SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

Australia, R.M.s.. Carnill, from Sydney Wauaka, s.s., McGillivray, from Russell Rover, schooner. Anderson, from Wangarei;Sfe-

DEPARTURES.

Australia. R.M.s., Cargill. forj Honolulu and

San Francisco Rotorua, Carey, for Sydney Argyle. s.s.. Stephenson, for Wangarei Go-ahead, s 3., Helander, for Gisborne

IMPORTS.

Per Australia, from Sydney: 3 pkgs. luggage, 6 boxes specie.

EXPORTS.

Per Taiaroa, for Taranaki and the South :] 1 bale leather, 1 package.—lreland Brothers. 1 trunk, 1 package.—Henderson and Macfar lane.

40 casks resin.- E. and H. Isaacs. Per Eliza Mary, for Dunedin: 130,000 feet timber.

Per Australia, for Honolulu and San Fran cisco :

131 bales wool, 12 kegs sausage skins, 96 sacks potatoes, 152 crates potatoes, and 36 bales fungus. 96 sacks potatoes.—Henderson and Macfar lane.

Per s.s. Go-ahead for Gi9borne: 1 bale leather, 1 case leather-. 3 packages saddlery, 1 package grindery .—lreland Bros. Per Minniehalia, for Timaru: 76 000 feet timber. 716 pipes. Per Energy, for Tonga: 149 mats and 7 gunnies 3Ugar. locales geneva, 25 cases brandy, 12 boxes tea. 2 boxes tobacco. 21 cases' wine, 20 bags rice, 3 qr.-sasks rum. 3 bales blankets, 1 case per fumed spirits, 3 bales cotton, 1 case apparel, 11 bale? drapery. 1 parcel looking-glasses, 1 boat, 40 sacks onions, 50 sacks potatoes, 750 sacks and 130 toßs fl«ur, 8 kegs beer, 18 coils rope, 324 tins biscuits, 30 boxes soap, 4 cases meat, 20 cases flsh. 50 tins paint, 10 ca3e3 oilmen's stores.—Owen and Graham.

ARRIVAL OF THE MAIL STEAMER.

The R.M.S. Australia, W. Cargill, comman der, arrived in harbour this morning. She left Sydney on the 2S.h with a moderate breeze and fine weather, which continued up to the 30th, when the weather became cloudy with light showers at intervals. Sighted land at -.30 a.m. of the 30th aal at 8.35 North Cape S. by W. _W. 2 miles distant. Sighted Tiri Tiri at 8 55, slowed engines, ship going under easy stoam, weather being thick. Took pilot on board at 1.25 a.m. Time, Sydney to Auckland 1 days 7 hours 16 mins. Passengers for New Zea'.ind:—C. H. Dnimmond, D. Drummond, Mr and Mrs Thompson and child, Mrs Ting, Mr Geo. Middleton. Jno. L. Campbell, Miss A. M. Freer, Miss M. F. Freer, and 5 in the steerage, with 39 saloon, and 27 steerage in transit for Honolulu a^d San Francisco,

DEPARTURE OF THE AUSTRALIA.

Although the time advertised tor the depar ture of the mail steamer Australia was tewelve o'clock, she did not get away before two p.m. The reason of the delay was that all the cargo had not been shipped. Just after the vessel had moved away from the wharf, it was found that one of the lady passengers had remained on the wharf. It appeared to be almost impossible to catch the steamer, but Blanche's long boat was quickly manned by two sturdy Kanakas, who pulled out into the stream with "dght and man. Their progress was observed w'r-.h great interest by the large crowd of persons who had congre gated on the wharf. When the vessel was brought round, the dingy had almost reached the middle, and must therefore have heen observed. The Australia then steamed down slowly, and when abreast of the whiu'f picked up the passenger. A very short" time later she had disappeared round the North Hend. The following are the passengers: Mr and Mrs Smith, Mr aud Mrs Chri3tianson and fariiily, Mr and Mrs Hancock, Mrs Harris and child, Mr and Mrs Chalet. Mrs and Miss Ackland, Mr and Mrs Batcheldor, Misses Layard, Willsford. Keven, Messrs H. Calder, Charies Reid, A. Campbell, Gilchrist, Rosa. D. McKella, D. Sutherland Meyers, M. Baker, J. Beaumont, W. P. Turton, A. C. Gray, H. Friedlander, D Daly, Francis Panl, Pat Roche, JO3. Mahorey, John White. Nicholls, M. F. Young, G. Roberts, J. C. McCormick, Stevens, T Neilson, H. Catle, D. Drummond, and John Becker. She also takes a quantity of cargo for San Francisco.

BARQUE SIGNALLED.

A barque outside Tiritiri was signalled when we went to press. It will probably be the Auckshaw, which is now about 108 days from London.

Entered Ixwards—Rover, schooner, from Wangarei, with 35 tons coal, 1 ton gum, 5 cask tallow, .26 bags currants; Adah, ketch, from Thames, in ballast. Cleared Outwards.—Helena, brigantine, for Thames, with 428 sacks oats, 50 sacks barley, 90 bags flour, 24 sacks chaff, 17 mats sugar, 21 cases oilmen's stores, and a large quantity of sundries; ZiUah, ketch, for Thames, with 30,000 shingles, and 50 tons coal. The Cusso, steamer, Orient Line, left Plymouth on 20th April, with 423 passengers and 168 tons cargo for Adelaide, 355 tons for Melbourne, and 1,000 tons for Sydney. The Chimborazo, if her repairs are finished, will be the June steamer. The barque Woodville, sailed from Newcastle for Auckland with a cargo of coal on April 22nd. The Argyle sailed last evening for wangarei and Mangapai with a general cargo, and several passengers. • The schooner Energy cleared this morn ing for Friendly Islands, and she will sail at once. She take 3 a full general cargo and the following passengers:—Mesdames Mann and Berril. Miss Cocker, Messrs' Reynolds, Yon Hagan, and Johnson. The R.M.S. Zealandia sailed from San Fran cisco for Honolulu and Auckland np to contract time (15th ult.) She will therefore most pro bably arrive here on Tuesday evening next. The schooner Kenilworth sailed from Lyttel ton for this port yesterday, with a cargo of grain, and other produce. The barque Sea Toller arrived at Newcastle from this port on the 10th ult. The es. (Jo-ahead sailed last night for Gisborne with a general cargo and the follow ing passengers-.—Mrs Pierce and family (5), Mrs Gelly and family (4). Mis Marian Taylol, Messrs Allan, Parrish, Littlewood, Endean, and two natives. The Rowena brought three passengers from Tauranga yesterday, viz. :—Messrs, Scott, Chadwick, and another. The s.s. Taiaroa, which sailed from the Manukau for Southern ports yesterday after noon, took the following passengers:—Mr and Mis Bastard and family, Mr and Mrs Allen, Mrs Overton, Mies Edwards, Miss Kirk, Justice Gillies, Messrs. Mattock, Giddy, New- Newsham, George, Munro, Scotland, Derritt, Craigmill, Warbrick, O'Leary, Mair, Phillip, Alley, Lyes, Driscoll, Graham, Dodd, Hunter, Dwyer. Lamont, Hicton, Walker. The Wanaka leaves for Southern ports at four o'clock to-morrow afternoon. The s.s. Rotorua sailed for Sydney last even ing. The following passengers were booked after three o'clock, and therefore did not appear in last night's issue :—Mr Thomas Buddie and Miss Buddie, Mr Beaumout, Revs T. Buddie. R. Bavin, J. Crump, H. H. Lawry, land W. Caygill. The s.s. Woonona, a steamer of 404 tons, commanded by Captain Merrick, entered outwards at Sydney on April 25, for Auck land. The schooner Eliza Mary cleared at the Manukau to-day for Dunedin, with 130,000 feet timber loaded at Messrs. Guthrie and Larnach's saw-mills.

The schooner Minnehaha cleared to-day for Tim.ru, with a fall cargo of t-mber and pipes. The schoooner Owake cleared at the Manu kau to-day for Greymouth in ballast. She is to load with coal there for Onehunga, and after discharging will proceed to Dunedin with timber. The s.s. Wanaka arrivedlthis morning from Russell, with the following cargo: 135 tons coal, 140 bags oysters, 21 sacks gum. Passengers: Miss Johnson, Captain McPherson, Messrs Shipley, Marsh, Smith, and four natives. The total amount of Customs revenue col lected to-day was £1362 2s Sd. TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING. New Plymouth, this day. The s.s. Taiaroa arrived at 9 o'clock this morn ing from Onehunga. The brig Moa took advantage of the change of wind, and sailed early this morning for Kaipara, where she will load with timber for Dunedin. _____________________________________

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

To-day's Quotations— Bank of New Zealand—Sellers, „23 7s 6d. Colonial Bank—s3s; Sellers, 535. South British Insurance—Sellers, 73s 6d. Thames Gas—29s. Auckland Gas—Buyers, £10 10s. Union Insurance—Sellers, 15s. Guthrie & Larnach—Sellers. 50s. Union Sash & Door Co.-„ 10 7s 6d. Moanatairi—Sellers, 61s. Tookey Tribute—Sellers, 4s 6d. Alburnia—Buyers, 51s 6d ; sellers, 60s. Prince Imperial—Buyers, 7s 6d. Union Beach—l7s 6d, 18s. Corby—4ls, 40s ; sellers, 40s. Golden Point—Sellers, 5s 6d. Kuranui Hill—Buyers, 15s; sellers. 18s. JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :- For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to morrow, at 11.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Durham, on Thursday next, at 11.30 a.m. For W-ii.la_.f_a, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, this day, at 4 p.m. For Waiwera, Warkworth, Te Arai, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Anne Mil bank, on Thursday next, at 10 a.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, and Southern Provinces, per Wanaka. to-morrow, at 3.15 p.m. For Napier and Lyttelton, per Southern Cross to-morrow, at 5 p.m. Per s.s. Hero, ou Friday next, as follows: For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 10 a.m. For Australian Colonies and United King dom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially addressed), at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom, via Brindisi, and late letters for Sydney and Melbourne, at 11.15 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and ncwp>per», at 9.30 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Juraniiii, on Tuesday next, atß a.m. S. lit. MS*. Chief Po-tmaster

BIRTH.

PROBERT.—On the ?oth April, 1878, at the re sidence of Mrs. Hampshire, Great North Road, Mrs. W. A. Probert of a daughter. SCHENK.—On the 30th April, at her residence, Mount-street, the wife of B. H. F. Schonk of a daughter.

MARRIAGE.

MARCROFT—MAY.—At Sydney, on April 18' 1878, by the Rev. Dr. Lang. John \\ illiam, eldest son Of Mr. Henry Marcroft. of Albert land, to Isabella, youngest daughter of the late Mr. David May, of Mahurangi. KING—JOHNSTON.—At the Cathedral, wynd ham-street, Auckland, on Wednesday, April 24, by the Rev. Walter Macdonald. John King, census Enumerator, also Superintendent of Agricultural Statistics, and formerly Inspector of the Lunatic Asylum, Provincial Hospital, and Relieving Officer, to Loetitia, Becond daughter of the late Andrew Johnston, Tully, County Tyrone, Ireland.

DEATH.

POLLARD.—On the 30th April, 1878, at Brighton Road, Parnell, Charles, youngest child of Napian William and Harriet Pollard, aged 15 months. . _ , The funeral will take place to-morrow, 2nd May, at 2 p.m. Friends please accept this invitation. ___ DUDLEY.—At Melbourne, on April 13, Walter Dudley. Meat Salesman, late of Auckland, aged 48 years. Much regretted.

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1878.

f_r_- ami that —c_. M-fct-atji For Che wrong that need- reslst-JK fca- the fnturre la tfaa -_U_e_, *__t_-«e-o>-«--- _»«-_*»

The preparations for the native meeting at Hikurangi are proceeding satisfactorily. Telegrams received to-day from Tawhiao state that everything is in readiness for the arrival of the Premier, and that there is every prospect of the forthcoming meeting being as successful as the friends of peace could possibly desire. Sir George Grey is expected to arrive here to-morrow evening, and will proceed to Hamilton by special train on Friday morning. One of the most important subjects at pre sent under discussion, and likely to he proposed by Tawhiao and his followers, is the stoppage, by a special enactment next session, of monopolist speculations in the King country. We have reliable native authorityfor stating that the project will he laid before the Government by Tawhiao and his principal advisers, and that arguments will be adduced to show that the mis chievous intermeddling of pakeha Maoris and land-grabbers is the main obstacle to a peaceful and permanent settle ment of the native difficulty. We are not aware what the opinion of the Government is on this matter. Any legislation intended to put down the growing disposition of native land owners within the confiscated line to sell their lands and open the country to Europeans should he conceded with extreme caution. The fact appears to be that the King and his advisers" find every year greater difficulty in securing obedience to their laws, more especially amongthe Ngatimaniapotos, who are the chief owners of the land ; and if Tawhiao could secure the ratification of Parliament to his policy and mandates, closing upper Waikato permanently against settlement and render ing it a legalised Alsatia for Maori mal contents and murderers, he would gain a material support to his tottering throne. It might, however, he prudent in any native land law to place an effectual check upon speculators whose operations have more than once imperilled the peace of the colony.

The revenue of the railways throughout the colony shows a very encouragiug in crease. From a table just gazetted we find that the receipts for eight months ending 9th March last, on the 1,001 miles of line open tor traffic amounted to £346,501 ; the expenditure to £263,921, leaving a balance of £82,580 towards payment of interest. Of course this is a small contribution towards the heavy annual charge incurred under the loans raised for railway purposes ; still it was never anticipated or professed by any but Sir Julius Vogel, and others equally sanguine, that the railways would do much more than pay working expenses. The Auckland and Waikato railway con tributed £5,861 towards the gross profit. The Kaipara line on the other hand was. worked at a loss of £731. The Waikato traffic shews a steady

increase, and the expenditure - per mile of rail preserves a low average. Altogether, the returns represent a very satisfactory business, although the sum yielded to the Treasury for the financial year will be considerably below the estimate made by Major Atkinson.

INTERRUPTION OF CABLE NEWS.

By a break in the Darwin; overland tele graph line we are again deprived of com munication with Europe. Repairs, however, will probably be effected to-morrow. Even a day's interruption just now occasions a feeling of unpleasant suspense.

The May numher of the " Church Ga zette" presents Churchmen with a large amount of parochial intelligence, alphabeti cally arranged for the convenience of readers, showing the places recently visited by the Bishop in his tour among the settle ments of the province. Each of these sketches possesses some fact of pleasant encouragement worthy of record. These paragraphs of travel show that a Bishop's path in this country is beset with thorns and adorned with few roses. A loving tribute is paid to the memory ot the late Bishop Selwyn by one who evidently knew the good man's character beyond hearsay, and to which are attached several of the Bishop's opinions on the "Burial Ques tion." Mr. Atkin, of the Tamake sug gests a " Home for Seamen" as a fitting memorial to tho Bishop. The Sun day-school lessons for the current month are continued for the use of teachers. Items of interest are inserted, relating to the revision of the Bible, missions, new churches, etc., gathered from tho London journals, and notices of books, all of which will be found of more or less interest to general readers of religious intelligence. A meetingof tho subscribers and support ers of the Newmarket Literary Institute and Reading-room was held last evening in the district hall, for the purpose of consider ing the accommodation aud library of the society. Mr John McColl occupied the chair and introduced the business of the evening. The Chairman intimated that the present accommodation was inadequate to theintellectual requirements ot Newmarket. At present the reading room was often crowded, causing discontent amongst the members. It was necessary therefore, that more accommodation should be provided. Again, the place where the books were kept was very unsuitable, and book shelves were wanted. But how were the funds to be raised? A friend suggested a concert, auother a gift auction, and a third that both should be combined, and form a double attraction. Mr Angus -vas willing to assist by giving £2 worth of goods, and he, the Chairman, would contribute a like amount. —Mr Dennison followed, and referred to the handsome present which Government had given, and said it wohld be a pity if the com mittee should neglect it. Sir George Grey had given the timber of Hunter's sale yards which the speaker believed would be suffi cient for the enlargement of the reading room. If others would follow the example of Mr Angus and the Chairman the thing Avculd be done. Messrs Jenkins and Tait spoke iv favor of the contemplated im provements, and it was resolved to canvass the district for a concert and gift auction to be held as soon as possible. A vote of thankswas unanimouslypassedtoSir George Grey for his generous gift, and the meeting closed.with a vote of thanks to the Chair man.

■ The Choral Hall school was opened this morning as a free public school under the Education Act in connection with the district of City East. It is hoped that this extra school will afford sufficient accommo dation for the children who were unable to gain admittance into the Wellesley -street East school.

We learn that the telegraph line will be extended to Dargaville, and if possible a connection will be made at some point between Mahurangi and Mangawai, instead of at Mangapai. The '' Sydney Morning Herald," referring to the labours of tho late Bishop Sclwyn in New Zealand, says :—"ln the prosecution ot his work he had to traverse the forests, swim the rivers, aud navigate the seas rouud the island in his little vessel; and he won a great fame and set a good example by his daring journeys and his unresting labours. Civilisation followed faster than he anticipated, and his late years in the colony were full of pain by witnessing the collision between the race to which he belonged, and the race for which he so devotedly laboured."

The annual meeting of the patrons and friends of the Howe-street Institution for neglected and destitute children, will be held on Monday evening next, in the lecture room of the Young Men's Christian Associa tion. His Excellency the Governor, is ex pected to take the chair.

The complimentary entertainment to the temperance members of the men-o'-war now in port will be given by the Excelsior Lodge of Good Templars to-morrow evening, in the Franklin-road school-room. Tea at half-past six, concert at half-past seven o'clock. A good programme has been pre pared for the occasion. Mr McKenzie will deliver the opening speech; ballads will be sung by Sisters Bettany, Gribble, Ander son, Peace, Gibhs, and Masters; also, by Bros. Sweetman, Salt, Harding, and several of the Blue Jackets. Sisters Anderson and Gibhs will oblige with recitations. Mi- George Hemus will deliver an address, an original piece, " Patrick's Fall and Rise," will also be given in the course of the even ing. Bro. Parker will preside at the harmonium.

A singular charge of attempting to poison has been brought against William O'Connor an ex-sergeant .of police, in the Police Court at Wellington. Mr William Light, land lord of Barrett's Hotel, and the complainant in the case, was drinking with the accused on Sunday night last, in the hotel, and states' that O'Connor put poison in his glass while he was attending on customers. It is alleged that Dr. Hector, who analysed the sediment in the glass has pronounced it' strychnine, in quantity more than sufficient to kill twenty men. The case will be heard to-morrow.

To? the Editor, Sir,—Will you kindly in form me if there is any means of punishing owners of sheep who allow the same to die through neglect. If there is I think my case is a hard one. I am on an island in charge of a flock of sheep. They were in a disgraceful state when they were given over to my charge. The owner well knew the state they were in, and promised to come and do something to them. A mouth has now elapsed since, aud he has not come, nor will hesend me anything that might aid me in curing them. The island is strewn with bones andcarcasesof dead sheep. An answer will oblige.—Yours &c, Thomas Hall. [The statement is a singular one. An owner for his own sake should take care of his stock. If it could be shewn that wilful cruelty had been perpetrated, the law would punish the offender.—Ed. E.S.] Our Port Albert correspondent writes :— "On Tuesday |April 23rd, a public tea meeting was held in the school-room in connection with the Wesleyan Church. Some eighty sat down to an excellent tea. After tea the Rev W. Gittos presided, and addresses were given by Mr Redfern,' Paparoa ; Mr Penman, Te Arai ; and Mr G. Moore, Mahurangi. Mr Joseph Becroft presided at the harmonium.—On Wednes day the Agricultural Society held its meeting at Mr C. Pearmau's, Wellsford ;Mr J. Shepherd, J.P., pre sident, in the chair. The Secretary read the report of the Show Committee by which it appears, the late show had been' a great success. Reference was made to subscrip tions given by merchants and tradesmen in Auckland, which materially contributed towards the prize fund. The May meetin takes place at Mr Ri Cutforth's I see by advertisement in Star that a reward of £10 is offered for information relative to sly-grog selling on the occasion of the holding of the late Agricultural show at this place. Non- Templars join with the Good Templars in condemning the lawless act of a person or persons who endeavoured tQ-mar the day's proceedings for his or their gain."

Mr. Creswick has met with unprecedented success in Austr-dia. After fulfilling an engagement in Melbourne, which extended to ninety-three nights he went to Sydney and commenced his successful career on the 26th of December at the Victoria Theatre, and without any intermission excepting Sundays, he has completed the 100 th night of his engagement. " Such an event (says the " Sydney Morning Herald") should not pass without being recorded. It is an act of justice to an accomplished artist, and also a tribute due to the taste of the supporters of the highest class of drama, the plays represented having been those of Shakespeare, Massenger, and Knowles."

The "Presbyterian Church News" for May is full of interesting matter, and sound criticism concerning the Churches of New Zealand. The lengthy notice of tho new pamphlet hy the well-known Dr. Caudlish, on "The authority of Scripture independent of criticism," is an able paper, and worthy of careful consideration. The " Hope of the Early Church," by " Alpha" bears the distinguishing marks of the writer's ability, aud displays calm reason ing ; thus, for example, he says, '' The longer we live we see the beauty, the reasonable ness, and the balance of scripture. In it you find nothing onesided or extreme. It bears not on it the impress of man's imper fection, but of God's wisdom." An excellent biography of the late Rev. Dr. Duff also appears, partly ex tracted from an article in the " Times.'" The life of the venerable minis ter was full of incidents and endeavours after the more perfect life. The sketch is judiciously condensed, and furnishes all the leading events and labours, literary and otherwise, compressed into a very readable space. The "News" contains an account of the Sinaitic Manuscript, written in an in telligent manner, and which will be most acceptable to readers who take an interest in Biblical research, and the new version ot the holy scriptures. This is one of the most interesting papers in the current issue. _ A number of other articles appear, including thoughtful extracts, words of wisdom, glimpses of churches both in Scotland and thecolonies, and monthly reports of religious progress.

Messrs Hislop andShrimski, supporters of the Ministry, addressed their constituents at Waitaki yesterday, and received unani mous votes of confidence.

" Public opinion' seems to be going against County Councils throughout the provinces," writes our Port Albert correspondent. " Great things were expected and as a con sequence disappointment is the more apparent. Retrenchment is always a popular cry, and was made much use of against Provincialism. We are likely to get rather more of Local Self-government than we want ; at any rate than is profitable to ratepayers. Just novv the question is being discussed whether the Road Boards cannot .undertake the work allotted to County Councils. I see members of Rodney Council have voted themselves honorarium, while Chairmen of Boards doing more work get no pay. We must pay for Local Self-government, so it appears!''

A company is being formed by Mr Red wood to work the copper ore discovered on Dunville's Island. The per centage of pure metal is said to be very large, the picked specimens yielding as high as 70 per cent.

The following cable despatches taken from the Sydney papers per Hero, correct and enlarge some of the items already published: "London, April 21.—Mr Bandmann, a well-known tragedian, has been committed for trial for striking Mrs Rousby, a favourite actress, who some years ago made a great hit by her imper sonation of Joan of Arc, and also in " 'Twixt Axe and Crown." Bombay, April 19. —The Governor of this Presidency has chartered 45 transports for the con veyance of the troops ordered to Malta."

A sitting in Bankruptcy was held in Chambers at 11 o'clock this morning, by E. S. Willcocks Esq., in the absence of his honor Judge Gillies. John Robertson, baker, ot „_ueen-strect, and A. Clark, mariner, ipplied for final orders of dis charge which were granted.

The Rev. Habens, who has received an appointment under the Education Act, has been succeeded in his former appointment, as secretary of the North Canterbury Board, by Mr J. C. W. Veel.

The next concert] by members of the Auckland Choral Society is announced to take place on the evening ot the 14th May. (s£?"Pound Parties,"and "Mum Sociables," are among the latest devices of the ladies in Yankee laud, for the purpose of replenish ing the treasuries of their religious and benevolent societies. At the first, any person is to bring a pound of something, carefully done up, and marked with his or her name. Before the ■ party breakes up, these packages are sold at auction, "unsight, unseen," and the money they bring go into the society's fund. At a " Mum Sociable," uot a word is to be spoken for the first hour; and transgressors of this rule are visited with a fine for the benefit of the cause. How would these devices answer in Auck land?

The Free Templars met last evening in the Cook-street Oddfellow's Hall, chiefly for the purpose of presenting a testimonial and address to Mr W. F. J. Donald, as a token of esteem for the zeal and energy displayed by him in the cause from the commencement of the order in this .city. The presentation was a handsome silver iever watch, with inscription neatly engraved, which was presented by the chairman, Mr Warburton, on behalf of the committee and members of the order. The address was read by Mr James Cox, the corresponding secretary, enumerating the past offices held by Mr Donald, and in which lie had displayed much energy and zeal in promotingliarmony and good feeling among the brotherhood, and perseverance in promoting the principle of strict sobriety. Mr Donald replied with becoming modesty, and said he noped long to con tinue to labour in the fair fields of temperance ; he should treasure the token of kindness which he had received, and whenever he looked upon it, he should not only think of the happy moments passed with the brethren, but should be reminded of the rapid march of time towards the ocean of eternity. He begged to thank them heartily for the present and sentiments of the address, which would stimulate him to endeavour to lea ye the world better than he found it, if not permitted to leave "a footprint in the sands of time." The reading room was then opened, and a considerable number of members of both sexes availed themselves of the privilege of an hour's useful reading.

Mr J. C. Stevens has addressed his constituents and announced himself as disinclined for further party strife, office, or to remove the present of form Govern ment. He thought the franchise should be extended, so as to include all bona fide resi dents in the colony, whether they owned real property or not, but he objected to aresi dental vote. Persons should have a vote for any district where he owned property, and not be confined to the district in which he resided. He did not think it advisable to take so much off the Customs revenue as had been proposed, and to substitute a land property tax. To so reduce the Customs revenue would be a mistake, and if more taxation were required, it should be on property generally, not land alone. Representation should be on the basis of population, which -would not give, as sup posed, an undue advantage to towns. He was in favor of local option, if compensation were allowed to holders of licenses taken away. At the conclusion of his address a vote of coufidence was carried by 55 to 15. Mr Moorhouse, also a member for the city, in reply to a question as to whether he in tended to address his constitutes, Said one speech was sufficient in one evening. He had been ill for three months, and was health-seeking. He felt some difficulty as to the course he would take' next session. The ship in which he sailed was wrecked and foundered. He stood on the shore, quite disengaged, under no pledge to any one.

The Assembly of Now South Wales is about to provide for an official repjjfcfc of its proceedings. Wo hear that gteat complaints are rife about the way in which' sonic.of the "Parnell Borough Councillors systematically, neglect their duties. Two special meetings for the purpose of hearing objections to the Burgess roll fellj through for want of a quorum, although Councillors had been specially warned- to attend. : On the first occasion the Mayor and Messrs Mackenzie and Wood were alone present, and yesterday the Mayor and Captain Brackenbury were the only, persons who turned up. This is not at all right, and the result is that the Burgess roll for the current year has not been certified to accordihg to law and is nvalid. To the Editor : Dear sir,—l beg to draw your attention to an advertisement! of Tuesday the 30th inst., in which it says, wanted a man to look after a horse of the Methodist persuasion. Now Mr Editor, I would like to know what the adver tisement means, whether the horse formerly belonged to the intellectual ciicus tribe, or has he been recently educated, wish ing to obtain a situation as hostler? I should like to know what kind of animal I have to deal with.—Yours, &c, Jockey. His Honor Judge Gilles proceeded to Wellington by the Taiaroa yesterday, to at tend the Appeal Court. His Honor's judicial duties will probably entail a months' absence from Auckland.

Mr Macassey has given an opinion that County Councils cannot legally devote any portion of their funds to gold prospecting.

Mr J. |C. Soall, Sergeant-Instructor of musketry, will give instruction to .No. 3 Company of Auckland Rifle Volunteers to morrow (Thursday) evening, at half-pdst seven o'clock, in the Drill-shed.

At Otautu the woolshed of Mr James Mcintosh and several stacks belonging to Mr Michael Hogan have been burnt. The shed was insured for £200.

A railway receiving house has now been established in Wyndham-street for parcels and light goods. Consignees can book to any station on Auckland and Hamilton Railway, obtaining a receipt at once, instead of being subjected to the uncertainty of a messenger going to the station. The latter is a frequent source of error and confusion, parcels going to goods' shed instead of passenger station, and goods vice versa.

Mr and Mrs George Darrell have concluded their engagement at the Theatre Royal, Sydney with tho presentation of " Masks and Faces," Mrs Darrell appearing as Peg Woffington.

Maxwell's hotel, on the Patea Road, near Wanganui, has been totally destroyed by fire. The building was insured for £400 in the Union, and the stock for a like amount in the Imperial. |*.-»cHS^«icH^^n__*_.

The vocal and instrumental concert in aid of All Saints Church, will take place in the Ponsonby Hall to-morrow evening. ■■>. The programme which appeared in our adver tising columns last night, seems to be both varied and interesting, and from the style of music chosen, it may be assumed that the performersjjgare nearly all amateurs of the first-class. The first part opens with a pianoforte duet by two ladies, afterTwbich the choir will sing "Come sing this Song." This is to be followed by " The Blind Girl's Song," by a lady; Hattons duet, " Breathe no more," by two ladies, a comic ditty, " The Tich bome Claimant," by a gentleman, a duet between piano and flute ; a chorus, " Hark the distant BeUs," a song, "Bertha," and anothor duet, "Albion." The first part will wind up with a glee which is sure to be well rendered by the Orpheus Glee Club. The chief items of the second part should be the song " I heard a voice" by a lady, theduet, " Sainted Mother" and that weU-known quartette, " The Chafers." The programme as a whole is so tempting to the musical that we shall be very much surprised if there is not a large

audience.

AN EPITHALAMIUM.—ONE, TWO, THREE.—GOING, GOING, GONE!

Thbkk suitors, all good men, had she, And Perkin's found his place full; But not for number one was she, For she was always Grace-full. To number two at last she shewed His heart must clearly suffer— For one endowed with so much Grace Could never wed a " Duffer." If drinks they had it was not bad; The point was very clear— They only had these drinks because A " Brewer" gave them beer. For beer is all the " go" just now. And few are they who lack it; In olden times mest men drank sack, Now Brewer's love to sack it. For number three to Auckland came, On whom a heart was bent all; No accidental meeting they Had at the Occidental. The disgraced two must wander through Their lives replete with spleen, Unless they try and can outvie And outshine their Native Sheen.

CABLEGRAMS.

AUSTRALIA.

A Missing Ship Safe.

Breadstuff's Market

(SPECTAL TO STAR),

SYDNEY—THIS DAY.

The missing ship Benvenue, from New Zealand, 31 days out, has arrived at New castle.

ADELAIDE, this day. The breadstuff's market is unaffected by cable news. It is active. Sydney market is quiet.

A CROWN FOR THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH.

.In the meantime, while the probabilities of peace and war are trembling in the balance, it may not be uninteresting to note a pro posed solution of the difficulty by Mr Grant • Duff, M.P., who, writing to a north coun try paper, advocating the appointment of the Duke of Edinburgh as Emperor of Byzan tium says : "Even now it is not too late, but every hour that passes amidst talk about tributary states and autonomies is just so much time lost." Mr Grant Duff believes the average Turk to be better that the average Christian; but, after what has passed, he would say for God's sake make an end of his rule in Europe once and for ever. Let united Europe treat European Turkey as we Engiish have treated so many Indian provinces, which, before we conqured them, were inhabited by a far more turbulent and dangerous population than the provinces of the Balkan peninsula. Let it place over these unhappy countries strong and able ad ministration. Let, in short, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh be crowned in St Sophia joint Emperor and Empress of Byzantium. Such a plan has, we believe, been mooted both in Downing-street and at St. Petersburg, and it would not be strange were something of the kind to be proposed at the Congress. It apparently furnishes a satisfactory solution of the pro blem, but the danger is, that before it can be considered, the dogs of war will have be come loosed, and both powers committed to one of the bitterest and most desperate struggles recorded in the pages of history.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before A. Beetham Esq., and Captain Daldv Justices of the Peace). »*"&. Unfortunates.—The- following ~ OI , H „_„ were brought up and fined as undfrfo?&^ partaken of more liquor than they could i^m veniently carry without attracting ob_£ rv _Hnn : Thomas Fleming, 20s and costs • A if™/? o : 20s and costs; Frederick Kendall 'orfa-d™^' ' Shortt-s SHiBTs."-Mary AnnJ TaJSE* miserable-looking woman, was chfrl^ 6™'-^ stealing three white shirts, valuta' property of tor F. J. Shortt of Qufen gtr'^^ 6 The. prisoner pleaded guilty -__3rP_^ii cI fcT7 the shirts had been hanging on mW ' Saj,d them.- S ev Pen dayV&SmlLVw^ h T

fe__R_6"s Big Boots.— Walter <_-i- _^**** g^Pßteahnga pair of boote v__5LH *«<_ praD|r«y,»f R. Little.-MrPar^^PfJseC-ffi gettfM into gaol. He was a stronl■ JS*-**! man, but,,very idle, and would rt-ab,e-Q|l r Three months' imprisonment with ft Doth«~ junction to the Governor of the r.5 prisoner to really hard labour 6aol tQmt Larceny as a BAiLEE.-Jobn tt „ _ was brought up charged with i_* ■Andet_„ bailee of £200, the propertyTrfcTO Berry, of Napier.-The.prison-. wI»A board the Rotorua. and a bank a_F^te-o -and£l3in gold found on his^^^s^ was remanded to Wellington perßon--TbeS2 This was all the business. *

NEGLECTED CORRESPONDENCE.

A large number of excessively W_ e tw —some of them contrary to rule writ}!S-fl both sides of the paper—have been 1 ing for many days a chance of perusal^w'" would remind correspondents that h pithy letters almost invariably receivT-14, mediate attention, while lons.JL? 1; epistles are deferred to that "conw season" whichj so rarely comes. If^_| cannot put all they want to say intoi^tit-1 or forty lines, we advise them to ditf their subject into three or four headin and make each division a separatelSr^ sent at suitable intervals. - rS| Newton Fire.—Mr. p. Burgess B » pressman, wnting.of this subject _escri__ what he saw of the fi.ie from the hack *W_ his own house is situated. He says that? 8 opened the back door of the empty buildin where the fire originated, and foundtheflS burning there fiercely. He at once 3 every effort to save his own property -asj, was endangered. Removed his tremlKT horse from the stable, and with the aidll Messrs Dickey, Davis, Martin, T. Willkr! and others, took out a quantity of mJ| Meanwhile his son on the roof keptft shingles on his own, Mrs Roderick's *_ Mi Velnooth's roofs wet. The n^shinsu were found a great preventative, m! Burgess lost a stable, and many valna.]! articles which he believes would haveW saved but tor the Fire Brigade mistake Four pounds in money upset out of a drawer on the road are missing, and altogether he estimates his damage at between £2n __ £30, uninsured. ~ , "J

The Lost Tribes.—"One That Dailr Trims his Lamp" devotes six pages i foolscap to thoughts on the possible identity of the Anglo-Saxon race with the Lost Tribes of Israel. He considers hm^ feasible, and in accordance with a number of texts, which he quotes, that.__g_n_ will become the " ruler of the world by sea." He also predicts a great destiny for the Maoris, and thinks the "Fond- Kingdom " of prophecy " Will be formed by a federation of the colonies of the Pacific. It may be California will joia hand in hand, and have the Prince; o{ Wales as President, with Alfred as ___ High Admiral. Make Rio .Janeiro a naval station, with the Straits of Magellan routi Thus will Melbourne become the ;Jhst port from England, the seat of G6ve_n_,ent for the colonies, and so abolish thecalainity of an Atlantic passage, and bring the'Fonrt. Kingdom into more secure and1 closer communication with the mother country," Bye the bye, by this arrangement Sat Francisco would take the place oPNefi York"—" One who Trims His Lamp," iaif trifle visionaiy, and just a little nuxe'i '%' in his ideas of geography and navigatibn. gjj

TftAiNiNa School.—-" Pater" remarks on the further desertion from the Training Ship, and asks the reason of this, and Wm ! frequent changes in the staff. He'thiiilt. the matter demands some enquiry. s v :

A Grievance.—Mr George Thompson* blacksmith, of Waitoa, writes again cort-' cerning the committal of his children to file- Industrial Home without any intimatita being conveyed to him of the intention; He states that he has written ; to the Minister of Justice, but has not receive any reply. He says : "I am perfecfly willing to suffer all that the authorities can inflict if they can prove that I am either cruel or unkind to any one, far less my children. The channel from whence they derived their information now lies in a felons cell in Auckland. It was he who* advised the children away, and take what; they did with them. The authorities have make a mistake, and they think that Dy slander to make black white. In other words to make people believe they were only acting in the cause of humanity, but they are taking the wrong direction by con- ' duct, such as what they have -heiryn towards me." s Public Reserves,—"Argus" sends ah* elaborate paper on the value of the national j landed estate, rightly used. He thinks . sufficient lands should be set apartto bear, j in course of time, the whole cost of educfc i tion, hospitals, asylums, charitable reli_i ; recreation grounds, and similar purposes. ' He rebuts the objections that have been j offered to a measure like this, aiicf con cludes : "The present poverty of the Terrier of public reserves argues neither tlie existence of forethought or statesmanship, or of dignity of action, so far as the f-tuft welfare of the country is concerned. Indeed) it goes far to demonstrate a reckless-heed" lessness, and an entire absence of thelove of country in us, who, until lately, had a Constitution under which, to quote Sir George Grey, 'a development of! the re sources of the colony and growth of happi- | ness ensued unprecedented in the history J of British Colonies.' Its present poverty \ is an important fact which ought not j to be treated with indifference, and I if not so amplified that the income" from \ reserves will cover such national purposes as have been alluded to, conturneljr and execration from the future people of the < country upon our memories, and upon those j of our political leaders will be thefitretn- j bution for such procedure. In dealing.with s this question for such future necessities oi I the country, when it will' be thickly pop* j lated, and when the national landed estate i shall have merged itself into private hold- | ings, there is the satisfaction of knowng I that notwithstanding the number of .points | requiring our present attention and tnoU|rJ i this is one that eommenda itself to ujß right feeling and common senses of _t_e i people j and there is this consolation, vm it is not one, as parties how exist, on wmen to found a party cry." ' ... Moitnt Eden Gaol.—To the ISditor: Sj^i".; I I would fully endorse the statement by your correspondent in yestertays_JWe»: signed "Prevention," were it notfortneEU-i*g he made respecting the warders wa_*£\i£« states they receive 7s l_d per day,_W| n_S only get 6s 2d : so that they are IW*MT 6 ' paid than he estimated. I am <*^dfsL«_ public at large consider it a crying Bham^l^ j Government to pay those officers on ifi{j_V miserable pittance, when it can be-PWWgSK; tho Gaol is self-supporting, and that thewaraen. therein perform their duty as -^PjS_Si?_B efflciently as those down South. T^.£7f_X' respects pay, why not placed ont_e sam«> ing of equality, when their pay comes bow "?_ | one common purse? Why pay _tne„, {7__ I Dunedin 10s a day and here pay hut 6s , fairplayandjustice? Isaynot;butthereis-u<" « thing rotten in the state of De-mar*. * & .. warders here are equally as weU-deseryu-K.. should be as well paid as the> warderr^ Figure any man kept parading for 1- no»H¥ me .; very often in cold and rain ; then togo» » flt with his clothes dripping, and, perna?"> _. t have a change of dress; this | v?L„we of the worst: but the anxiety and trwl^ mind to make things meet, and^*™* &. wolf from the door, far, &^£^«_.-r Sir, can you inform me how those °™2&eS pay rent and keep their wives ana W^go respectably on 6s 2d a day? The idea <*$£&&«:■■ is preposterous; no matter how §cononu«~\ ._,.-. wife, or abstemious the husband. JVJ", -_tbf argue the point logically, and c°m™®? h M e rsin the Governor, and tell me how many scriDu» __ a Auckland who are uselessfor anything %§S m t then get more than £300 a year; wfTOJ^t- onerous position he has to fulfil; ,anaxf_K_d6tf he has to move in, . simply ask «.^Spoil sufficient? The Chief Warder, who «£?&& sible to the Governor for all the V™P eT,%ntf, a the Gaol, receives but £150 _ ye% flft _,-.erfl I hawker with his little basket. ~ f money.Again.theoverseerofwprMMW"" i all day with prisonersinordertonavejj .^ i form their work, has then to go on mgu^j till B'p.m.; not only that, but l»Wb%t all ; every hole bored, and be responsiSJ le&y& | metal and ballast, and everytinng^^ the quarry, say to the amount or ?i f or gaaßß j day. and the high figure he is P»» would not fill your watch pocket, »otffi«sink. ,i for it s but 6s 8d a day. Enough Mitt on iect. I feel confident if tie -.^KSSwWh' petition Sir George Grey and state their grievances plamly, that, affairs would no longer exist, for it not^-^-jjty it would be a greater md c.a^ E °fin_e^lgff?' than if 20 loafers died with the Jmn&ci. v etc.. A Mount Eden EATEPAY.B.-*P ril > M 1878. I

EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, MAT 1, 1878



mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHER I ~ W. J. HURST Jfc 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 li sr use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BELLS BONE FLOUR 1 and .-inch BONK I) UST BILL YARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIMI-. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. Is. addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are jrepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Cropß, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that for the last two sea sons has atfacted such favourable notiGe. Analysis, p. v"8. and other particulars will lw supplied on app. "ation at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen- tre JMLOVEU SEEDS, RYE GRASS, &C. On Sale, ex Late Arrivals : CLOVER SEEDS, consisting of White Clover Timothy Red Clover Rape Cow Grass Trofoil Alsyke &c, Sec, Sec. Turnip ALSO. 200 bushels ENGLISH PERENNIAL RYE 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 bo forwarded on application. Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye GrasP Cocksfoot, Ratstail, Poas Fescues, Sec Sec from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ket rates. W.gJ. HURST & CO., Queen-street. -pwISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP The Partnership hitherto existing between J. COSGRAVE AND W. GRAHAM Trading under the stylo of firm of J. COSGRAVE & CO., MERCHANTS AND IMPORTERS Queen-street, Auckland, Is about to be Dissolved by mutual consent; and in order to Wind-up the Partnership Accounts, the ENTIRE STOCK, Consisting of over FIFTY THOUSAND POUNDS WORTH OF DRAPERY & MEN'S CLOTHING, WILL BE fl_r Disposed of at Cost Price ! "®a All Accounts owing to J. Cosgrave and Co. must be paid forthwith. No Goods will be Entered during the Sale. The Premises were Opened ON WEDNESDAY. APRIL 24, When the Sale Commenced. J. COSGRAVE fc CO. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN about to FURNISH are reminded that ONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS IN THE COLONY OF FURNITURE CARPETS FLOORCLOTHS BEDDING, &c, &c„ Sec. IS ON SALK AT T. & 3__. Cooke's FURNISHING WAREHOUSE 67, Queen-street, A UTUMN AND WINTER, 1878 The undersigned are bringing fo ward Large Parcels of NEW GOODS *or the Incoming Season's Trade, Comprising GENERAL DRAPERY AND CLOTHING Of Every Description. Entirely New and Well Bouoht both as regards Quality and Price. Particulars in future issu Inspectionlnvited. FIVE PER CENT. (Is. IN THE „), ALLOWED ON ALL CASH PUR CHASES.OF 20S. AND UPWARDS. R/USHBROOK AND BrLDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel), UPPER QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. ONEDUfiST! BONEDUST ONEDUST! To Arrive, per Hero 100 TONS BONEDUST. Also, Just Landed, ex Borough Belle: A FINE SAMPLE OF BILLYARD'S No. 1 BONEDUST. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. A.c LINABUEY & 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 T:-?s, Umbrellas, Collars and Cuffe, Gloves, Chilare s Mantles and Jackets. Also, A LARGE STOCK OF NOVELTIES, Which are Cheap, and will have quick sale. isar Look in at "©» A. LINABURY & CO.'S, 204 & 206, qoekn-strket, Auckland. FTNION INSURANCE COMPANY \J OF NEW ZEALAND. 4.PITAL £2,000,000. UCKLAND BRANCH QUEEN-S T R E X T. Next the Colonial Bank. __R_i DEPARTMENT. Insurano granted on Dwelling - houses, Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on, Mere-iandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls Of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all Kinds, Speoie and Wool to United Kingdom, at owkst current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON | Manager.



[Telegraphic Notice.] fTIHE COLONIAL INSURANCE COMPANY. CAPITAL: TWO MILLIONS STERLING. In 200,000 Shares of £10 each; 10 Shillings per Share payable. First Issue:—100,000 Shares. Chief Office : Wellington. Referring to previous preliminary notice by telegraph, the Articles of Association are in preparation. The detailed proposal will shortly be adver tised, and arrangements made to receive appli cations for Shares in Auckland. "Wellington, April 29. "The Company has been registered. Copies Of the Articles and Forms of Application will be forwarded throughout the Colony, as soon as printed, to the various Branches of the Bank of New Zealand—this day appointed the Bankers of the Company." For the Directors. (Signed) FRED. E. A. GRAHAM, Secretary. A MAGNIFICENT STOCK OF NEW AUTUMN AND WINTER DRESS MATERIALS 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 Rops, Wool Reps, Wool Poplinettes, Satin Cloths, Wool Serges/Twilled Carmelites, Estamane Serges, French Merinos, Winseys, and Fancy Dress Goods. All splendid value. All the new shades pro curable in Stock. The selection this season is the largest and best ever shewn in the city. Good quality Black Silk at 3s lid per yard. All the new shades in Coloured Silks. Also Good Cho»p Blankets. Quilts, Sheetings, Table Linen, Flannels, Calicos, and Manchester Goods. in the CLOTHING DEPARTMtENT 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, Mosgiel, Scotch, West of England, &c. Tailors can select from the largest stock in Auckland at Wholesale Prices. Cheap Tweeds suitable for Boy's wear. Good Quality Guaranteed, and Prices Lowest in Auckland for _*A__ Descriptions of Drapery and Clothing. t_"H. A T X I N S. -5*