SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„„,„ „, , m—-. * This Afternoon? 5.41 Kj.Gxl WATER-- ; To-morrow Morning, 6.1 SUN SET.— THist Evening, 7.0 PUN RISE.—To-morrow T«lorning, 4.39 SIQWS AGE.—New Moon, sth December 3.42 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Elliotts brig, from Newcastle Taranaki, s.s., Malcolm, from the South (at Onehunga) Go-ahead, p.s., Helander, f'-om Gisborne Fanny Kelly, ketch, McKinnion, from Wan- Gclden Isle, schooner. from Russell Waiwera, schooner, from Norfolk Island

DEPARTURES.

Ae-i;e, scflooner, Armstrong, rorme in&uica Hauraki, p.s., Oakes, for Waitara (from Mannkau) Atalanta, schooner. Morris, for \\ aitara (from Manukau)

IMPORTS.

Pi>r Elliotts, bris, from Newcastle : iR7 tons coal. 3 tonl boneaust.—Stone Bros., agents. Per Go-ahead, from Gisborne : 90 bales wool* —Owen & Graham. Per Go-ahead : 1 cace draper.-, 1 bos. —A.b.P. Coirrpanv. agents. P^r Waiweiv. from Norfolk Island: 70 green hides. 100 bunches bananas. 2 cases do.. 2 ton onions, 1 cask arrowroot, 1 box do.--Master, agent.

H die schoonsr Golden ilsle arrived from Kussel] this morning with a cargo of 93 tons coals. The schooner Gem brings 50 tons coal from the same place. Th 2 schooner Waiwera arrived from Norfolk Island tM« morning with a cargo hides, fruit, onions, and arrowroot. Captain Burrell has made an excellent trip, having been only three weeks away. The brig Elliotts. Captain Friend, arrived from Newcastle at noon to-day, -with a cargo of coiil, consisned to Messrs. Stone Bros. She left on the 15th ult.. and has had variable weather en the ran across. The s.s. Taranaki, Captoin Malcolm, arrived at Onehunga early yesterday morning from the South. Her latest Dunedin date is the 27th ult., LTttelton 23th, Wellington 29th, Picton and Nelson 30th, Taranaki, Ist. Passengers: Misses Day and Glee^on. Capt. McGuire, Messrs Gum, Grey, HuDgerford.Brownlee, Hetley, TVadding ton, Tinne, Beale. Pierce, Snedden, Gould, Greenfield, Moran, Engel, McKenzie, Bentley. Norton, and three steerrge.—Henderson and Macfarlane. agents. The s.s. Go-ahead arrived from Gisborne this morning. She left port at 2 p.m. on Saturday, and has had fine weather on the up trip. She brings a cargo or wool for the ship Famenoth. The schooner Acadio left Napier on Saturday forttosport. The s.s. Southern Cross is to sail this evening at five for Napier direct. The schooner Nellie has left for the Hauraki Sawmills, Thames, to load timber for Lyttelton. The schooner Advance is to leave at once for the same mills to load timber for the Hurunui The s'.s. Taranaki cleared this afternoon for New Plymouth. She is to sail to-morrow morning early. Pasaensrer3 by the seven o'clock train will be'in time Passengers (booked this afternoon)]: Dr and Mrs EUis and 3 children, Mi's Ellis sen., Mr and Mrs Lamb. Messrs Wcston, Somervilie, Stirling, Mrs Adams, Mr and Mrs Brown.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wellington, this day.

Arrived: Hannah Broomfield. from Kaipara. Sailed: Wanaka. s.s., for Nelson and the North, at 2 p.m. Passengers—Messrs. Smith, D. Rees, Allen, Morgan, ana Mrs Smith.

Spit (Napier), this day. Sailed (yesterday): Helen Denny, barque, for London, with a s-ood number of passengers, and cargo valued at" £70,9G0, consisting mainly of ■wool, the remainder being skins and tallow.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Freemason.—" Truth's " letter appeared in our contemporary; and you had better send your reply to'that journal, if you deem it Avorthy of notice, which we cer tainly do not. There were 180 lunatics in the Asylum on Saturday last, and " Truth " appears anxious to make the 181 st.

"Anti-Mormon." —Your letter is libellous, and somewhat indecent. The following letters have been received, but are unavoidably held over : — "P.K.D.," top of Grey-street, "A Working Man," and "J.T."

Dealers of threadbare reputation in various parts of the country are continually getting up inferior imitations of Udolpuo Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps, which they put in empty bottles of the great medicinal stimulant and sell to the unsuspecting. False labels arc also used by them. Shun these inflammatory nostrums and persist in having the genuine article.

BIRTHS.

{The price for inserting birth notices in this column is reduced to one shilling; other notices as before.!

PALMER.—On the 30th November, at Mount street, the wife of Mr. J. H. Palmer of a daughter.

DEATH.

DALDY.—-On the 3rd December, at Grahame street, Auckland, Frances Harriet, the beloved wife of Captain W. C. Daldy, aged 57 years, eldest daughter of the late Captain William Pulham. The funeral will leave her late residence on Wednesday next, sth mat,, at 3 p.m. Friends are respectfully invited to attend. STEADMAN.—On the 2nd December, at her residence, Haymarket, Ellen, the beloved Wife of Thomas Steadman, aged 39 years. The funeral will leave her late residence at 3 p.m. Friends please accept this invitation.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails "will Close as Under : For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to morrow, at 9.30 a.m. and 11 a.m. For Coromandel, per Durham, on Wednesday next, at 11.30 a.m. For Napier, per Southern Cross, -this day, at 4 p.m. For fussell, Kawa Kawa, Wangaroa, and Mongon'ii, perlona, this day, at 4 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki, to-morrow, at 5 p.m. Eor Wangaroa, per Fanny Kelly, to-morrow, at 0 a.m. For Waiwera. Kawa, Omaha, and Matakana, per Annie Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Napier, Southern Provinces, aud Australian Colonies, per Jtotorua, to-morrow, at 3 p.m.:l Fer money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 2 p.m. Late letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne till 3.20 p.m. For Russell, per Maud, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Wangarei Heads. Waipu, Wangarei, Man- Mongonui, per Argyle, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For Rarotonga, per Blanche, to-morrow, at 5 p.m. For Gisborne, per Go-ahead, on Wednesday next, at 11 a.m. For Rarotonga, per La Gironde, on Wednesday next, at 11 a.m. For Whitiangi, Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Wednesday next, at 4 p.m. For Chatham Islands, per Omaha, on Thursday next, at 3 p,m. Per s.s. Wellington, on Tuesday, 11th instant as follows:— For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 9.30 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Aus tralian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially so addressed), at 10 a.m. For United Kingdom, via Brindisi. and late letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne at 10.15 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. N.B.—A Po3t-offlce has been opened at Paku ranpi. situated between Panmure and Howick. Mails will be made up. and received daily, at the same time as the Howick and Panmure mails. '3. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1877.

f-or tin ceusc that lacki assistance, F«r the wrong thic needs ti-si^a^cßi A.!kl ihe Eood that we cand«w

The feeling of the constituencies is unmistakably in favour of Sir George. In all parts of' the country this feeling is emphatically expressed in resolutions passed at public meeting.?, and there can be no reasonable doubt that were the Premier to obtain a dissolution at the present juncture he -would come back strengthened by an overwhelming majority. The Opposition are keenly alive to!thisfact; and, fearing a dissolution as the "result of persistence in that course of obstinate obstruction which Major Atkinson appears to have determined on after his defeat, have apparently brought pressure to bear to restrain him. An examination of the card leads to the conclvsion that at least one - third of the members now in opposition would not stand a chance of re-election; a^d it is probably the consciousness of this fact that has prompted them to bide their time until next session. On the other hand, the astute Ministerial leaders will doubtless checkmate this move by maturing a popular policy during the recess ; obstruction to which will form the basis of an appeal to the country. The latest expression of public 'opinion comes from Te Awamutu, where a largely-attended public meeting, presided over by Mr W. Sloane, passed resolutions congratulating Sir George Grey on his dissolution of the factious opposition in the House, according him the warmest thanks of the meeting for his able advocacy of the people's rights, and expressing the fullest confidence in his administration. The following resolution was proposed by Mr Johns, seconded by Mr Hope, and" carried unanimously:— " That this meeting,having in view the fact that Mr Cox has continuously and repeat edly voted in direct opposition to the wishes of his constituency, appoint a committee to communicate with other parts of the Waipa County for the purpose of urging the necessity for Mr Cox's resignation, so that his constituency may have an oppor tunity of electing a gentleman who will fairly represent them by giving his undivided support to Sir George Grey's Government," At a public meeting at Waipu, resolutions were passed, expressing confidence in Sir George Greyjand in the financial policy of the Colonial Treasurer.

THE "Herald" of this morning, with that crass stupidity and obliquity of vision which has characterised it of late, en deavours, by a process of bungling fallacy to draw a parallel between the horsewhip, ping case of Mr James Mackay, and the assault case of Staines v. Perkins. The attempt to draw any kind of comparison between the two cases is so manifestly absurd as to palpably defeat its own object, and the very article in which the_ compari son is attempted, repeatedly stultifies itself by a jurable of confused qualifications. In the one case Mr Mackay took offence at a privileged communication made by one member of the House of Representatives to another, in the privacy of that part of the House appropriated exclusively to the use of members ; and that communi cation would never have come to the ears of ilr Mackay at all but for the mischiev ous meddling of a certain eavesdropper, also, unfortunately for the interests of his constituents, a member of the House. Mr Mackay's assault was long premeditated, and committed under circumstances which evinced on his part a boastful contempt fer constituted authorities, and a deliberate design of over-awing a member of Parlia ment in the exercise of his privileges. Take the case of a petition to Parliament, and during the present session nearly SOO have been presented, comprising claims of every conceivable kind, and many of them of the most preposterous character. Many of the Petitions Committee must have frequently had occasion to exchange strong condemna tory opinions with regard to these petitions ; but if such opinions, expressed within the precincts of the Committee rooms, or the private lobbies, were to be repeated by eavesdroppers, and to be visited with chas tiaement in the pnblic streets, Parliamentary Government would become an impossibility, and a candidate for _ the .suffrages of the electors would require to supplement his political accomplishments by a practical acquaintance with the noble art of self defence, and to go about like a backwoods man, armed with a revolver and " tooth pick." In tho case which our contempo rary absurdly compares with this, Mr Staines, a man who has never been distinguished for command of temper, or elegance of language, wantonly obtrudes himself upon a ! friendly leave-taking to a man who had deserved well of the citizens, and in a most ungraceful manner attempts to mar courtesies exchanged between gentlemen, and to turn a graceful ceremony into a public scandal. If Mr Staiues' vanity was offended by the compliments paid to a man whom he disliked, it was open to him to have absented himself from the scene, and to have sought consolation in a philosophic contemplation of the wrecks of past grandeur which are to be found in his " Old Curiosity Shop." The language which lie used in a public place was coarse and unjustifiable, deliberately calculated to provoke a breach of the peace, and such as any man of quick temper would resent by a blow. The difference between Mr Hislop and Mr Staines is as wide as that which separates the gentleman from—well —from Mr Staines, and what ever comparisons may be instituted between Mr Mackay aud Mr Perkins, it is due to the latter to remark, that certainly he had neither the time, nor doubtless the inclina tion to boast of his intention to chastise Mr Staines, any more than he endeavoured to elevate himself into the position of a hero afterwards. "We are no apologists for men who take the law into their own hands, but there are cases in Avhich foul-mouthed and unwarrantable abuse will cause a man to momentarily forget what is due to the majesty of the law, in the sense of what is due to his personal dignity. If Mr Staines has suffered some slight monetary loss in counsel's and Court fees, let us hope it will serve as a warning to him in future to put a bridle upon his tongue, and to abstain from obtruding himself in places where his room is better than his company. Mr Stephens, boot and shoe importer, has just opened a varied and extensive assortment of American novelties in boots and shoes, also childrens' boot 3. These are well worth inspection. Messrs Schmidt and Co. have produced a map of the North Island of New Zealand, which in respect of accuracy, detail, and cleauess, is perhaps the best map of the kind ever produced in the colony. The map is compiled from the most recent Government surveys, is on a scale of ten miles to the inch, and the roads, railways, country boundaries, and geographical features are well-defined. There are also on the] same sheet sketch maps of the North and Middle Islands, a larger sketch ruap of the Middle Isla.d from the map published by the Public Works Depart ment, and a very excellent map of the Isthmus of Auckland, shewing volcanoes, lava streams, railways, main and by-roads, bush land, and other prominent features. The lithography is well-executed, aud does great credit to the skilful workmanship of the firm.: We learn that copies will be obtainable in about a week. We have received from Mr John Banbury the sum of £1 towards i le Indian Famine Fund. The Rotomahana 1 ought from the Thames on Saturday last ',GG7ozs Idwtl2giß gold for the Bank of New Zealand.

A witness in a divorce case at Wellington gave the following graphic description of one incident in his matrimonial career :— "I put my arm inside the door and she jammed the door upon it. I went and got a bucket of cold water and chucked it over her, and then I took my arm to a doctor, and it cost me ss.

A curious incident is reported from Ellerslie. The race-course station, as nearly everybody knows, is seldom used except when the Auckland Facing Club hold their periodical reunions on the course. During the lengthy intervals, the ticket office, which is only a kind of sentry box close to the gate, is shutjup. To the astonishment of some gentlemen who happened to be on the platform yesterday, it was discovered that a swarm of bees had domicilated themselves inside the office, making the pigeon hole their means of ingress and egress. On opening the office 'a perfectly-formed honeycomb was found inside, and traces of honey were ap parent, shewing that the bees had intended making it their winter storehouse. Unfor tunately the proximity of the Summer Race Meeting will render their disturbance inevitable.

We learn from Wellington that the rumoured serious illness of Mr Larnach was set afloat by the Opposition, with whom the wish was father to the though*. Mr Larnach merely suffered from a cold, and was not even confined to his bed. Mr and Mrs Morton Tavarcs proceed to the Thames to-morrow, where they will ap pear in petite comedies for two nights dur ing the present week. We have no doubt the theatre-goers of the Thames will be glad to welcome thsse talented artistes.

Mr Masefield. has sold Young gßattan to Mr C. Bryers, of Hokianga, The price paid is £35 cash, together with the smart racing pony Coekey (the latter cost£4o.)!J

Yesterday afternoon a serious misadven ture occurred at Onehuuga to a party of gentlemen who were out in a buggy. When going down the main street past the Hibernian Hotel the pole broke, the two horses going over with great violence, and afterwards bolting. The occupants were thrown into the 'dusty street. Although much bruised, they were able to sit upon their coat tails and gaze upon the receding forms of the animals, and broken chariot feeling that their day's pleasure bad been much marred by the incident.

The quarterly meeting of the Auckland Shipwrights Protection Society is to be held at the Temperance Hall, Albert-street, this Monday evening, at half-past seven o'clock. At the last meeting of the Cambridge branch of the Acclimatisation Society, it was agreed, on the motion of Mr Kirkwood, seconded by Major Hay:—" That the Secretary write to the parent Society, urgently requesting that there be no close season for hares, nor any protection what ever for them within the Waikato district, defined as from Pukorokoro to Waikato Heads, and all south of that line." Another large shark was captured^ by Watermen Keane and Hunt, last Friday evenino". We understand that the harbour is pretfy well supplied with these voracious monsters, and we would advise bathers who prefer endangering their lives in exposed situations rather than undertaking a "fatiguing"walk to the baths, to be care ful. In our report of the sermon on " The "Vow of the Nazarite," delivered by Cannon F rrar, we omitted that the Rev. S. Edger delivered the same sermon in the Choral Hall.

Mr Thos. Wayth Gudgeon, Lieutenant and Quarter-master to the Whauganui Militia and Volunteers, is now publishing a book entitled " Reminiscences of the War in New Zealand." The work is a really excellent one, containing about 300 pages of incident, enumerating upwards of 150 skirmishes and battles, in which the Colonial Forces took part. As the book deals especially with the early history of this coiony, it will be read with interest by many persons, and should meet with the success it deserves.

Councilor Masefield will move at the next sitting of the City Council. " That the hour for ordinary Council, meetings shall be fixed during the summer months at 3 o'clock in the afternoon instead of half-past two as at present." Mr E. Crawford, whose article on Torpe does and the defence of ships, we published in our supplement on Saturday, has re ceived an official letter from the Secre tary to the Premier in reply to a communication sent by Mr Crawford advising him to address a letter through His Excellency the Governor to the Secre tary of State for war. We learn that Mr Crawford is now engaged drawing plans which he intends to lay before Sir William Jervois on his arrival in New Zealand.

" Quoits'' writes to us urging the Com mittee of the Boxing Day .Sports to offer three prizes for quoit-playing. He says a player who has for a number of years carried the" palm at this game, is willing to be debarred for three years, or to submit to be handicapped. He thinks the _ entrance money tor the second and third prizes would repay the prize money, and that the offering of such prizes would bring amateurs to the front.

The greater number of merchants offices, stores, and shops in the city were partly closed to-day, and the flags of the vessels in harbour were hung at half-mast, in con sequence of the death of Mrs W. C. Daldy, the wife of Captain Daldy, our well known citizen. Mrs Daldy was originally a Miss Pulliam, a daughter of that Mrs Pnlhara who died only a few weeks ago. She has been in delicate health for a con siderable time. Her disorder took a decided turn for the worse yesterday, and she died shortly after three o'clock [this morning. There were several printers' errors in our report of the Masonic Installation and Ball on Friday. The name of Bro. It. Price, representing the Scinde Lodge, I. C., Napier, was printed " Prince ;" and Bro. C. O. Montrose was set down as W.M. instead of M.M. of the Prince of Wales Lodge, 1338, E.C.

According to " St. Matthew's Parish Magazine," for the present month, the Rev. R. S. Hassard will leave Auckland for England at Christmas. The parishioners at aj meeting the other evening expressed their regret at being compelled to lose the services of their minister, between whom and themselves the utmost good feel ing has existed ; and passed a vote of sympathy with Mr and Mrs Hassard, hoping that Mrs Hassard would be restored to health by her visit to her native land, and that they would be able in due time to return to Auckland. They further testified their esteem by voting the sum of £200 for their passage home. It is anticipated that the Rev. John Still, of Norfolk Island, will take the ministerial charge of St. Matthew's until other arrangements are made. Since Mr Hassard's succession to the pulpit of St. Matthew's he has made himself extremely popular in the parish by his unassuming and agreeable manners, having entered freely into every plan likely to be of physi cal, moral, and religious advantage to the community, treating all with equal courtesy. Mr Hassard assisted materially in the founding of St. Thomas' Mission Church, in the neighbourhood of Freeman's Bay, and has countenanced literary, musical, temperance, and industrial societies, and taken an active part in nem. The firing for the medal by the members of the Victoria Company on Saturday resulted in a victory for Corporal J. Leigh. The medal, however, does not become his property ■ until he has won it twice in succession, or three times at intervals. The following were the scores made : —Corporal J. Leigh, 45 ; Corporal J. W. Leigh, 44; Corporal Duff, 43 ; Volunteer Bowden, 43; Sergeant Henderson, 42; Volunteer E. Cooper, 40 ; Volunteer Taylor, 40 ; Volun teer Payne, 39; Volunteer Fairs, 37; Volunteer Eady, 36; Volunteer McLeod, 36; Volunteer C. Cooper, 36 ; Volunteer Belsham, 25 ; Volunteer Trayes, 22. A committee meeting of the Auckland Total Abstinence Society will be held on Wednesday evening next, at 7.30 p.m.

The members of No. 3 Company A.R.V. will meet at the rifle-range next Saturday afternoon, for the the purpose of firing for the Ladies' Prize.

The meeting of Volunteer officers, for the purpose of taking steps to prevent a road being made across the face of the targets, is expected to be held on Thursday evening next.

There was a very good attendance on Saturday evening at the Theatre Royal, and the various representations of Mr and Mrs Morton Tavares were in every way satisfactory. The little comedy of the "Happy Pair" was highly amusing, Mr Tavares as Ferdinand, ana Mrs Tavares as Constance. Professor Hennikie appeared with his mystery box, and performed a number of very clever tricks, to the voci ferous delight of the audience. The pro fessor was loudly applauded. A scene from Shakespeare's " Richard the Third " was an able representation, and the opening soliloquy of the Duke of Gloucester was admirably rendered by Mr Tavares : —

" Now is the wintp.r of our discontent made glorious summer by this son of York, etc."

Mrs Tavares impersonated Lady Anne with true feminine ability. The last hour was occupied by Professor Hennikie and Madame Stella. The whole was pleasing and satisfactory.

The Artists Exhibition in the Museum Buildings was largely patronised on Satur day, especially in the evening, by several hundred parsons, who appeared to inspect the paintings and water colour drawings with much interest. The evening openings have more than answered the expectations of the committee of management, and have induced them to open for three more even ings until ten o'clock. The Committee have arranged to have a string band to play at intervals during the evenings. The medals of honour will be awarded on Wednesday, and several Auckland gentle men will be present at the closing. The Exhibition has been quite a success, although the entrance fees have not reached so much as on former occasions. This is due, however, to the sale of hono rary members' tickets, which gave the purchasers the entree of the gallery.

The " New Zealand Presbyterian Church News " for December is full ef interesting reading for members of the Church and others. The opening article treats judi ciously of the "Bible in Schools," and quotes in support of the inspired word an extract from Professor Huxley, who asserts that some of the pleasantest recollections of his childhood are connected with the voluntary study of an ancient Bible which belonged to bis grandmother. An excellent article on " Bigotry," and " Thoughts on a Colonial Ministry," will amply repay perusal. " Inspiration and Modern Critic ism,'Yoy Rev. Dr. Ross, is an able paper. A passage from Dr. Somerville's farewell speech at Glasgow, on leaving for New Zealand, is an interesting contribution. The '' Report of the Sabbath-school Com mittee," signed by Rev. R. F. Macnicol, touching school progress in the various districts of the North Island, shews the number of scholars in attendance, teachers, and contributions collected in each dis trict for missions and school purposes, amounting to £140 18s, out of which St. James' Church contributed £50 17s 3d, and St. Andrew's £24 16 9d. The remaining part of the " News" is devoted to an article on " Scotland and the Scotch," a biographical notice of the late Mr. George Darrach, of Mahurangi, provincial in telligence, and the treasurer's monthly accounts.

In coHsequence of Messrs. Buokland's wool sale being fixed for the sth inst., Messrs. Thompson and Frater have decided to postpone their avool sale at Wangarei until the 6th. For the convenience of in tending visitors to the Wangarei sale, the proprietors of the s.s. Argyle announce that that steamer will sail for Wangarei on the evening of Wednesday, the sth, instead of Tuesday, as under ordinary circumstances.

A musical and literary entertainment, in connection with the Ponsonby Wesley&n Sunday-school will be given to-morrow evening, A good programme,- including recitations and songs by the scholars, and readings, piano and violin solos and duets, by several ladies and gentlemen of well, known ability, is in course of prepara tion.

Three girls and three boys, inmates of the Industrial School, Howe-street, escaped from the Institution early yesterday morn ing. Mr Stickley communicated with the police, and during the afternoon the girls were found by Sergeant-Major Mason on the Beach Road, some distance away from the Britomart Railway-station, and brought to the Police-station. They were sent back to the Home this morning. The boys have not yet been captured.

A concert and drama were successfully held at Mercer, in the district school-room, on the 27th November, for the benefit of the widow of the unfortunate man who was found drowned in the Waikato River. Mr Hosking occupied the chair, and in troduced the singers and reciters. The following songs were sung : —Mr Heath, " Oh, who will o'er the Downs so free ;" Mrs Riddler, " I cannot sing the old songs;" Miss A. King, " Far Away ;" Mr Hosking, " Belle Mahone ;" Mr Heath, "Mary o' Argyle;" Mr H. Brabazon, " Arab Steed ;"" Mr Reid, " The Anchor's Weighed;" Mr Johnson, " The Freshen ing Wind;" and Mrs Riddler, "Whip poor-Will." Several recitations were given by Messrs. Park, Boyce, and others, the whole winding up with a quadrille party, which was kept up with spirit through the slumbrous night.

This is how the Parliamentary correspon dent of the " Otago Daily Times" describes Mr Fox's oratary during a recent debate :— " The speech was only remarkable as being in his old style. He shrieked, he yelled, made faces, threw his arms about, scolded and abused in his own unequalled form, and the younger members of the House, who had never seen him make a great speech before, were considerably astonished."

We are happy to learn that, according to the last accounts from the hospital, Mr Frank Hull, who wasjinjuredbyafall from a horse on Saturday was rapidly mending. The doctors have insisted on his remaining perfectly quiet for a few days, by which time they anticipate complete immunity from all possible complications.

Mr Thatcher, agent for Mr! Levy, the renowned cornet soloist, writes to the " Otago Daily Times" stating that Levy Avas sued for £500 by a theatrical agent named Allison on the strength of some agreement made in New York ; Levy paid down £240, and £50 legal expenses to settle the affair. " A celebrated basso who was engaged to appear in Adelaide sent to say he coulcl not come for a week, and Levy very justly told him to keep away altogether. Be claimed £500, and took out the usual writ. Another vocalist con sidered herself insulted by the terms in which her services were dispensed with, and she claimed £1000, having recourse to law, of course, to vindicate her reputation. Other people trumped up all sorts of ridiculous cases, and Levy's legal advisers suggested a dose of whitewash, as good gardners whitewash the trunks of trees threatened by vermin."

On Saturday o telegram was received here to the effect that Dr. Sommerville, tha evangelist, who is to visit New Zealand in connection with the Presbyterian body, will leave Sydney by the January mail for Auckland. He will commence his mission services immediately on arrival here.

Special piayer meetings have been held in the Auckland churches during the past week in conformity with a general desire that eight days, from 25th November to Ist December, might be devote to prayer for the benefit of young men.

The hon. secretary to the Masonic Ball Committee requesting that all accounts against the Committee be sent to him at the Masonic Hotel on or before 6 o'clock on the evening of Wednesday. The Com mittee will meet at the same place at half past seven on AVednesday evening.

The wool is coming in very fast from the country districts, and the approaching sales are likely to be very extensive and well-attended. The s.s. Go-ahead, the s.s. lona, and the schooner Queen have all brought freights of this valuable staple, which will assist materially in filling up the London ships now loading in our port.

Rev J. Robinson, M.A., of Beresford street, preached an eloquent sermon last evening in the Beresford-street Congre gational Church, chiefly to young men, taking his text from Proverbs eh. 10. v. 1. '•' A wise son niaketh a glad father ; but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. 1' The rev gentleman's discourse was highly instructive, and listened to with becoming attention. ■•

We have received the October number of the "Next of Kin Gazette." Those who believe themselves entitled to legacies, and wish CO consult the list of unclaimed money, and next of kin advertised for, can see the " Gazette" at this office.

Te Awamutu and the neighbouring settlements are greatly in need of a resident medical man, and Dr. Bhmden lias been highly recommended by Drs. Goldsbro' and Waddington. At a recent rnestiug at Te Awamutu £30 was subscribed in a few minutes as a subsidy towards Dr. Blunden's first year's practice, and a provisional Committee will collect further subscrip tions.

The anniversary services of the New North Road Wesleyan School conducted yesterday, were a great" success. Great numbers came at each service, and in particular at night it was literally crammed, even to suffocation. The children sang very sweetly the songs assigned them. The collection amounted to £6 lad 3s, by far greater than on previous years. The management ef theschoolfis specially cheered with these results, and hopes to see the climax of success at the tea and social meet ing on Tuesday at 6 o'clock.

The total gold returns from Ist to 30th November inclusive, amounted to 7,3950z ISchvts 12grs. The return for the week ending November Ist was 9230zs 2dwts. : There were ISO patients in the Lunatic Asylum on Saturday last.

Our friends in the South cannot complain that any time is lost in forwarding their English correspondence which arrives by the San Francisco mail. The despatch of the mail to hand on Friday is a fair sample of the expedition generally used. The Wanaka left the Manukau as soon as the tide would allow the same day, and by this time the people of Christchurch have perused their letters, while to-morrow will see the citizens of Dunedin 'happy in the possession of their budgets. This smart ness is characteristic of the Union Co's boats.

There is grief arcl sore tribulation among the unmarried belles of Victoria, in conse quence of a habit that has come into fashion of late of Victorians going over to Tasmania to choose wives from amongst the dark-eyed beauties of that colony. The youug ladies of Victoria are clamouring for a protective tariff on these imported brides. One gush ing young thing remarked to Governor Bowen, "Talk or protection, indeed; the only protection that Victoria requires is protection againstTasmanianbrides. What is the use of Mr Berry- talking the duty off dried fruits imported from Tasmania in musty pots and casks, he should put a duty on the fresh lilies and roses imported into Melbourne on the cheeks of Tasmainan beauties." Really we sym pathise wi£h the forlorn damsels of Victoria, and were it not for certain insuperable obstacles we should take the first steamer to Melbourne and marry several of 'em off hand. As this is out of the question, we can only drop a tear of condolence, and advise the ill-used Victorian belles to re taliate by going over to Tasmania and marrying the men.

The members of the newly-formed Have lock Histrionic Class will give their second entertainment to-moiTow evening in the Alexandra-street school-room, with new scenery and effects. The bill of fare promises a one-act rustic drama, entitled the "Harvest Storm," and the petite comedy of " Checkmate." Both pieces are of a lively and entertaining character. In the former, in addition to several rustic impersonations, a clerk and a lexicographer will be introduced. Mr Cobbett will represent Farmer Garner, a chip of the old block, who knows something of political economy, maize, and clover seed, and who goes in for oldhand. Mr Jamieson will appear as the Sussex yeoman, fond of whist and gin-and-water. Mr Bruce will exemplify the virtues of Detec tive Grace. Mr Young will shew up as Samuel, the lexicographer of Bolt Court, and Mr Squirrell, as clerk to " Cobden and Bright," of Cotton House, Manchester. A young lady, Miss H , will represent sister Mabel. Messrs Parker, Power, Brinsden, Munday, and Haraon, will also take part in the' entertainment. As the members have closely Btudied the pieces, the results are likely to be satisfactory.

ACCIDENT IN HIGH-STREET.

Shortly after three o rclock to-day a young man was driving one of Messrs Mofflin and Smith's one-horse buggies up High-street, md when opposite the Police! Court, the .i.orse, evidently a, young animal, stopped, and the efforts of the driver to make it pro ceed were fruitless. A gentleman, named McMurdo, who was passing at the time, took the animal by the bridle, and endeavoured to induce it to move, but instead of proceed ing along the road as he desired it should the horse reared up on its hind legs, and then fell heavily on its side, breaking both the shafts. The young man quickly sprang out of the vehicle. Sergeant-Major Mason, who had witnessed the affair, ran out from the Police Station to the assistance of the driver. Messrs Mason and McMurdo then held the horse down, while the driver attempted to release it from the harness. While doing this the horse struggled to its feet, and plunged and struggled violently, falling on its knee, and injuring it severely. In their efforts to keep the animal quiet, Mr McMurdo had his knee hurt severely, and Mr Mason was slightly hurt. Further assistance was obtained, and the horse taken back to the stables.

DEPARTURE OF DR. ELLIS.

Dk and Mrs Ellis will leave Auckland for Christchurch by the s.s. Taranaki to morrow, and the occasion is one which seems to call for some public recognition of those estimable social qualities which both have exhibited during some years' residence in our midst. Mrs Ellis has contributed much to the social harmony of the community, and to the enjoyment of the public by her readiness on all occasions to assist in musical performances, and she has shown in an eminent degree those qualities which distinguish the refined and educated lady. The social services rendered to the community by Dr Ellis would fill a large catalogue. To enumerate them briefly, he has delivered four lectures and two addresses in connection with the Young Men's Christian A ssociation, three readings in aid of the Mechanics' Institute, lending his valuable pictures for the same object; a lecture in aid of the Mount Eden school, lent his pictures in aid of the Society of Artists, lectured in aid of the Scripture Gift Asso ciation, delivered two addresses at the Choral Hall in aid of annual church meet ings, at the Amateur Athletic Club, and Parnell Croquet Club, and given readings in aid of the St. Mary's Choii J?'und, and Organ Fund. In fact his literary accomplishments have been in regular request, and his per formances, no less than his energy in organising these social meetings have always been in reauest. He will bear with him from Auckland the regrets and_ good wishes of a very large circle of friends, and will leave a blank which it will not be easy to supply. We cordially wish him success in his new sphere.

OUR LONDON LETTER.

LONDON, Oct. 18th i 877 THE WAR. ' Since the date of my last letter «, lative positions of the belligerents £® 5s * East has very little chained, and no*** 8 the winter weather has set in ther 1 at not seem to be much chance of antu/ 68 veiy decisive being done beW summer. The Russians have shu^ 8?' fate of Sisera in the Book of Jn£ J$ c stars in their courses fought against tt. Of all years they could scarcelyhave «* a -worse than that -which is now drawi^" wards its close, as far as the weattl • concerned. It made them late in • ** the Danube. It delayed the march of t^ g troops and reliefs through Rournanku stopped convoys in all directions % people thought the inclement weathe * autumn and winter would favour±h* l, j soldiers of the north. But even thXft to be erroneous, for the Turks do not antl to suffer as much as their invaders n fact is that the Russian peasant is aj*, 6 tomed in the winter months to coddle h? self up in furs and sheepskins, andX himself up as much as possible in a stifi; little cottage with a big stove ing in the middle of the pl ace S refresh himself with plenty of natiresririt —a shocking bad preparation for a sever, campaign. His commissariat it a » pears, is very defective, for he is miehtiil" ill-provided with food and shelter anJ King Death is finding as powerful allies;! fever, ague, dysentery, and typhoid as in powder and shot. You may, however quite put on one side all figures hitherto published regarding the louses on both sides ; for, as in the case of the Civil war in America, if half the statements as to th killed and wounded were reliable the/ would not be a living man left in eni/ Russia or European Turkey. Russian regi. raents also seem to have entered upon H" campaign at about half their paper strength? Just as tiie French marched eastward with th eir groggy and half-victuaUedtroops in the war of '70, so Russia seems to have been living in something of a fool's paradise, and imagined that paper returns represented her real military strength. It cannot be denied that her troops are of excellent quality. The fighting has been severe enough to test the qualities of both sides and the bitterest foes of both Turk! ish and Russian rule have been forced to admit that if pluck, tenacity, and ardour were guarantees for the future we might look forward to those afflicted nations doing great things in the time to come. It is likewise not to be denied that the regular troops on both sides bear an excellent character, and observe the rules of civilised warfare, and are not to be upbraided for the sins of irregular levies. Each day seems to add to the difficulties attending any prospect of a speedy solution of the quarrel, and the only thing certain is that England is thoroughly well clear of any serious misunderstanding. Perhaps we should regard this fact as sufficient for ourselves, but I do think, in view of Eng. land's position and her status amongst nations, .that she cannot quite shelve her self in such a way. "With all due respect to the Conservative Party, I must say that we all feel it is to the Liberals we owe our E resent peaceful attitude; for I am satisfied ,ord Beaconsfield would long since have had us breast deep in the scrimmage if he had been allowed a clear stage. • Reading the daily history of this fearful war, and of the ghastly courage by which it is marked, one cannot but realise how very much the improvements (?) in modern arms have levelled nations, and rendered mere numbers the great test of strength. Seeing the "way in which the Turks fell in the Shipka Pass, reading Mr Archibald Forbes' marvellous story of the repeated slaughter of Russian regiments before Plevna ; the reflection will present itself—what sort of a figure would England cut in a struggle of this land. It was all very yr ell when the old smooth-bore muzzle loader, or at least the slewly, loaded Minie rifle, was the standard arm ef the world, and when the bayonet was the real test of merit. Then, perhaps, the Briton might with justice boast of his physical superiority. But what is the use of big boned, muscular men before an earthwork defended by Martini-Henry ? They might as well be dwarfs—nay, better, for there would be less chance of their being shot down. ROUMANIAN COURAGE. The Roumanian forces have surprised the world. "When that principality declared against the Porte there was great indigna tion in this country amongst the old Tories. They all prophesied a speedy reverse for Prince Charles. His soldiers were cowardly clodhoppers, who would never face the muzzle of a gun. They would never stand a volley. The sight of a bayonet would he enough" for them. What has the event proved.? Why, that finer soldiers don't exist in all Europe. They have even,set their allies an example; and before Plevna they have been more successful, and proved themselves better engineers than the great military authorities from the North. As for Osman Pasha, doubtless he is an admir able chief, and his defence of Plevna is a most "brilliant effort. On the Russian left, the advances of Mehemet Ali have been checked, and the Russians seem to be again successful; whilst in Asia the fighting, ac cording to both sides, is still proceeding, and is of a most fierce character. What ever the event, the two countries must be so utterly crippled by their losses as to he quite unable to make any progress for years to come. Gkebsstone.

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

A meeting of the Acclimatisation Society vras held this afternoon in the Museum BmMuig- Present: Messrs Firth (chairman) Goiasmiw, Hill, and Dr Campbell. The minutes of uw previous meeting were read and adoptea, s^ the quarterly financial statement P™™fT { which shewed income £LiS, leaving aDaHUM*" £92 15s 3d,

MOUXTAIX QUAIL- d _, Mr Firth informed the councilthatacotss^ ment of fine mountain quail baa Beeu =* from San Francisco, by Mr Thomas B»s*g and the question "where shall they }» f $r out?" would be for the council to consider. Hill suggested Mount Eden shrubbery aSßi»™ place, or in some spot where there was » likelihood of their being shot. £^*£$m cussion it was finally determined to ijif"^ out in the district of the Piako, on Mr Jnrw land.

SALMON OVA. • r , tlt reM Mr Firth then gave a long and J»«»*V report of the reception and disposal 01 m» inon ova. ,

INQUEST TO-DAY.

An inquest was held at the gaol to_ M* fore Dr. Golsbro' and a jury, (Mi -J. » ™ foreman) on the body of David K^'^ old man, who was committed to tne » July for five years on a charge of steau^ from the person. The evidence gpwj Dr Philson, and Mr O'Brien, Goyernoi 0' gaol, shewed that since his admission w» gaol Kelly hadjseveral timesibeenunden rnent at the gaol hospital. He/f jTtbai mitted on November 20th, and froß time he gradually sank, and died ons day night. Every possible .attentog paid to him by the gaol omcia7Vr~ j, r ola!B stitution of deceased was complete^ through his dissipated haoits. P■.s to Hobart Town as a convict when « years of age, and since that perioa spent the greater part of his time^PJ His wife is now in Mount_ Eden y After hearing the evidence tbe jury b« " a verdict of " Death from natural ca^

HARBOUR VIEW.

The following weekly report has ceived by the directors of "•« Jjfoflifl View -.—Gentlemen,— The, lore lev* main drive has advanced 11 ™. week. The leader in the mam drnj^ fe very changeable; good-looKWo _ j^ coming in again on the hanging^jfoS The leading stope going 4 0Ug + i^-veefc l rise has advanced 10 feet for the . have obtained 191bs. of stone from i the last few days, making * stone altogether. I saw a -iv w the stope^last night.-fWg^.. Mine Manager. M ovember W, w«

* ra STAR. MONDAY. DECEMBER 3, 1877.



'OTAKV FROM SMc^St^ All Accounts and Claims against TSaS&aESasZBA t - ne g^jp otaki must be rendered in duplicate to th 9 undersigned by 10 o'clock on "WEDNESDAY, the sth instant, or they cannot ~he recosnised. THE NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING CO. (LIMITED), Agents. Auckland, 3rd December. 1877. ~K k CJTEAM TO THE WADE AND puhoi. i J^ImIIE^ Thos.3. gaw.ACasa LILY, Captain R- C. Smith, leaves as under :— From Auckland: From vv ade: Tuesday, Dec 4, 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec 5,7 p.m. Thursday, Dec C, 4 p.m. Friday, Dec 7, 8 a.m. For Puhoi: Saturday, at 2p.m. 77JK Xjl O R WAIR OA. I Mlla®!^ The cutter V *&&&&- AUSTRALIAN -^$aaSß&&'wm leave TO-MORROW, at 2 in place of the s.s. Transit. J. NICCOL. UCKLAND STEAM PACKET CO. (LIMITED). FOR GISBORNE. The s.s. GO-AHEAD Will leave Auckland for the above port on WEDNESDAY, sth instant, at 12 noon sharp. W. LODDER, Manager U~ NION INSURANCE COMPANY OF NSW ZEALAND. CAPITAL £2,000,000. AUCKLAND BRANCH: Q UEEN-STREET, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Insurances granted on Dwelling - houses, Stores. Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried pn. 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 Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. ■YTOW IN THE P R E S S. IS To Be Published in a Few Days, A NEW MAP OF THE NORTH ISLAND, Showins: boundaries of Counties compiled from the latest Government Surveys, containing over 1800 name 3of places, rivers, &c. Engraved and Lithographed by Schmidt and Co., Vulcan Lane and High-street. CARTE'TS, HEARTHRUGS, LINOLEUM, FLOORCLOTS. T. & H. COOKE Beg to inform ilieir friends and the -public that they have imported a large assortment of the above, which will render their FURNISHING ESTABLISHMENT one of the most complete and extensive in Auckland, having purchased these Goods of the Manufacturers direct, for cash, theij are enabled to offer them at VERY LOW PRICES. ' New Patterns in Carpets and Linoleum. fW SHOW ROOMS-. 67, Queen-street, tea on Cabin et Pact cry Victoria-street TTfcRESSES ! DRESSES ! DRESSES W. RATTRAY Has a Large and Well-assorted Stock of DRESSES, In all the Neweut Materials and Shades, including ALPACA LUSTRES, in Navy Blue, Dark Brown, and Prune. W. RATTRAY, DRAPER AND SILK MERCER, ■XT E W 7EALAND TTOUSE, 36, QUKEN'-STRKKT, AUCKLAND. Q T E A M ENGINES. FOB, SALE, Cheap, in flrst-olass condition, with certificate for 05tbs pressure: 1 Portable, double cylinders, 9i;l Do., Do,. 74; 1 Do., ■single cylinder. 10; 1 Do., Do., B.—Apply to BBS* G. HOLDSHIP.



TO AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS. J»W J HURST is CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been v>roved 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. iJurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist: — MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO M*CXIfIA.N do. BELiL-o rjONEFLOUB i and i-inch BONEDUST BTLLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-siok Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last sea=on attracted so much favourable notice. _ Analysis, prices, ana other particulars vail bo supplied on'application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101 OUEKN-STREET, CLOVER SEED, FOR SPRING SOWING Just Landed, ex COLUMBUS— 30 casks new Clovers, consisting of Red Clover White Clover Cow Gras Also on hand. Alsyhe, Timothy, Lucerne, Rape Rats-tail. Rye grass, Cocksfoot, &c, at lowest market rates. AY. J. HURST & CO. ••101, QUEEX-STEEET. 500 sacks Sydney Maize, (superior sample) 30C0 „ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also 800 sacks of 1575 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour, Bran, Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c, Sec Particular attention is called to 500 sacks Prime Barley at -is per bushel o 50:t>. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh oatmeal, a £21 per ton. "W. J. HURST & CO., l0l, ; QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND. I\ Stephens Having now the Sole Proprietorship of the old-established Business at No. 130, ad joining Lewisson's, will spare no efforts to keep up his name as a leading BOOT AND SHOE MANUFACTURES AND IMPORTER, (Laxe Cater), 136, Queen-street IoG, OPPOSITE THE UNION BANK, Auckland. BOOTS & SHOES of every description made to order. 3 French and German Kid Boots and Shoes always in Stock. 13T Storekeepers Supplied Wholesale "<3£ Prompt attention given to all orders. Cash Orders from the country will receive immediate response. Goods forwarded by train, steamer, &c, &c. Auckland, November 3, 1577. "TVTATIONAL FIRE AND MARINE JJi INSURANCE COMPANY OF NSW ZEALAND. Capital £1,000.000. Reserve £50,000. Re-Insurance Fund .... £20,(XU Insurances effected against Fire and Marine Loss of Every Description of Property, at Lowest Current Rates. Prompt and Liberal Settlement of Claims. HENRY E. WILLIAMS, Manager, A.uckland Branch. -■:-;::-:.;; [A card.] DR. ELLIS hereby notifies that on and after TUESDAY]'4th December, 1877, his successor, DR. HAINES, will for the present occupy Dr. Ellis' late residence at Manukau Road, Parnell, and will attend for Consultation at Mr. Sharland's, Shortland-street, from 11 till 1 o'clock daily. £1 fhfk REWARD re HITCHEN'S JL\f\r BLOOD RESTORER. As several Bottles, containing trashy worth less compounds, have been palmed off on un suspecting people on the pretence of their b°ing the celebrated " Hitchen3' Blood Restorer," the Proprietor respectfully cautions his patients to see that the Bottles bear both his Trade Mark and Signature. He also warns the unscrupu lous persons who, under false pretences, receive people's money, that 100 Pounds Reward will be given on conviction of persons guilty of infringing his rights. H. KITCHENS.