SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

,ri-nnMTrn i This Afternoon, 8.47 Klvrtt >> -i.iiiiU— - ( rp Q _ rnOITOW Morning, 9.3 SUN SET.—This Eveninir. 5.32 SUN RISK.—To-morrow Morning. G.:->0 MOON'S AGE.—New Moon, Sept. Bth, 0.39 a.m

ARRIVALS.

City of Sydney. R.M.S., Dearborn, from Sydney

DEPARTURES.

City of Sydney. It. M.S., Dearborn,for San Fran cisco, via Honolulu lona. s,s . Favquhar. for Russell and the Norm Ai'Kyle. s.s., otephenson. for Wangarci Elsinore, schooner, for Russell Wild Duck, ketch, for Waitara-jurom Manukau)

IMPORTS.

Per City of Sydney from Sydney :—2lo_basrs banodu^ti .'5 cases periodicals, 70 do. axes. 5 tons rock salt, 32 packages merchandise, 1 root pulper, 125 cases fruit, i9S packages freight |for 'Frisco.—Owen and Graham, agents. Per City of Sydney.—l case artificial flowers. —E. and H. Isaacs.'

oARRIVAL OF THE CITY OF SYDNEY.

The i: M. s. City of Sydney arrived from Sydney this morning at daybreak, after one or the most rapid passages over made, the run from Sydney Heads having- occupied, qn.y i days, 12.- days actual time. The Louowmr? is the captain's memorandum of the voyage, kindly supplied, us by the Purser, Mr rfoward. to whom we are also indebted for latest Sydney riles :---Cioarerl Sydney Head- August. 21th, at 3.15 p.m. Passed thy Thive Iliw^s August :13th at 10!3) a.m Received pilot at Auckland August 2flth at 5.45 a.m. Arrived in harbour 6.30 a.m. Have had fine, and o.:ilm weather all the way. List of passengers: For Auckland-Mr and Mrs Fit /weal worth, 2 children and servant, Miss Hill F. 11. Memertzbagen, L. Frost. L. A. Lavy. Harkor, K. Q-. Lukcus and. wif». Misses Andrew (2). Miss Henderson. Miss Daly Chas. W heat leigh, Mr Belton. Mr Venion, Mr Leopold, Mr Alexander. Mr Melville, and i steerage. For San Francisco -Evan Roberts, H. W. Graves, T. D. Youna:, G. Etlieridsp, J. K. Emmet, wife, and son, H. Young, J. B. Houston and wife, 2 chil and servant, vtr Griffiths and wife, L. Uir.da, I). Wilslim, T. Pavey. and 10 steerage.

DEPARTURE OF THE MAIL.

The I.'. M.s. CitrofSydnfly. Captain Dearborn, left for San Francisco, via Honolulu, at halt past one o'clock to-day, with, the English and American mails. Passengers: Mr and Mrs Fowler. Mr James IJuckland ana Misses Luck iand<3).Mrs Sterndale, Messrs Jno. Levy. H. P Barbsr. Seheitlur, Jno. Bude;\ h. Glanlirte, G. Lewis, J. C. Jones, T. Green, Alfred Andrews.

The Pacific Steam Navigation Cos. s.s. Lusi tania is appointed to leave Melbourne for London direct on the 15th September. Coming out she made the quickest trip on record, and may be expected to be equally smart on her return J*The briKantino Roderick Dim arrived at New castle on Sunday last, all well. The barque Cabarfeidh left Lyttelton on the 23r<i instant for this port. The h.u-que Mary Ann Anmson has cleaved for Melbonrnfi via Wangaroa, where she will take in 200,000 feet timber. The schooners Torea. Hannah Uloomfieid, Exonia. and the ketnh Emerald, from Kaipara v.'ith timber, have all arrived at. Wellington.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Matls wilt. Close as Hkdeev - For Thames, this day. at 1 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. ; and to-morrow, at 2.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, on Friday next, at 2.30 p.m. TTor Tairua, per Mana. this aay. at i p.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, this day, at -1 p.m. For Levuka, per Alarm, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Waiwera, Warkwnrth. and Te Arai, per Anne Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Taupo, on Monday, 3rd September, at 12.45 p.m. 8. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

CALLS AND DIVIDENDS.

The following are the dates and amounts of calls in connection with th« undermentioned gold mining companies:

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

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 1877.

for the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs lesistance. For the future in the distance,

And ths good that we tto do.

The breach of privilege case, in which Mr George Jones is concerned, must either be agitating political circles at Wellington very deeply, or the parliamentary corres pondents representing Auckland journals have formed exaggerated notions of its interest to the people of this province. Day by day, the case has tilled a large space in our parliamentary telegrams, and this morning our special correspondent lias mulcted us to the extent of several pounds sterling in telegrams filling four columns, to let us know what Mr George Jones said and did, and what members said about him. This is the invariable consequence of breach of privi lege and libel prosecutions. But for the notoriety which the action of parliament lias won for it, the article in the " Oamaru Mail" would barely have alibi (led a. half hour's entertainment to the few bucolic readers of that journal. Its state ments now have become permanently recorded in the journals of the House, while Mr George Jones, jam*.' has the distinguished honour, we believe, of being the object of the first State prosecu tion against the "press. Such prcoecutions are now, happily, almost without precedent in a British community, and their inauguration here may be regarded as marking another stage in those autocratic tendencies which are rapidly assimilating the law of New Zealand to French more than to English models. Irrespective of the merits of the case, we believe the manner in which the whole Government influence lias been pledged to secure his conviction and punishment will create a certain amount of sympathy in Iris favour. Comparing the sei'ious and circumstantial nature of the charges against J>lr Wliitaker in the article wifcii the peurile and indefinite character of the defence offered in the House yesterday, we are bound to say that Mr Whitaker has good ground of complaint, it would have been wiser, as well as more honourable, if Mr Jones had made a full and ample apology and retraction, unless ire were pre pared to substantiate by more tangible evi dence than rumour. We make this remark, of course, on the case simply as it stands, and without prejudice to any defence which Mr Jones may have to oiler in the coming trial. But even admitting the gross character of the attack, and the paltry : nature of the justification as yet- ottered, we still think that the measures taken by j the House have only been calculated to ' aggravate the evil, and establish a precedent j of ait extremely dangerous character. A i charge of corruption was made a short time ago against the Chairman of Committees j

in Victoria, and that gentleman immedi ately undertook his own vindication in the courts of law. This has invariably been the practice, and Mr Whitaker ap parently desired to adopt it yesterday until over-ruled by the House. The evil of misre presentation in a newspaper is usually very easily corrected. Rarely will newspapers persist in mis-statements affecting character when the error is pointed out, or refuse to make full retraction ; and by this means the wrong may be righted without dissem inating the evil seeds more widely. Conductors of ne\ spapers are continually threading a very intricate path in the endeavour to be open and fearless in the exposure of abuses and the protection of public interests on the one hand, and to avoid the slippery law of libel on the other, and they are deserving of very great latitude. The present Government have had some experience of this ; at the present moment they are defendants in an action for an alleged libel published in the '•' Waka Maori," under the direct orders of the late Sir Donald McLean. The libel in that case is one of as yross a character asthat now charged against the Oainaru "Mail." Abuse of no ordinary character is heaped on the plaintiff, Mr Russell, who is compared to the serpent which beguiled Adam and Eve, to the Taniwha, the Parata, and other fabulous reptiles of Maori mythology. In. that case, Mr Russell has to vindicate his character by pitting his own resources against those of the public Treasury, and (JovcrnmeH- influence. By the resolu tion of the House yesterday, the Govern ment has gained the singular distinction of being at the same time the only Govern ment in New Zealand that ever prosecuted and defended actions for libel.

A remarkable hail storm was felt tin's morning, in the neighbourhood of St. John's College, beyond Remuera, which lasted for sonio twenty minutes. Tlw* hail was described by a lady, on her way from Water-yctt, to Auckland, as temlic, the stones which fell being of the .size of small marbles, and much large; than any she had ever witnessed in Scotland.

The Mayor has written to the Govern ment asking that tenders should lie called at or.cc for removing the railway station from the present site at Fort Britomart to the proposed new tile adjoining the Quccn fetreot wharf.

Persons interested in sparrow-shooting arc requested to meet this evening at the ()ccidental Hotel, to arrange for good sport in the destruction of these little birds, which are said to be the enemies of gardeners and farmers.

Tlicre was the usual bustle in town to day on the departure of the mail steamer. Several well-known Auckland residents have taken passages by her, and their friends assembled in great numbers to witness their departure.' Among the Hitters we noticed Mr H. P. Barber and

Mr James Bucklaud. Included in the through-passengers are Mr Houston (direc tor of the Pacific Mail Co.) and wife, wiio aro returning to the States after a trip to New South Wales, Mr J. K. Emmet, the actor, and Mrs Emmet.

[£glt is a remarkable coincidence that every year a large number of petitions for street improvements are presented to the Council immediately before the annual election. At the meeting to-day, half-a-dozen of these made their appearance. Of course, it is not to be presumed that the petitions have anything to do with the anxiety for re-election which retiring members natur ally have. It would, however, tend to a more dispassionate consideration of these petitions if they were presented after in stead of before the election.

The total amount to date, received for water by the Corporation since the opening of the new supply, is £430 2u lOd, made up as under: Domestic, £216 7s 9d ; meter, £6 15s Id ; shipping, £207.

Mr E. C. Carr, of Ponsouby Road, has been appointed collector of rates for the Ponsonby and or Dcdwood Highway District.

Mr Morton Tavares and Miss Surtecs are playing in the higher walks of tlie drama before Dunedin audiences. We notice that the Combination Troupe which was in Auckland some months ago is now playing iv Victoria. The great gem of the troupe at present is Professor Fritz llenhard, said to be the greatest facial artist of the day. The manager of the company is Mr NV r. Evans, well-known in Auckland as the manager of the Allan Opera Troupe ; and also of the Davenport and Davics Combination Company. The anniversary service of St. Sepulchre's will be held this evening at 7 o'clock. The anniversary sermon will be preached by the Right Rev. the Bishop of Auckland (Dr Cowie.) The social tea-meeting will be held to-morrow in (he new school building, Upper Queen-street. A meeting of the members or the Cham ber of Commerce Avill be held to-morrow (Thursday) afternoon, for the purpose of talcing into consideration the unsatisfactory state of the law in relation to bankruptcy and absconding debtors, and to move the Government to amend the same. The young man, Yelverton O'Conncll, charged the other day n(. the Police Court with stealing a boat, and who was acquitted as the boat had been found, is likely to get into another difficulty in connection with his elopement and attempted marriage with Miss Mulling, 'if Hamilton. The Registrar- General has recommended that lie should be prosecuted for making a false declara tion to Mr Wayland, the Registrar, on his

application for a, marriage certificate to the ; uilect that his intended was over twenty mie years of a;;c ; that she had no relations in the colony, and resided within this Auckland district. A certificate was granted upon such declaration. The case is expected to come on for hearing in a few days. We Avcrc shewn a most interesting curiosity this morning. Mr Evan Roberts, a Manchester gentleman, who is a passenger from Sydney u> Kan F.ianci.sco !>y the City <if Sydney, has in his possession the original " I'ipluu; liullinuli." which was exhibited ut the great Exhibitions of ISSI and ISG2. This is probably one of the most remarkable mechanical inventions of the present century. It was manufactured by a Swiss named Jacoso Bruger, and took nearly 30 years to bring to perfection. In shape the case resembles a gold snuff box with an enamelled lid. On touching a spring the Jid Hies open, and the bird springs from the interior of the box, and assumes an erect position on the top. Touching another spring the little fellow begins to pipe most melodiously, and the notes so closely resemble those of the real bird that it would be dillicult for any <me but an experienced bird-fancier to tell the difference. The wonderful perfec tion which has been arrived ut in the fashioning of the imitation feathered songster at once claims our attention. ] Ie- is not more tli.tn an inch long from the beak, which is of ivory, to the lip of tke tail, which with the wings

aiitl yeneial plumage in most naturally feathered. While sinking the little follow shakes h\.i winjjs, and his beak opens and shuts in a manner which exactly imitates life. 1 mmoi-liately ho finishes his song lie pops into his box, and the lid closes. When the Lancashire Cotton Famine was cmising such distress in the north <>t England, the "Piping Hulfhich" was ex hibited in London and all th^ principal towns <)i England, and the admission money was to the roliof fund. In Iliis way from £10 to £20 per day was collected for months together.

Messrs Baker ai*l Farron have oiiencd at tJic Quecu'a Theatre, Sydney,

To the Editor : Sir, — In proof of the anomalies or vagaries of justice in some of our courts, I would draw attention to fcke result* of the cases which came before the Court of Petty Sessions yosterday. The first was that of a very poor man, who, for sovaral years past, lias had a j^raat struggle to live. He is a dealer in vegetables, and was lined 5s and costs for neglecting to put a chain round his wheel while he stood knocking at a door and asking if any fienh vegetables were wasted. He was only a Sew yards from the cart, and his horse, des cribed as a gentle animal, was left in the charge of a constable. To his surprise the .•said oonstable informed against him, for he had broken the by-law. He exclainiod "this is sharp work for the eyes, as the fellow said when the cart wheel went over Inn nose." The second case was that of a gentleman at the North Shore, the richest man, or the man who possesses the most jwowoy, it is believed, in that locality, but whose name did not appear. The charge was for permitting two cows to wander in the glades of Devonport. The defence was that the owner did not permit, for he knew nothing about the matter ; and the case w*s dismissed. I believe, sir, that had the owner of those cows been a struggling settler, he would not hare escaped the orthodox line.—Yours, &c, LoOKIiE-ON.

A musical and literary entertainment will be given to-morrow evening in the Primitive Methodist School, Alexandra street (late Edwardcs-atrect), in aid of tl»e Improvement Fund. A number of interest ing melodies, musical selections, ballads, readings and recitations will be given by amateurs of looal repute ; Mr I). Goldie in tlae chair.

Tke Wesleyan Mission brig John Wesley, five days out from Samoa, has arrived, re ports the "Fiji Times." She left Levuka (wi the 2nd July, and arrived n,t Samoa on 13th instant, contrary winds having de tainod her towards the latter part of chat voyage, thoiice intending to sail to "Roturnnji. The British Consul at Samoa, however, slightly altered the arrange ment, and, though the McMschikolt' was leaving at the same time for Fiji, the above gentleina't,findingpersu&sions useless, went .so far as to thimten compulsion, unless the Wesley returned, immediately to Levuka, •urryiag hj*> dispatches to his Exooll ewcy the Governor, which, for reasons of his swn, he would not send i">er MeuseMkoff, and he ho doubt considered that the importance of his dispatches over weighed all pecuniary loss to the mission, and annoyance to the passengers, the natural consequences of his determination. The fact that the iVesley was crowded with 70 human beings on board dops not lessen the importance of his service, and the incident should be included under " What may happen to those under the British ihsij-."

Tlie word " Eden" has often being used as a term for a state of happiness not to be found in the present world ; even the words Mount Eden mean difficulties to the people of Auckland, and Eden Terrace which might be supposed a place of rural retirement, is n t free from breezes of discontent and small quarrels ; but there is a Highway Board in the district, and the roads are frequently in a muddy state, so that it is ■ barely possible for the waters of the district to be very clear. A letter dispute has arisen within the Board, and two members of the same have sent in their resignation. The rate-payers, therefore, will be called upon to elect other representatives in their place. The wreckage of the schooner Hera, brought up by the schooner (^ueen from llokiangi, will be sold at auction by Mr G. W. .bunny at his room to-morrow.

The Thames Gas Company will pay their dividend of Is 6d pet- share on September sixth.

A report is in circulation to the client that a defaulter of some £200, in trades news accounts, has made a speedy exit from Auckland by the Hero, but the facts have not yet been officially reported. Mr Francis Cherry having declined the oiler of enginecrship to the Karangahape Highway Board, the appointment has fallen to the lot of Mr Allright.

Mr Charles Wheatleigh and a theatrical company of nine,; arrived from New South Wales by the City of Sydney this morning. They will shortly appear at the Theatre Royal.

At the Auckland Licensing Court on Tuesday next the following applications for transfers of licenses will be made :—

Thomas G. Kennan, for transfer of license of Itisiug Sun, NcwtOu, to Christopher, F. Mann ; William IT. Stebbing, York Hotel, to William Stanford; Alfred Kidd, jjPro vincial, to Edward N. Jenkins ; Henry C. Richmond, Anchor, to Alfred Kidd ; John Porch, Exchange, to Samuel Williams; and James J'aimer, Nevada, to Henry C Richmond.

A heavy crowd of the unemployed assembled at the Police Court this morning only to be disappointed. There was not a single offender is durance vile, and con sequently "no case"' before the Court. P. Comisky, Esq., J.P., took his seat on the Bench. The usual formalities were gone through, after which Orderly McOrath sonorously cried, " the Court is over," and tlie assistant clerk was permitted a holiday.

Tlie sliarebrokers of the Insurance Build ings, at least the members of the Associa tion, have recently shewn a backwardness in going forward at the sounding of the quarter-past three bell. In consequence of thiw seeming reluctance, the bell lias been long and vigorously rung, and the other evening the tongue gave way and spoke no more ; it was hopelessly broken, and ceased to vibrate through that interest ing building. Another bell, of larger dimensions, and gulden appearance, has lieen procured for the service*, and its tunes are more musical and effective than those of its predecessor.

The third of St. Thomas' penny readings was held last evening in the Mission school, Union-street, liev. it. S. Hassard in the chair. The weather was rather unfavour able, but the room was nearly lull of adults and children. Mr Jones, organist, gave a, pianoforte solo, anil songs were sung by .Miss Arch and Miss McMillan, Mr and Mrs Cavanagh, and by Messrs Nairn, llowden, and Cornish. Mr and .Mrs Howden gave two instrumental duets ((lute and pianoforte). The ballads wen; inter sjiersed by leadings by several gentlemen. The next lecture of the Young Men's Christian Association will be given by Col. Haultuin on Friday evening, the sub ject " Central Asia, Russia's; I'rogress, and England's Knars." The lecture will he illustrated with maps, Ov'c, and is likely to prove especially euteresting at the pre sent time.

CABLE GR AMS.

THE VERY LATEST WAR NEWS.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL LOXDOS

CORRESPONDENT.)

IG DAYS' FIGHTING

IX SHIPKA PASS,

35,000 Turks Against 10,000 Russians.

7000 MEH KILLED.

Many Thousands Wounded.

[The following telegram from our special correspondent was received last evening too lutu for insert ion | :—

LONDON.

Mouday afternoon, 4 o'clock

Fighting has continued in the Shipka Pass and its approaches for the last six teen days, Sulieraan Pasha beingengaged there, when it was believed in Con i stantinople he had passed to the ISorth : of the Balkans. I

The Turkish army, under Sulieman, j numbered 35,000 ; the Russian force holding the heights and gorges 3 mounted to only 15,000. |

Many dashing assaults were made by the Turks, with heavy loss.

Seven thousand are reported killed, ' and many thousands wounded.

The Russians maintain their ground

OBJECT OF SUMMONING THE IM- PERIAL GUARD.

I The Fighting ia Armenia-

Bismarck Doclares Mediation' Impossible. j

The Imperial Guard is to be em ployed on skirmishing duty in the neighbourhood of Bustchuek. The Turks carried all the advanced Russian positions at Batoum on the 19th. Powerful Russian reinforcements are proceeding by forced marches to Arme nia. All available Turkish troops in Constantinople are leaving for A.dmno ple. The Russians never crossed the Balkans at Clapka, but at Demirkapa Pass. Bismarck declares mediation now ac tually impossible.

CAPTURE OF SHIPKA PASS UNCONFIRMED.

[PRESS AGENCY.] I

BOMBAY, August 27, S p.m. | The news of the capture of Shipka Pass, ' reported in Constantinople, is not con- ; firmed. GAMBETTA PROSECUTED. M. Gambetta has becu prosecuted for a speech kostile to the French Government.

Australian News.

[FERS.S. CITY OF SYDNEY.]

THE WALLSEND COLLIERY FALL,

In our cablegrams ;i few days ago, a sinking of the earth in a coal-pit with the destruction of several houses at Wallsend, Newcastle, N.S.W., was con fused with Wallsend. Newcastle-upon- Tyue. The following telegram relates to the occurrence: —"There has been great destruction of property at Wallsend, owing to the falliiig in of a pit. The Wesleyan Chapel, which cost £1:200, has been totally destroyed. Watkin's Hotel lias settled down two feet, and all the plastering is cracked and shattered. About a dozen other places have either settled down or canted to one side. The .streets in the locality arc full of great openings, and much alarm is felt by all the residents of the surrounding localities." PRAYERS FOR FAIN. Days of humiliation and prayer for ram have" been held in various up-country towns in New South Wales. A Mudgee I telegram of the 24ch says : " Yesterday was strictly observed as a day of humili ation and prayer. Every business place in town was closed. .Services were held in the different places of worship, which were crowded. A united service, addressed by clergyman of different denominations, was held in the afternoon, in the Mechanics' institute. There was a very large attcn i dance; many were unable to obtain ! admittance. There was a change in the weather, and a slight rain fell this after noon, and appearances of more." LICENSING REFORM IN ADELAIDE. A long discussion took place in the South Australian Assembly yesterday on the Licensed Victualler*' Hill. .Sunday closing is not likely to be carried, and it is probable that an amendment will he agreed to, limiting the hours for opening public houses from 1 to :» o'clock in the afternoon. THE DROUGHT FN AUSTRALIA.— RUIN TO SETTLERS. A gentleman writing from 'Warren to a friend in Bathurst, says —" I have just returned from a trip down (he Maequare and Castlereagh. This drought is indeed fearful, and I fear the etui L-, not yet. Squatters who, twelve months since could i draw a cheque and get it paid for £10,000, ! can't draw one now for'£l,ooo. Indeed, there are some pour fellows who, through hard work and frugality, had nearly readied the top of the ladder, before this frightful drought visited them, but, alas ! now they are nearly beggars. 1 don't exaggerate ; when I tell you I know some squatters who, out of herd* of (say 50,000) sheep, have not a tenth of them left, and cattle owners on many stations are just as great I losers. The noise of the axe and saw can :be heard on many runs, falling the hand some and drooping myalls to sustain life in the perishing beasts, who now almost refuse it as food on account of the almost imper ceptible spring in the young grass on some partly favoured spots on the runs. There are some runs which are all right yet for feed and water, but tor how long is another matter. The heat is now almost too great to bear down the rivers, and the sky is always destitute of clouds. The Mack caterpillars in myriads are on i£ tiie leaf," and eat up every vestige of green feed. Such is mv plain and unvarnished tale. Warren, Airgust 10, 1577."

ACCIDENTAL DEATH, SUICIDE, AND DEATH J'KO.M GRIEF, IN ONE FAMILY. .Mr Micliae] Stanton, a farmer, residing at Warning, Victoria, died from the eii'ccts of a wound which ii was supposed liiid been accidentally in dieted by himself. He was buried <>n Friday last. His son, Juhu Stanton, ;i young man about twenty-one years of age, was very much alt'ectcd by the occurrence, and has since shown signs of deep griff. Yesterday forenoon he was very bad indeed, but observed that he would go int<> his room and cry liiinself all right. Hi* friends thought it would be better for the young man to be alone, and allowed him to go to his room by himself. S< >;j!1 after a report of a gun was heard by the other members of the sorrowing family, and ongoing to the room of i he young man they were horrified to find that he had com mitted Kuieide. Me had apparently placed the stock of the gun between two bugs of Hour, and then leaning with his chest on the muzzle, pulled the trigger. A terrible wound was inflicted, and death must have been instantaneous. The occurrence ne cussjirily, coming as i( did immediately after their bereavement, shocked the surviving members of the family very

greatly, and -Mrs Stanton, the mother of deceased, was so dreadfully aflected that she was immediately taken very ill, apparently from grief and the shod; to the nerves, and died within two hours after wards. Those terrible occurrences have I created a [iroiouud sensation in the locality, the family being generally known and respected. MELIiOUUNE, August 24. In reply to deputations the Premier said the protectionist policy would he strictly adhered to. The hind tax has heeu agreod to by parliament. Mr William Thome, manager of the Hank of Victoria, Ilutherglcn, fell down a shaft of SO feet, and was killed. '■ Lohengrin" is an immense success, and is played to full houses. It is one of the finest productions ever witnessed here. The trial of John O'Neil, for the murder of his mother, at Maidstone, was proceeded with to-day. A plea of insanity was urged for the defence. SYDNEY, August 21, ILK.IT. the Duke of Edinburgh Ims written a letter of condolence to the father of the late Alfred Anderson, R.A.M. The magnificent now synagogue at Syd ney is nearly fuiishod. The interior dimen sions of thi* splendid sanctuary are about S4ft by WOi't within the actual synagogue, but about 100 ft from window to window, and the floor will he laid in mosaic, which will have a very elegant design, in harmony ' with the architecture of the Building. A largo number of stonemasons are out on strike.

COMMERCIAL.

Adelaide, August 23rd.—Wheat is very dull i)i Adelaide at 7s 4d. Cornsacks are dull at 9s to 9s Gd ; large shipments are on the way from Calcutta. Melbourne, Aug. 23.—Sales of wheat have been made at 7s Kd to 7s 3d. Salmon in demand, and 12s asked. Hops are selling freely. Rum inquired for, large sales have been made at 3s. Sugars are lower all round; rations, £26 SOs to £26 15s ; yellows, £33 5s to £33 15s ; brewing crystals, £3310s to £34; whites, £M 10s to £35.

SUPREME COURT.—This Day.

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies.) KE EBENEZEK FITNESS. ; Mr George made an applicßtion on the part of Ebcnezcr Fitness, a debtor, for an order of discharge. ! The bankrupt a liabilities were stated at 1 £164 16s ; assets, £102 10s. His Honor said that as the regulations ef the Act had been complied with in due form the Court would grant his discharge. j KB CHABLBB SUTTOX. Mr Ilesketh applied for a complete cxc ' cution of the deed on the debtor, which was granted in consequence of the withdrawal of the opposition by Mr Goleman. RE GKO. CILEDiriTjL. Mr J. B. Russell appeared for the debtor, and applied for a complete execution of the deed in this cnae, which was granted. •IX THE ESTATE OF D. MASON DECEASED. Mr Hesketh made an application oii the part of the trustee for payment of one fourth of the sum of £440 12s 2d to Mr W. T>. Mason, and the persons entitled under the will of deceased. His Honor made an order for the sum of £110 8s OAd to the petitioners, without costs. FRASER V. SHBRA AND OTHER3.—JUDGMENT. s This was an argument on demurrer. Mr Uoclifoit for the plaintiff, and Mr Hesketh for the defendants.

The plaintiff brought an action against the defendants to recover £100, the value of his share in a whaling venture, which plaintiff alleges the defendants had wound up illegally, and without his consent. The plaintiff demurs to defetdant's pica, which is that what, was done was the only tiling that could bo done under the circumstances, and was the best for all con csrned. The demu: rer was argued on last Court day. His Honor pronounced judgment this mornirg. The judgment was of a complicated character. It is in favour of the plaintiff on the demurrer to the plea of defendants, but at the same time the defendants' notice of objection tosutliciency of declaration is allowed. No costs are awarded on either side. The plaintiff to have leave to amend his declaration within 21 days. If the plaintiff does not take advantage of this, judg ment to stand for defendants.

THE OPERA.

"POULET AXD POULETTE."-TO-NIGHT.

Tin-: second performance of "La Grand Duchess" was superior to the iirst. The performers were evidently on their mettle, and the result was that an amount of "go" which war, lacking on Monday, was infused into the representation last night. Mr Campbell's Fri tx, and Mr Farley s General Boom were the moat noticeable improve ments. The latter character was uncommonly well performed. Miss Sohiene was as vivacious as ever, and hit oft" the part with great success. Her singing of the " Sabre Song" was attended with loud applause. rJL"ie ladies of the company displayed the qualities of their voices to good effect in the maids ot honor letter scene. Miss Duxantwas most successful in exciting public approbation. tterve's newwst opera "Poulpt and Poulette" will he produced for the iir-t timo in Auckland tliis evening. The music, judging from samples we have heard, is of a most charniiag character and the libretto is witty r.ud eminently amusing

TELEGRAPHIC.

(FKOM OUT. OWN COKKESPOXDEXT.)

GUAHAMSTOWN. this day.

THE SHAREMARKET.

Moanatairi, sales £6 15s, buyers £7 ; Alburnia, sales £5 15s, £8, £"> 17s 6'd, sellers £(>', buyers £o ; Piako, sales iris <>d, sellers lGs, buyers las Gd.

A clearing up crushing for the (JueeiJ of Beauty gave 72 ounces. James' Kuranui Hill Tribute have 15.1 ounces. COROMAXDEL, this day. The Royal Oak crushing is now going on, and is showing up well for a good yield. A small parcel of specimens was reported yesterday. Tokatca. — Specimens arc reported f;otn this mine last night. Kapanga. —A new shoi of gold has been cut in this mine duriug the last day or two. The Bismai'ck sent 60 tons quartz to Bennett'-: battery. The result is likely to be very good. The Elizabeth claim crushed 4 tons and obtained IJozs per ton. The Elsinorc, with coal for Kapanga, has arrived.

HOKITIKA, tins day.

THE CATHOLICS AND THE EDUCA TION BILL.

A large meet ing of Catholics was unani mous in passing resolutions condemning the Education Bill.

NAPIER, ihis day.

\ KEMAKABLE ACCIDENT.

A serious accidentjhappenedthis morning in the Napier Grammar school to Robert Miller, second son of Mr W. Miller,^Gover nor of the gaol. The lad was sitting in his place in tiie school-room at about a quarter to I' 2 o'clock, when all of a sudden a loud report was heard in the room. If, was the explosion of a dynamite cartridge used in blasting, which the boy had kept in his pocket for six or seren months, and with which he was riddling when the explosion took place. Unfortunately the boy has lost two of liis left hand fingers and thumb by tie accident. Dr. Gibbes, assisted by Dr. Di Lislie, found it nc-C3ssary to amputate the thumb and two lingers. The operation was very skilfully and successfully per formed.

DUNEDIN.fthis day

ENGLISH CRICKETERS1 VISIT.

Letters by the mail mention a strong probability of a team of English amateur cricketers visiting the Colonies shortly. The Government refuse.- positively to hold the next prize-firing at Queenstown, but will aid any encampment similar to the one held there last March. TRICKETT AND BO YD. Boyd oilers to come out to row against Trickett if £800 are allowed for expenses, and Trickett lays £1500 to £1000. AN UNPLEASANT INCIDENT IN TOE FOOTBALL TRIP. Mr Nome's resignation of the rectorship of the High School arises through the Hoard demanding to know by what authority of Mr A. J. Smith, one of the masters left his duties and accompanied the football team North. Mr Nome replied that befo.-c answering the letter, which was signed by Mr Pry do, Acting- Secretary, he wished to know by whose instructions the latter acted. The Board re plied with v pretty peremptory demand for the required information, adding that Mr Nome's letter was wanting in courtesy. Mr Norric replied explaining that he had given Mr Smith leave, subject to bis find ing a substitute, claiming his right to act so, and forwarding his resignation. The sharp manner in which the rector was dealt with, and the very extreme opposite course being adopted in the case of the girl's High School, gives rise to a deal of unfavourable comment:

(Per Press Agency.)

HOKIANGA. this day

DEATH OF AN OLD SETTLER.

One of the oldest settlers in New Zea land, Denis Brown Cochraue, died this morning, aged 9G years. It is blowing a south-west gale.

WELLINGTON, this day.

LICENSED VICTUAL LERS' MEETING

A largely attended meeting of Licensed Victuallers was held to-day, at which the city members were present. * Both said they favoured the principle of Local Option, but could not approve of the machinery for carrying it out. They declined to discuss the Bill in any place but Parliament. The result of the meeting was the appointment of a committee, who are to draw up in the form of clauses for insertion in the bill amendments which they consider will protect their interests without inter fering with the principle of the bill, and these will be submitted to the city member to lay before the House. E3BSR THE TAR ANA XI. Sailed: Taranaki, for Auckland, via Napier, at mie p.m. Passengers : Bishop Redwood, Messrs Giffard, Johnston, Wil liams, and Miss Coleman.

THE WRECK OF THE ROBINA DUNLOP.—J UDGMENT. Judgment was pronounced this morning ; in the inquiry into the wreck of the barque Robina Dunl'op. The opiaion of the Court was that the vessel was lost through the culpable negligence of the master in not paying greater attention to the navigataion of the snip, and not taking proper sound ings. The chief officer also is held bla«ie able for not paying better attention to the course and distance made. The Court J therefore suspended the captain's certificate ! for two years, and declare that the j chief officer merits .severe censure, j The Crown bears the expense of the i case. Under the 16th section of the Aot ■ the captain may apply to the Governor for | a certificate of a lower grade.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

Hank oi New Zealand— &&L ; sellers. All. Colonial Bank—Buyers, 435. South British Insurance—7os (new), SOa (oM) ; sellers, 80s (new). Union Sash and Door Co. — Buyers, £555. Mosinatairi—£'j 15s, £7; buyers, &Q 15s; sellers, £7. Tokatea—Buyar3, 8s : sellers, 9s. Alburnia—£s los, £C ; buyers, Mi 153 ; sellers, L Tnion Beach—Sellers, 17s Gd. Kuranui Hill—Buyers, 19s 6d; sellers, 2ls. Piako—lss (•!: buyers. Ids. JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER),

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.]

WELLINGTON, this day,

AUCKLAND PETITIONS,

in the House yesterday, Sir George Grey presented ji petition from Mr Durien, of Auckland, complaining of his removal as provincial officer. He did not receive com pensation, A petition was presented from Mr Samuel Fixlloon, pensioner, ot' Onehunga, prayin" for compensation on aceouut of beLn" deprived of a cottage and acre by his eoirT .manding officer, for not attending church parade.

Mr Swanson presented a petition from Mr Fitzgerald, of Auckland, praying com pensation for loss sustained by him through the interference by the Government in" a native land sale lie was conducting accord ing to law at liotorua. NATIVE LANDS PURCHASE.

Mr Travers gave notice of motion—That pending legislation, no purchases or negotiations for purchase of native lands should be valid, unless declared to be so by a measure passed in the House. TAIPARI'S CLAIM. Tairoa has presented a petition from Taipari, praying that his claim for the dis covery of the goldfielils be considered by the House. KAIL WAY MANAGEMENT. Mr Gisborne "will move in Committee of Supply for inquiry by the Public Accounts' Committee into the amounts paid to Executive Officers, in consequence of the abolition of provinces ; also, for returns to shew whether the railways are economically managed by the Government, -with a view of deciding whether they could be better worked by private contract.

George tfoaes CTun. Before tie Bar.

The greatest interest was yesterday manifested in the House over the breach of privilege ease against Mr George Jones, proprietor of the '" Oamaru Mail." The galleries were packed, and every member was in his place at half-past two. After the Speaker read prayers, there was a great rush df ladies to the gallery. The public gallery was soon filled. The ladies were evidently much interested in George Jones, who was got Tip to "kill." The Lords

mustered in strong force, and manifested great interest in the proceedings. Three o'clock was the hour set down for the awe-inspiring event, and precisely atthat moment the ordinary business was stopped. A solemn silence fell upon the place for a moment, when the Speaker opened the business by saying:—"Order of the day No. 1 : Mr George Jones to be brought before the bar of the House/

The Attorney-General then rose, and with much gravity, moved, " That Mr George Jones be now brought to the bar of the House to answer the charges marie against him."

The brass rod, so seldom used, was iixed in position by the Sergeant-at-arms, who then went for the culprit and led, him into the awful presence of his judges. Mr Jones, minus his spectacles and fiddle, strode up to the bar with the air of a man who had done what his duty demanded of him to do, and need not fear the consequences of his action. The Speaker said : " Mr Jones, as printer and publisher of the ' Oamaru Mail,' you have been requested to attend at the bar of this House for having published in that paper, on the 13th August, 1577, an article which has been declared by this House to be a breach oi' privilege. If you have any thing to say in your defence this House will hear you." ' JONES' DEFENCE. Mr Jones then said : " Mr Speaker, sir,— In appearing before the bar of thia honour able House, charged with having violated

; n privilege, which I understand is meant to I protect its members from unjustifiable | attack, I feel some difficulty in deciding as ; to my procedure, your honourable- House ! having already determined that I am guilty. j As, however, I conceive, and I hope that I ! may not be wrong, that the extent of my [ offence in this, as in ordinary cases of libel, ; depends first upon the truth of the matter, | and secondly upon the motives of the per | .sons committing the offence, I have deter j mined, by the leave of this honourable j House, to state the circumstances which ! led to the publication of the article. At j the outset permit me to state that it is I difficult for any ordinary person to discern i the line line that separates legitimate criti : cism of the action of members of Parlia j inent from what constitutes a breach of , privilege, and I therefore hope that this I honourable House will take this eimim stance into consideration in dealing with my case. I understand that my offence ! consists in attributing to the hon. the ! Attorney-General personal motives in his action in reference to the Native Lamb Biii, and I shall therefore, with your per , mission, as consistently as possible state I what weighed in my mind at the time I i published the article. I have no personal reeling against the hon. the Attorney j General, whom I scarcely know, and I published the article not from want of the respect that is justly dux; to this honourable i House, but from a sense of my duty as a j newspaper proprietor, and with a strong ! feeling against what I hare for several I years viewed as a great evil—the land i monopolies of the North Island. I was also actuated by a desire to, in my small . way, contribute to the proper government I of the colony in which my parents suffered ; the hardships of the early settlers of this j district, in which I was born, and in which !I. hope to see my family grow up. I did not write at random, and without what I I conceived to be reliable data. I resided in the Waikato district for nearly three years, having established the " Waikato Times;" | and during that period I. had most favour able opportunities of gleaning information ;on the land question. Large numbers of • persons of moderate capital, desirous of | becoming settlers, visited that district in ! quest of land, but they were unsuccessful, | the universally expressed reason being that j the land was either in the hands of monopo ; lists, who, looking forward to its future value, asked fancy prices for it; or it j was locked up in a transition state between ' native and European ownership. It was S common rumour that the hon. the Attorney-General was interested in certain land transactions in the vicinity of the j Waikato district, and as these rumours I remained uncontradicted, 1, in common j with many others, conceived that they | were true. Indeed, up to the time of the publication of the article in question, I had never heard the hon. gentleman s connection with such transactions dis puted, and I thought it indisputable until I read the report of" this breach of privilege case. From the first day that I arrived m the Waikato district to the present time I have taken considerable interest in the native land question, which has, to my mind, been invested more or less iv mystery, both unnecessary and damaging to the best interests of the colony; ami 1 eon Id of my own knowledge relate many occurrences which caused me to view witn distrust the policy pursued towards tne natives, especially by the persons whose names rumour has always associated witß that of the Attorney-General in lange land purchases. I, therefore, previous to obtaining a copy of the Native Lands Bill, had strong feelings on the .nati ye land question, and when I had studied mo- Bill my suspicions could not but be aroused. I at first criticised its provisions only, ana refrained from personal comment; "nJ when, sir, the hon. the Attorney-Genera was almost the only one who was found to support the Bill, »n" ir' met with such strong and universal oppo sition in this House on account oi tne facilities for the acquirement of large blocKS of land, whichjit would confer upon *Pccn"

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 1877.



Prince Imperial .. New Golden Pali .. YouriK Colonial .. Vounsj Now Z;alaiif! PliOiuix Caledonian .. .. Au';kiuii<l

£ s. d. Datc.ji ..010 — Aug. 31 ..0 0 :: — Sep. 12 ..002 — Sup. li! ..000 — .Sep. V2 .. 0 i 0 — Hep. JO .. 0 5 r* — Sep. JH ..00^ — !»ep. 10



!> ot v n chester good s. jYX w. ra.ttray Be^-s to notify that he has JUST OPENED an "assortment of the following Goods, viz. : Horrocks' and other makes ot Cahcoas and Longcloths _. , , _, . , '0, 51. 72. SO, flO, and 103 inch si inlay s Piain and '['willed Sheelinars _. _ ~ 6 i, 7/1, SI. 9/4, and 10,1 White Linen Table Damasks , C> i 74 ands'i Hambro and Lnoleacned do., do. Damask Table Cloths, Napkins and Tray Cloths, Rough and Dressed Hollands, Diapers, Frontincrs, &c. Linen and Cotton Bed Tick". Huckaback Towel ■ linj. Tea and Glass Cloths, Christy s Turkish Counterpanes, Quilt-, Toilet Covers, and Anti macassars. The above have been' Marked at tub Lowest Remoxerative Prices. ■VT E W 7EAI AN D TJ OUS B, GS. QUJ3HV-ST RKU'r. A r-r-Tcr. 4 vr>. q p E C I A~l7 N OTIC E. 'iO COUNTRY SETTLORS AND OTHERS REQUIRING STRONG CLOTHING MATERIAL. The undersigned have Just Received a Fresh Supply of NSW PRINTED MOLESKINS, Light and Dark Patterns. CORDUROY/, Various Qualities, and WHITE MOLESKIN. ALSO, WHITE and GREY CALICOES, of all the Best Makes, and First-class v aiue. TSG-rey Calico from 3d per yard "Good White Calico from Vyl per yard A nice lot of New Shirtings, fast colour and new patterns Heavy Brown Holland, a very cheap lot at f.: viWG'.d per yard A Job Lot of Huckaback Towels, at 6d eacn. Os 9d per doz. . Alhambra Quilts, at 3s lid each Kidderminster Carpets, a r.icsi assortment of ' patterns and good quality, at 3s lid; Felt Carpets: Mattings or various makes; J x I Floor Cloths: Axmia-to- Mats : and every description of )<'(, RNISHENG DRAPERY, at Very Reasonable Prices. Extra Good Value in BLANKETS, all sizes, white and coloured f ,« Tn order to Clear, WINTER DRESS GOODS, REMNANTS, &c., arc now offered at Consider ably Reduced Prices. Special to* Dressmakers, &c. — A very Choice Lot of Silk and Fancy Buttons jnstto hand, all new designs, and very carefully selected for the incoming season's trade. The CLOTHING DEPARTMENT is well stocked with every requisite for Boys and Men, bei«i< constantly replenished from the best sources of supply. Inspection Invited. i g in the £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of. 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BBIDGMAN, Junction Dkapery Warehouse, .-.-,> ■■■■<zuppv.r<. Oueen-street, AUCKLAND.



JMPORTANT XOTIOE Having introduced STEAM PO WER into the Manufacture of FURNITURE, ice are now enabled to Supply our Cus tomers at GEE ATL V REDUCE D PRICES. T. & 11. COOKE, Cabinetnia/cers, Upholsterers, <Lc. } <kc. ggp SHOW ROOMS 67, Queen-street. STEAM CABINET FACTORY Victoria-street. J. QOSGIIAVB & CO., Beg to inform the inhabitants of Auck land they are new holding a SALE of the remaining portion of their WINTER DRAPER? and CLOTHING. Ladies Costumes, Mantles, Shawls, Furs, French Merinoe.s, Fancy Dress Stuffs and Silks. The Goods toill l>e offered to the ixiblic at Very Lovj Prices, in order to clear.



mo .AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS. J \Y. .). ITURST « CO. have on sa.le the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce, satisfactory results in this district. Kxperience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. : Hurst it Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist:— MALDENT ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. EELjL'S BONES-LOUR \ and ',-inch BONEDUST BILL YARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH ! SUPRR-PHOSP.HATK OF LIME. SALT, BULPHATK OF LIME. I In addition to the above, \V. J. H. & Co. arc prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars Will he supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QU E BN-S TRE ET, CLOVER SEED, FOR SPRING SOWING. Just Landed, kx Columbus— 30 casks new Clovers, cousisfcing o)! Red Clover "White Cloy Cow Gras Also on hand, Alsyhe. Timothy. Lucerne. Rape, Rats-tail, Rye grass, Cocksfoot, &C, at lowest market rates. W. J. HURST & CO. 101. QUEEX-ST REE T. ~>oo sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) 3001) ~ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also 800 sacks q£ 1875 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour. Bran. Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c. &c. Particular attention is called to 500 sacks Prime Barlej at Is per bushel of 50!l>. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh oatmeal, al £21 per ton. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEKN-S TRE IS T Auckland. Ax Iniquitous Game is being played by cer tain flagitious scamps who put cheap and fiery liquor in bottles which have held the national medicated beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Schie dam Akomatic Schnapps, for the purpose of deceiving the unwary into the belief that their vile concoctions arc identical with the great original. Demand the genuine.