SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER{™ ffl o ErrSw nMornl n «,o.2 l SUN BWT.—Thla Evening. 5.8 i N RISK.—To-Morrow MorntnK, 7-3 111 GUN'S AGE.—Last (Juartor, 20tb, U 19a,m,

ARRIVALS.

LAST KVKNINCI. Loch Doon, barquo, Conning, from London, Quoon, sohoonor, mini Hokiunga.

TO-DAY. Mariner, schooner, Qnin, from Russell Ureada, brig, Cummins, from Nowoastlo.

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Minnio Hare, sohooner, Skinner, for Poverty Bay.

TO-DAY. Rlngarooma, s.s., Chatfleld, for Melbourne

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London-Looh Deo, this evening: Chili to follow Tuuranga—Glonelg, Friday; Waitaki, Monday Whangarel—Argylo, Tuesdays and Fridays ;

Waitakl, Friday , ~ _, . RusboU—lona, every Monday; Waitakl. Wod-

ncsilay Rarotorga—Tranßlt' , New Plymouth and South-Taiaroa, Tuesday; Rongatira, Thursday

IMPORTS.

Ex Loch Doon, from London :—

1 caso dominoes, 1 do. cno tips, 2 do. billiard chalk, 1 do. cribbsso boards and boxes, 1 do. backgammon boards. 3 do. shell goods, 3 do. flsbing-llncs, 1 do. fish hooks, 1 do. exorclao book?, 2 do, pocket cutlery. 1 dn. scissora, 2 do cricket bats. 1 do. cricket balls, 1 do. transparent slates, 3 do. tin toys. 2 do. concortintis, 1 do. accordions, 1 do. G.B.D. briars, 1 do. chorry pipe?, 1 do. cigarette paper, 1 do.gamo of flftoen, ■i do. sundries.—M. Levy and Co. 7 cases, 0 bales.—ll. Brett. i oases Venotian Blinds, 6 do. linoleum, 1 balo carpets.—Winks and Hall. 8 paokßjfea Shopherd and Boverodge's bes* Scotch oiloloths.—J. M. McLaohlan.

Per Brenda, from Newcastle : 150 tons coal, 5 tons ooke, 30 shafts, 1000 spokes.

Per Queon, from Tauranga : 8 tota-a piles, 200 feet sawn timber, 25 sac tea potatoes, 7 cases samples.

EXPORTS.

Per Loon Deo, for London: 2693 cases kanri gum, 95 casks tnllow, 131 tone bark, 32 bales cotton, 123 bales wool. 1 bale glue pieces. 38 sacks shank-bonos, 1780 horns, 163 tons, 13L0 oaoka copra, 115 pieces tinibor, 1 case whale bone, 2 cases stationory, 1 cnap plans, 29 saoks cottonseed. i 8 ingots zinc, 19 bales loather, 1 bale hair, 20 bags cobalt.

Per Ringuroonm, for Melbourne and South • For Poverty Bay—l basr Buddies, 20 sacks flour1 5 cajes brandy, 41 packages and cases sundries" For Napier—2s empty casks, Hi drain pipesl 18 bales, 12 packages, 3 kegs casings, 15 sacks oysters, 20 cases, 2 trusses, 1 bslo 63 cases and 12 casks wine. For Wellington-38 sacks oysters, 17 packages, 360 cases salmon, 25 cases honey. For Nelson—loo cases salraeD. For Lyttelton— 10 bags casings, 10 casks wine, 20 bundles brooms, 10 sacks oysters, 12 trunk wheels, 26 packages, 17 cases rubber goods, 175 sacks seed. For Dunedin—l cases kumoras. 10 ca»es codfish, 100 plates iron, 10 cases sauce. 150 cases salmon. 7 packages sundries, 5 boxes, 4 drums. For Tirnaru—l package stationery. For Bluff—l package slationery. For Melbourne—s casoa preserved bananas, 6 cases sundries. 7 casks limejuice, 5 sacka peanuts.

The barque Looh Dee. for London, now lies in the stream and is expected to tako her depar ture this evening or to-morrow.

The schooner Edith has entered out at the Customs for Snmoi, and will probably sail about Friday next.

The reports relative to a cuttor like tho mis sing Three Brothers being ashore at Mu.nii.ia tarn out to be without foundation.

The brig Thomas and Henry cleared at tho Customs to-day for Kaipara, and probably will Bail this evening or to-morrow. Her cargo con- Bists of 15 case 3 bottled beer, 11 sacks lime, 132 weights, and a large quantity of sundries.

The brig Brenda arrived from Newcastle at ten o'clock this morning. Sho left Newcastle on the 12cti inst. and during tho first half of tho passage experienced variablo northerly winds. Variable easterly winda and flno weather pre vailed during the lattor part of tho voyage. Sho took the pilot on board at midnight, and anchored in tho harbonr this morning. Sho bring* two pHssengors: Mieses Cummins (2) and a cargo consisting ot coal, coke, shafts, aod spokes.

DEPARTURE OF THE RINGAROOMA

Tho Union Company's s.s. Ringaroonm sailed for the South at noon to-day with the following passengers: — For Gisborno: Miss Coleman, Miss SI. Coleman, native woman, Mrs Pat rick and child, i>. McKay, Mr and Mrs S. C. Caulton and family (5). Mrs Wallace. Napier: Mrs MissDavies, Mlfs Williams, Wecid Waterhouso. B. H. Beauchamp. Wellington : Mr Mrs A. Thome, Medcalf, K. F. Brown. W. Busby, Lyttelton: Mr Mrs Coster J. Twenty man, Whitaker, B. M. Anderaon, N. Harkor. Diwodin: A dams, Densen, W. Smith, Asioli Duiui, Galls Vinconzo, Alex Keeper, Glashan. Melbourne: W. Weston. G. T. Wyleigh, George Spurry, Habgood.

ARRIVAL OF THE LOCH DOON.

The barque Loch Doon, from London, arrived in harbour late last evening with a large general cargo. We are indebted to Captain James Con ning for the following report of the passage :— The Loch Doon anchored at Gvavesoml on tho afternoon of the 2lBt; took in about 30 tOES of prunpowdor on the 22nd; and proceeded in tow t or the Downs,_ where we anchored Uio gams twodaysia Uhunhel.'Wneh the wind1 changed" to the N.K.; passed tho Lizards on the 27tb, with a fresh N.K. wind; on the 3rd of May passed Madeira: had fresh N.E. trades, which were lost in 6 (leg. north; crossed the Fquator on the 16th May in 27 deR. we3t: 19 days from the Lizard; had tho S.K. trades far to the south ward, and lost them in 27 deg. south, 40 deg. west; had variable winds as far as Tristan DaCuna. Crossed the meridian of Greenwich in 3Sdeg. south on the 11th June, and the meri dian of the Cape of wood Home on the 15th June In iO deg. south, 49 days from tho Lizwd. On the 27th June crossed tho meridian of St. Paul's 45 deg. south, and that of Cape Leouwin on the flth July in lv 16 deg. 30 mm. south with a heavy westerly Rale, daring which we stove the star board life-boat by a heavy sea which broke over the ship. On 10th July had a terrific gale from W. to S.W. with a fearfully mountainous sea, which, by tho force o£ tho gale, was driven into a complete mass of spindrift, and at times almost burying the ship while scudding before it. It lasted in its full fary for 15 hou™. I have been over 31 years at sea, but it eclipsed any gale I have aver witnessed. On the 11th July rounciod Tasmania, 1i days from the Lizard. Had very variablo winds from thence to the Three Kings, which were sighted on the 21th inßtant, ana from thence to port very unsettled weather. Arrived at 10 30 a.m. Passengers: Mr Saunderson and Mr Kobertson.

PORT ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Hannah Mokau, s.s., McCarthy from Waitara

DEPARTURES.

Rowena, 3.3 , Amodeo, for Hokianga

The b.B. Rowenaleft for Hokianga yesterday. She returns to-morrow, and will loavo again for Waitara on Saturday at i o'clock.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

. , , Nelson, this day. Arrived: Wanaka, from New Plymouth, Sailed: Wanaka, for Picton.

■, . ' . Russell, this day. Arrived: Waitaki, from Auckland. Wellington, Wednesday. The Government having granted the ntces awy permit, the work of re-shipping on board the barqtle Anna Bella was commenced yester day. As the master was not satisfied with the Btato of the vessel during tho afternoon, acting under advice, he discontinued the work oil loading, demanding a court of surrey to beheld. This day. Arrived: Taiaroa, from Picton and Nelson, Sailed: Taiaroajfor tho South. Timaru, this day. Arrived: Pareora, from Wellington. Failed: John Bull, barque, for London; Wellington, for Dunodia. Port Chalmkbs, this day. Arrived, yesterday: Hopewell, barque, from Townsville; Torea, from Kaipara; Otago, ship, from London. Sailed: Hotomahana, for the North, wi.h one passenger for Auckland—Mr Drysthen. „ , Waitara, this day. The s.s. Lalla Rookh arrived at roon yester day, from OuehUDga. Sailed: Hannah Mokan, for Onehunga. Melbourne, July 27. Arrived: The Union Company's s.s. Kotorua. from the Bluff. Sailed: a.s. Albion, for New Zealand, yesterday. BYDNKT, July 28. Arrived: The Union Company's s.a. Wakatipu from Wellington. Mauritius, July 16. Sailed : The Kate Latham, with 250 tons of sugar for Melbourne.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Closb as Unijku :— Tina Day. For Port Fitzroy, par Waterllly, at 4 30 p.m. For Thames, per Kotomahami, at 5 p.m. Friday, 30th Instant. For Wsitara and Isow Plymouth, per Lalla Kookh, at 6 a.m. For Samoa, per Krlith, nt 11 a.m. For Waihoke and Coromandol, per Coromandol, at 12.30 p.m. For Friendly Islands, per Mota Lalo, at 2 p.m. For WhUiaugi, Tairua, Tauranga. and Opotlki, per Htttlla. at i p.m. For Wangarei Heads and Wangarol, por Argylo, at 1 p.m. For YVangaroi Ueads and Wangarol, per Waitaki, at 5 p.m. For Thames, por Uotomtihana, at 0.30 p.m. Saturday, 31st instant. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakano, Manga wai, Wtilpu, and Muugapai, per ltoso Casoy, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, 3rd August. For Taranaki and Southern ports, per Ilawea, at 11 iv.m. S. B BiBS, Chiof Postmaster.

Meetings, Entertainments, &c.

July 29, ISSO,

Theatre Royal—" Our Girle," 8 p.m. Lome-street Hall—Hart's Operetta Company, 8 p.m.

Temperance Hall—Professor Frasor's Lootnrn on " How, why, when, and what to Sat mill Drink," 8 pm.

Working Men's Club—Half-yearling Meeting, S p.m.

Whau Highway District—Meeting of Rate- Now Zealand. 7.30 p.m.

BIRTHS.

CHAPLIN.-On July the 26th, at her residence Alexandra-street, tho wife ot William Chaplin, of asoo.

IRWIV.—On the 25th Jnly, 1880, Pioton-streot' Ponsonoy, tho wlfo of James Irwin, of a eon> Giaboriio and Napier papers please copy.

MARRIAGE.

HANLON-HALTJDAY.-On 29th July, at St. Patricks Cathedral, John Hnnlon to Elizabeth Higgins, daughter of William tialliday, of Belfast, Ireland.

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

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 1880.

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

So much has been said about the Native Lands Purchase Department, and yet so little is actually known of its operations, that the return laid be fore the House of Representatives giving the area of purchases and cost will be perused with a good deal of interest. The Department has, it ap pears, actually completed negotiations for the purchase of 2,549,301 acres of land and for the lease of 155,406 acres for a total outlay of £470,780. Now presuming the land to be worth acquiring at all, an average of 3s 6d an acre for the freehold

does not appear to be an extravagant price to pay for it. It is said, how ever, that a large area of the land such as the Coromandel and Thames ranges—is worthless for agriculture. Granting that—the land is valuable for mineral purposes and it was necessary to acquire it, therefore we should not regard 3s 6d an acre as misspent by the Government in making such a purchase. The importance of having mineral areas like these in tho hands of the Government justified the outlay, and if every purchase Avere of equal public utility we should consider the existence of the Depart ment fully justified. Indeed, we cannot pronounce the return of negotiations completed to be by any means un favourable, although the gross abuses that crept iuto the Department, and the demoralising system which obtained ascendency in some districts has brought tho whole scheme and all connected with it into disrepute. A good deal of very fair land has been handed over to the Waste Lands Boards, and will realise from £1 to £'6 an acre, making some amends for the areas that are utterly valueless.

The real weakness of tho Department is not seen until wo examine the return of "negotiations in progress." Here we find that a sum of £245,029 has been scattered about in payments on lands covering an area of 4,741,859 acres,_ of -which 3,724,034 are under negotiation for purchase—the balance for lease. There is very little doubt that many payments in cluded in these totals are entered to account for monies spread in " ground bait," and otherwise scattered broad-cast since the system was es tablished, and which cannot be reco vered, nor can the negotiations for the land on which the payments have been made be brought to a close. The in vestigations by the West Coast Com missioners and the inquiries into the purchase of Patetere brought to light the practice of charging doubtful pay ments to natives against any large jlock under negotiation. Until the whole scheme is closed up, it will be impossible to make a fair balance sheet; showing its results and the gross

cost of the land acquired. The average price will in all probability be awelled by absolute losses which now appear as good assets. In attempting to close up the purchases suddenly greater sacrifices will have to be made, and we think it is the duty of the Government to go on with the acquisition of blocks on which any substantial advances have been made.

The expenditure was thus divided between tho several Provincial Dis trict :—Auckland, £470,780; Hawke's Bay, £33,G7G ; Wellington, £201,668 ; Taranaki, .£82,012!) : total, £791,7C5. One-half tho money spont thirty years ago would havo bought up every acre of nativo land in tho colony, and ib him been a sad misfortuno for Now Zealand —and especially for the North Island— that tho opportunity was lost.

It will be remembered that when a cable message arrived some timo back announcing that Mr Garlicld had been chosen us the Republican candidate for the Presidency of the United States, we wore unable to ac count satisfactorily for the circumstance. General Grant everybody knew would stand, ivnd likewise Secretary Sherman, and Sonator Blainc; butGarlieUra name sounded strange and unfamiliar. Tlio American papers to hand by the mail explain the mystery. It appears on Juu'e 7th Blame and Sherman held a conference, at which they decided to concentrate llioir strength entirely on a third candidate, namely, Gar- Hold. This conclusion wns only reached after both gentlemen had been assured by their managers at Chicago that it was im possible for either of them to win, and that tho defeat of Grant depended on a timely concentration on somo man who could sucuro tho wholo anti-third term support. Subsequently, tho rnatiugor.s allocated that Garlicld alone (in their opinion) could obtain tho desired undivided vote. lilaiuo and Sherman assented, and their respective managers woro directed to take up Garlield at tho proper timo. It subsequently transpired that Ulaine had no special preference between Secretary Sher mau and Geucrul Garliuld when he realised that ho could not be nominated ; but Wil liam IS. Chandler and other friends of Blaiuc could not beiuduccd tosupportthe Secretary. The manifesto put forward on behalf of Garlield is a document of considerable interest. It commences by recapitulating the services rendered by tho Republicans to the country. The Republican party boasts that it suppressed n, rebellion which had armed neurly a million of men to subvert tho National authority. " It rn-eoustruoted the Union of States with freedom instead of slavery as its cotner-stouo. It transformed 4,000,000 human beings from tho lilfetiOHs of things to tho rank of citizens. It relieved Congress from the infamous work of hunting fugitive slaves, mid it has raised the vulue of our paper currency from 3S per cent, to the par of gold. Under its administration, railways have increased from 31,000 miles in 18G0 to more than 82,000 miles in 1870. The foreign trade has increased from §7,000,000 to §1,150,000,000 in tho samo time, and the exports, which were §20,000,000 leas than the imports in 18(>0, were i?20'4,000,000 more than the imports in 1579. All tho industries of tho country have revived, labor is in demand, wages have increased, and throughout tho entire country therein evidence of coming prosperity greater than tho States have over enjoyed. Upon this record the Republican party de mands a renewal of tho country's conliilencc, and lays betore it a programme, of which the following is a condensed summary :— (1). The order and credit established during past years is to be carefully kept up; the pensions promised to be continued ; and the debt so much reduced to he extinguished by the paymout of every dollar. (2). The Constitution of the United States ha supremo law, and not a mere contract. Out of confederated States it nmdo a sovereign nation. Somo powers are denied to tho nation, while others are denied to the States ; but the boundary between tho powers delegated and those reserved is to he determined by tho national and not by the State tribunals. (3). The work of education is to be left to tho care of the several States, aided by tho National Government. (4). Public funds are not to be appropriated to the support of sectarian schools. (5). Polygamy is to bo killed, and subsidies to WK ■fcWuWnm.tu-"n<~Hi«sna mon*y oti WnteV courses ana harbours, (fi). Tim immigra tion of Chinese to be put a stop to.

Captain Girondc wishes us to state that he has never spoken to any roportcr on ttio subject of the annexations in the South Seas, and that the accounts published aro not therefore oflicial, nor is he in any way identilied with them. The Public Entertainments Prohibition Bill Rives the Colonial Secretary power to prohibit any entertainment which may appear to him to be indecent, immoral, or profane, to be likely to provoke a breach of. tho peace, or be dangerous to life or limb. Mr Montagu Browne, well known in con nection with journalism in this colony, has gone home as agent for Messrs Hiscocks and Hayruau, who are about to introduce the Mammoth Minstrels into the old country. Mr Archibald Forbes, tho well-known war correspondent, i.s about visiting the Austra lasian Colonies on a lecturing tour. The subject he has chosen is, " Royalties I have known. "

The weather in New York bus been fear fully bad. Only one American journalist found it [cool, and he says a contemporary would saroly make a good fourth 111 the Shadrach, Meshach and Abcdnego Trial Stakes.

On tho authority of the Defence Minister it 13 stated that there are in this colony three colonels, nine lieutenant-colonels, 23 majors, 150 captains, and 230 lieutenants. The Wanganui district supplies the bulk of the majors.

The " New Zealand Times " snys that " Tho object of the Government with re spect to native luuds pimply 13 to avoid disputes, which frequently cost the country a hundred times more thau tlw laud, the subject of the disputes, is worth; to create a public estate in the North Island ; to facilitate settlement; to protect the natives from imposition ; and at tho same time to ensure tho public purse against bad bar gains."

A new literary weekly entitled " Tho Pen "has been started in London. The first number contains a screamingly funny letter by tho late Ghas. Dickens.

Mr Howard Hay ward, who has been lecturing in the Government district .schools throughout New Zealand, exhibited bis panorama of "Maori Land " in the Nelson street school last evening. The views are shown by lime-light, and pourfray the many beautiful scenes that are to be met with in this colony. The entertainment is instructive and entertaining, and as it is the intention of the lecturer to go the rounds of the city schools, we would advise all to sec it. Mr Hayward repeats the performance this evening in the Neison-strect school, when the lecture is to be delivered to an adult audience.

At the Loyal Pride of Newton Lodge of Oddfellows, under the American constitu tion, on Monday evening, the following officers were duty installed to oflice by the D.D.G. Master, John Hughes, assisted by other brothers :—Brother E. W. Morrison was installed as N.G., Brother Thwaites as as V.G., Brothers. Williams as secretary, Brother P. Brophy as treasurer, and the other subordinate offices were also filled. The lodge numbers fifty-three good mem bers, lho medical oilicer is Dr. tfonoy man.

Tom Willis, the promising Auckland pedestrian, made a very successful trial trip around the Albert Hall to-day in the presence of a few friends and a membor of our stall. Tom has been, under the ex perienced Australasian trainer, Mr Mac donald, for three weeks. Tom commenced to walk at 10 a.m., closing at 2 p.m., doing six and half miles per hour with compara tive ease. He is in line trim, and feels confident of doing 108 miles in 24 hours on the 6'th and 7th of August.

The Itomuera Musical and Literary Society give on? of their agreeable enter tainments in the district hall this evening.

This evening and to-morrow evening the special revival services will be continued in Ponsonby Wesleyan Church. All arc welcome. Singinsr by the choir.

" A Passenger complains of the irregu larity in the arrival of the train which leaves Onebnnga at five minutes past seven o'clock. He says : " This morning the train did not arrive at Auckland till five minutes past eight—one hour from start ing. Now I think thie should be remedied. The cause of it all is the shunting on the line, taking coal waggons from Penrose or ballast from the pit. After getting to Ellcr slio about teu minutes behind time, we had to wait another twenty minutes for the goods train to come along. Working men are supposed to be at work at eight o'clock, but if they travel by rail it is seldom the case. I know one instance where a man lost his work through not being there at eight." Our correspondent also urges that weekly tickets should be isaue

Earthquakes were felt at Wellington, Mongonui and Now Plymouth last night.

It is reported that gold has been discoverer in a creek near Hawcra.

The charge of perjury against Mrßees, of Gisborne,came on at the local Court yester day, and occupied all afternoon." Mr Cooper conducted the prosecution himself, not beiug able to find a counsel. The case i 3 being continued to-day.

Mr P. Doran has succeeded ia organising an efl'ectivo variety company and will open the Albert Hall with it on Saturday evening. During his'three months' vacation he has been attentively eugaged upon tho study of colonial human nature, and the result of his investigations will be seen in a day or two. Believing that a liberal distribution of substantial gifts will fix the capricious tastes to one standard, and turn them in one particular direction he will dispense pro vender "adlibitum." OnSaturday about a dozen legs of mutton aro promised, as well as bags of flour, etc., etc. The lino of public benefactor is undoubtedly a good one.

The annual report of the Now Zealand Shipping Company states tho ships have been maintained in a highly efficient con dition and that the emigration contract with tho Government have been further ex tended. Tho profit and loss account shows a balance to credit of £37,297 2s sd. Of this sum tho directors have appropriated to the reserve fund, which will thus stand at £73,000, the sum of £20,000 ; and your di rectors propose to pay a dividend of 10 per cent, for the year on the amount of the paid-up capital—namely, £125,000; to make provision for tho lato general manager deficiency account, £353!) 5s 2d ; to carry forward to prolit and loss now account, £2357 14s 3d : total, £37,297 2s sd. Tho retiring directors arc Messrs J. R. Costor, 11. P. Murray-Aynslcy, and jHon. J. T. Peacock, all of whom aro eligible for ro election, uud have given tho requisite notice. Tho dividend will bo payable at all the head ollices and all tho colonial branchos on and aftor tho 12th of August.

Tho quadrille assembly in connection with tho Hobson Corps will bo held to-mor row (Friday) ovening in tho Albert Hall, Darby-street, at 7..'i0, and not in tho Albcrc slreot llall as erroneously stated in the advertisement.

Tho violinist at Mr Allon West's ro union at the Choral Hall was Mr Hiscocks, who performed lii.s duty to tho satisfaction of everybody.

Tho concert last evening at tho Masonic Hall was a success, and tho audience evinced perfect satisfaction. Tho Misses Iluyles opened with an overture, and were loudly applauded. " ilush thee my Jtabc," by four young ladies, Misses Sharpo and liaylcs, and Messrs Morton and Edmonds, was pleasing. Mr J. Koid sau|» nobly, "Simon the Celliirer," and tho "Black smith," and in answor to an oncorc gavo his popular " Hnmo came our Guid Man at E'en." Miss Vauso Hang with delicacy and feeling, " My Huurt ia Sad," and " Gather ing Shells." Messrs Nairn and Littlowood gavo a duot from 11. M.S. l'inafore. Tho latter gentleman alno sung "The Light house Keeper," and tho pretty song, '■ Thy ]«'ace." Mr Nairn gavo the " Old Man's DnrlinCt" in hia best stylo. Miss Sharpe sang "Onco Again," which was considered n gem, miuio by Claribol. " I Know a Bank" (Shakespeare) was deservedly en cored, and in response to tho vociferous cheering which followed, tho two young ladies snug tho duet, " Will you Come to my Mountain Homo?" We must not omit the beautiful pianoforte selections by tho Misses Street. Mr J. P. Vause caused much merriment by his comic ren dering of " Moro Liko his Dad." Ho res ponded with an original sketch, the " Bell ringcra." Mr Alexander Kobb rocited the "Faithful Lovors" inn pathetic and mas terly manner, and Mr Finlay gave the "Skipper and hia Boy." Tho whole was entertaining and creditublo, closing with tho National Anthem.

Mr West's Children's Dancing Classes meet every Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Tem perance Hall. Pupils aro received at any time. Isew classes are just opening.

MrT. J. Harbutt,of tho steam brush works, Auckland, has completed a case of his own manufactured brushes for the Melbouruo Exhibition. Tho various brushes, many of thorn of original design, arc suited to every kind of use, and, apart from tho bristles, hair, etc., are of Now Zealand woods, highly polished and of great attraction. AYe noticed brushes expressly tor threshing machines and Hour-mills. Wo noticed, also, iv new wool drcssor for dabbing and dressing wool, which -Tff<iia?*-Wtni'p->T)rtHmT!S 'Tot-'apokcH,' {ho refrigerator, and tubo brush, will attract attention, as well as the now style of hair brush of an oval or oblong shape, and the silver-haired fancy hearth brushes. The case is neatly made with nlass cover, sur mounted by a beautifully carved and ornamented board, on which is inscribed the name and address of tho exhibitor ami manufacturer. Mr Harbutt informs us that he is prepared to contract for supplying railways and public companies with goods at homo prices, of equally good material, saviug the cost of water carriage, and which is worthy of consideration in theso days of retrenchment and economy.

The following letter on Sir George Grey's "silent speech" appears in the Wanganui " Herald" :-':Sir,—The "Chronicle" of yesterday disagrees "in toto" with the ruling of the Speaker of thn House of Representatives re Sir George Grey's silent speech, lays down what the Speaker's ruling ought to have been, and then indulges in venom and meudacity against Sir Gnorgo himself. Iguorance of the subject in hand is part of the cause of all this, and although the " Chronicle" is not aware of it, yet Sit George was perfectly justified by tho standing orders of the House in the course he adopted. Standing Order No. 67 says : " No member is to read any newspaper, book, or letter iv his place." And No. 116 : " By the special indulgence of the House, a member unable conveniently to stand, by reason of sickness or infirmity, may be per mitted to speak sitting and uncovered." The quoting of those two orders, Mr Kditor, exposes clearly the culpable ignorance of the artiste who wrote the editorial referred to. The venom need not be pointed out, as it is plainly visible all through, and when I mention that the " eilcnt speech " only occu pied 46 minutes (half the time mentioned by the "Chronicle"), and that Sir George has never shown discourtesy in the House to anyone, his mendacity is almost proven. —I am, &c., New Zeaimnder."

THEATRE ROYAL.

Byron's charming and well-known comedy entitled, "Our Girls,'" was Droduced last night at the theatre, and satisfactorily per formed in make-up and in action; also, Mr Haygarth's Captain Ginger was very good indeed. While Mr Steele's l''red. Fanchawe, and Mi»s Hudson's Mrs Ginn, were also excellent portraitures. Miss Wilton and Mis 3 Duke sustained in au effective manner the rdle of the Sister's Gaythorne, and Messrs O'Brien, Thompson, and Patterson also played well their respective part 3. The performance will be repeated for tho last tim<! to-night. Tho management having in active preparation a new drama known as " The Lighthouse, or tho inn upon the sanda." Tho plot is said to bo one of thrilling interest, while there are also scenic aud mechanical effects of an elaborate character. Every endeavour is being made to mount it iv an appropriate and realistic manner, so that its production will doubtless be awaited with more than ordinary interest.

Scintillations.

"Be brief; for, it is with words ns with sun beanm; the more they arocondeiised, thodoonor they burn."—aooTHEY.

Pride goeth before a fall, but profanation follows after it.

Editors Jrcceive! strange communications at times. Yesterday tho "boss" of the Star was flabbergasted by a request from an ingenuous market gardener for a loau of £5. Does the gentleman, think we have gone into the money lending Hue ? Says a Southern exchange—lt is startling, it true, that|the amount of our Education vote is one-filth that of the English vote. This was stated as a fact by an honorable member recently. Major Mordccai, of the WhittakeijCourt, is a lineal descendant of him who sat at the gate of—now look out Aliaze-you ear-us. G. Hosephat 1 what a pun. And yet we have seen Mordecai-d jokes, as it wore, But if Ha-man persists in such puns send him to the gallows before every woman in the land becomes Esther-ical. The fellow who started that is A-gag-ite, but seems to forget that Mordccai became Premi-car after all.

A meeting of about <<00 persons claiming descent from Sir Andrew Chadwick, of Westminster, who died intestate, as regards his real estate, which ia chiefly in Loudon, is said to represent about £7,000,000, was recently held at liochdale. An association was formed, and if ita efforts to find tho "real" heir amongst tho members should prove successful, the property is to be divided in proportion to the number of £1 shares taken up. _ " Goodness 1" said a Parisian when the bill tor the expenses of his wife's funeral—a 'ittle bill for 6000 francs—was handed to mi. '"I had almost rather she had not

CABLEGRAMS.

EUROPEAN.

[REUTKB'S TEL BORA MS.]

A Bussian Cruiser, ST. PETERSBURG. July 28. The last Russian war vessel, ordered to tho Pacific in view of possible hostilities with China, left Cronstadt to-day. The New Ameer. CALCUTTA. July 28. News has been received from Afghanistan that Abdul Cahman has left Charikara for the purpose of having another interview with the British General at Qunuiazie (?) on Saturday, when the question of tho Ameer ship will be again discussed.

AUSTRALIAN.

LttEUTKU'S SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS.]

The Governor's Remarks. MELBOURNE. Thursday. Tho "Ago" today criticises adversely the Governors remarks regarding tho reference in tho Address-m-Rcply to the motion passed on Friday ro tho voto of waut-of confidence,

[Resignation of the Ministry.

MELBOURNE. July 28,

IlisExcellcncy tho Marquis of Normanby on rccoiving the addross-in-reply, expressed his regret that referonce had been mado_ to tho want-of-couiitlonco motion us beiny unconstitutional.

Sir Jiimos Service tendorod hi« resigna tion to tho Govornor, and Sir Graham Berry has been summoned for the purpose of forming a New Ministery. In tho Legislative Assombly, Supply has been passed, and tho Houso has adjourned till Tuesday. Tne Temora Bush. SYDNEY. July 28. The rush which has taken place to Temora atill continues. There is no water and most of tho stud' is stacked.

Sporting Jottings.

Ahciiku received £500 from tlio Duko of Westminster for wiuuiag tlio Derby on Bond Or. The famous jockey's income is estimated at £12,001) u-ycur. Isonomy's victory in tlio Manchester Cup carrying the wcltor weight of Dst 12lbs, and beatinic a first class n'eld of 21 competi tor, is tlio ben I, handicap performance on record. Whou Vespasian won the Chcstcr lield Cup at Goorlwood in 18G9, ho carried ]o.it 41b., and Colling wood had 9st 71b on liis back when ho took the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot in 1849. Sterling, from whom bouoniy claims paternity, gave severul tiistt-M of his quality ere ho quitted the poet for the paddock, his '71 Cambridgeshire display, and liis '73 Liverpool Cup exhibi tion, boiiiK- striking instances in point. None of these, howcvcr.aro quito up to Inonomy's Manchester victory, and Mr (Jretton, his owner, who won £25,000 in bets, not to mention £2,847 in stakes, may well be proud of the horse. The Austrian Derby wan won by Count Zichy's etis. c. Ellomcr, by Buccaneer out of Elspctli by Blair Athol. Ellomcr is en gaircd in tlio Doncaster St Legcr. Frank Hart, the coloured pedestrian, win ner of the soeoud contest of the O'Lcnry Belt with 565 miles, says ho is willing to bet 5,000 dols. that he can repeat his per fonnaiice. On May 22nd Boyd challenged Triclcott to row for £200 a-side at the buck end of the present year. Trickott's friends seemed un certain whether to accopt the proposal. The annual match between tho Maryle bono cricket club and the county of Sussex resulted in a victory for the former by an innings and 178 runs. The first and second in tho Oaks Jenny Howlctt and lionnio Mardcn were both trained by William I'Anson at Malton. owner. Well remembered will bo tlie close and exciting finish that took place for tho Derby by the mauy thousands who wcreon-lookers of the struggle. Such a commanding lead was that possessed by Robert ttie Devil at a point which has found out the weak spot of so many—the bell—that it appeared well nigh impossible for him to be overhauled. Archer's rush on Bend Ur was, however, something terrific, and every stride reduced the gap between the bay and the bonny cheanut, though victory win not fccured till the goal was reached. Folks accustomed

ti view Kpsom finishes from TattJrsall's

inoloHuro could tell that Bend Or hnd just got up, but eveu practised eyes awaited the

hoisting ot No "7" before tongues gave utterance that the " boy in yellow was the champion of tuejhour." Bend Or's final dash

was little short of tho electrical, and Archer's final effort timed with mathemati cal accuracy.

Thorowero ton runners for the Grand Prize of Paris, which was worth £6,076. Robert the Devil won in a common cantor by a length, three-quarter* of a length separating Lo Destrier and Milan. The betting was 6 to 4 on Robert the Devil, 12 to 1 against Le Destrier, and 33 to 1 against Milan. Time, 3niins. 21£3ec*.

The stakes run for durinjr the Royal Meeting at Ascot amounted to £32,350, tbc added rnouey being £13,500. Between March 15th and June lat F. Archer rode in 109 races, 40 of which he won.

Mr Legh's b.c. Sir Charles, by Pero Gomez, out of Prosperity, and therefore own brother to Sir Joseph, who was such a favourite for the Derby, won by Sefton (1878), proved to bo the crack two-year-old at Ascot, The colt carried oil' not only the Biennial but tho New Stakes (£1,323) from a good field of ten, iucluding the Woodcote Stakes' heroine Angelina. Subsequently Sir Charles was backed for the Derby of 1881, a bet of £6,000 to £600 being booked. Rayon DOr won the lious Memorial (£1,435), and ran also for the rich Hard wickc Stakes (£2,897) ; but in this event tho Frenchman had to succumb to Exeter, who, it may be remembered, ran third for the 1879 St. Legcr. The chief event of the opening day at Ascot was the Prince of Wales' Stakes, for three-year-olds, worth £2,900. There were twolve starters, including the first and third in the Two Thousand Guineas (Petronel and tho Abbot), and Lord Bradford's Zealot. Petronel had to concede both the last mentioned 151b5., and it is therefore not surprising thaff the colt could only get third to Zealot (by Lacydes-Zellc), who stnlled oil' tho Abbot by a length. Tho bottin" was sto 2 against Tho Abbot; 3to 1 against Petronel; and 10 to 1 against Zealot. Odds of 6 to 4 were laid on Mr Jardino'a Tcviotdale (byTyncdale, out of Performer), 3yrs, sst 12lbs, for the Ascot Stakes, not withstanding that there were seven runners. The colt's running in the Derby showed the event would bo a good thing for him, and so it proved, as he won easily by five lengths. Value of the Stakes, £1,015. The Royal Hunt Cup (£1,430), one of the most popular short-distance handicaps, brought out a grand field of thirty-one competitors. Kuperra was favourite, but ran nowhere, the three placed horses all being rank outsiders. The winner turned up in Strathern (by Strathconan-Uharmione), Lord Clivd second, and Tcrtius third. Betting, 40 to 1 against Strathern ; 33 to 1 against Lord Clive ; 25 to 1 agaiust Tertius. When the mail left London the betting ou the St. Lcger was 3 toil ajjst Bend Or, 3 to 1 agat Itobort the Hevil, 10 to 1 Muncastcr, 14 to 1 Beauniinefc, 14 to 1 Zealot, 16 to 1 Teviotdole, 1G to 1 Jenny Howlet, 20 to 1 Mask, 25 to 1 Abbot, 50 to 1 any other. Bend Or'sand Muncaster's disqualification for the Leger will have the effect of making Robert tho Dovil a very hot favourite indeed.

One glance at the Duke of Westminster after the race for the Derby, and it could be seen that he had realised the supreme momentof his life. Immediately the winner had passed the post he darted down the course after his horse, and a leading rein being attached to the bridle, ho led him back, walking on the off side. On the near side we could see Bob Sherwood and the jolly countenance of Major Barlow all smiles. The Duke was as white as a sheet, and seemed very excited, aud apparently too lost to acknowledge the plaudits of tho crowd ._ The late Lord Derby came back with his Oaka winner, Iris, hat in hand.

When Henry Taylor wrote in his eminent work, "Philip Van Artevelde," that "the world knows nothing of its greatest men," he meant to convoy the idea that mankiii'l were not pre informed of the master-minds that would leave their "form and pressure" on tho times in which they live. Because great meu naturally make themsßlvos known. They atauip their (dory and their genius on tho world. Many a sufferer would have reioieed, could it have been known anticipativoly or prophetically, that Udolpho Wolfe's Sohlodam Aromatlo Hohnappa was in

TELEGRAMS.

-♦-

[UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

WELLINGTON, this nay.

THE WELLINGTON-FOXTON RAIL WAY.

A deputation consisting of the members of the City Council, the Hutt County Council, Makara Highway Board, and the Chamber of Commerce, also a large number of influential citizens, waited on the Minister of Public Works strongly urging the Government to prosecute the Welling ton-Foxton railway. Tho Minister replied that a report of the Railway Commissioners would bear certain weight, but the question would receive earnest consideration, and a reply would be made known through tho Public Works Statement, which would be in a few days, WANGANUI, this day. The annual meeting of the Jockey Club was held last night. The balance-sheet shows the receipts for the year to be £3,046; expenditure, £1,466". Over £1,000 has been spent on the inprovement of the course and grand stand. The spring race meeting was permanently iixed for the last Friday in October, and programmes arranged, giving £340 for the day. Tho chief event is a handicap of £150. The programme for tho autumn meeting on the second Thursday and Friday in March 1881 was also arranged. It was decided by a narrow majority not to con tinue tho thousand pounds cup, but to give £600 for chief race and add to amounts of other races. The autumn programme con tains events of £1630, including handicap of 250 soys. first day, and handicap of COO soys. second day.

Tho annual meeting of tho Agricultural Society was held yestorday. It was re solved to iix tho date of the Show on tho last Thursday in October, a day before the spring rucc meeting.

CHRISTOHURCH. this day.

RAILWAY EMPLOYEES.

At a meeting of railway employees last night letters of sympathy were road from Messrs Header Wood and Stevens, who pointed out that the reduction of wages would be discriminating, and in no case lower than tho price paid by private firms. It wao reputed that the wages in the Dunedin railway workshops were twenty to tuirty per cent, higher tban those paid for tho same work here.

The Now Annual Prospectus is issued for tho "Now Zealand Illustrated Annual," edited by Mr Mosley. The fust is to be published in December. Six families «nd eight adults left by tho Hincmoa last night for the North, intend ing to scttlo on land at Whangaroi accord ing to arrangements with the Government.

DUNEDIN, this day.

POLICE NEWS.

At tho City Court, Arthur O'Neill has been remanded to Lawrence for fraudulent bankruptcy. Dr Burrows, charge of breach of the Registration Act, is remanded till Monday.

J ud«e Bathgatc look his suat on the Bench to-day. At the Education Board to-day a tele gram was received from tho Minister of Education notifying ten per cent, reduction in all eulanet), and asking the Boards co operation in retrenchment of expenditure.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before JR. C. Barstow.Esq., R.M.) DRUNKENNESS. Three men pleaded guilty to drunkenness, and were fined 5s each. NOT TUB " lIKST" OF THE FAMILY. Elizabeth Best, a member of an illus trious Irish family, and a near relative of the Countess of W , was again brought up on a charge of drunkenness, having been found lv a humble position by Constable Rist last night in Victoria-street. Prisoner pleaded " heavy wet," and was lined 10s and costs. CAUGHT IN THE BUSH. Walter llaines was brought up on a charge of absconding from the Naval Train ing School on the 14th June. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the prisoner and another boy absconded from the Train ing School on the dsy mentioned, and. got among the Maoris near Wuiroa South, but fearing they might fall into the hands of the police, they decamped. The prisoner -ffS*-OWB9XBX9& a few days ago iv tne bush Tiy CbrfSHnfe -wvic.i.it, £ it hout cither cap or shoes. 110 nuuiu iuu <o. -->. ._j, in order to obtain the uppearauco of Captain Breton. The other delinquent was supposed to bo in the neighbourhood of the Thames. Remanded accordingly. This was all the business.

LORNE-STREET HALL.-"HAPPY HOURS."

Mr and Mbs Hart appeared for the first time iv this city ia their excellent enter tainment " Happy Hours," which was merry, versatile, and extremely ploasing throughout. The parts were respectively " Diamond cut Diamond," and " My Wife's Relations," abounding in variety of charac ter aud song, wit, humour, and high re partee, which kept the audieuce in high spirits, and produced many a hearty laugh from seriously disposed persons. The changes of costume and demeanour were no less remarkable than the acting and sing ing, all of which were comparatively per fect, each burletta being cleverly connected with ballad and incident, forming complete domestic pictures ; the first of love and the second of married life. Both Mr and Mrs Hart are good vocalists, and the rendering of the songs were good, and really praiseworthy. Mr Hart's impersonations of the masculine cbaracters of " Laurence," "The German Bandmaster," "Jack Before the Mast," "Lieutenant Berry,"and especi ally his iiistriitnenf-ulisntioiis, were admir able. The song, "You Make Me Laugh," convulsed the house. It was a ma«terpiecc in vocal art, and was encored. Miss Hat sang, " Bright as the Morning Star," ""i es or No," aud " Puff, Puff, Puff "—a new version of " Jeremiah, Blow the Fire "—and accompanied all the songs of the evening on tlie pianoforte. Mrs Hart showed a thoroughness in her delineations, and her special merit for throwing earnestness and vivacity into her natural heroines. As the " Miduy in the Hornpipe," the "Jolly Old Girl," and the wild, rollicking country cousin with the skipping-rope, Mrs Hart was unexceptionable. She plays, sings, and dances with equal ability. Several pleasing duets were given during the hours, and we can say, with confidence, that the Hart entertainment only requires to be known in order to draw hundreds of .appre ciative listeuers. The programme will be slightly improved this evening by the in troduction of several of Mrs Hart's speciali ties.

NORTHCOTE.— ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting foi the election of a new Koad Board for Northcote was held on Monday at 3 p.m. at the Ferry Hotel. Tho Rev. Wra, MeCullum was voted to the chair. Major Burton, Treasurer, read a detailed statement and balance-sheet, which had been examined by Messrs. Hammond andHarcourt as auditors, and after some discussion as to certain expenditures, which Mr Staines considered injudicious, a resolu tion was passed to receive the report. The works of the late Board spread over a con siderable extent of the main road, a great portion of which had received new scoria. The meeting next proceeded to the election of a new Board, and the following gentle men were nominated, and a poll being de. manded the votes were as follow :-Messrs Weiman, 1 ; Messenger. 2; Tunny, 4 • Staines, 5; Wilson, 11; Denby, 13 : Haw' kins, 14; Hilditch, 15; MeCullum, IS • Hammond, 18. The last five gentlemen were proclaimed duly elected ; after which Messrs Gee and Kelly were appointed fence-viewers, and Messrs. Tunny aud. Harcourt auditors, and a vote to tho retiring Board waspassed unanimously This concluded the business of the lvoad Board. A. most important subject was intro duced by Mr Hammond—a site for a ceme tery and public park. Mr; Hammond directed the attention of the meetin<* to a large plan of the district which he had pre pared, pointing out an allotment which was available for the purpose, being still in the hands ot the Crown Lands Commissioners, and most suitable for tho purpose, being situated on |the outskirts of the suburban portion of the district, aud just sufficiently adequate to meet the demaud of a suburb promising to be one of the most important of the province. The lot comprises 122 acres, and a vote was passed empowering the chairmau of the new Board to make ap plication for the whole as a public park and cemetery. The meeting, which was of a most interesting character for the future prospects of Northcote, broke up juet in time for the town ratepayers to catch the last boat, and a vote of thanks to Mr Me- Cullum was unanimously accorded. The new Board proceeded to hold their first meeting for the election of officers for the coming year. Mr Hammond was elected chairman, Mr MeCullum secretary, and Mr Hawkinß treasurer.

Previous to the departure of tho mail an exhauativp enquiry into tho losa of .H.M.S._

PARLIAMENTARY.

(XROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.)

WELLINGTON, this day. MR. S. J. EDWARDS' CLAIM.

The House was occupied the whole of yes terday afternoon discussing the amendment by Mr Tolo on the motion to go into Com mittee of Supply, "Thatin the opinion of this House relief should be trranted to Mr S. J. Edwards, of Auckland, in respect of his claim for losses sustained during the native disturbance in tho Bay of Plenty. Mr Bryce opposed, and Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan supported, the_ motion, whicli after discussion was negatived.

Mr HAMMN, speaking to the question, said he was one of those who voted last year to reduce the salary 'of Chief Judge Fenton from £1000 to £800, but was not aware at the time that Judge Fentou was entitled to retire on a pension of £650, so that by his retiring, and the appointment of another Chief Justice, the country would have to pay £1450 instead of £1000. He spoke in the highest terms of Judge Fen ton's services, aud urged that the Native Lands Court should aid in individualization of title which they had refused to do. MrSWANSON saidindividualisation of title would frequently involve natives in large expenditure and practically cut up tho amounts realizable from laud passed through the Court. Mr Lundon also supported individual iaation of title. The House then discussed at great length the question of considering the whole ques tion of compensation for losses owing to the war, and ultimately Mr Tolc's motion (which he supported in an excellent speech) was negatived, Mr Bryce and Mr Hall strongly opposing it. JfATETERE. Mr Whitakeb presented a petition from natives belonging to tho Patetere block, praying that the Government will be pleased to remove the proclamation on the block. RE-ELECTION OF MINISTERS. The Premier in reply to Mr Reeves said, he was adverse to the system of sending ministers for re-election after taking ollice, on account of the delays it caused during the sitting of Parliament, and for other reasons. THE GOVERNOR AND MAORI PRISONERS. ' Mr Hall made a statement to the effect that the Governor had never promised the Maori members that the prisoners should be tried in February. This has added ad ditional sullenness to their discontent.

The three members still persist in their assertion, and say that the only way the mistake could have occurred was through the Interpreter k mis-translating what His Excellency said. And there is this singu lar confirmation of the truth oi their asser tion, that tbey all wrote an account of the interview, which accounts were concurrent, and gave them to Sir George Grey. When Tawhia.was going to interview His Excel lency ho told the member for Mongonui (Mr Luudou) where he was going and for what purpose. On his return he told him substantially the same as I wired out as their statement.

Mr Lundon says, the only way he can account for the discrepancy is that the Governor has forgotten all about the transaction.

KARAITIANA'S WILL.

There has been a very long trial hero as tothewillof Karaitiana, the late member for Hawkes Bay. The estate is worth some £4,000 n year. The old will was burat, but a copy was kept, and the new will made in 1877 upset. By the latter will Sir George Grey, Messrs. Russell, Hoani Nahi, and Tairoa were made trustees. By the former, Sheehau and Swanson. The latter arc now the trustees of Karaitiana's estate, and the guardian of his only child, a son some 12 years of age. Should the boy not reach manhood the eitate goes to the Hapu. THE PAYMENT TO MB REES. The evidence before the Public Accounts Committee regarding the three hundred pounds alleged to have been illegally paid to Mr Kees, shows that the Grey Government intended to establish a High Court by special Act to sit at the West Coast and try the cases of Maori prisoners taken on the Plains; but the proposal was nullified by the defeat of the Grey Ministry, and the condi tion attached by the Governor to the dissolu tion that no measures should be proceeded with Mr Kees was frequently consulted, and was engaged to defend the prisoners,receiving a brief and held several consultations with Mr Seivowright, entailing considerable trouble and ioss of time. Probably the committee will not recommend any steps to compel the refund of the money. The committee has also under considera tion the question of payment of £800 to Messrs Izard and Bell in excess of the amount voted by Parliament. It turns out that the amount was part of the account between Mr Kusscll and his lawyers— Messrs Izard and Bell—of £960, which the Government having been cast in costs and damages in the " Waka Maori" libel action agreed to pay taxing the bill down to £800. It was considered unlair that Mr Kussell, who had won the action, should have to bear the costs, though he had pro bably to make up some small balance. REDUCTION OV CONSTABLES. It is intended to call attention to the anomaly of dismissing constables all over the colonj, on the plea of retrenchment, when the Government House guard of nine constables and three sergeants—a surely ornamental institution—ls maintained at a cost of over fifteen hundred per annum, MOUNT EDEN. Replying to Mr Swanson, Mr KoLLKsroN said steps had been taken to stop the disfigurement of the public estate now going on at Mount Eden. NATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. By arrangement, SirGeohgk Grey, with out comment, moved, "That the name of Sir George Grey be removed fiom the Native Affairs Committee." The motion was carried without discus sion.

CONFESSIONS OF CRIMINALS.

Mr Stewart's Evidence Amendment Bill provides that the following confessions and communication shall be privileged and not admissible in evidence except with express consent of the person alleged to have made any such confession or communication : All confessions made to a Minister ot the Gospel or Priest; all communications made to a physician or surgeon in his professional character by any of his patients; all confessions made whilst ia custody of a police officer, unless the same shall have been made iv the presence of a Justice of the Peace provided that nothing in this section con tained shall protect any communication made for any criminal purpose. A prisoner may elect to give evidence for or against himself; a husband or wife can in criminal proceedings give evidence one against the other, provided no husband or wife had given evidence or disclosed any commuui cation one to tbe other of them during their marriage. Civil remedies are not af. fected by the Bill. ■

APPOINTMENTS TO THE LEGIS LATIVK COUNCIL.

There was a breeze in the Council over Taiaroa's case, Dr. Pollen attacking Sir George Grey for stumping the country against the Legislative Council, and yet making all sorts of appointments to it. Colonel Whitmoke said, the late Go vernment had not made so many appoint ments as Dr Pollen and his colleagues had done. Though Sir George Grey had said many things of which he (Colonel Whit more) did not approve, and for which he had remoustrated with him, he did not believe Sir George Grey had stumped the country against the Council. The debate on Taiaroa's disqualification was adjourned without any decision beinir coiae to. 6

THE ESTIMATES. An Impressed supply of £250,000 was passed almost without discussion; and an authority to issue £200,000 deliciencv bills A reduction of £5,000 was made in the Surrey Department. Mr Macandkew congratulated Mr Bryce on the reductions he had effected in the Native Department, and hoped he would have to sweep it away altogether M?R n !™ Mi*uP *Jl c Vohnteer estimate, Mi BEYCK said the Government proposed to pay six months' capitation allowance to Volunteer corps, becauso it would be lintair to reduce it absolutely, as many of these corps had entered into contracts tor clothes, & c . The amount of reduction Which would be effected that way would represent £9000. In future, capitation would only be p al d to corps north ot Waitotara on the West Coast, in Waikato, at the Thames, and probably at Gisborne on the East Coast. Even if it Were not a question of retrenchment, he believed it would be advisable to follow the proposed course ia order to place the force on a better footing. There could be no doubt bat that the weediDß-out process would be a source of much benefit. He morcd that the vote be Passed subject to the reduction of £%0O nf/m^Y* 8' I;PPr, r°poSed afur"'«r reduction tt v!% g °Ut the m* Assoc^ Major Harris and Mr Speight spoke

Mr Bbyob caid it had been stated that for certain service rendered, the mi of somo of the Thames cores ha/lm! ? difficulty in getting their reaVonablf-* penses refunded. The tact was that th • expenses were claimed on the princiDl* ir dipping as deep as possible into the X? purse. Humie

The vote, reduced as proposed by M Bryce, was then agreed to, Mr Hum*l' motion to strike out the RiJle Associate vote being negatived by 42 to 15. n Upon submitting the vote tor Connbi bulary and Contingent Defence, flag n., Mr BRYCK said that they intended to «'<./«' the Plains. To do that with auy"dew of safety an armed force would ha'o to h* maintained. Ho believed that the diffi culty would be settled satisfactorily • but I the same time he had to inform them th! tho line between peace and war was a v fine one indeed. Ho might inform tCI that tho proposed reduction in the rmlf. estimates would be £5000. m Mr MAC Andrew pointed out that in «» dition to European population, thereVaia army of 1000 men. All that was to watJh over a few hundred wretched Maoris. R thought one-half of the army cauld vervtwir be disbanded. * *a

Mr Lundon said thero was no use in o\.0 \. jectiug, sis the Government was quite abl to carry the day. The benches were now all but deserted. Some men of his natt during tho day moved a few bogus question for the purpose of blindfolding tbeir const* tuents—the fools who had sent them there-i but when the real work was to be done and' their leaders were left unsupported, they were away. He advised them to pass the vote without alteration, although it w» wasting money. H The vote was agreed to as reduced W £9000, on Mr Bryce's motion, * Miscellaneous service, £12,710 agreed )« : Liabilities of 187980, £342,966 ifafi? agreed to. ■ U

The House rose at 1.15 a m,

The Waimate Plains.

[FROM OUR OWN CORBBSPONDKHI.!

PUKEHINAU, this day ' MORE ARRESTS. V

Two prisoners were arrested at each fence yesterday morning, if arresting it can W called, for the two natives at the Peirapara fence, when they saw the Constabulary approaching, made a run for the A.C. camp and when they had proceeded about 100 yards they turned round and called to tbe Constabulary to come on, thus showing their willingness to be captured. All pro. ceeded cneerfully to camp, but the natires evidently do not consider it durance vile and the Constabulary must, many of them, think themselves de trop iv such a business.

Meetings of Ratepayers.

EDEN TERRACE HIGHWAY BOARD, The annual meeting of ratepayers of tola district was held on Tuesday evening at tie EdenVinc Hotel, Mr C. Bailey in the chair. Mr J. Martin., secretary, read the report and financial statement—Receipts : balaacs from, the proceeding year, 18a; amount received from Colonial Government, £274 4s lOd ; arrears of rates, £1 loi 3d ; rates collected, £148 3s; <W collars, £2 16s: total, £427 12s ifp Expenditure : Paid for bank overdraft, £1(3 6a sd; interest on do., £11 9s 6d; metalling and channelling, £60 5s 3d; do. present year, £128 8s Cd ; commission and collect ing, £31 2s 7d ; salaries and rent, £16 Ji; printing and advertising, £9 4s 9d; legil expenses, £1 lls Cd ; sundries, £5 2i;,tj balance, 14s 7d : total, £427 12s Id. A balance of 14s 7d appeared to the credits! the Board; still there remained a debit' balance on overdraft, etc., of £235 Is SL These documents were adopted. Mossri Watsou, Atkin, Haslett, Morley, and Win. White were elected trustees, Messrs Eeid and Bailey auditors, and Messrs Patterm. , arid Grady fence-viewers. A resolution was on the minutes for lighting the district with gas, but it was not introduced, as the Board had no funds at present for further improvements. The Chairman then brought up the matter of removing the post-office, to which there was a general objection, Two petitions had been sent to the post office authorities for its retention, signed by 400 ratepayers of the district, who con sidered it unfair to be compelled to go to Auckland to register letters and postwrv papers. There was a very lively disensta as to the capacity of our present P.O. Civil Bwnui.i oiooing the Eden Terrace offiw and opening three others in its place, neither of which have tbe confidence of the inhabi tants. —The meeting directed the chairman of the present Board to communicate with our representative (Mr Tole) in the matter, A meeting of Trustees was held immedi ately after when the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:-Mr Atkin (Chairman), Mr Watsou (Treasurer), Mr Sam. Morley (Secretary). On the motion of Mr W. J. Suiter, a vote of thanks was passed to thu outgoing Board tor having landed the district free of debt,, and the meeting separated.

MOUNT EDEN.

The ratepayers of the Mount Edon High way District held their annual meeting last evenine; in the public school-building. Mr George Harper presided. The secretary of the Board (Mr Udy) read the last annuil report, which was confirmed, and also the balance-sheet, which was as fojlowi:— Annual account for the year ending 30th ■ June, ISSO. Receipts : Balance in Banttat commencement of tlie year, £110 13s 9d; rates, £219 17s 2<l ; total receipts, £1,184 11s lid. Expenditure: General improve ments, £781 17s lOd: total, £1,055 7i 74 The secretary stated that this left a credit balance of £129 4s 4d. The following i»a list of the works in progress, and the coat.of the same :— Mount Koskill Eoad, £63i|i{ Eden-street, £56 10s; Normanby Eoad, £13. Mr Thompson said the value of pro* perty for the ensuing year would be in creased in value at least £50, as there were several buildings in the conrw of erection when the valuation was made up, which could not be assessed at their full value. The tolls were let for £32105. H« could not say what they would fetch- this -^ year. He (Mr Thompson) would move/the, adoption of the report.—Mr Boncher "• > seconded.—ln answer to a question as to where the funds from dog-collars went to, Mr Thompson stated that no. dog-tax w.'J collected in the district.—A gentletour present raised the questiou of lighting the district.—Mr Thompson stated, that carry ing out instructions given him at the last meeting he had interviewed the secreUrj of the Gas Companyon the subject, and that gentleman advised him to wait until after , the directors' meeting.—The motion for the adoption of the. balance-sheet was put and carried.—Mr Tester raised the questionii to why some people were allowed to de pasture their cows in the road while others were put in pound.—'lhe Chairman sup posed it was every one's duty t6 look arter himself and take cattle to the pound themselves as he had done several times. Mr Buntell could also speak as to the manner in which the pound was kept, and he would move " That the incoming trustees taJcj the pound into their own hands, and also the ranging." Wu gi however, lapsed for want of support. The election of trustees was then proceeded with. Mr Boucher proposed, and Mr Stokes seconded, " That the old Board be re-elected." Messrs Cole, Reynolds, and Potter were also proposed. Messrs Tester, ; Bailey, and Prince were then appointed scrutineers and a poll taken. The result ; was made known as follows :—Thompson, SO; Hurst, 76; Udy, 69; Probert, 68; :, Shaw, Cl; Cole, 37; Potter, 27; W- , nolds, 23. The lirst five, being tbe old Board, were declared re-electod. Messrs Biidgeman and Cole were elcstcd auditors, aud Messrs Crawford and Bayley fence-viewers.—Mr Buntley asain intro duced the question of lighting, and moved, " That the trustees be empowered to erect seven lamps, to light Mount Eden Road from the toll-gate to the Bchool, at a cost not to exceed £80 for the first year, the cost to be defrayed by the toll-fa™ ; revenue."—A ratepayer seconded, and ', thought it would load to the improvement of all the property in the district.—Mr AVaite moved as an amendment, " That tho proposal to bring light into the district wft» premature, aud that the matter stand over for another year.—Mr Cole seconded.—Mr Waite's amendment was then put ana carried almost unanimously, amid applause —'lhe Eden Post-oilice question was next introduced, «nd elicited a con siderable annunt of discussion.—Mr Probert proposed that a petition be sent embodying the recommendation that tue post-office be taken back to Kden Terrace. —Mr Udy proposed as au amendmoi"' "That apoct-oftice be opened at either oi ,: the two stores on the maiu load.--!" 6 question was put to the meeting, and tne amendment declared carried. ; This concluded tho business of the even ing, and tho meeting terminated with a vote -_. ot thanks to the Chaiiman. ' ' ■jl At the meeting of trustees held alter- ,am wards, the following officers were electeu for the ensuing form:—Chairman, ffilmE^ Thompson; secretary and treasurer, JJ" jm Udy; engineer, Mr Allwrightj_coUectof»|gj|jjj^

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, JULY 29, 1880.



Special Advertisements. THE T3OYAL INSURANCE COMPANY -"' FIRE AND LIFB), Acknowledged to lie tho most SUCCESSFUL INSURANCE INSTITUTION in existence. For the time it has beon established, Namely, 35 years. And taking rank as one of the LEADING BRITISH OFFICES, Has now carried on business in this Colony for 10 years, During which period, in Auckland itself, no more honourable record exists of tha dealings of any kindred institution than that of ITIHE "ROYAL Extending through all tb.9 old daya of flre until better times came, when The Company was the First to Withdraw from Tariff Arrangements, Ana give Auckland Insukeks tho benoflt of Reduced rates. The undersigned Agent continues to accopt PIKE RISKS On every deeorlption of Insurable Property at tho LOWEST RATES obtainable. CLAIMS for LOSSES are Promptly and Liberally adjusted, without reference elsewhere and immediately paid at the Company's Banker? in Auckland. GEO. W. .TONKS, Chief Agent for tho Province of Auckland. Office: Shortland-street. May 23, 1860,



Special Advertisements. (2 A L E, IN CONSEQUENCE! OF EXPIRATION OF LEASE. MILNE & CHOYCE would beg to inform their friends and tho publio that this will bo POBITIVKLY tho LAST WKKIC of thoir SALR, in consequence of Expiuation of their Lease. Aftor THIS WRKK tho fow Winter Goods whioh may bo left from Solo will bo Cloared Out at SALE PRICES. ■jixilnk & rinoycß, CHEAPSIDE HOUSE, QUISEN-BTRKICT. rriHOKNTON SMITH, AND FIKTH'S JL PRICKS CURRENT (Wholesale) Snbjeotto alteration without notice. Suoks. 100'b. fiO'B' Crown Brand Flour £ a. d. £s. d. £b. d. perton 13 0 0 13 10 0 11 0 0 T.S.&F. Cantorbury Flour 12 0 0 12 10 0 13 0 0 Sharps, per ton ..000 .. .. Bran, per ton ~.,600 .. •• Fowl Wheat .. , ■ 33. 6d. per bußhel. The above prices Include sacks and bagf—saoks and bags not returnable. Terms t Cash. Aueklaod.Gth July, 1880. ABSOLUTE SALjs OF DRAPKRY, COSTUMKS and MILLINERY Phsvious to Stock-taking. A. LINABURY & CO. Have determined tolcfltct a clearance balk Of their ENTIHE STOCK Of WINTKR DRKSS GOODS, COSTUMES MILLINERY, JACKETS. MANTLE 3 FLANNKLS, BLANKETS, FANCYGOODS MANCHESTER GOODS, Etc., Etc. FOR ONE MONTH ONLY. Extraordinary Bargains in|Mllllnery and Under clothing. Great Reductions in Costume and Mantle De partment. Immonso Roductlona in Dross Goods, Fanoj Good?, Children's Costumes, &c. Tho wholo of our Stock has been careful!] Rovised and Marked at EXTRAORDINARY LOW PRICES. Dressmaking on the Premises. Costumes mado in 21 hours' notice A. JLINABURY & Co., 30* and 206. Queen-Btreet A P OTHECA RIE S' HALL OPPOSITE TH3 POST-OFFICE. MESSRS SHAKLAND & CO., DISPENSING CHEMI3T3, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DRUGQISTS Messrs Sharland & Co. huvo this day take] into their business Mh A. W. G\RDNER (Late of Cantehbuky, England), Certifloatod Member of the Pharmaceutloa Sooioty of Great Britain, who will manage the Dispensing and Retal duties of this establishment. Mr A. W Gardner brings high testimonials from man; eminent Physicians and Surgeons in Kens England, which give a guarantee to the publi of Auckland that flrat-clastj skill and ottlcienc; will bo leading features in our business. Mr F. C. sharland will succeed Mr J. C Sharland in the general control and conduct o our Wholesale and Manufacturing Department We shall continue to import, bi-monthly, fron Europe and America. Drugs, Chemicals, Mor netic Instruments, Hlastic Belts, Trusses, Ai and Water Cushions. Pillows, Waterproo Sheetings, Invalid and Domestic Appliances Surgical Instruments, Nursery RequisiteE Family and Homoeopathic Medicines, Brushe of every description, nil guaranteed. Mkdicine Chbsts and Shipping SurPLiKi Medtcinos promptly despatched to the Countr; districts and tho South Sea Islands. A U.CKLAND CLOTHING FACTORY. TAILORING DEPARTMENT. J. B. BomN-so.v has the honour to an nounce that he has secured the services of an eminent fashionable Cutter from Sydney, and o. compotent staff of Tailors, and has made extensive pre parations for tho manufacture of COLONIAL cloths ; and Is now in a position to supply Men's, Youthß's and Boy's Suits made to measure, at Eng liahjfilop prices on tho shortest notice Suits made to ordor on twelvo hours' notice. Colonial Tweed Trousers, made) to measure at 13s 6d, on six hours' notice. All Tweeds guaranteed well shrunk. As it Is intended to devote the whole of the resources of the Establishment solely to the manufacture of Men's Youths'and Boy's Clothing, the present Stock of Ready-made Goods will bo bold at prime cost, to make room for those of jouriown manufacture. J. B. ROBINSON, AUCKLAND /-ILOTHINa IT^ACTOKX QUEEN-STRBKT Two doors below Mr Tonk'a Auction Mart). QPECIAL TO FARMERS CHEAP MANURES. FINE BONEDUST, fkom .. .. £7 vm toj BONEFLOUR, , £8 SUPERPHOSPHATE £9 „ GUANO of all descriptions. Special Quotations for Largo Quantities. W. J. HUKST & CO., 101, QUEEN-STREET. PRINCIPAL CARPKT WAREHOUSK.- Tho Largest and Cheapest Stock of TapcE try, Brussels, Felt, Kidderminster, Jut and Hemp Carpets are to be seen a* thi City Hall Arcade. Carpets made an< Utted to any size room. GARLICK & CRANWELL. Mve per Cent. Discount for Cash at time q, Purchase. IRON & BKABS!BH!DSTEAD3.-UpwardßO 350 In stock to Seleot from, and all sizes from 2Jft. wide to sft. wide. Stump French. Half-Tester, Folding Stretchers Invalid's Chair-Beds. A Great Variety o Wood Bedsteads to suit every class o customer. Children's Bedsteads and Coti various styles). GARUCK & CRANWELL. City Hall Arcade. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time oj Purchase. KDDIN<* OF ALL SIZES kept ready foi Delivery. AU our Bedding is made at oni own Factory. Kapok Down and Feathei Beds; Hair. Fibre, Flock and Flax Mat trasses; Pillows and Bolsters of every kind; Spring Mattrasses and PalHas?es for any sizo bedstead. Mattrasses re-made with despatch. GARLICK & CRANWELL. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. BEDROOM FURNITUKE-the Plainest and Handsomest-to be seen at the City Hall Arcade, at Prices to suit the working man, the middle class, and the rich; to suit boarding-house and hotel-keepers. Ward robes, Chest Drawers, Toilet Tables, Washstands, Commodes. GARLICK & CRANWELL. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at Urns of Purchase. IIOILET GLASSES and TOILET-WARE~ We study to keep such a Stock as to be able to please every taste. Every Size in Toilet Glasses, and a Splendid Variety of Toilet-ware; Pier Glasses—very pretty Chimney Glasses just opened. GAKLICK & CRANWELL, City Hall Arcade. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. HA WING-ROOM. AND DINING-ROOM FURNITURE always on view and made to order on a short notice. Suites ready for delivory, and a Largo Assortment of Coverings to select from. Centre and Occasional Tables, Choffloniors, Whatnots, Cornices, Fenders, and Fire-iroos. /"IHURCH FURNITURE, H4LL FUJKNI- V-' TORE, Library and Office Furniture, Kitchen Furniture, Self-acting Roller Blinds, Floor Cloth, all kinds ot Famish ing Goods. FURNISH YOUR HOUSE ffHOM THSS C IT!l H all garlick & cranwell, PKOFRIETOBS. Fvt per Cent. Discount for Cash at tim ol I Pwrthan. *



Special Advertisements. OTOCK-TAKING BARGAINS. In preparation for Stock-taking, William Rattray has REDUCED the PRICES o£ his Largo and Well-assorted Stook of LADIES' COSTUMES, SKIRTS, and ULSTERB, in order to offoct a Clearance COSTUMKS at 37s Dd Roduood to 23a COSTUMKS at dOa Reduced to 25s COSTUMES at 453 Roducod to 27s Od COSTUMKS at 65s Reduced to 42s COSTUMES at 703 Reduced to 15a SKIRTS at 8s Od Rcducod to 5a Od SKIRTS nt 12s 6d Reduced to 8s Cd SKIRTS at 18s Od Roducod to 13a Od SKIRTS at 25a Reduced to 15a A Splendid Lino of ULSTERS at 22s Cd (worth 255) aro now Reduced to 18s Cd. William Rattray. draper, clothier. & silk mercer, Nkw Zealand House, G6, Quoon-stroet, Auckland. milE MEKIDEN BRITANNIA CO., MANOFACTURKHS OP THE HIGHEST GRADE OF SILVER PLATED WARE, hoth on NICKEL SILVER AND WHITE METAL. Sample Rooms and Ofllcos—lC, East Fourteenth Btroet, Union Squaro, New York. Factories—West Morldon, Connecticut. Solo Agents for tho North Island, T & S. MORRIN. M. Munch ib, MERCHANT TAILOR AND IIirORTKIt. OUR STOCK IS NOW COMPLETE. Tho Assortment will bo fonnd muoh T.Altaicn and MuiiK vakiki) than heretofore Tho superiority of the Clothing made b? us to that oiforod by othor Tailors is well known. ■Wo also offor tho Advantage of tho LARGEST STOCK IN THE TRADE. Wo aro continually receiving all tho novkltibs of tho Season, and havo always somu thing nkw to show you. M. M U R O H I E, Shorthand Strkbt.