SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

Kriemhilda, schooner, from \\ angaroa

DEPARTURES.

Rotorua, s.s., Macfarlane, for Napier and the South Australian SoA-ereign, barque, for NcAA-castle Golden Isle, schooner, for Russell Fanny Kelly, ketch, for Wangaroa We hear on good authority that Mr R. J. De - Lias, the Lessee of the Theatre Royal, offered tho Union Steamship Co. a considerable sum to take Mr Emmet and a dramatic troupe to Napier yesterday, on condition that the steamer waited till last night's performance at the Theatre Royal Avas over. Tho offer Ava^ declined. Mr Emmet and Mr DeLiaS arc placed in a rather awkward predicament by the fact of there being no steamer direct to Napier for more than a week. Mr Emmet and the company are due in Napier to keep a dram atic engagement in a few days, and how they are to get there, is at present a difficult problem. It, is not unlikely they AA-ill haA-o to charter a small steamer specially for the purpose. The schooner Lovett Peacock Avill till up with timber at Mahurangi, for which port she will lcaAc in a day or two. en route to Sydney. The s.s. Go-ahead, which left Napier the day before yesterday, had to put back in conse quence of haAdng broken one of the blades of her propeller against a rock. A neAV blade is being affixed, and it is probable the boat Avill make another start to-day. The schooner Golden Isle left for Russell 3n ballast yesterday, and the ketch Fanny Kelly for Wangaroa. By a printer's error the last voyage of the Hero to Sydney Avas stated yesterday to haA-e lasted 6_ days, This should have appeared as 5i days.

The Hertha returned to port yesterday after a short cruise outside.

The s.s. Southern Cross will extend her pre sent trip to Lyttelton, to Avhich port she takes a quantity of cattle from Gisborne. Tho three-masted schooner Ada Wiswell. noAv on her Avay to Kaipara from Dunedin, Avill load at the former port for China. The Thurland Castle is getting onrapidly Avith tho discharge of her cargo, Avhich has up to tho present turned out in splendid condition. On leaving here she proceeds to NeAVcastle in ballast.

The barque Santiago came up harbour early this morning. A notice to consignees appears in our advertisement column. Tenders are also invited for the discharge of the cargo. The s.s. Go-ahead is to leave Napier to-day on her return to this port, via Gisborne.

The s.s. Jane Douglas is advertised to sail for East Coast ports on Friday next.

The barque Australian Sovereign left yester day for Newcastle in ballast. Passengers: Mr. and Mr3 Whitford and three children.

The s.s. Rotorua left for Napier and Southern Ports yesterday evening. Passengers : Rev. Mr and Mrs Tomlinson, Mrs Siddle, Miss Stuart Bailey: Messrs Hutton, Mcintosh,Mann, Harris, DaA-is, Long, Helps, Hamilton (2), Kelley, Ross, Syiuons; six steerage, and 37 original from Sydney.—Henderson and Macfarlane, agents. John Darrach and Sons, shipbuilders, Mahu rangi Heads, are building a fore-and-aft schooner ef remarkably fine bnes.which is expected to excel in swiftness most similar craft now afloat, 91ft long, 25 beam, lift hold, built to the order of G. W. Owen, to be copper fastened, no black iron to be used in her construction, to be classed in Germanic Lloyds. Captain F. H. Anderson will report on her in a week or so. The barque Emily Chaplin, 733]|tons, which left the Downs on the 21th December, put into Plymouth on the 27th from stress of weather, and was detained there till] the 10th January, when the weather moderating she resumed her voyage. The barque Miss Kilmansegg is now daily ex pected from Port Pirie (Adelaide.) She left three days before the Victoria left Port Adelaide, and would haA'e about 500 miles further to come. Port Pirie being about 150 miles the other side of Port Adelaide, and the rest of the difference being made up by the barque coming here instead of to the Manukau. She is booked for now every hour.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wellinotox, Feb. 27,

Sailed: The Dayspring, for Auckland. Pas sengers—Mr and Mrs Inglis, Mr and Mrs Watt. Mrs Brathwaite. «___»

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

National Bank—Buyers. 60s. South British Insurance—Buyers, 80s. National Insurance—Buyers, 30s. Bank of New Zealand—Buyers, £19 12s Gd ; sellers, £20. Colonial Bank—Buyers, 36s 6d ; sellers, 375. Ncav Zealand Insurance—Buyers, 90s; sellers, 92s 6d.

New Zealand Loan and Mercantile (old issue seller's 95s Union' Sash and Door Company (old)— Buyers, £7 10s. Moanatairi—Sellers, 15s. Queen of May—Buyers, 7s 6d (double). Union Beach —57s 6d. Kuranui Hill—Buyers. 4s 9d. J. Newman. Chairman.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE. AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and on

to-morrow, at 2.30 p.m., and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Durham, to-morroAV, at 11.30 p.m., and per Argyle, on Friday, at 2.30 o.m. For Waiheke, per Spey, this day. at 5 p.m. For Waiwera, Warkworth, and Te Arai, per

Annie Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, anp Australian Colonies, per Taupo, on Friday, the 2nd inst, at 8 a.m. For money orders and registered letters, To-morrow, at 1 p.m. Lat^. letters till 8.20 a.m.

For Whitianga, Tauranga. and Opotiki, per Itowena, on Friday next, at 1 p.m. Mails for Australian Colonies, India, China, Continent of Europe, United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton, and via Brindisi, per s.s. Wellington, on or about the 6th inst. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

LEYS.—On the 27th February, at her residence, Franklyn-street, the wife of Mr. T. W. Leys of a son.

DEATH.

RAMPLING. —On the 2Stb February, Mrs. Elizabeth Rampling, of Jersey, aged 88 years. The funeral Avill leave the residence ot Mr. Hannken, her son-in-law, Union-street, on Friday next, at 3 o'clock. All friends Avill please accept tbis invitation.

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1877.

For tlic civ.ic that lacks assistance, Fm, tiw: rt-rong that needs resistance, fi.. tiic future: m the distance, .Ami ilit- uwx'i that \ic c.-.n do.

THE costliness and cxtraA'aganee of the Native Department is often referred to in general terms, but probably fcAV colonists have ever formed a fair conception of this enormous bugbear which has hung like a nightmare oa tci- the energies of the colony. Mr Murray, M.H.R., in addressing the electors of Bruce a short time ago adduced a feAV figures shewing what the colony had wasted on that mys terious thing known as the " native difficulty." Up to the 30th of June last the Native and Defence Department had ex pended out of land and revenue the sum of £5,207,840, and in addition to that sum there av;:s an amount of £1,100,000 for land purchase and roads in Native districts, making a total of £6,307,840—£3,000,000 of Avhich had been spent during Sir Donald M 'Lean's administration. It would thus be seen that the late Minister had a great leA'er at his back to enable him to purchase peace with the Natives. In addition to the money payments, 793,000 acres of confiscated land had been returned to the Natives, and £100,000 a year were spent upon the North Island Volunteers and Con stabulary. £20,000 had been spent upon the education of the Maoris. For the £750,000 spent on land purchase— a sum which in private hand? would have purchased tho bulk of tin; .uit-ive lauds in the North Island--it .* avcll known that the GovenituwU- can ■ smwty l#w ft Biuglt Ywh ft p£ J

onsequenco Avith a clear title and avail able for occupation. The armed toav at Tc Aroha, involving a further expenditure on saccharine comforts, is a sample of Avhat we may expect over the settlement of many transactions in which the Government have paid largo sums of money, while in others thousands of pounds wasted in advances AA-ill be simply throAvu aAvay by forfeiture. A more infamously rotten administration than that which has frittered aAvay between six and seven millions sterling upon the pacification of 46,000 savages, never nourished under British institutions. Let us consider what this money might have dono. The Minister of Public Works in formed Parliament last session that the total expenditure and liabilities upon the railways, bridges, plant, and rolling stock of all the railways and railway workshops, completed or under construction in NeAV Zealand, was £6,198,272, or some hun dreds of thousands less thauj has becm frittered aAvay on the natiA'o bug bear. Mr Richardson sheAved that for the sum named the colony Avill obtain about a thousand miles of railway Avitli all necessary plant and in complete working order. The native expenditure, then, if applied to railways, would have run a line from the North Cape to the extreme point of the South Island. The Public Works Minister, again, takes credit for constructing 1,832 miles of road for an expenditure of £501,554. Judged on this basis, the native expendi ture would have penetrated the country Avith more than twcnty-tAvo thousand (22,000) miles of road. To the actual value of these works iv the cause of colonization, avo must add the em ployment they would have afforded to labour, re-producing itself in pro fitable industry and a healthy stimulated trade. But what is there actually to slioav for this Avaste of wealth ? A demoralised, discontented and lazy aboriginal popula tion, and an annual charge upon the colony for interest amounting to more than three hun dred thousand pounds sterling per year. In 185S the total revenue of the colony, for all purposes of government, inoluding native control, was only £341,125, and this Avas found sufficient. We have not enlarged on the loss to the colony from the heavy and permanent drain upon its industrial wealth for an expenditure so utterly useless and unreproductive. Nor have avc alluded to innumerable collateral CA-ils arising out of a legalised corruption, but enough has been said to show that tho authors ol the system should long ago have been strung up for treason.

P*"__iei.E SAM" is chuckling over ■ "the ' swindle he perpetrated on John Bull Avith the Alabama claims. After satisfying every demand Avhich could muster the colour of evidence, ten million dollars— nearly half the award with accumu lated" interest—remain in the Treasury unclaimed. Some Americans—a very select fcAV—were honest enough to think and say that the money should be returned to England, but President Grant has announced that he considers the award did not exceed the value of the American ships destroyed, and therefore the Govern ment is warranted in applying the balance to any purposes it may choose. He suggests that it should lie devoted towards the restoration and improvement of the American mercantile marine. The Commission lias, hoAvever, decided to j giA-c everyone another chance at the plunder during the next tAvclve months. It is notorious that the claims of shipowners allowed by the Commission have been out rageously "high, and as oven then people could not be prevailed upon to take away the money, the extent of the swindle perpetrated by the United States Government may be estimated. The transaction is not particularly creditable to that Government, and bespeaks very different ethics from those which j animated the British policy ill the Arbitra ; tion. When the spirit of the sharper con trols the policy of the State, it is hardly surprising that official moral turpitude and plundering should flourish under its sheltering wings.

Earl Carnarvon's Confederation scheme for South Africa has proved an utter failure. The result which Sir George Grey could easily have brought about years ago, Avhen he A\*as snubbed by the Imperial Govern ment, is now sighed for in vain by the same party of statesmen as those avJio Avere then the means of defeating the movement spon taneously emanating from the colonists. There has been considerable excitement at the Cape consequent on the successes of the Kaffirs against the Dutch Republic of Transvaal, but,although it Avould be unques tionably to the interests of all classes of colonists to combine for common protection, the utter want of tact exhibited by tho Colonial Office has widened the breach pre viously existing into an almost impassible gulf. Sir Bartle Frere succeeds Governor Barkly, and it remains to be seen whether he Avill be more successful than his prede cessor and Mr Fronde in realising the Imperial scheme of confederation.

On the fourth page of to-night's issue appear two columns of interesting reading matter crowded out from day to day by the pressure of current neAVS.

In reply to a letter from Mr. J. C. Firth, in reference to the location of the Califor nian salmon OA'a, the Hon. Spencer T. Baird, Chief of the U.S. Fish Commission, has very generously offered, in a communi cation received by this mail, to send a further supply of salmon ova for next season, if acquainted in time with our Avants. We hope the neAV Council of the Acclimatization society will not fail to avail themselves of the offer.

The nominations for the St. Patrick's Handicap, at the Tamaki Heads races, to come off on the 17th March, are to he made to the secretary, Mr. E. D. Wooliicld, at the Haymarket, on Friday next, by four o'clock.

In LcAvisson's AvindoAv the cup intended for presentation to the .successful competitor avlio carries oil*the prize in the "Fritz" contest, at tho Theatre Royal, to-night, is exhibited. It is a handsome piece of plate, and has a shield for the reception of the name of the Avinncr. We are informed that entries -will be taken at any time. A number of competitors rehearsed to-day. There is no restriction as to dress, choice of songs, or use of instruments. The contest comes oft'after the representation of " Jan."

The death of a veteran lady is announ ced in our columns to-day. Mrs Ramplin, AA'ho died at Mr Hannken's house in Union street, this morning, Avas 88 years old, and had seen a life of peril and adventure, such as seldom falls to the lot of a lady of the present day. Her first husband avus aMr Otto, who was a storekeeper attached to the Commissariat of the British army. My Otto avus actively engaged with the troops during the Waterloo Campaign, and his wife avus at Antwerp, AA'hen the battle was fought. In the Peninsula w„r, Mr and Mrs Otto Avere Avith the army during the Avhole of the campaign. The old lady could tell many stories of the risks they Avere exposed to during the various phases of the Avar. She distinctly recoßected the siege of Badajos which she was present at, and told hoAv she had a daughter born during the battle of the Pyreimces. Mrs Ramplin's adventurous life seemed to strengthen her constitution, and to her early experience of asoldiers' hardships may perhaps be ascribed her unusual longevity. She Avas related to several of our Auckland citizens.

The Rev Edward Kenny, Roman Onthp. lie clergyman, died on Board the ship British Avm.y during hey WMs§ ta Me].*

The Naval Brigade and Hobson Company had a sham fight last evening at the North Shore. The men, under command of their respective officers, proceeded from the Wyn yard pier, and on landing a detachment was stationed at the North Head ■while the others were posted on the other side of the MIL The fort Avas taken and the ordnance turned on the discomfited garrison, who, on reach ing the loAvcr part of the hill, reformed and re-fought with vigour, and finally recovered possession of the hill and ordnance. At the close of the fight several salutes were given. from the big gun. The evening was beau tiful ami serene, the moon shone brightly Avith scarcely a cloud of interception, and. persons on tho wharf and at Parnell aattl nessed the flashings of the firing -with pleasure.

The Hope of Parnell brethren of the Good Templar fraternity will hold an enter tainment this evening, in the Prcsbf,c.rian School-room of the district. The pro ceedings will commence exactly at eight o'clock.

" Slops " wishes to infuse new life into an excellent but drooping cause. He iv rites: —" Sir, —Tlie drapcrsTEarly Closing Associ ation would seem to bo a thing of the past. It is to be hoped not, but that they will again come to the front, and endeavour to finish the work they so AA'ell began. That association, although not effecting all", the objects for which it was established, yet it Avill be freely acknowledged it h?is" done material service to the early closing cause. Noav that avc are almost on the ere of winter, it is to bo sincerely hoped the Association Avill come forward and adA.ocatc the cause of the few who arc still kept in. hi tor. Ry tho way, I am told there arc: £1() or £18 to the credit of the Association in the Savings Bank, which cannot be touched, oAving to the death of. one of the- trustees and of the treasurer having left the district. If this be the case, let a meefcin g of the members be held, and no doubt tl' ie matter can be put to rights.—-Yours, &c ~ Slops.

A shoal of ffsh was lately thronvn up on tl le banks of the Yarra, Victoria. Some of the cc Is aa'cic of enormous size. Other kinds of fi; .h were caught in hundreds by the hand.

A railway accident has occurred near Sandhurst, Victoria, by which a train -we rit oil' the line and doAvn an embankment. Thirty-eight trucks were smashed to p.iec«s, and piled up to a height of forty feet. Only four passengers Avere in the train, and they escaped Avith a fcAV bruises. The damage, is estimated at over £5000. Thf • accident v ras caused by the ballast becaMiing shift ed, through flood Avaters rushing across tho li ne. Lazar's Opera Company, made a v try favourable impression in Melbourne. Tl icy opened in "Ruy Bias" at the Royal on February 17th.

Complaints come from OAvners of orch; ird.s in Jill parts of the city and suburbs of the annoying thefts perpetrated among i.heir fruit trees. In some instancas, avc liua 'c no doubt, the offence is committed by thou ight lcss lads, but it is well to warn such ol: tiic serious consequences that at ill foUow <h .lec tion. A boy at, ohe Thames last Aveek -was sentenced to seA reral daws' imprisonrrtemt, and the crime has become so prevulent tiiat it will be the duty of any Magistrate to make a a-jvere example of the first offender capture 1. We have re ceived the following letter on the subject -. —

"Sir, —Last night T saw :in the Star, an advertisement by Edwin Hesketh, solicit or, of £5 reward for the discovery of the robbers who stripped his orcluird of "fruit on Fri< lay last at Epsom, and a (Hay or two ag< » a Mr Philcox of the North-. Shore, lodge* 1 a like complaint ; and on Sunday mora ing at one o'clock, Mr "Rees* orchard, was rob bed, at North Shor.„ The family was Jo cpt awake nearly all night with strange noi. es, partly by faith'nil dogs. At day ligi'it, Sunday mornir.g, the splendid grape-vhie, close to the house, was o) .served to be stripped. T'uis was a great vexation to the family. "The master is aat ay from home. On Saturday evening it was laden with magnificent black grapes int> mded for pick ing this AA-eeJ c,beginingon Sttndayafternoon, but all gome ! The astouiuding loss could not he cstirciated exactly by money. Real market momcy value docs not com.nrehend the matter or include the loss. To-day I heard of some other similar cases. Sir, evidently there is a gang about, some of tbem, perhaps, having receiving houses in town, and hawkers about. They s-Qiould be ferretted out. Of whom were those parti cular fruit, now seen about the place, obtained ? Who supplied them ? There are to be in future, watchmen engaged 9 or 10 nights at ripening tone, having double barrelled guns, etc. But, mm-, the police should without an hour's delay, cunningly make inquiries all round. The ;ibominAble thing has grown to a business, an d is getting systemat ised. The double-barrcUled fowling guns, ?nd the earnest, compassionate enquiry next morning about bail legs, and doctors will prove a move effectual remedy than the courts, or even than refined elaborate lectures on morality. The double barrels will be put in reouisitiois.—l am, etc.,W. E.S."

A flutter of feminine excitement centering in All Saint's Church, yesterday, marked the occurrence of one of those events which all ladies feel deeply interested in. Mr Osborne, teller of tlif; Bank of NeAV South Wales, Avas united tc. Miss Pollen, daughter of the Hon. Colonial Secretary, and Native Minister. The sisters of the'bride, Misses Annie, Sarah, and Gertrude Pollen, and Miss Ella Riding. -~ were the bridesmaids, and Mr W. H. Co liins the best man. The Rev R. S. Has. sard was the officiating clergyman.

A number of Volunteers met last evening at the Drill Shed and marched to the Bar rack ground, -feu- parade and military exercise, including members of the Engi neers, Artillery.- Victoria, and No 3. Com panies. Captain. Morrow, assisted by Lieut. Kitchcm was in command. The manoeuvres and rpc'lck movements of the men attracted much attention, and the inarch along Symon d-strcct made the dust fly in blinding cloud s.

The weeklyrrepotr t from the manager of the Union Beach mi ne was received to-day, and is of a very favc arable character. Mr. Hauny states that good gold is showing in in several of the : faces. The blocks of ground opened out & or stuping are calculated to give quite ait. other eightecniiionths' Avorking.

Eden County Coitncil meets to-night at 7 o'clock.

We have much pie asure in acknowledging the receipt of the fol.OAving sums, received on behalf of the Railway Employees Cele bration Picnic, omitted in our list yesterday: Messrs. Joseph Craig, 10s; F. Archard, ss.

The Rev. P. H. Cornford was welcomed to \ii s neAV pastorate, the Bathurst-street B'.ptist Church at a tea-meeting on February 13th. The Rev. "WacloAV Davies AA'as present, and said that for t<-n or eleven years the Rev. Mr Cornford luul been a felloAV-Avorker Avitli him, and, knowing his worth, lie had great pleasure in Avitnessing the hearty reception accorded by them this eA'ening to his old and dear friend. Mr Cornford came to Ncav Zealand Avitlran intention of following mercantile p.ursuits, and had every prospect by that metms of speedily acquiring a competency. Ivtxt it happened that the Baptist Church was in extremity of distress, and without a pastfor, Avheu circumstances pointed to Mr Coruf o rd as a suitable person to undertake the pas torate. Ultimately, Mr Cornford aban doned his own intention, accepted the pastorate, and became foremost in every good work in that city. He achieved, great success, and his departure was univ prsally regretted as a public los.s.

The public gtett meeting of the IJTnited. Methodist Free Church will he hoMthis evening in tho AllwrVßtteefc U'empwftww Mk V. "'

We would remind our readers, that if they Avish to be placed upon the electoral roU, they must make their claims before the end of this next month. The charge in the form of Government, does not remove the necessity for registration.

During a Fseverc thunderstorm on the afternoon of the Kith inst. Mrs Hickman, the Avife of a farmer at Wedderburn, Victoria, Avas standing Avith her two sons at the door of the house, aa-licii the mother and one son Avere killed by lightning ; and the other son AA'as injured. It is believed he Avill recoA-er. A curious instance of physiological change AVrought by eating a peculiar sort of food exclusively is what happened to the cast aways of "the Strathmore upon one of the rock's of the TAvnlve Apostles, vvdicre that vessel was Avrccked in July last year. They found nothing to eat but penguins eggs, which soon made them plump and happy. The remarkable thing was, lioav -.ver, that the skins of those avlio had been dark before became fair, and their hair all turned light, even the eyebrows, the change being attributed to their diet. On the same island all the birds Avere white, even to the croA\-s. The rock of tho Twelve Apostles, in the Crozet group, would be a <'ood place for negroes avlio wish to become white, if there arc any such ; or it might pay to form a company, and import penguins eggs for use Avhen the mania of blondines shall set in again. The wrecked creAV of the Strathmore seem to have found them palatable enough, as each man and woman was accustomed to eat thirty at a meal.

Mr Oobley, of the North Shore, was scveroly injured in the disturbance Avliich took place on the Avharf, at the departure of the mail steamer. His arm Avas dislo cated at the elboAA'. The limb Avas set by .1 )r Goldsboro' and is hoav gradually mend ing.

The Berlin correspondent of the "Daily Ncavh"' says it is probable that Germany and England will soon send men-of-Avar to the Phillipine Islands for common action against the obstacles AA'hich Spain puts in the Avay of their commerce with the Sulus. The sovreignty of Spain over the Sulu Islands is iio. conceded by Germany.

The meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Avhich Avas to have been held yesterday morn ing to confer with the Canadian Commis sioner, the Hon. F. Young, AA'as postponed in consequence of the small attendance till 3 o'clock to-morroAV (Thursday) afternoon.

It is estimated by those in a position to judge, that Commodore Vanderbilt, who has just died in Washington, U.S., was oAvner of securities having a present market value of about £17,000,000, and that of this total fully £11,000,000 consisted of stock of the NeAV York Central and Hudson Rail way. It is understood the bulk is to be kept together, and that proA"ision has been made for reinvesting the accruing interest on it in his faA-orite securities.

In ansAver to our correspondent " Sani tary," Aye are able to inform him that there is no place in the city specially set apart for fish-salesmen. The nuisance to which he

alludes only lasted a day or tAVO, and Avas caused in this AVay : During the removal of the fish-stalls from the Queen-street wharf to the Wynyard Pier, one of the .salesmen Avas compelled to take his fish up to his house in Wakelield-street. He has since opened a stall on the pier. A petition has been received from the Thames addressed to the Auckland Harbour Board praying that the restrictions against soiling fish on the Queen-street wharf may

be relaxed. The Thames fishermen supply the greater quantity of the Hat fish Avhich como into the Auckland market, and they consider it a great hardship that they can not commence selling their Jisli immediately on its being landed from the steamer which

brings it up,

A youth, named Walter Jenkins, aged 17, was accidentally shot dead at Hawthorn, Victoria, by another youth, named Loa-c, pointing a Joaded revolver at his head, not knowing it ay.-is loaded. Heavy Hoods have occurred in and near Adelaide.

Tho Town and Country Cricket Match will be played on Saturday next, not to morrow, as stated by the morning paper. It is intended to make the game one of the best of the season, and to give <_clat to it ladies' invitation tickets for the Grand Stand -will be sent to as many as possible of the cricket-admiring families in Auckland. A dinner at the Ellerslie Hotel AviU follow the game.

The regular meeting of Lodge United Service Avill be held this evening at 7.30 p.m. in the lodge room, Princes-street.

The statement in the " Herald" that the deer which came by the Thurland Castle AA-ere Rhipped by Mr Thomas Russell is a mistake. The animals Avere shipped by Mr T). L. Murdoch, Inspector of the Bank of NeAV Zealand, through the agency of Mr W. H. Russell of Wanganui. The error doubt less arose fmm the name of the latter gentle man being mentioned AA'ithout his initials. The tAventy one pointed tail grouse received by the Zealandia Avere shipped by the in structions of Mr Thomas Russell as Avell as the Californian deer. We arc glad to say that the birds have arrived in splendid order, and Avill shortly be turned out in the hope that they may breed this season. We understand that by the next, and folloAving steamers, consignments of prairie hens, and mountaiiig quail, shipped at the cost of Mr Thomas Russell may lie expected. The example of Mr Russell in sending these use ful birds and animals to the colony is very praiseworthy, and might be copied with advantage by other colonists at home.

As it has been commonly reported that tha Californian deer brought by the Zealandia Avere sent here by Mr Hugh Craig, we are sure that gentleman would wish us to explain that he Avas only acting in the matter as the Agent of Mr Thomas Russell, who Avas the real shipper. Mr Russell has thus added one more to tho numerous valuable deportations he has made from England and America for the benefit of this colony.

There will be giA'en on Thursday evening next, at the Newmarket Primitive Methodist Church, a novel entertainment. The programme Avill consist of readings from " The Life of Tom o'Jack's Lad." Various selections of music will be rendered during the CA-ening.

. Mr Price is the successful tenderer for the'new Roman Catholic Church at Hamilton, at a cost of £392.

The members of the Hobson Band attended at the Maiiurangi Agricultural Show, and in the eA'ening of Friday, gave one of their capital entertainments in the ball of the district to the immense satisfaction of a large audience. Mr. Fred. Rice gave the " Temperance Band," also tAvo negro melodies, which were applauded. Messrs Christopher and Sheehan gaA'e a clarion ctte solo, in an effective style. Mr Bond gave a humourous Scotch recitation. SeA'eral songs and dances followed, also a hornpipe, and tho farce of the New Prima Donna, by Messrs Rice, Harley, and Arlington. The subsequent quadrilie party was largely patronised.

The Wesleyan soiree at Parnell was well attended last eA'ening. The tea Avas of good quality, and the condiments ample. Rev. W. Kirk occupied the chair and deliA-ered the opening address. Mr Hughes read an incourag ing report, scholars in attendance 57, teachers 7. Rev. Messrs Watkm and Fee, and Messrs Lawrie and Ellis addressed the meeting. Several of Moody and Sankcys hymns were sung at intervals.

A JeAvish deputation Avaited on Lord Derby on Dec. 27, the spokesman of which made it sufli ciently clear that it is as necessary to obtain equal treatment for Jcavs at the hands of Chris tians, as for Christians at the hands of Turks. The memorial presented to the Foreign Secretary recited a variety-of outragesrecently perpetrated upon the Jews in the Danubian Principalities. Their synagogue in Bucharest Avas destroyed in 1860. In 18G7 ten JeAVS were thrust into the water by Roumanian soldiers Avith their bayonets and the but-ends of their guns. In 1872 there occurred repeated instances of murder, A'iolation of chastity, plunder, and other outrages, including the expulsion of Jewish families from the country districts in the coldest * wea,ther. Even in the present year, Jewish families have been barbarously expelled from ..«rae districts. Mr Serjeant Simon went so far &s to say that " every crime committed by the Baehi Bajsouks in Bulgaria has been practised by Christians upon the Israelites in Roumanla. The'barbarity linn nnlr been on a smaller scale.1' Lord JJorbv admitted the existence of tho op. prossien aifcgsd, «,;.({ pitjMuseri that the influence

Referring to the acpidept from the wharf on Monday night, we have received the following: •'lipar Sir -Having seen tho account of the aedden^'Nearly downed by a Rat," I wish to contradict the statement made to your reporter that I could not swim. It is only about eighteen months since I jumped in after Mr Skanaghan, ban bualter of the Naval band, andrescuoS him after being 20 minutes in the water, and if your fnformant can swim, I will swim with him from the wha"f to the North Shore, and then he can see whether I can swim or not. I also beg to thank all the friends who assisted us on Monday evening.—l am, &c, Swimmer.

Australian Telegrams.

[PER ALHAMBRA, AT HOKITIKA.]

Bow in Parliament.

Thousands of Sheep Dying In New South Wales.

Deaths from Lightning.

[PER PRESS AGENCY.]

HOKITIKA, this day. The steamers Northumberland, Stosyth, and Wampoa have arrived at London. The has been some little stir in the politi cal arena, owing to Mr. Berry's charge of corruption against tho Speaker and Chair man of Committees during the Stonewall period. Sir Charles McMahon has con sulted Mr. Higgenbottom and Mr. Frances. Thereupon Mr. Berry forwarded what was termed an apology to Sir Charles, but stated what he meant to convey by corrup tion Avas that undue influence was threat ened and used by Ministers over the Speaker's decision. This has wrought up Ministers, who have written to the Speaker asking for an explanation as to how they influenced him. So the matter at present rests. The Cnairman of Committees, it is said, declines to receive the doubtful apology. Very severe thunderstorms were ex perienced last week. A voting man was killed in Elizabeth-street by lightning. Three other deaths from same cause occur red in the country. Several narrow escapes are recorded.

Captain McMockan, of the firm of McMeckan BlackAvood and Co., Avas a passenger to England to-day by the mail steamer. The Assam with Suez mail is expected to reach Glenelg on the Ist March. A telegram received to-day states that Sir William Jervis, the present Governor ofithe Straits Settlement, is coming out to report on the defence of the colony. Wheat has been sold to-day up to 6s 8d; sugars advancing. Henessey's case brandy commands higher rates. The rainfall as yet is scarcely sufficient to allay all apprehensions of drought, Avhile in New South Wales matters are looking very serious, especially in the back country, where sheep and cattle are dying by thousands, and some stations haA-e to be abandoned for want of Avater.

Samuel Ramsden, who Avas buried yesterday, is reported to haA-e left a large fortune, He began life as a stone mason, in the early days of the colony. Sir William Gregory is still the guest of Go vernor Bow-en. Since his'stay in the colony, he has visited nearly all the public institutions, and CA'ery place of interest.

[PER SCHOONER ST. KILDA AT GREYMOUTH.]

GREYMOUTH, this day

Commercial iicav.s is unimportant. The South Australian loan of half a million has been floated in London at £97 9s. (id.

The death is announced of the only son of Prank Hertz.

A strip of country at Hamilton, fifty miles by twenty-five, has been devastated by lire.

A party of Russian mining engineers arc inspecting Victorian goldfield, but are A-ery reticent as to Avhat theA' are about.

Messrs Stevenson have abandoned their suit against the Government on account of the impossibility of getting at the customs authorities. The "Argus" says the affair is very unsatisfactory.

Kaipara News.

(PER STAR CARRIER PIGEON.)

KAIHU

This Day. The Minnie Casey arrived yesterday eA-en ing, yrith/ Judge Symonds, Mr J. Clendon, secretary and interpreter, Mr Gay, clerk of the Native Lands Court, Paora Tahaere, and several chiefs, for the sitting of the Court here to-day.

KAIPARA HEADS.

This Day. The Jessie Niecol left on Saturday for Dunedin.

The Torea for Mamtkau, and Kate Brain for Dunedin sailed yesterday. The folloAving vessels are windbound i«— Ansdell, Nightingale, Rhoderic Dim, Matchless, Reward, and WarkAVorth,

THE PARNELL POISONING CASE.

INQUEST ON THE BODY.

An inquest was held this afternoon at the Exchange Hotel, Parnell, before Dr. Phil son, coroner, and a jury of 14, on the body of Thomas Brown, who was found dead hi his bed-room yesterday. Richard Forgie, foreman. The jury having viewed the body, the following evidence was elicited :—

Julia BroAvn deposed that she AA'as the AA'idoAv of the diseased, aa'lio was a farmer ; his age was 07. He resided in St George's Bay ; had been married 31 years ; had been 11 years in the colony. Deceased was a very healthy man ; had not Avorked much lately, chiefly supported by his son. He was a good deal given to drink. He was of sound mind and understanding. He had been drinking hard for three Aveeks, and he was always angry when she persuaded him not to driiik.: A week ago he told her that he Avould take poison, but did not mention the kind of poison. One day last Aveek he gave her a paper containing poison. He said it was rat poison. She immediately put it into the lire before him. He was angry, and said he would go out in the dingy, and that it would be found bottom uppermost. He then walked out of the house, and AA'ent away. When he returned he was the worse for drink, and very much excited. She Avas alarmed. This was on Monday, the 26th inst. She went for her son, John, avlio drives an express, and told him that his father was in a great state of excitement, and she Avas afraid of him ; he had threatened to do her voilence. She went for Sergeant Jackson who came and talked to deceased upon the folly of his con duct, and persuaded him to give up drink ing ; he did not then say any thing about taking poison. Her husband Ims for years, especially when drindiiig, threatened to take poison, but never before kneAV him to do it. Mr Jack son remained Avith deceased about an hour and Avhcn he left about nine o'clock, her husband Avent out. She sat up for him he returned at 11 o'clock, very much in liquor • he walked through the kitchen into the bed room, but could not say Avhether he went to bed as he did not go into the room. She sat in the chair beside her sons bed. She was tired, and fell asleep in the chair. She awoke at half past four, that Avas the time by the kitchen clock, and hearing no noise, she Avent into her husbands s room Avith a lighted candle and saw deceased on the floor in a sittinc position, his back was against a table, hit head inclined towards his left shoulder She thought at first he wassleeping, but upon listening, she could not hear him hroX She then called her 80 n John Ud woke - luwu-; "He immediately got out r.f bod nid rteadj and rut fop J>, Wriolit k_SP»SI mm* mw itatfy mbk m ft? I;

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before A. Beetham, and G. VonderHevd Esqs., Justices of the Peari.) VAGRANCY. £ John Smith Johnston was charged AvitK a breach of the Vagrant Act, 1866, section 2, sub-section 1, by having no visible law ful means of support at Auckland 1" February 27. ' ott Prisoner, a hoary-headed sinner, pleaded guilty, but stated that he was unable to find employment. He had just come out of the Hospital. Mr Sub-Inspector Pardy stated that in October last prisoner had been sentenced to three months' imprisonment for a similar offence. He was knovA-n to the police as a loafer, and was found last evening in a. timber yard of Mr D. Goldie. The prisoner said he would work if h e had an opportunity afforded him of dome so. 8

Mr Pardy said there was no use in letting him olf. He would not work. °

The prisoner (to the Bench): My wife ig in Scotland, and I have no blood relations in the colony. Mr Pardy asked that the case be ad journed, so that the man might have a chance, and remain under the surveillance of the police, The Bench granted the request. James Baker, alias Epps, was char«ed with a similar breach of the laAv. °

Prisoner said he had a family in Sydney He could not get AA'ork. The Bench agreed to give the prisoner the same opportunity to reform as was granted to the last prisoner. WILFUL DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY.

Richard Weston (on warrant) was charged with having, at Auckland, on the 26ft inst., wilfully damaged, injured, and spoiled 2 dresses, 1 white peticoat, 1 drab hat, 1 pair of kid boots ; value in all £3 the property of Susan Duncan. Owing to the non-appearance of the prosecutrix, the case was adjourned until to-morrow, in order that she might be com pelled to appear. This was aU the business.

SUPREME COURT.—This Day.

(Ix Judge's Chambers),

(Before the Sheriff (Col. Haultain) and a Special Jury).

ALEXANDER WRIGHT V. AUCKLAND

HARBOUR BOARD.

Messrs Hesketh and Mackechnie for the plaintiff and Messrs J. B. Russell and Tyler for the defendants. The nature of this claim for compensation was fully stated in the Star of last even ing. The evidence Avas resumed this mom ing at ten o'clock. George Cozens gave evidence, and stated that he had had large experience in New Zealand and at, home as a surveyor. He Avas now an auctioneer and valuator. He had examined the land in connction with these proceedings very carefully. He con sidered its present value, including the Avater frontage and wharf, to be about £950. Had examined the land at the fore shore ; noticed the boundary lines particu larly. The top of the AvaU Avas Avithin the lines. The plan produced was incorrect according to his observations. Mr. Cozens then proceeded to give the items of his esti mates, amounting to £1900. Mr. Russell said this could not be evi dence, it A\-as simply absurd, and the latter amount Avas made up of imaginary values; such eA-idence ought not to be allowed to go to the jury ; it Avas a romance of too absurd a nature to be admitted. Col. Haultain thought there aa_s nothing very absurd in the prospective testimony of Mr Cozens ; it was certainly matter of opinion, and it Avas for the jury to \_ue it, whether it was romance or reality. Mr RusseU said he should still object to imaginary eA-idence, and Avliat the land might lie worth in ten years' time. Mr Hesketh quoted from similar cases, and proceeded to argue in favour of such testimony as that given by Mr Cozens. Mr Russell said he should still protest. Colonel Haultain expressed a AVish that counsel would not take up more time thafl was really necessary in argument, but go ol with the examination of the numerous wit nesses. ; Mr Cozens proceeded to say that in his experience prospective evidence AA'as usual and admissible. A great deal depended upon the situation of the property, and the 1 country. In .Melbourne, for instance, land was oi still greater value owing to the advancing state of that city, He had known several instances of increased VttltHjj of water-frontage in New Zealand. At Port Chalmers, InvcrenrglU, Lyttleton, and Nelson, also at Wellington, ih thesl places the land had beeli reclaimed. Somß of these cases were very similar to the present. Mr Russell said that before these Casts could be takeh in evidence) thecircuhwtaticej thereto must be presented to the ititjj » Avas necessary to know the authorities! ( Air Tyler said that the mintl of the jtajf might be influenced by these extraneous matters, and he thought that no evidence in respect to value of land in other places, could be admissible in this hind which was situated in Hobson-strcet, Auckland. If the Sheriff overruled the objection he must submit, but must certainly protest against it, as it A\ ras most unfair. ,-j The Sheriff made a note of Mr RlißseliS objections to the admission of evidence as to Avhat Avas done in cases of compensation ft other parts of the colony, and desired that the examination of the witness should he contained, Cross-examined by Mr Tyler s He ivM thirty-nine on his Inst birthday. He began life as a baby, (laughter). He had beeij to sea as a seaman. He Avas an old sailor of seven or eight years experience. He was a digger of some years experience in Victoria. He was then an auctioneer's clerk for three years in Tasmania."^. , Witness wished to know if he Avas bound to answer these questions, and give the whole story of his lite. The Sheriff thought lie should answer., Witness proceeded ; he bought a section of land at Foots cmy, "and could not find it for water. He ha 4 valued many water* frontages on behalf t>f his father and a trustee in connection Avith «, tramway company jM was employed on a steamer for six month* Went to India, travelled on the continent j found his Avay to Hokitika, was articled w Mr Button, a lawyer, employed as a clerKj but left it. Mr Tvler : Why did you leave it ? Witness: Did not like the lawyers. (Laughter). He then became Sir Binnep chief clerk. , Witness then proceeded to enumerate. the valuations he had made in Auckland since he had been with Mr Binncy, and con sidered the water frontage in the present case, would be worth at least £70, to a ship chandler, foundry, mill, or any business where a water frontage was necessary. He thought that in ten years time, the allot* ment and Avater frontage, would be wort* £1900. Of course this was matter of opinion, but he based his opinion on the increase ol population, progress of public Avorks, rua" service, and the difficulty of ol" slte° for mills &c. He regarded AiTv^^"*^ improving place, and it was reasonable to believe that property Avould increase** value. The allotment was Avorth £500, W» without the water frontage, the allotine*" waa>only worth about £3 per foot, or now £188 to £200. He considered the «toj» wall a" great improvement, He kiiow m water frontage in Freeman's Buy, but tw was fafhtt away from the centre of wg »a<w, and not equal in value to Mr WJ"

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 38, 18T7.



K A"J_ G. v tt The Undersigned are CASH BUYERS, AT BEST MARKET PRICES.. W CRUICKSHANK & CO., 61, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. February 21,1877. OYS' AND MEN'S CLOTEHNG 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 Suits, at 30/ suit complete Men's Superior Quality Suits Paget Coats, 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 AH 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 oA-er stocked market. tfgf One Shining in the £ returned on all pur chases of 20s. and upAvards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Upper Queen-street, Anekland.



HOLLOWAY AND GARLICK thank the public for their Aery liberal patronage in the past, and beg to intimate they are in a better position than ever to supply the wants of their customers. Their large ship ments from England, just unpacked, enables them to offer for sale many goods quite iicav to this market. Amongst them are fancy ' coloured linen damasks, iicav brocatell cords, AA'ide floorcloths, for rooms, 2s. lid. per yard ; for passages, from ls. lid. ; oilcloths for stairs, &c., from 9d. ; felt carpets,l from Is. 7Jd. Eight patterns in Linoleum, patent Cork Carpet, unsurpassed for dura bility and comfort. English and colonial made general household furniture, the latter manufactured under the superintendence of R. CranAveß, on the premises, whose long experience is a guarantee for good work manship. Greatest variety of Carpets in the colony. Tapestry, from 2s. lid. per yard. In addition to all kinds of furnishing goods, there is a large assortment of jUrapevy, Millinery, men's and boys Cloth, tog, at Hollow ay and GarUcfcs City Rail



■YTOTIOE OF RE M OiV AL. J 5 H. "X™ BEGS TO AXXOUXCE THAT HE its- II A S REMOVED!!"©* TO THE Premises Next Door Below his Old Shop. H. ATKINS Begs to heartily thank his numerous Cus tomers for their very liberal patronage from his first commencing business up to tho present time, and to assure them that although his trade has increased to that extent, that his REMOVAL to more Commodious Premises Avas a neces sity, the same principles of business will xtill be adhered to: viz., keeping a good article, buying in the cheapest market, and selling at the smallest profit possible. His New Shop shall ahvays be knoAvn as The Cheapest in Auckland. H.A. will be happy to see all his old Customers, and as many neAV ones as may honour him with their patronage. A SPLENDID STOCK OP DRAPJERY AND CLOTHING Will always be found, and the PRICES THE LOWEST IN AUCKLAND! H. ATKINS. ■XT O T I C E. J. W. PEARSE INTENDS HOLDING A CHEAP CLEARING OUT SALE OF HIS LARGE AND VALUABLE STOCK OF GENERAL DRAPERY, READY-MADE CLOTHING, And FANCY GOODS, (!_" At a Very Great Reduction ! Sale to Commence on SATURDAY, 3rd March. No Cbedit Given. Closed on Friday to Mark Down the Stock. JjIURNIIURF! FURNITURE-^. Ladies and Gentlemen about to Furnish are respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DR A WING - ROOM, DINING -ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and- Spacious Showrooms. T. & JL'COOKJB, 67, QUEEN-STREET Adjoining Bankof New Zealand. The Medical Profession have declared Steane'S Superlative Aromatic Toxic Wixe to be a necessity to all in search of health, and especially to those suffering either from Incipient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, and the dis orders arising therefrom. This Tonic is also particularly recommended to all who are in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time are desirous of studying health by taking that which Avill act most beneficially on tho system. Mr. Wm. Johnson, Govornmcnt Analy tical Chemist, report: — "I haA-c examined Steane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con taining about 16 per cent, of a very pure alcohol, 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- The particular attention of tho public is called to the fact that without the exercise oil a little caution they are likely to be imposed upon by cheap imitations of the standard medicinal beverage, Udolpiio Wolfe's Schiedam Aro matic Schnapps. These spurious imitations are frequently put up in second-hand bottles of the true article, and often bear false labels. MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. Incorporated by Act of Parliament. new zealand branch: Head Office, Auckland. Local Director: George Burgoyne Owen, Esq. (Messrs. Owen and Graham.) Principal Medical Officer: Charles Field Goldshko', Esq., M.D. General Agent for New Zealand : William T. J. Bell. With Sub-Agencies in all the Principal Towns. Every information on the subject of LIFE ASSURANCE ANNUITIES, and ENDOW MENTS FOR CHILDREN, afforded by J. A. Lowe. Travelling Agent to the Association ; or WILLIAM T. J. BELL, General Agent. tfS, Special Features.— Age admitted on Policies, which are unchallangable from date of issue. Lowest Rates of Premiums, und no hamper ing CONDITION 3as to residence or occupation.