SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

,„.,,. _,„„ fThia Afternoon, 9.20 HIGF. \VATEB-j To . morrow Morning, 9.11 SUN SET.—This Evening, 0.43 SUV RISE.—'Co-morrow Morning, 6.S MOON'S :V.GE.—First Quarter, 14th, !U.i7 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Prettx Jane, s.s.. He'ander, from Gisborne. lona, E.s.. Farquhar, from Russell.

DEPARTURES.

Southern Cross, e.g., Holmes, for Napier. Minim Hare, schooner, for Mahurangi and Napier.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Gisborne—Pretty .lane, Saturday noon. For the Thames and Lyttelton—Helena, brigantine, early For Ijevuka—Charybdis, Thursday For London—Columbus, barque, early: City of Auckland, ship, early ; Famenoth, barque, eariy. For Napier direct—Southern Cro=s, to-morrow (Wednesday!, at "> p.m. For Napier and the south—Rotorua, Thursday, at i p.m. For Raglan—p.s. Hauraki, airly. For the South—Hawaa. lllh Sept. Sept. For Napier and Son Mi -Rotoma, lUh Sept. For the Iblanrls-Cho.rybdis, schooner, and V.-rx- .-gy, schooner, early

IMPORTS.

Per s.s. Rotorua. from Sydney: 1 parcel tea samples 43 cases and 11 packages sundries, 20 cases acid 5 51 basrs bonedust, 170 gunnies sugar, lQi-casks 1 hhd... 20 kegs, and 10 cases treacle. 8 sacks'seeds, 0 colls and 50 packages rope, 50 baas maize. 10 boxen tea. 2 bags coffee, 2 bags pimento, -'0 i-chests tea, ; box sundries, 81 cases matches 4S 'bales woolpacks. 5 easts bolts, 12 casks "silicate sod;... 10 crat •_■!?. i tierces, 1 cask. 5 ijales. 0 cases plauls, JKO cases fruit, 1 piano. l trunk, SlO bundles wire.—Henderson and JMaefarlane, ageats. _ - 3;>i gunnies sugar, 50 oo::cs tea.—Owen and Graham. , , ■ liO gui.nie? suscav, j hhd. aud b quarter-casks treacle 5 cases treacle tin 21b. tins). 10 cases sa o 25 r-casks viaegar, 100 cases kerosene.— H. =B. Morton.

THE RACE TO SYDNEY.

The race between the srearaers Hero and Rctorua from Auckland lo Sydney would seem to have beea of a most interesting character According to reliable accounts the i-klionia •iaJned Oil her rival at starting, and •was well ahead on rounding the North Cape, winch point in the voyage was timed as follows: Rotorua, 10.50 a.m., 29th August: Hero. 3 p.m. On the 30th Captain Macfarlane found that some accident had suddenly reduced his speed by nearly Iwo knots per hour. The two vessels' ?aw nothing of one another until the middle of the fourth day. when those on board the Hero made our the smoke of a =teamer 15 miles ahead. Great excitement pre- Ypfiprt rs it was not known what vessel it was. All the next day the Hero drew upon the vessel ahead, and when in was discovered to be the Rotorua there was great rejoicing. At noon of the 6th day the two vessels were abreast of one another, and then th ■ Hero slowly went ahead. auc entered Sydney Heads ten minutes before the Rotorna. 'While the Hero went straight in the Rotorua anchored pit" Garden Island, Capt Macfarlane not knowing what wharf he was to ao to. It was owing to this that the report Of t:iere being several hours diiference in the times 3f arrival was circulated. The race created much interest in Sydney, and several letters appeared in ihe papers on the FuV-cct Two pa.verigers of the Hero wrote a letter to the '• Evening News," n which, after describing the race, they say:— '• The result of the race is now known to all, «rd the Hero has fully proved her superiority. The weather during the last two days was very changeable and unsettled, aud such as to fu'iv tost f.ie capabilities of both yeseels under these varying "conditions, making it quite atmarent that the Rotorua is not so speedy a vessel as she has been represented as compared to the Hero, and if the passengers of the Rotorua had as dry and comfortable a vessel, they may be congratulated. It would be superfluous to exprt:3S any opinion about the «kin and ability of Captain Logan — these rre already well -known. [Signed on behalf of the passengers] Jo x T. Smith, Joins" S Partridge." In answer to this letter. Cap tain 'Macfarlane writes a letter, from which we Quote:—" The Rotorua left Auckland Wharf at 3.30 p.m. on the 28th August; rounded North Cape at 10.50 a.m. next morning, The follow in1' day (30th) found that, some accident had happened to the propeller, reducing the speed by two knots per hour. We entered Sydney Heads on Monday night at 11.30, anchoring off Garden Island at midnight. She is now in dock, and we find the damage to propeller to be one blade entirely gone and two broken. In accordance with the Hero's published report, she rounded North Care at 2 p.m. on the 29th August, showing that she was there three hours astern of Rotorua, in a distance of 196 miles: arH but for the untoward accident to our pro peiier, it is quite clear the passengers by the Hero would hare had no room for any special laudation of that vessel."

The s.s. Rotorua arrived from Sydney last evening, and ;nme alongside the Queen-street Wharf a few minutes before six o'clock, after a fast pas=a;?e of tive days. She left Sydney Heads at 4 p.m. of the 7th instant. Passed the Three Kings at 8 p.m. on the 10th, rounded the Korth Cape at midnight, and passed Cape Brett ft 7 a.m. yesterday morning. She brings a large cargo and the following passengers:— For Auckland—Mr and. Mrs W. J.Rees, MissSpiccr, Messrs E. Thomson, F. Anthony, J. W. Preece, A. V~an Buren, H. Roberts, Kngel, Walters, and Pcasin?. and 9 steerage. For Napier—Mr Jas. Watt, and i steerage. For Wellington—Mr Mc- Tntosh and 1 steerage. For Lyttelton—Mr and Mra Campbell, and 5 steerage. The Dutch brig Stella Mafis, Captain Kahler, cleared at Brisbane for this port, on the 30tn ulfc., with a cargo consisting of 2,172 bags of prepared manure, and a bone-crushing machine. The brigaatine Omaha is shortly expected from the Chatham Islands. Her last trip from Auckland occupied 18 days. The schooner "William and Julia has entered cut for Tonga, aad is expected to sail at the end cf next week. The s.s. Lily met with an acciuent yesteraay. When on the point of starting from Riverhead for Auckland, hor shaft snapped, and she was thus rendered helpless. A telegram conveyed fhe news to Captain Casey, who immediately got up steam on board the City of Cork, whien vessel was fortunately i ust out of the engineer 3 hands after her important alterations. She ran to Riverhead and conveyed the Lily's passen gers to Auckland. To-day she resumed her regular running on the route. She has very good accommodation, and should become a popular boat. The " Sydney Morning Herald has the follow ing under the head of "An addition to our first-class Yachts' :-" A private telegram from Auckland reports that the yacht Secret, recently purchased by Mr J. Newton, of this city, left Auckland for Sydney on Monday, with a strong S.E. breeze. The Secret is a3O tonner, built by T. Niccol, and hafi proved herself one of the fastest craft on thj coast of New Zealand. The brigantine Augusta wa3 placed on the gridiron this morning to have her bottom cleaned. The s.s. Pretty Jane arrived from Gi3borne at mid-day to-day. She brought up a cargo of sheep and cattle, which were unloaded on the Taranaki. Passengers—Mr and Mrs Hall and five children. Miss West, and Mrs Pollard. Cargo—2B bullocks, 3 horses, 2 tons tallow, 1 ton bides, 2 casks beef, 100 sheep. The schooner Charybdis cleared out this after noon for Levuka with a general cargo. Pas sengers and 308 speep : F. Lodge. F. Nichols. K. Wilson, H. Armitage, Mrs McDonald and 3 children. Captain Wells goes in command, and intends to sail the first opportunity. Messrs William Holmes have received from Messrs Light and Co., of Napier, an order to build a screw steamer for the Hawkes Bay coasting trade. It is to be built on the diagonal principle. Messrs Light having found this to be the best aud most durable built for bar h->rbours a« evidenced by the Manaia. The new vessel is to be 58ft. long 12 feet beam with •6ft. 6in. depth of hold, and oft. draught. She is to be commenced at once, and finished in about two months. Messrs McCroskie and Burnett are to build the engines.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Port Chalmers, this day. Arrived—Wanaka, at 8.-10 a.m., With 'Frisco tnail.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

(From oue. own Coeeespondext.)

Kaipara Heads, September 10. Arrivals : Torea, schooiaer, from Wellington ; Stag1, barque, from Auckland. Shipping in port.: Pakeha, brig, loading at Helensville; Sarah Pile and Enterprise, schooners, loading at Kopuru : the brig Ware. tlic brigantinea Nightingale and S»a Gull, and £ne schooner ICli^a Mary are at Aratapu. "The brigs Syren and Isabella are detained at the Heads, bar bound.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 4.30 p.m.: and to morrow, at 5.30 p.m. and G. 30 p.m. For Coromaudel, per Argyle, to-morrow, at 2.30 p.m. For Tairua. per Mana. tin? day, at i p.m. Fo:- Port Fitzroy, per Soutii Carolina, this day, at 1 p.m. , For Napier, Southern Provinces, and Chatham Islands, via Lyttelton, per Rotorua, this day, at 5 p.m. , . For money orders, registered letters, ana newspapers, at 1 p.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, and Austra lian Colonies, per Hawea, to-morrow, a: For money orders, registered letters, and newspaiDer.s,"at 10 a.m. Late letters for Southern Provinces and "\Mbourne will be received till 11.20 a.m. Fo'1 Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai Waipu, VV'angarei, and Mangapai. per Anne Milbank, on Saturday next.at 10 a.m. For Grisborne, via Thames per Pretty Jane, on X'Jaturday next, at 11 a.m. For Whitiansa aud Tonya, per William ana Julia, to-monov,', at 11am. ,„♦.!,• + Per 8.8. Taranaki, on Wednesday, 19th mst, ""For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of. Europe, at 11.45 a.m.

CALLS AND DIVIDENDS.

TJie following are the dates and amounts of calls in connection with the undermentioned gold mining companies: £ s. d. Date. New Golden Pah .. ..003 — Sep. 12 Young Colonial .. ..002 — Sep. 12 Young New Zealand ..006 — Sep. 12 Hape Creek 0 0 0 — Sep. 12 New Morning Star ..010 — Sep. 12 Sultan o 0 3 — Sep. 12 Phoenix 010 — Sep. 10 Caledonian 0 5 0 — Sep. 10 Auckland 0 0 .'* — Sep. 10 City of London .. ..013 — Oct. 4 Homeward Bound .. 0 0 6 — Oct. 10 N.Z. Loan and Mer cantile 010 0 — Oct. 1 Dividends— Thames Gas 0 1 0 — Sep. G Waiotahi 020 — Sep. 12 Alburnia 0 10 0 — Sep. 14 CREDITORS' MEETINGS. In the estate of W. C. Campbell .. Sep. 13 ~ Jas. H. Grattan .. Sep. 13 ~ „ Arthur Utting .. Sep. 13 Geo. McCaslin .. Sep. 11 ~ ~ T. J. Bainbridge .. Sep. 14 ~ J. H. Buchanan .. Sep. 17 ~ ~ Geo. Cottis.. .. yep. 17

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc.

Septemukr 13. Auckland Cricket Club, Thames Hotel, 7.30 p.m. City Council election, Mochanics' Institute, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Karanganape residents' meeting, Newton Hall, 7.30 p.m. Prince of Wales Lodge of Masons, 7."0 p.m. Rev. Charles dark's lecture on "Thackeray," novelist, satirist, and humourist, Choral Hal), 8 p.m. Theatreißoyal, " Forbidden Fruit," S p.m.

DEATH.

REES.—On the Ist September, at Darlinghurst fcgSvdncy, David Henry Reos, aged 1.l years.

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1877.

for the cause that lacks assistance, For the -wron^ that needs icsistanca, For the future in the distance,

Asd the good that we can da.

It lias been evident from recent cable dispatches, especially those of our special correspondent, that the position of the Turkish army entrenched, at Plevna, under the personal command of 0.-<maii Pasha, Commander-in-chief, was becoming ex tremely critical. The heavy masses of Russian troops pouring across the Danube were rapidly drawing a fatal cordon around. It must not be forgotten that at least three hundred thousand Russian troops are now in Bulgaria. With reference to the dispositions of this gigantic force our information is very meagre, but we know definitely that the main body had been gathered for the overthrow of Osman Pasha's army. The matter was one of life and death to the Rus sians ; the whole campaign turned on the issue. A powerful Turkish army iuccessfully acting on the offensive from Plevna would have driven the invaders pell mell across the Danube. Reinforcements were called away from the .siege operations ut Rustchuck, and from the Balkans, to en sure tha Russian succesn. The Czar in person, the Grand Duke Nicholas, Com maiider-in-Chief, and Prince Charles, Hospodar of Roumania, recognised the importance of the contlict by their presence. In the early part of the campaign, the Russian army met with a serious reverse at Plevna, which was changed into an absolute disaster, on the 31st of July , by the total rout of General Krudcner's "army of 40,000 men, which had attacked " the Turkish position. Osman Pasha on that occasion dis played the weakness of his brave army by remaining on the defensive, instead of fol lowing up his successes. Every effort bas been put forth on both sides during the month that has elapsed since the liattle of Plevna to bring up fresh troops, but on the side of the Turks with only partial success. If Sulieman Pasha and Menemet Ali bad effec ted a junction of their forces on the north side of the Balkans the result might hare been very different. The single act of an incompetent commander in losing Shipka Pass may prove to be the keystone of a series of disasters fatal to the Turkish cause. The determination with which Sulieman Pasha has, at terrible sacrifice of troops, pressed forward operations for the recovery of the lost highway, was stimulated by the necessity for gaining ;; position in which he could assist "the tinny at Plevna, by ;\ counter attack on the Russian centre. The failure, or rather the protracted character of these operations, left Osman Pasha to repel a rapidly multiplying enemy, with .such re-inforcements as could 1)0 gathered from Western Turkey. That he lms fought bravely and tenaciously early results have shewn, and the final defeat re ported in our cablegrams, brings with it no dishonour. The remnant of hi.s army will, no doubt, make good its retreat, Southwards, and the defeat may not prove so ruinous to Turkey as it would have done earlier iw the campaign. Vet the importance of the victory to the Russians can hardly be over estimated, inasmuch as it throws from their Hank the most pressing danger, and liberates a large Russian and Roumanian army for active offensive operations.

Extraordinary Journalistic Enterprise.

THE HERALD PERFORMS A NEW CABLEGRAPHIC EXPLOIT.

We are perfectly lost in admiration of tho remarkable enterprise and ingenuity dis played by our morning contemporary in pro curing cable news at other people's expense. The reputation for newspaper liberality in this direction which it is so rapidly achieving "on the cheap," in something marvellous, and in wonderful accord with the general character borne by the powerful combina tion of talent and commercial resources which caters in the field of morning journal ism. We have explained before the way we have suffered through the manipula tion of our special correspondent's costly dispatches, and the remarkable dodges devised to conceal the misappropria tion. Now, another brilliant thought has .struck the journalistic general over the way, who proceeded this morning to execute it after his usual clumsy fashion. At 1,50 thin morning a cable despatch from our special correspondent was received at Wakajpuaka, the cable station near Nelson, and immediately forwarded to Auckland, the oilices throughout the colony being kept open all night for transmission of cable news. If ours had boon a morning journal, we should have had the news of the fall of Plevna in ample time to place on every breakfast table in Auckland by six o'clock this morning. The " Herald," flourishing at the head of its telegraph columns, a cablegram headed " The follow ing cablegram was received at 3.45 this morning," contains .not a word of the momentous neAva. Early this morning we issued an extra containing the intelligence which had come through to us several hours before, and in order to apprize the respected old lady over the way of the news, a smart boy, who will live to be a comfort to his mother unless cut off in the flower of his career, conceived the idea ot pasting a STAE extra on each side of the Herald door, a mancexivre which he executed with the sangfroid of a trooper. Shortly afterwards the "Herald" put out an extra announcing the fall of Plevna, introduced thusly :— " Wellington, Thursday, 10 a.m. The Wellington "Post " has* just issued the following news, received from Sydney this m.»rniug :—"

The explanation is simple. The Wel lington " Post," which is a plucky and liberally-conducted paper paying for its own cablegrams, had also received jiews of the fivll of Plevna, and issued an extra. Scarcely were the sheets dry from the press, before the Parliamentary correspondent of the "Herald" had one thrust under his nose. Pic telegraphed it to the " Herald" at the enormous cost of eighteenpenee, and thankful for the crumbs that drop from the mouths of its business rivals, the " Herald" ratailed the news to its admiring supporters. It is noteworthy that through out New Zealand no jourual but the " Herald" has resorted to the despicable practice of pilfering special dispatches. Consider the morality of the thing for a moment. Take a cable message which costs £10 for wire charges—a small amount. If a journal received goods to that value, and left them lying in an exposed situation, aud some poor fellow without a sixpence to bless himself with was tempted to take them, what would be said of him? How would our contemporary metaphorically roll its sanctimonious eyes and exclaim "Thank Cod, I am not like unto that sinner." What, then, is the difference between that and taking cable messages which are a newspaper's goods, its stock in trade —although the nature of the stock prevents the guarding of it with iron bars and locks ? Is it simply because of this and because the law bas not pro tected this class of property as it lias others —because a warrant for the apprehension of the purloiner cannot immediately issue that a business rival may seize it without permission, and without contributing to the cost, the moment it gets the chancp. if this is th« distinction, will anyone under take to assess the exact moral difference between the two classes of silences in the eyes of a man who acts justly from honour able conceptions of right and wrong, and not because the law coerces him into honesty.

A general meeting of tlie Amateur Athletic Club is to take place at the Club rooiu, Thames Hotel, this evening, at half ])ast seven o'clock. Important business has to )>e transacted, and a full attendance i.s requested.

The amusement and inymtfiication which many of our citizens experienced in reading the oracular statements concerning the " Snob " which adorned the wnlls and hoardin.tis at the beginning of the week, have been intensified by their receipt through the post of a formal invitation from a Mrs Major I'onto to " dally ung pu dc musick " at the Choral Halt this evening. Many shrewd people suspect a practical joke. " Who is this Mrs Major Ponto?" aslied a fashionable friend of ours, " f. never even heard of her, and [ aui sure I know everybody who pre tends to be in society here. And why doesn't she entertain her guests in her own house?" It has struck us that there is ,-i discernible connection between the two mysteries, inasmuch as the lady in question has long been known to us as a distin guished member of Thackeray's groat family of Snobs [f ( however, there is *till n doubt upon the subject, the time of revelation is not far off as "Thackeray, the Snob ographer" is the subject of Mr ('lark's lecture this evening.

The petitions scut to Her Majesty for an extension of Sir Hercules Robinson's term of oiiice an Governor of New South Wales were duly presented to the Secretary of State for llio Colonies, who (says the " Sydney Herald,") in the course of a dis patch to Sir Hercules Robinson, observes :

—" F request that you will inform the memorialists that their petitions have been laid before the (.juscii, and that Her Majesty is gratified to observe the well-merited appreciation of your services to which they bear witness, but that it is necessary that Her Majesty's advisers should hold them selves absolutely free to tender such advice to the Queen as may permit of the employ ment of an experienced Governor in any place in which the requirements of the moment may appear to render his services most valuable; and therefore it is not possible to decide in advance in what portion of Her Majesty's dominions it may be of advantage for any officer to be em ployed.

Reviewing England's military strength, to which we referred in a recent issue, the " New York Sun".says :—-The authority of Great Britain in her now consolidated, loyal, and solemnly-recognised Empire of the Indies, is visibly represented by 60,000 English troops; which compose, how ever, but the nucleus of avast military force. To these must be added 300,000 native soldiers, perfectly equipped with European weapons, and thoroughly drilled by Eng lish ofliccrs. This is the number of the army in time of peace, but it is not generally known that the system admits of a Kwift and large expansion ; that a cadre or frame work exists adequate to the embodiment of GOO,OOO men. The new levies, like the pre sent regiments, would be mainly recruited among those fifty millions of England's Mahommedan subjects who constituted the bone and sinew of them, and Jill the place once occupied by the warrior caste in the old Bralunanical social system. The military value of these troops was attested in the terrible Sepoy rebellion of 1857, and it lias since been abundantly confirmed in the cam paign directed by Lord Napier, of Magdala, against the King of Abyssinia. It appears, then, that after deducting the British regi ments and ono-sixth of the native for the protection of her Asiatic possessions, Eng land could dispose of no less than half a million of Mohammedan soldiers, should she determine to support the Sultan. In this instance the Empress of India might rely with so much more confidence on her Moslem troops that the present contest wears in her eyes the aspect of a religious war ; in •which, by the letter in tho Koran, enforced by the •summons of the Shiek-al-Islam, all the faithful are bound to serve. We do not fear that the Hindoo army would .shew itself unequal to its task. To say nothing of the rigorous discipline to which it has been long subjected, or of the enlightened guid ance it may expect from its English officers, the blaze of religions fanaticism and the inviolable sobriety which the Koran enjoins on its confessors are guarantees of valour and fortitude. It in on the cards that these Anglo-Indian troops may astonish Europe with their victories, and demon strate that, even on the land, Great Britain is one of the chief powers of the earth. We have been requested to call the attention of the ladies and gontlemcn who have received invitations to the Calico Ball in connection with the Devonport Skating Club, to the advertisement which appears elsewhere announcing that the ball is postponed until Tuesday, the 25th instant.

Referring to Press prosecutions, more especially, in connection with parliamentary conduct, May remarks in his Constitutional History, that like oeusorship, they "have fallen out of our constitutional system. When the Press errs, it is by the Press itself that its errors are left to be corrected. Repression has ceased to bo the policy of rulers ; and statesmen have at. length fully realised the wisn maxim of Lord Bacon, that 'the punishing of wits enhances their authority; and a forbid don writing is thought to 1)0 a certain spark of truth, that flies up in the faces^of them who seek to tread it out.' "

Trees in a city have a pleasing influence, hence the attractiveness of Paris, London, and many of the great American cities, but (lie setting out of trees requires the hand of experience or they may be planted too closely together, and may, in consequence, become unhealthy, as an overcrowded popu lation becomes sickly in a pent up city. There is a well-made path, three feet wide, leading from Wakefield-street intoSymonds street, where treos are planted too close to the path, and consequently most incon venient, especially to ladies, in this other wise pleasant by-way, and as they grow larger they will be terribly in the way. A lady of considerable dimensions recently found the trees a nuisance in passing a few evenings ago, and in consequence of a rough rub, so far forgot herself as to exclaim angrily, "bother the trees." We are de sired not to mention the lady's name.

Mr Henry Bell writes respecting those I much-abused birds, the sparrows : —" Sir, A great deal has been said about those mis chievous little birds, the sparrows. Some persons consider that they are the friends of agriculturists and gardeners, others that they are the enemies of the people. It is true, they have no song for us, like the lark and linnet; still, I think, after all, that sparrows may be sent by Providence for some wise purpose. I planted several rows of peas in my garden lately, and the young rogues came down upon my garden and ate all my peas. I was a ltttle bit put out; in fact, I was angry with the sparrows, and conceived a murderous idea ; again, 1 thought— a sparrow cannot, fall without the permission of Heaven—and I conceived a second idea, which has been successful in saving my second plants, and which I wish to communicate for the good of others. I soaked some pieces of bread in kerosene, and placed the saturated pieces on the pea gvovnul, and since that act, not a single sparrow has approached cither my garden or my peas. — H.8e11."

The Battery and Band of the Artillery Volunteers will assemble this evening in the Prill-shed, at the usual hour, for; monthly inspection. A full attendance is particu larly requested.

A tea-meeting will be held to-morrow evening in the hall of the Young Men's Christian Association, Mr F. Larking in the chair. Musical selections will be rendered by Mr Blomfield's Tonic Sol-fa choir, and addresses will be delivered by the chairman ; also by Yen. Archdeacon Maunsell, Revs. Messrs A. W. Webb, W. Evans, and J. Robertson ; the firot on the "Results of Scepticism," the second on " Young Men From Home," the third on ■' Christian Work," and the fourth on the " Higher Christian Life." The aim is to gather together friends and strangers, that by mutual fellowship the cause may be grcaily advanced. There are at present in Auckland main strangers, and they are cordially invited to the tea. It is hoped that all Christian young men, who have such a noble work before them, will shew their sympathy by being present te-morrow evening. The charge for the tea, Is., is made simply to defray expenses.

Some of the residents of the North Shore district held a meeting last evening, at the Flagstaff Hotel, for the purpose of consider ing the expediency of holding Hie North Shore races on the birthday of the Prince of Wales. The meeting, however, was but thinly attended. Mr 11. Alison occupied the chair, and Mr Frost performed tlie duties of secretary. After some con versation, .Mr It. Dudcr proposed, and Mr E. Alison seconded, " That the North Shore races he held on the 9th of November, and that Messrs. Shakespeare, Alison, Duder, R. McKay, and Fenton he appointed a committee to make the necessary arrangements." The proposition, having met with unanimous approval, was carried. The programme was also arranged, and included the Maiden Plate, Devonport Hurdle Race, Settlers' Stakes, Trotting Race, Consolation Race, Hack Juice, and Hurry Scurry. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the proceed ings. A woman, named Clarke, was brought up to-day on several charges of drunken ness, vagrancy, etc., and remanded until to-morrow. The woman is represented as one of the most abandoned of the female population of this city, and had only been liberated from Mount Eden yesterday. The scene described by an eye witness as one of the most revolting that has yet been brought under the notice of the Magistracy. The whole of the residents of Epiphany-street were disturbed from their slumbers by the hideous noises, and curses of this singular woman. The Newton Constable was sent for, and found her on her back in the middle of the street kicking and tearing her hair, and clothes in the most reckless manner. A number of persona were standing round evidently terrified, and not one could be found to assist Constable Abrams in his attempt to secure the woman. At length, he tried to tie her legs, when she gave him a severe kick in the forehead and knocked him over. Her language was fearful in the extreme, and she swore that she would kick all the world, she was kicking for a character. Constable jAbrama assured her that her character was safe. At length, with assist ance and ropes, he bound her legs and arms, but she made a desperate effort, and, Samson-like, she burst the cords. A second binding secured her ; she Avas then placed upon a stietcher, and borne on ollicial shoulders to the police station.

Sergeant O'Connor, of the Armed Constabulary, left Auckland yesterday for his new sphere of duty at Grahams town.

Rev. G. B. Muui'O will preach a special sermon to the young, on Sunday, next, at the Presbyterian church, Kcmuera, service to commence at three o'clock.

The most marvellous boating exploit ever accomplished has just terminated success fully. A daring American with his wife, has just made a voyage across the Atlantic in an open boat. The " Universe" of July 28th. says : —" On Sunday the boat New Bedford, ten feet in length, safely arrived at Newlyn, near Penzance, having on board Captain Crapps and his wife. The voyage from the American shore occupied forty nine days, during which time she had ito lay-to four times, once for three days on ac count of a series of stormy. During these times, Crapps and his Avife were drenched by seas, and their little craft must have foundered, but for a floating barrel which they caught, and used as a drogue, or drag, at the stern. Twicetheyrefused offers from steamers to take them on board, and once their rudder and the spare rudder had to be shipped during the height of a gale. During one storm the captain was personally steer ing for seventy hours without relief from bis wife, and one of his arms was disabled. The course of the voyage was marked by dead reckoning, as no chronometer would have acted in so small a boat. The adven turous voyagers seemed very well, consider ing their long privation of rest, rarely hav ing more than three hours' sleep. A correspondent, who signs himself " A Briton," writes to a contemporary to point out that if Mrs Crapps, who during the last three days of the voyage was so ill as to be unable to render any assistance, had died in British waters, Mr Grappa would have been morally guilty of manslaughter. He trusts that Crapps will not be made much of in this country, having exposed a woman to such thoughtless hardship and suffer ing."

My worthy friend in the beef trade is like the boy with a penny whistle, he is having all the fun to himself. lam wait ing till he gets blown (fly), then I mean to be in at the death. This is the modus operandi. As lam a cash purchaser it enables me to put before my customers every delicacy of the season, such as choice lambs at 2s to 5s per quarter; sucking pigs, poultry, dairy-fed pork, veal, haunches and saddles of mutton dressed for treble ; fore quarters are 2d on Saturdays ; all day legs mutton are 3d; prime roast beef, sausages, and chops arc 4d cash.—GISOKGE Huiaie, Auckland Steam Sausage Factory, Queen-street. —[Advt.]

Mr Herbert Roberts arrived from Sydney by the Rotorua yesterday. This gentle man is a brother of Mr John Roberts, junior, the great billiard player, and lie is little less celebrated for his .skill on the board of cloth than the cianipion himself. Herbert Roberts claims to be the champion hand-stroke player, and that he has some rea.-on for assuming such a title is proved by his having lately made such n break as 1,596 at Gulgong. " His best break was at Duffield, in Yorkshire, where lie made 1,777. He has just finished a successful tour of Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales, and will perform here. His agent, Mr A. Van Buren, is -with him.

A young woman of unsound] mind was ordered to the Whan Asylum this morning on the medical testimony of Drs Lee and Hooper.

Bishop Cowie intends to visit the out lying districts of Riverhead, Kumea, and Waitakerei during the coming week, in connection with the churches of those districts. Pie will also call a meeting at Kumea for the purpose of arranging for district Sunday services where settlers have not the opportunity of receiving religious instruction.

REV. CHARLES CLARK'S LECTURE.

This popular lecturer, or sather orator, ! will appear this evening in the Choral Hall, and deal with the writings of Thackeray, the man who struggled through years of seeming neglect in the magazine, under the noni do plume of "Michael Angelo Titmarsh,"but who suddenly burst into the sunshine of fame, and was at once recognised as William Makepiece Thackeray the author of the "Snob Papers" and "Vanity Fair." Thackeray appeared to many as the sly cynic, and the remorseless satirist; as a writer whose life had been soured by the scorn and neglect of the world. His worth was recognised in the autumn of his life, and among the earliest of his true critics was the little, delicate Yorkshire woman, who read the monthly issues of "Vanity Fair" and the "Newconies," with a woman's discerning soul, and she assisted in winning many persons to a reading of the works of the keen-edged novelist, and it is pleasant to think of the noble intimacy which sprung up between Thackeray and the authoress of that excellent work of fiction known as "Jane Eyre." The genial part of Thockeray's nature came forth in his summary sketches of the humourist ; the book that will live by the side of "Vanity Fair." Rev. Charles Clark will tell us to-night of the value of this man's writings, with well-selected samples of his humour, satire, and service able thoughts in connection with the progress and elevation of mankind.

CABLEGRAMS.

THE VERY LATEST

WAR NEWS.

FALL OF PLEVNA.

rp A Ff a ? •Zi f\ T¥ Ff

OF THE TURKS

Thousands of Prisoners.

Fearful Effect on the Turkish Cause.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL LONDON

CORRESPONDENT.)

[The following important cable despatch was received from our London special correspondent at two o'clock this morning, and was issued with an extra.]

LOXDON.

Tuesday evening

Plevna lias fallen.

The Russians, after an unequalled artillery engagement, lasting several days, closed in on Osman Pasha's army, totall}' defeating it.

The Turks occupied a series of strongly entrenched positions cohering the front and sides of the town in horseshoe shape.

Heayy fighting occurred last week on the East, the Turks attacking tliG Hus sian position, and repeatedly driving them out of their entrenchments, the Russians, re-inforced, recapturing them and forcing the Turks ack. The losses amounted to 5,000 killed, and several thousands wounded.

The Russians then opened a wither ing fire for several days on the Turkish works, with destructive effect, gradually advancing their batteries, and forcing the Turks back on the town.

A simultaneous attack was then made on three sides ; the Russians closing in, and totally routing the Turks, and capturing thousands of prisoners. The defeat will have a fearful effect on the Turkish cause.

THE FIGHTING AT PLEVNA.

SORTIE FROM RUSTCHUK.

THE DEFENCE OF SHIPKA PASS.

(REUTEB'S SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS PER

PKKSS aGENCY.

BOMBAY,

The Czar, the Grand Duke Nicholas, and Prince Charles, with the Russian Rouma nian army,are attacking Osman Pasha's en trenchments at Plevna.

The head-quarters of the Russian army of invasion have been removed from Tir nova to Kadeneka (? Kadenitzc), between Bulgareni and Porodiu. No news lias been received recently from Mehemet Ali Pasha, or Suliemau Pasha.

SPECIAL TO " SYDNEY MORNING HERALD."] LONDON, September 4. The battle which took place last Friday, the 31st ult, at Poredin Pelisat, east of Plevna, began early in the morning. The Turks attacked the Russian position in great force. The Russian entrench ments were thrice taken and re-captured. McGahan, who was an eye-witness, says that at 4 o'clock in the afternoon the Turks were everywhere retreating. The Russians admit that in re-capturing their first position they lost 1,060 men and 30 officers. The Turkish losses were heavier. A sortie by eight battalions, from Bust chuk, on Friday, cost the Russians seven killed and thirty wounded. A sword, bearing a suitable inscription, has been presented to General Radetsky, on behalf of the Czar, for his successful defence of the Hhipka Pass. The whole of the Roumanian army crossed the Danube on Saturday, and fixed their head-quarters at Parcix. Suliemau has strengthened his positions, and the Hank of hi.s army now commands the Russian line of retreat. It is reported that lie lias taken Ajath, near Gabrova. General Todleben is at Bucharest. Prince Charles of Roumania is himself taking command of the Russo-Roumanian corps, with General Sotoff as Chief of the Stall1. SERVIA AND THE WAR. LONDON, September 5. The Servian Militia is under marching orders.

AUSTRALIAN CABLEGRAMS.

A BARMAN SHOOTS TWO POLICE.

[PEESS AGEKCY 1 MELBOURNE. Atunist ion. Sailed: The s.s. ArawaSP L v Zealand. ' tOl *ew SYDNEY, September 12th Tl'°™ City o f^ Further rains have fallen in the aouth north, and west districts, which have <W a great deal of good in the p as fca] districts. i <l"twai Two constables have been shot by barman at Bourke. The Sub-Inspector also was wounded, and the assassin\ftl wards drowned himself. ' c

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Municipal elections are going on tn t ir the City of Auckland and the Borotwr? of Parnell and Onehunga, but so little st is being made in town by the pollincr +W one requires to be told of it to know' that anything of the kind is going on. Th voting is carried on under the" 5 provisions of the Municipal Corporation Act and th Regulation of Elections Act. The polW commenced at eight o'clock this mornuw and will close at all three places at six o'clock this evening, and we shall therefore be unable to give the results until to morrow. THE CITY. The candidates are Messrs F. L. Prime James Morton, James P. King, E. Isaacs' and A.. Fleming. ' "" >

The Returning Officer, Mr Henry Hidings, hud everything in readiness at tlic opening of the poll at the Mechanics' Institute, and with a numerous detachment of clerks and scrutineers was kept pretty busy the whole of rhe day. 3

The streets round the polling place durins the greater part of the day Avere dotted with twenty or thirty spectators who now and then indulged in mild jokes at the expense of the competitors and their friends All the candidates, with the exception of Mr Isaacs, were on the spot, and did not disdain to exercise the permasive influence of a last word. Very few cabs were engaged by the candidates, and only a few posters were to be seen either on the hoardings or the vehicles. It seerrm that the ladies tin not nrach value the glorious privilege of having a vote for which their champions are so unnecessarily clamorous on their behalf. We believe we are right in saying that only three of the fair sex recorded their suffrages in to-day's election. The busiest time in the booth was bet-ween twelve and one o'clock, when there was a pretty constant stream, and the polhV clerks were kept well at work. The votes will take the best part of an hour to reckon up after the polling is closed, so that the issue will n»t be declared much before seven. PAKNELL. The election is being conducted very quietly here. There is no fun or excite ment. A rush is expected when the "boys" come home from town at 5 o'clock.

PARLIAMENTARY.

{FROM OUJI SPECIAL HEPORTEE.)

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.]

WELLINGTON, this day

DECEASED WIFE'S SISTER'S BILL

Dr Plodgiiison, in moving the second reading of the Deceased AVife's Sister's Bill, said it had hitherto been regarded from a religious point of view ; when it should be considered in a most social point of view, aud with regard to its effects on civilization. He contended the relaxation of the law would not have an injurious effect. It was contended that the relaxation of the law would destroy that freedom of inter course which ought to exist between families. He considered such evils only imaginary. They were the offspring of a morbid sentimentality and prurient imagi nation. One argument was that the Bill would abolish sisters-in-law. He quoted John Blight's speech in the House of Com mons as to the operation of the law in the State of New England to shew that such relaxation of law did not abolish sisters-in law. Another argument was that men could not have sisters-in-law as house keepers. He believed if the law were relaxed, this, which he might call the fear of Mrs Grundy, would disappear. To keep these housekeepers as at present would be to deprive a number of unfortunate men of wives. The speaker quoted Mr Gladstone to shew that personal feelings should not interfere with the removal of this restriction, which would be to the liti gious and moral advantage of society. He j condemned as a fallacy that a wife's sister | was a man's own sister; but if this were true a man's mother-in-law must be his own mother ; a man wlio would admit this was no man at all. In the House of Lords 26 spiritual Peers gave their support to sucli marriages. He quoted from several speeches in the House of Lords in support of his views by Archbishop Tait and Bishop Ripon. In the Church of Rome it was common to grant dispensations for such marriages. He quoted Cardinal Wise man to the effect that these marriages were not opposed to Scripture, but merely a matter of discipline. The Presbyterians differed. He quoted John Bright to shew that amongst the quakers they did not condemn such marriages. He quoted also Mr Gladstone, whose opinions were influ enced by opinions of clergymen and popular feeling, in favoi of a change of the law. He hoped the voice of reason, justice, and humanity would prevail against prejudice. He could conceive of nothing more selfish than that a few men should oppose such marriages. He quoted Justice Story, ot America, who considered such marriages best, and most conducive to morality ana religion. Lord Lyndhurst had admitted that in New England it worked well, w (Mr Hodaldnson) hoped that the geniffl loci of the Upper House would induce them to view the Bill in a fairer light than they had hitherto done. Dr. "Wallis regretted this proposal was always coming under the notice of tw House. He condemned the Bill. This*jj a business, which, if carried into law, vom demoralise a large portion of society. , *n Bill resembled the bad penny, and had been repeatedly kicked out of Parliament ay home. DECEASED WIFE'S SISTEB.

In the House last night the debate m the Deceased Wife's Sister's Bill vu* continued. Dr Wallis opposed the dw as mischievous. There was already * much difference between English a New Zealand law. The Bill vonM cause an estrangement between the »?»« country and the colony, by leSall T? t what .it home was not only illegal, considered grossly immoral. Ane ~ would destroy one of the dearest sow relationships, without any correspond ing advantage. It was htfj*g fo the wife, as she be jealous of her sister; injurious to ' sister, as placing her in a false position g the wife's possible successor; mjnl>°"; the children, as preventing an aunt r showing an interest in them, or then i-i from fear of Mrs Grnndr's scandaloffi tongue ; injurious to the husband, ie'l %°. to impurity of thought and often oi .^ injurious to society at large. oU 'iJ must be a poor specimen if lie (^ '■ not see millions of unmarried women. ; who would many him. All Pcace t u' u . happiness would "be banished from sands of homes, domestic dissension^ moled, and thousands of more sister- < wives placed in a cruelly false posit on gratify (he vitiated taste and wanton ie ness of a few. Why not at the same " a legalise the marriage of a wife vriu* deceased husband's brother? CoV JY P tUe man in the House calmly contempt" possibility of his wife marrying his oh when he might be dead?

THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1877.



'for Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Austra- j liar. '-Monies,and United Kingdom, via Suez I as.:.- ".thampton (for letters specially addres- ! seat. at. 12.-15 a.m. > For United Kingdom (via Brindisi) and late ] letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne ! at Ip.m. | For money qriiers. registered letters, and newspapers, at 10.i5 a.m. Per s".s. Australia, ou Wednesday, 2Gth inst., as under: " For Sandwich Islands. United States of America. Canada. British Columbia, Central r.na South America, and British and Foreign Wf st Indies, at noon. For United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, at noon. For money orders, registered letters, and r.?v,"-p,ipers, tit 10.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing p.n extra, fes of i;a, in addition to tiie postage, will be received by the mail agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. s. B. HISS. Chief Postmaster.



JMPORTANT XOTIOE Saving introduced STEAM PO WEH into the Manufacture of FURNITURE, ice arc now enabled to Supply our Cus tomers at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. T. & H. COGKE, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, tbc, (he vST S lICW 800 MS. 07, Qijee'ii-strc.et. STEAM CABINET FACTORY Victoria-street.



J3 II ATE II V ANT) CLOTHING FOR THE SPRING AND SUMMER TRADE. The undersigned are now opening up supplies of NE TvS* GOODS for the incoming Season. Xerr Prints, in great variety of pattern and Style, from ijd per yard Very Choice Brocaded Prints, quite new designs White Satin Striped Brocaded Muslins Jp.pe.nese Silks, very choice A nice assortment of Black Silks, unusually value, from 33 Gd per yard A Varied and Carefully-selected Stock of New i'ancy Dress Materials Black and Coloured Lustres in variety, and General Drapery Goods of every descrip- T;on. A Job Line of Heavy Brown Holland at GJd per yard 3alance of Last Season's Dress Goods and Job Lines at very greatly Reduced Rates, to clear. Job Lot of large-sized Honeycomb rowels at Od each, I',- yards long Every Requisite in Furnishing Drapery. Caruets in variety. Curtains, Blind Muslins. Window Holland, Damask, Sheetings, all makes, Toilet Covers, Coloured and White Quilts and Counterpanes Blankets, all sizes, unusually cheap, Sec Sec. A Large Stock of Calicoes, of best makes, always on hand. Grey Calico from 3d per yard White Calico from I'd per yard Every Description of Clothing for Boys and lien Tweeds, Corduroy, Moleskin, strong material, for Boys' wear. >3 in he £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBPOOK & BRIDGMAN, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Ur-PEB QCKEX-STKEKT, AUCKLAND. mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS. J ' WAX 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 flattering Testi monials from leading Farmera justify W. J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist:— MALDKN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BELL'S BOXEFLOUR ' and i-inch BONKDUST BILLY ARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT. SULPHATE OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating"weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato arid Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will bo ; supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN-STREET, 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, Rats-tail, Rye grass, Cocksfoot, &c, at lowest market rates. vr. j. hurst & co. 101, QUEEN-S TRE ET. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) SOOO ~ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also SOO sacks of 1575 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour, B'-an. Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, Sec. &c. Particular attention is called to 509 sacks Prime Barlej at Is per bushel of 50'o. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh oatmeal, at £21 per ton. :w. j. hurst & co. •1101, Q UESN-S TRE E T Auckland. MANCHESTE 11 GOO DS. W. RATTRAY Begs to notify that he has JUST OPENED an ' assortment of the following Goods, viz.: Horrocks' and other makes 'of and Longcloths 10, 51, 72. SO, !)0, and 100 inch Finlay's Plain and Twilled Sheelings 6/4, 7/4, 8/4. 9/4, and 10' I White Linen Table Damasks 6/4, 7/4, and 8,4 ITambro aud Unbleached do,, do. Damask Table Cloths, Napkins and Tray Cloths, Rough and Dressed Hollands, Diapers, Frontings, &c. Linen and Cotton Bed Tick, Huckaback Towel ling, Tea and Glass Cloths, Christy's Turkish Dusters. Counterpanes, Quilts, Toilet Covers, and Anti macassars. The above have beex Marked at the Lowest Remunerative Prices. TyjT B W 7EALAKD TT OUS E, 6C, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND^ _



; ~V~ 0U |H AN <*} EE NEW CRETONNES, NEW BED-HANGINGS, At the CITY HALL ARCADB. ATEW DRESS GOODS, """ i.> NEW PRINTS, { At HOLLO WAY'S & GARLICK'S. ATEW MEN'S CLOTHING. IxS NEW BOYS' GLOiHING, j Ac CITY HALL ARCADE. I /-IARPET3, New Designs, and Cheap, \j FLOOR-CLOTHS, ditto, At HOLLOWAY fc GARLICK'S. TIHNDOW CURTAINS, Vt from 3'C to 70. At CITY HALL ARCADE. ATEW MILLINERY, -L> Al HOLLO WAY & GARLICK'S. pHEST OF DRAWERS, \y The Greaiest Variety at the CITY HALL ARCADE. BEDSTEADS, Largest Assortment in Wood and Tron, At HOLLOWAY & GARLICK'S. OUSEFUKNITUPiE, of every description, to suit all classes. rpilE GREATEST SHOW OF FURNISHING 1 GOODS IS TO BE SEEK AT THE ;feT CITY HALL ALICADK. -ffia JULOLLOWAY AND IjrARLICK, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. "O OAR T> 0 F EDUCATION. WANTED, an Asststant Clerk ; salary, £150 per annum. Applications, \rith testimonials, to be lodged with the Secretary, Wyndham-street, on or before Wednesday," 19th September instant.



Look out for shams in the shape of poisonous imitations of the Popple's favourite health beverage, UdoTil?ho Wolfe's Schiedam Aro matic Schnapps. These detestable swindles often bear counterfeit labels or names closely approximating to that of the true, art iolo. A close scrutiny should be brought to bear upon preparations purporting to be the real Schnapps.