SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

SKIS vr ,■■ TEH—Xhi. afternoon. 9. IS ; to-morrow flStOßjirrr, 9 36 | 3Ur» sjSC U!" evenlcg, 717 Strw KlSJC—To morrow moinlr.sr, 5 2 .MOON'S AQfi-Last Quarter, 18th, 8.28 pm

ARRIVALS.

T^PaKTURES. Uowena, ss, for T».uranga

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

i Klin, cnvor, for Fiji, early For the South—Hiwea, Tuesday next . Eortfan r ncisou'via K.- u . mu—(ity of San Fran cisco or Mikado about 17tU Jaa * y<* New'iis?l<» —francos Luwej, eariy )For Caroliualsiauda—Walter Glendiniiif ea j,j v iJfor London—City of Auckland, ship, ajJoutFeb 4

VESSELS EXPORTED.

Waiwera, schooner, from P Amherst, schooner, frr- ■5J- .?ffis T'"£ Loch' Lee ac? S^' about 9th Feb ■Damitless jOner ' ilom the Islands, early. W MS - - cch °oner. from Fiji sl^s .darracouta, from Fiji, early ■P™ a ..<Jk Castle, ship, from London B^aatic, ship, Hxi Dv, from London ; sailed 26th Sept Olenlora, ship, "WOPr, from London ; sailed 25th Oot -Ax-dvar, ship, from Glasgow, sailed 25th October Benvenue, ship, UPNQ, from London, sailed 28th Oct Jessica, barque, from New York ; sailed 2nd June Marathon, barque, from New York; failed October 12 Glimpse.bwque, from Newcastle, early Visiori, brig, from Samoa, early Coronet, schooner, from the Islands, early Eynn, brigy.ntine, from Islands, early Martha, fcarque, from Lyttelton, saUed 11th instant Bella virary. b-rque, from Efeba t Town Mary ]/ielville, schooner, from the Maud Knio 'idcSregor, schooner, from Dunediii

EXPORTS.

Per Walter Glendining—l roll lead. 1 cwt shot, 550 Bounds arauiaition, 2 fowling-pieces, E £ orter and Co.

The schooner Fnvorlte brinps 9000 feet timber, 14 (Spars, hndso t'ns firewood from Nguncfuru The btieantine Wai er <U«cdiniDg cleaved to-day jfor Hint slivijd wiih a miscellaneous ergo, shipped 3>y Owen and Graham E Porter and Co, Coombes and Da T<3y, and G- W- > wen.

The s s. Llewellyn has undergone an overhaul on ihe bard.

1 he s s. Emu is on the gridiron undergoing seine alttr itions in her rig.

The cutter Lselia h»s entered out for Fiji. The schooner Fairlie arrived a< bydHey on the 29th nlto.

The brigantine Flirt is still loading timb« at the Thames The bng Drover is aUo partly loaded at the game place, ana will leave. Newcastle early.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Gisbornß, this clay.gjj fcThe Frett.r j ane left for AuckUna last nighp.

COMMERCIAL.

AUCKLAND (RtTCE MAKKET.

Ma Al^bid Buck and's WKf.KLV ftWoST.—A.t £omaera on Thuisrfay dairy cows vere brought for ■ward in limited numbers only. Store Cittle were also scarce, a> d sold freely at la'e values. About tho usual namher of tsA cattle we-a yarded, at.d most of themweieof very good quality; 135 heart sold at prices luily up to last week's quotation. No store sheep offered, fat sheep in average supply, and met With a dull sale. Lambs were softica, and sold rapidly at high figures. Prices obtained were: Dairy cows, at calving, £f> 10s to £S 12a 6d ; yearling 3, £2 10s ; •three-year-oJd steers, £5 103 to £6 «ach ; fat cattle. 30s to 35s the 100 lbs ; fat sheep. 2\d to 3d the lb; lambs, 12s to 16s each,

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as tollowb:— s"or Thames this d«y at 6pm and 5 30 p m For Whitiangi, Taiu>,-Tanranga, and Opotiki per

Kowena this day at 4 pm S*or Bussell per Spstfire this day at 4 30 p m

~sot Tairaa per Warat*h to-morrow at, 1 a m

'Sot Typhena. Great Barrier,: per Three Brothers to-

morrow at 9 am J"or Waiwera, Maburangi, Matakana, Mangawai, Waipu, etc , per Minnie Casey to morrow at 10 am For V angarti, eto; per Fanny Kelly to-morrow at 11 am For Levuka fFlji) per Llewellyn, to-morrow at spm Per caty af Saa Francisco on Monday, 17th instant, as follows:—

Fq£ Kandavn, Sandwich Island, United Statesgof America, Canada, British Colombia, Central and South America, and British and foreign West Indies, at Ha m ..•■■ • For Money orders, Registered Letters, and News paper, at 10 am Late letters, bearing an extra fee of 6d in addition to the postage, will be received by the mail agent up to the time of sailing. ■ For Napier and Gisborne, per Southern Cross, on

Saturday next at 2 p m For Wangarei, etc, Bussell, Waagaroa, and Mongonui per lona on Monday at 4 p m "Bar Taranaki and Southern provinces per Welling-

ton on Wednesday next, at 115 pin For Taranaki, Southern provinces, and Australian colonies per Hawea on Tuesday next

S. B. 8183. Chief Postmaster.

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1876

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong; that needs resistance, Vor the future in the distance, And the jrood that we can do.

Startling news comes to us from Europe by cable. The representatives of the combined Powers, who have been once more inquiring into the malady of the " Sick Man of the East," have arrived at the conclusion that Turkey is suffering from an inflated, Corrupt, and tyrannical centralism. It may be explained, for the information of those who know nothing of Turkish polity, that the country is divided into pro vinces or eyalets, over which Governors nominated by the central despot and his cabinet preside. These Governors are great tax-gatherers, and, as nominated rulers have been in all time, are even greater despots and tyrants than the chief despotism from which they derive their authority. They have ever been terrible oppressors of the people, arrogant and devoted to the one object of standing well witb the Sultan and his cabinet by extorting the largest possible amount of money out of the people. The right to collect taxes is sub let. Until within the last few years these governors had the power of sentencing to death, but that has been taken from them, and some modifications were made in the oppressive practices connected with the collection of dues, but still the Governors have, in the true spirit of nomineeism, closed their ears against the cries of the people, whose grievances, especially from the practices of the farmers of the revenue, have been very heavy to bear. The form of pro vincial administration in Turkey is remark ably similar to that propounded for New Zealand under the Abolition Bill of last session. The country is mapped off in the same way into provinces, over which are appointed nominated governors, i.e.; superintendents, responsible only to the central authority, and who are entrusted with very large powers. With the one exception, that the taxes, are not farmed, we can see no particular dif ference between the provincial adminstra tion proposed for us by Dr. Pollen, and that which constitutes the characteristic feature of the enlightened Government of Turkey. Nor does the present-central administration; deaf alike to the prayers and entreaties of the people for the rectification of wrongs and the correction of public abuses, differ very' materially from the existing central despot ism in New Zealand, which has brought the people nearer to open resistance of the law than Ministers probably can bring their minds to believe. In Turkey the unheeded cries of the people have reached their limit, and open violence has followed, which has threatened to extinguish the last spark of vitality in the sick man. Under these circumstances, the combined European powers have agreed upon a scheme of reform, which was thus sketched in a message by cable received per Arawata at Hokitika:—"The scheme of reform in Turkey by the several European Powers proposes to establish reli gious equality, provincial communal self government, with self-taxation in the pro vinces, and the cessation of serfdom and socage." This virtually means that, for the nominees of the Central cabinet a provincial system of self-government similar to the one the last session of the Assembly abolished in New Zealand, is to be established in Turkey, to deliver the people from nomi nated oppression. A comparison of any official tyranny that could possibly exist in a British community possessing a representa tive legislature, with the oppression of Turkey, may, on firßt thought, appear an absurd exaggeration, but it is after all only a question of degree; the underlying princi ples are the same. Looking to some of our re cent experiences of the wilful disregard of the law, the open corruption of Assembly and Press, and the attempt to bribe the people into selling their representative insti 7 tutions, we will not say what might not happen under a colonial administration where the" Assembly had become completely aub

servient to tho Ministry. That our despised Provincial system should havo been accepted as the remedy for the most difficult political problem of modern tioes i 3 a fact calculated to make people ponder.

A telegram from Tauranga in last night's issue stated that there was a probability of the attempt tojuaaeat Captain Read from the seat for East Coast being allowed to drop. We learn that this is the reverse of the oase. The matter has, we understand, been already placed in the hands of Messrs Russell and Devore, who are moving in it. Several specific charges of bribery are alleged— one in which a native is said to have received £20, and two chiefs £25 for their votes and influence. Telegrams, correspondence, and documentary evidence have been forwarded by the committee in Tauranga. At present there seems every prospect of the proceedings in ihis election being Ventilated in our law Courts, when no doubt the true merits of the charges that have been floating about very freely, will be determined.

We publip,Ji j n another column a letter from Mr o«6a Humphreys on the Fire Brigade grievance. We see no reason why MX Humphreys Bhould not have his say on the subject as well as anybody else, and although several of his statements could be shewn to be quite contrary to factfwe thick as the brigade seems disposed just now to repent of its. foolishness, that his representation of their view of the casQ should go to the public without any particular comment. The fact is, as we have before stated, the members of the brigade have behaved in this and other matters like spoiled children. If they do their duty and the Council is satisfied with them ''fcha% is all they have to consider. The Evening Star does not pay them their wages and they are not amenable to it for their good behaviour, to make any strictures in this journal a ground of resignation g i'a, therefore simply absurd. Prom what we have heard, we are disposed to believe that the receut resignation was made in the hope that it would frighten the Council and cause that body to surrender at discretion. If this wai) so we believe the members of the brigade are deluding themselves, and that they will ba taken at Vheir word. The Council meets on Monday and if the brigade does not wish to place itßelf in a false position, the sooner it reconsiders its determination and w thdraws from the hos tile attitude it has assumed the better. We believe reforms are necessary in the brigade, but it is not absolutely requisite to disband the present organisation for the purpose of . effecting them. We would also point out to Mr Humphreys that if he and his friends, by their childish behaviour, choose to make themselves the laughing stock of the city, they must not endeavour to saddle ns with the blame. The whole matter will, no doubt, come up officially in a day or two, and until then we shall let it rest.

To the Editor: Sir,—The United Order of-Free Templars is doing its work through the country* No hunteman could do better ; undaunted in its intercourse. A good caus« makes a 3trong arm, and God tempers tne wind to the shorn lamb. The hardy chil dren of the soil greeted this united band with a cheer of true Maori welcome. Last evening the chief Te Tatana* a native asses sor, With several MaOris from the Marianm district, gave in their names to join the Iree Templars, but owing to the great amount of business in the Star of Freedom Temple, the initiation of natives was put off until next Thursday. The United Free Templars do not catch at a shadow* ar/d lose the substance; but they struggle forward through the breakers endeavouring to save their fellow men from an early grave. They march onward with "Enquity" as their bond, tearing the M&ori and Paheha : to live as they would wish to die. Like the Evening)- Stab, they guide men on in this land, and add not troudle to the grief worn heart. Tha good works of the United Order of Free Templars will be embroidered in letters of gold in . the history of this country. Besides a number of persons a gentleman was initiated into the Free Templars who has been W*C*T. at Ofcago.-^-FoKIiTER.

x We are glad, says this morning's Thames Advertiser to state that there are no further cases of soarletina reported, and so far as we are at present aware, the disease is confined to Mr. Steedman's house in Tararu. A second of Mr. Sfceedman's children was attacked, but we were yesterday informed that, the child was progressing favourably towards' recovery, and that the fever had quite abated. Mrs Steedmam, who has also been, ill, is recovering. It appears that another family, also from Coromandel, who now reside in Tararu, had been visited by the scarlet fever, and it is therefore possible that this may be the source from which Mr. Stesdman'i family took, the infection.

The polling for the election of a Maori member for the Western Electoral District will take place to-morrow, and as there is a polling place at' the Thames we may expect a large influx-of natives. There are two candidates, but Hoani Nahe, of the Thames, is the favourite here, and will carry a large number of votes. The steamer Enterprise will call at Whakatiwhi, on her way from Auckland to-night to bring the voters there to the Thames, and two steamers, have also been chartered tp bring down the Ohinemuri nttiivea.—Advertiser.

The famous sub-marine tunnel of the Eng lish (Jhanuel will soon be began. The mem bers of the French Commission, composed for the most part of practical men and engineers, declare that an underground communication between France and England is only a question of expense, and their report leads to the belief that the project can be. carried out with less expense than was at first imagined, and that the danger of leakage and infiltration will not be so great as was originally supposed.; A shaft will shortly, be sunk on the French side of the Channel, to a depth of 350 feet, for the purpose of hauling up the earth and rock from the excavation.

In considering the question of the Building Fund yesterday at the meeting of the Board of Education, it was staled that the statistics of December quarter could not be completed .because the teachers had in many cases neglected to send in their attendance rolls, although the schools had been closed on 17th December, and it was decided that in future all rolls or certificates not in by the the 14th of the month should be held 'over, and the names not included in the pay-sheet for that month. ~ , ' ! -. ,

Commissioners were appointed yesterday by the Board of Education for the District of Pukekohe West, to act in lieu of the Com mittee for that district, which has from various causes been unable to perform the duties required by the Act. In such case the Act requires the Board to appoint Com missioners which has accordingly been done.

Speaking of the new members elected to the House, the New Zcala d Times says :— " The House ot Representatives, when the foil has been completed, will contain many men new to Parliament and public life. Tnis has its advantages and disadvantages, but on the whole we think an infusion of fresh, blood is desirable. The advantage, however, is decidedly in favor of the party in power, unless a hostile majority has been elected on some well-defined question of policy. When the Assembly met in 1871, there was an absolute majority of new members in the House, and it was gravely debated among them whether they should not unite and turn out the Government, replacing it by a "new-chum" Executive. The project was feasible enough, but the weakness of a considerable body of men unaccustomed to act in concert, or in any sense disci plined, was soon made apparent. Per sonal vanity was skilfully worked upon, jealousy and distrust vere fostered, and the "new-chum" party was dissolved be fore it had time to consolidate. The Government swallowed it up, leaving only a small section of the Opposition, to which, but for the circumstance named, a large proportion might have allied them selves. Looking at the probable influence of new members in the House next session, we should hardly think a repetition of the same thing possible. That they will be numerous and influential there can be no doubt what ever, but the leaders of parties will require to manage them differently."

A rope of enormous size and Weight was sent out of Mr Lloyd's Ponsonby Steam Rope Works this morning for shipment to the Thames. The rope is cable laid, made en tirely of Manilla, and was manufactured to the order of the Pumping Association, Thames. Its length is 1,000 feet, and cir cumference 15 inches. The strain it would bear is incalculable. The Association has before used ropes made by Mr Lloyd, and has found them answer their purpose admirably, and stand immense wear. The production of such a cable is creditable to the resources of our local manufactories.

At the meeting of the Board of Education yesterday » number of applications of the usual nature were heard;, gome of which were granted and others postponed. A letter was read from the Rev. Peter Mason, of the Western Academy, respecting the examina tion of two of his pupils. Ihe Secretary was to inform Mr Mason that the correspondence is open to his inspection. The Board author ised the payment of purchase money for a school site at Ponsonby. A letter was re oeived from the Public Buildings Commis sioners, in which it was stated that £3000 was at the disposal of the Board, raised en the Supreme Court site. It was resolved that the Commissioners be requested to place the amount to the credit of the Board of Education building-fund, to be operated on by cheque, signed by three members of the Board, and countersigned by the Secretary. The report of the Thames examiners was brought up and adopted. The report of the building-fund was read.

On the 7th instant, an inquest was held at the Wade, on the body of James Macdonald, a bushman, found in the Wade creek. The enquiry was held before the local coroner, Robert Wigmtire Esq. and the evidence of James Donnell, and Thomas Leslie proved that the unfortnnate man had given way to excessive di inking, and when they last saw him on the previous Saturday, he was in the " horrors " from drink. The verdict was, the deceased was found dead below high water mark on the Gch January, but there was no evidence as to the cause of death.

, The deferred action in the District Court between Fargtej and Barnetfc and Levy was resumed yesterday afternoon befora Judge Fenton. The claim was for work done and extras beyond the limits of the contract, viz., £100. A good deal of evidence was adduced on both sides. His Honor considered that Fargie had not made out a clear case ; the judgment of the Court, therefore, for £85 of the claim was against him, and the remain iug £15 was, by mutual consent, left for decision to an arbitrator. The question of costs was deferred until next Court day.

Mr Defines will give his entertainment this evening, in the large room of the Young Men's Christain Association. The first part will include views of " Old Ireland," with descriptive lecture, the second part will com prise music and song. We understand that the Rev. C. M. Nelson of Sfc. Paul's, will preside.

The Artillery corps under Captain Burns, and No. 3 Company under Captain Morrow, went through tht-ir regular parade and drill in a satifactory manner last evening. A prize firing for officers will take pkco on Wednes day next, and on Regatta, Day it is expected that Captain Clark'a bt;lt will be fared for by members of the various Volunteer corps.

The annual election of school cpauiifctees for the districts of City West will take place this evening, No. 1, at the Uiuon-stieefc Bqhool-rouiu, and, 170 2, at Wellington-street school. A meeting will also be held to elect a school committee for Auckland City Eaß6, at the Mechanics' Institute, at half-past seven.

g£The son of Hugh Miller is treading his father's steps both aa a, geologist and a writer. He has written a biography of his father's' life-long friend, Sir Roderick Murchi son, and he is engaged on the geological survey of England. By a curious coincidence, he made his debut as a writer in the Inverness Courier, the same paper as that in which his father did, and under the same editor, Dr. Carruthera, ? , ; % ;' }■

The following persons are requested to call for their stamps ordered from the American Rubber Stamp Company, and now lying' at this office. ' Mrs Butterworth, Shear son and Radcliffe, F. C. Otto, Butler and Mclnnes, 0. Hawkeswood, S. FaiwelL ' ,; '

There is living how in Milan a man with out a roof to cover his head, who only a few years ago was a king. The London JEalio tells his story as follows :—This personage is Leo ■VII, of Armenia, prince of Karigosz, whose father was in .the year 1846 dispossessd by the Russians. Shortly after this event the inhabitants of Erivan called his son to the throne by the name of Leo.VIL, but a simple command from St Petersburg proved suffi cient to determine his fall, the only resrult of his brief elevation being the loss of all his property and the withdrawal of a pension of 12,000 francs, which had been allowed him by the Russian Government. The landless monarch had indeed some capital in England and American banks, but this he lost in con sequence of engaging in rash speculations.. He then sold his jewels and other valuables, and soon had absolutely nothing left. He is now living with his wife and six children in the bitterest povery.

The children of the Trinity Church Sunday school,'to the numbber of 140, had a pleasant day's:outing yesterday, when they were treated to a picnic to Lake Takapuna. The North Shore Ferry Company kindly placed the pis. Takapuna at , the' disposal •of the managers of the excursion, and conveyed the party to the Lake Beach. Mr and Mrs W. J. Hurst,.•'•who liberally .supplied milk and butter to the excursionists, were heartily cheered at the close of the day. Three cheers were also given for the Rev. Mr, Batesand three more for Mr W. H. Brown. The day was beautifully fine and the trip very enjoy able. .I::.::.:::::'':;;'....

It may be desirable to recur to the resolu tion of the Board.of Education yesterday in rpply to the letter from His Lordship the Bishop of Auckland respecting religious teaching in the common schools in order that the position may be clearly understood. The Bishop forwarded to the Board a resolution from the Synod, of which he is President, and the resolution was evidently based on an erroneous construction of the Education Act. The Board therefore instructed the Secretary to point out the error to his lordship and to send him a copy of tne Education Act, in which provision is made for religious instruc tion after school hours only. Thp schools have always been placed by the Board at the disposal of any of the clergy or others desirous of imparting religious instruction, but the system proposed ,by the Synod would be a decided violation of the Act and bring the Board into the domain of religious instruction with which they have nothing whatever to

The contents of to-morrow's Star supple ment will be of an interesting character and afford a pleasant hour's reading in the family circle. We call attention especially to the new story with an old title, " Marriage in High Life," which will be continued week by week until completed. The story is from the pen of a popular French author. We notice also an elaborate review of Robert Buchanan's last new poem, which evidences the musical spirit which characterised the " Idyls" and ••• Undertones" of this young poet's early muse. "A Russian Matrimonial Story;" " Eastern Poets and the Prince of Wales;" " A slight Misunderstanding ;" " Sunlight at Last;" the conclusion of " From Sydney to Queensland ;" the "Rainbow," an original poem by our own contributer, and a number of briefer stories, sketches, anecdotes and fnn make up a goodly supplement of good things for the present week.

THE FIRE BRIGADE.

(To the Editor of the Evoking Stab.) g lß) —it is a very great pity that you do not adhere to facts when you attempt by your leaders and sub-leaders to defame the character of the members of the Fire Brigade. It would be far better to make enquiries and learn the truth, before, even with a kindness peculiarly your own; you sympathise with some of the members, who have lately left in disgust, and are glad to be severed from the distasteful tie which bound them. Perhaps you would kindly inform me who those members are that have left ? Had the writer of the article in last night's issue taken the trouble to enquire regarding the brigade, I think he would not have written such a sarcastic one, but would have adhered a little more to the truth of the case ; and for his. information, and that of the general public, I will just state a few plain facts which will shew that things are not as he states. Had it not been for the false statements in the Star, the disgraceful hooting and yelling would not have occurred laßt night. In other cities and towns that I have been in, instead of yelling and hooting, the Brigade are always cheered and welcomed, and bo it would be here Were it not for your paper. To show you the state of revolt in which you, Mr Editor, have chosen to say the Brigade were in, let me inform you that at the fire last night there were 27 members present out of 35 ; so I presume that shows the state of discipline the Brigade is io. When any person wishes to join, he sees the copy ot the rules of the Brigade, in which the duties and allowances are defined, and he is asked fhe will conform them. So no person can be ignorant when he enters. The rules were submitted to the City Council and approved of by them, so that does away with the ob servation in your last night's leader- A gain you say that residents in the suburbs have complained of the refusal of the Brigade to pass beyond the city boundary. Had you enquired how that has occurred, the City Council could very soon have informed you, and also have told you that the High way Boards were communicated with on the subject, but they refused to have anything to do with the Brigade, so that they, the Brigade.are not responsible. When the Brigade was formed in August 1574, the City Council were to provide hel mets, coats, trousers and boots, one pair every year, the boots have not been received, although they ought to have been issued last September, and because applications have been made for what is their just due, you put it forth to the public .that the Council have been subjected to the continual demands of the Brigade, as well as threatened resignation unless those demands were com plied with. Why, had it not been for the unjustifiable manner in which your paper has attacked the Brigade, it would not have come to the conclusion to disband. Being Captain of the Brigade, considering the short period it has been in existence, and the difficulties on every hand it has had to con tend with, I deny your unjust remarks, when you state that the want of organization, the confusion, and palpable absence of con trol has exceeded that of any other body existing here. The men under me have nlways worked with heartiness and unity. With regard to the great cry out about the £800, let me give you the true state of things. The amount expended amongst the Brigade at fires, and for extra labour, as well as re freshments at practice and fires, amounts to £51 10s 9d. With reference to the remarks about Superintendent Hughes, no doubt that gentleman will, when the time comee, be quite able to take his own part. From my experience connected with the Fire Brigades of Liverpool and other lar?e cities, I consider Superintendent Hughes to be a most ex perienced man, and one ■who thoroughly understands his business ; and not only that, but I and the Brigade are always ready to follow such an experienced and thorough good leader. In conclusion, I beg to state that not only myself, but the Brigade, were anxiously waiting the issue of last night's paper for the promised method of forming a new Brigade which iB to be faultess, but unfortunately it did not appear.—Yours, &c, Owkn Humphrey's, Captain A.V.F.B.

January 13, 1876,

"HONI SOTT QUI MAL V PENSE."

(To the Editor of the Evening Stah.) Dear Sir, —Arriving this morning per s.s. Bowena, I read with surprise and disgust an article in the New Zealand Herald of the Bth inst. attacking Captain Sellars in the most virulent, and evidently privately malicious manner, in reference to his management of the steamer. The writer, who signs himself " Au," is evidently, by the tone of his letter, one of the "stultified excursionists "about whose disappointments he makes such a piti ful outcry. Bufe while holding in unlimited contempt the puny efforts of so very green a "new chum," in all justice and fair play to Captain Sellars, I beg Mr Editor that you will find space in the columns of your valu able paper, which has become so famous in this colony for its strict and impartial justice in ventilating. all matters of public interest, for a few remarks from an "old hand" on this subject. "Au " presumes, from his evi dently "little experience," that the Rowena runs on the East Coast without management or any definite course of action as to her times of sailing or nature of cargo. Let me inform this ill-advised inter meddler that Captain Sellars has 20 years experience on the East Coast, that he is quite capable of managing the Uowena himself, even without the courteous and efficient agents at Auckland, Taurangay and Opotiki ; that the fact of his visits to Te Kaha and elsewhere were only proofs of his energy and industry in endeavour ing to supply the wants of the whole of the Bay of Plenty, to advance the prosperity of the district generally, and not make a common ferry boat of the Rowena between Tauranga and Auckland. As to the shipment of a cargo of pigs which were allowed to run from item to stern, this is an unequivocal falsehood, as are other portions of the letter, especially the ungentlemanly attack upon Captain Sellars' private character. We, who know him and have sailed with, him times out of number know him to be a thorough seaman, master of all his duties, and as generous and kind-hearted as could be wished for. That he has suffered from ill health for a long time past and is only now recovering we all kaow, and I think it a gross injustice that any little peevishness that he may have displayed while suffering from bodily ailment should

now be brought up against him. In conch sion let me tell " An" (and also the Opotiki corespondent of the Bay of Plenty Times, who, I sec, has been pitching into Sellars to a most unjustifiable extent) that they should try and imagine themselvea in Sellars place before they condemn him so unmeSsuredly for not crossiDg the Ohiwa bar. Let them remember that the Rowena is a screw-boat, easily damaged b/ staking even a sand botfcoffl ; thttc fihe hm not the same steermg power as a paddle-boat | tha£ the Ohiwa bar is a shallow shifting sand-bar with Strong tides. Then, I ask, how would the Opotiki Correspondent," who seems to be a nautical man, act. with all this heavy risk on a steamer worth £6000 or £8000, besides other respon sibilities, and ali for the sake of £5 or £10 worth of freight or passengers. I repeat that Captain Sellars does his work honorably and well, arid I speak from long and intimate acquaintance with the subject. I trust, Mr. Editor, that for his sake and for the infor mation of your numerous readers, you will publish this vindication of his character.— Yours, &c, East-Coaster, January 13,1876.

GOVERNMENT OPPRESSION.-BARON DE THIERRY'S CASE.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star). Sin,—l read your leader in yesterday's issue with gfeSt Satisfaction, and the remarks about the cruel treatment received from the Government by Baron de thierrjr I can fully endorse. I had an agreement -with Baron de Thierry to the effect that he, as Native Interpreter, was to procure surveys from the natives of the Rotorua District, and I, as Licensed Surveyor, was tor do such surveys. In accordance with this arrangement the Baron visited the natives, convened meetings etc, and procured agreements to survey 340,000 acres of land, and obtained hens from the natives on their property, (in strict compliance with the " Act") for £1550, and on the very " Patetere " block, for which others have received compensation. I sent down four assistant surveyors, and when they had earned £500 for me, they were stopped by an order per telegram from the Government* and my nephew's instruments taken from him by the Armed Constabulary, and all of them left to tind their way back to Auckland as best they might. The Govern ment were made fully acquainted with all these facts. I wrote from time to time to tell them I was being sued for the expenses in curred by my assistants. I have begged and implored to have an inquiry into my case, but my letters remained unanswered for months and months, or not answered at all; and when, by dint of importunity, I did have a promise of a committee of enquiry from Sir Donald McLean when in Auckland, I found I was only being humbugged ; and up to this day I or Baron De Thierry have not received any compensation, although (as far as I was concerned) only asked that the money I had expended should be returned to me. I make no comments on this ; I only Btate a little of what I am prepared to prove; but I am hoping, believing that the time will come when, "as one of the unrequited ones who have no friends at court," I shall not be trodden nnder foot with importunity. — Yours, etc., Wm, Jas. Daltox, C.E., L.S.

TELEGRAPHIC

TAURANGA.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

Native Elections. jJJJWe' expect to-morrow to have Te Papa lively on account of the native election. All here are for the Thames man. Plenty of beer and bread are ordered for the occasion.

GISBORNE.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

' The Pretty Jane sailed last night at 7 p.m. with a cargo of cattle and sheep. Passen gers : Messrs. Wilson, Clarke, Kempthorne, Colbrook, Siddons, and Dr. Goold. The Maggie Patterson sailed at the same time for Havelock.

(From Another Correspondent),

The sailing match yesterday was well attended. The cup, value £20, was won by Boylan's Dart. Seven boats started. Ihe day was fine, and there was a large number of spectators. The farmers.are suffering great loss of crops through recent rains." The loss is estimated at £7,000. The Pretty Jane left for the Thames last night, ~-■ ■ i..

NEW PLYMOUTH.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) Thursday. Good Templar Conference. The Grand Lodge of New Zealaad North of the Independent Order of, Good Templars again resumed business at nine o'clock yes terday morning. The North Island was divided into seven districts. A deputation of the Independant Order of Rechabites was received, who presented the fraternal greet ings of the Order. Matters relating to finance were disposed of.' The following officers were elected for the ensuing year :—Brother W. J. Speight (Auckland),re-elected Grand Worthy Chief Templar ; Brother Jttev Samuel Edger (Auckland), re-elected Grand Worthy Coun cillor ; Sister Mary Collis (New Plymouth), Grand Worthy Vice-Templar j Brother Samuel- Brooking (Auckland), re-elected Grand Worthy Secretary ;■ Brother William Cole (Auckland), Grand Worthy Treasurer; Brother Robert Neil (Auckland), Grand Chaplain ; Brother William Johnstons (Wellington), Grand Marshall. Over seventy members of the Order were present. There were three sessions yesterday—9 a.m. to 12.45, 2 p.m. to 6.45, and 7.30 to 11.15 p.m. Several important and interesting discussions have taken place. The representatives have been splendidly entertained by the Good Templars here. They mot at eight o'clock this morning. .

PORT CHALMERS.

(From our own Correspondent.) . Wednesday. Shipping, t-Shocking Accident. The ships Margaret Galbraith and Wilt shire, from London, and brig Emma, from Mauritius, were detained at the Heads by a gale from the S.W. Charles Lawson, aeaman on board the Jessie Headman, had his right leg smashed to pieces on Wednesday morning as the wool press was being taken'down.

DUNEDIN.

(From our own Correspondent.) Thursday. Reported Marriage of Mdlle. De Murska

The following appears in this evening's 2fews :—" A telegram appears in the columns of the Otago Times to-day, emanating from the Neiecastle Pilot, announcing the marriage of Mdfle. De Murska to Mr Alfred Anderson on the 29th ult. On enquiry of that lady's agent (Mr Medcalfe,) we learn that no information whatever has reached him, beyond the fact of Mr Anderson's continued illness. He is inclined to discredit the truth of the telegram referred to. .M^e De Murska is expected in Dunedin next w? ek'

WELLINGTON.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.)1 Tnursday, 5 30 p.m* Hooking the Cook's Straits Cable. On board the Lftria, Cook's Straits. <Tust after breakfast, and when according to calculations, we ought to be on the cable, it was noticed that the man at the wheel was not keeping the course, though the helm was hard down, and it was soon beyond » doubt that we were fast to the cable. J< roue that moment until the cable shewed above water, there was the most anxious suspense, and it was during this critical period that Captain tfairchild's skill and seamanship came into play. He took every precaution to prevent any slip or surge in the gear, snch as had occurred previously. As soon as the cable showed above water, it was made fast bo as to prevent it breaking away when the grapnel should be taken in. J-ne cable was in good condition, bat now,havmg caught it, there was a good deal of doubt as to whether it should be cut and tested or under-run, to discover whether we were on the Wellington or Blenheim Bide. It is now noon, and preparations are being made to under-run the cable. The Tui upon coming up was kept alongside while the work "of under-running was going on, to render any assistance that urght be necessary. About 1 o'clock we reached the break, and threw over the buoy, the end of the cable being fast to a chain which had been ready for it. All is now in good train for joining the break, as the end can now be picked up in half-an-hour.

HOKITIKA.

(Per Press Telegram. Agency.) January 13. Mr Tribe Elected- The grand totsil for Tolara election is : Tribe, 221 ; Coiniskey, 80.

GREYMOUTH.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) January 13. The election of two members to represent Grey Valley district took place yesterday. The seats were nobly contested, and there was much excitement throughout the district. The result is : Woolcock, 773 ; Kennedy, 725 ; Newton, 691 ; Guinness, 604. Ashley Election. For the Ashley district the result of the poll is: J. E. Brown (old member), 265; Maskell, 194.

Australian Telegrams.

(PER 'ARAWATA'),

MELBOURNE.

January 7fch. . The steamship St Osyth has made the quickest passage on record, having arrived in 43 days 18 hours from London. | *. A coasting schooner, the Isabella, wiii^ caught in a squall at the Heads and -wrecked; Crew saved. ' ' .1 The Inter-cploloniaj cricket match resulted in favor of New South Wales by one inning*' and one run, the respective scores being^ New South Wales, 171 ; Victoria, first innings 146, second innings 34, total 170. It was a most shameful beating, and was mainly owing to the excellent bowling of the Sydney men. The return match will be played in Sydney at the end of February next. About 30,000 persons were present at the champion race meeting on New Year's Day." The Champion Stakes, with 1,500 soys.' of added money, was won by Richmond by two lengths, Goldsborough second, Maid of All Work third. A capital race won in 5 minutes 35 seconds.

The City of San Froncisco and the Mikado arrived in Sydney early this morning. The former grounded on the Sow and Pigs going in, but soon got off. , . The Ringarooma made the passage from the West Coast in four days eight hours, being the fastest yet. .

SYDNEY.

January 6th. . The captain of the Colima writes to the Herald, taking exception to the statement* as to the inferiority of the crank shaft.

Five Kanakas were picked up from an .up turned canoe. They had been upset in a sudden squall, and had been five days drift ing about. ....' ' There is a new rush to the,head of the Palmer River. Numbers are going. The ground is very extensive and1 rich, bat water is scarce. The diggers are stacking wash dirt. One man is reported to have got 25 lbs. weipht of gold in three weeks.

John Foley,' an hotelkeeper, has been com mitted for trial for the manslaughter of Michael Qoinlan, through violence in ejecting him from his house.^ - -.-

A serious outrage has been perpetrated by Robert Williams on his. wife, at Mercnry Bay. The Coromandel Mail say*: "TBe man.and his wife were about leaving Mercury Bay by a cutter. The wife was engaged packing up their furniture and clothing, -whe» her husband returned from the opposite side of the river. He was drunk at the time. A dispute ensued, between the 'man and hi* wife as to the manner of packing the good*, when the former seized a bottle and with it struck the woman a murderous Wow across the head laying the skull open, she fell to the ground senseless; While on the flobir she" was violently kicked by the brut*! fellow. The woman lay insensible for some hours when-she was discovered "by some neighbours. Dr. Lethbrid ge was in atten dance and administered such relief ao was in his -power. Upon his recommendation'the wretohed woman was forwarded on, -to Auckland, where she is now lying in.» very precarious condition. Williamii i« new in the custody of the police."

A grand mid-day performance takes place at the circus to-morrbw~at 3 o'clock."."""" r,U

Messrs E. and H. Isaacs announce the post* ponement of their sale of stock in the estate of G. W; Fuendfrom Tuesday to Wednesday next. ,:•., ■: j ~i. ... ,-.•. -. t *: ;:; .

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.—

. This Day. ~ (Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R. M.)

. JUDGEMENTS FOB PLAINTIFFS. ,- T. Wilson v. Chappell, claim £1 10s 8d goods, (Mr Thome for plaintiff) costl £14s6d. ' ' , . PASCOE AND CO. V. JOSEPH EiLIS. : \ '

Claim £12. Mr James Russell for defendant. : _ ':'■'?■ Iri this case the plaintiffs reside at Wellington'and defendant in Auckland. . Joseph Ellis, hotel-keeper, deposed that he received a summons from plaintiffs, date December, 10th claiming £12 for 2 hogsheads of beer, said to have been supplied to the Exchange Hotel, he never ordered the beer, never had any dealings with the firm of Pascoe and Company, and he wonld■■ posi tively assert that he was not indebted to the said firm.' There was a George Ellis in H^pier, under whose name the particulars appeared, it was probably therefore an <- fw. ; v

IWB flJVtitUto IttAlt, KRtDAt, JAWAM >l, tiaft



CjPECIAL TO HOUSEKEEPERS. . • CALL AT THE CITY HALL, — INSPECT -—-— < THE FOLLOWING GOODS, WHICH ARE OP EXCELLENT QUALITY, AND VERT CHEAP:— j I'.'.'.'.'.'.'. '."/.*. '.'.'.'.'.'.\'.'. r.v.v.v.; '.'.'.'.'.'.i'."'.'.'.'.".'.'.'.''.'.' "White Sheeting, 2 yds wide 1/1 per yard „ „ Twilled, 2 yds wide.... 1/6 „ „ Plain and Twilled, 21 yds wide.. 1/9 „ .. ~ v 2j „ ..1/11 „ Good Waterproof Sheeting, at: ........ 3/9 „ Colored Table Covers, 3/11; usual'price, 6/6 : ..;, i. „, v ■•>■,;! 6/9.. :.. „ . 8/6 . ~. r , r Panoy Table Oil Cloth, 1J yds wide, 1/3 per yard ' J' American Leather 1J yds wide, 1/1 per yard Mahogany and Oak Table Oil Baize, 1/3 per yard. ■ llllll\\'''"''''' ~ ''''"'''*''.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.''.'.'.'.'.''' Cheap Summer Hats for Ladies' and Children . „ : Underclothing ■~ ~. .. >,: „ C/ottiiDg' far Men-and Boys ' '. ~ Dress Goods, reduced prices ~.;.-. 85 dozen White and. Drab Stays, 2/3 and 2/11, a decided bargain. - > oisiibn ■ ■ '..... .... ;.!;'..; BOLL 0W A V & GARL IC X; s * CITY HAili, ' Queen-street, Auckland. -£/• COSaRAVE &.,CO. will hold their Annual Sale previous ■" to the Civristrnas Holidays, com mencing THIS DA V, ( Wednesday), the StKDiscember, and will continue "until the end. of the year, d 'I. 1' 1 Th&mtire stock .will be offered at Cost Price* * '' JT 0 T I C E.: :: TIC E. J[UBT TO HAND— . . : A Large Parcel of Double-width •Waterproof Tweed, Melton Cloth, ,; . Blue Diagonal, $c., specially adapted for Beys' Clothing, Ladies' wear, &c., Bought at Aactipn .at' con- . .eiderably. less .than, English -/ , j Invoice Price, and tq,,be sold -very'cheap, -~.';.;/,•■..'■' •'■,.' 7!:,,... -'A150,,; ■,;;...- f =.,; :/ t lawn Handkerchiefs from 3s 9d per dozen—l2o dozen; Linen Cambrio Handkerchiefs, from 6s 6d per doz. Upwards of 60 a ozen Men's Cotton Shirts, B 0 Jean, L Napier, the new f | Shirt, ..etc. ~ -.■', . • . .--■• '-,■;■ • ASYsismis Cord Tr skrs. Men's-Tweed Waistcpate, and a num- ! ber of other Special Lines at much below, usual price. „. , . . -| '• '. ■; "[":'^mspzcnoN .invited,..';"''' EUSH^ROQK & BRipaMAN, CLatk E. Hobbs], ~ ■ ) VNOJTION DRAPERY TfjAREHOUSB, Qppoßi<»JthetArmy md Navy Hotel, ' i . UPPIR QITJBKIir-STBBJtT, j '-: - ■<:-''-A!uctoiAin>^''' -: ;'.;'- ■ i '. , Cfaa&A



ThUR &'G CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS, A. LINABURY & CO., 224 and 226, Queen-street, Will offer their Large and Valuable Stock of STBA W GOODS, GENEBAL DBAJPEBY, AND CLOTHING, REGABXDLESS OF COST. i Every Article Marked at Bottom Prices ! Come Early, as the Entire StocJc must be cleared. m R A D E NOTICE The undersigned call tiie attention of the trade to NEW GOODS, NOW LANDING, Ex Stab of Germany, the same having been Carefully selected by our English and Continental Buyers, i id suitable for the present season. M. LEV V, & CO., 23, Queen-street, WfeSTON's Wizard Oth and Magic Pills.—Bay cured more wonderful cages of Rheumatism, Gout Neuralgia. Aches Pains, Swellings, Caked Breasts, i Scalds, aud Salt-Rheum, upon the human frame, than all the pretended remedies have since the world .began. These Great American Medicines ar'-. com ;pbsod of vegetable' oils lipaling gurus, roots and I herbs; and act like a charm upon pain and inflam- ! mation Price: Half-a-crown. Sole Agents: Kemp thorne, Prossor and Co. A Flesh Creating Medicine.—When a due proportion of tfco f6od is converted inio pure, ;rlch blobd. the ftaUiral nutrient of the body, there is nothing; to prnvent the acquisition of flesh, provided there be ro undue waste of tif-sue from overwork, or i any depleting ai'ments. We would recommend those ■who desire to see the angles of their fr-assies •' rounded off" to use UDOiiPiro Woiii'i'.'s Schikdam Aromatic Schnapps, which }>ronrtes a^eimilUtion of the food and repairs all io&es of substance.



Performance



To-morrow



at Clroiiß



\ Mid-day



[ADVERTISES! KN T. ] A SAILORS' GRIEVANCE. (To the Editor of the Evening Star ) Stk, We, the undersigned, seamen of the Star of the South, witliiug to cauion others who may be placed in the same position, be,; the insertion of the follow iDg, as a " wrong that needs resistance." Y7e left Auckland in the sstar of the South tuider a six months' engagement, to ran amongst the Islands, each of ug with a good discharge and character, and favourably known to the officers we were under. "We had hardly left Auckland before unpleasantness began. Bad bi cad and stinking meat was served out to us, and our cemplaints brought no redress till it was all cone. On our first run amongst the Islands, we had evidence that we were amongst Favages, as we were kej-tat work on Chrlstm.s day and Sundays, taking in cargo and other unnecessary work It being evidently their Intention to work us out of the ship, we took our discharge, as were completely at the captain's mercy, and in an unheathy country, the company giving us a free passage to Auckland- The firstday out we were ordered to work, and all reiused, as we thought we ihad suffered injustice enough in being discharged out of civilisation, where we could get no chance of a ship. We were threatened with iions and all the penalties of the law, and our rations stopped for days. Now, was this right? We were not stowaw»vs, we were th're with the captain's consent, and stood the abuse patiently. If some local Plimsoll would arise and pay attention to the A.B.P. Company, he would receive the blessings of others besides us.—We are, &c, Thomas Bcukn, Jasibs Gardner, Gustave Person. Address—Foresters' Arms, Albert-street,



at three



o'olook.