SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HT-t-r w\tvt> 'This Afternoon, 6.20 HIGH WATBB-) To , morrow Morning, 6.11 SUN SET.— This Evening, 6.-18 SUX RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 4.43 MOON'S AGE.—Full Moon, 21st, 9.5S a.m. ARRIVALS. . Zsalaadia, H.M.s., Chevalier, from Sydney.

DEPARTURES.

Rotorua, s.s., Macfariane, for Sydney. Zealandia, R.M.8., Chevalier, for Honolulu and San Francisco (English and American mai') Onward, schooner. Has, for Lyttelton. Wellington, p.s., for New Plymouth and the South.

IMPORTS.

Per Zealandia from Sydney: 150 cases fruit and 7 c is?s periodicals, and 562 packages in transit for Honolulu and San Francisco.—Owen and Graham, agents.

EXPORTS.

Per Zealandia, for San Francisco:—■ 6 bales fungus, 30 kegs butter, 6 packages.— Owen & Graham agents. Per s.s. Gc-ahead for Gisborne : 1 hhd. rum, 1 quarter-cask whisky, 1 truss, 1 parcel, 1 case pepper, 1 easo almonds, 6 cases muscatels, l<a?k soda, 2 boxes rasins, 6 boxes soap, 6 boxes candles, 2 boxes preserved milk, 1 box lollies. 7 boxes sugar. 3 boxes kerosene, 2 kegs butter, 1 case sardines, 1 box biscuit, 11 packages, 1 cask currants, 2 bales woolpacks, Owen and Graham. Pci- s.s. Rotorua, for Sydney: 17 b lies fungus, 11 kegs butter, 40 sacks potatoes. 41 casks limejuic9, Owen and Graham. Per p.s. Hau'raki, for Waitara : 5 cases claret, 1 box sundries, 2 i-casks vinegar, 10 bags salt, 4 bags biscuit., 1 keg saltpetre, 1 case sundries, 1 case manganese, 2 cases kerosene, 1 package axe-handles i gannies sugar, G boxss tea, 6 boxes candles, 3 cases, Owen and Graham.

DEPARTURE OF THE MAIL.

The II.JVI. s. Zealandia, with the outward English and American mails, left to-day at noon for San Francisco via Honolulu. The number of passengers she took away was very smalL which may be accounted for by the fact that this is the worst time of year for a journey to the Old World/as the passengers would arrive there in the middle of winter. The following is a list of the passengers : Saloon—Dr. Peard. wire, and child. Mr and Mis.;es (2) Thompson, with 7 from Sydney. Sieerage— Mr Abell, Airs Harris and 5 children, Mr aud Mrs Thomas Mo r, Mr Jas. Adams, with 12 from Sydney.

LAUNCH OF A STEAMER.

Some few weeks a<?o we gave an account of a new steamer which Messrs. Fraser and Tinne v.-lre building as an interim bo it for the Thames trade, to bs laid on in the interval whiehV.iust elapse before the larger vessel, the plates for which were received by the Sam Mendel, and which is to take alternative trips with the Rotomahana, is finished. This steamer was launched last evening about six O'clock, and is now alongside the firm's allotment in Mechanic's Bay, where the machinery will ba placed in her. The new boat is of small size, but she is admirably finished, and as her space is econo mised very judiciously, she cars be very useful ns a passenger boat. There is a peculiar feature in the machinery of the boat which calls for special mention. She has twin screw propellera, but instead of being side by side aft" as in the ordinary twin screw vessels, she has one fore'ard and one aft, both secured at the ends of an iron shaft running along the bottom of the vessel. The obiect sought, and it is said attained by this arrange ment, is greater speed and power in rough weather. It will be seen that it will be almost impossible for both the screws to be out of the water at the same time, and thus the way is never lost, and there is much less strain upon the engine, which can never run away. The machinery wa3 designed by Mr Geo. Fraser., i inr and the hull by Mr Turner, the builder of the ■Rotomahana. The hull of the jvessel is of thebest aualitv of boiler iron, and her dimen =ions are" as follows: 75 feet over all ; beam, Ov feet; depth of hold, 6 feet; with flush deck running fore-and-aft; Draught of water, about 4 feet. Midships the machinery will be placed, and forward, and abaft the locale of this, are a couple of holds, capable of carrying from 15 to ?0 tons of cargo. The motive power consists of a strong multitubular boiler of tho returned f rp^ capable ol carrying a working pressure of lOOlbs. to the square inch. The engines are com pound, fitted with surface condenser; the high vressure cylinder is 9 inches, and the low pressure is 1G inches in diameter, with a 12 inch stroke, and capable of making from 250 to 300 revolutions per minute. Tho propellers are made on the Thornyeroft principle, with a pitch of 7 feet. There are two cabins, whioh will furnish sleeping accommodation for 11 passengers. The builders propose to use their new vessel as a night boat, and she will accordingly be laid on in about a fortnight to make evening trips to Shortland Wharf, returning to Auckland by the same tide, rMrs Tinned performed the ceremony of christening, and as the new craft descended the ways, gave her the name "Rotoiti." The launch was in every respect a success.

The R.M.S. Zealandia, Henry Chevalier, com mander, arrived from Sydney early this morn in"- The following is the report of passage :— November 16,* 3 p.m.—Left anchorage in Lavender Bay, and proceeded down harbour; 3 45—pilot discharged: 3.ss—cleared Sydney Heads with fresh northerly winds; 17th, 18th, and 19th experienced fresh northerly winds with heavy beam sea; ' 20th, at 6.50 a.m.—Three Kings abeam; 11.15—rounded North Cape; thence till arrival in port strong southerly gale ; received pilot 5.30 a.m., 21st, and made fast to wharf 7.15. Time from Sydney—4 days 13£ houra. Passengers—Miss Le Surar, Mr and Mrs Gillies 2 children and servant, Mr C. A. Stevens, A Shannon, R. Roth well, F. Rothwell, F. Wild ing J. Christian, F. T. Farrell, and 6 in the steerage, and 7 saloon and 12 steerage in transit for San Francisco. We are indebted to Mr McDonald, the purser, for latest Sydney files and other favors. The Wellington left Manakau for South at 9 a.m. Passengers: Mr and Mrs E. Cook and family, Mr and Mr3 T. R. Brown, Mrs Hornsby, Miss Binney, Rev. D. Bruce, Messrs Dyer, Martelli, McGowan, Richards, Nock, Willis, Hettey, and 7 steerage. The owners of the s.s. Staffa, plying between Tauranga and Opotiki. have received an intimation from the Government that the sum of £100 will be placed upon the Supplementary Estimates as a subsidy to that vessel. It will be recollected that the subsidy was withdrawn three or four months ago, and the owners had stated their intention of taking the boat off unless they were rendered some assistance by the Government. The s.s. Rotorna left for Sydney soon after 7 o'clock last night. Tho following is the full list of passengers:—Mr and Mra Hamilton, Mr and "Mrs Munroe, Mr and Mrs Bowen, Mrs Robson, Misses Britten, Kerr, Trape, Billings, Murray, Messrs Roberts, Milner, Card, Turner, Bothani ley, Cohen, Britten, Smith, Sommers, King, Brieht, Hudson, Hall, Goulstone, Webster, Anderson, Charice, Whalen, Carson, Standish, Davey, Holdsworth, Rothenbucker,. Atkins, Wilson, Stone, Longbottom, Sawkins, Adam son,'Peters, Wyatt, Donalson, Freeman, Wlyde, and 18 Chinamen. The island schooner Energy is to begin loading at once for Tonga and Samoa. The r.s. Argyle sailed for Rußsell and the North yesterday, in place of the lona, which is laid up for an overhaul and a ceat of. paint. The s.s. Southern Cross left Napier yesterday for this port via the Thames. The barque' Prospector left Newcastle, for this port, on the 14th inst., with 383 tons coal. The R.M.s. Zealandia acted as flagship at the Balmain Regatta on the 9th November. The brig'Elliotts, from this port, arrived at Newcastle on the 7th inst.

BIRTHS.

[The price for inserting birth notices in this column is reduced to one shilling; other notices as before.l ELLISDON.—On ths 19th November, at her residence. Chapel-street, Mrs. F. Ellisdon of a daughter. GRAHAM.—On the 19th instant, at her resi dence, Richmond-street, Thames, the wife*>f Thos. R. Graham of a daughter; both doing well.

DEATHS.

ELLIS.—On the 21st November, 1877, at Howe street, Auckland, N.Z., Thomas Ellis, late mechanist at Cremorne and North Woolwich Gardens, aged 71 years. The funeral'will take place at 3 o'clock p.m. to-morrow (Thursday). Friends are respect fully invited to attend. PARTRIDGE.—On the 19th November, Mrs. Clement Partridge, relict of the late* Mr. Clement Partridge, Wellington-street, Auck land, aged 64 years. The funeral will leave th« residence of tor sister, Mrs. Dwyer, Whau, at 3 o'clock to morrow (Thursday). « WILLIAMS.—On the 20th November, at her parents' residence, Summer-street, Eden Ter race, of convulsions, Mary Helena, youngest and deax-ly loved daughter of John and Priscilla Williams, aged 14 months. The funeral will leave her parents' residence on Thursday^ 22nd instant, at half-past 3 p.m. Friends are invited to attend.

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

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1877.

gOrthe cause that lacks assistance, Far the wrong that needs icsistanco. For the future in the distance, And the good that we fa da.

After an interval of nearly a fortnight without English cable news we are able to publish to-night a full budget. The length of time during which the cable has been silent is due to the occurrence of a break between Port Darwin and Banjoewangi the landing place in the island of Java. When the Singapore cable is interrupted, steam communication supplies an irregular medium ; but between Port Darwin and Java there is no commercial traffic. To supply the deficiency until repairs can be effected a steamer has now been chartered from the Netherlands India Company, and it is by this means that to-day's despatches were conveyed. The news is most impor tant. From the seat of war in Europe and Asia, we learn that the change of fortune which had set in favourably to the Russians at date of last despatches, has suffered no check. Recent events have proved very disastrous to the Turkish hopes. Following up the decisive success gained over Mukhtar Pasha's army before Kdis, the Russian General, after closely investing the frontier garrisonjshutting in 12,000 men without supplies of food or water, advanced on Erzeroum, the capital of Armenia. Severe fighting has occurred in the vicinity of the city, but telegrams giving the result are ao contradictory as to leave the matter to conjecture. We think it extremely improbable, however, that the city has been captured as stated in Renter's tele grams of the 7th and confirmed on the Bth.

The place is built in the centre of a great plain, is walled and strongly fortified, and that it should have fallen so easy a prey seems incredible We incline to the statement in our special correspondent's telegrams, that after sustaining a severe defeat, Mukhtar Pasha fell back on the town, and is now holding it. The telegram of the 10th would then shew that the Rus sians in afterwards attempting to take the city were defe ited. It is observable that after the Turks had. successfully repelled the Russian attack, and driven the invaders back across the frontier, the close of the year finds them again in the heart of Asia Minor, encamped under the wals of the city which in the early part of the campaign they were unable to approach. It is now evident that the serious character of the disaster to Mukhtar's army at Kars was in no wise exaggerated. In Europe, likewise, the Muscovite promises to retrieve early eriors aud misfortunes. General Gourka'sarmyin the rear of Plevna, which, at last advices, had captured a posi tion 011 the Sophia road, now closely invests Orchanie, the point d'appui from whence relief has twice boeu afforded to Osman Pasha at Plevna. The state of the armies at the latter place remains as before. In North-East Bulgaria, General ZinimeiMian, whose advance caused the retirement of Sulieman Pasha's army on the Lorn, still presses forwaid despite adverse weather. In Sliipka Pass, the Russians likewise hold their own. In these adverse circumstances the Porte is doing .what it did before. The generals commanding are made responsible for their want of success. Chefket Pasha, notwithstanding his services in relieving Plevna, has been superseded, but the change has brought into the field Mehemet Ali, one of the ablest generals in the Turkish service, who fell a victim to petty jealousies and intrigue. The success of Russian arms once moie revives the prospect of intervention, and the rumours of English participation in the war. England has already made overtures through the Porte, but until the Moslem has been humbled to the dust, or the Russians driven from Turkish soil, the prospects of peace are exceedingly slender.

Our special London correspondent gives some particulars of a banquet at the open ing of the London branch cf the Colonial Bank. Sir Julius Vogel was present. It is reported that if Sir Julius letires from the Agent-Generalship, he may become connected •with the Colonial Bank. The members of the Excelsior Lodge, 1.0. G.T., will celebrate their fourth anniversary this evening in the Franklin Road School-room, by a tea-meeting and entertainment. A splendid programme has been provided, and this, in addition to an excellent tea, should have the effect of filling the room with members of the Order and their friends. An extraordinary general meeting of the Auckland Steam Packet Company is announced to be held at Mr C. Tothill's office, Shortland-street, on Wednesday next, for the purpose of considering, and passing, if approved, the following reso lution : "That the Auckland Steam Packet Company (limited) be wound up voluntarily." An extraordinary meeting of the Auck land Regatta Club is called for to-morrow evening at the Thames Hotel, when the advisability of holding our annual aquatic festival on the 29th January will be held. A tea-meeting and entertainment in connection with the Wesleyan and United Methodist Free Churches, at Mount Eden, is announced to be held on Friday evening next. Revs R. Taylor, J. W. Williams, and J. A. Caygill arc expected to take part in the meeting. A teacher and assistant-teacher are required for the Mangarc District School. Applications will be received at the Board of Education until Monday next. The members of No. 3 Company A.R.V. are requested to parade at the Drill-shed this evening in undress uniform. In our notice of the sports, mention of Mr Impey's band, which supplied music on the occasion, was inadvertently omitted. The band played a great variety of choice musi cal selections. When the Otaki arrived with immigrants, equal to 194^ adults, some speculation was indulged in relative to their prospects of employment. We learn, however, that only two now remain in the Immigration Barracks. Among the arrivals by the ship was Mr Otto Pfahl, an experienced vine-grower, who, by advertisement, seeks a situation. His experience has been most extensive. He was for 2 years an apprentice of horticulture in the gardens of ELM. King of Piussia ; two years apprentice of agri culture and stock-farming on the Dominion Goldbeck by Wittstock, province of Brandenburgh (Prussia). Four years a soldier in the Prussian Cavalry; two years vigneron in the vineyards of the Bluffton Wine . Companie, Blufl'ton, Missouri, United States. Since then manager, cellar-master, fruit grower, and estate steward in various parts of America and Germany. We hope Mr Pfhal will find some suitable opening at once which will prove profitable to himself and advantageous to the colony. The Free Templar's select quadrille party takes place in the Oddfellows' Hall, Cook street, this evening." The Victoria Company, under Captain Derrorn ; the Hobsons, under Captain Dig nan ; and the Scottish, under Captain Mowbray, assembled with their bands in the Drill-shed, Wellesley-street, last even ing, for their monthly inspection. The companies were put through a variety of inarching and wheeling exercises, and were afterwards instructed in battalion drill by Major Lusk. The new Scottish Drum and Fife Band appeared in public for the first time, and played a number of popular airs very creditably, shewing that they had taken 'fsotne trouble in practising, as the band has only been in existence about two months. Lovers of good and useful books are re minded of the great booksale to-morrow, by Messrs Cochraue and Son, at their Fort street mart. This is one of the largest and most varied consignments that Messrs Cochrane have received, and includes the works of the principal novelists, historians, and poets of the ages, besides a large collec tion of the serial publications of Chambers, Cassell, and the Magazines. The social gathering of St. Luke's Church, Mount Albert, will be held to morrow evening, in the building on the grounds of Allan K. Taylor Esq. A boun teous tea will be provided at half-past six o'clock, after which a vocal and instru mental concert will be interspersed with readings and recitations.

Speaking of Sir George Grey's chances in the event of dissolution, the Nelson Colonist says:—"Savage persecution has won sup port that would never have been otherwise gained, and if a general election took place at once, the name of Sir George Grey would be as powerful throughout the Colony as it was in the Province of Auckland during the last." S

According to a West Coast exchange, there is a financial dead-lock in the Borough Council of Westport. Two Councillors wno were appointed to sign cheques have refused their signatures with regard to a vote of the Council for the payment of the Mayor's ex penses in attending the Municipal Con ference at Wellington. In Christchurch the Council voted their Mayor, Mr Hobbs, £50 to defray the cost of his visit.

The rota of attendance at the Court of Petty Sessions on Tuesday next, the 27th instant, includes the names of the follow ing Justices of the Peace :—Messrs. A. K. Taylor (chairman), J. Baber, A. Beetham, J. McCosh Clark, P. Comiskey, J. Cos grave, W. C. Daldy, J. M. Dargaville, J. Dilworth, P. Dignan, H. Gilfillan, C. F Goldsbro', W. Graharu, G. S. Graham, R. Graham, D. Hean.

Mr and Mrs Pridmore desire through you to return their most sincere thanks to the many kiad friends who have assisted them since they were burnt out at the late fire in Abercrorabie-streef,

A soiree and concert in| connection with the Newton Kirk is to be held in the church, East-street, Newton, to-morrow evening next, for the purpose of welcoming the Rev. Dr. Wallis pn his return from his parlia mentary duties.

CABLEGRAMS.

Latest War News.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL LONDON CORRESPONDEN T.) England Offers Mediation. Russian Prospects Brighter. The Wool Sales. The Colonial Bank of Hew Zealand. Sadler Beats Kelly.

[The following cablegrams came to.hand from our Special Correspondent at 7.30 last evening. ] LONDON, Nov. 2. England has made proposals of mediation to the Porte. Eussian acquiescence is doubtful. The Eussian military prospects are brighter. X enforcements are. arriving for the development of a new plan of the campaign, At the recent wool sale bidding com menced with great spirit. Port Phillip wools preponderated. The opening of the new offices of the Colonial Bank in London was celebrated by a banquet, at which Mr Oargill presided, and Sir Julius Vogel made an important financial speech. Sadler* beat Kelly in the Scullers' Race for the Championship.

Speech by Earl Beaconsfield.

Time ior Mediation Arrived. Fighting Before Erseroum. LONDON, November 9. The Earl of Beaconsfield, in a speech tit the Guildhall banquet, said he thought the time had arrived for the Powers to mediate, European inter vention might end in a war with England. She would maintain her neutrality unless attacked. The Russians hare taken Erzeroum. Mukhtar Pasha is in rapid retreat to Trebizonde. November 10. Later accounts shew that the Russians were defeated before Erzeroum. Another despatch sajß :—" A fierce battle occurred at Erzeroum. The Turks were completely defeated, and retired on the town. Mukhta Pasha was wounded."

The " Sydney Herald's" Despatch. MUKHTAE PASHA'S DEFEAT DENIED. TURKISH OFFICERS SHOT FOR COWARDICE. THE KARS GARRISON STARVING. The "Sydney Morning Herald's" special correspondent telegraphs under date :— LONDON. November 12. The Pope's death is reported in Paris, but the report is doubted. Mukhtar Pasha's retreat from Erze roum is denied. The Paissians were defeated there. • . Eighteen Tnrldsh officers were shot at Dervitzan for cowardice. The Kars garrison, numberiug twelve thousand, is in want of food and water. An earthquake has ... occurred at A drianople.

COMMERCIAL,—FALL IN WOOL.

IN ew Zealand wheat, 535; wool has sasta.ned a decided'fall.' • ' Arrived : Otago. ".•

[REUTERS SPECIAIi CABLEGRAMS PER PRESS ''■'■ '■- AGENCY.] GENERAL IMPROVEMENT OF RUS SIAN POSITION. CHEFKET PASHA • SUPERSEDED BY MEHEMET ALL RUSSIANS IN REAR OF PLEVNA. SUCCESSES IN ASIA MINOR. !

LONDON, Nov. 5. It is said that Turkish Ministerial changes are imminent, owing to the disasters in the army. A division of General Zimmerman's corps has advanced, notwithstanding the bad weather. Telegrams from Stamboul state that Sulieman Pasha has been ordered to assume the offensive. Chefket Pasha has retired from the com mand of Orchanie, having been superseded by Mehemet Ali. Iglsmail Pasha commands at Erzeroura. November 6. Russian forces in Asia attacked the Turkish positions at Erzeroum on Monday, and after ten hours' fighting shattered the Turkish centre. Mukhtar "Pasha slightly wounded. The Russians at Vetovi, on Friday, were repulsed with several hundred loss. 2,500 Servians are massed on the frontier. Skirmishing has commenced. It is reported at St. Petersburgh that General Ignatieff stated that Russ?a would be certain of German sympathy in the annexation of Armenia, and the formation of independent states on the lower Danube. A telegram to the " Times " states that Kars is closely invested. The Russians have entered thoi-western side of the Euphrates "Valley overTßardez. Mukhtar Pasha's position at Dentzogan is nearly untenable. • The Russians occupy the country close to Orchanie. Mehemet Ali has arrived at Sophia to take charge of the army at Orchanie. Russian deserters report General Gourica, commander of the Imperial Guards in the rear of Plevna, killed. Nov. 7.

Mukhtar Pasha was completely routed on Monday at Devitzoyan, and is now |retreat ing to Trebizoud.

It is reported that the Faissians occu pied Erzeroum yesterday. The residents objected to Mukhtar Pasha's defence of the city. Semi-official reports state that a Russian army, 70,000 strong, will cross the Bal kans under General Gourka, regardless of the fate of Plevna, and advance on Adria uople. Nov. 8. The capture of Erzeroum is con firmed. Captain Burnaby.left London, for Bul garia, in the hope to enter Plevna. • * Nov. 13. Fighting has occurred at Shipka Pass, lasting eleven hours. It is reported that the Russians lost 500 men. Russian cavalry are scouring the country between Plevna and Widdin. ENGLISH AND FOREIGN NEWS. THE POPE REPORTED DEAD. INDIAN FAMINE FUND CLOSED. POLITICAL EXCITEMENT IN FRANCE.

Great uneasiness is felt regarding the Pope's health. He never rises from his chair. His weakness is general and in creasing. The Councils-General continues inexor able. A meeting of the Left denied that any member will assume the formation of a Cabinet without a guarantee against sudden dismissal. The Indian Famine Fund has closed. The total amount subscribed was £446,000. November 8. The French Chambers met yesterday. After formal business, the Senate ad journed. Grevy was elected President of the Assembly. Three days were occupied in examining returns. The real business commences about the 12th. November 12. The death of the Pope is reported from Paris to-day. November 17. The National Assembly met yesterday. A committee was appointed to inquire into the means employed at the election to dis tort the popular will. The organs of the Left assert that if the Senate vote to dissolve again, the Assembly will not submit. Th£ rumours of the Pope's death are denied. Sadler beat Kelly on the Thames. Stakes, £400.

Arrival of the Suoz Mail.

GENERAL SUMMARY.

LONDON, Sept. 28.

Her Majesty is at Balmoral, and is in good health. She has been staying for a week at Loch Maree, Ross-shire. The Prince and Princess of Wales, with their family and suite, arrived at Abergeldie ou Wednes day. The Prince had been paying a series of visits in Yorkshire, after a short trip to Trowville.

j Mr John Bright, in distributing the I Queen's prizes to the successful students at : Rochdale, on the 25thSeptember, in connec tion ; with the Rochdale Equitable Pioneer Society, established by working men to j give their children a superior education, referred to the many discoveries of the past century, and all that had been done by a cheap Press, and said that all inven tions of modern science, although they had given a tonal power to wealth, had done ! far more for the working classes by placing j them on a footing of equality with the ! highest in the land. Mr Gladstone laid the foundation-stone of the University at Nottingham yesterday. I He eulogised the system of higher German education, and hoped to see it introduced into this country. In the evening he addressed an audience of 10,000 at the Alexandra Hall rink, and referred at length to the war, contending that our Govern ment had been prevented from interfering actively in support of Turkey,-and§advoca ting local self-government in that country. General Grant continues to be greatly feted in the North. The Clyde strike, after lasting six months and causing loss in wages and profits of half a million, terminated on the 21st. A subscription in being raised in Birmingham to pay the fine inflicted on M. Gambetta, as an expression of the feeling entertained by English Liberals with reference to the unjust prosecution against him. A fine young white whale, caught on the coast of Labrador, has been placed in a vast tank at the Westminster aquarium. Mr Layard, has obtained a firman for fresh excavations at Nineveh. The Leeds musical festival, which con cluded on the 22nd, was a great success. The Gloucester festival was also more successful than any previously held there. The Rev. Mr Tooth has resigned the charge of Hatcham. The lighting of towns by oil instead of gas is spreading. At Barking, an experi ment for years shows, a saving of 30 per cent. The City Court of Aldermen have again refused receive Sir John'Bennett, and a third election for Cheap Ward will take' place. Articles in the Press urge the necessity of co-operative reform, and the wishes of the electors" being carried out. "'The King and Queen of Dshabin, West Coast of Africa, have been arrested by the British authorities. The King had been inciting the tribe to.make war on Ashantee, and had intimated to the King of Ashantee that the British were urging him on. The trade of the Gold Coast has been seriously interfered witb| through the action of the Dahabin rulers.

All expedition o£ several men-of-war is being sent to the Niger to demand satis faction for the sinking of the loading stoamer Sultau of Sockatoo and the killing of nine of Her crew."

The telephone is coining into use in New York for business purposes. The instru ments, used are very simple. ... . The Natal Legislature has passed an Act legalising marriage with a deceased wife's sister. -

A telegram from the Viceroy of India, dated 24th September, reports a good general rain in the greater part of Madras. The tanks are filling and the crops are reviving. Prospects in Mysore and Bombay are improving. In. the north-west provinces and Central India there has been little rain.

A despatch from the British Minister in Brazil reporting a drought in the northern provinces, and suggesting a subscription in England., was forwarded by Lord Derby to the Lord Mayor, who has replied that the starting of another famine fund at the present juncture would be undesirable.

Considerable discussion has taken place in reference to the Chinese difficulty in Queensland. A suggestion has been made that they should be compelled to bring their wives and children with them.

Captain Audley Coote, before leaving England by the Cuzco steamer, arranged wtth some eminent firms who are willing to construct, and equip light raliways in Australia.

Two men jhave been apprehended at Portsmouth for the Blackheath robberies, some months ago. They are jonrneyman bakers and were great readers of Jack Sheppard literature. A stolen note, taken from Mr Hodgson, solicitor to the Treasury, when his carriage was stopped by the men, was traced to their possession, and they have been identified as occupying lodgings at Greenwich at the time of the robberies.

A man has been arrested in England for th ero bbery of the Zurich mail. Some legal points of nterest have arisen in connection Avith his proposed extradition. Two others have been apprehended for the robbery of the London and Paris mail, near Calais, last June. They were found dealing wich Peruvian bonds stolen from the mail.

Obituary.—Sir Arundel Neave, 49 ; Major-General John Elphinstone, 53 ; S

M. White Ridley, Bart., 70 j the Rev. W. j Onslow, rector of Sandringham, 57. j BOMBAY, October 7. j Madras news speaks of fine falls of rain, j especially in the Northern districts, where the famine was worst. Sowing has fairly commenced. Surviving crops are in good condition. Prices of rice and other bread- ' stuffs are failing. In Central India there ! has not yet been rain, and the crops are j beginning to wither. j- A great migration has taken place from | the northern and eastern States southwards j Relief works are open on three railway j sections. LATE TELEGRAMS. . LONDON, October 1. ! The Porte has refused to .comply with ; the Russian request to transport timber j across the Danube for the ostensible ; purpose of erecting hospitals. i LONDON, October 3. j A Russian official despatch states that j the insurrection in the Caucasus is almost j suppressed. : A Russian reconnaisanCe of 6,000 men, ; made from Kustenjdie, withstood repeated j charges from the enemy's cavalry, and I approached near Razardjik, which, how- j ever, they found stroiigly entrenched. i •FOREIGN NEWS. Hostilities have again ■ broken out ; between the Dutch and Achinese. I

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

PER S.S. ZEALANDIA

TERRIBLE RAILWAY ACCIDENT,

LIBEL ACTION AND INSOLVENCY i

OF LEVY.

MELBOURNE, November IG,

A dreadful accident lias occurred on the North-Eastern Railway, near Wodonga, at the gate No. OS, by which the gate-keeper and his wife have lost their lives in the most terrible manner. It appears a special train left Wodonga with the California mail, and while passing through Barna wartha station-gate, kept by William Howard and wife, the gate was closed, and the engine-driver whistled to have opened. The train was running at great velocity, and could not be checked. On approaching the gate, Howard and wife were seen to rush across the track to open the way, when the train dashed down upon, them, cutting the uufortunate woman to pieces, and breaking the back and legs of the man and inflicting other such terrible injuries as to result in death a few minutes afterwards.

Levy, the cornet-player, is the defendant in a libel suit brought by Miss St. Clair, vocalist. • The libel was contained in a letter addressed by Levy to Miss St. Glair's father. Levy, since the serving of process, has filed his schedule. Liabilities, £364 ; assets, £170. Causes : Alleged losses sus tained during a professional tour in South Australia and Victoria. It is reported that Levy, the cornet-player, has left for New Zealand, in order to avoid the libel action of Miss St. Clair. The Judge in Insolvency refused to interfere, as the Court could not prevent a man carrying on his trade. ■ Mr Joseph Thomson, the leviathan book maker, paid over the £10,000 in bank notes in the middle of Collins-street to the representative of Chester's owner. Thomp son lost £21,000 in three bets alone, and paid them before receiving £200. Altogether he had to pay £35,000, by far the larger portion of which goes to Sydney. The other bookmakers also, lost heavily. Hicken is reputed to be a heavy winner. Mr and Mrs George Darrell are playing "Transported for Life f in Newcastle to crowded audiences. They go to Maitland after leaving the city of black diamonds. Miss Carrie Emanuel has given three suc cessful concerts in Sydney.

A young man,, named John Cusack, was admitted to the Melbourne Hospital suffering from a compound fracture of the skull, caused by his sister throwing a brick at him when he w ras in the act of striking his mother. Richard Harris, a patient in the Bathurst Hospital, made his way out of the ward and threw himself down a well in the yard. He had suffered for a consider able time from disease of the bladder, and the evideuce at the inquest showed that he destroyed himself to end his sufferings, Messrs Stuart and Couche, merchants, wire defendants in a Supreme Couit action. The plaintiff was a carter in their employ. He claimed £1,000 damages for bodily in juries sustained by loss of eyesight through the negligence of defendants in not pro tecting a hydraulic lift to their premises. The jury awarded the plaintiff £220. Dr Goold, of Edinburgh, is to be "ap pointed first professor to the new Theologi cal Hall, if he decide to accept the appoint ment at a salary of £800 a jear.

Considerable business has been done in wheat at 5s 6d. There is a trade demand for flour. 4,000 cases of Devoe's kerosene have been sold at 18 4^d. Large lines of Hennessy's case brandy have been sold at 31s; holders are asking 325. Grey Java sugars sold at £35 6s. Sales of maize are reported at 5s 9d; there is no stock in the market. . .

PARLIAMENTARY.

(From our own Correspondent),

'». THE OPPOSITION CAUCUS. The following members -were present at the Opposition caucus : Messrs Atkinson, Beetham, 80/ wen, Burns, Qurtis, Douglas, Gibbs, Harper, Henry, Hurstkouse, John ston, Kennedy, Lumsden, Manders, Moor house, McLeai\, Morris, Murray-Aynsley, Reid, Richardson, Richmond, Rolleston, Rowe, Russell, Seymour, Sharp, Stafford, Sutton, Teschemaker, Wason, Whitaker, Williams, and Woolcock. Mr Sharp left early. It is believed that he had warm words with Mf Wason. FUTURE OPPOSITION TACTICS. The result of the Opposition caucus yes terday seemed to be that each should do as he liked. This was borne .out by what happened last night. Major Atkinson, made a speech of an hour and three-quartera, not so much assailing the Government finance as giving a history of and justifica tion of his own finance in past years. It was a most unimpassionable speech, though patiently listened to. Sir George Grey replied in a bril liant speech, turning the tables on Major Atkinson in a most playful manner. It was listened to with uninter rupted attention and the greatest enthu siasm. He carried the House for over an hour. Mr McLean followed, after an adjourn ment at eleven o'clock, and went on dismally for an hour and a half, and cleared the House and galleries. The discussion was adjourned till Thursday. The Opposition seem broken down triterly. It. is doubtful if Mr Stafford will move an amendment reducing the land fund reserve to ten per cent. Capital leaders in both evening papers enraptured with the Government proposals, calling the statement by Mr Larnach konest, manly, and straightforward. MR WHITAKER, Mr Whitaker will not pair against the ! Government on the land fund question. He goes on Friday. It is said he will not pair , at all. i i For two days the "New Zealand Times" j has expressed no opinion whatever respect- i ing the Government proposals .- \ MAJOR ATKINSON COMPLI- ! MENTARY. When the House met yesterday afternoon Mr Larnach explained several obvious typographical errors in the tables to the j Financial Statement. j By arrangement with the Opposition, the ! motion for Supply was fixed to be taken at | uight. Major Atkinson expressed thanks ; for the courtesy shewn to his party. : LAND BILL. In reply to questions from Mr Reid as to

j going on with the present Land Bill th* j Government said they would await' th J decision on their financial policy, which if | opposed, would necessitate remodelling tn fit it in with the changed circumstance, LAND FUND. Mr Larnacli announced the intention of I the Government to take the Land Fund ! from the Ist of January next.

(From another correspondent)

j j MR. REES CREDITED WITH Tm? FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The knowing ones of the Opposition <n VP Mr Rees credit for having drafted "the j Financial Statement, and from the way in ■ which Mr Larnach rattled it off, as if read i ing for wager, he did not give that emphasis I that a real author would be supposed to do j where he made a point. The Statement I seems to have made little impression on : public opinion here. The two cardinal i points—the loan and colonisation of the | land fund-are pretty generally agreed with ; and it is said Major Atkinson would have : done the same had he dared. Some of the ; would-be financiers of the Opposition speak !of Mr Larnach's Statement as a house of * | cards, that can and will be easily de- I molished. They also deny there have beeu • any defections from their camp, and main ; tain that they will aec some from the other j side. The ins say the very opposite. Some | awful crammers must be credited to some i one. The real fact appears to be that j parties are just as they were a fortnight ■ ago. No matter what the policy of the I Government, they cannot satisfy the wants \ of t'.ic other side—office.

L^ST 2T2OHT.

[PRESS AGENCY.)

IN the House last night the Marine Act Amendment and Cemeteries Management Bills were read a third time.

MAJOR ATKINSON'S ATTACK.

j On motion for going into Committee of Supplies, Major Atkinson proceeded to discuss the Financial Statement. He com menced by giving a refiew of the Public Works Finance of the colony since 1870 and the changes which had taken place in the personal policy and system of Finance of the Government during that period. The most important change was introduced by him in 1875, when the annual appropria tion of loans for public \vovk.i was substituted for permanent appropriation. The colonial debt had been increased about £11,000,000 in the seven years, but only about £5,000,000 had been spent in the colony; for which thijy had 100,000 immigrants, 868 miles of railway, 2,300 miles of road, 3,229 miles of telegraph, public buildings, lighthouses, goldfields' works, and land worth. £750,000 He leviewed the policy of the late Govern ment, shewing how it had provided for all contingencies without seizing the Land fund or .increasing the taxation, and said that in a few months more the finances of the colony would have been placed in a thoroughly satisfactory condition. He pointed out a large number of inaccuracies and discrepancies in Mr Larnach's state ment, and asked how the deficiency of £700,000, shown after the land fund, was to be met". He denied Mr Larnach's and Sir George Grey's siatements about the proAin. cial liabilities, and said that they had all been provided for by the late Government, but the present one was treating as "liabili ties what were no iso. He denied the necessity for a four million loan." The Treasury Bills could all be funded under the Inscription of Stock Act. He complained of the charge made of the late Ministry having concealed the in debtedness of the colony, and challenged proof. The policy of the late Ministry had been well considered, prudent, and far-see ing ;|that of the present Ministry was allu sorv, deceptive, and absolutely unreliable. . SIR GEORGE GREY'S REPLY. Sir George Grey replied at length to Major Atkinson, maintaining the absolute correctness of his own previous statements, and those of Mr Larnach as to the financial position of the colony. He denied that the late Government had provided for provincial liabilities, and other claims. The present expenditure was £27,000 a week on Public Works and in five weeks the whole balance of rthe loaA would be spent. Not having time to make fresh estimates of their own, he asked the House to accept those of their predeces sors, as the amount was not to be exceeded, but the Government would in administrat ing make large reductions. He condemned, the finance and administration of the late Government as unjust,- and guided by favouritism to the few. The policy of.tke present Government would be justice to all, with a fair system of taxation and representation, a common land law, and a common land fund. He replied at length to Major Atkinson's personal remarks and criticisms of Mr Larnach's figures. Mr McLean spoke at great length, defending the policy of the late Govern ment, criticising the proposals and figure* of the present Ministry, condemning .the robbery of Canterbury and Otago,. viz., taking their land fund, expressing surprise at the Otago and Canterbury members of the Ministry being consenting parties. •'.. The debate was then adjourned till Thursday. The House rose at 12.35. RAILWAY MANAGEMENT. ": The Committee on Railway Management report that it is expedient that the railways ■ open for traffic be under a separate manage ment to railways under construction;"that there should be a permanent Commissioner of Railways; that New Zealand coal be used on railways; that the.block system be adopted on all lines with long tunnels; that it is inexpedient at present to lease railways, but as an experiment, itis desirable to lease the Auckland and Waikato Railway for a period of seven years ; that sufficient trains be run on Sundays to meet the public-re quirements ; that railway tickets should be purchased at shops like postage stamps^ or at the railway stations at any time during office hours.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Albert Beetham, Esq. (chair), and P. Comiskey, Esq., Justices of the Peace.) DRUNKENNESS. , Catherine Townshend, Wm.. Hart, and Thomas Phillips, were fined lOs each, witli costs for drunkenness. NEGLECTJNG A MOTHEB. William Kelly, a powerful man, was brought up on a charge .of neglecting to obey the order of the Court, by not paying 5s per week towards the support of. his mother, now suffering in the, hospital, arrears £2. Defendant said that he was unable to contribute the sum ordered as he was out work. Mr Graham, relieving officer, said he had heard upon good authority that defendant was in good work until Thursday last, and had stated that he would not pay. ■ . The Bench remanded the case until Fri day, as the order had been made by Mr Barstow. BLACKING A WOMAN'S EYE. James Waite, 'a young man,|jwas charged with assaulting Mrs Bryant on the 19^ inst., by striking her on the eye, an? knocking her down. mi- Mr Thorne for complainant, and sal J. B. Graham for the defence. , , Margaret Bryant, the complainant, remembered the 19th inst. She■ was then going down the wharf with a young person. Saw the defendant, Waite. She asked lum for a white waistcoat which she had lent niw. ■to go to a ball with. He refused to give « up, because he said her son owed him some thing. Waite made no further remark, but lifted his fist, and struck her fullic tue eye and knocked her down. . '.■■■ To Mr Graham : He knocked her, h d«F in Mr Odium's shop. She was not in liquor. Was positive she was struck^ o Waite. Did not tell him to keep the white waistcoat until she paid him what her son owed. She was going to see her husbana on the lona.

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1877.



rjIHE undersigned are now bringing I forward a Large Parcel of GENERAL DRAPERY, HABERDASHERY, &C. bought at considerably less than usual prices, to which they invite the attention of all requiring Good Value For Money. Corsets in great variety of quality and style, white and coloured, from 2/6 per pair Xiinen and Lace Goods, Cufts, Collars, and Sets, in variety Ladies' Underclothing Umbrellas and Parachutes, Silk, Zanella, •- Alpacca, &c. Lot of Flowers at very low price, quite fresh Straw Hats, Ribbons, Gloves, &c. A Splendid Stock of Muslin, Lace, and Lenoe Curtains, Counterpanes, Quilts, Damask Table Cloths, Sheeting, Felt Squares Carpets, Floorcloth, China Matting, Ticks, &c. Large-size Huckaback Towels at /6 each New Fancy Dress Materials, Japanese Silks, Coloured Lustres, Black Lustres, Embossed, Striped, and Check Muslins, Prints, &c. Brown Holland, from /6£ per yard Union, Fancy Jean, and Oxford Shirtings, very cheap A Line of Superior Quality Silk Mixed Fancy Shirting, at 2/3, usual price 3/6 per yard White and Grey Calico. Good Grey from /3 per yard Also, A very large assortment of Gents' Shirts, White Longcloth, Union and All-wool Crimean, Fancy Silk Mixed Scotch Twill, Fancy Jean, Oxford, &c. Strong Tweed for Boys wear A Job Line of Stout Mosgiel at below Factory prices Braces, Belt?, Ties. Scarfs, Collars, Cotton and Merino Hosiery, Undershirts, &c. Leghorn, Tuscan, Straw, and Drill Hats, for Boys and Men, &c, &c, &c. B. in he & allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. rushbrook & bridgman, Junction Dkapery Warehouse, Upper Queen-strket, auckland.



Beware op Counterfeits of the time honoured and standard medicinal beverage, Udolphg Wolfjb's Schiedam Aromatic Schxapp_s, contained in bottles which formerly held the truo elixir. It is hoped that an ex posure of tfii£ infamy may put the public onite guard against these disguised poisons, which are nothing but the vilest spirits with an ad- BllJtUTf 9t £PJ»§£ IWiJP aQd hurtful drug.



CARPETS, HEARTHRUGS, LINOLEUM, FLOORCLOTH. T. & H. COOKE Beg to inform their friends and the public that they have imported a large assortment of the above, which zoill render their FURNISHING ESTABLISHMENT one of the most complete and extensive in Auckland, having purchased these Goods of the JSlanufactiwers direct, for cash, they are enabled to offer them at VERY LOW FRIGES. ' New Patterns in Carpets and Linoleum. SST SHOW ROOMS: 67, Queen-street. Steam Cabinet Factory Victoria-street. mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS.-



W. J. HURST & CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. ilurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every A griculturist :— MALDEN" ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MKXICAN do BELL'S BONE FLOUR ~ i and J-inch BONEDUST BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply r-pecial Chemical Manures for stirnulatir. g weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clove.r-sk k Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will bo supplied on application at the Stores.



W. J. HURST & CO., 101 QUEKN-STREE T, CLOVER SEED, E'OR SPRING SOWING Just Landed, kx Columbus— SO casks new Clovers, consisting of Red Clover White Clover Cow Gras Also on hand. Alsyhe, Timothy, Lucerne, Rape Rat3-tail, Rye grass, Cocksfoot, &c, at lowest market rates. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, (iUEEN -STREET. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) SOOO „ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also 800 sacks of 1875 crop hard feed, surpassing tiESi any of last season's growth ; 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour. Bran, Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c, &c. Particular attention is called to 600 sacks Prime Barley at is per bushel o 501b. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh a £21 per ton. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. UNION INSURANCE COMPANY OB' NEW ZEALAND. C APITAL £2,000,000. AUCKLAND BRANCH: QUEEN-STREET, Nest the Colonial Bank.



FIRE DEPARTMENT. granted on Dwelling-houses, Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is parried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at Lowest Cukrent Rates.) JR. H. STEVENSON Manager. J. COSGRAVE&-CO. "? Beg to inform the Inhabitants of the ipti, Province, that they have Received a Large Consignment of Goods, per the City of Auckland, purchased at the End of the Season, in the English Markets, consisting of— Manchester Goods (T"\ Black, Colored, and Dress Materials JJL L Japanese Silks Straw Hats J ? ( Men's Clothing, &c, Boys' Clothing tJU &c, &c. They have now Marked them Down, and are now holding a Sale of the same. The Public are requested to come Early and Secure the Extraordinary Bargains that will be given.