SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„„,„ wlipvn i ThH Evenln", 8.-11 ni«H WATKR^ To . morrow Morning, 8,59 SUN HRT.-Thlß Kvonlng, 6.3 Hi'N RISK.—To-MorrowMornin(t,7.B MOON'S ABK.-Lo9t Quarter, 29tb, 1119 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

ItASr KVfNTINO. Daroy Pratt, brlßrantlno. Ohlson, fnm Timaru Saxon, eohoonor, MoKenzie, froni Lyitelton TO-DAY. lona, s 8., S'ophenson, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

lusnvii'i™, Waitflkl, s.s., Edio, for Wlnngaroi TO-DAY. Mage'lan Cloud, brlgantino, for Kalpara

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Gisbnrno, Southern Ports and Molbonrno- Ringarooma, Thursday London-Loch Doo, loading : Chili to follow T.iuranga-Glenolg.Fridiy; Waitaki, Mondiy Whangarel—Argylo, Tuesdays and Fridays

Waitak', Friday . ~ ~ _. . Russell-lona, ovory Monday; Waitakl, Wed-

nes'lay Loviilta—Southern Cross."Monday Syndoy—City of Sydnoy, Monday Ratotorga—Transit Aitutaki—Ryno , _ , New Plymouth nnd South—Wanalca, Tuesday Rpngatlrj, Thursday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Hero. 8.8., from Sydney and Melbourne Bhortly Hyena, H,I G.M.H., from Samoa Waikato.shii. (M.P.IC V. (front London, loading Langstone. Bhip, (JftßM) from London; sailed

City'of S*dnoy. P.M.S.S.. from San Francisco,

Rinicurooma, s.s., from tho South, Monday Aoba, sohooner, from Vow Caledonia Atotohau, schooner, from fiacotonga Kthel, brigantino, from Timarn Mary Andorson, sohoonor, from Now Caledonia Defl'inca, brigantino, from Duifdin Southern Cros», Mission schoonor, from the

Islands , Loch Doon, barquo, (U11.G.V.) from London ; Bailed April 22 , Cabivrfoldh, barquo (3.Q.M.J.), from Hongkong Ocoan Rangor, barquentine, (VV.T.N.V.) from New York, sailed April 2.lth Scottish 1-assio, barquo, (RBLM) fro m London

willed May 17 ~ Lochnagar, barquo, trom London, loading Ocen'a, brigantlno, from Adelaido Jamoi A. Stewart, brlofantino, from Timaru Oamaru, brigantino, from Camaru. Svron, brig (J.D.N.H.), from Sydney Fno.-lcH, hricr-intinc, trom Dunodln Flirt, brlgantino (W.L.U.P.),from Lovuka Boroalis, brlHantino. from jLovnka Norval, schoontir, from Lyttßlton Pirato, Echoonor, fiom Tahiti Avoca, schooner, from Nowcastlo Sovereign of tho Soaß, cutter, from Harotonga Bella Brandon, sohonnor from LinJ Islands Gaol, schooner (5.1t.G.8 ), from Samoa Sybil, sohooner, from Tahiti Foloon, seiooner (W.L.H.R.), from tho Islands Aznes Donald, sohooror, from Rarotonga Cii.edonia, Bohooner, from Tonga Glimpso, ketch, from Lovuka Mazeppa, schooner, from Uaro'onga Dayspring, mission schooner (W.N.8.M.), from the Islands Aratapu, brigantlne, from lyttoiton Cnoltan, from AdelaWo: snilod 12th Bronda, brig, from Newcistlo Mo» Morruies, brigautino (S.R G.L.), from

Lovuka lioonwna, barquo, from Hobart Town Wncray, schooner, from Noumea Masin, cutter, from Roso Island Albatross schooner, from Timaru Ka'.o MeUregor, schooner, from Lyttilton

EXPORTS.

Por Saxon, from Lytteiton—6oo sacks wheat, 3X) sacks oats. Per Darcv Pratt, from Timani—2.osS sacks oats, 280 sacks wheat, 95 sacks and bags ilour, 230 bags oatmoal, 10 bags poarl barley.

Par Omaha, for Chatham Islands-38,000 feet Umbor, 7000 shingles, 10 bales wool packs Gi mats and cunnles sugar, 53 packages ironmongery, 18 ca3es biscuits, 25 bags ealc. 17 bass rice, 1 tons coal, 10 packages doors and sashes, 6 coils ropo, 8 cases raisins. 7 boxes soap, G kegs nails. 11 cases drapery. 70 sacks 'flour. 10 sacks oats. 31 casks wino spirits, and ale, 1,51)0 caps, 110 coses and package?.

Inwards Coastwise.—Nancy frcm Thames, with 16,000 feet timbar; Advanco from Thames.

OUTWARD 3 COASTWISK.-Roliance for Wha ngapoua.

Tho Anthon3, Capt. Munn, -nith 101,000 feet of Biwn timber, loaded at Messrs Nlohol and Sims' •I'apnni sawmill, Port Mberf, and sailed thonco a few day* sioco for Duneqia.

The P.M. a.c. City of Sydney may bo expected from Honolulu and San Kranctero during tho lat-or pirt ot to-morrow or on Monday. Sho will leave for Sydney about ton hours after arrival.

The Merchant Shipping and Undorwritor's Association raports tho arrival of the ship Urit ish Kmpire from Auckland, via Lyttolton prior to the 22nd. She left tho littor port on April 21 with a cargo of grain, and Bbo has therefore made tho passage in about 90 days.

Tho s.B. loDa arrived from Russell and Northern ports this morning, with passengers and a general cargo, consisting 0f:—135 sacks of kauri gum, 33 sacks oysters, 51 sheep, and a quantity of hides, skins, &c. The -steamer returns to the same ports on Monday afternoon

The s.s. Southern Crops is advortiscd to leave {or Lovuka on Monday next.

The brfgantino Daroy Pratt arrived last night from Timaru with a cargo of produce. She left on the 17th and was bacalmed oif Bank's Penin su'a next day. Then light northerly and strong south wont wind daring tho remainder of tho paestgo, which was accomplished in lees than six days.

Tho schooner Saxon arrived last night from Lytteiton with a cargo of wheat and oats after a six days passage. She left on tho 17th, and hid N. and N.E. breezes to Cape Pallisaer, and H.E. ■wind to theUast Cape. Thonco till arrival had E. breeze.

Tho s.?. Ringarooma i 3 oxpootoi to arrive here from Melbourne via the South on Moiviay next. She will leave for tho South on tho after noon of the same day, returning on Wednesday, and proceeding ?ouih again on Thursday fore noon.

The brlgantine Omaha olonror] at the Cu'toms to day for Chatham Islands with a full poneral cargo, aud the following passengers :—Mrs Beamiah and two children. Mi*s Ellli, Mias Goodgano, Mo3srd Sband and Hood.

The sohooner Transit is expootcd to leave for Coon's Group next we3k.

Another attempt (sars tho HangatlVoi Ad vocate) i» about to bo made to float the IHydpra bad, still lyini? a wreck deep in the sani on the Foxtoii beach. A steam-engine anl pumping gear are alongside ready to commoncs opora tions at the first favourable opportunity, ant a watolnnan has boon engaged to stay on rho spot to look after matters Generally. vi»jA

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. VYasaka, 8.8., McGiilivray, from tho South

DEPARTURES.

Hannah Mokan, s.s., McOirthy, for Waitora Rowena, s.s., Amodeo, for Waitura

Tho s.b. Rangatira is announced to leave for t*ie South on Thursday next ntl p.m. The I latest train for pess^nßora is at noon.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russrll, this day. Loaded colliers Hying windbound: Fairy, Mariner, and Julia Prico. NAPiurn, this day. Arrived: Rlngarooma, from Wellington.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, Fridiy. Mr R. Arthur's report: Fowls. lOd to 3s 9d each; turkeys, 2s -id to la 81 each ; ducks, 23 7d to 3s 8d each; pigs, 4s 3d to li Gd each ; Potatoes, 38 to if per owt; seed potatoes, redskin, flour balls, 1J per lb.; pumpkins, 3s 3d to 3s 9d per cwt.; onrrotfi, 3s to 3s Id per cwr.; onions, Jd to Id; stringed onions. Id toljd ; mangolds, lail.l to 2b per cwt.; maize, 3s 3d to 3a 9d ; oats, 2s to 23 3d ; onafr, 2s 6d per sack: flour, £12 to £11; oatmeal, lid per lb.; cheeco, Mto 7d per lb; bacon, Id to 9b per lb., butter, ljd to lOd por lb; honey, 3Jd por lb.; bsef, ljd to 2Jd per lb.; apples, 9s to 10a; lemons, 8d to DJ per dozon; tea, qr-chosts, Is 9d per lb.; In boxes, 22, ito 265; angar, id to 4jd per lb.; rice. 31s per owt.; soap, I 5« to 163 per owt.; coifce, Is 3d perlb.; candles, lOd; white lead, dj por lb., Sydney oranges, ex Arawata, 5s Ctl to Gs.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

alaim will l/xobb as unukul— This Day. For Mangawal, por Anne Mllbank, ato p.m. Monday, 26th instant. for Coromandol, por Coromnndol, at 11.30 a.m. For Levuka, per Southern Cross, at 3 p.m. ii'or Russoll, ICawakawa, Hokianga, &c, por Kotomahana, at 3 p.m. For Tauranga and Opotlkl, per Waitakl, at 4 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 3.30 p.m. for Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mon gonul, per lona, at i p.m. Fop Thames, por Kntorpriso, at 5.30 pm, Tuesday, 27th Instant For Warworn, Kawau, umaha, and Matakana, per Roso Ciisoy, at 10 a.m. For Hoklangi, per Rowena, at 11 a m. for Thames, per Rotomahana, at 3.30 p.m. H"or Wangaret Heads, Waipu. Wangarol, and Mangapal, per Argylo, at i p.m For Australian Colonies. Batavla, Singapore, China, and Japan, via Torres S'raits, por City of Sydney, immediately aftor her arrival from Honolulu Supploroontary Maib for India, Continont of Kuropn, and United Kingdom, via Brindiei, for lottorß specially so prepaid and addressed, por s.s. Cltv of Sydney, immediately aftor hor arrival from Honolulu. This mall bo duo in London on Saturday, 18th September. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, ror Wanalca, immediately after arrival Of City ot Sydnoy from Honolulu. Wkdnicboay, 2th Inntnnt. For London direct, per Loon Ueo, at 11 a.m. Thursday, 20th instant. B"or Glsborno, Nnvior, Southern ports, and Australian Colonios, por Kingnroama at, 9 a.m. For Tnranaki, Wanganu', Wellington, and Lytteiton, por Rnngatira, nt 11 a.m. S. B Bias, Chief Postmaster.

Meetings, Entertainments, &c.

JCJLY 24, 18S0. Theatro Roynl-" Henry Dunbar," 8 p.m. Lornc-strcot Hall —Lynch Family of Bell ringors, 8 p.m. V.M.C.A.—A Dlblo Roidinif, 730 p.m.

DEATH.

I)ARTON.-On tho 21th instant, at tho roß\ donee, cornor of Pitt and Borosford strooti- Mary Graves, tho boloycd wlfo of Samuol Darton : aged 57 yoars. Tho funoral will loave tho houss at 3 p.m. to-morrow (Sunday), tho 25th instant. 31"ODDART.-At Onohunga. on the 23rd inst., Elizabeth, tho beloved wife of VValtar Stod dart, and only daughter of W. R. Logan, Esq., J.P., Otahuhu, aged 23 ycata. Tho funer.il will loavo Norman's lIU>, Onc huiiKu. on Sunday at 2 p.m., passing throiiKh Otnhuhu to tho Proabytorlan burial ground about 3 p.m. Frlcndß lespoctfnlly iuvitod. Carriages will loavo Auckland, foot of Grey streot, at 1 o'clock.

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

SATURDAY, JULY 24, 1880.

For tho cause that lacks assistance, Kor the wrong that needs resistance, For the fuiurc in the distance. And the pood that we call do.

The Government last night throw down tho ■ gauntlet upon tho hono rarium question by inviting members to follow tho example of Ministers in submitting to a reduotion of twenty per cont. on their allow ances. Ono of the most unseemly wrangles ever witnessed in tho House followed. Occasionally several mem bers wero speaking at once. These boisterous proceedings, which are very degrading to tho Legislature, show tho necessity for permanently fixing the amount of honorarium by Act. Wo be lieve that payment of members involves a democratic prinoiplo, and it is not right to placo our representatives in the humiliating position of fighting for their own emoluments. We hope, therefore, tltat tho Government will bring in a Bill to settle at onco and finally the amount of remuneration that shall bo attached to tho oflico, and so terminate those annual ex hibitions which brings discredit on the Colonial Parliament.

Of Government departmental reports it may usually be said-slightly altering Macbeth's apostrophe to the ghost of Bauquo—" Thon hast no speculation "ia thy dry as dust recesses-but Dr. Lemon's Telegraph Report this year forms an. excep tion to the rule. The fact h that the doctor has to chtoniclo a falling oft" in receipts amounting to £15.000, and has to speculate on the cause. In one way that is easily discovered, for there was a de crease of 158,432 telegrams daring the nine months ending the 31st Ma'o'i last, as compared with a corresponding period of the previous year. But we arc not quite bo sure as the Superintendent of Telegraphs that " This is fully accounted for by the commercial depression which has been so strongly felt throughout the colony for soaio time past." We are disposed to think that improved communication by railway has something to do with it, for it stands to reason that where there is a very speedy letter delivery the wire will be in less request. And on turning to the returns showing the proportion of letters to telegrams for a series of years, furnished by Dr. Lemon, we find much to confirm our opinion. For it appears that while the proportion of telegrams to every hundred letters in 1873-74 was 23*45, it had declined in 1876-77 to 20 29. and thU cer tiiinly through no decreaso in prosperity. And, agaiD, in 1878-79 the decline continued —the number being 1064, while in 1879-80 it had fallen to 14-27. No doubt the de crease in thelast period is excessive,and per haps a good deal due to dull times, but it would, we believe, bo a misUkc to, calcu late upon any tnturo recovery of the old ratio. A reference to the detailed re turns throws some light on the matter, and that confirmatory of the view just pro pounded. In those districts which are bc*t supplied with railway communication the proportion is extremely low, and in isolated districts very high. In Canterbury, for ex ample, it is y8 ; in {Southland, 10 31; in Otago, 12 97; in Auckland, 1396; whilst in Marlborough it is 17 65; in Taranaki, 2821; and in Nelson, 3197. It would be a triile too imaginative, and yet only con sistent with the "depression" theory, to say that the places maintaining high averages are exceptionally prosperous. We think Dr. Lemon must take into his calculations the fact that railways and postal cards are becoming serious rivals to his department. Nevertheless, wo are glad to learn that " the revenue is again on the increase." It is not so satisfactory to find that while the revenue and work were considerably less the staff hare increased from 801 to 843 employe's, although we are informed that this iucrease is due to addi tional offices and the enrolment ot cadets. The cost of the head office, £3,237, which is non-productive, appears rather extrava gant. The actual revenue from private and press messages was £58,120; the value of Government messages £19,707; and the ordinary expenditure of the department £83,409; shewing a loss,counting the Gov ernment work as paid for, amounting to £5,582. This is without reckoning any interest on tho capital of £443,239 which the telegraph lines have coat the colony. Nothing but a Government speculation would show bo bid a balance-sheet. The cause has undoubtedly been in ii large measure the political pressure to establish unprofitable stations. A number of these stations never should have been opened. Take Eiverhcad, for instance, which is within an hour and a ialf's steam from Auckland. The total receipts at tho office for nine months were only £13 17s Id; the cost of maintaining tho station during the same period, £88 16s. This is an example of many others. Takapu received £23 8s 2d, and expended £118 10s 9d ; Upper Hutt received £28 10s 7d, aud spent £114 5s 8d ; Waihi received £32, and spent £100; Katikati received £7 14s, and spent £159 ; Leithfield received £17 3s 6d, and cost £109 ; Newton received £34 18s, and cost £186 ; Otahuhu received £30, and cost £164 ; Owaki received £20, and cost £96; Pipitea received £10 14s, and cost £74 12s; Driving Creek received £11 13->, and cost £96 ; Hampden received £24 2s 6d, and cost £129165.

Of course, in weighing tho value of the figures just given we have to remember that the existence of these offices swells the receipts of the chief offices to an amount equal to the local takings ; nevertheless sufficient necessity is not shewn for the creation of such stations. If, however, the first step was a mistake, we are exceedingly doubtful of the efficacy of the proposed remedy, i The increased tariff will not materially improve maiterp, and its mode of application is unfair. Curomandel is among those districts where the tariff is raised—yet the takiugs at tho Coromaadel office represented £153, audit gave mi equal business to Auckland, making v decided profit over the £196 which the station cost. Te Awamutu, where it is necessary to keep a lineman, is also a necessary station, and if tho tariff is raised, now that the railway

has been opened to the district, the busi ness will dwindle down to nothing. Iloki tika, Christchurch, and some other stations, which we shall refer to hereafter, are jess profitable, proportionately 'than the officer just mentioned, but they arc left untouched. The proper remedy is reform and amalgam ation, not a differential tariff which will work badly. The whole of the offices re quire caretul overhaul, and wo bclieve"il this were done large reductions might be made. In Auckland, for example, which it by the roturns to bo the best and most economically managed in the Colony, the station received 81,214 messages, value C 6,194, while the total number of message? in Christchurch was 71,215, value £5,952, yet tho cost of tho Auckland ollice was only £3,472 and the Christchurch oflicc £4,891. It is quite clear from these figures that £1,500 is thrown iway in the Cluiotchurch station alone. The placo actually costs £271 moro than i' receives in money. Under the vagus heading of " contingencies," Christchurch drew £1,074, while tho contingencies in Auckland were £435, and in Dunedin, with tho largest business, £857. Wo have hoforc drawn attention to the wastefulness and inefficiency of the Christchurch man agement. Dunodin also cost £1,000 more to maintain for tho nine months than Auck land, although tho vnluo of the message? received was only £553 greater. Extra vngancc is apparent in many other stations. Ilokitika, which should be more than self supporting, costs £1,068, and only receives £G65, exclusive of Government messages, while a little station like Hokianga sup ports an operator and liueman, and returns a balance of profit. Hamilton (Wnikato) does a business representing £455 for nu expenditure, of £253, yet Kumtira, with a business representing only £255, costs £304 The return bristles with such comparisons, showing that the offices require complete insnection and rn-ors?anisation.

In actual cash returns Auckland heads the list. After paying nil expenses, and transmitting 11,942 Government mes sages gratis, it yielded in the niuo mouths £1,413 clear to tho Trcnsury. Duncdin, transmitting 9,074 Government message*, only yielded a not profit over expenses of £1,054. At Christc'Mirch, as we have said, the expenses wero £271 in excess of the receipts, and nt Wellington, £1,257 in excess of tho receipts. Wo believe these figures point to a much more certain moans of paving than the proposed differential tarilr, which is likely to defeat its own purposo by driving away what little busi ness the ofliccs affected now possess.

A FUELING of considerable sympathy for Ned Kolly and his gaug has always pre vailed in Victoria ovon amongst people who ought to knew better, and sinco tho fatal affray at Glonrowau this mistaken sentiment seems to havo iucroased rather than de creased. The local journals explain the fact by pointing out that tho tendency to sympathise with criminals generally pro ceeds in tho direct ratio of their notoriety, and proves tho assertion by instancing several historical enscs. The " Ago " has also an interesting article showing how utterly misplaced the feeling of sympathy for the outlaws is, ovon when viewing the case from a sympathiser's own standpoint. "The criminals themselves, " saya our con temporary, "have always sought to justify their crimes as acts of retaliation for the wanton cruelty of the polico who hud occasion to deal with them. But their statements on this point are altogether un founded, and it it clear on thu lace of them that the polico could not in any sense have acted aggressively. They wcro called upon to arrest tho men on definite charges of horse-stealing, and they wcro no more responsible for the arrest than they were for tho subsequent conviction and punishment." 'lho fact of the matter i?, there was absolutely nothing either remarkable or chivalrous about tho career of the Kellys. Thoy were brought up in an atmosphere of common place vice, and wcro engaged in a criminal career as thieves long before they blossomed into full-Hedged bushrangers and murderer?. Their mother, a well-known gaol-bird, is at present sciving a lona term of imprisonment at I'eutridgo ; their sisters are notoriously bad characters ; and their friends and erst while neighbours are almost, without exception, criminals of the lowest kind. These facts should bo carefully impressed on our boys, many of whom evidence a mischievous inclination to make a hero of Ned Kolly. They seem to look upon him as nn unfortunate man, who was persecuted into bushranging by tho cruelty of the police, and has since outshone Jack Sheppard and emu lated tho great deeds of Dick Turpin. Let them be made to understand that on the contrary Edward Kelly is a vilo nnd cow ardly assassin, who directly perpetrated several cruel and deliberate murders, and brought sorrow aud desolation into many innocent homes. "It is difficult" says the "Age," "to imagine that any human being can ponder over the facts of his dark career and feel the faintest emotion of sympathy with so much repulsive villany. No patriotic Victorian can feel anything but bitter resentment for a scoundrel who has done so much to bring disgrace on the reputation of the colony. It is a country in which no honest man need take to crime for want of a livelihood, and the wish of every honest man must be that ho aud his accomplices should be handed over to jus tice as summarily and quickly as pos sible."

A private telegram from Wellington say :a "Everything here is in a bad state. Hundreds arc out of work."

The small amount of iutcrest which appears to bo evinced ia regard to the representation of Auckland in the champion outrigger race to be held here in connection with tho inter-provincial regatta in 1881 ia most discouraging. The lack of enthusiasm was plainly evidenced by the small atten dance at the meeting in connection with this subject held last evening in the Cos mopolitan Hotel. Fortunately, however, there were sufficient present to form a quorum, and a good committee was elected to make arrangements and send to England for a boat. The cost will be defrayed by subscription, aud it is to be hoped that our citizens will contribute liberally towards the fund even if they do not take a more active interest in the movement to sustain the honour and prestige of Auckland.

A meeting of tho members of the Teachers' Association was called in the Wellcsloy-strcet East school this afternoon for the purpose of presenting the report, electing officers, etc., but there was not .sufficient members present for a quorum when out- reporter was present. Should the meelin? be held the secretary will kindly turuish a report in time for our next issue.

We are sorry to hear that there is a doubt about tbe civic fencing exploit coming off, because the citizens will thus bo de prived of some capital fun. We understand that the Chairman of the Harbour Board intends, at the next meeting, to submit a motion for payment of half the cost of con structing the piece of road across tho harbour property on which once stood Britoinnrt Hill, such action not to prejudice the Board in any way with reference to the maintenance of other portions of the road. If this motion is carried out the city will pay the other half, and the contiugent from Orakei headed by Paora Tuhacre and Mr Jakins will not be required, fcjtill, there is no cal culating on what the Harbour Board will do, especially where there is a chance of cutting a supremely ridiculous figure, so tbat it is premature to abandon all thought of the native contingent which is supposed to be in process of formation to demolish the threatened obstruction and capture the fencers,

The proprietors of the Port Albert Co operative Store have acceded' to the (almost unanimous request of the settlers at Wells ford, and will at once open a branch store there. This will bo to the interest of North Albertlaaders and a good number of gum diggers in North Omawharo district.

Owing to very unfavourable weather but few members were present at the usual agricultural meeting, held at Mr Joseph Becroft's. All business was postponed until the August meeting, to be held at Mr J.I. Clayton's.

A Comt of Inquiry was held at the uustom House, Whangaroa,, oa the Bth day of July, 1880, regarding the death of Henry Lightfoot, 8.A., on board the brigantine Linda Weber, which occurred at sea on the 6th day of July. The Court gave the following decision : —" What is contained in this and preceding pages ,is the evidence of the master, mate, and two of the crew of the Linda Weber as regards the death of Henry Lightfoot, ono of the crew of the said brigantine, who was lost at sea. And it is our opinion that the death of the said Henry Lightfoot was purely accidental, and there is ao blame attached to the captain or any of the crow, or anyone belonging to the said vessel, and that it was attributable solely to the stormy weather, as borne out by the foregoing evidence.—(Signed) John Bcgr, J.P., A. P. Ratcliffe. ' The deceased's effects were sold by auction and realised £4 11s Cd, and balance of wages £7 4s (£ll 15s 6d) paid to the Collector of Cus toms, i

The Lynch Family of Bellringers had every reason to be satisfied with their rccep (ion at Onehunga laatlevening, for not.only >vas the hall crammed in every part—the mdience being by far the largest ever seen in Onehunga for some time—but from first to last the entertainment was unusually successful, and the performers were evidently highly gratified with the applause so liberally bestowed. To-night and Mon lay will be positively the last nppearauces if the Company in Auckland for many years, ns they leave by the Wanaka on Tuesday. A well-arranged programme has been prepared, and doubtlpss the Company will meet with their usual success.

A new Service of Song entitled, " The Fight of Faith," music by Mr Burnham, will be given on Monday evening next, in the church of the Pmnativo Methodist, Franklin lioad. The collection in aid of the organ fund. 3

The annual meeting of the District Law Society took place yesterday afternoon in Judge's Chambers, Supremo Court Build ings, a largo number of members being present. The Vice-president (Mr Brook lield) occupied the chair. The report of the Council was submitted by the honorary secrotary (Mr E. Heskcth). It referred at some length to tho endeavours which had licen made during (he year to raise the scale of costs to that which is obtained in Canterbury, seated that tho library had been insured for a sum of £5,000, mentioned the appointment of Mr Devon a» a member of the Royal Judicial Commission, and alluded to several complaints which had been made against various solicitors. A sum of £637 lGs 8d was stated to bo lying to the credit of the Society, £513 10a 2d of which belonged to the Law Library Fund. The report remarked,in conclusion, that the Council were hopeful "that ore long sub stantial progress will be made ill advancing tho interests of the profession in such a way as to produce a benefit to tho community." Tho report was adopted. Messrs W. J. Hill, 11. M. Browning. J. Blades, and B. W. Burton, were then elected members of tho Society. The Registrar ot the Court promised to adopt the Canterbury scalo of Canterbury scale of fees in lieu of that at ' present ruling. Tho scoictary reported that the Council had resolved to recommend the prosecution of a persou who had illegally performed some of the duties of a solicitor, and it was agreed to mako nu ondcavour to procure copies of all new Bills passed by tho General Assembly. The meeting then dis solved.

The members of the Pioneer Lodgo, Natioual Order of Oddfellows, are notiliud by advertisement in our columns that there is business of importance for consideration on Monday evening next. Thuir attention is also directed to the funeral notice of tho lato wife of Mr John Guest.

Every man womuu ami child can become his or her own artmtby using the Pantograph, n little instrument which has had a wide sale in England. At any rate, using it a con siderable amount of amusement can bo de rived. Kvcn tho.su who havo not a tnoto for drawing can nuiko by means of it very creditable copies of prints and photographs. It renders tho copying of plans and mans especially easy. Full particulars will bo found iv our advcitisinj: columns.

Moiis. Il', O. Cailliau announces that his pinning clns.s, on tho method Galin- Pais-Cheve1, will be held in the anti room of the Temperance Hull, Albert-street, every Tuesday evening, at 7.30 o'clock. Tlio class was opcucd on Tuesday last, and new pupils will be received at tho next two lessons, but not after that time. All information can bo obtained at tho offico of tho New Zealand Muse, Wellcsley St. West, where names of new members will be enrolled.

A number of the Auckland and One huuga amateur vocalists will givo an enter tainment on Wednesday next, in the Masonic Hall, Onehunga, for tho benefit of Georgo Lyndi", who met with a severe acci dent some eighteen months ago, incapaci tating him for his cmnloymcnt. The young man, consequently, is reduced in circum stances, and is about to undergo a painful surgical operation. Tho object of the concert is to raise a little money to pay tho expense of the operation.

On Thursday ovcuing next an entertain ment will be held iv tho Pousonby Wcsleyan Church, in aid of the Sunday-School. The Sciopticon, lately purchased by the school will bo exhibited, comprising views of the Holy Land and tho Ithyno, besides a variety of amusing ones for the children. M u-ieal selections will be given during tho evening.

A series of spcciil sorviccs aro being con ducted in the Oddfellows' fclnll,Cook-stroet, by the Christian Brethren. Gospel ad dresses will be delivered to-night and to morrow night. Mr Olby is expected to give an address each night. Th•.: promoters of this special movement give an invitation to tho working cla^en. The place is free to all and a cordial welcome given. No collection.

Scintillations.

"Ho brlof; for. it is with words as with sun bcuuiH : the inoro Ihiy aro condensed, tho dcopor they burn.'—aouTUKV.

Mr Proctor says that a comet might at |any time full ou tho mm before loiur, and by the swift rush of its meteoric components, excite the frame of the sun to such a lustre that the sudden access of heat will prove destruction to every liviug creature, or at any rale to all the higher forms of life upon this earth. ThU is a very cheerful piece of information.

If the ghost of Mr Samuel Bennett, founder of tho " Evening News " Sydney, »ud "Town and Country Journal," has the power of materialisation, he will mako it lively for tho editor of tho Auckland Catho lic organ, which to-day attributes to the founder of tho " New York Herald" n poem written on Mr Samuel Bennett by tho Australian poet, Henry Keudal. There are now no fewer than 74 bills bctorc the House of Representatives, of which 51 have not yet passed their second reading, the other 23 being in committee.

At the Marylebone Police Court recently Mrs Eugenic Bucklnnd, aged 35, wai charged with being drunk and incapable. Tbe assistant gaoler stated that the pri soner was continually being brought before the magistrate at this Court and there were about 200 convictions against her. May sth was tho Ex-Empress Eugenie's 54th birthday.

Bonsilate is the name given to a compos; tionnow being used in America, as a substi tute for ivory, hard woods, and the like ; canes, dominoes, clock-case.ll, and orna mental objects nro made of this now ma'crial. It is .said to be made from finely ground bones agglutinated with silicate of soda.

A curious discovery has just been made near Moctceau-les-MJnos in France. Some workmen engaged in erecting a bridge over a stream on the estate found a leaden cheat containing what appeared to be a largo quantity of cold ingots, which a local wise acre immediately declared to bo of the values of 48,000,000 fr. Australian throughbred owners aro being urged to ship some of their best horses to England and make a raid on the British turf.

The Hinemoa will convey tho Maori pri soners to Wellington. She arrived at New Plymouth for this purpose yesterday. An information has been nworn at Hoki tika against J. P. Keen, proprietor and publisher of the llokitika " Evening Star " for a criminal libel on tho editor of tho " West Coast Times."

The Industrial Exhibition at Christchurch will yield a profit of about £450.

The verdict of the coroner's jury on the Maori prisoner who died at Wellington on Thursday was " Died of consumption." A child named CuUchcn, live and a half years old, was run over by a Wellington tram-car yesterday.

It was notified last evening by the lion, secretary of lho Young Men's Christian Association that Bishop Cowio would give a lectuic on " John Wesley," instead of " Christianity in India."

THEATRE ROYAL.

"Henry Dunbar," a dramatisation of Miss Braddon's popular novel of the same name, was produced at the theatre last night, and performed in a really meritorious manner. The cast was a very happy one, and in tho delineation of the leading char acters (Henry Dunbar and Margaret Went worth), Mr Stcele and Miss Wilton fairly surpassed themselves. Their acting was very effective, and a cordial call before the curtain at the close of one of tho_ acts attested the satisfaction of the audience. Mr Reynolds' "Major" was another admirable impersonation, and his assump tion of the cool effrontery and studied sang fioid so characteristic of the part proved successful. Mr O'Brien, Mr Thom son, and Mr Haygarth also merit favour able, notice. To-night the play will be repeated in conjunction with "an original sketch " entitled " Catching the Kellys."

Tho pallor that whitens the skin and (gives it a ghostly shade, is directly traceable to fOme organic cause. Tho blood that courses in (In papilro under tho cuticle should naturally niantlo tho skin with Its crimson Blow, and juat n« tbisrnddr tint is an eAidenco of good hculth, soiiits ab3enco incontestable proof of some derangement of tho Bjstem, possibly an tenemic stoto of tho body. What ib wantsd, in all such cases, is what is known, in teohnical language, as a rubofacient, and whilo Udolpho Wolfo'a Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps does not claim to bo'this, strictly, it works similar results.

CABLEGRAMS.

EUROPEAN.

[rkuter's telegrams.]

Another Earthquake. LONDON. July 23. Another very severe earthquake was ex perienced at Manilla on Wednesday last, by which further heavy damage was done to fie city. Germany V. the Porte. BERLIN. July 23. The Germau Government has explained to the ambassadors cf the Powers in this city that the employment of Germans by the Porte is without any political im portance. LONDON. July 22. Tin total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is £10,750,000. The Australians v. York shire County. July 23. The match between the Australians and Yorkshire County team was commenced to day at Huddersiic'd. The home team went in first, and were all out for 78 runs. In the first innings of the Australians they lost three wickets for 145 runs. Groube not out for 50 runs. The bowliug of the Australians was dead on the wicket. The weather was very fine throughout the day. CALCUTTA. July 22. News has been roccived from Kabul that an intorviow has been arranged between General Stewart and Abdurrahman Khan, when the question of the lattcr's acceptance of the Ainirahip of Afghanistan will bo discussed. , The work of the demolition of the Bri tish forts lit Kabul having commenced, the British troops have formed a camp in the rear of the city, where they will remuiu for tho present. Important intelligence has been received from Kandahar regarding the movements of Ayoub Khan, who was recently reported to have arrived at Ferruh from Herat with a largo force, with tho intention of attacking Kandahar and wresting it from Shcro Ali, tho newly-appointed ruler. It is now known that Ayoub is coutinu'ißg his ad vance, and it is expected that ho will shortly attack the British camp at Giriskh, on tho road to Kandahar, whithor tho Bri tish troops were despatched to support Shore Ali. There is great excitement amongst tho Kandahar tribes owing to tho continued advance of Ayoub Khan.

AUSTRALIAN.

Lltlil/TKll'S SPKCIAL UAULSUItAMS.]

The "Age" Eats Humble Pie. MELBOURNE. Saturday. Tho " Ago " to-day withdraws its prevloiiH statement (in consequence of which the libel action had been instituted) to tho effect that Messrs Swallow and Ariel had influ enced their workmen at thu elections, and apologises to the linn fur having made such a statement. MELBOURNE. July 23. Iv the ilouso of Representatives, the Ministry maintained that tho notification of a vote of wnut-of-confidence was out of ordnr, before the Governor's epeoch. The Speaker ruled contrary, aud lho Ministry quitted tho House. Tho motion was ulti mately cairied. SYDNEY. July 23. Tho Victoiiau Theatre which was de stroyed by fire was uninsured, and tho loss is estimated at £12,000. Hennessy's brandy (bulk quantities), 10 6d ; kerosene (DevocV), Is 2d per gallon ; maize, pur 001b?., Is lOd to 2i 3d. ADELAIDE. July 23. Adelaide wheat is 'Is 2d per bushel; the market is steady. Adelaide flour is £9 15s ; the market is inactive. Freight to the United Kingdom is 37s Gd, aud steamers 455.

MR F. LARKINS ON "THE GREAT POETS."

TilK lecture, or rather chat, about the poets hint, tii^lit at the Young Men's Christian Association by Mr JLarkiu', was fairly, but not largely, attended. Mr Thomas Buddie occupied the chair, and Key. Gco. IJ. Mouro, of ltcmucra, offered prayer. Mr Lurking prefaced his discourse by any* ing, of ull the muster of literary worthies, the iiist rank must be given to the poets, and hnppy for tho.e pcraons who can rend, appreciate, and enjoy their productions. Some persons professed a dislike for poetry, which was a sad confession, and brought them under the poct'a ban. Tho man who has no music in his soul, is fit for treason, etc. Tho lecturer, in consequence of tho largeness of his subject, selected what be considered the great poets, whoso teachings are based on tho Christian faith and the teachings of tho Bible ; hence such poets who were merely nominal Christiansen the lecturer's view, as Coleridge, Shelley, Kent's, Burns, and several others, were simply mentioned or ignored altogether from the lecturer's list of great poet?. Mr Larkius said that Pope lived simply on the merits of tho "Essay on Man," and " Vital Spark of Heavenly Flame." Byron held a difl'cront opiuion when he said " Popo was the poet of a thousand year?." The lecturer rightly judged Milton iv one or two laconic sentences, as the poet of " religion and liberty," and told his audience that Milton once occupied a hou«e in Aldcrsgate-strect, on the very spot where the London Christian Association now Btauds. One-half the lecture con sisted of passages from Shakespeare, very judiciously selected, and recited with good effect, especially the two selections illus tiative of love aud war. The rendering of tho moonlight scene and the conversation of Jessica and Lorenzo, in the Merchant of Venice, Act 5, scene 1, in tho avenue to Portia's house, was effective and graceful, and the moat truly poetical of all the quo tations in connection with tho moonlight quietude of nature. Several extracts from the Hebrew Melodies were given for their hallowed beauty, and for the purpose of exhibiting tho better side of Byron's char acter. Byron'a poetry, however, like his life, was irregular. He recited Byron's apostrophe to Greece. Drydon was a poet of much power, but too much neglected. Education, based on religion, said Mr Lar kins, is refined by pure literature and espe cially by poetry. All things must be valued on the ground of utility. Poets like Shakespeare, Spenser, aud Milton are refined in all their writing*, and havo elevated Great Britain. It is worthy ot notice that nearly all poets worth naming have derived tiieir inspira tion from tho truths of tho Bible. Some doubt Shakespeorc's tendency to Scripturo, let them read Portia's address, "The quality of mercy is not strained," {or Rich mond's soliloquy on Bosworth Field. Hav ing brieily noticed several other poets— Cowper, Kirko White, and others, Mr Larkins glanced at Tennyson, and road a well-known but beautiful extract from ''Locjtslcy Hall," concluding by recom mending his nuclieuc?, especially young men, to studyjths works of tho great Eng lish poets, for iv their writings they would discover refined thought aud a perennial spring of pure enjoyment. During the lec ture several well-known selections wcro sung by Mrs Mitchell, witli her usualjpowcr and taste, ably assisted by Misses McMillan and Mackie, and other members of fc't. James's choir : " I Know a Bank," " Where the Bee Sucks," "What are the Wild Waves Saying " (duet), and glee, " Hark the Lark." Votes ot thanks were passed to the lecturer and vocalists with acclamation, and with the benediction and "God Save the Queen" the friends separated.

MARK TWAIN ON THE ANT.

Science has recently discovered that the ant docs not lay up anything for winter use. This will knock him out o£ literature to some extent. He docs not work except when people are looking, and only then when the observer has a green, naturalistic look, and seems to bo taking notes. This amounts to deception, and will injure him for tho Sunday-schools. He lias not judg mcut enough to know what is good to eat and what isn't. This amounts to ignor ance, and will impair the world's respect for him. He cannot stroll around a stump and find his way home again. This amounts to idiocy; and once the damaging fact is established, thoughtful people will cease to look up to him, the sentimental will cease to fondle him, His vaunted industry is but a vanity and of no effect, since he never frets home with anything he starts with. This disposes of tho last remnant of his ie putation, and wholly destroys his main use fulness as a moral agent, since it will make the sluggard/hesitate to go to him any more. It is strange boyond comprehension that so manifest a humbug as the ant has been able to fool so many nations and keep it up so muny agea without being found out.

TELEGRAMS.

(FROM OUR OWN COIUIBSPONDKNT.)

COROMANDEL, this day,

Royal Oak.—The company will crush a large parcel of quartz at the Bismarck Com pany's battery in tho early part of the week. Tokatka Company.—Thode and party (tributers) lodged 20ozs. from 19 tons of quartz and a small parcel of specimens from their tribute. This party had tho battery engaged by the week, intending to crush over 100 tons from the o'd stopes, but the roads are so bad that the carters refuse to convey the Muff:

GIIAHAM&TOWN, this day.

MINING.

Tho Golden Ca'f reports having struck gold ten feet past the slide in cxcellcut country. The stone is well mineralised. The Whau have nearly 500 ounces ot amalgam, and will start tcu head per manently next week. DEATH OF AN OLD SETTLER. Mrs Edmund George, an old Auckland settler, who arrived at the Bay of Island* at the time of Heke's war, died here this morning aged 80 years. Mr George was many years in business in Queen-street. A fire broke out in a four-roomed cottage owned by William Phillips, bootmaker, of Pollen-street, last night. The brigade was soon on tho spot, and put it out before it extended past the chimney and roof. The place was surrounded with wooden cottages, and the escape was a narrow one. Phillips is working in a bush contract at Cabbage Bay. There was no insurance.

HAWERA, this day, NEW PLYMOUTH HARBOUR.

Much satisfaction has been expressed by tho settlers of this district at tho prospect of a searching inquiry by the Legislative Council into tho New Plymouth harbour scheme, and the right to levy a shilling rate on lands beyond Waingongoro river.

Mr Barleyman, solicitor, has been re tained by settlers to look up evidence and watch their interests generally. He was to leave by the steamer Huuia last night. The rcßiilt of tho inquiry is waited for with much interest.

[UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION]

NAPIER, this day, NATIVE OBSTRUCTION.

Ncpe To A pete, leader of the Waipawa natives, has stopped a man ploughing within half-a-milo of tho land in dispute. They unyoked the horses and threw the plough over the boundary.

CIIKISTCHUKOIL this day.

LIBEL ACTION.

Tho Editor of the "Staij' to-day laid a crimiutil information for hbul agiiiuwt the four proprictoraof the Christchurch "Echo." THE UNEMPLOYED. 215 nmncs of unemployed men arc now on tho Govcrnmont hooks here, 09 having boon received since Monday last. At tho llosidcnt Magistrate's Court thi* morning T. W. Turner was charged with embezzling £5, the property of his em ployers, Messrs Mason, ibtriitherx, uDd Co., ironmongers. 110 was remanded, pending further charges.

DUNEDIN, this day.

FATAL ACCIDENT.

Alexander Williamson, a youth, em ployed at Pritchard's reclamation contract attending to point*, has been killed by trucks passing over him.

POLICE COURT.-THIS DAY.

(Before K. C. Barstow.Esq., K.M.)

THE CROWD,

A largo crowd of persons assembled in the Police Court this morning in the cx pectution of hearing a case which is to come oil ou Monday n^xt, hence some dissa poiutment v/m felt. DItUNffARDS. Two men, nnmed Mills and Burroughs, were lined for drunkenness, the first in 10a, nail the second in Us. NOT GUILTY. Eliza Youngling was called to answer a charge of drunkenness and disorderly con duct in Quoen-strect. Defendant, who was out ou bail, did not answer. Sub-Inspccter Pardy said the lady's " copper was hot," aud probably she was taking a cooler. Two constables visited the neighbouring hotels, aud found the lady indulging in a glass of stout. Defendant: Allow me to declare most emphatically that I was not drunk.

Constable McCormick deposed that he heard a moaning at a late hour last night, and saw the defendant helplessly drunk on the pavement. A little baby "was rolling and screaming by the mother's side ; its bottle was in pieces. Defendant: My hat blew off and I was trying to recover it. Mr Policeman, whose baby was it ?

Coni-tiblc : Don't know,

Defendant: It was not mine. It was my daughter's baby, and I'm its grandma. Didn't you squeeze my arm pretty smartly ? Constable : I did not.

His Worship : What have you to say ? Defendant : I was not drunk, your Worship, and this can be proved by my friend, flfr George Staines. Please remand the case for a week.

Sub-Inspector Pardy said it was useless. The unfortunate woman was quite drunk, and filling tho car of night with her melodies.

Fined os, and costs.

COMPLIMENTARY PRESENTA TIONS.

MuJ. W. Hakrop, Air H. Ridings, and Mr F, Henderson, who on the eve of re tirement from the service of tho Corpora tion, were to-day prcscutcd by their brother olficcra witli testimonials ot rc3pcct and esteem. Shortly after noon the gentlemen assembled in tho Council Chamber, when Mr P. A. Phillips (Town Clerk) took tho chair and explained tho nature of the pro ceeding.", lie then presented Mr Harrop with a beautifully written and illuminated address, the text of which we append,viz. :— "Isaac Worthiugton Harrop, Esq : Dear Sir,—Upon your lcaviug the City Council after eleven years continued service, we desire to express to you our feelings of res pect and goodwill for your courteous and obliging disposition at all times Jevinced, and our warm appreciation of yourselr. per sonally, and of that gentlemanly conduct that has always characterised you, both in and out of the orlice. Wo beg your accept ance of tho accompnnyiug trillo as a mark of our personal esteem, and trust s'merely you ivud your family may bo long blest with years of health and happiness, and we heartily and sincerely subscribe ourselves your friends and well-wishers." [Here fol low the cignatures.] A block marble time-piece, suitably in scribed, formed partof the testimonial. In making tho presentation, Mr Phillips rcmaiked, thifc the duty which he had to perform was not altogether a pleasant one inasmuch as it was associated with the severance from tho Corporation of gentle men who had been co Ions; and so honorably connected with it.

Mr Harrop relumed thanks in a feeliu" speech. Uo sa;d that during the timo he had held office he had consistently enden vourcd to do bis duty, and while he hoped that good would be the result of the chao"cs now taking place, he would always watch with a friendly and interested eye the pro gress of the Corporation. Mr Shaw took the opportunity to refer to the very high esteem in which Mr Har rop was held by the men employed by the Council outside the offices. The Town Clerk then present d the fol lowing address to Mr Henry Bidia-'s-- Henry Hidings, Esq., returning Officer. JJear Sir,—On your retirement from the various offices held by you after seven years services, consequent on the alterations lately resolved upon by the Council, we, the undersigned officials, desire to express to you our sentiments of regret upon your leaving, and of appreciation of your cour teous and obligiug disposition at all timeo so readily evinced. In conclusion, we sincerely trust that both yourself and family will long enjoy health, happiDoss, and prosperity.' [Here follow signatures] :— Mr Hidings in acknowledging the testi monial made a reference to the unvarying kindness which he had always experienced* at the hands of Mr Phillips. The Town Clerk then presented Mr F. Henderson with a gold pencil-case as a flight souvenir of his connection with the Corporation, and in doing so he made a happy allusion to tho very favourable impression which Mr Henderson by his obliging manners and faithful dis charge of duties had succeeded iv creating. —Mr Hendcisou briefly replied.—A hearty vole of thanks was then passed to Mr W. W. Day (assistant clerk) for the careful and highly artistic manuer in which he had written out ami illuminated the adchtss.— The healths of MeEsrs Harrop, Ridings, and Henderson were then toasted from brimming glasses, and a short period of conviviality ensued,

PARLIAMENTARY.

(t>ROM OUR SPECIAL HEPOJiTES.j

WELLINGTON, this day. THE RAILWAY COMMISSIONER'S

REPORT. Mr J. M. Clarke proceeds to Auckland on Monday, tho Railway Commission hav ing completed their labours. The report ia long and exhaustive It deals with each railway separately, recommending some to be proceeded with and others dropped. Long schedules are attached showing the condition and prospects of the lines. Auck land comes out well. The report will be laid on the table next week. Probably ! Mr Oliver will make his public works ! statement first. PATETERE.—MR BRYCE AND MR SHEEHAN. The following is the telegram from Mr Bryce to Mr Shcehan, re Patetero block, laid on the table of the House yesterday afternoon by Mr Bryce, and which is to be incorporated with the other correspondence laid on the table on the Ist inst:—"Re Patetcre :If tho persons who have real claims within Pateterc withdraw from the Association will you not fiud that awkward on you after dealing with the block ? The Government' coulii not, as you are aware, give an Association any prescriptive rights. _ It could only withdraw the proclamation. It occurs to me that the best, or rather the least, objec tionable form of guarantee would be only the native owners, or cs many as could be got, with a suitable endorsement by a member of the Association. A block of land might be taken, but there would cer tainly be difficulties in completing the title. At least I suppose so. The accounts are, I suppose, ready now, and I shall at once direct Gill to send you a statement. 4s I have said before, the matter will cer tainly have to be arranged at Wellington rather than Waikato. It would be incon yenient to send original vouchers and agree ments to Waikato, and Gill could not pos sibly spare time to attend to the matter himself. lam now on my way to Taranaki, where I shall probably have to stay a fortnight or more, as tho critical period of the' West Coast busiuess is aJwut this time."—John Bryce. COST OF THE WEST COAST. The return ot expenditure out of the loan on the West Coast from 1870 to 31st March, 1880, is as follows :—Railway* construction, £570,527; survey, £G,683; roads, £259.400; water-races, £203,588 ; buildings, £17,060; miscellaneous, £74,417; coal exploration, £7,303 ; telegraph, £35,000 ; lighthouses, £7,704; immigration, £85,720 : Total expenditure^ 31st March, 1880, £1,328,122. MR BERRY'S REPLY. The following is the cable message from the Victorian Liberals, in reply to tbe cable message sent by 38 mcmbcrß of the New Zealand Legislature, congratulating the Victorian Liberals on their majority: — " Many thanks for your welcome telegram. I believe the Liberal party hero arc strong cnouuh to settle constitutional reform I trust before long to have occasion to return your congratulations, with respect to events in New Zealand. The party authorise me to sign on their behalf.—Graham BERRY, Melbourne. To J. C. Brown, Esq., M.G.A., Wellington." PETITIONS BY CAPTAIN CASEY. The Petitions' Committee had under con sideration yesterday the petition of Captain Casey for compensation respecting demur rage charges. The committee resolved to rccorameud the Government to devote immediate attention to the question of compensating to the amount of about £40. MR EURENFRIED'S PETITION. The petition of Louis Ehrcnfricd, of the Thames, with reference to refusal to re new licenses was also before the Petitions' Committee, and evidence taken at great length. They will probably recommend that the question be referred to the Crown Land Officers with a view of deciding whether the Bench acted legally, and it the opinion of the Crown Land Officers as against tho Bench. Steps will be taken to renew the licenses The Native A flairs' Committee had nnder consideration the claim of Michael Mulhoy, of Tologa, to £6,000 for compensation. The petitioner alleges that he purchased 163 acres of land from the natives and obtained a conveyance ; but Mr J. A. Wilson, Land Purchase Agent, interposed before the title was issued, and induced thn Governmeut to proclaim the block under the forty second section of the Public Works Act pre venting Mr Mulhoy from completing his title. DISQUALIFICATION OF TAIAROA. Sir Wm. Fitziierbeut, Speaker of the Legislative Council, has expressed the opinion that Mr Taiaroa is clearly dis qualified from sitting, and renders himself liable to a penalty of £50 a day by the sitting. Mr Taiaroa has not taken his seat for the past two days. Probably the Go vernment will overcome the difficulty by passing a whitewashing Act. MAORI TRIAL BILL. The Legislative Council has made sonic arrangements in the Maori Prisoners' Bill, in which the Government does not concur, and when the Bill comes back to the Lower Chamber for its concurrence they will pro bably decline. The usual course in such cases is to appoint Managers of both Houses, to confer on the amendments with a view to arranging differences. BOTTLE LICENSES. Yesterday Mr Richardson presented & petition from 322 persons in Christchurcb, against granting bottle licenses. A QUEER QUESTION. Mr Fisher (Buller) gave notice to ask the Government whether Alexander Mac donald, recently appointed to a Govern ment office, is the same person who was convicted and sentenced some years ago for stopping a mail coach near Otaki under arms. Mr DeLatouk gavo notice of a bill to amend the Education Reserves Act. Mr Lundon will ask the Government whether they have finally considered the question of putting an income tax on coal, aud whether they intend to take action this session. Mt Hall in reply to a question whether the Government will reduce the fees charge able for Naturalisation under the Aliens' Act, said this was not a time when the Go vernment could afford to dispense with any source of a revenue. A fee of one pound was, in his opinion, very small payment for the privilege of becoming a British sub ject. DECEASED WIFE'S SISTER BILL. Mr Mookhoose has civen notice of motion that tho Deceased Wife's Sister Bill take precedence ou Monday, its present position being number 61 on the list of bills. TE WHETU. Tc Whotu and ten Maori prisoners re cently arrested near Parihaka will be Bent to Lyttelton. POSTAL REPORT AND THE SAN

FKANCISCO MAIL,

The Post-office annual report was tabled nt an early hour this morning. The report say?, with reference to the San Francisco Service : " The contractors continue their ellorts to make the Service a success in every respect. As an earnest in this direc tion, it was recently proposed to reduce the time from London to the colonies by three days, to be effected by earlier departure from San Francisco on Saturday, iustead of Monday, and the gaining of a aav on the voyage to Auckland and Syducy, " No ad ditional payment is to be made for the early despatch from San Franci.'co, but the contractor will receive in the terms of the contract a bonus of £5 for every hour saved on the voyage to Sydney. The proposal has been accepted, but it is doubtful whether it can be carried iuto practical elFect thioughout the year, as i(s success mainly depends on the early aud regular arrival of the London mails at New York. This cannot bo as sured during the winter months. The con tractors, however, are sanguine that with the approach of summer when the prevail ing winds on the Atlantic are most favour able to steamers bouud to New York they will be able to deliver the London mails in Auckland and Sydney in 3S and 43 days,, respectively. The overland journey be tween New York and San Francisco has been shortened six hours, and the London mails frequently reached the latter city 24 hours prior to the time formerly appointed for (ho sailing of the mail steamer for Auck land. The steamers are now timed to leave San I<ranciaco on the Saturday, but await the arrival of the London mails." In the Auckland postal district there weredelivered in 1870, 392,05S letters, 90,150 newspapers, 18.530 books, circular?, and parcels, and 2,846 po3t cards. THE ESTIMATES. The House was in Committee all afternoon on the estimates, and numerous divisions have taken place on items. In the Legislative Department m;ny items are stiuck or reduced. On the motion to reduce the salary of the Clerk of Parliament, Sir G. M. O'Korke made a generous and nattering speech in support of the maintenance of the salary speaking iv the highest terms of the valuable services rendered by Major Camp bell, -who hud performed his duties with ua.

liring industry and skill for many years ireraring blue books and records of the House with remarkable skill in such a way as to render them a credit to the colony, Mr Rolleston deprecated tbo tone ii whish the Clerk of Parliament's services which were of a professional character and required special training, had been spoken of.

On a division, the motion to strike out the item of £100 addition to permanent galaxy was negatived by a large majority. Mr Seddon moved to reduce it by £70 which was also negatived. '

Again Mr Seddon moved to reduce it by £50, wasting time by another futile division.

On the item, Assistant Clerk of Parlia. ment, Sir G. M, O'Rorke made a similar speech, eulogising tho services of Mr. Friend.

Mr Moorhouse said he had been, a member of the House since Constitutional Government was granted, and he had never heard of a single mistake made by any of the staff of tho House. PROPOSED REDUCTION OF HON. ORARIUM. In submitting the legislative estimates" the Premier said that as Ministers were ■submitting to a reduction of twenty per cent., members ought to do the same. Vfter a long discussion the Chairman of Committee was reduced £99, and the Chair, man of Public Petition, Waste Lands, and* Vative Committees, £100 each struck ont. Substantial reductions were made on the salaries of oificeis of Parliament.

On the item expenses of both Houeeg £21,575 being called, Mr Hall moved a reduction of 20 per cent., amounting to £4315. , ' Mr Murray moved a reduction of £10,00). Mr McCaughan moved a reduction of members of the Houee of Representatives 20 per cent, aud that of Legislative Councillors 50 per cent. Mr Macandkew suggested the propriety of postponing this vote, so as to separate the members of one Douse from that of tho other. It was anything but creditable that last ecssioa the members of the Legislature should have received two honorariuma. SirG. Grey moved "That the item be withdrawn, in order that the whole ques tion might be considered, aud the vote brought down on sorce future occasion ' in tho Supplementary Estimates. He agreed in the opinion that the Legislative honpr. arium should not be fixed at the same rate as the amount for the other branch. Mr Moss said that it was to be regretted that the question was not fixed by Act He did not b.lieve that the amount fixed was a Farthing too much, but if it was once re. '■■'■ dnccd he would certainly object to have it as it was last year. He knew of no Leeisla. hue so badly paid as they were. Mr Murray said that his proposal woold | bring tho honorarium back again to iberate ' paid in 1871, 1872, 1873, and 1874, and ho did not thiuk the state of the colony wag any better to-day than it was in 1874. ■' Tho motion for postponement was nega- • trvod on tho voices. The motion for reduction by £10,000 was I then put: Ayes, 15 ; noes, 58. The motion for reduction of 20 per cent was put: Ayes, 35 ; noes 39. Division list —Ayes, 35: Adams, Alhvright. Atkinson, "t Bain, Barron, Beetham, Bowen, Brandon, 1 Dick, Fox, Fulton, Hall, Hurst, Hurst- I house, Johustouc, Kenny, Levin, Mason, 1 Masters, McCaughan, McDonald, Murray, ' Oliver, Ormond, Pitt, Richmond, Richard- I son, Rolleston, Saunders, Shepherd, ; 1 Stevens, Studholme, Swanson, Whitaker, 1 Wright. Noes, 40: Andrews, Ballance, 8 Brown, Bunny, DcLautour, Finn, Fisher I (J. 8.); Fisher (Geo.), Gibbs, Gisborne, I Hamlin, Harris, Hirst, Ireland, Jonea, ij Kelly, Lundon, Macandrew, Montgomery, . Moorhouee, Moss, O'Rorke, Pyke, Reeves, Iteid, Seddon, Shanks, Shcehau, Shrimski, ■ Stewart, Tainui, Tawhuj To Wheqroli Thomson, Tole, Tomoana, Turnbull, and | Wallis. Mr J. T. Fisher moved, "That the amount be reduced ten per cent." Mr Allwright said he was astonished that the members of (he so-called Liberal party should vote for reduction of the 1 servants, down to the day labourer,and then vote against every reduction in their hono rariums. He moved that it be reduced 15

per cent. Mr SheehAN said that unless tbe hono- 1 rariuni was voted at a reasonable amount ' many a true liberal minded man could not I afford to go into the House. The basis of a; ! liberel policy was payment of members. Tbe proposals made by the last speaker had I been actuated by a desire for a little cheap '. popularity. Mr Hall supported the proposal for the 15 : ' per cent, rcpuction, and defended the last speaker from the imputation of being actu ated by improper motives. The discussianon the honorarium was con. H tinned till late in the morning. The Hoiite 1 divided on the proposal to reduce the rate ]l by 15 per cent. Ayes, 33 ; Noes, 37. Mr Fisher moved that the amount be ] reduced by 10 per cent. Ayes, 49 ; Noes, 20. Ayes : —Messrs. Allwright, Andrews, B AtkinsoD, Bain, Bairow, Beetham, 3owen, ■ Dick, Finn, J. T. Fisher, Fox, Fulton, Gibbs, Gisborne, Hail, Harris, H. J. Hurst, I Hursthouse, Johnston, Kelly, Kenny, i Levin, Macandrew, Mason, McCaughan, Masters, McDonald, Montgomery, Murray, Oliver, Pitt, Reeves, Reid, Richmond, Richardson, Rolleston, Saundcrs, Sbankf, Shcphard, Shrimski, Stevens, Stewart, , Studholm, Swanson, Tole, Turnbull, Whitaker, Wright. Noes : —Ballance, Brown, Bunny, DsLa tour, J. B. Finhcr, Hamlin, Ireland, Jones, Lundon, Moorhouse, Moss, O'Rorke, Pyke, a Shechan, Tainui, Tawhai, Te Wheoro, Thomson, Tomoana, Wallis. Mr Moss asked if the Government would now bring down a bill and fix the amount at what tbe committee had voted, so as to avoid such a discussion in future. The ; chairman ruled the question out of order, Examiner of standing orders, £250, passed. Progress was then reported and the House rose at 1.55.

SOCIAL GATHERING.

The seventh anniversary of the formation cf the Auckland Branch ot the H.A.C.B. Society wa* celebrated la9t evening by a very agreeable social gathering, held in the Lome-street Hall. Dancing wa* com menced at nine o'clock, and with the exception of a short interval at an early stage of the evening devoted to a necessary ~ part of the commemorative proceedings was engaged uninterruptedly till an early hour this morning, P.P. Mr W. G. Connolly, and Mr W. Jennings proving most efficient Masters of Ceremonies. At the interval alluded to the principal ofii era of the * Society look thtii places upon the platform, .' supported by the representatives of the kindred Societies. Mr M. Connolly, P.P., who acted a% Chairman, delivered an opening speech, - in the course ■" of which he indicated plainly, but lucidly, , ■ the claims which Friendly Societies such ,i 3 theirs was had upon the sympathy end ]| favour of the public, besides showing the | advantages resulting from the maintenance * of a kindly good feeling between the various J benefit orders. He claimed a. wider eigiuV|> lieation for the term " brother" than :| that usually given it, and in elo quent language depicted the blessiugs m of amnesty and mutual help. The Secretary (Mr James O'Brien) then ' ; presented the annual repo I of the Sooioty, from which we cull the following particu lars :—Ba'ance to the credit of the branch last anniversary, £1076 17s 3d, and receipts ' for the present year,' £G67 9s lid. Expen diture :—By sick pay, £179 16? 8d; medi cal attendance, including medicines, &c., .;. £129 13a 9d; funeral money, £20; ropai a to meeting room, £35 53 9d; working ex- 1 penses, £51 7s 6d; total, £418 3s Bd, thns , leaving au available balance of £251 4s 3d to the general fuud, which now stood at £132S Is 6d, and was divided as follow*:- ' ; , Sick fund, £600; management fund, £428 Is 6d ; general fund, £260; goods, £40. The number of members in tho last annnal re port was 190, new members during the year, , 30. The number now in the branch is 207.

which showed a small increase. A consider" ; able amount of relief i'ai been afforded to sick brethren by the sick pay expended, amouutingto over £179. Messrs Allen, Mas- | ters, Christmas, Phillips, Waring, Davison, ' Malvaney, Edwards, Short, Uines, ant m Master Cullathy, who represented too juvenile contingent of the Hibernian ;; Society, as representatives of the sister Societies, then addressed the meeting m turn. The representative of the Protestant Alliance Society sent a note apologisiog f°r . his unavoidable absence. Several song 3 were then rendered by Mrs Masters, Miss Thompson, Miss Kirby, a duet by the Misses Loadergan, and a couple of songs by Mr Doran, after which dancing was j resumed.

Inteuding visitors from Ponsonby to Mr ,- Allan West's reunion to take place a* the Choral Hall next Monday evening will | learu fey ndvertieoment iv another column | that the 'buses will run to and from tue ... hall to suit their convenience.

The brethren of Court Eureka, A.0.F., 1 are summoned by advertisement, whicnap- | ])ears in another column, to attend at tne Court room, Alexandra-street, on Monday evening next, 26th, at 7. 30. sharp. B<M" ness nominations for officers for the ensiling year,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR SATURDAY, JULY 24, 1880.



! Special Advertisments. :>' IVTEW BOOKS. — UPWAKD3 OF ±1 EIGHTY VALUABLE WORKS, by I leading authors, juat added to the Library of the Young Men's Christian ABBoclatian, compris ing:— Kound'the World with General Grant, 2 vols. lilfo of Bishop Selwyn, 2 volb. Fossil Men. Harmonies of the Unlvorae Lifo of Dr. Wb, Arnot. Life of Dr. Ladle, L.L.D. 11 - Qeo^n McDonald's Latest Works SmlleB1 Lives of tho Kn^ioecrs, 1 vola. li ' Australian Abroad. The Cray Fish, by Huxley Day of Rest, 1873. Weekly Welcome 1879 Zululand. Five Years Ponal Ee.. iiu-io. &c, &o. TERMS, 28 CD PER QUARTER. Library open from 12 noon till 10 p.m. •jyOTICE OF BE M OVAL. 11 C. J. HUTCHINSON i'l SHIPPING AND GENERAL COMMISSION | AGENT, Has REMOVED to tha Pfllco lately occupied by Captain Klliott, Nbxt to tiirs National Insurance COMPAffy, Queen-street. C. J. HUTCHINSON. | July 21,1880. jjjli; A BSOLUTE SALi! I;! J*. Tv '' DRAPBBY. COSTUMES and MIfiLINERY jjL Previous to Stock-taking. A. LINABURY & CO. w Have determined toJefrVct a ci<h:abanob bale '; of their entikk stock of ll1 WINTER DRESS GOODS, COSTUMES ' M MILLINERY, JACKETS, MANTLES FLANNELS, BLANKETS, FANCYGOODS MANCHESTER GOODS, Etc., Etc, ! FOR ONE~MONTH ONLY. ip'l Extraordinary Bargains iDPVEillinery and Under |!( clothing. ra; Great Reductions in Costumo and Mantla De iiji purtment. |:li j Immense Reductions in Dress Goodg, Fanoy Ijji i Goodi", Children's Costumes, &c. tm Tto whole of our Stock lias boen carefully § Hevisud und Afarked at § EXTRAORDINARY LOW I'IUCKS. ill' Dressmaking on tho Premises. jf " • Costumes mude in 21 hours'notico | A. XjinabuhV & Ca, j| 201 and 200". Qaeen-Btroot.



Special Advertisements. SPECIAL TO FARMERS. CHEAP MANURES. FINK BONEDUST, kkom .. .. J37 pbr ton BONBFLOUB, £8 3UPERPHOSPHATE £0 GUANO of all descriptions. Special Quotations for Largo Quantities. W. J. HUHST & CO., 101, QUBEN-STKEET. -piXPIRATION OF LEASF. In oonsoquonoo of tho hoa.ee oC tho|Promlso3 expiring In AuauST, Tlf IL N E & pHOyCK find It nocoßsary to hod a GREAT CLEARING SALE OF THE WHOLE OF THEIR STOCK •I7IOU (~) NX TI/TONTH QNLY. Kvcry artiolo ltt ilio houso will bo offored AT OH UNDER COST PRICF, FOlt CASH. Salo to commonco THURSDAY, July 1, 18S0. M. & C. would invite tholr frionds ond tho publio to tako advantage of this Salo, ns It will bo a GENUINK ono. Tho whole of thoir new and Fashionable Goods (wlthont reservation) in overy dopartmont muat bo sold. N.B.—Country orders will bo faithfully exe cuted. MILNE & CIIOYCE, CHEAPSIDE HOUSK, QUEBN-STREET, Auckland. X~U.CKLAND CLOTHING FACTORY. LOCAL INDUSTRY. TAIIiOUINa DKPAItrMBNT. J. B. Robinson has tho honour to an nounce thnt ho hits secured tho services of an eminent faehlonablo Cutter from Sydney, and a competent BtaiT 01 Tailors, and has made oxtcnßlvo pre parations for tho manufacture of colonial CLOTUB; and Is now in a position to supply Men's, Youths's and Boy's Stilts made to measure, at Eng llshislop prices on tho shorter) t notice Suits made to order on twelve hours' notice Colonial Tweed Trousers, madol to measuro at 13s Cd, on six hours'notice. All Tweeds guaranteed wo'l shrunk. As it !s intended to dovoto tho whole of tho resources of tho Establishment BOlely to tho manufacture of Men's Youths' and Boy's Clothing, tho present Stock of Ready-mado Goods will bo sold at prime: cost, to make room for those of Jourlown manufacture. J. B. ROBINSON, AUCKLAND /"ILOTIIING ITTIACTORY QUEEN-STRKKT Two doors below Mr Tonk'a Auction Mart). OTOCK-TAKING BARGAINS. In preparation for Stock-taking, William Rattray ba3 REDUCED tho PRICES of his Largo and Well-asaorted Stock of LADIES' COSTUMES, SKIRTS, and ULSTERS, in order to effect a Clearance. CO3TUME3 at 37a 6d Reduced to 253 COSTUMES at 10s Reduced to 25a COSTUMES at 453 Koduced to 27s 6d COSTUMES at 653 Reduced to J2s COSTUMES at 70s Reduced to 15s SKIRTS at 83 Cd Reduced to 53 9d SKIRTS at 12s 6d Reduced to 8a Gd SKIRTS at 183 6d Reduced to 13s 6d SKIRTS at 25s Reduced to 15s A Splendid Line of ULSTERS at 22s Gd (worth 255) arc now Koduced to 18a Cd. William Rattray. draper, clothier. & silk mercer, New Zealand House, GO, Qucen-atrcot, Auokland. APOTHECARIES' HALL. OPPOSITE THT! POST-OFFICK. MESSRS SHARLAND & CO., DISPENSING CHEMIST 3, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DRUGGISTS, Messrs Sharland & Co. have this day taker into their business MX A. W. GARDNER (Late ok Canterbury, Englandl, Certificated Member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, who will manage the Dispensing and Rctal duties of this establishment. Mr A. W, Gardner brings high testimonials from man; eminent Physicians and Surgeons in Kent England, which give a guarantee to the public of Auckland that flrat-oiass skill and ulllcioncj v/ill be leading features in our business. Mr F. C. Sharland will succeed Mr J. C Sharland in the general control and conduct ol oiir Wholesale and Manufacturing Department, Wo sha'l continue to import, bi-monthly, from Europe and America, Drugs, Chemicals, Mag' netic Instruments, Elastic Belts, Trusses, Ail and Water Cushions, Pillows, Waterproof Sheetings, Invalid and Domestic Appliances, Surgical Instruments, Nnrtery Requisites, Family and Homoeopathic Medicines, brushes of every description, all guaranteud. MBDICISE CnBSTS AND SHIPPING SUPPLIBD. Medlcine3 promptly despatched to the Country districts and the South Sea Islands. PRINCIPAL CARPET WARBHOUSB.- The Largest and Cheapest Stock of Tapes try, Brussels, Kelt, Kidderminster, Jute and Hemp Carpets are to bo seen a'- the City Hall Arcade. Carpets made and litted to any size room. GARLICK & CRANWELL. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time oj Purchase. IRON & BKASSiBKDSTEADS.—Upwards of 350 in Stock to Select from, and all sizes— from 2Jft. wide to sft. wide. Stump, French, Half-Tester, Voiding Stretchers, Invalid's Chair-Bods. A Great Variety of Wood Bedsteads to suit every class of customer. Children's Bedsteads and Cots various styles). GARLICK & CRANWELL. City Hall Arcade. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at Ume oj Purchase. KDDINtt OF ALL SIZES kept ready for Delivery. All our Bedding is made at onr own Factory. Kapok Down and Feather Beds; Hair. Fibre, Flock and Klax Mat t'usßos; Pillows and Bolsters of overy kind; Spring Mattresses and Palliasses foranysizobedstead. Mattrossesro-made with despatch. GARLICK & CRANWELL. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at Ume of Purchase. •DEDROOM FURNITURE-the Plainest and -U Handsomest—to bo seen at the City Hail 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, Washstands, Commodes. GARLICK & CRANWELL. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at Ume of Purchase. rpOILKT GLASSES and TOILBT-WARE.- X We study to keep such a Stock as to be able to please every taste. Every Size in Toilet Ghsees, and a Splendid Variety of Toilet-wars; Pier Glasses —very pretty Chimney Glawesjust opened. GAHLICK & CKANWKLL, City Hall Arcade. Five per Cent. Discount for Cash at time of Purchase. TTVUAWING-ROOM AND DINING-ROOM U 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 Occasional Tables, Cheffloniors, Whatnots, Cornices, Fenders, and Fire-irons. /Church furniture, h*ll fukni \j TURE, Library and Office Furniture, Kitchen Furniture, Seir-actiDg Roller Blinds, Floor Cloth, all kinds or Famish ing Goods. , FURNI3H YOUR HOUSE FKOM THE rilTi. U ALL j[ ROADI! GARLICK & CRANWELL, PROPRIETORS. Hvs per Cent, Discount for Cush at tims 0 furrchase, •