SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

man WA t K i>J This Evenlnpr, 1.53 HIGH WATKK-j T O . morr o W Morning, 231 SUN BKT This Evening, 5.9 uN RIBK.-To-Morrow Morning, 7.2 MUON'3 AGE.-Last Quarter, 29th, 1119 »•««•

ARRIVALS.

' TO-DAY. Vtottan, bnrqus, Johanneson, from Adolaldo lona, 5.8.. Farquhar, from Russell Fairy, schooDor, Schmidt, from Russoll KelUnco, ketch, bawson, from Whangapoua

DEPARTURES.

LAar evening, Kenllworth, schooner, Rioketti, for Lyttolton Waitakl, S.S., Kdio, for Whangarei Especulador, barquo, Powell, for Manukau TO-DAY. Opotlki, schooner, NolU, for Opotiki Fleetwing, schooner, Caietcheon, for Russoll Krlith, schooner. Hughes, for Ssmoa Motu Lalo, sohooner, Mollor. for Tonga

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London-Chili, loading ~■.., tu~-a.* Tauranga-Ulenelg, Tuosdiy i Waitakl. Mondty Whangnroi—Argylo, Tuesdays aud Fridays ,

RussoU-lona, evory Monday; Waitakl. Wod-

B^Sl™ anS South-Taiaran, Tuesday Rpngatira, Thursday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Moro. 8.5., from Sydney and Melbourne shortly Hyena, H.I G.M.S., from Samoa Waikato,shio (M.P.K V.) from London, loading LaDgsfone, ship, (JKBM) from London; sailed May 17. „ . Lutterwortb, barque, from London Aoba, schooner, from Now Caledonia Atotohau, sohoonor, from Harotonga Ethel, brigantino, from Timaru Mary Andorson, schooner, from Now Caledonia Defiance, brigantino (S.L.M.R.), from Dunedin Southern Cross, Mission schoonor, from the

Cabarfeldh, barqoo (9.Q.M. 1.), from Hongkong Ocean Ranger, barquentine, (W.T.N.V.) from New York, Bailed April 20th Scottish Lassie, barque, (RBLM)f com London

sailed May 17 , , ~ Lochnagar, barque, trora London, loading Ooeo'a, brigantino, from Adelaide James A. Stowart.brltcantino, from Timaru Oamara, brigantino, from Camaru. Syren, brig (J.D.N.H.), fr*m Sydney Peerloas. brigantlno, Irom Dunedin Flirt, brlgantinn (W.L.G.P.),from Levuka Boreal*s, brisantino. from Lovuka Norval, schooner, from Lyltelton Pirate, schooner, from Tahiti Avooa, schooner, from Newcastle Sovereign of the Soas, cutter, from Rarotonga Bel'a Brandon, sohoi.ner from Liv 3 Islands Gael, schooner (S.R.G.B), from Samoa Ada C Owen, brigantino, from Lyttalton schooner, from Foo Choo Falcon, schooner (W.L.H.R.), from tho Islands A^nes Donald, schooner, from Rarotonga Caledonia, schooner, from Tonga Glimpse, ketoh, from Levuka Mazoppa, schooner, from Karotonga Dayspring, niisiion schooner (W.N.8.M.), from Meg Merrilies, brigantino (S.R.G.L.), from

jjovuka Loonxana. bnrquo, from Hobnrt Town Kner«y schooner, from Noumea Ma^ln, cutter, from Rose Island Albatro-B. schooner, from Timaru Kate MoUregor. eoliooner, from Ljtt.lton Kona, schoo/aer, from Lyttolton

IMPORTS.

Per Vrettaa, from Adolailo-2,311 eacki wheat, 675 sacks bark.

EXPORTS.

Per Motn Lalo. for Tonga: 703 piccoi sawn timber, 40 bags flour, 40 tins biscuit?, 10 boxes and 12 sacks potatoes, 10 boxes soap, 30 kogs beef, 3 oases cteese, 8 coils rope, 1 c.iso sewing machines, 1 case crockery, 1 package aashes.

Por Kdlth, for Samoa:—Bo mats sugar, al oases geneva, -10 oases orandy. i cases whiskey, 9 cases stout, 24 cises wlno, 17 baxes toa. 18 tins blpouitj, 11 canes champagne anrl claret, 10 casos kerosine. 5 oases sweetened spirits, 6 cases palmon, 22 packages drapery and clothing, 12 cases sardinoa, 8 cases saucfl, 13 cases presorved fish, 120 tins and 10 bigs flour, 5 kogs butter, 30 sacks potatoes. 18 cases preserved moats, (i cases fyrups, 10 kegs beef, 83 packages general merchandise.

Per Kenllworth, for T.yttolton-50 tons Wai kato coal, 5.000 feet pariri timber, 283 doors. 107 packages sashes and doors.

Per Daroy Pratt, for Oamaru—so tons Wai kato coal.

Inwards Coastwise.—Fairr, from Russoll. with 60 tons coal; Adah, from Tuamoi, with J2 000 10-t sawn timber; Zillab, from Thames, with 20,000 feet timber.

Outwabd3 Coaptwise.—lclind Ll!y, for ICalpara; Aratapu, for Kaipara.

Tho burqao Viettan was borthed at tho main tee of the Queen-street wharf to-day.

The brigantines Island Lily and Aratapu cleared at the Customs to-day for Kaipara, where they will load timber for Southern ports.

The Union Company's cs. Te Anau leaves Sydney again on August sth, and she is expected to arrive here on tho 11th.

The barque Loch Doon from London was berthed a'onuside the outer western tee of tho Queen-street Wharf to day.

The s.s. Rotomahana i 3 expected from S)nth about noon on Wednesday next She will leave for Russell on the afternoon of that day, return ing on Wednesday and proceeding fcouth at noon on Thursday.

The barque Loch Dee which sallod for Londou yesterday took two passengers, viz., Messrs George and Frank Francis.

The s.s. Glenelg will be taken out of the Dock on Monday, and will leave for Tauranga on tho following day.

The schooner Transit is expected to leave for Cook's Group on Tuosday or Wednesday noxt. Bhe i« taking In ca Tgo alongside the Queen-street wharf.

Tho new schooner-yacht Motu Lalo sailed to day Tor Tonga. Passengers :—Mrs Mollor, Gaorgo F. Niccol. J. Phillips, L. Chard.

The brigantlne Harcv Pratt cleared at the Customs to-day for Oamaru with a cugo of Waikato coal, in lieu of ballast.

The s.s. lona arrived this morning f rom Kussell and northern ports with 37 sacks oysters, 18 sacks kauri gum, a baskets iiah, and a quantity of hides, fruit, an<l sundries. She returns to tho Sams ports on Monday next.

The Bobooner Edith sailed this forenoon for Samoa witn a full cargo and the following passengers :-J. & M. Leport, >V. Wright, J. Williamson, and Meors.

The barque signalled yesterday afternoon roioDed the harbour at 2 a.m. to-day, and proved to baa Norwegian yes.'el named the Vrettan from Adelaide. Captain Johannesen reports having lei t that place on tho 12th Jnst. wf>hnortherly wlndß. The vessel was beached two days oiTCap^ Jorvis, and two days in Bass's Straits. 1 hence till rounding Three Kings on Monday last, had wind from S. by W. round to N. with heavy B. and N.JC. sea. S. VV. windu wereexDerienced down the Coast, tho Ba-rio" being sighted on Wednesday Ja-<t. The "Vcottan brings a cargo cf wheat and bark, fehe has also on board a anantity of cargo, for Levuka. She will proceed there direct to loud for Europe.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Kowcna, b.h., Amodeo, from Hoklanga

The Rowena. from Hokianga, brought as pas sengers — Mrs Krlppner, Messrs F. and U. Krippner, and Dr. Uoneymac.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Oisborne, yesteiday. Arrived: Bingarooina, from Auckland, at 4.30 p.m. Wellington, yesterday. Sailed, 3.15 p.m.: Rotomahana, s.s., for Auck land, via the Kast Coast. Passeneers: Mlfs Frances, Mesdames Allan, James, Misses Wil son U), Hadiane, Dalton, Hamilton, Pope, Mar tin, Wyllie, James, Brent, and Pascoe, and 11 in the steerage. ■ NAriER, this day. Arrived: Rlngarooma, from Auckland, at 5 BfIXU Lyttblton, this day. Arrived: Wanaka, from Wellington, at 7a.m

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Stak Oftloe, Saturday. Mr'R. Arthur report of his general weekly sale ai» follows:—Fowls: Is Id to 2s 8d ; turkeys, 2s to 3s Id; ducks, 2t; Kouen ducks, is: Ayles bury, 4&; small pig», 7s to 11s 61; a well-bred sow, 12s fid; boar, 395. A lino of Waikato pota toes sold at M; other lots at 3s Gd to is; onions, (stringed) sold at U<l: in bags, id to Id per lb.; pumpkins, 3s Cd to 1) 3d ; carrots, 3s to 3s 6d ; bo.d potitnes, 4s to 14s ; npolcs. 3a 9d to 103; lemons. lOd to 12Jd ; bananas, $d to H per lb.; barley. 3s; oats, Is 3d to 2s Oil; maize, 3s to 3s fid; barley, 3s to 3a 6d : chaff, 2s 6d; bag flour, £12 to iISU; oatmivil, l}d; cheese, 3d to 7d; bacon. 3d to 91; butter, 2Jd to 10J ; beef, lid to 2Jd; sugar, ijd perlb.; tea (box), 133 to 265; qr. cnest. Is Od perlb.; candles. !)Jd: cocoa, Is7|d; Ice. 81s; white lead, 4jd ; liajht blue, 6d.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

MAIM WILL ULOSK AH UNUKIi:— Tins Day. For Mangawal, por Anno Mllbank, ats. p.m. Monday, 2nd August R"or Thames, per Hotomaliana. at 9.30 n.ni. For Coromandel, por Coromandel, at 11.30 a.m. For Waitara ana l»ow Plymouth, por Kowonu, at II a.m. For Uiiasoll, ICawakawa, &c, por Rotomahana, at 3 p.m. For ituesell, Rawakawa, Waugaroa, and MOll -gonul, per lona, at I p.m. For Taurunga and Opotiki, per Waitakl, at i p.m. For Whi jangi, Tairna, Tauranga, md Opotiki, por Glenelg, at 4 p.m. For Tahiti, per French war Bteatnor Gulohen, at I p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at fi.3o p.m. Tuesday, 3rd August. For Waiwera, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana, por Hose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern ports, por lluwea, nt I p in. For Cook lsland'i and Harotonga, por Transit, at 2 p.m. For vy'angarel Heads, Waipu, Wangarel. and Mangapai, per Argyle, at I pan Thursday, Gth August. For Glsborno, Napier, Southern ports, and Australian Colonies, per JKotomahana, at 11 a.m. S. B Biss, Chief Postmaster.

Meetings, Entertainments, &c.

July 31, ISSO. Theatre Royal—"Lighthouse," 8 p.m. Lome-street Hall—Hart's Operetta Company, 8 p.m.

Y.M.C.A.-Blblo Reading, 7.30 p.m. British Hotel—Special Meeting of Journeymen Bakers, 7.30 p.m.

BIRTH.

RIST.-On SOth July, ISBO. tha wifo of W. J. Hist, of a daughter.

MARRIAGE.

FOR".—QRRY.—On July 28'h, at tho rcsldonco of the brldo's hther. by tho Key. A. W. Webb. Frederick Albert Ford to Alice Mary, oldost daughter of John Grey, Bsq., ttden Crescent, Auckland.

DEATH.

COWKLL.-0n July 12, at Awhitu, Manukau Heads, after a short illness, John Co well; aged G7.

IMPKY.-On July 3)th, at Otahuhu, Matthew Impsy; »ged 00 yeas. (Lata of the 15th Hus sars ond 3: d Dravoon Guards).

The iuneral will Icaro hii lao residonce, at at 4 p.m. to-morrow. All friends are respect fully invited.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Critic.—We cannot afford space for a second re port of the oncert. W.—Tho story appears on inquiry to bo an exaggeration, it not altogother untrue.

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

SATURDAY, JULY 31, 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.

The volume submitted to Parliament bearing tho title of the " Annual Re port of tho Minister of Education, " reflects in its very bulkiness the magni tude of our State-school system. A few facts culled from its voluminous pages will show what the State is doing for tho intellectual development of its children. It has, we are told, estab lished bl7 schools,thatnumber being an increase of 69 on the totals of 1879. There are no fewer than 1,773 teachers employed in these schools, and t.ho average attendance for the year was 58,738, or 8,099 more than in 1879. The number on tho school rolls at the end of 1879 was 75,566, or an increase of 10,999 over the total recorded in the preceding year. The average atten danco per school prior to 1878 was 57-2; in 1878 it had risen to 677 j last year it was 719. The first impres sion which we obtain from these figures, then, is a sense that the Government is doing its duty nobly in providing for tho general diffusion of knowledge among the jjeoplo, and that these efforts aro appreciated by a vast majority of the population of the colony, whose use of the schools is represented by an annually increasing ratio, the best testi mony to a growing popularity.

The next fact worthy of attention is the distribution of the educating mediums. Auckland affords the most strikiDg example of success in this respect. Tho province has been settled in a very irregular way. Small settlements, wholly unconnected with fiach other, are scattered over an area of many thousands of square miles of territory. Unless the wants of these isolated locations could be supplied separately the children might grow up like young savages. But to deal with them effectively great difficulties have to be overcome, and expenses incui'red ■which do not arise in more populous districts. It is to the credit of the Auckland Board of Education that they have succeeded so well. Travel from one end of the Provincial District to the other and a village school, very fairly taught, will be found in the centre of every collection of a dozen houses. There are in Auckland no fewer than &ixty-nine of these schools with an average attendance of less than twenty pupils each. The con dition of other parts of the colony is totally different— the popula tion is more concentrated. In Otago thenumbevof schools, with auaverage '

of less than twenty pupils, is limited to five; in South Canterbury, eight; and in North Canterbury seventeen. Auckland, with 10,688 children in average attendance, has 204 schools, whilo Otag^o, with 14,637 children, has only 146 schools ; and Canterbury, with 11,380 children, has but 120 schools. Tho embarrassment which the sparse population of this Province occasions in making tho system capable of bring ing olementfiry education within reach of every settler will bo readily perceived.; Tuo Board of Education has only managed to maintain the requisite number of teachers by drawing largely on tlio capitation and committeo allow ances of tho large and consequently moro economically worked schools in town, and applying tho money to the maintenance of country schools. And even then tho teachers havo been poorly paid, and the school accommo dation in many parts of tho Province is fur from satisfactory. There are 55 schools for which tho Board have no school-houses, and are obliged to make shift with private buildings, and only 70 teachers' residences aro in ox istenco for 201 schools. In Otago, Canterbury, and Southland, a toucher's house is attaohed to every school,and in all other districts of tho colony a majority of tho teachers aro supplied with residences. Thoro is still, there fore, a great lack of equality in tho distribution of advantages; this in partly owing to tho nature of the country and partly a relic of tho old Provincial rule. Tho teachers in Auck land, owing to tho small avorago por school, aro much moro poorly paid than in other parts of tho colony. The only respect in which tho Province appears to bo wasteful is in the cxtravngauco of the Board of Education, which costs ,£1,315 for salaries, against .£895 for Otago, and £1,140 for North Canter bury. Looking at tho smallncss of this department a very short time ago, as well ns its prcsont unfavourable com parison with other educational districts, wo aro forced to the conviction that there is room for reform and oconomy hero, and especially when tho city school committeo, deprived of tlio proper amount of capitation money, have applied in vain for assistance towards tho support of a very necessary oflicer to enforce tho compulsory clauses of tho Act. No doubt tho numbor of schools entails moro oilicial correspondence: but taking Otago, witli its 146 schools and 14,637 children, and Auckland, with its 20-t schools and 10,Gt>8 children, the disproportion between tho relative cost of managing the two Boards is decidedly excessive in this educational district, and it should bo reduced or partially utilised in meeting tho wishes of the city committeo with referenco to the compulsory clauses of tho Act.

Thoro is one moro fnct wo shall refer Lo in the present article—tlio lesson which the 07 schools in Auckland, hav ing an average attendance of no less than

25 pupils each, tenches to tho advocates of (lenominutiounlism. Can anything bo moro absurd than tho proposal to place the provision for education in such districts at tho mercy of wrangling .sects'? If certain religious denomin ations in tho country are deprived of tho boncfit of a public school system under which no offences is offered to their conscientious boliofs, what would their condition bo if tho sectarian majority in every littlo settlement throughout tho country were ablo by law to get possession and control of tho district school ? Such a proposal is simply unworkable—it is tho outcome of a narrow, exclusive denationalizing spirit, unworthy of tho support and countenance of statesmen or of a people bent on thoso groat aims and purposes to which this annual report of tho Minister of Education bears such powerful testimony. Our public school system, as it stands, is a noble one ; it reflects credit on overy colonist of New Zealand ; and wo do not hesitate to say that a vast majority of tho people, animated by truly pat riotic feelings, will bo found (irmly banded for its defouco against all hssailants.

The defoat iv Afghanistan appears to have been somewhat exnggerated, though details are not yet to hand, so tlint the extent of the disaster cannot bo deter mined. The position is still very perilous, for it appears that General Pbayre, trom whose force relief was expected, is unable to advance until rc-inforced. The number of troops in the country is much too small for tho work committed to them, and apparently it is considered un safe to further weaken the army in India. At this late period, therefore, five thousand troops are to be embarked from England. Meanwhile, the Afghan tribes arc inflamed by Ayoub's success aud the position of our forces throughout the country, but espec at Candahar, cannot but be regarded as a very dangerous one. The railroad will, however, greatly facilitate the despatch of the necessary relief.

On our fourth page will bo found a story entitled " A Guilty Conscience."

A shooting and fishing excursion, given by the Auckland Club to the officers of tho French man-of-war Guichen, took place to day. The steamer Tainui, with a pleasant party on board, steamed down to Motutapu and Motuihi, making two trips from town— one at 9 30 and the other at 12.30. Favoured by splendid weather, a most enjoyable day will no doubt bo spent. The Guichen takes her departure from Auckland on Tuesday.

There was no business before the Cattle Board yesterday, which was held in Mr Lewis's oflice. Messrs May and Wallace were present, and tho minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.

To the Editor : Sir,—Will you kindly oblige a reader of your widely spread jour nal by informing him if Graham Berry and James Service of Melbourne have received the Colonial order of Knighthood.—Yours, respectfully, Enquirer.—LThoy have.— Ed. E.S<.]

His Honor, Mr Justice Richmond, has reserved judgment on the argument on de murrer (Bank of New South Wales v. the Royal Insurance Company) which took place yesterday at the Supremo Court. After Mr Hcskelh finished his argument, Mr MacCormick contended that the declar ation was to be viewed in precisely the same way as if the suit was for the insur ance money, and in support of this he cited: Dobaon v. Lang, 8, Hare, 21C; Brook v. Stone ; " Taylor on Evidence " — continuance of contracts. An agreement existed until something was done to cause indifferent presumption. The election to re-instate was the act of the defendants, and they were responsible for it. His clients would have been content with the insurance money, but as the defendants had elected to re-build, they were bound to accept tbe consequences of their act. His Honor's judgment will be invested with considerable importance, in consequence of the paucity of English precedents.

The French maii-o'-war Guichen will be thrown opeu to the public to-morrow after noon between the hours ot one and five o'clock.

Last evening about half-past nine o'clock a loud report, which sounded like an explo sion of dynamite, was heard in West-street, Newton,'in close proximity to Abel Flet cher's house. No clue has been obtained as to the perpetrator of the deed. People for some distance were aroused by the report, and on going to the scene of the occurrence found tho tenants of the two houses adjoin ing Abel Fletcher's in a state of bewilder ment, the dynamite or gunpowder having caused large pieces of soil and wood to sttike the houses. Abel Fletcher was heard, just before the explosion took place, making a terrible noise ; afterwards he was not to be seen, aud when questioned as to tbe cause of the report, denied all knowledge of it. The matter ought to be inquired into by the police.

It is stated that a telegram has been re ceived at Lisbon from Mozambique informing the Portuguese Government of the capture of the powerful chief Mucuse, who was the principal slave exporter. Three dhowa have been taken, with 200 slaves on board.

His Worship the Mayor, accompanied by the Town Clerk, paid an oilicial return visit to Captain De Girondojand officers of the French war-boat Guichon, this morniag, and were very courteously received. Mr D. B. Cruickshank, French Consul, aho paid an official visit.

To-morrow is what is termed Homo Mis sion Sunday by Ohurch-coing people, when the sermons will be preached at the Angli can churches of the Diocese, bearing more or less on the special objects of tho Mission, «iz., tor the building of churches in rural districts, supplying minister? |with the means of sustenance, and tho people with opportunities for public worship. In Bishop Cowic's brief address, containing a report of the Mission, he says the funds amount to £509 17s 2d, including £50 from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, being more thnn tho receipts of the preceding year by £33 7s 6d. The Bishop says : "Six more clergymen are needed for Hie work of the Mission, One for the Great South i{oad,ono for Kawakawa, one for the \Vaipa and Taupiri district, one fur the district extending from l'ahi to Mangapai, one forKatiKatiandother outlying districts, and one for the Archdeaconry of Taranaki. For some time to come the stipends of these clergymen would need to be guaranteed from this fund."

The new Variety Troupe, under the management of Thomas Williams, the comedian, will open this evening with an entirely new entertainment in the Albert Hall, Darby-street. Several new sinpers will make their first appearance in this city, and a number of specialities will be introduced, including a lively farce. A number of gifts will he presented to lucky tickctholdcrs, and those of a substantial and utilitarian kind. These gifts are exhibited at the corner, in the shop of Mr Burgess, and to-day attracted much curiosity, inclu ding a live pig, two dozen china cups and saucers, legs of mutton, beef for roasting, flour and oatmeal in bags, and other things, ouc speciality being tho "fruit basket," viz., a baby's cradle.

"In a recent f.ssuc," says tho " Referee," the London " Standard" perpetrated an cx- Iraordinary joke. It printed as an item of serious intelligence a paroily of Gladstone's apology to Karolyi, in which it was made to appear Hint the present Premier apolo gised to the late one. Tho stupid party naturally took tho thing an "nurieux," and many Conccrvativo journals reproduced the clumsy squib as important news, giving it prominent place and leader typo. The journalistic gambol of our generally staid contemporary wns on a par with the frolics of n troupo of elephants, and about as much out of place as an archbixhop turning a Catherine wheol for coppers from passing omnibuses, or the inmates of a nunnery dancing the can-can in high boots and short petticoats.

Tho panorama of Now Zealand was ex hibited to a largo and interested audience last evening iv St. Matthews' schoolroom. Tlio views shewn by Mr Hay ward were des criptive of the richest sccucry of those islands from Dunedin to Auckland, including many of Pulninn's recently taken photographs of Lakes Waiworft, ltotoma liana, and the marvellous scenery of those attractive district*. Tho panorama is excellent in detnil and made especially instructive to young persons by tlio des ecriptivo and geographical information im parted by tho lecturer. Mr! (layward uromisod to j;ive Auckland views in las next entertainment.

The following par extracted from a recent issuoof tho "Sporting Times" will interest sliarcholilcrs in tho Auckland Stud Com pany. Writini* on the coming tit Legcr Mr John Corleth fays :—" A Kreat drawback is tho absence of the t wo Thousand Guineas win nor Potronel from tlu;nominations. Astouter winner we have not seen for a lon 1.; time, and it is h thousand pities that Minkct, who was our champion stayciv is lost to this country. Crytheia, the dam of l'otroncl, whs a notorious non-stayer, and all her stock from other sires than Mudcct have been of the same character. Clearly it is from Musket that Potronel gols his stoutness, and that is tho best aniwer to those who claim tho BUcklock blood he inherits from his dam as tho foundation of Ilia stamina. In Musket's podii»roo the ISlacklock blood is infinitesimal."

Mr Austin W. Gardner, who recently arrived from England in tlic s.s. Orient, and [iutcud.s settling here iierimmently with his family, lias joined tlio establishment of Messrs Sharland aud Co., and will under take the solo control of tho dispensing and retail departments, hitherto managed by Mr Sharland, sen. Mr Gardner had a thriving chemist's business in Canterbury (Kiißlnnd), and only left there on account of his health, which necessitated a residence iv some warmer climate. He was evidently much respected, aa boforcleaving the Mayor and citizens of Canterbury entertained him at a farewell banquet, at which the pro fession aud pharmacists were well repre sented.

The gift? which Mr P. Doran intends to distribute amonirst his patrons at the Albert Hall to-night have been on exhibition to-day at the buthcr's shop of Mr IJurgcss. Bags of flour and oatmeal overhung by obese Iol;s of mutton, nnd other article.! of provender, while a lively young porker, en closed in a poultry ca<;e, formed the centre of attraction, the bulk of passers-by ining ining in their simplicity that it was some strange wild animal which the French inau-o'-wnr bad brought from Tahiti. Some "idle, vagabond boy " cast this yarn for the entanglement of tho unwary, nnd not a few shrewd individuals were caught in tho toils.

The following paragraph with reference to the sculling championship of England, Hnnlan and Trickett matched, appeared in a leading English sporting journal :—" Atn meetinghcld at the oflice of the "Sportsman" yesterday (Friday) morning articles of agree ment were signed and the first deposits of £50 a-nde mado good fora contest;ovcr the Thames Championship Course between Ed word Hanlan, of Toronto (champion sculler of England, and United States, and Canada), and Edward Trickett, of Sydney, New South Wales (champion sculler of the world). Colonel A. D. Shaw, United States Consul at Manchester, represented Hanlan, whilst Trickett's interests were watched by Mr Fitzwilliam Wentworth and Mr Charles A. W. Lett, late of Sydney. The match is fixed to be decided on Monday, November 15 next, starting at half-past eleven a.m., and will be for tho Championship ot the World, the Championship of England's Cup, and £200 a-side. Trickett may be expected to arrive in Fngland about the end of July, but Hanlan Jwill not leave Canada until about the middle of September."

The " Church Gazette " for August gives the church intelligence of the closing month, with news from the country, and a series of wayside notes from the diary of Hcv. E. J. Phillips, formerly of St. Thomas's, Freeman's Bay, but now of To Awamutu, where Mr Phillips is stationed in charge of St. John's Church. The parochial items are specially interesting this month. Ihc articles consist of comments ou the Home Mission, being an extract from a clergy man's sermon recently preached in a Wai kato township, and which clearly defines the object of the mission ; a fairly-written paper on " Education, True and False " ; and a f ketch of the duty, privilege, and res ponsibility of a chorister, taken from " Church Bells." Ihc Sunday-school les sons are selected with the usual care by local ministers, and the literary extracts are useful. A paragraph of some interest to St. Matthew's coupregiitiou also appears in re lation to Rev. R. S. Hassard'u progress at Dalston, London, whero that gentleman is now tituatcd. The paragraph is clipped from tho " Dalston Parish Magazine," and gives a florid description of Easter Sunday at his churcfj, one of the new churches in that growing aud not over-rich locality, lying between Hackney and King&laud. Mr Hassard says thoro were 201 communi cants ou Easter Day, which was most cheer ing and encouraging. "The floral decora tions," he adds, " were most effective and in good tiiste." Nany of Mr llassard's Anck land fiiends will be glad to hear ot his well doing. The " Church News " this month is worthy the attention of its supporters.

To tho Editor: Sir, —I sec in Uie " Waikato Times " of Tuesday it is noticed that " One of the Remuura swells had been riding in a first-class carriage with a second class ticket." Now, sir, 1 have it on very good authority that this young mnn was caught twice by the guard doing the same thing, and yet nothing seems to have been done. But directly it was reported to the manager an advertiscmentappearedcaution ing tho public that anyone doing the same would be prosecuted. Now, sir, if this had been done by a poor man, he would have at once been brought before the Beak and fined so much and costs ; but I presume, on account of his father's position, and coupled with his being a swell, be is merely cautioned, and nothing moro is said. Yet, if a poor man, or say a man from some country district, happens to be a few seconds late and arrives just as the tain. is starting, and being anxious to get home that iiight, jumps on, his name is at once taken, an information i^l aid, and he has to come into town again, putting him to expense, and besides being lined. Why this partiality? Surely, this swell must hqve had the common sense to know that if you pay steerage faro you eanr.ot travel first cabin, therefore, I think ho ought to havo been made an exam pic. —Yours, &c , ANTI- Snobbery.

M. Rochcfort is slowly recovering from a wound received in a duel recently, when, as his antagonist's weapon entered his body obliquely, no vital part was touched, although the loss of blood was consider able.

The London "Standard "announces that the Government informed tho United States that tho supplies and stores left in the Artie regions by the expedition under Sir George Nares are at the disposal of the American expedition now in those regions.

To the Editor : Sir.—At the meeting of the Auckland School Committee, as reported in last night's Star, on the compulsory education question, I see the chairman (Mr Gorrio) wants separate schools built, for what I suppose he calls "gutter children." But I don't think he goes far enough. Ido not know how many shades of society you have on shore, but amongst us seamen, the idea of the mate's children going to school with the skipper's, and then again, the cook's children going to the same school as tho mate's children—is monstrous. And, Oh, dear, the washerwoman's child going to school with the cook's—infamous I Dear Mr Gorrie, please save us from such contamination, and your name will go down to prosperity as a public benefactor.—Yours, &c, Tarbrush.

The fifth anniversary of tho amalgamated society of carpenters and joiners will be celebrated by a supper and ball on Monday evening next in the Lorne-strcot Hall.

We notice that tho Rev. Mr Anderson, of Long Branch, near Now York, a visitor to this city, will preach to-morrow at tho churches of Onehunga and Mangcro.

Professor Eraser's next lecture will be given on the sth prox. Subject, " How to succeed in life. "

The dato of Mr Denncs'a grand musical competition will be announced as soon as preliminary arrangements aro completed.

Tho journeyman bakers will meet to night at 8 o'clock in the liritinh Hotel, to put their matters in proper light, and share 111 a littlo talk na well. The speeches, though nithy, will not bo long; the chair will be tiikcii by llichard Strong.

The usual sale of Mr J. B. llae's nn redeemed pledges will take place ou Monday at Arthur's matt.

Sunday services arc announced in another column of this journal. The Sunday even ing Rcrvice in the Theatre Koyal at eight; addresses and suitable hymns. Mr G. A. Brown will deliver a short discourse at C.30 p.m. in the Temperance Hall, on "The Teaching of Scriptures on Man's Nature and Opportunities for Immortality." The Rcriuon in the evening at St. Paul's will be preached by Uev. Win. Tebb?.

Scintillations.

"lld brief; for, it is witli word* a» with sui beams ; tho more Ihiy.ire condot'scd, thodcouor they burn."—aouTHKY.

From the English papeis received by the mail we learn that Mr Knatchbull-Hugcsscn, cx-Undcr-Secrotary for the Colonies, is now Lord Brabournc, with the rank of baron. Mr Cowper-Tcmple has been raised to the penrngo under the title of ISurou Mount- Temple. Gold is being found at the Okarilo digging", near Ilokitika, iv considerable quantities. The outcome of tho lute Industrial Exhibition at CliriHtchurch amouuts to £500.

While on her voyage from Ilokitika to Oamaru, the schooner Lizzy Guy lost over board the mate, Cornelius Laird.

Tho Otahuhu cricketers' ball takes place on the 25th August.

The "Pinafore" performance at the Tlnmes realised £S5.

The following anecdote is clipped from the Rangiora paper:—" Apropos of the chuapncHHof oats thin season, a littlo story is told of a farmer who want into a hotel ;he other day for a drink. Poising the ulusi iv tho nir, and intently gazing ut it, he mournfully said, 'Another halt bushel of oats gone.'"

A celebrated case—Mahomet's collin

General Garibaldi has written] a letter to his constituents in Rome, in which, whilo admitting that tho llouso of Savoy has power fully aided in the regeneration of Italy, he accuses it ot having afterwards ruined the country and brought it into a condition of misery. He recommends that tho army should be dissolved, aud declares that nothing must be given to the priests. "La Capitate," the paper in which the letter is published, has been seized by the police. The backers of Robert tho Devil for the Derby littlo knew how near they were winning thoir money. Making the descent to Tatteuhain Corner, Archer was riding so near to the rails as to narrowly escape going ovor them. Pasting one of the posts, lie had to throw his left leg on the saddle. "And, " said ho. " I could hear the ' whish 'as my buot just grazed the post. Half an iucli more, an 4 I should have been done." Even with thousand guinea presents a jockey's life is not all beer and skittles.

An acrobat at Pcsth, who styled himself the " Conr^uoror of liloudin, " the other day fell from his rope at a height of 80 feet, and was removed in what is described as a " pitiable condition. " lie lias siuce died.

The rooster crows when the egg is incu bated, because he knows the hen likes to have her lay set to music.

People always sympathise with the under dog in a light, but they nlw<iy<3 bet their money on the other animal. There is one paid member of tbe Imperial Parliament. The Farmers' Candidate Com mittee ot Herefordshire allow their member, Mr Duckham, M. P. for the county, £500 per annum for watching their interests in Parliament.

The cost of tho calamitous fire in Alders gate St., City of London, to the Insurance offices, will be £GO,OOO.

A piece of good fortune has fallen to one of the lionapartiet Princes. Prince Roland Bonaparte is to be married to Mdlle. Blanc, the heiress of the well-known gentleman who converted the Monaco gainiug-table into a private Patolu». The event is not talked of in Court circles, but this accession of wealth to the Bonaparte house may pos sibly be acceptable enough, even from a political viewpoint. Albert Grant's superb house in the Kensington-road has found a purchaser at lust, not in an individual, but in a new club whose subscribers are devotees of Hurling ham and kindred institutions for killing fasliiouable time, as well as birds. The price agreed on is only £195,000. The property cost about double this amount. After midnight a method of telephonic reporting has been successfully adopted in the house of Common.?.

Ho novor told 1113 lovo. ... On Epsom Downs Ho, Raping 'mongst the pickpockets and clowns Who Bwarmcd in mobs impenetrably thick.

Thoro lost his money at tho throc-oard trick- He bnckoil all losors—wiqncrs could not touch. His watch wns stolon, ana ho drank too much... Ho never told his lovo by word or letter— Ho darod not to 1 his lovo. No—ho know hotter!

At Cambridge tbe hard-fought match between tho Geutlemeu of Kngland and the University ended in a draw. Tha former occupied the first day in scoring 23?. The Light lilues, in thoir first innings, mado a total of 593, towards which Mr H. S. Jones contributed 124, and Mr 11. Whitficld 116.

THE AUCKLAND GAS COMPANY.

Tub report prcsoutcd at the annual meeting of the CJas Company nas follows :—" The accounts for the last year, now laid before the shareholders, show that very satisfactory progress is still being made in the company's business. The income for the year ended 30th June, 1880, was £19,582 0s lid, and the expenditure, £11,204 18s Btl, which left a profit of £6\377 3s 3d. The directors, therefore, propose to pay a dividend for the past six mouths, after theiisual rate of 7s 6d per share, which, with the interim dividend paid in January last, will absorb thn sum of £6128 ss. The directors also proproso to. give the consumer the benefit of the com pany's increased prosperity by a reduction in the price of gas ; this reduction it is pro posed shall take effect on all gas consumed after the meters are inspected in the middle Scptemoer next. During the past year additions have been made in the number of retorts, and a new gasholder capable of con taining 142.000 cubic feet has been erected at Freeman's Bay. The number of gas con sumers, besides public lamps, is now 1760, being an increase of 220 over tbe previous year. The length of street mains laid during the past year amounted to 2500 yards only. Messrs Newman and Wilson, as directors, and Messrs Pearce and White, as auditors, retire from oflice. They are eligible, and offer themselves for re-election." In answer to aquestiou, tho Chairman (Mr T. Macffurlane) said that considerable pressure had been brought to bear upon tho Company to reduce the price of gas, and although it had been determined to make a reduction in September, he could not tell the exact amount, as that had not yet been definitely fixed. The auditors' remunera tion was increased from £5 to £10 each, and votes of thanks were accorded the directors and officers of the Company, and also the chairman.

How doar to mr heart is tho school I ottendod And how I rcmembor. bo dißtant and dim. That red-hoadod Bill and tho pin that I bended And carefully put on the bonoh under him I Anrt how I recall tho surprise of tho master, When Bill gavo a yoll and sprang up with tho pin So high that his bullet head bunted the plaster Abovo, and the scholars all set up a grin. That active boy Billy, that high-leaping Billy! That loud-shouting Billy that sat on a pin!

THE AFGHANISTAN DISASTER.

[BY CABLE.]

First Accounts Exaggerated.

Relief at Hand.

CALCUTTA,

July 23. We have now further details of the en gagement between Ayoub Khan's army and General Burrows' brigade in Ifaudahar. These prove that the first accounts of the disaster were greatly exaggerated. General Borrows and the chief officers of his force reached the citadel of Kandahar in safety. No details have yet been received as to the extent of the loss sustained by the British troops. LONDON. July 3a In the House of Lords, Earl Granville, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, mode a statement concerning the disaster at Kandahar, that, though the further details to hand were reassuring, the defeat of the British troops would most probably prolong the war, and it had been decided to send reinforcements from Britain. July 29. The disaster to the British troops _in Kandahar has caused a great sensation here, and it ia stated that at a Cabinet Council held yesterday it was decided to despatch further troops to ludia aa re-iti forccui"uts for Afghanistan. CALCUTTA. July 30. General Pfiayre's re-inforcements have reached Chammarchoki, on the road to Kandahar.

Reinforcements for Afghanist an.

Excitement in Soutn

Candahar.

LONDON.

July 30,

In accordance with the decision of the Cabinet 5000 troops, all under arms, havu been ordered to proceed to India next month to reinforce the British army in Afghanistan.

Fighting at the Outposts.

CALCUTTA

July 30.

According to latest news from Afghanis tan there is great excitement amongst the tribes in South Candahar at the retreat o the British before Ayoub Khan. Desultory lighting is proceeding nt the British out posts with detached bodies of the enemy. General Phayre Unable to Advance. The troops under General Phayre, which havo rcuched Chaman from tho Uolan Puss on their way to Candahar, aro reinforced owiug to tho disturbed state of the country.

CABLEGRAMS.

EUROPEAN.

[H BUT BK'S TKLKQRAMS.]

Servia Preparing for War. CONSTANTINOPLE.

July 30. Scrvia is busily eugagcd making war like preparations, ami is mobilhiug her army. The Porto now proposes to cede Dulcigno to Montenegro, ho as to avoid action ou the part of the European Powers. [Dulcigno i* a sea-port town of European Turkey on Cupe Kauilio, a rocky puuinsulu in the Adriatic, 12 miles W.S.W. of Scutari. The population numbers between 7,000 nud 8,000.] Commercial. LONDON. July 30. The 3 per cent, consols are 9S. There w an active demand for most descriptions of hides. The total reserve in notes nnd bullion in the Uank of EDgland is £16,750,030. July 29. Tho wool arrivals to date nniount to 300,000 bales. The probable quantity will bo 330,000. Tho touo of tho market is quiet.

AUSTRALIAN.

[RKUTER'S SfECIAL CABLEGRAMS.]

Death of Greer. MELBOURNE.

Saturday,

Grecr, who shot at his wife and a French man and afterwards shot himself at the Opera Hou-e, ou Saturday last, lias succumbed to his iujuric?. Mrs Greer and Souudry are recovering from their wounds. The Coalition Scheme Breaks Down. MELBOURNE. July 30. The negotiations for tho fotmation of a new Ministry, which have taken place be tween Sir John O'Shanassy, Sir Graham Berry, Mr Wrixon, the member for Port laud, and Sir Bryan O'Loghlcn, arc now broken off, and Sir Graham Berry hai summoned a meeting of Liberals for Mon day. Commercial. SYDNEY. July 30. Hennessy's brandy (bulk), quarters, 10s to 10s 3d. Keroscue : Diamond, per gallon, Is 7d ; Dcvoe'a kerosene, Is 8d per gallon. Candles: D.H.J.'s, per lb., 7d to 7Jd. Maize, per 601 b»., 2s Id to 2s 3d. The demaud for sugars continue active, and a further advance is reported. ADELAIDE. July 30. Wheat is 4i 2d to 4s 3d per bushel. The market is dull. Adelaide flour is £9 153 to £10 per ton. Trade is flat, and little doing. Freights are unchanged.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before It. C. Barstow, Esq., 11.M.) DRUNK. Wm. Brewan, Michael Bayncs, and Leudcrent, a Frenchman, were lined ss, and John McGrecror 10.', for drunkoanes*. Mr Cunningham interpreted between the Court and the Parisian. VAGRANCY. John Micklcs, alias Happy John, was brought up under tho Vagrant Act, charged with having uo visible or lawful means of support. Sub-Inspector Pardy aaid tho unfortunate man was vory harmless, but he feared the poor fellow would be found dead some morning under the trees. His Worship said he did not wish to im prison the poor fellow, but he must not sleep about the street. Prisoner said he did jobs on vessels, but did not get money but boor for hia work. He would not sleep out any more. Discharged. THE TRUANT BOY. Walter Haines was brought up on a charge of absenting himself from the naval training school on the 13th June.

Tho boy was discovered by Constable McKnight at .Papakura, and brought into town.

Captain Breton said the boy absconded with another boy named Oliver. He would ask that the prisoner be sent back to the school.

His Worship made the order accordingly, the boy to supply the lost time at the expir ation of his term.

This was all the business,

A REFLECTION OF FIRE.

The firebolls which rang out 11.30 last night caused a commotion in Shor'land strcet, but happily passed Avithout any serious results. 'J'he story is brief and may be briefly told. A person, whose name has not transpired, was walking down the hill, cityward, and noticed tho reflection of a bright light from the office of Mr Francis A. White, which he considered the reflec tion of a fire. He ran to the nearest fire bell, shouting fire all tho way, which arrested the attention of Mr G. Aickin and Mr Vialou at tho Auckland Club, who immediately proceeded to the spot, and on finding its whereabouts Mr Aickin ran back to the club and got a bucket of water. These gentlemen found the window broken by the heat proceeding from a gas iet, which had been left burning under a small pot containing glue and glycerine for business purposes. A few buckets of water were vigotonsly applied and the fire subdued. Mr Aicken sent a cab for Mr White, who resides in Grafton Road, who, on arriving, discovered the simple cause of the danger. Fortunately no damage was dono to the premises beyond tho breaking of tho window and tho discolouration, of the frame work,

TELEGRAMS.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

UOROMANDEL, this day.

Royal Oak.—The manager reports : No 1 reef eastward of the block—the eround we are stoping here is very hard, and shows no gold. The ground must, however, be broken down, as 1 am aware of payable "round existing overhead. I shall be able to crush about the end of next week. Tokatca. —The manager reports No. 7 level driven a further distance of 10 feet, making 25 feet since the contractor started. Bode's party of tributers are occupying the Bismarck battery, which will start about Tuesday next. Parking party have driven 60 feet on a branch from White's leader without obtaining any pros pect. Knox's party are stoping above where he got his last crushing, with payable prospects. Wells and party are driving, but getting nothing worth having- Mr Hall is prospecting the main lode aboye the Van level with'tho view of discovering a block worth breaking down. The New Zealand Kapanga Mine i drained to the 400 feet level. Operations will be resumed at an early date.

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day. Moanatairt.—272 ounces are the yield of 300 tons crushed. Alburnia. —394J ounces have been ob tained, making 829 ounces for the month. The Golden Calf cut through the lode to-day. It is live feet, showing colour of gold. FALL DOWN A WELL. The boy Herbert Buckley, who fell down a well with his elder brother at Parawai on Thursday died from the injuries yesterday. The prospects of the Wliau appcor to be improving every day both at the interme diate and IGO feet levels, and tho mine is now in Buce a state an will admit of a large quantity of quartz being broken out.

[UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

GISBJKNE, this day,

MR REES' £300.

Mr W. L. Rces was a passenger yester day per Ringarooma for Wellington to attend and give evidence before the Par liamentary Committee relative to the £300 paid him as retainer for the Waimate natives last session. He will also endea vour to induce the Government to incor porate in tho Native Land Sales Bill certain provisions contaiued in his East Coast Laud Titles Bill relative to lands recently conveyed in trust. EARTHQUAKE. The severest shoek _ of earthquake felt for years was experienced about 1.20 a.m. this morning, lasting for 30 sees., ard travelling from a southerly to a northerly direction. Another shock less severe oc curred 15 minutes afterwards. No damage was done. An old Wellington resident on a visit here, says it was tho severest shock he lias felt for the last tweuty years. Just before dusk the preceding evening a most brilliant meteor was observed.

WELLINGTON, this day,

At the Resident Magistrate's Court, John Duuecn was committed for trial for stab bing another man named Campbell. , THIS MELBOURNE EXHIBITION. The exhibits received for the Melbourne Exhibition number 325. Dr Hector leaver for Melbourne in a fortnight, and the Exhibition opens on October Ist.

TIMARU, this day,

KILLED BY A PIG.

The child which a fortnight ngo was bitten severely by a pig died in the hospital last night from blood poisoning. ASKING THE TIME. For abking the time, and running oil' with a watch, Charles Wi liains has been committed for trial.

CHKISTCHURCir, this day,

A CAPTAIN ROBBED.

During the absence of the Captain of the schooner Dido on Thursday night his cabin was entered and £10 iv cash aud a bank dcposH note for £20 stolen. The mate ot tlio schooner is missing.

BODY FOUND.

The body of John Gordon, who has been missing since July 14, was found.at Mount Thomas yesterday. A delegate from the Victorian Seamen's Union is now in Lyttelton, endeavouring to re-iustatc their place.

SHOOTING HIS MAMMA.

DUNEDIN, this day.

Mrs Elizabeth Martin has been received into the hospital with a gunshot wouud. Her son, aged ten years, was playing with a loaded gun, and accidentally discharged it into the lower portion of her back.

SERIOUS EXPLOSION,

It is rumoured that there has been an explosion at Mullocky Gully, by which one man is killed and another seriously wounded.

INSURANCES ON THE INO,

The hull of the steamer Ino, wrecked at Port Molyneux, was insured for £500 in the South British and £450 in the Victoria. The cargo was insured for £250 in the South British.

The Waimca railway was opened to-day, An excursion train conveying 100 invites left Dunedin this merning. At Gore, Mr Bif tings declared the line formally opened.

The vital statistics for July give : Births, 163 ; deaths, 53 ; marriages, 39. Revenue for July, £28,771.

DEBUT OF THE MISSES SIMONSEN.

The following account of the " debut" of Madame Simonsen's daughters (clipped from the Melbourne "Argus," of the 12th instant), will interest our musical readers. We are very much pleased to notice the success of the rising successors of such old favourites as Mr and Madame Sirnonsen, whose names arc as "familiar as household words" to music lovers throughout Aus tralia and New Zealand. The "Argus" says:—"There was a large attendance at the Town-hall on Saturday night, when an event occurred which was full of interest on account of the young people concerned, ■jnd deeply gratifying as critically viewed from the musical standpoint. Leonora and Martina arc the names of Madame Simonsen's two eldest daughters, and on Saturday night these young ladies made their lirat public appearance as vocalists in Melbourne. They are both young and endowed with good looks to an extent which is altogether iv their iavour. We arc quite satisfied about their intelli gence and general good culture, and we will endeavour to give the reader some idea of the impressiou they created as singers. We will speak of Miss Leonoia first, as being the elder of the two. It may be taken for granted that tho reception each met with on her first appearance was hearty in the extreme, and as much by way of encouragement to the "ddbutante" as in acknowledgement of the talented artiste, the mother and teacher of both, aud who in each case iv which her daughters were concerned did duty as accotn pauist at the piauoforte. The first selection given by Miss Leonora Simouscn was the aria "0 ! Mio Fornand," from "La Favorita," followed as an encore song, by Virgiua Gabriel's song " Ruby." aud after taking part in the " Good night " quartet from Martha, she sang iv tho second part of the entertainment "Alas, those chimes," from 'Maritaua," and again in response to an enthusiastic encore, "II segreto," the well-known "brindisi" from "Lucrezia Borgia." The order of Miss Leonora, Simon seu's voice will bo at once classed from the selections we have named. It is a mezzo soprano ot full compass, even rauge, aud most musical quality. The organ has been properly tvained in the matter of flexibility, and is now properly under the control of a young miud of sensibility and refinement. The effect produced by such a singer as Miss Leonora Simonsen is that of j perfect con tentment and approval on the part of the listener. The voice is not yet of that robust order which will allow of much stress upon the lower tones, but this attributjof strength will be developed by time aud practise. Iv such an ajr as "Ales, those chimes," Miss Leonora Simonsen gave unqualified delight for perfect style and the right utterance of true sentiment. We have never heard it better sung in this country. Miss Martina Simonsen, the younger of the two Bisters, is an admirable musical com panion to tho elder. Her voice is a high soprano of quite extraordinary power in one so young, of a clear, penetiating nnd throughly sweet toue, of flexibility fit to do ample justice to the brilliant " Carnavale deVenise" (Benedict's), and a range that can ring out E natural (third Hue above the treble stave) with ease, with ample force, and with perfect purity of in tonation. This young lady was taken into the good graces of the audicuce as soon as she had suug the first two bars of her first selections. The pieces she sang were given in the following order, namely- the cavatiua " O love, for nicthy power "(" Come per mo "), from " La Sonnambula ;" as au encore ahe gave " I dreamt I dwelt iv marble halls." In the second part of the entertain ment aho sung Eily O'Connor's sori<* '

alone," from the " Lily of Killarney," and then the culminating effect of her trinm nbant d(sbnt was achieved in her rcaHw finished and highly-artistic rendering of thn " Carnayale de Venise " above mentioned' The " Kissing Duet," from " Galaheo " k» Yon Suppe, which was the last number on the programme, and which was sung by both sisters, we did notcare muchabout. MissMa tino-Siinonsen is already fit for great ondertak' ings in the way of singing. She is from thi« moment a " somebody "in art. She lack« experience as a matter of course, and the development of mind which time will brinrr about will teach her higher artist fliahU than she dreams of at present; but already she has rare powers, and has proved herself to be an apt pupil of an excellent teacher When Madame Simonsen came on by her" self to sing the romance "Sombre foret''from "Guillaume Tell" the audience made agre^ demonsration in her favour— a ju«t acknow ledgement with which she must have been and was visibly, deeply affected. '

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER..)

WELLINGTON, this day. ' ROADS IN THE NORTH ISLAND. The following return, showing how the £50,000 voted last session for roads and works in the North Island wore spent, has been laid on the (able. The following por tion of the return, naming the counties and boards to which the money was paid («bi(," lings and pence being omitted), is of interest to Auckland :—

Manukau County. — Huuuia road £325 ; Pokeno to Firth of Thames, £253 • Pukekohc—Bombay road, £215 ; Pukekohp -Waiuku road, £101.

Tauhanga County.—Katikatl road1 £60 ; Tauranga—Taupo, £128; Cambiide* —Taupo, £14; WhakataDe-Otara cart bridge, £2,829; Whakatane—Teko road £35. , J

Cook's County. -Petutabi drainaee" £12.

Wai.roa Countir.—Wairoa-Waikare. moana road, £100. Mongonui County.—Compensation to- Mr Hazard for laud, £15. . T

Wangarei County,—Mangapai whaii approaches, £315. KODNKY.—-Mangawai wharf, £600; Wat. wcra Hot Springs road, £228.

Cokomandel CouNTy.—Coromandejiji Thames road, £500; Mercury Bay to Tairua road, £500.

Manukau Coujsty. — Pukekobe "to Waiuku road, £83 ; Pukekohe to Bombay road £12; James Stewart, District Engineer and tunnelling engineer, £87. Waipa County.—Bridge over Waipaai Te Rore, £2,800; Hamilton station; roafl extension of Waipa-Kaglan road, £60o extension of Waipa—Raglan load to New castle, £1,200. tf2| Pxako and TAUBANQA.—Cambridge,' Kotorua, and Taupo road, £4,035.

Thames County. — Lower Thames, Lower Thames to Ohinemuri road, £3,000,; Ohinemuri via Katikati to Tanranga roati, £1,500 ; Pueroa to Omahu road, £2,000. I Taubanoa Cornty.—Ohinemuri via Katikati to Tauranga road, £2,500 j Terr rengu bridge, £350 ; Waimapu bridge, £2,000; Whakatane bridge. The total liabilities amount to £45,71$ 14s 7d, with expenditure £4,402 8s U, making £50,118 3s.

PUBLIC TItUST FUNDS. The Public Accounts Committee, having considered the position of the investment I of the Public Trust Funds, reports that no loan Bhould bo made out o£ trust fundj upon any other than securities of theKew Zealand or my oilier Government, or upon bank deposit receipts; that as soon as pot Bible, at least one-third of the amount to the credit of the Post-oilicc Savings Bunk account should be invested in Government bonds, the interest on which should be pay. ablo in London, such securities to be deposited in London to be used in the event of a possible financial emergency iv the colony. The Post-office account's nominal value is £764,610 ; the Government Insurance, -i £380,000; and the Public Trust Fond, £74,900 : total, £1,220,410. THE UNIVEKSITY MOTION. Sir Geoege Gkey gave notice of motion in the House yesterday to move on going iuto Committee of Supply to draw the i£ | tention of the Government to the inequality that exists between the North and South : Islands ot New Zealand in the matter of University education, with a view to elicit. 1 ing opinion on the advisability of miking provision this year for the introduction of a staff of professor.! for two Colleges, to li 4 established in Auckland and Wellington, and the question of erecting College built | iugs in those cities.or re-modelling the Uni* $j versity of New Zealand, or governing bodies of the Otago University or Canter bury College. This is in consequence di |; the debate which took place on the m previous night on the New Zealand H University and University Colleges Bill. I THE COUNCILLORS AND EDUCA- - TiON. The lion. Councillors yesterday continued their discussion on the cost of education I raised by Mr Waterhouse. Messrs Cham- 1 bcrlain, Lahmun, Menzies, Williamson, and Waterhouse, declared the expenditure to be extravagant, and mostly advocated the imposition of fees. Mr Waterhouse ■'•; hoped the Government would consider j the question, with a view to economy » and reform, during the recess, or, next session, a Parliamcntry inquiry into the s subject would be imperative. RAILWAY EMPLOYEES. Mb Stewart presented a petition from 350 railway employes in Otago, against the proposed reduction. THE MAORI PRISONER'S DETEN. , TION BILL. Mr Bryce's Bill authorising the detention >- of all prisoners arrested hereafter on this ■ Waimate Plains, passed all stages, after ■ protests from Sir George Grey and other : members.

PETITION OF MICHAEL DOYLE.* On the motion of Mb Swanson the peti tion )of Michael Doyle was referred back to the Waste Landa Board Committee. PATETERE. On the motion for going into Committee of Supply, Sir George Grey moved the appoint ment of the following as the committee to inquire into the fatetere block transac tions : —Messrs liryce, JoneH, Kenny, Shep-; herd, Thompson, "Wood, and the mom.> ■ Mr Buycb demurred to the proposal, and suggested that the first-named committee should be appointed, with Mr Pitt and Mr Fulton in place of the two gentlemen who declined to act—Sir 'W. Fox and Mr Stevens. He questioned the sincerity of Sir George Grey to have this matter gone into fairly, judging from the names pro; posed. After some discussion, iv the coarse jk which Mr Header Wood had another biush with the Government, Sir George Grey altered the motion as suggested uy Mr Bryce, and it was carried. LOCAL GOVERNMENT. ! Mr Moss moved for the appointment of» Royal Commission to 6ee what provision shorld be made for improving the system of local government in the Colony. He looked upon this question of local government as • most ituportaut question, and one which they ougut to face at once. Then, again, there was the question a3 to who was to manage tbe railways. He questioned II they would not be better managed by local bodies. This was a subject he proposod to deal with, and he hoped they would ap proach the questiou without anything like party bias. If they could separate locw from general nuance a very great wore wouip be achieved. They would get n*. much of the log-rolling aud other difficulUM they hiul at present to contend with, He would let thesa local bodies be so constituted that they would not be responsible to that House, but to the people amongat whom they resided. , After a few remarks from Mr HAtp »a Mr Mac.vndkew, who thonght Bufhsient intimation had not been given to enable tne House to deal with a question of so rnuctt importance.it was withdrawn.to be re-intro duced at a later stage. GOVERNMENT INSURANCE. A discussion ensued ou the vote of £26,935 for Government Insurance Depart ment, on which Major ATKtNSOS proposed to strike out tbe £5,000 for separate Insur ance Oilicc. , I Sir George Gsey thought the Depart- a meut au interference with private enter prise, aud pernicious as giving the Govern ment too much patronage. ■ i, ill Messrs HuitST aud J. B. FISHER too* , the same view. j ?a Messrs Gkbobnk, MACANDKEW, m* ; Ballance ?poke stiongly ia favour ot ins Department. ,\ . a motion by Mr TuRN'BULL to reduce the Commissioner's salary by £100 wasloßt, and the vote as submitted by the Govern ment carried. The House rose at a quarter to 1 a.m.

A I'amdox.—Whon a mau vißita a pot and buys nothiug, he Roes there Wiw •>^-vOttißg "any ware."*-" Fun.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, JULY 31 I*Bo.



Special 'Advertisements. APOTHECARIES' HALL. OPPOSITE THI POST-OFFICK. MESSES SHARLAND & CO., DISPENSING CHEMISTS, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DRUGGISTS. Messrs Sharland & Co. hare this day taken Into their business t Mh A. W. H \RDNER (Late of Cants.,-.bury, England', Certificated Member if tho Pharmaceutical Society of treat Britain, who -will manage thc> DiaDCDßing and Retail duties of this establishment. Mr A. W. UardntT brings high teßtiniODials from many eminent Physicians and Surgeons in Kens, -which give a guarantee to the imblic of Auckland that first -class skill and efficiency ■will be leading features in our business. Mr V. C. Siiarland will succeed Mr J. C ■Sharland in the general control and conduct of our Wholesale and Manufacturing Department. We shall continue to import, bi-monthly, from Europe and America, Drugs, Chemicals, Mag r.fitlo Instruments, Kinetic Belts, Trusses, Air and Water Cushions, Pillows, Waterproof She«ting», Invalid ond Domestic Appliances, Surgical Instruments, Nurtery llequiiiites, , Family and Homceopathio Medicines, Brushes of every dcßcriptlon, all guaranteed. Medicine Chkbts and Shipping Supplied. Medlolnea promptly despatched to the Country distTiots and the South Sea Islands. T TIERNEY'S TIME TABLE. Leaves Auckland: Leaves Onehunga: 10.30 a.m. 12.30 p.m. 3 p.m. op.p*. m JSRIERLEY'S AUCKLAND AND JL . ONKHUNGA 'BUS. TIME TABLE. I/eaves Auckland Leaves Onehunga Opposite « roy hound Hotel) (third ing ton's Hotel 1 p.m. 10.45 a.m, 5.30 p.m. 3 30 p.m. Sundays : .1 a.m. i.3o;Piin,i ; _ I *--... ' ' ' ',_" ' • ■ "r ?' '' ■ ■ "** "'•■ ■■-- ■



Special Advertisements. rnnORNTON SMITH, AND FIRTH'S J_ PRICES CURRENT (WHOLKSALK) Subjeot to alteration without notioe. Saoka. 100's. Wa °JSR£ I'?~ I? f 0- M f H Vo T|io&^ Cant6.': bn. r. y 12 0012100 13 0 0 Sharps, per ton ..700 .. •• Bran, per ton .... 7 0 0 .. •• Fowl Wheat .. ~ 33. 6d. per bushel. The above prices Inolndo saoks and bagf—saoka and bngs not returnable. Terms i Cash Auckland. SOth July, 1880. SPECIAL TO FARMERS. CHEAP MANURES. FINE BONEDUST, FROM .. .. £7 I'KR TON BONKFLOUR, £8 SUPERPHOSPHATE £9 GUANO Of all descriptions. Special Quotations for Largo Quantities. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUBEN-STREET. A L E, IN CONSKQUENOB OV EXPIRATION OF LEASH1. MILNE & CHOYCE would bog to Inform their frlonds and tho publio that this will bo positively tho LAST WEEK of their SALE, in consequence of Ex firation of their Lease. After THIS WEEK tho fow Winter Goods which may bo left from Salo will be Cloared Out at SALE PRICES. ■jiTiLNE & riHoycic, CHEAPSIDE HOUSE, QUEEN-STREET. A U.CKLAND CLOTHING FACTORY. LOCAL INDUSTRY. TAILORING DEPARTMENT. J. B. RODINBON has tho honour to an nounce that he has secured tho sorvlcos of an eminent fashlonablo Cutter from Sydney, and a competent stall' of Tailors, and has mado oxtonsive pre parations for tho manufacture of colonial cloths; and is now in a position to supply Men's, Youths's and Boy's Suits mado to measure, at Kdk lishlslop prlcos on the shortest notice. Suits made to ordor on twelve hours' notice. Colonial Tweed Trousers, mado! to measuro at 13s Gd, on six hours' notice. All Tweods guaranteed wo'l shrunk. As it Is intended to dovoto tho whole of tho resources of the Establishment solely to tho manufacture of Men's Youths'and Boy's Clothing, tho present Stock of Ready-made Goods will bo sold at prime cost, to make room for those of£our>wn manufacture. J. B. ROBINSON, A UCKLAND /CLOTHING ITpACTORY QUEEN-STREET Two doors below Mr Tonk'a Auction Mart). TjOrAL rNSURANCK /IOMPANY (FIRE|AND LIFE). CAPITAL £2,000.000 With Unlimited Liability of tub Share holders. Accumulate! Funds in.hand EXCEED .. .. £4,000,000. RiVBNUE :— From Fire Premiums £77G,000. From Life Premiums £216,000. Exclusive of Interest on Investment?. This Company continues to accept FIRE RIsKB on every description of Insurablo Pro perty AT THE LOWEST RATES OBTAINABLE CLAIMS FOR LOSSKS are Promptly and Liberally Adju-tfd without reference else where, mid Immediately paid at the Company's Bankers in Auckland. GEO, W. JONES. Chef Agent for Province of Auckland. Office: Shoriland-strect. May 22,1880. Influential Agents required for the Suburbs and throughout the Province whero the Com pany is not already represent.d ABSOLUTE SALu, OF DRAPERY, COSTUME 3 and MILLINERY PRBVIOOS TO STOCK-TAKING!. A. LINABURY & CO. Have determined toJcitVct a clkakancb bale of their entire stock of WINTER DRESS GOODS, COSTUMES MILLINERY, JACKETS, MANTLKB FLANNELS, BLANKETS, FANCYGOODS MANCHESTER GOODS, Etc., Etc, FOR ONE~MONTH ONLY. Extraordinary Bargains in|Millinery and Under clothing. Great Reductions in Costume and Mantle De partment. Immense Reductions in Dress Goods, Fancy Goon?, Children's Costumes, &c. Tho whole of our Stock has been carefully Revised and Marked at EXTRAORDINARY LOW PRICKS. Dressmaking on the Premises. Costumes made in 24 hours' notice A. JLINABURY & Co., 204 and 206. Queen-street. PRIVCIPAL CARPKT WARBHOUBK.— The Largest and Cheapest Stock of Tapes try. Brussels, Kelt, Kiddermlnsrer. Jute and Hemp Carpets are to be sec at the City Hall Arcade. Carpets mu,lo and iltted to any size room. " GARUCK & CRANWELL. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. IRON & BRASS IBKDSTEADS.-Upwards of 330 in Stock to Select from, and all sizes— from 2jft. wide to sft. wide. Stump, French, Half-Tester, Folding Stretchers. Invalids Chair-Bods. A Great Variety o: 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 Vine of Purchase. BEDDINU OF ALL SIZES kept ready for Delivery. All our Beddisg is made at our own Factory. Kapok Down and Feather Beds; Hair. Fibre, Flock and Flax Mat trasses; Pillows and Bolsters of every kind; Hpring Mattrasses and Palliasses for any size bedstead. Mattrasses re-made with despatch. GARLICK & CRANWELL. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. EDROOM FURNITURE-the Plainest and Handsomeßt-^to be seen at the City Hall Arcade, at Prices to suit the working man, the middle class, and the rich ; to suit board ing-house and hotel-keepers. Ward robes. Chest Drawers, Toilet Tables, Withstands, Commodes. GARLICK & CRANWELL. Five per Cent. Viscount for Cash at time of Purchase. rpOILET GLASSES and TOILET-WARE A Wo 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. GARLICK & CRANWELL, City Hall Arcade. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. RAW ING-ROOM AND DINING-ROOM FURNITURE always on view and made to order on a short notice. Suites ready for delivery, and a Large Assortment of Coverings to select from. Centre and Occoßional Tables, Cheffioniors, Whatnots, Cornices, Fenders, and Fire-irons. /Church furniture, hall fupni \j TURK, Library and Office Furniture, Kitchen Furniture, Self-acting Roller Blinds, Floor Cloth, all kinds of Famish ing Goods. FURNISH YOUR HOUSE FBOM THE rjITV TTALL A RCADE GARLICK & CRANWELL, Phopbietoes. Fvt per Cent, Discount for Cash at time oJ' Pumhasi, t



Speoial Advertisements. fTIHE MERIDEN BRITANNIA C-X, MANDFACTUKERS OF THE HIGHEST GKiDK OF SILVER PLATKD WARE, BOTH on NIOKKL SILVER AND WHITE MKTAL. Sainplo Rooms and Ofllocs—do, Bast Fourteenth stroot, Union Squaro, New York, Factories—Woat Morldon, Connecticut. Solo Agents for tho North Island, T & S. MORRIN. M. MUKC HI E, MERCHANT TAILOR AND IMPORTER. OUR STOCK 18 NOW COMPLETE. Tho Assortment will be found munh t.arokii and mokk vaimed thnn heretofore. The superiority of tho Clothing mado br us to that oirorod by other Tailors is well known. Vlo also offer tho Advantage of tho LARGEST STOCK IN THK TKAUK. Wo aro continually rooolving all tho noveltiks of tho Season, and havo always some thing new to show you. M. M U R C H I E, Shorthand Street. OTOCK-TAKING BARGAINS. In preparation for Stock-taking, William Rattray has REDUCED tho PRICES of his Largo and Well-asaortod Stock of LADIICS' COSTUME?, SKIRTS, and ULSTERS, in order to effect a Clearance COSTUMES at 37a 6d Roduood to 253 COSTUMES at 10s Reducod to 25a COSTUMES at 153 Roducod to 27s Cd COSTUMES at Gss Reducod to 12s COSTUMES at 70s Reduced to 15a SKIRTS at 8s Cd Reduced to 5s 9,1 SKIRTS at 12s 6d Reduced to 8s o<l SKIRTS at 18a 6d Reducod to 13s Cd SKIRTS at 253 Reducod to 153 A Splondid Lino of ULSTERS at 22s Cd (worth 255) aro now Reduced to ISa Gd. William Rattray. draper, clothier. & silk mercer, New Zealand llousk, 6G, Qucon-fitroot, Auckland.