SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

tit jtr WATH-n-J Thts Evenlnp, 5.13 7-1 ur V- ATffiKi To-morrow Morning, fl.fi s-UN SOT.—This Kvoning. 5.21 SUN RISK.—To-Morrow Morning. fi.'2 ...OON'3 AGK.—Full Moon, 20th, 1.57 p.m. |

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY. Onward, schooner, Pankow, from Russell Waitaki, s.s., Kdie, from Taurnnsa Rotorua, 8.8., Tozer, from tho South

DEPARTURES.

LAST KVBNINO. Fluthorn Cross, s.b., Holandrr, for Napior Sooedwcll, kotch, Edwards, for Norfolk Island Christina, schooner. Smith, for Rus3ell TO-DAY. Waitaki, s.s., Kdlo, for Rucscll

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London—ChlU, loatting; Loch Doon to follow Timranga—Gl«»olg, Monday ; Waitaki, Monday Sydney—Australia. Tuesday; Ab'.on, Wednesday Vvhangaroi—Ar«ylo, Tuesdays and Fridays;

Waitaki, Friday Melbourne, via the South—Rotorua, Thursday Russo'l—lona, Monday; VYaiUkl, Wednesday New Plymouth and South—navrca, Tuesday Hobart Town—Loongana

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Hyccna, I-1.1.M. U.S., from Samoa . Australia, P.M. 8.3., from Sun Francisco, 21th Hero, s.a., from Sydnoy and Molbourno, shortly Arawata, 8.8.. from tho S-onth, Monday Albion, 8.8., from Sydnoy. Tuesday Southern Cross, p.b.. from Napier, Sunday AVaikato, Bhip (M.P.IC V.) from London, sailed LanKstone, ship, (JRBM) from London; sailed May 17. f , . liUttorworcn, barquo, from London, loading Cubarfoldh, barqno (S.Q.M.J.). from Hongkong Scottish I,as3io. barque, (KBliM) from London ;

suilcd May 17 Loch Meet, barqno (L.K.P.S.). from London Lochuagar, barque, from London, loading Inweburg, barquo, from New York; sailoi

Juno 17 Freetrader, barquo, from Donedln Ocean Rancor, barquentine. (VV.T.N.V.) from Now York, Bailed April 2Sth Emperor, brig, from Lyt'clton Vision, brig, from Dunedin Cimillo, brig, from Lyitelton Oceola, brißautino, from Adelaide Jamod A. Stewart, brieantioo, from Timnrn Myrtlo, brigantine, from Tonga Active brigantine, from Pamoa Flirt, brigantinn (W.L.G.P.), from Lovnka Borcalls, brl- antine. from Lovuka Most Merrilies, brigantino (S.K.G.L.), from Lovnka Ryno, brigantino-. from Lyttclton I ivpwlng, brigantine, from Dunedin Omiha, brignntine, from Chatham Islands Koderiok J)mi, brißantine, from Dnnedin Kner^y. schooner, from Noumea Dayspring, mission schooner (W.N.8.M.), from

tho Islands Sybil, schoonor, from Foo Choo, sailed July 17th Aenoa Donald, sohoiner, from Karotonßa Jv-"J'b Brandon, scho mor from ljino T91H11119 Gaol, schooner (S.K.U.U,), from Samoa Aoba, schooner, from Now Calodonia Kphomy, schooner, trom Noumea Coronet, schooner, from AUutaki fiaxon, schoonor, from Lyttelton Policoman, Bchooncr, from Now Calodonia Ovalau, schooner, from Harotonjpi Atotohau, schooner, from Karotonßa Konilworfh, schoonor, fiom Lyttolton Mary Anderson, Bchooncr, from Now Caledonia Southern Crose, Mission schooner, Irom tho Islands Albatrocs, schooner, from Tlmaru; Boiled Gth Rons, Behoojior, from Lyttolton Pirate, nchoonor, from Tahiti Onward, ochooner, from Lyttolton, sailed 10th Glimpao, ketch, from Lovuka Magic, cutter, from Itoso Island

EXPORTS.

Por Southern Cross for Napior—Bo kegs powder. 100 bunches bananas, 01 coils wire, Jo packages nails, 5 rolls folt, 9 bundles spouting, 18 camp Ovens, 6 tinß load, 10 cases kerosino, 5 boxes pegs, 5 bnndloo buoketj, 150 bundles ehinglod; 15 packages sundries.

Inwards Coastwise.—Sea Breezo, from Thames; Onward, from Rnssall withSl tons coal.

Outwards Coastwise.—Sea Breeze, for Tntukaka: Klsinoro, for Tairua; Ayoos, for Whangaroa; Kstollo, ior Thames.

The brigantino Peerloss cleared at tho Cus toms for Newcastle in ballast.

Tho brigantine Lapwing and Rodor'ok Dhu will load with breadstuff* at Dunedin for this port.

The brig Vision is orpoctod to leave Dunedin for Auckland with a cargo of breadstuffa on Saturday next.

Tha brlgantino Myrtle arrived at Tonga on July nth.

The brigantine Ryno has left Hokianga for Lyttelton with a cargo oE timber.

The 8,8. Arawata will not procead to Sydney next weak, as previously advertised, bnt will rotnrn Soath on the Thursday following hor arrival.

Tho Darcy Pratt which left horo on the 2nd inst. for Oamarn arrived there last evening after a very rough passage. She loads grain for thi* nort.'

rhe b p. Rotorua arrived to-dsy from Russell with 200 tons coal. 70 sacks oysters and the fol lowing pasaongors :-Captain Honry, McHugh, Stephenson, ana Klloy.

Tho Albion will arrive from Sydney atottt Tuesday next, and will leaveogain for tho same place on Wednesday.

Tho barquo Fre3trader has b3en placed on tho torth, at Dunedin for Auckland, and ac the greater part of hep freight is engaged, she ia ex pected to have quick despatch.

Tho threo-maatcd sohooner Avoca cleared at the uuatpms to-day for vvhmifraroa, where she will load with timber for Melbourne.

Tho three-masted sohooner Estelle has cleared at the Customs for i hames Kiver, where aho will load with timber for Lyttelton.

Thosohooner Sea Breeze cleared, to-day, for Tutukaka, with four screw jacks and aquantlty of timber, to bo used in floating the Julia Pryco off tho beach. Mr A. Henderson, with soveral men, also proceeds by tho Sea Breezo, to super intend operations.

Messrs BiKelow and son, shipbuilders, are new engaged in the construction of the hull of a steam bargo to tho order of tho Auckland Timber Company. Thia peculiar craft will he built after tho fashion o(, tho scows already employed here, but will bo supplied witfn machinery otabout the same power asthat in tho ferry steamer Talnul. She will be filled up a» a paddle-steamer, »nd will be employed priimli pally, hi' towing logs off the beach at Port uliurloa, Jior loogth will bo about M foot.

Tim b'lmintlno Clansman arrived at New- Castle from this port on tho Bth inst.

A fine new carver built snrf boat for the- use of the s.B. Ho won a at Holdanga hai been built in tho yard of Mr K. Reid, Lower Alhert slreet.

The description of an invention, which com pletely ccUpsas Kdiaon and all ethos Inventors, comes to us in an American paper :—" Col. Farljaoa, of tho PubHo Works Department, has patented a new light for marine purposes, which, on the score- of1 economy, throws Kdison's electric light into the shade.. Through Bomo chemical prooeas ho produces an ererlast in-j light, which shines as many hours at night as It is exposed to ltyht in daytime. Once charged with the chemicals, a glasit bowl can bo placed on a buoy or ship'B mast and will t urnlsh a light. He claims that it will last for all ages, provided it is properly sealed, without re-charging."

Messrs Henderson and Macfarlano invite tenders for the repair of tho German schooner Una.

The schooner Queen arrived at Hokianga from this port on Monday last.

Tho barquo Bygdoarrived at Wellington from Now York, via Lyttleton, yesterday.

A telegram reoeived from "Waitara laat night Bays that theßowena has moved two length* It is anticipated that Bho will begot olf tf-nlg.ni. Captain Bendoll, from Wellington, is expected to launch the iforest Queen.

VESSELS ON THE COAST.

A barquo inside.-Tlritiri was signalled during the whole of the afternoon, but her nambers had not been made out up till the tima at which we went to press. A large barque, bound south also passed Russell at noon to-day. The wind' was light from the west, and the vessel should reach the harbour to-morrow. These barques are, no doubt, the Langatono.and Soottish Lassie, which loft London on the same day, and are now 93 days oat.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

Tho s.n. Wanaka, which sailed South yester> dny a/tornonn, took tho following passengers :— For Now Plymouth: Messrs Awlfield, Fliher,. Robinson, Craiahimll, iTiddo. For Nelso»: Messrs R. W. Walter and K. Cameron. For liyttelfon: Mossrß Wamiap, Keane, Wiliaru Vor Hokitika : Mr Cannon.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

,"iw/ i , Buasßti. Oisday. Arrived: Marion and Reliance. Sailed Atlantic.

•> Lyttelton. this day. Arrived:—Hawea, from Port Chalmers: Te Anac, and Hlnemoa, from Wellington. Sailed : —Stella, for South; Go-Ahead, for Wellington. Port Chalmers, this day. Arrived: To Anan, s.a.. from Lyttloton.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Unwkb:— This Day. Fop Tairua, por Gem, at 1 p.m. For Kussoll and Kawakawu, per Waitaki. at 4 p.m. For Thames, per Kntorprise, at 5.30 p.m. Thursday. 19th instant. Per 3.9. Rotorua an follows:— . For India, China, Moditoranoan Ports, and | Continent of Europe, at S a.m. i Kor Giaborne, Napier, Southern Provinces, Australian Colonios, and United Kingdom. via Brindisi, for letters specially bo propaid andaiidrc:sod, at!) a.m. For"monoy orders", and registered letters, Iho previous evening at 1 o'clock. Thi* mnil will bo duo in London on Saturday, tho lGth October. For Waiwora, To Kapa, Craigioburn, and Wartwortb, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Thamos, per Rotomahana, at 11 a.m. Fkiday, 20th instant. For Waihoke and Coromandol, per Coromanuel, at 12.30 p.m. For Thamoa, por Rotomnhana, at I.JO p.m. For W'hi.ianprl, Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotiki, por Glonelg, at i p.m. For Wangarei Heads and Wangaroi, per Argylo, at 1 p.m. For Wangarei Heads and Wangarei, per Waitaki, at 5 p.m. Saturday. 21st instant. Kor Taranaki, Wanganni, and Wellington, per Hangatlra, at SFa.m. S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.

When Henry Taylor wrote in his eminent work, "Philip Van Arteveldo," that "tho world knows nothing of its Rroatest men," ho meant to convoy tho idea that mankind wore not pro informed of tho master-minds that would leave thoir " form and tiressuro" on tho times in which thcylivo, Because groat mon naturally mrko themselves known. They stamp their glory and their genius on tho world. Many a suiFerer would have roioiced, could it have b-en known antiolpatively or prophotically, that Udolpno Wolfo'd Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps was in embryo, boforo it was born to tho world.

Meetings, Entertainments, &c.

August IS, 1880.

St. James's Hall—Conversazione and Social Meeting ot St. Jarac.Vs Congregation, 7.30 p.m.

Sightascopo and Musical Cabinet—7 till 10 p.m.

Newton East School-Pictorial Panorama of New Zealand, 7.30 p m.

Temperance Hall-OpeniDgof Adult Dancing Class by Mr West, 8 p.m.

Nowmarkot Hall—Tea, Concert, and Hall, 1.0.X., 8.U., 6 30 p.m.

Otahuhu Public Hall—Concert and Ball ia oid of T. Noonan, an aged ponsionor, 7.30 p.m.

Devonport Lodec of Oddfellows—Soiree and Ball in District Hall; Tea, G3O; dancing at 9 p.m.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

SOTSCRinER.— A copy o£ a will ia only obtainable at Somerset Housh ; tho feo for copying depends upon its length. Aporsonean seoanrt roaS a will on payment of Is. If you have any frioud ia London ho might procure a copy for you, but you must m-3t furniah him with the date of the tO3tator's death. J T —Tha tone of your letter conveys tho impres sion of some personal feeling in the mattor- Darticularly the limitation tuat tho.lottor shall bo insoued in its ontirety or not at all. Some portions of it aro perfectly j ust and forcible, while other parta aro in a moaauro misleading, and probably actionable. With such a le btriction. therefore, there U no course open bui toaccopt the socond alternative, although with somo emendation tho material s/'gffO' tions of tho lettor might have besm published. John Plumb.—Aa you wore bom at Dover, you are a Kentish man. AmanoCKentisanatiyo of tho weald of tbo county, lying mostly between two parallal ranges of chalk luuti, one of fho richest pastures of Kmjland. pro ducing the best meadow hay, tho finest fruits, and rarest hops, excepting those ot Karnnam, Cobhctt'B native town, extending from the Medway to Komney Marsh.

MARRIAGE.

CARSON—BAURY.-On Augast flth, Charles Carsjn. to Margaret Barry, at the Register Office, Sydney, N.S.W.

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

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the (rood that we can do.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 1880.

We have received the Public Works Statement with its appended tables, and we now propose to supplement our previous review of the results of tho great borrowing scheme. It is desir able in the outset to summarize the colonial expenditure for the last nine years out of Public Works', loans, dis tinguishing the money spent during the nine months ending 31st of March last. For convenience we omit shil lings and pence in the detailed items and totals. The figures aro these :— 2§S £2 «S s_»j 2| S- £. £■ £ Railways 8G3.073 8,495,074 912.000 Koada e1,03i 803,897 180,622 Payment to Koad Boards - 225,000 — Coal Explorations and Mine Deve lopmont — 10,835 Water Supply on Goldrlolds 15.C03 430,923 10.703 Miscellaneous Works 259,850 474,928 73,309 Aiding Works on Thamos Gold field — 60,000 — Telegraphs 40,777 3G5.763 40,250 Public iSulldings.. 202,118 052,019 205,121 Lighthouse] 3,96! 85 203 119 Department jl 11,444 111,094 643 £1,451,761 £11,740,746 £1,428.777

The above figures do not include the expenditure on the provincial railways of Canterbury and Otago ■which were valued at £731,759 and £372,522 res pectively, and were taken in reduc tion of provinced debts. To the 31st 'of March of the present year, therefore, the colony had actually spent ov in curred liabilities to the amount of £13,169,523, out of Public Works loans. The net expenditure for rail ways on the 31st March andthemiieage open for traffic in the North and South Islands respectively were:— Miles Open for Net Traffic. Expenditure. £ North Island... 361 ... 3,184,776 South Island ... 811 ... 5,309,462 Unappottionable ... 834 Totals ... 1172 £8,495,074 The disparity between the two islands is bad enough for the North, but when we come to compare the Northern part of this island against the Southern districts, it appears still more to our disadvantage. The railway expendi ture in the several provinces of this island to the 31st March, 1880, has been as follows :— Auckland (including coal rail. £ ways) £1,090,647 'Wellington 1,436,785 Hawkes'Bay 435.703 Taranaki 211,681 When it is considered that the Pro vincial District of Auckland is con siderably larger in area, and has a larger population than all the other Provinces in the North Island put to gether, it will be seen how we have been victimised through the apathy of our representatives. The people of the North are at this moment saddled with property tax and increased customs luties to pay from the deficiency arising

largely from non-productive railways in the South. Comparing tho expenditure of fcho lust nine months wo find it to have been :— £ Auckland 125252 Wellington ... ISS.2G2 llawkes'Bay 33,9j4 Taranaki $«» Canterbury ■•• is"^'™ Otago ..." 248,980 Comment on these figures is unneces • sary; they bear upon their face the 1 stamp of gross and continued injustice to this pare of the colony. Yet matters . have got into a position which it is •' almost impossible to control or remedy. Separate sections have been commenced . in so many different parts of some of . Southern provinces—Wellington and 5 Otago particularly —that there is a con binuous pressure to let new contracts to connect or extend a number of lines at once. In Otago and Canterbury there is a network of branch railways—in Wellington a series i of disjointed sections. The Minister ' of Public Works declared in his stato • monfc that only one now section of railway had been commenced in the South Island since tho ond of last session, yet we see what the expondi -1 hire has boon. Bub bad as the actual experience of tho past is tho pro posals for the future, as they stood i before tho financial collapse of the j colony was brought to light, were more ! villainous still. Excluding the To: 1 A.\vamutu-New Plymouth railway, which is known to bo impracticable at ' present, tho entire length of tho rail • ways proposed for the North Island i vas 127 miles, and the cost £788,372 ; for the South Island 748 miles of non-productive railway estimated to ■ cost a cool .£5,539,000, were ready to bo gone on with at ouco; ' Gn one Canterbury branch section. r Eyreton, 21 miles, the working cx r penses last year actually exceeded the receipts by £1,595. It only requires a r few more such railways to laud the colony in hopeless bankruptcy. There is . ample evidenco in this statement to t shew—first that the rein cannot be too a tightly drawn on further borrowing. ° since thore is apparently no chance of J obtaining anything like equitable or o judicious expenditure ; and second that ,r to satisfy Auckland's just claims a sum n of more than half-a-million should be n absolutely sot aside to carry on public works within this Provincial District. The completion of tho Cambridge rail '" way, Thames Valley, and Waiuku lines are, in view of this statement and the d railway maps of tho South Island, most reasonable and moderate demands.

AS a sample of the absurd differences iv the amount of remuneration paid by the Go vernment for exactly the same service, and the scope which these anomalies afford for retrenchment, we take the following from the immigration estimates for ISSO-81 :— •n o a 2 m -8 5 % a -C S s£ a ° < p o a Immigration Olllcor .. 130 200 J25 335 Matron 40 150 — - Quarantine Kcopar .. 78 12) 120 120 Ulork .. .. - -120 100 Dorot Mastor aud Matron — — 200 150 Totals .. .. £2 IS 370 £65 C 95

The prospecting party, for which Mr A. Porter was instrumental in having money voted, is now at To Aroha. They have struck one or two reefs, autl are confident of success.

A cablegram received last night an nounces the death of " Madame Ncilson, actress." This may refer to cither Madame Clnistine Nillson, the famous prima donna, or Miss Adelaide Neilson, the almost equally celebrated actrnss. The latter was about to visit the colonies, and would, it was said, leave San Francisco by the in cominf; mail steamor.

A dispute has arisen betvveeu the counties ot Tanranga and the Thames in reference to their boundaries. The Government, it will be remembered, granted a sum of money to make the road between the two places. Both portions were duly let, but now it transpires that a distance of about two miles in the worst part of the road be tween the two counties lias been excluded, each claiming that it is within tho boundary line of tho other.

The first meeting of creditors in tho estate of Moss H. Keesing, plumber of One hunga, took place yesterday, when Mr Thos. Mt^ffarlane was elected trustee. The liabilitie ire stated at £10' C and the assets ni . L

The selection committee for arranging for the interproviocial football match met last evening in the usual place of meeting, when it was decided to have a series of practice matches on Thursday afternoon, commenc ing on the 19th inst. The following adepts in the art were chosen :— Messrs Henderson (captain), Beale,|Biggs, Bindon, Burgess, C, Carter, Cooke, itall, " Ilagins," Lees, Macky. Pearso, W. Sibbin, W. Webster, White, Whiteside. E. Burgess (captain), Arneil, Colemau, Goxton, Culpao, Forder, Martin, McGechie, Orchard, Ryan, J. Sibbin, Sims, Skeeue, Stewart, Vcitch, J. Webster.

We notice that the Devonport district library has been re-opened for the use of residents who take an interest in books. This library contains many excellent volumes in history, biography, and fiction, and it was thought undesirable that so much useful knowledge should be left unopened iv the shadow of a closed room. We hope to see a resuscitatioa of life in this directiou in the sunny locality of Devonport at the close of the football season, for it ia time, as Crabbe says :

" Bonks cannot always please, however «ood ; Minds are not ever craving for thoirfood."

and it is equally true as Milton has it, " A good book is the precious life-blood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured np on purpose to a life beyond life."

The fourth of the winter series of lectures in connection with St. Stephen's Presby terian Church, Ponsonby, was given last evening by Mr Neil Heath. The subject was a".Day amongst the Glaciers of Mont Blanc." There was a moderately good attendance, His Worship the Mayor of Auckland presiding. _ The lecture, which consisted of a description of a visit to Mont Blauc in 1861, was a very able and interest ing one, the lecturer explaining a large number of theories in connection with tho formation ot the glaciers, and illustrating hi 3 subject with diagrams and photographs. At the close of the discourse, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr Heath, on the motion of Mr H. Barton. The chairman reported that the final lecture of the course would be given a month hence, and the gathering dispersed.

At the ordinary meeting of the Onehunga Borough Council, Mr G. Codlin, Mayor, in the chair, a letter was read from the Crown Lands Commissioner asking an opinion from the Council as to the eligibility of four acres of land at Mangare for the purpose of a cemetery, The Council were of opinion that the cite was too stoney, and suggested a more suitable position. A letter from the Public Works Department informed the Council that £150 was available for repair ing the main road. Mr Jackson stated that the feea fiom the abattoirs had yielded a good profit, as the returns showed. The fees of the last fortnight amount to £8 2s 9d, which would average £211 per annum. Mr Jackson said if the lessee paid the full rent, as agreed to by deed, of £125, there would still leave a profit of £86 on what was sold by the Council. With the abate ment of £50 now made, the profit would be £136. The current accounts were passed, and the Council rose.

To the Editor : Sir,—l wrote you yester day, hoping that you would insert my letter, but when I sa-v that the mail news occupied so much of your attention I felt satisfied with just the mere request that the Rev. S. Edger would meet Mr Brown. Now, I should like this thing brought about. Mr Edger, as you well know, has been the supporter of Spiritualism, and if he is right Mr Brown is wrong, and vice versa. I think Mr Edger is in duty bound to meet Mr Brown. Why not be bis chair man?—he has been the chairman for all kinds of people who have been pleased to ventilate their views at the expense of the peace of families and friends. I have been separated from some of my best friends through 3piritualistic bosh and Sweden borgianism; and now is the time for Mr Edger to confute this man's arguments, or else for ever hold his peace. I hereby call upon him to defend what he conceives to be the truth. Trusting that you will insert this, I remain, yours, etc., Diogenes.

The burgesses o£ Parucll arc informed by j notification, which appears on jouv iirst page, that a special meeting is to be heW ou Thursday, the 2Gth iust., for tho consi deration of certain by-laws.

His Honor Judge Macdonald will deliver judgment in the case of Angus Nicholson v. Taylor and Danalier on Monday next.

Mr Hayward exhibited his New Zealand panorama at the Grafton Koad school-room last night to an admiring audience. To night Mr Hayward will exhibit iv the Newton East school-room.

A locai;iVansie Waugh put in appearance at the Carandini Concert, at Tenuika, the other evening. " During the singing of the ' Regulation' duot by Miss Carandini and Mr Shciwin (saya the Leader) it frequently appeared that osculation was about to take place. This did not meet with the approval of .in individual in the back, who evidently thinking Mr Sherwin was getting too familiar, cried out, as if to stop the male ■<ingcr, 'Now then, steady.' When remon strated with for interrupting, he replied 'She's too pretty for that old fellow to kiss.'"

A correspondent of the "^Medical Times " says that the popular prescription for spasmodic asthma in certain parts of the country is to cat heartily of watercresses, and it is said that the remedy is most successful.

Tho monthly inspection parade of the Auckland Kiflo Batailion of Volunteers took place last evening. There was a good muster of the Victoria, Hobaon, and No. 3 Companies. After the roll had been called by Major Withers, the batailion was taken in hand by Major Derrom. A moonlight march was decided on, and the Batailion left the Drill-shed, passed down Queen-street to the end of the wharf, and returued by the same route. Various evolutions were per tonned during the march iv a very satisfac tory manner. Outside drill ia very ranch U) be recommended to our volunteers, as it is only by this means they will acquire that steadiness which is required in the ranks.

Professor Frasor will give one of his most interesting lectures to-morrow even iiiL.' in theTcinperance Hall on the important question, "How to Select a Partner for Life." Young people who are not inclined to accept the advice of "l'uucli," "don't" marry, will, we believe, derive sound advice from tho lecturer on this special occasion. We may add that tho lecture will bo treated in a philosophical, phren ological, and humorous manner, preceded by music, " Haste to tho Wedding," &c.

A meeting of the Parnell Lawn Tennis Club will be held to-morrow afternoon on tho Tennis Lawn, at 3 o'clock, for the pur pose of adoptiug the secretary's report, and electiug a committee for the ensuing year.

Mr IS. B. Dickson reports for the week ending Saturday :—Weather line at tho commencement, cold and stormy at the close. Barometer a little below aver age, and temperature one degree below six teen years' mean. Barometer mean pres sure, 29.510; highest on Monday evening, (20.971), and lowest on Thursday afternoon (29.583), rising rapidly to end of the week. Approximate mean temperatnrc, 51.3 iv shade. Highest on Tuesday, 63.1 for day, and 49 3 for night. Highest in the sun, 68.8 on previous day. Lowest on grass, 31.2 on Sunday night, being the first time this winter that the freezing point has been touched at this Btation. The fierce south-east gale of Friday Jan J Saturday died out on Sunday, but the wiud was again strong and cold ou Friday (13th), with thunder in tho afternoon, and hail showers iv the evening. Heavy rain on Wednesday night, exceeding half an inch (0.550), but the total fall iv four days (Tuesday to Saturday) under one inch (0.950). Light mist on tho morning of Wednesday the 11th.

P. Doran's Variety Troupe will play again to-morrow night in the Albert Hall with an entirely new programme. Tho usual distribution of choice gifts will take place.

The " Bay of Plenty Times " understands that an information has boon sworn against one of the local merchants, for supplying the Kotorun natives with the 15 gallons of rum said to have been pent to the island on Rotorua Lake. The "Times" thinks more fuss has been made about this matter than it deserves, and the police might very well let it drop. Tho case is fixed to come on for hcariug about the 26th inst.

Kotercui Taipari's great feast to all the natives who attended the tangi held some four months ago over the remains of his lute father, will commence to-morrow, in the vicinity of the carved house, at Parawai. It will la.tt for ten days or a fornight, and will be attended by about three hundred natives, most of whom have arrived in Shortland. The Enterprise) brought down from Auck land last night twenty tons of flour, five tons of sugar, and othergoods, with whhh to regale the visitors duringtheirstay, and the biscuits, bread, tea, &c, will be procured from the local strorekecpers. The cost of the hakari, such being the native name of the gathering, will foot up to about £500.—" Advertiser."

To the Editor: Sir,—Our engineering trade has been at a stand-still these twelve months back. We have the North Shore Ferry Company as importers of machinery —a Company that has made every penny of their money iv Auckland ; again, we have our Iron Merchants charging £3 per ton more than in Dunedin, therefore, tho last contract for a dredge went there. You get a job from an Auckland master, the job takes you two days : you me £1 worth of material and jou get 10s per day, and the master charges just £14 for said job. Another employer asks you to make a certain article : you are told you must sup ply material and do work also, and you get the splendid sum of 18s for the whole, while the kind Auckland gentleman only takes £3 12s for what only cost him 18s. Now, sir, will you toll me how tho trade of any place will thrive with such facts as I have here stated, and can be proved at any time?-Yours, &c, Brevity.

The fine sample of gum htted up in rock like shape for the Melbourne Exhibition by Messrs Hull Bros., merchants, Queen street, and surmounted by a skilfully and artistically wrought model of the Eddy stone Lighthouso will of necessity attract very considerable (attention among the exhibits of the Australian city. The selections, thongh polished, are in form as they were found in the northern New Zea land gum-fields, and are placed upon a base of native wood. The lower layers are of darker hues, and those in the gradual ascent brighter and brighter, until the*top most is reached, which is as clear as crystal. The whole is enshriucd in a handsome octagon glass nearly five feet in height, and will occupy a central position surroauded by a variety of samples of New Zealand gums, either of which Messrs Hull Bros, are prepared to supply to customors by the ton.

Constable Dews, in consequence of the economic Government changes in course of operation, has been removed from Panmuro to Auckland, so that the village in which so many squabbles have occurred will now be left without a constable. The change, however, is quite a relief to Constable Dews, whose position at Panmnre was far from being a " bed of roses." The settlers are a peculiar people, and the constable has met with some hard knopks_ and uu provoked assaults from the physical force men of that independent locality, as his carefully-kept diary discloses. On his leaving Panmure the settlers were unani mous in their approval of being without a man in blue; and the constable's late tormentor Hagan, shaking his fist, cried out " He that would be free himself mus strike the blow." This iwas the man who was recently fined 103 for striking Constable Dews. A Vienna paper once gave a list of the "doses " taken lor the frcshning up of the voice by the various operatic artists who had appeared upon the local lyric boards. One indulged in two salted cucumbers, another put a pinch of snuff up his nose and a glass of lemonade down his throat, another took the yolk of an egg beaten up with sugar. The most corpuleut of the tenors swallowed " tho brown juice of the gambrinus," whatever that may be; another took mulled claret; another after the first act a glass of beer, after the third and fourth a cup of cafe au lait, always before the great duet in " Hugueuots " a bottle of Moot.

He was a brand-new office-boy, young, pretty-faced, with golden ringlets and blue eyes. Just such a boy as one would imagine would be taken out of his little]trumblc-bed in the middle of the night and transported beyond the stars. The first day he glanced over the library in the editorial room, became acquainted with everybody, knew all the printers, and went home in the evening as happy and as cheery as a sunbeam. The next day he appeared, leaned outof the back window, tied the cat up by the tail in the hallway, had four fights with another boy, borrowed two dollars f 10m an occupant of the building, saying his mother was dead, col lected his two day's pay from the cashier, hit the janitor with a broomstick, pawned a coat belonging to a member of the editorial staff, wrenched the Iknobs off the doors, upset the ice-cooler, 'pied three galleys of type and'smashed hia fingers in the small press. On the third day a note was received saying "Mi Mother do not want I to work in such a dull place. She says I Would make Good preacher. So do I. My fingor is Better; gone lishin.' Yours,"

Scintillations.

"Be brief: for. it is with words M with sun beams; tho more thozaro condensed, tnodcepor (hoy burn."— Southky.

The far-famed Viennese band of Jokaun Strauss visits the Melbourne Exhibition. Mr Bastings may possibly stand for Wai takL . , 4 ..„ Mr E. K. Lang is recovering, but still suffers greatly. Colonel Lyon bas taken Mr Coatei house, Hamilton East, Waikato.

The Waikato Land Association are prepar in" anew homestead at Woodlands. Trickett is said to have done the Parra^ matta course with the tide, in ISJ minutes,

De Munck and Carlotta Patti are going to Egypt. The Napier Poultry Show was a great success. The Hawkcs' Bay Harbour Board have decided to reduce the salaries of their employe's. Wellington will shortly be made the dis tributing port for the Suez mail. Duuedin won't like that. The steamer put on by the P. and O. Company to run lietween Australia and New Zealand will probably be the Avoca. A new weekly, on the lines ot the Sydney " Bulletin " and London society journals, will be published early in September. It is proposed to tound au Athletic Club at Tauranga. Mr J. L. Neighbour, for some time a mem. ber of the Steele Dramatic Company, has re turned to Tauranga. The cutting at the Waikato side of the Waihou river is rendered almost impassable by the late heavy rains. Russia has commeuccd the building of 10 additional vessels of war of powerful arma ment.

Sir Alexander James E. Cockburn, Bart., Lord Chief Justice of England, is seriously indisposed. He was handed a big bill for his wifes funeral. Said he, " £60 ! I almost wish she hadn't died."

Business before pleasure, as the man re marked when he kissed his wife before going to the club. OHAHpjnl Alfred Dumpier sails for England, per the "John Elder," to claim a fortune jußt recovered from Chancery. Mr Edward Cutts, who nominated Mata for the Melbourne Cup, has sold his interest to Mr K. H. Vallance.

In Europe there are 1,542 theatres. Italy has 348; France, 337; Germany, 191; Spaiu, 16S; Austria, 152; Euglaud, 150. Mr C. Buttcrfield, who made his ddbut as a tenor singer with Madame Camilla Urso, iv New Zealaud, has arrived in Syducy. Mrs Quint, of the Empire Hotel, has pre sented the Grahamstown Fire Brigade with a Union-Jack,

He was a ragged orphan boy- He did not own a cent— But Btill whono'erho tore his clothes,

Hod gather in his rent.

An Auckland woman has a hen which is twenty-eight years old, and she thinks of opening a boarding-house so as to realise on it before it dies of old age.

Mr J. M. Pcrrier, sub-editor of the Sydney " Daily Telegraph," leaves that city to take the editorship of the "Central Australian" (Bourke). Mace (champion boxer) and Miller (champion wrestler) were, by latestaccounts, en route for Adelaide, where they purpose exhibiting their powers. Alexander Dumas' fortune is estimated at £100,000, outside of his art collection, worth nearly as much. Every penny of it ho has derived from his literary labours.

On turning over the files of the Stak wo find that during twelve months the monthly averago of persons convicted of drunkenness is 135.

Dr Huxtable, of the Thames, was thrown from his horse at Hapc Creek on Monday, and sustained some tolerably severe iniuric*.

"Mr George Reed, drummer, is suffering from severe hoarseness in consequence of fringing " Billy Stutters " at the Artillery concert on Monday evening. Sir Garnet Wolseley rcccntlylrode from Pretoria to Pictermnritzburg, 340 miles, in three days. In Dublin a tract distributer has been fined £1 for handing to n Catholic priest a tract containing! an invitation to "a friendly discussion." Talm&gc's church, in New York, has now the largest membership ot any Pres byterian church on the American continent. Since last Sunday the roll foots up 2,061. Mr Walter Heynolds, accompanied by Miss Grace Hathaway (Mrs Reynolds), leaves for Christchurch per Rotorua, to morrow. They play a season of twenty four nights there.

Two bound manuscripts of Lamattinn have just been sold in Paris. The manu script of "Jocelyn," dated 1836, fetched 2,805 francs, and that of "Les Harmonies Sacrees," dated 1826, 655 francs.

Mr Blackman is preparing a series of loctures on the British poet*. The first will treat of "Alexander Pope and his friends," to be followed by Wordsworth, tho poet of the mountains.

Mr Walter Keyuolds has just completed a highly exciting melodrama which deals witli the adventures of au Irish family, who came out to the N.Z. goldtields. It will probably bo called "A Son of Erin." Miss Christian has been asked by the musical world of Melbourne to give some ballad concerts in the Town Hall, but the gifted vocalist has so many college and private pupils that her timo is already fully occupied. Mrs Lewis's Juvenile Troapo, who have performed the comic opera " H.M.S. Pina fore "so creditably in Melbourne, for some tiraa 'past, leaves that city on the 15th inst. for Sydney, and on the 21st will commence a season at the Queen's Theatre. Neither the married lifejof the Emperor of Germany nor that of the head of the Romanoffs afford particularly pleasant sub jects for meditation, but as the gentleman are both emperors a decent silence is pre served about|their peccadillos. What is un disguised wickedness in the cobbler isjecen tricity in the king. He was informed that a lady had called to sec him in his absence. "A lady," he mused aloud, "a lady?" Upon an accurate description, he suddenly brightened up and added, " Oh, dot was no lady; dot vos my vife 1"—

An American newspaper out West thus heads its report of a lire: " Feast of the Firo Fiend—The Forked-Tongue Dertfon Licks with Its Lurid Breath a Lumber Pile !—Are the Sceues of Boston to be Repeated ?—Loss $150." Kelly and Leon have made a great " hit" with " Pinafore" in the country districts of N.S.W., the present tour island being one ot the most profitable they have yet had. Miss Emma Waugenheim sustained the rdle of Josephine, and achieved a complete triumph in it.. Japanese Tomtuy'has joined;Hiscocksand Dayman's Mammoth Minstrels, and goes to England with them. He has taken his diamonds and a gold mounted walking stick with him, but says it is the first time in his life he has travelled second class.

The new Victoriau Premier. Says the " Aga "of Monday week :—" Mr Uastieau, of| the gaol, expecting that Ned Kelly would be sent for, had everything prepared for his departure." Could it have been that but no, of course not—(remarks" Melbourne Punch)." The fielding of the Australians in the Gloucester match, was superb, ■ and was greatly admired, evoking repeated cheering. Dr E. M. Grace was the highest scorer on the Gloucester side with 40. The bowline; was principally done by Spof fort\i and Palmer, both of whom were ter ribly destructive. M. Soudry expresses the greatest sorrow for Mr Greer, and states that the occurrence will be a sorrowful memory to him for ever more—and longer. But if he had thought of that before; the trouble might not have happened at all. Ho also expresses dislike for Mrs Greer, which also appears to be a sudden change. Mrs Greer, whose name has figured to prominently in connection with the Mel bourueOperallouse tragedy,passed matricu lation examinations at the Dublin and Oxford Universities, and graduated at the London Acadamy of Music. It was in tended that she should open a music class at Kew, and that her husband should find a position in some bank.

Ho came iuto the editor's room with a large roll of manuscript, and said very politely; '• I have a trifle here about the beautiful sunset yesterday, dashed off by a frieud of mine, which I would like inserted if you have room." " Plenty of room. Just insert it yourself," replied the editor, gently pushing the waste basket towards him.

The Lynchs managed to all but burn down Ewatts' Hall, Blenheim, lost Satur day evening. One of them (probably the redoubtable Harry) on passing off the stage behind the wings, accidentally knocked down a large kerosene lamp. ' With great presence of mind, he seized some costumes, and throwing them over the lamp, carried it blazing round to the back of the stage, and threw it outside of the building, when it exploded.

An enterprising young man has lately purchased a business in a riparian town. He required a cashier. Mr B. was strongly recommended by a local solicitor. " And what are B.s peculiar qualifications?" he asked. "Well," replied the lawyer, with obvious hesitation, " you see, both his late employers have been bankrupt—one fraudu lent. And B. has shown grunt skill in winding-up affairs."

CABLEGRAMS.

EUROPEAN.

[reuter's telegrams.]

The Enemy Repulsed

CALCUITA, August 17. Intelligence has been received from Afghanistan that a large body of I athans attacked the British garrison at Kaen maden, (?) but were repulsed, pursued, and a severe loss inflicted on them.

The Afghan Alliance. LONDON, August 17.

In the House of Commons to-day the Marquis of Harrington (Secretary of btate for India), in reply to a question, stated that he disbelieved the report of an entente cordiale existing between Abdur Rahman ami Ayoub Khan.

Turkey asks for Time. CONSTANTINOPLE, August 17. Owing to the Great Powers not consenting to any change in the Turko-Greek frontier as fixed by the Berlin Conference, Turkey has asked for 24 days' extension of time to furtber consider the question as regards the settlement of the rectification of the fron tier.

New Russian Minister. ST. PETERSBURG. August 17. General Melikoff has been appointed Minister of the interior. Australians v. All England. LONDON, August IG. No arrangements have yet been come to or a match between the Australian cricket ers and an All-England eleven. The Kabul Army of Belief. LONDON, August 4. The army with whinh General Sir F. S. Roberts intends to march from Kabul to the relief of General Primrose at Kandahar includes the COth (King's Royal Rifle Corps), the 72nd (Duke of Albany's Own Highlanders), the 92nd (Gordon Hi?h landers), regiments of the Hue, and tho 9th (Queen's Royal) Lancers. Obituary. Misa JSielson, the actress, is dead. LONDON, August IG. The 3 par cent, consols have declined a quarter, and are now quoted at 97 J. New Zealaud securities (are unchanged at last quotations, viz.,—s|pcrjcent. 10-40|loan, 1031 ; 5 per cent. 1889, loan 103 ; 4J per cent., loan, 1879,1905, 99£. New Zealand wheat ex ship is quoted at 465, being a decline of Is. Adelaide wheat and ilour have also fallen. The present ex] warehouse being, wheat 47s Gd to 45s 6d. Australian tallow remains firm at 35s Gd for best beef, aud 3Gs Gd for best mutton.

AUSTRALIAN.

|REUTERTS SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS.]

" A Political Traitor." MELBOURNE, "Wednesday. Mr R. Bowman, member for Mary borough, made a speech last night, in the course of which ho denounced Mr H. R. Williams, the member for Mauduraug, ai a political traitor.

Shipping. Sailed: The Union Company's Tararua for the Bluff.

New Zealand Oats. MELBOURNE, August 17. New Zealand Oats are 2s 6d to 2s 7d, Best milling qualities are firm. N.&W. Parliament. SYDNEY, August 17.

Parliament has been further prorogued till September 28th.

Theft of Gold. A box containing 1260zs of gold from Cooktown, addressed to tho City Bank, lias arrived here empty.

THEATRE ROYAL.

The now unusual spectacle of a large " house" for a dramatic performance was witnessed last night ,at the Theatre, and proved a refreshing change to those who have been accustomed for weeks past to confront "a beggarly account of empty boxes." The occasion was the benolic of Mr J. B. Stoele, andtho"piecederesintance" an adaptation from Bulwcr Lytton's " Pil grims of the Rhine," entitled " Lucille." The playwright had not done his work skil fully, and, therefore, despite the advan tages of a strong cast and good acting, the play dragged. There was r plethora of sentiment, and it assorted oddly with some of the dramatic situations. The story, a simple one, may bo briefly described as illustrating the conflict between love and ambition in the breast of a young man, in which the softer passion is vauquiehed at first, though triumphing ultimately by the chastening assistance of adversity. St. Cyr, a blind and destitute emigre", during the period of the French Revolution, liuds refuge at the homestead ot an honest farmer, with whose daughter he falls in love. She reciprocates the feel ing, and stimulated by her love for her afflicted swain, she contrives to obtain for him an application of high medical treat ment, which result? in his restoration to sight. The acquisition of this latent sense is followed up by the discovery that St. Cyr is *-he heir to a noble inheritance and a proud title. Ambition fires his soul, and he accepts a commissioa in the Army of Egypt, regardless of the misery that he leaves behind him. He returns after the campaign with his eyesight irreparably injured by the ophthalmic disorder which the dazzling whiteness of tho wands rendered so terribly prevalent in the army of Napoleon. Meanwhile the girl has become the betrothed bride of an old acquaintance, but the old love is still strong in her heart. The broken tryst is renewed and a long estrangement is termin ated by a happy marriage. The bdndfi ciaire played the.part of the errant St. Cyr, and Miss Wilton that of Lucille, while Mr W. Reynolds and Mr A. Thomson filled the rOles of the girl's second lover and her father respectively. Mr Patterson impersonated Yon Mentz, the lawyer. All of these por traitures wero good. The concert which followed proved very agreeable, and gave great satisfaction to the audience. Mr Martin Swallow gave the opening selection, a pianoforte solo entitled " Danse Sclave," aud the masterly style in which it was executed led to the usual demand of "encore." The talented pianist complied by interpreting with equal facility and accuracy Thalberg's arrangement of "Home Sweet Home," At a subsequent period of the concert he performed a fantasia on airs from "Faust." Mr Gordon Gooch sang the fine descriptive song, " Tho Good win Sands," with great feeling, and in response to the clamorous recall which fol lowed he gave, with no less effect, Marzial's " Three Jolly Sailor Boys," while in con junction with Mr G. C. WilaoD, he con tributed the well-known duet, "Flow Gently Deva." The other songs were Blumenthal's "Far Away where Angels Dwell," by Mr Wilson, and the Admiral's song from ""Pinafore," by Mr W. Nairn. Both items were well rendered.

THE WAY ROYALTY "POPS THE QUESTION."

The Archduke Rudolph proposed in person to Princess Stephanie of Belgium at an even ing party given in his honor at the Chateau de Laken on March 7th. Among the amuse nieuts conjuring performances by the celebrated preatidigitateur, Professor Hcrrman, and a concert in the magnificent conservatory attached to the castle. Matters had been so arranged that when the company were con ducted from the saloen in which Herrman had held his seance to the Winter Garden the Archdnke and Princess were left to gether tete-a-tete tor a few minutes. As soon as they were alone the future Emperor- King approached her Royal Highness with a low and formal obeisanc*, saying. " Madam, will you take me for a husband ?'' to which plain question tbc Princess simply replied, curtseying deeply, "Yes, your Imperial Highness." " Your Royal " Highness's answer makes me supremely happy." observed the Archduke. "And I," rejoined Princess Stephanie, "promise that I will do my duty towards you under all circumstances." JNo more was said, but the youthful pair, arm in arm, joined the Royal circle in the Winter Garden, *nd the Archduke, leading his fair companion up to her father, addressed King Leopold as follows: — "Sire, I have with your Majesty's permis sion begged the Princess Stephanie to bestow her hand upon me. It is my happy privilege to inform you that my petition has bsen granted." " I rejoice, Monseigneur," replied the King, "to greet you as my son in-law." The Princess embraced her mother, and immediately afterward the imperial royal betrothal was announced to the assembled company,

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROM OUR MECIAL RRPOKTEU.)

WELLINGTON, this day. AUCKLAND GRAMMAR SCHOOL BILL. Da Pollen, in the Council, brought up a report of the Local Bills Committee on the Auckland College Grammar School, to the ell'ect that it is a local Bill and recom mending that, as the standing orders have been complied with, the Bill be proceeded with, embodying the amendments shewn. These amendments are to strike out the clauses giving power of dealing with the trust, but retaining that providing for the three members elected by the New Zealand University. On the motion of Dr Pollen, the second reading was appointed for Wednesday. DEp(jTATioN A deputation waited on the Minister of Justice this morning with reference to a sentence of two months' hard labour passed yesterday on Willis, schoolmaster, for an assault. Mr Bryce introduced the depu tation, which urged tlie undue seventy of the sentence, and spoke of the previous -rood character of the defendant. Mr Rol- Teston replied, "That he would take the matter into consideration.' FIJI MAIZE. The Agricultural Committee do not re commend an import duty on Fiji maize, as the trade is increasing, but the same duty as on other cerenl?, on maize imported from New South Wales and New Caledonia. PETITION OF THOMAS BRAY. The Petitions Committee of the Council on the petition of Thomas Bray recommends that the petition be referred to the Govern meut, as the matter is one that would fairly come within the scope of the Royal Commissioners, as to the best means ot simplifying the procedure of the several Courts in the colony. MR. TAIAROA'S DISQUALIFICA TION. The Committee appointed to consider the question of Mr Taiaroa's disqualification find'that he is disqualified under the Act of 1878. Consideration of report is ap. pointed for Thursday. OTHER COUNCIL BUSINESS. Mr Peacock gave notice of motion that any balance ia the hands of Education Boards at the end of the financial year should bo paid into the consolidated fund. Mr Chamberlain gave notice of motion that it is desirable in the interests of the colony that the Government should declare its policy either Free-trade or Protectionist. ' LOCAL INDUSTRIES. Mr CiUMUKELAiN asked the Hon. Attor ney-General if it is the intention of the Government during this session to bring forward any measure based upon any recommendation by the Local Indus tries Commssion, and if not, is there any intention that the said Commission should continue its labours_ or do they intend appointing another Commission of lesß free trade tendencies. He thought it desirable, as the session was coming to a close, tlie Council should bo informed what the inten tions of the Government are. Mr Wiiitaker replied : I may Bay that the report of the Commission is now under the consideration of the Government, audit is also uuder consideration whether the Commission shall be allowed to continue its labours. Whatever decision may be come to, there is no intention to appoint another Commission. BILLS TO BE DROPPED. The "Post" to-night, notwithstanding the semi-official contradiction in the morning papar, reiterates the statement that the Local Public Work 3 Bill and Rating Amendment Bill will be dropped and subsidies to local bodies continued for six mouths longer out of land fund distributed pro ratft so fnr as it will go. There is no truth in the rumour that the Property Tax will be repealed, but the exemption of (personal effects remains an open question for the decision of Parlia ment. As the schedules are returnable on '■ the 31st, an extension of time for their re turn will bo gazetted, pending the decision of the Legislature. If tho Amendment Bill passes without serious opposition, only a fortnight's extension will bo made, but any strong opposition to the measure will cause nn extension of the period for the return of the schedule to September 30. RESIGNATION OF CONSTABULARY. Forty-nine Armed Constabulary on the West Coast have resigned, owing to the ton per cent reduction in pay. If neces sary, their places can be filled from a large list of applicants, but the Government have under consideration the question of reducing tho number of permanent force. ■ SCANDAL <VT THE HUTT. A nice scandal has come out at the Hutt. A person named G. W. Jordan had chil dren attending the Government school, presided over by H. A. Wallis, and the wife of Jordan wrote to the school committee stating that tho schoolmaster aud school mistress falsely represented themselves a9 married, and that Willis's wife is living at Mount Macedon, Victoria, and that Willis had to leave a school in Nelson through a a similar report, and his continuance as schoolmaster was an insult to the parents, teachers, and scholars, and a scandal to the district. He sent a copy of this letter to Willis. Willis next day met Jordan at the railway station, and caned him severely, compelling him to execute a retrogade movement into the neighbouring garden. For this Jordan summoned him. Defen dant declined to go into the witness box. The Magistrate commented severely on the defendant's conduct in refusing to meet the charges and taking the law into his own hands, and inflicted a sentence of two months with hard labour.

THE HOUSE AGAIN OBSTRUCTIVE

The whole atternoon in the House yester was wasted over a useless and profitless debate. The House of Representatives, as at present constituted, seems incapable of practical legislation. A MAOKI LETTEK. The following has been handed to the "Evening Chronicle" for publication, and will appear to-morrow evening. It is the more interesting from the fact that it was written several days previous to the com mittee of the Council deciding on the dis qualification of Taiaroa. " The Disqualification of H. K. Taiaroa and the Middle Island Maori Electorate :"— We have received a communication from Ihaia Tainui, M.H.R., for the Middle Island, of which the following is a free paraphrase :—This is a letter shewing that the Maoris of the South Island are much concerned at hearing that the Government, through the Hon. Mr Whitaker, had made known to the Council that the appointment of H. K. Taiaroa to the Legislative Council was invalid, and that they desired to bring the matter under the consideration of His Excellency the Governor, the calling of members being a prerogative of the Crown; that during July last, H. K. Taiaroa ceased to sit as a member of the Legislative Council of New Zealand; that H. K. Taiaroa went ' and taw His Excellency the Governor, when Mr Taiaroa represented to His Excellency that the matter of his disqualification should be left for the con sideration and action of the Governor abso lutely, he wishing the Government to take no part therein; that the Maoris aic of opinion that hud H. K. Taiaroa been a European member of the Council, the Government would have corrected the oon • sequences of the error at once when it w.as discovered that his appointment had beo n technically invalid from the first; that th natives know or believe that it was th desire of the Government to exclude Taiaro a from the Legislative Council for the purpose of enabling native land laws to pass with' out scrutiny or the slightest resistance ! that they did not wish Taiaroa to leave the Lower House in 1879; that numerous letter* from natives in the Middle Island have been received by Taiaroa asking him to resign his position in the Council; and that in some instances petitions of a similar kind have been sent to H. K. Taiaroa, in consideration of these things, and moved by the request of my people, I have decided to resign my scat in the House of Repre sentatives in order that it may again be tilled by H. K. Taiaroa, and I feel desirous that he should return to the Lower House to represent the natives of the South Island.—lhaia Tainui, Wellington." DR. POLLEN'S PENSION. Mr Speight, in the House last evening, moved that the matter of pension, of arrears of the pension to the Hon. Dr. Pollen, be referred to the Public Accounts CotnmiUee to report on the circumstances under which the same was granted. He said he did not see why arrears of £1,433, which the late Ministry refused to pay, and a pension injperpetuity, should be given. All who knew Dr. Pollen must highly respect him, but personal friendship must not be allowed to interfere with public duty. Mr Dick seconded the motion. He said the late Attorney-General opposed it on the ground that Dr. Pollen was a Minister of the Crown and drew salary. The present Attorney-General, Solicitor-General, Con. trollerand Auditor-Generals, Sub-Controller 1

nud Auditor, were all in favour of grant! J.)r. Pollen's pcuaion, but they coneidnrii the arrears of pension should be paid f seven years, instead of four as proposed It is understood that the arrears' f pension have already been paid to D Pollen. '' Mr Sveight's motion was agreed to a AN EPISODE. Some araußoment was created in «, House last night by a neat little speech h the Premier in reply toMr Montgomery wh was very anxious to be informed whethn" the Government were in earnest in the dm pnsal to attach the Chatham Islands t Akaroa constituency. The Premier in reply quoted statistics to show how tl "II proposal would suit the eternal fitness of things, seeing that any representative of the Cliathams should know something of navi gation, as in visiting his constituents lie might have command of his own vessel. As the member for Akaroa v/as supposed to possess experience in the useful art he was the fittest person that could be selected to represent the Chathams. It would be ex. plained that many years ago, before Mr Montgomery became impressed with ttie notion that his torte was Colonial Finance he was skipper of a fishing smack. ' REPRESENTATION BILL. r" Some suspicion was cast on the list of T ■ electorates published soino time ago, and ■' telegraphed as it bore mo imprint, and was Ki\ without the usual oijicial heading used in «jp\ the Government printing office. It is n o » -k. said to be unofficial. * ,\y NEW PLYMOUTH HARBOUR. Mr Waterhouse moved "Thatthe NtV ' Plymouth Harbour Board should refund ii, illegal expenditure from the land fund, failing to refnnd, the members should be proceeded against individually." He thought '• this course was necessary, so that the grow; - ing habit of nearly all local bodies to spend ? % money contrary to law should be checked. Mr Whitaker said if all local bodies who ti acted illegally were to be proceeded against > Government would want half-a-dozen Attor! * ney-Generals. The remedy nt law lay with the ratepayers, who suffered by the illegal. \. Mr Wilson said'the Government would v; not prosecute the Board because it was iv \ the favoured district of Taranaki. | Aftor a short debate the motion wai ? I THE BEER DUTY. I Replying to Mr Reeves as to whether or not if, was true that eoire brcweis ia the colony refused to pay the beer duty, and ; ; : th it the Government could not compel UieuiL •• Major Atkinson said their was no power '„■ i to recover at law. Simply a resolution was ' passed in Committee of Supply, and as tliii [?■ , tax still rested on such resolution, atpreaent it could not be enforced. As soon as the:;! I ' Bill passed, however, it became retroapoc- i - ■ tive, covering the.date from the time there solution was passed in Committee of Supply, When the Bill passed, the tax would he en.!!! I ] forced, and brewers refusing to pay iVjpi :i'; t now would have tbc penalties enfo.eej m c against them, so that by refusing they didio - Hft at their own peril. Hii BOROUGH ENDOWMENTS. M*« Replying to Mr Ltjndon, ;:B w Mr Rollkston said that boroughs uurm. „ M j dowed under the Municipal Corporations IB B j Act, 1870, that have declined to take endow- . 1 <r| ments offered to them, but for which they; ■■;' Hi& |j did not apply, are considered by the Govern- "\ | incut to have no other claim under the Act. -Bh REDUCTION IN TEACHEK&!- SAC- ■ Ho: ARIES. Hhi Mr Reid asked, " If, in reducingtbejvrito' „. |H for education, allowance had been made for, \ i.-Bjf' four months of the year, which have already , <| BjH expired ; also, if any provision bad been ' :'BI O made for notice being given by Boards to ~ j Ksl teachers before reductions in salaries art) ' Mr Rolleston replied that it was under- j i stnod that reductions in the Education.Da- 1 partment would take effect from the Ist«{.i.'JHHP1 this month, as iv other branches of the Bffl public service, and Boards have been asked ■ *', and have consented to co-operate; with G.i- fflg vernment accordingly. Provision will have HE to be made on the Supplementary Estimates" V to cover the amount already paid to Boards ; for four month?. No special provision has I ■■■?' been made by Government for keeping up *' tsachers1 salaries at the old rates until. . f notice had been given of reduction. It is Ht presumed this will .take effect as in the ,ca9«, BJ of all the Civil Service. ML THE FINANCIAL POSITION. Hb On the motion tor reporting resolution! from Committee of Supply, Sir GKOKGK '; Grey moved that they be postponed until X ' after the Revenue Bills had been disposed ft of. His reason was this, that the depressed fstate of the country had been, in his ', opinion, over-rated, and the consequence of IHDrf that was to create an unnecessary panic. Ivo suspending commercial enterprise, nod -.*'■" otherwise operating seriously agaiatt the H BHcr labour market when the Kevenue Bill was ! «•) being discussed. He believed it would bo I *'■ shewn that this alarm was unnecessary, jBMHEoi and that much more money than was sup* , 4 .;,fpcai posed would be available for public works . «f «e< purposes. }.- fflftlflßf JUI Mr Hall said that the motioubad'M^w rej him by surprise. They had ascertaijMfc EP* correctly the amount available - for PJfflßl m 18! works. They bad tbo statement «j|Bjp J Treasurer, and the statement of the WSft>■>■ R poi Works Minister, and if those hon. jieriKftt,' ?«* Wo men did not know the state of the Pn%.->. Bjtht Works fund, it could never be ascertain^. ; Th The course was unusual and unconstitSHj Hfco' ticnal, and would be calculated to obatroMH on public business. He thought there wJBJ the not the smallest possibility of the h?BM pro gentleman being right, and therefore could H ik" not give way. : :fMy- ""S A long discussion ensued, lasting imHl'jg ■* the dinner adjournment. On resuminjj, "™'M m& motion for going into committee" of Bu'i>ply,-S| wei was put and carried, ?° n THE REDUCTIONS.. p« Mr Pykb moved as an amendment on (MaH *Q° original question, " That in the opinion of ,< nai the Hbuse the reduction of 10 per cent, Pu> should not apply to salaries of £2W-pi|w| «ec annum, and under." ~ ln ' On being put, this amendment was nega- *9 ] tived on division by 41 to 32. i (J «ii M ;In committee of supply a'numW Mjffl pie Public Works estimates were pasßed. A - ( ; J vote of £87,000 for giving work tpthe.un.lffl p i a employed on the Otago Central railway was eip reduced by £20,000." nl>'' >'-'■■' y - :i M WS£e Mr Pyke moved the reduction of the item Bflfr Otautau to Nightcaps, £12,000, by ,£4,000. N o It'\vaslostondivißioriby3ltoll. - T- J- 'tyMU lod Mr DeLautour moved that the vote otfl BBn Riverton to Orepiki be reduced £1,600. | 'j Mr Pyke said there Was a time con had a good opinion of seme members of ti>p| ": (. Government, but he had now lost "faitn';j|9Bl' oft every one of them. He would table' befowlH No longadirectvoteof want o^confidence.;: 'Tb^H t»k were .false to the House and constituentrWJJ xnii who returned them. With large que»tio»sH Of they could not grapple, but with two-penny|H «y half-peany matters like this they hektttnOM "*« abject followers into the lobby to Tote witn m BJt them. The motion was lost on division by ,'• •, BK> 9t035. The vote passed as printed. I» veys of new lines, North Island; &SF{M w£ c passed; surveys of new lines,' Middta B Island, £6,550. '. " '«!, Progress was reported and the House ad^ ~ _;mi journud at 2 a.m. . i •, : ,' .it'i.irt'ffl ]$li:

ATTEMPTING TO BRIBE A MINISTER.

The celebrated case against ■RlchS&j|| R^ Francis Bail for attempting to bribe »PflJ|§|l iWf b officer, to wit,Sir'HeDryl'arke»,.K.C.*W»^::BPl Colonial Secretary of New South WalM, ■ mi which has excited some intercut sincfl U« HRut committal, of the prisoper to take tr.^,^ HRCI came on for hearing at the Central Crim"««||. Mp* Court on the 11th, and was disposed ■.;&£& iEgU almost ia the twinkling of an>yo, tnthmit ; t . ,«b e the slightest excitement or any gw»'-rjm ;^K^ tendance in court. The Hon. the ?™*fM Rfn did not-as it had been expected th«fi»|| Hra would—appear in coart to give e«aWjffi IM*' aud submit to cross-examination, if tef"^, ■ B^ The prisoner pleaded guilty, and.the C»«M ■"" being disposed to mercy, especially,» ™M K^» harm had arisen from the crimei w'-AfS ■?„ torney-General urged that thei CroOT mm »o not pra> for sentence, but would be ■***« '^ if thiß.prisoner would ehter into hwojW H^| ■F"" cogniaznces in £80, to appear if c»lled,|/ M WK D{ , for sentence. So the prisoner wM «»j, m« charged, and the important case W| «tto finished. ■•■■.. : K£T Of:

Rev. K. DewsW, Wealeyan ,»»#., ? ; R»[> P will shortly deliver a lecture °* ktf^/,M .IK"! Scott; in aid of the funds of sti™/|ijf§ X'81 Presbyterian Church. '^i --^ES, New Arrivals, Residents, anrt'iwriiUPs^,|l ■Cal a flying visit, oannot righllf «"^*j AnokW 41| Kbe ness aid manufaoturins; resouroes oia» _. Hie without vißitins; *c only es^abltobW' Hrii Suiteß ia town (ready for fßwag Inimansa assortmeiit of lrw \^S^g WjOgW fc^ptlC€ Bedsteads, and other House lTwme«» the Co,. W» Bites. This business i* ""f^difrfDn^ Wni' OPBBATIVB CABH syßtem. Al 1". fjlSthllW "KgiS K''^ 0' MiUinery, and Men 8 and Boys i^^ be Hbp Bold at one-half the Pr 01" „ Fnrnltnro *"" Bi*cco Arci&e, Qaeen-B^et. ' , ~i ;^.'«»*ft

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18,



We have received a CONSIGNMENT of 350 LADIES CLOTH JACKETS, and 500 LADIES and CHILDREN'S WATER PROOF MANTLES. F*V W« be offered to the Pv< lie at HALF-PRICE. 1,..,.-. , -— — •!, ;'a coaaSAm $ co. mSE MERIDEN BRITANNIA CO. MANUFACTUKHU3 OS1 THE HIGHEST GRADE OW SILVKR PIiATKD <i WARE, both ON NICKEL SILVER AND WHITE METAL. Sample Rooms and Offices—46, East Fourteenth j , street) Union Squaro, New York. Faotorios—Wcat Moridcn, Conneotlont, Salo Agents for the North Island, r •;.-..■ T*B.MORRIN.



Special Advei'tisementa. ■JUST RECEIVED. 2, 4,16, AW 12-BUTTON KID GLOVKS. np II IS BALANCE OF yyiNTEK Q.OODS STIM. BBIKG SOLD AT REDUCED PRICES TIjiILNB & riHOYCE, CHEAPSIDK HOUSK, QUEKN-STREET. npEOIAL TO FARMERS. CHEAP MANURES. FINE BONEDUST, from .. .. £7 rBR ton BONKFLOUR, £8 SUPERPHOSPHATE £0 „ GUANO of all descriptions. Special Quotations for Largo Quantities. W. J. lIUKST & CO., 101, QUBEN-STEEET. QTTOCK-TAKING BARGAINS. In preparation for Stock-taking, William Rattray has REDUCED tho PRICKS of his Largo and Well-as3ortod Stock of LADIES' COSTUMES, SKIRTS, and ULSTERS, Jn order to 0(foot a Clearance. COSTUMES at 37s Gd Reducod to 253 COSTUMK3 at 10b Reduced to 25s COSTUMJSS at 453 Reduced to 27a 6d COSTUMKS at 65g Reduced to 423 COSTUMES at 70s Reduced to 45s SKIRTS at 83 Cd Reduced to 5s 9d SKIRTS at 12s 6d Reduced to 8a 6d SKIRTS at ISs Cd Reduced to 13s Gd SKIRTS at 25s Rcduood to 15a A Splendid Line of ULSTBRS at 22s 6d (worth 255) aro now Reduced to 18a 6d. AVilliaM Rattray. draper, clothier, & silk mbrckr, New Zealand Housit, GC Queen-street, Auckland. /CLOTHING ANU DRAPERY SEASONABLE AND CHEAP. AT RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN'S. Particular attention ia directed to tho following linos :— BLANKETS, all sizks 40-lnoh Hoavy Whlto Twill Sheeting, at Is per FUR MUFFB ia variety, and to be cleared ot half-price NEW FANCY WOOLLEN GOODS—Squares, Polkas, &c, to be cleared off cheap New Galoon Dress Trimmings, bought a Job, and to be cleared at leaa than quarter Girts'.ljlaidst and Ladles' ULSTERS A Job Lot of Ladies' Alpaca Umbrellas, at2sud a bargain FLANNELS, from fld per yard Whiter Hotkey— a large variety Girls and Womon's. PUln and Striped, 9d per pair New Costumo Clcths A lino ot Homospnn at 7Jd per yard Carpet Bags, cheap 4. Job Lot of Boys' Inverness Capes, very oheap Gents' Waterproof Twoed Ovorcoata Men's Flannel Undershirts, our own make, 33 So. Boys' Black Cloth Trousers, a Job line, to be cleared at 63 9d per pair .'MEN'S JbOSIEHY, very cheap A. strong lino of Worstad, half hose. Is por pair Clothing and Drapery Goods of every description, at very reasonable rates, and 5 per cent (is in the SI) DISCOUNT allowed off at J OA3H Purchases of 20s and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, i UNCTION DKAPKRY WAREHOUSE { Opposite tho Army and Navy Hotel, i Upi'kr Queen-street, Auckland. jTTIHE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY'S GARMENTS FOR MEN'S AND BOYS' WEAR B"it Better :: Ark Better Cut Look Better :: Are Better Madk' Wear Better :: abeßktter Shrunk And therefore givo more satisfaction than any other goods offered to the public. j Testified to by their Thousands of Customers J who purchase constantly at the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY'S' BRANCHED Now Established in Dunkdin Wellington Invkrcarßill nelson Oamaru Wandanui 'I'imabu N«w Plymouth Abhburton Napibr Lyttbiton Thames Christchuroh Auckland A Single Garment at Wholesale Fbiob. N. 8.: Oar New Winter Mb nfaoturcs aro now Ready. W. "TRY THK N . z , O"VKRCOAT. Shirts, Hatb and Hosiery of every descrip tion at Wholebalb Prioeft AUCKLAND BRANCH, Queen-street (epposito Theatre Royal). i J. BTIZSIMONS. Manager ip LOVES! PRINCIPAL GLOVE WAREHOUSE GARUCK & CRANWELL intend always to keep a Large Stock of Gloves to suit every class of customer. Besides Thread, Silk, Cloth, and other seasonable Gloves, they have now on sale, Q.OOD TWO-BUITON Kid Gloves (Coloured), Is lid. Those are a Job line, and worth a great deal more. One Two, and Three-Button, at la 9d (slightly damaged). We nave Just Opened np a much JJETTER GLOVE, in all sizes, viz.— One-Button Josephines, now colours One-Button ditto Black Tho public will generally be obtainable to the very JJEST ■and Fashionable Gloves at tho City Hal Aroade. . We have just received a largo assortment foS T T ToMc^i?r ea ONK-BUTTON ditto ditto ONE-BUTTON Ist choice Coloured Joseph- WiU bo sold at CO-OPERATIVE CASH PRICES. GARLIOK & CRANWELL, '' City Hall Arcade, Queen-street, Auckland. EX 'SAM MHSNDBL,' from London ex • CaMILLE,' from New York. NEW GOOD 3by these vessels Just Opened by GARLIOK & CRANWBLL. Tapeßtry and Brussels Carpet, new designs Black & Gold Fringes) Very handsome for Cor- Bullion & Coloured I nioes & Gipßy Tables 3, 3*. 4. and 4J-feet Iron Bedsteads 2-3, 3-6, and 12-feet Oilcloths .Fancy Carpet Occasional Chairs Folding Ladies' Work Tables Davenports, Whatnots, Coffee Tables Marble-top Cheffoniore, Walnut Centra Tables Toiletware, Toilet Glasses Children's Chairs, Iron Cots, Perambulators Door Mats, American Cradles, Cane Chairs And varlons: Yankee Notions we Invite in spection of. GARLICK & CBANV/ELI, CITY HALL ARCADE, Queen-strebt, Auckland KELLY'S KOYAL MAIL LINE OF COACHES to Ohinemutn, Hot Springs, anl Tauranga, leaving Tauranga every Mon day Wednesday, and Friday, at 8 a.m.; and returning every Tuesday, Thursday, and Satur day. Through to Napier, Wednesday, at 8 a.m. Fare, £S. Livery and Bait Stables, Spring-street, Tanranga. Br^^es, Waggonettes, and Vehicles of all kinds (or Hire. Booking; Office, Spring street,



Special Advertisements. TOOYAL JNS'JRANCa rjOM PAN V (FIHK AND LIfTK). CAPITAL £2,000,000 With Unlimited LiiiiiLiTY op tub SHARE HOLDERS. Accumulated Funds in.hand EXCEED .. .. £4,000,000. Rbvrnue :— From Fire Premiums 3770,000. From Life Premiums £216.000 Exclusive ot Interest on Invostment?. This Company continues to nccopt FIRE RI.iIC3 on every description of Insurablo Pro porty AT THE LOWEST RATES OBTAINABLE CLAIMS FOR LO3SKS aro Promptly and Liberally Adju-t d| without reference else where, and immediately paid at tho Company's Bankers in Auckland. GEO. W.'JONKS, Chief Agent C 3 forjProvlnco o( Auckland. Oillco: Shortland-atrect. May 23,1850. Influential Agenta required for tho Suburb* and throughout tho Provinco wdqto t>:o Com pany is not already roprp.sonttd