SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

108 WATER^M mo Ejcnlng,l^ g;(ils 1 rN SET.—ThI3 Evening, 4.-G UN RISK.—To-Morrow Morning. 7.11 MOON'S AGE,-Ncw Moon, Sth, 9.31 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Queen. echooner, Jones, fro2l Hokianga

TO-DAY. Waitaki, s.s.. Edie. from .Vhangaroi . Argyle, s.s. Crawford, from Whaugarci

DEPARTURES.

TO-DAY

Waitaki, s.s., Edio, for Russell Seabird. brissntine, Smith, for Hokianga Opotiki, schooner, Colling*, forTairua Argyle, s.s., Crawford, for Whangarei James A. Stewart, brigantine, McLo'.lan for Sydney

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Now Plymouth ana South—Wanaka, Tuesday; Rangatlra, Monday London-City of Quebec, loading; Loch Deo to

follow Sydnoy—Ringnrooma, Tuesday Gisborno, Southern Ports and Melbourne— Arawata, Thursday ... . Tauranga — Gle_elg, Wednesday ; Waitaki,

Tuesday , _ ~ Whangarci—Argylo, Tuesdays and F-idays Waitaki, Thursday Ru3soll—lona. every Monday; Waitiki, Frld ay

Ringarooma, Tuesday Timaru—John Bull

Dunedin—Defiance, Saturday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Ringarooroa, s.s , from tho South, Tuesday Mary Ann Annison, borquo (H.L.R.D.), from

Adelaido Fairlie, three-mastsd schooner (H.F..V ,T.), from

Adelaide Seagail, brigantine, from 1 yttelton Meg Merriliea, brigantine (-.R.G.L.), from

Levuka _ ~ . Sam Mendßl,shlp,(P.V.S.R.)from London; sailed

March 13th _ , Fameuotb, ship, from London; sailed April 1/ Camille, brig, liom Now York; sailed Feb. 21 Loch Doon, Darque, (u.H.G.V.) from Loi.don

sailed Apri! 22 Chile,barque, (K.H.N.Y.) from London; Match

Cabarfeidh, barq. o (3.Q.M.J.), from Hongkong Ocean Itanaer, barqueutiue, (W.T.N.V.J from

New York Scottish Lassie, barque, (R8L..1) from London ;

loading Langstonu, Shi., (JftDM)jf_-jru London; loading Marmion, topsail schoomr. Irotti Dunedin Eliza Mary, brigantine, from 'i'linaru Darcy Prutt, bn_ant.no, from Dunedin Gelffln, schooner, from Lytt.lton L->ongana, barque, from Hobart Town Clansman, from Melbourne, tailed Lapwing, brigantine, from 1 imaru Boreali3, brigantino. from Levuka Island Lily, brigantine, from Levuka Myrtle, brigantino, from Tonga Active, brigant.no (S.K.F.N ) from fairoi Rile Brandon, schooner from Line Islands GFael, schooner (3.R.G.8 ), from Samoa Transit.schooner, from Tahiti Sybil, schooner, from Tahiti Ovalau, schooner, from tho Islands. Da'ys'pring, mission schooner (vV.r..8.3L), from . the Islands Falcon, schooner (W.L.H.8.), fro:n tho Islands Marion, schooner, from Norfolk Island. Corohot, fcbooncr. from Jlarshall Group. Agnes Donald, schooner, iVora Rarotocga Caledonia, schooeer, from Tonga Kate McGregor, schooner, from Timaru Kono, schooner, from Lovuka Ryno, brigantine (\V.L.G.V.).from the Islands M-izepp'i, scho-nc, from Rarotouga Wild Wave, brig, from Newcastle Poarl, ketch, from New Caledonia T-ook Out, brigantine. from Sydney Flirt, bngantinn (W.L.G.P.).from Levi ka Ada C. Owen, brigantine, from Lyttelton Saxon, schooner, from Lyttelton Pirato, Echooner, fom Tahiti Waiwera, schconer, from Aitut'ki

Inwards Co*siwia~.—Fanny Kelly, from AVhangaroa, with 29,fOC:'eet timbor; Perseve mncF\ from Wniheke. with 2oJ bushels shinglo ; IMaiy Ann, from Mahurangi, with Goo bushels limo and'-S3 fe?t totara piles; Oueen, from Hokianga, with U tons kiUiigum 1, piles, andlS hides.

Outwards Coastwise.—Defiance, for Wha ngaroa. with 40 bags oals; ."• aucy Kate, for Russell; Golden Isle, for liusseli ; Keliance, for Whangapoua; Perseverance, for Waiheke; Mary Ann, for Mahurangi, witr. 300 feet timber; James A. Stewart, for vvhangaroa.

The s.B. Glencl.'. will arrive from Tauranga to morrow mornitg. She returns agiia en Mon day next.

The schooner Saxcn, wiih a cargo of d^orsand Bns.es, arrived at Lyttelton from thi3 port ye3torday.

Tho s.s. lona wi. prrive to-morrow morning from Russell andNorchern ports, tho returns on Monday next.

The schoonor Kato McGregor arrived at Timaru from Wbangapou-i ye.terday, after a three weeks' passage.

Tbo topsail schooner Marmion left Dunedin for this port with a cargo of breadstuff j yester day.

The barque Stag arrived at Wellington from Hokiangi with a cargo of timber yesterday.

The brigantino Seabird sailed to -day for Hokianga, where sho will load with timber for Lyttelton.

The barque Wentworth sailed from Lyttelton (or Kaipara yesterday.

The brigantino Darcy Pratt is on the berth at Dunedin for this port.

Tho brigantino Eliza Alary left Timaru for this port with a cargo of grain __c., yesterday.

The s.s. Waitski returned fr=m "Whangarei this morning, and left again for Ri___ell in the afternoon, She will return on Sunday next.

The new brigantino Defiance cleared at the Customs to day for Whanjiaroa, where she will load with timber for Dunedin. Sho wi 1 sail tomorrow.

The barauo John Bull entered out at the Customs to-day for Timaru, where sho is to load with grain for London.

The brigantine} James A. Stowart took hrr departure to-day for Wbangaroa, where she will load with timber for Sydney.

The s.s. Argyle arrived to-day fromWhan garei and M-ngapai with 161 sheep, 68 s^cks kauri gum, 40 dozen mullet, 1 boxes fowls, 2 hides and 2 tons sundries. Sho returned to the same ports this afternoon.

The Auckland iarqno Thames is now on tor way from Rio Janeiro to London, where she is to nndergo her half-time survey.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS.

Rowona, s.s., Amodeo, from Yv a'.tara

DEPARTURES.

Hannah Mokau, s.s., McCarthy, for Waitara

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day.

Arrived: Je.sle and Veuus. The s.s. lona left for Auckland at 2 p.m to-day. Passengers — Mo_sr3 Clendon, R.M. Hobson, MoMinan, Bailey, and others. The Southern Cross eailod at C p.m. last even ing for Fiji

Wellington, this day. Tho s.s. Wellington left for Lyttelton with the 'Frisco mr.il at 11.30 a.m. to-day.

COMMERCIAL.

EVENING Star Office, Friday.

Meßsrs. Cochrane felSon held a sale of general furniture and articles of domestic use to-day» which realised fair price:. A splendid boos." case brought £1? os. On Monday next Messrs- Cochrane and Son will offer a number of cot ta-es and allotment., for sale, fituated at Pon sonby, Newmarket, and Shortland. Air W. Dowden held a produce, provision, and general Bale to-day at the Exchange Auction Mart, also a quantity ot ornaniontal tr.es and flowering shrubs. A fair amount of business was'done, and good average prices obtained. Mr R. Arthur's mart was largely attended, but as the Bales wero not completed on going to press, we are obliged to defer the report until our next isßuo.

AUCKLAND STOCK MARKET.

ME, ALFRED BUCKLAND'S WEEKLY BKPORT.

At the Haymarkot, on Friday last, fodder was abundant, but mantained its value. Good hay varied from 33 to Is 9d tho cwt.; oats, 2. Id to 23 3d.; maize, Is and Is 3d; coxfoot, 43 Id tho bushel; potatoes 2s Id and 2s 8d tho cwt. Horse stock (with the exceptionof an occasional choice animal) wero dull of Bale, and at lower values. At the Haymarkot, on Tuesday, hides fully maintained their value. Best parcels brought 3Jdand3Jd the lb.; Bheopskins ranged from 2s to 3a 6d; and parc.ls of wool (in grease) 71 to B_d the lb. At Hemuera, on Thursday, dairy cows were better worth. Store cattle at lower values. Fat cattle in average numbers, 110 yarded, list weok's rricos varying from 263 to 30s the lOOibs., wero fully su-itained. Several pons of ewe 3in lamb wero slowly competed for, and brought from 8s to lc3 each. Bat sheep were in short supply, and advanced in prico 23 each. No good pigs were yarded.

MESSRS HUNKER AND NOLAN'3 WEEKLY REPORT,

Horses.—The market haa been dill, and less than average number havo b on disposed of. On Friday scarcolr the usual number were entered for disposal by auction st the Durham Yards. Bidding was languid, and in several instances reserves could not 09 reached at auction ; but lots were almost without exception cleared, either at auction or afterwards privately, and thero-was uo noteworthy alteration in quota tions.

Hides and skins.—On Tuesday thero was an improved demund for hides, which sold at from 2}d to 3Jd. Skins sold at from Is od to 2s lOd each.

Cattle,—Tho rough weather here had the effect of preventing dairy and store stock from being brought forward, consequently thore re mains an unsatisfied demand. A largo number of fat beasts wero brought forward at New market, on Tuesday, tho demand was st.ady nt from 23s to 28s por 1001b3. Considering the Btatc of the weather, there was a good muster Rt Papakura. IJuyers wero in attondttno-, and for stores prices showed a slightly upward tendency. We quote dairy cows from £815s to £13; dry cows, from £3 10s to £5; calves, from £1 7s to £2 10s ; yearl n^s, £2 5s to £2 17s 6d ; two-year old steer.-., from £3 17s Gd to £1 10s; grown steers, £5 Wt. Sheen.—There has been a large supply, but a good demand has existed, consequently prices havo not receded. Fat wethers sold at from l?s fid to 18s ; ewes, lis to Us Gd. There were no lambs yarded at Newmarket on Tuesday. Pigs.—Thero was again a largo supply. Prices were a shade lower.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Friday. Wholesale. Retail. b. d. s d. s. d. s. d. Putter, fs lb 1 3-0 01 Milk, quart 0 1-0 5 Best Dairies 1 C-o 0 Butter, in, lb 1 G-l 3 Butter, sit, lb 0 8-0 U Butter, salt 1 0-1 2 Che-oeaooahO &-0 Gil Cb. ; esefa~.) 0 8-0 9 Do., Cant. 0 6J-0 7 I Kggs.dos.... 1 9-2 0 Eggs, do/. 1 _-I 9: Laid, lb 0 o—o 10 l4u-d,tb.ti_s;,o 7-0 BjF.jwlß.e_ch 2 f.-~ 0 iiacot'and Haiuti, ' Du/.-ke, t«... h 2 C—'l U P-Oyinoial (now I Geese, each S 0-7 0 cv is) .. o.»_-0 10 'Ji.rKeys .. . 0-7 0 Canterbury Kama I D _o_, 1. .. J (j—l 2 aud Bacon (in I Hams, lb .. 1 1-1 3 cloth) .. o*lol-1 0 i •

Salt Butter, Canterbury and Wanganul, lb, Bd, 9d Bread. Id to ljd per 21b loaf Jams, per case, 5 doz, 27s 6d to 32s Co. Eggs are coming in moro freely, with a down ward tendency. Butter is scarce. Butcher's Meat. Retail _ ~ ~ s. d. s. d. Roasting Beef „ fto n . Boiling Beef .. ~ , Mutton, hind-quarter 0 0 - O.J „ fore-quartor o_4 - v s Lamb, f 9 re-quarter n 0 0 fi „ hind-quarter » »"" S' Pork and Veal „ . n ~ Steaks - ~ . ~o ~ Chops and Sausoges .. . - ■ • U •> —, v ° Tallow best (wholesale)—mutton, -0s; mixed, 2'2s to 255. Flour Market. Wholesale. „ , £ B. d. Superfine Flour, Bilk dressed, perton.. 13 0 0 Fino Flour, ditto, household .. _ 12 0 v Sharps, per ton .. .. -.- .. •• -? X}! Adelaide, por ton .. .. £13103 to 11 0 0 Oamaru, per ton .. .. - » I 'j_v,i_ _ Dunedin, por ton St. 1. n n Canterbury, per ton .. .. •■ni,i£~ ~- ri „ Bran, por ton (sacks Include- ..£llOB-o v v o_tmne_r ad " :: :: J^iJlml Pearl BarIW YW . coß .. lLiiiK . B^26 Wholesale, s. d. s. d. _ fi s. _rS. Maize (Syd.) i 3-0 01 Hay, me dow „ (Cal.) none ton pressed 5 O-o 10 „ (Kijn.i scarce Lucerne, do G *-b 10 (Coast) 3 0-3 91 Straw (load) 0 IS-1 10 Oats .. ..2 0-2 3 I Chaff .. ••*l°-"| 1 2 Wheat (fowl) 3 6-10 1 Hay (oaten) 5 o—s IU Potatoes: Local, £3 to £3.103 per ton.

Retail. . , s d. s. d. s. d. s. a. \ Maize,bushel! 0-1 61 Lucerne, cwt.7 6-8 0 t Oats, ditto ..2 3-2 0 Oaten, ditto 6 0-7 0 Bran, lOOibs 6 0-7 01 Straw ditto M - Wheat (fowl) 1 0-1 6 Chaff, ditto 6 6-6 0 Hay, cwt. ..6 0-6 61 Potafes.ditto3 6-- 0 Seeds.—Retail. fl Ryegrass .!d 0-0 0 Cocksfoot.bl.6 0-8 0 Italian,do. ..8 0-0 0 Trefoil, lb. 0 9-0 0 Red Clover.lbO 9-0 0 Ratstail, lb. 1 6-0 0 White Cloverl 1-0 0 Timothy,lb. 0 0-0 0 Alsyko,lb ..1 2-0 0 Lucerne,lb. 1 6-0 v Cowgrass, lb 1 0-0 0 Rape, lb .. 0 5 0 0 \voolpa-~s in quantity, 3s 3d to 3s Mleach. corn sacks, 8s to 9s 6d per dozen Fencing wire Nos. 6, 7, and 8. assorte_. £16 10s to &Vi per ton. Building Matkrials. TiMB-R.-Board* and Scantling, 100 ft., best lis ,6d ; second class, 7s 6d: bast P.an-d. tongued ! and grooved,lis ; second-class ditto. 103. Alilia. Cargo, best, 9s Gd to 1-a 6<t, second-class, A3 9- to 6d. B .uik, 53 lid to 63 6d. New Zealand Pa'ings, sft (aap>. 10s; sft(hoar. 133; 6ft, 13- Ti-t reo Rails, £3 10j to £3 10s per 100 Puriri Posts. £6 to £7;, Shingles las per 1,000 . Hobart Town Paling oft, 18s; 6ft, 20s : Hobart Town Rails, 90s. Buying and selling quotation*. Bricks (at Whau.) 10a per 1,000 ; Town Yards £2 ss: delivered, £2 10s. Dram WP*_JP r 100 (6 inches bore), 30*; 1 inches, lis; 3 inches 9s 2 inches, £2 5s per 1,000: socket glazed pipes, 8 inches 2s 6d per foot; 15 inches. 2s por foot; 12 inches, is Gd por foot; 9 inches, Is per foot, 6 inches, Gd per foot; 1 inches, -d per'foot.. Lime, slacked. Is por bushel; quick limo in sack, l|Wto 2* and 7hILX MAKKET . Gum remains weak. . Tho following; sales havo been effected since last -Tiday. Good ordinary Kaipara and Whangarei at £30 to £31, Waikato £30 to £32, East Coast, £10 to £15; receipts for May. 315 tons. Flax.-, inest quality •• £21-22 per ton Flax.—Medium .. •■ i.Zu ' " I^bi ! !! .. -id. per'ib. " Coal and Firewood Mark-.. COAL.-Newca.tle (ship's side), cargo 31s por ton-yard, 10s to 455. Bay of Islands, atyards. 288 6- ; screened, 2Ss6d;ditto at the, mino. 13s : ships side, 233 Gd. Waikato, at mine, 5s ; m Auckland. 17s 6d to 223 ; Taupiri, a: mines, 6s Od to 12s , at yard, 18s to 21s. V7angarei, at mine, 83 6d; yard (steam), 17s; household, 225. Miranda, at yard (household), 12s; steam, 18s. Kamo (household), 28s. 303 delivered ; steam, 235. Firewood.-"-Uncut, at wharf (cargo), -3 to 9s per ton; delivered, 13s ; cut, lis to 17s. Manures. Bonedust, £7 to £9 ; Peruvian,,_Uß; Huon Guano, small lots, £5, ba,s melnded ; Mexican Guano, £5 to £10; Maiden Plan. Guano, £7 to £8; Super-Phosphate £9 to £101.

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

Maim will Close as Unijeb :— ' Tins Day. For Wnngarei lle-cs aud Wangarei, per __rgylo, at 1 p.m. For Thames, per Enterpripc, at 5.30 p.m. Saturday, sth inßtant.1 For Thames, per Rotouiahana, at 9.30 a.m. For Waiwora, MahuranKi, Matakana, Manga wai, Walpu, and Mangapai, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. , m For Waitara, New Plymouth, and Wanganui, per Rowena, at 11 a.m. Monday, 7th instant. For Taranaki, Wanganul, and Wellington, por Rangatlra, at 8 a.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa,. and Mon gonul, por lona, at 4 p.m. For Whitiangi, 'I'airaa, Tauranga, and Opotikl per Glenelg, at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Bth instant. For Taranaki and i-outhern provinces, per Wanaka, at 5 a m. For Ruasell, Kawakawa, and Austrab'an Colonies, per Ringarooma, at 3 p.m. S. B Biss, Chief Postmaster.

Meetings, Entertainments, &c.

June 4, 18S0,

Theatre Royal—"Our Girls," and "Tho He publican of Brest," 8 p.m.

Lome-street Hall—" Conversazione." welcome to Key. Wm. Tebbs, by Parishioners of St. Matthew's 7.30 p.m.

Fitt-strect Wesleyan Church — Lecture on " Recent Explorations ia Palestine," by liov. A. W. McCallnm.

Albert Hall—Complimentary entertainment to Jamos Elder, 8 p.m.

BIRTH

JOUNING.—On the Ist Juno, at ho resldonoe, Great North Road, Mrs H. Jouniug, of a daughter. PHILLIPS.—On Juno 4th, at Glen Ayr, Eden Crescont, Mrs Lionel Phillips, of a son.

DEATH.

DOWN.—On Juno 3, at her fathor's residence, top of Hobson-strcet, Elizabeth Down, socoul daiißhter of John Down ; asjod 15 jrpar». Tho funeral will louvo to-morrow (Saturday) tbe sth instaut, at 2.30 p.m. Friends respect fully invited.

SIMMONS.—On April 16, at Now Oxford-street' London, Joshua Simmons, in his 08th year, the dearly beiovel father of Mr~ J. Levy, 210, Queen-.treot.—Australianaud Adelaide papers will please copy.

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 1880.

f.rr the cans- that lacks asslstauca, For tho wrong that needs roslst-OCt, For the future In the distance, Aud the cood tbil tie can

The neglect of a number of Auckland members to attend the meeting con vened to take action with reference to tho railway reclamation will not be viewed very favourably in this city. The absence of some is explained, ac cording to tho " Herald " correspondent by the lame excuse that " thoy forgot," or " were too late," whilst, according to our own telegrams, Mr Tole considered tho reclamation only a question for city members. That the ruin of Auckland harbour is of no interest to tho electors of Eden and the country districts is rather a novel view, to say tho least of it. Tho absenco of Messrs Harris and Hamlin may be understood. These gentlemen in making their tour of Franklin spoke against the new station works. However, nine members did attend, namely — Messrs OT.orke, Swanson, Moss, Wallis, Whitaker, Whytc, Hurst, Colbeck, and Wood, and after discussing the question it was ituai.imou.ly resolved, on tlio motion of the two members for City West, that tho work as defined in Dcmpsoy's contract ought to he carried out at onco. In passing this motion tbe members only affirmed what has been declared by every public body in tho city. Messrs Wallis and Moss were delegated to obtain the initials of tho other members, so that Auckland should bo united in so important a question. However, they seem to havo met with somo obstacles. Only three more—Messrs Seymour George, Ham lin and McDonald—signed, making twelve out of the seventeen now in Wellington; leaving five—Sir Georgo Grey, and Messrs Tole, Lund on, Speight and Harris— who would not sign. Fin ally, when tho House met, Mr Speight, who had not attended to consult with his city and suburban colleagues and had taken no action before, gave indepen dent notice of a motion which, if the telegraphio report is correct, could hardly be surpassed for imbecility, look at the character of the grievance to which it relates. According to tho United Press Association despatch, his motion is as follows : " That tho timo has arrived when tho reclamation works in connection with Auckland Harbour should be pushed forward." " The time has arrived " forsooth, that timo arrived and passed six months ago. " The timo has arrived " now for dredging out the mud washed from the reclamation and for repairing tho ruin done to our wharves. We have lost all patience with the intolerable mal administration of this affair. And we do not hesitate to s. y that the spectacle of our members behaving like a lot of petted children, when such a question is at issue, will not be very palatable to the people of Auckland. Though the meeting was convened by Mr O'Rorke at the suggestion of Mr Swanson, and Mr Swanson was ono of " the four," its importance should havo ensured united action. The greater the credit to Mr Swanson, that im mediately on arrival in Wellington ho moved in a matter of such moment, and endeavoured by enlisting Mr O'Rorke's offices to secure joint action through the Auckland members as a body, and after the manner they thought best. On ono or two other occasions last session a disposition was shewn to sacrifice Auckland's in terests to petty personal jealousies, and itwould be well for honourable members to bear in mind that where a concen trated public opinion has been directed in a variety of ways upon a grievance of great magnitude, as it has been in this instance of broken government pro mises and our ruined harbour, they must sink their individuality in their character of representatives, aud act as ono man. Tho question is one that admits of no delay. Winter rains and gales are rapidly completing the havoc begun, and there is no saying where the ruin will end. Our special reporter in Wellington appears to have struck out for himself a_i au individual Aucklander, and went to tho Minister for Public Works and asked him plainly what tho Government mean to do. Mr Oliver replied that the sea wall along the line of reclaimation, as per Dempsey's con tract, will be let at onco, and that a further vote will bo asked to complete the undertaking. We believe this in formation may be relied upon. Mr. Oliver's condemnation of the gross mis management displayed in throwing thousands of tons of mud into tho harbour without any protection will be generally coincided with. It is the more worthy of special mention from being the only sensible thing Mr Oliver has said or done in connection with the reclamation since Dempsey's contract fell through.

The Native Lands Sales Bill brought down by the Government, and sum marised fin our Parliamentary tele, grams is a very important measure. It proposes to put a complete

stop to all private speculation in native lands, and make all future sales pass through the "Waste Lands Boards in precisely the same way as the Waste Lands of the Crown. The pro posal is one whioh has already gained a large amount of popular favour, although it will doubtless elicit very strong opposition from speculators in native lands, and the armies oi inter preters and agents who make their liviug in that way.

The free and independent citizens of the United States generally, and California in particular, seem at length to have realised that unless energetic steps are promptly taken to cheapen, accelerate, and otherwise improve the San Francisco Mail Service, intercommunication between Australia and America will, in November ISB3 (when the present contract expires) be summarily cut off. This possibility must, for a long time past, have been foreseen by all thinking men. The Suez mail now serves Sydney quite as well as the one via California, and the difference in favour of the Sau Francisco route to Dunedin, Christchurch, and other of our Southern towns is only two or three days. Auckland and the North, of course, benefits materially by the present arrange ments, but it is, wc fear, scarcely likely the contract will be renewed solely ou this ground, unless indeed the improvement which is capable of being effected in the trans-Continental Mail Service is carried really out. America for _ a

long time showed very little disposition lo co-operate. The United States Govern ment charged such an exorbitant amount for carriage of mails that the Imperial autho rities threatened to throw that part of the service on tho colonies. By the last San Francisco mail we learu that they have agreed to remit a lirge pro portion of that extravagant charge. Faster and more powerful boats will also Ibo pressed into the service and every possible means adopted to secure swift and regular passages. The people of San Fran cisco are very anxious that the growiug trade between Australia and America should not be nipped iv tho hud. That the trado is growing, and that pretty rapidly too may be seen from the follow ing table of official returns : — Exported to Aus- Imported from tralasia. Australasia. 1876—83,955,955 81,155,-19 1877-Sf,SSVIG7 81,476,-38 157!.-$-,771.2au $1,1*5.003 Thus it appears that, whereas the exports to Australia and New Zealand have nearly doubled in three years, the imports have fallen oil. Tbis,of course,leaves a nice little balance iv favour of tho Yankees aud may well make them anxious the trade should not collapse. Far our part wo shall be very glad if the contract is renewed. Auckland, at any rate, cannot possibly better her English mail service. By the present ar rangement letters arrive hereon the fortieth day, and possibly the thirty-eighth, after leaving England ; via Biin-isi and Suez, it would bo __tuirt work to get thorn iv forty live. Any cbango the Government makes will, therefore, be a change fur the worse.

Tin-; evil that ministers do, lives after them, and thus it happens that " Whito Elephant" though Cyprus undoubtedly is, Mr Glad stone, cannot, without contravening the Anglo-Turkish convention, and smirch ing England's honour, get rid of tbc place. This having to take over the bad debts (so to ppeak) of one's predecessors is, perhaps, the most unpleasant duty a new Government lias to face. A large portion of tbc public arc unable to understand it. They say, ,; .Not long ago, Gladstone was declaiming against the acquisition o Cyprus, and characterising it as a daft and expensive piece of ' Imperialism,' yet now he quietly bauds the Island over to ih" Colonial olticc, and states his intention of carrying out BcaceuslioM's Convention to the letter." No doubt nt first this does found strange, but a little thought will convince anyone that Great Britain could not possibly repudiate a sacred treaty, merely becuttso the Government changed. If such were the usage our conventions would not be worth tlio paper they were written on. No, no, what one Government docs the next must stick to. They may modify the foreign policy in time, but they cannot possibly chauge it forthwith.

We shall look forward auxioii.-.ly to see ing a list of the Hills brought iii by the new Ministers. Mr Gladstone is pretty sure not to rest en his oars, and with so many good men around him the session ought to be a memorable one. The membsrs of the new Government are, it will bo observed, nearly _11 more famous men than their predecessors. Let us compare, for instance, Professor F&wcett and Lord John Manners. The former is a politician who, despite a physical infirmity of the most pronounced kind, has by sheer ability and hard work become one of the greatest orna ments of the Liberal party. The latter is a duke's son who, by virtue of his rank and known obedience to orders, became a Cabinet Minister. Under bis rule the Post-oHice has been principally remarkable for flagrant jobnery and bad management. It was Lord John Manners, v.c believe, who squared the P. and O. contracts at the expense of the country, and in the face of the fact that the Orient, and several Indian aud China lines, were ready to do the work cheaper. The Homo Secretary of the Jato administra tion is scarcely fit to sit opposite Sir Wm. Vernon Ha'court. Asa Cabinet Miuister ho was a complete failuie, iv fact the only measure of importance he ever attempted to pass, brought his party to glief. The new head of the Rome Cilice ou the coutrary,pos sesscs conspicuous ability.Many a time have his biting sareasms.epoken ii a soft nielli iluous tone of voice, snuffed out unfortu nate Conservatives. We would wager something he is not asked many questions iv the House. Hon. members will feci too great a dread of the answers. Lord Kimbcrlcy is a man of ripe exper ience, who made a name for himself at the Colonial Office before. Besides he has been Uuder Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, aud also for India, Minister Pleni potentiary at St. Petersburg, and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Very different this from Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, whoso previous experience before he became Chief Secre tary for Ireland in 1874, was gained at a Poor Law Board.

We could go all down the list from Glad stone to the Under Secretaries and form similar comparisons, bnt oue more must suffice. John Bright, whom everybody knows, is now Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster. A man named Thomas Taylor (not the editor of "Punch,") whom nobody knows was his predecessor. The fact is that whilst the Conservatives had hard work to fill the Cabinet aud offices of State respectably, the Liberals have so many good men that they sire puzzled to whom to give the preference. It has always been so, and in our opinion always will be so. Thinking men, blessed uot only with brains, but a conscience, are the rule amongst Lib erals—the exception amongst Conservatives.

The following amusing epistle was for warded to the Auckland School Committee by the principal of tho Bcresfoid-strcct school as a specimen of the literary curiosi ties which he frequently receives from the parents of the children. It is an answer to a note inquiring the cause of a pupil's ab sence :—" Please the rison i havo kept him at home he was not lerning nothing and am lerning him my sclfc i remain yours ," . Comment upon this is altogether supoiiluous.

A large wooden building, designed appa rently for a shop, is iv course of crcctioti at the corner of Chapel and Welleslcy-streets. One of the rooms has just been floored, and last uight a party of young people wero tripping the light fantastic too upon the newly-laid boards to the music of a piano. A screen of cloth protected the party from the gaze of the vulgar.

A respectably-dressed man, who appeared very deaf, named Angothe St. Just McKay, was brought up at tho Police Couit this morning, charged with attempting to in duce a man named Jules Juliot to commit a felony. Such was the charge, but we under stand the real offence was of a more serious character. The peculiar facts did not trans pire, as the accused was remanded for eight days, in order that a medical examination as to the state of the prisoner's miud might be made. The prisoner is a foreigner, aud only arrived iv Aucklaud last week. A minister was in Court, to whom, we believe, the antecedents of McKay arc known, and who seemed to take special interest in the case. No disclosures, however, were publicly made iv respect of the accused. His general demeanour seemed to favour the supposition that McKay is not of sound miud, and it is rumoured that he has been an inmate of a Lunatic Asylum very recently.

With reference to the charge of imposture against Attcrbury we have received the fol lowing-.—Dear Sir, —Will you allow me to correct two eirors iv your report of George Atterbury's case ? I knew him in Victoria, aud had a conversation with him recently about his wife and child, but am notpersonallv acquainted with Mrs Attcrbury. I did not denounce him at a devotional meeting in tbc Young Men's Rooms, for I was not present, nor do I know the name of the gentleman who exposed his conduct.—l am, &c, Fletch-r H. Long,

The social gathering at the Working Men's Club pas-od oil satisfactorily. About 25 couples enjoyed the dancing. The music was supplied by Messrs Reed and

Davis,

The Committee of the Onehunga Benevo lent Society desire to thank the Auckland Amateur Dramatic Club for the very suc cessful entertainment they gave on the 6th May. Also thanks to Mr Samuel Keesing for presiding at the piano, aud Messrs Kel sall and Mann for supplying music for the dance. The total receipts were £20 7s Gd ; expense.-, £7 2s Sd ; paid over to treasurer, £13 4s lOd.

We understand that a requisition is in course of signature requesting tho Chairman of the Ponsonby Highway district to call a special meeting of the ratepayers, with a view of eliding information respecting the Board's expenditure during the last twelve months, previous to the ratepayers being called on to elect the new trustees which lollow iv the ordinary course during the present month. With t_e prospect of the si.bsid.es being stopped the tax-payers are desirous that an equal and fair adjustment of the Board's revenue may bo forshadowed.

Mrs Kuuciman, widow of the late Thos. Punciman, of Drury, died on Wednesday last at Marsh Meadow, the residence of h.r son, at the ripe age of 81. Mrs Ruiiciman was a very old settler, and much respect-id by her neighbours. The funeral will take place to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon.

The St Paul's Parish Magazine for June contains matter and reports of interest for its readers, also announcements of meeting and services iv connection with the ap proaching Sunday-school centenary festival, and the calendar of the cuircnt month. The literary contents comprise "Going to the Fair," a tale of old times; "Disasters in Afghanistan," "lona," "The Quaint Couple,'"'' '' A Sermon on St. Peter's Day " by the late Canon Kingsley, and several creditable poems. The wood-cut illustra tions add to the value of this interesting parish serial.

The indignation of the Timaru people against Mr Rlackett owing to his report on the breakwater has began to show itself in various ways. On Wednesday evening they burnt him in effigy, aud at the Harbour Board meeting a strong resolulion was passed to the cfl'cct :—That this Board affirms Mr Blackett's report to be one-sided, garbled, inaccurate in its conclusion, and false. They arc therefore prepared to bring rebutting evidence.

A football match, Auckland v. Grafton, is to take place to-morrow afternoon. The following arc tho manic, of the Auckland team ;— Messrs Bradly, Carter, Coleman, Croxton, Culpau, Dufaur. Ellis, Heape, llallonder, Lees, Lynch, McCormick, Phil son, Vciikcr-Bindon, Vcscy Stewart. The Grafton men arc': Orchard (captain), Bealc (2), White, Yon jSturmer, liyau, Vcitch, Gilbert, GolTo, Pcarse, llroadhurst, Green, Mocatta, Gibl.es, and Hall : emergencies : Ellis and Talbot.

A correspondent writes, relative to (ho letter of "Fair Play," re the Naval School at Kohimarama, and " Begs to inform the writer, that during the last session of Par liament, a commission was appointed by Major A'l.itiHon, to inquire into the man agemcut of the Institution. This, he must 1)0 aware, did not sit-the circumlocution ollice having sent the manager to Kaipara to enquire into charge! against tho pilot there. Some people said it was a sort of a whitewashing process. But " Fair Play " may rest assured that all tho Tito Barna cles in ollice at Wellington, will not prevent Major Atkinson, the Minister ol Customs from letting a little light into'the school at Kohimarama. If he wished, he could not in the face of public opinion.'

Tho W.iimat. Steeplechase was run at Timaru yesterday, and resulted in a victory for Mr it. Molvor's Grey Momus, after a grand race with Mr C. Joyce's Ivanhoo. Mr Brittain's Royalty was a bad third. Ivanhoo carried Tibs overweight, which in all probability just lost him the raeo. The crack Lone Hand did very badly, beinc dis tanced comparatively early, nor could the liist favourite, Clarence, get nearer than fourth.

The weekly meeting of the North Auck land Cattle Board, was held this morning, Messrs. J. May, T. Morrin and James Wallace being the members in attendance. The business was extremely slight, consist ing, as it did, simply in the reading of a letter from the Messrs. Ireland, re the in spection of their imported cattle. The Board decided to acknowledge its receipt.

A correspondent sends the following com plaint, which should receive the attention of tlio Deputy Property Tax Commis sioner :— Sir,—lt appears that the Property Tax papers are not inquisitorial enough for some of our suburban assessors, and they appear determined not to bo done out of their treat of "mailing the tax and them selves as odious as possible." When leaving the tax papers the business is commenced by asking for the mistress. If she is not at home the servant girl is asked as to the value of hermistress's jewellery, furniture, &C., even to the quantity ot fowls owned by the householder. There is a strong im pression abroad that the mo3t vexatious clauses in the papers will be withdrawn as soon as possible, but whether withdrawn or not, I should like to know if the persons delivering these tax papers are authorised to make these domiciliary inquisitions." We have had auother similar complaint from the Grafton Koad district, aud as it was distinctly understood that the assessors were not required to make any valuation of personal property, it is quite clear that somo Jack-iu-ollicc is exceeding his duty. From a statement made by Major Atkinson given in our Pailiameutary decani*, It will be seen that such conduct, if reported, will he visited by instant dismissal.

The following players will represent the respective sides in the football match Ponsonby v. North Shore to be played on tbe lattcr's ground to-morrow, Ponsonby players to leave this side by the 2.30 boat. Ponsonby : —T. Macky (captain) E. Cole man, Arncil, A. Banna, Duunot, Forder, Skene, Brarswatcn, Motgau, Thomas Pou, Whiteside, Davy, Anderson, Martin, Cook. Emergency, Lumsdcn. North Shore :—C. Burgess (captain) A. Burgess, McGcchie, W. and J. Sibbiu, licid, Webster (2), Shakespeare, Wood, Alexander, Ham mond, Corbctt, J. Sims, aud Grey.

Tbc Rev. Charles M. Pym delivered his lecture on the "Indian Mutiny," last even ing, in the large room of the Young Men's Christian Association, before a largo aud respectable audience, Colonel Haultain iv the chair. The chairman who had seen much of active service, introduced the lec turer with a few remarks bearing on the sub ject of Mr Pym's discourse. The rev gen tleman ou rising was greeted with applause, ami commenced by giving a graphic accouut of his tour in ludia in 1853, four years be fore the outbreak of the Mutiny. He des cribed the siege of Delhi, and the splendid city, which was really beautiful, and sur rounded by a wall seven miles in length, and which at the time held 40,000 sepoys in whosehonesty the ollicers had full confidence. Tho lecturer next described the outbreak and the march of the soldiers, intersected with a number of incidents, told with fas cinating humour aud occasional pathos, according to tho nature of the incident. The Lucknow disaster was pictured with considerable force, the lecturer having tra velled over the ground as an evangelist preacher, iv 1877, and iv the course of his missionary labours, preached 437 times, nnd travelled 9000 miles in the space of six montlis. The lecture throughout was anec dotal, illustrative, and entertaining; and at its close, a vote of thanks to him was cai ricd by acclamation. The meeting closed with " Praise God from whom all blessings flow."

The adjourned meeting of the non-Society Shipwrights was held last evening, in the Waitemata Hotel. Thero were seven members present. Mr J. Duuniug occupied the chair. On the motion of Mr Scott, seconded by Mr Moore, Mr J. Dunning was appointed permanent Secretary. The Chairman referred to what he termed the contemptible and underhand conduct of the members of the Shipwrights' Protection Society, in saying, thst the members of the " non-Society Association" were all second class men. He denied this. They had among-t them a number of good workmen, well acquainted with their busi ness. In the course of conversation, Mr B. Dunning said it was not the intention of Mr McKenzio to cut down the wages. What he objected to was, paying the same wages to feeble old men, as to young men like those present. Mr J. Dunning said he had been talking to shipbuilders, and they said tho Association would soon amalga mate into the Protection Society. Ho could, however, assure them there was no chauco of that, as there wero men in the Association who would not join a Protec tion Society under any circumstances. This was a free country, aud auy mau should be allowed to work at what he liked. Ship builders engaged themselves as house car penters, and therefore, why were not house carpeuters allowed tojwork as shipwrights ? It was stated that ten men had joined tho Association. After some desultory conver sation, the meeting terminated.

I jTlic Albert Hall vocalists and friends of James Elder will give him a complimentary benefit this eveniug, consisting of a variety of performances iv ballad, dance, and aerial flights, clo.nng with a new version of " Vil likins and His Dinah." Mr Elder has not been successful financially with his engage ments, hence this venture in his favour.

CABLEGRAMS.

EUROPEAN.

[it OUTER'S TELE OK A MS.]

Arrival of tbe Aberdeen

NEW YOI.K

June, 2. The barque Aberdeen, from Auckland, New Zealand, has arrived.

Sir Henry Layard CONSTANTINOPLE.

Juno 2.

Sir H. Layard, Ambassador to the Poitc, has started for England. His place has been taken by the i.ight Hon. Mr Goschen during his absence.

Blockade of Plava.

Albania still continues to resist the cession of territory, aud Montenegro has decided to attack the Albanians at Zui stngi and at the Plava, consequently a strict blockade is maintained. Owiug to the Albanians being short of provisions, it is expected this will materially assist in the settlement of tho difficulty.

Another Australian Victory.

LONDON.

Juno 2.

In the match between the Australian team and eighteen of Keighley, the Aus tralians were all out for 98 runs. Iv tbc second innings of the home team they were all disposed of for 51 runs, Boylo having taken 12 wicket?. The Australians in the second inniugs lost 2 wickets for 32 runs, and when the stumps were drawn they had only to make G5 runs with 9 wickets to fall. The match was drawn, but was greatly in favour of the Australians.

Wednesday's Wool Sale

At the wool sales to-day 9,G00 bales were offered, making a total of 345.500 catalogued since the opening of the series. Tho tone of the sale showed that the prices were firmly maintained.

Snipping News.

Per Merchant Shipping and Underwriters' Association :■ — Arrived : Ship Ilermione, from Port Chalmers, on February 4; Wai tara, fiom Lyttelton. on February 7.

AUSTRALIAN.

[REUTHt'S SPECIAL CABI-OKAMS,]

A Judge Charged with Acts of Corruption. SYDNEY.

Friday

In the Legislative Assembly last night, Mr Coonan brought charges tantamount to implication of acts of coriuption against Judge Meynott. The Ministers promised a Commission should be appoiutcd to inquire into the matter.

Tbe Bank Robbery

The police are out after the Quirindi Bank Robbers, but up to tbe present time have found no trace of the culprits.

Tbe Licensing Bill.

The new Licensing Bill has passed its second reading in the Legislative Assembly last night without a division.

The Queensland Ministry,

BRISBANE,

Friday. Mi' H. R. Bear succeeds Mr Seedspring, as Attorney-General of Queensland.

New Trial.

A new trial has been granted in the caso Brooks v.'Swanwick, in which the plaintiff, a prisoner, mcd for £150, given iv charge of the defendant, when the latter undertook to defend him on his trial. In the lirst trial the verdict was given for the plain tilf.

THEATRE ROYAL.

H. J. BviON's popular and amusing com edy "Our Girls," was produced la.t night to a poor house. Miss Clara Stephenson assumed the role of Helen Gaythornc, Miss Wilton that of Lilian Gaythornc, (cousins), and Miss Raymond that of Miss Gunn, (a distant relative with matrimonial inclinations), Mr Haygarth appeared as Captain Ging.h, Mr Pattersou as Arthur Medwyn, Mr Steele as Fred erick Fair-haw, (lovers), Mr O'Brien as Tootal, and Mr Neighbour as Edwards. The piece was well played, and its many mirthful situations capitably rep resented. The love scene, in which Capt. Giii'.-ah and Mrs Guun conspicuously figure, was e.pecially good. The performance concluded with an interesting drama, en titled "The Republican of Brest," in which Miss Grace Ijathaway and Messrs Rey nolds, Thompsou, and Bycrs sustained the principal parts. The programme will be repeated tonight.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.j

DRUNKENNESS,

Four persons pleaded guilty and suffered the penalty.—Eliza Rice was sent to prison for six months under the Vagrant Act, for being au habitual drunkard, etc.

STRIKING A BELT.

Eric Anderson charged with assaulting Jo.cph Bell ou the railway wha.f,ycsterday, pleaded drunkenne ,s. The prosecutor deposed that he was skip per on tbc Water Lily, he saw prisoner this morning in a state of intoxication. It was about 2 o'clock. He proffered his assist ance aud when he got him as far as the rail way wharf, prisoner, without any provoca tion, attacked him with a heavy stick, knocked him down and kicked him. As soon as he recovered he went to a constable and gave information. Constable Kelly deposed to receiving information, and arresting prisoner on the charge. The complainant appeared sober, but the pri.oner evidently had boca driuk iug.

Six weeks' imprisonment with hard labour.

ATROCIOUS charge,

Angothe St. Just McKay, charged with soliciting Jules Juliot to commit a felony, was remauded un til the 14th inst.

A TRAVELLING TICKET,

Richard Irvine, charged with a breach of the Public Works Act, by travelling in a railway carriage without a proper ticket, on the 24th of May, pleaded guilty.

Sub-Inspector Pardy said it was getting to be a couimou practice for youths to take ride 3on the railway without having the money to ps.y the fare, as in the present case. Tho defendant was desirous of seeing the races at Ellcrslie, and made the ven ture.

Mr Irvine, sen. : If you plea.c, your Worship, I am the boy's father, and as I have no money will you allow me to pay the fine by instalments.

The Court: Wc cannot do that. You must find the money. He must pay a line of ss, Is the fare, and 9s costs.

Defendant, having uo money, was de tained while his father went in search of the money.

CHARGE OF FAST RIDING,

Benjamin Thompson was charged with fast riding iv Queen-street, au the 22nd ulr. Defendant pleaded not guilty, but the caso being proved, was lined 3. and 22 s costs. NO NUMBER. James McShane was lined 2s with 9s costs for plying for hire without a registered number.

WIFK DESFRTION.

John Harrison was charged with deser tion of his wife in July last, and lciviug her without means.

Mr E. Cooper appeared for couiplainaut and said it was au ordinary case.

Bridget Harrison, deposed that her husband left her iv July last; he regularly cleared out, and only left her a solitary spoon, which was of no use to her, as she had not even a basin. He did not even writo a letter, and she began to think he was dead to her. Sho had been to servico with different poisons in Auckland, and with Mrs Taylor, of Tamaki West. She was indeed an ill-used woman, and had had nothing from her husband for eleven months.

The Court: Now, Mi Harrison, what have you got to say ? Defendant deposed that he was a ship wright by trade, but bait been unfortunate owing to ill-health and want of employ ment. He went to sea in the Rhoderic Dim, and on reaching Newcastle fell sick, borrowed a few pounds, and got into debt besides. When sullicieutly recovered he worked his way home to Auckland by a Sydney schooner, being anxious to sec his wife. Had only landed four days, when up stepped the bailiff, with the exclamation, "Hallo, John, hero wc arc again," made a claim upou him, and took possession. He left £60 worth of goods when he went away and his gold watch, and they were all swept away in con sequence of his wife's love of drink; still he was not disposed to leave his partner without means of support. The Court: your misfortunes do not ex empt you ftoni maintaining your wife. Defendant : oh, no, sir. I will allow her 10s a week. Mr Cooper said Mrs. Harrison was wil ling to accept this. The^Couit made an order accordingly, ; defendant paying costs, £2 9s.

TELEGRAPHIC.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

CAMBRIDGE, this day. THE LAND COURT THREATENED.

The Arawas arc greatly incensed at the decision, re the Kokako block. The Court has again been throateu.d, and adjourned until two o'clock to-day. All liquor supplies have been stopped at the hotels till the Court meets.

RUSSELL, this day. A WHALER.

Captain Brightman of the California re ports having taken 130 barrels of sperm. Siucc he last reported, the cabin boy toll overboard and was drowned, though every ell'ort was mado to rescue him. The New Bedford whaleship, Mabel, was spoken. She was bound to the whaling ground.

[UNITI-D PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

NELSON, this day. ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT WIFE

MURDER,

Anoloni Wett was charged this morning with attempting the murder of his wife and remanded till Monday. It appears now that he did not stab tho woman, but that he threw a heavy knife at her whioh struck her in the back and passed between the ribs, the wound being an inch wide. The woman has been drinking, aud it cannot be determined whether the wound is likely to prove fatal.

CHRISTCHURCH, this day INQUEST ON THE JOCKEY

HAWKINS.

At the inquest on Hawkins the jockey yesterday, medical evidence proved that ileath was caused by fracture of the skull. The verdict was " Accidental death."

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

A man named Charles Smith, who has been drinking heavily lately and is a carpen ter recently arrived from Napier, attempted suicide at Rolleston yesterday by cutting his throat. lie was brought to the hospital iv a precarious state. Some children of Doctor Rouses have been run over by a tram-car and taken to the hospital.

INVERCARGILL, this day, THE TRAMWAY COMPANY.

The tramway Company have held a full meeting, at which directors were appointed aud instructed to draw up articles of associa tion. All shares have been hubscribed to put the first section of three miles through the suburbau township of Tokikawa at onco.

UNIFORMS.

Between £400 and £500 worth of uniforms havo been ordered for the Hobson Company at Woolwich, by the mail which goes out on Saturday. DIPHTHERIA.

Diphtheria still prevails,

SIR J. BENEDICT'S "ST. PETER," AT THE CHORAL HALL.

Selections from the oratorio of "St. Peter" were performed last evening at the Choral Hall by members of the Choral Society. The weather was again uuiuviting, and tbc audience was iv c.nsequencc only fair. As th_ composition in question is new to the Auckland public, a few words of description may be in place. Sir Julius Benedict composed it fo;- the Birmingham Festival of 1870. It consists of two main parts, both illustrative of important pas sages in the Apostle's lite. The first opens with a lively overture, "Evening by the Sea of Galilee," aud the fishermen are sup posed to be preparing to leave their daily toil. John the Baptist appears, aud delivers his solemn and weighty message : " Repent ye, for the Kingdom of Heaveu is at hand." The Forerunner is followed by our Lord Himself, who, seeing Peter and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea, calls upon them to follow Him, a behest which they are not backward to obey. The scene now change?. The Gali lean Lake is lashed into fury by the fierce winds which rush down upon its surface from the surrounding hilla. The fisher.-!, alone in their little craft, arc toiling with rowing, and in the darke-t hour of the night the Master comes walking to them on the sea. Peter es.ays to walk to Him, but, sinking, calls to Christ for aid, and is saved. A chorus of praise and thanksgiving for the ; escape brings the first part to an end. The second part opens with a description of the ' saddest incident in Peter's life : his denial of his Master, ilia repentance follows, and various events connected with the cruci fixion of Christ. Peter's imprisonment by Herod aud his deliverance by Divine inter -1 position succeed, and the whole fittingly concludes with a grand chorus, " Sing unto the Lord, oye Saints of His." Though there are not wanting in the oratorio pleasing airs aud passages, it contaius little that is particularly striking. There are no stirring choruses or exquisitely beautiful me lodies which entrance the listener and which will become universal favourites, like nume rous compositions out of Handel's oratorios, and like some of the thrilling surprises of Bach's Passion Music. But perhaps it is unfair to compare Sir Julius Benedict with these great raost.rs. One cannot, how ever, entirely avoid, making comparisons, especially when, as is the caso in " St. Petsr," ground more than once traversed by them, and so made familiar, is gone over again. Of the music especially appropriate to the words we may mention the orchestral interlude and accompani ment to the recitative, " But the ship was now iv the midst of the sea," etc., aud the chorus, " The deep uttoreth his voice," etc. The wailing, whistling, rushing, and spas modic abruptness of the angry gale—which certainly forms a grand theme for musical treatment and illustration — is admirably represented. Music siugulaily appro priate also accompanies the words " Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me," etc., addressed by Jesus, when on His way to Calvary, to the women of the city. The air is sad aud plaintive, and Mr. Dixon sang it with excellent taste and feeling. This was, wc think, tho gem of the evening. The passages wherein Peter is three times accused with beiug one of the disciples of Christ, and he as often denies the charge, each time using more emphatic language, miy also be pointed out as among tho more impressive parts of the composition. Wc had looked for something striking in the music allotted to John the Baptist, but were disappointed, as it seams almost com. monplace and lacking in vigour. This character of the Gospel history has always appeared to us to be (at least iv his wilder ness days) an impersonation of mdc energy, stem conviction of purpose, and resolute fearlcsmess ; and we expected music that would attempt to embody these ideas. The fault was certainly not in its rendering, for Mr. Dixon did full justice to it. The tout ensemble of last night's perform ance was satisfactory, and the Society may be congratulated on it. The chorus (as was to bo expected) showed a considerable im provement on the preliminary es?ay of Tuesday evcuing both, in power aud finish. The ellbrts of the band were, on the whole highly praiseworthy ; but they have an unfortunato habit of playiug the accompaniments too loudly, co that it is impossible for the singers to give proper expression to piano passages without having their voices completely drowned. Last night, too, iv tho second part somo of tho instruments wero not in tune. The soloists were Mrs. Mitchell, Miss Maunsell, Mr. Dixon, aud Mr. Brett. The first-named lady was suffering from a cold, but her singing notwithstanding ex hibited her usual accurate aud cultured style. The latter remark applies cqua'ly to Miss Maunsell, whoso unaffected, quiet manner adds a charm to her singing. Her voice, wc think, is particularly suited for dramatic parts, aud consequently the passages which fell to her share last evening were eminently appropriate. Of Mr. Dixon wc have above spoken inci dentally; we havo only to add that he appealed to be iv excellent form. Mr. Joseph Brown took the conductor's place, and it was not his fault if the move ments of his baton wore not always so strictly watched by the chorus as they might have been. As Mr. Brown conducted the rehearsals and made the preliminary ar rangements during Mr. Rice's absence in the South, it was necessary that he should conduct at the public performance. It is needless to say that he fulfilled the duties of the post to the satisfaction of all. We understand that the bass parts will be taken at the Society's next and succeed ing concerts by Mr. Gordon-Gooch, who arrives next week iv the Riugarooma, with the intention of permanently settling in Auckland.

Robert Love, the vocalist aud player, announces his last appearance in the Albert Hall on Monday eveniug next, when he will take his farewell benefit. A host, of local talent have promised Robert their assistance on this occasion, no less than IS in number. A.a parting gift, Mr Love will present a copy of his favourite motto Eong, " Castles in the Air," to every visitor to the Hall on Monday eveniug.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL ' REPORT EH.)

WELLINGTON, Thursday. THE RAILWAY RECLAMATION.—

OUR REPORTER INTERVIEWS THE MINISTER. The Star special waited on the Minister of Works and respectfully inquired the intentions of Ministers respecting the Auck land Railway Reclamation contract. Mr Oliver courteously said he was willing to give any information. The lowest tender (including metal £3,000) amounted to £45,000. The amount remaining from the vote was £25,000. His intention is to accept a tender immediately for the con fctruction of tho sea-wall at the limit of the reclamation fixed in Dempsey's tender together with culverts, and ask Parliament to vote a further sum to fill in from the present area reclaimed to the sea-wall. _f e says the whole history of this work displays gross mismanagement on the part of the tormer Minister of Works in permitting the Public Works Department of Aucklaud to muddle the harbour by allowing the con tractor to fill in earth before a sea-wall waa built.

THE AUCKLAND CAUCUS.

Of members absent from the Auckland caucus, Messrs George, McDonald* and Hamlin have sicca signed the memorial to Mr Oliver, re the Reclamation. The others profess to regard the matter in the light of another compact, and virtuously declare their determination to wash their hands of it. Some sourness exists because Swan sou took the initiative, instead of waitin for the city members to take action. Mr Swanson asserts that no understandin- had been previously come to with the Govern meut. His action was purely impromptu. Mr Oliver thinks considerable reduction possible in tho contract.

It is understood that the modification in tho Property Tax, excluding personal cil'ects, will involve a loss to the revenue ot over £40,0.0.

Ministers say that the financial condition of the colony is such that they must collect the Property Tax.

AUCKLAND SAVINGS' BANK.

Mr Dignan is moving jin matters tending to Legislation to enable the trustees of the Auckland Savings' Bank to appropriate accumulated . profits exceeding twenty thousand pounds to some local object such as a Town Hall or Public Library.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

The financial statement is expected on Tuesday.

THE WANT OF ORGANISED OPPO

SITION.

The proceedings in the House to-day did not possess much interest. Members have not yet warmed up to work, and the want of a compactly-organised Opposition causes the absence of those lively passages which characterised the recent' sessions. An Opposition member puts the case of the Opposition thus : Grey will not follow, and cannot lead ; Macaudrew cannot lead, but wouid follow if his supporters would let him. The present position reminds one of old days, when each Superintendent com manded a personal "tail," and aspired to the position of leader. The O'ago mem bers monopolized the first part of the sitting with questions and motions, mainly relating to Otago railways.

Mil REED'S ENGAGEMENT,

In reply to a question relating to the reduction of the Immigration Department Mr Rollestou said Mr Heed's engagemcut was for two years, with six months' noiico at the end of that period.

FEMALE REDRESS,

Mr Stewart's P'emale Redress Bill was read a second time. A joke going about the lobbies is, that a waggish printer made it appear as Female Undress Bill. The object of the bill is to enable single women to maintain au action for verbally slander ing her chastity without proof of special damage, which cannot at present be done.

LIABILITY OF LODGEKS,

Mr Stewart also introduced bills to pre vent superior or ground landlords distrain, ing upon lodgers' goods for rent, on their paying the amount due for board and lodging.

INCORPORATION OF RELIGIOUS

COMPANIES.

A bill was introduced to enable companies whose objects arc of religious or charitable character to b2 incorporated without tho use of the word of "limited," to prevent dividends being declared by such Com. panics, all th« profits being devoted to the objects of the Company. Another bill has lieu introduced to facilitate the sale of lanu under execution by reducing the expense aud limiting the length of notices required, also attaches property under the Land Transfer Act.

INATTENTIVE MEMBERS.

Mr Shrimski moved for a return show ing the days on which members were absent from Wellington. The motion created considerable discussion. Dr Wallis sar castically remarked that the return should show when Ministers went to bed and rose. Mr Speight exptcased the original idea that thcof.cuei' members were absent from Wel lington the better for the colony. 'I he motion received little favour from tho House, and was withdrawn.

THE WAIWERA ROAD.

Mr Seymour George made quite a speech in moving for correspondence relative to bridges at Orowa, Waiwcra, and Puhoi, and the deviation of tbe main North road by way of Waiwcra. He insinuated that an institution which possessed great influence in the country aud the House holding a mortgage over Waiwera, had secured the duration. He .'aid when his constituents protested against bridges at tho mouth of navigable livers, he recommended them at tho first fiood, to send a raft of timber against the bridges. Dr Wallis denouueed the deviation as a job, particularly as Stokes' Point was avoided.—The motion passed.

THE HINEMOA

Dr Wallis relieved monotony, and raised a few laughs, in moving for correspondence relative to the second trip of the Hinemoa for Auckland members. Ho spoke of Mr Bryce as first Lord of the Admiralty of New Zealand, and in sorrowful tones, des cribed the fearful sullerings of old and ven erable members,, who were bundled into berths near the keel, while young spruce members, like Mr Hurst, had boued com fortable state cabins above. He insinuated that the second trip was made to suit oue to whom the Government were unc'.er great obligations, and because certain members desired to remain for a few days longer in the bosom of their families. Balf_au hour was fooled away in this manner.—The motion passed.

SPECIAL WIRES.

On second reading of the Election Tele graphic Amendment Bill, the Premier .-aid he found whea an application was made for the modiliaation of the special wire system, no local authority existed to grant it. The object of the present Bill was to give that power. Possibly in commi tee the power ot the Government would be limited.

REGULATION OF ELECTIONS

The House spent an hour and a half in co~ini.tteeonthe]l.cgulationofElcetionsßill, which made rapid progress, showing the ad vantage of the absence of a factious opposi tion. Formerly such a measure would no. be committed until after an endless wrans liug at the fag end of tbc session.-Mr George suggested an amendment in the Bill compelling members joining the Ministry toseakro-electioS. The first dovisiou ot thescssiou tookplaccon amendment, proposed in clause eleven, to qualify non-voters for election to the Ho-ise.— Some members re marked that this would qualify a Chinaman and others,] Communists, and, a third, women. Ministers had a majority on division which however cannot be regarded as a reliable lost of parties, as mauy mem bers were absent.—Sir George Grey pro posed a further amendment to qualify per sons who had been electors, but whose qualification had lnp.cd, aud in reply to the Premier's statement the proposal to qualify non-clcctors was revolutionary, Sir George Grey was proceeding Io launch out into an oratorical display, denouncing the Minis terial proposal to limit eligibility for elec tion to the House, only te voters, as auothcr insidious attempt to foster a laud aristocracy, which raised a laugh, wbeu the Chairman of Committee expressed his sorrow at ha. ing to interrupt the lion, gentleman, the bait-past five recess having arrived. Ou resuming, the House al vaucidtho Bill further in Committee till 7.30 aud then adjourned.

THE FIRST DIVISION OF THE

SESSION

The following is the division list on tho amendment that the words " duly regis tered voters " stand part of the eleventh clansc of the Regulation of Eleciions Bill: —Noes : Andrews, Ballanco, Burrows, De Latour, Finn, Fisher (iieathcote), George, Gisborne, Grey, Hani-, Hutchison, Irelaud, Lundon, Maemdiew, Montgomery, Moss, Reid, Shrimski, Speight, Stewart, Tainni, Tawhai, Tole. Ayes : Adams, Allwright, Bain, Beetkai.., Brando-; Bryce, Calbeck, Dick, Fisher (Buller), Fox, Gibbs, Hall, Hamlin, Humhoi____, Kellv, Levin, Mas ters, McDonald, Murray. Oliver, Pitt, Pyke, Richmond, Richardson, Rolleston,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAB. FB-BAY. JUNE 4 1880.



Special AdverntierQents. it. H *I S J- I X U M. 100 DOZEN 2.BUTT ON KID GLOVES (Quito sound), Only Is lid per pair. A Largo Stock of FANCY GOODS. MILLINERY, COSTUMES. PINAFORES. DRESS GOODS, &c., &c. To be Sold at Nett Cash, for a Short Time only. DRESSMAKING ON THE PREMISES. Costumcs.mado in 21 hours' notice. A. LINABURY & CO., 201 AitD 20G. QUKKN-STRKKT ,/^. ARLII- _- nKANWELL DEsr.t to Draw Public Attention TO THEIR QPECIAL TOB T INES! bpECIAL 008 1-INKS I We havo tho pleasure to inform our Customers we have been abo to Purchase a Consign ment of 72 Pieces of Best Doublo War. American Sheeting at a Great Reduction, They wero shippert to a Southern port, but tho depression in trado there induced the consignees to place them on this market. We shall now Sell ONE-HALF of them at a. Very Small Advanco. to clear quickly, and at Prices LOWER than wo could import thero at, they being worth 25 per cent more now than when this lot left America. Tho Quick Sale this "make" has met with ~itherto is a proof of its durability. | JOB DOUBLE WARP AMERICAN SHEETING. 12 pieces 72 inch 1/6 12 „ 81 „ 1/8 12 „ 90 „ 1/10 6 „ 90 „ Twill 1/10 JOB—SO Toilet Quilts for single bods, at 5/- JOB—2O ~ ~ .. double beds, at 6/G JOB-9/1 Blankets, 9/6 per pair JOB—II/ 1 .. 1-/6 per pair JOB-Printed Wool Table Cloth, 2yds. wido, 5/6 JOB—All-wool Damask, 3/G per yard JOB—Whito Curtains, 3/G per pair. Co-operative Reduced Cash Pricks. DRESSES job—2O pieces Fancy Twilled Dress Material,-/.! JOB—IO pieces Seasonable Poaipadour ditto, -/__, -/HI, and 1/3 These aro Half-prlco. JOB—Dressed Oxford Shirts, 3/6; worth 6/6 JOB-60 pairs Strong Tweed Trousers, 12/6 JOB—Men's Tweed Suits, at 25/- and 30/- JOB— „ „ Ulsters at 22/6 JOB— Waterproof Coats, at 10/- GARLICK & CRANWELL. CARPETS JOB—Best 71- Brussels for 1/11 JO H— Few Rolls, at 1/9 and 5/11 JOB—Few Rolls TapoHry, at 2/11 JOB—Soma Remnants at Half-prico. Wo shall Sell TWENTY ROLLS at abovo Prices-subject to 5 par cent, discount, aa on all Furnishing Goods. GARLICK & CRANWELL. pAKLICK & riEANWELL, CITY HALL FURNISHING ARCADE, Queen-street & Lorne-_,treet, auckland. A UCKLAND CLOTHING FACTORY. LOCAL INDUSTRY. TAILORING DEPAR-MENT. J. B. Robinson has the honour to an nounce that he has secured the services of an eminent fashionable Cutter from Sydney, and a competent staff of Tailors, and has mado extensivo pre parations for tho manufacture of colonial cloths ; and is now In a position to supply Men's, Youthß's and Boy's Suits made to measure, at Kng lishjslop prices on tho shortest notice.! Suits made to order on twolve hours' notice. Colonial Tweed Trousers, made to measure at 13s 6d, on six hours' notice. All Tweeds guaranteed well shrunk. As it Is intended to devote tho whole of the resources of tho Establishment solely to tho manufacture of Men's Youths'and Boy's Clothing, theprosent Stock of Roady-mado Goods will bo sold at prime cost, to make room for those of our owu manufacture. J. B, EOIBINSO N, AUCKLAND ri-OTHING TjUCTORY, QUEEN-STREET (Two doors below B. Tonk's Auction Mart). pHAMPTALOUP & COOPER, \J BOOKSELLHR-, STATIONERS, __ND news agents, Have Rccoivcd NEW BRONZE GOODS, consisting of Card Recj-iveiih, Fiourks, Vases, Inkstands, Flo wiiii Stands, &c. 80, Queen-street, Auckland. 4



Special Advertisements. I, J, COSGBAVE $ CO., \ Having WOUND-UP their ..Several ' BRANCHES in New _Zealand, [and } } Rcvioved.the Goods to Auckland, have resolved to CLE ART THEM OUT REGARDLESS OF COSI. ~~ "CILANNELS & T3LANKETS I WILLIAM RATTRAY Be_;s to notify that he HAS NOT RAISED THE PRICES on account of the advance in the prico of Wool and tho increased duty, but Is Selling his FLANNELS fi_ BLANKETS [at the OLD PRICES. A Large Assortment of FLANNELS, all widths BLANKETS, all sizes. Also, RUSSIAN DOWN QUILTS. WILLIAM RATTRAY'S Family Drapery Establishment, 66, Queen-streot, Auckland Oppo3ito Bank of Now Zealand. TJOYAL INSURANCE (".OMPANY (FIRE AND LIFE). CAPITAL £2,000,000 With Unlimited Liability ov the Share- HOLDERS. Accumulated Funds injhand EXCEED .. .. £4,000,000. R&venue :— From Flro Premiums £770,000. From Life Premiums ..216,0-0. Exclusive of Interest on Investment.. This Company continues to accept FIRE 81-KS on every description of Insurahlo Pro perty AT THE LOWEST RATES OBTAINABLE. CLAIMS FOR LOSSI.S aro Promptly and Liberally Adjusted without referenco else where, and immediately paid at tho Company's . Bankors in Auckland. GEO, W. JONES, Chiof Agent for Province ot Auckland. Ofllco: Shortland street. May 22,1830. Influential Agonts required for tho Suburb! and throughout tho Province where tho Com pany is not already represented fTIHE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY'S GAEMENTS FOR MEN'S AND BOYS' WEAR Fit Better :: Are Better Cut I,oolc Betticr :: Ark Bkttkr Made Wear Better :: ark Better Shrunk And thsroforo give n.oro satisfaction than any othor goods offered to tho public. Testified to by their Thousands of Customers who purcha .0 constantly at tho new zealand clothing. factory's branches: Now Established in Dunedi!. Wellington Inveroarqill Nelson Oamaru Wang.nui Timahu Nkw Plymouth Asiiburtoi. Napier Lyttelton Thames CußiSTCHunca Auckland A Single Gaument at Wholesale Price. N. 8.: Our New Winter Manufactures aro now Roady. «_&. "TRY THE N.Z. OVERCOAT. Shirts, Hats and Hosiery of ovory descrip tion at Wholesale Price-. AUC XL A N~D B RANCH, Queen-Etrcct (opposito Thoatro Royal). ij. BTIZ.IMON3, Manager. "VT OTIGJ.I nJ O T I C E NEW DRAPERY. NEW CLOTHING. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN Beg to announce that th.ir NEW STOCK for tho incoming Season's Trado is Now to Hand, comprising— New Materials in Fanoy Dress Goods, very cheap Satin Cloths, Serges, Reps Cashmeres, French Merinos, &c, new shades Waterproof Tweeds and Ulster Cloths Ladies and Maids' Jaokets, a ohoice assort ment New Fancy Woollen Goods In great varioty Ladies' and Maids' Ulsters, all quite now Hosiery in variety,_&c. Also, AJLarge Stock of Flannels, various makers, and unusual good value Blankets, all sizes, whito and coloured vVinceys, Wool Plaids, Shirtings, &c. A Very Choice Assortment of NEW .CLOTHING FOR BOYS AND MEN. Ovorcoats and Ulsters Boys' and Youths' ditto ditto Crimean Shirts, Oxford Shirts, White Shirts]} Under-Flannels, L.W. Shirts and Panti Printed and White Moleskin Trousers for Boys and Mon Hats, Caps, &c. A Heuvy Stock of Good Tweeds Cheap Tweod for Boys' wear, Blue Serge, Moleskins, __c. £_r Five per cent, discount (Is In the £) al lowed upon a'l Cash Purchasers of 20s and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Drapers and Clothiers. Opposito tho Army and Navy Hotel, Upper Queen-3treet. Auckland V\7" ELLESLEY HOUSE. AUTUMN AND WINTER, 1830 A. LOVETT Haa now brought forward tho whole of hia NEW STOCK of DRAPERY AND MILLINERY for the present and coming season, and invites the ladies of Auckland to inspect it. The prices will be found to bo as low or lower than at any other houso in the city, no matter how much puffing they may do. In the Millinery Department we shall show every Novelty of the Season. A good staff of Milliners employed, and orders promptly executed. A good stock of Dress Goods in plain and fancy materials, winceys, &c. Ladies' Winter Jaokets, Ulsters, and Skirts Calicos. Sheetings, Flarmolß, Blankots, Quilts, Toilet Covers, all good value Ladies' and Children s Under-wear, a fresh lot, cheap Infants' Robes, Gowns, He Squares, Silk Hoods, Hats, &c. Ono Shilling in the £ Discount on all Cash Purchases of 20s and upwards. Country orders promptly attended to. Please Note the Address: A. LOVETT, Wklt.ksley.-street. Auckland W. Co D* NNES THE GREAT MACHINE IMPORTER, is nobody's agent 1 mpokts Direct the following Machines Singer, Genuine Arm and Platform Frister & Rossman Princess of Wales Wertheim Homo Companion, the New W heeler & Wilson Homo Shuttle Co.'s Now Grover & Baker latest and best Domestic Howe—A., B, and C. And Other Good Makers. All of which are for Sale on Weekly Payments of 2/C. Ono Month's Free Trial, with option of changing without loss. I.'nlimited iustruction at purchaser's house by the beat Machinist iv tho Colony. Machines kept in order twelve months freo of oharge. These ar» somo of tho advan ages of Pur chasing at tho GREAT DEPOT, QUEEN-STREET



"A thing of beauty is a joy for ever," is simply 'ho poetic investiture, which the imaginative and tender-hearted Keats put upon a very practical ides. That idea is, tnat a thing of value lasts for ever. In othor words.that a real good isa permanent benefit, alivingbeneflcer.ee, a deathless virtue. On this grand principle wore it not'that Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic echnapps was the tonic and invigor ant that it was, it would long since have passed out of the public mind.