SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

HIGH WAml^a__Uwi SUNSST.-TMs Evening, 4.55 SUNRISE.—To-Morrow Morning, 7.4 MOON'S AQB.-l.ow Moon, 28th, 11.16 a,ra.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Annie, ketch, Cameron, from Russell

TO-DAY. Ocean, schooner, Cocklleld, from Buascll Glenolg^ s.s.. Farquhar, from Tauranga Josephmo, schoonor, Harrison from Rusaell

DEPARTURES.

last evening. Argyle, e.s, Crawford, for Whangarei Opotiki, schooner, Colllngs, for Whangarei Griffin, schoonor. Doughty, for Russell Cutty Sark, schoonor, MoClyment, lor Napior

TO-DAY. Columbia, schooner, Conway, for Napier Albion, s.s., Anderson, for the South

PROJECTED DEPARTURES

i-onaon—Peru, early Sydney—To Anau, 31st; Zealandla, 30th Levuka—Southorn Cross, s.s., Monday Molbourno via, .outh—Albion, Thuraday 26th. Taranaki c.nd South-Hawea, Monday Rusaell and Northern porta—lona, Monday Whangarei and Maugapai—Argyl., Tuesday , and Friday Taaranrfa—Glenelg, Tnesday and Thursday Mangawal- Fingal, Thuraday Moroary Bay—Fingal, Monday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Zealandla, P.M. : s.s., from San Francisco,

Monday, 39th ' Halcioae. .hip (J.N.M.S.), from London; to sail

Maroh _ Rakaia, ship, from London Ashmoro, ship,.from London LoohDoon, barqne (L.H.G.V.), from London; to

soil March 2 Avona, barque (W.Q.J.N.I, from London; sailed February 3 c_ ■ Orient, barque (K.C.J.N.), from New York ; sailed February 11 Coronilla,' barque (K.8.V.Q.), from London ;

sailed Feb. 15 E-peculador, barquo, from Newcastle Anne Milbank, barque, from Newcastle Chile, barque, from London; loading Dunkeld, barquo, from London ; loading Camille, brig, from Now York; sailod April 2 Thomas and Honry, brig, from Dunedin via

Kaipara Ethel, brig, from Adelaide __ - Vision, brig, from Melbourne, sailed April 19 Bannockburn, brigantine, from Timaru Orwell, brigantine, from the Islands Myrtle, brigantino, from Friendly Islands Kthel, brigantine, from Dunedin. Ryno, brigantine, from Rotamah Flirt, brigantine. from Samoa Ooeola, brigantino, from New York Enterprise, brigantine, from Timaru Defiance, brigantine, from Lyttelton Clansman, brigantine. from Newcastle Anthons. brigantine. from -.yttelton Rhoderick Dha, brigantine, from Dunedin Ada C. Owen, brigantino from Mauritius Caledonia, schooner, from Samoa Mazeppa, schoonor, from Rarotonga Agnes Donald, schooner, from Rarotonga Coronet, schooner, from Aitutakl Clyde, schooner, from Lyttelton Gael, schooner, from Levuka Torea, schoonor, from Lyttelton Winifred, sohooner, from New Hebrides Taviuni, Bcliooner, from Taviuni -,v Atotohau, schooner, from R .rotonga Belle Brandon, sohooner, from Samoa Norval, schooner, from Norfolk Island Atlantic, schooner, from Napior Taurf.nga, schoon. r, from Dunodln Knee McGreuor, s.booner. from Lyttelton Onward, scnoonor. from Lyttelton Rona, schooner, from Uunedin Bisay, Rchooner, from Suva Meg Merrlles, schooner, from Soloman Islands Norval, Bchoonor, from Noumea Coronet, sohooner, from tho Islands Caledonia, schooner, from Apia Falrlie, schooner, from Oamaru

EXPORTS.

Per Albion s.s. for Poverty Bay—l 9 bales tow. 6 sacks oysters, 12 boxes soap, 3 hhds beer, 6 oval boilerß, 5 bundles sponting, 3 oases fruit, 6 empty hhds, 1 gunny lines, 90 packages sundriea. For Napier—3 packages and 6 coils rope, 10 Backs oystera, 2 casea fruit. 5 casks. 67 pieoes railway , plant, 117 packages and parcels sundries. For Wellington—so bunches bananoas, 30 sacks kumeraß, I case dynamite, _ coils rope, 2 paokages lime-, 21 bags oysters. 16 parcels and cases sundries. Fo¥ Lyttelton—2o sacks oysters, 300 dholls fibre, 3 coses biscuit, 5 rock ing horses, 20 sacks cocoanut, 11 paokages fruit, 29 parcels sundries. For Dunedin—2 hhds. boer. 25 aaoks ooooannts, 12 bars iron, 2 spars. 23 empties, 58 parcels, and. oases sundries. For Oamaro—lß empty hogsheads, 2 boles, I trunk, 1 oa». For Timaru-1 case, 1 box. For Bluff— 12 empties, 80 oases, 1 parcel. For Melbourne— 66 bales flax, 1 case books, 2 parcels.

Inwabd «t Coastwardj. — Ocean, from Russell, with 20 tons iron, 30 toris coal; Mariner, from Rtfßßell, with 100 tons coal; Paku, from TsirUa,'With'2-2,000 feet timber, 5,000 shingles; Opotlkl,'from Opotiki, with J. 55 sacks wheat, 90 saokß'maize, 21 sucks potatoes; Dream, from Tairua, with 22,981 feet timber; Josephine, from Ru-aell, -with 95 tons coals; Annie, from R assell, with 62,000 tons coal. Outwards Coastwise. — Mariner, for Russell; Paku. for Tairua; Dream, for Patua; Esk, for Thames, with 37 bales hay and 120 bags chaff. Tho brigantine Heleno cleared at the Custonis to-day for Kaipara with her original cargo, viz., 78C0 shingles and 200 laths. The Revenue schooner Hawk, arrived in Tau ranga harbour on Saturday evening and anchored near Mount Maketu. , che left again last night. Her destination is not known.

The s.s. Albion left for Southern ports at 10 30 #a,m. to-day with the following passengers :- Messrs K. Smith. Turpln. C. H.Balk,F.Battlw. C. W. Marks. Wright, Key J. H, Long, Mrs Cook. Mrs 3. S. Graham. The brig Syren has almost comoletod her loading for Sydney. Her cargo will comprise about 800 oaskß cement and a quantity of sawn Umber. - The brigantine Aratapu arrived at Kaipara on Sunday last in ballast, after- a fine weather passage. She loads timber for either Lyttelton or Dunedin. ."_...' The steamer Piako has been overhauled and repaired at Tauranga. new plates being put on tolier bottom where Ehe was inj nred some, weeks ago. The Piako le.'t Tauranga on Monday with a fall cargo for Te Pake via Maketu. She also had the cotter Rover in tow. The schooner'Ovolan took a four-ton decked yaoht for Mr Edenborough, Society Islands, fromthe yard ot Messrs He wson and Melville. Mr Brace, ol Levaka, has favoured the firm wiih an order for a twenty-five ton cutter, dimensions to be as follows:—Length of keel, 48ft.; beam, 16ft,; depth of hold, 6ft,; also a large open sailing boat, which is alirost completed, with dimenaionß : 21ft. kcol. 7ft. 6in. beam, and 3lt. 6in. deep. The latter craft ,is to be forwarded by the s.s. Southern Cross on Monday next. The B.s. Vivid arrived at the Thames from Te Aroha yesterday afternoon, a day overdue, the cause of her detention being that on tbe up pas sage she ran aground, the wator in the river being unußually low, and it was some time be fore she could begot off. She passed the Patiki near Te Aroha with her rudder chain broken. ReDairs were then proceeding, and it was ex pected that in half-an-hour after the Vivid left they would be finished, and the vessel enabled to resume her journey. The b.b. Qienelz arrived from Tauranga this forenoon with 178 Backs potatoes, 20 horses, 21 pigs, 31 sheep, about 3 tons sundries:, and the following passengers:—Mr and Mrs Chamber lain, Mr and Mrs Hunt, Mrs and Miss Could, Miss Nelson,' Mrs and Miss Macdonald, Hon. Mr Marsham, F. Chamberlain, Campbell,. Thompson, K. Lewis, J. Kelly, Synot, Guise. Gladstone, urr. Smith. Mcßride, Whettom, Judge Manning, and 2 steerage.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Rowena, s.s., Amodeo, from Waitara

DEPARTURES.

Lalla Rnokh, . s., Robinson, for Waitara

IMPORTS.

Por Rowena, from Waitara: 21 head cattle.

EXPORTS.

Per Lalla Rookh, for Waitara: 31 pieoes lime stone, 2 packages harrows, 1 stove, 1 door, 2 packages sashes, 50 bags rice, 75 bags Bait, 55 cases kerosene, i cases axe-handles, 5 c.s'.s corn flour, 3 cases pipes, 16 packages tea, 20 boxes candles, 20 gunnies sugar, and 27 packages Bundry merchandise.

These. Rowena, which arrived from Waitara at 7 a.m to-day, brought the following passen gers :—Messrs Watson. Bow, Stafford, Mes dames Watson, Bow, Stafford, and one steerage.

The s.s. Lalla Rookh left at 9.30 a.m. to-day /or Waitara.

PORT OF KAIPARA.

Arrivals:— May 21, S,s. Oreti. Fraser, from Onehunga, with cattle and sheep; May 22, Aratapu, brigantine. Bower, from ..yttelton, in ballast: May 23, Julius Voxel, schooner, Cullon, from Wellington, in ballast. Departures:—May 22, S.s. Oreti, Frsser, for Onehunga, with small produce Loaded at Heads:—Vision, Rona, and Torea all for Lyttelton ; Jane Anderson, for Dunedin. Loaded at Makarau :—Pakehs, brig, with baulk timber, for Dunedin. Loading :—Rachel Cohen, brigantine, with sawn and dressed timber, for Melbourne; Moa, brig, with hauik timber, tor Dunedin ; Thorn-. and Henry, brig, with baulk timber, for Dunedin Prince Alfred, brigantine, with sawn timber for Lyttelton; Mend Grah_m, schooner, with sawn timber, for Lyttelton: Sarah Pile, brigantine. With sawn timber, for Wellington: Sarah Add, barque, with baulk limber, for Melbourne.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day.B

Arrived: Onward. Sailed: Ida. for Kawa kawa ; Golden Isle and Fairy for Auckland. Wellington, yeßterday. Sailed: Taiaroa, s.s., for the South

Lyttelton, yesterday.

Arrived: Remington, ship, from London. Bailed: Hawea, for the North; Stella, for South.

Port Chalmers, yesterday. Arrived: Rotorua, from __»st Const. Sailed Te Anau, for Sydney vi-b Bast Coast. Pa«sen ger for Auokland: Mr Cottam.

Melbourne, May 19. Sailed: The Union Co.'s steamship Rings room, for the Bluff.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, Thursday.

MR A. BUCKLAND'S REPORT,

At the Haymarkot on Wednesday hides and Skins were in full quantity. Hides brought 3d to 3 916 d the lb; skins, la Id to 3s (id eaoh; wool. in grease, G5-7d to G.d tho lb; tallow, 23a to 18s the cwt. At the special sale at Mr Nioholl's farm, Mangere, on Monday last, there was a very numerous attendance. Prices were good throughout, particularly for the cattle, which sold considerably higher than at the ordinary markets. At Papakura on Wednesday 95 cattle were yarded, the greater portion calves and yearlings, for which thero was good competi tion at Improved values.

Mail Notice.

Mails will Close as Under.— This day. For Mangawal, per Fingal, at i p.m. \ For Tauranga. Ohlnemutu, and Opotlkl, per Glenelg, at i p.m. Friday, 27th instant For Thames, per Rotomahana, at II a.m. For Waihekeand Coromandol, per Coromandol, at 12.30 p.m. For Taranaki, Wangannl, and South per Oreti, at 1 p.m. For Tairua, por Paku, at i pm, For Whangarei Heads, Parua, Waipu, Whan garei, and Tangihua, por Argylo. at _ p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Saturday, 28th instant. For Waiwera, Mahurangl, Matakana, Manga wal, etc., por Rose Casoy, at 10 a.m. Monday, 30th instant. For Taranaki and Southern Ports, per Hawea, at 5 a.m. For Suva, Levuka, Tonga, and Samoa, per Southern Cross, at 3 p.m.

For Australian Colonies por Zealandla immedi , ately after hor arrival from Honolulu s. B. Bids, Chief Postmaster. . Chief Post-ofllco. Auokland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

MAY 26th, 1881. Theatro Royal—"Narcisso".and "David Gar rick," 8 p.m. Lome-street Hall-Professor and Madamo Hasolmayer's Entortalnmont, 8 p.m. Albert Hall—Waxwork Exhibition, 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. St. Andrew's Kssay and Debating Clas_— Readings and -..citation., 7.30 p.m. Y.M.C.A.—Unltod Prayor Meeting, 7.30 p.m. St, Jamos' Hall—Herbert Smith's Panorama, 7.30 p.m. St. Sepulchre'- and St- Paul's—Asconßlon Evening Sorvlcos, 7.30 p.m. Christian Mooting House, Cook-stroet—Lec ture by Edward Lewis on " Authority and Value of the Ordinancos of Christ," 7.30 p.m.

Birth.

LRER9.-On tho 25th of May, at Easden Cottago, Mrs M. S. Leers of a da-gt-tor. RIORI)AN.-On tho 21th May, at Nolson-strect,

the wifo of 11. J. Rlordan of a _on. SMITH.-On tho 15th May, at her residence, St Stephen's Avonuo. Anokland, tho wlfo of Arthur Smith of a daughter.

Death.

HAZARD.—On May 25th, at tho rosidenoo of his Bon-In-law, Mr. 1). N. Gamier, Albon streot, VV. 11. Hazard, aged G7 years; Jato if Saint Piorrc-l.s-CBlais, Franco; fiithorof W, H. Hazard, ot Queen-street, Auckland.

The funeral will tako plaoo to-morrow. 27th May, at 3 pm. Frionda aro reapeotfuliy In vited to attond.

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

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1881.

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

IN proposing an alteration in the constitu tion of the Legislative Council the Govern, ment arc moved, we pre.ume, by the same sentiments as stirred them to notion on tho Triennial Parliaments Bill, Manhood Suff rage, and Representation according to population. They wish to avert agitation by satisfying or even forestalling its purpose. Certain radical constitutional changes have been submitted for the consideration of the colonists within the last few year., and have met with expressions of assent more or leas emphatic, aud the Government are endeavouring to gratify the popular wish. Of all these proposed changes, however, that affecting tlio Legislative Council has excited the least interest, though there is unquestionably a feeling that tbe nomina tion for life-pensions -and that is what ap pointment to the Council amounts to—is mi abuse. The unlimited membership, ren dering the Chamber easily capable of bciug swamped by the Government oi the day, bos kept the members in such whole some dread tbat they have rarely offered any prolonged obstruction to a measure in which it has been apparent the great majority of the people felt their interests bound up, aud were there fore resolved to have. The Council has at times even achieved a certain degreo of popularity by checking the log-rolling of the Lower Chamber, as, for example, when they slaughtered Sir Julius Vogel's seven little pigs-the Provincial borrowing bills. It has thus managed to steer a coutse clear of the reefs of popular rights and convic tions, and so avoided sudden shipwreck. Granting, however, that though the Chamber has led au inoffensive and in some respects useful life, its character and constitution are out of harmony with our democratic institutions, we hardly think the Government amendment will meet the difficulty. Tho Council now is amenable to reason because it feels its weakness, but give it tenure for life with limita tion of numbers and its power would be enormously and danger ously increased. Nor would the cor rection proposed—namely a joint sitting of both Houses—prove a sufficient antidote, because the Upper Chamber is invariably Conservative, and its entry into the Lower Chamber would invariably give a Conserva tive preponderance. The final deci.iou would therefore frequently be to turn a representative majority into a minority, so thwarting the democratic will iv its own parliament. Another fatal objection to the proposal is this—that it provides no process for weeding out the unsuit able members who, in the course of years, gradually find their way into the Council. Any reform of the Upper Chamber, we are convinced, must provide for the termination of every member's period of office at the very least within ten years. The field for discussion opened up by the Government bill is as wide as it is impor tant, aud there ia no chance of the subject being settled next session. It is brought down by the Government doubtless with a view to the general election which follows. The constitution of the Council, however, having once been challenged by those who are looked upon as its natural defenders, the step can never be retraced, But we venture to prodict that tho constitution of our Houso of Lords will come out of the mill in materially different shape from that sketched ia the outline given of the Government bill.

■ Thekel_s a kind of feebleness about our public administration sometimes which would almost lead one to suspect that the departments are being re-organised upon the latest models approved by tho Sublime Porte. It has Ion? been well-known that small-pox prevails at Honolulu, and less than a mobth ago our mails were detained and the public con venience of the whole of the colonies was ruthlessly set at naught on account of two or three infanta suffering from measles, and yet no steps have been taken to guard against _ similar occurrence on any future occasion. There aro no proper appliances either in Auckland or at the quarantine island for fumigating mails. A small wooden building erected on the railway wharf—such as fishermen commonly use for smoking schnapper—would be a gigantic advance upon the existing postal i machinery. To such a houso the mails I might be conveyed direct from the steamer, and there be toasted with fire and brim stone until they reoked with the odour. The ship, passengers, and cargo could mean while be dealt with as the malignancy of the malady on board rendered desirable. So long, however, as the mails have to be dealt with as they were dealt with last month, neitherpublichealth nor convenience will be studied. The steamer arrived in our harbour at three o'clock in the afternoon, and the mails actually were not landed to commence fumigation until the following morning, and then at considerable risk. The bags had to bo dragged up a steep hill to a house erected to smoke clotbing, not mails, and then were dragged back agoin. In rough, inclement weather the mails would in all probability never get through the ordeal within a week, and then would come forth in a condition of disgraceful dilapidation. If Mr Bias has not already represented the matter to the Government he ought to do so veiy strongly and at once.

Members ol the Choral Society Band aro reminded of tho rehearsal to tako placo at ho hall this evening at 7.30.

Torkil Nicholson, the lamp.trimmer, who I escaped from the wreck of the Tararua in the second mate's boat, ia now employed as A.B. on board the Albion, and was in port i with that vessel during the last two days. I

An interesting entertainment was.ciyen last evening in the Baptist Chapel-, Mount Eden Road, in aid of tho school funds, con. siatiug of musical selections, singing, and readings

At the moeting of tho Waitemata County Council yesterday afternoon, the Chairman gave notice that he would move at the next meeting that a, general rate of Is in the pound should be struck.

The outrigger built by Swaddle aud Win ship for the Auckland representative crew, and in which they rowed at the last annual regatta, has been sold to the Star Rowing Club, Wellington. She will be forwarded by the Te Anau next trip.

The Registrar of the Supreme Court this morning, on the application of Mr A. _'. Whitaker, granted an order of adjudication in the estate of Robert Marsh, of Wangarei. The first mcetiug of creditors has becu fixed for Wednesday, the Stb proximo.

Tho race arranged between tho open boats Imp and Minno Ada did not take place. It appears that some persons kindly took tho loan of the little Imp previous to the time announced for starting, and tho could not be fouud when required. Bet opponent was Bailed over the course, and wc understand has claimed and received the staljes. Another raco is to take place shortly, as the present affair proved very unsatisfactory.

1 The Albert Hall Exhibition of Wax Works attracted a numbor of visitors throughout the day, and will continue open until Saturday evening next, After Hint date the proprietor seeks " fresh Holds and pastures now." >•;

At the Resident Magistrate'!. Court to day, two judgment summons cases against Tom Riceardi came on for hearing. They were, however, both adjourned tor a fort night at tho requcet of couusol, it being stated that the judgment debtor had com menced proceedings in bankruptcy.

The ladies of the Auckland Archery Club engaged in a prize competition the other day, in which tho test of merit was not the greatest number ot hits or points, but the best gold. Tho range was GO yards, and 48 arrows were allowed to each of the fair con testants. Mrs Iletley proved the winner. The season is now about at an oud, though if tho weather eoutinuoa fiuc, ono or two more meetings may be held.

Last night, being bright and clear, tho comet was visible to groat advantage. At 7 o'clock it will bo discovered about fifteen degrees above the horizon in a southerly direction. To the naked eye it looks indk tinct and hazy, but under a good opera glass or telescope, a very brightly lumin ous head and well-defined tail may be readily tracod.

People who have frequent occasiou to traverse Custom House-street lo and from tho railway station will be delighted to per ceive that an asphalted footpath is being formed along the entire southern side of the thoroughfare Tbo authori ties, in this instance, havo taken time by the forelock, and pedestrians who retain a lively recollection of their struggles through tho mivy slough of Custom House street lost year will bless them for thoit' con sideration.

The usual weokly sittiug of the Resident Magistrates Court for the settlement of small debt cases was held to-dny. Mr Thomas Jackson, Resident Magistrate of Papakurd, presided in tho absence of Messrs Barstow and Mucdonald from Auckland. A large number of cases were on the list, but no less lhau twenty-two were settled out of Court. Tho undefended cases and judg ment summonses wero disposed of within an hour, but the Court was occupied until lato this afternoon in hearing three defended cases of slight importance.

Spotlortli is not only a good cricketer,but ia also a first-class short-distance runner. At the last Sydney Amateur Athletic meet ing the event of greatest interest was tho 100 yards ilat race, which resulted in a dead heat bctweon Spofforth and Rush. A-> Spoll'orth got away with the lead and Bush gaitied upon him considerably during the last twenty yards, it was thought that in the run oil Rush would easily dispose of the "demon," but Spofforth again got away at the start and succeeded iv putting iv tho first fifty a gap of at least two yards between himself and his opponent, which lie kept, till the finish, winning easily in 10:f .«ees. The most jubilant nt Spot-brill's vic tory were Messrs Murdoch and Bonner. The Australian captain says he is in a posi tion to match Spofforth against any amateur iv the colonies tor a stake-bet oi £100.

A confirmation servico was held last evening in St Sepulchre's church by the Bis-iop of Auckland (Dr Cowie) in the presence of a large congregation. The Bishop was assisted in the service by the Rev. 18, T. Dudley an. Rev. O. C. Biggs. Twenty young persona wero confirmed, 14 young ladies of the Church and 9 young men. Tho preparatory service was read by Rev, Mr Biggs, and tho lessons by lvev, Ur Purcbas. The Bishop preached from the Epistle of St. James.—" Pure religion and' uudcfiled before God and the Father is this : to visit the tatlicrless and widows iv their affliction, andi to keep jhitnself unspotted from the world." The sermon was of a thoroughly practical |character, and calculated to impress upon tho young people the importance of a religions lifo in accordance with the teachings of St James. He exhorted them to lead a consis tent life, keep themselves unspotted from tho world, guarding the tongue from evil speaking and avoiding excesses in amuse ments, and extravagance in worldly plea sures which wero likely to subvert right principles. Addressing the canditates, ho told them that they would be eligible for ad mission to the highest services in tho church, : aud he hoped their response would be t„ true and hone_t expression of the love of God in their hearts.

The members of the Aucklaud Gnrrick Club performed Byron's popular comedietta, " Our Boys, " on the evening of the Queen's birthday, at the Academy of Music, Grahamstown, with great success, for the funds of the Hauraki Ladies' Benevolent Society. The " Advertiser " has a very flatteriDg notice of the affair, and says :— " Criticism of amateur performances is an iogracious task, but tho Garrick Club need not be at all afraid of that wbilo they posses members who can give such living redlity to the characters of tho shrewd old butterman, to the barouct's son, to Mary Melrose, to Belinda and the others. Hearty applause greeted the actors on several occasions during the progress of the piece,, and tbe " prior cousin " received a rich bouquet ia test - mony to her skill. At the close quite an ovation was given to the company who had come before tho curtain to receive the well-merited applause of the audienco. There was a capital bouse, and holders of front seat tickets had tho privilege of re maining to a dance at the conclusion of the piece, and of this many availed themselves. Wo congratulate the Socioty on the pecu niary support they havo received. Mr A. Smith, who acted as stage-manager, ex pended much time in arranging the stage effects, and the admirable mannorin which he succeeded evinced very good taste/

r At the Resident Magistrate's Court to __ day, one of the cases was adjourned under very peculiar circumstances. The summons 0 was served on the defendant by Constable i (or Sergeant) Greene about ten days ago, ■ but was not returned to the Resident 1 Magistrate's Court until this morning. The consequence was that the case was not put 9 on the list until about an hour _ before the Court sat. Thus, while the ■ defendant had sufficient notice and was 3 present, the plaintiff was unaware that tbe t oase wa3 to be called up. Mr Theo Cooper, ,' who appeared for defendant, therefore i asked for an adjournment without the co3ts. He represented to the Bench the i fact that his clients, and the other parties ;in the suit, had been put to inconveni ence through the neglect of an officer of the s Court, and he did not see why they should ■ also be compelled to pay tho costs. His Worship said the Government were strict '. in regard to adjournment fees, and he must i' therefore order that they bo paid, Mr Cooper then said he wished to make a formal complaint against Constable. Greene for having kept the affidavit in his possession nine days after the summons had been served. His Worship .aid there wa. certainly some slight ground for complaint, but he had no authority to deal with the matter. Mr Cooper asked that it should bo forwarded by the Court to the proper authorities. His Worship said he was not the Resident Magistrate of Auckland, and therefore he had no juris diction. Mr Cooper contended that His Worship was clothed with the powers of the Resident Magistrate of Auckland while he sat on the Bench. The Court suggested that the complaint should be mittlc on I the next occasion that Mr Barstow occupied the Bench. Mr Cooper wished His Worship to make a note of the complaint then, and said he would press for it to be forwarded to the proper quarter. His Worship pointed out that he was in a peculiar position. He was sitting in tho Auckland Court for the first i timo, and did not care to interfere. Mr Cooper said he believed he had the feeling i of the profession with him. Mr i Tyler :—Unquestionably so. The i Bench replied that Mr Cooper would l have to make the complaint in writing to t the Resident Magistrate ot the district, and I let him forward it to the proper quarter. J t The next caso was then proceeded with, c

The police are desirous of finding the owner of an axe found in the possession of a prisonor, who is unable or unwilling, to satisfy the police in respect of the same.

Considerable amusement was caused.on the wharf this morning, when a, fat little poiker got over the side of the s.s. Glenelg and into tho water. A moat exciting chase commenced, and the boys, of course, asaiated. They got down underneath the wharf, and several times " piggy" was caught by ears and tail, but succeeded iv eluding all efforts of capture for some time. At last tbo boat had to be got out, and after a short chase tho runaway was got hold of, aud duly restored to his old quarters.

A number of workmen wero to-day em ployed removing a largo quantity of mud and silt which had accumulated in the caisson 'chamber of tho dock, and which prevented the caisson shutting properly when vessels were being docked. It ah;o interfered with pumping operations. The dock' was punipod dry at low water, and the mud removed by means of buckets.

I Tbe race between the open boats Olive and Amateur resulted in an easy victory Sur the former. Tho race was for £2 a-side, nd the course from the Watchman round tho Dnphue's buoy, -rouu.il North Shore buoy, back round the Daphne, round the Watchman again, and back to Shelly Jleach. Tho Amateu rwas sailed by McCarthy, and the Olive by li. Graydou. The Olive won by about 20 minutes after a well contested race.

' At the request of tho Auckland branch of (lie New Zcalatid Alliance', Dr. Wallis has consented to give a lecture to-morrow evening on " Local Option and Compensa tion for Publican..." The Alliance, anxiou. to hear Dr. Wallis' views on the subject, will bear tho expense, aud are desirous of •. haying , the matter fairly dis cussed . Should tlio discussion be con ducted tompcratoly for the sako ot truth and justice, the evening will be profitably spent. The chair will bo taken at 7.3D p. in,

A woll-known Melbourne "young blood," is being sued by the fascinating licensee of an hotel at St Kildtt, and formerly a bar maid, for breach of promise. £1000 is the amount claimed. Au application was made in Chambers tho other day to his Honor Mr JiiHti.o Higinbotham, ou behalf of tho plaintiff, tor permission to doliver certain Interrogatories to defendant, one of which was whethor plaintiff and defendant had not Jived togethor as man and wife for five years ova Btation near Horsham, the issue beiu» throe children; and nnothor was whether defendant had not written a com promising letter to plaintiff from Utah. His Honor said that the iutcrrogatorics had nothing to do with tlio case, ami l.fu.eii tv ullow their being delivered.—" Bulletin."

On the evening of tho Quoon's Birthday, a grand coticort waa held nt the Lower Township School, Coromandol, for the purpose of raising funds for prizes and d.fruy tho expense of the children's mid winter feast. The evening was pleasantly H|ient, suitable songs and short speeches being the priucipal featuros. Among those who contributed to tho evening's umuse mont were the Hargravo family and Mrs Uevitt, the ' latter lady securing an enthusiastic encoro, Mr King, Chairman of the School Committee, thanked those present for ■ their attendance, and also thoso who had kindly assisted in getting up tin: outer nimnont. Tho inciting oou eluded with tho National Anthem.

All tho world of London, Dubliu, and Edinburgh is indignant at the affront put on the Prince of Wales in Paris. Ho is niude to iiguro iv tho scandalous play of " Nana," which has just appeared. The prince enters tho heroine's dressing-room with a bottle of champagne under each arm, and treats the company to a glass of the wino, all drinking from the same glass. His future subjects mourned at tbo shame ful cxposd made by Zola in his novel; but now that they find the Priuce d'Ecosso introduced upon the stage under the name of Prince Stophcnsborg, with the make-up and personal peculiarities of tho heir apparent preserved, they havo become indignant.

Referring to the presouco in Sydnoy of llerr Curl Schmidt, tho new conductor of the Auckland Choral Society, who arrived by the R.M.S. Australia, the Sydney "Bulletin" says:—" Hcrr Carl Schmidt, late conductor of the Sydney Choral Society, and also of the JAnna Bishop Opera Company,—and a very old Sydney favourite—is now in this city, en routo to Auckland, N.Z., where lie is to hold the position of conductor of the Auckland Choral Society. Sir Frederick A. Wield, late Governor of Tasmania, appointed tliis gentleman his special musician, und the people of Lauucestoti presented him with seveial testimonials and farewell addrosses on his departure from Tasmania."

I At the 1-ipakura races on Tuesday, thero was a disgraceful i uslt for places in tho rail way carriages for the return trip. Most of the carriages wero crowded to excess. Ladies were roughly jostled and pushed back by the rough-, who took possession of the iirst class carriages and converted them into smoking saloon.. Iv sonic of the carriages, ladies were compelled to stand for some timo before any persons sufficiently tmllnnt to offer them their scats could be found. It is said that several of the tear carriages wero empty, while others were simply crammed, numbers of people having to stind on the platform. All this inconvenience might have been avoided had a little forethought been exer cised. If the train had been brought up to the course half-an-hour before tho timo fixed for starting, then the rush would have been averted and time allowed tbe excur sionists to obtaiu comfortable seats. The trip in to Auckland occupied nearly three quarters of an hour mote than the time an nounced.

George Eliot's portrait, published iv a London paper, will be a shock to (he admirers of that groat novelis*. It ia no use miucing matters. This wise, witty, and powerful writer was a very ugly woman. She did not have a redeeming feature in her face, and in nothing did she show her good sense more than in rcfuaiog to havo her portrait takeu. A sketch of George Eliot iv the editorial rooms of tho Blackwood* represents a very plain-looking young woman in curia. The sketch is in Indian ink, and it is surprising that it has not been reproduced. Those who have seen her say her complexion was bad. She was not only freckled, but her skin had indenta tions, irregular in shape, and positively dis figuring. How hard life must have seemed to this wise and strong woman. She could realise all that was best, and brightest, and most charming in her sex, yet she was debarred from what most women covet— admiration, personal charms, and—owing to her peculiar domestic relations-social regard of many of her fellow-men and women.

The Lynch Family of Bellringers recently played at Bathurst, and drew a good house. The troupe has been re-organised, and poor old Tom Margetts has got tho "shunt. This ia a bad thing for Tom Margetts, but a good thing for the company, aa the songs of T.M. were those originally sung by Ham in the afternoon re-unions in the Ark. They are wonderful people those Lynches. They can tire the wheels of thoir traps, aud shoe the hoots of their horses. Each bellringer is a bushman, and the comic vocalist is always learned in the matter of horse-feed. Harry is, of course, the " boss," and bo rules the roast with a brass stair-rod, Willie, Peter, and the rest bow down before him, and no member of the company is allowed more than four drinks before break fast. The Lynches have travelled every where in Australia nnd New Zealand. We would not be surptisod to hear of thorn chiming to tho Patagonians - hortly. They are " übiquitous," and 'Arry is liko Leech's creation — without his objectionableness. Long may they ring the present set —and shortly may they ring another;sct ot—well belles this time. Numnium I— " Sydney iiullctiu."

The " Grey River Argus " hast tho follow ing account about tho landing of the Chinese: --" The landing of the Chinese last night from tho Hero was a sight not often soen, aud not soon to be forgotten. . The Liones. tendered the Hero, and in order to save time, took on board the whole lot intended for this port—3o4 in all. Every available inch of space seemed to be occupied, tho new arrivals being huddled , toeether as closely as sheep in a pen. As soon as the Lioness was clear of the Hero the Di.patch hauled alongside, and relieved her of a large number. As soon as the tugboats came alongside the wharf a babel of voices was heard, aud the deafenening din was kept up from tho time they landed, about 10.30, until midnight. About midnight i all were got out of tbe transit shed, and they at once started for the Chinese quarters, where their resident countrymen, it was said, had mado some sort of arrangement for housing them for tho night. The majority ot the new arrivals tire fresh from the Flowery Land, and nearl> all clean-looking strapping young fellows, all dressed in the peculiar garb of their country. It may have been some deprivation to them to be unable to get their 'bag and baggage' last, night, but their countless bundles of impedimenta I rendered it impossible for the Customs' j routine of search to be gone through last I bight—and the Customs are very particular j to prevent the smuggling of opium. The • Hero, earlier iv the day, landed sixty- j three at Hokitikn. There aro still forty- j eight on board for Dunedin."

Mr Rodgers, who was pushed frond the train on Tuesday whilst returning from tho races, particulars of which appear in our Police Court report,was insured in the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company, and was thia afternoon paid the amount of compensation which hia injuries entitled him to. As the train was in motion, it is a miracle he was not killed, in which case hia representatives would have received £100, as he was insured to that amount.

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Bo briof; tor it is with words as with sun beams : the more they are condensed the deeper they burn."—Soutiikv.

Wellington water supply has run out. Sydney is to be the head-quarters of the German Consulate in Australia.

Some politicians are like rivers. Their mouths are bigger than their heads.

■ Several black swans have been seen in Tauranga district lately. Doctor John Lord : She trusted him, like a woman j he betrayed her, like a man. The Government have resolved to discon tinue the tax of sixpence a telegram on non-paying telegraph stations. Victor Hugo ; When love is dead there is no God,

The City Architect of London says that directly royalty has anything to do with a schemo the expense is double. Thirteen applications have been received in Wellington for the post of Engineer and Architect to the Board.

Henri Taiue : Whatever you have, havo beauty. Hairy,Riokard- at lato datos was doing groat business at eovcral of the London music hulls.

The demand for building materials in Auckland at present has caused a rise in price. Adolph Ricard : A woman and her maid servant together can get tho hotter of a dozen devils.

| A gentleman in Akaroa has gathered over 20,0110 woluuts off one treo, which sold at 24s por thousaud, or £15 for tho crop. George Sand : Strength with men ia in sensibility, greatness ia pride, and calmness is indifference.

Reynolds and Pollard's Lilliputian Pina fore Company is a tremendous succes in Nnpier. They leavo for Auckland on Saturday. Samuel Trotter, a young man, attonded a soiree at|,'Makara, Wellington Provincial District, and was found dead next morning in the hall.

The trauslcr books of tho Union Eire and Marino In. urnncc Company are to bo closed on tiie 31st May preparatory for the periodical report. St. Matthews' choir have arrauged for a concert in aid of parish funds at St. James' Hall on Tuesday next. Mr Slater and Mr Cordon Cooch will assist.

At Timaru race settling, If, J. Lunn re ceived J.IOO, P. Butler £100, P. F. ,Cutl. lav £95; T. Poster £23 15s, and P. 11, Duncan £53 4s.

About £1,500 havo been subscribed in Canterbury in aid of the families of the Rev. J. Annitago und Rev. J. 11. Richard son.

A proud but thoughtless father who has a talented son studyingfor tho ministry says that tho young man already can preach "like tbo very devil himselt." VVe wonder what premium would be de manded by any prudent Life Assurance Company before issuing a policy on the life of the prcseut—assuming that it is still the present—Czar of Russia.

The stipend of tho Kcv. C. Strong liub been raised by the Coramitteo of Scott's Church, Melbourne, from £1000, to £1200 per annum, as a testimony of the unabated confidence of tho congregation.

The Hon. W, J, Clarke goes to Engl, n_ shortly—it issaldon a baronetcy expedition. Mr Clarke tuk.s with him Mr R. W. Emerson M'ivor, the agricultuial lecturer at his (Mr Clarke's)owu expense.

A cablegram lately received in Sydney, states that lid wind Trickett has made up bis mind to remain in England, lie has gone into busiue.s again, having taken tho Sporting Tavern, at Barnes. A bookmaker was heard to observe ot a late meeting, " Them there tantilisators '11 bo the ruin o' tho turf."—Edwards, finish ing the 110 miles in 5 minutes under the 24 hours, did tho last mile in 11 minutes 30 sec.nds.

Child at table devours gluttonously her food Mother, with gentle reproof —'• Well, what does baby say to kind nursey tha. tilings her all these good things?" Baby, with her mouth full—" More."

Tho Maori Census of tho Tauranga and Maketu dis tii.t shews the following totals : Ngaiterangi, 9G(i; Tauranga, 54 Arawa Maketu, 762 ; Arawa (Rotorua and Lake Country), 1375. Tottil 3157.

Mr ii. C. Jordon reports the sale of Mr It V. Stevenson's improved farm on the Wairoa, Tauranga, comprising 100 acres, to Mr John Darloy also 127 acres at Pan. garo., recently ownod by Mr Hick, to Mr Clyde.

" Albortine," says mama, catechism in baud, " When Adam and Eve had eaten of tbo apple, what was their punishment ?" Albcrtino hadu't studied her lesson. But, reasoning by apology, she roplied, boldly; '' The colic 1"

Mr Curnow, the schoolmaster, has been awarded a Victorian Society's sliver medal for his action in stopping tho train on the night ol tho Kolly capture. Lieut. Houston has also been awarded a silver medal for bis action at tho torpedo explosion. Tho " Mining World " says that out of £2,095,000 English capital actually absorbed in Indian gold mine:*, £1,066,000 was appro pi illtcd by promoters and vendors in pay ment of their claims before aalroke of work had been dene.

A young lady named. Gale, while mentally derauged from tho effects of low fever, drowned her.olJ in the Clarence River, N. S. Wales. Bcr father was drowned at Clarence Heads eorae years ago, on the oc casion of the wreck of tho s.s. Helen M'Grcgor, iv which he was a passenger,

A large cross, hown out of white granite, 1 has been placed at the head of tho grave of Adelaide Ncilson, in Brompton Cemetery, London. At the foot of this simple monu ment is the inscription: "In loving memory of Adelaide Neifson, died, Aug. 15, 1880. Gifted and beautiful. Rest ing."

MOUNT EDEN RESIDENTS, AND PUBLIC HOUSE LICENSES.

A PUBLIC meeting to consider the question

of allowing the opening of public-houses in the Mount Eden district was hold in the

schoolroom last evening. There were about fifty persons present. Mr Batger Was appointed chairman and Mr Colo secre-

tary pro, tcm,

Mr Cole stated that other gentlemen and bimse'f had held a consultation on the

matter, and bad drawn up a sketch of pro cedure which they would put be fore tho meeting. Their object simply was to do something to prevent tho incursions of tho publican, He suggested (hat a society bo formed, and further moved " That in the intcreats of tho

Mount Edou district it is desirable to form an alliance to prevent the opeuing of public houses in that locality."

Mr Pearco seconded, aud the motion on boing put to the meeting was carried unanimously.

On the motion of Mr Dixon, seconded by Mr McGregor, it was agreed "That the name of the society be called "The Mount Eden Alliance.""

Mr McGregor moved "That tho sub scription be not less thau 2s 6d per annum." He knew that they would fiud it an assist ance to have some funds in hand, and thought 2s Gd a year would provo ample to carry on the society. Mr Bailey seconded,—Carried. Mr Cole moved, and Mr Bridgeman seconded, "That a committee of ten be formed, to consist of a chairman, secretary, treasurer, aud seven members. — Carried after some little discussion.

At this stage an adjournment for live minutes took place to permit of the enrolment of members. Thirty-fivenames were subscribed, and the meeting proceeded to the election of officers and committee. Tho following were elected :—Chairman, Mr Potter ; secretary, Mr Cole ; treasurer, Mr Cranwell; committee : Messrs Prince, Bailey, McGregor, Dixon, Smallfield, Waite, and Ewington.

Mr Cranwell moved, and Mr Bridgeman seconded, "That ladies be in.ited to join and assist the alliance."—Carried.

Mr McGregor moved, " That this meeting respectfully requests the Licensing Commis sioners not to grant the license now applied for on behalf of a house at the corner of Gaol and Mount Eden Roads."

The motion was duly seconded, and on being put to the meeting, was carried unanimously.

Mr Cole asked for the names of those who were willing to go personally to Onehunga, where the Court would be held on the Bth inst., to object to the granting of the license. About fifteen gentlemen volunteered.

The meeting concluded by passing a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

The Executive Committee mot afterwards and passed resolutions aa follows :—(1) "That the protest against the licensing of the house previovsly referred to take the form of personal objections"; and (2) " That an advertisement be inserted in the STAB stating the objects of tho alliance aud requesting residents to become members,"

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Proposed Changes in Legislative | Council. j

(EY TELEGRAPH,-OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

WELLINGTON, this day. Some time ago I mentioned that an import ant measure invoking large constitutional reform was said to be under Ministerial consideration with a view of introduction iv the approaching session. Ministers have been exceedingly reticent on the sub ject—in fact have not communicated a word to me regarding the matter, but as I find to-day that it is being freely canvassed in political circles, I may as well convey to you information which has reached me apparently from well-informed quarters. Ministers are reported to be pre paring a bill for the reconstitution of the Legislative Council on the basis of election by the house of representatives, instead ot nomination by the Government of the day. The latter is supposed to represent the will of the majority of the Lower House, but uuder the new proposal as said to be framed a vacaucy would be filled by direct vote of the Lower House on motion after due notice in the ordinary way. _ Tho size of the Council, however, is to be limited to half the number of members of the Lower House, and auy deficiency i 3 to be at once made good by election. At present through the death of several councillors, tho retire ment of Sir Dillon Bell, etc., there is a con siderable deficiency, which would thus be filled up by resolution of the House of Representatives, and each subsequent vacancy occurring is to be similarly treated. Under this system a council could never exceed a standard strength, and no govern ment thereforo could swamp an opposition by creating now peers, Any death, or resignation, would bo followed by an elec tion by the Lower House, and this would be the only way an addition could be made to the Council. In addition to these two provisions as to tho number of the Council, and mode of election, there is, I hear, a third dealing with deadlocks between the two Houses. Tho proposal case of dead lock is, I boliovo, that should concurrence provo impossible to be obtained in one session, both Houses should sit together next session, and decide the question by an absoluto majority of the aggregate of the two Houses. This is tho rumour so far as it goes as to the nature of the bill reported to bo in course of preparation, but I cannot vouch for tho entire accuracy of the infor mation. Tbe rumour further says that if the measure meets with much opposition, or perhaps even not the bill may ouly be in troduced, and tho matter then left over until after tho general election, when the people havo had timo to think over tho whole question. Other measures said to bo in process of incubation aro One for facilitating the work ing and amalgamation of local bodies, and for promoting tho construction of important railways by private companies by gratits of land.

THE REPRESENTATION BILL,

Tlio results of the census involvo some slight modification of tho Representation Bill, but not to so great an extent as is commonly supposed—tho increase in population boing tolerably uniform. Local feeling, however, seems growing against tho arbitrary constitution of single seat constituencies and splitting up districts which havo distinct community of interest.., and in order to establish smaller con stituencies which may be grouped irrespective of unity of interests. This is especially so in tho case of Wellington, which desires a third member but does not wish to bo split up into three districts as iv municipal elections, which might introduce local jealousies into general politics and weaken the inllneace of the city, as a whole. Tho same applies to othor large towns or districts now enjoying moro than one member.

THE REVENUE,

I understand tho liabilities outstanding from last financial year (about which _o much fuss has been made by persons un acquainted with the facts) aro rapidly diminishing and almost disappearing. The £225,000 was diminished to £180.000 by £45,0,00 now being paid away during the financial year than expected, thus leaving so much less outstanding. This stiii further reduced to under £1.0,000 by savings in expenditure not previously anticipated to prove practicable, then tho balance of the Property Tax necessarily not all got in before tho 30th of March has since come in so well that the total net liabilities left outstanding at the 31st March will'probably be reduced to less than £100,000 by arrears since accruing, and by a surplus of £26,000 on the Land Fund. Tbe practical result is to demolish the ground taken up by those who have entered that twelve months'receipts have been Bet against eleven mouths' liabilities, and that it is iv this way the Treasurer is able to moke a favourable roport. It is understood that tho Government see their way to mako both ends meet in tho current year without any need of additional taxation, which, therefore, is not likely to be pro posed. The plan in regard to further retrenchment is, as I telegraphed some weeks ago, not to deduct ten per cent, from every salary, but to reduce the aggre gate by one-tenth, aud to re-adjust salaries according to circumstances, by removing the present discrepancies and anomalies and by deducting live, ten, aud twenty per cent., according to whether an ofliccr is paid highly or the reverse, for the services. The reports circulated about special reduc tions in police pay, &c, are wholly un founded.

m ■— [by TELEORAPII.-PEESS ASSOCIATION.]

COROMANDEL RACES.

The Coromandel Races, on Queen's Birth day, proved very successful. A large number of visitors from Auckland were present. The Coromandel Volunteers mustered in full force, and after firing the customary salute, gave three hearty cheers for Her Majesty Queen Victoria and dis persed. The various races resulted as under :—

Maiden Plate. — Glover's Darkey, 1; McGce's Governor Bob, 2.

COROMANDEL Handicap. — Derby, 1; Skylark, 2.

Hurdle Race Handicap.—Gum Town Native, 1 ; Saucepan, 2.

District Plate. — Diver, 1; Derby, 2. Governor Bob and his rider came to grief.

Pony Race. — Little Dick, 1; Jacky jacky, 2.

THEATRE ROYAL.

" INGOMAR."

"iNCtOMAIt" was produced last night with a strong cast, and was played with much succoss. It is a drama of sustained beauty, tho dialoguo is in choice language, the situations aro striking aud well-conceived, and the story is romantic while the wholo tone of the work is of a lofty and elevating character. Its design is to shew tho power of lovo, the object selected for its exercise being a powerful chief of the rude and uncultured Allemunni. Par- Ithenia, the Urcok maid, leads him a willing captive from his native forests, brings him within the despised city walls, introduces him to the disdained effeminacies of social life, and bend bis haughty spirit to her requests. Both play aud story, however, are well known, so that comment upon them is need less. Herr Bandmann gave a capital im personation of the noblo barbarian, and declaimed the many fine passages which fell to his lot with rare vigour and effect; while Miss Beaudet made a charming Porthenia. She recited her lines with full appreciation of their rhythmical beauty aud rounded periods. Mr Cathcart's Myron was also deserving ot commendatory notice, j A grand double bill will be presented to- ' night, viz., !

"Narcisse" and "David Gaerick," and as they a._ both of a highly interesting character, tho capricious tastes of the play | going public should certainly be hit by one ior other of them. " Narcisse " owes it popularity almost entirely to Herrßaudmann for he has made quite a study of the leadiug part, and no Jiving actor can challenge competition in it with. him. The hero is", vagrant musician whose life is clouded by a great sorrow— the desortion of his young wife. The titled enemies of Madame de Pompadour,then at the zenith of her power, discover that she is the wandering muei cian's wife, and with the object of humiliat ing hor they arrange for the performance of a play before her by Narcis.'e and a young girl named Doris Quiuault, who has fallen in love with him. Pompadour recognises in the poor itinerant the husband of her youth, and unable to quench her affection she reveals herself, and wishes to be re-instated. Narcisso spurns her with loathing, but aa she lies dying before him, ho relents and forgives. An Australian exchange says that "Mr Bandmann's conception ot the hero of the play is a very powerful one, full of ciever individuality, and impenetrated with a perfectly natural pathos. The abrupt changes from gaiety to dejection, the mocking cynicism that cloaks a gentle heart with a mantle of misanthropy, the occasional i pathetic signs of a disordered iutellect all i mark Mr Bandmann's "Narcisse" as a 1 most original and powerful conception,"

EXTRAORDINARY CASE AT HAVELOCK.

BLENHEIM, this day. It is stated that a man named Daniel Lee, who died at Havelock on the 10th inst., was stabbed two months previously with a file iv the region of the heart by n woman named Randin, .with whom he cohabited. Ho was attended for this stab by a Havelock Sand a day or two before death was seen by Dr. Commode. It is supposed that the latter gentleman knew nothing of the stab and when Lee died save a certificate to-be effect that death resulted from SplS fever. The police heard nothing of the ease until a few days ago but have since prosecuted inquiries with the result that Lee's body will be exhumed and a post mortem examination made. Inspector Goodall has gone to Havelock to superin tend the arrangements for the luquest and conduct the ease for the police.

ANOTHER SHIPPING CASUALTY.

Schooner Policeman Founders.

It will bo remembered that about a mouth ago some little excitement was created in town by the report that a schooner had gone ashore at Little Barrier, that fears were entertained that she would prove to be the schooner Policeman from Russell for this port, and that great relief was felt by many when that vesaclput in au appearance and Captain Champion reported "a toe weather passage, aud that all was right. Although she escaped ou this occasion her end was not far off as will be seen from the following telegram received from our own correspendent at Mongonui :— MONGONUI, Wednesday evening: lhe schooner Policeman, Captain Champion, from Auckland to New Caledonia, foundered seven miles off Aihapara Heads on the 22nd inst. All hands saved. Ihe Policeman in command of Captain Cham pion, left this port on the afternoon of.Wed nesday the 18th instant in ballast, bound for Hokianga. At the latter port she was to have taken m a cargo of timber for Noumea. Hokianga was never reached, however, and any cargo lost is very trilling. The Policeman was a schooner of sixty-two tons register, and was built at Sydney in 1854, She would, therefore, be twenty-..von years old. In 1871 she became the property of Captain bouter, oi the Thames, and until within about a year ago, she was engaged in the coal trade be tween Russell aud the Thames ; she also traded for a short timo to West Coast ports. The Policemau had made three trips to Noumea in charge of Captain Champion. She was iusurcd in the New Zealand office tor £500.

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS

The compilation of the agricultural sta tistics for the electoral districts of Eden, Waitemata, Rodney, and Franklin has sufficiently far advanced to enable a pretty correct idea to be formed of the general results. So far as the city and suburbs are concerned, the figures shew a sub stantial extension of buildiug enterprise, aud a widening area of settled land. Last year there were no loss than 37 holdings within the city, but in twelve months the number has actually been reduced by ten - a most satisfactory evidence of the growing demands for building sites. Throughout tbe four districts there has been a noticeable iuctcasc iv the area under cultivation—the prog-ens made ia this respect being most marked in the case of Franklin—while the number of 'gardens and orchards has also been augmented. A large extent of land has been broken up during the year, and laud which was broken up last year has now been laid down in grass. In three of the districts the wheat crop has increased, while a fair average extent of land is sot apart for the production of potatoes. These statistics, on the whole, fully sustain the deductions drawn from the population returns. The province has been advancing rapidly on the high road of pro gress and material ptosperity.

RESIDENT MAGISTRACIES' COURT.-This day.

(Before Thos. Jackson, Esq., R.M.)

JUDGMENTS FOX PLAINTIFFS,

R. S. L. Meek v. William Holdeu ; claim £6 Bd, goods.—Costs 18s. Thomas T. Hanson v. Edward Bullcn; claim £10 Ss, goods,—Mr E. Cooper for pUiutiff said a set-off had been put in, but as there was no one present in suppott of it, he presumed the case would be taken as an undefended one.—Plaintiff denied the set off, and judgmeut was given for plaintiff for £10, the amount for interest being struck off.-Costs £2 7s.

Holland and Portzer v. Robert Hatch ; claim £15 IS_ Sd, goods,—Mr E. Cooper tor plaintiff.-^-Coßts £2 7s. F. G. Ewiugton v. Alexander Walker ; claim £1 7s, rent.—Mr Theo Cooper for plaintiff.—Costs £1 2s Gd. Mttry Hastings v. Frederick liimes; claim £6 7s sd.—Mr George for plaintiil. Defendant appeared aud admitted the claim. He was proprietor of a billiard-room, but made hardly more than was sufficient to pay his rent. He was willing to pay 10s a-week, —Mr George declined to accept this offer.— His Worship said he would make an order for £1 a-mouth.—Defendant said he could uot pay that amount. —His Worship : You must pay it.—Costs £1 14s 6d. Charles Shepherd v. Benjamin Ellis; claim £8 9s Goods.—Mr Thome for plaintiff. —Costs £119s.

Hancock and Co. v. Thomas Kelly ; claim £8 9s 6d, beer supplied.—Mr George for plaintiff—Costs £2 19s.

JUDGMENT SUMMONSES,

Henry Niccol v. Thomas Williams ; claim £8 Is.— Defeudant did not appear, and His Worship made au order for the payment of 10s each fortnight until the debt is liqui dated. .

Malcolm Murchie v. James Johnston ; claim £14 7s.—Mr George for plaintiff,—lt was stated that defendant, who did not appear, had roceutly purchased the Old House at Home Hotel.—An older for 10s per week was made. King D. Sykes v. Tom Riccardi; claim £10 14s.—Mr Theo. Cooper said proseed itigs in bankruptcy had been commenced by the debtor, and he would therefoic ask for au adjournment for a fortnight.—Ad jourued accordingly.

William H. Fenton v. Tom Riccardi ; claim £7 8s Gd.— This case was adjourned for a fortnight on tlio application of Mr E. Cooper.

Charles Watson v. John Waymouth; claim £8 3s 6d.—Mr George for judgment creditor.—The debtor agreed to pry £1 a iuoutb, and au order for that amount was made.

{ APPLICATION FOR RE-HEARING. " An application for a re-hearing iv the case " of the Bright Smile Goldruiniug Company v. Alfred Bowrinr., a claim of £20, for call* ; was adjourned until next week on the up , plication of Mr Theo. Cooper. ADJOURNED CASES. ' Frank Winter v. William H. Braddick; claim £6 10s, damages. —Mr Theo. Cooper said at the request of Mr Hesketh be had agreed to an adjournment till next week.— ." Adjourned accordingly. [ Samuel Ramus v. John Jones ; claim £12, commission.—Adjourned tillnextCourt day. | Bright Smile v. Francis Dalton ; claim j £20, calls.—Mr Theo. Cooper said Con stable Greene served the summons in hia possession ten daya ago, but only returned to tho Court this morning. The consequence was that although the defend -1 ant was here, the plaintiff was not. This was not the first time such a thing had hap pened. The constable bad no right to keep the summons in his possession for nine days after the summons was served. He asked for an adjournment at the request of Mr Russell, but would apply that it bo grauted without costs. His Worship granted the adjournment, but said the coats must be paid by the parties, Telegiaph Newspaper Company v Lotti. Wilmot, claim £11 10a 3d, adver tising.—Mr Thome appeared for plaintiff, and said he had received a letter from defendant asking for an adjournment. The case had already been adjourned for seveial days, and he was not disposed to agree to an adjournment. The clerk said the case was adjourned iv order that the evidence might come from Christchurch. His Worship said the case had not becii previously before him, and he therefore would adjourn tho case for a week.—Mr Thome then applied for costs, which were granted, DEFENDED CASES. Fowler and Co v. Mrs C. Mooller, claim £1 13s 9d, meat supplied. Mr Georce for plaintiff, and Mr Tyler for defendant Several witnesses wero examined on both sides, and eventually the plaiutiff was non suited.—Costs, £1 10s. 11. F. Anderson v. John Greenlkaf < claim £9 4s 9d, goods.-Mr Theo. Coope. '■ appeared for plaintiff.-Evidence having : been heard, His Worship gave judgment for i platn.ill for the amount claimed—Costs ' ** ■<«. 1,

CABLEGRAMS.

[Reuters Telegrams.j

TERRIBLE STEAMBOAT DISASTER.

170 Lives Lost.

LONDON, May 24. NEWS haa been received from Canada that a terrible accident has occurred near Loudon on the Thames, in tbe province'of Ontario. An excursion steamer, with several hundred persons on board, capsized and one hundred and seventy-five perished. At the wool sales to-day 9,100 bales were offered. The tone of the bidding w a , strorj-g. THE BEY NOT DEPOSED. LONDON, May 24. | There is no foundatiou for the rumour recently circulated that the Bey of T an j g has been deposed by the Sultan. j DOTERELL CATASTROPHE. . LONDON, May 24, ,; Further information has been received by! the Admiralty with regard to the blowing up of H.M.S- Doterellin Magellan Straits/ on April 20. Tbe survivors state that two 1 explosions occurred1, both at the same time, 10 o'clock this morning, while the vei»ei■ was at anchor. They are, however, unable to throw any light upoU the cause of, the, terrible disaster. THE SUEZ MAIL. LONDON, May 23. : Tho Australian mails via Brindisi weta delivered here to-day, _ ■ ;.i* SETTLEMENT OP GREEK QUESTION. , CONSTANTINOPLE, May 24;: "

The Turko-Greek convention for the final settlement of the Greek frontier difficulty was signed by the Porte to-day.

DEATH OP GOVERNOR ADAM.

MADRAS, May 24.

His Excellency the Right Hon, Sir W. P. Adam, Governor of Madras, died to-day,

AUSTRALIAN.

ANOTHER CHINESE BLESSING."' SYDNEY, Thursday.

; The child of a Chinese merchant resident in Lower George-street is suffering, it is stated, from small-pox, but hopes are en tertained that the disease may only be> Chicken-pox. Meanwhile every precaution is being taken to prevent the spread ot the contagion. Communication with persons outside has been cut off, and the house is now guarded by the police.

CROPS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA ;, ADELAIDE, Thursday.

Agricultural statistics, of South Austra- • lia, published to-day, show that the area utider cultivation is 1,734,000 acres, being an iucrease of 255,000 acrea compared with last year. The yield during the past. season has been 8,606,000 bushels, a decrease of 5,640,000 compared with the season of' 1880. This year's average has been _ _ bushels 58 pounds per acre against 9 bushels 41 pounds last year.

MELBOURNE, Thursday. Arrived : Union Company's steamship Rotomahana from Bluff. VICTORIAN POLITICS. i. No progress has been made with the con sideration of the I.efoim Bill in the Legisla- . tive Assembly, and the Legislative Council meanwhile is delaying the passage of the Land Tux Bill. The latter now stands ad journed to the 31st May. THE VICTORIAN CENSUS. MELBOURNE, May 25. Tho completed returns of the census' taken on April 3 show the total population of the colony of Victoria to be 946,080. FEARS FOR THE CAMBRIA. :MELBOURNE- May 25. , Fears are entertained for the safety of the barque Cambria, which left Mauritius on March 15 for Launcestou. •• She was last seen on the 30th. , ~ THB SUEZ MAIL. ' ALBANY, May 25. Arrived: Tho P. and 0. Company's steamer Bokhara, with the inward Suea; mail. HIGH PRICE POR OATS. The cargo of New Zealand oats which, arrived from the Bluff per schooner Gleaner„ has been sold at 3s 4d per bushel. , r

POLICE COURT.-This day.

(Before Messrs W. Hull, Chairman, and.* F. L. Prime, Justices,)

VERY suspicious,

Patrick Murphy, alias IV agle, was charged with stealing an axe, value 3s, the property: of some person unknown; also with stealing,,' on the 13th instant, a set of shoe-brushes, value 7s Cd, the property of Stephen. Rountrce. Prisoner pleaded guilty to both charges. Mr Pardy said the prisoner. Was in the habit of begging at persons' houses, and where persons were not within, he would steal the nearest thing to hand. Prisoner, being a very old offender, was sentenced to six mouths' imprisonment. CITY RATES.

A large number of city rate caßes were; settled out of CoHrt. Mayor and Council v. Wm. Seager, claim. £1 6s 3d. This was a claim for rates, £1 Is 3d, due upon property in Albert-street, with ex. penses amounting to ss. Charles Eller, collector, was sworn, and deposed that defendant had received notices of tbe dues in July and September, but had failed in his payments. : Judgment for plaintiffs. I THE RAILWAY ASSAULT. • : g

Ngahoe Thompson, a native, was again" brought up, charged witn unlawfully wounding James Rodgers, by forcibly pushing him from a railway carriage while, the same was in motion between Papakura and Papatoitoi on the 24th inst. Mr Pardy conducted, and Mr 8r0.._. interpreted.

Prisoner pleaded not guilty. William Bodgers, residing in Auckland, deposed that he was riding on the platform in fioDt of a carriage, when suddenly1 he was pushed off on to the line; he was injured by the fall, and was still suffering with a sprained wrist. Did not see who pushed. ■"• \ >J To the Court: Was quite Bober at the, time.

To Prisoner : Saw you on tho platform with other natives just before-the push. Was certain you were there. Did not see you do it. Daniel McDougal deposed to being, present. Was sitting on the platform. Saw Rodgers, who was standing at his back. Heard some words spoken, and im mediately Rodgers was puched down, pas sing over his shoulder. Saw prisoner's; hand drop. Had no doubt but prisoner pushed hitn over. To the Court: Did not see the push. ' To Prisoner : I feel certain you were the man. You wore not inside the carriage.

Prisoner said it was absurd to suppose' that a man would be so inhuman as to try and kill a fellow-being. James Murray, slaughterman, deposed that he was sitting in the carriage and looking towards the men. He saw all tbat passed. The carriages were very full. Something was said about a ticket. Could not hear distinctly for the noise of the car riages. He distinctly saw the prisoner push Rodgers off, and had not the fall been broken by the shoulder of the last witness, Rodgers must have gouo under the car riages. It was not accidental.

To prisonor: Could not exactly say how high the sun was; it was shininp.' Could see distinctly. Did not count the passengers; three other Maoris and a Maori woman were with you; you lost your hat at the time; quite positive that you did it; do not think it was right; had no spectacles on; it was getting dusk; there was no mistake. Rodgers could not see you do it; his back was towards you; it was done in a moment.

Prisoner said he had witnesses, but on l being called they were not nreseut. He then desired to see Richard <J_ Thierry to have a few words with him. He then made a long, incoherent statement to the effect that after leaving the station his hat fell off, and presently he beard a noise and a cry—" A turopean has fallen out." He was falsely accused; wouldn't serve a dog so; feared the poor man was injured aud rushed forward to see; was not in the habit of pushing Europeans down ; had a great respect for them (laughter). A European said, "You did it.' He replied, "Friend, thou liest;" had nothing more to say.

The Court said it was quite clear from tbo evidence that an assault had been com mitted by the prisoner for which he must pay a fine ot £5 ond costs, or in default, ono month's imprisonment

A man named Charles Anderson, while engaged iv discharging cargo from the after hold of the s.p. Southern Cross this morning, met with an accident through a sack of maize fallihg upon hid lee He was con veyed to the Hospital His injuries are -aid to only amount to a sprained knee.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, THURSDAY. MAY 26.



At the Appeal Court yesterday judgment was reserved in Regina v. Moritz (Dunedin) and inßegina v. Rice (of Dunedin) tho con fiction was -luashed.



Special Advertisements. A MERICAN WALTHAM WATCHES. J | awarded THE ONLY TWO FiRST PRIZES, MELBOURNE NTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, 1880. Higher Award than any other exhibitor received. SPECIAL NOTICE. JiW. H. FENTON * , IS NOW OPENING NEW GOODS, AS UND--.:— • • i •' Waterproof Coats the Patent Ventilating, Chesterfield, and Ulster, for walking or riding Tho Now Cyprian Shirt in Coloured and White Patent Spring and Fur-top Gloves Scarves and Bows in all tho Now Colours Sllk Half-hose, Pants ond Undor-shlrts New Braces, Collars, and Mufllors Knitted Polo and Football Caps New Felt and Cloth Hats in endless variety Umbrellas, Rugs, and Gladstone Bags. . , \\7V H F EN TON GENTLEMEN'S HATTER & MERCER, 78, QUEEN-STREET (Opposite *jHerald!' Office). VST I N X H & TT A'L L. Wholesale and Retail cabinetmakers and upholsterers, and carpet warehousemen, shortland-9tre hit, Beg to inform the Publio that they have Opened their New Warehouse with A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF FURNITURE, The Latest Novkltibs. and The newest Designs. Their Btook of CARPETS, for Variety, Qaallty, and Price has never been surpassed in Auckland. A large assortment of LINOLEUM and FLOOF CLOTHS in all widths. MATTINGS, MATS, and RUGS in great variety. Tho Newest and Latest Patterns in Cretonne* and Trimmings. Silk and Worsted Reps, Cotelelnes, Tapestry and Damask Covorlngß. Cloth and Tapestry Taulk Covers. Laoe. Net and Muslin Curtains. A large and well-assorted Stook of all thi X eweat Patterns in Toiletware, The largest Stook of BraSs and Iron BED ST waDS and COTS in New Zealand ti choose from. A choice assortment of Dolly Varden Dowi Q lilts. Blankets. Bed and Table Linen Towels, Toilet Co .ors, &0., &c Agents for the Iron Venetian Blinds—"l'hi Blind of the Poriod." These aro tho oni; perfect blinds made. Inspection Invited. \ WINK S &~ HALL, 5 Shortland-street. -I Tt/TILNE AND mOYO ' HAVE NOW OPKNKD UP, ex Syden > ham and Oxford, ; . A Complete assortment of , r Autumn and Winter Gt;ood The following are Fully Stocked with a the Latest Stylus :— Millinery and Mantle Department . Costume Department ) Underclothing and Baby Linen Department 1 Hosiery and Haberdashery Department \ j Fanoy Dress and Trimming Department Sils and Satin Department . LineD, Calico, and I. lannei Department I Boys' Clc thing Department, TROUSSEAUX AND LAYETTES SUPPLIED A' 3 THE SHORTEST NOTICE. The above Goods are from the First Londo: I I Houses, are the Latest Styles, of a very Buperio 1 description and qoaUty, and tbe Pricks def competition. .! , 5% Discount for Prompt Cash. j MILNE & CHOYCE, QUEEN AND WELLESLEY STREETS. r.~ • , ' TVT X" HICKSON 1 * SORVEYOR.. LAND BROKER, ' ' Begs to notify that he has i :;.: removed i 3 From the South British Chambers to more con: 1 .modiou. offloos In the premises just vacated by Messrs. Hoffmann & Sons, and that , ' his address for the future will be as r _ under a THEGR_-_-T northern land Agencs _ '' "'. CORNER of . . * Queen and Victoria streets, 1 auckland. » TJINCOURAGE LOCAL INDUSTRY ' WILLIAM RATTRAY I Begs to draw tho .attention of the publio to hi Large Stock of .[ROSLYN FLANNELS ROSLYN BLANKETS MOSG.EL TWEEDS KAIAPOI TWEEDS i The above Goods are made in the Colony froi ■Wool grown in New Zealand, and aro c Superior Quality to Imported Goods at the sam prices. All, therefore, who have the interest of Local Industries at heart, should pnrchas them at : tttilliam tjattray's Drapery, Clothing, Millinery ami i Mantle Establishment, ! New Zealand House, j 62, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND, Opposite the Bane of New Zealand.) . 1 1 ■ ; MEMO. TO THE PUBLIC. i .'.] . , City Hall Arcade, Queen-street, Auckland. Twelve months ago we Initiated the Co operative Cash System, and onr customer during that time have reaped the advantagei of a Co-operative Sooietir without takfn. any risk themselves. GARLICK & CRANWELL. MEMO. We thank you for the earnest support durlnf the past year, and your unmistakable ver diet that you appreciate our endeavours tt give the Cash buyer a considerable ad van tagi over tbe Credit purchaser. ■ GARLICK & CRANWELL. MEMO. Our percentage of profit on Drapery, Clothing Millinery, and Fancy Goods has been ver. small indeed, and had not our Returns beei greatly increased, it would have proved . loss. GARLICK & CRANWELL. MEMO. WINTER, 188 L' We have.the pleasure to Inform you onr Autumn and Winter Stook Is now open, containing numerous Novelties. Special attention has been paid to the selection of Dress Goods with Trimmings to match. We assure yon we have the greatest voriety and cheapest lines in Dresses to be found in Auckland, and the Fancy Department bristles with French. English, and Foreign Articles of beautiful texture and delicate finish. Kindly inspect our Stock and judge for yourselves. GARLICK & CRANWELL. Enumeration of Some of the Lines _n Various Departments— IN DRESSES: The " Handkerchief " Costume Is one that will be a favourite j the material is ex cellent, colours good, and is both Useful and Stylish. " Velveteens " will command attention Velveteens—Plain, Stamped, and Pompa dour, in all the fashionable colours. Silk Plushes, will be used for Trimmings. We have these in Various Qualities and all the Leading Bhades. Silk and riashmere Pompadours, for Trim ming Costumes. I Parisian Costumes Princess Cloths Alexandra Cords Cyprus Cords -Trench Estamines Repps and Poplins French Merinos - Cashmeres Oarmalitea, Beiges, Serges (all wool) Persian Cords Russell Cords A We shall rigidly adhere to the Co / \ operative Cash System for another / P. \ year, and refcse, as hitherto, / O.S. \to open ant new accounts for \ _ yDrapery and Clothing Goods. \O.C./ GARLICK Sc CRANWELL, \ / CITY HALL ARCADE, , V Queen-street, Auokland. '



_sr £1 Free Gifts!—Tho Proprietors ol Wolfe's Aromatic Schihdam schnapps, to Induce tho destruction and prevent the im proper uso of their wrappers and labels, and thus furthor protect the Public against fraud and docoptlon, havo enclosed In tho wrapper.*, or under he label on tho quart bottles), slnco Ist Ootobor, 1878, and continue to enolo.o in every DAY'S PACKING! TIIISOUQHOIJT THE intAR THREE .11 ORDERS, which aro drawn upon the undersized, and which will be cashed by them on presentation. To seouro these Gifts, ttie Fublio must be careful to ask for, and aooept nothing but, tlio Genuine Udolpho Wolfe's Schnapps, with our name upon the top label, M. Moss & Co Wynyard Lane, Sydney.