SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„-_,, T „, m-c-r, (This Afternoon, 12 j HIGH WATER-- To . mon . o . v >lorning, 0.14 ' SUN-SET.—This Evening. 5.22 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Moram?, G.lo MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter, lbth, 10.. a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Columbus, barque. 711 tons, Lsson, from London Tvlarv Ann Annison, barque, from Lyttelton Ellci-ton, three-masted schooner, Keane, from

Lvttelton Adonis, brigantine. McAveney, from Brisbane Jessie, schooner, from Poverty Bay Acadia, scliooner. from L. Uclton

DEPARTURES.

Pretty Jane, s.s.. llelander, for Gisborne RoAvena. s.s , Sallars. for Tauranga Mazeppa, schooner, Garraway, for Levuka

IMPORTS.

Per barque Columbus, from Lonnon. o.iio rails, 2.071 cases. 111 casks, 117 Arums. i2obales. 211 packaa-... 2 tierces. 99 qr.-casks, 22 tanks to hhds., 1.322 boxes. 3 barrels, a crates. 101 kegs, 817 bandies, G7 trunks, 32 springs, 1- pa^s wheels and axle.;, 16 chancel brasses 1 w silver plato. 117 castings, 22s ovens and cc. eiis. 55 pots. 52 bars, 1 basket, 8 bags, 11 cods 18 ingots tin. 175 jays, 1 case show cards , tanks and a quantity of surplus stores, 12 c^scs ether. 7 cases cod liver oil, 5 casks linseed meal, ■2 cases Cooper's sheen dip, 17 cases patent medicines.—Hamilton Bros. 15 casks. S cases. 3 hhds. acid.-Treland Bros. 1 cases saddlery and harness.—R. Artlmi. 10 bales.—Wilsons and Horton. 9 bale?.—lT. Brett. ..b_ie* 65 cases.—Owen and Graham. _ Pc>- Coiumbn s :-10 bases ether, 2 cases tartaric a<nd 2 cases pianos. I case cat-punter s pencils 1 Tann's iron safe, 2 casks ink, 6 cases sla.es, 20 cas-_ condensed milk and chololate, .. cases sivcerine soap. 2 cases twine. 2 cases handaAVS, 3 cases brush ware, 1 box glaziers diamonds, 1 f-.se clock materials, 2 cases hammers, 2 cases plumblevels, 1 case braces and bits. ! cases finishing nails, 2 cases alpine hats, 2 cases black Cavour hats. _ cases mole trousers, 3 bales ' wr.amaino- nan---r.— E. and H. Isaacs. Per&! Columbus, from London : 10 casks lampblack, 0 casks ground alum, o cases acui, 3 casks iron liquor. 2 casks black dye. 2 cases clastic 27 cases, 19 casks, 11 pkgs. grinder}, 49 cask's shoe pegs, 3 casks iron and Avood pegs, "7 casks nails, 7 cases boot uppers, 16 pkgs. bootmakers machinery, 20 cases leather, 19 cases saddlery, l cask saddle trees, 11 pkgs. saddleis ironmongery. 3 casks chains.—lreland Bros. Per brigantine Adonis, from Brisbane: 12a tons animal monure. 09n Per scliooner Ellerton, from Lvttelton: 320 ba-s wheat. 203 bags oats, 200 bags flour, 1 cases bacon.-Nic.o!. Hendry, and Co., agents. Per Elizabeth, from Lyttelton: 200 sacks potatoes, ltO do- oats, 120 do. tlour, 210 bags oatmeal.—Niccol and Hendry, agents.

ARRIVAL OF THE COLUMBUS.

The smart London barque Columbus made her appearance in harbour soon after nightfall last _Rit after a oassage of 103 days from Graves em! She comes consigned to the New Zealand Shipping Co.. and has a valuable general cargo on board, and 22 Government immigrants, Cant Bsson, Avho is in command, is accom paniedby Mrs Esson. Mr William Burgess brought the vessel up, and she anchored m exactly the same spot as she did two years ago at about 9 p.m The voyage has been charactor fsedby• fine weather, with the exception of a eale in the Bay of Biscay, and another heavier Sne off the coast of Tasmania. The passenger _ all arrive in good health, and speak in warm terms of the'treatment they have received at the hands of the Captain and officers during the vova-e. The Captain has supplied the follow ing report of passage .-Left Gravesend- on the Ah May AY-nan E.N.E. breeze, Avhich carried the vessel clear of the Channel. When in the Bay of BiscaA", experienced strong S.S.AA. gales with heavy seas, of such a nature that Captain Esson ordered the passengers from below into the cabin, and' then battened doAvn the hatches. Head winds were then encountered until off Cape Finisterre, and the Island of Madeira was sighted on the 21st May. The N.E. trades were secured on the 28th, in lat. 18. N and long. 25-75 XV Avliich hOAvever were light and un steady, the Equator being crossed on Junelth, in long 25-5 V., 30 days out from Start Point. Thence- variable Avinds until the S.E. trades were picked up in r S3' S., and lasted until m T 13' S., Avhen, droopping away, light variables were carried its far as 31° S. From abreast ot St Paul's Island strong W. and S.W. gales con tinued until the eastings Avere run do\yn in the narallel of 11° S. Sighted the Tasmanian coast on the Ith instant, and then commenced a series of .rales which tried the mettle of all on boara, during which the crev. behaved, as a body, ma m-nnlr which redounded to their credit. On the sth, the vessel was struck with two heavy seas Avhich filled the mam deck flush with the rail and the cabin also received a large quantity ofAvater. Everything moveable on decs, and the clothing of the skipper and chief officer, went by the board, besides numerous harness casks, fee. A breastwork, which had previously been formed to protect the cabins, &c, was destroyed, and so great was the amount of water on deck, that the bulwarks had to be stove in to allow it to escape. The water got down into the after hatchway, but the immigrants lost nothing, only suffered a little inconvenience by their apartments being submerged. ToAvards evening the gale abated, but on the 7th it arose again with great fury, smashing in the cabin doors and filling the saloon Avith water, and as a very heavy cross sea Avas running, the vessel was brought-to. _t midnight of the Bth the barque was squared away upon her course, and on the pumps being examiued it Avas found that the two bdge and one main pump Avere gone. As the vessel made no water those left Avere sufficient in a short time to clear the hatches and lazarette or. what had got in during the gale. The Three Kings were sighted on Sunday last, at 7 a.m., and the North Cape at 1 p.m. the same day. lhence into port variable southerly winds and occa sionally thick weather. The vessel comes into port with her bulAVorks considerably shattered. The folloAving is a list of her passengers:— Saloon-Mrs Esson. Immigrants-Adults, 22 or 28 souls-Miss BartholomeAV, Mrs Thomas and daughter. Mr and Mrs Cautle and family (9), Mr and Mrs Cole and famny (12).—N._. Shipping Co., agents.

The s.s. Rotomahana Avill leave for the Thames at 8 o'clock to-night. The brigantine Adorns arrived yesterday evening from Brisbane, Avith a cargo of animal manure. She left port on the 23th ult., and has had a rough passage. . tt „i__j ot . The ss. Pretty Jane, Captain Helandei, sailed last night for AAvanui and Gisborne. The new three-masted schooner Ellerton re turned from her maiden voyage last night, and we are happy to say that Captain Keane bears glowing testimony to the vessels seagoing and sailing capabilities. She left Lytteltonon the .thins.., and made a splendid run of 12 hours from Godley Heads t. Portland Island, bne had to run for shelter to Hick's Bay, Avhere she remained at anchor from Friday to Monday last. She brings a cargo of Southern produce, and is consigned to Messrs Niccol, Hendry, and Co. She has been berthed atSthe Railway Wharf, and Avill begin putting out to-morrow. The barque Mary Ann Annison arrived from Lyttelton at an early hour this morning, with a cargo of Southern produce. She was berthed at the Queen-street Wharf, and Avill commence discharging at once. . The schooner Elizabeth. Captain Joseph Goodman, arrived in harbour at 3 o'clock this morning from Lyttelton. She sailed on August 6 at 2 p.m.. with a fresh breeze from the S.W. On the 7th, off Cook's Straits, had a gale from N.W., and was hove to for 10 hours. The wind then shifted to the south, and held until the 10th. On the 10th. off Kast Cape, had a fresh westerly breeze. From that till arrival a continuation of westerly winds. ..,_.,. - * The s.s. Rowena sailed 3 last evening for Tanranga. ... -, • ..,. The schooner Acadia has arrived in the Manukau from Lyttelton, via Waikato. The schooner Mazeppa left for Levuka last evening.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under : For Thames, this day, at d.30 p.m.; and to-morrow, at 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, to-morrew, at 2.30 p.m. „.. , , _, For Waiwera, Mahurangt, Matakana. Manga wai, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Anne Milbank, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki. and Southern Provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Taranaki, to-morroAV, at 11 a.m. ._..,,«. For money orders, registered letters, and neAVspapers, at 10 a.m. Late letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne will be received-till 11.20 a.m. Per s.s. Wanaka, on Wednesday, 22nd inst., as follows:— ~,,._. -r, For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, ana Continent of Europe, at 5 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Austra lian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially addres sed), at 5 a.m. .„.„.. For United Kingdom a"ia Brindisi, at 5.20 a. m

For neAvspapera, at 5 a.m. For money orders and registered letters, the previous eA-ening, at 4 p.m. Per s.s. City of Sydney, on Wednesday, 29th August, as under :— For SandAvich Islands, United States of America, Canada. British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at noon. For United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, at noon. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 10.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an -extra fes of 6d, in addition to the postage, will be received by the mail agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

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

THURSDAY. AUGUST 16, 1877.

«_r the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs icsistance. For the future in the distance, Aad the good that wee» do.

THE Turks have resorted to their old policy of massacre, and fifteen thousand men, women, and children have fallen helpless victims of brutal Asiatic ferocity. Thirty Christian Churches, and five hundred schools or colleges, have been burned. Like the ancient Maori cannibal feasts, this is a glorious banquet of blood in celebration of the victories over the hated Ghiaour. Faithful folloAvers of the Prophet, fresh from the slaughter and disemboAvelling of " infidel dogs," from ravishing their Avives, and playing football Avith children's heads, or still Avorse and un-nameable crimes, Avill come like giants refreshed to their more serious butchery. This master-stroke of Ottoman tactics is nothing new or extraordinary; it has been adopted periodically for centuries as a means of striking terror into the hearts of the doAvn trodden masses, and of rendering them utterly subservient to, and incapable of re sisting the villanies of their Moslem rulers. The occasions are rare Avhen neAVspaper cor respondents have been able to pry into these things, and describe the horrible deeds that have stained the soil and desolated one of the fairest lands under the sun. Our enlightened and liberty-loving British Government has throAvn its shield of protection over such little eccentricities on the part of its portege ; and consuls Avho Avere too candid have soon received the cue that admiration of Turkish administration and a convenient blindness to its short comings Avould be regarded as special qualifications for the Consular office. Despite all attempts to smother up these atrocities, Avhich are supposed to be someAvhat unfortunate but necessary evils for the preservation of certain mythical British interests, they have been_ Avell knoAvn to all Avho luioav anything of Turkish mis-government or Avho are not blinded by hatred of Russia. Occasionally, as in the massacre at Damascus, foreign interests have compelled the PoAvers to take a reluctant notice of the Avholcsalc slaughter of IaAV-abiding noii-Mussulnian subjects of the Porte, but almost invariably such, inquiries have been farcical, and the officials Avho executed the bloodiest deeds have received immediate promotion in the Sultan's service. ' Even noAV, the Avails from Bulgaria, from Bosnia, fro__ Roumelia, ; and Syria, fall upon unsympathising ears in the British Cabinet, and but for more generous instincts in the great heart of the people, we might once mote see precious British lives throAvn aAvay, in support of the red-handed murderers Avhose track is marked by rivers of innocent blood. Pro bably three-fourths of the people in this colony still cling to the Avorn-out tradition, Avhich has already lost its hold in England, that the Sultan's rule in Turkey is in some way bound up with English poAver in the East, and their symathies, as aconsequence, areAvholly AA_th"the Porte in the present struggle.' The existence of independent and aa^ell-governed States — Roumania Servia, and Greece —on the ruins of the ancient Turkish Empire should, ere this, have demonstrated that local autonomy in Bulgaria, Bosnia, and the Hellenic provinces is something more than a dream, and that the extinction of national aspirations among the inhabi tants of those provinces is the surest Avay to drive them into the arms of Russia as infinitely, preferable to the dominion of their oppressors. We hear a great deal of Russian machinations and emissaries stirring up insurrection iv Turkey. Does it require anything to stir up the feel ings of the father Avho has tied from the smoking ruins of his homestead, Avhohas Avitnessed the murder of his children, and the violation of his Avife and daughters ? Are the Bulgarian Christians less susceptible to natural instincts than brutes ? Russia may use these impulses, this oppression of a people of the same race and religion for her oavii purposes, but Aye have no proof that she is doing so. Would England act otherAvise. than Russia has done if a people on her borders, possess ing a similar origin and religion, Avere suffering every species of brutality that Asiatic passions could devise ? At the present moment a large section of the population of Bulgaria, Avhose crops Avere destroyed and cultiA rations Avasted by the retreating Turks, are being generously fed from the Russian commissariat. Let us lay aside these miserable prejudices, these unworthy fears. If English poAver depends on the continuance of Turkish rule our

unhappy nation is in an advanced stage of decrepitude and decay. For our own part, Aye have no apprehension that Avhen the time comes for fighting Russia in a good cause the response from the English army and English people Avill he otherwise than "Ready, aye ready."

Special Cablegrams.

By a special cablegram from_ our London correspondent, published in another column, avc learn that the Turkish and Russian • main armies are massing for a, great battle near Plevna, in Avhich it is expected the forces on each side Avill number one hundred thousand. Upon the issue of this engagement Avill depend the future course of the campaign during the present year. It* the Russians are defeated, any idea of pressing oinvards tOAvards ' Constantinople .vill probably be abandoned till next spring, the interval being employed in operations north of the Balkans. Since our announcement of arrangements for special direct cablegrams from our oavii correspondent in London, avc have been put to considerable annoyance through the red-tapeism of cable manage ment. By mail per Rotorua Aye learned lor the fi_st time that our agent, acting upon an assurance given by the oiliee in Sydney that telegrams might be made payable in Auckland, had sent dispatches in that form regularly, and Aye discovered that they Aveie actually lying in the Ncav Zealand office awaiting pie-payment, before do-

livery, although Aye Avere in communica tion Avith the" General Manager for the messages to lie taken "collect." This difficulty removed, we trust iioav that avc shall begin to reap the fruits of the costly enterprise, unless a movement, which avc hear is ou foot among a morning journal combination to systematically pirate

the messages, forces us into the law courts in A-indication of our rights. These are a feAV of the lions in the path of journalism. We should not have again referred to them but for the sudden stoppage in the coin-

munications from our correspondent after the last announcement. The message in another column Avas placed in the London office at 5.40 on Tuesday eA'ening, and delivered in Auckland at 7.30 last night (Wednesday), having travelled nearly fifteen thousand miles in 37 hours. The cost of transmission from London to Auck land Avas £14 1 Or.

The extraordinary rise in Albumin shares to-day gives an appearance of bear ing to the unfavourable statements relative to the specimen run in the mine cir culated yesterday afternoon and tele graphed to us by our Thames corres pondent. The telegram published last night Avas received in the ordinary course, and published by us in all good faith. Scaiching inquiries are being made into the origin of the report, Avhich Avas very Avidely circulated before our correspondent Avired it, as sheAVii by another private telegram received in toAvn 'and the slackening of the market early yesterday afternoon. Such results are most 'damaging to our mining ucavs, Avhich we have endeavoured to make early, complete, and thoroughly reliable. Wc are aAvare of the difficulty experienced by reporters in ob taining reliable information Avhen there is anything iicav in a mine, but Aye can, never theless, never forgive a neAvspapernianAvho is sold by the reports of stock bears, lioav ever cunningly devised. We are not yet aAvare Avhether this has been the case Avith our correspondent, but if it is so, he has evidently mistaken his calling, and must look out for something more congenial and suitable to his capacity.

A cablegram has been received by the Manager of the National Bank of Ncav Zealand, notifying a dividend of G per cent per annum for the half year ending March 31st. An advertisement in another column announces the payment of the same to local shareholders-.

Several letters have been held over for want of space. Mrs Thompson, of Bath street, Pari) ell, Avrites respecting her hus band's accidents in the Manakau Road, by Avhich he sutlers a fracture of the skull. She thanks her friends for their sympathy, and considers Avith Dr Goldsbro' that her husband's recovery would not have been so speedy, had he not been a Good Tem plar. Another correspondent writes ex pressing regret that Dr Hovell has left Coromandel for Gisborne, as in him, the poorer classes of Coromandel Ikia-c lost a good man and an excellent doctor. The Avriter hopes the people of Gisborne -will better appreciate Dr Hovell's medical services.

A meeting of the creditors in the estate of Messrs Barnett and Levy Avas announced to he held in the Supreme Court Buildings to-day, but it A\'as postponed in consequence of the Inter-provincial Football match.

Mr William Poolcy, of William-street, wishes to make known that he is not the William PoAvley lined in the Police Court yesterday. A meeting of the creditors in the" estate of Messrs Holmes Bros..was held this morn ing at the office of Messrs Niccol and Hendry. The Ncav Zealand and Standard Insurance Companies, avlio hold mortgages ore the Messrs Holme's boats, Avere repre sented, and several other creditors Avere present. The meeting had been convinced in consequence of certain action taken by one of the mortgages, and Messrs Holmes placed themselves in the hands of their general creditors. As they had not had time to prepare any detailed statement of assets and liabilities, no information Avas given. After a lengthy and desultory con versation as to the relative positions of secured and uusesured creditors, it Avas resolved " That the Messrs Holmes Bros, be requested to make [.assignment of their estate for the benefit of their creditors, and that Messrs Niccol, Heather, and HaAvkes wood be the tiustees." This Avas carried after the general meeting of creditors, a meeting of trustees took place to confer Avith the secured creditors of the basis of action to be adopted, ft was intimated that the first mortgage had seved notice absolutely forbidding tbe boats from runn ing until the claim Avas satisfied.

Mr Delias has received a telegram in forming him that the Georgia Ministrels are playing in Melbourne to crammed houses. The press is unanimous in their favour.

To the Editor : Sir,—Will you kindly oblige by ausAvering the folloAving ques tion :—Supposing BroAvne oAvcd White £7 10s., and he paid it in five installments at different dates, lioav many receipt stamps are required ?—Yours, &c., J. Browne. [The IaAV is simple. Every receipt for.a sum of money amounting to £2 or upAvards must bear a stamp. If the five installments were of less than the minimum named, one stamp Avonld be sufficient to acknoAvledge the final settlement of the whole debt. The IaAV makes it punishable, as a breach of the Stamp Act, to divide payments for the purpose of avoiding stamp duty.—Ed. E.S.]

Upon cruelty to horses, a correspondent A\_ites :—" In spite of the attempts of the police to put down the brutal ill-usage of horses by their drivers, instances are still frequent of these inhuman practices. Yes terday morning, in one of the bye-lanes leading off Freeman's Bay, a carter, in the employ of one of our well-known contrac tors, Avas brutally beating his unfortunate horses for the crime of being utterly unable to draAV an overload up the almost impas sible incline, and, though spoken to by some bystanders, he persisted in kicking it in the stomach and beating Avith the butt-end of his Avhip. The animal seemed perfectly Avilling—if able —to answer a mere Avord Avithout the use of a whip at all. I happen to knoAV the horses avcll, and knoAV tkem to he thoroughly staunch, and no jibes, worth, probably, from £70 to £S0 apiece. This is the third affair of the kind that I have been witness of within a fortnight, in the same locality, and I trust the police will look even more sharply after such offenders in future. —I am, Sec , Humanity.

The whole of the eA'idence in the case of Ingiis v. Hardy Avas got through yester day in the District Court, before Mr Brook field, Deputy District Judge. The ques tion at issue in this long case Avas " Is the Rangitopuuu river, according to common huv, a navigable river." Mr Hesketh for defendant, and Mr Tyler for plantiff, _ ad dressed the Court at length on both sides, when His Honor said he must reserve judgment until next Court day.

To The Editor : Sir,—To decide a hot Avill you kindly answer Ihe folloAving query:—Can a girl marry without the sanction of her patents or guardians under the age of 21 years?—R. J. Fei/_o_.. [Not lawfully, unless it can be proved that her parents or guardians are not in the colony. She would, in such circumstances, have to make a declaration before the Judge of the Supreme Court.]

Orange riots occured not only in Montreal but ir, various other Canadian toAvns on the 12th of July.—At CharlottetoAvn, Prince EdAvard's Island, after the Orangemen bad been dismissed, ssvcral 'of them stood in front of the Lodge-room, and were greeted by a sliOAver of stones from roughs in the streets. Two Orangemen Avere severely hurt. Another volley of stones folloAved, and a pistol shot from the Lodge-room wounded one of the assailants. Great excitement ensued. Volley after volley of rocks Avere ansAvercd by about tAA-enty shots from the Lodge-room. Tavo avcic Avounded by bullets, and one severely hurt in the head by a .Stone. For an hour the I city was in the hands of the mob. The police Aveie useless. The stipendiary magistrate,to make peace, got the Orange men to loAver their Hag, and quiet was re stored. The Orangemen, at a, meeting con demned the police and magistrate. A hundred special constables Avere sworn in, and tAventy-eight warrants for the ring leaders have been issued, and several Avere arrested.

A cable despatch dated London, July 16th says :—An article in the current number of the " Quarterly RevicAv" is exci ting general attention. It is devoted to exposing the gross fallacy of those Avho set aside the national morality—in other Avords make the Bulgarian atrocities a plea for neutrality. The Avriter says that to trust to Russia to leave Constantinnople after she entered it, having broken one-half oi her agreement Avith Turkey in 1871, and renounced the other half, is to trust in the reasonableness of a pirate. He con cludes by Avarning the government against the fatal errors of 185:., that of Avaitinguntil the silent anxiety of the country explodes in n demand for action Avhich Avill sweep aAvay all hesitation."

A preliminary test of the patent rock drill, imported by the Moanatairi company, took place yesterday at the face of the main tunnel. Everything connected with the machinery being fixed, the drill was set in mot ion by means of the power of compressed air, as generated at the distance of 2000 feet, and the first hole Avas bored straight into the hard sandstone, after Avhich the drill was pointed at an angle to each side and dowiiAvards, and the several holes were bored to the depth of two feet with a rapidity and apparent ease that predicts its entire success. A two-feot hole was drilled home ready for blasting within live minutes. A proper and oflieial test Avill, however, ho given to-day, Avhen all the appliances being in working order, the mode of operation, its effects, and description of this most useful rock drill will be furnished.— "Advertiser."

ALBURNIA.

The folloAving telegram Avas received to day : — 12.35 p.m. " Two hundred pounds of specimens from Sons of Freedom leader, west drive. Leader improving.—S. GllIlJBLE."

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Messrs Cosgrave and G. S. Graham, Justices of the Peace.)

ASSAULTI_.fi A CONSTABLE. —James Allison, ajyoung man, described as a cook, Avas charged Avith 'obstructing Constable Gillies yesterday, Avhile in the execution of his duty.—Prisoner said that he had no re collection of having interfered Avith the constable, but he A\'a-s under the influence of drink.—Constable Gillies deposed that about 4 o'clock { -yesterday his attention Avas called to a drunken man in (LUieen strcet. He Avent to him with the view ot taking care of him, jAvhen prisoner said he would not alloAV his friend to he arrested, and through'such interference, the man got aAvay. He then, Avith much difficulty hand-cuifed the prisoner, and took him. — Prisoner reiterated that he Avas ignorant <>f the event,—The Bench said he had been guilty of a serious offence, and must go to prison for fourteen days with hard labour.

CABLEGRAMS.

THE VERY LATEST WAR NEWS.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL LONDON

CORRESPONDENT.)

GREAT BATTLE

P E N D I N G.

ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND ON

EACH SIDE,

TUSKS STILL VICTORIOUS.

[The folloAving telegram Avas received too late for insertion last evening.]

LONDON,

August 14, 5.40 p.m. Skirmishes betAvcen the Turks and Rus sians occur daily, and are still favourable to the Turks.

The position of the opposing armies at Plevna is unchanged.

A big battle is imminent, in which a hundred thousand will he engaged ore each side.

PARLIAMENT PROROGUED.

THE WOOL SALES.

The Imperial Parliament has prorogued,

O'Loughlen has been elected for Clare,

The London Colonial avool sales opened this evening. UpAvards ot five thousand bales Avere offered. The attendance of both home and foreign buyers was large. Prices ranged about the same as last

series.

Massacre of Christians.

Fifteen Thousand Sla_.g_it._sd

(Per Press Agency.)

lay Turks.

CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS

BURNED,

SYDNEY, August 15.

The " Sydney Morning Herald" of this morning has the folloAving from its special correspondent

LONDON, August 11.

The " Daily NeAA's" correspondent at Bucharest reports the Avholesalo butchery of the Christians south of the Balkans by the Turkish troops, who were incited by merchants and landed proprietors.

In the Achipat district 30 churches a_d 500 schools and colleges Avere burned, and 12,000 to 15,000 Bulgarians Avere

fugitives, or Avere massacred or burned m their houses. A Turkish Bey Avas per sonally engaged in the Avork. The slaughter is confirmed by the " Times," Avith harrowing details.

INSCRIPTION OF COLONIAL STOCK.

LONDON, 14th. The avool sales opened to-day. The | brokers, Balme and Hazard, had a well selected catalogue of 5,142 bales. The attendance of home and foreign buyers avus larpe. . . Bidding commenced with great spirit, and prices Avere the same as last series. Ai rived—Wellington, Trafalgar, and ScathdaAvn. LONDON, August 14, 6.35 p.m. The Colonial Inscribed Stocks Bill has passed. Lord Carnarvon, during the second reading in the House of Lords, hi'-hly commended Sir Julius Vogel s exertions. The " Economist" praises the Bill. . . ~ PgSAt the prorogation of Parliament the Queen's Speech stated that the relations of Britain Avere friendly, and that she had made efforts to maintain peace. Ike Speech announced the intention to remain neutral so long as British interests f Avere unaffected. The extent and nature of these aa-ere stated in the diplomatic note to Russia, eliciting a friendly reply. The speech concluded" as. follows :—" Efforts Avill be made when opportunity occurs to restore peace, in terms compatible Avith the honour of the belligerents and the general safety and welfare of other nations. _It during the contest our interests are assailed or endangered, I rely Avith confidence on your help to vindicate and maintain our rights."

AUSTRALIAN.

MAIL STEAMER NORMANBY

WRECKED,

THE HEATHEN CHINEE AT THE

PALMER.

SYDNEY, August 15. The mail steamer Normanby has stranded on the Queensland coast. All hands were

saved. Some Chinamen stuck up and robbed the camp at Palmer River. They took £200. The orderly in charge had his hands and feet lashed to a post, Avith a rope round las neck, and his head in a bag. He was nearly killed. Two of the Chinamen hare been arrested.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER).

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.]

WELLINGTON, this day WASTE OF TIME.

The proceedings in the House yesterday Avere rather dull. The time of Parliament is iioav being occupied Avith useless discus sion. This is in consequence of the weak ness of the Government, Avhich vacillates, and, being afraid of losing its position, can not insist on pushing on business. It is becoming evident that unless impending questions are speedily brought to an issue, matters will drift on till the best part of the session is wasted, Avheu business Avill be hurried through. The general opinion iioav appears to be that the session will last about three months and a half, if a crisis docs not occur, which v.ill lead_to a dissolu tion.

AN ELECTIVE GOVERNOR

Mr Stout, in moving that the Governor ought to be elected by the people, spoke to a comparatively thin House. Only forty members avctc present. Mr Stafford and tail wore out of the House. It is a notice able fact that he never goes out of the House at anytime Avithout being accompanied by Messrs Fitzroy am] Teschinaker. Mr Stout spoke temperately. Mr Tole, avlio seconded, said little. His opinion that the Governorship of the colony should be a position to Avhich any colonist ought to aspire evoked some ap plause, lie said one of the evils AA.iich hud resulted from the present mode of appoint ing Governors Avas that the abolition of provinces Avas carried out against the wishes of the people. He considered this a breach of the constitutional relations existing between the mother country and the colony.

Mr BoAven, in reply, tAvitted Air Stout Avidi having treated the subject from a debating society point of vieAV. After Mr Boavou finished, Mr Fox, Avho is intent on the Local Option Bill, Avhieh probably comes on again to-night, Avalked out of the House.

Mr Hodgkinson arose Avith carefully prepared arguments, and proceeded to support the motion. During his speech he spoke of the Governor as a partizan. The Premier called the attention of .the Speaker to the Avoids. The Speaker considered such remarks injudicious.

Sir George Grey and Mr Recs defendei Mr Hodgkinson's remarks, as hem; legitimate in a discussion of this character

Mr Hodgkinson resumed, and Avent on to speak of the manner ire Avhieh the present party system leads to sudden changes of political opinion. Government by parties produced results spoken of by Mr BigloAV.

"A merciful Providence i'asbioned us hollow, On purpose that Aye might our principles SAvallow." Mr Reid had accomplished the feat by jumping doAvn his oaa.i throat. He had completely SAvallOAved pro vincial institutions. (Cheers from the Government benches.) His ex perience must have shcAvn many members that the game of politics AA-as simply to get on the Government benches, or secure some favour for a particular district. He Avas almost inclined to use the Avords of the psalmist, " I said in my heart all men are liars." Politics had almost come to be regarded as simply a scramble for office. He referred to the three leading men in the House, Avho abruptly .changed their political principles. Sir George Grey had sheAvn continued self-sacrifice and self-abnegation Avhere infamous treason Avas proposed. Mr O'Rorke sacrificed the emoluments of office. He preferred this to the conduct of Mr Reid. While others made themselves rich in all that enoblcd men Mr Reid made himself poor indeed. The House did not represent the country. If a dissolution occurred, feAv of them would come back.

Mr Reid replied. He attempted to justify his desertion of the Opposition, and broke a lance with Mr Rees. His excuses \vere_ AA-eak. He blundered in similes, sheAving egregious ignorance. He spoke of jaAv bones Avielded by the giants of old in reference to Mr Rees, and got laughed doAvn, and Avas interrupted by the " hour for adjournment just Avhen the debate began to get Avarm.

HOW THE GOVERNMENT MEET

THEIR BILLS,

Mr Rees asked the Premier: (1) lioav much of incidental receipts for the past year arose from deposit of berroAved money as interest or otherAvise? (2) What provision had been made by the Government for paying off, on the Ist day of November next, the sum of £412,000, Treasury bills, AAdrich be came payable on that" day ? (3) What amount of interest becomes payable on the Avhole public debt of Ngav Zealand (1) during the quarter ending 30th Septem ber ; (2) during quarter ending 31st December. (3) Where the same is pay able, days on which it has to be paid, Avhat arrangements have been made for payment of the same, and at AA.iat cost to the coun try ? (4) Whether the balance of Treasury bills uoav outstanding beyond or above the sum of £412,000, aud other sums which have fixed dates for payment set opposite to them, can be brought to the Treasury at a moment's notice for payment; and Avhether the Government intend to pay them off this year ; and if so, how ?

The Premier stated that lie Avas unable to give an ansAver to the first question, be cause there Avas not a distinction in the public account betAveen borroAved money and ordinary reA-enue. Tlie total imprest on the public account of NeAV Zealand Ava.s £6,697 Ss 6d; in London, £2,451 12s Sd. With regard to the second question, if lie under stood it aright his ansAA'ei Avould be : of the £412,000 Treasury Bills, £ISO,OOO Avere of trust fund ; £120,000 to the Commercial Banking Company, Sydney; £112,000 to the Bank of Ncav Zealand. The latter amount Avas due in London. The Agent- General Avould receive instructions to take up these Bills, and has authority to reneAV the AA-hole of them. With regard to the 3rd question : the amount of interest for September quarter Avas £312,645 15s lOd ; December quarter £162,979. The fourth question he (Premier) could not ansAvei Avithout an elaborate return. With refer ence to the last question re Treasury Bills the Government did not intend to pay then this year. THE SMOKERS OF THE HOUSE. An amusing discussion occurred in tin House yesterday on the question of givin< up the'smoking-room to the Library. M Reynolds charged those Avho desired t> retain the smokii/.g-room Avith selfishness

amidst great laughter and frequent dissen tient cries from the smokers in the House.

DR. BAYNTUN'S CLAIM. Mr Sheehan moved tor copies of the correspondence relative to the claim of Dr. Bayntun for professional services in visit ing Maketu, making post-mortem examina tion, and attending professionally in con nection Avith themurderof Dennis Shanagan. Mr Sheehan spoke of the unpleasantness of the duty. The amount offered him was only sufficient to pay a man to carry a letter. Dr Bayntun only asked £16. He hoped the Ministers of Justice Avould do justice in the present case. Dr. Henry seconded the motion. The fees Avere based on the scale in the old country, and Avere not adequate to the circumstances of the colony. Mr BoAven said the fees Avere paid upon the principle that the medical man holding a post-mortem examination resided close to the scene. He admitted that in the present case there ajipeared to be injustice. lie Avould see the matter remedied. Mr Sheehan AvithdreAV the motion.

MR MOSS'S PETITION. The Petition Committee to-day reported that Mr 1. J. Moss Avas, in their opinion, hardly treated ; but, as the Board of Educa tion possesed the power to appoint its own officers, the Committee did not see that it could recommend any re dress. Mr Whitaker Avas closely exam ined during the inquiry by Mr SAvanson as to Avhether be had used his influence to get Mr Moss ousted because he avas a political opponent. It is believed here that the result of the inquiry Avill be to make Mr Moss's office a permanent one. THE COMPLAINT AGAINST THE JUDGES. During yesterday, members of the Wel lington bar, including Mr Hart, M.L.C., Messrs Brandon, Button, Travers, and Moorhouse —the last four, members of the House —met the Chief Justice and Judge Richmond, and expressed sympathy with them in connection with, the charges laid by Mr G. B. Barton, barrister, of improper bias against him. When the House met, Mr Rees referred to the course taken by the four members of the House as a breach of privilege. If this conduct Avere permitted, Avh.cn petitions were presented to the House members might identify themselves Avith persons accused of Avrong before they kneAv the merits of the case. In this in stance, the members referred to admitted to the Judges that they did not under stand the merits of the case, and yet they ventured to express sympathy. His (Mr Rees') relations Avith Mr Barton had not been of a friendly nature. Therefore, in bringing the matter before the House

he could not be suspected of any motive but a desire to see fair play. The members of the bar outside the House could do as they pleased, but Avhen members of the House thus dealt with charges of a most solemn kind against Judges such proceed ings Avere prejudicial to justice. He would move " That this House regrets that any of its members should, pending the hearing of a petition before the House, make an expression of opinion Avith regard to the matter." The Speaker ruled the matter Avas not a question of privilege. Mr Rees gave notice that he Avould move the resolution to-morroAv. HOW MR. WOOLCOCK WAS WON. The following are fuller particulars regarding Mr Woolcock's interview AA'ith

the Premier respecting the resolution ire favour of a change in the incidence of taxation. The Premier endeavoured to persuade him to consent to the withdraAA-al of the amendment, and pointed out that it Avould be impossible to make the proposed change this session, as it would involve re-casting the estimates. Mr Woolcock said he recognised that, but required some thing tangible in the shape of a distinct pledge from the Government that if they continued in office this session they would stake their position next session on a change in the incidence of taxation. Major Atkinson offered to introduce an addition to Mr Woolcock's amendment, Avhich Avould form part of the amendment, and at the same time Avould make a state ment pledging the Government to stand or fall by the change. The Premier- Avill introduce the amendment, and leaA _ it to the House to accept or reject it. MR COLEMAN PHILLIPS' NATIVE LANDS SCHEME. A suggestion by Mr Coleman Phillips re the Native Lands Bill is being favourably considered. He proposes to individualize the native title to the fullest extent, but only permitting native owners to lease for 21 years. This might have the effect of colonizing the native lands, and putting an end to the Maori King and native boundary lines, as all classes of natives Avill readily consent to lease. The Government can then open up roads and railroads, and the native difficulty Avill totally disappear; for natives Avill he subsidised into peace with their own rentals. If, during the term of leasehold, natives still desire to part with the free-

hold, the owners are again to apply to the Court for a freehold title. By this means the pauperism of the natives Avill be prevented. The native title to freehold only Avill be alloAved to die as the race disappears, Maoris to be placed in the same position with regard to lands that remain as is the Government regarding the Canterbury lands. THE MAYOR IN WELLINGTON. Mr Huist is a regular attendant in the Speaker's gallery during the important debates. To-day he made a careful inspec tion of the street-making in Wellington, Avith the view of learning any new Avrinkles. The Committee on the Sheep and Scab Act to-day examined several Avitnesses from Marlborough. AUCKLAND PETITION. Mr Williams presented a petition from Mr Williams, manager of the Kawakawa mine, and residents of KaAvakaAva. Mr Tole gave notice of motion that an address be presented to the Governor, asking him to lay on the table a copy of the petition of Geo. Beaton, Resident Magistrate. @|The Petitions Committee have reported on the petition of Mr Aldrige, late messen ger to the Provincial Government. Auck land, recommending the Gencial Govern ment to employ him if there is a vacancA'. OPENING OF MOKAU. Sir George Grey gave notice of motion asking the Government to lay on the table the correspondence betAvecn" the Govern ment, or its officers, and J. Jones, of New Plymouth and Mokau. BRANCH RAILWAYS. The Branch Railways Bill is guarded with great care. The draft is printed, but is not yet considered complete. Members are being sounded, so that modifications may be engrafted to meet the views of all ; but the follOAving are th» main feaKnes of

tie Draft Bill: County Councils Avill be empoAvcred to impose a rate on the annual value of lands within the county, including CroAvn lands, so as to give a guarantee of five per cent on the cost of construction The Government will supplement this Avith a guarantee of two per cent, making a total guarantee of seven per cent on the cost of construction. It is not yet decided Avhetlier the charge on the CroAvn lauds should be paid by the runholdc--- or the Crown. AUCKLAND PROVINCIAL COUNCII I LIBRARY. In the House last night Mr O'Rorke moved the second reading of the Auckland ) Provincial Council Library Bill Act. Dr Wallis pointed out that the period alloAved Avas too short. If Auckland failed to make provision within two months the library might be removed to the Thames. Mr Tole thought Auckland possessed sufficient public spirit to prevent the possibility of the danger referred to. Sir George Grey thought the library should be granted to the City of Auckland without condition. Mr SAvanson thought the library would be best in the Museum. Mr Gisborne supported the free grant of the library to Auckland. Mr RoAve said if the citizens of Auckland

did not make proper provisions for the library others would.

Mr Macfarlane thought tAvelve months should be given. The Bill Avas read a second time, and ordered to be committed on Wednesday next. The Hoitse resumed at half-past seven in committee on Mr O'Rorke's resolution for granting five thousand pounds to public libraries. Mr O'Rorke spoke of the boon to be con ferocd by the grant, especially to the poorer classes. Mr Pyke proposed an amendment to make grants apply to libraries to be estab lished as Avell as those existing. Mr O'Rorke accepted the amendment, to Avhich the Premier said the Government Avould have to consider Avhether they conld afford the proposed grant. Another amend ment Avas added to make ten shillings payable for every pound raised by local subscriptions. The resolution Avas reported Avith amendments, and ordered to be con sidered on Thursday.

Local Option Bill- - . £?§ The Debate on the second reading of the Local Option Bill Avas resumed. Mr Tairoa briefly supported the Bill, Mr Button supported the Bill. He advo.. cated giving a vote not only to woman, but' for every child she suckled. Mr Rowe, while supporting Local Option would not approve of the measure in its present sha23e. Houses shut up Avould increase in value the houses more than a hundred yards aAvay. Sir George Grey considered that the IaAV would give hotel-keepers the right to expect compensation. Mr Wason opposed the Bill. Mr Hodgkinson opposed the Bill. Mr Fox Avas carried away by enthusiasm. He had more zeal than discretion. He Avould not like to see him manage a Local Option Hotel. Mr Macandrew thought the Bill Avould not go the whole length unless it prohi bited the manufacture and importation of liquors. He deprecated the tone adopted towards License Victuallers. He Avould not oppose second reading, out if in com mittee there Avas no proA'ision for compen sation he would vote against the third reading. Mr Tole narroAved the question to a con sideration whether drunkenness in the colony Avas of sufficient magnitude to a Bill so stringent ire its nature. The statistics shewed the convictions for drunkenness numbered 1400 per annum, at first it rose to 4,000 and stopped about I that. He quoted an article from the i Saturday " Review " on public-house refor-

relation. He would support second read ing, but introduce amendments in Committee. Mr Lusk acknoAvledged ;haA_ng altered his opinion since last year, in favour of compensation to publicans. He advised those who desired to close hotels, to put their hands in their pockets. Mr Joyce opposed the second reading. Nations which did not drink, were Avanting in 'manhood. Looking at the manner in Avhich the Anglo-Saxon race progressed, there would appear to be an immense mo tive poAver ire drink. Mr Reynolds opposed the Bill. Mr Ballancejin an excellent speech, com batted the arguments of Mr Fox. He quoted statistics to sheAv that drunkenness had decreased. Nothing- could come out

of the Bill, and it Avould be a farce to press it. Mr Stout replied at length to the argu« ments used against the Bill. Such legisla tion Avas a means toward educating public opinion. He agreed that the licensing directors Avere too small, and approved of the Victoria plan, the magistrates to _x limits. He Avent on at length to argue against compensation to monopolies as contrary to all jurists. It Avas more just to sumbit monopolies to jmblic auction each year. He spoke well. The debate Avas adjourned at five minutes past one, until Wednesday next, at half past seven. DEALING WITH LANDS. The folloAving is Mr Wakefield's motion as an amendment to be moved on going into Committee of Supply :—(1). "That the system of free selection with fixed price of £2 an acre for all blocks containing more than twenty acres, be applied to all Waste Lands of tha CroAA-i throughout the colony. % including confiscated lauds. (2). That all blocks not exceeding tAventy acres be submitted to public auction at an upset price of £2 an acre for rural lands, and £12 10s quarter-acre for town lands. (3). That one-fifth of the land revenue be paid directly to the County|Fund of {the county fwrtliin which such revenue arises. (4). That the remaining four-fifths of the land revenue be paid into the Consolidated fund for ordinary appropriation by this House. (5). That all preemptive rights shall cease (6). The courts and expenses of the follow ing services to be defrayed from colonial revenue, viz. :—l. All existing departments of Government, including ciA-il list. 2. The

interest and sinking fund of all loans whether colonial or provincial. 3. Primary education. 4. Gaols, police, and lunatic asylums. 5. Public railways, and arterial roads and bridges. 6. Subsidies to local bodies.—(7). The cost and expenses of the following services to be defrayed by local bodies :—l. Roads, bridges, and other local public works other than arterial; 2. hospitals and charitable \ institutions; 3. Penitentiaries and reformatories not being public gaols. DIVISION ON QUESTION OF, ADJOURNMENT. The following is the division list on tfie Premier's amendment for the adjournment of the debate on the Native Land Courts i Bill until Thursday evening. It Avill.be | seen that the list affords no indication j Avhafever of the relative strength o» ! parties : — ff AYES : 37. —Atkinson, Baycnt, Barn, Beetham, BoAven, Cox, Douglas, Fitzroy, Fox, Gibbs, Harper, Henry, Hunter, ! Johnston, Kelly, Kennedy, Lumsdeu, ; Manders, McLean, Moorhouse, Morns, Murray-Aynsley, Orniond, Pike, Reid> RoAve, Russell, Seymour, Stafford, Stevens, I Sutton, Tawhiti, Teschmaker, Wason, I Whitaker, Williams, and Woolcock. 1 Noes : (26)—Ballance, Brown, J. Cv, Ue : Latour, Dignan, Fisher, Gishorne, Grey> i Hamlin, Hislop, Hodgkinson, Lusk, Mac andrew, Montgomery, Nahe, O'BorKe, Rees, Seaton, Sheehan, Shrimski, Stout, Swanson, Tairoa, Takamoana, Tole, WaJce, field, and Wood, . . i Most of the Opposition Avere not in wl* House. They had gone lv me, helkvmg there Avould be no division. Among* others, Messrs Bunny, Bryce, Curtis, Joyce. Sharp, Thomson, Travels, Wallis, B. £■ Wood, and several who voted AVith tne Government, stated that they voted pttt<JJ on the question of adjournment. MWj

THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, AUGUST 16. 1877.



4 U-CKLAND INSTITUTE. The Second ot a Series of Three EXPERI MENTAL LECTURES, by Mr H. A. Severn, under tbe auspices of the Auckland Institute, will be Kivcn in the Museum Buildings, on SATURDAY, the 18th instant. Tbe Subiect'will be— Galvanism, Magnetism, Electro-magnetism, and Induction—their uses, resemblances, and diilerences; proved by experiment. Admission, 2s. Doors open at 7.30; lecture | to commence at 8 p.m. T, F. CHEESEMAN, Secretary.



J. CO SGll AYE & CO., Beg io inform the inhabitants of Auck land the if are now holding a SALE of the ''■remaining portion of their WINTER DRAPER?. and CLOTHING. Ladies Costumes, Mantles, Shawls, Purs, French Merinoes, Fancy Dress Stuffs and Silks. The Goods will be offered to the intblic at Very Low Prices, in order to clear. T WEEDS''Tv.-KEDS!T WEEDS! NEW TWEFOS, for Gentleman's Wear. NEW TWEEDS, for Boys' Wear. NEW TWEEDS, at Low Prices. W. RATTRAY Has Just Received his First Shcfmknt of NEW TWEEDS 1.-OR THE SPRING TRA DE, Which have been Marked at Unusually Loav Prices. -VT E W rj EAL AN D J-J OUS E, 6G, Queen-street, Auckland. J IMPORTANT. NOTICE Having introduced STEAM PO WEB into the 'Manufacture of FURNITURE, we are now enabled to Supply our Cus tomers at GREAT!Y REDUCED PRICES. T. &H. COOKE, ■ Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, <_c, <£,_. m'SHOWROO M 67, Queen-street. STEAM CABINET FACTORY Victoria-street.



The enormous sales of Udolpho Wolfe s Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, a medicinal beverage Avithout a peer, either as regards flavour or curative qualities, have induced a pack of IaAV-contemning scamps to attempt the imposition of vending in genuine bottles of the Schnapps compounds of adulterated spirits and hurtful drugs. Buyers, inspect the labels closely.