SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

utptt watttp ( This Afternoon, 5.54 HlGrii VAAIILK-^ To . morrow Morning, 6.15 SUN T SET.—This Evening, 7.10. SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 4.41. MOON'S AGE.—New Moon, 16th, 5.33 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Southern Cross, s.s., Holmes, from Napier] ""'^ Prince Alfred, barque, J. B. Dormant, from

Port Pirie Clan Alpine, schooner, Sloane, from Tonga Kate McGregor, schooner, from Napier

DEPARTURES.

Belle Brandon, schooner, Ohlson, for Lyttclton

IMPORTS.

Tor Kenilworth from Lyttclton :—l2l chec&c. —T. 11. Hall and Co. Per Clan Alpine, schooner, from, Tonga :—lO tons copra.—Cruickshank & Co., Agents. Per Prince Alfred, barque, from PortPirie : — 2.5'J3 sacks wheat (150.tons).

EXPORTS.

Per Star Queen for Sydney :—278 tons manga nese. 12.000 ft. timber, 32 bales beeswax.—D. H. McKenzie, agents.

THE BARQUE EUROPA. The barque Kuropa, which left on Tuesday for Cork, was reported this morning1 put back into Rangitoto Channel. Some excitement was caused by the report, in consequence of the circumstances bemjf well-known under which the vessel arrived and left. Those who expected a sensation were, however, destined to be dis appointed. At half-pa-:t nine Captain Modley himself arrived in town, having been brought up from the Reef in the pilot schooner. He explained the cause of his return in very few words. He had left his clearance behind him. The important missing document was discovered at the agent's office, and by noon the captain was on his way back to his ship in the Harvest Homo, cargo boat. He reports the crew as working cheerfully, and the. ship as behaving splendidly. The Kuropa was outside Cape Col v-illc when the fact that the clearance was missing was discovered.

The cutter-yacht Euphomin is to he sold at auction by Messrs. Cochrane & Son to-morrow. The barque. Prince Alfred, Cap) am Dormant, arrived in harbour this afternoon from Port, Pirio, South Australia, with a cargo of wheat. She has been just 30 days on the passage. The yacht Secret arrived at Tanrongn yester day morning, and left for Lyttclton in the evening. The schooner Belle Brandon left for the Thames yesterday evening. She will load timber there for Lyttolton. The bricfantine Helena arrived at Tonga four days after the Clan Alpine. The s.s. Zealandia having left Port Chalmers according to advertised date may be expected here on Sunday night. The ship Jessie Oshorne 13 now 02 days out from Gravcscnd. She has a large freight of immigrants on board. The barqxie Star Queen hauled into the stream this morning-, and is now ready to sail for Sydney. She takes a full cargo of manganese, timber, etc. She cleared at the. Customs to-day. Passengers :—Mr and Mrs Miller, and 2 child ren, Messrs. Green, Durton, Hopkins, C. Brown, S. Adams. The schooner Clan Alpine on the Sth inst. passed a full-rteged ship bound to the eastward. She did not give her name. The schooner Clan Alpine, Captain Sloane, arrived from the Tonga Group yesterday even ins; with a cargo of copra. She has been away from Auckland since the 13th October. Her voyage to Tongaf ahu occupied 19 days. She left Toncra on the Ist. inst., and experienced N.E. winds for three days, and afterwards westerly and S.W. winds into port, Passengers: Messrs. J. Kllinffham, and K. Berrill.

Captain McGregor has secured the contract for the following steam services for a period of six months:—!. Auckland to "Wangarci; 2. Annkland to the Bay of Islands: 3. Auckland to \Vhitiai)<ra (Mercury Bay) : t. Auckland to Tnu ranga; 5. Tanransra to Ohiwa and Opotiki; G. Taiiranora to Mnkctn, Matata, and "Wlmkatane : 7. Auckland to Whrm<raroa find Moncromii. Captain Casey's tender has been accepted for the following :— l . Auckland to Mahurangi, Wai wera. Omaha, Matakana, and Kawau : 2. Kai para to Albertland, Oruawharo. Otnmatea, Pahi, M.vtaknhp. Te Kopnro. Tokatoka. Mansrawhare.

The barquentine R.vno cleared out to-day for New Guinea with a cargo of sundries. Passen gers :Mr Ilird, Mr Geo. Henderson: The Ryno is to sail this evening:, and is expected to be away about four months. She is the first vessel that has l*>ft to trade in these comparatively unknown islands.

The s.s. Zealandia entered out to-day for Kandavu.

Tho Fanny Kelly has cleared for Wangaroa with stores.

The schooner Kate McGregor has arrived from Naples in bellast.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Katpara, Dec. 13. Arrived: Nellie. Jane Anderson, Argosy, Hannah Broomfleld.

Loaded—At the Heads wind-bound: Speed well, Ada Wiswell, Byron, Jessie Niccoll, On ward, Marmion, Swordfish. Loading: Torea, Sarah Pile, Marion, Reliance, Rhoderiek Dhu, Isabella. Ridley, Yvonne, Albion, Yarra.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs E. and H. Isaacs sold this day at their store, Fort-street, about 10 tons flour, which, not beina: in srood condition, naturally realized but a small price.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, to-morrow, at 2.30 p.m. ands.3op.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, to-morrow, at 2.30 p.m. For Russell, per Fawn, this day,"atsp.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, to-morrow, at 1 p.m. For Gisborne and Napier, per Southern Cross, on Saturday next, at 11 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Taranaki, on Monday next, at 8 a.m. For Gisborne and Napier, per Go-Ahead, on Monday next, at 1.15 p.m. For New Guinea, per Ityno, this day, at 4 p.m. For New Caledonia, per Tanna, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Tairua. per Atalanta, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Kawau, per Mahurangi, this day, at 5 p.m. Per Zealandia, on Monday, 18th instant, as under :— For Kandavu, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 10 a.ni. Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d in addition to the postage, will be received by the. Mail Agent on board up to time of sailing. r N.B. The mails for Waitemata Mills and all the offices in the Kaipara District will, on and after Monday next, ISth inst., close at this office at 1 p.m., instead of 10 a.m. Return mails will arrive at 11 a.m. instead of 5 p.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

CABLEGRAM.

(SPECIAL LINE.)

Berlin, this day. Allen meinen Freunden and Goennorn wuenscht cincn vergnuegten Wcihnachten und em glueckliches neves Jahr. BISMABK.

I. ALEXANDER.

Heartily .loins in the above, and begs to recom mendhis Well and Largo Assorted Stock OF GOLD AND SILVER WATCHES, TSY T. RUSSEL & SON ROTHEIIHAM BENSON DENT EHRHARDT, and others With GUARANTEES from the Manufac turers, Besides ins OWN, fob Two Years.

THE JEWELLERY DEPARTMENT.

Is acknowledged by Connoisseurs one of the Finest" Collection in New Zealand, and is replenished by every Mail with the Latest Designs from Home and the Continent. FOR THE COMING HOLIDAYS, I SHALL OFFER THE ABOVE GOODS REDU CE D P RICES, To Effect a Clearance of Suiu-lus Stock. I. Alexander, JI_WKLI_EKTOHIsEx*CEr.I,KXCYTIIEGOVEKN TOn, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland.

DEATH.

KANE.—On the 13th December, of whooping cough, at her parents'residence, Ed win-street, Newton, Rose Agnes, twin daughter of John and Elizabeth Kane, aged 1 months. The funeral will take place at 1 p.m. to morrow, loth instant,. Friends are respect fully invited to attend.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1876.

for llic c.-a. !C that Incks nss:Mr,nce, ! .-r !'u: »-k ■■ .: Hi.-ifSewls r«.:stanee,

Latest cable despatches shew that anti-war agitation in England is inten sifying. A thousand delegates have assembled in London under the presidency of the Duke of Westminster, and are aided in their deliberations by Mr Gladstone, Earl Shaftsbury, and other leading Liberals. This strong feeling has been elicited less from the national repugnance to war than by the indignation which reports of Turkish atrocities have aroused from end to end of the kingdom. The nation revolts from an alliance, no matter how distant, with the butchers of Bulgarian peasants, and we believe Air Gladstone expressed the national sentiment, when he declared that England should co-operate cordially with Russia and Bulgaria in delivering the Slavs from the insufferable yoke. Should Lord Beaconsfield's party find themselves in a minority on the next occasion of an appeal to the country, they will have no one to blame but themselves. In the first instance, it is true, they may throw part of the onus on Sir Henry Elliott, who declined to investigate the alleged crimes of his Turkish friends when brought under his notice, but it made no difference in the Government even when they had been fully informed as to the barbarities of their allies. They made no sign; they did not even signify their dis approval of what had been and was going on ; they simply preserved a dignified silence. There are times when such a course is safest and best, and when the least said is soonest mended ; in this case, however, something was wanted, were it only a word, to satisfy the popular feeling. But nothing was forthcoming. Not a word was said. There was nothing to prove that the British Government "were not backing out the Bashi-Bazouks in their I dreadful cruelties. Is it matter of surprise that the people became irritated and anxious? Then came public meetings, and popular agitations, followed by machinations on the part o.f the political, opponents of the Govern ment. Had Mr. Disraeli, when the news of the Bulgarian outrages first appeared, expressed his deep abhorrence of such deeds, and ordered our representative at Constan tinople to investigate matters, the tide of public feeling would have turned in his favour ; but he lost the opportunity, and his party has been damaged. The course adopted by Mr Gladstone, however, is open to reprobation. To take advantage of a crisis of this description to make politi cal capital and to damage the cause of the party in power "was unpatriotic. It was un worthy of Englishmen. The hands of the Government should at this time be strength ened as much as possible and not weakened, and although, as we have said, they have made a mistake, that is no reason why the prestige of England should be sacrificed. Strong anti-war demonstrations in England may complicate negotiations by exciting a belief in Russia that the Government would be unable to maintain a firm policy. War, with public opinion dead against it, is hardly possible. A powerful party in England have, however, been educated up to Mr. Blight's creed, that Englishmen, im pregnable in their island fortress, have nothing to do with the quarrels of people 3,000 miles distant, and it is impos sible in Britain to restrain the free expres sion of any set of views. At home and abroad the Conservative policy is beset with difficulties, many of which a judicious steering might have avoided. As for the presence of the British fleet at Besika Bay, at the mouth of the Dardanelles, there is now no doubt it was sent there as a direct menace to Russia. The Government had received notice of a contemplated Russian descent upon Varna, and the fleet was sent as a protest, under colour of protecting the Christians at Salonica. It is amus ing to notice how mutually civil and polite the respective Governments are whilst watching each other's throats like a brace of bull-dogs. Perhaps the greatest check on Russia is her impecunious condition ; and without the sinews of Avar, her aspirations, if, indeed, she be actuated by those nefarious designs which the Conservatives credit her with, may be delayed. From Paris comes

news that the House of Rothschild will not undertake for Russia any new loans, and this must be rather awkward. It is a curious though* that a single banking firm should hold in its hands the fate of the world, but the Rothschilds almost do so. Their linger is held UP, and there is peace ; they open their purse-strings, and there is war. One other important aspect of the present diffi culties was propounded by Mr Disraeli in his Aylesbury speech. He gave a sort of sketch of the position of affairs political, asserting thai it was the secret societies of Europe that were at the bottom of tho Servian war, and gave all the trouble to politicians*. Lord Beaconsfielcl spoke by the book, and we shall not be surprised if the same secret societies effect within a few months a revolution in Eastern Europe which will shake all Christendom. The Russian people are as ripe for Democracy as the French were in 1789 ; and the Pans clavic Societies which have their head quarters "in Moscow, are just now precipi tating a war that may evenuate in noth ing more or less than a Russian Domocracy. For what are secret societies .after all but popular efforts at self-government ? Did any one ever hear of such organizations with political ends in free and enlightened countries where the people held a fair share of the government ? They are, and have been, simply the outcome of misrule. Their earnestness and sincerity too, cannot be mistaken, scaled, as it often is, in blood shed for the avenging of their neighbours' wrongs. Regret as we may, sneer as we 111.1 v, we cannot deny these Sclavs the generosity of patriots, the policy of heroes. And sometimes it cannot but force itself on the mind, that we English (uneducated by the bitter experience of the Sclavs, or of other populations under autocratic rule) are the ultra selfish element in European politics, with few aims superior to a con sideration of pounds, shillings, and pence, and preferring, if need be, to support the horrors of Turkish misdeeds for another generation to risking another sixpence of income tax.

A leading article and other matter pub lished to-uight appeared in our country edition yesterday, and was afterwards taken out to make room for the City Coun cil and other later reports. Any of our readers who received the country edition last night and the town edition to-day will understand the duplication. As the press of matter late in the afternoon frequently necessitates tin's course,the present explana tion will answer for all future time The redistribution of Ministerial port folios is not yet completed. As already surmised in these columns, we believe the portfolio of Native Minister is not finally allotted, and in all probability it will ho undertaken by the lion. Dr. Pollen. Mr Richardson will continue to hold the port folio of .Minister of Public Works. Mr Carruthers, Engineer-in-Chief is now engaged in taking over the Southern Pro vincial railways under General Government administration, after which lie will come up to Auckland to lix the route for tlie con tinuation of the Kaipara railway. We believe that up to the present no final answer has been received by the Govern ment from the Government of New Smith Wales regarding the San Francisco Mail .Service, though matters arc in a fair way of amicable settlement. The Government have declined to sanc tion the extension of the telegraph to Mercury Bay <>n the ground that the proba ble receipts would not pay working ex penses. We learn that half the cost of the convey ance of mails between the Hast Cape and Opotiki will he paid by the Native Depart ment, the contractor being Mr Janios Wator housc. The examinations fiu'thcGrammcr School Scholarships, instituted by the Board of Education, Were continued this morning before Mr It. J. O'Sullivan, Inspector of Schools. The Teachers' Examinations and the examination for I he Open Scholarships, for which there are eight candidates, will be held on the 19th inst, The following if) a list of the schools to which t he candidates for Provincial Scholarships and certificates of proficiency belong :— -Auckland East, No. 1,17; Auckland West, No. 1, 2; Auck land West, No 2, !); Devonport, 7 ; Grnf ton Road, 1 ; Kauwncranga, (boy's), 1 ; Newton, No. 2, 3 ; Mount Ilobsoii (boy's), 1 ; Omaha, Matakana, 1 ; Mount Albert, 3; Manukau, 2; Otahulni, 7 ; Otara, 6; Papakura, 3; Panmure, 3; Waiuku, 2; Waiotahi Creek, 1 ; Warkworth, 2 ; Papa roa, Kaipara, 2; private tuition (certificate of proficiency), i. "Mr Woolcock, M.H.R., of the Grey Valley, having cast aside the cares of State, wended his way homewards from the Empire City in eager expectancy of that domestic happiness ■which he had a right to look forward to. What happened is described in the following telegram to the " West Coast Times " : —" Greymouth. —A fracas took place in the public street between Mr Woolcock, M.I I. 11., and bis ■wife on Thursday evening. Mr Woolcock next morning laid an information for sureties of the peace against Mrs Wool cock, Avho was arrested and locked up till Saturday, bail being refused. She was placed in the dock in Court, when Mr Woolcock withdrew the charge, but another charge of assault was preferred by Mr Woolcock against Waddle, his storeman. It was heard, and after taking the evidence of Mrs Woolcock and the defendant, which shewed the defendant was simply protect ing Mrs Woolcock from Mr Wbolcock's violence, the Magistrate dismissed the charge with costs." In connection with this affair (says the " Westport Times ") a tale has come Westport-ward telling of a long absent spouse returning unexpectedly to his hearth and home, of a partner finding loving' solace in his absence, of a sudden intrusion, of pistols sans coffee, of a row, a ruction, and a riot, out of which all parties waddled ignominiously.

" I am told," writes the Melbourne cor respondent of the "Hamilton Spectator," " there was a rather curious scene on board one of the Melbourne steamers at Welling ton on her last trip. It was intimated that Madame De Murska would be a passenger to Nelson, and Mr John Hill also engaged a passage ; but when the lady became aware that Mr Hill would be on board, she declined to embark. Mr Hill, on his part, was equally resolute not to travel in the same boat with the lady. Finding that Madame had declined to go on board, Mr Hill went. The hour for sailing went by, and the boat was detained an hour, when Madame Avent on board, and seeing nothing of Mr Hill, he having retired to his cabin, permitted her self to bo taken to bed. The short voyage, to two of the passengers, was a 'rough one.' " The Davenports have been performing in South Australia. They went successfully through the usual rope-tieing process. A Mr King appeared very anxious to make a closo inspection of the hands that were thrust through the aperture in the front of the cabinet, and was rewarded by a crack on the head with a violin bow. Dr Camp bell entered the cabinet and was bound to the brothers, and when liberated he ex pressed himself quite unable to explain the strange proceedings inside the cabinet to which lie had been subjected. Hands had been Fpassed over his face and head, and musical instruments were played while the mediums to appearance and touch were immovable. He mentioned, however, as worthy of remark that Mr W. Davenport's heart, after one of the manifestations, was beating rapidly as if he had been using unusual exertion, although it might per haps have been caused by his being in ill health, i

Dear Mister Heddytur : Me and my nay bours 'aye been favered with a most singer lar site in this unbeknown part of the city. I was looking out of the winder, when I noticed a stoutish sort of a genleman dressed in a bran new suit of close, and with a luvly flour in his button-hoal, wandering about,and looking up and down just as if he were a lost orfan. Says I to Mrs. Jones, who'd just come akross to wish me the time of day, " That there nice-looking 'genlemen has iost his way, as sure as my name's Sarah Ann." Says she, "So he have." As we were a considering what we shud do, a carpenter came along, with a bag of tools straped on his back, and the genleman took 'im most aftecshunately by the harm, and smiled in his face, and I do deklaro" I never did see such a sweet expresshun. The man seamed quite rood, and warked on, and I blusht for the repertation of our naybourhood. Says I to Mrs. Jones, " That man hort to be ashamed of hisself. Then another man came along, fresh from a coal bin, and I do deklare that nice genleman shuke his hand as frendly as if he had knowd him from childhood. Ihe mckanic, who was a frend of Mrs. Jones's, sed out lowd, " Oh, yure very frendbp now, but yer didn't no me a day or too ago. " I wander wat that ere genleman is up to, says I. "Hi, Bill," says Mrs. Jones, "wats up with the genleman?" "Oh," says he, " that's Mcstc'r Hurstouse, wats a kandidate for mare, and lie wants mi voat." Ami that, Mister Heddytur, was the hex plancration of mistery, wich did, 1 ashure yu.fluter us awlconsidurably.— Yures ever, Sarah Ann. We believe the Hon. Dr. Pollen is ex pected to leave Wellington this evening for Auckland in the Government steamer llinemoa. The attention of our readers is drawn to the programme of the Pitt-street Young .Men's entertainment, published in another column. It promises to well repay the outlay of one shilling for admittance. The first match of the season towards determining which club shall hold the Buck land Challenge Cup is to come off between the West End and North Shore Clubs on Saturday next, commencing at 2 p.m. The teams, as at present selected with the extra men, are as follow : — West End : J. Macky. T. Macky, E. Mc- Lean, R. Mason, W. Mason, J. Choyce, McKinnoy, F. Cook, W. Tonks, W. Taylor, Walker, Coleman, F. Western. North Shore : W. L. Kees, W. Swanson, J. Nolan, E. Burgess, A. King, Dismore, T. Whewcll, F. Wells, R. Wynyard, C. Dacre, Ryan, Thompson, Brassey, Webster. Mr Rolleston is to ))e presented with a piece of plate value £400, and £420 in cash. At the Onehunga Police Court, .James Nixon, for stealing a bundle of clothes, the property of J. M. Stack, was sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment with hard labour. J. F. Cobb, for assaulting his wife and turning her out of the house, was bound over in the sum of £20, to keep the peace for six months. The Bench also issued a protection order to Mrs Cobb, and ordered that the youngest child be handed over to her charge. To the Editor: Sir, —With due respect to Mr Wnifhington's letter in your issue of last evening, that gentleman has been led under a false impression, owing to your report of the lad's evidence. The lad dis tinctly stated that he left St. Paul's school in March last, and since that time has been employed as a message boy. Naturally the lad was nervous from the fact that it was the first time he had ever been in a Court of Justice, and at the questions that were put to him.—Yours etc. J. RICHARDS," Symonds-street. "Our telegrams recently reported the failure of an action for ill-treatment 4 brought by a Mr Baxter ngHi'iint the Superintendent of the Dimedin Lunatic Asylum. Mr Uaxter is now in Auckland and, it is said, intends petitioning the Governor to grant a com mission of inquiriy into the management of the Institution. Another native meeting, with the con comitant feasting and " korcro" is to be held at Ilikurangi by the Kingites. fish and potatoes are being provided in large quan tities. The jury, last evening, on the inquest on (he body of the little boy, John O'Neal, in addition to their verdict of accidental death, added the following rider : "The boy came to liis death through Kennedy loosening the rope when he was told by Mr Winstonc to tighten it. The jury also find that there was not suflicient precaution taken by the contractor." An inquest was held yesterday, at the Mauukau Hotel, before li. C. Barstow, Esq., and a jury, touching the death of Jaiiics Murley, otherwise known as Tich borne, who was drowned on Monday even ing. The evidence of John Suderbcrg, Thomas Smith, John Mason, and George Short (mostly seamen), .shewed that the deceased was sober, and met with his death by falling into the water from the steps. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was re turned ; the jury expressing an opinion that safety rails should be placed at the steps. The deceased was a witness on the famous Tiehborne trial, and, in consequence, was known by the popular name of the claimant to the Tiehborne title and estates. The body was recovered yesterday morning near the wharf, Onehunga. The thunder storms in New South Wales on the Uth of last month did a great amount of damage. At Warralikook a man named James O'Halloran was sitting near an open window reading a newspaper, when the window was struck by lightning, and the blind was set on fire. He immediately fetched a bucket of water, threw the contents over the flames, and extin guished the lire. At Mingbool a tree was struck by a great ball of tire, and shattered to pieces, many of the splinters being carried 100 yards from the .i\wt. The lightning ran along a wire fence strikiTig a boy named Little. Jhe fluid ran up his right arm, blackening and scorching it; also a large patch on his right breast, and throwing him back several yards. Y\ hen his father picked him up, the whole of his right side, including his arm and leg, was completely naralvsed, and remained so for a short tune. At Taree, on the Morning river, the thunder shook the ground, and loosen-jd the foundations of houses- ~ . , , ~ . The purpose of the great meeting to be held at Taupo in 1877 or 177S is an important one. The chiefs who signed the notice allege that the Treaty of AVaitangi conferred on them the privi lege of disposing of their lands in any market as they think fit, and they contend that the restric tions placed upon the sale of Native Lands by the Native Lands Sales Act, are breaches of the treaty, as well as the clauses of the Public Works Act which empower the Governor to proclaim any blocks of land as excluded from public sale. In our last issue we gave the scores of the 200 yards firing for representatives at the coming contest at Hokitiki in the new year, which took place yesterday at the Mount Eden Range. We now give the totals:—Sub-Lieut. Robinson, No. 3 81 • Vol. J. Leigh, Victoria, 70 ; Vol. Dorc, No. 3, 74; Sergeant Hay, No. 3, 72; Sergeant Soal, No. 3, 70; Vol. Bowdcn, Victoria, 70; Vol. A B. Morrow.No 3,00; Vol. Yates.No 3, 6!); Capt. White, Engineer Cadets, 68 ; Sergeant Hender son, Victoria, 08; Vol. C. Cooper, Victoria, 08; Vol. K. R. Partington, No. 3, 68; Sub-Leiut, Skinner, Victoria, 07 ; Corporal Haslett, Victoria. 07 • Captain Morrow, OS ; Vol. Payne, Victoria, 00 ; Vol. J. W. Leigh; Victoria, 05 ; Vol. Taylor, Victoria, 01 ; Vol. Aldcrton, No. 3, 01: Vol. Eady, Victoria, 00; Sergeant Little, Hobson, 00 ; Vol.' Cameron, No. 3. 5!); Vol. Wl lil°heacl> Engineers, 50; Vol. E. Cooper, Victoria, 50; Vol. sMcEvoy, Engineers, 58 ; Vol. McCarthy, Hobson, 8 • Vol. Moss, [engineers. 57; Vol. Moss, Victoria, 57 ; Vol. W. Partington, No. 3, 55 ; Ser geant Kelly. No. 3, 55 ; Vol. Henson, Engineers, st; Vol. Elliott, Otahuhu, 52; Vol. May, No. 3, 51; Vol. Dickson, Otalmhu, 51; Vol. Putmau, Victoria, 50 ; Vol. A. Brighton, No. 3, 18; Vol. Hazard, Victoria, 48. A grand opportunity is offered to those who possess the divine art of song. Mr DeLias ad vertises for 20 ladies and an equal number of gentlemen as choristers. Mr DeLias has evi dently some pleasant surprise in store for the public. At the City Council yesterday afternoon, the appointment of a permanent returning ofliccr was postponed. On the motion of Councillor Goldie, seconded by Or. Cosgrave, it was agreed that the office of Inspector under the Dangerous Goods Act be ottered to Mr. H. Hidings. It was agreed on the motion of Councillor Dickson, that tenders be called for drawing up plans of the city on a scale of one chain to one inch, shewing levels, streets, pathways, etc.

A native named Epinia recently com mitted a brutal assault on another Maori named Hamiora, at Gisborne. An infor mation was laid, and when the case came on defendant handed the following original document to the Court: —" I agree to take ten pounds from Epinia Whakatiti, in consideration of damages done to me for assault and battery, and eating my eyebrows off."—Signed, Hamiora (his x mark) Kai roiroi. Witness, Heni Paraone."

In a firo at Milton, Otago, yesterday, the Criterion hotel, and premises occupied by Poole (barber), Taylor (solicitor), and Capstick and Duthie's buildings were destroyed. The conflagration was stayed on one side by a brick building, and on the other by an unoccupied space. The only insurances are Capstick, in the Nor thern, £300 ; New Zealand, £300.

A lad named James Hallon had a narrow escape yesterday by being violently thrown from a horse in the Kyber Pass Road, near the brewery of Messrs Seccombe and Son. The horse shied at a little girl's summer parasol. The lad was picked up by a neighbouring milk man, but fortunately no bones were broken, and it is probable the lad will be restored in the course of a short time.

Tho anniversary soiree of the Sir Henry Havclock Lodge in the Edwardcs-strcct School room is fixed for the evening of the 21st inst. '

To the Editor: Sir,—There appeared in your last night's issue a letter from a " Sufferer " pur porting to be written by a labourer's wife censur ing contractors and publicans. Now, sir, as a contractor for reclamation works, I feel bound to exonerate myself from the insinuations con tained in that letter, and I can positively inform the writer, that he, or she, is doing a great injustice to the working men employed by me, although I must confess }t is so foolish on my part to notice such scurrilous remarks. As to my working men spending their wages in drinking, it is not true ; the tick system spoken of, is also untrue. I pay my men and horses employed by me the best wages, and I positively affirm, that a man of drunken habits would not be allowed on my works. There has been some correspondence relative to boys of tender years being engaged driving horses. It is difficult to please the public. 1 have nightly applications from destitute women to give employment to their boys, in many instances being the only support to widowed mothers. If the writer will prove his sympathy by paying 12a for about twenty mothers, I, oil my part will pay for those boy's weekly education. If your correspondent, will not be satisfied, to prove my statement, in speaking truth, a hundred men would attend at your office to-morrow at noon to verify that statement.—Yours, &c, James Dempsey.

The quarterly meeting of the Pride of Onc hunga Lodge of Frco Templars was held last evening, in the Choral Hull of the district. The following ollicers were; installed for the ensuing term, the installation being performed by Bro. E. Light foot as J. 0., assisted by Bros. Jos. Cox and Padrlcn :—W. It. Wills, W.P. ; O. Taylor, W.V.P. ; Sister Taylor, W.S. ; C. G. Coldicutt, W.F.S; 11. Well, W.T.; Sister Crombie, W.0. ; W. Vaughan, W.M.; J. McDonald, W.X.G.; J. Stokes. W.0.G.; J. Wills, W.D.M.; Sister Wills, R.H.S. ; Sister llcslop, L.H.S. ; and J. Patton, W.P.P. Alter the installation the Lodge was closed, and the whole of the degrees conferred on eleven mem bers of the Order, preparatory to the sitting of the National Lodge.

Dear sir;— Please inform me on the following : I have "three voles, there arc six candi dates for one vacant seat in the City Council. Can [ give one of my votes to one candidate, and the other two to one other of the candidates, or must f plump for one man J—Yours truely, Slip Panki..—[We cannot, see anything to prevent an elector from dividing his votes among the candidates. VVc should say most decidedly, lie may, and wo know it has often been done. Murgesscs with multiplicity of votes, who have given a pledge, and have afterwards been led to believe that another candidate would be a bei tor man, have redeemed their promise by recording one vote to satisfy the original promise, and the other three or four in the public interests. —Ei>. K.S.| We understand that in addition to a fine pro gramme at the Temperance Hall on Saturday evening, an address and gold ring will he pre sented to the Secretary, Mr ('. H.Andrew, for his arduous services in connection with those weekly entertainments. We believe this will be almost the only local instance of the kind in connection with the order of (Jood Templars. Dear Sir,—As a late member of the "Work men's Peace Association,'' (London) 1 should bo glad if you could inform me whether there is n branch or any association of that kind in Auck land. [We believe there is not. The many claims on our space force poetry to the wall.— Kd. K.S.)

CABLEGRAMS.

[PRESS AGEXCY.]

ENGLISH NEWS TO YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY).

EUHOPEAN CONFERENCE

RESTORATION OF CONFIDENCE

LONDON. December 13. A parliamentary meeting of the con ference of representatives of difl'erent Euro pean powers was held at tho Russian Embassy, Constantinople, yesterday. A feeling of great confidence iv regard to the Eastern question now prevails.

AUSTRALIAN.

ARRIVAL OF THE HERO. .SYDNEY. -THIS DAY. Arrived : Hero. A vote of censure against the Government was negatived.

Sues Mail News.

(From Our Own Correspondent)

"Wreck of a Steamer—Twenty Passengers Missing.

Eighteen Generals Arrested- DUNEDIN, this clay. General Wolsley leaves the War Oilice to enter the Indian Council. General Airey is raised to the Peerage. A sentence of live years' penal servitude on Count Ariiim produced a great shock throughout England. A formidable conspiracy in Spain has been discovered. 126 persons, including 18 generals, have been arrested. Lord Northcotc meets Parliament as First Lord of the Treasury, and Mr Hunt as Chancellor. The West Australian Government steamer Georgette was lost off Karl yap, and twenty people arc missing.

CURIOSITY, Oil FREAK OF NATURE.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star). Sir, —A young man working in town, but who resides at Panmurc, informed mo yesterday of so curious a birth among the lower animals that I am induced for the sake of the curiosity mongers to repeat the yarn. He said (but he saw it not himself), that at the village where he dwells on Sunday a tabbcy kittened ; and instead of the usual two or three " mowers " out came a double cat. It possessed a double head, having four eyes, four ears, two noses, two mouths, a double body, possessing eight legs and a couple of appendages known commonly as tails. I have heard tell i n my short career of so many anomalies that I am half inclined to credit the young man's story (whose name I will supply, though not for publication.) What think you, Mr. Editor ? I know you have a score of as wonderous tales to relate, were you that way inclided ; if so don't be backward in coming forward.—l am, etc., P.II-S.

LOOK ON THIS PICTURE AND ON THAT.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star). LOSS OP THE OTAGO. LOSS OK THE PEEBLESS. (Enquiry held at (Enquiry hold in LHincdin). Auckland). The second officer, for The ohief officer, who not keeping the course obeyed the orders of ordered by the master, the master, who kept in neglecting to check the vessel under short the steering compass by ened sail, who was told the standard compass, by the master that the neglecting to call the ship was about 25 miles master or to take the from land, who went usual precautions in below with the cogni tliick weather when so zanco of the master, near land, viz., slowing who held only a "ser speed, heavingl the lead vice" certificate, to and keeping the vessel have his " certificate off the land, to have cancelled." his " certificate sus pended for two years." Comment is needless.—Yours, &c. A CON STANT ItISADIEK. Doc. 12, 187 G.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before T. Macffarlane, Esq.. andG. S. Graham, ' Esq., Justices. ALLEGED WOUNDING A COW. ■William H. Smith, a respectable settler, was charged with maliciously wounding and maim ing a cow belonging to Mary Donnelly, at Ilowick, on the Bth inst. Prisoner pleaded not guilty, and was repre sented by Mr Tyler. Sub-Inspector Pardy said there were a num ber of witnesses in this case, and as the accused had only been arrested last night, he should, request that the case might be remanded tiu 1 Mr Tyler asked that the accused might be admitted to bail. He was instructed that tne in-jury to the cow was quite accidental, me animal had been in the habit of trespassing on defendant's farm, and on the day in question Smith came across her, and gave her a smack with his spade. He meant to strike her with the flat part, but unfortunately, he was short sighted, and the edge caught her leg and hamstrung her. He was instructed it was quite an accident. . ~ . Inspector Pardy said he had no objection to substantial bail being taken. The Bench adjourned the case till Monday, and admitted the prisoner to bail in his own recognisances of £50 and two sureties or -wo The bail was immediately forthcoming, and accused was released. A PETTY THIEF. Patrick Murphy was charged on remand with stealing four books, valued at Is. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Elizabeth Drummond said her husband kept a shop in West Queen-street. Yesterday Constable Graham brought four books to her house, which she identified as her property. Those produced were the same. They were kept in the bac_ kitchen. To the best of her belief they had been missing about a week. It was easy for anyone to get into the kitchen. Constable Graham said he met the prisoner m Queen-street the day before yesterday carrying the books. He asked him where he got them. He first said they were his own, and then that they belonged to Ills son. He traced them to Mrs Drummond. . By the prisoner : He had ascertained that pri soner had oft'eicd them for sale at almost every bookseilers shop in the place. in answer to the Court, prisoner said he had had the books in his possession for a twelvemonth, but on being examined in refer ence to their contents he appeared to know very little about them. Several previous convictions were proved against the prisoner, who was sentenced to three months hard labour. NO APPEARANCE. Thomas 'Waters was summoned for leaving his cart unattended, but he did hot appear. Persona] service not having been proved, their Worships directed the fresh notice to be served on defendant, and adjourned the case till Satur day. This was all the business.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Tins Day. (Before R. C. Barstow. Esq., R.M). In the followiug cases judgments for plaintiffs were recorded: Messrs Rushbrook and Bridgraan v. John Gannondsway, claim, £12 13s 7d., drapery goods; costs, £2 10s (Mr Thome for plaintiff). James Carroll v. Joseph Craig, claim, £9 los 6'd ; costs, £3 12s. JUDGMENT SUMMONS CASES. John and Jane Andrew v. B. Bell. Claim £18 4s. Mr Ilesketh informed the Court that defendant was gradually reducing the debt, and on tlLe arrival of the mail it would most likely he settled.—Allowed to stand over. George Lendrum v. E. Halstead. Claim £]()' 12*. Mr Thome appeared for plaintiff and Mr Brock for defendant. Mr Brock apologised for defendant, who was attending a horse at the point of death, or lie would have appeared. He understood that that there was a contra claim. Defen dant was willing to pay £1 per week. Mr Thome could not accept this, as de fendant was in a position to pay more. He thought he should pay £3 per week, which was agreed upon. Dkfexded Casks. \v. c. dennes v. j. t. johns. Claim £28. Mr Ilesketh for plaintiff. Mr Rees for defendant. This was a claim by plaintiff, the Avell kn wn sewing machine seller, and lecturer, of Queen-street, upon defendant, a resident of Hamilton, on account of several lime light entertainments in the Waikato dis trict, which had not been successful in pecuniary results. (Several of the witnesses had given evi dence in Mr Scarancke's Court, and their remarks upon the entertainments were curious, and as Mr Ilesketh stated, merely matter of opinion, such vague criticisms a*s a "collapse," a "break-down," "tin pot affair," and "like bad potatoes," were singular. A mass of evidence and opinion was before the Court which filled a number of folios, and gave rise to a variety of opinion as to whether or not the Court could deal with it in its entirety. His "Worship said he thought he must read the depositions first before he could judge between evidence and opinion. It was at length agreed to take the plain tiffs evidence. Mr Hesketh asked that Mr John's might be first heard. Joshua Thomas Johns deposed that in September la«t he spoke to Mr Dennes about giving a series of entertainments in the Waikato, but did not come to terms ; but Mr Dennes said if he would guarantee the sale of 20 sewing machines the lectures would be gratis. He sub sequently wrote to Mr Dennes, making an agreement for one entertainment. Plaintiff gave live in Cambridge Hall; but they were to be on his own responsibility, he (defen dant) rendering him assistance. The first exhibition was a complete failure. The next day he spoke to Mr Dennes in his counting.house, and told him that the p\iblic were so dissatisfied with the en tertainment of the previous night, that he could not go on further, and must cancel the agreement. Mr Dennes demurred. The agreement Avas that, in the event of failure, Mr Dennes was to guarantee to plaintiff £5. Mr Dennes then said : "Well, avc'll go on, and settle up at the close. A large placard was then printed, dictated by Mr Dennes, headed "Million Prices." He guar anteed £10 for two nights as he could not sell machines. Had the enter tainments been successful he should have had no objection to shouldering the respon sibility. He provided music, and gave tickets in return. He sold about two or three season tickets. William C. Dennes deposed that lie gave the entertainments in the Waikato as stated. He had seen Mr Johns previously and agreed for £30 for three nights, because of expense and loss of time for himself and assistant. On receipt of Mr Johns letter he Avent up to the Waikato. The first entertainment given on the 3rd inst; He had nothing to "do Avith taking the money, he gave four successiA'e evenings in Hamil ton Hall. He denied having an intervicAA' with Mr Johns about a fresh agreement ; he denied further that he dictated the placard, but suggested that the prices Avere too high for a small place like Hamil ton. Mr Johns did not say on the Wednes day morning that he could not continue on the original terms. He knew nothing of the "million prices" bill till he saw it posted up. He gave six entertainments on Mr John's account. On requesting a settlement, Mr Johns said he should °be most happy to meet him (Mr Dennes) in the Resident Magistrate's Court. The Court adjourned at one o'clock for half an hour ; we are therefore compelled to hold over the result until to-morrow. Several cases are adjourned. The Court held that it had no jurisdic tion, and a nonsuit was recorded.

The New North Road Wesleyan Sunday school holds its anniversary tca-mcetin"1 this evening at half-past six o'clock? There will be addresses by ministers and laymen.

TELEGRAPHIC.

[FKOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

T AURANGA, this day. HIGH SPECIMENS FROM KAIMAI. I saw this morning specimens of rich gold, washed from a branch creek running into the Kaimai river. Sanguine hopes are entertained of something better being attained. AN OLD MISSIONARY REVISITS OLD ' SCENES. Rev. Thomas Chapman, the oldest and most respected missionary of this district, a few days ago arrived at Rotarua as the scene of his old labours. He was received by the no.tivcs as a spirit from their friends long departed. They escorted him to "_e island of Mokeia, where he resided half a century ago. REV. WARLOW DA VIES. The Rev. Warlow Davies .arrived yesterday en routo for the Lakes. . GRAHAMSTOWN, this day SCHOOL TESTIMONIAL. The children of the Waiotahi School District are being entertained at the Tararu gardens to-day. About 700 children, exclusive of parents and teachers, are on the ground. Kuranui Hill (Gouts and party), made a further lodgement to-day, making a total of 90 ozs ten dwts, from 118 lbs. The Golden Age (Landers and party), from ten tons got 9 ozs ten dwts. Moanatairi : The low level drive broke through to the winze, sank on the junction of 1 and 2 reefs. MAKETU, this day. ■ MP. BROOMHALL'S VISIT. Mr BroomhaU and party arrived here yesterday, and expressed himself delighted with the land surrounding _ laketu. He was interviewed by the natives and in spected the carvings. He left this morning at daylight for the Puke block with Mr Ed"cumbo. THE YACHT SECRET. The Secret passed here yesterday about seven in the evening- from Tauranga,with a leading wind down coast. DUNEDIN, this day. THE RAILWAY COMMISSION. The Railway Commissioners have classi fied different sorts of goods, so that now the freight will be payable by weight, and the rate equalised throughout the colony. The rates are under the Victorian scale. There is no change in the passenger rates, but single fares available from Saturday to Monday are to be extended to all parts of the colony. SCARLET FEVER. Scarlet fever has broken out in North Taicri and Oaniaru. THE HARBOUR BOARD. Messrs Reid and Reynolds will be nominated by the Governor to the new Harbour Board. FIRING FOR REPRESENTATIVES. In the firing, Lieut. Muir, Artillery, 176, and Scrgt. Kettle, 163, are carbine representatives for Dunedin. Smith, of the City Guards, made 184 for tine infantry. ACCIDENT IN RATTRAY-STREET. A startling and serious accident occurred in Rattray-street on Tuesday evening at about a quarter past seven. When the upper part of the street was originally formed, a cutting had to be made through a portion of the Bell-Tower Hill, leaving a bank on each side fifty feet in height in some places. Immediately adjoining the steps leading to the summit of Bell Tower Hill there was a few years ago elected a two storey brick building, in which E. Pritcliard resided and carried on the trade of a blacksmith. His family occupied the top storey of the premises, and the lower part was devoted to the business, and im mediately at the back rose the bank, some 50 feet high. ORIGIN OF THE ACCIDENT. The Corporation had not long ago laid down some drain pipes and culverts to take the surface water from the hill. But Mr Pritcliard states that these were not large enough for the purpose, and used to get stopped up whenever there was a heavy rain, the consequence being that the water used to find its way "over the bank behind the forge and adjoining buildings. Of late small fragments of ea'th have been seen to detach themselves from the hill and fall down, but there was no fear of a fall of any extent occurring. However, on Tuesday evening Mr Pritchardwas standing in the street near his premises, and saw a great part of the bank suddenly move bodily downwards, and in an instant some THIRTY OR FORTY TONS OF EARTH CRASHED THROUGH THE BACK OF THE HOUSE. The centre of the frontage to Rattray street immediately bulged out to an alarm ing extent. Mrs Pritcliard and her two children, who were having tea at the time, rushed to one of the windows with the view of escaping. Fortnnatelv, as it happened, THE WHOLE BRICK FRONT OF THE ROOM FELL INWARDS. At that moment, Mrs Pritcliard and chil dren were close to the window, and they escaped the shower of bricks that would inevitably have crushed them. SAYING THE WIFE AND CHILDREN. Mr Pritcliard uaturaUy rushed into the crumbling house and, after considerable difficulty, extricated his wife and children from a mass of bricks with which they were surrounded, and then turned to another room in which ANOTHER CHILD ABOUT TWO YEARS AND A HALF OLD WAS IN BED. The walls of this room had been crushed out of all shape, and Pritcliard was unable to more than open the door wide enough to get in. He could, however, see a little boy in bed trying to free himself of the plaster with which he was nearly covered. His father calling him, he managed to struggle to the door, and was soon in safety. | INJURIES AND DAMAGES. Mr Pritchard's right arm was severely bruised by the falling bricks, and Mrs Pritcliard' also had one of her arms hurt, but the injuries sustained were after all wonderfully slight considering the nature of the accident. Two men in Mr Pritchard's employ lent efficient, aid in saving members of his family, but after these were extricated no one was allowed to go near the building, which is hanging in a very dangerous position. Scarcely one article of the furniture will be saved, and the loss of Mr Pritcliard will be very heavy. The building will cost £900 to replace, and the furniture was worth at least flOft From the present appearance of the Bank it is probable that another fall will take place if steps are not taken to prevent it. THE WRECK OF THE OTAGO. Captain Underwood reports seeing the wreck of a vessel dismasted near Waipapa and a group of men on the beach when he passed the wreck of the Otago. Only her stern was under water, and the vessel was whole. Mr J. D. MeCullock, formerly city auditor, died this morning. Sterling won the Wagga gold cup> Mountaineer, 2 ; Melbourne, 3.

(PRESS AGENCY.)

WELLINGTON, this day. DEPARTURE OF THE SAPPHIRE FOR AUCKLAND. H.M.S. Sapphire has just left for Auck land under sail. _ WRECKS OF WILLIAM ACKERS AND OTAGO. Captain Underwood reports passing the wreck of the William Ackers, lying two miles East of Waipapa Point. Several mounted men on the beach and a group of boats on the sand passed Cha|| land's Mistake yesterday afternoon. The wreck of the Otago was whole, the masts, yards, and funnel standing. The gear on deck was whole. The ensign was ilying at the main when the steamer passed. ATTEMPTED WIFE MURDER.

Thomas Coleman, who some weeks ago

THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1876.



XnURNITUIIE A ECADE &r CARPETS ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! esr FURNITURE ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE gsr BEDDING! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE KST FLOOR CLOTHS ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! m- DRESS GOODS ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! £5T MILLINERY! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! m 1 MEN'S CLOTHING ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! &r BOYS' CLOTHING ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE! Rra\dest Display of Goods, and Greatest Variety, at the iigfCITY HALLIS DRAPERY AND FURNITURE ARCADE. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, P A BIXETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS CABI DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C. It. Chan-well, Manager of Furniture Department. Readers who need a fashionable coat, Or fancy vest and trousers, please to note. -TX L. POSSENISEIE, ln*thanking liia patrons and the general public for past favours, begs to intimate that ho has SS. REMOVED REMOVED -m to more central premises (First Shop in Shortland-street), AND HAS TTST OPENED A NEW AND CHOICE SELECTION OF TWEEDS, FANCY COATINGS AND VESTINGS, &c, ScO'f &c-



French Muslin J



An- Ally of Nature.—All attempts to force nature react injuriously upon the system. Medi cal treatment to be successful, should be auxil iary and not compulsory. The cures of nervous ness, debility, indigestion, hypochondria, utenno disorders, kidney and bladder dimulties rheu matism, and of all affections of the sensitive organs wrought by Udolpiio Wolfe's? Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps are attributable to the fact that it is a potent ally, but never a violent com peller of nature. Mark Twain on Bad Musicians. — The musical public and general readers are cautioned not to purchase Wcston's Wizard Oil and Magic Pills without carefully examining the outside wrapper—and be sure that the words "None Genuine without the Signature of the Proprietor, Frank Weston. Sydney, N.5.W.," are engraven thereon. Any other so-called preparations ol mine, are unauthorized by me, and calculated to mislead tho public—Signed, Frank Weston. Sole Agents: Kcmpthorne, Prosser and Co.— Price, Half-a-crown.



Presses



at



Half-Price



■W- Rattray's



at



Clearing-Out Sale*