SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

•tiTr 1-■ TAr \— _ t_ i This Afternoon, 7.50 HIGH WATER-j- o . morrow M( _ rni __ gi B>s , SUN SET.—This Evening. 6.55. SUN RISE.—To-morroAV Morning, 5.35 MOON'S AGE First Quarter, 21st, 3.51 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

B.M.S. Australia, from Sydney

DEPARTURES.

ARRIVAL OF THE R.M.S. AUSTRALIA.

The R.M.S. Australia, Wm. Cargill, Esq., commander, cleared Sydney Heads at 1.15 p.m. of Friday, the Oth inst. Experienced fresh head Avinds until the morning of the 13th, Avhen light Avinds and smooth sea preA _ailed until arrival at Auckland. Passed three Kings at noon of the 13th. it 5.50 a.m. 11th passed Little Barrier. Arrived at Auckland 5.30 a.m. same date, liba' ing made the passage in 4 days labours. Saloon: Mr and Mrs Wilshir, Mr Want, Mr Houldcr, Mr Qulnlcy, and 1 in the steerage, with 31 cabin, and 21 steerage passengers, in transit for Fiji, I lonolulu, and San Francisco, Wc are indebted to Mr R. Y. Grahamo, tho pureer, for the aboA'« report and passenger list, and for prompt delivery of our flies.

DEPARTURE OF THE MAIL.

The Pacific Mail steamer Australia leaves Avith the English and American mails this evening at six o'clock.

evening at 6 o'clock. Passengers :—Saloon :D. Russell; J. and A. B. Corlett, J. B. Grant. Steerage: D. R. Anderson, D. McCaul, Avife and family (3), T. Stead.

IMPORTS.

Per Australia from Sydney: 28 cases grapes, 0 cases periodicals, 1 pkge merchandise, !)'t) cases fruit, with 677 pkgs merchandise, in transit for San Francisco.—Owen and Graham, agents.

The brigantine Seagull left Oamaru a week ago for this port with a car_o of breadstuff's. r;!_l The schooner Nellie has left the Thames for Lyttelton with a load ot timber.

The Lovctt Peacock is taking in timber at the Railway whart. She Avill leave at the earliest opportunity for Mongonni, where she will load up with spars and junk for Sydney. The steamer Effort is being placed on tho gridiron for ovorall and cleaning. It is intended to run her to tho Wade, for which she is avcll adapted. The time table Avill be published in a day or two.

The s.s. Star of the South is to leave Wellington to-day on her return journey hitherward. Since she has been at Wellington she has been docked and cleaned.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

_ Timaru, this day. The brigantine Ethel sads to-day for Mel bourne, laden Avith grain.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails avill Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m. and to morroAV, at, 12.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Durham, to-morroAV, at 1.30 p.m. For NeAv Caledonia, per Minehaha, this day, at at 3 p.m. Per Australia, this day, as follows :— For Kandavu, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 5 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 5 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and noAvspapers, at 4 p.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of Gd in addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board up to time of sailing. For Waiwcra, Warkworth, and Te Arai, per Anne. Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m- For Whitianga, Tauranga. and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Friday, at 4 p.m. For Taranald and Southern prOAdnces, per Wellington, on Saturday next, at 8 a.m. S. B. BI3S. Chiet Postmaster.

DEATH.

TRAINER.—On the 13th instant, at the resi dence of Mrs. Brady, Nelson-street, Jane ' Trainer, aged 74 years.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

" One Who Wants to Kn oav."—We have never heard of tho alleged custom. Some one, must haA-c been poking fun. " Constant Reader." —You can no doubt ascer tain by appbeation at the Borough Council offices. "Constant Reader. Woodside.—To qualify for taking part in a meeting to elect School Committee, and of course the same applies to the office of committee-man, the person must be a householder, and consequently resident in the district. You should bring the matter before the Board of Education if things arc as you state.

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

WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 11, 1877.

For tliff cavse that ticks assistance. For the wrong th.it needs resistance. For the future in the distance. And the t'omi that we <_ti do.

The meanderings of the Harbour Board over the dock question are becoming perfectly riclicnlo_s,aiul for the credit of local institu tions it is to be hoped that the farce Avill be brought to an curly close. Yesterday's special meeting, at which five distinct motions or amendments were proposed, ended precisely where it began a month ago, and there is every prospect of re-com mencing dc novo. Since the 9th of January, Avhen Mr Kissling ga\ re notice of his motion in favour of deepening the dock, three meetings luwe been held, at which the subject has been fully discussed. Mr Kissling's resolution Avas carried, a variety of amendments directly negativing it were also carried, and again superceded by other amendments, and the Avholc thing has ended in confusion. A Philadelphia hwvyer could hardly tell Avith any certainty lioav the matter stands now; but as Mr Kissling's resolution has never been rescinded avc may infer that it stands its the sole remaining record of the Avill of a majority of the Board, and unless altered, the deepening to 19ft. sill, and proportionate lengthening, as provided in Mr Tole's addendum, should lie proceeded Avith. The matter is not likely, however, to rest here, and avc anticipate a renewal of the struggle at the next meeting. The only question on which there .appears to be any unanimity is the opinion that the dock avus begun on the wrong site, and that nothing that can uoav be done may safely be calculated upon as likely to retrieve the original blunder. The members are hopelessly adrift among a variety of expedients for cutting the (rordian knot, and while one firmly pins his faith to the policy of keeping the dock as it is, another to deepening it to three feet, another to increasing the depth six feet and adding to the length, a fourth is positive that salvation lies in the A'ory opposite direction, and the size of the structure should be reduced, Avhile one or two are prepared to abandon the present Avork altogether, and compensate the con tractors. Now that everyone has put his OAvn pet scheme to the crucial test it may be hoped that any future dealing Avith the subject Avill be tried on a direct issue, unobstructed by amendments, and that the Hoard Avill apply itself simply to the question whether Mr Kissling's motion should be rescinded or not.

ONE of the most singular combinations ever attempted has, Aye learn from Melbourne papers, ex s.s. Australia, broken down. The publicans of the Victorian capital, stimulated by legislation forbidding the sale of grog on Sunday, resolved on a counter movement, Avith the object of exciting popular feeling against the restriction. They judged from the readiness Avith Avbicli the back door is resorted to, and the extensh re character of the secret Sunday trade, that there avus a class numerous enough in the city to raise a great outcry if the law Avere giA ren stringent effect, and that parliament Avould be compelled to legalise openly the trade iioav carried on at considerable risk and in convenience. With this object, the majority of the hotel-keepers banded together under agreement not to sell one drop of liquor to lodgers or anyone else on the proscribed day. But as unanimity, even among publicans, is not always attainable, and as the nature of even the most relentless landlord is pliable Avhen appealed to by a good customer, a Vigilance Committee Avas appointed to Avatch and detect breaches of the solemn a'qav, and put in force the common enemy. This avus the plot, but like other schemes of mice and men, it lias not realised the sanguine expectations. The telegram attributes failure to the reluctance of the Vigilance Committee to prosecute erring brethren, or to spy out their proceedings. But Aye think more cogent reasons might lie found in the discovery that although the resolutions had been carried out for some weeks, the world had gone on its way rejoicing. There Avas no appearance of a revolution. Probably through the medium of some friendly' tap, the gentlemen of rubicon countenance Avere as rubicon as before, and apparently suffered nothing by the supposed depriva tion. It is not unlikely also that some of those who were turned away on Sunday, found no occasion to call on Monday morn ing. At any rate the scheme has proved a failure, and the public .ire uoav quietly informed that the old illicit sale avi'll he indiscriminately resumed. It is unfor tunate from a social point of view that the experiment Avas not permitted ;t more lengthened trial, but avo have little doubt that the limited experience was quite sufficient to satisfy the trade, that till the Avoiid is not dying for a drink.

The retirement of Mr Garrett from the Ncav South Wales Ministry, announced a feAV days ago by telegraph, took place under most remarkable circumstances. A. number of charges bad been brought against him

of nial-adniiiiistration in the Lands Depart ment, and several disorderly scenes ensued upon the discussions in the Assembly. But a more serious accusation Avas preferred ag.'iinsthim by two members of tiie House, Messrs. Taylor and Moses, amounting to no less an offence than a deliberate attempt to influence their votes by bribery. The facts elicited in discussion shewed that Avbatever claims Mr Garrett may have had to rank with Sir Julius Vogel in this important domain of polities, he must have been a clumsy performer in comparison with our OA\m Grand Panjoram. Mr Garrett denied the charges of corruption, but confessed to the soft impeachment that lie Avas drunk in Melbourne, although lie said he kept him self in such strict seclusion that no scandal could possibly arise. A vote of Avant of confidence in the Ministry was moved, but Avas thrown out by a majority of three, several members voting on the strict under standing that Mr Garrett should retire jron* the Ministry directly afterwards. This promise avus carried into effect. The state went made by Mr Taylor, one of tho i members avlio alleged that corrupt attempts ! had beyii made to tamper with him, Avas very cur_ji„_ Wo reproduce its leading | point£_*~iTo ;'_ ; ;■• ■ m ■:. Mr Taylor said: About the »>„W_(t4£ January. ! ftdi. during the time thai, tlto bnjik ijiu-iittj, *_ $■■*

Parramatta to see him on private business. He Avas then in company Avith two or thiee gentle men, and this person asked him to spare him a little time for a walk in the Park. He said if it was business of importance he would do so. The person said it was, and they Avalked doAvn there. He asked the person "What little game have you got to do ?" The person said " What is Phmkett doing?" He said "Doing nothing." Then, the person said "Would you like for him the appointment of inspector of conditional purchases?' lie said ho should be pleased to sec him get the appointment. Then this paid servant said, "Well, how are you on the bank question? (Laughter.) He said, "Oh, I am against the Government on that." The reply was. "Look at the appointment Phmkett will get." He thought he might draw out his visitor, and said, " Well it is worth considering." To this tho person said, "It Avill be a A*ery good appointment, and you hud better have it for him." "Well," he replied, "I Avill give the matter consideration; you come up to-morrow night." His visitor said ho Avould, and, having had a. glass of wine together, the person left. The next evening he returned, and said. " What about this appointment ?" Re said, "HaA'o you got the giving of it?" The reply Avas, "No." He said, "Well, I will not give my vote to the Government, but let Wr Garrett send me, a letter." The person said, "He Avill do it," but he did not , think he would. The Aisitor then left, and came another evening, and said, " Garrett Avishcs to sec you : go doAvn, and he Avill give you the appointment. The same evening he, had a conversation with Mr Garrett. After the conversation, the arrangement Avas made that be Avas not to record his vote, and Mr Phmkett avus to bo appointed inspector of conditional purchases. Before separating he said "Let's Ikia-c no disagreeing about this matter. Let's have it done right. Let's have the appointment gazetted to-morroAV." "All right," Mr Garrett said. A couple of days after- Avards he met Mr Garrett, and said to him " You have not gazetted that appointment." He had heard that, in the meantime, Mr Francks hud given Mr Garrett .-GlOfl for the appointment. Mr (iru-rcit s;viil to him, " f cannot._ivo Mr Plunkctt that appointment, hut I will give him tlic appointment of Warden on the goldflelds." He said " Well, Avhat is it worth ?" Mr Garrett told him AvhatitAvas worth, lie, Mr Taylor, said,

" Will you gazette that to-morrow." Mr Garrett said, "*I will." Well, it was not done; the vote came on, and he (Mr Taylor) voted against the Government (hear, hear), and through that vote Mr Phmkett never received the appointment. He had no hesitation in saying that, had he voted Avith the Government, or refrained from voting against them, Mr Plunkctt would have received it.

Through the instrumentality of our faith ful little feathery messengers Aye are able to-day to publish a report of the Agriculural Slioav, being held'at Waiuku. It was a common thing a very short time ago for iicavs from that district to occupy a week in transmission to town. The irksomencss of this at'election time was very keenly felt, and the Star carrier pigeons first demon strated that, Avithout the telegraph, it was possible toreportproceedingsin distant parts of the province on the day of their occurrence. The long list of awards in another column exhibits'the extent to which tliis means of despatch may be utilised. To-night's issue also contains nCAvs conveyed by bird a. distance of ninety miles from the Kaipara rivers.

The Hibernian Band quadrille party Avill hold their monthly dance this evening in the Cook-street Hall, commencing at eight o'clock.

The grand instrumental conceit by the band of H.I.M. ship Mlerlha,' will be held this evening in the Choral Hall.

The proceedings of the General Synod of the Church of England are expected to cud to-morrow.

.Mr Edward Pcarcc, one of the members of the House of Representatives for Welling ton City, being about to visit England, will resign his seal. A special correspondent of the " Guard ian " on hoard the Wanaka in the course of a description of a trip round the Middle Island tells tho following- singular canard as to Ihc cause of the wreck of the Rangitoto :

—" After skirting- Queen Charlotte Sound with its'numerous islands we round Cape Jackson, a wild, Avatcnvorn, rocky heart land, with reefs projecting here and there above the Avater to the seaward. Here it was that the Rangitoto avus wrecked, and one of the passengers assured us that flic loss of that vessel was due to the power of music. The Caranrlinis, he alleged, were really the cause of the mishap. As the Rangitoto approached the Cape in the dark, they were awakening sublime echoes in the i saloon, and the male and helmsman, fasci nated Avith the sweet strains, momentarily deserted their posts and allowed the vessel to drift on to the reef."

Mails for United Kingdom and the Aus tralian Colonies, per Anvwata, Avill close at 11 a.m. on Thursday next.

A DcA Tonport correspondent writes : "Sir, —Will you kindly decide a bet ? In the under 20ft. open boat race, A hots B level £1 bis boat will beat B'.s. B's boat does not start. Hoav about the money?—STAKK IIOLDER. — [The bet is off.— Ed. E.S.]

It seems that Trickctt is not yet the Champion Sculler of tiie world, liiggins, of London, has recently issued a challenge to row any man in England for the championship of the Thames and £200 a side, or any man in the world for £5,000 a side, and giving an allowance of £100 for expenses to any foreigner or colonist, the race to he on'the Thames. If the lirst part of this challenge lias the effect of deciding who is to be considered the best man in England that lie may afterwards do battle with Trickctt, it avi'll bo satisfactory. It is uoav stated by the "Sportsman" that, though no match has yet. been actually made, Boyd Avill accept Higgins' defiance, the race to take place about the middle of March next, but with a reservation in favour of the Tyne as the scene of action.

Hone Nahe, M.H.R., has Avritten a singular letter to the Maori newspaper " Te Wananga." He describes a meeting at Pukcrahui, where a complaint Avas made by a native mimed Hoterene against another named Pirika Euipoto of having spoken disrespectfully of some ancestors, lie says : " The assembly Avould not be pacified Avith less than a block of land, to be gi\ren by Pirika for the curse he had uttered against our dead ancestors."

A novel advertising valentine designed by Mr S. Begg, del., Avas issued with the " Herald ". this morning. The design em braces a number of capital national carica tures Avith artfully planned spaces for advertisements, which appear to have been readily taken advantage of. At the top is a calendar for 1877. The work exhibits high artistic skill, and its execution is creditable to the resources of our local offices.

In another part of to-night's issue a pigeon message from Kaipara gives shipping news and other items. The importance of the Kaipara trade may he judged from the fact, that there Avere twelve arrivals in two days, nine entering the harbour together. We have' arranged to get two or three birds a week from' Northern rivers to bridge Ihe gap in the telegraph, and bring that important district into closer communication Avith Auckland. Mr R. Tait, laic Postmaster and Tele graphist at Coromandel, has been appointed Mail agent, and will leave by the Australia to enter upon his duties this evening. The Hon Dr Pollen proceeded to the Waikato this morning in order to meet Rewi, Maniapoto, and other chiefs at Alexandra. We are glad to learn that nothing Aery terrible is likely to be the outcome of the little difference with respect to the custody of the deeds of the Canterbury, which occurred yesterday between Messrs Hunt and Nolan. Mr Hunt has since, as Aye are informed by [one of his friends, apologised ■ft Mr Russell and to Mr Nolan for the little mistake, and has paid three-fourths of the purchase njonoyj the apology has been accepted, and a dreadful catastrophe has been averted. Mr Hunt has also insured the vessel, The pleasadtlittleeruise amongst the sunny isles of the Pacific, whore bananas, 'cocoa-nuts, ouelw Syrens, .nm!..]■' troapjrss-yvuvo, reward t)w Jjftfd^ Iftfl^Slfl will m\s skt>ri?£ ftfco $.§,» *

The inquiry which Avas to have taken j place before li. C. Barstow Esq., respecting alleged illegal proceedings in the election ! at Huia for the return of a member to the Manukau County Council, Avas not held, oAving to the absence of the parties. The petition against the return of Mr Ebenezer Gibbous avus signed by Messrs P. Fennell, W. Foot, and J. W. Waller, and it sets forth that the petitioners verily believe that some persons voted for Mr Gibbons by ' fraudulently impersonating other persons. The North Shore boys are having great fun at the North Shore of an evening just now. Last night, for instance, there Avas a dingy race, a punt nice, a tub race, a sweep stakes swimming race, and a foot race. The Devouport wharf formed the grand stand, from Avhich a splendid vieAV of the sports could be obtained, and for upwards of two hours it Avas croAvded with spectators. There were six entries for the tub race, which caused infinite merriment, the capsizes of the competitors being hailed with peals of laughter. After a series of mishaps, James came in first, and claimed the prize. The dingy race was between E,. IT. Duder and H. Ollivicr, and after a good race Duder Avon, the course being from the wharf round the Sandspit bony and back. Henry Niccol and Thomas Patterson roAved in the punt race, and though the latter was the challenger the former Avon easily. The swimming race was Avon by A. Warbuek. The grand event was the foot race, for Avhich the course —from end to end of the wharf—was cleared amid much excitement. The competitors Avere F. Edwards and G. Kemp, the latter having two yards start. Edwards steadily gained to the finish, but could not get up to his opponent, avlio Avon by a foot after a splendid race. This ended the programme. The following axe the principal amounts Avon at the recent race meeting al Welling ton, and paid over since—Air Redwood, £375; Mr Kay, £237; Mr Gilligan, £140; Mr Durie, £100; Mr Walker, £100 ; Mr BiOAvn, £S0 ; Mr Eraser, £70. The total amount paid Avas £1147. It AViIS agreed thai the amount of next year's Cup money should be £500 ; and there Avas 25 and 22 nominations received respectively for the Wellington Derbies of 1878 and 1879. The regular meeting of the Union Lodge of Mark Master Masons, 154, E.C., was

* held last, evening in the Lodge room, Princes-street. After the usual business of the Lodge, the solemn and impressive 5 ceremony of installing the Worshipful * Master, Avas proceeded Avith, the instal ling Master, Bro. Malcom Niccol, Past, ' Worshipful Master, in the chair. Bro. 1 P. M. Wade presented Bro. senior Warden - Burns as Worshipful Master Elect. Bro. ■ Burns, was then installed Worshipful 1 Master of the Lodge lor the ensuing twelve months. Bro. Worshipful Master Burns I then installed the following officers: — , BroM. Niccol, Past Master; Bro W. R. Robinson, Senior Warden ; Bro A. Brock, .Junior Warden ; Bro Rev 0. M. Nelson, Chaplain; Bro P. M. Wade, Treasurer; Bro W. .1. Rees, Master Overseer; Bro K. E. W. Dawson, Senior Overseer; Bro (J. I'owley, Junior Overseer ; BroM. Levy, Senior Deacon ; Bro J. H. Hendry, Junior 1 Deacon; Bro J. Lewis, Inner Guard; Bro C. Porter, Tyler. The addresses to the officers were given by Bro P.M. Niccol, in his usual effective manner. The Lodge was then duly closed with solemn prayer. From the list of officers it will be seen that ! it comprises members from every Blue Bodge in the Auckland District, and makes it justly entitled to its name of Union; it ; is the largest and most influential Lodge in Auckland, and, we believe, the only one in the colony of tin,' Marie Degree, working under tin; Gnu id Mark Lodge or Eng land. To the Editor ; Sir,—There seems to be a want of harmony aiming the Sunday schools attached to the several Anglican churches of Auckland, at least, in regard to their annual fcivivals. St. Paul's fake Regatta Day, in the Domain, St. MatthcAv's take Shrove Tuesday, and eat their pan cakes at Vauxhall, while St. Sepulchre's lake another day, and All Saints no day at all, or an afternoon picnic al Shelly Reach. It is a pity these schools cannot combine, and have one grand day together, severally led by their respective ministers and teachers, instead of being severed by days and localities.—LOOKEß-OX. Mr Edward Lewis will deliver a lecture this evening on "One Baptism," in the Newton Hall. Mr Thomas Russell reached the Bind', on Sunday last from Melbourne, by the Arawata, and may he expected in Auck land, alter a brief stay in Canterbury. On the outside of the envelope of a private letter received in Sydney per City of New York, written on the clay when that vessel left Honolulu for Sydney, are the words, "Mr and Mrs H. H. Hall killed— a railway accident." There may be truth in the report, as the names of those killed at Ashtabula were unknown at the time of the .accident, which would account for Mi- Hall's fate not appearing in print up to the time of the mail leaving. It Avill be recol lected that Mr Hall Avas the pioneer and direct medium of the Pacific Mail Service being established in this colony. A lecture on the interesting subject of Eng land's identity with the 10 tribes of Israel is about to be delivered shortly, which Mr Ham mond lias been preparing, and intends illusf.ra.t , inK with some special diagrams, amongst which will he a large drawing ot the coronation chair, AVith the stone of identity (commonly knOAVS as Jacob's stone) and which has been handed down from Ireland and used at the crowning of all the British and Irish sovereigns to the present reign of Queen Victoria. The subject is one of great historical interest, and no doubt Avill attract to Ponsonby, where it will be delivered, many avlio are watching in the events of the days, as Avell as those avc are taught to anticipate, the fulfilment of prophecy. The children of the Sunday school of St. Mat thcAvs and twenty-fire of their teachers, held the annual school treat at Vauxhall Gardens yester day, accompanied by a number of parents and friends. The North Shore Ferry company con veyed the children across the Avatcr free of charge, and the proprietor of Vauxhall Gardens acted towards the children on the same princi ple. Having passed a pleasant day the party returned to Auckland, gratified and refreshed. Mr Severn Avill deliver the first of his scries of lectures this evening in the Lornc-strcct Hall. The subject of discourse will be "The sun, and modern solar discoveries," which Avill be illus trated in a distinct manner by the assistance of Browning's tine apparai us, shewing photographs of the central luminary on the screen. We Avould strongly advise young men who desire a Avider knowledge of Nature's handiwork, not to miss these final lectures of Mr Severn's in the colonies, as his style of delivery is so clear and direct, that it is impossible for an interested listener not to understand him. The facts of science moreover, Avhich Mr Severn's fully illucidates are of great importance, and no young man should be utterly ignorant of them. Atthe close of the lecture. Mr Severn will slioav and explain the oxyhydrogen microscope, Brewster's kaliedoscopc, the radiometer, and a number of interesting vieAvs of pyramids and cities of the world.

Messrs Wilson and McGregor, gentlemen of large commercial experience, liaA'c taken the Victoria Flour Mills, Symonds-street, lately occupied by Mr. Partington. Tho ncAv proprie tors being large capitalists possess every facility for prosecuting a successful business as millers and corn merchants.

Amongst the pictures on Adew at the shop of Messrs Phillips, Queen-street, are two line specimens of flower painting Iv water colours by Miss Wright, of Parncll. The pictures are remarkable for their extreme fidelity to nature, and for a certain classic chastcness, which are the chief tests of excellence in this class of paint ings. The grouping of the flowers also shews highly cultivated taste, and the discrimination of a true student of nature's cunning handiwork. It will be remembered that on a former occasion Miss Wright was successful in carrying oft' the principal prize for flower-painting in Sydney, against hundreds of competitors, Tho pictures under notice are also destined for this year's Art Exhibition in the same city. In the same shop there is also on A'icw a flue oil painting, by Mr Albin Martin, the subject being a, vicAV of Tamuki, with groups of Maoris Ashing The Avhole picture is exceedingly faithful. There Is a mellowness about ihe sky and care fullness In tho details that stamp tho picture, as on", of much merit. The softness and general harmony of the picture, and the, beauty of tho snnimer sky shew careful study and a skilful hand, Tltte picture is al*o designed for the Sydney JS^jU^ i ■ ■ ' ' 1 '"

Mr Justice Gillies has left Auckland, for the Lake country Avhere he purposes spend ing the vacation Avhich terminates on the anniversary of the Prince of Wales' mar riage, the 10th of March.

"Didymus" A\ rrites taking exception to the Kca\ S. Edger's sermon on capital punishment, and suggesting that the rev. gentleman should preach next Sunday from Romans, c. 13, a*. 1 to 5.

At the \\ aste Lands Board yesterday,after avc went to press, an application from Mr Citing to cut timber at Kailiu, was post poned. The same course was adopted in respect to an application from Te Opira, respecting land at Waipoa, Hokianga. With reference to an application from Frederick Chamberlin, for a lease of land near Rangitaiki river, Bay of Plenty, the Secretary Avas requested to inform him that the land was not at the disposal of the Government. Mr John Ross, avlio applied for land at Katikati, is to be informed that the former decision will be adhered to. It Avtis resolved that tho land at Wfiiupu should 1)0 thrown open for selection under the Homestead Act. The Board resolved to set apart land at Tauhoa for cemetery purposes. Messrs May and Moat were requested to examine as to land at Upper Mahurangi for cemetery and recreative purposes. The Board re solved that land should be set apart for educational reserves at Ohineniuri, as required. In reply to it request to alter a {road at Pukckohe, the Secretary avus in structed to reply that the Board have no poAvcr to deal with the matter. The same reply AVas given to ;i request, from Messrs Andrews and Yarborough to be alloAved to cut timber at AYaitoroto. The Board Avas of opinion that a Crown Grant should he issued to Mears for hind taken up by him in ISo'o*. The Board granted permission to Mr 11. Roavc to erect a store at Waiuku. ItAvas decided that thelandatOkahu.Puhoi, .should be thrown open for settlement under the Homestead Act.

The annual picnic of the Parncll Lodge of Oddfellows is being held, as Aye go to press, in the central part of the Domain. The procession formed at the Lodge this morning about ten o'clock, and inarched to the holiday enclosure Avitli banners and a band of music, led by the ollicers of the Lodge. The day being remarkably line, the members Avith their avi'a'cs and children enjoyed themselves heartily this afternoon in the shade of the trees, cricket, lacing, and other active sports were largely patronized. We learn that the Lodge, and the order generally is in a satisfactory financial condition, th at Odd fellowship is making rapid strides in Auckland, and that the Widows and Orphans Fund is doing much good in the community.

A serious accident happened yesterday on board Mr. Joy's yacht Erin, to a lad named Hayncs, a son of the landlord of the Stokes' Point Hotel. The lad is about twelve years of age, and was on board Avith Jenkins, the yachtsman, assisting to clean out the cabin. The b"y observed a revolver in the cabin, and Avitli a boy's natural curiosity, wanted to know all about it. Jenkins states that lie was explaining the character and use of the revolver, when then the trigger fell, and being loaded, shot the lad in the right arm near the elbow. He was at once conveyed to Auckland in the dingy, and examined by Dr. (loldsbro', in Mr. Aickin's room, avJio found that the lad had suffered a com pound fracture. The arm was at once attended to and placed in splinters. Young Hayncs was then taken to the Provincial Hospital, where he received the attention of Dr. Philson and the house-surgeon.

Arrival of the R.M.S. Australia from Sydney.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Mkuhivrne, February 9th. BY the arrival in harbour this morning of the above vessel, Aye are in receipt of files of Australian papers to the Dili inst, from which Aye extract the following items :— Lieutenant Dugdalc has reported against cutting down and altering the Nelson for defence purposes. Windmill, charged with the murder of Mrs Ciitclilev at Sandhurst, was found guilty of manslaughter, and sentenced to seven years. A telegram lias been received from London, stating that the appeal to the Privy Council in the ease Woolley v. ironstone Hill Company, avus dismissed, thus uphold ing the decision of Judge MolesAVortii that the Crown was entitled to gold on private land which bad been granted by the CroAvn. John Lord's deficiencies in the building society already discovered arc over £3000. They have been going on for three years. - John Cuddy, clerk in the Colonial Bank, has been arrested for stealing t'2oo belong ing to the Bank, and remanded. Kenny, the late rate-collector of the Water Supply Department, has been con victed of embezzlement, and sentenced to two years' imprisonment. _ Governor BoAven accompanies Sir Wil liam Gregory to Tasmania on Monday. The election of a Committee of Manage ment for the Melbourne Hospital is uoav going on, amid great excitement, Catholics and Protestants being ranged against each other.

A block of buildings in Bourke-street, situate above the Opera House, Avas sold privately, yesterday, for £3(>,500. It is rumoured that negotiations arc on foot to erect a large theatre on this site, on the American principle. Plans have been drawn out.

OAving to ;i want of unanimity on the pait of the publicans, the resolution to close their houses on Sundays is likely to be very shortly abandoned ; and all licensed house's will be open on Sundays as heretofore. The Vigilance Committee appointed by the Association arc unwilling to prosecute, and the system of ospoinage is generally con demned by the trade.

Brisbane.- Ihe sub-inspector of police has been dispatched to Tarn o'Shantcr Point, near Cairns, to inquire about a boat that has been seen there, on the beach. He reports finding some sails stained Avitli blood. He captured two gins, avlio said that the blacks murdered three men, and then threw them overboard, but nothing is left from which to recognise them.

Adelaide, Feb. f). At Wilson's Circus, Aireo slipped from the trapeze, and being unable to catch the guy, fell a distance of thirty feet. He Avas much bruised, and one of his wrists Avas fractured.

A collision has occurred between the Victoria and Willunga, The former crushed obliquely into the Willunga, on the starboard boAV, cutting through the main rail bulwarks, and water way. The dred»-o heeled over to port, and sank in a short time.^ All bands were saved. It is expected that it avi'll take six months and £10,000 to raise the Willunga. Her original cost Avas about £80,000. The Victoria Avas injured to the extent of about £150.

SUEZ MAIL NEWS.

The P. and 0. Cos. royal mail steamship Taniore arrived at Glenelg at six o'clock on \\ ednesday morning. Passengers for New Zealand : Miss Pettigiw, Rev Mr and Mrs Grace and family, A strong agitation is spreading against the encroachment of prison labour on free labour,

The school board elections in London have resulted in the defeat of the 4«io'mtutt< UeMMgtft (MM) voJUuitovy gssy. "

The Lord Mayor of London has enter tained the creAvs of the Artie Expedition. j Mr Coe, stage manager of the Hay- ' market Theatre, gained a verdict for £1035 against Messrs. Buckstone _ and Sothcrn, the lessees, for wrongful dismissal. The defeat of the All-England Cricketers in Australia has caused great surprise. A Mennonitc exodus is organising to South America. It is reported that 50,000 of them intend to settle in Brazil. OAvingtothe epidemic of small pox at Chatham and the neighbouring toAvns of Rochester and Stroud, at Altlershot an order has been given for all the troops to be vaccinated. The disease is spreading in London. In the divorce case brought by Mr. J. Peter Robinson, of Oxford-street, Against his Avife, and which resulted in her favour, one of the co-respondents was a Mr. Charles Eurber, an auctioneer, avlio formerly resided in Australia. He was married there A\'hen nineteen years of age. The Duke of Counaught has been gazetted an extra Knight Grand Commander of the i Star of India.

The Porte has ordered the issue of sca'cii millions of paper money. Prince Charles has protested against the ncAV Turkish Constitution assuming that Roumania is part of the Turkish Empire. A Russian exploring expedition has been fitted out, and is uoav proceeding to Teksonin, Avhcrc it will meet Yakoob. A man and Avoman have been condemned, the former to twenty-five, and the latter to live years' penal servitude, at Winchester, for causing a scries of fires in in lodgings and houses, the furniture of which they had insured. The prisoner Avas connected Avith thirteen fires.

At Nice, the Countess Laure Erlendy, aged 30, has been murdered by a young- Italian named Mestelloni, because she re fused to marry him. He then committed suicide.

A collier has been sentenced at the West Biding Sessions, Sheffield, to twelvemonths hard labour, for biting a man's lip oil". The chairman said this kind of cannibalism Avas was too prevalent amongst miners in the Sheffield district.

A house-to-house canvass on Sunday closing has taken place at Drogeda. For the entire closing on Sundays there Avere 1963 ayes and 312 noes; 503 declined to vote. Of 85 licensed traders, 24 A*oted "aye," 24 "no," and 37 abstained. A series of sketches of Russia and Turkey are appearing in the " Daily Tele graph," from the pen of Mr G. A. Sale, who is acting as a special correspondent. A special train between Citloz and Madame, on the Lyons and Mediterranean railway, came into contact Avith another, on the 18th instant. Nine persons Avere killed, including two English travellers, and scA'cntcen Avere injured.

Mr Parnell, a member of the Interna tional Gun and Fob) Club, has, at Brighton, performed the feat of shooting 100 penny pieces suecesively in ">0 minutes, thereby winning a wager of £300 to £15. The thro Aver-up stood eight yards from the shooter, and he was not to throw any piece more than three feet above his bead. Mr Parnell has performed the same feat at Shepherd's Bush.

'I be Mexican President Lcrdo de Tcjada has been defeated by Portico Diaz with a loss of 2700 killed and Avounded. Tejada's Secretary of War and other officials tire said to have been caught and shot by suc cessful insurgents.

Mrs Agnes Morris, the lady AA'ho killed two of her children in September last, was tried at, Liverpool on the 11th, and acquitted on the ground of insanity. Although left a widow Avitli £300 a year, she was afraid of starvation.

•James Edward Gale, late manager of the Queen Insurance Company, Liverpool, has been sentenced to fh'e years' pena I.servitude for embezzling £600.

On the 13th, a collision took place off the Start Point between the barques Robert Kelly and Huddcrslicld. Both \-essels sank. Only two of the crew of the Huddersficld were saved, and they, and those on board the Robert Kelly, Avere picked up by the Avoca, and taken into Weymouth.

During the gale on the 20th, two bouses Avere bloAvn doAvn at Sunderland and Ncav eastle, and three persons were killed ; several others were injured.

A REMARKABLE BEQUEST.

The Royal College of Surgeons has received the following from a lady as ,v, present (says the "Court Journal":—

I " This is the last Avill and testament of me. ■ I appoint the President, at the time of my j decease, of the Royal College of Surgeons jof England, the executor of this my Avill. I Believing that it is the duty of every mem ber of the human family to devote their bodies after death to scientific examination until the principles of physiological science are thoroughly established, I direct that in the event of my decease in the United Kingdom my executor shall give my body immediately after my decease to the authori ties of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. I desire that such body shall be completely dissected in the most "thorough manner known to science. I desire that all possible facilities shall be given for the inspection of such body in its various stages of dissection by any person desiring to inspect it, and more particularly by persons of the female sex. I also desire that any facts that may come to light in consequence of such dissec tion that may be new, or in any other way advantageous to be made public, should be published. I also desire that after such dissection as aforesaid, my body shall be destroyed in the most economical and expeditious manner possible, except that I should wish that some remnant thereof, if it can be preserved in an innoxious state, should be preserved in the College and identified as a .portion of my remains. 1 should also Avish that if any "of my friends should desire to have a remnant of my said body they should be at liberty to do so. Signed ." The document has been legally drawn up by solicitors, and wit nessed by their clerks.

BRUTAL OUTPACE ON A YOUNG LADY.

James liundel, a pitman, Avas charged at the Durham Assizes with attempting to choke Mary Smurthwaitc, and to render her incapable of resistance Avith intent to ravish her, at Tunstall, on the Bth of October last. This was an outrage of a most extraordinary character committed upon a young lady, eighteen years of age m broad daylight, Avhile returning home irom church, and in sight of her father's bouse, Tunstall Lodge, near Ryhope Morning service over, Miss Smurthwaite was walking home along the road by herself, with her prayer-book in one hand and her umbrella m the other, and Avas within a couple of iields from home, when the pris oner suddenly sprang out upon her, having his face concealed in a red handkerchief! and holding up a short rough coat in his hands m front, of him. She started to one side and screamed loudly, but he succeeded in throwing the coat from behind over her eyes and mouth, so that she could not see and cculd not scream so loudly, then putting us arms round her, pinioning hers, he half lifted and half dtagged her across to the hedge-side, and laid her ddAvn on the grass • during all Avhich time she used every effort m her power to escape from mm, and screamed as loudly as she could, He then slipped a piece of tarred twuie with a slip-knot over her right wrist and endeavoured to fasten her bands in front She struggled to release herself, and rolled oyer on her face, when siiu felt her left hand jerked back and her mm fastened behind her buck at tho wrists mid dhows He then lift.edher up unci carried her thruuVl a gap m tiie hedge Into a stubble-field, und ttan M feu ivm m iw \mh mm), pim''

sing the coat against her mouth with such violence that she was almost suffocated and became momentarily unconscious endeavoured to cfl'eet his purpose ; but re' covering herself, site made such a deter" mined resistance that he got up at last after a terrible struggle, and left her. ' The I young lady made her way home, and p re -V sented herself to her father, in the garden" ' in a most distressed and pitiable condition' with her arms still tied behind her back and a cord round her neck. Her face* mouth, and neck were bruised and SAvollen' and she was bruised all over her body. Tim prisoner Avhen apprehended admitted having tied her hands and taken her into the stubbls-field, but denied havin* done it with the intents charged. I n \]Z course of the case it transpired that seven years ago_ he _ was sentenced to eighteen months' imprisonment, with hard labour, for an indecent assault upon a Avoman in ConiAvall. The defence Avas that he acted as he did Avith intent to rob the young lady of any money she _ii(r at have had cither in her outside pockets,°or in pockets in her under garments. The judge, in passing sentence, addressing the prisoner, said : "You have been found guilty of as atrocious a crime as I ever remember to have heard of. You have endeavoured to produce a state of insensibility In an innocent girl in order to enable you to gratify your filthy lusts upon her person. It would be idle to Avaste words upon a man avlio is guilty of such atrocities as you have been found guilty of. The law upon the matter has enacted that the penalty for such an offence as yours shall be, at the discretion of the judge, penal servitude for life, or for a shorter period. But, inasmuch as I cannot conceiA'e a more atrocious outrage than you have been guilty of, I think I should not be doing mv duty if I Avere not to sentence you to the full term allowed by bvw, and to condemn you to penal servitude for the term of your natural life."

WRECK OF THE S.S. SINGAPORE.

The Eastern and Australian Steam Nvvigation Company's s.s. Singapore having landed 400 Chinamen at CooktOAVii, Avas proceeding on her A'oyagc southward. Avhen she struck heavily at 5 a.m. on a sunken rock, about a mile from L. Island, off Mackay. The pas sengers and crow, numbering 80 Europeans and 40 Chinese, were safely landed on the island, and avcll supplied Avith provisions. Upon the steamer striking, the captain had the lead thrown, and found 1^ fathom amidships, and from 6 to 10 fathoms for ward, ami the vessel dec]) by the stern. The tide avus onc-and-a-quarter ebb, Avith a rise and fall of about nineteen feet. It is expected that on the tide receding the steamer Avill break her back, in which case there avi'll be no possibility of saving her. The vessel is nearly totally submerged, and will become a total wreck. Little or no cargo btts been saved. It transpired that the captain had at 4 o'clock on the morning of the wreck just relieved the chief officer, and ten minutes afterwards altered the course of the vessel. The Avater made rapidly. The cargo, composed of tea and general merchandise, was principally for Sydney. The passengers for Sydney were Mr Hopkins in the saloon, and 39 Chinese. The crew numbered 100 souls. At last advices the Avater Avas up to the masts of the Singapore.

Kaipara Heads.

(PER STAR CARRIER PIGEON),

(From our oavh Correspondent)

This day, 10 a.m. The Julia F. Carney, American brigantine, arrived on the Bth instant, 22 days out from Dunedin, followed by the brigantine Sarah and Mary ; Khoderick Dim, and barque Prince Alfred from Lytteltou ; schooner Jesssie Niccol, and brig Wild Wave from Dunedin ; the ketch Reliance, brigantine Hannah Broomfield and brigantine Enter prise from Wellington. The brigantine Annie Hill, arrived on the 11th after a fearful passage from Welling ton. She Avas nearly a month out, mid experienced terrific N.W. gales in Cook's Straits.

The schooners.Aspasia and ReAvaid also came in on the 11th. The whole of the vessels report having experinced similar weatherto the Annie Hill, Avith strong N.-W. gales in Cooks Straits.

The schooner Flora sailed on Monday for Lyttleton, with a cargo of timber, having had an overhaul at Te Kopuru, after strand ing on the bar.

The brigantine Zephyr sailed yesterday (13th) for Hobarton. * She was loaded with timber at Te Kopuru. We have had heavy rains, and very changeable weather during the past week, with thunder and lightning. The Minnie Casey grounded yesterday oil the bank at the South Heads, hence no despatch yesterday. She passed up at 9 p.m., all right for the Wairoa.

POLICE COURT.-THIS DAY.

(Before A. Beetbam and G. S. CrahalU, Esquires, Justices of the Peace.) tT ONE MORE UNFORTUNATE.!' Sarah Kerslake avos charged under the Vagrant Act of IS6'W with having no visible lawful means of a livelihood. Mr Tyler appeared for the defendant. Detective Grace arrested the prisoner at half-past nine o'clock last night;' she waa under the influence of liquor. He had frequent complaints made to him respect* ing^ the evil conduct of prisoner. Cross-examined by Mr Tyler : He had known the prisoner" for some two years j but bad never seen a man, as her husband, in her house. Mr Tyler said the woman had been - unfortunate : she was married to a man mimed Kerslake Avith Avhom she lived seme time, until she found out that Kerslake had a former Avife living ; she Avas uoav suppor ted by a man on board the Emerald. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the police had no wish to prosecute the woman, if she would promise not to interfere with he* daughter who was under the care of ft gentleman avlio Avas desirous of seeing the child properly dealt with. The prisoner promised not to interfere with the child, and was discharged. BREACH OF LICENSING ACT. Geo. A. Avey, was charged with a breach of the Licensing Act of iS7I, by supplying alcoholic liquor on Sunday, the"llth inst. Mr Hesketh appeared for defendant, and pleaded not guilty. Sub-Inspector Pardy put in the Act and Amendment Act of 1871. - Elizabeth KelshaAv, an elderly woman, eposed that on the evening of the 11th nst., she went to the Masonic Hotel for ft slulling's worth of beer, for which she paid the waiter. She was met at the foot of Chancery Lane hill by a policeman, who took the beer out of her kit, and accom panied her back to the hotel. William Henry Fox, waiter, deposed that he avus reposing on the sofa, when he Avatf disturbed by a knocking at the door. Oil opening the door lie saw the woman, who wanted beer ; she had been before, but he did not then answer. He gave her some beer, for which she paid la. Mr Avey was not at home. t To Mr Hesketh • He save her the beer to got rid of her. Mr Avey bad instructed J him not to supply anyone'on Sundays, Hfl had been in Mr Avey's service nine Juontlw* "ho old woman was very anxious for beer, and she said U was all right. He coiifessad to Mr Avey, who scolded him very Rivm W his l'ninnuVm.e. S«»»w|%aiftia knew tte vQmr\

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1877.



T N BANKRUPTCY. IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW ZEA LAND, NORTHERN DISTRICT. In the matter of "The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876:" and of the Bankrnptcv of Henry Carroll, of Auckland, a Debtor. This is to notify that Henry Carroll, of West Queen-street, Auckland, Blacksmith, has this day died a statement that ho is unable, to meet his engagements Avith his creditors. The First Meeting of Creditors to be held in the Buildings of the Supreme Court, Auckland, on TUESDAY, the 20th day of February, 1577. Dated this 11th day of February, 1877. EDWARD S. WILLCOCKS, Registrar. Dignan & Armstrong, Queen-street, Auckland, Solicitors for the Debtor. i^T O T I C E DRAPERY GOODS, NEW AND CHEAP ! ! The undersigned haAre Purchased at Auction a LARGE LOT of NEW DRAPERY GOODS, i ust landed ex City of Auckland, the Avhole of 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 /3_d yard Strong White Calico at /■! yard, or 3/10~doz. 72-in. Grey Sheeting, 1/ yard, good quality 72-in. .fc 80-in. White Twill Sheeting 72-in., SO-in. & 90-in. Croydon Sheeting, 1/6 yard Huckaback Towels, good, /6 each, 5/!) doz. ' White and Unbleached Damask and Damask Table Cloths, from 2/6 9 1,10/_ & 11/1 Alhambra Quilts, good qualities, 3/11 Rough Brown Holland, from /8 yard Half-dressed ditto, superior quality, Aery cheap at /1.0.V and 1/ Black Lustre, and superior quality Black Bril liantine Lustres Nsav Prints, good patterns, at /!}, jbh, and /6, very cheap HarA-ard Shirting, good quality, /"■} yard Fine Irish Linen, lot of Remnants', a bargain, from 1/1 yard Gents' Br. Cotton Half-hose do. _< merino feet Grey and Fancy Striped Mei-iao Half-hose, and other goods too numerous to mention. All Purchasers of Drapery and Clothing should inspect our Stock, and prove that although not selling off, Aye are giving full value for MONEY. _3T One Shilling in tho £ returned on all pur chases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Upper Queen-street. Auckland. T C OSGR AY E & C 0., Beg to announce they will bring forward A Fresh Lot of B A R G A.I N S!! ! Consisting of HEIR LATE SHIPMENT BY THE ORARI, Purchased at Home at Job Prices, together Avith the Avhole of their SUMMER DRAPERY & CLOTHING, REDUCED IN PRTCE TO SUIT THE TIMES Several Bales of CALICO, damaged by sea water./will be Sold under Inrnim Priiw. JjiURNITURE! FURNITURE Ladies and Gentlemen about to Furnish are respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stack of DRA WING - ROOM, DINING - ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In owr Neiv and Spacions Sltowrooms. T. & m'cooKß, 67. QUEEN-STREET Adioinina Bank of New Zealand. Tiie Medical Profession have declared Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine , to be a necessity to all m search of health, and especially to those suffering' either from Incipient ' or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, and the dis- ' orders arising therefrom. This Tonic is aiwo i particularly recommended to all Avho are in a < measure compelled from the nature of their I - occupation to take stimulants, and at the same - time are desirous of studying health by taking .' that Avhich will act most bcnelicially on the ( system. Mr. Wm. Johnson, Government Analy tical Chemist, report: — "I have examined Steane's SuperlatiA-e Aromatic Tonic Wine, and 1 find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con- ,t taining about 16 per cent, of a very pure alcohol, s and holding in solution a clear Avholesome, ' "Vegetable Bitter, combined with a fruity spicy * •aroma. I consider this Bitter a very superior y ■article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotel- « __! €16 liCfS Charlatans are continually attempting to \ 3 practice upon the health of the unsuspecting by a the sale of adulterated, fiery potions in bottles v •of UnoLPHO Wolfe's • Schiedam Aromatic « _chxa?ps which have been emptied of their '■ 'legitimate contents. The name or this celcbrar T_d elixir is also counterfeited to aid the swjflill Qi 1 }' plitjj &hQ,u]d jnepe.^ th. _ lftb,cfc_ cicely, | fel