SHIPPING INTELEGENCE.

ItTii ii vii.i..« (This Afternoon, 10.43 Hlbll WAIER-- )To . rnorrow Morning 11.8 SUN SET.—This Evening, 5.50 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 5.58 IUOON'S AGE.- Last Quarter 20th, 6.9 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING.

I "Fanny Kelly, ketch, McKinnon.from Wangaroa I Rover, schooner, Anderson, from Whangarei to-day.

'■'• Kriemhilda, schooner, Bathurst,from Wangaroa j Active, brigantine, Lane, f. om Samoa.

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING.;; Jft"- "-" :' ---i Taupo. s.s., Andrew, for Russell .- >_> ■>• , Mary Hogan, schooner, Burrell.ffqr Norfoii. Island Argyle, s.p., Stephenson, for Whangarei

TODAY. Aoha. schooner, Pennal, for Noumea. Saxon, schooner. McKenzie, for Wellington,

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For London—Schiehalhon, barque, nt once For Tauranga and South—Taupo, Thursday, For Russell—lona and Hawea, Monday For Whangarei and Mangapai—Argyle, Tues-

day. , , For Levuka—Aprnes Donald, schooner, early For Portland—Martha Flshet, barque, at once For Valparaiso—Cerastes, barque, at once

IMPORTS.

Per Pareora from London:— 5 bales carpets, 7 cases floor cloth. 3 cases furniture, 2 cases Venteian blinds.—Winks and 2 cases perfumery, 1 do. E.P. forks and spoons. 2 do. E P. cruets, butters ,&c, 2 do. pocket books and purses. 1 do. briar pipes. 2 hogsheads tin tea pots, 4 cases sundries.—M. Levy and Co. 120 cases Coombe's bottled stout. 20 drums oak varnish, 80 drums linseed oil, 20 drums colza oil.—JohnHeid and Co. ' , ~ __i-i • Per Pareora: 5 cases jm'ubes. 2 do. call hells, 3 do. bit braces, 2 do. basketware. 50 do. starcn, _0 brls. Unseed oil. 60 cases clocks, 2 do. baro meters, 3 do. cutlery. 6 bal«s paper 20flIkees wire na'ls. 3 cases perambulators, 2 cases twine, 2 cases fish-hooks, 6 do. bar glycerine soap, 6 do. fruits, 200 do. geneva, 20 do. 21 salad oil, £V oris, canary seed, 3 cases stationery, 2 do- machinery. 1 case marine glasses. 1 do. brush-ware, 250 do. encore whisky. 6 do. tumblers, 3 bales horse hair, 2 tons zinc paint. 2 do. Ewbanks nails, 1 case Waltham watches.—E- and A. Isaacs. Per Active, from the lelanis: 90 tons copra, 750 bushels maize, 500 lbs. fungufa. 200 gallons limejuice. I engine, a quantity of smnet, returned trade and island wood.

EXPORTS.

Per Schiehallion, for London: 2153 cases kauri gum. 120 casks tallow. 100 bales wool, 100 tons manganese, 51 bales cotton 123 bags cotton seed. 145 casks cocoanut oil, 5* tons and 53 bags candlenuts, 8 bags ivory nuts, 187 tons copra, 178 cases pearl shell, 6 packages and 2 cases personal effects, 1 case curios, [and 1 200 cases kauri gnm, 57 bales cotton, 123 bags cotton seed, 146 casks cocoanut oil, 2 cases effects, 1 case curios, 146 tons, copra. 147 cases pearl shell, 2J tons candlenuts.—Owen and Grahana.l •_-.«■_ 31 cases pearl shell.—Henderson and Macfar- Per Saxon, for Wellington: 48,000 feet timber. Coupland and Co.|

Per Aoba, for Noumea:— - m . 20 tins refined sugar. 200 cases. o0 tins and 3 cases biscuits, 200 boxes soap. 45 boxes onions, 2 trusses hay. 57 cheese. 351 sacks potatoes. 2 bags oatmeal. 4 bags flour, 2 cases bacon and hams, 100 kegs. 30 tierces and 27 cases beef, 100 tins sausages, 16 kegs butter, 1 case sarsapanlla, 1 case schnapps, 50 sheep.—G. W. Owen.

ARRIVAL OF THE ACTIVE.

WThe brigintine Active arrived at three o'c'ock this afternoon from Tongatabu, Friendly Islands, and Samoa. The report of the passage shews that she left Tonga on- the 6th Sep tember, and had fair weather nearly all the way across, making a splendid passage of twelve days. She brought a enrgo of copra, maize. &c. and the following passengers:—Messrs Durnerg _c, A. Douglas J. Furness, W. Marriott, C. R. Butler. E. P. Gribbon, F. C. Coventry, Miss Jackson, and another. The Active reports the following vessels:—The Reconnaisance (Sydney), Bodild (Hamburer), Arabian Girl (Fiji), and Gazelle whaling barane, were in Tonga on the. 6th Sept. The Gazelle was nearly full. The Ener^ry (Auckland!, was in Haaphai on September Ist. and the Splendid at Vavau with 9 tons soerm oil; a'l on board well. The following vessels were in Samoa on August 10:—U.S. Corvette, Adams; Csesar, Goddefroi. ship. Hambursr: Matatau, brigantine. Samoa * and Wave of Life, schooner. Auckland (since arrived).

THE SCHIEHALLION.

Messrs. Sha-w, SaviU, and Co.'s barone Schiehallion cleared at the Customs this after noon for London, and she will, if possible, sail from her anchorag. at the powder ground to-night. The vessel has been a long time in port, but takes away a full cargo of New Zealand and South Sea .Island produce, and a number of passeng ra. The barque Spirit of the Dawn is scarcely well away yet, and it Is, therefore, expected that there will be a keen contest between the two veEsels on the run home. Much interest is being taken in the ex pected race. We, however, trust that Captain Levack will have a safe and prosperous voyage. The following passengers proceed to London in the vesßei:—Thomas Smith, Smith, Wm. Taylor, George Chapman, Cordelia Chapman, George Frederick Chapman, Mabel Chapman, Mary Storey, Harley Storey. Harry Storey, Ethel Storey, Clara Storey, Kate Storey. The following is the value of the cargo :— Kauri.gum, £8,815; copra. £3,200; pearl shell, £1450; candlenuta. £70: ivorynuts, £5; cotton, £1.768; cocoanut oil, £650; cotton Beed. £20; wool, £1,928; manganese, £400; tallow, £1,293: miscellaneous, £45. Total value Of cargo, £19,6 U.

OOTWABD3 Coasiwise.—Fairy, schooner, for Whangaruru. in ballast. Inwards Coastwisr.—Mary, schooner, from the Sandspit. with 12.000 feet timber; Fanny Kelly, ketch, from Whangaroa, with 27.000 feet timber; Kriemhilda, schooner, from Whangaroa with 29,500 feet t'mber. The schooner Saxon sailed this afternoon for Ooromandel, where she will load 48,000 feet of timber for Wellington. The Auckland brigantine Magellan Cloud, we are glad to find, has received another charter from the Government to proceed on a recruit ing voyage to the New Hebrides. Captain M'Donald proceeds in her as master, and Mr Nicolls as Government agent.—"' Fiji Times." The schooner Mary Hogan sailed yesterday" for Norfolk Island, with a full general cargo of provisions, &c. The brig Minora arrived at Newcastle on the sth instant, and tbe Sea Belle on the 6th. Both vessels were from this port. The s.s. Pretty Jane is advertised tp leave for Gisborne on Saturday next at noon. The brigantine Borough Belle, from Auckland via Lyttefton, arrived at Sydney on the 11th inst. The s.s. Southern Cross from Napier should arrive on Friday morning. She is advertised to leave for Napier on Friday evening. The schooner Look-Out, which left Sydney on the 9th instant for this port, has on board the following cargo: 10 hhds ale, 12 cases hats, _ cases glue, 647 bags bonedust, 300 felloes, 24 pairs shafts, 44 pieces timber, 187 rolls matting, 355c0i1s and bundles wire.

The topsail Bchooner Aoba cleared at the Customs this morning for Noumea, New Caledonia, with a full cargo of general merchan dize and three passengers, viz.. Messrs D- McLeod, X. Handera, and Count De Latrosege. She sailed this afternoon.

The s.s. Taupo arrived from Russell this morn ing with 208' tons coal, 60 sacks oysters, and the following T>as3engerßß:—Messrs Welby, Bell. Bindon, and 12 natives. She will sail South to-morrow afternoon.

These. Rowena which arrived arrived from Tauranga and Mercury Bay yesterday after noon brought the following passengers:—Mrs Harding. Messrs Waymouth, "Vivan, Prince, Sharp, Jackson, Anderson, and Buchanan. The barque Stag was floated, out of the Dock this morning, after undergoing a thorough over haul. She is to take in ballast, and will.sail for Newcastle during the course of the next few days. The ship Pareora having transhipped her powder came up the harbour this morning, and was hauled into the berth vacated by the barque Sohiehaliion. A sight entry to clear the vessel will be passed to-morrow morning, and Bhe will then commenco discharging her cargo.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Rass____, this day. The s.s. Rotorua, on her way from Auckland to Sydnoy, called in here at six o'clock thia morning for the purpose of coaling. The s.s, Rotoiti sailed for Auckland at 9.30 a.m. New Plymouth, this day. The s.B. Taiaroa arrived from Onehunga at 6.30 a.m. to-day.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURE.

EXPORTS. Per Hauraki for Waitara: 40 head cattle.

The. s.s. St. Kilda is advertised to return to Wanganui on Tuesday next. The s.s. Go-ahead will leave for Wanganui at noon to-morrow.

COMMERCIAL.

Grant and Morton offered to-day a large parcel of boots and shoes ex Lady Jocelyn. Thetrade were well represented, and not withstanding the intimation of another large parcel coming to auction, and also a large, shipment to order ex. pareora.; 83 packages, out of 104 catalogued, were placed ; the • seasonable portion at satis factory, prices. The unseasonable, and goods unsuitable.to the market would.leave alosSjtothe,shipper. . ;., .;

CHIEF POST-OFFICE AUCKLAND.

Mails vtili. Closk a« XTNOfcR t— For Thames; this day; at 5.30; p.m.; and tp. morrow, at _.30 p.m: ./. ; ' - • ' For Coromaridei; per' Rotdmahana, this day, at4'p.m.':;, -■■-■'--'.■■■" -':;'• '■■•• ■■'..!- For Waiheke and Coroinandek per Argyle* on Friday next, at 2.30 p.m. _' ~, For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, this day, at.4 p.m.. For Waiwera, Warkworth, Te Arai, Waipu, Wangarei-'and Mangapai, per Anne Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Wanganui, per ,Go.-Ahead,. to-morrow,, at 10.5 a.m. ' ,' - . .. i'- For Napier, per Southern jOrpss,, on Friday, next, at _ p.m. , . , „ ,• _ : For Wanganui. per St. Hilda, on Saturday next,; at 10.5 B.m. ■, i- - •■'' ■■-..'• : * ;."--, For Gisborne, per Pretty Jane, oa Saturday next;at 11 a.m. _ ' ' ', ' For Taranaki and a Southern Provinces, per j Taranaki, immediately after arrival of City bf.Sydney from Honolulu. ; , ■' ■'; '-•. ■ J '^ For Australian Colonies, Batavia, Singapore, China and Japan, via Torres Straits, per City of Sydney, immediately after her arrival. '•■■■■'' 8. B. BIS 8.: Chief Poßtmaster.

BIRTHS.

KINCAID.—On the 17th September, 1878. at her residence, Syraonds-street,-' Auckland, Mrs. Wm. Kincaid of a daughter.; '

DEATHS.

PETI.POATA.—On the 17th September, at her residence, Abercrombie-street, Auckland^; of consumption, Peti Poata, aged 19 years. V:

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

"M.S."—" Struck Oil" has been.played in Auckland before. -

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

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18 1878

For the cause that lacks-assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

Reverting to the questions raised by Mr Curtis's Bill providing ~£or denominational education, let us first inquire what the present secular system has done for Auck land, the only place in the colony where it has been fairly tried. Before 1868, the, system" adopted was derioininatibnal. On' looking back at the reports of the Board of Education for that period, we find, in 1866, mention made of the suspension of two teachers for sending in false returns. In

1867, the number of schools was 55, the grosk attendance): 2,154, and; the average attendance 0n1y,63.13 per cent'; the English avbrage!i"s 76 percent. of Educa tion; ;which was formed ;6f-denominatiorial representatives made a most lamentable,re port on the state of education, from which weshali ?give the following extract \-*/ "Tbe past year may be characterized by a^wantoLeducationaLzeaLand activity; it ___ a c er tain exteht~been a year pf retipgresisibn : the number of public schqolf, Jias decieased, and consequently the tacili '"ties"ff6r^du*catiiVgthe-yorittroHhe •Province have been diminished. -No new School has spiring into existence; no new! teacher hasj beeii licensed ; no deserving teacher prp riiotpd. The Commissioners feel compelled again, to call the attention of ihe Legislature to the mumber'pf. uneducated c biidreh!iii the city* and."suburbs.of. Auckland, in the Pen^idrier S-ttlemcnts; and, in the more recently established Military Immigrant Settlements. Their cohditiou is most depiorable;' aid a stain will for ever rerilain upoii the ' history<and ; legislation :ofr: this Province, if the question,of theirjeducation is allowed to remain in-its present un settled state." - ■. . - , During the session of the Provincial Councilj at which this report was presented, a select committee. was appointed to take evideiK-e oh'the subject. The result was the [establishment Of a purely secular school system, framed, on a Act ; the Act' canie into operation in 1869. From theirepoitof Mr O'Sullivan reviewing the work of the year ; ending JuneTS74*,^W,e find that the schools had increased to 121, and 18, half time schools ; the attendarice had risen to 7,369 pupils. The Inspector, although a :Roriian Catholic, thus records his opinion upon the "working of | the secular system, after a five years' experience : " Notwith standing the "inadequate means at the dis posal of the Boardpand previous' Boards since 1869, I think it-will be "allowed by those-who are conversa,nt with the subject that the state of education in the Province is in many respects by no means unsatis factory ; ' poverty is the main . cause of existing defects.' One cause of satisfaction, will, I think I may venture to say, be found in the system of instruction prescribed by "the! Board.. Any unprejudiced person, qualified to give,an opinion, who studies the rules of the Board, as to instruction in schools, will I feel sure^ admit that the system laid down is one such as nature and reason dictate. While it is not sought un duly to trammel the originality that an able teacher may possess, the unexperienced teacher is furnished with a guide that will save his pupils from the results of mis directed efforts and make his teaching much , more effective than it otherwise could . be. The most enlightened modern ideas as to teaching have been..adopted ; and exploded methods have been proscribed."

So much for secular education under Provincial mauagement; let us glance at its present condition uudcr the national system now established throughout New Zealand. The report of the Minister of Education, submitted to parliament this session, shews that iv the Provincial district of Auckland at the c!bse~"of 1877 there were 12,803 children' on the rolls of the public schools, or about one seventh of the entire population. There were 186 public schools open in the Auckland district against 121 in Canter bury, and 174 in Otago—provinces that have much larger although less scattered population. We have no later statistics than 1875 of private schools, but at the close of that year, there were 8,654 pupils on the rolls of the common secular schools, while throughout the province of Auck land there were only 484 boys attending other than the common schools, aud 825 girls, the private schools being chiefly 'ladies' seminaries. We believe that these figures would show ma terial reduction during the last two years. And this is the system- a system almost universally uped by the whole population: rich and poor, Protestant, Catholic, Hebrew—which we. are told does not satisfy the wants of the people We shall glance now, very briefly, at what Mr Curtis proposes.; His Ace is short, but very pithy. It provides that,—

"Whenever any 25 or more householders in any education district shall signify in writing to the Education Board of such dis trict their desire to be constituted into a separate body for educational purposes, it shall be the duty of the Board to convene a meeting of such householders for the elec tion of a school committee in the manner provided in Part 111. of the Education Act. 1877 ; and it shall be lawful for the Board to grant to.the committee so elected such aW in books, school apparatus, and money as the Board shall think expedient, or, at the option of the committee, such aid may be granted iv money only, inclusive of the value of such books and school apparatus as would otherwise be supplied by the Board."

That is to say, then, that wherever 25 householders of one Ireligeous belief livfe in district they naay set up a school of their own |aud .conduct; i<v pretty much as they, please subject to inspection and approval,of the ordinary class books by the Board." What would be the consequence in this pro vince? On referring to the report of the .Minister of Education we find; that out of .187 schools in the. Provincial- jdista^cji/df) Auckland there are; (counting, each ,city, suburban and Thames "school separately)" only 43 schools having 100 children on their respective Tolls. The schodls are £ chiefly) established in, smaHscattereddistricte: Itis reasonable t/b'supfiose that in niariy of these', _25 householdera agreeing gerieicallyjin reli : ' gibus belief would be found, who .upon application'to the'Bpard of {Education must be I constituted a iseparate school "district, and paid !the capitation fee for their chil dren;; the public school woriid thris be^foi^ed to close, arid the; minority inußt- either', send their childrenl to the denominational E school ;or remain- without educatibn. ;. A. system bf; the ] grossest tyranny, would \be legalised;, 'pettymajoritiesirievery-ettlementthrough out the; nc6loriy bver-ridihg'thb rhinorities. It' is , also^certaiii' t-iat^Rpman .'Catholics \ being iv:, f ihe; . miribrity mustj in. ii;ery: many instances' go; >to j? the wall. We know that this „is _ the opinion of Mr O'Sullivan on the .subject,, and here is what Mr Sheehan says:-^-" In 1872, whenT was called upon to give;* } Vote vipon this qi-estiori, I went into this questiony/and I found that in the Province of Auckland, witli the exception of four or five districts; if aderibminational law came. into force, the whole power arid control of the schools would vest in some denomin ation other than the Catholic. In the towns the*"Catholics J are. strong enough to support schools, but in the country, if they accept a" bill of this kind, they will •hand them over to other people. Even though I am called a " bad "Catholic, lam content to be so; but I would not join with those who would put the Catholic people in ah unfair position." It is not alone Catholics, however, who would be in that position. Everyone who dissented frorii the opinion of the 25, no matter what the predominant religion was, would be the subject of injustice. There is a marked difference between the exception taken here, and that urged by by; denominationalists against the secular j Act. In the existing system, the branches iof j secular knowledge taught are in no 'case objected to - by anyone-; and denoatinationalists undertake to teach the same, .in:.!'.: their own ;;' ; schools,; with as ■ much . religious dogma as they please added ; but, in the other case," libierty of-conscience is * violated' by the teaching of 'aoctnues, at the expense of the State, .(Which are .repugnant' tq^the cqUj--". scieritious convictions- ofs thoiisands.i ,^The-j ; radical injustice of the denominational J sys-: | terhiriughtbbiestablishediii ahuridreddiffei; rent'vjay.s; tht weipbject*to it brqadly/oriMej , one geri(.i'al" grouridrthat", for allfpurppse%pr the State, the peopleshould'rankrsimplyias. aunitedbbdy of subjects; Itisnot.the ; busi-; riess of the Government to stir up, subsidise, or t iecogriise ; in; apy !' w^y those (^uri happy religious differences which exist ; if fit "simply - abstains' from interfering with them, while guaranteeing to all subjects thei advantages of free and

enlighlied instituffqfls^lfe liberty of the individual subject bfiposeryed and a. -true national "feeling promoted. Most heartily do we endoirsethe declaration of Mr Sheehiri on this question :." Much of what tPwriuid have said hsMfe£n spoken by the honorable membet foreCfieviot, who pointed ouf^what, to iriy ''■ mind, is an essential ue feet in any measure of this kind-that is, the tendency to keep alive national and religioriFdifferences, which I"- hopei-will- find a foot-hold in this colony. We do not want children Sorted out in our imblic-sehoblsrnccordingtoreligiouscreed, as though they were aliens, enemies and ompi'oper associates, but we would rather exclaim in the wise and liberal language of ihe Venerable Archbishop De Haas, which may well sound the death knell of- de nominatipnalism : " Without being taught, children learn too soon that they dilterm religion ; one reproaches another^ and many teachers take no pains to prevent it. It isfat first, indeed, only childishness ; but nevertheless children grow, and alienation increases more and,more,; bitterness hxes itself in the heart, and all their religion is often only false zeal, which a true religious spirit and Christian charity reprove and abhor." T

The members of the Manukau Lodge, Onehunga (29) gave an entertainment last evening for the benefit of a distressed mem ber of the Order. Mr Robb in the chair. The principal singers were Mesdames Cot tiiiftham, Bettauv, aud Miss Andrews, and Messrsßedfern and Marson. Mr Patterson presided at the piano. About 100 persons were present. ... We are informed that a requisition is al ready going round, asking Mr Masefield to allow himself to be nominated as Mayor. Mr Goldie is also spoken of as a probable canditate. It is rumoured that Mr Greena way will also contend for the seat.

The plan of reserved seats for Mdlle. Charbonnett's concert is filling up at Upton and Cos. We are authorised to atate posi tively that there will only be three concerts. We regret to hear that Mr Wilcox is too ill to give his lecture on Ancient Religions, but we must congratulate the committee ou the excellent arrangements they have made to supply his place. On Friday even ing next Mr F. G. Ewiogton will act as his substitute and lecture on "Self-love and Self-sacrifice." The Orpheus String Band, under Mr Hannken, will be in attendance and Miss Peace and Miss Gribble will sing.

Mr Melton, Mayor ot Parnell, will be a candidate for re-election. This makes three gentlemen already in the field. The ratepayers should have these three candidates before them iv public meeting to hear what they have to say for them selves. Parnell is notoriously the slowest and worst drained suburb of the city, notwithstanding its great natural advan tages. How long will it be permitted to remain so ? . Let the candidates for the Mayoralty be invited to answer.

A meeting of tbe Remnera Cricket Club is called for Friday evening next, for the purpose of elect ing officers and members for the coming season.

- Mr F. Tomlinson, draper of Parnell, has completed extensive alterations to his busi ness premises, which has enabled him to lay in a much larger stock, thereby making his establishment equal in size and impor tance to many in Queen-street. Mr Tom linson has by his obliging mauner gained a considerable share of Parnell trade. His business notices appear in another column.

'We regret to learn that Mr James Buchanan, Government Insurance Agent, mefciwith a serious accident on Friday last, andibroke the joint of his ancle. The acci dent happened at Tairua, in consequence of a fall. Un his arrival by the s.s. Rowena,, Mr Buchanan was met by his brother, Mr John. Buchanan, and other friends, and he was;conveyed.to the Hospital. ; The members ol the Excelsior Lodge of Good Templars wilt hold an open lodge meeting this evening, to which the public will be admitted free of charge. The pro gramme promises mupic, pongs, and recita tions of a very favorable characrer. -_ The members and officers of the Grand Black Chapter 6. Ireland will hold a Preceptory this evening, in the Newton Protestant Hall, commencing at the usual hour. , ~ ~ . The Rev D. Dutton will deliver this evening his popular lecture on " The Bible and Science," in the Excelsior Hall, Newton No doubt the audience will be good to hear so talented a speaker.

In the Municipal Corporations Act Amendment Act, the Government propose to repeal sections 380 and 381 of the Act of 1876, granting endowments of 2,000 acres for Municipalities.

The " Blacksmith's Dream " continues to attract both young and old. Last evening a large number of visitors witnessed the performances of the whole, and admired the; multiform production of the ingenious inventor. An afternoon exhibition was held this afternoon ; and on Friday after noon the entertainment-will be open for the benefit chiefly of country friends. A part of the profits will be given to the funds of St. Thomas' Church.

, „Mr Oliver Mays met with an accident last evening at the North Shore wharf. He was about to'start by the 7.30 steamer for Auckland, when, in consequence of the partial withdrawal of the gangway, he was precipitated into the water. Mr Mays suf fered a temporary immersion, but wa^ saved (from further injury by clinging to the gang way. He was assisted on to the wharf, ,ahd having assured the / passengers that he! fwak not liurti hastened homeward for the necessary .purpose of changing his clothes. , \ Rewi, it is said, will visit the Waikato before March. Some of his tribe have asked him to do so to settle some tribal matters. He has had some difficulty about i his steamer, which was intended to open the Kawhia trade. It appears that the Customs officials objected to the sseainer running from the Manukau, becaused it had not <cohformed r in some way with the Customs rules, and ridiculous red-tape interfered, notwithstanding that such a gravely-impor-, tant question as the opening of the Kawhia was concerned. Rewi telegraphed to Mr Sheehan, and early on Sunday morning the Commissioner of Customs telegraphed to Auckland to pass the steamer; so that no further difficulty in that respect willarise. —"Waikato Times."

An inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Whau Hotel before Dr. Philson and a jury, on the body of Thomas Hicks, who died on the evening of the Bth inst., rather suddenly. Elizabeth Hicks, widow of de ceased, stated that her husband was 53 years of age, and that since Chirstmas last he had given way to intemperate habits, and ate very little. He had not taken off his clothes for several nights before his death. He was continually longing for gin. She believed that he was exhausted from drink. John Bollard, farmer, had known deceased 12 years, and latterly lie had given way to in temperance, although in the habit of taking if freely for many' years. James Palmer, landlord of the Whau Hotel, had only known Hicks for a few months. He was in the habit of visiting the hotel daily, hut had not been there for several days, Had often seen him pretty full of liquor. He could take fronvone to eight glasses. He was never cautioned against supplying deceased with drink. The jury found that deceased died from excessive drinking. *

4- social meeting of the teachers and mem ibers of the male arid female bible-classes of :;the St JanVe's Presbyterian Church took place last evening in the Frimitive Metho .dis,t school-room, Pitt and Vincent streets. iThere 'was a very, good a .tendance, arid a pleasant evening -waslpassed^ - Tea was pro . yidedratl7 p.rii"., arid subsequently a tiurriber; jb'f games of various" kinds were commenced. Music and song werointerpersed, and on the .whole the meeting was a most successful "onO. , --/ *, ."',. ' :'\ ' "■'•' ..'-'" ,',

The petition -against Mr' Curtis's Edu cation Amendment Bill was forwarded yesterday to Mr Swanson, M.H.R. The petion contains more than 2,600 signatures.

An iateresting distribution of prizes I>y the a«ent of the Scripture Gift Association took place yesterday, after school hours; at the Woodside public school, Stokes Point. The chairman of the local committee was present and assisted in the examination of the children in the Scripture exercises un dertaken, and the results were both satis factory and gratifying. The next visit by this Association with small prizes? occurs at tlie-Newton-tEastrSchool,r:on-Monday»the 30th inst.

The monthly'inspection parades of the Hbbson, Victoria r and Scottish-Companies, with1 their respective bands, were held last evening in the (Drill-shed. There was; a full muster numbering altogether 180, under the command of Major Withers. The whole were formed into a line by Major Derrom, and' the Inspecting Officer was received with a general salute, the Hobson Band playing it. Major Derrom after wards commanded, and the battalion was put through field exercise. The whole was performed in a steady and soldier-like manner; eliciting the commendation of the Inspecting Officer, after which the com panies, headed by their respective officers and i bands, marched through Queen-ptreet playing on the march until they reached the Union Bank, wlere the companies were dismissed. Before leaving the Dnll-sheed, Major Derrom announced that a general meeting of volunteers would be held in the shed on Monday evening next, for the further consideration of the Rifle Associa tion'and volunteer's reading room. -•/ Ah important announcement to Waikato agriculturists has reached us from Wel lington—no lees a matter than the reduction by 25 per cent, on , the freight of potatoes between Waikato and Auckland.. This will enable our settlers to forward potatoes by rail at a cost of something like fourteen shillings per ton|from Ohaupo.—" Waikato Times." ->m--iH? Accord ing to the " Waikato Times " the Annual Exhibition, under the auspices of the Cambridge Fanners' Club, will be held this year on the ground, next to the Club- House. The following-ti^ the proposed classification : -In borses there are 29 classes, with Ist and 2nd prizes ; and in cattle the same number; and for sheep 11. ; There will be a shearing match for men and boys. For pigs, 7 classes; poultry, 19; and dogs, 18. Bacon, cheese, and butter wifl be represented under the head of dairy produce; and local industry en couraged by the giving of prizes to the best collection of locally-made bricks, harness, and saddlery, and any other articles of local manufacture. Champion cups of the value of £10 each will be given for the best horses, mares, bulls, and cows on the ground. The ordinary meeting of the Onehunga Borough Council was held on Monday even ing, the Mayor in the chair. The new members having taken their seats, a letter from the Education Reserves Commissioners was- read, when Mr Jackson moved the following resolution which was agreed to, viz:—"To direct the Commissioner's at tention to correspondence which had taken place between this Council and the Board of Education, with reference ' handing over two acres of water reserve, in terms of the Onehunga Endowments Act."—After some discussion with respect to straying cattle, it was agreed to call for tenders for completing the repairs to the blockhouse and receive applications for a care-taker. It was also determined to write to the Minister for Public Works, calling his attention to the insufficiency of the repairs \ lately executed on the main road, which is now, in some places, positively dangerous ; andalso to'the fact that by a return furnished to the House, it appears that a sum of £500 only had been expended out of about £3,000 received. . Samuel Dickson, of Newton, gardener, is not the man alluded to in the police report.

LATER FROM SAMOA.

REPORTED VOLCANIC ERUPTION

2,000 LIVES LOST. By the arrival of the schooner Active we have late Samoan papers. The "Times" of July 27 announces the arrival of the barque John Williams, and says : The captain re ports that, "On the outward voyage wheu about 120 miles to the east of Nukulaelae, vast quantities of pumice stone were passed, and the shores of all Mie-Ellice Islands, from Nukulaelae lo Niuato and Nanumea, are thickly covered with it. It is no ex aggeration to say that hundreds of tons have been thrown up on every island. Stumps of trees and thick bamboop, with roots attached, have been thrown up on some of the islands. Early in May the brig Isa belle, Everts, master, from Sydney, called at Vaitupu, and there left a report that tbere has been some |volcanic eruption in the Society Group. One report even says Raiatea and Borabora have been destroyed and 2000 lives lost. There were also passed while beating back, between Nukulaelae aud Fakaofo, one malili tree about eighty feet long, one cocoanut tree, and four other gigantic forest trees, all evidently oroofs that the story of Captain Evers is proDably only too true. The pumic stone began to arrive ou the Ellice Islands about the middle of April, and continued till the middle of Juries When first noticed there was no v growth onthe j i :ces, and {no bar nacles, but by the beginning of June this began to pc plainly ribticeable..There.is no trace of the pumice stone iri the Union -or Gilbert Groups, and the time of:its arrival in the -Ellice. Grpuprwili be interesting to those who study 4he question of ocean curjreuts. The' John Williams left here again on the 24th instant, for the Society Islands and Hervey Group.

A DEN OF INFAMY.

Complaints having been made to the. police of the continued disturbances at a notorious brothel; and harbour, of thieves arid prostitutes in West; Queen-street, kept by a woman of lose? character, named Eliza befh Diedricki ; ,The police thisj afternoon made a complete clearance Of "the inmates, namely, Samuel Sykes, a well;khbwn thief* and a man named Joseph Whiteley, Eliza Rice, Harriet Gibson, Elizabithv Diedrick,: arid a young girl. The parties were v;.^l; and fighting to gether in the in ost-fearful manner, their yells, oaths, and screamings being of the nidst,horrible descriptfori.r ;'Sergeant Fleming arid, , two cons.ables v arrested, the gang, ; and locked ■ them;jiup. up; The,garments ,of -'most' of then, were torn in pieces, arid their 'faces were cut and bleeding! .They,will be brought up at the Police Court in the morning.

RATEPAYERS' MEETING.

To the Editor of the Evening Star. Sir,—ln reply to D. Goldie,-_, at least, have no object in misleading the ratepayers, nor do I 'desire to detract from services really rendered (newspaper extracts are not always reliable). Mr. GToldie does not deny that the important statements re salaries deducted from general rates, or amount at disposal for works, was erroneous and calculated to mislead, and no member of the Council was better up in these matters. The matter of reducing the special rates was considered and resolved before ever he joined the' Council, is also undeniable, the subsequent notice of motion being a matter of form. A-aongst other incorrect statements are,'the Town Clerk's salary at Wellington, .which is £500 (not £400), and both-at W-ilington "and Christchurch there are little or no endowment rentals; the revenues are collected outside, thus relieving the. Town Clerks from very unpleasant duties in enforcing payments; Solicitors' Account states cases pending, riot included; but, notwithstanding, account is from 1 April, 1877, to June, 1878, (14 months); ; " '. Fire Brigade * Companies i!c6ntribute £350, annually; first charge against which'is salaries, kast half-years contribution was paid two or three days after the" balance-sheet was published, and Mr Goldie is well aware1 of-this; 'having made particular ehquiryi ■'{'- .>"*■'-!' ->■•;, wo)> ._. If it is denied that Mr Byrhe's-employment' was not a temporary one, why;wasthe situation not filled up in the regular form ? arid so"ori(with; other names carefully omitted. .soo» -~2. tner answers are distinctions without a difference, or are cleverly answered, by asking other questions. ~ • ' '~ • - I would not have troubled you, brit from an expressed wish of many ratepayers to know if. all the statements made were correct, more particularly the alleged deductions from General Rates. * P. A. Phillips.

CABLEGRAMS.

Another Plot to Assassinate Emperor William.

(SJPMUL TO THE STAR.)

LONDON, September 14. __J[t_.iß-riimoured... that a plot to assassi— *-, riafe the"Emperor of Germany has been, discoverecLat Berlin. It is Socialist iri its origin. Several arrests have boen made. —•Xbe "Russians"hav-'evacuated Erzef6riri_l~*" * The Australians are playing their ..test match at Sunderland.

ANOTHER CONGRESS PRO BABLE.

TURKEY REFUSES TO BE COERCED.

ANOTHER AUSTRIAN RBI-^r, VERSE. . ;^,-r

SEPTEMBER, 16. £14,000 | have been tmbscribed for f the; •' -'■ Princess Alice sufferers. Xt r.

Pageaat, 1 j

TheTJoncasteTCupf .suited Hampton, 2 ; Kingscler, 3. Envoys have intimated to Turkey that probably another Congress will meet tp consider the treaty. Turkey has definitely refused the cession to Greece granted by the Congress. , J 1 [A* Lord Cairns, Chancellor, has been.created;'*!'1 an Earl. • -::-

Austrian troops have had another severe; reverse in Bosnia. j

Turkey refuses "coercion by the Congress" ..'.; or Berlin treaty, but is willing to adopt any English proposals. Aquatic Contest on the Thames.J Hawdon beat Saddler on the Thames easily. Elliott beat Higgins In the first" — heat for the Sportsman's Cup. .-' •

Austrian Headquarters go to Bosnia.

Yellow Fever Abating.-----

England Does not Join Other Powers.

Austrians Occupy Bosnia and

Herzegovina

Austrians Rombarding Epallisot.. ;

[REUTERS SPECIAL CABLEC-tAMS.]

VIENNA, 14th Sept. ,;,

A portion of the Austrian head quarters and staff goes to Bosnia. :-.*) s CONSTANTINOPLE, 14 Sept. The discovery of a large quantity ■of depreciated coins has produced seditions manifestations here. Many arrests have been made.

NEW YORK, 16th Sept. Yellow fever is diminishing iiff the Southern States in consequence of the Cold; weather. yiCHyaD; ROME, Septemler116. J" Mount Vesuvius is showing considerable .... volcanic action.

LONDON, September 16. j The report of England's refusal to join.;,[,.;,[', the other Powers in enforcing the Berlin Treaty on Turkey is confirmed.

CONSTANTINOPLE, Sept. 16. The Russians have evacuated Erzeroum. - , VIENNA, Sept .47- v' The Austrians now occupy all Bosnia and Herzegovina,. save where the in- " surgents hold intrenched positions. The Anstrians are bombarding Epallisott. 55l

ALICE RELIEF FUND.

LONDON, September 14th,

The Alice Relief Fund amounts tO -£14,000. The Government have sanctioned. the appointment of Mr Rivers Wilson to the control of Egyptian finance. The race for the Doncaster Cup yesterday, resulted;. Pageant, 1; Hampton, 2 ; Kingslake, 3. ANSTRALIAN CRICKETERS.' -M gig The Australian Eleven played twelve of the west of Scotland. The first innings of' 1 the Australians ended for 268 ; the first in nings of their opponents, 99 ; .the second ditto, 85. 'ihe Australians won in one in nings. Against eighteen of Sunderland the latter - were 59; the Australians, 77 ; Sunderland second innings, one out for 33.

The Match between Trickett and Rush.

[SPECIAL TO " STAR."]

SYDNE_, this day. It is definitely decided to hold an Inter national Show at Sydney next year. Judge Stone, of Adelaide, is dead. The match between Trickett and Rush, for the Championship (with fixed seats),;is-

nearly arranged.

:,;; i •vibr^ifi!

PARLIAMENTARY

FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER —

(BY STAR SPECIAL WIRE).

I ! ■' -' V WELLINGTON, this day. | SCENES IN THE HOUSED i # Several scenes occurred yesterday in Committee on the.Electoral Bill.—Mr Rees charged Mr Saunders with obstruction, whereupon the latter jumped up, and after expatiating on Mr Rees' peculiar style, said in jton.es of scorn^ "I can afford to treat suchstaternents with contempt-—Mr Rees:- - Sorrie hon. members are so wrapped up in ~ their own conceit. (Cries of " oh, oh," and " order.")—Mr Saunders : Oh, that's quite, your style.—Mr Rees j The hon. member must see by this time the House will not give him credit for that superiority he claims. Another breeze occurred,subse quently. —Mr Pyke lectured ime.mbers on theuse of personalities, or they ntignt^De expelled from the seats they unworthly held.—Mr O'Rorke could not see these ob nervations .bore any connection .with the subject under discussion.—Mr Fyke; i was replying to a personal observation on myself.—Mr O'Rorke : No, you were not; you arespeakiug of a matter which has nothing to do with the clause. Mr Fyke : I say these are personal remarks.— Mr O'Rorke: You are going into the-Bame- .matter again, I must call upon you to sit down.—Mr Pyke : I say that these ; ar«. personal attacks.—Mr O'Rorke :"^ 'reany , must mairitaiu the dignity of the House, r- Mr.Pyke subsided scowling amidst general disorder. ' ~ Mr Sutton wanted to know how tney would distinguish between the various Jona Smith's on the roll.—Mr Rees : m*l , f put them all on; you can't malce any , distinction. It is like the man whejookea into an American omnibus and asked urn colonel was there, when eighteen gentlemen j immediately rose to their feet. j The third episode' was at half-past om i when Mr Wakefield moved that the tnau man repor. progress. (Loud cries of no, n./ ? ■, Hesaid that Hon. gentlemen who had Deeu enibying themselves in another part 01 House, while others were working ("^"J to the dinner given by Johnny Martm^^ who trooped in at every door, lookine,"-j 0 ~_,- fresh (laughter), might easily cry.^J^ | no." Now Mr Rees could only *£."K . about Ariierican omnibuses. v Mr ~ retorted that Mr Wakefield was bue^" forinest in enjoying himself in an°tner ~ of the4House^4lr^ Wakefield.:^ No^.g | Rees :'l_y eyes deceive me it 1 did n«» ■: him there. Mr Rees evidently referreu Bellamy's. •„ j_e ' '"An 'amusing' discussion took [p^rfcz ;C!ouricii" yesterday on the question wnw ought to collect the v-_ under the Registration Bill. n i c tufe Colonel Whitmore drew agraphic piu of a tall bobby chasing, a of and said evil-doers might adopt tne 1 &g m releasing dogs in order to distra. |, attention of the police while engaged | robbery. '^ , ■ :.M

#*SZrrEVENI]SG SlAll, WtiPNESiU.. Er'E¥hfeEß^ g^_ggJ!_____



f\ AT SM OATS! OATS! 500 bags PRIME TARTARIAN OATS 1000 bags PRIME POTATOK OATS. .. : „ W.J. HURST & CO., ; 101, Queen-street, Auckland. The rage for buying land, with a view, to cutting it up into small building allotments, has been intense in., Wellington. An architect recently bought a piece of land for £700, and sold the 'lease of itfor 21 years for £8000. Every month the prices grow bigger andrtugger. To a few people, speculations j A^an<i..'h^_a_3myedi3rnaU Bonanza mines. J



[FANCY^/lici-INA M A T.TIN O FAN CV, 6/4A J^ST OPENED. CAKPKTS, Tapestry from 2/11 x ._.„-,_. CARPETS, Broasel from 5/ U R CA.RPKTS; Kidderminster 1 j VARIETT. • CARPETS, Dutch and Jut _/*& ■, yw you can >z xV /Vr your FURNISH y/^.rt^ y_T - _^x rv >_r tv -^V N/^ HOUSE Most EoonomioAi.i.y trom our Establishment Largest Stock of Drawing-room Suites Largest Stock of Dining-room Suites Larqkst Stock of Bedroom Furniture Largest Stock Of Floor Cloths, Linoleum Largest Stock of Cahprts in Auckland. BLANKETS From 11/6 to glggS! 50/ per pair. BLANKETS Mattresses, Palliasses, Bolsters. Sheets, Mattresses, Palliasnes, Pillows, sups, Mattresses, Palliasses, Bolsters, Cases, Ready.made. Ready-made. Ready-made. Ready-made. Ready-made. Ready-made. 81-DSTffiADS BKDSTKADS BKDSTKADS CEDAR, IRON. BRASS. KAURI. RIMU. -, Artifioial" Flowers, for Tablesi'and Vasea. DRAPERY MILLINERY, MEN'S and BOYS' CLOTHING. tST CATALOGUES SENT POST FREE. "KJI Holloway, Garlick & Oranwell, . CITY HALL ARCADE* QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. Agent for the Genuine "Singer's" Sewing Machine. ■ TJIN COURAGE NEW ZEALAND industries i to thk pkoplk of auckland 1 Messrs. Hallenstk n Ijrothjcrs F , Defllre to Inform you that a RETAIL BRANCH OF THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY Is Now Open in Queen-street, opposite Theatre Royal. To effectually introduce, their Goods and drive out the imported artiole, they have decided to SELL a Single Article at the Wholesale Price. All Goods are marked in Plalo Figures, for Nett Cash only. Any Artiole purohased and not ap proved of, will be exchanged with the same courtesy with which It was j Bold, or if desired, money will be I returned. The success which has attended the New Zealand 0 thing Factory's Retail Branches In other towns leads the Proprietors to believe that there exists a praiseworthy deßire on the part of the Public to encourage New Zealand Industries, especially wher superior advantages are offered; and your support Is solicited on this under standing only. J. B. ROBINSON, Manager Auckland Branch. SOLE AGENT roR W ER.T H E I MS CELEBRATED SEWING MACHINES, THE B BT MACHINE IN THE WORLD. New S*" ing Goods. The Undersigned are NOW OPENING UP heir STOCK OF NEW GOODS for the in coming Season's trade, comprising— NEW FANCY DRESS MATERIALS, (IN VARIETY). Circy and Black Lustres, Danish Lustres (new *" B__.£L~I.CS) New Washing Materials. Brocaded Cambrics, Lace Patterns, Galatea Stripes, and a very large assortment of PRINTS! PRINTS 1 I PRINTS ! ! Great Variety of Patterns and Un usually Cheap. New Linen Goods, Guffs, Collars, and Sets, Ribbons; Biandkerchiefs, &c. *8_ HOSIERY OF ALL- KINDS. "S* White and Grey Calicos, in alt the best makes (English and American). FURNISHING GOODS, and a carefully-selected Stock of General Drafeby of every description. Also, NEW CLOTHING OF :ALL KINDS For Boy's and Men. Shirts, Hats,. Hosiery, Tweeds, &c, &c. tar X IV in the fl) Discount allowed upon all .Cash Purchases of 20/ and upwards. RUSHBROOk AND BRIDGMAN, DRAPERS. CLOTHIERS, &0„ JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE s (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel), UPP E R QUE EN - ST REE T, Auckland. TVrORTH BRITISH AND MERCAN J3i TILE INSURANCE COMPANY. LONDON AND EDINBURGH. Established 1809. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Capital .. .. 7. ~ .. ..£2,000,000 Reserve Fund.. .. 1,082,768 Income of the Fire Department, Net Premiums and Interest, 1877 .. .. 916,616 President.: His Grace the Duke of Roxburghe, K.T. V ick-Presidents : His Grace the Duke of Sutherland, K.G.; His Grace the Duke Of Abercorn, K.G. { Extraordinary Directors : Right Hon: the Earl of Airlie, Right Hon. the Earl of Strathmore, Right Hon. Sir James Fer gusson, of Kilkerran. Bart, Sir Matthew White Ridley, Bart., Right Hon. the Earl of Elgin, Right Hon. Lord Wolverton, Sir Walter James, Bart., Sir John Majorbanks, of Lees, Bart.,. Sir Robert Hay, of Haystoun, Bart., David Mahony, Esq., Dublin. GENERAL COURT OF DIRECTORS. Chairman: Right Hon. Lord Lawrence, G.C.8., G.C.5.1., and P.C. Fire Risks taken on buildings and property in the Provincial District of Auckland at lowest BATES. ..:„'-.'-' ,'-".' Losses promptly and liberally dealt with. I SHERA BROS., Agents, 1 Queen-street. . THE AUCKLAND GAS COMPANY (LIMITED), AFFORD UNUSUAL FACILITY To persons willing to become Consumers of ■: «as.- ~-;-:,,. The Company open tho Sewer, Tap the Main, Provide and Lay 10 feet of Service-pipe into i the Premises, make good, the Street, !."■}• Footpath, and Premises. And SUPPLY a METER, keeping the whole is -in order, - I jjg WITHOUT AN _• CHARGE WHATEVER. s Office of the Company: ! 3. INSURANCE BUILDINGS. .„■',



TtfTATIONAL INSURANCE COM PANY OF NEW ZEALAND:' Capital Ilßl,ooli-ar- UNI-IMITEp LIABILITSF, , fjfj FIRE,,AND ..MARINE RISKSi of every; description accepted on the most favourable terms. . _.__.. '.':' 'tSL^'J:. L... '.'r'^. ' '.. All funds invested in the colony. V .;, ». HENRY E. WILLIAMS, | ;'"';" -' "' ■'■' Manager; . mHE NATIONAL BANK OF NEW ZEALAND (LIMITED). Incorporated under the Companies Act, 1862 and 1867. and the New Zealand Act 1,1873. This Bank is prepared to grant, Special Rates for Deposits, and to arrange for transaction of all Banking business. Terms to be ascertained upon application. , (Signed). DAVID HEAN, " Manager. Auckland, 14th September, 1878. ,:; , } .. mHE COLONIAL BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. Subcribed Capital ; .. .. ..£1,000,000 Reserve Fund ..- .. .. .. 36,000, This Bank is open to make special arrange ments for Fixed Deposits, and Banking business generally. * WILLIAM BURTON. j Manager. Auckland Branch, J.-' 14th September, 1878. X>ANK OF AUSTRALASIA. Incorporated by Royal Charter,, 1835. . Paid-up Capital ..£1,200,000 Guarantee and Reserve Funds .. 215,710 Undivided Profits .. .. .. 151,599 This Bank is prepared to make special arrange ments with respect to Deposits, and to transact all other Banking business on the most favour able terms. Rates can be ascertained on application. Auckland Branch: J. LAWFORD, Manager. TTNION BANK OF AUSTRALIA. ESTABLISHED 1837. Paid-up Capital .. £1,500,000 Reserved Fund 780,000 This Bank receives Deposits at Interest, and transacts all general banking business on the most favourable terms, which can be ascertained at its omce in Queen-street, and its other Branches and Agencies in the District. JOSEPH E. POUNDS. Manager, Auckland. Try O NEM E A L. 50 TONS CALIFORNIA BONEMEAL. , For' Sale by W. S. LAURIE, 7, WYND HAM-STREET.