SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ttt.,'l .T-i-.■--. ( This Afternoon, 11.41. HIGH .vA.rji.— "[To-morrow Morning, 12. SUN SET.—This Evening.-0.51. SUN RISE. —To-morrow Morning, 4.11. MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter,2lth Nov., 1.6 p.m

ARRIVALS.

Star Queen 'of Salcombe), 2G4 tons, Skcß. from Lyttelton Quo -n. -r ero-i.'--. Jones, from Hokinng-a JL y. sell ronor, Smith, from Wangarei

DEPARTURES.

Rowena, s.s., Sella:., for Tauranga

IMPORTS.

Per Star Queen, from Lyttelton: 3110 sacks wheat.

EXPORTS.

Per Southern Cross for Napier : 1 case horse rakes, 3 bundles wheels, 2 boxes stones, 1 roll perforated zinc,—T. & S. Morrin.

The s.s. Rowena left last evening for Tauranga with several pussangers, and a quantity of cargo. The s.s. Southern Cross leaves, this afternoon for Napier. The brig Janet Stewart is being loaded by Mr John Reid with timber for Melbourne. She is to sail in a few days. The barque Star Queen, Captain Skelton. left Lyttelton on Thursday last, and arrived in port last evening with a cargo of wheat. She had S. W., weather till rounding the East Cape, and thence N.E., and fine weather. Messrs Thornton, Smith, and Firth hare re ceived a telegram to the cited that the barquen tine Prince Alfred left Port Piric ten days ago for this port with 330 tons wheat. The repairs of the barque John Mutinies are now completed, and as her loading is nearly finished, she is likely to leave for Boston in two or three days. She had her hatches put on and caulked down this morning, and other prepar ations are being made which betoken an early departure. The ship Carnatic. according to cablegram, arrived in London prior to the 4th inst. She left this port on her homeward voyage on the Ist August, so that she made a very good passage, about 92 days.

All claims against the Orari's inward cargo are to be sent in duplicate to Mr Batger, the local agent of the N.Z.S. Co.,by 4 o'clock'_to-mor row, or they will not be recognised. EJMessrs Cruickshank and Co have received a cable message, stating that the s.s. Hero left Melbourne for Auckland, via Syndey, yesterday, the 22nd inst.

It has been arranged that the City of Auckland is to be loaded for the homeward trip by the New Zealand Shipping Co. She will commence taking in cargo directly the Orari is a full ship. The s.s. Southern Cross, which leaves for Napier this afternoon, will extend this trip to Dunedin, for which port she will load cattle at Napier. She will return to Napier with a cargo of sheep, and thence bring a cargo of cattle and sheep to the Thames. She will be docked in Port Chalmers for a clean, and is expected back in three weeks time.

The barquentine, Emu, has finished unloading. She is to make a trip to the Bay of Islands, and will then proceed to Levuka. The barque Tasso has hauled alongside the wharf, and commenced discharging her cargo of coals.

The schooner Effie Meikle has cleared out for the Thames with a few sundries. She loads there with timber for Lyttelton. We understand that the barque Rapido is likely to be ready to sail for London about the 20th of ne.t month. Nearly the whole other cargo is engaged. She saded from Newcastle yesterday. The cutter Isabella was offered at auction to day by Messrs B. Tonks and Co., but was passed in, the bids not being up to the reserve.

COMMERCIAL.

The result of the sale by Messrs B. Tonks and Co., yesterday, of the land and houses belonging to Mr Wm. Kirby, did not reach us in time for the Star of last" evening. The sale was well attended, but the town" properties were with drawn, in consequence of the low bidding for them. The actual sale was as follows:—Kihi kihi, lot 162,1 acre and cottage, T. Abbot. £22 10s ; 10t271, la.. P. Campbell. £85s. Ohaupo, 10t263,11a. lr. 20p., Elliot Meyer, £2 10s per acre. Ngarua wahia, lot 6;'., la. Or. Bp., It. C. Greenwood. £25 : lots 397, 398, 2 allotments, J. Browne. £3 163: lot 104, 1 allotment R. Heilaby, £10: lo! 361, 1 allot ment, R. C. Greenwood, £13 10s. Tuakau North, 5 allotments, R. C. Greenwood, 21s each. Tua kau South, 17 allotments, J. Campbell, £26. Raglan, 4 allotments, C- Austin, 35s each. One hunga, 66ft. to Church-street, A. Miller, 6s per foot. Esenden, near Melbourne, 1 allotment, Samuel Leigh, £52 10s.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— ' For Thames, to-morrow, at 4...0 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, to-morrow, at

2.30 p.m. For Russell, per Emu, to-morrow, at 8 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Wellington, to-morrow, at 11.15 a.m. Late letters will be received till 11.30 a.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, Waipu, etc., per Annie Milbank, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. (Signed) S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

DUGLAS—At Elgin Cottage, Queens Redoubt, on the 21st instant, the wife of William George Dnglas of a daughter.

BI3S—On the 21st November, at her residence, Carlton Gore Road, the wife of S. B. Biss of a daughter.

DEATH.

HAMILTON—On the 23rd instant, at Fairoaks, Mabel Alexandra, the youngest and beloved daughter of Harkness Hamilton. The funeral will leave for St. Stephens Cemetery to-morrow (Friday) afternoon, 24th instant, at 3.30 o'clock.

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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1876.

For I'm c."iv;e ttt;.t Irrcks assistance, _•-». ih<_ ...-.n-,' Hint r-.ctrt, resistance. ]-~: I:.. :•..:_._ in tlx ilist.-im.., And rhe .'.■•■< l ihnt w._ ciin rlo.

NEWS from Europe by cable is still ominous of war. Lord Beacoiisfield and Earl Derby in England, and the Czar in Russia, have enunciated the policy of their respective Governments, and that there is serious danger of these views upon the adjustment of the Eastern question coining into open conflict, cannot be denied. Earl Beacons field, at the Mayoral banquet, declared England's determination to uphold the independence of Turkey, secured by the Treaty of Paris, while, however, desirous of ameliorating the condition of the oppressed Christians. Earl Derby's des patch for tbe guidance of the British representative at the approaching conference of the Great Powers, insists even more forcibly upon the determination of the nation to resist Russian designs upon Constantinople. Earl Derby expresses the belief that the present strong feeling against the Turks, consequent upon recent atrocities, would instantly change with the first clear evidence that the integrity of the Turkish capital was endangered by Russian ambi tion. It is probable that England will en deavour, at the Conference, to secure local self-government for the northern Turkish provinces, and may even be willing to con sent to the erection of Bulgaria, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, into independent tributary States, as perfectly protected from the evils of Turkish mal-administration, as Servia has been. These provinces created, with Servia, into a Danubiah Confederation, would be sufficiently powerful at any time here after to repel Moslem aggression, and would ultimately settle the Eastern difli culty by the gradual consolidation of a powerful Slav Empire in South-East Europe. If Russia is" sincere in its desire only to ameliorate the condition of co-religionists in Turkey, such an adjustment would meet its views. There are, however, many indications that Russian ideas of. a satisfactory settlement of the Eastern ques tion are something less philanthrophic. The war entered upon by Servia at Russian insti gation, with an army commanded by Rus sian officers, strengthened by Russian vol unteers and maintained with Russian money has failed in its object. Prevailing dis affection among the Slavs inNorthTurkey, together with the weakness and inefficiency displayed in suppressing the Herzegovinian insurrection encouraged the hope that the disintegration of the Turkish Empire might have been accomplished, without open aid from the North. But the extraordinary development of strength displayed by the Porte lias defeated these expectations. Even when early defeats of the Servians had prepared the'way for a final cessation of hostilities, and an arinstice Avas proposed for that purpose, the little State, although clearly unable to hold its ground, again, in a Avay impossible to explain except on the supposition of secret Russian infiuence, entered on the campaign. And Avhen once more defeated, Avith an army crushed, and demoralised, Russia stepped in as protector, and made the Servian cause its OAVii Although victorious, the Turkish Government expressed willingness to treat with its subjects and the Great Powers for the adjustment of internal grievances, and has consented to a two

months' armistice. Under these circum" stances the Conference is entered upon- That the result may be to avert bloodshed, and secure good government in the Balkan peninsular, is the devout wish of all who realize the misery and sacrifice of human life involved in war. Rut the tenor of the Czar's remarks, antici pating failure, are not encouraging. We believe that were the records of Muscovite oppression and brutality in Poland un earthed, the disclosures would rival the records of Turkish atrocities. The appear ance nf the Muscovite in the character of the philanthropist is new, and although prob ably capable of being accounted for by the" indignation which Moslem infamies have naturally aroused, it yet possesses many suspicious features. If Russia, in approaching the Eastern question, is really seeking a peaceful solution, we have no doubt she will find it at the forthcoming Conference, but if mere aggrandizement of ] territory, and the possession of the key to i the East, the issue will be one of a more painful and disastrous character, fore-, shadowed in Earl Beaconsfield's declaration- I that "England is prepared for war." It I will, however, he a matter of profound i sorrow to the British Nation it" the Govern j in cut is forced into a war for (he pres.rva ! tion of the Turk in Europe; although we i can conceive oi circumstances under which I Earl Derby's assertion might be realised, | and war entered upon with enthusiasm.

The decision as to the route to lie adopted for th" extension ot the Kaipara railway to Auckland lias been arrived at. It is under stood that the necessary information has been collected, ami will be laid before the ou< .ncor-in-chicf, who will visit Auckland shortly to select the route, and to make final arrangements for the commencement of the

This morning, Mr Broomhall proceeded to Pulman's Photographic Rooms, and had his guide and Eidus Achates, Ileremaia, duly photographed by the artist who presides at that temple of art. Hcremaia is a chief of the Ngatimiho, Te Whcoro's tribe. Mr Broomhall was on his tour of inspection when he met Ileremaia, and in conversation with him, was surprised to learn that the chief had been a Good Templar for two years, and a. member of the Te AVheorn Lodge at Kohekohe, to which he regularly subscribes. Mr Broom hall engaged Hcremaia as guide, and brought him down to Auckland to have him photographed, with the intention of inserting the likeness in the "Illustrated London' News." ileremaia is ;i fine specimen of a Maori, tall, well-formed, and with an intelligent type of face.

There is on view in the establishment of Messrs Winks and Hull an elaborate black walnut cabinet, with French walnut panels, manufactured in Detroit, Michigan—one of the finest articles of the kind ever imported into Auckland. There are forty closed pigeon holes in flic right door. In the left door is a post ollice receiving box. Drawers with polished maple fronts, and innumerable drawers aud pigeonholes arc included in this elaborate piece of workmanship. The front inlaid section drops down sir as to form a

writing tab!

We learn from one of tho < )rari immigrants that the statement made in last night's St All docs not represent the exact circumstances, as affecting th. ration question. Our informant does not wish to complain, but says on the contrary, that the immigrants have every reason to be satisfied with the treatment' they have received, and the readiness with which they have been drafted into employment. But as a matter of fact, he says that the rations were stopped altogether at the end of the first eight or nine days, but on representation to Major Green, the married people were allowed half-rations, which they still receive, with the privilege of buying on credit any other food they require, 'from the officer in charge of the barracks. The single men have had their supplies cut off altogether. Only a few now remain in the barracks, and those who went to Gisborne, write hopefully of their prospects. Our informant gives a gloomy account of the slate of the labour market in England, when he left.

A telegram from the manager of the Union Beach lo tho legal manager in Aucland, reports that 188 lbs of specimens have been taken out this morning, being the largest quantity yet taken out at one haul.

We learn that Captain Morrow, of No. 3 Company of Volunteers, has accepted the challenge of Captain Derrom for a return rifle match, provided that it take place on Saturday, the 2nd of December, instead of Saturday next, to which Capt. Derrom has agreed on behalf of the Victoria Company.

We have to acknowledge receipt of 10s, from Mr W. Bcehan, for .Mrs Coughlan. Our correspondent adding that " the case is one of great need."

The Maltese lace worked by Miss Blanche Grice, of Newmarket, Avhich Avas awarded Mr T. Macffai-lano's £1 prize for the best piece of Avork from St. Luke's School at the exhibition, is a very pretty article of fancy work. The tasteful little worker is only 12 years old, and learned the art of making this Lice Avhile in England. The article attracted a good deal of attention from ladies skilled in such matters, the class of Avork being quite a novelty in Auckland.

Mr Editor : Sir,—lt is really painful to meet frequently in Custoiii-Hoiise-street small boys of between the age of 10 and 11 years iv charge of heavy laden drays of clay from the Britomart cuttings, it is a positive risk of these little fellows lives, and contractors ought truly to feel ashamed employing such" of tender years, and avliosc birthright too is in the school-room. _ 1 trust you may .add by your pen, Mr Editor, if needful/to this important subject.—Yours, Citizen.

The Broomhall. conversazione as per ad vertisement Avill take place this evening in the Lorne-streot Hall, Mr Firth in the chair. Music and refreshments Avill be provided for attendants. The Caledonian Dramatic Company, in cluding prominent members of Mr John L. Hall's company, Miss Jessie Raymond, Robert Glover," the champion dancer of Ellerslie, and Mr Francis Searle, comedian and elocutionist, are about to commence a dramatic tour through the district of the Waikato; Avith a series of comedies, farces, dances and English, Irish, and Scotch character-songs of an interesting character. The company will return in time for the Christmas holidays.

The musical and literary entertainment for the benefit of a poor family Aviilbe given this evening iv the lecture room of the Young Men's Christian Association. Rev. Mr Hassard, and Messrs Ewington, White, and Plunket Avill give amusing readings. Mr HoAvden avill sing several comic songs, and Mr Ryan Avill conduct the selected choir, and sing one or tAvo favourite songs from Dibdin and LongfelloAV.

It will be satisfactory to country settlers and those interested in the success of the flax trade, to learn that a cablegram, dated London Nov. 4th, reports the Ncav Zealand flax market firm,' with a slight advance in

prices. The only business at the Police Court this morning Avas the fining of the following drunkards : James Young, Sophia Siltman, Thomas Jones, and Jno. LeAvis. To do this heavy work, one Magistrate, _avo clerks, one sub-inspector, one detective, tAvo ser geants, four constables, three representa tives of the press, and one aged poet Avere in attendance, in addition to a crowd of the great unwashed. Waste of energy here. Mr Ormond, late Superintendent of HaAvkes Bay, is to be entertained at a com plimentary banquet this evening, at Napier.

Three men named Patrick Connell, John King, and L. Jockey, have been drowned at Stewarts Island by a boat accident.

A native meeting has been held at Tai pari's house, Thames, to discuss the bound aries of the land between the Waihou and Thames rivers, which boundaries are disput ed by the Ohinemuri and the Piako natives. The purchase of the hind is now being negociated by the Government. Questions relating to the Te Arolia Block are also under dicussiou.

The Otago Cricketers desire to forego the annual match with Canterbury this year, owing to the match arranged with the All England Eleven. Canterbury, how ever, objects to the annual match' being discarded this year. The sum of £100 litis been collected at Dunedin towards the ex penses of the coining match.

A meeting of the creditors of Mr. Walter Graham, grocer, was held yesterday, when live shilling in the pound was offeiedand refused.

Some of the country Highway Boards victimize absentee land-owners most scan dalously. An example was furnished at Mr Kirby's sale yesterday. Lot 65, assessed at £300, realised £2o; Jots 397 and '398, assessed at £300, were sold for £17 12s ; and lot 104, assessed at £100, brought £10. The land was sold at fair market prices. It is far from cr.ditablc for Highway Boards to take advantage of the want of opportunity which prevents many town property-holders from examining the assessment list, to place an exorbitant and ridiculous valuation oil properties. The rates exacted from Mr Kir by were neither more nor less than a swindle.

Mails leave Batavia on the 24th inst., 2nd, Bth, 22ud, and 30th December ; but

extra steamers leave Batavia, Samarang,

and Souratoga, of which it is only possible to obtain very short notice. Mails due at Batavia on 20th and 30th inst., and 9th proximo, but several extra steamers tire expected betwixt the above advices. Com munication is expected to be opened with the repairing ship at any moment.

Tenders are invited by the General Mana ger of the Electric Telegraph Department for the supply and delivery of 300 telegraph poles, for a line of telegraph between VYarkworth and Waiwera, via the German Settlement. Particulars may be seen at the Auckland ollice, and tenders are receiv able up to noon of December 9th.

Tauranga telegrams to-day are satis factory. The firm attitude of the leaders of the Kaimai prospecting party subdued the bouqce of the obstructionists, and pros pectors have scattered for many miles over the ranges.

Yesterday the hon. the Attorney-General,

accompanied by Mr. J. S. Macfarlane M.H.R., Mr. Stewart, District Engineer, Mr. Heale, Chief of the Survey office, Mr. A. V. Macdonald, General Manager of the railways in this province, proceeded to Riverltead and Helensville to examine tiie three different sites proposed as the northern terminus of the Kaipara railway. The sites are first, Stewart's Elat ; s.cond, at the junction of the Kniikapakapa, and Kaipara rivers ; third,'on the lower level of the existing terminus, on land belonging to Messrs MoLood, a few chains above the Helensville wharf. The hon Mr Win ta-

ker received from Mr McLcod a formal offer of the necessary land for the proposed station. The whole question of the respec tive proposed sites will be submitted to the Engineer in Chief, and as soon as a decision has been arrived at the work will be

begun, We learn on inquiry that no definite un derstanding has yet been come to between the New Zealand and the New South Wales Governments. We understand that six prominent settlers in the Tauranga district have written to Mr Broomhall requesting him to visit that part of the country iv order to examine the land. Mr Broomhall consulted the Hon. Mr Whitaker on the subject this morning, and we believe he was advised to visit the district and satisfy him as to the suitability for settlement of the blocks to be brought under his notice.

We have received a copy of the Orari Avaltz, a piece of danco music, composed by Air Sydney James, one. of the saloon pas sengers of the ship Orari, on her late voyage to this port. We often bear of diaries, newspapers, and similar literary efforts being produced out of tiie leisure which is enjoyed on hoard ship, but it is not often that avc have a musical composition. There are several reasons why the publication should meet with a ready sale. First, the price is only two shillings ; secondly, the music is artistic and very pretty, the har monies being good, and the "go " capital ; thirdly, the proceeds arc to go towards the support of a child at one of the sailor's schools in London ; and fourthly, because such a brochure is quite a novelty. Mr I'uckey has been endeavouring to overcome the opposition of the Ohinemuri natives to the extension of the telegraph line to that district, but no definite settle ment of the question has been effected. Old Tukikino continues obstinate and threatens if the proposed extension be attempted to employ force in pulling down the poles. The Government arc about to erect a new tower to support tbe wire across tbe Thames river, to replace that recently bloAvn down. The hon. Wm. Fox is proving about the best immigration agent the colony CA-cr had, though he is not receiving a shilling from the public funds. He has lectured in all the principal cities of England on the Temperance question, and never fails to say a timely word for the colony. We are informed on good authority that it was Mr Fox who suggested to Mr Broomhall and tbe other projectors of the proposed special settle ment, tho feasibility of the scheme, and strongly urged that the land should be selected ill the North Island. Mr. Fox pointed out I hat this portion of the colony had not received jus tice, and that it had suffered from the effects of the war, and he shewed that the apprehensions entertained by sonic people in England of the danger of settling in proximity to a Maori popu lation, were ill-founded and chcmc-rical. It was owing to these strong recommendations that Mr. Broomhall has been induced to carefully examine various parts of this province. The Bishop of Auckland will hold a confirm ation service at Warkworth, Mahurangi, on Sun day week next. Thursday the 9th December is to be a red letter day at Warkworth, Mahurangi. On that day a soiree in connection with the Episcopolian Church, will come off at the public hall, and already great preparations arc being made. All the shining musical talont of the district (and thia, rest assured, is not small) is to be pressed into the service for the occasion, and re hearsals arc now going on with great assiduity, It is expected that the concert will be the best ever given in tbe district. Bishop Cowie will bo present, and preside. The Rev. C. M. Nelson and Mr. It. C. Dyer, betides several others of the Aucldand clergy and laity are intending to run down and assist in making the alt'air a success.

Mr. Williams, Avho is known to Colonial fame as the enterprising originator of a variety of useful inventions, has added one more to the long list of industries which he carries on at, his factory in Albert-street, namely, the distilla.ion of liquor ammonia. For this purpose the car bolic refuse of the gas works is utilized. Mr. Williams has constructed a complete apparatus, which is capable of distilling the liquid in c ni si derable quantities. This apparatus consists of a large still, made by Mr. Elder, and three earthenware receivers, made by Mr. Boyd, con nected Avith the still by pipes, through which -....; gas passes, and is purified in water contained in the receivers. Liquid ammonia is used for a great many purposes, but it is anticipated that the principal demand in Auckland will be from hatters, tailors, dyers, renovators, and others u=ing the ammonia for cleaning purposes. It will also be largely used by laundresses, a3 it is very effsctive in removing dirt. The article manufactured by Mr. Williams Avill be sold at a price which ought to ensure a ready sale in Auckland. There is a Rreat difference between the price of ammonia sold in England, and of that imported into the colony, caused chiefly by the great expense of packing. Am monia can be manufactured here at one-sixth the cost of the imported _ article. Mr. Williams will make an article in all respects equal to the imported ammonia, and will sell at a price very little over that ruling m England. We are always glad to welcome any new indus try, and we wish Mr Williams the success which his skill and enterprise so well deserve.

MR. BROOMHALL'S VISIT TO WAIKATO.

ON Thursday last, Mr Broomhall visited the Wangape Lake in the Waikato, where j he discovered close to the water's edge a j line outcrop of coal, and a deposit of pink J and white clay which he believes to be j excellently adapted for the manufacture of pottery. "lie has brought down a sample of it for analysis. Mr Broomhall next visited the coal mines and inspected the workings. Thence he travelled across the country ill a westerly direction, staying for the night at Mr Sinclair's house, near Churchill. Next day, Mr Broomhall, accompanied by Mr Sinclair and Mr Palmer, with the per mission of the Government, struck across the country towards the West Coast. They had been told by Maoris familiar with the district that it would be impossible to pene trate the country by that route. However the party were not to be deterred by any ordinary difficulties, so they proceeded on their journey, one gentleman carrying a billhook, and another a tamohawk with which they cut their way through the tangled bush, and succeeded in penetrating from the Waikato River nearly to the West Coast. He inspected the Rauwaruru Block, which is confiscated land, on the west bank of the Waikato, about midway between Raglan and Waikato Heads. The country here is of a lime-stone nature, and there is a great deal of land exccUently adapted for settlement. The topography is slightly undulating, with pretty fern open ings in the bush, and some picturesque scenery wherever a view can be obtained. The koromiko plant, and the tupakihi abounds in parts of the block. The area of the block is a little under 100,000 acres. Mr Broomhall hurried back to Auckland iv order to be present at the conversazione, which was originally fixed for Wednesday evening. He got to the Waikato River at about six o'clock on Tuesday, and engaged two Maoris, besides his guide Heremaia, to man a canoe, in which lie Was conveyed down the Waikato to Point Russell, where he remained for the night, and came on to town yesterday morning. We' believe'that at the conversazione in the Lome-street Hall, this evening, Mi Broomhall will give some account of his recent journeys in New Zealand, and sonic information regarding the special objects and views of the gentlemen who proposed to found the new settlement.

This morning, Mr Broomhall had an in terview with the Hon. the Attorney-General respecting the Kauwaruru Block, and the result was that a survey of the land will be made, as the necessary preliminary to further negotiations. As soon as the Kauwaruru block has been surveyed, it

wlll be necessary to enter into negotiations

with the recently appointed Waste Lands Board for the Provincial District of Auck-

land,

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.—

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

JUDGMENTS I'Olt PLAINTIFFS.

Gregory Waller v. Win. McLeod —claim, £2 13s -Id, goods ; costs, £1 !).. Gd (Mr Du faur for plaintiff). -1. V.. Floarc v. Thomas j Richards -claim, L'o Ms (id, balance fori soles and uppers ; costs, 14s. Cruickshank and Co. v. Thos. Aldridgc—claim, £2 3s (id ; costs, 14s. Thos. Holland v. Robert Wan nop —claim, £3 3s 9d, groceries ; costs, El 9s 6'd (Mr Real, for defendant, asked for time, a.s defendant had a wife aud large family to support on narrow means ; he would pay 20s monthly. Accepted.) Tims. Holland v. Rowland Campbell—claim, £8 15. 10(1, groceries ; costs, £1 Ss Gd. Thos. Holland v. Frank Barnes —claim, £5 3.s 4d, groceries ; costs, £1 Ss Gd (Mr Dufaur ap peared for plaintiff in these cases.) ADJOURNED CASKS. Robt. McDonald v. Wm. Thurston— claim, CG Is, goods ; Auckland City Council v. John McVey Baird—claim, £6 12s lOd, rates ; Owen and Graham v. J. M. Darga ville—claim, £27 7s. TRUSTEES OK THE LATE HENDRY SOMER VELL V EDWARD WATERS. Claim £16, rent. Mr J. B. Russell and Mr George for plaintiff; Mr Hesketh and Mr Hill for defendant. Edward Waters, confectioner, Qucen-st., deposed that be occupied premises under tbe late Mr Somervell. He took possession in September, 1870, and continued in posses sion until the 30th October of the present year; he paid his rent, £8 per week regularly to Mr Somervell, and since that gentleman's death, he had paid it to Mr Culpan, .agent to the trustees. The rent which the trustees claim to the 13th November, he had not paid. The letter (produced) was written for him, and bore his signature. Mr Russell said he knew the contents of the letter, and he would tender it in evidence, and his Worship would say whether it required a stamp or not: he con tended that it did not require a stain]). Mr Hesketh said he objected to Hie admission of the letter, as it might have the effect of hoodwinking the court ; was it evidence or not.

Mr Russell said it might be evidence, and he would tender it as such.

His Worship looked over the letter and thought it only shadoAved forth the pro bability of evidence.

Mr Hesketh said if the letter was tendered as evidence of contract, it should be stamped,and Mr Russell should say so. Mr Russell said the letter could not be a contract unless it was proved to be so, and to ask plaintiff to stamp it Avas an unfair proposition. A long discussion then ensued between the Court and counsel on the question at issue, when his Worship expressed the opinion of the court, that the lettei did not require a stamp. Air Lodge then read the letter, which related to terms of agreement between Mr Waters and Mr Somervell, on a promised lease for ten years which Avas never drawn up, and to several alterations and improve ments which cost the tenant a large sum of money. Mr Somervell died, and the plan which involved the present claim by the trustees, Avas never carried out.

Examination of Mr Waters continued : He only had a verbal understanding, but, in pursuance of such, he entered into occupa tion, and paid rent. To Mr Hesketh : He A\ ras sued for two Aveeks rent, but he had not occupied the premises since October 30 ; he sent the key to the agent; he never, up to the present time, had received a lease ; lie had laid out £354, "on the primiscs, lie understood the trustees Avere only disposed to give him a five years lease. Mr Aitken took down particulars of proposed terms, but he did not see Mr Somervell sign them. To Mr Russell : He never tendered a lease for execution to the trustees : He did not think that it Avas his duty to do. Mr Russell hoav asked the court that the letter in evidence might be stamped.

(Left Sitting)

WESLEYAN DISTRICT MEETING.

Ix the afternoon Session of yesterday.attention was deA'oted to various places in the district Avhich stood in need of additional ministerial supply. Wangaroa, Bay of Islands, Wangarei, and Pukokohe were referred to as places that might at once be occupied Avith considerable advantage. At this early stage of the meeting, questions were raised and partially considered which will come up again for settlement at a later period. This morning was occupied in consider ing reports to the Three Kings Students. The committee reported favourably of the sermons heard last night. Dr Kidd, the classical tutor, spoke of the progress made during the time the students have been at work as highly satisfac tory. The Principal of the Institution, the Rev. T. Buddie, referred to their theological studies and general conauct, and expressed himself as greatly pleased. There are now in the Institu tion 3 Europeans and 7 Maori students, and they afford promise of great ..usefulness in the future.

The Old Men's Refuge.

The usual big goose beny, or monsxer pumpkin, which opportunely turns up in duH times being wanting, your reporter conceived the idea of paying a visit to the Old Men's Refuge, and examining its condi tion. The building, as most people are aware, is situate on the side of the slope below the old hospital, and not far from the new one. The place Avas formerly used as a Lunatic Asylum, before the new Asylum at the Whau was erected, the necessity for some place of retreat for the a-o-ed and infirm, was apparent at a very early period in the history of Auckland, but for some time, no institution of the \ kind was established, cases of real distress being met by outdoor relief. Occasionally some poor old man, whom failing strength, and the rough usage of poverty had ren dered a little eccentric in his habits, was " run in " by the police, and lodged in the Lunatic Asylum. IMPROVEMENT IN THE DISCIPLINE. The present Refuge is divided into quarters for infirm and destitute old women, who are under the charge of Mrs Mack, and the old men, under the Superintendence ot Mr R. Staunton, Mrs Staunton officiating as matron. Mr. Staunton'took over charge of the Old Men's Refuge on the 16th March 1875, and at that time the institution was, in a disorganized condition, the discipline being deficient in system and efficiency. No proper books were kept, and there was absolutely no check upon the issue of supplies, or upon the general conduct, and discipline of the inmates. There was not even any proper regulation for compelling the patients to change their linen at regular intervals, and the absence of any check upon the quantity issued doubtless opened a way for dishonesty. Mr. Staunton has reformed : these, and" other irregularities, having established a system of entering in a book 1 particulars of the issue of linen, by which a t check is kept upon the changes. Another ' difficulty was the enforcing obedience. » Formerly every inmate was allowed to do pretty much as seemed light in his own eyes, but though there is now no harshness, the : men are taught to understand that they i must be subservient to authority. - i NECESSITY FOR A BATH-ROOM. ' It is usual for the old men to rise before I 8 o'clock in the morning, and to perform their ablutions. Several of them, however,

evince a decided antipathy to clean water, or even to clean linen. What is wanted is a bath-room, and a regulation compelling every inmate to bath at least once a Aveek, a tepid bath being provided in cases where necessary. DIET. The dietary scale is liberal. Each in mate receives half a pound of butter weekly, with sugar, pepper, salt, etc. The daily ration consists of 1 lb of bread, 1 lb of po tatoes, 12 ozs of meat. The breakfast con sists of ti pint of tea, and half a pound of bread with butter ; dinner, soup, potatoes, and meat, with roast meat on Sundays. Vegetables of various kinds, principally cabbage, are occasionally supplied. On Christmas Day the Government provides plum pudding. Last Christmas tbe in mates had a feast of fat things in the shape of roast geese, our worthy Mayor, Mr Tonks, having given a sum of £5 for the Refuge. EMPLOYMENT. The old men do no work, beyond clean ing out their own rooms. Two or three of the most robust, however, do a few hours work daily in the garden, and another assists in the kitchen. RELIGIOUS SERVICES. Religious services are held in the Refuge on Sundays, and the Revs. Biggs, Dudley, Willis, Hamcr, and Father Walter Mac donald visit the institution regularly. PUNISHMENT FOR OFFENCES. The punishment for offences is exceed ingly light. Mr B. McLean, the Visiting Justice, is extremely punctual in his visits of inspection, and is strongly inclined to a lenient and kind mode of treatment for offences. Mr McLean is respected by all Hie inmates, and the punishment awarded by him for offences is borne without murmur ing. Your representative glanced through the offence book, in which the word "cau tioned "largely predominated. One man, who" had got* out of his bed during the night, aud savagely assaulted a helpless, old paralyzed cripple, was punished by the stoppage of tobacco for 14 days. Robert Murdock, an incorrigible, was dismissed, and a man named Charles Palmiter has been equally troublesome. WANTS OF THE INSTITUTION.

As to the wants of the institution, it may be said that the building itself is wholly unsuitable for its present purpose, being old, dilapidated, uncomfortable, un ventilated, and infested with vermin. The kitchen requires fitting with a new cooking range, the present one being inadequate to the MEN WHO HAVE GONE TO THE WALL. Your representative talked to some of the more remarkable of the inmates, and though there was nothing very romantic about their careers, a brief notice of one or two of them may not be uninteresting,and may serve as a warning beacon to keep others from the jagged rocks and yawning gulfs of poverty and in temperance. At the time of your reporter's visit, some of the old men were basking in the sun on a bench outside, but, in spite of the beauty of the weather, a few of the very old and infirm had crept away into their apartments and covered themselves in their blankets. Some of them were suffering from sickness. CHARACTER No. I.— DEAF AND BLIND. Our first introduction was to a man named Henry Hector, about 50, who is blind and totally deaf. Conversation with a man in this condition was uphill work, but your representative essayed it. Upon our first introduction, Hector rose from his seat and ran his hands over us, exclaiming in a rapid voice, " "Who's this ?" In reply avc spelled out, "Star reporter" on his OAvn hand with the signs of the alphabet for the deaf and dumb. These words ap peared to act upon him like a galvanic shock. He Avas trembling Avith excitement, grasped your representative by the shoulder, instead of a button, and proceeded with extraordinary volubility to pour into our ear a long and somewhat rambling chapter of wrongs. He Avas made to understand that what was' required from him was a few spicy, exciting, and romantic incidents in his career, for the delectation of the readers of the Star, and that the minute details of his auto-biography could be spared for the present. Then he Avent off again like a rocket, and'for about one mortal hour he talked away at a rate that Avas simply terrific. Sifting out the main facts from a minute record of his life, in Avhich dates, places, and facts were narrated with aston ishing particularity, Aye gathered that his grandfather had fought at the battle of Cul loden, his father Avas engaged in the rebel lion in Ireland in 1798, and he, himself, Avas born in Limerick. One of his school masters was a brute, avlio beat him over the head with a ruler, and his mother occasion ally came home Avith a cargo of whiskey, and reasoned with him through the medium of a strong horsewhip laid about his head. In consequence of this ill-usage, he lost his hearing. His father was transported for his share in the rebellion, and some years after his arrival in Ncav South Wales, got into another scrape, Avhich Avas near termin ating a long and industrious career. There were Avild cattle in the neighbourhood of the settlement, which had increased from a few strays in the first instance, and these were claimed by the Governor. Mr Hector sen., hoAvever, seemed to dispute the title, for he shot some of the cattle, and laid in a supply of beef. The taste of wild beef Avas

so exceUent that he continued to suiH on the same fare. He was detect!.. and pursued by troopers, and his companion shot. Being captured, Mr Hector sen., was tried and sentenced to death, but was reprieved because he was found to be well versed in the Catechism of the Church of England, and to exhibit sincere repentance. The subject of this brief biography wandered about for several years in Australia, and ultimately came to the North Shore, where he caught cold in his eyes and lost his sight. Some years i ago he was seized with the divine afflatus, and commenced to write poetry. During a famous Superinteiidei-tal election he com posed a poem of 299 lines, and he speaks with pride of this achievement. He is an intelligent man, with a remark ably good memory, especially of dates and historical facts, and he has ac quired a smattering of general subjects. He wanted to monopolise the ear of your representative, who was obliged to ter minate the interview, but a present of tobacco reconciled Mr. Hector to the sad parting. The next inmate interviewed, was

AN OLD SEA CAPTAIN,

Captain Archibald Duncan, aged 74 a native of Bute, a most respectable old gentleman, who was at sea at the early age of 13, and who x.ossesses a number of very excellent certificates, from influential shipowners in England, whose vessels he commanded with great credit to himself, and profit to the owners. His master's certificate, dated many years ago, has the entry " boy, seaman, mate, and master for 36 years." Captain Duncan, is well known in Auckland, having sailed between this port and Sydney. He is very comfortable in the Refuge, and receives a little money from time to time, which enables him to purchase decent clothing, aud a few luxuries. The Captain suffers from a delusion that he constantly hears voices talking to hint under his bed, and in other parts of his room, and these he imagines to he the spirits of the dead. He has been in the Refuge about seven months, and is highly spoken of by the manager. ONE WHO HAS SEEN BETTER DAYS.

Mr William Harris, aged 59, and a native of England, has been about twelve months in the refuge. He suffers severely horn rheumatism, and is rendered almost help less. He has had a great deal of colonial experience, and might have been a wealthy man had he practised economy. At one time he owned several teams of bullocks, each of which brought him in 30s a day, and he employed a number of men in the early days in the timber trade at the Wade. His receipts were at one time £100 a week. Want of success in trade, failing health, and other causes brought him to comparative poverty, until at last he found an asylum in the Refuge. He has soils in Australia who ought to do something to cheer the last years of their father. AN OLD MAORI WARRIOR. Hori Henni, a Maori, aged 70, a native of Taranaki, was sent to the Refuge on the recommendation of Sir George Grey. The native is a warrior who has often smelt powder in the old native wars, and he was engaged in Taranaki and Waikato against the British troops. He is very deaf, and infirm, and helpless. OLD BAB A. This old Hindoo shares a room with his dark-skinned brother of New Zealand. Baba is a well-known character. He used to shew a decided partiality for empty out houses and was often found roosting amongst the fowls, not with any predatory object, for the old man is a staunch idolater, and would not even steal a copy of Confucius on the Laws of Menu if he found one lying handy. In reply to inquiries, the old man managed through a mist of broken English to convey the impression that he had never been more happy and contented in his fife., jHe is always sure of food, shelter, and clothing, and on fine days can bask in the sunshine and contemplate the beauties of Parnell and the North Shore. The oidy thing he misses is the turban and a few other odd luxuries to which he was accus tomed in days of yore on Indias Coral Strand. Baba has * bceii brought up 999 times more or less for having no visible means of support. A RETIRED DANCING MASTER

Mr John Hardy, Avho has been about five or six years in the Refuge, was a professor of the terpsichorean art, and used to teach young ladies and gentlemen how to gyrate cm the light fantastic toe. He used to figure in break-downs and clog-dances, on the boards of the old Prince of Wales, in its palmy days, and as a hornpipe dancer, Avas unequalled. He is said to have been well connected in the Emerald Isle, and the late Mr John Williamson was acquainted Avith his relatives. Poor Hardy found, however, that dancing did not tend to worldly pros perity, and infirmities having begun to affect his understandings, all the poetry. and beauty of his motions Avere marred, and he gradually sunk doAvn to the level of an ordinary board-thumper. He is a man of excellent character, and is well spoken of.

A RELIGIOUS MAN.

Mr McAuley, aged 79, and a Scotchman, has been ten years in the Hospital and the Refuge. He is someAvhat deaf, but is hi full possession of all his faculties and con verses Avith intelligence. He was formerly iv the Royal Artillery, and was discharged with an exemplary character. He is very religious, has his room, which is someAvhat more comfortably arranged than the others, decorated with texts of Scripture, and a testament lying on the table, Aye found to be marked throughout at aU the passages referring to preparation for the other life. Mr McAuley is con tinually leading and noting the Scripture, and sets an excellent example of piety to the other inmates of the Refuge. He repre sented himself as prepared to die, and really, Avhen the old gentleman spoke in earnest tones of his former sinfulness, and then oi his repentance, and of his present .happy state, there Avas a glow in his face andallgW in his eyes, that reminded one of the pictures of the early saints, as painted by the old masters. Mr. McAuley keeps a diary, never failing to record the events of ea|» day, before "its close. He has a great pu* of M.S.S., which he has been seven years writing, and Avhich contains principally 8, faithful and minute record of his struggle with the enemy of mankind, and W" emancipation from the thraldom of sin. His lot is cheered by the occasional vis"* of co-religionists, Avdio spend some tun Avith him iv prayer and praise. Want.™ space, precludes any mention of the otherin mates of the Refuge, amongst Avhom mayj| mentioned respectable, and Avell-hehaveo men named McKenzie, Wells, and Scot, the latter 72 years of age. , , In conclusion, it may be mentioned, tB» your reporter received the utmost courtesy and attention at the hands of Mr. and N* Staunton, and the remarkably clean, orderly, and regular appearance of every* thing connected with the Refuge,, was J proof of their unwearying exert! onS t i, fl manage it efficiently, and to render m lot of the inmates as easy and cow fortable as the circumstances wiU admit ou On the other hand there are malty httle r quisites, the absence of which beCO& apparent to the most casual visitor.' « to be hoped that when the institntiQjyP jg under the control of the GeneraJpjß /. ment, a better building Avill Q_f__mli 0 , the purpose, and some necessa!<f§§ «/(!«(*, ments AviU be made in the fii||§ i P' £W necessaries.

Returns of the late Convention «J Dunedin shew that 296 persons ««?. invited, of whom 125 attended, 29 regrcrtg inability to attend, 31 declined, and m made no sign.

THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 33, 1876



_jS%5_. CJHIP ORARI, FROM ,gg|o_->s_. K3 LONDON. ■_?_-i-]i^l^ si?r~7 All Claims against the ship ________s__m orari, on account of her inward cargo, must he rendered in duplicate the under signed by 4 o'clock To-morrow (Friday), or they will not be recognised. New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited), JOHN BATGER, Local Manager. Auckland, November 22.1876. _^. 2^ THIRST WOOL SHIP FOR gl^tH^. ■*- LONDON DIRECT. ■*^|2g^j2ggr The magnificent iron ship ORARI, ' 1051 tons register, Richard Mosea*, Commanrler, will be dispatched as above on or about the 30th December. The ship carries an experienced Surgeon. For ireight or passage apply to NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING CO. (LIMITED), 93, Queen-street. ?_. mO FOLLOW TH E J____*__^, -*- ORARI. ________?_* The favourite Al ship CITY OF AUCKLAND, 780 tons register, George Ratj.s, Commander, now discharging her inward cargo, will load as above. Has excellent accommodation for saloon and steerage passengers. For freight or passage"apply to THE NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING CO. (LIMITED), Ml 93, Queen-street. Q T R A W B* E R RIESL STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM ! SWINGS AND CROQUET FOR THE USE OF VISITORS AT TTTILLOW fIEOVE, DEVONPORT, North Shore. R. ALISON, Proprietor Q P E.C FAT"N~O~T I C E In consequence of a mandate from the stern and unrelenting Inspector of Nuisances I am obliged to remove a quantity ot Sceond-c ass Timber. Preferring Selling to Removing Buvershave a good chance if they come at once!-E CARR, Waikawau Yards, Custom house-street. ~j^u^iiureT'furniture ! Ladies and OenUcmen about to Furnish are respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stack of DBA WIN 7 - ROOM, DINING - ROOM BEDROOM. AND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacions Showrooms T. & m'COOKE, 67, QUBENSTRBET Adjoining Bank of New Zealand [ 7T Rattray



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Queer FEELLNGS.-'-Odd sensations in various parts of the body, particularly in the head and lower extremities, which do not amount to actual pain, but are, upon the whole, rather worse, trouole many persons. Almost invariaolj they proceed from nervousness and weakness. A few doses of that peerless nervine and mvi gorant, Udolpho Wolfe's Shiedam Aromatic Schnapps invariably dispel all such queer feel ings, and establish perfect bodily comtort and tranquility. ~ _-~ „ Mark Twain on Bad Musicians. — Phc musical public and general readers are cautioned not to purchase Weston's Wizard Oil and Magic Pills without carefully examining too oulsmo wrapper—and be sure that the words ' None Genuine without the Signature of the Proprietor, Frank Weston, Sydney, N.5.W.," arc engraven thereon. Any other so-called preparations oi mine, arc unauthorized by me, and calculated to ■mislead the public—Signed, Frank Weston. Sole Agents: Kempthorne, Pressor and (Jo.— Price, Half-a-crown.



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Reductions,