Avith his parents about 13 years ago, Avhen a mere child, and Avho has developed his talent Ayithout those aids to the cultivation of art Avhichthe youth of English towns invariably possess.

THE residents in Karangahape meet to morroAV night to consider tlio borough ques tion. The matter is one Avhich Avill have an important influence upon the future of that and adjoining districts. Those who enter into the discussion should, therefore, drop the personal element that so largely sways parish politics, and consider the proposal on its merits. If this be done, Aye have no hesitation in predicting that the resolution Avill be favourable to the higher form of local self-government. A feeling of regret may be experienced in parting with a system Avhich has Avorked so Avell, all things considered, as the highway boards. But less reluctance Avill arise from this cause in proportion as suburban property holders realise what is really the fact : that upon their vrisdom and vigilance depends the future oi_ a large part of the city of , Auckland. People arc apt to forget that the area comprised within thg boundaries pt the borough of Auck land are exceedingly small — only 665 acres, against the 1,360 acres of Dune din ; the borough of Wellington, 1,200; of Christchurch, 1,662 ; and of Nelson, 2,761. If the city area equalled that of Dunedin, it would include jKarangahape (122 acres), Grnfton Road (175 acres), and Parnell (400 acres), and yet there are three or four suburban municipalities around the pro vincial capital of Jtago. In consequence of this,circumscribed character of the Auck land municipality, a large area of town lands has fallen under a rural system of local government, destitute of poAver to influence the formation of the toAvn which is rapidly springing up under its jurisdic tion. We fear that future generations Avill reap a crop of evils of Avhich Aye ooav can form but little conception. The founders of a city Avh<; leave behind ■ !:em standing monuments of their foresight iv broad and Avell-laid out streets and good reserves earn an everlasting gratitude, but Avhat shall be said of the public administration Avhichin a semi-tropical climate permits the construe tion of a net-workof undrainable back lanes such asmay be found insomeof oursuburbs. One effect of the municipal luav is to check the rapacity of land-owners, Avho, in cutting up their properties, pay no attention to the, future, but after grasping every shilling of profit Avhich neighbouring' improvements have brought Avithin their reach, leave a legacy of noisome alleys for the public to maintain. The advantages of municipal law are all in the same direction. It em bodies the most extensive and comprehen sive system of local self-government knoAvn to the statute book. Ratepayers possess practically unlimited rights, within their own) districts. -The: C6uncil has. no^ greater poAvers of, ratiug than those now possessed by the; local High-' way Boards, without a direct appeal to the burgesses. It receives, however, the, liceuesesand other.fees,which pass from the j

Highway Districts to the County ; and has a claim to an endowment of 2,000 acres from the Crown lands. Unless the rate payers fear to trust themselves with the complete control of their own affairs which the Municipal Corporations Act confers,no two opinions can exist.on the question of adopting the Act. The only alternative open to the suburban districts increases tenfold the inducement to make the change. If they had not outgrown the highway system, that form of government has crumbled away in the conflict between colonial and provincial legislation, until it is questionable whether the most essential clauses of the Highways Act are operative. One of the most eminent legal firms in the city recently gave a local board a written opinion expressing the belief that no road board in the province could legally spend a shilling on roads. The Karangahape Board has learned to its cost the insufficiency of its powers when tested in the Law Courts, and two serious actions are still pending against suburban bodies from similar causes. It has been stated by one member of the Cabinet that adoption of the Counties Act will'be made compulsory by the repeal of the permissive clauses next session. In that event, the suburban bodies will find no escape from County rating for country roads except through the formation of Cor porations ; and the Eden County Council wouldthcu oj>pose with some appearance of reason the alienation of those districts upon which its chief revenues depends We have heard that one objection offered to the proposed borough of Newton is the combination of adjoining local bodies with Karangahape. The policy of creating two or three small municipalities, which would be in continual conflict, and with indepen dent staffs of officers, is exceedingly short sighted. A glance at the puburban plan shews that the proposed municipality would form a compact borough of moder ate area, with Avants in common, and a uni form system of natural drainage. Its revenues Avould be of a substantial charac ter, rendering it possible to carry out every year some permanent work of general utility, Nine members, fairly apportioned between the various Avards, Avould secure ample local representation ; and, possessing a larger population and much greater re sources than our Eastern suburb, there is no reason Avhy the neAV Corporation of Newton should not outstrip the municipality of Parnell, where the advantages of the higher form of Government have been so strikingly exemplified in the improvement of the last tAVo years.

LAND SALE.

There avus a sale at the Waste Lands Office to-day. Prices ruled very high. One allotment of less than J of an acre, brought £1,670. ; It was bought by T. Chad wick, fEsq. Less than three years ago it was gazetted to be sold for £160. The increase in value is the consequence of Mr Chadwick's new wharf, the allotment bein« at the foot of Harrinqton-street. The other allotments in the sanie'localitv ruled very high. Lot 254, £125, Jordan ; 257, £1,670. Aitikfen; 258; £410, Jordan; 260, £250, do.; 264, £60, Aitken; 265, £50, do. ; 267, £55, de.; 268,, £60, do.; 269, £62, doY; 270, £52,.d0. ; 280, £40, do. ; 282, £40, Jor dan;' 283, £45, Bodell; 284, £90, Jordan ; 285, £6», do. ; 286, £66, Home; 287, £97, do. ; 301, £200, Wilson.

accounts th&life and labours of twended liberal statesman Lord Russell ttT P l*** the House dfiCommons at the twenty-one, bm& soon became one of +1 ? f most famous men of his time tT measures Avith Avhich his name is'usuX. associated are the great Reform Bin I 1839, the amendment of the Poor T °f the reform of municipal institutions abolition of slavery, and the amendment „f the Marriage Laws. In 1861, after W 41 years a member of the House £ ('ominous, lie Avas raised to the PppL The last public measure which he assist!, was tire Reform Bill of 1866. SinTelfi lime he has taken no official part in lb government of the country. Earl Rnslii was 86 years of age at the time of hi death. "ls The meeting of the Board of Governor* A the Auckland College and Grammar SchnAi which was to have been held this afternoon lapsed for want of aquorum. D r Campbell and Colonel Haultain, being the only mem bers present. " m"

The statement relative to the 20 ofln Maoris, which, it was asserted, were to b employed on the Taranaki and Waikato Raihvay at 10s a day is an exaggeiation What Mr' Macffarlane did say "^as j,w large sections of the raihvay Avere to be let to the Maoris by contract.

We are informed on good authority that. a gentleman owning property in the Kaipara Avas lately offered and refused £R per acre for his farm. At a meeting of the Waste Lands Board this afternoon, Mr Tole said the Gisborne land sale had been an unqualified success V Mr Featon, the local surveyor, had rendered very efficient service. On the motion of Mr Firth a vote of thanks Avas accorded to that gentleman. Mr Tole reported that the result of this day's sale Avas £4,585 3s, only £481 scrip. An appli. cation for a piece of land at Patutahi for recreation purposes Avas granted. J^ application from Mr J. J. Wilson of Whangarei, for extra time to complete surveys was granted.—(Left sitting). Mr Edward Perkins, of this city, has purchased " Belmont Villa," near the New market station, containing 15^ acres, oppo site St. Mark's Church, and intends cutting the property up into allotments. This pro perty has long belonged to the Hon. Charles Taylor, Avho is now in England, and it is one af the choicest vieAvs near Auckland, within 150 yards of the railway station.

The meeting of the Auckland Goldmin ing Company, which Avas to have been held in Mr Thome's office this morning lapsed for Avant of quorum.

CABLEGRAMS.

Earl Russell's Death,

(FROM OUR SPECIAL LONDON CORRESPONDENT.)

LONDON, Tuesday. Earl Russell's death Avas officially notified in Parliament to-night.

DUNEDIN,

this? day.

WOOL SALES.

Cargill'a avool cablegram dated London, May 27th, reports :—Prices for cross-hreds firmer, and,for Port Phillip and Sydney^ grease; for scoured, equal to closing rates last series;. Adelaide and New Zealand grease shew an average decline of a. half penny. Compared with the closing rates last series, the sales shew increased animai tion, but prices for all superior classes are decidedly lower.

AUSTRALIAN.

[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPON

DENT-]

BREADSTUFFS DECLINING. •

MISSIONARY REPORTS FROM NEW.

GUINEA.

SYDNEY.—THIS DAY.

Breadstuff's are declining,

New Guinea accounts from missionaries report the natives docile and industrious, and that fruits and A'egetables are plentiful, and the climate healthy.

[SPECIAL TO PRESS AGENCY.]

LONDON, May 28. Earl Russell is dead. Consuls are 97|.

AUSTRALIAN

[SPECIAL TO PRESS AGENCY.]

SYDNEY, May 29.. The Premier, in speaking at Woollon* gong, said it was absolutely necessary that taxation should be increased, as the colony Avas noAV living on its capital.

THE KAIPARA RAILWAY.

It will be extremly gratifying to our readers to learn that OAving to the praiseworthy efforts of Mr W. M.H.8., Mr J. 'S. Macfarlane, M.H.R., that vexationsly delayed but highly necessary work, the Kaipara Railway, is. id be immediately pushed forward. Ministers have repeatedly promised that a commence ment should be made, a;id so little has been done hitherto in ful.ilm.mt. of the promise that it Avas a case of th™. "Jiope deferred" which " maketh the _jieart sick." From, tlm representationsYjinide to Messrs, Swan son and Macfarlav • as to the feeling of .the Auckland public, ;.._d especially the settlers residing adjaceni to the proposed line of railway, those ..outlemen were induced to make strong resresentations as to the urgency of the at oik to the hon. the Premipr and the Minister of Public Works. The folloAving telegrams were despatched yes terday :Y "Auckland, 29th May, 1878. Sir George Grey, Premier of New Zealand, Wellington.—What reply am I to make to inquiries as to the completion of Auckland and Kaipara Railway?—Wm. Swansok." " Hon. Mr MacandreAV, Minister of Works, Wellington.—Kaipara Railway—Great ex-' citement and dismay at delay in calling; tenders. Are the repeated promises ol Ministers to be further violated?-— J. S. Macfarlane" — These tele grams elicited the following replies: —"AN, SAvanson, Esq., M.H.R., Auck land.— Kaipara railway tenders have been issued t«-day.—J. MaCANDREW. "J. S. Macfarlane, Esq., M.H.R- Kaipara railway advertisement for tenders has been sent to newspapers to-day.-r J. MACANDREW." The thanks of the com munity are due to these gentleman for the active and successful interest Avhich they have manifested in this very desirable work, iv common Avith their interest in other sub jects of public utility and benefit. _ Had it not been for their influence Avith the Government and their determination to sup? port the just claims of their constituents, the tenders for the remaining section of the Kaipara rail way might'have been indefinitely postponed. We sincerely hope, now that matters are in train, there Avill be uo further unnecessary delay.

FIRE IN ELLIOT-STREET.

But for the promptitude displayed by Superintendent Hughes and his men, a very serious conflagration might have occurred in Elliot-street last night. About a quarter to eight one of the Salvage Corps, a man named William Field, who resides in Albert-street, noticed that Messrs Brown and Barrett's building was on fire inside. Superintendent Hughes and two or three ■ fireriieh at once proceeded to the spot and found that the beam of Jthe top. storey.a# », quantity of paper bags on some casks Were -blazing. -Water was promptly fetched va. ■ buckets, and with the help of a hand pum# the1-fire, was quickly extinguishedi Itf^ generally supposed te'have been caused oy 7 rats^as thereaie a great many in the build ing.

EYEMAG STAR, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 1878



"W. Rat tray Is Noav Sheaving LADIES' COSTUMES, Bought from a Wholesale Warehouse at less than English Cost. _f^~ X?4_ "FASHIONABLE QOSTUMES SOLD for £1 10s. COSTUMES, VERY STYLISH, From 20s. W. R. expects, per ' Hero,' next week, some o£ the BEST LADIES' WINTER JACKETS yet shown in Auckland. COLONIAL INSURANCE / _. ' COMPANY. The SHARE LIST will be CLOSED on TUESDAY next, 4th June. Until then applica tion for Shares can be made at any of the Branches of the Bank of New Zealand through out the Province. The undersigned is also prepared to accep Fire or Marine Business. GEO. S. GRAHAM, General Manager. Temporary Offices: Hobson's Buildings. OPECIAL NOTICE. In addition to our Usual Large Assortment of GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, We are Now Showing the following GOODS, Just Landed, ex ' Aikshaw' :— WALNUT DRAWING-ROOM SUITES, in Silk MARBLE-TOP WASHSTANDS CHIMNEY-GLASSES, Gilt, Very Handsome Patterns CHIMNEY-GLASSES, in Walnut and Maple Frames CANE-SEATED CHAIRS, Various Patterns TOILET GLASSES, Great Variety. T. & E. Cooke, •FURNITURE, CARPET, AND FLOOR-CLOTH " SHOW-ROOMS : 67, QUEEN-STREET. Steam Cabinet Factory : Victoria-street, K.L'SHBROOK AND ORIDGMAN Respectfully invite attention to their Large Carefully-selected and Entirely i. New Stock of DRAPERY AND CLOTHING FOR THE WINTFR TRADE, Comprising— Blankets, all aizes, and first-class value Flannels, white and scarlet, all makes Crimean Shirtings, All-wool and Union, in great variety of pattern and quality Winceys, plain and fancy. A heavy stock. " Good aud Cheap," a good line at 5d per yard Fancy Dress Goods, new shades, in great variety French Merino, Serge, Satin Cloth, and some Special Lines of Fancy Materials, bought a job, and being sold at Aery low rates Alloa and Fingering Yarns, all colours Winter Hosiery, Umbrellas, Ribbons, Flowers Waterproof Tweed and Waterproofs A Job Lot of Children's and Ladies' Waterproof Cloaks, to be cleared out at much below regular price. Calicoes, Sheetmg, Counterpanes Furnishing and Manchester Goods of every descripi ion Boj*' and. Men's Clothing of every description, Good and Cheap Hosiery. Shirts. Hats, &c.' Strong Material for Boys' Wear—Tweeds, Mole skin, Corduroy, Serge &c, &c, &c. In order to sustain, the well-known character of the JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE for Cheapness and Quality combined, R. and B. procure their Supplies from the BEST MAR KETS ONLY, and spare no 'pains to supply their Customers' Wants at the lowest price com mensurate with legitimate trading. 5 y iil in the £) Discount; allowed upon all Cash Purbhaaeaof 20/ and upwards. RUSHBROOSy ANB BRIDGMAN, DRAPERS, OLOTHIBRS, &0., _ JUNC?IQN DRAPERY WAREHOUSE (OppoaJte'tbe Army and N»vy Hotel), rPr H-R- QUEE N- ST REE T, AUCKLAND.



mo AGRILULTURISTS & OTHERS. W. .T. HURST SC CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and a free use of them. The fiattoriug Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W, J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXIOAN do. BELLS BONK FLOUR Jandi-inch BONEIM'MT BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATK OF SODA SULPHATE OB' AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIMB. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. 8c Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that for the last two sea sons has attracted such favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and ether particulars will ho supplied on application at the Stores. W. .1. BURST & CC, 101, Queen-street. ~4 MAGN.IFI CE JS ~W~^TUTJK. OF NEW AUTUMN AND WINTER DRESS MATER -A LS Just Opened. H. Atkins Invites 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 Sergos.T willed Carmelites, Estamane Serge 3, French Merinos, Winseys, and Fancy Dress Goods. All splendid value. All the now shade 3 pro curable in Stock. The seloction this season is the largest and best ever shewn in the city. Good quality Black Silk at 3s lid per yard. All the new shades in Coloured Silks. Also Good Cheap Blankets, Quilts, Sheetings, Table Linen, Flannels, Calioos, and Manchester Goods. in the CLOTHING DEPARTMENT New Tweed Suits. Coats, Trow sers and Vests suitable 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, Mosgiol, Scotch, West of England, &c. Tailors can select from the largest stock in Auckland at Wholesale Prices. Cheap Tweeds suitable for Boys wear. Good Quality Guaranteed, and Prices Lowest in Auckl.vnd fori All Descriptions of Drapery and Clothing. mH. ATKI NS. -S* JMION INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL-..-. .....£2,000,000 AUCKLAND BRANCH:, QUEEN-STREET, Next the Colonial Bank. 7IRE DEPARTMENT. Insuranc granted on Dwelling - hoases Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is oarried on. Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at Lowest Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. A_» LINABUBY & C DRESSMAKERS AND MILLINERS. NEW DRESS MATERIALS. A Large Assortment of New Dress Goods or the present Season, in every fashionable shade, Just Opened up at A. LINABURY & CO.'S. NEW WINTER COSTUMES, NEW MANTLES, NEW ULSTERS, NEW MILLINERY, NEW HATS A Large Assortment of Paris Trimmed Hats and Bonnets Just Opened up. Also, _ _ Hosiery, Silk TJWB, Umbrellas, Collars and Cnflfe, Gloves, Chilaro s Mantles and Jackets. Also, A LARGE STOCK OF NOVELTIES, Which are Cheap, and will have quick sale. tar Look in at "«• A. LINABURY & CO.'S, 204 & 206, queen-street, Auckland. /CLOVER SEEDS, KYIS GRASS, &C. On Sale, ex Late Arrivals : CLOVER SEEDS, CONBISTINCJ OF White Clover Timothy Red Clover Rape Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke &c, &c, &c. Turnip ALSO, 200 bushels ENGLISH PERENNIAL RYE GRASS ..50 bushels ENGLISH POA PRATENSIS ;500 lbs. INDIAN DOOB GRASS 1,000 lbs. ALFALPA „„„„,„„ 2 000 lbs. AMERICAN TIMOTHY. AND A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seeds. The above have arrived in first-class condition. Samples will be forwarded on application. Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye Gras? - Cocksfoot, Ratstail, Poas Fescues, &c. &c. from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ket rates. _ „ ___ W..J. HURST & CO., Queen-atreet. T>RIME TABLE POTATOES PRIME TARTARIAN SEED OATS PRIME MILLING OATS PRIME SPRING WHEAT PRIME BONEDUST PRIME GARDEN SEEDS. W. J. HURST & CO., , . 101, Queen-street. /GREATEST SHOW OF J-)ress vxoods AT THE CITY HALL ARCADE, QUEEN-STREET. HOLLOWAY, GARLICK, & CRANWELL. GREATEST SHOW OF FURNITURE AND CARPETS AT THE CITY HALL ARCADE. HOLLOWAY, GARLICK, & CRANWELL. -— FOR BEDROOM FURNITURE DRAWING-ROOM FURNITURE > SITTING-ROOM FURNITURE KITOHEN FURNITURE DRAPERY and MILLINERY ; v MEN'S and BOYS'CLOTHING CURTAINS and CRETONNES '"■ >, BLANKETS and SHEETINGS V • - ;f|^CY GOODS FOR PRESENTS ! f* Tir ALL A rcai>e ' Holloway, Garlick & 'JBraweli, AUCKLAND.'



X\ V N A M I T To Arrive, per Queen of the West, now due from London— TEN TONS DYNAMITE DETONATORS, BATTERY, INSULATED COPPER WIRE, FUZE, Etc., Etc. DYNAMITE is the Safest and Most Powerful Explosive in use. The Safety of Dynamite During Transport and Storage. Extracts from the Official evidence given before the House of Commons Select Committee on Explosive Substances—Parliamentary Ses sion of 1874, London. Boxes filled with dynamite have been thrown from a great height, and founo to sustain any amount of shock without exploding. They have also been placed upon an open fire, when the dynamite burned slowly away without ex ploding.—Parliamentary report—Blue Book, page 179. Dynamite has been in a railway collision, and, though the van and boxes containing it wore broken, no explosion took place.—Blue Book, page 182, par. 2979. Maior Maiendie, R.A., H.Ms. Inspector of Gunpowder and Dynamite Factories, states, in his evidence (page 18, par. 100), that the law re lating to dynamite is as much too stringent as the gunpowder law is too lax; and (page 20, par 115) that tho time h«s come for relieving safe nitro-glycerine preparations from such un necessary restrictions as tho nitro-glycerine Act imposes upon them. Professor Abel, the Chemist to Her Majesty's War Department, gives his experience that Nobel's dynamite is one of the safest, most powerful, and most convenient explosive agents applicable to industrial purposes.—Blue Book, pages 66, 57, and 59, Agents: E. PORTER & CO., QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. "V* O T I C E. T. B. HILL Begs to inform his Friends and the Public of Auckland that ho has Opened his Now Premises, in the centre of Queen-street, opposito tho Theatre Royal. It is his intention, by personal attention to business, to make his Establishment a First-class Dispensing and Family Con cern, where any article may be obtained for the sick-room, as ali.o every approved New Medicine introduced into tho Old Countries, as well as tho Finest Medicinal Diiogs and Cnm.noar_s. Those will be regularly imported, at short intervals, direct from tho Best Houses, so that the Patients may depend on having the full benefit of the Physicians' skill. T. B. 11., therefore, looks forward to a con tinuance of that confidence and support which has always been accorded to him by the inhabit ants of New Zealand. ■ T. B. H. would also inform thn Members of the Medical Profession that a Consultation Room will bo at their service, and from the central position of the Establishment Uiis may be found unusually advantageous to them and their Patients. N.B. — Family Orders from tho Country promptly attended to. and despatched by the first opportunity. Postage and Receipt Stamps. $S_ Observe the Address— Opposite the Theatre Royal. Both in flavour and effect Udolpiio Wolfe s Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps is tho very antipodes of the cheap counterfeits of that in effable medicinal beverage which arc sold in bottles in which tho real elixir was previously contained. The truo Schnapps confer health and strength and are palatable in the highest degree. The counterfeits arc most pernicious and disagreeable.