-n unday imbcr. tuy haA-e _ie barque .3 to the 27th aye for Napier rival of the s.s. -is scA-erai passcn tor South on board. .d in consequence of .relay morning, and the _ them back. _ii AA-ith regard to the brig ...y to cause her owner con .-.once. Wher she left Sydney c-d a lar._:e quantity or arms ana his trading depots among the He avus told at the time that could not clear these goods in .lit, through to tho Islands A"ia Auck ._, that he Avould haA-e no difficulty in g out here Avith them, for if he did not .horn, l he law forbidding l he export of arms t ammunition to^tlie ls'a.id?|!rom Auckland jUld affect him. The Customs authorities now cell him that he is wrongly informed, and that the A'essel will net he allowed to clear with her present nargo. The probability is that Mr Farrell will have to land Ids goo->s and go back to thejslands Avithout them, although his traders are much in need of guns and gunpowder, both for purposes of self-protection, and for providing themselves Avith food. The origin _f the law referred to was the reprehensible practice in dulged in to a great extent at the time of the Maori Avar, and that, too, by men Avho knew the harm, and ought to have been ashamed of themseh-es of clearing out Avith arms and ammunition for the Islands, or some such place where there AA-as no Custom House, and then landing them on the coast for sale to the" natives. We are hardly prepared to say that the necessity for such a restriction is altogether removed, but there is no doubt that lhe law presses A-ery hardly upon legitimate traders. It might be a very good subject for discussion Avhether a system of special licenses might not. be introduced, so that ova good guar antee being forthcoming exceptions could bo made. (Since writing the above Aye learn that a special permit has been received from Wellington, authorising the Customs authorities to clear out the A'cssei). The s.s. Zealandia is due from Sydney early to-morrow morning. In order to make room for tiie mail steamer, the ship Electra has been obliged to go off into the. stream, although she only requires about 50 tons of stuff to render her a full ship. The barque. G. Broughton has bean moored in the berth lately occupied by the Electra, and is still engaged in putting out her cargo.

COMMERCIAL.

At Messrs. Niccol. Hendry. Se Co.'s trade sale of New Zealand and Island produce, held this day, at their a. arehousc. Custom-house-street, the following lines were quitted :—IOO sacks maize, at 3s lOd to Is : 1000 ba_;s oats, at 3s 7d to 3s 7'd : bran, from £1 15s to £5; onions. li_ A per lb. f bacon, in case, Sd ; N.Z. and Canterbury potatoes, is.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE. AUCKLAND.

Mails avill Close as Under:—

For Thames, this day, at 1 p.m. ands.3o p.m.;

and to-morroAV at 1.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, on Friday next,

at 2.30 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, tin's day, at 1 p.m. For Napier, pel Southern Cross, this day,

at 1 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Rotorua, to-rnorroAv

at 10 a.m. For Ncav Plymouth, Ada Waitara, per Hauraki,

to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Rarotonga, per Wave of Life, to-morrow,

at 11 a.m. __ n For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, to-morrow, at i p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per

Taupo. onS aturday next, at 5 p.m. Per s.s. Zealandia, to-morrow (Wednesday), Ist August, as under : — For SandAvich Islands, United States of America, Canada. British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at noon. For United Kingdom, and Continent or Europe, at noon. For money order.-, registered letters, and neAVspapers, at 10.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing ari extra fes of Gd. in addition to the postage, ay-ill be receiA-ed by the mail agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. 8. B. B)3-_. Chief Postmaster.

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS. Etc.

Mount Eden ratepayers' meeting, Eden and Valley Roads, 7.30 p.m. Whau ratepayers' meeting, 7.30 p.m. Prince of Wales Lodge of Instruction. Masonic Hall, 7.30 p.m.

Although the law has been frequently and successfully invoked against the counterfeiters of Udolpiio Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, their cupidity has again overcome their prudence. Imitations of this famous me dicinal beverage are being put up by unprinci pled parties in empty bottles of >he genuine article, and-the labels imitated. Be cautious, purchasers.

DEATHS

CHISHOLM.—On the 31st July, at the Whau Robert Chisholm, in his 79th year.

The funeral Avill take place on Thursday, 2nd August, leaving the Whau at 2.30 p.m., for the Presbyterian Cemetery, Symonds street, and passing top of Kyber Pass Road at •1 p.m. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.

ROCHE.—On the 31st, July, at his late residence; Onehunga, Thomas Roche, aged 02 years.

The funeral Avill take place at 3.30 p.m. to morrow (Wednesday). Friends are invited to attend.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Inquirer.—He was not. He was exactly Avhat he claimed to be, astounding though the fact may appear.

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

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1377.

for the cause that lacks assistance. For the yrron^ that needs lesistance. For the future iv the distance. And the good that we c___ do.

PARLIAMENTARY papers laid on the table of thellouseof Representatives, furnishsome information Avith respectt_ the management of the Agent General's ofiice, and the organi sation existing in the United Kingdom for promoting emigration te Noav Zealand. Upon arrival in England, Sir Julius Vogel found the expenses of the department for salaries of accountants, secretaries, and clerks alone, to be £3,195. There was also a kind of independent Otago Agency in Scotland at a cost of £800 for salaries, partly borne by the colony. Sir Julius Vogel claimed to have effected a material saving by appointing one of the accountants , in his oavii department to the charge , of the Scotch Ageikcy, and dispensing I with another Agency costing £733. He also suspended the operations of Mr C. HolloAvay, the agricultural delegate, upon Avhose education and travels the Govern ment expended so much money and pains. Mr Samuel Cochraue's ayancy in Ireland, Which cost £647 a year, lie determined upon retaining until advised by the Govern ment. With reference to the Scotch Agency under Mr Ottywell, the Agent- General states that "since Mr Adam's departure there has been no one in Scot land to attend to the shipping details as they are attended to in London. Every thing, iv fact, is left to Messrs Patrick Hen derson and Co., and though those gentlemen have amply justified the con fidence reposed in them, they did not, I think, desire to have the entire respon.i- '

bility throAvn on ihem ; at least, Mr Gal braith gave me to understand that it wonld be very agreeable to him that there should be, in connection with the Scotch oflicc, one so avcll versed im the requirements of emi grants as Mr Ottywoll. It is to be remem bered that Messrs Patrick Henderson and Co. have declined to continue under the iicav arrangement. Probably I shall have to employ the Ncav Zealand Shipping Company at Glasgow, and in that case the terms of the agreement are such as Avill entitle the company to require that there should be in Glasgow some one to fill an anal ogous position to that occupied by the Despatching Officer here, parti cularly as their head office is not there." Replying to this despatch, the Government on the 21st of May wrote directing that the Belfast.agency (Mr Cochrane's) should also be put under OttyweU's charge, and Irish emigrants be shipped from the Clyde and Plymouth. Subsequently Mr Donald Reid wrote positively instructing the Agent- General to bring all departmental expenses Avithin £4000, exclusive of his oavii salary, by the Ist of January, IS7S. He pointed out that the greater portion ot the immigrants ordered would have been despatched by that time, and the department Avould thus be released of an important pai t of its work. We gather from this, that after the completion of the order for 5000 immigrants already sent, the Government do not propose to continue the free system. If such be the case, the Avisdom of the course Avill receive general recognition. The comple tion of public works has already thrown a largo amount of labour on the market, and we confess that avc look forward Avith some uneasiness to the final stoppage of those heavy undertakings wllich have for many years kept the labouring classes in constant employment. The free system of immigration should be wholly stopped until sufficient time has elapsed to permit the absorption of our working population in the ordinary channels of industrial occupations.

TURKEY AND THE CHRISTIANS.

[P.y tiie Vkx. Archdeacon Maunsell.]

THE treatment of the Christians in Turkey lias been long a source of complaint, as avcll as a pretext for war, Avith the rulers of Russia. Nicholas, in 1554, professed his desire for peace ; but added that he could not " permit the Turks to violate the stipulations of treaties made for the protec tion of his co-religionists." His son, Alexander, has almost used the same Avoids. AYe must ask, therefore, What is the number of his co-religionists ? and, Hoat are i hey treated V Statements vary much as to the population of Turkey. It is chiclly a matter of guess Avork, from the fact that the Turkish Government does not publish its census ; neither are avc informed Avhat countries (e.g., the African provinces) arc included ur excluded. The 7th edition of the Encyclopaedia Brittanica, A.D. 1842, makes the total population 21,073,000 —of which the Moslems are to the rest of the population as 13 to S. The Bth edition of that work (A.D. 1852) makes the total population 37,000,000 —- of Avhich the Moslems are to the Hon-Aloslenis as 22 to 14. The numbers in Bulgaria, in that said enumeration, are—Moslems, 5,900,000 ; Greeks, 9,080,000; Roman Catholics,

120,000. The Greek Church is by far the largest Christian Church in Turkey. Next to them comes the Armenian Church (chiefly to be found in Asia Minor) ; then the Reman Catholic, or Latin Church ; and then the Copts, or original Christians of Egypt. These Churches are the remnants of a large Christian population that once occupied the several countries of that part of the Avorld. The early preachers of the Gospel seem to have laboured Avith great success in Asia Minor ; and Aye may safely affirm that in the sth century the people of that region Avere all Christian. They had splendid churches, a large amount of church property, aud a A-cry large and poAvcrful organisation of patriarchs, metropolitans, bishops, ministers of various ranks, and a vast multitude of monks. Of their poAver some judgment may be formed from the contest between the celebrated Chrysostoni and Eudoxia, Empress of Constantinople, a.d. 403. Chrysostoni was a great preacher in Antioch, and Avas selected by the Em peror as Archbishop for Constantinople. But as the people might resist his removal, a private order avus sent to the Governor of Syria, and lie avus transported with speed and secrecy in a postchaise from Antioch to Constantinople. He soon, however, gave evidence «f his fierce and impulsive nature by denouncing in the splendid cathedral of St. Sophia the degeneracy of the Christians and the conduct of the eunuchs, the magis trates, the ministers of the court, and even of the Empress Eudoxia herself. A con spiracy Avas consequently organised against him. The Archbishop of Alexandria and a large train of bishops and monks avcic brought over from Egypt. A council Avas held OA-er him, and lie Avas condemned. The Emperor caused him to be seized and sent oh'to the entrance of the Euxinc. Tho people suddenly rose Avitli unanimous and irresistible fury. The monks and other Egyptians avcic slaughtered Avithout pity iv the streets, and the Emperor, in fear of further commotion, recalled Chrysostoni. -•Thcßosphorus,"saysGibbon, "wascovered Avitli innumerable vessels; the shores of Europe and Asia Avere profusely illumi nated, and tiie acclamations of a victorious people accompanied from the port to the Cathedral the triumph of the Archbishop." This fact slicavs, if not the Christian spirit, at least the numbers of the Christians : and this A.D. 403. Christianity, such as it Avas, remained mistress of that portion of the Avorld until A.D. 106". The Turks iioav appear on the scene from the east of the Caspian. The Emperor of Constantinople Avent to meet them in the neighbourhood of the iioav celebrated Kars, in Armenia. His army of 100,000 men was defeated, and him self taken prisoner. Doavii then the Turkish hordes poured over Asia Alinor; and having been only recently converted t<: Mahometauism, their ncAvbom zeal sAvepf Christianity from before it. The Christian churches Avere converted into mosques, thousands of Christian children Avere cir cumcised, and many thousands of captives Avere devoted to the pleasure or service of the conquerors. Those avlio Avere left con tinued to enjoy the exercise of their religion under the hard condition of tribute and servitude ; und instead of collars and bracelets, a badge of infamy, in tho shape of an iron horse-shoe, Avas imposed upon them ; while some maintained possession of their lands by becoming Mahometans, and soon surpassed their conquerors in their zeal for their new religion

An open air meeting of J the unemployed is convened by advertisement for Saturday evening next, at half-past live o'clock, at the lire - bell junction of Queen, Grey, aud Wakefield-streets. This is, perhaps, the best way to ascertain how far tiie representations made to the City Council, which have been called iv question, are true. The men have a very substantial grievance in the steppage of works under contract during the present glorious weather. But for a dispute involving some paltry amount, avc believe the harbour reclamation works would be immediately resumed by the contractor, and would absorb a considerable number of men. We are not surprised that the men, Avith grocers' and bakers' accounts largely in ( arrear, are unwilling to rest satisfied with the prospect of temporary employment at stone-breaking or at starvation wages for the benefit) of contractors avlio obtained city works when labour was at a fixed and Avell-recogniscd standard.

We learn that Mr Chisholm, of the Whau, died at his residence early this morning. Mr Chisholm Avas one of the oldest, Auckland settlers, and a very large holder of stock in the Ncav Zealand Insur ance Company, and other commercial institutions established with colonial capital.

Five rounds were fired from the SO-ton gnu at Woolwich on Tuesday. Charges were used of 42311)8. of powder, and a 17031b. shot, and the velocity registered was about MS Oft. per second.

Major Bolden, 68th Light Infantry, was mauled by a tiger near Nusseerabad iv May last, and died after the amputation of a leg. He was about firing from an elephant's pad when the elephant swerved, throwing him into the tiger's jaAvs.

The Rev. H. AY. Beecher's recent lecture i tour in the West was a splendid financial operation. He lectured 40 times, and re- j ceived, it is said, £S0 for eacli lecture, j realising the snug little sum of £8200. This was good pay for a month's work. j

The estimated population of the principal towns in Scotland to the middle of 1577 is as follows :—Glasgow, 555,933 ; Edinburgh, 218, 729; Dundee, 142,951 ; Aberdeen, 98,181; Greenock, 72,377; Paisley, 48,761 ; Leith, 54,257 ; Perth, 26, 574.

The neAV organ for the Wesleyan Church, Pitt-street, Avas landed from the Yosemite yesterday, and lodged in the warehouse of Messrs Stone. As soon as the alterations in the chapel are completed it Avill be removed to its future position.

Mr Lazar's Italian Opera Company —uoav playing in Sydney—intend to come down to Ncav Zealand during the summer, but it had not being determined upon Avhether they would open in Auckland or Dunedin. October or November is mentioned as the probable time of arrival in the colony. Levy, the great cornet player, contemplates an early visit to the colony.

Mr Charles Blomfield avi'll deliver a lecture to-morrow evening, in the Baptist school-room, Mount Eden, on the "Science of music," in aid of the Sunday school library of the building. The lecture Avill be illus trated by a powerful choir of singers, who Avill give numerous selections from com posers and hymnologists of tho present and past.

The second anniversary of the Amalga mated Society of Carpenters and Joiners Avill be celebrated on Thursday evening, in the Lome-street Hall, by a soiree and ball.

The fourth musical entertainment in connection with ' the North Shore Wes leyan Church harmonium fund Avill be given to-morroAv evening at 7.30 o'clock, the Rev. Mr Williams in the chair. The Rev. Mr Isitt, from tlio South, is expected io address the meeting, together with other friends.

In a draper's shop in Wellington three assistants came to blows, and a regular scrimmage ensued, as to which of them should serve a particularly attractive bar maid who wished to beeonic a customer.

The young men of St. James' Mutual Improvement Society met last evening to listen to Mr William Cooper's " Pica for Jezebel." The subject Avas ably treated, considering the few materials in existence respecting this scripture character. Air Cooper had laboured diligently in the pre paration of his defence of Jezebel, and said all that could possibly be said in her favour, proving the truth of the old saying, "the de'il is never so black as he is painted." At the close of the discussion, several sub jects Avere suggested, and -will be sub mitted to the Limited Free Methodist Asso ciation for debate, A'iz.—" Is the separa tion of the colony desirable?" "Is the political career of Bismarck worthy of our admiration?" "Is an English occupation of Egypt desirable ?" The committee of the latter class will also have the privilege of submitting other subjects.

The months gold yield for the Thames amounted to 8537 ozs., from 3,(>.)0 tons of stone. The Alburnia, Moanatairi, and Waitekauri Avere the chief contributors.

Air Severn delivered the second of his scries of lectures, last evening, in the Choral Hall. The hall was croAvded with scholars and young persons, who evinced great, delight at the experiment., and ex planations of the lecturer. The lecture Avas on the " Earth and its satellite," Avhich Avas illustrated by diagrams, and treated in a very interesting maimer. Air Severn explained the orbitory and rotary motions of the earth, and the Avonderful effects of gravitation. By means of slides and pho tographs he conveyed intelligibly to the young mind a fair account of the causes of eclipses, tides, longitudes, latitudes, &c, in a pleasing and attractive style, [n order to give pleasure after mental exeni.se> Mr Severn exhibited a number of interesting Ncav Zealand vieAvs, Avhich avcic highly appreciated. The next lecture Avill be given on Thursday evening, and the subject Avill be ;' Terrestrial Magnetism." Mr Severn announced that the Board of Education Avould give certificates of merit upon notices of each lecture, but the essays forming the subject of any. one of them singly, must be sent in to the Hoard, three days after such lecture. These lectures, simply and popularly explained, cannot fail in having a good effect upon young persons, and the Board have acted Avisely iv promoting them.

' The annual meeting of the Epsom High way Board aud ratepayers avus held last evening at the Junction Hotel, Mr Alfred Buckland in the chair. Tho statement of accounts avus handed to the chairman by Mr Lavcrs, the secretary, and passed, ft Avas as folloAv.. :—Receipts : Rank balance at date, £78 8s lid; royalty on road, £4 2s 6d ; rates collected less commission, £163 Os 3d ; grant from General Govern ment, £213 Is 7d; total, £45S 13s 3d. Expenditure : Contracts, £92 7s Sd ; carting metal, &c, £52 G's ; gravel and road metal purchased for repairs and improve ments to existing roads, £100 10s lOd ; labour, £10 7s ; making iicav valuation roll, £10 10s ; advertising, £3 17s 3d ; sundries, £1 7s Sd ; total, £281 15s sd; balance in bank, £17. 17s lOd. The follow ing were elected- on the Board :— Messrs Paton, Beetham, Lavcrs, Lawry, and Pemberton. Messrs Tothill and

Heather were re-appointed auditors, Messrs

"Worrall and Crawford appointed fence viewers. A vote of thanks was passed to the lato trustees, a compliment which was duly acknowledged by Mr Beetham. At a meeting of the newly elected trustees, Mr Paton was elected chairman, and Mr Lavcrs appointed secretary and treasurer.

A man recently down from the Palmer j Gold-field, avlio had struck a patch—there 1 are patches on the old field yet —Avanted a good comfortable spree. Noav (says the CooktoAvn "Courier"), ifcisaAvcll-known fact that a drunken man cannot be perfectly happy unlesfe he has a companion in the same state, with whom he can converse, quarrel, fraternise, and light on equal terms. The unhappy Palmer man had no friends in Cooktown, and he could not at first be suited. In time he found an unemployed man with a red nose, and to him he addressed himself. "Mate," said he , "do you want work?" "Well, yes," said the man, withdrawing his pipe, "what's the wages?" "£2 a week and found." " Right you are; it's batter than the sanguinary Corporation ; and what do you A\ rant me to do ?" "Drink with me for. a fortnight, and Ido the shouting. " " I'm on !" And they both Avent on, and neither of them is off the spree yet." j

It Avould appear from the following telegram in the Taranaki " Herald " that native obstruction is again to play a part in retarding the settlement of Mokau :— "Wellington, July 25, 1877. Major Brown, Civil Commissioner, Taranaki.—A telegram Avas received yesterday from Waikato. Tawhiao lias warned the Government about Europeans uoav at Mokau. He states that if they Avill not move off at once they Avill be forcibly

expelled by the Ngatimauiapotos, their

goods taken, aud their houses burned. The parties concerned should be warned.— H. T. CLARK, Under-Secretary."

The railway avi'll not be open to New castle to-morrow as some people imagine, but probably some time next month, of which due notice Avill be given. All the

arrangements Avill be made for permanently

carrying on the traffic through to the meeting of the waters.

Previous to the departure of her Majesty for Scotland recently, a gentleman arrived at Windsor Castle, and, announcing him self us the King of England, desired to be slioavii to his apartments in the Palace. He Avas informed that as he had not sent notice of his ccniing they wore not ready, and was requested to take a seat. A surgeon pronounced him to be insane, and he Avas consigned to tiie Windsor Work-

house.

To the Editor : Sir, —Iv your issue of Saturday there appears a letter, signed " F. Cherry," in which the writer says, " He (Mr Talbot) states a most gross un truth when he states he gave me £5. He never gave me £5, or 55., or any other money whatever for my oavii use and benefit." It is scarcely worth Avhile to notice this subterfuge; but as the writer lias the audacity to accuse me of falsehood, I beg to say that, as Mr Cherry is avcll aware, I stated simply that he got £s—of course in his capacity as Chairman ot the Board. I Avill not occupy your space further than to add that I am prepared to prove that the resolution of the Board, directing Mr Cherry to do certain Avork, as it now stands in the minute book is not the reso lution passed by the Board. Being un- Avilliug to pour water on a drowned mouse, I refrain from further remarks on the subject.—l am, &c, R. T. Talbot.—[The correspondence is uoav closed.—Ed. E.S.]

The plans for a Town Hall in Dunedin, which attracted a good deal of outside competition, ha been decided. The com petition was believed in the outset to be betAveen " Veritas," by Mr G. Aicken, C. E., of Auckland, and another under the signature " Leo," but legal notice was lodged by one of the local competitors against any plans not received in Dunedin on the appoinied date, and this resulted in disqualifying all but five. In a revicAV of all the plans, evidently Avrittoiiby a skilled hand, the Dunedin Star gave the palm to that by Mr Aicken, C.E., of Auckland. Comparing it Avith "Leo" the second choice, the Avriter said :—" Leo" has scarcely done himself justice. The designs are merely in lead pencil, or crayop, and do not come out in such strong relief as to commend them to the eye. A merely cursory glance Avill not therefore, enable a casual A-isitor to pronounce upon their compara tive merits as architectural elevations. Like any of the others, they would fulfil the object designed. But no such difficulty presents itself in the elevation forwarded by " Veritas." The beauty of the drawing in this case may tend to prejudice the eye in its favour; but if it were possible to make a pretty large deduction on that account, it would still be undeniably a beautiful model after the Greek. The elegant lines, just proportions, and chaste columns, are not forgotten in the side elevation in which in most id the others utility alone seems to have been considered ; but there is unity of idea throughout. Tiie Market Ar cade is not a mere series of arches, like a succession of stables, nor is the Fire Brigade station a mere shell in outward appear ance. No doubt all that is absolutely neces sary in either is shelter and room, but in " Veritas's" ideal there is outside beauty ; and if the internal arrangements are canal, and the price not too overwhelming, Dune din would, if it was built after that model, have a very elegant and commodious Town Hall."

The Chairman of the Waitaki Council respectfully declines to return the £4757 AA'hich the GoA'crnment allege Avas over paid by the Treasury. He states in reply to the letter from the Secretary to the Treasury: "As requested, I caused your letter iioav under reply to be laid before the Council, and I have to inform you that I cannot respond to the request therein con veyed that I should illegally refund to the Treasury money belonging to the Council over Avhich I have the honour to preside. T should be glad to be informed as to Avhen the Treasury av,-is appointed interpreter to the Legislature."

Tiie members of No.._ Company, A.R.V., are Avanted to attend their monthly inspec tion parade, to be held on Thursday next, at the Drill-shed.

A Bracmar correspondent says arrange ments are completed for the purchase by her .Majesty the Queen, from Colonel Farquharson, of Invcrcauld, of the ex tensive forest of Ballochbuie, Avhich adjoins the estate of Balmoral. The forest comprises Avithin its bounds the largest area of natural-groAvn .Scotch lirs in Scotland. It is unequalled in extent, and in the size, beauty, and symmetry of.its trees.

Writing about the English gift to the I'ope. a home paper says that a complete list of the amounts contributed in each Catholic diocese to be presented to the Pope has just been made out, and it appears from it that Westminster contributed £184.; ; Beverly, 1080 ; Birmingham, 1.1230 ; Clifton, £420 ; Hexham and Newcastle, £'850 ; Liverpool, £2702; Newport and Mcnevia, £143; North ampton, £.'>o7 ; Nottingham. £304 ; Ply mouth, C 260 ; Salford, £500; Shrewsbury, £457; SoutliAvark, £H>ls; and the Catholic Union of Great Britain added £303 G. Thus the total amount was £14,770.

11 appears to be pretty generally known, says the "Taranaki Herald," that the U. S. S. Company have dispensed with the services of Captain Lloyd, late of the s.j.s. Wellington. No one, we understand, has been appointed in his place, as the Wellington, for a time at least, is to be laid up. It is to be hoped tiie Company does not contemplate permanently reducing tho number of steamers on this line.

CABLEGRAMS.

THE WAR.

[PRESS AGB-XCY.]

BOMBAY, July 30, 12.S p.m. Michie (?) visits Vienna ou Turkey's behalf.

The Porte semi-oflicially objects to any neAV order of things beiug created Avithout

its concurrence,

The House of Commons have agreed to Sir Stafford Northcote's mot.-on concerning the alteration of the Standing Orders, in order to put an end to useless obstruction of business.

Wheat is firm. Ncav Zealand, 55s to -Os ; New Zealand flax, holders ask full rates. The quantity of wool admitted for the next sale is 308,265 bales.

Sinking of the Fairy in Waihou River.

On Saturday night the s.s. Fairy, while re turning from Te Aroha, on the Thames or Waihou River, towing a barge, came in contact with a snag, Avhen, in the course of a feAV minutes, she Ailed and went doivn in 10ft. of water—Captain May and the engineer having barely time to escape. Captain May then walked overland to the Puke and thence to Paeroa, and, iiudin" the Pearl there, arranged with Captain Bonlield to proceed to the scene of disaster. Collecting all the available tackle and rope, and through Mr OTlalloran secured a willing ci'Oav of natives, the Pearl woon reached the submerged vessel, and in the course of three hours' hard work the vessel was gradually hauled in to the bank, baled, and made fast betAveen the Pearl and barge, and thus toAved up A\*ater-logged to Paeroa, Avhere she uoav lies undergoing repairs. It Avas fortunate there Avas no greater injury or loss of life. The same thing may happen again Avith Avorse results, for the utmost

care cannot ensure safety. The cost of removing the snags would bear no compar ison with the loss that might be sustained. In vieAV of the occupation of lands in the Te Aroha district the GoA-ernment ouyht to see to it at once that the river Waihou is freed from these dangerous snags.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Beforeß. C. Bnrstow, Esq., 11.M.) DRUNKEN" WOMEN.

Anne Shields, a diminutive womaa of Chancery Lane, was charged AA'ith drunken ness, third oifence. and lined 20s and costs, and five days' imprisonment, or in default seven days.

Anne Finn, wife of Peter Finn, was charged Avith a like offence, and lined 10s and costs.

James Mitchell pleaded guilty to being drunk, and was lined os and costs.

A BUD OF THE AVILDEEXESS. Alary McManus, a young girl of twenty years, avlio has passed four years of her life in prison, was brought up under the Vagrant, Act, charged Avith being drunk and riotous, last evening, in Queen-street, to the terror of Her Majesty's peaceful subjects.

The girl burst into a laugh, and said she Avas not guilty. Constable Gordon stated that at mid night lie beheld a great commotion at the corner of Victoria-street. He went and saAV the prisoner fighting A\ rith another woman, and pulling the hair out of her head.

Prisoner : Why did you not take the other woman in custody as avcll as me ? You had a doAvn on me, aye, Gordon.

Constable : She Avas quiet, and wanted to. get away.

Detective Jef'.rey deposed that the girl Avas a prostitute, and of infamous charac ter.

Prisoner : Well, suppose I am, if it Avere not for the likes of me, your occupation would be gone.

His Worship said he regretted to see one so young going to destruction. She had passed more than four years of her life in prison ; she had had opportunities of reform ing, but she had not made use of them. She must go to prison for tAA-elve months.

Prisoner : Ah, ah, I don't care for that I can d» it on niA r head.

Here the constable commenced to remove the prisoner, avlio gave utterance to most fearful language, and cursed Avitii the vehemence of a Leah.

A SAILOR'S YARN". Robert Aliller, a rough character, Avas charged Avith stealing a rug from the steam ship lona, value £1, the property of Alex ander McGregor, on the 30th inst. On the application of Sub-Inspector Pardy, the case Avas remanded until Satur day.

Prisoner said he avus intoxicated, and did it for a lark, but Avas caught before he had time to replace it. Such Avas the true story of the rug. CHARGE OE LARCENY. Samuel Faii'AVcather, on remand, avus again brought up on a charge of larceny of various tilings, the property of John Jeffrey, value £8 14s. Air Tyler appeared for the prisoner.' John Jeffrey, coach builder, of NeAvton, deposed that he knew the prisoner, Avho kept a blacksmith's shop of his in January last ; he left property in the shop until he should require it. If prisoner a. anted any of the articles, he was to account for them. He had frequently required things, but could not find them; prisoner said he kneAV nothing about them. He missed scA-cral patent boxes, and brass caps, iron hinges, a hood for a buggy, a dash iron, and three carriage springs. On Friday last, he called at Air Alackie'.', the coach builders, and discovered his spriugs and boxes; also, hood joints, and the dasli iron. To Air Tyler : The prisoner could not rightly haA*e remoA-ed the things Avithout his consent. He did not require prisoner as a Avitness against a person: did not threaten to make it hot for him, because he Avas not favourable. To Sub-Inspector Pardy : He denied all knoAvledge of things. Frederick Fainvcather, brother of the prisoner, deposed that lie avus scut to Air Mackie's shop in May last, by his brother, Avith the springs, boxes, etc., uoav before the Court. lie took them there to sell them. Air Alackie said he Avould give 9s for them, but he did not pay him : he said, "call to-morroAV morning, and I'll give you the money." He did not remember tak ing a note to Air Alackie from his brother ;

the message Avas to ask Mr Mackie to buy the tilings. The next morning lie Avaspaid, and he gave the money to his brother. Alexander Mackie, coach builder, Dur ham-street, remembered the last Avitness calling at his shop and offering him the boxes and springs, and subsequently the dash board and other things. He under stood him to say that his father was a smith in Newton, and that he had no use for the things. He brought a note signed Flana ghan, and Avas told that Flanaghan avus a partner Avith Fairweatlier. On Friday last the things Avere owned by Mr Jeflery. To Mi' Tyler : He believed lie gave 25s for the things. j To His Worship : He kncAv that young Fairwcather bore a fair character, and had a AvidoAvcd mother to support, and he avus j induced by motives of feeling to buy the : things rather than from a desire to possess ;

them. He did not actually want them. Detective Grace, saw the prisoner on ! Saturday last in his shop in Dublin-street, NeAvton. He questioned him about the goods. He had seen Mr Jeffrey previously. Mr Tyler objected to evidence being given under such circumstances. His Worship said that as prisoner was not under a/rest at the time the evidence was admissable. Detective Grace proceeded to state that on enumerating the tilings stolen, the prisoner denied all knowledge of them. From the note in his possession, lie suspec ted Flanaghan as being the wrong-doer, who, he learned had gone to San Fran cisco. Mr Tyler then addressed the Court in defence of the prisoner, and cited cases where persons had actually made false statements in the presence of detectives on the spur of the moment, which have tended to criminate themselves, when, at the same time, they have been innocent of tho crimes. Thomas Cottercll, coach-body-maker, deposed that he had been working on prisoner's premises, and heard Mr Jeffrey say that he had given Fairweather leave to use anything he liked in the box. Several persons spoke of prisoner's character. Mr Geo. Eraser, of the firm of Eraser and Tinne, said the lad had been in their employ about five years, and bore an excellent character. He believed him to be thoroughly honest. He was the support of his mother. Mr John Smith had also j known prisoner for a number of years as a j Sunday-school teacher, and as a lad of exemplary character, and he still held tiie same opinion of him. '< i His Worship commented upon the case, ! and said there was a doubt whether or not, j in dealing with those things in his posses- I sion, the prisoner was aware that he Avas doing wrong in selling them. Mr Tyler thought prisoner was under a wrong impression. His Worship said there was a small doubt in the matter, and as lie had received such excellent characters, he would giA-e the prisoner the benefit, and hoped it would influence him for good in bis future career. j THE NELSON-STREET ROW. Henry BarstOAV and John Carroll were ' charged under the Vagrant Act, with be- ! having in a public place, to wit, in Nelson- ' street, in such a manner as to provoke a breach of the peace. BarstOAV pleaded guilty, and Carroll not guilty. i James Williams, a gentleman of Nelson- ! street, deposed that ou Sunday afternoon, i the t.Avo prisoners were quarrelling together, j and using the most disgraceful language. They smashed the windows. " j To Carroll : I cannot sAvear that you '■ broke the glass, but J saw you take your coat, off, and shape at Barstow, Avhile a; woman avus trying to get into the house. j Mrs Barstow stated that she went on t Sunday to the Convent, and left Carroll to cook the dinner, but on returning home,

her husband and Carroll were both fearfully drunk, and a squabble ensued. Carroll Avas for fighting. Carroll said the woman's statement avu.s false, her husband was for lighting, and kicked his wife on the shins ; and, in ansAver to her call, he Avent to protect her ; he Avould not strike a Avoman for the Avorld.

His Worship said prisoner must qualify that statement, as he had been convicted tAvice for such an offence. He also found a long list of convictions against both of the prisoners, and they must each pay a fine of £10, or be committed for three months with hard labour.

The prisoners Avere subsequently taken to Mount Eden in the prison carriage.

This was all the business.

Our Goldfields.

THE KURANUI HILL G.M.Co.

The weekly report of the Kuranui Hill (LAI.Co. Avas received to-day, and avus of a very favourable description. The tributors per centages amount jto £220 Ss 3d, of AA-hich Patcrson's tribute iv the AH Nations section yielded £118 Ss 9d. Witli reference to this, the manager reports Paterson Avill uoav drive ou the leader at the Beach level to connect, A. and B. His stope is only 24ft. (vertical) above the floor of the beach drive. His ground ends there. If I find the shoot of gold continues doAvinvards I will start work ing the lOAver block on Company's account. As soon as repairs are completed in the All Nations shaft. You Avill observe that the ten fathom level drive has been carried clear through to the Inverness boundary. In doing so avc found much mineral iv the stone at that depth, and also broken ground very similar to both accompanying the quartz now being got in 1-aterson's stope, and it is just possible a shot of gold may have been overlooked. We Avere then iv difficulties with gas. The stone in Patcrson's is any tiling but a promising looking sample, (it yielded 12 ozs to the ton). I Avill do my best to set parties going on the levels beloAv the Moanatairi Creek and elsewhere.—J. W. Walker.

THE HARBOUR VIEW. The folloAving telegll-im Avas receh'ed by the Auckland Directors of the Harbour VieAV last evening.

"Struck gold in the intermediate level to-d.ay. Visit mine to-morroAV.— P. Tierney, Legal Manager."

The Aline Manager's Aveekly report to the Auckland Directors says : —

" No change of moment has occurred dur ing the past AA'eek. The main drive, No 5 level, continues rather hard, and progress is sloAvin consequence, but from present ap pearances there is a change of ground com ing in, and I hope to be in better country next Aveek. The leader still looks Avell, and is getting more defined, but no gold showing as yet. We may, lioav ever, hope to sink gold at any momoat. During the past Aveek men have been employed on the inter mediate level, betA\-een Nos 3 and 4 levels. There is no change to note in the appear ance of the lode, Avhich is a mere seam of clay, Avithout stone of any kind. Ido not expect any change until Aye intersect the Harbour VieAV leader, which I hope to do next Aveek. On cutting the Harbour VieAV leader I intend putting up a rise on the junction of the two leaders to the No 3 level, so as to thoroughly test the ground, and'get a block ready for stopiug out"

(From ouroAvn Correspondent.)

OHINEMURI.

Saturday. Bank of England.—A A-ery great im proA-ement has taken place in the country the contractors are driving through, the ground being full of bright yellow mundic and pyrites, and it is to be hoped this most perscA-cring company is at last on the eve of being rewarded for their large outlay.

Young Neav Zf.al.vnd.— The country has improved considerably in the low level, but there is still 30 feet to drive before the reef Avill be cut.

Auckland. —On Friday the manager started his men to clean out and timber the top level, to drive and cut the reef there, and see what it avus like, and as the country is excellent he anticipates a good slioav. The loav level lias been pushed rapidly ahead in as good country as ever, Avith quartz seams making in the face, and water is now for the firsc time beginning to make, which Avill probably be from the main reef; a few feet more driA-ing should see it in hand, and if as good as expected there is a flourishing future for this energetic com pany.

PARLIAMENTARY.

{FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.)

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.]

WELLINGTON, this day. THE MISSING SIXTY THOUSAND POUNDS. In spite of Ministerial denials, it is undeniably true that there avus a 'clerical error of £(>O,OOO in the railway accounts of the Middle Island yesterday, aud great ex citement in consequence. The commotion was quite fearful. Major Atkinson looked Avorked up to a pitch of despair. Whether the discrepancy lias been discovered I can not say. It is believed that Mr Fox, sub rosa, aspires to lead a party, but is too coy to come forward. He is waiting to be asked: MEMBERS' HORORARIUM. I believe an attempt Avill be made during the session to raise the honorarium to £300. Many needy politicans Avould support it; and others argue that as an increase Avas made last year from £150 to £200 oil the express grounds that the session Avas pro longed beyond three months, this year, unless the session is similarly prolonged, the honorarium should be dropped to the old amount. THE CHRONOLOGICAL TREE. Mr Meek, of WaiAvera-AA*ater Chrono logical Tree fame, is hero in the passage with a tremendous cyliuder, containing the tree, AA-hiclz he intends placing in the Assembly Library, preparatory to sending it to the Paris Exhibition. MINISTERS ANXIOUS. Ministers are all up and doing to-day. There is CA-idently something in the wind. They all look careAvorn and anxious. CIVIL SERVICE ACT. The Civil Service Amendment Act removes doubts as to Civil Servants har ing a right to retiring ..lloAvanee trader the Civil Service Act IS6_ and amended Act IS7I, when they have been transferred to other offices in the ser vice. This applies whether the offices were created prior or subsequent to the pass- , ing of the two former Acts named. A cal culation is to pc made made under the act under which the person claims, and the an nual salary at the time of retirement. (Told mining in new zealanb. The annual report on the Gold Fields by J. Gills sheAA-s that the Gold exports from Auckland have fallen off to the extent of 3742 ozs., and fromjOtago, 5540. Nelson, increase, 1063 ozs ; Westland, 7154 ozs, Tiie total export for 1575 AA-as 455,322 ozs., value £1,407,770 : for 1576, 322,010' OZS., value £1,254,:.25. There is_ » diminution iv tlio number of miners' rights for 1875, £12,369; IS7_ was £10,527. Revenue for.lS76', £45,226 ; 1575, £53,640. Principal decreases arc at Auckland and Otago ; increases at Nelson and Westland. The Wardens remark on the necessity t°r good water supplies. The number of miners is 1G,770 ; for previous \*car, 16,6?5 } Chinese, 3.705. The settlement on the land is steady. The influence of abolition of province-.; has not yet been felt.

THE EVENING STAR TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1877.



"IT.OR GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY VV INTER DRAPERJL ov Every Desckiptiox, FLANNELS, WINCEYS, FRENCH MERINOS, WOOL PLAIDS, SHIRTINGS, WATERPROOF TWEEDS, CHILDREN".- & LADIES' WATERPROOF CLOAKS, Sec, Sec, Sec, GO TO THE JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE. BLANKETS AND RUGS OF ALL KINDS. An Unequalled Stock of Blankets, and Rare Value, having been exceptionally avcll bought. Aye can afford to sell at consi derably less than usual price. FLRNISHING GOODS. General Drapery of all kinds, and a Large and Well-assorted Stock of Boys' and Men's Clothing, Macintosh Coats, Overcoats, Shirts, Gentlemen's Mercery, Sec, Always on Hand. 2=. in the £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 2.5. and upAvards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Queen-street, auckland. QTOCK-TAKING "OARGAINS ! ! b _ _i 3 W. RATTRAY Is Preparing for STOCK-TAKING, so he offers a lot of CHOICE DRESS MATERIALS At Cost Price. Remnants of Dress Materials at and under Cost Price. The Balance of the STOCK of LADIES' COSTUMES, JACKETS, and FURS, At Cost Price. W. RATTRAY, DRA PE R AND CLOTH IE R, Ncav Zealand House, CG, Queen-street, Aucklanh*.



Linoleum i Linoleum! Linoleum I AC\ ROLLS JUST OPENED, Ex ' Spirit of the Dawn.' GREATEST VARIETY in AUCKLAND. Best Covering for Halls, Offices, axd Dining Rooms. X 5 DIFFERENT PATTERNS TO SELECT FROM AT THE CITY HALL FURNITURE ARCADE. CARPETS: Tapestry, from 2s. lid.; Brussels, from Is. 9d. DRAWING-ROOM SUITES on Vioav. D_J__DROoSS M} FURNITURE of all Kinds. CHEAPEST FURNISHING HOUSE. "ToLLOWAY AND GaRLICK. ■4UKEN-bTß____T, AUCKLAND. '



_vT NOTICE' luced STEAM PO WER ifactnre of FURNITURE, enabled- to Supply our Cus- GRE ATI V R E D U CED ; ,S. T. & 11. COOKE, JabinetmaJcers, Upholsterers, dAc, die G2T SHOWROOM S: 67, Queen-street. STEAM CABIITET FACTORY: Victoria-street. TTNION RANK OF AUSTRALIA. [Establish i_d 1537.] Paid-up Capital £1.250,000 Reserve Fund 125,000 NOTICE TO PROPRIETORS. A DIVIDEND of One Pound Fifteen Shillings, together Avith a Bonus of Five Shillings per Share, for the half-year ending 30th June, 1877, equal to Sixteen Per Centum Per Annum on the paid-up Capital of this Bank, was declared at the meeting of Proprietors, held in London, on the Oth July, and the sum of -325,000 Avas at the same time added to the Reserve Funds, making them in all £125,000. Proprietors registered in Christchurch at the former date will receive the Avarrants for their Dividends and Bonus on application through Branch Managers. JOSEPH PALMER, Chief Officer for Ncav Zealand. Union Bank of Australia, Christchurch, 11th July, 1577. mO AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS. W. J. HURST __ CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been pi'OA-ed to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a.judicious and liberal uso of them. The llattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. Hurst Se Co. in strongly commending them to CA'ery Agriculturist :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BE-bL'S BONEFLOUR i and '-inch BONEDUST BILL YARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. Analysis,"prices, and other particulars Avill be supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO. 101. QUEE N- S T?R EE T. In order to induce an enlarged consumption of Maiden Island Guano (equal, if not superior to Bonedust), Aye are prepared to accept deferred payments from responsible parties at extremely loa'_* rates. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Q. UEKN-S TRE ET. W. J. HURST Se CO have for Sale, at the loAvest market rates : Clover Seeds, Red, White and Coav Rye-grass, Cocksfoot, Rats-tail, Garden Seeds in great A'ariety and best quality. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) 3000 ~ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also 800 sacks of 1875 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early a-arielies for seed purposes Flour." Bran. Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, Sec Sec. Particular attention is called to 500 sacks Prime Barlej at Is per bushel of 50lb. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh oatmeal, at £21 per ton. Prices and other particulars on application. W. J. HURST Ss CO. 101, QUEEN-S TRX ET, Auckland.