SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER-^^f^Xrning, 9.19 SUN SET.—This Evening, 6.48 SUN RISE.—To morrow Morning, 5.40 MOON'S AGE.—Last Quarter, 24th. 2.51 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Tauno s.g., Carey, from Russell ana tne JNorui. HauraM s sYfrom Waitara (in the Manukau.)« Pretty Jane, s.s., Eccles, from Napier and the

Thames „ ~ Onward, schooner, from Russell Fanny Kelly, ketch, from Kennedy s Bay Rang'atira, cutter, iroui Omaha

DEPARTURES.

Rotorna, s.s. Kennedy, for the bouth Argyle, s.s. StephensoD, for Wangarei and

Mangapai Ruby, schooner, for Russell . Elizabeth Conway, schooner, for Napier

IMPORTS.

Ex City of Sydney: 17 cases Japanese goods. — ~tf. Levy & Co.

THE GOLDEN CROWN.

The "People's Recreation Steamer troiaen down, as she is called, does not seem to nave been a profitable vessel to the company that at present own her in Melbourne, for she is to De told to-day by public auction, the reason given for so doing being that the shares of the com pany not having been taken up, necessitated the borrowing of money at a high rate °f interest. The Golden Crown was built in Auckland expressly for passenger traffic at the time when the Thames Goldfields were in the full bloom of their existence. No expense was spared, as may bo readily imagined when it is stated that although constructed of kaun, she cost £22,000. But of this £11,000 was paidfor hep. engines, which were manufactured by Messrs J. and 1. Thomson and Co., of Glasgow, and sent out to the colony. They were reported to be the finest specimens of engineering skill m Australasia, but as they were on the old-fashioned surface condensing principle they eat up more than a wholesale amount ot coal as compared to the more modern compound engine. When the trade to the Thames began to decay she was sent over to Sydney, and afterwards purchased by the present company for £12,000 and taken round to Melbourne. They expended £20,87914s lOd in re-coppering her, building a hurricane deck, overhauling the engines, and taking out and repairing the boilers, but she is now said to be in thorough repair and will not require any further expenditure for years.—[" Dunedin Herald," 12th February.]

The s.s. Rotorua, Capt. Kennedy, sailed for Napier and Southern ports last evening. Paisengers-Saioon: Mr and Mrs Nutter. Mr and Mrs Burke, Mr and Mrs Markham, Mr and Mrs C. J. Stone and family (3), Mrs, Jones, Mrs Boyd, Miss Leonard; Messrs McKenzie, Dickey, Randall, McGregor, Mulraine,. Dyson, Skeet, Campbell, Orr. Gribble, Harrington, Fisher, Cameron, Wardrop, Manning, Fallon, Cotton, Stevenson, Tell; 9 steerage, and original rrom %ne es s.s. Argyle, Capt. Stephenson, left for Wangarei and Mangapai with a general cargo and several passengers laste vening. _ The s.s. Pretty Jane arrived from Napier, via the Thames, last night. She brought a cargo of sheep for Messrs Banks and Fisher, and landed them at the latter place. She is announced to leave again to-morrow afternoon. The Agnes Donald is taking in a quantity timber for Levuka at the Gore-street Jetty. The schooner Elizabeth Conway sailed for Napier this morning, with 70 tons of railway The schoonpr Saxon came alongside the wharf, and commenced discharging her cargo of flour this morning. ■ ... ■ The ship May Queen, for London, and the barque Georgietta, for New York, were pre vented from sailing to-day, on accont of the un favourable weather. _ ■■'. : ■_ fMr Dargavillft's new steamer, Tangihau. Cap tain Seymour, was to have left for Kaipara, via Bay of Islands, this morning, but she was com pelled to put back owing to the prevailing; bad weather. The s.s. Rosina left for Gisborne this morning The cutter OpotiM cleared for Opotiki to-day in ballast, and the Avon for the Thames with a cargo of 10 head cattle and 33 sheep. The schooner Norval, 56 tons, Captain McKenzie, entered outwards for Tonga thid morning, and will sail as soon as the wind shifts. She takes a general cargo and the following pas sengers -.—Messrs L. Harpfner. J. H. Young, C. H. Rawson, and Mrs O. Brommell. , The s.s. Taupo, Captain Carey, arrived this morning from Russell and the North, with a number of passengers. She leaves again to morrow for Napier and Southern ports. Pas sengers : Mr Justice Gillies, Mrs Gillies, Mr, Mrs, and Master Hall, Mrs Hudson; Misses Kelly and Ledge; Messrs Hill and Flowerday. She also brings 300 tons coal. ; . The p.s. Hauraki, Captain Oakes, arrived m the Manukau from Waitara to-day, bhe left the latter port at7p.m. on the 16thandNew Plymouth at 10. tO a.m. on the 19th, and arrived in the Manukau at 10.30 this morning. The schooners Laetitia and Agnea Donald entered outwards at the Customs to-day; the former for Noumea, New Caledonia, and the latter for Levuka. . . , The barge Lake St. Clair entered inwards from Omaha to-day, with 16,000 feet kauri The schooner Waiwera. Captain Bushell, cleared at the Customs for Napier to-day. Her cargo consists of 61 tons of railway ir.onand 6,000 feet sawn timber. • The brigantine Linda Weber cleared outwards to-day, an<? will probably sail this evening or to morrow morning. She proceeds in ballast to Wangapoa, where she will load 80.000 feet of sawn timber. , . The barque which wa3 as having ■passed Russell yesterday had not arrived up to the time of our going to press. With the northerly wind which is blowing at present, it seems strange that she has not made port. It is quite po-sible. however, that she may be bound for Napier, and not for Auckland.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING. .

Lyttelton, this day. BT The s.s. Hawea arrived from Wellington at 7 a.m. with the 'Frisco Mail. • Whangakei, this day. Arrived : Argyle, from Auckland, at 9.55 a.m.

BIRTH.

BROOKING.-On the 17th instant, Mrs. S.

Brooking of a son. DUNNINGHAM.—On the 20th February, at her residence, the Governor Browne Hotel, the wife of Mr. D. Dunningham of a son.

MARRIAGE.

HEWSON—HILL.—On the 6th February, at the residence of the bride's parents, by the Rev. W. J. Williams, Alfred Hewton, second son of the late Charles Hewson, to Sarah Hill, second daughter of Mr. James Hill.

DEATH.

CALLAN.—On February 19, top of Wakefleld street, Matthew Callan, of paralysis, late Detective Coromandel Goldflelds, aged 45. The funeral will take place at 3 p.m. To morrow (Thursday).

There is no comparison in point of flavour and remedial properties between that incomparable medicinal beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps, and the imitations of it put up in empty bottles of the real article. The true Schnapps is positively delicious, and an unfailing remedy for the diseases to which it s adapted. The counterfeits have a detestable i avour. and are deleterious in the last degree.

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

WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 20, 1878.

gtke cause tbttl^ckxisslstanc*. the wrong th»t needs tesisuac*. tke firtoxo in the distance, And «k* K*o« «h*« «"» «»» *»-

War dispatches to-day are more pacific. Russia, perceiving that England is this time in earnest, has not pressed matters to extremities. The British fleet remains in the Dardanelles, but the Russian army has not passed beyond the outworks of Con stantinople. Baden Baden has been agreed to as the place of Conference between the Great Powers, and the risk of an immediate extension of the sphere of hostile action is considerably lessened, although it is much too early to predict a permanent pacific settlement. The other cable news is interesting. America is devoting herself to the reform ot her national currency and the abolition of the odious greenback, which will disappear in the furnace at the rate of four millions a month. The Papal Conclave is now deliberating upon the most momentous question that can affect the Roman Catholic Church, and the result of its solemn deliberations will he awaited with intense expectancy by millions in all parts of the earth.

We so often look abroad for reforms worthy of imitation that those initiated at home which might with profit be adoptted abroad sometimes escape attention, and are almost invariably assessed below their real importance. This is true, we think, of the system of " exertion money" which has been brought into operation at Mount Eden Gaol by Mr O'Brien, the present governor. Two main difficulties present themselves to persons who consider the question of prisons as reformatory institutions. The first, the utter lack of incentive to industry and good behaviour in the gaol; the second, the hopelessness of a prisoner's position when released—without friends, destitute, shunned by all but associates in crime, and thrown into the struggle for life with a mill-stone round his neck. Practically, above the gaol door, is emblazoned the words: " Abandon hope all ye who enter here." The wretched felloAV who is set to fixed daily drudgery on the treadmill or at the crank must in a few months become utterly demoralised as an indus trial unit of the population. Labour so utterly wearisome and futile is enough to give any man a life horror of Avork. Prison reform has of late years for economic reasons gone in the direction of utilis ing gaol labour in more profitable directions ; and philantrophy has proferred a helping hand to the discharged offender, by the establishment of Prisoners' Aid Funds. What has been done at Mount Eden Goal is the combination of the double object under one uni form system. It is the custom in the goal to classify! prisoners according to their capabilities, and allot to each a fair day's work. The men and women are placed at occupations best suited to their capabilities, mechanics being provided with facilities for following their ordinary occu pations. All work performed in excess of the standard is paid for at a very low rate. At stone-breaking, for example, a yard is considered a fair day's work, and prisoners receive tenpence a yard for all work done in excess of the six yards a week. The wemen receive a penny an hour for every hour's work at sewing or other occupation, in excess of seven hours in winter and eight in summer, and so on through the other departments of labour. The result is an incentive to work and a consequent cheer fulness of spirit, a profit to the goal which finds unlimited demand lor broken metal and other products, and a balance in the pockets of deserving prisoners at the end of their term. A reference to the books shews that during the short time the system has been in operation one man left the gaol with £13, and sums of £4, £5, and £6 are common. In other instances, the prisoners have the nioney paid over to their vrives, or increase their own comforts by the purchase of flaunels and socks, which are not pro vided as articles of prison clothing. At Dunedin, time-expired prisoners are allowed to work a certain period under gaol regu lations at 5s a day to supply them with a little money for a new start. But that system, while free from the objections that may be urged against eleemosynary aid, supplies no incentive to industry during the term of imprisonment, is not reproductive, and is often defeated in* its object by the natural eagerness of prisoners to regain liberty. At Mount Eden it has been found that "old hands" who once habitually shirked work, develop powers of industry that sometimes astonisn themselves. The head of the "exertion" list becomes the object of a friendly rivalry, and from 6s to 7s per week are often earned by skilful prisoners. The system is one which has been found so beneficial that its extension to all the gaols of the colony as part of the permanent gaol regulations is a question which should command the at tention of the Government.

Lake Soiree and Concert.

Thr soiree and concert which was to have taken place at Takapuna Lake this evening has been postponed in consequence of the weather until a future day, of which due notice will be given.

Reports of the speeches delivered by Mr Whitaker and Messrs Hamlin and Lusk appear on the fourth page. The Pitt-street Wesleyan Church this evening will no doubt be very crowded to hear Dr. Gerrase Smith, the celebrated and popular preacher. The sermon begins at 7.30 p.m. The fire-bells rang last evening about ten o'clock, and the alarm brought a number of citizens to their doors. The excitement, however' cooled down on learning that the blaze was from the furnace chimney of the foundry of Mr Masefield. We learn, how ever, that a fire was prevented at the old shed at the back of the Prince of Wales Hotel, the same shed which appeared to be doomed on a previous occasion, j The smoke was fortunately discovered in tinie, and the risiug flame extinguished by two buckets of water. Mrs Partington approves of Sir George Grey's reform, and says she is in favour of universal suffering and triangular parlia ments. Numerous are the complaints about the rotten state of bridges in rural districts, in consequence of which accidents not unfre quently occur. About a dozen of such murmurings were heard at the last sitting of the Waitemata Council. Yesterday, as Rev. Gideon Smales, Avith his son and daughter, were coming into town in his vehicle, the horse's feet slipped through the rotten planks of Otahuhu bridge, and the vehicle turned over, the occupants of the conveyance having a narrow escape "from being thrown into the water ; the horse was injured and a portion of the harness dislo cated. Mr Smales also suffered by the fall. To the Editor: Sir,—A paragraph ap peared in your paper the other day eulogis ing the climate of Mahurangi, giving as an instance that an apple weighing 16ozs. and measuring 14ins. was produced in that district. We can do better than that in Auckland. At Richmond, on Mr J. McNair's land, an apple was grown lastyear weighing 21ozs. This year has pro duced one weighing lib and a quarter, and measuring lgins. round. No necessity to go out of Auckland for apples after this. Anything can be grown in Aucklind by proper cultivation, even respectable young men—by a proper course of training-can be produced. Fathers of families take the hint.—ClVlS.

A visitor to the Domain cricket ground last evening would have been at a loss to know what had led the bank managers and clerks of Auckland to take such an ardent and sudden liking to the noble game of cricket. They were, to the number of twenty or thirty, practising as if their very existence depended upon proficiency in the game. Gentlemen holding prominent posi; tions in our chief monetary institutions, whose recreative proclivities have hitherto been chiefly of an aquatic nature, were now to be seen wielding the willow in a way which gave "promise of great results, for what was wanting in style was amply made up for in vigour. Looking round the field we detected quite a dozen gentlemen whose business brings them in constant contact with the "root of all evil" (and all good too), whom wo have never seen stripped to cricket before. The eagerness of the fielders to catch or stop the ball when hit, could not have been ex ceeded even by the expectant look on the faces of the scouts in the pictures of the game as played in aucient times. On inquiry we found that all this stir was caused by the fact that a match had been arranged to come off on Saturday next between an eleven of the Bank of New Zealand and eleven of the other Banks. So much interest is taken in the affair that the two teams, in order to shew to the greatest advantage, have gone ( into strict training. At present both are equally fancied.

The Free Templars' library committee met last evening in the Oddfellows Hall, Cook-street, for the purpose of considering the business ofjthe library. The report was read and was considered very satisfactory, and it was resolved to open the library with,-a social gathering, within the next fortnight. Mr Cox, the indefatigable secretaiy, has succeeded in getting a goodly number of books,' magazines, and reviews together, of a very useful and high-class character ; many of them given by gentlemen who feel an interest in the moral and intellectual progress of the people. The committee expressed their thanks to Thomas Buddie Esq., S. Jackson Esq., C. Alexander Esa., Dr Young, and Messrs Edson and Blacknian for contributions of books, which will form the neucleus of a Free Templars' Library. Fourteen new members Avere admitted last evening and others proposed. It was felt that something of the kind was wanting in Templar lodges, as hitherto the attention of Templars has almost eutirely been directed to tho physical part of man's nature, while the intellectual has been negleoied, and hence the frivolous character of the inner life of lodges in general. A remarkable pnmpkin appears in the window of Mr Hatswell, grocer, of Princes street. It is not its size or weight which make it remarkable, but its peculiar forma tion, resembling a basketlof flowers. It was grown in the garden of Dr Kenderdine, and is quite a vegetable curiosity.

A meeting of gentlemen who have given in their names as willing to become mem bers of the Newton Fire Brigade will be held in the ante-room of the Newton Hall to-morrow evening at 7.15 p.m. The president of the Ladies' Benevolent Society, Mrs Philson, respectfully acknow ledges the receipt of a cheque fox £100, apportioned by tho committee of the Indian Famine Fund in aid of the funds of that Society.

An expedition, to New Guinea, consist ing of 100 miners, each of whom will con tribute £50, is to be fitted out from Christ church.

At tho annual meeting of Rechabites at Nelson the report shewed an increase of 280 members throughout the New Zealand Central District.

The natives hare stopped a survey north of Monihaka, near WanganuL

The rota of attendance of Justices of the Peace at the Court of Petty Sessions on Tuesday, the 26th inst., includes the fol lowing gentlemen :—Messrs A. K. Taylor (chairman) J. Baber, A. Beetham, J. Me C. Clark, P. Comiskey, J. Cosgrave, W. O. Daldy, J. M. Dargaville, J. Dilworth, P. Dignan, H. Gilfillan, C. F. Goldsbro, W. Graham, G. S. Graham, R. Graham, and D. Hean.

The "Bay of Plenty Times" ably criti cises the results of the late Native meeting atTeKopua. The "Times" reviews the Kings movement from its commencement and the policy adopted towards it by sue ccssive administrations.

The return of sick at the Provincial Dis trict Hospital, for the week ending Feb. 16, shews: male inmates, 70; females, 16; total, 86.

Only two cases were heard at the Papa, kura Resident Magistrate's Court on Mon day, before Mr Jackson, viz., Barnaby v.- Beedle, claim £15 10s 4d; and Barnaby v Kaym, claim £6 5a Id, in both of which cases plaintiff obtained judgment.

To the Editor : Sir,—l emphatically deny the existence in my heart of the least desire to asperse the character of Mr Henry Worthington, a gentleman whom, to my knowledge, I never saw in my life, but I equally emphatically contend that City East school was upraised for the mental culture of City Eaat children, gainsay it who may. What am I now to do with my boys ? Tie their legs to the table, or allow them to roam at large to form acquain tanceship with Auckland's hoodlums, and thereby qualify themselves for the Training ship or Mount Eden, for I cannot afford to send them to a private school. That is just the possible outcome of it.—Yours &c, T. B. Haknaford.—[Oar correspondent's view of the duty of City East School Com mittee is a right one. The Committee is charged with the education of the children within their oun district, and with those alone. Education is compulsory, and pro vided free by the State, and Mr Hannaford may demand that his children of school ago shall be admitted to the district school. — Ed. E.S.]

The treasurer of the Home for Neglected and Destitute Children begs to acknowledge receipt of a cheque for £60 from the treasurer of the Indian Famine Fund. It may not be generally known that there is still in force a statute of Henry the Eighth, by which a fine of 6s and 8d may be inflicted for gambling in a gaming house. A simple instance of ignorance of Court proceedings occurred yesterday afternoon in the Police Court. Adecentlydressed Jady applied to the Magistrate for a protection order under the Married Woman's Protec tion Act, but, as the Court orderly was absent, Mr Cunningham proceeded to administer the necessary oath before giving evidence, and told the applicant to kiss the book. The applicant, evidently misunder standing the words, made an attempt to kiss the clerk, which was prudently re sisted. The lady, seeing her mistake, apologised blushiHgly, and performed her proper duty by kissing the Bible. There was some error as to the date of distribution of prizes at the Newton Children's Home. This (Wednesday) evening at 5 o'clock is the proper day and hour. Friends of this good cause are asked to be present. Mr F. J. Moss was duly elected without opposition at the Parnell Hall to-day to represent the district in the House of Representatives. A report of the proceed ings at the nomination appears in another column. We understand that the Karangahape Highway Board is likely to settle a claim made by Mr G. Staines for compensation for damage to his property by the cutting down of a road, and that the threatened legal proceedings are thereby averted. The installation of officers in connection with the Sir Heniy Havelock Lodge, Alex andra-street, took place last evening, when Brother Squirrel; L. D. G. W. C, assisted by Brother Worms :»G. W. S., and Brother Syms, G. W. M.; Aistalled the following officers: W.- C. T., D. Goldiej W. V. T., Brother Campbell; W. S., C. N. Barker; W. H. S., R. Menzie; W. T., S. Bushell; W. C, R. Lawford ; W. M., Brother O'Hara; W. C. G., W, Scott; W. O. G., Brother Neil; W.A.S., Sister E. Froude; W. D. M., Sister Collie ; W. R. S., M. Froude ; "W. L. S., Sister Lawford.

Te Wetero is said to have visited Alexan dra a few days before the Premier's, am Veil* At the settling for the Waikato Turf Club races the amounts paid over were as fol low :—Mr W. Martyn, £140 ;Mr Crowther, £70: Mr Buckland, £37 ; Mr Hammond, £30 ; Mr Owen McGee, £20 ; Mr Edgar, £20 ; Mr Lennard, £15 ; Mr Walters, £10 ; Mr A. Kay, £10; Mr Kirkwood, £5 ; Maori race, £5.

If the Thames "Evening Star" woxild acknowledge the paragraphs which it cribs from our columns, it would perhaps restore its character for literary honesty.

The infant daughter of Mr McKennan, who was accidentally injured yesterday by pulling over a hot basin of mutton soup upon her breast, is in a fair way of recoveiy. The remedy applied by Mr Walter Dawson to the injured part gave the child immedi ate relief by assuaging the pain. Mrs McKennan hopes her daughter will be well in a day or two. "Inquirer" wishes to know to what purpose the proceeds of the Hobson Band moonlight excursion are applied. We are informed that any balance goes to the band fund, which is used in purchasing instru ments and defraying other expenses incurred in the working of the band.

A man named John McLean was work ing at the cranes on the North Shore Ferry Company's tee yesterday, when his hand became entangled between the cog and pinian wheels, and was severely injured. He was taken to Dr Dawson, who ampu tated two of the fingers. The s.s. Rotorua took away last night 50,000| whitefish ova, the Wellington por tion of the 500,000 received by the mail steamer.

Mr Hugh Carelton's lengthy letter on " Tbe Status of the Church of England" is thus noticed by '-Spectator" in the Dunedin " Herald" :—" Mr Hugh Carleton's letters on the Status of the Church of England remind me of a cartoon I once saw in "Punch" of a very tall man cut off some where about the ankles, with a " foot"-note appended, " To be continued in our next." Every letter of Mr Carleton's should have an editorial addendum something after the fashion of the extras issued with items of mail news, ." More to follow." Mr Carle ton's disquisitions may be all very well for a man who regards Bacon's Novum Orga num as a species of light literature. But I turn from them as I used to fly from the young gentleman —I shudder as I still think of him—who, when asked to sing in com pany never refused, and never '"'gave us a song" of less than fifteen verses. At the Waste Lands Board yesterday Dr. Campbell gave notice that at the next meeting he should move the following : "In view of the return laid before the Board, shewing the large area of forest land already alienated, and the comparatively limited area of kauri forest under the control of the Waste Lands Board, and considering that the necessary supply of timber required by the public can be produced from the said alienated lands, the Board considers it for the best interests of the district that no further leases of kauri forest land be at present granted. In passing this resolution thn Board has further in viewjthe detri mental climatic effect -which the wholesale de-rtuction of existing forests would in eviubly produce." In the course of the discussion of the Path tahi Block, which it was proposed to offer for sale, Mr Tole said that the Boroughs of Auckland, Parnell, and Onehunga had applied for 6,000 acres as Municipal reserves. Mr Firth considered the applications im proper on the part of these Boroughs, and m a resolution recommended that the Boroughs be limited to 200 acres in the block, and to which resolution the Board agreed. .A meeting of the joint and separate creditors in tho estate of W. H. and F. G. Worker, timber dealers, of Wellsford, was held this morning in Mr Macffarlane's office, Supreme Court Buildings, when the bankrupts received their discharge. Mr W. Coleman, solicitor, appeared for the bankrupts. Mr Nancarrow, Inspector of Steamers, is going home on a year s leave of absence Mr J. Mclvor, secretary of the Union Cricket Club, objects to the published score of the match between that Club and the Excalsior. He says : —" The correct score was as follows: —The Excelsior one innings, 109; Union first innings 77; second innings, 41 ; making a total of 118, or 9 runs for Excelsior to win."

PARNELL ELECTION.

MR MOSS ADDRESSES THE

ELECTORS,

In accordance with previous announcements, Mr F. J. Moss, the' candidate for the suffrages of the Parnell electors, addressed a meeting last night in the Parnell Hall for the purpose of expounding his political views. The chair was taken by the Mayor, Mr J. W. Melton. At the time appointed, half-past seven, there were about one hun dred present, but this number was increased to fully two hundred and fifty within the next quarter of an hour. His Worship having opened the meeting in the usual manner, called upon the candidate to address the electors.

Mr Moss on coming forward was received with cheers. On opening he alluded to an opinion which had been expressed, that he should not address the electors at all. He thought it better to tell them his views. He then said he would go at once into the great constitutional questions of the day, which, as he understood, were the distribu" tion of seats in the Assembly, the franchise, the constitution of the Upper House, and the payment of members. First as to the distribution of seats : According to the census of 1874, there were 54,000 electors on the roll, and 74 members of Assembly, giving an average of 700 electors to each representative. But this proportion was by no means uniform, Newton had 1046 electors to onejepresenta tive, and Wallace only 103.* So right through. There was nothing like fair representation. There were many differences of opinion as to how this was to remieded. The plan he thought the best was to leave the large districts as they were, but to make all future representation in accordance with population. From his experience he thought it would never do to leave the settlement of these matters to the Assembly. As things were going, there was a danger of Lhe wealthy class absorbing all the power. To prevent this there must be a constitution which must jealously guard the privileges of the people. The re-arrangement of the franchise was a most delicate matter. They had not had a clear definition of what universal manhood suffrage was intended to be. In 1874, the rolls shewed that there were 88,000 persons over 21 years of age in the colony, of whom 52,000 were on the electoral roll. What was the character of the other 36,000 who were not on the roll ? That was a question it would be well to solve before giving them the franchise. Some anomalies stared him in the face on examining the rolls. For instance, in Waitemata there were only about 700 men over 21, and yet there were over 1,000 votes on the roll. At the Thames 90 per cent of the full-grown males were on the roll. It was obvious, therefore, that the franchise was quite wide enough in these districts. In England and Wales, there were 11 millions of males, and 2 millions of electors at last census, and the distribution shewed that one in 4 had a vote. Mr Speakman (interrupting the speaker) : We want to know about our own district; we don't care about England and Wales. (Laughter ; loud cries of " order," and "go on, go on.)" Mr Moss continued :In the towns England had a suffrage less extended than New Zealand; but in the country it was different. Universal suffrage had worked very badly in several countries. -It had been a both in the United States and British America. He thought that the subject should be gone into by itself,; and not mixed up with other matters. He came next to the duration of Parliaments. Five'

years was altogether too long. Three years, or even two years, was amply suffi cient. (Hear.) If the period were shortened members would be more under the control of their constituents. Atper sent the members did what they liked, and laughed at any expression of disapproval from the electors. In America the uni versal period adopted was two years, and he should like to see it made so here. (Hear, hear.) In reference to the payment of members he felt very strongly. He regarded it as the keystone of their liberties. If payment of members were done away with, the representation would only be open to the richer classes, and closed to the main body of the people. In France at the coup d 1 etat the expression was used, " Thank God we've got rid of the twenty five franc-ers." Political intelligence had not then developed sufficiently for the people to understand that they lost by doing away with payment of members. In illus tration of what he had been saying, he would refer to some of the abuses which had crept into the colony. In consequence of the unfair construction of the land laws it was easy enough to get large blocks, but very difficult to get small blocks of 200 or 300 acres. The speaker quoted the pur chase of the Piako Swamp, aud the offering of subsidies to County Boards in return for the surrender of privileges, as further illus trations of the way the Government had hoodwinked the people. There was another way they had done thia : they had obtained control over some of the news papers of the colony. At one time some of the judges resigned in consequence of the pressure brought to bear upon them by the Government. There was the case of George Jones, junr., which was a striking example of an attempt to close the voice of the press. Two years ago things looked about as bad as they could do, but a change came about just in time, Mr William Chisholm Wilson had done much to alter the state of affairs. He could speak with experience of the sturdiness with which Mr Wilson set his face against abuses. (Hear, hear.) Mr Speakman : Mr Chairman, we don't want to hear abont Mr Wilson. (Cries of "shut up.") Mr Moss detailed the circumstances at tending the coming out of Sir George Grey, and the part which Mr Wilson, Mr G. M. Reed, and Mr Dignan had in it. Sir George Grey came out, and instinc tively the heart of the people leaped to him. They knew that he was going to fight their battles, and they had reposed * in him unlimited trust. Nobly had he rewarded their confidence. He had altered the whole current of political affairs, and if consistently supported, he would yet effect a startling change. There were many other matters, some of them of local importance; he should like to go into, but unless they particularly wished it he would not discuss them now. He noticed there was not a single reserve in Parnell. This should be altered. Then there was the finance of the colony, of which they had no doubt heard a good deal. The tariff would have to be revised or they wouldhave a cry for protection to native industries, which would entail direct taxation. The land revenues would give them a good deal of trouble. His opinion was that they yet would be far better applied to the extinction of their debt than scrambled for by the Assembly. Mr Moss referred in complimentary terms to the conduct of young Elliott Barton. He should welcome young New Zealand into public life. New Zealand had pro duced the noblest race of savages with which civilized man had had to do, and he thought it only probable that it would produce just as noble a race of white men. .. Captain Jones: "And women too." (Roars of laughter.) They had to thank Sir George Grey for putting young New Zealand in the way of rising. The country owed Sir George much, and this was not the least of the benefits he had conferred. In losing the provinces young New Zealand had lost a great train ing school for political education. He had fought against their abolition, but in vain. Mr Moss concluded an able speech by a metaphorical description of the provinces as a fleet of nine ships being worked indivi dually and in concert. He did not think that the country could be so well governed from Wellington as it was before by the provinces. The country system was not understood, and people looked upon it as a torpedo which might blow up and destroy them. Mr Moss was heartily cheered on resuming his seat. Mr Jno. Abbott said Mr Moss had spoken much of the abuses of the Government.

Captain Jones : He's well able to do so. (Laughter.) Mr Abbott: As to the case of George Jones junr. ,he regarded it as an attack not upon the liberty, but upon the license of the press. He believed that no power on earth would ever shackle the press. The press would yet exert more influence even than the pulpit. (Laughter.) He should like to see a contest, but he could see no man who would suit them better than Mr Moss. (Cheers.) Mr Lowndes asked Mr Moss, if he were elected would he resist any attempt to obtain exclusive rights over the foreshores or oyster grounds by private parties who Beak to secure a monopoly of the oyster trade or to claim baronial rights over the same. Mr Moss said he did not quite understand the question, but he was against all monopolies. Mr Geo. Staines discussed at some length the opinions expressed by his "Mend Moss, and expressed disapproval of his differing with Sir George Grey on the sub ject of manhood suffrage. Mr Coleman differed from Mr Staines. He hoped to hear Mr Moss say decidedly he objected to manhood suffrage. Mr Moss said he had told Sir George Gray he did not agree with him on this point. Mr Speakmnn, at this juncture, advanced to the platform, amid cheevs and laughter, and, having made separate and polite bows to the chairman, the candidate, the re presentative of the Press, and the audience, commenced a" singular speech, or rather succession of remarks in conversational style; varied by confidential whispers in the ear of Mr Moss, and the reiterated statement that ■ although he could see Mr Mosa' countenance he did not. re cognise it. Bis lucubrations were re ceived by> the audience with great laughter which was increased when on coming to a close he stuck his thumbs in the armholes of his waistcoat 1] and asked the electors "if that would do, of if he should give them a little more." He then added that he had tried hard to find a better man than himself, but he could not. Now, really, did they want any more ? (Cries of " That's enough, Speaky; sit down, old boy.")

Mr Staines : Tell us what you'll do if you get in.

Mr Speakman, who had begun to move off, returned with alacrity, and depositing his hat and stick on the table, resumed his harangue, assuring his auditors that he wasn't half finished. He could answer any questions—about the slaughterhouse, for instance. Mr Speakman having been per suaded to sit down, _Mr Caleb Wood proposed, and Mr Rayner seconded, "That this meeting pass a vote of thanks to Mr Moss for addressing them, and express their confidence in him as a candidate for their suffrages." The Chairman just had time to put the question, and declare the motion, carried unanimously, when a peal of the cracked firebell just outside the door of the hall scattered the assemblage in a minute.

POLICE COURT.- THIS DAY.

(Before A. Beetham Esq.., J.P). DRUNKENNESS. William B*yron, being the third offence, was sentenced to seven days' imprisonment. Mary (a Maori) was fined 5s for the same offence. NEGLECTING A "WIFE AND FAMILY. William Negus, ■who had Ijeen summoned to answer to a chaige of failing to support his wife and family, did not appear, and a arrant was issued for his arrest.

THE HERO.

Mssstis Crtjickshahx and Co. have. a cablegram informing them that thn uecefa& leave Melbourne for Sydney tail Avr>tietoWffl the 23rd inataut. Avckla a a of

ACCIDENT.

An accident happened to a man n& m *A » T. B. Dines this morning. He was I ing some bags of seed which were sta^ in Messrs Hurst's and Co's store wW of these fell from the top of the 'pile o olle his leg, straining it severely. A cab *° immediately procured, and the iuivfj sufferer conveyed to his residence, v • not believed that his leg is broken and t\ bably he will be able to return to his tint' again in the course of a, few weeks. t)c

C A BL E GRAMS.

[BEUTER'S SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS.] European Conference to Meet at Baden Baden.

British Fleet Withdrawn from Constantinople.

Russians Within the Defences of Constantinople.

LONDON, Feb. 18. The Conference of Signatory Powers to the Treaty of Paris has been ar ranged, to be held at Baden Baden. The British Squadron has withdrawn from Constantinople to Mudania, on the south shore of the sea of Marmora. The Russian troops have occupied a redoubt within the lines of the defences of Constantinople.

UNITED STATES SENATE.

SILVER DOLLARS AGAIN MADE LEGAL TENDER.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18. !

The United States Senate has adopted a Bill reverting to the silver dollar as a legal tender: The paper currency is to be in cinerated at the rate of

monthly.

THE ROYAL MARRIAGE.

SIXTY ONE CARDINALS AT THE

CONCLAVE. LONDON, February 18th.

4. 40 p.m. At the Ro} ral Marriage at Berlin yester day thei c were great festivities. " .

The Princess of Wales and the Duke of Connaught received a warm reception. The Papal Conclave has met. Sixty-six Cardinals vrere present.

ENGLISH COMMERCIAL.

LONDON, February 15. Consols, 95; bank rate of discount, 2; market rate, I£. Wheat firm. Wool quiet Adelaide wheat, 61a to 635. Adelaide Sour, unquotable. Four-and-half New Zealand loan unchanged. Arrived : Ctizco and Hankow. DUPLICATE CABLE. SRDNEY, February 19. ( The GoTernment of New South Wales has agreed to a conference on the dupli cate cable question. Arrived : The City of Sydney. MELBOURNE, Feb. 19. I ARRIVAL OF CRICKETERS. The combined cricket team has arrived in excellent health. It is stated that the trip was a financial success.

AUCKLAND; STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

To-day's quotations :— National Bank—7ls (ex dit.) South British Insurance—Sellers, 795. Thames Gas—29s. Union Sash and Door—Sellers, £10153. Moanatairi—74s 753; buyers, 745. Tookey Tribute—Buyers, 4s 9d. Alburnia—Buyers, 655; sellers, 68?. a ■■•- Prince Imperial—Buy ers, 12s 6d; sellers, Ba. Union Beach—Sellers. 255. Queen of Beauty—4s 9d; sellers, ss. Kuranui Hill—Sellers, 15s. Piako—Sellers, 2s. Bismarck—Sellers, 9a. Nonpareil—2a. JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman.

TELEGRAPHIC.

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day. CATHOLIC SCHOOIi FETJE. The Catholic schools held their annual fete at Parawai to-day, accompanied by the Hibernian The County Council has commenced the road : ; from Te Aroha to Paeroa by native labour. - i A requiem mass for the repose of the soul of,:-'% Pio Nono will be said here on Friday. MINING. The Prince Imperial took down 60 lbs of speci mens and picked stone this morning. ATburnia.—The leader in the winze souk in Dixon's section is 2Jft thick. A test parcel of 30 tons from this reef produced 18 02s. The crushing for the month is expected to be larger than the )ast one. ':.'.-.. . The Piako mill has been closed. The last cleaning up was 53 ozs from a very large ton nage. In the Caledonian gold is showing pretty freely in the upper Otago level, and in the hanging , - walls. Crushing has been commenced, and will be kept up for some time.

WTT.T.T.TNTfiTnW tin's Hay.

AUCKLAND LAND SHARKS THREAT ENED WITH LEGAL PROCEED INGS. The "Post" says the public will pro bably yet hear farther about the transac tions of the Auckland Land Ring, now that Ministers have obtained complete access to all documentary and othar evidence. It is said that the results of a searching investiga tion with respect to certain land tvansac tionshave disclosed serious facts, whichmay possibly result in proceedings bang taken in the Law Courts against some of the Northern land sharks, with a view of com pelling them to disgorge their prey. \ Some strange and startling disclosures are anticipated. MR BARTON THE MARTYR.— REWARD OF SUFFERING. It is intended to celebrate theconipletaon of Mr Barton's term of imprisonment,_whicn expires next week, with various festivities. He will be escorted from the gaol; through the city by an immense procession of Ms friends and supporters, and attended by a band. Every effort will be made to render his exit from the prison quite a triumphal progress. Subsequently^ isintended to en tertain him at a public dinner, in honour of m his return as a popular member for the city. THE TITLE OF HONOURABLE.— LOST WARRANT. . Another curious tale is being whispered in political circles. It will be remembered that some time ago the title of '' Honourable was conferred by the Home Secretary upon Mr Justice Greason and Mr Justice Chap man, no their retirement from the Bench. For reasons which have been explained by the Premier, this appointment was never gazetted, although the warrant was handed over to Ministers by His Excel* lency. It is inauired why the titles did not appear in the " Gazette." Rumou* further alleges that the warrant cannot be found anywhere. l\ will be remembered that during last session Sir George wey moved for a return of all persons bearing titles in the colony, and in doing so &# motion had special reference to the title oi " Honorable*. . He is well known toff^ an objection to Y nat may be ca^is°- Wie creation of a colonial aristocracy. MR HUNTER'S LITTLE^ DIFFI CULTY. ... M It is rumoured, that the next political move proposed by some of tW democratia ; party is to present a requisition to atx Hunter, calling upon that gentleman ertfler ■; to declare bis adherence to the pw%;*| announced by Sir Geojge Grey, and. to pledge Ms support ta the present Minis^-; or else to resign hia seat and make way i^ a candidate who would take thatcouiss.

EVENING STAR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 18T8



npio AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS «W. J. HURST & 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 judicioua and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monils from leading Farmers justify_.W. J. jJura & Co. in strongly commending them to ©very Agriculturist:— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXIO AN d% BELL,^ 1 and 1-inch BONEDUST BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA. SULPHATE OF AMMONIA SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. &; Co. are prepared to supply special Chemica[Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that for the last two sea sons has attracted such favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will bo supplied on application a^he^tores. 101. Queen-street.



Clover seeds. Clover seeds. CONSISTING OF White Clover Timothy Red Clover 5 aP. c ~ Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke &c, &c, &c. Turnip AND A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seeds. also, • A Shipment of American Timothy. Samples of the above Seeds will be forwarded O)p^verty Bay', Canterbury, and local Rye Grass, Cocksfoot, Ratstail, Poas Fescues, &c, &c, from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ket rates. w j; HURST & co>? 101, Queen-street. & CITY HATjL "®* 2< lurnishing1urnishing Arcade. NEW GOODS JUST UNPACKED, AND QUITE NEW. CRETONNES, Large Lot New Colours and New Designs. " /New Brussels, from 4/9 J New Tapestry, from 2/1 CARPETS. < New Kidderminster, from 3/2 (.New Hearthrugs, from 6/6 /New Shape Walnut Suiteß New Reps for do. For the Green and Crimson Silk Rep ) {?_§ DRAWING-K Black and Gold, do. jo ROOM. Fawn and Gold do. )^g New Pattern Walnut Tables VNew Inlaid Flower Stands " " 12 feet wide, 3/ per yard FLOOR- 3 „ 2/ „ CLOTHS. ' Oil Canvas, /9 „ Linoleum, all widths Handsome White Twist and Bullion Fringes, for Bed Hangings . Handsome White & Fancy Belgian Damask, Turkish Towels, very large size, 1/3 and 1/9 Superior Fancy Oil Baizes, for tables Immense Variety in Ladies' DreßS Buttons. Solloway, Garliok fr.OawfriU, City Hall Akcade, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. CABINET FACTORY .. LoaNH-STRBM



mWSNTY PER CENT. DISCOUNT FOR2A SHORT TIME ONLY! FANCY DRESS MATERIALS, FURNISHING GOODS, BLACK SILKS, BLANKETS, CALICOES. HOSIERY, HABERDASHERY, LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING, CARPETS AND MATTING. CLOTHING OF ALL KINDS, FOX BOYS' AND MEN'S AVEAR, HATS, GAPS, SHIRTS, &C, AND EVERY DESCRIPTION OF GENERAL DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, AT, «&. TWENTY PER [CENT, REDUCTION. FOUR SHILLINGS IN THE POUND ALLOWED UPON ALL CASH PURCHASES. Goods Entered will be Charged Regular Prices. OUSHBROOK AND T>RIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C, U-PPER QUEEN-STREET, Auckland, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel). T U S T~~ OPENED 1 CASE GENTLEMEN'S REGATTA SHIRTS Of a Superior Quality of French Cambric, and the most Fashionable Patterns. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER & MEN'S MERCER, ■VTEW 7BALAND TTOUSK, 66/.QUEEN-STREET. Auckland. THE NATIONAL BANK OF NEW ZEALAND (LIMITED). Incorporated under the Companies' Acts 1862 and 1867, and the New Zealand Act 1., 1873. Notice is hereby given that an Interim DIVIDEND for the Half-Year ending 30th September, 1877, at the rate of SIX (6) PER CENT per Annum has been declared by the Directors, and will be paid to the Shareholders (whose names appear at this date on the Register kept in the colony) on and after the 19th instant. The Transfer Books will be closed from this date until the 19th instant. THOS. BUCHANAN, Inspector. Wellington, sth February, 1878. "VTEW ZEALAND LOAN AND MER CANTILE AGENCY COMPANY (LIMITED). It is hereby notified to Shareholders in New Zealand that a DIVIDEND, at the rate of Ten per cent, per annum, for six months ending 31st December last, and a BONUS of Five per cent, are now Payable at the Bank of New Zealand. D. L. MURDOCH, Managing Director. Auckland, February 14,1878. &Kco ok c • Have on Sale BONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS OF IFURNITURE IN THE COLONY. Special Items:— DRAWING-ROOM SUITES WALNUT TABLES CARPETS HEARTHRUGS LINOLEUM FLOORCLOTH IRON BEDSTEADS TOILETO LASSES CANK-SEATED CHAIRS TOILET-WARE DRAWERS MARBLE-TOP WASHSTANDS MATTRESSES FEATHER BEDS. A Small Shipment of CRETONNES and CASE MERES, New Patterns. All Goods at Lowest Rates. DELIVERED FREE. Liberal Discount to Cash Buyers. Furniture Show-rooms .... 67, QUEEN-STREET Steam Cabinet Factory VICTORIA-STREET SUPERIOR SAMPLES of Sydney and New Zealand Maize, Tartarian and Potato Oats, Table Potatoes, Flour, Oatmeal, Bran, Sharps, Barley, Jhaff, Oilcake Coal, &c, &c, always on hand. hIJS&cOj 101, QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND T3OYAL INSURANCE COMPANY. Special Notice to Insurers.



jgThis Company, having intimated to the In surance Association their Withdrawal from Tariff Arrangements, is now prepared to grant Policies on all descriptions of Property at equitable rates. , . „, Concessions will be made on first-class build ings and approved risks, in Town and Suburbs, and for water supply and other protection, where made available. . Special arrangements will be made with Mortgagees, Solicitors, House Agents, Con tractors, and other large insurers. The policy of the Company is promptness and liberality in the settlement of claims, and strictly honourable dealing in all its transactions. The Security of Insurers is unsurpassed by that of any Company doing business in the Colony. GEO. 'W. JONES, Agen Office: Shortland-street, Auckland, Bth February, 1878. The usual Book and Sheet Almanacs for 1878 can be had on • application, or on information being sent to the Office. BONED UST! BONEDUST BONEDTJST I To Arrive, about the middle of February: r 500 TONS BONEDUST, Consisting of Billyard's No. 1, Bell'B } inch, inCh)andßonefl^. r-J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. THE COLONIAL BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS. The DIVIDEND for Half-year, ending 31st December last, is now payable. Shareholders on the Auckland Register can receive their Warrants on application at this Branch. WILLIAM BURTON, Manager. Auckland, 19th February, 1878.