SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

arnTT vyiTTtrt? (This Afternoon, 5.31 HIGH "WATER— - Tl>morrow Morning, 5.50 SUN SET.—This Evening. 6.15 SUN RISK.—To-morrow Mornin?, 5.11 MOON'S AGE.—Fall Moon, 22nd, 7.10 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Southern Cross, s.s.. Holmes, from >,apier. Rotorua, s.s., from Napier.

DEPARTURES.

lona. s.r.. Farquhar. for Russell and the North. Nellie, schooner, Armstrong, for Lyttelton via Thames.

IMPORTS.

Per s.s. Hero: 200 cases kerosene, £15 packages sutrar. 3 hhds and 3 3-casks trsacie, 20 +-chests and 79 i-chests tea, 119 boxes candles.—H. B. Morton.

EXPORTS.

Per Bertha, for Samoa: 1:.'O tins biscuit, 13 casks salt meat, 1 cask salt fish, 2G5 pieces timber, 257 pieces and pkgs ironmongei'y. 2 casks cement, 1,000 bricks, 20 pkgs sacks. 1 sewing machine.—Wm. McArthur and Co., ageute.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

jjor can itrancisoo —uit.v ul iiqw j.\jl^, d.o.

21th Last. (English mail) For London-Columbus, barque, early; City of

Auckland, ship, early For the South—Hawea, s.s., Fridar, 2Cth Fo" Sydney—Rotorua, Tuesday, noon: Hero,

Wednesrtav, noon For Napier and the South—Star of the South,

Wednesday For Tauranga and the South—Rowe.na, three

times a fortnight. For Valparaiso—Galatea, barque, early. For Newcastle. Elliott's brig, Especulador, barque, and Roderich Dhu, brigantine, early. For Dunedin, Star of the South, early. For Port Chalmers—Star of the South, s.s. Wednesday

WRECK OF THE MARY SHEPHERD.

The ship Maiy Shepherd, once a regular.trader between London and this port, has been wrecked near Manilla. Die details arrived yesterday in a letter to Captain Esson, of the bavque Colum bus. The ship sailed from Mauritius on April 19, for Manilla, in ballast, and struck on a reef off Lubau Island, south of Manilla Bay. about the middle of June. She went to pieces imme diately after she struck, and there was no time to get the boats out. The commander, Captain Caroline, the cook, a man named White, and two apprentices named Thurzaen and Smith, fai.ed to reach land and were drowned. The rest of the officers and crew were saved.

The s.s. Star of the South is to sail to-morrow jor Napier and Southern ports. Captain Bsyl don, late of the Sissy, ia to take command. The ship Famenoth broke bulk yesterday. The cutter Bertha is to sail at once for Samoa and Tonga. She cleared to-day with a general cargo. The yacht Secret, whed the Hero left Sydney, had jnstbeen launched, after being re-coppered and having her keel leaded. ■ She was being ballasted and painted previous to being rigged and fitted for taking part in the Balmain regatta. Her cabin has been handsomely decorated.

The s.s. Hawea is due in the Mannka.ii from the South to-morrow moraine:. By a cablegram received in town to-olay by the aients, i-.rown, Campbell and Co., we learn that ths s.s. Lusitania, belonging to the Pacific Steam Navigation Co., which left Melbourne on the 15th September, entered the Suez Canal on the 17th October.

Captain Keane. late of the Ellerton, has gone South to take command of the p.s. Geelong, which is expected hero shortly to resume the trade between Wangape and Hokianga. We hear that Captain Jno. Vine Hall, junr.— once well-known here as Captain of the steamers Hgmoat, Rangitoto, and Claude Hamilton—is now commander of the s.s. Chiaiberazo, which lately arrived in Melbourne from London. . •

The Government of New South Wales have voted ££3,000f0r the building of two torpedo boats for the defence of Port Jackson. The design and construction have been entrusted to Mr Norman Selfo, Consulting Engineer, of Sydney. The mail steamer City of New York is due in harbour to-morrow morning early from Sydney. She will sail for San Francisco with the English mail a few hours after arrival.

The schooner Nellie sailed last night for the Thames, where she is to load for Lyttelton with timber.

JgjThe s.s. Rotorua arrived from Napier and Wellington this morning at 11 o'clock. Captain A Kennedy, commander, reports as follows :— Left Wellington October 20th at 9.30 p.m. Anchored in Hav/ke'o Bay on Sunday, at 5.30 p.m., proceeded again at 7.30 p.m. Ex perienced a contiauam"e of strong head winds and sea throughout the whole, passage. We are indebted to R. B. Pringer, purser, for reports and files. Passengers: For Auckland—Mrs Sinclair and child, Mrs Trent, Mrs Munro, Mrs Wrigsr, Mrs Burke and child, Messrs Kemp, Ni ven, McDonald, Tapatinhaha, Tawihana, Maling Hutchinson, Trent. Judge Munvo, Messrs Gray, Shepherd, Marcrof t. Banks, Frazer, G steerage. Fov Sau Francisco—Mr Ti-egear (Mail Agent), Mrs Holmes, Miss Mahear, Mr Wait, Scott, Smith, Giffard. For Sydney—Father Papinea, Mr McLeod, Mr McLean, Rev. Mr Coopar, Mrs Cooper, Messrs Brown, Scott, Kingston, Rev. Mr Riding, Mr Mattheson, 4.i Steerage. Thel brigantinfs Oceola arrived at Lyttelton from Newcastle on the 17th ii.st. The brigan tine Helena arrived at Lyttelton from the Thames on the same day. Both vessels had to run for shelter to Port Underwood.

The Oceola is advertised to leave Lyttelton for Auckland on or about Wednesday the 21th inst. She is to be followed by the Minnehaha should sufficient inducement offer.

The s.s. Rotorua is to leave for Sydney at 5 o'clock this evening. The following is a list of her passengers booked in Auckland : Mrs Hol man and 2 children, Mrs Pollock. Messrs. Brassey, Osborne, Heath, Tansen, Williams, Adams, Jamieson, Goddard, Urquhart, Single ton, Featherstone, Stanton, Mackley, Rowland, and Fergusson, -with 10 saloon passengers, and 31 Chinese en route from Wellington.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :

For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to morrow, at 2 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Durham, to-morrow, at 11.30 a.m.; and per Axsryle, on Friday next, at 2.30 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Hero, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 10 a.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne will be received till 11.20 a.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Hawea. on Friday next, at 8 a.m. For Levuka, per Louisiana, 6n Thursday next, at 9 a.m. For Napier, per Southern Cross, on Thursday next, at 4 p.m. Per 5.3. City of New York, on Wednesday, 26th instant, as under: — For Sandwich Islands. United States of America, Canada. British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indie 3, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of 6d, in addition to the postage, will be received by the mail agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

FARRELL.—On the 21st October, 1877, at One-

hunßa, the wife of J. J. Farrell of a son. HAMILTON.—On the 22nd October, 1877. at the residence of Mrs. Major, the wife of Thomas Hamilton, Aratapu, of a son, 3till-born.

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

TUESDAY. OCTOBER 23, 1877.

For the cause that lacks assistance. For the wrong that needs lesistauca, Fov tie future in the distance,

And tho enod that x>= c**> Ar>

THE unanimous choice of Major Atkinson as leader of the Opposition foreshadows what the country may expect if the present Government are defeated on a hostile vote through the defection of a few of the mem bers who, a few days ago, were instrumental in placing Sir George Grey in power. Major Atkinson's return to office would involve the restoration of the old regime which stunk in the nostrils of the whole country. Members may rest assured that the colonists will not long tolerate the reduction of parliamentary government to a mere matter of petty intrigues for office. Difficult as it is now to make representatives possessing a five years' lease of office, carry out the will of the country, we have reliance enough on the good sense of the electors to believe that some explanation will be asked of those members whoa week ago put Major Atkinson out if a week hence they become a party to placing him in again. For those constituencies which have tfoe misfortune to be represented by the Rowes, the Coxes, the Douglasses, and the Williamsea of the House, we fear there is, indeed, no balm. When representatives deliberately turn, their backs on tbeir constituents and bid them defiance; when they impudently parade and glory in a contemptuous indifference to the expressed wishes of those who entrusted them with their suf •

frages ; when instead of representing they systematically and knowingly misrepre sent their constituents ; we presume they have made up their minds that they found their way into the House through some prevailing infatuation, and that under no circumstances would they ever get theue agaiu. While recognising this, however, we think it is the duty of the electorates whose unwitting action has inflicted a great wrong upon the country to do their utmost to neutralise the evil. Especially does this onus lie on the Thames. That district, honoured with representation by the foremost statesman in, New Zealand, has likewise the mis fortune to be represented by a—well, by a Howe. It is too late now to mourn ove this unhappy conjunction, the results of which were foreseen by many before Mr Howe entered the Assembly. But we observe the name of that distinguished gentleman figuring in the camp of those who are at the present moment intriguing for the overthrow of Sir George Grey, and if he is not yet dead to all sense of the responsibilities which a member owes to his constituents, the electors may yet save him from an act which will cover the district with ignominy in the eyes of the whole colony. Let the people of the Thames be true to them selves, and to the representative in whose government New Zealand hopes for the in auguratiori*of honest and economical admi nistration. Let them intimate their wishes to Mr Howe in no uncertain terms, with an addenda that if he is not prepared to give the new Government a fair opportunity for developing their policy, it is due, to the people who were the means of placing the head of that Ministry in parliament, that he should resign. Until this is done XJublicly, the Thames cannot be held blame less for the fiasco which the increased representation granted to that constituency has produced.

Messrs Cochrane and Son held a sale of allotments for ship-building sites, at their sale rooms to-day, by order of the Harbour Board. Lots 18 and 19 were purchased by Captain Daldy, £34 each per annum ; 20 to 27, at £-11 each perjjammm, Mr Christie; 2S to 31, £50 each per annum, Mr C. A. Harris ; and 33, £45, Mr T. Niccol.

We understand that a prize will be offered at the coming Agricultural and Pastoral Show for three-year-old draught entires. This prize was omitted in the catalogue by mistake.

We notice that in the list of acceptances for the C.J.C. Handicap, pnblishe;! in the Christchurch papers, Ariel's name appears. In the list telegraphed to us by the Press Agency the name of this horse was omitted.

The educational district of Ellerslie now boasts of a handsome new school-house just built, close to the Ellerslie station, by Mr Layers, of the Kyber Pass Road, at a cost of £236. The schoolhouse is 36ft. long by 18ft. -wide, with a neat porch, and it stands on an acre of ground purchased from Mr Robert Graham for a nominal sum.

We would call the attention of all interested to the notice from the Town Clerk requesting payment of current rates to save legal expenses being needlessly added. A shilling saved is a shilling earned. A word to the wise : pay your rates, and return your right to growl. Part not with your ancient privileges.

" One whose time is valuable" com plains that he was put to great incon venience to-day by finding.the office of the Golden Pali Company closed. He thinks that direetoas should see that Companies' offices are kept constantly open.

The anniversary .soiree and public meeting at Beresford-street Church will take place this evening in the schoolroom and church. The choir will render a number of anthems and hymns, and ad dresses will be given by Revs. R. Laishley, and G. B. Monro, and Mr Newman.

At the St. James' Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association last evening, an essay on the " Character of Charles the First " was read by Mr John Warnock, and favourably criticised ; also, a paper on "Pleasure aud Recreation," by Mr J. Gow.

The moonlight excursion on the Waitemata last evening, under the auspices of the Hobson Band of musicians, was largely attended, and the excursionists evidently enjoyed1 themselves in a high degree. It is supposed that not less than 350 persons were on board the Takapuna, which had been decorated for the occasion. The Hobsous' popular band played a number of excellent selections of music, and altogether the trip was most enjoyable.

A variety entertainment, concluding with a ball, will be held in the Lome-street Hall on Thursday evening, November 1, for the benefit of Widow Coughlan and orphans, who are in extremely destitute circumstances. A number of our most prominent amateurs have kindly promised their assistance on the occasion.

We have to acknowledge the receipt of 2s Gd, from J.W.C., towards, the Indian Famine Relief Fund.

An amusing scene took place in the"train leaving Auckland at 1.45 on Saturday last. A man evidently under the influence of liquor insisted upon standing on the plat form outside the train. This attracted the attention of Mr Develin, who called lustily for the guard. Mr Fleming rushed to his assistance, and after succeeding in getting the man into the carriage, stood up and barred the door by placing his own stalwart person against it. The drunken man then began to sing some most discordant notes, which called forth the remark from a lady passenger '' Shure that's moighty foine Oirishintoirely," the man still continuing to sing much out of tune. Mr Fleming's services were again called into requisition, and being well known among the railway passengers as a most splendid whistler, he was unanimously requested to lead the harmony. He kindly consented, and placing himself opposite his drunken friend pulled out a tattered book of hymns, and forthwith commenced whistling .in his loudest tones a tune of the Moody and Sunkey style. The effect was like David playing<, before Saul, and had such an effect upon the singer that on arrival at the Newcastle station he fairly turned tail, and jumped from the carriage. The singing nuisance was thus got rid of, but the whistling was kindly continued at intervals until the train arrived at One hunga.—Verb Sap.

"We have a long letter from " A Lover of Fair Play " upon the quarrel between Mr Grant, teacher of Onehunga, aiid the Inspector of Schools, in which the writer charges the Board of Education with shielding the Inspector, and dealing unfairly with Mr Grant. Our correspon dent closes by summarizing his case into three propositions : 1. Did the Inspector, during an investigation held by them, charge Mr Grant with uttering a pre posterous falsehood ? 2. Did Mr Grant prove that this alleged falsehood was merely the truth ? and 3. Did Mr Lusk, the Chairman, call the Inspector to order for the use of such language? The reference being that if the answer is given in the affirmative, an apology ought to have been tendered to Mr Grant.

The Criterion Hotel, Otahuhu, is one of the oldest established in the province. During the time of the war its large and extensive suites of apartments were thronged with military visitors, who are now scattered over the face of the earth. Mr Rogers, who first established this business, and built the present fine hotel, has- retired to his farm. Mr James Willis has leased the property, and is carrying on the business. He was Mr Rogers' confi dential manager for nearly twenty years, and was well and familiarly known as •'James." The change of proprietorship will be the more interesting to those old visitors of the house when they know that it has fallen into the hands of an old aco'iaintance.

The committee appointed to arrange for the visit of the Australian Cricket Team to this city met last evening for the purpose of hearingread a letter which Mr McDonald, the secretary, had received from Mr J. Conway, of Melbourne. The letter was briefly an acceptance of the terms offered by Auckland. It is expected that the team will leave Melbourne by the begin ning of January. As the programme is at present arranged, they will play first at Dunedin, then at Christchurch,Wellington, and Auckland. Another curiou9 rumour is current that the purpose for which the Australian team was first organised, namely, to proceed to England after playing through the colonies, is not likely to come about. The reason why does not appear.

"A Stranger" severely animadverts upon the sentence of a man to a month's imprisonment for being found asleep on Mr Kent's premises. He says : The law should be altered at once, as it Is a thing any stranger might be liable to, who should be so unfortunate as to be without money or friends, and I think all humane persons will coincide with me in thinking that it is bad enough to be poor aud friendless, but to punish a man for what may be no fault of his own does seem a monstrous stretch of the law, and one that should call for comment.

Mr A. Mackie, coachbuilder, has juet put together, and Mr Robert Bull, coach painter, of Durham-street, has painted and fitted out a barouche for Mr A. K. Taylor of Mount Albert. This is one of the neatest pieces of Auckland workmanship in this line that we have seen. It is highly and elegantly constructed, and can be used as an open or close carnage. It has a mahogany frame, hand some side lights, gluss doors, and moveable fro*t. The body is of the newest pattern &nd so shaped that while it has a compact appearanoe from the outside, it has a capacious exterior. Attached is a break of great power. The wheels springs and everything connected with the under carriage is of Mr Mackie's own manufacture except the axles which are Collinge's patent. The carriage is painted a chaste green and highly vaenished, the trimmings are very tasty of blue cloth aud silk lace in the French fluted style. The frillings and trimmings have been beautifully managed byjjJMr li. Bull, at whose workshop the carriage is now on view.

The inquiry by the School Committee into the conduct of Mr Nicholson, assistant teacher under Mr Worthington, was concluded last evening. The particu lars of the case have already appeared in the Star. Mr Worthington defended Mr Nicholson in castigating Hugh Forrest. Miss Burnett and Miss Kilfoyle gave evidence, after which the Committee resolved to submit the report to the Board of Education.

We have to acknowledge £2 collected by Captain Kaspar of WarkNYorth on behalf of Mrs George Danielrf The guards of thej Waikato trains appear to have some difficulty in preserving the lives of a number of honest but impetuous farmers, who will persist in going straight at the train when the latter has started, and rushing madly on like a bull at a gate, run great risk of getting much injured. At Otahuhu the other day one of these worthies attacked the train in the above mentioned style, and succeeded in effecting a partial landing, hanging by his elbows on the platform of the carriage. The train swept along, with the man's lega hanging down ; and there is no doubt he would have been sacrificed to his indiscretion, but fer_Mr Hay pulling him into the carriage. This should act as a warning, and be a hint to travellers to be in time ; for even as time and tide wait for no man, so also the train waiteth for none, but speedeth on its course as true as the clock which indi cates the hour for starting.

Grey-street has had an addition made to its residences worthy of our notice by the completion of a villa on the eastern side and midway of this important thoroughfare. Grey-street, as a continuation of Queen street, with the projected planting of shade trees, will present a handsome picture as a western outlet of our city. The handsome villa erected by Mr Hemus, comprising 13 rooms, is fitted with great convenience as a private boarding establishment. The principal floor has 13 feet studs. The exterior features of the building are bold, having verandahs back and front; from the former, which is three storeys high, there is a beautiful view of the city and harbour. The design is of an Italian character, and the contractor, Mr J. Gray, has spared no efibit in giving satisfaction to to the architect, Mr Hammond, who is pleased to bear testimony to his faithfulness in discharge of the works.

The Lydia Howanle Troupe have been performing at Wellington for some time. To attract houses, they have organised an extraordinary gift system, ■which hns been rather severely commented on by the press. Amongthe "leading" prizes arc mentioned such articles as a double bedstead, a cradle, a live stoecp, etc. We have to acknowledge £1 for Mrs George Daniels from Dr Kenderdine. Members of No., 3 Co. A.R.V. will find notices regarding firing, in another column. The treasurer of the Ladies' Benovelent Society acknowledges to have received the sum of £2 10s per Evening Stae office.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

Bank of New Zealand—Buyers, £2110s National Bank—Buyers, CBs ; sellers, 70s. Colonial Bank—Buyers, 48s; sellers 50s. Auckland Gas—Sellers, £10 ss. South British Insurance—7Bs ; sellers, 78s. National Insurance—Buyers, 32s 6d. Uiiion Insurance—Buyers, 12s Gd; sellers, 13s 6d. New Zealand Loan—£slos; buyers, £510s. jgMoanataid—Bo3; buyers, Css; sellers, 80s. Alburnia—Sellers, 87s 6d. Tokatea—Buyers, 7s Gd; sellers, Bs. Kuxanui Hill—lss; buyers, 14s Gd ; sellers, 15s Gd. JOSEPH NEWMAN. Chairman.

Indian Famine Relief Fund.

The following sums have been received into my office, up to three o'clock p.m. this day :— Independent Chapel, Onehunga, per Rev. T. Hamer .. .. £3 0 0 Dr. Kenderdine 5 0 0 E. H. S 0 5 0 Rev. Thos. Buddie 10 0 T. C. Tilly, Esq 0 10 6 John Glasson .. .. .. .. 10 0 —. Crowther 110 F. N 0 5 0

£12 11 6

"EVENING STAR"STAFF.

& s. d. £ s. d. Henry Brett.. 5 5 0 J. Tinning ..050 T. W. Leys ..220 C. Flannerty.. 006 C. O. Montrose 0 10 0 F. Smith ..010 Alfred King. 010 0 P. Dell .. ..026 J. Blackman.. 010 0 Mies Hudson.. 0 5 0 W. Beaumont 110 Miss Normanby 0 2 6 JS. Lepine .. 010 0 Miss Normanby 0 2 6 J.W.WithefordO 10 0 Miss Wadham 0 2 6 F. Dufaur .. 010 0 Miss Chambers 0 2 6 Johnßrame.. 010 0 Miss Hill.. ..026 H. Barton ..100 MissStanyer.. 026 J. Pollock .. 010 0 Miss Brannigan 0 2 6 T. Bakewell .. 0 7 6 Miss Brannigan 0 2 6 R. Knewstub 0 5 0 Miss O'Neill .. 0 2 6 W.J.Wright 0 2 6 McKay .. .. 0 2 6 F.Christmas 0 2 6 Quade .. ..026 C.F.Hamilton 010 0 Williams.. ..010 E. F. Miller .. 0.2 6 Adams .. .. 0 2 6 A. Jackson ..026 Purchase ..026 W. O'Regan ..050 Monk .. ..010 P. Finlay.. « 0 2 6 Kelly 0 2 6 C. Chappell ..026 McGiU .. ..010 D.Buckley ..026 R.Lowe.. ..010 J. Ziegler .. 0 10 Jelly 0 10 R.Stewart ..010 Foreman,. ..010 W. J. Geddes 0 2 6 Murray .. .. 0 10 Herbert .. ..010 Sullivan.. ..0 1 0 T. Flagherty.. 0 2 6 Barrett .. ..010 Tyller .. ..010 Driscoll .. ..010 J.Hannah '.. 0 2 0 Miles 0 10 W. Halm _010 John Walsh ..010 H. Hargreaves 0 10 A. McKay ..010 J. Diddams ..010 Ninnis .. ..010 MickKirby.. 0 10 £19 10 6 - F. G. Ewington, Hon. Sec, Per W.H.C. Auckland, 24th October, 1877. We acknowledge with pleasure, from Hemus' Boot Factory in aid of the Indian Famine Fund, the sum of £12jls. From Mrs A. McDermott, £1 Is.

The fourth anniversary of the Excelsior ; Lodge, No. 17, Whau, 1.0. G.T., was held in the Whaa Public Hall ou Friday ! evening, the 19th inst. About SO members : and their friends sat down to a first-class tea, after which a capital programme was gone through, consisting of solos, duets, and part songs, by the choir ; readings and : recitations by some of the gentlemen. i Addresses wero delivered by Mr J. ; Buchanan, who occupied the chair, and ■by _ the Rev. Robert Somerville ; after ! which a dramatic piece, written by one of . the members of the lodge, entitled \ " Whisky v. Water," was gone through in j a veiy creditable manner. The proceedings j were then brought to a close by all present S singing " God Save the Queen ;" everyone going home highly delighted with the ; evening's entertainment.

The Great Barrier Land, Harbour, and Mining Company which carried on large operations here from 1862 to 1566, and owned 26,666 acres of the finest kauri bush in New Zealand, are in liquidation. The liquidators Messrs Good, "Daniels, and Co., London, have appointed Mr Arthur Pittar, of this city, as their agent for the disposal of the property, and are sending out a gentleman from England to consult as to the best means of obtaining a market for it. Considering the great demand there is for kauri bush land at the present moment there ought to be little difficulty experi enced by the Company in getting a good price for their land.

In our report yesterday of the funeral of the late Constable Tapsell we omitted to state that the police procession consisted of upwards of 40 of all ranks, and was headed by Sergeant Major Mason, who walked immediately behind the hearse, the rear being brought up by the Commissioned Officers, Inspector Thomson and Sub- Inspector Pardy.

A meeting of creditors of C. T. Harding will be held to-morrow in the office of Messrs Dignan and Armstrong at 2 o'clock.

PARLI AMENTARY.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPON

DENT.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

The delay in the Financial Statement is due +o the fact that the returns of provincial liabilities and other matters* are not com pleted. ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN. The greater part of the afternoon in the House was occupied with v discussion on the Destitute Persons' Relief BUI, in com mittee. On clause 7, Mr Stevens pointed out that the minimum payment was two shillings a week by a putative father to the person with whom the child was placed. It would be au inducement to place children in places where they would he put out of the way. He moved an amendment that the minimum payment be 7s 6d. Mr Kelly said the experience in England was that where a large amount was set aside .for the maintenance of such children there was encouragement to increase the number of illegitimate children. Mr Wood said any unfortunate girl who wantod to make the best of a bad case could force some man to pay her 14a a week. Mr Rolleston said it was not a question of punishing the woman or man, but whether an unfortunate child was to be the victim of other people's crime. In Canter bury the putative father paid Ss a week, and the child was not well supported at that. Captain Morris said some fathers would not be able to pay 7s fid. They had better leave the amount to the discretion of the. Magistrates. Mr Swanson said" the fathers of illegiti mate children ought to be made to pay or marry. Mr licwe moved that the minimum be ss. :; -' - The House divided, when Mr JEtolleston's amendment in favour of 7s 6d was carried by 40 to 19. A debate ensued on the question of making the maximum weekly amount 10s. Mr Macandrew moved that it be increased to lo.s. Mr Wood, Invercargill, said by making the payment too high, men would be driven to run away, especially in the case of work ing men on low wages* Mr Bowcn said every Resident Magis trate knew well that these cases were by no means confined to working men. Mr Reynolds suggested that the maximum payment be forty shillings. After considerable discussion, the maxi mum weekly amount was fixed at twenty sliillinys. Considerable discussion occurred on tho portion of clause ten referring to orders for the supportßof illegitimate children out of the estates of deceased or lunatic persons. Mr Swanson thought the debt should be made one due to the State, and collected out of the estate. The last sentence of the clause, commencing at the words "no order/ was struck out. HALF-CASTE CHILDREN. The House resumed on the Destitute Persons Bill. In committee on clause 13, Sir Robert Douglas divided the House on an amendment to omit the word " illegiti mate," to make orders of the maintenance of destitute half-caste children apply equally to legitimate children, and was defeated by 29 to 24. Sir Robert Douglas then1 moved a further amendment to insert the words "or legitimate." He desired the clause to apply to both classes of children. Captain Morris opposed the amendment. He thought the discussion would be a mere waste of time. The words "half-cast" in the second line were struck out, and " or apprenticenient to some trade," was "added after "Education" in the last line but one. The discussion on clause 14, relative to compositions by the putative father, fol lowed. Clause fourteen relative to providing compositions by putative father from £10 to £100. Mr Button said the larger sum would be _an inducement to women to make claims. Mr Bowen proposes to make the minimum composition £50. Mr Rolleston thought the maximum amount shoulu be £300. _ Mr Wakefield regarded composition as a direct premium to infanticide. He preferred to leave the matter to the discretion of Magistrates. Clause 14 was postponed on the motion of Mr Sheehan, who promised to introduce a new clause to meet the case. Up to clause 28 passed without amendment. On clause twenty-eight Sir Robert Douglas carried an amendment to present the custody of a child being transferred from its mother to father, or putative father, with out consent, where they are able and will ing to maintain them. Sir Robert. Douglas raised the question whether the parent of an adopted child could at any tiine,>remove it from the possession of its guardian. Mr Rees said that under the present Law, the Court could order a child into custody of a person for a period, during which the parents had no contreL The time ought to be extended. Sir Robert Douglas said his reason for asking the question was, that in new coun tries no one objected to adopt children, especially if boys—the larger the family the better. The Bill was reported with amendments. The Charitable Institutions' Bill was postponed until to-day (Tuesday. The Destitute Persons Bill was partially considered in committee. THE SECEDERS. Messrs Rolleston, Travers, Curtis, Gis borne, and Sharp, who now form the Middle Party, held a little caucus yester day, and agreed not to give support to either Opposition or Government until after the financial proposals are down.

MINES BILL.

The remainder of the pitting was spent in committee oh the Mines BilL An amend ment to make minors' rights 10s instead of 20s per annum was lost by a large majority. Progress was reported at clause 64.

The House rose at 12.5. RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

In the Upper House an additional clause was added to the Education .Bill in Com mittee, on a motion, giving leave to the School Committee to allow religious instruction in schools before or after school hours.

In the House to-day Mr O'Rorke gave notice of an amendment to the Onehunga Endowments Bill, so that two acres may be transferred from the Board of Education to the Borough Council on a certain con tingency. The Weather Reporting Com mittee recommend a continuance of the Weather Reporting Department for another year. A black board is to be kept in each port for recording signals. In certain, cases storm warning telegrams are to have pre cedence. The Hinemoa is to be laid up, and only used in case of emergency.

TERRIBLE FIRE AT WELLINGTON.

WOIM kM FI¥E GHILEREN BURNT-

SIX HOUSES DESTROYED.

fFBOM OUR SPECIAL JREPORTERJ

WELLINGTON, this day.

The " Star " special last night witnessed one of the most calamitous fires ever known in Wellington. The special was roused from slumber at Wellington about five mimrtes past three o'clock by shouts and the tramping of feet. He dressed hastily, and rushed into the street, which was lit up by a great glare. He perceived that the scene of the fire was about 200 yards away, near the Princess Hotel. He found only a few persons on the spot. There ia a block of closely built houses hero in the shape of the acute angle of a triangle, the apex being at the

convergence of four cross roads. The Princess Hotel stands on. the apex, and fronts both MoJesworthand Murphy-streets, being for some distance continuous in Murphy - street. Two cottages were on fire. The fire appears to have commenced in a house of six rooms at the back of these two cottages, trhich was inhabited by a widow of a tinsmith, named Johnson, and five children, ranging from 13 years downwards. The widow was aged about 33. These appear to have' been asleep in the upstairs room, and two young men who were first on the scone foxmd her house par tially enveloped in flame 3, which they en deavoured to penetrate with the view of rescuing the inmutes, but were driven back. They said, however, that they saved a few things out of the front room.

The fire rapidly spread to two cottages in front. The crowd saved the furniture out of the houses which was rapidly in flames. A few of the Fire Brigade were by this time on the scene with splendid appliance, but they found, amidst

GENERAL CONSTERNATION, That the water supply had been turned off at the reservoir about three {miles away. The firemen utterly paralysed. The crowd heaped horrid imprecations on the heads of the Mayor and Councillors, by whose orders this insane stoppage was effected in order to prevent people from using the water at night. All the firemen and crowd could do was to watch the fierce flame raging from house to house. Fortunately the wind blew away from the hotel or it must have gone. AUCKLAND MEMBERS PRESENT. Mr Swanson was early out with your special, and perceiving he could be of no use he went to assist Sir George Grey, and Messrs Diguan and Tole, in getting luggage and papers in readiness for immediate removal in case the hotel caught. All shewed great coolness, even while the crowd were rushing out with hotel furni ture. All Sir George Grey removed were a few private documents to a neighbouring house, in his way coolly passing the gauntlet of the scorching heat where e\en the hardiest and young ran fastest. The five

SPREAD TO TWO COTTAGES on the other side of the triangle front ing Molesworth-street, and also caught the kitchen contiguous to the hotel. At .length a miserable thin stream of water was got in the hosa. The members of the Fire Brigade and hcse-reel coatinued to arrive but thinly, and there were no efficient com manders. Orders appeared indecisive, and confusing, while there was one looking on in a daze of stupid inertia. Your special repeatedly suggested the pulling down of an intervening house to stay the progress of the fire. The best fight was made by a

FEW RESOLUTE'FIREMEN At the back of the hotel battling with the fire from the contiguous kitchen by the use of wet blankets. By a display of pluck and endurance they succeeded, though the stream of water was ridiculously weak. Meantime the fire spread along Molesworth street, but was stayed about five o'clock, when all danger was over.

Fia&ing of the Bodies-—A Pain ful Picture.;

. When the embers were partially cooled search was made for the missing. The charred bodies of the following were found : — Mrs Johnstone, three boys (Frederick, Henry, and Frank), and two girls (Amy and Jessie). The mother was fouad as if lying in bed. The clothes were burned so tinder. Lying in layers like bed clothes, the youngest children were all about her, the two eldest several yards away, some distance apart, as if running about. The remain were removed to the morgue, and an inquest called for Wo o'clock to-day. The cause of the fire is unknown. A man, named Jeffrey, attempted to burst open the door of a room in which the woman and children ware burnt, but Avas driven back by the flames and smoke. The buildings destroyed are four cot tages, one stable, Princess Hotel kitchen. The Johnstone family lived in the cottage fronting Murphy-street, contignous to the hotel. INSURANCES. South British, £200 ; New Zealand, £400 on the furniture of Mr Cattle, proprietor of the hotel, and £1,500 on the Princess Hotel; Victoria, £1,000 on the cottages.

THE DIOCESAN SYNOD.

The Synod met at 9 p.m. yesterday. There was a very full attendance when the President took the chair. The Choral Hall Meeting.—The President laid on the table the balance sheet of tne recent church meeting at the Choral Hall. This shewed expenditure, £8 15s, receipts, £11, leaving a balance of £2 4s 6d to be carried to the funds of the Home Mission Fund. Resignation or trustees.—The President laid upon the table the resignations of the Melanesian F»nd Trustees. Bishop's Court.—The President nominated Judge Fenton as assessor of Bishop's Coiirt. This makes the number of assessors complete. Election of Synodsmen.—The report of this bill was brought up by the committee and dis cassed. It recommended (1). That certain powers should be taken out of the hands of the Bishop, and transferred to the Standing Committee. (2). That the nomination of Synodsmen shouldjtake place at a public meeting of parishioners. 3.' That the voting should be by ballot, After dis cussion aliiho clauses were negatived. The bill was then considered in committee, and after amendment in one or two clauses, was passed. Melanesia^ Fond.—The following gentle men were nominated by the President as the board of trtistees :-^Rev. B. T. Dudley, T. Kiss ling, J. H. Upton, W. Atkin. They were de clared elected. Diocbsan Nominator's Bill.—This bill was considered ia committee, but the whole of the clauses had not been reviewed when the hour of ad,i oTirnment arrived and progress was reported. The Synoa will meet again this evening at 6 o'clock.

CABLEGRAMS.

ENGLISH NEWS.

DREADFUL COLLIERY. ACCIDENT.

THE MARQUIS OF SALISBURY ON THE WAR.

[The whole of the following-} cable dis patches were issued as a Stae extra last night] :—

(reutek's special telegrams.)'

LONDON.

Oct. 14th. A dreadful colliery explosion occured at Wigan, killing forty persons. The Marquis of Salisbury stated at Brad ford that the result of the war had been to dispel illusions with regard to Russia as an aggressive Power. He saw ne prospect of peace.

The Indian famine has passed' tarourft its worst stage.

THE CRISIS IN FRANCE.

THE ELECTIONS,

President McMahon has issued1 another manifesto, urging electors to vote for Ministerial candidates. There is gr ea t excitement. A>

Berlin Press writers in the " Telegraph" and "Daily News," say that a clerical victory in France will be answered by a formal alliance between Germany and Italy.

The French elections are completed. The returns, exclusive of the colonies' shew 314 Republicans, and 201 Conger' vatives. The Government gain 43.

Latest War News.

NEWSPAPER CORRESPONDENTS

ORDERED AWAY.

REINFORCEMENTS AT PLEVNA.

MUKHTAR PASHA'S' DEFEAT

CONFIRMED.

Newspaper correspondents have been ordered to leave the Russian positions at Plevna. Chefket Pasha has entered Plevna with further reinforcements- The road between Plevna and Orkhanie is open. General Gourka, with Imperial Guards, has been sent to the Turkish rear.

It is reported that fifteen thousand Roumanians have died of disease during the last twenty days.

Fighting has been resumed in Armenia;

The Turks, while concentrating at Aladzadagah, were hotly attacked by Rus sians. After a five hours' battle, the dark ness stopped fighting.

Oct. 15th. On the Russians bombarding Sulina, the population fled. Chefket Pasha has defeated a number foragers. A Russian official dispatch states that Muktar Pasha attacked the Russian posi tions at Kahzuie, and was repulsed after severe fighting.

Oct. 16th,

A Russian official dispatch says that General Gourka (?) had a complete victory over Mukhtar Pasha. At Aladza-dagah he took many "prisoners and guns. A Turkish official dispatch states that a great battle wae fought "on-the 11th, and that .the Russians retreated.

A Russian official despatch states that the Russians captured the heights of Ahlcck, compelling the defenders to retreat upon liars. They then attacked Mukhtar Pasha, and carried Mount Avqlias, cutting the Turkish army in two when retreating. The Turks were defeated with enormous loss. Another portion of Mukhtar Pasha's army was surrounded, and surrendered with, the loss of seven Pashas, 32 guns, and an immense quantity of war material. Mukhtar Pasha fled from Kars.

October 17.

Moukhtar Pasha for the most part con firms the report. They lost 800 men, (one and-a-half regiments.) He says : —The Russian cavalry and four battalions of infantry were completely destroyed. The bridge of Nicopolis was carried away by a rising in the Danube.

COMMERCIAL TELEGRAMS.

NEW ZEALAND LOAN AND MER

CAN TILE AGENCY COMPANY (LIMITED) PRODUCE TELE-

GRAM.

LONDON, 12th Oct., 1877. Wool.—Market unchanged. Up to date 85,080 bales have arrived. Tallow. —Market quiet. Mutton, 40s Gi; beef, 39s 6d.

ENTRIES FOR THE DEVONPORT RACES ON THE 9TH NOVEMBER.

Maiden Plate of 5 soys,, U mile. J. May's Sir Donald, bg, syr 3 R. Duder's Kate, bm. aged R. Alison's Pai Mah-ire, gg, syrs Barry's Torpedo, oj?, 3yrs Lockyer's Poison, bg, aged K. Alison's^Torn, bt*, aged R. McKay's Antelope, rg, aged Davis' Marcella, bm, 5 yrs Frost's Fearnought, gg, aged Devonport Handicap Sweep of 1 soy., with 1 soys, added, second horse to save Ms stake distance, 2 miles.— ft. Duder's Dick, black g.. aged Captain Fiider's Darkey, blank g, aged E. Alison's Yattarina, eh m. 6 yeara Frost's Fearnought, gg, aged. Ferry Company's purse of 15 soys, 1} mile; minimum weight, 9 stone. M. Kelly's La Belle, bay m, 5 years R. Wynyard's LadyGcd va. bay m, 6years F. Somerfield's Rally, eh filly, 3 years O. McGee's Elsa, gm, 5 years J. May's Usurper, rg, aged Trotting Match of i soys., 3 miles.— W. H. Fenton's snowdrop, whin, aged A* Alison's Bushranger, bg, aged G. Quick's Lady of the Lake, g m, aged Davis' Pearl, gg, aged. Settlers' Stakes of 10 soys., 1J mile, lowest weight, 10 stone. « R. Duder's Dick, blk g, aged A. Alison's Comet, gg, 5 yrs W. Bonds-Rosa, bay mare, aged M. Frost's Fearnought, Kg, aged. Hurdle Race of 10 soys., 2miles overßhurdles; lowest weight. 10 stone.— Mr Kelly's Maggie's Foil, bm, 5 years R. Wynyard's Lady Godiva, bm, 6 years F. Somerflold's Rally, eh nlly, 3 years O. McGee's Elsa, gm, 5 yeara Captain Filder's Darkpy, black g, aged J. May's Usurper, roan g, aged M. Frost's Fearnough g gelding, aged Hack Race/lst prize, Saddle and Bridlß:2nd hrize, Whip and Spurs; catch weights. j Fenton's Snowdrop, wh m, aged R. Duder's Kate, by m, aged Alison's Beawty. blk m, 5 yrs R. McKay's Antelope, roan g, aged J. May's Sir Donald, bg, 6yrs Davis'Stella, black m, 4 years . .„- Entries for the Maiden and Hack Race WW close 7th November, at Flagstaff Hotel, 10 P-™* M. Frost, Hon. Sec.

AUCKLAND INSTITUTE.

The usual meeting of the Auckland Inst^ was held last evening in the museum builaißPV Princes-street. R. 0. Barstow, Esq., in the ciia«' Messrs W. Felkin, F.R.G.S., Heslop, Spicar, and VVhitson were admitted to members™* A number of various donations were alBO»£ nounced." Mr Cheeseman, the secretary, B»J™ in a written description of two new iwWr obtained in Auckland harbour, coloured go ings of which wore exhibited. Mr ». * ?ii Smith, read a description of "The bHgfjg. Nikau treo," which in its manner of 8r °'(vr*Jl ) . said, presented pictures of an abnormal c*™"* ter. It was discovered by one of the &K™_ parties growing in the forests at the baseoi j* Tatigihua Mountains, Wangarei. The tree w? about 9 inches in diameter at the ground, »" about 6 inches j ust before it divides, the brftnS3 being from 3to 4 inches in diameter. The W«£ * height was 30 feet. It presented a roof.""?!, ful appearance in the forest in which it Bffi1 ated. Mr J. C. Firth followed with anexceU^ 1 and comprehensive paper on "TecWßVj Education," in which he advo£,S> a thorough, technical education for a.r*f c maiority of the youth of both sexea, who, uuj t nature of things, would be so largely depenawg; upon manual skill for their daily bread. *£ tirtit though* the readiest way to "secure advantage of technical education wcro» "° &e incorporate the training of the hand witn^^ training of the intellect under the auspices^ the educational organisation in the eoiony-oj Firth supplemented his paper by a few TOJStog remarks respecting the advisability of pM™££ technical education for girls— namely, tne^jj hshnient of a school or schools io which ceo****

THE EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1877.



■ - .'-y^y mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS. W.VJ. HURST » CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The nattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. ifurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BELL'S BONBFLOUR ~ i and Hnch BONEDUST BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIMB. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures tor 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. j Analysis, prices, and other particulars will be supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101 QUEKN-STEEBT, CLOVER SEED, FOR SPRING SOWING Just Landed, ex Columbus— 30 casks new Clovers, cousisting of * Red Clover White Clover Cow Gras Also on hand, Alsyhe, Timothy, Lucerne, Rape, Rat3-tail, Rye grass, Cocksfoot, &c, at lowest market rates. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QU E E.N -STREET. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) 3000 „ Oats l ' 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 varieties for seed purposes Flour, Bran, Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c, &c. Particular attention is called to 500 sacks Prime Barley at 4s per bushel of 501b. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh Oatmeal, at £21 per ton. W. J. HURST & CO., ' 101, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND.



FINAL CLEAEING-OUT SALE. GIVING UP BUSINESS Ul J. W. PEAESE, DRAPER, CLOTHIER, ETC., Wishes to inform. tl>o public that ho is Retiring from Business, on account of the recent loss in his family. He wilL therefore, offer the WHOLE OF HIS VALUABLE STOCK FOR O!NE MONTH, at an Immense Reduction and Loss, he having disposed of his* Premises, must have the Stock sold by that time. O" Note Address :— orxer of VULCAN LANE & QUKEN-ST., Auckland. N.B.—To Country Storekeepers, Hotelkeepers, &c, &c, &c. —This is an opportunity seldom met with to secure real bona fide Bargains. SALE TO COMMENCE ON WEDNESDAY October 10, 1877. EAPEEY AND i_yLOTHING FOR THE SPRING AND SUMMER. TRADE. The undersigned are now opening up supplies of NEW GOODS for the incoming Season, comprising:— Hew Prints, in great variety of pattern and style, from 4§d per yard Very Choice, Brocaded Prints, quite new designs White Satin Striped Brocaded Muslins Japanese Silks, very choice A nice assortment of Black Silks, unusually good value, from 33 Cd per yard A Varied and Carefully-selected Stock of New Fancy Dress Materials Black and Coloured Lustres in variety, and General Drapsry Goods of every descrip tion. A Job Line of Heavy Brown Holland at 6id per yard Balance of Last Season s Dress Goods and Job Lines at very greatly Reduced Rates, to clear. Job Lot of large-sized Honeycomb Towels at 6d each, 1} yards long Every Requisite in Furnishing Drapery. Carpets in variety. Curtains. Blind Muslins, Window Holland, Damask, Sheetings, all makes, Toilet Covars, Coloured and White Quilts and Counterpanes *i Blankets, all sizes, unu3ually cheap, &c, &c. A Large Stock o£ Calicoes, of liest makes, ■ always on hand. Grey Calico from 3d per yard White Calico from 4id T>er yard Every Description of Clothing for Boys' and Men Tweeds, Corduroy, Moleskin, strong material. for Boys' wear. S. in he & allowed on all Cash Purchases of 203. and upwards. rushbbook & bridgman, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Quken-strket, auckland.! JMPORTANT NOTICE Saving introduced STEAM PO WEB into the Manufacture of FURNITURE, we are, now enabled to Supply our Cus omers at GREATLY REX> UCE D PRICES. T. & H. COOKE, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, &c, <kc £gT SHOW BOOMS. 67, Queeii-street. STEAM CABINET FACTOR V, Victoria-street.



"OROTECTION FROM THE QUN. JL ' M ONE CASE OF PITH HELMETS, ONE CASE OF SILK DUST COATS, ONE CASE OF STRAW HATS, AT W. RATTRAY'S, DRAPER AND CLOTHIER, ■ftTEW yEALAND TTOUSE, 66, QUEEX-STREET, ATjCKLAXD. UNION INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. C APITAL £2,000,000. AUCKLAND BRANCH: Tbtmporaby Offices : QUEEN-STREET, Next to Mr. G. W. Binnoy's Store. FIRE BEPAETMEXT. Insurances granted on Dwelling- honses, Stores. Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried oe. Merchandise, and Good 3of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Skips or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at Lowest Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON, Manager. SHERA f>ROTHERS WILL OPEN NEW GOODS, Ex ' Fatvienoth.'



Look for the signature and address of tho pro prietor upon labels of bottles purporting to con tain Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aijomatic SCHXAPPS, and observe whether the same are deficiently executed or not. If anything be lacking, you may know them for shams and reject them. Swindlers are putting up bad liquors in bottles which previously held the most salutary medicinal beverage in existence. Baffle the rogues.