SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

™ R (This Afternoon, 3.12 HlCri-i v, AI&K--j T O . morrow Morning, 3.10 SUN SET.—This Evening. 6.44 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning. 4.45 MOON'S AGE.—Full Moon, 21st, 9.58 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Southern Cross, Mission barquontinc, Bongard,

froixi the South Seas. Go-ahead, s.s., from Gisborne. Taranaki. s.s., Malcolm, from the South (at Onehunga).

DEPARTURES.

Hawea. s.s., Wheeler, for Tauranga and the South. Sissy, schooner, for Russell.

IMPORTS.

Per s.s. Go-ahead, from Gisborne:—soo sacks maize, 5 horses. Per schooner Maggie Patterson, from Oamaru: —1700 bags Hour, 250 bags bran, 60 bags pollard. —Coupland and Co. r- Per s.s. Taranaki, from the South: 2 bales 2 trunks, 91 cases, 3 casks, 80 lengths pipe, 3 parcels, 4 boxes. 2 pr wheels and axles, 14 kegs, 53 lambs.—Henderson and Macfarlane, agents.

ARRIVAL OF THE MELANESIAN MISSION VESSEL.

A barque was signalled at sundown last night and Tttsde the harbour in the small hours of this morningr. She turned out to be the Southern Cross, Me'anesian Mission vessel, which has just returned from an eight months cruiss anions the Islands of the Solomon, New Hebrides, and other Group 3. The following: is a list of her passengers:—Rev. Mr and Mr Still, child and servant, Rev. Mr Bice, Mrs Bongard, Miss Dudcr. At daylight this morning the Southern Cross was at anchor between the North Head and the lighthouse, but later on she proceeded to her usual anchorage off Kohi marama. Captain Bongard, the popular com mander, has furnished us with the followi g report :—LeftNorfolk Island on the 7th instant. Light easterly winds with fine weather pre vailed ud to ma£ing Cape Brett, on the 14th. Since then light airs, making Tiritiri yesterday, at -1 p.m., with easterly wind, which died away, and the anchorage was reached at two o'clock this morning. We have received a long account or the trip from Captain Bongard. but we are unable to find room for more than a few extracts. "Left Auckland for the Kawau April 7th, and took final departure from the coast on the 12th, arriving at Norfolk Island on the 15th, after a splendid ru". Left Norfolk Island for a cruise among the islands on April 25th. On May 23rd at 7 p.m., wheu 3 miles off San Christoval, felt an earthquake. * !; At Mana onthsSlst June, a strong S.TS. wind was blowing with heavy sea. Bishop Selwyn was left an Mana Island. In latitude 9-11 S,, longitude 163-30 E., the main tonsail yard carried away, so bore away tor Mana to repair the yard. Reached there and repaired damage 25th June. Had gales until the 9th July. On July 12th reached Lepers Island, and found the Rev. Mr Bice very ill. Took him on board, and sailed on the 13th for Norfolk Island, calling at several islands on the return trip. Reached Norfolk Island on the 6th August, and landed Mr Bice and party. * * Left for a second cruise on the Bth August, with a party of Melanesians for the different islands. \.t San Christoval the Bishop came on board. * * After watering at Mana. conveyed Bishop to Ulana, and then^Saa. * * At Bali took on board the Rev. Mr Penny, who had spent 10 weeks at Florida Island. * * On August 26th, at the Island of Isabel, met the cutter Lelia, of Melbourne, commanded by Captain Lamb, of Auckland. J; * At Santa Cruiz the Bishop landed a new Hebrides native, who, with another, had been blown off to sea. The Bishop had got him at Port Adam. * * October 27th sailed for Norfolk Island, reaching there 3rd nstant.

The s.s. Hawea left for Tauranga and southern ports at a quarter past i yesterday afternoon. Passengars :—Mr and Mrs UUathorne, Captain and Mrs Preece, Lady Nicholson, Airs and Miss Gossetf, Mrs and Miss Williams, Mesdames, Pullman, Grey, Sheath, Hewett, S. Smith, Owens, Misses McLeon. McSvveeney, Conley, Messrs O'Sullivan, Callis, Mahoney. Owen, Brandon, Newbold. Jordan, Barker, Pallgirst, Holm den, Tatton Martin, Horsbrugh, Cham, berlin, Clarkson, and 17 steerage.—Henderson and Macfariano, agents. The brig Prairie is shortly expected at Hok;i anga from Dunedin to load timber on account of Messrs Stone Bros, for an Australian port. Messrs Me Arthur and Co. have received late advices from the Islands. The Active waala i in" Tonsra for Haabai, all well, and the Flirt h ad boen spoken among the Line Islands, likewise all we'll. Messrs Stone Bros, have chartered the barque Glencoe to proceed to Clyde River, Australia, to load timber on behalf of Messrs "William Sims and Co., to be used in the construction of a bridge near Gisborne. The s.s. Taranaki, 327 tons, Captain Malcolm, arrived at Onehunga at 5.15 this 'morning, from Wellingron and Southern ports. She ex perienced fine weather on the passage. Pas sengers—Mrs Whiteby, Messrs. Kohn, Field, Anderson, Brissenden, Mallen. Jones, Dean, Bryant, Donoughue, Williams, Stafford, White, Thomas, Williams, Tucker, Smith, and six s teerage.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

ME ALFRED BUCK LAND'S WEEKLY REPORT.

At the Haymarket. on Friday last, there was no sale h«ld that day, being the Prince of Wales' Birthday. At the cattle fair, held in the Remuera yards on Saturday, above the number of stock adver tised were yarded, and all were sold, with the exception of a few coarse animals. The attend ance o£ buyers was good, but bidding was dull throughout the sale, and for all classes of stock, except calves and yearlings; the prices obtained were fully 10s per head less than late quo tations. , , At the Remuera yards, on Thursday, only a few dairy cows were offered, and there was not much inquiry for them. A large number of store cattle were brought forward. Most of them were coarse, bad-bred animals, and sold at very low prices. The average number of fat stock was yarded, 106 head of first-class cattle being sold to the tra^e. Provincial fatted cattle brought from 33s to 353, ship-borne, 30s the lOOlbs. The three prize oxen advertised were bought by Mr A. Carter, Wellesley-street, for £21, £20, and £19 respectively. Fat sheep m average supply, and worth 3id the lb. Fat lambs plentiful, though not of good quality, and con sequently at low prices. Pigs scarce, and at high values.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

Bank New Zealand—Buyers £22 ss; sellers, £22 7s6d. Colonial Bank—Sellers, 48s. South British Insurance—77s ; sellers, 78s. National Insurance—Sellers, 325. Union Insurance—Sellers, 12s 6d. Union Sash & Door Co.—Buyers, £10 178 6d. Caledonian (dole)— Buyers, 50s. Moanatain—B2s 6d, 803; buyers, 82s 6d. Alburnia—Buyers, 60s ; sellers, 62s 6d. Royal Oak—6s 6d Long Tunnel—ls; sellers, Is. Thames—Buyers, 30s. JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under : *. For Thames, this day, afe 5.30 p.m.; and to morrow, at 10 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Areryle, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. • . For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, this day, at 4 p.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Anne Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki, to-morrow, at 2.45 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 1.45 p.m. Late letters till 3.5 p.m. For Levuka, per Mazeppa, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Gisborne, per Go-ahead, on Monday next, at 3.3G p.m For Russell, Kawa Kawa, WaDgaroa, and Mon gonui. per lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Rotorua, on Tuesday next.- at 1 p.m. M .,' L '\ Per a.s. Zealandia, on Wednesday, 21st instant, as under:— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British. Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign "West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of 6d, in addition to the postage, will be received by the mail agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTHS.

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

MARRIAGES.

WARNER—SPEIGHT.—On the 11th Novem ber, 1877, at St. Mary's Church, Parnell, by the "Venerable Archdeacon Maunselj, L.L.D., Henry Mason Warner to Bessie Annie, second daughter of Mr. William J. Speight, both of Alma Place, Parnell.

PREECK—CLAYTON.—On the loth November, at St. Paul's Church, by the Rev. C. M. Nelson, M. A., George Augustus Preece, R.M., Opotiki, to Ada, fifth daughter of the late Henry Clayton, Esq., of Wickford, Tasmania.

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

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1877.

for the cause that lacks assistance, P-ot the wrong that needs lesistance, Fos the future in the distance. And the good that we c*» d»

In making his statement on native affairs last night, Mr Sheehan defended himself from the charge of having induced the natives of Hawke's Bay to repudiate rsales of lands which they had become a party to before. The word " Repudiation" is a nasty term, and it has been very industriously promulgated by the Hawke's Bay land ring and the present Opposition, for the purpose 'of identifying the members of the Government with the so-called popular native view. In justice to the Maoris, as well as to Mr Sheehan, we are warranted in asserting that there is no desire on the part of the natives to evade past obligations. On the contrary, the Maoris have displayed a remarkable degree of honour and honesty ; and no case can be cited in which a land sale legitimately concluded by the proper native owner has ever been repudiated. But with a better knowledge of our laws necessarily comes in the responsibilities entailed by that knowledge. What is law and justice for Europeans is not law tor the Maoris. There has been built up by the Native Office a system which forced the Maori race into compulsory compliance with the desires of the party for the time in power. Every avenue to freedom was blocked ; and, worse than all, not blocked by a proclamation of blockade, which all who read might under stand, but by a system of ambuscade. White pretending to offer a fair field, a clique who attained adangerous power in the Government of the colony have held check mate constantly in their hands by a series of insurmountable barracades. Although inviting entry, "as said the spider to the fly," the legislation affecting the natives has kept the applicant for fair purchase of native lands in the position of Paradise and the Peri, the Peri having to guess the gift most acceptable to the Janitors of the gate, before an entry could be effected to the so-styled Paradise. But it has now become impossible to further hood-wink the Maoris. They know daily, from a hundred sources, all that transpires either politically or socially. They have no lack of shrewdness, and are by no means inclined to accept the Chiltern Hundreds, and take a back seat. The present Go vernment possesses, to the largest extent, the confidence of the native race. The Maoris do not look to Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan as the apostles of repudiation, but as the apostles of justice. They regard them as men who will guarantee such rights as the laws of the country entitle them to—as men who will remove the dis abilities under which the Maoris labour,

and who will break up the artful and specious impediments which a late paternal Government constructed to prevent access, on all matters affecting native lands, to the legal safeguard of European rights—the Supreme Court of the colony. This is what Mr Fox and the land-jobbers of Hawke's Bay are pleased to call repudiaton. Hawke's Bay members have hitherto ruled the roast on native matters, but as the early French revolutionists (in theory) said " Nous avons change tout cela." Hawkes Bay members and their friends made fortunes by the acquisition of native lands, and if they acquired them contrary to the luw, why should they be protected from the consequences which would have befallen them under similar circumstances in dealing with Europeans. And why should the men who ask for bare justice in the Supreme Court of the colony be sub jected to the obloquy expressed in the term Repudiation ?

PUBLIC MEETING TO-NIGHT.

TO-NIGHT, at half-past seven o'clock, the public will be afforded an opportunity for pronouncing upon the present state of political affairs. Under ordinary circum stances, it behoves the people to display an active interest in the proceedings of their representatives, when any matter of great public moment is before parliament ; but the present is peculiarly a time when those Avho are fighting our battles need all the support we can afford them. Sir George Grey and his colleagues have appealed from a demoralised parliament, from a biased Governor, to the people, and we feel the utmost assurance that their confidence will not prove to have been misplaced. The presence of Mr Reader Wood and Dr Wallis in Auckland, fresh from the struggle -which the electors will to-night be called upon to review, is rather a fortunate circumstance. We sincerely trust that the influential friends of Mr William Rowe and Major Atkinson will be well represented, and prepared with a vote of censure on Sir George Grey, and of confidence in and ap proval of his opponents. It is one of the misfortunes of our local politics that these gentlemen, whose existence we hear about, can never be found in public ; although their burrows and the proofs of their under mining operations are numerous enough throughout the land. Like bats, they shun daylight, and even gaslight ia too powerful for their weak eyes. However, if there are any who believe that the restoration of Major Atkinson to power would be advantageous to the colony, it is sincerely to be hoped that they will have the courage to proclaim their opinions, that they will receive a fair hearing, and carry their paint—if they can. The presence; of the Mayor, and the manner in which this meeting has been called, is a guarantee that it is for the purpose of obtaining public, not party opinion—and with those who best represent public opinion, be the victory. Electors, then, remember the Choral Hall to-night, at half-part seven o'clock. It should be mentioned that the requisition in its complete form as presented to the Mayor i.s published in our advertis ing columns. In previous issues a number of signatures were omitted.

ENGLISH CABLEGRAMS.

RUSSIAN RUSE AT PLEVNA

RESIGNATION OP COLONEL

BAKER.

RUSSIAN VICTORY

(SPECIAL TO TEE STAB.)

LONDON, October 2Gth

A calamitous storm occurred at Suez on Tuesday the 23rd, damaging the railway, town, and canal.

October 27.

The bombardment of Plevna on the 23rd and 24th inst. was a ruse to keep Osman Pasha in expectation of a front attack, whilst General Gourka assailed Dubrik.

The Russians aim at cutting off O.sinaii Pasha s retreat. Reinforcements arrive aily. 3 Colonel Baker's resignation is expected. October 31. After the victory at Dubri, the Russians on Sunday, the 2Sth, advanced along the Sophia Road and surrounded a Turkish fortified position at Te Tche. After two hours cannonade with sixty-two guns, the Turks surrendered. Only 300 escaped.

In our report of the Choral Society conoert in aid of the Indian Famine Fund we omitted to mention that the dramatic passages in "Athalie" were effectually read by the Rev It. S. Hassard, and also that the performance was conducted by Mr Joseph Brown, to whose skilful wielding of the baton much of the .success was due. A numerously signed requisition was presented to Mr H. Brett to-day, asking him to become a candidate for the Mayor alty. In reply, he has signified his intention of complying with the request.

An alarm of lire was given at half-past six o'clock this morning by the ringing of the bell at the coiner of Hobson and Wel lesley-streets. The occasion proved to be a boarding house in Chapel-street occupied by Mrs Campbell, a Avidow. It appears that Mrs Campbell was lighting the fire with shavings, and some of them were drawn up the flue by the draught, settling upon the roof. Mrs Campbell promptly threw salt cm the burning material and closed the fireplace with a bag. A small hole was burned in the roof, about a yard from the chimney. Fortunately this was noticed early and Messrs Mclntosh and Jones, lodgers, got on the roof and dashed out the blaze with two buckets of water. The chimney is uninsured. The property belonged to Mrs Naughton of Victoria-street, and the insurance policy ran,outabout a week ago. Mrs Campbell is also uninsured.

To the Editor : Sir,—l beg to draw your attention to an outrageous waste of city water this morning. My attention was called to the fact of the man who had charge of the hose for watering the streets, being so kind as to wash down and cleanse a two storey wooden house for the occupier ; and yesteulay morning of having done a job of washing down a baker's cart. I have noticed a constant leakage of water, night, and day, at the fire plugs in various parts of the city. I think that seeing the high rates that the city authorities charge for domestic purposes, even for the smallest hoU3e, of 9d in the pound, they ought to be more careful that it is not uselessly thrown away or wasted.—l am &c, RATEPAYER. All brethren who purpose to take part in the musical portion of the Masonic Install ation of Bros. Graham and Whitaker, are invited to attend practice at the Choral Hall, to-morrow (Saturday) evening at 7.30 p.m. The monthly inspection of the several companies of volunteers, namely, the Artillery, No. 3 Company, and the 'Naval Brigade, took place place last evening in the Drill Shed. The Artillery Company j mustered 35 men, under Captain Burns and Lieutenant Payne ; Naval Brigade, 35 men, under Captain Leßoy and Sub- j Lieutenant Parker ; No. 3, 18 men, under Captain Morrow, Lieutenant Kelly, and Sub-Lieutenant Robinson. The companies were subsequently under command of Major Lusk. Having gone through their inspection parades, the companies were ; dispersed, the bard of the Navals playing | through Queen-street to the wharf, to the pleasure of a moving crowd of spectators. > The Manukau Masonic brethren]! are invited, by special advertisement, to meet in the Masonic Hall, Onehunga, on Satur day evening. A public meeting will be held this j evening in the Newton Congregational ' schoolroom, when an address will be given on the "Abominations done in the city." i Mr D. Goldie will occupy the chair.

Referring to the approaching Mayoral elections in Auckland and vicinity, the " Thames Advertiser" contains the follow ing on dits, the accuracy of which we do not vouch for :—" Three Mayors are to be elected within the next fortnight for the several municipalities of Auckland, Parnell, and Onehunga, besides the one for the Thames, alluded to yesterday. There is already considerable excitement on the subject, and much surmise as to who will be elected cut of the number it is reported will contest the elections. Upon good authority we learn that Mr Isaacs is to receive a requisition fpr Auckland, _ and that a numerously-signed' one is likewise to be presented to Mr Brett. Councillor Cos grave is likewise spoken of, and it is said that Mr King, the chemist, may burs upon the scene for. the Mayorality. At Onehunga, the present Mayor, Mr J. D. Jackson, has offended sundry families in the back settlements by rigidly enforc ing the poundage laws and other measures tending to fill the coffers of the Borough; and malicious tongues add that this aug mentation of funds is with a view to secure the Mayor's salary ; accordingly Mr Waller, manager for Guthrie and Larnach's new branch business at Onehunga, has been requisitioned to stand. At Paruell, Colonel Nation, the present Mayor, is to contest the seat with Captain Brackenbury and Major- General Gosset. It is expected that con siderable military skill will be shown in this contest."

The grand organ recital, ii aid of the Sunday-school fund of St. Matthew's, will be held this evening, under the direction of Martin Swallow, Esq., who gives the entertainment. The programme is of a choice character, and must ensure a very largo attendance. In addition to the published programme to be gone through a Te Deum, composed by Mr J. Brown, the church organist, will be performed during the interval between the first and second

parts. Mr Gubbins' cheese warehouse, Ohaupo, containing three tons of cheese, • was destroyed by fire on the 13th. The loss was £200.

The trains which will run to Ellerslie Gardens to-morrow will leave Auckland at 12 noon, 12.45 p.m. (not 1 p.m. as adver tised and posted), and 1.45 p.m.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. BarstowEsq., R.M.) MKRRY AND SAD. We drank until our eyes did blink, We drank until the stars did wink, Wo drank, and drank, and what d'ye think ? We were locked up all through the drink. John House Winkle, Alexander Peters, and Maria Greeneye were fined os each for drunkenness. BREACH OF THE PEACE. Thomas and James were behaving like geese. And weroj charged with committing a breach of the peace. Thomas Collins and James "Walker were charged with misbehaving themselves in Queen-street, on the 15th inst. Prisoners pleaded guilty.

Sub-Inspector Pardy said the men were stripped at midnight in Queen-street and vigorously lighting. Collins said he was sorry, but when nearly tight, he met Walker, who squared up, and asked him to come out; and being an Englishman, he thought he would have a slap at him, that was all. Walker was fined 20s and costs, and Collins, being a new chum, was allowed his liberty on the payment of 10s and costs. SMALL MATTERS. Henry Rentier, a little boy, was fined 5s and costs, Bs, for driving at other than a walking pace round a corner of Queen street. Robert Bigham was lined 5s costs 5s 6tl, for leaving his cart unattended, on the Gth inst. A BONFIRE. William Witt, Thomas Good, Alfred Wright, and Alfred Jones were charged with making a bonfire in Vincent-street, and letting off crackers, on the evening ot the sth inst, without obtaining written per mission to do so from the Town Clerk.

The four youngsters pleaded guilty without knowing that they were doing wrong.

Sub-Inspector Pardy described the case, and thought if his Worship would admonish the boys, it would be suilicieut. His Worship spoke to the boys o» the foliy and danger of such conduct, and dis charged them.

ENCROACHING ON' GOVERNMENT LAND. John Mullally, contractor, was charged with damaging, to the amount of £5, certain land at Mount Eden, the property of the Queen, by excavating the same, and taking gravel therefrom, contrary to the provisions of sec. 52, of the " Malicious Injury to Property Act, of 18G7." Samuel Green, Thomas Sadgrove, and and Richard Wills were charged .with the same offence. Mr Brookfield prosecuted in these cases. Mr Devore appeared in defence, and asked far an adjournment as defendants only re ceived the summonses on the 14th* inst, and the man believed that they had been acting under a bona fide right.

Mr Brookfield objected, as the surveyor was leaving the neighbourhood, and his evidence was most important. His Worship said perhaps it would be better to hear the case for the prosecution, and if necessary, adjourn the case. Laurence Cussen, Government Surveyor, deposed to making a survey of the land abutting Kirby's gravel pit, and checked the boundaries by the plan. He put pegs in on the sth Oct. last. He observed that an excavation of 23ft had been made on the Government ground, and the scoria had fallen in from overhead. They continued cutting beyond the boundary line. Mr Mullally said he was not prepared to meet the case, as his principal witness, Mr Kirby, was ill in bed. Mr Cussen here put in che plan, shewing the boundary line and extent of encroach ment by defendants. Percy Smith, Chief Surveyor, deposed to

the correctness of the plan, which he had carefully examined and compared. He caused notices to be affixed on the boun daries, warning persons not to take scoria from the land. I Major Green deposed to seeing Mullally at the pit on the 9th inst., removing scoria ash fiom Government ground. He warned the men who were working, but they re plied that they might go in thirty feet, they Avere then ten feet in. The result of their exca/ation was a fearful landslip of about 100 tons of Government earth. Constable Jonas Abrams deposed that he had from time to time warned Mr Mullally and other of the defendants of their liability !to get into trouble if they presisted in ex ! cavating beyond the line. Mr Mullally spoke at some length, and said he stood in Court unprepared to go on, and undefended as his chief witness was un der the doctor's hands, and he had not been . able to secure the se vices of his solicitor. He wouldg ask for a remand until Tues ■ Mr Devore said he appeared for Sadgrove ! and the features in his case were somewhat different. The evidence of the prosecution was then taken in the remaining cases, which was merely a repetition of former * tatements. The cases were then adjourned until Tuesday next for the hearing of the de fence. CHARGE OF ROBBING THE DEAD. Jane Reed, alias Rolfe, and Elizabeth Speer, were brought up on a charge of steal ing gold rings, bracelets, spoons, and sundry articles of wearing apparel on the 11th inst., from the house in Shortland-sti eet, occu pied by the late Sarah Ann Bell, the pro perty of William Henry Bell.ff Prisoners pleaded not guilty. Sub-Inspector Pardy stated the circum stances as disclosed by the evidence. Sergeant Mulville deposed that he knew Sarah Ann Bell, and went to her house in Shortland-strcet on Sunday morning l.i-c, and found hc-r I\inT -I'-a-l. Trr> ::••-• • -. June Holla. va< :<:i: •■;: . .•' ' ' " ■ ■ ■ '

"the body he left prisoner in charge of the house.

Constable Luke McDonnell deposed that he visited the house on Monday morn ing at seven o'clock, and found the door open and the key outside, no person was on the premises. He locked up the house and took the key to the station, gave it to Sergeant Major Mason.

Detective Martin Grace gave evidence. On Tuesday last he received information that the house of the unfortunate woman, Bell had been robbed. The prisoners lived together in a house in Princes-street; he spoke to Speere first, and asked if she had any property in the house belonging to the deceased, Mrs Bell. She replied "no," neither jewellery nor goods. She accom panied him to the police station, and he charged her with the robbery. He found upon her a silk skirt and polon aise. On turning out the pocket of her in side dress, she produced a gold brooch, sliver brooch., jet necklace, and a silver star. She said the goods were hts own property, and had been in her possession a long time. llolfe was not present, but presently she said she got the property from Jane Rolfe, who had them from Mrs Bell. Mrs Rolfe said the statement was false, that Speers had taken them herself. He t'len ai rested Rolfe on the same charge. On the following day he made a further search, with the prisoners, in Princes-street. Annie Bauner, who formerly lived with Mrs Bell, was also present; he found tiie remaining articles in Speers' house (list pro duced) identified by the girl Banner as the property of Mrs Bell. Kolfe: Youlie, Grace, I wonder you don't drop dead in the box.

His Worship : I cannot allow this, I shall punish you if you do not be quiet.

Speers : I won't ask a liar a question, llolfe : Oh, you little fool, why don't you speak.

His Worship : Yov are not acting in the box as you ought, and I can tell you you are injuring your own case. Annie Banner, dress-maker, Hannah Goldsmith, and W Tilliam Henry Bell, car penter, of Helensville, and husband of the deceased, indentified the articles.

His Worship reserved judgment till to morrow.

HAURAKI LADIES' BENEVOLENT SOCIETY. — ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW.

The above Flower Show was satisfactory proof that an energetic and industrious community is settled at the Thames. Such a floral display is surprising when the limited area of ground suit able for cultivation is taken into consideration. There is scarcely a plot of ground attached to a Thames residence but every foot is utilised, and luxuriant with flowers and vegetables. Space precludes tha full report prepared of this show. We can only remark briefly that it was got up on behalf of the funds of the Benevolent Society, the ladies of which have done so much to allevi ate the sufferings of the distressed. The prizes were as usual contributed by the tradespeople and residents of the Thames. Messrs Kenshaw, Macdonal'l. Donby. McCaul, Mennie and Dey, Pulleine, Wilson, Whitehead, Hewin. Marshall, Davies. Foss, Hopkins, Norbury, Cocks, and others gave prizes ; also the following ladies:— -\lC3dame3 McCullough, Hall, Lusk, Ehrnfried, Ma.cdona.ld, Spencer. Bull, Kennan, Puckcy, Miller, New?on, Litchfiela. Wiseman. Bennett, Wilkinson, Burningliam, &c. The judges were Messrs Wildman, Pulleine, and Hill. At tho meeting and promenade concert afterwards held dense crowds attended. The ladies'reuort, pre pared by Mrs Honiss, the hon. secretary, showed a decrease of distress tho past year. Captain Richards. Messrs Ehrnfried, Renshaw, Wilkin son, addressed tho assembly in appropriate speeches. Vocal and instrumental music enli%' ened the evening, tho following ladies and geatlemen taking part: Mrs NieoriniaPoutotara, Mr Airey, Mrs Kilgour, rtlr Vincent Mr Mea chain, Mrs MrPulliene, and Mr Reed. Mr W. H. Reid, the poet Laureate ef the Thames, eomoosed an amusing ode on the Colorado beetle, exhibited on the occasion. The financial result of this excellent show was £51 3s Cd.

AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUB.

THE OPENING FETE TO-MORROW

! A very healthy revival in oufc-door exer | cises has taken place in Auckland during ] the past three months. Up to that time i athletics strictly speaking, were not popular ; among ourjeunesse doree; who, although on | emergencies, such as an luterprovineial Football or Cricket match, have con i clusively shown their capability to rise : equal to the occasion, and hold their i own against all corners, have seemed |on ordinary occasions satisfied with i developing their muscles in a very i mild sort of way. With the establish : nient of the Auckland Amateur Athletic i Club a very different state of things has | been brought about. The promoters of the • Club chose their time well, and no sooper 1 had the notice of the intended formation ; been announced than scores of names of candidates fd1 membership poured in. As the object of the Club was to be the pure j and simple cultivation of athletic sporf.s, it j was deemed advisable to make the election Jof members by ballot, not with the idea of creating a class feeling, but with the object lof excluding the "money" element and i thus encouraging sports for its OAvn sake. j The success of the Club has been very I marked. In less than six weeks the number of members had mounted up to over 100 and .they now represent about 120. I After a preliminary canter in the shape of a Hare and Hounds paper-chase which was successful, to-morrow's Athletic gathering was fixed and organised. The entries closed last Saturday week and turned out j the most numerous that have ever been received in Auckland. IG9 names were i given in for the various events, and if only I one third of these take part in the contests j they will be unusally exciting. For the | last six weeks the work of training has occupied the leisure time of most of the intending competitors, and every morning the milkmen, sweeps, [and other early birds have been outdone at their own. particular specialty of rising betimes by smart youths in knickerbockers and mufflers, doing their constitutional "breathers." In the evening the Domain has been well attended for the purpose of "doing the distance' round tho cricket-ground track, which has' been found admirablyS adapted for the pur pose, with the exception that there is no Davillon for dressing—a defect which we hope to see remedied soon. The Committee, meanwhile, have been busy arranging the details of the gathering. From the first they determined to make the affair one of the most complete and successful ever held in the colony, and as several of the members have had both London and University experience to guide them, the public may rely upon it that it will not be, their fault if their intention is not carried out. Ellerslie Gardens will be the scene of the competitions, and special preparations are being made to facilitate the convenience of the spectator?. A special feature will be the large marquee erected opposite the " straight." This will be reserved for members and ladies, and will serve admirably as a screen from the sun or a shower should Jupiter Pluvius vent his displeasure on the meeting. The interior will be furnished with benches and chairs, so that ladies who wish to do so may take a rest from [the monotony of standing about the grouuds. Mr H. j Keane, ol the Thistle Hotel, will see to the j catering, and we are sure it will be well I done. The distances of the races have | been accurately marked out, and for the j first time inf Auckland an exact record will Ibe taken of the time occupied by each race. 1 A teieg.iaph board fwill be provided on the ground, by which the intending starters will be indicated before, and the winner and second and third, after each event. The various starts in the handicaps will be marked by whitewosh lines on the grass, flanked by tickets denoting the number of yards from scratch. The gueates care has been taken to get the course into good order, and these ellorts have been facilitated by the genial rains cf the last three or four weeks, at present vre have never seen the turf in '■ :;ar o.cler ri to sprint races, that is the 1 ''■ v ~> •-•. tho f""'..' yds handicap, and the 120 • .■;. . !u;e :.'-ce will be run across the

ground, and the other races on the round track, which is within a few yards of a third of a mile in circumference. The tariff of admission is as follows : —Foot passen gers, Is ; horsemen, 2s Gd ; carriages, 2s Gd (occupants, Is each; Grand Stand, 2s, Trains are advertised to leave the Brito mart station at 12 noon, 12.45 p.m., and 1.45, and to return as fast as they'fill after the sports are over. The sports commence at 1 o'clock, and will be concluded about half-past five. Competitors are particu larly requested to be punctually on their marks.

NATIVE AFFAIRS.—MINISTERIAL STATEMENT.

The Hon. Mr Sheehan, Native Minister, made his Ministerial Statement in moving the Native Lands Act, 1573, Amendment Bill. He asked for the consideration of the House, on account of ill health. No one had less idea last session than he had that this year he would be Native Minister. Greatness had been thrust upon him, or if he had achieved it he had done so in spite of being the

BEST ABUSED MAN IN THE HOUSE. He defended himself from Mr Fox's attack, and said that had he not allowed motives of public policy to influence him, his connection with the natives of Hawke's Bay as solicitor would have been much more profitable. He had lent him self to no improper practices, but had given honest, and, as far as possible, able service to his clients in defending their legal rights ; and his services had, he observed, been instrumental in averting another kind of warfare than that in Courts of Law. He had been the advocate for the natives, but in his present position had, of course, ceased to be so. He had refused to take up many cases against the Govern ment, and had prevented many from being brought.

NATIVE MATTERS IN AVAIKATO. He held in his hand telegrams showing that the alleged cattle-stealing cases in Waikato, of which so much hadjbeen made, had no real foundation. Surveyors had certainly been stopped in certain places ; but it Avas because of misapprehension in the native mind about reservesbeingjmade- A policy had prevailed ud| to 1559, termed the

"FLOUR AND SUGAR POLICY," "tthich was in many respects an advanta geous one. If things could be recalled, the Waikato war, which took place in 1563, would not have been entered into. From that time to 1869 successive wars took place. Since then almost uj broken peace had prevailed. He was not disposed to overlook the benefit to this island from the Public Works and Immigra tion Policy ; and was glad to say that, overlooking all party differences, it was largely due to Sir Donald McLean that peace had prevailed since 1569. It would have been suicidal to have provoked a con flict at a time when the colony was carry ing out such a policy of public works ; and if occasional outrages had been allowed to pass unpunished, it was on the whole better for the general good of the whole commu nity- The native population in the North Island was males, and 19,769 females, distributed in the land to the North of Auckland and on the East Coast. There was absolutely no chance of war in these places. (The only possible place where war could arise was in the King country, where there Avere in all only a native population of 5,255; of whom only 2,666 were males. Against these were 25,000 friendly natives, and a European population of 40,000 men. The native population was also steadily decreasing, and all evidence the Government could collect pointed out that there was no longer reason to fear a na tive Avar. In the King country, the natives were becoming reconciled to their position,. and anxious to cultivate friendly relations. He did not think even in the King country that an armed force could now be raised against the Europeans. It was desirable this should be known—as the Public Works scheme Avas not yet finished, and much more money would have to be bor roAvcd yet, in order to complete it satisfactorily—therefore, that there was no possibility of further native disturbances. If public works were extended to native districts, all chances of rebellion "would dis appear. The Avorks already made were valuable as having satisfied the natives, and also opened up the country in a strategical point of view ; so that the whole country could iioav be easily traversed. Justice in natiA re districts was noAv administered partly by native officials. In one district some time ago he found every man receiving Government pay. There Avas a large field open for reduction in this direction ; but the system of medical comforts and assistance might fairly be continued. It was only extending to native districts a system in force amongst Euro peans in large cities. As to education, Maoris Avere Avonderf ully quick in learning. MAORI SCHOOLS. Up to 1840 more Maoris could read, write, and work sums than Europeans, but all was taught them in Maori, and therefore in all their dealings they Avere throAvn into the hands of a special class, from which cause have grown up some of the most objection able features of the Native Department. He bore testimony to Sir D. McLean's efforts to promote education in English. This year he (Mr Sheehan) proposed to spend £11,500 only on native schools, or £4,000 less than last year, and Avith this fifty village schools Avould be supported,and others assisted. He would like, if possible, to increase this sum, so as to have more schools, and secure what Avas more desira ble—a first-class lot of teachers. DRUNKENNESS. With regard to another social question, the Government felt it their duty to assist the efforts the natives were now making to suprjress intemperance. The best Avay of doing this Avould be to alloAV the natives to repulate their oavii districts in this respect, and in this way he believed they would in time be able to shake off habits of excess. Already a decrease was visible, owing partly to a reduction in the Government expendi ture amongst them, but also largely to the extension of Good Teraplary. Government should in every Avay assist in this move- I ment. !

LAND PURCHASE. With regard to land purchase in the past, great errors have been made in employing agents to purchase on commission. These agents looked more to quantity than to quality ; and in many cases purchases had been represented as closed when they were not nearly concluded. Troublesome people had actually been shut out from Crown grants, and children and improvident adults had been appealed to instead. Large sums had also been paid not j to the natives at all, but on orders to ' storekeepers. Most unsatisfactory things j had also taken place in regard to reserves, and the least possible result had indeed been • obtained for the expenditure of a very large amount of money. The total amount of land acquired was about six millions of acres. This looked satisfactory, but on going below the surface he found things very different. Of the leasehold, not a single acre was in a condition to be used ; two-thirds of the work hadgyet to be done, '■ with only one-fifth of the money to do it with. About £40,000 or £44,000 had been I paid to Europeans for surveys and commis- ] sion._ A third of the freehold land would require further expenditure in order to i acquire an available title, and more money would thus be required. To complete ! existing bargains, it was necessary to avoid I a great loss by endeavouring to make as i much;as possible of these uncompleted transactions j and legislation would be necessary in those cases Avhere the runs i were concerned. It was proposed to give : the Governor-in-Council power to appoint i trustees. It was intended to at once close all outstanding transactions with purchase agents, and have no more purchasing on commission, but employ proper responsible Government officers, and absolutely forbid any one connected with the Native Depait ment from purchasing an acre for himself.

, So soon as existing transaetinna ! plete, the Government S^^f^ market as a purchaser of native l a > Want of money was one cause for thi every month natives were becomW ?ai willing to sell to the Government at « ** , price. The amount of money avail-M* °w small, and they proposed to operate on ff* I fund without reference to tVoSS? 18 ! tmctions j leaving the aijnXX.*": | accounts to the next year TWo of ! about ' ere were

TIIFKTY MILLIONS OP AOHP<? of land in the North Island still opfn fn chase. He regretted the abolition of ttJ o Pllr pre-eruptive right in 1862, but it was tonmi?oWl> retrace steps in this direction. If th^T ate to Act were a failure, as generally admitted^?* bocause the Native Land Court hßsKlt Wa« largely the servant of the Native DeDarf^ Ome being used simply as a means for ther nt J ment acquiring a landed estate in L vetJ> Island, ft was, he thought, most essemioi ??* the Court should be entirely free f r £that Government interference. He revie^S? *& action of the late Government in regard t :? c two bills introduced this session Th£ a **& Bion Bill would have been a most uniiw? Bllen- The Government now intended to nroviL ? e* the Maoris in the Crown grants, and for ah ♦♦ system of hearing appeals from the Nativp tTx Court. The appeals would be made in a^ n ance, however, with the existing law fw-" "** judge who had heard the case to anothe?i? c had not. This was all that they proposed t*¥ this session. If the bulk of the work of fl do mining.the title were done, as it should wT the native chiefs, the cost of the Nativp t? ? Court could be greatly reduced. As far aspo^

INDIVIDUALISATIOX OF TITLE should be insisted on. This would greatly „ mote settlement. £omethingmightalsobp<f in guiding and directing the natives in this di? posal of their lands. If the Governmpn? *% this fairly, he believed the natives would triS advantage of it to a large extent, Where th land is not suitable for small settlers, he thrnio?? it would be desirable to promote fcettlementp™ by large areas. Regarding the vexed oue^inn of native representation, he could not a^ivS with Mr Whitaker to abolish repres°ntatinr This would be unjust, while a large portion nf the natives could not acquire the franchise in the same manner, by Crown grants and mm vidual titles, as the Europeans could. He would propose to increase special representation tn seven members, and if, after a few rears a change took place in the nature of tenure thA special representation might be abolished'and the native representatives be elected in thp ordinary manner. Until natives talked English well. ar;d mixed more with Europeans aSd better understood our laws and customs ' A NATIVE DEPARTMENT ' '■■ '"

Avould bo necessai-y ; but for some years the de partment had been a barrier to settlement and had to work as an excuse for its existence ' Hp bore testimony, however, to the services and zeal of Under-Socretary Clarke, and the officers in charge of the native schools. It Avaa in its ramifications through the country the depart ment was dangerous. He hoped before the next session to reduce it from a powerful organisa tion to a mere skeleton, but a useful one. He had often himself felt what it was tobs insulted by a native official, and he believed the large reduction of the department would bring the two races cleser to each other, and make them more harmonious. With reference to

THE KIXG QUESTION. he maintained the genuine character of the recent telegrams from the King country. ThW were from the Government officers, entirely unsolicited and unsought. They had also tele grams from the King, and from Ivlanuhiri, and it was hoped the meeting to which they had invited Sir George Grey would be attended by the most beneficial results. Sir George Grey had fought the natives, no doubt, but that very fact raised him in the estimation of the natives ar d was a recommendation instead of a draw back. If the aukati were abolished, he thought the credit of the colony would be greatly en hanced. He did not suppose a single interview would settle the difficulty. The natives might ask what in f a,irness to the colony the Govern ment could not grant; but the natives were anxious for a settlement of the purchases now at issue, and had sought the interview, and he believed the results would be satisfactory. He hoped ere long to see some leading Waikato or Ngatimaniapoto chief a member of. that House. He recalled the time when the native question was the greatest one in the colony, hut Bince that time the- proportions between the tworaces had been reversed. We then professed a desire to rai^e Luo native people to an equality with ourselves. We are now strong enough to dis regard and repudiate all the promises then made, but he mistook the temper of the House and the country if this very strength would not be an additional reason for pursuing the same end and aim. He looked hopefully forward to the time when both races would really be one people. (Great applause.) As the bill wa? not printed, ho moved the postponement of the second reading; the House proceeding to other business. MAORI STATISTICS. The following is a precis of the figures by. Mr Sheehan in his statement:—Total number of Maori population in North Island, 13,403; South Island, 2.608. The amounts spent during ten years, ending the 30th June, 1871, in suppressing the native disturbances was—From the revenue, £731,405 Us 9d; loan, £2,375,885 13s 3d; total, £3,157,231. The amount spent on roads inthe North Island to the 30th of June last was—Prom Defence Loan, £10,750; from Immigration and Public Works Loans, £471,160; and during the : seven years ending the 30th of June last, £59,197 19s Id was spent on native schools. The total number of schools, 50, and other schools, 11, j to be maintained this year. Last year £15,392 had been spent on schools and buildings; forthe presentye.ir £11,571 was proposed to be expended.'' £35,000 more was required to meet engagements and provide schools where none were now; Land purcha-es in the. North Island were negotiated for—Freehold, 4,613,329 acres; lease hold, 1,510,031 acres. Of this only 1,967,402 acres of freehold were completed, and none of the leasehold. On the completed transactions £25,052 had been expended, £148.921 on the in complete transactions, and £102,074 in general; expenses, The balance expended on the Ist of July last, was £108,951. In Auckland, of the £350,000 apportioned to that district, only £30,894 remained unexpended, and £52,460 was required for the current year. In Taranaki, Wellington, and HaAvke's Bay, however, the available, balances were in excess of the sums required this year, bsing as follows:—Wellington: Unex- . pendod, £69,520; required, £21,425. Hawke's. Bay: Unexpended: £40.226; required, £7,725. ■ Taianaki: Unexpended, £23,230; required, • £10.000.

MR. AND MRS. TAVARES AT THE THEATRE ROYAL.

Lord Lyttos's historical play of "Cardinals Richelieu " was successfully repeated last even in?, and received with great satisfaction by the i auditory. Mr Tavares' impersonation of "the man who influenced Franca in Ms age was equally truthful and just, while that of Julie de Mortimer in the hands of Mrs Tavares was;, praiseworthy. The associative characters were; also unexceptionable. The fine passages of the play were delivered with due emphasis and effect. Mr Eelton as Dv Mauprat, Mr Melville as the Couut de Barradas, Mr Leopold asDe, Berrington, Mr Searle-as Joseph, and Miss;; Tilly Andrews as Francois were executions or;.;! merit, and deserving of high commendation. The bill of this evening includes Boucicaultrs much-admired comedy of "London Assurance; in which Mr Tavares will represent Sir Hartley Courtly, and Mrs Tavares the gar Lady Spanker. This comedy is in five acts, and full of sparkling animation. "We notice tnat " Othello" will be presented to-morrow evening. Mr Tavares as the wily lago, and hislady astne heroine. The London Press was unanimousin favour of Mr Tavares' impersonation Of oneci the most remarkable of the creatimsof Shakes peare, represented at Sadler's Wells, in tne season of 1869. The "Era," a reliable critical iournal, says:—Mr Morton Tavares, in tne character of lago, showed His appreciation w Shakespeare's creation by divesting the arcn plotter of everything which may be said to oe unnatural in such a wily hero. His was un questionably the best representation ox lag" that modern days have seen. It was essennauy the very development of the great dramatists idea, shown with an ease which was not cob strained, and a power which was not forced.

HAMILTON WEST.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

i Thursday. ; FATAL ACCIDENT, NATIVE CHIE* i DKOWNED. : A fatal accident, resulting in the deatn« ! a native named Hukunui, occurred on tne 2nd inst. The deceased, who was a ciuei in the Ngatihana tribe, and two °™® Maoris, were proceeding to CamDriag in a canoe, when it capsized, an°-1 ; the natives were tin own into the water. Two of them managed to scramble asn°» , safely, but Hukunui was unable to do s». ' After struggling in the water for a saw time, he sank, and was seen alive no more, ; i A large number of natives came to the spu | and instituted a search for the boaj ' Nothing however was seen of it, despite m» • ! efforts of the Maoris, until Monday i»»» I ! when it passed one of the river steamy • Information was. immediately conveyed j Hamilton, and Sergeant McGovern v» ; ! charge of the Hamilton station) deapatcw"- Mounted Constable Wild to search for tn« body. Ho proceeded up the nj/ ;in -a eance, and when abou* r*?~ miles past the island, found the detf^ washed ashore amongst the scrub. J*e l . veyed it to Hamilton, where he was m by three other natives. They siiew_ their grief by wailing and bem°3 the fate of their chief. An aw cation was made by them for permissiuu take the box up to Cambridge, and as t" | was no objection made_^Jha_CorOTe^

HE EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1877.



CARPETS, HEARTHRUGS, LINOLEUM, FLOORCLOTH. T. & H. COOKE Beg to inform their friends and the public that they have imported a large assortment of the above, which will render their FURNISHING ESTABLISHMENT one of the most complete and extensive in Auckland, having purchased these Goods of the Manufacturers direct, for cash, they are enabled to offer them at VERY LOW PRICES. New Patterns in Carpets and Linoleum. %3T SHOW ROOMS: 67, Queen-street. Steam Cabinet Factory Victoria-street.



Amateur



'J. COSGRAVE & CO. Beg to inform the Inhabitants of the Province, that they have Received a Large Consignment of Goods, per the City of Auckland, purchased at the End of the Season, in the English Markets, consisting of— Manchester Goods fT") Black, Colored, and Dress Materials JI f Japanese Silks Straw Hats j ? ( Men's Clothing, &c, Boys' Clothing (..U &c, &c. They have now Marked them Down, and are now holding a Sale of the same. The Public are requested to come Early and Secure the Extraordinary Bargains that Will be given. TVF A N T L E S, COSTUMES, | UNDERCLOTHING, AND BABY-LIN EN. A Large Assortment of these Goods has just been received by W. RATTRAY, DRAPER AND SILK MERCER, YEW XT O U S E, 66, QUEEX-STREET, AUCKLAND. F. Stephens Having now the Sole Proprietorship of the old-established Business at No. 138, ad joining Lewisson's, will spare no efforts to keep up his name as a leading BOOT AND SHOE MANUFACTURER AND IMPORTER, (LAiE Cater), idO, QuBEX-STKSET JLOO, opposite the union bank, Auckland. BOOTS & SHOES of every description made to order. French and German Kid Boots and Shoes always in Stock. tf2T Storekeepers Supplied Wholesale ISJi Prompt attention given to all orders. Cash Orders from the country will receive immediate response. Goods forwarded by train, steamer, &c", &c. NOTICE.—AII Debts due to the late Firm of Stephens and Carter must be paid to the under signed, whose ioceipt alone will be a sufficient discharge. F. STEPHENS. Auckland, November 3,1877. NEVER Have the Public had such a Choice of BED STEADS offered them as at the present time ! Besides our already well assorted Stock of Iron Bedsteads, and those of our own manu facture in Kauri, Rmu, Cedar, and Mottled Kauri, we ask them to bear in MIND that we have Just Openrd Up, ex •' Otaki." TWO HUNDRED IRON BEDSTEADS' of the most modern style, comprising FRENCH, Half Tester, Children's, and Stamps, also Cots, at Prices to suit all classes. Having purchased for Cash from THE Best Manufacturers, we can SELL A GOOD BEDSTEAD at a Very Low Price. BEDDING, of every description, kept in Stock. HOUSES FURNISHED THROUGHOUT at a Short Notice. Our system is to make a large return ; to insure this We Sell for Ready CASH at a Small Profit, and DELIVER GOODS FREE to any part of the Town and Suburbs. Z2T Give your Furnishing Order to Holloway, G-arliek & Craawell, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, AND CLOTHIERS, City Hall Arcade, QUEEN & LORNE-STREETS, AUCKLAND.



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