SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

T T ... . „,,-,„ f This Afternoon, 5.40. ILTGII WATER—j To . mom)w Morning, 6.36. SUN SET.—This Evening, 6.27. SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 1.39. MOON'S AGE.—Full Moon, Ist Nov., 10.13 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES.

PROJISCTJ3D DEPARTU RES.

For Sydney and Melbourne—Hero, s.s., Thurs-

day, 12 o'clock noon Fur Norfolk Island: Southern Cross, M'.ssion Vessel, 6th November. For Ooromaudol—Argyle, s.s., Mondays and Fridays For Wangarei—Argyle, every Tuesday For the North--lon'a, s.s., every Monday For Tauranga—Kowena, s.s., Friday next For Tonga and Samoa—Johan Caesar, barque, at once.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Edith, schooner, from the Islands, early Or iri, ship, from London ; sailed 13th July City of Auckland, K.M.T.R., from London

"suited Ith August. John Matthnes, barque,from Boston: sailed 17th

July. Floriiida, barque, frora Molbourno ; sailed 10th

Gleulorn, b-u-que, from London, early Loch Urr, barque, frow London, early Taniaya, barque, V.D.N.J., from London, sailed

L':>rd August Jessie Osborne, shin from London, sailed jjulla Mary, barque", from Hobart Town ; sailed 19th " * Sjron, brig, from Sydney, (in the Mauukau) ; sailed 22nd instant Magellan Cloud, brigantine, from whaling

"cruise, early. Loch Lee. schooner, from the Islands, early. Ltetitia, schooner, from the Islands, early Kyno, brigantino, from the Islands, eaxly. M'innchaha, schooner, from Tima.ru ; sailed 13th Kebeceah .lane, brig, from Melbourne, curly Janet Stewart, brig, from Melbourne, early Kate McGregor, schooner, from Lyttolton;

sailed 25th Acadia, schooner, froniLyttolton; sailed 25th Emu. brigantino, from Duuedin, early. Victoria,'barque, from Newcastle ; sailed Oct. 21. Fairlie, 3-masted schooner, from Duuedin, early

EXPORTS.

Ocr Clyde for Atiu:—lU ~. .j geneva.—E. and H. Isaacs.

The schooner Jessie Henderson is advertised to leave for Lovuka on Saturday next, the 4th November. Mr D. 11. McKenzie is the agent of the vessel. The following passengers left for Gisborne and Napier by the Jane Douglas last evening: Messrs. B. Ballin, A. Walker, Lloyd, and one steerage. The lona left for the North last evening, with 11 passengers, and the Rowena for Tauranga, with It passengers. The Agnes Donald, schooner, was spok >.n by the barque Europa oft' the Gr. r Harrier, bear ing S.W. SO miles. The mail steamer Zoalandia, Ca... i n Femes, left San Francisco with the English m.iil, on the 11th inst. (contract, date). The connecting steamer City of New York is due on Sunday next, but is not unlikely to reach port on Saturday. The brig Syren cleared at. Sydney for Onehunga on the 21st inst., with a general cargo. The barque Tasso is on the berth at Newcastle for this port. The 3-masted schooner Julie Reitz arrived at the Thames yesterday, from Newcastle, with coals for the Gas Company. She is to load back to Australia with timber. A private telegram to Mr John Reed states that the brig Janet Stewart has sailed from Melbourne for this port, and the brigantine Nightingale for Hokianga. Both will load back with timber.

Captain Modley, of the Eurona, was at the Bay of Islands JO years ago in the barque Andrews.

MrM. H. Ttoe is building a river steamer on the beach, Ouehung-a, and she. will be ready for launching in about a mouth, when we will give a hill description. The s.s. Taupo. Captain Carey, arrived in the Manukaii, from Southern ports, this morning at 7 o'clock. She left Wellington on Saturday night, and brings six of the Auckland members. Passengers: Mrs and Master O'Rorke, Mrs Hill, Mrs Conk. Hon. Colonel Kenny, M.L.C., Mr and Mrs Do well and family, Messrs. Wise man, llarkor, Palmer, Buekland, Laurence, Kiven, Winter, Nathan, Broadbcnt, McLeod, and the following members of the House of Representatives: Messrs O'Rorko, Hamlin, Lusk. Dignan, Rces, and Swanson, with 10 in the steerage.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails "will Close as Uxder : — For Thames, to-morrow, at 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Lalla Rookh, to-morrow, at 1.30 p.m. ; and per Argyle, on Fridaj'

next, at 2.30 p.m. For Tryphcna, per Three Brothers, thia clay,

at 1 p.m. For Whitiangi, per Ocean, this day, at 4 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Wangarei, ■ Waipu, and "Mangap'ai, per Argyle, this day, at t p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per

Taxipo, to-morrow, at 5 a.m. For \V*angaroa, per Telegraph, to-morrow, at

;-> p.m. For Tairua, per Mana, to-morrow, at 1 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Hero, on Thursday next, at 1.1 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers,'at 10 a.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melboune only

will be received till 11.20 a.m. For Napier, Gisborne, and Southern provinces, per City of Han Francisco, four hours after her arri val'from Kandavn

KW A Receiving Box has boon erected at, Holmes's Store, Upper Symonds-street, and will be cleared at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. ffS" A T'ost-o.'lirje has been opened at Whiri maki, Fiokianga. Mails \yill be despatched every .Monday. Return jnails will arrive every Saturday.

(Signed) S. 13. BISS. Chief Postmaster

BIRTH.

COLE—On the 31st instant, Mrs. N. Cole, Turner

street, off Upper Queen-street, of a daughter. CRAIG—On the 29th October, at Seafield View

Road, the wife of J. Craig of a .son. GORMAN—On the 29th instant, at the Star Hotel, Albert-street, Mrs. P. Gorman oi! a daughter.

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

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1876.

For tiio r;iust that lacks assistance, !•"•«■ Liie i-roni; th it needs resistance, ]-.j- ['..: MitiirL- in the clist.ince, ,w,.; lh. ; -.....| lh;.l»oc.m.lo.

LETTERS from the President and Vice- President of the Pacific Mail Company, published in the Sydney journals,' throw further light upon the San Francisco mail service, and the recent rumours of intended abandonment by the contractors. President Clyde, after reviewing the dangers of the fork and coastal services, states : " The necessities of the case present to any mind the following alternatives : —l. A modifica tion of the route to what is known as the ' C route, "which avoids the difficulties and dangers of the coastal service and the ship ping at Fiji. 2. The substitution of ships iitted for the coastal service and Fiji navi gation, which steamers would be lit for the long sea .service in place of the popular and able steamers now performing the service. 3. Otherwigeau abandonment of the service." Messrs Gilchrist,' Watt and Co., likewise informed the New South Wales Govern ment that, unless a speedy decision was arrived at, the service would, be abandoned, lv another column we republish extracts from an article in the " S. A'l. Herald" upon the re-arrangement of the service. The condi tion chiefly insisted upon by our Sydney contemporary is, that New Zealand and New South Wales shall contribute equally to the subsidy upon whatever basis the service may ultimately be adjusted. The "Herald" asserts that New Zealand has always got the advantage of New Souih Wales in mail negotiations, although in what respects the writer neglects to inform us. But that our sister colony desires now to get well to windward of New Zealand in any re-arrangement is very manifest. The "Herald" does not appear, however, to lay any stress upon the question of Bay of. Islands versus Auckland as the port-of-call, nor do tlic contractors raise the question. Both seem to treat that matter as immate rial ; and if the writer in the "Herald" expresses the views entertained by New South Wales, there will be no difficulty- in arranging the service upon the reciprocal terms proposed by our own Government—-the mam steamers running through, calling at Auckland, and the joint Governments contributing equally to the New Zealand coastal service. We do not apprehend any serious difficulty in arriving at a satisfactory understanding with our partner in the contract. Kroni geographical considerations, Sydney miisl enjoy the advantages of the terminus, but Auckland will secure Ihe benelitn accruing from its position ay lirst port of arrival and Jastof departure,fcxHissing all the passenger traffic between the colonies and America. This advantage is, of ijoiirwo, inconsiderable from a commercial point of vinw, compared with that.derived from the poKso«nion of the terminus, buf it is the host arrangement that can be made, and New South Wales will have no rreason. for complaint at hoi' share of, the bagaiu.

Bellamy's, and the extreme dilatoriness of some honourable members in squaring up their grog and board bills, formed the subject of a discussion in the House lately. It would appear that some members had got considerably in arrears with their payments, but Mr Rollcston suggested as a possible explanation that an uncertainty prevailed as to the date for making settlements. Thereupon Mr Burns said lie got over the difficulty by paying weekly, ana Mr Swan- I sou said lie paid on the nail for everything. A resort to cash payments is threatened as the only means of preventing some members from leaving the score for their midnight revels a charge against a grateful country. But, then, this system lias its inconven iences. One or two honourable members make their appearance in the Empire City without any super-abundance of coin, and pending the payment of their lirst monthly cheque, life without tick would be a pro blem batiling the ingenuity even of_ a member of parliament. The only device likely to keep members to prompt payments would be the posting of all accounts over CIO, and the stoppage of tick thereafter until the old score was liquidated.

Cablegrams ..'report the Turkish difficulty still unsettle.l, the Porto exhibiting a rather remarkable obstinacy iv its demands for the reduction of Servian defences before consenting to an armistice. The Sultan's Government further requires the stoppage of Russian volunteering iv aid of the insurgents. .Such conditions, if demanded by a Power blameless of the causes of the war, would lie reasonable, but Turkish rule dues not entitle the Ottoman to any consideration, and we mistake the feeling in Russia if these demands arc conceded. The attitude of the Porte, however, be tokens great confidence in tlio resources of the Empire or in the security of its position, hedged round by the jealousies of the Great Powers. But it is said Ilmt whom the gods mean to destroy they first make mad, and this refusal of the Turkish Govern ment to make amends for years of past misrule and oppression, may be the premonitory sign of the insanity which is to end in an execution by the avenging Muscovite.

All who are interested in the welfare of the Mechanic's Institute would do well to remember that a concert in aid of the funds will be given in the Choral Hall on Thurs day evening. Owing to a variety of pecu liar difficulties against which the Institute has had to struggle, it is in need of monetary aid, and we trust those who are endeavour ing to maintain it in an efficient state by devoting their musical talents to the raising of funds, will receive the support of the public. The Institute, despite its difficulties has accomplished much good in the way of diffusing useful information. Wo learn that a considerable number of tickets for the concert have been sold, and .the pro gramme, as now amended, is decidedly the best of the season.

The Defence Minister has decided tiie next colonial prize liiiug shall take place at Hokitika.

Sir Donald McLean is still sullering from illness.

Bandmaster finpcy was presented with an elegant baton, and a purse of sovereigns ;it the British Hotel, last night. An excel lent supper was provided by the Hand, to Mr. Impey, and the officers of the Engineer Volunteer Company, and served up by Host Humphries in ellicient style. Several toasts were given, songs and musical selec tions lilling the intervals of the speeches, and a most enjoyable evening was spent.

Yesterday evening the residents in ('lmpel ami Durham-streets were < rented to a gratuitous out-door performance by an itinerant " organ-grinder," who took up his station outside tlio lately besieged Alexan dra Hotel. Having exhausted the reper toire of the instrument he removed to ;i spot opposite the Shakespeare Hotel, whore he ■was soon the centre of a crowd of small boys. But a pugilistic encounter a shorl distance away completely eclipsed the attractions of even a barrel organ, and there ■was an immediate stampede in that direc tion.

We have inspected some specimens of hand-writing produced by iho, pupils of Mr ('. 11. Nicholson, of (Irey-street. We have samples of their writing before they begin to receive Mr Nicholson's lessons, and samples only a few days old. The contrast in many cnscs is very .striking, and the system which cfleets such an improvement must be a good one. One case m specially noteworthy : it is that of an elderly gentle man who hart adopted.Mr Nicholson's system with particularly good results. ]lis style, which was before cramped and un gainly, is now j'ree and not ungraceful. Wo recommend those whose advancement in life is hinder.! by bad writing to come to terms with Mr Nicholson forthwith; and there is another class, of persons to whom we would giv:; (he, same ad vice—we mean aj fewof our correspondents. The awful hiero glyphics we are under the necessity of deciphering at times would puzzle an ex pert. Mr Nicholson would save us a world of trouble if he could persuade them to take a few lessons.

A special meeting of the Hohson corps, A.11.V. will 1)0 held this evening in the Drill-shed, under command of Captain Dignnn. The line band of the Hobson's Avill be in attendance.

Mons. Carnic, the French billiard player, lias accepted a challenge to play Roberts on certain conditions.

lv the House recently Sir George "Grey called attention to the practice of depart mental officers sitting in the House. It is not at all unusual to ace the space behind the Speaker*' chair crowded by an array of Secretaries, uuder-Sccrctaries, and clerks, who are constantly required to coach up Ministers in theailairs of their departments.

A pleasant and successful entertainment was given last evening in the Pitt-street United Methodist Free Church, chiefly by the members. The Key. Mr Lockwood occupied tho chair, and introduced the proceedings. (Songs and readings were given by Mrs Bellinghain, Miss" Hurst, and Messrs A. Hemns, R. Tudchope, Redferu, and Ryan. Messrs Tattorsall, G. Hcnnis, Whitehoad, and the chairman also assisted. The choir was in excellent order; Mr TV. Baxter presided at the harmonium. The treat was projected for the advantage of the Sunday-school .funds, witlra view to providing larger accommoda tion for the increasing number of children who congregate on Sundays for religious in struction.

Mr Jaiued Osgood, a well-known hold keeper of Wellington, died lately. The deceased, was some years ago caterer al Bellamy's, and subsequently proprietor of the Empire and Metropolitan iiotcls, Wel lington. Me was well-known in Auckland, having visited this place during the excit ing period of the Thames) rush. As an hotel-keeper, he was a man of great enter prise.

An accident of a somewhat serious nature occurred yesterday morning toa Mr Carter, of Alma I'lacil. lie was leaving his place in ii cart, when a sudden jerk threw him over in front of flic wheel, which passed over lii.s chest, crushing him very severely. He WitH promptly attended by i)r Dawsou, and was proceeding favourably when enquiries went made this morning".

lii (,li<: Legislative Council, yesterday, a clauHC was introduced into the Waste Lands Administration Bill empowering tho Govern ment to h«I I 100,000 acres to Sir -Braoinliall at tho average ruling price in the district in which buck lands may be selected.

Wegaveinouryesterday's issuejby pigeon grams the progress of the match between the teams from H.M.S., Sapphire, and the Victoria Company A.R.V., up to the hour of going to press. ,'The following were the scores " made :—SAPPIIIitK.— Hill, marine, 76"; Hall, seaman, 61 ; Rogers, seaman, 00 ; Jeouard, seaman, 58 ; Multon, seaman, 56'; Snook, marine, 48; Nash, seaman, 4G; Sergt. Wcstway, 27. Total, 432." Victoria. — Vol. Bowden, 71 ; Vol. Hazard CO; Vol. E. Cooper, 6'B; Vol. A. Piiyue, 08; Vol. C. Cooper, 63; Vol. Henderson, 62; Vol. Mills, 61 ; Sub-Leiut Skinuer, 61. Total, 523.

We understand that Mr De Lias has taken a lease of the Theatre lioyal for twelve months, and will proceed to Sydney by the Hero to engage a company.

the debate on the San Francisco Mail Service, the opinion was generally expressed that New South Wales was getting the best of New Zealand. Mr Johnston made a suggestion putting the question in a novel shape at least. He said Sydney was getting too much, and suggested that Auckland should be made the terminal port, leaving the New South Wales portion of the service to be carried on by a branch service. Mr VVlutaker made the not very rc-assnriiig statement that his impression was that no matter what action the House took, the San Francisco Service under any circumstances would come to an end.

Among the arrivals by the Hero was a line pure bred young Hereford bull which has been imported by Messrs it. and E. Maclean. It is at present at Penrose. but will be sent to Howick shortly. The animal is of beautiful symmetry, and is 15 months old.

Letters of Naturalization 1: .;; been issued to Joseph I'russek, of Pub .

A New Zealand gazette of the 2(!;:i instant shews the following figures regarding money orders for the third quarter ii! 1876' : —

Money order and Saving's Dank Offices open 123 ; money orders issued 20,052 ; amount,£7B,4ol9s 10d;paid,£15,615; amount €1)0,040 3s (id. The Saving's Bank accounts shew deposits £101,526" 9s 3d ; withdrawals, £182,425 10s lOd.

The erstwhile besieged and besiegers of the Alexandra Hotel having settled terms of peoce, intend this evening to hold a high festival in celebration of the event. Mr Pullcng's successor notifies all and sundry that he will be happy to entertain any of his friends to a free spread this evening, and that Mr Pulleng has consented to occupy the vice-chair, and give a vivid description of the various incidents of the

siege.

T lie St. Luke's Bazaar closed last evening. The Hibernian Band enlivened the proceed ings with a number of musical compositions. The gift auction was the cause of much merriment. The receipts of the evening amounted to £24 17s sd, thus realising altogether thesuniof£l79 12s. The friends, therefore, may be congratulated on their success, and the minister may look forward with hope.

The young men of St. James's Debating Society held a full meeting last evening. The question of debate was —" Should the nible be read in our public schools?" Mr Crawford opened in the affirmative, and Mr Gome replied in th" negative. Kcv. ti. K. Miicnicol, the president, occupied the chair. The debate was carried on with much vigor and apparent earnest ness, and concluded a few minutes before eleven o'clock.

The members of tho lire brigade practised last evening under Nup.Tiiitcndcnt Hughes, ami subsequently met to discuss the pro priety <if sending a team to compete at (-ho Diini'diii lire brigade demonstration. £,'.iT> had been contrilmtod Inwards the object. t'2.~> of which had been given by the Insurance companies in the city. A reso lution was proposed and carried, " Thai Mr Hughes apply to the City O.miicil fur a donation." A special, meeting of the brigade will be held on Monday evening next for furthering the object in view.

A subscriber has callt;d our attention to the had purpose for which boys are in llic habit of using masks at this season of the year., He informs us that a few evenings a;;<> he saw several lads frfylilciiin^ a smaller boy, by compelling him to look ai a hoy who was lying stretoheil on the pathway with a death's head mask on. T.nys do these things thoughtlessly. They should remember that many children have lost their reason, and beon rendered idiots for life by such pranks. For indulging in such mischievous practices they deserve a sound flogging.

Mr. (J. \V. Collier is playing in Wei lington with Mr and Mrs Mates.

Mr K. I). Wallace a Wellington colonist who came out to New Zealand in IS !."">, died Ihe ol her da v.

The Auckland members of the assembly who arrived by the Taupo this morning from Wellington were Messrs O'Jtorke, If ami in, Lusk, JDigmin, Uees, and Swanson. Col.

Kenny, M.L.C.

, was also a passenger

On (Saturday evening the usual monthly inspection of the Otahuhu rifle volunteers was held in the bloclc-hou.se there ; fully an hour was consumed in company's business, no less than 13 new members being elected. Mr. lledlv Manners was duly elected as sub lieutenant, subject to the usual approval. One promotion was made in the Otahuhu and Onohunga subdivisions respectively. It was decided that Ihe company should have a parade, and living matches <>n the Prince of Wales birthday; Captain Gordon then handed the men to Sergeant Major Hyde, who drilled the company for an hour. After marching for some time through the village, headed by tlie hand, Lieutenant. Handry dismissed the parade fit 10.30. Sixty rank and tile, four non-commissioned ojlicers and the captain and lieutenant, answered to roll-call.

At <i recent meeting at Balclutha, one of the speakers said ho considered that Utago -was New Zealand, and if it wasn't, he should like to know what was. And the sentiment that " (Mayo must setup the Hag of liberty, and paddle her own canoe," was hailed with acclamation.

A few weeks ago it was resolved by the Presbyterians of Mangarc t» present the Rev. Mr Brown with a buggy, horse, and harness, and they appealed to the (htchunga Presbyterians to help them. Subscription lists were started, a meeting was held in Mangarc, and Messrs John Wallace, Janics Mclntyro, and W. Dunwoodie were ap pointed to make the necessary purchases. They bought the 4-whceled buggy which took the prize at last year's show, a really good horse and first-class harness. On Saturday, accompanied by Mr Robertson, i he chairman of the meeting, they presented their minister Avith tic fiuit of their labours. Tin; l.iirn out is creditable to the liberality of the congregations, and the judgment of .selectors.

The ' Journal of Proceedings of the 22ud Annual Session of the Right \V. (Jnnxl Lodge of (lood Templars," held a! Louis ville, Kentucky, U.S., iv May last, is a good pamphlet of nearly 200 pages. New Zealand Norl.li was represented in the Con vention by Mr. John Harding and lha lion YV. Ko.s. Mr. S. I). Hastings, V.R. W.(i.T., in lus report of his I rip to New Zealand and Australia, refers in slrong terms of com mendation to the man who was chiefly in strumenlal in tho establishment of Good Templamrn in New Zealand, and states that there are now 11,000 Good Templars in New Zealand—43oo in the North Island and 6700 in the South Island. It does not

appear tlt.it (rood Teinplarism finds much favor in New South Wales, for the Grand Lodge there has only a membership of 2000 , Queensland had 2000; South Australia, 4000 ; Tasmania, 4500 ; Western Australia, 500 ; ami Victoria. 11,500,

" Hoihoi" writes coinplainrr;1 of the noise made by boys running about at the Saturday night entertainments. It is a pity that groat hobbledehoys who find no enjoymeut in quiet rational, amusements, do not keep away from places where other people have assembled for an hour or two's pleasure.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the members of the Auckland Institute, was held last evening, in Princes-street. Mr. Justice (Millies occupied the chair. Several donations to the Museum were acknowledged, after which the subject of Dr. Wallis's discourse on " Bar baric survivals in marriage" was dis cussed. , Mr. liarstow read a very interest ing paper on " Maori Migrations." This paper contained several points of special interest, but as time would not permit, the discussion was deferred until the 27th of

November

The general meeting of tho members of the Auckland Regatta Club, will be held this evening at the Thames Hotel, for the purpose of arranging for the Animal Llegatta.

The annual meeting of the Golden Point Goldmining Company was held yesterday afternoon in the office of Mr. Thomas L. White, as we were going to press. Albeit ]3eethani,lisq.,occupied the chair. The re port and balance sheet Avere read and adopted. The results of recent operations, and the tenor of the report were encourag ing. The expenditure had been £97. 10s. as against percentage from tributers of £2{). 145., but a crushing had since taken place, consisting of 671bs. of specimens, giving a sum of £109. 10s. 4d. The retiring directors were re-elected, and Mr. James Burtt ap pointed auditor for the coming year.

A Sydney telegram states that the La ITogue's life-buoy, found on the New Zea land coast, was lost two voyages ago.

In moving the second reading of the Permissive Abolition liill, Sir George (xrey said :—" Such a sight as giving >Sir Julius V'ogel £500 the other day in Wellington had never before been seen in the history of the civilised world, and was a most melancholy one, which would only win infamy from the future historian."

Mr John Cornish has been appointed pound-keeper of the district of Newton.

We arc in receipt of two specimens of the new postal card forwarded by the Post mastor-Gencral, Wellington.

An emergency communication of the Union Lodge of Mark Masons will bo held in the lodge-room of the Masonic Hotel, Princes-street, this evening, at the usual

l>our

Tlic HijHual tea-meeting of the Newton Congregational Sunday-school, will be bold 111 is evening. Mr Firth, president of the .Sunday-school Union, will occupy the chair. The flourishing choir of the school will sing a choice selection of melodies. Addresses will be delivered by Rev. W. Harris, Rev. J. Loekwood, and Messrs. IJatfley, llemus, and oilier friends of the

cause. (.Jreat prejiaration's for this event have been made, and tin- rosult will be a pleasant and prolilable evening.

To-morrow is tb.l las! day on which entrees for the Cfittle Sliow can bj received.

An inieivstjii'-f entertainment was given on Friday evening last, at, tit. Luke's Church, Ilemucru, in uid of llio Library Kund of the Sabbath-scliuol. The church was filled by an appreciative auditnco. Tho children of the Sunday-school formed tho choir, and were nio.il carefully trained by .Mi- Saxton, who is entitled lo great civdit for the correct and excellent manner in whi h the children sang the. various li.vuni.-3 and anthems during the evening. After prayer by I he Uev. Mr. iiamcrand an ant Item by ilie eliildr'-n. tlie chairman (T. Maclarlane, Esq..) gave (lie opening address, during which he referred to the gwwii necessity of providing llu! eJiilrlren with good moral and religious literature. Several of the young men from St. James' Literary Society very kindly assisted with reading and recitations, and these were interspersed with hymns and anthems by the children. After which a short, interval was allowed to inspect flic, vurious articles worked by (he children for Lhcrsoniing exhibition. Mo«t of tin articled were very creditable, indeed they were ninch superior to anything expected from the a;cof Ihe exhibitors. MrDenncH then gave his lime-lighl view-; ol: Mary Queen of Scots, .Scotch scenery. I/.ikcs of Killarney, (a few viuwd from eacln Lord .Alayor's show, and the whole utidicnco joined in wi»jcing the National Anthem, which was displayed on the screen, afler which, this ayrecahle entertainment was bronchi lo a close by t lie llev Mr Hauler pro nouncing the benediction.

Jenny Olaus' farewell conenrt at Sydney, was well attended. Mr. VV. (j. Carey is placing in Sydney. Mr J. If. Kainlovd has opened the Queen's Theatre, in Sydney. Mr WeJghtjiian, the "man lish" recently had a benciit al the School oC Arts. Mr UeorKO Itif^nold has been unable 1 > play Henry V., as he has been ordered home by his medical advisers. Mr. Bennett has just rofwived a cablojfram from his ajfent in .America, slatinK that th^ Ainiee Opora-bbutl" Company have been engaged for un Australian tour, and would leave for .Sydney, where they will lir.-il anpear. by ue.-ct month's mail steamer, from Sim I'runcisco.

From aii advertisement in our columns, wo observe that the ioasc of those valuable grounds, popuiitrly known as liri^hton'.s Gardens, is oflored for sale, circumstances making it, neces sary for the present lessee to change his sphere of operations. Mr. Brighton, during tho period of hisoccupancy ,hus devoted, uncooshufattention and labour, to the improvement of those grounds. Gardening being his hobby and delight, it was only to be expected that under his skilful innn ;il,-i aient. Mint charming spot should become a most popular place of out-door resort. The number and variety of the. trees, shrubs, and (lowers, and an endless• attraction; while a special source of enjoyment to visitors, and profit to the owner, is the profusion of strawberries, dur ing the season. To any practical gardener, pos ses u!ik energy and perseverance, a handsome in come should no realised. The soil is rich and easily worked : the situation Is sheltered from the wind and there is abundance of water available. We trust that in the new lessee the Domain Board wilt llml one possessing Bomething of Air lirigfe ton's painstukiug ability and skill.

CHORAL FESTIVAL.

Tiik annual festival of llic Diocesan Choral Association was hold hist evening at St. Matthew's Church. The church was

crowded. The choirs, which numbered over ninety voices, were divided into Decani

and Cantoris, and the antiphonal chanting of the psalms was most striking in its effect The feature of the .service, however, was the monotoned prayers and responses being sub stituted for what is known as Tallis's service. These were varied and enlivened by the introduction of occasional harmonies on the organ pianissimo, which added to the beauty and devotional character of the service. The processional hymn was sunr>i to a new and spirited time by Mr F. E. Gladstone, and the recessional hymn to a bright melody by Miss Havergal. The canticles were chanted in unison to Gre gorian tones, the sth and 3rd respectively. The,anthem which, in our opinion, was the most complete performance of all, was Stainer's " What arc These,''.a composition at once sublime and easy of execution.

Before the .sermon, was sung the hymn for All Saints' Day, to I)r Siainer's beautiful

tune, which wn

10 delightfully rendered at

the annual church .meeting in the Choral i Mall, last year. Two other hymns 1 yvci-Q siing dining the collection of Ihe oiibitoiy, to ancient melodies. The prayers were said by the Revs. W.

(-'alder, and C. M. Nelson ; the lessons

were read liy the Revs. A. R, Tomlmsen and U. N. Hassard. An excellent sermon on church music was delivered by the Rev. R. H. Codrington, of the Melanesian Mission. The Benediction "was pro nounced by the Bishop, and after the recessional hymn had been sung, Mr Rice played on the organ the following volun taries, as the large congregation dispersed : —Chorus, " To Thee Cherubim," from the Dettingen To Doum, " March of the Priests," from Costas's "Eli.," and Handel's " Hallelujah Chorus." The offertory, which will be given to the funds of the Association, realised £17. Altogether the festival showed signa of considerable im provement on the part of the choirs.

Sigma,

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ONEHUNGA.

At the annual general meeting of the Presbyte rian Church, OneliUHga. the Rev. G. Brown, M.A., presided. Mr. H. Dunwoodie, Church secretary, read the annual report, .which stated that in order to secure uniformity with the Presbyterian Church generally, the. year would in future close on tho 30th September, instead ot 3lst December. It was stated that the attend ance at Divine service was satisfactory, and also tho amounts contributed to special and general revenue. It was stated that tho attend ance at prayer-meetings was considered smaller than it ought to be. Tlic Sunday-school roll shewed 77 names. Thanks were expressed to Mr. Blaky, lato superintendent, and. to Mr. Grant, his successor. Mr. Gilhnan's services were also acknowledged. Mr. Stevenson, the treasurer, read a detailed balance-sheet, the amount contributed in the nine months totting up £177 13s. 7d. The secretary's and other reports were adopted. Tho couuniitee elected for the current year were Messrs. JJunwoodie (2), Stevenson, Grant, Gilhna-ii, and Kobb. the chairman severely rebuked the system of can vassing for votes adopted by some, and said in exceedingly plain language that any successful candidate in the future would be disqualified by resorting to practices condemned this year. Well merited thanks were tendered to Messrs Dunwoodic and Stevenson, secretary and treasurer. Prayer, praise, and the benediction brought the business to a close.

THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL QUESTION.

TllK "Sydney Morning Herald" of the 16th, referring to the correspondence between Messrs Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., and W. P. Clyde, respecting the proposed modifications in the San Francisco Mail Service, says that the fact of the company losing large sums of money by every trip is of itself sufficient to whew the necessity of a, change, and it would l>e cheaper for the company to pay down the £2.1,000 at once than to go on at a loss of £5000 a month. The same paper, however, thinks that nothing can be done finally until the meeting of the New South Wales Par liament, and that the question is not likely to be settled until after the Christmas vaca tion. The " Herald" then refers to the alternative proposals of tbe Company, to either continue the present route with smaller steamers, or to drop the New Zea land Coastal Service, for which they are willing to reduce the subsidy from £90,000 to £80,000. The " Herald" then goes on to characterise the resolutions passed in the New Zealand Parliament as extraordi nary, and such as could never be accepted by " the Company. Our contem porary says : —" it is absurd to suppose that a company which is losing large sums of money by a contract which includes this coastal line will undertake a new con tract for a coastal service of the most ap proved description, for £10,000 less than the .subsidy it is now losing so much money by. And we fancy that the notion of the Pacific Mail Company taking up a. separate New Zealand coastal service for £5000 a year is equally chimerical. We may pay too much for the privilege of being partners with New Zealand in this mail service, and we shall certainly pay too much if we pay all that New Zealand demands. In all the negotiations which have taken place over this San Francisco Mail Service the representatives of New Zealand have been remarkable for urging the most extra vagant demands in favor of that colony, and hitherto the principal difficulty in connec tion with this service has arisen out of the fact that in urging those demands the repre sentatives of New Zealand have been, more than a match for those of New South Wales." The "Herald" sees the necessity of representatives of all parties meeting to decide the question, but fears that steps will be delayed so long that the Company will throw u|» the Service.

CANTERBURY RACES.

Tin- entries and acceptances for the Metro politan Mooting al OhrJßtchnroh appear incur I 'anferbury telegram to-day. The meeting bids fair to bo very interesting. There are ton accep tances for the Oup, ten for the Derby, and thirteen for the C..T.C. Handicap. AH Hie Auck land, horsed are included in the list of "contents." The Christenurch Plate, w.f.a., has secured 10 en tries, the Publican's Pnr.se !l, the Tradesmen's I [andicapl2,lhe Steeplechase A.theSellingrßacil7. the Maiden Plate 7. I he Railway Plate 7. and the Metropolitan Ifanrlicaplli. For the 0.J.0. Handi cap, tin; withdrawals are Ivorari ilst oil.: Pungft wercwere s^i liiti; Uauobury 7st iiii; Dead Heat 7st lib; Puriri fist Bth; Tasso Cat 811) : Tara fist s!h; and Lady Lee list sth. The reports from training quarters continuo to speak wall of the Auckland horses. "The Druid," who was at lirsl inclined Lo pooh-pooh the Fanny Fisher colt. Juts now altered his Tone, and says "I .should not be astonished i!' he wins the Derby." Xgaro keeps well, and does as Kood work as anything at exercise. Ariel docs his work in company with Dear! Meat, and both are alluded to us regular "clinkers." Jlr Walt, who is now the owner oi' Ariel, lias backed his horse to win both ('..1. Handicap and the. I'Mp. and lie would appear to have as yqod a show as anything. Isaac Walton and Kingfisher both appear at work almost every morning, and arc getting into excellent fettle. It' "Isaac." but keeps his head straight in the U.J.C. Handicap, he will I rouble the best of them. From all appearances Ihe Auckland squadron have an exceedingly -voiKi chnncu of carrying off some of the big prizes at. Uhvistchuroh this year. If they suc n.ced in doinv so, it will impart a great stimulus to racing in Auckland.

POSTAL CARD.

(To the Editor of the STAR.)

SIR, —Can you inform your readers Avhat distance a. postal card is entitled to be delivered at ? and ff a highway rate notice, or any tax or debt notice can be sent Avith oui incurring any risks '( —Yours, Pro Eoxo Puulico. [The regulations provide that postal cards, Avhctiior oliirial or private, having a stamp of one penny impressed on them, may be transmitted betAvecn places in the colony of New Zealand. Postal curds may be transmitted to the colonies of Victoria and South Australia under the same conditions as i.i Noav Zealand, except that in addition to the impressed stamp they must have an extra penny stamp iinixed to thorn. Anything which can be 'written on one side of the card may be sent without risk, so far as the postal authorities are concerned. If your second question refers to libel actious, your best course Avould be to consult a solicitor.— Ed. E.S.]

ARREST AND WHIPPING OF TWO DESPERATE CHARACTERS.

(To the Editor of the EVENING Star), S jk,—On Saturday last one of our respect ed fellow-citizens, Avho attends Divine ser vice in a little chapel, in Graftoa Road, caught two desperate characters red-handed in the act of robbing his orchard. Without the least hesitation he at once attacked them in the most gallant manner, and after a very severe straggle, which none buta man of his size and iron muscle could have stood, he mauaged to confine these two determin ed villians in his stable, and to yuard them there until the arrival of the police, who safely conveyed them to the lock-up. As is very often the ca-r, a great deal of maudlin sympathy was f.*it for, these two scoundrels, and two gentlemen even went so far as to get them released by heconriiKl' bail ft r th< in. On their appearance before our wort! y Magistrate, lie of cour.-e ordered them to be soundly whipped—for had they not been stealing fruit V I think, Sir, the punishment was scarcely adequate to the offence. Such cowfinncd villains ought to he .shipped out of the colony. For- was not Eve turned out of the garden for stealing an apple ? Serve her nght, naughty girl. At any rate, whip them well. Whip it out of them. Hut it seems a pity that the public should not be admitted to the sight. What a treat it would be to sec the villians' backs exposed for the lash. How favoured the country, which possesses such a stern and gallant citizen, and a magistrate who knows so well how to temper justice with n c c\\— Yours &c, Samuel Coombes. October 31st, 1576.

City Clothing Mart, 92, Queen-street,

CABLEGRAMS.

THE TURKISH CONDITIONS OF

PEACE,

LONDON, Octobedpk Conditions alone on which the Povlj jj^Jl agree to an armistice until Majqfjj^jare present and future possession by Turl^ of the positions occupied by Servia and the Servians, evacuation of all strongholds, the great Powers to settle details. The Porte asks that the importation of arms and entry of volunteers from foreign nations into Ser via and Montenegro be prohibited, and insists that it will reject any armistice while numbers of Russians are joining the Servians. Lord Abercorn has resigned the Lord- Lieutenancy of Ireland. He will be suc ceeded by the Duke of Ma rlborough. POLICE COURT.—This Day. (Before R. C. Barstow Esq., R.M.) " The cup that cheers not, but inebriates." —Cowpcr improved. FADED BEAUTY.

A pretty pair of females were charged with the common offence of drunkenness. Eliza McGinn was fined 5s and costs, and Elizabeth Diedrick was fined 10s and costs.

THE ERRATIC BARBER

John Thakaberry, a man of small stature, with a merry twinkling eye, known as the " close shaver of Eden," was again brought up for being drunk the third time within a few weeks.

John bowed his head with becoming humility, and in a low voice said "Yes, drunk, sir." John had been in the employ of Mr Evans, but had obtained a holiday, and thought lie would go and survey his old quarters near Kyber Pass, to take a general view of the landscape. John however, was thirsty, and turned into an hotel in Queen-street for a "glass," and some two hours after, he was seen by Constable Menzies, staggering on the pavement and singing the "Song of the Tonsor."

"Hoi," said Constable Menzies, "Be blowed" said John, "do you want a shave "? and immediately took to his heels. The scene was most exciting; John ran splendidly in spite of the whiskey, and the constable kept well up, as far as Mr Staines' shop, when John stumbled and fell. He was immediately captured, and with the help of two other men in blue, was carried to the station.

Fined 20s. and costs, or five days impri sonment, or seven days if the fine is not paid.

A REPUTED VAOIIAXT.

David Miller was charged under the Va grant Act with being drunk and disorderly in Dun donald-street, Newton, on the 30th

inst.

Prisoner pleaded guilty. His Worship : Is the prisoner known to the police ?

Sub-Inspector Pardy : Yes, your Wor ship, here is his catalogue of oflences, produ cing three sheets of foolscap.

Prisoner ; It shall never happen again ; I will not extend the list.

Fined uOs or 14 days. HENRY, THE SAILOR

Henry Benson was charged with being disobedient on board the barque " Aber nyte," on the 30th inst.

Prisoner : I was sick, and thede'il couldn't work under such circumstances.

Captain John Condgon, deposed that pri soner was the ship's cook. He complainetl that lie waff ill, and when he visited him, he found that lie had a tremendous black eye, and was suffering from drunkenness.. He sent him to the Hospital; he came out, and applied to him for money, as the doctor had ordered that he must have a series of S vices' Turkish baths. As he was sick he did not give him any special orders, but expected him to do the best lie could. He did nothing but smoke his pipe.

Prisoner said he did all he could ; he help to paint the shij>, and did a portion of the cooking. Constable. Tapsell took tho man into cus tody ; he said ho. would do no more as long as be was on the ship.

Prisoner said lie was willing to work, but he was too ill, and the Captniu refused him money to get such physic as his ailments required.

Fourteen days imprisonment Avith hard labor, and to pay 11s. 6"d. Court costs.

MEN A2JD DOGS,

William Charlin was summoned' on account of his dog "Wildfire," which had been detected without a collar.

Defendant's mother pleaded hard for her son. The dog, pretty dear, Avas under age. Her son only bought the dog last Monday. Constable O'Reilly thought the dog Avas a very old dog. Mrs Challin: Oh, dear; its only a pup, your Worship. Sub-Inspector Pardy said it Avas the oldest pup on record.

Fined Is ; costs 5s Gd.

William Jones, for a similar oflence in relation to his dog ' < Bendigo." Avas fined 2s 6d ; costs 4s 6d.

FIRE. A cllarge of chimney on fire was visited Avith a tine of 5s ; costs 4s 6d.

A HORSE

William Sinclair was charged with allcnving his horse to Avander unbridled in Victoria-street.

Defendant pleaded guilty. Fined 5/s and 5/6. THE ALEXANDRA HOTEL.

Alfred Pulleug, was charged with a breach of the Licensing Act, by not having a light burning over the door of his hotel in Durham-street.

Mr. Pulleug pleaded guilty under the cir cumstances, but denied his responsibility as lie had no license.

His Worship said that if defendant had been called upon to shew his license, and had failed to do so, he Avas liable to a penalty of £20. Mr. Pullcng: The license is out of my hands; I have passed it to the incoming tenant.

His Worship said he had never signed a transfer, but under the circumstances (see siege of the Alexandra in Stak) he would indict but a nominal line, viz., 2s 6'd, with costs 5s 6d.

A DOG FIGHT.—EXTRAORDINARY SCENE

IN: DRAKE-STREET. _ Semuel Patterson,' was charged with in citing two dogs to light in Drake-street on the 15th hist.

Mr. W. H. Kissling pleaded not guilty. James Jones, dairy-man, of Ponsonby, was passing on the Sunday morning in question, and saw defendant with two dogs, a bull-dog and terrier. Witness also had a dog.' Defendant began to incite the dogs to ii.u'M, by hissing and encouraging them ; subse quently he set his dog'on to Mr. Billiugtou's dog.

To Mr. Kissling : My dog is nota fighter; I am a milk vendor, not at all of a pugilistic turn ; don't like fighting? John Ferguson, driver, of Freeman's Bay, witnessed the fight; thought it was wrong on a Sunday ; saw defendant looking on, but did not hear him hiss ; the (logs bled very much. He saw Patterson pat his «10 0 on the back. He" bolted in to his mother's, out of the way, and had a basin of oatmeal. William Ferguson, tailor, saw the fight > but didnot see defendant setting the clogs on. He expostulated with Patterson, who s»1(* his dog could do no harm, it had no teeth, and was without a tail, it had even lost one ear. John Billington, giocer, depose* jgffl "*? was called up by last witness. J§l™ ;iI1(l his dog very much injured, so mu«<£ -; that he thought he must have killed him. To His Worship : His was a quiet watch dog, and not at all inclined to lighting. He had been, in, his possession seven yeajs.

THE EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1876.



[advertisement.] MTV) the Editor of Tin-; Evening STAR. §j Sir,—l hope your Star will shine bright to mjdit and enlighten me as to Mr. E. Waters's cant ion not to use Paper Bogs with his name printed on them. The said J3a;c.s were seized by H.M. Customs, and sold by public; auction, and purchased fay me. Sir, can I use them or not I H. WATTS, General Dealer. Grey-street. [Butter consult a solicitor.—Ed. E.S.j \sf o :\f an'o~~kTglits—wh aT~a7{k V? THKYI—Ist. She has a perfect right to jo 11)s«K>eline's, and Buy a First-class Sewing Ma'/mWe. 2nd. She hasa right to bo taught how to work it free o£ charge. 3rd. She has the ri;>'ht to send for that clever Machinist, P. C. Jones, whenever she gets into a muddle. Ith. She lias the right to have her Machine kept in order for 12 months free-of charge. Singer, and other Treadle Machines, from £7 12s. 6d.—W. O. DJCXN KS, Queen-street.



iniUnXITURE! IFUBNITUBE ! L ullc-i aid Geii'liwii ahout to Furnish are respect fully requested t> inipect the Lnrge Stack of DRA WTN& R)O If, D[NING- -ROOM £ED R 0 OM, AND GEN REAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our Ncv) ani Spacious Showrooms T. & K.'COOKE, G7, QUEEN-STREET, Adjoining Bank of New Zealand ] FT! IE ItEMAINING PORTION OF R. W. DYSON'S -STOCK WILL BE BROUGHT FORWARD TOMORROW FOR SALE. GIIEATBA X G A I N S IN SILKS, MILLINER V, STRAW HATS, AN D DRESS GOODS. J. COSGRAVE & CO. 1



"TIUENITURE ARCADE ear CARPETS ! FOR THE PEOPLE ! CITY HALL ARCADE m FURNITURE ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY HALL ARCADE SM- BEDDING ! FOUTHECIT?Hi FLL ARCADE! XW FLOOR CLOTHS ! FOR THE PEOPUK! CITY HALL ARCADE! er dress GOODS! FOR THE PEOPLE ! CITY HALL ARCADE ! S3T MILLINERY ! FOR THE PEOPLE ! CITY HALL ARCADE! M* MEN'S CLOTHING ! FOR THE PEOPLE! CITY" HALL ARCADE! m- BOYS' CLOTHING ! FOR THE PEOPLE ! CITY HALL ARCADE! Grandest Display of Goods, and Greatest Variety, at the itiT CI T V II AL L "S» DRAPERY AND FURNITURE ARCADE. HOLLOWAY & GAR LICK, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c. R. Chanwell, Manager of Furniture Department. U T ~ 0 E. IX addition to their NEW SEASON'S STOCK of SPRING AND SUMMER DRAPERY GOODS, the undersigned arc, now offering a number of SPECIAL LINES, at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES :— Strong White Calico, at 3/10 per doz. Grey Calico, i'i\- per yard Crewdson's Best White Calicos, an overstock, offering Cheap, to reduce Splendid Value in Winceys, from /i per yard Superior 30 in. wide ditto, fin yard, worth 1/2 Good Blue Dungaree, S per yard 3(j in. berry, brown and grey,,'!)}, best quality New Japanese Silk, 1' and 1/6 per yard Plain Blue Cloth, t>o in. wide, 1/6 per yard, halt price Blue Diagonal Cloth, double width, 5/ per yard, half-price Melton Cloth, double width, 3/6 per yard Waterproof Tweed, double width, 3/6 per yard Strong Tweed for Boys' Clothing, 1/L1 yard White Blankets, 13/ per pair Blue Blankets, 13/ Grey Blankets, 9/6 White Turkish Towels, 11 Job lot Children's Brown and Grey Cotton Socks, from 3 per pair. Other Goods equally Cheap. Inspection Invited. RUSH BROOK & BRIDGMAN (Late R. Hobbs), JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREH OUSE, (Opposite Army and Navy Hotel), -STREET, Auckland. NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. "A Seekia", Railway Terminus Hotel."— Yes. Mark Twain ox Bad Musician's. — The musical public and general readersai*e cautioned not lo purchase Weston's Wizard Oil and Magic Pills without carefully examining the outside wrapper—and be sure that the words "None Genuine without the Signature of the Proprietor, fcfKAXic Weston, Sydney, N.5.W.," are engraven thereon. Any other so-called preparations of mine, arc unauthorized by me, and calculated to mislead the public. -Signed, Frank Weston. Sole Agents: Kempthorne, Prosser and Co.— Price, Half-a-crown. The Facts ok the Cask are that during the last quarter of a century, maladies involving bodily prostration or a deficiency of vital power, all affections of the sensitive organs, kidney and bladder complaints, bronchial troubles, sleep lessness, indigestion, and the nervous ailments to which the feebler sex are especially subject, have invariably yielded to the operation of Udoll'iio Wolfe's Schiedam Akomatic Sciijtapps—the purest, safest, and best article of its kind in use.