SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

m-cTTAVATirp f This Afternoon, 1.51 HI_H WATICU— -) To _ morrovi . Morning, 2.29

SUN SET.— Thin Evening-. 5 53 SUN PISE.—To-morrow J'ornin-. 6.14 MOON'S AGE.-New moon. 3rd,8.53 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Stella, G.G. s.s.. from Lyttelton (in the Manukau) Hawea, s.s., from Russeir

DEPARTURES.

A-Tgyle, s.s.. Step. en3on, for Wangarei and Mangapai Acadia, schooner, for Napier and Kennedy Bay Onward, schooner, for Lyttelton, via Thames

IMPORTS.

Per Hawea, from Russell: .220 tons coal, 27 bags gum.l

Per Christina, for Napier: 70 tons railway iron. 50.000 shingles. 11 tons doors and sashes, 12,000 feet sawn limber.

Entered Inwards.—Mary Ann, cutter, from Omaha, with 20 tons firewood, 17 kauri logs, 7,000 shingles. 1.3-50 palings: Lake Erie, targe, from Orcn-a. with 6.000 feet junk, 6,000 feet ships' planks 21-COQ shingles, 500 posts and Tails, and 1,000 palings. Cleared Outwards. —Mercury, cutter, for Tairua, with 2 tons flour, J ton sugar. 16 casks cement, 20 baas chaff. 6 bags bran, 2 bags oats; Mary Ann, cutter, for Mahurangi, in ballast; Teviot, cutter, for Porter's Creek, with 120 sheep,. 1 trough, a qu^n i y of hurdles, and 2 dripping; Lake Erie, barge, for Orewa, in ballast. . The bri_ar*ine Rvno, from the Islands, is row due, and she may be expected to put in an appearanc t any moment. The s.s. Hawea arrived this morning from Russell, with a large quantity of coal and the ..lowing passengers:—Mr and Mrs Simcox, three children and servant, Rev and Mrs Rouse ar.d family of 9. Mr and Mrs Williams, Miss Hadfield, Mrs Cheeseman, Me33rs Irving and Middleton. HThe schooner Onward Captain Rae, sailed this afternoon for the Thames,: where she jis to load with timber for Lyttelton. The schooner Acadia, sailed to-day for Napier via Kennedy's Bay. She is to load at the latter place with a quantity of timber. The topsail schooner which was signalled yesterday, turned out to be the Golden Isle, from Russell, with coal.

The s.s. Pretty Jane maybe expected to arrive in harbour to-nicrht or to-morrow from Napier. She is advertised to leave again on Friday afternoon. The General Government s.s. Stella, arrived in the Manukaujfrom Lyttelton this morning._J The brigantine Oceola has arrived aL New cas^e from this port. Certain repairs to the schooner Nymphe have just been completed at Messrs Niccol's yard. North Shore. Shs is advertised to leave for Levuka on Monday next, and will therefore commence loading at once. The s.s. Argyle. Captain Stephenson, sailed last evening for Wangarei and Mangapai, with a cargo of sundries and the following pas sengers : Miss Robertson, Mrs Bedlington, Messrs Lambert, McKay, Salmon, Blake, Goldwater, Parsons, Fu?silwhite. Gunson, and Thomas.

The brigantine Linda Weber left Lyttelton for Auckland yesterday with a cargo of The Hero left Sydney for Auckland at 8 o'clock yesterday evenine. _JThe schooner Christina Captain Edwards, c* eared at the Customs this afternoon for Napier, with a cargo of timber and rail way iron, and will sail thi3 evening.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

■Waitara. this day. The p.s. Hauraki left last evening for the Manukau, with cargo and several passengers. Tauranga, this day. The ss. Rowena arrived from Auckland yes terday afternoon

Gisborne, this day. The s.s. Go-ahead left for Auckland at 11.30 a.m. to-day.

Wangaret, this day. The s.s. Argyle arrived from Auckland this afternoon.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails wh.t. Close as Under .-

For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to morrow at 9.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. Fdr Coromandel, per Durham, to-morrow, at 11.30 a.m.; and for Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyle, on Friday next, at 2.30 p.m. For Waiwera, Warkworth, and Te Arai, per Annie Milbank, to.morrow, at 10 a.m. For Tauranga. Gisborne, Naper, Southern Provinces, per Hawea, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 2 p.m. Late letters, till 3.20 p.m. For Whitianga. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Friday next, at 4 p.m. For Napier, per Pretty Jane, on Friday next,

at 4 p.m. For Norfolk Island, per Southern Cross, on

Monday, Ist April, at 9 a.m. Per s.s. Ta,aroa, on Tuesday, 2nd April, as follows :— _ . For India, China, Mediterranean Porta, and Continent of Europe, at 5 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Aus tralian Colonies, United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially ad dressed), and via Brindisi. at 5 a.m. For money orders and registered letters, the previous evening at 4 o'clock. For Australian Colonies, per Rotorna, on Tues day, 2nd April, at 1 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at noon. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne, till 1.20 p.m. Per s.s. City of Sydney, on Tuesday, April 2nd' as follows :— For Sandwich Inlands, United States of 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 bearing an extra fee of sixpence in addition to the post age will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

WILLIAMS.—On March 27th, at the Wesieyan Parsonage. Grafton Road, the wife of the Rev. W. J. Williams of a son.

ROGEHS.—On the 23rd March, at her residence, Lincoln-street, Ponsonby. the wife of H. E. Rogers of a daughter. DAVIDSON.—On the 17th March, at hor resi dence, "Victoria-street, the wife of A. J. Davidson of a daughter. — Sydney paper 3 please copy.

DEATH.

KEAN.—On the 27th March, 1878, at hor parents residence, corner of Wellesley and Albert streets, Mary Ethel, youngest daughter of William and Sarah Emily Kean, jun., aged 10 months.

The funeral will leave at 4 o'clock p.m. on Friday next. Friends will please accept this invitation. MORGAN.—On the 23rd March, 1878, at Peach Grove. Mahurangi Heads, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fredk. Morgan, aged 5 weeks.

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 1878.

S <___•> c—_e that __-_B_t_—:«, Ate wreug that sec—i ies__i—» its _tore Is t_» <____ci, A__ tfca z—»_ «_» •» «X» *•

If members of the Waste Lands Board have any respect for their own peace of mind they will do their utmost to open a block of land on deferred payments in the Upper Thames district without loss of time. Not, perhaps, that this will allay the fever for agitation which appears to be chronic with our goldfields neighbours, but it will, at anyrate, liberate their surplus energies for new and more profitable efforts. It is a fixed idea with the people of the Thames that if they only had something which they do not at the moment posspss, their happiness and prosperity would be assured. Time was when the opening of Ohiuemuri was their heart's de sire ; with possession, however, affection waned, and the good people of Grahams town began to look for some other royal road to wealth and contentment. The next thing in that direction, if we remember aright, was agricultural leases on the goldfield, but these have proved a comparative failure. At other times it has been a water supply ; then the Thames Valley railway ; the preservation of the hig pump; once, the Provincial Government was the bete noire of the Thames ; now County Councils and the Big Pump are objects of virtuous indignation, and tbe crowded public meeting held at the Academy of Music on Monday night, for the advertised purpose of obtain ing " lands for the people," included pump, County Council, borough, gold duty, and Waste Lands Board in a general condemna tion. We do not say that the selection of objects of attack on this occasion was otherwise than a judicious one. It has the recommendation of being free from that cry of " Give, give !" which has made Thames meetings and the incessant Thamesdeputationisingsomewhatnotorious. The demand for the opening of suitable blocks of land for small settlers is so reason able, and, at the same time, one which might be so readily satisfied—if the proper authorities went seriously to work—that we most cordially endorse the action of the meet ing, and recommend the people, to worry everyone who can assist in the attainment of the object until the request is granted, if only because of the inconvenience and persistence of the importunity. We are just a little doubtful whether, if the land were opened to-morrow, a dozen bona fide small settlers from the Thames would take advantage of it. And for this reason the opposition to a largo special settement scheme such as that arranged for under the Broomhall purchase, is short-sighted. "Land for the people" is a sound cry, no doubt, but we also want people for the land. A i far as the permanent prosperity of the Thames is concerned, the main object to be gained is agricultural settlement; and every addition to the popu lation with that object should be cordially welcomed. It is true—and on that account those who are perpetually agitating this question have a good case—the children of the household must not Avant bread while a feast is prepared for strangers. When the Aroha block was sold to Mr Broomhall it was distinctly stated that there were other lands equally good in the same district ready for Thames settlers. If, in reality, there is no other land which can be made available, the sale of so large a block to Mr Broomhall was unjustifiable. We believe, however, that there is no lack of good land in the Upper Thames district, which the Government might open to settlement if they went about the task in the right way; and we likewise believe that if the Aroha lands had been opened for purchase in the ordinary course, they would have fallen into gthe hands of speculators without any conditions securing the location of an agricultural population. We believ* that the Broomhall purchase is entirely in keeping with that policy which should guide the Thames people in their agitalion for the opening and settlement of the Upper Thames lands. To ensure the permanent prosperity of the Goldfields Township a steady influx of agricultural settlers to occupy the lands along the Thames Valley is indispcnsible, and no amount of agitation, with 'that object con stantly in view, will be ill-timed or mis directed.

REGISTER! REGISTER!

Saturday next is the last day upon which claims.to be placed on the electoral rolls for the ensuing year can be registered. It is on the cards that'a dissolution may tak) place next session, and consequently a

general election. Therefore, every man who is entitled to vote should get his name placed on the roll. Every householder, who, for six months, has occupied a tene ment of an annual value of £10 (4s a week) if iv the city, or £5 (2s a week) if outside the city, is entitled to be placed on the electoral: oil of his district. Every owner of a freehold, value £50, or a leasehold with three years to run, value £10, is likewise qualified. Every adult male who has been resident for twelve months in one lodgings, occupvingaccommodation of a value not less than £10 annually, is also entitled to vote for the electoral district in which his resi dence is situated. Forms of registration may be obtained at the Star Office.

Thanks to the notice which appeared in our columns last night, the young man who carried the portmanteau to the Albert Hotel for Mrs Warren has communicated with the police. He states that he met the lady near the Supreme Court, aud that she asked him where she could get a cab. Upon his telling her that she would have to go to Queen-street for it, she begged him to get her a boy to carry the portmanteau. See ing she was in difficulties, he very kindly offered to take it himself, and according to her instructions, left it at the Albert Hotel. There seems to be very little doubt that Mrs Warren was uot married to the man with whom she travelled. On board the steamer they were entered as man aud wife, but at a boarding-house here, he introduced her as his sister travelling to see '.he country. The police consider that the robbery was very well planned, and would certainly have es caped detection had the wall-paper of the bedroom caught lire properly.

" Kitty Bacon" think* that Mr Green has not fully answered her objections ; he does not say a word in his letter about the obnoxious petition, but confines his remarks entirely to cabbage. With reference to the "casual producer," she assures the Gardeners' Society that her husband, with her assistance, can shew fine cabbages all the year round, and that she never was in a " fog" since she left Battersea. Commissioners from the Navigators Islands have arrived at Berlin for the pur pose of concluding a treaty with Germany ; and it is alleged that a German subject, Colonel Steinberger, now at New York, is drawing up a claim against England for £400,000 damages on the ground that a British man-of-war forcibly removed him from those isles, where he occupied the posi tion of Prime Minister.

The members of the Tradesmen's Athletic Club met last evening in the club-room at the Charlemont Hotel. Mr Shepherd in the chair. The meeting was called for the purpose of determining the next day of sports at Elierslie, and fixing the evening of a concert aud ball. Mr O'Hare moved, in respect of the sports, '' That a three mile handicap steeplechase take place on the Gth proximo, entrance fees to be paid in advance on the 30th inst." Seconded by Mr W. Mettam, and carried. Messrs Shepherd, Ellis, and Adams, were then appointed handicapper- ; the first prize to be £2 10s, and fcthe second, £1. It was furtlier resolved that a series of sports be held on the 24th May under the auspices of the Club. Mr O'Hare introduced the subject of footbill, which, despite the notions of old-fashioned people, was a fas-ionable and gentlemanly game, and, owing to its physical advantages to man kind, ought to be patronised. He would move that a football team be formed in convection with the Club. Mr Katterns seconded, and it was carried. The follow ing members entered their names for the formation of a football team: —Messrs Shepherd, Katterns, R. Brennan, W. Mettam, R. Martin, J. Martin, J. Davis, H. Palmer, Webb, Good, E. O'Hare, J. Hendry, R. Ellis, W. Adams, W. Sindon, F. Ellis, J. O'Leary, J. Phillips, R. Hume, and J. Poulter. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the meeting to a close.

The anniversary tea-meeting in connec tion with the Parnell Wesieyan Sunday School was held last evening in the Manukau Road, and waslargelyattended. The trays were supplied by the ladies, and after tea the Rev. William Kirk filled the Chair. The repoit, read by Mr Hughes, Bhewed that the names of 70 children were on the books,- who receivedreligiousteachingunder a number of regular teachers. The report was of a satisfactory character. Several pleasing addresses were given, and a number of hymns sung by the choir, under the direction of Mr Ryan.

A deputation of Parnell butchers waited upon the Hon. the Native Minister yester day, with the view of ascertainfng whether the Government, upon certain conditions, would consent to keep the Newmarket slaughter-house open daily after the 31st inst. The Hon. Mr Sheehan said he could not interfere, as the question was in the hands of the Hon. Colonel Whilmore for determination. A thorough inspection undertaken by the Colonial Secretary would be made by an independent person who would report upon the same ; but he (Mr Sheehan) could not anticipate the action of the Colonial Secretary after receiving such a report. The usual monthly assembly of young persons will take place this evening in the Cook-street Hall. Dancing will commence at eight o'clock, under the direction of Mr Donald.

A pair of beautiful mother-of-pearl pictures, elegantly framed, in the shop of Mr Hatswell, of Princes-street, are attract ing much attention, especially by gaslight, aa their sparklings are very effective. The pictures were received direct from England, and represent Regent-street, London ; and the new theatre of Paris.

The quarterly meeting of the Grand Lodge of the Loyal Orange Institution will be held in the Newton Protestant Hall, on the 2nd day of April. Mr Winks has been appointed chairman, and Mr Robinson, secretary, of the Parnell school committee.

Rev. J. S. Hudson, of Warkworth,.de livered a lecture last evening in the Devon port Hall, North Shora, on " our Identity with the lost Ten Tribes of Israel," but the audianee was not numerous. Mr Joseph Glenny briefly introduced the lecturer. Mr Hudson shewed that he had diligently searched the scriptures for tho basis of his theory as to the Lost Tribes.

The "Glasgow Herald" recently pub lished extensive returns of the Clyde ship building trade, which shews a decided falling off in the number of vessels. There were put into the water during the year by the 35 firms carrying on business from Glasgow to Greenock 219 vessels, repre senting an aggregate tonnage of 169,710 tons. The bearing and relation of these figures -will be best seen on examination of the following table of work in previous years:—

With reference to the gold prospecting party at Napier, the " Hawke's Bay Herald " learns that in 1873 the Auckland Provincial Government received a letter from a Mr Osborne in Gisborne stating that he forwarded therewith a box of auriferous specimens taken from some spot, the whereabouts of which of course he did not divulge, between Gisborne and the East Cape, and claiming the Provincial bonus. The specimens did not arrive along with the letter, and the authorities were awaiting their arrival before answering him. when Mr Osborne himself made his appearance. On learning how matters stood, he said he would go back and fill a second box with specimens, and send it in place of the one that had gone missing. He returned to Poverty Bay with the intention of doing so. Unhappily, the next thing that was heard of him was that he was drowned in cross ing the Big River. The Senior Wrangler for 1878 is Ernest Wm. Hobson, son of W. Hobson, Esq., of the " Derbyshire Advertiser." He was educated at the Grammar School, Derby, and belongs to Christ's College, Cambridge.

The review of the Waikato Cavalry too place yesterday morning at 11 o'clock in Mr I Fantham's paddock, in the presence of His j Excellency the Governor and a large num ber of settlers, including many ladies on horseback. His Excellency having inspected the cavalry and witnessed their various exercises, complimented the troopers upon their activity and appearance, and expressed his belief that should their services be required they would be found ready to serve their country. Col. Whitmore also addressed them in a similar strain ; Major Jackson then gave an account of the cavalry, with which his Excellency was well pleased. Major Jackson said that the Waikato Cavalry could muster 131 men, and some of them had ridden 25.miles that morning in order to be present at the review. The following were the officers in command : — Colonel Lyon (district), Major Jackson (volunteers), Captain Runciman (Cambridge Troop), Lieutenants Rutherford and Weatherdale (Te Awamtitu Troops), Lieut. F. A. Whitaker (Hamilton Contingent), who acted as aide-de-camp to Col. Whitmore. The preliminary drill was conducted by Sergeant-Major Eraser. At the cloae of the review, the Governor and party started for Cambridge, and on arrival- they took luncheon with Col. Lyon, and subsequently left for the rural disirict of Te Awamutu.

The recent disgraceful proceedings in Hyde Park, Sydney, where Mr Allen, a Baptist minister, held forth on Sunday afternoons against the Roman Catholic reli gion, has caused a great deal of excitement iv Sydney. On the first occasion it is estimated" that there could not have been less than 5,000 persons present. The ser vice, as usual, was commenced with sing ing and prayer, but shortly after the sermon began, two men stepped forward, and claimed the ground upon which the speaker was standing. A general tumult ensued, and branches of trees were broken off as weapons, although they were not used. Mr Allen's supporters formed a sort of cordon round him, but the aggressors, who appeared to be in the majority, made a terrific rush, driving them to Castlcreagh-street, whe c the rev. gentleman resides. He reached his residence in safety, and the mob then dis persed. The "Sydney Morning Herald," speaking on the subject, says : "It appears that for some time past Mr Allen has been in the habit of using somewhat violent language when referring to the Roman Catholic religion, and such as to deeply wound the susceptibilities of those profes. sing that faith ; indeed, it is stated that hio sermons in the Park are generally calculated to arouse bitter feelings in those differing from him in religious belief, as they are especially directed against the doctrines of the Romish Church. It is feared that if Mr Allen continues to preach there, using immoderate language, other and perhaps more serious demonstrations will be made."

The County Council at the Thames, so often quoted as a proof of the admirable character of the new institutions, does not seem to have given such universal satisfac tion to the people governed. At a crowded public meeting, in the Academy of Music, Grabamstown, on Monday night, Mr Comes moved, "That, in the opinion of this meeting, the Borough and County Councils have been unnecessarily expend ing public money, and that fuller accounts should be published for the information of ratepayers." He said what he wished to ascertain was the number of foremen of works or bosses on the roads being made, and whether it was necessary that two or three or four County Councillors should accompany the Engineer everywhere at a guinea a day each. He should like to see a return of aU moneys received by Councillors. When the County system was introduced it was to lift us up to heaven almost. ADd what did he see ? A number of men who had never taken their coats oft" since they came to the field. The system of contracts in the County was this : If he tendered for a contract which, by the specifications, re quired the removal of 18 inches, say, of soil, he found that the successful man only re moved two. He didn't think it fair play. He simply wished for further accounts. —After some discussion the resolution was carried.

Another wonderful instance of animal sagacity might have been witnessed in Queen-street yesterday afternoon. A man, who was so drunk that he could scarcely stand, had hold of his faithful cart-horse by the tail. The sagacious animal, although, no doubt, suffering some inconvenience, was last seen piloting his master slowly, but safely along. " I've got a new machine," said a Yankee pedlar, "for picking bones out of fishes. Now I tell you, it's a leetle bit the darndest thing you ever did see. All you have to do is to set it on a table, turn a crank, and the fish flies rite down your throat, and the bones rite under the grate. Well, there was a countiy ' greenhorn' got hold of it the other day, and he turned the crank the wrong way ; and I tell you the way the bones flew down his throat was awful. It stuck the feller so full of bones that he couldn't get his shirt off for a whole week."

The anniversary soiree of the Ponsonby Wesleyans took place in the chapel on Thursday last. Speeches were made by Messrs Thorne (in the chair), Gittos, and Kirk; and the annual report was read by Mr Banbury. The financial position of the society appears to be satisfactory. The annual collections have produced £112 17s Id, and the seat rents bring in £32 5s 6i To the poor fund £3 8s Id had been contributed, and the Home Mission received £2 8s ; the balance in hand is £7 5s 2. A Sunday school has been added to the chapel, and is proving very successful.

The regular communication of the Dis trict Masonic Grand Lodge, E.C., was held in the Masonic Hotel last evening, Bro. G. S. Graham, R. W.D. G. M., presiding. The officers wore the new Grand Lodge regalia. The busi ness consisted in the adoption of by-laws and standing ordera for the conduct of the business of the Grand Lodge.

To tne Editor: Sir,—Will you kindly correct a mistake which this morning appeared in your contemporary the " Herald." Speaking of the last Russian war, in the leader, the writer says :—" It was in March, 1853, the advent of spring, that we declared war," &c., &c. War was declared by Great Britain against Russia on March 28, 1854. These remarks are very misleading to the public, especially at a time like this.—Yours obediently, CHAS. B. Andkeav, Carlton Academy.

M. Tehrmann, a German, has just invented an apparatus which he calls " Pferdeschones. It'is for the purpose of diminishing the fatigue of horses in drawing vehicles, and also to avoid the chances of breaking the shafts and braces. It con sists of a number of India-rubber rings, separated from each other by iron rundles or washers, contained in a cylindrical case, with a metallic rod fixed to the last rundle and passing through the whole. When the animal pulls, that rod compresses the caoutchouc, and the weight comes gradually down on the horse's shoulders. The length of the apparatus is about Ift, and two are required for each horse. They are inter posed between the trac3S and trace hooks, thus forming an elastic pad between the animal and the weight to be drawn. The initial effort required of the animal is less, aud then it progresses gradually. The German Government considered this invention of sufficient im portance to order it to be tested by official experiments. The resultsshewed that with the apparatus, the iuitial effort was only one-third of that without it; and that afterwards the strain of the horse was re duced by some 15 per cent. These results were solely for animals walking; in trotting, the initial effort Avas reduced by one-half, and the subsequent relief nearly as much as in the former case.

The following are the scores of the Rapidity Match which took place yesterday afternoon -.—Vol. Payne, 21 shots, 66 points; Corpl. Duff, 22 shots, 57 points; Vol.. Taylor, 17 shots, 55 points ; Corpl. Cooper, 22shots, 42 points: GunneiSalmon, 25 shots, 33 poiuts.

A meetingof the Ladies' Christian Associa tion will be held to-morrow afternoon at 3.30 at the Young Men's Rooms. We understand Dr. Somerville has succeeded in establishing a similar Ladies' Association in Wellington.

We are glad to learn that a handsome purse of sovereigns is being got up both for Captain Logan and Mr Cogswell on the completion of the hundredth voyage this trip, and subscriptions are still coming in. All who intend to shew their good feeling for two such well-known and highly-esteem ed gentlemen, should avail themselves now of the opportunity, as the presentation will be made when the Hero arrives early next week.

A sailor named Foreman, belonging to the Chasca, was arrested last evening on a charge of assulting the cook of that vessel, a man named Garner. The latter person was proceeding on his way through Vulcan Lane to the Police Court this morimig, when he fell down in a severe fit. As the man appeared to be in a dangerous condi tion, a cab was called, and he was quickly conveyed to the hospital.

An amusing incident occurred recently in the New South Whales Parliament. It appears that a Mr Campbell, editor and proprietor of a lively little publication called "The Weekly Wasp," applied to the Speaker of the House of Representa tives for a seat in the Press gallery. He was informed that there was no room, as the gallery was already overcrowded, but he could have a seat behind the Speaker's chair. He appears to have considered this as an insult to the Fourth Estate, and at once rushed off to his sanctum, and wrote the following stinging reply:—"To the Honorable the Speaker : Sir, —I w-rote to you a respectful note this evening, asking you for a permanent 'free pas.s' to the reporters' gallery. You rudely kept me waiting an unreasonably long time, and I sent in a verbal message pressing for an answer. To this you made no reply. One of the attendants jeered at me by asking me if I had asked you for anything. I left disgusted both with you and him ! I shall bring your own conduct and his under the notice of the House, and expose you both by inserting in the "Wasp" a caustic leader—(laughter)—on the subject in a few days, headed, ' Tyranny and snobbery in high places.' (Renewed laughter.) lam, yours obediently, P. Campbell, proprietor and editor of the " Wasp," a weekly pub lication (of which I sent you a copy a few daysago). Pitt-st.,Sydneysth March, 1878." Mr Campbell, who it appears rejoices also in the alias of "the gospel grinder," was not brought to the bar of the House like George Jones junior, but the Speaker was authorised by the House to exclude him from the Press and Speakers' GaUery, so that the " Wasp" will have to sharpen its literary sting in the Strangers' gallery.

A deputation from the Waitemata County Council interviewed the Native Minister (the Hon. J. Sheehan) yesterday, with the object of prevailing upon the Government to take some steps to prevent the infection by scab of flocks of sheep north of Auckland. Mr Sheehan replied that Mr Lewis was at present engaged at the Bay of Islands re porting on the extent to which the infection had taken place. The Government would take all necessary steps in the matter.

A Kumara telegram states that great preparations are being made by the Roman Catholics for Father Hennebery's proces sion to-morrow. There is some excitement in town. The police force has been in creased, and precautions have been taken to prevent any disturbance.

Mrs Fitzwilliam, whe was for many years connected with the Haymarket Theatre in London, is now traveUing through the Australasian colonies, and has reached Auckland. Whilst in Mel bourne she played a long engagement at the Academy of Music, appearing with great success as Mrs Malaprop, the Widow Crabstick ("Playing with Fire"), Mrs Prodigal (" A Bird in Hand is worth Two in the Bush "), Mrs Willonghby (" Ticket ol Leave Man "), and other parts of a like nature. It is just probable that Mrs Fitzwilliam will give a reading at the Choral Hall next week. Speaking of her Mrs Malaprop, the "Argus"says: "She made a very favourable impression. Her performance was highly meritorious, and she fully developed the exceeding humour of the character without overstepping the boundary line which separates comedy from burlesque."

March 31st falling on Sunday it will be necessary that aU city rates to be paid on or before that date should be paid on or not later than Saturday next. Every pound of rates due and unpaid on that day represents an equal loss to the Borough funds.

Yesterday at mid-day the buggy which was driven over the Manukau wharf was fished out of the water, and brought into town.

About 1 o'clock on Tuesday monrng afire occurred in Dublin-street, Newton, at the house of a man named Charles Dnckinfield. Duckinfield came home on Monday night about midnight, very tipsy. About one o'clock a next-door neighbeur, Charles Franklyn, was awakened by a strong smeU of burning, aud on going outside he noticed a glare in Duckinfield's room. On entering he found that a woollen tablecloth was on fire, and that Duckin field was drunk. With great promptitude he pulled the burning cloth oft' the table, and d ragged it into the street, where it was soon extinguished with water. The fire is supposed to have been purely accidental, and not the work of an incendiary. Duckenfield believes it originated from a pipe or match thrown down. He says he discovered the fire himself first, and went for assistance to put it out. The work of constructing the Union Sash and Door Company's new mills at Tairua is progressing favourably, and it is expected that the machinery will be taken down next week.

CABLEGRAMS.

AUSTRALIAN.

New Guinea Expedition Started.

No Trace of Survivors of Ship Merchant.

Parliaraent Decided to Open Museums on Sundays.

Victorian Crisis Ended,

(From our own Correspondent.)

SYDNEY, this day. The New Guinea expedition sailed yes terday.

There is no trace of any survivors from the ship Merchant.

The Parliament has decided to open the museums and libraries on Sundays.

The Victorian crisis has ended.

Bordeaux merchants are movingjto make the French Government pay back the liabilities of the Bank of New Caledonia.

Commercial ruin at New Caledonia con tinues. Australian traders are extensive

losers,

THE COMPROMISE AGREED TO.

[SPECIAL TO PRESS AGENCY.]

Melbourne, March 26,

In the Assembly Mr Berry moved the adjournment to Thursday. He stated he had positive assurance that the terms of a compromise which the Assembly could accept were agreed to on behalf of the Council. He gave notice, on behalf of the Council, that he would move on Thursday for a committee on the Appropriation Bill, so as to restore it to the Assembly. Tbe motion to adjourn the Assembly was carried.

WORKING MEN'S CLUB.

The Hon. the Colonial Secrf.a„ , Speech. °bCEETABY' g His Worship the Mayor having. the Hon. Colonel Whitmoo.e,ColaS ea tary, to address the meeting msUS«cre. i Colonel Whitmore rose to snoaV loud cheers. He said he haT not "*** cipated that he would be h\% f nfc 5 address the meeting, and he was nl, _i to a disadvantage iv having to foiling ** " eloquent remarks as had fallen smi"!£ a previous speakers. There was onW c -" point which appeared to have bain, Z U* looked, viz., the fact that the meJL^ the Club were following the%*lfe* age in adopting that principle of assoriJ y which, in Joint Stock CompaniesS_? °? lar joint undertakings, ensuredtheirsnS" It was by a long pull a strono- imiir " pull all together 5, .hat they woi_f L^ to overcome difficulties which were i£2? able to individual enterprise or indiSj means. When he came to this coSff fifteen or sixteen years ago, there w3 place in which the. wofking^S pass an evening in peac 2 h "t£* establishment of this Club by the _-! sent association of workmen would « medy that want. He believed that £ I class of men who would derive the ereafai 1 benefit from this institution were the vonm, men who, having attained to a- artf? degree of education, were in dancer of -A relapsing into frivolity as they entered anon manhood. Tiie restraining influence of th= elder men would keep the younger ones in the right path; while the society ef friend* and companions would lend a charm to the Club, and prevent the young and in experienced members from taking the first steps in the downward course of dissipation. He had said that association, to overcome M difficulties and promote enterprise wag in keeping with the spirit of the age ; and he might add that it was in Auckland that most of the principal joint-stock enter prises of the colony had been started. When he first came here the Bank of Kew a. Zealand was just beginning to make its first timid steps, and they knew what a great and flourishing institution it had now 1 become. The New Zealand Insurance _\ Company was started in Auckland about --A the same time; afterwards the Mercantile Loan Agency came into existence: all . being created from the associated capital of our own settlers. Auckland had always • to contend with great disadvantages, as compared with other parts of the colony. It had nothing put ready to its hand by Nature, except its harbour, and was I obliged to make its way in the face of great difficulties. The result was that Auckland, to counterbalance these draw-- ft ■ backs, exerted herself, and was always foremost in joint-stock enterprises, and in the development of new industries." He believed that as far back as 14 years.. ago Auckland ships traded to England, China, and Japan. The shipping feade j had not developed itself from this port as well as some other enterprises, but still they had much coastal shipping. But they C had now their Thames Goldfield, which was at one time"" the wonder of the whole colony, and still is a valu able field. It is astonishing that such a goldfield should have spiung np -tw all, and it never could have been developed ' but that the first miners who prospected the field continued long to work against discouragements of aU kinds, and were assisted by Auckland capitalists. Thus the Auckland people were not unacquainted || with the advantages ol association, which they had so successfully employed in many ways, and now employed to establish this . Club. As a soldier in the war of 1863, he had seen many instances of the spirit of the Auckland people; when they were called upon to serve in tbe field there was no hesitation. He believed his honourable a!■ friend the Native Minister was one of those who went into the field at that time, and the late Attorney-General was another who f undertook to defend the town. Every man upon whom the duty devolved remembered d his obligations, and the whole went forward shoulder to shoulder. War is only another kind of association in which the manybjjtf combining bring about good results _ intelligently directed. In this part of the country the people were self-reliant, and recognised the duty of associating to over come public misfortune. In providing a means of arresting dissipation and prevent ing waste of time, the Working Men's Club was doing valuable work for the country, for every day's work lost through dissipation was a public and national loss. He would conclude by thanking the Com mittee of the Working Men's Club for having invited him to be present, and bj expressing bis best wishes for the success of the institution. The Rev. C. M. Nelson said he had not anticipated that he would be asked to address the meeting, but he derived much pleasure from being present. Afterlight years' residence in the heart of the city, it must be admitted that he felt some interest in the welfare of the working men. Ec supposed that few had better opportunities of seeing what went on amongst wo-ringjT. men than one who moved as he did in their | midst. He lived in a locality where he was surrounded by working men; he would be very glad to see the Club become a success, J and he hoped to be able, as an honorary member, to come and pay them a visit from time to time. If they were to exclude religion and politics, let them as working men level, down distinctions amongst them selves. Let every honest working man who f. can pay his subscription be able to come * amongst them in the Club. Let the work- f ing man be welcome, whatever hi** • < creed. Like the other speakers, he mist j take exception to those only being consi dered working men who laboured withthar J hands. He hoped the Club would be self- I reliant, and not dependent upon outside sno- I scriptions. Of course the Club had a right I to accept some aid, and no doubt this would J be given to the utmost of what was reason- 1 able ; but they should make it really a l Working Men's Club, and depend mainlj J upon their own efforts for genuine success. ■ (Cheers.) ~ iff The above speeches have been nnaroid- ti if ably held over owing to pressure txprnoatp ,§M columns of the current matte__ ofeach^* JB but as we desired to give the fullest,, im publicity to the inaugural proceedings oi £ the Club, we have given all the speeclies & delivered on the occasion. fl

MRS DOWSER'S MANGLE " FIVE-PENCE DUE, SIR."

A gentleman in the Government emPlo?' 1. and until lately a resident in Parnell, w jm moved on Monday morning to Newmark^ m The proprietor of a Parnell mangle Mj *J, M account against this official for work fio ■ on the previous Saturday, the total anio^ m due to date being 5d sterling. As bea"^ §a upon what followed, the gentleman aw | that he has always. in common with oi" ■ Government officials, had " the fear o» F Star in his heart," which is a very P»{g [ sentiment. To his great astonishment i* mangle-lady not only sent a man to A -■, i market, to collect the money, but a ie r^ threatening to expose the Government « r cer in the Evening Star at once. o» m would let all the world *™.- « about it if he did not JfVW I fork out the money due to data & ft official friend was aghast, the sign< V | collector dunning him for the m°-? eL T , I could stand, a summcns he could . v k stood with some degree of fortitnoe, j* the mention of the mighty organ wiucn^ i| Dowser was going to set in | expose him in the eyes of the clv adft m world as a debtor, a runaway debtor, a . m prostrating effect. He trembled to tw* & |, tbe runner boys shrieking his nan V. cVC s | tbe city, and of the millions of ff&Wjtfa'- 1 devouring the old lady's proclamationi o .. || shame. He shivered as he thought m p Excellency the Governor, 1*a I dinf^ >Ye rn-' f big debt due by a servant of the v* . ment to a poor lone widow, Pl^P a,T;' r j in' first-class, mangle ; and fancied he a« ■ ■ j^ stentorian tones, the order given

EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 37, 1878.



Year. 1877 1876 1875 187_

No. of Vessels 219 229 252 195

Tonnage. 169.710 188,323 228,188 252.309 221,792



T3USHBROOK AND "ORIDGMAN, GENERAL DRAPERS. CLOTHIERS, &C, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE (Opposite .the Army nd Navy Hotel), UPPER QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. FIVE PER CENT. DISCOUNT IS. I- THE £) ALLOWED ON ALL CASH PURCHASES OF 203. AND UPWARDS. fi E A N B B_ THE AMERICAN NOVELTY COMPANY. The following articles will be sent by Mail to any part of New Zealand on receipt of £1 :— 1 Brook's Glass Cutter, Tin Opener, Knife and Scissors Sharpener 4/ 1 Banaza Fruit and vegetable, Pairing, Slicing, and Coring Knife 1/6 1 Champion Nutmeg Grater. Save your fingers .. ..1/6 1 Dish-washing and Toasting Tong .. .. 2/ 1 Smoker's Pet. Meerschaum pipe eclipsed 1/ 1 Folding Lamp Shade (Patent) 1/6 1 Indelible Tablet for Marking Linen .. 2/ 1 Little Giant Tack Hammer, drives, draws, and sets 1/6 1 Little Harry's Night Lamp 1/6 1 Magic Cork Puller, Chimney Cleaner. &c. 1/ 1 Oriental Silver Polish. Great success .. 1/ 1 Pattern Copying and Tracing Wheel .. 1/6 1 Pearl Cement. Mends everything. Save the pieces 2/ 1 Puzzle Key Ring 1/ 1 Shine-Shine Starch Polish and Chinese Washing Blue 1/ 1 Slate Pencil Sharpener and Cleaner .. /6 1 Good Templar Pen, witn J-pint of ink .. /6 Total 25/ Discount off 5/ Amount £1 AGRICULTURAL RISKS. THE NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY Is prepared to INSURE against FIRE— Agricultural Risks, Grain in Stook or Stack, and Steam Threshing Machines travelling from 4] ace U> place. IrQWrni' CURRENT RATES. HffllUY E, WILLIAMS, I



UNION INSURANCE COMPANY OP NEW ZEALAND. *P*TAL £2,000,00.. t 1 C X L A N D BRANCH Q U E E N - S T R E E T, Next the Colonial Bank. "IRE DEPARTMENT. Insuranc granted on Dwelling-houses, Store 3. Shops, B n ildings in which trade is carried on. Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at OW-ST CCRHENT 1-ATRS. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS W. J. HURST Se CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results ia thi3 district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and 1* of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify. \V. J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BELLS BONE FLOUR I and Jl-inch BONEDUST BILLYARD'S"No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are jrepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that for the last two sea sous has attracted such favourable notiGC Analysis, prices, and other particulars will bo supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101. Queen treet. Clover seeds. Clover seeds. Just to Hand, ex ' Apelt.es,' OUR FIRST SHIPMENT NEW SEASON S CLOVER SEEDS, «—.._. CONSISTING OF White Clover Timothy ) Red Clover Rape Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke Sec, Sec, Sec. Turnip AND A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seeds. also, A Shipment of American Timothy. Samples of the above Seeds will be forwarded on application. Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye Grass, Cocksfoot. Ratstail, Poas Fescues, &c. &c, from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ket rates. ___. „ __ W. J. HURST & CO., , Queen-street. A-o LINARURY & Co., DRESSMAKERS and MILLINERS. NEW DRESS MATERIALS. A Large Assortment of New Dress Goods for the present Season, in every fashionable shade, Just Opened up at A. LINARURY & CO.'S. NEW WINTER COSTUMES, NEW MANTLES, NEW ULSTERS, NEW MILLINERY. NEW HATS. A Large Assortment of Paris Trimmed Hats and Bonnets Just Opened up. Also, Hosiery, Silk Ties, Umbrellas, Collars and Cnffa, Gloves, Children's Mantles and Jackets. Also, A LARGE STOCK OF NOVELTIES, Which are Cheap, and will have quick sale. <_r Look in at "S» A. LINABURY & CO.'S, 204 &206, queen-street, Auckland. UPERIOR SAMPLES of Syd..y and New Zealand Maize, Tartarian and Potato Oats, Table Potatoes, Flour, Oatmeal, Bran, Sharps, Barley, Jhaff, Oilcake Coal, &c, &c, always on hand. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND T U S T OPENED, A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF GENTS' FANCY SCARVES, New Shapes and Colours. Also, All Sizes in GENTS' WHITE SHIRTS, Military Fronts, button behind. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER AND OUTFITTER, VTEW 7KALAUD jJOUSK, 66, QUEEN-STREET. Auckland. Industry of All Rations AT THE CITY HALL ARCADE. Light and graceful Bent Wood Furniture, Settees, Rocking, Arm and Side Chairs, Children's Chairs, from AUSTRIA. Beautifully Carved WALNUT DRAWING ROOM SUITES, direct from the Manufacturers in ITALY. Exquisitely Painted FLOWER VASES, various sizes, from BELGIUM. Superior TOILETWARE, TOILET TABLE SETS, of mediaeval and modern designs, from ENGLAND. TEXTILE FABRICS in Silk and Wool, soft, rich, and beautiful for Furniture and Curtains. SATINE CRETONNES, superior to anything imported, having Satin Finish, suitable for Drawing-rooms, from FEANCE. The Latest Designs, New Colours, and Very Handsome BRUSSELS CARPETS, and a large lot of Cheap and Good TAPESTRY Just Opened. Articles of Use and Beauty, to any design and price, from our own FURNITURE MANUFACTORY in AUCKLAND. Ladies and Gentlemen Furnishing, are invited to inspect tbe STOCK of Hollo-way, Garlick & Cran-woil, City Hall Arcade, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION. To-day's Quotations— Bank of New Zealand—Sellers, £24. . National Bank—Buyers, 723 6d; sellers. 755. National Insurance—Sellers, 32s 6d. South British Insurance—Sellers, 70s. Thames Gas—Sellers, 353. Auckland Gas—Buyers, £10. N.Z. Loan (new)—Cs?. Auckland Timber Co.—Buyers, 555. Union Sash & and Door Co.—£lo 2s 6d. Moanatairi—Selllers, 665. Tookey (tribute)—sellers, ss. Alburnia—s7s; Sellers, 575. To^atea—Sellers, 5s 9d. Kuranui Hill—Buyers, 8s 6d. Bismarck—Sellers, 8s 6d. New Zealand Insurance.— Se'lsrs, 91s. Union Insurance—Sellers, 15s. Thames Gas—Sellers, 355. JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman.



If Rheumatism assail you, or Gout, or Liver Complaint, or a general unhealthy tone, fly at once to your boat friend—" Ghollah's Great Indian Cures," the sur6st medicines known. They can be had of all chemists. Rank Poison is scarcely more injurious than are the deleterious liquors which the scamps who vend them represent to be the same or as erood as Udolpho Wot.fi. s Sciiikdam Aroma tic Schnapps. Bottles which formerly con tained this superb medicinal beverage are used by the impostors, and the genuine labels imi tated. Wo trust this caution will forearm tho public and bailie the swindlers.



COTJI-'TRY EDITIONS | PUBLISHED at 12.30 p.m. (For WAIKATO) AND AT 3.30 p.m. FTIHE TOWN EDITION of the STAR is Published at the Office at 5 o'clock. APOLOGY. BY THE PROPRIETORS OF THE "NEW ZEALAND HERALD." AUCKLAND, sth MARCH, IS7S.



On the 30th June last a telegram from Dunedin appeared in the columns of the " Herald," in re ference to Mr. Thomas Calcutt, of that city, of which he very justly complains, and calls upon us for explanation and apology. The paragraph had reference to M_. Calcutt being required to attend the Supreme Court at Dunedin to give evidence in an insolvency case. Our telegram spoke of Mr. Calcutt as being in very indigent circumstances. The word indigent was a mis take for indignant. We very much regret that the mistake should have occurred and caused Air. Calcutt annoyance or loss, as nothing was further from our intention than to cast any re flection Oa him. He consented, upon our paying £10 10s. costs incurred by him, and a donation of £50 to the funds of the Otago Benevolent Insti tution, to accept our apology, which we freely offer. [COPY.] Dunedin, March 11, 187- Received from the proprietors of the " New- Zealand Herald," Auckland (by the hands of Air. Thomas Calcutt) Fifty Pounds sterling, in aid of the funds of the Otago Benevolent Insti tution. £50. (Signed) RICHARD QUIN, Secretary Benevolent Institution.



A stupid mistake in the transcription of a telegram received by it from Dunedin has cost the "New Zealand Herald" very dear. The message contained amongst other things a re ference to some proceedings in Chambers, in which, it will be remembered, Mr. Calcutt, as trustee in a bankruptcy estate, was summoned to give evidence; and in tbe process of trans cription this part of the message nnderwent alteration in two essential particulars, which gave Mr. Calcutt great annoyance, and as he was advised, good grounds < f action. 'The " Herald" admit it was entirely to blame in the matter, and besides apologising to Mr. Calcutt, pays the law costs he has been put to, and makes a donation of £50 to the funds of the Benevolent Institution.