SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ctt. v toawu<r t This Alternoon, 4.39 HltrH WAIiCK— •) To-morrow Morning, 6 2 BUN SET.»-TMs Kvening, 4.4S ,; SU7N RISK.—To-morrow Mornint?, 7.8 • iVICX)N'S AGIC.-New Moon, tat, 1.27 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Hauraki, p.s.. Holmes, from Waitara Tona, s.s., Farqtihar, from Russell Flirt, brigantine, from the Islands Omaha, brigantine, from Lyttelton

DEPARTURES.

Ocean, schooner, for Mercury Bay

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For London—.Lorraine, barque, early; Spirit of nZtlio Dawn, barque, early For Tauranga and the South.—Taupo, Thurs day, Uh For Russell, Bay of Islands—lona, every Mon day ; Taupo, Monday, 3rd For Sydney and Melbourne—Hero, s.s., 2nd inst For Taranaki and Southern provinces (from M-anukau)—Tamnaki, Tuesday next .. For Friendly aud Navigator Islands—Active Jsrigantine, at once JPerNoumea —William and Julia, schooner, early

IMPORTS.

'Per Hauraki, from "Waitara: 24 cases and vftegs .butter, 1 bale fungus, 2 cases drapery, 400 '■ sheep.

Entered Tnwarbs —Three Brothers, cutter, '■ "rom Tryphena, in ballast, wMi 52 tons firewood. Cleared Outwards.—Waiwera, schooner, 5 /rom Nganniru. with sundries. The 5.3. Tpupo 'left Tauraugra at 8.J.0 a.m. to day, and may therefore toe expected to arrive this evening. , . . „„ The Pretty J&ne, f rom Graborne, may be ex pected in liarbwar to-night. The brigantme Flirt, feom the Islands, was still in the Channel when we went to press. The barqno signalled yesterday afternoon had not been mafia out up to the time we 'went to Prfhe Hero, 2rom Syd-ney and Melbourne, had not been signalled wken we went to press. The s.s. Tona arrived this morning from Russell vMh GO sacks gum, 100 sacks oysters, and snndrtes. Passengers:—Mesdames Puckey and Faiw'hanga, Messrs Puckey. Holdship, Williama. Ward, Flowerday, and McWtlliams. The brisantine Omaha, fromLyttelton, arrived in harbour this afternoon with a cargo tf bread stuffs, &c.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

TAORANGA, tms day. Tilers. Taupeleft for Auckland at 8.45 a.m. to-dap<

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

ARRIVAL OF THE CHIRA,

(From our own Correspondent.)

KAipaka, May 30,

Btrwent.'from Lyttelton, and the Chira, from Melbourne. The latter has been off the bar ainoe tha 11 bh inst., and entered the harbor to fiay. She has on board a general cargo, and is. oonsisned'to'E. Mitehelson andOo. Sailed: Sissy, for"Bunenin : Prince Alfred, for Sjyttelton; Poneke, for Wellingtm..

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Maies wilt, Cr.oss Under : 'S'or Thames, on Monday next^at 10:30 a.m. and.

3.30 P.m. , , . . _, arid CoromandeL' per Argyle, as. Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. . T'orTaranaki and Wanganm, via Waitara, per Hauraki, on Monday next, at 5:30 a.m. For Trypbena.per Three Brothers, on Monoay

next, at 4 p.m. .. For Russell and Kawa Kawa, per laupa,on

Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Kavwikawa, Wangaroa, and Mon gomii, per lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Whitiang'a, Tauranga, and Opotita, per Rowena, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Tnranaki ar.d Southern Provinces, psr Tararaaki, on Tuesday next, at 8 a.m. For Waiwern. Kawau, Omaha, and MataKana, per Annie Miifoank, on Tuesday next., at 8 a.m. For Australian Colonies, Batavia, Singapore, China, and Japan, via Torres Straits. per_s.s. City of Sydney, immediately after her arxwal from Honolulu. . For' London (direct), per Lorraine on Tuesday

aor 6"Whani?are'i Heads, Waipsi, IWangare^and Mangapai, per Argyle, • on' Tuesday next, at

4 d 'Tn For'Gisborne, -per Pretty "Jane, on Tae&oay

next, at 4'P.m. , - . N.B.—A pest office has been opened at Ngunguru, near WangareL Mails will be aiaae •up at this office every Tuesday, at 4 p.m. Return •mails will be received every Friday at 10 a.m. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

ASHCROFT.--On the 30th May, at her residence, Shaddock-3treet, Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand, the wife of Wm. Ashcroft of a son.

DEATH.

GULP AN.—On June Ist, this morning. Alice Mary Culpan, youngest daughter of Mr. W. Culpan, Wakefield- street, aged 20 years. Deeply regretted. The funeral will leave the residence of her parents, Wakefleld-street. at 3.30 o'clock p.m. to-mprrow (Sunday). Friends please accept this invitation.

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 1878.

Kei'tkc TMttßgtUat aeedtt r«!ttißKfe> «*» th* (SsJsraa la tSsz dfasrataOi

We have only space 'to divert attention to the Special and Renter's cable messages which, appear in another column, announcing a terrible disaster'to three German ironclads, with a loss of 459 lives ; and the fact that England and Russia have arrived at a com plete ■understanding respecting the Con~ ference, as, a' prelude to which the British ifieet and Russian troops are expected to re tire to Besika Bay and Adrianople respect ively.

The settlement of the King difficulty pro mises to carry vrith it the peaceful burying of the hatchet by all the natives who once took up arms against the Queen's authority. Gall and bitterness is the portion of those clever amateur native diplomats who have lavished presents on liewi, and fondly believed they had that redoubtable warrior safely in their toils. Manga was too shrewd not to detect the bitter pSI beneath the sugar coating. And after consuming the 'delectable outside with a cheerful and thankful heart, he has thrown the nauseous residue back for the philanthropic donors to chew at their leisure. Tiie following telegram, coming through, the Press Agency—a source winch will cer tainly not be suspected of Ministerial pre ■clivities —is"offered to theWaikato land ring ■as a comforting assurance that the heart and head of tkeir protege are still in flic right place :—

" New Plymouth, Friday.

" The ' Taranaki Herald, 5 of this morn ing, says Rewi has arrived at Mokau with Maniapoto ckiefs, on their way to Waitara to meet Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan. William King, of Waitara, will be present at the meeting. Ilewi says that this meet ing will end the trouble between the two races, but ke keeps dark his intended pro posals till Ministers meet him on the 21st instant. He intends to expose the doings of some natives who deserted the King party ; also those of some Europeans whose action tended to create bloodshed during the Taranaki war."

For the information of that new genera tion of c©3onists to whom the early history of the unhappy troubles between the colo nists and aborigines is a blank, or at most a hazy impression, a brief explanation may be offered to shew - who Wiremu King is and was. The name of Waitara, the intended place of meeting, re calls . New Zealand's worst troubles ; and if by the diplomatic skill of Sir George Grey the fountain of disallection is closed at its earliest springs, a poetical colouring will be given to the closing .scene of the most melancholy and deplorable chapter in the story of New Zealand colonisation. We shall not enter into the complicated his tory of the Waitara block, and its sale to Governor Gore Brown by Tcira Manuka, an insignificant native, against the protest of William King, the great chief of the Ngatiawa tribe, and real owner of the land. The perversity and wrong-headeduess of the Government at that period, read by the light of later ex perience, is almost inexplicable. It may be said that the feeling which culminated in the war of 1860 had an earlier origin ; that the troubles over the New Zealand Com pany's land purchases, as far back as 1844, and the unfriendly attitude of the natives on many subsequent occasions, prove that the natives were conscious of their numerical superiority over tiie little European settle ment that had been planted at New Ply mouth, and were determined to obstruct colonisation. No doubt this is true ; but more skilful tactics would, in all likeli hood, have nipped the incipient rebellion in the bud. It would, at le;ist, have saved the colony from the disgrace of going to war on a dispute in which the Government were clearly in the wrong —a wrong admitted, when too late, by the restoration of Waitara to William King. Crass obstinacy, how ever, reignod supreme, and the Government determined to force the survey. Wiremu Kingi, with a number of followers, met the surveyors on the ground, and under his orders a bevy of Maori women pulled up the pegs as fast as they were driven. A j detachment of the Goth Itegiment was sent to Taranaki from Auckland, with instruc tions to protect the survey at all hazards. William King, with a strong native force, entrenched himself in a pah commanding the road, where he stopped an escort, and the war of IS6O was fairly entered upon. Of the after events of the war we need scarcely speak. Large reinforcements were sent to Wiremu Kingi from Waikato, and liewi still looks to Waitara as the birthplace of the troubles that ended in the loss of Wai kato, and Maori isolation. Personally, he took an active part in the long defence- of Pukerangiora Pah on the Waitara river, and now that the hatchet is to be buried, the instincts of the old warrior lead him back to the scene of quarrel, where, hand in hand with his friend Wiremu Kingi—so that it may never be said they deserted or played each other false - the new reign of peace and amity between the two races shall be inaugurated. There is something appropriate and touching in this meeting and reconcilition of old friends long alienated by occasions of discord, which each now deeply deplores. Sir George Grey— revered in times gone by as the father of the Maoripeople—oiiceinorc.thouohinadifieient capacity representing the love of the Queen for her rebellious Maori children. They, crushed but dignified ; desirous of forgetting the past, and ready to renew their vows of loyalty. Each acknowledging that there were faults on both sides, and willing to make such amends as are possible after these many years of suffering. Let the selfish, land-grabbing fraternity look upon the picture and say whet.ier all their dirty gains are worth the moral degra dation which they have incurred—the lying and chicanery—with the futile hope of exciting Kewi's jealousy against Sir George Grey, and thwarting this happy reconciliation.

A letter from Mr D. Goldie in reply to Mr C. Atkin, another letter from " One who re fused to sign," letter from " Fair Play," on city leaseholds ; and a large amount of other correspondence and miscellaneous matter, ar.e crovded out of to-night's issue. Some excitement was caused in the share market to-day. The Queen of Beauty sales went up from 8s 9d to 10s, and Corbvs from 30s to 475.

Six or eight boys rail away from the Training School tins morning. At day light two of them crossed the Maugere Bridge at Onehunga, and Surgcaut Greene, hearing of the circumstances, followed up, and eventually caught them. Their names are O'Connor and Nicholson, and they said they were on their way to the Waikato. They have been brought into Auckland, as well as several of the others who escaped.

The ratepayers of Gisborne agreed, at a meeting on Thursday evening, to raise a loan sof £10,000, for the purpose of con structing roads within the town boundary.

The contractor for the renewal ofj the city refuse complains that he is largely imposed on by some persons placing as many as ten and twelve Boxes of broken glass, shavings, j tiade refuse, for his removal. Anxious to please, he has hitherto not refused, but it is as well we should remind all concerned that he is not entitled to remove beyond one |cubic yard of refuse or shop-sweepings. Undeijjpresent circum stances, he says he is losing considerably by his contract, and it is not right he should be imposed on. In future he will expect to be paid, for any extra quantities placed for removal.

A ver.y handsome monument has just been ejected on the grave of William God- Win^ x a t^e Church of England cemetery, &n(i is a worthy memorial to a worthy Y.oung m an. The masonry work was by Mr Wm. Thomas, stone-mason, of Lorne street, and the sculpture by Mr John Taylor. The whole comprises a neat head stone and wall, in cast-iron enclosure. The nrounted pedestal is of white Tasmanian stone, and on the monument appears a neat inscription, surrounded by *a fireman's helmet, belt, pouch, and tomahawk. The inscription runs thus:—"To the memory of William Godwin, died 29th January, 1878, aged 28 years; who died from injuries received by the upsetting of the Under writers' Fire Patrol and Salvage Corps con veyance, on the moaning of the liSth January, 187 S. This stone was erected by the members of the above Corps, of which 'he was a member ; also by the Auckland Fire Brigade, to which Corps he formerly belonged ; and by his intimate friends of the Oddfellows and Foresters, of which Societies he was an esteemed member."

We tear with pleasure -that the young ladies of Mrs Glover's school have this mornitag shewn their appreciation of Count De ZaJba's lectures on history, by present ing kirn with a handsome book of New Zealand ferns, mounted in mottled kauri. Te Hakupu was buried at Napier yesterday. Tire banks and public offices were closed, end the funeriH was very largely attended. The Rev. Samuel Williams read the service. The New Plymouth Harbour Board has appointed the Bank of New Zealand agents iov raising a £200,000 loan.

We understand that Miss Firmin has fully recovered', and will appear as Zoe in the i " Octoroon " this evening. "This is one of her most remarkable performances. Mrs McConkey desiras to acknowledge with thanks the sum of £I<?9s 6d, collected by W. White on her behalf. The annual ploughing match in connec tiou with the Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association will be held on Mr Wallace's farm, Papatoitoi, on the 15th inst.

The third of the Union Temperance enter tainments will be held this evening in the Temperance Hall, consisting of speeches, songs, and recitations. The services at the various churches of the city are duly announced on our third page. The evening servico at the Theatre

ltoyal, at the usual hour. ~~'lho new Pope has conferred his blessing upon the Catholic press, especially upon the Ultramontane " Uniyers," and one of its editors, M. Louis Veuillot. Heavy floods in the Southland district left the country strewn with thousands of drowned rabbits. The squatters were jubi lant.

Mr James Blomfield has been appointed defence storekeeper- at Auckland. Traffic in church livings is creating great scandal in England, and a Royal Commis sion has been appointed to inquire into the whole subject. VictoriaI»haa 900 miles of railway ; New Houth Wales, 800 ; and New Zealand, 400. At the Maketu Lands Court yesterday the case of the Haehaenga, which has

occupied ten days in investigation, was decided in favour ot the claimants, to the great disgust of the Arawa chiefs, who talk of applying for leave to appeal. A deputation from Nelson will wait on the Colonial Secretary at Wellington to-day to urge the Government to accept a tender for the extension of the Foxhill Railway to the port. A dividend of 2s Gd a share in the Ijiiion Beach Gold Mining Insurance Company has been declared, and will be payable on Fri day next. A meeting of the fish-dealers of the city will be held this evening at the Britomart Hotol for the purpose of considering certain grievances to which hawkers may be sub jected by the operation of the new Fish

Protection Act. The " Presbyterian Church News" of the present month sustains its substantial character, the articles generally being of mor2 than average meiit. We would call special attention to the editorial article on " Eternal Punishment," which will be read with attention at this time, when Canon Farrar's sermons onlthis topic have attracted almost universal attention. There is a great deal of sound reasoning in the article. ilev It. McKinney's review of the " Ig natian Epistles" and "Our English Bible" extracted from the " Christian Treasury,"

are also instructive in their bearing upon questions which are largely discussed in various quarters. Mr Dickson's "Advice to young men" is full of excellent admoni tions in favour of decision in religious matters. Extracts from new books, season able thoughts, and the financial record for the month, make up a goodly current number of this useful " Magazine."

• Miss Rosina Carandiui and Mr Charles Sykes appeared at the Town Hall, Melbourne on May 14th. Rev. Charles Clark has been lecturing to large audiences in Geelong on "Macaulay. 1

ANOTHER FIRE.

A FIRE broke out this morning on tho premises of Mr William Robinson, near the Stockade-road, Mount Eden, and destroyed the stable and a quantity of hay. At three o'clock, the family were aroused by the kicking of the horses on the lloor of the stable. On rising, Mr Robinson discovered a blaze through the roof of the stable. The five valuable horses were with difficulty re moved,sS but all attempts to save the build ing pioved ineffectual, as the lire had got too strong a hold. The loss is reported to be about £150. The property was insured for £150.

THEATRE ROYAL.—THE "SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL."

Sheridan's famous comedy, the "School for Scandal," was produced at the theatre last night to a good house. Owing to indis position Miss Finnin was unable to appear. We wore scarcely surprised to hear that she had knocked up at last, for the never-ending hard work of the last few weeks must have been intensely trying. In the absence of Miss Finnin Mrs Hill undertook the part of Lady Teazle, (which she has often played before) and proved most successful. She deserves great credit for the performance, as the notice given her was very short, and we have rarely seen the part better played on a colonial stage. Mr Jack made a good Sir Peter Teazle, and, together with Mrs Hill, received many tokens of appreciation, cul minating in a perfect ovation during the inimitable love scene between spring and winter. To a critical observer, lapses in his rccallection of the text, here and there might be detected, but thesegwere too skil fully covered to attract conspicuous atten tion. The lady who undertook the character of Mrs Candour broke down and was obliged to read her part, but as it was only a small oue, tho performance was not much injured. Mr Steele's Charley Surface was an admirable and finished performance, and his conception of Charles's sense of pro priety after the d<scovery of rady Teazle in Joseph Surface's room, tsu tickled the audience that they compelled him to come forward and bow his acknowledgments in the middle of the scene. lie was also loudly applauded for his • rendering of " Here's to the Maiden of Blushing Fifteen," one of the finest old sornsa ever' written. Mr Emmet made a palpable hit in the small part of Moses, and Mr Burford was a good Joseph Surface. Mr O'Brien seemed to be under the impression that lie was Talbot Champneys. Mr Mus grave's qualifications as a "leading old man" never found better scope than, in Sir Oliver, and Miss Raymond acted fairly well as Lady Sneerwell. Che.other representa tions do not call for notice.

To-night Boucicault's " Octoroon" will be given, and it is hoped that Miss Firmin may be well enough to appear as Zoe. On Mon day "Uncle Tom's Oabin," which has been running in New York as long as " Ova Bqys " has in London, will be produced with Mr Jack as Uncle Torn and Mirs Firman as Topsy..

CABLEGRAMS.

To-Day's Despatches.

(Special to the "Star.") (FROM OUR SPECIAL LoM)Otf CORRESPONDENT) URGENT TELEGRA& Terrible Collision in the Channel. Three German Ironclads Lost. 450 Men Drowsed. Complete Understanding Between England and Sussia, LONDON. Friday. A terrible collision has just occurred between three German ironclad ships of war off Folkestone, in the English Channel. One of the ironclads sank im mediately, and the other two are sinking. Four hundred and fifty German seamen are known to be drowned, and probably there are many more lost. T-ke European Congress is definitely settled. A prolonged peace is believed to be certain. Russia and England have arrived at a complete agreement on the Eastjan question.

Australian Cricketers v. York shire.

The Colonials Again to the Fora,

LONDON, May 30. WHAKAPUAKA, June 1, 9.20 a.m,

In the cricket match between the Aus tralians and the Yorkshire Cricket Club the stumps Were drawn after the Yorkshire men had scored a total of Beventy-two, and the Colonials had four wickets down for eighty-seven.

[REUTEB'S TETEGRA.MS],

Probable Retirement of British Fleet and Russian Army.

Tone of Russian Press.

LONDON, May 31

It is probable that the British ironclad squadron will retire to Besika Bay, and that the Russian troops will retire to Dedeagatele, near Adrianople, as a prelude to the European Congress. ST. PETERSBURG!!, May 31. The Russian press disapproves of any concessions being made by Russia.

TELEGRAPHIC.

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day.

MINING NEWS,

Queen of Keauty.—Good stone is com miug to hand in the Queen of May section. The sinking will be started on Monday. Watchman.—Tribute suff is still shaping for a splendid return. Alburnia retorting for the fortnight yielded 5720z5. retorted gold. SH A REMARKED Latest Quotations. Sales : New North Clunes, call paid, 6s to 6s 3d ; Cure, 5s 9d ; Queen of Beauty, 10s to 10s 3d ; Caledonia, 47s 6d to 50s ; Kuranui Hill, 14s. Buyers : Moanatairi, 65s ; New North Devon, lls ; New North Clunes, 6s ; Queen of Beauty, 10s. Sellers : Moanatairi, 67s 6d; New North Devon, 12s ; New North Clunes, 6s 6_d; Bendigo United, 5s 6d; Cure, 5s 3d ; Queen of Beauty, lls. Mr W. E. Lowe has been appointed mine manager of the New North Clunes. MINING NEWS.—LAUN CHOF SMALL STEAMER. The Thames " Advertiser" states on good authority that the Pumping Association in tend to work one of the reefs intersected in the south cross-cut, and that something good may be looked for.

this day.

COROMANDEL,

MINING NEWS.

At the Tokatea meeting of directors yesterday, accounts outstanding were paid, a call of half-a-crown per sharo was made, and the manager's appointment was deferred until tho 23rd inst. Mr Knox, the under ground manager, has been instructed to commence work immediately, and the pro bability is that Mr Kuox will receive the managership of the mine.

Corby : —Fifty pounds specimens were got this morning. There is a good show of gold in the face.

The Watchman, adjoining the Corby, is looking well. The Progress started workfrom the Old Black Reef &haft, and the water has been rapidly reduced. They intend driving for specimen leader.

Union Beach ground : The National Bank shipped 2,520 ozs. of gold to the head office to-day. MONTHLY RETURN GOLD. Corby, 471 oza ; Union Beach, 1,097 ozs ; Tokatea Tribute, 151 ozs ; Harbor View, 36 pounds picked Btone to-day. A call has been made of Is per share.

(PRESS AGENCY),

WELLINGTON, this day.

A CONVICTION QUASHED.

in tne Appeal Oourfc the Crown case was reversed—itegina v. Barnsley, convicted of forging money orders amounting to £10, purporting to be through the Telegraph Office. Sentence was postponed, pending the hearing of tho case by the Court of Appeal as to the point raised in the Court below, namely, that tho prisoner could not be convicted, because the forgery was not thatot an order for payment of money, but only of a telegram of an order. The Appeal Court held that the document could not be regarded as an original conviction, and the conviction mus therefore be quashed.

WTrj.T.TKTfyrnAr itiijo a™ ,

THE TARANAKFS PASSENGERS. Sailed : Taranaki at 2 p.m., for Taranaki and the Mauukau. Passengers :Mra nd Mrs Birch, and Messrs Bishop, Seager,and Maxwell.

CriRISTCHURCIL this day.

THE DEFENCE OF THE COLONY.—

HEAVY GUNS ORDERED. The " Times" of this morning says :* We are in a position to state that the Govern ment has ordered the whole of the heavy guns recommended by the Imperial Com mission, and these, together with necessary ammunition, are now on the way out. Regarding small arms, we havo authority for stating that the Government has in stock 5,000 Suiders of ordinary, and 2,000 of the shorter pattern; which with another thousand of the former now ordered will soon give the colony a total of 8,000 Snider rifles. For these there aro in stock two million rounds of ball cartridges for ordinary rifles, and a larger proportion for carbines. Some of this stock only recently arrived, having been ordered by Government shortly after taking office. In addition to Sniders, Government can muster 13,000 Enfleld rifles and a large quantity of suitable ammunition, making a total of 21,000 rifles at their disposal. Government have also under their consideration a plan of torpedo defence, which will probably be undertaken. The intention of Government is, as goon as war is declared, to bring down a iew armed constabulary men to each port as a nucleus of force of artillery, to place Naval and Artillery Volunteers on satisfactory footing, and to consider the question of enrolling Militia, probably with advice of parliament. It will be interesting to know that the com mission of officers that report on the defence

of New Zealand had the advantage of thft latest charts of the colony, amdobtained full information from officers, some of them scientific, of both. services, "who know the localities; they also had before them the report of Colonel Moule, K.E., made after inspection of the harbours; and the confidential report made by Sir William Jervois some few years ago, winch has been practically adopted by the Com mittee."

FIRE NEAR TAKAPUNA LAKE.

ASERIOUS fire broke out yesterday &Urv noon in the dwelling bouse of Mr James Shirriff, which completely destroyed tin; property. Immediately upon bearing of t) i'> catastrophe, Constable Dews, stationed ;»8 the North Shore, engaged a horse and rode ■*o the spot to ascertain tho particulars. John Porter, who resides near the spot, stated that about two o'clock he heard screams of fire from the neighbourhood of Mr Shirriff's house, and on looking in that direction observed smoke issuing from the shingles. He at once ran towards Jthe house, and saw Mrs Shirriff with a bady in her arms in a state of great excitement He tried to force his way into tho kitchen but was prevented by a volume of smoke and flames. He got in through a front window, but only succeeded in saving a box and meat-safe. James Campbell and Thomas Seaman saw the fire, at a distance, but were unable to render assistance. Mrs Shirriff stated that her husband was away in Auckland, and shortly before the out break she put on a large pot of pig-feed, and while she was at the creek, a little dis tance away, after a bucket of water, the place got "on lire. She could give no account as to how the lire originated, unless the flames caught caught a board beneath the mantel-shelf. A box was destroyed in ■which she had deposited £16 in. notes. The property destroyed was a six-roomed house, built about four years ago by Mr Shirriff, at a cost of £237, and which was insured in the South British Insurance Company for £150, and the furniture for £50 in the same office. Constable Dews has made every enquiry without success as to the origin of the fire. The probability is as stated by Mrs Shirriff, that the board under the mantle-piece caught fire, as it was only 15 inches above the fire.

THE ENGINEER'S TESTIMONIAL.

TO SARAH DAVIS, ELIZA STARKS, Thomas Faulder, D. B. Cruickshank, William Kirby, G. Yon der Heyde, Malcolm Niccol, and the other 330 ladies and gentlemen who have signed the ad-

dress to William Anderson, Esq : — Ladies and gentlemen : In the address presented by you to Mr Anderson, you charge me with using niy position as a City Councillor to indulge in abusive language and give vent to feelings of animosity to wards that gentleman. You have caused this statement to be pub lished in the " New Zealand Herald," know ing that it will be circulated throughout the colony, and operate greatly to mydisad vantage among the people in another por tion of the colony, where, as many among you know well, I am going to reside. If I have been guilty of the conduct im puted to me, no punishment that you have power to inflict would be too severe. If, on the other hand, I am innocent, then you, as honest men and women, are bound to re tract and apologise, or else stand convicted as the promulgators of a gross and cowardly slander.

The charges against Mr Anderson were made by me in writing, and may "be seen in the Town Clerk's office. I challenge you to refute those charges, or to verify a single act committed by me which will bear out your assertion. Before entering the Council, and for soiue months afterwards, I was on the most friendly terms with Mr Anderson, and have never had any quarrel or cause to quarrel with him, and now have not the slightest personal ill-feeling towards him. But, I hold that any trustee (and a City Councillor is no more) who knowingly per mits the money placed, in his charge to be wasted by his servants is worse than a thief, and this is exactly the position. Mr Anderson is the servant of the Council ; I, as a Councillor (or trustee placed in charge of the city funds), believing that some of works executed by him were faulty, drew the attention of my co-trustees to the matter. At the first I spoke quietly and privately, but the great majority of the members took no heed. Subseqiiently, I brought the matter formally under their notice, and moved that a committee be appointed to examine the works. The Councillors as a body objected, and directed me to put any complaints I had to make in writing, and they would employ two competent Civil Engineers to examine and report on the works complained of. This was exactly what I wanted; and had this been done, and the charges shewn to be unfounded, I would have been per fectly satisfied, and no one would have heard any further complaint from me on the subject.

There are other works than those enumerated in the charges, which in my opinion shew a want of skill and judgment, both in design and execution; but ,as I have always said, I do not wish anyone to con demn Mr Anderson or his works simply on account of my opinion. It may be that I am altogether wrong. Clearly you by your act think that lam so. If I am, then it is my duty to do all I can to rectify the wrong; and I ask you who profess to be his friends and admirers, to assist me in doing so. I have no doubt but that the Government will, if asked, place the services of the En«ineer-in-Chief at your disposal for a short time (24 hours will be sufficient). I will go with, him over the works and point out my objections, and if, after such examination, the Engineer-in-Chief will certify in writing that the works so pointed out by me are designed and executed in such a manner as we have a right to expect from a good Civil Engineer, I will pay the whole of the expen ses incurred. Further, before entering on the examination at all, I will deposit £50 in the Mayor's hands to be vised for that purpose. Such a certificate will be of more value to Mr Anderson than any testimonial you can present to him. It would be a triumphant refutation of all the charges made against him, and would shut the mouths of future grumblers,—l am, ladies and gentlemen, your obedient servant, Richard Dickson.

KARANGAHAPE RATEPAYERS.

THE BORODGH QUESTION.

A meeting of tho ratepayers of the Karanga hape Highway District was held in the Newton Hall last evening, for tho purpose of considering the advisability of having the district included in the proposed Borough. At the time announced for the opening of the meeting the hall was well filled. Mr J. Warren was voted to the ohair. Dv Purchas said that after a three years' residence in the district, ho had come to the conclusion that by no possible means, excepting with tho aid of the Municipal Corporations Act, could they maintain the healthfulness o£ the district. He gave this opinion from a medical point of view. At the present moment, and at certain periods of the year, the atmosphere from the gullies in the neighbourhood was very dangerous. A3 long as they remained under their present form of government, they had no means of improving thise matters. At present, they had an oppor tunity, if under the Borough system of Govern ment, of obtaining an endowment of 2,000 acres, which might in future years be instrumental in relieving the burden of taxation. Another reason for being under tho municipal form of government was tliat they would havo power to abate evils in their midst. Tho Road Board system of government was obsolete. Dr. Purchas then moved : "That this meeting endorses the action of the promoters of the movement for petitioning the Governmeut in favour of a Borough." The Chairman : Will any pjontlornan second this resolution? (Cries of "No : no 1" and hisses. Mr Barnes : I will second mo resolution. (Hisses and cries of "keep quiet.") Mr Cherry: Mr Chairman, how is it that this meeting began before 7,31) p.m. . The Chairman: It was fully advertised for seven o'clock. A Ratepayer: Keep quiet. Cherry; we can get on easily enough without your presence.

Mr Cherry, continuing l^T^fsss^^!*^ misrepresentations. een obtained S,B^ 1 Cwes of •« Name ! Name p *"** -1 from behind: "S^. * % I The Chairman attempted to . , 1 was intorruptod by Mr Barnes SB**".!* k I q^estlo^ *«*^^o^ fljfe I Laughter, and cries of "slnn iv2,w^6 caS 1 SS o«,. Yo» m fe™- t« W, I Mr .Shannon : I'd liko to sea Tnn ■ like you put me oat. (Laughter a^l anr on. 1 Mr Cherry continued: Tn e ?r US ? 6 l ch^> "* I mined on tho petition, and cot v ■ ad 4ei*i. f hole-and-corner manner. Evl^fl- Slgllea in ■ privately, and the ratepayers had \**Svi** do*. P of JixinK their own boundaries OpP°«S I te A ratepayer : fix themno^, then. 1 Mr Cherry then moved the folio win t, "*" I ment to the original resolution^ S^eM ?■ ratepayers protest against thfi-o hat tk F manner in which the promoters of th»adeß«n& ? for the. formation of the Newton£ or ° l eti% 1 in obtaining signatures." roußoactM I Mr Garret jumped on the platform H delivering himself of his v2 m\m^ki 1 twaddle, oollapsed under cries of •"*v6llto£ II and give someone else a chance" do H II Dr. Wallis mounted the platform »«,«. I cheets. Hehadfeltperfectir&S1 ?^ I entoring the room, and ho could tint• m how any men, on their own responsihilih?ll*1 * If get a petition prepared and send it to tjmSW R ton, and that without even consulting a 8"^?- If oajers. It was tyrannical, and he wontnß^ ■ they were to be made fools of? (Grips *??*& i no !'aud "We Tvill not.', He consid P \'\ 1 this part of the trustees' conduct shouW condemned. Certain gentlemen mi r^ ' own authority, had actually had thoTo,,^ B to try and make a BorOTteh^ I themselves, tio far as his own ODinm?^.^ X he would side with Mr Cherry's aSfl-Z 61*' 1 l'here were three courses open to the ratpn "^ I and it was for them to consider whU.ajfat m would follow. They might in the iff $** I remain in their present condition as a pOB W Board in connection with the dormant On* m Council ; or secondly, they might aniaW?? « with the city, or thirdly ; form .» I connection with the adioining highway fi? H He might here remark that it had been remS B in the newspapers that the Grey Gorernm . 11 intended to force the Counties Act nwnrS* II people. This he could hardly believe sS? ft however, he felt compelled to say that the nis M Government was doing some queer thh, ' m When he joined the old Opposition partr H did so on the question of Separation but th m threw that overboard. He supported it t? m the idea>that Auckland -vrould receive jnS m but the present Gorernmant had allowed on n railways to lie unfinished and neglected wm B railways Jin the Southern parts of the'colmi H were progressing with prodigious Btrifl» ■ Another reason on which he bupdoX b the present. Governmont was the promisS m economy from their leaders. The members^ m the Opposition had railed strongly against &L S occupation of palatial residences in Wellingtrnf W and yet they found the members of the preS ■ Government residing in those very paS E residences. In spite of all their talk, here tfi m were flying about in the Hinemoa worse than S any other Government had ever done. ButS I were quite right in all this. He wouldlflrefe I know what else they had to do. (Laughter aa& m cheers.) Out of the three courses which, he ffi m mentioned a few minutes ago, he was certaiX 1 in favour of joining the city, the revenue ij B which, in the coui se of a few years, was exoecW I to exceed £10,000 per annum. ■ H

A voice : How do you know they'll take us in] (Laughter and cheers,) Dr Wallis continued: Looking at the next question he would ask: "Are we to have a Borough Council or not?' (Cries of "NoP "No!," and counter-cries.) He certainly ob j acted to a Borough which would inctaii Newton, with it 3 Cox's Creek, etc. What right had they »to burden themselves with Cox's Creek? He considered that they mightformt compact Borough out of Karangahape, Efa Terrace, and Arch Hill, which would very soon overshadow Auckland. Certainly they had no righi to annex the other districts without con sulting a general meeting of ratepayers. Dr Wallis (addressing the Chairman): Has this petition been really forwarded to the Go vernment ?

The Chairman : I believe it has. r: The Speaker: Then I've done. I cannot Bay any more after that. (Laughter and cheers.) Dr Wallis then returned to his seat. "'.; A hubb"bhere ensued, Dr Purchaa and Mr Cherry both desiring to speak. Dr Purohase was, however, successful, and he commenced by stating there had been no desire on the part of the promoters of the petition to act clandes tively. /»i A Katepayer: No gammon! (Laughter.) Dr Purchase: I do not know who the pr* motors were. -

A ratepayer: No; neither does anyone elst; (Laughter and applause.) pr Purchas continued: He was willing to withdraw'his motion, as he had come to the meetir^j unprepared. He had expected to find sonfcf-th represent to condemn the action taken, but.^ m^7yirai ting 20 minutes he proposed th» moti\ %/oTder to get on with the business. , Mr by.±fes, as seconder, refused his permission! to tha tntndvawal of the resolution, unless Mt Cherry also withdrew hiß amendment.

Mr Wilson inquired if Dr Purchas had not said that he knew nothing abont the petition. M Dr Purchas rose to reply. SBe&HQ{3J Mr Garrett: I rise to a "pint" of order. Dr

Puxchas has no right to reply. (Cries of "sit down.") ' -

A ratepayer considered that Dr Purchas had a clear right to reply.

After some quarrelling, both Dr Purchas and Mr Garrett resumed their seats.

The Chairmaa explained that the petition had not been prepared by the trustees of Karanga haoe, but by representatives from Newton,Kar ang ihape. Arch Hill, and Eden Terrace; in all about 20.

Mr Garrett: I protest against all this, let us hard the motion and amendment.

The resolution and amendment were'then read and put to the meeting. For the amend ment, about 30 hands were holdup, and for the resolution about half-a-dozen.

The Chairman was about to put the amend ment as the motion, when he was interrupted by Messrs Garrett and Cherry, who objected. Mr Garrett: It's out of order; out of order, I say. ' ' Mr Cherry: It's irregular, and not even done in Parliament.

Mr Cherry ascended the rostrum, and said that according to last night's Star. theKarania hape trustees had had a legal opinion, and were informed that they could not legally spend a shilling. Cries of "No! No! not the Karangahapa Board."

The Chairman: The trustees have had no legal opinion. The sentence quoted referredto the Reniuera Board. (Liughterand hissea.) Mr Cherry complied: The ratepayers of Eden Terrace wai .d their pond drained, andit was not fair that i .y (Karangahape)Bhouldtß . compelled to pay - share of the expense of the: work. He move i the second resolution, yiz.i "That the distri;: prefers to continue as it is. under the highw r board syateru, and opposes. the formation of the proposed borough." . - Mr Garrott a 1 rived with a formidable bine book, and ascended to the platform. He endear voured to show that the Borough system of Government was a very bad one, and stated that although Kden Terrace had only 1000 ofa popnlat ion. aud Karangahape 2000, that district would be allowed the Barue number of represen tatives. viz., three. Mr Phipps: Have you ever been to Drory. (Laughter.) •' Mr Garrett; You had better go to the WhaU Asylum. (Applause.) The Chairman: Mr Phipps, will you keep quiet. ' ■ a Mr Phipps: IwilL t ... Mr Garrett continued: He had heard thattn Mayor and Town Clerk were already arrangea. A. Ratepayer: Oh, that's the sore point, is iM-. (laughter and applause). _.. " A stentorian voice from from the rear: &»• down there, will yez; I can't see the speaKer.. (Laughter). Mr Garrett concluded by stating that tne slaughterhouse was in the boundaries of tfl» proposed Borough, and it was sure to be fl question of litigation with the City Council A Voice: Sing it .'laughter, amidst which Mr Garrett retired). In order to bring the matter to a satisfactory conclusion. Dr Wallis moved, and Mr Barnes j seconded, " That this meeting approves of tne ! Karangahapa and as many neighbouring higfr way districts as may agree beinf formed into a borough, and that the trustees of the Karanga hape district be requested to carry out tnu resolution." ~ Dr Wallis said this should settle the matter without further " specification." . A ratepayer (from behind): Spell it (luugnier;. Mr Jeune said the trustees had gone from their duty in sending the petition. They nan sold their birthright. A ratepayer: Its a d d lie (leughter). Mr McCaba, a gentlemnn in a rather od fuscated condition, here stated his desire ro address tha meeting, and staggered to t?B platform. He mado a polite bow to the chair man, and commenced by saying he wasnorooi. (This was repeated several times. un^. *?, ratepayers began to entertain serious doubts »» to the truth of his statement). He wanted to know why he could not get a road, wnen Morrison could (laughter). This was his first appearance on the stage (laughter), and he was not ashamed (roars of laughter). ~ The speaker hero commenced to hamnior trie table with his fists, which he caused top&'» very close to Mr VVarren's nose very frequently. The Chairman expostulated, and after muen trouble and a great deal of smusement, he waa • induced to leave the platform. fl ■■. The Chairman put the motion and the amena mont to the meeting, the motion being carnea by 28 to 26. ,„,, A motion moved by Mr Nesbutt, and seconded by Mr H. V. Watts, was agreed to. B read as follows:—"That a oounter petition to that ion warded to tho Government shpuld be P*ePal°(: and forwarded to the Government, andtn» Messrs Cherry. Garrett, Stainea, White, Wuaw and the mover be appointed alteommitteo io



INSURANCE \j COMPANY. The SHARE LIST • will -foe CLOSED ■on TUESDAY next, 4th June.' Until then applica tion for Shares can bo made at any of the Branches of the' Bank of NevV Zealand through out the Province. The undersigned is. also 'prepared to aeeop Firs or Marine Business. GEO. S;: GRAHAM, General Manager. Temporary Offices: HOBSON'S BUILDINGS. SPECIAL NOTIC E. ■In addition to our Usual Large Assortment of GENERAL HOUS3HOLD FURNITURE, We are Now Showing the following.GOODS, Just Landed, ex ' Aikshaw' :— WALNUT DRAWING-ROOM-SUITES, in Silk MARBLE-TOP WASHSTANDS CHIMNEY-GLASSES, Gilt, Very Handsome Patterns CHIMNBY-GLASSES, in Walnutiand Maple Frames ■ CANE-SEATED CHAIRS, VariouerPatternß TOILBT-Ci-L ASSES, Great Variety. T. & H. Cooks, /•n&'RNITURE, CARPET. AND FLOOEfcOLOTH SHOW-ROOMS: 67, QUKEN-STREET. Steam Cabinet Factory -. VICTORIA-STiKEET. TTISSOLUTIO.N OF PARTNERSHIP Wo have Opened several Cases of jBLAOK AND COLOURED SIL.KS, Purchased at Very Low Prices in this Home Markets. tHE COLOURED SILKS Cemprise all the Nkwkst Shades. , THE BLACK SILKS Wii/L bej Sold at 2s. 11d. pkr Yard, en Ordbe to Clear. IMMENSE QUANTITIES OF DRESS GOODS Witc be Bbouguit Forward at ffOB Pricks. GREAT BARGAINS ! WILL BE OIVEN DURING THE WEEK ! J. COSGEAVJfi & CO., MERCHANTS AND IMPORTERS, QUE EN-STREET. AUCKLAND. Clearing Out Sale. Previous to making ALTERATIONS for the SPRING, to meet my Increasing Trade, I am now offering the WHOLE of my New and Well-assorted STOCK of— French Merinos '*""* ="' Flowers Satin Cloths Feathers Serge Cloths '^T Straw Hats Winceys Calicos and 4 ]P. a 1 cas \T Sheetings J ?i al 1 O Blankets and Shawls -^ Quilts Waterproof [ qq j Flannels Cloaks g Crimean Shirt- Sijk Velvetd bp- g . VSroteens H^ Re £l crochet •FeltSiurts M Antimacasiers -j?ell Costumes £ Hollands and ■Umbrellas Diapers Collars & Cuffs \~\ ■a ■ White shirts Ribbons and *H H Crimean Shirts Scarfs j^q £ Men's Vests and Muslin Work Pants D^ess Buttons <~) g Printed Mole Wool Fringes ft Trousers Fancy Wool L^ Collars & Scarfs Goods Beltsandßraces Hosiery • . waterproof Berlin Wool r^. Tweeds Goods irH Blue Diagonal Underclothing _J Clotha Stays Jti ' * ALL AT AND UNDER COST PRICK, TO PTECT A BPEEPY CLEARANCE.



Gazette in Bankruptcy. IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW ZEALAND, NORTHERN DISTRICT. IN BANKRUPTCY. In the matter of the " Debtors and Creditors Act. 1876," and of the Bankruptcy of Joseph Penman, a Debtor. This is to notify that Joseph Penman, of Pan mure, near Auckland, Carpenter, a debtor, has , this day filed a statement that he is unable to meet his engagements with his Creditors. The ; First Meeting <of Creditors to be held at the ■ Supreme Court Buildings, Auckland, on FRI DAY, the 7th day of June, 1878, at the homr<o£ 11 o'clock in. the forenoon. I Dated tbb Ist day rf^™^^. ' Deputy Registrar. Joseph Penman, debtor in person. IN" THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW 'ZEALAND. NORTHERN DISTRICT. IN BANKRUPTCY. \ In the matter'sf "The Debtors and Credit off Act, 1876,"? and of the Bankruptcy fit Alexander Barb, of Wakefiold-stree'fc, in the -City of Auckland, in the Provin cial District of Auckland, in the Colony of New Zealand, Hoteikeeper, a debtor. This is to notify that Alexander Barr, of Wakefield-street, in the City of Auckland, Now Zealand, Hotelkeeper, has this day filed a State ment thattie is unable to meet his engagements •with his Creditors. The first meeting of Credi tors to beheld at the supreme Court Buildings, Auckland, on FRIDAY, the 17th day of June, 1878, at «he hour of 12 o'clock noon. Dated this Ist day of June, 1878. H. WILLIAMSON, Deputy Registrar. C. B. Madden, Debtors' Solicitor, High-street, Auckland. A MAGNIFICENT STOCK ■OF NKW AUTUMN AND WINTER D■» E S S MATE ;R AL S Just Opened. EL Atkins Invites attention to his Stock of New Dress Materials, Ladies Jackets, Ulsters, Black and Coloured Silks, Velvets, Volye teens, &c, suitable for tho coming Season. Now on View. Splen did Colours in New Silk Reps, Wool Reps, Wool Poplinettos, Satin Cloths, Wool Serges/I willed Carmelites, Estamane Serges, French Merinos, Winseys, and Fancy Dress Goods. All splendid value. All tho new shades pro curable in Stock. The selection this season is the largest and best ever shewn in the city. Good quality Black Silk at 3s lid por yard. All the new shades in Coloured Silks. Also Good Cheap Blankets, Quilts, Shootings, Table Linen, -Flannels, Calicos, ana Mancheoter Goods. IN THE CLOTHING DEPART M;E N T New Tweed Suits. Coats, Trou sers and Vests suitable for all classes. A large Stock of Boy'a and Youth's Tweed Suits, in our own make and imported. An immense stock of New Tweods in Bannockburn, Mosgiel, Scotch, West of England, &c. Tailors can select from the largest stock in Auckland at Wholesale Prices. Cheap Tweeds suitable for Boy's wear. Good Quality Guaranteed, and Prices Lowest in Auckland^-for; A'1»l Descriptions of Drapery and Clothing. ear H. ATKI N s.we NION INSURANCE COMPANY OK NEW ZEALAND. C 4.PITAL ™ „ £2,000,000 AUCKLAND B 11 A N C H : QO*JEN-S T R E X T, Next the Colonial Bank. 2&8.X DEPARTMENT. Insuraiic .granted on Dwelling-hcaseb Stores, Sfa<H)B, Buildings in which trade ia carried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MAKINE DEPARTMENT. Huliu of Ships-or steamers, Merchaudise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at Lowkst Current Rates. R. H. STKVENBON Manager. A_» LINABURY & VV DRESSMAKERS and MILLINERS. NEW DRESS MATERIALS. A Large Assortment of New Dress Goods or • the present Season, in every fashionable shade, Just Opened up at A. LINABURY & CO.'S. NEW WINTER COSTUMES, NHiW MANTLES, NEW ULSTERS, NEW MILLINGRY, NEW HATS A Large Assortment of Paris f'rimmed -Hats and Bonnets Just Opened up. Also, Hoeiery, Silk Ti^a, Umbrellas, Collars and Caffs, •CHoves, Chilare o Mantles and Jackets. A&so, A LARGE STOCK OF NOVELTIES, Which are Cheap, and will have quick sale. tar Look jn at "«*> A, LINABURY & CO,' S, 201 &206, QUEKN-STRIfIET, Auckland. YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, WELLESLEY-STREET. WINTER COURSE OF LECTURES, 1878. 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