SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„x „„ ~-a rrnrn 1 This Eveninc. 10.55 H GH WATER-j T o-morrow Morning, 11.16

UN SET.—This Evening, i.-ii n,iv RISE.—To-Morrow Mornin™, 7.1b MOON'S AGE.-Flrst quarter, ltitn, 9.30 a,m,

ARRIVALS.

YESTERDAY. Argyle, s.s., Crawford, from Whangarei

TO-PAY. Gem, schooner, Diaz, from Tairna Glenelg, s.s., Farquhar, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

TO DAY. Anna 8011, brig, Yates, for Lyttelton Christina, schooner, Smith, lor Kuss.-n Waitaki, s.s., Edio.ior Taurrn^a , Reward, schooner, Anderson, tor Whangarei lona, s,s., Stephenson, for Ru: sell Argyle, s.s., Crawford, for Whangarei Glenelsr, s.s , Farajihar, for Rusell Griffin, schooner, Bishop, for Mercury Bay

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

New Plymouth and South- Wellington, Tuesday London-City of Quebec, loading; Loch Dee to

follow , . ~_ „ 0 „J Honolulu and San Francisco-Australia, 22ad Sydney—Rotorua. 22nd ■ , Gisborne, Southern Ports and Melbourne-

Te Anau, Thursday ~ _ Tauranga-Glonelg, Thursday; Waitaki, lues-

Whangarei—Argyle, Tuesdays and Fridays ; Waitaki, Thursday „.,„ Russell-lona. every Monday; Waitak-, *rida,y Tonsa-Rover, at on-. 3; Myrtlo, about the 20th Timaru—Oobn Bull Levuka—Coral Que;n Suwarrow—Ryno

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Hyena, H.1.G.M.5., from Samoa , Australia, P.M.S.S., from Sydney, Tuesday Zealundia, F.M.S.S., f om Honolulu ana San Francisco, 20th _ . Rotorna, s.s., from tho South. Tuesday 22nd Rinnarooma, s.s., from Sydney, 23rd Fairiie, three-masted Bchooner (HJ .W.1.), from

Adelaide Seagull, brigantine, from.l yttelton Meg Merrilies, brigantine (cIt.G.L.), rroni

Sam L Mo Und a el,Bhip,(P.V.S.R.)from London; sailed

March 13th Famenoth, ship, from London ; sailed Aprill7 Camille, brig, from New York ; sailed Heb. _l Loch Boon, barque, (UH.G.V.) from London

sailed April 22 _, , Chile, barque, (K.H.N.V.) from London ; March

Cab-irfcidh, barque (S.Q.M.J.), from Hongkong Ansdell. barque (3.C.H.N.), from NewcißtlC Ocean Ranger, barquentiue, (V, r.r.N.V.) from

N©w York Scottish Lassie, barque, (RBLM; Lorn London

Langslone, fchlo, (JBBM) from London; loading S-rren, brig (J.D.N.H.), from riydney Mrrmion, topsail schooner, from Dur.edin Darcy Prattbrittantinofrom Dunedm.suileQlJtb Leon nana, barqae, from Hobart Town Clansman, brigantine, from Melbourne, Bailed 3ore-'s brigantine.: oniLovuka Island Li'y, brigantine, from I wuka Active, brigantine (5.8. K.N.). from i amoa Bel -) Brandon, scb ooner from Line Islands Gael, schooner (5.8.P.8 ), from Samoa Tmsit.schoonor, frcn Tahiti Sybil, schooner, from Tahiti Ovalau. tcbooner, from tho Islands. Daysprin", mission schooner (W.N.8.M.), Lorn tho Is ands

. Inwares CoJiSTWisn—Reliance, from Whangapoua, with 15,000 feet timber.

Outwards Coast wise.-Lady Don f- r Russell, Grifflin for Mercury Bay.

The brig Anna Bell cleared at the Customs to day for Lyttelton, where she will load with breadatuifs for Mauritius or Capo of Good Hope.

The manager of the Kaipara Steamship Company invites tenders for the repair cf tho s.s. Kina, which was recently aahoic on tho bar at Waipa.

BTho brigantine Ada C. Owen cleared at tho customs to-day for ihe Manukau, where she will load with timber for Lyttelton.

The Bchooner Griffin cleared at the Customs to-day for Mercury Bay, where she will load With timber for Napier.

The s s. Glenelg arrived to-day from Tauranga with passengers and the following cargo :—l5O sacks maizo, 27 head cait-h*. 200 sheep, -1 tons Seneral merchandize.

Tho s.s. Argyle arrived f-om Whangarei and Mangapai last evening with 51 sacks oysters, 2C hides, 0 casks and 2 cases tallow, 10 bundles fruit trees, 8 boxes eggs, 0 koits butler, and 6 tons sundries. Tho steamer returned to tho bamo ports this aftocnoon.

The s.s. Glenelg left on her monthly coa'ing trip to Russell this afternoon. Sho will return oa Thursday morning, and will leavo for Tau ranga on the atternoon of the same day.

Tho Union Steamship Companj's s.s. To Anau will return from Russell to-morrow morning. She Is announced to leave for Melbourne, via East Coast and Southern ports, on Thursday.

The new steam launch Planet has been en gaged to run on|the South W airoa trado, and will make her maiden trip to-morrow. Capaln J. Niccol will takelcommand.

The dopartnro of tho s.s. lona for Russell and northern ports was postponed from la-t evening until to-day in order to allow of a new ruddor being fixed.

The passage of tho Orient liner Cotopaxi, from London to Adelaide, including all stoos, oconpied 10i days. Her best day's run was 305 miles.

The schooner Rover leivcs for Tonga and Haabai on Thursday morning.

The ship Dumbarton arrived at Port Chalmers from London yesterday.

THE CHILES FROM LONDON.

A barque was signalled during the wholo of to-day, bnt owing to a head wind she was only about a mile or two inside 'liivth-i whon ■we went to press. Sho is believed to bo the Chile, from London, and one of the pilots, who came over from tho North Shore this afternoon, reports having seen her through a telescope. He is also of ODi:aion from her appearance that she is tho Chile.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURES. Taiaroa, b.s., Peterson, for the South Lalla Rookh, p.s„ Campbell, for Waltara

IMPORTS.

Per Ta'aroa from the South:—l box gold dust, 200 bags flour, 6 casks beef, 30 sacks potatoes. 25 sacks oats. 5 sacks bran, 7 bales fungus, 23 hides, 12kegs and packages butter, 25 cases un.l packa ges sundries. Per Eliza Mary frcm Timaru:—72B sacks oat 3, 66 sacks wheat, 128 sacks sharps.

EXPORTS.

Per Taiaroa for tho South : 2S sacks oysters, 3 sacks peanuts, 1 box boots, 21 casc3 and pack ages.

Tho Union Co.'s s.s,. Taiaroa sailed for South from tho Manukau this morning with tho following passengers:—For New Plymouth : Mr and Mrs J. M. Clark, Mr and Mrs Ray, Messrs Loean, Godkin, Abraham, Misß Gittos. For Nelson : Mr Richardson, Mr and Mrs Mal lieaon. For Wellington: Messrs B. J. Cowan. Hon. J. Williamson, Mr and Mrs Smith. For Lyttelton : Mr Soloman, Rev. D. Bruco, Mr and Mrs Richard and 2 children, Mr3 and Mrs Brown. For Melbourne :Mr Woodward.

EAST COAST PORTS.

Mkbcuky Bay, Monday, Loading—Brigantino Linda Weber, schooner Fleetwing, and cnttors Wave and Leo. Tairua, Monday. Loading—Schooners Kisinoro andGnm, cutters Bo:o, Mercnrr, and Leo. Sailed, on Friday, the echooncr Opotiki. Taur^noa, Thursday. Arrived—Venus, ketob, from Russell with coals.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day. Tho s.s. To Anau aTriyed from Auck'andat 6 a.m. to-day. i Lyttelton this day. Sailed: Ship, Dunburno, for Londop.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— This Day.

For Tauranga and Opotiki] par Waitaki, at i p.m. For vvansjaroi Heads, Waipu, Wangarel, and Mane;apai, por Ko;o Casoy, at 1 p.m For Thames, per Kotomahana, at 1.30 p.m. Wednesday, 16th inatant. For/Coromandol, por Coromandol, at 11.30 a.m. For Friendly Jalands, por Rover, at 8 p.m. For Whniangi, Tairua, Taurauga, ami ODOtiki, por Gienelg, cXi p.n . For Thames, por Kotoumhnna, at 5 p.m. Thursday, 17th inst-nt. For Gisborne, Napior, Southorn provinces, and Australian Colonies, por To Anau, at 9 a.m. For Wangurel lloads and Wangaroi, por Waitaki, at 7 a.m. For Waiwora, To Kana, Craigiolmrn, trap Warkworth, por Koso Uaaoy, at 10 a.m. Saturday, ISiii instant. For Taranaki, Wnnganul, and Wellington, per Kangatira, at 1 p.m. Tuesday. 22ad instant, Por s.s. Australia as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America. Canada, British Columbia, Contral and South America, and British and Foreign VVost Indies, Japan, and China, including Hongkong, at 1 p.m. For Unitod Kingdom and Continent! of Buropo, at 1 p.m. For money orders, and registered lottors, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra foe of Blxponco, lv addition to tho postage, will bo received by tho Mail Asent on board tho stoamor up to tho time of sailing.

This mail is duo in London On tho 3rd August. For Russell, Kawakawa, and Australian Colonies, por Rotoruua, at 3 p.m. S. B Biss, Chlof Postmaster.

Meetings, Entertainments, &c.

Juhk 15, 18S0.

Theatre Royal—" Life," and " Aliddin,"B p.m. Ponsonby Sunday-school—Tea Mooting, 0.30 p.m.

Mr Jc '-'ab Martin's Lioturo on "Chromatics, tho seienco of co'.oji-," St. Stephen's Church, Pon-.onby, 8 p.m.

DEATH.

PHILLIPSON.—On Monday, tho 11th Instant, Herboit, tho cUlrst son of tho Into Thomas Phllllpson: aged, 23 years. Tho funeral will leavo " Tho Priory,"Remu era, for St. Mark's Church, at 3."0 p.m., on Thursday, the 17th instant.

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 1880.

Fjr the causo that lacks assistance. For the wrong; that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, ud the Kood tnat we can

The fact that there was a comparatively thia attendance at the anti-Property Tax meeting iv the Lome-street Hall last night, and an apparent want of animation, can no more bo taken as a proof that the Property Tax is approved by the people than the resolution carried oan be considered a satisfactory evidence that public opinion is against it. Tho fact is that the meeting can not be considered representative of the people in any true sense, although there was certainly variety enough in the re presentation of political sentiment. It was, indeed, a singular gathering, united in one sentiment only—that of dislike for the Tax. That tho masses of the people should have held aloof from such a meeting is only a proof of the general accuracy of the common impulse. For it must be acknow ledged that those who had quietly allowed large additional burdens to be placed on the back of that patient beast the general taxpayer, without offering a single remonstrance except idle talkee-talkee, are expecting rather too much of the good old steed if they think he will disturb himself for the purpose of kicking off the load which he does not feel, whilst he has patiently borne his own, Looking to the esti mate of £300,000, less £40,000 per sonal exemption, which the Treasurer now givesas the product of the Pro perty Tax, we certainly do agree with the meeting and its speakers, that tho proposed process of collection is highly objectionable and that the tax itself has been attenuated until it is not worth preserving. But we say that the i existence of tho Property Tax is much less a public evil than the unvarying disposition to cast the load of taxation off wealth on to the masses. The Land Tax of a half-penny realised about £100,000, and if the Property Tax of a penny will only bring in £200,000 the sooner it is superseded by an In come and Property Tax which will turn in twice the amount the better, the surplus to bo applied to removing tho impost which has been wrongfully placed upon the clothing of the people. If the spirit in which the meeting last night was con ceived had been a different one ; if it had been animated by a strong resolu tion to impress on the Government the determination of the people to insist upon the establishment of a true incidence in taxation, the result would havo been otherwise. Tho Lome-street Hall would not havo accommodated those seeking admittance. But it is nonsense to expect a man to cry because someone elso has been hit. With the resolution relative to retrench ment wc heartily agree—everyone does. After carefully perusing the ostimates wo believo the Government have not done anything like what they should have done to reduce the bulk of civil service salaries. So long, however, as they can raise money by charging an extravagant commission upon articles which peoplo aro bound to use, and can increase this commission at pleasure without protest, they are not likely to retrench. But when every pound wasted by the Government obvi ously means a pound drawn straight from the pockets of the people, and a certainty of general combinations of the afflicted such as that gathered last night to resist, there will be mora hope of retrenchment becoming a reality, and not a cry. This is ono of tho best reasons why direct taxation, which is the least wasteful and best apportions the impost to the ability to bear it, should take a distinct and well-defined place in our system of finance. The principle should, therefore,bo laid down

and firmly insisted upon, that indirect taxation for puro revenue purposes lias long passed its fair limit.

The Hospital Scandal.

The announcement which is made that S. Brown, the head nurse of the hospital, has resigned, is wc presume, a confession ou the part of the hospital authorities that the extraordinary course adopted in deal ing with the charges preferred by Gadd will not stand the breath of public opinion. It remains to bo seen, however, whether the House of Representatives, into whose hands the matter has now been placed hy Gadd's petition, will consider the proposed settle ment quite satisfactory. A spirit of inquiry when once aroused is not easily suppressed, and wc are not at all sure that even the so-called act of insubordination by Gadd, which consisted merely in taking advice outside the hospital, and acting upon Mr Swansea's recommendations, will be deemed a sufficiently good one for the severe course which was adopted towards him. The possibility of such things a3 have now been admitted is productive of an uneasy feel ing, and it ia by no means certain that the Assemuly will be satisfied to allow the matter to drop before the internal work ing of tbe hospital has been thoroughly in quired into. This spirit of inquiry is not likely to be allayed when it is known that Gadd's successor as night nurse was a man who had occupied a bed in the hospital just before for religious mania. The night nurse has sole charge of a large ward of patients from eight o'clock at night till six o'clock ijiicxt morning, his duty being to attend to the wants of patients, and call the house surgeon if his presence is absolutely needed. It may bs imagined what the feelings of the patients would be and how peacefully they would slumber knowing that they were left to the care of a mau, the diagnosis of whoso mental de rangement had been posted up above a bed in the very ward of which ho was almost im mediately afterwards given the night super vision. We are glad to hear that this man was hot on duty tho night berore last, aud if this means that he has been superseded, and the breath of public opinion blowing through the hospital corridors has had anything to do with it, a substantial good has already been accomplished by the recent exposure. Such appointments should lie publicly advertised for, aud the choice made solely ou recount of past qualifications. A question that may fairly bo asked in con nection with this matter is, why arc male nurses employed in the hospital at all? Most of the great English infirmaries bave specially trained women to do the work, aud it is now generally admitted by tho faculty that the system is a thoroughly good one. There may of course be certain illnesses which it would be impossible for a woman to nurse, but one man would amply sullicc to sec to these, and another could be employed for other necessary purposes. No man can give that tender care and sympa thising attention to the sick which springs from the goodness of a woman's nature Many ladies in Auckland appear anxious to got work to do just now, and wc belicvo that some of them would much like to try musing. Iv tho Eng lish hospitals ladies of tho vory highest rank frequently accept situations. They devote their lives to alleviating suffering and have their reward in 1 he rapturous gratitude of the patients. A single woman who has no strong tics or duties to keep her at homo may spend life vcy happily in a hospital. There is always plenty to do, and tho work, though occasionally disagreeable, is never such as a genuinely refined lady need shrink from. The management committees at home objected rather .strongly at first to the intro duction of the upper class clement pmougst the nurses. Experience has proved, how ever, that these noble dames frequently turn out tbe best dressers of a wound and tbe most tender unwearied watchers. The labour with tlietn is one of love, and the difference this fact makes to the patients cannot bo over-estimated. Rut oven before ladies interested themselves in hospital work in England women were employed as nurses, and we have never seen any proposi tion for the substitution of men. We do not know any reason why what is con sidered the best system in tlie great hospit als of England should bo ignored iv our owti hospital.

If the statements of some Auckland publi cans arc to be believed, ruin stares them in the face. The new tax—so they s t had a most unexpected and—from their point ot view—grievous eil'eet on the con sumption of beer. That gloi ions bulwark of England's greatness,the "working man," no longer takes kindly to his mid-day piot of-bittcr, but, on the contrary, evinces a vulgar aud economical taste for "four peunorth of rum." One well-known boni l;tce, whoso house is in the immediate neighbourhood of (juecn-strcct, declares that whilst before the tax was levied be took £12 a day, he can now barely raise fifty shillings. This alarming announce ment may be accepted cum grant) salts ; but we have no doubt at nil that the main facts of the case are true. It is a well-known axiom in political economy that when the price of an article of food rises above a certain standard the consump tion falls off and it is then superseded by something cheaper. Wo see this every day. When eggs are a shilling a dozen everybody buys them, but when they go up to three pence apiece the demand almost ceases. The same thing seems now to be happening with beer. Whilst men could get their glass or two at what seemed to them a fairly reasonable price, they spout money freely. Now they prefer a cheaper drink. Under these circumstances it becomes a question whether tho publicans will not eventually have to take the new tax on to their own shoulders, and chance making their profit out of the large consumption. This would, of course, be bad for them, but not so bad as losing tho major part of the beer busi ness altogether. And certainly it would be better for consumers to use good reliable beer than villainous fourpenny ruin.

Sir John Coode may be a clever engineer and an able man, but that his interests do not always coincide with those of his clients is abundantly evident from what has recently transpired re the Taranaki Harbour Works. The story ot this cinbrot.'lio has something more than a local interest, and carries with it an obvious moral which other Harbour Boards who havo dealings with Sir John Coode will do well to take to heart. It appears that iv October last the New Plymouth Board were notified by the their engineer, Mr J. R, Rees (a very able man who was previously in Government employ), that the "rubble" scheme for making the works proposed by Sir John Coode would not be likely to answer. So clearly was this explained aud so satisfied were the Board of the coircctucss of Mr Rees' views that they decided to send that gentleman to England to consult with Sjr John Coode on the matter, empowering him at the s;mc time to purchase what plant was required. Mr Rees set oil' shortly afterwards, and arrived in Liverpool on. December the first. His Initial act was to visit certain works in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and satisfy himself that ho had made no mistakes iv the alterations be had piopoicd to the Board. Having de cided this point, and found everything just as he anticipated he should, Mr Rees pre sented b'tnself before Sir John Coode. The honourable gentleman's welcome avus the reverse of He said : " Well, Mr Rees, I see you have come to England, but for the l'fe of me I do not know what you arc come about." Mr Bees then ex plained that the Taranaki Board had in structed him to supply Sir John with infor mation he had obtained iv New Plymouth in connection with the Harbour Works, aud that if that gentleman decided to alter his plans he (Mr Rees) was authorised by tbe Board to purchase the new plant. Sir John Coode seems to have been much disconcerlcd on hearing this, and even to have tried to "bluff" Mr Rees out of his rightful position with some old letters written by the Board many months before. Fortunately ihe documents that gentleman had in his possession clearly evidenced the truth of his statements, aud Sir John was at last reluctantly obliged to recognize him officially. From this time the gallant Knight's sole efforts appear to bave been directed towards preventing Mr Rees buying the plant. Why he didso we arc nta loss to understand unless indeed the assump tioitof a member of the Taranaki Board (Mr Thompson) that " Sir J. Coode had acted in the manner he bad dove towards Mr Bees as he was afraid he would lose his commission on the purchase of the plant plant through Mr Bees visiting England" is correct. However, that may be, there can be no doubt Sir John did obstruct Mr Bees. He would never let him sec the amended plans and found fault with nearly all the estimates proposed. "On the 4th of February," says Mr Rees in bis report to the Board, "I went to Sir John Coode's office to see the revised plans. I was 3ho\vn a pencil sketch of a very meagre description. Sir J. Coode said that my estimatejfor cost of concrete was wrong—that it would cost

at least £SO,OOO more than I had estimated. I said I was sorry to bear that. He said , that the items for plant, and for making the' cement blocks, were insufficient, I asked him what amount of work he estimated, aud he replied 90,003 cubic yards. I then told Mm there was very little difference in the amount estimated by him, and tbe amount sec down in my report to the Board, He seemed annoyed that there should have been so little difference between my estimate and his own, which led me to suppose that he wished to make his revised plaus as costly as possible, so as to make a difference between our estimates." Another day Sir John observed that Mr Rees had not made sufficiently full estimates for the plant, and asked him if he had bought any, " I told him," says Mr Rees, " I had in parts. Ou the next day I went to the office, aud Sir John Coode met me with a telegram to the Board written out. I suggested to him that instead of telegraphing to the Board on the subject. I would fctop buying plant until I received further instructions from the Board. lie agreed tG this without the least hesitation, and by this I felt convinced that Sir John Coode was desirous of pre venting my purchasing any plant whatever. "Of course," be continues, :'I cannot bring proofs of this. It is simply the con viction that a mau feels when he has been constantly brought in contact with the one subject. Therefore, it was no hasty con clusion, but one obtained from repeated connection with the suhject." Despite the obstruction, Mr Rees went on buying the plant, and well nigh completed his work in three months, though Sir J no. Coode had said it would occupy nine. Finally, however, it was absolutely necessary to see the amended plaus before he could finally finish up. Sir John again refused to produce then, saying be must send them direct to the Board, hut promising that if Mr Rees was going out by the Aconcagua ho would forward him tracings down to Plymouth, so that he might look over them on the outward voyage. Mr Bees went down to Plymouth and awaited tbe tracings, but got them it is needless to say be did'nt sail by the Aconcagua. On the contrary lie nicely " euchred " Sir John by comfortably completing his purchase, and then sailed away in the Orient. Al the meeting of the Board last Tuesday Mr Kees pointed out that there was a great difference in the cost of various'portions of the plant, &c, as estimated by himself and Sir John Coode. Sir John bad chosen a site for the block yard at a greater distance from the works than the one he bad chosen, and the consequence was that his (Mr Rees) block yard would effect a great saving in the construction ot the works Every block of cement would require to bo conveyed 3,500 feet according to Sir John Coode's plan, and only 1,423 by bis (Mr Rees) plau; thus there was a saving of a distance of between 2COO and 3000 feet in the conveyance of the blocks. Again the excavation of Sir J. Oopde's block yard would cost £15,030, and the yard chosen by Mr Rees only £1000. With regard to plac ing the block ground, Mr Rees showed that by tho arrangement propo-cd i>y Sir John Coo-lc, the first block made was the last block I) be used, and this ho said was a great mistake We leave our readers to draw their owa conclusions from all this, merely remarking tltut Mr Rees seems to have well deserved tbe vote of thanks tendered to him by his Board.

Six Duucd'ii brewers will Biib3Ciibc £3,200 to the Beer Tax.

The doctors at Lyttelton don't scent to know whether the disease prevalent on hoard tbe Norfolk is snuill-pox or chicken pox. Tbe ship will probably bo released from qivvtantiuc 10-day.

Tbe following telegram has been received by Mr StoJatt from the manager of the kuranui United G.M. Co.:—"No breaking down of specimen leader since Saturday. Another large one has been touched last night, which also shows strong blotches of gold.—J. W. Walker."

It is not apparently at the Auckland Hospital alone that strange things occur. A man named James Hill, late steward at the New Plymouth Hospital was arrested yesterday on a charge of embezzling certain Government stores while acting as steward of the Institution, lie was remanded aud admitted to bail.

The many friends iv Auokland of Mr G. D. Chaplin will learn with regret of bis serious illness, news of which was received by the last S.;n Francisco Mail. Mr Chap lin had been playing with a company in Portland, Oregon, and he is now in the hospital in that city.

The "N.Z. Times" says that "for pure noise and continual interruptions during a Saturday night's performance at the theatre the Wcllingtoniana stand pre-eminent and can put tho Auckland, Chrlstchurch, and Duiiedin pitites completely iv the .shade— not singly alone, but as an entire combina tion." Wc were always under the impres sion that our own Northern pitites aspired to this proud distinction. Anyhow they are a good second.

The " Bay of Plenty Times" understand i that through a piece of rcd-tapoism, worthy only of the great circttmlocation ollice, the Armed Constabulary havo been prevented from starting with the formation of the To I'uke Boad. The men are most anxious to leave the town, and the " Times " considers it is much to be regretted that so much valu able time should be lost in trilling disputes amongst Government officials.

The arrears of Land Tax are heing col lected in a very curious manner says the Wellington " Fost." To-day a Wellington landowner went to'the Custom House to pay bis tax, but the money was refused, aud he was told that his name was on the list of de faulters to be summoned. Ho had received no summons, however, but on going to the Court House was presented with one at tached to the claim for Land Tax, but not signed by anybody, and not fully lillcd up. For this unsigned, unserved summons he was charged ss, and is for having to call tit the ollice. '1 his seems a singular mode ot procedure

With reference to the want of a light at Ellerslie station to which we before called attention, "Danger" says :—Sir, —Knowing your journal is ever open to benefit the public, I beg to call your attention to the fact that Ellerslie station is still without a light, the importance of which cannot bo over looked, when human life is at stake. Last year your journal reported an accident, which was nearly proving fatal, and only a few weeks since another accident occurred. Surely, sir, human life ought to bo more valued than it is, if it is only to supply the increased demand for taxation. I trust the [lowers that be will immediately take action in the matter aud let the lamp already fixed be lit."

The police havo iv their possession a cotton quilt, for which they want an owner. It fell iuto their hands on the 9th inst.

Tho Rev. 11. R. Dewsbury will deliver a lecture to-morrow evening before the mem bers of the Pitt-street Wcsleyan Mutual Improvement Association on "Philology." A criticism will follow. Mr Dewsbury is a fluent and careful speaker, hence an in tellectual treat may be anticipated.

An uclookod for, and rather amusing termination to what promised to be a long and teiiious caso was suddenly ell'cctcd at the District Court yesterday morning, The litigants were Messrs Glecson and Cor coran, and lawyers wero engaged on each side. Mr Tyler (solicitor for the plaintiff) had just commenced an elaborate opening statement, when the two litigious Bonifaces emerged from the open doorway with faces wreathed in smiles, in great dismay they simul taneously perceived that tho matter was before the Court, and after a silctit exchange of looks, one of them strode hastily forward and gasped out " This case is settled, Your Honor." The Court remained silent for a moment or two, as if undecided bow to act or what lo say, while the publicans waited with breathless anxiety for a response. At length a suppressed titter ran through the 100 m, and Mr Tyler ejaculating " Then I'm settled too," collapsed into his seat. The iucident proved a source ot great merriment to those who happened to be present.

A service of song entitled "Eva," a selection from "Uncle Tom's Cabin," was given last evening in tho Primitive Metho dist chapel in aid of tho Trust Fund. Tho Rev. J. Nixon presided and opened the meeting with prayer. There was a largo attendance and the proceedings were of a pleasing and satisfactory character. Tbe united choirs of Franklin-road and Alexandra-street rendered the inter vening hymns in a correct aud harmonious manner, under the conductor ship of Mr Frith, MrN. Barker presidtug at the harmonium. Tho narrative of tho child life of " Eya," was read by Mr Black mail. The choirs deserve commendation for their excellent singing, which evidence, study, aud attention on the part of the members. "Scatter Seeds of Kind ness," Hood's beautiful lyric, "We Watched her Breathing," and " The Dying Christian to his Soul," were impressively aud effectively sung; in truth, the whole was highly successful. Mr Booth made a few remarks of a financial nature, and intimated that ere long, another service ot song would be given with the view of assisting towards a new organ which the church needed. They had resolved to open these services free to all, so that the poorest person might enjoy a pleasant hour of song, hoping that persons in a better social posi tion would contribute to the best of their ability. Votes of thanks closed a successful musical service.

A special general meeting of members of the Auckland Sunday-school Union will be held on Thursday evening in the Beresford street school-room, for general business in connection with the approaching centenary, and to hear an essay from Mr Edwin Wood on the subject in connection with the founder of Sunday-schools,

The second of a course of winter lectures iv connection with St. Stephen's Church, Ponsonby, will be given this evening on " Chromatics—the Science of _Colour," by Mr Josiah Martin, commencing at eight o'clock pm, This course of lectures are given with the view of interesting and giving instruction to members of Mr Runcimnn's Church and others during tbe current months of the year.

An elderly woman, Mary Robinson, was sent to prison this morning as an habitual druukard. Two of her sons were called upon a few weeks ago to contribute to wards her support, and were ordered to pay a weekly contribution of 5s each. Mrs Robinson has scarcely been sober a day since the receipt of the first instalments, and, yesterday, on receiving 20s from the clerk of the court she hob bled into the nearest hotel and recommenced drinking. Between three and four o'clock she was found helplessly druuk in a gutter by Constable McDonnell, with a broken jug by her side. The un happy woman bad wasted 19s 8d of the money of her hard-working sous, and bad, as she murmured, " only a groat left." The old woman was informed that in future, for her own benefit, she would receive her money in lesser sums.

Tho Lynch Family of Bellringers nnd English Combination Troupe, whose arrival we announced yesterday, will give the first of six performances at the Lome-street Hall to-morrow evening. We might meutiou that several of the members of the troupe are new to this part of tbe world, and one of them is a correspondent of a West of England paper and at the present time is writing a scries tf articles upon New Zealand.

A ploughing match will take place to morrow at Mr Banks' paddock, opposite the Panniure Hotel. Nearly 30 ploughs will be engaged, including one, two, and three furrow ploughs. Tbe contest is expected to be nn interesting one. Breaks will lie put on from town.

The usual weekly meeting of tho Young Men's Jewish Mutual Improvement Society was held last evening, Mr R. Keesiug in th"! chair. Two new members were balloted for and admitted. Tho subject tor discussion was, "In the miser or the spendthrift most injurious to the welfare of society ?" After an animated discussion it was decided that the miser was the worse of the two. A dis cussion then took place on the relative ad vantages or disadvantages of the Property and Beer Taxes. The business at the next meeting will comprise leadiugs, recitations, &c.

Professor Eraser delivers ono of bis amusing and interesting lectures in the Temperance Hall to-morrow evening. Ihe subject is " Writing by sound."

The Auckland oyster gatherers have determined to petition the Government re the proposed closing of the local beds suggested in the Fisheries Bill now before Parliament. They represent that if the beds are closed numbers of hard-working nieii will be thrown out of work, and to gether with their wives and families sub jected to great hardship aud privation. They also point out that tin worked grounds invariably deteriorate, and express a fear that if the bill parses in its present form the oyster fisheries will eventually fall into the hands of large capitalists and exclude the gatherers altogether.

The Wellington "Chronicle" understands that within a few days some extraordiuaty correspondence re the £5,000,000 Loau will be disclosed.

Captain Mervy Stewart, father of Mr Oeorgc Vesey Stewart, has been appointed a Justice of the Peace. The "Tauranga Times" points out that this will be a grc.it boon to tbe Katikati settlors who since tho departure of Mr G. V. Stewart have been much inconvenienced for want of a itesideut Magistrate.

A scene of au extraordinary character took place ia the Supreme Court, Napier, yesterday. A man named liojd, alii's tlcutoii, was brought up for placing dan gerous obstructions on the r.i'l vay line, and pleaded guilty. When a' 1 ill the usual way whether ho had anyt .in; to say for himself ho burst out with a string of blackguard and obscene oaths, cursing not only his gaoler and the police but the learned judge himself. Mr Justice Kich niond .seems at first to have been somewhat startled at the man's extraordinary beha viour, but on recovering himself remarked With considerable asperity that Jioyd must bo cither a dangerous lunatic or a criminal of the worst class, lie then sentenced him to fifteen yearn' penal servitude, and pro mised to draw the attention of the Minister of Justice to the case. Mr Vincent Pykc is very severe on the various Commissions appointed by our preont Government.—"The ouly monu ments of their existence," he recently re marked, " arc to be found scattered over the Colony in the shape of piles ot broken bottles." Rather rough this on the Com missioners. But is it true? The ordinary weekly moctingof St. James' Mutual Improvement Association was held last evening at St. Jamei Hall. The busi ness consisted of essays on " Lord I'yron " by Mr \V. Hakcr.and on "Thomas Moore" by Mr A. Steele. lioth gentlemen treated their subjects in a satisfactory manner, and the criticisms which followed were of a favourable nature. The buisness at the next meeting will consist of a Spelliug Bee com petition, which will ho taken part in by the members. The meetings are, we may state, open to the general public. The London "Sportsman" pooh poohs the idea of the Derby being henceforward run at Gravcsond,andsays the penny-a-liner who made such a lidiculous .statement must have drawn powerfully on his imagination. There has never been any idea of removing the venue from Epsom. The Domain Hoard find it impossible to make ceitain nccsssary improvements with out additional means, ami for securing the same Mr Robinson, Mayor of l'arnell, gave notice that he would introduce a motion for dhcussion at the next meeting to the cll'eet, that a surveyor be employed to set oil'allotments in Park road, Carlton Grove, and any other adjacent fioutages which may not interfere with the recreation ground ; and that the Government ho asked to increase the leasing powers of the Domain Board from 21 U> 42 or 66 year*. The idea embodied in Mr liobinsou's reso lution is not new, but if it could be practi cally carried out would tend to increase the revenue of the Board.

Mr J. K. Rees, the Harbour Engineer for New Plymouth, during his recent visit to England was commissioned to endeavour to forward the interests of tho local manufac ture of iron and cement, The "Taranaki News "says:—"As regards the irousaud, ho has not been very successful, few iron smcltcrs carina: to experiment upon It, steel having becu brought to a very high state of perfection in England by recently discovered processes of manufacture. At one establish ment an attempt was made to reduce the sand upon the plan followed here, but the compouud was so carelessly prepared, and the charcoal used in it so coarse, that much of the carbon and sand was blown out of the furnace. As regards the manufacture of cement horn local materials, he was more successful. The scptaria from the White Cliffs and specimens of limestone wore sub mitted to some of tho most celebrated cement manufacturers, and were highly approved of by thcin."

A Spiritual Professor named Ilanscn, who has acquired considerable notoriety at Vienna and Pesth, recently undertook to mesmerize any one against his will. The challenge was accepted by a young man named Fischer, and the Professor, despite his artistic passes, failed to produce any eliect upon him. Fischer began to banter the Professor, and told him that he was only a " vile impostor," for the use of which expression he was summoned before the district magistrate and lined 100 florins. The Professor, however, did not look upon this as sufficient reparation for his injured honour,and commenced a fresh suit in order to prove that he was really capable of fining what he professed to do He called as a witness a young mnu who had always ap peared an excellent medium on the plat form, and who at the bidding of the Pro fessor was iv the habit of'falling into a trance, and of holding communications with spirits from the other world; but when he came to be cross-examined by the counsel for the defence he confessed that he had only been shamming temporary death, and, to the great amusement of the court, pro ceeded to demonstrate how the trick was done. Professor Hansen lost his suit. A familiar instance of color blindness is that of a man taking a brown silk um brella and leaving a green gingham in its place. Connected with Mr Spurgeon's church in London are twenty Sunday-schools, live hun dred teachers, and liv-a thousand eight hun dred and fifty-three scholars. The Allahabad(ludia) "Pioneer"recently contained the following unquite advertise ment : " Wanted, a situation as a snake

CABLEGRAMS.

EUROPEAN.

[REUTEE'S SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS.] The Suez Mail. MELBOURNE. Tuesday. The P. and 0. Company's steamship Siam, with the English mails, dated Lon don, May 7, arrived hero to-day. Keform BUI. Numerous meetings are being held throughout the colony in support of Sir tFarncs Service's Keform Bill. The Lord Mayor of Dublin telegraphs j that further help is required for the allevia ' tiou of the distress which still exists in Ireland. Chinese Gordon. LONDON. June 14. It is now announced that Colonel Gordon, i.e., Chiucsn Gordon, who has left for China, has heen invited there by the Chine-c Government in view of the diiliculties with Kussia. Agitation in Turkestan. There is considerable agitation in Turke stan, and the Kussiaus are reported to be marching into Kasbgar. Post Cards. LONDON. June S. In the House of Commons Professor Fawcctt the Post-master General said he would be glad to see the introduction of the card system between England and Australia, and he hoped the latter would joiu England in order to obtain such a result. The New A.meer. LONDON. June 14. Confirmatory information has been re ceived that the Indian Government lias ofleied the Amccrship to Abdurrahman. Pending the receipt of a reply, it is said that Abdurrahman hesitates in consequence of the compulsory retirement of the hostile tribes, and should Abdurrahman decline, Yakub Kliau will be the propablo ruler of Cabal. Shipping. LONDOIS. Juno 12. Per Merchant Shipping and Under writer's Association:—Arrived: Hereford, from Lyttclton, on May 24; Maraval. from Lyttelton, on May 29.

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

A MAN named John Hanson was brought by steamer this morning from Mercury Bay on a charge of attempting to commit suicide by haugiilg himself. Hanson, it appears, bad been drinking heavily for some weeks, and was discovered by a neighbour suspended from a rail by a napkin lightly wound around his neck. He was immedi ately released from his perilous situation, and restored from a state of unconscious ness. He was seen by a medical gentleman, who had no doubt but Hanson was suffer ing from a terrible attack of "delirium tremens." He was remanded for eight days.

FATAL ACCIDENT AT TAIRUA

We arc indebted to Captain W. Farquhar of the s.s. Glcuelg for particulars of a fatal drowning accideutwhich happenedatTaiiuu, on the afternoon ot Friday last. It appears that the schooner Oiritiki was being towed over the bar by a boat from the Tairua sawmill at the time. She bad all sails set, but there was no wind. Suddenly a breeze struck her, and before it was noticed she had way on she ran down the boat and it filled. Five men were picked Up hy the the schooner, aud one succeeded in swim ming to the shore which he reached in a very exhausted state. Another mill hand (named Wilson) was drowned. The deceased was a married mau, and ho leaves a wife aud family. The boat was picked up out side Tairua on Saturday by the s.s. Tingal.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before 11. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M,

DRUNKENNESS,

Matthew Carahav, John llanahan, and Catherine Oumiuings were lined 5s each for this offence.

THE MARYS OF EDEN.

Mary Coleman, Mary Brown, anil Mary Robinson, habitual drunkards, who had bccu convicted many times, were eeverally oidored to the Mount Eden gaol for seven days. CHARGE OF FORGING A DEED. Alexander Martin, on warrant, was charged with forging a certain deed, pur porting te be signed l>y Georges Moore, deceased, on tbe 2Uth April, with intent to defraud. Sub-Inspector I'ardy repeated the state ment, which appeared in the Star, lie could not say that prisoner forced the deed with tbe view of assisting in the attempt to defraud, but it was certain that he drew the deed. Remanded until Monday next ; prisoner beiug admitted to bail, himself iv £200, and two sureties of £100 each. CHARGE OF GAMBLING IN A PUBLIC-HOUSE. Henry N. Huluie, landlord of the Pro vincial Hotel, was charged with a breach of the Licensing Act, by permitting gambling, to wit, throwing dice in his hotel, Princos- Street, on the (ith inst. Mr Hoskcth appeared in defence, and stated that Mr llulme. who was a young hand, was iguoi" :it of the fact that throw ing dice was against the luw. He would plead guilty under these circumstances, and honed His Worship would impose tbe lightest possible penalty. Sub - Inspector Tardy described tbe circumstances. A number of young men went into the hotel, and com menced throwing with dice, furnished by Mr Hulme, and for money, the term?, "One iv and winner shout," a game which he could not clearly describe. A quarrel arose at midnight on the discovery that one of tlio party was cheating. The light brought the matter uudcr the notice of the police. His Worship said if hotel-keepers would study the Act they would find that gambling with dice was not a lawful amusement. If they would discard those elements of gambling—dice—from their rooms, they would get rid of what often proves a rod for their own backs. Fined £5, costs 17s. OEA.NGEMBN. Win. Pyas appeared on summons in answer to a charge ot assaulting John Grabble, ou the 12th inst., hy striking him iv the face. The parties, it appeared, were itinerant fruiterers, aud their boys were in the habit of selling oranges at the Railway Station. A dispute arose about the character of the oranges, resulting in a set-to between the young orange vendors. The irate parents interefcred, and Mr Pyas, in a momeutof passion, found his fist against the nose of Mr Grabble. Fiuod, 20s; coats, 7s.

TURKISH BATHS.

Sykes' Turkish Baths have ljcen brought to very great perfection through the exertions ot the enterprising proprietor. It was, for the first year or ho, very uphill work; but the public was at last forced to acknowledge their efficiency from the wonderful cures exercised from day to day ; and hundreds convalescent now resident in aud about Auckland can testify that the baths arc a great public good and benefit. The arrange ments arc now all that can bo desired, both for gentlemen and ladies. The most ex perienced hands are on the premises'. Rooms are specially set apart for those who arrive from a distance who take up their abode at the baths undergoing the discipline enforced. During the past year very many broken in health have, in a few weeks, been com pletely cured. We can only add that those troubled with almost auy complaint if they would undergo a course of baths, speedy would be their recovery. Wo attach a few testimonials out of a large number already received, which speak in themselves volumes, so that the inhabitants may iudge from local testimony :— "I havo much pleasura in testifying to the thorough cillcloncy ot tho Turkish Baths iv curing ma of the most painful form of rheuma tism— viz., sciatica — being for many months now ontTuly free from that calamity.—Tnos. Henderson, Auckland." "Dear sir,—Once more I liavs to tender to you my warmest thanks. I had been Buil'erinK from liver complaint, general debilitr, and indigestion for some weeks, so that I could not follow my uamil occupation, wlion I placed myself undor your caro. But three weeks of your treatment and a chango of air has com pletely restored me to my usual health and strength. I must not omit to thank yourself and family for the kindneß3l received from you while under your cargo.—l remain yours truly, Frederick James Sanders, Cambridge.—To Mr K. D. Sykes, Turkish Bathe, Upp?r Queen street." "To the Editor ot the Evening Star.—Sir,—l wi-ih you to insert in yonr valuable papnr the following for tho benefit of others : That in my opinion the Turkish Bath is tho kins of all romediea for thi cure of rheumatism. 1 was laid up at tho Thames with rheumatism, con gestion ot the kidneys, and dropsical, bo that little hope was entertained of my recovery. I was brought to the Turkish Bath totally holn less. You see mo now a new man, and cured in three weeks. I may just add that Dr Honeymnn has advised and watched my case in the Baths, —Jambs Jeweist, Fruiterer, Thames,"

Meetings re Beer Tax.

[BY TELEGRAPH.]

WANGANUI, this day.

The brewers here have notified that the publicans must pay the duty on all beer before delivery. The Licensed Victuallers Association has passed a resolution that the Tax is unjust. Tbey will ask the local representatives to oppose it. BLENHEIM, this day. BREWERS' MEETING. A meeting of brewers and publicans last night resolved to send a deputation from Wellington to meet the delegates from another place, and take steps to repeal the Beer Tax. Au oiler [made by Dodson, a local brewer, to pay one-half the tax, and the publicans the other half until the Bill is entered ou the Statute Book, and the price of beer to remain as at present, was accepted. CHRISTCHUROII, this day. At the annual licensing meeting now being held, strong efforts are being "made to induce the beucb. not to renew the license of Barrett's liojel in front of which an attack on an Orange procession took place.' THE LICENSED VICTUALLERS, At the meeting of Licensed Victuallers, resolutions were passed to the cfl'cct that more than oue license may be held by one person, that the time for making objection to liceuse be extended, that persons under the age of 21 should be allowed to give a vote ou the question of licensing or remov ing license, and that there might be fees for licenses by £25, £30, and £50 for ten, eleven, twelve o'clock and all night licenses. Objections were taken to 3iugle w.omeuhokliug licenses. Other amendment?, chiefly minor ones were suggested. It was resolved to communicate with Wellington on the subject. The next matter discussed was theJßeer Tax. The meeting wa i unani mous in opposing it, and appointed delegates to proceed to Wellington to represent their views on the subject.

TELEGRAMS.

(i?BOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT). [GRAHAMSTOWN, this day. The Golden Crown cut a small leader in the bottom level last night looking well for gold. The Whau lode continues about the same. The reef has not dipped to the extent ex pected, and the drive is a little too low for the run of gold, but it may be in hand any day. In the intermediate level good gold is showing, but work has only just been commenced. There is no change in the Kuranui Hill or Caledonia. Beer sellers here yesterday resolved to charge 4d per half-pint instead of 3d show ' iug a rise of la 4d per gallon instead of GJ. CAMBRIDGE, this day. THE LAND COUhT. The Land Court adjourned soon after openiug yesterday morning till two o'clock, in order that the claimants to the Xokaroa Block might arrange certain matteis amongst themselves which could be better done out than inside the Court. A large crowd of native ? assembled at the close of the Court in the square, and an exciting "korero " took place, but ended peacably. A FINE GAME BAG. Mr Hitchman made the largest bag of the season that we have heard of on Thurs day last, killing sixteen brace. KAIKAHU, this day. NATIVE MEETING. Ten drays loaded with flour, tea, sugar, &c, and many natives stayed at Waitara last night on their way to Farihaka. Twenty-six drays similarly loaded have arrived at Patihaka from Ngatiani, north of New Plymouth. 1% large meeting is anti cipated in conscquei.ee of this month being the anniversary of the arrest of the political ploughmcu. (PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION). "WELLINGTON this day. A RAID ON SLY GROG SHOPS. Some enterprising person has made a systematic raid on all the sly grog houses of the city, and has laid thirty-one infor mations. Should convictions follow he will receive half the lines and reap a line harvest. The list of delinquents comprises one hotelkeeper, three oyster saloons, one fruiterer, and no fewer that eleven female keepers of houses of ill fame, among whom is the notorious Madame Valentino. THE FINES. Pownceby and Smart, Oyster Saloon keepers, and Mrs Campbell, General store keeper, have been fined £5 each for sly grog sclliog. The natives at Maketu and Mr Robert son, the proprietor of the Telegraph Hotel there, are not getting on very harmoniously together. The attitude of some of the natives has been anything but pacific towards Mr Robertson, and tears are enter tained that unless restrained by the pre sence of the police they may commit some lawless act. Constable" Davoren has accor dingly been despatched from Tauranga to Maketu to preserve the peace. CHRISTCHURCH, this day. THE ANGLERS' SOCIETY. At a meeting of the Anglers' Society it was resolved to take steps to search the Wairnakitiri and tributaries for salmon trout, and to endeavour to get clause 52 of the aew Fisheries Act expunged, and Kc provision of Salmon and Trout Act, ISC7, included in the Bill. TWO STICKING-UP CASES. Two sticking-up cases are paid to have occurred in the vicinity of Christchurch on Sunday last. THE NORFOLK. The medical adicers have decided that the cases of sickness on board the s.s. Nor folk arc not small-pox, and recommend the release of the vessel from quarantine. The Norfolk leaves for Wellington and Sydney on Thursday. RAILWAY STATISTICS. During the past week 31,350 sacks grain were carried on the LyUelton and Christ church railways. Larrikinism is seriously prevadiog the llcathcote district near Ohristchurch. One resident recently sustained damage from them to the extent of £40. The Colonial Secretary replying to a petition from Christchurch, says the Gov ernment can't undertake to introduce a bill for preventing the further increase of sparrow and grain eating birds. NAPIER, this day. THE ROASTING CUKE, At the Supreme Court yesterday, the charge against Kerika of roasting Henori, another Maori, was provocative of much amusement. His Honor in his charge to the Grand Jury, treated the oll'euce very lightly, and expressed a doubt whether the Crown Prosecutor should present an indict ment. The jury, however, brought in a true bill. The evidence for the prosecution was the same as that already reported ; but when Dr. Hitchens was under examination the prisoner asked how, if after he had prescribed for a patient he was locked up in gaol could he continue to treat him ? The doctor said he supposed he must answet a brother professional carefully aud so he declined to say. Kerika's defence was that he was treating the man to drive the devil out aud cure him of blindness. He mentioned Mr Colenso's letters to the' Herald' as proving that that was the proper Maori surgical practice. lie said all his worldly possessions had been confiscated by the natives, even his wife, though she was with child, was given to auother man. His peroration was—Saluiations : may you live long, friends of my ancestor?. I have done no crime. If a man is sick, they send for a doctor. The Courts in New Zealand act as Tareha, a well-known chief, does. They are llauhau Courts. I have done." The jary returned a verdict of "Guilty." His Honor said he did not think the prisoner acted with a wrong in tention, and iullicted a sentence of oue month's imprisonment with hard labour. The Maoris iv evidence showed a strong feeling against the prisoner, and taunted him with cowardice iv roasting an old blind infirm man, when there wore plenty of strong ones to operate upon. SUPREME COURT CASES. Arthur Barn*lcy, for forgery, was sen tenced to four years, and William George Henson, for rape on a girl nine years of age, two years aud twenty-live lashes. DUNEDIN, this day. A meeting of agents was held this after noon to consider the Property Tax. The Chamber of Commerce has forwarded to the Select Committee, its last year's recommendations re the Bankruptcy Act.

ANOTHER PROPERTY TAX MEET ING.

A large meeting of settlers at Thornbury, I near Riverton, denounces the Property Tax, suggesting the substitution of a moderate Land Tax, the exemption of improvements 1 aud an Income Tax.

PARLIAMENTARY.

{FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORT Ek)

WELLINGTON, this day THE NATIVE LANDS LEGISLATION. The "Chronicle," in an article on the Dew native lands legislation estimates tho cost to natives of the sale of lands under the proposed new system at over 42 pet cent.

THE BEER TAX. It is generally understood that divide counsels prevail amongst the GovernnWf supporters regarding the Beer Tax Th» brewers aud Licensed Victuallers tliroup], out the Colony are moving heaven -wi earth to change the Ministers' resolution and members ou both sides of the Houi are being deluged with telegrams. It i! said that Ministers seriously contemnlatp reducing tlie amount of the Beer Tax to 3d per gallon. It is feared that brewers i m porters, and publicans, by combining' wni place the ultimate cost of the Beer Tax en tirelyon the cousumer-if they do noteveneo further, and make the tax an excuse to in crease the profits on beer of the hotelkeeuer* -who in the majority of cases are merely the agents, servants, or dependents of brewers and wine aud spirit merchants and will thus continue so seriously to diminish the consumption as to defeat the purpose of the tax by preventing any appreciable in. crease. Meanwhile, Sir W. Fox and Messrs Speight, Mason, and some 'others who represent teetotal interests in the House loudly deplore the necessities of the country, which relies oa the consumption of beer for revenue. It may also appear rather hard to an unfortunate toper ;hat having done his best to increase the revenue of tHe country he may be liable to contribute a further sum of 5s or 403, according to the extent of his exertions, or be sent to durance vile. The day is coming when every toper Will regard himself as a patriot. PENSION FOR REWI. The present Government propose to give Rewi a pension, on the ground that his resi deuce at Kihikihi and friendship to the Goi ycrnment entails expense. Some quaint items appear in the Contingent Native Ex penditure. There is one for a bottle of brandy to a native as medical comforts and immediately afterwards the expenses for his funeral are charged. BANKRUPTCY COMMITTEE. The Bankruptcy Committee invites written suggestions ou the bankruptcy law from the Chambers of Cdmruerce, Law Societies, and Judges. CABINET COUNCIL. At a Cabinet Council held at Government Housa this morning, the business was of no eeneral importance. The Government have decided not to take the debate on the financial statement to-night, but the dis cussion on native bills. PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT. The Minister of "Works wiJl probably make his statement this week or early next. He intended to await the report of the Railway Commission, but this beiDg delayed for some time an interim report will be presented, on which Mr Oliver will base any necessary reductions in hia estimates. THE PROPERTY TAX. The "Post" to-night, commentin» on the meeting to protest against the Pro perty Tax unless money or land is provided tor the North Auckland railway, says this is a charming specimen of Auckland's pro verbial modesty. The litter absurdity of the ground taken up by Auckland agita tors, aud the hopeless consequence of their arguments, are too palpable to need demon stration. For their comfort, however, wo may remind them that if railways are con structed, pnd the value of their properties increased, they will have to pay so much more property tax, whereas if railways are not made, their property will be worth so much less, and they will pay propoition ately les^ toxes. Surely this ought to satisfy them. THE RUMOURED RESIGNATION OP SIR JULIUS VOGKL. Regarding Sir Julius Voxel's rumoured resignation, I am assured on all sides that it is only an old story rehashed. The Grey Government called_ upon Sir Julius Vo£jel to resign his connection with of 4 iicultural and other compan. ies, or the Agent-Generalship, but at the critical moment they wont out of office, and were succeeded by the party from whom Sir Julius Vbgcl no doubt expected more lenient treatment, but the present Government took the same ground as their predecessors, and Sir Julius Vogel offered to resign, on condition of being permitted to have the conversion of the loans at one twelfth j>er cent, urging in support of his claim, that the five million loan was floatrd chiefly by bis instrumentality. A corres pondence has proceeded on the question, some of Vogel's letters expressing rather an angry feeling, but nothing has been finally settled. TEA AND SUGAR DUTIES. I am authorised to state that there is not tbe slightest foundation for the report that the Government intend to increase tea and sugar duties. opposition caucus. The attempt to secure an Opposition caucus yesterday came to nothing. Only a few signatures were obtained, and Mr Macandrcw was unfavourable to it. As I have telegraphed to you already, he holds the view that it will be more advantageous to the Opposition to abstain entirely from attacking, in the hope that the Government retrenchment proposals, stoppage of subsi dies, and inability to keep up expenditure in public works will render them unpopular, and detach some of their supporters when, says Mr Macandrew and some who act with him, it will be time enough to unite and draw up a plau of the campaign. Con sequently only a few nainci were obtained to the requisition, for a caucus, and no meeting was held. At the present time the Opposition plans, if they have auy, are suriounded with a great deal of mystery. I have good reasons to believe that a great deal of their pretended unwillingness to make a combined aud systematic attack on the Ministry is rnereJy assumed to disarm suspicion ami conceal their plans. I think Sir George Grey, Mr Macandrew, Mr Montgomery, and Mr Bnllnncia have some understanding, and are each working to secure the allegiance of a personal following with a view of uniting them on some favourable opportunity, and attempting to oust the Government. The Government whips lend some colour to this suspicion by complaining that the present attitude of the Opposition is exceedingly embarrassing. Ono of them remarked to me to-day: "Wedo not know where to have the Opposition, aud their present apparent harmlessness is disintegrating our own party and throw ing some of our men off their guard." Though all is quiet on the Potomac, I do not believe the session will pass without a fight. LEASES OF RUNS. Mr DcLautour's Land Bill wiil only apply to leases of runs in Otago and Southland. He proposes to take the power of re-letting runs out of the hands of the Waste Lands Board, and vest it in the Government, as sisted by a Board of County Councils. I have just heard that some of the members who were foremost in the attempt to secure an Opposition caucus hare some idea of basing it in the extension of local Govern ment. Mr Moss, who was prominent in the move, thinks retrenchment would be secured by decentralisation and an ex tension of local Government on the basis of the county system. In this, however, many who were opposed to the Ministry on other grounds do not concur.

SEEING "LIFE."

A new play entitled "Life," and tho time-honoured burlesque of " Aladdin were produced at the theatre last night to a thin house. The former is a not particu larly striking melodrama with a vcncrablo plot. Mr 0 Brien, a young scappgrace in the army, falls into the clutches of Mr J. B. Steele, a rascally moneylender, whose ambition it is to get into " society," and marry Miss Clara Stephenson. The latter, however, loves Mr Edwin Browne, thanks to whose good offices O'Brien is rescued, and Mr Steele confounded. The play was fairly well .acted, aud the curtain had to be raised at the end of each act. Mr Browne as "Ferdy Fitzsraltb," 'o blonde-beaded imbecile, who is not quite such a fool as he looks, was distinctly amusing. Mr Walter Reynolds also gavo an admirably conceived performance of an insignificant part, aud Mr O'Brien looked natural and gentlemanly. Miss Stephenson "gushed" charmingly. We hope, however, she doesn't often wear that gamhoge riding habit when she goes on equestrian expeditions. In the burlesque Mr Haygarth, Mr Reynolds, Miss Hathaway, and Mips Stephenson distinguished themselves. We shall refer to it at greater length to-morrow.

They fay Mrs Langtry can be more grace ful in stubbing her toe than most women can in throwing a kiss. It is a noticeable fact that every man who has seen the sea-serpent states that its head is the size of fi beer cask.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 1880.



mHE following NOVELTIES are just, to hand:— 12-BUTTON BLACK KID GLOVES 2to 1-BUTTON UNDRESSED do. . CLOTH JACKETS SILK JACKETS, Fur-lined JACKET CLOTHS UMBRELLAS FLOWERS MILLINERY. JMILNE & CIIOYCE, AUCKLAND. mHE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY'S GARMENTS FOR MEN'S AND BOYS' WEAR Fit Better :: Are Better Cut Look Better :: Are Better Made Wear Better :: Abe Better Shrunk: And thereforo give more satisfaction than any other goods offered to the public. Testified to by their Thousands of Customers who purchaso constantly at tha new zealand clotbing factory's branches: |i . Now Established in Dunepin- Wellington Inveroarqjll Nklbon oamaru wang4nui Timabu Nkw Plymouth Ashburton Napier Lyttelton Thames Christcuurch Auckland A Single Garment at Wholesale Price. N. 8.: Our Now Winter Manufactures are now Ready. KB. "TRY THE^N.Z. OVERCOAT. BHIBTS, Hats and Hosiery of every descrip tion at Wholesale Prices, A U C X L A N D~B RANCH, » Qucon-str£«3t (opposite Thoatre Royal). " EJ. FITZSIMONS,' Manaqee,



I Special Advertisements. ' T7ILANNELS & TDLANKETS 1 WILLIAM RATTRAY Bogs to notify that ho HAS NOT RAISED THE PRICES on account of the advance in the prico of Wool nnd the increased duty, but is Selling his FLANNELS & ELANKETS at the OLD PRICES. A Large Assortment ot FLANNELS.'aII widths .BLANKETS, all sizes. Also, RUSSIAN DOWN QUILTS. WILLIAM RATTRAY'S | Family Drapery Establishment, 66, Queen-streot.'Auckland Opposite Bank of New Zealand. We have received a CONSIGNMENT of 350 LADIES' CLOTH JACKETS also 500 LADIES' and CHILDREN'S WATER PROOF MANTLES. They will be offered to the Public at HALF-PRICE. J, COSGSAVE # CO. A UCKLAND CLOTHING FACTORY. LOCAL INDUSTRY. TAILORING DEPARTMENT. J. B. Robinson has tho honour to an nounce that he has secured tho services of an eminent fashionablo Cutter from Sydney, and a competent staff of Tailors, and has mado extensive pre parations for tho manufacture of colonial cloths ; and is now in a position to supply Men's, Youtha'B and Boy's Suits mado to measure, at Eng llshjslop prices on tho shortest notice] Suits made to order on twelvo hours' notice. Colonial Tweed Trousers, mado to measure at 13s Cd, on six hours' notice. AU Tweeds guaranteed woll shrunk. As it Is intended te devote the wholo of tho resources of tho Establishment solely to tho manufacture of Mon's Youths'and Boy's Clothing, tho present Stock of Roady-mude Goods will bo sold at prime cost, to make room for thoso of our own manufacture J. B. ROBINSON, A UCKLAND /CLOTHING T^ACTORY, QUEEN-STREET (Two doors below B. Tonk's Auction Mart). VOTIUEI r»J 0 T I C E NEW DRAPERY. NEW CLOTHING. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN Beg to announce that thoir NEW STOCK for the incoming Season's Trado is Now to Hand, comprising— New Materials In Fancy Dress Goods, vory obeap Satin Cloths, Sergos, Reps Cashmeres, French Merinos, &o„ now shades Waterproof Tweeds and Ulster Cloths Ladies' and Maids' Jackets, a choice assort ment New Fancy Woollon Goods in great variety Ladies' and Maids' Ulsters, all quite now Hosiery in varlotyj&o. Also, A; Large Stock of Flannels, various makers, and unusual good value Blankets, all sizes, white and coloured Winceys, Wool Plaids, Shirtings, &c. A Very Choice Assortment of NEW CLOTHING FOR BOYS AND MEN. Overcoats and Ulstors Boys' and Youths' ditto ditto Crimean Shirts, Oxford Shirts, White Shirts Under-Flannols, L.W. Shirts and Pantj Printed and White Moleskin Trousers for Boys and Men Hats, Caps, &c. A Heavy Stook of Good Tweeds Cheap Tweed for Boys' woar, Bluo Sorgo, Moleskins, &c. ear Five per cent, discount (Is in tho £) al lowed upon all Cash Purchasers of 20a and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Drapeho and Clothiers, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel, JUpper Qneen-street. Auckland rp H I S~ ~L I X U M. i 100 DOZEN 2-BUTTON KID GLOVES (Quito sound), Only Is lid por pair, A Large Stock of i FANCY GOODS, MILLINERY, COSTUMES, PINAFORES, DRESS GOODS, &C,, &c. To be Sold at l.'ett Cosh, for a Short Time only. DRESSMAKING ON THE PREMISES, Costumes mado In 21 hours' notice. A. LINABURY & CO., 201 AND 206. QUEEN-STREET PRINCIPAL CARPET WAREHOUSE.- Tho Largest and Cheapest Stock of Tapes try. Brussels, Kelt, Kidderminster, Jute and Homp Carpets aro to bo Been at tho City Hall Arcade. Carpets made and fitted to any Bize room. GARLICK & CRANWELL. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. IKON & BRASS 'BHJDSTEADS—Upwards of 350 in stock to Select from, and all sizes— from 2Jfr. wide to sft. wide. Stump, French. Halt-Tester, Folding Stretchers, Invalids Chair-Beds, A Great Variety of Wood Bedsteads to suit every class of customer. Children's Bedsteads and Cots (various styles). GARLICK & CRANWELL, City Hall Arcade. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. BEDDING OF ALL SIZES kept ready for Delivery. All our Bedding is mado at onr own Factory. Kapok Down and Feather Beds; Hair, Fibre, Flock and Flax Mat trasses; Pillows and Bolsters of every kind; Spring Mattresses and Paillasses for any sizo bedstead. Mattrasaes ro-mado with despatch. GARLICK & CRANWELL. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. BEDROOM FURNIXURE-tho Plainest and Handsomest—to be Been at the City Hali Arcade, at Prices to suit tho workingman, the middle class, and tho rich; to suit boarding-he use and hotel-koepors. Ward robes, Chest Drawers, Toilet Tables, Woshstands, Commodes, GARLICK & CRANWELL. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase, OILKT GLASSES and TOILET-WARE— Wo study to keep such a Stock as to be ablo to please every taste. Every Size in Toilet Glisses, and a Splendid Variety of Toilot-wara ; Pier Glasses —very pretty Chimney Glaaoes just opened. GARLICK & CRANWELL, "City Hall Arcade. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. DRAWING-ROOM AND DINING-ROOM FURNITURK always on view and made to order on a short notice. Suites ready for delivery, and a Largo Assortment of Coverings to select from. Centre and Occasional Tables, Cheffionicrs, Whatnots, Cornices, Fenders, and Fire-irons. HURCH FURNITURE, HALL FUBNI TURE, Library and Office Furniture, Kitchen Furniture, Self-acting Roller Blinds, Floor Cloth, all kinds ot Famish ing Goods. FURNISH YOUR HOUSE PROM THIS rilTl TTALL ARCADE, GARLICK & CRANWELL, PROPRIETORS. Five per Cent, Discount for Cash at time o Purrdiase, I



(Special Advertisements. TJOYAL TNSURANCE /COMPANY! (FIRK AND LIFE). CAPITAL £2,000,000 With Unlimited Li*bility of the SHARE HOLDERS. Accumulated Fund-3 inlhand EXCEED .. .. £4,000,000. Revenue :— From Fire Premiums £770,000. From Life Premiums £216,000. Exclusive of Interest on Investments. This Company continues to accept FIRE RISKS on every description of Insurable Pro perty AT THE LOWEST RATES OBTAINABLE CLAIMS FOR LOSSES aro Promptly and Liberally Adjusted without refurence else where, and immediately paid at the Company's Bankors in Auckland. GEO, W. JONKS, Chief Agent I for Province of Auckland. Office: Shortland-strect. May 22,1550. Influential Agents required for tho Suburbs and throughout tho Province where the Com pany is not already represented Digestion a Bimpiy tno reduction of food into a liquid form. Before the food passes Into the blood-vessels, ns it necessarily must, before it can nourish tho system, it ii essential that it should bo emulsified. In this condition it is taken up by the absorbents, and by some mysterious process converted into blood. The transmutation or conversion must bo complete, elso follow, in unmistakable train, dyspepsia, indigestion, liea-t-burn, and like ailments. To perfect the process, uso Udolpho Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps.