SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATKRf™rw nMornin K , G .s6 BUNBKT.—This Evening. 1.53 SUNKISB.—To-Morrow Morning, 6.54 MOON'S AGE.-FIIU Moon, 14th, 10.3 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Mariner, schooner, Qnoen, from Russell Atalenta, schooner, Donovan, from Whangarei Argyio, 8.5., Crawford, from Whangarei

TO-DAY. Ocean,achooner, Cookfleld.from Russell

DEPARTURES.

LAST KVKNINd. Adah, ketch, Jono3, for Thames Zillab, ketch, Jones, for Thames Fingai, 8.8., Morris, from Mangawal TO-DAY. Argylo, 5.8., Crawford, for Whangarei

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London—Looh Doe and Peru, early Sydney—Arawata, May 17 , .... Melbourne via South-Rotorua, Thursday 19th. Rußßell and Northern ports-lona, Monday Whangarei and Maogapai—Argylß, Tuesday Tauranga—Wellington, Tnosday and Thursday Mangawai- Fingai, Thursday Meroury Bay— Ifingal, Saturday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Meropo, snip, irom juomon Halcione, eh/p (J.N.M.S.), from London; to sail Loch Doon, barque (L.H.G.V.), from London; to sail March 2 Avooa. barque (W.Q.J.N.1, from London ; sailed February 3 Orient, barquo (K.C.J.N.), from New York; sailed February 11 Coronilla, barque (K.8.V.Q.), from London ; sailed Fob. 15 Chili, barque, from London: loading Dunkeld. barque, from London ; loading Cabarfoldh, barqeo (S.Q.M.J.), Irom Sydney Canaille, brig, from Now York; sailed April 2 Thomas and Henry, brig, from Dunodln via Ejaipara Vision, biig, from Melbourne, sailed April 19 Orwell, brigantlne, from the Islands Daroy Pratt, brii?antino, from Timaru Myrtle, brigantiiie, from Friendly Islands Kthel, brigantine, from Dunedin Ryno, brlnaiitino, from Rotumah Borealis. brigantine, from Lyttolton Flirt, brigantine. from Samoa Oceola, briganttne, from New York Caledonia, schooner, from Samoa

EXPORTS.

Por Saucy Kate, for Giaborno-oO tons coal, 100 drain pipes, 100 tiles.

The schooner Saucy Kato oleared at tho Customs to-day for Giaborno.

The schooner Maud Graham clcarod at tho Customs to-day for Kaipara in ballast.

The barque Cabarfeidh left Newcastle for Auckland on Saturday, the 7th inst.

The Rona arrived at Kaipara from Dunodin On the Bth inst.

Thß schooner Tore*, from Lyttelton for Auck land, via Katpara, arrived at the lattor port on Tuesday last.

The BChooner Marmion and Edith Reid left Kaipara for Timaru on Tuesday, the 10th inst.

There are about 50 steamers under construe tion on the Clyde over 3,000 tons each.

Tho s.s. Glenelß was towed out into the stream this forenoon, and will be laid up for a few days.

Thes.s, Argylo arrived from Whangarei last evening with 33 sacks and. 25 cases gam, 2 horses, 25 kegs bmter, 13 boxes eggs, 8 cases poultry, 20 cases fruit, G Backs fungus, 1 case pigs, i tons sundries, G brace pheasants, and tho following passengers:—Mr and Mrs Seooombo, Major Withers, Messrs Jefferies. Tuck, Horiger, Mclnnes, Cheinlnton, McLeod, Hannah, Shera, Buchanan, Lawson, Roolie, Blake, Malsbury, Prince, Adams, MoLean, Ross, Shandley, and 18 steerage.

The "New York Shipping List" says:—"A memorial urging Congress to enact, a law abolishing advance wages to seamen is in cir oulation in this and the neighbouring ports, and has already been numerously Bigned by Ship owners, merchants, and others interested in tho reform. There can ba no doubt that the system of paying wages in advance has been one of the most potent causes of tho degradation of sea men. The money thus paid, for the most part, finds its way into the pockets of the " land- Sharks," to whom poor Jack falls an cay prey. It often happens, too, that landsmen who are utterly incapable o£ performing the duty re quired, of tbein on shipboard are tempted by the promise of advance wages to make up Bhipo' crews, thus by their incompetenoy imperilling tho lives and property entrusted to their care at sea. Several unsuccessful efforts have, first and last, been made to do away with this evil, bat never has there been so favourable an oppor tunity to accomplish the pnrpuse aa at the present time. Last year the British Parlia ment enacted a law for abolishing advance Wages to Seamen, which goes in to operation on August lof the present year. This will go far to facilitate the execution of a similar law in this country, should Congress soeflt to pass ono, and there is no reason why it should not. The chief promoter of the reform is Captain D. Tracy, who should have tho financial as well as the moral aid of all philanthropists and buslnesH men concerned in the welfare of Seamen and our Merchant Marine. Captain Tracy's ad dross is 80, Wall-street, office of tho American Seamen's Friend ttooiety

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day. Sailed: Cutty Sark, Golden Isle, and lona. Passengers: Messrs Allright, Gray, Lewla, AdamsoD, Miss Bates, and three steerage.

Tatjranoa, this day. Arrived: Wellington, s.s., fsom Auckland. WAiTARi, this day. Arrived: Kowena, 5.8., from Onehunga. Port Chalmers, yesterday. Sailed: Arawata, e.s., for Sydney, via Kast Coast ports. Fassongers—For Auckland: Mr and Mrs Maloney and i children, Rev Mr Fraser, Messrs Stovens, Thatcher, Darner, and MoKonzie. lUngarooma, 8.9., for Melbourne, viaßlnff.

COMMERCIAL.

vicNiNO Star co, r ay. Mr Geo. Sibbin held a successful land and property sale to-day in the estate of the late Win. Dover, Esq., which was largely attended, and all the lots were sod excepting the four roomed house in Beresford-street, which was reserved for sale on the 27th inst. The silver fetched from 53 9d to 6s 6(1 per ounce; tho plated ware realised fair prices. The allot ments sold as under-Lot 1, Union, £18; 10 shares in the Auckland Gas Company, £10 15s; lot 3, cottage and allotment, Parnell, £120; lot i, a fortyncre farm at Hrcnua, £15; lot 5, farm at Pukekohe, £302 10s; lot 6. «15; lot 7, £6 {lot 8, £10; lots 9 and 10. £60; lot 11, £3155; lot 12, £85. The sale was satisfactory, and was equal to the expectations of the trustees, Messrs Hay and Buchanan.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

MB A. BOCKXAND'S WEEKLY REPORT.

On Friday, May C, at the Greyhound Yards, fodder was plentlfnl, meadow hay bringing from 2s 6d to 4s 6d; oaten, 2a 6d to 3a 6d; carrots, 23 6d; mangolds. Is 6d; and turnips, Is 3d per owt.; ryegrass, 5a 3d per bußhel. A large number of horaes were yarded, con- Bisting principally of medium and heavy-draught stock, and, although the bidding was dull, nearly all the lots were quitted at satisfactory prices. Heavy horses realised from £29 to £30 : medium, £19 to £30; active spring-cart horses, £17 to £29; light hacks and harness horses, £5 to £12 108. Three drays brought from £1 to £11. At Waluku, on Saturday last, there was a numerouß muster ot cattle, principally dairy cows and heifers near calving or young Btoera in fresh condition, with a i?ood inquiry through out the Bale, and all sold at satisfactory prices., At the Remuera yards, on Thursday, an un usual mußter of dairy cows of better than average quality met with a brisk sale at ad vanced values—they ranged from £8 to £13 each. Store cattle were plentiful, with scarcely an inquiry, and the greater number remained unsold. Fat cattle in full supply, with a falling market—prioes were 10a to 203 per head leas than last week—and ranged from 23s to 25a the KKIHI3. Sheep were in moderate supply, and maintained their value, bringing from 21d to 2|d the lb. No fat pigs were yarded, but a number of ■well-bred storo pigs were sold at good values. MESSRS HUNTER AND NOLAN'S WMBXY REPORT. Horses: There has been no change in the market worthyof note. On tTrlday there were an average number of entries for disposal by by auction at the Durham yards. Bidding was steady throughout, and nearly all in were dis posed of, although In many instances vendors looked for higher than current rates. Cattle: There has been a large supply and steady demand throughout the week, and the rates ruling the previous week were maintained. There was a large muster at Newmarket ou Tuesday, particularly of fat beasts, and some local productions refloated great credit on the yondor, (manifestly a draft from Mr Joseph Clark, of the Karaka, for which, although oom paratively small animals, from £10 to £13 17s 6d was given. Dairy and store stocks were also /airly represented, and there were about an average muster at Pukekohe on Wednesday. The demand for dairy stock has continued, bnt was more feeble for stores. There has been no noteworthy alterations in quotations. Sheep: The Newmarket Yards were well filled on Tu9sday. The demand was good, par ticularly at the commencement of the sale, for fat sheep. Not many stores were offered, and Bomo were withdrawn for higher prices, conse quently not many changed hands. Fat sheep fluctuated from Is 4d to Is 9d per 81bs. Pißs: A very large number were yarded, and prices ranged from 2d to 2Jd per lb. live weight.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Wholesale. Hetaii, s. d. s.d. s d. s. d. Butter, fs,lb 1 0-0 0 Milk, quart 0 4-0 0 Beat Dairies 1 I—o 0 Butter, fe,lb 1 3—o 0 Batter, sit, lbO 0-0 0 Batter, salt 0 10-0 0 Cheese (local) 0 5-0 0 Cbeese (coL) 0 8-0 0 Do., Cant. 0 4J-0 5 Bggs.doz... 2 3-2 6 Esgs.doz. 2 0-0 0 Lard,lb .. 0 0-0 10 Lard, lb (tins) 0 7-0 8 Fowls, each 2 6-3 0 Bacon and Hams, Ducks, each 2 C—3 0 BProvincial 0 7—olo Geese, each 5 o—7 0 Canterbury Hama Turkeys .. 5 0-7 0 and Bacon (in Bacon, lb .. 0 10—1 0 Cloth) .. 0.1.0J-1 0 Hams, lb .. 1 0-1 3 Bread, -Id to lid per 21b loaf Jama, per case, a doz, 32s 6d. to 35s Fresh eggs are very scarce and 2s per dozen can easily be obtained for them this week. Butcher's Meat, Retail. s. d. h. d. Roasting Beef ™ 0 4to 0 7 Boiling Beef 0 4 — 05 Mutton, hind-quarter .. .. -00— 04} „ fore-quarter 021— 0 3 Lamb, fore-quarter ) 0 0 — 0 B „ hind-quarter J v v " fr PorkandVeal 0 6-07 Steaka -06 — 08 Chops and Sausages .. .. •• 0 5-0 6 Tallow best (wholoaale)—mutton, 32s 6d mixed. 25s# FLOUR MABKBT. Wholesale. & s. d Buperflne Flour, silk dressed, per ton.. 12 0 0 Fine Flour, ditto, household .. .. 10 10 0 Sharpa, par ton 5 0 0 Adelaide, per ton £12—13 0 0 Oatnaru, per ton .. .. _ .. 10 10 0 Dunedin.perton 1010 0 Canterbury, per ton 10 10 0 Bran per ton (saoks Included) .. .. 50 0 labin Bread .. .. „ .. 17 0 0 • *meal " 11 0 0 , 'ißariey - » Z .. . » o

Hay and Corn Market. Wholesale.

■ s, d. v. (l. B. a s. Maize (Syd.) 3 9-4 0 Hay, me'dow , (Cal.) 0 0-39 ton pressed 50-00 „ (Fjjn.) 3 6-3 9 Luoerne, do 7 6-8 0 „ (Coast) 3 9-4 0 Straw (load) 0 18-110 Oats .. ..2 3-2 0 Chaff .. ..4 10-5 0 Whoat (fowli 3 3-3 6 Hay (oaten) 5 10-6 0 Potatoes, £210s to|£3. Retail. s. d. s. d. b. d- b. d. Maize, bushel 3 9-4 0 Luoerno, cwt.7 0-8 0 Oats, ditto ..2 6-2 9 Oaten, ditto 0 0-7 0 Bran, lOOlba 0 0-5 « Straw, ditto 8 0-4 0 Wheat (fowl) 3 6-3 9 Chaff, ditto 6 6-0 0 Hay.owt. ..5 6-0 0 Potafos.ditto3 3-3 9 Fijian Maize 3 6-3 9 Seeds.—Retail. s d. b. d. 8. "• s< "• Ryoerasa ..7 o—7 6 Cocksfoot.bl.6 0-7 0 iffiido. 7 6-8 0 Trofoil. lb. 0 7-0 0 Red aover.lbO 10-0 0 Ratstail, lb. 1 6-0 0 White Clover 1 1-1 3 Timothy, lb. 0 7-0 0 Alayke. lb ..1 2-1 3 Lucerne,lb. 1 0-0 0 Cowgraas, lbl 0-1 2 Rapo, lb ..0 5 0 0 Woolpaokß in quantity, 3s 3d to 3a 6d each corn sacks, 8s to 9s 6d por dozon. Fonelng wire Noa. 6. 7 and 8. assorted. £1010s to £17 per ton oal and Firewood Market. COAL.-Nowca9tle (ship's side), cargo 35a per ton; yard, 40b to 455. Bay of Islands, at yards, 6d ; screened, 283 Od; ditto at the mine, 12a; ship a side, 23s Cd. Waikato, at mino, 5s ;in Auckland 17s 6d to 22a; Taupiri. at mines, 6s 6d to 12s ;at yard, 18s to fan ; delivered, 253 to 28a. Wangaroi, at mine, 8s 6d; yard (steam), 17s; household, 225. Miranda, at yard (houaohold). 18a; stoam, 18a. Kamo (household), 288, 30a delivered; stoam, 235.

Firewood.—Uncut, at wharf (cargo), 8s to 9a per ton; delivered, 12s ; oat, 14s to lbs. Kauri Gom and Flax Market. Gum continues weak.Tho following sales havo beon effected since last Friday :-Good ordinary Kaipara and Whangarei at £31 to £33. Kast Coast, £10 to £42: receipts for May 1110 tons. Flax.—Finest quality £19-£22 por ton Tow 6 — 8 ,i Fungus 4d. porlb Building Materials. Timber.—Boards ana SoantliDg. lOOtt., bestl3B Od ; second class, 8s Bd ; beßt planod,tongnod and grooved, flrst-olasa, 15s ; second ditto, 10a. Mills: Cargo, beat, 9a6d; soo.-olass, sa6d. Bau.k, BNew Zealand Palingß, sft (sap), 10s; sft (heart j 13s; 6ft, 13s Ti-tree Rails, £3 10s per 100; Purlri Posts. £6; Shingles, 14s per 1,000; Hobart Town Palings. sft, 17s; 6ft, 19a; Hobart Town Rails, 90s, soiling quotations.

Bricks (at Whau,) 40a per 1,000; Town Yards, £2 15a: delivered. £2 10s. Drain pipes, per 100, 6 inches bore), 30a ; 4 inches. 14s; 3 inohoa Ds 2 inches, £2 10b per 1,000 BOokot glazed pipes, 18 inchos 2s 6d per foot; 15 inohoa, 2s perfoo«; 12 inches, Is 6d per foot; 9 inches, la per foot; 6 inches, 6d per foot; i inohea. 4d per foot. Limb, slacked. Is por bushol; quick limo in sack. Is 6d to 2s.

Mail Notice.

Mails will Close as under.— This day. ,_ For Whangarei Heads, Paruo, Waipu, Whan- K arei, and Tangihua, por Argyle. at i p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Saturday. 14th instant. For Waitara. &c, per Lalla Ilookn, at 6 a.m. For New Plymouth, Wanganui, and aouth, per Samson, at 8 a.m. For Waiwora, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, &c, por Rose Caaey, at 10 a.m. For Thainos, por Rotomahana, at 12,30 p.m. For Tairua, por Dream, at 4 p.m. For waitara, Now Plymouth, Wanganui, anl South, por Oroti, at 4.30 p.m. Monday, 16th inßtant, For Coromandel, por Coromandol, at 11.30 a.m. For Suva, por Marion, at 3 p.m. For RuasoU, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, 17th instant. For Rubboll, Kawakawa. and Auotrallan Colonies, por Arawata, at 3 p.m. For Taranakl and Southern Ports, por Taiaroa, at 8 a.m. Tuesday, 2tth instant. Por b.s. Australia, aa follows :— For Sandwioh Islands, United States of America. Canada, British Columbia, Central and South Amorloa. and British aud Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For Unltod Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. Late letters bearing an extra foe of Blzpenoo, In addition to th<9 postage, will be rooeivod by the Mall Agent on board tho steamer up to the limo of sailing. This mail will bo due in London on Tuesday, July 5, 1881, S. B. BIdS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-office. Auckland.

Wliy women an so soon, is an interrogatory that answers itself in our knowiodgo of tlioir natural proclivity to neglect tho moans of build ing up their frames. Kntoring into the married state, or habituatßd to domostlo labours, they trudge and toil, and exhausting their powora, grow oallous to tho rosults, and fall iato sedontary habits. Unused to buttot with tho world, they have nothing to oall thoir aotiyitiea into play, save within tho narrow limits of home, littlo reoking that a porsißtonc and iudioious übo of Udolpho Wolfo's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps will tone thoir Byßtoma and lit thorn for even highor enterprises than thoy aro wont to ospouso

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

May 13th, 1881. Albort Hal), Darby-atroot-St. Davld'a Bazaar. St. Luko's Presbytorian Church, Romuora— Saorod Conoort, 8 p.m. Nowton Hall—Arch-purplo Mooting of City of Auckland, L.0.L., 7.30 p.m. V.M.C. A.—Annual Mooting of tho Sooloty for tho Relief of Nogleotod Children, 7.30 p.m.

Death.

LYNCH.—On the 12th May, at hor parents residonco, Jano Lynch, yonnKOStidaußhtor of W. Lynoh, Viotorla-streot, aged 1 yoars. Tho funeral will leavo tho Aurora Hotel at 3 o'olook to-morrow.

OXLKY.-On May 13, at Ponsonby, Isa Mar guorito Siowart, infant daughter of Mr. D, Oxloy, aged four months.

Notice to Correspondents.

Inquirer.—Tho 18th Royal Irish Roglmont loft Auckland in tho early part of tho year 18G7; we cannot asoertaiu tho exaot date. Humble shareholder—Tho annual meeting of the i Auckland Permanent Building Sooiety is not duo till June. Tho bonus for last year is, we are informed, at tho rate of 3 por cant per annum.

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

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1881.

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

Tiieke was one matter referred to in Mr Ballauce's speech which has excited the speculation of others besides the member for Wanganui. It is this :—Why does the property tax yield so littlo 1 There seems to be enormous leakage somewhere. A land tax of a halfpenny upon unimproved value, gave a return of about £100,000. Doubling that, we have a total of £200,000, as the fair expectation of a penny tax on land, without touching improvements or personal property. The amount actually collected from Property Tax within the financial year wasabout£23o,ooo; since then some £40,000 has come in; and if we assume that the outstanding amouuts (the Insurance Com pany payments were not due till May) will bring up the total to Major Atkinson's estimate, namely, £300,000, it appears un accountably disproportionate to the yield from a tax ou the bare value of land, anil it has cost infinitely more to collect. The Colonial Treasurer's original estimate wa3 based upon the returns made under the Land Tax. These returns gave the improved value of all the real property in the colony as £99,500,000. The personal property was valued at £18,700,000, making the total taxable sura, £118,200,000. From this the Treasurer deducted £5,000,000 on account of the £300 exemptions, and he then reckoned that he would be able to get £470,000 from the Property Tax. But, in Committee of Supply, tlie exemption was raised from £300 to £500, and other mitigations were carried, which led Major Atkinson to reduce his estimate from £470,000 to £300,000 and impose the Beer Tax to make up the deficiency. It would appear that his cal culation was not very far wrong; but still we cannot but suspect that a froperty Tax of a penny, fairly levied, would turn in very much more, It Is the business of Parlia ment to find out whether such leakage exists; and if so, where.

There are two clauses of the Act which may, we think, account for a good deal of it—first, the clause by which the value of land under lease is computed at 14 years' rental, and second, the valuation of personal property at auction value. Under the first, large landowners may, and probably do, escape from their legitimate liability; un der the last, the door is equally open to ridiculous estimates of value by per sona of easy conscience. The Act itself sug gests the making of practically bogus valuations. Auction value is a myth. What a thing might fetch at auction is en tirely a matter of chance; there can be only one true value, namely, what a thing has cost, with a reasonable allowance for depre ciation, when dealiuf> with an article sub ject to wear and tear; and what it would take to replace.

These matters ought to receive the atten tion of tho House of Representatives during the approaching session. For freehold pro perty, the valuations of the local bodies within highway districts and boroughs might, we think, be safely accepted ; they arc vory rarely under-value. The colonial valuation won't! then be brought under the scrutiny of the people, and the cost of an independent valuation would be saved, re ducing the percentage for collecting very materially. Those who escape their fair share defraud not only the public revenue but also other taxpayers who honestly pay, and it is the duty of Parliament to see that neither the one nor the other shall suffer from such a cause

I The meeting of the Bible in Schools Asso ciation yesterday was fairly representative of the estimation in which the movement is held by the public. A few Anfilican clergymen, two or three ministers of other denominations, and less than a score lay men. This is the sum total of the Convo cation which was called together to over turn tho educational system of the colony. We say " overturn " advisedly, for the fact cannot be disguised that it the movement is successful we cannot justly withold denomi national grants from Roman Catholic schools. The motive power of the move ment is selfishness—selfishness upon the part of the clergy who desire to shift to the State a duty belonging to themselves; and selfishness on tho part ot the Protestant laity, who care not what becomes of those who dissent from them if their own religion is taught. There were in the colony when the last census was taken 58,408 persons of tho Roman Catholic faith, and from ten to fifteen thousand not belonging to any Chistian Church. To abouc one-fifth j of the population therefore the reading of the Bible in the public schools would be obnoxious, and would not provide religious teaching for their children. The Bible in Schools Association virtually says to those people, "go to the devil if you like ; we are the majority, and the State shall teach our religion, but we shall not permit it to teach yours or apply one penny )f the monies you pay in taxation to assist you in doing so." We say such an injustice on a substantial minority could not last, and denominationalism must follow. Altogether, irrespective of the utter iu elliciency of perfunetionary Bible-readinst as a raeaus of teaching religion, this objec tion would be fatal. The people should not i allow the clergy to calm their consciences by any such means. The Rev. Mr Tebbs ]

yesterday pointed to some children in' the Police Court who could not define thb nature of an oath, and described the spectacle as a disgrace to the country. Perhaps it i 3 ; but to what section of the"country. Certainly not to the State, for that is doing nobly all that it has undertaken on behalf of its subjects. The propagation of religion it does not acknowledge as one of its functions ; it leuves that to a liberally-supported Clrurdu. The example,therefore,was rather an unfor tunate one coming from a clergyman. If a layman had given it as a proof that the Church is iiicilicicut and inert, there might have been more point iv it. Why is it that tho clergy steadily refuse to recognise the duty of adapting tho machinery ot tho Church to the spiritual needs of the people 1 If they can combiue to overturn the Act and inllict injustice on a respectable minority could they not better unite to create a machinery by which the Act might be maintained and at the samo time ellicient religious instruction be given? Surely iv this city for example, it would not bo difficult to find funds enough to maintain, say, two earnest men to give real religious instruction to children attend ing tho public schools and cany on needed mission work in the back slums. Wo should have more faith in tho sincerity of this movement if it in volved self-pacrilice instead of ministering to sr Highness and ease ; and until it does, the little heathen, about whose Ralvation so muchTis said and so little done, will, we fear, be left to pursue the error of his ways, while his proper spiritual guardians arc wrestling over the means to reclaim him.

A notification has boon received from Wellington to the effect that Thursday next, tho 19th in.stant, is the earliest date on which a proclamation cau be brought into force declaring Aucklaud to bo a "clean district" under the provisions of "Tho Diseased Cattle Act, 1871." After tho 19th instant all legal restrictions relatiug to tlio shipping of cattle from Auckland and Manuknu will have been removed.

Messrs Hainlin and Harris, tho members for Franklin, announces meetings with their constituents, commencing at Maunga tauhui on May lu'ch. Tho list of mcotiti^ placcs is published in another column.

Wo would call attention to the following clause iv the new cab by-laws, which, if carried into operation, will no doubt save a deal of auuoyance both to the public and respectable drivers : —Tho driver of eveiy hackuey carriage shall hand or give to every passenger for perusal on entering the hackney carriage a printed ticket contain ing tho number of tho carriage aud the owner's name aud address of driver, and the rate of fares fixed by this by-law, and also ikecp suspended in his hackney car riage, whero appointed by the Inspector of Carriages, a legible ticket with the rate of fares, aud with letters one inch square the words "This carriage is hired by time." Of course it rests with tho public to sco the law is complied with, there being a pcualty for non-compliance.

For years past wo havo been told that " blood is the life." but this expression, it appears, will have to be qualified in the future, for, on tho authority of Professor Edward A. Schafel, wo have it that a German professor has found that if "tho blood of an animal be removed and the blood-vessels be lilled with milk, or a iveak solution of salt, the animal continues to live without any apparent inconvenience.

Tne river Uradtord, a tributary ot tho Derwcnt at Alport, Derbyshire, Hows above a worked out mine. The villago was amazed the other morning to lind that the river had disappeared in the night. A vast chasm is left, and down below, at a great depth, the water can be seen. Fifty miners are employed on tho taßk of attempting to iill up the chasm with rocks and trees, but for several days the materials cast into the chasm wore carried into the Denvout, into which the stream still finds its way after llowiug underground for several miles.

To the Editor: Sir,—May I intrude on your columns to point outccrtaingrievauces, and as brevity is the soul of wit, I will name them:- Ist. The hospital is too full; 2nd. The asylum is too full; 3rd. Is there no place where the old aud feeble can go to without asking the protection ot the police? There are people who would willingly pay Gd for a bed, but cannot afford to go to lodgings—they may have 6d, and, per chance, to-morrow may have fortunes. There is a large building at the Thames, which cost a few hundreds to the owner it may be said that it does not belong to the city of Auckland, but we belong to the colony of New Zealand—tho price would be nominal if it was only suggested to the Hoy Gideon Similes for what purpose it was re quired.—l£. J. FELTUS.

A meeting was held last evening in Bores ford-atreet Congregational schoolroom for the purpose of establishing a Band of Hope in connection with tho chinch. Kcv. J. Robertson, M.A., was iv the chair, and explained the object of the contemplated union of tho children with the consent of their parents. Mr D. S. Chambers deli vcred an excellent address on the subject of total abstinence, shewing that their object was not simply to get the signatures of the children to the pledge card, but to educate them in the principles of temperance by moral teaching and example. The Rev. T Hamer gave a resume of the origin and progress of tho cause, from its introduction by the seven wise men of, Prc3ton, Lan cashire, to the presont time. Mr Hamer, however, was not correct iv saying that ~ims had beeu instigated to the commission of his mnrderous attack by several glasses of brandy. He had contemplated the crime for two mouths before he took the biandy. A committee of ladies and gentlemen were appointed, and the meeting closed peace fully and with prayer.

The ' City Press ' states that from care fully prepared statistics it may safely be computed that at the present day there are 130,000,000 sterling of gold coins doing duty in the British Isles ; of crowm, 2,320,047 ; of half-crowns. 41,516,343 ; of florins, 16,456,220; of shillings, 125,510 160 ; of sixpences, 82,125,578; of fourpences (possibly), 12,000,000; and of threepences 17,572,357; or a grand total in round numbers of 300,000,000 of silver coins of all denominations. Of bronzecoins, it is stated that smce the institution ofjfee Royal Mint more than 6,000 of tons have been struck and issued. By far the largest portion of these are in the form of pence and half pence, although many hundreds of tons of farthings too are iv existence. The aggregate number of current coins of every legitimate kind now in use throughout the United Kingdom is not less than 1,230,000,000.

Many people imagine that tirst-class fur niture cannot be manufactured iv Auckland, but facts prove that the contrary it the caae. We were to-day shown a beautiful suite of furniture made to order in the es tablishment of Messrs Garlick and Cran well, of Queen-strcpf. It is on the old Queen Anne pattern, and the style is quite unique iv this colony. The washstand lias a rimu table, mottled kauri pannels, tiled back, and small prettily turned rails. The dressing table, which is to match, is constructed from similar woods, and on the same style. The coucli is double ended, and is beautifully upholstered. The chairs are also on the old pattern, with ebonized frames. They have also small rails, and are let in with gnld. The suite is said to be far superior to work of the kind yet turned out of any Auckland establish ment, and quite equal to English manufac ture. It is certainly very handsome, and reflects credit on the ability of Mr K. Drinkwater, the managor of the furniture department. We may mention that this fnrniturc, which la all manufactured from the best New Zealand woods, is sold at English catalogue prices, The suite re ferred to will be on view in Messrs Garlick and Crarnwell's window to-morrow, aud it is certainly worth inspection.

Commenting upon the recent cases of cruelty to a little boy and girl from the Industrial Home, the " Waikato Times" says : " With such testimony before us— 1 and we are atraid it could be multipled— need we any more wonder at the growth of our criminal classes? Can any yood be expected from children brought up after the fashion oE the little boy and girl who yester day made their appearance in the witness box ? Predisposed by no wholesome training to regard the vicious conduct of Shepherd in its true light, every recurrence of such acts as he has been found guilty of committing, will only serve to blunt their moral perceptions, until at length from mere familiarity vice ineradicable will be come engrained in their character. When they attain to maturity they will in all probability suffer in their own bodies for the sins committed by those to whose tender mercies their early training was confided, while the prime sinncw will escape with some such insignificant punishment as that inflicted on the man Shepherd yesterday. He cannot be held solely to blame for the coudition of these unfortunate children : the lirst seeds were doubtless sown and nurtured by the carelessness and neglect of their parent; but admitting this, having taken them cut of the reach of all who knew them, he acted towards the friendless waifs in a cowardly and brutal manner. Had he treated a dog in like manner he would pro bably, us Mr Northcroft hinted, have been sent to gaol, and he has reason to bo thank ful that he has now escaped such a punishment. '

The quarterly social gathering in con nection with the Hope of Parnell Lodge, No. 3, 1.0. G.T., was held in the Lodge room on ■Wednesday, the 11th instant. After the usual business of the evening was transacted, the Lodge was throwu open to visitors aud frieuds of the order, aud about sixty sat down to a well-spread table. After a few appropriate remarks from the Chairman (Brother Thomas) some very good readings, recitations, songs, &c, were given by members of the order. These meetings are looked forward to with pleasure and remembered with pleasant feelings, The National Anthem brought a very pleasant evening to a close, our friends and visitors going home well pleased with their evening's entertainment.

To the Editor : Sir,—On reading your impression of 11th inst., I was surprised aud disgusted to find that there was any body iv Auckland who could write a letter like the one which your paragraph chronicles with regard to the liivcrhead at tempted murder. It it not my intention to pay anything with regard to the Would-be murdered victim, but simply that, hn or she who wrote that ought to bo ashamed of themselves, at such a cowardly and erroneous letter. If sho did (which is doubtful) behave f.s he said, docs that make any excuso for him committing such a baso and degrading actiou? Ho is, unquestionably, a disgrace to his own country and ours-a confessed murderer at heart.—l am, &c, 1. COOKE, ltivcrhcad.

On the subject of snuiling, a curious calculation has becu left on record by Lorii Stanhope, "livery possessed, inveterate, and incurable snuil'-taker," says his lordship, "at a moderate computation, takes one pinch in ten minutes. ■ livery pinch, with the agreeable ceremony ol blowing ami wiping the none and other identical circum stance", consumes one minute and a half out of ten, allowing sixteen hours for every snuff taking day, amounts to two hours and twenty-four minutes out of every natural day or one day out of ten. One day out of ten amounts to 36 days and a half iv a year. Honco, if wo eupposo the practise to be per sisted in forty years, two entire years of Iho sniilV-takcr'H life will bo dedicated to tick linjr his nose, and two moro to blowing it 1"

The Miinawtu "Timca" is authorised to givs a positive denial to tlio rumour Hint Mr Hnlcombo lmd purchased tho l'ntatero Block mi behalf of tho Colonint,-i' A.nsocia tion. Mr Ilulcnmbo had niado arrange incuts with the Government, which mnde tho purohaso practicable, but it was decided by tho Duke of Manchester, Colonel Poorce, iiml Mr Levin not to conclude the arrangements, and so the purchase- was abaudouod.

It it astonishing what slifflit importance is attached by people generally to injuries of the knee. Yet there are few hurts more painful, and, in cases whoro tho knee joint is opened, the patient is laid up months before ho recovers even tho partial use of his limb. Ihorc nro two injuries of thiß kind now under treatment in the Hospital, and in both instances the Cannes were very trivial. On Saturday last, a man named Edward Stabling was proceeding along Albert-streeti when he accidentally slipped and foil. 11 in kueo struck the kerbstone, and the pain caused by tho blow beiucr very acute, ho was taken to tho hospital, where he now lies. Tho other accident occurred at Tuakau. A mail named James Ingrain was chopping a post with a tomahawk, when the weapon glided oil the wood and struck him on the knee. This case is much more serious than the other, and it is believed that the knee joint has been opened. It would bo well for the sabjects of these accidents to seek immediate treatment at the hospital, for "delay is truly danger ous," nnd neglect of tho injury at the time it happens might render amputation of the leg necessary in mauy cases.

Tho Waste Lauds Board yesterday after noon granted Anderson (a homestead selector at Okaihau) 50 acres of land, declined to appiovc the transfer of a selec tion at Otongo from Archibald Buohannn to Alexander Campbell, granted a two years' exemption from residence to Johu Clark, of Tuakau, (a deferred payment selector), decided to allow Wcnzel Paul, of I'ulioi, to tako up laud under the Homestead system, agreed to refund Win. Dibble, of Waikawau, £25 spent ill survey fees, approved the transfer ot a selection in tho Kaipara from Edward Ellis to Joseph Smithcrs, and of a selection at Te Puke from Clias. E. Pacjol to Peter Grant, allowed a uativo at Mon gonui to take three kauri trees from Go vernment laud, resolved to give Win Morehouse a seven years' lease of harbour endowment lota at Maugawai, declined to sell to Mr Anderson a specified portion of the Wain block at the Thames, and upon the applications of Rev. J;ih. Wal'is and Annie do Boer, agreed to offer land :it Pavemoronio and the Great Barrier for sale. It was decided to inform a man named llawkes, at Waikawau, that lie had acted wrongly in taking timber from Mr Bcnuctt's land, and an application for a gam lease was held over. There were some other applications, but they were not of any general interest. Tho Hanger forwarded a favourable pro liminary report of deferred payment selec tions at To Aroha. Nearly all tlio selectors had taken up their land, were buildiup houses and laying down ciops.

To the Editor : S r, —Your correspondent " Kchovin " some time ago, referring to the •subject of stilling the waves of a troubled sea by oil, gave the experience ot Captain Win. Champion, junr., of the three-masted schooner Policeman, when in charge of the Ephemy, which is so simple, yet so impor tant, that surely it would be well to bring it again prominently before the public. In January and February, 1880, Captain Champion encountered two ccvere hurri canes, in which he says his schooner would most assuredly have been swamped had he not had recourse to oil bags, He made five small canvas bays, each containing about three pints of paint oil. Each of these was securely at tached to twelve or fifteen fathoms of line and put afloat—the result of which was that they rode in comparatively smooth water without shipping a bucketful. In the late dreadful disaster, had oil been dropped around the steamer might not the boats have been moro easily launched, and if each boat had been supplied with even a little oil, might not more lives have been saved? It seems, to me that if companies will not provide so simple and inex pensive a means of at least giving a greater opportunity ot reaching laud in case of shipwreck,, then no passenger should go to sea without taking some oil with him. Fifteen pint 3 Captain Champion states to be sufficient to last 48 hours. But purely public pressure could be brought so to bear upon the authorities that every steamer and sailing vessel should havo a supply of oil in case oE emergency.—l am, &c, S.

The members of St. Andrew's Mutual Improvement Society were gratified last evening by Mr James Haslctt, who gave an admirable lecture on a "Visit to the Salt Lake Uity," with an able, historical sketch of the rise and progress of Monnonism. The president, the Kov. A. Carrick, oc cupied the chair, supported by Mr John Reid and Mr Bennett. After the prelim inary business, Mr Haslett proceeded to deliver his lecture before the largest audience of the season, including many ladies. The lecturer commenced by giving an account of his railway journey from San Francisco to the city of the saints, interspersed with personal incidents and glimpses of the variod features of the far-stretching country, sometimes across dreary solitudes, and nt other times through fertile valleys covered with vege tation. Mr llaslott's approach to the famous Mormon city ptoduced favourable impres sions. Ihe well-trimmed gardens, and snug productive farms indicated that the Mormons—despite the peculiarity of their religious system-were certainly an indus trious people. The lecturer gave a graphic sketch of the city, their store?, museum, and cemetery, notiug the burial place ot Brighani young, whose grave was free from all ostentation or vain show—simple, plain, and occupying a corner of the burial ground. Mr Haslett had an interview with Mrs Wells, the editress of the Mormon journal, and he was courteously received by the talented, but somowhat loquacious, Mrs Wells, who modestly affirmed that her husband was blessed with but two wive?. The good lady's attempt to vindicate polygamy was not satisfactory, and a man's energies with half-a-dozen wives under his care were sadly taxed in order to meot the demands for millinery and dress ; still, Mrs Wells contended, these things brought into active exercise those line traits of character which distin guish the Anglo-Saxon race. Another pleasing characteristic of the Mormons was their benevolence to strangers. They were extremely hospitable. Having described their temple, their buildings, and social habits, the lecturer closed his discourse with a well-written condensed sketch of their rise under Joseph Smith, and progress mder Brigham Young, noting particularly ;he great delusion, the discovery and trans lation of tbe "Book of Mormon," which was a remarkable instance o£ the credulity of the Mormon?. The lecture throughout was most interesting, and Mr Haslett's general remarks were substantiated by Mr Keid and Mr Page, who had also visited the city of Utah. The lecturer was com plimented by the members, and also by the .Rev. Chairman, in terms which were en couraging and well deserved.

The Corporation has accepted the tender | of the National Bank for the city banking ■ account during the current year.

An inquest on the body of the carpenter, James Hedley, who was fatally injured by an accident at the Edinburgh Caatlo Hotel, was to have been held this afternoon.

Messrs Garlick and Cran cell's business has increased so rapidly of late that they have taken over the old Golden Crown Brewery premises as a manufactory.

A meeting of the Committee of the Diocesan Sunday-school Association was held iast evening in St. Matthews' school, room, the incumbent of St. Matthew's taking the chair. After usual routiue busi ness, it was determined to hold a conference of teachers on Thursday evening, June 16, in St. Matthew's school-room. The sub jects for discussion will be, " The Classifi cation of Scholars," and "Tho Best Means of Retaining a Hold Upon Senior Scholars." The conference will commence with a special sei vice in St. Matthews at 7 p.m., when it is hopod that the Bishop will de liver the address. It is anticipated that ihe next conference wit be held in St. Sepulchre's Church and school.

Mr D. Fort, Shortland-strcet, wishes to notify that ho is not tho person who was suod in tho H.M. Court yosterday.

On view for two days, a new and very haudsoni" stylo of Drawing-room Suito and Hed-room Furniture- at tho City Hall Aroado, manufactured by Gsrlink & Orunwell. Portion o£ Bftino will bo exhibited in tho window on Saturday. As framoa and upholstering are all of local workmanship, thoeo Interested in tho advancement ot Auckland should inspect them, as woll ai thoso who aro about to furnish. Turned out at London prices and first-class llniah.—(advt.)

THE CENSUS.

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Ho briot; lor it la witli words aa with aun boauiu : trio moro tlioy uro ooudeusud tho duopor thoy burn."—Bouthky.

There is a deaith of bricklayers in Christ church just now. Mr J. C. Richmond is a candidate for tho vacant cent in Nelson. A veil is a protection against the sun of heaven and the sons of earth. The sweetest thing in Easter bonnots will be a pretty face. A raid will be made on tho Canterbury hares—lG3 licenses to kill them have been issued. Tho Servant-girl Question —" What's the wages, and how many afternoons aud ovenin's out do yor give a girl ?"

" Punning in the lowost form of all wit,' said one to a punster, who replied, " And therefore tho foundation of all wit."

Lady Anne Blunt says that a Persian riding a camel astride is the most ridiculous sight in tho world. Mr Mcllhono of tho Thames after an in terview with Mr Sheehan, has resolved to scttlo in Waikato.

A largo number of members havo joined the Ponsonby "At Home-1," which com mence on the 20th itist.

You can tell a merciful farmer as soon ns he stops his team at a post. Ho takes the blanket off his wife's lap and spreads it over the poor horses. I'ho special drill of Auckland A. Battery ot Artillery last night was poorly attended. Major Jack commended those present for their cfliciency in gun-drill. Tho Grey " Star " says : —Public subscrip tions to mnko up the defalcations of a clerk " with a pedigree," is tho latest chari table dodge iv Grcymouth.

Not everybody will bo able to soe the uautch girls, but everybody cau gctaprelty good, idea of their dance by putting two hornets down ttie housemaid's back.

When you have convinced a woman that a lounge worth about £1 has just been marked down from £5 to £3, you have secured a customer.

'• No kiss ?" he said pleadingly, " No kiss from my darling to-nii>ht?" " No," she said emphatically, "no kiss. I hear there's mumps in jour family."

The annual accounts of the Tamahere Highway District shew receipts £855; of which, £245 came from rate 3, aud £28S from Goyornment grants. The expenditure left an overdraft of £30. The rato for the current year is fixed at Is in the pound. An English sporting authority says that the best time for shooting wild fowl is just before or ho hi after a storm, whoa the birdß arc fluttered, nuxious, and unsuspicious. Mr Proudfoot has nearly finished his con tract on the Orepuko line, Otago, and means to take all his men to his railway works, Now South Wales.

Tho average amount of grain conveyed on the Canterbury'railways to Lyttelton during the last eight weeks has been 73,715 sacks a-week. One week 92,290 sacks were carried, Tho Melbourne papers thought 53,330 conveyed on the Victorian lines a large amount for one week.

Dr. Win. Chambers, Avho started " Cham bers' Journal" nearly 49 years ago, still continues to conduct that magazine with unabated energy. This goes beyond Dr. C. 8. Hall's editorship of the " Art Journal" for 42 years without a break.

" What is the meaning of backbiter ?" asked a gentleman at a Sunday-school ex amination. This was a puzzler. It went down tho olass till it came to a simple urchin, who said : "Perhaps its a llea."

The performance of tho " Sorcerer" on behalf of St John's Church, Grahmstown, realised £44 14s,but the expenses amounted to £37 58. The wind and tho sun lovo tho rose, But tho roso lovos but one; For who rooks the wind when it blows Or loves not tho eun? —Bulwor. George Eliot has left some unpublished works behind her. One of these is a "History of Ideas of Immotality," written several years ago. The other is a complete translation of Spinoza's " Kthics," executed during the Strauss aud Feuerbach Dcriod.

The bane of life is discontent. Who haß not found it so ? We say we will work bo long, and then wo will enjoy ourselves. But we find it jnst as Thackery expressed it. "When I was a boy," he said, "I wanted some toffy—it was a shilling—l hadn't one. When I was a man, I had a shilling ; but I didn't want any toffy." Tho Government havo changedjthe namo of the Town of Carlyle to Patea. The Waikato ".Times," in describing the Waitoa station, says :—" Three years ago the Government upset price, at all events, wa« £2 per acre for some of the estates I have seen round the9e parts; and now I am quite sure that if anybody were to offer Mr Larkworthy from £6 to £8 an acre, he would immediately refuse- that amount."

A new sandbank is forming iv the Wanganui river, stretching nearly across iho channel, a quarter of a mile from the heads. The pilot expects the lirst freshet will remove it.

A few enterprising gentlemen have ar ranged to run a coach from Liverpool to York. Fare, one penny per mile. The dis tance is about 100 miles, and is 8s 4d for a ride through some of the beat scenery in Lancashire aud Yorkshire. Can't bo dear at that price 1

The Albertland North and South, Whare hine, aud Tauhoa ratepayers wero invited to meet at Port Albert yesterday, when a resolution was carried that the Tauhoa and Albert Ridings should be amalgamated, or the Albert district be allowed a second member iv the Kodney Council.

Herbert Spencer, in speaking of political forces, makes an illustration. Tho break ins up of a wreck is regarded as due to the immense energy of tho waves, which, how ever, could not be produced without winds. But the air is intrinsically just as passive as tho waves, being subject to the sun's heat, which in turn is influenced by something else. So, says Spencer, we should go back to seek sources of political power. Wife means "weavor." You must either be house-wives or house-noths ; romember that, in the deep sense, you must either weave men's fortunes and embroider them, I or feed upon them and bring then to decay. Wherever a true wife comes, home is always around her. The stars may be over her head, the glow-worm in the night's cold grass may bo the fire at her feet, but home is where she is, and for a noble woman it stretches far around her, better (ban houses celled with cedar or painted with vermillion—shedding its quiet light for those who else are homeless. This is the woman's true place and power. Umbrella flirtation : To place your um brella in a rack indicates that it is about to change owners. An umbrella carried over the woman, the man getting nothing but the drippings of the rain signifies courtship. When the man has the umbrella and the woman the drippings it indicates maniage. To carry it ot right angles under your arm signilies that an eye is to be lost by the man who follows you. To put a cotton umbrella by the side of a nice silk ouo siguifiea " exchange is no robbery." To lend an umbrella indicates "lama fool." To carry an umbrella just high enough to tear out men's eyes and knock off men's bats signifies" I am a woman."—

FIRES IN THE SOUTH.

[BY TELEGRAPH.-fEESS ASSOCIATION.]

Fire in Dunedin.

DUNEDIN, this day. Grange store in Forth -street was burnt down yesterday. Tho building was insured in the Trans-Atlantic for £400,andstockand furniture in the same office for £350. Mr Thompson, the owner, estimates his loss at £550 above.

Fire at Wanganni Post-office.

WANGANUI, this day.

A fire occurred last night at the Post, office hero between 11 and 12. It originated iv the storeroom, which was damaged as well as the roof. The cause is unknown. The damage is estimated at £200. Un insured. The telegraph and mails are uninjured.

Destruction of a Temperance Hotel.

ASHBUKTON, this day.

A fire broke out at Watt's Temperance Hotel this morning at two, and burned the building to the ground in a short time. The fire also caught Baker aud Brown's coach factory, which was destroyed. Ono lodger in the boarding-house was extricated with difficulty. He was much cut and burnt. Mr and Mrs Watt was ab sent at the time. Two of the children were rescued by a lodger. The insurance on the hotel (Baker and BrowD, owners) is South (.British, £300; Standard, £3,00 ; furniture, Union, £200 ; Factory, insur ance, £250 iv South British ; stock uuiu sured. Origin unknown. Baker and Brown arc heavy losers.

MINING NEWS.

We extract the following from reports fur nished by mitio managers: —

Success.—ln No. 2 level there is but little prospect, Since I last wrote the reef is easier. No. 4 reef is still broken and carrying gold. Tho ground is a little harder, 1 fully expected to have had another haul ot gold before this.—PETER Heid.

BiSMAKCK.—Since last report the reef in the tunnel has looked rather poor. A few colours were to bo seen in the early part of the week, but for some days back nothing has been visible. At present it is somewhat broken up and it is not likely there will be any improvement in quality until it assumes more compact form. In the rise (which is up 82 feet) the reef maintains its size, and gold more or less, is seen each breaking down. A few pounds of good picked stone has been got during the week:—J. A. Dobson.

POLICE COURT.-This day.

[Beforo F. L, Prime, Esq., and Dr. Homo, J.P.'s]

The Uiverhcad Stabbing Case.—

Conclusion of Livulence.

Thomas Sinn was again brought into Court, charged with attempting to kill and murder, Anne Carliue, at Kiverhcad, on tho 28th April.

Mr Laishley watched the case for prisoner, and Mr Pardy represented the police.

Leonard Dictman deposed to knowing the prisoner and the girl. He was speaking to her on the 2Gth uf April, when prisoner came out of Uradley's house, seemed rather angry, and caught tho girl roughly by the arm. Sims said to her, "Come in, I waut some square talk with you." His manner waa not agreeable, and tho girl was afraid to go in. 110 3aw them on tho day of the stabbing coming from Deacon's Hotel to wards Bradloy's. Her hair was hanging down her back. Saw her fall on reaching the paddock. Went to her and learned that Sims had stabbed her.

Henry Hull, railway porter at tho River head Station, deposed to taking prisoner in chargo until the arrival of (lie police. Sims said: " I'll go with you; but let me kiss Anne before I go." Witness thought there could be no harm in a kiss, especially aa prisoner had boen deprived of his knife. Prisoner bent over tho girl, and impressed a severe kiss upon her lips, saying, aa he poiuted to the girl, " Sir, sec what a man will do for love. She waa led away by Ross, ivhile I was dying for her." Detective JefTcry'a evidence, detailing his visit to Rivcrhcad in company with Dr. Honeyuian and several others, was taken. Ellen Bradley, wife of William I3radley, deposed that she lived at Uiverhcad. Anne Carlino had been staying at her house, and was there ou the 27th inst. The prisoner came up by the City of Cork, and came to see Anne Carliue that evening. She came in shortly after he reached the bouse. He was sitting on the sofa, and she met witness in the kitchen. She introduced him as Mr Sims. She did not know him previously. He stayed all night. They conversed outside the cottage, but heard no unpleasant words. Heard him pressing Anno to return into the house. Heard him talking about squaring it, but thinking they were lovers, she did not listen. He appeared very angry when he ordered her into the house —she did not know the reason. The next morning, very early, ho went into Anne's bedroom. She did not particularly press her to go with him for a walk, Hhe pro. sently said sho would go with him for a walk in the afternoon to Deacon's Hotel. She suggested that they Bhould take a walk in the garden, and look at her flowers. Was not aware that Sims had a knife in his possession. She provided dinner, The remainder of Mrs Bradlcy's evidence was the same as that of her husband.

This was the evidence,

The charge was then read over to the prisoner, who maintained a sullen silence, and made no reply.

The depositions were then read over to tho prisoner, who was fully committed for trial at the next criminal sittings at the Supreme Court, and the several witnesses were bound over. TWO OF A TRADE, &C. Susanna Selina Mallet and Anne Absolom, alias Trevina, were separately charged under the Vagrant Act with using obscene and offensive language on the 6th 'inst, in Wakefield-street, within the hear ing of persons passing. Mr Pardy said the words were of an abominable character and very offensive, but the language of Mm Trevina, was milder than that of Mrs Mallet.

Mrs Absolom: " Don't like to be villified. My namo is neither Alias, nor Treyina. I'm of a Jewish, and not of an Italian family " (laughter;.

Mrs Mallet: " I'm charged with abomin able language j what lauguage did 1 use, Mr Pardy ?"

Mr Pardy : " It was abominable ; too bad to be repeated."

Tho defendants acknowledged that rough words had been used, and in pleading guilty, Annie Absolom shed tears.

The Bench ordered Mallet to pay 40s and costs, or take 14 daya in gaol; and Absalom was subjocted to a fins of 20s and costs or seven days.

Prisoners : " We'll pay it." This was all the business.

MR SAUNDERS, M.H.R., AT WAIKARI.

[BY TELEGKAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

CHRISTCHURCH, Thursday. At Mr Saundcrs' meeting at Waikari, there were about seventy present. Mr Saunders said Choviot was poorly repro sented. He was proud to say he had done more than any other member in reducing the public expenditure, with his motion re the ten per cent, reduction. He nould no! support Sir George Grey's Government, which had in two years spent £15,000,000, a fact disgraceful to the Government and the colony alike. He referred to the duties of the Railway Commission, and was glad to see that the Public Works Minister had called for tenders for the completion of the Northern railways. He lauded Major Atkinson's speech very highly, and also the present Government, stating it was the first which had reduced expenditure one shilling. He did not agree altogether with the property tax; and advocated a tax on land. Speaking on land tax he said he had always agreed that the land should be taxed, but not improve ments, as this was the only way of reaching large land speculators. He was against protection as it benciitted one class to the injury of another. On these grounds he supported the property tax, but wouldstrenu oualy endeavour to exempt improvements. He believed in the present system of education, the cost of which, as well as ot charitable aid, he considered ought properly to come out of the consolidated fund as it does now. Ho denied that the party which claimed the title of Liberals had any light to it. People ought not to judge them by what name they, chose to call themselves, but by what they did.

The Auckland "Garrick Club" intend giving a benefit performance in aid of the Hauraki Ladies' Benevolent Fund, at the Academy of Music, Grahamstown.

CABLEGRAMS.

[KEUTER'S TELKGKAMS.]

MKBRADLAUGH AGAIN EJECTED. LONDON, May 10. In theHouao of Commons this evening Mr Bradlaugh again aPP«"» d »t,* eJ§ „! and repeated his that the oath of allegiance should be m™iat? n e?J? h }™l He was ordered by the Speaker to mW and upon his declining to do to .was forcibly ejected from the Chamber by the &erjenn£ at-Arms. The Speaker moreover issued orders forbidding his presence within the precincts of the House until he engaged not to disturb its proceedings.

THE SOUTH AFRICA COMMISSION, CAPE TOWN, May 10.

News to hand from the Transvaal states that the Royal Commission, consisting ot Sir Hercules Kobinson, Sir Evelyn Wood, and Chief Justice De Villiers, appointed to consider provisions for the protection of native interests, to make arrangements as to frontier affairs, and to decide whether any territory to the eastward should be severed from the Tranavaal, has commenced its sittings. FRENCH ADVANCE ON THE CAPITAL OF TUNIS. PARIS, May 10. Telegrams have been received from Tunis statin" that tho French troops are continu ing their advances with all possible speed, and are rapidly nearing the capital. LONDON WOOL SALES. LONDON, May 11. At the wool sale to-day, 9300 bales were offered. The prices were fairly maintained, and there was good competition for the vari ous lots offered. PKICE OF IKON. LONDON, May 10. Galvanised iron, 26-gaugc, has declined to £17< May 11, The best Scotch pig iron, No. 4, free on board in the Clyde, has declined to 48s per ton. NEW ZEALAND LOAN AND MEK CANTILE AGENCY COMPANY'S REPORT. LONDON, Ma> 10. Wool.—The sales opened on the 10th in stant, at an average decline of 5 per cent, on last sale's closing rates. The sales com prise about 337,000 bales. 26,000 bales have been sent to the manufacturing dis tricts direct. Tho opening catalogue con tained 5100 bales. Competition by both Home and foreign buyers is active. Wheat, Market flat. Adelaide is worth 49s per 40Glbs.

AUSTRALIAN.

MELBOURNE, May 12,

There is a better demand for New Zea land oats, which aro now quoted at 2a 9d to 3s 4J per bushel. The Victorian Post-office is propounding a schema for an Intercolonial Postal Union,

SERIOUS FIRES AT SYDNEY.

SYDNEY, May 12,

A serious fire occurred here to-day, oh the premises occupied by Mr J. J. Curran, wholesale grocer, 600, George-street, result ing in the partial destruction of the build ing. The stock was also much damaged by the fire and water. The insurances on the building and stock amounts to £12,000, in cluding £400 in the New Zealand Insur ance Office, and will fully cover the lps".

Another large fire occurred to-day in the Haymarket, causing the total destruction of the store occupied by Messrs Harris and Co., general produce merchants. Tho stock and buildings were insured for £2000 in the Natioual Company of New Zealand.

HANLAN'S SECRETS.

How an Invalid Defeats Mighty

Men of Muscle.

A new theory iv explanation of Hanlan's 1 wonderful success as an oarsman was fur nished to a Californian paper by Horace J. Wildner, a member of the London Kowing Club, who has visited California after a ' hunting trip through Cauada, Montana, British Columbia and Oregon. Mr Wildner was a spectator of several of Hanlou'j races. The impression which Mr Wildner received from these races was that Hanlan had some unknown agency to increase his speed, and never won on genuine merit. ' It was thought that he might have attained : his wonderful degree of speed by filling the airtight compartments of his shell with pas, but some experiments demonstrated the fallacy of this theory. Haolau himself assisted in disproving this theory by taking : the bulkheads out of his boat, thus making it impossible to fill her with gas, and then rowing her faster tban ever. The great ' secret of his speed is that at the end of 1 each stroke of the oars the boat does not lose headway. Kacing shells are so light that they usually dwell after the oars have : left the water, whereas Iranian's boat keeps her course steadily until his sculls have ' been, dipped again to give her fresh momen -1 turn. AN EXTRAORDINARY DISCOVERY, "After watching the man critically," said ■ Mr Wildner, " I was convinced that he had something to assist him besides swivel row locks and a sliding seat. In practice he did 1 not seem to row particularly well, but the 1 moment he started on his race his pace was altogether different. I examined his boats several times, but could detect nothing ! strange iv them that would explain the se ■ cret, I was almost a convert to the belief that the man was a wonder when I went to ' see the Barrie regatta. About 8 o'clock in the morning, when there was hardly a eoul ! around, I went down to Hanlan's headquar -1 ters and found the trainer bending over the champion's shell, with an oilcan in his hand. The shell was turned bottom up, and four brass wheels about three inches in diameter were sticking out of her keel. The trainer ! seemed to be greatly discomfited by my un expected visit and turned the shell over with a jerk that knocked a big hole in her forward deck, I was not disposed to let the matter pass, however, and asked what was the idea of having miniature water wheels in the bot tom of a racing shell. Just then one of Haulan's backers came in, and seeing how matter's stood, proceeded to explain that the wheels were an invention of his own. 1 But' said he ' they are more harm than good. They don't work at all, and stop the boat instead of helping her along.' I wanted them to show me how the wheels worked, but they professed to be late for breakfast, and shoved the shell up on the rack, and went off, locking the boat-house after them, On account of the break in the deck Hanlan was obliged to use another boat, and though she was a very fine shull he only rowed a dead heat with Hiley of Saratoga, a second-class sculler, who bad a poor boat and was in the worst possible con dition." HOW IT IS WORKED. "After that exhibition," said Mr Wildner, " I made up my mind that the wheels in the keel of the boat did the business for the champion, and that with out his trick boat he could not hope to defeat any good second-class man. In the International regatta at Providence last July he rowed in a boat which could not possibly have been rigged with secret ma - I chinery, and he pot beaten most dis gracefully. From what I saw of that boat at Barrie I am satisfied that the champion rows all his big racos in a trick boat with wheels in the keel. These wheels are worked by a sliding seat. You know how a man rows. He slides up along steel tracks twenty-three inches long and. then slides back again, pressing his feet against the stretcher with force enough to raise halt a ton. When the champion is ready to start ho touches a spring in the stretcher with his feet and the wheels fly down. The moment he slides down for the stroke the wheels commence to revolve with lightning rapidity mil help him along wou dcrtully. The great gain however is in tbc recovery, for as he slides back for tlie stroke the wheels keep working and the boat re tains her headway. In this way ho gains probably a foot or perhaps more on each stroke, and it is easy to calculate how much more powerfully his antagonist must row to keep up with him. This explains why all the men Hanlan rows with are exhausted in the first mile." HANLAN'S PROFITS. " Don't you think he is a wonderful athlete ?" the reporter asked. "Not at all," replied Mr Wildner. "Ho is a medium-sized man of delicate constitu tion. Thettips across the ocean nearly killed him, and he sutlers from ,'palpitation of the heart and an affection of the kidneys. His victories are merely shining examples of the superiority of mind over muscle. In boat races it is specified that the ' best' boat shall be used, and Hanlan has sense enough to make bis boats bettor than any other by a simple contrivance. Of course they keep the matter a secret, but the articles of any race could not prevent Hanlan from usiu'g bis trick boat, even if its secrets were divulged."

" It's a wonder the secret has not been discovered before," the reporter remarked,

"I don't think so," said Mr Wildner. "Hanlan has made £12,000 by it, and several of his backers have grown rich. It would not pay them to fight among them, selves and when they had a little spat the other 'day you saw how scon they shook hands and begged each other's pardon."

THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

MEETING IN THE V.M.C.A. ROOMS,

A meeting of ladies and gentlemen " inter. ested in the removal of the prohibition against the reading of the Bible in the com. mon schools " was commenced at 4.30 p.m. yesterday afternoon in the lecture hall of the V.M.C. A. building.

Six ladies and twenty-thrco gentlemen were present. Amongst these were the fol. lowing clergymen :- The Rev. A. W. Webb (Baptist), Kcv. J. Hazelden (Anglican), Key. W. Tcbbs (Anglican), Key. J. Baton (Anglican), Key. Dr. Purchas (Anglican), Key E. N. Brce (Anglican), Rev. E. Philips (Anglican), Key. T. Hodgson (Free Me thodist). . Upon the motion of Mr G. tlemus, seconded by Mr Brame, Mr F. Larkins was voted to the chair. The ltev. J. Ilaselden having offered up a short prayer, The Chairman formally opened the pro. ceedings. An apology for non-attendance from Yen. Archdeacon Maunsell was read. The Chairman then read out an address which he had writ-ten oat for the occasion, lie said that the Bible in Schools Associa tion had called that private meeting of friends to the movement in order to announce their intention of preparing peti tions to both Houses of Legislature in favour of Bible-reading in the public schools of this colony. The petitions would be sent round for signature shortly. They would embody the following princi pies: -Ist, the Bible to be read daily, without note or comment; 2nd, The Go vernment, or each committee, to decide the hour for Scripture reading; also, what por. tions shall be read, and by whom read, dor. ing school hours. Regarding positive teach ing, many of the people whom they repre sented prefer some such system as that of New South Wales. That system gave power to voluntary teachers of imparting , Bible knowledge during school hours; while guarding the individual conscience, it afforded a fair field and no favour to all parties. The Bible in Schools Association, however, asked simply the reading of the Bible. They believed that the Bible, as the source of truth, morals, justice, and liberty, should be the basis of education. There was a high moral force in the very words of Scripture, and they met (o anticipate the time when the topstone should be put on our admirable system of public education—viz., the daily reading of the Bible in our schools. Tho Bible had improved our laws, literature, morals, and homes. Therefore, they asked for daily Bible-reading as a public right. Where religious education was absent or defective, the reading of Bible truth was often a potent and irresistiblepowerfor good. Education without daily reading of the Scriptures was a dangerous error. Educa tion, with no Bible, was essentially weak and defective, They asked only for the reading of the Bible, without note or com ment, as part of the education in our com mon schools. They wanted no sectarian influence, nor wished any bias towards any denomination great or small ; they wished to force no creed on others. They desired religious freedom, in the widest sense possible. If the schoolteachers objected to read the Scripture or were unfit for doing so, the scholars could read it in class or separately. If any objected to the reading of the authorised version, a conscience clause would relieve them. All the difficulties suggested here had vanished in England and Birmingham, tho last stronghold of secularism bad asked for the Bible in schools. Mr Justice Gillies, when speaking at the Shakesperian Club Entertainment, was reported to have spoken approvingly of making Shakespeare a text-book in public schools. Happy thought—he struck the key-note of wisdom and of common sense, for Shakespeare was a true exponent and teacher of Bible truth. Shakespeare, with the Scriptures expungpd. would be like the play of Hamlet minus Hamlet himself. _ His plays were bestudded with truths, doctrines, maxims, morals, warnings, dogmas, and verbal quotations from the Holy Book. Nothingwouldhelptheireffortstorestorethe Bible to its ught position in our schools like the introduction of Shakspeareasatext-book. It was futile to say that the Bible should bo read at home or in the church, but not in the schools. In homes of vice, drunkenness, and religious indifference, Bible teaching or reading was simply out of the question. After a few remarks upon the beauties of the Bible, the speaker concluded by saying that they ought not to rein in their efforts until the schools of New Zealand supported by the State, and paid for by taxes laid upon us all, were made to to hear the Bible ecbo again within their walls.

The Rev. A. Webb was the next speaker. He said that he did not know whether all that he had to advance that afternoon would meet with the approbation of those present. He was not a member of the Association, and he had simply come there in response to an invitation as one of those who were desirous of seeing the Bible restored to the schools. He had been charged with incon sistency, as being one of those who had endeavoured, some two years ago, to pre- Berve the present system intact when Mr Cuttls's Bill for securing a return to Dcuominationalism was before Parliament. He preferred the present system to Dcuominationalism, but still he had never been an opponent of Bible reading in the schools. For 15 years he had striven to further that end—to get a system of education modelled upon the Irish national system, which ■was now adopted in New South Wales. Within the last two years it had become a settled con viction with him that the shutting out of the Scriptures from the schools tended to national demoralisation, and with the ex perience of America and Birmingham before his eyes he was persuaded that they were doing a great wrong in proscribing the Bible. The rev. gentleman then cited an ex tract from the writings of the Sir J. Pringle (a Scotch professor of pMlosophy), which stated- that after... attempting in vain to^ found morals on nature, he had accepted the Bible. as th.c text book for morality. The influence of the Bible, Mr Webb' went on to say, aided our whole political system. 'A'he oath in our Courts and Parliaments pre-aupposed the existence of an Omniscient and Omnipotent God, who was prepared to punish the guilty. That showed that the State had; a God and certain religious beliefs, and, therefore, the State was bound to teach its children some of the attributes and the nature of that Divine Being. Apart from the recognition of God, the State had no existence and nothing to prevent its constituent parts from disintegrating, seeing that we were taught that the State was founded on God's will. No nation had attempted a system of Government which did not require a recognition of God, and in order to avert anarchy Robespierre last century was obliged to get the French Senate, after its atheistic experiment, to decree that the people should be taught the doctrine of a future life and the existence of a Supreme Being. Then our moral code was derived from the Bible, our laws of the Sabbath, our marriage relationships and the laws which regulate the rights of property. What were to be come of these laws, and how was their sanc tity to be upheld if we did not defer to some such authority as the Bible? It was inter woven with our literature, and it was im possible to understand the commonest allu sions in thatliterature without a knowledge of the Bible. The child who left school un acquainted with it was an ignorant and ill ' educated child. The Bible itself was ! written in the purest English. But far away and above all these considerations it was God's Book, and should, it possible, be restored in its integrity to the , schools. He would recommend the Associa tion before taking any action in tbe matter,' to consider the merits of the Irish national system of which the. Koman Catholic authorities had approved. They could adopt it if they could not get the Bible and failing both they should call upon the State to formulate its own creed and publish it. He had already shown that it had of necos sity a creed. Then, that being so, it should definitely formulate it. The articles in il would be some such as these :— (1) There is a God (to the Christian this God will be conceived as the Triune, to the Jew Jehovah, to the Mahometan Allah, to the Urahminist Brahm.) God is Almighty. All-knowing, All-present, the fountain of right and the avenger of wrong (every item of this being included in the oath, the chief instrument, in our judicial proceedings). (2) God has taught us to fear .Him, to pray to Him, (pre-supposed in "the oatb, "So help mo God ") He has taught us His will. Wo aie to obey our Queen, to love, and honour, and love and obey, and care for our parents, and be subject to our masters. We are to care for each other; to love our neighbour as ourselves, also not _ to steal, kill, to slander, to be pure in our actions. God has taught us that such man is to have his own wife and such wife her own husband. Of course these might be amplified, but at any rate he contended that these items the State was

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, MAT 13



The following aro the roturns or somo of the North-Kaipnru Districts : — Males F'mlos Tl. Pakoknroro .. .. 81! 55 lit Walrau 120 88 221 Paparoa 173 1116 ail Matukoho .. ..03 81 180 Toka Toka .. ..22 31 53 Aropohuo .. ..100 89 1»' Olcahu 20 3 23 Whimahara .. ..30 28 5_ OutlyiiiK 310 103 603



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