SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER-{S! mo^0 c w n°Morning, 6.31 SUN SET.—This Evening. 7.13 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 4.4- MOONS AGE.—Full Moon, 20th, 11.30 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

City Of Sydney. P.M. Co.'s s.s., from bydney Rotorua. s.s,, Macfarlane, from Napier and the

South , _, „ Taupo. s.s., Carey, from Russell Rowena, s.s., Sellars, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

City of Sydney, P.M. Co.'s s.s., Dearborn. lor San Francisco via Honolulu (Enghsh Mail) Rotorua. s.s., for Sydney Taranaki, s.s., Kennedy, for the South

IMPORTS.

Per City of Sydney from Sydney: / cases periodicals, 223 do fruit, 3 do drapery. 4 do maps, 8 do merchandise, and 1137 pkgs merchan dise for San Francisco and Honolulu.—Owen and Graham, agents. , . •■ Per S.R. Lvman from New York :—IOOO enses kerosene, 250 barrels resin, 76 eases Mexican mustang liniment, 5 do Lyon's kathairan for the hair, 4 do Lyon's Jamaica ginger, 1 do Wynk cap's pectoral, 10 do Lyon's insect powder, 10 do plantation bitters, 1 do sea moss farine.—A. Lourie, importer. «

EXPORTS.

Per City of Sydney, for San Francisco :— 20 cases kauri gum, Henderson and Macfar lane. _ . „ 4 bales fungus, 22 bales flax, 2 cases curios, 3 Susies s^ccL^i- For Honolulu—22 packages.—Owen and Gra ham, agents.

ARRIVAL OF THE CITY OF SYDNEY.

The Pacific Mail S.S. Co.'s steamship City of Sydney, H. C. Dearborn, Commander, left Sydney December 14, at 3 p.m. Discharged pilot at 3.38 p.m. Passed the Three Kings December 18, at 10 a.m. ; same day at 12 noon passed auEnglish barque painted green,showmg letters H.L.R.D. Fine weather durina: the trip. Received pilot December 19, at 5.30 a.m., and arrived at 6.30 a.m. List of Passengers—For Auckland: Mr J. S. Warren, Mr S, A. Levey, Mr and Mrs Archer. Mr and Mrs Barton, Mr A. McDonald, E. Klingender.W. A. Thompson, Owen Conduit. W. Thompson. G. Wriarht, Mr and Mrs G. W. Rockefeller. Mr and Mrs L. Braham, Mr and Mrs T. Campbell, F. Doalgen, W. S. Bent. Chas. Holly, Thos. Hudson, A. Murphy, E. Amery. and 25 steerage. For San Francisco: H. E. Kinzer, S. D. Andrews, Mrs Andrews. The Misses Eallara. (3), Geo. Collins Levey. Madame Kothe, E. R. Knaop and wife, C. L. Dimon G. L. Pearce, Mrs Schiller, Mr and Mrs T. Wilson, and 10 in the steerage.

DEPARTURE OF THE MAIL.

The R.M.S. City of Sydney left shortly after noon to-day with the outward English and American mails. Passeneers—Saloon to San Francisco—Mrs McHutrh, Mr E. Dransfield, Mr Geo. Forbes. From Wellington—Signor and Signora Majeroni, child and servant. Steerage - Messrs C R..Smith, and Geo. Crighton. with a number of through passengers from Sydney.

The brigantine Adonis, Captain McAvery, p„rrived in Sydney on the 13th instant, after a lontf pas?aa:e of 21 days. Messrs Cruikshank and Co. have had a tele gram stating that the Hero left Sydney for .Auckland last night at five o'clock. She may therefore be expected on the afternoon of the 19th instant. The s.s. Taupo arrived early this morning from the Bay of Islands. Passengers: Mesdames Watson, Sharp, Messrs Brown, Yarborough, Brownlee. Macfarlane. and Greenfield. For Wellington—Mr Simcox. For Tauranga—Miss Norris. _ The s.s. Rowena arrived from Tauranga yes terday evening. Passengers: Mr and Mrs Motion. Messrs Whitaker, Sisley, Halliday, Philmore, and four steerage. Mr G. w. Owen has purchased the brigantine Lap wins:, of 250 tons register. This vessel is now on her way to this port from New York, where she had just finished loading at the beginning of last month. It was expected that she would sail about the 10th Nov., in which case she would be due here about the end of February. She brings a miscellaneous cargo, including a small consignment of kerosene.

The s.s. Rotorua arrived from Napier and the South last night at 10 o'clock. She left Port Calmers on the 14th inst., Lyttelton on the 15th, Wellington on the 16th, and Napier on the 17th. Passengers: Signor and Signora Maieronie. child, and servant, Mrs Grant and child, Mrs Robinson and child, Mrs Nutter, Mrs Carr, Misses Reeves, Nutter, Buckland (2). Walker, Edgar, Messrs Smith, McGuire, Harris, Prince, Wymouth, Fallon, Drans field, Haslings, Heale, De Nowittle, De Lias, Masters Williams and Kinder, and six steerage.—Henderson & Mac farlane, aerents. The s.s. Taranaki left Onehunga for the South last evening. Passengers: Mr and Mrs Mac donild. Mr and Mrs Tavares, Captain and Mrs Burr, Mr and Mrs Tomlinson, Mesdames Rus den. Clark, Robinson, Bennett, Carthew, O'Ha'loran, Bonar. Lamb, Misses Macdonald (2), Kelly, Messrs Courtney, Wilson, Waters, Quinlivan, Clark, Goluwater, Bucholz, Maling, Gray, Curtis, Johnston, McComish, Hemus, Cope, and 11 steerage.—Henderson and Macfar -I____6 _Lcr6_-._._l ' The 'smart schooner Nellie, Captain Arm strong, which left this port on Saturday even ing last, bound for Lyttelton via Napier, has arrived at the latter place and discharged her powder, and is on her way to Lyttelton. She is scarcely away 4 days.and has done so much.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs M. Jones and Co. held a sale of Tau ranga and city properties to-day, There was a good attendance, and the folio ving prices were obtained:—Lot 42, Te Mania, near Katikati, containing 80 acres, „■_ 15s per acre; Lot 67, Apata, Tauranga, 50 acres, 13s per acre ; lot 236. Tepapa, Tauranga. 50 acres, 123 per acre ; lot 192, Township of J Tauranga, £ acre, £97 10s; three cottages, Wellington-street, brought £100. ™CHIEF POST-OFFICE~AUCKLAND. Mails wir._ Closjs as Untowr.'. For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to morrow, at 11.30 a.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, on Friday next, at 2.30 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, this day, at 1 p.m. For Waiwera, Warkworth, and Te Arai, per Anne Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Tauranga- Gisbo__e, Napier, and Southern Provinces, per Taupo, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Napier.per Southern Cross, on Friday next, at 4- p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Wellington, on Monday next, at 7 p.m. Per s.s.' Australia, on Tuesday, Bth January, __1878, as follows:- _ :___: For Sandwich Inlands, United States of : America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 3 p.m. For i United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 1.30 p.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of 6d, in addition to the postage, will be received by the mail agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. N.B.—Mails despatched to Waitemata Mills, Helensville, and all Offices in the Kaipara Dis trict, will close at this Office at 12.50 p.m., in stead of at noon, as heretofose. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTHS.

[The price for inserting birth notices in this column is reduced to one shilling; other notices as before.]

DEATH.

BESWIOK.—On the 19th December, 1877, at his parents' residence. Moore-street, Auckland, New Zealand, Frederick John Holland Bes wick. infant son of W"m. Beswick, aged four months.

The funeral will take place to-morrow at 3 p.m. Friends are invited to attend.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1877.

for the cause that lacks sural- tanct, penr the wrong that needs lesisttuice. For the rut-re i- the distance, Aud .be geodt-at»e«iai»

The length of Reception and City Council reports precludes us from reviewing the momentous war news received from our special London correspondent to-day, and issued as an extra about noon, anticipating by several hours Reuters dispatcher. .The capture of Osman Pasha and his army of 34,000 is a fatal blow to the Turkish cause —one which the reported successes of Sulie man Pasha at Elena and Tirnova cannot retrieve. The troops disengaged from Plevna will now be available for a united movement against the Turkish right wing, and for an advance into Rumelia. The annihilation of the Turkish army at Plevna, which was necessaiy to secure Servia against the chances of a second invasion, has brought that Principality into the field, in the hope, no doubt, of winning independence. Troubles thus accummulate on the failing cause. But it is unquestionable that the Russians have bought their victories very dearly, and may be prepared to accept mediation on a moderate basis. It is sincerely to be hoped that the fall of Plevna will, as stated in one dispatch, be the prelude to negotia tions for the termination of this horrible sacrifice of human life, with its attendant evils of starvation and untold miseries.

With reference to the letters respecting Mr Worthington's part in the scholarship examinations, we unintentionally omitted to mention yesterday that Mr Worthington has nothing whatever to do with the con duct of the examinations, but is merely supervising, keeping order, &c., in the end of the school devoted to the competition for open scholarships, for which none of the City East boys have entered.

The Mayor and members of the One hunga Borough met on Monday evening, when the application for a Slaughter-house license for Young's Slaughter-house was postponed, in order that the Council might learn their powers under the Act. Respect ing their application to the Crown Lands ofnce_for a 2,000-acre endowment, a reply wa3 read, when it was resolved, " That the Mayor-elect and Councillor Codlin wait upon the Chairman of the Waste Lands Board, to ascertain what lands are available, and report." Also, " That the Town Clerk be authorised not to collect the rates levied on the public school and five other school buildings of a .similar character." The accounts were passed ; and, with a vote of thanks to the late Mayor, the Council ad journed. The gentlemen wtto found the lady's bracelet has left the reward, 10s, at our office for the benefit of the Howe-street Industrial Home.

The acceptances for the Wellington Cup close on Friday, the 21st inst. A miner named Henry Gibbons has been accidentally killed in a claim near Kumara.

An inquest was held on the 12th, inst., at the Tairua Hotel, Tairua, by Robert Wigmore, Esq., coroner, and a jury, on the body of Patrick Holland, a young man of 22, who was killed by falling over a bank on to a stamp of ti-tree. The evi dence in the enquiry shewed that death resulted from accident, and the jury framed their verdict accordingly, adding as a rider, " We recommend that Government should see that a proper road is made for public accommodation, the proprietors of the Mercury Bay Saw Mill having obstructed the road formerly in use."

The Polytechnic entertainment in the Choral Hall this evening will. undoubtedly be an intellectual treat of no. ordinary character. The microscopes will be ex plained by Mr Crook, of the London Microscopical Society, the astronomical department under the able direction of Professor Lambert, a Fellow of the Royal Astromical Society of Greenwich, and the musical performances under the direction of Mr M. Swallow, and Mr J. A. Beale, which will be of a high-class cha: - acter. The lecture by Mr Martin will be of a most attractive character, and altogether the soiree and conversazione will amply repay a visit, and be long re membered as the first entertainment of the kind in this city.

Frank and Michael Houlihan, of Puke kohe, were charged on Monday at thePapa kura Resident Magistrate's Court with knocking down four panels of a fence, the property of James Comrie, (Mr Brock for plaintiff), but as a question of title was in vo.ved in the enquiry, the Court, declined to proceed with the case.

Major Te Wheoro, the principal agent in the negociations between the Government and Tawhiao is coming to Auckland to confer with Sir George Grey. Te Wheoro will be accompanied by the Rev Mr Burton, Church of England clergyman.

Mr F. H. Lewissou, with his accustomed liberality, has promised a prize cricket bat with a silver plate appropriately inscribed to the highest scorer on the Auckland side in the forthcoming Canterbury v. Auck land cricket match.

Mr F. D. Kent, late master of the natural science department of the Auckland Gram mar School, leaves for Sydney to-day, by the Rotorua. Mr Kent takes with him the good wishes of the scholars, who held him in high esteem for his genial qualities. He will be missed in the Canterbury cricket match, as he was one of "our best cricketers. The Christmas Tree Entertainment in the AVellesley-street Baptist school-room was well attended last night. The Rev Allan W. Webb presided, and the proceedings opened with a suitable hymn by the chil dren. At the close of Mr Webb's speech, Mr L. W. Eaton proceeded as auctioneer of the evening to sell the pendant properties of the mighty tree, and much mirth was occasioned as the venerable auctioneer exhibited dolls, babies' shoes, and a variety of trinkets, one after another, and which were " knocked down " successively to the highest bidder. The tree having been care fully stripped, the proceedings closed with a hymn and the benediction.

It is expected that that the hon. the Colonial Treasurer will proceed on a visit to Dunedin to-day, and the Colonial Secretary will go to Napier. Mr Fisher remains in sole charge of the Government business at Wellington, but it is expected thatthecabinet will re-assemble at Welling ton early in January.

It is expected the Hon. J. Sheehan will leave Napier for Auckland to-morrow, in order to hold a native meeting. Respecting the demonstration to-day Mr Sheehan tele graphed to the Secretary of the Reception Committee as follows :—" Regret much myself being absent from demonstration, but impossible to attend. J. C. Brown is passenger with Sir George Grey. You can give him the honours meaut for me.—JOHN Sheehan."

The following have been selected to row in the forthcoming Intercolonial Rowing Match, on the lower Yarra, in March next : —Messrs Benson, Arthur,- Bull, Strange, Wilkinson, Medcalf, Dind, and M'Kansey, with Mr W. Bull as emergency. The Trades and Labour Council of Sydney, at a meeting on the night of the 13th inst, passed a motion authorising their secretary to write to the sevetal trade societies, asking their co-operation in get ting up a public anti-immigration meeting

At the Fire Brigade anniversary dinner at Christchurch yesterday, the necessity for an- increased water supply was pointed out.

Mr Severn has just finished a series of lectures at the Sydney School of Arts. The lectures have been well attended.

The annual meeting of the Auckland Branch, H.A.C.8.5., is to take place ou Friday next. It is also notified that the members will assemble in St. Patrick's Hall at 8.30 a.m. on Sunday.

The general parade of the Auckland Volunteer Companies called for 7.30 p.m. this evening, will assemble1 at 7 p.m. sharp, as it is expected that the Premier, Sir George Grey, will inspect the Volunteers before proceeding to the meeting of the citizens at the Theatre Royal.

The settlers in the neighbourhood of Morningside have decided to have a series of dancing parties, to be held periodically in the district school-room. The first of these will be held to-morrow evening, when refreshments will be provided at a reasonable cost.

The members of the Tradesmen's Athletic Club met last evening in the Club-room, when Mr James Regan was elected sec retary, aud Mr Charles Sheppard treasurer. Some preliminary business having been dis posed of, it was resolved to hold the opening meeting of the Club on Regatta Day, and to have a concert and ball in the evening. This Club numbers eighty members. Information is required respecting the whereabouts of two youths named Peter and John Mack, aged respectively 13 and 10 yeai- s and 6 months, who Avent away in August Jast with the Murray Juvenile Variety Troupe, with whom the lads went to Nelson under an engagement to learn the profession. Their father has not heard from them since last October, when they were with the Troupe at Havelock, aud were about to proceed to Greymouth. The asldest lad is of dark complexion, and the younger somewhat lighter. Amongst the arrivals by the Rotorua are the cele orated Majeroni_ Company, who have been performing during a long season with marked success in Wellington. They are en route for San Francisco, for which place they left in the City of Sydney this afternoon.

A Sydney telegram of the 19th states that the Legislative Council lias been ad journed to the 22nd January, and that the Government have already decided, at tbe request of a deputation, to postpone tbe advertised auction sales of land until tbe House has decided the Land Question.

The public meeting of the members of the United Methodist Free Church will be held this evening in connection with the mission ary services.

Mr A. G. Bartlett publishes an ad vertisement elsewhere, calling attention to his extensive .stock of watches and clocks on hand. Mr Bartlett has been established in Auckland for fifteen years, and before he left London had nearly twenty years' experience with Messrs Dent and Co., of London. His watches include English and Geneva of the latest an I most approved patterns. He has also a large variety of rings and jewellery, very suitable for Christmas presents. Chronometers are carefully repaired a d rated for masters of vessels.

Our Christchurch te 1 grains to-day an nounce the departure of :;he interprovincial team for Auckland.

Mails for the United Kingdom and the Australian Colonies, per Arawata, close at 11 a. m. to-morrow.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before A. Beethaia Esq. (Chairman), and G. M. Mitford Esq., Justices of the Peace). Drunkenness, — Thomas Jones was charged with being drunk, and fined 5s and costs ; also a French sailor answering to the memorable name of Louis Napoleon, who was found on the wharf in a helpless state by Constable Law. An Exile from Wellington.—A well dressed young woman of 20 was brought up on a charge of having no visible lawful means of support. Piisoner was pressed for a reply, but remained silent. At length she said she was 20 years of age, and her mother resided at Wellington. She had no father.—Sub-Inspector Pardy said that prisoner had come from Wellington to her sister, a married woman of this city, but unfortunately for her, she had fallen into the. hands of Mrs Nicholson, (Queen Elizabeth) and had got into the company of several sailors. She was found stowed away in a vessel bound for Newcastle. The captain handed her over to the police,_ when a gentleman procured her a situation in which she might have been comfortable, but she decamped, and was again found with sailors. He feared if something were not done for her, she would commit suicide, as she was of a melancholy temperament. — The Bench said they objected to send her to prison, and should discharge her, hoping she would amend her ways, and take the first opportunity of going home to her mother.

This was' ail the business.

CAMBRIDGE RACES.

The following are the entries for the Cambridge Races •. — Maiden Plate:—Mr Hedger's br. g. Taupiri, aged; Mr Tuhakarama's b. m. Wananga, 5 years ; Mr R. Kirkwood,sb. g. Dick, aged ; Mr E. Hall's blk. g. Sultan, 6 years ; Mr W. Thompson's br. g. Tandem, aged. Handicap Hurdle Race : —Mr R. Kirk wood's eh. g. Loafer, aged ; Mr R. Kirk wood's eh. g. Tui, 6 years ; Mr S. Bond's cr. g. Count, aged; Messrs Martyn and Kirkwood's c. g. Gladstone, aged. Cambridge Cup.—Mr Garland's br. g. Dessarlie, aged ; Mr Hedger's eh. g. Tau piri, aged; Mr Tuhakaram's b. m. Wananga,s 51 years ; Mr R. Kirkwood's b. g. Dick, aged ; Mr R. Kirkwood's eh. g. Tui, 6 years ; Thomas Bond's br. ru. Prima Donna, 4 years ; Messrs Martyn aud Kirk wood's b. m. Memento, 5 years ; Mr W. Thompson's b. g. Gladstone, aged. Publicans' Purse.—Mr R. Kirkwood's eh. g. Tui, 6yrs; E. Hall's blk. g. Sultan. 6'yrs ; Hedger's eh. g. Wizard, aged ; Messrs Martyn and Kirkwood's bm. Memento, syrs; W. Thompson br. g. Tandem, aged. Trotting Race :—Mr E. Shephard's m. Dainty, aged; Mr E. Pearson's c. m. Minnie, aged ; Mr S. Bond's g. m. Kate, aged ; Mr J. Wood's f. h. Jack, aged ; Mr J as. Forrest's h. Penny, aged ; Mr R. B. Williamson's blk m. Bess, aged ; Mr H. Tanner's b. h. Sirnos, aged ; Mr Hedger's gr. m. Jessie, 4 years ; Mr All well's br. c. Black Thown, 3 years ; MrW. R. Carter's b. m. Miss Whifl'ers, aged; Mr Gailand's blk. m. Polly, aged.

ODE OF WELCOME TO SIR GEORGE GREY.

Hark! to the roar on the Western Coast. Of the surging waves as they break on tho shore; Hark! to the rushing wings of the ghost, Of the stark South-wind on the desolate moor. Or is 't the roll of the thuudcr on high, . That distant peals from a cloudless sky? No, 'tis the chaunt of a jubilant host, The ring of their piean of ecstasy— " Hail! to the hero from battle returning, Peace to the vanquished who cumber tho dust; With voices uplifted from hearts that are burning, Welcome the Loyal, the Foarless, the Just ~\ —[Contributed.]

SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS.

AUCKLAND GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

The examinationffat the Auckland Grammar School were satisfactorily concluded this morn ing, and the prizes to the most successful scholars were presented by Mr Lusk, chairman of the Board of Education. .The gifts comprised choice and valuable standard works in literature, morals, and science. The following is the prize list :—

Lusk, It. 8., and John-tone, G., equal; Laird, W ; Stewart J. VV.; Gilfillan B.: James W. A.; Norton H. P.; Kenderdine, A. G.; Flood D.; Holland J. C.

HONOR LIST, 1577.

Class, I.—Clayton C. Z.; Skeen It.; Harding S., Peachey B\, equal. CLASS 11.

Robertson E.; Steadman II.; Luptori C. H.; Berry D; Bu-hanan A.; Nome D.; .-outer J. W.; Stewart J. A. CLASS HI.

Macdohald J. E.; Harris A., Wayte J. E., Gilflllan W. A., equal; McConnick A. D. ;_weu W. H.

Class IV.—Murray D., and McGrctror M., equal; Yon Sturmcr S., and Provis W., equal; Walli3 T. J.; Morton F.; Bias C; Keesing E.; MacDermolt M. P.; Cheeseman C. Class V.—Daveney J.; Morrison A., Owen J., and Dewar A., equal; Cosgrave J., Keesing A., and Woodward A„ equal; Holdahip-V... Clayton W., and Stewart A., equal. ATHLETIC.

A number of prizes were given to those boys who had been most successful in athletic sports, introduced and encouraged by.Mr Kent, who left to-day by the Rotorua for Sydney, and who presented to their late teacher an ad dress andgif t, in token of their esteem, and to which Mr Kent made an affecting reply. DRAWING CLASS.

Tho drawing class, under Mr Kennett Wat kins, has made considerable progress, and the prize for the best drawing from a design by Mr Watkins, to be executed within an hour, was awarded to Cyius Biss, son of the postmaster, The second best drawing, by William Clayton was highly commended. The'room was crowded by ladies and gentlemen, and members of the Board of Education, and in tho course of his speech. Mr Lusk expressed a hope that there would soon be a new grammar school, much more handsome and commodious than the present one, but this possibly would be the last time that he should nave the pleasure of hand ing the prizesasa Grammar School Chairman and Board would shortly be constituted, and who would, have the control of the school.

The bo j s, having given three cheers for their tutors and friends, were dismissed for the Christ mas holidays.

(PARNELL PUBLIC SCHOOL,

Tms afternoon at the Parnell public school the teacher announced the result of the recent com petitive examination, and the foilowing prizes were awarded:—lst prize, for general improvte ment, Edward Leßoy, who made 311 marks out of a possible 350. The other prizes were as fol low : Ist class, Geo. Carter, general improvement H. Hotchin, regular attendance and improve ment ; Matilda Ellison, general improve ment ; Laura Chithain, regular attendance and improvement; Louisa Joseph, com position and arithmetic; William Bruce, geography; Arthur Wright, general improvement. Second Class: Thomas Hutchin (2), general improvement and attend^ ance; Priscilia Morley, general improvement; Samuel Bullen, writing; Barbara McQuarrie, history. .

THE VOYAGE OF THE GLENCOE.— FALLS IN WITH A FRENCH VESSEL IN DISTRESS.

The barque Glencoe, Captain Carey, left Auck land for Bateman's Bay. N.S.W., on the night of November 21th, and had line wea'her with light fair winds for the first 10 days, which brougnt her to within 150 miles of her destination. She then met with a gale from the westward, which veered to the southward, and drove her up to within 60 miles of Sydney. Arrived at anchorage in Bateman Bay, on the afternoon of December 9th, having occupied 16 days on the passage. She towed over the bar into the Clyde River Saw Mill the next morning. Extract from barque Glencoe's log book, bound from this port to Bateman's Bay. Coombes' and Daldy, agents, Captain Carey, master. " Friday, November 30th at 8 a.m., lat., 35 deg. 22 mm. south; long., 105 deg. 21 mm. east.— Sighted a barque showing French colours at half-mast. Bore down and hove to, when her boat with her chief officer came alongside. He stated her name was the Velle De Frontignan, Captain Allan Roux, 178 days out from Mar seilles, and bound for.Noumea, New Caledonia, wiith general cargo. ' They, ha.d no fresh water on board for the last thirty days, a sea having struck the vessel off St. Pauls, and carried away bulwarks, stanchions, water-casks, with every -moveable on deck; also gutted the after-house, tho captain losing nearly all his effects. He also stated that they had to heave a large por tion of the cargo overboard. Having supplied him with water, provisions, and a few other necessaries he stood in need of, we parted com pany at 11 a.m., the wind, then being fresh at N. w, by N.

fiWe are in^receipt of a batch of Parlia mentary papers from, the Government Printer,

CABLEGRAMS

Latest War News.

PLEVNA SURRENDEREE UNCONDITIONALLY. p 34,000 PRISONERS. The Garrison in a Starving Condition. Osman Pasha Wounded. (FROM OUR SPECIAL LONDON CORRESPONDENT). LONDON, December 10. Plevna has surrendered unconditionally. Thirty thousand men and many thousand wounded were found starving in the garrison. Osman Pasha was wounded. The last efforts of the garrison to resist Russians were weak.

Turks Defend Erzeroum.

Turkish, Beserve at Adri- Gambetta's Demands on Pre sident McWakon. (Retjter's Telegrams per Press Agency). LONDON. December 2. The commander of the Turkish troops at Erzeroum declares his ability to defend the town. Raou'f Pasha is organising a camp of fifty thousand troops at Adrianople. Gambetta has demanded that the Presi dent of the French Republic shall renounce the right to dissolve the Legislature. Marshal MacMahon has rejected the demand.

Bulgaria and North Balkans Open to Bussians.

LONDON, December 11

Plevna surrendered after severe fighting, the garrison being reduced to starvation, and Osman Pasha severely wounded at the last attempt to break through the Russian lines.

By the fall of Plevna Bulgaria and the North Balkans are open to the Russians.-

SERVIANS COMMENCED HOSTILI TIES.

LONDON, Dec. 15.

Thirty thousand prisoners, with fourteen thousand sick and Avounded, were captured at Plevna, besides a large number of guns and other material.

Osmon Pasha was allowed a guard of honour before his tent, and the use of the Emperer's carriage. The Servians have commeuced hostilities against Turkey.

RUSSIANS WILLING TO ACCEPT ARMISTICE.

LONDON, November 30. The Russian Press advocates the reten tion of Kars.

It is officially announced that the Rus sians will accept an armistice after Plevna has fallen.

RUMANIANS ADVANCE.—TURKS RETREAT AT WIDDIN.

THE POPE'S HEALTH WORSE.

LONDON, Deo. 3,

The Roumanians have occupied the line of the Palanka'and Lorn. The Turks re treated towards Widdin. :• The condition of the Pope has changed for the worse. According to the Russian official account the Turks abandoned, and the Russians occupied Chozobem near Batoum. The Itaiian ambassador in Constanti nople sent a protest to the Porte against the -toppage of Italian vessel to the Bosphorus. The Porte offered ample satisfaction. -On Dec. 4th perfect communication was opened between Ezeroum and Trebizonde. The Russian troops are wintering on the plains of Pessim. The Russian advance guard is at Devetokon. ANOTHER TURKISH DEFEAT. The Turkish troops are making a des perate resistance on the Sophia road. Mehemet Pasha attacked the Russians, but the Turkish left wing retreated to Kaniuti, south of Hatitiza, where it was defeated with great loss, and compelled to fall back. The Pope is not expected to recover. The Russians have occupied the Balkan defiles at Grista and Staliza. RUSSIAN DEFEAT AT PLEVNA. Mehemet pressed forward, and the Rus sians were obliged to retreat. Sulieman Pasha has captured Elena, tak ing prisoners and war material. The Rus sian loss is estimated at three thousand killed. Sir Stafford Northcote, at a conservative demonstration, repeated the assurance of continued neutrality on the part of England, who would mediate, if necessary. THE RUSSIAN LOSSES. December 10th. The Russian loss to the 17th is 74,558 men. According to unofficial Turkish report Ple\na was amply provisioned for sieoje, and several Russian attacks were re pulsed. '».-."': THE FRENCH CRISIS. The French Republican leaders disavow the negotiations with M. Duf aur. A serious crisis is threateniug. December, 14th. M. Duf aur has undertaken to form a new Liberal Ministry. The crisis has ended constitutionally. The capture of Plevna has secured the Hambogas and Slivno passes from attack. The Turks under Sulieman captured Tirnoya, Papkoi, and Kesiowa. LONDON December, Sth. COUNTER SUCCESSES. • A Turkish force attacked the Russian General Rakouitzka, who was compelled to fall back. The Russians have captured Balitza, turn ing the Turkish right wing. CONDITIONS OF PEACE. The Russian Press propose the following peace conditions : the independency of Osterlitz; cession of Batoum and Kars, and the free passage of the Dardanellesa.

SYDNEY.

Tuesday. The Stad Amsterdam has arrived from Adelaide, 47 days from London. Passengers for New Zealand : Messrs Reefton, Hamil ton, Castenike, Frichoff, Fox, wife andHnf ant, and Wing. The new Ministry is composed of : Farnell, Premier and Secretary of Lands ; Fitzpatrick, Colonial Secretary; Cohen, Treasurer; Leary, Minister of Justice; Southerland, Minister of Works ; Sutton, Minister of Mines; Foster, Attorneys General; Burns, Postmaster-Gen eraL

UNKNOWN

uouncniers uoiaie ana i\iorton were then deputed to introduce the new Mayor, and retired for that purpose. They returned in a few minutes with Councillor Brett, who was introduced in his new capacity to the Chairman. * - Councillor Isaacs administered the usual oath, and Mayor Brett took his seat. mayor's address. The Town Clerk having read the minutes of the last meeting, The Mayor said :In entering upon the responsible duties pertaining to the chief municipal office of this city, I feel impelled to express the pleasure it affords me to meet a Council com- ' posed of gentlemen with whom I have been long associated in the management of city aftairs. The knowledge that I shall have the assistance of a Council thoroughly acquainted with the wants of the Borough, and zealous in the discharge of the trust reposed in it by the burgesses, removes any feeling of perturbation which I might otherwise have experienced in piesiding over your deliberations. If anything could add to the pleasure I feel in accepting the position of Mayor to day, it would be in the congratulatory remarks tendered by Councillor Isaacs on behalf of the Conncil. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. The information contained in the annual reports presented to you at last meeting, and the improving character of property in all parts of the Borough, should impress us with a deepened sense of the importance of our administrative functions, and might well induce even greater earnestness and care in applying the measures at our com mand to advance the well-being and pros perity of the city. I find that last financial year the Council administered a revenue of no less than £95,948. The large amount raised from loans for specific purposes furnished an extraordinary income, which will not arise again during the present year. It is satisfactory to notice, however, that the general account of the city, swelled by nearly £5,000 from licenses, and augmented by the .pound for pound subsidy, is in a sound state. I estimate it for the current year at about £20,000. Although our oper ations during the next twelve months will be more circumscribed than during the term recently expired, the obligations laid upon us—not merely in expending the means actually at our disposal, but in de vising a system for utilising to the best advantage past expenditure—are greater than ever. THE WATER-SUPPLY. It must at once occur to you that promin ent among the questions for consideration will be the management of the city water-supply. Owing to the limited choice which the Corporation had in selecting the source of supply, and the heavy cost required to make the service available, the burden of supporting it now that it is in operation has doubtless pressed heavily upon the rate payers. It is only natural, under such circumstances, that a cry should arise in favour of reducing it by any means. We are apt, however, to fall into some confusion respecting the direction in which the real hardship and pressure is felt. In supplying water, the Council become purveyors of a specific commodity of pecuniary value; and it must be admitted, whether judged by itself or by comparison with charges current elsewhere, that the four per cent consumers' rate is not excessive for the enjoyment of the inestimable advan tages of an unlimited supply of pure water. THE PRESSURE OF THE RATE. This system of collection, if not exactly proportioned to the actual benefit enjoyed, certainly approximates to the ability—so far as it is possible to judge by outward appearances—of the person assessed to pay it. A working man's cottage valued at £15 a year, for example, only pays 12s for the use of the water, while a store in Queen street, assessed at £150 a year, using no more water, or perhaps, even less, would pay £6 a year. This being the inequality in the consumers' rate, it is still greater in the special rate levied in accordance with law to secure the debenture-holders. Auckland is exceptionally situated. A large propor tion of the rateable property—partly busi ness premises, and partly private residences, already well supplied—do not feel .any need of the city supply, and would not be at the expense of laying it on, however much we might cheapen the consumer's fee. Yet these property-owners are compelled by law to pay a very heavy rate—in the case of some buildings more than £20 a year— for the general good of the city, and .he special benefit of those who need the water and actually consume it. It has been suggested that the general assessment of the city should be increased in order to. make the supply itself free to consumers. TheJAct, however, prohibits this, by limiting the powers of the Corporation in the matter of special rating to one shilling, the amount already levied. But even were it otherwise it appears to me that this Council would not be justified in attempting to coerce rate payers by that or any other means into using the water whether they require it or not; nor do I see that consumers can expect non-consumers to make greater sacrifices than they are already doing for the general good. On the same grounds, I hold that any material reduction in the consumers' rate just now would not be. warranted. If the Council finds itself in a position to makereductions—as Ihaveno doubt it will as the consumption increases—the city burdens should be reduced uniformly by the diminu tion of the shilling special rate for water supply, until it is finally extinguished, and the service made self-supporting. THE MISLEADING CHARACTER OF PRO POSALS TO REDUCE. Two propositions are self-evident, and I would press them on general attention, as they will enable the ratepayers to arrive at accurate views on this subject. A certain sum—about £6,500 for interest and cost of collection, and £1,500 for working expenses —must be raised from the ratepayers by some means. It is not possible for the Council to reduce this liability ; all that we could do would be to change the incidence of the taxation necessary to cover the annual charge. Indeed, the aggregate burden will be increased the more the supply is used, owing to the greater work ing expenses. It must be clearly seen that any reduction in the consumers' rate means increase of the pressure on non-consumers to pay for the supply ; and as I have shewn —looking to the large amount non-con sumers are already paying—we are not warranted in taxing them to secure an apparent but altogether illusory cheapness in the price of water. A reduction of the special rate, on the other hand, benefits consumers and non-consumers equally, but it can only be undertaken as we find a balance accruing to the waterworks account in excess of the cost of working expenses. SOUND SYSTEMS OF FINANCE. Another proposal that has been made is to take a sum from the general account for the purpose of lessening the cost of water. This involves a similar proposition to that already discussed, but in even a more objectionable form. .If our general account —which unfortunately it does not at pre sent —were at any time.to exceed the actual demands upon it, clearly it would be the duty of this Council not to take the surplus and apply it to purposes- foreign to those which are legitimately chargeable on the account, but to -return the money to the ratepayers direct by lowering the general rate. We must' lay down and adhere to clearly defined princi ples in our system of finance, and I think, those laid down are the only ones that will prove perraanentiy satisfactory. This branch of the water question might,

I think, advantageously be left over tin as already resolved by the Council /hen we shall be in a position to ascertain* xactly whether reduction in any dircottS 3 feasible. The Council wiU be S£ earn that the books shew a very laree in rease of money received for the present lonth, so far as it has gone, as co " aredwithtfhe two .previous months. Vfiw xample : ■— - Dash received for month of October 3* *** up to 17th v.. ,' 50 j». ( ,i „ for month of November / .' nP to 17th .. .. 63 19 ft, I ~ „ for month of December, ™ up to 17th .. .. 149 13 * That is, for the present month (so far as it has gone), more than double the rates have been received as compared with the previous month, and within a few shillings of three times the amount compared with October clearly shewing, as I said before, that it i_ not the charge for water which prevents its being used ; but that the necessity for its use had not arisen till the dry weather set. in. STREETS WHERE PIPES ARE NOT LAID. There is another matter in connection with, the water supply where a tangible injustice is inflicted on the ratepayers. Applications are continually being made for water fiora streets in which the Council is not in a position to supply. While levying upon these properties a special rate of a shilling in the pound, we give them absolutely no return. Even the reduction of insurance rates,whichJother non-consumers participate in, is denied to this section of ratepayers. It was .the intention of the Council, last year, to extend the city service to these streets with the £25,000 loan ; but, owing to an objection raised by the Bank, that loan was not floated. The consolidation of city loans proposed in the measure intro duced into Parliament at its recent session was intended to remedy the defect, but this I has been frustrated by the withdrawal of the Bill. The wrong is so palpable and indefensible that the Council must devise some means of removing it immediately and I commend it to your careful considera tion. lam quite sure that —whatever our special views of the best system of managin-' the water supply may be—every member of this Council is earnestly solicitous to make the service available to all the rate payers, aud as cheap and efficient as it is possible to render it without involving the Corporation in financial difficulties. The number of motions bearing upon the sub ject brought from time to time, and the amount of consideration which it has received, has proved our desire to conduct the service upon the ' system found to be most advantageous and least oppressive to the ratepayers. WATER-SUPPLY OUTSIDE THE CITY. ".,- There is one direction in which a reduc tion might, I think, be safely and profitably ventured Upon —I refer to the supply of water to consumers along the line of mains, but outside the city boundary. I caanot really see on what wise or equitable ground we charge such customers more than a sum equal to the special and consumers rates con jointly levied in the city. It should 'be borne in mind that every outsider we get to share our responsibility is a direct gain to the city and a reduction of that annual charge which I have already referred to as being payable by the Corporation, from whatever source we draw the funds. I think we should hold out fair inducement to residents outside the boundary line,,' whose houses are accessible to themains.to take the water, and for this purpose should offer it to them on the same terms as are charged in the city. With a view to carry ing out these suggestions. I shall, at a future meeting, submit a motion for your approval for the reduction of the rate in respect of these properties, from 12i to- nine per cent. THE SLAUGHTERHOUSE. It is unnecessary for me to detain you longer with remarks upon matters' which will come before yon in the ordinary course. The slaughterhouse will, doubt less, occupy a good deal of our attention, and we may find some difficulty in diverting the business from existing channels to the commodious abattoirs which have' been erected in the interests, of the health and comfort of citizens. Our efforts must be directed towards meeting, in every practicable way, the reasonable wants of the meat-salesmen of the city. Every , encouragement should be given them to use the new slaughterhouses, and I trust that in this the efforts of the Corporation will be seconded by a strongly pronounced public opinion among the burgesses, to • whom the new abattoirs belong. STREET IMPROVEMENTS. . For the purposes of permanent improve ments ir. stieets and drainage, the resources . of the Corporation are still considerable. A balance of £I^QO of the endowment •. loan remains to be raised, and I hope to see, £10,000 of this sum made available during the ensuing year to complete works on the .! schedule of the Act and extend the drain- - age. By carrying out large street works j before any great monetary interests have _, been created, serious loss to-the ratepayers and the Corporation is avoided, and en couragement is given to owners of property to erect a superior class of buildings. The | expenditure is, moreover, directly reproduc tive, by raising the value of property,. increasing the habitable area of borough lands, and improving the general character of the city. There are several localities-., which have not participated in the recent • loan expenditure, and which possess a valid. claim upon our attention. THE BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL. In conclusion, gentlemen, I rely upon your assistance in conducting the business of the Council. I trust that the general^-' amity 'will never be disturbed. In that hear of debate which may arise from simple "' earnestness in the pursuit of what we deem to be prudent and of great public - moment, it is well to remember , that ?., others may be equally impressed with the; soundness of their own views. Moderation and mutual forbearance, without any., sacrifice of personal principles^ are pro- . ductive ot that good understanding which should prevail between gentlemen elected v for a common purpose. Without. the . exercise of these qualities, public life, if not altogether unendurable, is robbed of many of the pleasures which would . compensate for its cares and incon veniences, i■■:■} At the conclusion of the address, the meeting, on the motion of Councillor Isaacs, seconded by Councillor Dickson, ad journed until 2 p.m. ~ On the re-assemblage of the Council the Mayor laid on the table the Slaughter house Act, the Eudowment Act, and a.: return of the cost of a wall in Hobsonr- street. i CORRECTION. The Town Clerk explained that the state ments made as to the piice of water in a; letter in this morning's " Herald " were in- correct. • '_ The Mayor said there was no intention on the part of the Council to prevent a person taking a bucket of water from a-. stand, pipe. " When it was found that builders were taking the water for their it was objected to, and very properly. . On the motion of Councillor Morton it was resolved that the Town Clerk's explan ation was satisfactory. A letter from Mr Tread well was received,: aud referred to the Endowment Committee. ELECTION. OF MAYOR. Mr G. S. Cooper, of the Colonial Sec- 1 retary's Office, wrote from Wellington,: acknowledging the information of the elec- ■ of Mr Henry Brett as Mayor of Auckland. STREET-PREACHING. A request was received from the Rev. Mr Webb, asking for permission to preach i»' the streets. . j m A difference of opinion arose as to whether . street-preaching was or was not conducive to the well-being of the citizens. , A resolution was at length agieed to that, as the Council had no right to interfere they could not accede to the request. DEFAULTING CONTRACTORS. ~ A workman wrote asking the contractors to make up what he had been short paid for work on a City contract. It was feared that the request could not be acceded to.

\ HE 1 \ _NIN& STAR, WELVNtSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 187?





rf^IHEAP jOTATS . CHEAP HATS ! ! CHEAP CLOTHING!! A Quantity of Men's and Bny's Drab and Black Felt Hats will be offered at __f GREAT REDUCTION TO CLEAR. Also, a Parcel of CLOTHING, comprising Men's and Boy's Tweed Suits, Trousers and "Vests, &c. These Goods are slightly soiled, and will be sold REALLY CHEAP. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER AND OUTFITTER. -VTEW TTOUSE, Auckland. THE undersigned are now brin ing forward a Large Parcel of GENE AL DRAPERY, HABERDASHERY, &c, bought at considerably less than usual prices, to which they invite the attention of all requiring Good Value For Money. Corsets in great variety of quality and style, white and coloured, from 2/6 per pair Linen and Lace Goods, Cufts, Collars, and Sets, in variety Ladies' Underclothing Umbrellas and Parachutes, Silk, Zanella, S^SAlpacca, &c. Lot of Flowers at very low price, quite fresh Straw Hats, Ribbons, Gloves, &c. A Splendid Stock o£ Muslin, Lace, and Lenoe Curtains, Counterpanes, Quilts, Damask Table Cloths, Sheeting, Felt Squares Carpets, Floorcloth, China Matting, Ticks, &c. Large-size Huckaback Towels at /6 each New Fancy Dress Materials, Japanese Silks, Coloured Lustres, Black Lustres, Embossed, Striped, and Check Muslins, Prints, &c. Brown Holland, from /6_ per yard Union, Fancy Jean, and Oxford Shirtings, very cheap A Line of Superior Quality Silk Mixed Fancy Shirting, at 2/3, usual price. 3/fi per yard White and Grey Calico. Good Grey from /3 per yard Also, very large assortment of Gents' Shirts, White Longcloth, Union and All-wool Crimean, Fancy Silk Mixed Scotch Twill, Fancy Jean, Oxford, &c. Strong Tweed for Boy 3 wear A Job Line of Stout Mosgiel at below Factory prices Braces, Belts, Ties. Scarfs, Collars, Cotton and Merino Hosiery, Undershirts, &c. JL/eghorn, Tuscan, Straw, and Drill Hats, tot Boys and Men, &c, &c., &c. ia he £> allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN. Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Queen-street, j AUCKLAND.! 1



_STew Spring and Summer dress materials. -{H. ATKINS}- — Has now for Sale, CHEAP, a Splendi Assort ment of . __r NEW DRESS GOODS, "®8 suitaoie for the Spring.and Summer Seaso*. of every variety, style; quality, and texture. |%% % % Attention is respectfully invited to this Season's Shipment, which is the Largest and Best-selected e*-er shewn in the city. The Prices are also very reasonable. Also, Just Opened, MANCHESTER GOODS, CALICOES, SHEET INGS, QUILTS, BLANKETS. LONG CURTAINS, TABLE LINEN, &C. A Great Reduction has been made in the Prices of Manchester Goods, owing to the reduced List of the Home manufacturers. NEW SUMMER CLOTHING, SHIRTS, HATS, &c, Just Received. Splendid Lines in Auckland & Melbourne-made CL O T H I N G. The Largest Stock of MOSGIEL & IMPORTED _TWEEDS in Auckland to select from. i_r Tailors Supplied at Wholesale Prices GENTLEMENS ORDERS EXECUTED. A Large Lot of Cheap Tweeds for Bo.y's Wear. H. __g_ Gtkand Show OF SUMMER COSTUMES. A. LINABURY & CO. HAVE JUST OPENED UP 4-86 rjOSTUMES' Comprising— BLACK SILK COSTUMES COLOURED SILK COSTUME 3 JAPANESE SILK COSTUMES HOLLAND COSTUMES ! FRENCH BATISTE COSTUMES BRAIDED PIQUE COSTUMES FRENCH PRINT COSTUMES CAMBRIC COSTUMES BLACK SILK SKIRTS, with Body Pieces COLOURED SILK SKIRTS, with Bod Pieces - HANDSOME BRAIDED LINEN COS -1 TUMES and SKIRTS, with Bodyi Pieces to match. The above GOODS were purchased at a Heavy Discount off English Invoice, and will be offered to the Public at ENGLISH COST. [, Inspection Invited. 201 & 206, queen-street, Auckland: