SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

TTTPTT -\v \ tt?p f Tnis Afternoon, 8.52 iiiuii \.AJIiK- (To . ]Ilorrow Morning, 9.10 SUN SET.—This Evening, 7.10. SUN RISE.— To-morrow Morning, 4.51. MOON'S AGE.—Last Quarter, 7th, 1.4G a.m.

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES,

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Sydney (from Onehunga)—S.S. Rotorua, 16th January For fhe South—Taranaki, 4th in3t.; Hawea, 9i.h inst. JJer Taurang-a—Rowcna, s.s., Wednesday I'or Giskornc and Napier—Go-Aliead, s.s., Wednesday For London—City of Auckland, early ; Rapido, barque, early ; Glenlora, barque, early For Corormindcl—Argyle, s.s., Mondays and Fridays For VVangarei—Argyle, every Tuesday Ffir iho North.—-lona, s.s., every Monday For Dunedin —Southern. Cross, mission vossel, early.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Hero, s.s., from Sydney, about 3rd January H.M.S. Pear], from Sydney, early. Loch Urr, barque, W.Q.K.L., 'from London ; sailed 30th September Glenlora, barque, from London, sailed Oct. Bth. Pioneer, barque, from Mauritius; sailed 12th November. Mlrzapare. barque, from Melbourne Rebeccah Jano, brig, from. Melbourne, early Omaha, brigantine, from Chatham islands, early Fayerite. schooner, from the TslaTin.?;, early Edith, schooner, from the Islands,-early Lft'iiua, schooner, from iho inland>, early Kriomhilda, schooner, from Suwarrovv* Island, early.

IMPORTS.

Per Australia, rrom San Francisco:—ll cases printing material.—H. Brett.

Thn s.s. Jane Douglas is to sail to-morrow-at i p.m.-for Gisborne, Napier, and East Coast Ports.

Mr. D. Gouk has been entrusted with the work of rccaulking and coppering the German schooner Obosega. The ship, TJiurland Castle, 12 U tons, left Grave-send for tin's port, on the sth Noremoer. She has immigrants on board. The following are tho passengers by the s.s. Tarcinaki, whose arrival ttc announced yester day. Saloon:—Mr. Wilson , Miss Kenwood, Captain Wilson, Messrs. Watt, Ncwsham Boy lan. J. L. Hall, Craig-, Field, McShane, Garlick, Bailey, Nelson, Owen, Levi, Jones, Veale, Vare, Atkins, Rico, McDonald, and S in tho steerage. The schooner Josephine is to leave next week for Now Caledonia via Norfolk Inland.

■ Tho schooner Loch Leo which has been lying at the North Head windbound for two or three days, yesterday made sail, and proceeded on her voyage to Tonga. The s.s. Star of the South was announced to leave Levuka for Auckland on the Ist Jan.

The following are tho names of the s.s. Aus tralia's passengers for Sydney: Mr and Mrs Chalmcs, Messrs G. A, Woods, Pascal Lowes. Riccardino Marie, Riccardino Pietro, Rev Canon Davenport and wife, J. W. Colville, F. A. and J. L. Broomfield, L. Hordern, Thomas Farmer, E. D. Wiloman and wife, William Orr, Price Jackes, Miss Egan, and 44 steerage,

The excursionists on the wharf this morning created quite a stir, what with their members gay attire, and bands of music. The scene was rendered very animated by the shipping being again decorated with flags in honor of the holiday.

The s.s. Rotomahana will leave for the Thames at half-past six o'clock this evening.

The Government s.s. Hinemoa moved away from the Queen-street wharf to the railway wharf this morning. Pome important work.has to bo done onboard during1 her stay in this port.

The barque Itapido having finished her load ing for London, moved off into the stream this morning* She is tn clear n.t the Customs, and sail to-morrow morning. Ilor cargo consists of gum, woo]; cotton, taiiow, &c.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Unoer :— For Thames, to-morrow, at -I.3'J p.m. For Cpromandel, per Argyle, to-morrow, at 11.30 a.m. For Tr yphena, per Three Brothers, to-morrow,

Nt !) a.m. For Port Fitzroy, per Water Lily, to-morrow, at

9 a.in. For Chili, pur Tamaya* to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For Russell, Wnn^aroa, and Mongonui, per

loiin, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Gisborne and Napier, per Go-Ahead, to-

morrow, at 3 p.m. For Whitianga, Tauranpra, and Opotiki, per

Ilowena, to-iaorrow, at ip.m. For Waiwcra, Mahurangi, Miitakana, and To Arai, per Annie Milbank, on Thursday next,

at 10 a.m. For Taranakl and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki, on Thursday next, at 10 a.m. For Wangaroi Heads, Waipu, Wangarei and Manjfapai, per Argylc, on Thursday next.

at:? j>.m. For Gisb orno and Napier, per Southern Cross,

on Thursday next at 3 p.m. Per Hawoa, on Monday, Bth January, as under:— For India, China, Mediterranean ports, and Continent of Europe, at 3.20 p.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, and Australian Colonies, at 4.20 p.m. For United Kingdom, via Suez and South ampton, for letters specially addressed, at i.20 p,m. For United Kingdom, via Brindisi, and late letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne, Will be received till 4.20 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 2.30'n.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

GODDARD.—On the 31st December, 1870, at her residence;, Pratt-street, Mrs. 11. A. Goddard of a son.—Home papers pleusu copy.

DEATH.

lIOWDEN.—On Ist January, Eveline Emma, infant daughter of James and Khoda Howden, aged 7£ months.

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 1877

For fiie cavse that lacks assistance <. For the wronff that needs resistance ; For the future in the distance, Ami the good, that we can do.

IN his charge to the Grand Jury to-day, his honor had to deplore an unusually heavy calendar, both in respect of the number and character of tho offences. Twenty-four prisoners for trial at an Auckland quarterly Circuit Courtis a serious array. But there'would appear to bo no ground for apprehendimj that the lioavinoss of the calendar is a of the growth of an incorrigible criminal class. The offenders in the majority of instances, seem to be those who have been tempted by circumstances; perhaps, or vicious habit, into iirst offences. It might be noticed that of the 24 persons arraigned, one third have arrived in the colony during the last four years. Three of these, however,* were sailors, and the other cases do aot furnish any features suggesting a conspicuously evil influence on the criminal records attributable to the large and somewhat indiscriminate immigration of tho past few years. There are on the calendar the names of one or two prisoners concerning whose committal by country magistrates his Honor animadverted in terms of condemnation. Tho case of John Murphy, sent to trial from Mackaytown, for an alleged indecent assault on Miss Nolan, whom ho afterwards married, was one which, in the opinion of his Honor, called for greater magisterial discretion than that bestowed upon it. The circum stances may be remembered by our readers. The accused, who was on terms of tender intimacy with tlia object of his alleged assault, was committed, notwithstanding the most earnest protests of Miss Nolan that no mch assault had been Attempted. Tho ficcond case referred to by his Honor is that of Anne Jano Ogdcn and William F. Kirwin, sent to trial from Tauranga, for an alleged ■ breach of the " Mali cious Injury to Property Act, ISG7." The circumstances as narrated in our report of the charge render the appearance of the accused before a criminal court ono of sonic hardship and likely to attract a good deal of sympathy The remarks of his Honor upon the attempts of policemen to extract evidence from the mouths of accused persons are well-timed. Statements of this kind are made under circumstances that afford no guarantee of their judicial accuracy and fairness, aad yet an undue weight is apt to be placed upon them when tendered as evidence. Beyond these and his Honor's references to that deplorable form of crime, infanti cide, the charge did not travel beyond an epitome of the calender. Mr Justice Gillies, unlike Judge Johnstone, avoids extraju dicial utterances on political topics, and the brevity and perspicuity of his charges doubtless find favour with time-pressed and discerning grand jurors, capable of dis criminating between careful legal direction and judicial bathos.

To make room for arrears of local and mail news we to-day omit leading articles, correspondence and other matter.

Mr Robort Salmon informs the public that lie will open Ids City West shop in Union-streot to-morrow, where he honea to satisfy lua custo.nars \vith first class &utglM?r'§ meat ftt ro^soMWe pricea,

Tho quarterly meeting of the Templar Benefit Society will bo held to-morrow evening in the Temperance Hall, for the execution of general business.

A shocking fracas has occurred in a house of ill repute at Timaru. It appears from a telegram that a man named Davies who lived with the woman, found a man named Callaghan in the house, and turnod him out. Callaghan then seized a log of wood and beat Davies nearly to death, necessitat ing his removal to the hospital where he lies in a precarious state. Callaghan has been brought up at the Timaru Polico Court, and remanded lor a week.

Dr. Martin F. Tupper, of Tillingbourno House, Albury, near Guildford, well known as the author "of "Proverbial Philosophy," has boon busy in the United States, taking notes, since he landed in New York, in October last. Mr. Tnppor has long ox pressed a desire of seeing America for himself, and of expressing liis opinions there on. Mr. Tupper is not satisfied with Miss Martineau's " Views of America," nor with Mrs Trollope, nor with Dickens, nor with Marryat. Mr. Tupper's American Reflec tions will most likely appear about the middle of the coming year.

The natives at the village of Kopua, a few miles south of Alexandra and beyond the confiscated boundary, have for some years past produced large wheat crops, which have been sold at fair prices at Alexandra. The condition of the maoris at Kopua hfia thus so rapidly improved that they have built mills and weather-board houses, and have purchased agricultrual implements of tho most modern construction in Auckland. On Christmas day they had a dinner in European style in the house of Hobson, a half-caste,' and the afternoon was spent in horse-racing and other sports. In the evening the natives were entertained at tea by Tarniliana, another owner and occupant of a fine weather-board house.

James McGrath, a settlor at Maketn, died yesterday "from injuries recoived by a kick from a horse which he was endeavour ing to catch. An inquest before Captain Jackson was held this aftornoon, upon the body of the unfortunate man.

The settlers of Ararimu, and adjacent locality are raising subscriptions for the widow of the murdered man. Denis Shan alian, for avlioso condition |a great amount of sympathy is expressed.

The band of the German ship now lying in the harbor purpose giving a concert in Lome-street Hall on the evening of the sth inst. The proceeds to go to the funds of the Orphan Homes of this city. According to a private telegram received yesterday from Napier, Sir Donald Mcloan is Buffering from dropsy of the heart, and is not expected to rise from his bed again. His medical advisers give us no hope of his recovery.

Ret P. H. Cornford. delivered his farewell sermons on Sunday last, in the "Welleslcy street Baptist church, where the rev gentle man has labored for the last fifteen years. Mr Cornford's sermon was based upon the 71st Vs., v. 16. "I will go forth in the strength of the Lord God." The sonnon was impressive throughout. In the evening, lie delivered an address of a more pers-mol nature, in which he reviewed hits fifteen v«s-ts work in "Welles!ey street. On Thursday evening, a farewell tea-party and soiree will be hell, and parting addresses spoken. As this is understood to be Mr Comford'n hint public appearance in Auckland it is expected there will be a large gathering of members and Mends. At the eloso ot th<.j§scrvicos on Sunday last, Mr. Cornford gave a cordial invitation to all .Baptists, whether members at Wellesley-streot or elsewhere, to be present at a service to bo held on Friday evening, at 7.30, when the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper will be administered by him, as his last act in connection with the Bap tist Church in tliis city. Children's Services are becoming quite tin institution ; everywhere we read of this interesting work being promoted, Avith the highest prospects of training youth to acquire a love for their church, an they growiip to ages of responsibility. At All Saint's Sunday School, Ponson'by, the teachers have held a short service for the little ones in the school room, for several past Sunday mornings, and they say they find the children far more attentive to the simplified service and address, than the longer one of the church, nor is it to be wondered at, since they have what is most suitable for their tender minds. Last Sunday afternoon was held the first of a series of those services in the church, the whole school forming the choir.

The marriage yesterday, at Freeman'a Bay, of a couple whoso united Ages considerably exceed a century was the signal for ono of those exhibitions of juvenile ruffianism which havo on too many occasions disgraced tills locality and caused annoyance to harm loss people. When our reporter passed the sccnolast evening, about thirty boys, mostly children, ranging from 3 to 10 yoars old, were collected on the foot-path in front of the house in which the newly wedded couple wore at the time. Most of the boys wero ragged, dirty, unkempt gutter-snipes, but there were one or two boys amongst them comparatively decently dressed, w3io may be the sons of respectable parents. The boys were armed with kerosine tins and sticks with which they made a most unearthly din, some of them hammering at the doors, the whole of them having more the appear ance of imps of darkness than of human creatures. An attempt was made to ap pease them by the bride herself, who came to the door and threw out a handful of coppers. There was a great scramble, the boys rolling over each other in the mud, and raking in the mud of the gutter for the coppers. * Almost immediately afterwards the din was recommenced, and was kept up for an hour, the neighbors meanwhile regarding the wholo affair as a good joke, and looking on with evident approval. One or two norscnien passing had a narrow escape, owing to the horses taking fright at the noise. should like to know what the Fnsemnn's Bay constable was about, that scenes cf this disgraceful character occur in broad daylight, and a fiendish din can be allowed to continue for hours to the annoyance of peacoful citizens ?

Tho members of tho United Ordorof Freo •Templar.1? Sick and General Benefit Society ■will be pleased to learn that Mr James Cox, their W.C.P., has received a communication by mail from England, stating that the name of the above Society in future will be known as the U.O. of Free Templars Sick and General Benefit Society of New Zea land. We see by the journal of the Society in England, dated August, 1876, that the members of' the branch residing in the Borough of Guards held a fete on the 20th July, when 1,300 of the members were present; and at Dover, under the auspices of the Briton's Hope Lodge and the Society, a fete was held on Wednesday, July 26th. Tho procession Svns headed by a splendid band., the members wearing their beautiful saslieSj and two large banners were carried by the S.B.s of the Society, one of the banners bearing the inscription, " The Templar and General Sick Benefit Society, Dover and Folkstonc Branch," and in the centre was the emblems of " Faith, Hope, and Charily." The #Je\v Zealand branch of this Society, since its establishment in Auckland, has progressed favourably, and although young, it has shown the value of such a friend in the time of need. All in formation with regard to the rules, &c, can be obtained by applying to Mr J. N. Hunt, the secretary, Wakefield-street, or at the Society's office, Oddfellows' Hall, Cook street, Auckland, every Tuesday evening at half-past eight.

Interest in the Moody revival has been un flagging throughout the Presidential election. Vast crowds visit the Tabernacle nightly, and indications are abundant of the existence of an earnest fceUog »a<J, Qf Wick SQQfI &ei»g ac^gav

A special general meeting of the Auckland } shipwrights wlil be hold on Thursday evening in the Temperance Hall at the usual hour. The Thames Naval Jtlnstrels announce an entertainmentin the Lome-street Hall to-morrow night. The programme, which appears m another column v i3 of a'diversified character, in cluding songs, dances, and character representa tions. The grand finale"Union Jack of Old Eagland," is given by tho whole company in white uniform, and is said to be a remarkably striking performance. A dance will conclude the evening's enjoyment. An additional attraction is added to the many others which a painstaking Committee of man agement has provided for the performance at tho Choral Hall on Thursday evening, when tho splendid opera bouffo of "Trial by Jury" is to bo produced. During the concert which will precede the pioco tho fine band of H.I.M. ship Hortha will play a nnmber of their most admired selections. The public of Auckland arc under obligations to Commander Knorr, for the many evidences of his willingness to add to their pleasure and enioyment whenever occasion offers.

The Cruise of the Secret.

(From-our Special Correspondent. )

ChRISTCTIURCH, Dec. 27th. To the Editor of the Evening Star. Sxk, —Enclosed you will find partionlars of our cruise so far in quest of tho "Bnbble reputation," and, if lucky, more substan tial lionors for the trim little yacht Secret and her plucky owners. We had a very rough trip down, but in all weathers the Secret proved herself beyond doubt a most admirable sea boat, and under careful handling and suitable canvas, as safe, if not as comfortable, as the largest clipper which visits your port. Under the most unfavor able conditions of a, nasty cross sea and heavy galo she lay to like a duck, and although she drenched the watcli on deck with sprays on no occasion did she ship any heavy water; while those below might easily imagine her at anchor in a tido-way, so easy were her motions. From the par ticulars of the trip, you will sco that with only two excerptions the passage has boon made against a combination of adverse winds and licavy sea, combined with calms even moro disheartening than the head winds; the most favorable start being from White Island to Ea6t Cape Islet, a run of 110 miles in about 11 hours, whichshews that under more favorable conditions a rapid passage might have been expected. We arrived in Lyttclton Harbor, outside the Breakwater, about G p.m. on Christmas Day, and tho officers of the Lyttelton Yacht Club, with considerate attention boarded us there, and gave us their assistance in taking up a berth in Dampier's Bay, besides giving us all interesting items of news with regard to the approaching Regatta. The representa tive!? of the respective papers ateo put in an appearance, and to Mr. Jacobsou, who is the Hon. Sec of the Regatta Committee, our thankß are due for his hearty assistance in getting a footing in the Lyttleton hotel's whoso portals were more difficult of approach to strangers than could be conceived possible Of our prospects of success in the approach ing contest it Avonld bp presumption to apeak at present; according to all accounts our most redoubtable opponents will be the Dunodiu yacht Winoim, not yet in. Mor gnnVs now' coulre board, the Jim Flyim, i mid tho Lyttleton representative, Annie i Ojrlc. Tho shortness of the conrse and | character of the harbour, which Is favorable Ito plants of wind, render the issue more ■ than doubtful, but you may depend that i skilful handling, coolness, and fertility of resource, will not be wanting on the part of the Captain, and owners of the Auckland representative, to ensure i; fair chance of success, and if defeated, they must console themselves with the knowledge that the race iruiofc always to the swift, nor tho battle to the strong,' and whatever the result may be wo shall have done our best-.

" Tin not in mortals to command success lint v/o'Jl do more—deserve IK" THE VOYAGE DOWN, ■

Monday, 11th December, 2.40 i>.m,, got under weigh with wind from N. W., modmra breeze, which carried uh by 9 p.m. to the Watchman, off Cape Colvillo, under easy sail. Crow engaged in clearing it]) and making: all 6nng, getting boat on Ix>nr<l, &o, Towarui? morning "wind veered to S.W., and at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, 12fch, passed the schooner Mitmehaha off Hole in Wall, bound to Auckland. During the day wind southerly and falling calm. Passed the Slipper at 8 p.m. ; calm night. 13th, wind S.W., beat into Tauranga and came to anchor at 7a. m. Mr C. F. Hulme, one of the owners, coming aboard, cot nnder"weigh at 5 p.m., with light breeze from S.E. fall ing calm towards evening, and with light airs all round, were in sight of White Island at daybreak of 14th, with "Whale Island to windward ; wind S.W. Passed White Island at 8 a.m., and the wind coming stronger and moro to the westward made a good run to East. Cape Islet passing the latter at 6.30 p.m., when the wind again fell away to light airs and calms which lasted all night. 15th made Gable-end Foreland, wind istill light and variable. An exciting incident occurred hero, catching a shark about 6ft. long, and having put a bowline round his tail wo were toeing him astern when we were surprised by another, variously estimated from 14 to 20 ft. long, coming close under the yacht's counter and biting his dying brother in two. On again retnrmng for another bite, he was dragged up so close that Mr R. Niccol gave him ft chop across the nose with an axe, which had the effect of an electric shock upon him to judge by the way he made tracks, but so great was his voracity that ho returned again and again, but always giving the axe a wide berth. The wind increased by 8 p. m., coming from S.W. avith heavy sea, which rapidly increased to heavy gale, and after contending against it for some time under close reefed canvas, hove too till daylight, and then ran for shelter nnder Mahia Peninsulft, to an anchorage off the Whanga* wai River> presided over by a genius who rejoices in the cognomen of'" Happy Jack," whose faithful light .is a guide to the anchor age cheered us anting the horns of night. Came to nn anchor at 8 a.m. of 16thinsfc. ; a heavy gale blowing from 8. W., with heavy rain. I.n the afternoon want on shore, and refilled water casks, etc Sunday, 17th : Still at anchor, wind southerly and weather as yesterday. Monday, 18th, 8 &.m, : Wind moderating, got nnder weigh, and had barely sufficient to take nn to Portland Island, when fell calm with heavy se:t : did not get round Portland till f>*p.m., when a most tremendous storm of thunder and lightning with d: caching rain broke Over us ; little or no wind till 8, when a breeze sprang up from its old quarter, the S., and after pounding at it till midnight, the wind still increasing and the glass very low, the captain reluctantly determined again to seek the shelter of Happy Jack's, which we reached afc 3 a.m. on Tuesday, 19th December, the light again being of signal service to us, the heavy rain and thick weather rendering the land invisible during the -greater part of the night. In the afternoon, owners and passengers went ashore in the boat, and proceeded to Walker's Station, on the Peninsula. We , were kindly received and hospitably en tertained, and having purchased a further supply of fresh meat, returned on board. Wednesday, 20tk—Got under weigh at 6 a.m., and rounded Portland at noon ; light winds and calms, with heavy sea from southward. Topsail schooner astern, which Mr Thos. Niccol pronounced to be the " Advanco." The wind now veered all round, and finally settled at W., with heavy thunder, lightning, and rain, pro mising a repetition of the weather ex perienced on Monday last.—Wind S.W. Thursday, 21st, 4 a.m., wind, and sea in creasing, reduced sail to storm canvas, and stood in for shore for smoother Nvate?, standing off and along all day. Seen fore-and-aft schooner astern, which Mr T, Niccol took to he the Colombia. We speedily left her, hull down, Passed a. We,ft-I»a i ßte<i schooner, going N^rtlfy Qfi.^

at ,7.30 p.m. were off Cape Turnagain During night wind fell to a dead calm, with tremendous sea from S. Friday, 22nd. —Arrived off Castle Point at 8 a.m M and vessel headreaching under close-reefed mizen and storm-jib all ■ day and night. Made Cape Pallisier at 4 a.m. on Satnrday, 23rd, wind veering to > V.,and N.W., as we opened out the Straits. Kan till S a,m., when the wind increasing to a heavy gale, with confused cross sea. Hove her to on starboard tack, under storm canvas, headreaching to S.W, 3 p.m.. schooner Columbia passed to leeward, running before it, and was out of sight very soon. 8 p.m., wind decreasing, ran before it and mot aS. W. breeze. At 12 fell calm with hoavv sea, light airs all round. Sunday, 24th, 2 a.m.—Light air from b.W Schooner Columbia to leeward, wind veered to N.W., light breeze ; a barque and.3 schooners in sight. Made tho Kaikouras about noon, when wind fell light till rundown, when a breeze came from »S. VV., veering to 5.,, gradually increasing till we had to put two reefs in mainsail, and veering to S.E., allowing as to lay course for Lyttolton towards morning. Monday, 25th. Light breeze from S.E., gradually working round to East, E.N.E., made Port Cooper at 5 p.m. of Christmas day, and with fine run up the harbour, arrived at anchorage in Lyttelton at 6.20, inside break water. The bark and schooners did not put in an appoarance till noon the following day 4

THE SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

To day again the weather has put a damper on allout-door amusements, and amongother things prohibited was the longlookedfor grand proccsiion of the schools connected with the Sunday School Union. However, it was decided by those in authority to make a virtue of necessity, and hold tlie festival to day. It is plainly evident that this was the best course to bo adopted, as, while giving the ohildern their annual treat, in tho shelter of thoir various schools, ?it preserved them from tho violence of the weather.

ST. JAMES PRESPYTERIAN SCHOOL

The children attending tho above school met at the church, Wellington-street, at nine o'clock this morning, when it was decided to make an effort to obtain tho drill shed. This effort was succesrful, and after the necessary preliminaries, tho children wero formed into procession, and proceeded to the large, and roomy building, by way of Hobson and Wellesley-streets. The young sters, to the number of 350, looked splendid in their gay dresses, and clean faces. About 8 small banners were carried by the children. On arrival at the drill-shed, the children were amused by the following teachers : — Mr. P. Mackie, superintendaut, W. Parker, secretary, G. McNab, J. d Macky, Rich ardson, McKerras, Goldie, Nelson, John Hsnna, T. J. Hanna, Jonoph Hanna, W. M. Orr, Hamilton, Brown, J. McLeod, J. M. Geddis, J. Macky, Steele, McCoskrie, Fleet, Turner, McKenzie ; Misses Pollock. Goldie, Somerville, Gow, Gash, Home, Kennedy, Walker, Oxley, Steele, Mclntloe, Mercer, ;Anderson, J. Donaldson, M. Donaldson, Arneil, I.loyd,aml Mr Goldio. Refreshment k woie liberally supplied during the day, and Ai libertiilv partaken of by the little one*. BEIti&FORJ >-ST RICET SCHOOL The Bcresford .street (schoolchildren wero amused at their school-room this morning. The day was pleasntly passed between scholars and teachers. WELLESLEY-STREET BAPTIST

SCHOOL.

A large number of the children attending the Weilwlcv-.strcet Baptist school, wers treated to' their annual festival to-day. The Young Men's Christian Association iocture-room wjvh especially engaged for the occasion, and hero, and at the school-, room, ample accommodation was found for the children to vomp iiu Much amusement was caused by'the ofFortß of a number of the "youth's" to skate, and their numerous spills caused a large amount ofj laughter. The arrangements were under the charge }of tho following teachers \ — Messrs Gazo (Secretary), Whitehead. Jud kins, Roundtree, Cleveland, Hill, Jones, E'lingham, Peters, Mrs Oorniord* and Misses Cooper, Longmore, 0. M. Jones, M. A. Jones, Cutler, Martin, Bigelow/and .1. Cooper. EDWARDES-STREET PRIMITIVE METHODIST SCHOOL. The annual festival of the above school was held to-day in the school-room, Edwardes-stroct, where a large number of scholars were present, with their teachers, as follows:—Messrs I). Goldie (superin tendent), Green (secretary), Jallroy, W.ilcocks, Walkinson, Squirrel!, Kennedy, Collinson, Potter, Downing: Mesdames Lowe and Leslie, find Misses Porter. Thwaites, Hall, and Potter. A pleasant day was passed by all. "N E WTON CON G REG ATI ON AL SCHOOL. Tho to.ichera and Bcholars of this school met at tho school-room, Edinbourgu^treefc, Newton, yesterday, and decided to hold the annual fete in spite of tho wet. ; A number of games, such as Kiss-in-the-ring, Jolly Miller, etc., resorted to, had tho effect of passing ihc time pleasantly. Buns, sand wiches, and cakes were distributed to the children during the day. The teachers present were : Mr Enoch Wood (superiit tendent), Mr S» Bums (secretary), J, Ellyetfc, Ed. Wood, 0. Spragg, M-. White, H. Potter; Mesdames Isles, Sprngg, and C. Spragg Jvc, and Misses Johnson, Beaney, Dickson and Potter. PONSONBY BAPTIST. The Ponsonby Baptist children also held their annual feast yesterday, in their school room, Ponsonby. The children " enjoyed themselves greatly, and returned home at .in early hour in the afternoon. The teachers were indefatigable in their exer tions to amuse the scholara. MOUNT EDEN BAPTIST SCHOOL. About 60 children attending this thriving suburban school, met this morning for the purpose, of enjoying themselves, after the manner of other schools. They Avero as sisted in. their laudable "work" by their teachers, as follows ; Mr Chartris^B-ipcf lutondent), Mr W. Rushbrook (secretary)1' Messrs Hoiighton and Cranwcll, and Misses Wells, Reid, Bunting, and Hewlett < ST j ANDREW'S PRESBYTERIAN * ; SCHOOL. The teachers of this school, after consi dering tho matter, decided to hold their annual fete this morning, and the scholars were assembled in the school-room, under the charge of Mr. Peacock, superintendent, for that purpose. The teachers did their level best to amuse the youngsters, and if not successful, it could scarcely be their fault. UNITED METHODIST. Owing to the inclemency of tho weather, the teachers of the United Methodist Free Church Sunday Schools, decided to hold their annual festival in the Temperance Hall, Albert-street, at 9.30. The children to the No. of 250, under the care of Mr. 11 emus, and the Franklyn-road branch numbering GO, under the care of Mr. Keano, left Pitt street headed by the banner, and marched* to the Temperance Hall, when tea., buns cakes, lollies biscuits, romping, singing, and good humour wero the order of the day. Number of scholars is 310 and teachers 22.

MAIL NEWS.

THE REVOLUTION IN COLOMBIA.

30,000 NEW TROOPS CALLED OUT. Private semi-official advices from the United States 6f Colombia, give an encouraging account of the victories of the Government over the Ultramonttines or revo lutionists. At present there is only one State of the republic declared in open rebellion, and it is significant that this State is loyal at heart to the Fec'toil Government, whilo the UAU-iuuQutaue, luiuQyiitv tUQseift h twl4

and defiant. This minority would be quickly j subjected, but for the fact that Cauwt revo- j lntionists are, it is averred, aided by two of the strongest of the Ultramontane btates. namely, the States Antioquia and Boyaca, , In addition to the Federal troops now en gaged, a call for 30,000 more has been issued bVthe President, and the loyal States will furnish the number as quickly as possible. Besides this, the Ultramontaues must pay the expenses of the war they have created, as President Parra has decreed to enforce the payment of 1,000,000d015. by the three principal rovolting States. This will be a heavy blow at tho enemy, as tho funds mnst indirectly como from the coifers of the Church, and thus Bishops Canuto and Bermndcz, who were tho real instigators ol tho revolution, with their confreres, will have a handsome bill to pay. The national Government is ablo to enforce its demands. ANOTHER BLOODY BATTLE EX PECTED. Tho port of Buenaventura, the principal port of the Republic south of Panama, was seriously threatened by the revolutionists, but the garrison at that point being rein forced it is now considered secure. Several small fights have taken place since the great battle fought at Cauca on the 31st of August, in which the Government forced were victorious. In the lesser engagements, the Federal troops were also successful. Tho Government is now concentrating a strong force in Cauca, and another great battle is soon expected, which must have a decisive effect one way or the other. The National authorities are confident that they can soon quell the revolt,

BURNING OF BROOKLYN THEATRE.

TWOTHUNDRED AND FIFTY PEOPLE KILLED.

Brooklyn Theatre, New York, wa« burned on the sth December. The flre broko oi it daring tne performance of the last sceno, and in five min utes more the audience would have been dis missed. The house was about two-thirds DUed, those bolow sitting -well forward toward the stage. Tho fire originated on tho stage, and spread with lightning rapidity, and the confu sion among the audience was terrible. One ot the actresses came to the front of the stage and said: " A small accident has occurred, but don B be alarmed; only a piece of the flies ia on fire. On this mention of flro tho audience arose to their feet and made a wild rush for the doora. The smoke became suffocating, and women fell fainting in the aisles and were trampled over. Numbers jmnped out of the windows and were severely injured. A young man who jumped out of the window says another man was with him and got to the window, and while holding on with his hands became overpowcrod with the smoke and fell back, and must have been con sumed in the flames. Dresses wore torn from the ladies while lying in the aisles, and on the side walk outside, A large pile of dresses, co torn from their backs, and picked up by the police, were in the Police Station next door to the the atre. All the company got out excepting a fly man, named Cumberson, who was badly burned and throw himself out or the window. He will die. An actor named Murdoch has not been seen in Brooklyn since tho flre. It is feared that he was burned to death. For those in the family circle, dress circle-, and galleries there vras no war fof o cape except by Washington-street. The panic-Btricken people rushed pell mell toward and down the s airways. The main exit became immediately c oked up, and a scene of TERROR CONFUSION AND DISTRESS.

Ensued which bestirs description. Just aboTC the landing place on tho stairway, a woman in the crush had her foot knocked between the binnistereandff.il. The crowd behind, forced forward by territled people still further behind, 'ell over her and piled on top of onch other four nnd live deep. The police from tho Siwtion house next door were promptly at the scene, but owing to the manner in which the people were plied upon top of each otherand massed together they conld extricate comparatively ■ few, and these were all bruised, bleeding and maimed. T4SS firemen scot to work on the ruins, and shortly after daylisrht this morninc they succeeded in getting ns far us the wall of tho. dress circle, whore they found a great number of bodies, and immediately begaa the work of removal. Kate Claxton,' at n. preliminary enquiry of the Fire Marshal, said: " At the ue^innin.r: of the last act, just as the curtain went up, I heard a rumbling noise on the Btago, and two minutes after :saw na.mc3. The fire seemed to be all on tho. stage. Mrs. Warren, myself, Mr. Studly and Mr. Murdoch were- on the staf<c at the time. We. four remained thcrs, and ciukavoui-ed as best«we could to quiet the audience and prevent a panic I said to the people 'Be quiet; we are between you and the fire, The front door is open and the passages are clear.' Not one of the audience Jumped on the stage. The flames were then coming down on us. I ran out and jumped over several people. Me. ATardock, after onfleavonrin*? to calm tlic /ears of the panlo-strickCD people, went to his dressing-room to got his clothing, and most have been suffo cated."

The origin of the fire was that the drop was ignited from the border light by some means in explicable, as one was guarded from the other. The statro carpenter, Vv reaver, and two supers endeavoured to extinguish the flames, but the difficulty was to reach the part on fire- The stage carpenter, with the supernumeries, at tempted to effect their object by lowering the drop, and, in doing bo, added fuel to the flames. Some persons assort that no one in the upper gallery escaped. The last man that left the stairs before they fell, says that behind him was a helpless, half-suitbcated crowd. Wagon loads of rough boxes arc arriving in front-oC tho theatre, and corpses arc placed in them and covered and carried to the morgue. Tho scone grows more terrible ovary minute. Men and .woinon are crowding around the station-house and theatre entranc-, making inquiries for missing friends, Tho bodies pre .sent every form of contortion. Amis and Jeps are. bent and twisted in every way, hands ,->re clenched, and roach out as if grasping for help. OXE UUNPUIC!) AND SICVI'JXTV-FIVK VICTIMS—RUINS STILT, BURNING. Brooklyn—4 p.m. - One hundred and ssventy fivc bodes have been taken from the ruins of the theatre. Tho ruins are still burning-, making the work of removing the bodies very difficult. Fiags arc ftt half mast throughout the city. Tho theatres are draped in mourning.

New York—s.3o p.m.—Two .hundred nnd fifty odioa have boon removed up to this hour.

SUPREME COURT.—THIS DAY.

CRIMINAL .SITTINGS

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies And

a common jury)

The Criminal Sittings of tho Supreme Court were holclon at 11 o'clock this day, at which hour His Honor Mr Justice Gillies, attended by Major Green, Sheriti", and by li* li. Rattray Esq.. Judge's Secre tary, 'entered tho Oourfy and took his seat on the bench.

The usual proclamation having been made by tho Court Crier >—

GRAND JUSYv

The following Grand Jury "was then impannelled and sworn :—Charles Alexan der, Konry Allright, Henry Atkinson, John Batger, John Henry Beal'e, Win. Thomas James Berry, John Goodha.ll, Shirley Whitford Hill, Barton Ireland, Frederick Ireland, Henry Egorton King, William S> Law ley, ■ Arthur Morrow, Frederick Moss, John MarshallMowWay, Frederick Lambert Prime, William Alfred Richarta Ryan, John Carroll Secombe, James 0. fSharland, Robert Walker, Warwick Wcston, Heniy Edward William, Andrew Walton. War wick Woston was elected Foreman,

His Honor, in delivering his'charge to the Grand Jury, said the calendar Avaa an unusually heavy one. Twenty-four persons Avere charged with 29 offences, and two chniges were wilful murder. Some of the otj|pr cases.were serious, though not of an aggravated nature.. In most of the cases the persons charged possessed a fair amount, of education, and there were none of the habitual criminal class. There were three cases to which he desired to direct their special attention, and in which, unless further evidence were adduced, it would be the duty of the jury to ignore tho bills. In none of these cases was such evidence laid before the magiatra es as ought, if they were cognizant of their duties, to have justified them in committing. There was a charge of attempting to commit a rape. In this case the accused did not appear to have taken indecent liberties. The woman .screamed loudly, and afterwards they went home together. They were met' by a policeman who laid the information. He (the learned judge) could not but condem such Vicious action on tho part of policemen. The parties had since got married, and the jury therefore find no difficulty in dealW with the case. The next charge was malicious injury to property. There was a married woman with a worthless husband an.d, ghft rnowged wtb, % wkm<&ui $

son to put up a house on a piece of land, which the husband had paid a deposit, but had not got a title. The husband -went to Auckland. She and her son then commenced to remove the house to another allotment and while they were in the act of doing bo a notice came that the husband had Bojdv the place. In spite of the notice they eg. ,;■ tinned to remove the house it mighv • -^ supposed, under the belief that, they hadV rieht to remove that which they had built and paid for. There was no evidence of intention to maliciously injure property. If they removod the house nnder a bona tide mistaken idea that they had a right to do bo, there could bo no crime, though they might have acted illegally. Tho right of the party injured was by civil process. The depositions shewed no single trace of intention to maliciously injure the property. The third caso was one of cattle stealing against a settler at Mahurangi. In tlna case tho committing magistrate and the clerk were evidently very ignorant of thoir duties. The depositions which came to the Court were in loose sheets, and without the usual certificate of tho magistrate that they were taken in case, as in tho form pre scribed in the Justice of the Peace Act. The warrant of committal was not attached. In fact the papers came in the most irregular state. His Honer wished magistrates to understand that in all cases it was their duty in law, npon committing a prisoner to tho Supieme Court, to cause the depositions, recognizances, and warrant of committal to be devised to the Registrar of this Court with a certificate identifying . them as belonging to the case in question. The effect of the irregularity of the depositions in this case was that they could not be used if they should be required. In the case there was no evidence of intent on the part of the accused, but only of an obstinate bona fido assertion of a right of ownership to the animal in question. If on the other hand, tho evidence shewed any violence with intent, coupled with a knowledge that the animal was the property of another man, and that the accused was endeavouring to steal the animal, the jury would bring m a; true bill. Magistrates should be careful not to put tho criminal law in motion against persona in cases of disputed ownership of goods. It was a waste of time to put the criminal law in motion in such cases. There was a charga of inciting to the com.; mittal of an unnatural offence. If there was an attempt to commit the crime, there was an offence. In this case the sole evi dence of solicitation was that of a boy who was solicited by the accused : there was absolutely no corroboration. The repeated statements of the boy were not corrobora^ tion. The jury -would have to remember, that the charge was easy to he made and difficult to rebut, and they would have to consider whether or not such a charge should be entertained without corrobora tive evidence. The next case was one of wounding and doing'grierious bodily harm, in which a person going late at night to a. private house was severely struck and in» t jnred. Now in this case the only justifica tion could be reasonable ground in the mind of the accused that the person whom he struck intended to commit a felony. In the case of stealing a wntch, it was enid that the watch was merely taken as a *' lark " to frighten the man. Such larks wero very dangerous, and it would he better to leave the matter for the common jury to determine. In the case of uttering a forged bill, it will be necessary to shew that the accused knew the bill to be >. forged one at the time of uttering it* There were two charges of housebreakiflg against two prisoners nt the Thames. In these cases the most extraordinary pro ceedings had taken place. The police had got one of the prisoners to make a statement? which was taken down in writing and was signed by the prisoner; and still more exy traordinary, when the case came before the Court the prisoner was placed in the box and sworn ns to the accuracy of his statement. The effect was that the states ment of the prisoner was useless. His Honor condemned the practice of the police putting questions to prisonerswith the view of extracting evidence- He would instruct Juries to pay i\o regard .to sneli evidence, n the ease of infanticide, it would be necessary to shew first, that the child was born alive, and second, that the accused took away its life. If she took away its life by accident, that was no murder, but irom the absence of preparations for the birtli, the jury would probably find a verdict of concealment of Infill. In the case of murder it would be sufficient for the jury to find that the deceased had been killed by the accused, leaving the other questions of intention &c, to.be settled before the petty jury. Three other cases needed no notice. Since the last session of the Court several new Acts had come into operation. The Bankruptcy Act was principally an adaptation oE the Act of ISSS. There' was an Act as to bills and securities, the new Juries Act, which exempted officials em ployed on the railway, who would have to remember that it" summonned they would have to produce the certificate' of the manager. By the same Act the judge was allowed to order fire and refreshment for the jury, and the verdict of three-fourths of a jury was regarded as sufficient in civil oases. His Honor then requested the Gran d Jury to retire in order to consider the cases before them.

EMBEZZLEMENT AND FORGERY,

Edward George Diaper was placed in the dock and charged with five cases of forcing receipts with intent to defraud. He pleaded guilty in each case. Tho facts will be fresh in the minds of oor readers. The prisoner, a young man of good education, and respec table appearance, come exit from home a few months ago, and was recently in the ehiploy of the Bible and Book Depot aa a canvasser, in the capacity it was his busi. ness to collect monies and account for them to his employer. lie appropriated the money in some cases, and in others p;nyned Ihe books for which he represented he had obtained subscribers and * forging fictitious names to the tickets.

Prisoner said the forgery was committed not to hide the embezzlement, but- to give him an opportunity of refunding the money. His Honor rend' from a letter written by the prisoner to his employer stating that he went to a certain house whero the settling for the cup was going on. There he ntet young- f the fellow who had- drawn the "bigthing," and they had more drink than was good for them." They then went to some house kept by some women, where the prisoner spent lbs, and was robbed of the rest of the money while asleep. His Honor said he hoped these facts would be warning to other young men, who might be exposed similar temptation. As prisoner was a young man he would sentence him to nine months for each oilence.

LARCENY. . , Samuel Taylor, a lad. A\-as charged with having, at the Bay of Islands, "stolen a quantity of wearing apparel, <S:c. He pleaded guilty. Mr. Kees, for the defence, said the lad had been led into evil courses by wicked associates. His Honor, after admonishing the prisoner, sentenced him to nine months' imprisonment with hard labour.

DISCHARGED. Peter Humphreys, against whom the > jury had returned "No bill," on a charge of felony, wad discharged. Prisoner, on I receiving the intimation, gave his Honor 1 a military salute. John Clark -pleaded guilty to having, on g the ISth December, stolen a gold watch, chain, &c.> thi property of Henery Mad* * docks, Tauranga. His Honor said^s^ prisoner was committing the robbery </ it, - goods of a person who was actually^"* »<■m ing him shelter at the time, thereby shew ing basa ingratitude as well as dishonesty. . This heing'prjsoner's first offence, he wou«l - iiriflct a sentence of 1,8 mouths' impns^ , n,;eat \\'i\h \\%\X Jftbw,

THE EVENING STAR, TTTRSDAY. JANUARY 8, 1877.



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