SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

nuH wAraßigS^^iSSU.o.B7 HUN BET.—This Kvenin*. 5.32 8./ N RISK.—To-Morrow Morning,6.29 .1 DON'S AGK.— Last Quarter, 28th, 3.51 a.m,

ARRIVALS. TO-DAY.

Glenolg, 8.8., Farauhar, from Tanranga lona, h.b., Stophonson, from Russoll Julia Pryoe, sohoonor, from Tntuknka. Mary King, schooner, from Lyttelton Anthons, brigantino, Munn, from Oamaru

DEPARTURES. LAST EVENING.

Waitaki, b.b., Kdio, for whan>»arcl Gem, Bohooner, Poarce, for Tairua

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Ix>ndon—Chili, at onne; Loch Doon to follow Tuuranga—Glenolg, Monday; Waitaki, Monday Sydney—Horo ~ ~ Whangarel—Argylo, Tuesdays and Fridays ; Waitaki, Friday Molbourno, via the South—Tararua. Thursday Kuaeell-lona, Monday; Waltakl, Wednosuay Now Plymouth and South—Tularoa, Tuesday Hobart Town—Loongana Levnka—Meg Morrilioa, Wodnesday Pu«et Sound—GlimpßO, barque Friendly Islands—Myrtle, brigantino Samoa— Mazsppa, sohooner San Franoisco—Scottish Lassie, barque Samoa—Mazoppa, Wednesday

EXPORTS.

Per Linda Wobor, for Mapier: ui.uoo 11.01. baulk timber, 12,713 feot sawn timbor.

IMPORTS.

Por Mary King, from Lyttelton :-hh b»u«.b potatoes.

Inwakds OoABTwiSB.-Leo, from Cotoamn clel with 13.000 foot timbor; Wave, from Cub baKeßay, with 37 tons flrowood; Julia Pryoa. from Tutukaka in ballast; Adah, from Thames, with 18,000 feot kauri timber.

Outward 3 Coastwise.—Christina, for Rue sell • Lady lion, for Hokianga; Lee, for Waihose.

Tho Anthons reports sighting tho brig Bmperor, bound from Lyttelton to this port, oir he Kast On o. Tho barquentine Klinor Vernon arrived at Now York from this port on July 24, after a B plendid passage of 88 days. The lona towod tho three-masted schooner Avooa Into Whangaroa, whore sho was to load ■with timber for Melbourne.

The cutter oP°tiki was tho only,veß3el.ot Mercury Bay yesterday. Bho arrlvod yestorday moKafu commenced loading timber for Opotikl. Thn n a Qlenelß arrived this morning from T™£wlW£okslmal» 301 suck,.gum. 100 uiparand 4 horses. P"89OnB?" J.T^iiklS- Brown, and ono in tho steorage. A sight entry to clear the barquo Langstono wfs "weed to W. and she will commonco dis charging hor carso on Monday. Tho 8.8. lona arrived this morning from Fa renearonKa Mon«onui, Wangaioa, and limsoll with 117 Backs kauri g«m. 20 sacks oysters. 8 hides. bSkotoflah, 3bales skins P«£n,wn: Messrs Lenner. Keade, Robinson, Cbatllolel, Colman, McLennan, Miss Johnston, and two In tho steorage. She returns on Monday next. Thn a a Finiral arrived this merning from nrnto and Moroury Bay for the puruow of nndeHTOlnK repaira. She brought 22,0a0 shingles, 8 toSFpSmpES. 18 Pies anS four passengers. She returns to Moroury Bay about Wednesday next* The threo-masted schooner Falcon was loading wita timber at Mongonui for Lyttelton when the lona left. The barque Glimpse oleared at tho Customs to day for Port Townshend, Pagot Sound, in ballast. The brigantino Linda Wober, Captain McDearmid. cleared at the Customs to-day for Napier with cargoof timber originaUy shipped at whangaroa. »The topsail sohooner Mary King with a cargo of potatoes arrived from Lyttolton at a late hour this afternoon. The brigantino Anthona, which arrlvod tnis afternoon fromOamarn. brought a full cargo ot brcadatuffa. The following weather forecast for Auckland aistriot was telegraphed from the Central Weather offlco at Wellington todayi-Bad weather approaching from between north-east, north, and west; expect the glass to fall further; every indication of very heavy rain soon. , The aohooner Caledonia has beon placed on tho berth for Tonga. She is advertised to sail noxt Wednesday. The barqne Chile haa hauled out into tho stream preparatory to sailing for London. She will cl»ar at the Customs on Monday, and will probably tako her departure on Tuesday. The topsail sohooner Julia Pryco, arrivoi early this morninpfromTutakaku, having bson successfully floated off the rocks there by Mr A. Henderson, of the firm oc Henderson and Sprasgon. The Sea Breeze with men and ap pliances arrived there on Friday, and work •was commenced on Saturday morning. The veesel was raiecd aft, and then sheered round fifteen feet to place her in a more advantageous position for launching. These arrangements were completed on Wednesday, and the Julia Pryce was floated off at 11 a.m. on that day. Hor cargo of timber was rafted to the Sea Breeze, which subsequently left for Russell, and tho Julia took her departure for Auckland yeß terday. Phe will be placed on Messrs Hender son and Bpraggon's slip in order to undergo a thorough overhaul.

The following information (says the"Squthland Nowa) will bo useful to masters and bnildeia of small ve'uels:—Captain Thompson the harbour master nt the Bluff says: "My attention has been called, by the musters of many small coast, ins vessels to errors in their compas3e3 on cortain courses, amounting in some cases to as much as two points. These I hare Invariably found to arlso from the'proximityjof the compass to long iron bolts driven vertically through the deep combings of their half-raised cabins. The hammering In driving, and their vortical position, give them strong polarity, in this hemisphere, with the red pole upwards, which repels the north or 'red'end of the compass needle; the lower end attracting it. This de rangement can In some case 3bo conveniently compensated, but the surer and hotter plnn Is to have the iron bolts replaced by copper or com petition ones, or, if convenient, the compass re moved out of their influence. Bni Were of small vessels of the clas3 referred to should guard against putting Iron fastenings near the com pass. Their being covored with the tlmbor does not prevent them affecting tho compasses, as some suppose. Several masters have related to mo their narrow escapes through theße errors.and I have no doubt some \ozitj, have occurred from the same cause."

PORT OF THAMES.

Thubsdat,

Arrived: Hattle White, ontter, from Tamak;, with 178bugsfohaff and 15 bales hay; Uipty, cutter, from Auckland, with coal; Lady Rath, cutter, from Deadman's point, with firewood. The schooner Josephine, which arrived last evening from Lyttelton.t encountered frightful heavy-weather a few days after leavingport, and had twiO3 to se 3k shelter in Hick's bay. Her sails were considerably damaged, hut the hands on board succeeded in patching them up. Capt. Myno we are informed, showed to advantage hid knowledge of seamanship in the gale, and it is owing greatly to his indefatigable exertions that the vessel has been brought [safely into harbour. "Advertiser."

PORT OF WHANGAROA.

July 2i.—Arrived: Defiance, brigantine, from Auckland, to load baulk timber from Mr Wigmoro's yard for Dunedin. Tho brig rirenda commenced loading on Mon day from the same shipper of timber.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

Arrivals: August 20, Ada C. Owen, from Auckladd; August 25. Aurora, from Lyttelton. Windbound at Heads on August 27: Aratapa, Island Lily. Elibank Castle, T. B. Taylor, Augusta; all bound to Southern ports. No doubt they will get away this afternoon or to-morrow, as there is every appearance of a change, 'l hero are two fore-and-aft schooners erosslng the bar, supposed to be the Maud Graham and Tele graph.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wellington, yesterday.

Sailed: S.B. Tararoa for Auckland, via tbo Bast Coast. PaasHngora: Mrs Kid era, Captains KubsoU and Watson, Messrs Bidwell. Adams. Roger. Dyson, Mountfort, Phillips, Orniond, Bouia, Ormond, and eleven in the steerage. Arrived: Hinemoa, from Lyttelton.

Pioton, this day. Sailed—Hawea, for Wellington, at 0.35 a.m. Hokitiica, vcaterday.

The following telcgiam was received from Koß3this evening :—'• The Wallace grounded on tne North Spit, Okarlto, in trying to enter In yes terday, at two o'oloofcv Probably Bhe will be got off on discharging if the weather is favour able."

Port Chalmers, yesterdar.

Arrived: Plucky, s.s. from Dumbarton; Sailed: Dolphin and Fred Bussett, barques, for Newcastle.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, Saturday. %

Mr B. Arthur reports of his Iweekly sale of fioultry, provisions, etc.,as follows: Fowls Is 7d o2s lOd eaoh; turkeys, 3a 8d to 4s sd; ducks, 2s id to 2a 7d each; small pigs 4a to; 7s 6rt each; Spanish fowls, 2s 6d to 4a 3d each; Brahmaa, 2a 0(1 to 4s each; potatoes 3s to 4a; carrots, 3s Gd ; turnipfl, la 7d; pumbkins, 3s 3d to 3a Gd ; onions id told; malza, 3a 8d; oats, 2s 3d to 2s Gd; barloy-meal, Oa 6d nor 1001b?.; fowl wheat, 33 3d; chtese, Id to Old; bacon, Ud to 8d; butter' 2Jd toß<l;beef. 2jd; lard, Id flour, £8 to £14; chtiir, 2s to 2s Cd per bag: sugar, Id to 43d ; nco, 3:1 • co"cc Is 3d per lb.; pearl barley, 2Jd; tea (box), 228 to 26a; white lead, lid; soap 15s to 10 per (owt.; oatmeal, lid; peanut 3, lid to 2Jd ; apples. 7a to Ids. Mr W alter Dowden'a general sale was well at tended by townspeople and settlers, and favor able returns wore made.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE AUCKLAND.

Mails will Ci.osk ah Under :— Tuts Day. NIL Monday. 33th instant For Waitara. per Lalla Kookti, at 8 a.m. For Thames, per Kotomahana, al 8.30 a.m. For Coromandel, per Coromandol. at 11.30 a.m. For Tauranga and Opotiki, pur Waitaki, i\t i p.m. For Kussell, Kawakawa, Waiigaroa, and Mon-

gonui, per lona, at i p.m. For Whiiiangi, Talrua, Tauranga, and Opotikl, per Olonelg, at 4 p.m. For Thames, per Kuterpriao, at 5.30 p.m.

Tuesday, 31st instant. For Taranaki and Southern ports, per Talaroa,

atl p.m. For Watwera, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana,

per Roee Casey, at 10 a.m. For Wangarei Heads, Walpu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argylo, at 1 p.m

Thursday, 2nd September. For Olsborne, Napier, Southern ports, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Tararua, at 0 a.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

There are few connoissnura whoso judgment is valuable in the tiste and selection of liquors. Singular to say. reliable wine-bibbers are scarce, in bo far as their knowledge) of quality ia con cerned. A counterfeit article may bo so arti ficially doctored as to have the smack, tho flavour, the delicacy of tho beat -vintages and brands, and yet the judge pronounce on it, with out being able to detect the imposition. The few choice spirits, who constitute what we may call the medical jury, of the country, however, were right in their vordict about Udolpho Wolfe's "achiedam Aromatic Schnapps, and Time, the greatest and highe3t tribunal, con firms tbe decree.

Meetings, Entertainments, &c.

August 28,1880. Theatre Royal—"The Banker's Daughter" (Lingards), 8 p.m.

BIRTH.

ANQLO.—On August 27, at Jermyn-street, the wife ot J. ;Anglo, of a daughter. Both doing well. PHILLIPS.—On August 27tt, at hor residence, Wcßt-atreot, Nowton, the wife of H. Phillips, of a son.

MARRIAGE.

GRIBBLE.—BISHOP-On August 23rd, Charles Cribble, to D. At. Bishop, both of Auckland.

DEATH.

ALLRIGHT.—On August 13, at Northern Wai roa (accidentally drowned), William Henry, eldest son of U. Allright, of Auckland; aged 21 years.

BURTON.—On August 27th, at her residence, Urafton Road, atter a painful illness, borne with Christian resignation, Ann Jane, beloved wife of J. Burton, and only daughter of Mrs McConnell, Parnell; a'<ed 25 years. The funeral will leave ncr l»te residence on Sunday, at 3 p.m. Friends pleaao accept this invitation.

MO3S.~On August 20th, at St. Stepnen's Road, Parnell, Auckland, Charles Hartley, tided son of F. J. M 033, Esq ; nged 22 years. The funeral will leave his lato residence on Monday, at 9.30 a.m.

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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 1880.

Fur the cause that lacks assistance, Fur the wrong that needs resistance, For thu future in the distance, And the pood that we can do

The House of Representatives pro longed its sitting till eight o'clock this morning, and drifted at last into scenes of the wildest disorder. The proceedings, reported in our telegrams, are calculated to bring the legislature into a disreputable notoriety, and we hope for the credit of Now Zealand they will not be repeated. Business which, with anything approaching to order, should be disposed of in a fow minutes, is protracted into hours by members who manifest their resent ment for failure to carry their point by obstructing all progress. Every member a[>pears to claim this privelege, and the consequence is the demoralisa tion of Parliament and utter incapacity to perform the work required of it. The remonstrance of Sir (ieorgo Grey last night, that many members were not in a fit state to go on with the sitting,

seems to have been more than justified if we may judge from the character of the brawls that ensued and the final disgraceful denouement.

We aro on tho eve ot another civic election. There are four vacancies, and nominations must bo deposited at the City Council Offices before noon on Tuesday. Two members are re quired for tho East Ward, and one each for the North and South Wards. Councillor Offer has already beon nomi nated for re-election for tho latter district, and wo liopo that Councillor Thompson will bo induced to conic forward again for tho North Ward. He has boon ono of the most atten tive conscientious, and painstak ing members in tho Council, and it would bo a misfortune if his services wcro lost to tho city at tho present j juncture, who'll questions which ho has! tnkon ail active interest in are coming to maturity. For East Ward, thoro is a difficulty in finding a representa tive. Ono business man after another has beon solicited and refused on tho ground of private affairs. Mr John Grey, who has contested the soat boforo, has now definitely deter mined to stand, and others may enter tLo fiold boforo tho appointed time. Possibly tho littlo interest dis played by tho burgesses in the election may bo talcon as a sign of satisfaction with the way in which tho business of tho city has been conductod. It is, never theless, a dangerous apathy. Tho posi tion of Councillor is ono to which every citizen who has tho time at his disposal might honourably aspiro, and seats ought to be moro sought after. Tho city will havo important matters to deal with during tho ensuing year, including tho spending of tho now loan, which is a special reason why good mon should bo roturnod to ollico at tho approaching election. As tho laying off of the Albert Park is providod for under thn .Loan Act, the cricketers and lovers of atlilotic sports aro interested in tho ap proaching contest, und thoy should not let tho occasion pass without testing tho views of candidates upon this subject.

Fbom telegrams in the San Francisco papers,it appears that Abdur Itahmun Khan was declared Amir of Kabul, and not of all Afghanistan. In the House of Commons on July 26th, Lord Harlington roplyiug to an inquiry, said that communications with Abdur Kahman wero lirst opcucd by LordLytton, and had been continued by Lord Kipon. He was simply rocoguiscd us Amir of Kabul, where no foroign minister or foreign interference would now bo allowed. His lordship also observed (possibly with some prevision of the ciitas tropho at Kandahar), that tho uncertainty of Afghan politics was so great it was im possible to feel that all our troubles there wero ended ; but the arrangements for the retirement of tho troops were not altogether contingent upon tho proceedings of Abdur Kahmau Khuu or the people of Afghanistan. General Stewart was amply strong to hold his own against any possible combination, aud to retire when and how he thought lit. Abdur Kahman Khan had been informed that no negotiations could be entered into yet respecting Kandahar or tho districts named in tho treaty of Gnndamak. He was also informed that Groat Britain docs not consider Afghanistan within the sphcro of interference by any foreign powur, aud that tho ruler of Kabul cannot have relations with any foreign power, except Groat Britain, and that if he conformed to her desires and was guided by her advise, Great Britain would assist him against un provoked aggression by any foroi^u power, and that Great Britain would not interfere in tho internal affairs of Afghanistan.

It was a wide lielit which Mr Carrick's recent lecture on Modern Scepticism opened up ; and though the rovcrend gentleman, with his accustomed ability, travoraod no inconsiderable area, there arS left gloaniugs scattered here and there which may with advantage be gathered up. The meanings which Mr Carriek attaches to the words "sceptic" aud "scepticism" suoin to call for notice. He uses them in the contracted scuscs which tbey did not originally bear, i.e., the one as indicating a pronounced, it not wilful, doubter ; the other, tbat fashiou able unbelief which threatens the nascent religious opinions of unwary impulsive youth. But theso are not the only senses in winch the terms in question can. without violence bo employed. They both owe their origin to the Greok "skeptomai," to enquire into, to examine carefully ; and in some of the best authors thoy still rctiiiu the torco of their root-word. The distinc tions in the meaning of the name "sceptic " have their counterpart in the thing signi fied. Thero are sceptics and sceptics. They mss through, every imaginable shade ot opinion, from the honest doubter who baits between two opinions becauso the evidence is not conclusive to his under standing, down to the avowed freethinker who cousiders all things in heaven aud in earth legitimate prey for his irreverent investigation. With the latter aud those like unto him we may safely leave Mr Cai rick to deal, for lie has shown himself well able; on behalf of the latter we arc desirous of putting in a word. The en quiring mini who weighs evidence bofore he makes up his mind, has ever been subject to misrepresentation and hostile criticism. .And it is tin often the custom in these days for ministers of religion and other matured sober people who are supposed above the rest of raeu to be thinkers, to frown severely at the doubts and difliculries of a reverent enquirer, aud to tell him it is unreasonable as well as dangerous to doubt. This imprudent, unsympathetic course has driven many a perplexed student into down right infidelity. It is forgotten tbat genuine belief is an act of judgment—an intellectual process dependiugnot upon the will, but upon the preponderance of evidence examined. If the evidence is insuilicieut or in some other way defective the mind remains iv suspense, uncommitted either for or against a belief. Hence the mere act of believing has nothing to do with morals, and no man cuu be stig matised as wicked, or praised as good, merely on account of the conclusions lie ar rives at. This is a truth which deserves to be pressed home, demanding as it does the auriou-i consideration of clergymen ami other teachers. It suggests for one thing that the evidence on religious subjects should he presented iv as clear and ample a form as possible ; and that a great part of the time which is now spent in dogmatising should bo given to calm and detailed ex planation.

Another important fact is as a rule for gotten by those who have to deal with the difliculties of honest enquirers, viz., that it has often happened that the doubter, when he has fought his doubts and overcome them, gathers in tho process a power of faith and strength of conviction which he could not otherwise have possessed. The conqueror in the mental strife will be vali ant to lay these spectres of the mind, and patient to sympathise with those who, through the constitution of their intellects, or through force of circumstances, are floundering in a slough of doubts. We can just mention one name by way of example — that of the broad-minded, cultured, bene volent Charles Kingsley, who in his early days passed through a iiery ordeal of reli gious dilliculty. Mr Carrick lias very properly dwelt upon tho inconsistencies and blunders iv to which scientists have falleu, chiclly because they have impulsively rushed to conclusions unwarranted by the facts. This is a mistake against which Professor Virchow of Berlin protests with learned earnestness in a pamphlet to which Mr Carrick seems to allude. In the history of every physical science there are three well marked stages. The first is the collection of factd ; the second is the classification of facts collected ; and the third is the period of generalization from the facts previously collected and claa3iiied. X\ow scientific men have often been too hasty to place their favourite science in the third stage, when in reality it was not half through the first. Hence, most of their mistakes, which they have had unwillingly to confess, to the injury of their own reputatious, and (which is more important) that of tho domain o£ knowledge which they were iden tilicd with.

On the other hand a common mistake of theologians may be pointed out, viz., that of interfering in branches of learning with which they are imperfectly acquainted, tot tho skilled .student of theology deliver judgments on matters coming within his own special sphere if he pleases; but he has no riftUt to dogmatise and lay down the law in questions purely scientilic, —unless indeed the extent of his atudies constitutes him an authority in both, lint there are few who excel thus; there are uot many Joseph Cooks. Endeavours to curb and thwart science, and make its conclusions

everywhere square with the preconceived uotions of theologians, muse inevitably.end in failure. The church in the middle ages aaid that Galileo was a pestilent heretic, and that the Ptolemaic theory of the universe, having Scriptural support, must be right. But tho event has proved that Galileo Was a hotter judge in the matter than the whole College of Cardinals. In more modern times a dignitary of the church proclaimed that geology was entirely an orror, founded Upon a mass of misconcep tions ; but geology seoms destined to show that the dignitary in question spoke with an idle tongue. In these remarks of ours we would not be supposed to countenance either directly or indirectly that prevalent audacious spirit of unbelief, which has. no foundation iu,pains taking research. We would heartily second Mr CarrickV efforts to slay such a mis chievous giant. But we have felt con strained to publish a plea on behalf of a misrepresented class, who aro seeking tho truth by careful aud reverent enquiry, who in fact are trying to steer an "oven course between two extreme follies, gratuitous speculation and lazy scepticism on the one hand, and unhesitating credulity on the othor. From such, rolicion has nothing to fear, but much to expept; for in themwill bo found her most trustworthy champions. Those who aro alarmed at the inquisitive euquiring tendency of the presont ago may find relief in the thought that truth cannot be killed, or even permanently crippled ; in the long run it must prevail. Maijna est fl/i/as, ct praevalehit.

A story entitled "A Propitious Ghost" will be found on our fourth pago.

What may happen to a man in a civilised community received a remarkable exempli fication last night. Mr S. Brown, ot Vic toria-street, a very quiet and respected iroumoniior and ironworkor, and a deacon of Wellesloy-stroet Church, received in- Btructious from the owners of tho barquo Glimpse to repair tho k-i'lc-Y' -As the vessel wni ready to nail he was instructed to get the work done before morning. He went on board, took the measurements, aud ro fcurned to his shop to make tho necessary ironwork. Accompanied by two other workmen, ho proceodod to tho_ vessel at midnight and commenced operations. Tho ouptiiih soon fiftorwards camo to them, and Imdinf; three men with coats off neut for a nolicoman. A consUblo arrived, Mr lJiown mid his companions endeavoured to explain, but tho captain positively refused to listen, anil ordered the cnusiablu to take them into custody. The olliceiH demurred, lint liimlly yielded, and tho three men wcro handcuffed and marchod up tlio wharf aud lodged in tho police cells, a chartie boing enteioil against them under tho Vagrancy Act. They reinaincd thoro all night, and were brought up at tho Polieo Court this moruiim, when they wero of coureo dis charged, no cvideuco being offorod ugainst thorn. Thin, however, is very poor com pensation for the indignity and wrong they liiivc sullcred, and an action for false im prisonment in not unlikely to follow.

A cable despatch to-day revives tho ro port that tho IMneo and i'rinccss of Wales will visit Australia during tho Melbourne

Exhibition, and that tho troop ship Serapis is being iittod up for tho journey.

Attention is Hpecially directed to tho pro grnmruo of tho Auckland Summer JLlacos which appoiirs in another column. ' Tho incctiitfj; will tako place as upiial on Uoxing Day, Now Year's Day, and January 2nd, and the chief features arc the Cup, Kuein;{ Club Handicap, aud Steeplechase, Tho advertisement contains full particulars as to entries, nominations, &c, aud should bo carefully perused.

Wo undcrHtaml arrangements uro in progress for an organ recital Jit St. Mary's, Paracll, on Friday ovoniu^, 21th Scptombflr noxt, in aid ot tho Church Improvement Fund. From tho intended programme, with a si^lit of which wo havo been favoured, thoro will lie several pieces K'VI!U hitherto unknown iti Auckland, tho- choir l>eiii|» strengthened for the occasion by tho assis tance of local tuleut, most kindly rendered, tho addition ot orchestral accompaniments beiiiK a specially attractive feature. Par ticulars will lie advertised in a few daytt.

Mr W. K. Mcars has received, ex Albion and Chimhorazo, a large ]>arcel of the lend ing English and American Magazine*, wliich he is selling chcaji. A coiiHtaut supply is received by mail every month.

Tho National Bank, through whoso

agency tho City of Auckland loan wns (touted, have received a cable dispatch announcing that tho amount realised for the £55,000 asked for was £114 ss, loss ex penses. Thu tenders covered a total of £334,000.

To tlio Editor : Sir,—A paragraph ap peared in your issue of yesterday us fol lows :—" A hitch has occurred, in tho nego tiations for the sale of Newton Kirk to the Roman Catholics. Tho nt?ont, however, vowa that lie will have his commission, as the proposals were brought to maturity, and tho purchaser ready to complete" As the ngent in question, 1 deuy the assertion, and prouounca it absolutely untrue. —I am, etc , THOS. H. Maouattib.—[Our corres pondent explains that tho purchaser is ready to complete-, and the only hitch that ha* occurred, so far as he is concerned, w wauiiig tho return of Dr. Wullis from Wel lington.]

Mr George Hayter delivered an interest ing lecture last evening in the Excelsior Hall, on the "Human Body," with special reference to Coutt's Acetic Acid iv relation to physical disease, Key. Josoph fcong occupied the chair. Tho meeting was well attended.

If tho weather should provo favourable there should be a big house at the Theatre this evening to witness the fust perform ance of the " .Banker's Daughter." The piny has been a success both in London and New York, and as no pains are said to have been spared in *ho mounting, it will probably make a big hit. Mrs JLingard'a part jh a very arduous one, aud will tax her powers to tho utmost. To the Editor: Sir,—l think our little city has reason to be proud of tlie ostiiua tion it holds iv tbo money market at homo, notwithstanding the dotenuinod efforts to writo down New Zealand iv a!l parts. Its municipal loans command (in this instance), I believe, higher rates than over before quoted. It speaks well for tho estimation of our civic management of city business in London, and bids fair to put some money in the pockets of the city bondholders, so that it will do good all round.—Yours, &c, De sideratum.

Tho Auckland Stud Company must be congratulated in having securod for tho Province of Aucklaud that grandly bred and h'rst-ratc performer, Cap-a-wic, by Moribyrnong out ot Miss Magus. Ho is without doubt ono of the best horses that lias ever been imported, and the Stud Company have done right in securiug such a horse for getting tho class of animals required in this colony. He will stand at a ligure within reach of all. Cap-a-pie won the A.J.C. St. Legor, beating Chester, Woodlands, and Black Eagle, besides other lirstrate performers. As an animal, lie is without doubt a great weight carrier.

In another column will be round the pro spectus of an illustrated weekly paper, entitled the " Observer," which is to be issued in Auckland about the middle of next month, by Mr. A. S. Rathboue. It a9pires, according to the prospectus, to famo and circulation of a colonial rather than of merely local character, and careful arrange ments have been made beforehand not only to embellish its pages with original sketches of illustrations, but to secure for it a supply of reading matter which shall invest it with an interest tor tho people of every town in the colony. Experienced writers, resident in tho seven or eight head districts of New Zealand, have already been engaged, while nn effective stall" has been obtained for local work. It is intended to be a novel feature in Australasian journalism, and the adver tisement will indicates tho means proposed for making it acceptable to the reading public. The County Council of Whangaroa has called for tcuders for removing landslips on the Whangaroa and Kaeo Koads, thus taking it out of the hands of the Local Ro.id Hoard, which to them must be a relief, with an empty exchequer. Some very good specimens of coal have been found in VVhaDgaroa this last week, and now a prospecting company is at work sinking a shaft to thoroughly test whether we have coal iv our neighbourhood to justify them in forming a company to work the same.

A reported discovery of gold is exciting attention in Whangaroa. The report, says our correspondent, was brought from Mongauui on Saturday last that Messrs Campbell and O'Niel, surveyors in that district, between Monganui and Hokianga, had found some nuggcta. This report was substantiated to a certain extent, and that more would soon be hoard of the matter, as they were trying to iind tho reef. The nuggets were found in a river bud. hast evening the fifteenth anniversary of 'St Sepulchre's Church was held. There was a good attendance. The service cnm ■uenced with the Processional hymn, " Onward Christian Soldiers," followed by the anthem (from Ist. Peter 35, 22-^5) ably snug by St. Sepulchre's choir. Revs. Dudley, Long, Hazeldino, Biggs, Purchas, Colder, Nelson, and Maunaell wore pro3out. The Sight Reverend the Bishop o£ Auck land preached, taking for his text, 12Sih I'salm, 4th v., " Yea, the Lord hath done great things for us already: whereof we rejoice."

Very little business was done in mining stock on the exchange yesterday. Cale donians were at 25s 6"d; Tokateas, 4s ; Columbias, 53. There were buyers of Moanataiaris at 52s 6d ; Alburnia, 38s 6d ; Kuranui Hill, 8s Gd ; North Devon, 17s Cd; Golden Crown, 13s 6d ; Calf, 5s ; Southern Cross, 6s ; Queen of Beauty, 3s 9d; and Hopeful, 2s Cd.

A telegram announces the destruction of Whitechapol Church by lire. This is ono of the oldest of London East End churches, and was at least six centuries old. The Rev. Dr Champneys, author of " Floating Lights," was rector of this church for more than 20 years.

Capt. R. V. Stcphcnson has written to the B. of P. Times about the famous skeleton story :—" I, or rather Mr Allen, found a rifle, bayonet, belt, and ammunition, possibly belonging to a New Zealand volunteer, aa the rifle was marked N.Z. 3861, and the bayonet 3109. If your re porter is fool enough to imagino that bones, much less a skeleton, would remain in the same place for fifteen years on land over run with pigs and dogs, when a sheep s carcase disappears entirely in a year, why he possesses an imagination worthy of Baron Munchauson himself." After this our contemporary had better hide his diminished head.

The adjoumod annual meeting of the A. Battery (N.Z.R.A.) was held in the Drill-shed on Thursday evening. Captain Payne occupied the chair. Tho auditor's report and balance-sheet showed the Battery to be in a very satisfactory st ate. Sergeant- Major Ansell was ro-elected treasurer (for the'fifth time), and Gunner Roger secretary. The following members were elected as the committee forthoensuingyoar:—Sergt.Lips combe, Quarter-Master Surgt. E. Heighway, Gunners Kobinson, Camoron, K. Peace Serge. Kobinson and Band Secretary Borth wicic were also elected to represent the band on the committee. Gunucrs W. Heighway and T. Salmon were elected to the position of auditors. Votes of thanks were passed to the outgoing committee, and also to Captain Payne, for tho ablo manner in which ho conducted tho businosH.of tho ovoniug.

At tho sale just coucluded by Messrs Puttick and Simpson tho large prices ob tained for many of tho works are worthy of note. We select the following items pur chased by Metzler & Co. : " Homy's Royal Modoni Tutor for tho pianoforte," £3010 ; Borrows " tho Murmer of tho Stream," £•208; "Thoßritishlion,"£l6B; "Fontaine's swing sung," £73 ; " Tho musical bijou collection," £123 ; Blumcnthal's " When we arc parted," £57 15s; Cecil's "I hear tliee spoak of a bettor land," £51; Clay's "Shades of evening," £3G 17«; "A doubting heart," £74 15s ; Spark's twonty marches for tho the organ, £G1 12s ; Uilcnbaoh's " Kose of Auvergne," £49 7s; "Ruby," £418 10j; " Weary," £11(5; " When sparrows build," £300; Cramer's vocal go ins, £3G7; Pinsuti (U.)"Bedouin love nong,"£ll4 15s; Sullivan (A..) " Tho chorister," £55G 10s; Tho Hale occupied six days, and realized upwards of £IG,OOO.

A poor woman named Catlirino Connolly Ihih a husband in the Clerkouwell (England) Mouse of Detention, under remand on a charge of felony. Two weeks ago, in violation of Holonm law, she convoyed to him, while on a visit, a small quantity of tobacco—or, to bo moro precise, about a quarter of an ounce—which was found beneath a " pusto turnover" that she had brought in for his dinner. When arrested she explained that the turnover had been given to her by an acquaintance of her husband's outside tho prison, who told her to take it in, and unit sho was not aware that sho was doing wrong. Sho made a piteous ap peal to tho mtigistrato for mercy on account of her children, and also on tho ground that who was in ill-health, declaring that she had acted entirely in'ignorance, and without any Intention of breaking tho prison rules. The merciful magistrate, however, sentenced her to 21 days' imprisonment with hard labour, without the option of a line, and she was removed from the dock in a lament able condition, crying bitterly, and asking, " What will becomo of my children and my home?" Ono little child belonging to 'her, a girl about six years old, was left in Court to liud its way home as it best could.

Messrs. B. Tonks and Co. will sell at noon on Monday the right of grazing on Mount llobson for one year.

A meeting of tho members of the Work ing Men's Club wus held last evening, but the business was of a private club nature mid not of public interest.

The liov. W. Morley preaches a fuueral sermon in memory of tho Key. C. 11. Schnackenberft, lato Weslcyau Missionary, at Raglan. The morning service is chosen for the occasion.

A meeting of the Auckland Working Men's Political Association will be held on Monday evening next in the Albert Hall, for the purpose of considering the report of tho Local Industries Commission.

The services at tho Auckland places of worship arc duly announced elsewhere. Mr George A. Browu will give an evening discourse in the Temperance Hall at 6.30 p.m. on "Tho Stato of the Dead." At Pitt-street Wesleyan church, tho Rev. Wo, Morley will treat on the life and character of tho late Key. C. 11. Schnackenberg, at 11 a.m. Tho evening servico at the Theatre Koyal at the usual hour, addresses by ministers, and hymns by a select choir, under the guidauco of Mr John Ryan.

CRICKET.

A MEETING of secretaries of the various Aucklaud Clubs was held last evening at the Thames Hotel, the business being to draw up several general rules for the guid ance of the whole of the clubs. The various clubs wcru represented as follows :—Epsom, Mr Hesketh ; United, Mr P. Dufaur ; Auckland, Mr Bealo ; Parnell, Mr Sadler; North Shore, Mr McGcchic ; Otahuhu, Mr Porch ; West End, Mr Mitchell. Mr P. Dufaur occupied the chair. After some preliminary business had been disposed of, Mr Porch proposed, and Mr McGechie seconded, " That each club should contri but one guinea towards the purchase of a cup, to become the property of the club that wins it throe times."—Carried, Pro posed by Mr Eenlc, seconded by Mr Mcliechie, aud carried, "That the West End, Auckland, and United Cricket Clubs piny with eleven, and tho others with eigh teen j)layers each when a match is arranged between either of those three- and one of the others, and that they play with cloven when in ii match between these three." Mr Hes keth proposed, and Mr A. Kcale seconded, " That each player should, in playing in matches in competition for the Cup, declare which club ho belongs to." Mr licalo proposed, and Mr Porch soconded, "That the lGth of Octobor should be the commencement of the season."

The Melbourne Regatta.

AN AUCKLAND YACHT TO COM

PLETE,

As our readers arc already aware, it is intended to hold a {{rand intercolonial regatta at Melbourne dnririg the Exhibition there. One of the chief eveu'ts will bo the first-class yacht raco, and ellbrts aro now being mado to have all the Australian colonies represented. Apparently, Now Zealand has not beeu looked upon as likely to furnish any competitors, inasmuch as no representations on the subject havo yet been made by the Melbourne Com mittee to the principal cities of this colony. Thanka, however, to the enterprise of some of our local yachtsmen and others, eit'orts nre now being made to secure the representation of Auckland. It is expected that next week final arrange ments will be made with Mr Thomas Niccol, of the North Shore, to build a yacht of between 30 and 40 tons, which will be entered for the iirat-clasa yacht race nt the Melbourne Kegatta. A considerable amount of money has been subscribed to defray the coat of the vessel, and no diffi culty is anticipated in obtaining the remainder. During recent years Auck land built vessels have won a high reputation for speed, &c, aud should the proposed yacht be successful at Melbourne the effect should be bring the shipbuilding industry of this port very prominently before the public. The construction of the yacht is being placed in good hands, some of the fastest of our island and coasting vessels having been designed and built by Mr Niccol.

Mining News.

(BY TELEGRAPH.)

COROMANDEL, this day. ToKATBA.—The contractor has driven 14 feet during the past week. The country is still very hard. Hornibrook lodired 20ozs. of gold from his tribute this morning.

Royal Oak.—The manager reports an improved appearance of reef in the stopes. The crushing of 48 tons of stuff will be liuiHlicd to-day. CoiiuY.—Barrett and llornibrook, tri butes, have lodged 67 ozs. from one ton of stulV.

Haiusouk View.— Nash and Co., tri buters, have lodged 16'lbs: of good spccL minis iv the bank this morning.

Favourable reports have been received from the Tiki district. Several new claims have been pegged oil.

Scintillations.

"Bo brief: for, it is with words aa with sun beams ; tho more thoy arc oonuonsed, tho deeper they burn."-HQUTiiKY.

<'TjPrEß"STOKiES.—Fashionable novels. Flogging in the navy is to bo disoon* tinued. , ~ , , , . Captain Porter will probably bo re-elected Mayor of Gisborne. Taipari's feast at the Thames commenced yesterday. About 500 natives Were present.' The Wellington Football team leaves for Auckland next Thursday. The enquiry at Welliugtou Hospital is proving unfavourable to the management. Mr John Grey will contest East Ward at the coming Municipal Elections. The new railway time-table comes into force on Wednesday next, when lull particulars will appear in the Star. The house of Captain Londen, pilot at Port Chalmers, was burnt yesterday, and two adjoining cottages damaged. For saving the lives of two children, who weie drowning, Mr George Brownlie, of Oainaru, has received the Royal Humane Society's medal. The whole of the heavy expenses of Glad stone's Midlothian campaign have been defrayed by the Liberals of that country. During thn recent famine in Ireland, the Duchess of Marlborough collected and dis pensed £130,946. Archbishop Steins will consecrate the new Catholic Church at Kihikihi to morrow. Mr Gorton, of Cambridge, says his thoroughbred imported mare Katie has foaled a fine lilly to Feve. B. L. Farjeon, the novelist, has started a new weekly in London, It is called "Saturday Afternoon." Considering the size of the place the num ber of lires in Blenheim and surrounding district is truly lamentable. A good matrimonial firm is said to be one that consists of three-quarters wife and one-quarter husband. The Earl of Kilmorcy, who was the oldest peer in the United Kingdom, died on June 20th, aged 94. Prince Albert Victor of Wales is to un dergo the asual course of training as a cacict at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. When Handel was tec years old he had written a set of Sonatas, which George 111 was proud to own, and which now form part of the Queen's private library. The liquidators of the ill-famed City of Glasgow bank have brought the payments to 17s in the pound. There is now only £500,000 owing. Staonus Jones, formerly of Auckland, has taken up his permanent residence in France. Mr Jones is chaperconing Mr_A. Boardman, whoso health has much im proved, The amount of £1800, in sums varying from £1 to £500, has been subscribed by 11 gentlemon of tho Episcopalian body for tho assistance of the poorer congregations in the Duncdin district. It takes 300,000 rose blossoms to make one ounce of the famous " attar of roses," and upwards of 5,0001b5. of tho "attar" is manufactured in Italy alone. Think of that !

The Cathedral of Cologne, on tho Rhino, recently shown and described by Mr Jesiah Martin, of this city, haw been completed. It was commenced in tho yoar 1248, 632 yearn ago. Milkman Hunt met witli (a misfortune when tho heavy rain Hooded the spring in which his cans were cooling, and reduced tho milk beyond oven what a milkman believes to bo equitable. Jerry Carroll was a deck hand on board the Nurragansctt, but ho left tho vessel the day she was wrecked. This was providential. Last Suturdny ho went in swimming and, was drowned. This was— but why bring up the past ? „•• It is said the male wasp does not Hting. But as v mule nnd female wasp wear tho Hamo kind of polonaise, and look as much alike hh twitin, the only way to distinguish tliuiu is to catch one. If it stings you it is a fonialo :if not, it is a gentleman wasp. . An American exchange says :— Domestic productions of equal merit are neglected for the foreign article. People see a special virtue in imported articles. Here for years Spanish flies are used for blisters, while tho magnificent sticking qualities of the Ameri can Hy are totally ignored. Cioiug home from church, she remarked to her husband : " Did you notice that bald headed man in front of us, and how young he looked '! I never saw anyone so young before with a bald head." Then bo shut her up by roplying : "My dear, I was baldhcadcd before 1 was a year old." Master Jack : How ofteu are_ the clothes washed, Emma? Lauudry-iuaid : Once a week. Master Jack: Only once a week 1 then tho clothes are much luckier than sis and me, if that's all the washing they get,

THE NEW BERLIN CONFERENCE,

At Berlin tho chiet work Ib compelling tho Turk To do as he's bid, »nd obstruotion to cease ; Bat they'll find, all tho same. That a slippery game They're playing who ecek to solidify Greece.

Tho son of the celebrated Spurgcon has reached Hobart Town, and, according to re port, has determined upon visiting the chief towns of New Zealand. "Thomas is a clover lad." said an old man, " but not up to his father."

Mr Spurgoon's forty-sixth birthday Vas celebrated at tho Stockwell Orphanage, the occasion being signalised by the laying of the foundation stones of four houses, out of a block of six, intended to furnish homes for 250 orphan girls. The " Patea Mail" copies our report of the Parihaka meeting in full and then credits the "Herald" with it. This is adding insult to injury. Better far be a barefaced robber like the " Taranaki Herald," which reproduced the account in full without any acknowledgement. The business people of Whangarei are taking steps to celebrato tho opening of tho Whangarei-Karao railway with conven tional festivity. The celebration will take tlie shape of a public lunch to Mr P. Lanigan, the contractor, to whom it is ten dered for the indefatigable manner in which he has pushed the lino on.

In the face of her own great grief, the Empress Kugdaie has shown she could feel the tenderest sympathy for that of others. After leaving Itclizi, and visiting the donga where her son fell, tho Empress proceeded to inspect the fatal field of Isaudulu, where she mingled her tears and prayers with those of the English ladies, bereared like herself, who accompanied her.

The colonists have been used to think a £5,000 sweep on tho Melbourne Cup a pretty big thing, but they appear to plunge even more heavily in India. The first prize in tho Umbnlla sweep on tho English Derby was £11,000 and Lord William Beresford ("Ulundi Bill") bought Bend Or from tho drawer (a clerk in the Public Works Department) for £4,000. Plucky, was'nt it ?

Only fancy lunching four thousand per sona at ono Bitting. Yet Spiers and Pond did it comfortably at the opening of the new docks on Thursday. There werosoowaiters, 100 cooks and carvers, and a mile and a-balf of table-cloth. The value of the plate on the tables sould uot bo less than £5(3,000 ; while the champagne drunk would easily have floated the boats that contained last year's Oxford Cambridge crews. Christo pher, ray boy, you are playing up the penny to a rare tone.

Madame lima do Murska is suing Mr Maplcson, impresario of Her Majesty's Opera House, for a balance of a salary of £240 per month which the lady wai to have on aconccrttour. Thedefenceisthatthrongh illness she did not keep her part of the en gagement, and her response is that the writteu agreement says nothing about ill ness. The question on the first day of the trial was whether Mr Mapleson should be ndmitted to defend the action, and the Judges decided in his favour.

Quito a curiosity in the army of insolvent debtors is Mrs Amelia West. Her assets are nil, aud she has only one creditor, to whom she is indebted in the sum of £25. To escape payiug that amount, Amelia, who "appears in person," has had to ex pend £1 for filing her declaration, three shillings for liling her statement of assets and liabilities, and will have to shell out a few more shillings before the Chief Justice binilingly assures her she "can tako an order of discharge."

The callow and romantic young man who used to have a telephone wire running from his house to his girl's window so that they could say good-night three or four times, was married afterwards, and it is now employed as a clothes line around the back yard, while the little clothes pins sit on it, getting weathcrbcaten in tho sun.— '■ Herald P. I."

" I admire my wife now as much as ever I did," said an old gentleman, " though we have been married forty years; my bride was tho belle of New York when 1 married her, and though I loved her for herself, still, a beautiful llowerisall the lovelier poised in an exquisite vaso. My wife knew this, and true to her genuine relincment has never in all this forty years, appeared at the table or allowed mo to see her less carefully dressed (handuringthc days of our honeymoon. Some might call this foolish vanity ; I call it real woiuauiulcsfl. I presume I should have ceased to love her had she followed the example of inauy others, and considering the every day life of home necessarily devoid of beauty, a'lowcd herself to be careless of such small matters as dressing for her husband's eye ; but love is lincrcased when we are proud of the object."

CABLEGRAMS.

BUEOPBAN, [REUTKK'S TELBGKAMS.] The Khan ot Kheiat. CALCUTTA, Angust27. News has come to hand that a mutiny haß brokon out among tho troops of the Khan of Kheiat, in Beloochistan, and orders have been given that a wing of one of tho Highland Regiments stationed at Quettah to proceed to the assistance of the Khan without delay. ./, ... The New Amir. LONDON. August 27. The "Standard" this/norning publishes a telegram replying that a serious defection has taken place from the troops of tho new Amir. Abdul KJiaman is in fovour of Yakoub Khau's party, at Ghuznce, and of Ayoub Khan at Kaudahar. The Qreek Frontier. CONSTANTINOPLE, August 27. The Ambassadors of the Great Powers have presented the Porte with a second col lective note declaring that they must refuse to discuss further the line of demarcation of the Greek frontier, as fixed by the Con ference. The Prince and Princess of Wales Visit Melbourne. LONDON, August 27. A report is current at Plymouth, to-day, that tho troop-ship Serapis is to be fitted up to convey the Prince and Princess of Wales to Melbourne, and that a detached squadron, and H.M.S. Bacchante, will accompany their Royal Highnesses. Terrible Hurricane at Ja maica. A telegram has been received to-day announcing that a terrific hurricane has passed over Jamaica, in the West Indies, and has caused great damage throughout the island. Thousands have been rendered houseless, and are starving. In the port of Kingston 40 wrecks have occurred, owing to the force of the storm. SThe British are Bepulsed. CALCUTTA, August 29. Intelligence has just come to hand that another sortie has been made by the Britieh troops at Kandahar, directed to the east ward of that city; but owing to a strong position being taken up by Ayub Khan's force, which was strongly reinforced, the British troops were obliged to retire. Gladstone's Holiday. LONDON, August 26. The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone has started for a cruise on the coasts of Ireland and Scotland for the purpose of recruiting his health. An Old Church Burnt. LONDON, August 26. Whitcchapel Church bas been burnt down. Australians V. 18 of Stock port. LONDON, August 26. Tho cricket match, Australians against 18 of Stockport at Stockport, was commenced to-day. The home team went in first to the wickets, and were all disposed of for 132 runs. The Australians then ,went in tor their first innings, and when the stumps were drawn for the day, had lost seven wickets for G8 runs. SpoHbrth, Blackham, and Sleight were absent. Hanlonand Trickett. LONDON, August 26. Hanlon is expected to arrive in England on the 15th September, to go into training for the race with Trickett. Naval Demonstration. LONDON, August 26. It is in contemplation to hold a grand demonstration of ships of the British Navy oil" one of the English ports at an early date. Commercial. . LONDON, August 26. Scotch pig iron in London is 52s to 53s per ton; galvanised iron is £18. lleunessy and Martell's brandy is 10s. The total reserve in notes and bullion in tho Bank of England is £16,875,500. To-day's quotation of New Zealand wheat, 445, should be ex ship, notc.f., as previously telegraphed. The shipments of wheat from America to England are now diminishing. LONDON, August 26. At the \\ool sales to-day, 9,300 bales were offered, making a total of 81,700 bales catalogued since the opening. The tone of the .sales showed au animated demand. 6,000 bales were withdrawn from sale.

AUSTRALIAN.

iREUTEE'S SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS.]

ADELAIDE, August 27.

The Legislative Assemhly has negatived Mr Bray's vote of want-of-contidence in the Ministry by 25 to 21 votes.

MELBOURNE, August 27.

An excellent programme has been ar tanged for the race meeting in honour of Sir Hercules Robinson, which is to take place at Flemingtou on Saturday, 18th September, not the 16th, as previously announced. The chief event will be the Robinson Stakes, with £250 adfled money. The entries close on September 13.

SYDNEY, August 27.

The Hawkesbury Grand Handicap, a Sweepstakes of lOsovs. each, with 300sovs. added, was ruu to-day, distance one mile and a-half, and resulted as follows :•—■ Mr J. Burton's eh h Hesperian, 4yrs.,

6st 1 Mr T. Ivory's br h Sweatmeat, syrs., Sst. lOlbs. 2 Mr J. Ash worth's br h Strathearn,

6yrs., Bst. ... ... 3 Wou by. three lengths. Time: 2mins. 38 4-10 sec.

Hennessy's brandy in bulk, quarters, 10s 3d to 10s 6d; Patna rice, £21; New Zea land wheat, per bushel, 3s 6d to 3s lOd; maize, per polbs., 2s to 2s Id J tobacco, RavenV twist, per lb., Is 6d to Is 7d; candles, D.R. J's, 7Jd per lb.

DEAN'S MINSTRELS AT LORNE STREET HALL.

The saying of tho witty Charlea Lamb, " A laugh is worth a hundred groatis in the market," was realised last night by the hundreds of persons who managed to squeeze into the Lome-street Hall for the two-fold purpose of enjoying a pleasant 'entertain ment and swelling the fund for the relief of widow Donovan ana her little children who have been deprived of their male parent. The bands of the Naval Brigade, No. 3 Company, and the Hobson's, made the musical announcement at the consecrated corner. The officers and mombcb of the brigades and companies rolled up in goodly numbers and gladsome trim to do homage at the shrine of the muses, and all went merry as a marriage boll, and the whoic affair was one success, adding laurels to 'lie Dean's Minstrel Institution. The remembered lines of the immortal Milton are singularly applicable to the classical head and members of this unique body, whose phases consist in sport, song, ana dance. The representative lines are worth repeating :—

Sport that wrinkled care derides. Laughter holding both his sides; Come aud trip it as you go On the light fantastic 100. Tho curtain rose at the appointed hour, and displayed tho minstrels, with the broad figure of Horace Dean in the centre, solemn as a sage, whilst at one corner sat Fred. Rice (Tambo), bursting to bubble forth his humours, streaming from withiu, and opposite was self-complacent Dau Bqrtie (Bones), with head resting ou lib right baud waiting his opportunity. The iutro ductory overture anil chorus by the com pany, from tho opera of "Zampa," opened the * entertainment. We noticed a slight want of harmony occasionally in the minstrels, possibly through insufficient practice. The several songs which formed the iir3t part were commendable for purity of expression, and were of a higher order of literary merit than ou the last occasion. MrWm. Caradus, anew mem ber, was deservedly praised for his household ditty "Mamma, where has baby gone." The ballad was given, with, feeling aud seemly expression. The subsequent songs, viz., "The Four Sarahs." by Danny Bertie, " What were all the worldwithout thee," by Mr W. Rylaud, " Keep one little kiss for me," by Mr J. Richards, and " Naughty ! naughty !" by Fred Rice, were worthy of the occasion, and sung with general approval. The true story in verse, by Mr Horace DeaD, elicited warm approbation. It was natural and poetic, containing a torching sorrow iv a poor actor's life. The bouquet of melodies—a Heeniiug paradox in. terms—was highly relished, especially the letter from Kiver liead, and the lively digression ou capital and labour, in connection with a flour-bog. The little, poem by Bertie was j;ivcu too rapidly, which prevented niacy of the audience from catching fairly its wise and pretty subtleties. One of the leading

features of the'evening wd« th» .fciiii oration bv'Willie flprman, which wai> 3 the beat thing of the'kind to which we u Ut ' listened. The subject was--'Kft \ wo do with our Chinamen?" ThE,^ been irell studied, and as Dr■ jS d ' would say, it was " witty witliont ki ' vulgar; lively without being tame" tkß cabbage and other illustrations t» capital, with an under - current 1 political satire which was creditable * the author. Several'good local conundmJ/ were introduced by the Kicean humori • but his Btory ot married life was spun ' at too great a length. Two of the nSJ beautiful songs of the evening were " Al where art thou?" by Mr Ryland i?,' "Ruby," by Mr Richards, TW iwH "charming influence, "and thes!n R e' t s w/,5 compelled tosing again;/Thd riew toneS dance sketch'" MV Gal," by Messrs Bora and. Rice,, was cleverly executed, and w ceivcd a double encore. It wagvfT grotesque and created roars of lauehu 1 Mr Horace Dean sang his great miliw song, "Here stands a post," in oharfew with John Bull's triumphant flag of vK» inJiand. This song was highly walked and immediately applauded. Mr Dean retards* and thanked the officers of' the varintf brigades and companies, on behalf oft? grateful widow and her children, and to Si who had assisted in any way towards tt« ' success of the Ethiopian Carnival, m? * entertainment concluded with "Ity 2' your thumb," a very amusing act, of whw! we wrote pretty fully on a former occatfon The after dances were kept up with snirit and order through the starry hours of afc!? under the M.C.ship of Mr William 8m&? The orchestra was led by Mr A. Roberts '

The Kyburn Murder.

(BY TELEGRAPH). ' NABEBY, this day,-v A FEATURE of the trial to-day Warftk peculiar behaviour of Ah Kum ii tht ' witness-box. This man was one of tlibse i arrested last week on suspicion and $u\>- '* sequently released. He first awunied a "nosavee" attitude, and then endeavoured to impeach the conduct of the; mtpreret* stating that Wong Ah had induced him to make the statement. The police aw exceedingly reticent as to the nature of th» evidence to be given, but I learn that th* Dature of Ah Lee's confession will be to flu:. effect that he went to Lee Guy's but m ' the evening prior to the murder; that Lee Guy and he procured stones and a h»y f OT t from the neighbouring stable; and thai' <&t stones were used in breaking in' jjj. Young's door. After gaining odnriMion they had a struggle with her, injuring ha with the stones, and finally overcoming her That they searched the house andfonndi purse with some money, a ring, and brooch in it; but expected to get £300 or £4()ft Being disappointed they returned and upset the contents of the house—as not worffi taking. They thought they had killed Mft Young, and it was arranged that Ah Lv was to go into Naseby and Lee Guy 2 arouse the neighbourhood by way of dircrt ing suspicion from himself. , ,■,/\ •

Meeting of the Unemployed.

In response to the advertisement of "A Married Man," which appeared in Thnre. ' day's Stab calling a meeting of the nnei. ployed, a large number of persons, both young and old, assembled last night jtyflil' entrance to the Queen-street wharf, »nd were addressed by the convener, an elderly - inau named Garrard. .He mountedft^f&ill heap of scoria atones which lies just oppo. site the Thames Hotel, and thoughhiaaudi. ence was but a small one at first hU.-'ldnd? and at time 3 vehement, harangue Bobi'tQ the ellect of gathering a large crowd aronnd him. He spoke with considerable glibness, but bis ideas did not keep pace with the number of his phrases, and the consequence was much wearisome iteration, relieved oc casionally by an "antidote" (anecdote) ur two by way of illustration, or as an, excise to gain time for reflection. His deliverance was unimpeded by any rejjard for grammatical rules, or" restrained hj j hesitancy as to style* or, matter, while emphasis was lent to the more striking passages by the insertion of expressiTe expletives, and the crowd moved to laughter ;. by an occasional witticism more vulgar | than brilliant. When our reporter sjn.-J peared upon the scene the speaker was en. I gaged in exhorting his hearers to agitate ■ for day labour in preference to employment under a contractor, who in times of depres sion, like the present, could select yum at. his own price, and ignore altogether &« whose family necessities prevented them from working so cheaply as young and on encumbered men. The Government, he con tended, was bound in common fairoeMto* perform large workß by day labour, appomWjj ing sharp overseers to supervise the men,3 instead of letting them to wealthy contract tors, who paid the few men they engaged % starvation wages, and who were noH anxious to. ■ extend the time :of.?ißjjl contract by employing only a few men than .■; to expedite it by taking on a large number at a remunerative rate of pay. He also attacked the City Council for the same tiling, and denounced the Mayor and Conn cillors for their indifference to the poverty stricken condition of the unemployed, k cities such as Sydney and Melbourne,'he said, each councillor or alderman regarded it as his special task to attend to such' matters in his particular ward, and Vhere appeals for. work were made to him it wq| his duty to bring them under the notice! of the Mayor, who was bound to provide tie applicant with work sufficient to yield him| and his family a subsistence. Bcre, how;..! ever, the fellows whom they had in the J Council paraded the streets in black.coats, and polished shoes, while their poorer fellow subjects were gasping out for bread, He could call them neither Christians not Britons. (Applause.) If they (the Council) or the Government were unable or unwilling to let contracts by day labour, and to give : them work, they should at least {charter a vessel to take them to some land where bread could be honestly obtained. (Renewed;.' applause.) The speaker then passed ontOrfj state that the Banks were at presept fnllor| money, which was being accumulated there by the capitalists instead of being dr^ culated in the way that it was it should be. The only kihfffjg|| speculation that went oa was landj speculation, and that did not benefit thej working man. The only way,by which c they could alter this state, of things,would be for their representatives to bring forward v motion to tax at a rate heavier than the > iuterest paid by the banks all sumSiOL : money over £200, which were" hoarded «}>„ : there. The effect «f that would be "eiUipr., to drive out the capitalists, or'to bring, honest capitalists in. He felt sure that tbsi shopkeepers would assist them in theit \ agitation, for a plenitude of ffOptl.; at good wages meant more money..fy, spend, and therefore more profitable business. After animadverting upon the parliamentary representatives tor tiieir in ciifi'erenee to the grievances and wants of the people, detailing his three monthß' ex- : perience of New Zealand, and recounting eomoof his exploits in the agitation line at ( Sydney, Mr Garrard (stimulated, by aJn-^ eions from the crowd) entered upon ft vigor" ous denunciation of Mr Lamb for, hj* . ]>roposal that the Government should em« >.ii ploy men at a wage of 2s or 3s per day. | Such a man, he thought, should render his v proposal practicable by statir.g his waling-- , ness to reduce his flour to 3s per oWt.i.wW' 1' there might be a chance for a tivehboov As it was, he would have every man who ; dared to work for 2s or 3s a-day tied to the cart-tails and flogged through the streets 01, "bur thriving little city." This portion ot the speech was loudly and frequently ap plauded, despite the unwarrantable attempt of a "cheeky" youngster to cast ridicule upon it by exclaiming in a dolorous tone ol | voice, " Why, two bob a day's not enougft to git drunk on." The speaker then went" | ou to exhort the unemployed to take up fi | fit in aud determiued attitude, to persevere, | in their agitation, and to send a petition ; down to the " Priiuear" which should.prove "a rattler and a stinger." Referring W| " the yellow agony," he remarked that Be had had enough of the question in SydnW. and he would only say, therefore, w» them as brings 'em 'ere support em »Da i marry 'em into their family. .They-Bbant marry my daughter." (Applause and laugn tor). He then puttothemeetingthequeßtionSj "Shall we have day labour or contractsi and "Is it your opinion that municipal works should be done by labour or by con tract ?" when both were unanimously aewr- ; mined in favour of day labour, -me speech was then resumed. After paying » compliment to the editor of the STABfor us kindness in inserting his letter and adver- | tisement, Mr Garrard eventually Bneweo.| signs of concluding, by asking tnecrowdj* name a place tor another meeting on Monv day. A youugster at his side P* o™^ ,i interjected in a shrill voice, *Vi the Whau." This was "*• .■»??' ', unkindest cut of all," and the orator there fore deemed it incumbent upon him w >üblicly remonstrate with the unabashea satirist. Finally, it was agreed that t?e . next meeting should be held at the Grey ( 1 street lire bell ou Monday evening, at sertu _ o'clock, aud after much persuasion, »" | persons consented to act with Garrara as » - Committee. Their names are: beorc j, Tisdale, James Andrew, John Wilson, ana. Henry Price.

j^B^^^^^^^^S^^^^^^^^^Ml^^^^^^P^^pl^'^ j_'jjl^^^^3ffj^^TtXOLl[i AUVjUPI '.



Speoial Advertisements, M. MUKC HI E, MERCHANT TAILOR AND IMPORTER. OUR BTOCK IS NOW COMPLETE. Tho Assortment ■will be founa much iarokr and more vauikii than heretofore. The SUPBhiority ot the ClotMne made by us to that offered by other Tailors ia well known. We alflO Offer tho Advantage of the I/AUGKST STOCK IN THE TBADK. We are continually receiving all the novelties of the Season, and have always some thing hew to show you. M. MURC HI E, Shorjxand StkekTi



Special Advertisements. T| US T RECEIVED. 2, i, 0, AND 12-BUTTOX BSD GLOVES. m h £ BALANCE OF Q.OODS STILT. BKINO SOLD AT REDUCED PRICES TITILNB & riHOYCB, CHKAPSIDB HOUSE. QUEKN-STREET. /\ N SALE, Prime HOBART TOWN SEED POTATOES Primk OAMARU BKEO POTATOES Prime KIDNEY SEED POTATOES Prime AUCKLAND SEKD POTATOES. Also, OUR OBLKIIRATED CHEMICAL MIXTURE (In any quantity), Aud BONEDUST, BONKFLOUR, SUFKR-PHOSPIIATE, and Guanos ot all kinds. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN-STREET. TJOYAL INSURANCE jpOMPA^ V (FIRE AND LI8"K). CAPITAL £2,000,000 . With Unlimited Liability ov the Share holders. Accumulated Sunda injhand EXCEED .. .. £4,000,000. Revenue :— From Flro Premiums £776,000. From Life Premiums .. .. .. £216,000 Exclusive of Interest on Investments. This Company continues to accept FIRE RIdKS on every description of Insurablo Pro perty AT THE LOWEST RATES OBTAINABLE CLAIMS FOR LO3SKS aro Promptly and Liberally Adjusted) without reference, else where, and immediat >ly paid at the Company's Bankers in Auckland. GEO, W.IJONES. Chief Agent for]Provinoo ot Auckland. Ollloo: Shortland-streot. May 22,1880. Influential Agenta requlrad for tho Suburbs and throughout tho Provlnco whoio tto Com pany is not already represented mHE MERLDEN BRITANNIA CO. MANUFACTURERS OF THE HIGHEST GRADE OF SILVER PLATED WARE, BOTH ON NIOKKL SILVER AND WHITE METAL. Sample Rooms and Offices—46, East Fourteenth street, UDion Square, New York. Factories—West Merlden, Conneotiout. Sole Agents for the North Island, T fc S. MOIiRIN.



qTOCK-TAKING BARGAINS. In preparation for Stock-taking, William Rattray has REDUCED tho PRICES o£ hla Large and Well-assorted Stock of LADIES' COSTUMES, SKIRTS, and ULSTERS, In order to effect a Clearance. COSTUMES at 37a 6d Reduced to 253 COSTUMES at Ms Reduced to 25s COSTUMES at 45a Reduced to 27a 6d COBTUMES at 65a Reduced to 423 COSTUMES at 70s Reduced to 15a SKIRTS at 8a 6d Reduced to 5a 9d SKIRTS at 12s 6d Reduced to 8« 6d SKIRTS at 18a 6d Reduced to 13a 6d SKIRTS at 25a Roduoed to 15a A Splendid Line of ULSTERS at 22s fid (worth 255) are now Reduced to 18a 6d. \\ illiam Rattray, draper, clothier, & silk mercer, New Zealand House, 66, Queen-street. Auckland. JUST '» PEN E D AT A. LINABURY & CO.'S :— 2, i, AND 8 BUTTON BLACK KID GLOVES LADIES' PAPER CUFFS 50 Dozen Ladies' Rink Coll Aim LADIES' BEADED CAPES BEADED STOMACHER 3 CHENILLK SPOT NETS NEW UMBRELLAS 50 Dozen Ladies' Indian Scarves, Bows, and Rufplks; quite new style?. NEW COSTUMES, MILLINERY, BONNETS, AND HATS. An Early Inspection Invited. Dressmaking on the premises. Dresses made in 24 Hours' Notice. A r INABURY & r\O. PRINCIPAL CARPET WAREHOUBE.- The Largest and Cheapest Stock of Tapes try, Brussels, Felt, Kidderminster, Jute and Hemp Carpets are to be seen at tho City Hall Arcade. Carpeta made ant fitted to any size room. GARLIOK & CRANWELL. Five per Cen. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. IRON & BRASS BEDSTEADS.—Upwards of 350 in Stock to Select from, and all sizes— from 2Jft. wide to sft. ■ wide. Stump, French, Half-Teßtor, Folding Stretchers, Invalid's Cbalr-Beds. A Great Variety o Wood Bedsteads to suit every class of customer. Children's Bedsteads and Cats vurious styles). GARLICK & CRANWELL. City Hall Arcade. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. EDDINtt OF ALL SIZES kept ready for Delivery. All our Bedding is made at oar own Factory. Kapok Down and Feather Beds; Hair. Fibre, Flock and Max Mat trasses; Pillows and Bolsters of every kind; Spring Mattrasses and Palliasses for any size bedstead. Mattrasses re-made . with despatch. GARLICK & CRANWELL. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. T»EDROOM FURNII'URE-the Plainest and XJ Handsomest—to bo seen at the City Hall Arcade, at Prices to suit the working man, the middle class, and the rich; to suit boarding-house and hotel-keepers. Ward robes, Chest Drawers, Toilet Tables, Washstands, Commodes. GARLICK & CRANWKLL. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. mOILBT GLASSES and TOILET-WARE— 1. We study to keep such a Stock as to ba ablo to please every taste. Every Size in Toilet Glasses, and a Splendid Variety of Toilet-ware; Pier Glasses—very pretty Chimney Glasses just opened. GARLICK & CRANWELL, City Hall Arcade. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. HAWING-ROOM AND DINING-ROOM FURNITURK always on view and mado to order on a short notice. Suites ready for delivery, and a Large Assortment of Coverings to select from. Contro and Occasional Tables, Choffioniqrs, Whatnots, Cornices, Fenders, and Fire-irons. C~HURCH FURNITURK, HALL FUHNI- Tl/RJE, Library and Office Furniture, Kitchen Furniture, Self-acting Roller Blinds, Floor Cloth, all kinds of Fnrnish ing Goods. FURNISH YOUR HOUSJffi FKOM TXIK C ITy TT ALL A KC X GARLICK & CRANWELL, taOPEIETOES. m per- cm. jw nt faf Cash at tim ci *wrcft(w«. '



Special Advertisements. OROSPECTUS OF "THE OBSERVER" NEWSPAPER. Karly in September -will bo Published No. 1 (Price Throopenoo) of "THE OBSERVER," An Independent Weekly Journal of POLITICS, INFORMATION, SPORT, THE DRAMA, AND HOCIKTY, Illustrated with Portraits of Colonial Celebritias and Caricatures of Local Worthio3,Skotches of Life and Character in Now Zealand, and Ktoblngs of curront events. I Tho Proprietor of " Tub Observer " launches his venturo in the hopo tint a thoroughly indo poodont and perfectly unbiassed critical wcokly, bound to neither party, scot, nor clique, in tho hands of no bank, and really belonging to the persoa whoso namo appears on the imprint, may rccolvo somo support at tho hunds of tho Auckland public. CONTRIBUTORS.—Armngomonta havo boon ontorod Into with capable Proßsmon, not only in' Auckland but all ovor tho Colony, and also In England, to contribute to "Thk Ohskrvku," and no paina will to spared to mako tho paper both interesting and ontertaliiing. LEADING COLUMNS.-Tho loading columns of "Thk Ouskuvkk" will bo devoted to unpre judiced reviews (writton from a sound common boiiso standpoint) of out rent, aociiil, and political events, to tho romodylng or auch grievances aa aro brought under tho editor's notico, and to tho unsparing oxposuiM of abuses. No state ment will bo rlako I without ltd truth boing pre viously tested, and cvory caro will bo taken not to inflict piin from pino wantonness mid lovo oi sousation and notorioty. When, howovor, it appears deslrablo, in tho iutorcsts of tho public, for a fact to bo pointed out or a fraud shown up it will be done, ana tho proprietor will tako tho consequences. COURESPON DENOE.-Tho con-ospendonco columns ot " Tub Ouskrver " will be opon to evoryono, no matter whothor tho writor'H views colncldo with tho odltor's or not. It may bo necessary at time* to condense lottors, but they will never bo ignored. SOCIAL GOSSlP.—Following tho oxnmplo of the Sooioty weoklios, which nave proved so successful at Homo, a portion of "Thk Ou hkrvku's" space will bo dovotod to chronicling1, in a conciao and umuaiug form, tho uuyin^H, doings, and social re-unioiiaot pooplo everybody knows. BKETCHK3 OFCKLKBHITIKS.-Kach issuo of " THKOnsicßVKii" will contain a Rkutuh of somo local or Colonial celebrity, specially illus trated with a curoluUy executed portrait or caricature. MUSlC—Arrangomonts havo boon mado for tho beat criticisms of nil concerts and musical ontertuinments of importunes. Items of interest to tho musical world will also bo duly noted, and new songs aud music carefully reviewed. LITERATURE!.—BrIof montlon Will bo mado ot all notable books as they arrivo at tho Auck land booksollers, and readors conscientiously udvieod which to purchase THEATRICAL. — Impartial dramatic criti cism will bo a spoclal feature of "The Oit- BKRVKit." Hitherto, thanks to tho " doad head" system, really reliable noticoa havo boon almost unknown in Auckland. Tho reprosontativo ot "Thk OiidKKVKu" will pay at tho door llko other membor3 of tho public, and set down his opinion of tho porformanco fairly and honestly. Spaco will also bo allotted oaoh week to v oaro fully compiled solecuon of oramatlo jottings, which will ombrace, amongst other things, brlut rosumis of all tho important now ulayß pro duced in New York, Londou, and Paris. SPORTlNG.—Especial pains will bo bustowcd on this portion of the paper, as it is tho aspira tion of tho propriotor to mako "Thk On servkk" tho leadiDg Bportlng iournal in New Zealand. Kacing, Crickot, Acquatlcs, and out door sports of every kind will recsivo a fair share of attection, and the most competent con tributors on theso topics ougaged. OTHKR FEATURES.—Other attractivo fea tures of "Thk OnsKRVER" will bo its Good Stories; Tablo Tnlk; Novol Items of Informa tion: CondensedNowa; Kssoncoof Purliamont; Original Voraca and Parodies; Prizo Compotl tions; Police Pencilling; Kxtraordinnry Sensa tions ; Paris Fashions (specially contributed by a lady in London); London Letter, &o.» Sic. Tho Propriotor of "The Ouserver" will make special arrangements with. hytii'H and gentlemen who may coaaont to contributo any items of social or getorpi Intorost which nriy como under their notico. "The Observer "will bo run for six months cartain, oven though a loss Bhould bo entailed, aa it is tho Proprietor's intention to teat thoroughly the possibility of making such a journal answor. ALFRED S. RATHI3ONE, Sole Psopbietob and Editor. Offices : i 2, Shortland-streot, Auckland.