SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

. „„„ j This Afternoon, 12 HIGH WATER—j To . morrow Morning, 0.13 SUN SET.—This Evening. 6.47. SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 5.13 MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter, 21st, 3.51 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Rowena, s.s., Sellars. from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

Louise, brigantine, Simons, for Sydney Hero, s.s., Logan, for Sydney and Melbourne Hawea, s.s., Wheeler, for tho South

EXPORTS.

Por Hero, tor Sydney:—iuu oarreis sugar, ou casks pork. 20 casks herrings, 12 bales fungus, 55 bales, flax, GOO bags bran, 320 bales flax tow, 72 cases sauce, 1 case effects, 25 kegs butter, 2 cases, 1 box gold, 1 box cancelled notes, 1 parcel, 4 nackages pictures, 201 pieces timber. For Melbourne :—1 hhd wine, 19 J-casksdo.. 3 cases tocaooo. 91 hides, 1 case machinery, 137 bales flax, 1 case.—Crnickshank and Co., agents. Per Syren brig, for Sydney:—loo doors. 7 belles mouldings, 225 pieces skirting, 386 architraves, 21 pk<js timber, 5 casks blaok oil.—Henderson and Macfarlane, agents. Per Elizabeth, for Lyttelton :—25,000ft timber, 10 cases sundries, 70 kegs salmon, 17 bundles bags, 4 bales do., 30 kegs salmon.—M. Niccol, agent.

DEPARTURE OF THE HERO.

The s.s. Hero left for Sydney and Melbourne to-day, at half-past twelve o'clock, It being a fine day there was a groat crowd of spectators on the wharf to see her away. Passengers: Saloon to Melbourne - R. Duder, G. Evans, L. McCaulay, Miss J. McCaukvy, Mr and Mrs Adams, J. Adams, L. Adams, F. Adams, Mrs H. Hopkins. Saloon to Sydney—C. R. Walsh, D. Green, M. Donovan. W. A. Thomson. Dr W. Allnutt, Mrs Somervell, Mr J. Williamson, Mrs Fletcher. Steerage to Melbourne—W. Cruse, J. Tavlor, R, Borth wick, P. Dean, S. Morris, Mr and Mrs J. Trateford, John Trato.ord, Mary Trateford, and 5 children, James Hood, Frank Berf ord, C. Davis. Steerage to Sydney- Mr and Mrs H. Pyke, G. Pyko, A. Pyke, W. Paries. J. Parks, Ngaboro, Woripa, Tenana, F. Ward, Mr and Mrs Cornwall, Mr and Mrs Wm. Willie, Alfred Willis, \V. Willis , W. Miller. Kcsiren, Mr and Mrs Turland, M. Wall, J. Levy, L. Williama, A. Balshaw, P. H. Bridgeman, C. Chew, J. Barry, J. Moyle, Mrs T. Barnes, J. Hall, J. Vincent, J. Davis.

The brigantine Louiso left this morning for Sydney in ballast. At Sydney she is to load coals for China. The useful little steamer Kina is advertised to make an excursion trip to Coromandel on Friday night. An eleven from Auckland will go down by her, and will play a match against the local cricketers on Friday. The steamer will bring back her excursionists on Saturday night, or if generally convenient, Sunday morning. She is also advertised to make a Saturday afternoon excursion to the Hot Springs, starting at 2.30 and returning at half-past six on Monday morning, which will bring her here before ten o clock. The schooner Queen is advertised to leave for Hokianga to-morrow. Mr M. Niccol is the agent. The p.s. Effort is now started in her new trade to the Wade. She returned this afternoon from her first trip, and leaves again at half-past nine to-morrow morning. The s.s. Hawea, Captain Wheeler, leaves the Manukau this afternoon for the South. The schooner Kate McGregor came in yester day from Napier, in ballast. She left that port on Monday, and has had a fine weather pas sage, with favourable winds. For the convenience of persons wishing to be present at the Rodney races |to-morrow, the s.s. Annie Milbank will leave the Queen-street wharf this evening at 6 o'clock for Warkworth. The s.s. Rowena arrived from Tauranga yes terday evening, and leaves for the same port at this afternoon at 5 o'clock. The barque Glencoe, which left here last Sunday week, arrived at Hokian_ra on Monday last. She was becalmed outside for four days. The s.s. Southern Cross leaves this afternoon for Gisborne and Napier. The Union Co.'s Wanaka" leaves for Tauranga and the South to-day, at I p.m. The dispute between Messrs. Holmes Bros, and Co. and the captain of the Glenlora in respect to the amount of compensation fOr the aid rendered by the Lalla Rookh and the Enterprise has been amicably settled. The Union Co.'s splendid steamer Rotorua, ex pected to leave Sydney to-day, is due here on Monday next. She is advertised to leave for Napier and Southern ports on Tuesday, the 27th inst. The schooner Mary Anderson, to whose arri val we referred yesterday, is 63ft. long on the keel, 18ft. 9in. broad in the beam, and Bft. deep. She is calculated to carry about 100 tons of cargo. Her builders, Messrs. McGregor, have spared no pains to turn out a strong weatherly vessel, and one that in point of sailing and carrying com bined, will do them credit. The s.s. Taranaki is appointed to leave for the South on the 25th inst. (Sunday). The s.s. Go-Ahead, which came in from the East Coast yesterday, is advertised to leave again for Gisborne and Napier on Friday next. The schooner Elizabeth leaves for Lyttelton this afternoon, via East Coast. She takes a full _13LJH___—£_£_;_} _C"~'i-.~ *-T*. tr>7\—a— «*__"coods. The brig Syrencleai-ed to-day for Sydney with ballast and a small cargo of doors, moulding &c. She sails this evening. The s.s. Wanaka. leaves at 4 o'clock this afternoon for Tauranga and Southern ports. Passengers: Saloon: Messrs Hanbnry, Vorwork, J. L. Wilson, R. R. Hunt, R. Wilson, Wallace, Fowler, Rivortapplc, Sternhoff, Borgholf, Baird, Mackav, Mills, Garwood, Todhuntcr, Batley, Benjamin; Mosdames Wants, Stephenson, Spencer, Berghoff, Misses Wyllie, Ring, Berghofi, and 8 in thegstee.iage. The following passengers are booked to leave by the Southern Cross, which sails this afternoon for Gisborne and Napier:—Mrs Church and child, and 2 steerage.

CHIEF POST OFFICE AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under:— . . Fori Coromandel', per Durham, to-morrow, at

1.30 p.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per

Rowena, this day, at 1 p.m. For Waiwera, Warkworth, and To x_rai, por

Anne Milbank, to-morrow, at, 10 a.m- For Tairua, per Maria, to-morrow, at 8 a.m. For Gisborne *»nd Napier, per Go-ahead, on Friday next, at 3 p.m. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1877.

For the f.nvse tli.it ticks assistance For the wroiiK that needs resistance, tor the future in the distance, And the good .hat wc can do.

The evidence taken by tho Railway Com missioners already has shewn the absurdity of the tariff". The charges in many instances are high, considerably Heavier than carriago by more primitive modes of transit—for many descriptions of goods practically pro hibitory. The case cited by Mr Rawlinson, of Pulcekohe, when £14 were demanded for the conveyance of 48 square yards of scoria, shews that, for material which to be of value must be delivered at a low freight, tho cast iron scale is fatal. Mr Martin's experience with posts is of a more serious character. The absence of suitable fencing timbers over a wide area of the Waikato district compels tho settlers to obtain necessary material from a distance. Mr Martin had secured a supply from Drary, which was conveyed by rail to Mercer, Avhen he discovered th at the charge for transit, a distance of only 21 miles exceeded the original cost of the posts and equalled the freight from Mercer to Cam bridge— three or four times the distance. If the posts had been brought from Auckland— a further distance of 22 miles by railway—the charge would havo been such as to strike terror into the heart of every settler of Waikato whose contemplated improvements involved fencing. Against the rates for conveying she ep all the witnesses adduced distinct instances where the lino had lost traffic through demanding four or live times ■more than the cost of delivering the sheep at their destination by othermeans of transit. Mr Rutherford's experience of the carriage of butter was of a still more remarkable character. Sending a box-full to town, he found that the tariff passed it through for the extremely moderate charge of fivepence, but innocentiy giving instructions for thd return of the empty box, he was mulcted in half-a-crown for the conveyance of the package. These examples furnish con clusive evidence not only of the excessive character of the tariff for articles of pro duce, which should be conveyed at the most reasonable rates to encourage settlement, but also the perfectly ridiculous results that follow the attend to work the line upon an inflexible scale. The passenger fares are, we think, very reasonable. With more liberal regulations relating to excursions and special trains, and the removal of the station from Point Britomart to Fort-street or the end of Queen-street wharf, the public woidd have no equitable ground of complaint against the railway or its management for passenger traffic. The amended tariff, announced to come into force after tlie Oth of April is a moderate one, and any attempt to reduce it further would probably result in heavy loss to an already unprofitable Government department. The return fare to Newmarket, second-class—.;inepenec— is one that should satisfy residents in that j district, &od (w&OHfA ft Wght h$ $ vpry -

satisfactory thing to run passengers each | way for threepence, tho proposal is out of tho question until Newmarket materially multiplies its population. If the station were brought into the city, and a stopping place established at, Parnell, we have no doubt whatever that a threepenny fare would nett a considerable sum per annum to the lino. The main objection to the line for passengers is unquestionably the incon venient situation of the Auckland station, and if the Government have, as it appears, deemed an expenditure of £15.000 or £20,000 to alter the i position of the Helensville station a

justifiable expenditure, wo are surely war ranted in expecting that consideration will bo given to the disadvantage under which Auckland labours, and the serious loss of rovonue to the line from a precisely similar eauso. Tho following memorial on the tho subject has boon Humorously signed in

tbo city to-day :— "To tho Comniisiioners on Railway Traffic Enquiry. —Gentlemen, Wc tbe under signed ticket-holders aud frequent travellers by tlie Auckland and Mercer Railway, beg to call your attention to tlie very great inconvenience to the public, and loss to the Government, arising from the station being at Fort Britomart, and suggest the Queen street wharf or sonic other central terminus being secured as early as possible. Ladies after shopping, burthened with two «r throe parcels, and mothers with children find it impracticable, and take the 'bus rather than travel so far to tho station. Hence the traffic by 'bus is larger that formerly, and by rail far loss than °it would bo if tlie proposed alteration in the terminus was effected.— S. JACKSON, Robert Graham, I). B. Ciiuicksiiank, James Hardib, Frater Brothers, C. ALEXANDER, .M. RICHMOND, T. SHORT, anil a largo number of others." There is every appearance of most useful reforms following the investigations of the Railway Commissioners, and the publicity whicli has boon given to their proceedings has, wo venture to say, contributed very largely to the success that has attended their efforts to glean information.

WHAT constitutes aj public bar ? Some of our readers may remember the learned investigations of the late Resident Magis trate, t. Beckham, Esq., into this subject a few years ago, which Jed to the closing of one door in various hostclrics, and the open iim- of several others. Mr Perkins lias found himself involved in the maze, not withstanding previous consultation with all tho most learned authorities. Before open ing the new bar, Mr Perkins closed tbo main entrance to the old one, but left the passage door open as a means of access to the stairs and bar. The position of the bars docs not differ in any material respect from dozens of others in the city that might be named. It appears, however, that the police, either from some fancied distinction in the construction of the bars, or with the object of testing tlie general question, have .summoned Mr Perkins, and the case will come up at tho Police Court on Friday. Tlie proceeding bears very much the appearance of unfairness. Tlie police have permitted two, three, and even four bars with separate entrances, to pass unmolested for years, and it is somewhat remarkable that they should, without, warning, pounce down on' one landlord who, induced by the current practice has carried out extensive improvements in his hotel. To try a nice legal point may be very well, but it should not be tested tit tho expense of one who has boon led into the commission of the alleged offence by the common practice openly permitted by the authorities. Whatever the law may be on the point it is quite certain that from a public point of view the Occincdtal hotel, since the alterations is fifty per cent better than is was before, and moro suited for the purposes for which licenses are understood to be granted. It may be lawful to make improvements in hotel properties penal, but the system. The action in relation to the Occidental appears to be exceptional, and wo arc curious to know its object. Who! lim it is intended as the prelude to a general raid on duplicate burs, or is based on sonic supposed distinction in tho entrance— in either caso tho action taken seems to be invidiously directed against Mr Perkins, and suggestive of the adage, that " kissing goes by favour."

An important le^al question arises outfof the murder of a man in the police cell at Ngaruawahia. A prisoner in the legal custody of the authorities, deprived ,of the means of self-defence, and placed in enforced confinement with an armed ruffian has met his death by violent means. Who is responsible ? What return could the gaoler make to a writ of habeas corpus should the friend.l, of deceased, if he had any, apply for one ?

Messrs E. and 11. Isaacs hold a sale of 'tween - deck fittings, cooking utensils, etc., ex Thurland Castle to-morrow, at half-past 10 sharp; also surplus stores, con consisting of wines, spirits, beer, pork, beef, suet, flour, etc., etc., tit eleven o'clock sharp.

To-morrow (Thursday) evening, tbe Bijou Variety Troupe will open for a few evenings in the Lome-street Hall,with a company of musicians, vocalists, negro performers, comedians, and public caterers. Mrs Wilton is described as an excellent soprano; her English, Irish, and Scotch ballads have won for her a charming reputation. Mr Wilton is said to be unequalled in his particular line, and his budget of comicalities are of the most original and laughter-provoking character. Mr Ship has given great satisfaction on the sea of life by national impersonations and character sketches. Mr H. Maynard's comic performances must be seen to be described. Not one word need be said in favour of Tom Burton, as he is known to every playgoer in the city. The perfor mance will be commenced at eight o'clock, but the doors will open at 7.30, when the band will introduce the proceedings by the popular air of " Roll up."

The Committee of the Young Men's Christian Association have made a seasonable addition of nearly one hundred volumes to their library, and being new works by the best authors of the day, will no doubt be much appreciated by the large number of subscribers.

The insurances in detail on the fire at Foxtou, particulars of which were given in our telegrams last night, were as follows :— The building was insured for £200 in the National, and £500 in the Standard. The stock was insured for £2,509 in the National, which re-insured as follows :—£7so in the South British, £500 in the New Zealand, £500 in the London and Lancashire, and £200 in the Victoria.

Who is the mysterious female personage, " Auckland Mary," whom the " Wangauni Chronicle " describes as being "in trouble "

Mr S. Piper, the young man who was hurt a short time ago at the Whatipu Mills is progressing very favourably under the caro of Dr Zinzan.

There has been an increase in the work ing members of the Onehunga Glee Club, since the opening of the new season. Some of the voices of the recruits are untrained, but Mr Stevenson is sanguine of being ablo to train them up to the mark.

There is a Maori chief named Manaiuaat Napier, who has been accustomed to regard himself as the very acme of gigantic humanity. He was rather sceptical about the great Og, king of Bashan, and Golialt. He went to set Choukiczee, the Chinaman, but when the elongated proportions of the Celestial towered before him, Manama went and took a back scat, where he could con template the foreigner with equanimity. When he had recovered from his astonish ment he merely exclaimed: "Oh, son of Anak, salutations to thee, great is thy mana." Manama has since retired into private life, but he derives some consolation from the fact that he measures a trifle more round the waist than does the Celestial.

MrW. R. Wills, bootmaker, Queen-street, Onehunga, had his premises robbed at an early hour on Monday morning. The thief had forced open the door, and proceeded in such a manner as showed that he was an experienced hand at the business. The o-oods taken away arc valued at fully seven pounds, but Mr Wills' watch dog hearing something unusual broko his chain, and the thiof decamped, leaving 18 pairs of boots ready tied up for removal, on tho counter. Mr. Wills name as maker is stamped on some of the pairs. The police suspect one man, and are diligently searching for him. The following Justices of tbo Peace are on the rota of attendance at the Court of Petty Sessions to bo held on Tuesday next, the 27th inst., at the Court House, High street : Messrs George M. Mitford, (Chair man) 11. Gilfillan, G. Graham, C. F. Golds bro', W T. Graham, R. Graham, T. M. Haul- I tain, D. Hean, T. Henderson, G. Yon dor Heydc, W r. J. Hurst, (Mayor) E. Isaacs, J. H. Home, H. M. Jervis, and G. L. Johnstone.

About thirty-eight years ago a terrible fire broke out at a convent for young ladies in the town of Limoges. At the hist moment it was perceived that ono of the pensionnaires had been left in her room. There appeared to be no hope of saving her, when a fine voting girl with dishevelled locks and with her nightdress floating round her, pierced tlie crowd, crying " Let me do it." And she rushed into the midst of the flames, and shortly afterwards appeard, carrying the unhappy infant in her arms. A few days afterwards, Louis Philippe sent the heroine a gold medal, and a captain in tlie French army who had witnessed her courage asked to be presented to her. 1 hat captain is now President of tho French Re public, and the heroine is tho Duchess de Magenta.

Mr Justice Gillies, and Mrs Gil lies are ruralismg in the beautiful lake districts, nnd, with a party of ladies, were present at the Ohinemutu races.

A new school house is about to be erected in the improving neighbourhood of New market, and tlie Board of Education aro asking for tenders for its erection. The ratepayers of the Karangahape High way District will hold a public meeting to morrow (Thursday) evening, for the purpose of considering the matter of forming the district into a borough.

Mr C. Laishlcy, a son of the Rev Mr Laishley, has succeeded Mr Mamie as manager of the Union Bank of Australia, in Hamilton. Messrs Cochrane and Son will offer for sale to-morrow the iron yacht Good Templar, 11 tons, with her sails, gear, anchors, etc. She lies off the Breakwater, where she may be inspected by intending bidders. At a meeting of the trustees of tlie Newmarket Highway Hoard, held last night, much indignation was expressed with the Domain Board for not acknow ledging an apparenly reasonable request of the former Board. We arc informed that a large proportion of the Domain bounds tho Newmarket district, and that no repre sentative has hitherto been allowed a scat in the Domain Board, though Ponsonby is represented therein. Newmarket sent a formal request to be allowed to send n representative, and desired the Domain Board to forward the application to the Government, with a recommendation that it should be granted. No notice appears to have been taken of the request. There are four gates leading into roads within the New market highway district, and as the cost of f o rminiLi! ndji ".wi* _«iwh hhlWi "TJo-an I,' 1 11 c trustees consider they are more entitled to a voice in the Domain Board than Ponsonby is, ami arc at it loss to know the reason why their application has not been acceded to.

Mr John Chimin,B. A.,of tbe Civil Service, Wellington,has published its his own private venture a hand book entitled " The Laws of Now Zealand," a compendium of the New Zealand Statutes. The local press speaks in very high terms of the book. Mr C urn in has the reputation of being the New Zea land Dr Porson in .ill that relates to the classics, and his skill in drafting bills is of invaluable assistance to the law ollicers. He is one of the most eccentric characters in the colony. Many years ago he was clerk of the Assembly, and according to custom was seated at the table in front of the Speaker's Chair. During an important debate in which all the great guns of the House strove to excel each other in their eloquence, a speaker from sonic bucolic district ventured on a quotation from a Latin author, but un luckily he misquoted. What was the dismay of hon. members when Mr Cumin suddenly rose to his feet and pointing with ti gesture of contempt to the speaker, exclaimed in a stage whisper "False quantities, false quantities, go to school, sir, go to school." The lion, member collap sed into his seat, consternation sat on the faces of some, and a few laughed outright. There was a " stranger in the House " this time, and no mistake. The misquotation and false quantities had jarred on the finely tuned classic ear of the scholarly clerk, and he could not restrain his annoyance. We have heard that the upshot of the affair was that the Speaker, who was himself a, scholar, took a lenient view of the case, and that Mr Cumin was appointed to another depart ment in which his unquestionable talents were employed with equal advantage to the public service. Occurrences of this kind are very rare in our legislative assemblies, but last session a tall Scotchman in the strangers' gallery created no small

excitement by interrupting one of Mi- Stout's orations, by leaning over the front of the gallery and shouting with a voice of Stentor, " Gie' it till 'em, Stoot! gie' it till 'em !" There was a rush of constables, and the stranger was incontinently hustled out of the House, to express his admiration in a more appropriate place. Last Sunday, the Rev Mr Jordan, of Tauranga, was unavoidably absent from his pulpit. His place was worthily hlled by Mr Macey Quintal, who treated his hearers to a sound discourse of thirty-live minutes duration.

A new public convenience litis been built on the western silt basin at the entrance to the wharf. The structure is of iron, and the arrangements are on the pattern of Macfarlane's patents. The City Council deserve commendation for attending to the wants of the city in this way. Several companies of volunteers under went their monthly inspection hist evening in tbe Drill-shed, under Major Lusk. The companies inspected were the llobson's, and the Victoria Rifies, and the Auckland Scottish Volunteers. The Victoria Com pany, under command of Captain Derrom, Lieut. Malion, and Sub-Lieutenant Skinner, numbered 20 rank and file. The Hobson's, under Captain Dignan, Lieut. Clifton, and Sub-Lieutenant Connolly, numbers 20, while the Scottish, only numbered 15, under com mand of Captain Mowbray, and Sub- Lieutenant Codlin; altogether 55 men. The several companies were put through a number of exercises to the evident satis faction of Major Lusk and the oilicers in command. The Cliristchurch Cricketers arc said to be practising steadily for the forthcoming match with thp AH England Eleven. The pale of sites foy booths at the match realised

Rev. J. J. Lewis will deliver a lecture this evening in Pitt-street Wesleyan Church, on his recent tour through England. The choir will assist with musical illustrations. The subj oct is interesting, the lecturer talented, and the cnoir efficient. A great treat, therefore, may oo ex pected. The proceeds will go to the organ Uninteresting gathering of children met last evening in the Sir Henry Havelock Lodge ; and a discussion took place on the question of intoxi cating drink between members ot tho Band oi Hope and the Juvenile Templars. First meetings of creditors were held yesterday in the estates of C. Holland, master manner, and Henry Carroll, blacksmith, of West Queen street, Auckland. Holland's liabilities were set down and £233 lis, but no account of assets was furnished. Carroll's liabilities wero not defin itely stated, as the bankrupt had not lodged his statement. Mr Thos. Macfl'arlano was appointed trusteo in both estates. , Mr. Charlos Bloomfleld, of Ponsonby Road, has just completed two of a series of paintings of Lake Taupo and adluoantsoenes. __» happy pair, whioh rofloct great oredit on the talent and taste of this rising artist, may be seen m tho shop of Mr. Wayte, bookseller, of Queen-street, As Rober6 Bloomfleld, of Honington Green, Suffolk, won a lasting position by his gont.le rhymes among rural pools, so we believe Charles Bloomfleld will occupy a respectable place among tho many artists of New Zealand. Uno of Mr. Bloointleld's pictures represent very faithfully Tapuaeharurua, at the point where the Waikato river emerges from Lake 1 aupo, with the volcanic Tongariro toworing beyond. The other painting represents an evening scene on the lake. The distances are well defined, the clouds and shadings natural, and tho trees dis tinctly drawn. The shadows of the rocks and foliage thereon, and the rich lines of sunset, are judiciously delineated and not over coloured. 'Without going critically into dotail, we recognise in these pictures the hand of an artist and the touches of a closo student of tho beautiiul in nature. , , . ... Mr. Edward Lewis will deliver a lecture this evening in Newton Hall, on the discipline of the Church of Christ. Lecture to commenco at half-past seven o'clock. Tho annual moeting of Court Zealandia' A.0.F.. takes place this evening, at their Court room, Wellesley-street, at eight o'clock, for the election of officers, and other general business in connection with the Court.

CABLEGRAMS.

[PEE PRESS AGENCY.]

RITUALISTIC DISPUTE.

PEACE NEGOTIATIONS IN TUR-

KEY

LONDON, February 18th

The Bishop's nominee forcibly entered the Church at Hatcbam, and the services were quietly resumed. The Rev. Mr Tooth was released from prison.

The United States Commission has given Hayes the Louisiana vote.

The Princes of Servia and Montenegro send envoys to Constantinople.

AUSTRALIAN.

SYDNEY, this day. THE MAIL SERVICE RESOLUTION

IN PARLIAMENT,

The Postmaster-General has given notice of a resolution in tho House, confirming the arrangement with the Pacific Mail Company.

AUSTRALIAN TELEGRAMS.

[Per Tararua at Bluff.]

Heavy Rains and Damage to Crops

New Building.

Settlement of Stevensons' Case

MELBOURNE

February 15.

The Opposition policy, it appears from Mr. Berry's speech on Monday night, has undergone no alteration. It still consists of protection and the breaking up of large estates, but no land tax. Candidates arc hein<' daily announced for tho several con dlS^cLi,^ r?, ilimc»t !i?^_F tint then *mfffc will bo no Ministerial deliver ances. Heavy rain fell on Monday night, and was joyfully reooivod, being the lirst rain fall fur six weeks. Numberless shoop mid cat (lo have died from starvation. Tho Union Bank Intend ©rooting now premises in Collins-street, on the sito recently purchased for £33,000. Three theatres and large circus are now , open in Melbourne, besides other amuse ments. : A woman was killed by lightning and i two women swept away by a Hood last Monday night. The Stevensons have given notice to the Crown that they intend to discontinue their acraons. Tasmanian advices announce a deficiency in the hop crop this year. Breadstuff's con tinue firm.

THE GIANT.

The levee of Choakiozce, tbe Chinese Giant, was well attended this afternoon. 'Phis huge specimen of humanity is well worth inspection. It is absolutely startling to see him walk into a room. He is very affable, and laughs heartily at the surprise of thoso who sec him for the first time. He will be on view for some days.

"THE EARTH AND ITS SATELLITE"

Tins was the subject of Mr Severn's last lecture ot the series, delivered, in the Lorno-street Hall, and a larger audience than usual was present. The subject was one of the most interesting of the series, and quiet pleasure was observed throughout the delivery. Mr Severn, in all his excellent lectures, endeavours to be as plain as possible, so that his meaning may be intelligible to the humblest of his auditory. Foucault's tryroscope and pendulum experiment greatly assisted Mr Severn in his representation of the rotation of the earth, and gave a proper concep tion of its ceaseless travel. The oxy-hydrogen lantern aided considerably in displaying a number of magnificent astronomical views on the screen. The more attractive of these views were the solar system, the rotundity of the earth, eclipses, and the influence of the sun and moon on the tides. We learn that Mr Severn intends to visit Taranaki, and all t he towns and cities of New Zealand in succession. He will then pass to Australia in his homeward route to the land of his fathers.

A LADY'S NOTES ON NEW ZEA LAND AND THE HOT SPRINGS.

A German lady has just published a record of her journeyings in some of the more attractive scenes chiefly in the North Island, and her visit to the Hot Springs, which have been collected from the "Protestant Standard," and issued in a reasonable form. The little brochure may be had of Messrs. Upton and Co, and is written in a, light and pleasing style, interspersed with tit bits from the works of Dickens, with which the authoress is evidently familiar. The larger and most interesting portion of these notes relate to the lake district, and are full of pleasantries. A very small space is devoted to a description of Auckland, being glimpses of the Domain, its scenery and birds, and the surrounding hills. The lady, however, is quite in love with the North Shore, and on landing at Victoria Wharf, indulges in a flight of fancy. She says, "On landing at Victoria wharf a hill of the same name, upon which a flagstaff is erected, affords a beautiful view on every side, particularly of the noble Rangitoto, standing silent and grand, bathed in a successionjof indiscribable tints as the afternoon sun casts its rays upon it. Beauti-; fill secluded lanes arc on the North Shore, where the grass is luxuriantly green ; neat hedges run along one side ; in a meadow the silvery feathers of the graceful pampas grass are waving, further on stands a beautiful specimen of the ha.ndsome cabbage tree, and a cozy little cottage forms the back-ground." Lake Takapuna also comes into view, and is happily described. The lady lauds her pleasant lodgings, and com pares the services and choirs of St. Matthew's aud St. Paul's. She then visits her country-men Mr Hoffmann, of Shortland-street, and Mr Seuffert. of Wellesle.y-street, and justly praises Mr Seuffert's artistically wrought tables, boxes, and other articles, made of the choicest New Zealand woods. She thsn proceeds to other towns and cities, each of which she describes in her free and easy manner, portraying with eon-' siderable power the more singular of settlers.

theHot W i«»and^^g S *nS_-»^g them, wiU be read with inteiebt, a previous tc> her departure for f^ey^^^ j££*aa____«&g |3£S___F_£_i2 thoroon."

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before A. Beotham anl J. W rilloo_ Esqs., Justices of tho Peaoa INEBRIATES. Barnes Mackin pleaded not gnilty to a charge of being drunk he had oaly taken a Constable MeGilp said that prisoner was helplessly drunk at one o'clock this morn ing. He used most abusive language. Fined 5s and costs. Ellen Henry, with an unnatural mark under her left eye, pleaded guilty, and was lined 5s and costs. Mary Ann Long, a littlo woman with a voun- baby in her arms, acknowledged that she was drunk, but it was all owing toEthe nasty brandy she was induced to drink ; she resided in Freemana Lay ; her chap earned two guineas a week. The Bench regretted to sec a woman, with a baby in such a position, and lined her 10s and costs. UNWORTHY OF TRUST. Dick sold the fowls entrusted to his care. And for two months will live on prison faro. Richard Kingston, was charged with larceny of eight fowls,value 16s,the property of Maurice O'Kulliv.ui, of tho Cosmopolitan hotel, on the 19th inst. Prisoner pleaded guilty, but did not know what he was about, as ho was fearfully drunk. It was shewn however, that tho prisoner, who was entrusted with the fowls by his employer to take to a friend in Wellington -street, sold tlie fowls before he got drunk, and spent tlie money upon tlie liquor that rendered him unconscious. Tlie man's character not being of the first water, the Bench ordered him to Mount Eden gaol for a fortnight, with the usual accompaniment of hard labour. IT WONT DO, JOHNNY. Jane said John thrashed her! she, his lawful And Jane was fearful John would take her life. John Thomas was charged with violently assaulting his wife, Jane Thomas, on the even ing of Saturday last. . Prisoner pleaded guilty, and hung down his J alio Thomas, on getting into the witness box. burst linto tears, and deposed that she resided in Edwardes-street. She provided a beautiful tea for him on Saturday including, toast ant 1 pork sausages, and after waiting a long tiny:, John came home tight, and was in a ureadC U ra"-e. Ho struck her violently on the eye. (J_ rs Thomas here exposed a dreadfully bruised eye to the Court). He said, " Now, Molly, Tm land lord of this house, and out you go. She ssaa, "and will you turn out baby too. He said, "Yea out yon go, baby and all." He knocked her down and dragged her out and across the road saying he honed he had broken her -neck. Sergeant Clarke deposed that he had known prisoner for two years, as a driver in the employ of John Mullally, he was generally regarded as a drinking man. with an indifferent character. The wife, he believed, was a hard working woman. , , , ~ . In answer to the Bench, complainant said she had been married to prisoner seven years ; she was then a widow with four children. Prisoner had nothing to say in defence. The Bench said that prisoner had committed a cowardly and unprovoked assault upon his wife and sentenced him to two months im prisonment with hard labour, and at the expira tion ol' that term, to And sureties to keeia the peace for six months, himself in £25, and. two others in £10 each.

RAILWAY COMMISSION.

Tiik commission appointed to enquire into the management and working of the Auckland and Mercer Railway, met at the Onehunga Station to-day, to ln-ai->.""'l'*, I.*-•-etc-etc- P>"««.nt: .Messrs _.„_._._ <, ~^uit \\ ood (chan __._>, W. Sw.inson, and J. S. Maefarlane, Commisioners; Mr Frank li. Passmore, Engineer of Constructed Railways, and Mr A. V. McDonald, Manager of tho Auck land and Mercer Railway were also in atten dance.

The first witness called was Mr William Stev enson, of Onehunga, who complained of the excessive charges for freight between OneiHunga nnd Mercer, and Onehunga and Auol eland. Some time ay:o he had sent out from Auo kland four trucks of coal. Ono of tho«o was nob more than three-fourths full. The total quantity was 23 tonn, while he was charged for 26 tons 4: owts. He complained to the authorities, but com'd not get the mistake rectified until he applied to Messrs Stone Bros,, merchants, of Auck land, and obtained tho invoice. Thus considerable time was wasted. On another occasion a i juan tity of goods consigned to him was left h 1 the trucks allnight, and in themorningit was 1 ound that a quantity of salt, sugar, etc., had been destroyed. Tie made a claim for the an lount of sugar spoilt, viz., £1, and Mr McDt maid told him the money would be allowed to him, but although he has made repeats 1 ap plication, he had not yet received it. As a storekeeper, he often sent small parcels iilong the line. A package the size of his hat; was charged as a quarter of a ton. Thus ho was obligod to lind other means to send the gc ods, and his customers were greatly inconvemei n-ed in consjquenee. Captain Cunningham had desired him to state that some time ago ho was bringing sheep down, when one got his" leg broken, lie desired to have it conveyed to the Newmarket, slaughterhouse, and applied to the railway station, when ho was tod that it could not be conveyed to the Newmarket station for less than 3s Gd. He also complained of the exorbitant charges made for conveying timber from one station to another.

Mr J. W. Waller, Onehunga, said that the charges made on all goods which he sent from Onehunga were extremly high. For instance, a truck load of timber to Mercer was charged £5 : and to Auckland £1. Besides this, they had to load and discharge their own trucks, so that the railway authorities were only asked to draw it. Ho often missed timber, from the trucks, and on one occasion complained to the manager, but they would not pay for it, and denied that it was lost. He instituted a search, and found the timber near Penrose Junction, whore it had fallon off the trucks. He often endeavoured to obtain receipts for his goods, but could not do so. When the railway was opened, he used it to a very large extent for the conveyance of timber, and his freight bills camo to about £80 per .month. Now, he was compelled to send his goods by means of drays. There was no shelter at Onehunga for passengers luggage, which was often dam aged and destroyed by the rain.

In answer to a question put by Mr Swanson, Mr Waller said the railway charges for t iniber was 2s Od ;it used to be 2s od. Settlers in the Waikato preferred to use the white pine, in preference to sending to Auckland for kauri. If the charges for freight to the Waikato were lessened, he would use the line extensively. Mr Bycroft, miller, Onehunga, complained of the high and unequal charges for bran, which was Is for a ton of 2000 lbs, Flour was charged 3s per ton of 2000 lbs. They could import grain by way of Manukau at 3s for 2210 lbs. He thought the Charges for conveyance of bran were extraordinary. An Auckland miller could get his wheat much cheaper than in Onehunga Biscuits were charged at -Is per ton of 2000 lbs the cases £weighed a«. uarter of a ton. If he received an order from the country for a tin of biscuits, he was unable to send it by rail, as the expense tor freight would be considerable. For a small tm of biscuits he was charged the same amount as a quarter of a ton. He frequently had goods destroyed and damaged by being left in trucks in wet weather. The tarpaulins were insufficient, and did hot properly cover the trucks. A tradesmrn sent in an order for 2 cwt °l t 1, 0." 1'- an? the sum charged for the carriage of this to Pokeno was is. When he required a trucic to convey goods to some country station, ne had t,. give 24 hours' clear notice. Thus their customers were often put to great inconvenience by not recti vmg their goods when required. Ho used the line to a, large extent. The railway pmcials were always considerate and courteous Ji 1 I}lk1 }1k dA sci V»=« of thetr duties. He thought that the Onehunga Station Master should have thltTl aliar^rj Cr3 Co»torf l UP°n M_L 80 to „ive valmWe ft ergencr he would be abl° Mr Arthur Pirtar complained of the arrange ment ot the time ta We. The first train left One hunga at 8.25. arriving in Auckland about 9 o clock. The next train did not leave until 10 15 beforo ITili m A^ nd at ab°ut 10 «■ T?nr, ot } . '• i Tae afternoon trains were 28 &X c:xt remcly unreasonable hours. One it 225 pm and anotho? a.,i 20 p.m Bi.smt.-so men find it quite impossi ble to use the present timetable of the ■ i hv-iv Mr Pittar suggested a number of alterations' 2KwS«_S? to tho lino m ™ ' wSSIS . rhtebejug the w.hoia of the evident. fr_*M. '■

THE NEW DOCK.

The leak which prevented the contractor^ f thoroughly pumping out the coffer-dam I yesterday, has, we regret to say, not yet ! been conquered. The- clay bags, although successful iv reducing it materiaUjv Jiave not proved so effectual as could be S&ed jp The contractors stopped pumping this morning, and have now made up their minds to wait the recurrence of the next spring tides before making any furth er stttempt to cure the leak. We are in. formed that the cause of the defect ia well known to Messrs Jones and Ware. JCt seems that when the piles whera 1-he leak is were driven, they encountered a •part of the rock bed that was very rottoa and brittle, and the point of the pile inateai of penetrating it, splintered aad broke* aW ay In the case of one pile, thU *£ remarked by the pile-drivers and roporteA and to prevent such an unfortunate circuit stance as that which has occurred, the contractors had the pile drawn back, and driven again in another spot. But tho same tiling happened again, and this time the pile was left. Of course after tho sheet piles were set up the puddled clay was filled in on the top of a lot of this loosened rock. _ Tho great pressure from without has driven this debris into ; the dock, and thus opened a wide inlet for | • the water. The mode of treatment proposed now is to get the water outside, aa low as possible, and then excavate the puddled ; clay round the defective piles. Upon i getting down to the broken rock, they win f < clear away all loosened debris, and make a good surface. Fresh puddle will then be introduced, and the contractors confidently expect that they will he successful m . making the dam water tight. No other leak except that referred to has heen i ( noticed.

MURDER AT NGARUAWAHIA.

MORGAN, THE PAKEKA MAORI

KILLED BY A NATIVE

THE MURDERER CAPTURED,

TELEGRAMS were received in Auckland

early this morning, conveying intelligence of the murder of the well-known pakeha-

Maori, Samuel Morgan, in the lock-up at

Ngamawahia by a Maori fellow prisoner named Te Patui. So far as we can learn from the particulars to hand the two men were confined in the same cell, and this morning the murdered remains of Morgan were discovered by the gaoler, the Maori having effected his escape. A horse be longing to Detective Doolan, who is engaged in connection with the prevention of -licit sales of arms to natives, and on general police duty was missing, and it was concluded that the murderer had taken the horse in order to expedite hi« Hi<dit to the King country. A hot pursuit was instituted, the telegraph wires were set to work, and every avenue of escape cut oil. Tlie Maori was captured this morning at Alexandra, on his way to the King country, which for years past has been the Alsatia for murderers and ruffians of all sorts. __,„ MORGAN'S ANTECEDENTS.

The murdered man, Samuel Morgan, came to New Zealimd about 25 years ago, and went to live at the Mission station at Te Awanmtii, with his relative, the Rev. J. Morgan, who was then engaged in evangelical labour amongst the natives. On the breaking up of the mission station just before the war, the Rev. J. Morgan removed to Auckland, but his relative con tinued to reside among the natives, having about 20 years ago married a half-caste daughter of Captain Moneur, and niece ol the chief, One Te One, of the Ngatikairo tribe, and the principal man at Bagian. When the war broke out. Morgan camett. Auckland, but when quiet va? restored W and his wife returned to Waikato fi*A settled upon a piece of land nt Pil-on^fl1, which had been awarded by thfl CompeiiM4 tion Court in consideration of loUboh sits? tamed during the war. Morgan became addicted to idle and intemperate habits-, and got into pecuniary difficulties'. His land was mortgaged to Mr Minnetti, of Hobson-street, but we believe some interest accrued, and Mrs Morgan therefore decided to sell the land to an Otago run holder, the purchase money, leaving a considerable balance after the 'mortgage was satisfied. The purchaser attempted to have a survey made, which the natives stopped, and this led to complications which have been noticed in these columns at length. During the dispute about, the survey, Morgan went to Te Kuiti, it is believed for tlie purpose of inciting tlie King natives to prevent occupa tion of the land, Morgan having quarrelled with his wife in consequence of his habitual intemperance and idleness. There is a large family, numbering twelve children, four of whom wore placed by the late Sir Donald McLean in St Mary's Orphanage.

Hiozgaa Turned c£ ly t_l Kingites- Morgan received no sympathy from the Kingites, and the Ngatimaniapoto were openly liostile to him. P.ewi, the great Ngatimaniapoto chief, was alarmed lest a collision should be brought about by the action of the pakeba- Maori, and, on February 2nd, warned him to clear out. Morgan anil another European named Lenange had been living- at Tuhua, a native settlement between Te Kopua and Otorobanga, and they had been guilty of many indiscretions, which, excited the anger of' Rewi. Tlie chief sent 12 of his followers to escort the two Europeans across the frontier, where they were handed over to the custody o_ Te Wheoro. As there was no charge against them they were released. A few days afterwards Morgan was brought up before Major Tisdall, at Alexandra, and charged under the 2nd- section of the. Vagrant Act, and sentenced to one months imprisonment with hard labour in the lock-up at Nguarawahia. The information was laid by Constable McLeod. Morgan was removed toNgartiawahia, via Hamilton. He was undergoing his sentence when the murder took place.

THE GAOL. , The gaol at Ngaruawahia is one of the worst places for the purpose that could be selected. It is of brick, and was built during the war as a block-house. A gentleman who visited the place some time ago states that any person could shake the whole building with his hands. The building is wretchedly insecure, in fact the confinement of prisoners in such a place was merely an optional matter with the prisoners themselves. Indeed, we believe that the Resident Magistrate was so* convinced of tlie unfitness of the lock-up as a place of imprison ment that he was in the habit of sending dangerous and slippery prisoners to Auck land.

The following telegrams give Particulars of the Tragedy:— NEWCASTLE, this day. (From our own Correspondent.) j^ CAPTURE OF THE MURDER?* \ A horrible murder was committed sfc£K V ft'aol here at about nine o'clock last night A Maori named Tapite, who was confined in tlie same cell with an old man named Samuel Morgan, cut tho latiers throat* broke a window in tbe cell, seized ft-police* uniu's JpiKt. and escaped. The mur^eie? was* captured this morning at the «fluis<i% W mmy m m Pimm ti&s bl

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 21, 18TT.



BOYS' AND MEN'S CLOTHTN G STRONG TWEED FOR BOYS' WEAR FLANNEL, &c, &C. A LARGE PARCEL OF NEW GOOD JUST OPENED UP AT RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN'S, Comprising— Men's Tweed Trousers, in variety, from 10/6 per pair Men's Strong Tweed Salts, at 30/ suit complete Men's Superior Quality Suits Paget Coat 3, and Boys' and Youths' Suits in variety Men's Moleskin Trousers, a really good quality, at 7/6 per pair Strong Cotton Working Shirts in variety All Wool Crimean Shirts, good qualities, from 6/6 And, A Lot of STRONG TWEED, suitable for Boys' wear, from 1/11 per yard Also, 2 Bales ALL WOOL WELSH FLANNEL, from 1/2 per yard New Prints, Furnishing Goods, &c. Inspection will prove that the above Goods are really cheap, the whole parcel having been exceptionally well bought in an over stocked market. iW One Shilling in the £ returned on all pur chases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Upper Queen-street. Auckland. "VT OTICE OF REMOVAL. H. A TKms BEGS TO ANNOUNCE THAT HE 4fHAS REMOVED!!"©* TO THE Pkemises Next Door Below his Old Shopi H. ATKINS Begs to heartily thank his numerous Cus tomers for their very liberal patronage from his first commencing business up to the present time, and to assure them that although his trade has increased to that extent, that his REMOVAL to more Commodious Premises was a neces sity, the same principles of business will still be adhered to: viz.. keeping a good article, buying in the cheapest market, and selling at the smallest profit possible. His New Shop shall always be known as The Cheapest in Auckland. . H.A. will be happy to see all his old Customers, and as many new ones as may _onour him with their patronage. A SPLENDID STOCK OF DBAPfERy AND CLOTHING wmalwa^ befoHnd'andtlie PRICES THE LOWEST IN AUCKLAND J % ATKINS.



T C OSGR AY E & C 0., ■ I | Beg to announce they will bring forward A Fresh Lot of BA R G A I N SIM Consisting of - ■__,__ . ._-. HEIR LATE SHIPMENT BY THE ORARI, Purchased at Home at Job Prices, together with the whole of their _ SUMMER DRAPERY & CLOTHING, REDUCED IN PRICE TO SUIT THE TIMES Several Bales of CALICO, damaged by sea water, will bo Sold underjTnvoicoi p_"______^ JjIURNITURE! FURNITURE Ladies and Gentlemen about to Furnish aro respeot fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DRA WING - ROOM DINING - ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacious Shoivrooms. T. & STCOOKS t 67, QUEEN-STREET Adjoining Banlcof New Zealand.



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Swindlers are putting up imitations ot Udol riio Wolfe's Schiedam aromatic Schnapps in bottles which formerly contained that stand ard medicinal beverage, and in many fauces labelling their vile compounds with the name ol tT,e genuine article. This artful "posture s particularly detestable, since it is calculated to rob the sick and debilitated of a genuine source of health and vigor. ~.,„_..! The Medical Profession Have declared <*rir ivf's Superlative Auomatic Toxic Wine to bo a necesstyto all in search of health, and especially to those suffering either from Incipient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, and Uie dis orders arising therefrom This Tome_is also particularly recommended to all who are ma measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time arc desirous of studying health by taking that which will act most beneficially on tlie system. Mr. Wm. Johnson, Government Analy tical Chemist, report: - "I have examined Steane's Superlative Aromatic rome Wine, and find it to bo remarkably pleasant m flay out .con taining about 16 per cent, ol: a very pure^alco hoi, and holding in solution a clear wholesome, Vegetable Bitter, combined with a fruity spicy aroma, I consider this Bitter a very superior article."-Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotel , keepers.