SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„,,„ WATWF . i This iCvonlng, 0.1 HI JH WAThi^ To-morrow Morning, 0.21 SUN BKT.—This Kvoning, 5.11 BJN RISH;.-To-Morrow Morniwr. 0.13 MOOWS AUK.-First Quarter, 12th, 6.4 a.m.

ARRIVALS. LAST EVENING. TO DAY.

Wultaki, s.s., Kdio, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES. LAST EVENING. TO-DAY.

Magellan Cloud, brigantine, McDonald, for Kai para Start, cuttor, Donovan, for Ngunguru Glenelg, s s., Farquhar, for Tauranga Dream, cutter, Busholl, for Tatrua Gem, sohoonor, Pearco, for Tairua

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London—Loch Doon, loading , Tauranga—GleaelK, Mond'iy; Waitaki, Mon- WelluTgton, Lyttelton, S/dnoy. ani Melbourne —Hero, Friday . _.. Woangarei—Aigylo, Tuesdays and Fridays , Waitaki, Friday ._ . . . Melbourne via tho South-Albion,.Saturday Kussoll-lona, Monday; Waitikl, Wednosday New Plymouth aud Soilth-Hawea, 'iuosday Friendly Islands-Myrtle, brlgantino • San Frmoisco-City of Sydnog. Tuojday : Scot-

tlsh Lassie, barque Napier—Laogstone, shortly Levuka—Southern Cross, 20th Now York—CamilJc, loading Glsboruo and Const—Minnie Hare, Saturday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

City of Now York,P. I.T.s.s.,fiomSan Francisco; sailed 28th Albion, 8.5., from Syduoy, Friday City of Sydney, P.M. s.s., from Sydney, Tues-

day Southern Croa*. b s., from Lovuka, Saturday Hyreua, H.I G.M S., fioru Samoa Panto, H.M.S., from l-yfclton Waikato, ship (M.P.K V.) from London, saUod

June 25th Wanganul, Bhip (CJ.L.S.P.I, from London, aailod Fernglcn. brq (VV.T.B.TJ), from London, sailed JulylGth , _ , , , " Lultervvorth, bnrcmo, from London, sma July o Cabarfoldh, barquo (3.Q.M.J.). from UPRkong Looh Klcot, barquo (IjK.P.S.), from Lon ion, salted Aug. 20 _ _ Loohnagar, baiquo (T.K.H.J.), irora London; sailod June 1 Loch Urr, barquo (W.Q.L.K), from Lonnou,

Ingeburg^birquo, from Now York; sailod

Glenlora, burquo (W.G.P.T.), f' om London, load-

Catherine Jnuo, barque (T.M.K.0.), from Now-

Stag, barquo (M.C.H.L), from Adelaide; sailod Looncan-, banjuo, from Ilobart Town Ocean Hanger, barquontine, (W.T.N.v.) from New York, failed April 28th Fuirlio, barquonunr, from Nowoast.o ; failed iaii. Vision, brig, fro:n Omnnru, sailed 7tli Oconla, brißantino. from Adelaide Active. itriKnn'inn, ti-om Samoa Flirt, brlgantln* (W.L.G.P.). from Levnka Arnu.pu, urigautino, from .Lyttoltoa Boroabs, br^antina. from Levulca Clansman, biicantine, from Timara Oarnarn, brißainino, from Oam»ru Kyno, briganiino. from Lyt'olion Lapwing, brigantine, from Dunedin . Omaha, Drlgantino, from Chatham Islands Roderick Hhu. brißantino, from Dunedin Look Out, brigantino, from Sydney Kthol, b'igantir.o, from l)u.noclln Seagull. brigantliiO. from Lyttelton Kliza M*ry brigantine, from Groymouth. Knergy. schooner, from Noumea Dayspring, mission schoDnor (W.N.8.M.), from

the Islands Sybil, sohoonor, from Foochow, sailod July 17th Agnes Donald, schooner, from Karotonga B jjle Brandon, scho .nor from Line Islands Gael, aohooner (S.U.G.B), from Samoa Aoba, schooner, from New Calotionia Kphomy, schooner, trom Nouinpa Coronet, schooner, from Ai>utalii Policeman, sohoonor, from Now Caledonia Ovalau, Hchoofccr, from liarotong* Jttnrmion, schooner, from Oarnaru ; sailed 23th Atoteban, schooner, from Itarotouga Mary Anderson, fohoonor, from New Caledonia Southern Crose, Mission schoonor, from the

Islands Transit, schooner, fr^m Earotonga Sissy, schf oner, from li7tlclt6n Kate McGregor, fchooner, from Cyttolton Columbia. Eoaooner. from Napier Pirate, tchooner, from Tahiti Glimpse, ketch, from Levuka Hncodwoli, kotoh, from Norfolk Island Hagio, cutter, from Roso Island

iNWAUrs Co^STWisis v Reliance from Rus sol], with 03 tons cohI: Morniriß Unlit from Cabbage B»y with 20,000 feet timber; Start from Ngunguru with 23,000 feet timber; Alary Ann from Slahurangl with 15 tans firewood; Dream and Gem from Tairua with 22.000 feet timber each; Kauoy frdm Thames, with 18,000 feet timber.

OrrrwAßDg Coastwise.—Makarau forMata kana; " aye for Cabbago Bay: Morning Light for Cabbage Bay; Start for Nsunguru; Dream and Gom for Tairua; Onward for flussell; Nancy for Thames.

The ontter Pundorland arrived at Tauranga from Tairua on Monday.

The schooner Ooean. for Russoll, aDd cutter Otahnho, for Deadman'j Point, cleared at the Thames on Monday.

Tho 88. Waitaki hns boen taken into tho graving dock for an overhaul, and consequently she will not leave for Kusaell this evening.

The sohoonar Colonist arrived at Greymouth from Waitara yesterday.

The barque Olara "argroaves has been floated off the mud-bank at Kaipaia.

Thßbrlgantine Magellan Cloud 'sailed to-day for Kaloa-a, whero sho will load with timber for Lyctelton.

Tbe brigantlno Peastnll loft Lvttelton for this port yesterday with a cargo of breadstuff's. The brlgantico Roderick Dhu arrived at Dunedin from Mercury Bay on Saturday lost. Shels aunouncod to load there for Auckland.

The S.B. Southern Cos? is oxpected here again from Levuka on -aturday or Sunday next,

The brig Vision having completed hoc loading at Uamaru left that placo for \uokland yester day with a cargo of breadstuff's.

Inlßlothoßrita:inia, ono of the flDcst etf-atnera of the Cunacdlinn plying between America and Kngland, burned 5291 lhs. of coal for eaoh ton of paying freight sho oarried. her speed, then con sidered fast, being 81 knots per hour. In 1877 tho Britannloitpeed 15 6 knots per hour, burned only 551 lbs. ot coal per ton of freight carried.

Tho trial of the Crlminil Court, Melbourno. Of Captain John Thomson, of the barque Broohmgiie, on a chtrero of having wilful y neglected torender assistance to the crew of a catamaran Which was run down by his vessel on April 8, in the Java spo3, was commenced on the 19th instant and concluded on tho 21st, when ho was found guilty, and aon'onced to three months imprl-nnmont. Captain Thomson hod previo sly appo.irod before tho Police Court, Melbonrnr, on tho sima charge, ths Police Magistrate d'amissir.g tho enso on ths ground t.bat thoro was net tuflbiont evidenco to go before a jury.

Tho soliooner Columbia arrived at Napier from this pn't onTnursrtay last.

The bJszantinea Stanley and Flirt, and tho fore and-aft srhooner Winifred woro all lying iv the harbour yosterday (V2tl>) poparing for a gpeedy riei>ait..r<?. The flrst-mentioned vesee'. •will probably loave early to-day, Mr L'Kstranifo ucconipimyi g her as Government agent. Mr ]aS is has tak^.n the place ot Mr Nicholl in tho Dauntless, while Mr Wecker still rein .im with Captain Gibbs. Tho Kosohtaalsolcfttorecruit labour in tho l mo Islands.—"Fiji Argus."

Tho trial trip of tbe f>maU stoaroer Mannkßu, built for Ihe Onphnnga and Waiuku Steam Navigation Company by Mesßra Holmes, was Sxpeoted to take place at Onohunpa to-day, but Wing to the pomps not working properly, it was postponed till Wednesday, the 22nd inst.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Lalla Kookb,p,",, Oampboll, from Waitara

DEPARTURES.

Hannah Kolccui, s.s., Keano, for Waitara

IMPORTS. Per Hnuraki, from Waitsra: 220 sheep and 22 head cattle.

EXPORTS.

Por Bdnnah Mokau, for Waitara: 10 cases kcoffono, 24 bag 3 guano, 0 biles flux, 19 pack ages furniture, and sundry packages.

The brigsntine Eliza Mary loft Greymoalh for the Mauukau yostorday with a cargo of coals. '['ho p. 3. L'llln Jtooldi is announced to leave for Wivta a on Friday next.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wellington, this day, Arrived: Hawoa, from l.yttclton.

Port Cualmius, this day, Arrived: Torar xo, from !,yttolton.

Russell, this day. Ardvod : Rotomahava from Auckland at 6.30 a.m. Arrived: HotoinaUona and Atlantic.

JJYTTKr/roN, thia day. Skllei: Sainunucand, barqne, 1101 toss, for London.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Stab Office, Wednesday.

Messrs X!. and A. Taaaos held sn extensivo sale of -wines, s ,>iri-H, beers, ships' stores, etc., this day. Tnc attoadauco was numerous, and lair prices were obtained.

Modern warfare lias developed to such a perfect slate, that nearly every weapon it usos is death-dealing. Hence tho nwi'ul record of mortality that marks each engagement. So modern scionco has psrfoctcd coriain remedial asonts, that infallibly cure or relievo. Hence the number of afflicted poreons who by their use renew their health. Tho difference is that ono destroys, tho other orcatos. The mitrailleuse is destructive: Udolpho Wolfe's Sobiodam Aromatic Schnapps Is restorative

CHIEF POST-OFFICE AUCKLAND.

Mails will Closb ah Uni>bb :— Titt3 Day. For Whi iangl, Talrua, Tnuranga, and Opotiki, por Glonolg, at 4 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 6.30 p.m. Thursday, 9th instant. For Waitara and Now Plymouth, por Lallan ltookh, at 8 a.m. For Walwera, To Kapa, Craißioburrj, atu* Warkworth, per ltoso Casey, at 10 a.m. For Thames, por Kotomahana, at 3.30 p.m. Fkiday, 10th instant. For I.yttolton, Wo Un^ton, Srdnoy, and Aus tralian Colonies, per lloro, at 7 a.m. For Wiiihcko and Coromanolol, por Coromandol, at 12.30 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahnna, at i p.m. For Wangarol Heads und Wangarol, por Argylo, at 1 p.m. For vVangarcl Heads and Wangarol, pea Waitaki, at 5 p.m. Saturday, 11th instant. For Friondly Island, por Myrtlo, atß a.m. For G'.sborno, Napier, Southorn ports, and Aus trallun Colonios, por Albion, at 9 a.m. Tuesday. 11th Soptombor. Porn.s. City of Sydney a8 follows:— For Sandwioh Islands, United Statos of America. Canada, British Columbia, Central and South Amorica. and British and Fprolßii Wost Indies, Japan, and Ohiea. inoludiu« Hongkong, at 1 p.m. For Unitod Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. For monoy orders, roglstorod lottors, and nowspapors, at 11.30 a.m. Late lottors bearing an extra foe of slxponoo, in addition to tho poatago, will bo rooelvod by tho Mall At?ont ou board tho steamor up to tho time of sailing. Tni* mall will bo duo in Ijondon on Tuosday, October (5. Note,—A Post-omoo has boon ostablishod at Lako Takapunu. Malta will be closod at this olllco ovcy Monday, Wcdnoaday, and Friday, at 8.15 am.; and; will arrive ovo:y Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 3.30 p.m. N.B.—Tho Waikato mail 3 from Auckland to To Awnmutu, hitherto closing dally at 7 a.m.. will in futuro bo closed at 11 a.m.; return malls will bo received at 0.10 p.m. Tho Waikato mails, from Auckland to Nwrua wuhia, hitherto dosing dally at :t. to p.m., will in futuro bo clo-iod at 7 p.m.; return mails will bo received at 0.13 a m. S. 11. BIBS, Chiof Postmastor.

Meetings, Entertainments, &c.

Septkmiieh 8, 1880. Theatre Koyal—" Haby'" (Llagar(U), 8 p.m. Ponsonby Hall—Select qundriilo party. Paris Dioramlo Hxhihition uiul Distribution of Gltls-Qucan-strjot, 5 to 10 p.m. Tomporanco Hull—Allon Woat'sadult dancing olass.

BIRTH.

LKIGHTON On tho 7th inct., at hor rosiclonci', Islington Villu, l'onnonby Koiul, tho wifo of J. F. liolKhton, or a daughter.

DEATH.

FIRTH.—On Stptombor 7th, at her futhor'a rosl donce, Mount HMen, Annie Clifton. Becaml daughter of J. C. Firth aad Annie, his wife; aged 17 years. The funeral will loavo her father's houso at 2.30 p.m. To-morrow iThurdday) Tho intor ment will tako placo at St. Stephon'a burial ground. Friends aro respectfully Invlt 'd. We herein/ certify the issue of the Auckland Evening Star jor the week ending September \th, 1880, to have been as under: — Monday, Aug. 30 6,219 Tuesday, „ 81 6,202 Weclnosday,Sept.l 6,216 Thursday, „ 2 6,203 Friday, * „ 3 6,267 Saturday, „ 4 6,296 Total issue for week ... 37,403 GEORGS FKASKU) Public Account f tints and T. LEIGH VVHITKk City Auillwrs.

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

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1880.

For the cause that lacks assistance. For the wronn that needs resistance, I'or the future in the distance, And the food tli.it we can do

The opening of the Free Public Library which, thanks to tho hospitality and good taato of tho Mayor, was cele brated in a most pleasant and appro priate manner last night, is an event that will always bo distinguished in the annals of Auckland. It is spe cially eminoDt as being one of the first fruits of a now departure in our city government. The disposition of some of our past Councils has been to limit tho functions of tho municipal author ity to tho mere making and repairing of roads and footpaths. The corpora tions of the groat towns iv England lay claim to nobler offices, and wo hail the Public Library as a recognition by our own Council of responsibility in relation to tho social and intel lectual well-being of the citizens. The progress of Auckland during tho paßt five years augurs well for the future. With equal breadth in city government through tho ensuing five years, we shall be able to boast of a model town—one worthy the imita tion of other municipalities. And now that tho necessary funds are at tho dis posal of the Council to improve the park site, which has by a fortunate accident been reserved in the very centre of the city, and to establish a fitting permanent homo for the institu tion that was opened last evening, the coming year should not be behind the past one in good works. Wo hopo to see the opening of a Free Public Library followed speedily by Public Baths. And there will still remain plenty of occupation to excite the emulation of a race of Mayors animated by a laudable ambition to leavo their names to an admiring posterity.

The speeches laab night gavo an admirable review of the history of book collecting and it 3 modern development —free public libraries. Our full report to-day obviates the necessity for further remarks on this subject. But we think it is to bo regretted that the call for voluntary speaker's did not bring for ward one or other of that little knot; of bookworms who, through good report and bad report, clung to the ancient library and hall in which the assem blage was last evening gathered; The history of the old Mechanics' Institute, told by one of its familiar spirits, would make a queer story. How every attempt to revive it appeared to be a hopeless struggle against destiny, and doomed to certain disappointment, and yet how a modest number of old fogies and ardent young searchers after truth found shelter and sedate happiness within its moulder ing Avails. And who shall fix the limit of the influence which tho radiating light of knowledge, feeble and glimmering though it was, has exercised upon the minds of inhabitants of this city. The old habitues who, by iunate modesty and instinctive shrinking from the public gaze were deterred from stepping forward and publicly pro claiming the good genius of their old love, dkl not receive a due meed of praise in the prevailing cnlogiums of the night. For after all it is to their constancy in adversity we owe tho pre servation of the Institute and the final effort which has blossomed into such excellent fruition. Wo have a pleasant recollection of the circumstances under which two of tho most indomitable, when all other hope had failed, came to solicit our aid in a final effort to save the lamp of knowledge from going out within the Institute walls. And when the request for a grant was refused by the City Council, we cannot forget how, aided by such advocacy us we were able to give through these columns, they button-holed the whole town and literally dragged the ratepayers' to poll for the library. Nor can we fail to remember what

dismay spread through the camp when it was bruited abroad that a formidable opposition to even an additional half-penny on the rates had I een organized, and the rejoic ing when, at the close of an arduous con test, it was found that the day had beeu won by overwhelming numbers. One of tho two never lived to see tho final accomplishment of his wishes. The other appeared to enjoy tho Mayor's tea and buns with tho gusto of v mau who honostly folt ho had earned his reward.

We most cordially endorse the good wishes which were very freely ex pressed last night, and hope our citizons will take a prido in thoir Free Public Library. In Molboumo, it is tho first institution that attracts tho attention of tho visitor, and the ono ho loaves behind with tho most genuine- regret. Through tho exertions of thoso who have gone before, Auckland has boon enabled to make a very fair start, and it will bo discreditable to the city if tho library is not well patronised and rapidly improved and enlarged.

There was no sitting of the Supreme Court this morning, au adjournment of the case of Burtt v. Earlo having been secured by tho lawyers engaged in it.

The Harbour Board has authorised its engineer to expend a sum of £5 in repair ing the road leading to tho railway wharf.

The Froo Public Library was thrown open this morning, and during tho day has been visited by novorsil hundreds of people. Although the old and dilapidated volumes bequeathed by tho Institute, with their diversity of binding, colour, and size, pre sent a rather outre appearance when ranged alongside the neat and uniform volumes, of the defunct Provincial Council, yet an examination of tho shelves suJliuos to con viuco the casual observer that thoy have boon assorted with judgment. Tho photo graphic views aro a very acceptable addition to tho library, and if tiny worthy citizen should feel disposed to supplement tlietio embellishment!) of tho walls ho may roat assured that plenty of room will be found them. The librarian (Mr Shillin!>ton) lias already produced a very favourable impression. lie displays a ready willingness to oblige tho visitors iv every possibly way, whilo tho entire a'iseiico of any ollicious demeanour on his pare cannot fail to render the library a moat popular resort Tho hours during which it will remain open on the six business days aro:—9 a.m. till '2 pin,, 3 p.m. till 5.30 p.m , and G. 30 p.m. till 10 p.m.

Yesterday, beforo hia departure from Auckland, His Excellency tho Governor ox pressed much plousuiie on being prssontud with "Tho Now Zealand Order of tbe Brace," the colours used in tho manufacture being his well-known sporting colours. The inscription thereon was as follows: "To His Excellency Sir Hercules Kobinaon, G.C.M.G. A farowoll from Auckland, JSew Zealand, Sept. 7, ISSO."

A seaman of the; cuttor Leo met with an accident last evening, by stopping over board. Finding that.ho was undergoing immersion, he called loudly for help. A punt was pushod ofl', ho was rescued, placed on board, and rubbed down by his mate. The seaman had taken extra grog, which led his footsteps astray, and which might have cost him his life.

The Auckland branch of the New Zealand Alliauce are quietly making progress in a busiuess-like manner. The special meeting of the general committee in the Temperance Hall was fully attended last night.

A meeting of members of tbe Scottish Company will bo held this evening at the Metropolitan Hotel at 7.30, in view of the comiug review. Major Derrom iv tho chair.

The Parisian Diorama drew a largo num ber of visitors last evening, and the views of tho principal cities of the Continent, palaces of art, and temples of devotion wore admired by all, About a hundred gifts were distributed, some of them of consider able value, including vaaes, albums, and other articles of ornament and use. Tbe Diorama will bo open for a few nights longer.

Tho residents of Mount Albert are about to make au effort for tho building of a district hall to meet the requirements of tho neighbourhood, and the initiatory step has already been taken. A meeting wiui held on Monday evening, when Mr A. K. Taylor, who takes a deep interest in the welfare of the settlers, offered an allotment in a central position for the proposed build ing. We understand that arrangements are in progress for purchasing tho school building at Morniiißside, now unoccupied. Already £50 has been subscribed towards the Mount Albert Hall.

A concert will be held to-morrow evening in the Industrial Home, under the mnnuge ment of Mr John Kyan, the object being the raising of money to meet the expense of the new gas-littiugs. Some of the children of the Homo will give musical pieces and recitations, under the direction of their teacher, Miss Barton. A number of well-known amateurs will assist, and Mr Stickley, by request, will sing " My Grand father's Stick, a popular [lyric with the children. Mr David Goldic is the promoter of the concert. The whole is promising, and will afford visitors an opportunity of looking over this necessary establishment.

Return of the sick treated at the Pro vincial District Hospital for the week ending Saturday, September 4th 1880. Remained last return 9G ; admitted since, 15 ; discharged, 10 ; remaining, 101; males, S5 ; females, 10. Arrangement of cases : zymotic, 12; constitutional, 13; local, 45; developmental, 22; violent, 9. Thanks arc returned to the Mayor and Council for a number of newspapers, aud to Mra Sad- Ucr for a parcel of old linen.

The journeymen bakers held their annual ball last evening iv the Lornc-street Hal, but the attendance was not quite so large as anticipated. The programme was a liberal one, sufficient to satisfy the most ardent of the disciple's of the muse of dancing. The music was supplied by Mr Wright's String Band, and in point of merit was all that could be desired. Tho refreshments were spread in due order upon the table, in the side hall, for the satisfaction of the inucr man, for dancing tends to create an appetite, and this delightful and fashionable exercise was kept up until four o'clock. To-day, by consent of tho employers, the bakers take a holiday in the country of which due notice was given to customers. Tho chairman did not deliver a floury speech on the occasion, or ho might have given some account of the body corporate, which wo learn is really healthy and growing. If the ball did not add materially to tho funds of the associa tioD, the bakers did their best towards such a happy consummation, and arc to be credited for good arrangement and order.

Tho non-society shipwrichts held a meet ing last evening in tho Waitemata Hotel. Mr Wm. McKenzie (in tho chair) was tho principal speaker, and he considered thnt non-society men should act on tho principle of " Live and let live." You cannot force, said Mr McKenzie, and the result of com binations is to drive tho trade out of the the country, and, as long as Auckland is a port, there will be an opposition or body oE non-society shipwrights. The other speakers followed briefly, aud at the close of the speeches Messrs Darroch, Beaton, and McNaughton gave their names as members of the association.

The anniversary tea and church meeting at the Ponsonby Baptist Cburch will be held to-morrow evening at G. 30. (the Rev. Allen W. Webb in the chair). A select choir will be in attendance, and several ministers and others will address the assemblage.

The Waikato correspondents of our morning contemporary, as well as those of the Star, have with universal accord borne unqualified testimony to the satisfaction which the alteration in the time-table has given throughout Waikato, and the same fact has been the subject of remark in the " Herald's " own local columns. Yet by ono of those singular vagaries peculiar to our contemporary, it states to-day, on the faith of ono complaint -and it is impossible to please everybody—fiat "The alteration in the Waikato timetable is giviug a great deal of annoyance and inconvenience to settlers in that district.lt There is not a tittle of truth in this statement. From all parts of Waikato—and from the local journal—we learn that the present time-table is declared to be most satisfactory, and the thanks of the com munity aic given to Mr Macdonald for having arranged it so. There is one subject of complaint, however, which might be easily remedied,' aud to which the To Awamutu correspondent of the "Herald" drew attention yesterday. The To Awamutu and Cambridge post offices do not giva delivery ot the letters after the arrival of the mail; and hence some inconvenience. If the postal authorities would arrange for have half-an-hour's delivery at Te Awa mutu and Cambridge every night after the arrival of the mail, ■ the happiness of the settlers would be complete. We hope this modest request will be complied with, •

Mr J. P. King's address to tho electors 6f East Ward apneaw in our advertising columns to-daj'. Ho declares in favour of a revised waterworks tariff tramways (but not at the expense of the ratepayers), im proved management of city endowments, muuicipal control of the police to prevent further overbearing persecution of respect able citizens, day meetings, city control of the harbour, hotter roads to the railway station, reduced cab and vchiclc][fares, and the extension of city, boundaries so aa to iucludo the suburbs.

It is notified by advertisement in another column that thirty lady and gentlemen professional choristers are wanted for the Lingard opera season,as well as a few good amateurs for chorus.

To tho Editor : Sir,—lf tho Police nro too weak to keep in chesk the larrikins of Upper Pitt-street, I would suggest the formation of a vigilant committee, neither mild words nor turfs of grass being of any avail. It is time it was tried what virtue there is iv a horsewhip ably applied over the shoulders of the cheeky scoundrels,—A SUFKKKEK.

At the Licensing Uourt yesterday, two of the applications for now licenses were in formal. A memorial must be signed by ten householders or disappointment to tho ap plicant follows. Iv the applications, in two instances, persons had signed who were not honajlde householders, but living with their parents. Hence the Bench had no jurisdiction.

Accidents have been palufully numerous of late. Tho last to report happened yester day to a respectable matron, wiiile carrying a kettle of water to the (iro-place. Llerfoot caught in a mat, and falling heavily on the hearth with the arm in some way twisted, she was ao much injured as to bo unablo to ri.se. On being found.in that unfortunate stato, medical assistance was procured, and oxamiualion proved the arm to bo broken above tho elbow. Thus in tho homo do

accidents somctimos happen. Tho poisoning of dogs lias for some weeks past been carried on \vUli great vigour in various parts of Auckland, but in One liunga there likh beou wholesale slaughter, thirteen dogs being reportod killed in that vi'lago on .Saturday. —In Parncll about 11 score have succumbed to ntrycliuiiio (luring the last month or ho. Tho strango put of the nll'uir, however, is that tho victims in

tieaily all cases nro valuable nniumlfl, inaatiuH, Bporting and shcop dogs, whilo tho worthless curs survivo ns if thoy woro tho liltest, and multiply and increase as if the world was niado for tham—and them alone. At tho annual meeting of Licensed Victuallers at tho Tunnies last night tho following gentlemen wcro elected oillce bearcra for tho current year •.—President,

Mr Symington]; vicc-Piesidcnt, Mr Endro*. Cominittco : Messrs Vaughan, llrownlow, Anjjovc, Constant, and Mahoney. Honor ary secretary, Mr S. Ktcphonson. Ooorgo Beuuinont, au Englishman, has lately takou frum iho Capo to JJuunos

Ayrew, 105 Afiican ostriches of tho most

beautiful species, with tho intention to start an ostrich farm iv tho Argentine Republic. From ntudioa niAdo previous to carryihg his ideas into ell'fot, the importer ontertains no doubt of thoir thriving in tho elimalo of South America as well us thay do iv Southorn Africa,

Mr Stewart, tho I'istricfc Engineer, was at the ThaniesoiiSaturday, lie inspected the railway works, and expressed his approval of tliu satisfactory manner in which the entire work had beou carried out and completed. Tho contract to be curriod out involved uu

unusually heavy plant in rolling stock and

tramway? to connect the hill und foreshore. Messrs O'Uriiiii and Co. may bo congratu lated on having finished their contract in au cllicicnt and satisfactory manner, but empty

praise i.s a very poor set oil' to tho heavy loss they sustain through the entire stoppage of the railway. From ten to twelve hundred

pounds worth of plant is thrown on thnir funds entirely usolch. Tho injustice to the whole community is remarkable, but to the contractors it is most grievous. Wo sym pathise with the contractors, and hope that some opportunity may soon beallbrdcd them

to utilise their very superior plant.— " Avertiser." A meeting of the Board of Governors ol

the Thames High School was held at the Borough Chambers, OralmriiHtownf yostcr dny forcnoou. Present: Tho Mayor (in the clmir), Messrs Brown, Brodie, Speight, Marshall, NcCullough, and Dr Kllbour. A letter wiui rend from tho Education Department, Wellington, stating that a voucher fsr £200 had been passed, being tho ilrst instalment of tho grant of £400, and tho letter was received. Mr G, A. Hut tie wroto that tho Kov. Jamcn

liuttlo was willing to diuposo of his property in Builhe-strcet, jiext }hq school, for the sum of £500. After some discussion, it was resolved that tho Board was not in a position to purchn.se the property. A visit ing committee was appointed and other business transacted.—" Advertiser."

At tho meeting of tho Hnrbour Board yesterday afternoon a report was received from tho engineer in which, amongst other things, lie stated his opinion that tho hulk Cnutcro causes very serious silting by being continually beithod iv the one posi tion alongside tho Railway Wharf. It would be impossible to compute the pro portian of the eiltiug up which had taken lilace at this wharf in couHcquence of the hulk, but ho would state that underneath tho wharf and inside tho hulk the water had been reduced from twelve feet to four. Ho therefore recommended her removal. Iv addition to this he reported that, the piles and framing of tho platform used by the North Shnro steamers were very much broken and decayed, and that it would ho necessary to renew the work as soon as piles of the required lengths were to hand. The report was referrod to tho Works Committee.

Speaking at the soiree in his honour last night, Mr Speight, M.U.K., said, referring to the disparaging way in which sotno persons spoke of members of Parliament, '• the gentlemen of the present House of representatives were as honourable and upright a, body as had ever met to transact the business of the coHjjtiy." He then spoke at some length on tho practice which has lately obtained hero of forwarding petitions to Parliament on every petty local grievances, To think that such a CDrciuunity should descend to such petty, mean things as sending petitions to Wellington on some matters which they had, was disgraceful, aud on more than one occasion ho had blushed with shame, when they had come up for consi deration. Indeed ho had onco or twice almo«t to tell an untruth when qucstioued by lion, members in regard to some of tho petitions Jf they punned that course again they would bo doing tho Thames more harm than the loss of half-a-dozen gold mine*."

A rattier gooa story comes from a town In tho Auckland district, and fortunately its truth is vouched for. A number of "the residents lastsuinmcr were out on a kind of fishing picnic, and the weather bsing intensely hot they met with but indifferent success in angling. The ladies soon strolled off by themselves, and wont down the creek. This was only intended jto mis lead their lords aud masters and prevent them from following, as they really intended having a, quiet bathe. They insdo a circuit, therefore passing tho camp unnoticed, and after going some distance up tUcritream found a quiet uoyk, and were soon paddling about in the water delighted. They wero nicely sheltered ,is the bank on one side was steep and precipitous. Meanwhile the gentlemen of the p>»ty also grew tired of angling, aad one of them suggested if bathe. 'We can easily nvoid the ladies. They have gone [down tho river. I know a nice shady water-hole with a steep bank. We can undress under some tree=>, not far off, take a, short inn to the bank, and jump in.' They did so. One after another they arrived at the did', and sprang off, coming down like co many thunderbolts iv the midst of their better halve*, who cannot to this day recollect how they got out of the dillicuUy.—"Thames Advertise.o."

The annual social gathering of the teachers and Bible-class scholars of St. James' Prosbjterian Sunday-school took place last evening in the hail, Wellington street. The proceedings proved oE a most agreeable character, for the superintendent and elder teachers, setting an example of hearty sociability, Foon thiuved the frigid reserve which invariably characterises the first hour at such assemblages. The com pany having discussed an appetising tea, lost no time in initiating a scries of parlour games, which provided them-, with capital recreation, while at intervals throughout the evening musical selections and rccita tiona were contributed, Mr John McCoskrie accompanying the vocalists upon tho har monium. Miss Mercer and Mr Dick sang the familiar Scottish duet, "Huntingtowor," while a trio, aud a part sous, were also rendered, viz , " Yo SUcpherda Tell Me," by Misses McMillan and Blades and Mr J. Mucky ; and, "On Yonder Rock ICeclin hip," from Aubcr'a " Fra Diavolo," by Misses Mercer, J. Donaldson, and Mackie, and Messrs Macky and McCoskrie. Mr R. Bond recited two choice pieces with his usual felicitousnosfl. This was thn last public appearance of the gentleman prior to his departure for Sydney, and many hearty wishes were uttered for his welfare there. By his many genial qualities he lias suc ceeded in {forming a large circle of sincere friends, who view his approaching depar ture with unaffected regret. The compauy dispersed at a good hour, after joining heartily in the jovial soDg {'Auld Lang Syne."

Scintillations.

"Bo br'of; for, it is with words as with sun beams ; tho more they aro condensed, the deeper they burn,"—SOuthky.

THE mostprominout feature at the Mayor's conversazione last night was tho number of parsons present. The Anglican and Roman Catholic Bishops sat side by side oh the platform, and priest and presbyter frater nised harmoniously in the hall. A soiree is one of the few mild dissipations which the clergy arc allowed.

Garrard is au old hand at tho agitation business. He distinguished himself in the same Hue in Waikato several years ago, and was immortalised in doggerel verse of by no means complimentary deecriptiOD, stuck on the puut.

A young and rising disciple of Esculapius of Queensland has disappointed all the marriagable ladies of Brisbane by marrying his housekeeper at the Rcgistrar-Geueral s oilicc.

Several State schools in Victoria have beeu closed in consequence of the prevalence of measles.

Tho Artizans Union in New South Wales is organising for tho elections in New South Wale?, now near at hand.

Next to tho parsons, the Scotchmen were distinguished amoug the Mayor's guests. Three of tho speakers (including the Mayor) hailed from the Land of the Thistle, whilo the Hose and the Shamrock had only one representative each. Tho drill bought in Sydney by Dr. Hector to test tho strata of the Thames goldGcld, and which, like all other Government pro perty, was immediately seized by tho South, is tcstiug for coal at the Kaueiri river, near llokitika.

A Vcrmontcr has had three dollars damages awarded him for being butted over tho fence by his neighbour's bull. Tho smallness of tho sum is duo to the plaintiffs avowal that he was tryint: to got over the fonco aa quickly as possiblo, so that tho bull only helped him in currying out an inten tion conceived of his own free will. The lata fire which destroyed the native town of Ban, Fiji, makes the third timo it has been burnt to the ground in 11 ycar3. Somo of tho houses, from (ho labour bestowed on them, were worth fully £1,000, and tho ouly buildings saved were King Cabobau's residence and tho churcli* Oiio of tho prospecting narty in tho Wairarupa ranges (near Pulmerston) has brought in specimens to WelliiiKton, and tho Mayor and other influential citizons are taking steps to have the liud tested. Mr Charles Bright has beon lecturing in Sydney on tho contradictions, misstatc monts, und exaggerations of tho Now Testa-

ment. • Ho m UHicnl programme at the I üblic Library celebration was remarkably well arruugod by Mr Gordon Goocb. That gontlc man's voice, however, was rather too power ful tor tho smull ball. Mr Wilson has a lino tenor voice, well cultivated. Mis personal rcscmblauce to his musical instructor was remarked. Tho freight fares for ChincHO from Sydney to Mulbourue, by steamor, arc down to £50 per 100. A Detroit young woman tried to bo aris tocratic, and did nut look lit tho money that she gave to tho horse car conductor, but ho meekly gave her back tho lozengo on which was written, "I'll never cease to love theo I" and said ho was an orphau with live little brothers to support, uud must bo excused.

The export of coal from Newcastle, New South Wales, Uiu week beforo lust, amounted to 20,406 tons. The tomb of Eve, at Jeddau, i 3 CO feet long. If our mother's size was anything like that of her tomb, her children now aro miserably degenerated creatures. Two warders and a nurse, who brought chargea of druukeiineH« against the matron and the dispenser in Wellington hospital, failed to prove their charges, and hayo been dismissed. Nevertheless, the institution was greatly disorganised, and is to undergo sweeping reforms. Tho weather in Syducy and the surround ing districts U of a most summer-like appearance The grass is drying up last, and feed and water is yery scarce. A drought is feared. The Licensing Bench at Wellington yes terday granted two new license*, on the ground that recognised houses under the control of tho police w..c less pernicious than unlicensed clubs.

Mr J. Campbell, 8.A., gave a most eulogistic accouut of the Hot Lako District of Ni!w Zealand in a lecture at Syducy recently. Iv the cose of tho New Zealand Insurance Company ngainst tho ' South British, at Brisbane, it was decided that each party pay their own costs of the hearing of the case.

A rush has set in to Fagur's Creek, 17 miles along tho beach from Greymouth. A half-pennyweight to the dish is reported. Mr Maneon, the indcfutigable ageut of the Waltham Watch Company, has left Sydney tor the Melbourne Exhibition. Tho Duncdiu Licensiug Bench refused eight applications for new licenses yester day, on the ground that they would entail increased police surveillance. The Bishop of Brcchin, of the Scottish Episcopal Church, says that when disestab lishment in Scotland, to which the. present Government was at least inclined, comes, it will make an enormous difference to the Episcopal Church in that country. 'lho Christchurch cabmen are glorying in their victory over tho tramway company, and asserted their right yesterday by block ing the cud of tho tramway at the railway station, forcing passengers to alight away from the station.

Warning to young people matrimony—Brimstone is the end of all matches.—"Boston Transcript." Very true. But only at one end of a match is there brimstone. There is a soft pine end, remember.—" Newllavenßegister." Yea : but the soft pine comes before marriage. The Irish Presbyterian General Assembly has again remanded the question of instru mental music in public worship to tho Presbyteries, and refused to proceed to bring under discipline ministers who had introduced musical instruments in church.

Mr Androw Maxwell, manager of tho South British Company in J)unedin conies iip to tho head oilice here. Mr A. Murray il\U the vacaucy at Dunedin.

A gentleman who has been surveying roads through tho Opuawhanga Block, near Whangarei, was heard to oxpross his astonishment yesterday, at such good land not being 'rushed'when it could be ob tained for nothing under tho ' lloniostcad system.' The answer is, that tho district is unknown where thero is a demand for such land.

No lady who has been before a divorce court, however innocent she may he, or on whichsoever side sho may havo been, is per mitted by etiquetto to havo her name pass for a drawing-room at the English court.

A pretty girl "out West" told her beau that she wns a mind-reader. " You don't say so !" ho exclaimed. "Can you read what's in my mind!" "Yes," said she ; " you have it in mind to ask mo to be your wife, but you're just a little scared at the idea." The wedding-cards are our.

First-class stock actors in London receive as much as £20 to £40 a week. .

When the American colonies declared their Independence in 1776, the entire popu latiou was only two and a half millions. The census .inst taken will, it is expected, show fifty million inhabitants, ami a stati cian has calculated that if the same ratio of increase continues during the next hundred years, the population in 1980 will be a, thou sand millions !

Mr Khrenfricd, the well-known brewer of tho Thames, has won golden opinions by paying up 20s in the pound on all the debts wiped off in an insolvency at Dunedin some years ago. Considering that Mr Ehrenf ried has thus voluntarily disbursed several thou sands of pounds which could never have been claimed, his honourable conduct merits all the praise bestowed upon it.

The Christchurch people havo unabated confidence in the earth-closet system, and the Licensing Commissioners congratulated the hotel-keepers upon complying with their wishes by carrying it out. Tho site of tho city is so level tnat Christchurch has already an unenviable pro-eminenco as the worst drained and most unhealthy city in the colony. This fact, to say nothing of the porous character of the limestone formation from which, the water supply is drawn by atte*ian wells, renders earth closets highly desirable.

AUCKLAND SHAREMARKET.

Seftembicr 8,1880. Bank oE Nqw Zealand—Sellers, £21 National Bank—Buyers, OOs Colonial Bunk—Buyers, 47»: aollora, 478 N.Z Insurance -Buyers, 639 South BrMah-Sellera, 66s National Insurance—Buyers, 2759 d Union—Buyers, 17s 6<l Auokland Timber Co-Cuyors 05s ; sollera £5J9 Thames Gaß—Sellers. 20a 6d Colonial Insuranco—Buyers. 0s Auckland Gas-Hurora, £9 1736 cl Union Sush and Door—Sollors, £8 5a .Albumin.— Sellers, 33s Momataiari—sos Calodonlnn-Sellors, 26a •• Kuranui Hill—Sollors, 9s North Devon—2os ; buyers, 10s 6cl; aaliorp, O.s Gd BJGoldon Crown—Buyers, 18s KsSGiO Queen of Beauty—Sollera. 5s Southern Cross—Sellers, 5s Columbra-SeUers, ss s 3d pH NBwMAN> Chairman.

CABLEGRAMS.

EUROPEAN.

[ft X Ul' B R's TELKa It A M S.] Ayub Khan in Full Betreat CALCUTTA, Sept. 7. Intelligence has been received from Kandahar that Ayub Khan is retreating with all possible speed along the road to Herat, and is accompanied by Hashim Khan and a large, body of Herati cavalry. Before Tne Victory. LONDON, August 31. General Roberts arrived at Kandahar on the 30th. Before his arrival Ayub Khan withdrew his cutire forces to Argandab, north of the city. He waa prevented by the Kabuli regiments from retiring to Ginshk and Helmund. General Phayre's intended co-operation with General Roberts was delayed. Land Meetings in Ireland. The four land meetings were held in Ire land on Sunday, when resolutions were passed. Mr Gladstone's Tour. Mr Gladstone is in favour of abolishing Landlordism, and visited Dartmouth, Fal rnouth, Dublin, aud Greenock. He met with an enthusiastic reception at Dublin, and in reply to a deputation at Groenock, said his health was improved. LONDON, August 30. Kelut has been evacuated, aud .the Khan's garrison has joined General Roberts' army. From all parts of Afghanistan come reports of tho scarcity of fodder, and the horses employed on military service have been put on half allowance. The Disturbances on the Indian Frontier. Advices from Beluchistan state that the native population are restless, and disturb ances are feared. Serious discontent pre vails among tho Pathans at Knrragce, the principal soaport town of Scinde, in Hin dostan. Fearing the report, the British Minister ordered their disarmament, and has taken steps to ba prepared for any emergency. The Czar of Russia will spend the winter at Lividia. All-England v. Australians. LONDON, September 6. Ihe match between tho All-England eleven and tho Australian cricketers was commenced to-day. The homo team went in lirst to tho wickete, and when the stumps were drawn for tho day had lost 8 wickets lor 410 runs. Mr W. G. Graco scored .152. The attendance was very large. The field ing of the Australians was cxcollout, and the weather throughout tho day was very line. A capital wicket was pitched, aud tho ground was in good order. Spofforth was ulncnt.

AUSTRALIAN.

[lIISUTKR'S SPKUIAIj CABLEGRAMS.] MELBOURNE, Wednesday. In tho Legislative Assembly last night Mr David Gauaou was elected Chairman of Committees. Several Ministerialists pro tested y^'aiiuit hia election. MELBOURNE, September C. Mr Elsdcu succeeds Mr Higinbotham, late eugiucor-in-chief. SYDNEY, September 7. Tho decision in the case against the " Evening News," for contempt of Court, has been deferred. ' The Kaiidwick races were held to-day. METROPOLITAN HANDICAP. The Pontiir 1 Heiperion 2 Lord Burgbley 3 It was won by two lengths. Time, 3min 31bcc. SPRING STAKES. Sapphire 1 Guinea ... ... ... ... ...' 2 Cornelia 3 BRISBANE, September 7. The Premier has ratified the mail contract via the Torres Straits, without reference to the proceedings which took place in the Legislative Assembly, oil the part of the Opposition.

Election for East Ward.

The election of two representatives of East Ward in the City Council will take place in the room at tho back of the Free Public Library (Mechanics'lnstitute) between the hours canine a.m. and six p.m. to-morrow. The candidates ara Messrs Graves Aickin, John Grey, G. llemus, aud .T. P. King. The houndaries of the Ward include all property on the East side of Queen-street as far a* Karangahapc Koud nud the Graf ton Itoad and Parnell boundaries—that is to say, the lino of Stanley-street and Symonds street.

The Waimate Plains

[FKOM OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

CHANGE IN THE DEMEANOUR OF

THE NATIVES.

PUNGAREHU, this day.

The natives who came to fence yester day morning, aud waro^sent back, did'not return till this morning. It has been their previous custom to fence at least twice, and occasionally three times a day. This morning precisely tho same number marched iv an orderly manner to the fencing place, the boys in tho front carry ing poles or stalks and the men behind bringing branches to interweave the stalks. The boys each simultaneously stuck in a stalk, but contrary to custom they kept hold of the upper end. They were told to return by tho interpreter. Of this they took no notice.

Major Tuke then ordered the 4.C. to advance. On this being done tho leader of the Maories gave the -word from behind to take out the stakes, and all the stakes were removed instantly, and the whole of the natives turned away, carrying their fencing material with them.

They are probably getting tired of cutting boughs to be burnt by tho A.C., aud a wonderful change is noticeable in their demeanour.

It is likely that the arrest of the prisoners on Saturday last, aud their being brought to trial, has not been without its effect.

Te Whiti Las always told them that they could not be brought to trial, and on previous occasions when we have refused to arrest the fencers they have always returned largely recruited, but now no additions arc made, but the same natives return only. Some of the younger natives must have been fencing daily for a fortnight. The penal clause in the new bill has doubtless frightened muuy, .. *,

DIVORCE OF MR RICHMOND THATCHER.

In the Divorce Court, Sydney, Mr Want moved fora rule ;mi for a dissolution of tho marriage between Maria and Richmond Thatcher. The issues for trial were—mar riage, cruelty, adultery, and desertion. The evidence adduced showed that the peti tioner, Maria Thatcher (nde Blount) was tho wife of Richmond Thatcher the well-known theatrical agent and journalist. They were married in January, 1872, atMuswellbrook, and had had two children—a boy and a girl. They soon afterwards came to Sydney, and subsequently went thence to Bathursr, where the respondent commenced iHtreating the petitioner by striking her with his fist, and threatening her with other violence. In February, IS7G, he suddenly left her with out any means of support for herself or her two children. He went overland to Mel bourne and thence to New Zealand. .After some tirno he wrote to hor froniNewZealand, promising to amend his course of life, where upon she went there at her own expense and rejoined him. He kept good during a few ; days after her arrival there, but he then again struck her and threatened her. Bear ing he might do worse she left him. It was subsequently ascertained that the respon dent wont in last December to a boarding house iv Cumberland-street, where he" introduced a woman as his wife, and that they occupied tho same bed room there, as man and wife, until the following January. The boardiug-houEC keeper believed them to be married ; but in court he perceived that the woman in ques tion, named Smith, was not the respondent's wife. Thatcher and the woman referred to loft tho boarding-house shortly after New Year's Day. George Edward Young gave testimony to tho effect that the defendant, with a woman aud child, had left for England. A woman who hai the charge of respondent's children deposed that ho had made no provision for their maintenance,, and they were being {supported by the peti tioner. His Honor saw that Mrs Thatcher was perfectly justified in leaviugher hus band, and that all the issues—marriage, cruelty, adultery, and desertion—were iiihei favour. He accordingly granted a xulo nisi for tho dissolution of the marraige, making it returnable in six months, aud ordering the customary to bo published in. tho Press, H

The Free Public Library.

INAUGUKAL CELEBRATION. A The opening of the Free Public Library was singualiicd last evening by a grand con versazione held in the building familiar to Aucklandcrs under the unpretcn&ious des ignation of "Mechanics' Institute," but henceforth to bo known by a more striking title. The admission was by ticket only, and as His Worship had distributed hio invi tations with a judiciousregardtothecomfort of his guests, there was just a suflicicnt number present to be conveniently accom modated. He must also be complimented upon the discrimination which he exercised iv securing a fair representation of all classes, creeds and sections of tho citizens. It is no idle compliment to say that very few social gatherings of such a thoroughly denotative or typical character have been held io. Auckland. The Senate, ihe Press, the Pulpit, the Bar, the Lancet/and all the public institutions and bodies, as well as tbe leading trades were well represented, while the presence of the ladies lent an additional charm to the proceedings. To attempt to individualise names amidst such an assem blage would be highly invidious, and therefore it will suffice to say that IJis Worship the Mayor presided, and that he was supported on tho right by Sir G. M. O'Korke, M.U.It. (Speaker of tho House of Representatives), Bishop Cowie, Colonel Haultain, and Mr F. J. Moss, M.H.K-, and on tho left by Archbishop Steins, S. J., Key. D. Bruce (Presbyterian, and Key W. Morley (Wesleyan). From the dais on which the.seats of these- gentlemen were placed three tables extended longitudinally to the entrance of tbe Hall The supply of dainties reflected credit upon the caterer (Mr Stacey), while a plentiful supply of bouquets of flowers and pot plants added greatly to the effect. The books are ranged in neat shelves fitted up between the win dows, while underneath the sashes of the latter the handsome photographs recently received from Wellington are arranged. These were all fringed and bordered last night with ferns, and in short there was a profusion of greenery, while striDgs of variegated flags depended from the cailing. aud were hung around the walls. The in terior of the building presented a really charming appearauce, and when the com pany was seated the effect was very eu livening. Bishop Cowie having pronounced grace, tea was dispensed, . and in the twinkling of an eye everyone was engaged in discussing the fare. After the visitors had passed from tea to dessert an interval was allowed for conversation,and finally the Artillery Band gave notice of the approach of the more formal part of the proceedings by rendering an overture, " Pride of Scot land.'1 The Chairman then delivered the opening address. He assured tho company that it gave him very great pleasure to see Buch a large and representative assemblage of the citizens of Auckland. They were met that night to inaugurate the opening of the Free Public Library, and that was an object whicli should receive the countenance aud command the approval of all. For, what ever differences of opinion might exist among us on many points, we are at one on this—that the diffu«ion of knowledge, aud the education of the people are things to be desired, as being capable of producing benefits alike to the individual and the commuuity. As they were aware that building had long been known in Auckland as the Mechanics' Institute— an institution which had shared the fate of many others with similar designation and aims throughout the world. It was uu necessary to enter minutely into the causes which had led to tha chronic state of disablement into which it fell, further than to state that the committee, in their embarrassment, applied to the City Council for aid, and that the Council was precluded by the Act from giving mone tary assistance to an institution notentiiely under its own control. Overtures were theu made and agreed to, to hand over the institute for the purpose of forming a free library. An Act was obtained giving the necessary power to transfer. The Libraries Act was brought into operation by a poll of the citizens, and in addition to the books available for the Mechanics' Institute they had been favoured by the gift of the truly excellent library of the late Provincial Council. He thought there would be little disagreement on this point, that these valuable booka belonging to the latter library were much better collected there as a wholeihnn scattered over the provinces in driblets as was suggested by some. The Council haviog resolved to carry put the scheme at once, had fitted- "up the present building as a temporary arrangement, but they looked forward at no distant date to the erection of a new permanent, safe, and suitable building, one which would be worthy of the city and the useful purpose which the library is intended to subserye. After descanting upon the advantages which would accrue to the city from the establish nftnt of a free library such as that found in our midst, and adverting to the success at tendant upon similar large-minded schemes in the old country, His Worship remarked that he was not sanguine enough to believe that crowds would flock to this library who had hitherto ignored reading and etudy, but he hoped that the advantages offered there would be appreciated by the studious, would foster a love of reading amongst the young, and tend to substitute the plea sures of the intellect and the profitable acquisition of information for the too common indulgence during leisure hours in idleness, mischief, and frivolity. One of the distinguishing features of the present age was the large amount of read ing which was indulged in and enjoyed by all classes of society. First, we had the wide-spread newspaper literature, and no one would deny the immense and. varied educating power which was exercised by the Press. Then there were the periodicals and magazine?, many of which presented an ever-varying feast of entertainment, in talcs and work of the imagination, while others embodied solid instruction in every department of thought and action, being themselves but the forerunners or advance editions of the more permanent volumes. Haying stated, as an illustration of the rapidity with which books are being issued from the press, that the British Museum Library received under the Copyright Act no less than 8.345 new and complete volumes last year, besides 17,796 part works and periodicals, tho speaker proceeded, in elo quent language, to dilate upon the levelling tendency of printed literature, his own opinions on this and cognate points being supported by a quotation from Carlyle, in which that modern tagc declares that " the true university of these day 3is a collection of book*." But, His Worship went on to say, there were dangers associated with our advanced privileges, which we would do well to note and avoid, prominent amongst them, apart from the mass of evanescent reading matter -presented to us, necessitating judicious culling and light treatment, being the temptation in sub jects requiriug close' attention, -instead of limiting the number of treatises, aud first thoroughly mastering them, to dip into many and skim the surface, tie was convinced that in other than light reading, a few good books, well digested aud assimilated by the mind, were worth | more iv acquiring the principles that lie at the root of real learning than many books fitfully read. The library which they were now privileged to open was iuteuded in the meantime, like the Melbourne one, to be i only forrcfercuce and reading in the build ing, leaving tho question of supplementing it with a lending libraiy, to be dealt with, as in Sydney, only after the first had been well established. He thought the Council had acted wisely iv adopting this course. It had indeed been mooted that the restriction was a retiograde step, since the Mechanics' Library was a circulating one. While con ceding the very great importance of having a circulating library, it must not, however, be forgotten that a large number of the books taken over from tho Mechanics' Library had had to be discarded as unfit for use, and that to begin lending at this early stage might seriously endanger the ultimate success of the institution. No doubt when, the time arrived that feature would receive duo consideration. The speaker went on to upcak of the care which should over be exercised by those who_ had the privilege of making additions to the library. A heterogeneous gatheriug of books was not necessarily a library. In many cases in tho old country, the libraries suffered much from the com mittees having to beg for donations of books, tho result being a fortuitous conglomeration on their shelves, and the fostering of a ten dency in many to send the refuse or weed ings of their libraries to the Public Library, as if there had been affixed to the ■walls a notice, "Kubbish may be shot here." Fortunately the rate which had been struck in this city for tho purpose afforded us a good basis to work upon. The greatest clieerivnination and care would be icquired in selectiug the books on a definite plan, with a view to making the libiary thoioughly broad and catholic in it 3 character, well balanced in its various parfs, Sect represent ing by the works of standard writers every phase of human thought. Whether the Council should endeavour to associate with the library committee some of the citizcus with special literary ability, to assist in this important direction, was deserving, he thought, of ita serious attention. After alluding to the refining and educating power inherent in a good library, His Wor.

ship entered upon the f0110w,,,,, i lr - M happy peroration ;-Hero, thcfe*^ 1 toil may be relieved by the fascinati "* °* 1 of our girted English novelistsf l WWw ' breathings of poetical goS,*'*?»«* stirring narratives of adventure «J 1 th ° History will open h C r pa Seß tVefel j mind, and bring before the mental X!!*' I careers o peoples and nations tfiS■ khe I attained to eminence anft now* i av«!': 1 world, aud many of which have aftit *¥ '■'I sunk into oblivion or decay Th« td> i minds of every epoch will be in n. t/i1"1^ ! to pour forth their wisdom at bidd? lL ° 1 make known the thoughts, the feeifJ & m 4 aspirations which found a p&W I them m their widely different ciml T lhlti I of age. of race, and peographS S-^li The progress 'of coLtfimfiffi 1 "ggjM meat, aud the principles which I M late commercial intercourse utiLi3P"m tive action thereon will here ha* *■"■ bodiment. .Science, too, will nr P »Il vast stores of knowledge, and'SKtSS persevering and patient research \»| have led to those wonderful- dUcoli ' I and brilliant achievements in uJm ■ ■'"" realm that are the glory of our rfim Ik And if the old yet ever new a ne «HiSß#i? man himself, his being and ft, IS3K demond an answer, anatomy an<T «L ?' ology will be at baud to deecribe tJi. yßl# 5 stiuction of his phyeical frame a "? «* 1 cology will endeavour to unravel theZ I workings of his chief characteristic-S 1 I while religion, and more especially .?' Christian religion, which formai thei fn,, a tion of our national greatness, will fi a position, and assert her claims to n °n the affections, elevate the life ahdcnT a higher and nobler state. Thus rialt^ library, if rightly used, minister to th« ' tellectual health and progress of the nw \ Here, in short, man will be stfoiufirf' the exercise of thought, the nobles'tinft 'a dilfetentiating quality of' oar race an/ they are led to rise above the mere £,1 portions of their nature, astheyareeduS to observe and admire all that is beauiif i around them, and to become less sordid • their character, so much the more »' a especially it united to moral1 pnritv n■ : spiritual enlightenment, will they fulfil Jr W true end o£ their being. I will only f.irik I say tiiat if with, regard to this eartulv it : of ours, physicians and sanitary reform,.' by reason o£ the evil habits and preiudir' 1 which assert themselves, have notßn&efflw! in lengthening its term to the extehiSl under wiser rules and closer observant tbereof, it may one day attain, yet mi* we by intellectual and moral aids asibt if obtaining an equivalent, by conmregaW i more true and higher life in to ft ii.l 1 realising the words of Festus, . v jj 11 We live in deeds, not years; m tliontrhb, n - t -; breath; »6«m, mi In feeling*, not in figures on a dial. Wo abould count timo by neart-tlmrt* ir» meat lives ""■ "0. "Who thinks most-feels the noblest-act> a.1 best." "H ">» His Worship concluded amidst warm and general applause. ™ "The Charmed Song," Mra Mil™ The iady sang the selection with rare « pression, and at the close she -received!! cordial meed of approbation. ■' ■ Sir G. M. O'Korke, oa rising iosSyi dress the company, was received^ cordial applause. He "commenced h™ speech with an expression of tbe gratife. tiou which he felt in being present atlS an inauguration, Many yejrs had rolled over his head since he first cherMwd , the sanguine hope of seeing a free public library established in Attcklaurf and he was glad to perceive now iit I happy relisation. The honorable friend I who sat on his left hand (the chairman) had made his Mayoralty memorable by his endeavours in the direction ot supplying this great public want. True, the shelve* were but scantily filled as yet, and many oE the volumes were bound in quaint aid diversified attire, but they formed the nucleus of what would, at no very distant4 date, be a proud and ambitious collection of literature. Auckland had distinguished herself as the first city in New Zealand l>> take advantage of the Act which gave tbe people the power of rating themselTC* for sucUanecessary institution asapublich'bnuy — and he earnestly hoped that the example' now set would be largely followed, It might be said that the State bad not dis played mnch generosity in merely giving its constituents the opportunity of farther-; rating themselves, but it was highly impor- : taut as presenting opportunities for the formation of civic repositaiies of literature, which, once established, would inrgreat part \>3 strengthened and supplemented by' private benefactions. It was only 30 years since the Libraries Act was passed iv Bug. laud, and Manchester was the first city there to take advantage of its provisions.,, At the instigation of tU«|!Him)E^ra^^B £3o,ooo was subscribed vfor \»uiiai^'tlo library, and an income of £5000 a year was secured to.it by a rate of one penuy in tao pound. The next city was Liverpool. There a successful merchant undertook to bear half the cost of a magnificent bnildisg, but subsequently proceeded to raise the whole of the building at his own cost. ThV> building cost £40,000. Birmingham w« . apt in following these illustrious enmplw, but it was greatly to be deplored-tltat tbe valuable library established in Jhat city should have been recently destroyed by fire, a library which cost £30,000 of the; irate payeis' money, irrespective altogether of the ■Shakespeare Library, wlrich numbered^ many thousand volumes in connection with ■' Shakespearian literature alone. America, too, presented similar examples, There::' was the Lennox Library, for which a mmst. ~ ficent citizen subscribed 700,000 dollars, an'd^ the Astor Library, ,for which four .milts dollars were subscribed by another national; : benefactor, whose son added another foot: : million dollars. In the city of Chicago a like sum was bequeathed for the pnrpoae .of establishing a "free town library. 11 Coming nearer home, he would remind them that in South Australia two pnHic spirited citizens contributed no less th*n £20,000 for this purpose, while the Mayor of Melbourne a short time ago, annouaced-.; that Mr Wilson, a successful colonist, bad presented him with £30,000 for the purposes' of a library in connection with the ITn! raS sity. He believed it would be here in New Zealand, as it had been in thoseM)ther colo: nies aud large cities, that men of weaUi would feel honour in every endeavour Lev s made to promote and extend the cs*;/ tablishment of public free" libraries.' All these thiugs went to show that it o.nl j required a commencement to be made io order to enlist the asaiatauce and secure tho cordial support of the people at large. Aiier the relation of so many successes elsewbw —it might seem rather pitiful to refer to tlie penury aud humility which.had markedly. 1 efforts made in this proviuce and colony to found a public library. Before the nwiiv tion of the provinces he succeeded in getting • £5,000 put on tho estimates ■. for fufnis.lm|| assistance uot merely to country libraries but to similar institutions established ■■by-; municipalities, but he regretted to say toat; the exigencies of local finance bad cai»«f the vote to be abolished: before we coald participate iv the benefit of it. All that we had done, so far, was to prepare the grov™ for the appearance, growth and propac*-.. tion of these, admirable means for dis seminating knowledge broadcast amongst; the people, aud in due time they would arrive at a glorioiu maturity. Jree public libraries were the necessary ao juncts to our-very efficient system oi education, and their powerful effect upon the communities which had access to tucni would be soon perceptible. Ho felt deeply sorry that our legislators had not seen tuc wisdom of presenting to the colonists « this island the academic advantages• w»n which the more favoured inhabitants ot we South Island were already provided m we establishment of a university.' ThaMßnUC' man theu went on to expatiate in glowiag language upon the influences for good which a well-iurnishcd and judicioußly- ;! v selected library, -open to all, e» rcw?u upon a people. It would aJure tho ■ youug from the hauuts of vice Vnj* dissipation, enp.eudcr aud diffuse .B tasto for the graceful verse and ™eW°? thoughts of the gifted intellects ot every mcc and age, and elevate the social We ana aspirations of all conditions of men. loe Mayor aud Councillors ot Auckland had n« associated any churlish] spirit with tbeir, ;, endeavour to fulfil the declared behests .oi , their constituents, for they had thrown wiao the portals of the institution to all, whetiier ■ ratepayers or non-ratepayers. The .kdi igM»; resumed his seat after uttering the »r7" n "; hope that at na distant date would, tae , volumes forming our municipal library .^ translated into a more spacious, lasting, ». BU / appropriate abiding place. „ / S2jpng-"The Goodwin Sands," Mr W, dofl*Gooch. The singer was in KOOQ?^'- ; and his rendering of this capital descrip"* 0 song proved admirable. ..., ' -After an interval for conversation, r band contributed aa instrumeotal select" from " Lucia di Lammermoor." ... Ilia Worship then apologised for mo ~ absence of, Mr Justico liichmond wbo nwj promised 1 to be present with them, aDtt,. ~ speak if his health permitted. The B°"''!\; ; man was unavoidably absent, «oW^* if:. • but Dr Wallis had kindly consen caw - supply his place. He had also to state uw he had becu corcn.bsioned that day by.«« i lixcellency the Governor to expresi.»» ; strong sympathy with the establishment ■. , which they where met to inaugurate, OJW, convey to the people his deep regrets T? ■ he could not be with them that evening. *» Excellency had desired particularly w», i this might be made known. dßir-'H Dr. Wallis, upon coming forward, w» . that no person regretted more hearing / sincerely " the absence of Mr Justice wv" ■ I

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8,



Special Advertisements. WHY WILL YOU COUGH AND aUlftfitKFßOM BRONCHinSJ J. P. KING ft: SON'S!, Chomiat*, have just Trn portedalTrefh Supply of those Valuable VOICE JUJI'JBHiS whion cured so nairny lags year. Pricj, JUGifcor. Sold only by J. P. KING & SONS, Chemists, Quoou-strcot, Auckland. LARGEST SHOW-ROOM in town for FURNITURE, CARPETS, and BICD DING, ia at T. & H. Cookk's, 67, Quo?n-strect. - * ITXTALNUT CARD TABLES, Occa nvw. Kidney-shaped Writing ' .^gggffift^ °n Bale ttt F Ep^ffi B BEP a > KaP<>k Down Beds, SSSS^fc"" 111" uT<&H< °^ (HBBAT KEDUCTION- iv Prices o{ \T~ '■ ■•■ .11 Suites ttt T. & H, OooiCtt's, 67, HUii.li-..lyUli I THIVE Per Cent. Discount allowed to 1 X? Cash Porobosors at T. & 11. CooK&'g, i Furniture and Carpet Warehouse 67, Queen street. Mm"? in '1 ~ .



Special Advertisements. A UCKLA.ND Business Men desiring to J\- further thoir Waikato connection should AWEkS in the WAIKATO TIMES. Scale o£ Charges on application to Messrs Hammond and Byron, 1. Fort-Btreot. Auckland, Sole Auoklaod Agents.—X. M. jixgcumbe & Co. Propriotors. -IUST RECEIVED. 2, i, 6, AND 12-BUTTON KID GLOVES. . ■ m H X . BALANCE OF INTER Q.OODS STIM, BUSING SOLD AT REDUCED PRICES TMTIIiNB & CHEAPSIDE HOUSE, QUKKN-STREET. f^i LUVJIS \y- PRINCIPAL, GLOVE WAREHOUSE:. OARLTCIC & ORANWKtiL Intend always to koop a LarßO Stock of Gloves to suit ovory oliifß of customer. Uosides Thread, SilK. Cloth, and other seasonable Glovos, thoy have now on salo, Q.OOD TWO-TJUITON Kid Gloves (Coloured), Is lid. Those are a Job linu, and worth a creat doal more. Ono Two, and Threo-Button, at 13 9d (slightly daniaßod). We have Just Opened up a muou JJETTER GLOVB, la all sizes, viz.— One-Button Joeophines, now colours One-Button ditto Black Tho publio will generally bo obtainable to the very JJEST and Fashionable Gloves at tho City Hall Arcade. We have just rocolvod a largo assortment SIX°BUTTON Blaok Kid Glovea FOUR-BUTTON Blaok ditco THRKK-BUTTQN ditto ditto TWO-BUTTON ditto ditto OMK-BUITON ditto ditto ONE-BUTTON Ist choice Coloured Joaoph lues. Will bo sold at co-operative cash prices. GARLIOK & CUANWELL, City Hall Arcade, Quecn-atroot, Auckland. EX 'SAM ■ jUKNDEL,' from London, ox ' CAJVIILLK,' from Now York. NEW GOOD 3by these vessels Jost Oponod by Gakmck & CRAJrwaii. Tapeetry and Brussels Carpot, new designs Blaok & Gold Fringes) Very handsome for Cor- Bullion & Coloured f nloea & Gipsy Tables 3. 3}. i. and 45-fcot Iron Bedsteads 2-3. 3-6, and IU-feet Oilcloths Fancy Carpet Occasional Chairs Folding Ladies' Work Tablos Davenports, Whatnots, Coffee Tables Marble-top Chcffoniors, Walnut Centre Tablos Toiletware, Toilet Glasses Children's Chairs. Iron Cots, Perambulators Door Mats, American Cradles, Cane Chairs And various Yankee Notions wo invite in spection of. GARLICK & CRANW EL L, CITY HALL ARCADE, QUKKN - STREET, AUCKLAND fTIHE MERIDEN BRITANNIA CO. MANOFACTURKKB OF TUB HIGHEST GRADE OF SILVER PLATBD WARE, OTH ON ; NICKEL SILVER AND WHITE METAL. Sample Rooms and Offices—46, East Fourteenth street, Union Square, New York. Factories—West Moriden, Connecticut. Sole Agents for tho North Island, T & 8. MORRIN



TTOYAL JNSURANCiS pOMPANY (FIRK AND UlfK). CAPITAL £2,000,000 With Unlimited Liability of tub Shave- HOLDBBS. Accumulated Funds injhand EXCEED .. .. £4,000,000. • Kkvenuk:— From Firo Premiums £776,000. From Life Premiums £216,000 Exclusive of Interest on Investment*. This Company continued to accept FIRE RIIICB on every description of Insurablo Pro perty AT THE LOWEST RATES OBTAINABLE CLAIMS FOR LOSSK3 are Promptly and Liberally Adjustedi without roference else where, and immediately paid nt the Company's Bankers in Auckland. GEO, W. JONKB. Chief Agont "^ forJProvlnce of Auckland. Ofllco: Shortland-street. May 22,1880. Influential Agents required for the Suburbs and throughout the Province wbeio tke Com pany is not already represented /CLOTHING ANU DRAPERY BBASONABLE AND CHEAP, AT RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMANU Particular attention is diroctoi to the following linos :— BLANKETS, ALL sizes 40-inoh Heavy White Twill Sheeting:, at Is per yard FUR MUFF 3in variety, and to be cleared at half-price NBW FANCY WOOLLEN GOOD3—Squares, Polkas, &a, to be cleared off cheap New Galoon uress Trimmings, bought a Job, and to be cleared at leas than quarter wholesale prices Girls', Maids', and Ladies" ULSTERS A Job Lot of Ladies' Alpaca Umbrellas, at 2s 6d a bargain- FLANNKLB, from 9d par yard WIMTE.R Hohibby—A large variety Girls' and Women's, Plain and Striped, lid. per pair New Costume Clcttas A line of Homespun at 7Jd per yard Carpet Bags, cheap A Job Lot of Boys Inverness Capes, very cheap Gents' Waterproof Tweed Ovorcuata Men's Flannel Undershirts, our own make, 3s 9& Boys' Black Cloth Trousers, a Job line, to be cleared at 6s Del per pair MEN'S HOSIKHY. very cheap A strong line of Worsted, h&lt hose, Is per pair Clothing and Dkapery Qoods of every description, at very reasonable rates, and 5 per cent (is in the *1) DISCOUNT allowed off at : CASH Purchases of 20s and upwards, RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, UNCTION DRAPERY WARE HO USB Opposite tlia Army and Navy Hotel, Upi'eb Qubbn-stkeet, Auckland. OTOCK-TAKING BARGAINS. In preparation for Stook-taking, William Rattray has REDUCED the PRICES of his Largo and Well-assorted Stock of LADIES* COSTUMES, SKIRTS, and ULBTER3, In order to effect a Clearance. COSTUMES at 37s 6d Reduced to 25s OOSTUMKS at 40s Reduced to 2os COSTUMES at 45j Reduced to 27s 6d COSTUMES at 65s Reduced to i2a COSTUMES at 70s Reduced to 15a SKIRTS at 8s Gd Reduced to 5a 9d SKIRTS at 12s 6d Reduced to 8* 6d SKIRTS at 18s Cd Reduced to 133 6d SKIRTS at 25a Roduood t0.15s A Splendid Line of ULSTERS at 22s 6d (worth 253) aro now Reduced to 18a Gd. *V ILLIAM R/ATTRAY, DRAPKR. CLOTHiaR, & SILK MERGER, New Zealand Housai C 6, Queen-utreet, Auckland. ■" I-- '■!■' t "■. '■■;.' " ■ ■<'.. "■" ..V ■ •■■'&••■" ■'' --■>'■- ■•■- >■■ ■■-" »