SKIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

Martha, birque, Pmith from Lyttelton pretty Jane, s a, H^iai cc-, from 'iisborne and Napier pcean, schooner from Mercury Bay 'Gem. schooner, fiom (Jrahamatown /Mana, cutter, from Russell.

DEPARTURES.

ss, McGillivray, for Levuka Minnie Casey, ss, for Maburangi

THE DARLING DOWNS.

»_jytnotce by I*te sidney papers that this vessel which the Cross has been ore-ting a little sensation about Sa consequence of the firming of a board bear ing tbat n»me arrived in bydney on January 3, Bfpev a good passage.

IMPORTS.

•Per s. s Hawea from Southern ports. 3 p»ck ■?Bes, 5 cases. 1 package, 1 big. 1 piCKage, •» parcel, 1 parcel 13 cases. 21 bales, 60 c*ses meal. •41 cases, 2 engine wheels. 21 stcks m.lt.—Messrs, Henderson and Macff»rlane, Agents.

The s.s. ffawea left Port Chalmers 12th inst. at 5 p.m., arrived at lyttelton 13th at 11 a.m., left same day at 530 a.m Arrived at "Wellington the 14th at 10 a.m , left 15th at 3-30 a.m.; arrived at Picton -' :8 30 a.m., left Picton 9 30 a.m.; arrived at »" «•• 10 p.m , left Nelson 1 a.m. lnth; arrived "' m"' els°° 2 p.m., discharged cargo and passe- '- n * d^ *™ k> p.m. S. B. wither to Nelso- , "5* tif^V.; w *\? :Stiff. Mr and Miss McGr- -*! fr°m T^V^ JKrs Penny, w r and X . -W". MJ? and Mr and Mrs Lvnc*- jt* Davls' Mr and MrS Dan< *. Mrs Broker "' Mr and Mrs Watson and cbil<*. •MsstßEn. '' Miss Merrlman. Mi s McGlash™, -Knornti '<ell (2)> Messrs RrOWD ' Therel], i a vis! BBrßj i • Bottijnby, Grimes Hustwch. Munay, Bvf 2 w ortbin eton,cton, W^ymouth, Spra,g, JSfeale, Th Jenklns > Owen. Hood, and 23in L c teersge f«,» it 6 3;, R- s*w«a is advertised to leave the Manukau m.he Sorxth to-morrow. Ihe schooners Fairlie and Frank Our are loading at bydney for this port, tha brig Syren is loading at rane same place for the Mannkati. lb® ss. Llewellyn left yesterday for Levuka. We <vZ alreafly PUbli'hed her passenpers and cargo. Srtmd Bh'P Garnatic is now 113 days out from '■I'he barque Martha arrived in hsrbour yesterday Moinu g from Lyttelton which port she left on the t>th mst. she had variiMe winds on the passage, Mei,oarg;o consists of Southern prodtice. The ss Emu will leave for Levuka on Thursdayi With a cargo of live stock.

The ss Pretty Jane arrived from Giaborna at four o'clock this morniDg with a carco of 270 sheep. 28 bead of cattle, and 30 hides Pas cngers: Messrs Kempthome, Siddons, and Dr Goold, and nine ',„ 4he steeruge.

The cutter Start has been chartered r-, «r r \r al . ft i m t£ ?Jn " e°en'. t0 fS tch Bttl£«M from White Island. The cutter left a few *ay.° ag() on het novel exp idition. Mr Mr Carles Tothill, and a gang of labou-ers went do«h in her. It is intended to bring Back about twehty tons of the sulphur if it is procur able. J?he present S & weather is not favorable tn the enterprise. The ss Go-ahead leaves for Wa'twa at two o'clock 10-morrow af c«rnoon. On her return she will call at ■Kajrl-n. and after ihis trip will make a monthly call at that port.

Toe departure of tho s s Southern Cross is postponed m morrow mcmii gat eleven o'clock The schooner Ocean hrings 18,000 feet timber, 8 tons Bauu gum. and 13 empty cases from Mercury ■Bay.

Th c schooner Gem and ketch speedwell have cleared in ballast for Kussell, and the schooner Fortune for Klkowkariri

BkThe cutter Mana bring 45 tons coal from RusselLj

AUSTRALIAN SHIPPING,

,*£ Sydney papers of the 4th January, the s.s. City or bin Francisco wa» announced to If aye for Auckland on the 12th, and the Mikado for Kardavu and through to San Francuco on the 14 ih. From our Australian telegrams it will be see a that th« City was to leave on. the 14th "with the mails," whether for Auckland or Kundavu and through to San Francisco the tele gram does not state.

The Macfrreeor was to proceed to Hong Kong, under command of Captain Grainger, on the 10th. The Onlima arrived at Sydney od December 28th at midnight, having made the passage from Auckland in 7 days 9J hours.

COMMERCIAL.

Sydney.—The Sydney Morning Herald of the 4th Of January reports the new yea< has opened hope fully, judging from the active demand there was to day for trade quantities. Breadstuffs are in steady xequest atlnte rates. Sales of Adftlaide wheat at 5* 3d; takers' parcels'of flour, £11 to £12; caudles firm at lOd for best. The sea-city of bulk aie is very marked, and £1110s was paid for a small parcel of Martian's. in biandies there was inquiry for Hennessy's case, with sales at 30s. ; a line of Piper's champajn* changed hands at £3 18s ; three parcels of O'Brien's bottled stout were also quitted at 8s 6d from ship's aide and 9s 3d from sto. c ; there was a little doing io teas, good councils being in most demand ; -2s Id ■was paid for a line of fine, and £5 10s per chest for inferior ; prime samples of maize commanded 4s 3d to 4a 4d.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows :— For Thimes this day at 530 pm, and to-morrow at 2 38 pm 3Tor Coromandel on "Wednesday next at 1130 am Jjjor Tauranfta per Vincent this day at 4 30 pm For Wangarel, etc, Russell Wasgaroa, and Mongorral per lona on this day at 4 p m Per City of 8a v Francisco on Monday, 17th instant as follows:— For Kandavu, Sandwich Island, United States of

America, Canada, British Columbia, I'entral an<i South America, and British and Foreign West ' Indies, at 5p m For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe at 5 pm For Money Orders, Kegistered Letters, and News paper, at 5 p m 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. Ifor Taranaki, Southern provinces, and Australian colonies per Hnwe* on Tuesday at 12 noon For Fiji per Ltelin on this day next at 5 pm For Taranaki and Southern provinces pet "Welling ton on Wednesday next, at 115 pm For Taranaki, Southern provincs, and Australian Colonies, per Hawea, to-morrow at 11 45 am For Money Orders, Kegistered Letters, and News papers at 11 am Kate lel tors for Southern provinces and Melbourne ■will be received till 12 6 p m For Napier and Giaborne, per Southern Cross, on this day at 2 p m

?. B. 8183. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

HA.RKIN—On the Bra December, 1875, Mrs. John Harkin of a daughter.

MARRIAGE.

BUICKE- SMITH—On the'sth January, at Newton by the Eev. Dr. Wallis. Davie Buicke to Amelia Jane Smith, both of Auckland.

DEATH.

MULGROVE—On the I7lh Instant, at the Provincial Hospital, Auckland, from in juries received in Queen-street, Francis Mulgrove, aped 63 years. Tlih luneral will leave the Hospital at 8 o'clock on Wednesday morning and the burial will take pi ice at Pa^akura at 12 o'clock noon. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.

DAFJTN—On the 16th instant, at the residence of Mrs Rattray. Albert-street, Ellen, the beloved wife of Hugh Daffin, aaed 19 years.

The funeral will take place to-morrow at 3.30 p.m. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.

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

MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 1876.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance! For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

A. most note-wortby circumstance transpired at the Clive election, indicating the utter collapse of the much vaunted influence of Sir Donald McLean over the Hawke's Bay natives. Many of our readers will have in recollection the name of Te Hapuku, the oldest, and for a long period ctf time, the most powerful and influential chief on the East Coast. To him, in fact, is due, under the influence of Sir George Grey, the pur chase and birth of the Hawke's Bay settle ment. From those times—now twenty-five years back—he has been a Bteady and constant friend of the whites, and naturally an adherent of Sir Donald McLean, seeing that the Native Minister was for many years General Government agent and SupJ/5 intendent of that province. Awaking* at length to the fact that he had been largely stripped of his ancestral possessions by the operations of the "Ring"—his eyes appear opened to the circumstance that the parting with many hundred thousands of broad acres for a few farthings per acre, offered no pro tection or plea for mercy when in the clutches of the unscrupulous faction bearing that name. This, at least, is certain, that for two days prior to the election in question, ho was maintained en prince at the Criterion Hotel, and all the blandishments that a liberal country has so freely furnished that party with, were employed to induce the chief to refrain from voting at all. It was felt that to ask the vote for Mr Ormond was too hopeless a request. Every effort failed, for the old man, went out from Napier in the train with Sir Donald McLean and Mr Commissioner Locke, to the polling ; but voted for the opposition candidate, Mr Buchanan, asking openly on the platform, the simple question was he '' the right pakeha." Founded as the influence of Sir Donald McLean ever has been on mere Government beneficence, and looking to his connection with the territorial aggrandisement of the Hawke's Bay clique, this marked proof of a perception by ignorant natives of the old school of ijSldteceptions practised on them, is a signifeSjfc sign of the times.

The Cross to-day endeavours to justify the Piako Swamp sale by quoting from evidence taken before the committee. We know all about that; the Government took very good care that the right evidence should be given, but they were less ready to suggest the pro duction of the gentleman who was pre pared to give 7s 6d per acre for the 1 Swamp. It is quite true, as the Cross shews, that the evidence then taken assessed the value of the swamp at ss. per acre, but the sale was effected at 2s 6d, making, even on this basis, a trifling difference of £10,000 on the whole transaction. We have already shewn, upon the authority of one who was prepared to deal, that more could have been got for the swamp than the 5s per acre, but in reality the question of price is not the most important one at issue. The illegality of the transaction, and the secrecy which' shut ont public competition, are of infinitely more* importance to the

people than the question whether the Government made a good bargain or not. The Cross neglects to quote the report of the committee on this head, and we therefore supply the omission, The report is signed by Mr. John Bryce, a strong Government supports^;, as Chairman, and reads as follow&T-^ 7

"The last-named Act in the Sfch sect' further provides that "AH larJ^ ijT ""* otherwise disposed of, c „,, 77*. ? ' iiTniprthia Ant- -1 ' "" all feOfip issued or issu--' - "<iatl be .d or d)sPoSed of jj^ --a under regulations to be made ~ the Governor in Council, which regulations shall be published in the New Zealand Gazette." 9. I am directed to report that;, with respect tt> the Piako Swamp, such regulations have not yet been issued, or published in the New Zealand Gazette; and that, although an agreement to sell has been made by the Government, the land has not yet been actually sold or Crown granted to Mr Thomas Kusasell. That the land was practically withdrawn from sale by private contract by the regulations of 1871, which provide that all sales should be by auction after survey, And that the transac tion was not in accordance with the provisions of the law in force at the time, which clearly required that the making and publication of regulations should precede sale. 10. That it is evident that the agrees ment made between the Government and Mr. Thomas Jiussell tacitly implied that regulations should be issued in terms of section 8 of li The New Zealand Settlements Act, 1866," which should enatile the Govern ment to sell the land in accordance with the conditions of the agreement so entered into. That the land was sold without sufficient inquiry as to its value, or the possibility of its being drained, although the General Government Agent and the Inspector of Surveys both recommended that such inquiry should be made."

which characterise Philip's reign in a mixed

community like this need careful treatment in order to keep the opinions of parties tem perate and cool. We have bo fear on this head, for Mr Ewington no doubt will

handle the subjects in an unbiassed and dis

passionate manner. There will be a choir in attendance and choice selections of appro priate music will enliven the proceedings. As the subject is interesting and the purpose of the lecture laudable, we trust there will be a good attendance.

Chevalier Blondin will arrive in Auckland by the City of San Francisco S. M. Herald of Jan. 4th thus notices his performances at the Outer Domain on the occasion of giving a benefit to the various public charities, it being announced as his last appearance: J< He went through a number of his cleverest and most daring performances, including (besides his first entry as a knight in armour) standing on his head on the rope, lying at full length on it, walkirjg along it blindfold and muffled in a bag, perambulating it in fet ters and with his feet in baskets, and wheel ing a dummy man in a barrow. All of these were executed with wondrous facility; and a curious proof of the confidence of the public in his skill was their failure to be moved by his pretented "hair breadth 'scapes." When he proceeded to blindfold himself and put on the bag they laughed heartily, and when in this attire be feipned to stumble upon the rope, instead of being awe-stricken their merriment was immense. The final display of fireworks was gorgeous. M. Blondin was entirely concealed in the blaze of many-coloured fires, and he must have had to endure an intensity of heat. There was a great concourse of people, go that the sum to be handed over to the Charities will be a handsome one." Telegrams from the Thames Naval crew at Wellington, speak hopefully of their chance of success in the forthcoming regatta. Their principal drawback is in their boats, neither of which, is so good as those of the Wanga nui and Hokitika crew. The Wanganui crew consisting of the Blair Bros., and other good men are the favorites.

A public entertainment will be given this evening in connection with the Junction Lodge of Good Templars, in the Methodist Free Church school-room, Pitt-street. JVr Solomon Hemua will take the chair, and deliver the introductory address. The string band will attend, and take part in the pro ceedings. The leading singers of the evening will be Miss Nesbitt and Mr Tudebope. We anticipate from the programme a pleasant evening.

An extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders and directors of the Tairua Gold mining company was held in the Insurance Buildings this afternoon, Mr. G. S. Graham in tne chair, where after a good deal of conversational discussion on the proposed new battery, and the working of the mine, it was proposed by Mr. Wrigley, seconded by Mr. Beach and carried, " 'that a meeting of shareholders be called for the purpose of increasing the capital of the company to £10,000, in 5000saares at £1 each." This being earned, the meeting separated City electors of Franklin will, as notified by advertisement, be conveyed to Otahuhu in conveyances provided by Messrs. Lusk and Hamlin, the Grey candidates, leaving the Union Bank at 10, 12, and 2 o'clock. Car riages* will also run during the day; for the convenience of electors to whom the hours named are inconvenient. We hope that every city-holder of a vote will exercise it. Mr F. G. Ewington will deliver his new lecture on Philip the Second of Spain, to morrow, in the hall of the Young Men's Christian Association, for the benefit of the building fund of the bi'anch Baptist church, near Kyber-pass. The subject of the lecture embraces a remarkable period of history in connection with religious progress, and deals with historical subjects which require a judicious hand ; as such subjects as those

At a meeting of creditorsain the estate of John Leaning, tinsmith, of Victoria-street, on Saturday, his liabilities were stated to be £138 5s Bd, and assets £30, out of which £67 was a claim for rent.

The Hobson Company of volunteers will undergo their monthly inspection in the Drill-shed to-morrow evening at the usual hour.,

Mr T. Warner, of Parnell, is an artist of considerable power, and his pictures, which are free from gaudiness of display, exhibit a close attention to the minutiae of nature ; and in this particular he is a true artist. A beau tiful series of fourteen of Mr Warner's pic tures are now on view at the shop of Messrs Phillipps and Son, of Qusen-street, for the inspection of lovers of the fine arts, artists, and connoisseurs generally. There are many uoteworthy'features in Mr Warner's work, and "for truthfulness they have not been sur passed, we believe, by any of our local artists. The views are all of New Zealand, including two on the West Coast, several of Coromandel, including the Tiki ranges, and Castle rock, others represent scenes in the Wairoa, Mount Eden, the Domain etc. The annual sittings of the District Meeting of the Methodist Free Churches will be held during the present week in this city. The inaugural sermons were preached yesterday in the Methodist Free Church, at the junction of Pitt and Vincent-streets, by Eev J. White of Waipawa, and Key S. Macfarlane of Christchurch. The discourses were suitable and impressive and the collections amounted to £11. The sittings will be commenced to morrow morning, preceded by a public prayer meeting at half-past six o'clock a.m We notice also, by advertisement in this evening's issue that Eev S. Macfarlane will deliver a lecture on Wednesday evening, in the Free Methodist Church on the subject of " Home Sweefc Home," in aid of the funds of the adjoining Sunday-school. We learn that this school has during the last few months, greatly increased in numbers, so greatly indeed, that more room is absolutely necessary, -hence Mr. Macfarlane has kindly consented to give his lecture.

The householders of Devonport are re minded by advertisement that their annual mefeting for the election of a school com mittee; will be held in the district school room this evening at half-past 7 o'clock.

Among those who went down to vote for Mr Moat to-day against Mr Sheehan, was Mr Joseph May. The act exemplifies the love which Mr : v i ay entertains to^ras the menUor for itodney. 0 has been so largely Instrumental in breaking up the land ring in Hawke's Bay^ and exposing similar swindles.

The meetings this morning in the estates of Charles Barton and William Burch, bank rupts, were adjourned until the 24th inst. ; and the second meeting in re John A. Brain lapsed, as no creditors were in attendance.

Stumping a country constituency is beset with danger, from which the city candidate is happily exempt, Mn B. Hamlin experi enced this whilS tiding from Pollock settle ment to Awitu last week. His horse stepped on a piece of rotten ground and fell, throwing its rider very heavily and rolling over on his foot. The coming member for Franklin is no light weight, and the fall gave him a severe shock, hurt his side, and maimed one foot. He was ablej however, to get along, and is now nearly all right again. A corrugated iron workshop is being erected on Custom-house quay, for Mr Leahy, blacksmith. The adjoining lease holders are not very enthusiatic about their new neighbour.

The Elections.

franklin election. (Per Star Carrier Pigeon. )

Waitjkct, Sunday, 1.3 p.m.

Hamlin and Lusk favourites here. Settlers are very busy harvesting, which will likely prevent many from voting on Tuesday.

Mr H. H. Lusk on Saturday night ad dressed a large and influential meeting of electors at Otahuhu. He was very well received, and the exposition of his political views seemed to meet with the approval of the great majority of those present. At the close of the address a vote of thanks was accorded Mr Lusk, followed by three hearty cheers. Mr Hamlin was also to have been present, but owing to an accident while that gentleman was proceeding to Awitu, his horse falling and injuring the rider's foot, he was unable,to attend. Mr Hamlin addressed the electors at Pol lock Settlement on Thursday last, fully explaining his views aud the reasons which led him to come forward as a supporter of Sir George Grey. Mr J. Clark presided. At the close of the meeting a unanimous vote of confidence in Messrs Hamlin and Lusk was passed. On the following day, Mr Hamlin rode through a great portion of the district, and addressed a meeting of electors at Awitu, where he likewise received a vote of confi dence. The chair was occupied by Mr Gar land. The settlers complained very much about the want of a polling place, which necessitated a journey of 20 miles to record their votes, which however they determined to undertake. Western Maori Electoral District. waiuku polling. (Per Star Carrier Pigeon.) WiParata 1 Meiha Keepa 0 Honi Nahe 14 (By Telegraph.) thames polling. Short- Coro- Ngara laud, mandel. wunia. Honi Nahe ... 251 48 Major Kemt) ... 1 1 1 Wi Parata " ... 1 20 0 Maori Election, Northern Districts. HOKIAUGA. The pollingresulted: Hori Karaka Tawhiti, 173 ; Remi te Tai Papahia, 105 ; Wiremu Katene, 12 ; Mitai pene Tai, 1. Eastern Maori Electorate. The Eastern Maori Electoral Dirtrict poll resulted as follow* :— Earaitiana. Hikiro. Keepa. Hotone. Napier ... 127 0 0 0 Rotorua ... 30 43 17 0 Wairarapa ... 38 0 0 0 Wairoa ... 17 0 0 27 Taupo ... l'l 0 37 0 Waipawa ... 77 0 0 0 Gisborne ... 17 0 0 4S The other returns are not yet to hand. WAIKAIA. The following returns are to hand for the Wakaia election : — Basting (Provincialist) 114 Ireland 62 The return of the former is considered certain. CHEVIOT. The total result of the poll for Chevoit is : — Leonard Harper ... 9fi Joseph Ward ... _ 76 "Ward did not obtain a single vote this Bide of Hurunui. HOKIXIKA. The returns are in :— Barff 602 Button 573 Reid . 511 Seddon 436 The remaining returns are not likely to alter their positions.

TELEGRAPHIC.

GRAHAMSTOWN.

(Prom our own Correspondent.) This day. Supposed Drowning. A man named George Cockroffc, butcher, of Tapu, has been missing since Saturday. He lef c Grahamstown at noon on Saturday in an open boat, and wan observed to sail as far as Wairomo all right, but nothing has been seen of him since. The harbourmaster's boat to-day is out searching. Mining.

The Golden Calf and Cure start crushing to-morrow.

The Rangitira claim, Hape Creek, trial of 1 ton yielded 15dwts.

WHANGAREI.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day, Declaration of the Poll.

The poll was declared to-day, 58 majority for Sir Robert Douglas. It was wretched weather, and only the reporter of the Comet was present. It has been raining and blowing since Saturday morning. The Clyde and Soverign are windbound.

Arrived: Fanny Kelly for coal,and H.M.S. Sappho at the Heads. Sir Robert Douglas's committee give a banquet to-night.

PORT CHALMERS. (From our own Correspondent.)

This day.

Shipping.

The ship Jessie Headman sailed for Lon don this afternoon with 11 passengers and a full cargo (including 3,300 bales of wool), valued at £96,888. The steamer Tairoa has finished repairing, and undocks to-day. She is to run on the coast in connection with the Albion Company. The vessels fetch up wool, he. Captain Stewart, of j.the schooner Dun edin, is to command her.

WELLINGTON.

[Per Press Telegram Agency.] This day. What the " New Zealand Times" Thinks.

The New Zealand Timss reviews the posi tion of parties this morning. The substance

of it is this, that the extreme provincialists of the North and South will never be able to agree upon a common platform. The offensive tone of the Otago Press will be a bar to any fusion of parties. The Otago Times describes Auckland politicians as a pack of robbers, and says robbers always Come from the North. It calls Mr. J'ifth'fl sentiments a highway man's policy. The New Zealand Times says this is selfish and offensive in tone, and must disgust a refined taate, and will lead to Sir George Grey throwing Mr. Macandrew and his incapables overboard. No well-ordered Opposition could be organised out of such materials as Otago furnishes. It claims Mr. Pitzherbert as one who must go for the unity of the colony and the seat of Government at Wellington, being the same basis upon which he joined Mr. Stafford. It also claims Mr. Whitaker aS oprwsed to Separation. Patent Slip- There is a 1400 ton ship now upon the patent slip getting repairs. She will come off in a faw days.

DUNEDIN.

tPer Press Telegrafcti. Aeeticy.] Saturday.

Serious Fire

A fire broke out at 1.30 this morning in the Browns' flour mill, Bond-street. The brigade were slow in getting the hose on, and the bottom floor and bop storeys were gutted. The middle floor, was not damaged by fire, as the flames shot up through the flour lifts, which acted as s kind of flue for the flame', The insurances were: £500 on the p'aat and £250 on the stock in the South British ; £250 on the plant and £250 on the stock in the Transatlantic, and £350 on the stock in another office. Mr. Macandrew and Sir Julius. In yesterday's Clutha Leader there appears the following letter from Mr Macandrew: " It appears to have been stated at Clutha, at the nomination yesterday, upon what authority I know not, that Sir Julius Vogel is to join the Opposition, and that, in fact, he and I are to form a government. Although this is, no doubt, a very flattering compliment to me, it is due to the Clutha 1 eletors to say that I have no knowledge as to what the future line of action of Sir Julius Vogel may be. If I am to judge of his opinions and policy by those of his col leagues in the Government, the one contin gency is just; as unlikely as the other." Instrumental Music

At the evening sitting of the Presbyterian Synod, the overture and instrumental music question will be brought forward. A lively discussion is expected.

LATER ENGLISH CABLEGRAMS.

[Per ' Rtngarooma,' at the Bluff.]] (Per Press Telegram Agency.) BLUFF. Sunday. The Ringarooma left Hobson's Bay on the 11th, at 11 a.m., and arrived at the Bluff at 9 a.m. on the 16th. Transhipped mails and passengers from the Mongolia on the morning of the 11th. [reuter's si'ecial'cable messages.] Lokdok,' January 5. i The New South Wales 4 per cent, loan of £901,500 was subscribed to-day. The ten ders were for nearly a million and a-half; the minimum wan 92|. Two-thirds of the loan realised £92 13s. " Yesterday, a 4£ per cent, account loan of a million partly failed, as only £390.000 was tendered for and above the sealed minimum of 98-J. January 6. The scheme of reform in Turkey, an nounced on the 3rd' inst, does not involve the Tutelage Powers. England has not yet replied, but France agrees to the scheme. France has sent a special envoy to Egypt in connection with the Suez Canal question.

Victoria Racing Club.

NEW YEAR'S DAY MEETING.

From Australian papers via the South, we take the following particulars of the Vic torian New Year meeting : — The Champion Stakfs of 25 sovereigns each, 10 forfeit, with 1500 added "Weight for age. Second horse to receive 200 soys., and the third 100 soys, ont of the stakes. 3 miles. 71bs allowed'for horses foaled north of the line. Mr E. Jellett's br c Richmond, 3 years ... 1 Mr G. W. Petty's bh Goldsbrough, 5 years ... ... ... 2 Mr W. Wilson's b f Maid of All Work, 3 years ... ... ... ... ... 3 Mr W. Field's bf Bella, 3 years, by Cotherstone Witch; P. B. Coglin's eh h Proto-martyr, aged, by Sfc Alban's—Laura ; G. Bennett's b c Emulation, 3 years, by Conrad Proserpine ; C. B. Fisher's brc The Painter, 3 years ; J. B Wallis's eh m Calumny, 6 years ; W. S. Cox's b or br c Sir Knight, 2 years, by Fop—Dred ; H. Fisher's b h Dagworth, aged ; W. Wilson's br c Robin Hood, 3 years, by Fireworks - Sylvia; W. Wilson's b c Burgundy, 3 years, by The Marquis—Sour Grapes ; J. Tait's b h Mel bourne, 4 years. Proto-martyr was first away, and led for more than a mile, followed by Emulation, Melbourne, and Calumny, with the others on good terms. When passing the stand for the second time, Bella, on the outside, showed a bold front, and led for a short dis tance, attended by Emulation, when the pair tried, and Burgundy (late Sour Grapes, colt), and Robin Hood, putting in their claim at the abbatoirs, Proto-martyr retired, after a short struggle, and tbe two colts were left with the lead. As they approached the sheds, Maid-of-All-Work, Goldsbrough, and Richmond cut down the two leaders, and from this point out they alone were in it, and Richmond won cleverly, if. not easily, by two lengths from Goldsborough; Maid-of- All-Work was a good third, and Bella fourth. All the horses were well together until the last half-mile, when the first three had it all to themselves. Time : 5 minutes 35 seconds. MIDSUMMER HANDICAP—If mile. Mr T. and A. Chirnaide's b h Sultan, 5 years, 7st 13 lbs ~. 1 J. Cleeland's b h Wollomai, 6 years, 8 st 12 lbs 2 J. Wiggins' br g Rattler, aged, 6st ... 3 T. and A. Chirnside's b h Newbpld, aged, 8 st 5 lb ; W. S. Cox's eh g Imperial, 6 years, Bsb slbs ; A. Joshua's br g Neotsfoot, 6 years, Sit 21bs ; F. Leng's b m Southern Cross, 4 years, 7st 9.bs ; J. Cleeland's br h Dilke, 4 years, 7st 51bs ; S. P. Winter's b h Goshawk, 5 years, 7st 31bs ; W. W. Hood's br m Britomarte, 4 years by Panic—Miss Fisher ; H. Fisher's br m Onyx, 3 years, sst 7lbs.

The lot ran well together for the first three quarters of a mile, when Sultan took up the running attended by Southern Cross and Imperial. Imperial ran up second at the home turn, but Sultan was never caught and won hard held from Wollomai, who came home a great bat from the home turn. Time, 3 minutes 7 seconds.

The War at Perak.

[Via Torres Straits.]

Major Duslop, the Queen's Commissioner, with, the naval and military forces, attacked and destroyed three Malay stockades. The 3rd Buffs reached Perak, and in their march up the country they disarmed several bodies of Malay troops. It is not expected that there will be much fighting. A regiment of Ghoorkahs has arrived from India, and has been sent to Malacca to defend that place if attacked. Much uneasiness exists among the foreign residents of China, and an attack is anticipated. The Chinese papers protest against the expedition to enquire into the

murder of Mr Margery. It is expected that it will be turned back, or the leader killed.

Maori Murder at Tairua, East Coast.

(BY TELEGRAPH.)

The Bay of Plenty Times publishes the following particulars of the Mao-i murder S "' An old Maori named Petta Koikoi has been murdered by three natives of the Urenga rewa tribe. The old man had been for some time suspected as a priest of the black arc, and several deaths were lately attributed to his powers. The latest accusation against him was that he had 'matokid' the chief Minihi, who died a few days ago. Three natives last Saturday proceeded from Wha neamata to Tairua, where the old man resided. When he \uet the three natives he asked them if they wanted him. They replied, ' Yes. 5 He then said. ' I suppose you have come to kill me,' after which he rubbed noses with them, and adjourned to a public house. All got under the influence of liquor; and the old man was then ordered into a boat. After pushing off, the old man was then ordered to take his hat off, which he did, and received a crashing blow frojfc a tomahawk—killing him instantenously. The body was taken to Whangamata,and received by a party of the deceased's people, and buried. The names >of the murderers are unknown.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R. M.) DRUNK. William Kelly, James Howlett, and Wm. J. Moore were fined for this offence. LARCENY. George Quinn pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing a top-coat value £2, the property of Richard Vercpe. on the Ist of January, 1876, at Henderson's Mill. He was sentenced to three month s hard labour. FRAUD AND IMPUDENCE. John Kelly was charged with a breach of the railway regulations by using a single ticket on a day other than that for which it was issued on the sth inst.

Defendant pleaded not guilty. Mr. Brookfield prosecuted, and put in the bye-law and detailed the circumstances. He then called

Joseph Henry Holmes, ticket-collector, who deposed that he collected the tickets at Drury on the morning of the sthinst., on the arrival of the early train from Auckland. Defendant gave up one dated November 19. By the defendant, he could swear that he noticed the ticket being wrong when he took it. He came to the defendant a second time, a minate or a minute and a half later. He might have received a pound note from de fendant on a previous occasion. Defendant said he wished to show that he had threatened to give the collector into custody, for not giving him change for that note. What he was accused of now, was out of spite. Robert Cleave, station master at Newmar ket, deposed that he saw defendant at his station, on the morning of the sth insfc, abont ten minutes before the departure of the half pastl seven o'clock train. He could swear that no ticket for Drury was issued that morning. This witness was cross-examined by the defendant at some length, and the important fact was elicited, that, there was a dog in the carriage with the defendant when the train left.

Wm. Oldbam, ticket clerk at the Auckland station, deposed thafchedidnotissuetheticket produced on the morning of the sth inst., In his ticket-book he found an entry show ing that it was issued on the 19th Novem ber.

The defendant having been cautioned, volunteered to give evidence :—On the morn ing of the sth instant, he travelled from Newmarket to Drury by the railway. He was at the station a few minutes before the departure of the train. He went into the office and got a ticket, for which he paid 33 6d. He had a dog with him, and the porter came to him and demanded a shilling, ■which he paid. "When he reached Drury, the collector came to him and took his ticket. He went away, and in a few seconds came back again, and said the ticket was wrong. The collector said nothing about this at the time he took the ticket. This was all he knew about it.

Mr Cleave, being re-called, said the tickets issued at Newmarket were marked with that name, not Auckland. Mr Barstow said he must convict the defendant, and, on account of bis extremely impudent defence, he should fine him the full penalty of £5 and costs, in all £7 18s 6d. Defendant (surprised) : I beg your pardon ? His Worship : And a distress warrant will be issued if you do not pay.

The defendant accompanied by Constable Clarke, went in search of the money, jlooking very crestfallen. He returned in a few minutes, and paid the amount.

SUPREME COURT.—This day.

CIVIL-SITTINGS

(Before His Honor Mr Justice GUlien, and a Bpecial jury, consisting of Messrs. James Burtt, (foreman), Diethelm, Alexander,

Ryan, Clark, Atkinson, Dalton, Goldie,

Howard, Oldham, Hamlin, and Mahoney j H. H. LUSK AND W BUTLER V. J. S. MACFAR LANE, A. MACGREGOR AND D. B. CRTJICK-

SHANK.

In this action, plaintiffs, who were ex ecutors under the will of the late Captain Butler, sought to recover from the defen dants, who were owners of the steamship Rowena, for loss occasioned by the death of Captain Butler, on behalf of his widow and family, the said Captain Butler having died in consequence of injuries received by faljing from the Kowena, at Monganui, on the 15th January, 1874. The damages were laid at £2,250.

Mr Rees appeared for plaintiffs, and Mr Hesketh for defendants.

The defence was that the accident was the result of negligence and improper conduct of deceased.

Wm Jas Butler deposed that he was a sur veyor, and elder son of the late Capt. Butler. On the 15th January, 1874, he was on the wharf at Mongonui ; the Howena was lying at the T at the end of the pier ; it was a calm day; the tide was coming in; his father went on board at 11.30 a.m. ; he was waiting until his father's return ; he went on board to take consignees' letters. As he was returning, he walked round the rail and partly across the deck; stepped on the plank to go on shore when the plank canted, went sideways, and deceased fell into the water, between the vessel and the wharf. The plan (produced) is correct. There was no side-rail, merely a bare plank, unfastened. He assisted, as Boon as possible, to get his father out of the water, and found that his left arm was broken and his left side very much bruised. He grew worse, and a medical man (Dr. Tremble) was sent for, who lived at a distance of thirty-five miles away, was the nearest medical man. Dr Pnrchas subsequently attended. His father had previously been in good health, but never recovered from the effects of the shock ; he lingered, gradually getting worse, uutil he died on thn 4th March of 1875. Deceased was a merchant, and the profits of his business, not less than £400 a year, supported the houae and family. He was also pilot and harbour master at an annual salary of £100. His business was sold after his death, as there was no provision made in his will for carrying it on, he could not have carried it on.

Gross-examined by Mr. Hesketh: Ihe store was paying up to the time of the accident. His father never complained of

being in embarrassed circumstances. He borrowed £1,000 a month after the accident, but that money was borrowed for the pur pose of extending their timber trade. His father suffered in the estate of George Thome, jun. His father always earned a good living for his family, and he thought he would in all probability have been able to do the same for the next ten years had ha not met with the accident. To Mr Rees : The medical expenses during his father's illness amounted to about £200. To Mr Hesketh : The medical bills to that amount were mostly paid by his, father. To the jury : The average amount of money annually turned by the business was £6,000. The value of the stock in-trade at the time of the accident was £2,000, and his father had £2,000 net capital involved in the busi ness. He considered he was perfectly solyent. To the Court: His fathe* possessed some medical knowledge, as he had been master of a ship for some years. ■•■ '.', Hugh Hart Lusk was nexfc sworn, and deposed that he was a solicitor and one of the administrators under the will of the late Captain Butler, and this action was bruught to recover damages for the loss of his ser vices to his family. Captain Butler stayed at his house in Auckland some three months before the accident. He also saw him after th« accident. Previously he was apparently in good health, but subsequently he was completely shattered. The damages were assessed on calculations that his salary as harbour master was £100, £95 as agent to the New Zealand Insurance Company ; Minnal business income, £400 ; value of life, £1,000 ; and £250 to cover medical and other expenses consequent upon the accident and death of deceased. Cross-examined by Mr Hesketh : He felt it his duty to bring the present action in justice to the family, but not absolutely until November last. The estate did not come up to his expectations, but that was not the real reason of his bringing the action. The estate was amply sufficient to pay the liabi lities The amount of liabilities, including a mortgage of £1,000 on one of the properties, was £1,800 ; Captain Butler's business did fall off after the accident, but the chief loss was in connection with his timber trade, in consequence1 of his inability, through the accident, to see to it. Alexandra McGregor deposed, that at the time of tbe accident, Messrs. Macfarlane and Ciuickshank, were part owners of the said vessel ; he was acting for them as Captain ; she was running for the benefit of the owners generally. Richard Cosset, contractor, of Monganui, was on the wharf at the time of the accident, and saw Captain Butler fall from the plank into the water, but could not say whether the plank was secured ; he was thirty yards distant, could not speak positively on that point; he assisted to get him out of the Water.

(Left sitting.)

English Shipping.

(BY TELEGRAPHJ.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.)

BLUFF.

This day.

Shipping News.—Arrived, November 18 s Fernglen, from Auckland. Sailed, October 28: Benvenue; November 13, Edinburgh Castle ; November 15, Salisbury. AH for Auckland. "' Loading at London for Auckland—DelDns sund and Fernglen.

WAITEMATA ELECTION.

A meeting of electors takes place in the Devonport Hall, to-night, at a quarter-past eight o'clock, for the purpose of holding a ballot to secure, if possible, a block vote in favonr of one of the other three candidates, for Waitemata as against Dr. Lee. It is the general impression that if all four stand the seat is very likely to fall to Dr. Lee, and as efforts made on Saturday to get two of the other candidates to withdraw, so as to poll only one against the doctor,-failed, the ballot alluded to was determined upon. The can didates have not pledged themselves to abide by the result, and whether they will do so or not is extremely doubtful, the promises already given to go to the poll rendering the position a difficult one. If they decline those who are moving in the matter will, we under stand, rely on public sentiment and work for, and endeavoar to secure, a block vote as near as practicable for the candidate who is shewn by to-night's ballot to stand highest in the estimation of the electors.

MR. HURST AT THE WHAU.

Mr. W. J. Hurst met the electors at the Whau Public Hall last night and gave an address on the present political " situation" and his views thereon.

Mr. Bollard was voted to the chair.

Mr. Hurst's speech occupied an hour and a quarter in delivery, and was listened to throughout with marked attention. He ex pressed his thorough approval of the policy of Sir George Grey. The speaker touched upon many points of interest, and was fre quently applauded. In answer to questions Mr. Hurst said he was aware of the iinsuit ableness of the present terminus at Helens ville, and if elected would endeavour to get it altered to a site nearer the estuary. A vote of thanks was unanimously accorded' to Mr Hurst for his address, and the meeting, which was most orderly throughout, dis persed.

Death at the Hospital.

Francis Mttlgrovb, dairy farmer, who was hurt, by being thrown out of a light cart in Upper Queen-street on Friday last, died last night at the Hospital from the injuries he received in the accident. We regret to learn that the deceased leaves» wife and seven children at I&pakura. The cause of death was the breakage of two riba over the heart. An inquest wiJl be held to morrow.

fai EVENING &EAK, MONDAY, JAHUAttY 17, l&t



rpo CONTRACTORS Tenders for the Erection of a Dwelling-House in Alfred-street -will be received on Saturday, the 22nd Ins'ant, at noon. Plans and specifications to be seen at my offioe, Canada Buildings. JOHN GOODALL, C.E. nno business men. THE BEST LUNCH IN TOWN Is to be had at THE STAR HOTEL, ALBERT-STREET. On the table every day at one o'clock punctually. P. G O RM A N, PROPRIETOR. "J-? SSIGNED ESTATE OF W. H. BINKS, NAPIER. All claims agiiost the above must be sent in to the Trustees at ones, and muit be accompanied by proof of debt, as in bankruptcy iomml BUUB CAMPBELL) m V^ W. P. TTTTING, / Trustees. Napier, sth January, 1876. J^" ° T 1~0 E~! THE PREMISES of S. & J. E. VAI L E WILL BE CLOSED TO-MORROW. Marking down the Stock. BE-OPEN on WEDNESDAY NEXT. GREAT CLEARANCE SALE OF SEASON GOODS^ BELOW ENGLISH COST. TVEVONPORT LODGE, No. 7, 10. G.T. Th*e nsnal Lodge Me»ting NOT be held This Evening. By order of the W.C.T. Benjamin fanner, W.3. • m E ADE N O T I C E The nnderßlgned call the attention of the trade to NEW GOODS, NOW LANDING, Ex Stab of Gkemany,' lie Bame having been Carefully «elected by our Skglish and Continbntai. Bfyers, Dd suitable for the present season. xM. LE V V & C 0., 23, Queen-street. w _____^_^^^________ | „„-,, | i —~ — """—^-^ mtm^ Chango



HHHE FRANKLYN ELECTION. Special Conveyances will leave from the Union Bank punctually at 10,12, and 2 o'clock TO-MORROW, for tne purpose of conveying the Electors to Otahuhu. Carriages v/ill also run during the day to suit the convenience of those gentlemen who may not be able to leave at the hours advertised above. For Messrs. Hamlin and Lusk, JOHN KING, Secretary of the Central Committee. JIRANKLIN Er^^ Statement , , .-« having been made that Mr Lusk is . «0 be withdrawn in favour of Mr "Woodward, the Electors of Franklin are hereby warned that all auch statements are untrue, and that Mr Lusk and MrgHamlin will go to the Poll as-ite Candidates in the interests of Sir George Grey's party. J. M. SHERA, Chairman Central Committee. Auckland, January 15,1876. Okjk IJIOR NAPIER »3Ssmlf^. ■*■ DIRECT. V|gsi^JyPs* Calling at GIsBORNE to land «&!3ft«ffiiffl3B||^ Passengers only. Theas. SOUTHERN CROSS Will leave TO-MORROW, at 11 a.m. TTNITKD NEW U MEN-SERVA-Tg. ASSOCIATION. w 6ll0 -**1 feting advertised for Tuesday, 18th "'.....am, ifl Postponed to MONDAY, 24th instant at the British Hot-J, at 8.15 p.m. Members wishing to take part in tho Election of Officers must make themselves in compliance to be entitled to vote. By order, D. J. PRIMROSE, Chairman. "NITED METHODIST }-'RER CHURCH SABBATH SCHOOL, PITT-STREET. A. LECTURE will be Riven in the Chapel on WED->EST>AY EVENING npxt. January 19, by ihe Rev. S. Maofarlane Bubject: " Home, Sweet Home." The proceeds in aid of the School Building Fund. Doors open at 7, to commence at 7.30. Admission: Adults, Is; Children, 6d.



Programme I



Reduction



Prices



Wilson's



Circus



[ADVERTISEMENT.] DR. LEE. (To the Editor of the Evening- Stab.) Sir, —While fully appreciating the difficult position of the Central Committee in relation to the other three candidates, as supporters of Sir George Grey, do you not think it ia the duty of that body to state specifically that they will not soil their hands with Dr. Lee, who lays, claim to beiDg connected with the party ? The ill-judged action of iMr Rees in connection with the election gives colour to the impression that the committee is secretly using its iofluence for Dr Lee. After such disgraceful exposures have been made relative to the Doctor's mode of mani pulating public funds when before in public life, it is high time for the committee to disclaim as a body any sympathy with Mr Rees, and to declare its adherence to the result of to-night's ballot. It seema nothing short of an insult to the electors that, in view of all the facts connected with his sudden departure from Auckland on a pre vious occasion, Dr Lee should have the temerity to come forward and aeek their suffrages.—Yours, Ac, WaitemataElbctok.'



Notice—The premises of 8. and JB. VaUewlll be closed to-morrow, marking down the stock. Re open on Wednesday next. Great clearance pale of Season Goods bi-low English Cost. Photographic.—R. H Bartlett begs to inform t' <vo of his numerous customers who have been previous y - taken at his establishment, but v - Plates aieiios in his possession, that Uirxsv' ■ ''«:* t<J" mthe very best style, a'-1:1« puc v-f «'\t'^ a»i> • 12fl. per dozen. ,' ' , ' ;■



- To-night!