SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

inr<u av_ti.p . This Afternoon, 10.24 HIGH WAD_K-j To-morrow Morning, 10.49 SUN SET.—This Evening, 5.49 SUN RISE. —To-morrow Morning, C.22 MOON'S AGE.—Las*-. Quarter, sth May, 10.58 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

F.iirlie, schooner, Norris. from Lyttelton

DEPARTURES.

Rowena, s.s., Sellar, for Tauranga Krienhilda, sciiooner, for Wangaroa Havvca, s.s.. Wheeler, for the South

Tho s,s. Hawea left Onehunga at 1 p.m. to-day for the South. Passengers :Mr and Mrs CoAvern, Mr and Mrs J. Smith and son, Mr and Mrs Weekcs, Mrs Worker. Mrs Russell, Mrs Sale, Miss Worker, Miss Must, Miss Miller, Judi.e Gillies, Captain Hayter, Inspector Broh am, Messrs. G. R. Johnstone, GirdAvood, Rattray, Berens, Marker, M. Smith, Hayter, Craw, Jennings, BluudeU, 'fait, Remington, Martin. A stiff north-easter was blowing in harbour to-day. Several v-essels Avhich were to have left to-day were detained in consequence. The s.s. Tarn O'Shauter, during the shooting season, will maks three trips a week to Waiuku for the benefit of shootists. The s.s. Rowena, having received a new pro peller and shaft, at the hands of Eraser and Tinne, started again yesterday for Tauranga. The barque Stag left for Newcastle in ballast yesterday. The schooner signalled yesterday turned out to be the 3-masted schooner Fairlie, from Lyttel ton. She left that port on the 25th, had southerly weather for the first few days, and then calms and light airs to Portland Island. From thence to East Cape had fresh fair winds, and subse quent! v S. and S.W. Avinds into port. She is laden with southern produce, and aqjpries con signed to Niccol, Hendry and Co. The s.s. Rotamahana Avill take up hor Thames trips at 5 o'clock this afternoon. She looks quite smart after her clean up. The s.s. Te Aroha is advertised to leave River head for Auckland at 'J a.m. each day, and leave Auckland for River Head at 1.30 p.m. each day. ggThe p.s. Annie Milbank left for Mahurangi hist nirfht with several prominent Auckland freemasons on board, Avho intended to be present at the inauguration of Lodge Rodney to-day. It will be seen by our telegrams that the s.s. Goahead has stuck on the bar at Gisborne, and doubts are entertained Avhether she will be got OX until the spring tides. The schooner Transit arrived in port yesterday evening. Captain Hooper reports leaving Oamai-u on the 24th; he has consequently been 8 days on the passage. He experienced tho same kind of weather as that reported by the Fairlie. The Transit brings a cargo of wheat, &c. It is the first time this line schooner has been back to this port since her regatta victories at Lyttel ton and Wellington. The s.s. Pretty Jane, which was advertised to leave for Tauranga and Gisborne to-day, is de tained till 12 o'clock to-morrow in consequence of the inclement state of the weather. The brig signalled this morning turned out to be the Moa, which started for Newcastle in bal last yesterday, and had put back in consequence of the heavy threatening weather outside. She anchored at the reef. The Cbarybdis which we notice has been turned into a topsail schooner also put back during the forenoon, aud anchored to the westward of the wharf. The following notice was yesterday posted at the Custom House: " Importers on passing their Prime, Warehousing, or Transhipping entries will be pleased to show on the face of the entry at which wharf the goods are to be landed or transhipped to, whether at the Queen-street or Railway Avharf.—Thomas Hill, Collector. It, Avill be seen by our Australian cablegrams to-day, that the schooner Josephine, which left Noumea for this port, eight days ahead of the Mazeppa, was lying at Howe's Island on the 20th ultimo, with a cargo of wheat. The Josephine being a sluggish sailer, has evidently been carried out of her course by the N.E. trades, very much as the Sissy was some months back. HoAvo's Island is about two days' sail from the Australian Coast. The Nellie, schooner, will load for Lyttelton at the Thames.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

THE GO-AHEAD AGROUND AT POVERTY BAY.

Gisborne, Wednesday.

The Go-Ahead on getting out this morning for Napier, got aground inside tho break. She lies in a critical position, and doubts are enter tained whether she will get off until the spring tides make. She has her signal flying warning the Jane Douglas not to come in. The Douglas has been outside the bar since yesterday morn ing, with very bad Aveather to contend with.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs Cochrane and Son held a sale of subur ban properties to-day. Lot 131, Angie.ea-street, brought £5 15s ; lot 3, South Newton, £40 ; lot 7, Moi mouth-street, £10, part of allotment 32 Cauba-_rc Tree Swamp Road, 2 .acres and 13 parches,!fil per aore.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to morrow, at 4.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. i For Coromandel, per Argyle, to-morrow, at 2.30 p.m. For Napier, per Star of the South, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, Waipu. Wangarei, and Mangapai. per Annie Milbank, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and Snuthern Provinces, per Taranaki, on Monday next, at 1 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at noon. For Australian Colonies, per Rotorua, on Tues day, Bth inst., at 11 a.m. Per s.s. City of Sydney, on Wednesday, 9th May, as foUows :— For Kandavu, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 11.30 p.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 time of saibng. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Ignoramus.—Consult a dictionary for spelling as well as pronunciation.

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

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1877.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good thit we can do.

The Russian army in Asia Minor has follOAved up its first decisive movement at Ardahan with an attack upon Kars. News of the result, our cable dispatch announces to-day, is awaited with anxiety. The campaign has begun very diffe rently from that of 1554, Avhcn, for the first eighteen months, the Russian force on the Asiatic frontier was small, and acting wholly on the defensive. There is reason to believe, however, that the altered tactic* Avere not unexpected, and Turkey had prepared for a vigorous resistance. If we may believe an Atlantic despatch received by the last mail, the Turks had very large garrisons at Ardahan, Kars, and Erzeroum, besides 12,000 troops at Batoum. The Russian army in Asia Avas estimated at 100,000 men. It will only be in accordance Avith the usual Turkish dilatoriness it the quickness of the attack has taken the garrison un awares, and Kars has fallen a first prize to the invaders. On the other hand, the place may be in a state of good defence, and, if so, as Avas sufficiently demonstrated by General Williams, it is capable of a A rery obstinate defence. The repeated attempts to storm it before Avere unqualified failures. After one attack in force, the Tnrkish garrison buried 6,300 Russians, who had fallen close to the intrenchments. How many the enemy buried Avas not ascertained. The garrison of 18,000 successfully held in check a Russian army of 40,000. If Kars succumbs, the Russian army will march on Erzeroum. Roumania has declared in favour of Russia, a declaration Avhich was hardly necessary to confirm the friendly disposition dis closed in its action throughout. The Porte has aunounced the closing of the Dardanelles at night as a safe guard against attack from the sea. The formidable fortresses of Europe and Asia commanding the entrance offer the best guarantee that the prohibition will be respected. The message is silent upon the progress of operations on the Danube, and the issue of the bombardments at Galatz, Poti, and Anaklia.

It is rare that a civil servant quarrels Avith his bread and butter, and comes into open conflict with his employers. The petty tyranny and favouritism exercised by Ministerial Heads of Departments and Under-Secretaries is met by a corresponding flunkeyismand subserviency in subordinates. Flickering sparks of original independence and manliness occasionally break out into flame, but these are soon extinguished under a system Avhich insists that every complaint of incompetence, tyranny, or even peculation, against the head of a department must be sent to the Ministry through the A rery officer whose administration is ques tioned. And the junior clerk soon finds that promotion lies along the track of toadyism to superiors and mean detraction of equals. His own personal oppressions may find some alleviation in petty tyranny over office messengers, and incivility to the public. A case has, however, arisen in Avhich a civil servant has kicked over the traces and come into open conflict Avith the Government. Mr F. E. Wright, formerly Chief Postmaster in Chrjstehurch, anil lattvly }iOJ9S ft similar ofc at Vm

Chalmers, has Avi-itten to the Wellington • "Post" detailing his grievances, and ex posing something of the inner life of the Government offices. He says he Avas induced by Mr Gisborne to give up the Christchurch post-mastership for the purpose of deAroting himself to the Insurance depart ment. Retiring from Ms responsible office Avith credit, and receiving the thanks of the Government for past services, he entered on the neAV duties with assiduity and success. All Avent merrily until the return of Mr G. Knight from the acturial studies in England, to Avhich the Government had paternally helped him as a qualification for the control of the NeAV Zealand Government Insurance business. Then, Mr Wright relates, '' be was subjected to a system of petty annoy ance and persecution. Hitherto, he had possessed the right to appoint his own olerk, whom ho paid, but the Government now insisted that the clerk should bo appointed by them, and hold the position of a Govern ment officer, Mr Wright, however, still paying his salary. There were some other annoyances to which Mr Wright was sub jected, the result being that he applied to be allowed to re-enter the postal service when a suitable vacancy occurred. He had stipulated for the privilege of being allowed to do this at the time he took charge of the Life Assurance business, and gave up tho °ostmastcrship. The Government affected to regard Mr Wright's application as a resignation of his position in the Life Assurance Department, and informed him that there Avas no suitable vacancy in the Postal Department, and that in six months he would bo paid compensation. Mr Wright, not wishing to loose one billet without obtaining another, made interest amongst his friends, who brought pres sure to bear upon Ministers, as the result of which ho Avas allowed to retain his position in the Assurance Department." shortly afterwards, he received intelligence that his re-appointment was on reduced terms. We need not follow him through the correspondence that folloAved on this, resulting in his appointment to the Port Chalmers post-office, which he says : — " Is situated over a cesspool, and the health of the former postmaster was ruined by tbe foul stench arising therefrom, while the telegraphists are in wretched health from tho same cause." Proof against threats, entreaties, aud petty annoyances, Mr Wright, gave way under the malodours of Port Chalmers, and asked permission to accept the compensation for loss of office, lie had previously rejected. Briefly then summarising his position, and the system under which it has been brought about, he says : — •

"During tho whole fifteen years I was Chief Postmaster of Canterbury, I never received a letter from the Government calling in question any one of my acts; there was ne\ ror an error in my accounts; and, through careful super vision and arrangement, there was not a single case of letter stealing or defalcation by any of the officers of the Christchurch office. The re ward of this good service is that I am broken faith with, and in consequence of resisting which, I have either to submit, to take a Biib ordinate Postmastcrship in a foul and loathsome office, and perform duties to which I am quite unused, or, in the forty-eighth year of my age, commence life again, with a foAV hundred pounds of compensation. I prefer the latter course, and hope to find that, I have sufficient lite and energy left to enable me to do as avcll as in a service in Avliioh the sole conception of organisation and discipline consists in petty tyranny and the unremitting endeavour to stifle every spark of independence of character.

Mr Wright's personal grievances Aye have little to do with, but the insight he giA-es into the conceptions of organisation and discipline current in tho service come direct from the inner sanctum, and carry propor tionate Aveight. Mr Wright's case exposes tho fact that the control of the Civil Serrice aifords absolutely unlimited scopo for the exercise of all the petty tyranny of Avhich very small natures developed under the soul-dwarfing system are capable. Absorbed in the turmoil of constitutional and financial confusion, Parliament will hardly be pre pared at present to enter on their work of Civil Service reform. But, in the removal of the service from Ministerial patronage and the crea tion of higher' incentives to exertion than the favour of Government proteges, themselves incompetent, will be found the remedy of an abuse that is opposed to the very spirit of free institutions. The evil is reproducing and multiplying itself in a groAving and deplorable disposition in the community to seek openings for youths in the Government sendee — a spirit as in jurious to the interests of colonisation as it is ruinous to the future of the unfortunate lads who are thus condemned to an emasculating servitude, and a life struggle to maintain a pauperized gentility. Mr Wright, in conclusion, thus expresses his opinion on the new head of the Insurance Department : —

"In conclusion, allow me to express a matter of opinion, not mine alone, but that of every one with whomlhavc conA^ersed Avho lias hud the honour of knowing tho present real bond of the insurance department, Mr Charles Godfrey Knight, i.e., that this possibly Avell meaning young gentleman, notwithstanding the nursing and expense the Government have incurred in his education, is totally deficient in tact, judgment, and knowledge of the world— that he has usurped a position in Avhich these qualities are cardinal requisites—that should he retain the position long enough, a department Avhich contains all the germs of a noble institu tion, will be rendered worse than useless by being governed by an erratic and uncertain head."

To-day we Avere afforded a sight of the illuminated address which has been pre sented to Inspector Broham by the members of the Auckland police force. The engross ing has b.en done by Mr A. Momrw, and tbe illumination by his brother Mr E. Morrow. Both are beautifully finished, and sheAA r the ivorkmanship of a master h?.nd. The signatures of the men at foot are exceedingly neat, and are better Avritten as a Avhole than any similar number of signatures Aye haA'e ever seen appended to such a document. The AA'hole is contained in a very handsome mottled kauri frame, the work of Messrs Holland and Butler. The address complete, will make a very tasty ornament for a room, and, Aye are sure, Avill be highly valued by the recipient.

The necessarily short report of the City Council Avhich Aye yesterday published would lead one to suppose that the claims of 29, of the 30 candidates, aa-lio sent in applications for the post of assistant-clerk to the Council, were neglected. This is not so, however, as will be &een if Aye explain the method of voting adopted. The letters AA rere first passed round, and the badly written Avere rejected at onoe. Then each Councillor AA ras requested to write down the name of the man he voted for. The names were handed to the Mayor, who read out the number received by each. Mr Wool field obtained four votes, Avhile no other candidate obtained more than one. As the Act requires that all questions must be decided by open voting, Mr Woolficld's name was then put from the Chair. Avhen all, except one Councillor, voted for him, and he was declared elected. Some persons havdng expressed surprise at thirty applica tions lnwing been received for the billet, Aye may mention that the surprise should be at there being so few. Were it not for the present revival on the Stock Exchange, the number Avould have exceeded fifty.

Mrs Home, of Parnell, desires to express her sincere thanks to all those kind friends AA'ho assisted her .in her trouble, and especially to Mr Raynes, Avho of his OAvn accord undertook to raise the sub scription for her. A grand neAV Court Theatre, to cost half a million sterling, is in course of erection at Vienna.

As sheAving the benefits Avhich are likely to accrue to the Waikato, from an influx of Southern capitalists, and practical sheep farmers, we may mention that Mr Jenkins, of Canterbury, who has purchased 4000 acres of land from Mr Morrin, is about to construct drains at a cost of £2000. The length of drains wiil he 12QQ feet. "with, a

The Otahuhu Band of Hope is progress ing- An agreeable and entertaining gather ing of the adult members was held last week, for the purpose of devising measures for the extension of this very useful society. The Rev. W. Macky was chairman, and explained the cause of the meeting. A good substantial tea had been provided. Some forty persons Avero present, and appeared to enjoy this social meeting of friends, over the cup that cheers but not inebriates. Singing.1 was also provided. There are belonging to this society upAvards of 50 adults, and nearly 120 children.

Mr Thomas Walker will give a lecture this evening, in the Lome-street Hall, on " Genesis and Geology, or the birth and destiny of our Planet." Mr Edger, 8.A., will take the chair.

Mr Gladstone in an article in the "Church Quarterly Review" says that "there has been, beyond aU doubt, one perceptible and painful change since the Prince Consort's death, a depression of the standard of conduct within the very highest circle of society."

The Hibernian Band occupied Mr Dorn well's new Hall last evening, and set the feet of the quadrille party in pleasant motion to the imspiriting sounds of music. Great satisfaction was expressed at the suitableness and structure of the hall. About forty couples were present to share in the pleasures of the hours. The members of the band marched through Queen-street to the hall, playing a number of lively airs, which' attracted much attention. Mr Bren nan acted as master of the ceremonies, and Mr J. P. Lonergan conducted the band.

A musical and literary entertainment will be given to-morrow evening in the Franklin-Road school-room, in aid of tho Trust Fund of tho Primitive Methodist Church. The proceedings will include read ings, recitations, music, and sacred songs. Rev B. J. Westbrooko in the chair.

Mr Broham, Inspector of the Police, was entertained last evening at a dinner by the gentlemen of tho Northern Club. Mr Broham leaves Auckland to-day for his new sphere of duty in Canterbury.

Mrs Charles John Taylor, of the Tamaki, was presented to Her Majesty the Queen, of England, by Lady Derby, at the Court and Drawing-room held at Buckingham Palace on the 2nd of March.

''<'■ A plan of the Helensville Railway exten sion has been deposited for inspection at the Helensville station.

The monthly inspection parades of the Auckland volunteers for the month of May, Avill take place on the following dates, in full dress, and Avith arms and accoutre ments :— Tuesday, Bth, 7.30 p.m., Victoria, Hobson, and Scottish, at the Drill-shed ; Wednesday, 9th, 7.30 p.m., Engineer and Naval Companies, at the Drill-shed ; Monday, 14th, 7.30 p.m., Engineer Cadets, at the Drill-shed ; Wednesday, 16th, 12.30 p.m., Grammar School Cadets, at the Drill-shed ; Thursday, 17th, 7.30 p.m., Artillery Co. and No. 3 Co. A.R.V., at the Drill-shed ; Saturday, 19th, 7.30 p.m., Otahuhu Rifle Company, Otahuhu.

A iicav Masonic lodge was opened at WarkAvorth to-day, nml a large number of the craft resident in Auckland Avcut down by the Annie Milbank, Avhich Avas specially chartered for the occasion. Mr Leers, as the Deputy Provincinl Grand Master, av.-ir to superintend the opening ceremony, assisted by various officers of Masonic lodges in Auckland. Amongst the proceedings there will be a procession in regalia, and in the evening a banquet.

The Sultnn of Turkey, in ordor to econo mise, has handed over 564 horses from the Imperial stables for tho use of the cavalry, and has presented the animals in tfie Zoological Gardens, collected by his late uncle, to the Zoological Societies of London and Paris.

The quantity of brandy imported from Charentc to the United kingdom during 1876 aviis 10,241,760 gallons, of which nearly half avu.s exported by three firms, as folloAvs : IlennesKv and Co., 2,759,487 gallons; Martell and Co., 1,552,762 gallons ; Otard- Dupuv and Co., 758,070 gallons; total 5,070,319 gallons.

The list of members of the Institute of Civil Engineers, corrected to January 1, contains the names of 2937 members of all grades, viz :—l4 honorary members, 882 members, 1608 associates, and 433 students.

The Avatenvorks of Manchester have been 28 years in course of construction, and have cost £2,500,090. The reservoirs cover 603 J _. acres, and have a capacity of 459S million gallons. Five neAV reservoirs, covering 372 acres, and possessing a storage capacity of 1860 million gallons, arc to be constructed fortliAvith at Denton and Andenshaw.

At the usual weekly meeting of the Excelsior Lodge 1.0. G.T. held last even ing, the following officers Avere installed by Bro Squirrell, assisted by Bros. Young and Worms:—P.W.C.T., Bro Green ; W.C.T., Bro Geo. Whitcombe ; W.V.T.. Bro Beebv ; W. Secretary, Bro J. Gibbs ; W.F., Secre tary, Bro Carradis; W.F. Bro Maynard ; W.C., Bro Anderson ; W.M., Bro C. SAvcet man; W.1.G.. Bro Hoskins; W.0.G., Bro Dynes ;W. A. S., Bro Robert Moore ; W.D.M., Sis Wnitcombe; W.R.H.S., Sis Anderson ; W.L.H.S., Sis R. Moore.

General Tchernarzeff, who commanded the Servians in the Avar Avith Turkey, is staying at the Isle of Wight.

A national testimonial will be presented by the British cricketers to Mr W. G. Grace, who is about to give up cricket for the practice of medicine.

The Kaitangata coal-miners, who have earned 12s a day, are on strike for a rise in AA'ages.

Mr Plunkett, formerly of Auckland, and iioav editor of the Kumara "Times" is writing under the head of " The Loiterer in Kumara."

Earl Granville was audaciously robbed of his watch in broad daylight on January 27th Avhile waiting for a train at NeAv-street Station, Birmingham. A gentleman pointed out to him that his Avatch chain Avas hanging loose, and his lordship then found that his Avatch was gone.

M. Raspail has introduced into the French Chamber of Deputies a Bill lega lising the marriage of priests.

The " Malta News " states that the car pet on which the Sultan daily prays is kept in order by several persons whose joint salary is 2500 dollars a year.

Mr Tunny will make an analysis of the contents of the stomach of the late Mrs Scott, at Onehunga, to-morroAV, and Dr Goldsbro' Avill attend.

A short time ago a good deal of sympathy AA ras excited by accounts of the brutal ill-usage suffered by a poor woman in Aber crombie-street from McGrath, her husband, AAdio is uoav doing a term of three years in Mount Eden gaol for his oft'ence. The incarceration of the ruffian has left his wife to support a baby only three months old, and a little girl of four years. Although McGrath has £40 or £50 in the Bank, such is the state of the IaAV that not a penny can be touched to support his family, and he refuses to contribute anything voluntarily. In these circumstances Mrs McGrath, Avho obtained a protection order, and has been assisted by the Ladies' Benevolent Society, intends to establish herself in the boot making business, which she understands, and hopes by industry to establish a permanent business that will keep herself and little family independently. We have great pleasure in commending the facts to residents in the_neighbourhood. as disclosing a case worthy of encouragement. In our "Wanted" column will be found Mrs McGrath's address, \yhqre or^wf. yifiU be

It will be remembered that during the Servian Avar, the Turks refused to receive telegrams reporting their defeat, and the correspondents were obliged to send their messages via Semlin, in Austria—Hungary, which can be reached by steamers from Belgrade in a quarter of an hour. The Semlin telegraph earned a great reputation. The call upon it was very great, but it was fully equal to requirements. Every evening for nearly five months it had to deal with telegrams written in English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Polish, and Serbish languages, and the rapidity and accuracy AA'ith Avhich those messages Avere transmitted was simply marveUous. There was not an operator in the office who under stood a word of English, and yet the account of the Battle of Alexinatz, which appeared in the " Times " of September 4th, and extended to nearly four columns, was transmitted from Semlin without the mis take of a single Avord.

Very recently at Sydney the Rev. D. Beg, of that city, delivered a' lecture upon the subject of spiritualism, which is exciting much attention in New South Wales owing to the lectures of Walker, the "trance medium." The rev. lecturer said that on a previous occasion lie had exposed the fraud and fallacies of spiritism. It was his in tention in that lecture to show the evil effects which it had produced. First. He maintained that spiritism had been the cause of evil consequences to the human body and mind, inasmuch as it produced bodily and mental diseases and disorders. On the authority of various medical men and others, lie showed that catalepsy cerebral disease, disorders of the intellect disease of the Adsccra, epilepsy, St. Vitus' dance, nervous and other affections, resulted from the resting of the mind on the fallacies of spiritualism; also stating that the lunatic asylums in America were filled to an alarm ing extent by its professors. Even this class of people themselves sometimes admitted that they were injured by their belief. He affirmed, in the second place, that spiritism had been the cause of evil consequences in a moral point of view. It taught all kinds of religious belief of the most contradictory character, as was shoAvn by many instances which ho gave. It made the human mind so debased that persons who were believers in it looked upon drunk ards and other immoral persons as lit mediums, and through these they were Avilling to accept monstrous charges of corruption against the ministry of the Christain Church, and the belief that communications are elicited from the de parted spirits of the loAvest order of beasts and insects, and even of shrubs and stones. One of the most serious evils arising from spiritualism was the shocking sentiments and corresponding action it led to. It favoured promiscuous marriages, free love, the parting of husbands and Avives, the degradation and ruin of girls and Avomen by designing men, and many other equally deplorable effects. In proof of these leading ideaSjthe lecturer quoted many authorities, and illustrated his remarks, which were most attentively listened to and frequently applauded, by numerous anecdotes.

All accounts against Mr Robert Graham's committee must be sent in to the secretary, at the CroAvn Hotel, Grey-street, to-morroAV night.

We understand the Ponsonby Skating Club will open their season on Friday evening, the 11th instant, at the Ponsonby Hall, and a committee of management has been formed.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

DEPARTURES, April 27th :—Prince Alfred, and Maud Graham for Lyttelton, on the 28th Reliance for Wellington. The Ada WisAvell cleared the bar on the Ist inst Avith a line S.S.E. wind bound for Shanghai, also the WarkAvorth for Patea.

SPORTING NOTES.

Mr Walters' team returned from the South on Tuesday by the HaAvea. In addition to the racehorses Hippocampus, Isaac Walton, and Kingfisher, the three brood marcs Fanny Fisher, Yatterina, and Peeress Avere also passengers, each with a little Traducer foal at foot. The racing trip has not been a profitable one to Mr Walters, but at the same time his successes at Greyniouth and Hokitika were sufficient to pay expenses. Hippocampus, Avhose appearance was eagerly scanned at land ing, looks bigger and stronger than Avhen lie Avcnt away. He sheAvs no sign of lameness, but is said to be still a little stiff Avhen galloping. His accident in the Dunedin Clip Avas caused by one of his legs slipping from under him on the Avet ground ; it was in no Avay connected with his former strain, from which he has quite recovered. The mares look quite proud of their offspring, and well they may be, for no better bred youngsters -will meet them during their career. Whoever had charge of them doAvn South has been sparing of his corn, as both foals and dams are miserably thin. Vat and Fanny have colts, Avhile Peerless has a nice looking filly. It is difficult to say yet which is the best. All these mares are again in foal to the same celebrated horse. I hear that nearly all the nominations for the Birthday Handicap are likely to accept. Bideawee and Opawa Avill be up in a feAV days.

The morning gallops are beginning to attract visitors to the course'of a morning. Yesterday morning six .or seven horses were out.

Buckland's Magician did a good gallop in his clothes, and Queen Mab, one of the most promising of the Champagne candi dates, did Avalking exercise. I hear she did a slashing gallop on Tuesday morning which acounts for her taking it easy to-day. Shanneen Avent a very fast gallop, aud his people don't think him quite out of the handicap by any means. Bucks tone only did Avalking exercise, but looks Avell. Isles man and Don Avere out and catitered. They are both improving, as they will need to, before they stand much chance of paying for their Avinter corn.

This morning. Old Islesman did a three miles canter going strongly and well. Buckstone Avent a good gallop, _ and afterwards had a little jumping exercise over the fences, He is a good goer, but wants plenty of schooling yet. Magician had a trial spin with a four year black Napier mare, belonging to Mr Quinlan, AAdiich gave Mr Buckland's big horse all his Avork for half-a-mile, but, being out of condition, the horse beat her easily at the finish. I liked the look of this ma-e very much. She is by Dainty Ariel of a Plov rer mare, so that her breeding is by no j means bad, and she is full of good points, ; Avith a head and neck that do a man good to look at. I understand she is for sale cheap. Magician does his work as if he liked it Avhen fairly set going, but he takes a lot of rousing, and I question if a boy will be able to get him out. The last to perform was Mr Buckland's Champagne filly Queen Mali, Avho Avent a smart £ mile in company Avith old Larry, who, hoAvever, was left fully fifty ' yards at the finish. The filly has a very taking style of going, doing her Avork very quietly, and without any superfluous action. She is not unlikely to make it very warm for Venus Transit, and Long-lands, who are thought by some to be the only ones in- it. Another Champagne youngster, Lady Coventry, and one or tAvo other animals Avhose names I did not catch, were out, but did little besides walking. Quite tAventy horsemen were out to Avitness the fun. I am glad to see that the steAvards have had a chain put across the race course at the distance, so that trainers are com pelled, to. us.? the, ploughed gaßop.

CABLEGRAMS.

[PRESS AGENCY.]

THE WAR.

LONDON.

May 1

Russians Attack Xars.

Khedive Helps Turkey.

Roumanian Convention with

Russia-

Bosphorus Closed at Night.

The Russians have made an attack upon the City of Kars, in Turkey in Asia, but the result has not yet been received here.

Despite the threat of Russia to make reprisals, the Khedive of Egypt has signified his intention to co-operate with Turkey in the Avar.

The Roumanian Chamber of Deputies having met to consider their action in view of the Avar between Russia and Turkey adopted a convention Avith Russia, assuring the latter power of a friendly passage of her troops through Moldavia and Wailachia to attack Bul garia. •

As a precautionary measure the passage of vessels through the Dardanelles at night has been stopped.

AUSTRALIAN.

AUCKLAND VESSELS OUT OF THEIR RECKONING.

The Southern Cross from NeAveastle to Auckland, coal laden, put in here through stress of weather. The schooner Josephine from Noumea to Auckland, Avas lying at Howe's Island on the 29th through stress of Aveather, with a cargo of wheat. Arrived.—Adelaide from New Zealand.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before His Worship the Mayor (W. J. Hurst, Esq.,) J. McC. Clark, Esq., and J. Willcox, Esq., Justices.) QUITE ENOUGH PUNISHMENT. A poor fellow Avho had injured himself so badly while drunk as to necessitate his removal to the hospital, was charged on the sheet AA'ith the oifence of intoxication. The case was adjourned till Monday next. Happiness. John Mcchcls, alias " Happy," for using abusive and obscene language in the public street, was lined £5 and costs, with the option of three months' imprisonment. DIDN'T UNDERSTAND. Elizabeth Speers, a well-known "party," Avas charged with being an incorrigible rogue, Avith having no lawful means of subsistence, and with having been pre viously convicted as an idle and disorderly person, and finally, with being a rogue and a vagabond. Elizabeth modestly acknoAvledged that she was drunk, but did not know what being a rogue and a vagabond meant, and as to being " encouragcable," no one had ever said that of her before. On second thoughts she would plead guilty. Their Worships sent Bessie to gaol for six months. ALLEGED ABUSIVE LANGUAGE. Robert Atkinson was charged Avith using threatening and abusive language to Joseph Worms on Saturday the 28th ult. Mr Laishley appeared for the defendant, and pleaded not guilty. The complainant said that on Saturday afternoon last, he was in his shop which was next to that of the defendant, when the latter who was sitting in his shop, called out " Get out of that you JeAv." I'll have no Jews next to me." He then re ferred to a part of his body, not generaUy mentioned in polite society, and threatened to kick it, if he did not clear out. He took no notice to this, but the same conduct Avas repeated in the evening, and on Monday. On Monday morning he went and spoke to his landlord about defendant's conduct, but on Monday evening he Avent down to the police, and laid information.

The complainant Avas cross-examined at some length by Mr Laishley with a AdeAv to slioav that the charge was trumped up by complainant in consequence of his client having complained to the police that Mr Worms kept a bad house. Complainant admitted that such charges had been made against him, but denied there was any truth in- them. He had no witnesses to bring, as Mr Scott, MangaAvai, who was there at the time had gone home that morning in the cutter Alarm.

Mr Laishley having addressed the Court, tbe defendant was put in the box, and totally denied making use of the language imputed to him. He and complainant had some words on Saturday. Complainant came into his house, aud began at him about the Avater tap. He. told'him to get out, and as he did not move he told him that if he wasn't quick about it, he Avould kick him out. He did not speak to him on Monday at all. In consequence of AAdiat he saAA', he Avent down to the Police Station on Saturday evening, and complained that the house AA'as not kept respectably. Mr Worms was Avell knoAvn to the police, as he had similar complaints made about him. By Mr Worms : He did not go into his shop, and buy 6d worth of potatoes, and ask for credit.

Mr Scott, the missing witness for the prosecution, here came into Court, the cutter not having sailed, and Mr Worms desired to call him.

Mr Laishley objected. Complainant's case Avas closed.

™TJ. e B"lch said they would like to hear Mr Scott's evidence.

That gentleman being sworn did not seemtoknoAv much about the case. He could not SAvear, but he thought it was on Sunday lie saAV Mr Worms, Avho was a friend of his He saw Atkinson come betore the wmdoAV five or six times, but did not bear him h say anything. He knew no thing against the house keptjby Mr Worms. ■mi £ 11 J.^Mey :He knew that Mrs McDonald lived there.

t, 5" atw?™ wn' Bndget ChadAvich, Eliza- Deth Williams, three young ladies, vvho were employed by Mrs Atkinson in the dressmaking, gave evidence, Avhich strongly corroborated Mr Atkinson's testimony the Bench said they Avere perfectly satis fied. Ihe charge would be dismissed with costs against Worms. This was all the business.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.- This Day.

---(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.) JUDGMENTS FOR PLAINTIFFS » GS O-.S' U, me V- Geo- Evans, claim £1 l<>« ->a Koods (Mr Rees for plaintiff, costs £1 A If. a Langsford v. D. Wrighi, ciaim £6 • James w_.it' e Vostta 3 W Clark' olaiin «L rentronTft favour of his son-in-law, Rosaer. aerejiaayt *« Www mmm m m% mm twa &.

this case, but in consequence of an arrant..™,. «. between the parties, tbe summons was <a< misseo. WOB 9&-

WM. SCOTT V. HENRY SMITH. Claim, 10. _ The _tefendal_t; in this case stated that he w<.<_ indebted to plaintiff in connection wi.fc , promissory note, but plaintiff seomed to W» \ forgotten all about the horse for which thS \ was indebted to him. Inßteadof being ___3_?ff___i to plaintiff plaintiff was indebted to him for «?• value of the horse, he had neglected, howeva? to put in his set-off. "««ver,

The Court recommended defendant to c_mft». judgment for £3, and bring his action _fe Court day, which he promised to do. w

ADJOURNED CASES. F. Wright v. Rd. Henson, claim, £3 3 a •,_.. National Bank of New Zealand v. Robert St/.]/*,' claim £16 lfis; Bell Brothers v. Geonre CWT claim, £9, to furnish particulars; Plutusirv*u' Mining Company v. Carl Basche, claim £Bin. John MoLachlin v. Matthew Grace, claim &i it« Holder Bros. r. Henry Perry, claim, £8 is ALEX. BRENNER V. WM. AITKIN Claim, £37 2s Bd. Mr Rees for plaintiff. Mr Heßketh for defend ant. xnis was a claim for Highway Rates on land in the Waikato, the bability of which defendant denied.

Mr Rees put in the Highway Empowering Act of 1871, the Provincial Gazette, Assessment List, rate book, copy of "Waikato Times' minutes of District Board, etc. '

Major George gave evidence as to his beine appointed Chairman of the Waiotara District and knew the land for which defendant Wt rated.

Mr Hesketh offered several objections to the claim; the superintendent, on the face of the proclamation, had not extended the locality into a highw.ay district, and the local board not noti fied a time and place, according to the 42nd sec tion of the Act of 1877 for the hearing obiection. Mr Rees replied to the arguments of Mr Hes° deth, and urged that these objections did not invalidate either the rate-book or the rate, which was properly made.

The Russian Army.

The following information respecting the military resources of Russia are compiled from late German military papers, and the information may be depended upon ag thoroughly reliable and authentic :—The Russian infantry consists of 48 divisions, each of two brigades, each brigade comprising tAvo regiments. In ten of these divisions, namely, the guards and the seAen Gaucasus divisions, the regiments _ are four battalions, and the army divisions three battalions. There are 616 infantry battalions, each of a thousand men, on a wai footing, in addition to 32 rifle battalions, divided into 8 brigades, and 34 so-caUed line battallions. The total strength of the Regular Infantry is as follows :— 616 Infantry Battalions ... 616,000 men 32 Rifle „ ... 28,000 „ 34 Line „ ... 56,600 „ 682 Battalions 679,600 men Of irregular infantry the Russians have but little, some 11 battalions of Cossacks. When the army is mobilised for each regi ment of the active army, a Reserve Battalion should be formed, which Avould supply an additional force of 160,000. Every Russian male under the age 0f,40, capable of bearing arms, and not serving in the standing army, is liable to be called out to serve in th« " Landstrum," or " Opoltschenie." These men are called " Ratuiki," and are divided into two bands.

The Regular Cavalry consists of 56 divi sions, each of 4 squadrons, and one Reserve Squadron. The Avar strength of a squadron is 16 non-commissioned officers, 4 trumpeters, and 128 men mounted, and the strength of a regiment is 629 men. This gives a force of 35,224 men for the 56 regiments. To this force must be added 22 regiments of Cos sacks, numbering 1,134 men each, making 28,14S men, or a total force of Regular Cavalry of 55,372, divided into 19 cavalry divisions, of 4 regiments each. Besides the Cossacks of the Don, there are other Cossack regiments in the Russian sendee. Tho following gives the total force of Cavalry, regular and irregular, at the disposal of the Czar :— Regular Cavalry 30,000 men Cossack Regiments of do. ... 20,000 ~ Don Cossacks 36,000 „ Other Cossacks 35,000 ,j Total 126,000 men Of artillery, the Russians, possess the foUowing : — Batteries. Guns. Met.. 288 field 2,304 73,500 34 horse 204 7,650 24 Cossack 164 6,150 346 2,672 87,300 To each infantry diAdsion is attached an artihery brigade of 6 batteries, numbering in all 48 guns. Of Special Corps the Russians have 5 Sapper Brigades, comprising 11 sapper battalions, 6 pontoon half-battalions, 2 en gineer battalions, 2 siege engineerbattalions, 9 telegraph battalions, 4 reserve sapper bat talions, in all 14,340 men. The following gives the total streng^h.of the different arms on a war footing :— Infantry 682 battalions 679,600 men. Cavalry 932 squadrons 120,000 „ Artillery 346 batteries 37,000 „ Engineers — 14,300 „

Total active army ... 907,000 men. Guns ... ... " ... 2,672 i Of local troops there is a force, including ; garrison infantry and artillery, of 254,000 on a war footing. To these, in the event ef war Avould be deA roted the task of garrison* . ing the fortresses and maintaining order. • Excepting in Poland and the Caucasus this force would amply suffice, and the main body of the active army would be free to operate upon the frontier. Although : the issue of the Berdan rifle to the troops was commenced in 1869, the army lias not yet been supplied with it, and some of the troops have not yet been trained to its use. This is a great drawback in the efficiency of the Russian army The weapon itself is said to be second to none in Europe. Each Russian infantry soldier carries GO rounds of ammunition in two pouches. The training of the troops is said to be very good. The Russian soldier, though manocuvering sbmeAvhat clumsily, may he relied upon to advance Avith undaunted resolution and confidence, folloAAdng his leaders doggedly, and deliver ing his fire Avith great coolness. The Russian artillery is excellently horsed, and the guns Avell served. The employment of masses of artillery does not appear, hoAvever, to have received due attention in their manoeuvres. Every officer has to pass an examination. The mobilisation of an army scattered over a vast extent of country is necessarily Slow, especially when the Russians haA^e to watch Poland and other disaffected parts of the empire. To form an estimate of the army at the disposal of the Czar to cope with Turkey and her allies, a deduction must be made of forces required to keep the peace in Russia, and to gualrd her coasts, which, OAving to the superiority of the Turkish fleet, are peculiarly open to attack. In Warsaw some divisions must be left, two divisions for the protection of Finland, and the Baltic coast, and tAVO for Odessa and the shores of the Black Sea. The local troops would suffice to guard other parts of the Empire. The following gives the num ber of troops Avhich Russia has available for active service in the field :—•

These figures only give the actual comba tants, the Military Train and Administra< tive Deportments are not included. For active operations in Asia-Minor at the same time, the following force wuJfli be available, allowing a force of two dm«

THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, MAY 3,_1877.



6 Iniantry Divisions of the Guard 48,000 men 32 Infantry Divisions ... 334,000 „ 24 Rifle Battalions 20,000 „ 52 Cavalry 33,000 „ 20 Cossack Regiments ... 20,000 „ !44 Batteries of 1,884 guns ... 52,000 „ Total ... 557,000 raexO



BL AN KE TS ! TJLANKETS!! BLANKETS !!. BLANKETS !!! In addition to Large Parcels of NEW GOODS for the incoming Season already announced, the undersigned have pleasure in informing their customers and the public that the bulk of their NEW SEASON'S Stock of BLANKETS are now to hand. In order to maintain the well known character of oifr house for goods of this description, Great Care has been exercised in Selection and Purchase, due regard being had to Quality and Price, and full advantage has been taken of an overstocked market and falling prices. Inspection will prove that we commence the season's trade with a Stock of Blankets, which for Price and Quality are second to none. BLANKETS (all sizes), White, Blue, and Grey. 19 x 4 Blankets, from 10/6 per pair. in I*«. (bougnt a job, 10 x » " 17/b " \ splendid value. •}* x f " \ equally cheap. i_ xi .. i FLANNELS, all makes and qualities. New Winceys, exceptionally cheap—a good lino at sfd. French Merinoei, All wool Plaids, Satin Cloths, and NeAV Fancy Dress Materials, in great variety. A nice assortment of New Black Silks, very good A Talue. WINTER HOSIERY, of every description. Children's and Ladies' Waterproof Mantles, Waterproof Tweeds, &c, NEW LINEN GOODS-Cuffs, CoUars, and Sets, uoav shapes and styles. Strong Grey and Drab CORSETS, at very low prices. NeAV Ribbons, Flowers, Hats, Fancy Buttons, -. Sr.c,, Sec * OP ALL DESCRIPTIONS, * for Boys and Men, good and cheap. _t3Jt One Shilling in tho £ returned on all Cash Purcßjases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGM4.N, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel) 1 Upper Queen-street Auckland. I^TOVELTY ! Novelty ! Novelty !— JL_l Butter Coolers, Sugar Basins, Cream Jars. Taukards. Tumblers. Glass Basins, all full of best English Jam, from Is 3d to 2s3d; Tea bannisters, Is and Is 6d. Ex Electra from London. At H. Watts, Pitt-street.—Note.— Fruit and Parrots shortly to arrive. CONTINUATION OF CLEARING OUT SALE. JOHN W. PEA RS E (Leaving for England). The Stock must be sold at Frightfully Reduced Prices, to realice quickly, consisting of aA rery Large Stock of Men's and Boys' Clothing, Ulster Coats, Waterproof Coats, Inverness Capes, Overcoats, French Felt Hats, Cloth Caps. A large quantity of Ladies' Very Fashionable Costumes, Jackets, Shawls, and Felt Skirts, just received from London. Blankets. Flannels, Tweeds, Hosiery. Gloves, vines. Feathers, Flowers, and Straw Goods. Every Department is Marked Doavr, so as to ■clear out. 2%9l_iuWQC<toftW^tagri«| I



O P E C I.A L NOTICE. AUTUMN & WINTER GOODS, BA.NNOCKBURN AND MOSGIEL TWEEDS H. L. POSSENNISKIE Opening Out these New Seasonable Goods, would call particular attention to their quality, which is second to none imported, while from his large an<i varied Stock Gentlemen can rely on a choice of Cloth unattainable else where in tho colony. H. L. POSSENNISKIE, MERCHANT TAILOR & HABITMAKER, Opposite the City Mart, Shortland-street. TjIURNITURE! FURNITURE! Ladies and Gent emen about to Furnish are respec fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DRA WING - ROOM, DINING - ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacious Showrooms. T. & S. COOKE, 67, QUEEN-STREET Adjoinina Bank of N'i>> Zealand. ISMARCK & FRENCH REPUBLIC GOLD MINING COMPANY (REGISTERED). Shareholders are renvnded that tho time for receiving applications for Preference Shares expires on SATURDAY next, at noon. Shares not applied for-on or before that date will be disposed of by the Directors in terms of resolu tion of 6th April ult. R A . WHITE , Manager. Auckland, 3rd May, 1877. T_>AKURANGA HUNT CLUB. W. RATTRAY Begs to inform Members of tho Club that ho has received the GREEN CLOTH for Making their HUNTING COATS, and is prepared to execute orders with promptitude. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER & MERCHANT TAILOR, 66, QUEEN-STREET. AITCKJCAND



Manning's Worm Poavders.— This excellent Vermifuge is safe and quick in its operation. One or two doses is sufficient. Hundreds of testimonials may be seen from those who have used them. Price, 13. a packet.—Prepared only by Sharland & Co., Apothecaries Hall, opposite Post-oflioe, Auckland.



Atkinson's Perfumery and Specialities,



A little prudence in purchasing will enable the buyer to defeat the aims of the rascals who sell spurious counterfeits of Udolpjio Wolfe's Sciiiedam Aromatic Schnapps in bottles which formerly held the real article. See that the label bears the name and signature of tbe proprietor, observe its execution, and do not be imposed upon by plausible explanations of any deficiency.