SHIFTING INTELLIGENCE.

„.,,** TOAtirirn I This Evening, 10.40 HIGH WATER f To .morrow Morning, - SUNSET.—This livening, 6.35 SUN WBE.-To-MoiTow Morning, 6.24 MOON'S AGE.-First Quarter, tod, 1.41 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY. Rotorua, b.b. Tozer.'from Russell Waiwera, sohooner, Bußhell, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

liABT EVBNINO. Sanoy Kate, sohooner, Lewis, for Russel Fanay Kelly, ketch, Williams, for Whangaroa TO-DAY. Rotorua, b.b. Tozer, for the South

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Zealandia, ship, (J.G.H.V.) from London; sailed FiTth Uof fay, ship, (Q.N.D.T.) from London; sailed June 4. Straoathro, ship, from London; loading LoohCree. ship, (M.8.Q.V.) from Glasgow; sailed BdaWoe Haverner, barque (J.Q.C.L.) from New C.Z°LUtlenefd! ba^^e, (H.T.N.F.) from New York; sailed June 18 , . . . Ooeola, brigantine, from New xork; cleared May 26 Ktbel, brigantine, from Duneain Rhodoriok Dhu, brigantine. from Dunodln Caledonia, schooner, from Noumea Belle Brandon, sohooner, from Samoa Anthons, sohooner, from Suya Mary King, sohooner, from Lyttelton

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Melbourne, via South—Rotomahana, Thursday Taranaki and South— Penguin, Tuesday Rus3ell—lona, Mondayß Tauranga—Glenelg or Wellington, Monday and Whangarei and Whangarel. Heads— Argyle, Tusßday and Friday 1 Mangawai- Fingal, Thursday Meronry Bay—Fingal, Monday

EXPORTS.

Per Kotorua, tor Napier-fl half-cheats tea, i axle armß, 8 sacks oysters, 10 boxes tin, 55 cases and paokagea sundries, For Wellington-200 boxes Boap, 6 bags oysters, 20 empty oases, 18 cases sundries. For Wanganui—l sack oysters. For Fatea—l box paper. For Lyttelton-28 paokages. For lranedin—B paokages. For Oamaru—2 trunks, 9 empties. For Melbourne— lease fish. Outwards Coabtwibh,—Ruby, for Russell, •with 3,000 brioks, 25 doors, 26 sashes, 8 bundles mouldings. Tho brie Syren was entered out at the Cue toms for Sydney to-day. The departure of the schooner Griffin, for Tonga and Samoa, has been] postponed until Saturday next. The sohooner Kenilworth. having discharged her cargo at Tauranga. left for Russel on Sun day lose From Ruesell she will proceed to Mor onry Bay, and from thence to Lyttelton, where she -will again load to Tauranga. The 8.8. Katikati returned to Tauranga from Maketu on Thursday last, having besn away a week. She stack in the shallows at the entrance to the Kaituna river on Friday, (last week) and did not succeed in getting off until Tuesday. The as. Rotorua left for Melbourne via Southern Ports at 10 a.m. Passengers for Gis- Dome—Messrs J. Friar Clark, W. Johnson, Fisher. Mrs irwin. For Napier—Mr A. S. G. Carline, Judge O'Brien. For Port Chalmers- Mr J. Gunn, For Bluff— Mr Barry. For Hobart—Mrs Rainbow and two boys. Mesßrs Ailright, Archer, and G. Samuel, were passengers by the as. Rotorua from Russell to! Auckland last evening. The ship Rakala is the next vessel on the I berth at this port, for London direct, to follow . the Araby Maid. The Kakala completed her disonarge to-day, and will probably haul into tlio Btream until her outward cargo is secured, i Mr Sorubv, recently chief offloor of tho barque Waimea at Wellington, has beeen tranaferred to the ship Rakia now at this port. Ue is not a stranger in Auckland, having made several -trips between here and London in the ship City of Auckland, abodt 10 years since. The fl,s. Glenelt; arrived from Tauranga early this morning with 550 sacks maize, a quantity of sundries and the following passengers—Mra and Miss Garrard, Master Garrard, Mrs Powell and family, Mrs Bodeli, Miss Conway, Messrs Weston, Garrard, Raney, Pall, Chadwick, Spedding, Matheeon, S. L. Clark, C. J. Freer, ColwelJ. Captain Bvrett, Constable Graham and three steerage. The" B. P. Times "of Saturday last has the following:—"lt looks asShough the hulk Martha is to lie at the Spit until she rots.lt is now a con siderable time Bince the TauDO was moved, and yet no attempt has been made to take this ves sel away. It was rumoured at one time she was to be employed as a coal hulk in the harbour, and that the one now in nee was to be taken to Opotiki. This report, however, seems to be without foundation. If for nothing else than for the appearance of the harbour we should like to see her in some other position from the one she now occupies, for as there is not sufficient water even at high tide to float her, she has all the appearance of a wreck."

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

IDEPABTUKB.

Hawea, a.s. Kennedy, for the South

The b.B. Hawea after a detention from Tues day, through stress ot weather, left for the South at 11.50 ahn. to-day. Tho steamers Lalla Rookh for Waitara, and Kowena for Holdanga are not likely to Rot In ill to-morrow.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Whang tiei, this day. Sailed: Argyle, s.s,, for AucWuud, at noon. 2.;; - • Lxtiklton, this day. "Sailed, yesterday: Look Ness, ship, for Dunkirk, Franco, with full cargo of grain. . Port Chalmbrs, yesterday. . Arrived :Anthonß, from Greymouth. Sailed Rotomahana for Sydney, via northern ports. Passengers for Auckland:—Mr and Mrs Boss, Mr and Mrs F. D. Rich. Mr and Mrs Tait, Mr I Guthrie, Misses Rich (3), and A. Dorman, Mrs Herbert and 2 children. Messrs W. G. Innes, J. Clark, Ellis. Maud, Ridings, Smith, and Mrs Tait and servant. For Sydney: Mr and Mrs Gordon. Mr and Mrs Lamb, Mr and Mrs Calder, Messrs Oroas, Woodroffe, Thomson, Mitohell, Young and Benjamin.' Albany, Auobtst 31. SUEZ MAIL. The P. and O. Company's steamer Cathay arrived in King Georae's Sound this afternoon with the Suez mails, dated London, July 29. Adelaide, August 31. The Orient Company's s.s. Liguria, which left Plymouth on July 23, arrived here this morning, Melbourne, August 31. Sailed, this afternoon: The Union Company's steumship Te Anau, for the Bluff.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, Thursday. The several marts were glutted with Hobart apples to-day, and, consequently, the prices ruled below the. average. Mr Arthur, Messrs B. Tonka and Co., and Mr Eaton held sales, and, according to Quality, the prices ranged from 5s to 9s 6d per case. Messrs R. aud A. Isaacs held a trade sale of oilmen's stores at their new premises, which was latgely attended. The goods were mostly quitted, but the prices realised were not satis factory. ~ Mr Gapriel Lewis held a sale of Japanned goods, tables, spoons, forks, vases, and other household goods, with fair results. I

Mail Notice.

Mails will Close as Under.— Tnis Day. For Tauranga, Ohlnomutu, and Opotlkl, per Glenolg, at i p.m. Friday, 2nd instant. For Walhoko and Coromandel, per Coromandel, at 12.30 p.m. For Whangaroi Heads, Parua, Waipu, Whan gatrci, Tangihua, and Mangapai, per Argyle, at i p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 5.30 p.m. Saturday, 3rd instant. For Tonga and Samoa, per Griffin, at 11 a.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matokana, Manga wal, &c per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. Monday, sth instant For Whltiangi, per Fingal, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, etc., por Rotomahana, at 3 p.m For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mongonul, per Glenelg, at I p.m. Tuesday. 6th instant. ■ For Taranaki and Southern ports, por Penguin at 5 a.m. Tuesday, 13th instant. Per b.b. Australia, as follows :— For Sandwioh Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and Seath America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. For money orders registered letters, and newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence, In addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer np to the time of sailing. This mall will be due in London on Tuesday, Ootober 25, 1881.

N.B.—A Post Offlcß will be opened at Ellerslte (beyond Newmarket) on Thursday, September Ist. Malls will be made np at this office daily at 830 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. Mails will be received at 9.15 a.m. and 1.60 p.m. a B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-office. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

September 1,1881. V.M.C. A.—Devotional, 8 p.m. Theatre Royal—"Uncle," ana "My Turn next," 8 p.m. Newmarket Hall—" Fidelity," Lodge Good Templars, 7.30 p.m.

Birth.

RIST.-On August 29th, 1881, at her residence. Mount-street, the wife of W. J. lUst of a daughter.

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1881.

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

The recommendation of the committee appointed to consider the question of direct steam communication with Great Britain is practically a proposal that |the colony shall guarantee six per cent, interest on a million sterling of the Union Steam Shipping Company's capital, provided that the Com pany will undertake to use the mosey in maintaining six 4,000-ton steamers on the trade between Port Chalmers and London. A very excellent project from an Otago point of view, no doubt, but one which the House of Representatives will pause before endorsing. The suggestion that the subsidy will be reduced by profits cannot deceive any sensible man. Six large steamers carrying out a monthly service to the colony would not pay working expenses. But if they did,any (surplus is well covered by the ten per cent, allowance made in the contractor's favour for depreciation. That the profits of the line for the first seven ywrs would exceed ten per cent on the outlay can only be supposed by a lunatic. Such reduction of the £60,000 a year as the colony may fairly look for, then, can come from only one source, the discontinuance of the San Francisco mail service, and the postal fees which may be secured for the direct line. The report hints at this very plainly in its reference to postal receipts. The net cost of the San Francisco service to the colony last year was only £8,166. This extremely economical and expeditious mail service, with its important American connection is to be abolished, and the colony committed to an expenditure of at least * £50,000 a-year (reckoning all probable receipts in mitigation) simply to aggrandise Otago. In the pre sent condition of colonial finance the proposal is preposterous. The direct line would not answer for a mail service; the bulk of the correspondence would go viA the present Galle-Brindisi Service, thereby increasing the £9,464 loss, which the colony last year suffered on this service. A direct line of steamers to New Zealand is not such a crying want that the colony is justified in paying £300,000 during the next seven years for the luxury. We are very well served at present. Colonists have three good lines to choose between—the Pacific Mail, Orient, and P. and 0., each of which furnishes first* class accommodation. To discontinue the San Francisco service would be to substitute a slow route for a rapid one, and would inflict a serious injury upon the large and growing commercial relations of the colony with the United States. And even if we possessed a direct line of steamers to England, many people would prefer to book via Australia, with the certainty of first class accommodation and a voyage agreeably broken by visits to the neighbouring colonies. But a more serious objection still is the committal of tho colony to a large subsidy for seven years just when the Panama Canal opens up a prospective revolution in the navigation of Australasia. A correspondent, in another column, draws attention to this phase of the subject,and also mentions a work now in progress—the construction of the Tehanapec railway—which will have an important bearing on the future shipping trade of Australaaia. The whole of these circumstances combine to make the present a particularly unfavourable time for com mitting the colony to such a project as thai recommended by the report of the House.

The members of the police force in this district received their salaries this afternoon and were agreeably surprised to learn that the ordinary ten per cent reduction had not been made.

During the month of August past, 164 births and 47 deaths were registered, and 31 marriage certificates issued within the registration district of Auckland. 67 of the births and 13 of the deaths were within'the borough. The number of marriage certifi cates issued does not necessarily imply that an equal number of marriages took place, for in some cases a lovers' quarrel, or un foreseen difficulties may occur to indefinitely postpone 'the intended nuptials.

The following tenders were received this day by Mr Bartley,architect,for the erection of a Btore in High-street:—J. Mackrell, £838; J. Hil), £737; C. Rhodes, £730; C, Chatwaiu, £700; J. Morris, £697; Jones and Pollard, £695; Baildon and Stephenson, £695; H. Shailer,£6Bs ;J. Heron, £680; G. Rhodes, £675 ; W. Philcox, £666 : A. Maguire, £655; R. Kay, £646; J. Currie, £639; T. Constable, £628; S. Gray, £625; J, Holland, £619; W. Connolly, £595; W. Blewden, £580.

Mr A. Devore, of the firm of Russell and Devore, Solicitors, has been duly appointed a Notary Public, and taken the requisite Oaths and Affirmations.

His Honor Mr. Justice Gillies has reser ved judgment in the matter of Alfred Buckland v. McMurrry, (2) and Evitt, an action for specific performance of covenant which wob before the Supreme Court, yes terday.

The concert and ball at Newmarket last night was a great treat. Mr Rhodes was in good form, and sang three songs splendidly. Miss Fleetwood was very good in "At The Ferry." Mr Morgan sang well, and Mr Littlewood was in very fair voice, although we have heard him sing better. A few comic songs were sung very well, which seemed to please. Mr Rhodes' New market Singing Class sang two part songs very well. Altogether it wa3 a success. The ball was enjoyed very much. About one hundred stayed to the daace, which passed off well.

A penny time-table issued in handy pamphlet form was published for the first time to-day, and can be obtained from the principal stationers and agents, throughout the province. It is demy 16 mo. size, and contains 20 pages of useful information re garding the railway, steam, coach, postal, aud other services, and business advertise ments. The size and thickness not being great, it can be carried in the pocket, and should thus prove invaluable for reference.

The members of No. 3 Company of Volunteers had their first ordinary practice before the class firing, under the new system ot Wimbledon targets, this morning. Five shots each at 200 yds., 300 yds., 400 yds., and 500 yds. wore fired, and the highest scorers wero: Lieutenant Robinson, 68, Ist; Major Morrow, 64, 2nd; Buchanan, 3rd ; and .Nicholson, 4th. According to the new system, the bulls-eye (eight inch) and other divisions of the target, are circular, instead of being round. The position at 200 yds. must be standing, at 300 yds. kneel ing, while at 400 and 500 any posture is allowed. In scoring, a bulls-eye is counted five; inner, four; magpie, three; and outer, two. Tho centre is done away with.

To the Editor : Sir,—lt is a pity that tho system of underground. wires for telegraph and telephonic communication is not being adopted or tried here. It is, I believe, gradually superseding, throughout England and the Continent, the present fashion of erecting monstrous ugly wood poles, that disfigure our best streets, and every few years require to be replaced. What with the posts tor telegraph, telephones, fire alarms, private companies, and a motley description of verandah posts, we deserve the cognomen of a post-town. Can you inform your readers why the under ground system said to be, in the long run, cheaper and more effective than the post system is not tried; or why the roofs of the leading buildings are not utilised to carry the wires in a manner similar to all ieading cities elsewhere'?— Yours, &c, M.

A musical and literary entertaiantnent was given last night in the Newton East schoolroom (Mr Bindon's), in aid of tho school library. In spite of the unsettled state of tho weather there was a large attendance. Tho programme was carried out successfully, and a pleasant evening was spent. The Shaksperian readings by the pupils did them great credit, and evidenced very caretul training and preparation. Thero wero two encores, viz., one to Mr Garland's song, "The Spelling Bee," and the other after Mr Gradwell's spirited rendering ot the "Four Jolly Smiths." The singing of Mrs Bispham was one of the features of tho entertainment, her unaffected manner and the rich quality of her voice being greatly admired. Mr Smallfield's humourous reading, which was admirably rendered, caused considerable amusement. Several other ladies and gentlemen con tributed to the success of the evening.

"St. Paul's Magazine," far September, contains brief reports of the business of the past month, with notices of events to come. The incumbent Announces a series of Sun day evening sermons on the " The Unpopu larity of the Truth," and other subjects. The calender for the month will be round useful; also the guides to the services. The literary contents are readable and in structive. A good historical account of Belvoir pas tie, the seat of the Cuke of Rut land, with an illustration, appears with a description of its splendid picture gallery. It was at this castle that the poet Crabbe resided for several years, as chaplain to the Duke. Another historic paper on Malms bury Abbey will be read with interest. Several creditable poems, and a sermon on "Locusts," from the village sermons of the late Canon Kingsley, made up a goodly issue.

We have had occasion several times to dray attention to the valuable forces, which are withdrawn from useful produc tion, through the standing armies, and the monstrous expenditure caused by the system. From the following, which we quote from the " Allfijemain Militariscbo Zeitung," it" will be seen that our as sertions were well founded. The British army, inclusive of the Indian and colonial forces, represent in peace 178,000 men, to which has to be added a militia of 124,000 men and a reserve of 32,000, of which the half would be available for foreign warfare; annnal cost, £15,000,000. America has an army of 24,031 men, without any reserve ; annual cost, £11,200,000. The German army in peace is 427,274 men; in war, 1,329,600 men; annual cost, £16,500,000. The French army consists of 442,014 men in peace, in war; 1,295,000 men; annual cost, £21,662,500. The Austrian army at peace is 268,691 men: at war, 800,000; annual coat, £10,500,000. The Russian army at peace is 711,002 men, at war, 1,376,800 men ; annual cost. £27,900,000. Italy has a peace army of 212,549, war, 663,240 "men, which, by the new organisation, will soon be increased to 900,000 men ; annual cost, £8,550,000. The annual cost per man is, in Germany, £33 15s; France, £40 10s; Austria, £34 10s; Russia and Italy, £36. The annual cost per man in the American army is more than ten times the amount than in the tterman army.

To the Editor : Sir,—A letter .appeared in your Issue of Saturday last complaining bitterly of the state of the Kyber Pass Uoad, and instancing the awful puddle near the bridge, which all pedestrians have to go through, {here being no footpath. If your correspondent bad gone on further, be would have had to wade through a long ptretch of deep scoria-ash on the footpath, which weeks of continuous tramping has failed to set. Farther on, he will see a lamp (one of those the Grafton ratepayers pay £120 a year for) so placed under the projection of a verandah that the entire Kyber Pass Road footpath, beyond it, is in darkness until you are within ten yards of tha lamp. Further on, he will have to wade acroes Symonds-street to get into town, a crossing that is always ankle deep in mud or dust, according to the weather. The whole of these shortcomings along a road where there is a continuous stream of pedestrians, together with many others, are due entirely to the fact that the Grafton Board will squander the rates and the special gas rate, making 'a total of nearly £600 a year, on gas and unnecessary cuttings on the roads, instead ot expending at least some of it on asphalt and road crossings and footpaths for the benefit of the unfortunate ratepayers who cannot afford to go to and from town daily by the buses. It is time the City Council should seek powers to annex these suburban Boards, who, with large incomes, are always prepared with the answer of "No funds'' when any improvement is proposed which does not chime in with their particular fads, or suit the axes they have to grind.— I am, &c, Ratepayer.

Another programme for the Auckland Annual Regatta is presented in our adver tising columns, of which the secretary, Mr K. E. Isaacs, announces that copies may be obtained from him. Comparing the pro gramme with that ot the year 1881, we find but one additional race inserted, while several are omitted, and in others altera tions are observable which will preclude the entry of certain classes of boats. The ad ditional race (No, 10) is " For four-oared gigs, open to all-comers, with or without coxswain. No outriggers." The race for coasting-vessels' gigs has disappeared, while one for merchant sailing vessels' gigs has been introduced. The latter will, no doubt, admit most of the boats which would enter for the former race, but will at the same time most likely preclude the entry of several belonging to coasting steamers. The events ot last year which are omitted altogether, are (1) Champion four-oared out-rigger race, for which a prize of £100 was offered in addition to trophies; (2) Open sailing boats, not qualified accord ing to Kule' 29; (3) Sailing boats or yachts, 6 tons and upwards; (4) Open sailing boats (16 feet and under), We also observe that in the open sailing boat races Kule 31 has to be complied with, an arran gement that will prevent several boats which entered last year from competing. The programme, however, being only pre liminary, will be liable to alteration or i addition, as necessity is seen for such before the Kegatta comes off. The Com mittee, with the view of making the event the most successful yet attempted, will no doubt be glad to receive any suggestions with the aim of improvement.

The following tenders were received to day by Messrs E. Mahoney and Son for the erection of a villa at the Lake, North Shore:—Scott and Coombes, £515; A. Stevenson, £536; James Mays, £540 ; D. Muir and Son, £548; Hewson and Mc- Naught, £575; Hugh Thomas Jones, £585 {Jones and Pollard, £587 ; J. Morris and Co. £592; C. Rhodes, £622; Robert Kay, junr., £666 ; John Hill, £725.

The next lecture of the winter course at the Young Men's Christian Association, will be given to-morrow evening, in the large room, by the Rev. Wm Morley, Wes leyan minister. Tho subject will be. " Christian Work in Australasia," a sub ject of interest at the present time and with which Mr Morley is well qualified to deal. We understand that musical selections, will be given by the choir.

Mr C. Buddie has resigned his position as Mr Justice Gillies' secretary in order that he may apply himself more closely to his legal studies. Although he has acted bnt a comparatively short time in the capacity of judge's secretary, Mr Bud die had proved himself an efficient officer, and by his courtesy had won the respect of all those whose business brought them into contact with him.

A meeting of creditors in the estate of Lawrence Cosgrave, lessee of the Old House at Home Hotel, Hobson-streot, was held yesterday in the Supreme Court Houbo. The liabilities have been stated at £155, and the assets at £200. After some dis cussion the meeting was adjourned in order to permit of the debtor being examined with reference to his estate, the trustee (Mr Thos. Macffarlane) having reported that he had been able to realise only £9 on the assets.

An enthusiastic Irishman says : " The heaviest soldier in the British army. Hoberts, is an Irishman. The champion pedestrian of the world, O'Leary, is on Irishman, The champion oarsman of the world, Haitian, is an Irishman. The cham pion swimmer of the world, Boyton, is an Irishman. Further comment is unneces sary. The originator of the Ashburton Industrial Exhibition was an Irishman also. Some Dcople think that Adam was an Irish man, because he was an evicted tenant, but this assumption is not founded on fact.''

. " Stalls " writes complaining that though there are nve or six notices posted up in different parts of the theatre to the effect that smoking is strictly prohibited; and also, anyone infringing on these rules will be expelled, yet between each scene the ■ smoking is carried on to such an extent, that by the time the curtain rises the back part of the house is enveloped in a dense smoke. Last night, on returning after the first scene, I was rather surprised to find that I could hardly see across the theatre, and two ladies sitting in front of me were engaged in a fit of coughing, and shortly afterwards were compelled to leave on account ef the smoke.

"Orange Blossoms "and " Milky White " were repeated at the Theatre Royal last evening. The various characters in both pieces were represented to the evident sat isfaction of the audience. A new drama by H. J. Byron, entitled " Uncle," is nnnoun. ced for representation tor the first time in Auckland, this evening. Mr Frederick Mur shall has secured the sole right of producing it in New Zealand and Australia, and he will appear as,. Paul Beaumont. Mrs Mar shall will take the part ot Emily Montrose. The performance will conclude with the farce of " My Turn Next," and Mr F. Mar. shall will impersonate Taraxicum Twitteia. " Qoilp " is announced for Saturday.

On the 22nd of June, Mr Pease brought in to the Bouse of Commons his Bill for the abolition of capital punishment. Sir W. Harcourt, on behalf of tho Government, observed that if anyone ought to desire a confirmation of the principle of this Bill it was the House Secretary; but before capital punishment could be abolished tho general sentiment of the community would have to be consulted, and he did not thiuk public feeling was yet sufficently ripe for the change. He advocated the division of what are generally described as murders into two categories, which would give Judges and Juries greater power of distinguishing in cases of this kind, than they now possess, and relieve the Home Secretary of the onerous task of interfering with the sen tence of the Court in the less aggravated cases. The Bill was thrown out by 175 against 79 votes.

A " Resident" writes :—"For some con siderable time past the Ponsonby Highway trustees appear to have concentrated their attention, and almost exclusively spent the district funds on a few favoured thorough fares to tho neglect of Works of necessity involving merely the expenditure of a few pounds here and there. One of the- moat lamentable instances of this culpable in difference to the work of street repair is to be found at the eastern extremity of Har bour-street. Last year it was iv a state of nature, and the ground being hard and firm no great inconvenience was experienced even in winter time in traversing it. The Board, however, resolved to hare it formed, and so it was excavated and a footway made, but the roadway left unmetalled. Since theu every fall of rain transforms it into a morass of mud and slush, altogether impassable by foot passengers, and presenting almost in superable difficulties to the passage of wheeled traffic. One of the residents was enterprising enough some time ago to offer to pay one-third the cost of metalling and gravelling it, but the Board did not enter tain the generous proposal, and subse quently the gentleman had some scoria laid down at his own expense. The residents have certainly much cause of complaint, for bad tho street not been tampered with in the first instance, it would still be fit fur traffic, but in its present condition it is a mere slough. There are other portions of tho district which have fared after a some what similar fashion." j

An Early Road -to kuin, —See to morrow's " Observer."—l Advt.] Percy Mapleton Lefkoy, the Brighton murderer—An etching of this person, together with portraits of Rev Thos. Spurgoon, President Gnrfleld, and Mr Clayton, J.P., in to morrow's "Observer."—[4 dvt] The paragraph relating to Mr Barry's Elocution Clans, which appeared in our last Impression, was written (or Monday's Issue, and Inadvertently omitted from the town edition o( that day's paper. A new and erroneous reading has been given to It by the lapse of time, i hus the entertainment referred to, was to have taken place on Tuesday, and not last night, and it ban been postponed till Tuesday evening next, not Tuesday week. We hope this correotlon will counteract any false impression that the mistake may have caused.

SHOOTING AT OHINEMURI.

An Unftlial Son Fires at \His

Jfather and pother*

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

THAMES, this day. Rumuors have reached the Thames from Ohinemuri that a young native, named Kawera, residing at Paeroa on returning home from a drunken frolic deliberately shot his father in the leg, and also shot at his mother, but missed her. The old man's wound fs said to be serious. Information

is as yet very vague,

SEVERE EARTHQUAKE SHOCK.

(BY TBLEORAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.

* HAWERA, this day. A very severe shock of earthquake was felt last night for about half a minute. This morning at 1.5 nearly all the townspeople were awakened by the violence of a shock, which was quite as severe a one as that which orcurred some weeks back.

WELLINGTON, this day.

A smart shock of earthquake accom panied by a loud rumbling noise, was felt here at 2.25 this morning. The direction is northerly. The shock was also ex perienced at Carterton.

POLICE COURT-This day.

t (Before E. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.)

Drdne.—William Beadle, against whom three previous convictions were recorded, was fined 6s and coats for having been drunk at Parnell last night.

A Desehter.—Daniel Thomas (on remand) was charged with deserting from Her Majesty's shio Wolverine, at Sydney, on or about July 11th, 1881.—Mr Pardy said there was a man-o' war oxpected daily, and he would, therefore, ask for a remand for eight days.—Remanded till the Bth instant.

She Couldn't Stay Away.—KHzabeth Driscoll was charged with unlawfully assaulting Daniel Driscoll by striking him on the leg with a chopper, and then and there threatening to do for him, &c, at Auckland on 26th August, 1881. —The prisoner, against whom eight previous convictions were recorded, had promised to go away from town several days ago it the present charge against her were withdrawn. She was discharged, but failed to keep her promise, and yesterday she was found by Detective Brennan in a state of intoxication and arrested.—Prisoner said she had been unable to get a situation yet. —Ordered to find two sureties of £10 each to keep the peace for three months. This concluded the business.

CABLEGRAMS.

[KEUTBR'S TELBOBAMS.J VINE DISEASE. BERNE, August 31. The Federal Council of the Swiss Confed eration has initiated proposals to the various European Governments for the purpose of convening an international convention to be held at Basle, Switzerland, in October next, to consider the question of the phylloxera disease in vines. KNIGHTHOOD OF THE SPEAKER. LONDON, August 31. It is officially announced that the Right Hon. H. B W. Brand, tho Speaker of the House of Commons, has been created Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath. WOOL MARKT. LONDON, August 30. \ At the wool sale to-day, 8,600 bales were offered, making a total of 65,100 catalogued since the opening. A good de mand Was experienced. Inferior and faulty Wools of all kinds and fleeces are in favour of buyers.'

AUSTRALIAN.

SYDNiSY, Thursday. Arrived, last evening, the Union Com pany's steamship Albion, from Auckland. SMALL-POX CASE IN COURT. At the Water-Police Court yesterday, a prisoner named A. Burns was found to be suffering from small-pox, und was at once placed in charge ot the Health Officer for removal to the Quarantine-station. There was great excitement in Court when the discovery was made. PROPOSED EXHIBITION. ADELAIDE, August 31. Messrs Joubert and Twopenny, who or ganised the International Exhibition now open in this city, have announced their intention of promoting a similar Exhibi tion at Pertn, Western Australia, to be opened in the month of December, and at some town in New Zealand in the follow ing March.

MORE FENCING ON THE PLAINS.

FOUR HUNDRED NATIVES EN

GAGED.

MEW PLYMOUTH, this day. Information from Rahotu has just been received, and is as follows: —Yesterday about four hundred Maoris in batches of fifties resumed fencing at WaitahL The Constabulary from Fungarehu marched up under arms and pulled the fence down. Maoris hissed and hooted and then dis persed. No prisoners were taken. The Maoris have pulled up a large number of pegs on the block offered for sale and stuck them in promiscuously in different lines or demolished thorn altogether.

SCINTILLATIONS.

" Be brief, lor It is wltn words as with sun beams ; tho more they are condensed the deeper they burn."—Southry.

Mr Paterson, of the Fitzroy Hotel, Wakciicld-street, whose sudden illness was reported yesterday, is progressing favour ably. The creditors of Mr Thos. Dawson, late proprietor of the Royal Hotel, Hamilton, have given him an immediate discharge. A concert is to be given in the Choral Hall on Thursday, September Bth, in which nearly 200 trained voices from the public schools will take part. The Royal Observatory at Greenwich, England, last year took photographs of the sun on 149 days, and found that there were only eight days on which the disk was free from spots. The Tauranga "Times" says:—"lt looks as though the hulk Martha is to lie at the Spit until she rots. It Is now a con siderable time Bincfl the Taupo was moved, and yet no attempt has been made to take this vessel away." A correspondent of the "American Poultry Yard " says he " bakes bones for his hens to make them lay." Well, that will do it, especially if he takes the hens' own bones. The Bishop of Auckland, Archdeacon Pritt, and the Rev. B. T. Dudley are visit ing Cambridge. The people of Weßtport have passed a resolution demanding further monies for harbour works. Man's a vapor, Full ot woes; Starts a paper, Ud be goes.—Texas Siftings, Mr Elliott Stock, who recently issued the English New_ Testament for a penny, is about to publish an illustrated New Testa ment in the French language at the same price, for distribution on the Continent. Nearly a quarter of a million copies of the English edition hare been circulated. The Hamilton Wealeyans have resolved to lay the foundation stone of the new Church in November, and invite Mr J. L. Wilson to perform the ceremony. Mr. MackeMe's present of—flint axe heads, needles made of bones of a bird, arrow heads, &c, specimens of the cloth used by these pro-historic dwellers in the Swiss Lake villages, and jars from Pompeii are now on view at the Museum.

Some geologists have contradicted Moses, but as all geologists have contradicted each other, Moses stands about as well as any body.

The remains of Dr. Campbell and family, lost in the Tararua, were interred yesterday at Christchurcb. The procession was almost a mile long, and included seventy carriages.

Professor Plumptro says there is an altered tone in the conflict betwoen faith and unbelief. He thinks that the possibi lity of miracles is nut now denied by any man who has a right to be listened to; on the other hand, there is a tendency to minimize the supernatural, which is hardly legitimate or useful.

The Key. Drs. Barr and Stewart, who have been making a tour of the missions of the United Presbyterian Church in India and Bgypt, have just returned to Philadel phia. They give encouraging reports of the condition of the missions.

"William Henry," said the old lady, after she had set him down in a corner where she could keep her oye on him: ". William Henry, if you just dare to set off any of them ere fire-crackers to-day, you jes' make up your mind to eat your vitles ntandin up for a week, 'cause it'll hurt you awful to sit down,"

Mr K. G. Gibbons, Manager of Mr John stone, proprietor of the Gisborne Brewery, was lined in £20 for omitting to place at the proper time the necessary stamp re quired under the Customs Revenue Act on a cask of beer.

A young lady who was enamoured of a member of a church choir in the adjoining village took a liiend to hear him sing. On the way home she ventured to ask what he thought of him. "I think he would make a splendid auctioneer." was the answer.

Things one_ would rather have left unsaid: (Dinner »as just been announced.) Hester and Bill (sadly)—" Good night, sir. We've got to bed." Distinguished professor (who is taking down the hostess) —•"Ah, my dears that's where we're all wishing we were 1"

" Only a boy with his noise and fun," Andhis big tin horn and hie yawping gun, And his heavy boots and his agile hammer, And his throat of ton-wild-Injun clamor, His boom* and drums, and skill for raoket, That's a tighter fit than his uudor-jacket. Only a boy, but when in tune He's a match for a wake and a big typhoon. " Who is the pretty girl with the blond hair and deep blue eyes there in the jaunty hat?" asked Alfred, at the lawn party. " Who ?" replied Annie, " that taffy-haired girl with the tallow eyes and that nightmare of blue rags on her head 1 I never saw her before; nobody we want to know." That, 1 brethren, is the way different people look at a pretty girl in a pretty hat.

MINING NEWS.

Tmc following managers' reports as to hand :— .southern Cross.—The winze on specimen leader has been sunk down a further distance of 30 feet, but I have stopped sinking at present, on account of so much water. 1 thought it advisable to open out and drive on the eastern side of the winze. This diive is now in 28 feet I have seen gold occasionally in the leader, since my last report, 281bs picked stone have come to hand from oross-leader, but now it has junctioned with another leader in the footwall, and as there has been some diffioul ty in getting iho quartz down to the level, bb the oroas-leader lies so flat, I have put a drive In the footwall 26 feet, and have cut this leader, I now intend to drive and rise on this leader, and conneot it with the workings above. I bad Bis loads of quartz broken out of a loader near company's office, or between the U.P.A. shaft and Tookey shaft, and have just had it crushed, but it is very poor, so I have stopped it. A crashing of 18 loads of quartz and 30lbs picked stone is just being completed. There Is to hand 97ozs'of amnlgam and expect a few ounces more, from which I expect about 36ozs gold.-James Conns.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.) WELLINGTON, this day. THE STONEWALLING. The Government Party in applying the modified cloturc, prescribed hy Kule 71 of Standing Orders, thought they would succeed in killing the stonewall, but it has i apparently only aggravated the Opposition, and throughout the night the stonewall party have worked in relays; the speakers being Messrs Speight, Sheehan, Seddon, Lundon, Shepherd, Leveahara, Keevea, Collins, and Hursthouse, who have declared for ever against the Government, and will take their turns with others. There has been nothing of interest in the proceedings, tho speakers being temperate and good natured. They do not like Mr Hamlin in the chair, as he keeps them close to the point; and on one occasion be said his reason for doing so was that the stone wallers wanted to kill the bill. Mr Sheeban protested against such an assumption, but Mr Hamlin stuck to his ruling, and and opinion, Ministers and the Govern ment party have been working in relays, and those in the House stick as long as the division boll will permit. AN EARTHQUAKE DISTURBS THE HOUSE. There was a good deal of excitement about about half-past two a.m. yesterday when an earthquake, preceded by a boom ing report and rumbling noise, shook the building to its foundation. Sleepers jumped up in terror, cast a hasty glance at the dome, the light windows, mechanically felt their heads, and rushed pellmell from the Chambers. Mr Reeves, who had been speaking volubly for some time made two strides of his long legs and disappeared from view. He quickly returned, struck with the brilliant idea that he would now get a count-out, but he did not succeed, other members getting over their fright in time to prevent such a luxury. THE SPEAKER'S RULING. There is a good deal of unfavourable comment among the obstructionists at the action of the Speaker leaving the chair at 7.30 last night without stating whether he had considered the objections raised to his ruling. He solemnly stalked from the chair,and left the Chamber without paying any attention to Mr Reeves. The question of privileges was doubtless a pure piece of humbug—for the publication of Mr Reeves' evidence in the STAB and one other paper was no breach of privilege, at least so far as the papers were concerned. It was only a ruse to call it in question. The pressmen have prepared a rota of duty and will take five hour turns at night, the bulk of them being present all day, COMMUTATION OF WHAREPA'S

SENTENCE,

The following despatch from his Ex cellency the Governor to the Secretary of State on the commutation of the sentence of death passed upon Wi.-cmu Warepa, was laid on the table of the Council: —

Government House, Wellington, 22nd August, 1881,

My Lord,—The 407 th article of the colonial regulations provides that when a capital sentence ia carried into execution in a colony, the fact is to be reported by the Governor to the Secretary of State. No such report is required in a commutation of the sentence, and I did not therefore think it necessary to take up year Lordship's time by reporting that on the 11th January last, agreeable to the advice of the Premier, Mr Hall, but acting as directed by the 11th paragraph of the Koyal Instructions, " according to my own deliberate judgment," I commited the sentence of death passed on a certain Te Wharepa for the murder of his wife into one of penal servitude for life. Mr Hall, the Premier, like myself, considered that the sentence should be commited, but the only two members of the Council, Messrs (Whitaker and Dick) who attended its meet io Si were, on the other hand, desirons that Te Wharepa should be executed. Two absent members of the Executive Council also telegraphed that they were in favour of carrying out the sentence of death. The opinions of these gentlemen did not appear to me to possess all the weight which they would have had if given after discussion in Council, after a consideration of the argu ments adduced by me for a mitigation of the penalty, but they certainly show a pre ponderance of views unfavourable to the exercise of mercy in this instance among the members of the Council-, and the case may be thus supposed to come within the 7th article of the Royal Instructions, which directs the Governor to report the ground and reasons of his action when in the exerciae of the powers granted by the Queen's letters patent, he acts in opposition to the advice of the Executive Council. I do not myself think that cases of this character are contemplated by. that article, the exercise of the prerogative of mercy appearing to form a special subject of in struction exclusively dealt with by the 11th article, which itself points out the course to be followed by the Governor in the event of his commuting a capital sentence in opposi tion to a majority of his Council, but any doubt on the subject is sufficient to justify me in troubling your Lordship with respect to a matter of otherwise no interest beyond the colouy, and as my Ministers are desirous that I should make such a report, with a view to its presentation to the local legislature, I cannot have any reluctance iv complying with their wishes.—l hare, &c, (signed) Arthur Gordon. The Right Honorable the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Minute of the Governor,

'1 he Governor has carefully considered the papers in the case of Te Wharepa, sen tenced to death for the murder of his wife, and he has also duly weighed the opiniona of hon. members of the JSxecu tiue Council, who attended the Board this day as well as those of other members com municated to him by telegraph, and the Governor has no doubt of his commisaion of the murder, or that the prisoner has legally—and his Excellency believes not unjustly—incurred the penalty of death. But before deciding that that penalty shall be inflicted, his Excellency faols bound to take into full account the following con siderations :- (1) That the prisoner was un defended; (2) that the previous history of the murdered woman renders her adultery not improbable; that it was generally svpposed to be notorious that it was unquestionably believed by the priso ner, and apparently by the jury also, who would have recommended him to mercy on that account, had not the judge forbidden them to do so. The first consideration has very great weight with the Governor. His Excellency thinks that then the evidence adduced as It waa wholly on behalf of the Crown would have been sufficient to enable counsel to raise a possible presumption of manslaughter, it being alleged, and appar ently admitted, that the woman had been banished from her husband's house, and killed while endeavouring to force herself into it again, having just effected an entrance by the window after being successfully repulsed in her attempt to force a passage by the door. It is quite impossible to say what might have been put before them, or by what evidence it might have been supported, had a properly conducted defence been insisted on. More over, had the prisoner been defended, doubts may be entertained, whether a suc cessful resistance might not have been offered to the most important evidence against him, evidence which the Judge al lowed to be given with manifest hesitation —first saying that he would not admit it unless the prisoner consented to its re ception (a course not altogether in accord ance with that prescribed by the best English authorities), and subsequently (the prisoner having refused to do this), admitting it on the request of the prosecutor, who, in answer to a question from the Judge, took the responsibility of the step —" a responsi bility resting, as it cannot but appear to his Excellency, with the Court alone." The second consideration has, of course, no value, nor does his Excellency attach to it all the weight which some might be inclined to do, but it is impossible to exclude from all influence, when considering whether the circumstances are not such as to permit or preclude the exercise by the Crown of the prerogative of mercy. It should not be forgotten that the jury desired to recom mend the prisoner to mercy, but were directed by the Judge not to do so, there being no evidence on that point before them. That is to say, there having been no defence and no. evi ence given, except what was called for the prosecution, which was, of course, not likely to adduce the evidence exculpatory of the accused. On the whole, therefore, His Excellency cannot say that he is thoroughly satisfied that the murder was*| not the result of the struggle caused by the woman's effort to re-occupy her husband's house, and that the case is the circumstance of which preludes the Crown from the spar ing of the criminal. His Excellency, there fore, permits the penalty of death as advised by. the Hon. Premier, commuting it to that of imprisonment for life, and directs the necessary papers out accordingly. (Signed) A. H. Gordon, Government House, Auckland, 11th August, 1881.

VOGEL'S RETURNED DESPATCH,

As a little variation to the monotonous accounts of verbose and pertinacious stone walling, I forward a report of a disoussion in the Legislative Council .yesterday at the instance of the irrepressible and eccentric Col. Brett in reference to the returned letter of Sir Juljus Vogel. Col. Brett moved, " That, in the opinion of the Council, the action of the Government,in returning Sir Julius Voxel's letter wss dis courteous, and much to be regretted." [The mover wished to read the letter, but this beiug dissented to od all sides, it was taken as read so as to appear in "Hansard.') He said that though Sir Julius Vogel was absent, he had left many staunch friends capable of appreciating his distinguished career and the great services he had rendered to the country. Returning the letter was contrary to the rules of etiquette, and to the position which Sir Julius Vogel and themselves held in society. His career had not been infallible, nor had ever the most eminent man escaped committing errors of judgment, but his (Sir Julius Vogel's) able career had raised the country to a position among civilized nations, the high pitch ot which we ought all. to be proud, and other nations must feel we have raised this country from a low position to that of the highest that any nation would wish to hold amongst other nations. Had the Government in their recent action done honour to whom honour was due ? Sir Julius Vogel had been a staunch colleague of the present Government, and had been Premier of the colony. Her most gracious Majesty bad made him a Knight Commander of thatgreat Order, St. Michael and St. George. For what ? For the dis tinguished services he had conferred on this country, and thus putting him in a high position in the social order ot precedence. He had inaugurated the public works policy, and raised a name never no be for gotten, that would be a household word throughout the colony from generation to generation. Was thus the way to show our gratitude to a man of this distinguished honour, by returning hia letter. Every one must fail to see anything objectionable in the latter. It was written by a man not afraid of expressing his opinion. He did not envy the members of t^e present Ministry who would be incap able of recognising his services. A few kind and conciliatory words would have acted as an emollient to remove the sore ness that existed in the mind of Sir Julias Vogel. He hoped the Government's action had not been dictated by a body, but by an individual. He did not envy that individual He was sure Mr Whitakcr would not commit such an action— to insult a private individual. The usual course among gentle men was to return insulting letters unopened (Laughter.) From the tone of this letter the Government were not justified in hav ing returned It. He hoped every gentle man in the Council would give Sir Julius Vogel his sympathy. He had an exalted opinion of the present Ministry, who always had his support, but he would not countenance an action like this. 'Mr Whitakbk asked if the Council were in a position to pass a vote of censure upon the Government. The Governments action could not be judged from the letter only, but from a number of other circumstances, all of which were not known to the Council. His first impression in speaking had been to prefer a bill of indictment against Sir J. Vogel for a num ber of matters, but he did not wish to carry the matter further, but rather to allow it all to drop. The letter was intended to be a most offensive letter. The Government had either to answer it or return it. They decided to return it, and so close the matter. To have answered it would have meant a reply to the answer, and so on indefinitely, which would have caused great recrimina tion and waste of time to all parties with out advantage to anybody. It had been said tho Government had suppressed it because they were afraid of its effect, but when sending it back they knew to a day when it would appear in New Zsaland. Let them look at the position directly. Sir Julius Vogel was out of the Agency. He had written a letter in the most offensive tone. He thought Colonel Brett was too great a supporter of discipline to approve of such an action as this. If Sir Julius Vogel had been still in the Agency he wonld of course have been guilty of insubordination, but he had just ceased to be a subordinate, and had taken advantage of slipping out of the Agency 10 write a most insolent letter. It would be wholly unjustifiable, be thought, for the Council not, knowing all the circumstances, to pass a vote of censura on the Govern ment for its action. He could point out many matters in which he considered Sir Julius Vogel was to blame, but they were bygones, and that teeling induced the Go vernment to think the cause they took was the beat mode of tormiuating the ques tion. The letter wns written evidently As a manifesto to New Zealand in agree* ment with the statement in one of his des patches about his coming' out here. He probably wished to throw obloquy on the Government in preparation for his coming out. He (the speaker) was not prepared to go into a controversy about the matter, but thought the Government, instead of deserving a vote of censure, had acted quite rightly, Captain Fkasek thought as Col. Brett had now obtained all he wished to obtain, he should withdraw his motion. (Sear hear.) Col. BRETT said he wished to prove that he did not want to take any offensive action hostile to the Ministry, but to honour an esteemed and absent friend. He would therefore withdraw his motion. Mr Reynolds did not approve of the tone of the letter, but yet did not approve of sending it back. No one in the Council was perfect (oh 1 oh 1 and laughter), and therefore they could not expect Sir J. Vogel to be always blameless. There was not a single constituency in Otago that would not be proud to elect Sir J. Vogel, and he thought it was the same all over the colony He thought the colony_ would yet pay its debt of gratitude to Sir Julius Vogel, who would put himself to any inconvenience to serve New_ Zealand. He wished to express these feelings, which were, he believed, those of nine-tenths of the people of the colony. Dr. Pollen said Mr Reynolds was fight- Ing shadows. No one ever questioned the value of the services Sir Julius Vogel had rendered to New Zealand, or he (the speaker) would have been the first to answer, The question now was not the value of the services of Sir Julius Vogel but as to the unofficial action of the Go vernment. Votes of censure were very rare on the Council, and to pass it the Council would ho travelling outside of its orbit altogether; which in these times of great dangers to its existence wonld be inadmiseable. They could not, therefore, be too careful (Bear hear [and daughter). The motion was then withdrawn.

[FROM ANOTHER CORRESPONDENT.]

THE STONEWALUNG.-SIR GEORGE GKEY'S PROPOSED SOLUTION. WELLINGTON, this day. Yesterday Sir George Grey made a pro position to the Government that if they would agree to abolish single electorates., also abandon the leaseholders' clause, and also give Nelson one other member in addi tion to those proposed to be given by the present bill, he would withdraw from the Opposition. He also said he did not think there was any harm in the great provinces of Otago and Canterbury- getting extra representation, as they would never coalesce, and he thought representation was safer in tbeir hands than in any other. -

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Legislative Council.

Wednesday. PARUAMENTBY OATHS BILL. The Parliamentary Oaths Bill was read a ; second time, by 13 to 12. For the Bill: Brett, P, Buckley, Chamberlain, Dignan, Frazer, Henderson, Lahmann, Martin. Peacock, Pharazyn.Scotland, Waterhouse, WiUon. Against: G. Buckley, Grace, Hollis, Johnson, Mantel 1, Miller, Peter, Richmond, Robinßon, Whitaker, Wigley, William ion.

House of Representatives.

Wednesday. The House met at 2.30. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. The SPEAKKB, before proceeding, an nouDced that in accordance with Standing Orders 51 and 71, he would, at 7.30 p.m., proceed with the orders of the day, whether or not the question then before the House was disposed of. He would strictly enforce that rule in future, and it was through an error on his part that it had been over looked heretofore. Mr COLLINS immediately moved the adjournment of the House. Sir Geokgk Grey asked that they should be allowed till 7.30 to consider the ruling laid down by the Speaker, after which an opportunity should be given for debating that ruling. In replying to Mr Bryck, the Speaker said that it was quite competent for mem.

bers on the question of adjournment to din. ' cuss the position he intended to assume and, if possible, to show that position wag untenable. He was quite open to correc- Mr Hubsthotjse gave the Government to understand his secession from its ranks announcing that for the future he held him!, self free to join whatever patty he misht think fit. B"i Sir G. Grey contended that if tho Home became unmanageable, and the Government desired to punish the members, then the duty of the Government was to dissolve ''* Parliament and leave the country to settle the dispute The standing orders ought not to be employed for coercing the House, or usin^ the Speaker for such a purpose. Mr Hall called attention to the remark The SPEAKER repudiated the insinuatioa that he had been made use of for any party purpose or object. Ssr G. Grey continued to say that he had not intended to impute any improper motive to the Speaker, nor did be think he had dons so. All he desired was to prevent the Speaker being placed in a position which ! would countenance the impression that lie was using his authority to coerce the House. If Government thought itself strong enough' let it attempt to suspend the standicgorders, ;' fi] or if it considered itself in the right then let it dissolve the House and appeal to the '■ country. Either course was open to it." He • repudiated all intention as had been hn. puted to him of attempting to deprive Otag6 and Canterbury of what they were honestly entitled to. He then discussed tho two!-.', standing orders quoted by the Speaker. $M Mr Gisborne argued that the motion lor adjournment superseded all other ques- y "sir" W. Fox, to some extent, sympathised ,' : with the Nelson men, but he denied there was anything noble in their conduct, What they had been doing was to fight , their own seats, if they could defend them. ' It was a purely selfish fight. There was nothing noble in it. Mr. Macan drew reminded Sir W. Fox that the form of putting the previous quea tion without debate existed in the Assembly until 1863, and he believed it would have again to be resorted to. He urged the" House now to proceed with the real buai. ness. He thought Government was to blame for not bringing down its important;: measures earlier, but apart from that he asked the Nelson members to suspend their ' J- \ stonewalling, and allaw the House to pro ceed with the business. The Nelson mem- ;: bers were really seeking to perpetrate an injustice. m,f Mr. Sheehan said he had been an [m terested spectator of recent events. Ho had not yet taken any part in the stone walling, but he had some stone and mortar, which lie meant to use at the proper time. He went on to argue that the motion for ad journment took precedence of all other motions or business. Mr Andrews said he had all along gone on the assumption that the principle that the Nelson men were contending for, was not a true one. They had for a long time . enjoyed what did not belong to them, and - , now complained at being asked to giro it Mr WAKEFIELD complained that the method adopted by the Nelson members in moving the adjournment, precluded mem bers from expressing their views on the real ' i question. On a certain point he felt some sympathy for them,but in view of their tac tics, by which all business was being shut out, that feeling could be no longer enter- . tamed. Mr Hall contended that the decision arrived at by the Speaker was a sound one. Mr BALLANCE argued against the Speaker's ruling, and was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. On the House resuming at 7.30, The Speaker ordered the order of the day to be called on. Mr Reeves rose and said, "I have a case of privilege. The Clerk, taking no notice'read the order of the day to go into committee on tho Representation Bill, and the Speaker left '■':, without noticing Mr Beeves, REPRESENTATION BILL. la committee on the Representation Bill, ■ Mr Skddok moved the following as a new clause: "From and after the passing of this Act the freehold franchise shall be abolished, and hereafter only persons .; possessing the residential qualification shall' § be entitled to vote for the election of mem- ,;| bers of the House of Representatives, or to 'J become candidates for seats in the said House," PRIVILEGE.» Mr Reeves moved, "That the Chair, man leave the chair." He said that wheu j he attempted to address the Speaker be* s| fore he left the chair, he was not allowed ill to do so, although he rose to a question of : privilege. It was known that a certain | transaction had taken place between him and two members of the other, that v committee had been appointed else- -;.; where on the matter. It was most out- '' rageous that he should be choked off in. the way. He had been stopped, when . $ what he proposed doing was to inquire into the circumstances of that transaction. He had no desire to obstruct business in - ■ any way, but the matter was an impor- : tant one to him. Several members spoke on the subject. Mr Kkkves read an article from the j Dunedin Evening Star re the honorarium;: '& transaction, which he said ha<l only cornel- '.; under his notice that night, Ha said he thought the scandal was gross enough to warrant the urgent effort he was making. , Indeed he thought the House would agree with him in thinking that he would bo justified in going the whole length of ask- ; ing that the printer of the paper be called up before the bar. The House divided on the motion for re j porting progress. Ayes, 21-'; noes, 42.' ,- ■' Division list:—Ayes: Messrs Ballanoe, ■. ; ; Collins, Gibbs, Grey, Harris, Kelly, Leyes« tarn, Lundon, Urmond, Pitt, Reeves, Seddon, Sheehan, Shepbard, Shrimski, Tawhai, Te Wheoro, Tole, Tomoana, Turn bull, and Weston. Noes, 42 : Allright, Andrews, Bain, Barron, Beetham, Bowen, . Brandon, Brown, Bryce, Bunny, Colbeck, . ; • Dick; Driver, J. T. Fisher (Heathcote),' Fox, Fulton, Hall, H. Hirst (Wallace), Johnston, Jones, Kenny, Levin, Mbsod, . Macandrew, Montgomery, Oliver, Pyke, : Reid, Richardson, Rolleston, - Saunders, Stephens, Studholme, Sutton, Swanion, Thomson, Trimble, Wakefield, vVallifJ • A Whitaker, Wood, and Wright. Pairs:— Against : DeLautour, McLean, McDonald, Murray, Atkinson, and J. B. Fisher. For: ; Speight, Moss, Russell, Bastings, Gisborne, ■•. j and Hursthouse. • . Mr Seddoa's new clause was then dis cussed. Sir G. Grey moved that the Chairman report progress. He said that it waa;. generally understood that Mr Wakefield ~ had a promise of the public works port-;" - folio. His object in asking them to re port progress was in order that the Go vernment might have time to complete these negotiations. It was monstrous that a virtual Minister should be kept behind . the Government benches when he ought by right to be upon those benches. There -, should also be a Maori member on tho&e '■-.'; benches. As regarded the Bill, he wa* ; *; quite prepared to accept a distribution of representation strictly based on popula tion, if each elector in the colony was' restricted to one vote only. If fhe Bill was remodelled in these respects he would support it, and give his assistance to paaa ■- it that very night* Mr Hall said ne would consider any reasonable amendments which would lead to such a result. Sir G. Grby accepted the Premier's offer to meet him in the direction indicated. § Mr Sheehan suggested that the House , should vote a handsome sum to have painted a good historical picture of the meeting of the hon. member of Thames, and the hon. the Premier. . . After the usual adjournment, Mr SPEIGHT spoke at length in favour of a single vote. He was, however, willing that each elector ; should have a choice as to whether ha would have his vote for either residen tial or freehold qualification, but only one vote and in only one district. He quoted , figures to chow that the proposed redistribu tion was not based on a population basis. The Bill was a delusion and a fraud. Mr Keevks commenced to speak at 11,30, quoting largely from statistics of neighbour ing colonies, and contrasting the figures with the proposal of the Bill. He spoke . till 1 o'clock, when the committee divided ob the motion that the chairman leave the chair. Ayes, 4; noes, 25. " ' , Mr Sheehan then began to speak, and ,fcj went on, a bare quorum being present, / most of them asleep, well wrapped up for the night. It is understood both sides have been told off in watches. ,'■■: f The House continued in committee. At 1.30 Mr Sheehan moved to report progress; • ayes, 4; nons, 25. Mr Shepherd having spoken, Mr Taiaroa moved that the Chair* man leave the chair. Ayes, 4; Boes, 25. Mr Reeves was speaking and reading long quotations, and two-tbirds of those pre sent were sound asleep, when, at 2.23, two smart shocks of earthquake oc curred. The effect was magical. The sleeping members jumped to their feet, snd, headed by Mr Reeves, rushed frantically to the doors, where they remained a few minutes, peering up at the lantern in tho dome to see if any harm had been done,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER 1.



SINGER'S * SEWING MACHINES. Hand or Treadle, at will. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. : Established over 30 years. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES, The most approved in all countries SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES Have received 160 First-clnsß Medals. gPigrINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. kJ The best for the family. Easiest to learn. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES, the beat for the Dressmaker; most durable. . QIN.GER'S SEWING MACHINES, 1O Best forthe Tailor; sews rongeat seams. ;; GINGER'S SEWING MACHINES, ' KJ Best for the Bootmaker; light or heavy work. SINGEK.S SEWING MACHINES Sews finest muslins and heaviest oloths. S* INGER'S SEWING MACHINES. An Economy in every Household. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. N w i Improvements without extra cost. CUNGER'S SEWING MACHINES ,kj Will last a lifetime in constant work. QINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. k? 10 per cent discount for cash, ; UINGER'S SEWING MACHINES O Easy terms. Within the means of the poorest SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. Easy terms. - No addition to the price. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES Will earn their oost in a few months. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. Best terms to Wholesale Buyers, SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. Write for address of nearest Agent. SINGER'S SEWING MACHINES. ; Send for Prioe List to The SINGER Manufactuking Company. No. 166a, Queen-street, Auckland. SINGER'S SEWING" MACHINES Sales exceedfßh TaEmillion annually. SINGER Manufactoby Company* have opened a Wholesale and Retail JDep6L __A. Qneenckland. ■JJ- O WRE A D V "GRAND FESTIVAL MARCH," Fob thk' Pianoforte, Composed and Dedicated (by permission) T8 ;- HIS EOYAL HIGHNESS PSXSCE ALFKED, K. 8., m ■' V"'.'/' '■ ■ by HERB CARL SCHMITT (Auckland Choral Society). PRICE:- Thbbb Shiluhqs; or, Two Shillings Cash. ANGEL 9 FORREST, • 9 S u"* Fll£sg^T«ssN: . ffiaißS. Totaf sum insured, 1879, «262 ?mW . OJWma arranged by the Local Agent and iSd ,_ With promptitude and liberality. ««opaw. W ■ '': G- W.":BINNEY, Agent, m Queen-street.



Special Advertisements. lIN ORDIER TO MAKE ROOM if or onsuing season's goods, and to iroduoo my LABGK AND VARIED STOCK OF WOOLLENS, I beg to inform my numerous customers and thelgeneral public that Ilia vo [deoidedto REDUCE THE PRICES BY TEN PER CENT. At the same tlmo I wish to imply that every garment turned out will be, as usual, under my personal supervision, and, as heretofore, nothing but hand-worfc used. . In making this announcement, I trust to re ceive an extra share of patronage, and to return UuiuUh for past favours. H. L. POSSENESKIE, Merchant Tailor and Habitmaker, BHORTLAND-BTREET, AUCKLAND (Opposite South British Insurance Company). DRIZE "LJEDSTEADS. NOW OPENED- JfICKEIi JpLATKD french and hal*f tester Jron Bedsteads. Just Landed, bx Hermionk very handsome, and a novelty, largest stock of bedsteads IN AUCKLAND AT THE pITY. TJALL ARCADE. •riARLICK & nUANWELL, HOUSE FURNISHERS. FANCY GARDEN TABLES.



CANE LOUNGES FOR VERANDAHS. BLACK AND WHITE WOOL HEARTH RUBS. j TAVKSTRY, BRUSSKL, & STAIR CARPKT. CHURCH PEW SEATING, Very Niob, ahd Preferable to Cushions. GARLICK & CKANWEJL.L. nfi'EAT -pEDUCTIONB IN WINTKR DrAPKRY. Ti/TILNE AND pHO?UE Are now Selling at Greatly Reduced Prices BALANCE OF WINTER STOCK OF „ MILUNEKY, MANTLKS, JACKETS, UISTEBS, . SKIKTS, mahtlb and ulster cloths, Deess Matkrials, Ladies' and Children's Costumes, Hosiery, Fancy Wool Goods. just to hand, ALL THB NEW EVKNINa SHADES IN COTTON SATTBBNS. A few lines of UHDESOLOTHING EXCKEDIKGLY CHEAP REUNAITtS FROM ALL DEFARTMBNTB. MILNE & CHOYCE, AUCKLAND.



J^EW^EALAND (^LOTHINQ J^AOTORY. ARRIVAL OF THK NEW SPRING AND SUMMER GOODS, Which for Superior Value and Kxoel lence justify the New Zealand Ct.othing Factory being called the Criterion Establishment of New Zealand. the men's and boys' clothing, ' made from the Celebrated PRIZE MED AL MOBGIKL T WETC DS, combine wonderful wear-resistine qualities, with sterling valne. The productions for this season are pronounced unequalled in Quality and PRiOESSby any Goods we have yet offered to the New Zealand Public The New Stock of HATS, SHIRTS, TIES, BRACES, HOSIERY, COLLARS, PORTMANTEAUX, UMBRELLAS, RUGS, &c, is moat comprehensive in variety, and will be found to satisfy the most fastidious tastes. [Auckland Branch : QUEEN-STREET (Opposite Theatre Royal), And at Albert-street, Thames. J. FITZSIMONS, Branch Manager. T\ISSOLUTION ujt PARTNERSHIP. The Partnership hitherto existing between us, the undersigned, as Drapers and Clothiers, tinder the name, stylet or firm of "Rushbrook & Bridgman," has this day been Dissolved by oar mntual consent. The business will in future be carried on by W. R. Bbidqman, who will pay all debts owing by the late ten, and to whom all debts owing to the late firm must be paid. Dated this 17th day of August, 1831. WM. RUSHBROOK. WILLIAM R, BRIDGMAN. Witness—William Thorne, Solicitor, Auckland. Parties indebted to the late firm will please to settle their Accounts as speedily as possible.



/^ HE AP n ASH QAL E. WILLIAM R. BRmGMAN Haa Botna Very Cheap Linos— 1 2000 yds of good Dress Materlal.SJd yd) Half usual ; 3000yaBat6}d,8ja,9|d, IOJd yd f prioo. > Good Black Lustres at BJd, 9Jd, TIJ, 13Jd, la ijd Good Black Silks at 2s 6Jd, Zs lid, 3s 3d, 3s 9d - Splendid valae 1 ColdJobSilbßtobeoleareaat2Blljd,3a9d White Calicos from 2il yd—These are very oheat) Grey Calicos from 2jd yd , Large stock ot Blankets from 10a lid pair Nice Stock OF MELBOURNE CLOTHING for MENS' and BOYS' WEAR. , SplendiaidneGEELONGTWErcD TROUSERS 1 and VESTS, 22a Cd. TWEED TROUSERS, from 5a lid pair. i All Goods Marked in Plain Red Figures At Greatly Reduced Prices for Cash. WILLIAM K. BRIDGMAN, (Late Rnshbrook & Brldgman), UPPER QUBEN-STKEKT. YJU" inks & pr a l l, Wholesale and Retail , cabinetmakers and upholsterers, ! and oarpet warehousemen, shortland-strebt, Beg to inform the Public that they have ] Opened theibNew Warehouse SPLENDID"ASSORTMENT FURNITURE, The Latest Novelties, and The Fewest Designs. Their stock of CARPETS, for Variety, Quality, and Price haa never been surpassed in Auckland, A large assortment of LINOLEUM and FLOOR CLOTHS in all -widths. VATTINGS, MATS, and RUGS in great .variety. ■» Ihe Newest and Latest Patterns in Cretonnes and Trimmings, Silk and Worsted Reps, Coteleines, Tapeatry, and Damask Coverings. Cloth and Tapestry Table Covers. Laos, Net, and Muslin Curtains. A large and well-assorted Stock of all the Newest Patterns In Toiletware, Agents for the Iron Venetian Blinds—"The Blind of the Period." These are the "only perfect blinds made. The Largest Stock of Brasa and Iron BED STEADS and COTS in New Zealand to choose from. •*■ •*•>»<» assortment of Dolly Varden Down 9?H& Blankets. Bed and Table Linen, Towels, Toilet Covers. &0., &o. WI£, KS& HALL, oHORTIiAKD.STBHBT.



Special Advertisements. TTAMO QOAL. DEPOT: NEXT PUBLIC BATHS. OFFICE: No. 6, Sooth British Insubanob Company. KAMO COAL Is Delivered from depot ENTIRELY FREE FROM SLACK, And is Guaranteed SUPERIOR TO NEWCASTLE FOR HOUSEHOLD PURPOSES. ■CIREEMAM'S BAY STEAM AND FLOUR MILLS. JAMES SOPPET AND CO. Have on hand at their Mills and Store, No. Lower Queen-street :— Fine Flour and Household (quality guaranteed. Also, Bran, Sharps, Pig Meal Maiz°\.Oatn, Wheat, and Barley, Craoked atd Whole ;A)1 excellent quality, at very low rates.



tar £1 Frkk Uirrsi—Tho Proprietors ol Wolfe's Aromatic Schiedam schnapps, to induce the destruction and prevent the im proper use of their wrappers and labels, and thus further proteot the Public against fraud and deoeption, have enclosed in the wrappers, or under he label on tho quart bottles, since Ist Ootober, 1878, and continue to endows in kvkky day's packing throughout tthk year THRKB fil ORDERS, which are drawn upon the undersigned, and which will be cashed by them on presentation. To secure these Gifts, tho Publio must be carefu to ask for, and accept nothing but, tho Genuine Udolpho Wolfe h Schnapps, with our name upon the top label. M. Moss & Co. Wynyard Lane. Sydney