SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

in, n wA'iiii-n * This Afternoon, 6.3 HltrH WAljm~lTo-ruorrow Morning. 6.25 SUN SET.—This IT.veiling, 4.57 SUN RISK.—To-!iiorro\v Morning, 6.54 MOON'S AUK.—Full Moon, 17th, 2.10 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Norval, schooner, McKenzie, from the islands Rowena. s.s., Seiiars, from Tauranga Kenilworth, schooner, McDonald, from Lyttel-

ton Taiaroa s.s., Kennedy, from the South

DEPARTURES.

Ilotorua, s.s.. Carey, for Southern ports Argyle, s.s., Stephenson, for Wangarei Mercury, cutter, Baxter, for Tairua Wood vine, barque, Rodd, for Newcastle

IMPORTS.

Per Kenilv.-ortji, from Lyttelton:— 860 sacks flour, CO sacks potatoes, 22S sacks barley, 99 sticks booedust, 100 sacks wheat, 28 sacks oats, 5 caks beef. Par Hero, irom Japan via Sydney :— 21 cases Japanese procelain ware.—R. Arthur.

IMPORTS

Per Norval, from the Islands: 40 ton* copra, 5 tons candle-nuts. 2 hhds. ale, 1 ton old copper. Per Taiaroa, from Southern ports: 67 gunnies sugar, 5 boxes tobacco, 1 case cigars, 6 trunks boots, 15 cases and 1 qr.-cask brandy, 5 cases geneva, 1 qr.-cask rum, 23 sheets iron, & hhds. ale, 5 cases cheese, 2 bales sacks, 1 box quail, 1 bag rabbi s, 33 bars iron, 31 case 3 apples, 117 cases fruit. KW sacks malt, 5 casks butter, 3 crates plants, 20 bales hops, 107 cases, 52 pkgs., o parcels, 7 bales, 6 trunks, and 6 trusses sundries. 1 package.—Henderson and Macfarlans. 1 case.—Ovren and Graham.

EXPORTS.

Per .Ada C. Owen, for Noumea and Solomon Islands:— . . 157 paci<s potatoes, 52 sacks onions, 10 barrels beef, 130 sheep, ?. Henri rifles, 2 carbines, 3 re volvres, 180 cartridges} 3 barrels, 28 cases, 2 easiest 3i packages, 11 bundles.

Entered Inwards.—Rangatira, outter, from Omaha, with 36 tons firewood; 3,000 feet plank ing, anci 100 rails: Lady of the Lake, ketch, from Matmrangi, with 52 • tons wood; Phoenix, cv I tar, from Russell, with 46 tons ooal. Cleared Outwards.—Griffin, schooner, for Rusaeli, in ballast; Mana, cutter, for Tairua, with 50 sack 3 maize, 30 sacks chaff. 20 mats Biumr, and a large quantity of sundries; Ransta tiri, cutter, for Omaha, in ballast; Mercury, cutter, for Tairua, with 20 head cattle; Lady of the Lake, ketch, for Mahurangi, hi ballast; Avon cutter, for the Sandspit, m ballast; Lake Erie, barge, for Orewa, in ballast; Rover, schooner, for "VVangarei, with 4 tons sundries. The britjantine Ada C. Owen cleared at the Customs this afternoon for Noumea and Solomon Islands. , . __ The Argyle sailed l«st evening for Wangarei and Mangapai with a quantity of cargo and several passengers. ■ ■ The s.s. Hotovua sailed last night for Napier and Southern ports The cargo and passenger lists appeared in our last evening's issue. The cutter Undine, formerly of this port, was wrecked at Levuka, and the wreckage sold for £2 17s 6c!. . The schooner Norval arrived last evening from • the Friendly and Navigator Islands, with a cargo of copra and caudle-nuts. She left Tonga tabu on May Ist, with a strong northerly breeze, which veered to N.W., remaining thore for the remainder of the passage. She sighted the Hen and Chickens at daylight yesterday, and passed Tiritivi at 2.30 p.m. She brings the following •nassengers: Messrs. Spongberg, and C. H. Rawso'n. -The s.s. Rowena arrived last evening from Tauranga and Mercury Bay with passengers find cnrfifo# The schoDner Kenilworth arrived from Lyttel ton early this morning, after a rather long passage of 14 days. She left Lyttelton on the Ist May, with a light southerly breeze, which lasted until reaching the Kaikouras. Thence strong N.N,W. winds till the 7th, and S.E. winds till the Gth, when the East Cape was past. Strong N.W. to S.W. winds nntil making the harbonr. The brigfintine Linda Weber is loading up for Ly ttelton, having discharged the whole of her The' Alarm, one of the leading Auckland cutters, in tin >e3 past, was sold at Levuka a short time ago for' £500. , ._.„,. The brigantine Flora arrived at Lyttelton from Kaipara on the 7th instant. The s.s. Southern Cross was to leave Lyttelton for Napier and Auckland on Monday last. The schooners Marion and Josephine were loading at Lyttelton lor this port on the 10th instant. The schooner Norval has hauled alongside the ship Chile, for the purpose of transhipping her cargo into that vessel for conveyance to The brigantino Tlyno has hauled into the berth on the western side of the wharf, lately occupied by the Mondoza. . The schooner Kenilworth is discharging alongside the Railway wharf. The seheoner Elizabeth, built at Mahurangi in 1875. is advertised for sale at Levuka. The s.s. Taupo arrived this morning from Russell with 150 bags obsters, 220 tons coal, 3 cases "20 bags kauri gum, and the following passengers:—Mr and Miss Hewlings, Mr and Miss Lundon, Messrs Stephenson, Nelson, Waddell, and Munu. The Taupo will sail again for the South to-morrow afternoon. The barque Aikshaw was brought alongside the end of the wharf to-day, and will commence discharging at once. The s.s. 'J'aiaroa, A. Kennedy commander, left Port Chalmers on Thursday the 9th'at 2 p m.; arrived in the Hanukau to-day. She arrived in Lyttelton at 8 a.m. the 10th; Welling ton at 3.30 p.m. on Sunday the 12th; Nelson at 5 p.m. on the 12th .arrived at New Plymouthat daylight oa the 14t«. and anchored, but owing to the heavy sea could not communicate with the shore; left at 1 p.m., crossed the Manukau Aar at 7 a.m. the 15th, and arrived at Onehunga at 7.30, a.m. Experienced heavy NW. weather from Wellington to arrival, i Passengers: Mrs Watkins and family, Mrs Field ami family, Mrs Reed, Mrs Russell, Mrs Todd, Misses Harken, Pole, Young, Messrs. Walker, Haugliton. Mundell, McLeod, Smith, La lioche, Lyons. Gourton. Reed, Matheson, Grey, Thompson, Caldweli, Silcox, Field, Ren delli NicholK and Oiynoff. The p.s. Takapuna is announced to leave the wharf at S o'clock on Thursday evening, for the purpose of conveying Volunteers and persona desirous! of witnessing the sham-fight to the North Shore. The charge for "Volunteers, if in uniform, will be 6d, and for the general The'brigantine Island Lily will sail for the Chatham is ands to-morrow. The three-masted schooner Ellerton, now on her way from Timaru to this port, brings as cargo, 450 sa-cks wheat, and 700 sacks oats. The s.s. Taiaroa will leave Qnehunga Wharf at 7 o'clock to-morrow morning. Passengers will embark to-night. The latest conveyances are train at 5.20. and 'bus at 6 o'clock. The barque Woodville sailed for Newcastle this afternoon in ballast. TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING. Whangarei, this day. The 8.3. Argyle arrived Irorn Auckland at 6.30 a.m. to-day. Gisbornk, this day. The s.s. Pretty Jane left at 3.30 p.m. yesterday for Auckland.

COMMERCIAL.

At Mr Binney'a sale to-day there was an ex cellent attendance. He reports selling those premises in the occupation of Messrs Linabury and Co., Queen-street, for the sum of £5,050. Mr W. Aicken was the purchaser. Messrs B. Tonks and Co.- offered the capital family residences, lately Occupied by Mr Hunt, at Remuera, for sale to-day, but as> the the highest was only £625. the offer was withdrawn. Mr R. Arthur held a sale of musical instru ments, &c, to-day, which was well attended. A handsome walnut pianoforte (Bord) brought £46; cottage do. (Broadwood), £54 10s; do. by Legg (old), £19; and a small musical box, £6. The furniture realised good average prices.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close.as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to-mor row, at 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Durham, tomorrow, at 11.30 a.m. * For Taranaki, and Southern Provinces, per Taiaroa, this day, at 4.20 p.m. For Whitianga,' Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, this day, at 4 p.m. For Chatham Islands, per Island Lily, to-mor row, at 8 a.m. For New Caledonia and Solomon Islands, per A;la C. Owen, to-morrow, at 8 a.m. For Waiwera, Warkworth Te A_rai, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Annie Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Tauransra, Gisborne, Napier, Southern Pro vinces, and Australian Colonies, per Taupo, to-morrow, at 3.15 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers at 2.15 p.m. Late ietters till Per s.s'. City of New YorV, on Tuesday, 28th inst., as follows ;— For Sandwich Islands, United State 3of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 3 p.m. • For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 3 p.m. For money, orders, registered letters, and newspapers at 1.30 p.m. Late letters, bear ing an extra fee of 6d in addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

AUCKLAND STUCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

To-day's Quotations— Bank of New Zealand—£23 103. National Bank—Buyers, 75s 6d. Colonial Bank—Buyers, 525. South British Insurance—Sellers, 735. Thames Gas—Sellers, 28s 6d. Auokland Gas—£lolo3 6d ; buyers, £10 7s 6a. Union Insurance—Sellers, 14s. Moanatairi-655. 62s 6d; Duyci-3, 60s; sellers, TookeyTribute-Bnyers, 3s 9d ; sellers, 4s 6d. Alburnia—Sellers. 51s. Piako—Sellers, 2a 6d. Union Keach-19s. 21a ; sellers, 21s. Corby—Sellers, 23a 6d. New Golden Pah—Buyers, 4s. Kuranui Hill—Buyers, 14s. Bor,di«ro Unif.ed-38 7d; buyers, 3s 6d. . Knreka—2s lid. 4s. Pn.mipr Tliivrt'H. 2^. JOSEPH. NEWMAN. Chairman.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

POOR JACK (Nymphe).—Your letter was pub lished in tho first and second country issues Of the Star on the day of its receipt, but was withdrawn from tho town edition to make room for late telegrams. As you no doubt observed last night it appeared in full in that edition also. A Wifk.—The law will protect you from abußive (and obscene language, even when used by your husband. You have only to lay '< an information and prove tho offence.

Look for the signature and address of tho pro prietor upon labels of bottles purporting to con tain Udolpho* Wolves Schiedam Axiomatic Schnapps, and observe whether the same are deficiently executed or not. If anything be lacking, you may know them for shams and reject them. Swindlers are putting up bad liquors in bottles which previously held the most salutary medicinal beverage in existence Baffle tho roccues. It is a good thing to learn the reasonableness of walking when you cannot run. Many sick persons retard their progress towards restora tion to health by being unduly impatient, and regardless of the dictates of common sense. " Ghollah's Great Indian Cures" when patiently used, are equal to tho correction of every evil influence at work*; in the system. They are the most reliable and safe moans of ultimate re covery that have ever been presented to the public. The cures effected by them are some thing marvellous. Tho many testimonials re ceived by the proprietor, copies of which can be seen at any chemist's, fully prove the assertion.

BIRTH.

CULPAN.—On tho 14th May (yesterday), at Selwyn Terrace, Parnell, the wife of Mr. W. Culpon of a son. NGATIPARK.—On Saturday, May 11th, 1878, at the Blue Post Boarding-house, the wife of Mita K. Ngatipare of a daughter.—Wananga please copy.

MARRIAGE.

GILLIES—SKKNE.—On April 25, at St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney, by the Rev. P. J. Mahoney, John, eldest son o£ Thomas B. Gillies, Esq., Judge of the Supreme Court, Auckland, New Zealand, to Mary Eva, third daughter of Michael Skeue, Esq., late of Victoria Park Island.

DEATH.

WAITI.—At Epsom, on 15th May, the Rev. Karewini (Gladwyn) Waiti, of Wesley College, Three Kings, aged 27 years.

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY, 1878.

Pfs (be wiaag.<hat.BewtrwilttMWV !>-.. tte, i&uwS la Dm iittmt,

It is not, perhaps, a happy time to urge further expenditure on the Kaipara line, when the Government are contemplating with amazement the sink for money created by the collapse on the half-mile extension job at Helensville, and the failure of the line to pay working expenses, as shewn by the traffic returns. But the fact that, through well-directed influence, the heavy expense entailed for the work of very doubtful necessity at Helensville station was xmdertaken, while the repeated promises of an early completion of the connectionjwith. Auckland,which alone will make the line pay, have been broken, supplies the best of reasons why the im portance of letting the Waitakerei contract should be unceasingly pressed upon the Government. Tke ten mile contract from Auckland, outwardi, is in an advanced state, and yet the second ten miles, which would join the railway through from Auck land to Helensville, remain untouched. Four years ago Mr Vogel stated that the whole line was surveyed and the contract would be let within two months, and nearly every Cabinet Minister since has renewed that promise ; but there the matter has been permitted to rest, and settlers are sick with hope deferred and political tergiversation. When the first section was tendered for, expectation ran high that at last this rock upon which ministerial veracity was bo systematically shipwrecked would be re moved, but new delays, new difficulties, and departmental procrastinations continue to create obstructions at every stage. At one time claims for compensation were alleged; at another, deviations required near Mount Albert; again, the question of coast road versus a line through the heart ot the country, prevented the letting of the whole work; and when 120 settlers by petition against the coast line, without one in its favour, had caused the abandon ment of that route, a new device for delay was found in unprepared plans. .An order has now been issued to remove one of the locomotives ou the Riverhead line to Wan ganui, the authorities being fully convinced apparently that—the systematic and per sistent mismanagement of' the past having killed the traffic on the Riverhead-Helens ville section —the possibility of increased business accruing from the extension to Auckland and better shipping facilities at Helensville, is a contingency too remote to be taken into account. It is hardly credible that Ministers have been responsible' personally for a tithe of the bungling, the shuffling and obstinate obstruction which has character ised the Jhistory of this railway. A feel in<' of hostility to it exists in the Public

Works :. Office, Ministers have, we ,believe, in some instances at least, been sincerely desirous to complete the [extension, in order that the line might become payable. But the Public Works Office has systematically thwarted -every effort of the kind, and while rail ways were being pushed rapidly in the South, those - of the North were cavalierly . - pooh-poohed . and neglected. Officialismhfts proved master of the situa tion. Exercising a more vigorous control, it is possible that the present Cabiuet will shew that Ministers, and not civil servants rule r the colony. A better field for the exercise of their energies than the Kaipara railway is not to be found in the abuses of the Circumlocution office. Unless the Government press on the plans and specifications, we shall soon have another disjointed section of this short line with separate staff, to -increase jthe annual working loss. It is worthy of note, that to Mr Sheehan's exertions, when a member of the Provincial Executive, the settlers were largely indebted for the commence ment of this railway, seven years ago, and his return to public office in a higher sphere will be rendered illustrious in the eyes of Kaipara, if instrumental in securing the com pletion of this work, the importance of which to every district watered by the" great Northern estuaries, he recognised so many years ago.

It is notified that his Excellency the Governor has b,een pleased to re-appoint Levi Woodworth Eaton, Esq., a member of the Auckland Harbour Board.

Among the passenger* by the Taiaroa from the South to-day was Mrs Reed (Mis« Leaf), who has had a very successful concert season in the South.

£&We understand that iv consequence of the coach from Alexandra to Hamilton with the Alexandra, Te Awamutu, and Kihikihi mails and passengers, not reaching Hamil ton in time to catch the train yesterday, Mr Biss has ordered that in future the Alexandra mail shall be made up at 7 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. on mail days. The former time was fixed in view of the conveyance of the mail by train from Ohaupo, but in consequence of the extension of the railway not having been opened, the coach Cannot in bad weather reach Hamil ton in time. On two occasions lately it ha 3 airived too late, to the great inconvenience of travellers.

A " Gazette" notice of May 9th divides the Borough of the Thames into North Middle and South Wards.

Major Heaphy is gazetted a Government Insurance Commissioner.

The Duuedin " Temperance Herald," a journal devoted to social reform, the third number of which is before us, shews a decided improvement in the character of its articles. The present number contains several domestic stories of interest, and a number of condensed reports of lodge pro gress ; but the. paper which Avill afford some interest to Auckland readers is headed " Bishop Cowie's lameness and intemper ance." The paper was read in the Pioneer Lodge of Dunedin on the ICth of April, and criticises rather severely (uot to say in temperately), the Bishop's speech at the opening of the Working Men's Club, and which appeared in the Star. The writer, a professed templar, after reviewing the "lameness of the bishop's arguments," and the *'intemperance of his language," con cludes thus :—" I think that if Bishop Cowie will only give his words a second consideration, he will find that lie has grievously wronged us—that we are not the the intemperate romps par excellence of the colony, but we are only in this respect neither better nor worse than the lambs of his own flock ; that, in fact, we are just about as others are, and others are just about as we are, saving this difference only —we are total abstainers' from an evil thing, and hearty advocates of a good and noble cause."

The anniversary tea meeting and enter tainment in connection with the United Methodist Free Church of last evening, was entertaining and successful. The tea was excellent, and the ladies did their best to make visitors comfortable. The ladies were:—Mesdames Cull ens, Bruce, Saunders, Johnson, Carlow, Tudehope, Major, Parker, Waternouse, and Hcmus, and the Misses Hayes and Bartley. The public meeting was held in the adjoining chapel, and Rev. R. Taylor, minister, occupied the chair, and introduced the business, and in the course of his remarks complained of the want of unity among ministers of the various Christian denominations; the speakers of the evening wa*e members of their own church, and spoke upon the following sub jects :—" Indiviluality," by Mr Jas. Coupland ; " Wiat Then !" MrMcKenzie ; followed by Mefsrs French and Cole. The choir, under the jonduct of Mr Gee, rendered several hymns aid musical selections in a highly creditabb manner, including "He Rose," " I Havt Been With Him," " Rock of Ages." and le^eral others. The meot iug, which ft'as nost agreeable, was brought to a close by tie doxology, and the bene diction.

Samples of tie coal found in the vicinity of Auckland ac now on view at our office. The name of tie locality is still kept secret. A visitor toTauranga regrets to observe so jnany empt; houses there, a consequence of dull times.

We would a;ain draw the attention of our readers to the inniversary concert and ball, which is to te given in the Lorne-strect Hall this evenug, in connection with Court Zealandia, A.).i?. The programme which has been prepared for the occasion is a good ons, and promises a splendid two hours' amusement. Amongst the gentlemen who have promisei their assistance we observe the names of nany of our leading amateurs, including Mesrs H. Dean, Spry, Hannken, C. Hill, Ilicbrds, Bertie, Rice, A. Smith, and a numbe of others. It is anticipated that His Woship the Mayor will preside on the occasion.The ball will commence about ten o'clock, o the strains of an efficient orchestra, u;der the conductorship of Mr E. Arthur. Refreshments on a very liberal scale will bi provided during the evening free of charg. All the arrangements for the anniverary have been carried out by an energetic cmraitte, and it is therefore certain to !>■' a success, and creditable both to the meroers of Court Zealandia, and to Forester* ie general.

To the Eifcor : Sir, —I ■would draw the attention i the city ratepayers, to the works latel done in Vincent-street. The works werconducted under the supervision of a Clerk t Works, who received per week £3 for his srrices. I would like to know who recommended the person Avho officiated as Clerk c Works, as I observe that the City Inspe<or, Mr Burns, is now engaged in taking vl the kerbstones, and is redress ing and relying them ; thus shewing that the work cald not have been done accord ing to spsification. There are now employed, ivo masons and three labourers, to do the -wk rightly, who have to be paid by the rsepayers.—Yours, &c, Rate payer.

The follwing Justices are down for attendance^ the Petty Sessions, on May 21st. M<srs Baber, Beetham. Clark, Clements, Cosgrave, Daldy, Dilworth, Dargaville. Dignan, Gold'sbro, G. S. Graham, ad R. Graham, Thomas Macffar lane Esq.,a the chair. During he discussion on the balance sheet at te City Council yesterday, the Town. Clei announced that the expenses of collectii of revenues, which include salaries, ret, insurance, advertising, print ing and sttionery, law expenses, and con tingenciesjimount to about 5 per cent on nett reven^. At one time 5 per cent was paid for cdection of city revenues alone. Mr Mctay, long connected with the Shortland law-mill as manager, is in charge of the erecjon of the Union Company's new mill at Tafua. on behalf of Messrs Fraser and Tinn the contractors for erecting the mill. It -ill be one of the largest in the province, capable of turning opt about 120,000 f4!per week. When this is erected Mi- McKa| goeS to Te Kopuf v, Northern Wairoa, the erection of another 14? c mill for the same company, also contrited for by Messrs Fraser and Tinne.—Thames Adyertiser."

To the Editor : Sir,—A paragraph in your issue of yesterday states that "Mr J. B. Russell supported and pushed the drive question in spite of considerable opposition." That matter had been before the Domain Board long before Mr Russell became a member of it, and would have been carried out at least two years ago, had the Govern ment accoded to its application to he allowed to form an entrance on the Parnell side, at the only place available for the purpose. Major Whitmore's presence in Auckland being thought to offer a favourable opportunity, a deputation, at Mr Russell's suggestion, waited on that gentleman, who listened favourably to the representations made to him, and the Board is now in a Dosition to carry out its views. That is all Mr Russell had to do in the matter. There was no opposition whatever. —Yours, etc., A Member of the Domain Board.

A disastrous fire occurred on Sunday even ing in Papakura Valley, and destroyed the residence of Mr Alfred Hills. The cause of the fire was a lighted candle, which, on be ing overturned, set fire to the coverings. Mrs Hills, being an invalid, was unable to extinguish the fiames, and narrowly escaped with her three children. The property was insured in the South British Insurance Com pany. The Mayor of Hamilton received a tele gram from the Premier on Saurday re specting the .bridge subsidy of Jf 3000, which was of a satisfactory character ; the Premier regretting the delay, which wasno fault of his, hut resulting from some misake in the Public Works department.

Referring to the settlement of the Kingite difficulty, the " Walkato Times," which usually opposes the Ministry, says : —" If, as we have reason to believe, the concessions agreed to by the Premier will lead to tho almost immediate opening up of the country between Waikato and Taranaki, if Rewi and tho Ngatimaniapoto chiefs shall be found willing to give the land for a trunk line of railway, and be willing to sell blocks along the line to the Government for the purpose of Enropean settlement, then we say that these concessions offered by Sir George Grey on his part, capable of certain modification in detail, are not too great for the great advance of colonisation, that such concessions on the part of the natives as those above referred to would confer upon this district in particular." As to the money payment, that no one will cavil with. To break up the King movement is worth, not £500, but £5,000 a year, i

We would remind our readers of the fact, that this (Wednesday) evening at half-past seven o'clock, the Key. It. Hazlcton ■will deliver his popular lecture on " Ireland and the. Irish," in the Pitt-street Wcsleyan Church. The door opens at 7 o'clock, lecture begins at halt-past. A very large gather ing is expected. A collection in aid of his mission will be made at the close; and it is hoped that it will he of a substantial character.

At a meeting of the Painell Borough Council last nio;ht, the annual balance sheet and auditors" report were adopted, and a memorial to the City Council, requesting them to move the lamp on Constitution Hill higher up, was signed by the ratepapers present. The questionjof who the new fire bell should be^purchasad from was discused, but no decision was come to, as the meeting was convened for special business only.

-v Te Ngakau received a present of a port able ink-bottle, pocket-yjen and pencil, from a European. Thereupon Te Ngakau re marked to Mr Sheehan, "Why don't you give me presents of pens and ink likethisjj?" " Do you think I want to be killed by your long letters," promptly retorted the Native Minister.

A correspondent sends us a number of corrections of mistakes made in "G. T. C's." account of his journey round the world. Some of the blunders are very amusing, but it is hardly worth while to devote space for their correction. Captain McPherson, clerk of the Waikato County Council, was fined 40s, and £3 2s in costs, on Monday last, for a breach of the Counties Act Amendment Act, for neglect ing to give information of the amount of dog taxes, collected in the district.

The monthly inspection of the Hobson, Engineer, and Cadet Companies was held at the Drill-shed last night. Several movements were executed, after which the Commanding Major presented' Sergeant Lee of the Cadet Company with the Champion Cadet Belt. After this ceremony wa3 over Major Lusk issued District Orders for the Queen's Birthday, which were as follows :—On the 24th May, being the Queen's Birthday, the whole of the Volun teers of the Auckland district will assemble at the Drill-shed at 10 o'clock a.m., iv full dress, with arms and accoutrements, and will afterwards bo marched out for review in honour of the day. The officer com manding the district relies upon the force attending in full strength, and especially calls upon the officers of the various corps to make the review- a success by energetic co-operation. We xmderstand there is to be a sham fight on Thursday between the Naval Brigade and the Hobson Company on the North Head.

At the City Council, after we wcut to press yesterday, Mr Muguire's tender of £460 11s for the drainage of Short and Jcrmyn-streets; Mr Kitchen's, tender of £233 3s 9d foi the water main on wharf; Mr Dempsey's tender of £81 Is for the work in Nelson and Hardinge-streets; and Mr Smith's tender of £25 153 for repairing cottages at Western Springs, were accepted. With reference to Hardinge-street, it was resolved " That the levels of Hardinge street be fixed so as to have communication with the Beach Road and Drake-street." The following motion was also moved by the Mayor and passed : "That the Council at its next meeting levy a general rate of one shilling in the pound en and from the Ist of June next;" and on the motion of Mr Masefield, the time of the contract for completing the laying of the mains was extended from six to nine months. The Council then separated.

The Thames School Committees at a joint meeting, declined to take any action in the pending election of a member of the Board of Education to fill the vacancy created by Mr Lusk's retirement. The reason alleged was that under the present system of voting, it is absolutely impossible to secure local representation. In a paragraph referring to the necessity for a new school building for City West No. 2 educational district last night, it was stated that the attendance at this school was much greater than City West No. 1, which has an average attendance of 150, and a total number on the, roll of 238. We now learn that the total number of children on the roll at the City West No. 2 school is 505, and the average attendance 354. It will therefore be seen that a very pressing necessity exists for a new school building in City West No. 2 district, as it is almost, impossible for Mr Harrison to satisfactorily impart instruction to the young minds, while the rooms are overcrowded aud un comfortable. The " Queensland Government Gazette" notifies that no .publicans' licenses will be issued in Brisbane and suburbs during the next six mouths. With reference to the discussion on the arrears of rates shewn in statement of City Assets, extending over the last seven years, and brought forward each year, we find that since- 1870, the rates have been collected (with the exception of the last half year's current rates now being daily paid, amount ing to nearly £3,000) very closely. Three years general rates averaging little over £100 per year uncollected, while the average was at one time considered equal to £500 yearly, prior to 1870. ' The, principal portion of arrears are found to be uncollectablo from causes beyond the control of the office, and about 250 summonses have been issued from the Council offices during the year. A few individuals met at the Melbourne Reform Club last night, and resolved that New Guinea should be annexed as a terri torial dependency to Victoria, and decided on the formation of an association for colo nisation. Mrs Rice .desires us to acknowledge, with many thanks, receipt of £2 10s 6d from Rev. Father Walter McDonald.

It is notified in the " Gazette" that certain sections of land at' Hamilton have been reserved under the'^royisions of the 148 th section of the " LatidgAct, 1877, as sites for Waikato Covmty Council buildings, and recreation grounds. Eveiy effort is being made to fill up the hole in the Ohaupo extension of the Auckland and Waikato Railway, and it is hoped that a permanent -way will shortly be formed. A gentleman was conversing witn Rewi on this subject a few days ago, when that chief remarked that the Maoris knew of many similar places in the swamps, and related a tradition of a chief who lost a taiaha or spear in one of these holes, and in attempting to drive for it discovered an underground lake

g|As an illustration of the sincerity of the Hauhau religion it may be mentioned that a female Tariao at one of the services during Sir George Grey's visit, offered up a prayer to the Atua that he would graciously please to soften the hearts of some pakehas who were present, so as to induce them to give her a liberal preseuf of tobacco, pipes, and matches.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before A. Beetham, Esq., J.P,) INEBEIATES.

Catherine Burke, alias Townsend, Avas charged with being drunk at the bar of the Cosmopolitan Hotel, and fined 5s and costs. Stephen Farley, David Morrow, and Andrew White, w ere each finedSs aud costs for being drunk. A case of assault was settle^ out of Court. . This was all the business.

CHORAL SOCIETY.

We are glad to be able to congratulate the Society upon a performance so successful a? that of last night. The -work originally selected for rehearsal was Spohr's " Calvary," but, to the disappointment of many, the music was not obtainable in England, and the more popular oratorio of the " Last Judgment," by the ■same com poser, -was accordingly substituted in its stead. Spohr's. " Last Judgment" is a care ful and masterly treatment of a theme most difficult in its awful sublimity. A It contains^ many gems, which one can never tire of j hearing; but in some respects the music falls far short of the grandeur ot the subject. Before proceeding with our notice of the concert, we beg leave to suggest to the committee that it is rather embarrassing to purchase a libretto of the oratorio and then to find (as last night was the case) that the words are not those which are being sung. First with regard to the band, which numbered 18 performers, there was the usual deficiency of stringed ins'niments, and we hope they may soon bear a iai-ger proportion to the amount of wind. But for the absence of one or two parts, the overture was well and evenly played. The long and difficult symphony which opens the second part of the oratorio was executed with greater precision than we remember to have heard before in Auck land. The accompaniments were not so overwhelming as on the occasion of the Society's last concert, but many of the instrumentalists have yet to learn the meaning of the mark p. The chorus —with one exception, to which we shall presently re f er —-was well up to its work, and showed signs ox improvement : the leacU were given' with force and precision, particularly in the chorus " Blessing, Power," and in the final chorus, the opening bars of which afforded a grand example of unisonal siDging; In the unavoidable absence of Mrs Mitchell, the whole of the treble solos weie taken by Miss Edger, and were rendered with that care and accuracy which she is known to exhibit in all her singing. The solo "0, Lord, Thou art God alone," and the duet (with My Harker), " O Lord, remember my affliction," were her best performances ; but in the sub lime recitative, " And I saw the holy city," she rather disappointed us. The alto part was sung most charmingly throughout by Miss A. Maunsell, who deserves great praise for her careful study of the music. Mr Tole sang the tenor solos in the first part with very great taste. The recitatives given by him were remarkable for expression and feeling. The solo, ■"Holygis God our Lord," followed by chorus pp, was also very good, and the mention of it enables us to notice the hora obligato, which (both here and elsewhere) was very creditably played. Mr Harker succeeded Mr Tole in the second part, and sang with more vigour than usual, particularly in the duet. The bass solos in the first part were allotted to Mr Cavanagh, who possesses a fine voice, which we hope to hear on many future occasions. In the second part Mr Ford undertook the most difficult descriptive solo, " Thus saith the Lord," and deserves credit for his very accurate rendering of it. The exquisite quartette, with chorus and drum accompaniment, which ends the first part of the oratorio, was marred by con siderable unsteadiness (! inattention) on the part of the chorus. But the gem of concert was the other well-known quartette, " Blessed for ever," sung by Miss J. Maunsell, Mrs Glover, Mr Burnham, and Mr G. Harker, in such a manner as to please the most fastidious, and to warrant thesubduedhum of applause which followed it. The concert was conducted by Mr Bice, who wielded the baton with a. steadiness and accuracy which seemed to inspire the performers with confidence.

Australian Telegrams.

[PER ALHAMBRA.]

POLITICAL REFORM

CABLE CONFERENCE.

ANTHEM SINGING IN

PRESBr-

TERIAN CHURCHES

(PRESS AGENCY.)

MELBOURNE

May 9th. Political matters continue quiet. Mr Berry, at a meeting of the Reform League, stated that the Reform Bill -would be the only measure introduced next session. A dissolution appears inevitable, but only after the bill has passed the Assembly. Mr Frauds, who is a candidate for Warnam* bool seat, will be opposed by a nominee of the Kefonn League. On Friday night a complimentary ban quet was given to Mr Francis, when he stated he had come forward for West Melbourne as a living protest against the act of the Ministry on the Bth of January. The Cable Conference meet to-day. All the colonies except West Australia are represented. New Zealand sends no delegates, but forwards written views. The Agent Generalship becomes vacant next year. It is unlikely that Mr Michie will be reappointed. Sir Bryan O'Lou«hlin is mentioned as well as Sir Gavan Duffy. The defence of the Heads is being actively proceeded with, under the superintendence of Colonel Scratchley. A "movement has been initiated amongst the Reform League, Club, for annexation of New Guinea to Victoria, and the formation of an association for colonisation. The scheme is regarded as chimercial. Some tolerably good observations of the transit of Mercury were taken on Tuesday. The Presbyterian Assembly, yesterday, almost unamiously supported the" singing of anthems in Collins-street Scots Church. A few failures have occurred, the princi pal one—Brodie, Lamdowand Co., drapers, —with liabilities of £38^000, and deficiency, £13,000. A fair amount of business' is doing. SYDNEY, May 7. The Council having rejected the Electoral Bill, the Government intend to prorogue shortly for a brief recess, and then introduce a more comprehensive measure. The opening of the museum and library on Sunday proved very satisfactory. There was a very large attendance. The Government have agreed to the es tablishment of Hansard. The Privileges of Parliament Bill which

is to be. introduced, -will contain nm^t • for dealing with unruly member? provisioa ■or , .^ELAIDE.'Mayg Parliament meets on the 13th Frank Carrol, was proved to have h* a » convicted both in Melbourne and &vdW and resigned his seat for Light. "Jfuney > "

CABLEGRAMS.

(SPECIAL TO THE "STAR.")

(FROM OVR SYDNEY CORRm PONDENT.)

Barque Burned at Sea.

Important Cable Proposals.

The Governments to Acquire all Cables.

SYDNEY.—THIS DAY.

The barque Sydney, bound from N.ew castle to Timor, has been burned at sea" She had eighty horses on board, which were lost. The crew were saved.

Mr Ealos' action for £100,000 damages against Browns, colliery proprietors re suited in a verdict for defendants. '

Sir Julius Vogel and the Hon. A. Michie Agent-General of Victoria, have met, and submitted a practical cable plan, which is now before the Conference. They propose that the colonies shall purchase all the lines at a cost of £1,700,000. That they shall duplicate the New Zealand cable by a line via Tasmania, at a cost of £200,000 The Conference seems favourable to' the proposal. The breadstuffs market is easier.

Arrival of the Torres Straits Mail.

(SPECIAL TO STAR),

The Chinese Famine.

HUMAN FLESH FOR SALE.

DESTRUCTIVE CYCLONE,

(From Our Own Correspondent).

SYDNEY.—THIS DAY. The Torres Straits' mail has arrived at Cooktown. She brings a party of four Chinese for New Zealand. Accounts of the famine in China are appalling. Human flerh is selling openly. A destructive cyclone has occurred, in which eight thousand Chinese were killed, many by drowning. : ; The crew of the Alexandra Barclay escaped. The fire arose from spontaneous •ombustion. Captain. Robinson and hig brother were massacred at Darwin. In another attempt, eighteen natives were killed. The cargo consists of rice and tea ARRIVAL OF SUEZ MAIL. The Suez mail has arrived at Albany. Passenger for Lyttelton : Capt. Taswell.

English Sporting News.

RESULT OF THE ONE THOUSAND

GUINEAS,

London, May 12; The race for the One Thousand was run on the last day of the Newmarket First Spring Meeting, and resulted as follows :— Ttie 64th Renewal of the One Thousand Guineas Stakes of lOfteovs. each, h.ft., for three-year-old fillies only, to carry,Bst lOlbs each. Distance, One Mile. Lord Lonsdale's eh. f. Pilgrimage, by the Earl or the Palmer, out of Lady Audley (Constable) 1

Nine ran. Possibly the field may have been composed as follows:—Lord Falmouth's Jan nette; Count Lagrange's Clementine; Duke of Westminster's Stratbfleet ; Lord Stamford's Katherine; Mr Ellerton's Ersilia; Mr Robert Peck's Grace; Lord Roseberry's Belliccut; and Mr Lady Lumley.

Placed Horses since 1867.

1867—Achievement, Ist; Soeur de Charite, 2nd ; Sunflowp.r filly. 3rd. 1868—Formosa, Ist* ; Athena, 2nd; Ladjr Coventry, 3rd. 1869—Scottish Queen, Ist ; Movna, 2nd; Brigantine*, 3rd. 187u—Hester, Ist; Frivolity, 2nd; Mahonia, 3rd. 1871—Hannah*, Ist; Steppe, 2nd; Noblesse, 3rd. 1872—Reine*, Ist; Derelict, 2nd; Highland Fling, 3rd. 1873—Cecilia, Ist; Angela, 2nd; Windermere, 3rd. 187^—Apology*, Ist ; La Conreuse, 2nd; Blanchefleur, 3rd. 1875—Spinaway*, Ist; Per Se, 2nd; Chaplet, 3rd. 1876—Camelia*. Ist; Alumette, 2nd; La Zeine, 3rd. 1877—Belphoebe, Ist ; Lady Ronald, 2nd; Lady Golightly, 3rd. Mllies marked * also won the Oaks. During the 64 years that the two great races for the Two Thousand and One Thou sand Guineas have been contested, the double event lias only been previously accomplished on one occasion, and that was exactly ten years ago, by Mr Graham's famous filly, Formosa. Lord Lonsdale must bitterly regret that Pilgrimage is not engaged in the Derby or St. Leger, as, had she been entered, she would have had a splendid chance of winning all five great races. As it is, she has proved a valuable acquisition. The double event of the two , races for the Guineas must be worth nearly £10,000, and as a two-year-old she won about £2000. She will now, of course, be a hot favourite for the Oaks, her only remaining engagement of importance tat present, and it. is difficult to see how she can be beaten, that is if Jannette, who was the crack 2-year-old filly of last season, started for the One Thousand. „ ■

TRADESMEN'S ATHLETIC CLUB.

A "lakgb meeting of members was held last evening in the Club-room of the Charlemont Hotel, Mr Sheppard in the chair. After the preliminary business the following entries were announced for the Queen's Birthday :—

Potatoe Race—P. Birley, R. Lupton, J.Eilge, R. Hume, and A. Hendry. Putting the Stone—W. Stirling, B-H'l? l6 ' A. Good, J. Edmonds, A. Kelly, and A. Wei*. High Jump-J. Joughin, A. Selby, B. Hume, and A. Good. „ , ... Hop, Step, and Jump—J. Edge. T. Jougnin' A. Good, A. Hendry, and A. Kelly. ■ _ Vaulting with the Pole—A. Kelly, «• Hume. T. Joughin, and J. Edge. ■ _. QnoiTS—Distance, 21 yards—6. Smitn, "• Stirling, J. Pryor, A. Grubb, and C. Collett.

CITY WEST NO. 1 SCHOOL.

Sir,—The information contained in your issue of yesterday evening, in reference w the attendance of scholars at No. 1 and Ho.£ City West, gave only a portion of thetrutn, which you will allow me to supplement. « must be fresh in the minds of many of your readers that at the latter part of March, 187*. when the schools first became free, the over* crowded state of our school was referred w in the columns of the Stab ; and an advice was given to 'all outsiders to send tuetf children to their own district schools./ u» the opening of City East, (St. Pauls School,) by Mr Lusk, and the Mayor, W Phillips, the numbers in atteneance dionoj make 80. However, when these gentlerneß came to visit' our school, they jouno that they could not make their waythro"*" the children for want of room, tnere being in attendance upwards or #*>• At the same time the attendance of City West No. 2 was only about 60. u» bringing this matter before our presenj chairman, Mr Carr, and the Committee. * obtained from him a letter which I sou hold, authorising me to dismiss on w following Friday, the pupils *«!*.,*£/ schools except Ponsonby, that distract ju"^ no public free school. Accordingly at ib» close of that week I sent away 60. anM™* and on the following Friday, between *» 40 more, which brought down my numDew to a state which the building, was .owj adapted to. Our building being P™1 "* property, no addition could be made v> > but not so as regarded City West KM * was added to repeatedly, thus .f^JKfi. the numbers considerably beyond was»|£ old building could contain. So stooa ; . state of affairs up to the present, wjeav school buiiding has 50 pupils more tnw^ 4 ought to have, there being ■ m Su ance for the last two OiOV^

EVENING SfAR, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15/1878



■jftXOTICETO GRAIN-GROWERS REAPING AND BINDING MACHINES, With the Latest Improvements. McCOKMICK'S AND WALTER A, WOOD'S. T. & S. MORRIN, Having been appointed by the New Zealand Agents sole agents for the Sale of Machines of both the above makers, for Auckland and Hawke's Bay District, are prepared to receive Orders for Delivery in time for next harvest. The Reaper and Binder, as an appliance for saving both Labour and Grain, cannot be too highly commended; and tho fact that over 1000 of them are now in use in Canterbury alone, afford? the strongest evidence of its efficiency. To jniard against disappointment in next season's deliveries, we mast impress upon intending purchasers the necessity of prompt instruction, so that orders may be transmitted by the earliest mail. All orders must be in writing. Price, and other information, on application T. & S. MORRIN, Wholesale and Retail Ironmongers, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN about to FURNISH are reminded that ONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS IN THE COLONY OF FURNITURE CARPETS FLOORCLOTHS BEDDING, &c, &c, &c. JS ON SALK AT T. Is XL Cooke's furnishing warehouse 67, Queen-street. "T MAGNIFICENT STOCK OF NEW AUTUMN AND WINTER DRESS MATERIALS Just Opened. BL Atkins Invites attention to his Stock OF New Dress Materials, Ladies Jackets, Ulsters, Black ana Coloured Silks, Velvets, Velve teens, &c, suitable for the coming Season. Now on View. Splen did Colours in New Silk Reps, Wool Reps, Wool PopHnettes, * Satin Cloths, Wool Serge3,T willed Carmelites, Estamane Serges, French Merinos, Winseys, and Fancy Dress Goods. All splendid value. All the new shades pro curable in Stock. The selection this season is the largest and best ever shewn in the. city. Good quality Bluck Silk at 3s lid per yard. All the new shades in Coloured Silks. Also Good Cheap Blankets, Quilts, Sheetings, Table Linen, Flannels, Calicos, and Manchester Goods. ♦ IN THE CLOTHING DEPARTMENT New Tweed Suits, Coats, Trow sers and Vests suitable for all classes. A large Stock of Boy's and Youth's Tweed Suits, in our own make and imported. An immense stock of New Tweeds in Bannockburn, Mosgiel, Scotch, West ot England, &c. Tailors can select from the largest stook in Auckland at Wholesale Prices. Cheap Tweeds suitable for Boy's wear.S&SJS Good|§ Quality Guaranteed, and Prices Lowest in Auckland foe ggAi.iv Descriptions of ' Deapeey and Clothing. jg-H. A T X I N S. -5% jNION INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL £2,000,000 AUCKLAND BRANCH: QUEBN-S T R E E T, Next the Colonial Bank. 7IKE DEPARTMENT. Insurcinc granted on Dwelling - houses Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on, Merchandise, and Goods or every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise ot all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at Low-kbt Cujmiknt Katks. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP. The Partnership hitherto existing between J. COSGRAVE AND W. GRAHAM Trading under the style of firm of J. COSGEAVE & CO., MERCHANTS AND IMPORTERS UK ISN -ST BEKT, AUCKLAND, Is about to be Dissolved by mutual consent; and in order to Wind-up the Partnership Accounts, tho ENTIRE STOCK, Consisting of over FIFTY OUSAND POUNDS WORTH OF DRAPERY & MEN'S CLOTHING, WILL BE &?. Disposed of at Cost Ebjce ! "®> All Accounts owing to J. Cosgbavb and Co. s must be paid forthwith. No Goods will be Entered during the Sale. The Premises were Opened ON WEDNESDAY. APRIL 21, When the Sale Commenced. J. COSGRAVE & CO. A.« IiINABTJRY & C DRESSMAKERS AND MILLINERS. NEW DRESS MATERIALS: A Large Assortment of New Dress Goods or the present Season, in e?ery fashionable shade, Just Opened up at A. LINx\BURY & CO.'S. NEW WINTER COSTUMES, NEW MANTLES, NEW ULSTERS, NEW MILLINHIRY, NEW HATS A Large Assortment of Paris Trimmed Hats and Bonnets Just Opened up. Also, Hosiery, Silk Ti«s, Umbrellas, Collars and Cnffs, Gloves, Chiiare s Mantles and Jackets. Also, A LARGE STOCK OF NOVELTIES, Which are Cheap, and will have quick sale. tssr Look in at ~©» A. LINABURY & CO.'S, 204 & 206 QUEICN-STRBET, AUCKLAND. O R N E D B TJ T T E R FROM BEST WATUKU AND PUKEHOKE DAIRIES. Storekeepers, Bakers, and others can Select from a Variety of Dairies at wholesale prices. ADAM LAYBOURNE, Fort-street. Y^T ANTED X ; N. O WN. TO TRADESMEN, MECHANICS, AND OTHERS. • MONEY ADVANCED in SUMS of *2 to *50 on personal security, re-payable by weekly instalments, at U H. NEUMEGEN, Auckland Office, 165, Queen-street opposite Savings Bank. Private Entrance down right-of way.



13 A N X N.;,p 'pT I p:BKi UNION BANK OF I AUSTRALIA.. ' [Established 1537.1 Paid-up Capital..' £1,250,000. Reserve Funds £450,000. Branches in Western Australia. Branches of this Bank are now open for the transaction of General Banking Business at Perth and York. JOHN F. MCMILLEN, Inspector and General Manager. Inspector and General Manager's Office, Union Bank of Australia, Melbourne, 10th April, 1878. THE COLONIAL INSURANCE COMPANY, for fire and marine insurance. Capital: Two Millions Steeling. In 200,000 Shares of £10 each; 10s. per Share pay able ; 2a. 6d. on application; 2s. 6d. on allotment; and ss. by Call three months after Registration. FIRST ISSUE:—100,000 Shares. CHIEF OFFICE: WELLINGTON. The undersigned will be in Auckland for a short time, and afford to intending Insurers or Investors all information. GEO. S. GRAHAM, General Manager. Temporary Offices: Hobson's Buildings. T>RIME TABLE POTATOES. PRIME TARTARIAN SEED OATS PRIME MILLING OATS PRIME SPRING WHEAT PRIME BONEDUST PRIME GARDEN SEEDS. W. J. HURST & CO., 101. Queen-street.