SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

Blanche, schooner, Young, from Aitutaki

DEPARTURES.

Ladybird, a ?, for the South Hawea, as, for the South

EXPORTS.

Per Southern Cross: 4 cases lamp chimneys, 1 bundle forks, 3 cases iron safes, 5 casks plaster of paris, 2 drnms tarps, 2 kegs i _<ls, 6 camp ovens, 12 iron pots, 1 cask oil ; 1 cask filters, 2 cases fenders, 1 bundle axe bandies 1 coil rope, 2 cases and 2 casks r jnmongery, T and S Morrin

** The s 8 Hawea. 461 tons, F. Wheeler, commander, left the Onehunga wharf to-day for Southern ports. She crossed the Manukau bar at 12.55. Passengers : Mr and Mrs i-treet, Mr and Mrs Bateman, Mr and Mrs Berry, Mr and Mrs Wat on and child, Mrs Graham and 4 children, Mrs Peters and 2 children, Mrs Cork and child, Mrs White, Mrs Bugd en. Miss McDougaU, Miss Crossley, Mnster McNeish, Messrs Heboadon, Ryder, Richards, F W and C C Hurat. McDonald, Featherstone. Pritchard, Way, Woodward Orr, Rich, McLachlan, E M and R Dickey, Evans, .Richmond Anthony. Campbell, Sonen, W and T Gilbert. Rev B X Taylor, and Evening Neios staff- Si G Henderson, B Provo, W Walker. H Ball, T Corbett, A Foster —Henderson and Macfarlane, agents The schooner Blanche, Captain Young, arrived from Aitutaki yesterday evening with a cargo of Island produce.

IMPORTANT UNRESERVED SALE OF THE LATE WILLIAM MORRIN'S PROPERTY.

Messrs Cochrane and Son held a large sale of properties to-day at their Fort-street mart with the following results : Hobson-street, allotments 3 and 4, £3 5s per foot. 6, corner of Hobson-street, £3 ; 9 and 10, £2 10s ; part of lot 18, between Hobson and Pitt streets, £3 2s 6d; 6 Vincent-street, £1 5s ; 18 19, 20, by Hepburn-street, £1 3s; part of -allotment in Victoria and Chapel-street, with two shops and dwelling houses thereon, £872; 29, frontage to Albert-street, with four-roomed cottage, £32; Upper Queen street, various lots at £1 per foot; 17, 30s ; 18. 18s ; 19 to 22, 16s ; 23 and 24, 21s ; 25 to 28, 7s ; 35 and 36, 7s ; 37, 12s ; 41, 8s ; 42 £1 18s ; 31, frontage to East-street, £53 ; lots 1 to 7, corner of College and Franklin roads, £500 ; South Newton, lots 6 and 7, £29 ; lots 41 and 42, Springbank, 8s per foot; Remuera. 11, £50 per annum ; 15, £86 ; 5 and 7, £38 ; Harp of Erin Hotel, purchased we understand by Messrs E. and H. Isaacs, £330 ; Okara, 29, Is 4d per acre ; 44, Wa ngarei, 5s per acre; Bay of Islands, 106 acres, ss. per acre ; 158, Mongonui, front ing the beach, 17s 6d per foot; lots 7, 3, 4, and 10 in the Manukau, opposite the landing-place, £5 each.

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS.

Tw« Hobson Minstrel-' entertainment last evening, In noint of number., was not equal to expectation. The performances, however, were very pleasing and satisfactory to theaudience. The overture* were played 'cry effectively by the Misses Hayles, who have been thorou .hly trained in the science of music, and are little wonders in their line. Miss Hood a young lady « ._ plve summers, g»ve much promise in the sweet ««i__f_-L"«Leaf by Leaf the Roses Fade." Mr F. BKofnpipe wa7mueh praised; also the character -. »wii rtancas of Messrs Bertie and Rice. Mr IT Hull sanglhe ba.l_d " The Blind Girl's Dream." Mr Peton created quite a sensation and received Wtvand well-deserved .cheers for Ms unique per ?nrmanc°s. Mrs Hertz presided at the piano. At morning. " -._ f ~-~..-n a <- last nieht at the Prince of Both pieces were M§£g c daL of the " Perlons evening the vW«^ , and with Buit a ble Family w. n}, Dfel®S;>in winning success. The ■ceneiy Wjfch«H^»Yt a _enart £ this standard whole of the "present Mrs Del piece. Miss O^tT^ooTga will^|P™° ergonate the maine, and Mi.s Jennie Nye wm "^ will attractive character of Bmm^^a« e» be abiy exhibited by Mr Lawrence. ,I^^ will show up as b o ?£f^portr»y Murphy ample justice, while Mr G°™?*™_X th consummate Magnire, tne humourous ™$™^£ k !°t he leading judgment. Mr *nd Mrs Comer wms»* SXters^^oonqludJng.^gggJLK-W PiiawolWalw Theatre. ■■■■■•^"^ ,_

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows:— For Thames this day at 5.30 pm, and to-morrow at noon For Coromandel on Friday at 10.30 a m For Wangarei, Russell, Wangaroa, andMongonui, per lona, on Monday at 4 p m Per Cyphrenes. on Saturday, 18th inst, as under":— For Fiji, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies at 8 p m For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 8 p m For money orders and registered letters, at 5 pm Fomewspapers, at Bpm Late letters bearing an extra fee of Gd In addition to the postage, will be received on board by the Mail Agent up to time of sailing. 8. B. BIS 3. Chief Postmaster.

Weston's Wizard Oil and Magic Pills.—Have cured more wonderful cases of Rheumatism. Gout, Neuralgia. Aches Pains, Swellings, Coked Breasts, Scalds, and Salt-Rheum, upon the huflnan frame than all the pretended remedies have since the world began. These Great American Medicines am com posed of vegetable oils healing gums, roots and herbs; and act li tnsim upon pain and inflara mation Price: Ha Sole Agents: Kemp home Proeserand

BIRTH.

WILSON—On December 11, at tho Glasgow Store, Hobson-street, the wife of J T. Wilson, of "Wark worth, Mahurangi, of a daughter.

DEATH.

VAILE—On the 13th December, at The Firs, Kara ngahape Road, Harold Samuel Earle, second son of Samuel and Annie Vailo, aged 6 months.

SAMUEL—At "Woolloomooloo. Sydney, on November 26, of malignant fever, Solomon Clarence, the beloved son of Charles and Kathleen Samuel, aged 6 years.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1875.

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.

Citizens will to-morrow have the privilege of electing their Mayor. For the first time this opportunity is afforded them, and we trust it will not bu a matter of indifference. We have some delicacy in approaching the subject on account of the general esteem in which the two candidates are held, a senti ment in which we cordially share. But in this case the one has had a fair share of office, and we think an unfair and utterly unwarrantable effort has been made to keep him ib office. We do not say that Mr Prime has not a right to be re-elected, or the members of Council to band themselves together to secure that. But we do hold very strong feelings against the too pre valent and growing principle of an assumed vested interest in office and a consequent repugnance by office holders to the intru sion of " Outsiders." It is the damning curse of our civil service and the cause of that intolerable presumption which charac terises the office-holders under the New Zealand Government. When once a man gets admission into that charmed circle he straightens his back and stiffens his upper lip as if all creation was created for the special behoof of his order. We do not say that there has been the least shadow of such presumption on the part of Mr Prime. Every one that knows him knows that it is with him the direct contrary. But we do see the current' principle in the banded hostility of the City Council to "outsiders," and the determination that no "outsider" shall pre side in Council. If we did not know that the present Council consists of gentlemen who deservedly enjoy the confidence Of their fellow citizens, we would imagine that some hanky-panky work was brewing, with which a stranger should not meddle. But while this is not imagined we assert that the in troduction of a Mayor from the outside by the hands of citizens direct, may, at some future time, have an excellent effect in the prevention or correction of an abuse. But entirely irrespective of this, Mr Prime has had a fair share of office. He has fulfilled the duties with assiduity and success, and can with credit retire. ..This should be a prize open to all citizens, and on this account alone, if there were none other, the principle of re-election is bad. And when we see the tendency of human nature in office, to acquire fancied rights of office, and to look with contempt on "outsiders," and when we see in this particular case the determin ation to keep out Mr Tonks, because he is an "outsider," we do not hesitate to call on our fellow citizens to come forth to the polling place, and nip this evil of officialism in the bud. We do think it would be graceful for Mr Prime to retire. It would be proper and becoming. A fcmx pashs& been made in the manner of his candidature. From that he can be gracefully withdrawn* If not,

one of two results will occur both unpleasant. Eilher he will be defeated bjr Mr Tonks, which is more than likely. Or, if the victory is obtained over the " outsiders," there will be a soreness caused among citizeps by the successful intriguing of the Council, the evil of which will not end to-day nor to-morrow. And there is no need for this. Let the citizens elect their man on the first occasion allowed. And then if Mr Tonks does not behave himself, but becomes rowdy in the chair, the Council can, with a good grace, for ever after close the door against "out-

siders."

" Viator." Our space precludes the inser tion of such lengthy election squibs as yours. And we may as well take this opportunity of referring to electioneering letters which the forthcoming conflict is sure to bring forth. Such letters we shall not be able to insert except as advertisements. However our inclinations may tend it would be invidious to accept one and reject another, and the simplest course, before blood gets hot, is to make notification that during the struggle, all electioneering letteis, squibs, Ac., can be inserted only as advertisements. At- the same time we shall ba happy to receive letters, not for publication, but as sugges tions of particular views which possibly we may embody in our columns. Holding as we do, that any man is a traitor to his country, and deserves the scorn of his fellow citizens who gives the smallest sympathy or encour agement to any professed or secret supporter of the Government, and believing that the cause of Sir George Grey and the Opposition is the cause of righteousness, and truth, and patriotism, we shall take the opportunity of unreservedly expressing our own opinion. But our enthusiastic friends of the same persuasion, and its opponents too, will kindly accept our thanks for their intended contri butions, and our respectful declinature by anticipation.

Sir, —I observed in your columns last evening a notification of a bazaar being held in aid of the establishment of a croquet ground for a school in this city. Without being desirous of fault-finding, I should be glad to know the result of the previous entertainment given for the same object, and how many more of them will it take to set the croquet ground afloat, and how many more for the purpose of purchasing a croquet set. —Yours, Curio.

The successive " break-ups" in connection with the schools of Auckland are about to commence, and the children already are rejoicing in the prospect of " Home for the Holidays."' To-morrow evening the High r school bazaar and scholars entertainment wiil be given, and the various prizes given to the most successful scholars by the children's friend, Sir George Grey, K.C.B. The High school has been successfully conducted for a long time by Mrs. Shayle George, who pro posed the bazaar for tho purpose of providing a croquet-ground for the yoUng ladies. The ornaments and articles of use have been worked specially by the schools, and many of them possess indications both of talent and taste.

An open meeting of the Pioneer Juvenile Temple, 1.0. G.T., will be held in the Young Men's Christian Association rooms, Wellesley street, this evening, at half-past seven, when recitations, songs, etc., will help to make the evening pass away pleasantly.

The hot sultry weather has now set in and has compelled an exchange of clothing ; the lrdies have put on their light summer hats and ganzy dresses, while the gentlemen have crowned themselves with white hats and butterfly coats. This weather, in some respects, is very pleasant to persons who have nothing else to do than sit in the shade of trees and dream by shady streams ; but while the change brings pleasures, it is also fraught with warnings in relation to health. Hence it behoves every pemon in considera tion of the public good to pay special regard to the law. of health by keeping their houses and back premises clean and free from every thing of an injurious nature.

On removing the flooring of the old houses near the Bank of New Zealand in Queen street, a very disagreeable smell was percep tible to the workmen engaged in the work of demolition, and beneath was descovered a pool of offensive, stagnant water, strong enough to breed a pestilence. The reputed unhealthiness of the place was no longer a mystery, nor was it remarkable that death should have been busy in such pestilential dwellings.

The new cutter Catherine,* built by Mr John Waymonth for Mr Widdowson, for the Lucas Creek Ferry, was launched yesterday at Freeman's Bay. The said boat is of light draught of water, good carrying and sailing, eleven tons measurement, and in size 32 feet long, 9 feet six beam, and 3 feet 3 deep. The boat was drawn from Union-street by

horses, and the launch attracted a large con course of people.

The splendid band of the Hobson's, nnder the conductorship of Mr McComish, played some lively airs last evening in Mr Dignan's paddock, and subsequently on the wharf, in consequence of the serious illness of constable Moar, who was so brutally used some time since in Victoria-street.

The distribution of prizes at the Auckland College, will take place this evening at seven o'clock. The parents and friends of pupils are invited. There will be the usual programme of songs and recitations by the pupils, and at the conclusion a spelling bee for a special prize. The Rev. F. Gould of Otahuhu, has this year conducted the ex amination of the High School. Miss Taylor's breaking up party will take place on Friday evening next.

The members of No 3 Company A.R. V., are requested to attend monthly inspection parade to-morrow evening, at half-past seven o'clock.

Mr S. MoDermott, photographer, has taken a carte-de-visite of the design prepared by Mr J. Meek of Commodore Goodenough's dying words. The design, it will be remem bered, was exhibited at the Artists' Exhibi tion and is worthy of a place in every home. The photograph is very well executed.

The discussion at the Harbour Board yes terday on the dock question, resulted in Mr Buchanan's motion, being carried in an amended form, as follows :—" That the WorktJ Committee request a competent engineer to estimate the cost of making a large dock at Calliope Point." An amend ment by Mr Mays, "that words '380 ft.' be substituted for «3Coft.,' the words ' 19ft.' for ' 12ft., 5 in clause 2of the report," which was put and lost.

The committee of St. John the Baptist Church, Parnell, held a special meeting on Sunday last, the Very Rev. H. J. Fynes presiding, for the purpose of presenting a testimonial to Mr J. Burns, previous to his departure for the United States. Mr Burns has resided in Auckland for 21 years, and has been an active member of the congrega tion and of the committee, which has taken this pleasing mode of wishing him God-speed. Mr J. Fitt, secretary, made the presentation on behalf of the committee and in doing so gave expression to the sentiments which were generally entertained towards Mr Burns, who suitably acknowledged the compliment. The address was written on vellum by theVeryßev Father Fynes, and was accompanied by a handsomely bound, heavy gilt illuminated prayer book. Mr Burns leaves for San Francisco by the Cyphrenes and takes with him the good wishes of all who have been acquainted with him in Auckland.

We have received as donations for the family in distress mentioned in last Evening Star.—Mr R. Arthur, 20s; Mrs Alexander, Mr Matthews, 10s; Mr ThosSoppet, 10s; Sympathy, 6» i Mr Bwwne, 2s 6d t

We are obliged, by pressure on our space, to hold over articles on yesterday's proceed ings in the Harbour Board, and on matters political. .

TO JAMES MACANDREW, ESQ., SUPER INTENDENT OF OTAGO.

" Let me paddle my own canoo." Mn. Maoandkkw, log

Sir,—l have read your pamphlet and speeches with sincere regret. Stripped of its very flimsy covering, your proposal that each Island shall provide for its own peace, order, and'good Government, by constituting two or four provinces under one Federal Govern ment, may be summed up in one word, selfishness. Apart from its utter selfish ness your experience of the currents and tendencies o£ New Zealand politics ought to have convinced you that the carrying into effect of such a proposal would, after a long and costly struggle, inevitably develope a similar result to that which you deplore. The very subjects you propose to place under Federal control, together with the certainty that the most accomplished men having the greatest legislative ability, would gravitate to the Federal Legislature, would utterly destroy any merely provincial or insular legislatures* but with thegi-eat disadvantage that the narrow selfish spirit, chai'acteriSti'-of all merely local or provincial administrations would be much more developed than now. Possibly you may deny that any such narrow, exclusive, selfish spirit exists at all ; permit me to point out to you one sufficient instance, viz the appropriation of the dcjure land revenue of the colony —to the use of Canterbury and Otago. Could therepossibly be found a greater anomaly than that one portion of a colony have should an overflowing revenue, whilst another, and the larger portion, is destitute of the means for providing for one of the greatest wants of a community—education. One instance will, I think, be sufficient. The other day the Auckland Education Board asked the modest sum of £20,000 to provide, in some sort, school-houses for the whole province, whilst during the last two years £32,000 had actually been expended on pro viding three school-houses in the city of Christchurch alope. You will probably remind me that whilst the so-called ' com pact,'by which the land revenue was diverted from its original channel of colonial revenue, was under .discussion, you screnuously opposed it. In that you did well; you then displayed the true legislative faculty, and gave evidence of the possession of the rare and lofty qualities characteristic of a true statesman. How is it, then, that you have since learned another and a meaner philo sophy ? Can it be that the long possession of these spoils has degraded you to the rank of a merely local politician,—a superintend ing beadle of a parish,—careful only for his own district, but totally regardless of the welfare of the colony at large ? Has Otago become to you more than New Zealand ? If so, you supply a striking and melancholy instance of the dwarfing and demoralizing effects of the Provincial system, and offer in your own person a warning that cannot safely be disregarded. As to the deplorable results which may be expected to follow the restoration of the Provincial system writ large which you propose, permit me to commend, with great respect, these considerations to your careful atten tion. Notwithstanding the evident evil in fluence Provincial administration has had upon your naturally high qualities as a states man I do not care to believe that you will, after all, decide to paddle your own canoe rather than assist in navigating the colony through the stormy and difficult period which probably awaits her. I cannot believe that you will deliberately dismantle and then break up our noble colonial ship to fit out a a few provincial privateers, which, before long, may be expected to turn their guns against each other. In any case I think there is enough good sense and true states manship in Otago and the colony at large to prevent the perpetration of so suicidal an act. It is not for the advantage of this colony that

it should be broken up into sections. Otago has been largely governed by the Scotch, and Auckland as largely by the Irish. Otago was rescued to some extent, and beneficially so.

from what used to be called the " Old Identity," by the irruption of what was termed the " New Iniquity" in 1860. Now,

no one will deny that Scotchmen possess many valuable qualities, and Irishmen many brilliant ones. But it will not be asserted that either of theso nationalities in the long ages of the past have alone developed those grand Imperial characteristics indispensable for the creation of a great nation. But, fused with the solid and generous qualities of the English race, itself a fusion of Celtic, Roman, and Teutonic blood, I see no reason to doubt that the three great strains of English, Scottish, and Irish blood will ultimately raise this colony to the rank and power of a great nation. Such a result is what every sensible colonist, yourself in cluded, desires to see. Should, however, your narrow Provincial predilections influence yon so far as to impel you to break up the colony in order that you may continue selfishly to appropriate the land revenue which you admit to be colonial revenue de jure, I warn you that yon will be defeated. For the coming elections will show even you that the red herring cries of Separation or I'ederation will not any longer avail to keep the land revenues of the colony for the ex clusive use of Canterbury and Otago. The great majority of the electors of Auckland, Wellington, Napier, Taranaki, Nelson, Marlborough, and Westland mean at last to have their rights of which they have, been so long unjustly deprived. In the coming struggle there will be but one plain issue to be settled, " One Colony, One Revenue," That is the question which the great majority of the electors of the colony will decide against you in accordance with common sense, common justice, and sound policy. — I am, Sir, your obedient servant, J. C. Firth.—[We shall comment on this to-mor row.—Ed. U.S.]

SUPREME COURT.—Sittings in Banco.

(Before his Honor Mr. Justice Gillies.)

ADMISSION TO THE BAR,

On the motion of Mr. MacOormick, Mr. Robert Browning was admitted a solicitor and barrister of the Supreme Court of New Zealand.

His Honor remarked that Mr. Browning had passed a most creditable examination.

MACFEARLANE V. LOCKHAKT.

This was a motion for a new trial in the case of the Provisional Trustee against Lock hart, arising out of the sale of the effects of Mr Bartlett, photographer, to Mr. Lockhart, a transfer which was disputed as fraudulent by the Provisional Trustee when the estate fell into the Bankruptcy Court. A-rule nisi had been granted at a previous sitting of the Court, and Mr. Hesketh now appeared in support of the rule, and Mr. Rees to oppose. After argument, his Honor reserved judg ment.

Fifty Beautiful Designs to Choose From. A large shipment of carpets just un packed, and now added to the very exten sive stock on view at the City Hall at prices to suit both rich and poor. Tapestry and Brus sell, from 2s 9d to 7s; very handsome hearth rugs to match. Curtains of every description from 3s lid to 555. Extra Good Value in Sheetings and Quilts just to hand. Holloway and Garlick now supply all kinds of Bedding, Mattresses, Palliasses, and Pillows ; good Feather Pillows at 83 6d. Carpets laid by a skilled hand free of charge. Job Line in Passage Floor Cloth (4s 6d quality, slightly damaged) at 23 6d to 3s. Floor Cloths from 2to 24feet wide cut and laid down. Pay a visit to Holloway and Garlick's Furnishing Room, City Hall, and nee the cheapest goods in town. ,;

General Elections.

The elections already announced by the Returning Officers, are as follow :— CITY "W_BT—Two seats; nomination, December 22 ; polling, December 28 ; poliiog place, Young Men's Christian Association Hall. Candidates: Kir George Grey and Mr P» tiick Digoan. CITY BAST—One seat; nomination, December 23 ; polling, December 30; pollicg place, Mechanics Institute. Candidates: Messrs W. L. Rees and J M Clark. __ . '! NEWTOM—One seat; nomination, December __ ; polling, January 4 ; polling place, ISewton Academy. Candidate :Mr W. Swanson. PARNELL—One seat; nomination, December SI: polling, January 7 ; polling place, Public Hall, Parncli. Candidate: Mr Reader Giison Wood WAIT KMAT _.— One seat; nomination, January 10, at Devonport Hall ; polling, January 19; polling places: The Devonport Hall. North Shore ; R;ud s Residence, Stokes" Point; Deacon's Htore, River head ; Gibbon's Mill, Hula; Public Hall. \yh*\_ . I Henderson's Mill, Great North Road; Store where Court and Highway Board sits, Wade; The • ourt house, Helens, ille ; Public store, Lucas's Geek ; Kaubapakapa Public Hall Candidates. Messrs J. S. Macfarlane, T. Henderson, W. J. Hurst, and Dr. Lee; _ ONEHUNGA—One seat ; nomination, Decembers ; pilling, January 5 ; polling place. Court-house, Onehunga. Candidate :Mr G. M. O'Rorke EDEiV—One spat; nomination at Public Hall, New market, December 30 * polling, January 6; polling places, Nevr market Pnblic Hall, Panmure Police Station, and Whaii Public ti all. Candi dates • Messrs J. T. Boylan, A. K. Taylor, and H. Carleton. i . „ ERANKLItf — Two Feats ; nomination at Public ban, OMmhu, January 1'),; polling, January 18I; polling places: .public Ball, Otahuhu; Court house, Howicb ; Coutt-honse, Papakura; Court house, Waiuku ; fctchool-liousie, Fok_no ; Public, Hall, Walroa; Buckland's Flaxmill, PuK. kohe; Volunteer Hall, Patumahoe; Post-office, Bom bay ; i-chool hause, Maketu. Candidates: Massrs H H Lusk, K. Hamlin, J, Crawford, J. May, F. H Troup, W. Goodfellow, and W. Woodward.

HERZEGOVINIAN REBELS.

Two Leaders of the Revolt, Ljubibratich and Peko— Cruelty of the Latter-A Bakbarous Custom— Exhibiting the Heads of Slain Enemies. A correspondent writes from Ragusa, Aus tria, to the New York Herald concerning a visit to the Country occupied by the Herze govinian insurgents :. ( , . In the camp the visitors saw Ljdbibratich and Peko Paulowitch, the chiefs who are best known and do the most effective work in Herzegoyina. Ljubibratich still holds a prominent place among the insurgents, but is not the man to lead them. JETe is a man of remarkably fine presence, of even noble aspect, has command of several languages, and is thoroughly in earnest; but he is rather fitted for a representative of the in snrgents near foreign Governments, for an envoy to explain and apologise for events, than for a chief of this dread band, whose mission is to kill, kill, kill until the terrified Turks will be glad to flee from the country. Ljubibratich has much influence with Peko, who was originally sent from Montenegro to pacify the insurgents and to tell them that the hour had not yet come. Peko found at first that Ljubibratich opposed him and stood in the way of his mission ; so he took measures to have him arrested in Montene gro, when the various heads of the insur rection became so eloquent in behalf oi their cause that Peko himself could wait no longer, but Bent back word to the Prince of Montenegro that he had joined the move ment and could not consent to hear another word about pacifications. It is not to be supposed that this intelligence created any profound silence in the breast of the Prince, who knew that Peko would make havoc among Turks. Peko is A GIANT IN STATURE, Bat his frame was somewhat broken by fa tigue. His knees are bent and his mighty arms have not that wonderful force which they once possessed. Still he would pass anywhere in middle Europe for a giant and a Hercules. He has killed many Turks and cut off their heads in real Montenegro fashion, and he never loses an opportunity to put a bullet into one when he sees one. Peko is eternally smoking a gigantic chibouk when he is not engaged in scouring the country, and he only removes it from his lips to look up slowly yet fiercely at any one who asks him a question, and after several minutes of deliberation to answer in a hoarse voice, ac companied by sweeping, heavy gestures He is a barbarian in appearance, but a noble man at heart. His ferocity is engendered by what he considers the necessity of freeing his countrymen from the Turkish yoke. He would not go out of his way a step to save a Turk from the most horrible tortures. Yet at the same time he would tenderly care for a kid with a bruised leg, and would not willingly harm a fly. He was ssked by the visitors for some circumstantial details of the villages which he ,was reported to have laid waste in this section. He answered with the greatest frankness, stopping laboriously to count on his fingures or on a rude tally board, constructed of little pieces of wood, which he carried at his side, the number of houses burned or of persons killed. After he had recited the fate of a number of villages, he was asked concerning one which he had not mentioned. He looked up at his questioners, then straightening out his right arm he drew it around in a huge circular movement, as much as to say : "The village was razed to the ground." IT WAS PEKO, NOT LJUBIBRATICH, Who volunteered to conduct the visitors to the reliquary which the rude insurgents had formed in a wild nook in one of the mountain passes near the camp. As anyone familiar with the history of Turkey in Europe knows, it has from the earliest time been the custom of victors in battle to cat off the heads of their enemies. The custom prevails to-day, although, of course, to a much more limited extent than in more barbarous times. There are still to be seen, in certain portions of the Turkish Provinces, towers ornamented with the skulls of murdered Christians. At Cittinje in Montenegro, there was for many years, on a rock which overhangs the town, a col lection of Turkish heads always to be seen grinning in ghastly fashion from a small round tower. lb was only a few years ago that this barbarity was suppressed in Montenegro by the viadica danilo. In war time it is easily revived. The insurgents have their temples where they learn to revive the hatred which they feel for their oppressors, and Peko took their visitors to see one of them. It was at the foot of a withered tree that the visitors saw the body of a Turkish nizam, which had been brought from the battle-field below, and had been placed in an upright position. The arm of the dead man was thrown around the neck, and Peko and his companions, forcing it back, showed to the visitors that the man's throat had been cut, and that the gaping wounds were filled with the worms of corruption. There were also heads of Turks here, some thrown care lessly down upon the ground, and others ar ranged with some pretence of artistic skill. The spectacle was one which FROZE THE BLOOD OF THE VISITORS With horror, and against which they could not refrain from remonstrating. Peko heard of their remonstrances with a kind of sat isfied smile, but made no answer to them whatever. As I write this letter, I receive the news that theday before yesterday Peko and his men, in conjunction with the forces under Ljubibratich, fell upon and sur rounded the Turks, guarding a con voy /rom Klek, and routed them com pletely. A Montenegrin, who was in the field, and who arrived here this morning by boat, severely wounded, swears that he saw 65 heads out off, so that friend Peko doubtless -thinks of establishing another reliquary. This barbarity is practiced quite as much for the purpose of filling the minds of the Turkish regulars with terror as for any other reason. Yataghan charges are as fatal to Turkish discipline as the bayonet charges of regular troops are to the valor of savages. When the Montenegrins throw aside their guns, grip their knives and go into battle with a rush, few Turks stand before them. There seems no doubt that the battle of Wednesday, near Klek (at Utowa)—so say the most reliable reports—was character ised by great barbarity. The insurgents do not pwteX-d to tfcko toy prisoner* in feawto.

They finish the wounded by cutting their throats. As for the Turks, they retaliate as much as possible by giving no q*«ter» although they strenuously deny the fact Happily in this latitude the demalof a Turk does not carry much weight with it.

MR. WOODWARD'S VINDICATION.

T ast week we published an article expressive rf^opinion of Mr W. Woodward as a cLdSaSfor Franklin, professing the Grey Steist. We claim no right to say any Ihing respecting the choice of Franklio. Bu? gwe dPo claim some rightito an.opinion resDecting the wearing of the <-*rey colours And this is what Mr Woodward thinks of us and very pluckily says : (To the Editor of the Evening Star). o tR __ As a journalist you are known not to believe in half measures. If you desire to advance the interests of any man, you con vert him, though a very ordinary mortal, s%eX&£&'&_zS£ ti_,r_ B __ this marked peculiarity of the paper ov" tS you presfde, I think I may infer that the article in your issue of the 7th inst in which you do me the honour to attack me contains all that can possibly be •a oaiinst me i and ,what does it 8 nntg to? You admit that Mr "Wood- W in his Address" to the electors of Franklitl " aays.matiy good things, and says +Wm well " You tfa'l bis address "really exceHenT"" You say that for him you have the "greatest esteem." The only fault you can find is that Mr Woodward wa_, a few months a°o. in favour of Abolition, and that now he Kde by side with Sir George Grey That exactly represents my position. I confess to the truth of your accusation. lop nosed Provincialism because I looked upon it as having fallen into a condition unworthy of our support, and now that it» gone I belive the only bar to entire accord between Sir G Grey and myself has been removed. I take up my study of the political situation at thte point and commence anew to re arrange /ay Noughts and re-construct my I see Auckland depressed, JoSbed and intuited, while Southern pro v-nces are prosperous, wealthy at our ex pense! and insolent. I trace this to our want of i^uence in the Assembly ; I attri bute our Peerless condition to the division of our members ; I look around for the help which we sorely need; whence can it be Eed? Not from Wellington. There the commonest justice is denied us {vide Mr. O'Rorke's address.) To whom, then, can we turn if not to our own united influence centred around Sir George Grey ? Now, for this to my mind, reasonable conclusion, 1 am 'held up to ridicule by the fcTAR and called " a daw in borrowed plumes,' anxious to ride on Sir Georga Grey's back. I object to that mode of locomotion as both undig nified and uncomfortable, and I beg to assure you that if my own force cannot carry me I will remain where I am. My address to the electors is a plain outspoken document, giving no uncertain sound, patient thought having resulted in deeply-rooted conviction, and notwithstanding your advice to the contrary it will be circulated widely throughout the constituency I hope to represent. It will doubtless lose me some friends, but it may gain others, and of that number you, sir, ought to be one if you are true to the prin ciples you profess to advocate. Has your own political consistency at all times been so apparent as to enable you to throw stones at me ? I think not. I will only mention one case as an example of your shortcomings in that respect. A few days before the last contested Superintendental election an article appeared in the Star in which your exquisite powers of defamation were exhausted against the late Mr. Williamson. Scarcely had the thunder of your anathema died on our ears when we beheld your name gazetted as a member of his Executive. If he had been the political monster yon chose to represent him, how could you so soon join his staff? You had good reasons doubtless, for what you did, and I make no unfriendly comments on your action? at the same time I claim a right to follow my own convictions, and I regard your criticisms as unfair, unjust, and unworthy of the position you fill in my estimation. — I am, &c, W. Woodward. Mr. Woodward writes an excellent letter, and" tbe points of the foregoing, we cannot help admitting. To our belief in doing what is vulgarly called " going the whole hog," he bears testimony, and we plead guilty to the soft impeachment. To his complimentary allusion to our ability in converting ordi nary human flesh into an angel, or a blackamoor we can only reply by a blush. He asks us to answer for our consistency, which may the gods f orf end. We hold consistency to be the wisdom of fools, the inpregnable stronghold in which a dolt shuts himself up, who feels that he is not safe to be trusted abroad. This is our general principle; and seeing that all things around are m a state of change, that the combinations and circumstances of to-day may be wholly changed to-morrow, we hold that any true man and good colonist should be ready at a moment's notice to meet altered circum stances, being himself true ever to the cause of truth and right. To the eye of the ignorant this is inconsistency. To the eye of common sense it is true consistency. A man who does not alter with altered circum stances is simply a bullheaded and obstinate j man that will never do good to himself or any cause. Referring to the particular case i of alleged inconsistency. It is quite true ' that Mr. Reed, to whom, in this case, Mr. Woodward addresses his reference, opposed the late Mr. Williamson and then joined his Executive. As to '«defamation" of that gentleman, it is denied. Opposition, strong and uncompromising, was given while the the contest lasted. When it was over the persons alluded to shook hands. This, we think, was not unbecoming to either. It was followed by a request to assist in the Executive Council. This was ac companied by a promise that the in vitees cherished convictions would never be tampered with ; a promise that was loyally kept. Whether was better to continue a dogged opposition to Mr Williamson or accept a frank invitation to come in and correct by advice what might be deemed wrong in his policy. To substantiate charge of inconsistency as insinuated, there must have been some abandonment of princi ple. But on education, the police question, &c.,' Mr Reed did not alter his views, nor was he ever asked to. On one point, not of politics or policy, but of a personal kind, he was inconsistent. For he came by close association to learn that in Mr Williamson the people possessed a man of the purest and most disinterested patriotism, and of as gentle and kind a heart as ever beat in human bosom. And if from disliking a man one did not know, to esteeming him when known is inconsistent, then the charge is good. But if adherence to the same princi ples in office, which had been strenuously advocated out of office is consistency, then the charge of inconsistency does,not lay. But returning to Mr Woodward and his vindication of his former opposition and present advocacy of the policy fought for by the Opposition in the House, we affirm that there is a total ohange of front and in suspicious circumstances. There has been no alteration in the policy of Sir George Grey or his party. In their circumstances there is this alteration that whereas at on© time their support was unpopular it Is now the winning card. On the former occasion Mr Woodward was the Champion of centralism and of the Gov ernment. He withstood the apostles of Op position to the face, throwing them into ridicule, by describing them as a r&gged regiment with maty muskets and fixed bayonets, bolting at sight of a policeman. He was know_. as a champion|of the government, and he must show some credentials or some works in evidence of his true conversion

before be is accepted. Our .personal behe_ is that he has simply become a Greyite in the hope of being elected on that ticket for Franklyn. This is the general belief among the supporters of Sir George Grey, and the DartvSutterly renounces him.aud willnot have him at any price. That Mr Woodward is a gentleman of education, talents, and ability,his fetter would show, even if it was not known to all who have the pleasure of his acquain tance : and be is generally and deservedly esteemed and liked. But as a Greyite he is simply a pretender ; and it is only because of our belief of this that we trust he will not press his candidature. He has a perfect right to stand for Franklyn or any other place. But we protest at bis assuming colors that he has no right to wear.

POLICE COURT.—This Day. (Before Mr. J. Hurßt, Esq., J.P.) THE POWER OF ALCOHOL. Edward Lane and William Busby, A.ere brought up this morning for being drunk last night. The men presented a miserable appearance, and were fined 53 each. "GOME OUT, MY BO'S." William Lloyd, was charged under the Vagrant Act with creating a disturbance in Shortland-street. • Prisoner denied the soft impeachment. Sergeant Mulville stated that prisoner last night was drinking in the City Club and challenging a man to fight. Prisoner said, of course, a maD inside wanted to fight him, and he invited him outr side to give him what he wanted. Mr Broham said that the man was in the habit of receiving money from home with which he invariably drank until he was insane, he had been in the Lunatic Asylum four times through excessive drinking. ;__ Prisoner 1 You are wrong, sir, it is five

times. ' _ l Mr Broham : More shame for you. A land-owner from Waiheke here stepped forward and said be would take the prisoner to that little island and take care of him. Prisoner was olio wed to go with his friend. Iff THE STREETS. Jane Jackson was brought up under the Vagrant Act charged with being drunk and disorderly and with having no visible lawful employment. _.'__. The girl admitted being drunk and with a company of sailors in the street, but it was her first offence, and if forgiven, she would go home to her poor mother at Mangere. The bench gave tbe girl a severe lesson and gave her the opportunity of reforming by discharging her. STEALING FLOWERS. "*" Heartless knaves, To steal love _ flowers from dead men's graves." Thomas Hamilton and Michael Kildoff two boys, were charged with stealing flowers from the graves in the Presbyterian Cemetery on the 12th inst, the property of the trustees, value 4s. -, _ _.i. t • Mr J. B. Russell appeared for the boys, and risked the bench to hear the case and dispose o* it in a summary manner. He felt, strongly on the matter and had no sympathy with such offenders. . Mr Hurst said fhe fully appreciated the remarks of the learned counsel, but could not express ghis own feelings in such eloquent terms ; he would however, rather than at tempt to deal with the case, defer it until the appearance of another justice who was expected. ■ ; ■■■ . , Mr Joseph Newman now took his seat on the bench, and the case proceeded. The lads were then brought into court, one fifteen and the other sixteen years of age. Mr Russell said that had there been any technical difficulty in the way of defence he should not have appeared; he said there were numbers of wild flowers growing about the cemetery, but unfortunately there were persons who were not satisfied with wild flowers in a state of nature, but must despoil graves of those flowers which had been planted by the hand of af fection ; he could only say in favour of the lads, that they bore a good character, had pleaded guilty, and expressed sorrow for the offence. They had already suffered punish ment In being locked up all night. Mr Brobam said, that although this was the first instance of detection, he had received many complaints of similar thefts, the boys had stolen geraniums and white roses, for a bouquet, and it was done at six o clock m the morning, he should, however, be sorry to see the boys sent to prison. _ - »- -

Mr Russell said the boys had given 10a to a charitable institution. . The Bench it would take no cognisance of that, and proceeded to consider the punish ment, and decided that if the young men were dismissed, a false impression might go forth to ehe public ; tbe prisoners therefore would be remanded until to-morrow, and had they been under fifteen, the Bench would have ordered a whipping. THE FATHER CAT/GHT. John McManus was brought up on warrant he having failed to comply with an order ot the court to contribute towards the support of his children in the Industrial School. The defendant, who is light and active, gave a considerable amount of trouble to the constable, who at length succeeded m catch ing him behind a beer barrel in an hotel. An order had been made for three shillings per week for each child upon defendant, who upon promising faithfully to pay the amount regularly was discharged. BOBBIBG A TUL. Thomas Flaherty was charged withstealing eight shillings from the .till of the Aurora Hotel, Victoria-street, the property of Patriot: Gleeson, on the 10th inst. _ „ Prisoner said he knew neth* Jg of tne matter, but, supposing he must have taken the money, would plead guilty; he was Mr Broham said he was sorry to see the prisoner in such a position; he was known and maintained a good character. _ Mrs Gleeson had caught him upon his hands and knees in the act of committing the theft; he believed the prisoner was not drunk. This was his first offence. . . Theßench said it would take a lement view of the case under the circumstances, and commit prisoner to prison for one month with hard labour. EDUCATION RATE. John Ray, Daniel Goodwin, and John Gallagher were summoned for non-payment of, the Education rate ; but as they did not appear, they were adjourned until the lbfcn day of January next.

CITY COUNCIL.—This Day.

A meeting of the City Council was held at noon to-day, in accordance with the Act, for the purpose of receiving Mayor's report, and the annual statement of accounts for the past year, ending October 31st. Present: His Worship the Mayor, in the chair, and Councillors, Yon der Heyde, Daldy, Cos grave, Holdship, Hurst, and Buchanan.

MINUTES. , The minutes of the last meeting of the Council were read and confirmed.

mayor's kbport. ... His Worship then read a carefully written report on the work of the Council during the past year in relation chiefly to street im provements, asphalting, gas, fire brigade an other matters under the supervision of the Council, the particulars of which appear in the statements, concluding with an expres sion of gratitude for the kindly assistance he had received during his Mayoral year, and asking for the same to him or his successor for the coming year. v* j The report was unanimously recewd. . statement, of accounts Z&^jJ) The statement of accounts were then introduced, bnt as each »esjt aj|? the Council had perused them, it^* sJ \/^' sidered necessary .to read them. ." -« £, CouncillotCosgrava moted> and Oouno-Uor Buchanan seconded;

THE Ev_Ml.<_ STAR, WEDNESDAY, DEOBKBiat 15,1875 -_-__--..--■,.,. __-_. »,



rPKADE NOTICE. The undersigned call the attention of the trade to their NEW GOODS, NOW LANDING, Ex Stab of Gebmant, the same having been Carefully selected by our English and Continental Buyers, and suitable for the present season. M. LE V V & CO., 23 r Queen-street. "YOU CAN BUY CHEAP CLOTHING, and A GOOD FIT, AT THE 183- CITY HALL, "_* Silk Dust Coats 12/6 Boys' Holland Tunic Suits, 6/11 Boys' Knickerbocker do, from 12/- Men's Tweed Suits, 35/ Boys' and Youths' Tweed Suites, 25/ Men's Oolonial Tweed Trousers and VeßtS, 22/ C Regatta Bhirts, 2/11 Felt and Straw Hats, from 1/. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK Cah Sell You the Cheapest Dress in Auckland. Plain Lustres, at /6X Special Line— Good Grey Lustre, 30 inches wide, 111%', worth 1/6 All-wool Carmalite. /9}£ Immense Variety of Prints, from 3% S'riped and Fancy Brilliants, from /B£_ "White Tucked and Coloured Skirts, from 3/11 The " City Hall" is now Noted for its Cheap Millinery, op which there ,is a Large Assortment On View ! ___f buy your summer hats _FBOM • '""* HOLLOW AJY & GARLICK CITY HALL, Queen-street, Auckland. ■pTOTICE. JT 0 T I C E. JUST TO HAND— A Large Parcel of Double-width "Waterproof Tweed, Melton Cloth, Blue Diagonal, &c, specially adapted for Boys' Clothing, Ladies' wear, &c, 'Bought at Auction at con siderably less than English Invoice Price, and to be sold very cheap. Also, Lawn Handkerchiefs from 3s 9d per dozen—l2o dozen; Linen Cambric Handkerchiefs, from 6s 6d per doz. . Upwards of 60 dozen Men's Cotton Shirts, Fancy Jean, Napier, the new Flax Shirt, I etc. Abvsinhian Coed Trousers. Men's Tweed Waistcoats, and a num ber of other Special Lines iat much below usual price. INSPECTION INVITED. BUS3HBROOK & BRIDGMAN, [Late R. Hobbs], VNOTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposite the Army|and Navy Hotel, Upper Queen-street, ATTOi-LANP > j 0 THE CREDITORS OF MAURICE FOLEY, GROCER, HOBSON STREET. A Meeting of the Creditors will be held in the Sto-esof MrV. G. Owen, Fort-street, TO-MORROW, 10 o'clock, to consider and dispose of an offer of 6s in tbe£onhißdebt THOS. MACFFARLANE. Supreme Court, „„,„.. •' 15th December, 1575.



OPRING T}KESS Q.OODS. AN IMMENSE VARIETY OE NEW DRESS GOODS, Comprising1— Black: and Coloured Silks Japanese Silks Plain and Fancy Homespun Serges Balernos, Washing Satteens and Piques Spring Tussores, Lawns and Brilliants Prints, Swiss Muslins and Cambrics Costumes in great variety Grenadines in Plain, Fancy, and Stripes, very cheap, &c, &c, &o. A LARGE STOCK OF FANCY GOODS. Comprising all the Novelties of the Season. 100 DOZEN PAIRS OF KID GLOVES, SLIGHTLY SOILED, ONLY IS. 3D. An Inspection Invited. A.. LINABUOT & CO., 224 and 226, Queen-street. J COSQRAVE <& CO. will hold their Annual Sale previous to the Christmas Holidays, com mencing THIS DAY, ( Wednesday), the Bth December, and will continue tmtil the end of the year. The entire stoch will be offered at Cost Price.