SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

•WATBR}|SSifS. n4Mi«.8.23 .BKT.—Thfi Kvanlng. 4.15 ___B__- To-morrow Morning, 7.17 MOC&ra AGKi-Flrat Qoartor2«b, 6.40 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY.

WS^^^-T^mTanr^Ba fflSneU?as.Stephonson, from Russell Beaßreezl. sohooner. Sy lva. from Russell

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Argylo, fl.s„ Crawford, for whangarei KBtelle, BOhooner. Hears, for Aratapu Venus, ketch, King, for Opotlki wh MBl Mary Ellen, BOhooner. Donovan, for Whangarei

IMPORTS.

l\mm-vA SritsTbulk n3BO ?no dn° ; 70gallons: mineral wator, £20; white stut, wo tons: rook salt, 15 tons: bicarb, soda, liowt, Total declared value, £1,000.

The brlgant.no Omaha left lyttelton for Chatham Islands yeeterday. The brlgantine Darcy Pratt nrrived at Port Chalmers from Kaipara yesterday. The sohooner Orphens is daily expeoted from Rarotonga, The BOhooner Maul Graliam and brisantlne Tarmon, both in ballaat, cleared at the Customs for Kaipara to-day.

The asfOreti leaves for Gisborne about 4 p.m, to-day.

A schooner Hying tho numbers J.G.W.R. was coming up the harbour as we went to press. The barque Orlont; from Auokland, arrived at Lyttelton on the Bth. Tha brig Vision and pohooner Torea sailed from Lyttelton, for Kaipars, on the 9th Inst. The Vision had 100 bags of flour as oargo.

The sohooner Agnes Jobblo, for Auckland, put back to Lyttelton on tho 9th, through stress of weather,

The B.s. Wellington arrived from Tauranga i early this morning. Passengers :-Mrs Cook, Mist Mandono, Messrs Duncan, Mandeno (2), ______ Gray, Fisher, G. V. Stewart, ana Gallagher.

a The s.s. Gleneig from Russell, Whangaroa, and Mongonul arrived at 5 a.m. Passengers i- Mr and Mrs Vanso. Miss Mitoholl, Mr and Mrs Brown, Bishop Waiapu. Messrs LongatU, 81ater. Curios, Cooper. Barry, Severn, Dowllng, and 8 steerage. Cargo: 41 saoks oysters, 5 tons luggage. The s.s. Talaroa, from FIJI, and the Zsa landia, from Bydney, may be expeotod he-eon Monday. The Penguin arrives in the Mannknn early on Tuesday morning, while the new steamer Manapouri, having been detained in tha Booth owing to bad weither, cannot arrive before Thursiay. The s.s. Bouthem Cross, from Oamaru, is due the Bame day.

ARRIVAL OF THE MENDOZA.

The barque Mendoza, after a protracted voy age of 133 days, from Liverpool, put in an appear ance late this afternoon. She was signalled in side Tlritlri shortly after 1 o'clock, but up tp tho time at which wo went to press thero had been no communication with the vessel. She will probably come up the harbour oarly this even ing. TheMendozabrinj^nopafigengers. Her Auckland cargo (as per ImbdiTltttrßfarfied at £1600, there being also on the vessel £2000 worth Of goods for Canterbury.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA

ARRIVAT. ROTrena, B 8,1 Scott, from Wanganui

The b.s. Lalla Rookh would probably arrive from Waitara this afternoon. She returns thither on Monday. The Macgregor la expected to arrive from the same port some time to morrow.

The Northern Company's steamer Bowena arrived at an early hour this morning from Wangnnoi, with 131 sheep, 1 horse, 16 nigs. 17 kegs butter, 13 packages sundries, 2,506 feet toiara timber, and Mr and Mrs Held, Mr Den ton, and four other passengers,

The Union Company's steamer ia not due In the Manukau titl early on Tuesday morning. She brings the outward San Franeisoo moll, and returns South at 10 a.m. the Bame oay.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

(From onr own Correspondent.

Kaipara Heads.~«p_rrlved i Planter, barque, from Hobart town, and Cabarfeldb, barque, from Sydney. Sailed yeßterday: Anne Wilson, tor Dunedin.

Hslensvtlie-The Darham towed the Cabar- Mdh here today, and the Kina towed out the Kentish Lass, oarque, from Makaran. The Baergy, buqaentlne, is discharging coal here.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening! Star Office, Saturday,

Mr Arthur reports of his Friday's sale:— Fowls, Is Id to 2s 9d; turkoys, 2a 6d to 2s lOd ; ducks. 2b to 2- 6d; geese, 3b 6d; pigeons. Is Id; pigs, Js 3d to 7b; patatooß, 1b 9d to 3b 6d; Beed potatoes,7s 9d to BsOd ;new po.atoaa.ljd to lid per lb; knmeras, 4s; pumpkins, is 7d to 3s; mangels, 2s; carrots, 2s 7d to 2s 8d; onions, Jd to Id ; fowl wheat. Is (Sd; oats, 3a 8d; flour. <_7 to £13 10s: apples. 3d to 4Jd ; pineapples, la 3d ; lemons, Is Id to Is 3d; ofant.es, 8s; honey. 5Jd ; baoon, 3d to B}d ; butter, id to 10} d; ohoege, Oil; oatmeal, lis ; rlos. 255; sustar, 3Jd to IJd; tea (box), 18s to 21s; aoip, Us to 235; white lead, lid.

Messrs' Carbines and Tsy/or report; Poultry —Fowls. Is to Is each: turiceje. Sa to 3191: ph.?, 3a to ISa eaoh; ducks, Is lid. The trees.shrubs, llants, &0.. were flu cleared at satisfactory prloes. Produce—Hams and bacon. _td to Sid; Waima cheese, 6d, all oleared; old Canterbury, Id to 2d: salt butter. lOd; lard, Id; potatoes, 2s 0.1 to 3a 6d; onions. Jd to Jd; oats, li; bran, 7s Od; sharps. 8s; fnwt whsat, Is Od; oatmeal, 18s to 20s; lOOlbs flour, lis; ohaff, 2s per ban; carrots. 3«; pampklns,2. 9d por ewt. Groceries —Tea, half-chests. Is 2d to 1b Od; boxes, 15. to 21s: rlcs,2Jd per lb; cornflour, 6.d: starch.ld; sugar. 4Jd; osndloß, Sd; mnatarn, 0d per dozen; salt,6a per bag; kerosene, Is lOd. The fornifire, Clothing, jowellery, and sundries were all cleared at satisfactory prloes.

A sale of seeds, garden and farming tools, fee took place at Mr Gabriel Lewis's auction mart this forenoon. All the goods offered were dis posed of at very satisfactory prices.

MB ALFRED BtJCKLAND'S WEEKLY REPORT,— At tho Haymarket yesterday (Friday) fodder was abundant and brought from 2s to 6s per ewt, and straw. 23s to 373 6d per load. The yards were again filled with horses, and con sisted principally of consignments from Canter bury and Wanganui, The draught Btock from Canterbury attracted considerable attention, and elicited keen competition. The lot were cleared at from £2710s to &18; averaging -336 7s 6d each all round. Active medium draughts brought from £22 10s to £31; harness horses and weight carrying hacks. £12 to £26; light unbroken horses, £5 10s to £12; draught colts (unbroken), £H5 to -317.

. Mr Dowden held his general weekly sale to day, -which was well attended. B»rley bronght 3i 0d par bushel: prime potatoes, 2s 6d to 3a Od; carrots. 2s 6d to 3s Sd; onions. 3s Id: baoon, 31d to 7d, according to qnality; teas, Is Id to Is 3d pet lb; and other goods at pro portionately fair prloes. A large number ot trees and plants, some of them very choice, from Mr Green's Lliydale Nur.ery, One-tree Hill, were sold at satisfactory prloes,

Messrs Cochrane and Son held a general sale to-day of furniture and artioles of domestlonse, with fait results. .

Mail Notice.

XdLsiti Willi Ctosu AS Umjbiu—

Monday, 19th instant. For Waitara, &c, per Lalla Rookh, at 8 a.m. For Waitara, etc., per Macgregor, at 11 a.m. For Coromandol. por Ooromandol, at 11.30 a m. For Whltlangi aud Upper MUI, por Flngal, at

Kor ""hames, per Bctomahana. at 3 30|p.m. For Tryphena, per Tevlot. at 3 p.m, for KuaaeU, Kawakawa, Wongaroa, ana Mongonni, per Wellington, at i p.m. For Tanranga, Ohlnomutn, and Opotlki, per

Gleneig. at i P.m. For Thames, per {Enterprise, at 5.30 p m.

Tutrsn »y. 20th Instant. For Taranakl, Southern Ports, and Australian Colonies, per Penguin, at 8 a.m. For VValwero, Kawuu, Omaha, and Matakanp,

per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Hoklanga, eto,, per Kowena, at 11 a.m. Per s.s, Zeatandla, as follow:— For Sondwioh Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of iCuropo, 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 bo received by the MaU Agent on board tho steamer up to the time of sailing. This mall will be One in London, on Mon day. July 31. 1882. For Whangarei Heads. Woipn, Wangarel, and Mangapal, per Argyle, at 1 p.m. 8. B. BI3S. Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-office. Anokland.

Birth.

BISHOP.—Jure 10.1882. tho wife of Mr Georgo Bishop, JSowmarkot, ot a son.

Marriage.

OAVILL-GRKBTHAM.-On Mny 2tth, at the Wesloyan Parsonage, Prlncoa strnot, Sydney, b> the Rev. T. Uram, John Oavill, yonngeßt son of John and Mary Cavlll. of Somerset shire, ttngtand, to Sarah Matilda Greotham, only daughter ot Jonathan and Agnes Great ham, of Auokland, and late of Scarborough, Yorkshire, Kngland.

Death.

OOCKFIELD. — On Jnno 16, John Huntly, youngest son of William and Elizabeth Cock- Held, age 2 years and 8 months. Faneral will leavo the parents' rosldenoe, William-.troot West, at 23D p.m. to-morrow (Sanday). Friends please accept this invita tion. FKANOIS.—On June 16th, Lonlse. tho bsloved daughter of tteoruo and Alice Franols, aged 61 years. The funeral will leave her nnronts' rosl dono<>. Upper Pitt-street, at 3 o'clock to-mor ro* (iunda>). Friends are kindly invited to attend.

Notice to Correspondents.

M-AOiiico.—Vou havo negleotnd to eneloso yonr name as a guarantee ot good faith. Blther repair the omission, or call ot tho oflloo, and we will shew that tho statement re paplls is altogether baseless.

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 1882.

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

Tub Budget, laid before the House of Representatives by tho Colonial Treasurer last night, contains a statement of facts that will be read with unqualified satis faction in all parts of the colony. If there was over any doubt about tho soundness of the colony's prosperity, or about its ability to bear with comparative ease the burdens that hare been too rapidly thrown upon it, that doubt must be dispolled by the result, of tho last financial year which are given elsewhere in detail. Those results, though submitted by Major Atkinson in a speech of less wordiness than has been customary with him on such occasions, may bo summarised in a very few words. The ordinary revenue last year, exclusive of land receipts, amounted to £3,488,170, or £190,520 in excess of the estimate. That this increase was due to tho greater pros perity aud consequent purchasing jiOWG? of the people, is shown by the large propor tion of the incr .ase which accrued through the Customs, amounting to £125,107. The stamp duties were also higher by £11,115 than lv tho previous year, and £56,852 accrued from - the higher rents obtained for the pastoral lauds of the colony. The expenditure of the year was £49,759 leas than the estimates. The actual state of-the public account at the close of tho financial year, therefore was that the Government had received £3,488,170, aud bad expended £3,278,020, leaving a balance of £209,350 to credit in the public treasury, less £5,000 deficit from last year. The land sales for the year amounted to £317,000, or £16,000 below the estimate; but the credit balance of £32,373 from the previous year left this fund also with a surplus. The gtoss revenus, ordinary and terri torial, for the year, including balance, was £3,805,233; and the gross expenditure £3,616,895, leaving the colony with a credit balance of £215,044.

The most assuring part of this statement, however, is this—that the colony without its land food has been able, out of ordinary revenue, to provide tor all its liabilities and yet have a surplus to the good of upwards of £200,000. This is an "official utter aoce" which we offer to the croakers both within and beyond the colony, and which, like Sir Joseph Porter, we hold to be unanswerable. The position of the public works loan account is not less reassur ing. There was expended last year from this sonrce upon important public woiks, the sum of £977,886, and there remains to the credit of. the fund an unexpended balance of £924,865, which is sufficient to carry on public works at their present rate of progress until the end of February next, when provision for continuing the system without interruption will have been made out of the new loan. The revenue esti mates for the year, based npon the reten tion of a property tax of one half-penny, promise to realise, with the balance from current account, £3,597,183 available for the services of the year. The estimated expenditure is £3,478,639, leavinga rurplus of £118,544 Thirty thousand pounds of this balance the Treasurer proposes to use up by stopping the irritating and unfair system of deducting from subsidies monies for the support of hospitals and charitable aid. There would still be £88,544 avail able for the reduction of taxation; but the Treasurer has resolved, and we think Wisely, not to do anything in this direc tion in view of the intended application for a further loan. The net increase of the public debt during the year was £572,024, and it now stands at the substantial total of £27,680,293.

In the matter of policy, the larger points of the Budget arc foreshadowed only, and we must wait for the Bills which are to give them effect before we arc able to dis cuss them at any length. The first point is the certainty of a loan for three millions; but how it is to be appropriated is not in dicated, and will not be till the Public Works Statement is made. The second is dealing with the local governing bodies, which we are told will be placed on a sound financial basis, and be made perfectly independent of the General Government. How this is to be done, tho Bills promised on the subject are to inform us, and we must wait till they are laid on the table. The third point is that of a National Insurance, which is also to be developed hereafter. In the meanwhile, we presume, it will be found a reflex of the German ideas of Prince Bismarck, . and of those recently ex pounded by writers in England. The idea is based on the annual subscription of a certain sum yearly by every person in the community, and the fund so formed is the substitute of that raised in England hitherto by poor rates. How this will be effected, how the subscriptions will be gathered, and how the payments will be assured, are details ot the first im portance, in the absence of which no_ . opinion can be given. The minor, .but important points of sup porting Tiospltals from the Consolidated Revenue, and of subsidising local bodies for the maintenance of other Cnari table Institutions, and Charitable Relief, are also referred to in the Treasurer's Statement, and require no comment from us in ex planation. How far tho subsidies will be sufficient will have to be hereafter con sidered.

ADULTERATION of food, which has beon described as "a species of competition," is not confined to these old countries which frothy Radicals are fond of calling the

effete abodes of corruptions; hut flourishes j in nearly every corner of the globe. The ! present seems to be an age of sham and shoddy—of ' commercial impostors whom even the scathing denunciations of the Chelsea sage have been unable to shame into an approach to honesty. More than half a centnry has elapsed since the attention of the Briti-h pub lic was called to the wide-spread adul teration of food; and the evil has seemed to grow and strengthen with the growth of our commercial system nnd the strengthen ing of our trade interests, Quite apart from the duty of tho State to protect the hone.l trader from the unjust competition of the fraudulent adulterator, it is of importance for enlightened legislators to consider the probable effects on the health and future de velopment of the people which will How from the general adulteration ot their food. The oft'eilCO of " doctoring " drink, mixing in gredients in articles of food, etc., is fur too leniently viewed both by the public and by legislators. There is a method in the mad ness of Tennyson's crazy lover in "Maud," when he declares that, when

"Chalk and alum land plastor are Bold to the poor for bread, Tho spirit of Mardor worka in tho vory means of Life." The adulterator is not only guilty of false hood, fraud, and wilful inipot-ition, hut at his door may, in many cases, lie the charge of slow and painful murder. A humorist of a past gccention described the Briton as taxed from the cradle to the grave, and the present day satirist, with only too bitter truth, can declare that the proud heirs of freedom are trom birth to death the vic tims of a wholesale system of lying, cheat ing, and adulteration. It is computed that of every hundred pounds of tea imported into England, 70lbs arc not tea at all; and a recent article in the London 'Telegraph," from which wo give extracts elsewhere, showed that cotl'ec is adulterated to a still more alarming extent. If the atticles used for this dishonest plirpose were nt all nutritious or even innocuous, the evil would not be so diabolical; but when it is known _ that the most deleterious and disgusting substances aro palmed oft* on the public as wholesome and genuine- articles, no forma of indignation can be too strong to employ in condemning tho perpetrators of such vicious frauds. Tea is adulterated with Prussian blue and black lend; coll'cc with sawdust, charred rags and baked horses' and .bullocks' hearts; while some of the choicest wines ; and spirits arc mado almost solely from log wood, petroleum, vitriol, and other poisonous ingredients. It seems compara tively easy to detect adulteration ; but it is by no means such a simple matter to reach and puuish the authors of tho frauds. The question of how to check this system is demanding attention in tho Australian Colonies at present, nnd in our own colony the same necessity exists for legislative action. Te punish the retailers of adulter ated tea or spirits would be manifestly un just, as they are iv most cases as much imposed on as the public. The nnmu facturcr must be reached, and in a coun try depending upon importation for many articles of diet tliis becomes un impossibility. To empower Customs offi cers to scizo aud destroy all adulterated articles, either manufactured in or imported to New Zfo'nnd, would be a thoroughly drastic remedy, but oue not likely to be soon adopted, And even that plan would fail in thoroughly eradicating the evil with out an elabornto machinery and large stall' of officials to overlook tho retailers. The mischief of adulteration docs not stop with articles ot food, but extends to the medicines by which disease is supposed to be eradicated. We learned the other day that certain New Zealand chemists receive largo im portations of empty bottles, labelled nnd complete, which arc filled here and sold ns the true and efficacious "pain-killer" which has a world-wide reputation. This compound may be harmless enough as manufactured by the pat* utoo in Britain, aud may be taken without evil efl'cct-t ('is mo-«t patent medicines havo to bo taken) " internally, oxtcrually, and eturiiaily ;" but the cine is very much altered wbeu the filling of the buttles is left to soma greedy or inefficient chemist, who might cvude all responsibility for tho consequences of his action. Doctors' stuff is nasty enough in all conscience with< ul having it adulter ated with more hastiness at the hands ot one who "sitst> pestle a poisoned poisou behind his crimson lights " 111-health is a sufficient infliction, without having it added to with uuknown abominations com pounded for the sake of cln-pano-n, quito regardless of their effect on the sn-Turing patient. The public hovo a clear right to demand that they shall bs served with what they ask for ; and ought to bo protected from the practices of thoso people who, having acquired a reputation for some article, aro content ti sell tha bottlts or labels only, andleavo the article to be pro vided by the wholesale or retail dealer. It is a notorious fact that not a tithe of the so-called French wines and spirits sold and consumed annually arc genuine j and it is also well-known that bott'es bearing genuine labels of "Bass's Beer" or " Guinness's S^tout" do uot always contain the liquors manufactured by these well known firms—partly because of frauduli nt practices by retailers, and partly because these firms supply labels to all aid snndry to place upoa any liquors they may choose to palm off as Bass or Guinness. The whole of this is very rotten, and the mer chant princes and pitrician shop keepers who flourish by tho system will surely accomplish their own ruin in the long run. If legislative remedies fail lo remove the evil, the con sumers, in seli'-jlefeiice, will be driven to co-operation. Not the least recommenda tion of the co-operative system of trading is that by removing competitien, it removes the incentive to the practice of adulteration, which a British Cabinet Minister defined ns "a species of competition." It is quite true that "opposition is the life of trade," but the moment that it is carried the length of defrauding the public, competition comes to be destructive of the veiy primary essen tial to trading, which is mutual confidence, based on the ioundation of honesty and truth.

There was no appearance of H.M.s, Nelson up to the time at which we went to press. She may be expected to arrive heie some time between this and Monday next.

In consequence of the order served upon him by Mr Thos, Macftarlauc (creditors' trustee) Mr N. G. Lennox has cot handed over to Mr Swallow any of the money paid to him for tickets, but retains it, pending the result of the examination which the debtor is required to undergo on Tuesdi-y next. Nothing further has transpired in the matter since yesterday,

Captain Scott, of the s s. Kowena, whxh arrived in the Manukau this morning from Wangaoui, reports having seen the comet bearing west about three degrees above the hcizon, when the vessel was about tea miles south of Manukau Heads yesterday evening.

Mr Archibald, contractor,, had his ankle Bptaincd by a bag of scoria falling upon it at the Dublin-street contract yesterday.

The following tenders wero received to day at the office of Mr H. G. Wade, archi tect, for the erection of a brick store in Custom House-street East, for MrE. Elling bam :—J. Ellingbam, £550 (accepted): W. Gill, £555 j C. S." Wright, £565; T. Constable, £567 ; J. Currie, £586 : J. J. Holland. £593 ; Baildon and Stephenson, £595; T. Colebrook, £627.

'ihe claims of the mate and seamen of the Deveron will be argued in the form of a special case before Mr Macdonald, KM., on Monday next at 2 p.m. The case is a very peculiar one, as our readers will remember, and should be of great interest, especially to the shipping community. Mr Laishley will appear for the mate of the Deveron, Mr Co: tor tor the seamen, and Mr Theo. Cooper for the owner, Captaiu H. F.- Anderson.

A meeting of the creditors of Daniel Oliver Taylor, mariner, was to have been held yesterday, but a quorum was not ob tained, and the Registrar, therefore, in pursuance of tho powers vested in him, ap pointed Mr Macffailauo trustee in tho estate. The debtor's assets arc stated at £85, and his liabilities at £319 10s Bd.

We have to acknowledge receipt ot a large and band.omcly-litbographed map of Auckland Harbour, which has been pre pared by the Engineer to the llarbour Board. By employing different colours, the whole area under the jurisdiction of the Harbour Board is clearly shown-that secured by Act of Parliament being dis tinguished from that which is unencum bered. Figures disposed all over the plan indicate the depth in feet of the waters of tbe harbour at low water, and a smaller* map in the corner of the sheet shows the various entrances to the Harbour, As bearing on the approaching visit of H.M.S. Nelson, we may point out that, as shown on this map, not only is there ample draught of water for the pas sage of that leviathan into tho harbour, but, if wished, she could steam several miles further up than the city. This map should prove valuable to those for whose use it is provided,

We understand that a vessel is now load ing in London for this port direct, and is expected to sail in August next,—" Bay of Plenty Times."

.The National Insurance Company having purchased Messrs Hull Brothers' offices in Queen-street, contemplate making consider able alterations and improvements in the building. It is probable that the present front will be replaced by a handsome new facade.

At the rcgu'ar quarterly meeting of the Loyal United Fiicnds at the Masonic Hotel, Newton, Brother James Cox. on behalf of the Lodge, presented to Brother George Warburtou a Past Master's certificate, elaborately executed by Brother Do Courcy. Brother Warburtou. replied, and spoke in pleasant terms of his reception by the officers of the Parent Lodge in London.

Announcements of Sunday services will be found in the usual column. Newmarket Wcsluy.au Church, anniversary sermons by Revs. G. Bond, W. J. Watkin, and A. Reid. Y.M.CA. rooms, Rev. 11. B. Macartney, M.A. (Melbourne), 7.30 p.m. Temperance Hall, Mr G. A. Brown Evening service at the Theatre at 8 p.m.

A contemporary writes:—ln this colony there is no such a thing as political morality when there is a loan to be divided. Party ties that bind men together when there is nothing more exciting than abstract principles arc broken like gossa mer threads, and it becomes a case of "every man for his district, and the devil take the hindmost.''

Mr Ryan presonts a full and varied pro gramme to the public which he believes will be realised ou Monday evening next, at the Athenceum, Newton, for the benefit of Mr Williams, a carpenter, who recently lost his sight by accident. Mr Williams ia desirous of getting' homo to his family, but is not in possession ot the means. Wc call attention to tho advertised programme which is sufficiently attractive to please the most fastidious taste. A number of lady amateurs will assist with their voices.

In view no doubt of tho oxtension of the railway to the Queen-street Wharf, build ing operations in Custoin-housc-strecct are likely to be very brisk. A fine new double stoic, next Messrs Winstone & Co.'s, is in course of erection for Messrs Reid & Gray, a Dunedin firm of agricultural implement manufacturers, and for Messrs Ellingham aud Co, importers, of Queen-street. A large building is shortly to be erected on the vacant allotment nt the corner of Custom house and Commorco ■ streets, opposite Messrs 1.. D. Nathan & Co.'s bond.

Mr G. V. Stewart aud Mr Duncan ar rived from Tauiangn, by the s.s. Welling, ton, this morning, on their way to Welling, ton, whither they proceed for the purpose ot representing certain matters connected with tbo Tauranga-Hot Lakes railway.

At tho close of tho general police busi noss Mr Laishley applied to tlio Bcsidont Magi trate, on behalf of Mr Holmes, under tho Neglected Children's Act, to commit two of his children to the Industrial Home, The application was granted, on Mr Holme. agreeing to maintain them thcro. Mr Hudson Williamson, on behalf of tho grandfather of other of tho Holmes family, made n similar application.

It will bo seen by our amusement column that Thompson's famous panorama of the Zulu war will shortly be in Auckland, and open at the now Opera House.

The Biaht Rev. Bishop Stnart has kindly consented to deliver an nddrefs to men only in the lecture ball of the Young Men's Christian Association to-morrow afternoon, at 3 o'clock. From His Lordship's largo experience in many lands, an interesting and instiuctive address may be expected. Working meu would do well to attend.

We hear that Bishop Stntirt of Waipu will preach to-morrow morning at St. Matthew's, givo a special address to young men at the V.M.C.A. rooms at 3 p.m., and preach at St. Maiy's, Parnell, in the evening.

The Hand of Hopo Union choir practice take, place on Tuo.ilay next iv the Tem po .nice Bull at 7.30 p.m.

From a private telegram received in town Inst night, wo learn that Mr James Killy arrived at Pacroa, at threo o'clock yester day afternoon, haviug driven the first coach through from Tauranga, Consider ing the time of tho yoar, and tho bad stale of some portions of tho road, this is very good travelling, und Mr Kelly and his driver, Mr William Mcnzics, deserve groat kudos.— " Bay of I'lonty Times,"

We understand that tho organist and choir of St Paul's intend to givo an Organ Recital in St- Paul's Chuich on Monday evening the 26th instant. The list of selections comprises pieces vocal and Instrumental by the greatest musicians, past and present. The offertory on tho occasion will ho in aid of choir expenses,

Tho friends of the Berei-ford-Etrcet Cnurch are bestirring themselves in tlio causo of temperance. A concert has been arranged foi Monday evening, nt which tho members of the choir are to perform solos, glees, &c, while an excellent band, of 12 efficient in strumentalists, has also been engaged. tireat care and pains have been taken to presoot a fir .t- class programme, and it re quires to he specially mentioned that tho concert will not bo an ordinary Band of Hope entertainment, as erroneously stated in a jrevious issue.

The second number of "The Auck lander," a monthly magazine edited by members of the Parnell Grammar School, has just been issued trom the press. It contains a fair amount ot creditably written original matter, and a judicious selection of excerpt., viz , poetry, puzzle.", riddles, &c. A short leading article is given on "Esprit dc Corps," and then there are "School r-otcs," two brief des criptive articles on " A Trip to Barnstaple " and "Maungaroa" respectively, and a column of matter about late football matches iv which the boys of the school have engaged.

It will be observed from an advettisc niont published in another column, that tenders aro mvi *.od by the engineers of the Karangahapc Highway District, Messrs Boylan and Lundon, for the formation of Dublin-street, from the Newton Post-office to its junction with Pitt-street, near the King's Arms Hotel. The completion of this work will do a great dc.il to open up the district thoroughly, nnd will give great facilities for traffic through the district from Freeman's Bay, Ponsonby and Arch Hill towards Grafton and Mount Eden, tho gradient of the now work to be under taken being very mnch better than that of Newton. Road, which at present carries the traffic referred to.

Such a length of time has now elapsed since we have had a good dramatic troupe in tho city, that playgoers will hail with pleasure the announcement that Mr J. L. Hall's Byronic Comedy Company is on its way hither, and that the season will be opened at the Theatre Royal on Thursday next. The agcot (Mr Wilmott) has already arrived, and is now bußily engaged in making the necessary arrangements for the appearance of the company. "Our Girls" will be the first piece presented, and it ought certainly to have a lengthened " tun." The dialogue is capitally written, and the piece bristles with side-splitting situations, while Mr Hall's Captain Gingah is admittedly one of his most effec tive impersonations. The company leave Wellington by tho Manapouri to day.

The business transacted by tho City Schools Committee last evening was generally of little public importance. A statement of accounts for the five months ending May 31st, 1882, was read, show ing :—Receipts, £154 10s 5d ; expenditure, £168 7s 5d ; excess of expenditure, £13 17s. It was decided to have the city schools thoroughly cleaned out and fumigated during the holidays (from the 24th to the 30ta inst. inclusive). Mr Harrison wrote complaining of a statement, reported as emanating from a member of Committee, re recent examination at Bercsford-street school. Mr MoNab stated that he had explained the matter to Mr Harrison, stating that he merely desired to have the standard examinations taken entirely out of the hands of teachers, whereupon it was decided to drop the subject. On the motion of Mr McNab, seconded by Mr McMaster, it was resolved that the following should be a recommendation to the Board :—"That every child attending ono or more of the public schools for six months during the year shall be presented for the standard examinations." Such a regulation, it was stated, would prove satisfactory to both teachers and parents. Some less important business having been disposed of, the meeting adjourned.

Dr. Schwartzbach invites his former patients to call on him, as he is desirous to ascertain the final result of hlB previous treat ment and operations,—(adv..)

THE PRETTY JANE A TOTAL WRECK.

Messrs Waller and Co. received intimation by cable yesterday to tho effect that the s.s. Pretty Jane, recently purchased by that firm, had become a total wreck somewhere near Sydney. Mr Gibbons has gone there on behalf of the now owners to look after tbe vessel. The Pretty Jane is a twin screw steamer of 134 tons registeHrwell known in Auckland, having beon a regular trader here some few years ago.

PARLIAMENTARY.

[From our Special. Reporter,]

WELLINGTON, this day.

Montgomery and Stvanson.

In the debate on Sir George .Greys } Prevention of Purchase of Votes Bill, Mr t Montgomery twitted Mr Swanson with l always parading himself as a wonting-man. j He (Mr Montgomery) had worked as a sailor t before tho mast for twelve years,' but did j anyone ever hear him making a parade of j what he had done ? i The Neio Elections. I | A telegram to the STAR special reporter, J : giving the completed returns'for Franklin, ' was circulated through the House. Most ] members on both sides had looked for Harris's return as a certainty.and the elec- \ tion of Pilliet for Stanmorc is also ] confidently looked for. This will be a gain of two seats to the Opposition. The Statement Favourably \ Criticised, i Major Atkinson's statement last night is \ pretty generally favourably sriticiscd in the • lobbies to-day, although on all hands it is ' believsd there will be a terrible scramble ' over the thiee million loan. Many think ] Ministers should have adopted the plan ] they lately had under their serious consi- ; deration, namely, an early meeting of Par- ■ liament next year to sanction a live million ; loan, with a pledge not to further borrow for five years. Mr Saunders's defeat gives great satis faction to a vast majority of members. A telegram announcing it arrived while Major Atkinson was speaking, notwithstanding which, a messenger was employed carrying it from member to member, and the ejacula tions of satlslaction were quite audible. Sir George Grey as Leader. The proposal that Sir George Grey should resume the leadership was made through Mr Vincent Pyke, who in his speech on the Purchase of Votoo Bill in»t night, deliberately hinted his view of Sir George Grey's grounds of refusal. Sir George Grey's desire, Mr Pyke said, was not to legislate for the present generation, but tor a people yet unborn. Petition.. The Petitions Committee reported in the case of John Graham, Auckland, who com plained of being wrongfully imprisoned for six weeks in Shortland Gaol, that they can not recommend his claim to the favourable consideration of the House. On the petition of Edwin Arnold and others, basketmakers, asking for protective duties, they have no recommendation to make. On tho petition of Michael Egan, of Coro mandcl, they cannot see their way to make any recommendation. Immigration Proposals. The Government's intention regarding the resumption of free immigration is to the following effect : They contem plate the development of tbo nomination system, by friends within the colony, the only preference being given to domestic servants. Mr Shcchao's Bill for the Consolidation of the Education Reserves throughout the colony will be opposed by tho Govern ment, and has no chance of passing. Notes and Gossip. Business in tho House this afternoon was dull and unexciting, the expectation of the Financial Statement in tho evening dwarf ing all other topics. A passing flutter of interest was excited when Mr Turabull, for Mr Daniel, intro duced a Bill to disqualify Chinese from holding miners' rights. Mr Bracken iooked upon the measure as a most absurd and tyrannical one. Ho did not think the Chinese were desirable settlers, but those that were here should ho treated as men, not like slaves. Mr Shrimski moved it be read this day six mouths On the motion ot Mr Shepherd, the Bill was delayed for a fortnight until Mr Daniels returns from the South. It is considered most probable that Sir Georgo Grey's Law Practitioners Bill, throwing the profession open, will pass through both Houses with one amendment, eliminating the clause empowering the employment of any person of good moral character in the Court upon the written authority of auy party to a suit. Mr Shcchan yeaterday voted against the one vote system, ha\ing been indebted to plural votes for his return on two occasions. All the Maoris went into the lobbies against the Bill. Messrs Shcchan and Hobbs are rivals to the office of Director of the Maori vote. The dobate on tbo second reading of the Maori Reserves Bill occupied tho greater part of the altcrnoon sitting, and was interrupted by tho 5.30 adjournment. The Bill, as predicted, meets with strong oppo sition, and in tho course of tho debate the office of official trustee comes in for an occasional rap. All the Maoris have spoken against it, and there is widespread opinion that if passed these reserves will be chiefly useful in affording a living to a number of officials. Mr Connolly, solicitor, said if all tho clauses of the Bill, except the short title, were omitted, it might perbnps be made a good Bill, but it was impossible to amond it.

Proposed Bankruptcy Reforms.

The sub-committee on tho Bankruptcy Bill has reported to the committee a num ber of recommendations for tbo alteration of the bankruptcy laws. The committee consider it almost impossible to frame an Act which will meet all the various phases of bankruptcy arising from the reckless or too easy trading which is carried ou under the system of indiscriminate credit, especially with legard to the smaller class of trades-people and their poor cus tomers. Thoy recommend, however, a con solidation of existing laws, with amend ments, assimilating the law of England to that of Victoria, by giving the Judges sittiug in bankruptcy the same power as in the Supreme Court, in setting aside alleged fraudulent deeds or other transfers of property, and that such proceedings shall be taken on simple prccodure without pleadings. The committee also approve of tho suggestion of Mr Justice Williams.that the Court in which the bankruptcy is pending should have power to set aside deeds without the necessity of tho tiustecs bringing an action in tho Supremo Court. The committee further recommends that official assignees should bo appointed as officets of the Court, and creditors should havo power to appoint one or two trustees to act witb.sucb officers. The Court shall also hayc the power to try charges of fraudulent bankruptcy and sentence the bankrupts convicted to twelve months' imprisonment with or without hard labour. Tho report contains many other recommonriationa, particularly with refer enco to solicitors' costs and the commission allowed to the official assignee, of which a scale is given in the report.

Preparing for the Statement.

The Galleries Crowded.

All tlio galleries wero crowded to hear the Financial Statement. There was a specially large muster in the ladies'gallery, aud the place set apart for the public was filled to overflowing. Major Atkinson appeared with a large white comforts r round bis throat. He was loudly applauded on rising, and at tho closo of the speech, which was delivered in a good clear voice.

At its close, Mr Montgomery, and Mr Turnhull criticised the Treasurer's claims to a large surplus from loans Which he had de clared on assuming office were all opened Sir John Hall followed in defence ot Major Atkinson's statement at that time and declared that the figures, had never been assailed,

Sir George Grey amused the House by saying that any schoolboy in Wellington might have made such a statement, which consisted in a number of addition sums worked ont in the presence of the House, and ought to have be<,u illustrated by a blackboard. He said the whole inten tion was to lead members away from the great qncstions which ought to occupy their attention. He proceeded to criti cise the failure of the Government to call Parliament together earlier; then the failure to submit any groat measure of policy, aud their dealings with Otago runs Mr JShbbhan spoko in defence of tho native land purchasing of the Grey Govern ment, and said if it had been carried out, that the Government would have com pleted the purchase of tho Patetere block at eightecnpence an acre, which had since fallen into the hands of private speculators, and yielded an enormous profit. Mr MACANDRKW made an amusing re ference to the five million loan, which he (Macandrew) had .been told was spent by himself years ago. Mr Moss quoted from Major Atkinson's speech tbe statement that four millions of the loan had born pledged before *he Grey Government had retired from office. He said it was never denied that in this colony, as in neighbouring colonies, there was a deficit of £900,000 through land fund fall ing off to lhat extent in one year, but the present Covernmcnt had provided for it simply by adding it to tfce debt of the colony.

Major ATKINSON, in reply, said it was often hard to discover the motives from which great men act, and it had always been a mystery why the hon. member for City East had not made any financial state ment in 1879. If hon. members turned to Hansard they would find it stated there that the hon. member came into the House and said a few words, which were not reported, and be declined afterwards to finish. They now learned that the non-delivery of that statement was because the rules of the House did not permit tho use of a black board. He thought the greatest compli ment that could have been paid him was, that he had so simplified the finances of the colony that a schoolboy could understand them. He went on to say that when tho present Government came into office they found empty cotters and Jargc liabilities entered into on the faith of a loan, which Government did not know they woujd ever be able to raise, He endeavoured to get ah advance of £25,060 from the Bank of England upon their live millions of debentures, and could not get it. Speakers ou the other side had mixed up the consolidated and land funds, It was admitted that there was a deficit on the Consolidated Fund of one million sterling, which had been added to the per manent debt.Jand the colony was now pay ing interest on it. With regard to the loan, he had never said that the five, mil lions had been spent. He could not have said so, because the loan was not then raised; but he did say, and he maintained that it was.proved, that extravagant en gagements had been entered into against the loan. So much was this the case that the Government had been able only to reduce the loan expenditure within the last year, so as to economise that it would cover the' time over which the loan had to be ex tended. He would not care to again go through the anxiety be endured for the first five months after taking office. The member for Auckland East had said that if another Government had been in office they might have had a progressive land lux, and an income tax, which would bave made the big absentees pay. He had takon the trouble to ascertain what 146 of the wealthiest men in New Zealand would have had to pay under a land and income tax and the property tax respec tively, and found that thoy would have paid £16,000 in land tax, and £17,000 in income tax, being £33 000 against the £42,000 which they bad actually to pay under the property tax ; and coming to the study-of the question with a prepossession in favour of the income tax, he was forced to the conviction, from facts which hewould at a future time lay before hon members, that there was no tax that would get at wealthy men, cither in the colony or beyond it, so completely as the property 1 tax.

After the Hon. Major Atkinson sat down, Sir George Gkky rose and said he would not detain the House many minutes, the usual hour for the evening adjournment being reached.

Tlie Chairman left the chair, and on re suming after 11 o'clock Sir George was not io bis place. A motion to report progress therefore was put and carried, after Mr Shechan had obtained a promise from the Treasurer that he would bring down a re-

turn showing the Government land pur chases.

The House then adjourned.

TELEGRAMS.

(PER PRE§b ASSOCIATION.)

ItUSSELL, this day.

The fresh has subsided, and the coal company is now able to load their barges with coal as before.

WANGANUI, this day.

An inquiry is being held into the colli sion of the schooner E. and VY. Cameron, of Lyttelton, and tbe s.s. Clyde, trading to Patoa, on June 7tb, at Wanganui Heads, Mr Ward, K.M., and Captain Flowerday, are the nautical assessors.

PUBLICANS AND GOuD TEMPLARS,

Publicans on tho West Coast are prepar ing a petition to Parliament for an amend ment of the Licensing Act, and a public meeting is called by the Good Templars to consider a counter petition.

WELLINGTON, Friday.

Iho writ for Stanmorc was sent to Christchurch this afternoon. It is return able within 40 days.

WELLINGTON, this day,

Thobrigantine Isabella, wrecked recently at Poverty Bay, bos been sold, and realised £165. She was insured in the South British office for £525, and in the National for £150.

BLENHEIM, Friday.

At a meeting of the promoters ot tbe Pic ton Coal Company, held at Picton yester day, it was decided to iloat the company with a capital of £60,000, in 60,000 share's of £1 each. An excellent directory was framed, containing the names of prominent men throughout the colony. Fifty tons of coal are to be taken out of the mine at once, and distributed as a sample. The meeting was most unanimous. Applications for ecrip are already pouring in,

LYTTELTON, this day.

THE WESTPORT FLOATED.

The s.s. Westport arrived here at 11.30 a.m., having left Akaroa at 6 a.m. No difficulty was experienced in keeping the vessel clear of water on the trip. Another leak was discovered list evening, and was temporarily stopped. Thoro is no report of any damage to the steamer aft of the bulk-head divid ing the miin hold from the eogiue-room. The future movements of the Westport are as yet undecided,

CHRISTCHUKCH, this day. THE MAORISf AND THE NATIVE

KESKRVitS BILL,

Last night the Maoris at the Eaiapoi pah held a meeting in the mnanga for the purpvse of taking into consideration the Nativo Resorves Bill now before Parliament. Tainui was present, and explained to the Maoris the provisions of the Bill, which met with the entire disapproval of the whole of the assemblage, and strictures were freely passed upon it.

OAMARU, Friday.

SERIOUS STABBING AFFRAY,

At about 11.30 last night a fracas oc curred between two men, named McGrath and Moynahan, during which the latter, it is alleged, stabbed the former in the groin and the abdomen. The injury to McGrath is of such a nature that it was deemed ad visable to take bis depositions. This was done by Mr xiobinsoo, K.M., this afternoon. McGrath, iv his deposition, says he does not know how the injury to himselt OC' eurred. Tho two men had been drinking, and during a row in the' street McGrath found he had been stabbed, but did not know whether it was done intentionally or by accident. Moynahan was arrested, and has been remanded for seven days.

OAMaRD, this day. fatal result of railway

ACCIDENT.

Tno man McPhoo, who was injured in the Knrtigi railway accidont, died this morning, after lingeting at the Hospital tor 24 days,

DUNEDIN, this day. NOMINATED IMMIGKATIuN.

The Immigration Officer at Dunedin has been advised of the sailing of the ship Timaru, from Plymouth, for Port Chal mers, on April 20th, with 141 nominated immigrants. The Bible in Schools Association has petitioned the House to authorise the tak lng of a plebiscite on the qcstion of intro ducing the Bible into the State schools.

R.M. COURT.-This day.

Before J. E. Maodonald, Esq., K.M.)

Cornish v. Austin and Others,—His Wor ship gave judgment in this case, particulars of which havo already appeared. By deed, com plainant hecamo bound apprentice to defen dants for a tonn not yet expired, tho defendants on their ports agreeing to teach the apprcntico tho trado of bootmnker, etc., but no premium was paid. During tho term, tho de fendants assigned their business to a Limited Company, ono or moro of tho defendants taking the management. Com plainant declined to continue service as an apprentice under the altered circumstances of defendants. Having gone carefully into the faots, His Worship considered the apprentice was entitled to relief, although it did not ap pear that he would nave suffered by serving the -company. - Gray v. Paul.—Mr Browning for plaintiff, and Mr Jas. Russell for defendant,—ln this case the plaintiff claimed special damages of Is a head upon certain sheep belonging to defen dant, which he .had impounded, the special claim being soparato and apart from the regular impounding feo. It ap peared that plaintiff had received tho feo in accordance with the Act, hut still retained the sheep until the alleged amount of damage was paid, which, Mr Russell argued, was another cause of action.—M* Browning gave particulars of the case, and quoted the Act in support of tho claim.—His Worship, however, ovor-ruled the argument, and a non-suit was recorded.- Costs £2135, ■ ■ ■ - - ■ • • ' This was all the business.

THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

[BY TELEGRAPH.]

WELLINGTON, Friday, The House resumed at 7.30 p.m.

The estimates were received by message from the Governor, and the House having gone into committee (Mr Hamlin in the chair),

The Colonial TRBASOEER(Ma. or Atkin son) delivered the Budget statement. He said: Mr Hamlio, lam presenting the Budget thus early, because the Government are anxious that the House should have ample opportunity of carefully considering and discussing the financial position and re quirements of the colony, In furtherance of this hope, which I feel sure will meet •with the approval of tho committee, I hope to place the estimates in the hands of hon. members not later than to-morrow, and I venture to express the hope that the House will consent to the appointment of an early day for going into Committee of Supply, and not permit the postponement of so vital a question as ways and means until the end of the session, when hon. members are often unable, from mere physical exbaus- I tion, to give the subject that attention | which its importance demands.

The committee will be glad to learn that the reports which have been in circulation for some time past to the effect that there is a considerable surplus standing to our credit upon the transactions of the year, are substantially cerrect. I shall not there fore trespass to-night to so large an extent upon the patience of hon. members as I have been compelled to do on some former occa sions. My statement will be short, but 1 must still ask tor the indulgence of the committee, while submitting for its infor mation the somewhat dry details of the financial results of the last annual period, and the proposals of the Government for tbe present .year.

EXPENDITURE OF THE OEDINARY REVENUE OF TUB YEAR 1881-82,

The expenditure for the year, under I permanent Acts otthe General Assembly, I was estimated at £1,570,919, including £1,499,318 tor interest and sinking fund, I while the amount devoted for de- j partmental services was £1,757,660. . The total estimated * expenditure sanctioned by Parliament was there fore £3,328,579. The actual expenditure was £3,27t5,820, being £49,759 less than the estimated amount;, there are no items of this expenditure which appear to call for special remark. Hon, members on referr ing to the appropriation account presented to the House, pursuant to Public Revenues Act, will be able to see the services in re spect of which the expenditure has been less or more than the amounts voted. The outstanding liabilities on the 31st of March, 1882, amounted to £164, 394. At the close of the preceding financial year, the amount was £165,514, I may inform the com mittee that, included in the liabilities on the 31st of March last, is a sum of £24,000 for sinking fund to the 13th of March, 1882, in respect of the £800,000 unsold debentures of that portion of the loan of 1870, amounting to £1,010,000, which is guaranteed by the Imperial Government. The Imperial Act provides for a sinking fund of 2 per cent, per annum on the entire amount of the guaranteed portion of the loan, or so much of it as is raised for the time being, com mencing at the date at which the whole of the loan is raised, or at the expiration of 10 years from the passing of the Act, whichever date happens first. When the first remittance of sinking fund was made, namely, for the half year to tbe 13th March, 1881, it was considered that pro vision was required odly for the sinking fund, payable in respect of the debentures for £200,000, which had been sold, and not also for the debentures for £800,000 which, though created, had not been placed in circulation. The question was however, re-considered upon the receipt of a despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to His Excellency the Governor, and tho Government determined to provide tho sinking fund for the whole guaranteed loan of £1,000,000. Remit tances have now been made accordingly to the trustees of the fund.

ORDINARY REVENUE OF THE YEAR 1881-82,

The estimated revenue of the year, oxclu sive of the revenue derived from sales c:

land, was £3,297,650. The actual amount paid into the public account was £3,488,170, being £190,520 in excess of the estimate Hon. member _ will find, on reference to the comparative return, which will be appended to this statement, that we are indebted to the Customs revenue for the larger portion oi this excess, £125,107 having been re ceived from that source. The revenue from stamp duties waa £11,115 in excess of the estimate; miscellaneous receipts were also in excess £34,243, while from depasturing licenses, rent, &c„ we obtained £56,852 more than we anticipated. On tbe other hand, the amount derived from the property tax fell short of the estimate by £19,025 Of this sum £9270 has yet to come in. £2200 represents the amount estimated to be leceived from building societies, which were afterwards rendered exempt, and £7556 is an over-estimate. The revenue from railways proved to be £25,266 less than the estimate, but hon. members will be glad to learn that the ret receipts from tbe railways, which were estimated at £364,744, amounted to £368,927, or £4183 more than estimated. LAND SALES OF THF YEAB 1881-2.

Following the course approved by Par liament in the session of 1381-2, a separate account of land sales has been kept, The expenditure charged against the fund dur ing the year amounted to £338,076, in cluding £136,861 for subsidies paid to local bodies. The amount voted for depart mental services, chargeable on the land fund, was £154,519. . The amount actually expended was £137,297, being £17,213 less than the votes. The liabilities outstanding on the 31st of March, 1882, amouated to £25,188, as against £37,561 on the 31st of Marcb, 1881. The receipts for the year from land sales were estimated at £333,000 The amount actually teceived and paid into the public account was £317,063, of wbich £282,136 was for lands sold for cash, and £34,927 cash instalments for sales on deferred payments. Adding to the re ceipts of the year the balance at the credit of the land fund account on the 31st of March, 1881, amounting to £32,373, and deducting the expenditure, we have a balance on this account of £11,360 at credit on the 31st March, ISB2. PUBLIS WORKS FUND.

Appropriations on this account for the year, which ended on the 31st March last, amounted to £1,892,554. The actual ex penditure, however, was only £979,886, in cluding £454,224 for railways, Particulars of this expenditure will be found in the tables annexed to this statement, but fuller information than is there given will be laid before the House when my hon. colleague, the Minister for Public Works, makes his annual statement. Tbe liabilities out standing at the close ot the year amounted to £880,276, particulars of which will also be found in the tables appended. During the year special receipts and recoveries amounting to £42,378 came to tho credit of the public works fund, and on the 31st Mach, 18S2, the balance remaining unexpended, sub ject, however, to the liabilities I have just mentioned, was £924, 565, consisting of cash iv the Bank of New Zealand, £647,646; advances in the hands of the officeis of the Government, £60,319; debentures of the loan of 1870, guaranteed by tbe Imperial Government, £135.300; amount invested in debentures of the New Zealand Government, £44,000 ; and ternpoiary advances made on certain other securities, £37,600. The balauce at credit of fund on the 31st of March, 1881, was £1,860,373, and on the 31st of March, 1882, it was £924,865. The extent by which it was diminished during the year was, therefore, £035,508. These figures show that the fund has been care fully husbanded, so as to extend the expen diture over the time. We had agreed not again to go upon tbe London market. Hon members will observe that there was suffi cient money in hand on the 31st of March, 1882, to carry on publis works without.break or stoppage until the end of February next at the samo rate at which thoy have been pro secuted during the last year. Included in the liabilities of the public workß fund at the end of the year is the sum of £338,876 for the purchase of native lands, particulars of which will shortly bo placed befoto the House by my colleague the Native Minister, who will also state the proposals of the Go yernment with reference to our future policy in the purchase of native lands. In the meantime I may inform the committee that the amount which will be required this year to complete the purchase of those blocks whicn the Government have de cided to acquiro will probably not exceed £100,000.

THE PDBLIC DKIIT ON SIST MAECII, 1881. The gross public debt of the colony amounted to £29,165,511, subject to a de duction of £2,057,242 for accrued sinkin« fund. On the 31st of March, 1882, the debt was £29,946,711, and the sinking fund had increased to £2,266,418, the net debt being thus £27,680,293, or £572,024 more than it

was in the previous year. This increase of debt is thus explained: Of the Treasury bills which, on the 31st March, 1881, formed a portion of tho public works fund, Bales to the amount of £431,300 have taken place. These bills had teen taken up in 1881, with money standing to the credit of that fund, as there was then a large balance not wanted for immediate expenditure requiring temporary invest ment. They have now been sold, and the proceeds paid into tho public works t.xsi as money was required for works author' ised by the Parliament. The debt haa also been increased during the year by further advances, amounting to £3G4 700 obtained in London upon the security of the debentures of the loan of 1870 Guaranteed by the Imperial Government' With reference to tho £800,000 Imperial guaranteed debenture, I may, perhaps remind the committee that although in speaking of the amount of public Works fund they are always treated as cash, they have, as a matter of fact, never been sold but are used to provide a working balance to save interest by borrowing upon them from time to time only such sums as are required according to the state of the public works fund. I may mention, on the other hand, that the debt has practically been reduced during the year by the addition of £209,176 to tbe accumulated sinking fund, to which has to be added £14,800 for debentures of the North Otago district public works loan of 1872, re deemed. Tho net increase in the total amount of the debt being thus, as I have said, £572,024.

.SAVINGS BANKS AND GOVERNMENT INSUB-

ANCE DEPARTMENT.

Before I proceed, Mr Hamlin, to sum up the financial results ot tho year 1881-82, it may not be out of place for me to state a few facts in. connection with the Govern ment Savings Bank and. the Life Insurance Department, by way "of illustrating the steady progress of the colony, the rapid advancement of these institutions, and growth of habits of prudence amongst tha people during the last 10 years. Tn 1871, with a population of 266,986, the amount standing at the credit of open accounts in the Government. Savings Bank was £357,654. These ac counts were 10,549 in number, and the average amount at the credit of each was £33 18s Id. In the Savings TJank, estab lished under "The Havings Bank Act, 1858," the total amount at the credit of depositors on the 31st of December, 1871, was £97,312, distributed over 3,726 ac couots, the average amount at credit being £26 2s 4d. There was thus a total sum of £454,967 in the Savings Bank in 1871 to the credit of 14,275 persons, the average amount for each being £31 17s sd. On the 31st of December, 1881, the population of the colony was 500,919. There were 51,008 open accounts in the Govern ment Savings Hanks, aggregating in amount to £1,232,788, or an average of £24 3* 4d at credit of each. In other Savings Bank, there were, on the same date, 10,046 open accounts, the total amount at credit being £316,727, or an average of £31 17s Id for each account. The total amount of deposits in the Savings Banks in the colony at the end of the year 1831 was, therefore, £1,549,515, belonging to 61,054 depositors, with an average of £25 7s 7d'to the credit of each, as against £454,966 in 1871, and 14,275 depositors, with an average of £31 17s sd, the population during the ten years intervening have increased from 266,986 to 500,910. These figures are well worth the careful consideration of hon. members. They show the remarkable extent to which the advantages of the Savings Banks are being taken by the people for whose benefit they were es tablished, the papulation having barely doubled itself since 1871, while the num ber of depositors has increased nearly five fold:. Intimately connected with the sub ject of the prudential savings of the com munity are the questions of life assurance and the growth of the Government- Insurance Department. Established in 1870, at a time when public confidence in many English'assurance companies was severely shaken, and with the avowed object ot giving to the assured the abso lute security of the colony, the department has since exhibited' a progressive advance ment which warrants the statement that the experiment sanctioned by the Legisla ture twelve years ago has now been proved a complete success. This scheme may be justly described as the only successful in stitution of the kind set on foot by any Go vernment, and ihe example thus offered has attracted the attention of various other colonial Governments, and also the Indian Government. The premiums wero from the first fixed at what were deemed the lowest rates commensurate with a proper re gard to safety, and without any idea of pro fit bonuses. But notwithstanding these low charges, careful management, together with the favourable influences of a healthy climate and comfortable social conditions, have produced results more satisfactory than was anticipated. The business of the department ia the first ten years of its existence produced a profit of £77,000, as shown by the valuation report of the London actuaries, which was laid before Parliament last session. The business done has increased from 460 policies is ued up to June, 1871, insuring £206,000, to a total of 16,900 policies is.ued during the eleven years ending June, 1881, insuring upwards of £5,800,000, being equal to au annual average of 1500 policies insuring fully £500,000 each year during the period. The business of the year now approaching its close, will, lam informed, considerably exceed that average, and probably reach £600,000. The growth of the assurance fund is not iess satisfactory than has been the progress of the annual business. From a sum of £5,000 in hand in June, 1871, the accumulated f and by June, 1881, had expanded to ever £557,000, and now it has reached nearly £650,000. Agreeably to the wishes of Parliament, as expressed last session, an indus trial branch, enabling persons to in sure their lives for sums ranging from £3 upwards, by means of weekly pay. ments, was opened in the early part of March last. During the thirteen weeks which have since elapsed, 2100 industrial policies have been issued. The average amount insured for all ages is about £25 per policy ; for adult lives, about £55. Asia the ordinary branch of the department, so also in the industrial branch, any surplus profits which may arise will be divided amon»s.t the assured—a provision which is quite a novelty iv what is termed industrial assurance. To facilitate the payment of small quarterly premiums, there -will be provided cards on which postage stamps can be affixed until the amount of the quarterly premium is reached, and the cards can then be deposited in the posi offices, where credit will be given for tho premiums they represent. Arrangements are al-o being completed by which the Rost offic^ Savings Bank depositors may make payment ofpremiums out of their depo sits, by means of an instruction to the postmasters for that purpose, thus saving trouble and sccuriogthemaintenanceof the policy. These facts and statistics show thp remarkable growth, and still increasing pro gress of the department, whiGh is evidently supplying a great public want, and is now so far advanced that, the Government, as I have on former occasions mentioned to the House, have decided to ask Parliament to place it under the conduct of a board. A Bill to carry this object into effect has been prepared, and placed before members. Before leaving the subject ot life insurance I may offer a few additional figures, showing tho remarkable stimulus [given to that form of family pro vision since the establishment of the Go vernment scheme in 1870. The number of life policies in force in New Zealand in that year was 2,000, insuring about £1,000,000. Last year there were In force, in round numbers, 24,000 policies, insuring. £8,300,000, of which more than one-half is insured in the Government Department. This gives an increase for the period of 22,000 policies, and £7,300,000 in the amount assured, or eleven times the num ber of persons, and more than seven times the sum insured in the colony eleven years ago. .

(Continued on fourth page.)

POLICE COURT.-This day.

Drunkenness—Four persons wore punished tor this oil onto.

DisonßDiKNaff.-John Filmer, on warrant. • was ohar&od with amtinued dleobedienoe on board tho Kuergy at Kaipara during the present month—Prisoner was brought down by Con ?^ b T1!-,n a.?.^ Mn-^ r Thoo' Cooper appeared 10 .-_°£ n i,mer. and asked for an adjournment until Monday, when ho would be in a position to SSaSft*^ ? asB—Mr Pardy atated the case, bnt Sfmtviflneohroumßtanoes, would not object to a ££&«*££ £ otbeyond Monday, as a further n!n£?n _ an°^7 lnconvenienoe the n^i_\ t«« d? rend?nt. an .experienced oook. odjootad to work, and strutted about tho deok, 3 n°? ? oommander—Re -5£ ma »u„ ni U Monday uponireasoaable ball, Rra/L t? 8 Baraty ln the same amount, SaXSw B*' was charged with feloniously AU-(lS,_ £ a • J thQ 10th Ociober, 1868. wnS^n"!^' ¥ T ermer huaband. H? Kelly, being then alive—Mr <hoo. X Wooarod for defendant-Mr Pardy tbi ough, and as ho was not fully prepared with tho necessary evldenco, ho woufdWfor a re- L mand for at least 8 days. HemanSed until Sat urday nox t, On tho application of Mr Cooper. %Km%% ™ admUted t0 hall, in two auretieS of

HK&sa&'ss&sr «*««

THE AUCKiiAFD EYEFLTO STAR.' SATURDAY. JUKE IT



1 UH KECJSIVED Xx Crownthorpe and Arabella, and Late Arrivals, large shipments of bru bs.b3ls and t a pck bst r x •■■.'■.-■••.-. (Qarpkts, i ■ (AM. HEW PATTEBNS). A Splendid Assortment ot Frenoh and English CRETONNES. '~,:. LACK AND NET CURTAINS In Great Variety. Brass and Iron bedsteads and Cots. iron venetian blinds ' ' ' (all colours), VERANDAH BLINDS. PERAMBULATORS FURNITURE ot every description In stoclt and made to order. INSPECTION INVITED, WINKS AND DT ALL, wholesale and retail cabinetmakers and upholsterers, and oakpet warehousemen, Shortland-street. Jjl R O M THIS DATE, . . . ,5 PKR OKNT 5 Will be Allowed / ' ON ALL CASH PURCHASES FROM Qua Pound And Upwards, J, COSGRAVE & CO. -UJI H A V E X E C E I V£ D A LARUE QUANTITY OF L. n ,„, "DLAOK pLOTH T : j Posohabisd Cotap, at the end of the , . SEASON. THRY WILL Bit OFFERED AT LOW PRICES. | J f CO3»"AVE &; Qq



Special Advertisements. Ttyr E D I C. *• A L, DH. SOHWARZBACH may be Ognsulted " tor Si senses of the KYB. EAR, and THROAT, i X Albert Park (Mrs Splers's). Princes-street. « Anokland. Hours: From 10 to L R IB B O N g R ' RIBBONS R I RIBBONS I B RIBBONS B B RIBBONS B O RIBBONB O N RIBBONS N S. RIBBONS 8. RIBB O N S WILLIAM RATTRAY, DRAPER AND CLOTHIER, 178, 180, & 182, QUBBN-STBEKT, AUCKLAND. Has Bought a Manufaotubeb's Btcok or RIBBONS ) AT ( RIBBONS RIBBONS f VitKY ) RIBBONS RIBBONS I LOW ) RIBBONS RIBBONS) PKICBS, (RIBBONS WHICH WILL BE BOLD AT PRICES HITHERTO UNHEARD OF IN AUCKL&ND. SAMPLES BENT OK APPLICATION. FIRST SHOW DAY OF THESE GOODS ON Monday. 19th Junk. New Zealand For Clothing Faotory New Zealand ooxtrrv Clothing Factory NewzlSland Q™trnr' clothing Faotory New Zealand For Oothng Factory New Zealand Stxle, ° o'hjng Fao ory NewZeßland ' Clothing Faotory N.w Zealand *ot Clothing Faotory New Zealand Vabiett. Clothing Faotorj New Zealand _. 0 ot h tag Faotory New Zealand ffor Clothing Factory New Z .aland Value, Clothing Faotory OUR MANUFACTURES CANNOT BE EXCELLED! THE YEARLY DECREASING DEMAND IS THE MOST SATISFACTORY PROOF OT PUBLIC! APPRECIATION I TWO PRIZE MEDALS and' CERTIFICATE OF MERIT awarded at Chbibtchurch Exhibition, TRY OUR CLOTHING MADE OF THE CELEBRATED MOSGIEL TWEED 1 Yon Will Get None Better 1 Anokland Branoh: New Zealand Qoebn-strbet, Clothing Faotory New Zealand opposite SI 0'!.!118 *abY> ty New Zealand _. __ZZrZ" _~ Clothing Faotory New Zealand Theatre Royal; clothing Faotory ITew Zeaonb and at Clothing Kaotory New Zealand Albert-street. Clothing Faotory New Zealand Tnames. Clothing Factory New Zealand — Clothing Faotory New Zealand J. Fitziimons, Clothing tfaotory New Zealand Branch Clothing Faotory NewZsaland Manager. Clothing Factory rpHORNTON, SMITH AND FIRTH HAVE FOR SALE ! i Crown ' Floor, In saoks, lOffaand 60'a "Champion",, „— „ ' „ "Cantab' „ ~ Sharps Bran Fowl Wheat Whauf Mill, Anokland OA V THREE MONTH SI I have lost Opened Two Cases cf EIGHT DAY MARBLE CLOCKS. They aie In the W indo w, marked in plain figures. Taken home free of cost, and you need not pay for them till yon are satisfied tbey go correctly hay three months). From 60s to £710;. F. H. LBWIBBON, Watchmaker, opposite Union Bank, Anokland! -AM U F F Sill We have just opened np a beautiful lot o MUFFS, very tasty and very cheap, bavlni bought a Job la London. Thoy are trlmmoc with Fur and Satin, ornamented with Crewe work, have pookets, and are a very oonvenien size. WiU be sold aulokly at the price they an marked. GARLICK & CRANWELL. iMARLICK & riRABWELI Are now selling very cheap, WINTER DRAPERY— , Large Assortment Dress Goods Boantlf ul Fast Dye Velveteens Moire Antique Groa Grain Silica Ulster cloth and N. Zealand Tweeds X PER CENT. DISCOUNT on Cash Purohauei *-> of £1 upwards. WINTER MILLINERY and FANCY TRIMMINGS- Winter Jackets, Dolmans Ulsters, Winter Hosiery Gloves, and Ribbons. 5 PER CENT. DISCOUNT on Purchases Of £ upwards. WINTER BLANKETB- Tho ' Roslyn' Blanket, the best Colonial maki 'ROBlyn' Hlnnnels, superior to Kngllsh English Blankets, various makes X PER CENT. DISCOUNT on Cash Payment '~f £ I upwards. CRKTONNES-A Beautiful Assortment. 8d t< ' 3s per yard The 'Cabal' Curtain, very handaomo moderate prloe Cretonne Tassels and Trimmings 5 PER CENT. DIBCOUNT. S PER CENT. DISCOUNT. MEN'S AND BOYS* CLOTHING- Sults. Trousers and Vests, well made Cheap line. Men's Beaver Overcoats Cheap lot Men's Witney Overcoats Best Value In Clothing In Town GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE- Immense variety Bedroom Furniture one Bedsteads. Bedding kept ready for delivery Carpets, over 100 patterns to aeieot fron Linoleum and Oil Cloths, FURNISH SOUR HOUSE FROM THE CITi HALL ARCADE. BUY YOUR DRAPERY AND CLOTHINC FROM THB CITY HALL ARCADE. 5 PER CENT. DISCOUNT ALLOWED OFI OABH PRIDES. (jTARLICK & C/RANWELL OABINETMAKBRS. UPHOLSTERERS, DRAPERS, AND CLOTHIERS, CITY HALL ARCADE. Queen and Lobnk-btreets, Anokland, GrRBAT Clearing-out Sali OF WINTER DRESS GOODS WINTER DRESS GOODS j WINTER DRESS GOODS MANTLES MILLINER? MANTLES MILLINERS MANTLES MILLINER! AND GENERAL DRAPERY -; GENERAL DRAPERY ' GENERAL DRAPERY PREVIOUS TO STOCK-TAKING, JQNTIRE STOCK REDUCED. Also. TEN i PER CENT, (or TWO SHILLINGS in the Pound) DIBCOUNT allowed on all CASH PURCHASES OVEH One Pound. -7 THIS Clearing Sale TO LAST Six Weeks oni,y After which no DISCOUNT WILL BE ALLOWED. J^INABURY & nO„ Mi t. m, UKEN-STREET,



Speoial Advertisements. , A B O V E ALL. The Largest. Best nnd Cheapest Btook ot • WATOHKH in New Zealand, all In my window, and marked in plain figures, F. H. LEWWSON. Qnwn-street; Opposite Union Bans.