SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

wtctt av\titp f This Afternoon, 7.5 HIUH. \\ AIJiU-■) To-morrow Morning, 7.18 SUN SET.—This Evening. 6.39. SUN RISK.—To-morrow Morning, 5.19 MOON'S AGE.—Full Moou, 28th, 6.53 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Taupo, s.s., Carey, from the South

DEPARTURES. Zealandia, P.M. Co.'s s.s., Thompson, for Sydney Taranaki, s.s., (from the Manukau), for the South. ('Frisco mail) lona, s.s.. Farcmhar, for tho North ltowena, s.s., Cellars, for Tauranga

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Sydney—Lovctt Peacock, schooner, early For Southern Ports—Rotorua, s.s., this after noon. For London—Glenlora, barque, oarly: Loch Urr, barque, early For Noumea—Mary Anderson, schoonor, early For Wangarei—Argyle, every Tuesday

IMPORTS.

Per Santiago from London: 25 barrels currants, •10 half-boxes Eleme raisins, 1 tank almonds, 1 do muscatel raisins, 1 do figs, 20 cases condensed milk, (! pockets hops.—E. and H. Isaacs. Per Santiago from London:—C cases floor cloth, 1 case linoleum, 3 cases toilet glasses, 1 bale carpets.—Winks and Hall. ■; 1 case mouth harmonicnm, 1 case roll combs, 1 case squeaking balloons, 2 bales manilla kits, 1 case turkey sponge, 2 cases papier macliie tables, 2 eases Judson's gum, 2 cases hair brushes, 1 case cloth brushes. 1 case tobacco pouches, 2 cases gilt.-jewellery, 2 cases purses, 2 cases concertinas, 1 case broad platters, 1 case violet powder, 5 cases sundries.—M. Levy and Co.

Messrs Cruickshank and Co. have received a cable message announcing tho arrival of the Hero at Sydney, after a passage of 0^ days. The s.s. Taupo arrived from the South to-day, with the following passengers :—Mesdames Mc- Gregor, Dobbie, Nettleship, Embling, Lyster, .Sellers. Williamson, Wait; Misses Grierson, Mackay, "Wait, Pollock, Retford ; Messrs Olson, Speight, Kempthornc, Clark, Lyster, Pearee, Sellers, Waley, Williamson, Murray, Rhodes, Main, Ryan. Hill, Rome, Maokay, Dr. Wait, and 4 steerage. We are indebted to the purser for files, and report.—Henderson and Macfarlane, agents. Passengers by the Emily Chaplin :—Saloon : Captain Rhynas, wife, and daughter, and Mr. James Oarruth. Steerage : Mr. A. C. Cooper. The New Zealand Shipping Company had the ships Spirit of the Dawn, and Rookwood, on the berth in London, loading for this port, when the mail left.

Messrs Cruiekshank and Co. have received a telegram from Gisborne, stating that the s.s. Jane Douglas left there last evening at 5 o'clock, for Tologa Bay and Auckland. She will be due here on Wednesday.

The steamer Pretty Jane was, yesterday, sent off the stocks in Messrs Fraser and Tinned yard. Mechanics' Bay, where she has been under repair for some weeks past. Her hull has been subjected to extensive emendations. A large number of new plates have been siibstituted for those damaged in her recent accident at Gis oorne, and several of her frames have, in like manner, been renewed. She has yet to receive her engines, -which have had a thorough over haul.

Captain Shipman, late chief officer of the Jessie Henderson, is appointed to the command of the new schooner Mary Anderson. The following are the passengers by the s.s. Rotorua, which arrived from Sydney yesterday evening, an hour after we had gone to press:— Saloon ; To Auckland—Mr Mrs and Miss Hines, Mrs Irwin. Dr Pounds, Messrs R. Gault, W. Scott, Goldman, Payne, and E. G. Boon, and 21 for the South. The Rotorua had fine weather and head -winds during the run across. The passage was accomplished in exactly five days. We are indebted to Mr Pringle, the purser, for tho usual favours.

The s.s. Taranaki left Onehunga yesterday afternoon for the South, conveying the Southern portion of the San Francisco mail, brought by the Zealandia. Passengers :—Mr and Mrs Walker, Mr and Mrs King, Mr and Mrs Me- Cr&ig and 4 children, Mr and Miss Clarkson. Mrs Pearee and three children, Miss Bailey, Messrs Hales, Wilson, Gilmouv, Wilkinson, Sneddon, Stuart, Sharland, Diekson, Holmes, Alta, Rankin, Brown, Harmer, Harrison, Brown and Son, and 6 steerage.—Henderson and Mac farlane, agents. The mail steamer Zealandia sailed for Sydney soon after six o'clock yesterday evening. Saloon passengers booked in Auckland : —Mr and Mrs Lloyd, Messrs A. Barnctt, Brodziak. James Young, 10 steerage, and original passengers from San Francisco, &c.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— or Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and on to-morrow, at noon For Corornandel, per Kina, to-morrow, at 1.30 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, this day, at 4 p.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, anp Australian Colonies, per Taupo, on Friday, the 2nd inst, at 8 a.m. Late letters till 8.20 a.m. Mails for Australian Colonies, India, China, Continent of Europe, United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton, and via Brindisi, per s.s. Wellington, on or about the 6th inst. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

ROGERS.—On the 26th February, at her resi dence, Wellington-street, Auckland, the wife of Richard Rogers of a son. - Australian papers please copy.

DEATH.

GARLAND.—On the 19th December, 187G, at Blackheath, near London, the Rev. J. N. Garland, Vicar of Tlianington, Kent, and formerly of Jamaica, AY cst Indies, aged ob years.

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1877.

Tot the cnvse that lacks assistance. For tlic wrong tli.it needs resistance, /'or the future in the distance. And the youci that we can do.

THE mail news, although not containing any of those startling stories in -which the American papers revel, includes many items of interest, and pests us up in tlic details of events already familiar through the brief cable announcement. From Great Britain comes a story of disasters by storm and llood unprecedented within human memory. In London the ilood was felt most severely at Lambeth, where the Thames overflowed its banks and poured in destructive torrents down the streets. Thousands of people spent the nights of the second and third of January in misery, deserting their homes, which were wrecked and de'vasted by the rushing w«atej\s, Small, struggling shopkeepers were, perhaps, the greatest sufferers by tills inundation, but many poor people had their few household goods carried away, and the damage to all kinds of property was great. At Dover, 1000 yards of the Ad miralty pier were washed away. A similar record has been received from all parts of England, and reports of still worse dis asters with loss of life in the North of Scotland, /

The Turkish question necessarily occu pies a la™ space in the A-merican tele grams and English journals. "With the full reports of the Conference proceedings, so far as they "were made Icaov.'u, bctoro us, we are in a better position k> undevsl.aud the failure of the deliberation:-, of titat body, and the subsequent inaction of the Powers. The Turkish r^piescufuiives •Avert positively debarred ajftihiot rtiscuKsiuy; uuy :}>ro]M>s;!l involving .-. liniit-atiou r>t tlie SuitauV ,\meen polled aufbositv over hia subjects, twul fo thr> net Cir'mtion tlus Porte iirnilyadhereiii. f^ejjloj^o'l a^ir.iu'. meiit■ of a foreign Covanii^.»o v ;. &$ M%l\'h&

foreign interference, and it was rejected. ; ' But While the Conference was sitting, the j new Constitution, liberal beyond anything that had been stipulated, was proclaimed with salvos in Constantinople, and since the dissolution of the Conference, the Turkish j Government has made ostentatious show of j carrying out reforms, including the i appointment of three Christian Governors. Unsupported by guarantees, and without foreign supervision, no one believes in the genuineness or permanence of these plaus ible professions, but so long as they continue and their fallacy is not exposed by the outcries of Turkish subjects, the Powers j have really no substantial pretext for | interference. Montenegro and Servia have accepted the invitations of the Porte to discuss a basis of peace and other measures for the amelioration of the Slav Ottoman grievances and if they are contented to do so it is very questionable whether the Powers would be warranted in attempting to force what the Sultan is apparently doing of his own free will. One element which i is but little understood has had consider able iniluence upon the progress of events. It must not be supposed that the large Christian population of Turkey is banded in a compact body against tho Mussulman. The Christians are divided by ir.oro intense hatreds of race and creed than ( ham existing between the Slav and Turk. The Greex Christians have appealed to the Sultan against Slavs, the Roman Catholics against the Greek Church, and the Jews, whose terribly cruel treatment has, within tho last two months formed the subject of an appeal to Lord Derby, are accustomed to regard the Porte as a comparatively tolerant Government. By order of the Mayor of the Moldavian district of Baslin, in DecemLer, hundreds of Jewish families were driven from the district, upon three days' notice, many perishing in the midwinter cold. Their houses were broken into and plun dered, and but for the assistance of the Austrian Consul, their sufferings would have been still more terrible. Such persecutions as these have not en amoured the Hebrews with the toleration of the Greek Church, and the Sultan's Government thus receives sup port from subjects who under other circumstances would be ranked among its most deadly enemies. That war will be completely averted is, however, still re garded as* most improbable. .Russia has massed an army of three hundred thousand on its Southern frontier, and has, it is openly announced, secured the Roumanian railways for conveyance across that neutral Principal ity to the Danube. It cannot be sup posed that preparations so gigantic; and ominous have been entered upon without a well-considered determination to try con clusions with its traditional enemy. The enthusiasm of the Mussulman population is aroused to a pitch of almost unexampled intensity, and but a feeble spark is required to inflame the deep-seated animosities, and precipitate into open warfare the hostilities already breathed forth on both sides in open demonstrations of armed force. It is suggested that the Russian policy aims at securing peace between the Porte and Servia, in order to save the Christian population from a repetition of the Bulga rian atrocities and to secure the right of treating the friendly soil of Servia as Turkish territory.

The Champion Marksman's Belt for New Zealand has fallen to the lot of Lieutenant Payntcr, of Nelson. who led ;it the end of the Fourth Match, hut receded in the linh to the position of seventh man, with fifteen points between himself and the leader, Private Richardson, of Otago, who suems to have fallen away altogether in the last trial of skill. Lieutenant Paynter and Private ltichardson both went a.s extra men, and it is noteworthy that the extra men have carried off more prizes than the representa tives. "VY'c have been furnished with the follow ing particulars of the charge against Mr. Shaw who left by the schooner Canterbury of SuwaiTow notoriety, and succeeded in evading the warrant, sent to the Bay of Islands :— Mr Shaw entered the billiard i-oom at the Thistle Hotel, and took his seat alongside Mr Keane, politely saying " Will you take anything V" "No thank you;" was the reply. " i wish you would change me a cheque]! I have a friend going by the Canterbury I wish to pay some money I owe him." Mr Keane mistaking what he fjaid—" doing to Canterbury ?" The sharp one taking it up, "yes oh yes, going to Canterbury." " Well I cannot change your cheque as I cannot spare the money." " AY ell." said he, not to be but off, give me .some and I will take your cheque for the balance." Mr K. wishing to see the match between Mr Perkins and Mr Gollop of Nelson, said, partly to get rid of him, " Well I will give you four pounds cash, and two pounds by cheque, which was post dated, but unfortunately fell into the hands of a poor tradesman who did not notice the date, and cashed it. (N.B.—Persons never ought to cash post-dated cheques.) Mr Keane felt justified in paying it, although it had been stopped at the Bank for three days. This document is now in the hands of justice bearing the fate and bold signature of the Suwarrow manager, Hunt and Co., and endorsed in full, J. W. Shaw.

Aii incident of rollicking ranrism or rural serenading iH thus recorded by a correspon dent : "On the eve of the show, at tinee o'clock a.m., Miss W , the young person assisting Mrs Brebner at tlic Hotel, went to her room intending to retire for the night, when she heard a gentle rapping, tapping at her window. She called out, " Who was there," and on being answered by the full, complete, and satisfactory statement of " Me !" she told the gentleman that he had better go oil'<|uick with his "me" or she would give him in charge to Constable Munro. The party went from that window, but stopped at the next with another knock ing. Miss W accordingly informed Mrs Brebnei" of the annoyance, and there was a short pause disturbed only by the sound of bottles rattling under tlic feet of some one walking outside. Suddenly the glass in the window was smashed in by some individual faying to force an entry. The young lady rushed terrified from the room calling to Mrs Brebner, who at once came to the house door, accompanied by Mr. Brebner. The trembling young lady explained the disgraceful act which had so frightened her, and while doing so a joUy-looking young farmer turned the corner of the house, from the direction of the windows. He was at once seized in Mr. Brebner's powerful grasp, but he indignantly denied the imputation. Mi*. Brebner as indignantly charged him with the niistknieanonr, stating it was an ungentlemanly and unmanly act. Mrs. Brebner was equally annoyed ; she said the young persons in the house Avere under her charge, and she denounced the young man. He, however, had turned up at the time quite accidentally, as it was afterwards proved, but he felt the accusation keenly, and though slightly "oil," he demanded investigation and criticism. He said " Srike a match, and see if I am not an in nocent man," The real cause of the mid night alarm must have disappeared up the peach trees, as he could not be seei) round the house. The proceeding was possibly done as a mere joke. Allowing this mild construction to be placed on the incident, we cannot but characterise such conduct as mean and contemptible in the extreme, and unworthy of any man. With this excep tion the conduct of the large number of people congregated at and about the hotel, was a credit to the Mahurangi community, and also to the 60 visitors from Auckland, who, while enjoying a trip to that charming di^rict, shewed'they are equally desirous to .male ? a favourable impression, and give no caiiGO of annoyance or offonce.

Mr Hector Arney, eldest brother of Sir Oworgo Arney t died n-t JfiWtingfy ls9ttti ?5

Mails for Australian colonies via Sydney per Panama close to-morrow (Wednesday), at 8 p. m.

The extensive and valuable stock of Mr. Samuel Coombes will be offered by auction by Messrs Grant and Morton, on the pre mises, 92, Queen-street, to-morrow. The goods are well selected and of a very sale able character, and the opportunity is thus one rarely enjoyed by country storekeepers and the retail trade.

The committee of the railway employes celebration desire to thank the following ladies and gentlemen for articles given as prizes for the sports : —Mr. F. H. Lewisson, pair of handsome vases; Mr. Partridge, tobacconist, album ; Messrs Clark Brothers, photographers, two albums ; Mr Kohn, gold pencil-case; Mr. Harris, tobacconist, glove box and meerchaum pipe ; Mr J. Howdcn, pair of silver butter knives and case; E. Porter and Co. £1 ; Messrs Jackson and Russell, £1 Is ; Mrs. R. Grattan, 10s; Mr. E. J. Matthews, 5s ; Mr A. Fernandez, 5s ; and various other friends smaller donations. The affair was a complete success and will we hopo be the forerunner of many similar gatherings.

Among the homeward-bound passengers via Sydney, by the Zealandia, is the name of Mr Alexander Barnett, a settlor of some fifteen years standing. Mr Barnett was one of the earliest of the Thames pioneers at tho opening of tho goldfiolds, and he lias the credit of introducing pork pies into Auckland. Mr Barnett has been suffering for some time from ill-health, and has been advised to take an ocean voyage to Eng land to take the benefit of his native air in the sylvan retreats of Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

Our Kawakawn correspondent writes: — The new line, which has been successfully carried through by Mr Foughoy, was com pleted on Thursday last, and tbo men paid oil", leaving us rather dull. One of their number who, I presume, was anxious to exhibit his talents, got put in the lock-up on Wednesday afternoon for drunkenness, and by some means managed to eli'ect his escape in the evening. On Sergeant Donovan learning of this he immediately started in pursuit, and by his skilful manoeuvres succeeded in re-taking him on Thursday morning, at a Maori settlement called Waihoraio. He will, I suppose, make his bow to the benoh to-morrow morning. Too much praise cannot be awarded to the Sergeant for the prompt and business-like manner in winch., he succeeded, for from his appearance [ should certainly imagine him to be a desperate character. We are looking very quiet now, which can be in a great measure accounted for from the fact of the mines being flooded and the space available for working very limited, but we live in hopes of all coining right again shortly.

The North Head will lie the object of an exciting struggle to-night. Having heard of an intended attack upon the position, a party of Naval Volunteers and Hobson Company under Captains Le Roy and Dignan, have prepared for the defence of the crown of the hill, aided by* (lie Arm strong gun already planted there. The boseigers, who, singular to relate, consists of Navals and liobsons also, are expected to commence the onset with boats in front, also landing a storming party. Finally, concentrating their whole force, they will cany the head and gnu by storm, and turn the cannon on the retreating garrison. While the victors are resting unguardedly on their laurels, the fort will be retaken by tho garrison, and tlie combatants then fraternize after the most approved fashion, returning home in boats. Coming across harbour, an attack i-< expected from hostile cruisers, and a shot will be reserved iv the locker to afford a warm reception. The parties embark at the Naval Brigade boat ing shed, near the old Wynyard I'icr.

ITpon lull exemptions ii traveller writes:— " Sir,—Amongst the exemptions for tolls men tioned in the Stau last ni.urht arc 'every person, animal, or vehicle which has paid at the same toll Kill'1 since the midnight previous." 1 under stand tliis 10 moan that you have only to pay once in th;- il hours. Am I correct . [f so, many of the public have been swindled. I have often had to pay twice or three times at the same toll Kate iv tiio day. I'.S.---In Kntjlantl it is only requisite to pay once, a day,"—[Unquestionably every "animal, person, or vehicle," is only liable to pay toll once in the twenty four hours nt the same gate. Any toll collector "demand ing a larger toll than that payable by the law is liable to a penalty not exceeding .-65." Vide Public "Works Act, 187(3, clauses 101 and 112.— Ed. K.S.]

Yesterday Mr DeLias telegraphed an order to San Francisco to give tho Georgia Minstrels passages, and if the message arrives there in lime, they will leave for Auckland by the March mail to play under his auspices through New Zealand and Australia.

Mr JJanipicr is playing to very large houses in Sydney. His "Hamlet" has been received with great favour there by the press and the public. We. regret to so; by the papers that on t.he loth he was attacked by a fit, the consequence of a sunstroke, and could not play. He, however, has quite recovered. The annual report of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, mado up to Sept. 30 in the colony and 30th ultimo, in Lon don, shows a net pro/it (inclusive of £2317 brought forward) of £31,53!}. Of this £02(38 was distributed as interim dividend in July last, and it is now proposed to pay a further dividend at the rate of 10 per cent per annum, a bonus at the rate of 5 per cent, to place &BUOU to the reserve, and carry £3312 forward. The pre miums, on tho issue of new share capital, amounting to £20,000, will be added to reserve, which now amounts to £108,000.

On Friday evening last, Mr. Edwin Hesketh, of Epsom, possessed a line apple tree, literally loaded with red-checked burdens, and fair to look upon. On .Saturday morning when Mr. Hesketh looked into his orchard, the tree was there bn( not the tempting fruit. Some prowling thief had stolen into the garden during the night and stripped the tree of everything but leaves, not leaving even the parson's tithe behind. We hope Air. Hesketh's reward of £5 will lead to the discovery and conviction of the thief.

We are sorry to learn that the entertainments of the Variety Troupe in the Lome-street Hall have resulted in a considerable Joss to Mr. Wilton. We are rather surprised at this, as the character of the entertainments were above the average merit. The troop will try foi- better success at Onchunga, where rhe members will perform for one evening, and afterwards proceed to the Bay of Inlands. The Irish and negro delineations of Mr. Ship are mo-t amusing, and the sentimental s.,ngs of Sirs. "Wilton are of a lush order,

The friends ol' the United Methodist Free Church have taken the Temperance Hall, Albert-street, where they intend to hold Sabbath services regularly. To-morrow (Wed nesday) evening, the inaugural tea-meeting will be hold in the hall, and after tea addresses, interspersed with musical selections by the choir, will be given by Revs. W. Kirk, R. Taylor, J. A. Oaygiil, and Messrs Cole and Hemus. Mr James Goupland will occupy the chair.

The Auckland Scottish Volunteers will hold a special business meeting1 in the drill-shed this evening at eight o'clock, when Capt. Mowbray desires to meet the members of the company.

The annual meeting of the Parnell Weslcyan Sunday-school teaches and Mends will b« held this evening in the schoolroom. Tea on the table, at half-past six o'clock; addresses by ministers an.l laymen afterwards.

The entertainment la^t evening in the llevon port Hall was well attended. Miss Kciw's per formance met with much appreciation; her several songs were encored. The lady was ably supported by her husband, by Miss Maggie Knight, and Mr and Mrs Searle. The perform ance went so well that it is under contemplation to give another shortly in the same hall, under the patronage of the leading families at the North Shore.

The Auckland volunteers will assemble at the Drill rfhed this evening at half-past seven o'clock by order of Assistant Adjutant Kitchen.

NEARLY DROWNED BY A RAT.

At half-past nine o'clock yesterday eveningl a man and women were, .seen struggling1 in the water near the stern of the Thurland Castle. The alarm was raised, and, as soon as possible, two or three life buoys were thrown over. They all, however, fell short, and were no use. The Custom House boat was hanging at the usual davits, but was destitute of plug and oars, A single scull being obtained from the Thurland Castle, and the hole having been plugged up with a piece of rag, two men put off in the boat and succeeded in rescuing the unfortunate pair, who were in a Btate of complete collapse. They recovered in time, and the woman told an extraordinary story of the accident, Her hus band was flahhiK from the wharf, and she was watching him, when a rat came out of a crevioa and ran beneath her dressi. She started up, and hi her terror tripped a«?afnst the parapet and fell over. The husband jumped in after hnr. and. as nrilher of them could f}YFim, they v/pm<l both have inevi&bjy been tlrftW»|U. feud "noli

Anchovies and Toast.

London, Jan. 13, 1877.

SEVERE WEATHER IN ENGLAND. For the last three weeks, all our talk has been about gales and floods^ Columns _of the newspapers have been daily filled with the most dire accounts of the ravages wrought by the elements on our coasts as well as inland. The low lying parts of the country have been, and arc quite under water, and fanners are pulling terribly long faces over the destruction of their winter sown grain. Many railway lines have been completely stopped, and in the south west of England in some places the water is six feet deep on the roads. Between London and York, parts of the midlands arc like a vast lake, and were it not for trees and hedge tops, you might imagine you were steaming over the surface of a calm sea. Boats are at a premium in many places, and for weeks some of the people in detatched houses have had no other means of com munication with the world. In the Thames Valley the floods have been, and still are awful, and the greatest distress prevails amongst the swamped out labourers. Minca" are flooded, agricultural labour in many places stopped, and thousands of persons thrown out of work. Such a wet autumn and winter have not been experi enced for years and, we must hope, Trill not be again for many a long day. It has directed attention" to the question of engineering works to prevent future Hoods, and no doubt plans to effect this might easily be carried out if the matter were made a Parliamentary question. It is only a, calculation of £ s d, and in England, rich England, that is nothing. THE TOMB OF AGAMEMNON. The discoveries of Dr Henry Schliemann at Myceu.T, are in literary and scientific circles one of the principal topics of the day. They are certainly of a most remark able character, and his arguments in favour of his assertion, that he has disinterred the actual remains of Agamemnon and Cassan dra are really exceedingly _ weighty. Whether or no, however, one thing is cer tain, and that is that the Doctor's explora tions and discoveries are of incalculable value to antiquarians, and consequently to historians. Very feAV people after reading Schlietnann's letters will hesitate to admit that old Homer told more truth than has generally been allowed. The tombs opened contained an incredible amount of treasure, consisting of gold goblets, buttons, sword hilts, brooches, rings, masks, and every description of article, all of the solid precious metal. lam sending you the entire series of Dr Schliemann's letters, because though 1 hardly suppose you will have room for them in extenso, still you may like to publish them in the form of a supplement. Every educated man will be charmed by a perusal of them. THE OTAGO CONVENTION. I enclose you also a letter from the Secretary of the Otago Convention which appeared in the " Times " a few days since. I was very glad to read so clear and fair a statement of the real condition of public feeling in the colony. The letter did not appear a day too soon. Officials in ollicc always have an advantage, and the arrival home of Sir Julius Vogel will militate against the interests of the threatened provinces. Sir Julius, as we know, is a most unscrupulous man, and the corres pondents of the English Press in New Zealand are the most biassed and unfair in their systematic misrepresentation of Sir George Grey and his party. Moreover, T notice that Victorian correspondents are taking tin- side of the centralists in New Zealand, and writing nonsense about what they don't understand. I hope you will join with the Southerners in sending home a powerful deputation to speak for you at the Colonial Qflicc. If you don't you will lie completely lloored by those who being iv oilice have; the ear of the authorities. Greenstone.

THE LOSS OF THE COMMODORE.

T!ii> following particulars of the loss of the ship Commodore, of San Francisco, have been received : The vessel sailed from Snu Francisco on the 20th ult. OIF C;ipe Flattery on the morning of Wednesday January 10th, a strong wind from the north west suddenly sprang.up, increased to a heavy gale, and the vessel being driven close in shore with wind blowing her on, Captain Kasterf was unable to wear out his ship. As a last measure he cut away the masts and let go anchors : but the violence of the storm was so great that her bows were pulled out by the strain, and the anchors left behind. The hull was driven in closer, striking the outer reef, and pass ing over it, striking the middle reef. She ported with her keel, passing over and striking the inner reef, lodging there and breaking in two. From this place the men were got on shore, nothing being saved but a chronometer. They made their way over to Neah JW, where the wreck and all per (•,:tiuing to it was sold by the captain to Mr Lands. The crew were brought to Port Townsend in a tugboat, where they now are.

OLD NEW ZEALAND.

The "Home News" says :—"Old New Zealand," by the " Pakcha Maori," is now delighting us tit home, and rightly, for no European has ever given a wittier or more vivid picture of savage life, if indeed it be fair to call such a noble though probably doomed race as the Maories by so uncom plimentary an adjective. Middle-aged men remember the first edition of " Old New Zealand " as a shabby book with an unpre tending _ exterior. The second edition ap peared in 1863, and the present reprint, which is in excellent and attractive type, is furnished with a brief preface by that smart but flippant nobleman, Lord Pembroke, the very antithesis of his father, Sydney Her bert, whose bronze effigy facing the War Office has, during the recent rain and gloom, looked more austere and sombre than ever. NEW ZEALAND UNHEALTHY. There is, however, a scandal—it is a scandal—about the New Zealand of to-day. A Dr. Newman has been lecturing at Wellington, whether the West country or the Shropshire Wellington is not stated, and has declared that from the lowness of its atmospheric pressure, and from the absence of phosphates, New Zealand is un healthy, and that consequently children born or reared in that colony are inferior both in mind and body to those brought up in the mother country. Mr Mantell and others vehemently opposed Dr. Newman's theory.

Suicide of Mr Thomas Brown of Parnell.

This morning about half-past four o'clock, Mr Thomas Brown of St George's Bay road, Paropll. was found dead in his bedroom Trader circumstances which render it nearly c hiu, tliat the unfortunate man committed suicide by poison. For some three weeks past, Mr Brown lias been drinking hard, and there is no doubt that the morbid state of mind produced by tli is vice lias led to his fearful end. His potations were taken in private, and fit home, and he was seldom to be seen without a bottle of brandy, of which he would partake largely to keep up his spirits when they began to flag. Last night Mr Brown was .sitting at home, as usual, and nothing peculiar in his demeanour beyond being half tipsey was observable. At ten o'clock ho went out for about three* quarters of an hour, and on his return wont to hed, still without exciting remark by ft jy poctiUttfity in lus manner, £i> iwity p| futf &in 4 Wftl hfivxi fy°m Ui

room during the night. At about half past five, Mrs Brown, who slept in an adjoining room, went in to look at her husband? whose tendency had been a source of' great grief to her for a long while. She found him sitting on the floor with his head leaning against the ' dressing table. He was in his nio\ht-dress only, and there was a fixed look on° his features which frightened her. bhe ran to hor son's room and called him to look at his father, as she thought there was something the matter. The son imme diately went to the room and found ins father apparently dead in the position des cribed by bis mother. Having made a hasty examination, Mr Brown, junr., saw that i his father was dead, and ran oil at once to fetch Sergeant Jackson and Dr Wright. These arrived on the spot within •i quarter of an hour, and the doctor at once pronounced life extinct. The body was found by the doctor in exactly the same position' as when seen by the mother nud son. It was noticed by the doctor that a few white spots, as of a partly dissolved powder, wore visible on the deceaseds beard. This induced a search, and the result was that a cup was discovered under the house containing the remains of a mixture resembling that discovered on the beard. A flask of brandy nearly full was also found on the bench outside the, back door. The mixture was taken pos session of by Dr. Wright, and submitted to an examination, being found to be strychnine. Mr. Brown was formerly residing at Hokitika. He has resided in Parriell oil" and on for two years. He leaves a wife and three sons and three daughters. The inquest will bo held to morrow, at the Exchange Hotel, Parnell. It lias been ascertained that the deceased obtained the poison bo long ago as the 19th inst. at Mr Sharland's. He went into the shop with George Dawcr as a witness, and procured a shilling's-worth of the drug for poisoning rats.

CABLEGRAMS.

[Press Agency.] THE EASTERN QUESTION. LONDON, February 23. The Emperor William, in a speech, said he thought the concord existing between the European Powers justified a feeling of con fidence in regard' to the preservation of peace, even supposing the Porte fails to carry out the desired reforms through the failure of negotiations. As German in terests did not prescribe any definite course, she would continue her efforts to secure peace and protection to the Christians in the Turkish provinces.

COURT OF PETTY SESSIONS.—This Day.

(Before G. M. Mitford, Esq. (Chairman), Dr Goldsbro', E. Isaacs, and G. S. Graham, Esquires, Justices of the Peace, and W. J. Hurst, Esq., Mayor.) OX THE PRECIPICE. Edward KA\'ift Dean and Christopher Blunder Gorrey were charged -with drunken ness, and lined a crown each, Avith the usual costs. Margaret Sainsbury, for the iiOth time, Mary A. Birkett, for tlie 20th time, and Agnes Conlon, for tho 49th time, -were charged for drunkenness. The wretched looking women pleaded guilty, and were severally fined, excepting Agnes, who was ordered to prison for .seven days, with hard labour. LUX AC Y. Thomas McVey was charged witli lunacy, the effect of heavy drinking. At two o'clock this morning the prisoner was flying through the town, declaring that Sat.v.l was at his heels. Remanded to prison' for eight days. FURIOUS RIDIXO. Patrick Nelson, was charged with furiously riding along Karangahape road, to the danger of Biddy o'Flaherty. Constable Abrams, deposed to the nature of the of Fence. It was nearly dark, and Nelson was riding very fast, and a girl, P>ridgct O'Flaherty, was shouting, "go it Paddy my boy, ride to the d—l," and then he Avent faster. Patrick said the animal was rather fiery, and would not run over any body without fust knocking 'em down. The Bench gave defendant a severe reprimand, and imposed a fine of 10s and costs. VARIOUS OFFEXCES , Daniel Waters, of Ponsonby, pleaded guilty to a charge of allowing his horse to wander by the wayside, in Alma Place. Fined 2s fid. costs Ss. Michael Tobin, a dcav comer, Avas charged with allowing his chimney in Albert-street to catch fire. Mr Tobin said he had only been in Auck land a feAV Aveeks, and was not aAvare of the foul state of the chimney.. Fined 2s 6d, costs Bs. Francis Quick, for allowing his horse to escape from his stable in Ponsonby, Avas fined 2s fid and costs. Hugh Sullivan av;is charged with using indecent language to his Avife, in Chapel street. Defendant, a fir-hmonger, pleaded .guilty, under provoking circumstances, and said he Avas extremely sorry ; he would not do it again. Tiie Bench said such dreadful language could not be permitted in a public place. Fined 20s, or seven days. Defendant said tlie fish trade Avas so bad that he could not pay ; he had no choice between a note and the gaol, and must retire for seA^en days. Mrs Sullivan burst into tears. Edward McClcary, was charged Avith alloAving his chimney to take fire. Mrs McCleary stated the circumstances. The beach took a lenient ahcav of the accident, and ordered a fine of 2s 6d and costs. John Hayes, a little boy, Avas charged with throwing stones at the establishment of Mr T. B. Hannaford, and breaking the upper AvindoAVs of his house. The juvenile Avitnesses in this case Avere ordered out of Court. RoAvland Freer deposed that he Avas in the back yard, and distinctly saAV the de fendant throAV the stone which broke the AvindoAv. Roderick, another little boy, said that he AA-as going to Mr Hannaford's for lollies, and saAV Johnny Hayes throw a stone at a sparrow; the stone made a hole in the AA'indoAA r. Thomas BroAvn Hannaford deposed that on the 16th inst, several boys came up and told him that a boy had broken his win cloav. He had done all he could to per suade the boys to cease throwing by every means in his poAver, but it Avas all to no purpose. The neAV pane Avould cost about half-a-croAvn. i The father of the lad here said : Your Worship, Pll put it in for 7d. Constable McGrath :Be quiet will you, or you Avill be committed for contempt.' Father : May I address the Court ? The Bench : Your turn will come presently. Thomas Short said he Avas Avith Johnny all day, and he Avas sure he did not throw stones. He Avas playing with him at the Drill Shed at the time when the AvindoAv Avas broke. To Sub-Inspector Pardy :He Avas told about the time by Mrs Hayes. Mr Hayes said that if Mr Hannaford could have shown that his boy did the damage he Avould Avillingly have paid for it. ™.Mr Hannaford Avas of opinion that if the Uty Conncil would consent to placing a lamp at the corner of his Uousq the boys would not face tho light thereof. 1 he Bench remarked upwi the neglleeiifta pi m m m. m\ mm* tut mm ** ;

school, and occasionally correcting tv for misconduct. 8 m* Father: We flog our boys every day gentlemen. <• Clerk : When you address "pi' Bench sir do it with respect. Stand up, sir ' » The Bench said the case was fully proved and ordered defendant to pay a fine of 2« «? and 21s 6d costs. " 8M» Father : Suppose I don't pay it • then? The Bench : A distress warrant will k issued forthwith. m b8 Timothy Hayes was charged with usin e a horso and cart without his name and rest deuce thereon. Mr Keatley pleaded not guilty. Mr Hayes said the constable looked only at one side of the cart, and that waa the wrong side. John Toole deposed that T. Hayes vas plainly chalked on the proper side of the cart. Mr Keatley : Chalk, oh ! oh ! Are you sure it was not paint. Witness : It was of a white colour. Constable Jonos said he tried to decipher the faded letters on the sart, but "without success. Mr Hayes hero took the case into his own hands, and his solicitor sat down. Fined 2s 6d, and 19s 6d costs. Simon Westlake, contractor, was charged with leaving his cart unattended in Queen, street. Fined Is and costs. Edward Robinson, for permitting hj g horse to wander in Grafton Itoad, was fined 2s 6'd and costs. Terence Brady, milk purveyor, -was charged with allowing his horse to wander in the Kyber Pass road. Fined 2s 6d and costs. GENERAL QUARRELS. John Menzies, w;is charged with assault ing Edward Johnston, by striking him ou the head and back with a stick. Mr Armstrong appeared for defendant, Edward Johnson deposed that he was under-waiter at the Governor Browne Hotel, and defendant was head-waiter. Mr Menzies asked him to do some scrubbing, he refused to do it, when the outrage upon Ids head and shoulders was committed, and more, he took him in his arms, and bumped his lower parts upon the floor. The young woman advised him to take out a summons. To Mr Armstrong: He said he would smash his ticker ; did not call him a Scotch dog; did not say that he was an accomplished cockney, and would shew him something in the pugilistic Jine. Jarin Menzje's, Ist waiter, denied that he used eomplainantinthc manner described; he ordered him to do certain necessary work, and he refused to do it. Charles Hill, 2nd waiter, and Frederick Walker, cook's assistant, gave evidence. Mr Beale said that complainant-, said that several witnesses on his side had promised to be here, and it was possible that there would be a miscarriage of .justice without, thoir evidence; he would, therefore, ask for an adjournment. Adiouriicd until Thursday. IN CHANCERY LANE. Peter McArthur was charged with assaulting Kitty C'ark by striking her, and pulling her by the hair of her head. Defendant pleaded not guilty. Kitty Clarke, a young lady of Chancery Lane, with a profusion of auburn hair, deposed that defendant was her landlord, and that yesterday he came to her house, and told her to get out on't. He then put his fiat up and knocked her down, and deprived her of a quantity of her hair. Defendant denied the assault. Samuel Butcher, trotter merchant, was garden ing at the time, and saw McArthur push the 'woman out. He did not strike her, nor did he take one hair out of her head. The case was dismissed. Kitty Clarke was charged with vagrancy, she having no visible lawful means of a livelihood. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour. A now IN EDWARDES-STREET. Elizabeth Nicholson was charged with violently slapping the face of Bessie Mitchell on the 23rd. Mr Beale for complainant, Mr Keetley for defendant. Bessie Mitchell, a married woman, stated that Mrs Nicholson opened fir?., and gave her a smack on the face without any provocation. Thomas .Sayers saw the fray; it was short and terrible. He hud broke the stick, and bolted. Louisa Hammond saw the slop and ran fora policeman. Elizabeth Nicholson denied the imputation, complainant had destroyed her cucumbers and and pumpkins. ' A nnie liegan peeped out of her back door and believed that complainant was the aggressor. Miss Nicholson saw Mrs Mitchell attack the cabtoages, and drink some liquor, the vegetables had since withered. The remaining six women were not heard. The be nch considered the fray, and thought one was as bad as the other, and ordered them to fin<i one surety each of £5, to keep the peace for three months, and to pay their own costs. UNPARDONABLE. Richard Weston was charged with wilfully dumat-'ing Susan Duneen's white petticoat. Defendant did not appear. The .Bench ordered a warrant for his appre hension to issue forthwith.

SUPREME COURT.—This Day.

In Judge's Chambers).

(Before the Sheriff (Col. Haultaia) and a Special Jury).

ALEXANDER WRIGHT V. AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD. Messrs Hesketli and Mackechnie for the plaintiff and Messrs J. B. Russell and Tyler for the defendants. This was a claim for compensation for the deprivation of the water frontage to ail allotment owned by the plaintiff at the lower end of Hobson-street, by reason or the reclamation works of the defendants. Damages were laid at £2000. The following special jury were era* pannelled to try the case :—W. H. Palmer, W. Ewen, G. C. Fleming, E. Hartley, F. Ireland, J. Faulkner, W. A. Hunt, A. Porter, H. M. Morton, A. Anderson, K. D. James, and A. Dewar. Mr BartleyAvaa chosen foreman. Immediately on the jury being sworn, Mr Hesketli briefly explained to them the question they had to determine. Mr Brock (solicitor for the plaintiff), and Mr J. B. Russell (solicitor for the defeu* dautss), were appointed showers to go with the jury to view the ground. The jury, showers, and sheriff then set out in cabs for that purpose. At ajquartcr to twelve they returned. After the panel had been called over, Mr Hesketli said it had just come to the noticctrf himself and the learned gentleman who was. with him in the case, that section 24 of the Lands Clauses Consolidation Act, under which the proceedings were being taken, had not been complied with. That section provided that at least ten days before the case was tried the defendants' should give some notice to the plaintiff as to what sum they were ready to give in compensation. He did not impute any intended breach of faith to the Harbour Board, but he could not avoid pointing out tlxat it would he advisable to have a sealed agreement signed by both parties that the decision of the jury shouldjbe adhered to, and all objections on the score of the 24th section not being complied with, waived. Messrs Russell and Tyler maintained there was no necessity for any such precaution. They had offered £10 as compensation. They were of opinion that the notice was valid. To get the seal of the Harbour Board to such an agreement as that proposed by the learned counsel on the other side, would require several days, as it was necessary to get a meeting of the Board, of which 4S hours 1 notice would have to be given. The Sheriff suggested that it would he sufficient if Mr. Russell would undertake to get the seal of the Board to/Such an agreement at the next meeting. \ After a protracted argument";,^ follow mg agreement was signed by iWk solicitor for the Harbour Board:— tho Harbour Board will agree under seal not to . take any objections hereafter, that the, requirements of th© Laud? Clauses Con solidation Act have"1 not been complied with in these proceedings, up to the present dfttc in bo for M the fwm qj service of tllfi pvelimGimry notice given is concerned." , This feaing (settlei My JJesfeeth proceed to vms+sMSb «w*» (& w&HWI

THE EVENING STAB, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY BT. 181?.



X A v E_^_ Q v M- The Undersigned are CASH BUYERS, AT BEST MARKET PRICES. CKUICKSHANK & CO., 61, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. February 21,1877. BOYS' AND MEN'S CLOTHING STRONG TWEED FOR BOYS' WEAR FLANNEL, &c, &c. A LARGE PARCEL OF NEW GO OD JUST OPENED UP AT RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN'S, Comprising— Men's Tweed Trousers, in variety, from 10/6 per pair Men's Strong Tweed Suits, at 30/ suit complete Men's Superior Quality Suits Paget Coats, and Boys' and Youths' Suits in variety Men's Moleskin Trousers, a reiilly good quality, at 7/6 per pair Strong Cotton Working Shirts in variety All Wool Crimean Shirts, good qualities, from 6/6 And, A Lot of STRONG TWEED, suitable for Boys' wear, from 1/11 per yard Also, 2 Bales ALL WOOL WELSH FLANNEL, from 1/2 per yard New Prints, Furnishing Goods, &c. Inspection will prove that the above Goods are kbali.y cheap, the whole parcel having been exceptionally well nought in an over stocked market. GST One Shilling in the £ returned on all pur chases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Upper Queen-street, Auckland. TO TOURISTS AND VISITORS TO WAIKATO AND THE LAKES. BUGGIES (DOUBLE AND SINGLE), AND SADDLE HORSES, ALWAYS READY FOR HIRE AT REASONABLE CHARGES. Parties intendingto go through to the Lakes with first-class animals by B. EDWARDS (Late of Cobb & Co.), LIVERY STABLEKEEPER, Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton, Waikaeo. COSGRAVE & C 0., a Beg to announce they will bring forward A Fresh Lot of BARGAIN S!!! Consisting of HEIR LATE SHIPMENT BY THE ORARI, Purchased at Home at Job Prices, together with the whole of their ■SUMMER DRAPERY & CLOTHING, REDUCED IN PRICE TO SUIT THE TIMES I Several Bffies of QAhIQO, damaged by m j



"VT OTICE OF REMOVAL, i TT \ TKINS 1 BEGS TO ANNOUNCE THAT HEi { &THAS REMOVED!!*®* , TO THE Pjremises Next Door Below his Old Shop. H. ATKINS Begs to heartily thank his numerous Cus tomers for their very liberal patronage from his first commoncing business up to the present time, and to assure them that although his trade has increased to that extent, that his REMOVAL to more Commodious Premises was a neces sity, the same principles of business will still be adhered to: viz.. keeping a good article, buying in the cheapest market, and selling at the smallest profit possible. His New Shop shall always be known as The Cheapest in Auckland. H.A. will be happy to sec all his old Customers, and as many new ones as may honour him with their patronage. A SPLENDID STOCK OF DEANERY AND CLOTHING Will always be found, and the PRICES THE LOWEST IN AUCKLAND ! H. ATKINS. THWRNITURE! FURNITURE Ladies and Gentlemen about to Furnish are respect fully requested to inspect the Largo Stock of DRAWING ■ ROOM, DINING - ROOM BEBit OOM, AND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacions Showrooms. T. & STCOOKE, 67, QUBEN-STREET Adioinina Barikof Ne.vi Zealand. CRETONNES!! , Large Assortment of Beautiful Patterns in CRETONNES Just Opened. FURNISH your House economically from the City Hall Arcade. FURNISH your Drawing-room from Holloway and Garlick's Choice Stocky URNISH your Dining-room, Kitchen, and Bedroom with substantial and Cheap Furniture. "OEDDING!—AII made on the Promises. T3EDDlNG!—Guaranteed Genuine. BEDDING!— To fit all sizes Bedsteads and Cots. EDSTEADS!—HaIf-tester, French, and Folding. BEDSTEADS !—Iron, Wood, all sizes and prices. T3EDSTEAD Hangings made to order. T INOLJSUM !—The best covering for Floors JU of Halls, Dining, and Billiard Rooms. Unsurpassed for durability. INOLEUM !—Especially prepared for Stairs, just opened ex Locli Urr. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN wanting Good and Cheap Furniture, Drapery, and Clothing, are invited to inspect Our Stock. Most Extensive Siiow-roojis in Auckland. HOLLOWAY & GARLTCK, CITY HALL FURNISHING ARCADE, Q.UEEN-STKEKT AND LORNKSTItBET. 1 Auckland. MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. ' Incorporated by Act of Parliament. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH: Head Office, Auckland. Local Director: George Burgoyne Owen, Esq. (Messrs. Owen and Graham.) " Principal Medical Officer: Charles Field Goldshko', Esq., M.D. General Agent for New Zealand : William T. J. Bell. With Sub-Agencies in all the Principal Towns. Every information on the subject of LIFE ASSURANCE ANNUITIES, and ENDOW i MENTS FOR CHILDREN, afforded by J. A. I Lowe, Travelling Acent to the Association ; or 1 WILLIAM T. J. BELL, General Agent.



$a, Special Fkatubks.—Aok admitted on Policies, which are unchallangable from date of issu°. Lowest Rates of Premiums, and no itampkr ing conditions as to residence or occupation.