SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

Elizabeth Curie, brigantine, Travers, from

Lyttelton

DEPARTURES. Taranaki S.S., for the South. Rowena s.s., Sellars, for Tauranga. Emu aux. steam barquentine, Bayldon, tor .aae laide, via the Thames. Rob Roy cutter, for Tonga. Sovereign of tho Sea, ketch, Schultze, for Aitu taki. Emma, barque, Stockloy, for Wangaroa and Melbourne

IMPORTS.

Per ship Emily Chaplin, from J-jonnon :—y cases hardware, 9 cases saddles, 10 cases black oil and harness composition, 2 oases whips, 1 cask, 1 tierce saddler's ironmongery, 5 packages bridles, 2 casks blacking, 5 casks heel tips, 10 casks nails.—lreland Bros. Per in-itjantine Elizabeth Curie, from, Lyttel ton : 25ii sacks oats, 120 bags oat.meal,Jiso bags flo'ruv 210 sacks potatoes. 20 sacks boriedust, 91 sucks wheat, 19 cases bacon.-Shirley Hill, l?er Emily Chaplin: 25 trunks boots and shoes, S. aud H. Isaacs.

EXPORTS. pcrAca&ia. for Napier, via Mercury Haj :- ---15.300 laths, &>() bushels lime, CO bushels sand. lti',ooo slates.—l). H- McKonzio, Kgont.

inn uai-qiie jjimina has been chartered to ioad 150,000 feet timber at Wangaroa for Melbourne Sbft is to sail this afternoon. The brigautJue Helena, when last heard of by Mr G. W. Owen, was on her v/ay from Samoa to Tonst*, en route for Auckland. Captain MoUer expected to roach, here about the l£th insi;., so that he is now fully duo. igThe b-igantine Elizabeth Carlo firrcvoa In h'.rboin- yesterday evening from Lyftolton, with, a cargo of wheat. She is consigned to Mr Thirloy S. Hill. Lyttelton was loft on the 9th inut., and some heavy vreathor has been experienced on the way up. Tiritiri was made on Tuesday at sunset. . The schooner Hinemoa arrived at IS apier, from Hokiang-a, on Saturday, with piles for the Har bour works. She is to come on here direct. The Elizabeth Curie, after discharging her car'O here, will proceed to tho Thames, and load timber back to Lyttelton. She is putting out her grain at the Gore-street jetty. The schooner Charybdis is having her bilges stopped for the purpose of being recaulked. re fastened, and recoppered in those regions. Messrs McCallum and McQuarrie are doing tho job, and will have finished in a few days. The schooner Arcadia left to-day for Mercury Bay and Napier, with a cargo of timber, laths, etc. She is to fill up at Mercury Bay. The s.s. Minnie Casey, in addition to the general overhaul to which she has been sub jected since her arrival from Kaipara, is having a large deck-house built by Messrs Sims and Brown. This is 27 feet long, by 16 feet wide, and is immediately foreward of the funnel. It ■will contain a first-class saloon, a ladies cabin, and quarters for the officers. A good deal of in convenience has been occasioned by all classes having hitherto had to be together when not on deck. Tho present alterations will do away with the necessity for respectable persons having to take their meals and sleep among drunken gum-diggers, and other objectionable persons, of whom a very large number are to be found knocking about on the Kaipara.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Bank of New Zealand—Buyers, £2P. National Bank—Buyers, G7s Gd. Colonial Bank—Buyers 38s; sellers, 33s 6d. Thames Gas—Sellcre, 32s Gd. National Insurance—Buyers, 303. Hod Queen—Buyers, 3s 6d; sellers, 'is 6a. Citr of London—Buyers, 13s : sellers, 14s. Moanutairi—£B 10s, £S 15s ; buyers, £3 10s ; severs, £817« 6c! ©nrc—Ss 6d

Waitekauri—l9s; sellers, 19s. Alburnia—Sellers, 25s 6d. Young New Zealand—7s 6d ; sellers, Ss. Union Beach—3o3; buyers, 21s; sellers,'3os. Tokatea—Buyers, 7s; sellers, 7s 6d. Queen of Beauty—Buyers, 20s; sellers, 22s 6d Kuranul Hill—Buyers, 255; sellers, 30s. Welcome—Sellers, 6s 6d- Piako—lss, 17s ; sellers, 17s. Thames G.M.Co.—Sellers, 57s Gd. JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails avilt> Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 4.30 and 5.30 p.m.; and to-morrow, at i- 30 p.m. ai!d 5.30 p.m. For Coio nandel, per Kina.this day, at4.30p.m.; and to-morrow, per Argyle, at 2.30 p.m., and per Kina. at 4.30 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Hero, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For money ordera and. registered letters, and neAVspapers. at 10 a.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne, will be received till 11.20 a.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, Waipu, *Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Anne Milbank, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. For Napier, per Star of the South, on Monday

next, at i p.m. For Russell. Wangaroa, and Manganui, per lona. on Monday next, at & p.m. For Whitianga. Tauranga,' and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Australia, imme-

diately on arrival from Kandavu. For Tauranga and Gisborne, per Pretty Jane, on

Tuesday next, at 3 p.m. For Gisborne and Napier, .per, Go-ahead, on Wednesday next, at 3 p.m. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster..

BIRTH.

STEIIR.—At Aratapu, on the 17th instant, the wife of H. E. Stohr of a son.

DEATH.

HALLETT.—On the 19th instant, at Parnell, Catherine, wife of Mr. Hallett, agcd-33 years. Tho funeral will take place to-morrow (Friday), at 3 p.m. BAILEY.—On the 10th instant, at Ponsonby, Kate Llewellyn, daughter of Benjamin Bailey, aged nine weeks.

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1877.

Por the cause that lacks assistance. For ilic wrong that needs resistance, I-"or the future in the distance, Ami the .yood tlut wa «vi do.

CABLE news to Monday last, but < tho suspense remain:? unbroken ! There is a lull before the storm. War excitoment, we .ire told, is intense at St. Petersburg, and the Czar has gone to the military camp at. Kitchinov. The Imperal visit is doubt less designed to work up that enthusiasm so all "important in the beginning of a campaign. The object of this pause, after diplomacy has admittedly retired from the iield, is, of course, pure matter of specu lation to us, but probably preparations are not quite completed, or the circumstances are unpropitiousforthe final declaration and immediate advance, The contradiction of the reported Persian alliance clours away for the present a threatening cloud in Asia, but more may yet bo henrd of it. In the House of Lords', Earl Derby has indicated that future action by England will yet bo necessary, and that she will enter on it unfettered.

There is a, general feeling of dissatisfaction with the result of the coroner's inquest at Parnell yesterday. The verdict itself could not well have been other than that returned, but the jury, Aye do not hesitate to say, failed utterly in its duty in neglecting-the invitation of the coroner to embody in a rider their opinion on those palpable causes which had ended so lamentably. There i< also' very good reason to believe that the whole of the surrounding circumstancus known to "witnesses :it the trial avcio not disclosed in evidence. Statements which must have been Avithin the knowledge of the police Averc not adduced for the guidance of the jury, and the whole testi mony leaves an unsatisfactory impression. The loose proceedings of yesterday stand iiuvery marked contrast Avith the; vigilance aud keen inquiry exhibited in tho Bravo case, to which the sad event bear several points of resemblance. Not that we think the surrounding circumstances in the Par nell poisoning, so far as they can bo gathered, jjpuint to any other conclusion than that the acid Avas sclf-adminietcrcd by the deceased, but there Avas too great fi di.spOHit.ion to treat this as a forgone conclusion. The analysis of the poison and the contents of the stomach, the places in which traces of tho poison Avere found, the dis appearance of the paper that had contained it, Avere all loft without eliioidation clear enough 'to meet the require ments Sfqf. so serious a case. The most unsatisfactory ; part of the whole inquiry, however, was undoubtedly that relating to the causes which, assuming suicide, had led an industrious woman, bearing a good character Avitli her neigh bours^ and in full possession of her faculties —one, .ftkoAvi.se, who had never been known to threaten self-destruction—to thus suddenlyl take away her oavii life. Fortunately-, •turning from the machinery of judicial inquiries, there is another and more sympathetic tribunal, tho bar of public opinion, Avhich is neither slow nor ungenerous in. its judgments, and avo venture to say that the appeal of the evidence to tins moral Reuse of the com munity has already supplied the blank left in the "open verdict" which closes this melancholy story.

TORRES Straits mail news telegraphed from Sydney reports a terrible famine at Kiang see, Avherc, in consequence of a failure" in the rice crops, the staple food has risen to very high prices, and thousands of poor people are dying daily of starvation. The relief fund which has been provided is found to bo utterly inadequate to meet the appalling distress Avhich prevails. Kiangsee, or more correctly,—Kyangsi, is a province of China, north of Qnangtuhg, and is about 120 miles distant fr.om Canton..... Its area is about 71,176 square miles, it is hilly aud' rugged, is very marshy towards the north, and has a population of over 30,000,000. The telegrams, report that the rebellion at Satszuma has assumed a more serious aspect than ■ was . anticipated, and a number of Chinese troops, Avho revolted and broke up their camp, were pursued and slain in large numbers.' '

The appointment of Dr Skae forms the subject of a Parliamentary Paper, only to hand by the last mail from the South. The correspondence was laid upon the table of the House of Representatives in manuscript during-- last; session, hut it lias only now reached the public; in a printed form, and there are, Aye believe, many other equally important Parliamentary Papers of last session, which will probably come to hand about the middle of next session, when all interest in them will be superseded by matters of more immediate consequence. The articles of agreement made between His Excellency the Governor on one part, and Frederick William Adolphus Skae of the other part, are' dated May 10th, 1870". The agreement provides that Dr Skae is to enter the service of the New Zealand Government, aU(I is uot- curing his engagement, to act professionally for any persons, to engage, in private practice, or be concerned directly or indirectly in any trade or business ; he is to obey the lawful com mands of the Governor, or any .: duly appointed superior officer ; he is to report from time to time on the condition of the Lunatic Asylums of the colony, and to assist in initiating and carrying out such measures as may be deemed necessary in relation to those institutions; and in consideration of his services the Government paid the pas sage to the colony of Dr. Skae and his family, amounting to not more than six adults, and undertook to pay him a salary of £700 a year, commencing from the date of his leaving London, in addition to fair and reasonable travelling expenses whilst engaged in the business of the Government in New Zealand. The agreement is to con tinue in force for a period of three years, but six months' 'notice must be given by cither party, afte*- the expiration ot that period, yf intention to terminate the engagQ

ment ; and in that case^tho Government Avill pay the passages of Dr Skae and his family to England. The correspondence includes copies of very high testimonial^ Avhich sheAv ;hat Dr Skae was medical Superintendent of the District Asylum for the Counties of Stirling, Dumbarton, LinlithgoAV, and Clackmannan, and that 113 is on the Avhole a very capable man for the office of Inspector of Asylums in Noav Zealand. Our objection' toffcho appoint ment, however, is not based on personal grounds, but involves the question of p in ciplo. What Aye protest against is tho_ crea tion of these offices, and the dispensation of patronage by Sir Julius Vogel, without tho prior sanction of Parliament. So far as Dr. Skae is concerned, he is, ns it were, in probation, and has not yet had any oppor tunity of displaying any special genius m the management and inspection of Lunatic Asylums,' and until the value of his ser vices has been fairly tested it is not pos sible to pronounce distinctly as to the amount of benefit which the colony derives in return for the liberal salary paid to him, and tho prospective payment of a further £100, which is provided for in the correspondence. It remains, therefore, to be proved whether or not the appointment mado by Sir Julius Vogel, out of the plenitude of patronage Avhich he dispensed so liberally in his semi-royal progress through Great Britain and tho Continent, will prove an advantageous bargain for the colony. On the other hand, there can be no doubt that the manner of tho appointment was illegal, and directly apposcd to the Avill of Parliament, as proved by its rejection of tho vote.

" A Visitor " writes, drawing attention to the lamentable deficiency of li^ht in_ the jiortico of tho General Post-office at night. He says : " Having letters of importance to write, which detained me to a late hour, thore being no moon visible when I arrived at the otlice, I had to strike a match before I could find which was the right box to put the letter into. "When the light was extin guished, tho darkness was so great that I failed to notice the steps, which might have caused a serious accident. The Steam Ferry Company's Wharf, also, on the North Shoro, has no light on it in the even ing, or gate, rail, man, or boy, to prevent persons from walking over on a dark night ; and the miserable little deck house, on the end of the wharf, has no light in it, so that men and women huddle together inside it, in tho darkness, which is only broken by men striking matches to light pipes. Such occasions often reveal how loving some persons get in the dark, so much so that one man took the precaution to call out, " Look out, I am going to strike a light," a very suggestive and necessary warning."

Tho nominations for the Birthday Handi cap, the Autumn Handicap, and the Handi, cap Steeplechase at the Autumn meeting of the Auckland Racing Club, arc due to morrow, the 20th inst., at Mr Percival'a office. His Excellency the Governor, accom panied by Lord Henry Phipps and Lieut. Le Patourel, A. t). C., the Commodore, aud Dr Hector, left Wellington for Dunediu last night,

Mr Cnrmthers, Engineer-in-Chiel, is said to bfl coining to Auckland within a week. He lias been coming so often that it is impossible to calculate with any degree of certainty upon his coming at nil, ai;d bis absence has famished the Government with a convenient excuse for tho delay in com mencing the Kaipara railway.

Mr. Sieelc, of Pulman's photographic rooms, Shortlnnd-street, has succeeded in taking an admirable view of the now hospi tal, and it bus attracted much atten tion. The picture is perfect, and tho bits of scenery and surroundings, with the un mistakable portraits of tne architect and others, add to its interest and value.

The members of the Grafton Road Foot ball Club held a meeting last evening, to arrange for the -coming season. Thore was a fair attendance, and much interest evinced. Mr. Ewen was elected to the of lice of Secretary, and six additional mem bers were .also elected.

The inspection parade of No. 3 Company, Auckland Rifles, will be held this evening, at the usual place. Every member is ex pected to be present,in full dress. After parade the non-commissioned officers will be elected.

The date of the annual concert in the Choral Hn.ll, in aid of the funds of the Mechanics' Institute, is fixed, and will take place on the 3rd day of May. We notice that grout preparations are being made for the concert, in order that it shall not be wanting in musical and roeal talent. The management of the musical department will be undertaken by Hcrr Schott. Dr. Ellis, Messrs Harding,'and Brett, and a number of ladies tukl gentlemen are expected to take part in the proceedings, po that in all human probability the coming concert will equal, if not eclipse, the excellent concert of last year. The vocal and instrumental concert in aid of the funds of the Holy Trinity Church, Otalmhu, will take place on Tuesday even ing next, the 24th inst., in tho public hall of the district. In addition to a varied and choice programme there will be a select dance to commence at 10 o'clock. As the concert is for a good purpose there will be a good attendance.

The battery and band of th? Auckland Artillery Volunteers will assemble tliis evening at the Drill-shed, at half-past-seven o'clock, under command of Captain Burns, who requests the attendance of.: every member. Full dress, with arms and accout rements.

j A perfect triumph of mechanical art has just been completed by Mr James Birlay in the shape of a very beautiful floral design from malleable iron.. Mr Birlay desired to produce such a specimen of artistic iron work as would do credit to Auckland in the Sydney Exhibition, but owing to the care and labour bestowed on the specimen now under notice it has not been completed in time, and will therefore bo sent for exhibi tion at Paris. The design is a complete model of a fuschia entwined round a stick, with spiral ribs. The leaves and petals of the fuschia arc made with wonder ful faithfulness to nature, having been modelled upon a natural specimen f':oni Mr Birleys garden, specially selected with a view to bringing out the various con trasts of the formation and foliage. The fuchsia branch measures about three feet in length, and is perfect in the minutest details. It is all wielded throughout in such a manner as to' shew no flaw, and it was made of a rough piece of boiler plate of Lowmoor iron. It proves that Mr Birley excels in a branch of art wnich was one very much in demand for decorative purposes, and may be seen to advantage in medceval cathedrals and other buildings, but is now almost obsolete. 'The work occupied three weeks, and is a marvel of patient skill. Mr Swanson, M.H.R., Captain Casey, and many leading citizens and gentlemen connected with the iron trade, inspected the ai'ticle this morning at Mr Heslop's, High-street, and all pronounced it unique, as a work of art. We believe it will be placed on view in the window of Mr Wayte, bookseller and stationer, Queen street.

"J.L.G. " writes, complaining of the refusal of a summons to a workman at one of the mills at Mercury Bay, who thought he had been unjustly treated by the manager. The applicant had, in con sequence, to go over to Coromandel. Our correspondent animadverts in sever© terms on this and other kindred subjects, but his complaintß arc of a character which should be addressed to the Government.

Auctioneers licenses have been issued to the following persons for the ensuing year : —Alfred Buckland, Richard Arthur, Carpenter Arthur, R. C. Carr, A. E. Grant.. L. W. Eaton, William Hunter, Morton Jones, G. W. Binney; A. E. Isaacs.

Mrs Coughlan, whose case elicited con siderable public sympathy some months since, when-lier husband met his death-by falling, from the wharf in a fit, passed through her expected trouble last week,j being delivered of a daughter. She has found the struggle with five children a very hard one, and is in poor circumstances. Sho has found difficulty in getting work, and the case is one that may well enlist the sympathy of ladioa who have the means of placing suitable employment in her way. To the Editor : As there appears to "be some misconception with regard to the objections raised by me to taking an oath at the inquest at Paniell yesterday, I desire to explain through your columns my reason for thus acting. From the nature of tho examination to which I was to be subjected, I objected to being compelled to give evi dence in an informal way, without having been duly summoned as a witness, ill the manner prescribed by law. From the fact of my being in attendance, it would appear that I was a voluntary witness, and my giving evidence might have been rniscon trucd int personal antirath airainst the

o pci < -lpc iy .v ---snrviving relatives. Now, although T. am at all time.s prepared to discharge my duty as a citizen, either in giving evidence or in any other legal manner in winch I may he called upon, I must object to being placed in a position in which my actions arc liable to be misconstrued to my prejudice, and that through the informal conduct of the persons entrusted with the conduct of the inquiry. — I am, yours, Caleb Wood.

Mr Sibbin will sell to-morrow by auction, tho large coal-bin erected on the Queen street wharf near the Furry Company's T.

An inquest Avas held tin's morning at the junction of High-street and Vulcan Lane. Amongst the jury were four gentlemen of the long robe, several other leading citizens, and a Maori interpreter, whose valuable services Avere utilized ill explaining the case to the natives. The jury Avere unani mously of opinion that the said accident had been caused by the sudden rupture of a main artery, though the fact that the unfor tunate deceased had been buried prior to the inquest, increased the difficulty of observing the symptoms. Tho ground about the grave had been disturbed to a Avidth of six feet. It Avas a water pipe.

The Burgess Roll Revision Court will sit on Wednesday next, the 21st, at noon. All persons Avhose names appear on the Defaulters List for City Rates Avill be pre cluded from being placed thereon, or of exercising the privilege of voting during the Arhole year. We Avould give a last reminder to those Avho have not paid, as avc believe all unpaid rates will be unanimously sued for.

An instance of blood-poisoning lately occurred in Dunedin, resulting in the death of a gardener, named George Smith, who Avas employed with another man in removing tho body of the late Dr. Hulrao to a vault. Smith received a slight abrasion on his leg from th^ spade used by his mate, Avhich was wot Avith exudation from the coffin. In a few days Smith died in great agony from blood-poisoning.

AUCKLAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

Tile adi our nod meeting of the members of the Auckland ltiilo Association waa held iaai even ing in Llie Drill Shod, Captain Morrow in the ciuiir, when it was decided that tho subjoined matches should form the program me.

lGfc Matcii : Ranges—2oo, IUJ, and 500 yards. Target at 200 yania, 0 x I, centre. 2x2; bullsoyo, 8 inohoo square. At 400 and 500 yards, targets. (j x (j, centre, 4x t; bullsoyo, 2x2; live shots at each range; position, any. Prizes: Mr Beck's Cup, and money prizes amounting to fi!) 15s.

2nd Match : it tinges—loo, 600, and 000 yards. Targets (sxo; centre, 1 x 4;■ bullscye, '£ x 2. Seven shots at each range ; positionunj". Prizes : jEvk.nin'g Stak Cup and Star, and monc3' prizes amounting to £9 16s.

3rd Match: Ranges—3oo, 100, and 500, yards. Targets at 300 yards, ia x i ; centre, 2x2; hulls eye, 8 inches squaro; and remaining ranges same as second match. Position, any. Bcven shotb at each range, Tho highest aggregate gcorer in the above matches will receive the A.X.A. silver medal for the year.

•Ith .Match : liauges—2oo, ;JOO, dOO and 500 yards. Targets at 200 and'3oo yards; 6xl; centre, 2x2; bullscye, 8 inchc3 square; remaining ranges same as second match. Five shots at each range. Position—at2ooyards, standing; remainder,any, Priswa : Association Cup, and money prizes to be hereafter arranged.

Mr Beck's cup is opon to all Jvolunteers of the Auckland district, and Dr. Campbell's prize to all members of tlio Auckland City companies only, un payment of the entrance fe^a. Ail other prizes in the Ist, 2nd, and 3rd matches are open Dp members of ths Association only. The Ith is a.n All-comer match 'for all rifles of 577 boro carrying (Jo vernincut ammunition. The Committee t;xpoct to receive additions to the funds, and if tlicydoso, the various prizes Ayillfbe increased, or supplemented accordingly. lSutranoejfor'tue'lSt match must be paid by 5 p.m. on Friday the 20th instant; for the 2nd and 2rd matches by 10 p.m., on Saturday the 2lst instant, ami for the Ith match, by 5 p,m. on Friday the 27th instant, to be paid to Mr H. G. Payne', the Treasurer, AVcllesley-strcet? ! Tho matches commence on Satnrday next at 1 oV.ioek sharp, will bo continued on Monday at 8 a.m., and completed on succeeding Satiirday at 1 o'clock.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT). Kaipara Heads, Tuesday. THE folloAving vessels are at the: Heads :— Aspasia aodMiss Kilmansegg,forDunedin ; Clematis, for Lyttelton. | Arrival—Warkworth, cutter, from Patea, Avith sheep. and produce. ... Te Kopura, Tuesday. . The Yarra, Nightingale, Hannah Broom field, and Reliance are loading.' . .' Aratapu, Tuesday. Loading — The Maggie Paterson, for Dunedin ; Prince Alfred, for Lyttelton. ■' D'AROAVILLE, Tuesday. Loading—The Ada WisAvell. Port Albert, Tuesday. I The Jane Anderson is loading.

ASSAULT AT TE KOPURU.

Michael Ryan, a bushman, was brought before Messrs Walker and Wcbb,! Justices, at Te Kopuru, on the 18th inst., and Avas sentenced to six months'hard labour, on three, charges—two of assaulting James- Greenhill and Sarah Saunders, and one of wilfnil.V breaking two doors and one Avindow of the Toka+oka Hotel. The prisoner, avlio', is noted for his rowdiness Avhen in drink, was brought up by Constable Gannon yesterday to be lodged in Mount Eden.

A Maniac from Wairoa.

A lunatic, named Edward Moore'i an American, about 36 years old, was brought up from the Wairoa (Kaipara) yesterday by Constable Gannon. Moore has been work ing for Mr. Walker at Te Kopuru, but for some time past has been possessed with the idea that people were going about intending to murder him. His mania has not been produced by drink, as no opportunity of getting it was at band. It Avas feared at last, that he Avould do himself some injury, and he has been sent to town to be placed under restraint. This morning he was ex amined by Drs. Goldsbro' and Ellis, and Avas committed to the Asylum. He told a long rambling story to Dr."Ellis, of the way he Avas persecuted, and said he intended to see the Go\ rernor, and Avarn him against the wicked intentions of his pursuers. He is very harmless, but undoubtedly insane.

Another Case from the Wade.

An unfortunate gum digger, named James McCarthy;, was yesterday brought np from the WffiSP" in charge of special Con stable, La\vton, for the purpose of being submitted tovTuetlical examination as a

person of unsound, mind. McCarthy had been found lyiug among the ti-tree by a settler,. Avho took him to his house. He Avaa in a miserably Ayeak state,, and complained of severe pains in his head. He was also rambling and incoherent in his talk. Mr Lloyd, J P., directed his removal to Auckland." Drs. Goldsbro' and Ellis examined him this morning, and came to the conclusion that he Avas a subject for hospital treatment rather than an asylum. The Magistrates, before whom the case was brought to-day, ordered application to be made for his admission into the hospital.

CABLEGRAMS.

Soropaan 2Tews-to liConda-y Last-

War Feeling in Russia.

Persian Alliance Ssaiod

Senate ia ths Ho-a.se of Lords

LONDON, April lGth. The Avar feeling at St. Petersburg is

intense,

The Czar is going to the camp at Kitchinev.

Tho rumour about Persia claiming Bag dad is denied.

A debate occurred in the House of Lords on the protocol. Earl Grauvillo criticised the action of the Government.

Earl Derby vindicated tho Ministerial action as being tho best step the Govern ment could take under tho present circum stances, to say nothing of tho future.

Australian.

A Chinese S&vasicm.

SYDNEY—THIS DAY.

The steamer Bowen arrived yesterday at Cooktown, with over 500 Chinese.

The steamer Gilly Lome, now in quaran tine, lias over a thousand Chinese aboard. Provisions were running short.

(Pkess Agency)

Torres Straits Mail.

Terrible Famine ia China.

Thousands Syiag1. Daily.

SeTsellion ia Japan and Eevolt

of Trocp.3*

SYDNEY.

April 18.

Sailed : Rotorua

News received A ria Torres Straits from China reports that thousands of people are suffering through the famine;

The severest privations are endured at Kiangsee through the famine.

Rice has risen to famine prices.

The distress is daily becoming greater.

The relief fund is lamentably insufficient, and the people are reduced to the last stage of emaciation and exhaustion, and are dying by thousands daily.

The Satszuma rcbollion at, Japan is more serious than was at first anticipated, but the rebels are dispirited by defeat.

Two thousand Chinese troops, being dis satisfied, broke loose and left their camp, but were followed, and a large number were killed.

Resident magistrate's court.— This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow. Esq., KM.) . JUDGMENTS FOn PLAINTIFFS. - ■ Close Brothers v. \y". Messenger, claim, £4 Gs Bd', groceries (Mr Alexander for plaintiff), costs, £1 fo 6d. W. R. Hay ward v. Richard B. Vance, J claim, £12, goods, costs, £2 7s. W. R. Hayward ?v. George H. Evans, claim, £1 3s, rent, coats, £1 Is Gd. (Mr Brock for plaintiff). ADJOURNED CASKS. Adam Laybourne v. Alex. McGregor, claim, $11 3s Bd. W. J. Hurst v. A. Fargie, claim, £S ltts. George Hulme w Robert Chalmers, claim, £t Bs. G. Htilme a\ G. H. Evans, claim, £1 12s 3d.

JUDGMENT SUMMONS, . George Dr.nnett v. l J)ailipJKunst. i Claim, £31 ls.Gd.

In Uiis case a iudgmemV summons had been obtained acainst defendant, who now cam: up to shew cause why ho should not pay the debt, o,r be committed. Jl Mr Koatlcy stated that defendant was totally funablc to pay, being paralyzed. [ MrvT. B. Russell said that defendant, as he was instructed, had transferred his property to his sons, and had taken a trip to Australia and back, and if lie could afford such a luxury, he oould surely pay his debts...

Mr Kunst said he could not possibly make a promise to pay: in fact 'he had nothing to pay with. l

Mr Keatloy said that defendant had been security for a friend to the amount of £30 ; but of course he was not able to meet his responsibility, having nothing to meet it with. (Laughter). His Worship said-the case appeared to be a very bad one, and if he made an order, that order must be cpmpied with, or the usual alter native-must ensue. - ' : Mr Keatley asked that the case might stand ' over, for a week.

Mr Russell said he would offer no objection, and the case was allowed to stand over for a Aveek.

A SPLIT OVER A CONCERTINA.

John Sinclair v. Hugh Wilson, Claim, £5.

This was a claim for the value and detention of a concertina. The plaintiff was a dancing master, and the defendant a professor of gym nastics. ' John Sinclair deposed that he lived in Cook street, and was the owner of a concertina. He opened a dancing class, and bought a concertina, and got Wilson to teach him a few tunes. Defendant took it home'with him, and when he required it, refused to give it up ; he only lent him the music.

To Mr Alexander: Wilson came to his house and performed on the concertina, but was not his tutor. He was nearly as good a musician as Wilson. He learned a few tunes from Wilson, and askedhim' what he should pay him for his trouble, and offered him half a sovereign Wilson treated the offer with contempt, and sa;d, '.-No, no, Jack, old boy, I don't take nothing from you." He seemed surprised, and said Oh, scissors." ~ .

To Mr Tyler: We paid £3 10s for the instru ment, and charged 30s for its detention, since the 6th January. The concertina was damaged and two notes lost. i . '

Fanny Wilson corroborated. Hugh Wilson deposed that he was the defend ant -in this case, and about six months ago Sinclair told him he had bought a splendid con certina, and he wanted him to call at his house and teach him how to play it. He said, "All right, old boy, and went regularly for three months, until plaintiff could play, "God Save the Queen," "The Maiden's Prayer," and "A Roaring lud am I," pretty correctly. Plaintiff then said, Hugh old boy, we want another concertina, and 111 buy yo^one ;"-he did so, and made him a present of it. Francis Edward HoKga.-rtt7clogosogist, deposed that on seeing two eonce'timis p.t Sinclair's, he expressed us surprise, when Sinclair said "Oh ?.£<? URJ lt th. c othei" one for Hughv." He soid 1 hats a nice present, Johnny." 'He could not recollect the conversation exactly, but he had a settled impression in his mind that tho concer tina was a gift. William Hoggard, wood-turner, gave similar 6Vn^% P c as Wi'son's father4n-law. loittr lyler: lam very nervous, sir, having been very sick lately, but I know that Sinclair gEwe the concertina to Wilson for instructing A cs weteter' cabinet-maker, understood renae^i mStrUmailt wa3 rf Present for services jSf&^i^ not kn^ *at

His "Worship considered that the plaintiff had no intention of parting with the owShin of the instrument, but owinpr to tho ambiiui v of

Judgment for plaintff for £310s otTkl ~"~ of tho concertina; but no order couM v. ettlrn for costs. v ™ made The concertina was Immediately handed ♦„«. plaintiff, who commenced playinsr th« » t -^^ other Days." and left the Court \Vith ft Lighto t nance beaming with satisfaction. °°tiate. This was all the business.

The Moanatairi.

The following telegram arid report A VerP posted at the Company's office this iW ing :— urn-

No. 9 reef-Making in drive east £ reef broken m new winze. Have intend I leader in cross-cut towards Heldt's win showing a little gold. No other change» S "Mr J. A. White : Dear sir-I Ei r inform you that sinking the new winzeW been started. On breaking down the r^ r it shows a little mineral, but I cannot £" any gold m the stone. In driving east hn' No. 9 reef, another belt of clay has W intersected, completely cutting off the reef Avhich is, I think, " heaved " to the right or south. The stuff from this reef continues to give the same average as last reported! The winze sunk on Heldt's from the tunnel level is doAvn over 100 feet, and matins Ayater fast. I have, therefore, suspended sinking, and started a cross-cut south from No. 9, at the 30ft. level. 1 was hopiS these tAvo reefs would junction at bottom level, but it will take a cross-cut 20 feet from No. 9to intersect Heldt's. This vail now be done in a few days. '■', As wired this morning, there are 650 ounces amalgam on hand for three dajrs' crushing. The stuff from No. 9 stopes has all been cleared out which had not been done since putting in timber. This has been showing very wolL There is no other change to mention. lam etc., R. Comer-" '

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Robt. Graham, Esq., and John Cosgrave, Justices.) GONE FOR A'SEASOK.

Mary Conlon, charged with being an incorrigible vagrant and' an habitual drunk ard, Avas sent to prison for. one year. "

AN UNNATURAL MOTHER,

Susan Weathenill was brought up charged with neglecting to pay £4 for the support of her children in the Industrial Home.

The defendant admitted owingthe money, but said she had no means.

Sub-Inspector Pardy said this was on« of the most heartless cases he had fliet with. The woman had been relieved of all her children, and never evinced the slightest solicitude for their welfare. She had repeatedly been brought before tke Court, but nothing could be got out of her. The Bench ordered her to pay £2 on Saturday, and the rest the following week.

A LITTLE-SMACK.

Alfred Hatford was charged with assault ing Isaac Harrison, of the Waverly Hotel. "Prisoner pleaded guilty. *r The Sub-Inspector said the assault was quite unprovoked. Mr. Harrison was stand ing at the door of his hotel, when the prisoner came up and hit him in the mouth. Mr. Harrison described the circumstances.' They were not very serious. Prisoner was fined 20s. and costs, -with the alternative of seven days' imprisonment. GOOSE STEALING. William Shnter was charged with felo niously stealing fifteen geese, the property of Mrs.: Davidson, of PamelL it

Prisoner pleaded not guilty. 1 The prosecutrix was called, '-but did not appear. The Sub-Inspector asked for a remand till to-morroAV ; there Avns no doubt of the prisoner's guilt, as four of the geese had been found in his possessipn.

Remanded till tAVO o'clock to-morrow A LAZY SCAMP.

Stephen Home was brought np to show why he should not be compelled to pay £8 arrears of payment, for the support of his boy in the Industrial Home. , '/ The prisoner told a very plausible story, which Mr Pardy characterised as a pack of falsehoods. He said the man had been repeatedly before the Court for beating ] his wife, and had brought up his children in a most scandalous way. One of Ms daughters, only 14 years old, was a . common prostitute about the town. VHe had . continually : promised to pay his arrears, but had not done so. Their Worships gave prisoner a week to i! pay the amount. . ; :-: ' .-q.

IT WON'T WASH.

Margaret Gillespie, stewardess of the, ITeio, was charged with beinf* concerned in the unshipment of a parcel of velvet—being \ uncustomed goods—from the s.s. Hero on the 17tli inst.

The defendant sard elie had ; sent the, goods ashore, but did not know she was ; doing wrong. Mr Brookfield, who appeared -for the:: Customs authorities, said the facts were,, very simplel On the day of the Hero's ! arrival one of the Custom-Jlouse officers. saw the washer-woman carrying ashore some bundles for the wash, and on putting his hand on one of them he felt something hard. On the bundle being opened the box - of velvet produced was found. There were 13 yards, which were valued at B.s per yard. , The Commissioner had elected to sue for. £17, thrice the value of the goods., The defendant persisted that she did not know she was doing any harm. Mr Brookfield pointed out that jcuilty knowledge was not essential to the offence. The Bench inflicted the penalty sued for with the alternative of six months imprison- ;. ment.

THE GEES.E. Mrs Davidson, the prosecutrix in Shufers case, was now in attendance, and the pri soner Avas again brought in. ' , Mrs Davidson, being sworn, said she lived in Parnell, and up to Monday had "fifteen fine geese.. On; Tuesday:.morning they had all disappeared. _ Constable Menzies proved meeting the prisoner on Monday night carrying the four geese produced. (They were rather high, and emitted a very gamey smell.) He could not account for then- possession. Henry Morgan, a lad of about 18, said He Avas Avalking m the Domain on Monday, Avhen he %saAv the prisoner coming towards him carrying some geese. On seeing him the prisoner threw the geese into the bushes,,, and came on Avithout them. He did npt take much notice at the time, but in tne, evening he saw the geese still there, ana c nmted seven of them.

Prisoner said he had nothing to say, . .. The Sub-Inspector pointed put tliat ; prisoner had only just come out of gaoL_ ■ The Bench sent him back for six montfis. _~ This Svas all the business.

THEATRE ROYAL.

This place of public amusement was well filled last evening by hundreds of citizens, who were desirous of listening to.the choice 3ong3,,au« witnessing the remarkable performances ot nw Chicago Minstrels. The programme was u» same as that of the previous evening, and included sentimentalities and o°micsoi«|j overtures, dances, and farces, all or "JfSjj were represented with consummate .^"-i A great change will be made in tne ™" "t fare for this evening, and viands of a ov^K order Avill be placed before theaudienco, iaciuu ing " l^es Miserables," " Happy old Unctfi bgu< and the American prize jig.- Avith a Diiq ß ei v eccentricities. The grand fashionably n'if" iL to-morrow will be tendered as a comphmenituj' benefit to Mr Charles Wallace. , __.

CANTERBURY AUTUMN MEETING.

The races were continued yesterday. ■*&* fita race being the— «i\tils Flying Stakes, of 100 soys., for twoyes£°"£ and up wards; weight for age; three-quw-!? of a mile. . • fls Redwood's Bribery (Clifford) ~ >• "J x Delamain's Punga (Rowlands) ~ •< " 3 Webb's Jangler (Clark) ~ •> >• " Q G-riflflth'o Tell-ta^e (A,U«n) ~ .. •• ," 0 Kay's Morillo (Nicnolls) .. ~ -< "8 Kceves'a Ohanceilor(Hopc)., >> «» " A Logaxs'a i^oatlheat (Wattsy ~ «> *j_' a r^

THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1877.



NOTICE. A UTUMN & WINTER GOODS, BANNOCKBURN AND MOSGIEL TWEEDS. H. L. POSSENNISKIE Opening Out these New Seasonable Goods, would call particular attention to their • quality, which is second to none imported, ■while from his large and varied Stock Gentlemen can rely on a choice of Cloth unattainable else where in the colony. H. L. POSSENNISkIE, MERCHANT TAILOR. &. JIABITMAKER, Opposite the City Mart, Shortland-atreet. TW" ' O T I C F. .' .-■•■.'■.;■<■ ~> ~~ TO THE-INHABITANTS OF FEEEMAN'S BAYy PONSONBY,"AND DEDWOQD,



WHY? WHY? SHOULD YOU GO TO QUEEN-STREET FOR YOUR MEAT WHEN YOU CAN GET t MEAT, OF A SUPERIOR QUALITY, AT THE SAME PRICE, AT ■J, MAXWELL'S, WHOLESALE, SHIPPING, AND FAMILY BUTCHER, FREE M. A N'S BAY, And 55, Victoria-street. MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. Incorporated by Act of Parliament. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH: Head Office, Auckland- Local Director: George Bttrgoyne Owen, Esq. (Messrs. Owen and Graham.) Principal Medical Officer: j Charles Field Goldsbro', Esq., M.D. ! General Agent for New Zealand: William T. J. Bell. With Sub-Agencies in all the Principal Towns. Every information on the subject of LIFE ASSURANCE ANNUITIES, and ENDOW MENTS FOR CHILDREN, afforded by J. A. Lowe, Travelling Agent to the Association ; or General Agent.



$&, Special Features.— Age admitted on Policies, -which are unchallangable from date of issufi. Lowest Rates of Premiujna, and no hamper ing conditions aa to residence or ocoupHnon,



T^moTOf



THE PHGENIX FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF LONDON. Established a Century, during: which time it has Paid in Claims, Eleven Millions Sterling. Head Office : Lombard-street. AGENCIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. The undersigned is now prepared to. effect NSUKANCES at Lowest Current Rates. THOMAS H. MABIN, Superintendent for New Zealand. Office: Lower Queen-street, Opposite Fort-street. NOTICE A GREAT RUSH of I ople into PEARSE'S CHEAP DRAPERY and CLOTHING SHOP. On investigation WE find the EXCITEMENT is caused by his Selling CLOTHING. DRAPERY, French Merinos, Alpaceas, Blankets. Flannels, Ribbons, Ruffles, Millinery, Silk Umbrellas, &c, at frightfully LOW PRICES, which seem to us SUCH a "C.E. However, we recommend all who have tho CASH to ROLL UP for Bargains now the CHEAP,.SALE IS ONI T> L ANKETS! TJLANKETS!! BLANKETS !!! BLANKETS !!! In addition to Large Parcels of NEW GOODS for the incoming Season already announcod, the undorsigned have pleasure in informing their mistomers and the public that the bulk of their NEW SEASON'S Stock of BLANKETS are now to hand. In order to maintain tho well known character of our house for goods of this description, Great Care has been exercised in Selection and Purchase, due regard being had to Quality and Price, and full advantage has been taken of an overstocked market and falling prices. Inspection will prove that we commence the season's trade with a Stock of! Blankets, which for Price and Quality aro second to none. BLANKETS (all sizes), White, Blue, and Grey. 9xl Blankets, from 10/6 per pair. tile ( bou^t a job, Jox4 „ „ 17/0 » t splendid value. 12" x 4 " I cheap. FLANNELS, all makes and qualities. New Winceys, exceptionally cheap—a good line at old. _, , French Mcrinoei, All wool Plaids, Satin Cloths, and New Fancy Dross Materials, in great variety. A nice assortment of New Black Silks, very good value. WINTER HOSIERY, of every description. Children's and Ladies' Waterproof Mantles, Waterproof Tweeds, &c, NEW LINEN GOODS—CufTs, Collars, and Sets, new shapes and stylos. Strong Grey and Drab CORSETS, at very low New Ribbons, Flowcr3, Hats, Fancy Buttons, &-c,, &o. CLOTHING, OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS, for Boys and Men, good and cheap. £2T One Shilling in the £ returned on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. • RTJKHBROOK & BRIDGM4.N. junction drapery warehouse, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel), Upper Qukkn-stkkkt Auckland. TjUJRNITURE! FVRNITURE ! Jtf Ladies and Gent emeu about to Famish are respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stack of DMA WING - ROOM, DINING -ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacious Showrooms. T. & K.'OOOKJE, 67. QUMctr-srneßT Adjoining Hank of JVeii' Zealand. ~V~ E W yEALAND TCTOUSE, 6C, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. During the WINTER MONTHS this Establish ment will be CLOSED at 5.30 p.m. (Saturdays .excepted), commencing on MONDAY, tho 16th April. W. RATTRAY, ' DRAPER, CLOTHIER, AND SILK MERCER, 66, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland >/#////■ i WILL ALL FIND GOODS TO SUIT THKM AT THE . CITY ITALL A RCADE'. JGL -irJL HOLLOWAY & GARLICK'S DRESS DEPARTMENT is replete with the i Newest Seasonable Goods. Damasse Cloths, \ As_worn in Pans. l£taf Trails?" J New Designs and Colours. Plain and Fancy Satin Cloths. Broche Lustrines, and Fancy Diagonals, French Merinoes, and Homespun Tweeds. WINCEYS, immense variety, for town and • i country wear. OUR SHOW ROOMS (lGf> feet long) contain the greatest variety of DRAPERY, CLOTHING, & FURNISHING GOODS IN AUCKLAND. Blankets, f rom 10s. to 455. per pair ! Flannels, white, coloured and fancy Ladies' Winter Skirts in great variety Shirtings, all Wool, Crimean, and Union. MEN'S & BOYS' CLOTHING. Our Stock is constantly being Renewed with Clothes especially made for Country as well as Town Wear. Our Moleskin and Working Men's Trousers are VERY LOW PRICED. Ladies, Purchase your .Millinery at the Arcade. Large Stock Ready Trimmed Hats & Bonnets Milliners on the Premises, to execute orders with dispatch. THE ONLY ESTABLISHMENT Conducted on the English system of combining Drapery, Clothing, Millinery, Underclothing, Carpets, and House Furnishing. QUEEN-STREET & LORNS-STREET. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, ■(/. COSGRAVE dj CO.'S GREAT SALE of Messrs. Stewart & Anderson's Wholesale Slock of DRAPERY AND CLOTHING will commence on. SATURDAY, the 31 st March. The I whole of tlmt Valuable and Extensive 1 Stock will be offered to the Public at Extraordinary Reductions.



(IHftWi



Although the law has been frequently and successfully invoked against the counterfeiters of Udolpho Wolfk's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, their cupidity has again overcome their prudence. Imitations o£ this famous me dicinal beverage are being put up by unprinci pled parties in empty bottles of the genuine article, and the labels imitated. Be cautious, purchasers. Beautiful Teeth — Sharland's Pearl Dkntinb preserves and whitens tho Teeth, and givos a pleasant odour to the Breath ; produces healthy gums, and prevents and arrests decay. Prif-e, '2s. Gd. a box. Shauland's Perfect Tooth Brush, Is. and Is, (3d. each. Opposite Po3t-ofllco. Auckland. . ......



"ATKIXSOK'B PiORFUMERY AND SPECIALITIES.



Bewfit of



Gfewley



TOttMK



Rxtsf.



Attrootteaal