SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

i nrT T t>-\t'.-r f This Afternoon, 1.7 HlGIi. iTAT£B-^ To . m * now Morning, 2 >r;X SET.—This Evening, 7.11. ■SUN' RISK.—To-morrow Mortonf?, 5.11 .MOOX'S AGE.—Full .Moon, 20th, B.IS p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Go-ahead, s.s., McGillivrry. from Gisbornc and Napier '■'-nl'U-.n [.-sle.'pchooncr, from Russell S ar u[ the South, Captain Carey, from Lcvuka.

DEPARTURES.

Rowcna, s.s.. Sellars, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES. For GbV.or;;? ani Napier—Go-ahead, s.s., Friday, 3p.m. For Tonga—Helena, brigantine, early ; StafFa. cutter, e.ir'y For rVmherst Roads— Jessie Osbornc, ship, early For the South—Hawea. p.s., 2f>th inst. Foe Gisborne and N;ipier—Go-ahead, 25th inst; Jane Donslns. early For Adelaide—Kate l?rain. brigantine, early For Sydney—City of Now York, s.s., Saturday For Hokiangu—Queen, schooner, early For London— Glenlora, barque, early; Loch Urr, barque, early For Coromandel—Argyle, s.s., Mondays and Fridays For VVangarei—Argyle. every Tuesday For Dimedin—Southern Cross, mission vessel, early For Ivaipara—Kate Brain, brigantine, early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

iI.M.P. Pcari. from Sydney: sailed lSth inst. JI.M.S. Sappho, from Sydney, early Htar of the Somh, s.s.,from Fiji,early Emily Chaplin, barque, from London, early Miss ivilr.iansefF, barque, from Port. Pirie, early fjlencoe, barque, from Tasmania, earljr Tiiurland Castle, ship, from London, early Oxford, ship, from London, early Santiago, barque, from London, early Emu, s.s.. from Fiji, early Isabella Pratt, schooner, from Oamaru, early Wave of Life, schooner, from Timaru, early

IMPORTS.

Per Star of South from Levuka: 530 sacks maize, 200 bundles bananas, 10 bags cocoanuts, ?>'■) ca-iL'S lemons, 3 bales wool.—A.S.l'. Co., Ago nls.

ARRIVAL OF THE STAR OF THE SOUTH.

The s.s. Star of the South arrived from Levuka this afternoon after an absence of 13 months. Captain Carey reports leaving on Tuesday the lfith at 5 p.m. Had the wind at S.W. for the first two days, when it sunk to a calm, lasting three days. It then came in strong from W.S.W. with a heavy sea, which continued till arrival. The Star brings a cargo of maize, &c, and the following passengers: Colonel Pratt, (Royal Engineers) Mr. Cxiithridge, Mr. Woolcott and child, and Mr. Chambers. We must con gratulate Captain Carey on the really creditable condition in which he brings hi 3 ship into port. The Star looks as well as we have ever seen her.

The brigantine Helena is likely to sail for the islands about Tuesday next. The preliminary enquiry into the stranding of the barque Glenlora on Rangitoto Reef was con cluded yesterday afternoon before H. N. Brewer Esq., of H. M. Customs, and Captain Clayton, nautical assessor. A magisterial investigation is likely to take place soon. The s.s. Rowena left for Tauranga last night full of passengers. The s.s. Go-ahead arrived from the East Coast, yesterday evening. Passengers: Mr Gee, Mr Gentle, Mr Maude. Mr Giblen, Mrs Dugleaux. She had a very rough passago from the East Capa. Captain McGillivray reports seeing the lights of several vcs?els at anchor under the Cape, and in Hick's Bay. On Tuesday, three fore-and-aft vessels were sighted, beating up fr«m the Bay. The schooner Oloscgn is now loading timber, &c, for the islands. There has boon a great rii:siip- evinced to sec thi--; curiously modelled sail in the l'.eg.ittfi, but tho prize is not large enough to make it worth the captain's while to enter.

COMMERCIAL.

?ifr!f;sr.=; Grant and Morton sold the properties to-day in ibe estate of Townshend Bros. The allotment No. 1, being land and house thereon at Canipbellville, brought £315. subject to mort goge. No. 2, consisting of 310 acres at Riverheacl, subject to mortgage, realised £tSO. The ketch Sampson, lying in Freeman's Bay, sold for £17.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, to-morrow, at 9 a.m., 9.30 a.m., and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, to-morrow, at 2.30 p.m. Far Whitianga, per Ocean, this day, at i p.m. For Gisborne and Napier, per Go-Ahead, to morrow, at 2 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Hawea, to-morrow, at 2.45 p.m. For money orders, registered lettei'3, and newspapers, at 1.45 p.m. Late letters will be received till 3.10 p.m. For Hobart Town, per Bella Mary, to-morrow, at I p.m. For Australian Colonies, per City of New York, immediately after her arrival from Kandavu. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Man gawai, Waipu, Mangapai, Wangarei. and To Arai, per Annie Milbank, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. For Tonga and Samoa, per Helena, on Saturday next, at 1 p.m. For Whitianga. 'fauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Saturday next, at 7 p.m. For Tairua, per Mana, on Wednesday next, at 11 a.m. N.B.—Monday next being a Post-ofiice holi day, IJju mails usually made up on that day will be closed on Saturday, 27th inst., at 7 p.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

SHOUT.—On the 21th instant, at her residence Queen-street, the wife of Francis J. Short, of a ;. daughter.

MARRIAGE.

WOODRUFFE. — NOONE. — At Registrar's Ottice, Auckland. He.mage Seymour, youngest son of the late John Woodrutte, Barrister-at- Law, Inner Temple, of Stackley Lodge and Burton Overy, Leicestershire, to Katie Ellen, youngest daughter of Mr J. Xoonc, Auckland.

DEATH.

MARTIN.—On the 2-ith January, at his parent's residence. Grey-street, William, only yon of Robert and Margaret Martin ; age, 7 months.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 1877

Tot tim cavsc that lacks -issisttnce. Fnr the wrontf that wxd., rcsisunce, tor the luturc in tlie detain c. And tlic ifood that we can c!o.

The accession of that benevolent and ■worthy gentleman of the long robe, Chief Justice Prcudergost, to the Now Zealand Bench, has been distinguished by one or two remarkable judicial decisions. A short time ago, his Honor, in sentencing a pri soner, startled the unhappy wight with the information that owing to accounts of had conduct •which had conic to his. knowledge, he would impose a high penalty. Informa tion of the character indicated by his Honor was not disclosed in the case, nor had the prisoner been previously convicted. The testimony which consigned him to an extra sojourn among the rocks, must, therefore, have reached the judge through, private channels, — possibly in the course of one of those missions of charity with which his honor is popularly credited, when observed, accompanied by his amiable lady, basket in hand, trot ting along Wellington by-ways under cover of night, to visit the poor. From whatever source his honor had gathered the evil report of the prisoner's general demeanour, it was an ex parte statement which the accused had never been afforded an opportunity of publicly rebutting; he may not even have been aware of its nature. To allow such influences to sway the arm of justice is ordinarily regarded as n violation of the fundamental principles of British jurispru dence, wrong in its immediate operation, and extremely dangerous as a precedent. His Honor, had, no doubt,frcquciitly warned juries against this very error. His remarks became the subject of keen press criticism, and were indirectly animadverted upon by that clever but unmanageable president of a lower court, Jndgo Ward. The Chiei Jxistice has again brought himself under review of the press by a decision upon n case heard during the January Crimlnnj Sessions. A mother and unmarried daughter, both named Louisa Smith, were charged with having thrown the dead body of the daughter's child on a hill-side at Karori, The prisoners had been committed for trial I>V the Resident Magis trate, and a 'true hill returned by the Grand Jury. When the CruT/. 11 Prosecntoi hud opened the case for the proscc^t!oll' his Honor inquired whether the Crown Prosecutor had any evidence of identity beyond that disclosed on the depositions. The Crown Prosecutor said he had no now evidence other than that which might bo elicited in the fcourse of examination. " His Honor" then, according to the re port in the " Evening Post," " thought he ought not to allow the case to go to the jury while there was insufficient evidence of identification, and that the Crown Prosecutor should not proceed with the evidence." After this expression of the judicial mind, the Crown Prosecutor said he would not call any evidence, and by direction of the Chief Justice the jury acquitted both prisoners. The objection raised by his Honor related purely to a matter of fact, strictly within the province of the jury to deal with on the evidence— which had already been duly certified by the Resident Magistrate and Grand Jury 16 sufficient to establish a prima facia case, uid warrant a trial. So far as the pro. then initiated before the judge wA jury TOt» &W wan authing Wuro

the Court upon which to base an opinion ; nothing, assuredly, to "warrant so serious a step as the discharge of the prisoners. Even the Crown Prosecutor's statement was a mere unsworn conjecture. The" evi dence" upon which the jury, in the terms of their oath, wore to "well and truly try" the prisoners, had not been eli cited. Through the judge's ruling, they were deprived of the opportunity of exercis ing their judgment on evidence, and were still called upon to lind persons accused of a serious crime not guilty. It does certainly appear from the report that in, directing the jury for an acquittal, his Honor explained the nature ot the supposed evidence of identity, but even this was an oral state ment, made in a way that gave the jury no opportunity of pronouncing a discretionary verdict. If this is law, anil judges arc war ranted in arbitrarily determining a question of fact upon the record of evidence taken in an inferior court, practically setting aside the true bill found by the grand jury, and ignoring the right of common jurors to " well and truly try and true delivery make between our Sovereign Lady the Queen and the pri soner," then jurors are an unnecessary adjunct to our system. His honor con sidered it "improper for the Crown to depend merely on evidence of which it had no knowledge." 'Ihis might be a proper objection if it were not met with the fact that a prima facia case had already been certified to by those safeguards which the law has provided for the pro tection of prisoners against false charges, but surely in this instance it was the fluty of the Crown to call the evidence <tt its command, and leave the jury to determine the guilt or innocence of the prisoners. Cases, in the very nature ot evidence, must frequently be influenced by new facts, elicited in second examinations of witnesses, and by new light thrown on previous testimony. We believe we are warranted in saying that hundreds of precedents might be adduced where the proof of innocence or guilt lias depended on new facts thus disclosed. We cannot perceive any reasonable ground why it should be otherwise. Innocence is hedged around, under English law, with safeguards innumerable, but removal from liability to trial by a jury of twelve countrymen is not yet, we believe, included among the number.

The neutrality of Germany, referred to by our cablegrams yesterday as having been the object of French suspicion, through the action of the delegate of that Power .-it the Eastern Conference, has formed the subject of an interesting and varied discussion in the British press. A piteous and humili ating appeal made by the London " Times " for the interference of Prince Bismarck to save Europe from the threatened banquet of blood called forth universal condemna tion and remonstrance, and there is a growing ~bc\ ief that the interests oijCrcrmany would be better served by war than by peace. No nation is more deeply interested in checking the growth of the Northern bear than Germany. The power of mo ambitious ;i neighbour is a constant menace, and we may well be satisfied that Prince Bismarck has no desire to see the Russian standard permanently planted on the dome of St. Sophia. We may depend that the neutrality which now forms the key of German 'action would lie changed very rapidly to one of armed intervention if Rus sian success promised an increase of the power of the vast and impenetrable Eastern Empire. But while Germany is so plainly concerned in the crippling of a nation which may at any time attempt to over run the Fatherland, as Germany over-ran France, it is equally plain that war will better serve its policy than peace. If the Muscovite chooses to expend his strength and exhaust his resources in an expedition against Turkey or England, it is not surely for the wily consolidator of German unity to say '' nay." When tho time comes the Prussian legions will bo ready, but so long as other nations choose to light Europe's battles, Germany will be neutral. The policy of Britain should not differ very widely from these sound principles. In the preservation of Turkish maladministra tion, England i>s in no wise interested. If secure in the possession of Constanti nople and Egypt as material guarantees, Britian might calmly join Germany In a no]icy of armed neutrality, and await with indifference the issue of {lie liussian in vasion.

It will be seen by reference to a Wellington telegram published in another column, that the extreme penalty of the law is to lie carried out on Martin Curtin, now lying in Mount Eden gaol, under sentence <i death for the murder of Dennis Shamighan. Woodgute was hanged this morning at Picton. At the St. Alban's House at a missionary meeting in connection with the \V'o.-loyan Conference at Ciiri&tchnrch, the liev. Mr. Fitchctt of " evolution " notoriety, wjijj well received, and made an eloquent and effective speech. The stations were pro posed, and the changes are :—Napier, Mr. Sinimonds ; Christchurch, Mr. Smalley; Rangitika, Mr. Cannell; Springston, Mr. Berry, All the students remain another year at the Institute, The London correspondent of the " MeL bourne Argus," writes : —" A gentleman with whom I was dining the other day said a friend of his had had the misfortune or imprudence to many a lady who was a medium, and that it was the plague of his life. Go where they would, all kinds of sounds and strange sights followed them ; any house they took became unendurable after a few months ; the lady was passive in the matter, and could not help what occur red in her presence ; their peace was ruined, and their only comfort was that as the years went on this force seemed to decline, giving hope that it might in the end wear itself out,"

A correspondent who signs " Pater familias" writes to the (( Canterbury Pres.s" that females out after dark in that city are constantly insulted by men. At a recent meeting of the Presbyterian Synod of Otago, a debate took place on the report of the Temperance Committee of the Synod of Otago and Southland. Tlifl report stated that there were 479 public-houses in Otago, or one to every 187 inhabitants. It estimated the animal expenditure in New /Seajiiud on imported intoxicating liquors at £1,800,000, and on beers made in the colony at £120,000, 'PJio report recommended that licenses for the sale of liquor at races and sports should be stopped • that legislation should be directed to limiting the nuiuber of licenses to a certain ratio of population ; that efforts should be made to do away with the bar trade in hotels ; that ministers and members be recommended to discountenance the i. ' °^ intoxicating drinks, and that sermons slioiu'J be delivered to. advocate Temperance. Seven,, "leisters spoke of the obstruction which inteuvperail-jC <;n llsed to ministerial success. Professor Salmoilci took exception to the term ''Temperance Report," and suggested that " Total Absti nence" would be more appropriate. The Rev. Stobo pointed out that four-Jifths of the ministers of the church were abstainers. A Mr Jamea Adam, however, astonished the Synod by stating that his father, who drank Scotch whiskey every day of his lite, and who enjoyed the best of health up to the last, lived to the ripe age of Stf. Notwith standing this, the report was adopted. The Native Land Court at Cambridge is engaged in investigating claims to the Mangawhero block, of 8,000 acres, situate ! in the Matamata district, and occupied for some time by Mr G Walker. It is now clamed by tho Ngatihinerangi, and Ngatiraukawa, the counter claimants being I the Njjatihana. There are nearly 500 | natives attending the sitting of the Court, ■

Mr A. Buckland's Sheep Fair was con tinued yesterday. There was a large attendance, and the bidding was very brisk for the superior animals. A ram belonging to Mr -James Dihvorth, purchased last year from the importer, Mr Melville Smith, brought 32 guineas. Some very fine animals penned by Mr R. J. Middleton, brought 25-J and 20 guineas, and two of Messrs IL and E. McLean's rams were sold for 23 guineas each. Tavo sheep from the Hock of Major Jackson, and Mr T. Russell, at Rangiaohia realised 23 and 21 guineas. These latter gentlemen, some time ago imported several very fine sheep from England, which will produce very great improvement in Waikato ilocks. Some highly admired sheep of Mr James Wallace were sold at 10 guineas, and some from the flock of Mr McNicholl, at 12 guineas.

The bands of the Artillery and Engineers sent a thrill of merriment through the city last evening, as the Companies marched through the streets. The members of the Artillery mustered strongly, under command of Captain Burns, assisted by Lieuts. Payne and Home ; the Engineers under Lieuts. Kitchen and Saunders ; the Navals, under Captain Le Hoy, and Lieut. Chapman, and the Victorias, under Lieut Mahon, and Sub- Lieut. Skinner, numbering in all 222. Tlte parades of the Companies under the general supcrintendanco of Major Gordon, were very satisfactory. The men looked "well, and exhibited a good deal of spirit in the performance of their various exercises. Ammunition was .served out to the Artillery men, in order that the members might be prepared to tako part in the class firing for marksmen's badges, The No. 3. Company, under Captain Morrow, will undergo their monthly inspection this evening.

Twelve quack doctors have been fined in various penalties, ranging from £5 to £1">, at Manchester, for falsely styling them selves medical men.

The Suez mail brings news of a meeting of 10,000 people in (llosucvin cemetery, Dublin, to commemorate the execution of the " Manchester martyrs." Prayers were said, and the graves of other Fenians were visited, the crowd dispersing quietly.

Captain Earnest- .Scott Jervis, formerly on the Staff in India, has been charged with fraud and misrepresentation in connection with large mining transactions, and the purchase of Wcnvoe Castle for £105,000. The jury have been unable to agree at one trial. He is to be tried again.

The ringing of the shareholders bell yesterday in the Insurance Buildings, being the first meeting of the new year, caused quite a stir among gentlemen interested in the share market, and when the meeting was over, much curiosity was evinced as to the first report of this year of grace which appeared in our last issue. Several attempts at rhyme were made, and among the rest the following extempore effusion :—■

The Broker's bell rintrs out acrain. And Hope Bounds in its healthful strain; And ehnscs Winter's lingering frown, While: .shares go up, and miners down.

Tn the estate of H. P. Hayward, a bank rupt, the liabilities were set down at £37, ami the assets at £">2. Mr Thomas MacdUr lancl was appointed trustee to the estate.

A Dunedin telegram states that cadi man <»f ihf: All-Enjilar.il Eleven is to receive £200, a first-class passage out and Home, ;i share in two benefit matches, and a twelfth part of 2~> per cent, of the net profits arising from the speculation. They arc expected to return to Kugland about tlje middle of Slav next.

At Port Chalmers 500 girls visited the Dayspring in one day. and were each pre sented with a cocoannt. This ought to bring in the pennies.

Them is a Chinnman in Ofago who lias been three times son! diced to si\- month's for vayrancv, and the "fluardinn" suggests tliat tli'> cheapest plvn would be to send him back tn tlie Flowcrv Laud.

In Kngl.uid, a soldier nainod Jen-old, lias been sentenced to nine months' imprison ment for stealing a watch from the Rev .John Walter Robinson, an Irish clergyman. The soldier preferred a criminal charge against the clergyman, who was tried find acquitted. A similar charge by another person against Mr Robinson also resulted in his acquittal ; but on his being dis charged lie was re-arrested nnder'a Notting ham warrant for an alleged similar ofllonoo til. TO.

Wr invito the attention of tlin industrial com* niunity of Auckland and if.s Rurroiindinsjfl to l.hn forthcoming Uorlicuitiiral Rxhibition, to bo held in 1111• Tprnporatiee Un.fl, Albert-street, on Wed nfH'lav the 7tb of Fobrun,rv. A few eiiiz<">n.-;. with Mr David Gnldte nnrl Mr Groan, have ]nn;' entertained a desire m foster and encnuraxn tho cultivation of taste fm- the improvement of tlu» homos and gardens of workincr men. and with this end in view they have projected t)ii.=, their second exhibition. Oariyle oxnressed his belief that the man who ratifies a blade to grow where none srrow before. Is a benefactor to humanity : and .an old country parson used to say, "whnn T want to know the rtfinr.i'-.t'"'of a inftn, look nt his car 'on. Industry ani T^mpcranrc tro li;ind in bn.n<"l, nnd when atinnrnian b^'wn"? a sobp.t' mnn. hn iilinost. invn.fjnbly Incomes thoughtful atifl i)i'iir-if"'-'ous." I'pootr!vs>i»ift t'he^e fners Mr Goldie ami tiis 60-workei'a have dcternilnod by siinnlo and laudable moans to stimulate Mio working beca of society to thn achievement of pleasant victories in the fields of 7iatnrc and providence, by shewingl to tho world what p^r^evcraneo and care can dn in these remote isle.1* of the ocean. Intend in;; competitors ran be simplied with the rules, conditions, and prizes by applying to Mr. Goldie, who af,t«nt ?honorn.r\'apcretary tot.heEvhibit(Mn, Wo notice thai fcjshiMfww iiiHSt. be ineclianies or ariizans : 1.1i0.t plants mnst be prrown in pots, and that, a fnii* sobedulc of prizes for flowers, veget ables, Oil t flowers, hand bouquets, and collections of vegetables and fruits, lias been prepared. A pri/.e of £2. 2s. will be given for the best kept vegetable, garden, and other prizes in order. We are informed that, a number of gentlemen will exhibit, flowers, fruit?,, and vesret,ab,lc.s. not for eompetion, but to let working me.Ti wee how much and howbonntifnlly Nature can be made to provide for her children in this colony. We hope that the generous exertions of the promoters will meet a due response, so that they will not. be left with a debit balance to liquidate as on the previous occasion.

A canary fancier writes: Sir,—"Will some of your many roarlnrF, In thn habHJof rearing bir^s, and particularly canaries, kindly inform ;ne through the medium of your journal, the cause anrl remedy (if them i* one) for a dissas ■■> by which I have lost many youmr and ralua'hln birds. The symptoms arc as follows : thft bird neoomes listless, unwiljinj? to itjovo a],out. (he feathers stand up, that Is to say they do not lay close to the. body, the whips droop, little inclina tion for food, and sits innpin-.: on the perch like a round ball, until it falls down dead. There arc. no doubt, many like myself who would be glad to be informed of a remedy for this very fatal disease— l am, &c, A Subscriber. The most beautiful and elaborate faligraphic production that we have yet seen is undoubtedly the " Chronological Tree of Now Zealand," from the graphicipen of Mr .TamesMcKain Meek, which may be seen at Mr Schmidt's, the lithographer, of Vulcan Lane. The work is a marvel of skill, taste, and patient industry, and occupied the author nearly six months to complete ;in truth, the tree is scarcely yet completed. The historic picture, fo.r such it is, measures 6ft. Gin. by 4ft. bin., an'dforiijsan entire history of New Zealand from the earliest known period, with an account of its discovery by Captain Gqqk ; interspersed with vignette pictures of the provinces, encircled accounts of natural resources, interesting bits of local history, statistics, population. New Zea land Governors. Superintendents, legislators, &c, &c, with dates affixed up to the present time. The work is appropriately dedicated to the Hon. Frederick whitaker, ths Attorney- General, and abounds in useful and necessary ' ■*~rmation. Among other lists of events, we jih.*.. --t-.icularly a comprehensive list of noticed i*~. -"'ue, siven by New Zealand articles and then- ~- '•> "^ ] an d, extending agents to the native cniei. *.— -*i> latitude from the 38t,h to the 13rd degree of 5m.,.. - •, on the West Coast, and from the list to Ul3 «»ru degree of latitude on the East Coast. The record is curious, and will be of value to the future historian of this colony. The list includes soap, susrar, blankets, spades, axes, adzes, tonanoo, pipes, fish-hooks, bullet moulds, razors, comb 3, few's-harps, etc., with their stated prices, ! amounting to several thousand pounds. 'Ine | trunk of the tree contains every event or , historic interest from the year IG|2 to tne i period of the death of John Williamson, and the murder of the young man, Packer, at Epspm. in January of last year. We have not been able to test the accuracy of all the dates of this chronological tree, but as far as we could ascertain they appear truthful. We learn that if sufficiently patronised Mr Meek intends to take his remarkable tree to England, and exhibit and familiarly explain it to audiences in London and provincial cities and towns, where it will be adraired and bcay fruit, ft jvjr MeeU'a tasts a^d, satisfaction, i

An aggravating misfortune befel a young gentleman while bathing at Cobley's Beach yesterday. He had hung his trousers on a, bush, and while in the water some person or person's abstracted the same. On get ting ashore he was distressed beyond measure to know what to do for want of his nether garment. To a Maori or Hotten tot, the want of a pair of trousers would not be felt as being any particular calamity, while such a thing as a shirt was at hand, but to a respectable young Englishman, the position was torture* As he was with a picnic party among which were ladies—he was fortunate in having "woman's wit" to help him through his difficulty. This was done with the aid of a shawl, which he wound round his mortal stilts, and made for home. Whoever stole the trousers, is requested to take them to the young gent's father, and he will be suitably rewarded.

A meeting of the ratepayers of the Arch Hill Highway District is convened for to-morrow evening at eight o'clock.

Among the passengers by the Star of the South which arrived to-day, will be seen the name of Colonel Pratt* This olliciM' is it command of the Royal Engineers at Fiji. He is a son of the Major General Pratt, who was formerly commander of the troops in the Taranaki War in 1860-1. He comes to Auckland to recruit his health, which has been impaired by the hot climate of Fiji.

An accident which might have resulted in serious consequences occurred in the harbor thi=s morning. The now sailing boat Pipi, built by J. W. Carr and son, capsized while taking a cruise. Tiie acci dent occurred through the centre board grounding on the sand bank off Freeman's Bay. A boat was dispatched from the French barque Mizapore, and rescued the Messrs Carr junior, from their uncomforta ble position. The boat was afterwards towed to the shed.

The walking match which took place on Tuesday evening between Mr. T. Williams of the Breakwater .Saw Mill, and Mr. Taylor, was merely a friendly contest, a few shillings only changing hands, and not a large sum of money as was reported. The walk was to Onehimga and back, and was accomplished in live minutes under the two hours. The fare of an inmates of the Duncdin Hospital is by no means luxurious. A patient in a letter to one of the local papers states that he had tea and dry bread for breakfast and tea, and beef and dry bread for dinner, v, itliout vegetables. The editor wants to know what becomes of the suc culent cabbages, and cool tempting looking lettuces in the hospital garden.

A Presbyterian anti-organist writes to the " Guardian" suggesting that those who advocate church music should advertise for an organ, warranted " to praise, pray, and preach." The " Guardian" takes him to task, and shews that those praises can only be rendered l>y sentient beings ; organs are useful in sustaining and assisting the human voice;, and in moving the aesthetic feelings of the singers, and so increasing the devo tional emotions. A telegram lias been received from Mr .James Mackay, who went to the Waikato to arrange disputed native claims to the To Aroha block, starting that his negocia tions are proceeding with every prospect of success. The " Hobart Town Mercury " states that fresh salmon {is being sold in that city at 6(1 per ll>. One Jishennan caught sixteen salmon in a night by a single net. Some of the lish weighed lulb.s each. This is most complete and conclusive proof of the suc cess of the attempt to acclimatise this prince of fishes in Australian waters. This evening', at 7 o'clock, there will be a special service at St. Paul's Church. The day is marked in the calendar a.-s the festival of the conversion of St. Paul, and is consequently tho Anniversary Day of the t 'athcdyal Church. We hope that tin1- parishioners and adherents of St. I'auls will ni'Uiter in force to celebrate the anni versary of thii dedication of the old church. The ollerlory will be in aid of defraying the balance of debt, due on the recent improve ments. This morning a boat with two men ca;»sizccl near the gas works without drownin^-either of them. On Tuesday, at midnight, sumo of the inhabi tants of Newmarket were, aroused by cries of murder. It appears that gome man. no dqunt a bachelor, had, during the evenJßg1, bought a tine. piec-3 of meat from Air. Kilgoiir, the celebrated Acshcr of the district, and having bought some thing else, which on drinking nmd« him tight, he sat down in the road on the top of his meat, and with his back against a telegraph pole, went. to sleep. A number of dogs got round him and bejran to sniff at tlic meat, and also to snap at it, and ut each nthcr, In tho courso of the. ({iMU'wlling ami Uigjjin.u; at the. ioint which ensued, one of ihe aninuils in mistake took hold of the mm at a portion of his anatomy near to the meat. The result was, according to our informant, that the innn thought lie was being devoured, and cried out "murder."

A Savage Lunatic

A very dangerous lunatic? was t;o.nt to the Asylum this morning. Hu is a native named T"'A°!ii"tiiii, v.iio >vas Immght down from the Waii-oa (Kaipara) by the Minnie Casey yesterday. The man presented a very wild appearance in the guard-room this morning, his forehead being bound round with a handkerchief whicli scarcely coveredagaping wound over liis left eye, and his wflsta which were secured with, h.and.cufts being lacerated, and, in soiii'o" places quite raw. iii 3is a tall'powerful follow with a restless eye, and a most forbidding expression of countenance. He was remanded to Auck land for medical examination, from the E.M. Court at To Knpuru, where he-was brought before J. A. Walker Esq. J.P., on the 20th in.st. The depositions'^ James J(oan, a. jfumcligger, ' and Tanua a Maori Chief, were put in evidence. From these it appears that the unfortu nate man is a son of a Maori chief, and has been long looked upon as a very violent character. Of late his conduct has been much worse, and on the 18th he went to the gumdiggers' camp at Tikinai and brandished an open knife, threatening to rip them open. After some trouble he was .surrounded and captured, and the knife got from ]\hn, but in the evening he came back with a gum spear,-and threatened to kill the lot of them. Kean knocked him down, (inflicting the wound over the eye), and sent for the chict Tanua, who came and assisted them to bring the prisoner to Te Koymvu. The Maori chief stated before Mr Walker that Tokomohite had threatened to shoot seve ral people, and that the natives were afraid of their lives if he was not confined. Constable Gannon, who brought the native from Te Kopuru, had a great deal of trouble to get him to Auckland. The lacerated condition of his wrists was caused by his struggles when hound with flax by tl\o natives.

WAIUKU.

DEPARTURE OF NATIVES FOR KING COUNTRY.

(PER STAR CARRIER PIGEON). This day. A LARGE number of natives a.re leaving J^ere for the King country. They are a fieotfoil of the Ngatihaua, and are closely related to the leading adherents of Tawhiao. For some years past the idea of removing to the King country has been discussed, and a few families have gone thither, but it was not until lately that any general movement in that direction was decided upon, Tije departing natives leave bphind a considerable area of lands, which haye be«n passed throxigh tho Native Lands Court, and for which Crown Qrants have been issued. Thesclands will in all probability bo leased to Europeans, so that the natives will leave behind them a, sub> stantial guamnt.eq frf ttwfr |«tUTB £QOd

Interesting Lawsuit.

J. 3ff. Shera v ?i. HcAxtJrar and Co.

\ SPECIAL sitting of the Supreme Court "in Banco" will be held before His Honor .judge Gillies to-morrow, when a suit of considerable importance will be tried. Mr J. M. Shera, late of the firm ot McArthur, Shera, & Co., is moving for an injunction against the present firm of W m. McArthur & Co., restraining them from trading in their own benelit until the articles of co-partnership formerly existing between Mr J. M. Shera and the other members of the firm of McArthur, Shera, and Co., are satisfied. Mr Shera will be represented in Court by the Hon. Mr \\ hl taker and Mr Alexander, while on tho other side Mr Recs will appear, instructed by Messrs Russell and Devore.

INQUESTS.

An inquest was held yesterday after noon, at the Old Men's Refuge, before Dr Goldsbro' coroner, on the body of Thomas Sharpley, who died in consequence of injuries received on the previous day by the overturning of Mr Crowe's bread-cart in Grey-street. Elizabeth Hayiics saw the accident : the horse was going at a furious pace, and as deceased was doing his utmost to control the animal, he fell beneath the carl. Dr Purchas deposed to the injuries, and Dr Philson stated that death was caused by injury to the brain, the result of the sudden shock to tho sys tem. George Bowring, violinist, witnessed the accident ; and Philip Crowe, baker, spoke of deceased as a steady, trustworthy man, who had been a total abstainer for many years. The jury returned a verdict of " accidental death."

An inquest was held yesterday at Tua kau, before Captain Jackson, on the body of Reginald Alexander Taylor, son of Mr Taylor of Auckland, who was drowned near the Railway Station, Tuakau. The evidence of Messrs Perry, List, and Grant having been given, Mr Taylor stated that his son was on a visit to Mr Perry, and thought of staying with him. It was con sidered that the lad had lost his life while bathing. His body was discovered by Mr C. Walker. The result of the inquest was " Found drowned."

The Dunedin Will Case.

FURTIIER COMPLICATIONS. [BY TELEGRAPH.] DUNEDIN, this day.

Thf, case of Robertson v. Ross gets more complicated and interesting as it proceeds. Yesterday, William Christie, clork in the Registrar of Deeds office, deposed to happening to be a customer of Macfarlanc's, where Ross was working. The Litter got him to sec if a deed he handed in was rcgisterable, and finding it was, lie regis tered it. The latter finding all Robertson's family searching for it. lie became suspicious, and got Ross to give him an acknowledge ment that he had nothing to do with its execution.

Mr Alexander Inglis, draper, another of Mr Robertson's sons-in-law, said that under promise of secrecy until Robertson was dead, Ross told him he had cut out old Mag, meaning Mrs Robertson, leaving her without a penny. ' That he had persuaded Robertson his boundaries were wrong, and so got all hi.-, papers ; that, afterwards, he wont to Stamper, tiic lawyer, and told him to convey the property to his brother, and got him to draw up a deed, which he (Ross) copied for himself. Seeing the great in justice done the rest of the family, and IJoss refusing to make the deed to carry out his expressed willingness to share alike, the witness (Inglis) considered himself absolved from silence. He admitted that the family were prepared to spend a thousand pounds to defend Ross.

CABLEGRAMS.

AUSTRALIAN.

[Press Agency.]

SYDNEY, this day. CHINESE FOR BRISBANE. Sailed : Koturua. About ")00 Chinese are aboard the Torres Mail steamer, for Brisbane. All the passengers were subjected to a rigid ex amination by the Health Officer. MELBOURNE,, this day. The Pride of the Hills is the favourite for tiie Geclong Cup.

ITALIAN SETTLEMENT AT BRISBANE.

SYDNEY, January 2-Jk ,Vn Italian nobleman named Count Fran cesco arrived at Brisbane, with forty of his countrymen, to purchase a largo area of land to acclimatise the products of Southern Europe. The Torrc.i' Straits mail bus arrived nr Cooktown. MKi.noiJtXK. January 24. Mr Elder, jeweller, bns nailed a meeting of his creditors : the liabilities .-ire set down at £7000, and the assets at £4000.

SPORTING NOTES.

Tx the published list of nominations for the Papakiua Hurdle Ivace, tho name of Major Lusk's hick g, Charcoal, aged, was omitted. The following are announced toiciay > — Handicap HnmiE Race, of 30 soys. second horse to receive 10 rovs. from the stakes. ' Mr A. E. Irwin's ch.g. Isleraan, a.v" 12" Mr M. Edgars b.pr. The Don, a. ' 11 m Major Lusks blk ff . Charcoal, a. 11 n Gladstone, a.' 10 8 Mr 1 lios. Stephen sgra, y hanirock, oyrs 10 5 A 7 1' T~i —^~, —T C*-F- ockie, aged .. 9 10 m I \? V- s clv"- Louis dOrr, a. 0 10 Mr R. Peacock's ch.g. Lottery, -lyrs. 9 5 ArA^e^l an,? es f? r p APAKURA Handicap : Mr \V -Walters br.c. Isaac Walton lyrs 8 10 Mr -T. A Campbeir S br.g. Derby, oyrs.. 7 W Mr \V . Walters Hippocampus, 3yr ? .7 10 We have received, from tiic Secretary of the Racing Club lists of the. nominations tor the Derby of JS79, and for the Mares' Produce Stakes of 1879 and 1881. In the first-named race appear the names of six teen horses. Two are named by Mr A Buckland two by Mr Owen McGee, two by Mr S. C. Caulton, two by Mr James Watt, and one each by Messrs Richard J laylor, James Day, Henry Peetfield IJaryey, Charles Nicholls, C. B. Edwards Captain Walmesley, and Major Jackson | bieclmure is tlie sire in no less than eight instances. There are eighteen nominations lor the Marcs' Produce Stakes 1879 Of these four are sent by Mr Delamain, three by Mr Redwood, two by Mr Owen McGee two by Mr Webb, and one each by the following: Messrs James Watt, Robert Farmer, H. Peetfield, —Harvey, and Captain Walmsjey. For the Mares' Pro duce Stakes of ISSI there are twenty-nine nominations. Four from Mr. W. Walters three from Captain Walmesley, three ma £ ivaT S Watt ' **° from Mr A. Buckland, two from T. and S Owen McGee, two from C, B. Edwards two frqw^S O, OauMon, and ona each from Messrs 1{ H 31 Fergnsson, W. Bobbett, Henry Poethcld, Harvey, X, Heatt Edward Perkins, W. L. Mailyn. In eS

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Dr. Home and J. Willcox E«?n Justices.) "'i THEEE BLIND DRUNKS. Hugh Culshaw, Samuel Weston *„* Catherine Regan, all old offenders \™! punished for being drunk. ' re A LITTLE LIMB. Joseph Williams, a cheeky little f e u n » 12 years old, was sent to the Naval Train ing School for 2h years at the reqnestnf his father, who said he had no control ovp the lad. er AN UNRULY MATE. Henry Campbell, mate of the school, Daphne, was charged with behavin^ in riotous manner on board the vessel day, and with using abusive lan<nri»? t Captain Wright. ° °c n Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Captain Rogers was sworn, and deposed that prisoner came on board yesterday in state of intoxication. He was very- abusive and when spoken to called witness very iilthy names. lie then sent for a constable Constable Tatton deposed that he Va l called upon to go on board the schooner Daphne. He there found the mate in a state of drunkenness. He heard the captain order him to go out, and he refused. \\*it ness then took him into custody. 110 -was then very violent and tried to upset witness and it was only with the assistance of some of the crcv, that he was able to get the handcutts on.

Captain Rogers said he did not wish to deal hard with Ilio man ; he should be satisfied if the Court would order prisoner to pay the costs out ot his pay, and clear out altogether. Sub-Inspector Pardy strongly objected to this course. The police had been called upon, and had suffered violence in render ing assistance, and now the prisoner was to be let off scot free. The Bench ordered the prisoner to pay the costs, and take his pay and clear out A DUSKY LUNATIC. Tokomohiti, a Maori from the Northern Wairoa, was committed to the Asylum on the sworn testimony of Dr Elli s and Dr Lee that he is insane. The accused had been very violent in the neighbourhood where he was living, and was in the habit of threatening or using violence "whenever irritated in the slighest degree. Tokom ohiti's arms were deeply scarred where he had been bound with tlax. This was all the business.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT. —This day.

(Before R. C. Barstow Esq., RM.) The business of this Court appeared to be on the increase this morning, ;uid con siderable animation -was manifested W numbers present, especially by the ladies. JUDGMENTS FOR PLAINTIFFS. Alexander Mackio v. John Mullally— Claim, £6 13s 6cl, work and. material, (Mr George for plaintiff), costs £1 19s; Daaiel Allen v. John Faulkner—Claim, £7Ss2d, judgment for £5 Is lOd, costs, £1 14$; William Hodge v. John Jeffrey (Mr George for plaintiff), at £1 per week; George Evitt v. W. Campbell—Claim, £3 11s, goods, costs 14s. Cox v. Watts.—Claim, £4. The plaintiff, Edward Cox, or Freeman's Bay, claimed of Susan Watts the above sum of £i, for, finding shelter and food in the year 1575. She had paid a portion of the debt, but had treated the balance with indifference. Susan Watts was called, but did not answer. Judgment for plaintiff; costs 145., Richard Dickson v. Auckland Harbour Board.—Claim £16' 16's. Mr Rees appeared for jilaintiff and Mr Hesketh for defendant. Mr Hesketh said that as Mr Brett vas absent, it was impossible for him to go on. with the case. His Worship said lie was in hopes this matter would have been. settled by arbitration. Mr Rees said he thought there was no possibility of this being done. It was finally resolved to adjourn the Court for a week for the appearance of Mr Brett ; defendants to pay costs of adjournment, £1 6s.

Annie Coxlicad v. Hugh Ferguson;— Claim, £40. In this case Mr Thome ap peared for plaintiff, and Mr Dtifaur for defendant. The claim was on the sale of a.' number of bullocks, and a set off was put in, which was partly admitted. Annifr Coxhead deposed that she Avas a widow,.re siding iii Union-street. In July last she; j owned four bullocks which Mr Fergusont j received from her, and for which lie airecdt ■ to give £10 each, but no time of payment j was stated. He bought the bullocks for himself, and said nothing about sale on commission. He had paid a portion in goods, but several of the items in his set off were fictitious. He did s-ome repairing, she believed, but ■without her consent. j Other things charged for, lie brought to her j by his boat us ;v friend, but it he insisted ; : I she would pay if. iJu sold her bullocks to .. natives. Cross-extimiuud l>y Mr Dufaur: The natives at one time threatened to takfr her bullocks, but not of late. She did not let Captain Ferguson on trust; she be lieved Charles Witley did pay court to her daughter. Mr Thorne objected to love stories being introduced into Court; tl* \ loves of Charles and Miss Coxh:al were j not relevant to the case. Mr Dufaur' : wished to shew that " thereon hangs a I tale." Bis Worship thought tlio lovft j story should be reserved for a romance, and jit was not told. Micheal Heath, of Union j street, deposed that Mrs. Coxhead was s. I tenant of his ; she was getting behind, and ! told him that Mr. Ferguson owed her for the bullocks. He saw Mr. Ferguson, who told him not to press the widow, as he would see that the vent Avas paid. Cathe rine Heath, wife of the preceding, corrobo rated. Hugh Ferguson deposed that he was a master mariner, residing in Cook street, and that, at the plaintilFs rosiest, he took the bullocks on trust, <'is s^e feared the natives. He let onfc the bullocks to Mr Smith and others, and plaintiff hid received the rents. She arranged to sell the bullocks to Mr Young for £3o *, half cash do.y.n, but the sale was not ofiected, as the natives told Young that they would not allow them to run on theiv ground. He: next had an offer for £40; from a native, and a certain amount was to be paid down, and the balance %fr £10 a month. She con sented, and U.o paid her the deposit of £71054 d which. V received. He sued the native for the balance, and got judgment against him; h,e repaired her piimp on the promise that he should have the nse of it; she immediately sold the pump, and he claimed for his work, also freight for goods. Cross-examined by Mr Thorne. Charles Witley, of (>maha, said that Messrs Coxhead told iiim that she had handed the bullocks over to Mr Ferguson on trust, but did not remember the date.—Counsel having addressed the Court, His Worship looked carefully over the statements, and gave judgment for plaintiff for £22 11s sd, costs . £5 7s, leaving defendant to see for moneys alleged to have l^on paid to plaintiff IB the set off, but which payments were not pro-red in the evidence before the Court. Adjourned.—Auckland City Council *4 Win. Moyle : Claim, £5, city rates; ?< McTavish v. Win. Simmon, to take evi< deuce; Wm. Oliver y. Ryan and Bell: Claim, £14 7s Bd. Wm. Burns v. Thomas Dalton.—Clain* £10. Geo. W. Simpson, v. Thorns Dalton.^ Claim £8 12s 6d. Mr Thome for plaiutitt, and Mr Rees for defendant. The claims were for balances of wages for work done j the defence was not indebted. Wilhani hums deposed that he was a builder, and Mr Dalton was contractor for the building of Mr Lewisson's villa at Ponsonby. He oonxmenoed work on the 20th of Npv, M¥ Dalton called upon him, but notbiflp was said about wages. He went to *«*•■•": according to defe.iclant'a instruct \<m. ,#§ , wfe«* v top M, @» pw faft at

THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 1877.



"IV ° T I C E DRAPERY GOODS, NEW AND CHEAP !! The undersigned have Purchased -it Auction a LARGE LOT of NEW DRAPERY GOODS, ■■list landed ex City of Auckland, the whole or which having been bought at much under the usual Warehouse Rates, they can afford to offer to their Customers at Very Low Prices. The Parcel comprises :— Grey Calico, various qualities, from /3id yard Strong White Calico at /I yard, or 3/10 doz. 72-in. Grey Sheeting, 1/ yard, good quality 72-in. & 80-in. White Twill Sheeting 72-in., 80-in. & 90-in. Croydon Sheeting, 1/6 yard Huckaback Towels, good, /6 each, 5/9 doz. White and Unbleacned Damask and Damask Table Cloths, from 2/6 9/1,10,1 & 11/1 Alhambra Quilts, good qualities, 3/11 Rough Brown Holland, from /C yard Half-dressed ditto, superior quality, very cheap at /10i and 1/ Black Lustre, and superior quality Black Bril liantine Lustres New Prints, good patterns, at /4J, /SJ, and /6, very cheap Harvard Shirting, good quality, 111 yard Fine Irish Linen, Tot of Remnants, a bargain, from 1/4 yard Gents' Br. Cotton Tlalf-ho.se do. fit merino feet Grey and Fancy Striped Merino Kalf-hose, and other goods too numerous to mention. All Purchasers of Drapery and Clothing should inspect our Stock, and prove that although not skllixg off, we are giving full value fok JIOXEY. eST One Shilling in the & returned on all pur chases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Upper Quken-stbeet, Auckland.



X COSGHAVE &CO Beg to announce they will bring forward A Fresh Lot of BA It G A I NS!!! Consisting of lIEIR^ LATE SHIPMENT BY THE ORARI, Purchased at Home at Job Prices, together with the whole of their ►SUMMER DRAPERY & CLOTHING, REDUCED TX PRICE TO SUIT THE TIMES! Several Bales of CALICO, damaged by sea water, will be Sold tinder Invoice Price.



YpURXHURE! FURNITURE! Ladies and Gentlemen about to Furnish are respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stack of DRA WIN a■ R 0 OK, DINING -ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacions Showrooms. T. <& STCOOKJS, 67, QUBE&STRBBT



TTOTICE OF REMOVAL. H. A TKIXS BEGS TO ANNOUNCE THAT HE as- H A S REMOVEDM-ea TO THE Pjremises Next Door Below his Old Shop. H. ATKINS Begs to heartily thank his numerous Cus tomers for their very liberal patronage from his lirst commencing business up to the present time, and to assure them that although his trade has increased to that extent, that his REMOVAL to more Commodious Premises was a neces sity, the same principles of business will still bo adhered to : viz., keeping a good article, buying in the cheapest market, and selling at the smallest prolit possible. His Xew Shop shall always be known as The Cheapest ix Auckland. H.A. will be happy to sec all his old Customers, and as many now ones as may honour him with their patronage. A SPLENDID STOCK



DRAPERY AND CLOTHING "Will always be found, and the PRICES THE LOWEST IN AUCKLAND ! H. ATKINS.



mi-lOKNTON, SMITH, AND FIRTH'S X PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale). Sacks. 1001b. 501b. bags. bags. Fine Flour, silk- £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. dressed Crown Brand 16 0 0 16 10 0 17 0 0 Fine Flour, silk dressed, T. S. & F. Brand 15 0 0 15 10 0 16 0 0 Seconds 12 10 0 Sharps 8 10 0 Bran 6 0 0 Wheat 0 i 6 to 5a The above prices include sacks and bags, sacks and bags not returnable. Auckland, January 25, 1577. TWf O T I C ~'E. The BANKS will be CLOSED on MONDAY 29th (Regatta Day), and.at 12 noon on TUESDAY 30th January.



Beware of Counterfeits of the time honoured and standard medicinal beverage. Udoi.i'iio Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, contained in bottles which formerly held the true elixir. It is hoped that an ex posure of this infamy may put the public on its guard against these disguised poisons, which are nothing but the vilest spirits with an ad mixture of some heap and hurtful drug.